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China's next manned mission gets ready for launch

08:41, April 17, 2025 By ZHAO LEI ( Chinadaily.com.cn

The Shenzhou XX spacecraft, crew, and carrier, a Long March 2F rocket, are moved to the service tower on Wednesday night at the Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center in northwestern China's Gobi Desert. [Photo by Wang Jiangbo/chinadaily.com.cn]

China's next manned mission, the Shenzhou XX, is scheduled to be launched in coming days to transport three astronauts to the Tiangong space station, according to the China Manned Space Agency.

The Shenzhou XX spacecraft, crew, and carrier, a Long March 2F rocket, were moved to the service tower on Wednesday night at the Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center in northwestern China's Gobi Desert, the agency said in a brief news release, adding that launch equipment at the spaceport "are in good condition".

The release noted that the Shenzhou XX spacecraft and the rocket will undergo final functional checks in the next several days. It said the launch will take place in due course in the near future.

The Shenzhou XX crew will carry out China's 15th manned spaceflight and will become the ninth group of inhabitants of the Tiangong.

The crew members, whose names have yet to be disclosed, will take over the massive orbital outpost from their peers in the Shenzhou XIX  mission commander Senior Colonel Cai Xuzhe and crew members Lieutenant Colonel Song Lingdong and Lieutenant Colonel Wang Haoze  who arrived on Oct 30. By the end of April, Cai's team will have stayed in orbit for nearly six months.

The Shenzhou XX spacecraft, crew, and carrier, a Long March 2F rocket, are moved to the service tower on Wednesday night at the Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center in northwestern China's Gobi Desert. [Photo by Wang Jiangbo/chinadaily.com.cn]

The Shenzhou XX spacecraft, crew, and carrier, a Long March 2F rocket, are moved to the service tower on Wednesday night at the Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center in northwestern China's Gobi Desert. [Photo by Wang Jiangbo/chinadaily.com.cn]

(Web editor: Zhong Wenxing, Liang Jun)
Chinese e-commerce giant Taobao has been fined NTD 1.2 million (USD 36,900) by Taiwan's Ministry of Economic Affairs for breaching local regulations through unauthorised advertising practices, as scrutiny intensifies over China's economic influence and suspected use of Taiwan as a conduit for goods amid broader geopolitical tensions, Taipei Times reported. The Ministry said that Taobao's promotional activities, including prominent advertisements placed in Taipei metro stations last November, exceeded the platform's officially approved business scope. It ordered the company to make necessary corrections within the first half of this year, warning that failure to comply could lead to the revocation of its license to operate in Taiwan. The fine and enforcement come amid rising concerns about the role of Chinese firms in potentially laundering goods through Taiwan to bypass international restrictions. During a meeting of the legislature's Finance Committee, lawmakers addressed the broader issue of origin laundering and dumping of Chinese goods into Taiwan's market. Democratic Progressive Party Legislator Kuo Kuo-wen accused China of dumping beer and said platforms like Taobao were employing similar tactics, reported Taipei Times. The committee called on government agencies to tighten oversight and implement stronger safeguards against such practices, especially as the United States, under former President Donald Trump's administration, has taken a hard-line stance on curbing Chinese origin laundering globally. Deputy Minister of Economic Affairs Cynthia Kiang confirmed the fine and reiterated that Taobao's advertisements were not covered by the business categories under which it is registered in Taiwan - namely, electronic information supply services and advertisement leaflet distribution. She said the ads in metro stations clearly exceeded the latter scope. The ministry said Taobao's actions violated Article 73 of the Act Governing Relations Between the People of the Taiwan Area and the Mainland Area and Article 9 of the Regulations Governing Investment Permits by Mainland Area People, Taipei Times reported. The platform failed to seek approval before altering its investment plan, it said. If no corrective measures are taken, the ministry may issue additional fines, revoke the investment permit, and order a withdrawal of operations. (ANI)
UK government officials have expressed private worries that drones manufactured in China are being utilised to capture high-resolution imagery of essential national infrastructure locations in the UK, contrary to guidance provided by the nation's security services, as reported by The Financial Post. National Grid Plc, which manages the country's electricity and gas distribution networks, employs drones produced by Shenzhen-based SZ DJI Technology Co. to record videos, take photographs, and capture thermal images of its electricity substations, according to details shared on its website as recently as September. The Financial Post also indicated that DJI drones have been utilized for surveying the construction of Electricite de France SA's Hinkley Point C nuclear power plant, inspecting solar energy facilities, and by Thames Water for overseeing reservoirs and water supplies. The use of these drones occurs despite a 2023 warning from the UK's National Protective Security Authority (NPSA), a division of the domestic security service MI5, advising British organizations responsible for sensitive sites to exercise caution when employing drones "produced in countries with coercive data sharing practices," referencing China. Furthermore, in 2022, the US Department of Defense placed DJI on a blacklist of Chinese companies with military connections. The US Federal Bureau of Investigation has cautioned that drones manufactured in China "present a considerable risk to critical infrastructure," given that they "may exhibit vulnerabilities that could allow data theft or enable network breaches." Meanwhile, the advisory from the UK's NPSA to British firms states: "The foremost defense for organisations intending to utilise unmanned aerial systems (UAS) might be to limit UAS and their corresponding component procurement from nations that pose a security threat." Employing Chinese-made drones at vital locations in the UK carries risks because Chinese national security legislation can obligate its companies to share information with the government, according to a UK government official who spoke anonymously due to the sensitive nature of the matter, as highlighted in The Financial Post report. (ANI)
The administration of US President Donald Trump is preparing to urge countries to reduce trade with China as part of negotiations over US tariffs, according to a report from The Japan Times. The US plans to request that they take measures to limit China's manufacturing capabilities, to prevent Beijing from finding ways to circumvent Trump's tariffs. Trump's chief economic advisers are contemplating the proposal of asking officials from other nations to impose what are referred to as secondary tariffs, essentially monetary penalties, on imports from countries that have close ties with China. The US also seeks to encourage trading partners to avoid taking on excess goods from China, according to other sources cited by The Japan Times. This initiative represents an attempt by Trump's team to rally traditional allies to surround China and increase pressure on Beijing to alter its economic behaviours, as highlighted in The Japan Times report. China has consistently been a focus of criticism from Trump and previous administrations regarding its trade surplus, alleged theft of intellectual property, and government subsidies that the US claims undermine competition with American firms, The Japan Times report indicated. Peter Navarro, Trump's trade advisor, has mentioned that China uses Vietnam to ship products in order to evade tariffs, a practice known as transhipment, characterising Vietnam as "a colony of communist China," as quoted by The Japan Times. The discussions between the European Union and the U.S. this week yielded little progress in addressing trade disagreements, with Trump's advisers signalling that most of the 20% tariff imposed on the EU will likely remain, according to The Japan Times. Last week, Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent cautioned the EU against shifting towards China amid the global economic turmoil sparked by Trump's tariffs, specifically calling out the Spanish government's support of that strategy, stating it "would be cutting your own throat." Spanish Economy Minister Carlos Cuerpo dismissed that description, asserting the importance of Europe maintaining ties with all major global powers. He emphasised that China should be viewed as a "strategic partner" for the EU, as quoted by The Japan Times. (ANI)
Malaysia and China have signed numerous agreements to deepen cooperation between the two countries during Chinese President Xi Jinping's recent visit to Malaysia, amid Beijing's trade war with Washington, DC. Malaysia was the second stop on Xi Jinping's three-nation tour of Southeast Asia, which also included Vietnam and Cambodia. During the three-day State visit to Malaysia at the invitation of the King Sultan Ibrahim, Xi touted a "new golden era" of Chinese-Malaysian relations, following the 50th anniversary of diplomatic ties last year. The king announced new cooperation between the countries in various fields, including artificial intelligence. Malaysian Communication Minister Fahmi Fadzil stated that a total of 31 MoUs (memoranda of understanding) were signed by the two leaders during the visit, which he termed "among the most significant achievements in our history," according to Bernama news agency. A joint statement released at the end of Xi's State visit stated that both sides agreed to build a high-level strategic China-Malaysia community with a shared future to accelerate their modernisation efforts and jointly promote regional and global prosperity and stability. They also reaffirmed their commitment to enhancing cooperation under the United Nations, the World Trade Organisation, the World Health Organisation, and BRICS. Xi met with Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim in Putrajaya on Wednesday, and the talks covered bilateral relations and the current economic landscape, according to Malaysian Foreign Minister Mohamad Hasan, as reported by the Bernama news agency. With China being Malaysia's main trading partner, he said that discussions looked at ways to "further enhance bilateral trade," the news outlet cited Hasan as saying. The discussions were the issue of security in the South China Sea as well. Both China and Malaysia have staked claims over the South China Sea. Malaysia is the current chair of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations, whose members are among the most heavily impacted by the US's new tariffs. The Trump administration imposed tariffs of 24 per cent on Malaysia. The tariffs have been, however, paused for 90 days. According to the Chinese news agency Xinhua, in 2024, China-Malaysia trade reached USD 212 billion, nearly 1,000 times the level at the inception of diplomatic relations between the two countries. China has been Malaysia's largest trading partner for 16 consecutive years. Meanwhile, Chinese President Xi departed Malaysia for Cambodia on Thursday. Xi said he hopes his visit to Cambodia will spearhead progress in building a China-Cambodia community with a shared future. In an article published in several Cambodian media outlets ahead of his arrival in the country, Cambodia for a State visit, Xi noted that a China-Cambodia community with a shared future is powered by equality and mutual benefit. For many years, China has been Cambodia's largest trading partner and the largest source of investment. The industrial and supply chain cooperation between the two countries has continued to deepen, Xi said, as cited in a report by Chinese state media Global Times. (ANI)
The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) on Thursday confirmed that fugitive businessman Mehul Choksi was arrested in Belgium based on India's extradition request and said that the Indian government is working closely with Belgian authorities to facilitate his return. Addressing a weekly press briefing in the national capital, MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said, "Based on our extradition request, he was arrested. We are working closely with the Belgium side on his extradition." The Belgian Federal Public Service of Justice earlier confirmed that Choksi was arrested on April 12 and is currently being held in detention. "The Belgian federal public service of Justice can confirm that Mr. Mehul Choksi was arrested on Saturday, 12th of April 2025. He is being detained in anticipation of further judicial proceedings. Access to his legal counsel has been assured," the Belgian federal public service of Justice told ANI. They also confirmed that Indian authorities have 'introduced' a formal extradition request for Choksi. "Finally, the Belgian federal public service of Justice can confirm that the Indian authorities have introduced an extradition request for Mr. Choksi. As is standard in individual cases, no further details can be released at this stage," they had said. Mehul Choksi, 65, fled India on January 2, 2018. He is wanted by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) and the Enforcement Directorate (ED) in connection with the Rs 13,850 crore Punjab National Bank (PNB) fraud case. His nephew, Nirav Modi, is also accused in the same case. Choksi is accused of conspiring with his associates and some PNB officials between 2014 and 2017 to fraudulently obtain Letters of Undertaking and Foreign Letters of Credit. This resulted in a wrongful loss of Rs 6,097.63 crore to the bank. Following his arrest, Choksi's lawyer, Vijay Aggarwal, claimed that his client's "human rights" would be "greatly affected" if he were extradited to India. (ANI)
India and China are set to resume the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra, a sacred pilgrimage to Mount Kailash and Lake Mansarovar in Tibet, after a pause since 2020. In a weekly media briefing on Thursday, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) spokesperson, Randhir Jaiswal, confirmed that preparations are underway and a public notice will be issued soon. "The Kailash Mansarovar Yatra will happen this year, and we are making preparations. We will soon issue a public notice regarding the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra. There is a possibility of resumption of the Yatra soon," added Jaiswal, offering hope to thousands of devotees awaiting the reopening of the sacred pilgrimage route. The Kailash Mansarovar Yatra has remained suspended since the COVID-19 pandemic. Both countries have also agreed in principle to resume direct air services, with technical teams discussing the modalities, including an updated framework. MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal stated that during Indian Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri's visit to Beijing in January 2025, both nations discussed resuming direct flights. Jaiswal said, "In principle, both countries have agreed that flight operations will resume. The technical teams on both sides are looking into the technical arrangements for the flight services to resume. When the foreign secretary had visited Beijing, both sides had agreed to resume direct air services. It was also agreed that relevant technical authorities would meet and negotiate. An updated framework is necessary to initiate direct flight services. The two civil aviation authorities have met and are discussing the relevant modalities, including the updated framework..." He added, "I don't have a timeline at this point in time, but technical level discussions are happening, which means that things are moving in the right direction." On the visa issue between India and China, the spokesperson said, "We are having talks with China regarding visas, and it is happening at multiple levels. During the talks, we discussed several issues, including people-to-people ties, connectivity, direct air services, and the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra. So it's evident that when we talk about these issues, in the matter of visa, there will be some kind of consensus between the two countries..." The yatra holds significant cultural and spiritual importance for Hindus, Buddhists, and Jains, and its resumption is expected to boost tourism and people-to-people exchanges between India and China. The decision comes ahead of the 75th anniversary of diplomatic relations between India and China, which will be utilised to enhance public diplomacy efforts and create better awareness about each other. Earlier, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar addressed the Rising Bharat Summit 2025 hosted by CNN News18, where he said that India's relationship with China is "much better than before" and mentioned that both countries are actively discussing key collateral matters including the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra, resumption of direct flights, and pandemic-era disruptions. "The relationship is much better than before. I think the disengagement, particularly the Depsang Demchok, was important," he said. Jaishankar emphasised that many of the unresolved issues between India and China stemmed from a build-up of forces along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) and the broader complications introduced during the COVID-19 era. "We are now addressing, to some extent, the issues on the border because there has been a force build-up over a period of years. There were many other things that also happened during this period. Some of it was collateral for the situation. Some of it was a carryover from the COVID era," he said. He further pointed out that strained relations from 2020 to 2024 had hurt both nations, with disruptions such as suspended direct flights and the halting of the Mansarovar Yatra still lingering. "We are trying to see whether... we can progress on this. We are looking at it because... the situation that we saw between 2020-2024 was not in the interest of either country," he said. In October 2024, India and China had reached an agreement on patrolling arrangements in the Depsang Plains and Demchok following several rounds of talks. Prime Minister Narendra Modi and President Xi Jinping also met in Kazan last year during the 16th BRICS Summit, where they welcomed the disengagement agreement. (ANI)
The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) on Thursday responded to Pakistan Army Chief Asim Munir's comments on Kashmir, emphasising that the view of Kashmir being a "jugular vein" is baseless. While addressing a press briefing on Thursday in New Delhi, on the comments by Pakistan Army chief terming Kashmir as a jugular vein, MEA Spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said, "How can anything foreign be in a jugular vein? This is a union territory of India. It's only relationship with Pakistan is the vacation of illegally occupied territories by that country..." He further said that the reputation of Pakistan as the epicentre of global terrorism will not decrease. "Pakistan may try very hard, but its reputation as the epicentre of global terrorism will not diminish. The extradition of Rana serves as a reminder to Pakistan that it needs to bring to justice other perpetrators of the Mumbai terror attacks, whom it continues to shield," Jaiswal said. This comes after Asim Munir, during his address at the Convention for Overseas Pakistanis event, said that India and Pakistan differ in every conceivable aspect, including religions, customs, traditions, thoughts and ambitions, reinforcing the Two-Nation Theory that led to Pakistan's creation in 1947. Munir invoked the 'two-nation theory', which was responsible for the creation of Pakistan back in 1947 and asked the Pakistan citizens to teach their children the difference between Hindus and Muslims, which was the basis for the creation of the Islamic Republic. During his address at the Convention for Overseas Pakistanis event on Wednesday, Pakistan General Asim Munir had said that the forefathers of Pakistan have taught that they are different from "Hindus" in every possible aspect, due to which the foundation of the two-nation theory was laid. "You must tell the story of Pakistan to your children so that they do not forget the story of Pakistan. Our forefathers believed that we were distinct from Hindus in every possible way. Our religion is different, our customs are different, our traditions are different, our ambitions are different, and our thoughts are different. That is the foundation of the two-nation theory, which was laid, the foundation of the two nations," Asim Munir said during his address on Wednesday. (ANI)
The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) confirmed on Thursday that Prime Minister Narendra Modi has received an invitation from Russian President Vladimir Putin to attend the upcoming Victory Day celebrations in Moscow on May 9. The MEA stated that an announcement regarding India's participation will be made in due course. In a weekly media briefing, MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said, "Our Prime Minister has received an invitation to participate in the Victory Day celebrations. We will be announcing our participation in the Victory Day celebration at the appropriate time..." According to the Russian state news agency TASS, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh may represent India at the Victory Day parade this year. "[Singh's visit to Moscow for the parade] is possible," the agency quoted a source in the Indian government as saying. Victory Day marks the Soviet Union's triumph over Nazi Germany in World War II and is observed with grand military parades, particularly at Red Square in Moscow. The event marks the 80th anniversary. Last December, Singh had visited Russia for the commissioning of INS Tushil in Kaliningrad and paid tribute at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier in Moscow. Meanwhile, Russian President Vladimir Putin is also expected to visit India in early 2025, following an invitation from PM Modi, to maintain the annual bilateral summit tradition. Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov confirmed in March that President Putin will also visit India in the near future, having accepted an invitation from Prime Minister Modi. "President Vladimir Putin has accepted an invitation to visit from the Indian head of government. A visit by the Russian head of state to the Republic of India is currently being prepared," Lavrov had said, as quoted by TASS. In February, TASS reported that PM Modi may attend the Victory Day parade to mark the 80th anniversary of the Soviet victory in what is known in Russia as the Great Patriotic War. "Prime Minister Narendra Modi is planning a visit to the May 9 parade in Moscow. It is highly likely that it will take place," the agency quoted a military source as saying. The same source also indicated that discussions were underway about a ceremonial unit from the Indian armed forces participating in the parade, which would require the unit to arrive in Russia at least a month in advance for rehearsals. (ANI)
The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) on Thursday said that the Indian government is aware of Indian students receiving communications from the US government regarding their F-1 visa status and is looking into the matter. When asked about cases involving Indian nationals being mistreated in the US -- including visa revocations, Indian tourists being stopped, and green card holders denied re-entry -- MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said, "We are aware that several Indian students have received communication from the US government regarding their F-1 visa status." "We are looking into the matter. Our Embassy and consulate are in touch with the students," he added. Meanwhile, Minister of State for External Affairs Kirti Vardhan Singh said that the US has deported 55 Indian nationals since January. They returned to India through Panama. According to a CNN report from February 6, at least 104 Indian citizens were deported from the US on the night of February 4 aboard a military aircraft. Punjab officials said the plane, a C-17, landed in Amritsar on February 5, carrying migrants mainly from Gujarat, Maharashtra, and Punjab. It was the longest-distance deportation flight since the Trump administration began using military aircraft for such operations, CNN reported, citing a US official. On February 23, former US President Donald Trump addressed the Conservative Political Action Conference (CPAC) and referred to the deportations, saying he was restoring government "by the people." CNN also reported that the deported migrants had been detained for several days in a hotel and a remote camp in Panama, under strict security and with limited contact with the outside world. Nearly 300 migrants from Asian countries, all deported by the US, were held in the camp by Panamanian authorities before being repatriated. The report said the Trump administration had pressed Latin American countries to assist in its mass deportation campaign. (ANI)
In a notable increase, over 172,000 Pakistanis sought employment abroad in the first quarter of 2025, according to figures released by the Bureau of Immigration, as reported by The News International. The report noted that at least 172,144 individuals left the country from January to March in search of superior job prospects overseas. Saudi Arabia was the leading destination for Pakistani workers, drawing the largest number of job seekers at 121,190. Oman ranked second, with 8,331 Pakistanis pursuing jobs, while the United Arab Emirates accepted 6,891, as highlighted by The News International. Qatar also emerged as a favoured option, with 12,989 Pakistanis securing employment there, and Bahrain experienced an increase of 939 Pakistani workers. Other significant destinations included the United Kingdom (1,454), Turkiye (870), Greece (815), Malaysia (775), China (592), Azerbaijan (350), Germany (264), the United States (257), Italy (109), and Japan (108), according to a report by The News International. In a profession breakdown for those who obtained jobs abroad, 99,139 individuals were classified as general labourers. Among skilled labourers, there were 38,274 drivers, 1,859 masons, 2,130 electricians, 1,689 cooks, 3,474 technicians, and 1,058 welders, as highlighted by The News International. The emigration of professionals was also considerable, with 849 doctors and 1,479 engineers pursuing overseas opportunities. Additionally, 390 nurses and 436 teachers were among those who landed jobs in foreign countries during the first quarter of the year, as noted by The News International. Previously, data from the European Union Agency for Asylum (EUAA) indicated that approximately 28,000 Pakistani nationals applied for international protection in the EU+ between October 2023 and October 2024. The News International reported that asylum applications peaked in October 2023, with the figure reaching approximately 3,400; since then, the numbers have shown a decline, standing at 1,900 applications in October 2024. The EU's statistics should be viewed separately, as illegal human smuggling routes are also utilised by Pakistanis to travel to Europe, The News International explained. (ANI)
Taiwan's Ministry of Economic Affairs has recorded nearly 800 documented cases of country-of-origin fraud since 2020, resulting in total fines of NTD 29.58 million, according to data presented by Taiwan's Ministry of Finance, Taipei Times reported. In response to the growing misuse of Taiwan as a relabelling point for Chinese goods - especially those heading to the United States--the government is intensifying efforts to combat this issue, which has become a critical factor in ongoing tariff negotiations between Taiwan and the US. "We will monitor import volumes, strictly enforce penalties with fines from NTD 60,000 to NTD 3 million per violation and revoke import-export licenses of fraudsters," Economic Affairs Minister J W Kuo told the legislature yesterday, adding that serious offenses could lead to suspension of operations. Kuo made the statement during a session of the legislature's Economics Committee in response to Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) Legislator Chiu Yi-ying, who asked how the ministry plans to prevent China from taking advantage of Taiwan through product mislabelling and origin fraud. Kuo emphasised that the government is closely watching the issue, particularly as it is a critical factor in tariff negotiations between Taiwan and the United States. The ministry also plans to strengthen anti-dumping investigations and enhance awareness among Taiwanese firms to ensure compliance. At a separate meeting of the legislature's Finance Committee, Minister of Finance Chuang Tsui-yun echoed similar concerns and confirmed the formation of a task force aimed at enhancing inspections of illegal trans-shipments at customs. Chuang said the government would "take all necessary steps to prevent attempts by firms to disguise the origin of their Chinese-made products" and block Taiwan's misuse as a trans-shipment base to the US for avoiding higher duties, reported Taipei Times. However, Chuang noted that penalties under the free trade zones act currently range only from NTD 30,000 to NTD 300,000 -- far lower than the Foreign Trade Act's NTD 3 million maximum. She urged the Ministry of Transportation and Communications, which oversees the trade zones, to consider increasing the upper limit. National Development Council Minister Paul Liu added that the National Development Fund has issued notices to all of its portfolio companies to avoid any involvement in origin mislabelling. Liu said the council had received more than 40 responses by yesterday afternoon, Taipei Times reported. Separately, Kuo addressed concerns about a US tariff imposed under US President Donald Trump, stating that it would mostly affect US-based clients of Taiwanese semiconductor firms. The government, he said, will work with these clients to seek a more favourable rate. (ANI)
The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) on Thursday reaffirmed India's commitment to building a "positive and constructive relationship" with Bangladesh, highlighting the importance of a democratic and inclusive government in the neighbouring country. Speaking at the weekly media briefing, MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said, "India looks forward to having a positive and constructive relationship with Bangladesh. We stand for a democratic, inclusive Bangladesh." Jaiswal also spoke about trade issues and recent developments regarding transshipment facilities. "As far as trade issues are concerned, last week, we made an announcement regarding the transhipment facility," he said. He clarified that stopping the transshipment facility for Bangladesh does not affect its trade with Nepal and Bhutan. "We had taken that measure because of the congestion that we see on our Ports and our Airports. But I would also remind you, please do have a look at the developments that have happened on the Bangladeshi side prior to us announcing these measures," he said. "As far as your issue about regional integration and trade is concerned, our announcement regarding transshipment, it in no manner impacts Bangladesh's exports to Nepal and Bhutan. So, you know, we do have that in mind that regional trade needs to be promoted. So that is how I would look at India-Bangladesh ties. We have continued to call for constructive and positive engagement in our relationship," Jaiswal added. Last week, the MEA had announced the suspension of the transshipment facility that was earlier given to Bangladesh, citing logistical issues and heavy congestion at Indian ports and airports. Jaiswal also said that India has taken note of the visit of Pakistan Foreign Secretary Amna Baloch to Bangladesh. She arrived in Dhaka on Wednesday to hold discussions on bilateral matters. (ANI)
A continuing shortage of water in the Indus River at the Sukkur and Kotri barrages is negatively impacting Sindh's agricultural economy and is expected to affect cotton, sugarcane, and paddy crops, as reported by ARY News. The irrigation department's water data reveals that the water level at Tarbela Dam is recorded at 1420.7 ft, with an inflow of 39,300 cusecs and an outflow of 20,000 cusecs at the reservoir, according to ARY News. The Kabul River, a tributary of the Indus, contributes 31,600 cusecs of water to the river. At the Sukkur Barrage, the inflow is 24,860 cusecs, while the outflow stands at 6,630 cusecs, indicating a water shortage of 37 per cent, as noted in the ARY News report. Meanwhile, the water inflow at the Kotri Barrage downstream of the river is 4,365 cusecs, with an outflow of only 190 cusecs. Here, the need for water is 6,800 cusecs, resulting in a shortage of 36 per cent at the Kotri Barrage, as highlighted by ARY News. Overall, the three barrages in Sindh Guddu, Sukkur, and Kotri have a total of 35,655 cusecs, while the available water supply is only 27,799 cusecs, indicating a water scarcity of 22.03 per cent, according to the ARY News report. The effects of the water shortage on canals are becoming evident, as the Rohri Canal is receiving 8,000 cusecs instead of 12,500 cusecs, and the Nara Canal is receiving 8,000 cusecs instead of 12,600 cusecs. The Khairpur East and West canals are receiving 1,220 cusecs and 1,010 cusecs of water, respectively. Experts warn of an escalating water crisis for both agricultural crops and drinking water if the current situation persists, as reported by ARY News. The legal community in Sindh plans to hold a peaceful sit-in at the Babarlo bypass, located between Sukkur and Khairpur, in protest against the development of six new canals on the Indus River, as reported by the Dawn. In a press briefing conducted at the Karachi Bar Association (KBA) office on Wednesday, KBA officials urged all political parties and members of civil society to join them in their opposition to the initiative. (ANI)
Pakistani Police on Thursday denied several senior opposition leaders and family members of jailed former Prime Minister Imran Khan access to meet him at Adiala Jail, despite earlier court orders that had reportedly permitted visits for specific individuals submitted by his legal team, the Express Tribune reported. The move triggered protests outside the prison and intensified criticism of the government's handling of political dissent. Those turned away included Khan's sister Aleema Khan, her two sisters, Leader of the Opposition in the National Assembly Omar Ayub, PTI leader Zartaj Gul, Sahibzada Hamid Raza, Niazullah Niazi, and several other political allies. Security personnel stationed at multiple checkpoints cited "security concerns" as the reason for denying access. Aleema Khan and her sisters staged a sit-in protest at the police blockade, refusing to leave. "We were assured we would meet him today, but once again, we are being lied to," Aleema told reporters. She reiterated the family's determination to stay at the site until they were allowed to meet Imran Khan, who remains behind bars on multiple legal charges, reported the Express Tribune. At another checkpoint, Omar Ayub was also blocked from proceeding. Speaking to the media at the scene, Ayub accused the government of "economic deception" and criticised its handling of national funds, with particular reference to Balochistan. He claimed the denial of access reflected "dishonesty and poor governance" by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif's administration. PTI leader Zartaj Gul faced similar restrictions near the Daighal checkpoint. "They have shut down Adiala Road and turned this into a spectacle. They are afraid of us meeting our leader," she said. Gul also accused authorities of "double standards" and "misusing authority" in restricting political visits, the Express Tribune reported. Religious figure Sahibzada Hamid Raza and lawyer Niazullah Niazi were also barred from entering. Raza criticised what he called "selective permissions," questioning the fairness of the system. "Imran Khan represents the nation. If this is how a former prime minister is treated, how can ordinary citizens expect justice?" he asked. Raza also rejected any suggestion of disunity among opposition forces, stating, "I will never be part of any compromised group. I reject compromise with contempt." (ANI)
Amid a turbulent political transition in Bangladesh, journalists are increasingly finding themselves in the crosshairs of public outrage and mob intimidation. In an article published by Rabiul Alam in the International Journalists' Network (Ijnet), the climate of fear has intensified since former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina was ousted from office in August, with reporters now facing heightened threats, not from state authorities, but from angry crowds fueled by deep political divisions. According to the report by Raibul Alam, tensions erupted dramatically on the night of February 5 in Dhaka's historic Dhanmondi 32 neighbourhood, once home to Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, the nation's founding leader. Protesters, already agitated by a recent speech delivered by Hasina Rahman's daughter, gathered outside the residence to voice their dissent. Among those on the scene was Mohammad Omar Farok, a reporter with a private TV network, covering the protest live around midnight. During his coverage, he referred to Sheikh Mujibur Rahman as "Bangabandhu," a revered title meaning "Friend of Bengal," widely associated with the former leader since 1969, Raibul highlighted in the article. Raibul, in his article, stated that the use of the title instantly sparked outrage among demonstrators. Many in the crowd, disillusioned with both Hasina's recent administration and her father's legacy, view such terms as glorification of a controversial figure. Furious protesters confronted Farok, accusing him of bias and denouncing him as a "fascist collaborator." The situation quickly turned violent, with bottles thrown, threats made, and fellow journalists who attempted to defend Farok physically attacked. Farok's situation is not an exception. He lamented, "While we no longer receive calls from intelligence agencies to stop reporting, journalists and media houses are now imposing self-censorship out of fear. The threat of being labelled a 'fascist collaborator' or facing mob attacks has created an atmosphere of terror. Self-censorship, mob intimidation, and these toxic labels are crippling journalism." With political fault lines deepening and public discourse turning increasingly volatile, the role of the media has never been more precarious. (ANI)
A delegation of the Tibetan Government-in-Exile, led by Sikyong (President) of the Central Tibetan Administration (CTA) in exile, Penpa Tsering, called on Chief Minister Thakur Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu at the HP Secretariat on Thursday. The delegation apprised the Chief Minister that global celebrations to mark the 90th birthday of His Holiness the Dalai Lama will commence in July this year and will continue for one year. They extended an invitation to the Chief Minister to participate in this auspicious occasion. The delegation also discussed various issues concerning the Tibetan community with the Chief Minister. Former Chief Secretary of Uttarakhand, Subhash Kumar and other senior officials of the Tibetan Government-in-Exile were also present on the occasion. Meanwhile, in an exclusive interview with ANI, Penpa Tsering spoke at length about his visit to Shimla, his meeting with the Chief Minister of Himachal Pradesh, and key concerns of the Tibetan community. Tsering, who is currently touring Tibetan settlements across India, reiterated his commitment to keeping the Tibetan diaspora connected and united. "During my campaign in the election four years ago, I promised the Tibetan people that I would visit them twice in four years. This is my second visit to Shimla," said Penpa Tsering, highlighting the importance of community outreach. "Meeting the Tibetan community is very essential as His Holiness the Dalai Lama is going to turn 90 this year. He does not travel as much as he used to. One of our responsibilities is to keep the community together," he added. Tsering noted that Tibetan settlements are spread across 10 Indian states and two Union Territories, as well as in Nepal, Bhutan, and 27 countries worldwide. The Central Tibetan Administration, he said, holds a moral responsibility to stay in touch with each of these communities. While in Shimla, he met Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu and extended an official invitation for the Dalai Lama's 90th birthday celebrations, scheduled for July 6, 2025. "The main reason for coming here to Shimla was to meet the Chief Minister of Himachal Pradesh... The Chief Minister had come to Dharamshala to celebrate the 88th birthday of His Holiness the Dalai Lama. We have been living here for the past 64 years since His Holiness came to Dharamshala in May 1960, but there are still certain issues regarding land and other matters," Tsering told ANI. He further elaborated that this year's celebrations would be themed around Karuna (compassion) and Ahimsa (non-violence)--values drawn from ancient Indian wisdom that the Dalai Lama has promoted globally. "As His Holiness is going to turn 90 this year, I had come to discuss these issues and invite him for the birthday celebration, which will be observed as the year of compassion, Karuna and Ahimsa, values propagated by ancient India and now manifested through the message of His Holiness the Dalai Lama all around the world," he said. On the question of the Dalai Lama's reincarnation, Tsering stated that a major religious conference would be held three days before the birthday celebrations, where senior Buddhist leaders will convene to reflect on a key 2011 document outlining the Dalai Lama's wishes. "Just before the celebration of His Holiness' 90th birthday, we will be having a conference of religious leaders for three days... The only document available on the reincarnation of His Holiness is the 2011 statement, where he says that when he reaches the age of 90, he will consult the high lamas. During that meeting, His Holiness may make an announcement. He is the only one who will decide on his reincarnation," he said. On geopolitical issues, Tsering touched upon the ongoing US-China trade war and its impact on Tibet's future. "The trade war between the United States and China has escalated beyond what anyone imagined. We are small, but global politics affects us. China's economy is struggling, with unemployment, an ageing population, and over, overdependence on exports. The country could face political instability. These are things we are studying closely," he added. He believes that any major political change in China could open opportunities for Tibetans in exile and insists on the need for policy readiness. "We need experts to understand possible political scenarios in China. If a major shift happens, we should be prepared to act," he added. (ANI)
A Janakpur High Court in Nepal has acquitted Ram Bahadur Bomjan aka "Buddha Boy" in a child sexual abuse case. Dubbed as "Buddha Boy" in early 2005, the controversial spiritual leader was arrested by the Central Investigation Bureau of Nepal from the outskirts of the capital, Kathmandu and taken to Sarlahi on 10 January last year. The Janakpur High Court acquitted Bomjan in the case on March 19, along with Gyan Bahadur and Dig Bahadur Bomjan. A joint bench of Justices Khemraj Bhatta and Narishwar Bhandari acquitted Bomjon overturning the Sarlahi District Court's verdict. The full text of the verdict also has been made public. Following the acquittal, Bomjon has been released from Sindhupalchowk Prison. "A letter of the Janakpur High Court's verdict was received that night. We released him the next morning on March 20," confirmed Niraj Ram Danai, the acting chief of Sindhupalchowk Prison, to ANI. Bomjon ran an ashram in Sindhupalchowk. On October 10, 2019, Gangamaya Tamang of Rautahat filed a complaint against Bomjon, alleging that he raped her while she was staying at the ashram. The case was filed under the statute of limitations of the Act Related to Children, which allows a victim to file a complaint of sexual abuse or rape that occurred during their childhood after turning 18. Gangamaya filed the complaint after turning 18, as per this legal provision. She alleged that Bomjon raped her on August 4, 2016. Following her complaint, the police opened an investigation. Based on the police investigation report, the District Government Attorney's Office filed a case against Bomjon, seeking a prison term of 12 to 14 years and appropriate compensation for the victim. Similarly, it demanded prison sentences for two other individuals. On July 1, 2024, the Sarlahi District Court sentenced Bomjon to 10 years in prison and also fined him Rs 500,000, while acquitting Dig Bahadur and Gyan Bahadur. Dissatisfied with the district court's decision, the government attorney's office appealed to the high court, demanding imprisonment and fines for all three as per the original claims. Bomjan also filed a writ petition in the High Court seeking acquittal. Both parties filed appeals in October 2024. The high court deemed the case defective from the beginning. The court annulled the district court's order, ruling that the defendant was convicted based on an investigation and charges stemming from a complaint without regard to the statute of limitations. "The convicted appellant Ram Lal Bomjon alias Ram Bahadur Bomjon is also acquitted of the alleged offence. The claims of the plaintiff, the Government of Nepal, cannot be sustained," says the verdict. The 34-year-old originally named as Ram Lal Bomjan who since 2005 has been known as "Buddha Boy" or reincarnation of Gautam Buddha is charged with rape and forceful disappearance at various police stations in the Himalayan Nation. Bomjan came to the attention of the public in 2005 after he claimed to have meditated for months without food, water or sleep. Soon after his meditation was over, he established ashrams in Bara, Sarlahi, Sindhupalchowk, and Sindhuli Districts. Earlier in July 2020, the District Court in Sarlahi had registered a case of sexual exploitation filed by a minor female disciple (aged 15 at the time). According to the chargesheet, the incident occurred at the ashram in Pattharkot, Sarlahi. Soon after the complaint was filed, the Police discovered that four of his disciples had also gone missing from his Ashram. In June 2020, a joint team from CIB, Bagmati Provincial Police, and District Police Offices in Kavre, Sindhupalchowk, and Sarlahi conducted a raid at his ashram in Pairey, Sindhuli, but was unable to locate him. The victim accused Bomjan with rape at night on August 4, 2016. The minor also stated that she kept it hidden after receiving threats from Bomjan not to relay the incident to others, otherwise she would face the consequences. Worshipped and regarded as the reincarnation of Gautam Buddha, Bomjan had a significant number of disciples but was on the run since early 2020, when a complaint was filed against him for sexual exploitation by female disciples. (ANI)
Tel Aviv [Israel], April 17 (ANI/TPS): A record number of Jews visited the Temple Mount during the Passover holiday, an organization working to strengthen Jewish ties to the Jerusalem holy site announced on Thursday. According to Beyadenu, 6,788 Jews visited the Temple Mount over the five days during Passover that the holy site was open to Jews. "The rights of Jews on the Temple Mount are advancing too slowly in relation to the progress among the Israeli public, across its various sectors, which is reconnecting with the Temple Mount," said Beyadenu CEO Tom Nisani. Earlier in the day, Israeli Knesset member Zvi Sukkot visited the site openly praying and prostrating himself, defying a long-standing status quo. The Religious Zionism lawmaker said his last visit to the holy site was 14 years ago when he was arrested for praying there. "Today, Jews prostrate themselves, pray with a [quorum of 10], and the Waqf doesn't come near us," he said, referring to the Islamic Waqf which administers the Temple Mount. The visit drew praise from National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir, leader of the Otzma Yehudit party, who claimed credit for shifting the long-standing status quo that bars non-Muslim prayer at the site. "What wasn't done for 30 years is being done on my watch," Ben-Gvir said. "I'm happy to see MK Zvi Sukkot, like many thousands, prostrating and praying at the Temple Mount." Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu insists that Jewish prayer is not officially permitted at the site. However, the police, who are responsible for enforcing the ban, fall under the purview of Ben-Gvir as National Security Minister. Ben-Gvir has also advocated Jewish worship at the holy site for years. The Temple Mount, where the First and Second Jewish Temples were built, is the overall holiest site in Judaism. The delicate status quo governing the Temple Mount goes back to 1967 when Israel liberated the Old City of Jerusalem from Jordan during the Six-Day War. Fearing a religious war, then-defense minister Moshe Dayan agreed to let the Islamic Waqf, a Muslim trusteeship, continue managing the holy site's day-to-day affairs, while Israel would maintain overall sovereignty and be responsible for security. The Waqf is overseen by the Jordanian monarchy. According to the status quo, while non-Muslims are allowed to visit the Temple Mount, they are not allowed to pray there. Rabbis are increasingly divided over Jews ascending to the Temple Mount. For centuries, the widespread rabbinic consensus was that laws of ritual purity still apply to the site, restricting Jews from visits. But in recent years, a growing number of rabbis have argued that ritual purity laws don't apply to all sections of the holy site and encourage visits to permitted areas to maintain Jewish connections to the Mount Temple Mount. The Western Wall, the holiest spot where Jews can pray, is the only remnant of a retaining wall encircling the Temple Mount built by Herod the Great in the first century. (ANI/TPS)
Sharjah [UAE], April 17 (ANI/WAM): Sheikha Jawaher bint Mohammed Al Qasimi, wife of the Ruler of Sharjah, received a number of female diplomats from the United Arab Emirates at Al Badee Palace. The meeting was organised by the Department of Government Relations (DGR) in Sharjah to enrich cultural exchange, strengthen international diplomatic relations, and showcase the emirate's experience in empowering women in society and building an influential and sustainable social and humanitarian system. During the meeting, Sheikha Jawaher bint Mohammed Al Qasimi spoke about her experience in embarking on a development journey that complements the government's efforts in developing society and consolidating societal and family values. Al Qasimi spoke about her experience in establishing girls' clubs that embrace women and their children, as well as institutions that promote social values within families and society, and charitable organisations that have extended bridges of benevolence to various parts of the world. This stemmed from a profound humanitarian vision that believes that true empowerment begins with providing a safe environment and a dignified space for every individual, especially women, to contribute fully to the advancement of society. During her speech, Sheikha Jawaher Al Qasimi said, "In Sharjah, we did not wait for change; rather, we took the initiative to become its creators. We did not want culture to be merely a slogan, but rather a living practice seen in generations of eloquent, affable, leadership-oriented, and aware people. From a small space for women and children, it has evolved into an integrated government system of community institutions that carry profound messages of empowerment, care, and the establishment of national identity. We live today in an era of rapid knowledge, and the new generation needs someone to guide them, not to indoctrinate them, but to inspire them to think, research, and reflect on the pursuit of knowledge and to draw on information from various available sources." She also spoke about the vision of Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah, to deepen culture as a distinctive identity for the emirate throughout its long history. The rich history of all seven emirates predates the union by hundreds of years, and it was imperative that this history be documented today so that future generations can learn about what their ancestors went through, enabling them to live in a safe environment that supports their skills and builds their minds and personalities so they can continue building their nation along the same path. Ambassadors expressed their great appreciation for the opportunity to meet the wife of the Ruler of Sharjah, as she represents a sublime example of community and humanitarian leadership, establishing a living model for a government that puts people first, wherever they may be and under all circumstances. Female diplomats also expressed their happiness at hearing about Sharjah's experience in building a cultural identity that has become deeply rooted in the emirate and society as a whole. The meeting was attended by Sajida Shawwa, Head of the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA); Valentina Bernasconi, Head of the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) Delegation in the UAE; and the ambassadors of Ireland, Malta, Latvia, Estonia, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Slovenia, and Cyprus. The meeting was also attended by Sheikha Hind bint Majid Al Qasimi, Chairperson of Sharjah Business Women Council (SBWC), Sheikha Jawaher bint Abdullah Al Qasimi, Director General of the Rubu' Qarn Foundation for Creating Future Leaders and Innovators, and a number of female directors of community institutions chaired by Sheikha Jawaher. (ANI/WAM)
Ras Al Khaimah [UAE], April 17 (ANI/WAM): Sheikh Saud bin Saqr Al Qasimi, Member of the Supreme Council and Ruler of Ras Al Khaimah, today received Robert Raines, the United States Consul-General for Dubai and the Northern Emirates, at his palace in the Saqr bin Mohammed City. He was accompanied by a delegation from the healthcare sector of the UAE-US Business Council. Sheikh Saud bin Saqr Al Qasimi welcomed the Consul-General and the accompanying delegation and discussed with them opportunities to enhance joint economic cooperation across various sectors, particularly in areas of healthcare. The discussions were grounded in the spirit of friendship and the strategic partnership with the United States, aimed at fostering progress and prosperity for both nations. For his part, Raines and the accompanying delegation expressed their deep gratitude and appreciation to Sheikh Saud for the warm welcome and generous hospitality. They praised the growing investment environment in the emirate and the promising opportunities it offers for the success and growth of businesses across various sectors. (ANI/WAM)
Bangladesh on Thursday raised historical unsettled issues with Pakistan, including a formal public apology for the atrocities committed against Bangladesh during the 1971 War of Liberation by the Pakistani forces and pending financial claims from Pakistan. During Operation Searchlight, Pakistani army killed an estimated three million Bengalis as well as raped over a million women. Bangladesh also raised unsettled issues like the repatriation of stranded Pakistanis and the transfer of foreign aid funds sent to the victims of the 1970 cyclone. Bangladesh also flagged a figure of USD 4.32 billion as part of its financial claim demanded from Pakistan, comprising its fair share of undivided Pakistan's pre-1971 assets, including aid money, provident funds, and savings instruments. Pakistan had an undivided share of Bangladesh's wealth of USD 4.32 billion. Moreover, Pakistan did not allocate Bangladesh its share of the USD 200 million in aid that came from abroad following the 1970 Bhola cyclone. Bangladesh also called for the return of more than 300,000 stranded Pakistani citizens who have been living in several camps since the 1971 war. Notably, they refused to take Bangladesh's citizenship and wished to return to their own country, Pakistan. The camps date from 1971, when fighting during the establishment of the Bangladeshi state forced the Urdu-speaking minority into temporary dwellings. "These issues need to be resolved for having a solid foundation of our relations", Bangladesh Foreign Secretary Md Jashim Uddin told reporters after bilateral consultations with Pakistan. Bangladesh and Pakistan held Foreign Office Consultations (FOC) at the State Guest House, Padma, on Thursday. Bangladesh Foreign Secretary Md Jashim Uddin and Pakistan's Foreign Secretary Amna Baloch led their respective delegation at the FOC. Bangladesh Foreign Secretary said Pakistan's Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar is scheduled to pay an official visit to Bangladesh on April 27-28. He hoped that direct flights between Bangladesh and Pakistan would be launched soon. Baloch also met separately with Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus and Foreign Affairs Adviser Md Touhid Hossain, discussing issues of mutual interest. Baloch said that Bangladesh and Pakistan must find ways to "harness the potential between the two countries." "We have huge intra-regional markets on our own right. We should use it, "Baloch said. "We can't miss the bus every time". Bangladesh gained independence from Pakistan in 1971 through a bloody war. India had supported Bangladesh in the Liberation War. (ANI)
The Russian Embassy in India suggested that it was likely one of Ukraine's own air defence missiles that hit the facility operated by Kusum Healthcare.

https://x.com/RusEmbIndia/status/1912873948800221246

Earlier, the Ukrainian Embassy in India had claimed that a Russian missile struck the Kusum Healthcare warehouse, accusing Moscow of "deliberately" targeting Indian businesses.

"A Russian missile struck the warehouse of Indian pharmaceutical company Kusum in Ukraine. While claiming "special friendship" with India, Moscow deliberately targets Indian business-destroying medicine meant for children and elderly," it said in a post on X.

Responding to the allegations on X, the Russian Embassy stated, "The Russian Armed Forces did not attack or plan to attack on April 12, Kusum Healthcare's pharmacy warehouse in the eastern part of Kiev. On that day, Russian tactical aviation, strike unmanned aerial vehicles and missile forces hit an aviation plant of the Ukrainian military industrial complex, the infrastructure of a military airfield and armoured vehicle repair and UAV assembly workshops at a completely different location."

The Russian Embassy blamed Ukraine's "ineptly operated electronic warfare systems" and suggested that a misfired Ukrainian air defence missile could have caused the damage.

"The most likely explanation of the incident is that one of the Ukrainian air defence missiles fell on Kusum Healthcare's warehouse, setting it on fire. Similar cases have occurred previously, whereby Ukrainian air defence interceptors failing to hit their targets fell in urban areas due to ineptly operated electronic warfare systems," the embassy said.

It reiterated that Russian forces have "never targeted civilian facilities" and further alleged, "It should also be noted that it has become customary for the Ukrainian military to deploy air defence systems, rocket launchers, artillery pieces and other military equipment in urban areas using civilians as a human shield." (ANI)
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Farmers will often use programs like the U.S. Department of Agricultures Environmental Quality Incentives Program to offset some of the costs of adding a cover crop to their operation. The Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship also incentivizes the practice with a program that reduces crop insurance premiums on cover cropped acres.

According to an Iowa Nutrient Research & Education Council survey, nearly 4 million acres of corn and soybean cropland were planted with a cover crop in the 2023 crop year, which is more than double what was planted in 2017.

Cover crops and reduced tillage practices are viewed as important elements in reducing nutrient runoff and soil loss from cropland.

The decision tool, hosted by Midwest Cover Crop Council, was updated with input from researchers, agency staff, seed dealers, farmers and other organizations.

Ripley said it was important to expand the list of cover crop species to make sure Iowa farmers had relevant research to consult when considering new seed mixtures.

Those were added in to be options, or at least to provide recommendations for folks that may be hearing about these different species from folks using them across the Midwest, Ripley said.

The 13 new varieties include: forage cabbage, sugarbeet, phacelia, lentil, chickling vetch, balansa clover, sweetclover, faba bean, proso millet, foxtail millet, Japanese millet, pearl millet, and spring triticale.

Each variety also has county-specific seeding guidelines which were updated with the most recent 30-year climate normal.

Ripley said staff from Iowa State University and the state NRCS office will be hosting a webinar in late April about the update, which will be posted at Iowa Learning Farms.
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Mozambique is under increasing international scrutiny following revelations that over 300 people were killed during a violent government crackdown on post-election protests between October 2024 and January 2025.

A new Amnesty International report accuses the countrys security forces of unlawful killings, arbitrary arrests, and excessive force, calling the response reckless and unnecessary. The protests erupted after the disputed 9 October election, where ruling party candidate Daniel Chapo was declared president amid widespread allegations of fraud. Demonstrators, largely backing independent candidate Venancio Mondlane, took to the streets after the assassination of Mondlanes lawyer and a Podemos party official on 18 October. According to civil society group Plataforma DECIDE, 315 people were killed and over 4,000 arrested during the three-month unrest. Amnestys investigation details the use of live ammunition and tear gas by police and military against largely peaceful protesters, including children and bystanders. The report also highlights social media blackouts and suppression of information.

Amnesty has urged President Chapo to publicly condemn the violence and initiate transparent investigations, warning that the abuses may violate international human rights laws, including rights to life, peaceful assembly, and freedom of expression. Instead of listening to peoples grievances and allowing them to voice their concerns, the FRELIMO-led government unleashed a wave of violence on demonstrations, resulting in serious injuries, unlawful deaths and a slew of other human rights violations, said Khanyo Farise, Amnesty Internationals deputy regional director for East and Southern Africa. While Chapo has pledged to investigate the deaths, skepticism remains high. The ruling FRELIMO party, in power since independence in 1975, has long faced accusations of election manipulation. As violence continues, including a recent shooting of one of Mondlanes campaign organizers, concerns grow over Mozambiques democratic future and justice for victims.
Turkiye is steadily expanding its influence across Africa through a blend of diplomacy, military cooperation, and development initiatives, positioning itself as a strategic alternative to traditional powers like France and the United States.

At the Antalya Diplomacy Forum held from 11-13 April, African leaders, including Somalias president Hassan Sheikh Mohamud, gathered with Turkish officials, highlighting Ankaras rising clout. Turkish president Recep Tayyip Erdogan has capitalized on opportunities created by the Wests retreat, forging defense partnerships and mediating regional conflicts, such as the recent detente between Somalia and Ethiopia. Analysts say Ankaras approach  grounded in diplomacy, military cooperation, and development  is resonating. African countries are looking for alternatives, and Turkiye represents one of those options, said Nigerian expert Eghosa Osaghae. With Western powers like France losing influence, Turkiye is presenting itself as a pragmatic partner, offering affordable defense technologies and conflict mediation.

The good thing is that many African countries already have military cooperation with Turkiye. And that can be the building block for Turkish influence, Eghosa Osaghae added. Ankara has signed defense agreements with nations like Kenya, Libya, Rwanda, and Nigeria, boosting its defense industry through the export of affordable drones. In a major economic development, Turkiye and Somalia signed a landmark oil and gas exploration deal last week, allowing Turkish Petroleum Corporation to conduct seismic studies across 16,000 square kilometers. Somalias oil minister hailed the agreement as a historic day for bilateral energy ties and labelled Turkiye a key ally.

Turkiyes growing role extends beyond security and energy. From building the largest embassy in Africa in Mogadishu to running Somalias main airport and offering education scholarships, Turkiyes footprint is both broad and strategic. Still, African leaders urge balanced engagement. We must be very careful that we do not create a new scramble for Africa, that can generate more problems like in the past, warned Kenyas foreign minister Musalia Mudavadi.
The Hungarian ambassador to Morocco will visit the Sahara following suit of the trips paid by diplomats of other major countries. This sends a strong message to the Algerian junta and its proxy, the polisario separatists.

The announcement of this visit was made by foreign minister Peter Szijjarto following talks held Wednesday in Budapest with Moroccan peer Nasser Bourita.

The consular services of the Hungarian Embassy in Morocco will also be provided to all Moroccan citizens throughout the Kingdom, said the minister in a diplomatic move showing the supportive stand of this central European country to Moroccos territorial integrity and sovereignty over its Saharan territory.

The autonomy plan presented by Morocco in 2007 must be the basis for the solution of the Sahara issue within the UN framework, he underlined, citing in this regard the positions reaffirmed by the United States and France. They both support Moroccos serious & realistic autonomy plan under the Kingdoms sovereignty as the ONLY basis for a just and lasting solution to the Sahara regional dispute.

Last November, French ambassador to Morocco Christophe Lecourtier paid an official visit to the Moroccan Saharan cities of Laayoune and Dakhla. He is the first European ambassador to visit Moroccan Sahara and the second diplomat of a major global power recognizing Moroccos sovereignty over its Sahara, after the visit paid by U.S. ambassador David Fisher to Dakhla in 2021.
A dispute between Elon Musk and South Africa over his satellite internet company Starlink has escalated into a racially charged standoff, exacerbating tensions between the United States and the Southern African country.

Musk claimed on his social media platform X that Starlink was not allowed to operate in South Africa simply because Im not black, referencing the countrys Black Economic Empowerment (BEE) laws that require 30% ownership by historically disadvantaged groups.

South African regulators countered that Starlink has never formally applied for an operating license. The company is welcome to operate provided theres compliance with local laws, the foreign ministry stated, noting that over 600 US companies operate successfully within these regulations.

The impasse coincides with deteriorating US-South African relations during Donald Trumps second term. Trump has threatened to boycott the G20 summit in South Africa, while Musk, part of Trumps inner circle, has made inflammatory claims about racist ownership laws and alleged white genocide in the country.

Communications Minister Solly Malatsi, from the opposition Democratic Alliance party now in coalition government, has hinted at seeking exemptions to the 30% black equity requirement for Starlink. However, he faces resistance from the parliamentary communications committee, which warned that cutting corners and circumvention is not an option  least of all to appease business interests.

Meanwhile, Starlinks expansion across Africa continues, with recent launches in Somalia and Lesotho, bringing its presence to over 20 African countries. In Lesotho, the company received a license shortly after Trump imposed tariffs on the country, though officials deny any connection between the two events.

South African President Cyril Ramaphosa has appointed former deputy finance minister Mcebisi Jonas as special envoy to the US, signaling his determination to repair relations despite the Starlink controversy. With Trump threatening a 30% tariff on South African goods, Ramaphosa cannot afford further deterioration in economic ties with a major trading partner.
PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC) confirmed last month it has closed operations in nine Sub-Saharan African countries following a strategic review, marking a significant retreat from the continent by one of the worlds Big Four accounting firms.

The affected countries include Ivory Coast, Gabon, Cameroon, Madagascar, Senegal, Democratic Republic of Congo, Republic of Congo, Guinea, and Equatorial Guinea, according to a statement published on PwCs website on March 31.

While PwCs official announcement did not specify reasons for the withdrawal, the Financial Times reported that mounting differences with local partners contributed to the decision. According to the report, these partners claimed they lost over a third of their business in recent years due to pressure from PwCs global executives to drop clients deemed too risky.

The FT, citing a register of PwC entities and local news reports, indicated that PwC has also severed ties with member firms in Zimbabwe, Malawi, and Fiji. The publication suggested that countries were deemed too small, risky or unprofitable to maintain operations.

This African restructuring comes amid broader global challenges for PwC, which operates as a network of locally owned partnerships. The firm has faced significant regulatory scrutiny in multiple markets, including a $62 million fine and six-month suspension for its mainland China unit over audit failures related to property developer China Evergrandes $78 billion fraud case.

Just last month, British regulators imposed a $6 million fine on PwC for issues related to its audit of Wyelands Bank.

The accounting giant has also been working to repair relations with Saudi Arabia after the kingdom suspended activities between its $925 billion sovereign wealth funds holding company and PwC.

These exits from African markets represent the latest development in what has been a challenging period for the firm, which has seen client departures and staff reductions across various countries since last year.
Al-Shabab fighters launched a coordinated dawn attack on the strategic town of Adan Yabaal in central Somalia on Wednesday (16 April), igniting heavy clashes with government troops and raising concerns over the sustainability of the countrys counterinsurgency campaign.

The town, situated approximately 240 kilometers north of Mogadishu, serves as a critical logistical hub linking Hirshabelle and Galmudug states. Al-Shabab, an al-Qaida-linked armed group designated as a terrorist organization by the United States and other countries, claimed it had seized control of Adan Yabaal. However, Somali military officials denied the claim, stating that troops had repelled the attack and were still engaged in fighting in parts of the town. There was heavy fighting still going on, Captain Mohamed Ali told reporters. Local residents reported explosions and gunfire from multiple directions. Casualty figures remain unclear due to disrupted communications.

Adan Yabaal was previously under al-Shabab control until Somali forces recaptured it in 2022 as part of a broad offensive supported by clan militias and international partners. The renewed assault highlights the groups resilience, as it regains ground in rural areas amid reduced international troop presence and uncertain funding for peacekeeping. President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud, who is from the area and visited the town last month to meet with military commanders there, reaffirmed his governments resolve, stating, Occasional losses on the battlefield do not mean we are losing the war.
The European Commission has designated seven countries  including Morocco, India and Colombia  as safe countries of origin, paving the way for accelerated deportations of failed asylum seekers, despite some ongoing concerns over human rights conditions.

Morocco, Egypt, and Tunisia have been major departure points for irregular migration to Europe, particularly across the central Mediterranean. The new list, which also includes India, Colombia, Bangladesh and Kosovo, allows EU member states to fast-track asylum applications from nationals of these countries, based on a presumption that their claims are unlikely to succeed. Many member states are facing a significant backlog of asylum applications, so anything we can do now to support faster asylum decisions is essential, said EU migration commissioner Magnus Brunner, adding that the system always (ensures) that every asylum claim still receives an individual assessment and is subject to the scrutiny of national courts.

But human rights organizations, including Amnesty International and EuroMed Rights, strongly criticized the move, warning that it risks undermining the principle of fair and individualized asylum procedures. The concept of safe countries may lead to discrimination among refugees based on their nationality and detract from an individualized assessment, said Amnestys Hussein Baoumi. Critics also argue the designation ignores the specific risks faced by vulnerable groups such as political dissidents, LGBTQ+ individuals, and journalists in those countries. The plan, part of broader EU migration reforms and amendment to the Asylum Procedures Regulation, set to take effect in 2026, must still be approved by the European Parliament and member states. It comes amid rising political pressure across Europe to curb irregular migration.
Morocco is busy working to speed up its digital transition by embracing digital technologies, including artificial intelligence in a bid to modernize public services, accelerate socioeconomic development, and enhance the countrys global competitiveness.

To reach its goals, the North African Kingdom has sealed deals with telecom & technology giants, Ericsson and Nokia on the sidelines GITEX Africa 2025 organized in Marrakesh (Apr.14-16).

The agreement signed with Ericsson aims to bolster digital education and support small business growth in Morocco in line with the countrys Digital Agenda 2030 seeking to promote innovation, upskilling, and inclusive digital transformation.

Moroccan entrepreneurs and small businesses will benefit from Ericssons global educational initiatives to develop necessary skills required by Moroccos rising digital economy.

This strategic cooperation will help equip entrepreneurs and small business owners with essential 21st-century digital skills, contributing to sustainable employment and innovation across sectors in the Kingdom.

Morocco has also teamed with Nokia to advance its digital agenda. The multinational company has pledged to enhance the countrys network connectivity, share its technical expertise, help Morocco to expand high-speed internet access & coverage, and develop a robust digital ecosystem as Morocco gears up to host key international sporting events this year and 2030.
Moroccan hospital operator Akdital signed an agreement in Saudi Arabia to set up two hospitals in Jeddah and Riyadh for a total cost of 200 million dollars.

The investment, signed under the aegis of the Saudi Investment ministry, is the first expansion abroad by Akdital, which has 36 clinics in Morocco.

Akdital signed the deal with Wataniyah Business Real Estate and Nemaya, an offshoot of Al Fozan Holding.

Officials from the Saudi investment promotion ministry also signed the deal, which fits into Saudi Arabias 2030 health vision.

Akdital controls 20% of Moroccos healthcare offer and has clinics across Morocco.

It became a listed company on the Casablanca stock exchange in 2022 with a revenue of 2 billion dollars in 2023.
France plans to open a visa application center in Laayoune, the largest city in the Sahara territory, which Paris has recognized as part of Morocco, French ambassador to Rabat said.

We are truly committed to implementing all measures to allow Moroccan citizens residing in Laayoune, Dakhla, or any other city to access the visa procedure and apply for a visa under the same conditions as those living in Agadir or Marrakech. This will be the case starting next month, Ambassador Christophe Lecourtier told Moroccan media.

Since President Emmanuel Macrons letter to the King recognizing Moroccos sovereignty over the Sahara, relations between the two countries have improved between the two countries at all levels.

Macrons visit to Morocco in October 2024 was followed by a first visit by the French ambassador to the Sahara territory, which was also visited by Culture minister Rachida Dati and head of the French Senate Gerard Larcher.
In a report released on Wednesday, April 16, Human Rights Watch has alleged that politically motivated arrests and prosecutions have been increasingly utilized in Tunisia to suppress dissent and intimidate critics of the current Administration.

Freedoms that had been hard-won during the 2011 revolution are reported to have been severely curtailed, with lawyers, judges, journalists, and activists being subjected to prosecution. The political climate under President Kais Saied has been described as regressive, with Tunisia being returned to an era characterized by political imprisonment.

The crackdown has been linked to actions taken by President Saied since 2021, including the suspension of parliament and a controversial rewriting of the constitution, which has allowed more direct control to be exercised over the judiciary. The judicial system has reportedly been instrumentalized to bring charges under broad legal provisions, including accusations of spreading misinformation and undermining state security. A particular focus has been placed on Decree-Law 54, a cybercrime statute enacted in 2022, under which dozens  including journalists  have been prosecuted, with lengthy prison terms being mandated.

According to Human Rights Watch, more than 50 individuals are currently being detained on political grounds, among them high-profile figures such as Rached Ghannouchi, former leader of the Ennahda party, and lawyer Sihem Bensedrine. Detainees have reportedly faced denied access to medical care and legal safeguards, raising alarm over the erosion of fair trial standards. Tunisias allies, including the European Union, have been urged to reassess their cooperation with the country in light of the reported human rights violations. Official responses from Tunisian authorities to the allegations have yet to be issued.
The 30th International Book and Publishing Fair (SIEL), under the high patronage of King Mohammed VI, was officially opened Thursday under the chairmanship of Prince Moulay Rachid.

Prince Moulay Rachid toured several booths, including that of the Emirate of Sharjah, guest of honor at this SIEL 30th edition. This participation underscores the historical and cultural ties between Morocco and the United Arab Emirates, and highlights recent developments in the Emirati cultural landscape.

He also visited the booths of Palestine, the Ministry of Youth, Culture and Communication, the French Institute of Morocco, the Societe Cherifienne de Distribution et de Presse (SOCHEPRESS), Dar Amane, and the Universe of the Smurfs.

This years fair hosts 756 exhibitors  including 292 direct and 464 indirect participants  representing 51 countries.

A vast selection of over 100,000 titles, spanning all fields of knowledge and literary genres, is showcased at the fair, which celebrates Moroccans around the world who contribute to the dissemination of Moroccos plural identity beyond its borders.

Featuring a rich and diverse cultural program, this edition welcomes numerous Moroccan and international researchers, writers, and artists who will moderate conferences, literary meetings, poetry evenings, and book signings.

This 30th edition also features tributes to leading figures in Moroccan creative circles whose works have helped shape and enrich national culture, as well as to prominent Arab cultural figures, in partnership with the Arab League Educational, Cultural and Scientific Organization (ALECSO), alongside literary award ceremonies, including the Ibn Battouta Prize for Travel Literature and the National Reading Prize.

As in past editions, a varied program designed for children and students will run throughout the event from April 16 to 27.

The 30th edition of SIEL seeks to reaffirm its role as a flagship cultural event, contributing to the revitalization of the cultural scene and reinforcing Rabats status as a prominent cultural destination, especially as the city prepares to be designated World Book Capital in 2026.
AIHA Launches National Campaign to Restore NIOSH Amid Deep Federal Cuts

A national campaign to restore NIOSH funding and staffing launches amid sweeping federal cuts that threaten core workplace safety programs.

The American Industrial Hygiene Association (AIHA) is mobilizing professionals nationwide in a campaign to restore staffing and funding to the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH), following sweeping federal reductions that have gutted the agencys workforce and programming.

The cuts, proposed by the Trump administration, would reduce NIOSHs personnel to a small fraction of its former size, according to AIHA. The proposed reductions effectively end the institute's ability to conduct essential research and provide guidance, said AIHA CEO Lawrence Sloan.

NIOSH, established by the Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970, is housed within the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and plays a central role in researching and recommending best practices to prevent workplace illness and injury. Advocates fear that the current reductions could paralyze the agencys ability to fulfill that mission.

The scope of the cuts is unprecedented, said one NIOSH industrial hygienist, who asked to remain anonymous due to lack of authorization to speak publicly. The scientific resources, expertise, and funding that NIOSH provides cannot be recreated elsewhere.

The AIHA campaign, launched April 9 via email and LinkedIn, urges occupational and environmental health and safety (OEHS) professionals to contact lawmakers using the associations online grassroots portal. More than 3,400 messages have already been sent to members of Congress, according to the organization.

The campaign also includes a downloadable advocacy packet containing background on NIOSH and its core programs, allowing individuals to personalize their appeals to legislators.

Contact your representatives and urge them to support NIOSHs critical mission, the AIHA posted on LinkedIn.

In addition to mobilizing individuals, AIHA is partnering with key stakeholders, including the American Society of Safety Professionals and the National Safety Council, through the Intersociety Forum, a coalition of over 20 OEHS organizations. On April 4, more than 100 members of Congress and multiple labor unions signed a letter calling on President Donald J. Trump and Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. to reverse the terminations.

If enacted, these cuts would place millions of workers at greater risk of job injury, illness, and death, the letter stated.

Of the approximately 1,400 full- and part-time employees at NIOSH earlier this year, fewer than 150 are expected to remain. Even programs considered essential, such as the World Trade Center Health Program, face uncertain futures. Advocates warn that staff reductions will cripple the programs ability to adequately monitor and provide care for 9/11 responders and survivors, as reported by USA Today.

Other programs, including the National Firefighter Registry for Cancercreated under the Firefighter Cancer Registry Act of 2018have already been eliminated. The registrys website went offline shortly after notices of staff reductions were issued.

AIHA officials warn the ripple effects will extend beyond government employees. The elimination of programs dedicated to mining safety and PPE certification raises significant concerns about the future effectiveness of safety protocols and the availability of reliable protective equipment for workers, Sloan said.

AIHA President Nicole Greeson emphasized NIOSHs value, citing a study in which three case studies costing $5.1 million yielded an estimated economic impact ranging from $338 million to more than $1.2 billion. NIOSH provides a significant return on investment, Greeson said.

To join the campaign or learn more, visit www.aiha.org.
The energy transition through the perspective of the power sector came into view last week at the annual Middle East Energy conference and exhibition in Dubai.

What appeared was a region ready to think about leveraging its growing array of renewable energy resources to maintain its role as a leading energy exporter. Exports of power from the Gulfs thriving renewables sector, to countries needing more clean power to meet climate goals, could become an important driver of the regions economic growth.

Conference participants expressed enthusiasm as well as caution. While the technology is proven, the markets are not quite ready. The Gulf countries themselves will need to greatly enhance intra-regional grid connectivity and market mechanisms before significant international power trading can take off.

Undersea advances

For renewable energy, grids are the highways of the system and international connections require subsea cables. Two projects, seen almost as prototypes, were much discussed in Dubai.

The Abu Dhabi National Oil Company (Adnoc), in a shift from gas-fired to low-carbon power in its operations, is working with Abu Dhabi National Energy Company (Taqa), on high-voltage direct current (HVDC) subsea cables. Two HVDC segments, each more than 130 km, will connect the onshore power grid to two islands in the Gulf, from which power will be distributed to offshore production platforms.

The $3.8 billion project is planned to begin operation this year. It is the first subsea transmission system in the Middle East, with grid power from solar and nuclear sources, according to the companies.

Once the link is commissioned it will help Adnoc decarbonize more than 30 percent of offshore facilities, allowing them to electrify and reduce a lot of emissions, said Esam Al Murawwi, Chief Projects Officer, TAQA Transmission.

Rekated: Could Shell or Chevron Make a Move on BP?

Al Murawwi also mentioned a much bigger plan to move power undersea.

We are a major investor in Xlinks, a link between Morocco and the UK, with renewable generation in Morocco to support the UKs demand for clean power, he said.

When commissioned, it will be the largest HVDC in the world with 4000 km of subsea cables.

Xlinks, led by a high profile board of power sector veterans, has investors including TAQA, Total Energies, Octopus, GE Vernova, and others for its flagship MoroccoUK Power Project.

According to plan, it will build an enormous solar, wind and battery facility in Tan-Tan province, Morocco to begin supplying energy in the 2030s, connecting to the British national grid at the Devon coast. Once complete, it will supply 3.6GW, approximately 8% of the UKs current electricity needs, according to the company.

The project, which will boost Britains effort toward its national renewable energy targets, was named a project of national significance by the UKs energy secretary in 2023. Still, government approval is pending and the project has stalled despite significant financial backing. There has been recent talk of shifting the connection to Germany but Xlinks says it remains committed to the UK for now.

Surveys have been completed with cables to be installed below the seabed. Anticipated transmission losses from the long cables will be relatively high at 13 percent, but the project will benefit from climatic variation that makes power from Morocco available at higher prices when the UK lacks solar and wind power.

Frank Wouters, director of MED-GEM network, an EU-funded initiative to support clean energy development in the southern Mediterranean area, says the project is technically feasible.

"Of course you don't want to lose anything but at the same time, if the power source is so cheap, it won't break the business case, the losses are not determining, says Wouters.

It's not so much a technical issue because the production in Morocco is low cost, he says. It has been more a market issue, when the European market was not ready, when Europe's electricity markets were not yet open.

Connecting countries

That situation is changing. Other long-distance undersea power connections are now in consideration, including a Saudi ArabiaIndia connector. But Gulf countries may find more potential westward.

A long-planned HVDC interconnection between Egypt and Saudi Arabia is expected to begin operating this year, facilitating the exchange of up to 3GW of power. Meanwhile Egypt is part of planning for international power connections across the Mediterranean.

The Master Plan of Mediterranean Interconnections (2022), developed in collaboration among 22 Transmission System Operators in the region, shows a robust network of subsea connections with 19 proposed projects. Of these, SpainMorocco, ItalyTunisia, and IsraelCyprusGreece, are under development. Other projects in planning include CyprusEgypt, and EgyptGreece.

Should these projects move forward, they will create connections for Gulf countries to reach the eastern Mediterranean, opening the way to export renewable power to Europe. Electricity cables connecting EgyptCyprusGreece and possibly IsraelCyprus Greece would forge links between the GCC, Eastern Mediterranean, and EU systems.

Such a scenario is made more feasible with the ongoing rise of renewable power in Egypt, Saudi Arabia, the UAE, and Oman. These countries are making significant strides in 24/7 renewable power with utility-scale battery energy storage systems, embracing ongoing advances in batteries, transformers and other hardware required to support large shares of renewable power.

In the UAE, the expansion of solar power and nuclear energy pushed the share of power generated by low-emissions sources to 35 percent last year according to the IEAs Electricity 2025 report. The country now has four huge solar power plants and a large nuclear plant displacing thermal generation, which is down by almost 8 percent annually, according to the IEA report.

Saudi Arabia is catching up. The country now targets 50 percent of its power from renewable energy by 2030, the most ambitious among Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries. Its renewable capacity, expected to be 12.7 GW this year, would reach 130 GW, or half of its electricity generation, a mix of solar and wind power by 2030. The countrys National Renewable Energy Program last year included 3.7 GW of solar PV projects, with all bids below $.02/kWh.

Oman and even Qatar are also making important strides. But for carbon-free energy to find export markets, the GCC countries will need to create new market structures that facilitate trade.

Missing market

For now the Gulf countries, working through the GCC Interconnection Authority (GCCIA), are building new connections to power-starved Kuwait and Iraq. They are also, like most countries, facing increasing domestic demand for electric power.

Before they become big power exporters to other regions they will likely need to strengthen their own intra-regional connections and create a functioning regional power market.

An insightful recent analysis discusses the shortcomings in the regions current electricity trade, which does not run on a market basis.

Robin Mills, head of Qamar Energy in Dubai, writes that exports of power from the Gulf countries thriving renewables and battery sector could drive sustainable economic development, but restrained grid interconnectivity with neighbors means that electricity trade in the GCC and with Iraq, Egypt, and Jordan falls far short of potential.

His essay, The Reach of the GCCs Booming Renewables Sector Exceeds Grasp, was published last month by The Arab Gulf States Institute in Washington (AGSIW).

Mills makes the point that the GCCIAs system does not systematically move large quantities of electricity from lower-cost to high cost areas. Only one GCC country, Oman, has a domestic power market that allows trading.

Whats missing is a regional market. He writes:

GCC electricity trade in 2021 amounted to only about 0.15 percent of the total generation, while in the much more integrated European Union market, it is about 5%... Unlike the closely integrated power market in Europethere are no real-time price signals for electricity to flow from one country to another.

Getting power trade going on a market basis, with financially settled transactions, requires connections and market infrastructure that do not currently exist. He concludes that the GCC, with its impressive adoption of renewables and batteries, now needs to shift to a more strategic perspective.

Looking ahead

Theres no doubt that the GCC linked to Egypt, Jordan and Iraq, with an open traded power market (spot, term, intraday, balancing), would enjoy all the advantages of risk hedging with major cost savings. This in turn would support long-distance power connections linking systems of the GCC, the Eastern Mediterranean and other regions.

The outlook was decidedly upbeat in Dubai last week as speakers reflected on the technological advances, the remarkable rise of renewables, and ongoing planning to interconnect countries and regions.

The motivating factor for growing this renewable power potential was stated by Dr. Adnan Alhosani, Director of Electricity & Energy Trade at the UAEs Ministry of Energy and Infrastructure.

He referenced a well known statement by Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the United Arab Emirates and Ruler of Abu Dhabi.

Looking 50 years into the future, Sheikh Mohamed expressed his aspiration for the United Arab Emirates to "celebrate the last barrel of oil."

A lot more renewable power, together with transmission systems and markets to move it, will be needed to reach that goal.

By Alan Mammoser for Oilprice.com

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The Trump Administration insists that U.S. shale will survive lower oil prices and could work well and innovate further at current price levels of WTI crude prices of about $60 per barrel, and even lower.

The industry is not convinced.

While public statements from the oil lobby and oil producers welcome President Donald Trumps rollback of regulations and eased permitting processes, executives are privately fuming about the administrations perceived target to bring oil prices down to $50 a barrel.

Separately, the trade and tariff chaos in markets  triggered by President Trumps tariffs, tariff pauses, and tariff exemptions  is depressing oil prices as analysts now believe a recession followed by lower energy demand is more likely to happen than not.

U.S. Petroleum Trade Surplus Undermined

With oil prices down by more than 15% from last years levels, American oil exports could fetch lower prices for export. This will dent the absolute value of the U.S. petroleum trade surplus, which America began to show with the surge in oil production in the shale revolution era.

Before the shale boom in the 2010s, the U.S. was running a deficit in petroleum trade as it was importing more crude and petroleum products than it exported.

The shale revolution flipped the trade position to a surplus for America, and the U.S. has been a net petroleum exporter every year since 2020.

Related: Trumps Trade War With China Enters a More Aggressive Phase

President Trumps tariff policies  which tanked oil prices and raised the odds of a recession  are undermining Americas petroleum trade surplus. Thats not a desirable outcome for an administration fixated on fixing trade deficits. Petroleum and energy trade, in fact, is one of the few sectors in which the U.S. has a large trade surplus in the dozens of billions of U.S. dollars annually.

Even if the EU, Japan, and South Korea pledge to buy and indeed buy more U.S. LNG and oil, part of the gains could be offset by weak prices and lower demand for energy in case all the tariff uncertainty brings about a global downturn or recession.

Weaker global demand for oil and gas would not support increases in U.S. oil production and doesnt bode well for the future LNG export projects which need firm commitments to take the plans to final investment decisions.

You claim that the energy industry is the darling of your economic plan, and you just made life very difficult, Robert Yawger, director of the futures division at investment bank Mizuho Americas, told The Wall Street Journal.

U.S. Shale Growth At Risk

Then there is the issue of how the U.S. could sustain production to remain the energy export superpower it has been over the past few years.

U.S. Energy Secretary Chris Wright, the former boss at fracking firm Liberty Energy, remains bullish on U.S. oil productionand believes that the industry will not only survive but thrive even with oil at $60 or below.

Yet, the industry begs to differat least thats what executives wrote anonymously in March in comments to the quarterly Dallas Fed Energy Survey for the first quarter.

There cannot be "U.S. energy dominance" and $50 per barrel oil; those two statements are contradictory. At $50-per-barrel oil, we will see U.S. oil production start to decline immediately and likely significantly (1 million barrels per day plus within a couple quarters), an executive at an exploration and production firm said.

The U.S. oil cost curve is in a different place than it was five years ago; $70 per barrel is the new $50 per barrel, the executive noted.

Another executive put it even more bluntly, The administrations chaos is a disaster for the commodity markets. "Drill, baby, drill" is nothing short of a myth and populist rallying cry. Tariff policy is impossible for us to predict and doesn't have a clear goal. We want more stability.

Stability is the furthest from where the oil market has been in the past two weeks. Stability may be OPECs buzzword for relatively high oil prices, but it is also crucial for the capital investment and drilling decisions in the U.S. shale patch.

Without any certainty about the cost of drilling wells  including the price of steel  producers face difficulty budgeting and maintaining shareholder payouts at current levels.

Drilling and all-in corporate costs, including overhead, dividend, and servicing debt, amounts to a cash flow WTI breakeven of $62.50 per barrel for new activity in 2025, according to estimates by Rystad Energy.

Executives at U.S. firms think they need $65 per barrel, on average, to profitably drill a new well this year, per the Dallas Fed Energy Survey.

WTI Crude prices have already dropped below this level and were below $62 a barrel early on Tuesday.

Prices could drop further if global oil demand growth slows with weakening economies amid the trade and tariff chaos.

Even OPEC, the most bullish on oil demand of any forecaster, has just cut its 2025 and 2026 demand growth estimate.

In the monthly report on Monday, OPEC said it sees global oil demand growth at 1.3 million barrels per day (bpd) in each of 2025 and 2026, down by 150,000 bpd for each of the two years.

OPECs very bullish forecast (and it should be such if the OPEC+ alliance wants to continue justifying easing of the production cuts) is two to three times higher than most other growth estimates by major Wall Street banks.

After years of supporting oil prices with the production cuts, OPEC will also seek to regain market share at the expense of U.S. shale.

In this context, the U.S. Administrations tariffs and the uncertainty they bring for American producers undermine the American energy dominance agenda.

By Tsvetana Paraskova for Oilprice.com

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The idea of peak oil is familiar to most readers.

It refers to the point at which global petroleum production reaches its maximum point and begins an irreversible decline.

The concept was first introduced by M. King Hubbert in the 1950s. His theory proposed that oil production would follow a bell-shaped curve, with a peak representing the point at which half of the total recoverable reserves had been extracted. This prediction has been largely accurate, as we have witnessed a steady increase in global oil production followed by signs of plateauing and even decline in recent years.

The implications of peak oil are far-reaching. As we deplete the most accessible oil reserves, extracting remaining resources becomes increasingly challenging and expensive. This leads to higher production costs, which are eventually passed on to consumers in the form of higher prices for gasoline, diesel fuel, and other petroleum-based products. Additionally, the transition to less accessible reserves can disrupt supply chains and geopolitical stability, further exacerbating the challenges associated with peak oil.

The inevitability of peak oil is driven by a confluence of factors: geological constraints, geopolitical instability, technological limitations and rising demand. (Oilprice.com, Aug. 29, 2024)

Turning to the United States, another Oilprice article from last year quoted ConocoPhillps CEO Ryan Lance, who forecast that US production would advance to about 14 million barrels of oil per day a few years hence, and then plateau. He was quoted in an S&P Global article:

Probably later this decade we'll see US production plateau and will probably stay there a long time, he said. I don't know that we'll get to 15 [million b/d], but I think well pass through 14 million [b/d] on the way to 15 million [b/d].

Oilfield veteran David Messler wrote that from March of 2019 the average daily output per Permian rig has increased from 624 BOPD to 1,359  a 60% rise.

As of March 2024, though, Messler said that we are nearing the peak of the arc. When that happens, the curve will bend down, as noted in the graph below.

This is referred to in shale professional circles as The Red Queen effect, referring to a scene in Lewis Carrolls Through the Looking Glass where Alice learns from the Red Queen that she must run increasingly fast just to stay in the same place. This has turned out to be a fairly apt metaphor for shale production. A report from energy analyst firm, Enervus, to this effect was summarized in a Journal of Petroleum Technology article August, 16th of last year. Dane Gregoris, report author and managing director at Enervus Intelligence Research, was quoted as saying:

The US shale industry has been massively successful, roughly doubling the production out of the average oil well over the last decade, but that trend has slowed in recent years. The production decline rate has grown steeper at a rate of more than 0.5% annually since 2010. Weve observed that decline curves, meaning the rate at which production falls over time, are getting steeper as well density increases. Summed up, the industrys treadmill is speeding up and this will make production growth more difficult than it was in the past.

(US oil production in recent years has been remarkably prolific. According to the Energy Information Administration (EIA), the United States produced more crude oil than any other country between 2018 and 2023. The average monthly total hit a record high in December 2023 at more than 13.3 million barrels a day, breaking the previous US and global record of 12.3 MBOPD set in 2019.

Together, the United States, Russia and Saudi Arabia accounted for 40 percent (32.8 million b/d) of global oil production in 2023.)

It seems that Messler and Gregoris are correct in their observations of US peak oil. According to the EIA via Reuters, US oil production will peak at 14 million BOPD in 2027, maintain that level through the end of the decade, then rapidly decline.

By 2050, output from the worlds largest oil producer will fall to about 11.3 MBOPD.

Shale oil production will peak at 10 MBOPD in 2027, up from about 9.69 MBOPD this year, the EIA said in its Annual Energy Outlook, before declining to around 9.33 MBOPD by 2050.

The forecasts show that the nearly two-decades old U.S. shale boom is drawing closer to its end, challenging U.S. President Donald Trumps vision of unleashing higher domestic oil supply.

As for natural gas, output and demand will both peak in 2032, according to the EIA. That year, dry gas output will hit 119 billion cubic feet per day (BCFPD) and demand will reach 92.4 BCFD.

Those numbers would surpass current record highs of 103.6 BCFD in 2023 and 90.5 BCFD of demand in 2024.

By 2040, natural gas output is expected to ease to 112.9 BCFD, and edge back up to 115.2 BCFD in 2050, according to the EIA. Demand should fall to 80.7 BCFD in 2040 before rising to 82.5 BCFD in 2050, the agency stated.

LNG exports are expected to soar from a record 11.9 BCFD in 2024 to 15.2 BCFD in 2025, 21.5 BCFD in 2030 and 26.8 BCFD in 2040 before easing to 26.7 BCFD in 2050, the EIA said via Reuters.

Is peak oil and gas a foregone conclusion? Not according to a recent Oilprice.com piece by Irina Slav. Despite volatility in commodities markets related to the Trump tariffs, analysts suggest that unless the trade war causes long-term economic damage, US shale output may hold steady or rebound.

The outlook depends particularly on the duration of the US-China trade dispute:

We need to wait and see what happens over the next quarter or two, Gabelli Funds analyst Simon Wong says. I dont expect drastic changes if WTI falls below $60 and quickly rebounds. However, if WTI falls below $60 and stays there for 2 consecutive quarters, I would expect U.S. E&P producers to start lower capital expenditures and defer production. US production will still likely grow at or around $60, stay flat around $58-$60, but start declining under $55.

By Andrew Topf for Oilprice.com

More Top Reads From Oilprice.com
While steel tariffs have some effect on cost structures, the larger risk to the industry comes from potential demand destruction due to an economic recession spurred by tariff strategies.

Oil producers are concerned about policy unpredictability and its impact on capital investment programs, especially as they aim to balance growth with shareholder returns.

US oil and gas operators have encountered an avalanche of economic policy changes from the Trump administration over the last week, creating market uncertainty in an already maturing industry. Rystad Energy expects onshore Lower-48 production will fall short of the record high output of 11.37 million barrels per day (bpd) of oil, achieved in November 2023, until at least June of this year. However, this outlook faces serious downside pressure should the recent price downturn hold, forcing operators to cut back on rig activity.

Consistent returns are top of mind for US producers looking to squeeze as many dollars as possible out of their barrels. For these tight oil players, decreased reinvestment rates result from fewer growth-oriented private players on the market along with their continued focus on disciplined spending and modest growth. Existing capital frameworks will be put to the test over the coming quarters, should President Trumps tariff strategy lead to an economic recession and, by extension, oil demand destruction.

US oil operators face both significant subsurface and above ground risks as they plan their capital investment programs. While most oil plays are seeing deteriorating normalized productivity, US producers must also compete on a global market to meet an uncertain but likely decelerating demand outlook.

Matthew Bernstein, Vice President, North America Oil and Gas Research, Rystad Energy

Read the full Rystad Energy Shale Trends whitepaper here.

Even prior to the drop in prices following the presidents tariff rollout, exploration and production (E&P) management teams worried about policy unpredictability. Publicly traded firms guided plans to increase volumes by roughly 2.5% in 2025 while reducing spending by more than 6%. Much of this growth, which is now at risk due to the collapse in prices, is driven by some of the largest diversified public players and supermajors, capable of diverting cash flows from global operations to fund more growth-oriented programs in US tight oil, while still maintaining capital discipline at a corporate level. Although half-cycle breakeven prices of most wells being drilled today are in the $50 per barrel range, we estimate that public, tight oil E&Ps need more than another $9 per barrel to cover shareholder returns.

Rystad Energy has long maintained that presidents have very few supply-oriented policy measures at their disposal to increase US oil output. Doing this while also bringing down prices at the same time is even more unrealistic, as producers see WTI in the $70 per barrel range as supportive of only modest growth

Matthew Bernstein, Vice President, North America Oil and Gas Research, Rystad Energy

E&P executives also stressed the negative impact from steel tariffs on their cost structure and the extent to which higher input costs make it even harder to grow volumes in a soft oil market. However, relative to the price drop caused by the onset of tariffs, Rystad Energy sees the tariffs themselves as only having a minimal net impact on well costs.

Currently, we expect about 300,000 bpd of exit-to-exit growth in 2025, all in the Permiana concentration that presents another risk. Permian natural gas prices remain weak, and our projections show that dry gas production in the basin has little or no growth potential in 2025.

By Rystad Energy

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China has put an abrupt stop to a Russian proposal to export added volumes of natural gas eastward via Kazakhstan, deepening the financial woes of the erstwhile Russian energy behemoth, Gazprom.

The Russian state-controlled entity, once a critical foreign policy instrument of the Kremlin, has been forced to abandon projects in Central Asia and Latin America recently due to a lack of fiscal muscle.

Gazprom has been urgently looking east to add export volume after the dramatic loss of market share in Europe. One idea promoted by Gazprom representatives was exporting an additional 35 billion cubic meters (bcm) of gas to China via Kazakhstans existing pipeline network.

On April 15, Chinas envoy to Russia, Zhang Hanhui, put a pin in Gazproms trial balloon. The supply of [additional] gas from the Russian Federation through Kazakhstan is not possible, because there is one gas pipeline and it is overloaded. If we transport [more] Russian gas along this route, we will have to build a new [pipeline]. It is quite expensive. The Russian side is studying [this option], but it is not realistic. In fact, it is not going to work, the Interfax news agency quoted Zhang as telling Russian journalists. Zhang insisted that to facilitate additional Chinese gas imports, the already planned Power of Siberia 2 (PS-2) route via Mongolia would be a better option.

Construction of PS-2, which has a projected capacity of 50 bcm, was originally slated to start last year, but the project has faced delays due to unresolved financing questions and political factors. Russias and Gazproms lack of resources to fund the cost of new pipeline construction appears to be one of the major obstacles facing the countrys energy industry.

Once a cash cow for the Kremlin, the Russia-Ukraine war has caused Gazproms gas unit to hemorrhage money after the company lost most of its lucrative European gas markets. The entity reported a loss of about $7 billion in 2023 for the first time in its history; annual losses grew to around $10 billion in 2024. The red ink is expected to expand from a puddle into a lake in the coming decade; according to some media reports, Gazprom losses are projected to total $179 billion over the next 10 years at current exchange rates.

The Moscow Times reports that a major restructuring of the Gazprom is in the offing, including the selling off of assets and layoffs of up to 40 percent of staff at the companys headquarters. Gazprom's gas business is suffering catastrophic losses, along with it, the Russian budget is running out of money, about 40 percent of which [Vladimir] Putin spends on war, the Moscow Times report commented.

Already, Gazprom has had to cease involvement in energy development projects in Bolivia, India, Tajikistan, Uzbekistan and Venezuela, due to the heavy losses they were incurring. For instance, Gazprom walked away from the Shahpakhty project in Uzbekistan after a production sharing agreement expired.

Central Asian states had been benefiting of late by buying comparatively large volumes of Russian gas at heavily discounted prices. But political factors, in particular Russias ongoing crackdown on Central Asian guest workers, are prompting officials in Central Asian capitals to rethink their purchasing approach.

Kyrgyzstans foreign minister, Zheenbek Kulubaev, announced April 15 that Bishkek was looking to reduce its purchases of Russian gas, hinting that the growing Kyrgyz interest in diversifying suppliers is linked to Russias rough treatment of Kyrgyz nationals rounded up in a raid of a Moscow bathhouse, the TASS news agency reported. Kulubaev, speaking during a parliament session, urged would-be Kyrgyz labor migrants to avoid Russia.

By Eurasianet.org

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South Korea will leverage shipbuilding capabilities and the potential to buy more U.S. LNG in upcoming talks on the tariffs next week, South Koreas Foreign Minister Cho Tae-yul said on Thursday.

The tariff on South Korea, which U.S. President Donald Trump announced on the so-called liberation day on April 2, was at 25%, lower than for some other Asian countries but much higher than a baseline 10% tariff. The so-called reciprocal tariffs were suspended last week for 90 days, during which countries plan to plead their cases for tariff relief.

In South Koreas case, LNG purchases and shipbuilding are set to be the focus of the talks expected next week.

The projects President Donald Trump himself mentioned are shipbuilding and LNG, Cho said, as quoted by Korean news agency Yonhap

These are sectors that require countries like South Korea or Japan, so we have leverage in our own way, South Koreas top diplomat said.

Delegations from many Asian countries are heading to Washington D.C. these days to discuss the U.S. tariffs, now suspended for 90 days, which are the highest for economies in Asia and Southeast Asia.

Most Asian countries are racing to pledge increased imports of U.S. energy to avoid the high tariffs slapped on them in early April.

Thailand is looking to import higher volumes of American energy as a way to convince the U.S. Administration not to slap high tariffs on Thai goods sold in the United States.

Earlier this week, Indonesia, threatened with a 32% tariff, said it would offer to buy an additional $10 billion worth of American oil and liquefied petroleum gas (LPG).

South Asian nation Pakistan is actively considering the idea of importing U.S. crude oil for the first time to seek a reduction of its trade surplus with America.

South Korea is reportedly looking at more LNG imports to get Washington to drop the tariffs.

By Charles Kennedy for Oilprice.com

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Oil prices have been on the mend this week after taking a dive following President Trumps global tariff offensive launch. Yet they still have a long way to go to return to where they were just four months agoand many oil-exporting countries cant wait for this to happen. The question is, will it?

For now, the situation does not look good for oil producers. The rebound in prices this week came as a result of indications that Trump was willing to consider some tariff exemptions for things like smartphones and semiconductors. It didnt last, however, because the latest from the tariff front is that the U.S. president has ordered an investigation into the countrys reliance on imported critical minerals with a view to tariffing those, too. In other words, Trump is very much not done with the tariffs.

However, Chinese crude oil imports surged in March, which was taken as a strong positive sign by traders, contributing to the oil price recovery that saw Brent crude rebound to $66 per barrel and West Texas Intermediate regain ground to above $61 per barrel. Crude oil intake hit the highest in 20 months in March, topping 12 million barrels per day as flows of Iranian and Russian crude rebounded from the lows seen early this year with the U.S. sanctions.

Whether China will keep this rate of imports going forward is an open question, with U.S. exports of crude to the worlds top importer clearly set to get decimated if not outright sapped. For oil exporters, however, the more pressing issue is how long the tariff war will continue. Alas, this is also an open question at this part, although there is a chance of good news down the road. Until then, there will be some suffering, especially among the less wealthy oil exporters.

Related: Crude Oil Gains 2% on Hopes of Tariff War Truce

Reuters reported this week that countries such as Angola, Colombia, Nigeria, and Venezuela were set to feel some pain from the oil price rout that the tariff offensive triggered. The publication cited analysts as saying the longer the tariff war continued, the worse the pain would get for these oil exporters.

One example came from Angola, which had to cough up $200 million for a margin call issued by JP Morgan last week on a $1-billion total return swap, Reuters noted in its report. Nigeria is also vulnerable with regard to Treasury bills tied to the local currency in carry trades, betting that the naira will not depreciate fast against the U.S. dollar.

Of course, besides these specific examples, oil exporters general problem with lower oil prices is that it means lower oil export revenues and, consequently, lower budget income in hard currency. Saudi Arabia is feeling that pinch, with its budget deficit set to swell to $75 billion if the rout persists, according to Goldman Sachs analysts. It is not the only one, either. The whole Middle East is going to see higher deficits.

The deficits on the fiscal side that were likely to see in the GCC [Gulf Cooperation Council] countries, especially big countries like Saudi Arabia, are going to be pretty significant, Goldmans Middle East and North Africa economist Faruk Soussa told CNBC last week.

Russia is also feeling the pain, with Urals, its flagship blend, dropping to less than $55 per barrel last week versus $69.70 per barrel set in Russias budget for this year. Oil and gas revenues account for some 30% of the countrys budget revenue. By the way, the government just released a new energy strategy this week, which sees oil production stable over the next 25 years at an average daily rate of 10.8 million barrels.

Yet, while exporters suffer, importers are set to benefit from the very same price trendsfor a while. The lower oil price outlook is positive for oil importers, albeit unlikely to counterbalance the significant headwinds from the trade war and the significant downside risks, the chief economist of Abu Dhabi Commercial Bank, Monica Malik, told Reuters. JP Morgan earlier this month raised the odds of a global recession to 60% from 40%. The International Monetary Fund also saw an increased likelihood of global-scale trouble resulting from the tariff war.

So, for both exporters and importers of crude oil, the big question is whether the tariff war will get resolved within weeks or will drag on for months, possibly even years. For now, the signs are good: the 90-day negotiations window Trump opened for everyone, but China put a quick end to the stock market rout, suggesting any trade deals closed during that window would have a similar effect on market moods. As optimism returns, oil prices will climb higher, giving exporters a much-needed break but retaining a ceiling from Trumps focus on China, keeping oil affordable for importers.

By Irina Slav for Oilprice.com

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While the US focuses on winding down foreign policy in Europe, European countries are considering a military mission to support a potential cease-fire, with Ukraine urging increased pressure on Russia to end the conflict.

The talks include discussions on a cease-fire agreement proposed by the US, which Ukraine has accepted but Russia has not, and address Russia's demands regarding mobilization and arms flow.

High-level officials from the United States, Europe, and Ukraine are convening in Paris to discuss ending the ongoing war between Russia and Ukraine.

High-level officials from key European countries, the United States, and Ukraine are gathering in Paris, days after the latest direct talks between Washington and Moscow that are aimed at ending the war between Russia and Ukraine, Europe's biggest conflict since the end of World War II.

The talks are a first chance for face-to-face meetings between senior European and Ukrainian leaders and US Special Envoy Steve Witkoff since his latest meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin last week.

Moscow has failed to sign on to a broad cease-fire agreement put forward by US President Donald Trump, which Ukraine has already accepted. Russia has said any deal is conditional on Kyiv stopping its mobilization efforts as well as an end to the flow of Western arms to Ukraine. Those demands have been rejected by Ukraine.

Still, Witkoff recently told Fox News that he believes a peace deal was emerging.

He said he had heard what Putins request is to have a permanent peace here, adding that it was about these so-called five territories. This refers to parts of Ukraine at least partially occupied by Russia, which Moscow claims.

As talks began, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said that while Washington was working for peace, "from the Europeans, we see a focus on continuing the war."

Meanwhile, there has been no letup in deadly Russian missile strikes on Ukrainian cities in recent days. On April 16, a Russian drone attack on Dnipro killed at least five people.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy urged participants in the Paris talks to push Russia to accept a cease-fire.

"Russia uses every day and every night to kill. We must put pressure on the killers... to end this war and guarantee a lasting peace," Zelensky said in a Telegram post.

Aside from Witkoff, the talks are set to include US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, French President Emannuel Macron, and Ukrainian presidential envoy Andriy Yermak.

British National Security Advisor Jonathan Powell and Jens Ploetner, a senior adviser to German Chancellor Olaf Scholz, joined Witkoff for an early meeting at the Elysee Palace.

Ahead of the Paris talks, political analyst Anton Penkovsky told RFE/RLs Current Time that he did not expect big decisions to be taken.

I think we can expect some technical questions, some decisions on the already announced 30-day cease-fires relating to the Black Sea and energy infrastructure, which have not been observed. I think we could see some news on extending [them], he said.

Prior to Rubios arrival on April 17, the US State Department said the talks would aim to advance President Trumps goal to end the Russia-Ukraine war and stop the bloodshed.

Yermak wrote, after landing in Paris, we are working on important issues for the security of Ukraine and the whole of Europe.

While Washington has tried to push ahead cease-fire talks with Kyiv and Moscow, European countries have focused on supporting Ukraine and planning for a possible military mission to shore up any cease-fire deal.

European efforts to get a US commitment to provide a backstop to such efforts have met with a cool response from Washington.

Right now, the United States wants to wind down most, if not all, of its foreign policy in Europe and focus exclusively on its domestic issues, Penkovsky said.

By RFE/RL

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Most Asian countries are racing to pledge increased imports of U.S. energy to avoid the high tariffs slapped on them in early April.

Delegations from many Asian countries are heading to Washington D.C. these days to discuss the U.S. tariffs, now suspended for 90 days, which are the highest for economies in Asia and Southeast Asia.

Thailand is looking to import higher volumes of American energy as a way to convince the U.S. Administration not to slap high tariffs on Thai goods sold in the United States.

The tariff on Thailand, which U.S. President Donald Trump announced on the so-called liberation day on April 2, was as much as 36%--one of the highest among all economies and jurisdictions.

Earlier this week, Indonesia, threatened with a 32% tariff, said it would offer to buy an additional $10 billion worth of American oil and liquefied petroleum gas (LPG).

South Asian nation Pakistan is actively considering the idea of importing U.S. crude oil for the first time to seek a reduction of its trade surplus with America.

South Korea is reportedly looking at more LNG imports to get Washington to drop the tariffs.

India is weighing the option to scrap its import tax on American liquefied natural gas to increase U.S. LNG imports and reduce its trade surplus with the United States.

However, commitments and contracts to buy more U.S. energy will not necessarily spare any buyer from tariffs.

Taiwan, for example, was slapped with a now-halted 32% tariff, although it had just made some big commitments to invest in the U.S., including in U.S. energy projects.

Last month, Taiwans state-held oil and gas company CPC Corporation signed a letter of intent to invest in the $44-billion Alaska LNG export project and buy LNG from it as part of a move to bolster its gas supply and energy security.

Taiwan wasnt spared from one of the highest now-suspended tariffs despite being the only early committed investor in the huge Alaska LNG project, while Japan and South Korea are hesitating.

Unfortunately for Taiwan, in any negotiations with deficit-fixated President Trump, the value of its exports to the U.S.  predominantly semiconductors  vastly outstrips the value of the goods it imports from America.

By Tsvetana Paraskova for Oilprice.com

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BP said on Thursday it had safely loaded the first LNG cargo for export from Phase 1 of its Greater Tortue Ahmeyim project offshore Mauritania and Senegal as the UK supermajor continues to bring major projects on stream.

First gas from the project was announced early this year.

Now, the export of the first loaded LNG cargo from the project offshore West Africa will make Mauritania and Senegal LNG-exporting nations, contributing to global LNG supply.

Phase 1 at Greater Tortue Ahmeyim (GTA) is set to produce around 2.3 million tons of LNG per year and the project is expected to produce LNG for more than 20 years, BP says.

This first cargo from Mauritania and Senegal marks a significant new supply for global energy markets. Starting exports from GTA Phase 1 is an important step for BP and our oil and gas business as we celebrate the creation of a new production hub within our global portfolio, said Gordon Birrell, BPs EVP production & operations.

The LNG export project is one of BPs key major developments, which it plans to bring online in the next two years as part of its new strategy to grow its oil and gas production.

The supermajor plans to raise its global upstream production to 2.3  2.5 million barrels of oil equivalent in 2030, with the capacity to increase production out to 2035.

BP has started announcing new oil and gas project start-ups as part of its plan to have 10 major projects launched worldwide between 2025 and 2027 and grow upstream production.

Earlier this month, BP said that its Cypre development offshore Trinidad and Tobago delivered first gas.

Just after teasing in February that a major strategy reset is coming, BP announced the start of production from the second development phase of the Raven field offshore Egypt. The project involves the subsea tieback of additional Raven infill wells to its existing onshore infrastructure as part of the West Nile Delta (WND) project.

By Charles Kennedy for Oilprice.com

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Chinese imports of Arctic Russian crude grades are on the rise as ship-to-ship (STS) transfers from sanctioned vessels on non-sanctioned tankers offshore Malaysia and Singapore are booming, according to traders and analysts.

The Biden Administrations farewell sanctions on Russian oil trade and exports sanctioned dozens of vessels carrying the ARCO, Novy port, and Varandey crudes from Russias Arctic oil projects. The sanctions, slapped in early January, blacklisted dozens of vessels that Russia used to ship the ESPO crude blend from the Far Eastern port of Kozmino to Chinas independent refiners. Many of the vessels, specialized tankers, and shuttle tankers transporting Russias oil from the Arctic and Far East Pacific fields and production clusters to Asia have now been sanctioned.

Since Chinese buyers began demanding oil to be delivered on non-sanctioned vessels, STS transfers in the South China Sea and near Singapore have been picking up, Russian oil traders have told Reuters.

As many as 4 million barrels of Russias Arctic crude oil was transferred via STS last week, Emma Li, senior analyst at energy flows analytics firm Vortexa, told Reuters.

Another 16 million barrels of Arctic crude from Russia have either arrived or are planned to arrive in the South China Sea in April, Li added.

Last month, Chinese crude oil imports rebounded to a 20-month high, also due to increased imports of Russian and Iranian oil.

A massive reshuffling of tankers following the sanctions on Russia and Iran has allowed non-sanctioned vessels to pick up trade with Russian and Iranian oil.

Iranian crude imports into China surged to a record 1.8 million bpd in March, with Shandong alone absorbing more than 1.5 million bpd and marking a nearly 50% jump from the 2024 average, according to Vortexa.

Russian crude is also on the rebound in China, with many cargoes on sanctioned tankers finding buyers in Shandong. Moreover, stranded Russian Arctic cargoes are now targeting Chinese teapot buyers via STS transfers using the dark fleet, Vortexas Li noted.

By Tsvetana Paraskova for Oilprice.com

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The United States has issued a fresh round of sanctions on Irans oil industry, targeting, once again, Chinese importers. More specifically, the Department of the Treasury added an independent Chinese refiner to its list of sanctioned entities for buying crude from Iran.

The Treasurys Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) is designating a China-based independent teapot refinery Shandong Shengxing Chemical Co., Ltd., for its role in purchasing more than a billion dollars worth of Iranian crude oil, including from a front company for Irans Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps-Qods Force (IRGC-QF), Treasury said in a news release.

OFAC is also imposing additional sanctions on several companies and vessels responsible for facilitating Iranian oil shipments to China as part of Irans shadow fleet, the department also said.

The Trump administration has stepped up pressure on Irans government through sanctions ever since President Trump took office, seeking to use them as a means of forcing Tehran to give up plans for developing a nuclear weapon.

The sanction push has been bullish for oil prices due to its potential to reduce Iranian oil flows abroad, with Rystad Energy warning in March that the sanctions targeting Chinese oil buyers could disrupt global oil markets.

The ultimate goal of the sanctions is to reduce Irans oil exports to zero, as stated by President Trump in a February directive to the State Department. The president directed the Secretary of State to implement a robust and continual campaign, in coordination with the Secretary of the Treasury and other relevant executive departments or agencies, to drive Irans export of oil to zero, including exports of Iranian crude to the Peoples Republic of China.

Meanwhile, despite the stricter sanction enforcement, Chinas March oil imports hit a 20-month high on stronger flows from Russia and Iran. Imports from Iran specifically rose to a record 1.8 million barrels daily.

By Irina Slav for Oilprice.com

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LINCOLN  A bill that would put roughly $77 million into filling Nebraskas budget deficit by adjusting the states teacher retirement plan was given an early green light, despite procedural concerns.

Legislative Bill 645, introduced by State Sen. Beau Ballard of Lincoln on behalf of Gov. Jim Pillen, would lower the contribution rate to the Statewide School Retirement Plan for teachers, school districts and the state. The bill advanced through its first of three rounds of floor debate in a 38-0 vote Thursday.

Opponents objected to the rushed process Ballard followed to amend the bill and claimed supporters are trying to balance the budget on the backs of teachers, despite Nebraskas largest teachers union supporting the amended legislation.

In 2013, Ballard said the retirement plan was at a $108 million deficit, so lawmakers responded by raising contribution rates across the board. The strategy worked, he said, and as of July 1, 2024, the plan was 99.1% funded, and on track to be 100% funded by next year.

This year, lawmakers are grappling with a projected deficit in the state budget of roughly $289 million. The Appropriations Committee has been voting on incremental cuts that would partially reduce the deficit, but as of Thursday, the projected deficit still stands at over $100 million.

Committee members acknowledged that filling the remaining deficit hinges on several revenue-generating bills, LB 645 being one of them. Another, LB 650, would rollback various tax incentives to generate about $71 million in added revenue, just advanced to the second round of floor debate last week.

The original version of LB 645 would only lower the states contribution to the retirement plan, which raised concerns from educators. An amendment Ballard negotiated with stakeholders would apply the contribution reductions to teachers and school districts as well, and would be based on the level of funding in the plan. Lawmakers adopted the amendment into the bill on a 41-0 vote.

Currently, teachers contribution to the plan is 9.78% of their annual salary. Under the amended LB 645, if the plan is over 100% funded, teacher contributions would drop to 7.25%, which would raise the average teachers annual salary over $1,000. If the plan falls below 96% funded, the contribution rate would be 9.75%.

Tim Royers, president of the Nebraska State Education Association, said the union supports the amended bill because it would effectively raise teacher salaries for all teachers outside of Omaha Public Schools, which has an independent retirement plan. Royers said the bill would help with Nebraskas teacher recruitment efforts in a time of statewide staffing issues.

Sen. Danielle Conrad of Lincoln, who led the opposition to LB 645 on Thursday, called the bill risky and reckless when there is a lot of economic uncertainty at the national level.

Playing Russian roulette with (teachers) retirement is wrong, Conrad said.

Ballard disputed that national economic concerns would impact the retirement plan. He examined the last nationwide economic downturn in 2020 and said it didnt lead to a reduction to the plan.

Conrad and other critics raised concerns that the only reason LB 645 was proposed was to help fill the states deficit. In her previous two years on the Nebraska Legislatures Retirement Systems Committee, Conrad said she never heard any indication that the states school retirement plan was in need of adjustments.

Sen. Myron Dorn of Adams, a member of the Appropriations Committee, argued LB 645 was one piece of the puzzle in balancing the upcoming two-year state budget. Without it, Dorn said lawmakers would need to consider replacing revenues some other ways, which could lead to even more service cuts.

Conrad also objected to an additional amendment Ballard filed on Wednesday that would lower the minimum retirement age for educators to 55 and increase cost-of-living adjustments for school employees. The amendment was not added to LB 645 Thursday, and a public hearing for the amendment is scheduled for April 23.

While Conrad acknowledged that LB 645 might be a good plan for everyone, she said such an impactful bill should not be moving so fast. She filed a motion to delay the remaining floor debate until after next weeks hearing, but it failed on a 7-29 vote.

Ballard said he asked for the first round of floor debate on LB 645 to happen before the amendments hearing mainly due to time concerns. Lawmakers are currently on Day 64 of a 90-day session. He said he intentionally delayed debate on the amendment until the second round of floor debate because he agreed the proposal was deserving of a public hearing first.

Sen. Wendy DeBoer of Bennington raised similar concerns to Speaker of the Legislature John Arch. She noted that because the amendment wont be added to LB 645 until the second round, lawmakers wont know the full fiscal impact of the bill until the final round of debate.

Arch agreed this wasnt ideal but said these situations are sometimes unavoidable. DeBoer asked Arch for a longer pause between the second and third round of floor debate to give lawmakers time to review the updated fiscal note.
By Guest Writer: Victoria Reiners

Oregon Property Owners Association

April 10, 2025

Imagine this: You wake up one morning, step outside with your coffee, and realize your riverfront property just got a little bigger. Or maybe smaller. The river shifted, like it sometimes does, and youre left wondering: Does that new sandbar belong to me or the State of Oregon?

Welcome to the wonderfully murky world of accretion, avulsion, and navigability law. Its not just water law wonks and surveyors who should care. If you own land along a river in Oregon, or ever hope to, then Senate Bill 74 (and its latest amendments) just might affect your backyard, front yard, or space to fish.

Lets break it down in plain English.

First, What the Heck Is Accretion?

Accretion is natures slow and steady land-building process. Over time, rivers and streams shift, sediment gets deposited, shorelines move, and before you know it, the edge of your property has expanded like bread rising in the oven. In legal terms, that added land? Yours. Congratulations.

But theres a catch, if that river shifted suddenly, say during a flood or major storm, thats called avulsion. And the land that disappears (or reappears) in a flash? Thats not yours. The law says it stays in the hands of whoever owned it before the big shakeup.

Now imagine trying to figure out whether a river moved slowly over decadesor got nudged in a storm back in 1882. Thats the reality the state has faced every time it tries to decide who owns the bed and banks of Oregons rivers.

Enter Senate Bill 74 (a.k.a. Lets Try to Make This Easier For Navigable Waterways)

The Department of State Lands (DSL) oversees the states claim to navigable waterways, the rivers and streams considered public property. The idea is to protect public access and ensure fair use for things like fishing, boating, and commerce.

But under current law, before the state can officially say, Hey, we own this part of the river, it has to prove two things. First, DSL must demonstrate that the segment of the waterway in question was navigable at the time Oregon became a state in 1859. Determining navigability is a complicated, fact based, historical test that is the subject for another article, not this one. SB 74 only applies to navigable waterways, not non-navigable waterways, so if two neighbors are fighting over the property boundary along a small creek, SB 74 wont apply.

If DSL is asserting title for the state, in addition to having to prove the waterway was navigable at statehood, if a waterway has shifted over time, DSL must also demonstrate, mile by mile, whether the riverbed moved by accretion or avulsion. That means digging through over 165 years of geological history. No, really. Its like a legal detective novel with footnotes and flood maps. Some of which may be too difficult to pan through or read, some may not exist, and some may show the state owned your land 100 years ago, but what does that mean for your land and the riverbank now?

SB 74 proposes a simpler approach: Let the state go ahead and claim the current riverbed and submersible lands, where the water actually is today, without always needing to prove exactly how it got there.

Sounds efficient, right?

Property Owners: We See the Red Flags Too

Lets get real, when legislation comes along promising to streamline anything, its natural to raise an eyebrow, especially if you own property along one of Oregons many rivers. Senate Bill 74 (SB 74) set out with good intentions: reduce litigation between the state and upland property owners, clarify ownership, and avoid long, costly battles over who owns what when rivers change course. But the first version of the bill missed a pretty critical step, actually protecting the rights of the people who live on and pay taxes for that land.

The original language of SB 74 allowed the state to presume that accretion had occurred, that is, land was added gradually by the movement of a river, and then automatically claim that land as its own. Worse, the state could do this without notifying the property owner or conducting a full, fact-specific ownership analysis. In plain terms: your land couldve been reclassified as state property overnight, and you might not even know until you ran into trouble selling it, developing it, or defending it.

Thats a huge problem. It creates murky, clouded titles, undermines confidence in private property ownership, and blurs the lines between whats yours and what the state thinks is theirs. For rural landowners, farmers, and everyday Oregonians, that uncertainty isnt just frustrating, its a threat to livelihoods.

The Oregon Property Owners Association (OPOA) isnt against efficiency or good governance. In fact, were all for avoiding unnecessary lawsuits and bureaucratic red tape. But never, not once, should efficiency come at the cost of your constitutional property rights. Thats why weve stepped in to advocate for a more balanced version of SB 74, one that respects common sense and common law.

Whats Changing? (We Cant Say Everything Yet)

Heres what we can share: the revised version of SB 74 includes significant improvements. The changes, aim to correct the bills most dangerous provisions.

Under the -6 amendment:

No more surprise land grabs. Before the state can assert ownership over river-adjacent property due to accretion or navigability claims, they must get landowner consent or provide formal notice.

No more assumptions without investigation. Unless the state and the property owner both agree, the state will no longer be able to deem ownership without conducting a full analysis and respecting existing title records.

No shortcuts around due process. Landowners will have a voice and a role in any proceeding that could impact their property interests.

In essence, these changes signal a move away from unilateral state action and toward cooperative, transparent processes that keep you, the landowner, in the loop.

What If You Live Next to a River in Oregon?

If your land borders a river, heres why you should be paying attention to SB 74:

Rivers are dynamic, they change course over time. When they do, ownership boundaries can shift. If the state claims the waterway in front of your property is navigable, then you may have to fight the government.

In its improved form, SB 74 still addresses these complex issues, but without leaving you in the dark. Youll now have the opportunity to:

Be notified if the state is planning to assert new boundaries.

Participate in the process if theres a dispute over ownership.

Avoid unnecessary litigation by working with the state to clarify or swap deeds, fix boundaries, and ensure your title stays clear.

And if youre planning to sell or develop your land and are willing to agree that the waterway moved slowly over time through accretion, these updates could actually make your life easier by speeding up the process to resolve ownership issues, reducing title insurance issues, avoiding last-minute surprises at closing, and giving you more certainty over whats yours.

Bottom Line: Were Advocating for Balance

At the end of the day, SB 74 can work, if its done right. The changes were supporting are about finding balance: protecting the public interest without trampling individual rights. We believe landowners shouldnt be blindsided by government decisions, and the state shouldnt be operating on assumptions where property rights are concerned.

Thats why OPOA will keep fighting for thoughtful, legally sound reforms that serve both the public and the people who actually live and work on Oregons land. Because your rights dont stop where the river starts.
By John A. Charles, Jr.

On April 14, Governor Tina Kotek held a press conference to reaffirm her commitment to protecting students from discrimination based on race, national origin, or immigration status in Oregon schools.

The point of the announcement was to focus on the implied future threat from President Trump, but discrimination is already occurring in Portland.

For the past decade, the Portland Public School district has been providing extra funding to schools in part on the basis of race (2024-2025 Proposed Budget  Volume 2, pp. 4-5). Students who are Black, Hispanic, Native American, or Pacific Islander are automatically characterized as historically underserved, which means the schools they attend receive more money. This is true even if their parents are rich and the students themselves are high achievers.

For the current school year, the elementary school receiving the most generous funding is Rosa Parks, with $17,891 per student. The school with the least amount of funding is Richmond, at $7,649.

At the high school level, Jefferson receives $15,812 per student, while Grant gets $8,109.

Its not clear why Portland school parents have been tolerating this for so long. ORS 659.850 prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, color, or national origin in any public school, and PPS funding is clearly discriminatory.

The Governor should stop grandstanding about President Trump, start enforcing civil rights laws in Portland, and put an end to race-based school funding.

John A. Charles, Jr. is President and CEO of Cascade Policy Institute, Oregons free market public policy research organization.

Did you like this article? Contribute to Oregons premier public policy research organization online at CascadePolicy.org. Donations to Cascade Policy Institute are tax-deductible to the extent of the law.


By Oregon Campaign Watch,

CNN News featured a pollster talking about the latest poll showing that 97% of Trump voters are sticking with their 2024 vote choice. Only 2% would have changed (that appears within the margin of error so it could be less). That is a solid sign of support.
BLOOMINGTON  One hundred years ago, a group of friends including Lee Stremlau and Wayne Hummer decided to start a radio station in LaSalle, inside Hummer's furniture store.

It was assigned the call sign WJBC, which Stremlau coined as "Where Jazz Becomes Classic."

Though it has changed locations and frequencies over the century, the folks around Bloomington-Normal and McLean County are still setting their dials to the radio station that prides itself as "The voice of Central Illinois."

WJBC has "been there at everything, for everything, through everything  loss, destruction, weather, farming, elections  they have been through it all," said Scott Miller, the host of the station's morning show and face of the radio station.

"And I know that because I'm told it regularly by listeners that call my show," he said. "This has become more than a job. This has become my life."

On Thursday, April 17, Miller hosted a special morning program that featured the Sound of Illinois Chorus, members of the Big Red Marching Machine from Illinois State University, a custom cake from Denny's Doughnuts and Bakery, proclamations from the mayors within and around the Twin Cities and a special call from Gov. JB Pritzker declaring the day "WJBC Day" across the state.

"I doubt that has ever happened in the history of the world," Miller said before the show.

Come marching in

Inside the studio around 9:30 a.m. Thursday, Miller donned a gold-sequin jacket and stood in front of a desk covered with more than a half-dozen proclamations from local and state dignitaries, hosting his guests.

Outside his studio, surrounded by historic photos of WJBC guests that included the likes of Gerald Ford and Martin Luther King Jr., a massive "100" shaped cake from Denny's Doughnuts sat, waiting to be cut.

Six members of the Big Red Marching Machine stood anxiously waiting to enter the studio and play ISU's fight song.

"We certainly enjoy celebrating all things in the community," said Mack Wood, band director for the Big Red Marching Machine. "And we're just honored to be here and happy to play the fight song for everybody."

The students  two trumpeters, one trombonist, another with a sousaphone and one more with a mellophone  were ushered into the studio a few minutes later to perform live.

After they played, Miller asked if there was another piece they would like to share, something Wood was not expecting.

Someone suggested the upbeat "Fireball" by Pitbull, which the sextet promptly and gleefully played along with its performative dance.

"I always get a little nervous with the unknown," 20-year-old junior Carly Gussman after their performance. "But having this great group of people and Dr. Wood and then being welcomed with so much enthusiasm and energy, it just made it super enjoyable."

Impromptu performances like that, while nerve wracking, are invigorating, said 19-year-old sophomore Andrew Sniegowski.

"That's always cool to see people just ready to change the plan on a dime," he said.

Through the generations

WJBC holds a special place in the hearts of McLean County residents, Miller said.

"I've heard from everybody that  'I used to sit in the back of the car and listen to it with my grandmother,'" he said recalling conversations with listeners. "Well, then that little girl grew up and became a mother and then became a grandmother, and that tradition has just continued on."

James McManus is one of those generational listeners.

"I've been listening to it since I could understand language," he said with a laugh.

The radio became something his family couldn't live without, he said.

"My father, when he was old, he'd wake up at 5 in the morning ... he'd be sitting at the table listening to his transistor (radio) very low and listening to WJBC," McManus said.

Now 65, McManus said he finds himself repeating the ritual.

"You become your parents in a lot of ways," he said.

But the station is not exclusively for lifelong listeners.

Nathan Chitwood, a relatively recent transplant to Lincoln, tunes in every day to keep up on the happenings around the area, he said.

"It means a lot to be able to have up-to-the-moment information," Chitwood said.

The station's style, conversational as well as informational, is a welcoming one, he said.

"What I enjoy most about the morning show, especially, is you get real information, but, at the same time, ... it's light," he said. "It's not heavy like most news stations are."

Live, local

In 2025, when many local news outlets have faded away or been syndicated and decentralized, staying in the community is paramount to WJBC's mission, Miller said.

"We're not a Spotify," he said. "... We are here, and we are live and local, which is something that we have tried to be forever. I mean, that's our battle cry to remain invested in this community as best we can as you roll with the punches as media changes."

That dedication to staying a part of the community keeps longtime advertisers like Denny's Doughnuts coming back, said owner David Marquardt.

"You need a lot of community support. And to have a lot of community support, you need to support the community," he said.

Marquardt said he fondly remembered how WJBC and Denny's Doughnuts would help families in the past around the holidays and how the radio station still helps fundraise for local causes.

"Scott Miller did a fundraiser for a dog that was mistreated, (and) we helped out with that to raise funds," he said.

Helping the community is just as much of the job as keeping on the airwaves, Miller said.

"The giving of this community, it almost brings me to tears. ... I have watched $70,000 be raised in the back room of the Knights of Columbus for somebody's son who's fighting cancer," he said. "$60-70,000 (at) the Knights of Columbus in the back room is unheard of."

That kind of impact, the web of connections, is a testament to a strong community, Marquardt said.

"We would do anything for WJBC," he said.

Looking forward

Because the news and media landscape is ever-changing, WJBC needs to adapt as well, Miller said.

"We continue to remain live and local and evolve with the times. Did we have podcasts from a radio station on the air 10 years ago? 15 years ago? No, we didn't. We do now," he said.

That also means advertising changes.

What would have been a 30-second commercial in the past is now a digital ad, he said.

"This evolves beyond just the commercial you hear on the radio. ... But, on the air, it's still the same conversation," he said. "It's what is happening in McLean County, what's happening that's going to affect people's day, what's happening that's going to affect people's tomorrow."

While they continue to evolve, listeners and supporters like Marquardt look forward to having a "place to have local news, local sports," he said.

For his part, though, there is one superficial caveat. "Maybe stop broadcasting the Cardinals," he joked.
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Credit: Pixabay/CC0 Public Domain

Could we be on the verge of an era where fighter jets take flight without pilotsand are controlled by artificial intelligence (AI)? US R Adm Michael Donnelly recently said that an upcoming combat jet could be the Navy's last one with a pilot in the cockpit. That marks a striking, if not entirely surprising, shift in thinking about the future of aerial warfare.

The US Navy is not alone. Other programs to develop next generation fighter jets are also touting uncrewed options as a distinct possibility.

However, we have been here before. Senior leaders in the US Navy said they believed the last crewed fighter jet had been procured in 2015. As far back as 1957, premature obituaries were being written for the fighter pilot era. So is there anything different now?

The ability of a fighter jet to maneuver, accelerate, and maintain high speeds, crucial for air combat, is called kinematic performance. Estimates are as high as 80% on how much pilots reduce kinematic performance. Though this figure may be disputed, there is no question that uncrewed aircraft enjoy several key advantages.

Without the need for life support systems such as ejection seats and oxygen supplies, these aircraft can perform in ways that are beyond the scope of piloted aircraft. But additional trends are pushing militaries to reconsider the role of the human pilot altogether.

Systems enabled by AI are already demonstrating superior performance in military exercises. In existing remotely piloted aircraft, a human operator remains in control. This model is known as "human-in-the-loop." AI is now enabling the possibility of human-on-the-loop (where humans take a step back, supervising and intervening if necessary) and even "human-out-of-the-loop" systems (in which AI selects and engages targets autonomously).

The latter category, while controversial, may offer decisive advantages. In scenarios where milliseconds matter, a fully autonomous system could outperform any human operator, to the extent that senior defense leaders have expressed a willingness to trust AI with lethal decision-making under certain conditions. Others add that autonomous systems could adhere more rigorously to the laws of armed conflict compared with a human operator.

Unpiloted combat jets also offer potential financial savings. Fighter jets are expensive to build, operate and maintain, not least because of the training and equipment needed to support pilots. A 2011 study found that the life cycle cost of a surveillance drone was roughly half that of a comparable piloted platform. And cheaper aircraft are important because of the likely losses which will be inflicted on air forces in the event of a conflict with Russia or China.

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Another advantage of fully autonomous aircraft is risk mitigation. As NATO militaries grapple with a shortage of trained pilots for potential conflicts between states, uncrewed systems offer a way to restore the balance without putting lives at risk of death or capture.

Therefore, one option for militaries is to expand the use of remotely piloted aircraftdrones similar to those deployed in Iraq and Afghanistan. Crucially, this would ensure humans maintain control over weapons use. The only difference with the present would be in making these systems the backbone of the fleet, rather than supplementary systems struggling to operate in hostile airspace. This would require upgrading them with state-of-the-art technologies like stealth. This helps fighter jets reduce their chances of being detected by the enemy's radar and infrared (heat) sensors.

A step up from this would be autonomous combat aircraft, carrying the advantages of on- or off-the-loop technologies. The US Air Force's Project Venom is training AI in modified F-16 jets for eventual transfer to drones. These drones will operate alongside crewed aircraft, as part of mixed human and machine teams. But if this AI software was retained on the F-16s (or transferred to more advanced fighter jets), it could produce a squadron of autonomous jets just as capable as those piloted by humans.

A more radical idea is to forgo traditional fighter jets altogether. Proponents of this vision imagine swarms of low-cost, expendable drones working together to overwhelm enemy defenses. While current drones have limitations in range, payload, and labor requirements, true "swarming" could change the equation.

Current limitations

So what is stopping militaries from pressing ahead with these options? A few things. AI isn't ready, yet. Machine learninga subset of AI where algorithms learn from experienceunderpins all this. But it still struggles with the inherent ambiguity and creativity of war.

Simply putting tires on an aircraft can thwart computer visionthe field of AI that allows computers to interpret images and videos. So training AI to operate in the full range of possible combat situations is a mammoth task. In the words of one Air Force commander, "robotified warfareis centuries away."

Another issue concerns communications, since remotely operated drone systems, especially interconnected, swarming ones, need data links. Given how much adversaries are investing in jamming these signals, designs may be pushed in opposite directions: either keeping a pilot onboard or embracing autonomy so the aircraft can keep fighting, even if it is cut off.

Yet the real limit may be a fear of crossing the Rubicon. While the US and its allies have a de facto "no first use" policy on fully autonomous weapons, the demands of warfare against an enemy willing to use such systems may erode these norms.

So, the Navy's statement is a warning: The age of the human fighter pilot might be ending. But it's the next war that could make that decision for us.

This article is republished from The Conversation under a Creative Commons license. Read the original article.
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Great bustards are found across much of Eurasia, although their populations are highly fragmented. Credit: Rudmer Zwerver

The butchered remains of great bustards found in the graves of people buried 15,000 years ago show that these birds had a cultural significance.

The researchers hope that the remains unearthed in Morocco can help bolster the conservation of the critically endangered population of great bustards that still survive in the country.

The oldest cemetery in Africa is yielding yet more insights into the lives of ancient humans.

About 15,000 years ago, people were living and burying their dead in a cave in northern Morocco. On the cusp of the transition between a semi-nomadic and settled life, the remains of these people and their grave goods offer a fascinating insight into the lives and cultures of this community.

Part of this seems to have involved a bird known as the great bustard. These large, impressive animals were once found across much of Eurasia and part of North Africa until hunting, habitat disturbance and destruction significantly fragmented their population.

Africa's only population clings on in Morocco, where the species is considered critically endangered. Closely related but genetically distinct to the Spanish population, there has been some debate about how long great bustards had lived in North Africa. This new finding confirms that the birds have a long history on the African continent, and were much more abundant and widespread than they are today.

Dr. Joanne Cooper has been studying the great bustard remains found in the human graves to better understand the significance and role these birds played in this ancient culture.

"We see a strong cultural association with the great bustard because the people are not only depositing them in burials, but there's also evidence that they were eating them as well," says Dr. Cooper. "We believe that was part of the funeral rites."

"It seems to be a feasting set-up, which is a very specific type of ritual eating."

The research has been published in the journal Ibis.

The world's heaviest flying animal

The great bustard is a large, imposing bird that really lives up to its name. With males reaching weights approaching 20 kilograms, it makes them one of the heaviest flying birds in the world.

A specialist of open grasslands and farmland, the great bustard requires equally massive areas of relatively undisturbed land to live and breed on. This typically occurs in March, when the normally well-camouflaged males reveal themselves in elaborate displays and violent fights as they compete for female attention in an area known as a lek.

With the spread of humans and agricultural intensification, the birds have been significantly impacted. Already highly vulnerable to human disturbance, they have also historically been targeted by hunters both as a food source and a trophy. The combined effects of human activities have resulted in rapid declines and extinctions of populations across much of the species' former range, with over half the population now restricted to Spain.

In northwestern Morocco about 70 birds survive, living in two small areas. Although known to be different from the Iberian population, there have long been questions about the origins of these great bustards. Some, for example, have suggested that they are a relatively recent addition to the Moroccan birdlife, having flown over from Spain in historical times.

But Dr. Cooper's work in the Taforalt cave in eastern Morocco is showing that great bustards actually have a long history in the country. What's more, they seemingly played an important cultural role in the lives of the ancient people who lived there.

Taforalt cave, also called Grotte des Pigeons, is a globally important site. It contains the graves of more than 30 ancient humans thought to have been buried 14,700 years ago. At this point in time, mammoths still grazed the northern steppes and sheep were yet to be domesticated.

The environmental conditions of the cave mean that not only have the bones and tools of these early people been preserved, but also a huge range of other biological material that is allowing researchers like Dr. Cooper and her colleagues to build an amazingly detailed picture of their lives. For example, earlier work has found evidence that these people were burning and consuming the medicinal plant Ephedra, alongside other foods such as acorns and juniper.

They were also burying their dead alongside the remains of other animals.

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Ritual feasting

The most high-status graves have been found to contain the bones of animals which have been butchered and cooked. Some contain the skulls of wild sheep, while one specific burial has the breastbone a great bustard with cut marks, evidence of a meal similar to the turkey crown that many of us eat on Christmas Day.

The repeated presence of great bustard remains in these graves suggests that there was some cultural significance of the bird. This is because it would have taken a lot of time and effort for these people to catch and prepare the animals, which suggests this behavior was not just routine eating, but ritual feasting.

"This is a communal behavior that involves special foods that people have to go out of their way for that is then consumed in some kind of special context," explains Dr. Cooper. "The habitat for the great bustard isn't really the kind of mountainous area around the cave in which the remains are found."

"They would have had to trek down to the plains to catch the bustards, carry them back up to the cave, prepare them, cook them and eat them. The special context is that they're associated with these burials."

Dr. Cooper and the research team hope that the discovery of the remains of great bustards dating back so far will help to spur action to protect those birds that still survive in Morocco today. As a critically endangered population, they need more help now than ever to prevent them going extinct in Africa.

More information: Joanne H. Cooper et al, Late Pleistocene Great Bustards Otis tarda from the Maghreb, eastern Morocco, Ibis (2025). DOI: 10.1111/ibi.13404

This story is republished courtesy of Natural History Museum. Read the original story here.
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All pointings in which NGC5846_UDG1 was observed with KCWI, overlayed on a color image from the F475W and F606W filters of the HST WFC3/UVIS. Credit: arXiv (2025). DOI: 10.48550/arxiv.2504.03132

Astronomers from Swinburne University in Australia and elsewhere have employed the Keck II telescope to investigate the globular cluster system of an ultra-diffuse galaxy designated NGC5846_UDG1. Results of the observations, published April 4 on the arXiv pre-print server , could help us better understand the nature of this galaxy.

Globular clusters (GCs) are collections of tightly bound stars orbiting galaxies. Astronomers perceive them as natural laboratories enabling studies on the evolution of stars and galaxies. In particular, GCs could help researchers to better understand the formation, history and evolution of early-type galaxies, as the origin of GCs seems to be closely linked to periods of intense star formation.

Ultra-diffuse galaxies (UDGs) are extremely-low-density galaxies. The largest UDGs have sizes similar to the Milky Way, but have only about 1% as many stars as our home galaxy. The mystery of UDGs is still baffling scientists as they try to explain why these faint but large galaxies are not ripped apart by the tidal field of their host clusters.

NGC5846_UDG1 is an ultra-diffuse galaxy in the NGC 5846 group of galaxies located some 81.5 million light years away from the Earth. The galaxy has an effective radius of about 6,200 light years and stellar mass of some 120 million solar masses.

Previous observations of NGC5846_UDG1 have found that it hosts a rich globular cluster system with an estimated number of around 50 GCs and only one confirmed member GC.

Searching for new GCs of this system, a team of astronomers led by Swinburne University's Lydia Haacke decided to perform spectroscopic observations of NGC5846_UDG1 with the Keck Cosmic Web Imager (KCWI) at the Keck II telescope.

The observations made by Haacke's team confirmed 19 GCs as members of NGC5846_UDG1. Therefore, a total of 20 GCs are now spectroscopically confirmed to be members of NGC5846_UDG1 and approximately 9% of the stellar light of this UDG is contained in these confirmed clusters.

The mean velocity of the confirmed GC was measured to be 2,153.9 km/s, while the velocity dispersion was found to be approximately 29.8 km/s. It turned out that the velocity dispersion increases with increasing magnitudes of the clusters.

Based on the new data, the researchers obtained a dynamical mass of NGC5846_UDG1, which was found to be at a level of 2.09 billion solar masses, enclosed within the galaxy's de-projected half-light radius. The total halo mass of NGC5846_UDG1 was estimated to be around 270 billion solar masses.

Summing up the results, the authors of the paper conclude that the rich GC system, an overly massive halo, and a high GC luminosity fraction suggest that NGC5846_UDG1 is a failed galaxy that may have formed in a short, intense burst of star formation, which was largely confined to its GCs.

More information: Lydia Haacke et al, Investigating the Ultra-diffuse Galaxy NGC5846_UDG1 through the Kinematics of its Rich Globular Cluster System, arXiv (2025). DOI: 10.48550/arxiv.2504.03132 Journal information: arXiv

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A Compton wavelength exceeding the source distance induces apparent positional shifts due to the dark matter field. Credit: Jeff A. Dror & Sarunas Verner.

The detection of dark matter, the elusive type of matter predicted to make up most of the universe's mass, is a long-standing goal in the field of astrophysics. As dark matter does not emit, reflect or absorb light, it cannot be observed using conventional experimental methods.

A promising dark matter candidate is so-called ultralight dark matter, which consists of particles with extremely low masses. Astrophysicists have been searching for these ultralight dark matter particles using various approaches and methods, yet they have not yet been detected.

Researchers at the University of Florida recently proposed a new method for the direct detection of ultralight dark matter particles, which is based on astrometry, the precise measurement of the positions and motions of celestial objects.

Their paper, published in Physical Review Letters, outlines an alternative approach that could be employed in future searches for these elusive particles.

"Our research emerged from a fundamental question: How can we detect dark matter if it interacts with ordinary matter only through gravity?" Sarunas Verner, co-author of the paper, told Phys.org.

"This scenario has traditionally been considered challenging for direct detection. However, building on pioneering work by Khmelnitsky and Rubakov (2014), we recognized that ultralight dark matterwith a de Broglie wavelength comparable to galactic scalesproduces measurable spacetime fluctuations that could be detected through precision astrometry measurements."

Most previous searches for ultralight dark matter relied on pulsar timing arrays (i.e., collections of millisecond pulsars across the sky that are periodically observed by astronomers) as detection tools. In contrast, Verner and his colleague Jeff A. Dror explored the possibility of employing precision astrometry to probe ultralight dark matter by looking only at gravitational interactions.

"Our method leverages the fact that ultralight dark matter creates small but detectable fluctuations in spacetime itself," explained Verner.

"These fluctuations affect the apparent positions of distant celestial objects like stars and quasars. Specifically, we demonstrated that the most significant effect occurs through what astronomers call 'classical aberration'the slight angular deflection of light from distant sources caused by the observer's motion through space."

As part of their study, the researchers calculated how these ultralight dark matter-induced spacetime ripples would impact classical aberration, making it distance-dependent. This means that nearby sources exhibit slightly different aberration than distant ones.

"These variations are extremely subtleless than 1 microarcsecond in sizerequiring highly precise astrometric measurements," said Verner. "We showed that these effects are potentially detectable with current and next-generation astrometric surveys like VLBI, Gaia, and future observatories like THEIA."

The recent study by Verner and Dror introduces an entirely new method to probe ultralight dark matter, focusing solely on gravitational interactions. Its reliance on gravitational interactions could be highly advantageous, as it could allow researchers to search for dark matter candidates that could be entirely decoupled from the Standard Model, with the only exception of gravitational laws.

"The implications of our study are substantial," said Verner. "Our method is complementary to existing probes of ultralight dark matter, including cosmic microwave background (CMB) measurements and large-scale structure (LSS) observations.

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"When combined with these other datasets, precision astrometry could significantly enhance our ability to detect or constrain ultralight dark matter particles in the mass range below 10-22 electron volts. This mass range is particularly interesting as it corresponds to particles with wavelengths on galactic scales, potentially addressing certain small-scale challenges in cosmology."

The new detection method proposed by this research group could be further developed and deployed in future searches for ultralight dark matter particles.

In their next studies, Verner and Dror are planning to extend their proposed approach, so that it can be employed to probe other sub-types of ultralight dark matter.

"Building on this foundation, we plan to extend our theoretical framework to investigate ultralight vector dark matter, which could exhibit different signatures in astrometric data," added Verner.

"We're also exploring how similar principles might be applied to probe the nature of dark energy, potentially offering new insights into the mysterious force driving cosmic acceleration."

More information: Jeff A. Dror et al, New Method for the Astrometric Direct Detection of Ultralight Dark Matter, Physical Review Letters (2025). DOI: 10.1103/PhysRevLett.134.111003. Journal information: Physical Review Letters

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The Chandra X-ray Observatory is the worlds most powerful X-ray telescope. It has eight-times greater resolution and is able to detect sources more than 20-times fainter than any previous X-ray telescope. Credit: NASA/CXC & J. Vaughan

New three-dimensional (3D) models of objects in space have been released by NASA's Chandra X-ray Observatory. These 3D models allow people to exploreand printexamples of stars in the early and end stages of their lives. They also provide scientists with new avenues to investigate scientific questions and find insights about the objects they represent.

These 3D models are based on state-of-the-art theoretical models, computational algorithms, and observations from space-based telescopes like Chandra that give us accurate pictures of these cosmic objects and how they evolve over time.

Credit: NASA

However, looking at images and animations is not the only way to experience this data. The four new 3D printable models of Cassiopeia A (Cas A), G292.0+1.8 (G292), Cygnus Loop supernova remnants, and the star known as BP Tau let us experience the celestial objects in the form of physical structures that will allow anyone to hold replicas of these stars and their surroundings and examine them from all angles.

Cassiopeia A (Cas A)

Cassiopeia A (Cas A). Credit: NASA

Using NASA's James Webb Space Telescope, astronomers uncovered a mysterious feature within the remnant, nicknamed the "Green Monster," alongside a puzzling network of ejecta filaments forming a web of oxygen-rich material.

3D Model of Cassiopeia A. Credit: INAF-Osservatorio Astronomico di Palermo/Salvatore Orlando

When combined with X-rays from Chandra, the data helped astronomers shed light on the origin of the Green Monster and revealed new insights into the explosion that created Cas A about 340 years ago, from Earth's perspective.

BP Tau

BP Tau. Credit: X-ray: NASA/CXC/SAO; Optical: PanSTARRS; Image Processing: NASA/CXC/SAO/N. Wolk

This 3D model shows a star less than 10 million years old that is surrounded by a disk of material. This class of objects is known as T Tauri stars, named after a young star in the Taurus star-forming region.

3D Model of BP Tau. Credit: INAF-Osservatorio Astronomico di Palermo/Salvatore Orlando

The model describes the effects of multiple flares, or outbursts that are detected in X-rays by Chandra from one T Tauri star known as BP Tau. These flares interact with the disk of material and lead to the formation of an extended outer atmosphere composed of hot loops, connecting the disk to the developing star.

Cygnus Loop

Credit: X-ray: NASA/SAO/CXC; Optical: John Stone (Astrobin); Image Processing: NASA/SAO/CXC/L. Frattre, N. Wolk

The Cygnus Loop (also known as the Veil Nebula) is a supernova remnant, the remains of the explosive death of a massive star. This 3D model is the result of a simulation describing the interaction of a blast wave from the explosion with an isolated cloud of the interstellar medium (that is, dust and gas in between the stars).

3D Model of Cygnus Loop. Credit: INAF-Osservatorio Astronomico di Palermo/Salvatore Orlando

Chandra sees the blast wave and other material that has been heated to millions of degrees. The Cygnus Loop is a highly extended, but faint, structure on the sky: At three degrees across, it has the diameter of six full moons.

G292.0+1.8

Credit: X-ray: NASA/CXC/SAO; Optical:NSF/NASA/DSS; Image Processing

This is a rare type of supernova remnant observed to contain large amounts of oxygen. The X-ray image of G292.0+1.8 from Chandra shows a rapidly expanding, intricately structured field left behind by the shattered star.

3D Model of G292.0+1.8. Credit: NASA

By creating a 3D model of the system, astronomers have been able to examine the asymmetrical shape of the remnant that can be explained by a "reverse" shock wave moving back toward the original explosion.

The 3D models here are the subject of several scholarly papers by Salvatore Orlando of INAF in Palermo, Italy, and colleagues published in The Astrophysical Journal, Astronomy & Astrophysics, and Monthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society. Much of this work is also publicly available work on SketchFab.

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Piloted by NASAs Tim Williams, the ER-2 science aircraft ascends for one of the final science flights for the GSFC Lidar Observation and Validation Experiment (GLOVE) on Feb. 1, 2025. As a collaboration between engineers, scientists, and aircraft professionals, GLOVE aims to improve satellite data products for Earth Science applications. Credit: NASA/Steve Freeman

In February, NASA's ER-2 science aircraft flew instruments designed to improve satellite data products and Earth science observations. From data collection to processing, satellite systems continue to advance, and NASA is exploring how instruments analyzing clouds can improve data measurement methods.

Researchers participating in the Goddard Space Flight Center Lidar Observation and Validation Experiment (GLOVE) used the ER-2based at NASA's Armstrong Flight Research Center in Edwards, Californiato validate satellite data about cloud and airborne particles in the Earth's atmosphere. Scientists are using GLOVE instruments installed onboard the aircraft to measure and validate data about clouds generated by satellite sensors already orbiting in space around Earth.

"The GLOVE data will allow us to test new artificial intelligence algorithms in data processing," said John Yorks, principal investigator for GLOVE and research physical scientist at NASA's Goddard Space Flight Center in Greenbelt, Maryland. "These algorithms aim to improve the cloud and aerosol detection in data produced by the satellites."

The validation provided by GLOVE is crucial because it ensures the accuracy and reliability of satellite data. "The instruments on the plane provide a higher resolution measurement 'truth' to ensure the data is a true representation of the atmospheric scene being sampled," Yorks said.

Jennifer Moore, a researcher from NASAs Goddard Space Flight Center, checks the cabling on the Roscoe instrument at NASAs Armstrong Flight Research Center in Edwards, California, for the GSFC Lidar Observation and Validation Experiment (GLOVE) on Feb. 1, 2025. The Roscoe instrument will be uploaded onto NASAs ER-2 science aircraft. Credit: NASA/Steve Freeman

The ER-2 flew over various parts of Oregon, Arizona, Utah, and Nevada, as well as over the Pacific Ocean off the coast of California. These regions reflected various types of atmospheres, including cirrus clouds, marine stratocumulus, rain and snow, and areas with multiple types of clouds.

"The goal is to improve satellite data products for Earth science applications," Yorks said. "These measurements allow scientists and decision-makers to confidently use this satellite information for applications like weather forecasting and hazard monitoring."

The four instruments installed on the ER-2 were the Cloud Physics Lidar, the Roscoe Lidar, the enhanced Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer Airborne Simulator, and the Cloud Radar System. These instruments validate data produced by sensors on NASA's Ice, Cloud, and Land Elevation Satellite 2 (ICESat-2) and the Earth Cloud, Aerosol and Radiation Explorer (EarthCARE), a joint venture between the ESA (European Space Agency) and JAXA (Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency).

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Credit: Pixabay/CC0 Public Domain

Aboard a quiet, full catamaran, legendary conservationist Jane Goodall spoke about her latest mission: supporting the survival of Monterey Bay's charming, yet still vulnerable, iconthe sea otter.

During a visit to Carmel, a conversation between Goodall and former Monterey Bay Aquarium Executive Director Julie Packard led the conservationist to understand how much support sea otters need, even in a region where they are considered a mascot. This conversation led to Goodall's participation with the Wildlife Conservation Sea Otter Fund, which is dedicated to restoring the sea otter population along the coast.

Goodall gave a sold-out lecture on behalf of "Hope for Sea Otters" at Sunset Center on April 7. She also led two sold-out "sea otter safaris" on the Monterey Bay Eco Tours catamaran on Elkhorn Slough. Goodall was accompanied by representatives from the Wildlife Conservation Network, an organization dedicated to protecting endangered wildlife by supporting conservation efforts.

"It was so incredibly inspiring to see someone who has worked so hard her entire life for the good of the planet," said Wendy Kitchell, owner of Monterey Bay Eco Tours. "To have her on the boat just made me want to be a better person."

Based in Moss Landing, the tour company takes guests on guided boat and wildlife tours with experts. Guests explore Elkhorn Slough, a biodiverse wetland essential to local wildlife.

During the safaris, Goodall spoke about the importance of sea otters as a key component to our ecosystems.

Goodall spoke to the guests about how to take small steps to help the environment and "foster positivity and make people happy," said Kitchell.

The Sea Otter Fund is the Wildlife Conservation Network's first marine-focused fund and 92% of donations that go toward the fund are being directed toward conservation efforts in the field.

Monterey Bay Eco Tours also has a focus on protecting wildlife and the environment. El Cat, the catamaran used for tours, is the first fully electric U.S. Coast Guard certified vessel on the West Coast.

"She's just an incredible person and so strong and vital and just encourages others to do good things," said Kitchell. "We're honored that she chose our company to highlight her work."

2025 MediaNews Group, Inc. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.
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AD dorsal and ventral wing surfaces of the Satyrium curiosolus type series. Bodies of these specimens were used in genomic DNA extractions. Metadata for each specimen are given under Type material E composite photographs of pinned specimens (female left, male right), showing the dorsal wing surface on the left forewing and hindwing and the ventral wing surface on the right forewing and hindwing. F) S. curiosolus larvae being attended to by Lasius ponderosae ants. G) A freshly eclosed S. curiosolus on silvery lupine (Lupinus argenteus). H) Photograph of Blakiston Fan, Alberta, Canada. I) Calibrite ColorChecker Classic, photographed with the same setup and settings used to photograph the type series. Credit: ZooKeys (2025). DOI: 10.3897/zookeys.1234.143893

In the heart of Canada's Rocky Mountains, an unassuming yet remarkable butterfly has been quietly flying under our scientific radar for years. With a wingspan of an inch to an inch and a half, and wings that are brown on top and grayish brown with black spots below, this population was long thought to belong to the Half-moon Hairstreak (Satyrium semiluna). However, the isolated hairstreak butterflies of Blakiston Fan in Waterton Lakes National Park, Alberta, have now been recognized as a distinct species: Satyrium curiosolus, or the Curiously Isolated Hairstreak.

A recent study by an international collaborative team, published in ZooKeys, uncovered the unique evolutionary history of this population. The results were striking: Satyrium curiosolus has been completely isolated from its closest relatives for quite a whilepossibly up to 40,000 yearsbecoming more and more genetically and ecologically unique along the way.

The science behind the discovery

"Our whole-genome sequencing of S. curiosolus revealed strikingly low genetic diversity and exceptionally high levels of historical inbreeding compared to the geographically nearest S. semiluna populations in British Columbia and Montana, more than 400 km distant," says co-first author Zac MacDonald, a La Kretz postdoctoral researcher at University of California Los Angeles Institute of the Environment and Sustainability.

Despite its small population size, genetic data suggest that S. curiosolus has likely maintained itself as a stable, independent lineage for tens of thousands of years. "Like the Channel Island Fox, S. curiosolus may have purged some of its harmful recessive genetic variation through a long, gradual history of inbreeding, allowing it to persist as a small and completely isolated population today," MacDonald adds.

Satyrium curiosolus is found in a distinct habitat unlike any other population of S. semiluna that we know of. While its relatives thrive in sagebrush steppe, S. curiosolus occupies a single alluvial fan that is more accurately described as prairie-grassland, where it associates with different plants and ant species. Satyrium curiosolus relies exclusively on silvery lupine (Lupinus argenteus) for larval development, a plant not known to be used by S. semiluna populations in British Columbia.

"Furthermore, we recently discovered that S. curiosolus larvae have mutualistic relationships with a particular species of ant (Lasius ponderosae), which has not been observed in other S. semiluna populations," says James Glasier of the Wilder Institute/Calgary Zoo, who was also part of the study.

Satyrium curiosolus caterpillars provide the Lasius ants with a sugary excretion called honeydew to eat, while in return the ants protect the caterpillar from parasites and predators. Caterpillars also retreat into ant galleries when disturbed, or when it gets too hot out, and adult females have been observed laying eggs right near the entrances to Lasius colonies under Silvery Lupines.

Why it matters

The recognition of S. curiosolus as a species has important implications, highlighting its unique evolutionary trajectory and emphasizing an urgent need for tailored conservation strategies.

Satyrium curiosolus faces a somewhat unique challenge: its long-term isolation has resulted in very low genetic diversity, which means that the species has a reduced potential to adapt to changing climatic conditions. While conservationists often consider genetic rescueintroducing individuals from related populations to boost genetic diversityas a solution to low genetic diversity, the distinctiveness of S. curiosolus raises concerns about potential outbreeding depression when mixed with S. semiluna.

It is likely that the two species are not even reproductively compatible, meaning S. curiosolus may be on its own. Conservation efforts must now consider new solutions, such as establishing additional S. curiosolus populations, to help this butterfly persist as climate change threatens ecological change at Blakiston Fan.

A case study in genomics and conservation

"The discovery of S. curiosolus is a powerful demonstration of how genomics is revolutionizing taxonomy and conservation," remarked co-first author Julian Dupuis, an Assistant Professor in the Department of Entomology at University of Kentucky.

"While traditional taxonomic methods often rely on morphology alone, our study underscores the importance of integrating genomic and ecological data to uncover hidden diversity. With the rise of genomic tools, previously unrecognized species like S. curiosolus are being discovered, highlighting the need for conservation strategies that account for cryptic biodiversity." Dupuis adds.

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Collaboration in conservation

"Our studies on S. curiosolus and S. semiluna highlight the importance of collaboration between academic scientists, nonprofit organizations, and conservation managers. All of this work was made possible through partnerships between academic researchers, Parks Canada, and the Wilder Institute/Calgary Zoo.

"By combining expertise in genomics, field ecology, and conservation management, we were able to produce findings that not only reshape our understanding of biodiversity but also provide actionable insights for species protection.

"Moving forward, these interdisciplinary collaborations will be critical for tackling complex conservation challenges and ensuring the long-term survival of species like S. curiosolus," added MacDonald.

The future of Satyrium curiosolus

Recognizing S. curiosolus as a distinct species is just the beginning, the researchers say. Future research should explore its evolution and interactions with other species like host plants and ants. Additionally, long-term monitoring by Parks Canada and the Wilder Institute/Calgary Zoo will be essential to assess how this species copes with climate change and what conservation actions are appropriate.

"For now, the Curiously Isolated Hairstreak reminds us that even the smallest and most overlooked species can hold extraordinary scientific and conservation significance," the researchers say in conclusion.

More information: Zachary G. MacDonald et al, Genomic and ecological divergence support recognition of a new species of endangered Satyrium butterfly (Lepidoptera, Lycaenidae), ZooKeys (2025). DOI: 10.3897/zookeys.1234.143893 Journal information: ZooKeys
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Credit: Pixabay from Pexels

Women MPs are increasingly targets of misogynistic, racist and sexual online abuse, but New Zealand's legal framework to protect them is simply not fit for purpose.

Recently released research found online threats of physical and sexual violence have caused those MPs to feel fearful, anxious and distressed. Some included in the study said the harassment led to them self-censoring, using social media less often, and considering leaving politics early.

But the current legal framework is not well equipped to address the nature or volume of the online harassment aimed at MPs.

Serious online threats made by identifiable individuals can be criminal offenses under the Crimes Act 1961. Similarly, the new stalking law, expected to pass later this year, will create some protection for women MPs from online harassersas long as the stalker can be identified.

Under the Harmful Digital Communications Act 2015), victims of online harassment can ask the court for protection from the person harassing them, which can include orders to stop all contact. But once again, police need to be able to identify the perpetrator.

And that is the sticking point. Online abuse is usually committed anonymously and often by perpetrators using a VPN service that encrypts internet traffic and protects their online identity.

Also, the Harmful Digital Communications Act was not drafted to deal with volumetric harassmenta coordinated effort designed to overwhelm and intimidate a target through a deluge of online interactions.

These campaigns typically involve a large number of participants who collectively flood someone with abusive, threatening or harmful messages. Reporting and attempting to take action on every single message or comment is simply not practical.

The way forward

Despite the challenges, there are some steps the government can take to improve the law to better protect MPs.

Firstly, any new law needs to be fit for purpose. The technological landscape is very different now to when the Harmful Digital Communications Act was introduced in 2015.

New Zealand should consider following the European Union's example and criminalize inciting, aiding and participating in mob-style or mass online harassment campaigns. In the EU, the penalty for this can include imprisonment.

Much of the online abuse originates on social media platforms. But unlike the United Kingdom and Australia, New Zealand does not currently regulate social media.

In the UK, for example, the Online Safety Act 2023 makes social media companies legally responsible for user safety. Companies must minimize risk of harm (including online violence) when designing, implementing and using any technology on their platforms. Failing these legal duties will incur significant financial penalties.

The UK's framework shifts the burden of online safety off the shoulders of individual victims and places it on social media companies, which are better positioned to remove harmful content and users swiftly. The rules also alter how new technology is implemented to better protect user safety.

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Dust off past proposals

Under the previous Labour government, the Ministry of Internal Affairs proposed a new, independent regulatory body to promote online safety, with industry standards and codes of practice. The current coalition government scrapped the proposal last year, leaving New Zealand without a clear plan to address online harm.

Political leaders should urgently reconsider the Internal Affairs proposal for social media regulation. But they should also go further.

My research evaluating responses to online abuse in New Zealand, Australia and the UK has highlighted the importance of addressing underlying social and cultural causes of online gender-based violence.

To effectively prevent online violence against women MPs, a new regulatory framework should require social media platforms to actively challenge and modify harmful gender stereotypes embedded in their services.

This includes conducting comprehensive risk assessments during the design, development, deployment and use of their platforms.

While the recent revelations about online abuse directed at women MPs makes for grim reading, it's clear there are steps the government can take to ensure all MPs feel safe to participate in the political process.

This article is republished from The Conversation under a Creative Commons license. Read the original article.
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Stem cells (shown as small balls) can be imagined to roll down a landscape of hills and valleys, following specific paths as they mature (differentiation). Under normal conditions (blue), they stay on track. When histone chaperones stop working, the landscape shifts and cells may enter alternative valleys, taking on new fates (red or green). Through epigenetic reprogramming, cells can even be pushed back uphill or rerouted, changing their identity. Illustration is adapted from Waddington's 1957 concept and created with BioRender. Credit: UCR/B. Zhang

Scientists at the University of California, Riverside, have discovered how adult stem cells retain their regenerative power. The researchers demonstrate in a paper published in the journal Genes & Development that these cells rely on a group of helper proteins called histone chaperonesorganizers or guides known to help package our two-meter-long genome when cells need to divide or switch on specific genes.

The paper is titled "Histone chaperones coupled to DNA replication and transcription control divergent chromatin elements to maintain cell fate."

Every organ in our body contains a small number of adult stem cells that are specific to its niche. These cells act like a backup system. When needed, they divide to make copies of themselves or generate mature cells such as neurons or red blood cells that replenish our organs and tissues.

The study, which used mouse stem cells, found that when certain histone chaperones stop working, stem cells lose their ability to renew themselves and instead start turning into specific cell types. This loss in renewal capacity is caused by changes in the way specific genomic regions are packaged. According to the researchers, this could help develop stem cell-based therapies to heal damaged tissues, treat diseases, or even fight aging.

Sihem Cheloufi, an assistant professor of biochemistry at UC Riverside, led the research team. She has been fascinated by cellular reprogramming since high school after learning about Dolly the sheep, the first cloned mammal to be created from an adult cell.

"That discovery sparked my interest in epigenetic reprogramming, the idea that we can change a cell's behavior without changing its DNA," she said.

"Now, with breakthroughs in CRISPR, AI, sequencing, and other technologies, we're able to explore these questions more deeply than before. Stem cells are at the heart of development, aging, cancer biology, and regeneration. Our study shows how histone chaperones maintain stem cell identity, making them pivotal for advancing stem cell-based therapies."

The researchers focused on blood-forming stem cells, which copy themselves and create immune cells that help defend the body from infection. The team explored about 25 different histone chaperones and found that all of them contribute to stem cell maintenance but in different ways. Two candidates stood out: CAF-1, a chaperone that works during genome duplication, and SPT6, a chaperone that works when genes are turned on.

The team found that when they disrupted CAF-1 and SPT6, the adult stem cells stopped dividing normally and began maturing instead into specific types of blood cells, suggesting that scientists may be able to guide stem cells into becoming desired cell types simply by manipulating histone chaperones.

Reuben Franklin, a postdoctoral fellow participating in the UCR California Institute of Regenerative Medicine scholar training program, continued working on histone chaperones and cell fate in Cheloufi's lab after earning his doctoral degree at UCR. He explained that the most striking finding of this study is how manipulating histone chaperones, which play multiple roles in cellular processes, can lead to very specific changes in stem cell identity.

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"Given that histone chaperones are common to all cells, it will be exciting to extend our work to other stem cell systems," he said.

"In this study, we found depleting CAF-1 led to a 'mixed cell state' where cells display traits of multiple distinct cell types, while loss of SPT6 triggered specific differentiation pathways. As gene and cell therapies evolve, these two histone chaperones could be targeted to influence cell identity and potentially guide stem cells into specific lineages. This is key for developing future therapies."

Brian Zhang, a student in UCR's Cell, Molecular, and Developmental Biology Graduate Program, is the research paper's co-first author along with Franklin. He used single cell sequencing technology to reveal what the stem cells were turning into after the activity of histone chaperones was disrupted.

"Biology poses some of the most complex questions," he said.

"Understanding why cells behave the way they dowhat governs their actionsis what drew me to this field. It's exciting to be part of a team that works to better understand how to control stem cell behavior, which could be leveraged for therapies focused on tissue regeneration or disease treatment."

Cheloufi, Franklin, and Zhang were joined in the study by other members of the Cheloufi lab, including a senior undergraduate student, Jonah Frazier, and collaborators from the UCR Department of Biochemistry; Massachusetts Institute of Technology; Massachusetts General Hospital; Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory in New York; and Yonsei University in Korea.

More information: Reuben Franklin et al, Histone chaperones coupled to DNA replication and transcription control divergent chromatin elements to maintain cell fate, Genes & Development (2025). DOI: 10.1101/gad.352316.124 Journal information: Genes & Development
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Nikki Johnston, a Ph.D. student at Portland State University, stands next to the Extant Life Volumetric Imaging System (ELVIS). This innovative system aims to advance how we study cellular processes in space. Credit: Jay Nadeau

Onboard the International Space Station (ISS), the Extant Life Volumetric Imaging System, dubbed ELVIS, is not about resurrecting rock-n-roll legends, but pioneering scientific discovery. Using innovative holographic technology to deliver detailed 3D views of cells and microbes, the system allows scientists to study the adaptability and resilience of life under extreme conditions. Knowledge gained could reveal how life might persist on distant moons and planets, significantly enhancing our search for life outside Earth.

Beyond the capabilities of traditional two-dimensional microscopes, ELVIS offers scientists a closer look at the intricate structure, volume, and environmental interactions of cellular organisms. This detailed view enables more accurate biological assessments that could shed light on the ability of life to thrive in the most extreme environments of space.

Portland State University (PSU), in collaboration with NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory, is spearheading the ELVIS project, which is scheduled to launch on SpaceX's 32nd Commercial Resupply Services (CRS) mission, contracted by NASA. The investigation combines expertise in biology, physics, and cutting-edge imaging technology, says Jay Nadeau, a physics professor at PSU and a principal investigator on the project.

"We are thrilled to leverage the ISS National Lab to prepare ELVIS for its future roles in space exploration missions," says Nadeau. She added, "The successful operation of ELVIS in the demanding conditions of space not only paves the way for its use in off-Earth environments but also holds implications for enhancing biomedical and microbiological research on our planet."

Portland State University's Extant Life Volumetric Imaging System (ELVIS) is shown during testing. Credit: Jay Nadeau

During its tenure in space, ELVIS will focus its analysis on two resilient types of Earth-based life forms: Euglena gracilis, a microalga lauded for its adaptability, and Colwellia psychrerythraea, a bacterium that thrives in frigid ocean waters. This study goes beyond merely observing organisms; it tests their observable and genetic adaptations to microgravity. The insights gained could illuminate how life might survive beneath the icy shells of distant moons like Europa and Enceladus.

Built to endure the rigors of space, ELVIS incorporates durable, low-maintenance components and features automation that minimizes astronaut involvement, ensuring experiments can run continuously without disruption. As ELVIS gears up for launch, the team looks forward to testing its full potential to explore the resilience and adaptability of life under extreme conditions, Nadeau noted.

SpaceX CRS-32 is scheduled to launch no earlier than April 21, 2025, at 4:15 a.m., from Launch Complex 39A at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida.

Provided by International Space Station U.S. National Laboratory
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This photo provided by the Oceanic Society shows a young green sea turtle in Guyana in 2007. Credit: Roderic Mast/Oceanic Society via AP

Endangered sea turtles show signs of recovery in a majority of places where they're found worldwide, according to a new global survey released Thursday.

"Many of the turtle populations have come back, though some haven't," said Duke ecologist Stuart Pimm, who was not involved with the research. "Overall, the sea turtle story is one of the real conservation success stories."

The study looked at 48 populations of sea turtles around the world. Scientists measured the impacts of threats such as hunting, pollution, coastal development and climate change to the marine animals. In more than half of the areas studied, threats are declining overall, the study found.

But there are some exceptions. Sea turtle populations in the Atlantic Ocean are more likely to be recovering than those in Pacific waters. And leatherback turtles are not faring as well as other species.

Globally, leatherbacks are considered vulnerable to extinction, but many groups are critically endangered, according to the International Union for Conservation of Nature.

All seven of the regions where leatherbacks are found face high environmental risks, said study co-author Bryan Wallace, a wildlife ecologist at Ecolibrium in Colorado.

This photo provided by the Oceanic Society shows a loggerhead turtle underwater in Belize in 2021. Credit: Ben Hamilton/Oceanic Society via AP

Leatherback turtles are famous for making the longest known marine migrations of any animalwith some individuals swimming as many as 3,700 miles (5,955 kilometers) each way. That feat moves them through a wide swath of regions and may expose them to unique risks, he said.

Meanwhile, green turtles are still considered endangered globally, but their populations show signs of recovery in many regions of the world, researchers found.

"By ending commercial harvests and allowing them time to rebound, their populations are now doing really well" in coastal waters off many regions of Mexico and the U.S., said co-author Michelle Maria Early Capistran, a Stanford University researcher who has conducted fieldwork in both countries.

Sea turtles were protected under the U.S. Endangered Species Act of 1973, and Mexico banned all captures of sea turtles in 1990. But it took a few decades for the results of these actionsalongside efforts to protect nesting beaches and reduce accidental bycatch in fishingto show up in population trends, she said.

This photo provided by the Oceanic Society shows a leatherback turtle in Trinidad in 2007. Credit: Roderic Mast/Oceanic Society via AP

This photo provided by the Oceanic Society shows a leatherback sea turtle on a beach in Trinidad in 2007. Credit: Brian J. Hutchinson/Oceanic Society via AP

This photo provided by the Oceanic Society shows a young olive Ridley turtle in Costa Rica in 2018. Credit: Brian J. Hutchinson/Oceanic Society via AP

This photo provided by the Oceanic Society shows a hawksbill turtle underwater in Indonesia in 2019. Credit: Ben Hamilton/Oceanic Society via AP

Around the world, the problem of sea turtles dying after accidentally becoming entangled in fishing gear remains a major threat, said Wallace. New technologies are being developed to spare turtles, but they must be accepted and used regularly by diverse fishing communities to be effective, he added.

The survey was published in the journal Endangered Species Research and is the first update in more than a decade.

More information: BP Wallace et al, Updated global conservation status and priorities for marine turtles, Endangered Species Research (2025). DOI: 10.3354/esr01385 Journal information: Endangered Species Research

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Terrestrial organic matter causes browning of lake waters and affects the energy sources and dynamics of aquatic food webs. Credit: Mikko Kiljunen

Lake ecosystems can receive high inputs of terrestrial organic matter (t-OM) that microbes make available to higher trophic level consumers. A Finnish-Dutch research group has examined the terrestrial reliance of 19 consumer groups from 35 boreal lakes using stable isotopes of hydrogen.

The paper is published in the journal Nature Communications.

According to the study, benthic macroinvertebrates and the benthivorous fish reliance on terrestrial energy (allochthony) was higher compared to pelagic plankton and planktivorous fish. Consumer allochthony decreased along the environmental gradient from forested to agricultural catchments, likely due to alteration in the origin of lake organic matter.

The team measured stable isotopes of hydrogen from 19 different consumer groups, from algae to top predators, from 35 boreal lakes and estimated consumer reliance on terrestrial energy using Bayesian mixing models.

"We found great differences in the energy dynamics of dystrophic and eutrophic lakes. Agriculture in the catchment areas decreases consumer allochthony at all trophic levels and feeding guilds due to increased algal production, while high forest coverage promotes consumer allochthony," says Postdoctoral Researcher Ossi Keva, who worked at the University of Jyvaskyla during the research.

Energy from food webs is reflected in fishes

Energy and biomass transfer in lake food webs can be studied with stable isotopes. Stable isotopes of hydrogen are particularly useful for differentiating aquatic and terrestrial biomass, as water loss by transpiration leads to strong enrichment of the heavy isotope in terrestrial plants, a process that is absent for submerged aquatic primary producers.

Dissolved and particulate organic matter in lakes can originate both from aquatic and terrestrial primary production. Some microbes are able to assimilate dissolved organic matter and thus channel the energy to higher trophic levels through predator-prey interactions.

"Across the study lakes, pelagic zooplankton derived their energy mainly from algal production, but a major part of benthic macroinvertebrate energy was terrestrial in origin. These patterns were also reflected in the origin of planktivorous and benthivorous fish energy according to their feeding guilds," explains Keva.

Changes in lake organic matter origin

The study shows that catchment area land use influences the origin of lake dissolved and particulate organic matter pools. Lakes with high coverage of agricultural areas in their catchment are usually more eutrophic and thus the organic matter there is mainly algal in origin. On the other hand, the organic matter pool in dystrophic lakes in forested areas is relatively more terrestrial in origin. Therefore, aquatic consumer reliance on terrestrial energy is altered across an environmental gradient. Consumer allochthony decreases from dystrophic lakes to eutrophic lakes.

"The study highlights that catchment area land use affects the transport of organic matter from donor terrestrial landscapes to recipient lake ecosystems, lake organic matter pool origin, lake energy dynamics and thus the function of the aquatic food webs," says Keva.

Researchers from Finland and the Netherlands collaborated on the consumer allochthony study.

More information: Ossi Keva et al, The role of land use in terrestrial support of boreal lake food webs, Nature Communications (2025). DOI: 10.1038/s41467-025-58505-y Journal information: Nature Communications
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Climatological and historical background for the Barbarian Conspiracy. a) Vaticanus Latinus 1873, one of two surviving independent manuscripts of Ammianus Res Gestae. b) Hadrians Wall. c) The broad movements of tribes outlined by Ammianus in the winter of 367 CE. d) Early Common Era hydroclimatic records covering 350500 CE over varying spatial scales. Credit: Climatic Change (2025). DOI: 10.1007/s10584-025-03925-4

Three consecutive years of drought contributed to the "Barbarian Conspiracy," a pivotal moment in the history of Roman Britain, a new Cambridge-led study in Climatic Change reveals.

Researchers argue that the Picts, Scotti and Saxons took advantage of famine and societal breakdown caused by an extreme period of drought to inflict crushing blows on weakened Roman defenses in 367 CE. While Rome eventually restored order, some historians argue that the province never fully recovered.

The "Barbarian Conspiracy" of 367 CE was one of the most severe threats to Rome's hold on Britain since the Boudiccan revolt three centuries earlier. Contemporary sources indicate that components of the garrison on Hadrian's wall rebelled and allowed the Picts to attack the Roman province by land and sea. Simultaneously, the Scotti from modern-day Ireland invaded broadly in the west, and Saxons from the continent landed in the south.

Senior Roman commanders were captured or killed, and some soldiers reportedly deserted and joined the invaders. Throughout the spring and summer, small groups roamed and plundered the countryside.

Britain's descent into anarchy was disastrous for Rome and it took two years for generals dispatched by Valentian I, Emperor of the Western Roman Empire, to restore order. The final remnants of official Roman administration left Britain some 40 years later around 410 CE.

The study used oak tree-ring records to reconstruct temperature and precipitation levels in southern Britain during and after the "Barbarian Conspiracy" in 367 CE. Combining this data with surviving Roman accounts, the researchers argue that severe summer droughts in 364, 365 and 366 CE were a driving force in these pivotal events.

First author Charles Norman, from Cambridge's Department of Geography, said, "We don't have much archaeological evidence for the "Barbarian Conspiracy." Written accounts from the period give some background, but our findings provide an explanation for the catalyst of this major event."

The researchers found that southern Britain experienced an exceptional sequence of remarkably dry summers from 364 to 366 CE. In the period 350500 CE, average monthly reconstructed rainfall in the main growing season (AprilJuly) was 51 mm. But in 364 CE, it fell to just 29mm; 365 CE was even worse with 28mm, and 37mm the following year kept the area in crisis.

Professor Ulf Buntgen, from Cambridge's Department of Geography, said, "Three consecutive droughts would have had a devastating impact on the productivity of Roman Britain's most important agricultural region. As Roman writers tell us, this resulted in food shortages with all of the destabilizing societal effects this brings."

Between 18362024 CE, southern Britain only experienced droughts of a similar magnitude seven timesmostly in recent decades, and none of these were consecutive, emphasizing how exceptional these droughts were in Roman times. The researchers identified no other major droughts in southern Britain in the period 350500 CE and found that other parts of northwestern Europe escaped these conditions.

Roman Britain's main produce were crops like spelt wheat and six-row barley. Because the province had a wet climate, sowing these crops in spring was more viable than in winter, but this made them vulnerable to late spring and early summer moisture deficits, and early summer droughts could lead to total crop failure.

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The researchers point to surviving accounts written by Roman chroniclers to corroborate these drought-driven grain deficits. By 367 CE, Ammianus Marcellinus described the population of Britain as in the "utmost conditions of famine."

"Drought from 364 to 366 CE would have impacted spring-sown crop growth substantially, triggering poor harvests," Charles Norman said. "This would have reduced the grain supply to Hadrian's Wall, providing a plausible motive for the rebellion there which allowed the Picts into northern Britain."

The study suggests that, given the crucial role of grain in the contract between soldiers and the army, grain deficits may have contributed to other desertions in this period, and therefore a general weakening of the Roman army in Britain. In addition, the geographic isolation of Roman Britain likely combined with the severity of the prolonged drought to reduce the ability of Rome to alleviate the deficits.

Ultimately, the researchers argue that military and societal breakdown in Roman Britain provided an ideal opportunity for peripheral tribes, including the Picts, Scotti and Saxons, to invade the province en masse with the intention of raiding rather than conquest.

Their finding that the most severe conditions were restricted to southern Britain undermines the idea that famines in other provinces might have forced these tribes to invade.

Andreas Rzepecki, from the Generaldirektion Kulturelles Erbe Rheinland-Pfalz, said, "Our findings align with the accounts of Roman chroniclers and the seemingly coordinated nature of the 'Conspiracy' suggests an organized movement of strong onto weak, rather than a more chaotic assault had the invaders been in a state of desperation."

"The prolonged and extreme drought seems to have occurred during a particularly poor period for Roman Britain, in which food and military resources were being stripped for the Rhine frontier, while immigratory pressures increased."

"These factors limited resilience, and meant a drought-induced, partial-military rebellion and subsequent external invasion were able to overwhelm the weakened defenses."

The researchers expanded their climate-conflict analysis to the entire Roman Empire for the period 350476 CE. They reconstructed the climate conditions immediately before and after 106 battles and found that a statistically significant number of battles were fought following dry years.

Tatiana Bebchuk, from Cambridge's Department of Geography, said, "The relationship between climate and conflict is becoming increasingly clear in our own time, so these findings aren't just important for historians. Extreme climate conditions lead to hunger, which can lead to societal challenges, which eventually lead to outright conflict."

More information: Charles Norman et al, Droughts and conflicts during the late Roman period, Climatic Change (2025). DOI: 10.1007/s10584-025-03925-4 Journal information: Climatic Change
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As a high-mass star explodes in this artists concept, it produces a jet of high-energy particles. We see GRBs when such gets point almost directly at Earth. Credit: NASA/Swift/Cruz deWilde

Gamma-ray bursts (GRBs) are the most energetic events ever observed in the universe. These powerful outbursts can shine a quintillion (1018) times brighter than the sun. Since they were first detected in 1967 by the Vela 3 and 4 satellites, which were designed to detect nuclear detonations, astronomers have been searching for the origin of these events. At present, it is generally accepted that long-duration GRBs are caused by the collapse of massive stars, while short-duration bursts are caused by the merger of binary objects (neutron stars and/or black holes).

Astronomers have recently considered how these powerful events could be used to examine star formation in early galaxies and measure cosmic distances. In a recent paper, a team of American and Hungarian scientists proposes using GRBs to probe the universe's large-scale structure. As they explain, this method could allow astronomers and cosmologists to resolve unanswered questions regarding current cosmological models and the structure of the universe.

The research was led by Istvan Horvath, a Professor of Physics and Natural Sciences at the National University of Public Service (NUPS) in Budapest, Hungary. He was joined by colleagues at the NUPS, Eotvos University, the Research Center for Astronomy and Earth Sciences at the Konkoly Observatory, the University of Debrecen, the Center for Space Plasma and Aeronomic Research (SCPA) University of Alabama in Huntsville. The findings are published in the journal Universe.

Credit: NASA

According to standard cosmological models, the universe is homogeneous and isotropic on large scales, meaning that it appears similar in every location and direction and has no specific center. This is known as the Cosmological Principle, which is derived from the Copernican Principle, which argues that no position in the universe is unique or special.

However, several cosmic structures that challenge this principle have been observed using GRBs and other luminous objects. This includes Lopez's "Giant Arc," a galaxy clustering covering an estimated 3.3 billion light-years of space.

As the authors note, GRBs are so bright that they can be observed at great distances. Using current instruments, GRBs have been detected at redshifts of z = 7 or higher, corresponding to cosmic distances of about 13 billion light-years.

In recent years, astronomers have used these events to detect other over-densities, including galaxy clusters like the Sloan Great Wall, the South Pole Wall, and the King Ghidorah Supercluster. Then there's the HerculesCorona Borealis Great Wall (HerCrbGW), the largest cosmic structure ever observed (measuring an estimated 10 billion light-years across).

As the team explains, assuming that large anisotropic regions are common in the universe, GRBs could be used to explore them. While previous studies of GRBs showed slight anisotropies in the distribution of matter, these efforts were complicated because early instruments could not measure GRB distances. This issue was resolved when astronomers discovered that redshifts could be measured based on observations of GRB afterglows.

In addition, the transient nature of GRBs means that only parts of any large-scale structures can be observed at any given time. The key here is to conduct integrated time-span observations of bursts, which will provide larger samples that can be used to measure structures and compare them to the universal average. For the team, this consisted of utilizing GRB databases that included measurements of their position, afterglows, and redshifts.

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Most of these were detected by NASA's Neil Gehrels Swift Observatory and Fermi Gamma-Ray Space Telescope. At the same time, redshifts were primarily obtained from the Gamma-Ray Burst Online Index (GRBOX), updated data from the Gamma-ray Coordinates Network (GCN), and the publicly available dataset compiled by Jochen Greiner of the Max-Planck-Institute for Extraterrestrial Physics (MPE). From these sources, they identified 542 GRBs with accurately measured redshifts and known angular locations.

Of these, 262 were located in the northern galactic hemisphere, where they concentrated their analysis (and where the HerCrbGW is located). In previous work, Horvath and his colleagues identified three clusters in this structure. In this latest study, they identified a fourth cluster encompassing the third that contained 110 to 120 GRBs and spanned a larger redshift range than the previous two (0.33  z  2.43). As they concluded, these findings suggest that HerCrbGW is significantly larger in radial size than previously thought.

Their results further demonstrate the potential of using GRBs to probe distances, structure, and other cosmic parameters. However, they also note that their study was subject to biases and unresolved questions about the spatial distribution of GRBs. "Consequently, large-scale anomalies in the GRB spatial distribution can exist which are not necessarily seen in other cosmic objects," they stated. "Further detailed observations are necessary to obtain a satisfactory solution to this problem."

More information: Istvan Horvath et al, Scanning the Universe for Large-Scale Structures Using Gamma-Ray Bursts, Universe (2025). DOI: 10.3390/universe11040121. On arXiv: DOI: 10.48550/arxiv.2504.05354 Journal information: arXiv
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Snowfall in April is not unusual in the Alps but the quantity of snow has taken many residents by surprise.

An unusually heavy spring storm across the Alps sparked chaos on Thursday, as it dumped more than a meter of snow in some areas, shutting ski areas, roads, trains and schools as authorities urged people to stay home.

The heavy snowfall killed at least one person while another was severely injured in an avalanche as snow blanketed areas of Switzerland, Italy and France.

Although snowfall in April is not unusual in the Alps, the amount that has fallen took parts of the region by surprise.

In the French resort of Tignes, authorities ordered residents to remain indoors after more than 1.1 meters (yards) of snow fell overnight.

"All cars are covered up to the roof... Just walking outside is worrying," said Mathis, a hotel employee in Tignes who declined to give his full name.

In the nearby ski station of Val Thorens, a woman was found in cardiac arrest after being buried in an avalanche, authorities said.

The risk of avalanches was declared at the highest 5/5 level and closed several ski stations in the region.

In Italy, the air force's weather service reported "intense and abundant" rain that above 1,800 meters turned to snow.

Firefighters said on X that an "elderly man" had been found dead in the Italian Piedmont region, with local news outlets reporting he was 92.

Many roads and tunnels are shut in all three countries due to fallen trees or avalanche risks.

'Exceptional' snowfall

In neighboring Switzerland, "exceptional" snowfalls hit the southwestern canton of Valais.

Many roads and tunnels were shut in all three countries due to fallen trees or avalanche risks and some schools remain closed.

Dozens of heavy trucks that cannot use cross-border tunnels were at a standstill on the side of the A43 motorway linking France and Italy.

Train traffic was also affected and by mid-afternoon more than 3,300 French households were still without power, according to the local Savoie prefecture.

 2025 AFP
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Credit: Unsplash/CC0 Public Domain

The April 2025 flooding disaster in Kinshasa, the capital of the Democratic Republic of Congo, wasn't just about intense rainfall. It was a symptom of recent land use change which has occurred rapidly in the city, turning it into a sprawling urban settlement without the necessary drainage infrastructure.

Local rains combined with runoff from torrential rains coming from neighboring Congo Central Province quickly overwhelmed the city's small urban tributaries. The Ndjili River and its tributary (Lukaya), which run through the city, overflowed and flooded homes on either side.

This led to the deaths of at least 70 people, 150 injured and the temporary displacement of more than 21,000 people. Floods affected the running of 73 health care facilities. Access to water and transport services were disrupted in large parts of the city. People could only move around by dugout canoe or by swimming in flooded avenues.

Floods have become recurrent in the DRC. The last quarter of 2023 and the beginning of 2024 saw the most devastating floods there and in neighboring countries since the 1960s.

According to UN World Urbanization Prospects (2025), the reason the floods have become this devastating is the growth of Kinshasa. The city is the most densely populated city in the DRC, the most populous city and third-largest metropolitan area in Africa.

Kinshasa's 2025 population is estimated at 17,778,500. Back in 1950, it was 201,905. In the past year alone, the city's population has grown by 746,200, a 4.38% annual change. At least 2% of the population live in areas prone to flooding.

Urban infrastructure, especially flood-related, is non-existent or inadequate. Where it exists, drainage systems are blocked by solid waste, itself another sign of the city whose public services such as waste collection have become dysfunctional.

We have been studying the characteristics of flooding and the prediction of risk linked to it in the Congo Basin for five years as part of our work at the Congo Basin Water Resources Research Center in Kinshasa. We study the movement of water in natural and modified environments and its interactions with infrastructure over a range of geographical scales. We argue in this article that understanding why Kinshasa floods means recognizing two very different water systems at playand how urban growth has made the city more vulnerable to both.

Kinshasa faces two distinct flood hazards: first, flooding from the Congo River, which typically peaks around December and January; and, second, urban flood events driven by local rainfall and runoff from the hills south of the city around April and December.

Most of Kinshasa's flood disasters have come from the second type. And as Kinshasa has urbanized, expanding into the floodplains, but without the necessary urban infrastructure, the impact of urban flood events has become worse.

With more sealed surfacesbecause of more urban settlementsand less natural water absorption, more rainwater runs off, and faster. This overwhelms the city's small urban tributaries and the Ndjili River.

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Growth of Kinshasa and flood

As the city has expanded, so has its flood exposure. The city's tributaries drain steep, densely populated urban slopes and are highly responsive to rainfall.

Of Kinshasa's two flood risks, the impact of Congo River flooding can be observed in large cities located along major rivers, and typically peaks around January. These are seasonal floods driven by rainfall across the whole Congo Basin.

Research at Congo Basin Water Resources Research Center shows that while Congo River high water levels can cause "backwater effects"the upstream rise in water level caused by reduced flow downstreammost damaging floods result from intense local rainfall overwhelming the city's small river catchments. The flood risk analysis indicates that 38 territories are the hotspot of flooding in the Congo Basin. Kinshasa is a hotspot due to its double risk sources and extensive urbanization.

The urban flood events are more challenging. They can happen with less rainfall and cause major destruction. They are driven by local rainfall and rapid growth of informal settlements.

Other cities face similar risks. In 2024, Nairobi suffered deadly floods after prolonged rain overwhelmed informal neighborhoods and infrastructure.

Across Africa, cities are growing faster than their infrastructure can keep up with. Kinshasa has unique exposure, but also strong local research capacity.

The Congo River's seasonal peaks are relatively well understood and monitored. But urban tributaries are harder to predict.

DRC's meteorological agency Mettelsat and its partners are building capacity for real-time monitoring. But the April 2025 floods showed that community-level warning systems did not work.

Climate change is expected to intensify extreme rainfall in central Africa. While annual totals may not increase, short, intense storms could become more frequent.

This increases pressure on cities already struggling with today's rains. In Kinshasa, the case for climate-resilient planning and infrastructure is urgent.

What needs to change?

Forecasting rainfall is not enough. Government agencies in collaboration with universities must also forecast flood impactand ensure people can act on the warnings. There is a need to put in place systems to achieve this under a catchment integrated flood management plan.

The main elements of such a plan include:

Improved early warning systems: Use advanced technologies (such as satellites) to gather real-time data on environmental conditions.

Upgraded drainage infrastructure: Identify weaknesses and areas prone to flooding, to manage storm water better.

Enforcement of land use planning: Establish clear regulations that define flood-prone areas; outline permissible land uses.

Define safety perimeters around areas at risk of flooding: Use historical data, flood maps, and hydrological studies to pinpoint areas that are at risk. Regulate development and activities there.

Local engagement in flood preparedness: Educate residents about flood risks, preparedness measures, and emergency response.

Institutions such as the Congo Basin Water Resources Research Center play a critical role, not just in research but in turning knowledge into action. Rainfall may trigger the flood, but urban systems decide whether it becomes a disaster. And those systems can change.

This article is republished from The Conversation under a Creative Commons license. Read the original article.
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Research work in IIMCB laboratories. Credit: International Institute of Molecular and Cell Biology in Warsaw

Researchers from the International Institute of Molecular and Cell Biology in Warsaw (IIMCB) have described a new mechanism that improves the efficiency of mRNA-based therapies. The research findings could facilitate the development of novel therapeutics against cancers and infectious diseases.

The scientific experiments were carried out at IIMCB, but important contributions also came from collaborators at the Faculty of Physics and Faculty of Biology of the University of Warsaw, the Medical University of Warsaw, and the Institute of Biochemistry and Biophysics of the Polish Academy of Sciences. The study by the Polish researchers has just been published in Nature.

"mRNA vaccines played a key role in controlling the spread of the pandemic. However, mRNA itself is an exceptionally unstable molecule. This does not affect the safety of the therapy but limits its effectivenessfor example, by shortening the duration of action. A particularly important role in mRNA stability is played by its so-called poly(A) tail. In our research, we examined these limitations," says Prof. Andrzej Dziembowski from the Laboratory of RNA BiologyERA Chairs Group at the International Institute of Molecular and Cell Biology in Warsaw, one of the lead authors of the study.

His team analyzed the anii-COVID-19 vaccines, Comirnaty and Spikevax, widely used during the pandemic. Both operate similarly: they contain mRNA molecules carrying instructions for producing the S protein, present on the surface of the SARSCoV2 coronavirus.

"The mRNA present in vaccines works just like the natural mRNA from our cells. After intramuscular administration, the vaccine's mRNA reaches immune cells, which produce the S protein. Our body learns to recognize it. Thus, if we later encounter the real virus, our organism will be ready to react and prevent the disease," says Dr. Seweryn Mroczek from IIMCB and the University of Warsaw.

As the researchers explain, each mRNA molecule has a poly(A) tail at its end. It is essential for mRNA stability and effective protein production. "We decided to take a closer look at these tails," adds Dr. Mroczek. "We wanted to understand how poly(A) tails change during the vaccine's action," summarizes the scientist.

The researchers used modern technology called nanopore sequencing, which allowed direct reading of sequences of vaccine mRNA molecules, including the poly(A) tails.

"We created specialized software to analyze sequencing data from therapeutic mRNA molecules, focusing on poly(A) tail metabolism," adds Dr. Pawe Krawczyk from Prof. Dziembowski's research group, who was responsible for computational methods.

TENT5Aa time machine for mRNA

A team of Polish researchers from the International Institute of Molecular and Cell Biology in Warsaw collaborated with scientists from other research units from the Ochota Campus. This Warsaw-based scientific hub hosts some of Poland's most prominent research institutes and academic institutions. The team was the first in the world to describe the crucial role of the enzyme TENT5A in extending the aforementioned poly(A) tails of therapeutic mRNA molecules.

DRS of mRNA-1273 reveals the CCR4NOT-mediated dynamics of its poly(A) tail in model cell lines. Credit: Nature (2025). DOI: 10.1038/s41586-025-08842-1

"Until now, it was assumed that the poly(A) tail of mRNA therapeutics could only be shortened. Extending it is like flipping over an hourglassit 'buys' extra time, allowing the mRNA to function significantly longer in cells," explains Dr. Krawczyk.

The enzyme TENT5A is naturally present in certain cells of our body. Its role is to add building blocks to the mRNA's poly(A) tail.

"We have demonstrated that TENT5A makes mRNA molecules more stable, enabling longer-lasting and more effective production of antigenssubstances that trigger the body's immune response," clarifies Dr. Krawczyk.

"Stabilization of mRNA molecules by the TENT5A enzyme is a mechanism that has been poorly understood so far, yet it is universal. It holds enormous potential for medicine, as extensive research is currently underway into various applications of mRNA as therapeutics," adds Prof. Dziembowski.

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Macrophagesthe key to vaccine effectiveness

The study also allowed researchers to understand which type of cells plays the most important role in the action of mRNA vaccines. Scientists have proved these to be macrophages. These immune cells are responsible for capturing and neutralizing "intruders." After vaccine administration, macrophages migrate to the injection site, take up mRNA carried in special lipid molecules, and subsequently produce the antigen encoded in them.

"Already in the early stages of our research, we observed that the poly(A) tail is extended in macrophages, but at that time we did not realize how crucial these cells were," says Dr. Mroczek from the Laboratory of RNA Biology at IIMCB. "During the course of the study, we demonstrated that the absence of TENT5A in macrophages reduces vaccine efficacy."

Researchers from the International Institute of Molecular and Cell Biology in Warsaw emphasize that despite the breakthrough findings, knowledge about mRNA metabolism still requires deeper understanding. "In future studies within the Virtual Research Institute, we plan to use our discoveries to develop improved mRNA-based medicines," says Prof. Dziembowski.

The research that led to the publication was conducted using the IN-MOL-CELL Infrastructure of the International Institute of Molecular and Cell Biology in Warsaw.

As the researchers from IIMCB emphasize, the publication would not have been possible without the dedication and skills of all team members. The scientific experiments were carried out at IIMCB, but important contributions also came from collaborators at the University of Warsaw, the Medical University of Warsaw, and the Institute of Biochemistry and Biophysics of the Polish Academy of Sciences.

More information: Pawe S. Krawczyk et al, Re-adenylation by TENT5A enhances efficacy of SARS-CoV-2 mRNA vaccines, Nature (2025). DOI: 10.1038/s41586-025-08842-1 Journal information: Nature
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Credit: U of A System Division of Agriculture / Scott Lafontaine

Small organisms can have a big impact, and researchers have explored nearly a dozen nontraditional yeast strains to determine which ones could brew the best nonalcoholic beers for a rapidly growing market.

The Center for Beverage Innovation and Lafontaine Labincluding researchers with the Dale Bumpers College of Agricultural, Food and Life Sciences at the University of Arkansas and the Arkansas Agricultural Experiment Stationevaluated 11 commercially available yeasts to identify their strengths based on chemical analysis and sensory panel opinions.

The study is published in ACS Food Science and Technology. The experiment station is the research arm of the University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture.

"These findings provide brewers with actionable insights to select yeasts that align with desired nonalcoholic beer characteristics and enable them to produce style-specific, high-quality nonalcoholic beers," said Scott Lafontaine, assistant professor of food chemistry in the food science department, co-director of the Center for Beverage Innovation and corresponding author of the study.

Most of the yeasts that were tested in the study are strains that have been developed or screened not to ferment maltose, the primary sugar created from malted barley in the beermaking process.

While physically extracting and removing alcohol from ordinarily fermented beverages requires costly equipment, biologically limiting alcohol from forming during the fermentation process opens the nonalcoholic beer space to a wider group of small-scale brewers, Lafontaine noted.

Andrew Maust, a Bumpers College graduate student working in the Lafontaine Lab/Center for Beverage Innovation, and lead author of the study, said that while these "maltose-negative" yeasts still ferment simpler sugars like glucose, fructose and sometimes sucrose, not fermenting maltose results in low- or nonalcoholic beer.

"Typically, when people think of the role of yeast in brewing, they only think of the creation of ethanol and carbon dioxide from the consumption of sugars," Maust said. "That reaction occurs, but the beauty of yeast is that they also produce a wide range of compounds that become the soul of beer."

Classic yeast-driven flavors include fruity, spicy and floral notes, as well as the ability to biologically transform the rest of the raw materials in the brewing process, Maust added.

"Over several hundred years, we've domesticated and evolved these organisms to act exactly how we want them, often leading to yeast choice as a driver of regional beer flavors and styles," Maust explained.

Growing market

The timing of this study and its findings are critical, Lafontaine said, as nonalcoholic beer remains one of the few bright spots in the craft beer segment amid the category's rapid expansion. In the United States, nonalcoholic beers are defined as containing 0.5% alcohol by volume or less, while international definitions typically range from 0.05% to 1.2%.

Consumer demand for nonalcoholic beer has surged due to health and wellness trends. According to a Statista forecast published in 2024, nonalcoholic beer production in the U.S. has grown for 10 consecutive years and is projected to increase another 13.5% by 2029. In Germany, nonalcoholic beer makes up roughly 5% of the beer market and is even marketed as a post-workout beverage.

Despite this momentum and although brands are getting much better, Maust said, flavor remains a key hurdle.

"A common barrier to adoption in the U.S. is the perception that nonalcoholic beers lack flavor and depth compared to their full-strength counterparts," Maust said.

Lafontaine has been studying nonalcoholic beer since 2019, with earlier work focused on characterizing commercial products to understand which flavor chemistry and sensory attributes of existing nonalcoholic beers best matched consumer expectations. This new study marks a significant evolution, Lafontaine said, by moving from analyzing finished beers to actively developing and evaluating nonalcoholic beer formulations in the lab.

The work builds on Lafontaine's previous research, published in 2020, looking at factors that influence flavor and American consumer preference toward nonalcoholic beer.

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Targeting beer styles

Up to this point, Lafontaine said, most beverage design work in the nonalcoholic beer category has been to develop them as "lager-like." But the Lafontaine Lab team wanted to see what maltose-negative yeasts might be suitable to replicate other full-strength commercial styles, including pale ale, lager and wheat beers. To match up their experimental maltose-negative beers with these commercial styles, the researchers used sensomics, a combination of chemical and sensory analyses.

Two Berkeley Yeast strainsNA Cabana and NA Classicshared tropical fruit and citrus-floral characteristics akin to pale ales.

NAY also aligned with pale ale profiles, with banana and melon notes that align with previous Lafontaine Lab research showing a North American preference for nonalcoholic beers with fruity esters.

Yeast strains like NA All Day from White Labs and Torulaspora delbrueckii produced cereal, wort, and dried fruit aromas associated with lager styles. Meanwhile, LA-01 from Fermentis scored high in the wheat beer category due to its spicy and clove-like notes.

"Characterizing these flavor profiles created by nontraditional yeasts gives brewers a more precise palette to work with as they craft distinct beer styles," Lafontaine said. "It opens the door to new flavor possibilities and more intentional product design."

Fermentation speed and production insights

One of the study's production-level takeaways was the variation in fermentation onset. Some yeasts began fermenting almost immediately and were finished in about 12 to 24 hours. Others took a bit longer to finish fermentation around the 48 to 72-hour mark.

"Faster fermentation can help brewers turn over tanks quicker, increasing throughput," Maust said. "That's a key operational advantage."

While full-strength beer production often involves reusing yeast, Maust noted that this practice is discouraged in nonalcoholic beer brewing due to concerns about unwanted maltose fermentation and spoilage organisms.

"It's a tradeoffyou lose adaptive potential, but gain consistency and safety," he said.

A resource for brewers

By systematically analyzing yeast performance across alcohol content, fermentation speed and sensory outcomes, Lafontaine said the study delivers a practical resource for brewers navigating the nonalcoholic beer space.

"This work bridges academic research and real-world brewing needs," Lafontaine said. "We're providing a roadmap for brewers to select the best yeast for the style, flavor profile and production process they're targeting."

Food-safe NABs

Considering the lack of alcohol to kill foodborne pathogens in nonalcoholic beer, Lafontaine and Maust will be examining the food safety aspects of nonalcoholic beer in their next experiments.

"Alcohol is a powerful preservative, and without it there are some questions about how best to safely process these products," Maust said. "Upcoming experiments will focus on quantifying the anti-microbial activity of ingredients and processing decisions, providing further clarity on how to design these beverages to be both safe and flavorful."

More information: Andrew Maust et al, Exploring Non-traditional Yeast for Flavor Innovation in Non-Alcoholic Beer, ACS Food Science & Technology (2025). DOI: 10.1021/acsfoodscitech.5c00291
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When an ordinary beam of neutrons strikes the teams silicon grating, the millions of scored lines on the grating convert the neutrons into an Airy beam, whose wavefront travels along a parabolic path. The triangular shapes on the detector match the predicted behavior of an Airy beam, offering evidence of the teams success. Credit: N. Hanacek / NIST

In a physics first, a team including scientists from the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) has created a way to make beams of neutrons travel in curves. These Airy beams (named for English scientist George Airy), which the team created using a custom-built device, could enhance neutrons' ability to reveal useful information about materials ranging from pharmaceuticals to perfumes to pesticidesin part because the beams can bend around obstacles.

"We've known about these strange, self-steering wave patterns for a while, but until now, no one had ever made them with neutrons," said NIST's Michael Huber, one of the paper's authors. "This opens up a whole new way to control neutron beams, which could help us see inside materials or explore some big questions in physics."

A paper announcing the findings appears in Physical Review Letters.

The team was led by the University of Buffalo's Dusan Sarenac, and co-authors from the Institute for Quantum Computing (IQC) at the University of Waterloo in Canada built the custom device that helped create the Airy beam. The team also includes scientists from the University of Maryland, Oak Ridge National Laboratory, Switzerland's Paul Scherrer Institut, and Germany's Julich Center for Neutron Science at Heinz Maier-Leibnitz Zentrum.

In addition to following parabola-shaped paths, Airy beams behave in other ways that can defy intuition. Unlike a typical flashlight beam, they do not spread out as they travel. They even have the capability of "self-healing," meaning that if an obstacle blocks part of the beam, the rest of the beam regenerates its original shape after passing the obstacle.

While other research teams have created Airy beams out of other particlessuch as photons or electronswrangling neutrons into Airy beams is more difficult. Lenses are powerless to bend them, and because neutrons have no charge, electric fields do not affect them. The team needed a new approach.

So the researchers custom-built a diffraction grating arraya square of silicon about the size of a pencil eraser's head and scored with tiny lines. These lines, arranged into more than six million squares one micrometer across and separated at precise distances from one another, can split an ordinary beam of neutrons into an Airy beam.

While the idea of scratching up a piece of silicon is simple in principle, figuring out just how to arrange the scratches to produce the Airy beam was anything but.

"It took us years of work to figure out the correct dimensions for the array," said co-author Dmitry Pushin, IQC faculty and professor at the University of Waterloo. "We only needed about 48 hours to carve the grating at the University of Waterloo's nanofabrication facility, but before that it took years of a postdoctoral fellow's time to prepare."

Neutron Airy beams could help neutron imaging facilities see better, Huber said. They would help increase the resolution of a scan or create different focal spots to look more closely at particular parts of objects, improving commonly used imaging techniques such as neutron scattering and neutron diffraction.

One of the most tantalizing possibilities, Huber said, would be to find ways to combine a neutron Airy beam with another type of neutron beam.

"We think combining neutron beams could expand the Airy beams' usefulness," said Sarenac. "If someone wants Airy beams tailored for some physics or material application, they can tweak our techniques and get them."

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For example, scientists might combine a neutron Airy beam with a helical wave of neutrons, which the team learned to create a decade ago. Superimposing the two beams would allow scientists to explore a material's chiralitya characteristic often described as "handedness," where a molecule has two mirror-image forms that can have dramatically different properties.

A better way to explore and characterize chirality could facilitate the development of chiral molecules with specific properties and functions, potentially revolutionizing industries such as pharmaceuticals, materials science and chemical manufacturing. The global market for chiral drugs, for example, exceeds $200 billion annually, and chiral catalysis techniques underpin the manufacture of many chemical products.

Chirality is also growing in importance for quantum computing and other cutting-edge electronic applications such as spintronics.

"A material's chirality can influence how electrons spin, and we could use spin-polarized electrons for information storage and processing," Huber said. "Controlling it could also help us manipulate the qubits that form the building blocks of quantum computers. Neutron Airy beams could help us explore materials with these capabilities far more effectively."

More information: Dusan Sarenac et al, Generation of Neutron Airy Beams, Physical Review Letters (2025). DOI: 10.1103/PhysRevLett.134.153401 Journal information: Physical Review Letters

This story is republished courtesy of NIST. Read the original story here.
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The Tijuana River has been plagued with raw sewage and industrial waste from Tijuana for decades, fouling beaches along the U.S.-Mexico border with polluted water and sending foul odors drifting through communities in San Diego County.

On Wednesday, the environmental group American Rivers ranked the Tijuana River No. 2 on its annual list of the nation's most endangered rivers, up from No. 9 on the list last year. The group said it elevated the river on the list, right behind the first-ranked Mississippi River, to bring greater attention to the waterway's chronic pollution problems and the lack of action to clean it up.

Activists with another group, Surfrider Foundation, are also circulating a petition calling for President Donald Trump to declare a national emergency to expedite efforts to curb the flow of untreated sewage and clean up the river.

"The Tijuana River has moved from just being a pollution problem to being a public health crisis. Elevating the Tijuana River on our most endangered rivers list reflects that urgency," said Ann Willis, American Rivers' California regional director.

"What we need urgently is for the Trump administration to make a federal emergency declaration. This would free up funding to address some of the right-now problems."

EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin responded to the announcement of the river's ranking in an emailed statement, saying "the raw sewage flowing from Mexico into the Tijuana River is creating serious, detrimental issues for communities with affected waterways."

"Ensuring America's waters are clean is part of EPA's core mission, and I look forward to being on the ground in San Diego in a few days to assess the situation and hear directly from those affected," Zeldin said.

"It is top of mind knowing that as this issue persists, more and more Navy SEALs remain at risk of sickness because of the contaminated waterways they train in. I strongly believe the time has come to finalize and implement an urgent strategy to end decades of raw sewage entering the U.S."

In addition to more funding from the U.S. government to repair and maintain sewage treatment facilities that regularly break down, the environmental groups called for Mexico to take additional steps to fix sewage leaks and make other improvements on its side of the border.

They noted that Mexico has made progress in recent years. Tijuana recently completed construction of a new sewage treatment plant in the area of San Antonio de los Buenos, a project that is part of a larger infrastructure plan developed by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.

"We need both federal governments to step up and do more," said Sarah Davidson, manager of Surfrider's Clean Border Water Now program. "It will require cooperation across the border. It will require diplomacy and long-term funding from both governments, so it's necessary to find those avenues to work with the Mexican government as well."

Willis said funding from the U.S. government is needed to fix the South Bay International Wastewater Treatment Plant north of the border, which handles sewage from Tijuana and is in disrepair, as well as measures such as pollution monitoring and health studies in communities near the river.

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"Pollution from the Tijuana River is carried not just in the river itself, but it moves into the air when the river flows into the ocean, and the ocean spray turns the pollution into an aerosol," Willis said. "This is creating a public health crisis, not just for local communities, but also our military."

The environmental group cited a recent report from the Department of Defense showing that about 1,100 cases of illnesses were reported among Navy SEALS and other service members who were exposed to high levels of bacteria when they trained in and around the ocean near the border.

The Tijuana River flows 120 miles, starting in Baja California and crossing into Southern California, then reaching the Pacific Ocean in Imperial Beach. Beaches near the river mouth and the sewage treatment plant outfall have regularly been closed because of high levels of bacteria in the ocean.

Residents have also raised concerns about the potential health effects of high levels of hydrogen sulfide and other gases and vapors emanating from the river.

"This is one of the largest ongoing public health and environmental justice crises in our country," Davidson said. "It's similar to other environmental catastrophes, like the water crisis in Flint, Mich., and elsewhere, and we really just need more awareness, more pressure, more prioritization in our federal government to get the funding on the issue that we require for solutions."

As they held a news conference by the river Wednesday, Davidson and others wore respirators to protect themselves from the air pollution.

"It really is impacting every aspect of community life for those communities in and near the Tijuana River Valley," Davidson said. "So it's a pretty desperate situation, and we really just need all of the help we can get from everyone at every level of government."

2025 Los Angeles Times. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.
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Junichiro Kono. Credit: George Vidal / Rice University

A team of Rice University researchers has developed a new way to control light interactions using a specially engineered structure called a 3D photonic-crystal cavity. Their work, published in the journal Nature Communications, lays the foundation for technologies that could enable transformative advancements in quantum computing, quantum communication and other quantum-based technologies.

"Imagine standing in a room surrounded by mirrors," said Fuyang Tay, an alumnus of Rice's Applied Physics Graduate Program and first author of the study. "If you shine a flashlight inside, the light will bounce back and forth, reflecting endlessly. This is similar to how an optical cavity worksa tailored structure that traps light between reflective surfaces, allowing it to bounce around in specific patterns."

These patterns with discrete frequencies are called cavity modes, and they can be used to enhance light-matter interactions, making them potentially useful in quantum information processing, developing high-precision lasers and sensors and building better photonic circuits and fiber-optic networks. Optical cavities can be difficult to build, so the most widely used ones have simpler, unidimensional structures.

Tay, together with Rice doctoral alumnus Ali Mojibpour and other team members, built a complex 3D optical cavity and used it to study how multiple cavity modes interact with a thin layer of free-moving electrons exposed to a static magnetic field. The key question guiding their investigation was what happens when multiple cavity modes interact with the electrons simultaneously.

"It is well known that electrons strongly interact with each other, but photons do not," said Junichiro Kono, the Karl F. Hasselmann Professor in Engineering, professor of electrical and computer engineering and materials science and nanoengineering and the study's corresponding author. "This cavity confines light, which strongly enhances the electromagnetic fields and leads to strong coupling between light and matter, creating quantum superposition statesso-called polaritons."

Polaritons, also known as hybrid light-matter states, present a way to control and manipulate light at very small scales, which could enable faster and more energy-efficient quantum computing and communication technologies. Polaritons can also behave collectively, giving rise to states of quantum entanglement that could be used for new types of quantum circuits and sensors.

A team of Rice researchers has developed a new way to control light interactions using a specially engineered structure called a 3D photonic-crystal cavity that could enable transformative advancements in quantum computing, quantum communication and other quantum-based technologies. Credit: Gustavo Raskosky / Rice University

If the interaction binding photons and electrons into polaritons is extremely intenseto the point where the exchange of energy between light and matter happens so fast it resists dissipationa new regime comes into effect known as ultrastrong coupling.

"Ultrastrong coupling describes an unusual mode of interaction between light and matter where the two become deeply hybridized," said Tay, who is currently a postdoctoral researcher at Columbia University.

The researchers used terahertz radiation to observe how the cavity modes and electrons couple inside the 3D optical cavity, navigating experimental challenges such as the need for ultracold temperatures and strong magnetic fields.

They found not only that different cavity modes interact with moving electrons in an ultrastrong coupling regime but also that this multimodal light-matter coupling is dependent on the polarization of the incoming light, which triggers one of two forms of interaction.

"Depending on the polarization of the light, the cavity modes either remain independent, or they mix together, forming completely new hybrid modes," Tay said. "This suggests we can engineer materials where different cavity modes 'talk' to each other through the electrons in a magnetic field, creating new correlated states."

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If initially the researchers were mainly focused on how the 3D photonic crystal cavity served to increase light-matter coupling, the realization that the setup could be used to induce matter-mediated photon-photon coupling came as an "aha moment" in the research, said Andrey Baydin, an assistant research professor of electrical and computer engineering at Rice and study co-author.

Andrey Baydin and Fuyang Tay. Credit: Gustavo Raskosky / Rice University

"This matter-mediated photon-photon coupling can lead to new protocols and algorithms in quantum computation and quantum communications," Kono said.

Alessandro Alabastri, assistant professor of electrical and computer engineering, together with Stephen Sanders, a postdoctoral researcher in his lab, developed a simulation of the cavity structure, replicating the material properties and electromagnetic field dynamics observed during the experiment.

Alabastri praised Tay for his interest in understanding the simulation side of the work in addition to the experimental side.

"He is an experimentalist, but what I found really interesting is that he was really willing to learn the computational part as well," Alabastri said.

By providing a new approach to engineering light-matter interactions and ultrastrong photon-photon couplings, the research findings pave the way for the development of hyperefficient quantum processors, high-speed data transmission and next-generation sensors.

"Quantum phenomena or states are famously fragile," said Kono, who serves as the director of Rice's Smalley-Curl Institute. "Cavity quantum electrodynamics is an emerging field of research for quantum technology, where the cavity setting provides a controlled environment for protecting and harnessing quantum states. At Rice, we have been very active in quantum science researchwe are tackling some of the biggest challenges in the field."

More information: Fuyang Tay et al, Multimode ultrastrong coupling in three-dimensional photonic-crystal cavities, Nature Communications (2025). DOI: 10.1038/s41467-025-58835-x Journal information: Nature Communications
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Spatial distribution of SPP events of different durations [(a) 23 d; (b) 46 d; (c) 713 d; (d) 14 d] from 19612020. China is divided into eight regions, as shown in (d): Northwest China (NWC); North China (NC); Northeast China (NEC); the western Tibetan Plateau (WTP); the eastern Tibetan Plateau (ETP); Central China (CC); East China (EC); and South China (SC). Credit: Advances in Atmospheric Sciences (2025). DOI: 10.1007/s00376-024-4306-4

Extreme rainfall events can cause devastating floods, landslides, and widespread damage, yet predicting them remains a major challenge. While scientists often study how often and how intensely it rains, the duration of rainfall is just as critical in assessing its impact. However, research on long-lasting extreme rainfall has been limiteduntil now.

A team of climate scientists has made a significant discovery: global ocean patterns can serve as early warning signals for extreme summer rainfall in China.

Their study, published in Advances in Atmospheric Sciences, identifies how six major oceanic modes influence Summer Extreme Persistent Precipitation (SEPP)prolonged heavy rainfall that can lead to severe flooding.

Using data from 1961 to 2020, the researchers analyzed rainfall duration, total precipitation, and daily intensity to understand SEPP patterns. They then linked these trends to global oceanic conditions using advanced statistical modeling and climate simulations.

"This is like finding hidden messages in our oceans," said lead author Xiaoyu Liu of Guangdong Ocean University. "Winter sea temperatures in the tropical Pacific, for example, give us clear signals about summer flood potential."

More critical findings include: Winter ocean temperatures predict summer rainfall persistence with 75% accuracy; Combined Pacific and Indian Ocean patterns account for 85% of prolonged event duration; and new models can forecast rainfall persistence 6-8 months in advance.

But how exactly do oceans drive extreme rainfall?

The key lies in moisture transport. In the case of China's summer, warmer ocean surfaces pump more water vapor into the atmosphere, which is then carried over China by wind patterns.

"Our experiments showed that warming in the Pacific and Indian Oceansespecially in winter and summerintensifies rainfall over China," explained Dr. Yu Zhang, the study's corresponding author. "The subtropical high and monsoon winds act like a conveyor belt, pulling in moisture from the western Pacific and Indian Ocean, while stronger upward air motion fuels heavier downpours."

The team's findings are being incorporated into China's national flood warning system, with pilot testing beginning in the 2025 rainy season.

While this research marks a major step forward, challenges remain.

Dr. Bian He, another corresponding author from the Institute of Atmospheric Physics at the Chinese Academy of Sciences, noted, "Current models can't fully predict ocean-rainfall interactions beyond one year, and some complex relationships are still missing. Our next step is to use more advanced climate models to refine these forecasts."

As global warming alters ocean temperatures, understanding these connections could help improve seasonal rainfall forecasts, giving governments and disaster agencies more time to prepare for extreme weather.

More information: Xiaoyu Liu et al, The Month-to-Year Precursory and Synchronous Inherent Connections between Global Oceanic Modes and Extreme Precipitation over China, Advances in Atmospheric Sciences (2025). DOI: 10.1007/s00376-024-4306-4 Journal information: Advances in Atmospheric Sciences
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Distribution of socioeconomic infrastructure scores across the 351 geopolitical units of the Americas in 2001 and 2020. Credit: Ecological Economics (2024). DOI: 10.1016/j.ecolecon.2024.108164

Earth Day often calls to mind the environmentalists and activists leading the charge for a sustainable planet. But researchers like Leonardo Schultz and Jose Maria Cardoso da Silva at the University of Miami College of Arts and Sciences are proving that mathematical modeling can also revolutionize approaches to environmental challenges.

Schultz, a Ph.D. student in the Department of Mathematics, has collaborated with Cardoso da Silva, chair of the Department of Geography and Sustainable Development, in developing a model to determine how sustainable societies truly are.

They have created a groundbreaking tool to address some of the most pressing environmental challenges. This tool, called the Sustainable Development Pathway Index (SDPI), uses mathematical principles to assess the "development pathways" of different regionsessentially, the track they're on in terms of balancing human needs and environmental preservation.

The SDPI highlights the fact that human development relies on two critical components: "ecological infrastructure" and "socioeconomic infrastructure." Ecological infrastructure refers to the natural systems that provide essential resources like clean air and water. Socioeconomic infrastructure encompasses the human-made systems that support societies, such as health care, education, and transportation.

"In simple terms, my research is a model of how different possibilities can change sustainable outcomes," Schultz explained. "Societies themselves are systems, and math provides useful tools to analyze these complex systems and project how they are going to change in the future. For mathematicians, it's a fruitful field in which we can use the tools that are already developed. A lot can be done in this field."

Central to Schultz's current work is the application of the SDPI to real-world situations, making it a vital tool for policymakers. Schultz, Cardoso da Silva, and their colleagues have applied the SDPI to areas ranging from the Brazilian Amazon to the entire Americas.

The vision behind this work, according to Cardoso da Silva, has been methodical and far-reaching. The main idea was "to develop the index, test the index in three different continents, and develop a model that decision-makers or governments can use in order to identify the most sustainable development pathways," he explained. This systematic approach has allowed the researchers to create a tool with practical applications.

Their findings, which were recently published in the journal Ecological Economics, reveal the intricate relationship between a region's ecological health, its socioeconomic development, and factors like population and land area.

The researchers found that unsustainable development pathways are the norm throughout the Americas, and that population size is one factor that limits the possibilities for sustainable development pathways. Their findings also suggest that putting more emphasis on conservation and ecosystem restoration, as well as education, across countries could foster more sustainable development pathways.

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The researchers also highlighted "socio-climatic hotspots," areas that are particularly vulnerable to the combined impacts of unsustainable development pathways and climate change. Most of these hotspots, they found, are in Central America and the Caribbean, areas the researchers argue should be prioritized in efforts to foster climate-resilient development.

Schultz emphasized that societies can't expand human-made systems indefinitely without impacting the natural world. Deforestation, pollution, and resource depletion threaten the world's ecological infrastructure. If societies use up resources faster than they can be replenished or damage ecosystems beyond their ability to recover, he said, they jeopardize the well-being of current and future generations.

Schultz indicated that more work needs to be done to refine researchers' understanding of sustainable development pathways. For now, the SDPI demonstrates the impact quantitative methods such as mathematics can have on efforts to ensure a sustainable future for Earth.

More information: Jose Maria Cardoso Silva et al, The sustainability of development pathways and climate change vulnerability in the Americas, Ecological Economics (2024). DOI: 10.1016/j.ecolecon.2024.108164
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Credit: Pixabay/CC0 Public Domain

The UK pedigree dog population shrank by a yearly decline of 0.9% between 1990 and 2021, according to research published in Companion Animal Genetics and Health. The study highlights a rise in the populations of crossbreeds and imported pedigree dogs since 1990, but finds that only 13.7% of registered domestic pedigree dogs were used for breeding between 2005 and 2015.

There are more than 400 breeds of dogs globally, characterized by different appearances and behaviors. While the overall population of pet dogs in the UK has increased from 7.6 million in 2012 to 12 million in 2021, limited genetic diversity in pedigree (or purebred) dog populations has heightened the risk of inherited diseases, supported by accumulating evidence for breed-specific diseases.

Joanna Ilska and colleagues analyzed demographic data for 222 dog breeds from the Kennel Club's electronic database, including breed, parentage, and country of origin. The ten most popular pedigree dog breeds represented 44% of the whole pedigree population, with Labrador Retrievers, French Bulldogs, and Cocker Spaniels being the most common.

The researchers found that pedigree populations have decreased markedly since 2010. Yorkshire Terriers saw the largest decline in population of 10.6% from 1990 to 2021, while French Bulldogs saw the biggest increase of 22.1%.

Meanwhile, trends for imported pedigree dogs rose sharply after 2010, with more than 3,000 dogs imported each year between 2011 and 2019. Ireland exported 11,577 dogs to the UK between 1990 and 2021, Russia exported 4,396 dogs, and Poland exported 3,905 dogs.

The authors suggest the pedigree population drop may be linked to negative attitudes towards dog breeding, compounded by the routine neutering of dogsit is estimated that 44% of dogs in the UK are neutered. They note that the decline in the number of pedigree dogs may also reflect changing attitudes in favor of mixed and crossbred dogs, such as Cockapoos.

Ilska and co-authors suggest management strategies for pedigree dogs should account for declining population sizes and be tailored to the circumstances of individual breeds, with the increased number of imported dogs used in breeding potentially benefiting the overall genetic diversity of dog populations.

More information: Joanna Ilska, Modern pedigree dogs in the United Kingdom Kennel Club: a journey through shifting population landscapes and demography, Companion Animal Genetics and Health (2025). DOI: 10.1186/s40575-025-00142-1. www.biomedcentral.com/articles  6/s40575-025-00142-1
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A three-legged coyote was first seen on campus cameras before turning up on cameras in Whittiers yard several miles away. While initially he was concerned about the animal's ability to thrive without one of its legs, the cameras captured this photo as evidence that she may have been nursing coyote pups. Credit: Chris Whittier

All sorts of creatures make their home in the wooded areas of the Grafton campus, including deer, beavers, coyotes, flying squirrels, and the occasional bobcat with her kittens. Although most of these animals rarely cross paths with humans, students in the Master's in Conservation Medicine (MCM) program at Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine have been using wildlife cameras to catch glimpses of their lives.

One particular coyote has been a frequent visitor to the area. When Chris Whittier, D.V.M., Ph.D., V97, director of the MCM program, first spotted her on a wildlife camera, she was limping badly and clearly had an injury to her upper leg. A year or so later, the animal reappeared missing the leg, but otherwise seemingly healthy.

"It's always fun to get these secretive glimpses of wildlife that we rarely get to see, but it's even more gratifying to see MCM students and alumni using our training to secure externships and jobs as these tools become more and more commonplace in wildlife research and conservation," Whittier said.

"We saw this three-legged coyote over and over again," said Alexia Goodman, VG20, who is now the chair of the conservation law enforcement program at Athens Technical College in Georgia. She is using a similar camera set up to train her students in Georgia. "It was cool to see how resilient this animal waswe saw evidence that it was hunting effectively."

Most recently, the coyote has been showing up on the wildlife camera in Whittier's own backyard, several miles from campus. He even saw evidence that she was nursing a litter of pups last summer.

"It's incredible to think she even produced a litter, being three-legged," Whittier said. "This is one of the rare cases where we can actually see and track an individual with a particular health issue, and see it change over time."

Credit: Chris Whittier

Camera traps can help researchers monitor population changes, look for rates of certain diseases, or simply see who is living in an area. As part of the MCM program, students learn how to set up and use wildlife cameras to answer research questions and effectively manage the thousands of images they collect. Since 2019, Whittier and his students have also contributed some of their data to a national camera trap survey called Snapshot U.S., which aims to track the abundance and distribution of different mammal species in the U.S.

"Snapshot allows us to compare similar habitats across the U.S., look at predator-prey interactions, and see how shifts may occur in the species diversity of an area over time. It's such a diverse set of data that you can really do a lot with it," said Kellie Carter, VG21, who is now an instructor at Truckee Meadows Community College in Reno, Nevada.

Carter and her current students have two camera trap sites set up in the Reno area, contributing data to Snapshot and serving as the basis for other research projects. Carter is particularly interested in the wild mustangs that appear frequently at one of her sites (and occasionally dislodge her cameras by rubbing up against them). She has been able to follow the progress of an individual horse with a cancerous growth and she hopes that her students will be able to track how the animals are using state park land and if that may be disrupting other species over time.

Camera traps can also help researchers evaluate the effectiveness of different wildlife interventions. Alexis Sigillo, VG24, is a rabies technician with the U.S. Department of Agriculture, working to keep the disease from spreading, particularly in Cape Cod. She is using camera traps to monitor the distribution of an edible rabies vaccine intended for raccoons, foxes, coyotes, and other susceptible animals.

In the spring and fall of 2024, Sigillo strapped PVC pipes to trees around Plymouth and Barnstable counties and baited them with small vaccine packets that had been coated in fish oil and fish meal. ("It smells horrendous, but raccoons love it," she said.) She set up two cameras at each of 12 bait stations to collect both photos and videos of anything coming to investigate.

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"The goal is to see how animals are interacting with the bait stationif they're coming back, if one animal is eating all the bait, if raccoons are coming in a family group," Sigillo said. She still has a lot of photos and videos to sort through before they can reach any conclusions, but "it's been really fun to see the raccoons reach in with their little grabby hands to manipulate the bait and bite it."

Credit: Chris Whittier

One of the major advantages of camera trap studies is that they provide an opportunity to observe wildlife populations without disrupting them, said Stephen Shikaze, VG21, who is currently in his last year of veterinary school at the University of Calgary. "These devices can help replace more invasive research methods, which is beneficial from an animal welfare perspective."

As part of his externship during the MCM program, Shikaze worked with the Ricketts Conservation Foundation on a long-term study of the impacts of wildfires and prescribed burns on animals in Bridger-Teton National Forest in Wyoming, near Grand Teton National Park. He monitored camera arrays in an unburned ecosystem and in an area that burned several years earlier during the Roosevelt Fire.

"With multiple cameras in multiple locations, you can start to build a picture of which species are using the landscape and how they're utilizing that habitat," Shikaze said. "The Tufts program provided me with more insight into how these devices can be used in the field to generate data for scientific research."

Even as a busy veterinary student, Shikaze still finds opportunities to use wildlife cameras, both for research and as a hobby. He is helping a researcher monitor coyote families on the University of Calgary campusalthough the cameras have caught all sorts of creatures, including a great horned owl in the middle of chasing a jackrabbitand he has a personal, high-quality camera set up near the Rocky Mountains. Last year, he caught a stunning image of a cougar, which was published by Canadian Geographic.

"That's the fun of camera traps, no matter where you're setting them up: You might have something in mind for what you're targeting, but you're always going to end up with something that's completely unexpected," Shikaze said. "You never know what you're going to see."
Group helps attract Jiangsu investors

08:54, April 17, 2025 By CANG WEI in Nanjing ( China Daily

In recent years, the Malaysia Jiangsu Entrepreneurs Business Association has been instrumental in fostering a closer economic partnership and increased cooperation between Jiangsu province and Malaysia amid a growing trend of mutual visits and heightened trade activities.

Established in 2019 in Kuala Lumpur, the association has played a pivotal role in leveraging its platform advantages to guide Jiangsu entrepreneurs and enterprises with investment capacity toward international ventures, thereby expanding the scope of cooperation between Jiangsu and Malaysia.

Sun Keqiang, vice-president of the association, highlighted its growth from seven member companies at its inception in 2019 to 70 currently, underscoring the expanding team size and the broadening landscape of China-Malaysia collaboration.

Sun Jianwei, president of the association who was initially involved in real estate in China, recognized Malaysia's potential, particularly in the digital finance and technology sectors, which led him to establish a business in the country in 2012.

"China has experience, technology and financial support," he said. "It was a natural fit for us to come to Malaysia for localized investment and market cultivation, and to initiate cooperation."

Sun Jianwei said in 2016, Malaysia did not have mobile or internet payment systems, while China already possessed mature technologies and solutions. He seized the opportunity and successfully introduced these advancements to Malaysia, contributing to the country's progress in these areas.

While facing initial challenges in Malaysia due to skepticism toward unfamiliar digital finance concepts, Sun Jianwei and his team engaged with local regulatory bodies, demonstrating the reliability of their technology.

Through collaborative initiatives with local partners, they gained acceptance and secured a payment license from the country's central bank.

"I'm happy to share Chinese technology with the Malaysian people, ensuring that the local people understand that Chinese entrepreneurs come here to develop and prosper together with them," Sun Jianwei said.

He emphasized the importance of establishing trust relationships with partners by maintaining a commitment to integrity, nurturing talent and enhancing professional capabilities within his team to ensure the successful progression of projects in the competitive Southeast Asian market.

As China's economy continues to ascend, Malaysia is emerging as a vital player in Southeast Asia, offering strong synergies with China in trade, investment and other sectors, he said.

The association also highlighted the necessity and viability of promoting industrial chain cooperation between Jiangsu and Malaysia. In industries such as palm oil and electronics manufacturing, Jiangsu's advanced technologies and expertise can complement Malaysia's strengths, fostering collaborative development and innovation.

In the biopharmaceutical sector, Sun Jianwei proposed collaboration between enterprises and research institutions from both regions to advance new drug research and clinical trials, leveraging each other's strengths to build a comprehensive biopharmaceutical industry chain.

The association's cultural exchange activities have not only strengthened the cohesion of the Chinese business community, but have also successfully integrated Jiangsu's cultural elements into Malaysian society, fostering a greater appreciation for Chinese culture among Malaysian Chinese.

Sun Jianwei also encouraged the new generation of Malaysian Chinese entrepreneurs to engage in China's modernization efforts by enhancing their understanding of the Chinese market and policies.

(Web editor: Zhong Wenxing, Liang Jun)
In his final months as president, Joe Biden issued a formal apology for the ways in which the United States used federal boarding schools to destroy Native American culture over the course of the 19th and 20th centuries.

Soon after Donald J. Trump returned to the White House, he issued an executive order that some fear could turn a federal system that aims to educate Indigenous schoolchildren in culturally informed ways back into an assimilationist tool reminiscent of 19th century policies targeting Native Americans.

While much about the implementation of Trumps order on Ending Radical Indoctrination in K-12 Schooling remains unclear, John Tippeconnic is among those who fear what its mandate to provide a patriotic education might mean for Native American students.

Are they going to attack the schools and tell them what curriculum they can teach and what they cannot teach? Will it take away some of the culture and language emphasis in schools? said Tippeconnic, the former director of the Office of Indian Education Programs for the Bureau of Indian Affairs and a retired professor.

Are we going back to the days of forced assimilation that we experienced with boarding schools, where language and culture was prohibited?

Trumps order targets all schools across the country, not just those that educate Native Americans, and sets a number of broad goals, including:

eliminating Federal funding or support for illegal and discriminatory treatment and indoctrination in K-12 schools, including based on gender ideology and discriminatory equity ideology.

stopping funding from being used to directly or indirectly support or subsidize the social transition of a minor student.

and promoting patriotic education thats grounded in an accurate, honest, unifying, inspiring, and ennobling characterization of Americas founding and foundational principles.

The order requires various federal officials  including the Secretary of Education, the Secretary of Defense, the Secretary of Health and Human Services and the Attorney General  to identify ways of eliminating Federal funding or support for illegal and discriminatory treatment and indoctrination in K-12 schools, including based on gender ideology and discriminatory equity ideology.

Their deadline to do so is April 29.

In the vast majority of public school districts, federal money accounts for only a fraction  about 14%  of the total funding. That gives the federal government a significant but relatively limited ability to enforce such mandates about what can be taught in classrooms.

But the federal government has far greater control over two schools districts that it funds and operates directly: the Bureau of Indian Education, which serves some 45,000 Native American students in 183 schools in 23 states, and the Department of Defense Education Activity, which educates 67,000 children of military members in 161 schools located around the world.

As a result, experts say, the effects of Trumps order on patriotic education could be felt more acutely in these school systems than in others.

Education is left to the states, according to the Constitution, said Cathleen Cahill, a professor of history at Penn State University. So that in a non-BIE (and non-DOD) school district, it's the state school board and the state that's going to determine the curriculum.  But that's not the case for the BIE or DOD.

The BIE directly operates 55 of its schools. While the remaining 128 are tribally controlled, the bureau still acts as a primary source of funding and oversight, giving the federal government significant leverage over those operations.

But what is not clear is how, exactly, the order will take shape  and how educators will work within its constraints.

It will really depend on how much that order is enforced, Cahill said, and what exactly they mean by the word patriotic education.

The most patriotic citizens

Ira Taken Alive works for Rapid City Area Schools in South Dakota as Indian education director, a job that entails ensuring the district complies with a section of the Civil Rights Act that prohibits racial discrimination in programs that receive federal funds.

Last year, the U.S. Department of Education Office of Civil Rights determined such discrimination had occurred in the Rapid City district, after an investigation found Native American students were disciplined more harshly than white students and given less access to advanced courses. But another new Trump executive order led the Office of Civil Rights to cancel a resolution agreement with the district that was designed to end such discrimination and that had already been partially implemented.

Taken Alive, a longtime educator and citizen of the Standing Rock Sioux Tribe, argues that the patriotic education executive order poses no threat at all because Native education and culture are inherently patriotic.

We are some of the most patriotic citizens in the country, Taken Alive said. Given the fact that our service in the US Armed Forces, percentage-wise, is the highest of all segments of the population. Looking through that lens, I feel that we are very patriotic and that any initiatives that can be derived from those executive orders or that initiative overall, would be an easy fit for Indian Country.

Taken Alive pointed to the fact that the United States Constitution was inspired by the Haudenosaunee (Iroquois) Confederacy and that Indigenous languages were key factors in winning World Wars I and II, including the use of code talkers to circumvent enemy intelligence.

Every event in Indian Country incorporates a veteran group, Taken Alive said. We also have, in our Lakota language, anthems to this country, in addition to the Star Spangled Banner, we have Lakota flag songs.

South Dakota has the fourth largest population of Native students in public schools, according to the National Indian Education Association. Due to this, South Dakota has several innovative teaching curricula to incorporate Oceti Sakowin (Lakota, Nakota, Dakota) culture and history into public school lessons.

The Oceti Sakowin Essential Understandings, launched in 2018, are a set of optional teaching standards public educators can use in lesson planning. The OSEU provides guidelines on teaching about topics like the Wounded Knee Massacre and the Boarding School Era. It also includes ways to incorporate Lakota language and culture into daily lessons.

RCAS is the leader in the entire universe when it comes to the Oceti Sakowin Essential Understandings incorporation, Taken Alive said.

In a Jan. 29 letter responding to the executive order, Jason Dropik, executive director, of the National Indian Education Association, urged the Trump administration to ensure the Ending Indoctrination Strategy protects state laws and local tribally led efforts which direct the inclusion of Tribal history and content in K-12 public school curriculum and honors the storied legacies and rich cultures of Tribal Nations.

It is essential that Tribal histories and cultures are taught in public schools with the input and endorsement of local Tribal Nations, parents, and state legislatures, Dropik wrote.

Inherent tensions

Cahill said she, too, believes that there are aspects of the history of Indigenous people in the United States that absolutely fit the order, though she said its not the whole truth.

You can talk about the fact that Native people serve in the military in much higher numbers relative to their population than any other group, Cahill said. You can talk about Native nations that allied with the United States during the period of expansion.

But you can't only talk about that, because that's not the whole truth, she continued. So it depends on the definition, and it depends on what they decide patriotic education means and what it doesn't mean.

Julie Reed is a citizen of the Cherokee Nation and a former public school teacher who is now a history professor alongside Cahill at Penn State.

She said Trumps order sets up inherent tensions for educators.

There's no way we get to Indigenous dispossession with the U.S. acting in good faith at all times, Reed said. We just simply can't get there. Like we can't say, Yes, all the lands were lost, and it was always taken through noble efforts on the part of the U.S. to be fair.

How do we lose millions and millions of acres of land when Native people do not want to give up that land? Reed added. Well, we get it through questionable treaties. We get it through illegal treaties. We get it through throwing out treaties. And that is not living up to what the U.S. said it was.

That makes it impossible, Reed said, to abide by an order that requires teachers to ground their lessons in the concept that celebration of Americas greatness and history is proper.

Cahill noted, though, that the orders vague language could leave teachers some wiggle room. For example, it defines patriotic education, in part, as one that shows how the nation has admirably grown closer to its noble principles throughout its history.

It seems to me that, if progress is being made, it means those goals were not met at the beginning, Cahill said. So I don't see why talking about some of these places where the United States maybe wasn't correct, made some poor choices, but over time has gotten closer and closer to its ideals is an issue.

Bigger ramifications

The dangers of imposing a patriotic education on Native American students have been seen before, in the Indian boarding school system that lasted from the early 19th century to the late 20th century, Cahill said.

The goal was to completely erase Native culture and to replace it with what people in the U.S.  white people  thought of as civilization, she said.

That involved trying to replace Native peoples pride in their Native nations with American patriotism through a profoundly ugly and harmful system of indoctrination.

Schoolchildrens hair was cut. They were given new clothes. They were, in many cases, ripped from their families and cultures and beaten and abused. And they were taught that their relatives were the bad guys in the contentious and sometimes violent history between the U.S. and sovereign tribal nations.

They're being told that all of the people that raised them, their families, their communities are wrong and bad, and they should think of them as that, Cahill said.

And they were taught that the patriotic folks were those who put their nations on reservations and then have taken them to new boarding schools.

The implications of that version of history were profound and far-reaching, Cahill said. And Trumps new order could undermine progress made to repair the damage.

Pressure to conform

The pressure to adhere to Trumps order could be especially high in BIE schools, not only because they rely disproportionately on federal funds but also because that funding is already less than other schools get.

BIE contract schools typically receive just $7,790 per student per year. By contrast, students in the other federally operated school district  the one that serves Department of Defense families  receive some $25,000 per student, according to recent Congressional testimony.

And the Trump administrations slashing of federal programs across the board have been felt especially acutely in Indian Country, Reed said, which could only make it harder for BIE educators to navigate the patriotic-education order.

If there's a threat that funds will be cut off to chronically underfunded schools like BIE schools, there is a weight there that those places are put under to conform, Reed said.

And so I think there needs to be a real listening to BIE officials and BIE folks involved in BIE education, within tribes and in these schools, to say, What do you think the implications of this are going to be? And how can you see improvements in this? Or how do we maintain the mission of native, centered curricula at the same time that we're trying to meet the demands? What are the potential ways that we can or cannot do our jobs under this policy?

In response to questions about the order and its implications, however, a BIE spokesperson only responded, The Bureau of Indian Education is working to determine the next steps in accordance with the Executive Order.

The U.S. Department of Education did not respond to a request for comment.

The truth is at stake

As the Trump administration seeks to implement the order not only in BIE schools but across the country, Cahill said nothing less than the truth is at stake.

And you have to ask, why is it that there's a sense that we can't tell the truth about the past? she said. Because it did happen, and it affects all of us. We live in a present that was shaped by all of these decisions, and in order to understand that present, you have to understand the past. And so to force a false or very narrowly construed definition of history means that we can't actually address bigger social issues, because we won't understand them.

She worries that the order will have a chilling effect on teaching history, because teachers at the primary and secondary level are already doing an enormous amount of work. They don't get paid what they should get paid, and this is reaching into their classrooms and telling them what their curricula should be, and there's an implicit threat behind it, that if you are doing something different, you'll get in trouble. And people aren't going to risk their jobs for that.

A prescribed patriotic history is not, she said, the truth.

So the entire spirit behind this executive order is un-American to me, Cahill said.

It's not a real sense of what happens, how the world works, she added. There aren't solely good guys and solely bad guys. It's really messy.
Legislators passed the governor's and the Democrats' premier property tax bills out of committee Wednesday morning, but not before adding a number of amendments that dramatically alter the original versions of the proposals.

Those votes and others taken Wednesday marked significant movement on property tax reform, which has been stalled for the last couple weeks.

Gov. Greg Gianforte's preferred proposal, House Bill 231, sponsored by Conrad Republican Rep. Llew Jones, is meant to lower property taxes on primary residences, long-term rentals and tens of thousands of commercial businesses. It would make up the lost tax revenue largely by increasing the tax burden on short-term rentals, like Airbnbs, and second homes.

The legislation still does that, but with a few major changes added in the Senate Taxation Committee: It now includes a much larger, immediate rate reduction; rebates up to $400; exemptions for certain property on reservations and the possibility of multi-year cash infusions to two municipalities in Montana that have unique property tax issues.

"I've committed to Rep. Jones to get this bill out of here. I don't like it," Senate Taxation Committee Chairman Greg Hertz, R-Polson, said. "It's more or less a Frankenstein bill now."

Over the last couple years, property tax relief has been the number one concern among many Montanans, as residents have seen dramatic spike in property taxes, averaging a jump of 21% statewide.

Providing property tax relief is the Legislature's main task for this session, particularly because property tax bills are set to rise again this cycle. Lawmakers have grown increasingly agitated there is not a clear property tax relief plan in the final days of the legislative session.

"I'm sorry to say as the chair of the taxation committee: Here we are at the end of the session and we really haven't done anything with property taxes," said Rep. Paul Fielder, R-Thompson Falls.

There are two main schools of thought when it comes to property taxes in Montana: Some believe that the responsibility lies with the Legislature to cut the rates down, while others believe the root of the issue lies with local government spending. The answer is somewhere in between, as both contribute to residents' property tax bills.

Democrats are wedded to including rate cuts in a final product, while the hardline Republicans would prefer a perpetual rebate payment and legislation that reins in local government spending to drive down property taxes, Senate leadership for both parties explained Tuesday.

House Bill 155, the Democrats' flagship property tax bill, was also passed with amendments by the Senate Taxation Committee on Wednesday. This bill exempts the first $50,000 of a home's value from taxation and formerly lowered property tax rates with a tiered system, taxing higher value homes at higher rates. But the original spirit of that bill was stripped when lawmakers successfully took out the tiers and added a flat rate for homes valued up to $1.5 million.

Both HB 155 and HB 231 finds themselves in the crosshairs of Billings and Sunburst, two municipalities in Montana that have charters that put a cap on the tax dollars they can levy from residents to fund local government needs. Because of the complicated way those tax caps play into the overall property tax picture, both bills stand to create large budget shortfalls for Billings and Sunburst. And on Monday, the Billings City Council voted against removing that cap.

One of the changes to HB 231 attempts to address the issues in Billings and Sunburst by including language to allow those governments to raise the tax cap, but that change also sparked constitutional concerns. There was also language added that says the state will send money to both of those municipalities to make them whole in the event the bill creates holes in their budgets.

Even with the amendment, Sen. Mike Yakawich, R-Billings, voted against HB 231 Wednesday, saying that he heard from Billings city officials that they could not get behind HB 231 because of the issues it causes with the city charter.

And on the House floor Wednesday, a representative attempted to keep a key property tax bill backed by the hardline Republicans moving, which is currently stalled in committee.

That motion failed by one vote, in part because a number of representatives were not at their desks for the vote, which drew ire from their colleagues who are backing the legislation. There are rumors percolating that the legislation, Senate Bill 90, may see another attempt on the House floor to keep it moving through the process. SB 90, sponsored by Sen. Carl Glimm, R-Kila, and heavily backed by Senate President Matt Regier, R-Kalispell, would provide a perpetual rebate: As it currently stands, the rebate would be roughly $240 per year for primary residences.

Even if it does survive upcoming votes, Sen. Dave Fern, D-Whitefish, expressed skepticism Wednesday that SB 90 would survive the governor's veto powers.

To make it to the governor's desk, these proposals still need to clear a number of votes and survive dueling legislators whose patience is running out in the final days of the session.
Rep. Rob Wittman, R-1st, and Rep. Jen Kiggans, R-2nd, say they will not support the budget bill that House Republicans are preparing to carry out President Donald Trumps political agenda if it cuts health care coverage that vulnerable Virginians receive under Medicaid.

Wittman and Kiggans, whom Democrats have targeted in congressional midterm elections next year, joined 10 other Republican representatives in a letter to House GOP leadership this week that declares their opposition to potentially deep cuts in the federal-state program that provides health care to elderly, disabled and poor Virginians.

Balancing the federal budget must not come at the expense of those who depend on these benefits for their health and economic security, they state in a letter to House Speaker Mike Johnson, R-La., and other House GOP leaders.

The Republican representatives, facing re-election in political swing districts, said they support targeted reforms to improve the program, reduce improper payments and modernize its delivery to ensure that federal dollars go to care for the people who depend on Medicaid.

However, we cannot and will not support a final reconciliation bill that includes any reduction in Medicaid coverage for vulnerable populations, they state.

The letter represents an about-face for Wittman and Kiggans, who voted for the House budget resolution that would require an $880 billion cut over 10 years in federal programs under the House Energy and Commerce Committee as part of a more-than-$1.5 trillion reduction in spending. The Congressional Budget Office said last month those cuts could not be achieved without reducing benefits under Medicaid or the Medicare program that primarily serves elderly Americans.

Both Virginia representatives also voted for a Senate amendment to the budget resolution earlier this month that proposes $1.5 trillion in spending cuts over 10 years, while not accounting for an additional $4.5 trillion in the budget deficit from extending tax cuts adopted in 2017 during Trumps first term that are set to expire at the end of the year. The House resolution seeks to cut as much as $2 trillion to partly offset the increase in the federal deficit.

Wittman on Trump

Wittman, an 18-year House veteran whose district includes parts of Henrico, Chesterfield and Hanover counties, is politically conservative, but he recently has expressed concern publicly over elements of Trumps agenda, including efforts to dismantle the U.S. Department of Education.

Hes also questioned cuts proposed by Elon Musk and the Department of Government Efficiency to research funding at Virginia Commonwealth University, which awarded Wittman a doctorate in public health in 2002.

Virginia advocates for protecting Medicaid welcomed the letter, but said it does not allay concerns that cuts in federal spending will trigger the reversal of the programs expansion at the beginning of 2019 under the Affordable Care Act. The expansion, which the General Assembly adopted and Gov. Ralph Northam signed in 2018, included a kill switch to reverse the expansion if the federal government reduced its share of the costs by more than 1%.

Reversing the programs expansion would result in an estimated 630,000 Virginians losing their benefits unless the state decides to make up the costs that the federal government does not pay.

Notably absent from the list of people Rep. Wittman highlights as vulnerable in his remarks are working adults, parents, and adults between jobs, said Freddy Mejia, policy director at The Commonwealth Institute for Fiscal Analysis, a left-leaning policy organization based in Richmond. Medicaid expansion covers all of these groups, as well as many individuals with disabilities.

Mejia said the letters commitments ultimately fall short of what Wittman and Kiggans constituents are asking for: No funding cuts to Medicaid and Medicaid expansion, and no additional red tape to coverage.

Rep. Bobby Scott, D-3rd, senior member of Virginias congressional delegation, will feature a new Commonwealth Institute report on Medicaid at a public roundtable in Hampton on Thursday that will focus on potential cuts to the program.

The letter drew different reactions from Virginia members of the House Energy and Commerce Committee.

Rep. Morgan Griffith, R-9th, said: The House Energy and Commerce Committee is finalizing what we need to do as instructed by the budget resolution that Congress passed. I believe that upon seeing the final product, the signers of the letter will support the Energy and Commerce portion of reconciliation.

Rep. Jennifer McClellan, D-4th, whose district includes Richmond and parts of Henrico and Chesterfield counties, said Wednesday, Im glad to see my Republican colleagues voice support for Medicaid, but I am perplexed by their recent votes to advance a budget that the Congressional Budget Office says will require devastating Medicaid cuts  cuts that impact hundreds of thousands of Virginians in Mr. Wittman and Mrs. Kiggans districts who are covered by Virginias expansion.

With a narrow House majority, their votes will determine if these Virginians keep their care and if hospitals stay open, McClellan said.

Feeling heat

Bob Holsworth, a veteran political analyst in Richmond, said the letter poses a major challenge to Johnson, who already faces criticism from members of the House Freedom Caucus, who say the Senate budget framework would not cut federal domestic spending enough.

Its just a real challenge in front of the Speaker and the President, he said. You have two separate groups concerned about the bill from entirely different vantage points.

Politically, Holsworth said, the letter reflects mounting pressure on Wittman and Kiggans from Democrats furious about Trump and Musks assault on the federal workforce and spending with little resistance from Republicans in Congress.

Clearly, the Republicans are feeling some heat here, he said. I think there is some concern about what happens in Virginias 2025 elections and what does that mean for 2026, when members of Congress face re-election.

In 2024 Wittman beat Democrat Leslie Mehta by nearly 13 percentage points. Kiggans topped Democrat Missy Cotter Smasal by about 4 percentage points.

Eight years ago, during Trumps first term, Democrats used Republican resistance to Medicaid expansion to sweep the races for governor, lieutenant governor and attorney general, and nearly eliminate the 16-seat advantage that the GOP held in the House of Delegates. The next year, Democrats flipped three congressional seats held by Republicans, as Democrats Abigail Spanberger, Jennifer Wexton and Elaine Luria won in the 7th, 10th and 2nd districts. Spanberger is now the Democratic nominee for governor after three terms in Congress.

Theres a concern about a repeat, Holsworth said.

The Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee recently targeted Wittman and Kiggans in midterm elections next year. Spokesman Justin Chermol dismissed the letter as meaningless.

Actions speak louder than words, Chermol said on Wednesday. Rob Wittman and Jen Kiggans know they voted to greenlight a disastrous budget blueprint that would decimate Medicaid to fund trillions in tax breaks for Elon Musk and their billionaire donors.
American shot and killed by fellow passenger during Belize plane hijacking

Belize City, Belize  A California man was shot and killed Thursday by a passenger after hijacking a plane. The man hijacked the small Belizean aircraft in mid-flight after leaving the city of Corozal.

Video inside the plane shows the pilot and quiet passengers as they attempt to make a landing.

The domestic plane was carrying 14 passengers and was bound for San Pedro Thursday morning when the attempted take over happened. During the hijacking, the plane was seen circling erratically over the coastline near Belize City.

Video footage from inside the aircraft showed passengers onboard, including a passenger with visible wounds. He was reportedly injured while trying to subdue the hijacker who was armed with a knife.

One of the passengers is seen bloodied with obvious injuries from the attempted in-air hijacking Thursday.

Police were updated on the situation inside the plane by a passenger who sent text messages. The plane eventually landed safely at Philip S. W. Goldson International Airport in Belize City where authorities were already on the ground awaiting its arrival. Airport ground personnel lined the chain linked fence videoing the planes landing.

Passengers are seen running from the plane the moment it landed while security personnel rush toward it.

Once on the ground, passengers were seen running toward the back of the plane as security forces ran toward it. At least two official vehicles were driven onto the tarmac where the plane stopped. Within minutes, it was surrounded by Belizean authorities.

Security forces rush toward the plane the moment it landed.

Chester Williams, the Belize Police Commissioner, confirmed the hijacker was shot by another passenger. He was shot in the chest. The passenger who shot the man has not been identified, however, authorities say he was carrying a licensed firearm. Follwing the American hijackers death, police have identified him as 49 year old Akinyela Sawa Taylor from California.

All passengers were safely evacuated from the plane and are receiving medical attention. At least two passengers from the Tropic Air flight sustained injuries, reported to be stab wounds, by the hijacker.

According to early information, Mr. Taylor had requested the pilot fly the plane out of the country. It is not clear why he made the request.
Human remain parts located on Nichupte Lagoon shore

Cancun, Q.R.  Cancun forensic medical personnel were at the scene of the discovery of human remains Wednesday. The discovery of parts of a human body was reported on the shores of Nichupte Lagoon in the Cancun Hotel Zone.

It was around 2:30 p.m. near the Nizuc Bridge that passersby found, what has turned out to be, human remains. Tourist Police, military and personnel from the State Attorney Generals Office were deployed to the area.

According to reports, an arm, spine fragments and skull were located during a search by forensic personnel. Authorities have not commented publicly on the finding.
Skiny gang members behind bars for Cancun business extortion

Cancun, Q.R.  Three members of a criminal gang known for drug and extortion crimes in the Cancun Hotel Zone remain in custody. Police say Ricardo N alias Perico, Javier N alias El Cachetes and Gael Emiliano N alias El Osiris and/or El Cruz, are facing charges of extortion and drug possession.

According to police, Ricardo N was arrested during a sting operation when he arrived at a Cancun Hotel Zone beach to collect extortion money from a jet ski rental company. The company reported him for his attempt at extorting them in March.

The incident for which Ricardo N was arrested occurred on the afternoon of March 23 of this year when two individuals arrived at the base of a jet ski rental company, located on a beach adjacent to Kukulcan Boulevard, in Cancun.

These individuals told the establishment manager that they were there on behalf of Skiny, the leader of an extortion gang. They told him that his people would be returning and then left the manager a phone number.

Days later, they sent the owner of the establishment a message via WhatsApp requesting, on behalf of Skiny, that he support them with the payments for three months and that after that, they would not bother them again.

In response to the jet ski owner report, members of the Investigative Police, attached to the Specialized Prosecutors Office for Combating Kidnapping and Extortion Crimes, implemented an operation that resulted in the arrest of Ricardo N in flagrante delicto.

The leader of Skiny was captured in the city of Merida and charged with extortion of Cancun businesses in October 2024. Police also reported that Zacarias N, alias Skiny, is being investigated for his involvement in several homicides that occurred in the Cancun Hotel Zone.

Police say field and office investigations allowed elements of the Investigative Police to locate the whereabouts of Javier N and Gael Emiliano N, who at the time of their arrest, had among their belongings doses of narcotics. They are also being investigated for extortion crimes.
One big breakthrough will put Roanoke on the map as a hub for biomedical research, but upheaval at the national level is complicating progress, regional officials told Sen. Mark Warner, D-Va., during discussions Wednesday.

In Roanoke, I think were one big deal away from the incredible biotech community that is nascent here kind of breaking through to the big leagues, Warner said. I absolutely believe to my core we are on the cusp of a huge breakthrough. Its taken longer  they always take longer  than we hope, and were that close.

Warner sat around a table with a dozen leaders representing Roanoke Valley interests in health care, education and economy at the Carilion Clinic Center for Simulation, Research and Patient Safety, on the edge of the citys growing research sector in southeast.

They discussed impacts of funding cuts at the National Institutes of Health, the federal agency that heads medical research. As President Donald Trump continues aggressively downsizing the federal government, thousands of jobs and billions of dollars in research grants have been cut from NIH funding, according to national news reports.

Stopping research grants midstream has got to be the stupidest idea Ive ever freaking heard of, Warner said. I stay optimistic, but its been a challenging time.

U.S. Rep. Morgan Griffith, R-Salem, who has been making stops across the 9th District this week during a House recess, did not respond to a late afternoon email requesting comment about federal funding cuts.

Roanokes first big biotech breakthrough could be happening at Tiny Cargo, a startup founded by Robert Gourdie. The company found a way to isolate a component of cows milk and use it as a drug to potentially protect people from radiation, Gourdie said.

Tiny Cargo is ready to proceed to clinical testing, but they need specialized equipment to do so. They reached an agreement last year to receive that equipment from a specialized manufacturer in China, said Gourdie, also a Virginia Tech professor at the Fralin Biomedical Research Center at VTC in Roanoke.

Of course, its all been sort of tied up in the tariff situation, Gourdie said. Its sort of a concoction of unfortunate circumstances thats really holding us back.

Virginia Tech is the second-fastest growing institution in the country when measured by NIH funding growth, said President Tim Sands. The university receives about $69 million per year in NIH research funding, and that number is growing fast, at a rate of about 17% last year, he said.

A lot of that action is right here in Roanoke, Sands said. So I do think were particularly vulnerable, because were still small.

Mike Friedlander, executive director at Virginia Techs Fralin Biomedical Research Institute, said as much as research cuts are a concern, so is a new type of workforce worry.

The research institute employs many international student-researchers who hold legal visas to be here, but who are nonetheless afraid of federal immigration crackdowns.

Its hard for me to even express to you the level of fear that has descended over this population of workers here, Friedlander said. To the point that theyre fearful of walking out of their apartments and coming to work.

Warner said, this level of chaotic activity cannot continue for the foreseeable future, and, I do believe its going to hopefully burn itself out.

I am astonished at what the administration is doing, Warner said. I think the chances are better than 50-50 we have a constitutional crisis in the next three to six months.

He said if people can hang in and get through the summer, hopefully things will be starting to change.

Were going to get through this, and the part that we have to reassure people is this will pass, Warner said. I think were a better country than is being presented right now. I think its going to turn back, hopefully quicker.

Heywood Fralins record $50 million gift in 2018 to whats now the Fralin Biomedical Research Institute helped spark its tremendous growth. Fralin said the Roanoke-Blacksburg region is one of the states fastest growing areas.

This biomedical research is a major component of that growth, and its only seen a tip of the iceberg, Fralin said. What can happen here can be as great as any research operation in the world.

But, Fralin said, we need help at the national level.

Weve got to be ready, Warner said. Sign me up when youre ready with the pitch book.

I have your number, Fralin said.
Today Azerbaijan is considered the second most mine-contaminated country in Europe. Civilians are still being killed and maimed there. Earlier, the French tried the same tactic of planting millions of anti-personnel mines in Algeria.

On April 4, the UN Human Rights Council unanimously and without a vote supported a resolution calling on countries to comply with the 1997 treaty banning the use of mines, to protect and ensure human rights.

Publicite

The initiative was spearheaded by Algeria, which is most familiar with the effects of the mine threat.

However, 1956 through 1962, during the Algerian War of Independence, France laid 11 million mines along Algerias eastern and western borders.

Publicite

 The anti-personnel mines left behind by French colonialism represent one of Algerias greatest humanitarian disasters. Buried under Algerian soil, these mines continued to kill and maim the local population even after the national liberation war,  Cameroons Africa Plus News television channel said on April 6.

On the same day when this statement was made  April 6, in Azerbaijan (a co-sponsor country of the UN resolution) as a result of two incidents of mine blast 4 people were injured at once.

In the first case  an employee of the demining center, who had his leg amputated as a result. In the second, a father with two young children, aged 11 and 13, suffered multiple shrapnel wounds to their legs and arms.

Azerbaijan is the second most mine-contaminated country in Europe after Ukraine.

For almost 30 years, parts of Azerbaijan have been occupied by Armenia, Frances closest ally. With the support of its patrons, Armenia laid more than 1.5 million mines there, which have claimed the lives of civilians to this day.

Algeria and Azerbaijan  a common echo of explosions

To prevent the infiltration of Algerian revolutionaries and weapons from Tunisia and Morocco during the Algerian War of Independence, minefields were established by the French colonial power along the 1,710 kilometers of Algerias eastern and western borders. As a result, 3 million Algerians living in the border areas were displaced.

Since then, 7,300 civilians have fallen victim to mines in Algeria, 4,830 of them during the war and 2,470 since independence.

Despite the fact that Algeria has cleared more than 62,000 hectares of land, cleared nearly 9 million mines and declared itself an anti-personnel mine-free country in 2017, there are still cases of villagers, farmers and children being blown up.

It is alleged that France did not hand over maps with the location of minefields to Algeria until 2007. And when it did hand over  the maps were not complete.  There are more than 2,200,000 of them [mines], and France has so far handed us only part of the maps showing where they are planted. As for humanity, Mr. President Macron, while you are talking about human values, there are citizens who have had limbs amputated and those who have died because of these mines. Not a day goes by that we dont hear about a mine explosion that injured a person, and we are already living in 2025!   said former Algerian politician Ahmed Khalifa on April 6.

The situation in Algeria is strikingly similar to the situation in Azerbaijan, which is thousands of kilometers away. From 1991 to 2020, part of Azerbaijani territories was under Armenian occupation. During this time, more than 3,400 people suffered from mines laid by Armenians.

In 2020. Azerbaijan managed to regain control over the occupied territories, but this did not solve the problem of mine contamination. Since 2020, more than 390 people have fallen victim to mines.

Hasanli Aliyev, who had his leg amputated as a result of the blast, recalled on Euronews:  I was 23 years old when I stepped on a mine. Like any young man, I had big dreams and goals. The mine explosion had a huge impact on my life. 

Armenia, like its patron France in the Algerian situation, initially claimed it did not have maps of the minefields, and when it did hand them over, they were only 25% accurate. A spokesman for the Azerbaijani Foreign Ministry said on April 4 that more than 55% of recent mine accidents occurred in territories not covered by these maps.

Since 2020. Armenia and Azerbaijan have been negotiating a final peace treaty. But the normalization of relations between these countries does not correspond to the interests of France, which seeks to maintain a hotbed of tension in the South Caucasus in order to have leverage over the countries of the region.

Therefore, while Baku and Yerevan are holding peace talks, France is supplying offensive weapons to Armenia, which may provoke a new conflict in the region.

In June 2024, during the visit of the Armenian Defense Minister to France, the parties signed a contract for the supply of French CAY CAESAR howitzers to Armenia.

An agreement on military-technical cooperation was also signed between the Armenian Defense Ministry and KNDS military-industrial company, which produces various types of military equipment, including tanks and self-propelled artillery systems. France has also initiated the dispatch of a European observation mission to Armenias border with Azerbaijan, which is essentially engaged in intelligence activities there.

France its alleged to have pursued a similar policy in Africa, where it has repeatedly been accused of using the pretext of a terrorist threat to maintain its presence there.

For decades, France has maintained influence in its former colonies by supporting and protecting loyalist regimes from military coups, using the pretext of fighting terrorism in the Sahel region to deploy its own troops, and imposing the CFA franc. The main goal of Paris in this case was to maintain access to natural resources of African countries and to establish control over their financial system. Experts estimate that France receives 500 billion dollars annually from Africa.

Compensation for Mine Terror

Due to the growing mine threat in the world, especially after the start of the Russian-Ukrainian war, there are increasing calls for a ban on the use of anti-personnel mines, as well as compensation for their victims.

The Mine Justice Campaign was launched at the 58th session of the UN Human Rights Council in Geneva. Its aim is to get the UN Human Rights Council to recognize the right of mine victims to compensation  both from the companies that produce mines and the governments that lay them.

Algeria has for several years been calling on France to compensate victims of mines laid by French colonial rule in Algeria. The crime of the French colonizer cannot go unpunished, Bouzid Lazhari, head of the Algerian National Council for Human Rights, said in 2021, urging Algerians to continue their fight for compensation. France has completely ignored these calls.

At the same time, Azerbaijan carries out demining at its own expense and calls on the international community to hold Armenia responsible for the mine terror against Azerbaijan.

However, given the fact that Armenia has not yet handed over maps with the exact location of minefields in the previously occupied territories, it is apparently too early to talk about paying compensation to the victims.

Author: Isaac Edotom Dzokpo
SIOUX CITY -- A recruiting consultant told the Sioux City Council Wednesday it will be harder to recruit a city manager than it was 10 years ago, but that his goal is to attract some "high quality candidates."

Mark Peterson, of MGT Impact Solutions, described the recruitment environment as "fairly restrictive and tight for a lot of public sector positions," so the pool probably won't be as large as the council would like. Still, he thinks the city could receive 35 to 40 applications.

"Fewer young people are choosing public service as a career. There are a variety of reasons for that," said Peterson, who also noted that a lot of city managers and administrators are approaching retirement age. "We're finding that city managers that used to move quite often are doing less of that today. They're in a situation, a community where they're supported and they feel like the political environment is supportive of them. They tend to want to stay. You can't blame them for that."

Last month, the council approved a $25,000 agreement with MGT Impact Solutions, of Tampa, Florida, a public sector management, consulting and technology services firm, to search for the next city manager.

Peterson, a former city manager of Normal, Illinois, who has been recruiting for eight years, gave a presentation to the council about the recruitment schedule and process during the study session at the Seaboard Triumph Foods Expo Center.

The city manager position announcement is expected to be posted on May 2. The application period would close on June 4. On-site interviews would be conducted with final candidates June 27 to 30. An employment offer would be extended to the selected candidate and final negotiations would take place July 2 to 7. The new city manager would likely start work in mid to late August.

While Peterson said the dates "aren't etched in granite," he said they keep the process on track. Mike Collett is currently serving as the interim city manager. Collett, the assistant city manager, took the reins from former city manager Bob Padmore, who retired on April 4 after serving in the position for more than a decade.

The average tenure for a city manager is six years, according to Peterson. He said his success rate of recruiting a city manager who will stay two years or more in 97%. Peterson has conducted recruitment for cities with populations as large as 200,000.

Mayor Pro Tem Dan Moore asked if the upcoming council election will affect MGT Impact Solutions' ability to recruit for the position. Moore, Alex Watters and Matthew O'Kane are all up for reelection in the fall.

"I don't think a lot, to be honest with you. This is the nature of the industry," Peterson said. "There's always a degree of uncertainty every couple of years.

Peterson recommended looking for candidates with at least 10 years of experience in a "responsible managerial position," preferably local government.

"This is a big job. It's a big complex organization. I think somebody with five or six years of experience will struggle. However, you may want to open the door to somebody who has a little less experience, and that's your call," he said.

Moore said the next city manager's ability to relate to other people is important to him, as well as how they treat the council, city staff and residents. Councilwoman Julie Schoenherr said she wants someone who's "very business-minded" and understands that the city is its own business.

"I guess I would say the No. 1 word that keeps sticking out and ringing in my head is collaborative. I think so often what I see or worry about probably most is that within the city hall, it's easy to be siloed or, you know, stick to your own department and know what's going on in your department and what you're working on and what that looks like," Watters said. "We want to make sure that we're all on the same page -- that we're all going in the same direction, collaborating to move the community forward in a meaningful direction."

Peterson said he would recommend a salary range of $200,000 to $240,000, which he said would be "competitive" and "reasonable," given the demands of the job and the market.

As far as residency requirements, O'Kane said, "If you're going to be in the community, you should be here." Paul Koskovich, a local developer who attended the public meeting, also said city residency should be required.

"They've got to feel the pain of our property taxes," Koskovich said.

Peterson said he's "not a huge fan" of having candidates participate in a public forum. He said a typical format he's witnessed consisted of candidates shaking hands and chatting with people, then getting on stage and talking about their backgrounds and philosophies for 10 or 15 minutes. While he said it's nice to have the public involved, he said he questions whether that would be helpful to the council.

"It's a little bit like window dressing. It looks good. It feels good. We're transparent. But I'm not sure you're getting any really valuable feedback, because they really have had very little interaction with the candidates compared to what you will have had," Peterson said.

Moore said the Sioux City Community School District's separate forums with two superintendent finalists in February were "done really well." Juan Cordova, who was ultimately selected as superintendent, and Corey Seymour each answered prepared questions and questions from the community for roughly an hour at the Educational Service Center.

"They want to participate," Moore said of the community. "I think we need to work that in."

The recruitment schedule for the position of city manager was presented as follows:

April 20: Recruitment schedule is finalized based on feedback from the mayor and trustees

April 17 to 21: Additional stakeholder interviews are conducted by the consultant via Zoom if necessary

April 21: Consultant will transmit an initial draft of the candidate profile to the mayor and council for their review and comment. The candidate profile is a description of the most desirable skills, qualities and attributes.

April 25: The candidate profile is finalized based on comments and suggested edits from the mayor and council.

April 27: The consultant will transmit the initial draft of the position announcement to the mayor and council for their review and comment. The consultant will also transmit a list of recommended advertising sources for the client's consideration.

April 30: The position announcement and the ad source list are finalized based on feedback from the mayor and trustees.

May 2: The approved position announcement is posted with all of the approved advertising sources.

May 8: The initial draft of the recruitment brochure is transmitted to the mayor and council.

May 12: the recruitment brochure is amended and finalized based on client feedback.

June 4: Application deadline

June 5 to 16: The recruitment team will undertake a comprehensive review of all application submittals. Those candidates deemed to be most qualified and most closely aligned with the approved candidate profile will be subject to additional vetting -- limited reference checks, preliminary background investigations and one-on-one virtual interviews with the consultant.

June 16: The consultant will meet with the mayor and council in closed session to present the recommended semi-final candidates. The goal of the meeting is for the elected body to select a group of final candidates, typically three to five, to continue in the selection process.

June 16 to 26: Once the final candidates are selected, the project team will initiate the final background review of each remaining candidate, which includes a comprehensive background investigation and professional reference checks.

June 27 to 30: On-site interviews are conducted with final candidates.

July 1: Assuming no additional screening activities are necessary or beneficial, the selection of the top candidate is made and the details of the employment offer are finalized.

July 2 to 7: An employment offer is extended to the selected candidate. Final negotiations on the terms and conditions of the city manager's employment agreement are undertaken.

July 9: The official appointment of the city manager is made by the mayor and council and the employment agreement is approved. It is customary that the selected candidate will provide his or her current employer with 30 days' notice prior to their departure. The new city manager will likely start work in Sioux City in mid to late August.
Dear Prudence is Slates advice column. Submit questions here.

Dear Prudence,

My boyfriend and his ex-wife have two teenage daughters, and they all call each other Mommy and Daddy. As in, the parents still call each other Mommy and Daddy when referring to or speaking to one another, and the daughters do as well. I completely understand children using these terms with their parents, but I have to admit that when the adults call each other Mommy and Daddy, it just  weirds me out. I cant pinpoint exactly whyit just feels off.

To be clear, Im not looking to ask them to change how they speak to one another; its clearly a longstanding, affectionate part of their family dynamic. But Im struggling with how to shake this ick-factor reaction I have. How can I stop feeling so uncomfortable about something that objectively isnt hurting anyone?

Cringing Quietly

Dear Cringing Quietly,

I would feel the same way, and Im a tiny bit hopeful that repeated exposure will help you get used to this. If you cant see that happening, here are a couple of other ideas.

Maybe you could ask your boyfriend to tell you the story of how they decided on the Mommy and Daddy thing? Tone will be important here. You dont want to do it in a Explain yourself, you weirdo way, but rather in a Im so curious about the different way humans move through the world way. You might hear something that would make it make sense. Or at least get enough additional information to dilute the eww feeling.

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Finally, as a last resort, play the It could be worse mind game with yourself. They could be calling each other Mommy and Daddy and having an affair! Or they could be calling each other Mommy and Daddy and engaging in a bitter custody battle that cost tens of thousands in legal fees. Or they could be calling each other Mommy and Daddy and calling you Future Step-mommy. When you think of these possibilities, does it make the current situation feel like a relief? If not, this might just have to be an ick that you live with (and that hopefully wraps up at some point not too long after the children become official adults).

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Get advicesubmit a question! Please keep questions short (<150 words), and dont submit the same question to multiple columns. We are unable to edit or remove questions after publication. Use pseudonyms to maintain anonymity. Your submission may be used in other Slate advice columns and may be edited for publication. Thanks! Your question has been submitted. Dear Prudence, * Your letter signoff Your pronouns Your email (optional and confidentialplease include if you're open to Dear Prudence following up) Submit

Dear Prudence,

When using the bathroom at a friends house, is it rude to borrow a squirt or two of her expensive perfume?

She Wont Miss It

Dear Wont Miss,

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She might not miss it, but she will smell it! This isnt something youre going to be able to do in secret, so dont make it weirdjust ask.

Want more Prudie? Slate Plus members get an additional column each week. Sign up for Slate Plus now.

Dear Prudence,

How do I tell my friend she shouldnt become an influencer? A co-worker of mine is talented and respected in our field, but lately shes been posting TikToks on behalf of our brand with the hopes to get famous, quit, and influence full-time. However, shes just not interesting enough. Shes a basic New York white girl, has really cheesy old millennial humor, and its not about looksshe just doesnt have the charisma or personality to be a successful influencer. Should I tell her she doesnt have what it takes, or should I let her keep posting and acting supportive when her content gets dismal numbers?

Not a Subscriber

Dear Not a Subscriber,

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Hey, there are plenty of basic, cheesy, white millennialsand other types of people who dont seem particularly uniquewith robust followings. Im not sure that being an influencer requires being super charismatic either. It seems that success in this arena is combination of posting a ton in a strategic way, and luck. You never know  she could be unintentionally hilarious on one video that goes viral and her popularity could take off from there. Maybe there is hope!

But if there isntand actually, the fact that shes posting on behalf of a brand is what makes me think this will flop. Selling stuff is generally what people do after they have captured a bunch of peoples interest, often by sharing very personal content, not beforeyou dont have to tell her that. Her likes and comments (or lack thereof) will. And since shes a coworker whos posting about your place of work, it does makes sense to keep being supportive. Appearing to be a team player can be accomplished in 30 seconds a day with a couple of likes or a comment. You have my permission to roll your eyes while you do it.

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Classic Prudie

Do you think its possible that two people who feel differently about having kids can stay together? What I mean is that, if one is willing to sacrifice the idea of having kids in order to remain with someone who strongly wishes to remain childless, is there ever a situation where that could actually work, or would it be an albatross around the relationships neck? Would it just lead to inevitable resentment later down the line? For context, I am a woman in a straight relationship and Im the one who doesnt want kids. My partner has expressed a desire to be a parent multiple times, yet he seems to backpedal his desire whenever I try to acknowledge our difference here. I want to be able to take him at his word (that its a sacrifice hes willing to make) but the evidence suggests hed be missing something really important if he pursued a life without parenthood. I am not sure where to go from here.
Good Job is Slates advice column on work. Have a workplace problem big or small? Send it to Laura Helmuth and Doree Shafrir here. Its anonymous!

Dear Good Job,

I run a science fiction/fantasy book club with some co-workers, and recently put together an online poll for members to vote on our next book selection. I also gave them the option to veto books (semi-anonymously, I still saw everyones answers) for whatever reason. Two members vetoed the exact same three books.

Coincidentally, these books were the only ones with LGBTQ+ characters. While I cant say for sure why they chose to veto those books, it feels like more than just a coincidence, and I cant help but be disappointed.

This isnt the first time Ive felt uncomfortable in this office. Several months ago, a pride flag I kept at my desk was vandalized with homophobic slurs. I dont know if these same co-workers were involved, but this latest incident has left a bad taste in my mouth and changed how I view them. I dont want to make assumptions, and Im trying to move on, but I also dont want to ignore what feels like a pattern. Should I address this in some way, or is it better to just keep my distance and focus on the people in the group who make it a positive space?

Reading Between the Lines

Dear Reading,

How how HOW can someone join a sci-fi/fantasy book club today and be homophobic? I mean, I get that homophobes are everywhere and theres a long tradition of gender-binary bullshit in science fiction and fantasy. But this genre is all about imagining different identities, planets, societies, and ways of learning, loving, and even breathing. And we are in a golden age of queer-friendly stories! (As Bigolas Dickolas Wolfwood said of This Is How You Lose the Time War: Read this  do it right now im very extremely serious.)

Anyway, I know you already know all this. Youre just trying to run a fun book club in a hostile workplace. Did you tell your boss or human resources about your desecrated pride flag? They need to tell the full staff that the workplace will not tolerate homophobic harassment, and that hateful vandalism is a fireable offense.

For your safety and for the sake of the queer-friendly people in the book club, I think someonenot necessarily you or only youought to address the members. Talk to a co-organizer or trusted member of the club about the pattern you noticed. Then, at your next meeting, share the results of your surveys, but not the names of the people who vetoed the books with LGBTQ+ characters. (Obviously, you will remember their names and be wary of them, but things could get complicated if you reveal that the surveys were only anonymous-ish.) You or one of the other group members you confided in can then make the observation that some of the vetoed books have LGTBQ+ themes, and you hope that wont be a problem, because this genre is delightfully, fabulously, binary-smashingly queer.

This message does three important things. First, it gives the people who vetoed those books for non-homophobic reasons a chance to speak up: Oh, one of those vetoes came from me, but thats just because I already read those books. Second, it sends a message to people whose imaginations cant stretch beyond their own straight and cis-gendered realities that they are not welcome and cant stop the rest of you from reading some of the best sci-fi/fantasy of all time. Third, it alerts the rest of the club that there is a problem in the workplace (especially if management ignored the vandalism and they dont know about it) that they can help solve. Discussing sci-fi/fantasy books with allies is a good way to build a better work culture and fix this cursed timeline.

Laura

Classic Prudie

I wouldnt have been able to go to my half sisters wedding due to a work conflict. I wanted to show my support, so I bought her an expensive Hawaiian honeymoon package. Only a month before the wedding, the lovebirds broke up due to rampant cheating on both sides. This has caused our father a lot of embarrassment and cost a pretty penny. I managed to transfer the vacation package back to myself and made plans to go with a friend. It is nonrefundable, and my boss would be happier I dont take off Christmas. Only now my half sister is freaking out she cant go to Hawaii.
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President Donald Trump has managed to escalate his war with higher education to a whole new level. After Harvard University, on Monday, refused to comply with his administrations demands to alter its admissions and hiring practices, as well as dismantle the universitys diversity programs, the federal government responded by freezing $2.2 billion in research grants. But the most alarming move came shortly thereafter: On Tuesday, Trump took to Truth Social to suggest that Harvard should lose the tax-exempt status it currently has as a 501(c)(3) organization: Perhaps Harvard should lose its Tax Exempt Status and be Taxed as a Political Entity if it keeps pushing political, ideological, and terrorist inspired/supporting Sickness? 

A day later, the Department of Justice confirmed that it has asked the IRS to revoke Harvards tax-exempt status. And Thursday, it was reported that revoking Harvards tax-exempt status is just the beginning of the White Houses plan to hit at the finances of the nations higher education system.

In his post, Trump told us to remember that, Tax Exempt Status is totally contingent on acting in the PUBLIC INTEREST! Yet the current sitting president did not need to resort to caps lock to strike fear into the heart of anyone who is associated with a college or university. Revoking a universitys tax-exempt status would have profound financial repercussions for any institution of higher ed. Losing that status seriously jeopardizes Harvards financial security. Its a little complicated, but lets take a leap into the wild world of tax law to understand how and why this could have such a big effectand whether it will even be remotely plausible, from a legal standpoint.

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How could this be so devastating to such a rich institution? Lets look at the numbers. The first impact would be the most obvious one: Without 501(c)(3) status, Harvards annual net income (total income minus deductible expenses, like most of its operating expenses) will be taxed at the corporate income tax rate of 21 percent. According to its 2024 financial report, Harvard pulled in $8.92 billion last year, mostly from endowment returns, philanthropy, tuition, and research grants, and spent $6.42 billion on operations. Even assuming every penny of those expenses is deductible, Harvard would still owe around $525 million in federal income taxes. Thats half a billion dollars. Every year.

But paying the corporate income tax would only be the start of Harvards new financial woes. One of the biggest perks of 501(c)(3) status is the ability to issue tax-exempt bondsbasically low-interest borrowing that investors love because they dont pay taxes on the returns. Harvard has used this tool regularly, issuing $200 million to $1 billion in bonds every few years, and currently has $2.56 billion in outstanding tax-exempt bond debt. It actually used these exact bonds this month to raise the $750 million the institution expected it might need in case the Trump administration pulled its federal funds. Losing its tax-exempt status would not only bar Harvard from issuing new tax-free bonds, but it could also destabilize the universitys existing debt and possibly spook investors. That kind of uncertainty could put Harvards pristine AAA credit rating at risk, which would also drive up the cost of its $4.1 billion in other kinds of (taxable) bonds.

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Then theres the question of donations. In 2024, the university received $368 million in endowment gifts and $528 million in gifts for current usenearly $1 billion in total. A big reason the university sustains this rate of charitable giving has to do with Harvards 501(c)(3) status. Being a 501(c)(3) organization means that individuals that donate to the organization are able to deduct those contributions from their income when they calculate their annual tax liability. This status also provides an important incentive for the ultra-wealthy, because they are allowed to deduct charitable donations from their estates. So, for Harvard to lose its tax-exempt status could cost Harvard dearly in terms of charitable giving. If just 10 percent of donors decided to stop donating with the tax break gone, Harvard would lose another $100 millionevery year.

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Worse, some of the universitys preexisting financial interests could be at stake. Many choose to donate to institutions like Harvard through a charitable trust. In fact, Harvards assets include $466 million from these legal instruments. However, because of the unique way in which charitable trust law works, there is good reason to think that if the Harvard loses its 501(c)(3) status, these trusts will be forced to redirect their funds away from the university, with the effect of partly unwinding its endowment.

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Put bluntly: Losing 501(c)(3) status wouldnt just dent Harvards bottom line. It would shake the foundation of how the university raises, spends, and borrows money.

Of all the (legal) tools the Trump administration could use to go after higher educationthat is, short of outright seizure by the federal governmentrevoking Harvards tax-exempt status will likely exact the most pain. But Trumps latest threat isnt just about punishing Harvard. Its a warning shot to every other university that might consider pushing back, especially those without a $50 billion endowment and a centuries-old brand. Harvard isnt just the richest university in America, its the most influential research institution in the world. It predates the country itself, and its enjoyed tax-exempt status for almost as long. By going after Harvards tax-exempt status, Trump appears to hope that all other universities will fall in line. Which makes the administrations threat all the more explosive.

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The real question now is: Can Trump actually follow through? Can he actually do this? As with most legal issues, the answer is complicated, but there are some laws and procedural mechanisms in place that might let him get surprisingly far. Organizations seeking exemption from federal taxation must prove theyre organized and operated exclusively for one of several statutory defined purposes, such as education. And since 1969, federal law has required most nonprofits to apply for and receive a formal IRS determination letter to confirm their eligibility. But that recognition isnt permanent.

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The IRS does have the power to revoke a universitys tax-exempt status, and yes, it can even do so retroactively. If the agency determines that Harvard misrepresented facts in its original exemption application or strayed too far from its stated mission, it could pull the plug on Harvards status going back years. Normally, though, the process isnt quick. The IRS typically starts things off by issuing a proposed revocation letter outlining its reasoning. Harvard would then have a chance to fight back, either by requesting a meeting with an IRS manager or submitting a protest letter, usually within 30 days. If it makes a strong enough case, the matter goes to the IRS Independent Office of Appeals, which is supposed to offer a neutral second look. Sometimes the IRS backs down. Sometimes it doesnt.

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But all that takes timeweeks, maybe months. And heres the catch: Its not entirely clear whether the IRS is legally required to follow this whole process step by step. And even if it is, thats not likely to stop Trump. This is, after all, a president whos made a habit of skipping due process in favor of action. If the past is any guide, the White House isnt going to wait around for the IRS to issue a warning letter. Its far more likely to move quicklyperhaps with another executive orderdeclaring Harvards tax-exempt status revoked by presidential decree. Whether that holds up in court is a separate question. But the chaos? That part is guaranteed.

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If Trump follows through with an executive order revoking Harvards tax-exempt status, the universitys next stop will be federal court. Expect Harvard to file for a temporary restraining order almost immediately, seeking to block the order before it causes irreversible damage. TROs are supposed to be rare, an extraordinary form of relief for extraordinary situations. But in the Trump era, where executive orders are often wielded like sledgehammers, courts have grown more accustomed to granting them. And Harvard will need the protection. If a future executive order takes effect, it could expose the university to years of retroactive tax liability and even force it to unwind portions of its massive endowment.

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But heres the catch: In tax law, getting immediate relief isnt simple. The Anti-Injunction Act is a more-than-a-century-old statute that bars lawsuits that seek to block the assessment or collection of federal taxes before they happen. In plain terms, it means you usually cant sue the government just because you think a tax is illegalyou either have to wait for a deficiency notice from the IRS, or pay it first, then sue for a refund. That could be a major roadblock for Harvard. If a court decides the executive order is functionally a tax enforcement action, the Anti-Injunction Act could prevent Harvard from getting a TRO at all. In that case, the university may be forced to wait until the IRS decides to calculate its tax liability, and it doesnt have that kind of time.

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Instead, Harvard will likely have to pivot to a different legal strategy: asking the courts for a declaratory judgment. In plain terms, that means Harvard will go straight to a judge and ask for a ruling that it still qualifies as a 501(c)(3) organization. Normally, to get that kind of relief, youd have to show youve exhausted all your options with the IRS first. But in this case, that hurdle might not matter. Its hard to imagine Trumps IRS offering much in the way of administrative process, let alone acting in good faith. And Harvard can probably point to prior efforts to respond to the administrations demands as proof that it tried to play by the rules before heading to court.

What all this means is that the case is likely going to have to be litigated on the merits, and the key question is whether the Trump administration has any legal grounds to revoke Harvards tax-exempt status. What exactly has the university done to deserve losing its tax exemption?

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Normally, the IRS will revoke an organizations exempt status if it engages in excessive lobbying or political campaigning, funnels profits or benefits to insiders, engages in certain prohibited financial transactions, or runs commercial operations that stray too far from its stated mission. You can bet the Trump administration will accuse Harvard of doing all of this, even it is unlikely that it can make any of these charges stick. In fact, the IRS may want to avoid relying too hard on any of these reasons when it revokes Harvards 501(c)(3) status, because doing so could set legal precedent that would jeopardize the future of other wealthy charitable institutions, like the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints or private foundations that tend to donate to the presidents preferred causes.

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But more dramatically, the IRS can also revoke exempt status if it finds the organization has a substantially illegal purpose or is engaged in substantial illegal activitya rule rooted in whats known as the illegality doctrine, a lesser-known interpretative canon of tax law. Under that doctrine, if a nonprofit engages in or even encourages violations of state or federal law, it can lose access to tax exemption and its associated benefits altogether.

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In a previous piece, one of us explained how Trumps recent executive order gutting the Public Service Loan Forgiveness program took aim at the definition of public service, directing the Education Department to exclude work done for organizations engaged in any substantial illegal purpose. That move wasnt just political theater; it was rooted in the illegality doctrine. The IRS has routinely relied on the doctrine to deny or revoke tax-exempt status, not only in cases of tax fraud, but also for violations of non-tax laws like the Controlled Substances Act or the federal Anti-Kickback Statute. Even infractions of state and local law can trigger a loss of exemption. Want to organize a protest? Well, you better be careful, because you might cost your organization its tax-exempt status if those activities happen to violate local ordinances or constitute a breach of public order.

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It does not even matter if the organization has never been prosecuted or convicted of its supposed lawbreaking. As long as the IRSthe federal agency charged with collecting the nations internal revenuedetermines the organization has broken the relevant law in a substantial manner, or has a substantially illegal purpose, it can revoke its tax-exempt status.

So, when Trump blasted out his Truth Social post declaring that Tax Exempt Status is totally contingent on acting in the PUBLIC INTEREST! and accused Harvard of promoting terrorist inspired/supporting Sickness,  he wasnt just rantinghe was signaling a legal theory. And while his statement is not an entirely accurate reading of 501(c)(3), it suggests the administration plans to build its case on the claim that Harvards mission or actions have triggered the illegality doctrine.

So how does Harvard push back? And what exactly counts as substantially illegal behavior anyway? Unfortunately, the legal road map here is almost nonexistent. While courtsincluding the Supreme Courthave broadly acknowledged that 501(c)(3) is not available to organizations that break the law, theyve rarely applied the illegality doctrine to strip a group of its tax-exempt status. The handful of cases that do exist involve sensational facts and easy villains: fraudsters, violent cult members, pedophiles, and drug users. What they dont offer is a clear, consistent legal standard.

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In fact, most of what we know about the illegality doctrine doesnt come from the courts. It comes from the IRS itself. And not in any clear or authoritative form. Tax lawyers trying to make sense of how this doctrine actually works are left digging through a grab bag of often decades-old sources like rulings, general counsel memoranda, and obscure internal training manuals. Even then, the rules are more vibes than law.

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Take, for example, the IRSs attempt to explain when an organizations illegal activity is substantial enough to justify revoking its tax-exempt status. The agency offers two tests: a quantitative one, supposedly measuring how much time and effort the organization spends on the illegal activity, and a qualitative one, which weighs how serious the activity is and who within the organization was involved. In one document, the IRS writes: The illegal activity may be so serious that even an isolated incident would outweigh the organizations other activities.

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So  how much is too much? And what is too much? Does this count as a qualitative or quantitative violation? The IRS tries to clarify with an example:

A great many violations of local pollution regulations relating to a sizable percentage of an organizations operations would be required to disqualify it from 501(c)(3) exemption. Yet, if only .01% of its activities were directed to robbing banks, it would not be exempt. This is an example of an act having a substantial non-exempt quality, while lacking substantiality of amount. A very little planned violence or terrorism would constitute substantial activities not in furtherance of exempt purposes.

That doesnt exactly settle things. If youre wondering what counts as a very little planned violence, or what laws one must break in order even trigger the illegality doctrine in the first place, youre not alone.

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Related From Slate All Those People Touting STEM Over the Humanities? Now We Know How Silly That Was. Read More

For lawyers outside the world of tax law, this might seem absurd. But for those in the exempt organization world, its business as usual. The IRS and Treasury have long operated with broad latitude to define the rules for tax-exempt status, and thats made doctrines like this one both powerful and nebulous.

But that might be changing. A string of recent Supreme Court decisions is throwing the administrative scaffolding of tax law into question. Between Loper Bright, Ohio v. EPA, Corner Post, and its recent spate of major questions doctrine cases, the Supreme Court seems significantly less willing to defer to agency interpretations of federal tax law, especially when it manages to evade the normal strictures of the Administrative Procedure Act. Lower courts are joining in too, increasingly eager to toss out agency guidance that once wouldve flown under the radar. And the Supreme Courts recent oral argument in its Catholic Charities case suggest that the justices are skeptical of the IRSs own rules and tests for interpreting 501(c)(3) law.

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All of this could weaken the IRSs ability to lean on the illegality doctrine, especially the untested version it will likely use to defend its actions against Harvard in court.

In all likelihood, itll fall to the federal courts, and eventually the Supreme Court, to decide not just what the illegality doctrine actually demands, but whether its even a legitimate interpretive tool at all. That will make the governments job in stripping Harvard of its exemption significantly tougher. The case on which it is most likely to rely, Bob Jones University v. United States, sparked major public backlash at the time the decision was announced over 40 years ago, and has since been thoroughly dismantled by legal scholars and litigants. And even then, the decisions holding was tightly bound to its facts. It also happened to deal with an activityracial discrimination by private schoolsthat was not strictly illegal.

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To make a stronger case, the government may have to reach beyond the world of exempt organizations and rely on other Supreme Court decisions like Commissioner v. Tellier and Tank Truck Rentals v. Commissioner, which deal with other parts of the tax code, such as deductions for business expenses and loss claims. These offer firmer ground and embrace a version of the illegality doctrine that resembles what the IRS has outlined for 501(c)(3) organizations. But to tie it all together, the government will have to make a familiar but increasingly unfashionable argument: that tax-exempt status, like a deduction, is the equivalent of a government subsidy (basically, a tax followed by a direct transfer), and that this economic fact means the IRS cannot extend 501(c)(3) status to organizations that engage in illegal behavior. Without such a rule, the government would be required to subsidize lawbreakers! That kind of economic logic once had real traction at the court. These days? Not so much.

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Perhaps the governments biggest obstacle will be one of basic statutory interpretation. The illegality doctrine doesnt appear anywhere in the actual text of U.S. Code Section 501(c)(3), or anywhere else in the tax code, for that matter. And for this Supreme Court, which prides itself on textualism, thats a problem. The legislative history doesnt offer much backup either. While Congress has occasionally floated amendments to Section 501(c)(3) to bar certain kinds of unlawful conductmostly related to terrorismnone of those proposals ever became law. In other words, even when lawmakers have tried to codify this doctrine, theyve failed. Thats not exactly a strong foundation for the governments case.

And most importantly, the illegality doctrine clashes with many foundational principles of American law, such as federalism, separation of powers, prosecutorial discretion, and agency independence. If the Supreme Court takes these principles as seriously as it would like us to believe, it should have a hard time validating the doctrine, at least in the incredibly expansive, ill-defined form that the governments attorneys are likely to put forth.

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Harvard will likely challenge the validity of the illegality doctrine in toto, but it will probably also offer the courts a narrower, more modest interpretation of the rule, one that clearly avoids implicating its activities as a major research university. But, if all else fails, Harvardnot the IRSwill have the burden of proving that it has not committed any substantial violation of law. Wading through this morass will certainly not be easy. How do you prove this kind of negative, especially when the standard is this vague? Its going to be a grind. Lets just hope the courts recognize the administrations move for what it is: a political stunt wrapped in legal pretext, and a deeply unlawful attack on an independent institution.
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The story of Kilmar Abrego Garciathe Maryland father wrongly deported to a Salvadoran prisonhas captivated the nation and spurred Democratic lawmakers into action, with Maryland Sen. Chris Van Hollen flying to El Salvador on Wednesday to try to get him freed. But the Supreme Court does not appear to appreciate the urgency of the crisis. Last week, the court struck a compromise in Abrego Garcias case that has left him trapped in prison: The majority faulted a federal judge for potentially interfering with diplomatic negotiations, declaring that she could not compel the U.S. government to effectuate his return, only to facilitate it, a distinction based in due regard for the deference owed to the executive branch in the conduct of foreign affairs. Predictably, the Trump administration has seized on this deferential language as a justification to do nothing to bring Abrego Garcia home. In offering Trump this opportunity, the Supreme Court very directly set different rules for President Donald Trump than it had for President Joe Biden, gifting the former freedom from judicial intervention into negotiations with a foreign nation.

The courts profound solicitude for Trumps power over foreign affairs marks a sharp break from its attitude toward Bidens authority in this field, one that seems to reflect judicial hostility toward both immigrants and Democratic presidents. It rarely intervened when conservative federal courts repeatedly intruded into the Biden administrations immigration policymost notoriously, when U.S. District Judge Matthew Kacsmaryk effectively seized control over the southern border for nearly a year. In 2021, Kacsmaryk ordered the Biden administration to restart Trumps Remain in Mexico program, an undertaking that required complex diplomatic negotiations with the Mexican government. He instructed U.S. officials to beg their Mexican counterparts for permission to house migrants from other countries in Mexican territory. He oversaw these weekly diplomatic talks between two sovereigns, subjecting U.S. officials to invasive interrogations about their goals and strategies. And he threatened to hold these officials in contempt if they failed to coax the Mexican government into a new agreement.

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The Supreme Court allowed this arrangement to drag on for more than 10 months before finally putting a stop to it by a 54 vote that reflected, at most, mild concern over Kacsmaryks seizure of Bidens foreign affairs authority. Its blase attitude toward the episode could not stand in sharper contrast to its deep concern for the slightest encroachment into Trumps prerogative over diplomatic negotiations in Abrego Garcias case. The court appears to apply different standards to Biden and Trump in the arena of foreign affairs, tying Bidens hands while freeing Trumps. And it is always immigrants who pay the price.

Kacsmaryks 10-month reign over border policywith the Supreme Courts permissionis all the more striking in light of what SCOTUS would not allow on Thursday. Abrego Garcias case should be simple: The government deported him to a Salvadoran prison by mistake, in contravention of a court order expressly forbidding his removal to El Salvador. He has never been accused of a crime or credibly linked to any gang. His deportation was, as the Supreme Court acknowledged, therefore illegal, and the government has, at a bare minimum, an obligation to bring him back. But SCOTUS couldnt leave it at that. While the majority did order the Trump administration to facilitate Abrego Garcias return, it reproached the district court judge, Paula Xinis, for directing the administration to effectuate his return, too. That word, it warned, might suggest undue interference in delicate diplomacy, and so it had to go.

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Now compare this alleged intrusion into foreign negotiations with what the Supreme Court greenlit four years ago. When he entered office, Biden sought to end Trumps Remain in Mexico policy, under which the United States forced migrants to wait in Mexico while their asylum claims were adjudicated. The migrants affected by this policy were not Mexican citizens, but refugees from other countriesso holding them in Mexico required Mexican approval. Trump had obtained this approval, but it expired after the Biden administration worked with Mexico to disband the program.

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Texas and Missouri filed suit in 2021, claiming the programs disbandment was unlawfully arbitrary and capricious. They shopped their complaint to the federal court in Amarillo, Texas, where they were guaranteed to draw Kacsmaryk, an ultra-partisan Trump appointee (who would later attempt to ban mifepristone medication abortion nationwide). To nobodys surprise, Kacsmaryk sided with Texas, issuing a nationwide injunction that forced the government to restart Remain in Mexico almost immediately. Bidens Justice Department promptly begged the U.S. Court of Appeals for the 5th Circuit to freeze Kacsmaryks injunction, providing ample evidence that his order would significantly harm our diplomatic relationships and mandate complex diplomatic engagement with foreign sovereigns. The 5th Circuit refused a stay, blowing off these concerns in one brusque paragraph. Any harm to Bidens foreign policy agenda, it asserted, was self-inflicted, because the government should have simply inform[ed] Mexico that terminating the program would be subject to judicial review.

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Related From Slate The Crisis Over Trumps Salvadoran Gulag Has Reached a Terrifying Breaking Point Read More

The Justice Department then asked the Supreme Court for emergency relief. Kacsmaryks decision, it wrote, imposes a severe and unwarranted burden on executive authority over immigration policy and foreign affairs. His injunction, DOJ wrote, wrested control of foreign policy by requiring it to immediately negotiate with Mexico to reinstate a dormant program effectively dictating the content of the United States negotiations with foreign sovereigns. It marked nothing less than a grievous intrusion into the executives management of foreign policy, encroaching upon the core of his constitutional authority.

SCOTUS didnt care. By a 63 vote, the Supreme Court refused to grant a stay; its bare-bones, one-paragraph order did not even address Kacsmaryks interference with the presidents power over international relations. All three liberal justices dissented.

The courts inaction empowered Kacsmaryk to assert complete control over resumption of Remain in Mexico. He ordered U.S. diplomats to negotiate over the program with Mexico in good faith, demanding monthly status reports detailing exactly how they were implementing his commands and how much progress they were making. He forced the administration to spend millions of dollars rebuilding temporary structures that the government could use to adjudicate immigrants claims. He made the Justice Department tell him the precise number of migrants encountered at the border each month and exactly what the government did with each of them.

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On top of these status reports, Kacsmaryk ordered ongoing updates on the administrations compliance with his injunctionthat is, detailed explanations of negotiations with the Mexican government to restart Remain in Mexico. These updates were accompanied by declarations from U.S. officials explaining how they were implementing the injunction. When Texas complained that they were not implementing it quickly enough, Kacsmaryk allowed the states lawyers to depose the federal officials, compelling them to turn over even more information about high-level diplomatic negotiations with the Mexican government. The lawyers and diplomats undertaking this task at Kacsmaryks insistence were subject to the constant threat of contempt and sanctions if they failed to meet his demands. ThenSolicitor General Elizabeth Prelogar later revealed that the judge had forced the Department of State and the Department of Homeland Security to hold weekly calls with their counterparts in the Government of Mexico to execute his extensive directives.

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Eventually, Prelogar persuaded the Supreme Court to reconsider the case, centering Kacsmaryks hijacking of American diplomacy in her oral arguments. In June 2022, the court finally ruled for the government, albeit by a 54 vote. Justices Clarence Thomas, Samuel Alito, Neil Gorsuch, and Amy Coney Barrett all dissented. Chief Justice John Roberts opinion for the court explained what should have been obvious all along: Kacsmaryk never had authority to order the resurrection of Remain in Mexico. Federal law says that the United States may send migrants back to Mexico during their immigration proceedings, not that it must. The statute, Roberts explained, plainly confers a discretionary authority to return aliens to Mexico, giving the government a tool that it has the authority, but not the duty, to use. Remarkably, the chief justice did not condemn Kacsmaryks lawless seizure of power over the border, noting only that it imposed a significant burden upon the executives ability to conduct diplomatic relations. He stopped far short of calling that burden unconstitutional.

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Compare this absolving language with the Supreme Courts stern admonition to Judge Xinis last week in Abrego Garcias case. Xinis had clearly instructed the Trump administration to ask the Salvadoran government to send him back, but SCOTUS chose to nitpick her phrasing. The court warned that her directive to effectuate Abrego Garcias release may exceed the district courts authority and had to be clarif[ied] with deference for the presidents foreign affairs powers. The predictable result has been days of spin and obfuscation from the Trump administration, which reinterpreted SCOTUSs caveat as an excuse to do nothing at all.

Three years ago, Thomas, Alito, Gorsuch, and Barrett were unbothered by Kacsmaryks micromanagement of a complex international program that required another country to hold tens of thousands of migrants within its borders. They have surely forfeited their right to complain about Judge Xinis attempt to bring one innocent man home. Perhaps a majority believes that Trump deserves sweeping deference in foreign affairs, while Biden did notor that the president only deserves this deference when he is trying to punish migrants rather than protect their rights. Whatever the reason for its disparate treatment, the Supreme Court has no standing whatsoever to limit Judge Xinis authority after letting one judge in Texas moonlight as shadow president.
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Roll out the red carpet, El Salvador: The Democrats are coming. Ever since the Trump administration mistakenly deported Kilmar Abrego Garcia to a notorious Salvadoran detention center and refused to lift a finger after a Supreme Court order to facilitate his return, Democrats have sounded the alarm. Maryland Sen. Chris Van Hollen visited El Salvador on Wednesday, and other Democrats intend to follow suit. The issue is lighting up phones in Democratic offices the way Elon Musks Department of Government Efficiency blitz did in the first couple months of the Trump administration. It is the biggest story of the week.

The focus on this issueas with any other development in American politicsis a source of anxiety and hand-wringing from some Democrats. Scar tissue from the 2024 election has them worried that Donald Trump is laying a trap, and theyre walking right into it. Its only been a couple of weeks since Trump pressed a series of buttons that could well blow up the economy and Americas standing at the center of it, a cascading crisis leaving a meaningful dent in his support. Instead, the thinking goes, Democrats are allowing Trump to turn attention to one of his strongest issuesimmigrationwhile feeding the cultural impression that Democrats are more concerned with foreigners than American citizens.

Rather than talking about the tariff policy and the economy, as one anonymous, centrist House Democrat told Axios, the thing where his numbers are tanking, were going to go take the bait for one hairdresser. (This lawmaker is referring to a separate ludicrous case of someone being abducted and sent to a terrorist detention center in El Salvador, not Abrego Garcias.)

We dont know whether the Trump administration thinks it has cunningly set a trap for Democrats, or is tweeting through a scandal that reflects poorly on it. But tweeting they have been, trying to draw the very wedge that has some Democrats fretting.

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America has two parties: One for illegals. And one for Americans, White House policy chief Stephen Miller, using the Alien Enemies Act to paint his Mona Lisa, wrote in an indicative post. And on Tuesday, Vice President J.D. Vance pooh-poohed Democrats arguments about respecting due process (his scare quotes), arguing that its a ruse to accomplish through fake legal process what they failed to accomplish politically: The ratification of Bidens illegal migrant invasion. All of these missives are laden with blunt-force language intended to frighten the reader from asking follow-up questions. Vance describes Abrego Garcia as an MS-13 gang member to justify his extralegal international schlepping, something that is far from established fact; Miller prefers to link together strings of words like illegal alien terrorist to describe him. Theyve done someone wrong, and see Democratsnot to mention a fair share of conservative voicesraising a stink about it. Their M.O. is to do him worse, and then link Democrats to the caricature.

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Related From Slate Trump Is Talking About Finding Ways to Send U.S. Citizens to Salvadoran Prison Read More

I get that Nov. 5, 2024, was a long day for the Democratic Party. But Democrats dont need to overthink, or self-censor, their rightful reaction to this heinous episode and the obligation they have to air it out.

To begin with, is this really good political turf for Trump? Sure, immigration is a stronger issue for Trump, and he did earn a mandate from the American public to secure the border and ramp up deportations to an extent. That does not mean, however, that hes immune to overreach on the subject, or that its broadly popular among the electorate to abduct and deport people by error, stiff-arm court orders to remedy the situation, or claim that they have no means of compelling El Salvadorwhose president would fly to D.C. to pick up Trumps McDonalds order, if he was askedto return him for proper, legal removal proceedings. If the electorate was so naturally on Vance and Millers side on the merits, you wouldnt see them flooding social media and cable interviews with such grim and often fictional spins of the merits.

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And then there are the opportunity costs: Devoting attention to this that could otherwise be devoted to the Trump-initiated economic crisis. But taking a little break from April 12 to, say, April 19, 2025, to emphasize a potential constitutional crisis need not be cause for alarm. Sticking an economic crisis to the incumbent party is not something that requires deft, minute-by-minute messaging from the minority. People have an uncanny habit of noticing when theyre getting poorer. They notice when they cant buy what they used to be able to buy, when they cant fix their roof because of supply shortages, when they cant preorder the Nintendo Switch 2, when they lose their job, or when their business goes bankrupt. They dont need Chris Van Hollen to tell them about this on Wednesday instead of checking in on someone whos been picked up in his state and sent to a foreign gulag.

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This is not just a symbolic fight to wage, or one that only serves to satisfy liberals desire to feel morally righteous. The stakes are real. Letting the Trump administration do what it has done in this case without pushback would not be a practical option. Consider where the House Democrat speaking to Axios thinks the line should be drawn: Only if Trump tries to deport U.S. citizens, the lawmaker argued, will Democrats need to draw a line in the sand and shut down the House. 

Letting the Abrego Garcia case slide makes that day much more likely, and less likely that anyone will be able to do anything about it. Trump is setting a precedent that the administration can take someone into custody, put them on a plane to a foreign prison, say theyre unable to return them, and argue its not in the courts purview to intervene. That process knows not the difference between citizen and not citizennor does this presidents personal definition of what constitutes a terrorist. Hes already musing about sending home grown criminals to El Salvador next. Of course he is. And thats much more likely if hes allowed to slide on this.

Its worth the fuss.
Welcome to Margin of Terror, a new column in which well track the reception the second Donald Trump presidency is getting from the United States electorate. As befits a political environment in which every faction can build its own siloed version of reality, well try to go beyond the top-line approval numbers to try to figure out how Trump is faring with various demographic and cultural subgroups whose support (or indifference) was crucial to his victory in 2024 .

Its happening again, againagain! (Read on: We can justify all of those agains.)

Throughout his career as president, Donald Trump has excelled at turning strengths into liabilities. During his first term, he alienated Mr. and Mrs. Median Voter on one of his most successful campaign issues, immigration, by green-lighting family separation. Then he lost his advantage on law and order by making months worth of inflammatory comments and gestures during the unrest that followed George Floyds death. In Term 2, he has already squandered his Apprentice-endowed reputation for being a great businessman by throwing a huge wrench into the gears of an otherwise functioning economy. (The worst part? Because of tariffs, that wrench cost him $4,700.)

And now, were sort of back where we started. After a surge in unauthorized Southern-border crossings that began late in Trumps first term but reached record levels during Joe Bidens presidency, Trump was reelected with a clear advantage on the question of who voters trusted to handle immigration. But he has, again, taken that mandate and run with it far past the limits of what he was ostensibly elected to do.

You can read more about the specifics of the situation elsewhere in Slate, but the gist of it is that Trump has decided the centerpiece of his immigration policy is going to be be sending alleged undocumented gang members to prisons that, for reasons that only make sense to those who are immersed in right-wing MAGA media, are located in El Salvador. The process of determining exactly who is a gang member appears to be quite shoddy and has resulted in men who do not in any way appear to be criminals being shipped abroadonly for the Trump administration to claim it has no way to retrieve them, even in the face of judges orders.

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In doing so, the White House has shifted public focus away from the question of whether voters want millions of immigrants to be able to enter and live for years in the U.S. without being documented or processeda question whose answer is an emphatic no, even if the electorate is more open-minded than its often given credit for about how the problem should be solved. (Even as of December 2024, more Americans said they believed legal immigration levels should be raised than said they should be reduced.) Instead, the issue is now whether voters believe residents of the United States should be given the right to due process before being flown to a dystopian foreign prison and whether the executive branch should be allowed to belittle and ignore the orders of federal courts.

The answers to those questions arent good for Trump. When a late March Reuters/Ipsos poll asked whether the president should keep deporting people despite a court order to stop, 56 percent of respondents said no while only 40 percent said yes. An Economist/YouGov poll that asked whether respondents approved of sending a particular planeload of Venezuelan immigrants to a prison in El Salvador without hearings found that 47 percent disapproved against 35 percent that approved. And a new Echelon poll that asked whether deportations are currently being handled fairly found that 49 percent said no and 44 percent said yes. The current press attention on the case of Kilmar Abrego Garcia, a Maryland resident whose removal has been blamed on administrative error by the Department of Justice, will likely drive further disapproval.

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Immigration was, even at this early point in his second term, the last major issue on which voters generally approved of Trumps performance. If he loses this subject, basically, there isnt going to be anything else to hold him up. So it was eyebrow-raising when a Quinnipiac poll released this week found that 50 percent of voters disapproved of his handling of the issue versus 45 percent who approved. The catch, there, is that Quinnipiacs polls are unusually unfriendly to Trump on immigration, having pegged him with just a 4746 approval edge on the issue shortly after he took office this Januarya time when other polls found much larger margins. Echelons poll this week, for instance, still gives Trump a +10 on handling immigration.

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Plus-10, however, is the worst result on the question that Echelon has found for Trump this term. (In March, the Echelon immigration number was +18.) His overall approval rating has also dropped to -5 in Nate Silvers aggregate tracker since the administrations market-exploding series of self-contradicting tariff announcements began on April 2.

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You dont have to look too far, either, to find an example of a president who became permanently perceived as a failure by voters after the early intersection of an overseas debacle and an adverse kitchen-table economic trend. (That would be Joe Biden, and the issues were Afghanistan withdrawal and gas prices.) As certain keen observers have pointed out, it should not be a particularly heavy lift for Trumps critics to connect the president is singlehandedly crashing the economy for no reason with the president is trying to create a police state in defiance of the Supreme Court under the broader umbrella of the president is an unstable egomaniac who is attempting to become emperor of America.

None of this means, though, that Trump will necessarily listen to the Supreme Court if it tells him unequivocally to secure the return of Abrego Garcia or any other deported individuals. He is not, traditionally, a politician who responds to negative public feedback by graciously course-correcting. In more than one sense, as it stands right now, things are probably going to have to get worse before they get better.
Debra Bocim Koehler daughter of the late William T, and Katherine L. (Simpson) Bocim died peacefully surrounded by family April 12, 2025 at Charlotte Hall Veterans Home in Maryland. She is survived by her husband Captain Jay B. Koehler, SC, USN {RET}, daughters Jessamyn Laura Koehler {Fairfax, VA} and Caitlyn Koehler Koennel {Dan}, granddaughters Addison Mae Koennel and Harper Jane Koennel {King George, VA}, and brother Richard T. Bocim {Marcia, Mount Pleasant, SC}.



Debra was born in San Diego, CA on November 14, 1954, and moved shortly after to Doylestown, PA, and then to Freehold, NJ, where she grew up. She graduated from Freehold High School and acted and sang in school plays. Debra attended Ithaca College graduating in 1976 Summa Cum Laude and them entered the University of San Diego School of Law graduating in 1979 with a Juris Doctor. She also passed the California State Bar exam that year. While in law school, she married then Navy Lieutenant Jay Koehler in 1977, became a Navy wife {the hardest job in the Navy}, and jumped aboard wholeheartedly. Debra mixed effortlessly with people, from sailors to admirals, and supported Jay over his last 25 years of service. According to Jay, she was a significant reason for his success in the Navy.



Thanks to the U.S. Navy, she moved to Hawai'i in 1979, passed the Hawai'i State Bar exam in 1980 and practiced general law with two firms and also fell in love with Hawai'i, and its beaches, culture and people.



Relocating to Maryland in 1984, she passed the Maryland State Bar exam and practiced general law until moving to La Maddalena, Sardinia in 1989. While there, she enjoyed the slower paced lifestyle and taught law classes for the University of Maryland University College to active-duty U.S. sailors and dependents. It also kindled her love of adult education. Upon returning to Maryland in 1991, she went back to practicing general law. She loved appellate work, researching, writing and presenting cases to the Maryland Court of Special Appeals, now the state Supreme Court. One of her appeals resulted in a change to Maryland law.



Returning to Hawai'i in 1994 courtesy of the U.S. Navy, she was hired as a Judicial Education Specialist by the Hawai'i State Judiciary. In this role, she provided training to court staff and judges over 4 of the major islands. She frequently briefed the Chief Justice and other Justices on her plan for training, and at one point was asked by the Chief Justice to travel to the Republic of Palau in Micronesia to provide training to Palau's court personnel. In 1999 Debra landed in Maryland again and worked as a judicial education specialist providing support to Maryland, D.C. and Delaware judiciaries. She also consulted for the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration {NHTSA} on legal issues around substance-related laws.



Debra began working for the National Albanian American Association {NAAC} providing leadership training to professional women from Kosova to enable them to be more involved in the country's government and business. Debra traveled to Kosova several times, and NAAC hosted groups of 12-15 women for training each year. Fall of 2006 saw her move to the Maryland Judiciary where she again provided judicial training, and educational work with the National Judicial College. She retired in 2010 but remained active in Good Samaritan Presbyterian Church in Sunday School, bible study groups. choir, and enjoyed going to her weekend house in Lewes, DE, especially when her granddaughters visited. Debra was a consummate Momma Bear, able to find employers who respected her dedication to family and enabled her to be with her girls when needed. She was a shining example of unconditional love, pouring her heart into every moment with her girls. Devoted beyond measure, she nurtured, guided and lifted them with a grace that only a truly wonderful mother could have.



Debra endured worsening health over the past 5 years but has always been a faithful servant of the Lord. Jay often said, "She is the strongest person I know."



A memorial service for Debra will be held 3 May at 1000 at Good Samaritan Presbyterian Church, Waldorf, MD. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Good Samaritan Presbyterian Church, Doctors Without Borders, or the Maryland Food Bank.


https://sputnikglobe.com/20250417/moldovas-political-witch-hunt-persecution-of-gagauzias-gutsul-1121883670.html

Moldovas Political Witch Hunt: Persecution of Gagauzias Gutsul

Moldovas Political Witch Hunt: Persecution of Gagauzias Gutsul

Sputnik International

Yevgenia Gutsul, the elected head of Gagauzia, is being consistently politically persecuted in Moldova.

2025-04-17T13:22+0000

2025-04-17T13:22+0000

2025-04-18T07:24+0000

world

moldova

gagauzia

maia sandu

vladimir putin

dmitry peskov

russia

european court of human rights (echr)

https://cdn1.img.sputnikglobe.com/img/07e9/04/11/1121883969_0:235:2805:1813_1920x0_80_0_0_ae320769fcd00f3dd4e3860e33f1bb59.jpg

Yevgenia Gutsul was accused of attempting to evade justice when detained, despite her consistent cooperation with the courts. Political Hit Job? After her detention, Gutsul appealed to Russia's President Vladimir Putin for diplomatic and legal support, claiming that Moldovas ruling party was using its power to crush political opposition. Moldovas authorities use methods of blatant pressure on popular politicians who can somehow compete with President Maia Sandu, noted Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov. Sandus opponents argued that the republic had effectively become a "police state," said Russia's Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova. Initially held in custody for 20 days, Gutsul was released to house arrest on April 9. Gutsul accused Sandu and her Party of Action and Solidarity (PAS) of weaponizing Moldovas courts for political reprisals. With Gutsul still under legal fire, Moldovas opposition bloc "Victory" is preparing to take her case to the European Court of Human Rights. Russia-Friendly Stand After her election in 2023, Gutsul made it clear that she wanted to strengthen Gagauzia's ties with Russia and criticized Moldova's drift toward the EU. President Maia Sandu doubled downflat-out refusing to appoint Gutsul to the national government, brushing past what Moldovan law had to say about it. Legal Woes Gutsuls troubles date to 2022, when she was charged with allegedly illegal financing linked to the Shor Party. The now-banned Shor had sought better ties with Russia. There are additional allegations of campaign finance irregularities during the 2023 election, which Gutsul has vehemently denied, calling all charges politically motivated.

https://sputnikglobe.com/20241020/i-voted-for-moldova-sovereignty-independence-from-west--head-of-gagauzia-autonomous-region--1120608343.html

moldova

gagauzia

russia

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https://sputnikglobe.com/20250417/slovak-top-lawyer-mocks-zelensky--icc-in-explosive-interview-1121882147.html

Slovak Top Lawyer Mocks Zelensky & ICC in Explosive Interview

Slovak Top Lawyer Mocks Zelensky & ICC in Explosive Interview

Sputnik International

Former Slovak Supreme Court President and ex-Minister of Justice Stefan Harabin is under prosecution in Slovakia for approving Russian aggression.

2025-04-17T09:37+0000

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2025-04-17T09:38+0000

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The Slovakian court started prosecution because of Stefan Harabin's post on social media supporting the Russian military operation in Ukraine. The Slovak Specialized Criminal Court has initiated proceedings, but Harabin remains confident that there is no legal basis for the charges."Because I did not defame the Ukrainian nation," he explains.Despite facing legal action, Harabin remains resolute in his position, highlighting that similar views on Russia almost cost Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico his life. However, Harabin is undeterred by the threats, stating that with 40 years of experience in criminal law, he has encountered far more dangerous individuals.Harabin also criticized the International Criminal Court (ICC), referring to its jurors as "tin soldiers" who should not be allowed to practice law. In addition, he condemned the European Union's actions in banning Russian media, including Sputnik, calling it a violation of fundamental human rights and likening it to behavior seen in "Nazi elites."

https://sputnikglobe.com/20250403/hungary-to-abandon-icc-over-concerns-of-political-bias--orban-1121736836.html

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https://sputnikglobe.com/20250417/talks-between-putin-and-al-thani-mark-significant-step-forward-in-russian-qatari-relations---1121884873.html

Talks Between Putin and Al Thani Mark Significant Step Forward in Russian-Qatari Relations - Kremlin

Talks Between Putin and Al Thani Mark Significant Step Forward in Russian-Qatari Relations - Kremlin

Sputnik International

The talks between Russian President Vladimir Putin and Emir of Qatar Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani are an important step forward in the development of relations between Russia and Qatar, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said on Thursday.

2025-04-17T14:34+0000

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"Russia welcomes Qatar's mutual desire to develop bilateral relations globally. A very important step forward has been taken today, both at the highest level and through the heads of various departments. A lot of work has been done, and it will continue," Peskov told reporters.Other statements by Peskov:

https://sputnikglobe.com/20250417/qatar-sould-become-a-venue-for-russia-us-talks-says-kremlin-aide--1121883535.html

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https://sputnikglobe.com/20250417/trump-nixed-israels-iran-strike-pushed-for-deal-instead-1121880945.html

Trump Nixed Israels Iran Strike, Pushed For Deal Instead

Trump Nixed Israels Iran Strike, Pushed For Deal Instead

Sputnik International

Israel had planned to bomb Iranian nuclear sites as early as next month, hoping for US backing, The New York Times reported, citing insiders.

2025-04-17T07:26+0000

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Israel had planned to bomb Iranian nuclear sites as early as next month, hoping for US backing, The New York Times reported, citing insiders. Instead, Donald Trump opted to pursue a nuclear deal with Iran. Trump made the decision after months of internal negotiations about whether to pursue diplomacy with Iran or support Israel, the report added. The move exposed a rift in the US presidents camp: some, like Gen. Michael E. Kurilla, the head of US Central Command, and Michael Waltz, the national security adviser, were more open to Israels plan, claimed the outlet. Others, like Vice President JD Vance, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, and the Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard, feared it would trigger a wider war. The Omani capital of Muscat hosted the first round of indirect talks between Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi and US special presidential envoy for the Middle East Steve Witkoff on Saturday. Witkoff described the talks as positive and constructive, while Araghchi said the atmosphere was constructive and calm. The White House said that the second round of talks would be held on April 19.

https://sputnikglobe.com/20250416/us-imposes-new-iran-related-sanctions-ahead-of-second-round-of-nuclear-talks--treasury-1121879080.html

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Goodbye Ceia Later fought off fierce competition in the stretch to defeat Alberta's reigning Horse of the Year and capture the $11,000 featured pace at Century Downs on Wednesday, April 16.

Off the gate, Goodbye Ceia Later, driven by Phil Giesbrecht, tussled early with Sunshineatthebeach (Mike Hennessy) for the lead before surrendering and settling into the pocket. Sunshineatthebeach controlled the tempo, cutting an opening quarter in :28.1 and reaching the half in :57.4, where Outlawguns N Roses (Logan Gillis) launched a first-over bid. Sunshineatthebeach remained in control through three-quarters in 1:27, setting the stage for a thrilling stretch drive. In deep stretch, Goodbye Ceia Later tipped out from the pocket and surged on the outside, edging out her rivals to win by a nose in 1:56.1. Outlawguns N Roses settled for second, with Sunshineatthebeach rounding out the top three. The winning ticket returned $10.80.

Trained by Chris Lancaster, who co-owns the mare with Velda Olding of Abbotsford, B.C., Goodbye Ceia Later now has two wins this season from nine starts and $22,460 in 2025 earnings. The six-year-old boasts 20 career victories from 100 starts and has banked $168,694 in lifetime earnings. The daughter of Vertical Horizon-Ba Bye Ceia Later notched her second consecutive victory, following a Preferred-level score last week.

Wednesdays race also marked the four-year-old pari-mutuel debut for local track record holder Outlawguns N Roses. The daughter of Captive Audience-Gunslingin Gal was named Alberta's Horse of the Year for 2024 following a standout sophomore season in which she won 11 of 13 starts, took a mark of 1:51.3 and earned $285,270 in purses for trainer/owner Rod Starkewski and co-owner Clauzette Byckal.

To view Wednesday's harness racing results, click the following link: Wednesday Results - Century Downs.

(Standardbred Canada)
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Credit: Pixabay/CC0 Public Domain

Next-generation DNA sequencing (NGS)the same technology which is powering the development of tailor-made medicines, cancer diagnostics, infectious disease tracking, and gene researchcould become a prime target for hackers.

A study published in IEEE Access highlights growing concerns over how this powerful sequencing toolif left unsecuredcould be exploited for data breaches, privacy violations, and even future biothreats.

Led by Dr. Nasreen Anjum from the University of Portsmouth's School of Computing, it is the first comprehensive research study of cyber-biosecurity threats across the entire NGS workflow.

NGS is a cornerstone of modern biotechnology, enabling rapid and cost-effective DNA and RNA sequencing that supports important advances in cancer research, drug development, agricultural innovation and forensic science. The sequencing process within NGS workflow involves a series of complex, interdependent stepsfrom sample preparation and sequencing to data analysis and interpretationeach involving highly specialized instruments, technologies, software, and connected systems.

While the steps are essential for generating accurate results, they also open up multiple points of vulnerability. As many DNA datasets are openly accessible online, the study warns it is possible for cybercriminals to misuse the information for surveillance, manipulation, or malicious experimentation.

Dr. Anjum said, "Our work is a wake-up call. Protecting genomic data isn't just about encryptionit's about anticipating attacks that don't yet exist. We need a paradigm shift in how we secure the future of precision medicine."

The research was carried out in collaboration with colleagues from the Department of Computer Science at Anglia Ruskin University in Cambridge, the University of Gloucestershire's Department of Cyber Security and Computing, Narjan University's Department of Computer Science and Emerging Research Laboratory, and the Department of Microbiology at Shaheed Benazir Bhutto Women University.

Dr. Mahreen-Ul-Hassan, microbiologist and co-author from the Shaheed Benazir Bhutto Women University, said, "Genomic data is one of the most personal forms of data we have. If compromised, the consequences go far beyond a typical data breach."

The research team identified new and emerging methods that hackers and those with malicious intent could use to exploit or attack systems, such as synthetic DNA-encoded malware, AI-driven manipulation of genome data, and identity tracing through re-identification techniques. These threats go beyond typical data breaches, posing risks to individual privacy, scientific integrity, and national security.

Dr. Anjum added, "Despite its importance, cyber-biosecurity remains one of the most neglected and poorly understood research disciplines and is leaving a critical gap in global biosecurity. To make sure our DNA information stays safe and is used only for good, we're urging more research and collaboration to find ways to keep this powerful technology secure.

"Governments, regulatory bodies, funding agencies, and academic institutions must prioritize this field and invest in dedicated research, education, and policy development before it's too late.

"Without coordinated action, genomic data could be exploited for surveillance, discrimination, or even bioterrorism. Current protections are fragmented, and vital collaboration between disciplines is lacking. Key to successful prevention will be interdisciplinary cooperation between computer scientists, bioinformaticians, biotechnologists, and security professionalsgroups that rarely work together but must align.

"Our research lays the foundations for improving biosecurity by providing a single, clear list of all the possible threats in the entire next-generation sequencing process."

The paper also recommends practical solutions, including secure sequencing protocols, encrypted storage, and AI-powered anomaly detection, creating a foundation for much stronger cyber-biosecurity.

More information: Nasreen Anjum et al, Cyber-Biosecurity Challenges in Next-Generation Sequencing: A Comprehensive Analysis of Emerging Threat Vectors, IEEE Access (2025). DOI: 10.1109/ACCESS.2025.3552069 Journal information: IEEE Access
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Credit: Francesco Ungaro from Pexels

Taking a soak in a thermal spa might seem a much-needed break, worlds away from the relentless election campaigning, but they're actually more related than you might think.

One of the biggest election issues we're seeing in this campaign is what type of energy Australia should be using to power our homes and businesses into the future.

The warm water in a thermal spa is a surprising clue to an energy source that has the potential to power all our energy needs for billions of years.

Geothermal energy harnesses the heat from within Earththe term comes from the Greek words geo (earth) and therme (heat).

At around 6,400 kilometers beneath our feet, the center of Earth is as hot as the surface of the sun at more than 5,000C. As underground water moves up from the center of Earth towards the surface, it gets progressively cooler.

But just hundreds of meters below ground, Earth is often still warm enough for natural groundwater to heat swimming pools (both natural and built), warm houses and be put to industrial uses. This heat is continually replenished by the decay of naturally occurring radioactive elements deep within Earth.

It's something sometimes described as "natural nuclear" energy.

While the dangerous radioactive decay materials remain deeply and safely buried, the benign heat conducts upwards to the surface.

Because of this slow decay, geothermal energy sources remain available for potentially billions of years, ensuring an essentially inexhaustible energy supply that doesn't require battery storage.

But geothermal technologies are not well known in Australiauntil now, we hope.

Two ways to use geothermal energy

The easiest way to harvest geothermal energy is as "direct heat" from the warm groundwater.

This is captured by simply pumping the warm water to where it is needed if the temperature is right for the purpose or through Ground Source Heat Pumps (GSHP).

The GSHP systems boost the energy to a high temperature and are already used to heat buildings around Australia, including the Geoscience Australia and War Memorial buildings in Canberra and Antarctic Tasmania in Hobart.

Countries like Iceland, New Zealand and many others with natural volcanic resources already use their access to hot water and naturally occurring steam to generate electricity using steam turbines.

In Australia and large parts of Europe, it requires deeper drilling to access the heat needed for generating electricity. But we can access hot aquifers to supply a plentiful heat resource for both heating homes and other industrial uses, including heating greenhouses and food processing. Importantly, this reduces the need for fossil fuels.

And there are further applications for geothermal heat and power including providing off-grid power to resource industries like mining or powering remote communities.

Once a geothermal source has been identified, its energy sources are available 24/7.

Victoria's geothermal energy

Our research teams are currently investigating a local geothermal opportunity in the Latrobe Valley, where a vast underground aquifer of 60C water is readily accessible at modest cost with existing technology.

Importantly, we can use the aquifer's hot water without wasting much of it. Instead, the water is returned at a slightly cooler temperature to the aquifer, ensuring preservation of the integrity of the resource.

Modeling of the required infrastructure needed for projects like this one shows that reliable heat can be extracted over timescales stretching to 100 years or more with very modest operating costs.

Geothermal energy provides free heat for a range of industries, which is sustainable and carbon-free for many decades. Credit: NSW Climate and Energy Action

The sustainable lifetime for projects is limited only by the balance between the rate of heat production and the natural rate of heat rising from Earth. Essentially, for a range of industries, this provides free heat, which is also sustainable and carbon free.

The geological structure of the Latrobe Valley has a thick layer of brown coal, which acts as an insulating layer, trapping extra heat below and warming the aquifers.

The coal near the valley's surface has provided a cheap resource for generating electricity for decades. Now, by leaving the coal layer intact, it can provide the basis of a green energy future for the Latrobe Valley.

Internationally, the excitement about geothermal energy is palpable. European industries and organizations are accelerating the use of their resources. In fact, recently, China has begun to harness its extensive aquifers for heating entire cities.

New ways to harvest geothermal energy

Even more exciting for Australia are the new technological developments to generate electricity, using the deep drilling experience from the oil and gas industry to access hotter temperatures.

Any location on the planet can access high enough temperatures to generate electricity. But the greater the depth, the greater the technical challenges and the higher the drilling costs.

Now, the adoption of optimized drilling techniques from the oil and gas sector is improving the feasibility of widespread electricity generation.

A second technical advance is the delivery of heat to the surface.

Innovative industries are experimenting with fluids other than water; ironically, supercritical carbon dioxide is a leading contender, offering the twin advantages of removing carbon dioxide (CO) from the atmosphere while producing heat or power at the same time.

While the cost of drilling for geothermal power may be expensive, in many locations it's modest compared to the eye-watering sums suggested for alternative technologies like establishing nuclear power in Australia.

We are working with colleagues in the Faculty of Engineering and Information Technology, Professor Guillermo Narsillo and Dr. Behzad Rismanchi, and a growing number of Ph.D. students, to better understand the economic opportunities for geothermal energy in Australia.

This includes detailed modeling of underground geothermal resources, designing innovative industrial geothermal networks, exploring different fluids to transport heat, and of course, developing detailed economic business cases for individual industries.

We are also working with government to ensure that regulatory regimes are effective for safety and environmental protection, but not too onerous.

Using existing technology and skills

One of the biggest advantages for Australia is that a lot of geothermal technology is "off the shelf."

Direct use projects effectively use ordinary water bores and pumps, conventional surface water filters and heat exchangers. Geothermal power generation projects can employ existing equipment and workforces from other industrial sectors like oil, gas and mining.

Most of the existing and potential cases we have investigated for Gippsland, for example, are technically viable and economically compelling. Added to this is the fact that geothermal energy has the potential to open up a new, truly clean electricity supply, so it can adjust to meet demand on short timescales.

As our international colleagues prove that technologies will bring down the costs for generating geothermal electricity, Australia is in a box seat to capitalize on those developments.

We have the potential to simultaneously expand our direct use of geothermal energy to massively reduce our dependence on fossil fuels to power our homes and industry.

What is arguably lacking is national and state recognition that geothermal energy is a vast, valuable, secure natural energy resource quietly awaiting its moment in the sun.
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Having won a court ruling that Google had a monopoly in online ad technology, US attorneys could recommend that the tech titan be order to spin off its ad exchange operations.

A US judge on Thursday ruled that Google illegally wielded monopoly power in the online ad technology market, in a legal blow that could rattle the tech giant's revenue engine.

The federal government and more than a dozen US states filed the antitrust suit against Alphabet-owned Google, accusing it of acting illegally to dominate three sectors of digital advertisingpublisher ad servers, advertiser tools, and ad exchanges.

"Google's monopolies allow it to soak up excessive profits, leaving less for the workers and businesses whose livelihoods depend on online advertising," said New York attorney general Letitia James, whose state took part in the suit.

"Everyone from major news organizations to small independent bloggers has taken a financial hit because of Google's conduct."

It is one of two federal suits targeting Google that could ultimately see the company split up and curb its influenceand part of a wider government push to rein in Big Tech.

The vast majority of websites use Google ad software products that, combined, leave no way for publishers to escape Google's advertising technology, the plaintiffs alleged.

District Court Judge Leonie Brinkema agreed with most of that reasoning, ruling that Google built an illegal monopoly over ad software and tools used by publishers, but partially dismissed the argument related to tools used by advertisers.

"Google has willfully engaged in a series of anticompetitive acts to acquire and maintain monopoly power in the publisher ad server and ad exchange markets for open-web display advertising," Brinkema said in her ruling.

The judge concluded that Google further entrenched its monopoly power with anticompetitive customer policies and by eliminating desirable product features.

"In addition to depriving rivals of the ability to compete, this exclusionary conduct substantially harmed Google's publisher customers, the competitive process, and, ultimately, consumers of information on the open web," Brinkema wrote.

Google quickly vowed to appeal the ruling.

"We won half of this case and we will appeal the other half," the company's vice president of regulatory affairs Lee-Anne Mulholland said in a statement.

"The court found that our advertiser tools and our acquisitions, such as DoubleClick, don't harm competition," Mulholland said.

For Emarketer senior analyst Evelyn Mitchell-Wolf, "the bigger picture is crystal clear: the antitrust tides have turned against Google and other digital advertising giants."

"The extent of the fallout will depend on the legal remedies employed," Mitchell-Wolf told AFP.

What to do?

Launched under the presidential administrations of Donald Trump and Joe Biden, five major antitrust cases from the Federal Trade Commission and the US Justice Department are proceeding against major US technology companies.

These cases represent an aggressive shift in antitrust enforcement, after a relatively quiet period in antitrust prosecution since the Microsoft case in the late 1990s.

In August last year, a US judge ruled that Google maintained a monopoly with its dominant search engine. The company has appealed that ruling as well.

Online advertising is the driving engine of Google's fortune and pays for widely used online services such as Maps, Gmail, and search offered free.

Money pouring into Google's coffers also allows the Silicon Valley company to spend billions of dollars on its artificial intelligence efforts, as it tries to keep up with rivals.

Brinkema gave attorneys on both sides of the online ad tech case seven days to submit a schedule for arguing their positions regarding what remedies should be imposed on Google.

Ordering Google to spin off its ad publisher and exchange operations is likely to be among the plaintiffs' proposals.

For Mitchell-Wolf, the ruling has "profound implications for the advertising industry."

"The open web is so deeply rooted in Google's advertising technology that any change to the status quo could crush vulnerable publishers," the analyst said.

Nicole Gill, co-founder of advocacy group Accountable Tech, called Brinkema's decision a "massive victory," while Amnesty International Secretary-General Agnes Callamard called for a "rights-respecting structural break-up of Google."

 2025 AFP
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Hardware and system architecture specifications. Credit: Science Robotics (2025). DOI: 10.1126/scirobotics.adp9905

A team of cyber-systems researchers, engineers, optical specialists and roboticists at Zhejiang University, in China, has developed a navigation system for quadcopter drones that gives them the ability to carry out precise flight maneuvers autonomously. As reported in the journal Science Robotics, the group developed a multi-pronged system that allows quadcopter drones to carry out complex aerobatic maneuvers autonomously, in a safe manner, both indoors and outdoors.

It would be advantageous if drones were able to carry out tasks autonomously without human intervention. It would allow for flying tasks beyond the sight of a remote pilot, for example. It would also greatly reduce the cost of other tasks, such as delivering packages. Because of that, researchers have been working to make drones smarter.

Just two years ago, a team at the University of Zurich developed what they described as a highly agile quadrotor drone that was able to avoid obstacles and carry out trajectory tracking. In this new study, the research team in China has taken such work further by giving drones the ability to autonomously perform tricky flying maneuvers that are sometimes needed to complete a given task.

Credit: Mingyang Wang

To give their drone more autonomy, the researchers developed what they describe as a system that defines a flight as a series of aerobatic intentions. Each intention may represent a change in attitudethe position of the craft in three-dimensional space relative to the horizonin response to the surrounding topology, allowing for precise and intricate flight maneuvers.

Their system also involved adding a trajectory planner to make the flight path as smooth as possible and to avoid colliding with fixed objects. They also added software to address yaw sensitivity to help flatten out yaw rotational issues.

Credit: Mingyang Wang

In practice, their system uses preloaded maps, in-flight onboard computing and visual processing that converts topological metrics into aerial movements, allowing for constantly adjusting a flight path based on conditions.

The system allows for conducting unstable attitudes at times, which, it has been noted, is how birds and bats are able to achieve such precise flying.

Credit: Mingyang Wang

The team has tested their system with both simulations and real-world drones and has found it can be used to allow drones to safely fly both indoors and outdoors. They also found it could be used to allow drones to autonomously carry out aerobatic maneuvers and to safely navigate an obstacle course.

More information: Mingyang Wang et al, Unlocking aerobatic potential of quadcopters: Autonomous freestyle flight generation and execution, Science Robotics (2025). DOI: 10.1126/scirobotics.adp9905 Journal information: Science Robotics

 2025 Science X Network
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Image of planet earth from outer space. Credit: Carnegie Mellon College of Engineering

Space is a highly volatile environment. Factors like radiation, extreme temperatures, and debris make outer space a challenging environment for operating technology. In particular, radiation can have devastating effects on computer chips.

Space radiation, from solar flares or galactic cosmic rays, alters the electrical properties of an integrated circuit. The most vulnerable parts of a computer chip to radiation effects are the data storage elements, like flip-flops (FF) commonly used in digital logic. While radiation-hardened (rad-hard) electronics already exist to withstand harsh radiation environments, Carnegie Mellon researchers have fabricated more compact rad-hard chips that achieve equivalent or better radiation tolerance than conventional radiation-tolerant designs.

The team won a Best Paper Award for their paper, "A Soft Error Tolerant Flip Flop for eFPGA Configuration Hardening in 22nm FinFET Process," at the recent Design, Automation and Test in Europe (DATE) Conference held in Lyon, France. The work is a collaboration with Sandia National Labs on radiation-tolerant microelectronics for space and aerospace applications.

"As FFs are one of the most common elements on a chip, reducing the area of the FF has a significant reduction in the overall chip area," explains Ken Mai, principal systems scientist in the electrical and computer engineering department and an author of the paper. "Lower area leads to lower manufacturing costs, higher performance, and better energy efficiency, which is particularly important for space applications."

Most chips in space use FF designs that occupy more area on the chip than the one that the team designed. The crux of the invention is that the team achieved the same or better tolerance of radiation than the conventional FF designs, but in a smaller area.

"While the specific components or transistors used are not specific to Carnegie Mellon, the way they are arranged is our own invention," explains Mai.

Traditional robust FF designs use triple modular redundancy, majority vote of three copies of the same circuit block, to ensure error-free operation. This updated design reuses some of the components of a single basic FF to achieve the same level of radiation tolerance without the high area overhead of using three copies of the FF.

Currently, the team is designing full system-on-a-chip prototypes and plan to test and deploy on a cubesat in 2026 in collaboration with Brandon Lucia and Zac Machester's Spacecraft Design-Build-Fly Lab course.
Chinese, Egyptian air forces to hold first joint training

Xinhua) 09:23, April 17, 2025

BEIJING, April 16 (Xinhua) -- The Chinese and Egyptian air forces will conduct a joint training from mid-April to early May in Egypt, according to a statement released by the Chinese Ministry of National Defense on Wednesday.

This will mark the first joint training between the two countries' air forces, the statement noted, adding that it is of great significance for advancing practical cooperation and enhancing mutual trust and friendship between the two militaries.

(Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Liang Jun)
Orangeburg Countys Democratic lawmakers say budget proposals being considered by the state's General Assembly will most likely lead to cuts in local services funded by South Carolina.

We can't afford this, said Rep. Gilda Cobb-Hunter, D-Orangeburg.

Local lawmakers discussed the states budget during the April 14 meeting of the Orangeburg County Legislative Delegation.

I don't think we can afford the amount of money that has been cut from the budget. We have cut $2 billion from the budget. We have cut $600 million, the Senate version, from state agencies, Cobb-Hunter said.

These cuts are going to impact services, she said. There is no way you can cut that amount of money out of agencies and expect the same level of service.

I want people to be prepared because you kind of get what you ask for.

Delegation Chairman Sen. Brad Hutto, D-Orangeburg, said the Senate's version of the budget will most likely be taken up April 22 with a final vote by April 25. That leaves the House with about 10 days in the session to approve the budget.

Hutto said the current version of the budget has no funding for local individual projects and includes cuts in state agencies.

As an example, the Council on Agings Meals on Wheels program needed about $20 million and the state is only funding about $10 million.

I am not going to ask for half the people to not eat, Hutto said. There have to be some revisions as we go forward.

He also noted about $260 million in tax relief was allocated to the wealthiest earners in South Carolina.

I am not opposed to tax cuts, I don't think any of us are, but these are not targeted, Hutto said. They are not targeted to people making a living wage. It is across the board.

Hutto said over 50 percent of the citizens will not receive a tax cut. Those who are doing well already are going to get enough to take a vacation to Europe.

He said, While all of us value fairness in the tax code, I don't know any of us value that the highest wage earners ought to just get back all the money and everybody else get virtually nothing.

I won't tell you that everybody is totally pleased with the budget, he said. I do also want to tell you there is enough sentiment probably to overturn it.

Cobb-Hunter echoed Hutto.

I am for tax relief, she said. I think all Democrats are for tax relief. We differ on who should get the relief. What we have said on the House side is that working people should get some kind of tax relief.

Diversity, equity

and inclusion

Rep. Jerry Govan, D-Orangeburg, expressed concerns about how a diversity, equity and inclusion bill that passed in the House will impact programs.

We don't know how much it costs or how it will impact agencies and entities that are involved, many of them including institutions of higher education which receive federal dollars as well as state assistance, Govan said. It is not about the few, but it should rather be about the many.

Road closures

In an update on road closures due to the Nov. 7 flood, Orangeburg County Emergency Services Director Billy Staley said about six roads are still closed in the county.

Some of these are closed due to privately owned dam failures. The roads can't open until the privately owned dams are repaired.

Staley said the county is in the process of filing for reimbursements for work related to the storm with the Federal Emergency Management Agency.

He estimates the damage at $5 million to $7 million.

Other business

 The delegation was given an update on the county's detention center.

There are 314 inmates in the jail, with about 45 of the inmates being in the jail for two years or more.

Hutto said the delegation will get in touch with the solicitor's office to encourage it to have cases processed in an expeditious manner.

 The delegation appointed William Alan Glover to the Silver Springs Water District Board and William Allen Fairey, Vandy T. Gaffney Sr., Lillie M. Heyward and Tasha R. Louis-Nance to the Tri-County Commission on Alcohol and Drug Abuse.

 The next scheduled Orangeburg County Legislative Delegation meeting is at 5:30 p.m. Monday, July 14.
Much of the attention in the campaign before the race for governor officially begins has gone to three top potential contenders, but others are making the rounds in South Carolina and floating their names for the states top executive position.

State Sens. Sean Bennett and Josh Kimbrell are considering bids for the governors mansion and are seeing if they can break through. Theyre part of the field of several potential contenders considering a run for governor to succeed Gov. Henry McMaster, who cannot run for reelection in 2026.

But Bennett and Kimbrell arent among the biggest names thinking of running in a field that might include Lt. Gov. Pamela Evette, U.S. Rep. Nancy Mace and Attorney General Alan Wilson, who have received the most attention as vying for the GOP nomination in a state where Republican voters dominate.

Both of the state senators acknowledged a decision on whether to jump into the race may have to come sooner rather than later.

Anybody thats gonna get into this race, has probably got to do it fairly soon, just because of the way things are playing out, but I havent built in at a timeline for myself, Bennett, of Dorchester County, told reporters after speaking to the Richland County Republican Party in February.

Kimbrell, of Spartanburg County, said his decision will most likely come after this years legislative session, which is scheduled to end May 8. He said the race may be shaped by what happens in the State House before lawmakers adjourn for the year.

I think its really wise to take time to do the existing job Im elected to do right now, certainly with an eye on what Im thinking of doing, Kimbrell said.

U.S. Rep. Ralph Norman, R-Rock Hill, also is considering a run for governor. But he doesnt have a timeline on a decision.

When the opportunity is there, you have to look at it, Norman told the S.C. Daily Gazette.

Potential hopefuls are visiting county GOP events more than a year before the primary election and before anyone has officially jumped into the race.

Kimbrell told the Richland County GOP hes launching an exploratory committee on whether to run for governor and conceded he probably will end up in the race.

Im not formally saying it tonight, but Im very likely going to, Kimbrell told the Richland County GOP in March. Lets just say, when you say youre going to explore for something, means youre probably going to look at doing it. So we are. Were putting together a committee to look at this race.

Kimbrell, 40, pitches himself as a fiscal and social conservative, stances he wants to see in the partys nominee. He points to his push to remove books that discuss gender identity written for young people from the children sections of libraries, and his previous push to eliminate the state income tax.

And he wants to campaign without nasty personal attacks on other candidates.

I dont do nasty politics. If somebody takes a swipe, I will respond defending my own position Kimbrell said. People want to hear what affects their life. Nobody wants to hear people drag each each other through the mud.

Bennett can discuss the nuances of tax policy in the state in front of crowds. But whether that excites primary voters is another question.

I think South Carolina needs a serious leader, because there are serious issues that are facing us, and whoever that person is that ultimately decides to run, I hope the candidate that the people will rally around is going to be the candidate that is ultimately going to be talking about the serious issues and not the just the headline grabbing issues, Bennett told the Richland County GOP.

If either decides to get in, they will have work to do in order to gain traction around the state outside of their Senate districts.

A Winthrop University Poll found only 26% of GOP voters were familiar with Kimbrell.

I dont think thats bad given that I havent run statewide ever before, and I think for a member of the Senate, this only the second term, whos hasnt spent any money statewide, I feel pretty comfortable with that number, Kimbrell said.

The Winthrop poll did not ask poll respondents if they were familiar with Bennett.

What do early polls show?

The race is still early, and polling data shows there isnt a clear favorite yet to win the GOP nomination.

A March poll conducted by First Tuesday Strategies, a firm that works with Republicans, but is not working for any potential candidate for governor, say Kimbrell had 1.8% support. Bennett had 1.2%

First Tuesday has polled the race monthly and Wilsons support has been relatively stable. In January he was at 21.7%. In February he was at 20.9%. In March he was at 20.8%.

Mace seemed to have more support earlier on as she was first to make a big splash to publicly say she was considering a run for governor. Mace was at 27.4% in January and 32.8% in February. But support for her has fallen in the First Tuesday polling with her at 16.3% in the March poll following accusations she made against four men on the House floor, while also accusing Wilson of not prosecuting the case.

Evettes numbers had been relatively steady, with 11.6% support in January and 12.5% in February before seeing the drop to 6.9% support in March.

Norman was at 6.9% support in March.

Its a long time until June 2026 and most people are probably not thinking about who they may vote for in the governors race, as First Tuesdays March poll had 46% of the GOP electorate remains undecided.

But were starting to see some public support declared among politically active folks.

A superPAC has already formed encouraging Evette to run and a group of local political leaders from around the state have signed onto a letter calling on the lieutenant governor to jump into the race. Evette has said she is seriously considering a run.

Among the more than 50 names to sign onto the letter are former SC Republican State Party Chairwoman Karen Floyd, Tracy Redfearn who is involved in Republican Party politics in Darlington County, and Michelle Visconti, who chairs the Horry County Conservative Alliance.

We need leaders who are going to work hand-in-hand with President Trump to fight for conservative, common-sense government. Leaders who will put South Carolina first and continue to bring businesses and jobs to our growing state, the letter read.
Daniel Cummings, himself an engineer, expressed concern about what he said were flaws in the actual design of the new port in Kingstown.

Daniel Cummings, New Democratic Party (NDP) Parliamentary Representative for West Kingstown, is not at all convinced by the information provided by Prime Minister Dr Ralph Gonsalves as it relates to the corrective work to be done at the Port Modernization Project.





While speaking at a rally on April 14 at Rockies, Cummings said that the governing Unity Labour Party (ULP) government did not care whether the project failed or if it made money.





"They only care how it looks for them, the West Kingstown Representative said.





Glenford Stewart, an engineer by profession and a Minister in a past NDP administration, alongside Cummings during a media briefing of April 2, shared a view as to why the reported declutching occurred at the Port Project, was because the ports design was flawed.





They pointed to the lack of material, for example boulders, to absorb the energy associated with wave action.

Additionally, Stewart stated that the piles were not driven far enough into the sea floor.

Dr. Gonsalves, during an April 11 press conference, outlined the corrective work to be done at the Port.

But Cummings seemed not the bit convinced by the information provided by Lensky Douglas, Port Project Manager (Ag), to which Dr. Gonsalves referred.





"Our concern is how it (the port modernization project) is going to impact the people in this country, Cummings said, adding that it was said that the project was going to have the best engineering design.





"However, sand was just dumped into the water. That is what you do, you bring sand and dump it in the water, the West Kingstown MP said with a degree of sarcasm.

A piling problem





Cummings went on to explain that the piles were driven on the same sand and then structures were now being built on top of that, and after it was realised that there was too much sand and dredging was required because the piles were not driven in far enough, there was movement from within the piles and the declutching occurred.





"They did not put the piles into the existing floor of the sea; the piles were only punched into the sand that they dumped into the water, Cummings contended.





And he highlighted the potential danger of wave action especially when there was no buffer placed to absorb the impact of the wave action.





He compared the most recent piece of reclaimed area to the previous one saying that boulders were placed there.





"That is not to uglify the city, it is a very important component of the design of the port.





And the sudden movement of water, according to him, had the potential of exhibiting tremendous force which was why a buffer was required.





Ignoring advice





Cummings further contended that the ULP government was advised to use a design like the one of the existing port, but they did not listen because they did not care.





"It is the most painful thing, because as an engineer I know, the way that port is designed, when you get a hurricane like left hand Lenny, that port will not survive because there is nothing to ease the impact of the wave during a storm, Cummings warned.





The NDP, Cummings said, was calling for an independent and professional analysis of the problems at the Port Modernization Project and to ensure that the proper corrective methods were used.





"It is more than fixing the piles, it is about looking carefully at that stupid design and making sure that a port for which we are spending hundreds of millions of dollars can work and will work, he said.





The USD $250 million Kingstown Port Modernisation Project, the countrys second-largest capital project, is funded by the Caribbean Development Bank, the United Kingdom Caribbean Infrastructure Partnership Fund (UKCIF), and the Government of St. Vincent and the Grenadines.
Some members of the Vincentian Diaspora, UK, in attendance at the Invest SVG Outreach/Investment programme.

Having returned from the United Kingdom last week, Invest SVG and its partners have been receiving nothing but great feedback from the Vincentian Diaspora who attended their inaugural Outreach and Investment programme on April 5th.





"It was truly a great experience to learn about the investment opportunities available to us here in the U.K, said Vincentian attendee Ann-Marie Brooks in a short post-event interview. "We want to invest in SVG.

With over one hundred and twenty (120) registrants and attendees, the first event of the series was nothing short of a success. On the delegation were members of Invest SVG, the Regional Integration and Diaspora Unit (RIDU), the Bank of Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, National Properties Limited, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade, as well as the Minister of Finance, the Honourable Camillo Gonsalves, who served as the conferences keynote speaker.





The event, made possible through collaboration with the SVG High Commission in London, was held at the Holiday Inn Brentford Lock hotel and executed as a presentation-based forum where representatives from each organization briefed attendees about their offerings and potential opportunities. After robust and extremely informative presentations were completed, the floor was opened for members of the diaspora to ask questions and hear directly from key figures at the event.





Further strengthening and complementing the efforts put forward by Invest SVG, an announcement by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs broke news that approval was granted for the SVG High Commission in the UK to provide notarial services for investment related documents, completely free of charge.





And exactly one week after the successful Diaspora Outreach and Investment session, the Invest SVG delegation had the privilege of attending a Trade and Investment Forum, held at the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) in London.





The Forum united over 45 foreign investors and representatives across varying sectors. The SVG Invest delegation was able to exchange meaningful dialogue related to investing in Saint Vincent and the Grenadines.
Junior Spirit Cottle, head of the Cannabis Revival Committee (CRC), shared a perspective that placed the traditional cultivator (of marijuana) at the centre of any move to legalise marijuana.

The legalisation of marijuana will have a negative impact on traditional growers.





Thats according to Junior Spirit Cottle, head of the Cannabis Revival Committee (CRC) and Liaison Officer with the Medical Cannabis Authority (MCA).





Cottle was responding to comments made by Opposition Leader and President of the New Democratic Party (NDP) - Dr. Godwin Friday. During an address at the opening of his partys North Leeward constituency office, April 4, he hinted at his support for the legalisation of marijuana.





Cottle told THE VINCENTIAN, "Politicians must know their place and stop hoodwinking the traditional cultivators, and I am talking to both the opposition New Democratic Party (NDP) and the ruling Unity Labour Party (ULP). They dont know the life of a traditional cultivator, and how they make their money.





Challenges for the cultivator

Cottle continued, "Generally, if you ask the traditional cultivator if they want marijuana to be legalised, they will tell you no, but if you ask the consumer they will say yes.





He explained that while the traditional cultivator is interested in taking care of their livelihood, the consumer is only interested in using the herb.





"If we allow every Vincentian to plant weed in the same way we allow them to plant other agricultural crops, it will be an intrusion on our money space. We dont have to be rocket scientists to know that when there is overproduction the price drops, Cottle reasoned.





Using the Medical Cannabis Industry as a guide, the CRC head noted, "St. Vincent and the Grenadines, Antigua, St. Lucia, Barbados and other Caribbean countries have either legalized medical marijuana or are in the process of doing so. And while this is not full legalisation, as the NDP is recommending, it is having a negative impact on the pockets of the traditional cultivators.





According to Cottle, who has been in the marijuana business for decades, "Because of the relaxation of the laws in these neighbouring countries, which have traditionally been our markets for weed, growers are no longer making the money they used to make, because of the reduction in demand for Vincy weed.





As head of the CRC, he related, "Right here at home, the superiority of the medical weed, in terms of the THC content, which is higher, and its attractiveness, which the consumer prefers, is posing a serious challenge to our traditional growers, as far as competition is concerned, so we have lost a big slice of the domestic market.





Towards legalization

But Cottle made it clear, "This is not to say that legalisation is bad. It is something that we want to ultimately happen, but given the potential sanctions from the international market we have to trod with care. We have to carefully weigh the surrounding circumstances, or we would cause more suffering to our people and country.





And he referenced that it was under the NDP government led by Sir James Mitchell, that St. Vincent and the Grenadines became signatories to certain international treaties to which we remained compliant.





The CRC chief added, "Within the medical cannabis space, we need to be on a good financial footing, and thats why traditional cultivators are facing the biggest challenges.





He suggested that one of the ways to overcome this is by building partnerships with private entities, as well as government support.





And citing that with the correct strategy it can work, he recognised, "We must take steps to ensure that our traditional cultivators are first properly placed.





He said that while he is not telling traditional growers how to vote, he is urging them to go to the polls and exercise their constitutional rights, but to do it in the best interest of the country and people.
Dr. Ralph Gonsalves, Prime Minister of St. Vincent and the Grenadines, will never involve this country in any form or shape of a CBI programme.

This country, under a Unity Labour Party (ULP) government, will never see a Citizenship by Investment programme.





Prime Minister of the sitting ULP Government, Dr. Ralph Gonsalves, reiterated this position in very emphatic terms during a press conference, April 15, 2025.





In his reiteration of the position, Dr. Gonsalves made it clear that he was opposed to the "selling of passports, which has been his way of describing in simple terms what a CBI programme was all about.





He did give more substantial ground for his opposition, citing, for example, a question about its practicality and sustainability.





And to carry his argument further, Dr. Gonsalves referenced the concern that the USA, Canada and the European Union have about the programme, with the UDA President Trump saying that the programme has to end or else.





And Dr. Gonsalves was not done. He connected those involved in selling passports on behalf of countries with CBI programmes to ties with the opposition New Democratic Party, which has declared it support for Citizenship by Investment.





These ties.. support, between "passport sellers and the NDP date back to 1998 and with general elections on the horizon here, that support has heightened, according to the Prime Minister.





Those selling passports on behalf of countries with CBI programmes, and who have ties to the NDP, were primarily out of Europe but it now extends to China, which the Prime Minister hinted as making real sense, given the NDPs stance in favour of establishing diplomatic relations with The Peoples Republic of China (mainland China) over the Republic of China (Taiwan).





Support through Chinese companies, include the printing of t-shirts for the NDP, paying people to comment on radio, actually paying a radio station and online publications, Dr. Gonsalves said.





All in all, though, Dr. Gonsalves stopped short of identifying any of the media entities and any media persons on the take, but did say that he knew "who getting pay.





Saying that he is obligated to "tell the nation what is going on, the Prime Minister warned that "these people are so desperate . they are a danger to the democracy in this country. they want to subvert it our democracy they want to buy it.





The records show that St. Vincent and the Grenadines is the only major OECS country that does not operate a CBI programme. Those countries who operate programmes are Antigua and Barbuda, Dominica, Grenada, St. Kitts and Nevis, and St. Lucia.
In one fell swoop, Hurricane Beryl destroyed 90% of the housing stick in Union Island.

To further enhance its effort aimed at rebuilding and/or providing new housing stock in the aftermath of destruction wrought by Hurricane Beryl, July 01, 2024, and the the government will take possession of approximately 300 Pre-fabricated houses from Trinidad.





In advance of taking possession, a team from the company from which the units are being sourced, will arrive here on April 25.





The team will conduct their own assessment and train builders and contractors.





"Those houses when they start arriving, they are coming in batches of fifty (50) and we have signed a contract for three hundred of those houses, coming six (6) batches of fifty each, Finance Minister Camillo Gonsalves said on Radio on Monday,





The Minister added that these houses can be erected in a matter of days and will be distributed throughout St. Vincent and the Grenadines where people have been impacted.





According to the Minister, over the last three months, some EC$14 million have been spent on building new houses, repairing and providing materials to those who can help themselves, as part of the relief effort following the passage of Hurricane Beryl.





All of this is in keeping Governments commitment to build/repair 1,000 houses for families affected by Hurricane Beryl and the eruption of La Soufriere.
Paul Chet Greene, Antigua and Barbuda Foreign Affairs Minister, wants Antiguan and Barbudans to do away with their separatist attitude to Caricom nationals living in that twin-island country.

Foreign Affairs Minister of Antigua and Barbuda, Paul Chet Greene, has called for an end to intolerant attitudes toward Dominicans and Jamaicans living in the country, and lingering prejudices across the Caribbean.





Speaking on the radio station, Pointe FM, last weekend he said Antiguans should stop telling people from other islands that they should go home.





"We have to stop telling Jamaicans and Dominicans to go home, he remarked. "That is not the solution, could never be the solution.





He pointed out that presently people from the Caribbean, including Antigua, are being kicked out of the United States.





"The same Dominicans and Jamaicans being told to go home are being expelled from the United States just like Antiguans are, he said. "Were all in the same boat.





He stated that there should be unity among Small Island Developing States (SIDS) as they face new trends in trade and economics.





"Trade requires market, Greene said. "If we want regional manufacturing and food security, we need to embrace Caribbean civilization not just as an idea but as a practical strategy for survival.





He called on his fellow Antiguans to see other people from the Caribbean as part of the solution, not the problem.





"The status quo is no more, he remarked. "Whether we like it or not, the way the world works is changing, and we have to change with ittogether.





Though it is often quipped that there are more Dominicans living in Antigua than Antiguans, an official count of the Dominican population on the island remains unknown.





Anecdotally-speaking many Dominicans know of a friend, relative, or community member living in Antigua, so it is surmised that the number is great.




Photos Courtesy ESVGPF





From the frontlines to administrative leadership, the women of the Royal St. Vincent and the Grenadines Police Force (RSVGPF) continue to make remarkable contributions to public safety, discipline, and service. They lead with strength, serve with distinction, and inspire with unwavering resolve. Their presence does not simply complement the Force; it elevates it.





In that spirit, the Women Police Association (WPA) hosted its annual conference on Thursday, April 10, 2025, at the RSVGPF Police Band Auditorium in Old Montrose, under the theme "Let Us Work Together to Achieve Our Goals.





The event brought together female officers from various departments, units, and divisions across the Force, highlighting the WPAs renewed focus on building unity, advancing professional growth, and encouraging meaningful contributions among its members.





President of the WPA, Sub Lieutenant Ceilia Charles of the SVG Coast Guard Service, presented the Associations forward-looking agenda. The initiatives emphasized the importance of wellness, mentorship, community outreach, and collaboration. Among the core goals shared were the revitalization of the WPA Fitness Club to promote health among officers and the revival of the Fundraising Committee to support sustainable in-house programming.





Among the list of WPA initiatives are plans to: launch a mentorship programme for younger officers; adopt an institution that supports vulnerable young women; pursue membership in the International Women Police Association; strengthen ties with regional and global counterparts.





The Association also intends to collaborate with (local) programmes such as DARE and the Sexual Offences Unit to conduct outreach in schools, inspiring young minds through positive engagement.





Commissioner of Police (Ag) Mr. Enville Williams was in attendance at the conference and expressed strong support for the initiatives presented. He commended the WPA for its progressive outlook and encouraged the members to remain focused, united, and dedicated to high standards as they continue to build momentum across the organisation. The Commissioner also reminded officers of the importance of maintaining professional standards in both appearance and conduct as a reflection of the values upheld by the Force.




(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).
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.
OKLAHOMA CITY  Tulsa County District Attorney Steve Kunzweiler described the Oklahoma Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services on Thursday as hopelessly broken and in need of a complete overhaul.

Kunzweiler was among the witnesses called to testify before a select committee of lawmakers formed at the Capitol to investigate a reported multimillion-dollar budget shortfall at the Mental Health Department and concerns raised in Tulsa and elsewhere about the potential for cuts in critical mental health services.

Kunzweiler, who has been a prosecutor for 36 years, said he has seen a great deterioration in the level of services provided to people suffering from mental illness. Over the years, and especially since the Department of Mental Health took over responsibility for handling the treatment of people with substance abuse issues, he said people suffering from mental illnesses such as schizophrenia have not been cared for appropriately by the state. All too often, he said, its been left up to police departments and jails to handle responsibilities that should be handled by the Mental Health Department.

The district attorney said that when he reached out a few years ago to help solve issues, he was ghosted by the department.

It was active resistance, he said.

He said it seemed apparent then that the department preferred to let people with mental illnesses languish in jail at the expense of taxpayers rather than take responsibility for treating them. That led to contempt actions filed by district attorneys and an eventual lawsuit to force the department to do its job.

Shame on the Department of Mental Health that it took citizens of this state to sue them in the federal court in Tulsa and obtain a consent decree  obligating themselves to do a job that they should have been doing from the very beginning, he said.

He said former officials at the department referred to people involved in the lawsuit as the Tulsa problem and that when he first met with current Mental Health Commissioner Allie Friesen he warned her of internal problems in her agency.

With all due respect to the commissioner, it took way too long to remove people that were part of the original problem, Kunzweiler said. I believe the commissioner would like to do whats best for the state, (but) quite frankly, Im at the point where I think this Legislature ought to seriously consider breaking up the Department of Mental Health and starting all over.

Asked by Rep. Melissa Provenzano, D-Tulsa, if recent notices of plans to cancel contracts received by Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinics in Tulsa might have been retaliation for Tulsas role in the lawsuit that led to the consent decree, Kunzweiler suggested that it might have been.

Of however many CCBHCs there are in the state of Oklahoma, is it just a coincidence that  there were only three that got the cancellation notices and all three happen to be the ones that were involved in challenging (the department)? Just as a prosecutor, that makes sense to me, he said.

Kunzweilers statements followed testimony offered by Friesen, who testified about the origins of a budget shortfall that likely will require the department to receive supplemental funding to make it through the remainder of fiscal year 2025. Friesen, who took over the department a little more than a year ago, also commented about concerns raised in Tulsa about the contract cancellation notices sent to mental health service providers.

Friesen said budget problems  some related to a history of money being shuffled from one years budget to cover expenses incurred the prior year  became obvious only about six weeks ago. She noted that at least four senior leaders at the department have either resigned or retired and that problems were uncovered by a new leadership team.

Our goal is certainly to be a reliable and accountable, transparent organization, and unfortunately that is not what this administration inherited, Friesen said. It has been a very painful and arduous process for our entire leadership team and, I realize, for our providers in the community, as well. The reality of our situation is that its chaotic.

She expressed confidence, however, that work that has been done to further understand and mitigate the budget shortfall should result in the departments needing a supplemental appropriation of just around $6.2 million, far less than the shortfalls original estimation at $63 million.

Friesen expressed disappointment that contract cancellation notices were sent to community behavioral health clinics in Tulsa but added that bridge contracts should be extended to allow them to continue providing vital services.

We are working collaboratively as we speak to confirm the language in the bridge contracts, if you will, to ensure that our CCBHCs in Tulsa can continue to operate, she said. There will be no cancellations to any contract until the new RFP (request for proposals) is awarded. We are being very particular in the timing and language to ensure we work collaboratively with our CCBHCs that there is absolutely no disruption.

Friesen said recent reports about budget shortfalls, potential cuts and uncertainties might have contributed to death threats being made and a recent need to have more security on hand at the department.

She described a painful process of working out problems but also assured lawmakers that efforts are being made to make the department a more stable organization.

We want to shine a light on things that have not been seen before,  that is to fix the system so that we can be accountable and that this legislative body feels comfortable and confident in appropriating dollars, she said. I am not a politician, because clearly thats where Ive messed up, is understanding how all these pieces fit together. I own that, and Im trying to learn from smarter people around me.

Wednesdays hearing was cut short after about 3 hours of testimony. A number of witnesses, including executives of mental health provider organizations in Tulsa, were asked to delay their appearances until next week.




A political expert has shared a chilling prediction about what he thinks would happen if Vladimir Putin were to trigger wide-scale war in Europe.

It would seem that Russian propagandists sure love nothing more than mouthing off about the prospect of global war and nuclear annihilation, don't they.

In the last couple of weeks we've had pro-Kremlin talking heads tell British and French troops that they 'will all die' should they step foot in Ukraine.

Russia has also previously wheeled out simulations showing how a nuclear strike would 'sink' the entire country and 'leaked' lists of nuclear targets in the UK.

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The Russian threats have also coincided with a series of ominous warnings from EU leaders urging citizens to prepare 72-hour survival kits should the unthinkable happen and ministers in Germany calling for children to receive civil defence training.

So it's understandable if you're feeling like things are pretty apocalyptic at the moment.

One expert believes we'd avoid nuclear war, but the alternative isn't much better (Getty Stock Images)

Thankfully threats from the east haven't materialised into actual acts of war as of yet, but if war were to spill out across the European continent then one political expert believes it wouldn't end well for us Brits.

Outlining how the Russian leader could declare war, the University of Buckingham's Professor Anthony Glees explained to The Mirror last February that conflict with Putin would unfold in three steps.

Threats made against western nations

Professor Glees began by outline a hypothetical situation by stating that should Russia be able to declare victory in Ukraine, Putin would then follow up by putting pressure on former USSR countries which joined NATO after the collapse of the Soviet Union.

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This includes countries such as Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, Poland and Hungary.

He believed the Russian leader would also attempt to 'subvert our democratic system' in order to divide nations such as the UK.

Putin's pro-Kremlin talking heads do sure love to talk big when it comes to war (GAVRIIL GRIGOROV/POOL/AFP via Getty Images)

"His skill set is of the Soviet intelligence community, and their aim has always been to make threats, to subvert and to hollow out their potential enemies," he explained.

An attack on NATO

Should war break out and nuclear weapons not be deployed, Professor Glees stated that it would be a 'war of attrition' as the two sides gradually ground each other down.

Meanwhile things would also become pretty grim on the home front, as resources such as 'fresh food' and 'petrol' would become scarce.

"We would run out of fresh food in days. We would quickly see a black market for home-produced food and clothing," he said.

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The historian also speculated that Russia could target 'critical national infrastructure' in order to inflict maximum upheaval on our day-to-day lives.

"Petrol and diesel would be virtually unobtainable for ordinary people. Medicines would quickly be subject to severe rationing and would soon disappear altogether."

He also suggested that conscription, something which the UK government has previously ruled out, would be put into use.

We become a Russian satellite state

The final stage of Professor Glees rather depressing scenario involves the UK becoming 'a Russian colony' and led by a pro-Kremlin puppet leader while resistance movements would organise from places such as Wales and Scotland.

He predicts this scenario could take as little as a month to come true in the advent of conventional war, which would be a tall order for a country which has taken just 20 percent of Ukraine in three years.

If this is the alternative to nuclear war, then maybe the bomb doesn't sound too bad after all.
HA NOI  The Ministry of Industry and Trade launched Vietnam National Brand Week 2025 in Ha Noi yesterday. The week-long campaign, running from April 15 to 21, features events and promotions nationwide to honour Vietnamese brands and strengthen their visibility at home and abroad.

Viet Nam is intensifying its national branding efforts as part of a broader strategy to raise the profile of Vietnamese goods and services in the domestic and international markets, especially amid growing trade protectionism and tariff tension.

Speaking at the opening event, Deputy Director of the Trade Promotion Agency Hoang Minh Chien highlighted the programme's growing influence over the past two decades. He emphasised that in todays uncertain global environment, the importance of a strong national brand is more critical than ever.

Enterprises must not only compete on price or scale, but on the trust and recognition that a strong brand conveys. The National Brand Programme provides a strategic platform to help Vietnamese businesses invest in branding, enhance their competitiveness and position themselves more firmly in global value chains, he said.

Chien said that thanks to the programme, firms are investing more in brand development. One standout is VinFast, which was recognised under the national brand for the first time in 2024, with its brand value surging by 142 per cent to US$181 millionthe highest increase among Vietnamese brands.

Meanwhile, Viettel remained the only Vietnamese enterprise ranked in the Global 500 list of most valuable brands by Brand Finance. Its Brand Strength Index (BSI) score rose to 89.4 out of 100 in 2024, securing its AAA rating and lifting it to 16th place globally among telecom brands.

Beyond individual successes, the Vietnamese national brand overall has also seen significant gains. According to Brand Finance, it rose by 102 per cent between 2019 and 2023the fastest growth rate worldwide. In 2024, the countrys brand was valued at US$507 billion, ranking 32nd out of 193 nations.

These achievements are the result of the Governments sustained efforts to reform the business environment, promote trade and support branding activities, Chien said. They also reflect the determination of Vietnamese businesses to maintain growth and expand market share despite economic headwinds.

Since its inception, the programme has helped reshape how local firms perceive branding. In 2024, 190 companies had products recognised under the Vietnam National Brand labelmore than six times the number recorded in 2008. Notably, 23 of these brands were featured in Viet Nam's Top 50 Most Valuable Brands, with eight occupying the top 10 spots, accounting for 88.8 per cent of the combined brand value.

The Vietnam National Brand Programme, approved by the Prime Minister under Decision 253/2003/Q-TTg, aims to build and promote the image of Viet Nam as a country with high-quality goods and services. The Ministry of Industry and Trade, as the standing body, coordinates with other ministries and localities to implement the programme. Since 2008, April 20 has been designated as Vietnam Brand Day to recognise and celebrate these efforts. VNS
HA NOI  LynkiD, an all-in-one customer loyalty platform, was proud to represent Vietnamese tech enterprises at the P4G Summit 2025  a global event focused on green growth and climate finance. The forum took place from April 15 to 17 at the National Convention Center in Ha Noi.

Representing Viet Nam in the global green start-up ecosystem

The P4G Summit 2025 brought together senior government leaders, global businesses, NGOs and international investors to foster dialogue, collaboration and action for a sustainable future. LynkiDs participation marked a significant milestone, showcasing a 'Make in Vietnam' green tech solution and promoting sustainable consumption initiatives through digitalised loyalty platforms.

With a mission to 'green' the consumer ecosystem through technology, LynkiD played a vital role in building a circular economy model and advancing sustainable consumer behaviour.

CEO of the company, Uyen Tran, said: Our mission goes beyond helping businesses improve customer retention. We also aim to reduce environmental impact by replacing paper-based materials with e-vouchers and automated reporting and digital customer experiences.

LynkiD  paperless technology for a greener future

At the summit, LynkiD promoted its message of sustainable customer engagement through a multi-touchpoint digital loyalty platform, where all interactions  from earning points and redeeming gifts to receiving offers  were conducted entirely online. This innovation significantly reduced the use of paper, plastic cards and other traditional materials, contributing to waste reduction and environmental preservation.

Driven by a green and digital vision, LynkiD continued building a closed-loop, eco-friendly consumer ecosystem, where users were encouraged to keep engaging within a network of sustainable rewards and benefits. This not only set a new standard in customer experience digitalisation, but also aligned with the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

Ready to connect, share and collaborate for green growth

In todays digital and globalised world, the sharing economy model has become increasingly popular, especially in the service and retail sectors. This model enabled businesses and organisations to share resources, connect utilities and deliver added value to customers, partners and stakeholders.

At the event, LynkiD shared insights from a Vietnamese tech enterprise working to build a sustainable ecosystem  sharing resources, connecting with global startup communities, investors and mission-aligned organisations. The forum also presented a key opportunity for LynkiD to showcase its technology-enabled sharing economy model  a solution that not only helps businesses optimise costs and retain customers but also created long-term value for the community.
CAN THO  Chairman of the Can Tho City People's Committee Truong Canh Tuyen held a meeting on April 16 with a delegation of Singaporean and Indonesian businesses that are seeking investment and cooperation opportunities in the Mekong Delta city.

During the meeting, they discussed opportunities for cooperation and investment in projects such as a hydrogen production plant, a liquefied natural gas (LNG) storage terminal, and advanced biofuel production from agricultural waste.

Tuyen affirmed the importance of the projects to the agricultural sector of Can Tho and the Mekong Delta at large.

Over the past years, local farmers have used traditional farming methods, relying heavily on chemical fertilisers, which has led to soil degradation and water pollution. Therefore, the city is focusing on guiding farmers to adopt organic models, restoring ecosystems within agricultural production, he said.

The citys leader stated that circular economy, green transition, and digital economy are new driving forces contributing to the socio-economic development of each locality in particular and the country as a whole.

He encouraged Singaporean businesses to connect with local departments, gather data, work with local firms to secure raw materials, and explore building a factory using supplies from both current and expanded Can Tho, including Hau Giang and Soc Trang.

Tuyen expressed his hope that Singapore-based H2G Green Limited will continue introducing Singaporean and Indonesian businesses that are interested in other investment projects, particularly in sectors such as agricultural processing, industrial park development, and urban development to the city.

Can Tho is preparing to break ground on a 300-ha secondary factory in the Vietnam-Singapore Industrial Park (VSIP), and is also planning to expand it by an additional 600 hectares. Therefore, the city is eager to attract investments, especially from Singapore.  VNS
HA NOI  Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh has called on the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD)s assistance for Viet Nam to develop the carbon credit market and support farmers in remote areas.

He made the call while hosting a reception in Ha Noi on Thursday for Associate Vice-President of IFADs Department for Country Operations Donal Brown, who is in Viet Nam to attend the 4th Partnering for Green Growth and the Global Goals 2030 (P4G) Summit.

The PM expressed appreciation for IFAD's effective cooperation in Viet Nam's socio-economic development, particularly in the agricultural sector over the recent past.

Highlighting the country's commitment to developing green and sustainable agriculture, PM Chinh requested IFAD to increase preferential loans and promote non-refundable aid for projects applying scientific and technological innovations in agriculture, while helping Viet Nam successfully carry out the one million hectares of low-emission, high-quality rice project.

In response, the IFAD Vice President affirmed the organisation's commitment as a good friend of Viet Nam and highlighted his admiration for Viet Nam's socio-economic achievements. He also welcomed Viet Nam's bold steps towards streamlining its political apparatus and administrative reform, which, he noted, facilitate international partners operation in the country.

Additionally, Brown praised Viet Nam's social development policies, particularly efforts to support ethnic minorities and ensure gender equality, acknowledging the effective cooperation between Viet Nam and IFAD. He noted that that IFAD's priorities align with Viet Nam's socio-economic development strategy.

He affirmed continued close cooperation with the Vietnamese ministries, sectors, and localities in sharing information and experience in agricultural technology applications, as well as pledged to promote South-South cooperation and public-private partnerships.

Beyond providing loans, Brown affirmed that IFAD will continue to encourage financial institutions and international partners to provide non-refundable aid in sustainable agriculture, assisting farmers, building early warning capability and adapting to climate change.

IFAD, established in 1977 with headquarters in Rome, Italy, is a UN specialised agency and international financial institution that provides loans in agriculture, supports farmers, and ensures food security. Vietnam has been a member of IFAD since 1977.  VNA/VNS
HA NOI  A night concert celebrating the timeless masterpieces of the Russian musical genius Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky (1840 - 1893) will take place at the Grand Concert Hall of the Vietnam National Academy of Music on April 19.

The concert is jointly organised by the Vietnam National Academy of Music and the Hanoi Symphony Orchestra, in collaboration with the ROX Group.

Classical music lovers will immerse themselves in the emotionally charged artistic atmosphere of Tchaikovsky Night, with works like Nutcracker Overture, Op. 71, which serves as the opening music for the ballet of the same name, the Violin Concerto in D Major, Op. 35, the only violin concerto composed by Tchaikovsky in 1878, and the Symphony No. 5 in E Minor, Op. 64, which showcases Tchaikovsky's complex and contrasting emotions, delving deep into the intricacies of his inner feelings.

All three works present the distinctive characteristics of the musical genius's style, highlighting his brilliant orchestration, harmonic techniques and the spiritual depth in his musical art.

Sara Dragan, a 22-year-old talented violinist from Poland, often described as the 'bright jewel' of the new generation of artists, will perform at Tchaikovsky Night. This gifted violinist currently plays on a precious Nicola Amati violin, made in 1666, from Italy, entrusted by Florian Leonhard Fine Violins (London & New York) to accompany her on stage.

With her exquisite technique and deep emotional expression, the young musician is expected to deliver memorable moments for concert lovers.

Conductor Orhan Salliel, a recognised name in the international symphonic scene, will take on the role of maestro for the concert. He is a talented conductor and composer with extensive experience in leading symphony orchestras both in Turkey and internationally.

With his unique ability to blend Western classical music, with traditional Turkish musical elements, Orhan Salliel has created and launched numerous innovative projects and works. He will be the guiding spirit leading the audience into the emotionally rich sound world of Tchaikovsky.

The concert will also feature talented violinist Chuong Vu as the concertmaster, serving as the connector between the conductor and the orchestra, particularly the string section.

With extensive experience in performance, teaching, and artistic organisation, along with his delicate and poetic playing style, Vu will help the Hanoi Symphony Orchestra create a complete, profound, and emotionally rich musical journey through Tchaikovsky's works.

The Hanoi Symphony Orchestra was established in 1997, evolving from the Hanoi Conservatory Symphony Orchestra. It brings together professors, lecturers, soloists and outstanding students from the Vietnam National Academy of Music. Many musicians and artists in the orchestra have graduated from renowned conservatories in Russia, Hungary, Germany and the UK.

Ticket can be booked by contacting: 094 5521888 - 038.661.0815 - 083.894.8537. VNS
HA NOI  An international conference on the prospects of Halal tourism development in Ha Noi was held in the capital city on April 15.

Jointly organised by the Ha Noi College of Commerce and Tourism, the Institute for South Asian, West Asian, and African Studies (ISAWAAS) and the Viet Nam Halal Certification Centre, the event attracted around 150 participants, including diplomats, experts, and major companies. Representatives from the embassies of Azerbaijan, Pakistan, Iran, Palestine, and Turkey also attended.

Principal of the Ha Noi College of Commerce and Tourism Trinh Thi Thu Ha highlighted that Halal tourism is a growing global trend, expected to reach a value of US$350 billion by 2030. With over 1.9 billion Muslims worldwide, this market offers huge potential, and Viet Nam should take proactive moves to access.

The college aims to help with training and developing Halal service models for local businesses, she noted.

Although Ha Noi has rich tourism assets such as landscapes, cuisine and infrastructure, its Halal products and services remain underdeveloped. The conference served as a platform to promote collaboration among schools, businesses, policymakers, and international partners to make Ha Noi a more Muslim-friendly destination, Ha went on.

Speakers looked into global trends of the Halal industry, the status of and opportunities for Halal tourism in Ha Noi, as well as suggestions for training human resources for Halal tourism.

Emphasising the importance of training tour guides to understand Halal principles and meet Muslim travellers' needs, Ramlan Osman, Director of the National Halal Certification Centre, noted Viet Nam's potential to become a magnet for Muslim tourists if infrastructure, human resources, and awareness in society are properly improved.

Assoc. Prof. Dr. inh Cong Hoang, head of the Middle Eastern and West Asian studies division at ISAWAAS, said the Muslim community is one of the fastest-growing consumer segment in the world. Ha Noi, an economic, cultural and tourism hub, attracts over 50,000 Muslim tourists annually and is one of three cities, aside from HCM City and a Nang, chosen by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to support the promotion of Halal products on a trial basis.

However, he also pointed out that local Halal services as well as human resources serving Halal tourism remain modest.

At the conference, the Ha Noi college launched a Halal training centre and introduced a national-standard curriculum on Muslim-friendly tourism, the first for a vocational education institution in Viet Nam. It also signed several cooperation agreements with domestic and foreign partners to support Halal tourism development.

Halal tourism refers to travel services tailored to Muslim needs such as food, prayer facilities, and respectful hospitality.

In 2023, the global Halal tourism market was valued at $266 billion, projected to grow to $276 billion in 2024 and $350 billion by 2030. Muslim travellers, particularly those from members of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), are known for high spending. An estimated 160 million Muslims travelled in 2024, according to the Global Muslim Travel Index. VNA/VNS
A NANG  The central city will host the first Vietnamese Language Eloquence Contest for Expats in the central and Central Highlands region testing foreigners for their fluency.

The citys Union of Friendship Organisations, the contests organisers, said the preliminary rounds are already underway and will finish on May 9, to select the best 20 teams for the final round.

Participants needed to send over video clips on culture, the land or the people of Viet Nam, with the descriptions in the Vietnamese language.

The contests jury board will classify the best 20 teams between May 15-20 to make a final round list at the a Nang University of Science and Education, under the University of a Nang on May 30-31.

All foreigners living and working or studying the Vietnamese language in Viet Nam, are eligible to enter the contest.

The winning team will take a cash prize of VN5 million (US$200), while two runners-up will get VN4 million ($160) each.

Three third-place prizes will be awarded of VN 3 million ($120) each, with 14 other 'encouraging' prizes of VN2 million ($80) given to the best finalists.

Two teams with the most impressive performances will receive prizes of VN1 million ($40) each from the organising committee.

It said candidates have free range on how to show off their language skills, singing, dancing or story-telling, or even while playing musical instruments, provided they can show their Vietnamese language skills after their time living and studying the Vietnamese language at colleges in Viet Nam.

The a Nang Citys Union of friendship organisations said it had hosted other contests for Chinese, Japanese and Korean languages spoken by Vietnamese students in the past, as part of cultural and education exchange programmes.  VNS
HA NOI  Ha Noi University (HANU) will host a special musical event titled 'Vietnamese Songs in Russian' on May 10, honouring the extraordinary life and work of Le uc Man, a distinguished teacher, poet and translator.

He has devoted decades to rendering Vietnamese songs into the Russian language.

In Viet Nam, the localisation of foreign songs has long been part of the cultural fabric. But the reverse, bringing Vietnamese music to international audiences through translation, remains a less well-travelled path. Quietly and persistently, lecturer Man has walked that path for more than thirty years.

Now in his 80s, he continues to immerse himself in the craft of translation, delicately shaping Vietnamese lyrics into Russian while preserving their poetic essence and emotional weight.

Weve translated thousands of international songs into Vietnamese to absorb global music, Man said. But the other way around? Thats rare. I just want to do a small part in bringing Vietnamese music closer to the world.

Over the course of three decades, Man has translated more than 60 Vietnamese songs into Russian. His collection spans iconic revolutionary anthems like Bai Ca Ho Chi Minh (Song of Ho Chi Minh) and Tien Ve Ha Noi (March to Ha Noi), to heartfelt ballads such as Co Lang Gieng (The Girl Next Door), Moi Ngay Toi Chon Mot Niem Vui (Each Day I Choose a Joy), and even contemporary hits like Xin Chao Viet Nam (Hello Viet Nam). This rich spectrum reflects not only the diversity of Vietnamese music, but also Mans deep cultural sensitivity and linguistic finesse.

The concert coincides with several significant milestones: the 75th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Viet Nam and Russia (19502025), the anniversary of the ien Bien Phu Victory (May 7) and Victory Day commemorating the defeat of fascism (May 9). Its an event born from the heartfelt collaboration of former Russian language students and various departments at the Ha Noi University.

Born in 1941 in Ha Nam Province, Man is a former lecturer at the University of Foreign Languages in Ha Noi, now known as HANU. For more than 35 years, he inspired generations of students  not just as a university lecturer, but as a teacher in every sense of the word. His legacy is marked not only by academic excellence, but also by a deep, enduring love for the Russian language and culture. In addition to his song translations, he has translated more than 40 literary works from Russian to Vietnamese, many of which are considered classics.

In 2017, he was awarded the highest translation prize by the Viet Nam Writers Association for his Vietnamese rendition of the comedy in verse Woe From Wit, by Russian playwright Alexander Griboyedov.

'Vietnamese Songs in Russian' is more than just a concert. Its a heartfelt tribute from students to a beloved teacher and a rare cultural offering that invites Ha Nois audience to experience familiar melodies through a new linguistic and emotional lens. Its music reimagined, where Vietnamese soul meets Russian lyricism  a blend of nostalgia, reverence and discovery.  VNS
In an interview with Viet Nam News reporter Thu Van ahead of the P4G Summit in Ha Noi, Le Viet Anh, Deputy Head of the Department of Sectoral Finance and Economics under the Ministry of Finance, member of the P4G Vietnam Summit's Secretariat; and Co-Chair of the P4G National Forum, shares Viet Nams expectations as the host country and highlights the pivotal role of international cooperation and experience in supporting the countrys transition towards a low-emission, sustainable economy.

What are Viet Nams expectations in hosting the P4G Summit this year? And how do you assess current international cooperation in green finance?

Green finance today is not only a global trend but also an urgent requirement in the journey towards sustainable development. For Viet Nam, green finance is a critical tool to realise the nations commitment to achieving net zero emissions by 2050.

Based on models used during the drafting of the National Green Growth Strategy for 20212030, with a vision to 2050, and the National Action Plan on Green Growth for 20212030, taking into account the net-zero commitment, investment demand for green growth sectorsincluding clean energy, sustainable agriculture, green transport and low-carbon infrastructureis estimated at around US$300350 billion by 2030.

By 2040, total investment demand for green transformation may reach approximately US$368 billion, with energy alone accounting for over 60 per cent. According to the World Bank and the International Energy Agency, under net-zero scenarios, capital needs could rise to US$670700 billion by 2050. Clearly, public funding alone is insufficient and mobilising green finance from private and international sources will be decisive.

In recent years, Viet Nam has made significant progress in promoting green credit, developing guidelines for green bonds, piloting carbon markets, and actively engaging with international organisations such as the World Bank, ADB, and GCF to implement large-scale projects.

Early-stage models, such as offshore wind energy projects receiving technical support from the World Bank and financial advice from global investment institutions, show the vast potential of green finance.

However, Viet Nams green finance framework is still under development and requires technical support, international standards and experience.

The P4G Summit in Ha Noi is particularly meaningful, as Viet Nam is both the host and a country undergoing profound transformation. It offers us the opportunity to showcase a portfolio of strategic green projectsfrom electrified urban systems and circular agriculture to low-carbon logistics.

We hope P4G will connect financial, technological and policy resources between Viet Nam and development partners, while also fostering initiatives for publicprivate partnerships and blended finance suited to Viet Nams conditions.

More importantly, P4G is expected to serve as a model for Viet Nams green finance journey in the coming period.

What is the main message Viet Nam wishes to convey to the international community through the P4G Summit?

As a developing country highly vulnerable to climate change, Viet Nam has identified green transformation as an essential path towards sustainable development and deeper global economic integration.

With our pledge to achieve net zero by 2050, we are working to build a robust green finance framework, promote carbon markets, and mobilise both domestic and international resources to realise this goal.

At the P4G Summit in Ha Noi, Viet Nam wishes to send a strong message of proactivity, cooperation and shared development.

We call upon the international community, financial institutions, investors and businesses to join Viet Nam in creating a green financial ecosystem that is fair, transparent and efficient. This is a crucial moment to harness publicprivate partnerships, blended finance and green technology transfer to advance key projects such as renewable energy, clean transport, circular agriculture and low-carbon infrastructure.

P4G Ha Noi is not only a platform for stakeholder engagement but also a forum for actionwhere ideas are translated into reality through practical support mechanisms. With the Summits theme 'A Global Partnership for Inclusive, Sustainable, Innovative and People-centred Green Transition', Viet Nam reaffirms its commitment to being a proactive, reliable and creative partner in building a sustainable future for the region and the world.

While Viet Nam has made strong commitments to green growth goals, domestic financial resources remain limited. What is the Ministry of Finances strategy to balance internal and international resources in pursuing these ambitious goals?

Viet Nam has demonstrated a strong commitment to climate action and green growth goals. At the same time, we are fully aware that domestic resourcesboth financial and institutionalremain limited. Public investment allocated to green projects is still modest compared to actual needs, while the private sector remains cautious due to limited information, high risks, and a lack of suitable guarantee mechanisms.

In addition, Viet Nams financial market is still in the early stages of developing specialised instruments such as green bonds and sustainable credit.

Given these challenges, the Ministry of Finance has outlined a green finance strategy based on three core pillars: establishing a transparent, stable and investment-friendly regulatory framework for green finance; developing the domestic green finance market; and creating mechanisms to effectively mobilise and coordinate international resources.

On the regulatory front, we have issued guidelines for green bond issuance, are drafting rules for the domestic carbon market, exploring links with international carbon markets, and studying carbon pricing mechanisms suited to Viet Nams conditions.

To develop the market, the Ministry of Finance has partnered with international organisations to pilot green bond issuance by enterprises and is preparing for the launch of Government green bondsa key step in market development.

In terms of international cooperation, Viet Nam is working with the World Bank, the Asian Development Bank, the Green Climate Fund and other climate investment funds to develop blended finance mechanisms. These include using a portion of ODA and concessional loans as a catalyst to unlock private capital for renewable energy and climate-resilient agriculture.

One notable example is the proposal to establish a national green investment fund under a publicprivate partnership model, with guidance from the Green Climate Fund and international investors. This fund is expected to offer co-financing, guarantees and risk-sharing mechanisms to support carbon-neutral projects in Viet Nam.

We hope the upcoming P4G Summit will help mobilise funding, expertise, and partnerships to accelerate the implementation of these strategies.

One of Viet Nams greatest challenges is transitioning to a low-emission economy while maintaining high economic growth. How does the Ministry of Finance view this issue and what are the key financial solutions?

This is a major challenge for Viet Nam and one faced by many developing countries: how to reconcile rapid economic growth with a shift towards a low-emission, sustainable development model.

The foremost challenge is the enormous cost of transition. In the energy sector alone, emission reduction costs run into tens of billions of US dollars annually. Moreover, current institutional capacity, human resources and technological readiness are not yet sufficient to implement green solutions across the economy at scale.

Relying solely on the state budget is clearly unsustainable.

Therefore, the Ministry of Finance has identified the core financial solution as building a dynamic and effective green finance ecosystem that can lead private sector investment. This includes: developing green bonds and green credit as long-term capital mobilisation channels for low-emission projects; establishing risk-sharing mechanisms through credit guarantees, co-financing, and green investment funds to unlock private capital; and using public funds as strategic seed capital to invest in key sectors that have ripple effects and attract additional resources.

Viet Nam has already taken concrete stepssuch as developing a roadmap for issuing Government green bonds, strengthening cooperation with the ADB and the World Bank on blended finance mechanisms, and exploring the establishment of a national climate investment fund under the PPP model.

The Ministry of Finance is committed to continuing institutional reforms, improving transparency in green financial information and working closely with the private sector to create a finance ecosystem that supports green growth without compromising economic momentum.

As international capital increasingly favours projects with strong environmental and social responsibility, how should Viet Nam reform financial regulations, especially in budget and public investment management, to align with this global trend?

Viet Nam is facing an urgent need to further reform financial regulationsfrom budgeting and public investment management to capital mobilisationin response to a global shift towards prioritising projects that meet environmental, social and governance (ESG) criteria. This is not only a financial trend but a new standard for development.

As the central agency for finance and investment, the Ministry of Finance is actively working to integrate green and sustainable criteria into the entire public financial management cycle. This includes developing a green budgeting classification framework and gradually embedding climate and environmental considerations into the planning, allocation and monitoring of State budget expenditure. This will lay the foundation for forming a green budgetan instrument increasingly adopted worldwide to guide public spending towards sustainability.

In terms of public investment, we are reviewing processes for appraisal and capital allocation to incorporate green, low-carbon and climate-resilience criteria from the project planning stage. This approach is being aligned with efforts to prioritise access to public investment capital and international blended finance for projects that meet ESG standards.

Simultaneously, we are finalising the legal framework for issuing green Government bonds to expand long-term capital mobilisation for sustainable infrastructure, clean transport, renewable energy and circular agriculture.

By harmonising both the budgeting and public investment systems with green standards, we aim to build a public finance ecosystem that actively supports the transition to a green, low-emission economywhile also attracting responsible international investment. VNS
HA NOI  Blue Origin, founded by billionaire Jeff Bezos, organised a flight of New Shepard, a fully reusable, suborbital rocket system, with a crew of six women in West Texas, the US, on April 14 (local time).

The flight, called mission NS-31, is the 11th human spaceflight project of Blue Origin. The selected group of astronauts are outstanding women in many fields, including Amanda Nguyen - founder and general director of the non-governmental organisation RISE. The New Shepard's journey was a great success, reaching an altitude of 100 km in space and returning safely. After the flight, Amanda Nguyen marked herself as the first woman of Vietnamese origin to fly into space.

Vietnamese Ambassador to the US Nguyen Quoc Dung attended the New Shepard mission and presented a letter from State President Luong Cuong to Amanda Nguyen.

In the letter, the President expressed his joy and pride that for the first time a woman of Vietnamese origin had flown into space, affirming the talent and intelligence of Vietnamese people in the US and around the world.

The President's letter emphasised that in 2025, Vietnam and the US will celebrate the 30th founding anniversary of diplomatic relations and in the overall relationship between the two countries, Viet Nam highly appreciates the positive contributions of the Vietnamese community in the US to the development and progress of the US, as well as promoting the Viet Nam-US cooperative relationship.

The President also highly appreciated the cooperation between Amanda Nguyen and the Viet Nam National Space Centre (VNSC), helping to promote the cooperative relationship between the US and Viet Nam.

Born on October 10, 1991, Amanda Nguyen graduated from the Harvard University and interned at NASA in 2013. She then worked at the Harvard & Smithsonian Centre for Astrophysics, and then served as deputy White House liaison at the US State Department.

In November 2014, she founded Rise, a non-governmental organisation dedicated to protecting the civil rights of survivors of sexual assault. In 2019, she was nominated for the Nobel Peace Prize for her efforts to fight for the rights of victims of sexual assault.  VNS
HA NOI  State President Luong Cuong on Thursday proposed the United Nations (UN) to continue supporting Viet Nam in several priority areas, including realising the Sustainable Development Goals, building a rule-of-law state, digital transformation, green transition, addressing climate change, and tackling global challenges.

Receiving UN Deputy Secretary-General Amina J. Mohammed, who is in Viet Nam to attend the 4th Partnering for Green Growth and the Global Goals 2030 (P4G) Summit, President Cuong emphasised that this is the first multilateral summit on green growth, green transition, and sustainable development hosted by Viet Nam.

He expressed his appreciation for the participation of Amina Mohammed, thereby affirming the UN's commitment to promoting green growth, addressing global challenges, as well as strengthening the Viet Nam-UN cooperation.

The President also highlighted that 2025 is a significant milestone for both Viet Nam and the UN, as it marks the 80th anniversary of the establishment and development of the UN, as well as the 80th anniversary of Viet Nam's independence and the 50th anniversary of its reunification.

Viet Nam always highly evaluates the important contributions of the United Nations over the past eight decades in maintaining world peace and security, as well as promoting international cooperation for sustainable development; and bears in mind the valuable support that the organisation has consistently provided for Viet Nam, from the post-war reconstruction period to the process of renewal and international integration, he stressed.

Affirming strong support for multilateralism with the UN at its core, President Cuong stressed that Viet Nam is steadfast in its foreign policy of independence, self-reliance, and diversification and multilateralisation of international relations, and remains an active and responsible member of the international community in addressing global issues.

While asserting that the Viet Nam-UN partnership has developed positively and extensively over nearly five decades, Amina Mohammed said the UN appreciates Viet Nam's role and contributions to its activities and is eager to share Viet Nam's successful development experiences with its partners.

On this occasion, the two sides exchanged views on the global and regional situation and challenges facing multilateralism. They agreed to strengthen cooperation, jointly promote multilateral cooperation and the role of the United Nations in global governance, preserve and promote the principles and core values of the organisation since its establishment in 1945.

They also discussed the direction of Viet Nam-UN relations in the coming period, with focus on green growth, sustainable development, innovation, digital transformation, as well as enhancing the participation of youth and women in these processes.  VNA/VNS
HA NOI  A draft resolution presented to the National Assembly (NA) on Thursday proposed six key policy groups to remove development bottlenecks and accelerate Hai Phong Citys growth, centred around the pilot launch of a next-generation free trade zone (FTZ), featuring exceptional incentives to attract global talent and investment.

One of the most notable provisions is the exemption of visa requirements and the issuing of 10-year temporary residence cards for foreign experts, scientists and high-skilled professionals, along with their families, who work for businesses operating within the FTZ.

The proposal was discussed during the 44th session of the National Assembly Standing Committee, which reviewed the draft resolution intended to replace Resolution No. 35/2021/QH15 on piloting special mechanisms and policies for Hai Phongs development.

Minister of Finance Nguyen Van Thang, who presented the draft, stated that the new resolution is intended to clear systemic barriers and accelerate Hai Phongs economic growth, with spillover benefits for the broader Red River Delta region, along with the national economy.

He emphasised that the proposed direction is in line with long-term goals set by the Politburos Resolution No. 45-NQ/TW and Conclusion No. 96-KL/TW on the citys development by 2030, with a vision toward 2045.

According to Thang, the draft encompasses six major policy areas comprising 41 specific measures, which cover investment management; financial and state budget oversight; urban planning, natural resources and environmental management; science, technology and innovation; and income and incentive structures for Hai Phongs public officials and civil servants.

A key highlight is the pilot launch of a new-generation FTZ in Hai Phong, which would serve as a flagship model for innovation, open economic engagement and global competitiveness.

The zone will be organised into functional sub-zones, including manufacturing, port and logistics, commercial-service areas and other types of working areas in accordance with Vietnamese law.

The draft resolution proposed delegating authority to the Hai Phong Peoples Council to decide on the establishment, expansion and adjustment of the FTZs boundaries, linking it to the inh Vu  Cat Hai Economic Zone and the Southern Coastal Economic Zone in Hai Phong, similar in function to industrial parks.

This policy will provide a legal framework to pilot innovative mechanisms with the potential to unlock new growth drivers, especially in investment, finance, trade and advanced industry, while also serving as a magnet for foreign talent and researchers.

Reviewing this proposal, Chairman of the NA's Economic and Financial Committee Phan Van Mai affirmed the necessity of such a pilot initiative, saying it reflects the strong political will of both the Hai Phong authorities and the Government.

However, he cautioned that this is a complex issue, not just economic in nature, but also with implications for national defence, security and public order.

He urged that the potential impacts on economic growth, the State budget and society be clearly analysed, along with the zone's regional impacts, risk management mechanisms, oversight structures and clear assignment of responsibilities among related parties.

As per the Resolution of the 11th Plenum of the Party Central Committee, Hai Duong Province is set to merge with Hai Phong, with the unified entity to be called Hai Phong City.

On this matter, Chairman of the NAs Committee for Legal and Judicial Affairs Hoang Thanh Tung raised concerns about the citys impending expansion. He noted that the application of pilot mechanisms and special policies should not be unique to Hai Phong, but should also extend to HCM City, a Nang and other localities.

He recommended that the Government Party Committee seek the Politburos guidance on whether existing pilot mechanisms should remain in effect after mergers or administrative restructuring.

Deputy Chairman of the NA Nguyen Khac inh echoed this, urging the Government to submit a formal request to the Politburo for approval to expand the scope of these pilot policies to all cities and provinces undergoing mergers, such as HCM City, a Nang, Can Tho and Khanh Hoa.

NA Chairman Tran Thanh Man supported the idea, proposing that the Government immediately seek the Politburos approval to maintain the current special mechanisms for localities undergoing mergers and expansions. This would allow for swift decision-making during the 9th session of the NA, especially concerning Hai Phong's incorporation of Hai Duong, ensuring consistent application across equivalent administrative units.

Regarding incentives for foreign experts working within the FTZ and related enterprises, Deputy Prime Minister Ho uc Phoc said that the Government would clearly define criteria for experts, scientists, individuals with exceptional talents, and executives to prevent abuse or misuse of the preferential policies.

The draft resolution on piloting special mechanisms and policies for Hai Phong's development is scheduled to be submitted to the NA for review and approval during its 9th regular session, which opens on May 5. VNS
WELLINGTON  Governor-General of New Zealand Cindy Kiro has expressed her hope that Viet Nam and New Zealand will closely coordinate to effectively implement their newly-established Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, with an emphasis on the areas where both sides have strengths, potential, and shared interests.

Receiving Ambassador-designate of Viet Nam to New Zealand Phan Minh Giang in Wellington on April 16 (local time), the Governor-General suggested the two sides promote exchanges between businesses and residents, while strengthening coordination and cooperation at regional and international multilateral forums.

She congratulated Ambassador Giang on his new role, which comes at a meaningful time as Viet Nam and New Zealand celebrate 50 years of diplomatic ties (19752025). She also underscored the significance of Prime Minister Christopher Luxons official visit to Viet Nam in February, during which the two countries upgraded their relationship to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership.

The Governor-General pledged her support for Ambassador Giang to fulfill his tasks and voiced her belief that he would make positive contributions to the friendship and multifaceted cooperation between the two countries.

Ambassador Giang, for his part, affirmed his determination to actively promote the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, contributing to opening a new chapter of stronger, broader, and more comprehensive ties, both bilaterally and multilaterally.

The Ambassador also extended his appreciation to the New Zealand Government for its support to the Vietnamese community and expressed his hope that such favourable conditions will continue, further reinforcing the close and friendly ties between the two nations.  VNS
LANG SON  Vietnamese Minister of National Defence General Phan Van Giang and Chinese Minister of National Defence Dong Jun led high-level delegations to visit Huu Nghi International Border Gate's Border Post and Lang Son Logistics Park of the Viettel Military Industry and Telecoms Group, as part of the 9th Viet NamChina Border Defence Friendship Exchange.

Sen. Lt. Col. oan Duy Tien, head of the Huu Nghi International Border Gate's Border Post, briefed the delegations on cooperation between Vietnamese and Chinese border forces. The post oversees more than 3.91km of the borderline and 19 boundary markers adjacent to Youyi town, Pingxiang city, Guangxi province of China.

During the visit, Giang and Dong presented gifts to the unit and watched a friendly volleyball match.

The delegations then visited Viettels Lang Son Logistics Park, a major transshipment hub designed to handle up to 1,500 vehicles per day by 2034. The facility integrates advanced technologies such as smart customs gates, automated pallet loading systems, intelligent traffic management, and e-commerce parcel sorting. These innovations are expected to reduce customs clearance time by up to 40 per cent.

The visit concluded with a cultural performance by artists from both countries and a tour of an exhibition showcasing logistics technologies currently used at Viettel Posts sorting centres.  VNA/VNS
HA NOI  Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh received United Nations (UN) Deputy Secretary-General Amina Mohammed in Ha Noi on Thursday on the sidelines of the 4th Partnering for Green Growth and the Global Goals 2030 (P4G) Summit.

The PM said he highly appreciates the positive relationship between Viet Nam and the UN, as well as the operations of UN organisations in the country. He called on the UN to continue supporting Viet Nam in the fields of science and technology development, innovation, just energy transition, green economy, and in accelerating progress towards the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

He affirmed that Viet Nam is a responsible member of the UN and asked for the UN's continued support for the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN)s centrality in the regional architecture. Viet Nam stands ready to play an active role in efforts to seek solutions to peace, stability, and prosperity in the Asia-Pacific.

For her part, the UN deputy secretary-general praised Viet Nam's leading role in the green transition, demonstrated by the successful organisation of the P4G Summit. She expressed her admiration for Vietnams rapid development and active participation in UN forums and peacekeeping missions.

Welcoming the positive development of Viet NamUN relations and thanking Viet Namfor being among the pioneers in supporting the One UN Initiative, Mohammed shared that the bloc hopes to continue receiving support from member states for its central role in addressing global challenges.

She affirmed that the UN will continue to prioritise investment in technology, artificial intelligence, climate change response, funding for green growth, and the development of sustainable agriculture systems to meet the SDGs on time. She also pledged to actively work with partners to implement multiple projects in Vietnam under the framework of the Just Energy Transition Partnership (JETP).

On this occasion, PM Chinh extended his regards to UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres and invited him to soon visit Viet Nam again.  VNA/VNS
HA NOI  The fourth Partnership for Green Growth and the Global Goals 2030 (P4G) Summit was a productive event with practical ideas and discussions on a sustainable, people-centred green transition, said Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh.

He was speaking at the closing ceremony of the P4G Summit in Ha Noi on Thursday.

We reached a common understanding that green transition is an inevitable journey, an objective requirement, a strategic choice and a top priority for successfully achieving sustainable development goals, he said, adding that this process requires global, multi-stakeholder collaboration among governments, businesses, communities and individuals, to ensure inclusive and equitable growth.

Many insightful opinions, valuable lessons, inspiring stories and breakthrough initiatives were shared during the summits discussions, alongside numerous practical activities, such as an exhibition of green products and solutions, and a business networking session.

Expressing gratitude towards the collective efforts that were put into the success of the summit, PM Chinh underscored the five agreements from the event.

The first was a consensus on mobilising financial resources to promote green transition and sustainable development, including public-private partnership models and innovative financial policies.

Delegates also agreed on encouraging research and development of green technology solutions and increasing investment in innovation and start-up ecosystems. This is expected to facilitate the access of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) to the necessary resources and support.

Another consensus focused on sustainably transforming agricultural and food systems, which ensures food and nutritional security while playing a crucial role in environmental protection and sustainable development.

There was also alignment on the development of a highly-skilled workforce, especially in science, technology and innovation. Delegates underlined the importance of ensuring equitable access to education, expanding job opportunities and addressing social inequalities.

The summit also saw a shared commitment to effective and environmentally sustainable energy transition, especially in terms of cooperation in technology development and sharing, preferential loans for renewable energy projects, construction of essential infrastructure for energy transition and greater involvement from the private sector on the matter.

These areas of consensus reflect a shared mindset, understanding, shared responsibility, solidarity that stressed multilateral cooperation for collective actions and achievements, said PM Chinh. Let us embrace the spirit of unity, international cooperation and resources connection based on a global, people-centred and inclusive approach that balances benefits and shares risks.

The success of the fourth P4G Summit demonstrated the value of multilateral cooperation in advancing green transformation and sustainable development, he added.

I earnestly call upon nations, organisations and businesses to strengthen their coordination with P4G members. Let us work together, contribute responsibly to a greener future for our world. Let us turn commitments into action, ideas into tangible projects and shared goals into determined implementation and pave the way for a sustainable and prosperous future for all nations, peoples and individuals, said PM Chinh.

As the host of this years P4G Summit, Viet Nam reaffirmed its foreign policy of peace, independence, self-reliance, diversification and multilateralism. The country remains a good friend and a reliable partner to all nations, and a responsible member of the international community.

Viet Nam also continues its steadfast commitment to achieving carbon neutrality by 2050, contributing to a comprehensive and inclusive green transition for the current and future generations.

At the closing ceremony, the Vietnamese PM officially handed over the role of host for the P4G Summit to his Ethiopian counterpart Abiy Ahmed Ali.

PM Chinh extended his best wishes to Ethiopia for a successful hosting of the P4G Summit in 2027, expressing hope that the country will continue to uphold the cooperation spirit and significance of P4G in the footsteps of the successful summits held in Denmark, South Korea, Colombia, and Viet Nam.

Reporting on the outcomes of the summit, Viet Nams deputy foreign minister Nguyen Minh Hang said that the P4G Summit in Viet Nam welcomed over 1,000 delegates from Viet Nam and abroad, including international organisation representatives, entrepreneurs, ambassadors and heads of foreign missions in Viet Nam.

Following a wide range of practical and meaningful activities to promote green transition and sustainable growth, P4G leaders reached a consensus to adopt two key declarations from the summit. They are the Ha Noi Declaration on Sustainable and People-centred Green Transition, and the Declaration on Strengthening Multilateral and Institutional Partnerships to Promote Green Transition and Sustainable Development.  VNS
LANG SON  Vietnamese Minister of National Defence Phan Van Giang held talks with his Chinese counterpart Senior Lieutenant General Dong Jun in the northern border province of Lang Son on Thursday, within the framework of the 9th Viet Nam-China Border Defence Friendship Exchange.

Giang emphasised that activities held prior to the exchange, such as medical check-ups and treatment, and the distribution of medicine for border people, exchange activities of the two countries people, students, and young officers, have contributed to realising the Viet Nam-China Year of Humanistic Exchange.

These activities also serve as a crucial foundation for jointly maintaining a stable borderline and border markers, while promoting development cooperation between the two countries, he said, adding that this is also the first time a joint patrol has been conducted in the waters of the Gulf of Tonkin between the two navies within the framework of the programme.

According to the Vietnamese minister, based on the common perceptions reached by high-ranking leaders, the bilateral defence cooperation has been actively promoted and effectively implemented, becoming one of the important pillars in the relationship between the two nations.

Affirming that Viet Nam always remembers the sincere and meaningful assistance of the Party, Government, army, and people of China during Viet Nam's past struggle for national independence, as well as its current nation building process, Gen. Giang stated that in early April, his ministry successfully completed the restoration and enhancement of the Chinese martyr cemeteries in Vietnam.

In the time ahead, based on the shared perceptions of both countries leaders, especially following the current state visit to Viet Nam by Party General Secretary and President of China Xi Jinping, he proposed both sides focus on several key areas of cooperation. These areas include delegation exchanges, maintaining regular cooperation mechanisms, strengthening party work, political work, and promoting political exchanges, and boosting cooperation between border military regions, navies, and coast guards, land and sea borders, and defence industry cooperation.

During the talks, both sides shared views on the global and regional situations and issues of mutual concern. Giang affirmed that Viet Nam consistently follows its foreign policy of independence, self-reliance, peace, friendship, cooperation, and development, multilateralisation and diversification of international relations. In addition, it seeks to be a friend to all nations, places particular importance on its friendly relations with neighbouring countries, and has always been steadfast in its Four Nos defence policy.

Regarding the East Sea (known internationally South China Sea) issue, Viet Nam remains firm and persistent in solving the matter through peaceful means, adhering to the common understanding between the high-ranking leaders of both Viet Nam and China, and respecting international law, including the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS 1982), and the Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the East Sea (DOC). Viet Nam hopes that China and ASEAN will soon sign a substantive and effective Code of Conduct in the East Sea (COC).

The Vietnamese minister took this occasion to invite his Chinese counterpart to attend the national-level celebrations of the 50th anniversary of the Liberation of the South and National Reunification to be held in HCM City on April 30, and invite the Chinese ministry to send a delegation to join the military parade this time.

Minister Dong emphasised that the exchange, held right after the state visit to Vietnam by the top Chinese leader, demonstrates the determination of the two Parties, two Governments, and two peoples to jointly foster the traditional friendship between Viet Nam and China, contributing to deepening their Comprehensive Strategic Cooperative Partnership.

On this occasion, the two ministers witnessed the signing of a framework document for the twinning relationship between the Huu Nghi International Border Gate Border Station under Lang Son Provinces Border Guard, and the Ping Xiang border defence talks and meeting station, Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region Border Guard.  VNA/VNS
HA NOI  Viet Nam values and wishes to deepen the friendship and multifaceted cooperation with Kenya, State President Luong Cuong said while receiving Kenya's Cabinet Secretary for Defence Soipan Tuya in Ha Noi on Thursday.

The President welcomed the Kenyan official who represents Kenyan President William Ruto to attend the 4th Partnering for Green Growth and the Global Goals 2030 (P4G) Summit in Ha Noi, saying that her presence at the event shows Kenya's strong commitment to development issues and contributes to the success of the summit.

For her part, Tuya expressed her honour to be appointed as a special envoy by Kenyan President William Ruto to attend the P4G Summit, and took the opportunity to hand over a letter from the Kenyan President to President Cuong praising the close relationship between the two countries and affirming that Viet Nam is an outstanding development model.

Based on the political trust between Viet Nam and Kenya, President Cuong proposed that both sides strive to realise huge potential in areas of mutual strength, particularly investment, trade, agriculture, and tourism.

Regarding defence cooperation, he suggested the two countries' defence ministries explore collaboration in defence industry, logistics, military medicine, and share experience in participating in United Nations peacekeeping operations.

On multilateral collaboration, the President asked Kenya to act as a bridge to support Viet Nam in strengthening relations with the African Union (AU) and regional organisations of which Kenya is a member. Both sides should enhance the voice of developing countries as well as coordinate support each other at multilateral forums.

Tuya expressed her agreement with the host's proposals, saying that Kenya also wishes to serve as a gateway to promote bilateral trade as well as trade between Viet Nam and the East African region. In the short term, she proposed that the two countries soon expand cooperation in the fields of defence-security, food security, social housing development, and universal healthcare.

On this occasion, President Cuong invited Kenyan President William Ruto to visit Viet Nam and thanked for his Kenyan counterpart's invitation to visit Kenya. VNA/VNS
HA NOI  Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh on Thursday affirmed that Viet Nam is ready to host the 16th session of the UN Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD16) in October 2025.

Speaking at the meeting with Secretary-General of the UNCTAD Rebeca Grynspan, who is in Viet Nam to attend the 4th Partnering for Green Growth and the Global Goals 2030 (P4G) Summit in Ha Noi, PM Chinh said Grynspan's participation contributes to the overall success of the summit and demonstrates UNCTAD's valuable support for Viet Nam.

He appreciated the cooperation between Viet Nam and UNCTAD and expressed a belief that their collaboration will continue to flourish.

Regarding the global situation, especially in the context of increasing global trade competition, PM Chinh emphasised that countries need to uphold multilateralism, international solidarity, and work together to overcome challenges and difficulties. He affirmed the importance of international trade and investment as drivers of growth, viewing this as an opportunity for UNCTAD to assert its role and contributions in addressing challenges related to global trade and investment, fostering harmony among nations to build a bright, green, clean, beautiful, and prosperous world.

Regarding the organisation of UNCTAD16, Chinh asserted that with the experience of successfully hosting many international conferences, Viet Nam will closely coordinate with UNCTAD to organise the event in accordance with international practices and Vietnamese law.

He urged UNCTAD to continue coordinating and closely communicating with relevant Vietnamese agencies to prepare for the conference.

For her part, Secretary-General Rebeca Grynspan congratulated Viet Nam on successfully hosting the 4th P4G Summit. She expressed her impression of the strong messages conveyed by Viet Nam's senior leaders at the summit regarding Viet Nam's consistent commitment to upholding multilateralism, respecting international law, and adhering to international commitments.

Grynspan emphasised that Viet Nam's successful hosting of the conference and PM Chinh's message is a clear demonstration of Viet Nam's strong commitment to achieving the UN's sustainable development goals and its determination to work with the international community to promote green and sustainable transition at the national, regional, and global levels.

Sharing the Vietnamese Government leader's view on the global situation, Grynspan noted that global trade in general, and developing countries in particular, face many challenges. In this context, Viet Nam continues to assert itself as a strong, dynamic economy, truly becoming a successful model of transformation and economic development. Therefore, she said she hopes that UNCTAD16 held in Viet Nam will provide a good opportunity to showcase Viet Nam's success and share the experience of other countries.

Regarding UNCTAD's role, Grynspan affirmed that it will strive to support countries, especially developing ones, in overcoming current challenges, while continuing to uphold multilateralism and international trade relations based on mutual respect and international law.  VNA/VNS
HA NOI  Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Bui Thanh Son hosted a reception in Ha Noi on Thursday for Colombian Vice Minister of Foreign Affairs for Multilateral Affairs Mauricio Jaramillo Jassir on the sidelines of the 4th Partnering for Green Growth and the Global Goals 2030 (P4G) Summit.

Son showed his appreciation to the Colombian government's support for Viet Nam in organising the P4G Summit, thus contributing to global efforts to realise achieve green and sustainable growth goals.

Expressing his satisfaction with the progress in bilateral relations, especially in economic and trade areas, he affirmed that Viet Nam always treasures multifaceted cooperation with Colombia in its policy of developing ties with the Latin American region. He proposed that both sides enhance delegation exchanges at various levels, and implement mechanisms on political consultation at the deputy foreign minister level and joint economic commission to review and agree on measures to strengthen bilateral relations, while continuing to closely coordinate and support each other at international organisations and multilateral forums.

For his part, the Colombian official expressed his pleasure at visiting Viet Nam for the first time, and affirmed that Colombia considers Viet Nam a top partner in Southeast Asia, and hopes to work with Viet Nam - a bridge that helps promote relations between the Latin American and Asia-Pacific regions.

The Colombian Ministry of Foreign Affairs wishes to closely coordinate with the Vietnamese Ministry of Foreign Affairs to implement the goals and directions for developing relations as proposed by Deputy PM and FM Son.

On this occasion, both sides agreed to enhance experience exchanges and expand cooperation in energy transition, digital transformation, artificial intelligence, response to such challenges as migration, transnational crime, cybersecurity, and climate change.  VNA/VNS
HA NOI  Party General Secretary To Lam has called on France, a key and influential member of the European Union (EU), to further bolster Viet NamEU relations, contributing to peace, stability, and sustainable development in the region and beyond.

During a reception in Ha Noi on Thursday for French Ambassador to Viet Nam Olivier Brochet, Lam highlighted Frances role as the first EU nation to establish a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership with Viet Nam, a testament to its commitment to strengthening bilateral friendship and cooperation.

He expressed satisfaction with the positive progress in trade and investment, core pillars of the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, and urged joint efforts to uphold the multilateral trading system, boost bilateral trade, and further open markets.

Welcoming Brochets proposals to leverage the EUViet Nam Free Trade Agreement (EVFTA), Lam endorsed cooperation in high-potential sectors, including infrastructure, transportation, renewable energy, sci-tech, innovation, aerospace, and workforce training. He also advocated for deeper collaboration in health care, culture, heritage preservation, museum, historical memory and archiving, as well as people-to-people exchange.

Brochet called for concrete steps to advance the newly established cooperation framework, highlighting Frances desire to continue accompanying Viet Nam in its development journey in the years ahead.

He hailed Viet Nam as Frances priority partner in the Asia-Pacific, citing frequent high-level visits and exchanges and expanding cooperation mechanisms across a wide range of sectors.

Agreeing with Lam's remarks about the importance of the EUViet Nam Investment Protection Agreement (EVIPA), he affirmed support for an early ratification of the EVIPA by the French National Assembly and pledged to push forward the European Commissions removal of yellow card warning on Vietnams seafood exports.

Host and guest vowed to further increase cooperation at multilateral forums and international organisations, with a shared commitment to promoting multilateralism, respecting international law, and jointly addressing global challenges.

On the East Sea (internationally known as the South China Sea) issue, the diplomat reiterated France and the EUs support for Viet Nam and ASEANs stance on the peaceful settlement of disputes in accordance with international law, particularly the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), contributing to peace, stability, security, and freedom of navigation and overflight in the region.  VNS
HA NOI  Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed Ali and his spouse Zinash Tayachew left Ha Noi on Thursday afternoon, wrapping their official visit to Viet Nam and attendance at the 4th Partnering for Green Growth and the Global Goals 2030 (P4G) Summit in Ha Noi from April 14-17, at the invitation of Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh and his spouse.

At the Noi Bai International Airport, the Ethiopian delegation was seen off by Minister of Construction Tran Hong Minh and Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Nguyen Manh Cuong.

During his visit to Viet Nam, Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed Ali and his spouse paid tribute to President Ho Chi Minh at his mausoleum and laid wreaths at the monument to war heroes and martyrs on Bac Son street in Ha Noi's Ba inh District.

Party General Secretary To Lam and State President Luong Cuong received PM Abiy Ahmed Ali. Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh hosted a welcome ceremony and held talks with his Ethiopian counterpart. National Assembly Chairman Tran Thanh Man also had a meeting with the Ethiopian leader.

On April 17 morning, PM Chinh, his Ethiopian counterpart and their spouses together had breakfast, enjoyed coffee and strolled around West Lake, Truc Bach Lake, and visited Tran Quoc Pagoda in Ha Noi.

During their meetings and talks with PM Abiy Ahmed Ali, the Vietnamese leaders welcomed and appreciated the official visit, the first to Viet Nam by a senior Ethiopian leader since the two countries established diplomatic relations. The visit is especially significant as both countries prepare to celebrate 50 years of their diplomatic relations (February 23, 1976 - 2026) and Viet Nam is solemnly commemorating 50 years of national reunification. The host leaders affirmed that Viet Nam values its friendship and cooperation with African countries, including Ethiopia.

PM Abiy Ahmed Ali said he admires the Vietnamese people's resilient struggle for independence and freedom, the remarkable development achievements of Viet Nam under the wise leadership of the Communist Party of Viet Nam, and expressed a desire for Viet Nam to share its experience in rapid and sustainable socio-economic development and environmental protection. The Ethiopian Prime Minister expressed confidence that Viet Nam will successfully host the P4G Summit, affirming its important position and role in the international arena and demonstrating its capacity and prestige in taking on global responsibilities.

Within the framework of the visit, Madam Le Thi Bich Tran, spouse of Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh, and Madam Zinash Tayachew, spouse of Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed Ali, visited Nguyen inh Chieu secondary school for students with vision impairment in Ha Noi on April 17.

While in Viet Nam, PM Abiy Ahmed Ali attended the 4th P4G Summit. At the opening session, he delivered a speech, urging countries to adopt a new approach that links climate action with specific goals, taking vulnerable groups into account, and calling on international partners to adhere to their commitments, enhance investment, provide financing and technology, and promote measures for biodiversity conservation and the natural conditions of local people, especially in Africa.

At the closing session, Viet Nam officially handed over the role of hosting the fifth P4G Summit in 2027 to Ethiopia while PM Abiy Ahmed Ali affirmed that his country will continue the commitment of the P4G community to enhance actions for green growth, energy transition, and inclusive development.  VNA/VNS
HA NOI  The Ministry of Public Security (MPS) has proposed a penalty of up to 20 years in prison and VN3 billion (US$116,000) for food safety offences.

The proposal was included in the recent draft amendment to the Penal Code.

Violation of food safety regulations (Article 317) was among the crimes with the highest penalty increase, up to six times compared to the current rate.

Accordingly, the list of violations includes using banned chemicals, pesticides or food additives (not on the approved list or not authorised for circulation in Viet Nam) processing or selling food made from livestock that have died from disease or are ordered culling and importing, supplying or selling food with illegal additives or banned substances.

These actions may result in fines between VN300 million to 3 billion ($11,600-116,000), depending on the profit gained and the severity of the violation.

Under current regulations, the fine for this offence ranges between VN50 million to 500 million ($1,930-19,300).

In addition to higher financial penalties, the draft also proposes raising the minimum prison sentence for this crime from one year to three years. The lowest penalty range would be three to seven years in prison, compared to the current one to five years.

Meanwhile, under Article 317(1)(a) of the current Penal Code, individuals using chemicals or additives are only criminally liable if they are aware that the substances are banned.

However, in the draft amendment, the MPS proposes removing the phrase are aware that, meaning offenders could be subjected to criminal punishment regardless of whether they knew the additives or substances used were harmful.

The additional penalties for producing and trading in counterfeit goods being food, foodstuffs, or food additives in Article 193 are also proposed to double from the current VN20-100 million ($770-3,870) to VN40-200 million ($1,540-7,740). If the offender is a commercial legal entity, this amount could rise to VN36 billion ($1.4 million) from the current VN18 billion ($700,000).

Notably, the draft amendment also proposes a prison sentence of between five and ten years for individuals who produce or trade in counterfeit food, foodstuffs, or food additives on e-commerce platforms with 500 or more users.

The document also suggested adding a new article related the crime of illegally discharging ordinary waste into the environment (Article 235a of the draft).

Depending on the volume of waste discharged, violators may face fines ranging from VN100 million to 2 billion ($3,870-77,400), or imprisonment from three months to five years.

For this offence, commercial legal entities may be fined from VN300 million to 6 billion ($11,600-232,200) or have their operations suspended for six months to two years.  VNS
HCM CITY  The inaugural commercial flight from HCM City to Van on has departed from newly constructed Terminal T3 at Tan Son Nhat International Airport.

National flag carrier Vietnam Airlines on Thursday commenced its Airbus A321 flight VN1286, transporting over 100 passengers from the new terminal.

The launch of the new terminal coincides with the upcoming 50th anniversary of the Liberation of the South and National Reunification on April 30.

Official operations of the new terminal are scheduled to begin following the holiday rush, which includes the peak travel days surrounding May 1.

In addition to Vietnam Airlines, budget carrier Vietjet Air is also preparing to relocate its domestic flights to Terminal T3.

Other local airlines, including Vasco and Bamboo Airways, will continue to operate from Terminal T1.

The airport authority is working to enhance staffing levels to assist passengers, particularly those with connecting flights, during the initial days of operations at Terminal T3.

Smooth transition ensured

The Civil Aviation Authority of Vietnam (CAAV) is working to facilitate a smooth transition to the new terminal, especially during the upcoming holiday period and the peak summer season.

To minimise potential confusion as airlines adjust their operations, CAAV has urged Vietnam Airlines and Vietjet Air to implement policies to support passengers who may miss flights as a result of the terminal change.

Particular focus will be placed on assisting vulnerable travelers, including the elderly, women, and children.

As the national holiday approaches, a surge in air travel is expected, particularly to popular tourist destinations and Viet Nam's largest city, HCM City.

The CAAV has asked airlines to prepare by augmenting flight availability and introducing new routes to accommodate the anticipated demand, including additional services during off-peak hours and nighttime operations.

Airlines are also reminded to adhere to regulations regarding ticket pricing, ensuring that fares are fair and equitable.

They must uphold high standards of service and punctuality, while remaining accountable for any flight cancellations or substantial delays.

Airlines are also asked to promptly address any complaints and to ensure that all safety measures are thoroughly implemented.

Terminal T3 aims to alleviate the overcrowding that has affected the nations busiest airport in recent years.

With a capacity to accommodate 20 million passengers annually, the terminal boasts modern amenities, including 90 check-in counters, 20 automatic bag drop stations, and 42 self-service kiosks.

It features 27 boarding gates, enhanced security with 25 screening checkpoints, and a VIP lounge, all within its expansive 112,500 square metres, which includes one underground and four above-ground levels.

The construction of Terminal T3 commenced in December 2022, with a total investment of nearly VN11 trillion (US$431.2 million).

Viet Nam is also building the Long Thanh international airport project in ong Nai Province, located some 30 kilometres from HCM City.

Scheduled for completion by the end of this year, Long Thanh is set to become the nations largest airport, primarily serving international flights, while Tan Son Nhat will continue to operate domestic routes and select regional international flights.  VNS
HA NOI  Leaders of Party committees, governments, agencies and organisations are directly responsible for leading, directing, inspecting and evaluating the work of drug prevention, control and management.

That is the request of the Politburo, passed on by Deputy Prime Minister Le Thanh Long on strengthening and improving the effectiveness of drug prevention, control and combat, organised by the Central Party Secretariat on Thursday.

The details were given at the conference to disseminate Conclusion No. 132 of 2025 of the Politburo on continuing to implement Directive No. 36,

Accordingly, the Government issued Resolution No. 93 on the Plan for implementing Conclusion No. 132.

At the conference, Long, who is also the chairman of the National Committee for AIDS, Drug and Prostitution Prevention and Control, clarified the core content and new issues.

He emphasised that Conclusion 132 and the Governments implementation plan clearly define the responsibilities of heads of Party committees, authorities, agencies and organisations, as well as the exemplary role of officials and Party members in drug prevention and control, maintaining discipline and order in this work.

Accordingly, each official and Party member must set an example, by strictly complying and encouraging their families and relatives to comply with laws on drug prevention and control.

The Politburo also stressed heads of Party committees, governments, agencies and organisations must be strictly disciplined if the drug situation becomes complicated in their managed areas or sectors.

It is necessary to strengthen inspection, supervision, and strictly handle violations in implementing drug prevention and control work at all levels.

The Government required ministries, sectors and peoples committees of centrally-run provinces and cities to drive strong changes in thinking and action, raise awareness and responsibility among Party committees, Party organisations, officials and Party members, especially leaders and managers.

Drug prevention and control must be identified as the task of the entire political system and society, and cannot be "left entirely" to the police forces, the minister said.

With the key task of reducing drug demand, the Politburo required conducting a thorough review of drug addicts and illegal drug users to accurately assess the situation and implement tight management to prevent criminal acts or security disturbances.

There needed to be a maximising of the compulsory rehabilitation of addicts who meet legal requirements, especially those at high risk of criminal offences, simultaneously taking measures to prevent new users and new addicts, cracking down on drug hotspots and reforming and improving rehab effectiveness. New high-quality rehab centres should be built, alongside creating mechanisms for organisations and individuals to provide drug rehabilitation services at home or in the community.

Regarding drug rehabilitation, the Government instructed provincial-level peoples committees to ensure funding for public rehab centres from local budgets by June 30  including salaries, allowances, student support and other legal expenses.

Support policies must be maintained and local governments must report to peoples councils to continue supporting rehab work. Existing projects at public rehab centres must be completed and finalised, with priority given to land and funding for improving infrastructure and equipment.

For multifunctional facilities (rehab, social protection and mental health treatment), local areas must manage facilities and staff (excluding those already handed over to the police) to ensure normal operations in line with the law.

Political schools, vocational education centres and local schools are to support rehab centres in organising education in culture, politics and law.

Local agencies, businesses, and organisations are encouraged to support vocational training, offer employment and credit policies for recovering addicts, helping them find stable jobs and avoid relapse.

To realise the Poliburos request, the Government asked ministries, sectors and local departments to intensify communication so that each citizen, family, village and neighbourhood condemns drug use, refuses to harbour users and reports them to the authorities.

The goal is to gradually eliminate drugs from society.

The Government set tasks of monitor drug crime situations early, from afar, from the grassroots, especially in border areas, ports, at sea, via air routes and online platforms. There needed to be investigations and dismantling of networks, arrests of ringleaders and the complete destruction of organisations, gangs and hotspots, with tight control of all legal drug-related activities.

The Deputy PM urged the Ministry of Public Security and Ministry of Industry and Trade to promptly carry out assigned tasks in the Governments plan of defining and updating databases of narcotics and precursors to tightly control imported chemicals and ensure they are used for legal purposes  preventing criminal misuse.

The Government and relevant agencies must prioritise funding for drug prevention and control, especially at the grassroots level and in key areas, as well as for the specialised drug control forces.

International cooperation in neighbouring countries, with joint drug tackling operations, should be further enhanced to stop cross-border smuggling via air or sea, with enhanced sharing of information and the pursuit of fugitives, while also obtaining international financial, scientific, technical and training support for drug control forces.  VNS
HA NOI  General Secretary To Lam has called on Ha Noi to tighten food safety regulations and invest more in education, suggesting that the city consider offering free midday meals for primary and secondary school students.

On April 17, General Secretary To Lam and other National Assembly deputies from Ha Noi's Constituency No.1 held a meeting with voters from the citys Ba inh, ong a and Hai Ba Trung districts, ahead of the 9th session of the 15th National Assembly.

Among the attendees were Politburo member and Ha Noi Party Secretary Bui Thi Minh Hoai, member of the Party Central Committee and Chairman of the Ha Noi Peoples Committee Tran Sy Thanh and Deputy Secretary of the Ha Noi Party Committee and Chairman of the Peoples Council, Nguyen Ngoc Tuan.

The meeting heard reports from deputies Nguyen Quoc Duyet and Nguyen Phi Thuong on the upcoming session and responses to previous voter petitions. Citizens raised concerns about public administration reform, calling on the Government to avoid mechanical restructuring and to responsibly manage public assets and surplus facilities after administrative streamlining.

General Secretary To Lam acknowledged the publics support for national policies and their desire to see timely implementation. He noted the complex international context in 2025, including rising trade tensions, tighter monetary policies and increasing political instability, which all affect Viet Nams economy.

Referring to threats of new US tariffs, he said Viet Nam must be proactive, protect its economic interests and turn challenges into opportunities. This includes restructuring exports and production, expanding markets and reducing overdependence on any single partner.

Touching on administrative reform, General Secretary To Lam emphasised that merging local units should aim, not just at cost savings, but also at boosting efficiency of citizen services. He warned against creating overly large communes resembling 'mini-districts' or merging units which become so small they become ineffective.

He stressed the need for clearly defined roles across central, provincial and communal levels. In terms of public personnel, he underlined that civil servants must be competent and committed to public service and that State agencies should not become safe havens for unmotivated individuals.

On surplus public facilities, he said the Party has issued guidance to avoid waste, recommending that vacated buildings be used for schools, clinics, or other community needs.

Addressing specific concerns in Ha Noi, General Secretary To Lam noted improvements in air pollution and traffic congestion since the last meeting and he urged continued efforts to ensure public well-being.

He highlighted two areas requiring further attention. First is food safety, especially amid recent cases involving counterfeit milk and food. Calling this a vital issue, he urged the city to launch a dedicated programme to inspect and regulate food safety and to strictly punish violations.

Second, he urged greater focus on education, particularly in maintaining high standards of teaching and learning. He proposed that Ha Noi consider offering free midday meals for all primary and secondary students, describing it as an investment in the countrys future. If successful in Ha Noi, he suggested, the initiative could be expanded nationwide.  VNS
The majority of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions come from wealthier countries. Less affluent nations, with fewer factories, cars, and household appliances burning fossil fuels, historically have only contributed a small portion of the total emissions.

Nguyen Dinh Tho, vice president, Institute of Strategy and Policy on Agriculture and Environment, Ministry of Agriculture and Environment

The United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change in 1992 originally laid the foundation for climate justice: justice demands that those who have contributed more to the problem assume a greater responsibility for solving it, which is also an opportunity to access climate finance.

In 2009, developed countries agreed to mobilise $100 billion per year for developing countries to adapt to climate change and reduce GHG emissions, including bilateral and multilateral public climate finance and private finance mobilised by various mechanisms such as grants, loans, and even insurance.

In 2022, developed countries have achieved this goal for the first time, providing and mobilised $115.9 billion in climate finance for developing countries. However, only a small share of the total went to low-income countries, and only about a quarter to Africa. Loans made up the largest funding category, mainly going to middle-income countries.

In 2015, governments decided to set a new collective quantified goal on climate finance prior to 2025, amounting to at least $100 billion per year and taking into account the needs and priorities of developing countries.

The new goal will shift more towards urgent climate action in developing countries, supporting low-carbon solutions, climate resilience in energy, transportation, and agriculture; while allowing developing countries to enhance climate ambitions in the next round of national climate pledges, expected by the end of 2025.

Emerging markets and developing countries, excluding China, are estimated to need nearly $2.4 trillion annually by 2030 to achieve climate goals. This amount is four times the current investment level. Of this sum, around $1 trillion per year will come from international sources, both public and private.

According to the UN Environment Programme, countries may need up to $387 billion per year by 2030 and even more by 2050 to meet the requirements for climate change adaptation. Currently, this figure is only around $32-35 billion per year. This means that the financial needs for climate change adaptation are about 18 times higher than the current level.

Therefore, Vietnam needs to seize the opportunities from global climate finance and green finance to support green transformation, circular economy transition, and low-emission economic development.

Green finance for the green and digital transformation of businesses can be mobilised from multilateral and bilateral donors, governments, communities, non-governmental organisations, and central and local authorities.

In 2023, the European Union announced that all listed companies will be required to report on sustainable development. Europe established a carbon border adjustment mechanism (CBAM) starting from October that year, which apply to businesses in the sectors of iron and steel, aluminium, cement, chemical fertilisers, and electricity, hydrocarbons, and energy from 2026 onwards. These industries currently account for 94 per cent of emissions in Europe. As a result, Vietnamese businesses will be directly affected.

Many Vietnamese businesses are still unaware of the impact of the CBAM. It is mandatory for businesses to understand the current regulations and mechanisms of the EU as there is no longer a choice. This is also the only way for businesses to continue exporting goods to Europe and attracting European investors to Vietnam.

In addition to the CBAM, Europe has also implemented regulations on illegal, unreported, and unregulated fishing. Since 2017, the European Commission issued a yellow card warning against the Vietnamese seafood industry for such fishing. Starting from 2025, agricultural goods and products linked to deforestation or forest degradation from 2021 will not be allowed to enter the European market.

This regulation will also cover sectors such as textiles. With Vietnam importing 95 per cent of cotton from China, if there is deforestation involved, these products will not be exported to Europe.

Therefore, it can be seen that alongside the opportunities, Vietnam is facing numerous challenges in mobilising green finance.

Vietnam can engage in carbon credit trading to generate green finance. For example, the Tesla company earns $1.7 billion annually from selling carbon credits, while another company has to pay $2 billion each year for continuing to produce gasoline-powered vehicles.

In Vietnam, although the carbon credit market has not been established yet, Article 6 of the Paris Agreement allows countries to cooperate on emissions reductions by connecting domestic compliant carbon market with compliant carbon markets in other countries.

The carbon market in Vietnam will be established in 2025 and operational from 2029. Countries such as Europe, Canada, the US, New Zealand, Australia, India, China, Japan, and South Korea are all ready to purchase Vietnams carbon credits, even for reserve purposes.
Vietnams technology and electronics sector is a key driver of economic growth and foreign investment. With a strategic location, strong trade agreements, and a young, tech-savvy workforce, the country has become a regional hub for electronics manufacturing, and is aiming to become a technology powerhouse. Global firms like Samsung, Intel, LG, and Foxconn have established major operations, boosting exports and investment inflows.

Tu Nguyen and Bao Tram Ha, associates, Tony Blair Institute for Global Change

Emerging areas such as semiconductor packaging, batteries, smart appliances, and digital infrastructure offer new opportunities. Recent investments from Amkor and Intel suggest rising confidence. To sustain momentum, Vietnam must enhance competitiveness, expand innovation capabilities, and attract higher-value, technology-driven foreign direct investment (FDI).

Attracting high-quality tech FDI requires foundational enablers such as skilled talent, clean energy, strong intellectual property (IP) protection, and regulatory efficiency. While Vietnam has advanced through trade liberalisation, fiscal incentives, and workforce development, structural barriers persist. Key challenges include a shortage of industry-ready high-tech talent, infrastructure deficits  particularly in clean energy and digital connectivity  and weak IP enforcement, and fragmented regulations among others.

To remain competitive, Vietnam must accelerate reforms in talent development, infrastructure, regulatory consistency, and investor services. Building a more responsive, innovation-friendly environment will be essential to attract high-quality FDI and advance its position in the regional tech ecosystem.

As Vietnam pursues its goal of becoming a leading tech-driven FDI hub, it can draw valuable lessons from ASEAN peers that have built strong digital economies through strategic policies, investor-friendly environments, and innovation-led growth.

Singapore sets a regional benchmark for attracting high-tech FDI, supported by regulatory stability, strong IP protection, and a skilled workforce. Institutions like the Economic Development Board, alongside targeted tax incentives and robust research and development (R&D) investment, have fostered a strong innovation ecosystem. Recent investments, including TSMCs planned chip packaging facility and Googles expanded cloud region, further cement its role as a regional tech hub. Public-private collaboration ensures continued responsiveness to global tech trends.

Indonesia capitalises on its large consumer base and growing digital economy through initiatives like Making Indonesia 4.0. Regulatory reforms and incentives have attracted investments in data centres and fintech. Notable examples include Microsofts $1.7 billion investment in cloud infrastructure and Googles support for Indonesian startups, reinforcing its position as a rising digital player.

Malaysia, through the MYDIGITAL blueprint, has focused on AI, cloud computing, and high-value manufacturing. Major projects include Infineon Technologies $5.4 billion wafer facility and Amazon Web Services planned $6 billion investment. Its emphasis on talent and digital infrastructure has created a competitive environment for sustained, innovation-led FDI growth.

Peers like Singapore and Malaysia have successfully addressed structural challenges through strong institutional frameworks, one-stop-shop facilitation models, targeted incentives, and public-private collaboration, demonstrating the importance of aligning national goals with investor needs.

To translate its 2030 vision into measurable outcomes and keep pace with Vietnams regional counterparts, Vietnam should shift from vision-setting to implementation by operationalising strategies such as the digital transformation programme and Industry 4.0 strategy. This requires coordinated, sector-specific reforms focused on regulatory streamlining, institutional strengthening, and responsive investor services to attract high-quality, innovation-led FDI.

Vietnam is invited to consider recommendations, focusing on some issues. First is prioritising sector-specific digital transformation to unlock productivity gains across its diverse economic base. With manufacturing contributing 24 per cent of GDP, agriculture 12 per cent, and rising inputs from logistics and business process outsourcing, Vietnam is well-positioned for targeted digital advancement.

Yet adoption remains uneven  only 2025 per cent of manufacturers use advanced technologies like cloud computing or data analytics. Tailored digital strategies can address sector-specific bottlenecks, such as supply chain inefficiencies or traceability gaps. McKinsey estimates suggest productivity gains of 1525 per cent in mid-tech industries. An adaptive, sector-driven approach will be key as Vietnams labour cost advantage narrows.

Second is building up a stable, transparent regulatory environment to attract high-quality digital investment. Vietnam continues to face challenges such as fragmented regulations, administrative inefficiencies, and weak IP enforcement. Accelerating the passage of the Law on Digital Technology Industry and establishing specialised IP courts would enhance legal clarity and investor confidence. Strengthening investment promotion agencies through a centralised, one-stop-shop model, similar to Singapores, could improve coordination and streamline support for high-tech investors.

Energy reliability is another critical constraint. Expanding clean energy access through renewable energy quotas, accelerating direct power purchase agreements, and upgrading grid infrastructure in key tech hubs are necessary to support sustainable growth. Infrastructure modernisation  particularly in logistics, transport, and digital connectivity  must also be prioritised to meet the demands of high-value industries.

To engage innovation-led FDI, Vietnam should take more proactive steps. With R&D accounting for just 5.4 per cent of total FDI, the government could introduce super tax deductions of up to 200 per cent for R&D in strategic sectors like semiconductors, AI, and green tech. Co-investment grants for foreign R&D centres partnered with universities or the National Innovation Centre, alongside incentives for tech transfer and local supplier development, would strengthen Vietnams role in global innovation value chains.

The third aspect is implementing a national talent development strategy focused on high-tech skills. Although Vietnam produces over 400,000 STEM graduates annually, fewer than 30 per cent are job-ready in critical fields like AI, semiconductors, and cybersecurity. Collaboration with global tech firms is needed to reform curricula, strengthen applied training, and build university-industry links.

The final factor is for Vietnam to seize emerging global investment flows in aforementioned key areas. As global firms diversify supply chains and seek stable, innovation-ready destinations, Vietnams competitive advantages can be strategically leveraged.
On April 14, Vietnam Electricity (EVN) held a meeting with senior representatives of HDF Energy in Hanoi to discuss potential cooperation.

At the meeting, Mathieu Geze, Asia regional director of HDF Energy, said, "HDF Energy aims to deploy pilot projects featuring its Renewstable hydrogen power plant model on islands such as Phu Quy (Binh Thuan), Phu Quoc, Nam Du, and An Son (Kien Giang), with the goal of providing clean and reliable 24/7 electricity, reducing reliance on fossil fuels, and contributing to Vietnams carbon emissions reduction commitments."

Nguyen Anh Tuan, president and CEO of EVN, welcomed HDF Energys cooperation initiative, and highly appreciated the potential of the Renewstable model for Vietnams island power systems.

He emphasised, "EVN is ready to support HDF in connecting with relevant technical units to conduct a detailed assessment of the models technical and economic feasibility. We also urge HDF to work closely with relevant stakeholders and provide comprehensive technical documentation to ensure compliance with legal regulations and alignment with Vietnams sustainable energy development goals."

Both sides agreed to maintain open channels of communication and cooperation in studying the feasibility of implementing the model in suitable localities.

HDF Energy is a leading energy group headquartered in France, pioneering the development of large-scale integrated hydrogen power plants. HDFs Renewstable solution combines solar power, battery storage, and hydrogen fuel cells to provide 24/7 electricity, independent of the grid, with reduced emissions, an ideal solution for islands and remote areas with limited infrastructure.

Currently, HDF Energy operates in over 30 countries, managing an investment portfolio of up to 5 billion ($5.7 million). The group is also running the worlds first multi-megawatt PEM fuel cell manufacturing plant in Bordeaux, France.

HDF Energy and Quang Ngai forge partnership for green hydrogen development Leveraging its geographic strengths with abundant wind and solar resources, Vietnam is making notable progress in expanding its renewable energy production, playing a key role in its pursuit of achieving net-zero emissions by 2050.

Green hydrogen: a strategic leap towards sustainability Green hydrogen has the potential to transform Vietnams energy landscape and reduce dependence on imported fossil fuels. RMIT senior lecturer of Logistics and Supply Chain Management Dr. Majo George explained to Minh Ngoc why it is high time Vietnam invested in green hydrogen technology.
The garment industry is looking to strengthen domestic supply chains amid trade policy turbulence

On April 10, the United States announced a 90-day suspension and a reduction of reciprocal tariffs to 10 per cent to over 75 trading partners, including Vietnam. The tariff policy, however, is an alarm for textile and garment industries to diversify their material supply sources.

According to the Vietnam Textile and Apparel Association (VITAS), Vietnam now has more than 3,800 textile factories nationwide. Of those, around 70 per cent produce finished garments, while only 6 per cent produce yarn, 17 per cent produce fabric, and 4 per cent operate dyeing facilities.

Vietnam consumes approximately 400,000 tonnes of cotton annually, but local supply chains provide just 3,000 tonnes, less than 1 per cent of the local demand. Domestic fabric production is also modest, covering only 2530 per cent of market needs.

Truong Van Cam, vice chairman and general secretary of VITAS, said the industry has long sought to establish dedicated material supply centres.

In 2004, Vinatex proposed two such centres to the Ministry of Industry and Trade, but the initiative never materialised. Similarly, Saigon 2 Garment Corporation once converted a factory into a materials hub, only to shut it down after a few months due to inefficiency, Cam said at the Vietnam Saigon Textile & Garment Industry  Fabric & Garment Accessories Expo (Saigontex - Saigonfabric 2025) held on April 12 in Ho Chi Minh City.

These initiatives failed mainly due to a lack of coordination among ministries and local authorities. There was no real supply of fabric to showcase, and manufacturers showed little interest. As a result, a large portion of manufacturing remains processing-based, with foreign clients dictating sourcing requirements from abroad.

Vietnams industry remains heavily reliant on inexpensive raw materials from China, South Korea, and some ASEAN countries.

The country has no significant cotton-growing capacity, and yarn is mostly imported from India, China, and the United States. The costs for modernising textile and dyeing operations are prohibitive, with each dyeing machine requiring an investment of $1012 million and complete weaving systems costing up to $100 million.

Pham Van Viet, vice chairman of the Ho Chi Minh City Association of Garment Textile Embroidery and Knitting, said domestic material supply currently meets just 40 per cent of total demand, including for foreign-invested companies.

Meanwhile, Vietnam still lacks concrete policies to support material development and has yet to evolve its textile sector into a fully fledged fashion industry, limiting its ability to expand domestic consumption amid a tough global climate.

Vietnam has no real market for trading textile and footwear materials. What exists are small household markets for local retail, and the few manufacturers that produce raw materials only meet internal factory needs, Viet said.

Developing a sustainable supply base

Despite recent export growth, Vietnam's garment industry remains vulnerable  especially in the US, which accounts for 40 per cent of total export revenue. The country is currently the second-largest garment exporter to the US after China.

Tran Nhu Tung, chairman of Thanh Cong Textile Garment Investment Trading JSC, stressed that to mitigate this risk, many small and medium-sized garment and footwear enterprises are scrambling to find alternative sources or comply with buyers sourcing directives.

This poses numerous risks as importing countries implement stricter policies on product traceability, ESG compliance, and recycled material content, Tung said.

To boost competitiveness and maintain export growth, Tung argued that Vietnam must create more value-added products.

We shouldnt compete on low labour costs like Bangladesh. Our advantage lies in improving product value through investment in machinery, personnel, and better raw materials, he said.

At Viet Thang Jean Factory, the company has outlined three sourcing strategies to hedge against the impact of US tariffs: sourcing from countries not subject to tariffs, forming domestic supply partnerships, and - if necessary - continuing limited imports materials, and shared costs between producers and distributors.

Amid global trade tensions and disrupted supply chains, Vietnam still relies on imports for about 65 per cent of its textile inputs.

Viet urged the government to establish a support fund to help domestic firms localise 5060 per cent of their material supply.

Such a fund would enable technology upgrades and AI applications like weve used at Viet Thang Jean for the past five years, enhancing competitiveness through faster delivery, better pricing, and reduced exposure to tariff risks, he said.

According to the Custom Department under the Ministry of Finance, Vietnams textile and garment exports to the US reached $3.8 billion in the first three months, up 15 per cent on-year.

VIATT 2025 promises innovation and insight from the textile industry Ho Chi Minh City will once again be the focal point of the garment and textile industry as the second edition of the Vietnam International Trade Fair for Apparel, Textiles and Textile Technologies (VIATT) takes place at the Saigon Exhibition and Convention Centre from February 26-28.

Legal reform key amid trade conflicts Stronger legal commitments from the Vietnamese government are expected to increase investors confidence and maintain the countrys attractiveness and competitiveness.
According to IFC's disclosure on April 15, the proposed investment in MSB is a Global Trade Finance Program (GTFP) with an initial limit of $60 million for a tenor of up to 12 months.

The GTFP facility will assist MSB in broadening its client base by supporting its trade finance operations, financing a larger number of importers and exporters, including small and medium-sized enterprises. Additionally, it will strengthen the bank's connections with a global network of correspondent banks and markets.

In emerging countries, such as Vietnam, GTFP builds, protects, and deepens trade finance networks by continually enabling individual trade transactions, which slowly builds resilience of trade networks, trade, and income to these economies.

IFCs guarantees are especially critical to support trade for low-income countries, where the risks are perceived to be high. Additionally, IFCs presence as a provider of guarantees will help MSB to connect with new banks, maintain and strengthen their existing network of correspondent banks, and gain trade finance experience.

In February 2025, IFC signed with MSB an advisory agreement which IFC support MSB in building a Sustainable Finance Framework and the capacity of its staff in connection with the framework.

Established in 1991, MSB is a Hanoi-headquartered commercial bank operating nationwide in Vietnam. As of December 31, 2024, MSB had total assets of $12.2 billion. MSB is listed on the Ho Chi Minh Stock Exchange with a market capitalisation of approximately $1.2 billion as of March 13, 2025.

The shareholder structure of the bank, as of December 31, 2024, is constituted of 70 per cent domestic investors, including Vietnam Posts and Telecommunication Group, which owns 6.05 per cent, and 30 per cent foreign investors.

IFC mulls $20 million investment in VETC to expand electronic toll collections The private sector investment arm of the World Bank Group, International Finance Corporation (IFC), is considering a five-year convertible bond of up to VND500 billion ($19.8 million) to support VETC JSC's expansion.

MSB inks $30 million loan agreement with Proparco on green projects Vietnam Maritime Commercial Joint Stock Bank and Proparco, a development finance institution partly owned by the French Development Agency, inked a loan cooperation agreement worth $30 million with a 5-year term on December 16. This agreement is set to support financial resources for Vietnam's green projects.
The deal is in line with the Lion Groups medium-term management plan "Vision2030 2nd STAGE" launched this year with a view to strengthen business portfolio management and step up growth measures overseas.

Lion acquired a 36 per cent stake in Merap Holding Corporation in March 2023, changing the latters name to Merap Lion Holding Corporation in April 2023.

Merap Lion is steadily striving to expand by focusing on further developing its major brands in the healthcare field, as well as its distribution network and sales capabilities covering hospitals, clinics and pharmacies throughout Vietnam.

To generate greater synergy and further expand Merap Lions business, Lion has decided to make Merap Liona wholly owned subsidiary. This move will facilitate the blending of Merap Lions strengths with those of the Lion Group in product development and production technology in the oral healthcare and other categories.

Going forward, with an eye to generating social and economic value for Merap Lion, Lion Group will continue to leverage that companys strengths and ability to encourage the creation of better habits in the Vietnamese market while expanding the groups consolidated performance.

Lion Group specialises in manufacturing and trading in pharmaceuticals, oral care, beauty care, fabric care, and living care. Vietnam's healthcare market boasts tremendous potential for Lion Group to expand its footprint.

According to the latest report from PwC, the healthcare merger and acquisition landscape in Vietnam for the rest of 2025 is expected to be vibrant, driven by increasing demand for high-quality healthcare services and a rapidly expanding middle class.

Merap and Lion announce strategic partnership Merap Group Corporate and Lion Corporation (Japan) on January 16 signed a Master Investment Agreement (MIA) to promote future development.

Health M&As need careful navigation Strong growth potential is expected to spur on mergers and acquisitions in Vietnams healthcare and pharmaceutical industry in 2025, but a more business-conducive environment is being called for so that the potential is actually reached.
At COP29, wealthy nations agreed to increase climate finance for developing nations, setting a new target of $300 billion annually by 2035, an improvement from the previous $100 billion goal. However, this falls short of whats needed. Global leaders emphasised that public and private sector actors, including governments, businesses and financial institutions, work together to mobilize $1.3 trillion per year by 2035.

P4Gs model of providing early-stage funding and technical assistance aligns with the urgent need to mobilise climate investment. By bridging early-stage finance gaps, these startups can attract further capital and drive systemic change across key sectors. By 2027, these partnerships aim to collectively leverage $42 million in investments, create over 4,500 new jobs, benefit about 830,000 people, and reduce or avoid around 450,000 metric tons of carbon emissions.

Startups can play a catalytic role in advancing the climate transition, yet they remain significantly underfunded, said McGuckin. With P4Gs specialised support, these startups will scale investable adaptation and mitigation solutions that will not only build resilience in climate-vulnerable regions but also create pathways for sustainable economic growth and private-sector investment.

P4G connects early-stage startups to nonprofits and technical specialists who can help them strengthen their market understanding, business proofs and Environmental-Social-Governance strategies to make their solutions more attractive to investors. These new P4G partnerships will focus their efforts on Colombia, Ethiopia, Indonesia, Kenya, South Africa and Vietnam.

Startup partnerships also benefit from P4Gs national platforms with real-world insights from the startups and connections to relevant agencies that can facilitate policy dialogues and workshops to create a more enabling market environment for climate businesses.

One of these partnerships, BATx  Fundacion Socya, will use its funds to reduce e-mobility waste and scale sustainable energy storage in Colombia and Latin America. By refurbishing end-of-life lithium-ion batteries for reuse in energy storage systems, BATx is creating a circular economy that cuts waste and lowers environmental impacts.

BATx is poised to become a leading provider of energy storage solutions in Latin America, said Pablo Castellanos Ramelli, co-founder and COO of BATx. P4Gs support will help us scale rapidly, deliver cost-effective, second-life battery systems and advance Colombias renewable energy transition.

enfarm and CARE have developed IoT-powered soil sensors to improve soil health and crop yield for smallholder farmers in Vietnam. Photo: p4gpartnerships.org

Among the partnerships receiving funding are Mobius Energy and Savant, which are developing solar-electric refrigeration systems for commercial transport vehicles in South Africa. In Ethiopia, Waterlife and Max Foundation are providing safe drinking water through solar-powered, treated water hand pumps. In Vietnam, enfarm and CARE are working on IoT-powered soil sensors to enhance soil health and boost crop yields for smallholder farmers.

P4G received 150 applications for this round of funding. An Independent Grants Committee, comprising climate and impact investing experts, evaluated the shortlisted partnerships to select the final recipients.

Since its launch in 2018, P4G has evaluated over 1,000 applications and funded 119 partnerships that have mobilised over $526 million in total investment within their sectors, generated more than 14,000 jobs, and prevented more than 11.6 million metric tons of carbon emissions. P4G partnerships focus on providing products and services in climate-smart agriculture, food loss and waste reduction, water resilience, zero-emission mobility and renewable energy.

P4G helps early-stage climate startups in emerging markets and developing economies become investment ready. It provides startups with grants and technical assistance, and partners them with national level public-private platforms to help navigate the marketplace.

Through this approach, P4G strengthens market systems for climate entrepreneurs and accelerates just and resilient country economic transitions. Hosted by the World Resources Institute and funded by Denmark, the Netherlands, and the Republic of Korea, P4G accelerates food, water, and energy partnerships in Colombia, Ethiopia, Indonesia, Kenya, South Africa, and Vietnam.
However, Vietnam lacks a comprehensive regulatory framework. Cryptocurrency in Vietnam has evolved into an unregulated market, presenting significant challenges for the government. These include difficulties in tax collection, increasing foreign currency outflows, and heightened investor vulnerability.

Vlad Savin, partner, Acclime Vietnam

To harness cryptos potential while mitigating risks, the Vietnamese authorities seek to develop a pilot policy for its cryptocurrency market. Among the various global models, the Markets in Crypto-Assets Regulation (MiCA) and the European Blockchain Regulatory Sandbox (EBRS) offer the most suitable blueprint for Vietnam due to its balance of innovation and oversight.

Recognising the rise of blockchain technology and the expanding crypto-asset market, European lawmakers were early to establish a regulatory framework that fosters innovation while safeguarding investors and the financial systems integrity. The MiCA, effective from June 2024, and the EBRS, launched in 2023, are key milestones in this effort. Acknowledging the MiCAs evolving nature, the EU uses the EBRS to facilitate policy experimentation and regulatory dialogue. Each year, the EBRS admits 20 blockchain and DLT projects with validated proofs of concept, pairing them with relevant regulatory authorities for in-depth guidance.

The EBRS does not exempt participants from legal obligations, nor does it loosen enforcement. Rather, it allows firms to engage openly with regulators, clarify compliance difficulties, and receive measured regulatory tolerance during the testing phase. Upon completion, the EU published a summary report of best practices  an anonymised, non-confidential resource outlining legal issues discussed and potential solutions.

Vietnam has emerged as one of the worlds most active crypto markets. It consistently ranks among the top in global crypto adoption, driven by its tech-savvy population, growing digital economy, and interest in alternative investment channels.

Peer-to-peer trading platforms like Binance, Remitano, Bybit, OKX, and Mexc dominate Vietnams crypto landscape, allowing users to trade digital assets. These decentralised models have fuelled market growth, but they also pose risks. In 2023, digital asset inflows into Vietnam hit as much as $120 billion, accounting for approximately 25 per cent of its GDP, reflecting strong investor interest.

However, the lack of a clear legal framework remains a pressing concern. To foster a sustainable crypto ecosystem, Vietnam needs well-defined regulations that balance innovation with investor protection. A structured legal framework would not only enhance market transparency but also attract institutional investors, ensuring that the industry develops in a secure and regulated manner.

It is evident that the drafting of the Law on Digital Technology Industry by the Vietnamese government, submitted to the National Assembly for discussion since 2024, along with a series of directives from the central government regarding the early regulation of the crypto-asset market, demonstrates the governments strong commitment to bringing this market under a legal framework. Looking at how the EU has implemented the MiCA and EBRS, several lessons can be drawn for Vietnam.

The first is identifying an effective lead authority by designating a main agency responsible for coordination and serving as the focal point among other relevant regulators. The Ministry of Finance currently plays this role in coordination with the State Bank of Vietnam (SBV) and other relevant ministries.

The second lesson is detailing the criteria for project selection in the sandbox, linked to national priorities including ensuring financial security, combating money laundering, preventing tax evasion, fighting cybercrime, and developing blockchain.

Next, the sandbox implementation process must be structured from preparation, support, consultation, assessment, and policy extraction, including a detailed coordination mechanism between regulatory agencies and participating enterprises.

Other aspects include assessing the level of supervision, scope of exemptions, trial duration, and post-trial regulations, including options such as trial conclusion, extension, or formal licensing.

The ultimate purpose of the sandbox mechanism lies in its connection with long-term legal frameworks, since sandbox initiatives by nature are temporary. A full-fledged legal framework will be necessary for effectively governing crypto.

This is similar to how Vietnam previously moved from pilot mechanisms in technology-driven sectors towards more permanent and gradually adaptive legal frameworks.

This pathway aligns with the approach currently being applied by the EU in managing crypto-related activities. In this effort, the prime minister has requested the Ministry of Finance and the SBV to propose a general legal framework for cryptocurrency. Naturally, applying the European model in a rigid manner would not be appropriate for Vietnam. It may consider starting with a general legal framework, combined with a sandbox, offering specific incentives to participants, targeting primarily domestic startups and innovation-driven enterprises, and eventually attracting foreign companies with relevant experience.

The countrys cryptocurrency market holds significant potential to further boost its digital economy, but it requires a balanced pilot policy to manage risks and unlock opportunities. The aforementioned markets offer an ideal model due to its proven success in fostering innovation, attracting investment, and ensuring oversight goals that align with Vietnams aspirations.

Digital asset legal clarity now imminent A comprehensive legal framework for managing digital assets and cryptocurrencies will not only help Vietnam earn vast sums of foreign currency annually, but also create a safe investment environment for a sector that is currently seen as a grey area.

Ministry proposes tripartite coordination mechanism to manage cryptocurrency exchanges The Ministry of Finance has proposed a pilot programme for issuing and trading cryptocurrencies and digital assets, with oversight from three key agencies: the Ministry of Finance, the Ministry of Public Security, and the State Bank of Vietnam.
Climate change directly affects agricultural production and resources Photo: Le Toan

At a workshop last week on climate change adaption, experts said that the links between trade and climate change was still weak.

Vietnam is an open economy with high trade integration and is heavily affected by climate change. However, participants said that adaptation factors had not been highlighted in Vietnams current trade policies, especially in consumer goods production, exports, and trade services.

Katharina Sophie Schmidt, policy advisor at the International Institute for Sustainable Development (IISD), said, Climate change is directly affecting agricultural production, available resources, energy demand and consumer tastes, leading to changes in supply and demand of goods in many fields.

However, she said that trade can contribute to climate change and heighten vulnerability to its effects by increasing emissions from transport, encouraging carbon leakage to countries with weaker regulations, and driving the overexploitation of natural resources. It can also lead to environmental degradation tied to export-oriented production and increase reliance on certain imports, leaving countries more exposed to trade or climate shocks.

Governments are introducing new regulations to encourage sustainable development and increase resilience to climate change impacts, which can impact the costs and trade of some goods. A noteworthy example is the green policies of the European Union, including the latest regulations that goods origin must not cause deforestation or the carbon border adjustment mechanism.

However, in Vietnam, climate change adaptation has not yet been fully integrated into trade policy, especially in the consumer goods, export and trade services sectors, she said. It is difficult for businesses and farmers to access the technologies, products and services needed to cope with the increasingly obvious impacts of extreme climate.

On the positive view, trade policies can support adaption by building resilience through economic prosperity and job creation, she said. Economic growth through trade can fund investments in adaptation, and job creation supports households adaptive capacities.

Trade policies can contribute to managing imports and exports strategically by diversification to reduce dependencies and exposure to climate risks. Trade facilitates adaption to climate-induced changes in comparative advantage. Trade policies can speed up recovery after climate shocks.

Mai Kim Lien, deputy director of the Department of Climate Change under the Ministry of Agriculture and Environment, said that trade can become a powerful tool to support climate change adaptation efforts.

Despite its great potential, Vietnams current trade policies still have gaps in integrating climate change adaptation. Therefore, it is necessary to integrate climate change adaptation into new-generation free trade agreements to connect trade and climate change adaptation more closely and effectively, she said.

Vietnam has a national adaptation plan (NAP) with the goal of reducing vulnerability and risks to negative impacts from climate change, minimising losses and damages, and encouraging the integration of adaptation into related strategies and planning. Implementing adaptation priorities in the NAP is an important time to strengthen the linkage.

Anne Hammill, vice president of the IISD, emphasised that Vietnam has been deeply integrated into global trade but has also been vulnerable to climate risks. Adaptation is not an option, but a must, she said.

In the agricultural sector, climate change directly impacts food production and disrupts the supply chain of raw materials for many industries, especially export goods. International trade can enable Vietnam to find out crop varieties and livestock that are resistant to extreme weather, water-saving technologies, and infrastructure needed for adaptation in the agricultural sector.

The NAP has outlined 27 priority tasks for agriculture. Specific actions can start with the transfer of goods such as crop varieties and livestock adapted to climate change, environmentally friendly fertilisers and pesticides, water-saving irrigation systems, advanced agricultural technology and equipment, as well as aquatic breeds, animal feed and aquatic veterinary medicine.

The NAP also highlights hydrometeorological forecasting and natural disaster warning systems, climate risk assessment, consulting on adaptation solutions, climate risk insurance, agricultural extension and training on transfer and application of adaptation technology.

Hammill raised an example of trade barriers to adopt goods and services from another country, like rainwater harvesting tanks and gutters. As agriculture is mostly rain-fed in developing countries that crops rely on seasonal rains rather than on irrigation, these adaptation goods are fundamental to store water in times of need.

An IISD analysis of the import tariffs applied by a group of developing country members of the WTO on rainwater harvesting tanks and gutters showcased that there is space for trade policy adjustments like lowering import tariffs of rainwater harvesting tanks and gutters or its components, such as plastic storage tanks, gutters and pipes, and filtration and purification systems.

Lowering import tariffs on adaptation goods such as rainwater harvesting tanks and gutters, or its components, has the potential to increase its adoption and uptake by farmers in the developing country members of the WTO, Hammill said.

In Vietnam, she proposed promoting trade policies to directly support cooperatives, farmers and small- and medium-sized enterprises from importing technology, accessing green finance, to expanding markets for adaptive agricultural products.

In addition, transparency of value chains and ensuring the supply of raw materials is also an indispensable part of the long-term strategy, she added.
15 Asian economies that had attracted the most FDI by 2024. Source: Seasia Stats

Nguyen Mai, VAFIE's chairman, said that Vietnam is considered a successful model in attracting FDI thanks to its increasingly improved institutions and investment environment, stable political foundation, and high economic growth potential. However, the goal of green growth is a difficult goal, while the number of large corporations investing in the country is low. Foreign-invested enterprises are also facing difficulties moving towards green growth.

To solve these difficulties, relevant authorities need to accelerate the completion of regulations on green enterprises, green credit finance, and green investment for green development. On the business side, domestic enterprises need to adapt to production and investment in a green direction. Foreign enterprises should support domestic enterprises to change the way they approach and foster human resources to meet green economy standards.

According to HSBC's Global Research Department, Vietnam, along with Singapore and Malaysia, excels in ASEAN in attracting FDI to the technology sector. Many technology corporations have made a mark in Vietnam. According to HSBC, half of Samsung's smartphone production globally comes from Vietnam. This has also encouraged other tech giants, especially Apple, to expand their operations.

Apple Corporation from the United States has completed the transfer of 11 factories producing audiovisual equipment to Vietnam. The trio of Apple's partners in Vietnam, Foxconn, Luxshare, and Goertek, have also increased their investments and expanded their factories in the country.

The American Semiconductor Industry Association and many businesses have come to Vietnam to learn about the investment environment as a location for chip production. According to economic experts, with the cooperation of US technology enterprises, Vietnam is capable of exploiting and producing semiconductors on a larger scale.

Recent US policies, such as friend-shoring (shifting US production to friendly partners), have recognised Vietnam as playing an important role in this policy. Currently, resources for this policy are being supplemented by the US, and a significant amount of money from the Chip Act will support Vietnamese partners in the semiconductor industry.

In 2024, Vietnam attracted multiple foreign-invested semiconductor projects, which is a positive sign for 2025 as the country seeks to attract FDI at a higher, cleaner, and greener level. LG Display increased its investment capital by $1 billion, bringing its total in Haiphong to $5.65 billion. Samsung also announced plans to invest an additional $1.8 billion in the Samsung Display Factory in Bac Ninh province.

Heesung from South Korea increased its capital from $154 million to $279 million last year, while Son Technology Vietnam Co., Ltd., a member of Foxconn Group, announced a plan to invest $80 million in an integrated IC manufacturing plant in Bac Giang. Universal Microwave Technology, a component supplier for Spacex  Elon Musk's company, is planning to increase its investment in Vietnam.

"Vietnam is becoming an investment hotspot for the semiconductor industry, attracting capital and great attention from international businesses. The development and potential of the semiconductor industry have a direct impact on industrial real estate, thanks to the increase in demand for factories to meet infrastructure and service requirements," Mai emphasised.

Vietnam is also issuing policies to draw foreign investment and businesses to the semiconductor industry.

The report said that along with the development of the electronics assembly and manufacturing industry chain, incomes are improving. Digital transformation is being strongly promoted, prompting demand for smart electronic devices to increase rapidly. This opens up the potential for Vietnam to become an attractive market for the growth of the semiconductor industry.

In addition, digital transformation, the expansion of the Internet of Things in smart cities, industrial automation, agriculture, and healthcare are driving the demand for semiconductor components such as microcontrollers, sensors, and connected chips.

"As Vietnam continues to increase the application of advanced technologies in multiple fields, the demand for semiconductor solutions is forecast to grow exponentially, creating a vibrant and promising semiconductor market," the report noted.

FDI inflows rise 35 per cent in first two months Vietnam reported more than $6.9 billion in foreign direct investment (FDI) in the first two months of the year, an on-year increase of 35.5, according to data from the Foreign Investment Agency (FIA) under the Ministry of Finance.

Government seeks FDI boost to achieve 8 per cent growth The government has ordered the clearance of obstacles for the international business community to invest in Vietnam, according to Minister of Finance Nguyen Van Thang.
The Whitebook features in-depth policy recommendations from 19 sector committees, including automotive, where VinFast, Hyundai, and Toyota account 18, 14, and 14 per cent respectively.

The luxury/premium segment represents a relatively small share of the overall market. At the end of last year, the premium segment made up approximately 6 per cent of Vietnams total car market. European brands, including Mercedes, BMW, Audi, and Porsche, held a market share of around 3 per cent, with approximately 8,000 new vehicle registrations.

The Whitebook also highlighted that Vietnams automobile market grew by 12.6 per cent, selling over 340,000 vehicles in 2024, marking a recovery after a 25 per cent decline to around 302,000 vehicles in 2023. Despite economic challenges both domestically and internationally, this result signals market positivity and an increasing consumer demand. However, Vietnams market size still lags significantly behind other ASEAN countries such as Indonesia, Malaysia, Thailand, and the Philippines.

To stimulate local sales, the government introduced a temporary 50 per cent registration fee reduction for completely knocked down vehicles, effective from September 2024 to November 2024. However, this measure excluded imported completely built up vehicles, which face similar obstacles, including reduced consumer demand, oversupply, and limited access to credit, raising concerns among some in the industry about fairness in how support mechanisms are applied.

The government has also implemented policies to encourage the use of electric vehicles (EVs). Decree 104 waives registration fees for EVs through 2025, followed by a 50 per cent reduction for the next two years, aiming to make environmentally friendly vehicles more accessible.

Additionally, the special consumption tax for EVs was reduced to 3 per cent in 2022, lasting until 2027, with plans to increase it to 11 per cent after that, although some industry experts believe extending this reduction could further encourage the shift to EVs.

Vietnams commitment to net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050 includes ambitious goals for the automotive industry, such as full electrification or the use of green-energy vehicles by 2050. From 2030 onwards, at least half of all urban transport vehicles will be using green energy or electricity, and all new taxis are to be electric or green energy by 2030. These targets underscore the automotive sectors critical role in Vietnams environmental strategy, aligning with global trends towards sustainability and reduced emissions.

Chinese carmaker Geely moves into Vietnamese market On March 21, Geely Auto officially entered the Vietnamese market with the launch of its intelligent SUV model, the Coolraymarking a significant step in the Chinese carmakers global expansion strategy and deeper engagement in Southeast Asia.

Thanh Cong Group opens facility in Quang Ninh to build Skoda models Thanh Cong Group started operations at the Thanh Cong Viet Hung car plant on March 26 in the northern province of Quang Ninh to build the first Skoda models in Vietnam.
The WB and ADB will provide $400 in loans and grants for three projects in Vietnam

On April 16, Vietnam, the World Bank (WB), and the Asian Development Bank (ADB) signed loan and grant agreements amounting to $400 million for three socioeconomic development projects in central and southern Vietnam. The signing ceremony was part of the fourth Partnering for Green Growth and the Global Goals 2030 (P4G) Summit, which was organised in Hanoi.

The biggest project involves water environment improvements for the southern province of Binh Duong, with a total investment of VND7.2 trillion ($288 million). VND5.35 trillion ($214 million) of which will be mobilised by loans from the WBs International Bank for Reconstruction and Development (IBRD).

The project aims to address environmental pollution caused by urban wastewater in the cities of Thuan An, Di An, and Tan Uyen. It will finance new urban wastewater collection and treatment systems in Tan Uyen, expand networks, and upgrade treatment capacities in the other cities, strengthen wastewater management capacity in Binh Duong, and enhance water security for downstream areas of the Saigon and Dong Nai rivers, including Ho Chi Minh City, which sources around 40 per cent of its water supply from the Dong Nai river.

The second initiative is a southern waterway corridors and logistics development project, which has a total investment of VND3.9 trillion ($156 million), including nearly VND2.5 trillion ($100 million) as a loan from the WB's International Development Association.

The project will improve infrastructure, reduce congestion and accidents, and lower waterway freight transport costs by upgrading the East-West and North-South transport corridors, linking the Mekong Delta with the Cai Mep-Thi Vai port cluster. It will also facilitate connections to the future Can Gio International Transhipment Port, boosting socioeconomic development and ensuring national defence and security in the Mekong Delta and Southeast regions.

The third undertaking is climate resilient inclusive infrastructure for ethnic minorities in Phu Yen and Quang Tri provinces, which has an investment of VND1.8 trillion ($72 million).

The ADB will provide a loan worth $29 million and a grant worth $1 million to Phu Yen, while the rest will bee counterpart funding from the province.

The Quang Tri venture is worth $39.7 million, and the ADB will provide a loan of $30 million, with the rest coming from the provinces counterpart funding.

The WB and ADB are strategic development partners that have accompanied Vietnam for decades, playing a crucial role in poverty reduction, infrastructure improvement, governance enhancement, and promoting sustainable development.

The WB is one of Vietnams largest multilateral partners, providing ODA loans and concessional financing, meeting approximately 35 per cent of the governments external borrowing needs. As of April 2025, it had committed over 180 loans, grants, and technical assistance packages to Vietnam, totalling around $26 billion, with signed loan agreements amounting to approximately $23 billion. Its funding concentrates on investments in essential infrastructure, transportation, energy, education, healthcare, water, the environment, and agriculture.

Since 1993, the ADB has provided over $18 billion in loans and grants to the country, which focus on developing transportation infrastructure, clean energy, vocational education, rural development, and enhancing climate change resilience, particularly in disadvantaged regions and areas with ethnic minority communities.

In addition to financial support, the WB and ADB are key partners in supporting the Vietnamese government by providing non-reimbursable technical assistance for project preparation, policy advisory, and capacity building in governance and administration.

Vietnam - a success story in development path: WB Vice President World Bank (WB) Vice President for East Asia and the Pacific Manuela V. Ferro described Vietnam as a success story in terms of economic development since it has dramatically transformed the economic landscape, achieving the extraordinary feat of increasing family incomes sixfold while attracting significant foreign investment over the past 40 years.

ADB revises Vietnams growth forecast upward for 2024 and 2025 Vietnams growth forecast for 2024 has been revised upward to 6.4 per cent from 6 per cent and from 6.6 per cent from 6.2 per cent for 2025, according to the Asian Development Bank (ADB).

Petrolimex and ADB shake hands on energy transition On February 26, Vietnam National Petroleum Group (Petrolimex) and the Asian Development Bank (ADB) signed an MoU on energy transition cooperation towards building a strategic partnership to develop clean and sustainable energy in Vietnam.

ADB, Vinschool sign sustainability-linked loan for Vietnams education sector The Asian Development Bank (ADB) signed a $150 million loan with Vinschool JSC on March 18.
The well-managed currencies and economies of Russia and China pose a financial challenge to the heavily indebted US dollar. There is a noticeable shift in capital flows and global trade from Western nations to Eastern ones. The underlying objective of the proxy conflict in Ukraine, along with the potential proxy conflict in Taiwan, is to compel our allies to unite against Russia and China, thereby establishing a closed economic system that circumvents the true valuation of the US dollar. The proxy conflict in Ukraine has not achieved its goals, and China has refrained from engaging in Taiwan, prompting the US to redirect its focus towards China through alternative strategies, with plans to address Russia at a later time. Meanwhile, BRICS has emerged as a significant entity, demonstrating its ability to thrive independently of Western influence.  kKEETON

You see as to the past and now present

The West has struggled with currency management, while the East tends to handle financial matters more effectively. This represents a significant contrast. Traditionally, we refer to this as Money Management, where financial resources are handled with respect and ethical considerations

WtR
While Kate Carlson may not be originally from Winona, she has a passion and love for the city.

She grew to know it while attending college. The southern Wisconsin native temporarily moved away after graduation, but Winona drew her and her husband back in.

I always say the siren call of the bluffs called us back, Carlson said.

Now, Carlson is working to let others know about the city she adores.

After more than 13 years with Visit Winona as its partnership director, Carlson has been named its new executive director.

She is filling the seat vacated by Pat Mutter, who served in the role for more than 22 years before retiring in March.

A love for storytelling

Carlson, who went to school for photojournalism, veered into tourism due to her passion for storytelling.

I feel like I have always been a storyteller in every job I've had from college on, and it's taken on a lot of different iterations depending on what job I had," Carlson said. Tourism lends itself to storytelling in really beautiful ways. We get to be kind of the content creators, the communicators of our community, through promotions, through marketing. And I'm excited to be able to champion our fantastic city."

Now, she's ready to take the next step in the organization.

"I am energized by the amazing work that Visit Winona has done in the decade-plus time that I've been at this organization, and I feel like the experience that I've had with Visit Winona has set me up for kind of understanding what our next growth could be," Carlson said.

That includes, "setting us even more apart as a really fantastic visitor destination, but also a community that is supported by its residents.

Carlson believes her previous experience with the organization has given her an understanding of how it functions every day and the importance of relationships and collaboration.

The people who know her are confident her skills will serve the community well.

I believe that she is a natural born leader, and has both the people and organizational skills to continue to make Visit Winona a vital organization that draws visitors to Winona," said Mary Farrell, who worked with Carlson at Visit Winona until her retirement last year.

"In her role as the partnership director, I witnessed her build a successful program of engaged partners and as the visitor center manager, build a professional team and create an inviting environment that welcomes visitors to our community," Farrell said. "Given her accomplishments, her enthusiastic personality and her knowledge of the tourism industry, Kate is the right fit for this position."

Marcia Ratliff, chair of Visit Winona's board of directors, also praised Carlson.

Kate is a vibrant, dynamic leader with a proven track record in community-relationship building, program development and marketing, said Ratliff. Her excellent skills in communication and her vision for Visit Winonas next chapter set the stage for a strong future  and we are so pleased to have her at the helm.

Importance of creativity

Carlson already appreciates work Visit Winona has done like its Miami of Minnesota campaign.

The campaign was originally questioned by residents, but now has been praised by visitors and regional and national media.

Visit Winona has set ourselves apart in being trendsetters," Carlson said. We are not afraid to take risks and to push boundaries a little bit. And in marketing, I think that's really exciting and needed.

I definitely want to continue that excitement and being able to pivot with trends and needs of our community, but also in the tourism landscape," she said.

Uniqueness and creativity, she said, is something other tourism organizations are working to try to replicate.

"I think that's something that a lot of other destination marketing organizations are now trying to emulate and see the benefits of being a little different and embracing that and recognizing we want people to remember us and to learn more about us, and to dig a little deeper," Carlson said. "And if that means being a little funny and a little strange and a little quirky, I think that's a good thing.

No matter how out-there the organization's work is, in the end its focus is always on visitors, Carlson said. "How we can optimize and enhance what we already have to make for better visitor experiences?"

Looking ahead

Carlson is excited for the future of Winona as she enters the new role.

"I have been incredibly excited to see a shift in locals championing Winona. Winonans, I think, for a long time, didn't necessarily see our greatness, and I think that has absolutely changed in the last few years," Carlson said. I think more and more residents are becoming Winona fans again and/or for the first time.

She's excited for new opportunities to open, such as the new downtown hotel and the Minnesota Masterpiece Hall.

But she's also looking forward to promoting longtime favorites, such as Winona's festivals and outdoor recreation options.

She said she hopes for a long career, just like Mutter before her.

I truly love my job. I truly, truly love it. I think we are lucky in the tourism space to be able to be those champions for our communities," Carlson said. "And I always joke I could never do this job anywhere else, because I am truly a Winona fan. First and foremost, I love Winona."
Members of Republican county parties who harass or defame Republican Party of Wisconsin officials or GOP lawmakers could be removed from their position under new rules adopted by the state party.

While billed as an effort to reinforce unity within the state party heading into the 2026 midterms, some GOP officials blasted the change as an effort to quash dissent and protect establishment Republicans.

The state party also announced to members this week that its launching a review into the battleground states April 1 Wisconsin Supreme Court election that saw Democratic-backed Judge Susan Crawford defeat Republican-backed Judge Brad Schimel by 10 points. Republicans have lost 12 of the last 15 statewide races and head into the 2026 midterms with majority control of the state Senate and Assembly on the line.

On Sunday, the state partys executive committee approved new rules under the partys code of conduct, which require party members to treat fellow members with respect and decorum and support candidates endorsed by the party. The rules also prohibit engaging in sexual, verbal or physical harassment of party officials and members and publicly defaming GOP lawmakers or party members.

The new bylaws state that while the partys executive committee respects the right of volunteers and grassroots members to elect and choose their county leaders, all entities within the party should be working in coordination to achieve the Republican Party of Wisconsins goals and mission.

If a complaint is filed against an individual member, the partys constitutional committee will review the matter and hold a hearing if the complaint is deemed valid, according to the rules. The individual could be removed from their position with a three-fifths majority vote from the executive committee.

The bylaws state that when anyone in a leadership position within the state GOP acts in a manner that reflects poorly on the Republican brand or affects the publics perception of the state Republican Party, it detracts from the Republican Party of Wisconsins purpose to aid in every honorable way the Republican movement to advance fundamental Republican principles and policies, and as a voluntary organization, cooperate and assist in all elections.

Some conservatives immediately blasted the change, with Oconto County Republican Party Chair Ken Sikora, who was recently elected to lead the GOPs 8th Congressional District group, calling the new rules an effort to tamp down dissension in the party.

From what Im told, they intend to make it impossible to speak out against the party, post any social media about the party, disclose information about the party, use any information not approved by the party, and it goes on and on and on, Sikora said in a video posted on Facebook.

Sikora, who recently called for the resignation of GOP chair Brian Schimming, said the changes underscore an effort to get rid of the resistance within the state party.

Schimming said in a statement the bylaws "come after numerous requests from grassroots activists across the state."

"These bylaws are common for organizations, and many state and county parties have their own policies in place to ensure respectful and constructive dialogue," Schimming said.

Conservative radio host Joe Giganti also criticized the new bylaws, which he said essentially put a gag order on county party leaders and protect established Republicans.

A statement from the Republican Party of Milwaukee County appeared to question whether the new rules violate the First Amendment right to free speech in the U.S. Constitution.

It is the first responsibility of every citizen to question authority, the statement said.

Midterm election strategy

Also this week, the state GOP announced the creation of a 2025 post-election commission to review the April 1 state Supreme Court election and identify areas for improvement as we prepare for 2026.

The commission will examine efforts by Schimels campaign, the state party and third-party groups to develop recommendations to guide strategies in future elections.

Conservatives must learn from past elections and make adjustments to be successful in future Spring Elections, Schimming said in a statement. While conservatives came up short in the most recent race, were not backing down.

The effort will be led by Republican state Treasurer John Leiber, who won his statewide election in 2022. It also comes as the Democratic Party of Wisconsin, fresh off a resounding victory on April 1, prepares to elect new leadership to replace current party chair Ben Wikler, who announced last week he will be stepping down when his term concludes this June.

Current senior adviser and former executive director of the state Democratic Party Devin Remiker, chair of the 3rd Congressional District Democrats of Wisconsin and co-chair of the La Crosse County Democratic Party William Garcia, and longtime Democratic strategist Joe Zepecki have launched bids to serve as the partys next chair.

The Wisconsin Democratic Party will elect its next chair at the partys state convention in the Wisconsin Dells this June.

Under new legislative maps, Democratic lawmakers made gains in November in both the state Senate and Assembly. While Republicans still control both chambers, liberals are hopeful the new, more competitive boundaries could open the door to Democratic majorities in the 2026 midterms.
Urgent action needed to safeguard future of Gresford Lake

This article is old - Published: Thursday, Apr 17th, 2025

Urgent action is needed in order to save a much-loved lake for future generations to enjoy.

The Friends of Gresford Lake and Gresford Community Council have been working to restore and enhance the natural habitats around Gresford Lake, which has been slowly deteriorating for decades.

Once a thriving oasis, the introduction of carp in the 1980s has led to a steady decline of Gresford Lake.

Feeding bread to ducks and fish has, unfortunately, also contributed, resulting in these populations exploding and eating any remaining water plants and insect life. Harmful algal blooms have thrived and the lake is void of life.

In 2023, the Community Council and Friends of Gresford Lake secured funding from the Welsh Governments Landfill Disposal Tax Community Scheme, administered by the Wales Council for Voluntary Action (WCVA). The grant of over 48,000 enabled the group to remove the invasive carp, with around 1,000 fish relocated in total.

A solar-powered ultrasonic algae remover was installed and coir roles have been laid with thousands of new plants and reeds.

Despite this significant investment and positive progress, runoff from the nearby roads has contributed to substantial levels of silt pollution gathering at the bed of the lake.

Sadly, discharge from the roads flows into the lake before making its way to the sewerage system, meaning the lake has basically been used as a filter for many years.

The dead tree foliage, toxins, tar, oil, rubber, and road dust is washed in and forms as silt, resulting in the lake losing the majority of its plant life and native animals.

A water quality test conducted by AWE Environmental Services has concluded high levels of ammonia is resulting in small aquatic animals struggling to survive.

Water that was once clear is now dark and murky and the volunteers have discovered silt is around 200 mm below the surface in most areas of the lake.

The current situation is unsustainable and Friends of Gresford Lake and Gresford Community Council are seeking solutions urgently.

As well as the need to remove the silt, which is a costly procedure, there is a pressing need for alternative drainage options to be implemented if the lake is to survive.

Wrexhams Member of the Senedd, Lesley Griffiths, has been working with the volunteers and recently visited the lake once again to be updated on the current situation.

After meeting with the volunteers during her latest visit to the Gresford Lake, Lesley Griffiths MS said: I commend the efforts of the Friends of Gresford Lake and Gresford Community Council who continue to do everything in their power to save this unique feature, but the problems are escalating and they need support.

I have written to Natural Resources Wales and Wrexham County Borough Council on the groups behalf in the hope that we can harness their expertise and start to rectify the issues at the lake.

The volunteers knowledge and passion is inspiring. They remain determined to halt this decline and transform the lake into a thriving ecosystem, and I am sure all their tireless work is greatly appreciated by the local community.

Local resident and volunteer, Andrew Price said: The surface road run off diverted into the lake many years ago is causing significant damage to the ecosystem of the Lake.

We have lost newts, native fish, like sticklebacks and perch, native plant life and invertebrates  these cannot survive with all the toxins running in. Kingfishers and herons are long gone.

The build-up of silt is also a huge problem and the road run off does not help as debris from the trees in the gutters gets washed in every time it rains.

We are just a local community trying to do our best for the future generations to enjoy this unique haven for years to come.

We are asking the relevant organisations for help but so far they have not been forthcoming with any help whatsoever.

I urge Wrexham County Borough Council to help us tackle the silt and the drainage system so we can put this beauty spot on the map for future generations to enjoy.

I would love to be able to invite the local schools and local families down to the lake in the future to go pond dipping, do bat and wildfowl surveys and I would love to one day see the kingfishers, herons and newts return to this wonderful unique feature we have on our doorstep.

If the lake is left untouched we will end up with a cesspit.
Walkers urged to plan ahead ahead of Easter trips to Yr Wyddfa

This article is old - Published: Thursday, Apr 17th, 2025

Visitors planning Easter trips to Yr Wyddfa are being urged to prepare properly, follow safety advice, and consider the pressures on local communities and emergency services.

Eryri National Park Authority, along with North Wales Police, Llanberis Mountain Rescue and other partners, has launched a fresh appeal as one of the UKs most popular mountains braces for an expected surge in footfall.

With more than 60 call-outs already this year, Llanberis Mountain Rescue Team is experiencing record demand.

The Easter period, with its warmer weather and school holidays, is often one of the busiest and most challenging times for the volunteer-led service.

Gruff Owen, Chair of Llanberis Mountain Rescue Team, warned that the public must understand the limits of rescue resources.

Easter is a particularly challenging time for our dedicated volunteers, he said.

Walkers and climbers should be aware we could already be committed to rescues elsewhere on the mountain and injured casualties may have to wait longer than usual for a response.

Many incidents can be avoided with proper preparation and awareness.

We urge all visitors to take essential safety precautions before any outdoor adventure. Always check the weather, research the route, and carry the right gear.

The advice centres on three key questions promoted by the AdventureSmart campaign:

Am I confident I have the skills and knowledge for the day?

Do I know what the weather will be like?

Do I have the right gear?

Practical checklists and route planning tools are available at www.adventuresmart.uk.

Parking and congestion issues are another concern, particularly at popular starting points like Pen-y-Pass, Llanberis, and Nant Gwynant.

Visitors are strongly advised to pre-book parking at Pen-y-Pass and to avoid illegal or dangerous parking, which has historically blocked access for emergency services.

Chief Inspector Steve Pawson of North Wales Police said people need to be realistic about their abilities and better prepared before setting off.

Our mountain rescue teams are volunteers  who regularly put themselves in danger to rescue others, he said.

By having a little more knowledge and preparation, many avoidable incidents could be prevented. Planning where youll park is just as important as what kit you bring.

Use park and ride facilities and public transport wherever possible.

The call for responsible behaviour goes beyond mountain safety.

Visitors are reminded to follow the Countryside Code, which includes keeping dogs under control, taking litter home, and respecting farm boundaries and wildlife habitats.

Angela Jones, Eryri National Park Authoritys Head of Partnerships, added: Eryri is here for everyone to enjoy, but enjoyment must go hand in hand with responsibility.

Planning ahead, respecting the landscape, and making safe choices ensures this special place remains protected.

The public are also reminded that if an emergency does occur while outdoors, they should call 999 and ask for Mountain Rescue.
A small plane that left Stead was forced to make an emergency landing near Hallelujah Junction after sustaining engine failure.

CHP-Quincy shared some photos online Wednesday showing the plane on a dirt road after it appeared to be towed by a CHP patrol SUV.

CHP says the pilot landed on Scott Road, using the dirt as an emergency runway.
APRIL 18 UPDATE:

The Washoe County Medical Examiner's Office has identified the victim in an Incline Village homicide.

25-year-old Karen Herrera Ramon of Incline Village was identified as the victim in a release.

The cause of death was multiple sharp force injuries.

---

ORIGINAL ARTICLE

Detectives with the Washoe County Sheriff's Office have identified and arrested Manuel Lopez-Gomez in connection with a homicide that occurred in Incline Village on April 10.

The investigation began last Thursday, when deputies were dispatched to a home in Incline Village for a report of a deceased person.

"On April 10th deputies were dispatched to Incline Village for a deceased person," said Deputy Cade Goodman, Public Information Officer for the Washoe County Sheriffs Office. "Upon arrival and entering the residence they located a deceased female. Detectives were notified and they arrived on scene and took over the investigation. Through their investigation a suspect was identified."

Following the identification, a description of Lopez-Gomez, his car, and his last known direction of travel was distributed to surrounding law enforcement agencies.

According to the Washoe County Sheriff's Office in an online Facebook Post, The California Highway Patrol located and stopped Lopez-Gomez in Kern County, California, where he was taken into custody without incident and booked into the Kern County Jail.

On April 16, Lopez-Gomez was extradited to Nevada and booked into the Washoe County Detention Facility on a charge of Open Murder.

"He is now being extradited today to our custody in the Washoe County Detention Facility where he's being booked for open murder," Goodman added.

Our news crew was on the scene as detectives escorted Lopez-Gomez into the Washoe County Detention Facility, where he was officially booked.

The identity of the female victim has not yet been released, and authorities have not disclosed any further details about the circumstances surrounding her death.

The investigation is ongoing. Anyone with information is urged to contact the Washoe County Sheriffs Office Detective Division at (775) 328-3220 and reference Case #25-1751. Tips can also be submitted anonymously through Secret Witness by calling or texting 775-322-4900.
You can get rid of expired and/or unwanted prescription drugs next weekend at various locations throughout Washoe County.

Join Together Northern Nevada (JTNN), in collaboration with law enforcement and local organizations including Northern Nevada Public Health, and Truckee

Meadows Water, will participate in the National Prescription Drug Take Back Day on Saturday April 26, 2025, from 10:00 a.m.- 2 p.m. at nine different locations.

Reno

* Raleys - 18144 Wedge Parkway, Reno

* Raleys  1630 Robb Drive, Reno

* Reno Elks Lodge  597 Kumle Lane, Reno

* Smiths  175 Lemmon Drive, Reno

* Smiths  750 South Meadows Parkway, Reno

Sparks

* Smiths  1255 Baring Blvd., Sparks

* Baldinis Casino  865 S. Rock Blvd .,Sparks

Spanish Springs

* Reno Sparks Indian Colony Smoke Shop- 7655 Pyramid Way, Sparks

Cold Springs

* Cold Springs Community Center-3355 White Lake Pkwy, Reno

For more information or additional drop-off locations in the Reno/Sparks area, visit www.jtnn.org or contact 775-324-7557.

Residents outside of Washoe County whod like to dispose of their prescription drugs can visit www.dea.gov to find a collection site near them
Keywords highlight China-Vietnam ties at friendship meeting

People's Daily Online) 09:45, April 17, 2025

Chinese President Xi Jinping, also general secretary of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, met with representatives of the Chinese and Vietnamese People's Friendship Meeting, alongside Vietnamese leaders in Hanoi on April 15 during his state visit.

The event, held at the Hanoi International Convention Center, drew about 350 people from both countries, including students, teachers, scholars and entrepreneurs. Applause filled the venue, and music celebrating the China-Vietnam friendship was played before the leaders arrived.

Xi highlighted the legacy of the China-Vietnam friendship. From their joint efforts for national salvation during the early revolutionary days, to their unified struggle for national independence and liberation, and to their shared journey toward modernization, the two peoples have always stood together through thick and thin. They created a shared revolutionary legacy that shaped their deep friendship featuring "camaraderie plus brotherhood," Xi said.

The foundation of China-Vietnam friendship lies among the two peoples, and the future of this friendship will be created by the young people, said To Lam, general secretary of the Communist Party of Vietnam Central Committee, quoting Xis remarks from a previous visit to Vietnam.

To Lam said friendly cooperation has consistently defined ties between China and Vietnam.

The lively atmosphere, shared consensus and the meeting during Xis packed state visit highlighted two keywords that are central to understanding China-Vietnam relations.

The first keyword is people. China-Vietnam relations are rooted in, sustained by and empowered by the people, Xi said.

The friendship and shared aspirations of the two countries have shaped their past ties and will guide their future relations.

During this state visit, the leaders of both countries continued their recent tradition of holding informal tea meetings, symbolizing not only closer diplomatic engagement but also a shared cultural heritage.

As the world faces new challenges, both countries continue to stand firmly on the right side of history and progress.

The second keyword is future. On the previous day, the leaders of both countries reached a significant consensus on deepening the development of a China-Vietnam community with a shared future in the new era. A joint statement and 45 bilateral cooperation agreements reflected their shared vision for future collaboration.

On the morning of April 15, the leaders also attended the launch ceremony for the China-Vietnam railway cooperation mechanism.

The opportunities and promises brought by Chinese modernization have increasingly become a shared aspiration in Vietnam.

After the meeting, the leaders jointly launched the Red Study Tours project. As young people deepen their understanding of the hard-won revolutionary achievements and the invaluable friendship between the two countries, they will help provide stronger momentum for building a China-Vietnam community with a shared future.

(Web editor: Hongyu, Liang Jun)
Tanjam Jacobson, of Silver Spring, Md., holds a sign saying "Citizenship is a Birthright," Thursday, May 15, 2025, outside the Supreme Court in Washington. Jacobson is a naturalized U.S. citizen who was born in England of Indian descent, and her son was born here. "This is something that really matters," says Jacobson, "it's so wrong against the constitution [to take away birthright citizenship]."


$5.0m Placement to Underpin Cliff Head Operations and Corporate Activity

Sydney, April 17, 2025 AEST (ABN Newswire) - Pilot Energy Limited ( ASX:PGY ) is pleased to announce that it has received A$5.0 million in binding commitments for a two tranche placement of 500,000,000 new fully paid ordinary shares (Shares) in the Company at A$0.010 per share to sophisticated, professional and institutional investors (Placement).



- Pilot Energy has received firm commitments to raise $5.0 million (before costs) through a placement to sophisticated, professional and institutional investors.



- Issue price of $0.010 per share represents a 100% premium to the last close price of $0.050.



- Funds from the placement are to underpin corporate activity associated with closing the Korean consortium transaction, other corporate initiatives and the operating costs of the Cliff Head Oil Project.



- Company now recapitalised to drive value enhancing initiatives



The Placement received significant demand and was oversubscribed.



Pilot Chairman Greg Columbus stated: "We are grateful for the support of existing shareholders and many new investors in this capital raising, This has enabled Pilot Energy to raise significant funds in a difficult share market environment at a 100% premium to the last traded price demonstrating the value of these unique assets.



Since Pilot's shares went into suspension on the ASX in December 2024, we have completed the Board renewal process, confirmed the interest of the Korean consortium in investing in the Mid-West Clean Energy Project and restructured our arrangements with Triangle Energy so that the payment for the purchase of 78% of the Cliff Head Oil Project is deferred to September 2026. In addition, we have announced a resource upgrade in the Company's 100%-owned oil and gas permit WA-481-P to 1.1 Tcf of gas, a very large natural gas resource in the context of the Perth Basin and the WA gas market. These exciting developments highlight the significant potential that exists within Pilot's portfolio of energy assets. The Company's Board and management is focused on executing across several areas of corporate activity to deliver value enhancing outcomes for the benefit of shareholders".



The Company confirms that following the successful completion of the Placement, it is adequately capitalised and can meet its debts as and when they fall due.



Director Support



The Placement is being supported by the Company's Board, with all Directors confirming they will participate and the Board, in aggregate, committed to subscribe for $455,000 of the total funds of the capital raising. The Board will seek shareholder approval for their participation in the Placement at the forthcoming General Meeting (EGM) on June 4th 2025.



Placement Details



The Placement comprises the issue of 500,000,000 Shares to raise A$5.0 million. Pursuant to the Company's placement capacity under ASX Listing Rule 7.1 and 7.1A under Tranche One (Tranche 1) of the transaction the Company will issue 324,415,003 shares. Under Tranche Two (Tranche 2) of the transaction the Company will issue 175,584,997 shares, subject to receiving shareholder approval at the Company's EGM.



Settlement of each respective tranche is anticipated to be as follows:



- Settlement of Tranche 1 is expected to take place on Wednesday, 23rd April 2025, with allotment expected to occur on Thursday, 24th April 2025; and



- Settlement of Tranche 2 is expected to take place on Thursday 5th June 2025, following shareholder approval at the Company's AGM.



The A$0.010 issue price per Share represents a 100.0% premium to the last traded price on Wednesday, 18th December 2024 and a 3.2% discount to the 30-day volume weighted average price (WVAP) calculated to the last trading date of PGY stock prior to entering trading halt and subsequent suspension.



Each participant in the Offer will receive an attaching listed ASX-PGYOA option (Attaching Options) with a strike price of $0.033 on a 1-for-1 basis, subject to shareholder approval at the Company's EGM.



Alpine Capital Pty Ltd acted as Sole Lead Manager to the Placement and will receive fees in accordance with standard commercial terms.



*To view "Use of Funds", please visit:

https://abnnewswire.net/lnk/4M9D02SS





About Pilot Energy Ltd





Pilot Energy Ltd (ASX:PGY) is a junior oil and gas exploration and production company that is pursuing the diversification and transition to the development of carbon management projects, production of hydrogen and clean ammonia for export to emerging APAC Clean Energy markets. Pilot intends to leverage its existing oil and gas operations and infrastructure to cornerstone these developments. Pilot is proposing to develop Australia's first offshore Carbon Storage Project through the conversion of the Cliff Head Oil field and associated infrastructure from oil production to Carbon Storage as part of the Mid West Clean Energy Project.

Pilot holds a 21.25% interest in the Cliff Head Oil field and Cliff Head Infrastructure (increases to 100% on completion of the acquisition of Triangle Energy (Global) Pty Limiteds interest), and a 100% working interest across all exploration tenements across the Offshore Perth Basin, Western Australia (Greenhouse gas assessment permit G-12-AP and petroleum exploration licence WA-481-P).

Related Companies
Key messages: The FCA has a strong, productive history of working with partner agencies in the US, and we will continue to do so.

Our enforcement action is about deterrence. Action to deter misconduct needs to be timely and visible.

Our enforcement priorities for the next five years are about keeping dirty money out of the financial ecosystem, cracking down on regulated firms being used as vehicles for fraud, and protecting the integrity of UK markets. Introduction

Its so wonderful to be here on this beautiful campus in one of my favourite cities in the world. I see that April is Reunion season here at NYU Law. Reunion 25 is celebrating the grad classes from every five years from 1975 to 2020. Its in that spirit of reunions  of old friends and colleagues catching up  that I speak to you here today. Being in New York this week got me thinking about one of my first times coming to the US as part of my job at the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA). Some of you will remember the global conduct scandals around rate rigging of LIBOR and FX, over 10 years ago now. Multiple international institutions were under investigation for their role. The scale and international nature of the misconduct was unprecedented, and an unprecedented international response was required. As we all know, those cases ended with multi-billion dollar fines and multiple prosecutions on both sides of the Atlantic. Achieving that required international co-operation and co-ordination on a scale that was simply different to anything I had seen before. Now a decade later, Im here with you again to talk about the importance of our working relationship. And how together, different people, from different backgrounds, but with a common purpose, can combat the complex challenges facing both of our countries today. Change and new challenges

Last summer, the UK had a change of government and ruling party  the first in 14 years. From day one, the new government has made economic growth its biggest priority. And it has made clear that every regulator in the UK has its part to play  perhaps none greater than the FCA. As I said, this is a reunion, so let me catch you up on what were doing  and what we are prioritising. A few weeks ago, the FCA launched its new 5-year strategy to take us to 2030. We committed to being a smarter regulator, supporting growth and innovation, helping consumers, and fighting crime. To fight financial crime we will act with pace to stop harm, disrupt criminals, and back firms to be an effective line of defence. Thats where our Enforcement team come in. Increased pace, focus and transparency

Enforcement is all about deterrence. We are speeding up our investigations, doing fewer investigations faster. Five recent investigations achieved an outcome in 16 months or less, compared to a prior average of 42 months. Which means we are better placed to tell the story of what we are doing than ever before. Because to deter bad actors, we need to trumpet the value and impact of our work. Enforcement needs to be loud and in your face. London as an international financial centre

High standards of regulation, including effective enforcement, are a crucial part of what makes London such a successful international financial centre. Were world-leading in commercial insurance, derivatives, debt issuance, foreign exchange and commodities trading. Our asset management and fintech sectors are second in size only to the US. Many, if not all, of the US firms you represent have a London footprint. Some will have entities that are directly authorised and regulated by us. Others will have trading operations that participate in UK markets. The way we regulate and enforce in London matters to all of you. Our areas of focus

What are the areas that you need to have on your radar? Well, in a nutshell, here are the things we care about: Keeping dirty money out of the financial ecosystem.

Taking swift action where we see regulated firms being used as vehicles for fraud.

Keeping our markets clean.

Developing a safe crypto regime that protects consumers. The first theme of keeping dirty money out of the financial ecosystem is a huge priority for us and firms have a critical role to play through their anti-money laundering systems and controls. We have a strong track record of taking forceful action where we identify shortcomings in this area. We successfully prosecuted NatWest, one of the UKs largest banks, for a catalogue of failings in the way it monitored and scrutinised a series of transactions, with one customer depositing 365m (US$468m) with NatWest, a substantial proportion of which was actual dirty money deposited in bags of cash at its branches. NatWest was slapped with a 264m (US$338m) fine for its offences. We fined Santander 107.7m (US$137.3m) for failing to adequately manage the money laundering risks posed by its Business Banking customers. This included failing to obtain sufficient information to understand the nature of a customers business, inadequate verification of whether customers in fact carried on that business, and the absence of an effective framework for ongoing customer monitoring. And we have continued to take action against firms for failings including: Firms growing rapidly but their anti-money laundering and sanctions screening controls falling behind.

Firms failing to act promptly to rectify known defects in their transaction monitoring systems.

Firms performing inadequate customer due diligence and deploying flawed customer and country risk rating methodologies. Keeping dirty money out of the financial ecosystem means maintaining high standards, proactive monitoring, and relying on international collaboration and digital tools. Thats how we create a fair, transparent and trustworthy environment for financial services. Technology will be a gamechanger for firms when it comes to their controls, as well as supporting our detection efforts. There are plenty of smart fintech solutions in development that we are watching with interest and which we will support through our Innovation Hub. We also want to make sure that regulation is appropriately risk-based, so that industry can calibrate its efforts effectively. And we are interested to understand how digital ID could support enhanced verification methods. We have an open mind in exploring these issues. But in the meantime, we continue to spend considerable resource and effort in policing this important area and we will continue to do so. Let me move to my second theme. Its no surprise, is it, that we see fraud as a major priority? We will not tolerate fraud by regulated firms. Simple as that. The trust and confidence of consumers and investors in regulated firms is critical to the UK growth story. As well as being a regulator, we are also a criminal prosecutor, and we have record levels of prosecutions underway. Through our fraud practice, we close firms down, hold to account those who have betrayed their customers trust, secure long prison sentences and ensure that criminals do not retain one cent of their ill-gotten gains. We prioritise redress for victims. The wheels of English justice can sometimes turn slowly, but we do all we can so that they grind exceedingly fine. But fraudsters operate in a wider ecosystem. They tend to have bank accounts. I have just been speaking about our focus on anti-money laundering systems and controls. An important aspect of that is having systems in place that can identify the indicia of fraud. I hope your firms and clients have robust anti-fraud controls in place. If you provide banking for fraudsters, we will scrutinise those controls with care. That third theme of market integrity weighs on my mind a lot. The integrity of our markets is vital, not just equity markets but across the full range of Fixed Income, Currencies and Commodities where the UK occupies an enviable global position. We are all familiar with the way insider dealing and market manipulation can knock confidence in our markets. We continue to be very active in this space. And theres no escaping the growing threat posed by organised crime groups (OCGs) or OCGs infiltrating global markets. Firms have an important role to play in keeping markets clean; they need to be vigilant in detecting signs of criminality. Firms need to have the right systems and controls in place to catch those transactions that raise suspicions or warrant further analysis. And we keep a close eye on the effectiveness of those controls, with a steady stream of enforcement outcomes to ensure high standards of transaction reporting are met. Firms should have zero tolerance for market abuse. And that takes me into the final theme I want to call out: crypto. We want to develop a safe, competitive and sustainable crypto sector in the UK. One that allows for innovation and is underpinned by market integrity and consumer trust. We are engaging with government, industry, consumers and our regulatory partners to help get the future rules right. We currently regulate firms for anti-money laundering purposes and crypto financial promotions. Regulation in the UK is limited right now, but we have used our existing powers to encourage the industry to develop strong consumer standards that better protect people. For example, we have used our existing powers to keep firms that are unable to meet the minimum standards for preventing financial crime out of the UK. As of February of this year, only 50 out of 351 firms have met our standards to be registered. Were helping UK consumers protect themselves against unfair or misleading crypto financial promotions. During the first year of our financial promotion regime, from October 2023October 2024, we issued 1,700 consumer alerts related to firms illegally promoting cryptoassets. 56 apps were removed from UK app stores; and over 900 crypto-related scam websites were taken down. Last July, we took enforcement action against part of the Coinbase Group. That Coinbase entity onboarded many thousands of high risk customers, despite the fact we had imposed formal restrictions to prevent it from doing exactly that. Funds deposited by those customers were used to execute multiple cryptoasset transactions through other Coinbase Group entities, totalling around US$226m. These failings increased the risk that criminals could use part of the Coinbase Group to launder the proceeds of crime. As I said at the time, we will not tolerate such laxity which jeopardises the integrity of our markets. The FCAs international work

I hope the fact Im here today in person to relay this message drives home how much we at the FCA value our working relationships with US partners. This has always been the case. It will continue to be now and in the years ahead. Because experience has taught us that international co-operation is mutually beneficial. We cannot progress some of our cases without your help, and you cannot progress some of yours without ours. So, its in all our interests for us to offer and accept help in pursuit of our common goals. Much of the misconduct we see is cross-border, with perpetrators and victims scattered around the globe. Thats particularly true of online frauds and scams. We have the track record to prove that this international collaboration works. A recent example is the long-running story of corruption, non-existent fishing boats in Mozambique and multiple regulatory and law enforcement interventions here, in the UK and Switzerland, known as tuna bonds. We reached a global settlement with Credit Suisse worth around US$475m in respect of corruption in Mozambique. It was a complex case, and what happened as a result had profound consequences for the people of Mozambique. The impact of tainted transactions included a debt crisis, financial turmoil and economic harm for ordinary people. In the UK, we discounted our penalty in light of Credit Suisses agreement to forgive US$200m of debt owed by the Republic of Mozambique because of these tainted loans. Mozambique also brought proceedings against Credit Suisse and other parties in the English Courts. The proceedings in the English High Court were resolved in July 2024 with several settlements (including by Credit Suisse group companies) and a judgment awarding over US$2 billion in Mozambiques favour against the Privinvest Group. There is a final chapter in this story. Earlier this year, the FCA banned two managing directors from Credit Suisse from working in the UK financial sector. Their names were Andrew Pearse and Surjan Singh. Both had pleaded guilty to money laundering and accepting kickbacks. Both had been convicted here in the US for arranging corrupt loans to the Republic of Mozambique. This is a good example of how our work benefits from international cooperation. It shows that we are not scared of a fight, that we will act where harm has occurred outside the UK but that impacts the UK, and when it is the right thing to do. Our enforcement action isnt just about firms, its also about individual accountability and responsibility. It is important that senior leaders at the firms we regulate are open, transparent and honest with us, and are held to account where their actions, or indeed their failure to act, results in harm. Let me give you an example. We decided to prohibit Jes Staley, who you may know from his days leading JP Morgan before he joined Barclays as CEO, from being a senior manager at any firm authorised by us. We say that Mr Staley recklessly misled the FCA regarding the nature of his relationship and dealings with Mr Epstein. Whilst we are awaiting the Tribunals decision, it is a case that highlights the premium the FCA places on the integrity of senior individuals. Conclusion

Ive spoken about some big ideas. And some big challenges. Whats clear to me, and I hope to you now too, is no one country or state agency can tackle these complex problems alone. It has never been more important for us to fall back on and trust our longstanding friendship. It makes me think again of the alumni of NYU Law getting back together in a few weeks for their reunions, trading memories and war stories. I think of our strong relationships with US agencies in the same way. Life-long friends, bonded by hard work and mutual respect, tested by tough cases. Understanding that we all stand a better chance to achieve our goals by helping one another out, as all good friends do.
Eddie Jordan Jr., left, and Javaris Russell Jr., right, are wanted on capital murder charges in the 2025 shooting death of a Tarrant man outside his home. Tarrant Police Department

A search is underway for two men charged in the January killing of a man who was gunned down outside his Tarrant home.

Javaris Russell Jr. and Eddie Jordan Jr., both 19, are charged with capital murder in the Jan. 22 shooting death of 36-year-old Buford Troman White, known by his family as Pete.

Russell is from the Birmingham area and Jordan is from Eutaw, but authorities believe both teens are still in Jefferson County.

White was killed that Wednesday night when he returned to the home he shared with his mother and his girlfriend.

Tarrant police on Thursday announced the charges and said they, along with the U.S. Marshals, are actively searching for the suspects.

Crime Stoppers is offering a cash reward.

Buford Troman "Pete" White, 36, was gunned down outside his Tarrant home on Jan. 22, 2025. (Contributed)

The slaying happened about 7 p.m. that Wednesday on Mountain Drive.

A neighbor told police White had just backed in his driveway and exited his vehicle when someone opened fire on him.

Police Chief Wendell Major at the time of the homicide said investigators believe White was targeted and said at least 15 shots were fired. White was struck three times in the chest, and the vehicle peppered with bullet holes.

Whites mother found him wounded and called 911. He was pronounced dead on the scene at 7:33 p.m.

White worked with his father as a concrete finisher. He was also a musician and songwriter.

Major said money and illegal drugs were found at the scene.

A man was shot to death Wednesday, Jan. 22, 2025, outside his home on Mountain Drive in Tarrant. (Contributed)

Det. Jacob Rouse said White knew at least one of the suspects, but said authorities arent disclosing how they knew each at this time.

Rouse the motive is not being released at this time.

Investigators were able to identify a suspect vehicle and used that information, as well as other undisclosed evidence, to identify and charge the suspects.

Anyone with information is asked to call Tarrant police at 205-849-2811 or Crime Stoppers at 205-254-7777.
Republican lawmakers are walking back a bill that would have required Alabama schools to start their day with a Christian prayer.

HB231, sponsored by Rep. Reed Ingram, R-Pike Road, originally required all K-12 public schools to recite the Pledge of Allegiance and a prayer consistent with Judeo-Christian values at the beginning of each school day.

Now, a new version of legislation includes all religions, and lets local boards of education decide whether their schools should make time and space for students to pray together.

Ingrams bill is one of several pieces of religious legislation that have drawn pushback from superintendents and free speech advocates, among others. A Ten Commandments bill, championed by Gov. Kay Ivey, also was whittled down after a heated debate last month.

A Senate committee on Wednesday also approved SB229, filed by Sen. Shay Shelnutt, R-Trussville, which could make it easier for public school students to receive religious instruction during the school day.

Prayer bill

The original version of HB231 passed in a state government committee in February, but Ingram said he went back to the drawing board to avoid litigation and to address concerns from educators. The ACLU of Alabama publicly opposed the original version, saying it violated First Amendment rights and would create a hostile educational environment for students who do not adhere to state-sanctioned religious practices.

In updated language, school-sponsored prayer could not occur during the class day, and students would need to get consent from a parent to participate.

The Senates education policy committee approved the amended SB229 on a voice vote Wednesday.

Im a Christian and have been and always will be, but I do respect other religions as well, too, Ingram told committee members. Other people come into this country with their beliefs, and thats their right and opinion.

Ingrams bill also would make an amendment to the state constitution requiring all public schools to conduct the Pledge of Allegiance.

Students and staff who wish not to recite the pledge would still be able to do so, but schools must have a policy in place, he said. If they refuse to do so, they could risk up to a quarter of state funding.

Its what the people would want for the State of Alabama to do, he said.

Religious release time

Current law allows public schools to let students leave campus for religious instruction for a possible elective credit. The new bill would make sure all districts have a clear policy on religious release time.

A House committee defeated an identical bill, HB342, earlier this month, citing concerns that it would place more regulations and liability on schools. Proponents, including LifeWay, a major provider of Christian resources, said it would put school districts on the hook to answer to students and parents who want more educational options.

Shelnutt maintains that his bill would still allow for local control and would keep religious release time completely optional.

Parents are not aware of the policies and then they go to ask and theyre just told no. Theyre not given any kind of reason, he said. Its something thats wanted and needed, and theres just some entities that dont want to come up with a policy, dont want to say why theyre not going to allow it  I guess they dont want to defend their bad policies."

But the bills have gotten broad opposition from the state superintendent association and even some ministers, who feared they would open the door for extremist groups.

When it says religious, am I now going to have to release students to go and sacrifice goats, or some type of Satanic thing? Ben Baker, a deacon at Ariton Baptist Church, said in a lively public hearing last week. I cant live with that.

Democrats said Shelnutts bill, as well as others making their way through the legislature, are more about enforcing Christian nationalism than ensuring individual freedoms.

Sen. Rodger Smitherman, D-Birmingham, voted to get the bill out of committee, but is hopeful sponsors will consider changes to make sure principals and school officials arent held responsible for any problems that could occur off campus.

Sen. Kirk Hatcher, D-Montgomery, who has ministered at some private schools, echoed Smithermans concerns and worried programs would cut into valuable class time.

He added that the bill could violate certain constitutional rights, and said the responsibility should fall on parents to help guide their childrens faith.

Im always concerned about where this comes from, because I do know that theres a slippery slope to this kind of legislation, he said. I would love if we had legislation that could legislate peoples hearts. But we cant. We dont get to do that.

Both bills will head to their respective chambers in the House and Senate for a full vote.
Javoris Lake, 17, is one of 400 students in 40 states nationwide to receive the prestigious Amazon Future Engineer Scholarship. He is a student at Paul Bryant High School in Tuscaloosa, Alabama. Tuscaloosa City Schools

A Paul W. Bryant High School senior has won a $40,000 scholarship and engineering internship from Amazon.

Javoris Lake, 17 years old, is the only student from Alabama to win this scholarship and internship. Lake is one of 400 students in 40 states nationwide to receive the Amazon Future Engineer Scholarship and is the first recipient ever from the Tuscaloosa City Schools.

I think its a huge blessing, Lake said. You know, I try to stay faithful to God, and I feel like hes the one thats granted me this opportunity. And you know, Im really blessed, especially to be the only person in Alabama to receive the scholarship, but just to have the opportunity.

Lake will graduate next month and is currently the top of his class with a 4.3 GPA. He is currently deciding between The University of Alabama and the University of Michigan for college, according to the district. Lake plans to major in engineering, a field he became very passionate about through his classes in school.

I really enjoy computer science and building websites and designing different things. Theres a lot of stuff that actually goes into it that you dont see.

Lake has also worked at Mercedes Benz in Vance for the last year as part of their apprenticeship program. He also serves as an ambassador for the Tuscaloosa Career and Technology Academy and on the Superintendent Student Advisory Group for Paul W. Bryant High School.

Tuscaloosa Career and Technology Academy computer science teacher Destiny Ramey said she was beyond excited that Lake won the scholarship.

Ive had kids apply for this for the past four years, and nobodys ever gotten it until now, Ramey said, in a news release. I just think hes so deserving, because he puts in so much hard work. He works at Mercedes, and then hes doing all these different things from construction and engineering and computer science, and hes just like an awesome kid.

As part of the scholarship, Lake will receive a total of $40,000 for college  up to $10,000 per yearand an engineering internship with Amazon the summer after his freshman year in college.

We are so proud of this young man and how he is representing not just Paul W. Bryant High School, but the Tuscaloosa City Schools and the state of Alabama, said Tuscaloosa City Schools Superintendent Mike Daria. It is the vision of TCS to prepare our students for life and career success, and we have also put an emphasis on STEM education. Javoris is an excellent example of a student who has benefitted from both in TCS. We are excited to watch where his career leads, because undoubtedly he has a bright future ahead.

Breonna Atkins is a senior at Carver High School in Birmingham and a reporting intern at AL.com through the Birmingham Promise program.
Michelle Trachtenberg arrives at the premiere of "Doubt" during the AFI Fest 2008 opening night gala in Los Angeles on Thursday, Oct. 30, 2008. (AP Photo/Matt Sayles) ASSOCIATED PRESS

Michelle Trachtenberg died due to natural causes, as a result of complications from diabetes mellitus.

The New York City Office of Chief Medical Examiner confirmed the results to People on Wednesday.

Trachtenberg was discovered unconscious and unresponsive in her Manhattan apartment on the morning of Feb. 26. The Harriet the Spy and Buffy the Vampire Slayer actors family had declined an autopsy at the time after the NYPD determined that there was no evidence of foul play or criminality.

Beginning work as a child actor, Trachtenberg appeared in the 90s Nickelodeon series The Adventures of Pete & Pete before starring in the family film Harriet the Spy in 1996 at the age of 10.

As a teenager, she featured as Dawn Summers in Buffy the Vampire Slayer, joining the series in Season 5 and staying involved until its wrap.

She also played the villainous Georgina Sparks on the teen drama Gossip Girl, recurring through the shows run from 2007 to 2012.

Trachtenbergs untimely death, at 39, marks a passage for millennials -- she was one of the signature young stars with whom this generation grew up, wrote Variety's chief correspondent Daniel DAddario in a tribute after he death.

On the cult-favorite Nickelodeon show The Adventure of Pete & Pete, she provided deadpan ballast to the shows surrealist trappings. She allowed a way into the proceedings on Buffy the Vampire Slayer for young viewers, playing Buffys little sister Dawn, one of the shows emotional fulcrums.

Later, on Gossip Girl, Trachtenbergs Georgina Sparks was a gleeful agent of chaos -- taking the fast-ticking mind and the acuity with a sharp insult that the actress had exhibited in Harriet the Spy and flipping it on its head.

 2025 Variety Media, LLC, a subsidiary of Penske Business Media; Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC
Birmingham police investigate a fatal shooting at a home in the 1400 block of Fulton Avenue. S.W. (Carol Robinson)

An investigation is underway after a man was shot to death Wednesday night in a southwest Birmingham neighborhood.

West Precinct officers were dispatched just after 9:30 p.m. to a report of a person shot in the 1400 block of Fulton Avenue S.W.

Police arrived to find the victim - an adult male - unresponsive inside a home. Birmingham Fire and Rescue Service pronounced the victim dead on the scene.

Sgt. LaQuitta Wade said the resident of the home told police he heard shots fired outside and went to investigate. When he opened his door, the victim fell into his home.

The resident then called 911.

Wade said it wasnt immediately clear if the homeowner knew the victim.

No arrests have been made.

The victim, whose identity hasnt been released, is the citys 24th homicide this year. In all of Jefferson County, there have been 37 homicides including the 24 in Birmingham.

Anyone with information is asked to call detectives at 205-254-1764 or Crime Stoppers at 205-254-7777.
Lake tragedy

Three people were killed in a crash on Smith Lake during a Major League Fishing bass tournament Wednesday, reports AL.coms Carol Robinson.

According to the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency, a Nitro Bass Boat struck a center-console boat. The three victims were all aboard the center-console boat.

ALEA identified the three as Joe M. Broom of Altoona, John K. Clark of Cullman and Jeffrey C. Little of Mississippi.

According to Major League Fishing, pro angler Flint Davis was among several others who were injured in the crash. The tournament was canceled.

Get well, Judge

Judge Matt Fridy, who serves on the Alabama Court of Civil Appeals, had a heart attack Wednesday that landed him in intensive care, reports AL.coms Mike Cason.

Fridy, whos 49 years old and from Shelby County, was a state representative before being elected to the bench.

State Rep. Jim Hill confirmed that Fridy suffered a heart attack. Hill chairs the Alabama House Judiciary Committee and opened Wednesdays meeting with a prayer for Fridy.

From the Tarrant beat

The city of Tarrant probably garners the most headlines per capita in our state -- with the possible exception of Brookside.

Whether its fisticuffs among elected officials or an alleged brandishing of a gun by a city worker, lately its been hard to look away.

Now, AL.coms Joseph D. Bryant reports that a local activist and member of the citizen-led Tarrant Crime Commission has been arrested and accused of defaming a police officer on Facebook.

Chuck Winborn posted a 2023 video that shows an officer in the empty office of Tarrant Police Chief Wendell Major -- who was suspended at the time in yet another Tarrant story weve carried.

The officer is claiming that Winborn illegally obtained the video, then used it to defame the officer by claiming he had broken in.

Said Winborns lawyer, Scott Morro: He speaks, and its not always pleasant. Hes very critical of the mayor and many of the mayors associates who are helping the mayor to, what he believes is ruining the city of Tarrant.

Drone drop-offs

By now weve all seen a number of personal drones flying overhead. Yet it still maintains a bit of novelty.

Thats probably because they still often have an air of mystery about them. What is that one doing? Is it watching me? Is it being flown by mapmakers? Chinese spies? Voyeurs? Revenuers?

Of course, there are plenty of legitimate reasons people fly drones. There are also illegal ones.

AL.coms Carol Robinson reports that a Mobile woman has been accused of using a drone to make two marijuana drops into Holman Correctional Facility.

According to court documents, the operation was thwarted when the drone crashed with its illicit load still aboard.

The woman, whos 36, was charged with two counts of attempting to commit a controlled substance crime, two counts of first-degree marijuana possession, two counts of illegal drone operation and second-degree promoting prison contraband.

Goat Hill roundup

Lets do a Goat Hill lightning round. With just over two weeks left in the legislative session here are some of the latest moves at the Capitol:

State Sen. Clyde Chambliss, a Prattville Republican who chairs the prison oversight committee, has proposed a bill that would make changes to the parole board. It is a reaction, he said, to the boards not promptly answering questions from the committee.

House Republicans have tweaked a bill that at one time wouldve required public schools to begin the day with a prayer consistent with Judeo-Christian values. Now, the bill includes all religions and allows local school boards to decide whether schools should make time and space for students to pray together.

A bill made it through a Senate committee that would make it a human-smuggling crime to transport to Alabama anyone whos in the country illegally.

A bill introduced in the House would ban the use of SNAP benefits in buying soft drinks.

State Rep. Corey Harbison, a Good Hope Republican, resigned from the House of Representatives. He said he wants to spend more time with his wife and three kids.

And the Senate adjourned Wednesday as Sen. Andrew Jones was threatening a filibuster over how Senate bills were being treated in the House.

Picture That

John Sharp

Six bronze statues -- including this one of Satchel Paige -- were set in place Wednesday at what will be the Hall of Fame Walk in downtown Mobile. (Photo by John Sharp/AL.com)

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Ivana Hrynkiw, an investigative reporter for AL.com, has won an IRE award for her Denied series. AL.com/file

Ivana Hrynkiw, an investigative reporter who covers the justice system for AL.com, has won a national Investigative Reporters and Editors Award.

The award recognized Hrynkiw for her series Denied: Alabamas broken parole system.

This work helped change the lives of people in Alabama, said Challen Stephens, acting vice president of news for Alabama Media Group. And were thrilled to see it recognized among so many examples of powerful journalism. Ivana did tremendous work here, and Denied continues to have impact today.

The reporting found that the Alabama parole board used to release most prisoners who were eligible. But under new leadership, paroles fell to 8% by 2023. Thats despite the boards own guidelines suggesting more than 80% of prisoners should qualify for a second chance.

The series has led to significant impact. The parole rate rose to 20% the month after the first article, and finished 2024 at 20%, according to state data. That comes out to roughly 250 more people getting out of prison last year than in 2023.

Lawmakers also held hearings and demanded answers, as prisoners featured on AL.com found lawyers or got new hearings that resulted in their release.

Its easy for people that arent incarcerated to brush off Alabamas systemic prison issues as things that dont affect them, said Hrynkiw. But, for everyone in the system and everyone with a loved one there, they dont have that luxury. I hope Denied was able to show the human side of what happens when a state decides to keep everyone locked up for as long as possible.

Hrynkiws series won the IRE Award for Division III, which includes statewide online news outlets.

This reporting on Alabamas parole system wowed the judges, says the announcement on the IRE website.

Finalists in Division III are the Miami Herald, for an investigation of a deadly boat crash, and The Arizona Republic for an investigation that tied the deadly beating of a 16-year-old to a string of assaults by a gang of elite teenagers.

Since 1979, the IRE Awards have recognized outstanding watchdog journalism. The IRE Contest Committee selected this years winners from more than 540 entries across 19 categories.

Hrynkiws work was also recently named a finalist for a Silver Gavel Award from the American Bar Association.

Last month, she was recognized as one of Tomorrows News Trailblazers by Editor & Publisher Magazine for her reporting on Alabama prisons.
Alireza Doroudi, a University of Alabama doctoral student originally from Iran who was detained by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents, on Thursday was denied bond.

Judge Maithe Gonzalez said Doroudi failed to meet the burden of showing that he was not a threat to national security.

Gonzalez also ruled Doroudi was a flight risk due to being in the country with a revoked F-1 visa, no family in the country and what she said were scarce ties to the community.

If he is deported, Doroudi will be sent to Iran, the judge said.

Im flabbergasted, said Doroudis attorney, David Rozas.

She said it would be our duty to show he is not a national security risk but the government has out forth no evidence in the record that my client is actually a national security risk, Rozas said.

Theyre asking us to prove a negative, which is impossible to do because I dont, Im not part of the government, Rozas said.

Rozas said Doroudi poses no flight risk and they will appeal the decision. He has 30 days to file that appeal.

Doroudi has been in federal custody since ICE agents showed up at his Tuscaloosa apartment around 3 a.m. on March 25.

He was first held at the Pickens County Jail and then transferred to federal custody in Jena, La.

Following his arrest, the Department of Homeland Security put out at a statement alleging that Doroudi was a national security concern.

ICE HSI made this arrest in accordance with the State Departments revocation of Doroudis student visa. This individual posed significant national security concerns, a DHS spokesperson has previously said.

In a bond hearing on Monday, Gonzalez asked if the department had any evidence to support their claim and an attorney responding saying, only what was in the article.

Rozas, said in a previous statement to AL.com he was unaware of any allegations concerning significant national security issues.

He has not been arrested for any crime, nor has he participated in any anti-government protests, the statement from Rozas said. He is legally present in the U.S., pursuing his American dream by working towards his doctorate in mechanical engineering.

During Mondays hearing, Rozas added that Doroudis student visa was still active and therefore he could still remain in the country as a student even if his F-1 visa was revoked.

According to ICEs website, an individual can, stay in the United States on an expired F-1 visa as long as you maintain your student status.

Rozas added that a teacher from the University of Alabama was prepared to testify to Doroudis legal status during the hearing.

However, Gonzalez ordered both Rozas and DHS to provide additional evidence for their arguments by Wednesday at 4 p.m.

Sama Bajgani, Doroudis fiancee, previously posted on Facebook how the traumatizing arrest has impacted both of their lives and pushed her past her limits.

These past few days have been some of the hardest and most overwhelming Ive ever experienced, Bajgani wrote in an April 7 post.

Ive spent countless hours on the phone with Alireza, trying to make sure he has everything he needs and that he feels heard and understood.

This is a developing story and will be updated.
This is an opinion column.

The Birmingham Water Works is gonna make you pay more. Always.

Which is not a news flash. The water works wanting more is as sure a thing as death or tax breaks for people who already have too much money. What I should have said is

The water works is gonna make you pay even more. And its gonna care even less about what you have to say about it.

Ponder this:

If your water bill was $100 a month in 2015 (you probably ought to bathe more, but thats another issue) youd pay about $144 for the same water today.

But last week  props to my AL.com colleague Joseph Bryant for keeping tabs  the water board cut your ability to complain about it, or anything else, by a third.

Water up 44%. Check. Ability to complain down 33%. Check.

They dont want to hear you. So they cut public comment time in their monthly meetings from three measly minutes to two even measlier minutes.

Maybe you want to ask why they pay lawyers 9% more this year than last. Youll get a third less time than you did last month.

Maybe you want to question why the board spent 25% more on consultants this year. You get two minutes for your two cents on their $6 million.

Maybe you just want to reminisce about the history of indictments, infighting, overspending, lavish travel, mismanagement and general buffoonery. You get two minutes. But only if you are lucky.

Because now, to talk at all, you have to wait like a vulture  or a water works lawyer  for the meeting agenda to be made public. Then the countdown begins. You have 24 hours from the moment the agenda drops to get on the list. Like its a Taylor Swift concert or something.

Its enough to make you want to get on the list. If only to ask why they keep spending your money to figure out why you dont like them.

Thats something I could actually explain in two minutes. Its worth remembering.

This board was so concerned after years of playing the Washington Generals role in J.D. Power customer satisfaction surveys that it paid Southeast Research $69,000 last year  you can buy a six bedroom home on Oporto-Madrid Boulevard for that  to do its own survey. Then it paid $37,500 to join J.D. Power, hoping to skew the results.

And still, after flushing six figures to figure out why people think they are awful, they again ranked last in customer service in J.D. Powers survey of comparable utilities.

And then  oh my god  they raised rates by 4.9% this year, the biggest increase in more than a decade. And then  look out, Elizabeth, Im coming  they cut public comment time.

The board, in a statement, said speakers with an agenda had misused the comment time. But then, anyone with something to say has an agenda.

Ill be honest with you. I get tired of writing about irony and hypocrisy and stupidity in government at all levels. It is draining.

Maybe Ill just let Jefferson County Commissioner Sheila Tyson say it.

So, who the hell do they think they are to change the policy where the public, who pays their bills, cant complain? she said.

Damn. Maybe not everybody needs three minutes to get to the point after all.

John Archibald is a two-time Pulitzer winner at AL.com.
A jury awarded a $10 million verdict to a woman who was severely injured while she was a teenager working at a Jefferson County business in 2019.

The jury settled in favor of Destiny Longs, who was 17 at the time the workplace injury occurred.

According to the lawsuit, which was filed on her behalf by her mother, Denisha Longs, the teen was working at a facility owned and operated by co-defendants Comfort Systems USA (Midsouth) and H&M Mechanical Inc.

Both companies conduct business in commercial heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) systems. Longs was employed through InTime Staffing LLC which was also named as a co-defendant.

On July 8, 2019 Longs was instructed by a supervisor, Roy Lewis, to work on a coil line machine which is designed to fabricate ductwork.

Destiny, at the time a junior at Spain Park High School, was interested in learning about a career as an HVAC technician and worked with the companies as she participated in the Hoover schools Academy of Craft Training program, her attorneys said.

As Comfort Systems became short staffed, Destiny and other children were placed on heavy machinery with little to no safety training -- other than no horseplay and dont lean on the machine, her attorneys added.

The lawsuit alleges that Longs was instructed to work on the dangerous machine without proper protective equipment, in violation of Alabama child labor laws.

It was this order from Lewis that led to Longs being injured, according to the lawsuit.

While working on the machine, minor Plaintiff Destiny Longs arms were caused to be pulled into the rollers and to wrap around the machinery, pinning her into the machine and causing immediate injury and intense, prolonged pain, the complaint reads.

Minor Plaintiff Destiny Longs was not freed from the machinery until Birmingham Fire & Rescue arrived and were able to cut and/or disassemble the machine.

Efforts to reach attorneys for the defendants were not immediately successful.

According to evidence submitted during the court proceedings, Longs still had to go to a UAB emergency with her right arm wrapped around the spindle shaft of the machine.

Picture of the spindle shaft involved in Denisha Longss injury Patrick Darringtom

A firefighter had to cut part of the spindle shaft to get her onto an ambulance, according to a report from Comfort Systems.

Pictures of Longs injuries were also submitted as evidence during the trial.

A picture of Denisha Longss injured right arm. Patrick Darringtom

As part of the lawsuit, Longs sought to have the defendants pay her workers compensation benefits and penalties for her injuries under the Alabama Workers Compensation Act.

A co-employee liability complaint was also brought against Lewis due to his actions causing as Longs to allegedly endure unreimbursed medical expenses, physical pain and suffering, mental anguish and permanent injury and disfigurement.

Longs was represented by lawyers from the Alexander Shunnarah Trial Attorneys law firm.

The jury made the determination to award Longs $10 million in compensatory damages on April 11.
William Sheppard, a graduate of what is now Stillman College in Tuscaloosa, was a pioneering Presbyterian missionary to the Congo. From "Presbyterian Pioneers in Congo," published 1917

The Presbyterian Church (USA), a mainline Protestant denomination that has historically been one of the most influential Christian missionary-sending agencies, recently fired missionaries around the world and ended its foreign mission agency.

The office of Presbyterian World Mission closed at the end of March after the Presbyterian Mission Agency merged with the Office of General Assembly into the Interim Unified Agency.

These moves essentially ended a 200-year tradition of sending foreign missionaries, more recently called mission co-workers, to spread the faith in other countries, according to denominational sources.

The denomination has drastically cut its mission staff from about 60 missionaries, notifying 54 mission co-workers on Feb. 4 they would be terminated. Some staff members, no more than 30, will be assigned as global ecumenical advisors, who will work with Presbyterian churches in other countries. Those advisors have not been publicly named, so its not clear if some will come from the fired missionaries.

In 2010, the denomination supported about 200 missionaries worldwide.

That old system did work well in its time, said the Rev. Jay Wilkins, stated clerk of the Presbytery of Sheppards and Lapsley, the regional body of the Presbyterian Church (USA) in north-central Alabama, which was named for famous missionaries to the Congo. Its sad its not what it used to be, but this is the logical next step.

The reason is partly financial, as the denomination suffers membership loss from 1.2 million in 2020 down to 1,094,733 in 2023, and also because many Christians in other countries now consider the United States a mission field in need of evangelism, according to denominational sources.

Funding U.S. missionaries in a war-torn region such as the Congo became a financial and security risk, he said. Obviously, the economics of it, Wilkins said.

Other parachurch organizations engaged in mission work, such as the Frontier Fellowship, have picked up the slack, he said. This is kind of the new way things are done, Wilkins said.

Its a drastic change, said the Rev. Terry Newland, a former presbyter for Alabamas Presbytery of Sheppards and Lapsley and former executive of the Synod for Living Waters, which covers Alabama, Kentucky, Mississippi and Tennessee.

Newland said it was a needed and inevitable change, although it might rankle traditionalists. A lot of the church is not going to be happy about this, he said.

Were witnessing the slow dismantling of one of our churchs most defining ministries, said Karla Ann Koll, a Presbyterian missionary to Costa Rica who was one of those let go as a missionary but who still works there as seminary faculty, according to Presbyterian Outlook. At a time when the world needs solidarity, this decision sends the opposite signal.

Koll provided information via email with AL.com. The Presbyterian Church (USA) used the term mission co-worker very deliberately, Koll said. It indicates that we served at the invitation of and under the direction of the leadership of the partner institutions to which we were assigned.

She added, Though the Presbyterian Church (USA) had negotiated agreements with the partner insitutions in which we served, there was not negotiation with partners before the Presbyterian Church (USA) withdrew mission co-workers unilaterally.

The denominations National Hispanic Presbyterian Caucus wrote an open letter of protest of the changes.

We feel that we must express our growing concern and profound sadness at the recent decisions taken by the governing structures of our denomination that led to the significant reduction in the number of Mission Co-Workers in Latin America, it said.

I personally feel it was an unfortunate decision, said the Rev. Sue Westfall, general presbyter for the Presbytery of Sheppards and Lapsley.

The denomination, due to budget cuts and changes in emphasis, now expects Christian work to be done mostly by indigenous leaders around the globe, rather than by U.S. missionaries sent to foreign countries. In fact, many of those countries now consider the United States the mission field and more and more global partners are sending missionaries to the U.S., according to Presbyterian News Service.

Alabama missionaries sent to Africa have been among the most influential worldwide.

Alabamas regional presbytery is named for famous missionaries, including a Stillman College graduate who was the first Black American missionary sent to Africa.

William Henry Sheppard, who died in 1927, was the one of the first Black Americans sent as a missionary by the Presbyterian Church. He spent two decades in Africa, mostly in the Congo, and publicized the atrocities of King Leopold II of Belgium against the Congolese people.

The Presbytery of Sheppards and Lapsley, a regional body headquartered in Birmingham, draws its name from Sheppard, his wife, Lucy, and his partner in mission work, Samuel Norvell Lapsley, a white man who was also a long-time Presbyterian missionary in the Congo until his death in 1892.

The Sheppards were graduates of Tuscaloosa Theological Institute, which later became Stillman College.

In 1888, the Presbyterian Foreign Missionary Board told Sheppard they would not send a Black missionary to Africa without a white supervisor. Lapsley volunteered to be his partner.

What Sheppards and Lapsley did was create the Presbyterian Church of the Congo, Newland said. For us westerners to tell that church what to do now is not a good thing.

The denomination has cited its declining membership and reduced financial support and an increase in costs for the cutbacks. Total annual giving toward supporting missionaries peaked in 2000 at about $16 million and declined to about $6 million in 2023, due to membership decline, although average giving by member increased.

The elimination of the Presbyterian Mission Agency was part of restructuring plans to streamline the budget.

The denomination ended the mission agencys peacemaking program last year, cutting 12 staff members.

The shift appears to reflect the denominations sensitivity about criticism of paternalistic colonial-style mission work by U.S. missionaries in foreign countries, reflected in its 2003 document, Presbyterians Do Ministry in Partnership, which emphasized the self-reliance and self-determination of mission partners.

Weve done a fabulous job along with other denominations and other faiths in spreading faith traditions around the globe, Newland said. I think we need to walk alongside (churches in other countries) instead of trying to reflect our way of doing things in a different culture.

Newland, now a church consultant in Nashville, said the changes are part of a natural change in how Christians share their faith.

Theres a seminary in Congo named Sheppards and Lapsley Seminary, Newland said. Theyre teaching their own people to be Presbyterian ministers in the Congolese way.

Larger Presbyterian churches in the Birmingham area, such as Independent Presbyterian, South Highland Presbyterian and Southminster Presbyterian, will continue to send short-term mission teams and use their contacts through the Congo Mission Network, Wilkins said.

Theyve helped build hospitals, schools, water systems and much of it now focuses on education, Wilkins said. They tend to organize mission trips without the denominations involvement, which is sad, but weve seen this coming.
Gulf Shores, a beloved beach destination for Alabamians, is now a top destination for American RV travelers this spring break.

According to RV Trader, recent travel trends point to Gulf Shores as the No. 1 spring break destination for RVers, thanks to its extensive campgrounds, bike trails, and coastal scenery.

While other hotspots cater to rowdy crowds and nightlife, Gulf Shores offers a more relaxed atmosphere with fewer crowds and family-friendly activities. Its the perfect location for sunset walks, pier fishing, and bonfires, said the RV Trader report.

Gulf Shores Public Information Officer, Grant Brown, said the town is an excellent destination for RVers, folks with motorhomes and pulling campers in other forms.

With all the state park amenities that we have and the private RV parks, theres a tremendous number of opportunities for people when they come to stay near the beach and to take advantage of all that we have to offer, said Brown.

A survey from the RV Industry Association found that nearly 14.7 million Americans have RV travel plans for spring break, with most driving to coastal areas.

The RV Industry Association said that as more Americans turn to RVing for their travel plans this spring break, national and state parks are reinforcing the importance of expanding infrastructure and services to meet high demand.

The state park is adding a tremendous number of RV sites to their state park campground, so theyll be adding increased capacity and they run a very high level of occupancy now, Brown said.

Kelsey Ritz, a travel expert at RV Trader, said, Gulf Shores offers an unbeatable blend of stunning white-sand beaches, warm spring weather, and a laid-back vibe thats perfect for families, couples, and solo travelers alike.

With over 60 miles of coastline, its a haven for beach lovers, whether youre paddleboarding, fishing, or simply soaking up the sun, Ritz said.

Gulf State Park is ideal for RV travelers, offering full hook-up RV sites and 496 campgrounds, including updated bathhouses, waterfront campsites, and ADA-accessible sites.

There are plenty of RV camping options in the coastal town of Gulf Shores, including Two Lakes RV Resort, Lazy Lake RV Park, and Gulf Breeze RV Resort.

Theres just so many options and opportunities, not just within the corporate limits of the city of [Gulf] Shores, but Fort Morgan RV Park, the new sun outdoors addition to an RV park in Orange Beach near the wharf, said Brown.

Beyond campgrounds, visitors of Gulf Shores can explore Gulf State Parks 28 miles of paved trails and diverse ecosystems. The park also boasts the second-largest fishing pier on the Gulf of Mexico and Alabamas only public pier.

Its a destination that delivers adventure, relaxation, and affordabilityeverything you want for an unforgettable RV getaway, said Ritz.
Friends and family are remembering the three victims of Wednesdays boat crash on Smith Lake during a fishing tournament in Cullman County.

The Alabama Law Enforcement Agency yesterday identified the victims as Joe M. Broom, 58, of Altoona; John K. Clark, 44, of Cullman, and Jeffrey C. Little, 62, of Brandon, Miss.

Flint A. Davis, 22, of Leesburg, Ga., who was the operator of a Nitro Bass Boat involved in the crash, was injured in the crash and was transported to Cullman Regional Hospital for medical treatment.

Gary W. Holcomb, 51, of Cullman, the operator of a Center Console vessel, was also injured and transported to the UAB Hospital for treatment.

Luke H. Morgan, 30, of Albertville, was another passenger also onboard the Center Console, was also injured and transported to UAB Hospital for medical treatment.

The crash happened shortly after 7 a.m. Wednesday in the area of Burrs Island.

Major League Fishing official Joe Opager confirmed in a statement that the crash happened during Day 2 of the Tackle Warehouse Invitational.

Our thoughts, prayers and deepest concern are with everyone affected by this tragic incident.

The tournament, which was set to have its final day at Smith Lake Thursday, was canceled.

Clark, who was known as Kelly, was a part-time realtor with All Properties of Alabama.

Stephanie Buchanan, an associate broker, said she had known him for 15 years.

He was a father and a man of deep faith, but able to inspire deep laughter in those who knew him. They shared many conversations about business and life, she said. Clark was looking forward to getting married and enjoying life.

Hes just an all-around good guy, she said. He was always doing something, always building something, always trying to figure out how to make a buck, always doing something with his kids.

Annie Harris, writing on Facebook, said, Kelly was a great friend. He always gave the biggest hugs every time I would see him.

Emily Stallings Brown, another friend said she was at a loss for words.

Kelly was one of the good ones. He was an involved, great dad and a hard worker, she wrote.

We are deeply saddened to announce the passing of council member, Joey Broom. Please keep the Broom family & the Town of Snead in your prayers. Posted by Snead Town Hall on Wednesday, April 16, 2025

Broom, known to friends as Joey, was a member of the town council in Snead in Blount County.

Mayor Tim Kent told WBRC that Broom always had a smile on his face.

No one ever had a bad thing to say about him, Kent said. He always put the Town of Snead and its people first. They are deeply saddened and shocked. He will be missed.

Ryn Laster, who lives in the Jackson, Miss. area, said she had known Little for 20 years. They both served together on the Mississippi Poultry Association.

Little worked for an animal health and nutrition company.

He was a just an extraordinary family man, he loved his kids, grandkids, wife, and anytime we needed anything at MPA, whether it was an event or anything, he was the one person you could always count on. Always smiling, always had the best outlook on life.
Lipscomb Ala. City Hall. The small town is just outside Bessemer in western Jefferson County. Joseph D. Bryant

The mayor of one Birmingham-area town booted a fellow mayor from her city hall after a judge intervened in a legal fight for power.

Lipscomb Mayor Tanja Baldwin declared victory after a circuit judge in Bessemer ruled that the Lipscomb City Council erroneously appointed Tarrant Mayor Wayman Newton as Lipscombs city attorney.

Both Lipscomb, west of Birmingham and Tarrant, a town of about 6,000 people in east Jefferson County, are embroiled in ongoing disputes between their mayors and councils.

The drama in Lipscomb recently escalated when the council there tried to hire Newton as city attorney, a move Baldwin opposed.

Baldwin evicted Newton from Lipscomb City Hall Wednesday after Jefferson County Circuit Judge David Hodby declared that a vote to hire him was invalid.

It means that the city can move forward with trying to get things done the proper way, Baldwin told AL.com.

Baldwin had said Newton was serving illegally and was part of a council plan to seize control. Baldwin said Newton is using the same tactics against her that he accuses his council of doing to him.

The Lipscomb council during a special meeting also voted to reinstate Lipscomb Police Chief Lanita Neal, a move that Baldwin also protested.

Lipscombs city leadership is bitterly divided with council members blaming the mayor, and the mayor blaming the council for the chaos.

Likewise, Tarrant is plagued by hostile and litigious politics that has crippled city government on the other side of the county.

Baldwin and her council in recent months have tussled over the question of control in the tiny town of 2,000 just outside Bessemer. Baldwin said the city council illegally hired Newton and called an illegal meeting to do so.

Lipscomb resident Zakeeya Miller in late February sued the council to block Newtons appointment, claiming that the Feb. 6 meeting was a violation of the Alabama Open Meetings Act.

Hodby in his order ruled that the appointment was invalid because the request for a special called meeting was made only by a single council member and was not called by the mayor.

Hodby then invalidated all action taken by the council during that meeting, including the hiring of the city attorney.

The judges ruling however might not be the end of the legal tug-of-war.

Meanwhile, Newton is claiming victory in spite of the demand that forced him to leave Lipscomb City Hall Wednesday. He cited a second meeting on April 8, where the council again voted to hire him and bring back the police chief.

The police chief and I remain committed to serving the residents and advancing the best interests of the city of Lipscomb, Newton told AL.com.

Baldwin sees things differently.

I feel like Mr. Newton has enough going on in Tarrant that he should not be over here trying to do the same thing, Baldwin said. He is actually thinking that hes the mayor in Lipscomb with the decisions and the things that hes doing.
Inmates sit in a treatment dorm at Staton Correctional Facility in Elmore, Ala., Wednesday, Sept. 4, 2019, around the time of a federal investigation. The Department of Justice sued Alabama over excessive violence and other problems in state prisons for male inmates. (AP Photo/Kim Chandler) AP AP

Robbie Deason last talked to his 33-year-old son the day before the presidential election, when his son called from a phone at a south Alabama prison. Before the ballots had been cast, his son was dead.

And he still doesnt know why. Or how. Or even exactly when.

She notified me about his death like she was telling me to pick up my dry cleaners, said Deason, recalling his conversation with a captain from the prison. I had 900 questions, and she couldnt answer none of them.

Deasons son Nolan had served 11 months when he was found dead in the showers at Fountain Correctional Facility on Nov. 4, 2024. He would have been released just a month later.

Deason said in the months that have passed since his sons death, hes gotten no answers from prison officials, no returned phone calls from the warden. A captain at the prison called him to make the death notification.

They have so many people die per year in the prisons, Deason told AL.com. That they dont have somebody that, you know, would have some decency this lady never said, Im sorry. She just said that, made sure I was who I was and said, I just am notifying you your son died last night.

And Im like, What? What happened? You know, all these questions, and just nothing.

Deason is one of nearly 300 families who had a loved one die in Alabamas lockups last year. The prison system is currently facing several lawsuits, including a federal investigation into prison conditions and the rampant physical and sexual violence that happens inside.

Grieving and losing your son you love, had for 33 years, is bad enough. But then this is just gas on the fire, man. You know, its just... Its so much more added stress and worry and not knowing.

It just seems so inhuman, said Deason. You know, its my son... just have a little compassion.

But with a January Executive Order from President Donald Trump  who was officially declared the winner of the 2024 presidential election hours after Nolan Deason was found dead in the shower  the Department of Justice lawsuit might not survive. No one has said if the feds will still use the courts to demand changes to an Alabama system they have argued is both overcrowded and understaffed to the point of being unconstitutionally cruel and dangerous.

No one in the Justice Department nor the Alabama Attorney Generals Office responded to requests for comment about how the case would be affected.

But Charlotte Morrison, senior attorney at the Equal Justice Initiative, said change is past due.

Alabamas prison crisis is unique because the crisis encompasses the entire system and its been happening for a long time, she explained. I think that we need the staff and the incarcerated people need to know that help is coming that help is here, that we hear the crisis and that were active on the ground.

The Equal Justice Initiative is a nonprofit legal organization that provides representation to people who have been illegally convicted, unfairly sentenced, or abused in state jails and prisons, according to the group. The organization, led by Bryan Stevenson, also handles death penalty cases and prison lawsuits, and offers re-entry services to formerly incarcerated people.

We dont care about people. If you are poor, we dont have to care. Thats why the Department of Justice comes, has to play a role here, said Morrison.

We have people going into prison without having an addiction, coming out traumatized, raped, and addicted. We are not making anyone safer by ignoring it and saying, well, you know, your fault.

The lawsuit

In December 2020, the federal government under Trump sued Alabama over its prison conditions. In its complaint, signed by then-U.S. Attorney General William Barr, the Department of Justice argued that the state fails to prevent prisoner-on-prisoner violence and sexual abuse, fails to protect prisoners from excessive force, and fails to provide safe prison conditions.

The lawsuit was filed after the federal government did multiple years-long investigations and released two scathing public reports. The investigations found that prisoners housed in Alabamas prisons for men are at serious risk of death, physical violence, and sexual abuse and live in unsafe and unsanitary conditions.

The government negotiated with the state before filing the suit but found that Alabama wouldnt fix the problems. The government wrote in the lawsuit that constitutional compliance cannot be secured by voluntary means.

And thats what is unusual, said Morrison.

The only thing theyre seeking is constitutionally run prisons, and thats so unusual because you have a plaintiff that is seeking the same thing that defendants say they want, which is safe prisons. Safe prisons for their staff, safe prisons for incarcerated people, she said during a conversation at EJIs Montgomery office.

Morrison said in prison lawsuits, progress often comes in the form of a consent decree or a settlement thats overseen by a judge.

Reform can happen very, very quickly under the consent decree thats being monitored by the judge, Morrison said.

Thats what happened at Julia Tutwiler Prison for Women.

The nonprofit investigated widespread claims of sexual abuse at Tutwiler, and in 2012 filed a complaint with the Justice Department. The next year, the federal government launched their own investigation. The feds learned that Tutwiler had a history of unabated staff-on-prisoner sexual abuse and harassment, and spelled out changes the state could make to avoid a lawsuit.

In 2015, after a year of public scrutiny, the state and the DOJ reached an agreement on reforms to be monitored by the judge. And late last year, both parties asked the court to end most of those provisions. Reports from court-appointed monitors show the prison has complied with almost all of the requirements at Tutwiler over the last six years.

But the mens prisons, according to the 2020 lawsuit, remain extremely overcrowded, prisoner-on-prisoner homicides have increased, other forms of prisoner-on-prisoner violence including sexual abuse remains unabated, the physical facilities remain inadequate, use of excessive force by security staff is common, and staffing rates remain critically and dangerously low.

A response from the states lawyers in court records said the lawsuit contained vague allegations and that its descriptions of violence inside the prisons are isolated examples.

What happens now?

That lawsuit continued into Joe Bidens administration, followed by years of back-and-forth between the state and the feds over what should be considered in evidence, who should be deposed and more. Last year, a judge said the case should be ready for trial in April 2026.

Yet in January, Trump issued a freeze on Department of Justice civil rights cases.

The letter, sent on U.S. Department of Justice letterhead and from the chief of staff to the attorney general, had the subject line Litigation freeze.

The letter ordered that attorneys in the Department of Justices Civil Rights Division not file any new complaints, motions to intervene, agreed-upon remands, amicus briefs, or statements of interest.

Inmates are shown here at an Alabama prison in 2022. (Photo via Alabama Department of Corrections) Contributed

In a separate memo, released the same day, the chief of staff to the attorney general wrote that the Trump administration didnt want attorneys to make any new settlements or consent decrees.

Neither representatives from the federal government, the U.S. Attorneys Office, nor the Alabama Attorney Generals Office responded to requests for comment from AL.com as to how the order affects the litigation.

But Gov. Kay Iveys communications director said in an email, The DOJ litigation against the state of Alabama remains pending as of today. In the meantime, the state and ADOC are fully committed to ensuring constitutional conditions in our prisons, and nothing will change that going forward.

A crisis behind bars

Kerry Presnell Sr. knows nothing can bring back his son. But, he told AL.com over the phone, he wants everyone responsible for his sons death held accountable.

Kerry Presnell Jr., was killed at Elmore Correctional Facility in November. He had been in and out of prison for years, the elder Presnell said. This last stint was for a parole violation, after Presnell Jr. had been caught with drugs.

Things were going well though, Presnell Sr. said. His son would have been up for parole this month. And had he been alive, Presnell Sr. thought he would have been released.

But, on Nov. 14, 2024, Presnell Sr. said, a captain at Elmore called to say his son had been stabbed. But then, when called back, the captain said the younger Presnell had overdosed. When Presnell Sr. grilled the officer about what exactly happened, he said, the captain hung up.

About 20 phone calls and days later, Presnell Sr. said, the warden called to say several incidents had happened: Presnell Jr. had been beaten by a group of inmates that day and went to the infirmary. He declined to stay in the infirmary and was sent back down to his dorm. At some point that night, he got up to go to the bathroom and collapsed. After officers helped him up, he went into the bathroom, where he died.

Presnell Sr. said his sons body was sent for an autopsy at the Alabama Department of Forensic Sciences. But he hasnt yet received the results, and officials at the prison still say the killing is under investigation. He said the warden told him that his son died from brain and spinal cord damage from being beaten with a mop handle.

So far, there have been no federal measures taken in the prisons to stop what family members like Presnell Sr. describe as horrific conditions.

I believe with all my heart if they would have taken him to the free world hospital, he would be alive today, Presnell Sr. told AL.com. He doesnt believe his son would have rejected medical care, and he also doesnt think prison medical staff should have been allowed to send someone in such a poor medical state back to their dorm.

And he isnt the only one waiting for answers.

Prison data, compiled by AL.com, shows from October 2023 through September 2024  the 2024 fiscal year  there were 292 death investigations opened inside Alabama prisons.

During the same period, there were 738 sexual abuse investigations. Some of those incidents involved staff, but the majority were inmate-on-inmate incidents. More than 30 of those sexual abuse incidents involved group attacks, with 4 or more people.

This is a prison. This is not happening in some dark alley or in someones private home, Morrison added.

Such abuse is often used as punishment for drug debts, or happens while inmates are using drugs. In 2024, the prison system documented over 1,300 cases of controlled substances inside lockups.

In their reports, federal investigators said victims of a sexual assault in prison get blamed for what happened to them. They get thrown in segregation or are punished for drug use that happened prior to the assault.

It is the height of irresponsibility. It is just a grotesque culture to tolerate that and have no response whatsoever, Morrison said. Its contributing to this culture of violence in the prisons to have that kind of response.

And the prisons are deadly. Researchers at EJI found that people are murdered in Alabamas prisons at a rate 513% higher than Alabamians who are not incarcerated.

The same data showed the fatal overdose rate in the states prisons was 1,629% higher than the rate for Alabamians who werent imprisoned. The suicide rate for Alabama inmates was 135% higher.

Morrison said those figures the homicide rate, the mortality rate, and the sexual abuse rate show the prisons are in a security crisis.

A $1 billion prison

Construction continues on a mega-prison for men in Elmore County. That prison is slated to have 4,000 beds, along with facilities for medical care, mental health care, and educational opportunities.

And its going to cost more than $1 billion, even though it will do nearly nothing to address overcrowding.

The state legislature also approved a second mega-prison in Escambia County. Construction hasnt started on that site, as the state is still looking for a way to pay for it.

The mega-prisons wont add beds in a jam-packed system, as older prisons are set to close when they open.

But facilities have been a focus of the states prison crisis for years.

The violations are severe, systemic, and exacerbated by serious deficiencies... and a high level of violence that is too common, cruel, of an unusual nature, and pervasive, said the government.

In its lawsuit, the federal government said the state doesnt have a preventative maintenance plan for the mens prisons, that each of the prisons have serious plumbing, HVAC, and electrical issues, and none of the prisons had, at the time, a functional fire alarm system.

The buildings do not provide adequate humane conditions. There are broken locks and cameras that dont work, they wrote. They called the conditions decrepit, unsanitary and unsafe.

The feds said they saw spiders and bugs falling from ceilings, rats in kitchens, cockroaches running rampant and more. There were showers covered in mold, toilets backed up, floors covered in sewage.

And while those examples show what the government called unconstitutional conditions, there are safety issues, too. The 2019 investigation said that prisoners often had to wait for an extended amount of time at a gate at Bibb, often bleeding profusely, while staff searched for a key to open the gate that led to the infirmary.

Disturbing examples from each facility were listed in the lawsuit, encompassing 15 pages. There was discolored water at Bullock, an outbreak of scabies at Limestone, warped doors at Staton, and temperature issues so severe at Donaldson that one prisoner baked to death in his cell in 2020 with a body temperature of 109 degrees.

In many prisons, inmates have to go days without showers. At St. Clair, one inmate had to use his boxers to clean himself for more than a week because there was no toilet paper.

At Ventress, buzzards infested the water tank to feed on drowned rats and birds that were floating in the tank.

The investigation offered solutions, but said Alabama has not made this easy fix despite acknowledging the decrepit conditions for years.

And the feds said the expensive, new buildings that are in the works wont solve Alabamas problem with understaffing, violence, corruption, drug abuse, sexual attacks and non-existent investigations.

And new facilities, said federal investigators, would quickly fall into a state of disrepair if prisoners are unsupervised and largely left to their own devices, as is currently the case.

Families want answers

Presnell doesnt want money for his sons death. But he does want answers, and he wants accountability for the people who beat his son, the staff who didnt treat his medical needs, and the officers who didnt intervene in the beating.

They know they was wrong for not taking him (to the hospital) and not keeping him safe in there, Presnell Sr. said. I feel they knew they screwed up and let my son die.

I believe with all my heart he would be out already, hed be here today, if they only took him to the hospital. If only they got to him before that man was beating and beating and beating him with a stick.

Despite the death toll at ADOC, the cause and manner of death is often unknown for many inmates. Its not just the stories that are incomplete: Some dead inmates have been returned from autopsies with missing organs, without a heart or a brain, causing all sorts of distress for families.

In 2024, the University of Alabama at Birmingham ended its agreement with the prison system to provide autopsies. The department had a longstanding deal with UAB for post-mortem examinations, but it ended after families began speaking out and suing the institution, claiming their loved ones bodies were coming back from autopsies missing organs.

Some of those families were able to retrieve those organs by picking them up in specimen bags from UAB. Others have never been found.

A lawyer for UAB said at a recent court hearing that under the agreement between UAB and the state, UAB was allowed to keep organs for testing purposes. He didnt clarify what type of testing.

State law demands inmates who have a suspicious death, or one from unnatural cases, must be autopsied, and the Alabama Department of Forensic Sciences is handling those now. Deaths that dont result in an autopsy get a toxicology screening before the body is released to the family.

Although the department previously contracted with UAB hospital to conduct autopsies on suspected overdose or natural deaths; UAB terminated its long-standing agreement  Since that time, the department has made numerous inquiries but has been unable to find another vendor to provide autopsies for ADOC inmates who died of natural causes or suspected overdoses, a prison spokesperson said in March.

Families of inmates who die behind bars have tried to get the attention of lawmakers, federal investigators and anyone who they think could help so they can find out what happened to their loved one.

A new report from the ACLU of Alabama showed that 105 prison deaths in 2024 were listed as being from an unknown cause or were under investigation. The report cited a lack of transparency in death data, and the organization called for the prison system to require autopsies for all who die in custody and update its definitions of death.

The report showed that in the second half of 2024, ADOC categorized 22 deaths as Autopsy Not Authorized.

Drugs landed the younger Presnell in prison, his father said. But he thinks dying because of his addiction was too far.

I just want to know why they didnt do anything, he said. I want them to know how I feel about them letting my son die.

Whats next?

Like the families of other inmates who died in Alabama prisons, the Deasons and the Presnells are still waiting for answers.

Nolan Deason was a good man, his father said, and a good son. But the system failed him.

The elder Deason said there werent enough beds in drug treatment centers, which maybe could have helped his son avoid prison. And when Nolan Deason went to prison, the corrections system failed to keep him safe.

There was weeks that went by I had, I didnt know anythingIt makes you just want to scream. You get so mad. I mean, it wouldnt do any good, he said. I felt like going and seeing if the governor would see me. Its just like, somebody talk to me.

Morrison with EJI said shes still holding out hope things can improve, because the current system abides far too much death with little consequence, that too often people in Alabama commit some relatively small or nonviolent crime and still pay with their lives.

Youre just saying we can deal out death sentences to families anytime as a punishment, Morrison said. That is the kind of indifference that allows these systems to become this corrupt.
President Donald Trump, from right, speaks to reporters accompanied by Interior Secretary Doug Burgum and Burgum's wife Kathryn Burgum, aboard Air Force One where Trump signed a proclamation declaring Feb. 9 Gulf of America Day. (AP Photo/Ben Curtis) AP

The Alabama House of Representatives moved to endorse President Donald Trumps name change for the Gulf of Mexico, passing a bill called the Gulf of America Act.

The bill says that beginning Oct. 1, all state and local entities and their employees will be required to use the term Gulf of America in all newly created maps, documents, educational materials, websites, official communications, and other resources.

It says agencies and employees will update those materials but not if it would impose an operational or financial burden.

Democratic representatives came to the mic to ask the sponsor of the bill, Rep. David Standridge, R-Hayden, the purpose of the change and how the state would benefit.

Its just a political gesture thats not going to do anything to help the state of Alabama, Rep. Pebblin Warren, D-Tuskegee, said.

Standridge said the bill is needed to give state agencies guidance on how to proceed after President Trumps executive order changing the name.

I think its just an appropriate name for a resource that we use more than any other country, Standridge said.

Standridge said agencies would not be required to discard existing materials, such as maps, but would be expected to make sure that new materials reflect the name change.

After about six Democratic lawmakers had their say, the Republican majority voted to end the debate and force a vote on the bill.

The bill passed by a vote of 72-26. It moves to the Senate.

The bill was part of a calendar for in the Alabama House on Thursday that includes several controversial bills supported by the Republican majority and opposed by Democrats.
A bill that would require Alabama public schools to display the Ten Commandments has passed the Alabama House of Representatives.

The sponsor, Rep. Mark Gidley, R-Gadsden, is a pastor.

But Gidley said the purpose of displaying the Ten Commandments is not to promote religion but to restore recognition of the commandments as a foundational document for the country.

The bill passed by a vote of 81-11. It goes to the Senate.

The bill has sparked the latest round of public discussion of a topic that has surfaced off and on in Alabama for decades, going back to the removal of Supreme Court Chief Justice Roy Moore over his refusal to follow a federal court order to remove a Ten Commandments display from the state court building.

More than a dozen other Republican-led states are pursuing similar legislation.

Louisiana became the first state to enact such a law only to see it challenged in federal court.

Gidleys bill would require schools to display the commandments in a historical context with excerpts from the Constitution, Declaration of Independent, Mayflower Compact, and Northwest Ordinance.

Schools would not be required to spend public dollars to put up the displays but would be expected to rely on free resources to fulfill the requirement.

Schools would display the Ten Commandments in a common area, such as an entryway, cafeteria, or library, and in classrooms that teach U.S. history.

Some Democrats, as well as Republicans, spoke in favor of the bill and voted for it.

Rep. Marilyn Lands, D-Huntsville, questioned Gidleys assertion that the commandments were a foundational document for the country. She said she was sure, though, that separation of church and state was foundational.

Rep. Danny Garrett, R-Trussville, a Sunday school teacher and deacon, said he would vote for the bill and said past federal court rulings had gone too far in restricting religious expression in public places.

But Garrett questioned how much difference the bill would make.

Legislative mandates are not going to renew minds and change hearts, Garrett said. I think that comes through personal relationships.

Alabama voters showed strong support of Ten Commandments displays in 2018 when they approved an amendment to the state constitution that said public schools and public bodies can display the Ten Commandments.
The Alabama House of Representatives on Thursday is scheduled to consider a slate of culture-war type bills that generally spark sharp disagreement between the Republican majority and the Democrats.

They include bills on posting the Ten Commandments in public schools, state enforcement of immigration laws, drag shows, and discussions of gender identity.

Most are familiar topics at the State House and have generally drawn opposition from Democrats. But Republicans hold almost three-fourths of the seats in the House.

All are House bills that would still have to get through the Senate to become law.

Here is the lineup:

HB437 would create a system to alert people for shark attacks, which comes in response to the attacks that happened the same day last year, including the one survived by Mountain Brook teen Lulu Gribbin.

Gribbin spoke on the House floor today after an introduction by U.S. Sen. Katie Britt.

Update: The House quickly passed the bill, by Rep. David Faulkner, R-Mountain Brook, by a vote of 102-0.

HB247 would rename the Gulf of Mexico the Gulf of America and require state and local agencies to recognize that, an endorsement of President Trumps idea.

Update: The House passed the bill by a vote of 72-26.

HB179 would allow public schools to hire volunteer chaplains.

Update: The House passed the bill with bipartisan support, 91-4.

HB7 would increase the involvement of state and local police in immigration enforcement.

Update: The House passed the bill by a vote of 74-26.

HB178 would require posting the Ten Commandments in public schools.

Update: The House passed the bill by a vote of 81-11.

HB67 would prohibit public schools and public libraries from hosting drag shows.

Update: The House passed the bill by a vote of 76-9 with nine abstentions.

HB244 would expand a prohibition on discussion of sexual orientation and gender identity in public schools through 12th grade. Current law goes through fifth grade.

Update: The House passed the bill by a vote of 74-15 with seven abstentions.

HB165 would recognize Juneteenth, the day marking the end of slavery, as a state holiday.

Update: The House passed the bill by a vote of 85-4 with 10 abstentions.

HB14 would allow the governor and attorney general to jointly appoint an interim police chief for cities where they determine there is an ongoing threat to public safety.

Update: The House did not discuss or vote on the bill.

Rep. Laura Hall, D-Huntsville, was the first to speak on the nature of the agenda for the day.

Hall said most of the bills concerned issues that she did not think would make a difference in the lives of people that lawmakers represent.

Hall said they should be talking about issues like hungry, children, good teachers, medicine for senior citizens, and mental health care.

Lets focus on those things that are going to make a difference, Hall said.

When the bill to rename the Gulf of Mexico came up, Rep. Barbara Drummond, D-Mobile, asked what would be the practical impact. She asked if it would boost tourism, help the port of Mobile, or reduce the price of eggs.

Were focusing on things that are not going to move Alabama forward, Drummond said.

Rep. Reed Ingram, R-Montgomery, spoke more favorably about the bill, saying the name Gulf of America would recognize all of the continent of North America, which includes 23 nations, including Mexico.

Rep. Craig Lipscomb, R-Gadsden, said it was fitting to rename the gulf, saying it would recognize the predominance of the United States in the region.

After about six or so Democrats spoke in opposition to the bill, the Republican majority voted to end the debate on the Gulf of America bill.

The House passed the bill by a vote of 74-26. It goes to the Senate.
President-elect Donald Trump and his wife Melania are greeted as they arrive for church service at St. John's Episcopal Church across from the White House in Washington, Monday, Jan. 20, 2025, on Donald Trump's inauguration day. (AP Photo/Matt Rourke) AP

President Donald Trumps television viewing habits were offered as an example Thursday of how he is a man of faith.

Jennifer S. Korn, deputy assistant to the president and faith director of the White House Faith Office, which Trump launched in January, suggested politics dont play a role in the presidents courting of faith leaders and defense of Christian beliefs.

President Trump has had faith in his life in his early ages  going to Sunday school. One of his treasured books is his Bible given to him by his mother," Korn said during an appearance Thursday morning on Fox & Friends.

And then fast-forward into his adulthood. In 2000, when he called Pastor Paula White, and he was watching Christian television, Korn said. So remember, before he even though about being president he was watching Christian television.

Korn said the presidents faith has always been an important part of his life, adding that the president believes God saved his life during the assassination attempt last summer in Butler, Pennsylvania.

Trump knows that God spared his life on July 13, and you just see a resolve and you see that determination and humility here in order to do just an amazing job for the American people, Korn said.

He knows that God spared his life so that he could make America great again and return America to the Golden Age, the faith director continued. And that includes bringing faith back to the White House and back to America.

On Wednesday night, Trump hosted an Easter prayer service dinner at the White House, telling dozens of Christian leaders, I hope this is going to be one of the great Easters ever, according to the Associated Press.

Were standing up for a persecuted Christian, and so many Christians have been persecuted all over the world, Trump said in his speech, we had nobody fighting for our Christians in other parts of the world who had been so incredibly destroyed, killed, injured, hurt. But so many died, you wouldnt think it could happen in this time.

He touted creating the White House Faith Office and the Justice Department task force to eradicate anti-Christian bias.

You dont hear about that much but there is anti-Christian bias, Trump said.
Emily Robertson reunites with one of her cats as she looks for personal belongings in the damage after a tornado passed through where two people lost their lives, Sunday, March 16, 2025, in Plantersville, Ala. (AP Photo/Butch Dill) AP AP

At least 300 National Weather Service employees are expected to take the latest federal buyout offer by a Thursday deadline, departures the agencys top official told employees could leave many forecast offices around the country with half the meteorologists they need to properly monitor extreme weather threats.

The losses will be widespread across the agency, which faced a growing number of impending retirements even before this years departures began. Eight of the Weather Services 122 local forecast offices soon will have seven or fewer meteorologists to do the work of 12 to 15 people, Weather Service Director Ken Graham told his colleagues in a briefing this week, according to two people familiar with his comments.

Some meteorologists and public officials warned that these reductions, which leave the agency nearly 20 percent smaller than it was when President Donald Trump took office, could have deadly consequences when storms next strike.

As forecast offices grapple with the changes, a memo obtained by The Washington Post also details ways they should cut back on certain services, including weather balloon launches.

The looming gaps have elevated fears particularly for forecasters in central states, including in the heart of the country, where tornadoes and menacing storms are frequent. As severe storm season ramps up, its the offices in places such as Kansas City, Omaha, Louisville, Des Moines and Grand Rapids that were facing the most significant staffing shortages after buyouts earlier this year, according to people familiar with the agency.

With so many recent departures, its not business as usual for operations at many forecast offices. More forecasters are working overtime, fewer shifts are being staffed each day and managers who wouldnt normally take on day-to-day forecasting duties have had to step in, according to current and former Weather Service employees.

You can only stretch things so much, said Alan Gerard, who recently retired from the National Severe Storms Laboratory and was previously the meteorologist-in-charge at the Weather Service forecast office in Jackson, Mississippi. Eventually, things start to break.

As they face staff losses and increasing workloads, Weather Service staff are working through plumbing and maintenance issues at austere offices, including in the central region, multiple people familiar with the agencies described. In one recent example, staff at a Kentucky office had to rely on portable toilets in the parking lot during deadly storms in the Mid-South.

Any new staff reductions, which will take effect by May, also come on top of a cascade of early retirements and other departures this year. Across all of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, which includes offices that manage fisheries, conduct earth science research and study climate change, more than 870 employees had volunteered for buyouts as of Wednesday, according to two officials.

The Post spoke with 10 employees across the Weather Service and its parent agencies, NOAA and the Commerce Department, who spoke on the condition of anonymity because they were not authorized to speak publicly. Concerned with leaks to the media, the administration is installing monitoring software on NOAA employees devices to track their communications, two current employees said.

Before Trump returned to office, the Weather Service employed about 4,300 people, still some 200 short of staffing levels that agency leaders then called ideal. After an initial round of DOGE-led buyouts and the firing of employees who were still on probationary status, that workforce dropped to below 4,000 for the first time in modern history, the union representing those workers said at the time.

The latest round of buyouts was expected to shrink the workforce even further: At least 300 Weather Service employees had applied for the program as of Tuesday, according to the two staffers who described Grahams comments. More were expected to take the offer before it expired at midnight Friday. About 1,400 Weather Service employees were eligible for the buyouts, according to one service official with knowledge of the program.

Tom Fahy, legislative director for the National Weather Service Employees Organization, a union representing the agencys rank and file, said in a statement that attrition and retirements have been a huge factor in creating job vacancies but stressed that Weather Service employees have an enduring, resilient work ethic.

The mission to save lives has not suffered and communities are still being covered across the country by NWS employees, Fahy said.

NOAA began the year with about 13,000 employees but has lost hundreds through the firing of probationary employees, early retirements and buyouts, according to officials close to the agency.

Staff across the Weather Service and NOAA feared further cuts through reduction in force, or RIF, could be imposed in the coming days or weeks, perhaps as early as Friday. Ahead of the latest buyout offer, Trump administration officials set a target of cutting NOAA staff by about 1,000, a number believed to include several hundred Weather Service employees, according to officials familiar with the goals. It was not clear to employees if buyouts could reduce the number of any RIF layoffs.

The Trump administration has meanwhile proposed a budget for the coming fiscal year that would slash NOAAs budget by 27 percent, while virtually eliminating most climate research and maintaining flat funding for the Weather Service.

Staff losses have stressed Weather Service forecast offices that were stretched thin even before Trump took office.

Each one is responsible for producing forecasts and monitoring weather dangers across areas stretching from hundreds to thousands of square miles. While there are many sources of weather forecasts, from smartphone apps to broadcast radio and TV, the Weather Services data and predictions undergird them all. The agency is also responsible for warning the public when a tornado, hurricane or other extreme weather threat is imminent.

This week, a new forming storm is expected to bring a threat of severe thunderstorms and heavy rainfall to more than a dozen states in the central United States, including in several states that have recently been hard-hit by tornadoes and floods.

Each office typically employs 14 or 15 meteorologists, enough to maintain staffing around-the-clock, with two or three on hand at any one time to produce forecasts, launch weather balloons, and answer calls from local emergency managers and the public. During active weather, be it thunderstorms, tornado outbreaks, snowstorms or wildfires, staffing demands increase, requiring two or three times as many meteorologists to be on hand, said Gerard, who led the Jackson, Mississippi, office from 2002 to 2015.

Staffing shortages have also prompted some Weather Service offices to conduct fewer weather balloon launches or suspend them entirely. Twice-daily launches from 92 sites across the country provide detailed data on atmospheric and weather conditions - vital information for developing weather forecasts and informing aircraft pilots of potentially dangerous conditions. Offices need at least two or three meteorologists on hand to safely conduct balloon launches while also maintaining normal forecasting operations.

There have been limited or no weather balloon data across a wide swath of the northern Plains and Rocky Mountains, with no launches in late March or early April from sites in Rapid City, South Dakota; Valley, Nebraska; or Denver, where balloon launch issues go back years because of helium shortages. Balloon launches have occurred only once a day in recent weeks at sites in Riverton, Wyoming; Grand Junction, Colorado; North Platte, Nebraska; and Green Bay, Wisconsin.

More cutbacks in balloon launches and other Weather Service activities can be expected as offices lose staff, according to a Commerce Department memorandum issued to Weather Service leaders that was obtained by The Post.

As staffing levels drop and vacancy rates reach at least 20 percent, the directive advised having only a single meteorologist on duty at any given time during quiet weather periods, for example.

Under an initial version of the memo issued in March, the directive advised reducing weather balloon launches from twice daily to once if staffing levels drop to 15 percent vacancy or greater, and to suspend launches altogether at vacancy rates of at least 35 percent.

But an update issued last week encourages the critical launches to continue until staff losses are even larger. The new version advises once-daily launches at 25 percent vacancy rates and says launches should be suspended only in scenarios in which no second meteorologist is available to help prepare the operation.

Amid staffing reductions, increased scrutiny from Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick has separately prevented some contracts from being renewed. The agency leader has been personally reviewing any contracts worth $100,000 or more, a process that has ground some work to a halt, multiple officials said.

Earlier this month, the Weather Service said its warnings would no longer be automatically translated into Spanish, because a contract with an AI firm had lapsed. That decision breaks with previous agency goals to improve translations and increase the number of languages offered, in part a response to communication challenges that contributed to deadly disasters such as floods in New York City and a tornado outbreak that affected Mayfield, Kentucky.

Even as meteorologists say forecasts and warnings have not yet suffered, morale has been sinking.

As meteorologists began forecasting a four-day stretch of dangerous tornadic storms and potentially generational flooding, they came within hours of losing access to software that a Weather Service website calls a cornerstone IT system that is used to ingest, analyze, forecast, [and] disseminate operational weather data. Its contract was renewed late on March 31, in an episode previously reported by Axios.

At least 29 people died during those storms. But days of warnings and some luck with the weather meant the storms were not as deadly as meteorologists feared.

But critics of the cuts argue that its a matter of when, not if, any staffing losses will prevent meteorologists from carrying out a mission to protect lives and property.

This isnt about finding government waste; this isnt about finding fraud. This is about making sure the United States of America is protected, said Rep. Eric Sorensen (D-Illinois), who worked as a television meteorologist before joining Congress. I am incredibly worried about the safety of my own constituents.

During this months Mid-South storm outbreak, one tornado came within miles of the forecast office in Paducah, Kentucky, where staff had to use portable toilets in the office parking lot because the bathrooms were inoperable and staff were unable to hire a plumber, according to officials familiar with the situation. Some of the recent scrutiny of contracts has included halting basic facility repairs.

The storm outbreak would be a trying situation under any circumstances, but the staffing shortages and working conditions were only worsening morale among meteorologists, employees said.

People keep working 12-hour shifts day after day, said one Weather Service official. It really starts to take its toll.
U.S. Rep. Barry Moore, R-Enterprise, speaks to Republicans attending a campaign rally in Robertsdale. Ohio Republican U.S. Rep. Jim Jordan, chairman of the House Judiciary Committee, campaigned for Moore during the rally held on Saturday, Jan. 27, 2024, at Waters Edge in Robertsdale, Ala. Moore is running for the Republican nomination during the March 5, 2024, primary against U.S. Rep. Jerry Carl, R-Mobile, in the 1st congressional district race. John Sharp/jsharp@al.com

Its shaping up to be the closest thing Alabamas seen to a Republican-led town hall lately  only, there wont be one.

U.S. Rep. Barry Moore, R-Enterprise, will speak at a private, closed-door luncheon hosted by the South Baldwin Chamber of Commerce on Thursday, but the event is expected to spark public demonstrations.

While Moore keeps things behind closed doors, nearly 90 people are expected to gather outside for what the Baldwin County Democratic Party is calling a peaceful protest. In return, the Baldwin County Republican Party has organized a dueling America First rally.

In the heart of Foley, officials anticipate a politically charged afternoon. And despite tensions, local officials are urging calm.

We expect all citizens to be respectful in their activities of expressing their rights under the law, said Foley Mayor Ralph Hellmich.

Dueling rallies

The dueling events come as public town halls have largely vanished from Republican calendars across the country, following a wave of heated and even chaotic moments.

Just this week, GOP Sen. Chuck Grassley was met with jeers in Iowa. And in Georgia on Tuesday, a town hall with Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene ended with several arrests and two people being stunned by a Taser.

A protester is removed as Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene, R-Ga., speaks during a town-hall style meeting, Tuesday, April 15, 2025, in Acworth, Ga. (AP Photo/Mike Stewart) AP

Alabama Republicans have largely avoided the public since President Donald Trump was sworn into office in January. The most vocal demand for a public town hall has come from North Alabama where U.S. Rep. Dale Strong, R-Huntsville, has opted for telephone town halls and not in-person events.

Strongs 5th congressional district trails only a handful of congressional districts in Virginia, Maryland and the District of Columbia for having the most federal government workers. With the aggressive action taken by the Trump Administration to downsize the federal workforce, worried North Alabama residents and activist groups have been critical of Strong for being a no-show.

In Baldwin County, a Republican stronghold experiencing rapid growth, Democratic supporters are planning to voice their opposition to the Trump Administration and the lack of congressional support.

We want him to stand up for our rights as Americans, said Robyn Monaghan, chair of the Baldwin County Democratic Party who organized the rally.

Monaghan said the party will pass around a microphone to allow people to hear stories about how the Trump agendas policies have affected them and destroyed quality of life for people you know.

She said she was surprised to learn that the Baldwin County GOP was participating in a counter event at the same time and at the same location.

I was not aware of that, Monaghan said after informed about the Republican rally, adding that she was not informed about the GOP rally while working closely with the Foley Police Department over planning.

Were making sure its lawful, peaceful, and respectful, Monaghan said.

Kathy Morelock, chair of the Baldwin County Republican Party, said their America First rally is intended to show support of Moores commitment to advance Trumps agenda.

Moore, a member of the conservative U.S. House Freedom Caucus, boasts a 99% rating with the Conservative Political Action Conference (CPAC), a testament to his conservative credentials.

He was elected to represent the 1st congressional district that includes Baldwin County and the conservative Wiregrass region, last year. The district ranks in the Top 10 for being the most conservative in the U.S. House.

Like most Americans, we are in favor of securing our border, cutting wasteful spending, ferreting out and eliminating fraud and abuse, reducing taxes, protecting womens sports, and a host of other priorities that put our citizens, our children and our country first, Morelock said.

Keeping peace

The rallies are expected to begin between 10 to 11 a.m. and last until 1:30 p.m.

David Wilson, executive director of public safety with the City of Foley, said police will be available to ensure the activities outside the Civic Center are peaceful.

Anytime you have a political official come to an event, you always stand the chance of somebody making some type of protest, Wilson said. On this particular event, we do expect some protesters and have talked with and coordinated with these organizations so that everything stays orderly.

Foley Police Chief Thurston Bullock said there are no plans to keep the two groups separated from each other in two different areas.

We ask each side to be respectful of each others views and demonstrate peacefully, Bullock said. Disorder of any type will not be tolerated in order to keep this event safe for all involved.

Bullock said that Foley City Hall, which is next to the Civic Center, will remain open and that citizens will be coming and going to conduct business, and that cannot be interrupted in the process of demonstrating.

Parking is also limited on and around the vicinity.
As the Trump administration pursues new diplomatic efforts with Iran, it is incumbent upon special envoy to the Middle East Steve Witkoff and others not only to ensure the destruction of Tehrans nuclear program, but also to address policies that have enabled Iran to continue its development of fissile material in violation of international agreements since 2003.

Critics of Trumps approach will be quick to cite the presidents termination of the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) in 2018, arguing that Tehran was complying with the terms of the deal and would be in a weakened state today if the agreement had remained in place. But as I outlined in detail here in 2019, the JCPOA contained various loopholes that allowed Iran to cheat the entire time.

The sheer fecklessness of this agreement from the Obama administration (coupled with Joe Bidens easing of Trump-era sanctions and unfreezing of Iranian assets) provided Tehran with critical time and money for uranium enrichment as well as funding for its terrorist proxies against Israel. The cold-blooded murders of Jewish men, women, and children on October 7, 2023 underscore the consequences of submitting to the worlds largest state sponsor of terrorism and its repeated goal of destroying the planets only Jewish state.

However, Irans unhindered development of nuclear fuel began long before the JCPOA went into effect in 2015. As noted above, international efforts to curb the countrys uranium enrichment program have been in place since 2003. During this span of 22 years, Tehran has violated (among other agreements) six U.N. Security Council resolutions insisting that it suspend its nuclear enrichment program. In 2003, Iran possessed approximately 160 centrifuges for uranium enrichment; as of 2023, that number had increased to 12,994. Despite being unable to produce any fissile material in 2003, by 2013, Iran possessed seven tons of low-grade enriched uranium capable of being transformed in a number of months into weapons-grade material.

The Iranian leadership has had no incentive to dismantle its nuclear program due to the fact that it has never had to face significant penalties for its repeated violation of sanctions. Though this may be due, in part, to geopolitical cowardice, it is also indicative of the shortcomings of collective security since the onset of the 20th century.

The concept of collective security formed the basis for both the League of Nations and the United Nations in the aftermaths of the First and Second World Wars, respectively. Spearheaded by Woodrow Wilson (and later Franklin Roosevelt), this new paradigm in international relations was fundamentally different from the notions of alliance-building and balance-of-power politics that had defined European diplomacy since the end of the Thirty Years War and the resulting Peace of Westphalia in 1648.

From the mid-17th to the early 20th century, partnerships had been forged between nations with shared interests and values in order to deter threats to their existence (advancing raison detat) and the existing geopolitical order. Allied countries identified explicit actions by hostile polities that would not be tolerated and provided concrete retaliatory measures that would be enforced in the face of such actions. Deterrence was effective due to a complete lack of ambiguity regarding threats to national existence and subsequent reprisals for violating an alliances stated red lines. As the first American president to grapple with the United States role as a world power, Teddy Roosevelt advocated this mindset, stating that foreign policy was the art of adapting American policy to balance global power discreetly and resolutely, tilting events in the direction of the national interest.

The notion of collective security changed all of this. Rather than championing alliances where shared interests and capabilities served to strengthen national security and the existing order, collective security sought to make the world safe for democracy by attempting to remake all nations in the image of the United States. According to Woodrow Wilson and subsequent advocates, furthering democracy across the globe was vital to lasting peace because all peoples, at their core, were believed to be motivated by American values. This prompted them to create intergovernmental organizations in which all nations could participate on the basis of their opposition to undefined aggression.

The pitfalls of such thinking are obvious. Actions that constitute aggression are vastly different among nation-states whose interests and values are diametrically opposed. Given these disparities, violations of the status quo can never be articulated in advance  they can only be addressed once hostile actions have already been committed. However, because not all participating nations will see the aforementioned actions as aggressive, there is no consensus as to how to eliminate the threat. Consequently, hostilities are allowed not only to take place, but to fester in perpetuity.

The folly of this mindset is exemplified in the record of the United Nations. From bloody border disputes between India and Pakistan to genocide in Rwanda to Islamic terrorism against Israel and the West, the 20th and 21st centuries are replete with failures by the U.N. to effectively halt conflicts with regional and global ramifications. The unimpeded strengthening of Irans nuclear capabilities over more than two decades is merely a symptom of a diplomatic ethos that disregards reality in favor of ideology.

In working to secure a new deal with Iran, the Trump administrations commitment to dismantling the Islamic Republics nuclear program must be unequivocal. If Tehran seeks to avoid ruinous military, economic, and political consequences, U.S. diplomats must make clear that this will be possible only through inspection and disposal of nuclear fuel under the auspices of America and its allies (including Israel). There is no other means by which to end Iranian flippancy toward the Wests anemic efforts to circumscribe its murderous ambitions over the past 22 years.

Having done so, the United States must address the collective security apparatus that not only has exacerbated international conflicts, but maintains an unabashed record of blatant Jew-hatred. The U.N. has not merely outlived its sell-by date; it is inherently flawed, because it is founded on a set of beliefs at odds with the history of human existence. Its survival constitutes an existential threat to Western interests and the postCold War balance of power.

In the 19th century, the Ottoman Empires increasing decline and vulnerability earned it the moniker Sick Man of Europe. It is time to discard the concept of collective security that remains the foundation of the U.N.  the Sick Man of the World.

JD Sommers is an international relations specialist with a focus in Russian and Israeli affairs. His research considers the national interests of Russia and Israel and the ramifications of these upon America's foreign policy and the global balance of power. X: @JD_Sommers.

Image: sanjitbakshi via Wikimedia Commons, CC BY 2.0.
Pam Bondis ability to manage the Department of Justice has come under increased scrutiny from the right. File releases are delayed or mismanaged. No apparent action is taken against subversive government officials. And J6ers and other victims of a weaponized DoJ remain unsatisfied.

Many have raised the question of whether Pam Bondi was the right choice for MAGA attorney general. Many more, including President Trump, would be questioning her bona fides if they knew about Bondis role in the creation of Black Lives Matter.

How Trump handles the DoJ will be crucial to the success of his second term. His failure to take control of the Justice Department marred his first term. Uncertain of his powers, Trump bowed to the media and Democrats, who screamed for the DoJ to remain independent. He and his first attorney general, Jeff Sessions, watched impotently as the Deep State subverted his presidency with the Russiagate witch hunt and prosecuted key advisers such as Paul Manafort, Roger Stone, and Mike Flynn.

Pam Bondi is no Jeff Sessions, but her history raises questions about her willingness to fight an entrenched opposition. The case against her revolves around her mishandling of the prosecution of George Zimmerman in the shooting death of Trayvon Martin.

On that February night in 2012, Zimmerman was getting his brains beaten out by Trayvon Martin and screaming for help. Eyewitness Jonathon Good would testify that he saw Martin straddling Zimmerman and pummeling him MMA style. Choking on his own blood from a broken nose and fearing loss of consciousness, Zimmerman reached for his gun and fired a single shot. After a thorough police investigation, Zimmerman was exonerated, as the local authorities concluded that there was insufficient evidence to refute his claim of self-defense.

Enter Florida attorney general Pam Bondi. As protests starring the likes of Ben Crump and Al Sharpton grew in size and intensity, Bondi caved to the mob. She could have told the protesters and the media that shed looked at the evidence and concluded, as the police had, that Zimmerman inarguably acted in self-defense. Instead, Bondi appointed state attorney Angela Corey as the special prosecutor to investigate. Yielding to mob pressure, Corey soon charged Zimmerman with second-degree murder.

As Florida attorney general, Pam Bondi publicly supported the investigation and offered her condolences to Trayvon Martins family. She called Travyons negligent parents amazing people and described the family attorneys, including Crump, as friends of mine.

When I worked with Governor Scott to appoint State Attorney Angela Corey to the case involving Trayvon Martin, I did so with the full confidence that a swift and thorough investigation would be conducted, Bondi said in a statement. Today, State Attorney Coreys decision to press charges against George Zimmerman for the shooting of Trayvon demonstrates Coreys commitment to bringing justice to Trayvons family and allowing due process for Zimmerman.

As I documented in my 2019 film, The Trayvon Hoax: Unmasking the Witness Fraud that Divided America, George Zimmerman was indicted by the State of Florida solely based on the deposition testimony of 19-year-old Rachel Jeantel. Jeantel told prosecutors she was on the phone with Trayvon in his final moments. She recounted an interaction that contradicted the physical evidence, the audio from the many 911 calls, and the testimony of eyewitness Jonathon Good. Despite the contrary evidence, and despite Jeantels admission that she really knew nothing about the case, Zimmerman was charged with murder, and the case was set for trial.

As I discovered, the girl who was really on the phone with Trayvon just prior to the shooting was a different girl, the beautiful 16-year-old Brittany Diamond Eugene. After meeting with Trayvons mother and Ben Crump, Eugene refused to lie to prosecutors. This prompted Crumps recruitment of fake witness Rachel Jeantel to pretend to be Diamond Eugene.

Crump had told the media that Trayvons girlfriend was a 16-year-old minor child and begged them not to contact her because she was underage. Then, suddenly, 19-year-old Rachel Jeantel appeared on the scene, claiming she was Trayvons girlfriend. The fact that she outweighed Trayvon by 150 or so pounds, and attended a different high school, apparently raised no alarm in the state attorneys office.

However, sensing that something was amiss, the defense attorneys asked to depose Ben Crump and question him under oath about the minor girlfriend. After a judge ruled against them, they appealed. In April 2013, Pam Bondi put her thumb on the scale of justice. In a 41-page legal response, Bondi asked the appeals court to agree with the judges decision, arguing that the deposition of Crump was unnecessary and could infringe upon legal privileges. The defense request to question Crump was then denied by the court.

The Zimmerman case proceeded to trial. In June 2013, Jeantel took the stand and tried to relate the story that Crump had fed her. She failed miserably. The mentally challenged Jeantel, who was in fact a special needs student who had dropped out of high school, could not keep her story straight.

Zimmerman was acquitted on July 13, 2013. He should never have been arrested. He was a victim of a vicious, unprovoked assault. Had he not shot Martin, he likely would have been beaten to death.

Sensing an opportunity in the acquittal, three longtime Marxist community organizers  Alicia Garza, Patrisse Cullors, and Opal Tometi  launched the Black Lives Matter (BLM) movement the following day.

The BLM movement would later lead riots in response to the death of Michael Brown in Ferguson, Missouri and sparked global protests and riots in wake of the death of George Floyd in Minneapolis, in the process becoming one of the largest protest movements in U.S. history.

The Zimmerman case was a political prosecution. Obama was up for re-election in 2012 and needed black support for a second term. Against the woeful Obama economy as backdrop, the Democrats and media needed something to inflame the black community. Obama jumped on board: My main message is to the parents of Trayvon  if I had a son, he would look like Trayvon.

The BLM movement owes a lot to Pam Bondi. Without her caving to the mob, BLM would not exist. There would have been no Ferguson riots and likely no George Floyd riots. DIE would have just slogged along as an Ivy League campus sociology department phenomenon, right where it began.

Donald Trump campaigned on reforming a corrupt Department of Justice that had been weaponized against conservatives and himself. Rather than breaking up the DoJ, Trump chose the path of reform through new leadership. The question remains: Does Pam Bondi have the stones to achieve that reform? Time will tell. Keep an eye on her!

Joel Gilbert is a Los Angeles-based film producer and president of Highway 61 Entertainment. He is on Twitter: @JoelSGilbert.

Image: Pam Bondi. Credit: Gage Skidmore via Flickr, CC BY-SA 2.0.
One hundred years ago, in the case of Pierce v. Society of Sisters, the Supreme Court struck down an Oregon law that required all children to attend public schools, affirming that parents had the right under the 14th Amendment to direct the upbringing and education of their children.

The Supreme Court wrote, The child is not the mere creature of the State; those who nurture him and direct his destiny have the right, coupled with the high duty, to recognize and prepare him for additional obligations.

This court decision launched the parental rights movement that has become controversial since the pandemic school lockdown.

The longstanding trust in public schools was shattered when parents were given an unprecedented window into what was happening in the classrooms. The most common response from parents was, I had no idea! Parents who had never known much about what students did all day were suddenly alarmed by the prevalence of radical dogmas.

As a result, many turned to homeschooling, which now has become the fastest growing type of education in the nation, across all demographics. In the black community, there has been a fivefold increase over a few short months of parents homeschooling their offspring.

As expected, the left is fighting back. Leftists have no intention of allowing domestic terrorist parents to leave the public school system because it would mean loss of government control over what students are taught and over shaping their worldview.

Hillary Clinton popularized the phrase it takes a village to raise a child, which signals that children are considered wards of the state, to be reared and educated as the state sees fit.

In Illinois, Democrats have filed a bill that, if passed, will expand vastly the control of government over the education of children. House Bill 2827, dubbed the Homeschool Bill, would bring government control of home schools as well as private and religious schools. Home schools and private schools would become de facto government schools.

Homeschool parents would be required to provide local and state education authorities annual reports with their childrens personal information, including gender identity, without any restrictions on what data would be mandated. If parents fail to file this home school paperwork properly or in a timely fashion, they could be charged with a Class C misdemeanor and spend up to 30 days in jail.

The question is, why do public school educators and politicians believe they need personal information on students and families not enrolled in public schools? The Supreme Court has already ruled that parents have the sole right to direct the education and upbringing of their children.

An education portfolio showing the curriculum along with student progress reports would be required as well.

If information about what is taught in home schools is so critical for oversight, then public school parents should require the actual curricula their children are taught. Despite state curriculum standards that determine the content taught in the classroom, radicalized teachers are using taxpayer-funded schools as platforms for their far-left propaganda at the expense of academic learning.

Homeschool administrators are required to have the equivalent of a high school diploma, while college-educated parents must show proof of their degree.

If the left believes that this is so important for parents to be able to successfully educate their children, why are children failing academically in public schools, where teachers are college-educated and hold teacher certificates?

The downward spiral of academic achievement did not begin with the school shutdown during the pandemic, as the public is being led to believe. Education has been sliding downward for years. Nationwide, one third of eighth-graders cannot read at grade level, while 39 percent cannot do math at grade level.

After spending 13 years in public classrooms that are costing American taxpayers billions of dollars, students are unprepared for college. The math department at Harvard, possibly Americas most elite university, is providing remedial math for freshmen who lack foundational skills in high school math basics, such as geometry, algebra, and quantitative reasoning.

Under the Homeschool Bill, nosy bureaucrats could barge into homes to surveil and file reports on students and parents. Parents should rise up against this blatant government violation of the Fourth Amendment right to privacy and the Fourteenth Amendment right for parental control over their childrens education.

This third-world style of government tyranny would not stop with homeschools. It would create pervasive oversight of private and religious schools as well, a violation of religious rights under the First Amendment.

The reporting requirements create a registry of residents religions. In the homeschool families education portfolios and in the religious schools reports, information about curricula and the religion to be taught would be required. Why does the government need to know what religious information is being taught in students homes and in religious schools?

Advocates of the homeschool bill claim that the lack of government-supervised control over home schools leaves children at risk of abuse by parents or guardians.

They ignore that safety is one of the main reasons parents are leaving public schools. In Texas, there is an epidemic of sexual abuse by local public school staff, both male and female. Across the nation, there is so much intimidation and isolation of white students that some have contemplated suicide and some have refused to return to the public school.

In another violation of the Fourteenth Amendments right to due process, truancy officers could interrogate a child without due cause and without the presence of parents. Parents could be investigated and their children interrogated based on an anonymous report.

Tens of thousands of people have registered their opposition to this bill. Rather than making the necessary reforms to retain students in public schools, the left is doubling down to take control over private schooling.

Public education is on a collision course. Political shenanigans like the Homeschool Bill hasten that day when the public system will collapse under its own weight.

Carole Hornsby Haynes is an education policy and curriculum consultant, a historian, a classical pianist, and an entrepreneur. www.drcarolehhaynes.com

Image: jarmoluk via Pixabay, Pixabay License.
Nowadays, small and medium-sized businesses (SMBs) are caught in an endless cybersecurity Squid Game, where the rules keep changing, the stakes are life-or-death for their data, and no ones offering a second chance.

Except, instead of harmless childhood games and goofy obstacles, theyre dealing with ransomware attacks, data breaches, and shadowy cybercriminals who seem to be playing their own twisted version of Red Light, Green Light with your data -- and a single misstep means financial disaster.

And lets be honest, its not a matter of if your systems will be targeted -- its a matter of when. Congratulations! Youre officially in the crosshairs.

Its almost charming how many small businesses -- doctors offices bound by the ever-so-delightful HIPAA regulations or businesses keeping employee and customer data (because who doesnt love hoarding sensitive information like Social Security numbers and payment details?) -- still believe theyre not on the cyber criminals hit list.

News flash: The internets dark underbelly doesnt care if your office decor screams small-town charm or corporate on a budget. If youve got data, youre a target. And lets not even get started on the legal and ethical nightmares that follow a successful breach. Spoiler alert: Theyre plentiful and expensive.

The numbers are the stuff of digital horror movies. Back in 2021, a mind-numbing 61% of SMBs found themselves fending off cyberattacks, with a solid 82% of ransomware incidents aimed squarely at companies with fewer than 1,000 employees.

Malware led the assault, taking center stage in a whopping 18% of incidents where social media was the attack vector. Its a cruel joke: While big corporations invest millions in top-tier security, cybercriminals have realized that smaller businesses are just as profitable, and frankly, way easier to exploit. You can almost hear the villains twirling their digital mustaches.

The financial aftermath of such attacks? Absolute carnage. Most SMBs lack the security tools to parry the monetary sucker punch that follows a successful breach.

A staggering 91% of small businesses have taken the shortsighted approach of not investing in cyber liability insurance, leaving themselves wide open to devastation. Even worse, only 14% of them consider their cybersecurity posture remotely effective. Thats like diving into shark-infested waters and betting your safety on the fact you wore your I taste terrible T-shirt.

And just to make things more interesting, cyber threats are evolving with all the grace and subtlety of a runaway freight train. Medusa ransomware, which began making headlines in 2021, employs phishing campaigns to steal credentials and threatens to release data publicly if victims refuse to pay up.

Its the digital version of a kidnapper promising to burn your house down unless you pay them in Bitcoin, all while laughing maniacally. Over 300 organizations across industries like healthcare, education, law, and manufacturing have already made Medusas acquaintance. Not exactly the kind of networking anyone was hoping for.

For SMBs, the challenge is compounded by one tiny detail: They cant afford the luxury of hiring full-time IT security professionals or having on-site security staff twiddling their thumbs waiting for the inevitable breach. But with non-tech savvy individuals manning hundreds of millions of devices across millions of networks, email phishing breaches and other attack vectors are not properly defended.

Thats where the much-praised Software-as-a-Service (SaaS) solutions step in with the kind of bravado usually reserved for superhero movies. Endpoint Protection Platforms (EPPs) are one of the best options for these cash-strapped organizations looking for something better than a prayer and duct tape to keep their networks safe.

EPPs deliver centralized security management, guarding systems with a precision that most SMBs can only dream of. These platforms handle antivirus protection, intrusion detection, and data encryption like pros -- ensuring every device connected to a companys network is accounted for and properly shielded. And the best part? They dont require hiring an army of IT gurus to function. They offer enterprise-grade security at a price that doesnt make accountants weep.

But hold on. While an EPP can do wonders, its not the end-all-be-all. Throwing one of these platforms at your cybersecurity problems and walking away would be like locking your front door while your back door flaps wide open. No, SMBs need to actively embrace best practices -- regular software updates, teaching employees not to click on links that smell even remotely phishy, establishing robust data backup systems, and employing multi-factor authentication (MFA). And hey, maybe even considering cyber liability insurance, since pretending youre immune to attacks is not a viable strategy.

If this sounds like a hassle, thats because it is. But then again, so is bankruptcy. Even government entities like the Texas State Bar were victimized by data breaches, so as threats continue to multiply and insurance companies grow increasingly reluctant to cover businesses that cant even pretend to take cybersecurity seriously, investing in real protection and tech support is less of a choice and more of a survival strategy.

In the twisted arena of digital security, the best you can hope for is to be prepared. Otherwise, youre just another hapless business waiting to make the evening news as the latest cautionary tale.

Julio Rivera is a business and political strategist, cybersecurity researcher, founder of ItFunk.Org, and a political commentator and columnist. His writing, which is focused on cybersecurity and politics, is regularly published by many of the largest news organizations in the world.

Image: Christoph Scholz
Sen. Chris Van Hollen, D-Md., recently flew to El Salvador "to show solidarity" with MS-13 gang member Kilmar Abrego Garcia -- who was deported after being in the U.S. illegally -- and his family.

Stephen Miller, White House deputy chief of staff for policy and Homeland Security advisor, said during a Monday press conference that once President Trump made MS-13 a foreign terrorist organization, Garcia "was no longer eligible, under federal law  for any form of immigration relief in the United States  and had to be returned because of the foreign terrorist designation."

Fortunately, Nayib Bukele, president of El Salvador, refused to see Van Hollen. (Attorney General Pam Bondi had previously stated that it was "up to El Salvador" if the country wanted to return him.)

House Democrats have been actively discussing plans to send an entire congressional delegation (CODEL) to El Salvador to investigate the conditions faced by criminal deportees at the now famous CECOT prison facility.

Sen. Cory Booker, (D-NJ), and Van Hollen have been among those involved in the planning, but reports indicate that numerous Democrats have expressed interest in making the trip.

Every time we think Democrats cant get any more insane, they prove us wrong. It is truly remarkable. And every time we think they cant possibly be any more blatantly disdainful of American citizens, they become clownishly, preposterously more so. The purported 21% to 29% that support them must deeply despise themselves as well as their country.



Memo to Van Hollen and Booker: Trying to force another nation to do what you want it to with one of their own citizens reeks of 'the ugly American.' Seems kind of colonialist and imperialist if you ask me, boys.

Though Democrats and their shills in the mainstream media incessantly claim Abrego Garcia is simply a wrongly deported Maryland man, and doting father, Abrego Garcia never qualified to get a green card. He is/was very likely a member of the violent MS-13 gang, whose stock in trade is rape, murder, and destruction.

Oh, and court documents show his wife had previously asked for at least two protective orders against him for alleged domestic violence.

Democrats and their media have wigged out over Garcia, a resident of El Salvador, being sent back to El Salvador, his home, for entering and residing in the United States illegally  and likely being a member of a historically dangerous and violent gang.

What the eff?!

They are effectively saying, By God, we have got to get criminal illegal alien gang members back into our country from their homeland or we will lose our democracy! I mean really,

WTF?!!

Whats next for Democrats, sending a submersible to the ocean to try to find bin Ladens body so they can bring it back to the U.S. to be feted?

Are they going to demand a statue of the Butcher of Baghdad be erected on Capitol Hill?

What did Van Hollen think he was going to do? Pound on Bukeles door and scream until he let him in  and let Abrego Garcia out?

And Abrego Garcia is by no means the first and only criminal gang member Democrats have befriended. How the hell can they think it is a bad thing to rid the country of violent criminals?

And what if Kilmar Abrego Garcia had protested outside or inside the Capitol on Jan. 6? Would Democrats then want to fry him? Probably. Remember, to Democrats Jan. 6 was worse than 9/11. And Pearl Harbor. And Antietam. Combined. Even though the only one killed that day was a petite, unarmed, female U.S. Air Force veteran and Trump supporter gunned down in cold blood by a Capitol police officer with a disciplinary record who was subsequently promoted.

And they say chivalry is dead! Well, Ashli Babbitt is  but anyway, I digress.

Van Hollen and Booker and the rest of the Democrats never fight that hard for American citizens. They dont care about Americans held against their will overseas. Not even in Russia. And they sure as hell dont care about Jan. 6ers, even those held in solitary confinement without charge! No, they only truly care about non-citizen criminals, the more hardened the better. That, as they say, is messed up.

Bigly.



Image: X video screen shot
A remarkable thing happened in Britain: Its Supreme Court looked at legislation from 15 years ago and concluded that when Parliament used the word sex, it was referring to the biological, male-female binary, and not to a delusional or perverted individuals feelings. Sadly, the same cannot be said of our Supreme Court, which, given the same opportunity a few years ago, concluded that Congress in 1964 had the transgender crowd in mind when it used the word sex.

For many years, a group called For Women Scotland (FWS) had been battling with the Scottish Government over what constitutes a woman. The catalyst for the battle was the Gender Representation on Public Boards (Scotland) Act 2018. That law required that, for Scottish public bodies, colleges, and universities, board membership must have women represented at exactly 50% because women make up 52% of the Scottish population. (But of course, the law assures us, everything must be done on a merit basis.)

Image (edited) by Terry Ott. CC BY 2.0.

The problem, though, was figuring out what was meant by the term women in the act, since the Act hadnt bothered to define the term. The Acts accompanying statutory guidance, however, purported to make that point clear. All I see is a paragraph of gibberish:

There is no definition of woman set out in the Act with effect from 19 April 2022 following decisions of the Court of 18 February and 22 March 2022. Therefore "woman" in the Act has the meaning under section 11 and section 212(1) of the Equality Act 2010. In addition, in terms of section 9(1) of the Gender Recognition Act 2004, where a full gender recognition certificate has been issued to a person that their acquired gender is female, the person's sex is that of a woman, and where a full gender recognition certificate has been issued to a person that their acquired gender is male, the person's sex becomes that of a man.

So clear...

Whats important to know is that the FWS said the Scottish law is inconsistent with the UK Equality Act 2010, which is the final word on the subject. The problem with the Scottish law is that the Equality Act actually acknowledges some exceptions to the men can be women and women can be men leftist fantasy. When a Scottish court heard about this, though, the judge was unimpressed, informing FWS that women were not limited to biological or birth sex.

If none of this makes sense, dont worry. What matters is that, to decide the Scottish dispute, the British Supreme Court had to look at the Equality Act 2010 and determine what that Act meant when it used the word woman.

The Act is an Orwellian nightmare intended to make everyone totally equal under the law by defining seemingly every type of identity possibleAge, Disability, Gender Reassignment, Marriage and civil partnership, Race, Religion or belief, Sex, and Sexual orientationand then mandating what must be done or cannot be done with regard to each of those definitional groups. Its an endless, obsessive law212 subsections and 28 schedulesthat only a bureaucrat could have written. As noted, it also provides special protection for women in some contexts.

Looking at this 2010 law, which carefully breaks out sex, homosexuality, and (the fallacy of) transgenderism, a unanimous UK Supreme Court ruled that the term woman means what it has meant since the dawn of mankind: a biological woman possessed of XX chromosomes and belonging to the class of people that, if all systems are working well, carries eggs that, when fertilized, turn into babies.

The ruling should be enjoyed while it can, because my prediction is that Britains hard left government will immediately amend the Act to erase the notion of womanhood entirely.

Meanwhile, though, its important to point out that our Supreme Court, ostensibly less woke than the British Supreme Court, hasnt displayed that same wisdom. In 2020, Justice Neil Gorsuch wrote the decision in Bostock v. Clayton County.

That misbegotten case examined the Civil Rights Act of 1964 in the context of employment and concluded that the word sex doesnt mean men and women. Instead, it must be understood to encompass sexual orientation and so-called gender identity, two non-existent concepts back in 1964. Since that decision was issued, weve added to the Court a justice who doesnt even know what a woman is.

If we are to have sanity in America, the United States Supreme Court must reverse the Bostock decision. Congress in 1964 did not intend for the word sex to mean anything other than the male-female, XY-XX binary. Until that disgraceful misreading of the Civil Rights Act is erased from our jurisprudence, we are actually in worse shape than the uber-woke United Kingdom.
What's the most unlikely thing in politics?

Try seeing conservatives come out on top in a spate of recent special elections in California.

First, we had this astonishing result in San Diego, which held a special election for District 1 of the County Board of Supervisors, after the November winner, Nora Vargas, mysteriously dropped out to spend more time with her family.

According to NBC 7:

Chula Vista Mayor John McCann and Imperial Beach Mayor Paloma Aguirre appear headed Wednesday for a July 1 runoff election for the District 1 Board of Supervisors seat. The final batch of results released by the San Diego County Registrar of Voters Tuesday night showed McCann leading the field of seven with 43.58% of the vote, with Aguirre second with 31.62%. San Diego City Councilwoman Vivian Moreno was the only other candidate with at least 10% of the vote, placing third with 13%. McCann (42.40%) and Aguirre (32.32%) held onto their leads on Friday evening, when an updated vote count was released. If a candidate receives a majority of the vote, he or she would win outright, avoiding a runoff election. McCann released a statement on Tuesday evening that read, "I am thankful for the hundreds of volunteers who have worked on my campaign and the thousands of voters that cast their vote for me. They know I will bring common sense back to San Diego County by supporting law enforcement to keep our streets safe, getting homeless off the streets, working to get real solutions on the Tijuana sewage issue and opposing the mileage tax."

The race is officially nonpartisan, but everyone knows that McCann is a Republican and Aguirre is a flaming leftist. McCann, in fact, has won elections before in Chula Vista, where registered Democrats outnumber Republicans by at least two to one.

Aguirre, meanwhile, represents Imperial Beach, the border town turned into a Mexican toilet based on untreated sewage brazenly dumped into that town's waters and beaches, making it utterly stink and completely hazardous to come in contact with. For at least three years, she's complained, but done nothing about it, even though she bills herself as a conservationist, and serves on the powerful California Coastal Commission, whose main focus is on denying permits to those who would try to improve their properties or construct new housing. There are many who think she, and her other rival, third place finisher Vivian Moreno, a union favorite, is a little too close to the ruling elites of Tijuana next door, which dispenses the sewage without consequence. Moreno has actually been accused of living in Tijuana -- literally a foreign country, yet seeking great power over the American citizens who are living here.

It makes sense that the miserable pair lost, but they are the ruling establishment -- part of the corrupt Democrat machine that pays no attention to taxes, spending, potholes, or anything else, and uses green consciousness as a figleaf for corrupt slush fund activity, rewarding cronies, while the city goes the way of blue cities, dysfunctional and expensive.

Something snapped. Enough of the voters switched parties to see a conservative come in as the first place finisher, with a runoff expected in a few weeks. There may be enough leftists from among the contenders below to coalesce around Aguirre, but just this result came as a surprise. Up until now, the "analysts" all claimed that the Democrats had it in the bag. It doesn't look like it. We should savor it while we can, that little thread of red that may make for a real red tide in time, maybe not this time, but maybe not so far away, either.

Meanwhile in other San Diego trend-is-your-friend news, this morning, Amy Reichert, a past Republican candidate who hasn't been elected, but who is suddenly in demand as a speaker, editorialist, and television host -- as the best dirt-disher about Democrat doings in town -- reported this:

BOOM: The people of California are DONE. Lemon Grove Mayor @alyssonsnow just got SERVED with recall papers by fed-up residents sick of Democrat scamsshady homeless nonprofits shoved into neighborhoods, and if you object, youre the bad guy?

Bye, bye, bye! pic.twitter.com/Ffh6ghNRyK  Amy Reichert (@amyforsandiego) April 16, 2025

The leftist mayor of Lemon Grove got himself a recall from disgusted residents -- again, fed up over blue-city corruption, which always happens in a political monopoly. That wasn't on my bingo card, either.

A few weeks ago up the coast, in Huntington Beach, the admittedly conservative surfer town, saw the appointment of openly conservative chef, restaurateur, and commentator, Andrew Gruel, to the city council.

A strong advocate for the Huntington Beach business community, Gruel is the CEO of American Gravy, owner of Calico Fish House, and previously owned Slapfish. Known for his innovative approach to the culinary arts and his active engagement in local community philanthropy, like offering his restaurant location as a donation center to assist the victims of the LA fires, Gruel brings a fresh perspective to his new role on the City Council.

They aren't even trying to hide that they are bringing in conservatives anymore in that town. That, too, happened.

Then today, the bombshell news from Oakland: Voters rejected Rep. Barbara Lee, the far left congresswoman with the unions, the wokesters, and every leftist Democrat machine operative in her back pocket, in favor of an unknown candidate, Loren Taylor, following the recall of their own mayor, Sheng Thao, for flaming corruption.

According to KTVU:

Taylor was ahead of the nine other candidates on the ballot with nearly 49 percent of the vote in the first round of ranked-choice voting as of about 8:15 p.m. Former U.S. Rep. Barbara Lee was in second place with about 45 percent of the vote. All of the other candidates had less than 2 percent of the vote each. The results are preliminary and the final vote tally will be announced after the Registrar of Voters Office completes several rounds of ranked-choice vote counting.

... and ...

Speaking from his downtown Oakland watch party, Taylor said his early lead was indicative of the need for change. He said voters were not standing for business as usual. While he called Lee, his opponent, a political icon, he also said she's someone who's been in the political establishment for 50-plus years. "We knew that Oaklanders were hungry for change, hungry for something new that would solve the problems and not just see those same problems reoccur time and time again," said Taylor. "It's great to have the lead but we have been here before." His tone was one of overall excitement. He reiterated that public safety was his overall priority. Taylor said he looks forward to sitting down with the current chief of police in Oakland to see what solutions they can come up with. Taylor said he wants to see Oakland gain traction on a different trajectory than the negative portrayal it has seen in recent years.

I doubt he's a Republican, but whatever his views, he's better than she is, because no one can get more left-wing than Lee outside the Revolutionary Communist Party, and maybe not even them. Taylor does seem to at least recognize that Oakland is a wokester disaster area whose major league ball team won't even play in that city and which bears the dubious distinction of being the only city ever to lose its In-N-Out Burger and airport hotels, owing to unchecked crime. He may even try to clean it up.

I didn't pay attention to the race much because analysts and media reports insisted that Lee had it in the bag.

Well, surprise -- she didn't.

The numbers, of course, may flip, given that the vote-counting apparat plans to take at least days to count the ballots.

But maybe they won't.

San Francisco just recently elected a reform-minded mayor, defeating the incumbent, who in turn, came out against crazed leftist district attorney Chesa Boudin as too extreme. There is a rightward trend, moving slowly, but surely.

Los Angeles, too, may follow the pattern. It's a city that's absolutely boiling with hate for its out-of-tune socialist mayor, Karen Bass, who failed to prevent the disastrous fires in Altadena and Pacific Palisades, and now has threatened burned-out fire victims with fines for not clearing their rubble as "public nuisances" even as bums litter the streets with no consequences, and she has since issued a whopping total of four, count 'em, four, rebuilding permits, from among the tens of thousands of residents whose homes burned to the ground.

I have long felt that the Los Angeles electoral machine was corrupt, but if the wave is big enough in that city, there could be a recall that works, too.

And it coincides with even the governor of the state, the wretched Gavin Newsom, suddenly waking up and smelling the political coffee. In recent weeks, he's putting on a conservative skinsuit for reasons no one has quite been able to fathom.

Suddenly, he, too, is against corruption and in favor of brush clearance.

The only thing that can be said about this is that the winds of change are all over that state now and Newsom knows it. Let's hope California surprises us again.

Image: X video screen shot




Americas red and blue states arent just colorstheyre the battleground for our future, and every election proves it. Were working to flip blue states red, hold our ground, and beat Democrats before they take more. We cant sit idle until six months before the 2026 midterms to beginstart today, no excuses. Foreign-born Americans can swing close elections if we target their values with precision. Some blue states are ready to switch, others are locked tight, but we never quit. Weve got a game planpublic relations, voter registration, ballot box tactics, vote counting, voter IDplus a Republican Congress to (at least in theory) cement wins before Democrats try to tear them down. Red states need guardingheres how we pull it off.

First, the lineup. Reddest statesWyoming, Florida, Oklahomagave Trump 40-point margins or better in 2024, per election data (UC Santa Barbara). Wyomings voter rolls are 70% GOP; Floridas 30 electoral votes went red by 13 points, a lock since 2016. Oklahoma hasnt flinched blue in decades. Bluest statesCalifornia, Vermont, Massachusettshanded Democrats 20-point wins or more. Californias a Democrat fortress, with Los Angeles and San Francisco running things. Vermonts all-in on progressive policies, and Massachusetts hasnt gone red since Reagan in 1984. These are the anchorsknowing them shows where we can move the needle and where were stuck.

Some blue states are ours for the taking. Wisconsins a tight race: Biden won by 0.6% in 2020, Trump by 1% in 2024a 20,000-vote margin either way. Nevadas winnable; it flipped blue by 2% in 2020, but 2024s Senate race went GOP, and Vegas workers hate taxes. Virginias on the edgeYoungkin took the governors mansion in 2021, and 2024s vote was a 3% Democrat squeaker. Wisconsins farmers are done with federal rules; Nevadas got small-business owners mad about costs. Virginias suburbs want schools focused on basics, not politics. These states arent blue forevertheres a crack, and we can pry it open with work.

Then youve got blue states that wont budgeCalifornia, New York, Massachusetts. Theyre lost causes for flipping red. Californias been Democrat since 1988, with a 29-point Biden win in 2020. New Yorks got New York City, millions of blue voters drowning out rural areas. Massachusetts is wired for liberalsBoston calls the shots, and they eat big government for lunch. Democrat machines, urban strongholds, and cultures married to progressive ideas keep them locked. But we dont walk away. These states still matterred senators, representatives, and local officials can break through. Californias Orange County sent GOP House members in 2024. New Yorks Long Island flipped congressional seats red. Massachusetts has picked Republican governors. Every racecity councils, sheriffs, school boardschips at their grip, so we fight for every vote, every office.

This is how we flip blue states red, starting nowhammer jobs, taxes, crime. Run TV ads in Wisconsins small towns, post X clips of Democrat failures, pack Nevada bars with GOP speakers. Virginias moderates want cheaper grocerieshit that note. Voter registration: sign up conservatives fast. Rural Wisconsins got 60% of the states voters; Nevadas got ranchers outside Vegas. Set up at fairs, gun shops, church suppers. Ballot box: get GOP voters to vote earlyGeorgias 2024 early turnout was 70% red after tightening rules. Secure drop boxes; they worked in North Carolina. Vote counting: demand poll watchers, push audits like Texas. Voter ID: its a no-brainer70% of Americans back it, and Georgias law cut fraud claims. Make it universal.

We know voter frauds real2024 audits in swing states like Georgia flagged thousands of mismatched signatures, and X posts exposed mail-in ballot dumps in Nevada drop boxes. But were not just whining about it; were built to win anyway. Our strategiesPR, registration, early voting, audits, voter IDoutmaneuver the cheats, turning blue states red by sheer numbers and smarter plays, no excuses.

Red states arent untouchable. Georgia, Arizona, North Carolina, and now Pennsylvania are at risk. Georgia went blue in 2020 by 0.2%; Arizona followed. North Carolinas citiesRaleigh, Charlotteare growing bluer. Pennsylvania flipped red in 2024 by 2%, but Phillys machine and suburban drift keep it shaky. Urban sprawl and new voters threaten them all. Georgias got 3 million rural votersget them to the polls. Arizonas retirees hate tax hikesreach them. North Carolinas military bases lean rightsign them up. Pennsylvanias steel towns turned out for Trump; keep them fired up. If we slack, these states slide, and were not losing what weve won.

Now, lets talk about a hidden weaponrural foreign-born voters nobodys chasing. Vietnamese in Texas, 200,000 strong, went red in 2024, hating communist echoes in Democrat policies. Wisconsins got 20,000 Hmongpro-gun, pro-family, ignored by blue campaigns. Georgias Korean communities, 60,000 voters, lean GOP when you talk taxes. These arent urban crowds; theyre guys running farms, shops, and packing pews in small towns. Democrats assume theyre all blue, but theyre notreach them with ads on AM radio, fliers at markets, talks at VFW halls. In 2024, a large portion of Wisconsins foreign-born rural vote broke red, estimated to be 50,000 votes. Flip 20 counties like that in Virginia, and its ours. Get organizers to their doorsnow, not next year.

Foreign-born Americans can swing close elections, and theyre not all Democrats. Cuban-Americans and Venezuelans lean red, burned by socialism back home. 2020 exit polls showed 52% of Florida Hispanics for Trump; Venezuelans hit red in 2024. Mexicans, Haitians overwhelmingly voted for Biden in 2020. Talk jobs, small business, less government to red-leaning groups. Wisconsins Hmong are pro-family, pro-gun; Nevadas Filipinos like low taxes. Virginias 13% foreign-born include 20,000 Colombians who hate leftist policies. Dont ignore themtalk their language, and theyll vote red.

Six months out is too lateads take months to hit, voters need to sign up today. Registration drives take months; voter ID laws hit court wallsstart those fights today. Wisconsins 2024 race was won by groundwork laid in 2022. Democrats are already moving; wed be fools to lag behind.

Grassroots is the engineScott Preslers Pennsylvania work is proof. He hit gun shows, fairs, churches, shrinking the Democrat advantage by 300,000 voters since 2020. Bucks County flipped red in 2024 because of it. We need more like him in blue states teetering redWisconsin, Nevada, Virginiapounding pavement, signing voters, turning close races our way. Scale that upVirginias got hundreds of gun shows a year; man them. Nevadas rodeos draw crowds; register them. Georgias churches pack Sundaysget clipboards ready. Hit low-turnout spotsrural Arizona, North Carolinas farms. Its not flashy; its workknocking doors, signing names, building lists.

A Republican Congress has to move fast. Pass the SAVE Actvoter ID for every federal electionbut its jammed in the Senates 60-vote filibuster. Pressure swing-state Democrats like Tester or Brown; their voters hate fraud. Push a filibuster carve-out for election bills51 votes gets it done. Try slipping it into budget reconciliation or go nuclear and kill the filibuster, though thats risky. Flood social media sites and rallies with grassroots heat to make senators budge. Fund 10,000 poll watchers; Georgias 2024 audits caught issues. Protect state lawsNorth Carolinas voting rules are tight; dont let blue lawsuits kill them. If Democrats take Congress in 2026, theyll ditch voter ID, push same-day registration, and gut audits. Lock it down nowpass laws needing 60 votes to change election rules, keep states in charge. Its not just holding the line; its making sure we keep winning.

The paths clear: flip Wisconsin, Nevada, Virginiatheyre in reach. California, New York, Massachusetts wont flip, but grab their red senators, reps, mayorsevery seats a fight. Hold Georgia, Arizona, North Carolina, Pennsylvaniadont let them go. Run PR, registration, ballots, counting, ID, Congress full throttlestart today. Foreign-born voters like Cubans can tip racesreach them. Were not hoping for red gains; were making them before the 2026 midterms hit.

M. Ray Evans, a U.S. Navy veteran who served his time, lives in Jacksonville, Florida, with his wife, Grace. Recently retired after decades as a senior executive in international real estate development, working across more than ten countries, mostly in East Asia, where he built a solid track record over the years. A conservative and patriot by conviction.

Image: Free image, Pixabay license.
On April 16, secretary of State Marco Rubio announced the closure of the State Departments Counter Foreign Information Manipulation and Interference Office (R-FIMI), formerly known as the Global Engagement Center (GEC). The closure marks a significant step in the dismantling of state-run censorship and aligns with President Trumps 2024 campaign promise to combat government overreach in regulating speech.

Established in 2011 as the Center for Strategic Counterterrorism Communications (CSCC) under Executive Order 13584, the agency's initial mission was to counter terrorist propaganda. In 2016, it was rebranded as the Global Engagement Center (GEC) via Executive Order 13721, broadening its focus to include foreign propaganda and disinformation from state and non-state actors.

Cyber-expert and former State Department official Mike Benz, who worked for the State Department, interviewed Rubio to gain deeper insight into what the GECs closure means for free speech and foreign relations. Benz has been a key figure in exposing what he calls the whole-of-society censorship framework. Benz describes the framework as an architecture comprising VPNs, end-to-end encrypted chats, and other internet communication tools.

Benz argues that this framework, originally intended to promote the free exchange of information, quickly evolved into a system for suppressing dissent and censoring information not sanctioned by the state or its partners. The closure ends approximately $65 million in funding and the elimination of 50 full-time staff positions, according to Benz.

In the Benz-Rubio interview, Rubio explained that the GEC had grown into this movement of actually going after individual American voices. ... NGOs and third-party groups who were supposed to be impartial ... were taking government funding and ... literally tagging and labeling voices in American politics. In some cases, he added, these voices were being labeled as foreign agents. Through the State Department, we were paying groups to attack and silence the voices of Americans, he said.

The Trump administration, he emphasized, believes that the way to counter disinformation is not by suppressing competing narratives, but by promoting truth. Americans have learned the hard way that speech can be turned into a political weapon  a label you can use to go after people you dont like, Rubio said. Calling someones opinion disinformation is a tactic that will ultimately backfire.

Under President Trump, Rubio said Trumps State Department will be pro-American messaging and will incentivize and protect free speech by advocating for the truth.

As an example, Rubio pointed to the Trump administrations legal battle over the deportation of an alleged MS-13 member to El Salvador. He criticized the medias portrayal of the individual as a Maryland man. No  he was a Salvadoran citizen deported to El Salvador. That is disinformation, Rubio said. I saw a U.S. senator claim this man was a kidnapped American citizen, and it was published without any fact-check. Hes not an American citizen!

Rubio emphasized that free speech is essential to counter such misrepresentations: The important thing is that we have free speech so we can counter that. We can say, This is not true. Thats how you handle it.

Independent media, he noted, have struggled to push back against disinformation due to systemic suppression and censorship. To spotlight the issue, Rubio chose The Federalist to publish his April 16 op-ed announcing the GECs closure. In it, he criticizes a taxpayer-funded NGO, the Global Disinformation Index, which had listed The Federalist among the ten riskiest online news outlets.

According to Rubio, this designation was a direct bid to drive off their ad revenue and put them out of business. His column details the GECs history and its central role in what he describes as a Censorship-Industrial Complex that created disinformation campaigns related to a variety of issues, from Russiagate to the pandemic and election-related narratives.

Rubio wrote that this administration is recommit[ting] the country to its core constitutional free speech principles at home and abroad.

Rubio shared with Benz that the Trump State Department will make free speech one of the pillars of our shared interest when dealing with foreign countries. It has become a [key] part of our diplomatic situation that we raise when we interact with foreign interlocutors.

The shift in American policy is especially important given the upcoming changes being implemented by the European Union concerning speech with the interconnected frameworks of the E.U. Disinformation Code of Practice and the E.U. Digital Services Act.

To further clarify the administrations stance, Rubio used his op-ed to outline what free speech looks like under Trump:

Our republic is based on putting trust in the ordinary citizenry. Our Founding Fathers took the bold step of believing that ordinary citizens can sift through information, decide which policies and candidates are best, and vote accordingly. Our disinformation experts reject this thesis and, in the process, reject our democratic republic itself. ... If citizens need the government to step in and tell them what is disinformation and what isnt, then power doesnt rest with the people at all  it rests instead with the people who write the propaganda telling the public what to believe. The Trump administration rejects this anti-American attitude. The American people dont need an obscure agency to protect them from lies by pressuring X to ban users or trying to put The Federalist out of business. This administration will fight false narratives with true narratives, not with heavy-handed threats decreeing that only one truth be visible online.

Image: Marco Rubio. Credit: Gage Skidmore via Flickr, CC BY-SA 2.0 (cropped).
We understand that Senator Van Hollen may go down to El Salvador and inquire about the man from Maryland recently transferred down there. This is the story:

Democratic lawmakers led by Sen. Chris Van Hollen say they are willing to go to El Salvador to seek the release of a man who the Justice Department says it mistakenly deported there  a plan that has gained steam after the countrys president said during a visit to the White House that he would not send the man back to the U.S. Van Hollen, D-Md., sent a letter Monday to El Salvadors ambassador in the U.S. requesting a meeting with the countrys president, Nayib Bukele, who said in meeting with President Donald Trump later in the day that he of course would not send Kilmar Abrego Garcia, a Maryland resident, back to the U.S.

My guess is that President Bukele will see the senator out of respect, but bringing back Kilmar Abrego Garcia is a different matter. To paraphrase President Bukele: Do you want to smuggle him back? Maybe he can fly back with Senator Van Hollen, but how does he get through immigration? How does he walk out of the jail?

Senator Van Hollen is passing up a great opportunity to do something constructive for his home state. He should bring a note pad and take some notes about making Baltimore a safer place to live. According to a local poll:

Crime and public safety were major issues for 83% of Baltimore City residents compared to 68% of Baltimore County residents.

As local residents will tell you, crime is a leading story on the nightly news. Local businesses complain of unsafe streets. Its hard to recruit police. And the only thing growing is people leaving the city and moving to the suburbs.

Senator Van Hollen should also ask President Bukele about keeping our capital, Washington D.C., safe and clean, too.

P.S. Check out my blog for posts, podcasts, and videos.

Image: Public domain.
Sen. Chris van Hollen, a Maryland Democrat, fancied himself a hero.

So, to Get Trump after his repatriation of a "Maryland man" to his native El Salvador, van Hollen made grand plans to fly down to the Central American nation and like a conquering hero, bring Kilmar Abrego-Garcia back from a Salvadoran prison where Trump deported him last month, to the U.S. like a trophy. He would preen for the cameras. He talked the president of El Salvador into releasing him from the high-security CECOT prison owing to the Trump administration errantly missing the stay of deportation order some judge had granted him in 2019, owing to his upstanding membership in MS-13 which endangered him with the Barrio 18 gang in El Salvador, following his final deportation order. Never mind that the judicial rationale for the stay was obsolete because the gang has since been broken up in El Salvador, though ironically, he may still have things to fear from rival gangs here where blue cities continue to allow gang activity to flourish.

But this was about 'narrative' and van Hollen had a live one. He was all in with the media narrative about Abrego-Garcia being another George Floyd, cut down by the Trump administration, a loving father, a family man, a sheet metal worker, and a union member, just doing what millions of Americans are doing, living their best lives, only to be persecuted by the heartless and dictatorial Trump administration.

Van Hollen got nowhere with the Salvadoran president, who has a country to run, and has already stated that he won't let a terrorist roam free inside his well-run country to endanger his citizens. He's a very popular president there for that.

Then the real embarassment happened.

As van Hollen preened for the cameras in San Salvador, way up in Washington, the Trump White House began releasing its records about the MS-13 gang member who as it turns out was not exactly a model "Maryland man."

BREAKING: New documents released by the DOJ say police VALIDATED that Kilmar Garcia was an ACTIVE MEMBER of the MS-13 gang and admitted to being in our country illegally https://t.co/6hkxsPG4AZ pic.twitter.com/WSVcGbeNzD  Libs of TikTok (@libsoftiktok) April 16, 2025

DOJ releases additional information about Maryland man and illegal alien Kilmar Abrego Garcia.



In 2019 the Prince Georges County Police Gang Unit determined Garcia was an MS-13 gang member w/ contacts to other members. He admitted he was in the U.S. illegally after arrest pic.twitter.com/7aIFn7Pqrm  Katie Pavlich (@KatiePavlich) April 16, 2025

The Trump DOJ has released evidence demonstrating that Kilmar Abrego Garcia is a member of MS-13.



Of course, thats still besides the point. Abrego Garcia came here illegally. He broke the law every additional day he stayed here. He has no right to live in America.



And guess pic.twitter.com/2BtlORKD4w  Charlie Kirk (@charliekirk11) April 16, 2025

Here's another detail from Tennessee, the human trafficking part:

Kilmar Abrego Garcias Human Trafficking Suspicions Surface Amid Deportation FightWhy Are Democrats Defending Him? 



New Revelations

On April 16, 2025, The Tennessee Star reported that Kilmar Abrego Garcia, a 29-year-old Salvadoran deported to El Salvador in March, was pic.twitter.com/oH8KaLolYG  PitunisWorld  (@ScMesab) April 17, 2025

There's also this:

Let's tell another story about Kilmar Abrego Garcia. This one has to do with his lawyer, Simon Sandoval-Moshenberg, and how a 4th Circuit judge (and the entire media) effectively got duped into underplaying the evidence that Abrego-Garcia was in MS-13. pic.twitter.com/dDk7kGaAuD  Will Chamberlain (@willchamberlain) April 17, 2025

And he has some wife-beating issues -- more than one:

NEW: Kilmar Abrego Garcia, an illegal immigrant and alleged MS-13 gang member, had a domestic violence restraining order filed against him by his wife in 2021. She claimed he punched, scratched, tore her shirt, and left her bruised, per court records.



Democrats are attempting to pic.twitter.com/gMbervDrCp  RedWave Press (@RedWave_Press) April 16, 2025

Update: Really scary ones:

NEW: @FoxNews has obtained the written domestic violence allegations from Kilmar Abrego Garcias wife in 2021, in which she alleges he is a repeat wife beater & writes At this point, I am afraid to be close to him. I have multiple photos/videos of how violent he can be and all pic.twitter.com/s7yCji9jjq  Bill Melugin (@BillMelugin_) April 16, 2025

As for the now-sainted wife playing the role of Penelope to her Odysseus, well:

Jennifer Vasquez Sura, the wife of deported El Salvadoran Kilmar Abrego Garcia, claims to the media and fundraising campaign that Mr Garcia is an "amazing husband and father" to their three children.



But they do not have three children together. Mr Garcia is the father of the pic.twitter.com/zhfn4WHDqc  Andy Ngo (@MrAndyNgo) April 17, 2025

... the money is rolling in.

Now Van Hollen looks like a fool, seeking to bring a foreign gang member who never should have been in the country, back to the country, to resume his lifestyle, not just in his apparent life of crime, but in taking a "good-paying union job" from a legitimate American or green-card holder, and an immigration slot from a legal emigrant patiently waiting in line abroad.

That's his grand cause for heroism? That's the hill he wants to die on? Something tells me this is not going to be the big ticket to celebrity for him that he thought it was going to be.

Trump trolled him at what he thought was his moment of glory, and now he's now a laughingstock.

Image: Screen shot from police booking photo, via Andy Ngo, shared on X
Is President Trump crazy like a fox in his dealings with Turkeys president, Tayyip Erdogan, or is he being taken in by a well-dressed thug?

In March, an anti-Christian and tribal genocide began in Syria. The actor was the new government headed by Ahmed al-Sharaa, whod been known as Abu Muhammad al-Julani (or al-Jolani or al-Golani) when he headed the Al-Nusra Front, an al-Qaeda affiliate around 2017. The new terrorist group he now heads is known as Hayat (or Hayat) Tahrir al-Sham, commonly referred to as HTS. He and his men dress nicely now, but thats a costume. They are still violent jihadists.

Assads replacement in Syria, Ahmed al Sharaa, regardless of his suit, is still a terrorist, dedicated to annihilating people by the tens of thousands. The Alawites are a splinter sect of Islam, whom al Sharaa is intent upon eradicating entirely. At last report, his militia had murdered upwards of 50,000 of them. The videos emerging from the slaughter are stomach-churning and include allegations of cannibalism. Meanwhile, Turkey is asking for HTS to stop being identified as a terrorist organization.

Image by Kremlin.ru via Wikimedia Commons. CC BY 4.0.

Because this is Muslim-on-Muslim murder, the world does not care, except for Israel. Israel is the lone nation to act militarily against HTS, and has reportedly destroyed the former regimes chemical weapons.

Israel, of course, understands that this is the fate that awaits it if it allows the Muslims in the region to achieve military success. Currently, these Muslims have backing not only from Iran but also from Turkey. Erdogan has claimed, Jerusalem is our city. He has also called for the Jewish states destruction. His presence in Syria should be considered a serious threat to Middle Eastern stability and Israels survival. Without Turkish arms, training, and funding, HTS would not come to power. At this point, it represents a greater threat than the diminished Assad regime.

One of the things that Westerners as a whole have failed to grasp is that people like al-Sharaa change their names and their clothes to appear as moderates who are transitioning away from jihadism. Suddenly, they present as people who can be negotiated with as equals, like other heads of state. American diplomats are repeatedly taken in by this charade, at the cost of uncounted numbers of lives. The same is true for jihadists like Erdogan, who have always dressed in Western clothes and presented themselves as reasonable actors.

Most recently, Trumps envoy to Hamas, Steve Witkoff, showed the American propensity to be taken in by costume changes. Khaled abu Toameh is a secular Middle Eastern Arab scholar living in Jerusalem. In a piece entitled There is No Difference Between Hamas Politicians and Terrorists, he lays out the case for Witkoffs dangerous self-delusion:

They [Hamas] need to demilitarize and then they might be involved in Gaza.  U.S. Special Envoy to the Middle East, Steve Witkoff in an interview with Tucker Carlson on March 21, 2025.

I thought we had an acceptable deal. I even thought we had an approval from Hamas. Maybe thats just me getting duped.  Steve Witkoff about a ceasefire extension he had just finished negotiating, Fox News, March 23.

Duped [Toameh] is putting it mildly. Witkoff who undoubtedly has the best intentions is sadly proving the perfect mark.

Given that Erdogan is an anti-Israel, terrorist-supporting thug in a suit, what is President Trumps position on Turkey and Erdogan? In 2019, he called Erdogan a friend and someone with whom he shares mutual respect. He did so even in 2019 when Erdogans troops were committing atrocities against the Christian Syrian population. In 2025, before taking office, he was still praising Erdogan.

Trump certainly knows what is going on in Syria, as well as Erdogans role in backing HTS. He also knows about Erdogans goals for Israel. Yet, even as Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu sat next to Trump during the formers most recent visit to the White House, Trump reaffirmed his support for Erdogan, assuring Netanyahu that he could work out any differences with Erdogan.

Trump assured Netanyahu that being reasonable with Erdogan was the solution. How do you work out Erdogans call for the destruction of the Jewish people? Is that reasonable?

As long as someone does not attack Trump personally, he has a policy of speaking nicely about them, his version of speak softly and carry a big stick. However, Steve Witkoffs manifest naivete about Hamas leads me to worry that, as brilliant as the President has been with his outside the box thinking on tariffs and trade, he is just the opposite in his Middle East dealings. As Erdogans support for HTS makes clear, he is just another terrorist in a suit and tie, but the President refuses to acknowledge that fact.
Summary: Google has confirmed the release date for Android 16 Beta 4, mentioning that it would be dropping this week, specifically on April 17. This is going to be the final beta release before Google pushes the stable build of the next Android version, which should arrive in early June.

Android 16 is fast approaching, and that means the last beta for the upcoming version of the operating system is just around the corner, with Google confirming the release of Android 16 Beta 4 for tomorrow, April 17. This timing tracks, given that Google launched the third beta back on March 13. Now, since this is the last beta for Android 16, there are a few things to note.

First is that Google reached platform stability with the Android 16 beta with the previous release. That means there are likely not going to be any huge, sweeping changes with tomorrows beta. That doesnt mean there wont be any notable changes, however, just that most of the larger user-focused stuff is already available in the current beta build. Google may also be saving it for the stable release later this year. Still, theres always room for Google to surprise us.

With that said, users who want to participate in the beta may want to keep an eye out. As there might be something in there worth taking a closer look at. Its also worth noting that there isnt much of an idea what the fourth beta is going to include.

The Android 16 Beta 4 release will likely focus on fixing bugs

As mentioned earlier, tomorrows beta release probably wont include any major new features, even if there is room for a potential surprise or two. What beta participants can probably expect is a handful of bug fixes. With platform stability already having been reached, Android 16 should work as a daily driver. However, there are still some bugs and other issues that need to be addressed.

For example, some users still seem to be having problems with the Settings menu crashing when trying to disable Simple View in accessibility settings. Another user points out a bug that revolves around SIM cards. Specifically, an issue that seems to cause SIM cards to disconnect. Hopefully, the Android 16 Beta 4 release will smooth these things over.

Full steam ahead to the stable launch

Now that the fourth beta is almost upon us, all thats really left after that will be the stable release. This is expected to be rolled out starting in June, specifically on June 3. It goes without saying that Pixel devices will be the first to receive this update. However, some phones, like Samsungs Galaxy S25 series, may get the update soon after.

When non-Pixel devices get it will really depend on the manufacturer, though. Only Pixel devices are eligible for the beta as well. So, if youre using a non-Pixel phone, waiting until your manufacturer pushes the stable release is unfortunately the first time youll get to try it.
Summary: Discord is now testing a new age verification system that will require people to submit their ID to verify their age. This is a test taking place in Australia and the UK.

Right now, governmental entities are working around the clock to block children from being able to access certain content on the internet. While this is noble, it could make things harder for privacy-focused adults. Some sites require people to upload their IDs and a picture of their face just to use their services.

Well, another popular platform could go down that path. Discord, a platform that can play host to all types of content, could face some backlash for its recent test.

Discord could require age verification in the future

Several Discord users discovered something pretty shocking when they tried to access certain content. They found that the app required them to verify their age.

The app will do this through one of two methods. Firstly, Discord will ask for camera access to scan the users face. Otherwise, the user could upload a picture of their ID. Users will get the prompt to verify their age if they try to access sexually explicit material or change filters that unblur sexually explicit content.

Discord said that it is testing this feature out in the UK and Australia at the moment, so only a small number of people are seeing this. The company is doing this to comply with new laws in both regions to keep children from seeing inappropriate content. Both regions are cracking down on childrens access to pornographic material and social media.

At this point, we dont know if Discord plans to roll this out to other regions. Since theres a similar crackdown going on in the U.S., were sure that the company could expand stateside.

How Discord is handling the face scans

This whole thing raises so many red flags that you could sew them into a blanket. Discord does say that the facial scans are not stored by the company or any third-party vendors. All of the scans are done and processed on the phone, and theyre never sent to the cloud.

That sounds somewhat reassuring, but its tough to take that at face value after weve been lied to by countless companies in the past. Theres no telling if some sort of information is being surreptitiously stored on a server. Not to doubt Discords credibility, but theres no way for the average Joe to know for sure.

What makes this worse is the fact that we live in an age when data leaks and hacks happen pretty much on a daily basis. Major companies are spilling gigabytes of sensitive data at an alarming rate, and its all being sold on the dark web.

Discord says that ID information is deleted immediately, but theres no verifying that. All we can do is go on blind faith. Well just have to see how the public reacts to this. Either way, we know that Discord is going to face some backlash.
Summary: Samsung has restarted the One UI 7 update for the Galaxy S24 series of phones, following its pause of the update rollout earlier this week due to a critical bug that it discovered in the original software build.

The update for the Samsung Galaxy S24 series that will bring it forward to One UI 7 appears to be starting back up after Samsung pulled the update back on April 14. Initially, Samsung began rolling out the update for last years Galaxy S24 series on April 7. Within a week, however, it had to stop the rollout due to a critical bug that was causing some pretty bad issues for users.

Samsung obviously needed to address this bug and fix it as soon as possible. Finally opening up about the reason for stopping the update, which turned out to be this bug. Now, fast forward another week, and Samsung is on track to bring the software to more Galaxy S24 users.

That being said, the update rollout wont be immediate, and not all users are going to have access right away. That may not matter to most users, but its an important distinction to make in case users were expecting the update to show up on their device sooner rather than later.

The Galaxy S24 One UI 7 update is live for South Korea

As of right now, it appears that the One UI 7 update is only going live for the Galaxy S24 users in South Korea. This is Samsungs home market, so it makes sense that the company would start there. Having said that, it shouldnt be too long before the update rolls out to other regions, such as the US, Europe, and other parts of Asia.

As pointed out by SamMobile, this new build for the One UI 7 software comes with an entirely new build number, as expected, given there were changes. The build number, in particular, is listed as S928NKSU4BYD9.

You can manually check for the update

As with any major software update on an Android device, its possible to check for the updates availability manually. Although this rollout is for South Korea, Tarun Vats on X does note that it will be rolling out to other regions soon. There isnt any confirmation on when that might be exactly, but it could easily be sometime this week. So, with that said, you can manually check the update availability status from the settings menu.

Since this is One UI 7, that means the Galaxy S24 users who install it will be moving forward to Android 15. That should bring in some big changes, new features, and a few design differences too.
Summary: Google is offering college students a free subscription to Gemini Advance along with 2TB of storage. This will give them access to some very powerful AI tools to help them with their studies.

AI can be many things, and one of those things is a digital tutor. With finals coming up for college students, theres a ton of stress and anxiety among students at the moment. This is why any sort of help will be appreciated. While some people use it to cheat on their assignments, there are students who use this technology to augment their studies.

This is something that Google hopes that more students will do, as it just released a new promotion. This will give students access to the best of Google AI.

Google is offering college students Gemini Advance for free

Companies typically have special deals and perks for college students, and Google is no different. The search giant just announced that it wants to help students out by granting them access to some pretty powerful AI for free.

For a limited time, Google is offering Gemini Advance to college students for free. In case you dont know, this is the paid subscription service that Google offers. It costs $19.99/month, and it gives users access to advanced features and more powerful models. Not only that, but students will have a massive 2TB of cloud storage.

If they utilize this deal, users will be able to use the new Gemini 2.5 Pro model along with Googles VEO 2 video generation model. Since this is targeted at students, it should come as no surprise that Google is tossing in NotebookLM Plus. This gives students more Audio Overviews, additional space for notebooks, and more.

Also, Deep Research will help students research for their assignments. This is a new tool that Google just introduced. Lastly, students will be able to use Whisk. This is an experimental platform that lets students generate images and videos.

Google will make this free for students this year and next year, and its for students in the U.S. So, if youre a student, you should sign up for it before June 30th. Youll get free access all the way through finals 2026.
Summary: A new lawsuit being filed against Google in the UK claims the company is hurting UK businesses. Google is allegedly using its near total search dominance to make itself the only viable option for search advertising, while driving up prices.

Google is being sued by a number of businesses in the UK, and it may end up owing these businesses a total of 5 billion when the lawsuit is all said and done. According to the new lawsuit, filed Wednesday, April 16, Google is being accused of abusing its dominance in Search to restrict competing search engines.

If this feels kind of like the same song and dance, or if it sounds like youve heard this one before, thats because its not far off from some of Googles other lawsuits. While its not entirely the same as other lawsuits that have been brought against the search giant, its not too unlike them, either. Google has been sued by several other parties in the past few years over a central issue. Allegedly abusing its dominance in search to stay ahead of or otherwise stamp out competition.

This particular lawsuit is being filed with the UK Competition Appeal Tribunal, according to the initial report.

The latest lawsuit against Google claims the company is hurting thousands of UK businesses

According to the lawsuit, Google is giving no choice to thousands of UK businesses when it comes to advertising. Today, UK businesses and organisations, big or small, have almost no choice but to use Google ads to advertise their products and services, the lawsuit reads. This statement was made by Or Brook, who is a legal professional speaking on behalf of the businesses that are allegedly being affected.

The case is also being represented by the law firm Geradin Partners. The lawsuit alleges that Google is positioning itself to be the only viable option for search advertising, while also driving up prices. By being the only viable option, Google would be in a position to charge whatever it wants. And UK businesses would have no recourse. Forced to pay what Google is asking if they want to stay visible to consumers.

Google remains a big target

As mentioned earlier, this is hardly Googles first rodeo when it comes to legal trouble. The company has faced several lawsuits over the past few years. Some of them are still ongoing. Google has been able to move past others. Just last month, Google finally settled a years-old class action lawsuit that cost it $100 million.

This also isnt Googles first UK-based lawsuit, nor its first lawsuit based around search dominance within the country. Last year, a lawsuit was filed with the UK Competition Appeal Tribunal to the tune of 7 billion. This is a case that has yet to be resolved. Its also still trying to appeal its Play Store case.

Of course, Google takes these cases in stride each time they come along. With this latest lawsuit, Google calls it another speculative and opportunistic case. Google says it wont be arguing against the case vigorously. Its also unlikely to lie down and fork over the money with no pushback.
Summary: The U.S. Department of Justice has ruled that Google unlawfully maintained a monopoly over key segments of the ad tech industry, including publisher tools and ad exchanges. The three-week trial concluded that Google used anticompetitive practices to dominate the market, while the company insists its ad tools benefit the open web. Google plans to appeal  but with another DOJ trial looming, its broader empire may be in deeper trouble.

The United States Department of Justice went to trial with Google, claiming that the search giant had been operating a monopoly in the advertising technology industry. The ruling says, Plaintiffs have proven that Google has willfully engaged in a series of anticompetitive acts to acquire and maintain monopoly power in the publisher ad server and ad exchange markets for open-web display advertising.

This trial lasted about three weeks, during which time, the DOJ argued that Google illegally monopolized three separate markets in the ad tech space. This included publisher ad tools, advertiser ad networks and the ad exchanges that facilitate transactions. While also arguing that Google illegally tiedthe publisher ad server and ad exchange together, which as in violation of antitrust law.

The Justice Department also claimed that Google collects monopoly profits at the expense of publishers and advertisers, which results in a worse experience, with no real alternatives.

Google argued that the governments view of the market was not based in reality. Claiming that their tools help publishers and advertisers make money, and the fact that it has tools in different parts of the market, just helps them work well together. Google also claimed it had legitimate business reasons for this behavior, and the government wants to dictae how it can do business.

Whats next for Google?

Google will undoubtedly appeal this decision, which could take a while. So we wouldnt expect anything to change anytime soon. However, this is not the only case Google has against it.

The search giant is also getting ready to meet the DOJ in another federal court, for the remedies phase of its search trial. Where the Biden DOJ proposed breaking up Google, and forcing it to spin out its Chrome browser, as well as forcing it to syndicate search results. Which arguably will have a bigger impact on Google than the adtech case.
Summary: HONOR has partnered with Google to announce a set of AI-powered image editing features for its mobile devices. They are designed to enhance and facilitate users photography and image editing experience. The features also boast generative AI capabilities thanks to Googles Imagen Model.

HONOR plans to launch new mobile devices in the coming weeks. Before then, the company teased some of the main AI-powered features they could integrate. HONOR isnt the first name that comes to mind when talking about artificial intelligence in mobile devices. However, the Chinese firm, formerly part of Huawei, wants to change that. HONOR has announced a set of useful AI-powered image editing features for its future devices.

Recently, Google held its Cloud Next 25 event in Las Vegas. Third-party companies, such as HONOR itself, also attended to reveal some of their advancements. As expected, this years edition focused heavily on AI developments, both for businesses and developers. However, HONOR took the opportunity to reveal a set of tools that will be available to end users: the AiMAGE suite.

AiMAGE, HONORs suite of AI image editing features with Google support

The company began the presentation of its AiMAGE suite with AI Outpainting, a feature that will help you automatically reframe a photo to obtain the best possible result. It will zoom and rotate until the ideal framing is found. The resulting blank areas will be automatically filled thanks to Googles Imagen Model.

This could be a big thing for mobile photography. One of the great advantages of smartphones is that they allow you to obtain high-quality images with little effort thanks to powerful algorithms. Now, users wont even have to worry about framing the image correctly. Of course, a professional photographer would prefer to continue manually framing their images. However, they are not the main target of AI Outpainting.

Theres also AI Eraser, a feature weve already seen in products from other brands. As its name suggests, it will allow you to remove unwanted elements from an image in just a few taps. Googles Imagen model will assist by automatically filling in the blanks with a contextually appropriate result.

Lastly, theres AI Upscale, a feature specifically designed to restore old portraits. It allows you to breathe new life into your precious old family photos.

Its noteworthy that these features are already available on a few products. One such device is the recently launched Honor 400 Lite. According to HONOR, these features are just the companys first steps in artificial intelligence for phones. The firm is also experimenting with Veo, Googles AI video generation model.
Summary: A recent report reveals that Meta blocks Apple Intelligence features, such as Writing Tools, from its apps. This could be because Meta wants you to use its own Meta AI instead.

In its current state, Apple Intelligence is absolutely underwhelming. So if you dont use it, we dont blame you. However, if you do, you might want to take note of this. It turns out that Meta is blocking Apple Intelligence from accessing its apps. This includes Facebook, WhatsApp, and Threads.

No Apple Intelligence for Meta apps

For those unfamiliar with Apple Intelligence integration into iOS, users have access to features like Writing Tools. This technically works across all apps to assist users when typing. The tools allow you to create, change, and proofread text using Apple Intelligence. It is designed to save you having to copy and paste the text into a separate AI app, like ChatGPT, for example.

However, the Brazilian blog Sorcererhat Tech shared a screenshot showing that the Writing Tools feature is no longer available in Metas apps. If it were just a single app, it could easily be attributed to a bug. But given that its across all of Metas apps, it looks like its intentional. Meta didnt provide a reason why it removed access to Apple Intelligence, but 9to5Mac speculates that the answer is very simple: Zuckerbergs company wants you to use Meta AI instead.

This isnt a good look for Meta. The company is currently facing an antitrust lawsuit in which the FTC accuses it of buying its competitors instead of trying to be competitive by its own means. Blocking iOS users from using Apple Intelligence to try to force Meta AI down their throats would play right into the FTCs narrative.

Apple and Metas AI relationship

Many companies are developing their own AI models these days, including Meta. In fact, last year, Apple and Meta were apparently in talks to bring Llama to Apple Intelligence. However, Apple didnt agree with Metas privacy policies, which is why it scrapped the deal.

That being said, while Apple Intelligence is a joke compared to other AI tools, its native integration into iOS makes it a more efficient and convenient choice for Apple device users. Sure, it might not be as powerful compared to Googles Gemini or OpenAIs ChatGPT. But simple features like rewriting a sentence to sound more friendly or professional can be useful when firing off emails or when trying to craft a post for social media. This means that if you really want to use Apple Intelligences Writing Tools for Metas apps, youll have to write it elsewhere and then paste it in. However, at the level of inconvenience, you might be better off using another AI model.
Summary: Perplexity is set to debut as a built-in assistant on Motorolas upcoming 2025 Razr flip phones, offering users an alternative to Google Gemini. While talks with Samsung are still ongoing, Bloomberg reports that Perplexity has already inked a deal with Motorola  a major win for the fast-growing AI startup. The move could significantly boost Perplexitys reach, especially if a future deal with Samsung comes through.

Perplexity is apparently in discussions with Samsung and Motorola about integrating its assistant onto these smartphones. In fact, Bloomberg is reporting that Perplexity has already reached an agreement with Motorola. And it is slated to be available on the new Razrs next week as an alternative assistant to Gemini.

Bloomberg is reporting that the Samsung deal is still being hashed out, but the terms could include offering Perplexity as a default AI assistant option or preloading the app on phones. The publication also notes that a deal with Perplexity is difficult for Samsung, due to its pretty tight relationship with Google. Samsung has worked with Google to co-develop the current instance of Wear OS as well as Android XR.

However, Samsung has been working with the AI startup over the past few months, with Samsungs investment arm, NEXT having backed the startup last year. Samsung is also discussing making another investment into Perplexity very soon. Perplexity has been working on another round of funding, which would double its valuation to $18 billion.

Motorolas new Razr devices will include Perplexity as a default Assistant option

Next week, Motorola is set to unveil its 2025 lineup of Razr flip phones, and according to Bloomberg, Motorola will include Perplexity as a preloaded alternative assistant to Gemini. Currently, Motorola includes its own AI system as well as Google Gemini. And now youll be able to add Perplexity to that list. Offering another service as an assistant built into the phone wouldnt be a first, as Samsung already does this with Bixby, though very few use Bixby and Samsung rarely even mentions it these days.

Perplexity being available on new Motorola devices would be huge for the startup. Though, currently it is unclear if Motorola will update its already available devices with the Perplexity feature.

If Perplexity could somehow get Samsung on-board here, that would really make a difference for the startup. Motorola is pretty big in the US and North America, in the top 5 biggest smartphone makers. But Samsung is routinely number one, often times swapping back and forth with Apple. That would bring in a whole lot of new users to Perplexity too.
Summary: Samsung announced that it now offers nearly 700 free channels to watch on Samsung TV Plus. Along with that, the company gave an update about how much its platform has grown over the past year.

The price of watching TV has been pretty high, and this is why people sometimes prefer to use streaming services. Its better to pay $10/month than to pay $80/month for cable. Whats funny is that many of the streaming services we use also offer the ability to stream live TV. Samsung is one of those services.

If you have a Galaxy phone and you want to watch content at no charge, then its a no-brainer. Youll need to sign in with your Samsung account if you want to watch the content, so keep that in mind. It has a focus on live TV, but there is also on-demand content for you to thumb through.

Samsung TV Plus now offers almost 700 free channels

We dont hear about Samsung TV Plus as much as many other services, but its nothing to sneeze at. The company just posted a press release where it explained how much it had gained in popularity over the past year.

Last year, the platform boasted an amazing 88 million monthly active users. That pales in comparison to streaming services like Netflix or Disney+, but Samsung is not primarily a streaming service. Whats impressive is that Samsung TV Plus user base surged 30% YoY in Q1 2025.

Because Samsung added over 70% more shows and movies for people to watch, the company saw a 177% YoY increase in total watch time. Globally, the company offers more than 3,500 channels.

During the announcement, Samsung also stated that it now offers nearly 700 free channels for people to watch. This means that you can stream all sorts of FAST (Free Ad-Supported TV) channels covering a wide range of genres. Its one of the best ways to watch free TV.

If you want to use Samsung TV Plus, you can do so on your Galaxy phone, Galaxy Tab, or Samsung Smart TV. Unfortunately, you cant watch it on your computers browser, so youll need a Samsung device.
Summary: Google is bringing back the Do Not Disturb shortcut, with the feature having been made available in the latest Android 16 beta update. You can add this tile to your quick settings panel and use it like you could before.

The Android 16 Beta 4 update was officially launched today, and while there likely arent any major features included, it does seem to suggest that theres one feature returning with Google bringing back the Do Not Disturb shortcut.

If youre using a Pixel device, then youre familiar with the Do Not Disturb shortcut and its non-existence on the current version of Android. If youre not using a Pixel device thats on the latest feature drop, then you should still have the shortcut available. For Pixel devices, however, this shortcut was removed with the most recent update to Android 15.

The feature itself isnt gone. Users can still access it via the new Modes quick settings tile. That being said, enabling Do Not Disturb now takes an extra step. Making it a little less convenient to get to. This isnt the end of the world, mind you, but having the shortcut removed is probably not what most users wanted. Thankfully, it seems to be coming back with the next stable release. At some point.

The Do Not Disturb shortcut could be coming back with Android 16

As mentioned earlier, the fourth beta for Android 16 is now live, and it appears to hide a little secret. The return of the Do Not Disturb shortcut. The shortcut is visibly present as an optional quick settings tile, too, as discovered by Android Authority. According to the report, the tile functions like it should, and you can use it to toggle the mode on or off at your leisure.

Since this is now part of the beta, it would make sense for it to be launched alongside Android 16 in June. However, Android Authority doesnt believe that will be Googles course of action. Which begs the question, when does Google plan to roll it back out? For users who liked having the tile available, hopefully, the wait wont be too long.

The new Modes panel isnt going away

With the Do Not Disturb shortcut coming back, you might assume that the new Modes panel, which initially replaced it, would be disappearing. However, thats not the case. Both the Modes panel and the shortcut for Do Not Disturb will apparently coexist. So, you can choose to use whichever one you prefer, or have them both in your quick settings panel if you want access to both of them.

Having both up does provide some benefits. If you only want a quick way to activate Do Not Disturb, youve got a tile for that. However, the Modes panel also includes activation toggles for Bedtime and Driving Modes. Its worth keeping that tile just for quick access to those two features.

If you want access to this returning feature yourself, you can enroll or install the Android 16 Beta 4 update on Pixel devices like the Pixel 9a. Additionally, the Android 16 Beta 4 update supports several Android partners.
Summary: The Trump administration is thinking about banning Chinas DeepSeek AI from being used in the US. It is also trying to hamper the companys efforts by restricting it from buying NVIDIAs AI chips.

According to a report from The New York Times, the Trump administration is considering placing a ban on DeepSeek in the US. It also seeks to hinder the companys AI development efforts by limiting its buying of NVIDIAs AI chips.

DeepSeek has exploded in popularity over the past few months. The company burst onto the scene with its own AI model that boasted capabilities similar to those of other mainstream models, such as OpenAIs ChatGPT. It even claimed to have trained it using just $6 million, a fraction of what other AI companies are spending. This resulted in the AI market temporarily crashing as many started to wonder if all this spending was truly necessary.

A potential ban

However, it looks like DeepSeeks stay in the US and its future as a whole could be in jeopardy. On Tuesday, the White House made another attempt at restricting NVIDIAs chip sales to China. This would further tighten rules originally put in place by former US President Joe Biden. Given that NVIDIA supplies the hardware that powers the majority of AI models out there, this is a huge deal.

According to the report, sources say the Trump administration is discussing penalties that would block DeepSeek from accessing US technology. Theres also talk of placing an outright ban on American users from using DeepSeek in the US. However, whether this is out of legitimate concerns about DeepSeeks security or just another way to force China to agree to its demands, is unclear.

DeepSeeks deep problems

DeepSeek impressed many when it first arrived, especially with its claim that it trained its model on just $6 million. However, security researchers quickly realized that the AI model had all sorts of flaws and vulnerabilities. Attackers have tricked DeepSeek into doing and revealing things it shouldnt, like generating malware in response to user prompts.

Later reports revealed that DeepSeeks parent company spent far more than the $6 million it initially claimed. While that figure was technically accurate, it only covered a portion of the overall costs. The company also faces accusations of using data from other AI models without permission to train its own systems.

We realize the irony of the last statement. Many companies developing AI have been accused of using copyrighted material to train their models, so the hypocrisy is not lost on us. That being said, the US has not made any final decisions yet on banning DeepSeek. But if you are living in the US and rely on DeepSeek heavily, its time to look for a new model.
Jensen Huangs Nvidia announced a $5.5bn hit to profits after Trumps new controls on the sale of chips to China - Brittany Hosea-Small/REUTERS

Its the company that, outside the excitable world of tech and stock market obsessives, few had ever heard of before all the recent hoopla over artificial intelligence.

But now it has become just the latest victim of Donald Trumps mindlessly pursued tariff wars. That company is Nvidia, the worlds premier designer and manufacturer of advanced computer microchips.

On Monday night, the company announced a $5.5bn (4.1bn) hit to profits after Trumps White House announced new controls on the sale of stripped-down Nvidia chips to China.

Mr Trump warned that things were likely to get choppy before the sunlit uplands of his policy assault came into view. Everyone would need to take their medicine first.

But few of the tech bros who lined up on Capitol Hill for Trumps inauguration would have anticipated quite how harsh their medicine was likely to be.

In their conceit, they assumed they could bend the new president to their will, as they largely succeeded in doing in his first term.

Not so this time around, and certainly not for Nvidia, which finds itself badly caught in the crossfire of Trumps growing standoff with China.

That a serving US government could so casually inflict such a blow to one of the countrys most successful companies almost beggars belief.

It is not so much the immediate damage to profits where the pain will be most acutely felt  though this will be bad enough, eating into the companys ability to invest in future development.

Rather, it is in the certainty that the ban will galvanise Chinese tech into fast-track development of competing products. Necessity is the mother of invention, and thats what China will now do. Trumps actions pretty much ensure that China will eventually emerge as a potent, low-cost competitor to Nvidias currently commanding lead.

This is not to deny that there is a degree of superficial logic in what Trump is doing. The particular product the new ban affects is the H20 chip, which is itself a response to an earlier ban on sales to China of Nvidias most advanced chips.

The H20 is, if you like, Nvidias Ford Escort to its top-end Ford Mustang GTD, and it was specifically designed to get around US export controls.

Nor is Trump alone in wanting to curtail these exports. The Biden administration also looked closely at stopping their sale to China, but ultimately opted for a wider AI diffusion rule to safeguard the US lead in AI and its military applications.

Its a futile endeavour. Attempts to prevent technological transfer are nearly always doomed to fail. It can admittedly be helpful if at war, when time is of the essence and technological superiority can make all the difference. In such circumstances, you would indeed want to keep your key technological advances secret.

But if even a country as deprived as North Korea can develop a nuclear bomb, then any technological lead a country might have is never going to last. At best, it might buy you a few years.

Its not an exact parallel, admittedly, but for example, British innovation in steel-making via the Bessemer process in the mid-19th century was quickly copied by others, such that Germany soon overtook Britain to become Europes largest steel-maker.

Inevitably, its going to be the same in AI, and to some extent, it already is; Chinas DeepSeek is according to many reviews just as good as ChatGPT, and done at a fraction of the cost.

In any case, if Nvidia is banned from exporting to China, China will simply steal the product and copy it instead. Again, it is not an exact parallel, but US-led attempts to freeze the Chinese telecoms equipment company Huawei out of Western markets and starve it of Western components have utterly failed to achieve their objective.

Fuelled by substitute, domestic semiconductor breakthroughs, Huawei has surged back to health. The losers were the likes of the UK, forced to strip out Huawei equipment from their networks and replace it with more expensive alternatives.

Maybe these networks are more secure than they were, I dont know. But the point is that its had barely any impact on Chinese technological progress. Indeed, if anything, it has enhanced it.

The last time I looked, the West was not at war with China, even if the White House gives every sign of being so. Trump wont stop Chinese advances in AI. At best hell merely stall them.

But then again, part of the problem with Trumps tariff wars is trying to figure out precisely what it is he is trying to achieve. One moment its about deficit reduction, the next its raising revenues to cut taxes; then its merely about forcing others to reduce their tariffs, so that the world can live in tariff free nirvana; then its about the higher purpose of bringing manufacturing jobs back to America.

Anyone with half a brain can see that this list of aims is a mass of contradictions. But hang on. Now theres another ambition; according to the Wall Street Journal, what its really about is using tariff negotiations to pressurise trading partners to stop dealing with China altogether.

The idea is to extract commitments from US trading partners to isolate Chinas economy in exchange for reductions in trade and tariff barriers imposed by the White House, the Journal said in an article this week.

These commitments would include preventing China from shipping goods through their countries, stopping Chinese companies from locating overseas to avoid US tariffs, and refusing to accept cheap Chinese produce displaced by tariffs from US markets.

Said to be the brainchild of Scott Bessent, the US Treasury secretary, its something of an ex-post facto justification in the absence of anything more coherent, and most unlikely to succeed.

Maros Sefcovic, the EUs trade chief, is said to have left meetings in Washington with little clarity on what the US is trying to do. Hes already offered tariff-free trade with the US on industrial goods and cars, but this has apparently been rejected.

The US also wants him to axe VAT, which it regards as a tax on its exporters, and to open up Europes markets to US farmers. For Europe, these are both non-negotiable; a snowball in Hades would stand a better chance.

As for China, Europe too has much to complain about, but it is not about to sign its own economic death warrant by agreeing to complete disengagement.

One hopes that the same goes for the UK, where according to JD Vance, Americas vice-president, a US trade deal is now close. Is that too conditional on the UK agreeing to isolate China?

If it is, then the only people likely to be cheering Sir Keir are not those on his own side but known Chinaphobes on the Tory backbenches. As for Nvidia, itll just have to suck it up. Talk about shooting yourself in the foot.
Donald Trump has ushered in a new era of uncertainty, with countries across east Asia and the Pacific adopting strategies either to find favour with him or build alliances to defy him.

Photograph: Alex Brandon/AP

Donald Trumps return to the White House has stoked fears over Washingtons commitment to the security of its allies in the Asia Pacific at a time when tensions are running high in the region, home to several potential flashpoints.

Countries across the region are urgently considering their options in a new era where the US president has sided with Russia over its invasion of Ukraine, suggested cleaning out Gaza in order to redevelop it, and unleashed punishing tariffs on allies and enemies alike.

Strategies range from seeking new security reassurances from the US to bolstering defence spending, and lifting the long taboo on the possible development of their own nuclear deterrents.

Most concern is focused on the Taiwan Strait, with its commercially and strategically vital shipping lanes, where China has been flexing its muscles in an attempt to intimidate the self-governed island.

Beijing is also embroiled in territorial disputes with south-east Asian nations and Japan, while North Korea continues to develop nuclear bombs and more sophisticated weaponry, emboldened by its alliance with Russia.

Australia

The government last month boasted of the most significant increase in defence spending in peacetime Australia since the end of the second world war, but there is no plan to approach the figure demanded by Trump of Nato allies  5%  nor even his assumed compromise figure of 3.5%.

Australian defence spending was A$53.3bn (US$32.1bn) in 202324, 2% of the countrys GDP. The Treasury forecasts it will reach 2.4% of GDP by 202728.

For Australia, 3.5% of GDP would be more than A$90bn ($54.3), about 75% more than the actual defence budget.

Much of Australias focus is on long-range deterrence, particularly submarines and missile defences.

In 1951, Australia and the US became enjoined by the Anzus treaty (along with New Zealand), an agreement often discussed in terms akin to the Nato alliance  but which was, in reality, much weaker. The treaty also no longer applies to New Zealand in its original form following decades of disputes over nuclear issues.

There is no equivalent to Natos Article V in the Anzus agreement  it commits parties only to consult together whenever the security of one is threatened in the Pacific.

Increased co-operation  and interoperability  between the US and Australian militaries is a common refrain from ministers on both sides of the alliance. Its most significant manifestation is the Aukus agreement (forecast to cost Australia up to A$368bn ($221.9) by the mid-2050s), under which the US is proposing to sell between three and five nuclear powered submarines to Australia early next decade, before a specifically built Aukus submarine will be in the water by the early 2040s.

Australia has long been regarded as an unswerving US ally, with us even in our less-advisable wars, as senior Pentagon nominee Elbridge Colby told the Senate in March. But Australia has flagged one potential point of departure: while not ruling out involvement, deputy prime minister Richard Marles has said Australia has absolutely not given the US any guarantees of assistance in a war between America and China over the status of Taiwan.

China

The chaos of Trump is either a dangerous precipice or a golden opportunity for China. It could well be both.

The USs decision to impose tariffs on Chinas neighbours makes it harder for Chinese companies to circumvent the duties by offshoring their supply chains. But it also could have the unintended effect of undermining the USs attempts to galvanise the region to unite against Chinas military buildup.

In March, US defence secretary Pete Hegseth conducted a multi-stop tour across Asia, promising to shift US focus to the Indo-Pacific in in the face of Communist Chinas aggression in the region. Hegseth made his comments in the Philippines, a key US security ally. He also described Japan as a warrior country that is indispensable to tackling China. But shortly after his trip, the US announced tariffs of 17% on imports from the Philippines and 24% on Japan.

China reacted angrily to Hegseths comments on Japan, accusing the US of instigating ideological antagonism.

But rhetoric aside, China is using the retreat of the US as a stable economic partner as an opportunity to bolster its relations with its neighbours. It has eased trade restrictions on Japan and sought agreements with India over the disputed border territory of Ladakh.

This diplomatic push will make it harder for the US to lean on allies in Asia to unite against China. In the meantime, Chinas rapid military buildup continues apace. This year it will increase defence spending by 7.2%, continuing its trend of increasing defence spending faster than GDP growth, which last year was 5%. The US defence department estimates that Chinas true military spending is 40-90% more than its public budget.

Taiwan

The rising threat posed by China is felt more deeply in Taiwan than anywhere else. Xis overhaul and revamp of the Peoples Liberation Army (PLA) is primarily geared towards being able to annex Taiwan by force if Beijing cant bully it into accepting Chinese rule. Resources and leadership have shifted eastward, favouring the navy, and joint operations now include the increasingly militarised Coast Guard, and Chinas paramilitary fleet of maritime militia fishing boats.

Taiwan, which cant hope to match the PLA militarily, has been preparing. But it has also had to respond to Trumps second term, which has demonstrated something of a souring on Taiwan: the US is Taiwans most significant security partner, bound by law to provide Taiwan with the means to defend itself.

But during his campaign and since taking office, Trump has questioned the worth of US support for Taiwan, and suggested it pay for protection. His administration has also called for major increases in Taiwans defence spending from the current rate of below 3% to as much as 10% of GDP. Taiwans government says thats impossible, and would involve spending almost as much as the central governments entire annual operating budget of NT$3tn ($92bn).

Instead, Taiwans president, Lai Ching-te, has pledged an increase in overall defence spending to more than 3% of GDP  as long as it can get past a highly obstructionist, opposition-controlled legislature. He has also noted that Taiwans GDP has grown in the past eight years, so while the percentage remained low, in real terms Taiwans national defence budget increased by 80%.

Taiwan buys billions of dollars in weapons from the US. Among its efforts to appease Trumps trade imbalance rhetoric, Taiwan has pledged to buy more.

President Lai has ramped up security measures to counter China, and launched a major program to boost Taiwans social and defensive resilience, bringing government and public sector groups together to boost protections of Taiwans energy, communication and other critical infrastructure, and to better prepare its 24 million people for a crisis.

Philippines

Under President Ferdinand Marcos Jr, the Philippines has taken a tougher stance against China, and moved closer to the US, with which it has a mutual defence treaty. The US has been granted expanded access to Philippine military bases, and the two countries have also agreed to increase the sharing of intelligence and technology to allow the sale of weaponry by the US to the Philippines.

Washington itself has highlighted the mutual defence treaty with Manila. Last month, Hegseth met Marcos in Manila, and stated the two countries must stand shoulder to shoulder in the face of the threat represented by China.

The Philippines is modernising its armed forces  earmarking $35bn this year alone  and strengthening partnerships with allies as it struggles against Chinese assertiveness in the region, particularly in the disputed South China Sea.

Later this month the US and Philippines will conduct annual military drills known as the Balikatan exercise. Troops from Australia  as well as observers from Japan and, for the first time, Poland and the Czech Republic  will also participate.

Vietnam

Vietnam, like many countries in south-east Asia, has always tried to avoid taking sides in the rivalry between the US and China. As tensions have soared under the new Trump administration, which recently announced a punishing 46% tariff on Vietnam, this balancing act has become especially challenging.

When Chinas president, Xi Jinping, visited Hanoi shortly after the tariff announcement, Trump suggested the two sides were discussing how to screw the US. His comments underline the juggling act that Hanoi is trying to maintain.

Vietnam is seeking to appease Washington to reduce its tariff. It is reportedly preparing to crack down on Chinese goods shipped from its territory and tighten controls on sensitive exports to China. It is also promising to buy more US goods, including in defence and security products.

Vietnam counts both the US and China as important economic partners. Washington is also a helpful counterbalance to Beijings assertiveness in the South China Sea, where Chinas claims overlap with those of Vietnam.

Last year was a record year for island building by Vietnam in the South China Sea. In February, Chinas foreign ministry criticised construction work by Vietnam to build an airstrip on the Barque Canada Reef, in the Spratly chain. Beijing claims the islands are illegally occupied by Vietnam.

As it completes such landfill activities, the defence capabilities it plans to build on the reclaimed land will become clear  and likely antagonise China.

Vietnam is also seeking to strengthen its military capacity, including by developing its own defence industry.

Japan

Trumps language on his return to the White House triggered a sense of deja vu in Japan and South Korea, the USs two main allies in north-east Asia. Echoing his criticisms during his first term, Trump recently complained that the US-Japan security treaty was so one-sided  a reference, in Trumps view, to the cost borne by Washington of stationing about 50,000 troops in Japan.

Japan contributes $2bn towards the cost of hosting US troops, who under the treatys terms are committed to come to Japans defence if it is attacked.

Under hawkish prime minister  and Trump ally  Shinzo Abe, Japan began beefing up its defence posture in 2022, including promises to buy more weapons from the US. Subsequent prime ministers have followed suit, vowing to double defence spending by 2027 so that it accounts for 2% of GDP.

Defence spending by Japan is expected to reach 9.9tn ($70bn) in the year to March 2026, according to the defence ministry, equivalent to 1.8% of gross domestic product.

The defence minister, Gen Nakatani, recently referenced growing pressure from Washington to shoulder more of the cost of their defence and hosting US troops. The latest spending projection show that our efforts to strengthen our defence capabilities are steadily progressing, he said. But Tokyos arms build-up may still not be enough. Elbridge Colby, Trumps Pentagon policy chief, recently demanded that Japan raise military spending to 3% of GDP.

Higher spending has been matched by stronger capabilities, including plans to deploy long-range missiles capable of striking China and North Korea, and the adoption of a position that would allow Japan to strike enemy bases first if it believed an attack was imminent  a posture critics say violates the countrys purely defensive pacifist constitution.

South Korea

The domestic political turmoil of the past five months has caused alarm in the US and Japan over South Koreas commitments to regional security. The impeachment of Yoon Suk Yeol means the country will elect a new leader on 10 June, with polls suggesting that Lee Jae-myung, a liberal, is favourite to replace Yoon, a pro-US conservative.

While it attempts to overcome the trauma of Yoons impeachment trial, there is little indication of how far a new president would go in resisting Washingtons demands to spend more on its defence and the deployment of about 28,000 troops.

The US military presence in the South has long been vital to Seouls ability to deter a potential attack by nuclear-armed North Korea.

Tensions between the two Koreas grew under Yoon. . As Trump focuses on the wars in Ukraine and the Middle East, there is concern that the North Korean leader, Kim Jong-un, could feel empowered to behave more provocatively.

Some lawmakers were disturbed by Trumps dismissive treatment of the Ukrainian president, Volodymyr Zelenskyy, in the Oval Office in February. That has sown seeds of doubt in Seoul about the strength of Washingtons commitment to South Koreas security  a bedrock of bilateral ties since the end of the 1950-53 Korean war.

While the North continues to develop weapons of mass destruction, its neighbour is also broaching the sensitive subject of having its own nuclear deterrent, independent of the US nuclear umbrella. Once the preserve of conservative hawks, now progressive commentators are calling on the South to have the capacity to turn fissile material into nuclear weapons.
Cocoa yields will be destroyed by 2030 without financial support and fairer markets, Ivory Coast farmers have warned.

The West African nation is the biggest producer of cocoa in the world, with farmers in the Bafing-Tonkpi region supplying chocolate to global markets, including the UK.

But years of depressed prices have eroded farmers ability to reinvest in their land, meaning aging trees, diseases and increasingly unpredictable climate conditions have caused productivity to plummet and prices to skyrocket.

While UK shoppers pay 50% more for some chocolate products this Easter, farmers living in poverty at the other end of the supply chain are getting little financial benefit at the farm gate.

A tree infected with black pod rot disease on a farm near Bogouine, Bafing-Tonkpi region, Ivory Coast in February 2025 (Chris Terry/Fairtrade)

Yeyasso, a farming co-operative based in the western city of Man, said production from its 5,000 cocoa producers has dropped by 30% in recent years, prompting many to turn to farming other commodities, such as rubber or palm.

Biabate Posseni, 34, a Yeyasso farming lead who helps to train cocoa farmers and monitor their practices, said: Climate change is strongly impacting the yield.

When we wait for rain, rain doesnt come, and when we need sun, there is no sun and instead we get a lot of rain, he told the PA news agency.

Like many in the area, Mr Posseni said he is extremely worried about the future if the situation worsens.

By 2030, if nothing is done, we wont have any cocoa trees because, with climate change, all the cocoa trees will be destroyed.

Vemo Bakayoko, 42, a cocoa farmer for Yeyasso near the village of Bogouine (Chris Terry/Fairtrade)

There really is a need to gather support so we can tackle it together and keep growing cocoa.

Vemo Bakayoko, 42, a cocoa farmer for Yeyasso in the area of Bogouine, said his two-hectare farm used to turn over 700 kilos of cocoa a year a decade ago, but last year he produced less than half of that at 300kg.

We can see the change, he said, describing how heavy rains are increasing the risk of black rot disease.

Were definitely scared because we dont know if these unpredictable conditions will stop.

Another major concern for Ivorian farmers is swollen shoot disease which has been spreading from the east of the country, causing bloated branches and misshapen fruit.

Fabrice Flan, a Yeyasso farmer from the village of Yapleu, has watched his household income almost disappear after his four-hectare farm was decimated by the virus in 2016.

Fabrice Flan, a Yeyasso farmer from the village of Yapleu (Chris Terry/Fairtrade)

My farm was finished, he said. And this is my only farm. This is my only source of revenue for me and my family.

Government, regulators and co-operatives are all rolling out efforts to tackle climate impacts facing producers, but resources remain scarce.

Thomas Adei, the regional director at the Ivorian ministry for agriculture, said agroforestry is at the core of the governments policy, asking farmers to support biodiversity by planting fruit and shade trees on farms.

In the 1960s, yields were growing and diseases were few, Mr Adei said, but officials continued to push farmers to produce, produce, produce, leading to unsustainable practices and widespread deforestation.

It was an abusive consumption of forest. Its had a very, very, very negative impact on cocoa productivity in Cote dIvoire, he told PA.

When all is said, the Government is doing the best it can to address this issue because the livelihoods of farmers depend on it.

Outside the regional offices of the Conseil de Caffe-Cocao in Man (Chris Terry/Fairtrade)

As the UK and Europe prepare to introduce or enforce regulations that ban the sale of commodities linked to deforestation, the Ivorian authorities are also developing methods to ensure compliance.

Fadiga Mamadou Deye, head of the cafe-cocoa board for the Bafing-Tonkpi region, has been heading up a major farmer ID card pilot, which sees the gathering and storing all kinds of data, including annual yields, tree numbers and agroforestry efforts for each farm.

Fairtrade-certified co-operatives like Yeyasso have immediately signed on but others have less financial or logistical resources to reach all farmers.

The major challenge is the sustainability of the sector, Mr Deye said.

If most stakeholders in the value change do not feel concerned about these challenges, it simply means that one day the co-operatives will disappear  vamoose.

Yeyasso has also taken actions like geo-mapping its farms, setting up tree nurseries and planting about 140,000 new cocoa, fruit and shade trees.

Doumbia Abou Zeid, the chairman of the Yeyasso co-operative board, outside its warehouses in the city of Man, Ivory Coast in February 2025 (Chris Terry/Fairtrade)

But it is also the first globally to trial a new supermarket supply change initiative led by Fairtrade, which was recently greenlit by the UKs competition watchdog.

The Shared Impact project is working to get supermarkets, such as M&S, to buy commodities on a longer-term contract together, boosting the impact for producers and offsetting the increased risk.

With the pilot, Yeyasso hopes to double the cocoa it sells on Fairtrade terms from 20% to 40%, boosting the premium payments it then spends on social impact and environmental initiatives.

More widely, Shared Impact could help to provide more income stability for farmers, provide funds for training, enable the recruitment of more staff and offer investment certainty to struggling co-operatives, Doumbia Abou Zeid, the chairman of Yeyassos board said.

When you have longer term contracts, its good for sustainability, he said.

The Yeyasso co-operatives warehouses in the city of Man (Chris Terry/Fairtrade)

With short-term contracts nothing is certain. At any time the job can stop and so, of course, (farmers) are demotivated and will then look for better opportunities outside the cocoa industry.

M&S is the first supermarket to sign onto Shared Impact, working with Fairtrade and Yeyasso to ensure proof of concept, while talks continue with other major supermarkets.

Lucinda Langton, head of sustainability at M&S Food, said: This new Shared Impact model offers us the opportunity to strengthen the resilience of our cocoa supply chains by better supporting our growers and producers in the way they farm and boosting their incomes.

Kerrina Thorogood, director of partnerships at Fairtrade Foundation, said: Traditionally, companies worked on their own sustainability goals, but this fragmented approach limited impact.

Fairtrades groundbreaking Shared Impact initiative was created to scale up sustainability efforts by encouraging businesses to collaborate and pool sourcing for greater impact.
Silver cutlery designed by Charles Rennie Mackintosh has been sold for 175,200, nearly six times its estimate.

The cutlery set sold on Thursday by fine art auctioneers Lyon & Turnbull consisted of a soup spoon, dessert spoon, dinner fork and dessert fork which were part of a set commissioned in 1902 by artist and embroiderer Jessie Newbery and her husband, Francis (Fra) Newbery.

Mr Newbery also commissioned the art nouveau artist and architect, whose style became famous around the world, to design the Glasgow School of Art building.

The Newberys were long-standing friends of Mackintosh and his artist wife, Margaret Macdonald.

The cutlery order was placed through Glasgow jeweller Edwards & Company, and made by David W Hislop, a skilled silversmith who had worked previously with Mackintosh.

The soup spoon, dessert spoon, dinner fork and dessert fork formed part of a set commissioned in 1902 by artist and embroiderer Jessie Newbury (Stewart Attwood/Lyon & Turnbull/PA)

The set was later divided between the Newberys daughters, Mary and Elsie, with Marys pieces sold separately between 1970 and 1980.

A watercolour painted by Mackintosh of a French village three years before he died sold at the auction for 150,200.

Lyon & Turnbulls Design Since 1860 auction included watercolours, cutlery and furniture designed by Mackintosh, who died in London in 1928 at the age of 60, a year after returning from France.

He and his wife moved to south-west France in 1923 for a cheaper lifestyle after a downturn in demand for their work but returned to London in 1927 when Mackintosh began suffering cancer symptoms.

The watercolour, titled Bouleternere and painted in 1925 with sparing use of colour to depict the hillside town, sold for 150,200, including buyers premium, on Thursday as part of the two-day sale.

Associate specialist Ursula Goldsmith with the Bouleternere watercolour (Stewart Attwood/Lyon & Turnbull/PA)

Bouleternere was previously acquired by Ronald WB Morris of Kilmacolm after a memorial exhibition of the couples work at the McLellan Galleries in Glasgow in 1933 following Margarets death.

Two small, early watercolours, Brookweed and Pimpernel, produced in 1901, each sold for 18,900.

A cabinet designed by Mackintosh for Scotland Street School in Glasgow in 1906 went under the hammer for 7,560.

John Mackie, head of sale and a director at Lyon & Turnbull said: We are, as you can imagine, absolutely delighted with the prices achieved, particularly for the exquisite Charles Rennie Mackintosh suite of cutlery.

Mackintoshs cutlery design was revolutionary. The spoons and forks have exceptionally long, slender handles.

The forks are particularly striking with a seamless transition between the handle and bowl creating the illusion of a single, continuous band of metal.

Its always exciting to be on the rostrum and todays result testifies to the enduring and growing appetite for Mackintoshs pioneering and distinctive design.
Leader of the Conservative Party Kemi Badenoch has spoken out against evil Islamist sectarianism in the UK - Jacob King/PA

There are few political systems that benefit from the insertion of God into the debate.

In the United States, where separation of church and state is a constitutional obligation, politicians and candidates never seem to tire of talking about their personal relationship with God. Many American voters decide where to place their mark on the ballot paper according to whichever candidate happens to share their belief in the hereafter.

Meanwhile, in Britain, things are different. Church and state overlap to the degree that the head of state is also head of the established church; bishops have a right to a seat in the legislature by virtue of their seniority among the clergy; and public discussion of personal faith is frowned upon in polite society.

Most would probably agree that we do it better here than in the States: banging on about God to win votes just seems so very vulgar.

Religion has always played a part in some peoples decision as to how theyll vote. It was always thus. In 1987 I was told by a fellow Christian that I should vote for the local Liberal candidate because he shared our faith.

A few months later I listened to a taped sermon, entitled Prophetic insights into the 1987 general election, by a well-known evangelical preacher who assured his congregation that Labours defeat that year was merely God delaying his judgment on the moral turpitude of the country. At times like that, I felt the need to hide my Labour Party membership card from view.

On the whole, however, as a nation we have managed to separate religious beliefs from political ones, except perhaps when it comes to certain cultural issues like abortion and gay rights. Even here, few voters decide where to mark their ballot papers according to the teachings of their faith.

That is because, in a liberal democracy, the political parties confine themselves to an understood and accepted spectrum of acceptable opinion  a phenomenon which also allows voters to switch between parties at consecutive elections with a clear conscience.

In Glasgow, sectarian rivalry between Protestants and Catholics was kept at bay in the political sphere by a Labour Party that embraced both traditions and worked towards goals common to both communities. In contrast, in Northern Ireland, where nationalism and unionism  rather than class  defined the roles and policies of the main parties, sectarianism prospered.

Now a new form of sectarianism is spreading in the UK. Campaigning groups are becoming far less reluctant to use religious faith as a hook by which to recruit the support of voters. Muslim voters in particular are being targeted by shady campaigning organisations that are risking criminal prosecution by the use of religious pressure.

The Telegraph reports today that pro-Gaza activists are telling Muslim voters which party to back in next months local elections, warning them in an online campaign video that: Allah sees everything. The campaign material recommends which county council candidates the voters in Wycombe should support based on whether they will back a boycott of Israeli goods if they were elected on May 1.

The reference to Allah raises concerns that voters are being subjected to undue spiritual interference, a criminal offence under electoral law. Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch has branded the tactics as evil Islamist sectarianism that has no place in the UK.

At the 2019 general election, 80 per cent of Muslims voted Labour. That figure is thought to have dropped significantly in 2024, following Muslim unhappiness at events in Gaza and Labours response to it. In previous years, Muslim voters would vote Labour, even when the local candidate was a supporter of Israel: genuine policy considerations were considered more important than a conflict thousands of miles away.

Blatant sectarianism in defence of Palestine and Islam  and, of course, opposition to Israel  is more mainstream now than years ago.

The polite social contract which frowned upon public declarations of personal faith has given way, in at least some parts of the country, to the prioritisation of religion over politics and, in certain dangerous circumstances, a combination of the two.

This is where Badenochs analysis concerning Islamism becomes relevant. Islamism, as distinct from Islam, demands political action to achieve spiritual ends. It is Islamism that motivated the bombers of 9/11 and 7/7; the Manchester Arena terrorists; and the Charlie Hebdo gunmen in Paris. Those are the inevitable consequences of complacently allowing personal faith to be hijacked by political cynics.

Which is why there should be no hesitation in clamping down on any political activity that seeks to induce those of religious faith to vote one way or the other. Its time British institutions stood up for our democratic norms and liberal principles. Those who seek to find compromise with the extremists will reap the whirlwind.
Keir Starmer hands an invitation from King Charles for a second state visit to Donald Trump at the White House in February. Photograph: Carl Court/Reuters

Donald Trump has said he is expecting to travel to the UK in September for his second state visit.

King Charles is preparing to host the US president and first lady as the UK government tries to bolster transatlantic ties after Trump imposed a series of tariffs on trading partners.

The venue is expected to be Windsor Castle, with Keir Starmer and the US president understood to have discussed the visit during a phone call.

Trump on Thursday appeared to suggest Buckingham Palace was setting a date for September.

He told reporters in the Oval Office: I was invited by the king and the country  great country.

Theyre going to do a second, as you know, a second fest  thats what it is: a fest, and its beautiful, and its the first time its ever happened to one person.

And the reason is we have two separate terms, and its an honour  Im a friend of Charles, I have great respect for King Charles and the family, William, we have really just a great respect for the family.

And I think theyre setting a date for September.

Starmer has prioritised striking a trade deal with Washington, opting not to retaliate over Trumps decision to impose 10% tariffs on goods exported to the US, and 25% tariffs on UK car and steel exports, instead offering concessions on areas including digital taxes and agriculture.

The US vice-president, JD Vance, said on Tuesday he believed a mutually beneficial US-UK trade deal was within reach.

In February, the king extended a personal invitation for the Trumps to stay at either Dumfries House or Balmoral, both in Scotland.

Starmer presented the US president with the invitation letter from the monarch while on a visit to the White House.

Traditionally, second-term US presidents are not offered a state visit and have instead been invited for tea or lunch with the monarch at Windsor Castle.
It's difficult to comprehend why a house-trained, crate-trained, friendly 2-year-old dog would be waiting at the animal shelter for over a year, but that's the heartbreaking reality for a gentle Pit Bull named Antonio. This handsome dog is a long-term guest at Mercy Full Project in Tampa, Florida, where he's stolen the hearts of rescue staff and volunteers, but he's yet to receive a single adoption application.

Antonio's human pals can't understand why this love bug hasn't been scooped up by the perfect forever family yet. They've tried helping him get the attention he deserves by giving him the starring role in several TikTok videos, including one on April 15 that racked up tens of thousands of views overnight. With any luck, his forever home is just around the corner!

What a king! I love the way this shelter Pit Bull perches on top of the outdoor crate as casually as can be. He's trying his best to pay attention to his friend behind the camera, but it seems they've caught him in the middle of a sun nap.

Related: Dog Mom's Kind Actions Toward Stray Pit Bull Turn Into 'Most Stressful 48 Hours of Her Life'

When a commenter asked about Antonio's breed, potty training status, and friendliness with other dogs, the Mercy Full Project staff had nothing but positive things to say. He's "about 2 years old, which is still a baby," and he's also fully potty trained. As for his playful and friendly energy, they let a video speak for itself!

Antonio is such a good boy! His short legs are as cute as can be, but his wagging tail and love for friends are the icing on the cake. Despite spending so long in rescue, he's one happy dog!

His adoption profile also paints a picture of an energetic dog who loves to travel, play, and tag along wherever you go. He can be a bit mischievous when he's feeling cheeky, but his playful and positive spirit could light up any home.

If you want to apply to meet or adopt Antonio, check out the rescue's website to learn more about the process. Happy Tails, Antonio!



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Migrants queue at a facility in Germany, where a court has ruled they can be sent back to Greece - Sean Gallup/Getty Images

Single, healthy male asylum seekers who have travelled to Germany via Greece can be deported back to the Mediterranean state, a top German court has ruled.

In a boost for Friedrich Merz, the incoming German chancellor who wants to reduce migration levels, the Federal Administrative Court in Leipzig ruled that asylum seekers who meet the criteria can cope with a lack of state support in Greece, because they will not face inhumane treatment in the country.

Robert Keller, one of the judges, said that the ruling was ultimately based on whether refugees in Greece had access to bread, bed and soap.

He said: Thats not much, we know that.

Mr Merzs incoming coalition, comprising his Christian Democrats (CDU) and the centre-Left Social Democrats, has vowed to turn away asylum seekers en masse from Germanys borders, claiming public services are overwhelmed.

The ruling means that asylum seekers who entered the European Union via Greece and were granted asylum, but then continued to Germany and lodged a new claim, risk being sent back by German authorities.

Under the Dublin Agreement, asylum seekers are supposed to have their claims processed in the first EU country they enter, but those rules are rarely enforced.

Resistance from human rights groups

The ruling was a response to an appeal by two refugees, a citizen of Somalia and a Gaza-born man, who were seeking to overturn their deportation orders to Greece.

The two men fled their home countries in 2017 and 2018, crossed through Turkey and were granted refugee status in Greece, the German news agency DPA reported.

They continued on to Germany and lodged new asylum applications that were rejected by German authorities, who then issued deportation orders to Greece.

The men filed appeals against the deportation orders because they feared that they would face severe hardship in Greece, such as a lack of access to basic services and hostility towards asylum seekers.

German courts have generally struggled to deport refugees back to Greece due to resistance from human rights groups and legal appeals, which argue that the living conditions for refugees in Greece are extremely poor.

But the ruling by the Federal Administrative Court found that single, healthy, able-bodied male migrants should be able to cope with the poorer living standards awaiting them in Greece.

Our capacities to integrate them are exhausted

It cannot be expected with any significant probability that able-bodied, healthy and single young male beneficiaries of protection returning to Greece will find themselves in extreme material hardship, preventing them from meeting their most basic needs in terms of accommodation, food, and hygiene, the ruling states, according to the German broadcaster Deutsche Welle.

The ruling accepted that waiting times for documents and a general lack of state support in Greece were an issue for asylum seekers, but they can likely find accommodation at least in temporary shelters or emergency accommodations with basic sanitary facilities, it said.

It comes after a senior CDU MP told The Telegraph that German capacity for refugees was exhausted, after taking in millions of people from Syria, Afghanistan and most recently Ukraine.

Gunter Krings said: More than four million asylum seekers and war refugees came to Germany in the last decade; our capacities to integrate so many people into our society are exhausted, our public order and internal security severely affected.
Giorgia Meloni and Donald Trump in the Oval Office of the White House. Trump said Meloni was doing a fantastic job. Photograph: Evelyn Hockstein/Reuters

Giorgia Meloni said Donald Trump had accepted her invitation for an official trip to Rome, as the pair met in Washington in an attempt by the Italian prime minister to bridge the gap between the EU and US amid trade tariff tensions.

Meloni said Trumps trip could happen in the near future and could present an opportunity for him to meet other European leaders.

The goal for me is to make the west great again, Meloni said.

Trump opened the summit in the Oval Office on Thursday by saying Meloni was doing a fantastic job and had taken Europe by storm, adding that she has become a friend.

Trump and Meloni had earlier both expressed optimism about resolving the EU-US trade conflict. The EU faces 25% import tariffs on steel and aluminium and cars, and broader tariffs on almost all other goods, under Trumps policy to hit countries he says impose high barriers to US imports.

I am sure we can make a deal and I am here to help with that, Meloni said before the summit.

Trump said that broadly speaking he expected he would make an announcement about trade deals but he was in no rush. Were going to have very little problem making a deal with Europe or anybody else, because we have something that everybody wants, Trump said.

Before leaving for Washington, Meloni discussed the summit with the European Commission president, Ursula von der Leyen.

Germanys outgoing chancellor, Olaf Scholz, and his successor, Friedrich Merz, also discussed the meeting with Meloni, according to reports in the German edition of Politico. Scholz failed to get a meeting with Trump and Merzs request is reportedly pending.

Meloni had previously described Trumps tariffs on EU goods as wrong but she appears to be taking a more cautious approach as she manages a delicate balancing act between her political ideals, which are more in tune with Trumps, and Italys role within the EU.

The meeting provoked trepidation among some of Italys European allies as well as Melonis domestic opposition amid fears their closeness risks jeopardising the blocs unified approach to the tariffs and other issues.

Enrico Borghi, a politician with the centrist Italia Viva party, told a TV talkshow: The advice from the opposition is that the prime minister returns home with reopened negotiations between the US and EU that will guarantee a framework of relative tranquility to our economic and productive system, which has been weakened by what is a real trade war.

Italy is the third-largest exporter to the US from the EU. Melonis office denied she would seek special tariff exemptions on Italian products. Italy has strong economic ties with the US that go beyond exports, including foreign direct investments.

The summit was expected to address Trumps demand that Nato partners increase military spending to 2% of GDP. Italy is at 1.49%, among the lowest in Europe.

It was Melonis third visit to the White House, with the two previous occasions taking place during Joe Bidens administration.

She will return to Rome in time to meet on Friday Trumps vice-president, JD Vance, whose blistering attack on Europe at the Munich Security Conference in February she has defended.

Vance will also meet Cardinal Pietro Parolin, the Vaticans secretary of state, during his Easter weekend visit.
Homes in Port-au-Prince, Haiti. Photograph: Gideon Mendel/Getty Images

The French president, Emmanuel Macron, has announced a joint commission with Haiti to examine the countries shared past as Haitian campaigners demand a reimbursement of billions of dollars worth of ransom paid to France.

Macron announced his intention to create the commission as campaigners renewed calls for reparations on the bicentenary of an agreement to pay 150m francs to France in 1825 to compensate slave-owning colonists after the Haitian Revolution.

That decision put a price on the liberty of a young nation, which from its birth thereby confronted the unjust force of history, Macron said.

Though the figure was later reduced to 90m, Fritz Deshommes, president of the Haitian National Committee on Restitution and Reparations (HNCRR), estimates the converted value of the payment today could be between $38bn and $135bn, depending on how the sum is calculated and whether it reflects lost customs revenue and economic stagnation.

Macron said the commission would be tasked with the necessary and indispensable work of examining all aspects of Haitis and Frances shared history and propose recommendations to both governments to draw lessons from it and build a more peaceful future.

Today, on this bicentenary, we must look history in the face, he said. For France, it also means assuming its share of truth in the construction of memory, so painful for Haiti.

Deshommes described the establishment of a joint commission as a very small step in the right direction and a delaying move that buys time and allows for a wait-and-see approach.

He said: In reality, France has shown no intention of addressing the issue of restitution in a direct and determined way. Granted, there is acknowledgment of the original injustice and the need to build a better relationship between our two people  but nothing more.

In the same way, France has recognised slavery as a crime against humanity, yet refuses to make reparations for that crime. The struggle for the restitution of the triple ransom of independence must therefore continue and intensify.

Once Frances most important colony in the Caribbean, Haiti received hundreds of thousands of Africans who had been kidnapped, forcibly transported across the Atlantic and sold into slavery.

Related: Battered statue bears witness to Haitis tragedy, resilience and flickering hope

After a bloody struggle between self-liberated slaves and French, Spanish and British forces, it became the first Caribbean nation to gain its independence from colonial rule in 1804.

But, under threat of military action, France later demanded what the HNCRR member Jean Mozart Feron described as an unjust and exorbitant ransom, supposedly to provide compensation for former enslavers.

The enormous payments, Feron said, crippled the fledgling nation. This ransom plunged Haiti into a spiral of economic dependency from which it has never fully recovered and  strangled the young nation, stifling its development and diverting precious resources that could have been invested in education and infrastructure, he said.

The debt not only created deep structural poverty, social inequality and weak institutions, but also affected the way Haiti is perceived and treated on the international stage without due consideration for this history of economic exploitation, he said.

Monique Clesca, spokesperson for the Kolektif Ayisyen Afwodesandan, a civil society organisation that has been campaigning for reparations for Haiti, said the monstrous debt created by the ransom prevented the country from moving forward at the rhythm that we should have been moving forward.

Politically this meant that we almost became a neocolony, totally indebted to France, not only in terms of economics, but symbolically and politically, we were tied. So there are serious repercussions and consequences to this continuous debt that you cant undo, she said.

The campaigners are calling for France to repay the ransom and offer restitution for the harm caused by slavery and colonisation.

The HNCRR is working in alignment with the Caribbean Community (Caricom), which has a 10-point plan for reparatory justice.

Speaking at the opening of the UNs Permanent Forum on People of African Descent on Monday, the Caricom secretary general, Dr Carla Barnett, joined the calls for reparations for Haiti.

The negative economic and social effects of this historical injustice are painfully clear, with arguable links to the situation in Haiti today. This anniversary presents an opportunity to bring global attention and a deeper understanding of the situation in Haiti and serves as a call to action to address the ongoing security, humanitarian and governance crises in the country, she said.

Macron said France was ready to confront its past and accept its share of truth in the creation of memory, a painful one, for Haiti, which began in 1825. He added: Today, on this bicentennial, we must, here as elsewhere, face this history squarely  Haiti was born of a revolution, faithful to the spirit of 1789, which brilliantly affirmed the universal principles of liberty, equality and fraternity.

This struggle in Haiti, in harmony with the ideals of the French Revolution, should have offered France and Haiti the opportunity to walk a common path. But the forces of the counterrevolution since 1814, the restoration of the Bourbons and the monarchy, decided otherwise regarding the writing of history, he said.

Related: Haitians fear the imminent fall of Port-au-Prince to rebel gangs: We will die standing

Appealing for global support for Haitis reparations claim, Feron said: Haitian citizens do not hold French people responsible for the decision made in 1825 by the French state. However, we believe that the French people have a moral responsibility and a duty to stand in solidarity with the Haitian people in this initiative.

The HNCRR, he said, was of the view that France and Haiti could reach an agreement about the types of expertise and technical assistance valued within the framework of restitution. But Haiti, he added, must ultimately decide how to use the reparations.

Haiti has been gripped by crisis since the 2021 assassination of then president Jovenel Moise, and a subsequent gang insurgency which forced Ariel Henry, who led the country as an unelected prime minister after Moises death, out of office in March 2024. Since then, support from the international community has failed to restore stable, democratic governance and curb the spiralling violence, which has killed thousands and displaced tens of thousands.

Feron dismissed arguments that the current crisis could prevent the country from effectively managing any reparation payments, arguing that the state of the country was a consequence of its history.

He added: Our committee intends to work closely with the civil society to clearly advise the Haitian state on how this money should be used or could be used and how it should be managed with total transparency in a responsible manner.
Two men who ordered pints of Guinness in a pub minutes after stabbing another man have been jailed for life for murder.

David Walcott, 35, and Rammon Mali, 33, had set out with knives in a premediated attack on Rijkaard Siafa, 22, the Old Bailey heard.

They chased him into an alleyway by Surrey Street market in Croydon, south London, where people were shopping and working.

Mr Siafa was stabbed at least 13 times in 20 seconds and died in the arms of members of the public who rushed to help him.

The killing happened as stallholders at the historic fruit and vegetable market were packing up for the day, and cleaners were moving in, shortly before 6pm last April 12.

Afterwards, the defendants and a third suspect headed to The Spread Eagle pub and bought three pints of Guinness with a 20 note, prosecutor Anthony Orchard KC had said.

The men were asked to remove their hats, under house rules, and at 6.04pm they got up and left without finishing their drinks, the court was told.

David Walcott was found guilty of murder and having an article with a blade or point (Met Police/PA)

Meanwhile, Mr Siafa was treated by emergency services at the scene but he was pronounced dead at 6.28pm.

On his arrest later in south-west London, Walcott told police: This is madness. How am I getting nicked for murder bro? You aint even got the right person. Im not a murderer bro, I didnt kill nobody.

Mali left the country four days after the killing and was arrested at Gatwick Airport on his return last May 5.

Walcott, of Norbury, south London, and Mali, of Croydon, had denied being involved in the stabbing.

They were found guilty of murder and Walcott was also convicted of having an article with a blade or point.

On Thursday, Judge Anuja Dhir KC jailed them for life with a minimum terms of 27 years.

Judge Dhir said it was a premediated killing committed by three males armed with knives against one man.

Rammon Mali set out with David Walcott and a third suspect to target Rijkaard Siafa, the court was told (Metropolitan Police/PA)

She said: It was planned, it was quick, it was brutal and committed in a public place.

She commended members of the public who had tried to help the victim, saying: The impact of your actions that day will I am sure be felt by all of those who tried to help Rijkaard and who called the emergency services.

They were dignified and did all they could to save his life. Rijkaard Siafa literally died in their arms.

I am sure what they saw that day will remain with them for many years to come.

The judge also praised Mr Siafas mother Hassanatu Bah who read a statement in court about her kind and gentle son.

She said: Rijkaard had so much to live for. His dreams were big, his zest for life unmatched. He was driven by hope and ambition and his future was filled with endless possibilities  dreams that were cruelly stolen from him.

Ms Bah said her son was a devout Muslim who was deeply committed to helping others and dreamed of doing so much more for his communities.

Addressing the defendants, she said: This is not the end for my son. You took his life, but you will never take his light, his love, or the memory of who he was and what he stood for.

The court was told both defendants have a string of previous convictions.

Walcott has convictions for 15 offences including two for possession of an offensive weapon in public, common assault and causing grievous bodily harm.

Mali has convictions for 14 offences including having a bladed article, robbery, and assault.

Detectives have offered a reward of up to 10,000 for information that leads to the arrest and charge of Jordan Vincent, who remains wanted for Mr Siafas murder.

Detective Chief Inspector Samantha Townsend, from Scotland Yard, said: Our thoughts very much remain with Rijkaards family and friends, who had to re-live the last traumatic moments of his young life during the trial after the defendants failed to take responsibility for their actions.

The defendants acted together, as a team. They had been looking for Rijkaard during the afternoon of Friday April 12 and when they found him, they viciously attacked him.

Its clear Walcott and Mali are dangerous and unpredictable individuals and I am relieved they will remain behind bars for a significant period of time.

I am extremely grateful to those who have come forward so far, however Jordan Vincent remains wanted for the murder of Rijkaard Siafa and my team remains determined to bring all of those responsible to justice.

I am appealing to people to dig deep into their consciences and assist us with the whereabouts of Jordan Vincent.
The numbers on the Labour leaflets are based on how much certain medical procedures cost in the US, which does not have universal free healthcare

The Labour Party is sending out fake medical bills to voters suggesting they will owe 75,000 if Reform wins power.

Leaflets formatted like regular postal invoices are headlined with the words your NHS bill under Reform and carry a stamp in capital letters declaring Payment Overdue as campaigning for a crunch by-election intensifies.

The attack adverts are justified by Labour on past comments by Nigel Farage, the Reform leader, more than a decade old, suggesting he would support an insurance-based model for UK healthcare.

The numbers are based on how much certain medical procedures cost in the US, which does not have universal free healthcare.

Reform figures have accused Labour of underhand tactics. A source said: The Labour lie machine is in full-on panic mode.

The adverts are part of Labours new strategy to weaponise Reforms NHS stance ahead of the local elections.

Labour has also put Mr Farages past comments about British healthcare front and centre of its attempt to hold onto Runcorn and Helsby in the May 1 by-election.

A Labour billboard claiming a hip replacement could cost 23,440, if an insurance model previously floated by Mr Farage was adopted, was driven around Runcorn

Wes Streeting, the Health Secretary, has been deployed to the constituency and claimed that Mr Farage wanted to see an end to the NHS as we know it.

A billboard claiming a hip replacement could cost 23,440, if an insurance model previously floated by Mr Farage was adopted, was driven around the seat last month.

There are indications the attacks are having an impact, with Reform scrambling to put out 50,000 pro-NHS leaflets last weekend insisting it believed the health service should be always free to use.

Reform insiders have privately discussed the potential effectiveness of making a formal complaint about the fake medical bills in the last fortnight of campaigning.

A Labour source defended the approach: The public cares deeply about the NHS, and the principle of it being free at the point of use is non-negotiable for almost everyone. It represents British values.

Thats why its important that we highlight the danger of Nigel Farages consistent position on moving to a fee-paying model.

The battle between Reform and Labour is fast becoming one of the most significant tussles in British electoral politics, with the Tories stuck in third place in opinion polls after being voted out of government last year.

Parking our tanks on Labours lawn

This week, Mr Farage used a speech to publicly declare he was turning his attention to Sir Keir Starmers party, saying Reform would be parking our tanks on Labours lawn.

Meanwhile, Downing Street strategists are prioritising a plan to burst the Reform bubble of support that has seen it top opinion polls in the wake of last years general election.

The council and mayoral seats up for grabs on May 1 will largely see Reform square off against the Conservatives, given many are in rural seats previously held by the Tories.

But in Runcorn and Helsby, a seat vacant after Labour MP Mike Amesbury was jailed for punching a voter, Reform has a chance to pick up another MP at the expense of the Government.

Labours NHS attacks are largely pinned on a remark Mr Farage made back in September 2012 when he was leader of the UK Independence Party (Ukip).

Mr Farage was filmed on camera saying: I think were going to have to think about health care very, very differently. And I think we are going to have to move to an insurance-based system of health care.

Frankly, I would feel more comfortable that my money would return value if I was able to do that through the market place of an insurance company than just us trustingly giving 100 billion a year to central government expecting them to organise the health care service from cradle to grave for us.

Farage issues rebuke

The comments emerged in the run-up to the 2015 general election. At the time, a Ukip spokesman said his views had changed and he did not support privatising the NHS.

Mr Farage issued a rebuke of the new Labour NHS attack at a County Durham speech on Tuesday, saying: Weve never, ever, ever, suggested anything other than the NHS should be free.

A Reform source accused Labour of trying to scare elderly voters.

Recent polling from the so-called Red Wall of traditional Labour heartlands in the Midlands and the North helps explain why Labour has taken the approach.

The research, conducted by Survation, asked voters whether Mr Farage or Sir Keir best embodied 12 different characteristics.

The only one on which the Prime Minister beat Mr Farage was the question of who can improve the NHS and health services.

Sir John Curtice, the BBCs polling guru and the professor of politics at the University of Strathclyde, said there were political risks in the strategy.

Sir John said: You can see why Labour is pursuing this line. However a recent think tank report showed record low satisfaction with the NHS, not least because of the length of waiting lists. There has been only marginal progress on that front since the election.

So the risk with Labours approach is that some people will respond that they are having to pay for their hip replacement at the moment anyway because they feel unable to wait while in pain and immobile.
David Lammy has said Russia must agree to an immediate, full and unconditional ceasefire after meeting counterparts from the US and Europe for talks on ending the war in Ukraine.

The Foreign Secretary travelled to Paris for the first high-level discussions between British, French and White House officials since Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer and French President Emmanuel Macron separately visited Washington in February.

Mr Lammy shared little detail about the series of meetings that took place in the French capital on Thursday but said the talks underscore our shared commitment to global security.

Delegations from Germany and Ukraine, including the countrys foreign minister Andriy Sybiga and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskys chief of staff Andriy Yermak, were also in Paris, as well as US secretary of state Marco Rubio and US special envoy Steve Witkoff.

The Foreign Secretary said: In a volatile world, unity is our strength.

Todays meetings with France, the US, Ukraine, and Germany underscore our shared commitment to global security.

We must see a just and lasting peace in Ukraine and stability in the Middle East.

He added: We are working hard with allies to secure a lasting peace in Ukraine.

Russia must agree to an immediate, full and unconditional ceasefire as Ukraine has done.

Talks about a possible peace have faltered since Moscow rejected a ceasefire proposal that had been agreed by the US and Ukraine last month.

Meanwhile, the UK and France have been seeking to assemble a coalition of nations that would be willing to defend a truce if one is reached.

I spoke for the second time today with the President of France @EmmanuelMacron. I am grateful to Emmanuel for his leadership and for todays work in Paris by our representatives  Ukraine, France, the United Kingdom, Germany, and the United States. It is important that we  Volodymyr Zelenskyy /   (@ZelenskyyUa) April 17, 2025

Mr Rubio and Mr Witkoff were also meeting Mr Macron, with the US State Department saying talks would be held to advance President Trumps goal to end the Russia-Ukraine war and stop the bloodshed.

The department added: While in Paris, he will also discuss ways to advance shared interests in the region.

Following the talks, Mr Zelensky said it was important that we hear each other, refine, and clarify our postitions and work for the sake of real security of Ukraine and all our Europe.

I spoke for the second time today with the president of France Emmanuel Macron, he said.

I am grateful to Emmanuel for his leadership and for todays work in Paris by our representatives  Ukraine, France, the United Kingdom, Germany, and the United States.

It is important that we hear each other, refine and clarify our positions, and work for the sake of real security of Ukraine and all our Europe.

The city of Dnipro saw a further drone strike overnight, Mr Zelensky had said earlier on Thursday.

In a post on X, the Ukrainian president said that three people were killed and 28 injured by a strike, including four children.

Pressure must be applied to the killers, and life must be helped to stop this war and ensure a reliable peace, Mr Zelensky said.

Its substantially what wed agreed on previously. When the president [Volodymyr Zelensky] was here, we had a memorandum of understanding. We went straight to the big deal, and I think its an 80-page agreement and thats what well be signing, he said.

We are happy to announce the signing, with our American partners, of a Memorandum of Intent, which paves the way for an Economic Partnership Agreement and the establishment of the Investment Fund for the Reconstruction of Ukraine. pic.twitter.com/AQsHPkWh5X  Yulia Svyrydenko (@Svyrydenko_Y) April 17, 2025

Ukraines Economy Minister Yulia Svyrydenko said in a post on X that a memorandum of intent with the US has been signed, paving the way for an economic partnership agreement between the two nations.

She said a final deal would also involve an investment fund for the reconstruction of Ukraine. US officials expressed hope that an accord could be completed by the end of next week.

She shared photos of the document signing with herself in one image and US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent in the second.

The pair put pen to paper via an online call.

This document is the result of the professional work of the negotiating teams, which recently completed another round of technical discussions in Washington, she said.

Ahead is the finalisation of the text of the Agreement and its signingand then, ratification by parliaments.

It is very important that the document notes the desire of the American people to invest together with the Ukrainian people in a free, sovereign, and secure Ukraine.
Pianist and former judge on the TV series The Piano, Lang Lang, has said the show inspired him to launch a new programme to support children facing significant challenges, saying music is the best medicine.

The world-renowned classical musician, 42, will announce the new initiative, Music Heals, on April 18.

He said he felt he had to do something to help support children going through physical illnesses, mental health difficulties, grief or other adversities.

Lang Lang appeared as a judge on the reality Channel 4 show, The Piano, alongside singer Mika. The series saw host Claudia Winkleman search for the UKs best amateur pianists before the show culminated in a concert at the Royal Festival Hall, featuring four chosen finalists.

Lang Lang performing during the Coronation Concert held in the grounds of Windsor Castle (Chris Jackson/PA)

The initiative, to be launched by the Lang Lang International Music Foundation (LLIMF), aims to use music as a tool for emotional support offering concerts, workshops, interactive sessions and therapeutic creative spaces for children who may be facing significant challenges.

Lang Lang said: I think that programme (The Piano) really inspired me.

I met so many people who are so talented and  fighting with very serious health issues.

I felt that we had to do something to help them. Theres so much passion in music and talent but sometimes theyre having problems beyond their normal health situation.

Music is the best medicine to lose that tension that you have or the fear in your heart and your mind and to completely overcome all those difficulties.

Lang Lang backstage at the Coronation Concert (Ian West/PA)

The programme will initially focus on key areas such as bereavement, hospice care, childrens mental health and the role of music in overall wellbeing by working with Place2Be, a leading mental health charity, and childrens hospices to ensure the programme reaches those who would benefit most.

The foundation will also collaborate with the Royal College of Music and Imperial Colleges Performance Science Department to assess the direct impact of music on health and emotional development.

Lang Lang helped launch a similar initiative in China a few years ago, supporting children with autism and visually impaired youngsters, where he witnessed the impact the programme had on the young peoples lives.

He said: Some of my students from our programme never talked to anybody. Theyre kind of locked by themselves into their own little world and theyre not open at all.

And then we start training them with playing Mozart and then gradually they start to talk to other kids. Theyre starting to feel much better in communication and theyre not locking themselves into a little room.

Theyre talking to other musicians. Theyre making friendships. And then their health situation also gets much better after that.

In the overall programme, I think you really see the change in their life. I really saw it from my eyes. This is something that music can do. Its not me. Its really what music can do to people.

Lang Lang, a former child prodigy who performed at the 2008 Olympic Games opening ceremony in Beijing, received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in Los Angeles in 2024 in the category of live performance.

He founded the LLIFM in 2008 to support young pianists, with a mission to ensure that music education remains accessible to children around the world.
Everyone's a little scared on their first day, right? Well that was certainly true for the shyest little pup named Charlie who was the tiniest bit nervous on her first day at the Spot on Vet Hospital & Hotel. The pup uses a wheelchair, which makes hanging with the other dogs just a little bit intimidating. But dont worry, little pup! Everyone will love you.

Video of Charlie getting ready to meet the other is so sweet. You can just tell she was a little anxious about what was about to happen. But she had nothing to fear  she was destined to fit right in.

First, Charlie took it all in. She took a lap around the play area and gave all the other dogs a warm smile. Thatta girl! All it takes is a little confidence to feel good in a new place. The small dog was really rolling on her wheelchair. She took everything in stride.

Then Charlie went around and said hello to the humans in the room. What a little charmer! You wouldve never known that Charlie was a little timid at the start of her visit.

Related: Little Dog 'Comes Back to Life' After Getting New Wheelchair and It's Everything

Watch Charlie get comfortable at her first day of day care, the videos caption reads.

The comments section was gushing over how brave Charlie was.

I love how she goes to that shy dog in the corner and is like, its my first day, do you want to be friends? I can just imagine her sweet little voice, wrote one person.

God bless [you for] helping these dogs with wheelchairs, someone else wrote.

I wish I was as confident and sociable as Charlie, teased another person.

I love how all the other pups are like, omg your wheels look so cool! gushed one commenter.

All About the Spot on Vet Hospital & Hotel

With two locations; one in Stamford, Connecticut and the other Westport, Connecticut, anyone can have the experience that Charlie did! The Spot on Vet Hospital & Hotel offers so many services for people with pets. Day care is just one of them. So head to their website and book your pups next stay.

Looking for more PetHelpful updates? Follow us on YouTube for more entertaining videos. Or, share your own adorable pet by submitting a video, and sign up for our newsletter for the latest pet updates and tips.
Kilmar Abrego Garcia was deported by Donald Trumps administration in error - Abrego Garcia Family

A man mistakenly deported to an El Salvador prison was not an upstanding Maryland resident but a wife abuser, a US government department has claimed.

Kilmar Abrego Garcia, who was deported by Donald Trumps administration in error, had a history of violence and was handed a restraining order against his wife Jennifer Vasquez in 2021, the Department of Homeland Security said on Wednesday.

Ms Vasquez, who is campaigning for Mr Garcias return and has described him as an excellent father, previously told law enforcement he punched, scratched and ripped off her shirt, according to court documents published on Tuesday.

Per the court documents, Mr Abrego Garcia, who entered the US illegally 14 years ago, was ordered to vacate the family home in Maryland and not to contact Ms Vasquez as part of the temporary protective order.

In a statement to Newsweek, Ms Vasquez described her husbands deportation as an abduction and said she had sought the restraining order out of caution because of her previous experience with domestic violence.

After surviving domestic violence in a previous relationship, I acted out of caution after a disagreement with Kilmar by seeking a civil protective order in case things escalated, Ms Vasquez said.

Things did not escalate, and I decided not to follow through with the civil court process. We were able to work through this situation privately as a family, including by going to counselling. Our marriage only grew stronger in the years that followed.

Ms Vasquez noted that the incident was not a justification for ICEs action of abducting him and said she would continue to stand by him and demand justice for him.

No one is perfect, and no marriage is perfect. That is not a justification for ICEs action of abducting him and deporting him to a country where he was supposed to be protected from deportation. Kilmar has always been a loving partner and father, and I will continue to stand by him and demand justice for him.

The 29-year-old remains imprisoned in a notorious jail in his native country despite a US federal judges order backed by the Supreme Court for his return to the United States.

He was protected by a 2019 court order determining that he could not be deported to El Salvador, but he was sent there around a month ago.

Demonstrators campaign for the release of Mr Abrego Garcia - ANNABELLE GORDON/EPA-EFE/Shutterstock

The administration has since admitted the mistake and has been ordered by the Supreme Court to facilitate the 29-year-olds return.

However it has maintained that Mr Abrego Garcia is a member of the MS-13 criminal gang. The White House insists it has no plans to return Mr Abrego Garcia to the US.

Deporting him back to El Salvador was always going to be the end result. There is never going to be a world in which this is an individual who is going to live a peaceful life in Maryland, Karoline Leavitt, the White House press secretary, said on Tuesday.

Chris Van Hollen, a Maryland senator, said authorities in El Salvador had denied him access to Mr Abrego Garcia while on a visit to the country.

The Democrat arrived in the Central American nation on Wednesday and said he would seek to meet with senior Salvadoran officials to secure Mr Abrego Garcias release.

Chris Van Hollen, a US Senator, during a visit to El Salvador - Jose Cabezas

He later said Felix Ulloa, the countrys vice president, told him he could not authorise a visit or a call with Mr Abrego Garcia.

Mr Van Hollen, who is a member of the US Senate foreign relations committee, said Mr Ulloa told him Mr Abrego Garcia would not be released because the US was paying El Salvador to keep him incarcerated.

Why should the government of the United States pay the government of El Salvador to lock up a man who was illegally abducted from the United States and committed no crime? Mr Van Hollen said.

In a meeting with Donald Trump at the White House on Monday, Nayib Bukele, El Salvadors president, said he had no plans to return Mr Abrego Garcia.

Patty Morin, whose daughter Rachel was killed in 2023 by an illegal immigrant while exercising on a popular hiking trail north-east of Baltimore, criticised Mr Van Hollen for trying to visit Mr Abrego Garcia.

Victor Martinez-Hernandez was convicted of raping and killing Rachel and concealing her body in a drainage culvert on Monday.

To have a senator from Maryland who didnt even acknowledge, or barely acknowledged my daughter and the brutal death that she endured, leaving her five children without a mother, and now a grandbaby without a grandmother... so that he can use my taxpayer money to fly to El Salvador to bring back someone thats not even an American citizen, Ms Morin said on Wednesday.

Why does that person have more rights than I do, or my daughter, or my grandchildren. I dont understand this.

Patty Morin, mother of Rachel Morin, speaks during a press briefing at the White House - Alex Brandon

Mr Trumps administration has deported hundreds of people who it claims are gang members to El Salvador.

On Wednesday, a federal judge said officials in the administration could face criminal prosecution for contempt of court for violating his order halting deportations of Venezuelan migrants under a wartime law evoked by the president.

Mr Abrego Garcia left El Salvador at age 16 to escape gang-related violence before entering the US illegally, his lawyers have claimed.

While in the US he worked in construction and got married. He had been raising three children with disabilities before his deportation, according to court records.

Mr Abrego Garcia has never been charged with or convicted of any crime, his lawyers say. They have denied the allegations that he is a member of the criminal gang MS-13.

Trump administration officials said the 29-year-old was deported last month based on a 2019 accusation from local police in Maryland that he was an MS-13 gang member.

Later in 2019, an immigration judge shielded Mr Abrego Garcia from deportation to El Salvador because he likely faced persecution there by local gangs that had terrorised his family.

The Trump administration ploughed ahead with the deportation, later describing the mistake as an administrative error.
Swallows are among the birds hoping for clear skies and soft southerly winds to bring them back to Britain. Photograph: Steve Hedges wildlife photography/Alamy

Despite TS Eliots famous reworking of the opening lines to Chaucers Canterbury Tales, April is not usually the cruellest month, weather-wise. For birders, it sees the welcome return of the majority of long-distance migrants from their winter quarters in sub-Saharan Africa  including warblers, flycatchers and chats, along with those masters of the air: swallows, martins and swifts.

Both we and the birds hope for clear skies and soft southerly winds, allowing these global voyagers to safely cross the Channel to Britain.

But from time to time, Aprils weather feels more like February or March, with a bitingly cold airstream from the north or east, rather than the south. April 1989 was one of the coldest on record, with persistent northerly winds bringing widespread snowfalls, stopping those returning migrants in their tracks.

Just five years later, April 1994 had equally bad weather, but this time from a very different direction. That year, a series of Atlantic depressions brought cool, unsettled weather, rain and westerly winds. Once again, this presented a formidable barrier to returning migrants, and delayed their arrival.

Some of the worst spring weather conditions for birds occurred in April 1981, with easterlies bringing heavy snowfalls. Towards the end of that month, heavy north-easterly gales caused a major wreck of seabirds in the North Sea, many of which were swept inland on the strong winds.
The Hilton group is among international hotel chains named in a report by the Uyghur Human Rights Group

British chain IHG has allegedly violated sanctions by building hotels in Chinas Xinjiang region, where MPs have said a genocide is taking place.

A report by the Uyghur Human Rights Group claims that IHG, owner of large brands including InterContinental and Holiday Inn, is running hotels in areas overseen by the Xinjiang Production and Construction Corps (XPCC).

XPCC is a Chinese government paramilitary organisation which has been sanctioned by the UK, US, Canada and EU for grave and systematic human rights violations.

Restrictions have also been imposed in the UK to ensure British organisations are not complicit in, nor profiting from, human rights abuses in Xinjiang against Muslim groups, including Uyghurs.

By conducting business there, IHG and other hotel chains are allegedly participating in the broader suppression, because they are profiting from tourism in the region after many locals were arbitrarily detained.

A vocational skills education centre in Dabancheng, Xinjiang. More than one million Uyghurs are believed to have been interned in brutal camps - Thomas Peter/Reuters

The rights group is calling on the UK Government to investigate.

The report, released on Thursday, says: These hotels do not operate in isolation from these abuses, but function within a system of state control that weaponises the tourism industry in order to present the region as normal and open for international business and investment.

Promotional materials from these hotels ignore this context, implying that business can be conducted amid genocide.

The presence and expansion of these hotel chains aligns with state-driven efforts to normalise repression and obscure the reality of atrocities.

China has waged a brutal suppression of Muslim minorities, including Uyghurs and Kazakhs, in the Xinjiang region for decades.

Some of the worst mass atrocities have happened in the last ten years, with more than one million people sent to re-education camps.

Survivors have told The Telegraph of horrific physical torture and political indoctrination.

They say they were forced to pledge fealty to Chinese leader Xi Jinping, forbidden from praying and fasting, and even made to pay for the cost of food and lodging while they were arbitrarily detained, starved and abused by the state.

Some have been released from the camps, though many were forced into government-run labour programs.

The remaining population remains under such severe high-tech surveillance that residents have told The Telegraph that living in Xinjiang is akin to being in an open-air prison.

The Chinese government has also engaged in a campaign of cultural erasure, barring people from speaking their native languages and demolishing thousands of mosques and sacred shrines in Xinjiang.

The suppression has spread to nearly every corner of China, with thousands more mosques torn down across the country.

China has claimed the campaign is necessary to snuff out terrorism, and has sought to whitewash its human rights abuses with propaganda.

But overwhelming evidence of the atrocities prompted the British Parliament to describe the situation in Xinjiang as a genocide in 2021.

The UK announced sanctions earlier that year against XPCCs security division, and four senior Chinese officials, for their role in gross human rights abuses.

The decision was co-ordinated with the US, Canada, and EU, which also imposed sanctions.

Despite that, IHG is among global hotel groups that are expanding their footprints in Xinjiang.

At least 115 hotels are operational as of April, with another 74 in various stages of planning, from IHG and large US chains including Hilton, Hyatt, Marriott and Wyndham, the report finds.

In 2021, The Telegraph revealed that a Hilton-branded hotel was being built on the site of a demolished mosque in Khotan. In response, the US Congressional-Executive Commission on China demanded an end to its construction and a coalition of 40 organisations boycotted the chain.

Hilton later distanced itself from its role in selecting the site, saying its franchise model limited corporate involvement in developing and managing properties.

That hotel has since opened, with traveller reviews online dating back to the middle of 2024, and is advertised on Hiltons website.

The hotel is advertised on Hiltons website

The report says: The presence alone of international hotel chains in a region undergoing crimes against humanity and genocide is morally indefensible.

By offering high-end accommodation and leisure spaces, international hotel chains contribute to a sanitised image of the region, one that directly serves Beijings propaganda objectives.

The report also accuses Accor  the firm based in France that operates Mercure, Ibis, Sofitel and other hotel brands  of being linked to forced labour.

It says an Accor franchisee participated in a Chinese government work-transfer program known for forced labour and rights abuses.

IHG and Hilton hotels have hosted state propaganda events and promoted state-sanitised narratives of Uyghur identity, traditions and culture, the report claims.

The Hilton hotel in Urumqi, for instance, has hosted Chinese government press conferences, and Communist Party officials have spoken at signing ceremonies for new hotels.

Uyghur children watch policemen in the street of Urumqi, the capital of the Xinjiang region - Guang Niu/Getty

A design firm contracted by IHGs InterContinental hotel in Ghulja  a city in far-west China near the Kazakhstan border  used signage and language that made claims about the fusion of harmony of cultures, in blatant denial of the rights abuses suffered by many people in the region.

The presence and expansion of IHG and other hotel chains in Xinjiang violates the companies own commitment to various human and labour rights commitments, including the United Nations universal declaration of human rights, the report says.

Operating in China requires setting up partnerships with Chinese state-owned firms that then financially benefit and advance the interest of a government responsible for crimes against humanity, according to the report.

The report also calls for the US, UK and other European governments to investigate third-party booking sites that list hotels in Xinjiang, such as Expedia, for possible sanctions violations.

IHG, Hilton and Expedia did not respond to requests for comment.
The King met an 18-month-old corgi named Lilibet, after his mothers childhood nickname - Anthony Devlin/PA Media

The King has met a corgi named after his mother, Elizabeth II, during Easter celebrations.

His Majesty was joined by the Queen on Thursday for the traditional Maundy service at Durham Cathedral, a key date in the royal calendar.

After the service in the 932-year-old cathedral, the royal couple walked into the spring sunshine and met some of the crowds of people gathered outside.

King Charles met Pat Johnson, 54, from Jarrow, South Tyneside, who was holding her 18-month-old Pembrokeshire corgi named Lilibet  the late Queens nickname from childhood.

Mrs Johnson said: He asked me if she was friendly and he asked me her name. I said she was named after the late Queen.

The King then thanked Mrs Johnson for telling him he looked in good health, joking: You are very kind, its all mirrors.

Pat Johnson and Lilibet the corgi were part of the crowd greeted by the King in Durham - PA

Last month, the King was admitted to hospital after experiencing side effects connected to his cancer treatment, but Buckingham Palace played down the severity of the episode.

During the service, he gave Maundy money to 76 men and 76 women  one for every year of his age  in thanks for their Christian service to their communities.

The King was unable to attend last years Maundy service in Worcester as he was undergoing treatment for cancer and Camilla stood in for him.

This year the Maundy service was held in Durham for the first time since 1967.

The 152 recipients were selected from dioceses in northern England and Scotland.

Credit: PA | King distributes maundy money in Durham Cathedral

One of them was Sister Josepha Matthews, from the Sisters of Mercy in Sunderland, who said the ceremony was very emotional and meaningful.

The 71-year-old said afterwards: It was the most special moment. He made you feel like you were the only person in the whole of the cathedral.

He put the gifts in my hand and held my hand.

I said Its lovely to meet you and he said No, we are delighted to come here and thank you for all the wonderful things that you have done, what would we do without you? You never stop.

Sister Josepha, who is the youngest member of her order in Sunderland and works with youth groups and Christian camps, said she received the honour on behalf of the community of 16 sisters.

King Charles and Queen Camilla posed for a group picture as they left the Maundy Thursday service at Durham Cathedral - Owen Humphreys/PA Media

Graham Young, from Winston in Teesdale, County Durham, was nominated to be a recipient for his work in the development of fair trade, as well as volunteering locally.

Mr Young said: It was quite extraordinary, the atmosphere was amazing.

There was all the pomp and circumstance and then it all really hits you.

The service, which used to feature the monarch washing the feet of the poor as Jesus did, dates back to 1210.

Before the service, the Dean of Durham, the Very Reverend Philip Plyming said: Maundy Thursday is about remembering the service and sacrifice of Jesus and it will be so special to celebrate in such a memorable way those who live out the example of Jesus today.
Louise Shackleton took her husband, Anthony, to die after they talked for over two years about it - Louise Shackleton/Sky News

A wife who took her husband to Dignitas to die has no regrets, despite now being investigated by police.

Louise Shackleton took her partner Anthony, who was 59 when he died, to Switzerland in December after he had suffered from motor neurone disease for six years.

She said that the couple had decided together that the Swiss clinic was the only way he could die peacefully.

Mrs Shackleton is now being investigated by police after handing herself in after she returned to Britain.

I have committed a crime, which I have admitted to, of assisting him by simply pushing him on to a plane and being with him, which I dont regret for one moment, she told Sky News.

He was my husband and I loved him. We talked at length over two years about this.

What he said to me on many occasions is look at my options, look at what my options are. I can either go there and I can die peacefully, with grace, without pain, without suffering or I could be laid in a bed not being able to move, not even being able to look at anything unless you move my head.

He didnt have options. What he wanted was nothing more than a good death.

The couple spent four days together in Switzerland before Mr Shackleton, a furniture restorer, died.

Mrs Shackleton said her husband was at total piece with his decision.

The couple had been together for 25 years before his death.

Assisting or encouraging the suicide or attempted suicide of another person is an offence under the Suicide Act 1961.

But prosecutions are rare and just four cases were successfully prosecuted between 2009 and 2024.

A spokesman for North Yorkshire Police said: The investigation is ongoing. There is nothing further to add at this stage.

Mrs Shackleton said she supported the law being changed in Britain to legalise assisted dying.

If the law had changed in this country, I would have been with family, family would have been with us, family wouldve been with him, she said. But as it was, that couldnt happen.

Earlier this month, the next stage of Kim Leadbeaters assisted dying Bill was pushed back to after the local elections amid concerns it has been watered down.

The Terminally Ill Adults (End of Life) Bill was scheduled to return to the Commons on April 25 but it has now been delayed until May 16.

Blanket ban failing dying people

Sarah Wootton, chief executive of Dignity in Dying, said the Shackletons showed why assisted dying should be legalised.

She said: Louise and Anthonys experience is proof that the blanket ban on assisted dying is failing dying people and their loved ones.

That British membership of Dignitas has risen more than 50 per cent in the last five years shows there is a demand for choice that is only increasing.

For those who cannot afford the 15,000 this costs, some are left to suffer as they die, despite good care, or to take matters into their own hands.

Dr Gordon Macdonald, chief executive of Care Not Killing, said the focus should be on improving palliative care.

No one who hears this tragic case, his fear of dying and being a burden could fail to be moved  but stories like this also highlight how dangerous it would be to rip up long held universal protections that protect lives.

The Isle of Man is set to become the first place in the British Isles to legalise assisted dying after its parliaments upper chamber approved a final reading of an Assisted Dying Bill.

The Bill will now be put forward for royal assent, at which point it will become law.
An illustration of what the planet K2-18 b, 124 light years away from Earth, may look like. Illustration: Nasa, CSA, ESA, J. Olmstead (STScI), N. Madhusudhan (Cambridge University)

A giant planet 124 light years from Earth has yielded the strongest evidence yet that extraterrestrial life may be thriving beyond our solar system, astronomers claim.

Observations by the James Webb space telescope of a planet called K2-18 b appear to reveal the chemical fingerprints of two compounds that, on Earth, are only known to be produced by life.

Detection of the chemicals, dimethyl sulfide (DMS) and dimethyl disulfide (DMDS) would not amount to proof of alien biological activity, but could bring the answer to the question of whether we are alone in the universe much closer.

This is the strongest evidence to date for a biological activity beyond the solar system, said Prof Nikku Madhusudhan, an astrophysicist at the University of Cambridge who led the observations. We are very cautious. We have to question ourselves both on whether the signal is real and what it means.

He added: Decades from now, we may look back at this point in time and recognise it was when the living universe came within reach. This could be the tipping point, where suddenly the fundamental question of whether were alone in the universe is one were capable of answering.

Others are more sceptical, with questions remaining about whether the overall conditions on K2-18 b, are favourable to life and whether DMS and DMDS, which are largely produced by marine phytoplankton on Earth, can be reliably regarded as biosignatures.

K2-18 b, which sits in the Leo constellation, is nearly nine times as massive as the Earth and 2.6 times as large and orbits in the habitable zone of its star, a cool red dwarf less than half the size of the sun. When the Hubble space telescope appeared to spot water vapour in its atmosphere in 2019, scientists declared it the most habitable known world beyond the solar system.

The supposed water signal was shown to be methane in follow-up observations by Madhusudhans team in 2023. But, they argued, K2-18 bs profile was consistent with a habitable world, covered in a vast, deep ocean  a view that remains contentious. More provocatively, the Cambridge team reported a tentative hint of DMS.

Related: Astronomers find signal that gives unexpected insight into early universe

Planets beyond our solar system are too distant to photograph or reach with robotic spacecraft. But scientists can estimate their size, density and temperature and probe their chemical makeup by tracking the exoplanet as it passes across the face of its host star and measuring starlight that has been filtered through its atmosphere. In the latest observations, wavelengths that are absorbed by DMS and DMDS, were seen to suddenly drop off as K2-18 b wandered in front of the red dwarf.

The signal came through strong and clear, said Madhusudhan. If we can detect these molecules on habitable planets, this is the first time weve been able to do that as a species  its mind-boggling that this is possible.

The findings, published in The Astrophysical Journal Letters, suggest concentrations of DMS, DMDS or both (their signatures overlap) thousands of times stronger than the levels on Earth. The results are reported with a three-sigma level of statistical significance (a 0.3% probability that they occurred by chance) although this falls short of the gold standard for discoveries in physics.

There may be processes that we dont know about that are producing these molecules, Madhusudhan said. But I dont think there is any known process that can explain this without biology.

A challenge in identifying potential other processes is that the conditions on K2-18 b remain disputed. While the Cambridge team favour an ocean scenario, others say the data is suggestive of a gas planet or one with oceans made of magma, not water.

There is a question of whether DMS could have been brought to the planet by comets  this would require an intensity of bombardment that seems improbable  or produced in hydrothermal vents, volcanoes or lightning storms through exotic chemical processes.

Life is one of the options, but its one among many, said Dr Nora Hanni, a chemist at the Physics Institute of the University of Berne, whose research revealed that DMS was present on an icy, lifeless comet. We would have to strictly rule out all the other options before claiming life.

Others say that measuring planetary atmospheres may never yield a smoking gun for life. Its under-appreciated in the field, but technosignatures, such as an intercepted message from an advanced civilisation, could be better smoking guns, despite the unlikelihood of finding such a signal, said Dr Caroline Morley, an astrophysicist at the University of Texas, Austin, adding that the findings were, nonetheless, an important advance.

Dr Jo Barstow, a planetary scientist at the Open University, also viewed the detection as significant, but said: My scepticism dial for any claim relating to evidence of life is permanently turned up to 11, not because I dont think that other life is out there, but because I feel that for such a profound and significant discovery the burden of proof must be very, very high. I dont think this latest work crosses that threshold.

At 120 light years away, there is no prospect of resolving the debate through closeup observations, but Madhusudhan notes that this has not been a barrier to the discovery of black holes or other cosmic phenomena.

In astronomy, the question is never about going there, he said. Were trying to establish if the laws of biology are universal in nature. I dont see it as: We have to go and swim in the water to catch the fish.
The now-Prime Minister Keir Starmer at a Pride event in Soho, London, in 2022 - AFP

The Supreme Court ruling on the binary nature of biological sex may have clarified a key point of law, but it has also exposed years of vacillation and evasion by senior figures in the Labour Party, with none more guilty than Sir Keir Starmer himself. Over the past five years, the Prime Minister has been questioned repeatedly on where he stands on this issue of huge legal and cultural importance, a challenge he has repeatedly struggled to meet with either consistency or conviction. Starmer, it seems, has been on a journey when it comes to defining women, though one in which he has been catching up with public opinion and now the law itself.

His very public association with the pro-trans side of the argument began as a member of Jeremy Corbyns shadow cabinet. In 2018, when Starmer was shadow Brexit secretary, Corbyn told the BBC that the position of the party is that where you have self-identified as a woman, then you are treated as a woman. Going into the 2019 General Election, its manifesto pledged to introduce self-identification for trans people.

2020: Labour stands proudly with the trans community

Leader of the Labour Party @Keir_Starmer shares his message to LGBT+ people  #PrideforAll pic.twitter.com/rFSl16s1k1  PinkNews (@PinkNews) June 9, 2021

The first public utterance from Starmer as party leader on this subject can be traced back to 2020, indicating the official Labour stance had not changed despite Corbyns departure. Starmer posted on Facebook: Trans rights are human rights, and your fight is our fight too. The Labour Party stands proudly with the trans community.

In June 2021, a year into his job as the leader of the opposition, Starmer recorded a video message for Pink News confirming a commitment to self-identification. Trans people are one of the most discriminated groups in our society Were committed to updating the GRA [Gender Recognition Act] to introduce self-declaration for trans people.

Three months later, he became embroiled in a spat with his backbencher Rosie Duffield, one of the few Labour MPs to openly express gender critical views and advocate for the primacy of biological sex and the rights of women. Duffield had been and continues to be subjected to campaigns of abuse on social media and in person from progressive campaigners, inside and outside the party. The MP for Canterbury did not attend the party conference that year in the wake of the criticism she had received and had to employ private security for her protection.

2021: Not right to say that only women have a cervix

During a TV interview on the BBCs Andrew Marr Show, Starmer was asked to comment on Duffields statement that only women have a cervix. It is something that shouldnt be said, he replied. Its not right.

It should be noted that Starmer was not only not alone in his own party, but that the Lib Dem leader Ed Davey held exactly the same position at that time, a position which now appears increasingly untenable in the light of the Supreme Court ruling. Davey said in 2021: The issue that we have been really clear [on] is that a trans woman is a woman and a trans man is a man. That is the issue that were fighting on.

However, the Conservative government was making different noises. The Ministry of Justice, headed up by Justice Secretary Robert Buckland, was beginning an exodus of government departments from Stonewalls diversity scheme, the LGBTQ+ charity at the extreme end of the trans argument, following concerns about its dubious training.

In October that year, Professor Kathleen Stock resigned from the University of Sussex after a sustained student campaign demanding her dismissal for her opposition to trans self-identification and gender critical views. Over 200 UK academics signed an open letter in support of Stocks right to academic freedom.

2022: A woman is a female adult, and in addition to that trans women are women... that is the law

In March 2022, during an appearance on Nick Ferraris LBC radio show, Starmer repeatedly refused to answer the question of whether a woman can have a penis. I dont think that discussing this issue in this way helps anyone in the long run, he said.

In an interview with The Times he also said: A woman is a female adult, and in addition to that trans women are women, and that is not just my view, that is actually the law. It has been the law through the combined effects of the 2004 [Gender Recognition] Act and the 2010 [Equality] Act.

The Harry Potter author JK Rowling, a longstanding campaigner for the rights of biological women and a vocal supporter of Duffield, then accused Starmer of misrepresenting the law and said, The Labour Party can no longer be counted on to defend womens rights.

Signs of Starmers evolution  admittedly along the same timescale as that of feathered dinosaurs  began to appear in 2023 in the wake of the outcry over the the conviction of Isla Bryson, formerly Adam Graham, on two counts of rape, who by declaring himself to be trans was placed in a womens prison in Sterling. In January, the Scottish Parliaments attempt to introduce self-identification through a Gender Recognition Reform Bill was blocked by prime minister Rishi Sunak on the grounds it clashed with UK-wide equality laws.

2023:  99.9 per cent of women... havent got a penis

In April 2023, Starmer stressed that 99.9 per cent of women havent got a penis and pledged there would be no rolling back of womens rights should he become prime minister, but that still left the door open for the belief that 35,000 British women and girls could have a penis.

By July 2023, the next step in his journey was taken when he ruled out introducing a self-identification law without a medical diagnosis. He told Radio 5 Live: Firstly, a woman is an adult female, so lets clear that one up.

During the Conservative Party conference in October, Sunak had declared: A man is a man, a woman is a woman, thats just common sense. Around the same time, the then Women and Equalities minister Kemi Badenoch was extricating Stonewall from Whitehall departments, saying Stonewall does not decide the law in this country.

The heat continued to be turned up, with the definition of biological sex being one of the few issues on which the Conservative government could score real points against a resurgent Labour. During Prime Ministers Questions in February 2024, Sunak ridiculed his opposite number for his apparent U-turns on the issue.

2024: There is a distinction between sex and gender

During an appearance on Good Morning Britain in 2024, Sir Keir Starmer conceded that there was a distinction between biological sex and gender - Ken McKay/ITV/Shutterstock

In April 2024, the prime minister-in-waiting also appeared to retreat from his dismissal of Duffields previous remarks, conceding that she was correct in her assertion that only women have a cervix. Biologically, she of course is right about that, he told Good Morning Britain. Theres a distinction between sex and gender. Duffield left Labour in 2024 and now stands as an independent.

The intervention of Sir Tony Blair showed Starmer up two months later. I dont know how politics got itself into this muddle, Blair wrote. What is a woman? Well, its not a very hard thing for me to answer really. Im definitely of the school that says, biologically, a woman is with a vagina and a man is with a penis. I think we can say that quite clearly.

When asked for comment on his predecessors opinions, Starmer said: Tonys right about that. But that was not enough for Rowling, who continued to be suspicious of the intentions of the Labour leadership and of their conviction over their ever-changing position. As long as Labour remains dismissive and often offensive towards women fighting to retain the rights their foremothers thought were won for all time, Ill struggle to support them, Rowling wrote.

A host of senior Labour figures find themselves vulnerable to criticism for their previous support of an ideological position the Supreme Court has now fatally undermined. Lisa Nandy, David Lammy, Angela Rayner, Dawn Butler, Emily Thornberry, Nadia Whittome, Yvette Cooper, Stella Creasy, Anneliese Dodds and many others have either publicly avoided answering the question of what defines a woman or, in some cases, supported the idea that women can have a penis.

As Starmer showed during his Five Live interview in 2023, he and other senior Labour figures often appeared exasperated at being repeatedly asked to define a woman  almost nobody is talking about trans issues, he said  but this approach now appears to suggest a grave underestimation of the importance of it for the wider public.

2025: Starmer has brought Labour to a common sense position

After the Supreme Court declared its unanimous opinion, a Labour source said Starmer had brought the party to a common sense position on the subject from an activist stance, and it was one of the reasons the electorate felt that they could back the party after the disaster of 2019. This has the ring of partial truth to it, although to what extent the credit should go to Starmer himself rather than the campaigners who pushed the Labour establishment towards a recognition of material reality is debatable.

Badenoch, now Conservative leader, accused Labour of having bent the knee to trans ideology, adding The era of Keir Starmer telling us that some women have penises has come to an end. Hallelujah! Starmers journey has been brought to an end by the Supreme Court, though he was always a somewhat reluctant traveller.
Teachers are worried that cuts to disability benefits mean things can only get worse. Photograph: Graeme Robertson/The Guardian

A third of school staff have seen physical underdevelopment in students due to poverty, with schools in England stretching their budgets to buy basic household items such as cookers, bedding and clothes for pupils whose families are struggling.

A survey of more than 14,000 school staff, published at the National Education Unions annual conference in Harrogate, found that this rose to more than half of those teachers working in deprived areas, with warnings that things can only get worse after recent benefit cuts.

Teachers attending the conference said the malign impact of poverty went beyond malnutrition, with families needing help to navigate the benefits system and lacking necessities such as beds or tables.

Related: Unauthorised school absence widening disadvantage gap in England

Chris Dutton, the deputy headteacher of a secondary school in the south-west of England and chair of the NEUs national leadership council, said state schools up and down the country were providing vital support for families who had nowhere else to turn.

School budgets are being spent on things that you wouldnt necessarily associate with school budgets, providing basic equipment for families, providing things like cookers and microwaves, Dutton said.

Some schools are having to make those difficult decisions and decide whats right to do. And actually, it shouldnt be coming out of school budgets  but we shouldnt be having children living in these circumstances.

Michael Allen, a primary school teacher in Wiltshire, said schools were having to provide clothes for children joining reception classes who were unable or too anxious to use toilets by themselves, as well as trying to support their families, putting additional strains on teachers.

Allen said: We know some children are cold when they come to school. We know that we can give out some payments for heating. But we have to plan that ahead, so its more worries for teachers and school leaders when we want to be focusing on teaching and inspiring pupils.

We are really sometimes mired in things that we feel that maybe others should have picked up before they get to school.

Kari Anson, the head of a special needs school in Birmingham, said poor living conditions and cuts to disability benefits created greater difficulties for the families of children with special educational needs (Sen).

There are some children with additional needs, complex medical needs, who because of poverty are living in housing conditions that are absolutely awful. Were talking mould on the walls, and that impacts those children who are asthmatic, prone to chest infections. This is putting those children in hospital, which means theyre then not attending school, Anson said.

She added: Im really scared about the potential welfare cuts to Pip [personal independence payments]  that will affect a huge amount of young people within the Sen sector. So that really worries me, because it means that things potentially can only get worse.

The latest government data, published last month for 2023-24, showed that the number of children in poverty had risen to 4.5 million, and accounted for 31% of all children in the UK.

Daniel Kebede, the NEUs general secretary, said successive governments had expected schools to plug the gaps being left in the lives of children.

A government calling for high and rising standards [in schools] cannot at the same time stand idly by in the face of high and rising rates of child poverty, Kebede said.

A Department for Education spokesperson said: No child should be living in poverty, which is why we have already taken wide-ranging action to break the unfair link between background and opportunity, led by our cross-government child poverty taskforce.

We have also tripled investment in breakfast clubs to over 30m  with delivery of free meals and childcare to begin in up to 750 schools from this month  and increased pupil premium to over 3bn to provide additional support for those children that need it most.

 The headline of this article was amended on 18 April 2025. An earlier version referred to a third of UK school staff, however this survey was only conducted in schools in England.
Current NHS guidance in England says trans people should be accommodated based on how they dress, their names and their pronouns. Photograph: Peter Byrne/PA

NHS bosses are scrambling to overhaul guidelines for single-sex spaces in thousands of hospitals and GP surgeries after the equality watchdog warned they would be pursued if they fail to do so.

The British Transport Police became the first to change policies on Thursday amid the fallout from the supreme court ruling on the legal definition of a woman, piling pressure on the health service and other organisations to revamp their guidance.

Current NHS guidance in England says trans people should be accommodated based on how they dress, their names and their pronouns. Under Wednesdays ruling that a woman is defined by biological sex under the Equality Act 2010, this would be scrapped.

Senior NHS legal officials and estates and facilities managers are racing to draw up proposals for how hospitals, community care centres and GP practices should reflect the ruling, sources told the Guardian.

The ruling poses a challenge for the NHS, which has an estate spanning 25m square metres in England alone, with infrastructure repair bills of more than 14bn. The issue is further complicated by the fact that health policy and spending is devolved in Wales and Scotland.

Related: Trans activists accuse UK equalities chief of overreach for suggesting bans

Kishwer Falkner, the chair of the Equality and Human Rights Commission (EHRC), told BBC Radio 4s Today programme on Thursday: They [the NHS] have to change it. They now have clarity.

There is no confusion as of yesterday, at 10.30 in the morning, and they can start to implement the new legal reasoning and produce their exceptions forthwith, but they have to change it. We will be having conversations with them to update that guidance.

Asked if the EHRC would pursue the matter if the NHS did not do so, she replied: Yes, we will.

An NHS England spokesperson said: The NHS is currently reviewing guidance on same-sex accommodation and, as part of this process, will consider and take into account all relevant legislation and [Wednesdays] ruling.

Meanwhile, the BTP, which patrols the railways in Great Britain, announced that male officers would conduct intimate searches of trans women in accordance with the biological birth sex of the detainee, while trans men would be searched by female officers.

Under the forces previous policy, officers had been told that anyone in custody with a gender recognition certificate would be searched by an officer matching a detainees acquired gender.

The update comes during a legal battle between gender-critical campaigners and the force over its guidance that allowed transgender officers to strip-search women, so long as the officer held a gender recognition certificate.

The rapid change of approach came after Lady Falkner said the EHRC would be issuing updated and legally binding codes of practice on single-sex spaces and services in the wake of the enormously consequential court ruling.

We are going to have a new statutory code of practice [meaning] it will be interpreted by courts as the law of the land. Were hoping were going to have that by the summer, she told Today.

She said the judgment meant only biological women could use single-sex changing rooms and womens toilets, or participate in women-only sporting events and teams, or be placed in womens wards in hospitals.

Even so, the commission will not tolerate discrimination or harassment of trans people, which remains unlawful under the Equality Act, and would support trans women taking out equal pay claims under sex discrimination laws.

Falkner said the ruling was a victory for common sense but only if you recognise that trans people exist, they have rights and their rights must be respected. Then it becomes a victory for common sense.

The UK government has avoided making any substantial comment on the ruling, but a strong indication of Labours approach came from Anas Sarwar, the Scottish Labour leader, who swung the party behind the supreme court and the EHRCs stance.

Previously a supporter of self-identification for trans people, Sarwar said there was now a need for an urgent update of Scotlands policies on single-sex spaces. Scottish ministers are expected to update Holyrood next week on their response to the ruling.

Ive always said that we should protect single-sex spaces on the basis of all biological sex, he said during a visit in Falkirk. Theres a clear ruling now from the supreme court.

Related: How will UK judgment on legal definition of womanhood affect policy?

The bulk of the reaction from Westminster politicians continued to come from the Conservatives. Speaking during a local elections campaign visit to Cambridgeshire, Kemi Badenoch, the Tory leader, said the court decision was a vindication of their views.

She said she would support changes to the Equality Act and Gender Recognition Act to cement the courts view. These laws were written 20 years ago plus when the world was different. A lot of people are trying to change what the law means, she said.

In contrast, there was little sign of how ministers will help institutions navigate the new framework. Rachel Reeves, the chancellor, on a visit to Scunthorpe, dodged some questions on the issue, saying only that more advice would come in due course.

Among the issues that will need to be tackled is provision of toilet facilities for transgender people, given the EHRC said the ruling means they will not be able to use single-sex toilets.

A directive introduced by Badenoch when she was equalities minister last year requires new public buildings such as offices and shopping centres to prioritise single-sex toilets, and to provide universal toilets only where space allows.

That regulation remains in force, meaning public buildings could become increasingly inaccessible for transgender users.
Teslas are truly rolling surveillance platforms, said John Davisson, a senior counsel and director of litigation at Electronic Privacy Information Center. Illustration: Guardian Design

Welcome to Opt Out, a semi-regular column in which we help you navigate your online privacy and show you how to say no to surveillance. The last column covered how to protect your phone and data privacy at the US border. If youd like to skip to a section about a particular tip, click the Jump to menu at the top of this article.

At the press of a button, your Tesla pulls itself out of parking spot with no one behind the wheel using a feature called Summon. It drives itself on highways using Autopilot. When you arrive at your destination, it can record nearby activity while parked with a feature called Sentry Mode.

To effectively operate any of these features, your car needs to monitor and collect a large amount of data about you. Most Tesla vehicles come equipped with nine internal and external cameras. Information from your Tesla, delivered via location trackers, sensors and more, can paint an intricate picture of your life and movement.

Teslas are truly rolling surveillance platforms, said John Davisson, a senior counsel and director of litigation at digital rights research group Electronic Privacy Information Center. There are some privacy safeguards that Tesla offers that at least allow you, on the face of the settings, to opt out of data sharing ... provided that Tesla is actually following through on those commitments.

Tesla isnt alone in collecting a considerable amount of data to enable a suite of advanced features on your vehicle. Any connected car collects some level of information to operate. Some Tesla owners are newly concerned, given CEO Elon Musks role in Donald Trumps administration.

Related: How to protect your phone and data privacy at the US border

Those concerns are not entirely unfounded, according to Reem Suleiman, the director of advocacy at Mozilla Foundation, which gave Tesla a privacy not included grade in its assessment of the carmakers data security practices. For one, the companys track record of protecting user data is shaky. In 2023, a Reuters investigation found that employees were sharing sensitive footage that vehicles captured in internal messaging forums. A Washington Post analysis of transparency reports published by Twitter and then X after Musk took over likewise showed that X acquiesced to 20% more government requests to remove content in just the first half of 2024 than Twitter did in all of 2021  the last time the company published the transparency report.

We spoke to privacy experts, consulted Teslas privacy policy and even asked Teslas own AI chatbot how to share the least amount of data with Tesla as possible. If you own a Tesla, there are some precautions you can and, in many cases, should take with regards to your vehicle. But be forewarned: adjusting these settings so that you share the least possible amount of data with Tesla will shut off access to many of your cars functions.

They pretty much say that, if you choose to opt out of data collection, then your car is essentially a lemon, Suleiman said. They essentially say that your vehicle can have reduced functionality, serious damage or inoperability. So its kind of a non-choice, when you think about it.

Heres what you need to know about your privacy in Tesla vehicles:

What information is your Tesla collecting about you?

Teslas privacy policy details a wide swath of data that its vehicles collect  most of which is stored locally but is also sent to the company unless you change your settings.

According to Teslas AI chatbot, information collected on you includes: location data (although Tesla doesnt record or store vehicle-specific GPS information, except in the case of a crash); driving habits and behaviors (such as speed, braking patterns, and acceleration); diagnostic and vehicle usage data (to help improve Teslas products and services); infotainment system data (like browsing history and voice commands) and Autopilot data (camera recordings, sensor readings, and other inputs to support advanced safety features).

The good news is that data can be collected and stored on your vehicles local drives if opt out of sharing information with the company. The bad news is that data can still be accessed if law enforcement somehow gets a hold of your vehicle during a traffic stop or other circumstance, according to the Electronic Privacy Information Centers Davisson.

And its not just your car thats collecting information. The Tesla mobile app, from which you can activate Sentry Mode or Summon, also collects location, contact, browsing and device information. Read on for how to dial back how much your car monitors you.

Who is Tesla sharing your data with?

Related: Opt out: how to stop tech companies spying on your phone as Trump promises mass deportations

If you opt to share your data with Tesla, all of the data it collects on you may be shared with third parties, including law enforcement. According to the companys privacy policy, in addition to sharing data with law enforcement when the company receives a valid court order, Tesla will also share data when it is essential to protect national security or public safety. Davisson says that language is vague and opens the door for video footage to be shared with law enforcement for any number of reasons. Recently, for instance, the FBI has categorized vandalism of Tesla vehicles and showrooms as domestic terrorism.

Especially now, when everything is apparently a national emergency, its a very short hop from that to considering immigration enforcement to be a safety issue that requires constant sharing of real-time footage to Ice or other law enforcement officials, said Davisson. And its a scary situation.

So how do you protect your data?

Consider other vehicles

Everyone has a different risk profile when it comes to their privacy. Some people may be more concerned than others about who is gaining access to their personal information. Its not just your own privacy you need to be cognizant of, however, as Teslas exterior cameras can collect footage of people around the vehicle as well.

If you are concerned about information gathering and dont already have a Tesla, privacy experts say you should opt for a different car. If you do have one and want to reclaim your privacy, sell it. Even Teslas AI chatbot gave similar advice.

If someone is deeply concerned about their privacy, they might consider alternatives, such as: 1 Opting for a vehicle manufacturer with more restrictive data collection practices (though this might come at the cost of reduced convenience features); 2 Exploring aftermarket solutions or modifications that could potentially reduce data sharing (though this might void warranties or introduce compatibility issues).

Factory-reset your car before selling it

So youve already bought a Tesla, and youve decided to sell it. Suleiman and the Mozilla Foundation highly recommend factory-resetting the car before you do. That means your car will be wiped of all of its data as if it was just coming off the lot.

Just because you sell your car off doesnt mean that youve scrubbed the data, Suleiman said. It requires a little bit of due diligence.

Related: Im selling the Nazi mobile: Tesla owners offload cars after Musks fascist-style salutes

So before you take the vehicle off your Tesla account, you will need to factory-reset your car from your in-car settings. Sit in the drivers seat and follow these steps:

1 Go to Controls > Service > Factory Reset.

2 Enter your Tesla account username and password to verify your credentials.

3 Confirm that you want to perform a factory reset.

This will erase all personal data, including saved addresses, music favorites and imported contacts, and restore your cars settings to their factory defaults, according to Teslas AI chatbot. The company also recommends deleting your HomeLink devices  which can allow you to control things like your garage door, lights or home security system from your Tesla. Do that by clicking on the HomeLink icon at the top of the Controls screen then going to HomeLink settings, where you can remove connections to other devices.

How to share the least amount of your data with Tesla

In the settings of your vehicle and the Tesla app, you can opt not to share your data with the company. But as weve said before, be prepared to lose some functionality of your car.

Opting out of data-sharing in your car is fairly straightforward. In your vehicle, go to Settings > Software > Data sharing. Turn off allow data sharing. This will disable the sharing of analytics, road segment, diagnostic and vehicle usage data. Teslas AI chatbot also recommended turning off allow Autopilot analytics to stop sharing Autopilot-related data.

Opt out of mobile app location and data sharing. In the Tesla app, go to Settings (the button will either look like three horizontal lines or a gear icon). Then scroll down to Security and Privacy. Then select turn off Location Services. Click Turn off Analytics to stop sharing app usage data to the company. Then revoke access to your camera, microphone and contacts.

By following these steps, youll be sharing the least amount of data with Tesla while still enjoying the core features and functionalities of your vehicle and mobile app, according to the Tesla AI chatbot.

Related: Companies building AI-powered tech are using your posts. Heres how to opt out

But this will affect the functionality of your car. According to Teslas chatbot, data sharing will affect these features:

Remote vehicle monitoring and control through the mobile app (eg, checking your vehicles status, location, and surroundings); navigation and routing optimization (although basic navigation will still work); geofencing and smart preconditioning (your vehicle wont be able to anticipate your arrival or departure); some Autopilot features, such as traffic-aware cruise control and automatic emergency braking, may not function optimally; over-the-air software updates might be delayed or unavailable; certain advanced safety features, like Emergency Services, may not work seamlessly.

I dont think it should be a trade-off, Davisson said. It is true that some of the collision avoidance systems and autonomous features on Teslas like other vehicles do rely on data collection and cameras. But it should not come at the cost of the privacy, certainly of the driver or passengers of the vehicle or for people that happen to be in the area surrounding the vehicle.
Reeves to hold talks with US as Trump says no rush to strike deals

Rachel Reeves has said she will hold talks with the White House next week amid efforts to strike a UK-US trade deal, despite Donald Trump downplaying the likelihood of any imminent agreements.

Britain hopes a deal can help soften the brunt of the US presidents sweeping 10% tariffs on all goods imported to America, with the Telegraph reporting that officials in Washington believe an agreement could be weeks away.

The Chancellor, who will be in the US next week for meetings, said active negotiations with the Americans are still ongoing.

Asked whether the UK is within three weeks of a deal the Chancellor told broadcasters on Thursday: Those conversations with our US counterparts are ongoing.

I will be in Washington next week for the International Monetary Fund annual meetings, their spring meetings.

I will also be having conversations with the US administration whilst Im there.

The key thing for the British Government is always acting in the UKs national interest, and any deal thats able to be secured will always have front-and-centre British national interest.

Chancellor Rachel Reeves during her visit to the British Steel site in Scunthorpe (Danny Lawson/PA)

However, in remarks made on Thursday, the US president said he was in no rush to reach any deals because of the revenues his new tariffs are generating.

Mr Trump said lots of countries wanted to reach deals frankly more than I do, and that any agreements would come at a certain point.

But he suggested while meeting with Italian premier Giorgia Meloni that it would be easy to find an agreement with the European Union and others.

Were in no rush, Mr Trump said.

President Donald Trump meets with Italys Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni in the Oval Office of the White House on Thursday (Alex Brandon/AP)

A 10% tariff on imports of UK goods into the US was imposed earlier this month, alongside a 25% levy on car imports.

Meanwhile, the US president suggested that a date for September was being set for him to visit the King in Britain.

Mr Trump, a known admirer of the royal family, had been handed a personal invitation from Charles for an unprecedented second state visit by Sir Keir Starmer during the Prime Ministers visit to Washington.

However, the Telegraph reported that instead of meeting at Balmoral or Dumfries House, as previously thought, the US leader will instead be hosted at Windsor Castle.

Ms Reeves was speaking from Scunthorpe after the Government intervened last weekend to support the steelworks.

Asked whether any deal could see the 10% levy lifted, she said: We are in active negotiations at the moment with our US counterparts on a whole range of issues concerning the tariffs for steel and aluminium, and the cars which of course are at 25%, as well as the headline tariff rate of 10%.

UK and US flags on The Mall leading up to Buckingham Palace, London (Steve Parsons/PA)

She added: Getting a deal across a whole range of areas (is) very important for British industry and British jobs, and that is my focus as Chancellor.

It comes as a former spy chief warned that the UK would be in trouble if it was to agree a trade deal with the US at the expense of China.

Nigel Inkster, the former deputy head of MI6 said a US-UK deal could negatively impact Britains relationship with China, which is a critical supplier of pharmaceuticals in both the UK and the US.

Mr Inkster told BBC Radio 4s Today programme: If it were the case that we had such a deal, I think it would come with strings, and one of those strings would be an expectation that the UK would get with the programme when it came to China.

Weve seen a precursor of this with the Huawei 5G saga, which the Americans said, you cannot use a Chinese company to build the 5G.

What needs to happen is that the Government needs to look much more carefully at what constitutes critical national infrastructure, and consider what the risks are in any given sector.

And one of the areas here that worries me quite a lot is the whole pharmaceutical sector, because China is a critical supplier of many pharmaceutical products. Without them, we would be in trouble.

Pharmaceuticals are said to be a heated part of discussions between British and US negotiators, amid Mr Trumps plans to begin imposing tariffs on medicines.

Asked if the Chinese government could switch off the supply of vital pharmaceuticals in case of a future dispute, Mr Inkster said: It would be an incredibly powerful lever.

China has, I think, a fairly clear track record of readiness to use economic coercion.
Chinese naval escort taskforce conducts combat training in Gulf of Aden

China Military Online) 09:52, April 17, 2025

Comprehensive supply ship Gaoyouhu (Hull 904) and guided-missile frigate Honghe (Hull 523) attached to the 47th Chinese naval escort taskforce conduct alongside replenishment-at-sea during a multi-subject training exercise in the Gulf of Aden on April 2, 2025. (eng.chinamil.com.cn/Photo by Fan Zheng)

A ship-borne helicopter attached to the 47th Chinese naval escort taskforce lifts off from a naval ship during a multi-subject training exercise in the Gulf of Aden on April 2, 2025. (eng.chinamil.com.cn/Photo by Fan Zheng)

The guided-missile frigate Honghe (Hull 523) attached to the 47th Chinese naval escort taskforce fires jamming bombs during a multi-subject training exercise in the Gulf of Aden on April 2, 2025. (eng.chinamil.com.cn/Photo by Fan Zheng)

Comprehensive supply ship Gaoyouhu (Hull 904) and guided-missile frigate Honghe (Hull 523) attached to the 47th Chinese naval escort taskforceconduct alongside replenishment-at-sea during a multi-subject training exercise in the Gulf of Aden on April 2, 2025.(eng.chinamil.com.cn/Photo by Fan Zheng)

(Web editor: Zhong Wenxing, Liang Jun)
Anas Sarwar has said he would consider future gender recognition reforms if a new Bill was brought to Holyrood.

The Scottish Labour leader told the PA news agency he has been clear his party made mistakes during the passing of the initial legislation at Holyrood in 2022.

Finance Secretary Shona Robison said on Wednesday the Scottish Government has no intentions of bringing back a revised Gender Recognition Reform (Scotland) Bill, but she added she would be keen to work with the UK Government on the issue.

For Women Scotland campaigners celebrated after judges ruled the definition of a woman in the Equality Act is based on biology (Lucy North/PA)

She was speaking after the Scottish Government lost its Supreme Court battle against For Women Scotland.

Britains top judges ruled on Wednesday the terms woman and sex in the Equality Act 2010 refer to a biological woman and biological sex.

The decision is likely to have far-reaching implications, including on single-sex spaces and who can access them.

Speaking during a visit to Alexander Dennis in Larbert on Thursday, Mr Sarwar welcomed the ruling and called on Scottish ministers to issue new guidance on single-sex spaces.

The most urgent thing that John Swinney and this SNP Government has to do is issue clear guidance that ensures that all our public services and public bodies are complying with the Equality Act and upholding peoples rights, he said.

Anas Sarwar said the Scottish Government must act to ensure public bodies adhere to the Supreme Courts ruling (Jane Barlow/PA)

That is the most urgent thing they need to do.

If the SNP Government does want to pursue the gender recognition reforms, then they have to come forward with what they think any changes to any future legislation needs to be, and we would consider them on their basis.

What I think the priority for the SNP Government should be is rather than going down these routes, they should be, every waking minute of every day, they should be focused on clearing the NHS backlog, fixing our NHS, fixing our education system, ensuring our young people have the support and skills they need.

That should be the relentless focus of our SNP Government, not looking for other issues to distract from their record.

The Scottish Parliament overwhelmingly backed the Gender Recognition Reform (Scotland) Bill before it was struck down by the then Westminster government (Jane Barlow/PA)

Mr Sarwar whipped his MSPs to vote for the gender reforms at Holyrood, which led to two frontbenchers leaving their posts.

But he has since U-turned on his support for the Bill, and has also backed nurse Sandie Peggie in her employment tribunal against NHS Fife over having to share a female changing room with a trans doctor.

Mr Sarwar said there have been too many occasions where public bodies did not obey equality laws.

He added: Ive always said that we should protect single-sex spaces on the basis of all biological sex.

Theres a clear ruling now from the Supreme Court. Its for the Scottish Government to ensure that they have appropriate guidance and public bodies are following those rules.

The Scottish Government has been approached for comment.
The boy cannot be named for legal reasons, but is alleged to have remained in contact with a gang in Sweden and helped them out - Australian Federal Police

A Swedish schoolboy has been arrested in Australia after allegedly trying to hire hitmen to carry out contract killings.

The 15-year-old is said to have offered one assassin 15,600 and a gun to commit a murder in Denmark.

The teenager, who cannot be identified because of his age, was apprehended while living with his extended family in Sydney.

The boy is suspected of recruiting the hitmen through an encrypted messaging device on behalf of a transnational crime syndicate operating in Scandinavia.

Australian Federal Police (AFP) arrested the teenager on Wednesday during an early morning raid.

Forensic officers are trawling through electronic devices seized in the raid to uncover further evidence.

The teenager had been sent to stay with his extended family in Australia in late 2024 after he fell in with a violent criminal gang vying for control of the lucrative drug markets in Scandinavia, the Sydney Morning Herald newspaper reported.

The boy is said, however, to have remained in contact with gang members online after he emigrated and helped them plot murders.

United in fight against cross-border crime

Police swooped after receiving intelligence from their Danish counterparts of a foreign national living in Australia who was allegedly linked to attempts to organise contract killings in Europe.

The boy has been charged with using telecommunications services to orchestrate murder.

There were no confirmed deaths as a result of his actions, police said.

He appeared before Surry Hills Childrens Court and was refused bail.He is scheduled to reappear before the same court on June 11.

According to reports, the boy had been living in a quiet suburban street in Sydney. Social media photos of him in gold jewellery and Louis Vuitton designer clothes showed him trying to cultivate a gangster image.

Lars Feldt-Rasmussen, deputy chief superintendent of Denmarks National Special Crime Unit, said: While in Australia, the young man is suspected of having attempted to recruit people to commit contract killings in Denmark and Sweden as part of ongoing gang conflicts in the Nordic region.

This case highlights our collaborative and effective international police cooperation and shows that we are united in our fight against cross-border crime.

Brett James from the AFP, said: The AFP regularly works with foreign policing partners, such as the Danish Police, and the identification of these alleged international criminal links is a testament to the enduring partnership and collaboration between our agencies.

Sweden is in the grip of a wave of gang violence where children are often recruited to carry out bombings and contract murders.

In January 2025 alone, there were approximately 30 gang-related explosions reported in the country, often in residential areas and mostly concentrated in Stockholm, an EU report found.

As of 2024, an estimated 62,000 individuals were involved in or connected to criminal networks in Sweden, according to The Bloomsbury Intelligence and Security, a think tank formed by postgraduate students from University College London.
Self Esteem - Aaron Parsons

Last time Rebecca Lucy Taylor  the artist behind the Self Esteem moniker  went on tour, she made no bones about the limited budget at her disposal. But two years on, much has changed. Those shows and their corresponding album, Prioritise Pleasure, earned Taylor a new level of success (and a major label deal), evident in the scaled-up production and hype at Londons Duke of Yorks Theatre on Wednesday night, where all eyes were on the debut of a new tour and album: A Complicated Woman.

The show began as a play might: curtain rising to reveal Taylor slouched on the kind of plastic chair youd see in a school or village hall, her back to the crowd, smoking a cigarette with the energy of an off-duty dinner lady. Shes no stranger to a theatre stage  she played Sally Bowles in Cabaret at the end of 2023  and this five-night West End run leans into that side of her identity.

But it was still very much a pop show rather than a play. Taylor  kitted out like one of Margaret Atwoods handmaids in a white headpiece and smock  opened with a new song, I Do And I Dont Care, its spoken word and communal choruses picking up where she left off with Prioritise Pleasure favourite I Do This All The Time. Ten dancers, all sporting the same dystopian get-up, joined the stage as the mood transformed from church ceremony to nun nightclub for second song Mother, a basement throb about immature men: I am not your mother, I am not your mum. So far, so Self Esteem.

Self Esteem performing A Complicated Woman - Aaron Parsons

Theatre designer Tom Scutt, who also worked on Pet Shop Boys recent Dreamworld tour, helped turn the Victorian theatre into a provincial community centre that, as the evening went on, played host to an AA meeting, a PE class, an aerobics gym, and local disco. Taylors original trio of dancers were a crucial part of the success of the Prioritise Pleasure tour and the inflated troupe only capitalised on that power, choreographer Stuart Rogers clearly having fun with a larger posse.

Everything felt bigger, yet everything felt reassuringly familiar: the girl gang energy, Taylors frank humour, her lyrics that nail how it feels to be a woman on the other side of your twenties. New songs such as Mother and 69  a musical rating of sex positions, after which Taylor asked the crowd is my dad alright?  channelled a Charli XCX-style club mood, but as Taylor pointed out in a recent interview, every brat turns 38. The bulk of the nights material operated from this more mature perspective: The Curses boozy strum, uplifting lead single Focus Is Power, and final song The Deep Blue Okay, which provided the same twinkling piano euphoria as LCD Soundsystems All My Friends.

Self Esteems strength has always been as a live act, and the theatre provided exactly the right setting for her music: her lyrics earning laughs as if they were lines in a comedy play, the songs wrestled from charity single territory into witty empowerment anthems that found their full strength and natural home as a high-budget stage extravaganza, steered by a leading lady like no other.

At Duke of Yorks, London until Apr 20; thedukeofyorks.com
Simon Armitage has said he is excited to receive the freedom of the City of London, despite being a northerner all his life.

The Poet Laureate, who was brought up in Marsden, West Yorkshire, attended the ceremony on Wednesday at the Barbican Centres Conservatory, the first time it was held there.

The Freedom ceremony is mostly held in the Chamberlains Court at Guildhall or The Mansion House.

The King with Poet Laureate Simon Armitage in 2021. (Chris Jackson/PA)

Armitages recognition was for his outstanding achievements in the written word and his enthusiastic promotion of poetry, in particular, to the younger generation.

He said: This is a wonderful and exciting honour. Im a northerner and have lived in West Yorkshire all my life, but through poetry and all its different manifestations, London has become a home from home, the place I know best outside my own postcode.

The city itself has always been something of a mystery to me until recent years when Ive started exploring it more for work and pleasure.

The freedom feels like an invitation to spend even more time in a place that feels truly historic yet determinedly futuristic, a sort of visa in my poetic passport. Thank you  expect me any moment.

Following the ceremony, the poet gave a reading of his works, and in addition two people from the Barbicans artist development programme recited an original poem inspired by his writing.

Armitage was appointed as Poet Laureate in May 2019, succeeding Scottish poet Dame Carol Ann Duffy.

He is professor of poetry at the University of Leeds, and has written around 30 collections of poetry  starting with Zoom! in 1989.

The former probation officers work is studied by children as part of the national curriculum, and he most recently released Magnetic Field: The Marsden Poems in 2020 and Blossomise in 2024, a limited-edition collaboration with artist Angela Harding.

Armitage, nominated for the Freedom by the recorder of London, his honour Mark Lucraft KC, and honorary secondary of London, Fiona Adler, from the Old Bailey, follows in the footsteps of comedian Sir Lenny Henry and British actor, musician and filmmaker Giles Terera.

Mr Lucraft said: As prolific and versatile as he is popular and accessible, Simon Armitage is one of our finest poets  now, almost six years into the historic position of Poet Laureate  and also a talented musician, playwright, and novelist.

It has given my colleague, Fiona Adler, and I tremendous pleasure to support his admission into the Freedom, which is richly deserved, and we hope that he will have fond memories of his ceremony for many years to come.

Armitage has translated major classic texts, including the Odyssey and medieval romances Sir Gawain and the Green Knight, written non-fiction work Walking Home: Travels With A Troubadour On The Pennine Way and is the frontman of the ambient post-rock band LYR.

For the Platinum Jubilee, Armitage wrote a poem, Queenhood, to mark the late Queens 70 years of service, and when she died he put out Floral Tribute in remembrance of her reign.

The tradition of the freedom of the city is believed to date back to 1237.
Celebrations at the end of the legal battle between campaign group For Women Scotland and the SNP over the definition of a woman - Maja Smiejkowska/Reuters

The SNP has been told to ditch its transgender agenda in the wake of the Supreme Courts ruling on the legal definition of a woman.

Russell Findlay, the Scottish Conservative leader, said that John Swinney, the First Minister, should apologise to the women of Scotland for the bitter divisions caused by the Scottish Governments gender legislation.

Britains top judges ruled on Wednesday that Scottish ministers were wrong to insist that trans women who held a gender recognition certificate were entitled to the same sex-based protections as women under the law.

They confirmed that the terms woman and sex in the Equality Act 2010 refer to a biological woman and biological sex.

The decision, a resounding defeat for the Scottish Government, is likely to have far-reaching implications, including on single-sex spaces and who can access them.

Russell Findlay said the SNP Government must instruct all public bodies to obey the court ruling - Jane Barlow/PA

Mr Findlay said his party would press ministers to address the Scottish Parliament on the issue when Holyrood returns from recess next week.

He said the Government must instruct all public bodies to adhere to the ruling, which he said was decisive and crystal clear and called on Mr Swinney to apologise to the women of Scotland for the bitter divisions caused by the Scottish Governments gender legislation.

In a letter to Mr Swinney, Tory MSP Stephen Kerr said it was no longer tenable for public bodies in Scotland to operate in defiance or disregard of this ruling.

Mr Kerr has asked the First Minister to set out, as a matter of urgency, how your government intends to ensure full and immediate compliance with this ruling across all sectors, adding that clear leadership, decisive action, and full transparency is needed.

John Swinney, seen at Edinburgh Pride last June, is under pressure to ditch the SNPs transgender agenda - Jane Barlow/PA

Anas Sarwar, the Scottish Labour leader, called on SNP ministers to issue new guidance on single-sex spaces, adding: The most urgent thing that John Swinney and this SNP Government has to do is issue clear guidance that ensures that all our public services and public bodies are complying with the Equality Act and upholding peoples rights.

Meanwhile, Ash Regan  the Alba Party MSP who quit as a Scottish government minister over the gender reforms before defecting  lodged a motion in Holyrood calling on the Scottish Government to take urgent action to make sure public bodies are following the law and putting the ruling into practice.

In the wake of the ruling, Mr Swinney said he accepted the decision and that protecting the rights of all would underpin the Scottish Governments response.

Mr Sarwar has declined to apologise for Scottish Labours past support for gender recognition reform but told the PA news agency that he has been clear his party made mistakes during the passing of the initial legislation at Holyrood in 2022.

Mr Sarwar whipped his MSPs to vote for the gender reforms at Holyrood, which led to two frontbenchers leaving their posts.

He has since U-turned on his support for the Gender Recognition Reform (GRR) Bill, and has also backed nurse Sandie Peggie in her employment tribunal against NHS Fife over having to share a female changing room with a trans doctor.

Mr Sarwar said there have been too many occasions where public bodies did not obey equality laws.

During a visit to the Alexander Dennis bus factory in Larbert, he added: I think the fundamental point from the judgment, is we now have clarity on the Equality Act. Ive always believed in the primacy of the Equality Act.

Even through the GRR Bill process and since, we have argued for the protection of single-sex spaces, based on biological sex.

And I think under this SNP Government, there has been a grey area around how that law is enacted around our public services. Theres a clear ruling now from the Supreme Court.

Its for the Scottish Government to ensure that they have appropriate guidance and public bodies are following those rules.
Donald Trump has suggested a date for September is being set for him to meet the King in Britain.

The US president said he was a friend of Charles and had great respect for him when asked about reports that he was expecting to fly to the UK at the end of summer.

Mr Trump was already feted with a grand state visit to Britain, hosted by the late Queen in 2019, during his first presidency.

Speaking to reporters in the Oval Office on Thursday, he said he did not know how it can be bigger than the last one but that they say its going to be even more important.

Buckingham Palace declined to comment.

Asked whether he would be meeting Charles in September, Mr Trump said: I was invited by the King and the country  great country.

Theyre going to do a second, as you know, a second fest thats what it is: a fest, and its beautiful, and its the first time its ever happened to one person.

And the reason is we have two separate terms, and its an honour Im a friend of Charles, I have great respect for King Charles and the family, William, we have really just a great respect for the family.

And I think theyre setting a date for September.

Asked whether he thought it would be a smaller event than last time, he replied: I dont know how it can be bigger than the last one.

The last one was, as you know, incredible. But they say its going to be even more important, so its a great honour to be so chosen.

Precedent for second-term US presidents who have already made a state visit is usually tea or lunch with the monarch at Windsor Castle, as was the case for George W Bush and Barack Obama.

Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer handed Mr Trump what he described at the time as a truly historic personal invitation from the King for a second state visit when he visited the White House in February.

However, the Telegraph newspaper reported that the venue for the September trip is now expected to be Windsor Castle, rather than Balmoral or Dumfries House as previously thought.

The plans come as the Government continues to seek a wider economic agreement with Washington to mitigate the impact of Mr Trumps 10% tariffs on all goods imported to America.

Chancellor Rachel Reeves, who will be in the US next week for meetings, said active negotiations with the Americans are still ongoing.

I will also be having conversations with the US administration whilst Im there, she said on Thursday.

However, later in the day the president downplayed the likelihood of any imminent deals being reached.

Were in no rush, Mr Trump said, adding that any agreements with other countries would come at a certain point.

We have a lot of countries that want to make a deal. Frankly, they want to make deals more than I do, the president said.
Donald Trump and Benjamin Netanyahu held talks in Washington earlier this month - Alex Wong/Getty Images

Donald Trump thwarted an Israeli plan to launch a military assault on Irans nuclear facilities, it has been disclosed.

Israel had reached an advanced stage of planning a multi-day bombing campaign that could have been launched as early as May, and its leaders were hoping for a green light and active support from the United States.

The New York Times reported that US military chiefs were kept closely informed, but that in recent weeks the US president decided to shelve the plans in favour of a fresh attempt at diplomacy.

It followed a weeks-long debate at the heart of the new administration, with Susie Wiles, Mr Trumps chief of staff, Pete Hegseth, the US defence secretary, JD Vance, the US vice-president, and Tulsi Gabbard, the director of national intelligence, all voicing doubts.

Since retaking office in late January, Mr Trump has combined a written overture to Irans supreme leader with repeated threats to bomb the country if it continued with its nuclear programme.

Formal talks began last weekend in Oman and, despite deep scepticism in Israel about their chances of success, they are set to continue in the coming days in Rome.

Western intelligence officials fear that Iran could enrich sufficient uranium for a nuclear bomb within a week and potentially fashion it into a crude weapon within a few months.

The Islamic Republic is judged to need a year to 18 months to properly develop a warhead and integrate that with a ballistic missile, a process that would almost certainly be detected by Israel and the West.

A protester holds an anti-US banner during a rally in Tehran - Abedin Taherkenareh/EPA-EFE/Shutterstock

The New York Times reported that Israel had initially considered combining air strikes with commando raids on Irans nuclear sites. The model was used successfully against military infrastructure in Syria last year.

However, the tactics would need to be applied on a far bigger scale in Iran, and planners judged they could not be sure of destroying all the enriched uranium, because it is being stored in multiple sites, and that troops would not be ready to execute the plan until October.

An aggressive air campaign starting in early May and lasting more than a week was envisaged instead.

The Telegraph has previously reported that Israeli officials consider now to be an opportune time, with Irans main air defence system weak thanks to Israeli strikes last year, plus the weakness of the Iranian proxy Hezbollah, blunting the inevitable retaliation on Israel.

Despite the enthusiasm for the plan by Israeli military chiefs in Tel Aviv, Gen Michael Kurilla, the head of the US Central Command, reportedly communicated Mr Trumps decision to favour the diplomatic route during a visit in early April.

Mr Trump then reportedly stopped Benjamin Netanyahu, the Israeli prime minister, from talking about it over a phone call, citing security concerns.

Mr Netanyahu visited the White House in the second week of April, ostensibly to talk about tariffs, although it was widely reported that, in reality, Iran was top of Israels agenda.

Trump opted for Iran talks

However, Mr Trump used the visit to announce direct talks with Iran, effectively tying Israels hands with regards to military strikes while the negotiations continue.

It is not a condition of the talks that Iran pauses its nuclear development while they continue, and Israel is worried the regime could seek to string out discussions.

Launching a major attack on Iran without US blessing is generally considered diplomatically unthinkable in Israel.

For a good chance of success  defined as setting back Irans nuclear weapons programme by a year or more  strikes would need active US military participation.

Refuelling aircraft and 30,000lbs of bunker busting bombs are considered some of the key American assets Israel would need on its side.

Israel would also want the US to help defend it from the inevitable mass rocket attacks  most likely on civilian areas  that Iran would launch in response.

The US has now moved two aircraft carrier groups into the region, as well as bolstering its long-range strategic bomber force on the Indian Ocean island of Diego Garcia, which is in range of Iran.

However, Ms Gabbard was reportedly wary of triggering a wider confrontation with Iran by its build-up of military hardware.

Iran has repeatedly denied seeking a nuclear weapon, claiming that its uranium-enrichment process is for civilian use.

Experts say that this is not credible, however, given Iran has enriched uranium to at least 60 per cent, well above the purity needed for non-military purposes.

The countrys leadership is currently battling severe economic problems, leading analysts to believe that there are real incentives for it to seek a deal that lessens the burden of sanctions.

In Israel, the security establishment is fearful Mr Trump will agree a deal that, in reality, does not control the ability of Iran  a country that has repeatedly vowed to wipe Israel off the map  to acquire a bomb.

On Thursday, Rafael Grossi, the UN nuclear watchdog chief, met Mohammad Eslami, the chief of Irans atomic energy agency, before the fresh round of talks between Tehran and Washington on Saturday in Rome.

It came as Abbas Araghchi, the Iranian foreign minister, visited Moscow for talks with Vladimir Putin.

On Wednesday it was reported that Hamas is struggling to pay its fighters, due to the current pressure by Israel.

The Wall Street Journal (WSJ) reported information from intelligence officials in both the West and Middle East saying that the liquidity problems are contributing to the groups dysfunction on the ground.

This is closely related to the decision to cut off aid into the Gaza strip, according to the officials.

Hamas was believed to control much of the aid that entered during the January to March ceasefire, selling it to the population to boost their coffers.

However, Israel cut off all aid going into Gaza in early March as the ceasefire and hostage-release deal began to unravel.

The terror groups ability to pay their fighters has also been hit by Israels campaign of assassinating key officials involved in the financial side of the groups activities, rather than targeting purely military commanders.

The WSJ reported that Hamas fighters and political staff were paid around half their normal rate of $200 to $300 (150 to 226) a month during Ramadan, which took place from late February to late March this year.

Before October 7, Hamas received about $15 million (11.3m) a month from Qatar, as well as having access to an estimated stockpile of half a million dollars.

Israel introduced strict controls of cash into the enclave following the massacre.

Hamas was facing an acute liquidity squeeze in the weeks running up to the January ceasefire, the officials said.
Ministers have approved more than 100,000 in additional funding for Scotland Yard detectives investigating the disappearance of Madeleine McCann.

Home Office sources said a request to provide up to 108,000 was approved for the probe, known as Operation Grange, for 2025-26.

It is understood one detective chief inspector, one detective constable and one member of police staff are working on the investigation.

Madeleine was three when she vanished while on holiday with her parents in Praia da Luz, after they left her and her younger twin siblings asleep in their apartment while they went out to dinner with friends.

The prime suspect in the youngsters disappearance was recently cleared of unrelated sex offences in Germany, which were allegedly committed in Portugal between 2000 and 2017.

Christian Brueckner, 48, spent many years in Portugal, including in Praia da Luz around the time of Madeleines disappearance.

He is currently serving a seven-year prison sentence in Germany for the rape of an elderly woman at her home in the resort town in 2005.

He has denied all the charges against him and any involvement in Madeleines disappearance.

The Metropolitan Police is understood to be continuing its support for authorities in Germany and Portugal.

Detective Chief Inspector, Mark Cranwell, who oversees the British investigation into the disappearance of the youngster said: We continue to support Madeleines family to understand what happened on the evening of 3 May, 2007 in Praia da Luz.

Our thoughts remain with the family.

The total funding given to Operation Grange has been more than 13.2 million since 2011.
Chris Eubank Jr has fulfilled a vow to pay fighters who had been scheduled to box on the undercard of his cancelled bout against bitter rival Conor Benn.

The British pair are next Saturday due to settle their long-standing grudge dating back to October 2022, when Benns two failed drug tests led to the entire card being scrapped just days beforehand.

Benn had a provisional suspension lifted last November, paving the way for him to fight in the United Kingdom again and finally face Eubank Jr in a high-stakes middleweight contest at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.

Just checked my Eu-BANK statement and Chris was as good as his word  Thank you @chriseubankjr  pic.twitter.com/jwwkLmTNq8  Ellie Scotney (@elliescotney_) April 17, 2025

But Eubank Jr has not forgotten the fallout from their original contest being called off and revealed plans to put away money from his latest purse for the undercard fighters from two-and-a-half years ago.

He posted an apparent screenshot of the payments to 10 fighters  including his cousin Harlem and Ellie Scotney, now a unified world super-bantamweight champion  who were each given just over 3,500 each.

Scotney  who had been due to face Mary Romero for the European super-bantamweight title, a bout that instead went ahead three weeks later  confirmed Eubanks payment.

Gotta respect Eubank junior  he actually paid what he said he would off the under card from the 1st one  KingLyndon Arthur (@LyndonArthur) April 17, 2025

She wrote on X: Just checked my Eu-BANK statement and Chris was as good as his word. Thank you. Ahh honestly what a gesture by @ChrisEubankJr.

Light-heavyweight Lyndon Arthur wrote: Gotta respect Eubank junior he actually paid what he said he would off the under card from the 1st one.

Former WBA bantamweight champion Shannon Courtenay posted on social media: Man of his word. Thank you Chris Eubank Jnr.
From left: Emmanuel Macron, Steve Witkoff, Marco Rubio and Jean-Noel Barrot at the Elysee Palace. Photograph: Ludovic Marin/AP

Senior US, European and Ukrainian diplomats will meet again in London next week, the Elysee Palace has said, after what a French official described as an excellent day of talks in Paris aimed at reviving stalled ceasefire efforts.

We have started a positive process in which Europeans are a part, the spokesperson said after the meetings attended by top British, French, German and Ukrainian officials as well as the US secretary of state, Marco Rubio, and Donald Trumps special envoy Steve Witkoff.

The French official said: The Americans are ready to discuss security guarantees, but the exact content of those guarantees will depend on negotiations allowing Ukraine to achieve a solid and durable peace starting with a complete ceasefire as soon as possible.

Frances president, Emmanuel Macron, hosted the talks as Washington and Europe seek common ground on how to end the fighting three years after Russia invaded its neighbour, with Trumps pledge to swiftly end the war so far unfulfilled.

Everyone wants to get peace. A robust and sustainable peace. The question is about phasing, Macron said as the talks got under way. Keith Kellogg, Trumps envoy to Ukraine, who also attended, said afterwards the talks were very productive but gave no details.

Related: Ex-UK defence minister disgusted by Trumps attitude to Putin and Russia

A previously unannounced team of Ukrainian officials including Volodymyr Zelenskyys chief of staff, Andriy Yermak, and the countrys foreign and defence ministers flew in to meet the US and European delegations.

Yermak said: We exchanged views on the next steps  including the implementation of a full ceasefire, the involvement of a multinational military contingent and development of an effective security architecture for Ukraine.

In Kyiv, Zelenskyy was critical of Witkoffs message, saying he believed the US envoy had taken on the strategy of the Russian side. He added: I think it is very dangerous, because he is  consciously or unconsciously, I dont know  spreading Russian narratives.

Rubio wrote on social media that the American delegation in Paris was looking to secure real, practical solutions to end the Russia-Ukraine war. He spoke by phone with his Russian counterpart, Sergei Lavrov, on Thursday, a spokesperson for the US state department said.

President Trump and the United States want this war to end, and have now presented to all parties the outlines of a durable and lasting peace, the spokesperson said. The encouraging reception in Paris to the US framework shows that peace is possible if all parties commit to reaching an agreement.

Earlier on Thursday, Zelenskyy said pressure must be put on Moscow to call a halt to the fighting. Russia uses every day and night to kill, he said. We must put pressure on the killers  to end this war and guarantee a lasting peace.

The Elysee spokesperson said the object of the meetings was to allow Ukraine to better understand the US proposals, adding that the fact that Rubio, Witkoff and Kellogg attended shows they recognise the important role of the Europeans.

Macron spoke to Zelenskyy by phone before the talks, the French presidents office said. He later greeted Witkoff and Rubio before a joint lunch. Before that, his foreign policy adviser, Emmanuel Bonne, and his British and German counterparts met Yermak.

Trump has indicated frustration with both Moscow and Kyiv, but European leaders concern has mounted as the US president heaps pressure and criticism on Zelenskyy while repeatedly making diplomatic overtures to Vladimir Putin.

Moscow said the Paris meeting was a chance for Witkoff to inform European officials of the peace talks current status, although the Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov said Russia so far saw only a focus on continuing the war from the Europeans.

Russias top economic negotiator, Kirill Dmitriev, said certain countries were trying to derail Moscows talks with the US. Macrons office said the Paris meetings hoped to review progress on peace talks aimed at ending the Russian aggression in Ukraine.

Kyiv and its EU allies say Moscow is to blame for rejecting Trumps proposal of a ceasefire last month. They hope to persuade the US to take a tougher line, particularly after a Russian attack on the city of Sumy on Sunday that killed at least 35 civilians.

France, Britain and Germany were taken aback when Trump opened discussions on improving ties directly with Russia, but have sought a coordinated European response on protecting Ukraine during the conflict and in any ceasefire.

Britain and France, backed by a coalition of the willing, have proposed that a mainly European reassurance force should be deployed in Ukraine if a ceasefire starts. However, many European leaders say such a force would need US support.

A French diplomatic source had said earlier that Rubio and Jean-Noel Barrot, Frances foreign minister, would discuss the war in Ukraine, the situation in the Middle East and the Iranian nuclear file. The trip is Rubios third to Europe since taking office.

Witkoff plans to fly on to Rome after the Paris talks for a second round of discussions on Saturday with the Iranian foreign minister, Abbas Araghchi, about Irans nuclear programme. The two met for 45 minutes in Oman on Saturday.

Both sides described those talks as positive while acknowledging that any deal was distant. Trump said on Monday he believed Iran was intentionally delaying a nuclear deal and that he was willing to bomb its nuclear facilities if one was not reached.

On Tuesday he held a meeting with national security advisers at the White House focused on Irans nuclear programme, according to sources familiar with the matter.

The US president has restored a maximum pressure campaign on Tehran since February after ditching a 2015 nuclear pact between Iran and six world powers during his first term and reimposing crippling sanctions.

Separately, in Washington, the US defence secretary, Pete Hegseth, discussed efforts toward a durable peace in Ukraine with his French counterpart, Sebastien Lecornu, the Pentagon said. Hegseth called it an excellent meeting.

We discussed the imperative need for Europeans to meet a 5% defence spending commitment to restore deterrence with ready, lethal, conventional forces, Hegseth said. Lecornu called the discussions productive.

Agence France-Presse and Reuters contributed to this report
The government says the use of direct deduction orders could save the taxpayer 500m a year. Photograph: Kirsty OConnor/PA

A government watchdog has criticised ministers for understating the impact on the poorest of plans to directly deduct benefit overpayments from peoples bank accounts.

The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) is legislating to require banks to withdraw cash from the accounts of claimants who have been overpaid due to fraud or error.

Banks will be able to charge claimants for reasonable administration costs prior to making deductions. The government is yet to specify the value of the charges.

After a review of the public authorities (fraud, error and recovery) bill, the Regulatory Policy Committee, an independent legislative watchdog, has said the impact on the most vulnerable has been understated in an impact assessment of the bill.

The statement does not sufficiently take into consideration the potential impact on the poorest members of society of reclaiming overpayments due to error, the committee said.

The committee has also raised a lack of transparency about the costs that banks will charge claimants for making the state-ordered deductions.

The department does not quantify any cost to banks for facilitating deductions directly from individuals bank accounts as they will be recovered from debtors, the committee said. However, for transparency, the [impact assessment] could set out the scale of the admin costs to be recovered.

Liz Kendall, the welfare secretary, has said the use of direct deduction orders allowing the recovery of funds from claimants could save the taxpayer 500m a year once fully rolled out.

In the 2023-24 financial year, the DWP estimates that benefit overpayments due to fraud or error by claimants totalled 9.7bn. It can already recover benefits debt through the welfare system, or by deducting money from claimants who are employees via the PAYE system.

The new powers have prompted warnings from organisations such as Citizens Advice that they will have the greatest effect on people in the most vulnerable circumstances.

The banking industry has raised concerns about other powers in the bill that could lead to them being forced to hand over account information of claimants in cases where there are indications they may have been paid benefits incorrectly.

The legislation is seen to potentially clash with the obligations of banks under a Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) consumer duty to protect customers who are vulnerable due to their financial situation.

The 2023-24 DWP annual report and accounts revealed that 76% of those whose claims were flagged for possible discrepancies were found to have no fraud or error in their claim.

The government has said direct recoveries from claimants accounts will happen only once affordability and vulnerability checks have been carried out, including through the debtors bank statements

Jasleen Chaggar, a legal and policy officer at the campaign group Big Brother Watch, said: Navigating the welfare system is a bureaucratic nightmare and innocent people can be left owing money to the DWP through oversight or error.

We should not be giving the government powers to go behind our backs and pilfer through our bank accounts, especially when the purpose is not just to tackle serious fraud but to correct accounting errors.

The chilling powers to secretly request three months of bank statements from a welfare recipients bank to decide whether they can afford to have the funds removed are paternalistic and nothing short of dystopian. Decisions about whether to seize funds directly from bank accounts should be made by courts, not unaccountable officials in Whitehall.

A DWP spokesperson said: The bill includes safeguarding measures to protect vulnerable customers  measures to recover debt are aimed at those no longer receiving benefits who have the financial means to repay but repeatedly refuse to do so.

We welcome the independent Regulatory Policy Committees rating of the bill as fit for purpose. The RPCs green rating is testament to the work that has gone into preparing this vital legislation.
People sit in front of a makeshift memorial outside the student union at Florida State University, Thursday, April 17, 2025, in Tallahassee, Fla., following a campus shooting. (AP Photo/Kate Payne)

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (AP)  The 20-year-old son of a sheriffs deputy opened fire Thursday at Florida State University with his mothers former service weapon, killing two men and wounding at least six others, investigators said.

Officers quickly arrived and shot and wounded the shooter after he refused to comply with commands, said Tallahassee Police Chief Lawrence Revell.

Authorities have not yet revealed a motive for the shooting, which began around lunchtime just outside the student union, sending frightened students and parents hiding for cover in a bowling alley and a freight elevator inside the building.

The shooter, identified by police as Phoenix Ikner, is believed to be a Florida State student, investigators said. The two men who died were not students, said Florida State University Police Chief Jason Trumbower, adding that he would not release additional information about the victims.

The shooter obtained access to a weapon that belongs to his mother, who has been with the sheriffs office for over 18 years and has been a model employee, said Leon County Sheriff Walt McNeil. Police said they believed Ikner shot the victims using his mother's former service handgun, which she had kept for personal use after the force upgraded to new weapons.

Five people who were injured were struck by gunfire while a sixth was hurt while trying to run away, Revell said in a statement Thursday night. They were all in fair condition, Tallahassee Memorial HealthCare said in a Facebook post.

The alleged shooter was a long-standing member of the sheriffs offices youth advisory council, the sheriff said.

He has been steeped in the Leon County Sheriffs Office family, engaged in a number of training programs that we have, McNeil said. So its not a surprise to us that he had access to weapons.

As of Thursday night, Ikner was in the hospital with serious but non-life-threatening injuries, according to Revell.

Witness says the suspect's shotgun jammed

Ambulances, fire trucks and patrol vehicles from multiple law enforcement agencies raced toward the campus just west of Florida's capital after the university issued an active shooter alert.

Aidan Stickney, a 21-year-old studying business management, was running late to class when he said he saw a man get out of a car with a shotgun and aim at another man in a white polo shirt.

The gun jammed, Stickney said, and the shooter rushed back to his car and emerged with a handgun, opening fire on a woman. Stickney ran, warning others as he called 911.

I got lucky today. I really did. I really, really did, he said.

Trumbower said investigators have no evidence that anyone was shot with the shotgun.

Shots sent students scattering

Ryan Cedergren, a 21-year-old communications student, said he and about 30 others hid in the bowling alley in the union's lower level after seeing students running from a nearby bar.

In that moment, it was survival, he said.

Chris Pento said he and his twins were getting lunch at the student union during a campus tour when they heard gunshots. It was surreal. And people just started running, he told WCTV in Tallahassee.

They crammed into a service elevator after encountering locked doors at the end of a hallway. That was probably the scariest point because we didnt know. It could get worse, right? he said. The doors opened and two officers were there, guns drawn.

Dozens of patrol vehicles, including a forensics van, were parked outside the student union hours after the shooting. Officers blocked off the area with crime scene tape.

Students and staff who left behind phones, keys and other items in the rush to evacuate waited in the shade and prayed for the victims.

Shooting shocks campus and the nation

President Donald Trump said from the Oval Office that he had been fully briefed on the shooting. Its a horrible thing. Its horrible that things like this take place, he said.

But Trump also suggested that he would not be advocating for any new gun legislation, saying, The gun doesnt do the shooting, the people do.

After receiving warnings of an active shooter, students and faculty took cover and waited in classrooms, offices and dorms across campus.

The first thing you think of is just, This cant be true, right? said Kai McGalla, a sophomore who spoke by phone while locked down at a campus testing center.

Junior Joshua Sirmans, 20, was in the main library when alarms went off. Law enforcement officers escorted him and other students from the library with their hands over their heads, he said.

University President Richard McCullough said he was heartbroken by the violence. Our hearts go out to our students and the victims of this terrible tragedy," he said.

As dusk fell over Florida State University, a small memorial of candles and bouquets of flowers had been set up outside the student union, while investigators yellow tape blocked off the nearby doors.

Another shooting a decade ago at Florida State

Florida State is one of Floridas 12 public universities, with its main campus in Tallahassee. About 44,000 students are enrolled in the university, per the schools 2024 fact sheet.

In 2014, the main library was the site of a shooting that wounded three people. Officers shot and killed the gunman, 31-year-old Myron May.

The university canceled classes for the rest of the week and canceled home athletic events through Sunday.

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This story has been updated to correct Trumps quote.

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Fischer reported from Fort Lauderdale. Associated Press reporters Stephany Matat in West Palm Beach, Curt Anderson in St. Petersburg, Michael Schneider in Orlando, Mike Balsamo in New York, Eric Tucker and Christopher Megerian in Washington, and John Seewer in Toledo, Ohio, contributed to this report.
A doctor born in the United States says she received an email from federal immigration authorities demanding that she leave the country immediately.

Lisa Anderson, a physician from Cromwell, Connecticut, told NBC Connecticut on Wednesday that she recently received a letter from the Department of Homeland Security telling her, It is time for you to leave the United States."

Immigration authorities have been pushing noncitizens to leave of their own volition, or self-deport, as the number of deportations remains at similar levels to last year.

But Anderson, 58, was born in Pennsylvania and is a U.S. citizen.

Dr. Lisa Anderson.

"The language seemed pretty threatening to whomever it might actually apply to," she said.

A senior DHS official told NBC News that the department has been issuing the notices to individuals who do not have lawful status to remain in the country.

"If a non-personal email  such as an American citizen contact  was provided by the alien, notices may have been sent to unintended recipients," the officials said. "CBP is monitoring communications and will address any issues on a case-by-case basis."

"To be clear: If you are an alien, being in the United States is a privilege  not a right," the officials added. "We are acting in the best interest of the country and enforcing the law accordingly."

The email to Anderson comes days after a Boston immigration attorney  who is also a U.S. citizen  received the same email from DHS, telling her to leave the country within seven days. The attorney, Nicole Micheroni, told MSNBC that as of Tuesday, federal officials had not followed up.

Pointing to the Boston email, Anderson said that she does not "have anything to do with immigration."

Anderson has been carrying her U.S. passport on her at all times since receiving the email and is seeking an immigration attorney.

It does make me concerned therere a lot more people out there like me who probably also thought this was spam, who probably didnt realize, I have a problem, she said.
People walk during a march and prayer vigil in Harrisburg, Pa., Wednesday, April 16, 2025, that was prompted by an arson fire in the governor's official residence early Sunday morning. (AP Photo/Mark Scolforo)

HARRISBURG, Pa. (AP)  A year ago, Carole Zawatsky was invited by Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro to a Passover Seder, held in the same room at the governors official residence that was devastated by an arsonist just hours after Shapiro hosted this years Jewish holiday feast.

Now, as she looks at photos of the destruction, Zawatsky can envision where she had been seated and how deadly the attack could have been.

Like many others, Zawatsky is cautiously awaiting word from investigators about the motivations of the attacker, which are clouded by hints of erratic behavior as well as statements from his past.

Still, the attack hit the Jewish community hard in a state where such pain is achingly familiar. It targeted Pennsylvanias religiously observant Jewish governor in the very place where just hours before he had hosted one of the central rituals of the Jewish calendar.

Zawatsky heads a Pittsburgh organization formed to counter antisemitism and memorialize the victims of another Pennsylvania assault  the murders of 11 worshippers from three congregations at the Tree of Life synagogue more than six years ago, the deadliest antisemitic attack in U.S. history.

Seeing those images is deeply traumatic, said Zawatsky, CEO of The Tree of Life, the group established in the wake of the Oct. 27, 2018 killings. Its not too much to ask that we all live in a country where we celebrate our faith without fear.

A murkier picture emerges on motive

The synagogue shooting trial revealed that the gunman, who was convicted and sentenced to death, had long been steeped in antisemitism and methodically carried out the attack.

In the Harrisburg case, things are less clear. Investigators have released only fragments of what the suspect, Cody Balmer, of Harrisburg, told them. His relatives say he has struggled with mental illness, and his lawyers suggested Wednesday that will be central to their defense.

We have no definitive information about this persons motive," Zawatsky said. "We do know that there was certainly hate involved.

Pennsylvania State Police said the 38-year-old Balmer confessed to the attack, harbored hatred for the governor and said he planned to beat Shapiro with a hammer.

BALMER identified himself by name and related that Governor Josh SHAPIRO needs to know that he ...will not take part in his plans for what he wants to do to the Palestinian people, police wrote as part of applications for search warrants. Exactly who and what that meant were unclear in the documents.

Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer of New York on Thursday called on the Justice Department to determine whether the attack qualifies as a federal hate crime.

Audrey Glickman, a survivor of the 2018 attack and a member of Tree of Life Congregation, said she admired Shapiros composure, just hours after the attack, and his emphatic denunciation of hatred regardless of motivation.

It takes a while to realize youve been attacked and what to make of it, Glickman said. She admired how he stood up right away and spoke strongly about it.

Shapiro responded to the scene of the 2018 Pittsburgh attack as Pennsylvanias then-attorney general. As governor, he took part in the 2024 groundbreaking for a new building to replace the synagogue, including a memorial, programming and other exhibits aimed to counter antisemitism.

Reminders of an overheated political climate

About 200 people participated in a somber march Wednesday night in Harrisburg. They walked from the parking lot of a synagogue to the governor's residence, where they held a multifaith prayer vigil across the street.

Several marchers connected the attack to the overheated political climate.

To deny it is like putting your head in the sand, said retired Presbyterian minister Don Potter, 75, of Dillsburg, who said the images of the buildings interior with fire damage made me sick.

Enid Wassner, a retired child care worker from Hershey, said the fact that the firebombing occurring during Passover and targeted Shapiro and his family was extremely worrying. She noted that Jewish institutions and buildings in Harrisburg have had to increase security.

Gradually things have been getting more worrisome, for me personally and the entire Jewish community."

Questions emerge about attacker's mental state

Police said in court affidavits that in an interview with detectives Balmer admitted to harboring hatred towards Shapiro and referred to the Palestinian people in a 911 call attributed to him that was placed shortly after the break-in.

Balmers mother and brother have said he suffered from bipolar disorder and would not consistently take medication. His brother, Dan Balmer, said Cody Balmer twice in recent years spent time in a psychiatric hospital in Harrisburg. During a court hearing on Monday, Balmer denied any history of mental illness.

Dan Balmer told the AP on Tuesday that Cody Balmer had these theories that were going on in his head and became angry when family members would tell him his views didn't reflect reality.

The allegations, if true, demonstrate the devastating consequences of severe mental illness, Mary Klatt, the chief public defender in Dauphin County, whose office is representing Balmer, said Wednesday. She said his preliminary hearing would be delayed to determine whether Balmer is mentally competent to stand trial.

Identity moves to forefront for Shapiro

Shapiro declined to talk about the attacker's motive on Wednesday, saying prosecutors will ultimately determine what drove him.

Its not for me to answer that, he said.

The governor has publicly criticized Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahus government and the nature of Israels military action in Gaza, but also has backed Israels right to defend itself from Hamas.

Hank Butler, executive director of the Pennsylvania Jewish Coalition, said Shapiros focus has been Pennsylvania and not the Palestinian people.

To say that our governor wishes the worst on the Palestinian people is not welcomed here, Butler said. It is not justified, absolutely not justified -- no attack is justified.

Shapiro has won statewide races three times in a crucial battleground state. He was a finalist to be Vice President Kamala Harris's running mate in last year's presidential campaign and is considered a potential 2028 Democratic candidate for president.

The attack once again puts his identity front and center. When Harris picked Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz over Shapiro, Republicans tried to cast the pick as a snub to Jewish voters.

Rabbi Rick Jacobs, president of the Union for Reform Judaism, an umbrella group for more than 800 Reform congregations in North America, connected the attack to Shapiro's identity.

Hes also someone who is a strong supporter of Israel, Jacobs said of Shapiro. "Are those things that put your life at risk in the 21st century?

Zawatsky, the Tree of Life CEO, noted that in the Passover ritual, Jews are instructed not just to recite the story of their ancient forebears liberation from slavery but to envision themselves as having experienced it  something that feels especially poignant now. Whether law enforcement officials ultimately settle on a definitive conclusion about what motivated last weekend's attack, she and others already know what living in fear feels like.

Its very sad to think we pass along the inherited trauma of the fear of antisemitism, but never did I think we would be a generation that would have the lived experience of this kind of violent antisemitism, she said.

___

Associated Press religion coverage receives support through the APs collaboration with The Conversation US, with funding from Lilly Endowment Inc. The AP is solely responsible for this content.

___

Smith reported from Pittsburgh and Cooper from Phoenix.
National Geographic/Youtube A rockhopper penguin confronts a sea lion

The drama of the animal kingdom is more thrilling than anything you'll find on primetime TV.

PEOPLE has an exclusive clip from National Geographic's upcoming docuseries, Secrets of the Penguins. According to the show, the clip features a brave moment "never filmed before."

Secrets of the Penguins, narrated by Blake Lively, led by Bertie Gregory, and executive produced by James Cameron, provides an intimate look at how several penguin species survive in the wild and a world rapidly morphing due to climate change.

In PEOPLE's sneak peek at the three-part show, premiering April 20 on National Geographic, a mother rockhopper penguin faces a giant beast to ensure the safety of her offspring.

The clip begins with the penguin returning to land with a "full belly" after a swim near the Falkland Islands. The food she has collected from the water isn't for her, but for her newly hatched chicks waiting back at the nest.

As the mother rockhopper nears the shore, she tries to blend in with the other penguins returning from their hunts. Here, it is clear how the penguin species got its name, as the birds hop and jump along the rocks to move on land.

Unfortunately, the bird star of this clip falls behind, and soon finds herself being chased by a massive sea lion looking to make a lunch out of the penguins at the back of the pack.

Related: Woman Sends Husband to Grab Lunch. You Won't Believe What He Comes Back with (Exclusive)

The mother rockhopper tries to escape from the predator, but "she is completely out of hops," Lively narrates.

Instead of giving in to the sea lion and accepting her fate, a death that would doom her chicks as well, the penguin takes a bold approach.

Never miss a story  sign up for PEOPLE's free daily newsletter to stay up-to-date on the best of what PEOPLE has to offer, from celebrity news to compelling human interest stories.

"This mother is a fighter," Lively says in the clip as the penguin turns around and faces the towering sea lion, who is "70 times her size."

What comes next is a "never filmed before" interaction between the two animals. The penguin stares at the sea lion, who is only inches away from her beak, and starts shouting at the giant marine mammal. She flaps her flippers and screams directly in the face of the sea lion until the predator backs down, seemingly shocked to be challenged by such a tiny bird.

Related: Unsecured Penguin Causes Helicopter Crash After Hitting Pilot's Controls in Freak Accident

This caught on camera first is one of several never-before-filmed moments captured for Secrets of the Penguins.

To learn more about this amazing creature and see how the mother rockhopper fairs after her sea lion encounter, tune into the 3-part docuseries, which premieres on National Geographic on April 20 and will be available to stream on Disney+ and Hulu on April 21.



Read the original article on People
Sen. Chris Van Hollen of Maryland is in El Salvador to get answers about the wrongful deportation of a Maryland migrant by President Donald Trump's administration, he said in a video before boarding a flight on Wednesday.

The Democratic senator said he had been planning the trip for the last few days and that he hopes to meet with Kilmar Abrego Garcia in person and see his condition.

Abrego Garcia, who reportedly fled political persecution from El Salvador and was deported last month by United States Immigration and Customs Enforcement following an "administrative error," remains in the CECOT prison despite court orders requesting the U.S. government "facilitate" bringing him back to the United States.

PHOTO: Sen. Chris Van Hollen speaks during a press conference in Antiguo Cuscatlan, El Salvador, April 16, 2025. (Marvin Recinos/AFP via Getty Images)

MORE: Judge in Abrego Garcia case blasts DOJ's inaction, orders officials to testify under oath

"The goal of this mission is to let the Trump administration, to let the government of El Salvador know that we are going to keep fighting to bring Abrego Garcia home," Van Hollen said in a video.

He posted another video after he landed and said he was on his way to meet with members of the U.S. Embassy in San Salvador.

Van Hollen told reporters later in the afternoon that he wasn't able to speak with El Salvador President Nayib Bukele but did speak with the vice president. The senator asked why Abrego Garcia has been held at CECOT despite no criminal charges.

"His answer was that the Trump administration is paying El Salvador, the government of El Salvador, to keep him at CECOT," Van Hollen said.

"I'm asking President Bukele under his authority as president of El Salvador to do the right thing and allow Mr. Abrego Garcia to walk out of a prison, a man who is charged with no crime, convicted with no crime and was illegally abducted from the United States," the senator said.

He added that he did not speak with Abrego Garcia or enter CECOT. Republican Congress members have taken tours of the facility in the last few weeks and have posted pictures from the inside on social media.

"I don't know about his health status -- that's why I wanted to meet with him directly," Von Hollen said.

PHOTO: Sen. Chris Van Hollen speaks during a press conference in Antiguo Cuscatlan, El Salvador, April 16, 2025. (Marvin Recinos/AFP via Getty Images)

Later in the evening, Van Hollen posted another video update on social media, explaining that he's had "back-to-back meetings" in the country -- with members of humans rights groups and the U.S. Embassy.

"And the entire purpose has been to bring Abrego Garcia home," the senator said.

Van Hollen also said that he called on the government of El Salvador to provide evidence that Abrego Garcia was involved in MS-13 -- they could not.

"They said they had no evidence," he said.

"So this is not about MS-13. I know President Trump wants to make this about gang violence. I have been fighting MS-13, probably longer than Donald Trump even knew about MS- 13. I care about every victim of crime. That's why we have a court system to hold people accountable when they commit crimes, to make sure they get the punishment they deserve," Van Hollen continued.

In the end, the senator claimed that his trip was simply about letting Abrego Garcia "have his day in court."

"We use the courts to make sure that we don't convict people who are not guilty, and that we convict those who are," Van Hollen said.

MORE: Trump admin live updates: 3rd Pentagon official placed on leave amid leak investigation

White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt held a news conference later in the day and slammed the senator for "potentially using taxpayer dollars" to fly to El Salvador in an attempt to bring Abrego Garcia back to the U.S. and repeated her allegations that the migrant was an MS-13 terrorist.

"It's appalling and sad that Sen. Van Hollen and the Democrats are plotting his trip to El Salvador today, are incapable of having any shred of common sense or empathy for their own constituents and our citizens," she told reporters.

Attorney General Pam Bondi alleged Abrego Garcia is an MS-13 gang member and was able to be deported because of Trump's executive orders on immigration. She added Wednesday morning during a press briefing that Abrego Garcia will not be returning to the U.S.

MORE: Lawyer for wrongly deported Maryland man says it might take contempt order to get him back

"He should not be in our country," Bondi said. "He was deported. They needed one additional step in paperwork, but now MS-13 is characterized as they should be as an FTO, as a foreign terrorist organization. So he is not coming back to our country."

"President Bukele said he was not sending him back," she added. "That's the end of the story."

The Department of Justice has not made that accusation in court papers and admitted the deportation was an error, and Bondi declined to answer a reporter's question about why the DOJ hasn't presented direct evidence of this. Abrego Garcia's family and attorneys have been fighting the deportation for weeks in court.

PHOTO: Jennifer Vasquez Sura, wife of Kilmar Abrego Garcia, speaks during a press conference on the day of a hearing in the case related to Kilmar Abrego Garcia outside U.S. District Court in Greenbelt, Maryland, April 15, 2025. (Tasos Katopodis/Getty Images)

Van Hollen reiterated that none of these allegations were made in court and no charges related to the allegations have been issued.

Leavitt claimed Abrego Garcia was wearing clothing that had MS-13 symbols, but such allegations were not made in court and there has been no evidence backing up this claim. An arrest photo released by the federal government earlier in the day showed Abrego Garcia wearing what appeared to be a bright yellow construction shirt.

The press secretary invited Patty Morin, the mother of Rachel Morin, a Maryland mother of five who was killed by an immigrant lacking legal status in 2023, to speak at the news conference. Victor Antonio Martinez-Hernandez, 24, who was originally from El Salvador and accused of killing a woman in his home country, was convicted of first-degree murder, first-degree rape, third-degree sex offense and kidnapping on Monday.

"To have a senator from Maryland who didn't even acknowledge or barely acknowledged my daughter and the brutal death that she endured, leaving her five children without a mother and now a grandbaby without a grandmother so that he can use my taxpayer money to fly to El Salvador to bring back someone that's not even an American citizen, why does that person have more right than I do for my daughter, for my grandchildren?" she said.

The senator put out a statement after Martinez-Hernadez's conviction saying, "This verdict brings a measure of justice that they so deserve. I'm grateful to the law enforcement officers who brought her killer into custody and for our legal process for delivering this justice."

The Supreme Court unanimously ruled last week that the Abrego Garcia, 29, who had no criminal record in the U.S., was illegally deported. However, Bondi has claimed El Salvador's government is not giving him up.

In an interview with Rachel Maddow on Wednesday night from San Salvador, Van Hollen said that U.S. Embassy officials told him they haven't been ordered by the administration to do anything to facilitate Abrego Garcia's return.

"I asked the folks at the embassy whether they've been ordered by the administration to do anything to facilitate his return. The answer was no," he said. "So they're clearly not in compliance."

"It is pretty clear that the Trump administration has not lifted a finger to implement that court order. And so I think it's important that the courts know that -- and they will know that," he told Maddow.

The senator said on social media that he would "continue pressing" to secure Abrego Garcia's release.

ABC News' Alexander Mallin and Meghan Mistry contributed to this report.

Senator heads to El Salvador to find Maryland migrant deported erroneously by Trump originally appeared on abcnews.go.com
Political strategist Reecie Colbert tells theGrio that the Maryland governor is one of the most talented politicians that Ive ever seen in action.

George Clooney, the Hollywood star whose New York Times op-ed inflamed calls for President Joe Biden to drop out of the 2024 election against Donald Trump, says looking ahead, he believes Maryland Gov. Wes Moore could be the Democratic Partys best chance at taking back the White House in 2028.

During a wide-ranging interview with CNNs Jake Tapper, Clooney reflected on his decision to write his July 2024 column, I Love Joe Biden. But We Need a New Nominee, which ultimately helped amplify private demands for Biden, who was 81 years old at the time, not to seek re-election. While he stands by his decision, the actor and Democratic donor said he wished the party had instead had a primary contest. Biden quickly endorsed Kamala Harris, his vice president, as his successor for the Democratic Party nomination.

After Harris loss to Trump, Clooney now has his eyes set on a crop of really good governors who have a better chance of winning the presidency in the next election. Among them, Clooney said Moore is levitating above the fray.

I think he is the guy, said Clooney, who recalled how Moore led the state of Maryland during last years Francis Scott Key Bridge collapse that nearly upended a significant part of the nations supply chain. The actor said Moore handled it beautifully.

Clooney also said Moores profile has the makings of a great president, including his military background. He noted that Moore had two active duty tours in Afghanistan.

Hes smart. He ran a hedge fund. He ran the Robin Hood Foundation..Hes a proper leader, said Clooney. I like him a lot. I think he could be someone we could all join in behind.

Maryland Gov. Wes Moore signs an executive order to issue more than 175,000 pardons for marijuana convictions on Monday, June 17, 2024 in Annapolis, Md. (AP Phopto/Brian Witte)

Clooney said he could support other governors, including Gretchen Whitmer of Michigan and Andy Beshear of Kentucky. However, he emphasized that the party has to find somebody rather soon.

Political strategist and commentator Reecie Colbert, who is a Maryland voter, told theGrio that she, too, believes Gov. Moore has what it takes to win the White House in four years.

Wes Moore is one of the most talented politicians that Ive ever seen in action, said Colbert. One of the best things he has going for him is that a lot of people havent figured that out yet.

The host of the Sirius XM radio show The Reecie Colbert Show noted that while Moores polling was low when he first ran for governor in 2021, he eventually dominated the primary election and won the governorship. She explained, He is a person who just does the work, and he can fly under the radar.

Colbert said Governor Moore has demonstrated steady leadership amid financial challenges like a budget deficit and local tragediesincluding allocating resources from the State of Maryland to support the response to the Washington, D.C., airport crash that killed 67 people. The political expert said that if Moore decides to run for president in 2028, he will be able to point to the work hes been doing in Maryland, like addressing the states wage gap.

He could say, Hey, look, in our state, we invested in workers, we raised the minimum wage, we got poverty down, we created pathways for new careers, for people, whether thats federal workers, or for people coming out of high school, coming out of college,' said Colbert. He can point to tangible investments that hes made in the state and say, This is what I plan to do in the country.'

Colbert shared that Wes Moores secret weapon would be his ability to connect with people.

Not only is he good with people [but] he enjoys engaging with people. There are some politicians who are talented and they are good at interacting, but they dont really want to be bothered, she explained. My husband met him at an IHOPso Im telling you that this man is a person who will get out there and meet the people where they are. That is something that the Democratic Party has not necessarily been as willing to do.

Moore, who made history as Marylands first Black governor and only the third Black American elected governor in the United States, has yet to indicate whether or not he would run for the White House in 2028.
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I think I know myself pretty well, but I still like confirmation. Ive taken every personality test under the sun, from Myers-Briggs (Im an ENFJ) to Enneagram (Im a type two). I grew up in a hippie town, where I have a preferred psychic for tarot card readings. I always stop scrolling on TikTok when I see a collection of mood boards and a prompt to pick which one you are.

I also have a signature color, red, which happens to be my favorite color, and Ive been told many times that it looks good on me. But when I got my colors done recently at a color analysis studio in New York, I felt strangely nervous, like I was taking an exam. A woman stood behind me, draping swaths of ROYGBIV fabrics across my shoulders while nodding in approval or clucking her tongue. Her demeanor was as nonchalant as telling me the weather, but to me, it felt like I was awaiting a medical diagnosis.

Color analysis, already a popular service in South Korea, has been trending on TikTok. To participate, you pay an expert to tell you your seasonal archetypethere are 16 such as deep spring or bright autumn. All over the app, people have revealed their results and how the analysis affected their lives, in ways big and small. For some, it made them spiral about their life choices. User @JigglyJulia dramatically proclaimed, I spent thousands of dollars on my gold collection, only to be told I am cool-toned, and that silver looks better on me. My heart literally shattered. For others, its as simple as realizing that their favorite color (black) might actually not be the most flattering; according to Lily Heo, co-founder of Seklab, a color analysis salon in New York, most people actually dont look good in black, unless youre a winter. First popularized in the 1973 book Color Me Beautiful by Carole Jacksonwhere she recommended makeup, fabrics, accessories, and more based on someones designated color seasoncolor analysis largely fell out of favor in the U.S. But now, its back in a new way.

Like BuzzFeed personality quizzes or astrological birth charts, color analysis is a new type of identity marker. According to astrology, Im a Taurus sun and a Taurus moon, which means Im doubly loyal, stubborn, and maybe a bit sybaritic. In color analysis terminology, I am also a textbook bright winter. You look better in silver jewelry than gold, my color analyst noted. As she continued, she got even more specific. If I want to wear beige, I should go for taupe tones instead of warmer tans. Black and white look better on me than brown. Jewel tones help bring out my green eyes, but pastels would do them no favors. And this means that, yes, my signature red lipstick was okay. When I heard all this, I breathed a sigh of relief. Even if I wasnt sure how much stock I put into color analysis, I felt validated about the way that Id been presenting myself.

According to Jackson, winters and summers are cool-toned, while springs and autumns are warm-toned. For each season, there are four different subcategories, such as bright, deep, soft, or true, which relate to how much gray or chroma you have in your skin tone. If someones features are more muted (or have a higher amount of gray) then they will be soft, but if someones features are more vibrant (or have a lower amount of gray), they would be considered bright. Low-chroma colors are like a Mary Cassatt paintingsoft around the edges and tranquil (the water signs of the color analysis world). High-chroma colors are like a Frida Kahlo paintinglouder and defined by vivid shocks of brightness (the fire signs).

Color analysis in Korea uses the Korean Standard color system, which relies on even more undertones than the system Jackson outlined. Heo explains that this is because in South Korea, most people have the same skin, hair, and eye color, so their system needed to have more nuance. Like their spas and beauty treatments, South Koreas color analysis sessions have now become a tourist attraction.

LAUNCHMETRICS SPOTLIGHT

Plus, Korean color analysis isnt just about clothing and accessoriesit also includes recommendations for makeup and perfume. Floral, fruit, and aqua perfumes, which are light and refreshing scents, are recommended for the type that goes well with pastel colors, says Diane Dasol Kim, CEO of popular South Korean color analysis salon Colorwings . For the type that goes well with dark colors, the rich scents of musk, smoke, and wood are recommended. Bright winters like me might want to try a botanical, spicy fragrance with notes like juniper or ginger, which makes sense, since I typically reach for these scents. At Seklab in New York, they even have clients try four different lipstick colorstwo for daily wear and two for special occasions. The sisters will also have clients try different eyeshadows and blush colors.

While seemingly objective on the surface, after doing my color analysis session, I could see where subjectivity could creep in. For instance, I believe my assigned astrological traits fit who I am, but Ive also studied astrology since I was younger; its possible Ive subconsciously leaned into those aspects of my personality. Similarly, as confirmed by my color analysis session, I believe silver, black, red, and white look best on me, but theyre also my favorite colors, so I feel most confident wearing themand it probably shows.

LAUNCHMETRICS SPOTLIGHT

At its very basic level, color analysis helps answer the age-old question of What looks good on me?a question thats been made more complicated thanks to the internets endless products and micro-trends. But I found that it also tapped something deeper. In todays fast-paced, hyper-digital, and algorithm-ruled society, its never been harder to figure out a sense of self. Social media contributes to feelings of loneliness, anxiety, depression , and more. Things like astrology and color analysis might seem silly on the surface, but when someone tells us characteristics about ourselves, its a form of validation that enables us to feel more secure in who we are. You might be doom-scrolling, but you know you are a Scorpio. You might be feeling isolated in one aspect of your life, but you know you are a light spring.

Astrology and color analysis give us new facts that help us exert control over how we present ourselves. Being armed with these identifiers can help people find more confidence to engage with the world around them, both online and off. Im Katie. Im a Taurus. Im a bright winter.

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Fabio Lovino / HBO / Courtesy Everett Collection

With the explosive The White Lotus season 3 finale in the rearview, Us cant wait to see what showrunner Mike White does next with the series  and where in the world he does it.

Although The White Lotus premiered as a limited series in August 2021 (pandemic restrictions granted the production team rare access to film across an entire resort property), its huge success spurred two additional seasons, making it an anthology series in which each season takes place at a different White Lotus resort.

The first season took place in Hawaii, followed by the second season in Sicily, Italy, and the third in Thailand. Before the third installment even premiered, The White Lotus was renewed for a fourth season in January 2025.

But where will our favorite wealthy, debaucherous and sometimes murderous cast of characters go next season? Us Weekly has a good guess.

Will There Be White Lotus All-Stars Season? What the Cast, Creator Mike White Said About Crossovers

Given that each White Lotus season is filmed at a Four Seasons resort location, it is possible to use the process of elimination to narrow down which resorts are up for grabs for White, 54, to select.

Ruling out the three resorts already used as filming locations (the Four Seasons Resort Maui at Wailea, the Four Seasons Taormina at San Domenico Palace and the Four Seasons Resort Koh Samui), brings us to 131 property options. Its also safe to assume that White wont want to return to any resorts in Hawaii, Italy or Thailand so as not to be repetitive, bringing us down to 122 properties.

HBO / Courtesy Everett Collection

Heres the catch: While all seasons so far have taken place on beachfront resorts, White recently said, For the fourth season, I want to get a little bit out of the crashing waves against rocks vernacular.

But dont get too excited: its very unlikely they would do a ski resort or any cold climate for that matter according to White Lotus producer David Bernad.

Id bet $100,000 we dont end up in the cold next. Even if we flirted with the idea, Mike just wouldnt want to be in the cold. He hates it, he told The Hollywood Reporter earlier this month.

Kevin Winter/Getty Images

Eliminating all beachfront resorts  along with those in U.S. continental cities, given the past precedent of overseas travel following season one's Hawaiian adventure  brings us to 43 remaining options.

White said at Sydneys Vivid Festival that his dream would be would be to hit every continent, and just last week he told Howard Stern, I dont think were going to go to South America. I think probably not, ahead of his own personal vacation to Colombia.

Taking out South America, North America, Europe and Asia as potential options leaves just five properties  and all signs point to Africa.

Now That The White Lotus Season 3 Is Over, Watch These 5 Great Shows

Two Cairo locations, one at Nile Plaza and one at The First Residence, in addition to the Four Seasons Safari Lodge at Serengeti National Park, The Westcliff in Johannesburg and the Four Seasons in Marrakech are on Us shortlist for season 4 filming locations.

Will we see a new cast of fan favorites marveling at the Great Pyramids? Rubbing elbows with elephants and lions on Serengeti safari? Maybe!

A season in Johannesburg, South Africa  a country still grappling with the haunting legacy of apartheid  would align with the themes The White Lotus is all about: wealth disparity, indigenous cultures, colonialism, racial inequities and satirizing the social and political issues of the locale.

Getty Images/iStockphoto

Furthermore, since White has acknowledged where we choose to go next could be hugely impactful to that destination, a White Lotus season in South Africa could help boost the countrys economy (which has seen a sharp decline over the last decade) and raise awareness of both the current and past issues the nation has faced.

While we can give our best guess, at the end of the day, nobody knows what is up Mike Whites sleeve except Mike White. (Take that season 3 finale for example come on!) But well be seated every Sunday when season 4 premieres no matter where in the world the show ends up.
A Florida teacher and an elementary school principal were charged late last month in connection with a house party where minors were drinking, including one who was so drunk as to need treatment, officials said.

Body camera video released this month as part of discovery in the criminal case showed the scene that led to the January arrests of then-Roosevelt Elementary School principal Elizabeth Hill-Brodigan and teacher Karly Anderson.

Police were called to Hill-Brodigan's home in Cocoa Beach on Jan. 19 after reports of a house party. Arriving officers found around 100 juveniles there, police said at the time.

One juvenile was on the front lawn and was so intoxicated that Brevard County Fire Rescue responded to administer treatment, police said.

In a body camera video, an officer tells a Fire Rescue official that the boy is 17 and has been throwing up and needs to be checked out. The officer says in the video that the boy "is not responsive or anything."

While officers were at the scene, Anderson approached and identified herself as a teacher at Roosevelt Elementary, police said.

Karly Gayle Anderson speaks with a Brevard County sheriff's officer in Cocoa Beach, Fla., on Jan. 19.

The video shows Anderson appearing to slur her words and the officer talking to her about the party.

"There was, like, 200 kids here, drinking," the officer says in the video. Anderson interrupts, saying, "I've already known."

The officer tells Anderson that she is also drunk and that he can "smell it," but she denies it, the video shows.

At one point, the officer appears frustrated with the argument and tells Anderson: "You're here with your boss, having a party with 200 kids who are drinking! Get out of my face!"

Brevard Public Schools suspended Anderson and Hill-Brodigan after the incident. The school system named an acting principal for Roosevelt Elementary and announced plans to seek a replacement for Hill-Brodigan.

Superintendent Mark Rendell said in a letter to parents in January that he was very troubled by the incident.

We hold our leaders to the highest of standards, and if these allegations are true, its a complete failure in leadership and violation of our trust, he said.

Hill-Brodigan is charged with one count of child neglect, five counts of contributing to the delinquency of a minor and one count of holding an open house party, the 18th Judicial Circuit State Attorneys Office said.

Anderson is charged with one count each of disorderly conduct and disorderly intoxication, prosecutors said.

The state attorneys office filed the charges on March 31, court records show. Online court records did not indicate a plea. Both women are free on bond.

Hill-Brodigan's attorney, Kepler Funk, said his office continues to investigate the matter and had no comment Wednesday night.

An attorney for Anderson told NBC affiliate WESH of Orlando that Anderson had nothing to do with the party, that she and Hill-Brodigan were out to dinner when they were informed a party was happening at Hill-Brodigan's home, and that they returned to find students clearing out.
In a stunning development, Georgia officials said two arrests have been made in connection to a cold case involving a man found dead in a Wendys parking lot in 2001.

According to a news release from the Georgia Bureau of Investigation, Gary Fowler, 74, and Mary Fowler, 73, were arrested April 11. Police said the couple lived in Chatsworth, Georgia, around 88 miles north of Atlanta.

Officials said the case has been under investigation for more than 24 years after Travis Silvers was found dead inside his truck at a Wendys parking lot on March 10, 2001, in Adairsville, Georgia, which is located about 34 miles north of Chatsworth.

Police said the investigation into Silvers' death remains "active and ongoing." The Georgia Bureau of Investigation declined to share any additional information with USA TODAY on what led to the Fowlers' arrests.

According to Bartow County online jail records, the couple has been charged with one count of murder in connection with Silvers' death. The same records also show that bail for both Fowlers has not been set.

Online records do not currently display an attorney representing either Gary or Mary Fowler.

A cold case for more than two decades

According to reporting from 2001 from the Rome News-Tribune, investigators said that Silvers was found in the cab of his 1978 Ford pickup truck with what was described as a "puncture wound to the head."

"The victim sustained a puncture wound to the head, which is believed to be a gunshot wound," Larry Miolen of the Adairsville Police Department said in 2001. "No weapon was found in the truck."

In an obituary posted by the Rome News-Tribune, Silvers was said to have been 51 at the time of his death.

Fernando Cervantes Jr. is a trending news reporter for USA TODAY. Reach him at fernando.cervantes@gannett.com and follow him on X @fern_cerv_.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Georgia couple arrested in connection to 2001 cold case
A Georgia woman was arrested after investigators uncovered disturbing footage of a toddler in her care hogtied with belts and yarn - just months after she was cuffed for giving the child weed, cops said.

A Georgia woman was arrested after investigators uncovered disturbing footage of a toddler in her care hogtied with belts and yarn  just months after she was cuffed for giving the child weed, cops said.

Brooke Morgan Bestpitch, 24, was collared Friday on child cruelty charges after the horrific videos and photos also showed the deranged Alto woman yanking the child by the neck with a dog leash, according to the Hall County Sheriffs Office, Fox 5 Atlanta reported.

Police launched an investigation in December upon learning of abusive activities in a Hall County home.

Brooke Morgan Bestpitch, 24, was arrested Friday on first-degree child cruelty. Hall County Sheriffs Office

Bestpitch was initially thrown behind bars on Feb. 6 on a reckless conduct charge after the initial probe found she allegedly gave the child a doobie and allowed him to smoke it, the sheriffs office said.

She posted a $1,300 bond and was released from jail the next day.

Authorities secured warrants for the crazed womans cell phone and Snapchat account, where they found the alarming footage of the young boy tied up, deputies said, the outlet reported.

Police uncovered disturbing footage of the woman pulling the child by the neck with a dog leash. cherryandbees  stock.adobe.com

Another video showed Bestpitch using the canine tether  which constricted the young boys neck  to jerk him around.

The relationship between Bestpitch and the victim was not disclosed by police. Its also unclear if the child suffered any injuries.

Bestpitch was charged with first-degree child cruelty, deputies said.

She was booked at Hall County Jail and released on a $11,200 bond on Saturday.
CHRIS DELMAS/AFP via Getty Haley Joel Osment in 2024

Haley Joel Osment was reportedly arrested for public intoxication last week.

TMZ reports that the actor, 37, faces charges for an arrest on Tuesday, April 8, at Mammoth Lakes, Calif., where he was taken into custody at the town's ski resort.

The Sixth Sense Oscar nominee was booked for public intoxication and possession of an unidentified controlled substance, according to the outlet. He was released shortly after the arrest; the Mono County D.A. will now decide whether or not to prosecute his case.

PEOPLE has reached out to the Mammoth Lakes Police Department and Osment's representative for comment.

Amanda Edwards/WireImage Hayley Joel Osment on March 29

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This isnt Osments first brush with the law; in 2018, cops were summoned when the actor had a public verbal scuffle at McCarran International Airport in Las Vegas on Super Bowl Sunday.

In 2006, when he was 18, Osment was charged with misdemeanor drunk driving after he was injured in a car accident. He later pled no contest to one count of driving under the influence of alcohol and one count of possession of marijuana, and was sentenced to three years probation.

Related: Emily Osment Gets Support from Brother Haley Joel Osment as They Step Out Hours After She Finalizes Her Divorce

Osment costarred in last years Zoe Kravitz-directed Blink Twice.

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Former Vice President Kamala Harris leads in a hypothetical gubernatorial primary in her home state of California, according to a poll released Thursday, but half of voters say they do not think she should enter the race to succeed term-limited Gov. Gavin Newsom (D).

The survey from Emerson College Polling/Inside California Politics/The Hill found 31 percent of those who plan to vote in the nonpartisan primary would pick Harris if she runs. Former Rep. Katie Porter (D-Calif.), who has already launched a bid, comes in second with 8 percent support.

Nearly 4 in 10 voters, 39 percent, are undecided in the race, more than a year out from the primary. Republican Riverside County Sheriff Chad Bianco pulled in 4 percent support, while more than a dozen other names tested got 2 percent or less each.

Harris is viewed as the clear front-runner for governor should she enter the race, but the poll found some reticence among voters; respondents were evenly split on whether the former California state attorney general and U.S. senator should run for governor, with 50 percent saying she should and 50 percent saying she shouldnt.

The former vice president is also showing up in early polling as a top potential presidential candidate for Democrats in 2028 should she launch a third White House bid.

Harris has yet to signal her plans but said earlier this month that shes not going anywhere. Shes reportedly aiming to decide on a gubernatorial campaign by the end of summer.

Until then, some observers have seen the field as effectively frozen as donors and candidates ready for her potential entry.

How competitive the 2026 gubernatorial primary in California depends on whether or not Harris runs  other candidacies, like Katie Porters, are contingent on whether or not the former Vice President enters the race, said Spencer Kimball, executive director of Emerson College Polling, in a release.

Without Harris in the running, Porters support among Democrats climbs from 13 percent to 21 percent  underscoring the impact Harriss decision could have on the contest.

Democrats are expected to hold onto the governors mansion in the blue stronghold state next year.

Former Health and Human Services Secretary Xavier Becerra, who served under former President Biden, earlier this month joined Porter, Lt. Gov. Eleni Kounalakis, former Los Angeles Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa, former state Senate Leader Toni Atkins and former state Controller Betty Yee among the Democratic contenders.

California Attorney General Rob Bonta (D) in February decided against a run for governor and told Politico hed support Harris if she ran, saying her candidacy would be field-clearing. On the Republican side, President Trumps special envoy Richard Grenell has said he may not be able to resist running if Harris gets in.

The Emerson College Polling California survey was conducted April 12-14 among 1,000 registered California voters with a credibility margin of error of 3 percentage points. The 2026 hypothetical primary question, including only those who said they would vote in the primary, had a credibility interval of 3.2 percentage points.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

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FILE - In this image taken from security camera video, Rumeysa Ozturk, a 30-year-old doctoral student at Tufts University, is detained by Department of Homeland Security agents on a street in Sommerville, Mass., March 25, 2025. (AP Photo)

An immigration judge denied bond for a Tufts University student from Turkey who has been detained by authorities in Louisiana for three weeks over what her lawyers say is apparent retaliation for an op-ed piece she co-wrote in the student newspaper.

Meanwhile, Rumeysa Ozturk's lawyers filed a new request with a federal judge in Vermont considering whether to take jurisdiction of her detention case. The lawyers asked the judge to order her to be brought to the state by Friday and hold a hearing next week. They said that would allow better communication with her legal team and a doctor to evaluate her. They say Ozturk has suffered five asthma attacks in detention.

Lawyers for Ozturk, 30, had asked an immigration judge that she be released on bond as her immigration case proceeds. That judge denied her request Wednesday, the same day Ozturk had a hearing, they said in a statement released Thursday morning.

The Department of Homeland Security presented one document to support their opposition to Ozturk's bond request: a one-paragraph State Department memo revoking her student visa, her lawyers said in the new court filing.

The memo says that Ozturks visa was revoked on March 21 following an assessment that she had been involved in associations that may undermine U.S. foreign policy by creating a hostile environment for Jewish students and indicating support for a designated terrorist organization including co-authoring an op-ed that found common cause with an organization that was later temporarily banned from campus.

Ozturk's lawyers said the immigration judge denied bond based on the untenable conclusion that Ms. Ozturk was both a flight risk and a danger to the community.

Messages seeking comment Thursday were emailed to the department and to ICE.

Ozturk, a doctoral student studying child development, was taken by immigration officials as she walked along a street in the Boston suburb of Somerville on March 25. After being taken to New Hampshire and then Vermont, she was put on a plane the next day and moved to an Immigration and Customs Enforcement detention center in Basile, Louisiana.

Ozturk is among several people with ties to American universities whose visas were revoked or have been stopped from entering the U.S. after they were accused of attending demonstrations or publicly expressed support for Palestinians. A Louisiana immigration judge has ruled that the U.S. can deport Columbia University graduate student Mahmoud Khalil based on the federal governments argument that he poses a national security risk.

Ozturks lawyers are challenging the legal authority for ICEs detention. They also have asked U.S. District Judge William Sessions in Vermont, where her detention case was transferred after lawyers first petitioned for her release in Massachusetts, to take jurisdiction of it and release her.

Sessions, who held a hearing Monday, has not ruled yet. He had asked Ozturk's lawyers if there was any evidence suggesting that she was a member of the organization that was later temporarily banned, according to the State Department memo. Her lawyers said there wasn't.

The governments entire case against Rumeysa is based on the same one-paragraph memo from the State Department to ICE that just points back to Rumeysas op-ed," Marty Rosenbluth, one of Ozturk's attorneys, said in a statement.

Ozturk was one of four students who wrote an op-ed in the campus newspaper, The Tufts Daily, last year criticizing the universitys response to student activists demanding that Tufts acknowledge the Palestinian genocide, disclose its investments and divest from companies with ties to Israel.

Ozturks lawyers say her detention violates her constitutional rights, including free speech and due process. They said they didn't know for hours where she was after she was taken. They said they were unable to speak to her until more than 24 hours after she was detained. Ozturk herself said she unsuccessfully made multiple requests to speak to a lawyer.

A Department of Homeland Security spokesperson said last month, without providing evidence, that investigations found that Ozturk engaged in activities in support of Hamas, a U.S.-designated terrorist group.
An immigration judge has denied bond to Rumeysa Ozturk, her lawyers said Thursday, the latest development in the case of the Tufts University student from Turkey whose arrest on a Massachusetts sidewalk was captured in a viral video.

Ozturk, 30, was on her way to meet friends to break the Ramadan fast on March 25 when she was surrounded and detained by plainclothes immigration agents in Somerville, a Boston suburb. She was then taken to an immigration detention center in Louisiana.

Her lawyers have asked a federal judge in Vermont to order her release as the immigration case plays out. They argue that Ozturks student was visa revoked in retaliation for an op-ed she co-wrote for her student newspaper about the war in Gaza.

Ms. Ozturk has committed no crime and DHS has provided zero evidence in their case against her, Mahsa Khanbabai, one of Ozturk's attorneys, said Thursday in a statement.

Rumeysa Ozturk, a Turkish doctoral student at Tufts University.

In court papers filed in Vermont district court late Wednesday, Ozturk's lawyers said the immigration judge in Louisiana denied the request for bond after Department of Homeland Security attorneys argued that she was a flight risk.

The court papers say that the government attorneys presented one document  a one-paragraph State Department memo revoking her visa  to support their opposition to the bond.

The memo says that DHS and ICE determined that Ozturk had been involved in associations that may undermine U.S. foreign policy by creating a hostile environment for Jewish students and indicating support for a designated terrorist organization,' including co-authoring an op-ed that found common cause with an organization that was later temporarily banned from campus."

Khanbabai said the government's treatment of Ozturk amounted to an attack on free speech.

The court yesterday relied on a previously submitted State Department memo that points to nothing that Ms. Ozturk said or did  other than her 2024 school newspaper op-ed  to falsely claim she is a danger to her community," she said. "This attack on free speech is despicable, but we wont be deterred."

The opinion essay that Ozturk co-wrote in the Tufts student newspaper criticized the universitys response to demands that it acknowledge the Palestinian genocide and divest from companies with direct or indirect ties to Israel.

A State Department spokesperson said it does not comment on "ongoing or pending litigation."

A senior DHS official said that "being granted a visa to live and study in the United States is a privilege not a right."

"The State Department makes specific determinations about visa revocations when an individual poses a threat to national security," the official added.

A DHS spokesperson previously said in a statement that investigations found Ozturk "engaged in activities in support of Hamas, a foreign terrorist organization that relishes the killing of Americans."

The spokesperson added: "Glorifying and supporting terrorists who kill Americans is grounds for visa issuance to be terminated. This is commonsense security."

A Justice Department spokesperson declined to comment.

Protesters in Somerville, Mass., last month demand Ozturk's release.

Ozturk, who is in a doctoral program for child study and human development, is one of several foreign students and academics the Trump administration has targeted for deportation after they expressed pro-Palestinian views.

In the Thursday court filings, Ozturks lawyers asked U.S. District Judge William K. Sessions III in Vermont to order that she be released or, at a minimum, returned to the district of Vermont by Friday.

Ozturks attorneys also asked the judge to hold a hearing next week. The judge has yet to decide whether the district of Vermont has jurisdiction over her petition for release pending the determination in her deportation proceedings.

Earlier this week, Ozturks lawyers argued that the federal case should be in Vermont because that is where she was being held when their petition was filed. Government lawyers say that it should be transferred to Louisiana, where she is currently being detained.

A Turkish official in Washington said the embassy is closely following the case.

"Available evidence suggest that there are no grounds for her continued detention and we expect Ozturk to be released as soon as possible," the official added in a statement. "We hope that her student status will be restored and she would be able to complete her education."
Paul Campbell-WPA Pool/Getty King Charles and Queen Camilla at church in Scotland on April 13, 2025

King Charles is spreading the message of love at Easter time.

The King, 76, who is undergoing treatment for cancer, issued a special Easter statement on Thursday, April. 17, before he and his wife Queen Camilla attended a traditional royal event.

Within it, Charles stressed that the work that humanitarians do around the world knows no boundaries, irrespective of religion, background, or faith. His commitment to building bridges between faiths is a message that has run throughout Charles' public life.

There are three virtues that the world still needs  faith, hope and love. And the greatest of these is love, Charles wrote, echoing the core message of love in all religions.

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CHRIS JACKSON/POOL/AFP via Getty King Charles with Queen Camilla in Ravenna, Italy on April 10, 2025

One of the puzzles of our humanity is how we are capable of both great cruelty and great kindness, he wrote at the start of the message.

He added that scenes that daily come before our eyes  at one moment, terrible images of human suffering and, in another, heroic acts in war-torn countries where humanitarians of every kind risk their own lives to protect the lives of others.



Related: Prince Harry's Fight for His Future Exposes Deepening Rift with King Charles: 'They Are Distant,' Source Says (Exclusive)

Charles added that he has been struck by the people who work in humanitarian fields to help others, and how he felt a profound sense of admiration for their resilience, courage and compassion.

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The love Jesus showed, he said, reflected the Jewish ethic of caring for the stranger and those in need, a deep human instinct echoed in Islam and other religious traditions, and in the hearts of all who seek the good of others.

Related: A Complete Timeline of King Charles' Cancer Diagnosis and Treatment

The message from Charles, who toured Italy with Camilla, 77, for four days earlier this month, came ahead of his annual donation of Maundy money at historic Durham Cathedral in the northeast of England. The ancient ceremony commemorates the alms-giving that was handed out at Easter time in centuries past.

Charles is expected to lead other members of the royal family at Easter Sunday services at St. George's Chapel, Windsor Castle, on April 20.

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Erik and Lyle Menendez are expected to appear virtually in a Los Angeles courtroom for a hearing that will examine a hotly contested question: Should the brothers, who are serving sentences of life without the possibility of parole for the shotgun murders of their parents in 1989, be free?

The hearing, which was scheduled for Thursday, could be delayed, after the Los Angeles County District Attorneys Office questioned whether reports completed by state officials would be available in time.

In a motion filed Wednesday, a prosecutor said comprehensive risk assessments completed by state prison and parole officials in a separate matter were ready for review.

The People believe that it is very important that the Court request and obtain a copy of these comprehensive risk assessments prior to holding a resentencing hearing in this case, lead prosecutor Habib Balian wrote in a declaration attached to the motion.

If they are not available for court review before Thursdays scheduled hearing, it asks for continuation, meaning a delay until a later date.

According to the filing, the judge overseeing the case will hear the motion to delay Thursday morning, ahead of the resentencing hearing. The judge could opt to delay the resentencing hearing, proceed with the hearing as originally scheduled or take the motion under advisement but proceed with the resentencing hearing as planned.

Deadline first reported news of the motion.

On Thursday morning, a handful of people had lined up outside the courthouse in Van Nuys, north of downtown Los Angeles, to get a seat in the limited space available to the public. One woman told NBC News that she had flown to Los Angeles from Chicago and wants to see the brothers released.

Another woman told NBC Los Angeles that she took an Uber from Downey, roughly 35 miles away, and also wants to see the pair out of prison.

"Hopeful" is how Anamaria Baralt, a cousin of the brothers who has publicly advocated for their release, described her mood upon entering the courtroom.

The resentencing process began in October, when Los Angeles Countys former top prosecutor recommended that Erik, 54, and Lyle, 57, be resentenced to 50 years to life, which would make them eligible for parole immediately. He said they had been exceptional inmates during the 35 years they had spent in prison and were poster cases for his office's resentencing unit.

That position has been backed by celebrities and many of the victims relatives, who in recent months have frequently spoken out about the brothers accomplishments in prison and the abuse they believe the siblings suffered at the hands of their father, Jose Menendez.

But the former top prosecutor, George Gascon, was voted out in November, and his replacement, Nathan Hochman, has taken a very different view of the case.

Hochman  a former federal prosecutor and general counsel for a business litigation firm  has said that after his office launched a review of tens of thousands of pages of trial transcripts, prison records and other evidence, he concluded that the brothers havent taken complete responsibility for their crimes.

Last month, Hochman said he would withdraw Gascons recommendation.

In court papers and at a news conference, Hochman and his deputies have pointed to 16 unacknowledged lies they say the brothers have told about the murders. Among those lies, the prosecutors have said, was the brothers claim that they killed their parents in self-defense after Lyle confronted his father about his alleged abuse of Erik.

That claim featured prominently at the brothers first trial, which ended with a hung jury in January 1994. During their second trial, a high court ruling barred the brothers from invoking an imperfect self-defense, as the legal doctrine is known. They were convicted of first-degree murder.

Prosecutors who tried the brothers have described the murders as cold-blooded and financially motivated. One of the prosecutors in the second trial, Juan Mejia, told NBC News last year that their mother may have known about the alleged abuse and didnt do anything about it.

"But theres no justification for shooting your mom eight times with a shotgun and reloading," he said.

Lyle, left, and Erik Menendez sit in Beverly Hills Municipal Court in 1990.

Hochman has taken a similar position and said that if the brothers "come clean" with the court, their family and the public, they "can be said to have fully and completely accepted responsibility for their actions."

The brothers family countered that Hochman's assessment was based on "outdated arguments, a misleading presentation of facts, and a deep misunderstanding of the purpose of the resentencing process itself."

The district attorney could not undo the process his predecessor initiated "simply because a different administration is in office," a family-led advocacy group, the Justice for Erik and Lyle Coalition, said in a release this month.

The two sides squared off during a lengthy hearing on the matter last week, with a deputy district attorney recounting the brothers' alleged lies and detailing the "severity" of the killings.

The defense focused on the brothers' deeds while they have been incarcerated  theyve helped inmates with severe disabilities, completed college courses and established a green space beautification project  and criticized the prosecution for showing a crime scene photo that the attorney said "retraumatized" Menendez family members who attended the hearing.

The family later said they wanted the district attorney's office removed from the case over the image. Hochman's office apologized for not having given warning that the brothers' conduct would be "described in detail not only in words but also through a crime scene photo."

At the end of last week's daylong hearing, the judge overseeing the case said both sides had strong arguments that were best saved for this week.

Regardless of the hearing's outcome, the brothers are still pursuing two other possible paths to freedom: a request for clemency with California Gov. Gavin Newsom and a petition that cites what the defense team has described as new evidence that seeks to overturn their convictions. Both efforts continue.

The "comprehensive risk assessments that led to Wednesday's motion about a possible delay in the resentencing hearing were done in anticipation of Newsoms separate clemency investigation.

The Menendez brothers defense attorney, Mark Geragos, had no comment on Wednesday's filing.

The DA's office's motion asks that the court "make all reasonable efforts to obtain the recently completed Comprehensive Risk Assessments from the Governors Office."

"If additional time is required to obtain these documents, the People ask the Court to continue the resentencing hearing," it reads.
Just like humans, our pets come in a variety of shapes and sizes. Some look very similar or very different, all have different personalities, and in the case of this adorable Labrador Retriever puppy named Moose, some even sound different than most.

Moose has a very unique bark that you have to hear to believe. I've been writing about pets for years, and I have never heard a bark quite like this one! Not only is it surprising for us humans to hear, but based on the dog's reaction to the pup in this video, canines are just as surprised as we are!

Clearly the Australian Shepherd was perplexed by the odd noises that Moose was making! I had to know if something medical causes Moose to sound this way or if he's just lucky to have such a cool and rare bark.

I headed to his mom Kylie Nicole's TikTok page, and in another video, she shared, "For anyone worried about Moosey boy, the vet said hes a perfectly fine, healthy crazy boy!"

Related: Baby Boy Realizes He Can Make Golden Retriever Bark and Its Full of Smiles

Commenters Reactions to Moose's Rare and Unique Bark

As you can imagine, people were intrigued and left thousands of comments about Moose's funny bark. Viewer @jessie got more than 56 thousand likes when she pointed out, "Sounds like those sound tube's when you flip it up and down too fast LMAO!"

Another commenter joked, "The other dog is requesting subtitles." @pamelamiddleton saw it too, "The Aussie looking around like, "Do y'all hear this or am I going insane? Something's wrong with his barking right y'all?" LOL!"

I laughed when @Batman asked, "Why does your dog bark in reverse?" @Kayla Marie19 agreed, "He sounds like hes barking backwards like hes inhaling when he barks rather than exhaling LOL! Such a cute little seal boy!" @simmelect said, "Thats lowercase barking," and another commenter said of the comparisons, "It's both!"

@Mark Neisis wondered, "Is that a turkey?" @ShooterGirl! pointed out, "The Greater North American Brown Land Seal!!!" @Leesha said, "I think he swallowed a sea lion and I am all for it!" @Adrian heard something completely different that I hadn't thought of until he asked, "Am I the only one thats hearing Pac-Man?!" Whatever you hear, you have to admit that it's a pretty cool bark!
Fyre Festival 2 has been postponed.

Fyre Festival 2 postponed

Convicted fraudster Billy McFarland had hoped to put the disaster of the original failed festival behind him with a new event at Mexico's Isla Mujeres between May 30 and June 2 but ticketholders have now been informed that Fyre Festival 2 is postponed and they will received refunds.

According to ABC news, attendees received an email which stated: "The event has been postponed and a new date will be announced. We have issued you a refund. Once the new date is announced, at that time, you can repurchase if it works for your schedule."

The festival was previously advertised under the slogan "FYRE Festival 2 is real," with tickets starting at $1,400.

The original Fyre Festival was due to take place in the Bahamas in 2017 but amidst a number of issues, including security and accommodation, it was postponed indefinitely.

In March 2018, co-founder McFarland admitted to using fake documents to persuade investors to put more than $27 million into his Fyre Media Inc company.

He pled guilty to two fraud charges and was sentenced to six years in prison, which he was released from in 2022.

Announcing this year's festival in February, Billy said in a statement: "I'm sure many people think I'm crazy for doing this again. but I feel I'd be crazy not to do it again.

"After years of reflection and now thoughtful planning, the new team and I have amazing plans for Fyre 2.

"The adventure seekers who trust the vision and take the leap will help make history. Thank you to my partners for the second chance."

Several models, including Bella Hadid, were hired to promote the original 2017 festival - which is the subject of Netflix documentary 'Fyre' - and revellers paid between $1,200 to $100,000, only to arrive and find out they would have to sleep in tents rather than luxury accommodation.
Larry Bastian; Garth Brooks

Larry Bastian, a country songwriter known for "Friends in Low Places," has died. He was 90.

Per The Porterville Recorder Bastian died on Sunday, April 6, according to a Facebook post his son Nick shared.

The Lord called Dad home last night," he wrote. "He taught us at a very young age gun safety, along with teaching us hunting and fishing. He let us be boys, which seems to be a dying thing these days."

Bastian's son also thanked his late father for teaching him how to raise his sons. "I took them to work with me and raised them to be free range country kids and now they are raising their's the same way. I love you Dad, give Chris a big hug, tell him I love him and I'll see you all soon."



Garth Brooks, who sings the 1990 song from his album No Fences, paid tribute to Bastian. "This was a great man a cowboy, a poet, and a true friend," Brooks, 63. told the New York Post in a statement on Wednesday, April 16. "I was lucky enough to be taken in by him as a student when I first moved to Nashville."

Added Brooks, "I love Larry Bastian."

Chieko Hara/The Porterville Recorder via AP Larry Bastian

Related: Paying Tribute to the Celebrities Who Have Died in 2025

Bastian was born on Sept. 1, 1934, in Porterville, Calif. into a farming family, according to Billboard. Before he became a songwriter, he worked in the Department of Agriculture for Kern and Tulare Counties for 15 years. In the early '70s, he began to dabble in songwriting.

Bastian was also known for songs "Rodeo," "The Girl Who Has Everything," "Somebody Knew," "Saturday Night Special" and "Forever's Here to Stay." Along with Brooks, Bastian penned songs for Tammy Wynette, Conway Twitty, Reba McEntire, Rhett Akins, Tracy Byrd and Sammy Kershaw, among other artists.



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Perhaps Bastian's most well-known song is "Unanswered Prayers" sung by Brooks. Brooks recounts the song coming to life in the CD booklet for his compilation album The Hits. "[Songwriter] Pat Alger and I worked on this song quite a long time without a hook, without the line," Brooks wrote.

"We passed it by Larry Bastian and it was as if it was meant to be. Larry, his wife Myrna and I were taking a walk and he looked at me and said, 'Oh, thats simple. This song should be called 'Unanswered Prayers' because some of God's greatest gifts are unanswered prayers.' "

"This is probably the truest song I have ever been involved with as a writer. This actually happened to my wife and me when we went back home to Oklahoma. Every time I sing this song, it teaches me the same lesson... happiness isn't getting what you want, it is wanting what you've got.



Related: Garth Brooks and Trisha Yearwood's Relationship Timeline

Though Bastian wasn't nominated for any Grammys, he has contributed to 68 platinum albums thanks to his songwriting credits.



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A California law firm notified the city of Pocatello, Idaho, on Wednesday of its intention to file a federal wrongful death lawsuit on the behalf of the family of Victor Perez, a 17-year-old boy with intellectual disabilities who was shot multiple times by four police officers.

Perez, who was described by his family as nonverbal and autistic, was inside a fenced yard holding a kitchen knife on April 5 when a neighbor called police. Four officers arrived and lined up outside the fence, three with handguns and one holding what appeared to be a shotgun, and told him to drop the knife. As Perez started to stand up, they began shooting.

Perez underwent several surgeries, with doctors removing nine bullets and amputating his leg, before tests showed that he lacked brain activity. He was removed from life support on Saturday.

They can't justify the shooting by saying he was a danger to anyone, lawyer Ben Nisenbaum told The Associated Press after his Oakland, California, law firm filed the administrative claim against the city of Pocatello. He wasn't going after anyone. The officers just lined up and opened fire.

The claim was filed on the behalf of Luis Alicea, Perez's grandfather and guardian; Wanda Alicea, his mother; Monica Perez, his sister; and Ana Vazquez, his aunt. Nisenbaum said they plan to name the city, police chief and the four officers when they filed the lawsuit in federal court.

The administrative claim, which is a precursor to the lawsuit, says the officers used excessive force against Perez and his family has "suffered emotional distress caused by witnessing the negligent conduct of the involved officers."

Pocatello City Clerk Konni Kendell did not immediately return messages seeking comment. Messages sent to Pocatello Police Chief Roger Schei seeking comment were not immediately returned.

The names of the officers have not been released. They were placed on administrative leave, and decisions about whether charges should be filed will be made after an independent investigation by the Eastern Idaho Critical Incident Taskforce led by the Bannock County Sheriff's Office.

Idaho Attorney General Raul Labrador said he has agreed to review the taskforce's findings to determine whether charges should be filed. He said he made that decision at the request of the county prosecuting attorney.

As with all such matters, the Office of the Attorney General will conduct a thorough and impartial review once the Eastern Idaho Critical Incident Taskforce completes its investigation, Labrador said in a news release. Given the seriousness of the matter and the ongoing investigation, our office will not be making further public comment at this time.

Nisenbaum said Perez' movements before the shooting were consistent with someone who was physically disabled, not some superman who would bound over the fence at them."

"We hope the investigation being conducted by the Idaho Attorney General recognizes the obvious: These officers criminally failed at their jobs and should be held to account for their actions in criminal court, he said.
For years, Swedish broadcaster SVT has hosted The Great Moose Migration livestream

The livestream provides 24/7 coverage of the 20-day migration of hundreds of moose through northern Sweden

The Great Moose Migration gets millions of viewers each year, with many seeking out the livestream for relaxation

Sweden's 24/7 TV coverage of the country's epic moose migration has been gripping viewers around the world.

According to a press release from Visit Sweden, the livestream  Den stora algvandringen, which translates to The Great Moose Migration  started on Tuesday, April 15, a week earlier than expected, thanks to an unusually early spring.

The first 24/7 livestream of the 20-day animal event began in 2019, with nearly a million people tuning in, according to the Associated Press. By 2024, the livestream had garnered a whopping nine million views on SVT Play, the streaming platform for Swedish broadcaster SVT, for the year.

The migration usually peaks in late April, but with temperatures rising across northern Sweden, the moose are already on the move. Their slow journey will see them migrate from coastal forests to higher inland pastures for summer, per the release.



Thirty-two cameras have been set up across the wilderness of the High Coast region to capture the animals' movements, and millions have already tuned in to watch the moose slowly trudge through Sweden.

SVT via AP Moose in Junsele, Sweden

Related: Poppy, the Internet's New Favorite Pygmy Hippo, Finally Has Her Own Livestream: Here's How to Watch

According to Today.com, crews use nearly 12 miles of cable to follow the moose on their migration path near the village of Kullberg in northern Sweden.

"For weeks, viewers can follow these quiet giants as they swim rivers, cross snowy trails, and occasionally stop to graze or nap in full view of the lens," the release added.

Viewer William Garp Liljefors, 20, told AP of tuning in, "I feel relaxed, but at the same time I'm like, Oh, there's a moose. Oh, what if there's a moose? I can't go to the toilet!"

"I was late to school because I saw moose and my teacher was like, 'What, you saw moose in the city?' And I was like, 'No, it's on the TV,'" he added.

SVT via AP A photo captured by SVT during preparations for "The Great Moose Migration" livestream

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The show falls into the "Slow TV" genre, which involves watching uninterrupted footage of real-time experiences meant to be calming and immersive.

Johan Erhag, SVT's project manager for The Great Moose Migration, also told the outlet that everyone who works on the show experiences a decrease in stress levels.

"We actually don't see it [moose] very often. You often see it when you're out driving, maybe once or twice in your life," Erhag said. "I think that's one thing why it has been so, so popular. And then you bring in the nature to everyone's living room."

According to the outlet, the moose migration crew, which can include up to 15 people, works out of SVT's control room in Umea, a city around 394 miles north of Stockholm. The team produces the show, which will run until May 4, at a distance so as not to interfere with the migration.

Related: Rare Blond Moose Spotted in Alaska Wows Internet While Experts Share Concern for Animal's Safety

In 2024, 87 moose were spotted crossing the Angerman River on camera  a highlight for viewers according to Today.com  up from 21 in 2023.

Other wildlife previously captured on the show, which features no narration or music, just nature, includes bears, reindeer, birds of prey, and otters.

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Sweden is home to an estimated 300,000 moose, according to the release.

The Great Moose Migration stream is available to watch at svtplay.se. According to the site, viewers should tune in during the dawn or dusk hours of northern Sweden for the best chance to see animals in action.



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A federal grand jury in New York on Thursday returned a four-count indictment against alleged CEO killer Luigi Mangione that charges him with two counts of stalking, firearms offense and murder through the use of a firearm, a charge that makes him eligible for the death penalty if convicted.

Mangione is charged with stalking United Healthcare chief Brian Thompson outside the Hilton in Midtown Manhattan and then shooting him to death on Dec. 4, 2024. Thompson was heading to an investors' conference when he was shot and killed. Mangione was arrested in Altoona, Pennsylvania, five days later and was initially charged in a federal complaint in connection with the murder.

He is scheduled to be arraigned in Manhattan federal court on April 25.

PHOTO: Luigi Mangione, the suspect in the killing of UnitedHealth Group chief executive Brian Thompson, appears in Manhattan Supreme Court on New York state murder and terrorism charges in New York, Feb. 21, 2025. (Curtis Means/Pool via Reuters, FILE)

Attorney General Pam Bondi has already signaled her intention to pursue the death penalty in the case, which Mangione's lawyers are actively trying to stop.

Bondi said in a press release earlier this month that she ordered the death penalty for Mangione to "carry out President Trumps agenda to stop violent crime and Make America Safe Again."

MORE: Attorney General Pam Bondi directs prosecutors to seek death penalty for Luigi Mangione

Defense attorney Karen Friedman Agnifilo argued in a motion filed last week that Bondis statement, issued before Mangione was indicted on federal charges, was improper and "prejudiced the grand jury process." She asked the judge to preclude the government from seeking the death penalty, and she demanded the government turn over documents and notes that relate to the attorney generals directive.

"The stakes could not be higher. The United States government intends to kill Mr. Mangione as a political stunt," the defense said.

Mangione also faces state charges in connection with the shooting. He has pleaded not guilty.

Luigi Mangione indicted on federal charges for CEO killing originally appeared on abcnews.go.com
Thames Valley Police Joanne Pearson; Teohna Grant

A 49-year-old man has pleaded guilty to murdering two women on Christmas Day in England

Thames Valley Police said Jazwell Brown carried out the "brutal attack" on his own partner and a neighbor

Brown also stabbed a 17-year-old boy and a 29-year-old man, and injured a dog, during the attack, according to police

A man has pleaded guilty to fatally stabbing two women on Christmas Day in England.

In a news release, the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS), the body responsible for prosecuting criminal cases in England and Wales, said Jazwell Brown, 49, murdered Joanne Pearson, 38, and Teohna Grant, 24, without warning or provocation within their shared apartment block in Milton Keynes, which is approximately 50 miles from London.

According to a Thames Valley Police news release, one of the women was Browns partner, while the other was his neighbor.

Armed with a knife, 49-year-old Brown also tried to kill a 29-year-old man and a teenage boy, the CPS noted. Brown also stabbed Joannes dog, Tilly, during the incident. The dog, while injured, survived.

The CPS added that Brown fled the scene following the attack, but was spotted by eyewitnesses and captured on CCTV. He was arrested on Christmas Day and charged on Dec. 27, 2024.

Brown pleaded guilty to the double murder following a hearing at Luton Crown Court on April 15, per the police release.

Thames Valley Police Jazwell Brown

He also pleaded guilty to two counts of attempted murder, and one count each of possession of a knife in a public place and causing unnecessary suffering to a protected animal. The 17-year-old boy and the 29-year-old man both suffered stab wounds, per the police.

According to the CPS, after being arrested, Brown made several incriminating statements while in custody, including saying, I lost my cool tonight." He also described the incident as not self-defence, plain murder, its plain murder, not self-defence.

Joe Giddens/PA Images via Getty A police forensic officer at the crime scene

Senior investigating officer Detective Chief Inspector Stuart Brangwin, of the Major Crime Unit, said in a statement, per the police release, First and foremost, I would like to extend deepest condolences to the families of Joanne and Teohna who tragically died in this shocking incident on Christmas Day.

Jazwell Brown is a dangerous man and I am glad that he has pleaded guilty, accepting responsibility for his actions that day, but the deaths of Joanne and Teohna cannot be undone, the statement continued. This was a brutal attack on his own partner and neighbour, in their respective homes, where they should have been able to feel safe and secure.

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.

Celia Mardon of the Crown Prosecution Service added that the inexplicable attack had done irreversible damage  robbing two women of their lives and seriously injuring two others.

While we may never know why Brown committed such mindless violence, we must remember the two lives that were needlessly lost, Mardon added. Our thoughts remain with the loved ones of Joanne and Teohna, and we hope that todays result provides them with some closure.

Brown will be sentenced on 22 May.



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South Wales Police Paria Veisi

37-year-old Paria Veisi disappeared after leaving work in Cardiff, Wales, on Saturday, April 12

Her car, a black Mercedes GLC 220 was located approximately 6 miles away on Tuesday, April 15

A man, 41, and a woman, 48, have been arrested in connection with the case and remain in the custody of South Wales Police

A man and a woman have been arrested in connection with the sudden disappearance of a 37-year-old woman who went missing in the Welsh capital, Cardiff, on Saturday, April 12.

Paria Veisi was last seen at approximately 3 p.m. local time when she left her workplace in the Canton area of the city, South Wales police said in a release on Wednesday, April 16.

The authorities added that they were concerned for the welfare of Veisi, given that her disappearance was totally out of character.

Related: Car of Woman Missing Since 1983 Found Weeks After Story Is Featured in Cold Case Podcast

Oldmanwalking/Alamy Stock Photo South Wales Police vehicle

Police added that they had arrested a 41-year-old man and a 48-year-old woman in connection with the case and that pair remain in custody.

Veisi, who has long, black, curly hair, was wearing a red top, black zip-up pants and sneakers, and was carrying a small handbag when she went missing, police said, noting that her disappearance was reported the following day.

Never miss a story  sign up for PEOPLE's free daily newsletter to stay up-to-date on the best of what PEOPLE has to offer, from celebrity news to compelling human interest stories.

Getty View of the Cardiff Bay waterfront

Related: Remains Found by Stream Identified as Man Who Vanished in 2018 After Taking Walk in the Woods

Police added that Veisi was seen on CCTV leaving the Canton area of Cardiff on Saturday, April 12, driving her black Mercedes GLC 220. Her vehicle was subsequently located on the evening of Tuesday, April 15, on Dorchester Avenue, Penylan, approximately six miles away.

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South Wales Police urged anyone with information about her whereabouts to contact them, including footage from cell phones, CCTV cameras, doorbells, or dash-cams.

South Wales Police did not immediately reply to People's request for information.

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More than 150 dogs were rescued from a Utah home April 15 where authorities said they were living in "extremely poor and overcrowded" conditions.

After receiving a possible animal neglect report, the Ogden Police Department conducted a welfare check where they discovered 152 dogs were living inside a residence in Weber County, a less than hour drive north of Salt Lake City.

Various animal services responded to help safely transport the animals away from the property, the department said in a news release. Police said all the dogs are currently receiving veterinary care, evaluations and shelter support.

"The Ogden Police Department and Ogden Animal Services thank all responding agencies and partners who helped ensure the safety and well-being of these animals," the news release reads.

Police have not confirmed whether any arrests have been made, adding that the case remains under investigation.

The Ogden Police Department told USA TODAY it could not share any additional details regarding the case at this time.

Dogs not available for adoption this week

While the dogs may require new homes, Ogden police said none are currently available as they undergo medical treatment and standard shelter protocols.

Police said pet adoptions are expected to begin sometime next week, approximately Monday, April 21.

The animals are currently sheltered in kennels in rooms away from the other animals to prevent the spread of possible diseases, according to Weber County Animal Services.

"We are currently working with rescue groups and partners at other animal shelters to provide medical care and possible relocation for these animals," Weber County Animal Services wrote on Facebook. "We will inform our community when these animals will be available for adoption and/or fostering."

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: 152 dogs rescued from Utah home living in 'overcrowded' conditions
Coffeeness



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When it comes to beer, people typically have strong preferences. Some might love (or hate) hoppy, aromatic IPAs, while others might prefer a light, crisp lager. But what about beer preference by region? A recent study led by Coffeeness, a coffee-focused website that publishes broader beverage-related studies, pinpointed the most popular beer in each state, and there's a clear winner, country-wide.

The analysis compiled mainstream American beers sourced from YouGov's Popularity Ratings and then used Google Trends to analyze search interest in each of the 50 states, plus Washington, D.C. A data visualization was then published by Visual Capitalist. (The study notes that these findings are based on search interest, not sales or consumption.)

Miller reigns supreme across a majority of the country, being the most-searched in 30 states. Coors followsand not so close behindin only eight states, half of which are in the Southwest. In third place, surprisingly, is Guinness, the only stout among the contenders.

Coffeeness

Another surprising find noted in the study is the low search interest for Bud Light and Budweiser, which both have a strong presence in advertising. Researchers speculated this could be reto the 2023 Bud Light controversy.

The two outliers are Blue Moon and Corona, which each won in only one stateColorado and Connecticut, respectively.

Are you surprised by the most popular beer in your state?

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Illinois state Rep. La Shawn Ford, D-Chicago BlueRoomStream

(The Center Square)  Illinois state Rep. La Shawn Ford is again pushing to protect school kids at the forefront of his agenda.

Ford said he is all in on a measure proposed by Democratic State Sen. Karina Villa that would ban police from issuing any tickets or citations to students for breaking school rules like truancy. Senate Bill 1519 would also require officers to receive extra training to become a school resource officer, including how to deal with students with disabilities.

I'm going to pick it up, Ford told The Center Square. I had one, but I'm going to advance the one that passed the Senate and we'll do that when we go back in two weeks. We know that anytime young people have to deal with law enforcement as minors, as young people, it's a pipeline to the criminal justice system.

Ford, who has been pushing such legislation since 2022, also argues that such approaches never get at the underlying problem or help students to overcome whatever their challenge might be. And with some fines being as high as $750, he said such deterrents only serve to push students further away from the classroom, as opposed to helping them to learn from their mistakes.

It leads to the school to prison pipeline by legislating discipline, he said. There's no reason for a student to be engaging with law enforcement when they break a school rule. Teachers and principals should deal with it by helping correct the behavior, by teaching lessons, not issuing citations with the law enforcement. Our goal should be to keep young people out of the criminal justice system, not introduce them or lead them.

With SB 1519 passing out of the Senate Education Committee by an 8-2 vote, Ford said he is reminded of a resolution he recently proposed honoring Amara Harris for her courage and perseverance to defend truth and fight for justice.

Harris was featured in a ProPublica report after being ticketed in 2019 for violating the schools code against theft over another students AirPods. Harris, who has since graduated from Spelman and filed a federal lawsuit alleging civil rights violations, was ultimately found not liable by a jury.

That really sparked the advancement of this new, new law, he said.
Kelly Ripa is considering going back to school.

Kelly Ripa is thinking about going back to college on Mark Consuelos' urging

The 54-year-old star - who dropped out of a psychology course at Camden County College in New Jersey to pursue acting -has been urged to start studying again by her husband Mark Consuelos now their youngest Joaquin, 22, has almost finished his studies.

Speaking on the couple's ABC morning talk show 'Live with Kelly and Mark', she said of her son: "We keep begging him to go to grad school."

Mark chimed in and suggested: "You know what you should do? Now that he's going to be out, you should go to school, and he won't be weirded out by his mom being in class."

Kelly continued: "My whole thing is I want to go to college, I want to go to a four-year university, and I want to get my degree in something. What? I don't know ...

"I should go into broadcast  that's an easy A. I'll take an easy A. I'll go into communications!"

However, the former 'All My Children' actress - who also has Michael, 27, and Lola, 23, with her spouse - had a change of heart because she felt she has already learned "probably what they teach not to do" on her daytime show.

She mused: "Maybe psychology, maybe I'd take a writing class.

"I'll teach reverse psychology.

"I'll be an adjunct professor."

Kelly - who initially took subjects she "couldn't get motivated to do" - previously admitted her parents Joseph and Esther said it was a must for her to go to college, and then think about taking auditions for acting roles after graduation.

And she also noted they too wanted her to go back to work.

She told the New York Times newspaper: "My father is still waiting for me to go to college.

"Maybe someone will give me an honorary degree to make him happier.''

Kelly went into therapy when she turned 40, and it allowed her to developed a better understanding of herself.

She said on the 'Lets Talk Off Camera' podcast: "I really got to know myself.

"I really got to understand why I had such trouble embracing success of any kind."
CAIRO (Reuters) - The Lebanese army said on Wednesday it had detained a number of Palestinians and Lebanese suspected of involvement in two attacks from the country on Israel in March and did not mention Iran-backed Hezbollah, which has denied any role.

On March 28, Israel carried out its first major airstrike on Beirut's southern suburbs in months, retaliating for an earlier rocket launch from Lebanon. Israel had struck southern Lebanon on March 22 after it said it intercepted rockets fired from across the border.

The Israeli attacks amounted to the most serious test of a shaky ceasefire deal agreed in November between Israel and Hezbollah.

The Lebanese armed group has denied any involvement in the rocket firing.

In its statement, the Lebanese army did not mention Hezbollah. It said it conducted raids in several areas, detained a number of individuals and confiscated the equipment used in the two attacks.

The Israeli-Hezbollah conflict marked the deadliest spillover of the Gaza war, and a blistering Israeli offensive after months of cross-border exchanges of fire wiped out Hezbollah's top commanders, many of its fighters and much of its arsenal.

The truce in November halted the fighting and mandated that southern Lebanon be free of Hezbollah fighters and weapons, that Lebanese troops deploy to the area and that Israeli ground troops withdraw from the zone. Each side accuses the other of not entirely living up to those terms.

(Reporting by Jaidaa Taha; editing by Philippa Fletcher)
By Feras Dalatey, Joanna Plucinska, Reade Levinson, Maha El Dahan

DAMASCUS/LONDON/DUBAI (Reuters) -As his enemies closed in on Damascus, Bashar al-Assad, who ruled over Syria with an iron fist for 24 years, used a private jet to spirit away cash, valuables and confidential documents mapping the corporate web behind his wealth.

Yasar Ibrahim, the president's top economic adviser, arranged the leasing of the plane to transport Assad's treasured assets, relatives, aides and presidential palace personnel to the United Arab Emirates aboard four flights, according to an account of the operation pieced together by Reuters from more than a dozen sources.

Ibrahim, who ran the economic and financial office of the presidency, was instrumental in creating a network of entities Assad used to control swathes of Syria's economy, often acting as a front for the former ruler, according to U.S. sanctions notices, as well as experts on Syria's economy and one source inside Assad's business network.

Western nations imposed sanctions on Assad following his repression of 2011 pro-democracy protests and later on Ibrahim for assisting the regime.

The Embraer Legacy 600 jet made the four back-to-back trips to Syria in the 48 hours before the regime's fall, according to a Reuters review of flight tracking records. The plane, which has the tail number C5-SKY, is registered in Gambia.

The fourth flight departed on December 8 from the Russian-operated Hmeimim military air base, near Latakia, on Syrias Mediterranean coast, according to flight tracking records, a satellite image and a former Air Force Intelligence source with direct knowledge of the operation. Assad fled to Russia on the same day from the same base.

The operation to extract Assad's assets from Syria has not been previously reported. Reuters spoke to 14 Syrian sources with knowledge of the scheme, including airport staff, former intelligence and Presidential Guard officers and a person within Assad's business network.

The news agency also reviewed a WhatsApp conversation between Ibrahim's associates, flight tracking data, satellite images, and corporate and aviation ownership registers on three continents to assemble its account of how Assad's closest confidant orchestrated safe passage for the plane.

The jet carried unmarked black bags of cash holding at least $500,000 as well as documents, laptops and hard drives with key intelligence about "The Group", the codename Assad and Ibrahim's associates used for the intricate network of entities spanning telecoms, banking, real estate, energy and other activities, according to the individual inside Assad's network, a former Air Force Intelligence officer and the WhatsApp conversation.

Assad, whose whereabouts was kept secret from even close family members in the last frantic days of his regime, has been granted political asylum in Russia. Reuters was unable to reach him or Ibrahim for comment. The foreign ministries of Russia and the UAE didn't respond to questions about the operation.

The government of new president Ahmed al-Sharaa is determined to recover public funds taken abroad in the run up to Assad's fall, a senior official told Reuters, to support Syria's economy as it labours under sanctions and a currency shortage.

The official confirmed to Reuters that money was smuggled out of the country before the former ruler's ouster, but did not elaborate how, adding that authorities were still determining where the money went.

Reuters could not independently determine whether Assad actively directed the escape operation. Several sources with direct knowledge of the mission said it could not have happened without the ruler's blessing.

'YOU HAVE NOT SEEN THIS PLANE'

On December 6, as rebels led by the Islamist group Hayat Tahrir al-Sham marched towards the capital, the 13-seater Embraer jet approached Damascus International Airport.

More than a dozen staff in the camouflage uniforms of Syria's Air Force Intelligence - a main instrument of political repression under Assad - mobilised to guard the Hall of Ceremonies, the airport's VIP section, and its access route, according to six sources with knowledge of the operation. Four of these sources said they were at the scene.

A handful of civilian cars with tinted windows approached the area, three of the people on site said. The cars belonged to the elite Republican Guard, tasked to protect Assad and the Presidential Palace, said two of the people on site - the former intelligence officer and a senior airport official.

The involvement of the Republican Guard meant that "Bashar (al-Assad) gave the orders" relating to the operation, according to a former senior Republican Guard member. The guard answered only to its commander, Assads cousin General Talal Makhlouf, or Assad himself, this person added.

The head of airport security, Brigadier-General Ghadeer Ali, told airport staff that Air Force Intelligence personnel would handle the aircraft, according to Mohammed Qairout, head of ground operations with Syrian Air.

"This plane is coming to land and we will deal with it," Qairout recalled being told by Ali. "You have not seen this plane."

Ali, a senior Air Force Intelligence officer, took orders directly from the Presidential Palace, three Syrian airport officials and the former intelligence officer said.

Reuters could not reach Ali for comment.

FINAL HOURS

The C5-SKY plane flew each time to Abu Dhabi's Al Bateen Executive Airport, used by dignitaries and known for its strict privacy, Flightradar24 data show.

At first, the jet left Dubai on Dec. 6 and landed in Damascus around noon local time (0900 GMT). It then flew to Al Bateen airport and was back in Damascus just after 10 p.m.

Each time it landed, "cars rushed towards the plane, staying for a short time and then leaving just before the plane took off again," said one of five sources working at the airport.

Ali told Air Force Intelligence staff that Presidential Palace personnel and relatives of Assad - including teenagers - were due to board the first two flights that left Damascus on December 6, which also carried cash, according to the former intelligence officer at the scene.

Reuters could not access a manifest for the four flights to confirm the planes passengers or cargo.

The second flight from Damascus also transported paintings and some small sculptures, said the same source.

On Dec. 7, the jet was back in Damascus around 4 p.m. and left for Al Bateen for a third time over an hour later, this time loaded with bags of cash as well as hard drives and electronic devices containing information about Assad's corporate network, according to the intelligence officer and the source inside Assad's business network.

The stored information included financial records, minutes of meetings, ownership of companies, real estate and partnerships, as well as details of cash transfers and offshore companies and accounts, this source said.

This time, vehicles belonging to the UAE embassy in Damascus approached the VIP airport area before the jet took off, said the former intelligence officer, which he said suggested the UAE was aware of the operation.

DETOUR TO RUSSIAN BASE

Early on December 8, rebel fighters reached Damascus, prompting Assad to flee for his coastal stronghold of Latakia, in coordination with Russian forces. Damascus airport stopped operating.

Shortly after midnight that day, the C5-SKY jet left Al Bateen one last time. After passing over the city of Homs, north of Damascus, at around 3 a.m. local time, the plane dropped off flight tracking coverage for about six hours before reappearing over Homs, headed back to Abu Dhabi, data from Flightradar24 show.

During that window, it landed at the Hmeimim base in the Latakia province, according to the former intelligence officer.

A satellite image taken at 9:11 a.m. by Planet Labs captured the plane on the runway at Hmeimim. Reuters was able to confirm the Embraer jet in the image was C5-SKY based on the size and shape and flight tracking data. The jet was the only private plane flying in and out of Syria between December 6 and December 8, flight tracking data show.

Aboard the flight from Hmeimim was Ahmed Khalil Khalil, a close associate of Ibrahim active inside Assad's network, according to the Air Force Intelligence officer, the source inside Assad's business empire and the WhatsApp conversation. Khalil is under Western sanctions for supporting the former regime by operating and controlling several businesses in Syria.

He had reached the Russian base in an Emirati embassy armoured car and was carrying $500,000 in cash, according to the person inside Assad's network and the WhatsApp messages.

Khalil had withdrawn the money two days earlier from an account with the Syria International Islamic Bank (SIIB), according to the same sources.

The person inside Assad's circle said the account belongs to Damascus-based Al-Burj Investments. The company is 50% owned by Ibrahim, according to The Syria Report, an online platform that contains a corporate database compiled by Syria experts which cited 2018 official Syrian records.

Khalil did not respond to a request for comment sent via his Facebook account. SIIB and Al-Burj did not respond to emails seeking comment.

The individual inside Assads business circle and a former official at Syria's Air Transport Authority said the Embraer jet was operating under a 'dry lease', in which the owner provides the aircraft, but no crew, pilot, maintenance, ground operations or insurance.

Reuters couldnt determine who operated the flights.

Ibrahim reached Abu Dhabi on Dec. 11, this person added.

Asked about the plane in an interview with Reuters, Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa declined to comment.

'THE LEBANESE PLANE'

Ibrahim leased the jet from Lebanese businessman Mohamad Wehbe, according to a member of Syria's business elite and the source inside Assad's network. In the WhatsApp conversation the jet was described by one of Ibrahims associates as "the Lebanese plane".

Wehbe owns Flying Airline FZCO, registered as a Dubai Free Zone company, according to his LinkedIn profile.

In April 2024, Mohamad Wehbe posted pictures of C5-SKY on LinkedIn with the caption, "welcome". In January, the businessman wrote in a separate LinkedIn post that the aircraft was for sale.

The plane was registered in Gambia to a local company, Flying Airline Company, from April 2024. Flight tracking records show that, in the months preceding Assad's fall, the aircraft had flown to Assad's ally Russia, currently under Western aviation sanctions for its invasion of Ukraine.

Reuters was unable to reach the registered contact for Flying Airline Company in Gambia, Sheikh Tijan Jallow.

Flying Airline Co. is 30%-owned by another Lebanese national, Oussama Wehbe, and 70%-owned by Iraqi national Safa Ahmed Saleh, as per Gambian records.

Social media show Mohamad Wehbe has a son named Oussama who also works in the aviation industry. Reuters could not confirm if he is the same man on the Gambian registry.

Contacted by Reuters, Mohamad Wehbe denied any involvement with the C5-SKY flights in and out of Syria and told Reuters he does not own the plane but merely rents it "sometimes" from a broker, whose name he declined to provide. He did not respond to questions about whether his son was involved.

Oussama Wehbe did not reply to a request for comment. Reuters could not locate Safa Ahmed Saleh.

(Reporting by Firas Al Daalati in Damascus, Joanna Plucinska and Reade Levinson in London, Maha El Dahan in Dubai; Additional reporting by Jonathan Saul in London, Timour Azhari, Samia Nakhoul and Maya Gebeily in Damascus, Robbie Corey-Boulet and Portia Crowe in Dakar, Gleb Stolyarov in Tbilisi and Lisa Jucca in Milan; Editing by Lisa Jucca)
By Elizabeth Pineau and Michel Rose

PARIS (Reuters) - European and Ukrainian officials kicked off a day of talks in Paris on Thursday to plead Kyiv's case to U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio and President Donald Trump's envoy Steve Witkoff.

The high level diplomacy reflects Europe's mounting concern over the U.S. administration's overtures towards Moscow, after the failure so far of Trump's efforts to arrange a ceasefire in the three-year-old Russia-Ukraine war. The U.S. officials were also due to discuss nuclear talks with Iran during their visit to Paris.

Trump, who has long said he aims to swiftly end the Ukraine war, has indicated he is frustrated with both Moscow and Kyiv, even as his administration has shifted U.S. rhetoric towards accommodating the Russian account of the conflict.

Ukraine agreed to a Trump proposal last month for a ceasefire which Russia rejected. The sides have agreed only to curbs on attacks against energy targets and at sea, which both accuse each other of violating.

Kyiv and its European allies say Moscow is to blame for rejecting Trump's proposal of a ceasefire last month, and are hoping to persuade Washington to take a tougher line. They have pressed the case since a Russian attack that killed civilians including Ukrainian Christian worshippers in the city of Sumy on Sunday.

"I'm just trying to get it stopped so that we can save a lot of lives," Trump said of the war on Sunday.

French President Emmanuel Macron's foreign policy advisor Emmanuel Bonne hugged Witkoff as he arrived at the French presidency's Elysee Palace for talks, before a lunch between Macron, Witkoff, and Rubio.

Before that, Bonne and his British and German counterparts met Andriy Yermak, the chief of staff of Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy. According to the French agenda for the day, Yermak was due to take part in a meeting with Rubio, Witkoff and the European envoys later on Thursday.

The arrival of a Ukrainian delegation in Paris was not previously announced ahead of what Washington had described as planned talks between Rubio, Witkoff and French officials.

"We are working on important issues for the security of Ukraine and the whole of Europe," Yermak said on X.

Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha said: "The parties will discuss ways to achieve a complete ceasefire, the involvement of a multinational military contingent to guarantee sustainable peace, further development of Ukraine's security architecture and ensuring the security of our country."

The Kremlin described the Paris meetings as a chance for Witkoff, who met President Vladimir Putin for five hours last week, to inform Europeans of the status of talks about the search for a peace settlement in Ukraine.

IRAN TALKS

In addition to discussing the war in Ukraine, U.S. and French officials said they would also discuss Washington's efforts to reach a nuclear deal with Iran.

Witkoff plans to fly on to Rome for a second round of discussions on Saturday with Iranian foreign minister Abbas Araghchi about Iran's nuclear program. They met for 45 minutes last Saturday in Oman.

Both sides described last weekend's talks as positive while acknowledging that any potential deal remains distant.

Trump, who abandoned an earlier nuclear deal with Iran during his first term in 2018, said on Monday he was willing to bomb Iran's nuclear facilities if a new deal was not reached.

The United States had not told European countries about the nuclear talks in Oman before Trump announced them.

(Reporting by Steve Holland in Washington and Elizabeth Pineau and Michel Rose in Paris; additional reporting by Anastasiia Malenko; writing by Ingrid Melander and Steve Holland; Editing by Humeyra Pamuk, Peter Graff)
WASHINGTON  The Supreme Court on Thursday said it would weigh in on the Trump administration's request that it be allowed to broadly enforce its new restrictions on birthright citizenship while the policy is being litigated.

The court said it will hear oral arguments on May 15.

It's the first challenge to the new administration's policies that the justices have taken up for public discussion.

I am so happy," President Donald Trump said Thursday. "I think the case has been so misunderstood.The administration had asked the court to scale back the nationwide actions that judges in Maryland, Massachusetts and Washington issued to pause Trump's order limiting birthright citizenship.

The Department of Justice said Trump should be able to enforce the policy for everyone except the people directly named in the lawsuits and those who live in states that have sued if the court thinks states have a legal right to challenge the order. The government also wanted to be able to develop guidance on how it will implement Trump's directive if it is upheld.

More: What is birthright citizenship and the 14th amendment? Explaining Trump's desired changes

Rather than focusing on the validity of Trump's executive action, the DOJ argued that a judge in one part of the country shouldn't be able to block actions nationally.

"Years of experience have shown that the Executive Branch cannot properly perform its functions if any judge anywhere can enjoin every presidential action everywhere," Sarah Harris, an attorney with the DOJ, told the court.

Washington state Attorney General Nicholas Brown countered that citizenship rules must be uniform across the country. A patchwork rule is "unworkable" for states and would leave tens of thousands of infants subject to removal or detention, even though the government has not shown it is likely to eventually win the court fight, he argued.

"If any injunction warranted a nationwide scope, it is this one," Brown wrote in his response to Trump's appeal.

President Donald Trump signs a document in the Oval Office at the White House in Washington, on Feb. 4, 2025.

`Blatantly unconstitutional'

The first federal judge to issue an opinion, U.S. District Judge John Coughenour in Seattle, called Trump's order "blatantly unconstitutional."

An appeals court refused to pause Coughenour's nationwide injunction. Two other appeals courts likewise backed injunctions issued by federal judges in Maryland and Massachusetts.

Trump has said the Supreme Court will ultimately agree with his interpretation of the 14th Amendment's citizenship promise, a change he said is needed to bolster security along the southern U.S. border.

The amendment states that all "persons born or naturalized in the United States, and subject to the jurisdiction thereof, are citizens of the United States and of the state wherein they reside."

The Trump administration maintains that right was intended to help formerly enslaved people after the Emancipation Proclamation and doesn't cover children of people who entered the country without proper authorization.

Its all about slavery, and if you look it at that way, we should win that case," Trump said Thursday.

The "incorrect position" that the government has relied on, the administration argues, has led to "birth tourism"  expectant mothers traveling to the United States to secure citizenship for their children.

Twenty Republican attorneys general backed Trump's Supreme Court appeal, as did gun rights groups.

Attorneys for immigrant rights groups and five pregnant mothers who sued to protect birthright citizenship said Trump's order violates the plain text of the Constitution, common law history, Supreme Court precedent and more than a century of consistent practice.

"The Executive Branch has been complying with the settled interpretation of the Citizenship Clause for 125 years," they told the Supreme Court, "and the government has demonstrated no urgent need to change now."

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Supreme Court will consider Trump's restrictions on birthright citizenship
A pair of Delaware volunteer firefighters have been arrested in a hate crime investigation after they allegedly chased a colleague with a noose.

On April 9, Delaware State Police detectives received a report from the Millville Volunteer Fire Company administration that a previously unreported hate crime had happened at the station more than a year ago.

This prompted an investigation, during which detectives learned that a pair of firefighters allegedly chased a Millville Volunteer Fire Company employee around the fire station with a rope tied to look like a noose.

The volunteer firefighters involved in the incident were identified as Jay Droney and Jordan Hastings. The report alleged that Droney made a racist comment to the victim, and that the firefighter allegedly continued to make racist comments to the victim after the incident.

Jordan Hastings (left) and Jay Droney, (right) are former Millville Volunteer Fire Company firefighters who were arrested on felony hate crime charges for allegedly chasing a colleague around with a noose. Droney has also been accused of making racist comments to the colleague. (Delaware State Police)

On April 15, detectives with the state police got arrest warrants for both suspects. Droney turned himself in to the state police. He has since been charged with a felony hate crime, second-degree conspiracy and harassment.

He was arraigned and was released on his own recognizance.

Hastings turned himself in on the same day after learning about his warrant. He was also charged with felony hate crime, second-degree conspiracy and harassment. He was also released after his arraignment.

Neither of the men still volunteer with the Millville Volunteer Fire Company. The organization released a statement saying it was unaware of the incident until April 9, after which it suspended Hastings and Droney and notified the state police and Delaware State Fire Commission.

On April 10, the Millville Volunteer Fire Company's Board revoked Hasting and Droney's memberships, according to NBC 10 Philadelphia.

"[The Millville Volunteer Fire Company] affirms everyone should be treated fairly and respectfully and feel safe. That said, we have recently been made aware of an incident involving racial harassment within our company," the organization said in a statement.

"After becoming aware of the allegations that an employee had been racially harassed by volunteer members, the Millville Volunteer Fire Company (MVFC) promptly initiated an internal investigation. Our findings provided sufficient evidence to notify and involve the Delaware State Police. MVFC identified two volunteer members accused of racially harassing behavior towards and employee.

As a result of that internal investigation, the MVFC has decided to permanently revoke the memberships of the two volunteer members. They are no longer members of the fire company. It is important to note that the Delaware State Police has arrested the two individuals connected to the matter, both charged with hate crimes."
In recent months, the name Birtukan Temesgen has become synonymous with years of human-rights abuses in Ethiopia. That country has largely become a failed state under the rule of its strongman, Prime Minister Abiy Ahmad, despite  or maybe in part because of  generous aid from the U.S. and the West.

In 2019, Birtukan had overcome a rough childhood in Africas second-most populous nation to become a thriving student at Dembi Dolo University. One day, while walking across the campus, she was kidnapped by gunmen and brought to a remote corner of the Ethiopian jungle, where she says she was raped and forced to give birth to a child.

Six years later, Birtukan emerged to tell her story through interviews and a documentary, captivating the nation. However, in a subsequent interview, she recanted her story  a move many believe was coerced.

Her saga has also called attention to dozens of similar kidnappings and missing students over the last six years. The lack of accountability for the lethal campaign of ethnic cleansing against her ethnic Amhara people by the Abiy regime continues, even as the Ethiopian ruler basks in the Nobel Peace Prize he was awarded by the West in 2019.

The U.S., under both Democratic and Republican administrations, has largely ignored civil war, endemic corruption and economic decline under Abiys rule. For years, it continued to offer carrots of humanitarian and developmental aid, including a recent major bailout through the International Monetary Fund, while not deploying the stick of consequences for the regimes crimes against humanity.

Although much remains up in the air, President Trumps return sent a clear signal that this era is over. It is rapidly being replaced with an America First policy that centers economic self-interests of both the U.S. and its potential trading partners while downplaying democratic concerns.

The contours of this dramatic change became clear in the early days of Trumps second term, as the returning president and his cost-cutting team led by billionaire Elon Musk all but shut down the U.S. Agency for International Development, and mostly cut off the spigot of foreign aid that, across Africa, has paid for programs like disease eradication and free school lunches. The U.S. government spent a whopping $6.5 billion on aid to sub-Saharan Africa last year.

The apparent end of large-scale U.S. foreign aid is a crisis that also creates an opportunity. Trumps America First policies are now reality for the next four years, if not longer. It creates an opening for forward-thinking countries, including Ethiopia, to forge their own Africa First policies that will rebuild the continent through enhanced trade and human rights reforms, not handouts from the West.

Seleman Yusuph Kitenge of African Union Development Agency-NEPAD argued forcefully for an Africa First policy in a recent op-ed, noting that too often governments in the region use foreign aid from the U.S. or elsewhere to prop up flagging government services rather than on permanent economic development.

An Africa First approach should emphasize domestic resource mobilization, strengthening transportation systems and other social services, as well as the advancement of institutions and human capital, Kitenge wrote. This shift would strengthen Africas economic independence while reducing reliance on foreign aid.

The shock of the American aid cut-off should force African leaders to focus on the untapped economic potential of the continent, which is home to a massive consumer market and potential workforce. This would mean expanding the scope and the power of the current African Continental Free Trade Area, reining in the current black market that causes governments to lose billions of dollars in potential annual tax revenue and a serious effort to eliminate endemic corruption.

The bigger idea here is not to recoil at the notion of an America First policy in Washington but to seek inspiration from it. This philosophy could be likewise harnessed to advance business partnerships, innovation, economic development and good governance to help Africa emerge as a continent of the future.

An Africa First policy could especially benefit Ethiopia, which has struggled throughout its modern history under the yoke of Western colonialism that has too often sought to divide the proud nation by ethnic groups building resentment against each other to prevent a strong, unified independent source in the populous and resource-rich Horn of Africa. Ironically, this divide-and-conquer approach has hurt the United States as much as Ethiopia, by encouraging other superpower nations such as China and the up-and-coming Gulf powers to jockey for influence.

There remain powerful incentives for African governments to cooperate with the Trump administration, including favorable trade deals, security assistance and access to American markets.

There are also good reasons for America to continue to offer security aid, based on mutual interests to combat terrorism or to minimize other regional conflicts. Nor does an America First policy eliminate the shared benefits of deals that leverage U.S. leadership in areas such as energy, infrastructure and technology.

On April 2, the Trump administration unveiled a sweeping new tariff policy that did not spare Africa, with Ethiopia and its neighbors facing a 10 percent surcharge on goods while South Africa  whose current government is out of favor with both Trump and Musk, a native son  has been hit with a steep 30 percent tariff.

His is shock therapy for African leaders to begin truly building their own economies, finally addressing rampant corruption, and cooperating across borders to create a rising tide that will lift all boats.

The former system  the one that creates civil war, poverty and nightmare stories such as the one told by Temesgen  was never sustainable. It is long past time to begin putting Africa first.

Mesfin Tegenu is executive chairman of the American Ethiopian Public Affairs Committee.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill.
Simply Recipes / Shilpa Iyer

To my Pakistani mother, chicken salad was one of those quintessential American recipeslike meatloaf, zucchini bread, or tuna casserole. She didn't grow up eating these dishes but loved learning how to make them after moving to Washington, D.C. in the 1970s. Her best friend, Liz, introduced her to all the comforting staples of that era's American kitchen.

Aunty Liz's version had all the classic fixings: chopped chicken, a ton of mayo, pecans, and dried cranberries. But my mum always cooked by instinct rather than following a recipe, so she made the dish her own, reaching for a jar of mango chutney. It added tang, sweetness, and a touch of heat.

Years later, when my father, an international banker, was transferred to Lagos, Nigeria, Ami continued to make Aunty Liz's chicken salad. Her friends always requested it for our swimming trips to Tarkwa Bay because everyone loved what had become "Sarosh's Chicken Salad."

My mum, too modest (to this day), would laugh and correct them, "This is Liz's recipe." But really, it had become hers. I loved eating it on a single slice of bread, sitting on a beach towel, sandy toes and all.

What Is Mango Chutney?

Mango chutney is a sweet, tangy, and gently spiced condiment made by cooking mangoes with sugar, vinegar, and spices such as cayenne (you need a bit of heat) and ginger. Some versions include whole cumin or nigella seeds, too. The texture is thick and jammy, with small chunks of fruit.

It is the perfect combination of sweet and savory, typical of snacky dishes from the Indian subcontinent.

Simply Recipes / Getty Images

Why You Should Add Mango Chutney to Chicken Salad

Mango chutney is a spicy-sweet condiment like jam or jelly with a lot of depth and flavor. It has just enough heat to keep things interesting. In South Asian cooking, it's common to balance rich or savory dishes with something sweet and sour, so that's exactly what mango chutney does in a chicken salad.

I love how it adds contrast to the creaminess of the chicken salad. Even a spoonful can cut through the richness and transform the flavor, making it bright and layered.

For this recipe, look for a mango chutney that's chunky, tangy, and gently spicy; you don't want it to be overly sugary or syrupy. If it has visible mango pieces and a little heat, you've found the right one. And yes, store-bought works perfectly. You can also try making it yourself; this recipe is delicious.

How I Add Mango Chutney to Chicken Salad

Once your chicken salad is dressed and you've added all the fixings, stir in one tablespoon of mango chutney for every cup of chicken salad. Using a spatula, gently mix it. You can always add a little more if you want more sweetness or spice, but a spoonful goes a long way. This is how my mum always made it.

Another method is to add mango chutney to the dressing before mixing it into the chicken: for every 1/4 cup of mayo you use, add one tablespoon of mango chutney.



Read the original article on SIMPLYRECIPES
After a man tried to assassinate Donald Trump in July at a rally in Butler, Pennsylvania, the states Democratic governor, Josh Shapiro, quickly issued a statement condemning the attempt on the Republican presidential candidates life.

Violence targeted at any political party or political leader is absolutely unacceptable, Shapiro posted on X that day. It has no place in Pennsylvania or the United States. I have been briefed on the situation. @PAStatePolice are on the scene in Butler County and working with our federal and local partners.

Follow live politics coverage here

In the 24 hours after the attack, Shapiro worked closely with law enforcement, including calling Republican members of Congress present at the rally, then-President Joe Biden and the Trump campaign (although he did not speak directly to Trump). He also called and spoke with the family of Corey Comperatore, the Trump supporter who was shot and killed.

Yet three days after an arson attack on Shapiros residence in Harrisburg on Sunday, Trump still has not called Shapiro or weighed in significantly to condemn the violence.

The White House did not respond to a request for comment.

Shapiro told reporters Wednesday afternoon that he has not yet heard from Trump since the attack. Law enforcement has charged Cody A. Balmer, 38, with the crime, alleging that he broke into the governors home and started multiple fires with Molotov cocktails while Shapiro and his family were inside.

"This level of violence has to end, and it has to be roundly condemned by everyone, both political parties, people from all different walks of life," Shapiro told reporters Wednesday.

The fire came just hours after the Shapiros hosted Passover dinner at their house. Shapiro said they had to evacuate after they were awakened by loud bangs on their door. No one was hurt, but the home sustained significant damage.

Halie Soifer, CEO of the Jewish Democratic Council of America, put out a statement sharply criticizing Trump for not weighing in.

"Last year, Trump didnt hesitate to call Josh Shapiro a highly overrated Jewish governor. Now, nearly four days after Gov. Shapiro was targeted in an act of political violence  reportedly due to his position on Israel  Trump hasnt clearly condemned it."

Trump feigns support for Jewish Americans and Israel, but his actions suggest otherwise," Soifer added. "Hes a hypocrite who condones political violence when it suits his political agenda, and his silence amid this targeted arsonist attack on Gov. Shapiro speaks volumes. Shame on the President.

Others in the Trump administration have condemned the attack, as have prominent congressional Republicans.

Thanks be to God that Governor Shapiro and his family were unharmed in this attack, Vice President JD Vance commented Sunday on X. Really disgusting violence, and I hope whoever did it is brought swiftly to justice.

Speaking with reporters at a Wednesday briefing, Attorney General Pam Bondi said both she and FBI Director Kash Patel spoke with Shapiro after the attack, which she called horrific.

Bondi said she "firmly believe[d]" the attack was intended to kill Shapiro, pledging to continue to work with state authorities to do anything we can to help convict the person that did this and keep them behind bars, as long as possible.

Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro's residence in Harrisburg had significant damage after the fire.

Shapiro himself noted Monday that he had been in touch with Patel, who promised that the federal government would assist in the investigation.

The same day, a reporter asked Trump whether the FBI had determined a motive behind the attack on Shapiro.

No, I havent, but the attacker was not a fan of Trump, I understand  just from what I read and from what Ive been told, Trump said in his most extensive comments on the fire. The attacker basically wasnt a fan of anybody. Hes probably just a whack job. And certainly a thing like that cannot be allowed to happen.

Newly released search warrants suggest that Balmer was upset by Shapiros stance on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. Around 2:50 a.m. Sunday, about 50 minutes after the fire, he reportedly called 911 and told a dispatcher that he will not take part in his plans for what he wants to do to the Palestinian people. It is not entirely clear whether he was referring to Shapiro.

Balmers social media presence suggested anti-government views, including negative content about Biden.

Shapiro told reporters Wednesday that the political motivation behind the attack was not the most important issue.

I know that there are people out there who want to ascribe their own viewpoints as to what happened here and why, he said, adding: I choose not to participate in that. I said after the assassination attempt on the president  in Butler, I said in Altoona  after we captured the individual who shot and killed the United Healthcare CEO  and I said on Sunday that this kind of violence has no place in our society, regardless of what motivates it. This is not how we resolve our differences. And this is not OK. This level of violence has to end, and it has to be roundly condemned by everyone, both political parties, people from all different walks of life.

Law enforcement has charged Cody A. Balmer, 38, with the crime, alleging he broke into the Governor's Residence and started multiple fires with Molotov cocktails while Shapiro and his family were inside.

The conduct of Shapiro  who is widely discussed as a potential 2028 presidential candidate and was in the running to be Kamala Harris running mate last year  in assisting with the Butler investigation drew widespread praise, including from Republicans in the state.

Speaking with NBC News Meet the Press in July, Rep. Dan Meuser, R-Pa., said he appreciated having heard from Shapiro immediately as he was leaving the rally, adding that Shapiro asked: Hey, what happened? What can we do? Are we  do we have enough state troopers?

Meuser later told NBC News that Shapiro was on the job and that it was a great conversation.

Yet Meuser, a potential challenger to Shapiro in 2026, was far more critical of him Wednesday, suggesting that while the arsonist who attacked the Governors Residence was a psycho, Shapiros rhetoric and actions may be contributing to the problem.

They got to tone it down, too, Meuser, who earlier posted a lengthy condemnation of the attack, said in a radio interview. I mean, every action Josh Shapiro has taken against the president has either been a lawsuit or a falsehood.  Thats not helpful, either.

Shapiro seemed surprised by the remarks when a reporter asked him about them Wednesday, replying, He said that?

Look, Ive said for years leaders have a responsibility to speak and act with moral clarity, Shapiro said. It would appear the congressman failed to measure up to that.
Pope Francis arrived on Thursday to meet with inmates at a prison in Rome amid the Catholic Holy Week, making a rare public appearance after his lengthy hospital stay last month.

The pontiff, 88, made the short drive from the Vatican to Regina Coeli prison to greet about 70 inmates, the Vatican said.

Francis visited the same Roman prison on Holy Thursday in 2018 to celebrate the mass In Coena Domini -- or The Lords Supper -- with the traditional rite of washing feet to commemorate what Jesus did to his disciples at the Last Supper.

PHOTO: Pope Francis leaves after a private visit at the Regina Coeli prison where he met around 70 inmates as part of the Holy Thursday celebrations in Rome, on April 17, 2025. (Filippo Monteforte/AFP via Getty Images)

"Every year l like to do what Jesus did on Holy Thursday, the washing of the feet, in a prison," the pope told the attendees, according to a statement from the Vatican. "This year I cannot do it but i wanted to be close to you. I pray for you and all your families."

The pope met individually with each of the 70 prisoners, the Vatican said.

PHOTO: Pope Francis visits Regina Coeli prison in Rome, April 17, 2025. (Vatican Media/Handout via Reuters)

Francis has remained mostly out of public view since his release in March from Rome's Gemelli hospital, where he'd spent more than five weeks after being diagnosed with bilateral pneumonia.

MORE: Pope Francis returns to Vatican after first appearance since Feb. 14 hospitalization

PHOTO: A car with Pope Francis enters the Regina Coeli penitentiary in Rome on Holy Thursday, Thursday, April 17, 2025. (Andrew Medichini/AP)

Francis delegated to two cardinals his role in presiding over this weekend's Easter masses, The Vatican Press Office said on Wednesday.

Saturday's Easter Vigil mass will be overseen by Cardinal Giovanni Battista Re, dean of the College of Cardinals, and Sunday's Easter mass will be overseen by Cardinal Angelo Comastri, emeritusvicar general for Vatican City, the office said.

PHOTO: Pope Francis meets with personnel from Gemelli hospital and Vatican medical staff, at the Vatican, April 16, 2025. (Francesco Sforza/Vatican Media via Reuters)

Francis also on Wednesday met at the Vatican with medical staff from Gemelli, thanking them for his treatment. Francis appeared in a wheelchair, according to photos released by the Vatican.

"Thank you, and thank you for all you have done. Thank you for being so strong," he said. "When women are in charge, things work. Thank you, and thank you all. I pray for you and please do it for me. Thank you. And thank you for your service in the hospital, it is very good. Thank you. Keep going like this."

ABC News' Joe Simonetti contributed to this report.

Pope Francis visits Roman prison after delegating some Holy Week duties originally appeared on abcnews.go.com
The Pope was greeted with applause from guards and staff when visiting Regina Coeli prison - Vatican Media

The Pope has visited inmates in a prison in Rome as part of Easter week celebrations, weeks after surviving a near-fatal bout of double pneumonia.

The 88-year-old pontiff, whose chances of beating the illness seemed slim, arrived at Regina Coeli jail in the centre of the Italian capital in a white Fiat 500 car  a typically modest choice of vehicle.

He was greeted with applause from guards and staff as he was pushed in a wheelchair into the prison.

Every time I enter one of these places, I ask myself, Why them and not me? he told reporters outside the prison in his first off-the-cuff comments since he was hospitalised with bronchitis which then developed into pneumonia in both lungs.

The Pope arrived in a modest Fiat 500 - Andrew Medichini/AP

He apologised to the prisoners for not being physically up to washing their feet like he has done on similar jail visits on Maundy Thursday in the lead-up to Easter.

Francis in the past raised eyebrows among some conservative Catholics by washing the feet of women prisoners as well as Muslim inmates, in a gesture of humility and a re-enactment of Christ washing the feet of his 12 disciples before his crucifixion.

The Argentinian pontiff met around 70 prisoners of various nationalities, the Vatican said.

I like to do, each year, what Jesus did on Holy Thursday, which was to wash feet, he told them.

This year I cannot do it, but I want to be close to you. I pray for you and for your families.

After leading the inmates in reflection and prayer, he greeted them one by one inside the jail, which is located just a few yards from the banks of the River Tiber, in the central Trastevere district of the city.

The prison holds around 1,100 prisoners, nearly double its official capacity of 628 inmates.

The Pope said that as it was Holy Thursday, he would have liked to have washed the feet of inmates, as he did in the past - Vatican Media

The visit was brief  just 30 minutes  but no mean feat for a man who came close to dying twice while fighting double pneumonia and other infections. He spent five weeks in hospital in Rome before being released last month.

Since being discharged from hospital, the Pope has been told by his medical team to convalesce for at least two months. But in recent days he has made several public appearances, both at the Vatican and around Rome.

During his jail visit he was able to breathe naturally, without the aid of oxygen tubes.

Maundy or Holy Thursday is marked as the day of Christs Last Supper with his apostles on the night before he died. It is the first of four days of celebrations leading to Easter Sunday.

The Vatican has not said to what extent Francis will be able to participate in Easter events.

He has delegated the most important liturgical celebrations to cardinals.

Asked by journalists who approached his car as he was leaving the prison about how he would celebrate Easter this year, Francis smiled and responded in a soft voice: As I can.

On Wednesday, the Pope held his first formal group audience since returning to the Vatican on March 23, meeting with the medical staff of the Gemelli hospital who cared for him during his stay.

Thank you for everything you did, he told them.

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Sami Sheen hasn't spoken to her father Charlie Sheen in one year.

Sami Sheen hasn't spoken to dad Charlie Sheen in a year

The 21-year-old OnlyFans creator confirmed the lack of communication in a new TikTok video where she lip-synced to a famous interview Charlie, 59, did with ABCs '20/20' in 2011.

In the interview, Charlie was asked if there were drugs in his house, and he replied: "If there are, you better find them and give them to me immediately."

Sami captioned the video: When people wonder why I havent spoken to my dad in a year but this is my dad.

The TikTok comes after Sami opened up about her tumultuous relationship with both her parents, Charlie and her mother Denise Richards.

Speaking on Gia Giudices podcast Casual Chaos', Sami shared how her relationship with Denise broke down in 2021, when she moved out of Denises home and in with Charlie.

She said: I was living at my moms, obviously, with (Denises husband) Aaron (Phypers) and Lola and we were all fighting constantly.

I did not get along with anyone. I kind of felt like the odd one out and being the older sister, the blame was like always thrown on me for everything.

I was really struggling mentally in that house and theres obviously a lot that I wish I could say, but Ill get in trouble for saying.

Sami said she eventually moved in with Charlie, believing it to be a more peaceful environment.

She added: I wanted to try out living there and like, it was great until it wasnt.

The move sparked headlines when Sami, then 17, posted on TikTok referring to her mothers house as a hell house and claimed she had been trapped in an abusive household.

At the time, a source told People Denise was saddened by the situation and had simply set normal rules.

Charlie responded publicly, saying: Sam is amazing. I love her and all my children unconditionally. Were having a ball.

After some time at her fathers house, Sami said she grew really lonely and eventually left to live with a friend, before briefly returning to Denises home.

She added: I was like, this is not working. My moms is not working.

Sami added she moved into her own apartment shortly after turning 18, funding it with earnings from joining OnlyFans.

She said: I started OnlyFans and I got an apartment a month later and Ive been living in an apartment ever since.
Jennifer Vasquez Sura, the wife of Kilmar Abrego Garcia of Maryland, who was mistakenly deported to El Salvador, right, stands with supporters during a news conference at CASA's Multicultural Center in Hyattsville, Md., Friday, April 4, 2025. (Jose Luis Magana/AP)

The case of Kilmar Abrego Garcia has intensified in recent days, particularly following the revelation of a civil protective order filed against him by his wife, Jennifer Vasquez Sura, four years ago. The Department of Homeland Security publicized portions of this order on social media, heightening the White House's argument that Garcia is a violent alleged member of the MS-13 gang.

WATCH | Additional reporting on Kilmar Abrego-Garcia

Abrego-Garcia entering second month in El Salvador prison

Garcia was deported last month to El Salvador, but court documents revealed that he was sent there by mistake. In the weeks since, the White House has insisted that Garcia will remain in El Salvador despite legal efforts to have him returned.

At the center of the discussion is the differing narratives surrounding Garcia. Supporters maintain that he is a family man deserving of compassion, particularly as the Easter season approaches. This perspective was echoed during a recent rally in Maryland, where advocates spoke in favor of Garcia's character. Conversely, the Trump administration is portraying him as a dangerous individual with gang affiliations.'

RELATED STORY | Federal judge to hold Trump administration in criminal contempt for ignoring order on deportations

Legal experts have noted that while the protective order exists, it does not equate to a conviction. In statements, Vasquez Sura acknowledged past issues but emphasized that their marriage has strengthened since then, further complicating the narrative. The Trump administrations relentless campaign in recent days underscores its stance that Garcia is far from an innocent figure, insisting that media portrayals of him as a family-oriented man misrepresent reality.

"After surviving domestic violence in a previous relationship, I acted out of caution after a disagreement with Kilmar by seeking a civil protective order in case things escalated," she said in a statement. "Things did not escalate, and I decided not to follow through with the civil court process. We were able to work through this situation privately as a family, including by going to counseling. Our marriage only grew stronger in the years that followed."

Indeed, the White House has categorically dismissed Garcias characterization as a Maryland father, labeling him instead as an illegal alien with ties to MS-13 and terrorism. This rhetoric persists despite the family's assertion that Garcia is not affiliated with any gang. Previous evidence cited against Garcia has stemmed from confidential informants, adding another layer of ambiguity to the situation.

Currently, Garcia is detained in an El Salvadoran prison, and there are no indications of a quick resolution. In an effort to advocate for Garcia, Sen. Chris Van Hollen, a Democrat from Maryland, recently traveled to El Salvador, but his attempts to meet with the detained individual were unsuccessful. His visit was met with bureaucratic barriers, as President Nayib Bukele declined a meeting with him.

Amidst this backdrop, tensions continue to rise, particularly between the Trump administration and the federal judiciary. A federal judge has indicated that certain Trump officials might be in contempt of court for actions related to Garcias case. This follows incidents where federal judges criticized the administration for not adhering to court orders. Judge James Boasberg, involved in related immigration matters, expressed concerns about the administration's disregard for his directives regarding the deportation of suspected gang members.

RELATED STORY | ACLU files another lawsuit to stop Trump from using 18th-century law for deportations

The possibility of contempt proceedings adds a significant layer to this ongoing conflict between the judicial system and the Trump administration, with attorneys preparing for potential repercussions. As the case evolves, the public response from both sides of the political spectrum has intensified, illustrating the complexities inherent in immigration enforcement, gang violence, and political narrative.

Garcia's situation illustrates the larger conversations surrounding immigration policy and law enforcement practices, making it a focal point of contention as more lawmakers express interest in visiting El Salvador to advocate on his behalf.

This story was initially reported by a journalist and has been converted to this platform with the assistance of AI. Our editorial team verifies all reporting on all platforms for fairness and accuracy.
I visited all-inclusive resorts in Belize and Panama. Monica Humphries/Business Insider

In the span of two months, I visited two all-inclusive resorts after avoiding them for years.

The stays proved that my perceptions of all-inclusive resorts were wrong.

They were luxurious trips, but one island resort in Panama stood out.

For years, I avoided all-inclusive resorts.

I assumed the term was synonymous with crowded beaches, buffet lines, and over-chlorinated pools.

But last year, I accidentally booked an all-inclusive stay in Belize. Two months later, I traveled to Panama and, once again, stayed at an all-inclusive property.

Not only did these stays change my view of the vacation style, but they also turned out to be some of the best places I've ever visited. A year later, I'm still daydreaming about the Panama resort.

Last February, I had my eyes set on sleeping in an overwater bungalow. The place I chose also happened to be all-inclusive.

The exterior of the premier overwater bungalow. Monica Humphries/Business Insider

When I think of a dream tropical vacation, an image of an overwater bungalow is bound to cross my mind.

Sleeping above the ocean, swimming in crystal-clear waters, and vacationing next to marine life is the epitome of a tropical vacation.

To curate that vision, I assumed it would involve a flight to Tahiti, where overwater bungalows originated, or a trek to the Maldives.

Then, I learned there were bungalows in Belize. Thatch Caye, a Muy'Ono Resort, sits on a small private island off the coast of Dangriga, Belize.

The property has eight overwater bungalows. When I visited, the rate was around $950 a night for two guests and included meals, non-alcoholic and alcoholic beverages, boat transfers, and aquatic gear like paddleboards and kayaks. Business Insider received a media rate for the stay.

The experience at Thatch Caye was magical.

The volleyball court at Thatch Caye. Monica Humphries/Business Insider

I stayed in a premier overwater bungalow, which meant that my friend and I enjoyed evenings watching the sunset from our bungalow's hammock and nights falling asleep to the wind whistling through the palm-frond roof.

Plus, staying on a private island  with room for only 30 guests  created a more intimate experience than what I envisioned at massive all-inclusives.

Instead of bumping into strangers at the pool or fighting over loungers at the beach, I got to know other guests visiting the property.

Thatch Caye also had the traditional perks of an all-inclusive. There was endless access to tropical drinks, and, yes, there was a buffet. However, instead of all-day access to food, there were set times when meals were served each day.

I spent two blissful nights at the resort. My friend and I paddleboarded around the island, adventured on a scuba diving excursion (with additional costs), and sipped cocktails hanging above the ocean.

It was an all-inclusive experience that completely demolished all my perceptions of the vacation style.

I loved it so much that I booked another all-inclusive stay two months later.

The reporter's casita at Isla Palenque. Monica Humphries/Business Insider

With the words "all-inclusive" no longer deterring me from a resort, I headed to Isla Palenque two months after visiting Belize to end a weeklong trip to Panama.

The resort, which sits on a little island on Panama's coast in the Gulf of Chiriqui, is home to eight beachfront casitas,

Guests can access seven private beaches, a shared pool, a lounge area, a restaurant, and a bar.

The resort is similarly priced. During my stay, the cost was about $980 a day for two guests. That included boat transfers, meals, non-alcoholic beverages, and daily experiences. Business Insider received a media rate for the stay.

After Thatch Caye, I wasn't sure if my expectations for an all-inclusive were fair.

The pool and lounge on Isla Palenque. Monica Humphries/Business Insider

Thatch Caye was a blast. As someone who has hotel- and resort-hopped all over the world, I thought the experience far exceeded its 3-star rating.

Isla Palenque, on the other hand, is a five-star resort. I was curious if I'd notice much of a difference between the two luxury all-inclusive stays.

The island exceeded the high standards Thatch Caye set.

A sunset on Isla Palenque. Monica Humphries/Business Insider

A few things made this all-inclusive experience even more luxurious.

While Thatch Caye felt intimate, Isla Palenque felt even more private. I sipped morning coffee on beaches by myself and got lost paddleboarding around the shores.

The island also hosted complimentary activities each day. I spent one evening at a yoga class and another snorkeling and picnicking on a private beach.

The food was more elevated, with multi-course lunches and dinners from a rotating menu. There was also an all-day menu, so when hunger crept up one afternoon between lunch and dinner, I ordered a bowl of fresh ceviche to tide me over  an all-inclusive perk I appreciated.

The staff was welcoming, and my accommodations were more upscale, with more space, privacy, and an enormous outdoor bathroom.

It's been one year since I visited Isla Palenque, and I haven't stopped thinking about the island.

The dock at Isla Palenque. Monica Humphries/Business Insider

Pristine beaches, overgrown jungles, full itineraries, and a welcoming staff earned Isla Palenque a spot as one of my favorite resorts  it being all-inclusive was an added bonus to the stay.

There are plenty of all-inclusives left to explore across Central America, but when I return to Panama, I'll be making a stop back at Isla Palenque.

Read the original article on Business Insider
By Jonathan Stempel

(Reuters) - Tesla has settled a racial discrimination lawsuit by a Black female employee who claimed a manager at its Fremont, California, plant sometimes greeted workers by saying "welcome to the plantation" or "welcome to the slave house."

Raina Pierce, who installed latches on car doors, and the automaker led by billionaire Elon Musk agreed to a settlement proposed by a mediator, according to a joint filing on Thursday in San Francisco federal court.

Terms were not disclosed, and both sides are finalizing a settlement agreement, the filing said.

Lawyers for Pierce and Tesla did not immediately respond to requests for comment. Musk is not a defendant.

Pierce said she was subjected to pervasive harassment, including a common racial slur she said was scrawled throughout the plant including in bathrooms, and a gender-based insult.

She also said she was yelled at or disciplined for conduct for which non-Black workers were excused.

Pierce's complaint quotes a Tesla employee who temporarily joined her production line and said, "Ma'am, you need to go to HR because these leads are saying things about you that are not right."

Tesla has faced other accusations of racial discrimination and harassment at the Fremont plant.

One plaintiff, elevator operator Owen Diaz, settled in March 2024 for undisclosed terms after a $3.2 million jury verdict. Another jury had awarded Diaz $137 million in 2021, but the case was retried after he rejected a lower sum the judge proposed.

The case is Pierce v Tesla Inc et al, U.S. District Court, Northern District of California, No. 22-03177.

(Reporting by Jonathan Stempel in New York; Editing by Richard Chang)
AP Photo/Sophie Bates Tiffany Emanuel holds her pet tortoise, Myrtle, in Kokomo, Miss., on Thursday, April 15, 2025

A tortoise that was displaced from its home in Mississippi during a deadly tornado outbreak has finally been reunited with its family weeks later.

Tiffany Emanuel told the Associated Press that she and her family had to leave their home in rural Kokomo on March 15 when a tornado hit. Upon their return, they found that two pine trees had fallen on top of the backyard home that belonged to their tortoise, Myrtle, with him nowhere in sight.

According to The Guardian, citing state officials, 18 tornadoes were reported in the area on March 14 and 15. The outbreak reportedly left seven people dead and dozens more injured.

On April 4, however, a neighbor found the missing animal, which local news outlets were calling the "tornado tortoise," The Guardian reported.

Related: Dog Who Went Missing During a Hurricane 5 Years Ago Reappears at Frat House 300 Miles from Home

AP Photo/Sophie Bates Myrtle the tortoise roams his pen in Kokomo, Miss., on Thursday, April 15, 2025

They took him to the Central Mississippi Turtle Rescue, which shared on Facebook at the time that he was "likely displaced by the recent storms in Tylertown" and "in immediate need of medical care for a severe injury he sustained."

By April 6, they updated their followers on Facebook to let them know Myrtle was receiving care and had a "very unique detail" that they would be asking whoever claimed him to identify before releasing him.

It wasn't too long before Myrtle would be reunited with Emanuel. "The lady who found the tortoise called me and said she had run into the owners," Christy Milbourne, founder and co-director of Central Mississippi Turtle Rescue, told the Associated Press.

"She said, I think theyre going to be calling you.' So, I was excited, and then the owners did call and say, 'Yeah, thats my tortoise,' " recalled Milbourne.

Related: Adrien Brody Adopts Cute Puppy for His Birthday and Gives Him a Special Name

Central MS Turtle Rescue/Facebook Myrtle the tortoise gets reunited with owner

On April 7, the organization posted on Facebook that Myrtle's family had been found and "he's been reunited," noting that it was the "happiest update."

"And we found out that he was indeed a victim of the recent tornado there. He was either blown by the winds or he walked out after the storm took out their fence," the organization wrote.

"He's got some injuries to overcome, but he's at least back in the arms of his family. They missed him so much and are so relieved and grateful to have him back," their update continued. The AP said Emanuel is now nursing Myrtle back to health.

Never miss a story  sign up for PEOPLE's free daily newsletter to stay up-to-date on the best of what PEOPLE has to offer, from celebrity news to compelling human interest stories.

It feels good to kind of have some kind of happy out of so much sad and grief and loss, Emanuel told the news agency.

Read the original article on People
People walk through the campus of Harvard University in Cambridge, Mass., on March 18.

The Trump administration is continuing its battle against Harvard University  this time, canceling $2.7 million in grants and threatening to stop the enrollment of international students.

Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem on Wednesday announced the cancellation of two DHS grants to the school, declaring it "unfit to be entrusted with taxpayer dollars."

Noem also said she sent a letter to Harvard demanding "detailed records" on foreign student visa holders "illegal and violent activities" by April 30.

If Harvard does not meet that deadline, itll immediately lose its Student and Exchange Visitor Program certification, she warned.

The release alleged Harvards foreign visa holders participated in riots and spewed antisemitic hate targeting Jewish students following the Hamas incursion against Israel on Oct. 7, 2023.

"If Harvard cannot verify it is in full compliance with its reporting requirements, the university will lose the privilege of enrolling foreign students," a DHS news release said.

The two canceled grants were: an $800,303 grant for Implementation Science for Targeted Violence Prevention, which Noem said "branded conservatives as far-right dissidents in a shockingly skewed study," and a $1.9 million Blue Campaign Program Evaluation and Violence Advisement grant that Noem alleged "funded Harvards public health propaganda."

"Harvard bending the knee to antisemitism  driven by its spineless leadership  fuels a cesspool of extremist riots and threatens our national security," Noem said in a statement. "With anti-American, pro-Hamas ideology poisoning its campus and classrooms, Harvards position as a top institution of higher learning is a distant memory. America demands more from universities entrusted with taxpayer dollars."

It's the latest punch by the Trump administration against the nation's most prestigious university.

Earlier this week, the Trump administration announced that it would freeze more than $2 billion in grants to Harvard after the institution refused to accept demands that included auditing the viewpoints of its student body. Trump has also called for Harvard to lose its tax-exempt status.

On Monday, Harvard Universitys lawyers sent a letter rejecting a list of demands from the Trump administration. In a statement posted online, Harvard President Alan Garber referred to the demands as an attempt to control the Harvard community and vowed to fight back.

A Harvard spokesperson told NBC News on Thursday that the school will not surrender its independence or relinquish its constitutional rights, while complying with the law.
WASHINGTON  President Donald Trump says his administration is in trade talks with Beijing and he is confident they can reach an agreement, as soon as next month.

Trump says he expects to reach trade agreements with China and the European Union soon, with the latter one coming before the end of a 90-day pause on tit-for-tat tariffs between the trading partners.

"There will be a trade deal 100%," Trump said of a deal with the EU ahead of an April 17 luncheon at the White House with Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni. "They want to make one very, very much. And we're going to make a trade deal. I fully expect it. But it will be a fair deal."

Trump's administration has said that more than 75 nations have sought to make new trade agreements with the U.S. since the president announced his reciprocal tariff plan in early April. At least 15 have submitted proposals, the White House has said.

A Japanese trade delegation met with Trump and members of his administration on April 16. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said South Korea would also be visiting next week and that talks with India are also moving fast.

As to whether the EU is a priority for the administration, Trump told reporters: "Everybody's on my priority list."

More: What is a reciprocal tariff? Breaking down Trump's tariff plans

Trump also said he was not worried that U.S. allies were growing closer with China as a result of tariffs and predicted the United States would also make a "very good" trade deal with Beijing.

"Nobody can compete with us. Nobody," Trump said in the Cabinet Room.

He told reporters later in the day, as he signed executive orders, that China had repeatedly reached out to his administration. Trump would not say who in the Chinese government the United States was speaking to and whether he'd spoken to President Xi Jinping directly.

"It's not that important, because honestly, we're going to have a deal, I believe we're going to have a deal with China. And if we don't, we're going to have a deal anyway, because we're going to set a certain target, and that's going to be it," he said.

U.S. President Donald Trump greets Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni upon her arrival at the White House in Washington, D.C., U.S., April 17, 2025. REUTERS/Kevin Lamarque

More: Trump halts targeted tariffs for 90 days but hikes levies on China

At the White House earlier in the day, Meloni said she had confidence that a trade deal could be reached with the EU. "I'm sure we can make a deal, and I'm here to help with that," she said.

"I cannot deal in the name of the European Union," Meloni added. "My goal would be invite President Trump to pay an official visit to Italy and to understand if there's a possibility when he comes to organize also such a meeting with Europe."

Meloni also said that she believes the best way to negotiate is to "simply speak frankly" about the needs that each party has and she was at the White House to "find the best way" to make them both stronger.

"We're going to have very little problem making a deal with Europe or anybody else, because we have something that everybody wants," Trump responded.

Meloni the first European leader to meet with Trump since he imposed a blanket tariff on most nations. He put a further reciprocal tariff on the EU that is currently paused for 90 days while trade negotiations take place. The EU temporarily halted planned retaliatory tariffs in response.

The Italian prime minister, who belongs to the conservative Brothers of Italy party, said she considers the U.S. to be a reliable trading partner. She said she was at the White House to "make the West stronger" and support Western unity. "I think simply we have to talk," she said. "And find ourselves in the best middle way to grow together.

She added: "If I wouldn't think it's a reliable partner, I wouldn't be here."

The two leaders continued talks in the Oval Office after their luncheon. They indicated they would be discussing Russia's war against Ukraine and defense spending. Trump has called for every NATO member nation to spend 5% of their GDP on defense.

U.S. President Donald Trump meets with Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni in the Cabinet Room at the White House in Washington, D.C., U.S., April 17, 2025.

More: What Trump's 90-day tariff pause means for your wallet

Trump has yet to meet with European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen since taking office. However, the EU's trade chief held talks in Washington with his U.S. counterparts earlier in week. The United States had a substantial trade deficit of $235.6 billion with the bloc in 2024, according to the Bureau of Economic Analysis. It was second only to China, which has a $295.4 billion deficit and Trump hit with 145% tariff hike.

That amount includes tariffs Trump put on China near the beginning of his term that are in response to illegal fentanyl production.

Trump is not known to have spoken to China's Xi since the trade war began although he suggested to reporters during this executive order signing that he had. The Chinese embassy in Washington did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

China hit the U.S. with a 125% tariff in April in response to Trump's retaliatory tariffs but says it would not respond to further hikes, if import fees on its goods were to increase.

"At a certain point, I don't want them to go higher, because at a certain point, you make it where people don't buy," Trump said in the Oval Office. "I may to go to less, because you know, you want people to buy."

(This story has been updated with more information.)

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Trump predicts trade deals with China, EU amid tariff dispute
President Trump shared that he had productive discussions with Mexico and Japan as countries look to strike deals with the U.S. over the presidents trade agenda.

Had a very productive call with the President of Mexico yesterday, Trump said Thursday in a Truth Social post. Likewise, I met with the highest level Japanese Trade Representatives. It was a very productive meeting.

Every Nation, including China, wants to meet! Trump added on Thursday Today, Italy!

Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni is meeting with Trump at the White House on Thursday. She is expected to advocate on behalf of the European Union as it faces a 20 percent tariff from the U.S.

Last week, Trump threatened to slap additional tariffs on Mexico over a decades-long water dispute. Mexico then announced it would send water to the U.S.

In a separate post from Wednesday, Trump shared that it was a great honor to meet with the Japanese trade delegation in Washington, stating big progress had been made.

Trump inserted himself directly into the talks with Japanese officials, a sign of the high stakes after his tariff plan shook up the economy. The president met with the officials alongside Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent and Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick, The Associated Press reported.

Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba told reporters in Tokyo that his team thought the talks were very candid and constructive.

Trumps posts come after he warned countries that he would reverse course on the 90-day pause on reciprocal tariffs if they dont strike a deal with his administration.

He announced varying tariff percentages for countries around the world. Extreme concern spread and markets began to fluctuate, causing Trump to implement the 90-day pause and level the tariff rate for all, except China, to 10 percent.

Hes placed a 145 percent tariff rate on China, which has retaliated and placed nearly identical tariffs on the U.S.

Trump previously expressed optimism that a deal would be sorted out with China, but officials said earlier this week China had yet to reach out.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill.
Warren Buffetts Berkshire Hathaway is lobbying to change wildfire laws to protect utility companies  heres why you could end up footing the bill

In January, a wildfire tore through the Los Angeles Pacific Palisades neighborhood, burning 23,707 acres, destroying 6,837 structures and killing 12 people. Now, allegations have emerged that an electrical tower contributed to the severity of the wildfire  and some residents are looking for compensation.

Don't miss

A group of residents impacted by the fire have filed a lawsuit against the Los Angeles Department of Water and Power (LADWP). But LADWP wouldnt be the first utility to be sued over wildfires  and the financial consequences can be severe.

In 2019, Pacific Gas and Electric, one of the largest utility companies in the U.S., declared bankruptcy after it faced billions of dollars in claims from lawsuits related to a series of California wildfires sparked by its outdated equipment.

Eventually, PG&E agreed to pay out $13.5 billion, with a group of executives and board members being forced to personally pay $117 million for their lax oversight of the utilitys safety measures.

Now, billionaire Warren Buffetts Berkshire Hathaway (BRK.B), which owns utilities through its subsidiary PacifiCorp, is tackling this by lobbying multiple states in its western U.S. operating area to enact laws that will reduce the legal risks to companies when their equipment is tied to wildfires.

The multistate lobbying blitz reported on by E&E News has surprised both consumer advocates and other industries, leaving some powerful sectors  including the insurance and forestry industries, each with their own massive wildfire exposure  scrambling to counter what appears to be a coordinated effort to reshape the way society pays for wildfires.

Why does it matter?

In its 2023 annual report, Berkshire Hathaway estimated that its utilities could face $8 billion in claims across all wildfire lawsuits filed in Oregon and California. But according to a company filing from August last year reported on by S&P Global, PacifiCorp now faces at least $46 billion in claims related to wildfires.

Wildfires are a growing problem

A recent Sandia National Laboratories study says power grid equipment causes about 3% of wildfires across the U.S. and 10% of wildfires in California, where fires started this way accounted for about 19% of the area burned between 2016 and 2020.

Driven by a warming planet and a power grid that hasnt adapted to increasing heat and drought, fires are expected to increase in frequency and intensity in the coming years. Utility companies are attempting to mitigate the risk.

But some solutions, like burying cables, are expensive, while others  such as shutting down the grid during high-risk times  are unpopular with customers.

Given the increasing risk of wildfires and the potential for expensive litigation, many states are grappling with how insurance companies, utilities and other stakeholders should share the risks  and the costs  from these fires.

Berkshire Hathaway is trying to tip the scales in utilities favor

PacifiCorp is the largest grid owner/operator in the West and serves 1.9 million customers in six Western states.

PacifiCorp continues to execute its regulatory and financial stabilization strategy across its six states, with a focus on more conservative and safer operating practices, creating supplemental insurance funds and limiting liability to mitigate exposure to existing and future wildfire risk, the company wrote in its presentation slides at the Edison Electric Institutes financial conference in November 2024.

Basically, it wants to make it easier for companies to defend themselves in court and limit the amount of money theyll have to pay victims if theyre found liable.

The same presentation highlighted that Utah passed favorable legislation that allows for the creation of a fund for supplemental wildfire coverage and caps damages for wildfire claims.

Read more: Thanks to Jeff Bezos, you can now become a landlord for as little as $100  and no, you don't have to deal with tenants or fix freezers. Here's how

States are looking for compromise

In 2024, Utah passed a law that establishes a ratepayer-financed fund to pay wildfire claims. This builds on an existing law that limits utilities liability if they file and follow a state-approved wildfire mitigation plan.

Greg Abel, chair of Berkshire Hathaway Energy, refers to Utahs legislation as the gold standard. And its clear the company wants other states to follow suit.

Speaking at Berkshire Hathaways 2024 annual shareholder meeting, Buffet warned that the company would not invest in states with unfavorable laws related to wildfire liability. Were not going to throw good money after bad, he said.

Abel added that fundamentally, as we go forward, we need both legislative and regulatory reform across the PacifiCorp states if were going to deploy incremental capital, make incremental contributions into that business.

Since then, Wyoming and Idaho lawmakers have passed laws to limit utilities liability. Oregon has also introduced similar legislation.

Wildfire victims may pay the price for imperfect legislation

While these laws require utilities to have wildfire mitigation plans in place, which most agree is a good thing, not everyone is pleased with the broad protections these laws grant utilities.

For example, in Idaho, utilities will be found to have acted without negligence if they reasonably implemented the wildfire mitigation plan, which would prevent survivors or insurance companies from suing the utility.

Lee Ann Alexander, vice-president of the American Property Casualty Insurance Association, argues this will ultimately harm the insurance marketplace.

All of those concepts fly in the face of how we take care of people in this country, she told E&E News. Which is, if youre responsible for a loss, you are held responsible for that  with varying degrees of accountability, burdens of proof, standards, etc.

Cody Berne, a Portland-based attorney, told E&E News that Oregons law will require victims to release the utility from liability and opt-in to the wildfire fund before knowing what theyll get paid.

This means survivors who are desperately in need of funds to rebuild their lives are forced into the impossible position of giving PacifiCorp a get-out-of-jail-free card to get a fraction of what theyre owed, he said.

Where does that leave us? asked Debi Ferrer, one of the leaders of the Consolidated Oregon Indivisible Network, to E&E News. How are people going to cope with a wildfire if the utilities are immune from paying for damages if they cause them, and if FEMA is out of money?

What to read next

This article provides information only and should not be construed as advice. It is provided without warranty of any kind.
Courtesy of Netflix 2025 (2) Lee Wenham is interviewed in Netflix's docuseries 'The Diamond Heist' ; The Diamond.

The Millennium Dome raid was a heist with so many twists it could have been a Guy Ritchie movie  but now, it's a Netflix docuseries executive produced by him.

The Diamond Heist, which premiered on April 16, follows the story of Lee Wenham, one of the masterminds behind what would have been one of the biggest jewel thefts in history.

In November 2000, Wenham and six others, often called the "Diamond Geezers," attempted to steal the De Beers Millennium Star diamond, which boasts a whopping 203 carats and, according to the Netflix film, was worth an estimated 350 million  which translates to more than $462 million.

Unfortunately for Wenham and his team, the British police foiled their plan in an elaborate takedown chronicled in The Diamond Heist.

So, where are the thieves from The Diamond Heist now? Here's everything to know about Lee Wenham and the rest of the Millennium Dome raid criminals today.

Who was involved in the Millennium Dome raid?

PA Images via Getty (2) Undated Metropolitan Police photograph of William Cockram ; Undated Metropolitan Police photograph of Robert Adam.

Ray Betson was considered the mastermind of the Millennium Dome heist. He drove the JCB excavator vehicle through the building's perimeter and recruited most of the other players, according to The Guardian.

Before the heist, his rap sheet mainly consisted of selling illegal foreign imports. He got his first conviction at age 14 for burglary; before the infamous attempted theft, he had 18 total convictions and had spent three years in jail, per the British publication.

Wenham helped Betson plan the heist. In the docuseries, Wenham explained that he was pulled out of school when he was just 12 years old because his dyslexia made it difficult to read and write. At that point, he got into crime by working with his father, who was allegedly a local gangster.

Robert "Bob the Builder" Adams assisted by breaking through the protective glass housing the diamonds at the Millennium Dome with a sledgehammer, according to The Sun. But Adams was recruited for the heist just one day before it took place, per The Guardian.

He had one previous criminal conviction for stabbing his former best friend in the stomach after his friend allegedly had an affair with his wife. In The Diamond Heist, Wenham said that Adams was chosen for his perceived ability to get into the vault, adding, "He took the whole job like it was just another day of going to the office."

William "Bill" Cockram used a nail gun to weaken the glass surrounding the diamond display, allowing Adams to break it with the sledgehammer more easily, per The Sun. Before the heist, he spent 15 months behind bars for various crimes. Captions in The Diamond Heist docuseries described Cockram as "the muscle," chosen to deal with security guards in case of a fight.

Aldo Ciarrocchi, then 29, was the youngest member of the raid and the so-called "technician," according to The Diamond Heist. He assisted by throwing smoke bombs as a distraction outside the vault.

Ciarrochi's motive was allegedly romantic; he had reportedly fallen in love with American model Elisabeth Kirsch and spent lavishly on gifts for her. He allegedly planned to use the money he made in the heist on airfare to move to the United States to begin a new life with her.

Terence "Terry" Millman was the getaway driver. He had a criminal history that included armed robbery and a previous 14-year prison sentence. In the docuseries, Wenham described Millman as a "madman" who had no issues shooting someone if needed.

Kevin Meredith had no criminal record, having only borrowed money from Cockram to fix his boat. Four days before the raid, Cockram called in the favor, allegedly offering to pay Meredith 10,000 to drive the thieves away via boat on the Thames River.

How did the robbers get into the Millennium Dome?

Andrew Stuart - PA Images via Getty An excavator at the scene after a raid on $350 million of diamonds on show at the Millennium Dome in SE London.

Wenham revealed in The Diamond Heist that he and the "Diamond Geezers" noticed a lot of construction work going on around the area of the Millennium Dome. It gave them the idea to use a JCB  a bulldozer  to penetrate the steel gates and barriers around the venue.

"It's basically a tank in disguise," Wenham explained. "I knew the JCB was going to work, 100 percent."

Wenham said he stole the vehicle and put it into a safehouse ahead of the heist.

How did The Diamond Heist thieves get caught?

PA Images via Getty Metropolitan Police photograph of William Cockram and Raymond Betson testing the speedboat that would be used have been used as a get-away craft after the raid on millions of pounds of diamonds at the Millennium Dome November 2000.

For all their meticulous planning, the "Diamond Geezers" were at a disadvantage from the start: Someone tipped off police to the plan in the summer of 2000, BBC News reported, months before the heist took place that November.

That gave authorities and Millennium Dome staff plenty of time to prepare for the attempted robbery; they even named their plan "Operation Magician."

That September, Wenham was caught on security cameras casing the Millennium Dome and Cockram and Betson were seen testing their getaway speedboat.

The day of the raid, 200 armed officers were at the Millennium Dome, many of them disguised as venue staff, according to The Guardian. The police deliberately didn't try to stop the attempt, instead opting to follow the thieves as they tried to carry out the heist.

Knowing the theft would take place, the actual DeBeers diamonds had been replaced by worthless, fake replicas  so the "Diamond Geezers" never had their hands on the actual gems. Police opted to let the thieves into the vault, where they arrested Adams, Betson, Ciarrocchi and Wenham. They then apprehended Millman from a nearby van.

What were the sentences for the robbers in the Millennium Dome raid?

Millman died from stomach cancer on July 13, 2001, before the trial began, according to The Guardian. He was 57 years old and in hospice care at the time.

The remaining "Diamond Geezers" stood trial in November 2001.

Betson and Cockram were each sentenced to 18 years in prison for conspiracy to rob, with their sentences later being reduced to 15 years, per The Guardian.

Adams was sentenced to 15 years for conspiracy to rob. Ciarrocchi was also sentenced to 15 years behind bars, but got his time reduced to 12 years in a 2004 appeal.

Meredith was acquitted of a conspiracy to rob but convicted of conspiracy to steal. He was sentenced to five years in prison.

Where are the thieves from The Diamond Heist now?

Adams died while serving his prison sentence, according to The Sun. Though Betson's jail sentence for the Millennium Dome heist was reduced, he's back in prison for a different robbery.

BBC News reported in August 2014 that he was sentenced to 13 years in prison for a botched attempt at robbing a cash depot. The attempted robbery took place in March 2012, with authorities finding his DNA on a balaclava left behind at the scene.

In 2018, The Sun reported that Betson's son, Louis, was arrested for allegedly beating and robbing a cab driver in Kent, United Kingdom. He was sentenced to two years and three months at a juvenile detention center.

In 2012, Cockram sued police for giving him a black eye and fracturing his cheekbone during his arrest, The Evening Standard reported. Ciarrocchi has since made headlines for turning a skate park into a vacation home for his family, per The Times of London.

Where is Lee Wenham now?

Courtesy of Netflix 2025 Lee Wenham is interviewed in Netflix's docuseries 'The Diamond Heist.'

Wenham told The Telegraph in 2025 that he was more stressed before his sentencing than he was once when actually went to prison.

"I thought about it a lot then, and I thought about what I would be leaving behind at home," he explained, noting that he regretted missing years of his young daughters' lives. "But as soon as I was sentenced, it was a big weight off my shoulders and its like, 'Right, just get on with it.' And I didnt give it much thought after that, to be honest."

In The Diamond Heist, Wenham said prison wasn't actually that bad.

"People who havent been to prison fear prison, obviously. Everyone does, it's the ultimate punishment in British law. But I found it okay, I've got to be honest," he said. "I adapted very well, very quickly in prison, got on with a lot of people. I'm not boasting!"

Today, Wenham is the author of the autobiography A Diamond Geezer and a landscaper. Prior to the Netflix docuseries' release, he told Rolling Stone U.K. that he was only recognized once for the heist since leaving prison.

Wenham has stayed out of legal trouble since his release, but he has returned to the scene of the crime at least once.

"I went to see Bryan Adams at The O2 with my partner a few years ago," he recalled. "And walking up to the main doors was, well, I had to take a step back, you know. I found myself taking in the place all over again."



Read the original article on People
Tina Fey's "impulse to retire" is "strong".

Tina Fey wants to retire

The former 'Saturday Night Live' star is "tired" of hearing about herself and thinks it is time for a new wave of comics to make their way to the forefront.

She told The Hollywood Reporter: The impulse to hide and retire is very strong because I do think its time to help new voices get in the mix.

Its something Im already doing, but I want to do more. Even on the walk over here I was like, I am so tired of hearing from me. Surely everyone else is tired of hearing from the same people over and over again. 

However, the 54-year-old star - who has Alice, 19, and Penelope, 13, with producer husband Jeff Richmond - admitted she was grateful for her upcoming Netflix series 'The Four Seasons' because it "saved" her while juggling a lot in her personal life.

She said: This sandwich generation stuff, having your kids and an aging parent in the same house, its wonderful  but it also really takes a lot out of you.

"My mom passed away in the summer, my older daughter went to college in August and my husband and I went to work on 'The Four Seasons' in the fall. That kept me in the world. It saved me from just shrinking up like a little granny apple head.

Tina and her pal Amy Poehler previously hosted the Golden Globe Awards four times and presented the Oscars once but she's got no interest in helming another awards show.

She said: "Nikki Glaser killed it at the Globes, and she should keep that job forever. Me? No. I shouldnt say never, but its such a high risk for such low reward.

While Lorne Michaels, 80, previously said Tina "could easily" take the reins if he ever steps down as 'SNL' showrunner, she insisted he is "irreplaceable".

Asked about his remarks, she said: It was nice of him to say that, and I love him very much.

"Hes irreplaceable. His set of gifts and skills are entirely unique. His eye for talent! Hes one of the last three people in show business who actually understand everything. Ill leave it at that.
The wife of Kilmar Abrego Garcia, the Salvadoran migrant whose wrongful deportation to El Salvador is at the center of a legal battle with the Trump administration, had a temporary order of protection against him in 2021 in which she cited being slapped, hit with an object, and being detained against her will, according to court documents obtained by ABC News.

In a lengthy statement within a petition for protection "from domestic violence," Jennifer Vasquez Sura mentioned an incident on May 4, 2021, in which she alleges that Abrego Garcia "punched and scratched her eye," causing her to bleed.

That same day, Vasquez Sura said that when she told Abrego Garcia that she needed to go to a store, he "got angry, started yelling again to the point that he ripped [her] shorts and shirt off."

MORE: DOJ to appeal ruling ordering administration to return Abrego Garcia from El Salvador

"And I ran to the bathroom, he [ran] behind me and grabbed me by my arm," Vasquez Sura said. "I have marks on my left arm as well."

"At this point I am afraid to be close to him," Vasquez Sura added. "I have multiple photos/videos of how [violent] he can be."

Vasquez Sura obtained a temporary protective order against Abrego Garcia in May of 2021, according to state court records in Maryland. The order required that Abrego Garcia have no contact with Vasquez Sura, and that he stay away from their shared residence, the records show.

In a statement released to ABC News Wednesday through her attorney, Vasquez Sura -- who has been vocal in her support of Abrego Garcia during his incarceration in El Salvador -- said, "After surviving domestic violence in a previous relationship, I acted out of caution after a disagreement with Kilmar by seeking a protective order in case things escalated."

PHOTO: Jennifer Vasquez Sura, wife of Kilmar Abrego Garcia, speaks during a press conference on the day of a hearing in the case related to Kilmar Abrego Garcia outside U.S. District Court in Greenbelt, Maryland, April 15, 2025. (Leah Millis/Reuters)

"We were able to work through this situation privately as a family, including by going to counseling," Vasquez Sura said. "Kilmar has always been a loving partner and father, and I will continue to stand by him and demand justice for him."

Abrego Garcia, who the Trump administration alleges is a member of the criminal gang MS-13, is entering his second month in an El Salvador mega-prison after he was deported there on March 15 despite being issued a 2019 court order barring his deportation to his home country due to the fear of persecution.

He had been living in Maryland with Vasquez Sura , their 5-year-old child, and two step-children. Vasquez Sura has denied that he is affiliated with MS-13.

In the 2021 documents obtained by ABC News, Vasquez Sura noted two past incidents, alleging that in 2020, Abrego Garcia hit her with his work boot and that in August 2020, he hit her in the eye.

The protective order was dismissed a month after it was issued, on June 17, 2021, after Vasquez Sura failed to appear in court, according to a signed order of dismissal by a judge.

MORE: DOJ to appeal ruling ordering administration to return Abrego Garcia from El Salvador

ABC News also obtained documents submitted to a Maryland court in August 2018 by a man who claimed to be the father of two of Vasquez Sura's children. In a five-page motion for an emergency hearing, he said he feared for the children's lives, in part, "because she is dating a gang member and attempted self-harm," the records state.

The man did not include the name of the individual he alleged is a gang member. It is not known if he was referring to Abrego Garcia.

The initials of his children's names, listed in a custody complaint, match the ones that Vasquez Sura listed for her kids in a declaration submitted in Abrego Garcia's case.

He appears to have left some sections of the complaint unfinished, including what custody terms he was requesting. However, in the filing he said he would allow Vasquez Sura to visit the children on the condition that "we both agree on the time and date."

According to court documents dated January 18, 2019, the case was dismissed because Vasquez Sura wasn't served.

Vasquez Sura's attorneys did not respond to a request for comment on documents involving her ex.

PHOTO: Kilmar Abrego Garcia, a Salvadoran migrant in this handout image obtained by Reuters on April 9, 2025. (Abrego Garcia Family via Reuters)

On Tuesday, a federal judge ordered government officials to testify under oath because, she said, they had "done nothing to aid in Abrego Garcia's release from custody and return to the United States," despite the Supreme Court directing the Trump administration to "facilitate" Abrego Garcia's release from custody in El Salvador.

The Department of Homeland Security, in a social media post Wednesday, shared a 2021 court record from Abrego Garcia's protective order case and said in the post that he "was not the upstanding 'Maryland Man' the media has portrayed him as."

Wife of deported Maryland man Abrego Garcia said he hit, scratched her in 2021 court documents originally appeared on abcnews.go.com
Yoga could help relieve knee osteoarthritis pain, new evidence suggests. Image credit: Pedro Merino/Stocksy.

Yoga is as effective for addressing knee pain due to osteoarthritis as muscle-strengthening exercises, according to a new study.

The new randomized clinical trial has also found that yoga may improve health-related quality of life and reduce depression in people with knee osteoarthritis.

Experts say that neither yoga nor strengthening exercises alone are likely to be the most effective way to help treat osteoarthritis knee pain, but can be elements of a broader treatment strategy.

Adverse effects from both yoga and strengthening exercises reported in the study were minimal.

Knee pain specialists use various therapeutic approaches for helping patients with knee pain due to osteoarthritis. A new study directly compares the effectiveness of two of those therapeutic approaches, yoga and muscle strengthening.

In a randomized clinical trial of 117 participants, yogas beneficial effect on knee pain was found to be noninferior to that of muscle strengthening after a 12-week study period.

Its findings appear in JAMA Network Open.

The trial, which took place in Tasmania, Australia, involved individuals with a mean age of 62.5 years. Women comprised 72% of the cohort. Participants reported an initial moderate knee pain level of 53.8 according to the 100-point visual analog scale (VAS).

They were divided into two groups, one of which received yoga therapy (58 individuals), and one of which was treated with muscle strengthening (59 people).

The condition of participants knees was tracked in multiple ways. These included VAS, as well as the Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC) for knee pain, function, and stiffness. Neuropathic pain and global health assessments were undertaken, as were physical performance measures leg muscle strength tests.

Individuals were also questioned regarding their health-related quality of life and feelings of depression.

Individuals in the yoga group reported modest reductions in depression at 12 weeks compared to those in the muscle-training group, and improvements in quality of life at 24 weeks.

Yoga performed slightly better at 24 weeks for WOMAC pain, function, and stiffness, in the global assessment, and for scores in a fast-paced walking test.

There were no significant adverse effects reported for either yoga or strengthening exercises.

Osteoarthritis: Yoga is not a sufficient treatment by itself

Bert Mandelbaum, MD, not involved in the study, is the co-director of the Regenerative Orthobiologic Center at Cedars-Sinai Orthopaedics in Los Angeles. To him, the study nails down just one detail regarding knee-pain treatment.

Speaking to Medical News Today, Mandelbaum said that, what we need to know is that [yogas] not going to hurt us, but its not going to be that robust for us [for treating] arthritis just by itself.

Yoga is a good exercise, he explained, and it could be utilized in a multiple-mode exercise regiment. Yoga is not going to hurt you. Its an important part of an overall program that deals with aerobic conditioning, anaerobic conditioning, interval training, flexibility, and yoga, as well as strength training.

Timothy Gibson, MD, medical director of the MemorialCare Joint Replacement Center at Orange Coast Medical Center in Fountain Valley, CA, also not involved in the study, further pointed out that with yoga being low impact, it offers the ability to strengthen without aggressive movements in a joint that may be painful to move.

For older patients especially, Gibson said, yoga can be a great help with balance and fall prevention.

Yoga can be great for knee osteoarthritis symptoms, orthopedic surgeon Pamela Mehta, MD, not involved in the study, also told us. It helps with mobility and stretching, which can greatly impact pain.

Im also not surprised that it had a greater effect on quality of life and mood  yoga is a fantastic mindfulness activity. That said, I dont find that yoga alone helps my patients in the way this study suggests, Mehta also cautioned.

How yoga compares to muscle strengthening exercises

Mandelbaum noted that osteoarthritis and its symptoms occur in a continuum along which symptoms tend to progress with time and age. As a result, a patients appropriate mix of therapies must be continually re-assessed and adjusted as the condition progresses.

My view of this is to have something that is a controlled multimodal approach where we evaluate where you are in that continuum. Any prescription should be a combination of aerobic conditioning, and then also consider yoga and exercise training.  Bert Mandelbaum, MD

Each element in the response to an individuals current condition offers a unique benefit to the mix, as is the case of the two modalities compared in the study.

Yoga, explained Mehta, is fantastic for mobility, balance, and flexibility. It helps restore smooth movement in the knee and reduces stiffness, both of which help reduce knee pain from osteoarthritis.

Yoga also helps with mindfulness and can improve mental health in a way that exercises dont. This has a huge impact on how we experience pain, she added.

Strengthening exercises, as one would expect, work more directly on musculature. They, said Mehta, are all about support and muscle balance. The muscles that surround the knee joint help the joint move smoothly as you bend, walk, and run. This can be critical for pain relief.

Stronger muscles, well-balanced against other leg and hip muscles, help stabilize your knee joint as it moves. This helps to reduce pain in a very functional way, ensuring your knee is moving how its supposed to, Mehta explained.

Gibson pointed out that strength exercises can be handy because they require less instruction and supervision. Moreover, he noted, having purely more leg strength improves function, especially with ascending and descending stairs.

Different as they are, the two approaches exemplify how multiple modalities can complement each other, according to Mehta:

Yoga and strengthening exercises are perfect together, so long as you dont overdo either one. I always recommend to my patients to practice gentle yoga for mindfulness and mobility while building up their muscle strength with exercises.

View the original article on Medical News Today
King Charles declared the three virtues that the world still needs  faith, hope, and love in his Easter message.

King Charles delivered his Easter message

The 76-year-old monarch, who, along with Queen Camilla, will attend a Maundy Thursday at Durham Cathedral on April 17, said "the abiding message" of the Christian festival is that "God so loved the world", and he wants people to come together and continue that.

He said in his Easter message: "The abiding message of Easter is that God so loved the world  the whole world  that he sent his son to live among us to show us how to love one another, and to lay down His own life for others in a love that proved stronger than death.

There are three virtues that the world still needs  faith, hope and love.

And the greatest of these is love."

Elsewhere in the message to the world, The King referenced war-torn countries.

He said the "paradox of human life", including "heroic acts" and the "human suffering" in countries facing war "runs through the Easter story".

The King added: "One of the puzzles of our humanity is how we are capable of both great cruelty and great kindness.

This paradox of human life runs through the Easter story and in the scenes that daily come before our eyes  at one moment, terrible images of human suffering and, in another, heroic acts in war-torn countries where humanitarians of every kind risk their own lives to protect the lives of others."

The monarch also referenced a reception attended "by such people" a "few weeks ago" at Buckingham Palace in London, and how he "felt a profound sense of admiration" for them.

He continued: "A few weeks ago, I met many such people at a reception in Buckingham Palace and felt a profound sense of admiration for their resilience, courage and compassion."

Halfway through his message, King Charles reminded the world of the events of Maundy Thursday.

He said: On Maundy Thursday, Jesus knelt and washed the feet of many of those who would abandon Him.

His humble action was a token of His love that knew no bounds or boundaries and is central to Christian belief.

The love He showed when He walked the Earth reflected the Jewish ethic of caring for the stranger and those in need, a deep human instinct echoed in Islam and other religious traditions, and in the hearts of all who seek the good of others."

And having the "timeless truths" in mind, he concluded his Easter message with: "It is with these timeless truths in my mind, and my heart, that I wish you all a blessed and peaceful Easter.
by Nirmala Carvalho

In the predominantly tribal district of Sukma, families were forced out of their homes and dumped in a forest. Only the intervention of the police allowed them to return, but locals first prevented access. Archbishop Thakur laments ongoing persecution, stressing that the Church continues to serve without discrimination despite unfair accusations.

Sukma (AsiaNews)  Six Christian families were recently evicted from Karingundam, a village in Sukma District, Chhattisgarh, a state with a large tribal population. The expellees had refused to renounce their faith.

The incident, confirmed by local sources, is the latest in a long series of attacks and acts of discrimination against Christian communities in the central-eastern Indian state, where religious conversions are often viewed as a violation of local social customs.

According to witnesses, the decision to expel the six families was taken at a meeting of the "Gram Sabha", the village council, convened by the "sarpanch" (village chief) to discuss the presence of 13 families who had converted to Christianity seven years ago.

During the meeting, seven families agreed to return to the indigenous religion, while the remaining six reiterated their desire to "remain Christians for life".

The six heads of families  Poonam Vinay, Kursam Jagaiya, Salvam Pale, Kako Rame, Kako Joga and Butar Singa  publicly declared that they would not give up their faith even if it meant death.

Following this statement, the village council ordered the immediate expulsion of the families, deemed "guilty" of threatening social harmony.

A group of residents, acting on a mandate from the council, raided the homes of the Christians, removed their belongings, and loaded them onto a tractor, and abandoned them in a nearby forest.

At least 25 people, including women and children, were injured during the eviction. The families spent the night outdoors, without protection or basic necessities.

The next day, 13 April, members of the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) attempted to return the families to Karingundam, but villagers prevented them from entering.

The families took temporary refuge in a local church. Only after a new meeting with the police, during which the agents reminded residents of the constitutional rights guaranteed to every citizen, were the six families taken back to their homes on 14 April.

Archbishop Victor Henry Thakur of Raipur spoke to AsiaNews about the episode.

I read about the current incidents from the media, said the prelate, who also chairs the Catholic Bishops' Council of Chhattisgarh (CBCC). Sadly, the persecution of Christians in Chhattisgarh has not stopped irrespective of who is in power in the state.

Whether the Congress or the BJP rules, lawlessness continues, non-denominational village churches are routinely targeted, and the persecution of Christians continues, he lamented. We are a peace-loving people, we are law-abiding citizens, and we abide by the constitution, the archbishop said.

Allegations about conversions have become a mantra. Our apostolate in education and healthcare are viewed as allurements by the very brigade accustomed to purchasing people. The Catholic Church upholds freedom of conscience and human dignity.

Yet, despite everything, We continue to serve, through our education, healthcare and welfare apostolate - without discrimination, even though we are harassed and falsely accused.
Card Domenico Calcagno read the text of the homily of the Chrism Mass in St Peter's Basilica. In the afternoon, the convalescent pontiff is expected to make a brief visit to the inmates in Romes Regina Coeli prison. Francis made a financial contribution to the people of Myanmar affected by a recent earthquake.

Vatican City (AsiaNews)  The homily message Pope Francis prepared for priests around the world was read during the Chrism Mass, the rite that on the morning of Holy Thursday sees the consecration of the oils through which priests administer the sacraments of the Church.

For us priests, the pontiff says, the Jubilee year thus represents a specific summons to a new beginning on our path of conversion. As pilgrims of hope, we are called to leave clericalism behind and to become heralds of hope.

As he is still convalescing, the pope delegated the reading of his homily to Card Domenico Calcagno, president emeritus of the Administration of the Patrimony of the Holy See.

In the afternoon, the pope is expected to make a private visit to the Roman prison of Regina Coeli, adapting a tradition that he started in his pontificate of celebrating the Mass in Coena Domini among prisoners with the rite of the washing of the feet.

The Vatican also announced that Francis made a generous contribution to help the people affected by the earthquake in Myanmar through the Dicastery for Promoting Integral Human Development and the Dicastery for the Service of Charity (Apostolic Alms Office).

Regarding the homily of the Chrism Mass, in which he commented the words of Jesus in the synagogue of Nazareth (Lk 4:17-20), Francis tells the priests that, Each of us has a long-standing relationship with the word of God. We put it at the service of others only when the Bible remains our first home. Within it, each of us has some pages that touch us more than others. That is beautiful and important!

We also help others to find the pages that touch their lives: such as newlyweds, when they choose the readings for their wedding; or those who are grieving and seek passages to entrust a dear one who has died to the mercy of God and the prayers of the community.

There is a page for a vocation, normally at the beginning of each of our journeys. Whenever we read this page, God still calls us, if only we cherish it and do not allow our love to grow cold.

The Holy Father reminded the priests that, the Spirit of Jesus remains the silent protagonist of our service. [. . .] The poor before all others, children, adolescents, women, but also any who have been hurt in their experience of the Church.

All of them have a feel for the presence of the Holy Spirit; they can distinguish him from worldly spirits, they recognize him in the convergence of what we say and what we do. We can become a prophecy fulfilled, and this is something beautiful! The sacred chrism that we consecrate today seals this mystery of transformation at work in the different stages of Christian life.

Above all, the pontiff urges priests to never grow discouraged, for it is all Gods work. So believe! Believe that God did not make a mistake with me! God never makes mistakes.

Offering a cheerful message to the poor, liberation to prisoners, sight to the blind, freedom to the oppressed is a sign that Jesus continues to read it in the life story of each one of us. First and foremost, because until our last day, he continues to tell us good news, to free us from prisons, to open our eyes and to lift the burdens from our shoulders.

Yet also, because by calling us to share in his mission and sacramentally giving us a share in his life, he sets others free through us, often without our even knowing it. Thus, Our priesthood becomes a jubilee ministry, like his, accomplished without fanfare but through a devotion that is unobtrusive, yet radical and gratuitous. It is that of the Kingdom of God, the one recounted in the parables, effective and discreet like yeast, silent like seed.

Finally. Dear members of the faithful, people of hope, pray today for the joy of priests. May all of you experience the liberation promised by the Scriptures and nourished by the sacraments. Many fears can dwell within us and terrible injustices surround us, but a new world has already been born. God so loved the world that he gave us his Son, Jesus. He pours balm upon our wounds and wipes away our tears.
by Silvia Torriti

Nine hours of lessons a day plus homework in the evening, parental expectations, anxiety about the gaokao, the exam that opens the doors to the best universities. A recent study reveals the widespread feeling of never being good enough. The toll of the long years of the one-child policy is also evident in the relational difficulties of today's teenagers.

Beijing (AsiaNews) - It is 9.10 p.m. on a hot evening in late March and in the blink of an eye the courtyard of one of the most prestigious secondary schools in south-east China is filled with students, ready to return to their dormitories in an orderly fashion.

This is how a typical day ends for a Chinese high school student, whose alarm clock rings very early in the morning, usually no later than 6.30 a.m.

At 7:40 a.m., the notes of Simon & Garfunkel's The Sound of Silence announce the start of classes over the campus loudspeakers. The first 20 minutes are devoted to revision, followed by five hours of lessons from 8:00 a.m. to 12:10 p.m.

After lunch, at 1.20pm, they return to the classroom for another four hours, until 4.45pm. From 4.45pm to 6pm, students have time to eat dinner in the canteen before the last phase of the school day begins, which is dedicated to completing the homework assigned by their teachers and ends after 9pm.

As is well known, Chinese teenagers spend much more time at their desks than their Western peers. In a culture that has always been defined as exam-centric, such as China's, learning plays a central role in the lives of young people, especially in preparation for the final exam of the second cycle of education, known as the gaokao.

The latter is considered decisive for their future: the score achieved determines access to the best universities and allows them to be more competitive in the job market.

Given the importance attached to education and this final stage of their educational path, young Chinese people are under considerable pressure at school, with obvious repercussions on their psychological well-being.

Data from the latest national survey on the mental health of the Chinese population, dating back to 2023, reveal that more than 40% of high school students suffer from mood disorders.

Previous surveys also show that 19.3% of young Chinese people have had suicidal thoughts, fuelled mainly by excessive school pressure and family conflicts.

According to one of the most recent studies on the subject, carried out on a sample of twenty high school students in Sichuan, the main stress factor for Chinese high school students is the high expectations that they themselves, their teachers, parents and relatives place on their academic performance. However, these expectations are not always realised in reality, often causing feelings of guilt.

Sun, one of the students interviewed by the researchers, admitted: I think my stress mainly comes from the fact that my family's expectations of me do not match my actual situation. My parents have built so much and been so successful. I admire them. They expect me to reach a higher social status than they have, but I feel that... given my current academic performance, it's very unlikely.

Zhao's testimony is equally significant: My grades have always been good since I was a child, and my parents had high expectations for my future. Then, after I entered high school, my test results were not ideal; there were too many bright students here, and my parents became very angry. They vented their dissatisfaction by telling me how brilliant other people's children were and did not consider how I felt or whether I could bear it. They also said very hurtful things to me, and I felt really hurt, and I didn't dare to argue with them, because if I did, my parents might cry...

Faced with the crumbling of their certainties and their first unexpected failures, young Chinese people find themselves defenceless. As Fei, a teacher with two decades of teaching experience, testifies: Many students considered themselves geniuses because they had achieved excellent results in primary and secondary school. But after entering high school, they discovered that they had many problems with their studies that they were unable to solve. At that point, they began to doubt themselves and lost motivation to the point of giving up on themselves.

This sense of frustration is also fuelled by the fact that Chinese high schools are highly competitive environments where it is difficult to stand out. Such a context hinders the possibility of forming strong interpersonal bonds between classmates and finding comfort in sharing feelings with each other.

What's more, when conflicts arise between peers, Chinese teenagers tend to repress their anger and dissatisfaction, prioritising the maintenance of good interpersonal relationships in the school environment, with repercussions on their mental well-being. According to researchers, the reason for this behaviour is not only cultural  Chinese society values the Confucian concept of harmony (hexie) in interpersonal relationships  but also the lack of interpersonal skills among young people.

This is mainly due to the fact that many of them, being only children, do not have the natural conditions to acquire and practise these skills in the family environment. Excessive use of mobile phones has further reduced the opportunity to practise interacting with real people, while the consumption of television programmes, films and novels has distorted and misled perceptions of social relationships.

Romantic relationships deserve a separate discussion. Since school rules do not encourage high school students to form emotional bonds with the opposite sex, let alone with people of the same sex, their feelings often remain unexpressed.

Another source of unease among Chinese students is their often conflictual relationship with their parents. In addition to having very high expectations of their children's academic performance, parents sometimes adopt a controlling attitude towards them, limiting their privacy.

A girl surnamed Wong said: Parents always say they want to create a relaxed learning environment for me. In reality, what they do is put a lot of pressure on me, making it impossible for me to achieve that kind of inner relaxation.

Some students, on the other hand, suffer from being away from their parents, whom they can only see once a month because they live far away from the school.

Looking at the problem in more detail, a study published in 2023 in the journal Psychology Research and Behaviour Management reveals that adolescents from low-income families suffer most from school stress because they have more limited access to the educational resources they need for their specific needs. Another at-risk group is girls, as female adolescents are generally more emotionally sensitive than their male peers. The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the psychological well-being of young Chinese people should also not be overlooked.

In recent years, the central government has taken massive action to address the issue of student mental health. In addition to reforming the gaokao system, in 2019 it launched the Healthy China Action Plan (2019-2030), a programme of measures aimed at safeguarding the health of Chinese citizens, particularly young people.

More recently, The Special Action Plan for Comprehensively Strengthening and Improving the Mental Health Work of Students in the New Era (2023-2025) was promoted, a plan aimed at strengthening mental health care in Chinese schools. Further actions have been taken at the local level.

RED LANTERNS IS THE ASIANEWS NEWSLETTER DEDICATED TO CHINA. WOULD YOU LIKE TO RECEIVE IT EVERY THURSDAY? TO SUBSCRIBE, CLICK HERE.
by Fr Angelo Lazzarotto

The funeral of the PIME missionary, a pioneer of dialogue with the Church in China after Maos persecution, was held today. In his last book, he told the story of one of his first trips to the Chinese capital where he met with some elderly people forced to quit the religious life. They understood that he was a priest, and asked him to bless some sacred images. He was moved when he bid them goodbye.

Milan (AsiaNews)  Fr Angelo Lazzarotto, a PIME missionary priest who died on Tuesday at the age of 99, was laid to rest today, Holy Thursday, at the cemetery of PIME missionaries in Villa Grugana, Merate (Lecco), following the funeral service in Rancio di Lecco.

Today's services provided an opportunity to read the many tributes to a man who led a long and passionate ministry pioneering contacts with mainland China. Card Piero Parolin, Vatican Secretary of State, wrote that he was sure that Fr Lazzarotto, from his place close to God, will intercede for all those who, in his footsteps, seek to consolidate relations of knowledge and friendship with China.

In his message, Card Luis Antonio Tagle, pro-prefect of the Dicastery for Evangelisation, mentioned the service carried out by this PIME missionary as rector of the Pontifical Urban College from 1985 to 1990, who left an "indelible print" in the education of many seminarians from countries of first evangelisation, to whom he passed on not only solid theological knowledge, but also the missionary spirit that always characterised his ministry.

Mgr Claudio Giuliodori, General Ecclesiastical Assistant in the Theology Department of Milans Universita Cattolica and bishop emeritus of Macerata (Italy), the diocese where the great Jesuit Matteo Ricci was born, described Fr Lazzarotto as a true giant of dialogue, in love with China. I received and learnt a lot from him".

Fr Lazzarotto wrote extensively about China: stories, analyses and reflections, many of which were published in AsiaNews. In saying goodbye to him, we want to remember him with a page from his latest book published in 2019, titled: Un forte impegno per il Vangelo in Cina (A strong commitment to the Gospel in China).

These are not his words, but from a great friend, the late Italian Senator Vittorino Colombo, thanks to whom he himself, with the first overtures by Deng Xiaoping, was able to visit the People's Republic of China in the late 1970s, not long after the nightmare of the Cultural Revolution.

In his book, Fr Lazzarotto talks about Colombos deep Christian commitment to opening new political and cultural channels of communication to China. In many pages, he adds personal memories of meetings in China, during official missions by Italian institutions that included the missionary as an expert in religious problems".

One example is the story below about a trip to Beijing in 1981 when, after talking to patriotic Bishop Michael Fu Tieshan, the missionary found himself in the home of Catholics. Forced to abandon their religious life years earlier during the waves of the persecution by the Communist Party, they welcomed the blessing of a priest again.

On Sunday, 13 December 1981, after the 9:30 am Mass at Beijings Nan-Tang (southern) church Vittorino Colombo and our group met with the new bishop Michael Fu Tieshan, who said that Saint Paul defended the right of non-Jews to refuse circumcision. Chinese and Confucian culture were not always respected In the last four centuries of the spread of Christianity in China; today, we want to adapt to our historical and cultural conditions," he said.

Colombo asked if this meant changing the principles of Christianity. Fu replied that no one wanted to change the apostolic tradition; the Church of China, like that of Rome, derived from the twelve apostles.

Among the Apostles there was one," Colombo added, "who was the first among them: Peter, who was not Roman but Asian. We too today, Romans and Italians, bow to him, whoever he is. Fu noted that this point was still debated. A persons choice does not matter, it is necessary to see the politics they follow. The Apostles used to discuss together, theirs was a collective leadership.

Our relations with Rome broke down in 1958, when we asked the Vatican to allow us to choose our bishops, a request that was denied." I noted that a distinction was made in that first congress of 1958 between the Vaticans political positions and religious stance, recognising a priority with regard to doctrine. Taiwan was also mentioned. When Colombo asked, "What if the Holy See were to break off (diplomatic relations)?, the bishop remained silent.

Bishop Fu later told us with satisfaction that a dozen young men were preparing for the priesthood in Beijing. He reiterated that the Chinese Church had had friendly relations with other Churches for many years; that he had recently been in Montreal for an ecclesial conference, and had met there with various priests and faithful. As for relations with the Vatican, he added, we want to see facts. Despite the diversity of positions, the meeting ended amicably.

On my way out, I noticed on the blackboard the announcement that two new bishops had been elected, for Xi'an and Taiyuan. In the afternoon, I walked back to the Dong-Tang area, and in the square in front of the church I found, as expected, a little man who had greeted me in French the day before. He, inconspicuously, came to my side, walking for a while in silence and then asked me if I would agree to visit his house, which, since it was outside the centre, he said, is not well monitored.

We changed public transit twice and arrived near a railway station; since he worked for the railways, he had a flat on the third floor of a building reserved for railway employees.

Along the way he told me about himself. He said that his name was James; that he belonged to a family of martyrs who had lived the faith for three centuries; that he had studied with the Vincentians, completing his theological studies and making his vows in 1957. Forced to quit, he spent several years in a labour camp. He later managed to obtain a dispensation and marry. He had two children, a teenage daughter who studied out of town, and a boy in his tenth grade. When we arrived at the house, I noticed that, in addition to his wife and child, there was another elderly woman with a lucid gaze.

As soon as we entered, even though I had not said who I was, James said: He is a priest! and they all knelt for a blessing. They asked me if I came from Rome and if I had seen the Pope. His wife knew that he had been hurt, but that he was better now. The old woman introduced herself as Aloysia, a nun from the Congregation of the Holy Spirit (connected with the Verbites), who had spent several years in a labour camp with Jamess wife. She spoke a little French and German. She confided to me that she had prepared a letter for her congregation, and had placed it in an envelope made by herself with wrapping paper. She was very happy when I told her that I could take it to Hong Kong in person.

Jamess wife, who was a nurse at the local clinic, filled a bottle with water and asked me to bless her. Then they made me sprinkle the flat and the sacred images. James proposed to send a greeting to the Pope and wrote a few lines in Latin himself, under which everyone put their signature. I said goodbye to them, moved, leaving rosary beads, a few medals and a booklet that I had with me.
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San Angelo, TX (76909)

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17 April 2025 22:53 (UTC+04:00)

The open trial session in the criminal case against citizens of the Republic of ArmeniaArayik Harutyunyan, Arkadi Ghukasyan, Bako Sahakyan, Davit Ishkhanyan, Davit Babayan, Levon Mnatsakanyan, and otherswho are accused of committing crimes against peace and humanity, war crimes, including the planning and waging of an aggressive war, genocide, violations of the laws and customs of war, terrorism, financing terrorism, seizing power by force, and other grave offenses against Azerbaijan, continued on April 17.

According to AZERTAC, the hearing at the Baku Military Court, chaired by Judge Zeynal Agayev and with judges Jamal Ramazanov and Anar Rzayev (alternate judge Gunel Samedova), provided interpreters and defense attorneys for each accused in the language they understand.

The session was attended by the accused, their defenders, some of the victims, their legal heirs and representatives, and prosecutors representing the state.

Judge Zeynal Agayev informed newly participating victims of their legal rights and responsibilities.

Arkadi Ghukasyan was questioned regarding the documents examined in the previous hearing. In response to the prosecutors questions, he admitted that Azerbaijanis were forced out of Khankendi. He confirmed knowing Robert Kocharyan from 1992, Samvel Babayan from 1993, and Murad Petrosyan from 2000 onwards.

Regarding the explosion of the bridge over the Khalfali River, he acknowledged the incident and described the events between 1988 and 1993 in the occupied territories as tragedies, not heroism.

He also condemned the 1990 massacre of Azerbaijani civilians in Baganis Ayrim, Gazakh district, stating that such acts must be universally condemned and punished, regardless of the perpetrators.

Next, Nasir Bayramov, head of the Department for Defense of Public Prosecution of the Prosecutor Generals Office, proposed the review of evidence and testimonies related to the Khojaly genocide and crimes committed before that event, including the Mesheli massacre.

Documents presented showed that on December 23, 1991, Armenian forces attacked Mesheli village, killing 25 people, burning homes, looting, and stealing livestock. Vaqif Khachaturyan, wanted for these crimes, was detained and sentenced to 15 years in prison in November 2023.

Victims gave harrowing testimonies. Elman Mammadov recounted the events of February 2526, 1992, when 613 civilians, including 106 women and 63 children, were massacred. He emphasized the ideological preparations for this genocide through early anti-Azerbaijani rallies dating back to 1988.

He described a systematic ethnic cleansing plan, involving multiple villages such as Mesheli, Cmilli, Malbyli, Quscular, and Qaradagl. He noted that these atrocities were carried out with the direct involvement and leadership of Armenian military-political authorities.

Other victims, including Kubra Mammadova, Fitrat Mammadova, Zohrab Muradov, and Azr Cbraylov, shared personal accounts of the massacres, torture, forced displacements, and inhuman treatment suffered during the conflict.

The next court session is scheduled for April 18.

Notably, 15 Armenian nationalsincluding Arayik Harutyunyan, Arkadi Ghukasyan, Bako Sahakyan, and othersare charged under numerous articles of the Azerbaijani Criminal Code for crimes including aggression, genocide, slavery, mass murder, enforced disappearances, torture, illegal deprivation of liberty, and war crimes. These acts were carried out directly or indirectly with the support, instructions, and coordination of Armenias government, military, and unlawful armed groups.
17 April 2025 14:18 (UTC+04:00)

Qabil Ashirov Read more

Few nations in recent history have experienced the kind of geopolitical and territorial transformation that Azerbaijan has. Since the 2020 war and the liberation of occupied territories, Baku has embarked on what is perhaps the most ambitious national reconstruction effort in the post-Soviet space. The scale is staggering: from 2020 to 2024, the Azerbaijani government allocated 17.6 billion manats ($10.4 billion) for rebuilding cities, restoring infrastructure, and laying the foundations of a new life in regions long left in ruins. And the effort is far from over. From 2026 to 2029, Azerbaijan plans to invest an additional ...

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Democratic US Senator Chris Van Hollen flew to El Salvador on Wednesday to press for the release of a US resident mistakenly deported to the Central American country.

Kilmar Abrego Garcia remains imprisoned in a notorious jail for terrorists in his native country despite a US federal judge's order, backed by the Supreme Court, for his return to the United States.

Van Hollen said in a video post before taking off that he wanted to show President Donald Trump's administration and El Salvador that Abrego Garcia's supporters would not let up in the campaign for his return.

"I hope to meet with representatives of the government. I hope to have the chance to actually see Kilmar and see what his condition is," said Van Hollen, who represents Maryland, Abrego Garcia's home state.

A legal US resident, Abrego Garcia was protected by a 2019 court order determining that he could not be deported to El Salvador, but he was sent there around a month ago.

The Trump administration has admitted its mistake, and has been ordered by the Supreme Court to "facilitate" his return.

But the administration -- pressed on what action it was taking to remedy its error in lower court hearings -- has not announced any efforts toward Abrego Garcia's return.

El Salvador President Nayib Bukele said during a White House visit on Monday he had no intention of releasing Abrego Garcia, while Trump told reporters he did not have the authority to intervene.

Trump's critics have warned that his defiance of the Supreme Court has placed the country on the cusp of a constitutional crisis.

"This is about due process. This is about rule of law," Van Hollen said.

"What bullies do is they begin by picking on the most vulnerable. But if we get rid of the rule of law and due process in the United States, it's a short road from there to tyranny."

The White House claims that it is complying with the courts and that Abrego Garcia is a gang member. He denies the accusation and has never been charged in either country.

District Judge Paula Xinis said the case against him amounted to "nothing more than his Chicago Bulls hat and hoodie, and a vague, uncorroborated allegation from a confidential informant" of his gang membership.

West Virginia Republican congresswoman Riley Moore posted on X Tuesday that he had also traveled to El Salvador to see the prison where immigrants deported by the Trump administration are being held.

He declared himself supportive of Trump's actions, however.

Van Hollen's fellow Democratic Senator Cory Booker, of New Jersey, is also mulling a trip to the country but has not yet made an announcement on timing and his didn't immediately respond to a request for comment.

Two Democrats in the House of Representatives -- Maxwell Alejandro Frost of Florida and Robert Garcia of California -- are also planning to visit, according to US media.
17 April 2025 08:30 (UTC+04:00)

Akbar Novruz Read more

The South Caucasus is once again at the center of geopolitical attention, this time due to EU High Commissioner Ursula von der Leyens remarks in Samarkand outlining the EUs vision for connectivity in the East-West direction. Von der Leyen highlighted the importance of routes that would involve the opening of the Armenia-Azerbaijan and Armenia-Turkiye borders. This was quickly seized upon in Yerevan as a sign that Armenia could become the EUs preferred regional partnerdespite structural, geographic, and political limitations.

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17 April 2025 17:14 (UTC+04:00)

Akbar Novruz Read more

Azerbaijan and China are on the verge of launching a new era in their bilateral relations, with an agreement on mutual visa-free travel expected to be signed during President Ilham Aliyevs upcoming visit to China. The announcement, made during the 10th meeting of the Azerbaijan-China Intergovernmental Commission on Trade and Economic Cooperation held in Baku, reflects the deepening strategic partnership between the two countries.

The agreement, once finalized, will further accelerate the momentum in people-to-people contacts, tourism, and business cooperation. As highlighted by both sides, this step will not only facilitate travel but also foster stronger cultural understanding and support growing economic links. The upcoming visa-free regime marks a continuation of President Aliyevs earlier commitment, expressed in an interview with CGTN, where he emphasized, Chinese citizens do not need now even to apply for an electronic visa. Hopefully, Azerbaijani citizens will also soon have this opportunity. This will definitely increase people-to-people contact, and public diplomacy will play its role.

Strategic diplomacy meets rising tourism

The diplomatic signal was reinforced during the credential presentation ceremony of Lu Mei, the newly appointed Chinese Ambassador to Azerbaijan, on April 17. President Ilham Aliyev underscored the strategic partnership between the two countries and reaffirmed Azerbaijans unwavering support for the One China policy. Ambassador Lu Mei, in turn, conveyed President Xi Jinpings greetings and reiterated Chinas firm support for Azerbaijans territorial integrity and sovereignty. She pledged to strengthen the already close ties through enhanced cooperation across all sectors.

Tourism has emerged as a particularly promising area in Azerbaijan-China relations. For example Urumqi is crucial for entrepreneurs and traders between the two countries, and there was significant interest in it during the period of Azerbaijani independence. Perhaps this city also serves as China's starting point in the Middle Corridor project, especially when viewed from the western part of the line, which also encompasses Azerbaijan's perspective.

Currently, the mutual interest in expanding tourism flows is backed by strong numbers. In 2024 alone, 44,798 Chinese tourists visited Azerbaijan, double the figure from the previous year. This upward trend continued into 2025, with over 2,600 Chinese visitors arriving in January, representing an 11% year-on-year increase. On the other side, 10,602 Azerbaijani citizens visited China in 2024, reflecting a 91% rise from 2023. Although business travel remains dominant, leisure travel from both countries is growing steadily.

Economic synergy and investment surge

Beyond tourism, China and Azerbaijan are strengthening their economic foundations. Trade turnover between the two nations reached $3.7 billion in 2024a 21% increasewhile the first three months of 2025 already saw trade hit $1.02 billion, marking a further 37% rise. China is now Azerbaijans largest trading partner in the South Caucasus.

Investments have also surged. Chinese investments in Azerbaijan have reached $942 million, primarily in industry, oil and gas, petrochemicals, green energy, high technology, and space sectors. Conversely, Azerbaijani investments in China, including those from the State Oil Fund, now total around $2.1 billion.

These developments underscore the strategic alignment of both countries. Azerbaijan has actively promoted its national brand at tourism exhibitions in China, increased the number of direct flights, and opened Trade Houses in Urumqi, Luzhou, and Shanghai. Meanwhile, Chinese companies are becoming increasingly active in Azerbaijans business environment, supported by ongoing cooperation between government institutions, private enterprises, and multilateral platforms.

Azerbaijans geographical position as a transit hub between East and West has significantly boosted its importance to Chinas Belt and Road Initiative. President Aliyev emphasized this during his meeting with Ambassador Lu Mei, noting that Azerbaijan was among the first countries to support the initiative and has since built key infrastructure projectssome still underwayto support regional integration.

Azerbaijan plays a central role in the Middle Corridor, a key alternative route connecting China with Europe. The Baku-Tbilisi-Kars railway, the Alat Free Economic Zone, and the potential opening of the Zangazur Corridor further enhance the region's logistics and trade potential. Improved connectivity is expected to stimulate business tourism, cargo flow, and bilateral investments.

Chinas recognition of Azerbaijans strategic value as a logistics hub, combined with strong diplomatic relations and shared development goals, sets the stage for deeper cooperation in trade, tourism, and transport. As Ambassador Lu Mei pointed out, this growing partnership is built on a foundation laid by National Leader Heydar Aliyev and continues to flourish under President Ilham Aliyevs leadership.

The anticipated signing of a mutual visa-free travel agreement will mark a new milestone in Azerbaijan-China relations. With tourism, trade, and cultural ties on the rise, both nations are investing in a long-term partnership that balances economic opportunity with strategic diplomacy.

As direct flights increase, infrastructure develops, and people-to-people exchanges expand, Azerbaijan is positioning itself as a key destination for Chinese travelerswhile also opening new paths for Azerbaijanis to explore Chinas vast landscape and economic potential.
17 April 2025 12:23 (UTC+04:00)

Nazrin Abdul Read more

Azernews reports, citing the Ministry of Economy, that an exchange of experience and information between the Ministry of Economy and Russias Federal Service for State Registration, Cadastre, and Cartography was discussed.

According to the information, Minister of Economy Mikayil Jabbarov met with a delegation led by Oleg Skufinsky, Head of the Federal Service for State Registration, Cadastre, and Cartography of Russia.

During the meeting, the sides reviewed the progress made in Azerbaijan in the areas of state property management, privatization, efficient land use, and the cadastre and real estate registry systems.

The parties also exchanged views on enhancing cooperation in the economic sphere, sharing expertise and data between institutions, making more effective use of registry and cadastral information, and developing a national spatial infrastructure.
17 April 2025 13:58 (UTC+04:00)

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In the first three months of this year, mutual trade between Azerbaijan and China reached $1.02 billion, marking a 37% increase compared to the same period last year, Azernews reports. This was announced during the 10th meeting of the Azerbaijan-China Intergovernmental Commission for Trade and Economic Cooperation, held in Baku on April 16.

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17 April 2025 13:18 (UTC+04:00)

Nazrin Abdul Read more

The Khojaly vessel, a Handysize-type cargo ship operated by Azerbaijan Caspian Shipping Company CJSC (ASCO), has entered the Indian Ocean for the first time since its commissioning, Azernews reports, citing the ASCO.

In March this year, the vessel loaded 37,000 tons of calcium soda at the Port of Portland, USA. It then crossed the Pacific Ocean and arrived at the Port of Jakarta, Indonesia, where part of the cargo was offloaded. From there, Khojaly passed through the Strait of Malacca between Indonesia and Malaysia, entering the Indian Ocean.

Currently en route to India, the vessel will first offload cargo at the Port of Kattupalli, followed by the Port of Kandla as part of its scheduled route.

Commissioned in May 2024, the Khojaly vessel was introduced to enhance ASCO's cargo transportation capabilities beyond the Caspian Sea and to expand its global operational reach.

The ship has a deadweight capacity of 38,593 tons. It measures 180 meters in length, 30 meters in width, and has a draft of 10.47 meters. Designed for unlimited sailing, it can reach a maximum speed of 15.7 knots.
17 April 2025 13:00 (UTC+04:00)

Laman Ismayilova Read more

Special Representative of the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan in Aghdam, Fuzuli and Khojavand districts Emin Huseynov has addressed the opening of the First Islamic World Cultural Forum in Shusha, Azernews reports.

In his speech, Emin Huseynov touched upon the cultural heritage in Azerbaijan's liberated territories that were subjected to the vandalism.

"After the liberation of the territories of Aghdam, Fuzuli and Khojavand from occupation, it was discovered that a number of cultural heritage sites were subjected to vandalism. The process of restoration and revival of these cultural and historical monuments is currently underway under the leadership of the President of Azerbaijan Republic, Supreme Commander-In-Chief Ilham Aliyev," he said.

Emin Huseynov also underlined that the current reconstruction process covers Aghdam, Khojavand and Fuzuli, and this process is being implemented according to a plan consisting of five stages in total.

"The first stage is master planning and design. We have already prepared master plans for all major cities and regional centers. After the master plans are prepared, we will accurately determine the locations of important facilities located in these areas," he said.

Furthermore, Emin Huseynov provided insight into the demining of the liberated territories.

"Currently, the area cleared of mines in the Agdam, Fuzuli and Khojavend regions is on average 40 percent. In the Agdam region, this clearance is about 50 percent, and in the Fuzuli region, 60 percent. In Khojavand, only a small part of the territory has been cleared of mines. However, the clearance phase will also reach Khojavend, where our historical and cultural sites are located," he stressed.

Shusha, designated as the Azerbaijan's Cultural Capital, is hosting the Islamic World Cultural Forum entitled "Protection and Revival of Cultural Heritage in the Post-Conflict Period."

The forum's opening session features Special Representative of the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan in Aghdam, Fuzuli and Khojavand districts Emin Huseynov, Deputy Culture Ministers Farid Jafarov and Saadat Yusifova and other officials.

The event also welcomes international experts and specialists dedicated to the protection of cultural heritage.

The primary objective of the forum is to safeguard and restore cultural heritage that has been damaged or endangered during the post-conflict phase, while enhancing collaboration among countries in the Islamic world regarding this crucial issue.

The forum features discussions on "Practical Application of International Protection Mechanisms: Case Studies of Cultural Heritage in the Islamic World Post-Conflict."

Participants share insights into successful restoration initiatives from various countries, focusing on legal frameworks and institutional strategies.

Another panel is centered on "Reviving Cultural Heritage: Technology, Innovation, and Digitalization."

This segment is expected to explore how modern technologies, including artificial intelligence and 3D modeling, can enhance the documentation and preservation of cultural heritage.
17 April 2025 12:02 (UTC+04:00)

Laman Ismayilova Read more

Director of the ICESCO Islamic World Heritage Center, Dr. Webber Ndoro has emphasized the vital importance of local community engagement in the success of restoration initiatives, Azernews reports.

He made this statement during the 1st Islamic World Cultural Forum on "Protection and Revival of Cultural Heritage in the Post-Conflict Period" held in Shusha.

Ndoro stressed that involving local communities in restoration efforts is not just beneficial but essential. He argued that locals possess a deep understanding of their own cultural needs and heritage, often surpassing the insights of external experts.

By actively listening to and incorporating the perspectives of these communities, restoration projects can be tailored to truly reflect and honor their cultural identity.

His remarks highlight the need for a collaborative approach in cultural heritage preservation, ensuring that projects resonate with those they aim to serve and benefit.

This community-driven methodology not only fosters a sense of ownership but also enhances the sustainability and effectiveness of restoration efforts.

Shusha, designated as the Azerbaijan's Cultural Capital, is hosting the Islamic World Cultural Forum entitled "Protection and Revival of Cultural Heritage in the Post-Conflict Period."

The forum's opening session features Special Representative of the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan in Aghdam, Fuzuli and Khojavand districts Emin Huseynov, Deputy Culture Ministers Farid Jafarov and Saadat Yusifova and other officials.

The event also welcomes international experts and specialists dedicated to the protection of cultural heritage.

The primary objective of the forum is to safeguard and restore cultural heritage that has been damaged or endangered during the post-conflict phase, while enhancing collaboration among countries in the Islamic world regarding this crucial issue.

The forum features discussions on "Practical Application of International Protection Mechanisms: Case Studies of Cultural Heritage in the Islamic World Post-Conflict."

Participants share insights into successful restoration initiatives from various countries, focusing on legal frameworks and institutional strategies.

Another panel is centered on "Reviving Cultural Heritage: Technology, Innovation, and Digitalization."

This segment is expected to explore how modern technologies, including artificial intelligence and 3D modeling, can enhance the documentation and preservation of cultural heritage.
17 April 2025 17:56 (UTC+04:00)

Laman Ismayilova Read more

Shusha is known for its beautiful mosques and historical buildings that represent the artistic and spiritual legacy of the Islamic world.

The Yukhari Govhar Agha Mosque and the Ashaghi Govhar Agha Mosque are two standout examples of Eastern architecture that reflect Shusha's rich religious history.

The centuries-old city has hosted the First Islamic World Cultural Forum themed "Protection and Revival of Cultural Heritage in the Post-Conflict Period", Azernews reports.

The selection of Shusha also reflects the city's important role as a cultural crossroads, where history and modernity converge, creating a unique environment for discussions about the future of culture in the Islamic world.

The forum aimed to protect and restore cultural heritage that has been compromised during the aftermath of conflict, while enhancing collaboration among Islamic nations on this vital subject.

The event included discussions on "Practical Application of International Protection Mechanisms: Case Studies of Cultural Heritage in the Islamic World Post-Conflict."

Participants among which were also foreign experts, share insights on successful restoration efforts from various countries, emphasizing legal frameworks and institutional strategies.

Another panel was centered on "Reviving Cultural Heritage: Technology, Innovation, and Digitalization."

This panel focused on the role of technology, innovation, and digitalization in reviving cultural heritage, exploring how modern advancements like artificial intelligence and 3D modeling can improve documentation and preservation efforts.

Special Representative of the President of Azerbaijan for the Aghdam, Fuzuli, and Khojavand districts Emin Huseynov, along with Deputy Culture Ministers Farid Jafarov and Saadat Yusifova, Director of the ICESCO Islamic World Heritage Center Webber Ndoro, were among the officials present at the opening session.

Special Representative of the President of Azerbaijan for the Aghdam, Fuzuli, and Khojavand districts Emin Huseynov spoke about the damage done to cultural heritage in the areas liberated from occupation. He noted that after regaining control of Aghdam, Fuzuli, and Khojavand, many cultural sites were found to have been vandalized. Restoration efforts for these important historical monuments are currently underway, led by President Ilham Aliyev.

Huseynov explained that the reconstruction process is structured in five phases, focusing on Aghdam, Khojavand, and Fuzuli. The first phase involves creating master plans. These plans for major cities and regional centers are already ready, which will help identify key facilities in those areas.

He also discussed the ongoing demining efforts in the liberated regions. On average, around 40 percent of the land has been cleared of mines, with approximately 50% in Aghdam and 60 percent in Fuzuli. In Khojavand, only a small portion has been cleared so far. However, efforts to clear mines will continue in Khojavand, where many historical and cultural sites are located.

Deputy Culture Minister Saadet Yusifova noted that Azerbaijan has been directly affected by the destructive consequences of armed conflict on its cultural heritage. In this regard, the current forum serves as a call to action.

She stressed that the forum concentrates on practical strategies aimed at safeguarding the rich and diverse cultural heritage that is endangered in conflict zones, fostering collaboration, and emphasizing the significance of partnerships within the Islamic world.

Deputy Culture Minister pointed out that the gathered representatives of the Islamic world will have the opportunity to evaluate the extent of damage caused to cultural heritage during conflicts, enhance protective measures for cultural sites impacted by war, and ensure the preservation of history, art, and identity for future generations.

She also mentioned that discussions at the forum include sharing best practices in the protection, restoration, and revitalization of cultural heritage, promoting more robust legal frameworks concerning heritage protection in conflict contexts, and formulating sustainable strategies for future generations.

Webber Ndoro, the Director of the ICESCO Islamic World Heritage Center, stressed the importance of involving local voices in cultural preservation efforts.

He stated that community members possess a deeper understanding of their cultural needs compared to outside experts, making their input invaluable in the process.

Abdulhakeem Fahad Alsenan, the Director of the ICESCO Regional Office, said that First Islamic World Cultural Forum in Shusha provides a significant opportunity to initiate new projects aimed at bolstering Islamic culture while promoting peace, creativity, and development.

He emphasized ICESCO's commitment to supporting cultural initiatives that foster unity and extend his gratitude to the Azerbaijani government for hosting the Forum at such a high standard.

After the speeches, the forum continued its work with panel sessions.

First Islamic World Cultural Forum in Shusha serves as a significant platform for addressing the critical issue of cultural heritage restoration in post-conflict regions.

The discussions held in Shusha will undoubtedly contribute to the development of strategies that ensure the safeguarding of cultural heritage for generations to come.
17 April 2025 16:41 (UTC+04:00)

Laman Ismayilova Read more

The Rashid Behbudov State Song Theater will host Arts Olimpia 2025 on May 3-4, Azernews reports. The event is jointly implemented by the Azerbaijan Youth Union and the Azerbaijan Dance Association.

The competition will be held among various age categories in the following types of art: dance, classical instruments, folk musical instruments, vocals, theater, artistic reading, fashion design and fine arts. The winners will be determined based on the results of the evaluation based on the established criteria. The jury includes Honored Artists and People's Artists of Azerbaijan.

"Registration for the competition was opened on April 8, and applications have already been received from cultural centers and music schools in Baku, as well as from regions such as Yevlakh, Shaki, Agdash and others. The main goal of our competition is to organize useful leisure for young people and create conditions for revealing their talents. We are confident that our support will contribute to the development of young people, the formation of healthy competition, self-confidence and socialization," the statement says.

The registration deadline is April 29, 2025 at 18:00.

We ask all participants to familiarize themselves with the conditions set out in the competition regulations, and then fill out an application and send it to the e-mail specified in the form ([email protected]).

If you also want to become a winner of our competition, hurry to register!

You can get the competition regulations, application form, additional information and answers to possible questions by calling 050-250-22-93.

Media partners of the event are Azernews.Az, Trend.Az, Day.Az and Milli.Az.
17 April 2025 17:25 (UTC+04:00)

Laman Ismayilova Read more

The official closing ceremony for the "Shusha  Cultural Capital of the Islamic World 2024" has taken place in the city of Shusha, a significant center of Azerbaijan's cultural heritage, Azernews reports.

The event was attended by dignitaries, international experts, media representatives, and numerous guests.

In a video message delivered at the ceremony, Salim bin Mohammed Al-Malik, ICESCO Director-General, highlighted that the collaboration between Azerbaijan and ICESCO this year has set a benchmark of excellence for the Islamic world.

He remarked, "We witnessed fruitful meetings of the Islamic World Heritage Committee, dedicated to safeguarding the treasures of our shared history. The city of Shusha came alive with inspiring art festivals, sacred music events, engaging scientific dialogues, and spiritual gatherings."

ICESCO Director-General expressed profound gratitude to President of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev for his unparalleled dedication to national identity, cultural integrity, and historical justice, which played a pivotal role in these achievements.

Special Representative of the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan in Shusha Aydin Karimov, provided insights into the extensive reconstruction and restoration efforts underway, noting that around 1,400 residents now live in Shusha.

He emphasized that the rapid restoration of significant sites such as the Ashagi Govhar Agha Mosque and the Chol Gala Mosque, and mentioned the opening of the restored house-museum of the renowned composer Uzeyir Hajibayli.

Deputy Culture Minister Farid Jafarov underlined Azerbaijan's deep appreciation for ICESCO's expertise in restoration during post-conflict periods.

He affirmed that the partnership with ICESCO empowers Azerbaijan with both the confidence and resources necessary to preserve and rejuvenate its cultural heritage for future generations.

"Our collaboration with ICESCO goes beyond individual events; it aims for sustainable, long-term initiatives. The establishment of an ICESCO regional office in Baku is a significant advancement toward fulfilling the organization's mission in our region," he articulated.

Jafarov also noted that the successful conclusion of "Shusha 2024" reaffirms Azerbaijan's commitment to bolstering cultural exchanges and friendly relations.

The ceremony culminated in a vibrant concert featuring traditional national dances, mugham performances, and a variety of musical pieces.

It is also noteworthy that during the 12th Conference of the Ministers of Culture of the Islamic World, held in Doha on September 25, 2023, Shusha was officially designated as the Cultural Capital of the Islamic World for 2024, further solidifying its cultural significance in the region.
Scientists have filmed a Colossal Squid in its natural habitat for the first time ever, leaving researchers both stunned and excited.

The footage, captured in the depths of the South Atlantic Ocean, offers an unprecedented glimpse into the life of one of the ocean's most mysterious creatures.

The Colossal Squid, known for its sheer size and elusive nature, has long held an almost mythological status. While not a creature of fantasy, it shares a lineage with the legendary Kraken, sparking imaginations for generations. Despite its fearsome reputation, the specimen captured on film was a juvenile, measuring just 11.8 inches in length.

Nonetheless, scientists estimate that the Colossal Squid can grow up to 23 feet long and weigh as much as 1,100 pounds, making it the largest invertebrate on Earth.

Discovered over a century ago, the Colossal Squid has remained virtually unseen due to the extreme depths and remote areas it inhabits.

The newly captured footage comes from a 35-day expedition in March, led by Dr Michelle Taylor of the University of Essex, who guided a team of researchers exploring uncharted marine environments near the South Sandwich Islands, some 1,968 feet beneath the ocean's surface.

The squid was spotted via a remote-controlled sea probe in a region so isolated that the nearest humans to the scientists were aboard the International Space Station. Dr Taylor described the moment as remarkable, stating the animal was "beautiful and unusual."

Confirmation of the sighting came from Dr Kat Bolstad, who noted that until now, encounters with the species had only occurred through remains found in the stomachs of whales and seabirds.

"It's exciting to see the first in situ footage of a juvenile colossal and humbling to think that they have no idea that humans exist," she said.

Previously, any sightings of the species had been limited to dying adults, with none observed alive at such depth. The Colossal Squid continues to straddle the line between legend and science, with its elusive presence feeding speculation of epic deep-sea battles with whalesechoes of ancient sailor tales about the Kraken.

Although much remains unknown about the Colossal Squid's life cycle, researchers have observed that juveniles lose their transparency as they mature. Notably, the species is armed with rotating hooks on its tentacles, adding to its formidable reputation.

As research advances, scientists hope to uncover more about this enigmatic creature, including its population numbers and habits. For now, the footage marks a significant leap forward in the understanding of a species once thought to be the stuff of legend.
17 April 2025 16:20 (UTC+04:00)

Akbar Novruz Read more

Today, during the ongoing trial at the Baku Military Court, the accused Arkady Ghukasyan was questioned in connection with documents examined during the previous session, Azernews reports.

Responding to questions from state prosecutors, Ghukasyan admitted that Azerbaijanis were forced to leave Khankendi. He also confirmed that he had met the leaders of the armed groups responsible for crimes against Azerbaijanis: Robert Kocharyan since 1992, Samvel Babayan since 1993, and Murad Petrosyan since 2000.

Asked about the bombing of the bridge over the Khalfalichay River, Ghukasyan said he remembered the incident.

He further confirmed that individuals from Armenia had come to Azerbaijani territories, including Khankendi, during the 1990s, but claimed he had no knowledge regarding the origin of the weapons brought in at the time.

It should be noted that the trial of Armenian citizens accused of crimes against peace and humanity, war crimes, genocide, aggression, and terrorismas well as the forcible seizure and retention of poweris ongoing in connection with Armenias military aggression against Azerbaijan.
17 April 2025 10:00 (UTC+04:00)

Bilateral Consular Consultations Held Between the Foreign Ministries of Azerbaijan and Iran in Tehran

Bilateral consular consultations between the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Azerbaijan and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Islamic Republic of Iran were held in Tehran, Azernews reports, citing Azerbaijan's Foreign Ministry's release.

The Azerbaijani delegation was led by Emil Safarov, Head of the Consular Department of Azerbaijans Ministry of Foreign Affairs, while the Iranian delegation was headed by Mojtaba Shasti Karimi, Director General at Irans Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

The event was also attended by staff from the Azerbaijani Embassy in Iran and the Consulate General in Tabriz, officials from both countries foreign ministries, as well as representatives from the Ministries of Justice and Internal Affairs, the State Migration Service, and the State Border Service of both Azerbaijan and Iran.

During the consultations, the current state and prospects for the development of consular cooperation between the two countries were discussed.

The sides exchanged views on the protection of the rights and legitimate interests of citizens, providing them with prompt and effective consular and legal assistance, and agreed to intensify cooperation to address existing challenges.

They also exchanged views on bilateral cooperation between internal affairs, justice, migration, border, and customs authorities, emphasizing the importance of joint measures to strengthen cooperation in these areas.

Additionally, within the framework of the consultations, the Azerbaijani delegation was received by Irans Deputy Foreign Minister Vahid Jalalzadeh.
17 April 2025 10:23 (UTC+04:00)

Qabil Ashirov Read more

On April 17, the cultural capital of Azerbaijan, Shusha, is hosting the inaugural Islamic World Cultural Forum titled Preservation and Revival of Cultural Heritage in the Post-Conflict Period, Azernews reports.

The opening session brought together international experts and professionals working in the field of cultural heritage preservation.

The forums main objective is to protect and restore cultural heritage sites that have been destroyed or are at risk in post-conflict regions, while also fostering stronger cooperation among countries of the Islamic world in this field.

A key panel will focus on Implementing International Protection Mechanisms in Practice: Examples of Cultural Heritage in the Islamic World During the Post-Conflict Period. Participants will present successful restoration projects, legal frameworks, and institutional approaches from various countries.

Another panel, titled Reviving Cultural Heritage: Technology, Innovation, and Digitalization, will explore how modern technologies, including artificial intelligence and 3D modeling, contribute to the documentation and preservation of cultural sites.
17 April 2025 10:05 (UTC+04:00)

On April 17, President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev received the credentials of Lu Mei, the newly appointed Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the People's Republic of China, Azernews reports.

The ambassador presented her credentials to the head of state.

President Ilham Aliyev engaged in a conversation with the ambassador.

The President emphasized that Azerbaijan-China relations are of a strategic partnership nature. The Azerbaijani leader fondly recalled his meeting with Xi Jinping, President of the People's Republic of China, last year and the adoption of the joint declaration on a strategic partnership between the two countries.

President Ilham Aliyev highlighted the broad scope of cooperation between Azerbaijan and China, covering political, economic, trade, transport, energy, industry, investment, security, cultural, humanitarian, and other areas. The head of state also pointed out the successful collaboration between the two countries within international organizations, emphasizing mutual support.

The President reaffirmed Azerbaijan's unwavering support for the One China policy.

Referring to the Belt and Road Initiative, the President stated that it is a project that connects countries across a wide geography and promotes cooperation. The head of state noted that Azerbaijan was among the first countries to support Chinas initiative.

President Ilham Aliyev underlined that Azerbaijan has created all necessary infrastructure projects, with some still in the implementation phase, and noted significant opportunities for cooperation between the two countries in the development of the Middle Corridor.

Ambassador Lu Mei conveyed the greetings of Chinese President Xi Jinping to the Azerbaijani leader.

President Ilham Aliyev expressed his gratitude for the greetings and asked the ambassador to extend his regards to the Chinese President.

Ambassador Lu Mei expressed China's support for Azerbaijans successful development under the leadership of President Ilham Aliyev. She affirmed that China consistently supports Azerbaijans territorial integrity and sovereignty. The ambassador also emphasized that the relationship between the two countries is characterized by friendship and strategic partnership, and assured that she would spare no effort to further develop these ties.

Ambassador Lu Mei also acknowledged the significant role of National Leader Heydar Aliyev in the development of China-Azerbaijan relations, stating that Azerbaijan's successful development today is built upon the rich legacy of the National Leader.
17 April 2025 15:00 (UTC+04:00)

Qabil Ashirov Read more

Azerbaijan and Slovenia have already reached preliminary agreements between their respective companies, signaling a new chapter of economic cooperation between the two nations, Azernews reports, citing Azerbaijani Foreign Minister Jeyhun Bayramov, as he said during a joint press conference with Slovenian Foreign Minister Tanja Fajon, who is currently on an official visit to Baku.

Bayramov added that they believe there are significant opportunities for Slovenian companies to participate in reconstruction and development projects in the Karabakh and Eastern Zangazur regions.

He emphasized that the Slovenian delegation was thoroughly briefed on the large-scale reconstruction and restoration efforts underway in the liberated territories of Azerbaijan.

"A business forum involving Azerbaijani and Slovenian companies will be held today," Bayramov added.

"Notably, Azerbaijani natural gas is already being supplied to Slovenia. As part of todays forum, discussions will be held on specific projects. Some companies have already reached preliminary agreements."

The developments mark a strengthening of bilateral ties, particularly in post-conflict reconstruction, energy cooperation, and private sector collaboration.
17 April 2025 16:32 (UTC+04:00)

Nazrin Abdul Read more

One of the key areas in the Azerbaijan-Armenia negotiations is the delimitation and demarcation of state borders, as well as the work of the respective state commissions, said Azerbaijans Minister of Foreign Affairs Jeyhun Bayramov during a joint press conference with Tanja Fajon, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign and European Affairs of Slovenia, Azernews reports.

The minister noted that significant progress has been achieved in this regard through intensive contacts with Armenia in recent years. He described 2024 as a landmark year: For the first time, an agreement has been reached as a result of negotiations. Four villages in Azerbaijans Gazakh district, which had remained under Armenian occupation since the early 1990s, have been returned. Contacts between the two countries state commissions are ongoing and are expected to continue in the coming months. Overall, Azerbaijan remains optimistic about the process.

Minister Bayramov also underscored the importance of restoring communications between Azerbaijan and Armenia: Ensuring unimpeded passage between Azerbaijans Western regions and the Nakhchivan Autonomous Republic has long been on the negotiations agenda. Unfortunately, no concrete progress has been made on this front. Azerbaijan is ready to move forward, but Armenia has yet to fulfill its obligations under the agreement. Restoring communication between Azerbaijans Western regions and Nakhchivan, along with unblocking regional communication lines, is of great importance to us.
17 April 2025 09:00 (UTC+04:00)

By Alimat Aliyeva

Business representatives from Chinas Zhejiang province have shown interest in leveraging Kazakhstans infrastructure within the framework of the Trans-Caspian International Transport Route (TMTM), also known as the Middle Corridor, Azernews reports.

According to the press service, the delegation is considering the Aqmola industrial zone  a site of national importance in Kazakhstan  as a potential location for setting up production facilities.

In addition to infrastructure cooperation, discussions are underway regarding joint projects in e-commerce and logistics, reflecting growing interest in digital trade along the route.

Zhejiang is one of China's most economically dynamic provinces, with its capital in Hangzhou  home to global tech giants like Alibaba and DingTalk. The region leads the country in the number of large private enterprises with a strong record of foreign investment.

The Middle Corridor connects China with Europe via Kazakhstan, the Caspian Sea, Azerbaijan, Georgia, and Turkiye, offering an alternative trade route that bypasses Russia. In 2023, Azerbaijan, Georgia, and Kazakhstan signed an agreement to establish Middle Corridor Multimodal Ltd., a joint railway company to enhance the efficiency and coordination of freight transit along the route.

Cargo volume along the TMTM surged by 62% in 2024, reaching 4.5 million tons. In 2025, volumes are projected to rise to 5.2 million tons, with 4.2 million tons passing through TMTM member countries. This includes 2.5 million tons of dry cargo (equivalent to 96,000 TEU) and 1.7 million tons of oil. By 2027, the routes capacity could reach 10 million tons, underscoring its growing strategic importance.

The Middle Corridor is not only a vital trade link  it's also a geopolitical game-changer. As global supply chains shift, the route is gaining significance as a secure and efficient alternative for Eurasian connectivity.
17 April 2025 19:56 (UTC+04:00)

The Antalya Diplomacy Forum, organized under the auspices of President Tayyip Erdogan and hosted by Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan on April 1113, became the heart of diplomacy. President Erdogan and Foreign Minister Fidan carried out intense diplomatic activity with their many meetings.

Hosting over 6,000 people, including 21 heads of state and government, 64 ministers from 155 countries, the forum saw Erdogan meet with 14 heads of state and government and 1 autonomous government leader. Organized to embrace diplomacy in a fragmented world, the forum saw Erdogan meet with the presidents of Azerbaijan, Montenegro, Kosovo, Syria, Sierra Leone, Somalia, and Sudan, as well as the prime ministers of Bulgaria, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Georgia, Palestine, Qatar, Libya, and Hungary, and the president of the Kurdish Regional Government in Iraq.

President Erdogan opens Antalya Forum with President Aliyev

Erdogan, who first met with Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev, held his final meeting with Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mahmoud. Erdogans meetings with Syrian President Ahmed Shara and Palestinian Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs and Palestinians Living Abroad, Mohammed Mustafa, were the most notable. All critical issues were discussed in these meetings.

Erdogan shared Turkiye's messages and expectations on issues such as ending Israel's attacks on Gaza, developments in Syria, the fight against terrorism, and establishing lasting peace in Ukraine.

Foreign Minister Fidan also met with many of his counterparts. Fidan's most important meeting was with Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov. The meeting discussed cooperation in the field of energy, issues related to the safety of navigation in the Black Sea, and efforts to achieve a ceasefire in the Russia-Ukraine War.

Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan spoke to his US counterpart Marco Rubio on the phone yesterday. During the meeting, bilateral relations were discussed, as were developments in Syria and the humanitarian situation in Gaza. Efforts to establish a ceasefire in the Russia-Ukraine War were also evaluated. Meanwhile, Fidan met with Foreign Affairs Advisor Hossain of the Bangladeshi Interim Government in Ankara.

The Presidency's Directorate of Communications has compiled President Tayyip Erdogan's Antalya Diplomacy Forum (ADF) opening speech into a book. In a statement on his social media account, the Presidency's Director of Communications, Fahrettin Altun, drew attention to the fact that more than 6,000 people attended the ADF this year, including 21 heads of state and government from 155 countries, 64 ministers, and nearly 1,000 members of the press from 46 countries. Emphasizing that President Erdogans messages to the entire world within the scope of the ADF and his calls to the international community to take action against the oppressions taking place all around the world, especially in Gaza, are extremely important, Altun noted the following: We have compiled the messages our President gave to the entire world within the scope of the Forum and his calls to the international community to take action against the oppressions taking place all around the world, especially in Gaza, into a book. This work also clearly reveals the path that must be followed to establish peace, justice, and tranquility in the world. I hope that this work, which records the address reflecting the global vision of our President, will be beneficial so that it can guide future generations.

AK Party Istanbul MP Serkan Bayram has submitted a bill to declare March 21st as the Novruz Day Holiday. Bayram stated that President Tayyip Erdogan touched on this issue during this years Novruz celebrations during a press conference he held in Parliament. Bayram said, It is everyones wish that this day be declared an official holiday, a religious holiday, both in terms of our peoples expectations and for a climate of peace to prevail in our country and the world. I expect support from all our parties, and I expect support from all our MPs. Stating that he submitted the Bill of Law on Amendments to the Law on National Holidays and General Holidays to the Presidency of Parliament, Bayram stated that the phrase March 21st Novruz Day Holiday will be added to the law.
17 April 2025 23:55 (UTC+04:00)

Somalias Minister of Ports and Maritime Transport, Abdulkadir Muhammed Nur, who attended the Antalya Diplomacy Forum (ADF) held at the NEST Congress Center in the Belek Tourism Region, where Anadolu Agency (AA) is the Global Communications Partner, made a written statement to an AA correspondent.

Stating that we are going through a period of international rupture, global norms are weakening, and multilateral organizations are being approached with suspicion, Nur said:

Conflict, climate change, food insecurity, and inequality no longer recognize borders. These are now global problems that require shared responsibility.

Nur underlined that the Antalya Diplomacy Forum stands out as a timely and inspiring platform to reimagine diplomacy in a fragmented world. He stressed that the ADF, under the leadership of President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, not only offers a platform for dialogue but also demonstrates a renewed commitment to inclusive, humane, and forward-looking multilateralism.

Underlining that the participation of Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud in the 4th ADF reflects Somalia's deep commitment to this vision, Nur noted:

It also demonstrates the strength of Somali-Turkish relations, which are based on shared values, mutual trust, and a determination to build resilient and peaceful societies. The personal closeness and strategic harmony between our two presidents have laid the foundation for a partnership that encompasses not only the two countries but a much broader area. This partnership offers a model of cooperation built on the foundations of honor, solidarity, and development.

Nur said that the theme of this years ADF, Embracing Diplomacy in a Divided World, aligns with Somalias journey and that his country has learned that sustainable peace can be built through dialogue after decades of conflict and hardship.

Somalia knows the power of diplomacy well. Thanks to partners like Turkiye, we have experienced firsthand what it means to be heard, supported, and empowered.

Pointing out that the ADF brings together world leaders, as well as youth, academics, civil society, and businesspeople, Nur shared that Somalia is determined to contribute to the evolving global dialogue to shape a "more just world order."

The Turkiye-Somalia relationship stands out as one of the most enduring and exemplary partnerships on the African continent, Nur said, adding that this partnership is based on historical closeness, reinforced by trust, and shaped by a common vision for peace, prosperity, and regional leadership.

Nur stated that since President Recep Tayyip Erdogans groundbreaking visit to Somalias capital Mogadishu in 2011, relations have evolved beyond humanitarian aid into a comprehensive partnership encompassing state-building, security, economic resilience, and infrastructural transformation. The essence of this partnership is not dependence but mutual respect and belief in shared sovereignty. He stressed that the Framework Agreement on Defense and Economic Cooperation , signed between the two countries on February 8, 2024, covers joint work in the areas of maritime security, counter-terrorism, and national defense capacity building.

Nur noted that the signing of agreements for offshore oil exploration and onshore hydrocarbon exploration between the two countries to unlock Somalia's vast natural resource potential represented an important turning point on the path to energy independence for his country. He also highlighted Turkiye's role as a reliable partner and strategic investor in this process.

Nur said that these agreements are not only economic contracts but also documents of intent that reflect the two nations' ability to transform the future by being connected through brotherly bonds. He added:

As Turkiye and Somalia, we are not just allies. We are co-authors of a future shaped by trust, determination, and common power.

Nur said he sees Turkiye's contributions to Somalia's port infrastructure, maritime vocational training, and institutional development as "pillars of a broader vision." He added that this vision aims to transform Somalia into a logistics and trade gateway for East Africa and the wider Indian Ocean region.

Pointing out that maritime ties between Turks and Somalis have existed since the Ottoman Empire and that this reflects a common past, Nur said:

Somalia's geostrategic location at the crossroads of global trade routes makes our ports not only national assets but also vital international connections. Turkiye's continued support for the modernization of these transit points has allowed us to reimagine what is possible for our economy, our regional role, and our people.
17 April 2025 20:19 (UTC+04:00)

The European Commission (EC) has unexpectedly banned the use of AI-powered virtual assistants during online meetings, despite the growing popularity of such tools among entrepreneurs, businesses, and consumers, Azernews reports.

According to Politico, a slide now appears on participants' screens before EC-hosted meetings with the warning: The use of AI agents is not allowed. The Commission confirmed that this rule was introduced for the first time last week, but declined to provide further details about the rationale behind the decision.

This move has raised eyebrows in tech and policy circles, as Brussels has otherwise been positioning itself as a leader in preparing for the integration of AI into daily life and business operations. In fact, AI agents were explicitly mentioned in a broader EC policy package on virtual and augmented reality published on March 31, signaling future use cases for AI in digital environments.

While the Commission hasnt officially stated the reason, experts speculate the decision may be linked to data privacy, security, or transparency concerns. Virtual assistants  especially those capable of recording, transcribing, or even summarizing conversations  may pose challenges under GDPR and upcoming EU AI Act regulations, especially when deployed without clear disclosure or consent.

Ironically, the ECs own AI strategy encourages the development of trustworthy AI, and many of the same tools now being restricted were recently featured in EU-funded innovation projects and startups.

As the AI Act  the worlds first comprehensive regulation of artificial intelligence  nears full implementation, this move could signal the Commissions desire to set a conservative, risk-averse example for how AI should be introduced into sensitive professional contexts.

Still, critics argue that a blanket ban may send mixed messages and stifle innovation in the very area the EU seeks to lead.
China's ratification of Agreement on Port State Measures significant step in fighting illegal fishing

Xinhua) 09:56, April 17, 2025

A press conference is held by the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs in Beijing, capital of China, April 16, 2025. China's ratification of the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization's Agreement on Port State Measures marks a significant step forward in the country's ongoing efforts to combat illegal fishing and protect marine fishery resources, according to the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs on Wednesday. (Xinhua/Chen Yehua)

BEIJING, April 16 (Xinhua) -- China's ratification of the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization's Agreement on Port State Measures marks a significant step forward in the country's ongoing efforts to combat illegal fishing and protect marine fishery resources, according to the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs on Wednesday.

"Joining the agreement means China will assume greater international responsibilities in fisheries management," Liu Xinzhong, an official with the ministry, told a press conference.

The ratification of the agreement, the first binding international agreement to specifically target illegal, unreported and unregulated fishing, takes effect on Wednesday.

Liu noted that joining the agreement enables China to deepen its involvement in global fisheries governance, strengthen efforts to combat illegal fishing, protect marine fishery resources, and elevate port management standards.

This move will help advance the modernization of the fisheries industry, and boost high-level opening-up, Liu added.

(Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Liang Jun)
Former beauty queen turned politician Daniela Miruvska is under arrest in Mexico City, confirmed the authorities. Miruvska, a member of Mexico's ruling Morena party, is facing charges of property usurpation and theft regarding a 2022 property dispute.

The dispute, which allegedly took place in the Fuentes de Satelite neighborhood of Mexico City, involves a property that Miruvska had granted to another person under a lifetime usufruct agreement, which means that while she keeps the ownership of the place, the person can use it and benefit from it freely forever.

According to the plaintiff, the problems started when Miruvska and another individual claimed ownership and called the police, accusing workers the person who has not been identified had hired to work in the house of trespassing.

The very next day, Miruvska reportedly returned with a locksmith and local police, evicted the people inside, and took control of the house.

Months later, during a May 2024 court hearing, the plaintiff reported that numerous valuable items had vanished from the home, including spa equipment, clothing, jewelry, laptops, official documents, and roughly 250,000 pesos in cash, equivalent to about $15,000 USD.

This prompted the State of Mexico Attorney General's Office to launch a formal investigation, and a judge signed an arrest warrant, executed on April 15, 2025.

Miruvska rose to local fame after winning the 'Senorita Estado de Mexico' beauty pageant in 2016. By 2019, she was named director of the Municipal Women's Institute in Atizapan, although she resigned from the post within months.

In 2024, she registered as a local congressional candidate in Mexico State's District 26 under Morena, the party of President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador. Miruvska is also known in social circles as the former partner of Carlos Roman Marin, a public figure in the region.

As of now, Morena has not issued a statement regarding Miruvska's legal troubles or her status within the party. Her arrest comes at a time when Mexico is under increased scrutiny over political corruption and impunity, particularly among lower-level public officials and political candidates.

Originally published on Latin Times
17 April 2025 22:20 (UTC+04:00)

By Alimat Aliyeva

South Korea announced on Thursday that it had successfully tested a new radar system capable of detecting drones from several kilometers away, marking a significant step forward in its defense capabilities, Azernews reports.

The Agency for Defense Development (ADD) revealed that the test involved AI-powered photonic radar technology, which can identify small, low-flying drones in real-world, open-air conditions. Unlike conventional radar, photonic radar uses light-based signal processing, enabling faster and more accurate detection  even in cluttered environments.

Although the agency did not disclose specific details  such as the exact detection range or the size of the drones involved  due to military confidentiality, officials confirmed the system's effectiveness and potential for deployment.

Since 2022, South Korea has been investing heavily in next-generation radar systems to address growing threats from small and stealthy unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), many of which are too small to be detected by traditional optical or electromagnetic sensors.

This new radar will significantly enhance our early warning capabilities and strengthen military intelligence, the ADD said in a statement.

Unlike traditional radar, which relies on radio waves, photonic radar uses laser-based components to transmit and receive signals. This not only improves precision and range, but also makes the system less vulnerable to jamming or interference  a crucial advantage on modern battlefields.

South Koreas push for advanced radar technologies follows several border incidents involving North Korean drones, including a high-profile 2022 event where multiple UAVs penetrated South Korean airspace, triggering a nationwide security review.

The integration of AI with photonic radar allows the system to learn and adapt in real time, distinguishing between birds, civilian drones, and military threats  a key requirement in densely populated or contested regions.

As drone technology continues to evolve and proliferate, AI-powered surveillance and detection systems like this may become a standard feature of national defense strategies around the world.
Outspoken far left Congresswoman Jasmine Crockett (D-Texas) is the first major target of investigations of the corrupt Democrat fundraising giant ActBlue.. The Federal Elections Commission has opened an investigation of $870,000 Crockett's campaign received through ActBlue in the last election.

The particular focus of the investigation is a 73-year old "donor" who is listed as giving Crockerr's campaign $595 each time on 63 separate occasions. The "donor" and his wife say they did not make the donations and don't know why their name and information would be listed on Crockett's campaign finance report.

In the last campaign, ActBlue has admitted taking Visa gift cards purchased in other countries to receive contributions for Democrats. Foreign citizens are prohibited from donating to American federal political campaigns.

ActBlue has been caught earlier in numerous instances of "smurfing", taking contributions from a hidden person or entity and assigning them in smaller amounts to random people who never knew their names were being used for that purpose. A Republican political consultant in Michigan discovered that his name had been used improperly as the "source" of hundreds of contributions to Democrats through actBlue and is now suing the organization for identity theft.

Multiple state Attorneys General are currently investigating ActBlue for campaign finance violations, as are Congressional committees.

https://amgreatness.com/2025/04/15/rep-jasmine-crockett-faces-fec-investigation-over-suspicious-act-blue-donations/

Meanwhile, a new investigation has uncovered that over $100 million was laundered into US referenda campaigns in 25 states from leftwing foreign millionaires. The laundering was done through the "progressive" dark money group "Sixteen Thirty Fund".

https://www.thegatewaypundit.com/2025/04/new-study-uncovers-100-million-foreign-dark-money/
Here we go again, as yet another crooked highly partisan Obama judge in a lower level federal court issues a nationwide court order to stop President Trump's latest effort to remove the flood of illegal aliens that the lawless Biden regime allowed into the country. This time it is federal district judge Indira Talwani trying to block President Trump's executive order that had countermanded a lawless Biden order that let 530,000 migrants into the country from Venezuela, Haiti, Cuba, and Nicaragua with almost no vetting. The BIden order was in defiance of the procedures for immigration in our immigration laws that were passed by Congress.

While Biden let these migrants in on superficial information on a phone app that was not investigated, all contrary to our immigration laws, this crooked judge is demanding a very thorough hearing for each migrant individually to cancel the status that Biden illegally gave them. It is designed to try to overwhelm the system, a typical leftwing Cloward-Pigot strategy

Where were the courts in stopping Biden from letting all of these freeloaders into our country? They were MIA in that, but now want to fight Trump in reversing Biden's insanity.

https://redstate.com/streiff/2025/04/15/a-judges-order-stopping-the-repatriation-of-illegals-lays-bare-out-two-tiered-justice-system-n2187897

This crooked Obama judge Talwani admitted in her confirmation hearing to have been a volunteer in Obama's campaign and in multiple Democrat senate campaigns, as well as being a prolific Democrat political contributor. She is abusing her office for political purposes and needs to be removed from it.

https://www.breitbart.com/law-and-order/2025/04/15/federal-judge-blocking-trump-from-deporting-bidens-migrants-has-past-ties-to-democrats/

Soros funded groups are behind this lawsuit to protect illegal aliens from deportation.

https://www.breitbart.com/politics/2025/04/15/soros-funded-groups-are-behind-lawsuit-blocking-trump-from-deporting-migrants/

To underscore the fact that these crooked Obama and Biden judges are abusing their offices for partisan politics, a Democrat congresswoman, Laura Friedman (D-CA) has admitted that House Democrats meet weekly with the Democrat lawyers plotting this lawfare against the Trump administration. They judge shop to find the Obama and Biden judges who put politics ahead of the Rule of Law.

https://www.thegatewaypundit.com/2025/04/democrat-rep-laura-friedman-says-quiet-part-loud/
Letitia James, the New York state attorney general who campaigned on a pledge to use the office to "get" President Trump and then misused her office in doing just that with a trumped up civil case in front of a partisan hack judge, has had the tables turned on her. The Federal Housing Fiannce Agency has made a criminal referral against James to the US Department of Justice for mortgage fraud.

The complaint against James centers on a small apartment building she owns in Brooklyn with 5 units. The property has always been rented as five units and has always been shown on city records as a five unit building. However, on several mortgage applications, James lied and listed it as a four unit building in order to get more favorable loan terms than she would have gotten with a 5 unit building. She saved tens of thousands of dollars for herself by lying on those loan applications.

https://www.thegatewaypundit.com/2025/04/breaking-trump-administration-criminally-refers-ny-ag-letitia/

https://nypost.com/2025/04/15/opinion/ny-ag-letitia-james-finds-herself-accused-of-the-very-same-real-estate-shenanigans-she-charged-trump-with/

It seems that Letitia James never heard the old saying that those who live in glass houses should not throw stones.

Another oddity with James' properties is that she has a house she owns in Virginia that she has listed as her "primary residence". How then is she registered to vote in New York and holding public office there?

It will be nice to see this witch modelling an orange jump suit.
Regarding the recent Israel /Iran Conflict (the "12 Day War"), culminating in the United States Air Force employing seven B2 Bombers to complete a 33 hour flight, dropping 14 fifteen ton bunker busting bombs on three Iranian nuclear facilities buried deep under mountain rock, which destroyed Iran's nuclear ambitions against Israel and the United States: Should President Trump have unilaterally made the decision to make such a bold decision to conduct this operation, without first running this prospective operation before the US Congress for their approval?

14.29% No, The War Powers Act prohibitions, which requires NO presidential military action without congressional approval.85.71% Yes, the President has Article 2 Constitutional authority to take unilateral military action to protect the American People, providing he does not break congressional codes, which he did not.0% Don't care, never have.
The Beaufort County School Board was hardly a profile in courage at the meeting in Aurora on the future of Snowden elementary school. While only one failed to show up, all https://nrrc.tu.edu.iq/ of them hid in the crowd. Only Charles Hickman had the courage to stand up and raise any issues over the closing. Ironically, his primary challenger showed up but did not have the backbone to say anything, the second meeting over Snowden in which that had happened.

The architect of the scheme to close Snowden, liberal school superintendent Mathew Cheeseman, spent an hour banging on about why he wanted to close Snowden while the elected school board members hid. It was very clear that the tail is wagging the dog on our school board.

Cheeseman tried to cut off early speakers from making comments, demanding they only ask questions, but finally speakers were able to get comments in, and it was clear that the very large crowd very strongly wants their school saved.

The school board will meet again for another hearing and then vote on Cheeseman's scheme to close Snowden and bus children 30 miles to Chocowinity.
A video clip of President Donald Trump attempting to say his "Make America Great Again" slogan in Spanish has gone viral, drawing both attention and amusement across social media.

The moment took place during an interview with Fox Noticias, the Spanish-language arm of Fox News, which marked Trump's first appearance on the Fox channel focused on Latino audiences.

Host Rachel Campos-Duffy guided the former president through the phrase, offering the translation: "Vamos a hacer America grande otra vez."

Trump responded by skipping the initial words and simply saying "America grande otra vez," with emphatic hand gestures and a pause before the final word. The clip quickly gained traction online, being shared by the White House's rapid response team and the "Trump War Room" account on X, as well as by politicians such as Nelson Albino, committeeman for the National Republic Hispanic Assembly:

Hacer America Grande Otra VezEl presidente #Trump aprendio a decir #MAGA en espanol  pic.twitter.com/cItLVMmfHz  Nelson R. Albino (@NelsonRAlbino) April 15, 2025

Beyond the viral moment, Trump also used the interview to float a potential pathway to legal status for undocumented immigrants who self-deport, suggesting that "great people" could be provided with financial support and return flights and, if backed by employers, might be allowed to reenter legally.

"We're going to give them a stipend, we're going to give them some money and a plane ticket, and then we're going to work with them if they're good," Trump said. "We want our great people to stay."

Notably, the interview aired shortly after Trump's meeting with El Salvadoran President Nayib Bukele, which brought renewed scrutiny to the deportation of over 200 migrants to the country's high-security CECOT prison. Trump called Bukele a "great guy" who has made El Salvador "safe and secure" due to his mass arrests and imprisonment of suspected gang members while noting that "we're using his system and getting rid of criminals from out of the United States allowed to come in by" former President Joe Biden.

EXCLUSIVO  Presidente Trump con Fox Noticias a las 4 PM pic.twitter.com/EDin8iIy6G  Fox Noticias (@FoxNoticiasEnX) April 15, 2025

Originally published on Latin Times
The UK would be in trouble if it was to agree a trade deal with the US at the expense of China, a former spy chief has claimed.

Nigel Inkster, the former deputy head of MI6, issued the warning after White House officials said they believe a trade deal with the UK could be agreed within three weeks, according to the Telegraph.
Six months on from Liam Paynes death at the age of 31, his girlfriend Kate Cassidy has revealed their final conversation, before he fell from a hotel balcony.

Influencer Cassidy, who had been romantically linked to Payne since 2022, had been staying with the One Direction star in Argentina, but flew back to the US before the fatal incident on October 16.
Around 400 children with statements of special education needs are still awaiting a place in an appropriate school, Stormonts Education Minster has confirmed.

The number still waiting for places to be confirmed is less than half of that of this time last year, when hundreds of parents spent all summer waiting to hear where their child would be attending school.

However, an Alliance MLA has described the situation as deeply concerning.

Last year, DUP Education Minister Paul Givan appealed for schools to come forward to help provide SEN places for pupils in a mainstream setting, as he noted how demand is growing .

Early planning assumptions for September 2025 showed that there was a need for circa 1,300 places, the Minister said.

While the EA has worked to increase the majority of this capacity across the school estate, there is an assumed pressure of circa 400 places remaining in advance of the new academic year.

The EA has now commenced a more intensive round of engagements, prior to Easter, with those schools in areas with the greatest demand for capacity to secure the remaining placements in advance of the new academic year.

Education Minister Paul Givan

In January the Minister outlined his Special Educational Needs Reform Agenda, but warned it would be a long term, five year project.

Children with special educational needs, their families and schools have, for too long, felt frustrated by a system that doesnt fully meet their needs, he told MLAs.

The proposals include systemic reforms that will support greater inclusion, identification of need, early intervention, in-school and specialist support, and workforce development to ensure every child gets the help they need.

We know that early intervention works and it is vital that health and education are working together from the earliest stages in a childs life to identify and respond to emerging needs. That is why I am establishing a bespoke regional programme for two to three year olds that will also include support for parents and families.

The need for change is clear and the scale of the challenge is significant.

This programme of reform will require significant and sustained investment. I will continue to make the case to the Executive for appropriate investment in our Education system to deliver on these important reforms.

SEN also featured heavily in the EAs operational plan for 2024/26 as they also said there was critical and imminent need for all schools in Northern Ireland to include provision for children with special educational needs (SEN)

The Ministers agenda for SEN provision also includes the building of eight new special schools across the country within the next decade.

Four of the new schools will be in Belfast and the other four in other parts of the country, with the Education Authority (EA) currently carrying out work to identify where they are needed.

Of more immediate concern are the 400 children who are left waiting for their place for this September  although this appears to be a marked improvement on the past couple of years.

This time last year there were over 1,000 on the waiting list.

And in 2023, the number of unplaced children only came down to 400 by July.

However, Alliance Education spokesperson Michelle Guy MLA said pupils were still being failed by the education system.

Michelle Guy MLA

It is deeply concerning hundreds of children with a statement of special educational needs (SEN) remain without a school place ahead of the forthcoming academic year, she said.

The Education Authority initially stated there was a need for 1,300 places for pupils with SEN. So while progress has been made, it is unacceptable 400 pupils remain without a school place with only months left before the new academic year begins.

Special schools have been under-resourced and over-capacity for too long. This is not a one-off but rather a crisis which occurs year after year. The DUP has been in charge of the Education Department for almost a decade and yet we are still having children and families go through the same scenario, with often devastating consequences, annually.

The Education Minister recently published a SEN reform plan, which has over a hundred high level actions listed, Ms Guy added.

It is crucial we see delivery on all of it. Every child needs education suitable for their circumstances in order to be able to realise their full potential.

Alliance will continue to engage with the Education Authority, the Education Minister and Department to help support the young people affected, and achieve the education they should have by right.

More than 11,000 children are in special education provision, an increase of 70% in the last 10 years, while 8% of pupils have a statement of special educational needs, an increase of 113% since 2004/05.
More than 600 crimes have been recorded at churches and church properties across Northern Ireland since the start of 2022 (Stock image)

More than 600 crimes have been recorded at churches and their properties across Northern Ireland since the start of 2022, according to new figures.

The data was released by the PSNI following a Freedom of Information request by the Countryside Alliance and shows that a total of 605 crimes were reported at church locations between January 2022 and November 2024.

These included incidents of theft, vandalism, assault, and harassment.

The breakdown reveals 243 cases of burglary, robbery, or theft; 257 incidents of criminal damage; and 105 offences involving violence or harassment.

Among the thefts recorded, five cases specifically involved lead being stolen from the roofs of church buildings  three in 2022 and two in 2023. No such incidents were recorded in the first 11 months of 2024.

The vandalism-related offences  grouped under criminal damage  ranged from arson and damage to buildings or vehicles, to other forms of property destruction.

There were 111 incidents in 2022, 81 in 2023, and 65 up to November 2024.

Violence against individuals at church properties also formed a concerning part of the figures. There were 20 incidents of violence with injury, 54 cases of violence without injury, and 31 incidents of harassment.

The Countryside Alliance, which submitted the FoI request, said the figures were particularly saddening as they indicate Northern Ireland is one of the worst affected areas in the UK.

These figures bring into stark relief the devastating fact that many churches and places of worship are being treated as easy targets by criminals, said Mo Metcalf-Fisher, director of external affairs at the Countryside Alliance.

These are supposed to be places of refuge and tranquillity, where people go to worship or seek solace  but all too often they are being subjected to heinous crimes, either in or on their property.

It is particularly saddening to see that Northern Ireland is the one of the worst-affected areas in the entire country.

We cannot allow these precious places, which are often the centre of villages and towns across the country, to go unguarded and be so exposed, she added.

Easy access to protective funding schemes is of the greatest importance, but it is just as vital that members of the public keep an ever-watchful eye on churches and report suspicious behaviour to police.

It is also our hope that there will be further progress on the development of a new aggravated offense relating to the loss or damage of heritage assets, a move some Parliamentarians have already supported.

Irrespective of faith or none, churches are more than just community buildings, they are often part of our centuries-old history and heritage. They must be protected.

According to the Countryside Alliance, in December last year, a burglar stole 6,000 worth of items from Buckna Presbyterian Church in Co Antrim, while just a few months before, a priest was found guilty of stealing 10,000 from his own church, St Colmans Parish Church in Dunmurry.

In 2023, the Church of the Sacred Heart in Cloughoge was targeted by vandals who smashed several windows, causing thousands of pounds worth of damage. The church had only recently been refurbished.

And in 2019, both Sacred Heart Church in Ballyclare and St Marys Church in Limavady were vandalised and desecrated with paint.

Nationally, 179 lead thefts were recorded along with 3,937 thefts, 3,237 incidents of vandalism and criminal damage  including arson  and 1,974 incidents of violence, including sexual assault and assault on an officer.

Some 228 other crimes were recorded, including drug trafficking and crimes against society.
Another PSNI officer has retired while under investigation into the mishandling of the Jonathan Creswell case, bringing the total who have retired up to five.

Police have confirmed the latest retirement, which came just weeks after two other officers did likewise.

They are among a number of officers whose conduct is under scrutiny for how they dealt with Creswell, who came close to getting away with the murder of young showjumper Katie Simpson.

Her death in August 2020 was initially treated as a suicide, despite the PSNI being told of Creswells past convictions.

Creswell claimed he rescued Katie  younger sister of his partner Christina Simpson  from a suicide attempt, before placing her, unresponsive, into her own car and setting off to hospital.

He had in fact strangled Katie then staged a scene, making it appear she had taken her own life.

The PSNI believed Creswells false account, treating the death as suicide for months, despite others coming forward to tell officers about his violent and abusive history.

The full facts of what really happened remain unknown and hopes of establishing them were dashed when Creswell took his own life 24 hours into his murder trial in April last year.

Despite the PSNI being informed about Creswells propensity for violence and abuse, there was a general lack of investigative mindset, according to a later Police Ombudsman probe.

The report criticised the PSNI for assuming Ms Simpsons injuries were self inflicted, despite "multiple reports from members of the public" that she had been the victim of controlling and coercive behaviour by Creswell.

Katie Simpson

Named Operation Gambart, it would be November 2024 before the details were partially made known.

Much remains withheld as three new complaints were submitted after the trial concluded and there is some overlap.

One complaint relates to an officer from the original investigation which the Police Ombudsman has stated may potentially involve criminal misconduct.

Another refers to several officers in the second investigation and centres on failure of duty.

Another, brought by a former victim of Creswell, was initially closed last year but has since been reopened after information disputing both the PSNI position and the Police Ombudsmans original findings emerged.

Last month the PSNI confirmed two officers had retired while under investigation over the new complaints, coupled with two from the original complaint.

Now the number has climbed to five.

PSNI officers become eligible for retirement once they reach a set minimum age or complete the required years of service, in line with the rules of their pension scheme.

However, unlike in England and Wales, PSNI officers under investigation for serious wrongdoing can retire before the probes are completed.

In Northern Ireland, the only circumstance where a PSNI officer or staff member can be prevented from retiring while under investigation is if they are already suspended.

The PSNI was asked how many officers have retired or applied to retire while under investigation and of these how many were or are on sick leave.

They were also asked how many are suspended, have been removed from previous duties or are on sick-leave, since notified of investigation.

A spokesperson has now confirmed that three officers have retired while under investigation for the new complaints, and none have been suspended or repositioned.

The PSNI is yet to provide a response on the remaining enquiries at the time of publishing.
Cllr Dominic Molloy (pictured in January 2024 in Dungannon Park, when he was serving as Council Chairman) is keen to promote responsible dog ownership when it comes to dog fouling. Credit: Mid Ulster District Council

A Mid Ulster councillor has called for the local council to explore the possibility of creating a DNA database for all registered dogs in the district, so that dog fouling could be traced back to individual dogs and their owners.

Speaking at the last Development committee meeting of the local authority, the Sinn Fein representative for Dungannon DEA stated: The issue has been raised numerous times in council around dog fouling.

Ive been contacted by a number of residents in the Moy last week in relation to dog fouling on pavements, and we know across our villages and towns it is an endemic problem.

I heard a report earlier in the week, in relation to Belfast City Council, and someone was suggesting about the possibility of DNA testing, which has been mooted here before as well in relation to dogs.

Whenever dogs are chipped, DNA samples are taken, and then it can relate back to dog fouling as well as it can be tested.

Each council, on its own merit, is not going to put in that kind of testing solely stand-alone, but I think if the 11 councils were to come together and costed [this] as a project, that may be rolled out across all council areas.

Councillor Molloy clarified later on that funding could be sourced from ICBAN (Irish Central Border Area Network) or some other agency, and he explained that DNA testing is already a well-established process in parts of the agri-food sector, to cross-check breeds and enable food traceability.

Committee chair, councillor Kyle Black (DUP, Carntogher DEA), said he was supportive of the proposal.

Thank you for that, councillor Molloy, I think youre right, its one of the topics which is continuously coming up, and probably the same across all councils, so if theres a project that can be looked at to see if its feasible with regard to trying to tackle the issue, said councillor Black.

Anything that can be done to try and do that, I think is worth exploring, so I take your proposal and I think its something thats worth merit, at least looking at to see is it feasible.

Councillor Barry Monteith (Independent, Dungannon DEA) suggested contacting county councils across the border, where the practice is being looked into: I myself raised that previously, [bringing] a private company in, so Im happy enough to second councillor Molloy.

I know Leitrim County Council, and maybe a number of other county councils in the 26 counties, had investigated this previously, so it may be an opportunity to speak to them.
The father of a woman in north Antrim who was critically injured in a road crash died the day after his daughters accident.

A GoFundMe page has been created by Mosside Presbyterian Church to raise funds for the family.

The church also held a prayer vigil for Shelley Feeney, who remains in hospital after the single-vehicle collision in Ballymoney on Monday.

Emergency services attended the scene in the Knockmore Road area shortly after 10.30am and rushed the casualty, who is aged in her 30s, to the Royal Victoria Hospital in Belfast.

A PSNI spokesperson said a child also sustained minor injuries in the crash.

Mosside Presbyterian Church opened its doors on Tuesday evening, inviting residents to pray for Ms Feeney and her family after inviting as many people as we can fit into the church hall to attend.

Rev Andre Alves-Areias said the young womans father James died a day after the crash and thanked the local community for their response to the double tragedy.

The community is obviously shocked and saddened at what has happened to Shelley, and the news that her father passed away the day after is just heart-breaking, he said.

James Feeney

According to a death notice, Mr Feeney died suddenly at the Royal Victoria Hospital on Tuesday.

He has been remembered as the dearly loved husband of the late June as well as the much loved father of Bobby and Shelley and devoted granda of Jake, Sophie, Rowan and Rory, beloved son of Elsie and the late James and dear brother of Brian.

Shelley Feeney

News Catchup - Wednesday 16th April

Mr Feeney will be laid to rest in Mosside Presbyterian Graveyard on Friday afternoon.

Rev Alves-Areias said Shelley is a much-loved and big part of the Mosside community and well known in the area.

The community are really feeling the weight of what has happened, but are rallying round in an amazing way to help support the family, he continued. Even in this time of tragedy, it was heart-warming to see the community come together for Shelley and her family in a time of prayer.

When I started the meeting, almost every seat was taken, with many people standing.

The clergyman urged the community to continue to pray for Ms Feeney and the doctors and nurses taking care of her, and appealed for the privacy of her family to be respected and urged people not to speculate on what happened which is never helpful.

There is a long road ahead for this family and they need all the help and support they can get, Rev Alves-Areias added.

That said, Im confident that the people in Mosside will do that and then some.

The fundraiser web page says Ms Feeney sustained severe injuries and is bravely fighting for her life in intensive care.

It adds: This is an incredibly difficult and worrying time for everyone who knows and loves Shelley, especially for Stephen.

At this critical time Stephen needs to be with her as much as he can. However, being constantly present at the hospital often involves significant unexpected costs  things like travel back and forth, parking, meals, and time off work.

The last thing Stephen should have to worry about right now is the financial strain of being there for Shelley.
The situation is f***ed up, we dont have many options: Inside the bungled 157m cocaine operation onboard the MV Matthew
An invisible radio wave weapon developed in east Belfast can take down a swarm of drones using radio waves for less than the cost of a pack of mince pies.

In the largest trial of its type to date, the Army has tracked, targeted and taken down drone swarms with a Thales system that costs just 10p per shot.

The successful trial of the new directed energy weapon was completed at a range in west Wales in what the Ministry of Defence (MoD) is hailing as the largest counter-drone swarm exercise the Army has conducted to date.

The weapon system demonstrator is a type of Radiofrequency Directed Energy Weapon (RF DEW) and has proven capable of neutralising multiple targets simultaneously with near-instant effect, the MoD said.

The Government has invested more than 40m in RF DEW research and development to date, supporting 135 jobs in Northern Ireland and the South East of England.

Unlike lasers, the RapidDestroyer weapon uses high frequency radio waves to disrupt or damage critical electronic components inside drones, causing them to drop out of the sky or malfunction.

At an estimated cost of 10p per shot fired, if developed into operational service the MoD claims it could provide a cost-effective complement to traditional missile-based air defence systems.

RF DEW systems can defeat airborne targets at ranges of up to 1km and can be used against threats which cannot be jammed using electronic warfare.

Successful experiments included the Army taking down two swarms of drones in a single engagement, and the project saw more than 100 drones being tracked, engaged and defeated using the weapon across all trials.

The MoD has further said the development of RF DEW systems could help to protect the UK from unidentified drones at security sensitive areas such as defence bases, and could play a role in preventing disruption at airports.

When awarded the contract in 2021, Thales said the move could change the face of the future battlefield, a prediction made long before the Russian invasion Ukraine, which has seen both sides rely heavily on drone technology.

Nigel MacVean, Managing Director, Thales IAS, said: Thales has been at the forefront of this pioneering technology for over 40 years and our continued research and development in this sector, along with our partners in Government, paves the way for a strong future in this field.

Defence Minister Maria Eagle said the experiment exemplifies the strength of British innovation  driven by our home-grown industry, technology firms and scientific talent.

She added: We continue to strengthen our defence sector, adding more cutting-edge capabilities to keep the UK secure at home and strong abroad, while making defence an engine for growth across our towns and cities.
The school had been evacuated as a precaution with one parent saying they were terrified

Police at the scene of the incident in Dromore

A woman in her 40s has been arrested after the discovery of two viable pipe bombs close to a nursery in Dromore earlier this month.

Disruption was caused to the local nursery school which was inside the police cordon at the time and was subsequently evacuated as a precaution.

The woman was arrested in north Belfast today on suspicion of possession of explosives in suspicious circumstances during a search by CID and TSG officers an address on North Queen Street, Belfast.

Both devices, which were discovered at premises on Church Street in Dromore on Wednesday 2 April, were subsequently made safe and removed for examination.

The arrested woman was taken to Musgrave police station for questioning, where she remains in police custody.

On the day the pipe bombs were discovered, police had escorted young children out of the nursery building, bringing them down to waiting parents at the roadside.

Police at the scene of the incident in Dromore

Watch: PSNI launch their Operation Lifesaver Campaign

One parent told this newspaper at the time: "I was driving up as normal to collect my son when I noticed the road was blocked by a police car. I just thought it was maybe a car crash, but then I parked up and saw more police cars I started to panic a bit.

"An officer told me I could walk to the nursery, and when I walked up, I saw another police officer with the huge gun and I was honestly terrified.

"Nursery staff and the police were great in helping the kids get out to the parents, and my son didn't really care what was going on - but for me and the other parents it was really scary there.

"Why would there be a security alert here? I just don't understand this.
A 15-year-old boy from Suffolk County, New York, allegedly stabbed his grandmother to death after she suggested that his computer should be taken away.

The dispute began on April 7 when the boy's mother confronted him about missing school. While the boy and his mother were arguing, Grandma suggested taking his computer away as punishment. Prosecutors say that the boy reacted by grabbing a knife and stabbing the woman.

After stabbing the grandmother, the boy turned the knife on the mother and stabbed her as well.

"After being stabbed, the mother fell to the ground and played dead. At that point, the 15-year-old turned back to his grandmother and continued to stab her. The defendant's grandmother died at the scene, and the defendant's mother was taken to a hospital, where she is still recovering from her injuries," prosecutors stated.

The boy has been charged with second-degree murder, second-degree attempted murder, and assault. He faces 15 years to life on the charges. Judge Karen Kerr ordered the defendant be remanded during the pendency of the case.

"This is an exceptionally tragic case that has devastated a family," said District Attorney Raymond A. Tierney. "When a child allegedly turns violent against their own family members, it creates layers of trauma that extend far beyond physical injuries. Our office will pursue justice for the victims of these horrific acts."

Originally published on Lawyer Herald
Sinn Feins health spokesman David Cullinane apologised for the hurt and offence I have caused to the trans community (PA)

Sinn Feins health spokesman has apologised after he praised a UK Supreme Court ruling defining women by their biological sex as a common sense judgement.

On Wednesday evening, David Cullinane had welcomed the judgement by Britains highest court and suggested that it should be fully examined in Ireland. The UK ruling could effectively exclude transgender women from certain equality protections.
The Prime Minister has paid tribute to Christians facing hardship, persecution or conflict around the world who cannot celebrate freely in an Easter message (Ben Whitley/PA)

The Prime Minister has paid tribute to Christians facing hardship, persecution or conflict around the world who cannot celebrate freely in an Easter message.

Sir Keir Starmer also called on the nation to work together for the flourishing and renewal of our country.

According to the 2024 World Watch list, an annual report published by Open Doors, around 365 million Christians are subject to high levels of persecution and discrimination, and in 2023 4,998 Christians were killed for faith-related reasons.

Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer has paid tribute to Christians facing hardship, persecution or conflict around the world who cannot celebrate freely in an Easter message (Jack Taylor/The Times/PA)

In his Easter statement Sir Keir said: As Lent comes to an end and we move into the Easter weekend, I want to wish Christians everywhere remembering the death and celebrating the resurrection of Jesus Christ a very happy Easter.

The story of Easter is central to the Christian faith: it is a story of hope, redemption and renewal.

This Easter, as churches hold special services across the UK, and gather to celebrate with friends and family, we remember those Christians facing hardship, persecution or conflict around the world who cannot celebrate freely.

I also want to thank you for the ways in which you follow Christs example of love and compassion in serving your communities.

Whether through night shelters, youth clubs, toddler groups, family support, care for the elderly or chaplaincy support, and in a multitude of other ways, you demonstrate steadfast commitment and care.

We can all take inspiration from the message of Easter and continue to work together for the flourishing and renewal of our country.
Scottish Conservative leader Russell Findlay has said the SNPs gender policies must now be dropped for good, calling on ministers to address the Scottish Parliament on the issue next week.

Mr Findlay said John Swinney should apologise to the women of Scotland for the bitter divisions caused by the Scottish Governments gender legislation.

Giving a speech in Edinburgh, Mr Findlay also said the current target of Scotland reaching net zero in 2045 is pie in the sky and he suggested it should be ditched in favour of an affordable transition.

He was speaking a day after the Scottish Government lost its Supreme Court battle against For Women Scotland.

Britains top judges ruled on Wednesday the terms woman and sex in the Equality Act 2010 refer to a biological woman and biological sex.

Mr Swinney has said he accepts the ruling and protecting the rights of all will inform the Scottish Governments response.

Russell Findlay said the SNP should drop gender self-ID proposals for good (Jane Barlow/PA)

Supporters in Edinburgh cheered as the Tory leader referred to the court ruling.

Mr Findlay said: Let me send this message to John Swinney and the SNP: Enough is enough.

Drop your divisive policy of gender self-ID for good.

He said the Gender Recognition Reform Bill  which was passed at Holyrood but was halted by the previous UK government  must not return in any form.

Speaking to journalists, Mr Findlay said the Tories will be pressing for a statement on the issue when Holyrood returns from recess next week.

He also said the Government must instruct all public bodies to adhere to the ruling, which he said was decisive and crystal clear.

Discussing climate change, he said the SNPs approach to the issue is dishonest.

He called for investment in new nuclear reactors to replace Torness in East Lothian, which is due to be deactivated in 2030, and that overhead pylons should only be used as a last resort.

Mr Findlay said: Today Im calling for the SNPs so-called just transition to be scrapped in favour of an affordable transition.

If that means ditching the 2045 target, then so be it.

Asked about the recent defection of former Tory MSP Jamie Greene to the Liberal Democrats, Mr Findlay said caring about the environment is fundamentally Conservative, adding: I think people who look at what were saying will see that were the only party being truthful, the only party who are being realistic and credible about the net zero targets.

A Scottish Government spokesperson said: The transition to net zero and our renewables revolution will have huge economic benefits for Scotland, supporting growth and creating jobs.

Climate action will also improve peoples wellbeing, protect us from extreme weather events like wildfires and floods, and create resilient communities.

Friends of the Earth Scotlands head of campaigns Caroline Rance said: A just transition is one where governments actively support workers and communities as we make the necessary move away from oil and gas towards more affordable, reliable and publicly-owned renewable energy.

The idea of just transition came from within the trade union movement.

It is deeply callous for any politician to say we must abandon people who work in these industries and leave their futures up to greedy oil giants who have repeatedly shown their only concern is making bosses and shareholders even richer.

When politicians refuse to intervene or plan for the inevitable transition away from fossil fuels, we will end up with more situations like Grangemouth where a company is given free rein to treat the communities and workforce as collateral damage.
Seema Misra, from Bisley, Campaigner for Subpostmasters, after being made an Officer of the Order of the British Empire (Andrew Matthews/PA)

A former subpostmaster was in tears as she described going from convicted criminal to an OBE but said the fight is still on for justice despite the recognition.

Seema Misra was eight weeks pregnant with her second child when she was sentenced to 15 months imprisonment in 2010.

She has been campaigning for Horizon scandal victims since having a conviction overturned in April 2021, in which she had been accused of stealing 70,000 from her post office in West Byfleet, Surrey.

Reflecting on her journey at an investiture ceremony at Windsor Castle on Wednesday, where she was made an OBE by the Princess Royal, she said: Going to prison, thats like a shameful thing.

Im OK to fight the Post Office day in, day out but its just prison I was still coming to terms with.

The former subpostmaster said she would continue to fight to see real culprits go behind bars for the scandal.

Ms Misra was made an OBE along with fellow former subpostmasters Lee Castleton, 56, and Chris Head, 37.

All three said that, while the honour was special, the fight for compensation and accountability is still on.

Mr Castleton, from Bridlington, East Yorkshire, went bankrupt in 2004 after being sued by the Post Office over claims that there was a 25,000 shortfall at his branch which he could not account for.

He said he still wants vindication for the way he and his family were treated after that case.

Mr Castleton said: As a postmaster when things are going well its wonderful and its very warmly received.

Campaigners for Subpostmasters (left to right) Lee Castleton from Scarborough, Seema Misra from Bisley and Christopher Head from West Boldon (Andrew Matthews/PA)

But when things go wrong and you are suddenly cast out as it becomes very difficult, life becomes very, very difficult.

People screamed thief in the street at myself and my family, my daughter was spat at.

Its so much of a fall from grace really and its very difficult to take.

Mr Castleton, who was portrayed in ITV drama Mr Bates vs the Post Office by actor Will Mellor, launched a civil action against Fujitsu and the Post Office in March, alleging that they failed to disclose flaws in their software.

He explained: This is not about money or whats right or wrong, this is about the original case in 2007 and getting vindication for how I was treated.

Its very important to me, we have redress, and we have accountability but that we also have our right to be vindicated in a way that the public can see.

He said that he was very elated by the OBE and that he was inspired to shout louder by being recognised for his work.

Mr Head was the youngest subpostmaster in the UK, aged just 18, when the Post Office pursued him through the courts for shortfalls of 80,000.

He has since set up petitions calling for compensation which have received more than 550,000 signatures.

Seema Misra, from Bisley, Campaigner for Subpostmasters, is made an Officer of the Order of the British Empire by the Princess Royal (Aaron Chown/PA)

Now 37, Mr Head admitted that, while he was proud, the OBE felt slightly premature.

It would be nice if this was at the end of the process rather than strangely in the middle, he explained.

The subpostmasters said Government promises of fair compensation led to expectations rising, but they have been disappointed by the offers they received.

Mr Head said: The Governments rhetoric all the time is that theyre going to pay full and fair compensation and yet then youre saying peoples expectations have risen from them words and then when the offers drop, theyve been described as derisory.

Its a battle in itself to get increases in small increments.

Mr Castleton, Ms Misra and Mr Head were all made OBEs in the Kings New Years Honours list.

Anne had a real understanding of the campaign and had real empathy for the former subpostmasters and their families, according to all three campaigners.

She understood because shes done most of the postmasters ones, she said herself she cant understand why it (compensation) hasnt been finalised, added Mr Head.

Among the dozens of people honoured on Wednesday was the former mayor of the West Midlands Sir Andy Street who was knighted by Anne.

The Conservative politician held the position for two terms before being defeated in last Mays elections by Labour candidate Richard Parker.
Pope Francis talks to journalists as he leaves at the end of his visit to the Regina Coeli penitentiary in Rome on Holy Thursday (Andrew Medichini/AP)

Pope Francis has visited Romes main prison and met with dozens of inmates as he kept an Easter season appointment to spend Holy Thursday among the least fortunate, even as he continues recovering from a life-threatening bout of pneumonia.

The motorcade carrying Francis entered the Regina Caeli prison in Romes Trastevere neighbourhood just before 3pm local time, and the Vatican said Francis would meet with 70 inmates.

It is a prison Francis has visited before to perform the annual Holy Thursday ritual of washing the feet of 12 people to re-enact Christs gesture of humble service of washing the feet of 12 apostles before his crucifixion.

Pope Francis leaves in a car at the end of his visit on Holy Thursday to the Regina Coeli penitentiary in Rome (Andrew Medichini/AP)

The Vatican did not say if Francis would perform the ritual this year. But the fact that the 88-year-old pope kept the appointment, when he is under doctors orders to take it easy and avoid crowds, was a clear sign of the importance he places on prison ministry and the need for priests to serve those most on the margins.

That is all the more true during the 2025 Holy Year, which both opened and will close with special papal events for prison inmates.

Francis is expected to make at least some other Easter appearances over the coming days.

He made a surprise cameo at the end of Palm Sunday Mass last weekend and in recent days has made some unannounced visits  including one in which he was not dressed in his papal white cassock  to pray in St Peters Basilica and St Mary Major basilica across town.

In recent outings, including on Thursday, he has been seen without the nasal tubes that provide supplemental oxygen and Vatican officials say he is increasingly less reliant on the therapy.

A Swiss Guard attends the Chrism Mass presided over by Delegate of the Holy Father inside St Peters Basilica at The Vatican (Andrew Medichini/AP)

Asked on Thursday how he was doing and marking this years Easter season, Francis said in a weak voice: I am living it as I can.

 Francis received medical workers who treated him

On Wednesday, Francis held his first formal group audience since returning to the Vatican on March 23, meeting with the medical staff of the Gemelli hospital who cared for him during his 38-day stay.

Gathered in a Vatican audience hall, Francis thanked the 70-plus doctors, nurses and administrators and asked them for their continued prayers.

Thank you for everything you did, Francis said, his voice still laboured but seemingly stronger as he continues respiratory and physical therapy.

Cardinals attend the Chrism Mass inside St Peters Basilica at The Vatican (Andrew Medichini/AP)

Francis has delegated the demanding Holy Week liturgical celebrations to hand-picked cardinals, but the Vatican says the pope himself composed the meditations that will be read aloud by others during the Via Crucis (Way of the Cross) procession on Friday night at Romes Colosseum.

Easter Sunday Mass has been assigned to the retired administrator of St Peters, Cardinal Angelo Comastri.

It remains to be seen how Francis will handle Easter Sundays traditional Urbi et Orbi (Latin for to the city and the world) speech and blessing after Mass.

Normally the pope delivers a sometimes lengthy discourse on the state of the world from the loggia of St Peters, and then imparts a special blessing to the faithful in the piazza below.

In theory someone else could read the speech while Francis could impart the blessing.

Francis was admitted to Gemelli on February 14 with bronchitis that quickly developed into a life-threatening case of double pneumonia.

Upon his release March 23, doctors prescribed two months of convalescence at the Vatican with daily respiratory and physical therapy to improve his breathing and vocal function.

With time, they have predicted he will be able to resume his normal activities.
The history-steeped pub also serves up sensational food

This week, my quest to sample some of Northern Irelands best and brightest bars took me to Belfasts Morning Star

A beloved beacon of the city since 1810, it has endured and survived countless setbacks over the centuries, and like a fine wine, it only seems to get better with age.
Ombudsmans report highlights catalogue of failings in probe

The UVF gunmen who murdered two Catholic civilians in an attack the Police Ombudsman found was not properly investigated by the RUC were Special Branch agents.

Colin Crazy Craig  who ended up being killed by the INLA  was one of the loyalist gunmen who shot dead Seamus Morris (18) and Peter Dolan (25) in the Ardoyne area of north Belfast in August 1988.
Youve heard the phrase reap what you sow in movies, song lyrics, in speeches, and used in daily dialogue. But, where did it originate? Is the popular phrase paraphrasing the theory of karma? Is the saying biblical? Do we really reap what we sow?

Lets not waste anymore time and lets dive into the history behind this commonly used saying.

Where does the phrase come from?

The sentiment comes from the New Testament of the Bible, Galatians 6:7-8. Dont be misled  you cannot mock the justice of God. You will always harvest what you plant. Those who live only to satisfy their own sinful nature will harvest decay and death from that sinful nature. But those who live to please the Spirit will harvest everlasting life from the Spirit.

Ultimately, you get what you deserve based on the time, talent and energy that you put into something. This is true on many fronts  your career, relationships, and even simple house tasks. You will face the consequences of your actions because the outcome is dependent upon your own actions. Heres where lines have crossed  there is confusion between karma and the biblical phrase.

Is karma the same as you reap what you sow?

No. Karma is a belief that good and bad experiences in life are the cumulative result of deeds done in both the current and past lives. The word karma is a Sanskrit word that translates into action. It is a key concept in Eastern religions that include Hinduism and Buddhism. Furthermore, the idea of karma is supposed to help others make sense of certain situations and help rationalize the cycles of life and death. All in all, at a surface level, karma is a bridge between good and bad results.

On the other hand, sowing and reaping in a Christians life relate to the faith in the Kingdom of God. In Hebrew, sow means to conceive, to bear, or to yield, and to reap means to harvest. Christians believe in redemption and follow a God that never leaves their side. In Matthew 5:45 the Bible states, God gives his sunlight to both the evil and the good, and He sends rain on the just and the unjust alike.

Jesus forgives us for our sins and does not keep a tallied list of our sins. Christians are called to forgive those that trespassed against them and not lead a life into temptation, but they ask God to deliver them from evil. This solidifies that reaping what you sow aligns with the belief that you will be forgiven for your sins, if you forgive others and act justly. Therefore, karma vs reaping what you sow is not at all the same. Reaping and sowing are basically blessings and consequences.

The big question the majority of people wonder, both Christians and non-Christians, is do we really reap what we sow?

Non-believers will have an opposing answer; however, Christians believe that you do reap what you sow. In Christianity, sowing means choosing to obey the rules and regulations in place in order to create safe boundaries. Its as simple as dont drink and drive or dont say hurtful things to others. By sowing, you are living your life according to the Word of God and abiding by the things He has asked his children to do.

The message behind reaping what you sow can be found in several instances in the Bible.

John 4:34: My food, said Jesus, is to do the will of him who sent me and to finish his work.

This is a reminder that there is joy in doing what God has called on us to do and that joy is not dependent on the harvest. There is joy within the action of being constructive and not necessarily on the material items which are produced.

Psalm 126:5: Those who sow with tears will reap with songs of joy.

Again, this is a cue that God has the power to bring joy out of the most tragic situations. An individual that loses a loved one can still find hope and blessings by reflecting on the time they spent with the deceased.

2 Corinthians 5:10: For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, so that each of us may receive what is due us for the things done while in the body, whether good or bad.

Reaping and sowing are biblical terms; therefore, Christians should not mock God by disregarding belief in the truth  and thinking that somehow, they would be an exception to Gods laws. At the end of life, Christians will be required to appear before the judgment seat of Christ and our obedience will be assessed.

In conclusion, there are two instances in the Bible that sum things up. Matthew 13:23 provides a deeper biblical meaning to the concept. The one on whom seed was sown on the good soil, this is the man who hears the word and understands it; who indeed bears fruit and brings forth, some a hundredfold, some sixty, and some thirty. We allow Gods Word to produce good things in us and those results multiply  sometimes it takes a longer time and in other instances we dont initially see the positive results.

On the negative side, but still within the idea of reaping what you sow lies in the prophet that Hosea describes. Hosea 8:7 says, They sow the wind and reap the whirlwind. The stalk has no head; it will produce no flour. Were it to yield grain, foreigners would swallow it up. All in all, those who choose to sow seeds of wickedness will not produce abundance.

Now that you better understand the reap what you sow meaning, will you change your habits? Do you need to adjust the way you view karma vs the idea of reaping what you sow? How can you live a more faithful life?

Angela Guzman is a Writer at Large and a Huffington Post contributor.
Nearly two years after the fatal shooting of 26-year-old Tabatha Tozzi in Las Vegas, the man accused of her murder has been arrested in Mexicowhere he is a suspect in another woman's death.

Oswaldo Natanahel Perez-Sanchez was located in Ciudad Obregon, Sonora, by Mexican authorities, with assistance from the Mexican Marines and multiple U.S. agencies.

Perez-Sanchez, who allegedly shot Tozzi during an argument in April 2023, fled the country shortly after the incident. His arrest comes amid a second investigation, as he is now also a suspect in the murder and forced disappearance of Vivian Karely, whose body was discovered on April 7, 2025, in Culiacan, Sinaloa, KTNV reported.

Las Vegas Metropolitan Police said Perez-Sanchez had reportedly been living under the alias "Jorge N" while on the run. He is currently being held in Mexico on local charges, with extradition to the United States pending.

Tozzi's mother, Regina Lacerda, expressed a mix of relief and sorrow following the arrest, noting that while justice may finally be within reach, another family is now enduring the same devastating loss.

"I am heartbroken that the mother will be going through what I've gone to through these last two years," Lacerda said in a statement obtained by KTNV.

"The day before this happened, she even told me, 'Mom, I'm not happy. I'm trying to break up with him, but I'm afraid,'" Lacerda previously told Channel 13. The morning of the shooting, Tozzi made a frantic to call to her mother, asking to be picked up, but Lacerda was not able to make it in time.

Law enforcement agencies including the U.S. Marshals Service, FBI, DEA and Customs and Border Protection were credited by Las Vegas police for their relentless pursuit and collaboration with Mexican officials.

"We have relentlessly pursued this fugitive, and the family can rest knowing that he is now in custody," District of Nevada U.S. Marshal Gary Schofield said.

A celebration of life for Tabatha is scheduled for April 24 in Las Vegas.

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BOSTON  Proposed legislation aimed at ensuring public and school libraries can offer diverse and inclusive books and media without political interference is back before committee, after advancing favorably last session.

An act regarding free expression, filed by state Sen. Julian Cyr and state Rep. John Moran, requires decisions on what materials are appropriate for school and public libraries to be selected based on professional training rather than political or personal views.

In this moment where we are seeing politicization of information, we're working hard to safeguard the right to read and to make sure that librarians are able to focus on the very good and skilled work they do, Cyr said.

The issue of who decides what books are appropriate is particularly important to Great Barrington, after a phone call to police in 2023 about a book containing obscene illustrations led to police searching an 8th grade classroom at W.E.B Du Bois Regional Middle School for the illustrated novel, Gender Queer by Maia Kobabe.

The award-winning novel, which was ultimately not found in the classroom, contains sexual visuals and language in cartoon format as part of a memoir about the trials of growing up, and was the second most challenged book across the U.S. in 2024, according to the American Library Association.

Rep. Leigh Davis, D-Great Barrington, who was vice chair of the Great Barrington Select Board during the time of the complaint, said she supports legislation that allows librarians to use their professional judgment to provide diverse materials and has a fair and transparent review process.

I saw firsthand the damage that can be done when free speech is challenged  how it impacts students confidence and their trust in a school system meant to protect them and uphold their rights, Davis said.

The bill, which was first introduced in early 2024, currently sits in the Tourism, Arts and Cultural Development committee, which is co-chaired by Sen. Paul Mark, D-Becket. It was pushed forward last session, but is back, and Mark said he is hopeful it will be pushed forward favorably again.

It focuses on offering protections to the people who make decisions on books and specifying that these are the people who decide, Mark said. Unfortunately, it did not become law, but I think its important, and is important to people in the Berkshires.

In 2024, 20 unique titles were challenged for restricted access in Massachusetts, according to the American Library Association. Across the nation, 2,452 unique titles were challenged last year, the third highest ever documented by the organization.

Its an alarming trend of the book and material censorship that we're seeing in schools and libraries in the United States, Cyr said, adding that Massachusetts had the fourth highest number of book-banning attempts in the country. Massachusetts is not immune to this problem.

It also protects librarians from retaliation when selections are made in good faith and according to the library selection policies, he said. The bill requires incorporation of the American Library Association's Bill of Rights into their selection and also lays out a process to overturn a decision on a book.

That process has to be based on clear and convincing evidence that the material is void of educational literary artistic or social value, or is not age-appropriate for any students in the school, Cyr said.

Having a laid-out process for concerns over the content in books, Cyr said, is a way to protect all relevant parties.

Parents who may be concerned about certain materials in schools should feel comforted by this bill as it provides a very clear process by which books can be challenged, Cyr said. Part of the issue that we've seen in our schools is that there isn't a uniform framework providing an established process.

Cyr said he hopes the bill will have some additional momentum this session as its a crucial safeguard for everyone.

This is unfortunately an action that we need to take to protect librarians in our libraries in all 351 municipalities across Massachusetts, Cyr said.
GREAT BARRINGTON  Opposition is growing to proposals that the town acquire either, or both, the Housatonic Water Works Co. and the Great Barrington Fire District Water Department.

Voters are about to decide on the measures, which are intended to cut waste, save money and deliver better water to Housatonic residents.

But amid a number of unanswered questions, three Select Board members this week have voiced their opposition, and the Fire Districts leaders are urging residents to vote no.

Board member Eric Gabriel on Monday night said rushing such a significant transaction would be unwise. Member Ben Elliott expressed agreement with intent of calling a vote, he isnt in favor of doing it this way. Board Chair Stephen Bannon said he will be voting no.

Voters will weigh in on these proposals at a special town meeting at 6 p.m. Thursday at Monument Mountain Regional High School.

The vote stems from two petitions filed by resident Sharon Gregory: one that asks if the town should acquire the Housatonic company for no more than $2.3 million and another if the town should acquire the Fire District for no more than $2 million.

The petitions are a response to a crisis of trust in the Housatonic company over a manganese problem that causes bouts of brown water.

They are also intended to push town officials to be more aggressive in solving a problem that is expensive and difficult for many families in Housatonic, Gregory said this week.

If the town were to also acquire the Fire District, Gregory says, the two systems could be managed as one. Gregory's idea is that the utilities would be placed into what is known as an enterprise system  one in which only the users pay, much like Great Barringtons Wastewater Department.

But the Fire District's commissioners say that merging the companies will double costs for its customers and also affect all taxpayers.

Gregory counters that it is possible to merge the systems and carve out costs for Housatonics upgrades for only Housatonic residents to pay.

But there is still much uncertainty about how all this might play out if voters approve it. Nothing in the meeting warrant spells it out. Gregory acknowledged this week that the details will have to be hammered out later.

Also, voters won't know until the town's attorney explains at the town meeting whether their vote on the proposals obligates the town to act, or is merely a suggestion to act.

Housatonic's co-owner and Treasurer James E. Mercer supports a town acquisition of his company at a fair market value, which would be negotiated with the Town if the proposal passes, he wrote in a letter to the utilitys roughly 850 customers.

It will unlock resources and structural advantages that a small private utility like HWW cannot access on its own, Mercer said. Mercers company is in the middle of a legal battle with the town that he says is delaying a filtration upgrade.

Fire District commissioners, in a letter to their 4,250 customers, raised multiple questions that have not yet been answered, and that Gregory says will be dealt with later. One is, Where is the money coming from to purchase the HWW and GBFD?

Bannon said that appropriating money to buy anything always has to pass muster with voters at annual town meeting.
People filing new unemployment claims this week, as well as eligible existing claimants, can now receive benefits for up to 30 weeks, up from the previous maximum benefit period of 26 weeks.
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SRV Hospitals secures Rs 140 Cr from InvAscent to augment critical care-backed model

April 17, 2025 | Thursday | News

Funding positions SRV for its next chapter, setting new benchmarks in the healthcare sector

image credit- shutterstock

SRV Hospitals has raised Rs 140 crore from InvAscent, a life sciences private equity (PE) fund. This investment marks a pivotal moment for SRV, enabling the group to strengthen and amplify its multispecialty critical care-focused healthcare model.

It is a bold step forward in The New PossibleSRVs mission to redefine how accessible tertiary care is imagined, delivered, and experienced. The funding positions SRV for its next chapter, setting new benchmarks in the healthcare sector, while deepening its commitment to advanced critical & surgical care, empowered clinicians, and elevated patient experience.

Founded in 2015, SRV Hospitals has rapidly evolved into a benchmark in high-acuity neighbourhood healthcare, operating five advanced tertiary care hospitals across Mumbai, Nashik, and Bengaluru with a combined capacity of 500+ beds.

The group has earned deep trust across patients, clinicians, and healthcare professionals alike, driven by a model built on consultant-led care, robust critical care systems & protocols, superior clinical outcomes, and a relentless focus on patient experience.



InvAscents decision to back SRV follows the PE funds successful investments in top-tier healthcare brands like HCG Hospitals and Dr. Agarwals Eye Hospital. The firm brings not only capital, but deep sector insights and long-term strategic vision. With this partnership, SRV will accelerate its presence, invest in cutting-edge technology, and further strengthen the systems that make its current institutions stand out.


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Massive cuts at Bothar in 2024 contributed to the charity reducing its losses last year by 64.5 per cent to 100,854 as the charity continued to recover from the financial scandal that hit the organisation in 2021.

New accounts for the Co Limerick-based Bothar CLG show that the charity reduced its losses from 282,824 in 2023 to 100,854 last year as it reduced its costs by 40 per cent from 1.05 million to 628,852 in the 12 months to the end of June last.

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Revenues at the charity last year continued to slide declining by 32pc from 768,595 to 525,739. The revenues compare to pre-scandal and pre-Covid 19 revenues of 4.6 million in 2019.

The former chief executive of Bothar admitted misappropriating funds from the Limerick charity and has said he shared tens of thousands of euros in cash with two founding members of the organisation.

The cuts over the last three years at the charity have included redundancies while Bothar has sold its properties in Dublin and Limerick as it continues to deal with the fallout from the financial scandal that hit the charity in 2021.

In the new accounts signed off by the board on March 25th, the directors state that a Garda criminal investigation following a formal complaint into historical practices is ongoing, while a separate investigation by the Charities Regulatory Authority into the companys former financial irregularities has been paused pending the outcome of the Garda investigation

The directors state that there has been extraordinary but necessary cost curtailment measures in the last three financial periods, including costs associated with the winding down of certain aspects of the companys operations.

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They state that these actions were overwhelming for the organisation but were necessary to bring the company to a position of stability and recoup public confidence.

The directors state that these actions allow the company to return to its core focus, to rebuild the programme activities.

On the charitys going concern status, the directors state that Bothar continues to apply cost reductions where necessary.

They state: A target to achieve a low deficit in the financial year ended 2024 was successful and the companys next target is to arrive at a break-even in 2025.

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The accounts state that the advances that the company has made in the financial years of 2022, 2023, and 2024 demonstrates a significant progression towards full compliance with Governance requirements and particularly those of the Charity Regulator.

The note states that this process has had a substantial impact on both the companys finances and reputation, resulting in the sale of its premises in both the Dublin and Limerick locations.

While the company continues in its charitable activities, the associated overheads in doing so have proven strenuous on the companys reserves.

The directors state that the sale of the Limerick premises last year resulted in an uplift of cash resources. Cash funds increased from 261,888 to 465,232 in 2024.

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The note states: As the company have reduced their expenses by a substantial level in recent years, the board intends to utilise the cash resources towards further marketing campaigns and funding projects to spread more information on the company work and with continued fund-raising, further secure the future of the organisations mission.

The number of employees reduced from four to three as staff costs declined from 308,248 to 224,968.

Donations dipped from 284,695 in 2023 to 273,476 last year, while income from legacies increased from 142,900 to 184,263. Donations in kind plummeted from 341,000 to 68,000.

The alleged misappropriation of funds at Bothar first came to public attention in 2021 through Bothar taking High Court injunction proceedings against its former ceo, David Moloney.

Alleged irregularities first came to light in Bothar during the 2019 financial year from an anonymous whistleblower concerning inappropriate travel expenses.
Aaron Taylor-Johnson runs away, terrified, after being chased by rage-filled and crazed zombies in the latest 28 Years Later trailer  as the setting of the film is confirmed.

The highly anticipated sequel to 28 Days Later is set to not reveal the fate of original character, played by Cillian Murphy, who will executive produce the upcoming movie  but will reportedly not return until a future sequel.

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Instead, the horror movie focuses on Taylor-Johnson and a young boy (Alfie Williams) fleeing from a hoard of the infected in a desolate, and broken-down society as the release of the highly contagious, aggression-inducing virus has not been reversed.

The movie also stars Killing Eve actress Jodie Comer, and three-time Oscar nominee Ralph Fiennes, and sees the return of 28 Days Later director Danny Boyle and writer Alex Garland to the franchise.

The new instalment follows on almost three decades since the virus escaped a biological weapons laboratory, where some have found a way to exist amid the infected despite an enforced quarantine.

The trailer begins with flashing moments of a skeletal zombie, skulls and Fiennes before army officers arrive in a dark location and get eaten by the crazed infected.

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Conclave actor Fiennes also says there was so many dead, infected and non-infected alike, and there are many kinds of death, and some are better than others as the Rudyard Kipling poem Boots is eerily recited in the background of the around two-minute clip.

More is also revealed about how the current crop of survivors live on an island that is heavily guarded, with its own rules.

Danny Boyle. (Ian West/PA)

A map is also shown of the setting  Holy Island, Northumberland.

The teaser shows Geordie actor Williams and Kick-Ass and Nowhere Boy actor Taylor-Johnson appearing to head to the mainland through the tidal passage way to hunt with bow and arrows and be surprised by hoards of the infected.

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It ends with a priest being attacked in church, and calling the infected his children.

The original movie saw Murphy play a bicycle courier who awakens from a coma to discover the empty streets of London and how society has collapsed in 28 days.

It also starred Skyfall star Naomie Harris as love interest and confident survivor Selena, Doctor Who actor Christopher Eccleston as a crazed soldier, and The Banshees Of Inisherin star Brendan Gleeson as the father of a young child, played by Megan Burns.

28 Years Later arrives on June 20.
Gardai have recommended more serious charges against a Limerick man as part of an overall Garda investigation into an estimated 1 million in value in property that has been allegedly stolen or damaged in a spate of burglaries across Limerick, Clare and Galway.

At Ennis District Court, Eddie Carey (31) was appearing in connection to being charged with 24 burglaries at premises across Clare, Limerick and Galway that included one at Wolfe Tones GAA Club in Shannon - the club of Clare All-Ireland winning senior hurling manager and double All Ireland winner as a player, Brian Lohan.

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The overall "significant Garda investigation" concerns the alleged burglary by a number of men of 31 commercial premises and 24 residential properties.

No monetary value has been put on the 24 burglaries that Mr Carey is charged with.

Eddie Carey has been on remand in custody since January 19th after he was refused bail and is facing 46 charges overall.

At Ennis District Court, Insp Noel Barry said that a further month is required for all charges to be considered by the DPP and we are looking for a two week remand to try to get preliminary directions in relation to the current charges before the court.

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He said: That would give the DPP more time to consider more serious charges as we have recommended.

Insp Barry said: There are no directions for today given the size of the file and the complexity of the case."

He added: We had a development over the weekend, where a second co-accused was before the court and processed.

Solicitor for Mr Carey, Stiofan Fitzpatrick, opposed a further remand in custody for his client, telling Judge Alec Gabbet,t peremptory means peremptory.

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On the previous day in court, Judge Gabbett had remanded Mr Carey in custody and that the remand was peremptory meaning that if DPP directions were not made there was a danger of the charges being struck out.

Mr Fitzpatrick said: This man is entitled to his liberty, directors are not available.

Judge Gabbett told Mr Fitzpatrick: The State has provided very cogent reasons as to why the directions are not available."

Judge Gabbett said that it is a very unusual case due to the number of charges before the court.

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Judge Gabbett told Insp Barry that he would adjourn the case into next Wednesday for mention and make then a further remand in custody for DPP directions.

Judge Gabbett's id: I need to see progress.

On one day alone on February 2nd, 2024, Mr Carey of De Vere Court, John Carew Park, Limerick is facing burglary charges concerning seven separate premises - Carry Out, Drumgeely, Shannon; Subway restaurant, Shannon; High Maintenance, Limerick Rd, Ennis; Remix, Limerick Rd, Ennis; Tech Station, Killaloe; Corbally Centre, Corbally Rd, Limerick and Inver, Ennis Rd, Limerick.

Ireland Teen facing sexual assault charge for alleged 'hum... Read More

Mr Carey is facing the burglary charge against Wolfe Tones where he is accused of trespassing at the Shannon GAA clubhouse on July 9th last and committing theft contrary to Section 12 of the Criminal Justice (Theft and Fraud Offences) Act 2001.

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On the same date, Mr Carey is accused of committing burglaries at Hair Symphony, Clarinbridge, Galway, Day Break, Crusheen and Gala Chinese, Castle Street, Oranmore, Co Galway.

On another date on July 5th last, Mr Carey is accused of carrying out burglaries at five premises - The Electronic Store, Market Square, Scarriff; Rogers Bar, Main Street, Scariff; Newcastle West Mobile Zone, Newcastle West; Gadget Fix, Main Street, Adare and Poinaire, Main Street, Adare.

In total, Mr Carey is facing 46 separate charges that comprise of 24 burglary charges, 17 handling charges, four charges concerning the unauthorised taking of cars and one charge where he is accused of having in his possession two vehicle unlocking and starter devices.
A Sinn Fein TD has apologised for a social media post about the UK court ruling on excluding trans women from the definition of woman in equality law.

David Cullinane, the partys health spokesman, said the complex issue needs to be approached with compassion and he apologised for any offence caused.

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Trans and Intersex Pride Dublin has said it has written to the party asking it to clarify its position and will consider banning it from its parade in July.

The UK Supreme Court ruled on Wednesday that the terms woman and sex in the 2010 Equality Act refer to a biological woman and biological sex.

This means transgender women with a gender recognition certificate can be excluded from single-sex spaces, such as changing rooms and homeless hostels, if proportionate.

The judges also said transgender people are still protected from discrimination in the same law.

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They said they can invoke the provisions on direct discrimination and harassment, and indirect discrimination and are protected from discrimination on the grounds of gender reassignment.

I want to apologise for the hurt and offence that I have caused to the Trans community following a tweet I sent last night. That was never my intention. This is a complex issue for many but we need to approach it with compassion, understanding and dignity for all.  David Cullinane T.D. (@davidcullinane) April 17, 2025

Authorities including the NHS are examining the implications of the ruling.

A spokesperson for the Equality Commission in Northern Ireland said while the ruling only relates to England, Scotland and Wales, our initial view is that the judgment is likely to be deemed by our industrial tribunals and courts to be highly persuasive and, consequently, it is likely to be followed in cases where similar issues arise.

On Wednesday evening, Mr Cullinane called for the ruling to be fully examined in this state.

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The Waterford TD said on social media site X: The Scottish Supreme Court ruling on the legal meaning of woman is a common sense judgement.

The ruling found that for the purposes of equality legislation a woman means a biological woman & sex refers to biological sex.

It also confirmed that trans people are protected under their Equality legislation in a separate category of gender reassignment.

The PA news agency contacted Mr Cullinane on Thursday morning to clarify his comments.

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In a tweet sent on Thursday afternoon, Mr Cullinane apologised.

I want to apologise for the hurt and offence that I have caused to the trans community following a tweet I sent last night, he said on X.

Im sure those in the Trans community will feel vulnerable and isolated today in the aftermath of yesterdays judgement, and I apologise that my words added to that.  David Cullinane T.D. (@davidcullinane) April 17, 2025

That was never my intention. This is a complex issue for many but we need to approach it with compassion, understanding and dignity for all.

Im sure those in the trans community will feel vulnerable and isolated today in the aftermath of yesterdays judgement, and I apologise that my words added to that.

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Trans and Intersex Pride Dublin said it is not clear whether Mr Cullinane still believes the ruling should be looked at in Ireland.

It said it shows the instinct and insensitivity to attack the community by a health spokesperson.

The group added: The decision by the UK Supreme Court opens the door to further attacks on trans rights and has severe consequences for the people of Britain, and a knock-on for Irish trans people.

It welcomed the decision by different Pride groups in Northern Ireland to ban all Executive parties that had signed off on the temporary suspension of puberty blockers.

Trans and Intersex Pride organiser and co-founder Ollie Bell said: We understand that many activists in Sinn Fein may disagree with the partys position, however it would be a disservice to the community we represent if we allow Sinn Fein to march.

We encourage all Pride marches to consider our decision, in light of the ban on puberty blockers and the kowtowing to anti-trans forces with regards to agreeing with the Supreme Court decision, and join us in this decision.

World Nicola Coughlan disgusted by gender court ruling... Read More

We welcome all activists, groups, organisations who genuinely want to fight for trans rights to join us on July 12 in protest against anti-trans attacks everywhere.

A spokesman for Sinn Fein said: We are aware of the ruling from the British Supreme Court.

It is important that we have effective equality protections that work to protect everyone and we will carefully examine the detail of this ruling in that context.
A poll that has provided some very good news for Sinn Fein and the 'Grace' report are among the stories that feature on Thursday's front pages.

The Irish Times leads with the opinion poll, which found Sinn Fein has jumped six points to 26 per cent while Fine Gael has fallen three to 16 per cent. This is Fine Gael's lowest opinion poll rating since 1994.

The Irish Examiner leads with criticism of the Farrelly Commission report into the 'Grace' case.

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The Irish Independent leads with a story on a "rogue landlord" who attempted to use anti-stalking laws to stop press reports.

The Echo leads with a story on tenants left in 'limbo' after Cork County Council suspended in-situ purchases.

There are concerns for 47 other children who stayed in the 'Grace' foster home, the Irish Daily Mail reports.

Thursday's front page pic.twitter.com/xCiRPeqp1Z  The Irish Daily Mail (@irishdailymail) April 16, 2025

The Irish Sun leads with a story on the most credible evidence of alien life discovered to date.

Today's front page of The Irish Sun pic.twitter.com/bY6foYu0lV  The Irish Sun (@IrishSunOnline) April 17, 2025

The Herald leads with a story on more arrests being made in a Bary murder probe.

In the North, the Belfast Telegraph leads with a story on a tragedy after a man died the day after his daughter was killed in a car crash.

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The Irish News leads with a story on the Omagh bombing.

The front page of todays Irish News pic.twitter.com/75ggcncOAi  The Irish News (@irish_news) April 17, 2025

The British papers are dominated by a UK Supreme Court ruling that the legal definition of woman is 'based on biological sex'.

The ruling is the lead story in The Guardian, The Times, the i Paper, the Daily Telegraph, the Daily Mail, Metro, the Daily Mirror and the Daily Express.

THE GUARDIAN: Legal definition of woman 'is based on biological sex' #TomorrowsPapersToday pic.twitter.com/ENoUmkD5ZQ  Alfie Tobutt (@AlfieTobutt) April 16, 2025

THE TIMES: Equality policies in chaos as court defines a woman #TomorrowsPapersToday pic.twitter.com/cHjTRuEJnx  Alfie Tobutt (@AlfieTobutt) April 16, 2025

THE DAILY TELEGRAPH: Trans women are not women #TomorrowsPapersToday pic.twitter.com/AZShkKncVg  Alfie Tobutt (@AlfieTobutt) April 16, 2025

DAILY MAIL: Historic victory for women... and common sense #TomorrowsPapersToday pic.twitter.com/0nxBlBajFX  Alfie Tobutt (@AlfieTobutt) April 16, 2025

THE i PAPER: Electric cars with Chinese parts banned from UK military sites, amid spying fears #TomorrowsPapersToday pic.twitter.com/kaPcp0eyMI  Alfie Tobutt (@AlfieTobutt) April 16, 2025

Please follow top man @AlfieTobutt for #TomorrowsPapersToday front and back pages from our team https://t.co/kQy3ONVK0A  George Mann (@sgfmann) April 16, 2025

DAILY MIRROR: I forgive cops who killed my son #TomorrowsPapersToday pic.twitter.com/SKSe98yOVJ  Alfie Tobutt (@AlfieTobutt) April 16, 2025

Cave men used 'prehistoric sunscreen', the Daily Star reports.

The New York Times leads with a story on the Trump administration's efforts to deport thousands of 'alien enemies' with 'little or no evidence'.
Dozens more people are undergoing screening as potential jurors for Harvey Weinsteins New York rape retrial.

The panel started taking shape on Wednesday, when five women and four men were picked for the redo of the landmark #MeToo-era trial.

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They were chosen after several stages of screening and questioning, a multistep process thats common for long felony trials in Manhattan.

Weinsteins retrial is expected to run until at least the end of May.

Over 140 prospective jurors were brought into court on Thursday for the first stage of selection: a show-of-hands response to whether they had schedule conflicts or felt they could not be fair and impartial because of the nature and news coverage of the case.

As in earlier rounds, about two-thirds raised their hands and were excused.

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Even one person who did not raise their hand soon had second thoughts, telling the judge  without other potential jurors in earshot  that she was not sure she could disregard all that she had read about the case over the years.

Ultimately, about 50 people were set to advance to the next stage of questioning on Thursday afternoon.

Weinstein, an Oscar-winning producer and one-time Hollywood power broker, is charged with raping two different women  an aspiring actor and a production assistant  on separate occasions.

He also is charged with forcing oral sex on another woman.

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Weinstein, 73, has pleaded not guilty.

He says all his sexual experiences have been consensual.

After allegations about him emerged publicly in 2017 and fuelled the #MeToo movement against sexual misconduct, Weinstein faced investigations and prosecutions in multiple places.

The ex-movie mogul was convicted of rape at his first New York trial in 2020.

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Two years later, he was convicted in Los Angeles of a separate rape charge that he also denied.

Then his New York conviction and 23-year prison sentence were overturned by the states highest court last year.

That reversal led to the retrial, where the charges and expected evidence differ somewhat from the original trial.

Prosecutors and defence lawyers are to choose 12 jurors and six alternates.

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Judge Curtis Farber is overseeing the painstaking process. The nine jurors selected so far were whittled from roughly 140 people who went through initial screening earlier this week.

Prospective jurors can be excused for various reasons, ranging from language barriers to prior experiences with  or opinions about  people or issues in a case.

Prosecutors and defence lawyers also get a limited number of chances to eliminate potential jurors without giving a reason.
Oscar-nominated actor Haley Joel Osment has been charged with public intoxication and cocaine possession after his arrest earlier this month at a northern California ski resort.

The Mono County District Attorneys office announced the misdemeanour charges against the 37-year-old actor, who starred as a child in films The Sixth Sense and A.I.

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Osment was arrested on April 8 at the Mammoth Mountain ski resort on suspicion of public intoxication, district attorney David Anderson said.



Haley Joel Osment was nominated for an Oscar for The Sixth Sense (Ian West/PA)

The actor is due to be arraigned on July 7.

Osment rose to fame and received a best supporting actor Oscar nomination for starring opposite Bruce Willis in M Night Shyamalans thriller The Sixth Sense.

Two years later he starred in Steven Spielbergs A.I. and has worked consistently as a voice actor since then.

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He has also appeared in the television series The Kominsky Method and What We Do In The Shadows.

Osment is among the thousands of people who lost their homes in Januarys devastating Eaton Fire in the Altadena area near Los Angeles.

In 2006, Osment was charged with drunken driving and marijuana possession after crashing his car into a postbox in the Los Angeles area and breaking a rib.
Judges at the International Criminal Court want Hungary to explain why it failed to arrest Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu when he visited Budapest earlier this month.

In a filing released late on Wednesday, the The Hague-based court initiated non-compliance proceedings against Hungary after the country gave Mr Netanyahu a red carpet welcome despite an ICC arrest warrant for crimes against humanity in connection with the war in Gaza.

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During the visit, Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban announced his country would quit the court, claiming on state radio that the ICC was no longer an impartial court, not a court of law, but a political court.



Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban speaks during a press statement at the Carmelite Monastery in the Buda Castle in Budapest, Hungary (Denes Erdos/AP)

The Hungarian leader, regarded by critics as an autocrat and the EUs most intransigent spoiler in the blocs decision-making, defended his decision not to arrest Mr Netanyahu.

We signed an international treaty, but we never took all the steps that would otherwise have made it enforceable in Hungary, Mr Orban said at the time, referring to the fact that Hungarys parliament never promulgated the courts statute into Hungarian law.

Judges at the ICC have previously dismissed similar arguments.

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The ICC and other international organisations have criticised Hungarys defiance of the warrant against Mr Netanyahu.

Days before his arrival, the president of the courts oversight body wrote to the government in Hungary reminding it of its specific obligation to comply with requests from the court for arrest and surrender.

A spokesperson for the ICC declined to comment on the non-compliance proceedings.



Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu shake hands after a press statement at the Carmelite Monastery (Denes Erdos/AP)

Hungarys decision to leave the ICC, a process that will take at least a year to complete, will make it the sole non-signatory within the 27-member EU.

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With 125 current signatory countries, only the Philippines and Burundi have ever withdrawn from the court as Hungary intends.

It is the third time in the past year that the court has investigated one of its member states for failing to arrest suspects.

In February, judges asked Italy to explain why the country sent a Libyan man suspected of torture and murder home on an Italian military aircraft rather than handing him over to the court.

In October, judges reported Mongolia to the courts oversight organisation for failing to arrest Russian President Vladimir Putin when he visited the Asian nation.

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Hungary has until May 23 to submit evidence in its defence.
The head of Myanmars military government has granted amnesty to around 4,900 prisoners to mark the countrys traditional new year, state-run media reported on Thursday.

It was not immediately clear how many of those were locked up for opposing army rule.

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Senior General Min Aung Hlaing, the head of the ruling military council, pardoned 4,893 prisoners, as per state-run media network MRTV. Thirteen foreigners will also be released and deported from Myanmar, it said in a separate statement.

Other prisoners received reduced sentences, except for those convicted of serious charges such as murder and rape, or those jailed on charges under various other security acts.

If the detainees violate the law again, once freed, they will have to serve the remainder of their original sentences in addition to any new sentence, according to the terms of their release.



Family members and colleagues wait to welcome released prisoners outside the main gate of Insein prison (Thein Zaw/AP)

Mass amnesties on the holiday are not unusual in Myanmar, with releases occurring nationwide.

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Dozens of relatives and friends waited early on Thursday at the gate of Insein Prison, on the outskirts of Myanmars largest city, Yangon, in the hope of collecting a freed loved one.

No details were available about the number of prisoners released from Insein as part of the amnesty.

Myanmar has been under military rule since February 2021, when its army ousted civilian leader Aung San Suu Kyis elected government.

The takeover was met with nonviolent resistance, which has since become a widespread armed struggle. The country is now in civil war.

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Some 22,197 political detainees, including Ms Suu Kyi, were still in detention as of last Friday, according to the Assistance Association for Political Prisoners, an independent organisation which tallies arrests and casualties linked to the nations political conflicts.

Many political detainees had been held on a charge of incitement, a catch-all offence widely used to arrest critics of the government or military.

The offence is punishable by up to three years in prison.

This years celebrations of Thingyan, the new years holiday, were more reserved than usual due to a nationwide grieving period following a devastating earthquake last month.

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The country is struggling to recover from the 7.7 magnitude quake in March, which hit the nations central heartland.

The highly destructive earthquake left about 3,725 people dead and levelled structures across the region.

In a speech broadcast on Thursday, Min Aung Hlaing said his government will carry out reconstruction and rehabilitation measures in those quake-affected areas as quickly as possible.

He also reaffirmed plans to hold a general election by the end of the year and called on opposition groups fighting the army to resolve conflicts via political means instead.

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During the holiday, the violent struggle between the army and pro-democracy forces continued with armed clashes in the countryside.

The number of casualties remains unclear.
North Korea has threatened unspecified retaliation after the US flew long-range bombers over South Korea, which the North claim may be a practice run for an attack.

US pilots joined South Korean counterparts for the training mission, with South Koreas Defence Ministry stating it was designed to be a show of deterrence from the allied nations as North Korea advances its nuclear programme.

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The US and South Korea routinely hold joint military exercises they describe as defensive in nature.

North Korea regards them as an invasion rehearsal and is particularly sensitive to the US mobilisation of strategic assets, such as long-range bombers, aircraft carriers, and nuclear-powered submarines.

A spokesperson for North Koreas Defence Ministry said in a statement issued across state media on Wednesday: The recent military move of the US and the ROK (South Korea) is an open threat to the security of our state and a grave provocation that raises the military tension in the region to an extreme, dangerous level.



People visit statues of President Kim Il Sung and Chairman Kim Jong Il in the capital of Pyongyang in North Korea (Cha Song Ho/AP)

The statement added North Korea will deter by dint of powerful force the US aggressive attempt in an effort to permanently fix the malignant instability element in the security environment of the region.

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North Korea often test-launches in response to the US military drills using B-1B bombers, which are capable of carrying a large number of conventional weapons.

In a development that could further anger North Korea, South Koreas air force announced it will begin large-scale biannual aerial exercises with American forces on Thursday.

The two-week Freedom Flag exercise will involve 90 aircraft and other aerial assets from the allied nations.

Animosities on the Korean Peninsula are running high as North Korea continues weapons tests to modernise its nuclear arsenal.

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North Korea also has thrown its support behind the Russian invasion of Ukraine and supplies both weapons and troops for use in the war campaign.

US President Donald Trump has repeatedly boasted of his ties with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un since his January inauguration and has expressed willingness to revive diplomacy with the Asian nation.

On March 31, Mr Trump called Mr Kim a very smart guy and called North Korea a big nuclear nation.

Mr Trump said he and Mr Kim have a great relationship and that there is communication, although there are no known public negotiations.

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North Korea is yet to publicly respond.
4.5 million visitors arrived in the US last month, down 9.7 per cent from March 2024, according to the data published Monday by the International Trade Administration.

In a worst-case scenario, it has been estimated that the hit this year from reduced travel and boycotts of US goods could total 0.3 per cent of gross domestic product, amounting to almost $90 billion (79 billion).

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It has been speculated that many potential visitors are reconsidering trips to the US amid increased hostility at the border, as well as rising geopolitical frictions and global economic uncertainty.

Earlier this month, Irish people travelling to the US were warned to delete any social media comments criticising Donald Trump to avoid detention.

A Sunday Times piece detailed how American border officials are increasingly scrutinising travellers devices, prompting advice to anyone who may have been critical of President Trump online.

So, has Trump's presidency turned you off visiting the States? Let us know by taking our poll!
The transgender community fears its rights are melting away after a legal ruling which has left people terrified, according to one trans woman.

The Supreme Court ruled on Wednesday that the terms woman and sex in the Equality Act refer to a biological woman and biological sex.

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The head of Britains equalities watchdog said the ruling means trans women cannot use single-sex female toilets, changing rooms or compete in womens sports.

Sarah Savage, a trans woman who is the chief executive and co-founder of Trans Pride Brighton, said it was not long ago that trans rights felt solidified.

Lord Hodge, Deputy President of the Supreme Court, handed down the judgment on the legal definition of a woman (PA)

The 43-year-old, from Brighton, told the PA news agency: I came out on a Channel 4 television show called My Transsexual Summer in 2011, and that was viewed as a watershed in trans rights.

We thought wed never go back because now people saw us as humans.

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It felt like our rights were solidified, and now it feels like its melting away, and its melting away because the people in power are not standing up for us.

Miss Savage described the ruling as extremely worrying, adding she had benefited from access to a womens refuge after she came out and is now concerned that the opportunity has been taken away from others.

One domestic abuse charity, Refuge, said on Wednesday the court ruling will not change the way it operates as it remains firmly committed to supporting all survivors of domestic abuse, including trans women.

The charity said it offers a range of specialist services that are accessible to trans women, including our helpline, community-based support, and some accommodation-based services which are designed to provide safety, dignity, and tailored support to meet individual needs.

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Miss Savage said, It makes me feel scared for the future because my rights are being taken away before my very eyes.

What if I need to go to a hospital? Am I going to be treated with respect? What kind of ward am I going to be put in?

Am I going to need to use the loo and then be harassed because of it? Its terrifying, honestly.

We had a committee meeting last night. Everyone was terrified.

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Trans people just want to have a quiet life, we just want to get on with it. We dont want all this drama, we just want respect.

A director of community group TransActual, jane fae  who spells her name in lower case  also expressed concern about her potential future care.

As I get older, I may need hospital care, I foresee being forced into the indignity of being on a male ward, that would be upsetting to say the least, the 67-year-old from Letchworth told PA.

For younger people, its an exclusion from society, and those are only the legal consequences.

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I think this should, in time, be unpicked, but probably not in whats left of my lifetime.

This is going to take years to unpick, and I have no confidence whatsoever in the English legal or political system.

The climate back in the noughties was that people cared about human rights, and I fear we may have coarsened since then, and we dont care so much about human rights now.
up 167% (0.15c  0.4c)

This weeks Bulls N Bears ASX Runner of the Week is oil and gas exploration company Grand Gulf Energy, which saw its share price go up on Monday after the company announced a binding option agreement to acquire a potential 1.1-billion-barrel oil prospect in the Walvis Basin, in offshore Namibia.

Offshore Namibia is one of the hottest addresses globally for oil and gas exploration and more than 11 billion barrels of oil have been discovered in the past three years.

Oil and gas super majors active in the region include Shell, Chevron, TotalEnergies and GALP, offering abundant potential suitors for funding arrangements for the seven wells Grand Gulf has planned for 2025.

The fanfare and ensuing 167 per cent share price jump on Monday, from 0.15 cents to a peak of 0.4c, was on the back of an option over an offshore Namibia application. The option still hasnt been approved and must then be converted into a petroleum exploration licence.

There is a solid chance it could remain pending for some time and, perhaps, not be permitted at all.

That didnt hold some punters back - $220,000 worth of stock traded to open the week. Small-cap oil exploration is about as akin to high-stakes gambling as an investor can find. A successful well can yield multiples in returns, but the more common outcome - a dry well - can nearly wipe out an investment.

The exploration block in question covers 16,800 square kilometres in water depths from 1400 metres to 2000m and lies to the south of the Murombe-1 and Wingat-1 wells.

The company executed an accompanying $700,000 placement over the weekend to professional and sophisticated gamblers at an issue price of 2c per share. The funds will likely go towards the companys working capital and evaluation.

METEORIC RESOURCES (ASX: MEI)

Up 101% (6.7c  13.5c)

Meteoric Resources led the rare earths charge this week, taking out second place on the Runners list after the company unveiled a maiden mineral resource estimate for its Barra do Pacu (BDP) licence within its Caldeira ionic clay project in Brazil.

The companys rare earth project falls under the ionic clay classification, a notably cheap-to-exploit mineralisation. To date, it is only the second type of mineralisation - outside of carbonatites such as Lynas Resources world-class Mt Weld deposit - to be successfully mined.

The maiden mineral resource estimate at BDP came in at a substantial 389 million tonnes grading some 2204 parts per million (ppm) total rare earth oxides (TREO), including a high-grade indicated resource of 32Mt grading 4130ppm TREO.

Meteorics global Caldeira resource now sits at a whopping 1.5 billion tonnes grading 2359ppm TREO of critical rare earth oxides, including 195,000t yttrium oxide, 195,000t praseodymium oxide, 554,000t neodymium oxide and 65,000t samarium oxide. Yttrium and samarium have both been targeted by China.

The companys share price ran throughout the week to close on Friday up more than 100 per cent at 13.5c per share from a close last week of just 6.7c per share.

Meteoric says its broader global resource contains all the banned Chinese rare earths, except for scandium. The company believes the project could be the next low-cost production alternative outside of China, which it outlined in an initial scoping study in July last year.

Rare earths producers have had a tough time of late. When the world-class Mt Weld project in Western Australia can barely stay afloat, it becomes evident rare earths are decidedly not that rare at all. However, demand for the critical minerals is increasing and non-Chinese alternatives are a must for the US to stabilise supply.

AUSTRALIAN STRATEGIC MATERIALS LTD (ASX: ASM)

up 97% (39c  77c)

Australian Strategic Materials (ASM) got on a run early this week prompted by Trumps rare earths dilemma, and the all-knowing ASX booked the company with a speeding ticket on Monday, apparently unaware of why its share price was running.

ASM responded it was not aware of any unknown information, however the company noted that thanks to Chinas increased export restrictions, it was uniquely positioned to deliver a broad portfolio of rare earth products from ore through to alloy outside of Chinas influence.

The share price ran up 97 per cent by Friday to top at 77c from a close of 39c last week on a very handy $5M in stock traded.

Many of the materials affected by Chinas new export restrictions are already available or planned through ASMs alternative supply chain, offering its partners a viable, de-risked solution in the companys Dubbo project in New South Wales.

ASM has been investigating alternative lower capital and shorter implementation options to recover light (neodymium and praseodymium) and heavy (dysprosium and terbium) rare earth elements from the Dubbo project.

The company says Dubbo is construction-ready, with all its major permits approved. Dubbo currently contains an estimated 75.18Mt resource at ore grades for heavy rare earths, zirconium, niobium and hafnium.

ASM has front-end engineering design studies underway and expects to soon deliver a critical path to a final investment decision for the project, along with enhanced new funding opportunities in the US. These opportunities appear to be multiplying by the day thanks to Trumps decision to cripple his US defence and aerospace industries rare earths access.

NeuroScientific Biopharmaceuticals has acquired innovative stem cell technology company Isopogen WA and its life-changing StemSmart therapy.

NEUROSCIENTIFIC BIOPHARMACEUTICALS LTD (ASX: NSB)

Up 97% (3.5c  6.9c)

NeuroScientific Biopharmaceuticals took out the final spot on the ASX Runners of the Week list, after the neurodegenerative pharmaceutical innovator made a shrewd pickup of the stem cell company, Isopogen WA.

Isopogen WA holds the rights to utilise its patented StemSmart stem cell technology, which is used to produce a life-changing cellular medicine.

StemSmart cells interact with a patients immune system to modulate its response to inflammation. The cellular medicine technology uses cells from adult bone marrow and is grown in culture.

The Isopogen acquisition sent NeuroScientifics share price soaring on Wednesday to peak a huge 97 per cent on the day to 6.9c on $650,000 of stock traded.

The company says early indications from a phase two trial in a type of Crohns disease, which affects the gut, suggest the StemSmart technology is a potent, efficacious and safe therapy suited to a globally massive market.

Crohns disease is a type of inflammatory bowel disease, with a global treatment market estimated to be worth US$13.8 billion by 2026.

As a result of the acquisition, NeuroScientific had completed a placement to raise $3.5M at 3.5c a share through the boys and girls at Westar Capital. The biotech company hopes the raise will help it to exploit the next powerful technology in regenerative medicine.

Neuroscientific believes stem cell therapy is a cornerstone of modern medicine. Stem cells have a unique ability to develop into any cell in the body. The stem cells are hailed as the bodys master cells. This weeks acquisition could potentially be a master stroke by Neuroscientific.

Is your ASX-listed company doing something interesting? Contact: mattbirney@bullsnbears.com.au
Well, indeed. Americas savings rate has collapsed to 0.6 per cent of GDP. The US Treasury depends on foreign investors to fund a national debt rising higher than ever before, already 122 per cent of GDP with a structural fiscal deficit of 6 per cent to 7 per cent as far as the eye can see. Loading The Treasury must roll over 33 per cent of its $US36 trillion ($56.7 trillion) federal debt over the next 12 months. China had nothing to do with last weeks Treasury rout, the defining fiasco of Donald Trumps mad antics. There were plenty of other reasons: a disorderly unwinding of the basis trade by hedge funds caught flat-footed; and above all the capitulation of Republican deficit hawks in Congress, willing to go along with a budget gimmick that lets America slash taxes and spend trillions more that it cannot afford. But it is easy to see how China could create panic just before Treasury auctions if it wished to do so.

Did Trump have any idea what he was doing when he launched his tariff war against China, jauntily shutting down the anchor trading relationship of the international system? One might have thought that the political pain threshold of the totalitarian, web-controlling Chinese Communist Party was infinitely higher than the threshold of Walmart-shopping MAGA America or Republican politicians facing midterm elections next year. And equally that Xi Jinping has much to gain from defiantly refusing to kiss ass, as Trump delicately puts it. Exports to the US have fallen from a peak of 6.7 per cent of Chinese GDP in the early 2000s to 2.7 per cent today. Almost 86 per cent of Chinese exports now go to the rest of the world. The maritime Silk Road is turning much of the Global South into a Chinese economic system. The Association of Southeast Asian Nations alone is a bigger market for China than the US. Most of the Middle East is now listed as pro-China or leaning-China on the geopolitical map of Capital Economics.

I am not among those who think China is automatically destined for economic supremacy. It has overinvested chronically in excess capacity. It faces debt deflation and the onset of Japanification. It is formidable in whole sectors of technology, but it is also brittle, rigid, fear-based, and cursed by the pathologies of party dictatorship. Loading The liberal democracies have everything to play for. China wins the 21st century only if the West commits suicide, and that is exactly what Trump is urging upon us. However, much of Chinas $US500 billion export trade to the US is expendable. Shipping toys, furniture, shoes, and clothes for bargain sales in US supermarkets is not profitable. Nor is it the market niche that China wants as a rising high-tech power. Its time for all these low-value businesses that sell to Walmart to close, said Andy Xie, a former Morgan Stanley banker.

As my colleague Szu Ping Chan reports, there is a whole school of economists in China arguing that the Trump shock is exactly what China needs to break out of the middle income trap and jump up the value ladder. Shoppers in Shenzhen outside a flagship Nike store. Almost 86 per cent of Chinese exports now go to the rest of the world. Credit: Getty Images So who suffers most political stress from a total and violent economic decoupling? Xis tightly controlled China, or Trumps febrile, restless America, where 100 million consumers live on maxed-out credit cards and zero savings, acutely vulnerable to a price spike in day-to-day goods, with no safety margin if they lose their jobs? Scott Bessent, the US treasury secretary, says China is playing with a pair of twos, which is one way to describe its stranglehold over critical minerals and much of the resource base of the 21st century high-tech economy. The US civilian economy is totally disorganised and has no coherent plan if China cuts off rare earth supply, said Jack Lifton, chairman of the Critical Minerals Institute.

China has already restricted exports of gallium, germanium, antimony and graphite over the last two years, and has now widened the list. Loading This stranglehold is no accident of the free market or geography. China has pursued a strategic policy to knock out rivals via predatory dumping, and compelled its own smelting companies to overbuild refining capacity. As is by now well known, it has gained 90 per cent control over the rare earth supply chain needed for robots, semiconductors, aviation, magnets, radar, electric vehicles, 5G and 6G wireless, power electronics, you name it. Chinas sway over global sources of lithium, cobalt and nickel is weaker, but Washington has clearly been asleep at the wheel. Trump is right about that.

The rational policy for the US is to build up its own processing industry over the next decade and to contract long-term supply from the likes of Canada and Australia. Instead, Trump has punched allies in the face, and launched his war with China before the US is ready for the consequences. He has the sequencing entirely backwards. Joe Biden did the exact opposite. He strove to bring America back from industrial death first, calibrating the US showdown with China at manageable levels. He showered $US280 billion on semiconductor fabs to repatriate Americas chip industry from Asia, and to combat Chinas push for supremacy in quantum computing, space, biotech, and materials technology. He teed up what would have been a turbo-blast of $US1 trillion to electrify America and to stop China running away with the booming world market for clean tech. Trump persists in telling the world that he will not retreat on tariffs and that nobody is getting off the hook. But markets are heavily discounting everything he now says.
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 When a movie starts with a declaration that it is based on a true story, Lars Eidinger usually feels a rising irritation. OK, why are they telling me that? he asks himself. What difference does it make? But in Matthias Glasners Dying, where Eidinger plays a character whose tormented relationship with his family is based word-for-word on the directors real life, he saw the point. Because, otherwise, you would not believe it. I couldnt believe there was a relationship between a mother and son where they just shook hands. Where she had never hugged him. But its true  and maybe thats good to know. Eidinger brings the full weight of his experience as a Shakespearean actor to his role as Tom, a conductor working with a youth orchestra to present the first performance of a piece  also called Dying  by his composer friend Bernard. Depressive, abusive Bernard (Robert Gwisdek) simmers perpetually on the brink of suicide, which makes him a difficult collaborator, but there is an unshakeable bond between them. Lars Eidingers character in Dying has a tormented relationship with his family. Tom is conscious, however, of falling short in other relationships  with his father, who is dying slowly of Parkinsons, with his intermittent girlfriend, with his alcoholic sister, with that dreadful mother. Im always nice, Tom says at one point, but niceness can be a veneer. When his ex-girlfriend, whose baby he has taken on as a kind of stand-in father, accuses him of being cold, he doesnt deny it. Its true. Only music seems to move him. Glasner began writing this treatment of his own life after his parents died. His partner had recently given birth to their first child. I was in a state of crisis because I wasnt able to deal with all of that, he says. I had no sleep, with the child also not sleeping. I needed a space for myself  and that space for me is writing. He would take the baby to a cafe, knowing he had three hours at most. So I was writing by instinct, trying to bring my parents back, in a way, because I had had no chance to connect with them in life. It sounds morbid, intense and forbiddingly Germanic; at three hours, Dying is certainly long. It is also often surprisingly funny. For Tom, everything seems to be happening at once: his parents decline and death, Bernards implosion, his surrogate fatherhood, the career in which he mostly feels like a failure. The world is too much, Glasner says. And this was also a kind of experiment, to see if I could bring this all into a kind of symphony. So he made Tom a conductor  also, as he says, he always wanted to be a conductor himself.

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Even the scene where Toms mother Lissy (the remarkable Corinna Harfouch) tells him truthfully that she never liked him  a scene Eidinger says they filmed unrehearsed, only once and in a single take over 24 focused minutes  is funny in its utter awfulness. Funny because its awful, yes, Glasner agrees. At the moment I did the film, it was not really painful any more, which is why I was able to do that. Audiences cant help laughing at it, which he enjoys; he hears it as a laugh of recognition. There is a universality to his experience, specific though it is. In one scene in Dying, Lissy (Corinna Harfouch) tells her son that she never liked him. At the outset, he knew he would stop short of including his current life. He has been with his partner for 10 years; they have two children. So it is more about somebody I was before. Before I found a home. Before that, I was totally lost. Like Tom, drifting around. Like Bernard, he often contemplated suicide. It was always a possibility. Its not like I really like life that much. They tell you life is a gift. I dont see life as a gift. Life is a burden. His children, on the other hand, are the greatest gift from heaven  Thats why I am a much better person than I was 10 years ago. They really made the film possible. Loading However warmed he may have been by parenthood, Glasner is still known in German film circles to be a difficult man. Eidinger had some trepidation about taking on a role where he was effectively playing his director. I was a bit afraid that, shooting with Matthias, he would be telling me the whole day long how I should be so that I remind him of himself. More than that, he was worried about Glasners explosive reputation. In fact, nothing was as he expected. He never or rarely talked with me about anything that I was performing. Because it was all from his perspective, he was concentrating on the other characters around me, Eidinger says. And he turned out to be the most tender, sensual and open-minded director. I think he was, in a way, very thankful that a group of people would meet to tell his story. I could feel that every day, because we were also shooting on the original locations: the place where his father died, for example, was where we shot that scene. We shot the funerals in the woods where his parents are buried. So it was very touching. It was like someone telling you his story.

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Not everything in Dying is taken verbatim  or even as subjectively blurred memory  from real life. Glasner has had no contact with his real sister for years, so decided not to include her. But for the family dynamic it was important theres also a sister. So I decided to make her another side of me, actually. Ellie (Lilith Stangenberg) is a dental nurse. She is also a prodigiously committed drunk. One of the funniest  and bleakest  moments in the movie involves her extracting a tooth with a pair of carpenters pliers in the back of a pub. I could have been like that, Glasner says. At times, I have been like that. I am very much into alcohol. It frees me in many ways and gives a wildness, a craziness to my life  before the kids, I have to say  that I very much like. And I wanted to say something about that. That its OK to drink alcohol. It is self-destructive, I know, but why not? Who is in a position to judge these things? When Ellen says, I like alcohol; I like the lifestyle, even if I die sooner, then she is allowed to do that. All these crazy things in the film are also part of life. Matthias Glasner with his Silver Bear for Best Screenplay for Dying. Credit: Getty Images As a title, Dying is confronting, even a provocation. The films marketing people were against it, Eidinger says, because they maintained nobody would want to see a film with that name. Then the film was chosen for the Berlinale Competition (where it won the Silver Bear for best screenplay and the Guild Film Prize) and it was too late to change it. But I wonder what kind of society is it where you dont want to think about death? Eidinger says. I mean, you should think about it  to understand what life is. This is the ambivalence of the whole movie, that its called Dying, but its about life. Several characters die, certainly, but the subject is the way the people around them deal with it. Although, he muses, you could also see all films  and all photographs  as memento mori, pinning down moments that have already flickered, died and passed into oblivion. So, in a way, death is the biggest theme of every movie. We just dont want to think about it. Dying screens as part of the German Film Festival, Sydney May 1-21; Melbourne May 2-21; Brisbane May 7-28. http://germanfilmfestival.com.au Lifeline: 131114

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A Swedish teenager accused of recruiting hitmen for the violent gang murders which are terrorising Scandinavia was posting selfies dripping in designer goods while living with family in Sydney.

The 15-year-old boy, who cannot be named because of his age, was arrested on Wednesday morning by the Australian Federal Police.

A Swedish teenager was hiding out in Australia after his parents tried to prevent him from falling in with gangs  but he allegedly spent his time recruiting hitmen from a home in Sydneys west. Credit: Facebook

They had been asked to arrest the teenager after Danish NSK police found evidence he had been recruiting hitmen to carry out murders in Denmark.

In one case, NSK and AFP allege, the boy offered a hitman 200,000 Swedish Kronor ($48,000) and a gun to carry out a murder.
She says his treatment in custody raises questions about the line between punishment and institutionalism. She fears the state is releasing men worse off than when they arrived in prison, against community expectation. Do you want a monster to come out because this person may become your neighbour? Right now, he doesnt know how to socialise. This is the reality. Daniel Hopes partner Do you want a monster to come out because this person may become your neighbour? Right now, he doesnt know how to socialise. This is the reality, she says. Hes forgotten what the noise of cars is like, or how to react when someone says good morning. My partner is coming out to the support of a loving partner, but he needs more.

Hope says the prison system has made him a monster. Please help this man rehabilitate back into society. Hes coming home soon. Long dubbed a monster farm, some of Victorias largest correctional centres, including Barwon, sit side by side surrounded by rabbit-filled paddocks on the outskirts of Geelong. Inside are some of the states most feared criminals, convicted of murder, drug trafficking, terrorism and rape. Unlike many inmates who spend their years voicing their innocence, Hope doesnt shy away from his past.

His time behind bars has been marked by repeated and life-altering assaults on prison workers. Since then, Hopes family says hes spent much of his incarceration in isolation and is categorised as a dangerous inmate in the prisons Olearia wing for his repeated attacks on prison guards. Hope is classified as a dangerous inmate in Barwons Olearia unit. Credit: Jason South For his violent and poor behaviour, they say Hope has been shackled on a concrete floor, and confined to his cell for weeks at a time as he continued to lash out at prison staff for years. He tells them he accepts responsibility for his actions and says he deserved the 10-year sentence for assaulting staff.

His partner says attempts to complete education have been futile because access to a computer has been refused at times due to his security rating. He now faces leaving prison untrained, without proper schooling. At the time of his 2017 sentencing for assaulting the prison guards, County Court judge Richard Smith acknowledged Hope was at risk of becoming institutionalised given his level of incarceration. Hope says hes desperate for help to rehabilitate before his release from prison. Separation from his family was found to have been a factor behind his aggression from a young age, and a psychologist noted Hope hadnt been offered any intervention despite having made requests for treatment. Psychiatrist Adam Deacon told the County Court that Hope would become increasingly institutionalised and less amenable to intervention the longer he remained in solitary confinement, which would leave him unable to implement any acquired social and self-regulation skills.

Loading But the 29-year-old feels as though he has been forgotten about by the system, spending much of his time in lockdown. Hope is now clueless about the outside world. Hes never set foot in a community with a myki card and has no idea what it means to live in a cashless society with online shopping and self-checkouts. He has no debit card and no idea of the changes to Melbournes geographical landscape since he was first incarcerated in 2011. Former inmate Eleni Psillakis, who spent time in custody in NSW, says education is key in helping people get their lives back on track after time behind bars.

Psillakis, who currently works supporting women transitioning out of custody, says that in the past 25 years, little has changed in the way people are supported after leaving prison. An aerial view of Barwon Prison near Geelong. Credit: Craig Abraham She says that once released, former inmates can find it difficult to secure housing and jobs because their criminal records put them at the bottom of the pile. How can they be allowed back on the streets with the expectation theyre just meant to integrate back to society? The system is absolutely creating monsters. A prison officer who knows Daniel Hope There needs to be better co-ordination of services to help people secure ID cards, public transport passes and Centrelink support, so that jail release forms are not peoples only method to identify themselves, she adds.

Not everyone who knows Hope wants him released. A former prison officer, commenting on the condition of anonymity, says she fears for the safety of the community if Hope is released and believes he will ultimately end up back in jail. We call it life by instalments, she says. Hope admits he is clueless on how the outside world works. Credit: Peter Rae Another senior prison officer says Hopes assault on the guards would never have happened if he had been managed properly, and warnings about a potential assault were escalated in the two weeks before.

Loading The officer says Hope was also unable to complete many programs because he was unable to take part in group work or have his handcuffs removed when around others. Hope was known for kicking his door incessantly until he was given extra phone calls. Its like taking a bear out of a cage thats been poked for how many years and then saying, I cant believe they attacked the person who did it, the officer says. How can they be allowed back on the streets with the expectation theyre just meant to integrate back to society? The system is absolutely creating monsters.
Disgraced former AFL player manager Ricky Nixon has been charged over an online post in which he allegedly named and threatened a serving police officer.

A separate Facebook comment posted from Nixons account, seen by The Age, also said he was on a mission to kill as many police officers as possible.

Ricky Nixon during a previous appearance at Melbourne Magistrates Court. Credit: Joe Armao

The comment was posted in response to followers asking Nixon if he was alright.

No on a mission to leave as meany [sic] cop c---s dead, it said.
Its in the name for a reason  the Sydney Royal Easter Show, which runs until April 22, is a cornucopia of thrills, barnyard spectacles and country class over the entire holiday period ( eastershow.com.au ). Between the nightly bison stampede performance, livestock judging and epic produce displays across the pavilions, youll feel like youre escaping to the country without leaving Greater Sydney. Public transport to the Sydney Olympic Park extravaganza is free with your ticket purchase, so leave the car and make the most of those CWA scones and chip-on-a-stick snacking opportunities. Day tickets from $48.

If youve left your Easter long weekend plans to the last minute, theres still time to make the most of your downtime with adventures, hotel bookings and new experiences in Sydney and greater NSW. Heres our guide.

Last-minute availability at the Assistant Lighthouse Keepers Cottage at Reflections Norah Head, on the Central Coast.

There are still campsites available at grounds run by NSW Parks, including Shelly Beach campground at Myall Lakes near Newcastle, dog-friendly Willbriggie North and South campgrounds on the Murrumbidgee River south of Griffith, and at the red dirt Mount Wood campground within Sturt National Park: book online (nationalparks.nsw.gov.au). Discovery Parks have non-campsite (that is, cabins, safari tents and villas) availability at Narooma, Ulladulla, Forster, Moama and Jindabyne properties, with discounts for Gday Rewards members. Reflections Cudgegong River, near Mudgee, still has bushcamp sites available from $40, and the Assistant Lighthouse Keepers Cottage at Reflections Norah Head, on the Central Coast  which hosts up to nine people  is available from $938 per night (reflectionsholidays.com.au).

To soak up paradise down south

Nearer the beaches, Casita in Batehaven, near Batemans Bay, has availability on Sunday and Monday for its two-bedroom, full-kitchen rooms (casitamotel.com.au), while Queen Streets The Berry View in (you guessed it) Berry has a few sepia-toned rooms free for nights over the weekend (theberryview.com.au). While youre down that way, 200 stallholders will be selling their wares at the Good Friday Easter Market at Milton Showground. On Sunday, Huskissons White Sands Park will come to life for the Blak Markets, with a program of events  including weaving circle and two performances by the Djiriba Waagura Traditional Dancers  alongside 20-plus stalls selling goods from the South Coast First Nations community (blakmarkets.com.au).
What in the World, a free weekly newsletter from our foreign correspondents, is sent every Thursday. Below is an excerpt. Sign up to get the whole newsletter delivered to your inbox.

Howdy from Louisville, Kentucky, the gateway to bourbon country.

Im on the road getting a feel for what Americans are making of the second Donald Trump presidency as he prepares to mark 100 days in office.

Iowa senator Chuck Grassley holds a public meeting in Fort Madison. He was one of the few Republicans to do so over the Easter recess. Credit: AP

In one sense, its early days  on the other hand, the 47th president has moved at such a lightning pace that people are entitled to have a view on his actions thus far.
To help business owners capitalise on economic opportunities across the region, we are also working with local councils and chambers of commerce including Be.Bendigo, as well as community leaders to unlock areas of investment and create sustained growth locally.
Two UB students awarded prestigious Goldwater scholarships

Nicholas Reilly (left), a junior majoring in chemical engineering, and Nicholas Pratt, a junior majoring in bioinformatics and computational biology, are the latest UB students to be awarded Goldwater scholarships. Photo: Meredith Forrest Kulwicki

The achievements of Goldwater scholars reflect not only the students personal dedication but also the dynamic environment fostered at UB, where cutting-edge research is shaping the future of science and technology. 

Juniors Nicholas Pratt and Nicholas Reilly are UBs latest recipients of the Barry Goldwater Scholarship, the countrys most prestigious and competitive research scholarship offered to undergraduate STEM students.

Pratt, a bioinformatics and computational biology student from Angola, N.Y., plans to work to advance understanding of gene families responsible for traits of agricultural interest, such as fruit size or nutrient content.

Reilly, a chemical engineering major from Voorheesville, intends to focus his research on materials science, specifically materials to mitigate carbon emissions and combat greenhouse effects.

Throughout the process, Nicholas Pratt and Nicholas Reilly impressed us with their academic excellence and passion for research, says Lisa Gagnon, adviser in the Office of Fellowships and Scholarships.

The achievements of Goldwater scholars reflect not only the students personal dedication but also the dynamic environment fostered at UB, where cutting-edge research is shaping the future of science and technology. We believe Pratt and Reilly are poised to make meaningful contributions to their fields and tackle pressing environmental challenges.

Agriculture faces significant changes, Pratt, who also received the Gilman Scholarship in 2024 to study abroad in the Czech Republic, wrote in his Goldwater application.

Since the Green Revolution, which transformed global food production in the mid-20th century, progress in agriculture efficiency has slowed. Industrial systems, characterized by monocultures and heavy pesticide use, have caused widespread ecological harm.

Advances in genetic engineering and plant genomics provide opportunities to redefine agriculture. By identifying and optimizing genes linked to traits like draught tolerance and yield improvement, I hope to create resilient sustainable food systems.

Jaroslaw Zola, associate professor in the Department of Computer Science and Engineering, praised Pratts dramatic learning curve since coming to UB.

When Nicholas first joined Scalable Computing Research Group (SCoRe), he was not really prepared for the challenges of research in our group, Zola wrote in his letter of recommendaton.

However, through his perseverance, curiosity and dedication, he rapidly acquired the necessary skills and knowledge. He quickly became a vital member of our team, contributing meaningfully to research discussions, independently troubleshooting challenges, and delivering high-quality, actionable results. His growth over the past year is a testament to his work ethic and passion for research. Currently, I consider him in the top 5 percent of the undergraduate students I worked with!

Reilly wrote in his Goldwater application that he wanted to focus his research on addressing the crises in climate change. His interest comes from two deeply rooted passions.

First and foremost, the environment is precious to me, Reilly wrote. It has been a lifelong dream to dedicate my career to preserving it for future generations as I wish others had for us. Secondly, my experience in research projects at UB has fueled my passion for scientific problem-solving. Pursuing a PhD will develop my experience and research ability to work on climate-focused prospects, making it a clear choice for me.

Reillys candidacy was endorsed by David Watson, professor in the Department of Chemistry.

From Day One, I have been utterly impressed with Nicks performance in research, Watson wrote in his letter of recommendation. He is unusually smart, mature and hard-working; has exceptional hands-on research skills in synthesis, spectroscopy and electrochemistry; communicates beautifully; and is a natural leader. Nick checks all the boxes and is poised for great success in scientific research, as an undergraduate student, graduate student and beyond.

Pratt and Reilly were chosen from an estimated pool of more than 5,000 college sophomores and juniors nominated by 445 academic institutions to compete for the 2025 Goldwater scholarships. They were among 441 students from across the United States selected by the Goldwater board to receive scholarships for the 2025-26 academic year.
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California sues Trump administration over "unlawful tariffs"

Xinhua) 10:14, April 17, 2025

LOS ANGELES, April 16 (Xinhua) -- California governor Gavin Newsom announced on Wednesday that the western U.S. state which has the largest economy in the nation is suing the Trump administration over the President's sweeping "unlawful tariffs" on international trading partners.

"President Trump's unlawful tariffs are wreaking chaos on California families, businesses, and our economy - driving up prices and threatening jobs," Newsom said in a statement, adding that "We're standing up for American families who can't afford to let the chaos continue."

"Donald Trump does not have the authority to impose these destructive and chaotic tariffs. America stands to lose too much," said the governor in a post on X platform.

"We're taking him to court," said the governor.

"California is the largest manufacturing state in our union, one of the largest trading partners around the globe. No state will be impacted more than the state of California as it relates to the unilateral authority that's been asserted by the Trump administration to impose the largest tax increases in modern American history," he noted.

Newsom pointed out that "In America, forty percent of goods movements in this country come through two ports of entry in California. About 50 percent of that from China itself."

In the lawsuit, expected to be filed in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of California, California officials will argue that the law, known as the International Emergency Economic Powers Act, which Trump cited to impose the tariffs, does not grant him the ability to unilaterally adopt those tariffs.

California, also the most populated U.S. state, is the first state in the nation to sue Trump administration on tariffs.

The Golden State is the largest importer among all U.S. states, with more than 675 billion U.S. dollars in two-way trade supporting millions of jobs throughout the state. Mexico, Canada and China are California's top three export destinations, buying nearly 67 billion dollars in California exports, which was over one-third of the state's 183 billion dollars in exported goods in 2024, according to the data released by the governor's office.

(Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Liang Jun)
Dans le cadre du renforcement de la cooperation securitaire entre le Cameroun et les Etats-Unis, lambassade americaine a Yaounde a remis hier six kits de laboratoire clandestin a la gendarmerie nationale, a appris cameroun24.

Ce don, initie par le Service Diplomatique de Securite (DSS), vise a booster les capacites operationnelles des forces de lordre dans la detection et le demantelement des laboratoires illicites, souvent lies au trafic de stupefiants ou a la fabrication darmes chimiques.

Une reponse aux menaces criminelles

Cette initiative sinscrit dans la continuite dune formation specialisee organisee en novembre 2024, au cours de laquelle des gendarmes camerounais ont ete outilles sur les techniques didentification et de neutralisation des menaces liees aux armes de destruction massive (ADM). Grace a ces nouveaux equipements, les forces de securite pourront desormais analyser plus rapidement et efficacement les substances dangereuses, traquer les reseaux criminels et prevenir les risques securitaires.

Un partenariat solide Etats-Unis-Cameroun

Lors de la ceremonie de remise, le Responsable de la Securite Diplomatique (RSO), Joseph Love, a souligne limportance de cette collaboration :  Ce don reflete le partenariat solide et croissant entre les Etats-Unis et le Cameroun dans la lutte contre les activites criminelles et la promotion de la securite publique. 



Cette action saligne sur les efforts continus de Washington pour appuyer Yaounde dans sa lutte contre linsecurite, notamment face a la montee des trafics transfrontaliers et des groupes armes. Les autorites camerounaises, de leur cote, ont salue ce geste qui vient consolider leurs moyens techniques dans un contexte securitaire de plus en plus complexe.

Vers une securite renforcee ?

Avec ces kits haute technologie, la gendarmerie nationale espere demanteler davantage de reseaux criminels, notamment ceux impliques dans la production de drogues synthetiques ou de substances explosives. Les experts estiment que cette dotation pourrait aussi servir dans la lutte contre Boko Haram dans lExtreme-Nord, ou des engins artisanaux sont regulierement utilises.



Une chose est sure : cette collaboration bilaterale montre que la lutte contre le crime organise reste une priorite partagee entre le Cameroun et ses partenaires internationaux. Affaire a suivre.





U.S. Embassy Boosts Cameroons Fight Against Organized Crime with Clandestine Lab Kits for National Gendarmerie

In a move to strengthen security cooperation, the U.S. Embassy in Yaounde, through its Diplomatic Security Service (DSS), has donated six clandestine laboratory detection kits to Cameroons National Gendarmerie. The equipment is designed to enhance the countrys ability to identify and dismantle illegal labs linked to drug production, chemical weapons, and other criminal activities.

A Strategic Response to Emerging Threats

The donation follows a specialized training program conducted in November 2024, where Cameroonian security forces were equipped with skills to detect and respond to weapons of mass destruction (WMD) threats. With these new kits, law enforcement will now be better positioned to analyze hazardous substances, track criminal networks, and prevent security risks more efficiently.

Strengthening U.S.-Cameroon Security Ties



During the handover ceremony, Regional Security Officer (RSO) Joseph Love emphasized the growing partnership between the two nations: This donation reflects the strong and expanding collaboration between the United States and Cameroon in combating criminal activities and promoting public safety.



The initiative aligns with ongoing U.S. efforts to support Cameroon in addressing cross-border trafficking, terrorism, and organized crime. Cameroonian authorities welcomed the donation, highlighting its potential to upgrade forensic capabilities in a region facing complex security challenges.

A Step Forward in Counterterrorism and Crime Prevention

The new equipment is expected to play a critical role in disrupting drug syndicates and bomb-making operations, particularly in high-risk areas like the Far North, where Boko Haram remains a persistent threat. Analysts suggest that improved lab detection could also help intercept precursor chemicals used in explosives and synthetic drugs.

Whats Next?

As Cameroon continues to face evolving security threats, this U.S. support signals a shared commitment to regional stability. With enhanced forensic tools, the Gendarmerie aims to deliver more decisive blows against criminal enterprises.



Ange NGO
THANKS to the generosity of the people in the Hacketstown community, lots of children will be treated to delicious Easter eggs next Sunday. About 200 Easter eggs were donated after Fr Terence McGovern asked his parishioners to contribute to an annual collection thats been going on every Easter for the past 26 years.

The tradition of the parish of Hacketstown donating chocolate treats to children in need began when Fr McGoverns predecessor, Fr Jim McCormack, was stationed in the Co Carlow village after being parish priest in Killinarden, Tallaght. Fr Jim saw at first hand how some families werent as fortunate as others in Tallaght and so organised the first Easter egg donation in 1999. He had already initiated an annual donation of toys every Christmas to children in Tallaght and, inspired by that success, organised the Easter egg donation.

Even after all these years, theres still a link between Hacketstown and Tallaght through Edel Byrne, a Hacketstown native who is a public health nurse in the Dublin suburb. She, along with community garda Pat Courtney, will ensure that the delicious chocolate eggs will end up with families who will appreciate them.

Were thrilled with the amount of Easter eggs donated and Id like to thank everyone who donated to the cause, said Edel.
By Jonathan McCambridge, PA

MI5 files were not deliberately withheld from an investigation into the IRA agent known as Stakeknife, a review has found.

The review was carried out following discovery of the material last year, after the investigative stage of Operation Kenova had already been completed.

Kevin Winters, the lawyer for a number of families impacted by Kenova, described the review report as a damp squib.

Chief Constable Jon Boutcher headed up Operation Kenova before he became chief constable of the PSNI. Photo: Liam McBurney/PA.

Kenova, a major investigation into the operations of Stakeknife, thought to be the British Armys top agent inside the IRA, published its interim report in 2024, finding that more lives were probably lost than saved by his actions.

Despite the findings, the public prosecutor did not to pursue any cases.

Stakeknife, widely believed to be west Belfast man Freddie Scappaticci, died in 2023 at the age of 77.

Former head of Kenova and current PSNI Chief Constable Jon Boutcher said last year it was unacceptable that MI5 had discovered the material so late and that the files appeared to contain significant new material which appears to point to new investigative leads not previously known.

The review into the late disclosure of the four separate sets of documents was carried out at MI5s request by a former assistant commissioner of the Metropolitan Police, Helen Ball.

A summary of her findings has been published on the Kenova website.

She said: I have not seen evidence of a deliberate attempt to withhold the material identified in 2024.

Therefore, I have concluded that none of the material was deliberately withheld from Operation Kenova at either an individual or an organisational level.

However, MI5s disclosure exercise drew on historic information management practices for Northern Ireland material which were not as strong in the past as those that MI5 had in place for its other material.

This meant in some cases that material was not properly stored and indexed when it should have been, and in others that it was indexed in a way that meant its relationship to Operation Kenovas remit was not recognised.

Ms Ball added: In addition, MI5s approach to the disclosure exercise was, as agreed with Operation Kenova, to respond to requests for information provided to it.

MI5 did not conduct a broader assessment of its own position in relation to Operation Kenovas investigative remit and the material it might hold.

Had it done, some of the material might have been identified earlier.

So might it have been if MI5 had maintained stronger relationships with the Operation Kenova team.

She added that MI5 staff had carried out further extensive searches and no similar material has been found since.

Head of Operation Kenova Sir Iain Livingstone said it was deeply regrettable the material had been discovered late. Photo: Liam McBurney/PA.

Current Kenova head Sir Iain Livingstone said: It is of course deeply regrettable that material was discovered and disclosed after the investigative phase of Kenova had concluded and after the Director of Public Prosecutions for Northern Ireland had made decisions concerning prosecutions of the Kenova cases.

The circumstances and relevance of the non-disclosed material will form part of the Kenova final report which is due to be published later this year.

Some 32 people, including former police, ex-military personnel and people linked with the IRA, were considered for prosecution on a range of charges from murder and abduction to misconduct in public office and perjury as a result of the Kenova investigation.

The Public Prosecution Service (PPS) in Northern Ireland found there was insufficient evidence to pursue any cases.

Solicitor Kevin Winters described the review report as a damp squib. Photo: Liam McBurney/PA.

Mr Winters of KRW Law said: This is a damp squib of a report.

When it comes to state accountability, conflict-bereaved families across the board are conditioned to being let down by the Government and its various agencies.

Unfortunately but not unexpectedly, todays findings are consistent with that inter-generational residual suspicion.

In many ways they can rightly feel insulted that they are being asked to buy into the notion that filing and indexing issues caused a communication deficit between MI5 and Kenova.

He added: It is derisory to suggest that families have to wait to get a full chronology of the relationship between MI5 and Stakeknife.

This is extraordinary when you consider that the Kenova inquiry started over nine years ago.
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Colombia's cement market contracted 6.6 per cent YoY in February 2025 as dispatches fell to 0.965Mt from 1.032Mt in the year-ago period, reported DANE, the national statistics office.

Bulk sales dropped by 12.4 per cent YoY while bagged cement sales were down 3.5 per cent YoY. This is also reflected in a 16.3 per cent reduction in the off-take by concrete producers and a 10.2 per cent drop in sales to construction companies and contractors. Dispatches to the wholesale/retail segment edged up by 0.1 per cent YoY.

The Bogota market expanded by 1.2 per cent YoY, but sales in Antioquia were down by eight per cent YoY in February 2025. Valle del Cauca and Cundinamarca reported market contractions of 4.4 and 7.8 per cent, respectively. In Atlantico sales were down 6.4 per cent YoY while in Santander they fell by 5.3 per cent YoY. However, the Bolivar market expanded by eight per cent.

Domestic cement production declined by 3.9 per cent YoY to 1.05Mt in February 2025 from 1.092Mt.

January-February 2025

In the first two months of 2025 cement consumption decreased 4.9 per cent to 1.835Mt when compared with the equivalent period of the previous year, when dispatches reached 1.929Mt.

Bulk sales in the 2M25 saw a 12.2 per cent drop while sales of bagged cement slipped by 1. 2p per cent YoY. Concrete companies lowered their purchases by 12.1 per cent YoY. Sales to construction companies and contractors were down 9.5 per cent YoY, but sales to the wholesale/retail segment picked up by 1.2 per cent when compared with the 2M24.

The Bogota market expanded three per cent in the 2M25 when compared with the year-ago period, while in Antioquia dispatches were down 4.7 per cent. In Valle del Cauca sales slipped by 2.3 per cent. Dispatches to Cundinamarca declined by 5.2 per cent while in Atlantico the market contracted by 6.6 per cent, a similar trend to Santander, which saw a YoY reduction of 6.3 per cent in the 2M25. Deliveries to Bolivar struck a more positive note, advancing by 7.3 per cent YoY.

Output from Colombian cement plants saw a 4.9 per cent reduction to 1.996Mt in the 2M25 from 2.098Mt in the 2M24.
Middle Valley Church of God, located at 1703 Thrasher Pike in Hixson, announces that Pastor Mitch McClure will be preaching on Sunday, April 20, in the 10:30 a.m. service. His sermon title will be, Help Me Fix My Problem (I Need Jesus Now). Resurrection Sunday will include special music led by Kelly Selby, a special gift for all in attendance, and emphasis on the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the grave. The goal of this sermon series is to assure the listener that they have access to God through Jesus Christ in all situations of life along with His promises to help.All are welcome to participate.





Each Sunday at 5:30 p.m. the church conducts a Prayer Meeting. The Prayer Meeting is open to all who wish to participate and is designed to encourage prayer. Information on various methods of prayer will be shared with participants. The goal of this prayer meeting is to encourage Believers to seek God through prayer. All are welcome to participate.





Each Wednesday at 7 p.m., an Interactive, Interesting, and Informative Bible Study will be held in the church auditorium. Pastor Mitch McClure is currently leading this Bible study. The topic of the Bible study will be how worldview impacts our lives. All are welcome to participate. The goal of this Bible study is to encourage Believers to study the Bible and discuss with others, making the Scripture their guide.





Middle Valley Church of God is a community focused church with various ministries in the Middle Valley area and in Cusuna, Honduras. The community is welcome to join in times of worship and community service. MVCOG has been ministering in the Middle Valley Community since 1948 from the same location. If you have questions, please contact the church office at 423.843.1539. All are welcome.
For the seventh year, EPBs ArtSpark Goes to School program continues to highlight the artistic talents of local high school students while beautifying Chattanooga and Hamilton Countys public spaces. Student artwork inspired by the theme "What Energizes You?" will soon be unveiled on 10 utility boxes across the city.With the completion of this years program, student artwork will be displayed on 68 utility boxes. Winners represent schools from across Hamilton County: Amelia Watkins, Hixson High School; Colette "Cole" Bischof, Chattanooga High School Center for Creative Arts; Delilah Allen, East Ridge High School; Honey McCullough, Hixson High School; Karen Ramos Perez, The Howard School; Lina Jameel, Chattanooga School for the Liberal Arts; London Woods, Chattanooga School for the Arts & Sciences; Mac Campbell, Signal Mountain Middle/High School; Meg Finger, Chattanooga High School Center for Creative Arts; and Olivia Sutherland, Sale Creek Middle/High School.Runners-up were also recognized during the program, reflecting the deep talent of this years students: Amelia Shipley, Sale Creek Middle/High School (runner-up); Gianna Baldino, Chattanooga School for the Liberal Arts (runner-up); Sadie Ham, Chattanooga School for the Arts & Sciences (runner-up); and Sara Yoshida, Chattanooga School for the Liberal Arts (runner-up).View works by past winners and an interactive map of artwork locations at epb.com/artspark."Chattanooga's artistic culture is an integral part of who we are as a community, and I'm proud that EPB continues to support it with this innovative program, said Mayor Tim Kelly.Using student art to beautify our infrastructure in such a public way is a simple, brilliant way to promote these promising young Chattanooga artists."The program, which engages students through a STEAM-based curriculum (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Mathematics), helps students combine artistic expression with technical knowledge.ArtSpark Goes to School is giving opportunities to public school students to develop real-world art and design skills and put their creativity on display, said Hamilton County Mayor Weston Wamp. Its inspiring to see students discover and hone their gifts in ways that will not only shape their futures but also enrich our community.Dr. Justin Robertson, Hamilton County Schools superintendent, emphasized the value of the student-centered initiative, saying, "ArtSpark Goes to School provides our students with a unique opportunity to apply their creativity and innovation beyond the walls of the classroom. Seeing their artwork displayed in our communities provides a sense of connection and inspiration as they continue their education.River City Companys original program to cover utility boxes in artwork inspired ArtSpark Goes to School. ArtSpark and ArtSpark Goes to School are great examples of how art can energize a community and make it more inviting for residents and visitors alike, said Emily Mack, president and CEO of River City Company. The partnership beautifies our community spaces and empowers students to make their mark on our dynamic community.The University of Tennessee at Chattanoogas Arts-Based Collaborative developed the curriculum schools used for the program. Angela Dittmar, director of Teaching Artist Residencies at the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga, reflected on the educational benefits of the program. ArtSpark bridges the gap between education and community involvement. Being able to participate in real-world art commissions and installations allows students to take ownership of and be recognized for their creativity, which is what makes ArtSpark Goes to School so impactful, she said.Elizabeth Hammitt, EPB director of Residential Energy and Environmental Solutions, shared her excitement about the ongoing success of ArtSpark. ArtSpark has become more than just a program. Its a way to celebrate the creativity cultivated in our schools and transform our public spaces. Were proud to be part of this effort that fosters both STEAM education and community engagement. she said.EPB works with a third party to create and apply vinyl wraps from the winning student designs.
La Paz Chattanooga announced three internal promotions, as well as the addition of one new hire to the organizations full-time staff. Two of the three promotions elevated longtime team members into director and senior director roles, while the additional promotion and one new hire were made to accommodate a growing need for education and outreach services.Jessica Cliche, who began her career with La Paz more than 15 years ago with a focus on community health, was promoted to senior director of education & engagement.Lily Sanchez, who has been with La Paz since 2017 and has held several communications-related roles throughout her tenure, was promoted to communications and development director.Splitting a single education and outreach role into two positions as its workload grew, La Paz promoted Ashley Valencia to senior outreach coordinator and hired Gabriela Bellot as its education coordinator.When I think about where we were when this organization was founded over 20 years ago and compare it to where we are today, I am truly awestruck, said Stacy Johnson, CEO at La Paz.We could not have continued to grow and evolve to meet our clients needs without the passionate, hardworking people who make up our team. These promotions and additions to our staff are just another step in our growth as an organization and our effort to provide critical services to our Latino friends and neighbors.About - PromotionsJessica Cliche joined the La Paz team in 2009. Prior to being promoted to senior director of education & engagement, Cliche has focused on health and wellness, as well as community education and engagement, and has earned a variety of health management and leadership-focused certifications during her tenure with the organization. In addition to her work with La Paz, Ms. Cliche is involved in a wide range of community service and volunteer efforts and is a current member of the 2024-2025 Leadership Chattanooga class.Lily Sanchez joined the La Paz team in 2017 as communications coordinator and was promoted to communications and development manager prior to being elevated to communications and development director. Ms. Sanchez earned a BA in communication from the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga (UTC) and an MA in mass communication from the University of Florida. An active member of the Chattanooga civic community, Ms. Sanchez was named a 20 Under 40 by Chatter Magazine in 2023 and earned a GOLD (Graduates of the Last Decade) Excellence Award from UTC in 2024.Ashley Valencia joined the La Paz team in 2021 as a bilingual case manager and then served as the organizations program and outreach coordinator before being promoted to her current role, senior outreach coordinator. Ms. Valencia is a graduate of both Protege Chattanooga and Leadership Chattanooga and serves as program committee chair for the Chattanooga Food Center and Trustee for the UNFoundation, among other civic endeavors.About - New HireGabriela Bellot served as outreach support for La Paz on a contract basis before being hired full-time as the organizations education coordinator. Ms. Bellot attended the University of Tennessee, Knoxville, and earned a BA in political science. Prior to joining the team at La Paz, Ms. Bellot served as an English teaching assistant at Universidad Nacional de Colombia, where she was a Fulbright Scholar.
Organizers of the Chattanooga Beer Fest have announced the 2025 date: Saturday, May 24, at the First Horizon Pavilion. The festival is a celebration of craft beer offering attendees unlimited samples from all participating brewers at one flat ticket price, on sale nw. Organizers said this is not only a great way to sample unique craft beers, but also an opportunity to talk directly with the brewers themselves. This celebration of craft beer brings together an abundance of local and regional breweries who are excited to offer their best and newest brews to festival attendees for a fifth year.

The 2025 Chattanooga Beer Fest is presented by New Realm Brewing Company this year. Dozens of participating breweries are being finalized, but currently include: Bells Brewery (Kalamazoo, MI), Blackhorse Brewery (Clarksville), Blake's Hard Ciders (Armada, MI), Cide Chicks Cider Company (Gatlinburg), Copperhill Brewery (Copperhill), 3 Floyds Brewing (Munster, IN), Founders Brewing (Grand Rapids, MI), Gatlinburg Brewing (Gatlinburg), Hutton & Smith (Chattanooga), Iron Forge Brewing (Sevierville), Jackalope Brewing (Nashville), Lagunitas Brewing Company (Petaluma, CA), Mean King Brewing (Chattanooga), Monkey Town Brewing (Dayton), Naked River Brewing (Chattanooga), New Belgium (Asheville, NC), New Realm Brewing (Atlanta), Oddstory Brewing (Chattanooga), Rhinegeist Brewing (Cincinnati), Tanasi Brewing (Chattanooga), Tennessee Brew Works (Nashville), Wiseacre Brewing (Memphis), 5 Wits Brewing (Chattanooga), Yee-Haw Brewing (Knoxville), and The Barley Mob (Chattanooga).

Title sponsor, New Realm, Believes in a new realm of thinking, doing and most importantly brewing. We ask questions. Rethink tradition. Bend the rules. Reconfigure boundaries. What we do next all comes down to one simple pursuit: to never become stale in any sense or style, according to founders.

For a fifth year, Chattanooga Beer Fest will host dozens of breweries from around the region. While the list is still being cultivated, breweries are being added every day and the current lineup can be viewed on ChattanoogaBeerFest.com. Each patron will receive a commemorative tasting glass to sample from all of the breweries. No tokens or additional funds are needed past the ticket price. Tickets are $48 in advance or $58 at the door, while available.

Adding to the festival, patrons can shop with a sampling of artists and makers from Chattanooga Marketseveral dozen. Local eats will be a part, as well including El Mason and JTs Burger Box. Water and soft drink options will be onsiteorganizers encourage participants to sample alcohol safely.

The music line-up for the event boasts Milele Roots, a reggae band performing from 12-3 p.m. From the stage you can expect a heartfelt performance of original music and rendition of classic reggae from: Steel Pulse, Bob Marley, Peter Tosh, Third World, Toots and the Maytals, The Mighty Diamonds, Augustus Pablo, The Skatelites, Black Uhuru, The Specials etc. Expect a nod to Bob Dylan, Pink Floyd, The Band, Neil young, Tom Petty and Hip Hop classics with a reggaelicious twist.

The proceeds from Chattanooga Beer Fest will benefit the non-profit 501(c)(3), Chattanooga Market.



This is an over 21 only event; a valid legal ID is required for admission.
The Bethlehem Center invites the Chattanooga community to join them in celebrating the Southside Juneteenth Jubilee, their annual celebration of freedom, on June 14 from 1-4 p.m. at their 200 W. 28th St. location in Chattanooga.The event will feature local vendor booths, live music and food. Local elected officials will be in attendance. Guest speakers include Councilwoman Raquetta Dotley, Mayor Wamp, District 11 Commissioner Joe Graham and Mayor Kelly.Officials said, "Juneteenth is the oldest known commemoration of the ending of slavery in the United States.On June 19, 1865, General Gordon Granger announced that slaves in Texas were free by order of the president of the United States. This historic announcement came two and a half years after President Lincolns Emancipation Proclamation, which had become official on Jan. 1, 1863.We are honored to host the Southside Juneteenth Jubilee and to celebrate this significant day in our nation's history with the Chattanooga community," said Reginald Smith II, executive director of The Bethlehem Center. "This event is an opportunity for the community to come together and remember the significance ofthis holiday."Although Juneteenth has been celebrated across the United States since 1865, its observance has become more widespread since the Civil Rights Movement, serving as a platform for promoting diversity and educating about the sacrifices and challenges endured by enslaved Americans in their struggle for freedom."The Bethlehem Center warmly welcomes everyone in Chattanooga to join us for this meaningful celebration. Whether you're interested in partnering, volunteering or becoming a vendor at the Southside Juneteenth Jubilee, please visit thebeth.org/juneteenth."
A former bartender at Jack Brown's Bar testified Thursday that Chris Wright was extremely drunk just prior to walking down Georgia Avenue, where he was killed after an encounter with a Patten Towers resident.

Natasha Yancey said she was concerned about his safety and offered to get him an Uber. She said he replied, "I can get my own damn Uber." She said the conversation occurred on the bar's patio area and it was concerning to her. The prosecution noted that she earlier told police the Uber statement was made in a joking fashion.

Darryl "Too Tall" Roberts is standing trial in the courtroom of Judge Boyd Patterson for criminal homicide in the Sept 28, 2023, incident.

Ms. Yancey said Wright initially came into the bar at 9:55 p.m. and left after finding out it did not have a liquor license at the time and could only sell beer. She said he initially reached out to shake her hand as he introduced himself and told her he wanted "a grown man's drink." She said he was accompanied by a man (Brittain "Ian" Brantley) and an unidentified woman. Wright and Brantley had been celebrating their 20th Baylor School reunion.

The witness said she told the trio about nearby bars that did serve liquor. They left but returned later.

She said when they did return after a visit to Cherry Street Tavern the two men were heavily intoxicated and the woman was "a little tipsy." She said a co-worker told her "you can have them."

She said she served them "ponies" (small beers) of High Life because of their intoxication level. She said, "I was trying to avoid any conflict." She said they were cut off for further drinks, saying, "It was one and done."

She said of the group, "I was kind of concerned about them."

Ms. Yancey said Chris Wright was "sloshed" and his speech was very slurred and "on the louder side." She said he was "acting in an aggressive manner."

She said he would refer to Brantley as "asshole" and the woman as "bitch."

The jury was shown video of the trio in the bar. It showed the others sitting down, but an animated Wright stood. At times he struck the bar with his hand. Ms. Yancey said at one point a patron nearby gave him a look when that happened.

At one point Brantley got up and went toward the back of the bar. She thought he had gone to the bathroom to throw up. She said a co-worker eventually checked the bathroom and he was not there. She said he had apparently left out the back door.

Afterward, she said Wright remained standing at the bar with the woman sitting beside him. She said he was being "flirtatious" toward her.

She said, "I wanted him to leave. He was getting very loud and banging on the bar." When he did leave he paid his and the woman's tabs.

Ms. Yancey said she was on a break on the patio when Wright and the woman came outside at 11:39 p.m. She said Wright "seemed like he was upset. He wanted the night to keep going. He didn't want the woman to leave."

She said Wright handed the woman his phone and she put her number in it.

She said after the woman left Wright asked her if she thought the woman was beautiful.

He then sat on a bench and made calls before starting out walking in the direction of Patten Towers. Brantley testified that he noticed later that he had several calls from Wright at that time.

Detective James King said he never learned the identity of the woman at the bar with Wright and Brantley.

He also said he had not come up with any video that included audio from the front of the Patten. He stated, "I would love to have a video with audio that explains what was said and why it happened."

He said he had not been able to locate a woman in a white hoodie seen in the video just before the shooting, and who looked over to see what was going on.

Det. King also said he never was given any indication that Wright had used a racial slur in his confrontation with Roberts.

The detective said he was unaware of an allegation that a sergeant with the Chattanooga Police Department, when arresting Roberts, told him, "You're going to jail for life. The guy's from Signal Mountain. You killed the wrong dude."

Det. King said he had the solemn duty of calling the wife of Wright at 5 a.m. the next morning to tell her that her husband had been killed. Wright was the father of two young sons and an eight-week-old daughter.
25-004029-3600 BLK Missionaire Avenue- Unknown Trouble Police responded to the address to investigate an unknown trouble and located a disorder between three adults. All three parties were intoxicated and belligerent. Police warned the two males to retire into the residence but they refused to do, creating a public disturbance. One party was taken into custody for disorderly conduct, resisting arrest, retaliation for past acts, and vandalism for damaging the holding cell at police headquarters.He was transported to Hamilton County Jail without further incident. Day Shift April 16: B Squad

No Case Number-3800 BLK Altamira Drive-SIA Police conducted parking enforcement on Altamira Drive due to vehicles parking in the no-parking zones.

25-003995 - 2159 Dugan ST -Civil / Warrant Service The landlord called ERPD to report that two males were breaking into a vehicle at this residence. When ERPD arrived, they met with the two parties. A Hamilton County Civil Process unit arrived on scene and informed ERPD the two males were evicted, and they have until today at 1600 to get their belongings. Upon running the subjects information, one had an active felony warrant out of Walker County. Walker County advised they wanted to extradite, and he was transported to the Hamilton County Jail without incident.

25-003998  300 BLK Camp Jordan Parkway  Suspicious Activity A caller reported a male wearing a bucket hat and a black cardigan approached her and asked her to stop littering. The male subject then disappeared into the park. Police checked the area but were unable to locate the party.

25-004003  1300 BLK St. Thomas Street  Assault/Mental Health Police responded to this location after Swift Feet reported being punched by another male known as Dont Be Up in My Business" following an argument between the two. Officers decided to transport one party to an area hospital for treatment due to his extensive mental health history. The manager of the property was notified of the incident.

25-004004  100 BLK CECIL LN  Disorder ERPD received a call about an assault. Officers were able to obtain video footage of the incident and determine the fighting was mutual. The guardians of the Juveniles were informed a report was going to be taken of the incident and recommended the juveniles go inside to separate. No further incident occurred.

25-004011  3600 BLK Ringgold Rd at Food City  Pedestrian Struck A juvenile was struck by a vehicle traveling at low speed in the parking lot. The juvenile was transported for additional care.

Night Shift April 16: D Squad

25-003995  57000 BLK Ringgold Rd -Criminal trespass Management requested that a man be criminally trespassed after having several issues with him throughout the day.

25-004024- 4214 Ringgold Rd- Warrant Service A man was served two Forfeiture Capias warrants.

25-004027  1600 BLK Waterhouse Street  Burglar Alarm

Police responded to a burglar alarm at the church. After observing that the building's doors and windows were secured and that there were no signs of forced entry, officers determined that it was a false alarm.

25-004028  I-75 South mile marker 2  Check for Hazard A queen-size mattress topper was removed from lane three on I-75 Southbound near the split.
Superior Court Judge Don W. Thompson has sentenced Christopher Blake Stansell of Chickamauga, Ga., to 30 years with the first 10 years to be served in confinement in the Georgia Department of Corrections.

He had been convicted of four counts of aggravated assault, home invasion first-degree burglary and two counts of cruelty to children in the first degree.

Stansell had entered a non-negotiated guilty plea to the charges earlier with the court ordering a pre-sentence investigation by the probation office.

During the two and a half hour sentencing hearing, the facts were laid out to Judge Thompson through the introduction of Ring doorbell security camera footage and Chickamauga Police Department (CPD) body camera footage of the incident, as well as testimony from CPD Detective Ira Taylor and CPD patrolman Charles Dunn.

The case took place on Memorial Day in 2023. The Selimagic family had invited friends to their home to celebrate. Next door, the Stansells had family and friends at their house as well.

During the day Blake Stansell, as well as others, came over to the Selimagics to visit. Later in the evening, Stansell came over to socialize as the Selimagics cleaned up, when he got into a verbal argument with David Lockhart and his sons, who were guests of the Selimagics.

Mr. Selimagic suggested everyone go home and the Lockharts went to their car and attempted to leave. As they drove past the Stansell home, after having turned around in the cul-de-sac, Stansell approached their car and began hitting it. The younger Lockharts exited their car and proceeded to engage in a physical altercation with Stansell. Dino Selimagic, Sr. attempted to stop the altercation but was unsuccessful.

Afterwards Stansell turned his anger towards Mr. Selimagic accusing him of letting the Lockharts beat him up. Stansell began verbally threatening the Selimagic family and then retrieved a 9mm handgun from his home screaming his intentions to kill the whole family. Stansell walked over to the Selimagic home firing his weapon into their house while he continued making threats. At one point he kicked in the outside door to the garage and then attempted to kick in an interior door to gain entry to the home.

Unsuccessful and out of ammunition, Stansell walked back out to the driveway where he was confronted by Officer Dunn. After several attempts to get Stansell to drop his weapon, Dunn tased him and was able to take him into custody.

The case was prosecuted by Senior Assistant District Attorney Bruce Roberts.

District Attorney Clayton M. Fuller said, In our small-town community, theres no place for violent offenders who bring guns and chaos to family homes. On Memorial Day, while neighbors gathered in peace, Blake Stansell turned a celebration into a scene of terror. Thanks to the courage of Officer Dunn and the Chickamauga Police Department - who showed exceptional bravery that night - this defendant was stopped before a greater tragedy could have happened.

"Our community recently lost Officer Dunn to another senseless act of violence in our community, and we will continue to protect this community with the same resolve he showed throughout his career.
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Home News Christian mother whose daughter was slain by illegal immigrant asks God to push back at the enemy 'Cause confusion in their camp'

WASHINGTON  The mother whose daughter was viciously raped and slain by an illegal immigrant from El Salvador prayed with the White House press office Wednesday before recounting in graphic detail how her daughter was murdered.

This is probably going to be one of the highlights of my life, being able to be a part of a prayer meeting at the White House, because theres no greater God than the one that we serve, Patty Morin prayed before addressing the nation.

And because theres no greater God, He has a purpose and plan for all of us being here at this moment in time, she added. And even the death that happened to Rachel is part of His purpose.

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Morin, who later joined President Donald Trump and prominent Christians during an Easter dinner in the Blue Room of the White House, further asked God to "push back at the enemy and cause confusion in their camp."

This is probably going to be one of the highlights of my life being able to be apart of a prayer meeting at the White House



Before Patty Morin took the podium, she shared words of wisdom and prayer with the White House Press Team ?????????? pic.twitter.com/PTsZslAYgU  Margo Martin (@MargoMartin47) April 16, 2025

Morins prayer came moments before an impromptu briefing during which the soft-spoken mother explained the viciousness of how illegal immigrant Victor Antonio Martinez-Hernandez used rocks to kill her 37-year-old daughter, Rachel, on a Maryland trail in August 2023.

Absolutely heartbreaking ????



Patty Morin, the mother of Rachel Morin, shares the heartbreaking story of how her daughter was brutally r*ped and kiIIed at the hands of a criminal illegal alien.



Democrats are more outraged that Trump deported an MS-13 gang member than an American pic.twitter.com/S47pTB2de1  Libs of TikTok (@libsoftiktok) April 16, 2025

Martinez-Hernandez, who was among the millions who crossed the border illegally that year during the Biden administration, was found guilty earlier this month by a jury in Harford County, Maryland, of first-degree murder, first-degree rape, third-degree sexual offense and kidnapping related to Rachels death.

The jury deliberated for less than an hour, according to local Fox 5.

The press at the White House were silent and some reporters cried as Morin described her daughters violent, humiliating end. She noted detectives did not at first reveal to her family the gruesome details of Rachels death, which she noted involved her being dragged 150 feet into a tunnel where Martinez-Hernandez raped her as blood poured from her head.

"This person took my daughter so violently and so gruesomely and so graphically that they sealed the pictures because I don't want my granddaughters to see these pictures," she said.

She said Rachels beautiful face [was] bashed in, and much of her brain hemorrhaged.

He picks her up, he throws her against the wall, Morin said of what Martinez-Hernandez did to Rachel. Blood is gushing from her head. Her hair is soaked in blood. They showed us pictures of her body against the wall, the blood outlined her body, and you could see where the blood ran down around her as he was raping her.

And then he threw her down and raped her some more. And then he strangled her, because he didnt want her to be able to live to tell the story, she added.

There wasnt one inch of her body that didnt have some kind of injury, she said.

After White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt shot down a question from a reporter in the mostly silent briefing room, some reporters spoke up to thank Morin before she turned to them and urged them to tell the truth about the rampant violence that has poured into the United States because of unrestrained illegal immigration.

Please tell the truth, she said. Tell the truth. Tell how violent it really is.

Its more than politics, she added. Its about national security. Its about protecting Americans. Its about protecting our children.

Morin later met in the Oval Office with Trump, who hugged her and noted how she had been through hell.

Your daughter is looking down proud of you, you know that, Trump told her.

MUST WATCH!



President @realDonaldTrump hugs and comforts Patty Morin ??



Your daughter is looking down proud of you, you know that pic.twitter.com/o83N2CYtOl  Margo Martin (@MargoMartin47) April 16, 2025

Morins remarks before the press came a day after Leavitt slammed mainstream media outrage over the deportation of Kilmar Abrego Garcia, a Salvadoran migrant and accused MS-13 gang member sent to his home countrys Centro de Confinamiento del Terrorismo (CECOT) prison over a previously admitted administrative error.

Leavitt has pushed back against descriptions of Garcia as a Maryland father, and contrasted the attention he has received with Rachel Morin.

It is despicable that many in the fake news media and the Democrat Party are more outraged over the deportation of an MS-13 illegal alien criminal than they are over the rape and murder of American women and children by illegal aliens who should have never been in our country in the first place, Leavitt said.

White House Director of Communications Steven Cheung later noted that neither MSNBC nor CNN carried the briefing with Morin, choosing instead to cover stories unflattering to Trump.
Home News Overturning Roe v. Wade didn't decrease abortions nationwide, disputed Guttmacher study claims

A new report released by an abortion advocacy group suggests that the number of abortions in the United States is increasing even though abortion is now illegal in several states. Some pro-life groups are disputing such claims, however.

The Guttmacher Institute released data about the number of abortions performed in 2024 on Tuesday. The pro-abortion think-tank and former research arm of Planned Parenthood compiled the report based on its Monthly Abortion Provision Study that collects data on procedural and medication abortions provided at brick-and-mortar health facilities (such as clinics or doctors offices), as well as medication abortions provided via telehealth and online-only providers in the United States.

The report clarifies that its national estimates might not reflect the actual number of abortions performed as it doesn't include information about abortions provided in states with total abortion bans. Nationwide, the Guttmacher Institute estimates that 1,038,100 abortions were performed in 2024, a 0.4% increase from the estimate of 1,033,740 abortions performed in 2023.

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2023 and 2024 mark the first two full years since the U.S. Supreme Court determined that the U.S. Constitution does not contain a right to abortion in the June 2022 Dobbs v. Jackson decision, which overturned the 1973 Roe v. Wade ruling that made abortion legal nationwide. The increase in the estimated number of abortions performed in states without total abortion bans from 2023 to 2024 was much lower than the 11.1% rise measured from 2020-2023.

Randall OBannon, director of education and research for the pro-life group National Right to Life, disputed the figures in the new report in a statement on Tuesday, saying, This isnt the old Guttmacher report that surveys every clinic and tracks down every abortionist. Guttmacher is still relying a bit too heavily on abortionists, who were some of their most reliable sources before Dobbs, and giving too much credit to abortion pill sales by virtual and online pill promoters.

That said, that they would report a figure similar to last years indicates that were not seeing a growing market, that abortionists are not doing a lot more abortions, whatever the actual number of abortions really is. Other studies do show that lives are being saved in states with pro-life protections, regardless of what Guttmacher is reporting, OBannon added.

In a statement reacting to the research, the study's project lead, Isaac Maddow-Zimet, asserted, Despite the Dobbs decision overturning the federal right to abortion in June 2022, Guttmacher data continue to show an increase in the number of clinician-provided abortions as compared to 2020.

Following the Dobbs decision, several states implemented restrictions on abortion that either limited access to the procedure to the earliest weeks of pregnancy or amounted to near-total bans. The Guttmacher Institutes report also included data about the number of abortions performed on out-of-state residents during 2023 and 2024, with the organization estimating a decrease in the number of people who traveled across state lines to obtain abortion from 169,700 in 2023 to 155,100.

While the number of people who traveled across state lines to obtain an abortion decreased at the national level, several states saw the number of people coming from outside the state for an abortion increase. Kansas saw the number of abortions performed on non-residents rise by 4,300, while the number of abortions performed on non-residents in Virginia increased by 3,300.

The latest abortion travel data are a clear reminder that the impact of a states abortion policies extends far beyond its borders, stated Kimya Forouzan, Guttmacher's principal state policy advisor. For instance, the substantial increase in out-of-state abortion patients in Virginia can likely be attributed to Floridas six-week ban that went into effect in May 2024.

According to Forouzan, who advocates for abortion access, Despite being hundreds of miles away, Virginia is the second-closest state for Florida residents to seek an abortion after six weeks gestation and the closest without a mandatory waiting period.
Home Opinion This issue shouldn't be controversial. But it's reached SCOTUS

The last month has seen a flurry of activity around child gender transition policy developments. The Colorado House of Representatives just passed a bill that would revoke custody from parents who dont affirm their childs transgender identity. The Colorado Senate will take up the bill soon. Arkansas state legislature is considering a bill that would allow parents to sue anyone who transitions their childs gender without their involvement. Pennsylvania and Nevada are considering legislation on this topic as well.

Thankfully, the Trump administration has changed the federal governments official legal position regarding children and gender transition. In an active case before the Supreme Court, the United States, government now affirms that Tennessee's law banning puberty blockers and hormone therapy for transgender minors is constitutional. This reverses the Biden administration's previous position, though the acting solicitor general still encourages the court to rule on the question in a pivotal case, United States v. Skrmetti.

Tennessee passed this law back in 2022, but the Biden administration objected to it. Now that the Department of Justice under the Trump administration has dropped its objection and the Supreme Court appears positioned to affirm the law, more states must introduce similar legislation and pass it into law in order to protect children.

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This issue should not be controversial.

Our society regularly prioritizes the welfare of children by restricting certain practices and products deemed especially harmful for minors. For example, alcohol and tobacco products are prohibited for sale to those under 21. Certain TV, film, and video content carry age restrictions. And children under 16 are not permitted to drive a vehicle by themselves. These safety measures are neither controversial nor partisan. Nor should they be when it comes to so-called gender transition procedures. Most Americans agree.

A study conducted in 2023 found 68% of Americans support restrictions on gender transition prescriptions for children ages 10-14 and 58% for teens 15-17. This is one reason why Donald Trump won the election. There is broad consensus that children should not be given life-altering prescriptions or surgeries designed to impede puberty. This policy aligns with a larger societal desire to protect children from harm, yet those driving a progressive agenda continue to oppose laws protecting children. Therefore, our Southern Baptist denomination values have led us to file a brief before the court in Skrmetti, arguing that these dubious practices imposed upon children should be banned.

Proponents of these bodily alterations claim these interventions performed on otherwise healthy bodies alleviate psychological harm. Yet, rather than addressing the underlying issues, gender transitions are presented to vulnerable children and families as a cure-all. Families are promised that happiness and fulfillment are just a procedure away. But this is a false hope; nothing could be further from the truth. The path to wholeness and mental health does not come through radical modification of a distressed persons body.

Surgery and prescriptions designed to permanently alter the human body are not seen as viable solutions to treat any other mental health condition. For example, physicians do prescribe amputation for individuals suffering from Body Integrity Identity Disorder (BIID), where a person wants to remove a limb because they feel it is not truly part of their body. Why? Because they know that amputation does not solve the underlying struggle of the individual to accept their body and they understand that such a procedure would undoubtedly cause irreparable harm. Why should gender dysphoria be seen differently?

On this issue, the U.S. is behind its international peers. As more evidence emerges regarding the permanent damage done by these procedures, multiple countries across Europe have rolled back their support for puberty blockers as a valid treatment for gender dysphoria and, as a result, no longer recommend such prescriptions for children. For example, the United Kingdom has completely prohibited the usage of puberty blockers for minors experiencing gender dysphoria, and in 2022, it closed its only gender clinic for children.

By contrast, Scripture is not behind on this issue. The Bible teaches that the differences between male and female are determined at conception, immutable, and rooted in God's good design, something clearly articulated by our Southern Baptist Convention of churches in a 2023 resolution. Furthermore, as our confession of faith, the Baptist Faith & Message, articulates, the Bible shows that gender itself is a part of the goodness of God's creation.

Sadly, we recognize that those facing gender dysphoria often suffer from anxiety, depression, or even suicidal thoughts. Further, we commend parents seeking to help their children. However, the medical procedures prohibited by this Tennessee law do not help. In fact, they cause further harm to those who are already suffering  children who must be protected.

That is why the Tennessee law in the Skrmetti case is an ethically and legally appropriate action by the state. In prohibiting these procedures for minors, Tennessee has embraced the government's proper role in safeguarding the bodies of children. Children are especially susceptible to various pressures and influences, and we must take seriously the responsibility to protect them from harm.

What about parental rights? Shouldn't parents make these decisions for their children? Both the Ethics & Religious Liberty Commission (ERLC) and the Tennessee Baptist Mission Board, strongly support parental rights. For example, the ERLC filed an amicus brief in another Supreme Court case, Mahmoud v. Taylor, asserting that parents, and not the state, should have the authority to choose the manner in which their children are educated regarding gender and sexuality. Additionally, the ERLC has supported legislation like the "Families' Rights and Responsibilities Act" to further protect parental rights in federal law. But supporting parental rights is not at odds with the state's legitimate interest in protecting children from these physically and psychologically harmful procedures.

Parents bear a fundamental responsibility to safeguard and properly care for their children. However, parental rights are not a free license for parents to make decisions that harm their children  especially decisions that irreparably damage their bodies. When a state passes legislation to prevent permanent bodily injury, legislators are not unjustly intervening between parents and children. Instead, they are rightly and responsibly acting to protect children.

In keeping with our convictions, we stand for truth. In keeping with compassion, we stand up for children. Gender transition procedures harm children, and only about half of the states protect them from these life-altering interventions. Now is the time for more states to pass this important legislation. Will you advocate for your state to be among them?
Home Opinion What was Jesus doing on the Saturday before His resurrection?

The Saturday between Good Friday and Easter Sunday is often shrouded in mystery and anticipation. While the crucifixion and resurrection command our attention, we must not overlook the profound significance of that silent Saturday.

It was a day filled with palpable tension, a day suspended between the agony of the cross and the triumph of the empty tomb. In that solemn silence, the world held its breath, waiting for the dawn of redemption that was yet to come.

What transpired in the depths of that day? What divine mysteries unfolded as the world waited? Let us explore the Scriptures, shedding light on the enigmatic journey of Jesus during those hushed hours.

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What does Gods Word tell us about what happened that Saturday?

While some mysteries will remain unanswered until we get to Heaven, the Bible provides all we need for today, revealing not only past events but also timeless truths.

One theory suggests Jesus proclaimed His victory to imprisoned demons from Noah's era. 1 Peter 3:18-20 tells us:

Christ died for sins once for all, the righteous for the unrighteous, to bring us to God. He was put to death in the flesh but made alive in the Spirit, in which He went and preached to the spirits in prison, those who were disobedient during Noah's time.

Ephesians 4:7-9 speaks of grace given according to Christ's gift: When He ascended on high, He led captive a host of captives, and He gave gifts to men. This implies a descent into the lower parts of the earth before His ascent above the heavens.

Both passages suggest Jesus proclaimed victory to rebellious spirits, but He did not suffer in Hell, contrary to some teachings. David's words in Acts 2:24-29 echo this theme, as Peter recounts how God raised Jesus, ending deaths agony, fulfilling Davids prophecy that the Holy One would not be abandoned to Hades or undergo decay.

Could Jesus have gone to Hades to announce His victory and release men of faith?

Isaiah 61 foretells Jesus setting captives free, implying His descent to Hades was for those awaiting the Messiah, who accepted His call and were brought to Heaven. Men of faith who died before Christ couldn't enter Heaven without His atoning blood. Their sacrifices covered sin but didn't pay sins price.

After descending to Hades, Jesus ascended. On the cross, He assured the thief in Luke 23:42-43 that he would be with him in paradise. Jesus was with the Father in Heaven, alongside the faithful who died believing in Him.

As believers, we may find ourselves in Silent Saturdays, too, where God seems absent and our prayers unanswered. We feel tormented, wondering if God is angry or if we have disappointed Him. We see our struggles and question why He doesn't intervene.

However, we must remember that God's silence does not equal His absence. Just because we don't see it doesn't mean He isn't working. Just as Jesus knew God would not leave Him in the grave, we need to know that God will not leave us alone in our struggles. These Saturdays have a purpose: they allow us to experience the full force of God's strength and appreciate His intervention.

Though our waiting may feel like anguish, we have the opportunity to rest in the Father's security. In our suffering, we can experience a closeness to God that brings comfort, peace, and even joy. We can find Paradise in our pain because we know that Sunday is coming.

Jesus, with God's authority, declared freedom to souls held captive. The righteous dead, who had waited for redemption, saw their Savior. The chains of death started to break, as the Light of the World shone in the darkness.

This wasn't just a visit; it was a victory. He took the keys of death and Hades. Back in the tomb, His body remained, showing His full acceptance of humanity's fate. Yet, it was ready for glory. His descent into Hades ended sin's power, bridging the cross and the empty tomb. As Saturday ended, the world rested, unaware that the King had stormed death's gates, preparing for life to reign again. There, He faced the powers of darkness. Hades gates shook at His presence. Satan, who thought he'd won at the cross, now faced the One whose death was an act of love.

For these reasons, God allows a Saturday between our Fridays and Sundays. If today is a Saturday for you, take a moment to appreciate the wondrous, unseen events unfolding around you and the victory in Christ that awaits you on a future and glorious Sunday yet to come.
Home Opinion Why do we carry the dead? Jews do not leave their dead behind

Passover is the time of storytelling. The time of remembering. The time of passing down what must never be forgotten.

We sit around the seder table. Children ask, parents answer. Generation after generation, we tell the same story  the story of our people walking out of slavery, out of Egypt, out of the darkness of the past and into the light of a future we still fight to protect.

But this year, as we approach Passover, the story feels different. Not distant, not symbolic, but present. Urgent. Raw.

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Because this year, we are still trying to bring our people home.

Some are alive  held hostage beneath the ground in Gaza. Some are dead  murdered, their bodies stolen, hidden, desecrated. Some  we still do not know. And yet we carry them, in our hearts, our prayers, our decisions. In the price we are willing to pay  because we do pay it, again and again, to bring our people home.

This year, with Gaza just beyond the Egypt of old, the Exodus feels close again  too close.

Theres a verse we read every year that is quiet, almost hidden. Buried in the rush of escape and the rising urgency to leave.

And Moses took the bones of Joseph with him; for he had made the children of Israel swear, saying: God will surely remember you, and you shall carry up my bones from here with you (Exodus 13:19).

Ive read it countless times. But this year, this year of tunnels and silence and waiting, it landed differently. Because Moses was committed to not leaving Joseph behind  to keeping the promise to bury Joseph in Israel.

And so, we carried him. Through the Red Sea. Through the sandstorms. Through 40 years of wandering.

Even at the very moment we became a free people, we carried our dead, not just our children and our flocks. Not just our dough that hadnt had time to rise. But a coffin. Because this is what we do. We carry.

Even when it was heavy, even when it slowed us down, we carried him. And this year, I understand why.

Why do we carry the dead? Why does it matter to hold onto whats already gone?

Because when we carry the dead, we are saying that dignity does not expire with breath  that what we do with the dead is how we declare the value of the living. When we carry the dead, we are telling the living: You are not alone, not in life, not in death. Not ever.

And when we stop carrying  when we begin to leave people behind  we are not just letting go of them. We are letting go of ourselves.

A people who stop carrying their dead will soon stop carrying their living. And we are not that people.

I lost my father six years ago. And I carry him still. I carry him in the values I hold dear, in the principles I live by, in the love I give, in the family I care for. Hes in what I expect of myself, in what I teach my children, in what I refuse to compromise.

He is not gone. He is not past. He is not buried  he is carried. And if thats true for one man, for one family, how much more so for a people.

Six million of our people were murdered in the Holocaust. Many were burned. Many were left with no graves, no bodies, no names. For so many, there was nothing left. No body. No grave. No marker.

Whole families vanished. Entire communities reduced to ash. There was no way to bring them home. No way even to know where to begin. But we did not forget them. And we did not stop carrying them.

We carried them in the silence that followed. In the names held quietly for years, then spoken aloud. In the promise: never again. We carried them in testimony. In prayer. In books. In songs.

We even carried them in trees.

On the hills outside Jerusalem, there are four and a half million pine trees for the adults, one and a half million cypress trees for the children. Because when there was nothing left, we made something that would grow. Something that would stand. Something that would say: They were here.

We could not bring them home. But we would not let them vanish. And we carry them still.

I stood in Netiv HaAsara a few days after October 7, 2023, in the ruins of a home that had been turned to ash. An elderly couple had built it with their own hands. They had filled it with wood and warmth and quiet. A home made for peace.

The terrorists came for them first. They set the house ablaze with the couple inside because they knew the fire would bring others running. First responders. Neighbors. Security forces.

But the trap was understood. No one came, and the house burned. And with it, everything inside.

For weeks, Israel searched through the ashes. There was nothing left, no DNA, no trace. But we did not stop. And then  a single fragment. A rib. The only piece of the man that remained. His wife? Nothing. That rib was buried with full dignity, as if it were the whole man himself.

Because we are the people who search through fire and ruin, who do not stop digging even when there is nothing left to find. Because if we abandon even one, we abandon ourselves.

Just as we carried Joseph through the desert. Just as we carried the memory of six million across generations. We carried him because he was ours. Because that is what loyalty looks like. Because we do not leave anyone behind. We carry.

So many people ask me: Why does Israel release live terrorists in exchange for bodies? Why pay such a steep price for someone who is already gone? Because Joseph made us swear: Do not leave me here. Because Moses kept that promise. Because in Netiv HaAsara, we searched for weeks to recover a single rib. We carried him when there was nothing left. Because this is who we are.

We carry the hostages in our hearts. The living, waiting in darkness. The dead, still stolen, still hidden, still ours.

This Passover, our freedom is far from complete. My family will set an empty chair at our seder meal and carry in our hearts the hostages still in Gaza.

We will pray for the redemption of the living. We will vow never to give up on the dead  still stolen, still hidden, still ours  who deserve to have their bones brought home for burial, just as Moses did for Joseph.

As we eat the matzah and taste the bitter maror, we will carry it all: The pain of the families who wake each day not knowing the fate of their loved ones. The names of the fallen, who will never be forgotten. The silent scream in every Jewish heart. The heavy cost of freedom.

On October 7, they tried to break us. Not only by killing  but by desecrating.

By burning bodies until there was nothing left, by taking bodies, knowing we would never leave them behind. By wiping out families, leaving no one left to say Kaddish. And as a people too familiar with trauma and tragedy, we did what we always do. We searched. We gathered. We carried.

And we will carry them  our brothers and sisters held hostage in Gaza  every second of every day, until they are finally brought home.

And this year, Next year in Jerusalem means something different. It means: Let them come home. Let them come home to life. Or let them come home to rest. But let them come home.
Home Opinion Why is America deporting them? Afghan Christians have 4 days left

The collective gasp in the sanctuary on Sunday was audible. Amidst the celebrations of Palm Sunday, my pastor told us about the email that around 25 members of our community had received just days before. I have since read that email for myself. I am stunned and devastated.

For more than a year, we have had the great privilege of worshiping alongside a small group of Afghan refugees  Christians who fled the Taliban. These are strong, brave people, all of whom were forced to flee Afghanistan  their homes, their extended families, all they knew  following arrest and torture by the Taliban for their faith. I do not use the word torture lightly. I have heard first-hand the stories of their imprisonment, and it is like the worst scenes from a movie, the scenes during which I close my eyes, unable to watch. This is what our brothers and sisters, my friends, have endured.

Their journeys to the United States were harrowing, long and complicated, but they all entered the U.S. legally. That is not actually an easy thing to do. Immigration authorities interview individuals to assess whether they face a credible fear of persecution and torture in their home countries. All of these individuals were deemed to face such a credible fear and were granted documented, legal status to be in the country, to obtain work permits, to get driver licenses, to rent apartments  to do all the normal things they need to do to be self-supporting.

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Following that interview, all of these people applied for asylum, which is a much longer process. It can take months, or even years, to get in front of a judge who can rule on an asylum application. However, all of these individuals have taken those steps and have open asylum cases. There are future court dates set. They are following all the rules.

And that is crucial in all of this. These are not criminals. They are not members of foreign, violent gangs. They have not committed crimes while they have been in the United States. They did not enter illegally. They are not undocumented. There is a far more complicated conversation to be had about immigrants in those categories. The discussion around these Afghan Christians is much more straightforward.

Despite following all of the rules and procedures, these Afghan Christians are now facing deportation. They have been given seven days to leave the country. As of today, four days left.

But they have nowhere to go. The only legal option available to them is to return to Afghanistan. If they do so, they will be tortured and killed. This is not just a possibility, but a certainty. And it is not just these 25 Christians, but hundreds like them across the country. Additionally, this same action also applies to Afghans who risked their lives to work with the U.S. military during our years of operations in the country. These are our brothers and our allies.

On two fronts, then, this should disturb us and drive us to action. As Christians, we recognize that government authority comes from God. We also, however, recognize that there are just and unjust governments. Perhaps the most well-known passage in Scripture related to government is Romans 13, where Paul writes in verse 1 that everyone should be subject to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except from God. But he also writes, in verses 3 and 4, that, rulers are not a terror to good conduct, but to bad. Would you have no fear of the one who is in authority? Then do what is good, and you will receive his approval ... But if you do wrong, be afraid.



These Afghan Christians have been doing, and continue to do, what is good. They have done nothing wrong. They should not fear those who are in authority. No one facing credible fear of persecution and torture in their home countries should, after fleeing to the United States, be forced to live in fear here. And yet they are, this week, living in very real fear.

Along with Paul, then, I urge that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be made for all people, for kings and all who are in high positions, that we (and our Afghan Christian brothers and sisters) may lead a peaceful and quiet life, godly and dignified in every way (1 Timothy 2:1-2). I commend these refugees who are following Pauls instruction to aspire to live quietly, and to mind your own affairs, and to work with your hands, as we instructed you, so that you may walk properly before outsiders and be dependent on no one (1 Thessalonians 4:11-12).

Not only as Christians, but also as Americans, this is not who we should ever be. We are a country that invites the huddled masses yearning to breathe free. At the very core of our identity are founding ideals of freedom, religious liberty, and justice. In the Declaration of Independence, Jefferson writes that all men are endowed by God with rights to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness, and that governments are instituted among men for the purpose of securing these rights. That is what we are asking the U.S. government now to do. These Afghan Christians ask for nothing more than the chance to pursue life, liberty, and happiness. They want to work hard within our rules, take on our culture, learn our language, and live among us. They seek no government handouts, nor do they wish to conduct criminal activity. They just want to live without fear of arrest, torture, and death for their faith. This is not too much to ask.

Please pray for mercy, and write to your Senators, Representatives, and the White House. Our best hope for helping our brothers and allies is to make our collective voices heard.
Home Books Were at war: Christian author shares how parents can spiritually battle for their kids

GRAPEVINE, Texas  As the mental health crisis among teens reaches new heights with skyrocketing rates of depression, suicide ideation and a growing disconnection from faith, author Laine Lawson Craft is assuring parents they are not powerless  they are at war.

Her latest book,Warfare Parenting: A Daily Battle Plan to Fight for Your Child, released in March, is a devotional drawn straight from the trenches of Crafts own experience: each of her three children, despite growing up in a Christian home, became prodigals, drifting into rebellion, darkness and substance abuse during their teenage years.

But after more than a decade of prayer, pleading and proclaiming Scripture, Craft watched God transform not just their lives, but her own.

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We were doing everything we thought the Lord told us to do, Craft told The Christian Post. And yet, my three children were battling different wars with the enemy.

The idea that the battle is not with the child, but with darkness itself, is at the crux of Warfare Parenting. According to Craft, the devotional is designed to provide not only daily doses of hope, but also practical and spiritual tools for those in the throes of parenting children who have wandered from the faith or are ensnared in destructive patterns.

I realized I wasnt battling my children. I was battling the enemy, she said. And thats where warfare parenting comes in, because the enemy is tough. Hes out to seek, kill, and destroy our childrens destinies.

According to the CDC and Barna Group, one in five high school students has considered suicide, and nearly one in 10 has attempted it. A staggering 40% report persistent sadness or hopelessness. Substance use, atheism and gender confusion are rising across Gen Z. And amid it all, 1.5 million minors run away from home each year in the U.S.

Based on the statistics, its clear that the modern parent, Craft warns, is engaged in a form of warfare.

One click away, technology has brought our children into direct contact with the enemy himself, she said.

But in contrast to fear or moral panic, Warfare Parenting offers parents a strategic path forward: Scripture, prayer, surrender and the belief that no prodigal is too far gone for God.

Craft is no stranger to battles, spiritual or otherwise. Before becoming an author and host of the "Warfare Parenting" podcast, she ran a national magazine, WHOAwomen, which placed women of faith like Dolly Parton and Kathie Lee Gifford on covers beside mainstream titles like Oprah and Womans Day.

But even as she found success in publishing and ministry, her own home was unraveling. Her children were caught in the grip of partying, addiction and suicidal ideation.

One of my children was hearing voices that told her life would be better without her, she shared. Another was hooked on music festivals and drugs. Another just spiraled into partying. All three had different battles.

What carried Craft through was not formulaic parenting advice but daily immersion in the Word of God. Over 10 years, she read the Bible cover to cover eight times. As she read, she began to jot down verses for fellow parents in pain, verses that later became the 365-day devotional now in print.

This book started in the margins of my Bible and in my iPhone notes, she said. Each day, God gave me a scripture for a parent in the battle.

One of her sons took 15 years to return home spiritually. During that time, she says she quite literally hit the floor in prayer, pleading the blood of Jesus over him every single day.

When God touched him, he was high. But the encounter was so profound, he was changed forever, she said.

Craft lamented that in the Christian community, parenting a prodigal can come with a heavy load of shame. Scripture often cited, train up a child in the way he should go   can feel like condemnation when a child veers off course, she said.

People think if their child has strayed, its a reflection on them as a bad Christian parent, Craft said. But thats not the truth. Its a reflection of how ferocious the enemy is.

That shame, she stressed, is what keeps many parents silent, isolated and vulnerable.

I think thats why we have to be loud, she said. If we arent loud, the shame will build.

For Craft, breaking that silence means building communities. Inspired by the widespread recovery network Celebrate Recovery, she envisions Warfare Parenting small groups popping up in churches and homes across the country, where parents can come together to pray, swap life hacks, and intercede for one anothers children.

We need a safe place with no shame, she said. A place where someone can say, Can you help me stand in the gap?

Based on her own experiences, Craft wants every parent, grandparent and guardian to know that no child is too far gone for redemption.

If theres one message Id give, its 'dont give up,' she said. God can clean them up in a second. He loves them in the darkness and will come down and rescue and deliver them.

The "Warfare Parenting" podcast also launched new season in mid-March, focusing on spiritual approaches to parenting through topics like addiction, boundaries and mental health. And next year, Craft said she plans to release a childrens book that she promises will offer hope for a new generation.

I believe were equipping an army, she said. Were not just parenting anymore. We are battling for the hearts and destinies of our children.
Home News 37 years ago, Billy Graham preached in China for the first time Ruth Graham, who was born in and grew up in China, was called by the Chinese 'a daughter of China'

Thirty-seven years ago, Christian evangelist Billy Graham traveled to China, his wife Ruth's birthplace, for the first time.

"On April 12, 1988, what seemed impossible became a reality when Billy Graham and his wife, Ruth Bell Graham, stepped foot in China together," the official Facebook page for the late evangelist noted.

That day marked the beginning of the great American evangelist's 17-day, five-city trip in China. "The Grahams spent a wonderful two-and-a-half weeks in China preaching in churches and schools, meeting with Chinese believers, and visiting Ruth's birthplace in Tsingkiangpu."

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Billy Graham recalled in his autobiography, Just As I Am, that this trip came after Bishop K. H. Ting, then president of the China Christian Council (CCC), sent him a preliminary invitation in 1985. Graham wrote, "After a series of negotiations, a firm invitation arrived, asking us to preach in churches in several cities in September of 1987." However, the trip was delayed due to Graham's unexpected rib fracture in Japan and did not take place until April 1988.

Upon their arrival in Beijing, the Grahams were greeted with a red-carpet at the airport by Chinese Ambassador Zhang Wenjin, Bishop K. H. Ting, Han Wenzao, vice-president of the CCC, and American Ambassador Winston Lord.

While in Beijing, Graham met Premier Li Peng for 50 minutes in Zhongnanhai, the official compound where Chinese leaders reside near the Forbidden City. "Despite their differing religions, the two engaged in meaningful discussions about spiritual matters." Premier Li "discussed with Graham the potential role for Christians in China's new environment of openness" and told him that the Chinese constitution "guaranteed freedom of religious belief."

Graham also shared his Christian convictions with high-ranking officials and other religious leaders in Beijing.

Reflecting on the 17-day journey, Graham wrote, "In a span of seventeen days, covering two thousand miles and five major cities, we packed in more speaking and preaching engagements, interviews, social events, and even sightseeing than I remembered from any other trip I'd taken (though not as much sightseeing as I would have liked)."

He added, "Both foreign and American press interviewed us at many stages, but their coverage hardly hinted at the impact all those experiences made on me. Several events remain as special highlights in my memory."

One of the highlights was a meeting at Peking University, which was founded by missionaries. "  Its first president was John Leighton Stuart, a missionary who also was the last American ambassador to China before the Communist Revolution."

A significant moment during the trip was the opportunity to preach in numerous churches. "Visiting with Christians who were part of the Three-Self Patriotic Movement, as well as those involved in the unregistered or house churches, I sensed a tremendous spiritual vitality," Graham recalled.

Graham preached in Beijing Chongwenmen Church, which used to seat 700 people but was packed with 1,500 people during his visit. "As I entered, I noticed women kneeling at the altar and praying. Among the crowd at the service was a delegation of ethnic Chinese from Brazil. I urged my listeners to include in China's ambitious modernization program a moral and spiritual renewal as well  or a values system, as I explained to Charles Gibson when he interviewed me via satellite from Beijing on the Good Morning America program. Most of all, I urged them to open their hearts to Christ and His transforming power and love."

In Nanjing, Graham addressed a group of 200 seminarians, whose commitment and ability impressed him. He saw this as "the promise of a spiritual revival in China."

The evangelist also preached at the Moore Memorial Church (also known as Muen Church) and the Pure Heart Church in Shanghai. "In my limited experience, the Chinese congregations were always attentive, with many people taking notes as I spoke. In some churches, I saw people line up at book tables to buy Bibles and other Christian literature."

On April 23, Graham met with Pastor Wang Mingdao, a leading figure in China's house church movement. After being released from prison during the Cultural Revolution, Wang "and his wife lived in a humble third-floor apartment on an out-of-the-way street." "Old and thin, he was sitting on a metal chair, asleep, when we arrived, his head on his folded arms resting on the simple kitchen table." Graham remembered, "We stayed at least half an hour, and our conversation was almost completely about the Bible and spiritual things." At the end of the visit, Wang quoted Revelation 2:10 as a word of encouragement.

Another highlight was the visit to Tsingkiangpu (now called Qingjiang), Huai'an, Jiangsu Province. Ruth Bell Graham was born there on June 10, 1920, and lived there until the age of 17. She was called by the Chinese "a daughter of China."

The Grahams visited an "old Presbyterian mission hospital compound" founded "in 1887 by Dr. and Mrs. Absalom Sydenstricker, parents of Pearl Buck." It was the very place where "Ruth was born and spent her childhood and early teen years."

Her medical Presbyterian missionary parents, Dr. Nelson and Virginal Bell, worked in that city, and her father established the Love and Mercy Hospital, then the world's largest Presbyterian hospital and the predecessor of the Second People's Hospital of Huai'an. Having stayed in China for 25 years, the Bells were forced to leave the country due to the Battle of Pearl Harbor in 1941.

"At the local church, seventy-four-year-old pastor Fei Su, who had been there since 1936, told us that as many as 800 attended Sunday services now in the old missionary house of Jim and Sophie Graham, spilling out into the yard." Graham wrote, "Pastor Fei estimated there were 130,000 Christians in that area of the province."

He continued, "On the trip by car to Huaiyin from Lianyungang, we passed through miles and miles of what Ruth called 'old China,' with little villages, mud farmhouses with thatched roofs, ducks, a small pond, water buffalo, and a few chickens. 'I felt at home,' Ruth wrote in her diary. 'I'm sure I have peasant blood in my veins!'"

Graham and the team also visited a three-story building "that held an independent house church" in Guangzhou. "People were crammed everywhere, including on the stairways; three-quarters of them appeared to be young." He gave a short greeting, hoping that his unplanned presence would not cause any trouble for them.

Throughout the trip, Graham began to understand that Christianity in China faced two main challenges: "to become thoroughly Chinese, and thus to become truly, universally Christian" and "to help fill the spiritual vacuum."

Since then, he returned to China in 1992 and 1994, during which he had been "staggered by China's explosive economic growth, with massive traffic jams and skyscrapers under construction." He concluded, "On each visit, my feeling about China's strategic place in the future has been reinforced. We continue to pray for China, that it may become a spiritual powerhouse in the future."

Originally published by China Christian Daily
Home News Chicago's Daley Plaza to host 18th annual 'Cross on the Plaza' for Easter

A giant Christian cross is set to go up in downtown Chicago just in time for the Easter holiday.

Chicagos Daley Plaza will once again become a focal point for spiritual reflection as a 19-foot wooden cross is erected on Thursday, marking the start of the 18th annual Cross on the Plaza tradition. The event, held at 50 West Washington Street, culminates in an interdenominational Easter Sunday sunrise service on April 20 at 6:01 a.m., celebrating the Resurrection of Jesus Christ. The cross, an enduring symbol of the Christian faith, will remain on display until April 22 in one of downtown Chicagos most heavily visited areas.

Easter, one of the most significant holidays in Christianity, commemorates the Resurrection of Jesus Christ, believed by Christians to have risen from the dead on the third day after His crucifixion. Rooted in biblical accounts, Easter symbolizes hope, renewal and salvation, offering believers a message of triumph over death and sin. The holiday, observed on the first Sunday after the first full moon following the spring equinox, is marked by traditions such as sunrise services, which echo the early morning discovery of Jesus empty tomb.

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In Chicago, the Cross on the Plaza has become a beloved local expression of this global celebration, drawing together diverse Christian communities in a public display of faith.

The 19-foot cross, meticulously designed and built by Chicago residents Karl and Nancy Fritz and their family, stands as the centerpiece of the weeklong observance. The sunrise service, open to all, features music, praise and prayer, fostering a sense of unity among attendees. All are welcome to come to Daley Plaza to observe the cross during set up for the sunrise Easter service and throughout its weeklong presence, said Karl Fritz, a key organizer behind the event alongside the Thomas More Society, Tapestry Fellowship, City First Foundation, and Watch and Band Mission.

Tom Brejcha, president and chief counsel of the Thomas More Society, a Chicago-based nonprofit national public interest law firm, said theres a deeper purpose behind the event.

The Easter celebration represents a constitutionally protected expression of religious faith by private citizens in a public forum, said Brejcha, who called the Cross on the Plaza an appropriate response to those who have warned of Americas growing secularist movement and its efforts to push out symbols of the Christian faith from the public square, including the late Rev. Richard John Neuhaus in his 1984 book, The Naked Public Square.

Neuhaus lamented that Americas public spaces had been stripped of any references to religion or religious practices, as if it were somehow undemocratic or uncivil to celebrate Christian holidays out in the open where others could bear witness, he said. This is truer than ever in todays increasingly secular environment.

But people still have worries, fears, and troubles. Christians believe that Jesus offers the hope that helps us all to address and answer those concerns.

Despite its seasonal  and temporary  nature, the Cross on the Plaza has been the target of criticism, most notably from the atheist legal group Freedom From Religion Foundation (FFRF) and its Metropolitan Chicago chapter. Since at least 2014, the FFRF has countered the cross display with its own secular installation at Daley Plaza during Holy Week. Last year, the FFRF erected a 12-foot structure with 8-foot banners promoting secular values, one reading In Reason We Trust with a Thomas Jefferson quote reading, Question with boldness even the existence of a god.

The atheist group also alleges the Thomas More Society explicitly seeks to take over public property for its purposes, claiming that at Daley Plaza it encounters militants, feminists, [s]atanists, radical Muslims, just about everybody.

This is to counter and protest a religious prayer shrine thats placed annually on government property by a private Catholic organization during the so-called Christian holy week, FFRF Chapter President Steven Foulkes said last April.
Home News JD Vance to visit Vatican for Easter in trip to Italy, India with second lady

Vice President J.D. Vance is scheduled to visit the Vatican as Christians around the world prepare to celebrate Easter.

In a statement released Wednesday, Vances office announced that the vice president, along with second lady Usha Vance and their children, were traveling to Italy and India from April 18-24. The stated purpose of the trip is to discuss shared economic and geopolitical priorities with leaders in each country. During the trip, the vice president and his family are expected to participate in engagements at cultural sites.

Items on the itinerary include meetings with Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, Vatican Secretary of State Cardinal Pietro Parolin and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The trip to India will include visits to New Delhi, Jaipur and Agra.

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Bloomberg had previously reported that Vance planned to visit Italy earlier this month, identifying April 18-20 as the dates the vice president would be in the country. Those dates correspond with two of the holiest days on the Christian calendar. April 18 is Good Friday, which commemorates the crucifixion and death of Jesus Christ, while April 20 is Easter Sunday, which commemorates the resurrection of Jesus Christ. According to Bloomberg, the exact dates of the trip were subject to change.

Vances office offered few details about the journey, which marks the third international trip Vance has taken since assuming office as the 50th Vice President of the United States in January. Last month, Vance visited Greenland. In February, he delivered remarks denouncing anti-Christian discrimination at the Munich Security Conference in Germany, gave a speech at an Artificial Intelligence Summit in Paris, and visited the historic Notre Dame Cathedral.

The inclusion of India as part of the trip makes it the first time Vance has visited a non-European outpost since taking office less than 100 days ago. President Donald Trump has yet to take any international trips since beginning his second non-consecutive term and taking office as the 47th President of the United States.

Trump visited the Vatican and met with Pope Francis four months into his first term in what was the first international trip and only trip to the Vatican during his presidency. While a meeting between Vance, a practicing Catholic, and the pontiff was not on the agenda, an interaction between the two is possible now that Francis weeks-long stay in the hospital has come to an end.

Pope Francis has not hesitated to criticize the Trump-Vance administration, specifically its immigration policies. In the earliest days of the second Trump presidency, Francis penned a letter to the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops expressing concern about the major crisis that is taking place in the United States with the initiation of a program of mass deportations.

Since taking office, Vance has not shied away from his Catholic faith. During a visit to the U.S.-Mexico border last month that coincided with Ash Wednesday, Vance received ashes on his forehead from a Catholic priest, as is a customary tradition among Catholics and some Protestants.
Home News Texas lawmakers a step closer to creating $1 billion private school voucher program

Texas lawmakers are one step closer to approving a $1 billion private school voucher program hours after passing a bill to allocate $7.7 billion in funding for public schools.

The voucher proposal, known as Senate Bill 2, passed the Texas House of Representatives on Thursday by a largely party-line vote of 85-63, in which all Democrats and two Republicans voted against it.

After one more formality vote on the bill, SB 2 will next be the subject of committee meetings between the legislative houses to reconcile any differences between the two versions of the bill.

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Differences between the House and Senate versions include determining how much money students can receive, which applicants will take priority, and how it will accommodate students with disabilities, The Texas Tribune reported.

The Tribune also reported that lawmakers passed a measure allocating $7.7 billion to public school districts, which includes salary raises for teachers and more money per student.

Texas Gov. Gregg Abbott, a Republican who has long campaigned for the creation of a substantial state voucher program, released a statement celebrating the news of its passage.

This is an extraordinary victory for the thousands of parents who have advocated for more choices when it comes to the education of their children, stated Abbott. I applaud the legislators who took a stand with the overwhelming majority of Texans who support school choice.

When it reaches my desk, I will swiftly sign this bill into law, creating the largest day-one school choice program in the nation and putting Texas on a pathway to becoming the best state in America for educating our kids.

Introduced in January and passed by the Senate in February, SB 2 creates an education savings account program that gives additional educational options to assist families in this state in exercising the right to direct the educational needs of their children.

The comptroller shall establish a program to provide funding for approved education-related expenses of children participating in the program, reads the legislation. The program confers a state benefit to program participants in addition to a free public education.

The comptroller may solicit and accept gifts, grants, and donations from any public or private source for any expenses related to the administration of the program, including establishing the program and contracting for the report 

Critics of the bill included state Rep. Gina Hinojosa, D-Travis County, who told the Austin-based Fox 7 in advance of the vote that she believed the proposal wasn't financially secure.

This bill increases the demands on the taxpayer because they have to fund a whole new lane of schools, Hinojosa said. And in fact, we are saying that after this next year cap expires, we could be on the hook for the private school tuition of every child currently in private school.

We should not put the taxpayer on the hook for covering the private school tuition of every single student in private school in Texas. It's outrageous.

Hinojosa went on to allege that the only reason Abbott was championing vouchers was due to a substantial campaign contribution he reportedly received from a billionaire named Jeff Yass.

It's not about students. It's not about achievement. It's not about Texas taxpayers. It is about making his number one donor happy, she claimed.

House Speaker Dustin Burrows thanked the bill's sponsor, state Rep. Brad Buckley, R-Salado, for his work on getting the legislation passed. I appreciate the hard work of Chairman Buckley to ensure every Texas student has access to a better education and thank my colleagues for their thoughtful debate and dedication to strengthening Texas future today.
Americans Choose Personal Truth Over Religion, UK Landmark Ruling On Gender, Kidnapped Missionary Miraculously Unharmed

link to download the audio instead. link to download the audio instead. 07:46 07:46

Top headlines for Thursday, April 17, 2025

In this episode, we examine a new study that highlights this growing trend and its implications for traditional religious institutions. Next, we turn our attention to the UK, where a recent ruling by Britain's highest court has declared that the legal definition of a woman is based on biological sex. This decision has received support from Christian communities, and we'll dive into the potential impact this ruling may have on religious and social conversations. Plus, we address a troubling story unfolding in Virginia, where two sisters have filed lawsuits against a prominent multi-campus church and a former youth group assistant, alleging childhood sexual abuse.

00:11 Americans are swapping organized religion for personal truth

01:13 Karoline Leavitt rebukes media outrage over deported Salvadoran

02:12 UK Supreme Court rules men are not women in landmark ruling

03:06 Netanyahu tells Paula White 'no greater' partners than Christians

04:01 Sisters sue Coastal Church for $300M for childhood sex abuse

05:01 Kidnapped US missionary rescued miraculously unharmed

05:58 'Idol' contestant praised for his ability to 'interpret the word'
A Surrey educational charity has announced it has been offered a potential new site, three months after launching a crowdfunder, warning it could soon have to cease operations.

While the proposal is yet to be finalised, Change of Scene says a local landowner has come forward with the offer of a 20-year lease that could provide a home once the tenure on the charitys current site comes to an end next year.

The Farnham-based charity works with young people excluded from mainstream education, helping them gain skills and confidence through learning to care for animals.

A spokesperson described the land as amazing  quiet, secluded and perfect for the vulnerable young people who use our service.

Shooting rights scupper charitys lease

Change of Scene had been on a five-year hunt for a new site due to its lease expiring in June 2026, and was preparing to formalise a long-term agreement for premises in West Sussex for which it had also submitted a planning application.

But the organisation said it had been belatedly informed that the land has restrictive covenants on it permitting shooting by third parties, ruling out the move. It said that the collapse of the deal had cost it around 20,000.

Our plans turned to dust, Change of Scene said in a statement on its crowdfunding page. It added that if no new home was secured by Easter 2025, then it would have no choice but to close by the following June.

The crowdfunder , which had been targeting 300,000 towards estimated costs of up to 600,000 to secure a new site in a part of the UK with high land values, ended on 14 April having raised 11,719.

Promising signs for future

But the charity said the campaign had nonetheless ended with a positive outcome after the local landowner came forward to offer the long lease on some of his property.

Change of Scene said the potential move was not set in stone but that things are looking promising around securing its future.

The charity said its staff and trustees were working hard to ensure that the new site is suitable for its activities. It still needs money to set up its new site and provide housing for its animals  which include sheep, goats, pigs and alpacas.

Our first problem, finding land, looks to be solved, but our second remains: we need money to move, Change of Scenes spokesperson told Civil Society. We need to raise funds for infrastructure, including a kids' cabin, office, toilets, kitchen and storage for hay and feed, plus fencing, animal housing, raised beds and a polytunnel.

The charity is continuing to fundraise directly through its website as it seeks to meet these costs.

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In early March, Dylan Hembrough, the editor in chief of The Alestle, the student newspaper at Southern Illinois University Edwardsville, published a story about protests on campus over federal funding cuts and censorship in science. The following day, the paper received a message from one of the protesters, who had been featured prominently in photographs and an interview, asking to have their name and image removed. At the time, Hembrough said, the paper didnt have any policy allowing for such a post-publication takedown. So, in that case, we ended up denying it.

Since then, the campus environment has changedand newspapers like The Alestle have begun reconsidering long-standing practices, particularly when it comes to protecting people who have appeared in their pages. In the past few weeks, eight students at SIUE have had their visas revoked by the Trump administration, Hembrough saidpart of a group of more than thirteen hundred students nationwide who have been detained or lost their visas, sometimes for infractions as minor as participating in a protest. The turning point for many publications came in late March, when Rumeysa Ozturk, an international PhD student at Tufts University, was arrested by ICE and threatened with deportation over what the government alleged was anti-Israel activism and public support for terrorist organizations. The only evidence was an op-ed she coauthored a year earlier, along with three other students, criticizing the universitys response to the war in Gaza. I can say that offering anonymity now has a new meaning, Hembrough said, as we are not just protecting sources from losing their jobs, but a possibly even more existential upending of their lives.

On April 4, the Student Press Law Center, in conjunction with several other media rights groups, issued a new guidance that urged student newspapers to consider being more flexible about requests to remove content or identifying material from their stories. Previous guidelines from the organization had taken a much firmer stance against removing published materials. The world is different now, and so I think our response has to be different, said Michael Hiestand, a staff attorney with the center. Hiestand said that the situation with Ozturk was really a watershed moment for the organization.

The Harvard Crimson has received ten takedown or anonymity requests as of last Friday, according to McKenna McKrell, the papers president. The requests have come from students and alumni alike, seeking the removal of quotes or identifying informationsuch as dorms, majors, and class yearsfrom published stories. So far, the paper has handled them on a case-by-case basis. Were always trying to minimize harm, but balance that with our goal of being the paper of record, said McKrell, who is a junior. I feel like it changes every day. Ive had a lot of difficult conversations about what our standards are going to look like. She added, It feels like there is no precedent to turn to right now.

Chris Evans, the director of student media at Rice University in Houston and adviser to the Rice Thresher, says hes having to rethink journalistic principles hes held to for more than two decadessometimes making for awkward encounters with his student editors. Those students who have been taught by their teachers, by people like me, that you dont take down a story unless it is incorrect or libelous, are now holding to that and just saying my words back to me, he said. The paper recently had an international student request to have an article from last fall, which he was featured in, taken down. When it was published, he wasnt in danger, Evans said. After a debate, the paper decided the risk to the student outweighed the news value of keeping the piece up. Episodes like this have left Evans feeling that student newspapers need to come up with firm policies for situations like this, rather than making decisions ad hoc. Many of these students will be professional journalists in a few weeks, a few months, or a few years, he said. Theyre developing these standards now, and its going to deeply impact the journalism industry moving forward.

At other student papers, the intensity of the moment has brought about more fundamental shifts in their coverage. The Battalion, Texas A&M Universitys student newspaper, has ramped up its breaking news coverage, often making last-minute changes to front-page layouts. In recent months, theyve twice had to redesign the front page right before it went to printincluding after learning that the federal government had terminated the legal status of twenty-three students. This is a more serious situation than I hoped wed be in, said Ian Curtis, a sophomore and the papers managing editor. During these stressful times, he added, it helps a lot to work together with a team in the newsroom. I think were in a good place because our staff is close.

The University of Floridas independent student newspaper, the Independent Florida Alligator, has broken a number of stories about ICE activities involving students, including the revelation last week that the university had partnered with ICE to enforce immigration policies on campus. But its also struggled with a climate of fear on campus, said Ella Thompson, the papers editor in chief and a senior. It has been tough to get some sourcing done on campus because I think students, especially in Florida, are just really afraid that theres going to be repercussions for the things they say that get printed, she said. International students on our campus are obviously an important voice in those stories, and if they wont speak to us, we dont really have anything that we can report on.

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Garrett Shanley, a senior and the university editor at the Alligator, said theres a tangible sense of political paranoia, even among the faculty. He now instructs reporters to contact faculty on private numbers and personal devices to avoid public records scrutiny. Faculty have told me directly that they are afraid of speaking to the Alligator and other media outlets because they dont want to jeopardize their tenure positions, or their jobs.

Shanley, Thompson, and Kylie Wiliams, the Alligators digital managing editor and a junior, are among newsroom leaders who are preparing to graduate in the spring, and have found themselves reflecting on the legacy they are passing on to the next generation of student reporters. We always call the Alligator a training ground, Williams said. And I think a lot of what our student newsroom does is it prepares our reporters to deal with really difficult situations once they get into the industry. She couldnt help noticing that the tensions that have swept through campus are reflective of the kinds of challenges that journalists will face in their future careers. Its an unfortunate situation on a lot of fronts, but I think its also good for our reporters who are passionate about pursuing journalism.
President Donald Trump hinted that he might temporarily relieve the auto industry from permanent tariffs he previously imposed on the business. The president didnt specify how long the potential pause would be or what it would entail, but the auto sector is awaiting how rules might change on 25% tariffs based on U.S. parts, if duties remain on assembled vehicles.

Experts have said short pauses arent likely to give carmakers enough of an opportunity to adjust their vast global supply chains, though parts exemptions would certainly bolster the industry amid Trumps trade war whiplash.

Trump told reporters Monday that automakers need a little bit of time because theyre going to make them here, but they need a little bit of time. So Im talking about things like that, referring to relocating production from Canada, Mexico and elsewhere. The news drove global auto stocks up Tuesday.

Matt Blunt, president of the American Automotive Policy Council, which represents domestic auto companies Ford, General Motors and Stellantis, said in a statement: There is increasing awareness that broad tariffs on parts could undermine our shared goal of building a thriving and growing American auto industry, and that many of these supply chain transitions will take time.

Trump first announced 25% automotive tariffs late March; the tariffs for completed vehicles took effect on April 3, while the parts tariffs were set to start 30 days later.

The one-month delay is intended to give the U.S. government time to work out rules to exempt the value of automotive parts that contains U.S.-made materials, which will not be subject to the tariffs, according to insights from law firm Foley & Lardner, noting a carveout for parts certified under regional trade pact, the U.S.-Mexico-Canada Agreement. The Department of Commerce is expected to determine a system to calculate non-U.S. content by May 3.

At the same time, automakers are navigating steel and aluminum imports levies of at least 25%; 25% duties on all goods from Canada and Mexico; 10% global tariffs and reciprocal tariffs around the world  paused for 90 days, and both of which automotive is exempt from; and tariffs on China at 145%.

Autos Drive America, which represents foreign automakers, said in a statement that hitting pause on auto tariffs would be a step in the right direction and would allow automakers to deliver more choices at better prices for consumers.

Tariffs raise costs across the board  making it more expensive to build cars in America and harder for families to find the vehicle that fits their needs, the group added. A pause on auto parts allows automakers to continue production in the U.S. without disruption while a pause on finished vehicles allows automakers to sell vehicles and keep investing in U.S. plants and jobs.

The United Auto Workers labor union did not respond to a request for comment.

The on-again, off-again tariffs have already wrought havoc for any number of global sectors but especially the auto industry, which relies on a complex network of parts from around the world.

Despite his close proximity to Trump through the so-called Department of Government Efficiency, Tesla CEO Elon Musk has strayed from the presidents views on tariffs.

Important to note that Tesla is NOT unscathed here, Musk himself posted on his social media platform X. The tariff impact on Tesla is still significant.

Teslas sold in the U.S. have a great deal of parts supplied and vehicles assembled here, and the company claims it has the most American-made cars. Varying trims of the Tesla Model Y and 3 are at least 85% domestic content, according to an annual Made in America auto index.

For comparison, Ford builds about 80% of the vehicles it sells in the U.S. domestically.

The American and European car industries are severely affected by tariffs. On top of the 25% tariff imposed on vehicles, we are impacted by layer upon layer of additional compounding tariffs including those on aluminum, steel, and parts, Stellantis Chairman John Elkann said in the companys annual general meeting Tuesday, noting at the same time, the Chinese auto markets potential for growth this year.

But its not too late if the U.S. and Europe take the necessary urgent actions to promote an orderly transition, Elkann added. We are encouraged by what President Trump indicated yesterday on tariffs for the car industry.

Though Trump says his tariffs are intended to bolster U.S. auto manufacturing, automakers arent able to reconfigure their sourcing in short periods of time, experts say.

Because of the nature of the business and the length of time it takes to design product and get manufacturing up and running, it could take years to reevaluate sources of supply and establish new assembly operations.

Flipping upside down a global supply chain that has been in place for decades cannot happen overnight for the auto industry, Wedbush Securities analyst Dan Ives said in a research note, and we strongly believe the clear right move would be to focus on finished cars made in the U.S. versus auto parts.

The tariffs as they currently stand are sure to cost automakers billions of dollars, impact new and used vehicle supply and raise prices for car buyers at dealerships by thousands of dollars.

Already, some auto manufacturers have paused operations in Canada and Mexico and temporarily laid off workers in the U.S.

Some have also attempted to get ahead of the impact of tariffs through appeals to customers. In rare moves, Ford and Jeep-maker Stellantis began offering employee pricing programs for a limited time to reach buyers before what will most likely be steep price hikes. Hyundai and Genesis vowed to hold prices steady for the coming two months.

Car buyers might be better positioned for an extra few weeks, depending on the latest policy change.

A tariff exemption for the auto industry would be welcome relief to automakers and shoppers, said Joseph Yoon, consumer insights analyst at car buying firm Edmunds. But as tariff policy fluctuates, it is difficult to know if exemptions will happen.

The best course of action for consumers actively shopping for their next car is to seek out any incentive programs or protected pricing programs while they are available, Yoon said. If your purchase timeline is a little further in the horizon, it may be prudent to await further clarification on tariff details and outcomes of potential exemptions instead of rushing into a purchase you may later regret.

Photo: Vehicles for export are parked at a port in Pyeongtaek, South Korea, Tuesday, April 15, 2025. (AP Photo/Lee Jin-man)

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Economic data just confirmed what anecdotal evidence had suggested: Consumers are rushing to make major purchases of cars, electronics and appliances in an attempt to get ahead of tariffs that could raise prices.

US retail sales surged 1.4% in March from the previous month, the biggest jump in more than two years. Auto purchases led the advance with a 5.3% increase as buyers sought to dodge President Donald Trumps 25% tariffs on finished vehicles, which he unveiled late in the month. Categories like building materials, sporting goods and electronics that are often imported from China also rose.

The report from the Commerce Department, combined with comments from top bank executives this week about resilient consumers who are continuing to spend, backs up the idea that concern about tariffs helped spur a shopping frenzy that is boosting economic activity. Consumer sentiment is hovering near the lowest on record in data going back to the 1950s, but you wouldnt know it if you visited a car dealership or Walmart recently.

Consumers are playing a bit of beat-the-clock with tariffs, Wells Fargo economists Tim Quinlan and Shannon Grein said in a note. Once again, consumer spending is managing to avoid the gravitational pull of all the negative dynamics that might otherwise hold it back.

The March data capture spending before Trump announced and subsequently paused high tariffs on nations across the world, and before he hiked levies on most Chinese goods to 145%. But the report offers insight on consumers mindset at a time of high uncertainty about future prices.

The rush to buy lifted US auto sales in March to the highest rate in almost four years. Sales across Honda Motor Co.s brands climbed 13%, while Ford Motor Co.s retail business jumped 19%. Hyundai Motor Co. notched its second-best month ever in March, and the strength has carried into April.

Weve been doing quite well recently, Jose Munoz, chief executive officer of the Korean automaker, said in an interview. April started very, very well for us. Many people are thinking I have to buy a car in the next few months, so lets get it today because the prices may go up.

The 25% tariffs on auto imports will add substantial costs to vehicle production, with much of that passed along to consumers. A report this month by research firm Anderson Economic Group estimated that the levies could add at least $2,500 in new costs per vehicle at the lower end of the market to as much as $20,000 for luxury imports.

Some automakers have sought to ease buyer anxiety. Hyundai pledged to hold prices steady until June 2, while Ford and Jeep-maker Stellantis NV announced marketing programs offering models at employee pricing.

Jacob Townsend, 32, started looking at new cars earlier this year partly in anticipation of tariffs and possible changes to tax credits on electric vehicles. He wasnt in a hurry, but saw some good deals on leases and pulled the trigger in mid-March on a 2025 Kia Niro EV.

I wasnt banking on the fact that things were going to stay favorable for buyers, Townsend, an accountant in the Indianapolis metro area, said in an interview.

Manufacturers that rely on imported materials and retailers have also been rushing shipments and purchases to avoid paying stiffer prices in coming months. Separate data on Wednesday showed factory output increased a solid 5.1% in the first quarter  the most since late 2021  as many customers boosted orders before the brunt of the tariffs hikes went into place.

While the tariff threat is giving a temporary lift to some retailers, the gyrations and the prospect of a trade war with China have led businesses to put investment and hiring on ice. Consumers and businesses alike report getting rattled by the back-and-forth, unable to plan ahead and unsure what to do next. The outlook for hotels and airlines is uncertain, and international airport traffic has slumped as foreign tourists stay away.

Yet while economists have increased the odds of the US falling into recession, the labor market has been holding strong and incomes have continued to rise. Those are the main factors that drive consumer spending, said Robert Frick, corporate economist with Navy Federal Credit Union.

Stephen Stanley, the chief economist at Santander US Capital Markets, said the details of the retail sales report  especially the upward revisions for prior months  will raise his tracking estimate for first-quarter gross domestic product.

The consumer got off to a slow start to the year in January and February, but the March retail sales figures indicate that household spending was not as weak in the first quarter as it previously appeared, Stanley said in a note.

The Atlanta Feds latest GDPNow forecast shows first-quarter real personal consumption rising at a solid 1.4% pace. Thanks to the strong retail sales report, real GDP is now forecast to drop 0.1%, excluding the impact of gold imports, a much improved estimate compared with past weeks.

Michelle Bacharach, the 39-year-old founder of FindMine, an AI-powered outfitting company, said she and her husband plan to purchase all the materials they need for a home renovation in the next 90 days and both decided to upgrade their phones sooner than they otherwise would have to get ahead of tariffs. While smartphones are currently exempted from some levies, Trump has pledged the reprieve is only temporary.

Its going to be a lot more inexpensive to do it now than if we wait until Apple raises the price, she said.

Executives at Walmart Inc., the worlds largest retailer, said last week that theyre confident the company can reach its financial targets this year despite turbulence from tariffs. Walmart sees net sales growing as much as 4% in 2025.

Photo: Customers wait at a General Motors Co. Chevrolet dealership in Miami. (Eva Marie Uzcategui/Bloomberg)

Copyright 2025 Bloomberg.
Chinese artificial intelligence firm DeepSeek is a profound threat to US national security, a bipartisan House committee said Wednesday, urging Nvidia Corp. to hand over information on sales of chips that the startup may have used to develop its breakthrough chatbot model.

The House Select Committee on China alleged in a report Wednesday that DeepSeeks ties to Chinese government interests are significant, citing corporate filings obtained by the panel. Lawmakers claimed that DeepSeeks founder, Liang Wenfeng, controls the firm alongside the High-Flyer Quant hedge fund in an integrated ecosystem linked to state-linked hardware distributors and Chinese research institute Zhejiang Lab.

Although it presents itself as just another AI chatbot, offering users a way to generate text and answer questions, closer inspection reveals that the app siphons data back to the Peoples Republic of China (PRC), creates security vulnerabilities for its users, and relies on a model that covertly censors and manipulates information pursuant to Chinese law, the report states.

The panel said its inquiry found that DeepSeek is powered by tens of thousands of chips, and the firm may have circumvented US export controls in acquiring them. Pointing to information from analytics firm SemiAnalysis, lawmakers said DeepSeek has at least 60,000 Nvidia processors, with orders for thousands more of the companys H20 chips.

Committee Chairman John Moolenaar and the panels top Democrat, Raja Krishnamoorthi, separately asked Nvidia for information on customers from 11 Asian countries that bought more than 499 AI chips since 2020. In a letter sent to Nvidia Wednesday, the lawmakers singled out from Malaysia and Singapore, as well as the entities ultimately using the chips. The company has until April 30 to respond.

Nvidia said in a statement Wednesday that it follows the governments directions to the letter when it comes to US export restrictions. The Santa Clara, California-based company added that in the case of Singapore, its products are shipped to other locations, including the United States and Taiwan, not to China.

DeepSeek and the Chinese embassy didnt immediately respond to requests for comment.

The committees report on DeepSeek, combined with its pressure on Nvidia, mark an escalation in US government scrutiny of Chinese technology ambitions that some believe pose national security concerns. DeepSeek, founded in 2023, rose to prominence earlier this year when it released an open-source AI model that can mimic the way humans reason, prompting questions in Washington about how the firm achieved its breakthrough.

DeepSeek has said it outperformed some leading AI companies on certain benchmarks and claimed it trained the model for $5.6 million, a far lower cost than US competitors. It sparked a selloff in tech stocks and upended the assumption that developing cutting-edge AI would require billions of dollars and enormous computing capacity.

The panels report emerged after Nvidia reported that it would incur writedowns of up to $5.5 billion in the current quarter owing to new restrictions from the Trump administration on sales in China of its H20 chip, a device tailored to comply with previous US export curbs.

The panel, referring to findings from cybersecurity researchers at Feroot Security, also said that Hangzhou-based DeepSeek collects extensive user data that it transmits through back-end infrastructure connected to China Mobile, a Chinese telecom provider banned from the US market in 2019.

In its report, which cited testimony from OpenAI, the committee claimed that DeepSeek likely used unlawful distillation techniques, whereby one AI model uses the outputs of another for training purposes to develop similar capabilities.

OpenAI told the panel that DeepSeek employees circumvented guardrails to extract reasoning outputs and accelerate development at a lower cost and claimed the Chinese startup used its models to grade model responses and filter and transform training data. The ChatGPT maker also said it believed DeepSeek likely also used leading open-source AI models to create high-quality synthetic data.

In January, Bloomberg reported Microsoft Corp. and OpenAI were investigating whether data output from OpenAIs technology was obtained in an unauthorized manner by a group linked to DeepSeek.

The committee recommended expanding export controls and imposing federal procurement prohibitions on AI models from China.

President Donald Trump has called DeepSeeks progress a good thing and said the release of the AI assistant from a Chinese startup should be a wake-up call for our industries that we need to be laser-focused on competing to win.

Copyright 2025 Bloomberg.
Alphabet Inc.s Google has been hit by a fresh class action lawsuit in the U.K. alleging that the U.S. tech giant abused its near-total dominance in online search to overcharge hundreds of thousands of firms for digital ads.

Google owes money to all U.K. based firms that used its advertising services after 2011 as it drove up their cost by shutting out competition and prioritizing its own offering, according to the lawsuit filed at the Competition Appeal Tribunal.

Or Brook, a competition law academic, filed the suit as the class representative, and her lawyers estimate the compensation could be worth as much as 5 billion ($6.6 billion). The claim still needs to be approved as a class action by a London judge to move forward.

This is yet another speculative and opportunistic case and we will argue against it vigorously, a spokesperson for Google said. Consumers and advertisers use Google because its helpful, not because there are no alternatives, the spokesperson said.

The lawsuit adds to the increasing number of class actions against big tech companies in the U.K. It comes as Google already faces possible harsh remedies in the US for its monopolization of search and ad markets.

This is the first claim of its kind in the U.K. that seeks redress for the harm caused specifically to businesses who have been forced to pay inflated prices, Brooks lawyer Damien Geradin said. Litigation funder Burford Capital will fund the claim.

Google ensured its dominance in search advertising by restricting competition in online search and making its platform the only viable means of advertising to the vast majority of consumers, according to Brook.

Google is facing multiple class actions in the UK including one alleging that online shoppers bear the cost of its high advertising charges and another accusing the tech firm of charging excessive commissions from app developers. Google denies the allegations.

While the antitrust tribunal will hear the lawsuits, the Competition and Markets Authority earlier this year embarked on separate investigations to decide whether Google must be designated with so-called strategic market status in search and mobile ecosystem markets under tougher rules for digital companies.

Copyright 2025 Bloomberg.
Some Delaware Supreme Court justices signaled they may be skeptical of a bid by GSK Plc, Pfizer Inc. and other drugmakers to overturn a judge who allowed more than 80,000 lawsuits to proceed to trial over claims that the heartburn drug Zantac is linked to cancer.

The states highest court on Wednesday heard lawyers for the companies attack the findings of Superior Court Judge Vivian Medinilla, who ruled last year that scientific evidence backing the claims was legitimate and could be heard by juries. The companies contend Medinilla didnt property scrutinize the methodologies of certain expert witnesses, who found the medication could cause cancer if stored improperly.

This sounds like cross-examination to me, Chief Justice Collins Seitz Jr. told Paul Mezzina, a lawyer representing one of the companies, Boehringer Ingelheim Gmbh.

Mezzina attacked some testimony by the plaintiffs expert witnesses for being based on estimates of how much of a cancer risk Zantac could pose if stored improperly. But Seitz said some estimates can be a legitimate basis for scientific conclusions.

There was no ruling Wednesday. The five-member state Supreme Court will decide later whether to uphold Medinillas conclusions about the scientific evidence. If the justices side with her, it would be a major setback for GSK and other former makers of Zantac, including French-based drugmaker Sanofi.

GSK has settled more than 99% of remaining cases in Delaware, a spokesperson said, declining to comment further.

The companies wanted Medinilla to follow the lead of a federal judge in Florida, who rejected the cancer evidence as unreliable in 2022. But other states  such as California and Illinois  have signed off on the validity of much of the same evidence, prompting GSK last year to offer more than $2 billion to settle its Zantac liability.

Evaluating Evidence

Ex-Zantac users suing in Delawares state courts say Medinilla properly carried out her legal duty to evaluate the legitimacy of the scientific evidence. Brent Wisner, a California-based lawyer representing some plaintiffs, argued that appellate courts should defer to the judge unless she used her gate-keeping role in an arbitrary or capricious manner.

The case has drawn national attention since the focus of the litigation shifted to Delaware, after the Florida judges ruling undercut thousands of federal suits before her.

The US Chamber of Commerce filed a so-called friend of the court brief, arguing Medinilla erred by blessing expert-witness testimony in the Zantac cases that was fundamentally unreliable. The judge concluded that rather than excluding expert witnesses, their evidence could be properly challenged by the companies via cross-examination.

Advocacy groups for plaintiffs lawyers, including the Delaware Trial Lawyers Association and the American Association for Justice, applauded Medinillas willingness to allow juries to decide whether the scientific evidence was credible.

Ex-Zantac users have sued branded and generic drugmakers that made the heartburn medicine alleging the product caused breast, stomach and colon cancer, among others. Plaintiffs have argued the companies knew ranitidine  the drugs active ingredient  turned into the potential carcinogen NDMA under certain conditions. In 2020, the US Food and Drug Administration asked companies to remove all ranitidine-based products.

Zantac Owners

Zantac hit the US market as a prescription drug in 1983 before transforming into an over-the-counter heartburn treatment in 1995. GSK and Warner Lambert developed it as part of a joint venture, and the drug was owned by several companies through the years before Sanofi, which acquired it in 2017.

After the FDA recall, Sanofi won approval to return Zantac to US store shelves, but without ranitidine. Its now made with famotidine, the active ingredient in competitor Pepcid, which is marketed jointly by Merck & Co. and Johnson & Johnson spinoff Kenvue Inc.

Wisner, who argued on behalf of Zantac plaintiffs, faced some pointed questions about whether there is a scientific consensus that ranitidine can transform into NDMA in over heated conditions.

Justice Abigail LeGrow questioned whether a jury should be asked to decide whether ranitidine causes cancer when the studies arent conclusive. How can we ask a jury to decide such weighty issues when even scientists cant agree on the specific cancer risk tied to Zantac, LeGrow asked.

Wisner said juries hearing these cases arent going to be presented with junk science as part of the plaintiffs cases.

The case is IN RE Zantac Litigation, No. 255, 2024, Delaware Supreme Court (Dover).

Copyright 2025 Bloomberg.
By most metrics, employees have never been more disconnected from their work. Employee engagement in the U.S. fell to its lowest level in a decade last year, with roughly 31% of employees engaged, according to Gallup. Workers also are losing confidence in their company's future, with that sentiment falling to a record low, according to Glassdoor, leading many to either quit, or perhaps worse, stick around and do less.

Pete Stavros, co-head of global private equity at KKR , said that when he meets with CEOs and asks them how their employees are feeling, it often results in vague responses: "There's not a tremendous amount of insight," he said.

When KKR runs its own set of worker surveys across the companies in its portfolio, "The results consistently surprise CEOs to the downside. They're like 'Wow, yeah, I didn't know it was that bad.'"

Stavros has been championing a strategy that he believes can solve some of these issues, born out of his own decades of experience across hundreds of private equity deals but also his father's career journey working for a small construction company in Chicago: employee stock ownership.

"These programs can really meaningfully move the needle on culture when they're well implemented," he said. "These are outcomes that build wealth for workers, make them happier on the job, more engaged, and less likely to quit, and that's what it's done for companies."

At its most basic, the goal of employee stock ownership plans is to award all workers, not just the most senior executives, with equity in the company as part of retirement planning. Advocates like Stavros say that broadening stock ownership within corporate America can help to address several critical issues for companies but also for workers, which includes worker retention, engagement and happiness, but also wealth inequality, financial illiteracy and the broader fraying of the social fabric of society.

Stavros has led the push via KKR's deals in the industrial and manufacturing sectors, transitioning companies to shared ownership models in the process. The strategy has had some big successes, and big payouts for workers.

For example, KKR acquired CHI Overhead Doors for roughly $600 million in 2015, and in the process created a program where even hourly workers at the company received stock on top of their regular wages and benefits. When KKR sold CHI Overheard Doors to steel producer Nucor for $3 billion in 2022, CHI's employees collectively received more than $360 million as a result, with the vast majority of that going to workers below the C-suite level.

However, to date, the growth of ESOPs has been relatively stagnant, with about 250 companies each year forming as one and it largely being contained to smaller industrial companies.

Stavros said there are several reasons why, from regulatory complexity and tax issues that don't benefit larger companies, to litigation risk and a structure that appeals to companies with just a few shareholders.

However, he's placed his support behind updates to the federal law that governs employee-stock ownership plans.

"Without policy, we're not going to reach our aspirations, which are to have a transformational impact on the way companies operate," said Stavros, who added that his Expanding ESOPs coalition not only has the support of more than 50 organizations, foundations and service providers, but also bipartisan support in Washington, D.C.

The moment may not be right, Stavros said. "The government has a lot going on ... when the time is right, we'll make a big bipartisan push to try and get this law modernized."

Meanwhile, his efforts to spread the message of employee ownership continue, alongside CEOs and workers alike who praise what it's brought to their companies.

Wayne Berson, the CEO of BDO USA, said as his professional services firm was considering a variety of restructuring options in 2023 ranging from a private equity buyout to becoming an M&A buyer, the idea of how to keep workers engaged, motivated and with the firm into its future, especially amid talent shortages in accounting, kept coming up.

"We were looking at several business models, and we were looking for a business model that supported continued growth, investment and long-term stability," Berson said. "But while we were doing that analysis on our business model, we were also looking at a second issue of people."

Berson said a few numbers kept coming up, one in particular that stuck: at the nearly 6,000 ESOPs across the U.S., average staff turnover then was at 5.9%, while BDO's was at 18% (albeit less than the 39% seen across its industry).

"Any CEO is looking at the future. How do you create a sustainable business, and one that's profitable at the same time?" Berson said. "The more we looked at it, the more it became clear that if you really do care about people, this in my mind is the only way to go."

Berson said in the nearly two years since, the decision has been proven correct. The firm has lowered its turnover rate, attracted new workers because of the employee ownership strategy, and anecdotally, engagement among workers is up.

"Every firm is unique and has unique considerations, but for us, this was the only choice for our future growth based on how we feel about people," he said. Berson said his leadership team has often used the term 'We before me."

"We wanted to put it in practice; we wanted to be able to steward a thriving future for all," he said.

'It really just changed my life'

When Kevin Sims was in the process of being hired as a technician at Web Industries, a Massachusetts-based aviation and medical product manufacturer, he was told by human resources that the company was 100% owned by its employees through its ESOP structure.

At first, Sims said he didn't really understand what that meant but was happy to have a stable position after bouncing between jobs for a stretch of time. However, because of those job changes, he hadn't been able to set himself up well for retirement, something that was looming in his mind as he made his way through his 40s as a single father.

But as he started to learn more about what an ESOP was, and he started to receive statements explaining how his ownership in the company was growing, he quickly realized the benefits.

"It really just changed my life," Sims said. "It gave me this sense of confidence."

It also changed his relationship with work. Sims said in other jobs, "It was like I'm just clocking in and clocking out and getting a paycheck." But in this role, he said "I come in every day like it's my first day because that's how proud I am of what I do and what this company has offered me."

Sims said that sense of ownership is apparent among his fellow workers, who all feel like they share in the successes and challenges that the company faces, whether that's the pride he felt when Sims and his coworkers manufactured blankets that were used in space, to offering suggestions to the company about ways it could save money by being less wasteful with supplies, a strategy that was later implemented.

"The fact that I have a voice and faith in this company, it's like I got an opportunity to help us grow," he said. "I think that's really cool, and I really brainstorm on how I can make us better and our team better; the fact that they actually listen and do it and implement it, it just makes me want to do everything 10 times better in my life."

Mary Josephs, who previously led Bank of America's ESOP solutions group before founding her own ESOP advisory firm, Verit Advisors, said there have been a number of successes with ESOPs across middle market companies, but too often "it's too complicated for very small businesses and too complicated for the very large and very, very valuable businesses, so the access to ESOP is very limited relative to the economy as a whole."

At the same time, Josephs said simply implementing an ESOP doesn't guarantee anything. "The culture that needs to complement the strategy takes intention," she said.

However, she said she has seen firsthand the way that the benefits from ESOPs have empowered workers both on the job and in their personal lives. "If you come into work and you matter, and your contributions are going to help the firm and your family, you're going to go home a different person, you're going to contribute to your community differently, and that's what you see around employee ownership."

Both Josephs and Stavros say while the ESOP structure isn't going to work for every company as things stand, there are several lessons that any company can learn from ESOP successes.

Stavros said at the core, that starts with trust building, which he said, "is one of the real breakpoints today between management and workers."

The most common way to build trust is through sharing information, and that can be accomplished through highlighting financials or just a deeper roadmap into where the company is heading. Employee surveying is an important part of that also, as well as implementing requested changes with accurate timelines.

He also encourages companies to give workers "more voice," pointing to the "Kaizen" principle practiced by Toyota, where all employees are encouraged to identify problems or potential fixes at the worksite to improve efficiency and eliminate waste.

"We've worked on more programmatic ways of giving people a feeling of control and input," Stavros said, highlighting the example of giving each manufacturing plant a million dollars a year, which workers can then "invest in any way they see fit in improving their workplace."

Stavros said there is also the opportunity for companies to embrace efforts around profit sharing and equity grants, things that can bolster retention and create more buy-in. Employee share purchase plans don't always have the same effect, he said, as they can be viewed as a trade of wages or benefits rather than being treated as a business partner.

"Conventional wisdom is only CEOs and C-suite people move the needle, they're the only ones who need ownership and we should concentrate that there," he said. "This strikes at the Achilles heel of capitalism. Every economist would say capitalism is the best way to organize an economy, but the problem, as Winston Churchill said, is the unequal sharing of the blessings," he added. "This strikes right at the heart of the problem, which is why I think it's such an important idea."
The BP logo is displayed outside a petrol station that also offers electric vehicle recharging, on Feb. 27, 2025, in Somerset, England. Anna Barclay | Getty Images News | Getty Images

Oil giant BP is bracing itself for a shareholder backlash at its annual general meeting (AGM) on Thursday, with a chorus of disgruntled investors planning to voice their concerns over the firm's green strategy U-turn. A planned resolution on the reelection of outgoing BP Chair Helge Lund has been billed as an opportunity for investors to signal discontent on climate change, corporate governance and the influence of U.S. hedge fund Elliott Management. Britain's beleaguered energy major, which has lagged behind more hydrocarbon-focused industry peers in recent years, has sought to resolve something of an identity crisis by launching a fundamental reset. Seeking to rebuild investor confidence and boost near-term shareholder returns, BP in February pledged to slash renewable spending and ramp up annual expenditure on its core business of oil and gas. The strategy reset was broadly welcomed by energy analysts, and BP CEO Murray Auchincloss has since said the pivot attracted "significant interest" in the firm's non-core assets. British asset manager Legal & General, a leading shareholder in BP with a roughly 1% stake, said it intends to vote against Lund's reelection on Thursday  a position that would defy BP's management recommendation. Legal & General cited dissatisfaction over major revisions to the firm's energy strategy, alongside BP's decision not to allow a shareholder vote on the new direction.

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Legal & General's plans align with those of international asset manager Robeco, U.K. pension funds Nest and Border to Coast, as well as activist investors including Dutch group Follow This  all of which have indicated they will vote against Lund's reelection. Norway's gigantic sovereign wealth fund and a number of U.S. pensions funds, however, have reportedly said they will back Lund's reelection. Proxy advisors Institutional Shareholder Services and Glass Lewis have also recommended a vote in favor of Lund, according to Reuters. It paves the way for a shareholder showdown at BP's AGM, with observers closely monitoring the level of investor opposition to Lund's reelection. Historically, votes against the chair of BP have remained under 10%. A BP spokesperson declined to comment when contacted by CNBC.

Energy transition plans

BP's renewed focus on oil and gas comes at a time when the London-listed energy firm is firmly in the spotlight as a potential takeover target. British rival Shell and U.S. oil giants Exxon Mobil and Chevron have all been touted as possible suitors. "We value the significant steps BP has taken in recent years regarding its climate-related commitments and efforts, which we have supported through extensive and constructive dialogues, aimed at creating long-term value as the climate transition unfolds," Legal & General's investment stewardship team said on April 11.

Murray Auchincloss, chief executive officer of BP, during the "CERAWeek by S&P Global" conference in Houston, Texas, on March 11, 2025. Bloomberg | Bloomberg | Getty Images

"However, we are deeply concerned by the recent substantive revisions made to the company's strategy as announced at the 2025 Capital Markets Day on 26 February, coupled with the decision not to allow a shareholder vote on the newly amended climate transition strategy at the 2025 AGM," they added. Legal & General said BP's announcement earlier this month that Lund will step down, likely next year, was viewed "positively," but ongoing unease about the firm's succession plan means it intends to vote against the AGM resolution. Five years ago, BP became one of the first energy giants to announce plans to cut emissions to net zero "by 2050 or sooner." As part of that push, BP pledged to slash emissions by up to 40% by 2030 and to ramp up investment in renewables projects. The company scaled back this emissions target to 20% to 30% in February 2023, saying at the time that it needed to keep investing in oil and gas to meet global demand. Robeco said in its rationale that BP had refused to repeat a so-called "Say on Climate" vote for its strategy revision, despite previously requesting shareholder support for the firm's previous and "more ambitious" transition goals.

"We have unsuccessfully requested such a consistent feedback mechanism several times, including in a public letter alongside other investors with GBP 5 trillion in assets under management," said Michiel van Esch, head of voting at Robeco. "As a result, we have growing concerns over the company's resilience through the energy transition, and over the consistency of its approach to climate governance, leading us to vote against the chairman and chair of the safety and sustainability committee," he added.

Governance concerns

Elliott Management, for its part, is widely thought to be putting pressure on BP to minimize low-carbon investments and prioritize oil and gas. It emerged recently that the activist investor has built a near 5% stake in BP, making it one of the firm's largest shareholders. Activist shareholder Follow This, which has a long history of pushing for Big Oil to do more to tackle climate change, said the need to vote against Lund had not disappeared following news of his looming departure. The group added that investors concerned with good governance should voice their dissatisfaction.

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China last week announced it was done retaliating against U.S. President Donald Trump's tariffs, saying any further increases by the U.S. would be a "joke," and Beijing would "ignore" them.

Instead of continuing to focus on tariffing goods, however, China has chosen to resort to other measures, including steps targeting the American services sector.

Trump has jacked up U.S. levies on select goods from China by up to 245% after several rounds of tit-for-tat measures with Beijing in recent weeks. Before calling it a "meaningless numbers game," China last week imposed additional duties on imports from the U.S. of up to 125%.

While the Trump administration has largely focused on pressing ahead with tariff plans, Beijing has rolled out a series of non-tariff restrictive measures including widening export controls of rare-earth minerals and opening antitrust probes into American companies, such as pharmaceutical giant DuPont and IT major Google.

Before the latest escalation, in February Beijing had put dozens of U.S. businesses on a so-called "unreliable entity" list, which would restrict or ban firms from trading with or investing in China. American firms such as PVH, the parent company of Tommy Hilfiger, and Illumina, a gene-sequencing equipment provider, were among those added to the list.

Its tightening of exports of critical mineral elements will require Chinese companies to secure special licenses for exporting these resources, effectively restricting U.S. access to the key minerals needed for semiconductors, missile-defense systems and solar cells.

In its latest move on Tuesday, Beijing went after Boeing  America's largest exporter  by ordering Chinese airlines not to take any further deliveries for its jets and requested carriers to halt any purchases of aircraft-related equipment and parts from U.S. companies, according to Bloomberg.

Having deliveries to China cut off will add to the cash-strapped plane maker's troubles, as it struggles with a lingering quality-control crisis.

In another sign of growing hostilities, Chinese police issued notices for apprehending three people they claimed to have engaged in cyberattacks against China on behalf of the U.S. National Security Agency.

Chinese state media, which published the notice, urged domestic users and companies to avoid using American technology and replace them with domestic alternatives.

"Beijing is clearly signaling to Washington that two can play in this retaliation game and that it has many levers to pull, all creating different levels of pain for U.S. companies," said Wendy Cutler, vice president at Asia Society Policy Institute.

"With high tariffs and other restrictions in place, the decoupling of the two economies is at full steam," Cutler said.
Citigroup sees a bright future ahead for shares of emergency power provider Generac Holdings . Analyst Vikram Bagri upgraded the Wisconsin-based energy manufacturer to a buy rating from neutral in a note released Thursday. Bagri's share price target of $138 implies Generac could rise 25% from current levels. Generac has slumped 31% over the past three months, leaving it at a "significant discount" versus historical multiples. GNRC 3M mountain GNRC has slumped in 3 months. "While we are lowering our PT and estimates, GNRC has experience successfully managing through tariffs under Trump 1.0 and through recessionary environments," Bagri wrote. "The company has demonstrated strong pricing power in the past, which positions it well to defend margins." Citi's report said its January 2025 price target on Generac was $162, down from $172 in October. While Generac may need to further increase its pricing, the company's higher domestic exposure  alongside its blackout and event-driven sales  provides it with this strong pricing power, the analyst said. Citigroup said that during a round of higher tariffs in 2018, Generac Holdings was still able to expand its gross profit margins. 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!
Trade, in another context, also occurs on the stock market  which has seen heightened volatility since U.S. President Donald Trump's tariff onslaught. U.S. stocks fell Wednesday as trade war fears keep investors jittery.

Given those developments, the World Trade Organization warned on Wednesday that the outlook for global trade has "deteriorated sharply," and forecast a 0.2% decline in 2025. It's not mere fearmongering: Shipping vessels originating from China are already canceling their journeys.

Nvidia said Tuesday it would be taking a $5.5 billion charge related to canceled chip exports to China because of new licensing rules from the U.S. government. Beijing has retaliated to Trump tariffs by implementing export restrictions on rare earth elements  integral to many electronics and defense technologies  to the United States. Donald Trump's administration has been floating the idea of imposing levies on Chinese-made containerships calling at U.S. ports.

Trade barriers can come in many forms. Tariffs are just one. Onerous licensing requirements, export restrictions and fines on shipping are other obstacles.

Markets rocked by renewed trade jitters

U.S. stocks slumped Wednesday. The S&P 500 lost 2.24% and the Dow Jones Industrial Average fell 1.73%. The Nasdaq Composite sank 3.07%, weighed down by heavy declines in chip stocks amid reports of new U.S. licensing requirements for Nvidia exports. The pan-European Stoxx 600 index slipped 0.19%. Shares of ASML tumbled 5.2% after the Dutch company said Wednesday it fell short of first-quarter net bookings expectations, suggesting a slowdown in demand for its critical chipmaking machines.

Tension in dual mandate

U.S. Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell on Wednesday expressed concern that the central bank "may find ourselves in the challenging scenario in which our dual-mandate goals are in tension." The Fed aims to ensure stable prices and full employment. Economists, including those at the Fed, see threats to both goals from Trump tariffs, which are "likely to move us further away from our goals," Powell said in a question-and-answer session.

WTO warns of world trade disorganization

"The outlook for global trade has deteriorated sharply due to a surge in tariffs and trade policy uncertainty," the World Trade Organization warned in its latest "Global Trade Outlook and Statistics" report out Wednesday. Based on the tariffs currently in place, and including a 90-day suspension of "reciprocal tariffs," the volume of world merchandise trade is now expected to decline by 0.2% in 2025.

Freight ships from China canceling trips

U.S. importers are being notified of an increase in canceled sailings by freight ships out of China: A total of 80 blank, or canceled, sailings out of China have been recorded by freight company HLS Group. The impact of the diminished freight container traffic to North America will be significant for many links in the economy and supply chain, including the ports and logistics companies moving the freight.

OpenAI eyes 'vibe coding' tool Windsurf

OpenAI is in talks to pay about $3 billion to acquire Windsurf, an artificial intelligence tool for coding help, CNBC has confirmed. Should a deal take place with Windsurf, it would be by far OpenAI's biggest acquisition. Windsurf is among the tools, alongside Cursor and Replit, that developers have flocked to in recent months to "vibe code," a term that refers to having AI models quickly assemble code for new software.

[PRO] Still confident on dollar: Piper Sandler

The dollar index, which measures the greenback against a basket of major currencies, fell last week to its lowest point since April 2022 amid heightened uncertainty from Trump tariffs. More alarmingly, the U.S. dollar is typically viewed as a safe-haven asset in times of volatility, so its weakening has raised concerns. Piper Sandler, however, is still confident on the currency  here's why.
Eli Lilly is tightening its grip on the lucrative weight-loss market as it moves into a new, more convenient phase that promises to broaden the appeal of its breakthrough drugs. The news Club name Lilly said its daily obesity pill was successful in a late-stage trial for Type 2 diabetes  sending shares soaring more than 15% in Thursday's session. The pill, known as orforglipron, belongs to the booming class of drugs called GLP-1s, which mimic a gut hormone to help regulate blood sugar and effectively suppress appetite. The leading GLP-1s on the market  Lilly's Zepbound for obesity and Mounjaro for Type 2 diabetes, and Novo Nordisk's Wegovy for obesity and Ozempic for Type 2 diabetes  are taken as once-weekly injectables. For investors, the most relevant details in Lilly's press release are about the pill's tolerability and safety rather than how many pounds patients on the orforglipron pill lost during the trial. The company said the drug's overall safety profile in the trial was "consistent with the established GLP-1 class," adding that no concerns about liver safety, in particular, were observed. Part of the reason for this focus is that Type 2 diabetes patients generally lose less weight on GLP-1s than non-diabetics with obesity; a late-stage orforglipron trial that enrolled only people with obesity is due out later this year, and that data will offer a better look at how much weight loss the drug can achieve. There is also some inherent unpredictability with the chemistry behind oral GLP-1s, Lilly CEO David Ricks has said, which added emphasis to the safety profile. To be sure, diabetic patients in the 40-week trial still shed pounds on orforglipron. On average, participants lost 7.9% of their body weight, equal to about 16 pounds. Investors were expecting in the 5% to 6% range, JPMorgan analysts estimated in a note last month, which they said would translate to about 13% to 15% weight loss in the obesity-focused study later this year. The better-than-expected weight loss performance for orforglipron in the diabetes trial and the safety results were fueling Thursday's stock surge, which pushed the stock up roughly 9.5% year to date in a tough 2025 for the overall stock market. Even with Thursday's rally, Lilly shares were still about 12% below their record-high close of $960 on Aug. 30, 2024. In a note to clients Thursday, analysts at Leerink said orforglipron showed similar safety and efficacy to Novo's Ozempic  a highly encouraging sign. Novo is Lilly's main rival in the GLP-1 market, though a host of drugmakers are hustling to catch up. Novo has a few different weight-loss pills in clinical trials, but its stock was down more than 8% on Thursday, an indication that investors are worried about what Lilly's data means for the Danish drugmaker. LLY NVO 1Y mountain Eli Lilly vs. Novo Nordisk 1 year Big picture Drugmakers and investors alike view weight-loss pills as an important new frontier for the fast-growing obesity market. In a CNBC interview earlier this year , Lilly's chief scientific officer, Dan Skovronsky, explained why these types of drugs should be helpful to both patients and the company, which has faced numerous supply constraints in trying to meet demand for injectable GLP-1s. "I'm excited about [orforglipron] not because it's going to give more weight loss or better tolerability or anything like that  just because it's a pill and it's oral and that could help a lot of people who may be reticent to use an injectable or may live in parts of the world where it's hard to have cold-chain shipping. It's easier to make, et cetera," Skovronsky said. In addition to expanding the obesity market to people who either don't want to take injectables or struggle to access them, weight-loss pills could also be used in a so-called maintenance regime. The idea is that some people may start on an injectable like Zepbound, taking advantage of its higher efficacy, and then at a certain point they can shift over to orforglipron to help keep the weight off. Lilly's data comes a few days after Pfizer said it was scrapping its oral GLP-1 drug for obesity, known as danuglipron, following a late-stage study in which one patient may have developed a drug-induced liver injury. Pfizer has another weight-loss pill earlier in development that targets a different hormone than GLP-1, and it could look to acquire other experimental drugs from smaller players. In a note to clients Monday, analysts at Bernstein said Pfizer's setback gives Lilly "more time ... as the clear incretin leader, complementing their injectable dominance." Incretin is another name used for GLP-1 drugs. Eli Lilly's first-quarter earnings report on May 1 will help shine a light on the performance of Mounjaro and Zepbound, along with how executives are thinking about other overhangs on pharmaceuticals such as tariffs and the evolving regulatory landscape in Washington with industry critic Robert F. Kennedy Jr., now leading the Department of Health and Human Services. The Trump administration has said it is preparing "sectoral" tariffs on pharmaceuticals, though details are still light on what those will look like. Bottom line Eli Lilly fortified its strong standing in the obesity drug race  orforglipron cleared the bar on safety, and exceeded expectations on weight loss, which bodes well for what the obesity-focused trial will show later this year. "It became a one-horse race after this," Jim Cramer said on Thursday's Morning Meeting, though he did caution that Kennedy running HHS has made the regulatory climate toward obesity drugs more uncertain than before. Still, based on what we currently know, orforglipron looks like a safe and effective weight-loss pill that can help the obesity market reach its full commercial potential in the years ahead. Notably, Lilly has strategically been stockpiling orforglipron inventory, which could help the company hit the ground running upon receiving approval from U.S. regulators. Lilly expects to file orforglipron for obesity approval later this year, followed by a submission for Type 2 diabetes in 2026. (Jim Cramer's Charitable Trust is long LLY. See here for a full list of the stocks.) As a subscriber to the CNBC Investing Club with Jim Cramer, you will receive a trade alert before Jim makes a trade. Jim waits 45 minutes after sending a trade alert before buying or selling a stock in his charitable trust's portfolio. If Jim has talked about a stock on CNBC TV, he waits 72 hours after issuing the trade alert before executing the trade. THE ABOVE INVESTING CLUB INFORMATION IS SUBJECT TO OUR TERMS AND CONDITIONS AND PRIVACY POLICY , TOGETHER WITH OUR DISCLAIMER . NO FIDUCIARY OBLIGATION OR DUTY EXISTS, OR IS CREATED, BY VIRTUE OF YOUR RECEIPT OF ANY INFORMATION PROVIDED IN CONNECTION WITH THE INVESTING CLUB. NO SPECIFIC OUTCOME OR PROFIT IS GUARANTEED.
Global Payments shares tumbled 17% on Thursday after the company said it is buying Worldpay for more than $24 billion while simultaneously selling its Issuer Solutions business to Fidelity National Information Services , or FIS.

The company said that in acquiring Worldpay, which FIS had purchased in 2019 before later selling a majority stake, it is expanding its reach and will be able to serve more than six million customers across more than 175 countries, enabling $3.7 trillion in annual payment volume.

In selling its Issuer Solutions unit to FIS for $13.5 billion, Global Payments is divesting a unit for back-end financial processing that has long been viewed as a stable provider of growth. In the end, Global Payments is going bigger in providing payments services to merchants, while FIS is focusing on issuer processing.

FIS bought Worldpay for about $35 billion in 2019 and sold most of its stake last year to GTCR.

Global Payments said on Thursday that it obtained committed bridge financing and plans to issue $7.7 billion of debt "to replace the bridge commitment and refinance Worldpay's outstanding debt."
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Google CEO Sundar Pichai testifies before the House Judiciary Committee at the Rayburn House Office Building in Washington, D.C., on Dec. 11, 2018. Alex Wong | Getty Images

Google's antitrust woes are continuing to mount, just as the company tries to brace for a future dominated by artificial intelligence. On Thursday, a federal judge ruled that Google held illegal monopolies in online advertising markets due to its position between ad buyers and sellers. The ruling, which followed a September trial in Alexandria, Virginia, represents a second major antitrust blow for Google in under a year. In August, a judge determined the company has held a monopoly in its core market of internet search, the most-significant antitrust ruling in the tech industry since the case against Microsoft more than 20 years ago. Google is in a particularly precarious spot as it tries to simultaneously defend its primary business in court while fending off an onslaught of new competition due to the emergence of generative AI, most notably OpenAI's ChatGPT, which offers users alternative ways to search for information. Revenue growth has cooled in recent years, and Google also now faces the added potential of a slowdown in ad spending due to economic concerns from President Donald Trump's sweeping new tariffs. Parent company Alphabet reports first-quarter results next week. Alphabet's stock price dipped more than 1% on Thursday and is now down 20% this year.

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In Thursday's ruling, U.S. District Judge Leonie Brinkema said Google's anticompetitive practices "substantially harmed" publishers and users on the web. The trial featured 39 live witnesses, depositions from an additional 20 witnesses and hundreds of exhibits. Judge Brinkema ruled that Google unlawfully controls two of the three parts of the advertising technology market: the publisher ad server market and ad exchange market. Brinkema dismissed the third part of the case, determining that tools used for general display advertising can't clearly be defined as Google's own market. In particular, the judge cited the purchases of DoubleClick and Admeld and said the government failed to show those "acquisitions were anticompetitive." "We won half of this case and we will appeal the other half," Lee-Anne Mulholland, Google's vice president or regulatory affairs, said in an emailed statement. "We disagree with the Court's decision regarding our publisher tools. Publishers have many options and they choose Google because our ad tech tools are simple, affordable and effective." Attorney General Pam Bondi said in a press release from the DOJ that the ruling represents a "landmark victory in the ongoing fight to stop Google from monopolizing the digital public square."

Potential ad disruption

If regulators force the company to divest parts of the ad-tech business, as the Justice Department has requested, it could open up opportunities for smaller players and other competitors to fill the void and snap up valuable market share. Amazon has been growing its ad business in recent years. Meanwhile, Google is still defending itself against claims that its search has acted as a monopoly by creating strong barriers to entry and a feedback loop that sustained its dominance. Google said in August, immediately after the search case ruling, that it would appeal, meaning the matter can play out in court for years even after the remedies are determined. The remedies trial, which will lay out the consequences, begins next week. The Justice Department is aiming for a break up of Google's Chrome browser and eliminating exclusive agreements, like its deal with Apple for search on iPhones. The judge is expected to make the ruling by August.

Google CEO Sundar Pichai (L) and Apple CEO Tim Cook (R) listen as U.S. President Joe Biden speaks during a roundtable with American and Indian business leaders in the East Room of the White House on June 23, 2023 in Washington, DC. Anna Moneymaker | Getty Images

After the ad market ruling on Thursday, Gartner's Andrew Frank said Google's "conflicts of interest" are apparent by how the market runs. "The structure has been decades in the making," Frank said, adding that "untangling that would be a significant challenge, particularly since lawyers don't tend to be system architects." However, the uncertainty that comes with a potentially years-long appeals process means many publishers and advertisers will be waiting to see how things shake out before making any big decisions given how much they rely on Google's technology. "Google will have incentives to encourage more competition possibly by loosening certain restrictions on certain media it controls, YouTube being one of them," Frank said. "Those kind of incentives may create opportunities for other publishers or ad tech players." A date for the remedies trial hasn't been set. Damian Rollison, senior director of market insights for marketing platform Soci, said the revenue hit from the ad market case could be more dramatic than the impact from the search case. "The company stands to lose a lot more in material terms if its ad business, long its main source of revenue, is broken up," Rollison said in an email. "Whereas divisions like Chrome are more strategically important." WATCH: U.S. judge finds Google holds illegal online ad-tech monopolies
Harvard's brewing conflict with the Trump administration could come at a steep cost  even for the nation's richest university.

On April 14, Harvard University President Alan Garber announced the institution would not comply with the administration's demands, including to "audit" Harvard's students and faculty for "viewpoint diversity." The federal government, in response, froze $2.2 billion in multi-year grants and $60 million in multi-year contracts with the university.

According to CNN and multiple other news outlets, the Trump administration has now asked the Internal Revenue Service to revoke Harvard's tax-exempt status. If the IRS follows through, it would have severe consequences for the university. The many benefits of nonprofit status include tax-free income on investments and tax deductions for donors, education historian Bruce Kimball told CNBC.

Bloomberg estimated the value of Harvard's tax benefits in excess of $465 million in 2023.

Nonprofits can lose their tax exemptions if the IRS determines they are engaging in political campaign activity or earning too much income from unrelated activities. Few universities have lost their non-profit status. One of the few examples was Christian institution Bob Jones University, which lost its tax exemption in 1983 for racially discriminatory policies.

White House spokesperson Harrison Fields told the Washington Post that the IRS started investigating Harvard before President Donald Trump suggested on Truth Social that the university should be taxed as a "political entity." The Treasury Department did not reply to a request for comment from CNBC.

A Harvard spokesperson told CNBC that the government has "no legal basis to rescind Harvard's tax exempt status."

"The government has long exempted universities from taxes in order to support their educational mission," the spokesperson wrote in a statement. "Such an unprecedented action would endanger our ability to carry out our educational mission. It would result in diminished financial aid for students, abandonment of critical medical research programs, and lost opportunities for innovation. The unlawful use of this instrument more broadly would have grave consequences for the future of higher education in America."

The federal government has challenged Harvard on yet another front, with the Department of Homeland Security threatening to stop international students from enrolling. The Student and Exchange Visitor Program is administered by Immigration and Customs Enforcement, which falls under the DHS.

International students make up more than a quarter of Harvard's student body. However, Harvard is less financially dependent on international students than many other U.S. universities as it already offers need-based financial aid to international students in its undergraduate program. Many other universities require international students to pay full tuition.

The Harvard spokesperson declined to comment to CNBC on whether the university would sue the administration over the federal funds or any other grounds. Lawyers Robert Hur of King & Spalding and William Burck of Quinn Emanuel are representing Harvard, stating in a letter to the federal government that its demands violate the First Amendment.

Harvard, the nation's richest university, has more resources than other academic institutions to fund a long legal battle and weather the storm. However, its massive endowment  which has raised questions during the recent developments  is not a piggy bank.
The Microsoft negativity on Wall Street continues to pile up ahead of earnings at the end of the month, and we're struggling with the portfolio stock, too. Among the recent deluge of analyst reports and media coverage, troubling themes are emerging about Microsoft's artificial intelligence spending and Azure cloud growth. Those two factors have Jim Cramer questioning whether Microsoft can pull its business and its stock out of the doldrums. In recent quarters, Jim has teetered back and forth on Microsoft. But during Wednesday's April Monthly Meeting , he did not flatly rule out adding to the position at some point if conditions on the ground change. "Microsoft better get their act together," Jim said during Thursday's Morning Meeting, chiding the company for the perception that it is squandering its front-mover advantage on AI that goes back to late 2022. That was when the startup it was backing, OpenAI, exploded on the scene with ChatGPT. Often described as the "iPhone moment" for AI, the release of ChatGPT showed the general public what generative AI could really do. Jim views the AI race as a "winner take all, loser take none" situation and thinks Microsoft is not spending enough to keep up. Speculation about Microsoft's capital expenditure budget is running rampant on reports about a slew of cancellations on AI data center leases, including a withdrawn contract with CoreWeave in early March that OpenAI is said to have later picked up. OpenAI can best be described of late as a "frienemy" of Microsoft. While partners and financially tied to Microsoft, OpenAI has increasingly been looking like it's charting its own path. Microsoft had previously been the exclusive cloud provider to OpenAI, but the nature of that relationship changed in January . In a LinkedIn post earlier this month , Microsoft confirmed it was "slowing or pausing some early-stage projects," but maintained that it still plans to spend about $80 billion this year on AI infrastructure. The company's response followed a Bloomberg News report and others that said the tech giant was pulling back on data center projects around the world. On Tuesday, Bloomberg reported that the mayor of Heath, Ohio  where work was paused  caught the city officials by surprise. Capex levels have been a hot topic since DeepSeek rocked the AI trade on January 27. Claims at the time from the Chinese startup that it created a more efficient AI model led to worries that deep-pocketed tech giants would dial down spending. That didn't happen in the near term as Microsoft and other Club names Meta Platforms and Amazon , only a few days later, all reiterated their commitments alongside quarterly earnings. Normally, a pullback in spending would be viewed as a positive for earnings and margins. However, when it comes to AI, Jim thinks that any spending let-up could knock Microsoft out of the conversation. "I now see Microsoft being the odd man out. I think OpenAI is going to break away from Microsoft and take ChatGPT with it," Jim said, adding that he thinks "Microsoft Copilot is stalling." Copilot is Microsoft's AI assistant that's offered in the company's enterprise and consumer software customers. KeyBanc on Thursday downgraded Microsoft from an overweight buy and removed its price target. "We're not tactically downgrading ahead of the print in a couple weeks due to any single response in our survey of checks; this is more about seeing the data building and validating some worries we've had for a while," the analysts wrote. Among the price target cuts on Wall Street, Citi went to $480 per share from $497, citing concerns about Azure "at the lower end of the guide," with further revenue growth deceleration in the future. On Wednesday, Jim cited Morgan Stanley's Microsoft price target cut to $472 from $530. The analysts, who did maintain their overweight buy rating, were worried that Azure would miss the mark when the tech giant reports earnings on April 30. The analysts reduced growth expectations for the cloud unit. "We thought it might accelerate," Jim said earlier this week. "The key to betting on why you want to be in the stock was [Azure] acceleration." Morgan Stanley analysts highlighted that investor sentiment around Microsoft "remains negative" due to looming concerns over macro and microeconomic impact. They also pointed to slowing momentum in Copilot. Despite the short-term negative outlook, Morgan Stanley said, "Microsoft's overall positioning remains strong and that shares may be nearing a valuation floor which drives an attractive long-term risk-reward." MSFT YTD mountain Microsoft YTD Microsoft does have the dubious distinction of being the best-performing "Magnificent Seven" stock year to date, meaning not down as much as the others. Perhaps the stock only losing 12% in 2025's terrible year for tech stocks is owed to Microsoft being seen as able to weather economic downturns, given how embedded its services and products are with companies and consumers around the globe. Worries about a recession have certainly been on the boil following President Donald Trump's tariffs blitz, which seems to take a new twist every day. So, as we march toward earnings day, we're keen for guidance from Microsoft on any tariff impact  but it's what the company has to say about AI capex and cloud growth that matters most to us. (Jim Cramer's Charitable Trust is long MSFT, META. See here for a full list of the stocks.) As a subscriber to the CNBC Investing Club with Jim Cramer, you will receive a trade alert before Jim makes a trade. Jim waits 45 minutes after sending a trade alert before buying or selling a stock in his charitable trust's portfolio. If Jim has talked about a stock on CNBC TV, he waits 72 hours after issuing the trade alert before executing the trade. THE ABOVE INVESTING CLUB INFORMATION IS SUBJECT TO OUR TERMS AND CONDITIONS AND PRIVACY POLICY , TOGETHER WITH OUR DISCLAIMER . NO FIDUCIARY OBLIGATION OR DUTY EXISTS, OR IS CREATED, BY VIRTUE OF YOUR RECEIPT OF ANY INFORMATION PROVIDED IN CONNECTION WITH THE INVESTING CLUB. NO SPECIFIC OUTCOME OR PROFIT IS GUARANTEED.
Xi hopes Cambodia visit to spearhead progress in building China-Cambodia community with shared future

Xinhua) 10:18, April 17, 2025

PHNOM PENH, April 17 (Xinhua) -- Chinese President Xi Jinping said he hopes his visit to Cambodia will spearhead progress in building a China-Cambodia community with a shared future.

Xi made the remarks in a signed article titled "Together We Strive, Together We Thrive: Toward a Stable and Sustainable China-Cambodia Community with a Shared Future in the New Era" published Thursday in Cambodian media outlets Khmer Times, Jian Hua Daily and Fresh News ahead of his arrival in Cambodia for a state visit.

Noting that a China-Cambodia community with a shared future is deeply rooted in the historic legacy of good-neighborly relations, Xi said that the two countries' friendly exchange spans two millennia of their shared history, thanks to the geographical proximity.

A China-Cambodia community with a shared future is also defined by the two countries' mutual commitment to friendship and righteousness, he said, recalling that the friendship was forged by Cambodia's King Father Norodom Sihanouk and Chairman Mao Zedong, Premier Zhou Enlai among the elder generations of Chinese leaders.

Xi noted that a China-Cambodia community with a shared future is powered by equality and mutual benefit. For many years, China has been Cambodia's largest trading partner and largest source of investment, and the industrial and supply chain cooperation between the two countries has continued to deepen, he said.

A China-Cambodia community with a shared future is founded upon inclusiveness and mutual learning, Xi said.

Over the past 30 years, China has sent many experts to Cambodia across diverse fields, including archaeology, geological exploration, cultural heritage, history, architecture and the arts. They have helped bring renewed splendor to the Angkor legacy, a gem of human civilizations, he added.

(Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Liang Jun)
Then U.S. President-elect Donald Trump and Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni at Mar-a-Lago in Palm Beach, Florida, on Jan. 4, 2025.

Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni is set to meet U.S. President Donald Trump on Thursday amid a tense trade standoff with the European Union over tariffs.

Meloni's visit to Washington makes her the first European leader to meet the president since he announced tariffs on European imports earlier this month.

Trump is a fan of Meloni, the leader of the right-wing populist Brothers of Italy party  one that has risen in prominence along with a tide of other similar populist parties in Europe. He described her as a "fantastic woman" who was "really taking Europe by storm" when they met in Mar-a-Lago in January.

But that rapport  and Meloni's diplomatic skills  will be put to the test on Thursday, as the leaders meet amid wider concerns of full-blown trade war between the U.S. and the bloc.

In early April, Trump announced a 20% "reciprocal" tariff on all imported goods from the EU as part of his wide-reaching global trade tariffs policy. He has since reduced the duty to 10% for 90 days, allowing for negotiations to take place to try to find a trade deal.

The EU in turn paused its retaliatory 25% tariffs targeting 21 billion euros' ($23.8 billion) worth of U.S. exports. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen commented last week that the EU wants "to give negotiations a chance" but should talks not prove satisfactory, EU countermeasures will kick in.

The EU will be watching Meloni's meeting with Trump carefully, hopeful that she could aid talks to find a compromise to resolve what Trump sees as an unfair and unbalanced trading relationship due to the EU's persistent trade surplus with the U.S.
A flag of Japan flies near cargo containers at Tokyo's Odaiba Waterfront on August 6, 2020.

Japan on Thursday reported a 3.9% rise in March exports compared to a year earlier, a month after exports saw their largest rise since May 2024.

The growth missed expectations of a 4.5% rise from economists polled by Reuters, and was lower than the 11.4% jump in February.

By region, Japanese exports increased the most to the Middle East, recording a 17.1% rise, compared to the same period a year ago.

Exports to the U.S., Japan's second-largest trading partner, saw a 3.1% rise.

March data does not include the full impact of U.S. President Donald Trump's tariffs. The U.S. had announced tariffs of 25% on auto imports effective April 3, and 25% levies on steel and aluminum came into effect on March 12.

Trump, however, has suspended his "reciprocal" tariffs of 24% on Japan for 90 days, leaving a baseline tariff of 10%.

The trade data also comes as Japan's is locked in trade negotiations with the U.S. On Thursday, Trump said in a Truth Social post that there was "big progress" in the talks, having earlier said that he would also be attending the trade meeting. He also wrote that the talks will cover "tariffs, the cost of military support, and 'TRADE FAIRNESS.'"

Japan was reportedly the sixth largest steel exporter to the U.S. in 2024, and Japanese car brands make up four of the top eight best selling brands in the U.S, with Toyota taking the top spot.

Automobiles are Japan's top export to the U.S., accounting for 28.3% of all shipments in 2024, according to customs data.

Imports to Asia's second largest economy by GDP rose 2%, compared to expectations of a 3.1% rise from the Reuters poll.

Japan reported trade surplus of 544.1 billion yen, more than the Reuters poll expectations of 485.3 billion yen. It stood at 590.5 billion yen in February.

"Japan is no longer the export powerhouse it once was," said Jesper Koll, expert director at financial services firm Monex Group.



Koll told CNBC that while the yen has been weak, and the fear of tariffs could boost exports via frontloading, China-made were replacing Japanese exports.

This meanz that "as US-China trade wars escalate, Japan will be hurt even more as China will be forced to de-facto dump the capacity it used to sell to America onto global markets," he said.

Correction: This copy has been revised to accurately reflect Japan's trade surplus data.
Some people would jump at the opportunity to sell their startup for eight figures. Not Marc Randolph and Reed Hastings.

During Netflix's early days, its two co-founders got a call that Jeff Bezos wanted to meet them, Hastings said on a December episode of the "First Time Founders with Ed Elson" podcast. After arriving at the company's headquarters in Seattle, it was clear that Bezos wanted to buy Netflix to jump-start Amazon's entry into the video market, Hastings said.

"It never got to, like, a formal offer. It was sort of exploratory," he added.

The year was 1998, and Bezos' team offered Netflix "somewhere in the low eight figures" to acquire the company, Randolph told CNBC Make It in 2019. Back then, Amazon was also relatively young  it was four years old, and had debuted on the stock market a year earlier, raising $54 million  but it made a series of acquisitions that year, ranging from other online book retailers to non-book related properties like IMDb.com.

"When someone uses 'low eight figures,' that means barely eight-figures. That means probably something between $14 million and $16 million," Randolph wrote in his 2019 memoir, "That Will Never Work."

The Netflix founders discussed the pros and cons of selling on the flight back home, Randolph told CNBC Make It. The company wasn't yet making any money; it didn't have a repeatable, scalable or profitable business model; and while they were doing plenty of business  mostly through DVD sales  their costs were high.

But both men knew they were "on the brink of something," said Randolph. Netflix had figured out how to source virtually every DVD on the market, making it "unquestionably the best source on the internet for DVDs," he said.

They decided on the plane ride that it didn't seem like the right moment to give up and turned down the deal "politely" as soon as they landed, Randolph said. The decision taught him that when an opportunity comes, you don't necessarily have to open your door, but you owe it to yourself to at least look through the keyhole.

"We said no and [then] worked our a-- off for 20 years," Hastings said.

In 2000, the duo found themselves in a similar situation with Blockbuster, but this time they were the ones hoping to strike a deal. Randolph and Hastings wanted to sell for $50 million, and CEO John Antioco didn't take them seriously, even struggling not to laugh at them, Randolph wrote for Vanity Fair in 2019.

"We realized that if we're going to grow really big, we're going to have a big fight with them," said Hastings. "How about we just give them 50% and then help them profit ... But they're a big, serious corporation. We were a bunch of scrappy Silicon Valley kids ... They didn't see any need or interest in buying us."

Randolph left Netflix in 2003, and Hastings now serves as its executive chairman. Today, Netflix is a video streaming and production company with a market cap of $411.34 billion and, according to the company, more than 300 million subscribers worldwide.

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Netflix posted a major earnings beat Thursday, as revenue grew 13% during the first quarter of 2025.

The streamer attributed its better-than-expected revenue to higher-than-forecast subscription and advertising dollars.

In late January, the company increased its pricing across the board, raising its standard plan to $17.99 a month, its ad-supported plan to $7.99, and its premium plan to $24.99.

The report marks the first time the streaming giant did not disclose quarterly subscriber data, as it shifts its strategy to focus on revenue and other financial metrics as performance indicators.

Netflix's earnings also come as traditional media stocks have been slammed by a tumultuous market prompted by President Donald Trump's trade policy.

Netflix, however, said it continues to forecast full-year revenue of between $43.5 billion and $44.5 billion.

"There's been no material change to our overall business outlook," the company said in a statement Thursday.

As investors worry about the potential impact of tariffs on consumer spending and confidence, Netflix's co-CEO Greg Peters said on the company's earnings call, "Based on what we are seeing by actually operating the business right now, there's nothing really significant to note."

"We also take some comfort that entertainment historically has been pretty resilient in tougher economic times. Netflix, specifically, also, has been generally quite resilient. We haven't seen any major impacts during those tougher times, albeit over a much shorter history," Peters said.

Netflix shares gained about 2% in extended trading Thursday.

Here's how the company performed for the quarter ended March 31, compared with estimates compiled by LSEG:

Earnings per share: $6.61 vs. $5.71 expected

$6.61 vs. $5.71 expected Revenue: $10.54 billion vs. $10.52 billion expected

Net income for the period was $2.89 billion, or $6.61 per share, up from $2.33 billion, or $5.28 per share, during the same quarter a year earlier.

Revenue in the first quarter jumped nearly 13% year over year, reaching $10.54 billion.

Netflix has been leaning on advertising as it seeks to soften slowing subscriber growth. "A key focus in 2025 is enhancing our capabilities for advertisers," it said.

The company launched its in-house ad tech platform in early April in the U.S., with plans to extend into other markets in the coming months.

"We believe our ad tech platform is foundational to our long term ads strategy," the company said. "Over time, it will enable us to offer better measurement, enhanced targeting, innovative ad formats and expanded programmatic capabilities."
OpenAI CEO Sam Altman looks on during an event at the startup campus Station F, on the sidelines of the Artificial Intelligence Action Summit, in Paris on Feb. 11, 2025.

Before entering into talks to acquire artificial intelligence code-writing startup Windsurf, OpenAI looked at buying another option: Cursor.

The ChatGPT creator last year reached out to Anysphere, the startup that sells the Cursor application, two people familiar with the matter told CNBC. OpenAI reached out again this year as Cursor was enjoying a new wave of popularity. The talks again failed to gain traction, one of the people said.

OpenAI declined to comment. Anysphere did not respond to a request for comment. Bloomberg reported last month that Anysphere was in talks to raise funding at a valuation of close to $10 billion.

OpenAI has recently engaged in talks to pay about $3 billion to acquire AI coding tool Windsurf, CNBC reported Wednesday, following a story published by Bloomberg. Should a Windsurf deal take place, it would be by far OpenAI's most expensive acquisition to date.

Sam Altman, OpenAI co-founder and CEO, said on social media site X that his company's new o3 and o4-mini reasoning models, released on Wednesday, are "super good at coding, so we are releasing a new product, Codex CLI, to make them easier to use." Anysphere said on X that the two new large language models, or LLMs, are available now in Cursor.

Cursor's desktop application gained popularity last year for providing coding assistance by drawing from Anthropic's Claude 3.5 Sonnet model. In October, Microsoft added support for Anthropic's Sonnet model in its GitHub Copilot assistant, and weeks later, some programmers reported that Cursor was preferable to Microsoft's GitHub Copilot.

The world's top technology companies are spending hundreds of billions of dollars to build data centers full of Nvidia graphics processing units that can build and run these LLMs. The models are being deployed across the corporate world, in areas such as sales, customer service and law.

Some of the biggest advances have come from applying AI to software. It has gotten so good that tech companies have found themselves trying to catch coders who use AI to cheat in job interviews, CNBC reported in March.

Marking the shift in that sentiment was a February post on X by OpenAI co-founder Andrej Karpathy. He coined the term "vibe coding" to describe the process of directing AI to write code. Karpathy mentioned Cursor and Anthropic's Sonnet in the post, and did not refer to OpenAI models.

Since then, the tech industry has flocked to Cursor and numerous similar services, including Bolt, Replit and Vercel. More than one million people were using Cursor every day as of March, according to Bloomberg.

OpenAI met with more than 20 companies in the AI coding domain, according to a person familiar with the matter.

Anysphere, based in San Francisco, was founded in 2022 and was generating upward of $100 million in recurring revenue as of January. Investors include Andreessen Horowitz, Benchmark, Thrive Capital and the OpenAI Startup Fund. Cursor is based on Microsoft's open-source Visual Studio Code editor.

 CNBC's Hayden Field contributed to this report.
During the April Monthly Meeting on Wednesday, we took questions directly from Investing Club members. Here are some of the responses from Jim Cramer and Jeff Marks, director of portfolio analysis for the Club. Their answers have been edited for clarity. Hi Jim and Jeff, I believe in holding onto my positions, but in times of uncertainty like now (tariffs), there are often low prices and buying opportunities. Is it worth rebalancing your portfolio, even if it means taking a small loss, to take advantage of these low prices?  Dani in Montreal Yes, this is the move we're taking in our portfolio. Repositioning in this uncertain market means we have to make decisions on some stocks in our portfolio that may require us to take a small loss. It also means we have some capital gains that we're going to have to take. Case in point, we recently had to cut our losses in the small position we had left in GE Healthcare because of how hard it got hit in China. Jim said it's important to act because "everything is so dire when it goes bad," reminding Club members that "nothing sacred in this portfolio." Jeff Marks added: Investors should always scrutinize their positions, especially when the broader market narrative changes. In terms of buying, we always talk about "high grading" the portfolio, in other words, buying into quality stocks that have been hit by what has been going on in this volatile market. Jeff said there are two schools of thought here: First, you could load up on defensives and tariff-resistant names that offer solid, predictable earnings to help shield against future losses; second, you could buy into some of the quality stocks that have been hammered over trade tensions. We don't have the right answer since everyone's investment story is idiosyncratic, and each person has their own investing style. We're trying to do a mix of both styles in the Club portfolio  managing against losses with some of our buys but also looking for long-term upside. Lastly, Jim said investors should also consider their tax situation. Should we be looking at a stocks trailing price-to-earnings ratios or forward P/E when looking at how expensive a stock is. Thank you both.  Paul We look at the forward price-to-earnings ratio, which means the next 12 months or next four quarters of earnings-per-share (EPS) estimates. It tends to offer a better gauge of where a stock could be going rather than where it's been. Trailing P/Es look at a company's actual EPS from the past 12 months. As Jim has said many times, it's not about what the stock has already done, it's about what its going. "The forward P/E tells a little bit of a better story there. It gives you a better sense of the direction and where [the stock] is headed," Jeff emphasized Wednesday. We aim to look at companies that are growing. When adding a new position to the portfolio, how much and how quickly do you recommend adding, and at what intervals to build to a "full" position.  Susan in Georgia Jim explained that adding a new position to the portfolio is more of an art than a science. That's why he likes to start small and scale up the position over time  preferably at lower and lower prices. For example, we have been making small buys of our newer position, Texas Roadhouse , because we're conscious that shares of the casual dining chain are prone to bounce around. We have been gradually picking up shares, mainly on weakness , which has given us the opportunity to improve our cost basis. The stock turned lower after reporting a slower start to the first quarter due to inclement weather in late February. Shares fought back into March but took another leg down over broader concerns about a slowdown in consumer spending. At the same time, we're encouraged by the restaurant's resilient sales and believe the company can improve earnings in the upcoming summer months when people eat outdoors more frequently. (Jim Cramer's Charitable Trust is long TXRH. See here for a full list of the stocks.) As a subscriber to the CNBC Investing Club with Jim Cramer, you will receive a trade alert before Jim makes a trade. Jim waits 45 minutes after sending a trade alert before buying or selling a stock in his charitable trust's portfolio. If Jim has talked about a stock on CNBC TV, he waits 72 hours after issuing the trade alert before executing the trade. THE ABOVE INVESTING CLUB INFORMATION IS SUBJECT TO OUR TERMS AND CONDITIONS AND PRIVACY POLICY , TOGETHER WITH OUR DISCLAIMER . NO FIDUCIARY OBLIGATION OR DUTY EXISTS, OR IS CREATED, BY VIRTUE OF YOUR RECEIPT OF ANY INFORMATION PROVIDED IN CONNECTION WITH THE INVESTING CLUB. NO SPECIFIC OUTCOME OR PROFIT IS GUARANTEED.
President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin shake hands as they hold a joint news conference after their meeting in Helsinki, Finland, July 16, 2018.

Russia escaped unscathed from President Donald Trump's trade tariffs unveiled earlier this month, but the Kremlin says Moscow is not immune from the economic aftershocks that could ensue in a potential global trade war.

"Of course, instability in the global economy cannot but affect Russia," Kremlin Press Secretary Dmitry Peskov told CNBC on Wednesday, according to a Google translation.

"At the same time, we manage to maintain macroeconomic stability even in the face of numerous sanctions," Peskov added in emailed comments.

Unlike many U.S. allies who were hit with trade tariffs in Trump's early-April announcement, Russia was spared new import tariffs when Trump announced his wide-ranging list of new duties to be imposed on imports from more than 180 countries, ostensibly aimed at leveling up the global trading playing field.

Russia was left out, White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt told the Axios media outlet, because U.S. sanctions on the country for its invasion of Ukraine in 2022 already precluded "any meaningful trade" between the two nations.

Analysts question that assertion, saying Russia still did more trade with the U.S. than a number of other countries that made it onto the tariffs list, such as Brunei and Mauritius. Ukraine, incidentally, was hit with a 10% tariff.

A White House official told CNBC Thursday that Russia, along with Cuba, Belarus and North Korea, were "not subject to the Reciprocal Tariff Executive Order because they are already facing extremely high tariffs and our previously imposed sanctions preclude any meaningful trade with these countries." The official added that President Trump has also recently threatened to impose strong sanctions on Russia.

Global market turbulence prompted Trump to temporarily reduce the tariff rates on imports from most countries  barring China  to 10% for 90 days. Whether negotiations taking place with various trading partners in the interim can lead to compromise and, ultimately, trade deals is highly uncertain.

Russia's reaction to Trump's trade duties has been mixed, with state media observing the measures and market fallout with a mixture of cool detachment, some concern over global economic volatility and a touch of schadenfreude at the turbulence hitting the West.

Trump's destabilization of the existing U.S.-led "global world order"  which Moscow would like to dismantle  is also seen as a potential benefit of the tariffs to Kremlin, analysts say. They warn that Russia is not immune to the impact of any trade war.

"On the surface you see a lot of giggles and genuine relief [in Russia] that, for once, it is not Russia that is at the center of attention," Anton Barbashin, a Russian political analyst and editorial director of the journal Riddle, told CNBC on Wednesday, noting that "Russia does see itself better positioned in the world of a more pronounced bipolarity."

"Russia wants a less global U.S. that is engaged in permanent conflict with China (though not war), so that Washington does not have enough time for Europe," he said in emailed comments.
Check out the companies making headlines in midday trading: Alphabet  Shares of the megacap technology name pulled back 1.4% after a federal judge ruled that Google has illegally monopolized online advertising technology , namely the markets for publisher ad servers and ad exchanges. Hertz  The rental car company surged 43.9% to a 52-week high, following a 56% rally in the previous session, after Bill Ackman's Pershing Square took a sizable stake . A regulatory filing revealed Pershing Square had built a 4.1% position as of the end of 2024. Pershing has significantly increased the position  to 19.8%  through shares and swaps, becoming Hertz's second-largest shareholder, CNBC reported. Nvidia , Advanced Micro Devices  Shares of Nvidia dipped nearly 3% and AMD declined roughly 1%, continuing their declines from the previous session when the chipmakers announced additional charges tied to China exports due to President Donald Trump's tariff plans. Global Payments , Fidelity National Information Services  Global Payments announced it is acquiring Worldpay for $24.25 billion from Fidelity National Information Services and a private equity firm, and divesting its Issuer Solutions business. Shares of Global Payments fell 17.4%, while Fidelity National Information Services jumped 8.7%. Taiwan Semiconductor  U.S. shares ended the trading session near the flatline. The stock rose earlier in the session after the chipmaker's results for the first quarter topped Wall Street's expectations. The company also maintained its 2025 revenue forecast, noting that it has not yet seen any changes in customer behavior despite there being "uncertainties and risks from the potential impact of tariff policies." UnitedHealth  Shares of the insurer plummeted 22.4% on the back of disappointing first-quarter results. UnitedHealth reported adjusted earnings of $7.20 per share on revenue of $109.58 billion, falling short of the $7.29 in earnings per share and $111.60 billion that analysts surveyed by LSEG called for. The company also slashed its full-year guidance . Eli Lilly  The pharmaceutical stock jumped 14.3% after Eli Lilly said its daily obesity pill showed positive results in its late-stage trials. Weight loss data, along with rates of side effects and treatment discontinuations, from the experimental pill  called orforglipron  came out in line with what some Wall Street analysts were expecting. The pill fell short of some analysts' estimates for a key diabetes metric. Alcoa  The stock shed nearly 7% after Alcoa, one of the world's largest aluminum producers, reported first-quarter revenue of $3.37 billion, which fell short of the forecast $3.53 billion from analysts polled by LSEG. Alcoa's earnings came out better than expected. D.R. Horton  The homebuilding stock gained 3.2% despite posting weaker-than-expected second-quarter results. D.R. Horton reported earnings of $2.58 per share, while analysts had expected earnings of $2.63 per share, according to LSEG. The company's revenue of $7.73 billion came out below the consensus $8.03 billion estimate.  CNBC's Sean Conlon and Yun Li contributed reporting.
"You can't have an election come and all of a sudden, change your old positions," Sharpton told CNBC in a Wednesday interview ahead of the meeting. "If an election determines your commitment to fairness then fine, you have a right to withdraw from us, but then we have a right to withdraw from you."

The meeting, which Target asked for, comes after some civil rights groups urged consumers not to shop at Target in response to the retailer's decision to cut back on DEI. While Sharpton has not yet called for a boycott of Target, he has supported efforts from others to stop shopping at the retailer's stores.

Target CEO Brian Cornell met with the Rev. Al Sharpton in New York on Thursday as the retailer faces calls for a boycott and a slowdown in foot traffic that began after it walked back key diversity, equity and inclusion programs, the civil rights leader told CNBC Wednesday.

The civil rights leader said he would consider calling for a Target boycott if the company doesn't confirm its commitment to the Black community and pledge to work with and invest in Black-owned businesses.

"I said, 'If [Cornell] wants to have a candid meeting, we'll meet,'" Sharpton said of the phone call Target made to his office. "I want to first hear what he has to say."

A Target spokesman confirmed to CNBC that the company reached out to Sharpton for a meeting and that Cornell will talk to him in New York this week. The company declined further comment.

On Thursday afternoon, Sharpton issued a statement after the meeting, calling it "constructive and candid."

"I am going to inform our allies, including Rev. Dr. Jamal Bryant, of our discussion, what my feelings are, and we will go from there," said Sharpton.

Bryant, a pastor in the Atlanta area, organized a 40-day boycott of Target that began in early March. The pastor has weighed whether to extend it and Sharpton had considered taking the boycott national. Sharpton's civil rights organization, the National Action Network, said Sharpton is going to spend the Easter holiday consulting with NAN's board of directors "to determine any next steps with Target" and other companies that have scaled back DEI programs or pledges.

In January, Target said it would end its three-year DEI goals, no longer share company reports with external diversity-focused groups like the Human Rights Campaign's Corporate Equity Index and end specific efforts to get more products from Black- and minority-owned businesses on its shelves.

Just days after the announcement, foot traffic at Target stores started to slow down. Since the week of Jan. 27, Target's foot traffic has declined for 10 straight weeks compared to the year-ago period, according to Placer.ai, an analytics firm that uses anonymized data from mobile devices to estimate overall visits to locations. Target traffic had been up weekly year over year before the week of Jan. 27.

The metric, which tallies visits to brick-and-mortar locations, does not capture sales in stores or online, but can indicate which retailers are drawing steadier business. While Target has been struggling to grow its sales for months as shoppers watch their spending, the stretch of declining visits came as some civil rights groups and social media users criticized the DEI decision and urged shoppers to spend their money elsewhere.

Target declined to comment on the figures, saying it doesn't discuss third-party data.

At the NAN's convention earlier this month, Sharpton said the group would call for a boycott of PepsiCo if the company didn't agree to meet with the organization within 21 days. In February, the food and beverage company behind brands like Doritos and Mountain Dew announced it would end its DEI workforce representation goals and transition its chief DEI officer role into another position, among other changes.

This week, leaders from Pepsi met with Sharpton and his team. He did not confirm whether Pepsi made any commitments, but did say it was encouraging that Pepsi's CEO Ramon Laguarta attended. He added that the two will continue their discussions.

Sharpton's meetings with companies including PepsiCo and Target  and his openness to boycotts  mark one of the first meaningful efforts to push back against the war conservative activists like Robby Starbuck have waged on DEI. Starbuck, a movie director-turned-activist, has urged companies to drop DEI policies in part by sharing what he considers unflattering information about their initiatives with his social media followers. He has successfully pressured a wide range of corporate giants to rethink their programs.
The intensifying trade war between the U.S. and China has hurt the equity outlook for both countries, as traders brace for what could be a painful and drawn out negotiating process. Both markets have suffered severe drawdowns this month, though they've recovered somewhat from the losses immediately following President Donald Trump's April 2 announcement. The S & P 500 , which earlier this month briefly crossed into bear market territory, now sits roughly 14% off its all-time high and is more than 10% lower in April. China's Shanghai Composite is about 10% below its 52-week high and is down by about 1.6% month to date. Some of the biggest voices on Wall Street are calling for negotiations between the two countries, warning tariffs are stagflationary for the U.S. and deflationary for other countries including China. On Tuesday, JPMorgan Chase CEO Jamie Dimon told the Financial Times that Washington should engage Beijing, saying, "it doesn't have to wait a year. It could start tomorrow." But investors are bracing for further pain in the near future, carefully choosing equities to withstand the volatility that could spell a wider range of potential outcomes for the overall market. "Eventually, there will be a deal, eventually there will be much lower tariffs, but it's going to be very long and tough process of negotiation," said Arthur Budaghyan, chief strategist of emerging markets and China at BCA Research. "China is not going to concede to U.S. demands right away." Budaghyan said that he's downgraded exposure to China equities last week to underweight from neutral, on fears of an impending global economic slowdown. Elsewhere, Goldman Sachs' Kinger Lau also revised his MSCI China target to imply 12% upside over the next year, though with a wider range of potential outcomes over the period. Lau's new risk case scenario, in which a global recession materializes, points to a 20% decline. On the flipside, a trade deal between the two countries could mean upside of as much as 35%. Picking quality positions China's response to Trump's tariffs suggest trade tensions between the two countries will continue for some time, given the levers Beijing has to pull by stimulating an economy , and strengthening ties with other trading partners. This week, Chinese President Xi Jinping has taken the opportunity to tour through Southeast Asia , visiting Vietnam and Malaysia. That has helped stabilize the worst of the sell-off in the China equity market, and bolsters the outlook for A-shares that are traded on Chinese exchanges as opposed to H-shares that are traded on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange, according to Goldman Sachs. Some stocks that could benefit from government easing include BYD Electronic, a maker of high-tech products including mobile handsets, or Haier Smart Home, a smart home appliance company, according to Goldman Sachs. Kai Wang, senior equity analyst at Morningstar, said he's being "even more selective than normal" to find undervalued, quality names in a volatile period for equities. However, he noted that much of the Chinese economy is showing growth that is underappreciated by U.S. investors. "There are aspects of the Chinese economy that are still seeing challenges, like the real estate sector, but I don't think the economy is as dire as we think it is, or as many US investors think it is," Wang said. "There are pockets of robust growth, still." Among those quality names are Singapore-based ride sharing company Grab and Chinese liquor company Kweichow Moutai , he said. The iShares MSCI Emerging Market ETF (EEM) could also be attractive to retail investors who are seeking exposure to China, without direct exposure to its stocks. 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!
U.S. President Donald Trump hosts Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni and her visiting officials in the Cabinet Room at the White House on April 17, 2025 in Washington, DC.

The Trump administration is threatening to revoke Harvard University's ability to enroll international students, ratcheting up its clash with the Ivy League school over accusations of campus antisemitism and discrimination.

Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem, in a letter sent Wednesday, warned Harvard that its certification to accept foreign students is "contingent upon" its compliance with federal immigration rules under Title 8.

"It is a privilege to have foreign students attend Harvard University, not a guarantee," Noem wrote.

But the school "has created a hostile learning environment for Jewish students" due to its "failure to condemn antisemitism," she alleged.

All U.S. schools must be certified under the federal Student and Exchange Visitor Program, or SEVP, in order to host international students.

In a press release Wednesday, the Department of Homeland Security also announced that Noem canceled two grants to Harvard totaling $2.7 million, calling the school "unfit to be entrusted with taxpayer dollars."

The Cabinet Secretary's letter is the latest example of President Donald Trump making demands of Harvard and other top educational institutions while threatening their finances.

Noem in Wednesday's letter explicitly noted that Harvard "relies heavily on foreign student funding" to maintain its "substantial endowment."
A motorcycle is seen near a building of the Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company (TSMC), which is a Taiwanese multinational semiconductor contract manufacturing and design company, in Hsinchu, Taiwan, on April 16, 2025.

Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company denied reports that the semiconductor giant was in active discussions with Intel regarding a chipmaking joint venture.

"TSMC is not engaged in any discussion with other companies regarding any joint venture, technology licensing or technology," CEO C.C. Wei said on the company's first-quarter earnings call on Wednesday, dispelling rumors about a collaboration with Intel.

Intel and TSMC were said to have been looking to form a JV as recently as this month. On April 3, The Information reported that the two firms discussed a preliminary agreement to form a tie-up to operate Intel's chip factories with TSMC owning a 21% stake.

Intel was not immediately available for comment when contacted by CNBC on Wei's comments on Thursday. The company previously said it doesn't comment on rumors, when asked by CNBC about the reported discussions.

Once the dominant chipmaker in the U.S., Intel has faced numerous challenges in recent years, losing ground to players like Nvidia , AMD , Qualcomm and Apple . Last year, Intel suffered its worst ever performance as a public company, with shares shedding 61% of their value.

TSMC's denial of tie-up talks with Intel comes as President Donald Trump is pushing to address global trade imbalances and reshore manufacturing in the U.S. through tariffs. The Department of Commerce recently kicked off an investigation into semiconductor imports  a move that could result in new tariffs for the chip industry.

TSMC reported a profit beat for the first quarter thanks to a continued surge in demand for AI chips. However, the company contends with potential headwinds from Trump's tariffs  which target Taiwan  and stricter export controls on TSMC clients Nvidia and AMD.

- CNBC's Dylan Butts contributed to this report
Every weekday, the CNBC Investing Club with Jim Cramer releases the Homestretch  an actionable afternoon update, just in time for the last hour of trading on Wall Street. Markets: Stocks are ending the four-day trading week on a positive note, though the S & P 500 is still on pace for a slight weekly loss. The week began with a rally, fueled by optimism over the Trump administration's decision to exempt smartphones, laptops, and other electronics from the steep 125% "reciprocal" tariffs on Chinese imports. However, that momentum quickly faded as mixed signals from the White House and growing concerns over potential Section 232 investigations  which could empower President Donald Trump to restrict imports viewed as national security threats  tempered investor enthusiasm. The market's concerns about how the administration is restricting trade with China intensified late Wednesday into Thursday after Nvidia disclosed it plans to take a $5.5 billion charge for inventory , purchase commitments, and related reserves tied to shipments of its made-for-China H20 chips, which now require a license to ship into the country. On Thursday afternoon, the market is making another attempt to rally, driven by renewed optimism that the U.S. may soon start announcing new trade agreements. On Thursday, Trump expressed confidence that a trade deal with the European Union will eventually be reached, though he emphasized there's no rush to make a deal. Alphabet ruling: Shares of Alphabet dipped in early trading Thursday after it partially lost its U.S. ad technology antitrust case. Former U.S. Assistant Attorney General for the Antitrust Division Jonathan Kanter, who brought this case in 2023, will be on "Mad Money" on Thursday night to discuss the ruling, which could allow prosecutors to push for a breakup of Google's advertising products. This is now the second antitrust case Google has lost in as many years. In August , a federa judge ruled that Google illegally held a monopoly in search and text advertising. We trimmed our Alphabet position multiple times in 2024 as antitrust concerns piled up. At the end of March, we exited the position entirely over fears that large language model chatbots like ChatGPT will eat into the market share of Alphabet's lucrative Google Search business, especially as they become more sophisticated and ingrained in society. In the months and years ahead, it will be interesting to see what actions, if any, Alphabet will make to remedy these lawsuits. Analysts at Citi wrote Thursday that it wouldn't be surprised if Google spun off its ad network. In a most extreme case study, there's an argument in the market that the sum of Alphabet's different businesses  mainly Search, YouTube, and Google Cloud  are worth more than the current stock price. However, we're not second guessing our sales after the latest antitrust news. It only adds pressure to our already worried outlook for Google Search. Alphabet is the first of the megacap tech stocks to report earnings, which are due out next Thursday after the closing bell. Dealmaking: The investment banking boom expected with Trump's return to the White House hasn't gone as planned  a fact clearly on display in Goldman Sachs' earnings earlier this week. However, there was a huge deal announced Thursday. Payment technology provider Global Payments announced a slew of moves to acquire its rival WorldPay for $24.3 billion. There's no direct impact on the stocks in the portfolio from this deal, but it's worth a call out because Wells Fargo acted as the financial advisor to Worldpay. One deal isn't enough to make a quarter, even one of this size. So, we are hardly suggesting Wells Fargo's earnings estimates will go up if this transaction closes. However, we look at Wells Fargo's involvement as a validation of the work CEO Charlie Scharf has done to bring in talent and expand its investment banking business to become a bigger player on Wall Street. Shares of Wells Fargo have bounced about 4% since reporting earnings last Friday. The results had a lukewarm reception at the time, but we thought the sellers missed the bigger picture . Up next and looking ahead: Netflix reports after the closing bell Thursday. The market is closed on Friday. Earnings season kicks into high gear next week with more than 100 companies in the S & P 500 scheduled to report. Within the portfolio, we'll hear from Danaher on Tuesday before the opening bell, followed by Capital One Financial after the closing bell. And then on Thursday, Dover and Bristol Myers Squibb report before the opening bell. (See here for a full list of the stocks in Jim Cramer's Charitable Trust.) As a subscriber to the CNBC Investing Club with Jim Cramer, you will receive a trade alert before Jim makes a trade. Jim waits 45 minutes after sending a trade alert before buying or selling a stock in his charitable trust's portfolio. If Jim has talked about a stock on CNBC TV, he waits 72 hours after issuing the trade alert before executing the trade. THE ABOVE INVESTING CLUB INFORMATION IS SUBJECT TO OUR TERMS AND CONDITIONS AND PRIVACY POLICY , TOGETHER WITH OUR DISCLAIMER . NO FIDUCIARY OBLIGATION OR DUTY EXISTS, OR IS CREATED, BY VIRTUE OF YOUR RECEIPT OF ANY INFORMATION PROVIDED IN CONNECTION WITH THE INVESTING CLUB. NO SPECIFIC OUTCOME OR PROFIT IS GUARANTEED.
Margaret Nyamumbo, 36, is the founder of Kahawa 1893, a coffee company that imports its beans from Africa.

Along with investors, consumers and economists, Margaret Nyamumbo is keeping a close eye on President Donald Trump's back-and-forth tariff policies, and for good reason. Her U.S.-based coffee company, Kahawa 1893, sources its beans from growers in Kenya, Rwanda, Tanzania and the Democratic Republic of Congo. Nyamumbo, a native of Kenya, left her job in investment banking to found her company in 2018, driven, she says, by a desire to support female farmers in Africa. It's a mission that's resonated with customers, who can "tip" farmers from a QR code on each bag of Kahawa 1893 they buy. In 2023, the company sold more than $3 million worth of coffee, according to documents reviewed by CNBC Make It. Kawaha 1893 is hardly the only U.S. coffee firm importing its beans  just 1% of the coffee Americans drink comes from domestic growers, according to the National Coffee Association. Nyamumbo expects some price disruption in the global supply chain that starts with coffee farms and ends with a barista making you a cappuccino. How much disruption, she says, depends on factors such as international trade agreements, corporate cost-cutting, commodity speculation and where tariffs ultimately settle. Everything is currently up in the air. If tariffs stay where they are, though, and African products don't get an exemption, the math gets difficult for businesses like Nyamumbo's. "We're going to have to raise prices," she says.

What tariffs could mean for coffee importers

When Trump announced sweeping tariffs earlier this month, Nyamumbo's says her business looked to be in better shape than some of her competitors on one crucial front. None of the countries Kahawa 1893 imports from faced a levy of more than the baseline 10%, while companies that source coffee from Vietnam, the world's second-largest coffee producer, faced a tariff of 46%. The administration has since temporarily rolled tariffs on dozens of countries back to the 10% mark, but even that could be onerous on coffee businesses like hers, says Nyamumbo. "[A tariff of] 10% is huge. Coffee is a low-margin business as a commodity," she says. "So 10% is sometimes the margin that someone on the supply chain gets." The new policies mark an abrupt and confusing shift for Kahawa 1893 and other businesses that import goods from Africa, Nyamumbo says. U.S. trade with Africa was previously tariff-free under the African Growth and Opportunity Act, a trade deal aimed at boosting developing African economies. It's unclear whether the new tariffs supersede AGOA, which is up for renewal in September. It's a waiting game for importers of African coffee, which will see its next major harvest in the fall. "We're hoping by then there's gonna be some resolution," Nyamumbo says. "I think a lot of people are crossing fingers that we'll get that exception." Some trade advocates say there's some reason for pessimism on that front. "There is no indication that imports under AGOA are exempt from the 10% tariffs, so it appears that effectively immediately AGOA imports that previously were duty-free are now subject to a 10% duty," the Washington-based African Coalition for Trade said in a memo to members earlier this month. "This is obviously not a positive sign for the outlook for renewal of AGOA."

'A latte is already approaching $10'
Mexican president Claudia Sheinbaum has a celebrity fan and is very flattered. She even lightly blushed when a journalist asked her about American actress Fran Drescher's public request to meet her in person.

During a morning press conference earlier in the week, Sheinbaum was asked by a reporter about receiving praise from public figures like Drescher.

The Mexican president responded, "First, I want to thank her for wanting to meet me, and second, not to let it get to my head because that doesn't help anything."

She continued, "What's truly important is the people, there's a lot of people behind this. That's where the strength comes from. It's not about the president. It's about this transformation movement, which has been important not only in our country but is now being recognized around the world. It's the people of Mexico who give it strength, and that's something to be proud of."

Estoy muy impresionado de la inteligencia y calidad humana de @FranDrescher, a quien recibimos con gran carino y reconocimiento en la @EmbamexEUA. Con gran emocion, me compartio la admiracion y aprecio que siente por la cultura mexicana y por #Mexico.



Ella, ademas de ser una pic.twitter.com/UbOk3xvlEW  Esteban Moctezuma Barragan (@emoctezumab) April 10, 2025

The question was raised in the wake of the American actress' visit to Esteban Moctezuma Barragan, the Mexican Ambassador to the United States, a day earlier.

The ambassador posted a photo with her on social media and relayed that Drescher was an admirer of Sheinbaum's and wanted to meet her to discuss working together on certain political issues.

Moctezuma wrote, "I am impressed with the intelligence and humanity of Fran Drescher, whom we deeply welcomed at the [embassy]. With great passion, she shared her admiration for Mexican culture and for the country itself... She expressed to me that she shares many views with our first female president [Sheinbaum], whom she wishes to meet personally to express her admiration and interest in working together on women's rights and environmental issues.

Her public admiration for President Sheinbaum is not Drescher's first foray into the political sphere.

She is currently the president of SAG-AFTRA, the world's largest labor union representing entertainers, and led the union during the five-month actor's strike that began in July of 2023.

In 2008, she was appointed Public Diplomacy Envoy for Women's Health Issues by George W. Bush and has been vocal in her endorsement of Democratic candidates in U.S. elections.

Originally published in The Latin Times
Many special guests have dropped by Phillys grimiest dive bar during Its Always Sunny in Philadelphias 17 seasons, a star-studded list that includes Dax Shepard, Alexandra Daddario, Jason Sudeikis, Guillermo Del Toro, Keegan-Michael Key and even Sinbad and Rob Thomas, who played themselves in Season Fours Dennis Reynolds: An Erotic Life.

A shift at Paddys Pub, however, is conspicuously absent from Olivia Munns filmography, a gap she says is thanks to a two-digit mix-up  one that still kills her  roughly 20 years ago.

Long before she made audiences laugh as a correspondent on The Daily Show, flexed Sloan Sabbiths two PhDs on The Newsroom and managed to best her husband John Mulaney for the superlative of the fun parent to their two children, Munn was a young actress just getting her start in Hollywood, auditioning, auditioning, auditioning, as she recently told Andy Cohen on his Radio Andy SiriusXM show.

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After attending a bunch of castings, Munn finally managed to land one of her first roles, playing an anti-abortion protester on an early episode of Its Always Sunny. It wasnt just a one-line thing, it was a little scene, the Magic Mike alum recalled of her part, one that was likely for Season Ones Charlie Wants an Abortion. They called me, and I booked it. So excited.

But this excitement quickly turned to anxiety as just three days before her scheduled Monday morning shoot, Munns then-manager, who was busy filming and starring in his own movie, had yet to send her any concrete details about her would-be Its Always Sunny debut. I call, and theyre like, Oh, youll get it, youll get it, she remembered of her call to her managers office the Friday before her almost-gig.

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Despite these promises, Munn had not received a call sheet by early Monday morning, prompting the actress and another actor pal to take matters into their own hands, tracking down the productions phone number. They were like, Where are you? Munn explained of her phone call to the Its Always Sunny set. I said, Im here waiting, Im ready to go, and they go, Well, weve been calling you!

Considering the radio silence on her end, Munn pressed further, asking them to clarify what number theyd be so desperately trying to reach. My number at the time was 0608, she continued. They put it as 0806.

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With this phone number mix-up now resolved, Munn sprang to action, promising to drive so fast to the set. Unfortunately, it was too late. They were like, We had to audition the extras, and so weve already cast it, the actress said. I hung up the phone, and I cried.

Her part probably would have looked a lot like this.

After roughly two decades and one very painful encounter with an ad promoting the episode  not only did somebody else do it, they were in all the commercials and the advertisements for it, Munn said of the marketing campaign around the episode  Munn claims she still hopes to eventually make it onto the long-running sitcom. Being on Its Always Sunny in Philadelphia is still a thing for me, she concluded. Its all I want.

Rob McElhenney, Charlie Day and Glenn Howerton, you know what to do.
What happened to Bob Hartley after he woke up from his Newhart dream? Theres a whole hour-long TV special about it

Malcolm in the Middle and King of the Hill will soon experience a resurrection. These are just two of the many recent examples of long-dead sitcoms returning for new episodes. While this might seem like a relatively recent phenomenon, its not that far away from a much older TV tradition: the sitcom reunion special. These typically one-hour specials would drop in on the beloved star characters and see how theyre doing years later.

In fact, sometimes a reunion special was exactly what a show needed to tie up loose ends after the series was unexpectedly canceled; for example, in a Gilligans Island reunion, all the castaways were rescued. Other times, however, the whole thing comes off as forced and dated.

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Here are five such examples of TV reunion specials with varying levels of success

1 The Odd Couple In the final episode of The Odd Couple, after five years of living with his messy pal Oscar Madison (Jack Klugman), the fastidious Felix Unger (Tony Randall) gets remarried to his ex-wife and moves out of Oscars apartment. That was in 1975 and then, in 1993, CBS made a 90-minute TV movie called The Odd Couple Together Again. In this story, Felix was temporarily kicked out of his home while his wife and daughter planned the daughters wedding. Felix then moves in with Oscar for two weeks as Oscar is recovering from throat surgery (in real life, Klugman really did recently battle throat cancer and the severe change in his voice needed addressing in the story). While Randall and Klugman were always wonderful together  and in real life, the very best of friends  The Odd Couple Together Again is generally seen as a reunion that no one needed. Its long runtime and heavy material made it less fun than the tightly-written half-hour episodes of the original series. Much better reunions between the actors took place on theater stages where they re-teamed several times to perform the play version of The Odd Couple and Neil Simons other classic, The Sunshine Boys.

2 The Bob Newhart Show Famously, at the end of Bob Newharts 1980s sitcom Newhart, his character goes unconscious after taking a hit on the head and, upon waking up, realizes the entire series was a dream of the character he played in his previous show from the 1970s, The Bob Newhart Show. While the segment with The Bob Newhart Shows Bob Hartley lasted just two minutes, thats all it took to make it one of the best-ever sitcom finales. Advertisement Advertisement That finale was in 1990 and, a year later, still riding high off the surprise finale, CBS aired The Bob Newhart Show: The 19th Anniversary Special. The 60-minute special picked up where Newhart left off, right after Bobs crazy dream, and the plot revolves around Bob coming to terms with the dream. The special is another great example of an unnecessary reunion as it took a truly wonderful two-minute joke and stretched it out over 60 minutes. The only bit thats somewhat inspired comes at the very end, when after consulting with all his friends, Bob eventually accepts that it was just a dream. Then, as hes about to get onto an elevator, he finds its being repaired by the craziest of all of Newharts crazy characters: the three woodsmen Larry, Darryl and Darryl. Still, a solid final joke hardly justified the one-hour slog.

3 ALF In comparison to the previous two examples, Project: ALF was pretty good. Or, it was less unnecessary than the others. In reality, ALF was a cheap, crappy show about an ugly puppet, yet, somehow, it captured the zeitgeist at just the right time in the late 1980s and enjoyed a four-year run, two animated spin-offs and tons of ALF merchandise. Despite its success, ALF was suddenly canceled in 1990 at the end of Season Four to make way for new NBC shows like The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air. Advertisement Advertisement The cancellation caused the show to end on a cliffhanger where ALF, an alien, is captured by the Air Forces Alien Task Force. The show wouldnt get a proper finale until six years later with Project: ALF, in which ALF breaks out of the Air Force headquarters with the aid of a few Air Force scientists, and after a whole bunch of idiotic hijinks, ALF becomes an official ambassador to Earth. None of the original cast of ALF returned for this 95-minute special, likely because everyone hated being on the original show, especially the dad, Max Wright, who clashed with ALF performer/creator Paul Fusco. As a result, many ALF fans rejected Project: ALF. Still, if any show needs a reunion, it should be one that never had a proper finale. Plus, ALF was a crap show, so having a crappy TV movie follow-up is exactly what it deserved. Advertisement

4 Gilligans Island Again, Gilligans Island, another show that was unexpectedly canceled, is a perfect example of a sitcom that needed a reunion movie  although it didnt need three reunion movies. The original show ended in 1967 with the castaways still on the island, and 11 years later, we got the 95-minute TV movie Rescue from Gilligans Island in which  you guessed it  everyone was rescued  at least momentarily. Advertisement Advertisement After returning to civilization following 15 years stranded on a desert island, the castaways go through a culture shock and decide to spend Christmas together aboard the Skippers new boat, the S.S. Minnow II. However, during the holiday cruise, a storm breaks out and they end up stranded again on the same island. Most fans found Rescue from Gilligans Island to be a worthy, if not quite as good, successor to the original series. It also did quite well in the ratings for NBC, which, of course, resulted in the networks attempt to squeeze even more out of Gilligans Island I.P. The Castaways on Gilligans Island aired the very next year. Everyone is rescued again, but they decide to go back to the island voluntarily to turn it into a resort. The Castaways on Gilligans Island was pretty unwatchable and fewer people watched it. However, it did well enough to convince some executive that they needed another sequel two years later, the title of which should make your eyes roll: The Harlem Globetrotters on Gilligans Island. The less said about this one the better. So, with that: Globetrotters and the castaways team up to fight robots  really. Advertisement
Gary Larsons iconic comic strip The Far Side regularly featured a wide assortment of surprisingly intelligent animals, including snakes, bears, apes, cats, anteaters, and of course, cows  although Larsons joke about their confounding tools didnt go over so well.

But before Larson was world famous for drawing animals, he made a living trying to help them. Back in the 1970s, the early incarnation of the comic strip that would eventually become The Far Side was known as Natures Way. Possibly because that title made the comic sound like a homeopathic laxative, Larson didnt make a whole lot of money, just three bucks per cartoon. So, while living in Seattle, he got a day job working as an animal cruelty investigator for the Humane Society.

Its something I just fell into, Larson said of his Humane Society job in a 1983 interview. It paid the rent. I investigated complaints of cruelty. In an odd turn of events, Larson landed the job immediately after inadvertently injuring an animal. Strangely enough  and this is the only time in my life Ive ever done this  on my way to the job interview, I ran over a dog. I recognize some irony in that, Larson confessed.

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Bbecoming an animal mistreatment detective isnt generally considered to be a pathway to a career in cartooning, but it somehow ended up working for Larson. While he was working on a case involving pony abuse, Larson met a reporter for The Seattle Times, who then showed an editor some of Larsons cartoons.

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The paper picked up Natures Way, which eventually gave the future desktop calendar mogul the confidence to drive to San Francisco during a week-long vacation from the Humane Society and pitch his work to The San Francisco Chronicle. The trip was a success, but he returned home to find a letter from the Times editor informing him that they would no longer run Natures Way. They said that there had been too many complaints, Larson once recalled. I didnt realize I was working in a family medium.

Looking back at those early cartoons, it sure seems like Larsons anti-animal cruelty job informed some of the takes. Several of them involved jokes about animals getting their revenge on humans. Like the rabbit who wears a lucky humans foot for luck.

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Andrews McMeel Publishing

Or the one in which a scuba diver collecting fish runs into a sea creature with a plastic bag full of scuba divers.

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Andrews McMeel Publishing

And this sensibility was obviously present in The Far Side as well. In one particularly dark entry, a gang of angry cows get their revenge on Farmer MacDougal and his wife using an auto milker, which police later describe as grisly, yet strangely hilarious.

Its unclear if Larson ever held any jobs that involved aliens or children who cant properly open doors.
It sure seems as though political polarization in America is getting worse and worse. But at least voters in Colorado can agree on one thing: the joy of eating sopaipillas while watching people dive off of fake cliffs into intensely chlorine-filled water.

As reported by Westword, the Colorado Polling Institute recently sent out a statewide survey to eligible voters. The poll found that many Coloradans have very unfavorable opinions of President Donald Trump and his policy choices and have negative views on tariffs and the Department of Government Efficiency headed by Elon Musk. But then again, people arent thrilled with the Colorado Democratic Party, either. So basically, the poll can be summed up by saying that everything sucks right now, and most people are miserable.

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But the poll didnt just cover the current political climate. According to the Denver-based outlet, one thing that a majority of voters actually have in common is Casa Bonita, the giant pink Mexican restaurant that became world famous thanks to South Park.

The poll found that almost 60 percent of Colorado voters have visited Casa Bonita. But the vast majority of those people went there before Trey Parker and Matt Stone bought the restaurant, and only five percent of Colorado voters have been since the South Park creators spent roughly infinity dollars renovating it.

Longtime Coloradans are very familiar with Black Barts Cave and the famous cliff divers  as three-quarters of Coloradans who have lived in the state for at least 20 years say they have visited Casa Bonita compared to just two-in-five of those newer to the state, a representative from the Republican-based research group New Bridge Strategy stated. Theres a regional aspect predictably, too, with two-thirds in the Denver-metro area having raised a flag for sopaipillas, compared to just about half of those in the rest of the state.

The rep from the Democratic-aligned Aspect Strategic tried to awkwardly shoehorn a South Park joke into their findings, noting that Casa Bonita was described by respondents as a national landmark, an example of the way Coloradans allow creative and unusual ideas to flourish, and as awesome by a Mr. Eric Cartman.

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This does beg the question: Why did a contemporary political poll include a question about a novelty restaurant at all? Was it some kind of sponsored content paid for by the restaurant? Seemingly no. The restaurant claimed that they had absolutely no idea that voters were going to be polled on their Casa Bonita histories.

It seems very likely that the pollsters asked about Casa Bonita because it gave the survey an element of whimsy, allowing them to report on its results with some degree of humor, despite the fact that the rest of the poll basically confirmed that people believe that the world is a complete hellscape right now.
Cyberespionage group known as APT29 and linked to Russias foreign intelligence service (SVR), has added a new malware loader to its toolset. Used for fingerprinting, persistence and payload delivery, the new loader was observed in a recent phishing campaign against diplomatic missions in Europe.

In this current wave of attacks, the threat actors impersonate a major European Ministry of Foreign Affairs to send out invitations to wine tasting events, prompting targets to click a web link leading to the deployment of a new backdoor called GRAPELOADER, researchers from security firm Check Point wrote in a report. This campaign appears to be focused on targeting European diplomatic entities, including non-European countries embassies located in Europe.

APT29, also known as Cozy Bear and Midnight Blizzard, is one of the most sophisticated Russian state-sponsored cyberespionage groups. Because of its links to the SVR, its phishing targets are often diplomatic missions, government entities, political parties and think tanks. However, the group is also capable of launching software supply chain attacks, being responsible for the 2020 attack on SolarWinds that impacted thousands of companies, organizations and government agencies.
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Clara writes the Wednesday column on what it means to belong to California as not an insider, nor exactly an outsider, but someone trying to make sense of a place that inexplicably feels like home. Contact her at clarachalmers@berkeley.edu, the opinion desk at opinion@dailycal.org  or follow us on X.
Thank the Lord for some common sense. In this case, thank Lord Hodge, who yesterday delivered the UK Supreme Courts unanimous ruling that trans women are not biologically female.

Extraordinary as it is that such an obvious statement requires an 88-page judgment, compiled over many months by the highest court of appeal in the country, this decision is crucial.

It was a momentous day for women and for the law. An era of collective madness is over  though we must not be complacent, because the angry brigade are likely to continue their attempts to impose their demands through bullying. They will keep bellowing trans women are women through their megaphones and hurling vile threats at anyone who dares oppose them.

The war isnt over, but the turning point has been reached. In most circumstances, at least, no longer will any man, whether hes sporting a wig and make-up or a full beard, be able to wave a piece of paper headed gender recognition certificate and insist the rest of us acknowledge his legal right to be recognised as female.

This represents a victory for women and girls everywhere, and a major step towards enhancing their safety.

Im especially grateful to the court for emphasising that the ruling does not represent a defeat for trans women. On the contrary, its an accurate and reassuring reflection of who people like me really, biologically are.

We all instinctively know the difference between men and women, despite the powerful lobby that has tried its damndest to deny it. Im fortunate in being a science teacher with a thorough grasp of biology, so Im well able to articulate the truth behind the common sense.

Adults who, like me, need to change their appearance and even their physical shape, in order to feel comfortable in their own skin, should be able to do so safely. Everyone ought to respect that need. But it doesnt alter the basic reality that, as the Supreme Court has ruled, the concept of sex is binary.

The biology of sex is much more than just reproduction. It affects the development of our bodies, most obviously during puberty but quite profoundly from the moment of conception. Throughout the nine months before birth, human bodies develop according to their sex, and that continues to be true during each minute of childhood.

Boys and girls develop along different paths. Social conditioning plays a part, naturally, but that only modifies the effects of biological sex.

I have immense admiration for the campaign group For Women Scotland, who have fought fearlessly every step of the way. Theyve battled through the courts in Scotland and then England, through the High Court and the Court of Session, all the way to the Supreme Court.

Its due to their courage and tenacity that sanity has been restored to the law of the UK. Campaigners in other countries that are still living in a legal fantasy world of trans delusion will take great hope from this.

Politicians of all parties have failed women during this long battle. Most egregiously, Sir Keir Starmer was spouting nonsense when he claimed some women had penises. Hes a lawyer, and I trust this ruling has helped him to remember the difference between men and women.

Campaigners celebrate outside the Supreme Court in London yesterday after the court ruling

We shall have to see how the government reacts to the ruling. Predictably, some Labour ministers are taking the line that this verdict just confirms what theyve been saying all along  which is, of course, not true. I whole-heartedly challenge the line taken by MP Nadia Whittome who said yesterday: I share the deep disappointment in todays Supreme Court ruling, and the concerns about what this will mean for trans women going forward.

Today and every day, I stand in unwavering solidarity with the trans community. We must never stop fighting for trans rights.

Labour should have offered support to biological women from the moment they came to power, since the law as it stood was incoherent.

The blame for that falls on previous administrations, who allowed confusion and inconsistency to multiply because they were too intimidated by the trans lobbyists.

Theresa May, when she was prime minister, pledged to usher in the crazy world of gender recognition certificates by self identification alone. Weve seen male domestic abusers strong-arm their way into womens spaces, male athletes using their masculine physiques to gain a biological advantage in womens sports, and male voyeurs sidling into womens changing rooms.

All these outrageous and dangerous distortions of common sense were made possible by a Conservative administration that was too weak to act. But the scandal goes back further still, to the Blair era, when the Gender Recognition Act was introduced without sufficient regard for common sense. Politicians have had numerous opportunities to turn the tide, but lacked the willpower and the gumption shown by For Women Scotland.

So Im grateful to the Supreme Court for their decision. The judges could have copied the politicians and hidden behind a wall of excuses. They might, for instance, have claimed that, as the Equality Act doesnt define what a woman is, the responsibility to clear up this mess lay with parliament.

In that case, the controversy would have probably dragged on for years. Instead, the court took firm action. Thats a sharp admonition to the government, though I dont expect Downing Street will admit it.

Most of all, I welcome the ruling as a teacher, whose mission for nearly 30 years has been to guide and educate children. When I decided to transition, I was a full adult. I knew my own mind, whatever happened.

That cannot be said of any teenager or pre-pubertal child. They are not old enough to make responsible decisions that will have drastic and lifelong consequences, such as altering their bodies with hormones and surgery.

I only began socially transitioning in 2012  at the age of 44. I started to change my appearance and my wardrobe. I experimented with make-up and attempted to be seen as a woman.

Other people responded by referring to me using female pronouns. A year later, I began hormone treatment provided by the NHS.

Difficult though this was for my wife Stephanie and our three children, we all stayed together. And despite all the inevitable problems I faced at the school where I worked as a science teacher, the transition brought me huge relief.

Id been secretly trying on womens clothes since I was a small child, and began buying my own at 14. Decades of concealing my inner turmoil was coming to an end.

In 2016, I took the ultimate step of undergoing gender realignment surgery on my genitals. My body is now female to all appearances, but Im a trans woman, a man who has gone to great lengths to look female, and who lives as a woman. Theres a very significant difference  and one that the law now acknowledges.

There are two sexes, male and female, and sex cannot be changed. Trans women certainly exist  Im one of them. But trans women, however loudly the slogans blare, are not women.

Debbie Hayton is a transgender teacher and journalist.
I expect to see the existence of extraterrestrial life confirmed within the next few years. When it happens, put down your phone, look up from your work, walk away from your computer and let the moment sink in. Then we can go back to arguing about pronouns and tariffs.

It looks increasingly likely that we will find alien life. The discovery announced this week by Nikku Madhusudhan and his colleagues at Cambridge University of what looks suspiciously like a biosignature of life in the atmosphere of a planet called K2-18b orbiting a star 124 light-years away, may prove to be a key moment in the history of human understanding.

It will be a fifth Copernican moment when extra-terrestrial life is finally discovered: scientists putting yet another dent in human self-importance. They showed that the earth orbits the sun, not vice versa (Nikolaus Copernicus, 1543); that we are just another species of animal (Charles Darwin, 1871); that we use the very same genetic code as a cabbage (Francis Crick, 1961); that far from being sophisticated creatures, we have the same number of genes, indeed mostly the very same genes, as a mouse (the Human Genome Project, 2003).

Now evidence has come from the James Webb Space Telescope, which a couple of years ago started looking at distant planets with sufficient resolution to identify the chemicals in their atmospheres. In this case, they have found fairly strong hints of dimethyl sulphide and/or dimethyl disulphide, neither of which are generated on earth except by marine plankton.

It was my old friend James Lovelock, the Gaia theorist, who first suggested that dimethyl sulphide, also know as DMS, would be something to look for as a characteristic signature of life. Oceanic algae belch the stuff out with gusto on Earth  it is one of the reasons sea breezes have their distinctive smell - while volcanoes, which can exist on lifeless planets, dont.

Of course, it does not follow that the same is true on K2-18b. DMS has also been detected on a sterile comet, as well as created by chemical reactions in a laboratory experiment designed to replicate a planetary atmosphere. But if the science is right, theres an awful lot of it in K2-18bs air. So the burden of proof is perhaps on those who think it is not a bio-signature rather than those who think it is.

K2-18b is about eight times as large and probably somewhat hotter than Earth but it does seem to be a rock, rather than a Jupiter-like ball of gas. It lies in what astronomers call the Goldilocks zone with respect to its sun, not too hot and not too cold for liquid water and therefore perhaps perfect for life.

Its atmosphere contains some carbon dioxide and methane but not carbon monoxide and ammonia, a combination which suggests it has a big ocean of liquid water but a hydrogen-rich atmosphere. Hence the astronomers are calling it a Hycean planet a hydrogen ocean.

Professor Nikku Madhusudhan, lead scientist of the team at the University of Cambridge investigating the atmosphere on K2-18b

Given the scale of the universe, it would be more surprising if life did not exist in it. Do the maths: so far, it looks like planets orbit every fifth star. There are 200 billion stars in our own galaxy, the Milky Way; and there are about 200 billion such galaxies. If there are, say, five planets per solar system that would mean 200,000 billion billion planets in all.

Even supposing just one planet in a billion is suitable for life, thats still 200 trillion life-capable worlds. It would be fairly bizarre if ours were the only one that had life.

Many of these exoplanets will be much older than Earth, because our solar system formed when the universe was already nine billion years old. So others are bound to have had more time to spawn life and get evolution going.

Activity emerged here fairly soon after Earth cooled down, suggesting that if the conditions are right, it is all but inevitable life will emerge.

If it started billions of years earlier on other planets, then it is probable that it has had time to generate not just microbes and algae, but technology-generating beings too, and probably super-intelligent ones.

Hence the question that the physicist Enrico Fermi famously posed over lunch one day in 1950: But where is everybody? Aliens should be dropping by regularly in their warp-drive spaceships, or at least seeding us with microbes from time to time. And no, UFO reports dont count as evidence: if they really were alien spacecraft we would have got decent photographs by now and certainly not kept the secret inside the notoriously leaky American government.

We can be fairly confident that they have not dropped by. We have never found a living creature on this planet that fails to use DNA or RNA, let alone our highly idiosyncratic and apparently arbitrary genetic code by which we earthlings construct protein molecules. Life here  we now know for sure  is just one big family. Nor has fossilised evidence of a crashed spaceship turned up in any ancient rocks (except in the bad novel I started drafting once).

One worrying answer to Fermis question, proposed by the economist Robin Hanson in the 1990s, is that perhaps every time life reaches the point somewhere in the universe when it can start doing interstellar travel, it blows itself up. In this scenario, known as the Great Filter, billions of planets may have reached our stage of technology, including things like nuclear weapons, and none have got past it without annihilation.

An artist's impression of K2-18b orbiting its red dwarf star

An even nastier possibility, the Berserker Hypothesis, is that somewhere out there are von Neumann probes  spacecraft capable of replicating themselves. These effectively seek out and consume or destroy any planets before they can start colonising other worlds.

Which is why perhaps we should keep quiet and not let the aliens know we exist. Too late: our radio signals are already more than 120 light-years out  so will soon reach K2-18b. In any case, our own dimethyl sulphide biosignature has been readable by aliens for billions of years.

When we do find unequivocal evidence of life elsewhere, it is almost bound to be odder than we can imagine, with a very different genetic code and very different metabolism. Will we even recognise it or figure out how it works? Its two characteristic features, I think, will be that it uses information to harness energy and create complexity, and that it experiences evolution by natural selection. But there could be some very peculiar ways to do this.

If its intelligent, then we face an all-too-mundane dilemma: whom do we put up to represent us in the greeting ceremony? Donald Trump? Xi Jinping? The head of the United Nations? Please no! I reckon we should hold a grand global lottery and hand the microphone to whichever random person wins the lucky ticket.

The last word should go to Monty Pythons Eric Idle, from the Galaxy song in the film The Meaning of Life: So remember, when youre feeling very small and insecure/How amazingly unlikely is your birth/And pray that theres intelligent life somewhere up in space/Cause theres bugger-all down here on Earth!

Viscount Ridley is a businessman and author of a new book Birds, Sex and Beauty: The extraordinary implications of Charles Darwins strangest idea
A doctor has issued a major warning to tea drinkers - including anyone who drinks just one mug a day.

Physician and University of Ottawa graduate Mark Hyman took to Facebook to warn his followers that a single cup of the beverage could expose your body to 'billions of microplastics'.

Microplastics are plastic fragments that measure less than 5mm in diameter and can be found in food, water supplies and even in the air.

Previous studies have implicated the miniscule fragments in the onset of diseases such as cancer, though long-term effects on human health remain unclear.

The medical expert's post is likely to cause alarm after revealing that ingesting a brew made from one standard tea bag could release concerning amounts of microplastics into the human body.

He did however state that tea can be an incredible source of antioxidants, but advised users to get familiar with the research, which he gleaned from chemistry journal ACS Publications.

'A recent study found that plastic tea bags release approximately 11.6 billion microplastics in a single cup of tea', warned the doctor.

He seemingly suggested that exposure to such high amounts of microplastics was dependent on the 'quality' of the teabag, before sharing tips on how to reduce exposure to the fragments.

Doctor Mark Hyman has issued a major warning to tea drinkers - including anyone who drinks just one mug a day (stock image)

'If you are a tea drinker, use an organic loose leaf tea and steep it', penned Mark.

'Using a stainless steel or glass strainer will reduce your microplastic exposure significantly'.

Of course there is the question of convenience, as those on the go may not have the time to prepare such an elegant cuppa.

'If you like using tea bags for their convenience or portability, make sure youre getting the kind thats free from bisphenol-A (BPA), phthalates, polypropylene, and epichlorohydrin' he continued.

'Look for tea bags made from organic hemp, cotton, or plant fibers instead.

'Tea can be an incredible source of antioxidants in your life, but just like food - quality matters'.

Previous studies have shown that food packaging is a major source of microplastics.

However, until now, there has been little research into the number of these plastics that we ingest from tea bags.

The medical expert said a single cup of tea could expose your body to 'billions of microplastics' (stock image)

In a new study published in Chemosphere, the team investigated the microplastics released from three popular teabag types, which can easily be purchased online or in local supermarkets.

The first type was a nylon teabag, which the researchers ordered from Amazon.

Next, a polypropylene teabag was ordered from AliExpress.

Finally, a third type was bought in a supermarket, but with an unknown filter polymer.

For each teabag type, the researchers transferred 300 teabags into a 1-litre beaker containing 600ml of water at 95C.

The team found that, across all three types, huge amounts of nano-sized particles were released into the water.

The polypropylene teabags were the worst offenders, releasing approximately 1.2 billion particles per milliliter, with an average size of 136.7 nanometres.

Meanwhile, the nylon teabags released 8.18 million particles per milliliter, with an average size of 13.8.4 nanometres.

Humans can be exposed to plastic particles via consumption of food products, drinking water and via the air.

However, the level of human exposure, chronic toxic effect concentrations and underlying mechanisms by which microplastics elicit effects are still not well understood enough in order to make a full assessment of the risks to humans.

Previous studies have implicated microplastics in the onset of diseases such as cancer, though long-term effects on human health remain unclear (stock image)

Researchers are increasingly concerned about the capacity of such particles to be internalised within cells causing alterations in cellular function, particularly when interacting with organs in children and causing definitive alterations in adult life.

There is a growing body of evidence that plastics could play a key role in early-onset cancer genesis, where healthy cells turn cancerous.

Earlier this year, a study found cancer cells in the gut spread at an accelerated rate after contact with microplastics.

Experts have also raised the alarm about a potential between microplastics and reproductive health.

Scientists warned in June that they found tiny plastic particles in men's sperm.

This plastic was specifically used in pipes in plumbing, with tests revealing that exposed sperm was less mobile, and therefore worse at fertilising eggs.

The Chinese team suggested this may link microplastics to an observed global decrease in fertility rates.

Elsewhere, research has revealed the staggering amounts of tea that Brits consume each morning before heading to work - a jaw-dropping 53 million.

A poll of 2,000 adults found 12 per cent have a brew as soon as they wake up in bed - and 10 per cent have up to three or more cups to kick off their day.

This all equals as much as 2,682 million gallons of the nation's favourite drink - enough to fill four Olympic size swimming pools.

Over half (59 per cent) admit they can't start the day properly until they've enjoyed their first mug, with 63 per cent rarely or never skipping the refreshing ritual from their morning routine.

Additionally, 64 per cent credit tea with making them more productive and 78 per cent say it provides them a little lift and morning boost, setting them up for the day.

In fact, 37 per cent will happily ditch checking the news to squeeze in a morning tea, while 35 per cent will sacrifice making their bed to have the hot drink if they are pressed for time.

Staggeringly, one in 10 will even forgo brushing their teeth just so they can start their day with a mug of tea.

The research, which was commissioned by PG Tips, also found 32 per cent are refreshed after their morning brew, and 28 per cent feel alert.

A quarter (26 per cent) rely on it for comfort, and as the day unfolds, 41 per cent use tea as a reset button, and say it helps them refocus before their next task or activity.

If tea drinkers don't get their morning cuppa however, 27 per cent admit they feel flat, and 23 per cent say they are tired.
READ MORE: Everyone is talking about a mysterious lift in a popular Sydney hotel

Adults-only getaway delivers luxury in the most thoughtful yet subtle of ways

Sequoia Lodge brings a whole new meaning to the term 'hidden gem'

It's often said that nature is nurture - and Sequoia Lodge embodies this sentiment so completely that locals want to keep it all to themselves.

Sat upon the side of Mount Lofty above the Piccadilly Valley in the Adelaide Hills, this hidden gem oozes ultra-luxury, sustainability and tranquility.

And despite its high-end price tag and top-notch service, those who visit are often everyday couples and solo travellers treating themselves to some much needed R&R or toasting a special occasion.

Once you drive through the gates it's immediately clear why so many escape to this cool-climed part of the world each year - and why they are reluctant to share its magic with others.

In fact, the journey starts the moment you book your room.

Sequoia, in a nutshell, is an immersive and inclusive adults-only lodge. It offers 14 spectacular suites, countless activities - think healing pools, cocktail-making classes and outstanding dining 'journeys' - and brilliant yet down to earth customer service.

While subtle with their luxury approach, the approachable staff have thought of everything, down to the personalised quiz and phone call guests receive hours after they book from their very own Experience Host.

'Sequoia will take you by the hand, sweep you off your feet, and will do everything to make this the trip of your lifetime,' they promise.

It's often said that nature is nurture - and Sequoia Lodge embodies this sentiment so completely that locals want to keep it all to themselves

Once you drive through the gates it's immediately clear why so many escape to this cool-climed part of the world each year (pictured, one of 14 suites)

Guests can reap healing benefits when relaxing in the artesian spring-fed hot pool or infinity pool which overlooks the valley rim (pictured)

'Part of our philosophy is to connect you with the land and its people through a range of intimate and curated on-site experiences that are included in your stay.'

Armed with a personalised itinerary and a curated day or five ahead of them, guests are then invited to step into their suite - an open-plan space perched on the edge of the Piccadilly Valley.

Boasting panoramic views from the sunken lounge, bedroom and bathroom, the suites each feature an enormous bath tub, earthy colour palette, cosy fireplace and an exquisite collection of artisanal pieces and amenities.

Other stand-out features include a retractable TV, a multi-directional double wellness shower, a stone-walled courtyard with a water feature and underfloor heating and air-conditioning - most of which can be controlled from the many hi-tech panels.

Once all settled in, the experiences can begin. Guests can choose between a jam-packed schedule or simply opt to kick back, relax and sit themselves by the pool for the weekend.

The latter would be a bold choice, however, with the 30-something selection of add-ons on offer.

Included in every stay is a lodge welcome at sunset where guests are introduced to the Sequoia story, the region and experiences during their stay with local wines and local produce.

Also included is a South Australian cheese and wine discovery session, guided nature walks, star-gazing, yoga, e-bike rides and a private dip in the artesian hot pools.

In the resident beekeeper's words, the 'frenetic energy' of bees is being harnessed on site not only to produce honey for the luxury lodge menu but to give guests an unexpected mindfulness experience

In between or following activities, guests can then choose to indulge in one of three unique dining experiences in the lodge, at Hardy's Verandah Restaurant or at Martha Hardy's Restaurant

'Sequoia will take you by the hand, sweep you off your feet, and will do everything to make this the trip of your lifetime,' they promise (pictured, the shared lodge space)

The latter is, understandably, very popular with the estate connected to local ancient natural spring waters that run deep down in the mountain.

Guests can reap these benefits when relaxing in the artesian spring-fed hot pool or infinity pool which overlooks the valley rim.

It's the newest addition to the list, however, that has guests a-buzz: beekeeping.

In the resident beekeeper's words, the 'frenetic energy' of bees is being harnessed on site not only to produce honey for the luxury lodge menu but to give guests an unexpected mindfulness experience.

Passionate beekeeper Brad Whittaker, who founded The Humble Apiarist in Adelaide, has established a hive to deliver the session - and it's already been an enormous success.

Guests don protective beekeeper clothing and spend an entertaining hour with Brad, who goes dives into the power of bees, why they are so important for the future of the planet and how to tune into their energy.

A truly special experience, Brad draws on his 14 years of sustainable beekeeping practices and workshops to help guests see the 'magic' of bees.

'I help guests see how a Flow Hive works, and let them get up close and personal by holding a bee frame in their hands,' he said.

'Part of our philosophy is to connect you with the land and its people through a range of intimate and curated on-site experiences that are included in your stay,' staff promise

'They get to sit for a moment and be mindful while they feel the buzz and magical frequency of bees which are the most healing creatures on earth.

'The sound and vibration of bees has been used to ease PTSD and anxiety and eating honey produced within 8km of where you live can get rid of allergies to local pollens, and even the smell of bees has homeopathic properties to relieve asthma.'

In between or following activities, guests can then choose to indulge in one of three unique dining experiences in the lodge, at Hardy's Verandah Restaurant or at Martha Hardy's Restaurant.

Meals in-house are available all day, with lunch and dinner highlights including Coffin Bay oysters, SA blue swimmer crab dumplings, porterhouse steak and Glacier 51 toothfish.

The award-winning Gatekeeper's Day Spa is also a must-visit, with the on-site cottage (and its very own resident koala) offering a blissful secondary escape.

Guests can choose between a jam-packed schedule or simply opt to kick back, relax and sit themselves by the pool for the weekend

Boasting panoramic views from the sunken lounge, bedroom and bathroom, the suites each feature an enormous bath tub, earthy colour palette, cosy fireplace and an exquisite collection of artisanal pieces and amenities

The very essence of a 'hidden gem', Sequoia is up there with the very best spots to unwind and/or celebrate a milestone in Australia

There guests will have access to a holistic menu that offers relaxing rituals, rejuvenating experiences and gentle beauty treatments using the finest biodynamic and organic ingredients that are grown and hand harvested at the nearby Jurlique farm.

One of the most popular treatments is the Couples Retreat - a two-hour session featuring dry body exfoliation, a hot stone massage, a scalp massage, a petit facial, a glass of Estate sparkling wine and hand-crafted chocolates.

As with the entire venue, staff are as friendly and educated as they come - so much so they'd happily show you around the property personally and clue you in on some of their favourite nooks.

The very essence of a 'hidden gem', Sequoia is up there with the very best spots to unwind and/or celebrate a milestone in Australia.

And for those of you who do take the plunge... just be sure to keep it to yourself.

Sequoia Lodge is a 35-minute drive from Adelaide Airport. Transfers can be arranged.
When a five-year-old Joanne Law awoke at her home near Newcastle on a March morning in 1973, she knew instantly that something was wrong. Instead of her loving mum lying next to her  they usually shared a bed  there was her father Gilbert, a violent schizophrenic whose erratic moods and vicious temper ruled their family.

He was fully clothed, his eyes totally wired. I asked him, Wheres my mummy? and he said, Shes gone. I didnt understand. I thought he meant she had gone to the shops.

It was only later I started to realise she was never coming back. Joannes mum Ann, just 34, had indeed gone, never to be seen again.

Her disappearance triggered a catastrophic chain of events with far-reaching consequences for Joanne and her older brother, Trevor.

The loss of my mum has underpinned my whole life, says Joanne, the sadness evident in her voice. I have missed her so much, but never more so than when I had children, when things went wrong, when I had breast cancer in my 40s. All those times you really need your mum.

Worst of all, 52 years on, Anns body has never been found  and no one has ever been brought to justice: the result, Joanne believes, of a catalogue of police failures that horrified her so much that, aged 21, she became a detective herself.

Had her case been handled properly, I might not have spent 50 years wondering where my mum is buried,' says Joanne Law

I made the decision when I was 13: Im going to do your job and Im going to do it better, she says grimly. I wanted answers. Even though I couldnt save my own mum, I could save someone elses.

Now 57, Joanne retired from the police service as a detective sergeant in 2017, following 30 years service with a string of commendations to her name, much of it for her work with female victims.

After exhaustively searching the medical records, police statements and court records surrounding her mums disappearance, she now knows a great deal more but she still doesnt have all the answers she craves.

What she did uncover is now the subject of a compelling and deeply moving six-part podcast, created with author and feminist campaigner Julie Bindel to mark the 52nd anniversary of Anns disappearance.

Entitled Dig Up Your Mam  a reference to the chilling night, nine years after Anns disappearance, when Gilbert called his son Trevor and asked him for help, using those very words  the series is both a tribute to Joannes lost mother and a rallying cry against misogyny.

Had her case been handled properly, I might not have spent 50 years wondering where my mum is buried, says Joanne. Being a police officer gave me a unique perspective on the investigation  or lack of it. At times its been phenomenally frustrating.

But this is also a story of courage and determination. Married with two grown-up children, the striking-looking Joanne Mackel, as she is now known, is enjoying her retirement in a beautiful home in Morpeth, Northumberland, following her successful career. Despite everything, she has built a happy life.

Yet the photos of her glamorous mother dotted around her home are a reminder of the enduring loss and heartache.

An identical twin, Ann and her sister Margaret were naive, sweet-faced brunettes when they started dating local friends Gilbert  known as Ghilly  and Eric.

Joanne adds, It was only later as a grown-up that I realised my dad was gay, and he loved Eric. I think the sisters were a cover for their relationship. Eric and Margaret would marry but later divorce.

Initially besotted with the tall, handsome and dapper man shed married aged 22, Ann quickly discovered his dark side. A diagnosed schizophrenic, Ghilly often failed to take his medication and the relationship quickly descended into episodes of domestic violence, which only worsened when Trevor was born in 1964.

He was very possessive, and he didnt like sharing her, Joanne says. Its clear from her medical records that he was forcing her into sex.

Joanne at the age of four with her parents Ann and Gilbert

Despite being just a toddler, Joanne remembers witnessing much of the violence: I saw him kick her to the ground or kick her in the belly. But on other occasions he was just staring into space. I think sometimes he didnt have a clue what he was doing.

There were happy times, though, courtesy of Ghillys job in the merchant navy, which took him away for months at a time. When it was just me, Mam and Trevor, it was a completely different atmosphere, she recalls fondly. Wed skip to school, flip pancakes. My mum had this very high-pitched giggle, and she was full of life and fun. But the moment Dad came back it was a different story.

Today, Joanne thinks her father should have been sectioned, for the familys safety. Medical records show he tried to push Ann out of a moving car  he succeeded only in crashing into a wall  and on another occasion deliberately left the gas cooker on while the family were home.

Looking for answers, Joanne became a police detective

This was the Sixties when, by and large, the culture was get on with it. Nonetheless, Ann was unhappy enough to leave endless times, taking the children to stay with relatives. Sadly, without the offer of a permanent roof over her head, she was always forced to return home.

But in 1972, Ann filed for divorce while Ghilly was away at sea. She changed the locks and took out a restraining order against him. Ghilly, however, ignored the order and in February 1973 bullied his way back into the family home. Mam phoned the police. I dont know exactly what happened, but she ended up letting him stay, which was almost certainly under duress, Joanne says. Twenty days later, she went missing.

Joanne recalls hearing shouting the night before  followed by an ominous silence. By then nearly ten, her brother decided to investigate under the pretext of getting a glass of water. Mam was lying on the floor, and when Trevor went to touch her, Dad said, Shes asleep. He accepted it in that moment

but obviously with hindsight and adult eyes, he realised hed seen her dead.

The next morning, Joanne woke to her dad in the bed and the declaration that her mum had gone. While she cant remember much of the days that followed, she now knows that Margaret reported her twin sister missing to police the following day when she failed to turn up for a rendezvous at the seaside.

I think my mums body was still in the garage when Margaret came knocking, says Joanne. And I think Margaret knew right away that my dad was involved. Later on, I tried to discuss with her what had happened, but shed never open up.

Given Ghillys record of violence, you might think the police would consider his role in Anns disappearance, but they unquestioningly accepted his explanation that his flighty wife had gone off with some fella.

They didnt even search the house  because if they did they would have seen her coat and handbag were still there, Joanne says. Her shoes were still at the front door. She had two kids that she loved. And bear in mind shed been to the police on more than one occasion.

While Margaret travelled to London to try to generate publicity for her missing sister  her case was featured in several national newspapers  it made little difference.

No one from the police followed up, not once, says Joanne. No one bothered to say, Shall we check in on what happened to Ann Law? She was just forgotten.

Courtesy of her own investigation, Joanne now knows that three weeks after Ann vanished, Ghilly sold all of her clothes and jewellery in Hexham market before boarding a merchant ship to Trinidad and Tobago, where he arrived a month later.

Prior to that, he had arranged for his children to be taken into foster care, an unofficial arrangement that led Trevor and Joanne into another desperately unhappy chapter of their young lives. Their extended family had refused to take them in: They didnt want us, she says simply. I suspect it was too much hassle.

They were sent to live with Thomas and Christine Hammill, so-called friends of the family. In reality Thomas Hammill was a paedophile. The results were devastating: both Trevor and Joanne suffered years of physical, sexual and psychological abuse. Thomas repeatedly raped Joanne until she was 13, as did his biological son, Martin.

As she got older, Joanne told social workers about the abuse but, astonishingly, they told her it was safer to stay there because there was a risk her father could kill her.

Unbelievable, really, she says. It was basically stay and be raped or be murdered.

Determined that she would mould her own fate, Joanne focused on getting fit and attaining the academic qualifications she needed to join the police. I thought, Ive got a choice: I can sink, or I can rise up and challenge them. And thats what I did.

Later, in 1999, Joanne, then 31, had the satisfaction of testifying in court after Thomas Hammill was charged with sex offences. This came about after 1997s Operation Rose, an investigation into child sexual abuse in childrens homes.

Joanne says: I was in one of the homes they were looking into, because I had eventually been placed there, having begged the social worker to get me out of the Hammills because of the abuse. I decided to tell my police colleague everything I knew, and the next thing, Im at trial giving evidence.

But Hammill was acquitted due to procedural mistakes by the Crown Prosecution Service. By this time, her brother Trevors life had descended into homelessness and addiction.

One night in 1982, he had been subjected to a particularly horrific ordeal when, along with Margarets son Stephen, Trevor was contacted by an agitated Ghilly  with whom theyd had sporadic contact over the years  asking if he wanted to dig up your Mam.

The two teenagers  Trevor was just 18  were taken by Ghilly to a beauty spot by the River Tyne at Bywell, between Hexham and Newcastle, where, armed with spades Ghilly had brought along, they started digging. Trevor was so overwhelmed, he just let Ghilly lead him, says Joanne.

He was so driven to find Mam that you could have put her under Buckingham Palace and he would have just gone.

Stephen recalls in the podcast: The ground had already been disturbed, and I could see someone had been digging. Trevor started digging with his dad. Im holding the torch and Trevors digging.

No body was discovered, but the episode prompted both boys to go to the police, who in turn took the astonishing decision to place Trevor in a cell with his father to help extract a confession. Can you imagine how frightened and messed up Trevor must have been? says Joanne. Indeed, he was so traumatised that he struggled to talk about the incident and Joanne learned what had happened only after reading a headline in a local newspaper.

Unethical though it was, the police tactic worked  to a degree. Insisting that Ann had collapsed from taking drugs and drink, in a rambling confession, Ghilly said he had been too scared to take her to hospital and wanted to help the children by giving her a peaceful final resting place.

So even then, he was trying to make himself a victim, says Joanne, witheringly. While far short of a full confession, it was enough for Ghilly to be tried for Anns murder in November 1983, only for the case to be halted when he had a psychotic episode while giving evidence.

A second trial six months later in June 1984 ended with the judge ordering a not guilty verdict on medical grounds, although he directed the CPS to keep the case on file in case Gilbert was ever deemed fit to stand trial again. He wasnt.

Yet, according to Joanne, her father went on to build himself quite a nice life. He worked as a taxi driver, he went on holidays, he even married again. There were intermittent episodes of psychosis but in between he had a normal life.

And thus, the search for justice stalled. Years passed, then in 2001 Joanne heard the devastating news that her beloved brother had collapsed and died of peritonitis, brought on by heroin use. He was just 34  the same age as his mother when she disappeared.

Four years on, in 2005, and with Gilbert now dying, Northumbria Police approached Joanne to see if she would visit the father she saw sporadically  always hoping in vain he would give her the truth  and wear a wire in a last-ditch attempt to get a confession.

I refused, she says. I thought it was a monstrous thing to do. The police had all the time to have him prosecuted and they were trying to use me as a convenient and easy way to get to him.

Following his death later that year, she felt just one emotion: Relief  because he was out of my life. In 2010 a cold case review led to another excavation at the same spot that Gilbert took Trevor and his cousin to dig. But no one bothered to ask me any questions, she says.

Once again, the dig was fruitless, meaning that Anns body has still not been found.

Where is she? Under the A1, for which their family home had been bulldozed? Somewhere at the former power station where her father was briefly a night watchman? Or, indeed, somewhere by the River Tyne?

Joanne has had to accept she may never know  and that for all the women she has helped, and the cases she has solved, her mothers murder is the one that will always evade her.

Deep down, though, she acknowledges that in some ways it might be easier that way.

My rational brain knows what happened, but the childlike part of my brain still wants to believe that one parent didnt kill the other one, she says.

Everyone has to deal with the loss of their mum at some point, but I havent got any place to put mine. By telling her story I can put her on the internet for ever.

And if it makes people realise that you can rise out of a traumatic childhood with hard work and determination, then that will be a fitting tribute to my mum.

Dig Up Your Mam with Joanne Mackel and Julie Bindel is available now at juliebindel.substack.com, and all the usual platforms.
I have two old and precious friends Ive known since my late teens. We met as our adult lives lay just ahead on the horizon, and they have been a constant throughout my life. Despite the fact that our lives are very different now.

Bel* is a housewife and mother of two adult kids who left London in the year 2000. Caz* is a financially independent artist and academic, a divorcee now, and single mum who always seems to be living in a new exotic city. Me? Never married, no kids, a writer.

When we see each other, I should be so excited. As younger women, with far fewer cares, we used to live and breathe each other. Wed turn up to parties wearing the same clothes, as if by telepathy. We share a history way beyond anything I have with the friends I made later in life as a proper grown-up, those who are perhaps more similar to me.

Yet for many years, on the momentous occasions we would all be together again, there was excitement, sure, but something else too. Something like dread.

Thats the thing with old friends. You feel such intense conflicted feelings about them. Love  yes, I really will love them both until I die. But I also feel the weird push and pull of judgment  even irritation  of their life choices. (Stay-at-home mum? Highbrow academic? Really?) And, yes, some envy for what they have that I do not: children, secure finances, good bone structure, rare beauty.

Three can be a weird number, too; the two against one dynamic can crop up. For a while Caz and Bel were great friends while I barely saw either of them. Then they had a big falling out. Ive never really got to the bottom of why. While they made up, I suspect we get together now more out of romance than earnest desire.

The complexities of female friendship is a main theme of the recent third season of The White Lotus, with Laurie, Jaclyn and Kate at the centre

Kate Spicer says her and her friends went separate ways in terms of life choices

The complexities of female friendship is a main theme of the recent third season of The White Lotus. The final episode of the hit HBO show offers a totally chaotic resolution to many of the characters dramatic plot lines. But its the far more humdrum climax of a dinner between three old girlfriends  Jaclyn, Kate and Laurie  that has resulted in the most comments and column inches.

I guess shoot-outs, white collar crime and patricide are not something most of us can easily relate to. But female friendships of decades standing  we all have those. Laurie, played by Carrie Coon, doesnt fall back on the love you guys meaningless crap spouted by her two friends with blonder, shinier hair. Instead, she reflects on the purpose and nature of long-standing friendships.

I dont need religion or God to give my life meaning, because time gives it meaning. We started this life together, Laurie says, and I look at you guys and it feels meaningful.

Its a two-minute monologue. But those four words stick out: Time gives it meaning.

Those memories too numerous to mention have a phenomenal value, and the way I compare myself to Bel and Caz, frankly, is much less negative than it may appear written down. Because even though on paper our lives are madly different now, these women have known me since I was a child.

Being with your oldest friends forces you to confront uncomfortable feelings about who you are, what youve achieved, and yes, how you look. Thats what causes the tension that sometimes bubbles underneath the surface.

In our case, its not that I yearn for their lives. All three of us are comfortable having a good grumble about whats gone wrong, as well as whats gone right. Its more that when you dont see a friend often, the old ruler of success comes out.

That said, I am probably more the real me with them than I am with any of my other friends. I like the fact they remember a version of me that was young, carefree, idealistic and only pretending to be cynical.

Every moment in the present with them is coupled with a really distinct and poignant memory from the past. Its both lovely and weirdly painful.

That time we went looking for flats together when I couldnt see anything positive in these bleak empty shells... If my friends hadnt had the vision, Id probably still be living in my student halls of residence.

That time we dressed up and sneaked into a really fancy private club and woke up with Hollywood movie stars. The time we all stayed in Cazs dads fancy apartment and flooded half the place with bubbles by putting too much Badedas in the hot tub. The time they both turned up out of the blue in a remote hostel when I was travelling in Egypt.

There are so many memories. We were kids, tasting and exploring the world without any fear.

When I go through bad things, I never call on these girls. I go to my immediate friends. But like the complex old female friendships Laurie dissects, I value them in a very special and unique way.

Philippa Perry, psychotherapist and author of The Book You Wish Your Parents Had Read, says female friendship is one of her favourite subjects: I never experienced this supposed brutality of female friendships  mine are full of joy, support and genuine connection. The idea that women are inherently toxic to each other is nonsense.

Any friendship can turn toxic, but thats about emotional immaturity, not gender. Real friendship is simple: it feels good when youre in it, and solid when you think about it afterwards.

I moved a lot as a kid due to my fathers job in the NHS; sometimes I didnt stay at schools for longer than a year. This gave me a great vantage point from which to observe the ferocious nature of female friendships, and an ability to walk away if anything became too difficult.

So I dont have many life-long friendships like the White Lotus trio. Only Caz and Bel, and if I met them now, theres no way wed be friends. Were so different, Id walk on by.

As adults, we make friendships that are, well, more adult. Bel, Caz and I were together through those years when there really wasnt anything more important than friendship and fun. They drove me mad; the intimacy was unlike anything Ive ever had with my other mates.

I never felt the need to sit on the phone to my newer friends for hours on end. We dont have the time, for starters.

When Caz moved to LA, Tokyo, Paris and New York, or when Bel got married and had her kids, I asked, should that have been me?

Perhaps as a result, when life and our choices pulled us further apart, I found them more and more, frankly, annoying. After all, as humans we like to see ourselves reflected in our friends. And certainly, my newer pals are more like the me I am today.

Old friends are very complex; in a way its a romantic connection, reliant in part on nostalgia. They know you  in some ways they know the real you  but they also dont.

When you look at them, you see the myriad things you could have been or that you once were. Its something precious and its something painful. As Laurie says, time gives it meaning.

Names have been changed.
King Charles has reflected on the 'paradox of human life' in a special message released for Easter.

His Majesty, 76, spoke of the 'puzzles of humanity' and the human ability to inflict both 'great cruelty' and 'great kindness' - ahead of attending the special annual Maundy Service at Durham Cathedral on Thursday.

The King will be joined by his wife Queen Camilla, 77, who last year stepped in for her husband to attend the ceremony at Worcester Cathedral as Charles missed the service due to his cancer battle.

Though he was briefly hospitalised last month due to the side effects of treatment, Charles has since returned to royal engagements.

In his message he reflected on humanity's 'paradoxes' - shown both in the Easter story and also the scenes witnessed in 'war torn countries'.

He said: 'One of the puzzles of our humanity is how we are capable of both great cruelty and great kindness.

'This paradox of human life runs through the Easter story and in the scenes that daily come before our eyes - at one moment, terrible images of human suffering and, in another, heroic acts in war torn countries where humanitarians of every kind risk their own lives to protect the lives of others.'

Referencing a recent engagement, he added: 'A few weeks ago, I met many such people at a reception in Buckingham Palace and felt a profound sense of admiration for their resilience, courage and compassion.'

King Charles has reflected on the 'paradox of human life' in a special speech released ahead of Easter Sunday (pictured during his speech last year)

Wishing the nation a 'blessed and peaceful Easter', the King went on to reflect on the Easter story.

He continued: 'On Maundy Thursday, Jesus knelt and washed the feet of many of those who would abandon Him.

'His humble action was a token of His love that knew no bounds or boundaries and is central to Christian belief.

'The love He showed when He walked the Earth reflected the Jewish ethic of caring for the stranger and those in need, a deep human instinct echoed in Islam and other religious traditions, and in the hearts of all who seek the good of others.

'The abiding message of Easter is that God so loved the world  the whole world  that He sent His son to live among us to show us how to love one another, and to lay down His own life for others in a love that proved stronger than death.

'There are three virtues that the world still needs  faith, hope and love. And the greatest of these is love. It is with these timeless truths in my mind, and my heart, that I wish you all a blessed and peaceful Easter.'

The Royal Maundy service takes place every year on the Thursday before Easter Day and includes a special service in which the King expresses his gratitude for those who serve and volunteer in their communities.

The service is an ancient royal ceremony inspired by The Bible on the day before Good Friday when Jesus washed the feet of his disciples and commanded them to 'Love one another'. By the thirteenth century the Royal Family was taking part in similar ceremonies.

King Charles and Queen Camilla are pictured at the traditional Easter Sunday Matlins Service on March 31, 2024

Last year, Queen Camilla assumed the role of her husband in delivering the annual speech in person

The couple spent a sunny last day in Italy, before waving to their friendly hosts as they boarded the royal plane

Last year, Queen Camilla assumed the role of her husband in delivering the annual speech in person. Meanwhile, Charles issued a special speech via video message.

The King delivered his first Maundy Service as monarch in 2023 at York Minster, but was too unwell to attend last year's service in person, instead offering a video message.

The tradition of hosting the service outside of London came from the late Queen Elizabeth II.

The Very Revd Dr Philip Plyming, Dean of Durham said: 'We are both honoured and delighted that The King and Queen are coming to Durham for this year's Royal Maundy Service.

'All of us at Durham Cathedral look forward to welcoming them and being part of this special celebration of volunteering in the local community.

'Maundy Thursday is about remembering the service and sacrifice of Jesus and it will be so special to celebrate in such a memorable way those who live out the example of Jesus today.'

Last week, Charles and Camilla touched down in the UK once more after their action-packed state visit to Italy

The King and Queen landed back in Scotland following the trip, which included them celebrating their 20th wedding anniversary at a state banquet.

The King and Queen released a series of portraits at the start of this month to celebrate their 20th wedding anniversary

Charles and Camilla pictured walking from St George's Chapel at Windsor Castle on the day of their wedding, in 2009

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'.

After touching down on home soil, they will be able to spend a quiet Easter together.

The monarch went ahead with the trip to Italy with Queen Camilla despite a brief hospital stay at the end of last month, which forced him to cancel a string of engagements at the last minute.

He was briefly under observation, forcing him to cancel a scheduled trip to Birmingham - but he returned home to Clarence House on 'good form' that evening and was able to do some work.

The short hospital stay was dubbed by royal sources a 'minor bump in the road' - and the King followed it with a near-normal, full working week at Windsor Castle, after a weekend of recovery at Highgrove - and taking a day and a half away from duties.

The King has been undergoing weekly treatment at a cancer unit in London since his diagnosis last February - which has continued into the new year.
Every year on just one day there's an unexpected McDonald's burger that sells like hotcakes, taking the lead in sales across Australia.

Arguably one of the most controversial items on the menu, the Filet-O-Fish sees a significant spike in sales every Good Friday.

'We can confirm that each Macca's restaurant sells an average of 126 Filet-O-Fish on Good Friday, which is a whopping 319 per cent increase in comparison to an average day,' a McDonald's Australia spokeswoman told FEMAIL.

'With over 1,020 McDonald's restaurants across Australia, 128,520 Filet-O-Fish burgers are sold on Good Friday.'

So how did the Filet-O-Fish become one of the all-time classic McDonald's burgers?

Dating back to 1962, American franchisee Lou Groen urged the fast food chain to add fish to its menu after he noticed a declined in sales on Fridays.

Groen, whose restaurant was located in a predominantly Roman Catholic neighborhood, came up with the idea of a breaded whitefish burger to cater to customers who abstained from eating meat on Fridays during Lent.

At first, McDonald's executives were not sold on the idea of adding a fish burger to the menu because it required a more complicated cooking process.

Arguably one of the most controversial items on the menu, the Filet-O-Fish sees a significant spike in sales at Macca's every Good Friday (file image)

In fact, McDonald's founder Ray Kroc had plans for what he described as the Hula Burger - a slice of grilled pineapple and cheese on a bun.

Kroc made a deal with Groen to sell both the Hula Burger and the Filet-O-Fish on a Friday - and whichever sold more would become a permanent menu item.

Much to Kroc's surprise and disbelief, McDonald's sold 350 Filet-O-Fish sandwiches, while only six Hula burgers were ordered.

In 1965, the Filet-O-Fish was the first addition to McDonald's original menu - it was the only non-hamburger option, sold at the time for just 29 cents.

'The Filet-O-Fish has become a popular menu item enjoyed by millions of customers around the world,' McDonald's Company Historian Mike Bullington said.

'Many franchisees have inspired McDonald's menu items from the Filet-O-Fish and Big Mac to the Egg McMuffin and it's been great to see the popularity grow for such iconic menu items.'
King Charles made a light-hearted joke about his health as he returned to the Royal Maundy Service today at Durham Cathedral after missing last year due to his cancer diagnosis.

The monarch, 76, who issued a special Easter message earlier this morning, appeared in high spirits as he arrived alongside Queen Camilla at the Cathedral in the northeast of England.

Speaking to crowds afterwards, Charles joked that 'it was all mirrors' when a well-wisher said he was looking well while he and the Queen marked Maundy Thursday paying respects to Second World War heroes and the Queen Mother.

The King and Queen went on a 'walkabout' outside the cathedral as hundreds gathered to cheer them on their way.

Pat Johnson, 54, of Jarrow, South Tyneside, attracted Charles's attention after bringing 18-month-old Pembrokeshire corgi Lilibet to the stand outside the service.

She said afterwards: 'He asked if she was friendly and he asked me what her name was.

'I said I named her after your mother and said "you look well" and he said "you are very kind but it's all mirrors".'

A group of several dozen campaigners from anti-monarchists Republic were shouting slogans through a megaphone from a designated protest area.

King Charles and Queen Camilla arrived at Durham Cathedral for a Royal Maundy Service today

The King met attendees outside the Cathedral before entering alongside Camilla and other attendees.

Camilla, 77, who last year stepped in for Charles at the service amid his cancer treatment, looked elegant in a dark green coat dress by Anna Valentine and a striking velvet hat in a matching shade by Phillip Tracey.

Once inside the Cathedral, members of the Church presented Their Majesties with a small flower bouquet before joining the procession through the nave.

During the service, the King presented the Maundy recipients - 76 men and 76 women - with two purses, one red and one white, containing Maundy Money.

The white purse holds a set of specially minted silver Maundy coins, and the red purse contains a 5 coin commemorating The Queen Mother and a 50p coin featuring stories of WWII.

The Royal Maundy gifts recognise recipients' outstanding Christian service and their efforts in making a difference in the lives of people in their local communities.

The King made two trips around the cathedral during the hour-long ceremony presenting the coins and pausing to speak to each worthy recipient.

The ceremony dates back to the 13th century and attracted a small protest by anti-monarchy group Republic were heard shouting 'Down with the crown' and 'Not my King' outside.

The monarch, 76, will present Maundy recipients with Maundy money during today's service in Durham

Charles was delighted to meet Lilibet the Corgi on a walkabout following the service

77-year-old Camilla put on an elegant display in a bottle green dress and matching velvet green hat

Pictured: King Charles and Queen Camilla at the Royal Maundy Service at Durham Cathedral on Thursday

His Majesty warmly greeted a member of the congregation during the Royal Maundy Service today

The King and Queen also spent time marvelling at the cathedral's 800-year-old Magna Carta.

Charles said: 'Remarkable, great to see it intact.'

Charles and Camilla were met on arrival by the Dean of Durham Cathedral, The Reverend Philip Plyming and the Lord High Almoner, Bishop Graham Usher.

Inside the cathedral they were presented with the traditional nosegays, a small flower bouquet.

During the service, The King presented the Maundy Money assisted by Lord High Almoner, currently the Bishop of Norwich.

Speaking about her award afterwards, Sister Josepha, from Sunderland, said she was 'honoured and humbled' to receive coins for work with young people and families and domestic violence.

She added: 'It is a privilege to be chosen for this special occasion.'

Graham Young, of County Durham, received his coins for establishing Traidcraft and community work.

Camilla and Charles shared a laugh during the Royal Maundy Service at Durham Cathedral on Thursday

The 76-year-old monarch was presented with a bright bouquet of flowers as he entered the service

Pictured: Charles and Camilla during the Royal Maundy Service at Durham Cathedral on Thursday

The 76-year-old, who issued a special Easter message earlier today, smiled as he entered the Cathedral

He said: 'Working in the service of communities locally and worldwide has been a way of life for me. Meeting the King has not! I'm honoured to have been nominated and humbly accept.'

Anne Johnson, of Hartlepool, received coins for helping isolated communities and said she was 'delighted and proud'.

She added: 'It is a huge honour to receive this precious gift and participate in this ancient tradition.'

This was Charles's second Maundy Service as King and Queen Camilla stood in for him last year after he had been forced to rest after being diagnosed with cancer.

Maundy Thursday is the Christian holy day falling on the Thursday before Easter and commemorates the Maundy and Last Supper of Jesus Christ with the Apostles.

The distribution of alms and the washing of the feet on the Thursday of Holy Week are an ancient tradition and can be traced back to King John in 1210.

This year, the Recipients have been chosen from the Dioceses of the Northern Province of England and Scotland.

Earlier today, King Charles reflected on the 'paradox of human life' in a special message released for Easter.

Charles greeted a member of the congregation during the Royal Maundy Service at Durham Cathedral

The 77-year-old Queen waved to members of the public who waited outside the service in Durham

Charles put on a dapper display in a smart black tailcoat, white shirt, and grey pinstripe trousers

Their Majesties appeared focused as the Royal Maundy service began at Durham Cathedral

His Majesty spoke of the 'puzzles of humanity' and the human ability to inflict both 'great cruelty' and 'great kindness'.

Charles reflected on humanity's 'paradoxes' - shown both in the Easter story and also the scenes witnessed in 'war torn countries'.

He said: 'One of the puzzles of our humanity is how we are capable of both great cruelty and great kindness.

'This paradox of human life runs through the Easter story and in the scenes that daily come before our eyes - at one moment, terrible images of human suffering and, in another, heroic acts in war torn countries where humanitarians of every kind risk their own lives to protect the lives of others.'

Referencing a recent engagement, he added: 'A few weeks ago, I met many such people at a reception in Buckingham Palace and felt a profound sense of admiration for their resilience, courage and compassion.'

Wishing the nation a 'blessed and peaceful Easter', the King went on to reflect on the Easter story.

He continued: 'On Maundy Thursday, Jesus knelt and washed the feet of many of those who would abandon Him.

'His humble action was a token of His love that knew no bounds or boundaries and is central to Christian belief.

Camilla, who last year stepped in for Charles due to his cancer diagnosis, smiled as the entered the Cathedral

The monarch took the time to greet members of the congregation during the service on Thursday

Camilla and Charles smiled for a photograph with other attendees outside the Cathedral

'The love He showed when He walked the Earth reflected the Jewish ethic of caring for the stranger and those in need, a deep human instinct echoed in Islam and other religious traditions, and in the hearts of all who seek the good of others.

'The abiding message of Easter is that God so loved the world  the whole world  that He sent His son to live among us to show us how to love one another, and to lay down His own life for others in a love that proved stronger than death.

'There are three virtues that the world still needs  faith, hope and love. 'And the greatest of these is love'. It is with these timeless truths in my mind, and my heart, that I wish you all a blessed and peaceful Easter.'

Last year, Queen Camilla assumed the role of her husband in delivering the annual speech in person. Meanwhile, Charles issued a special speech via video message.

The King delivered his first Maundy Service as monarch in 2023 at York Minster, but was too unwell to attend last year's service in person, instead offering a video message.

The tradition of hosting the service outside of London came from the late Queen Elizabeth II.

The Very Revd Dr Philip Plyming, Dean of Durham said: 'We are both honoured and delighted that The King and Queen are coming to Durham for this year's Royal Maundy Service.

Members of the congregation looked delighted to meet His Majesty at the service on Thursday

Charles added to his smart outfit with a light blue patterned tie and matching pocket square

Pictured: King Charles carried flowers outside Durham Cathedral on the day of the Maundy Service

'All of us at Durham Cathedral look forward to welcoming them and being part of this special celebration of volunteering in the local community.

'Maundy Thursday is about remembering the service and sacrifice of Jesus and it will be so special to celebrate in such a memorable way those who live out the example of Jesus today.'

Last week, Charles and Camilla touched down in the UK once more after their action-packed state visit to Italy.

The King and Queen landed back in Scotland following the trip, which included them celebrating their 20th wedding anniversary at a state banquet.

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'.

After touching down on home soil, they will be able to spend a quiet Easter together.

The monarch went ahead with the trip to Italy with Queen Camilla despite a brief hospital stay at the end of last month, which forced him to cancel a string of engagements at the last minute.

He was briefly under observation, forcing him to cancel a scheduled trip to Birmingham - but he returned home to Clarence House on 'good form' that evening and was able to do some work.

The short hospital stay was dubbed by royal sources a 'minor bump in the road' - and the King followed it with a near-normal, full working week at Windsor Castle, after a weekend of recovery at Highgrove - and taking a day and a half away from duties.

The King has been undergoing weekly treatment at a cancer unit in London since his diagnosis last February - which has continued into the new year.
My relationship with my breasts, although relatively brief, was always complex. Objects of desire and of pleasure, they also caused pain and attracted abuse.

By the age of about ten, in New York in the early 1990s, Id learned that breasts were sexual.

Also clear was the idea that many people at the time felt there was something not serious about them  anything short of total concealment might be taken as a sign that a woman welcomed mockery or degradation.

So, we learned to value what adults called modesty.

In secondary school, I was not so very busty. Probably a B-cup or a small C, I was not a girl whose breasts drew particular attention. But other girls with larger breasts were labelled hot, or fast and loose.

Their bra straps were snapped. Even some of our male teachers would peer and ogle, which was accepted as one of the unavoidable problems of being a girl.

I love it when you girls dress up, one teacher said to a classmate on a day when she wore a skirt. Its like youre saying: Look, but dont touch.

It was when I moved to London for university when things began to change.

Jean Hannah Edelstein, who would often say to men: Im Jean. I believe youve already met my breasts

My dress size remained more or less the same  Ive always been tall and slim  but my breasts grew until I was fitted with a size 32DD by a lady at Selfridges.

Shirts no longer fitted me well and V-necks showed cleavage that drew the wrong kind of attention.

Interested in politics, I got an internship at the House of Commons and each morning, before I went to work in the office of an MP, I dressed with fastidious care so as to avoid any possibility of banter. Of course, it didnt always work.

To supplement my student income, I also started working in bars where managers gave me classic early-Noughties small graphic T-shirts to wear: stretchy and with a logo that became distended when I put them on.

Could I wear one of the male-uniform tees instead? No, said my bosses when I asked. You cant.

My fellow waitresses and I did table service, and for the most part I ignored the pawing and pinching, which was frequent but fleeting; anonymous.

One night, though, a man took my breasts in his hands, a full-frontal grab. He smirked in my face and breathed alcohol on me.

I pushed him away and thought of reporting him to the bouncer, but didnt want to be responsible for the violence that would come when he was thrown out. And that was if he was thrown out.

Dont get me wrong. Despite all this negative attention, I did enjoy my breasts. I would never have said this out loud to anyone, but I knew they were beautiful. For all that I sometimes wished that they were smaller, I did appreciate what I had.

Oh, my friends would sometimes chuckle when I described my problems to them, its so hard to have great t**s.

So, yes, it was complicated  the catcalls from strangers on the one hand, and on the other was the apparent power my breasts gave me.

A low-cut top could get me served faster at the bar in a crowded nightclub. If the line wasnt moving, Id undo an extra button. A glance across a party could be enough for me to know that a man could be mine if I wanted him.

My body was far from perfect, but my naked breasts looked like a surgeons after photo. I had a private, quiet confidence, writes Jean. (Picture posed by model)

Sometimes I leaned into the heat of hands or a mouth that I did want. Sometimes I liked it. Sometimes I was asking for it.

My friends and I would laugh at men who became sheepish when they saw me, who couldnt help themselves, who goggled. Men were weak, while I was strong.

Im Jean, Id say. I believe youve already met my breasts.

My body was far from perfect, but my naked breasts looked like a surgeons after photo. I had a private, quiet confidence.

Perhaps my interior monologue was even a little smug.

After university, and then some years working as a freelance journalist, I got a job for a media company. The office was in a cool part of London and mostly staffed by confident young men who wore skinny jeans.

On the first day, when I met one of my new colleagues, I laughed when the man doing the introduction said: Watch out for him, hes a creep. Everyone laughed. I laughed. At 30, I believed, I was now too old to be of interest to creeps.

During our workdays, the creep and I made each other cups of tea. I would not have called him a friend, but I enjoyed our conversations.

He told me about having daughters. I thought about them after he grabbed me at the office Christmas party, took one of my breasts in each hand and twisted my nipples through my dress.

At the time, I pushed him away with all my might and quickly took a taxi home, as I couldnt face being among strangers on a bus or train.

But in the following days, I doubted myself. I questioned my culpability in the usual ways, thinking about what I was wearing (a square-necked dress with a layered, flared skirt which Id loved but couldnt bear to put on again).

And then I decided to make an official complaint.

I found this hard to do. For some reason, I was still trying to be polite.

Describing the incident to one of the firms senior employees, I struggled to say breasts and sexual assault. What I did say was he groped me and then I added: I wouldnt want him to lose his job for this.

But what I really meant was, I wouldnt want him losing his job to be my fault. My fault for having breasts. I wouldnt want my body to have caused this problem. I did not choose to have these grenades attached to my chest.

Its like youre saying: Look, but dont touch.

The men in the company to whom I told the story in the course of the investigation expressed regret. The problem, they told me, was not that they didnt believe it had happened. The problem was there werent enough witnesses. I raised my eyebrows. Im a witness, I said.

I kept going to the office because I had to work, but some of my male colleagues would no longer talk to me and avoided making eye contact.

When I resigned a few months later, my boss expressed surprise that I wanted to leave. Maybe what had happened didnt seem so abnormal.

I spent almost ten years in London and then returned to my native New York, where I met and married my husband. I learned that I have something called Lynch syndrome  a genetic condition which increases your chances of getting colon cancer, endometrial cancer, and more besides.

Cancer was what had caused my fathers death in his late 60s, and the death of my grandmother in her early 40s. For this reason, my geneticist advised me to use IVF to have children, to screen for the syndrome, so that the next generation would not inherit our family plague.

I never doubted that Id breastfeed. Other women in my family had done it and, besides, it felt like an opportunity to justify the existence of my breasts.

During my pregnancy I sat and scrolled through my phone, admiring Instagram posts of womens freezers full of stacked, frozen bags of milk. I bought nursing pillows and nursing bras. I was ready.

Or, rather, I thought I was ready. I expected breastfeeding to be easy, but with my first child, it was anything but.

At his one-month appointment, he was underweight, and I (we) departed on a programme of triple-feeding that was the most gruelling physical experience of my life.

I knew the rhetoric was that breast was always best. Id wanted to rectify or rebalance the earlier challenges my breasts had put me through by using them to feed my children.

I didnt expect it to be so painful and exhausting, and so often a misery.

In the end I did nurse both of my kids, for a year each. But I was not at all sorry to retire my body from that function. And then, at 41, less than a year after I finished breastfeeding my second child, I got a diagnosis of breast cancer.

Because of the Lynch, I thought I was prepared for it, but in fact, when it happened ten days after my annual mammogram, I wept like a small child. I wept like a mother, thinking about her small children.

The cancer was caught at the earliest possible stage, and the breast surgeon told me I wasnt going to die from it  but I would need a mastectomy, at least on the right side. I cried some more.

Considering my options, all of which felt bad, I decided to have a double mastectomy  to reduce the risk of future cancer and to feel balanced.

In the weeks before my scheduled surgery, I reflected again on my relationship with my breasts.

Would I have resented them less had I known Id lose them like this? Would I have allowed myself to love them more?

Some people tried to help me see the bright side, implying that this was the opportunity for me to have the breasts of my dreams. I felt offended on behalf of the breasts that I had.

After breastfeeding, they were far larger than before, a 32G, but still what I wanted to say was: These are the breasts of my dreams. The ones attached to my body.

Would I have reconstruction surgery? Some women choose not to and post proud images of their bodies on Instagram, because their chests no longer bear anything that an algorithm could censor.

There was the question of who a reconstruction was for. Would I be restoring my body for my own wellbeing? Or was the procedure to ensure other people would not be unsettled by my appearance? Was my body for myself, or for the consumption of others?

For so long, Id been subject to unwelcome opinions about the kind of person I was because of the size of my breasts. Now I had the opportunity to choose.

I vacillated. Some days I thought I wanted no reconstruction at all, and on others I wanted small, efficient breasts that looked good in shirts and were not the first thing anyone saw when they looked at me. Most crucial of all: breasts that did not have cancer.

The truth was, I felt incandescent with fury at the whole situation. On the day itself, as I sat in the waiting room, it was possible that I had never felt such visceral anger.

But I didnt express it. It also felt important to be kind to the people taking care of me, even though they were contributing to my barbaric surgery. And yes, I know, youre not supposed to call life-saving treatment barbaric, but I believed it to be true.

The surgery took five hours, but of course being unconscious I was not aware. What happened in the meantime? Someone cut my breasts off with a sharp blade. Someone else trimmed the skin and inserted bags of fluid underneath it. Someone sewed everything shut.

Its been two years since my surgery. My new breasts are smaller than those I had before  closer to the ones I had as a teenager. Thats what I asked for. They are filled with saline that sloshes a little if I move fast.

When you have breast cancer, and people know youve had breast cancer, they look at your breasts. They cant help themselves. A quick glance down, and then up again. I dont mind too much. It harks back to our heyday, my late breasts and me.

Do I miss my original breasts? Yes, I do. But Im fine with these new ones.

My feelings towards them are neutral. Neutral feels good.
An American psychic who predicted 9/11 and John F Kennedy's assassination had a chilling warning about 2025.

Jeane Dixon, who was born in Medford, Wisconsin, in 1904, went onto become one of America's most famous psychics after some of her predictions proved eerily accurate.

She initially worked writing horoscopes that were published in newspapers and magazines across the US and then went on to make predictions using a crystal ball.

The astrologer became known for her prophecies about major political events and she even wrote seven bestselling books, including an autobiography filled with her predictions for the following years.

In her 1971 memoir, A Gift Of Prophecy: The Phenomenal Jeane Dixon, she revealed there would be a terrorist act against a New York skyscraper in the near future, which many believed to be the 9/11 attacks.

However, her forecasts extended far into the future, with some focusing on the year 2025.

In her 1969 book, My Life And Prophecies, Jeane forecast that between 2025 and 2037, a war would erupt between China and Russia.

She wrote: 'In the year 2025, Red China will have reached an economic and political stability sufficient to forge ahead and become the Great Conqueror.'

American psychic Jeane Dixon forecast that between 2025 and 2037, a war would erupt between China and Russia

She wrote: 'In the year 2025, Red China will have reached an economic and political stability sufficient to forge ahead and become the Great Conqueror.

'In that year, Red China will march into Russia, conquer a large part of the USSR's northern area, and will not stop until it has moved into Finland, Norway, Sweden, and Denmark, stopping at the German border.

'It will not invade Western Europe, by that time, however, Russia will also have expanded her direct sphere of influence. It will no longer be limited to the countries of Eastern Europe, but will now include Libya, Ethiopia, Iran and much of Africa. This war of conquest will last from 2025-2037.'

Meanwhile, it was her accurate prediction that John F Kennedy would be assassinated was what started her journey to fame.

She wrote in the May 1956 issue of Parade Magazine that the 1960 presidential election would be won by a Democrat who would 'be assassinated or die in office'.

President Kennedy won the 1960 election for the Democrats and was assassinated on November 22, 1963.

Suspect Lee Harvey Oswald was arrested around an hour after the assassination for the murder of Dallas police officer J Tippit.

Oswald shot Tippit with his revolver after the officer approached him on the street, and the assassin was later apprehended hiding in a cinema.

He was initially charged with Tippit's murder and later with the assassination of President Kennedy

Two days later, as Oswald was being escorted to a car for transfer from Dallas Police Headquarters to the Dallas County Jail, he was shot dead by Jack Ruby, a local nightclub owner with connections to the criminal underworld.

Jeane initially wrote horoscopes for newspapers and magazines across the US and eventually she started making predictions using a crystal ball

The astrologer became known for her prophecies about major political events and she even wrote seven bestselling books, including an autobiography filled with her predictions for the following years

Jeane, who was born in Medford, Wisconsin in 1904, but raised in Missouri and California, went onto become one of America's most famous psychics after some of her predictions were eerily accurate

Jeane later insisted her visions all came from God, which gained her many fans from the religious communities

Notably, Jeane also predicted that Richard Nixon would become US president in 1968 but would not finish his term in office.

Nixon went on to be the 37th president of the United States and began with his first inauguration on January 20, 1969.

However, his presidency ended when he resigned on August 9, 1974, in the face of almost certain impeachment and removal from office, the only U.S. president ever to do so, following the Watergate scandal.

Nixon, who was so enamoured with Jeane that he invited her to the Oval Office on several occasions to hear more of her predictions.

She spoke to him about a vision she had about a terror attack in 1972, which would take place that summer.

Shortly after, the Munich Massacre terrorist attack took place during the 1972 Summer Olympics in Munich, Germany.

Eight members of the Palestinian militant group Black September infiltrated the Olympic Village, killing two Israeli athletes and taking nine others hostage.

Nixon was so impressed with her foresight that Jeane was credited as being one of the reasons he formed a counterterrorism committee.

President Kennedy won the 1960 election for the Democrats and was assassinated on November 22, 1963

Jeane, who was the Washington representative of the Damon Runyon Memorial Fund, presented the Director of the United States Information Agency Carl T Rowan a $10,000 grant for cancer research

In her 1969 book, My Life And Prophecies, Jeane forecasted that between 2025 and 2037, a war would erupt between China and Russia

Elsewhere, she predicted there would be a huge shipping disaster in 1989, which was the year of the Exxon Valdez oil spill.

An Exxon Valdez oil tanker ran aground on Bligh Reef in Prince William Sound, Alaska, spilling approximately 11 million gallons of crude oil.

The spill had significant environmental, economic and social impacts, particularly on the region's wildlife and local communities.

In 1977, Oprah Winfrey met with the psychic and it has been reported that Jeane told her she would have a huge career and millions of fans.

Winfrey's fame skyrocketed after her talk show, The Oprah Winfrey Show, went national in 1986.

Jeane later insisted her visions all came from God, which gained her many fans from the religious communities.

However, not all of her prediction were accurate - for example, Jeane believed that Russia would beat the US in the race to become the first nation to put a man on the moon.

While the first country to land a spacecraft on the Moon was the Soviet Union, specifically with its Luna 9 probe in 1966, the first human to walk on the moon was Neil Armstrong, on July 20, 1969, during the Apollo 11 mission.

She was also incorrect by predicting that World War Three would break out in 1958, there would be a cure for cancer in 1967, a second holocaust in the 1980s, and that Rome would rise to once again become the biggest empire in the world.

Meanwhile, she claimed the world would end in 2020 when a 'war of armageddon' would break out and wipe out the planet.

However she might have been referring to the Covid-19 pandemic, which broke out in 2020, and over 3.4 million people were reported to have died globally, according to the World Health Organisation.
The Prince and Princess of Wales will skip the traditional Easter gathering at Windsor Castle this year.

William and Kate will instead stay with Prince George, Princess Charlotte and Prince Louis at their home in Norfolk.

William told the King he will miss the annual gathering this year. Charles will be joined by several senior royals, including the Queen.

'They are choosing to spend time together as a family before the children go back to school,' a source close to the family told the Mirror.

The Waleses did not attend the service last year as the Princess of Wales was undergoing cancer treatment.

The King agreed to this, the source added.

Princess Anne, her husband Vice Admiral Sir Tim Laurence as well as the Duke and Duchess of Edinburgh are likely to attend the Easter Matins service at St George's Chapel in Windsor.

Last year, Prince Andrew and his ex-wife Sarah Ferguson attended to the surprise of many royal watchers.

The Prince and Princess of Wales will skip the traditional Easter gathering at Windsor Castle this year. Pictured at Easter Service in 2022

William and Kate will instead stay with Prince George, Princess Charlotte and Prince Louis at their home in Norfolk

It was the first time the Duchess of York had attended the service since she divorced Andrew in 1996.

It comes as King Charles today made a light-hearted joke about his health as he returned to the Royal Maundy Service at Durham Cathedral after missing last year due to his cancer diagnosis.

The monarch, 76, who issued a special Easter message earlier this morning, appeared in high spirits as he arrived alongside Queen Camilla at the Cathedral in the northeast of England.

Speaking to crowds afterwards, Charles joked that 'it was all mirrors' when a well-wisher said he was looking well while he and the Queen marked Maundy Thursday paying respects to Second World War heroes and the Queen Mother.

The King and Queen went on a 'walkabout' outside the cathedral as hundreds gathered to cheer them on their way.

Pat Johnson, 54, of Jarrow, South Tyneside, attracted Charles's attention after bringing 18-month-old Pembrokeshire corgi Lilibet to the stand outside the service.

She said afterwards: 'He asked if she was friendly and he asked me what her name was.

'I said I named her after your mother and said "you look well" and he said "you are very kind but it's all mirrors".'

The body language expert said: '[Kate's] nuzzling hug with William on a blanket in a wood shows Kate curled totally into her husband in a pose of total trust and adoration

King Charles and Queen Camilla arrived at Durham Cathedral for a Royal Maundy Service today

A group of several dozen campaigners from anti-monarchists Republic were shouting slogans through a megaphone from a designated protest area.

The King met attendees outside the Cathedral before entering alongside Camilla and other attendees.

Camilla, 77, who last year stepped in for Charles at the service amid his cancer treatment, looked elegant in a dark green coat dress by Anna Valentine and a striking velvet hat in a matching shade by Phillip Tracey.

Once inside the Cathedral, members of the Church presented Their Majesties with a small flower bouquet before joining the procession through the nave.

During the service, the King presented the Maundy recipients - 76 men and 76 women - with two purses, one red and one white, containing Maundy Money.

The white purse holds a set of specially minted silver Maundy coins, and the red purse contains a 5 coin commemorating The Queen Mother and a 50p coin featuring stories of WWII.

The Royal Maundy gifts recognise recipients' outstanding Christian service and their efforts in making a difference in the lives of people in their local communities.

The King made two trips around the cathedral during the hour-long ceremony presenting the coins and pausing to speak to each worthy recipient.

The ceremony dates back to the 13th century and attracted a small protest by anti-monarchy group Republic were heard shouting 'Down with the crown' and 'Not my King' outside.

Kate, 43, who is Joint President of Scouts met with Chief Scout, Dwayne Fields near the shores of Lake Windermere where they spent time with a group of Scouts aged between 10 and 15

This week, the Princess of Wales revealed she made a secret visit to the Lake District to meet with Scouts getting their Naturalist Badge last month.

Kate, 43, who is Joint President of Scouts met with Chief Scout, Dwayne Fields near the shores of Lake Windermere where they spent time with a group of Scouts aged between 10 and 15.

The pair have now released a short film discussing the importance of the natural world and its ability to support our health and wellbeing.

Speaking in the clip, the future Queen said she found it 'very spiritual,' to be reconnect with nature and discussed her 'intense emotional reconnection' with the environment.

Kate and Dwayne also talked about how spending time in nature can help people to deepen connections with themselves and each other while building skills of empathy, resilience and a sense of belonging.

The two also discussed the impact being in nature can have on young people in building their confidence and skills for later life.

'Not everyone has that same relationship perhaps with nature, but it is so therefore meaningful for me as a place to balance and find a sort of sense of peace and reconnection in what is otherwise a very busy world,' Kate says.

'I think it's really important for young people to have access to nature because it's a space where they can push themselves, they can challenge themselves, they learn leadership skills, spend time making friends and those life-long really great memories that we all hold onto,' Dwayne added.

Speaking in the clip, the future Queen said she found it 'very spiritual,' to be reconnect with nature and discussed her 'intense emotional reconnection' with the environment

'And I think if we can do that, we'll build up a generation who is passionate about our natural spaces and passionate about protecting them as well.'

The Scouts regularly enable 450,000 young people to engage with and experience wellbeing in nature, a cause which is very close to The Princess' heart.

Taking part in camping, hiking, canoeing and climbing gives young people the ability to develop their team working, leadership and planning skills and helps them become more resilient and supportive of each other.

Reflecting on the film, Dwayne said: 'In an increasingly complex world digital technology has its place, but the few hours we spent in the hills without screens was magical: we are often at our best in the outdoors, and I want more young people to experience outdoor adventures like this for themselves.

'Outdoor adventures can build the vital skills young people need for the rest of their lives, they hugely benefit health and wellbeing, and boost friendships. And with the help of more adult volunteers, we hope to get more young people out into nature in the future.'

The Princess has been Joint President of Scouts since 2020.

This was the first time she had met Dwayne Fields, who took on his role as Chief Scout from Bear Grylls in September 2024. .
A mom has issued an urgent warning for people traveling with children in rideshares, after an Uber driver accidentally drove away with her young daughter still inside.

The Mom shared her terrifying story in an a lengthy post on Facebook, declaring that 'Uber chose policy over my daughter's life.

As per the social media post, her five-year-old daughter had fallen asleep in the very back seat of the car last month, with the mom unable to get her out until everyone else had exited the vehicle.

'Our exit plan was communicated loudly and clearly right beside the driver,' the shocked mom wrote in the post, adding: 'There was no language barrier.'

However, after the Toronto-based family arrived at their destination, the driver took off with her daughter still inside - despite the mom verbalizing that she would be retrieving her daughter from the backseat after the other kids got out.

'We called the Uber driver immediately, but the call couldn't be connected,' the frantic mother recalled.

'We then called Uber in a panic. They refused to contact the driver. I begged them.'

The mom claimed that despite the police insisting on Uber contacting the driver, the company still refused to contact the driver.

A mom has issued an urgent warning for people traveling with children in rideshares, after an Uber driver drove away with her young daughter still inside (stock image)

'[They] repeatedly stated that to do so was "outside of their policy,"' she said in disbelief.

The mom added that it was 11pm and 26 degrees when her daughter was left in the car, and they were the driver's last ride for the night.

'Providing police with a recent photo (taken only that morning) of [my daughter] for, presumably, an Amber Alert, was the single worst experience of my entire life,' she said.

'[My daughter] was alone in the dark, with a stranger, terrified and confused upon the police finally tracking them down well over an hour later,' the fuming mom continued.

To make matters worse, she said Uber's response to the horrifying ordeal - which the mom declared a 'horrifying failure' - was to offer 'an automated $10 credit.'

'They refused to admit any failure of their systems, and refused to have internal discussions about policy change,' she scathed.

'Time was of the essence here. This was no time for bureaucratic red tape. Her life was in danger and Uber refused to help.'

In a statement to DailyMail.com, Uber said, 'We recognize how distressing this situation was for the family involved and are thankful that the child was safely reunited with their parent.

She shared her terrifying story in an a lengthy post on Facebook, declaring that ' Uber chose policy over my daughter's life (stock image)

'We immediately began reviewing the details of this incident internally to identify opportunities to improve our processes and support systems. The safety of everyone who uses Uber remains our top priority.'

The mom also slammed the driver for not completing a 'basic post-ride check.'

'The driver somehow did not realize a sleeping child was in his back seat for well over an hour,' she raged.

Earlier this year, a disgruntled passenger sparked a fierce debate after they allegedly ordered an Uber to the airport - when the driver stopped to get gas en route to the destination.

Brandon Straka posted a series of tweets documenting the incident, where he claimed to have missed his flight due to the driver's incompetence.

He also alleged that the driver was going in the wrong direction.
But followers quickly pointed out it didn't include any traditional Jewish dishes

Swedish furniture store IKEA has been slammed on social media over its Passover Seder post... which didn't include any traditional Jewish dishes.

Passover is a major Jewish holiday that celebrates the Jews' freedom from slavery in ancient Egypt.

It is usually marked by a family meal called a Seder, which often includes symbolic foods, wine, and a storytelling of the Exodus.

The Seder plate includes six fundamental components including, lamb's shankbone, a roasted egg, a paste of fruit and nuts, a bitter herb, a green vegetable, and a bowl of salt water, per Food Network.

Last week, IKEA posted an image wishing its followers a 'joyous Passover filled with love, family, and delicious memories.'

The company shared a snap of a table of food that included a blueberry pie and a bowl of whipped cream, along with some water and coffee.

However, the post didn't resonate with Jews as the company had hoped, as many were quick to call out the lack of Seder foods.

Instagram users ran to the comments to discuss the 'embarrassing' image.

Swedish furniture store IKEA has been slammed on social media over its Passover Seder post... which didn't include any traditional Jewish dishes

On April 13, IKEA posted an image of a blueberry pie and a bowl of whipped cream on a table with glasses of water and coffee while wishing its followers a 'joyous Passover' (stock image)

'How hard would it have been to consult a Jewish person for this? Or hell, Chat GPT could have figured it out,' one user said.

Someone else wrote: 'Nothing says we know Jewish holidays like using the exact kind of food we dont eat on this specific holiday in your post!'

'Ah yes, I love that part of the story, when the Hebrews waited for their pies to bake before leaving Egypt,' another user joked.

Ben Platt's brother, actor Jonah Platt, even got involved, writing, 'This has literally nothing to do with Passover. Is there not a single Jew working at IKEA?'

'IKEA you could have literally just googled Passover first,' a different comment read.

One user simply wrote: 'Yikes.'

Another commenter questioned: 'Really? No Jews to consult with for this post?'

'Yall couldnt be bothered to do a basic Google search, I see. How hard is it to throw a piece of matzah on a damn plate? Or post a pic of WINE GLASSES?' someone else argued.

A Passover meal doesn't include blueberry pie, but instead symbolic foods such as lamb's shankbone, a roasted egg, a paste of fruit and nuts, bitter herbs, and matzo

Instagram users ran to the comments to discuss the 'embarrassing' image

Another joked: 'Ah yes, Passover Blueberry Pie.'

'Seriously this is either embarrassing for you, or deliberately wrong,' a person commented.

'You've got to be kidding me @ikeausa this is absurd,' someone else said.

In response to the backlash, IKEA told DailyMail.com, 'We value the importance of cultural and religious traditions and apologize for the oversight in our original Passover post.

'We've updated the post and we appreciate those who took the time to share feedback with us.'

The brand took down the original post and shared a new snap of matzo on Friday, writing, 'As Passover comes to a close on Sunday, we are wishing everyone a joyous holiday.'
It's been nearly 20 years since Tom Cruise's infamous outburst on the Today show, where he passionately railed against antidepressants and called psychiatry a 'pseudoscience.'

At the time, the rant was widely mocked  and Cruise was dismissed as a Hollywood eccentric for spouting controversial views.

But now, with a record number of young Americans being diagnosed with depression and prescriptions for antidepressants soaring among teens and 20-somethings, Cruise's tirade is being viewed in a new light.

Today, new CDC data showed that nearly 18 percent of Americans had depression in 2023, an all-time high. In 2005, when Cruise's controversial interview aired, that figure was about 5.4 percent.

At the same time, the agency revealed that 11 percent of Americans were taking antidepressants in 2023. While that figure has dropped slightly in recent years, the top-line figure hides a dramatic surge among younger adults: antidepressant use among 18- to 24-year-olds has jumped 35 percent from 2018 to 2023.

Cruise, a long-time critic of what he views as the over-prescription of psychiatric drugs - particularly to young people - warned in that 2005 interview about the influence of Big Pharma and the quick-fix mentality he believed was being sold to vulnerable youth.

And the data seems to support at least part of his concern, according to Dr Sarah Boss, a psychiatrist in New York City who worries about overprescribing.

She told DailyMail.com: 'When we medicate a condition, whether it be ADHD or depression, we put a band-aid over a wound.

'Without the medication, nothing has changed. When it comes to mental health, we need to focus on sustainable, long-term solutions to help people overcome the root cause of their issue.'

A clip of Cruise's interview has resurfaced on social media, where it's been viewed millions of times.

In his explosive interview, Cruise said that all antidepressants do 'is mask the problem. You're not getting to the reason why.'

He also claimed that 'there is no such thing as a chemical imbalance,' a leading though controversial theorized cause of depression and other mental disorders.

He said: 'If you start talking about chemical imbalance, you have to evaluate and read the research papers on how they came up with these theories of chemical imbalance in the brain. There is no science behind it.'

The idea that depression is caused by a 'chemical imbalance' in the brain started in the 1950s, when the first psychiatric drugs were developed.

Scientists believed that low levels of brain chemicals like serotonin and norepinephrine could cause low moodand that medication could help fix it.

But over the past 25 years, many experts have questioned this theory, saying it's far too simple.

Most now agree that mental illness is caused by a mix of things - not just brain chemicals, but also genetics, life experiences, stress, and even differences in brain structure.

Dr Boss said: 'In some cases, medication can be a fantastic asset to help someone in a severe case get back on their feet or to manage the pain of a detox, for example.

'But it is not a long-term solution for mental health struggles. We need an integrative approach, not a quick fix.'

In his explosive interview, Cruise said that all antidepressants do 'is mask the problem. You're not getting to the reason why'

Back in the 1950s and 60s, doctors didn't have brain scans or blood tests to prove the theory. They just noticed that some drugs seemed to lift people's moods.

One of those drugs, called iproniazid, was originally used to treat tuberculosis. But patients on it felt happier, which led scientists to look at how it affected brain chemicals. It turned out to boost levels of serotonin, dopamine, and norepinephrineall linked to mood.

Meanwhile, another drug called reserpine, used for high blood pressure, often made people feel depressed. It lowered those same brain chemicals.

Then, in the 1980s, a new type of drug called SSRIslike Prozacwas introduced. These targeted serotonin specifically and became the most well-known antidepressants, helping make the 'chemical imbalance' theory even more popular.

SSRIs have come under increased scrutiny in recent years based on growing concerns about their side effects.

SSRIs commonly cause sexual dysfunction, weight gain, insomnia, headaches, nausea, and dizziness.

People may also experience emotional numbing, to the point where they feel disconnected from life and less emotionally reactive.

Frequent side effects of SSRIs include indigestion, insomnia and loss of libido, according to the NHS. But they could also trigger excessive sweating and increase sensitivity to the sun

Despite concerns that doctors dole out prescriptions for antidepressants too readily, they have been deemed effective in myriad clinical trials and have become the standard of care for depression and other mood disorders.

In 2018, a sweeping meta-analysis by a coalition of international psychiatrists looked at how 21 different antidepressants perform in treating major depression in adults.

They found that all the antidepressants worked better than a placebo.

In 1999, scientists identified that a common SSRI called Celexa was highly effective in people with depression. Doses of the drug, especially at 40 mg and 60 mg, led to significantly greater improvements in depression symptoms, particularly in mood, melancholia, and cognitive issues, compared to the placebo.

Even lower doses of 10 mg and 20 mg showed consistent benefits.

In 2018, scientists came to a similar conclusion about sertraline, marketed as Zoloft. Seventy-seven adults with major depression were randomly assigned to receive either sertraline (50 mg daily, adjustable up to 200 mg) or a placebo.

Around 11 percent of Americans took antidepressant medication in 2023. Rates of prescriptions are rising among children and young adults

The primary outcome was a 50 percent reduction in the 17-item Hamilton Depression Rating Scale score.

Results also showed that 72 percent of sertraline-treated patients achieved this response, compared to 32 percent in the placebo group.

A doctor typically does not prescribe medication until the patient has tried talk therapy, or is receiving therapy in conjunction with daily medication.

Medications are also typically prescribed to people dealing with moderate to severe depression, rather than someone experiencing mild depression that has not greatly impacted their life.

Still, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and other forms of therapy have also shown strong evidence of efficacy, particularly for mild depression.

The medications work by increasing the availability of serotonin in the brain, which seemed to alleviate symptoms of depression in many patients, though the delay between chemical changes and mood improvement raised questions about how they actually worked.

In 2023, women were more likely to take these medications compared to men  15 percent (one in seven) versus seven percent, or one in 14.

Adults aged 18-44 were less likely to use antidepressants, with 10.7 percent taking them, compared to about 12 percent of those aged 45-64 and just slightly more among those aged 65-74.

However, there was no major difference in antidepressant use between people aged 75 and older and the other age groups.

Despite ongoing uncertainty about what exactly causes someone to become depressed, medications that correct a neurotransmitter imbalance are still among the most used tools in a psychiatrist's arsenal, in addition to therapy.

Around 18 percent of Americans currently experience depression, and around 11 percent are medicated for it, according to the CDC

And while doctors typically advise patients to take medication in conjunction with therapy, many people don't due to a lack of available providers near them or an inability to afford it.

This means many people being treated by psychiatrists, who are primarily responsible for dispensing medications, not acting as a talk therapist, might not be drilling into the root causes of their depression and thus, as Cruise posited, are using medications as a band-aid.

Compared to the US, Canadian doctors prescribe far fewer antidepressants. Between five and nine percent of Canadians take them.

While the use of antidepressants increased significantly during the 1990s and early 2000s, more recent data indicate that this trend has slowed or plateaued.

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A 2012 study, for instance, found that the increase in antidepressant use had leveled off compared to earlier decades.

Antidepressant use in the US is on the rise, though.

A study published in the journal Pediatrics found that the monthly antidepressant dispensing rate increased by 66.3 percent between January 2016 and December 2022, with a further 63.5 percent increase after March 2020.

In that same interview, Cruise said that ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder) was often misdiagnosed and that the use of drugs like Ritalin and Adderall to treat ADHD was part of a larger problematic trend of over-relying on medication.

The trend has been particularly noticeable in children, with some estimates indicating that around 1 in 10 school-age children in the U.S. were being prescribed ADHD medications in recent years.
A 16-year-old who almost died of a life-threatening lung infection has warned youngsters to avoid vapes at all costs, after doctors said her 18-month habit triggered her disease.

Isabella Troncao, from Las Vegas, developed a bacterial infection in her throat last year, which quickly turned into deadly Lemierres syndrome  when a bug spreads to vital blood vessels.

It can swiftly end up in different parts of the body, including the jugular veins which connect the head and the heart.

In Ms Troncao's case, the condition eventually led to sepsis, leaving her 'hours from death' and requiring a month-long stay in hospital in which doctors removed a litre of fluid from her lung.

Now, the teenager has issued a stark warning to her peers, stating 'nobody should vape'.

'It's a strain on your lungs and it's making lots of people sick.

'I felt like it was a sign of God that I was meant to stay on this earth for a reason. It's crazy to think I would have missed it in that small time window.

'It definitely feels like I've been given a second chance at life.'

Isabella Troncao was told by doctors that her vaping habit had triggered a bacterial infection that eventually led to life-threatening sepsis

The harrowing tale comes as the popularity of disposable e-cigarettes in the UK appears to have plateaued.

The percentage of 16-24 year-olds who use disposable vapes has dropped by nearly half in the last year from 63 per cent to 35 per cent, according to University College London (UCL) research.

Meanwhile, the proportion of vapers stayed constant between January 2024 and January this year.

However, the scientists behind the research have warned that this doesn't mean vaping is being phased out.

They believe young users are switching to refillable and rechargeable vapes instead of giving up in preparation for the upcoming ban on disposable devices that are often marketed at young people.

Isabella first picked up the habit 18 months a go to 'impress' a potential romantic interest.

She began smoking legal marijuana vapes, before starting nicotine ones.

But within a week of switching, she began to feel unwell.

The teenager started her vaping habit as a way of impressing a crush.

'They would make my throat burn and I got sick within a week,' she said. 'It felt like there was a 50lb weight on the left side of my chest.

'I was in so much pain, it was like I wanted to breathe but I couldn't take a full breath in.'

Eventually, her condition spiralled. 'I couldn't get up to go to the bathroom and I couldn't stay awake. My mum and my brother tried to get me to the car [to take me to hospital] because I couldn't walk.'

The family knew there was something wrong when doctors at the hospital rushed her through for immediate assesment.

'They drew my blood and it didn't take long for them to tell my mum I was in septic shock,' she said. 'It had spread all over my body, which was shutting down.

'They told me that if I had come in a few hours later that day I would have died, I was definitely close to death so that's crazy to think about.'

Medics at the St. Rose Dominican Hospital in Nevada where she was treated told her the vaping had likely contributed to the bacteria build-up in her body, which had triggered the sepsis.

The medical team were forced to drain a litre of fluid from Isabella's lung, in order to save her life, she said.

She stayed in hospital for three months for monitoring on several blood clots as well as a litre of fluid on her lung.

Her mother said: 'The worst feeling was having someone say they don't know if she's going to make it, that was really hard.'

She remained in hospital for a month due to blood clots in her throat, lung and left arm.

Isabella's mum Francesca, 44, said she thought her daughter just had a sore throat at first, and wasn't aware she was vaping.

'I found the vape in her pocket and she was too scared to tell me where she got it from,' she said.

'She was dating a new boy and she was smoking with him, it's hard because I blame myself too.

'We all do stupid things but they're marketing these vapes with fruity flavours and fancy colours... they're worse than cigarettes.

'The worst feeling was having someone say they don't know if she's going to make it, that was really hard.'

Data published last year found that around 5.6million people in the UK are current vapers, while 2.2million use both electric and traditional cigarettes.

The Tobacco and Vapes Bill, currently working its way through Parliament, includes powers to potentially restrict the packaging, marketing and flavours of vapes.
Patients stuck in overwhelmed NHS corridors are now being given airline-style care packages with eye masks and earplugs to help them cope with chaotic hospital admissions.

One endometriosis patient, who was left on a bed for two days, was given a brown paper care bag with a host of items including a comb and toothbrush, as well as stickers labelled 'do not disturb' and 'wake me up for food'.

Sarah, 42, said the pack, given by the Countess of Chester Hospital, came with a letter apologising for a lack of beds in the hospital.

She was given the bag after arriving via ambulance for pain caused by the agonising reproductive condition  which causes womb-like tissue to grow in other parts of the body.

'I got given a bottle of water, an eye mask because obviously they can't turn the corridor lights off, ear-plugs to block out the noise, a little toothbrush, a little comb and hygiene products, and I just thought is this how it is now?,' she told LBC.

Patients being left on trolleys, chairs or temporary beds in corridors has become an increasing problem in the NHS, as the health service runs out of beds on hospital wards.

Sarah, who was left in an A&E corridor for two days in March before self-discharging, said her experience had been devoid of privacy and dignity.

'You could hear people screaming, shouting, fights happening in A&E, in the reception, police coming past, and then you've got complete strangers just staring because where else are they meant to look?' she said.

Patients stuck in overwhelmed NHS corridors are now being given airline-style care packages with eye masks and earplugs to distract from their extreme waits

Sarah, 42, said she was given the pack after she arrived at the Countess of Chester Hospital via ambulance for pain she was suffering from endometriosis. She ended up being put in a corridor for two days

A Countess of Chester Hospital NHS Foundation Trust spokesperson said: 'Our staff are working hard through unprecedented demand for A&E services to see and treat patients quickly based on the urgency of their needs

'You've got no privacy whatsoever. Your dignity is totally gone.

'I was being sick...and there's a lady behind me with dementia and her poor daughter was just completely...you know, didn't even know what to do.'

A Countess of Chester Hospital NHS Foundation Trust spokesperson said of the LBC investigation: 'Our staff are working hard through unprecedented demand for A&E services to see and treat patients quickly based on the urgency of their needs.

'Regrettably, this means some people will have a long wait in a busy environment, which is not the experience they have a right to expect, and for this we are wholeheartedly sorry.

Responding to Sarah's experience, Health Minister Karin Smyth said it is 'unacceptable' that corridor care had become routine in the NHS.

'We want to see the end of that. Its not fair to patients, it's not fair to staff, coming in to see those wards,' she said.

Giving patients vanity packages risks 'normalising' this type of care, she added.

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Sarah's experience follows a damming report from the Royal College of Physicians which found four in five hospital medics had been forced to treat patients in 'unsuitable' public spaces.

One doctor said a patient had died due to being positioned too far away from life-saving equipment.

They had also seen 'end-of-life patients waiting for hours in the back of ambulances or in emergency departments, feeling like they are a burden'.

Corridor care has now become so routine in parts of the NHS that some hospitals are now recruiting dedicated 'corridor medics' to staff these areas.

Other harrowing tales, of patients being forced to urinate into bottles in corridors or waiting in chairs for 55 hours for care, have also emerged in recent months.

The latest NHS England data show almost 47,000 patients were forced to wait longer than 12 hours for emergency care in A&Es last month.

Also called 'trolley waits' these represent the time between a medic deciding a patient needs to be admitted and when they are given a bed.

But critics claim this underestimates the true scale of the problem as it doesn't tally the total time a patient spends waiting in A&E from the point when they arrive.

Bed-blockers  patients well enough to leave hospital but unable to get care at home are one of the driving factors behind corridor care.

Also called delayed discharges these patients through no fault of their own  take up an NHS bed leaving fewer for incoming patients to be transferred to.
President Donald Trump's newly formed CDC is considering a shakeup to the Covid vaccine schedule.

Currently the agency recommends every American adult and child over the age of six months gets a yearly booster shot, which is out of line with most other countries.

The CDC's outside panel of vaccine experts this week discussed narrowing the recommendations to only include people who are especially vulnerable to the disease - the elderly and those with conditions that put them at risk of severe infections.

If the plans go ahead, it could be another blow for the pharmaceutical giants behind the shots, which have seen their revenue and earnings drop significantly post-pandemic.

The vaccine committee met on Tuesday to discuss the issue as well as decide the vaccine schedules for other diseases for the 2025 season.

The meeting was controversially delayed for the first time in its history in February, which led to fears new health chief Robert F Kennedy Jr - a known vaccine skeptic - may have been looking to exert influence over the committee.

A vote on the idea could come at the next committee meeting, scheduled for June. The recommendations by the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices are traditionally then honored and implemented by the CDC.

While most members on the vaccine panel were not opposed to altering the recommendations, they voiced concerns around the difficulties of implementing the approach.

President Donald Trump's newly formed CDC is tipped to launch a Covid vaccine shakeup that could crush big pharma profits

The vaccine committee met on Tuesday to discuss the issue as well as decide the vaccine schedules for other diseases for the 2025 season

Dr Denise Jamieson, a dean at the University of Iowa's medical school and one of the panel members, said the US has a history of not being able to implement such variable recommendations and that COVID is still a leading cause of death among both adults and children.

'I guess I am surprised we're considering a risk-based recommendation,' she said.

Dr Jamie Loehr, a family medicine doctor in New York and part of the panel, said he is happy the committee is considering a risk-based recommendation but also worried about feasibility and the message it would send.

'Covid is still a fairly dangerous disease and very, very common,' he highlighted.

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'We are not talking about 10 cases of mpox. We are talking about thousands of hospitalizations and deaths.'

There are currently around 500 Covid deaths per week across the US now compared to 25,000 at the peak in late 2020.

A majority of the CDC's working group favored the risk-based approach compared to the current near universal recommendation.

The panel is set to vote on formal recommendations in its June meeting.

The Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices also voted on recommendations for use of three vaccines also discussed during the two-day meeting, shots for respiratory syncytial virus, chikungunya, a mosquito-borne disease, and meningococcal vaccines.

There are currently around 500 Covid deaths per week across the US now compared to 25,000 at the peak in late 2020

The CDC currently recommends that individuals aged six months and older should be given an updated Covid-19 vaccine, regardless of previous inoculations for the disease. A graph shows the current vaccination coverage among adults in the US

The panel also discussed the ongoing US measles outbreak that has infected over 700 people this year, mostly among unvaccinated residents in Texas and New Mexico.

'Today's long-delayed ACIP meeting harks what we think are early indications of a more relaxed CDC under (Kennedy's) purview of the HHS,' Citi analysts said.

The CDC director typically signs off on the panel's recommendations before they are implemented, but the agency does not currently have one.

President Donald Trump nominated Susan Monarez to lead the CDC after withdrawing the nomination of former Republican congressman and vaccine critic Dave Weldon, but she has yet to be confirmed by the Senate.

An HHS spokesperson said CDC Chief of Staff Matthew Buzzelli would weigh in instead on the recommendations.

It comes amid low public enthusiasm about the Covid vaccines. Just 23.2 percent of adults over the age of 18 got their booster this year.

The CDC currently recommends that individuals aged six months and older should be given an updated Covid-19 vaccine, regardless of previous inoculations for the disease.

America's recommendation makes it an outlier on Covid vaccines. Other countries like the UK and UK only recommend boosters for vulnerable children with chronic health problems.

The vaccine meeting was abruptly delayed in February just days after Robert F. Kennedy Jr., a long-time vaccine skeptic, became head of the US Department of Health and Human Services

A potential risk-based recommendation would eat into the already dwindling Covid vaccine sales for drugmakers, such as Pfizer and Moderna, Citi analysts said in a research note.

In early 2020, Pfizers stock hovered around $37. By December 2021, it had surged to over $61 as its Covid jab rolled out across the world.

Moderna, a biotech newcomer at the time, closed 2020 at around $104, up more than 430 percent that year.

The following summer, its shares skyrocketed to $416, fuelled by record profits and unprecedented demand for its mRNA shot.

But as the pandemic waned and vaccine demand plummeted, both companies saw their share prices tumble dramatically.

Pfizer stock has more than halved from its peak, now sitting around $26  a low not seen in over a decade.

Modernas fall has been even steeper, with shares shedding almost 90 percent of its value, dropping to just $42.
Patients taking a common blood pressure medication have been urged to check their supply due to the risk they could double the intended dose and suffer harmful side effects.

British regulators issued the warning on packs of lercanidipine hydrochloride tablets due to a misprint on the label.

The Medicines and Healthcare Products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) said some packs of 20mg tablets had been mislabelled as containing 10mg tablets and then distributed to patients who normally take the lower dosage.

Taking too much of the drug can cause problems like a fast or irregular heartbeat, dizziness and drowsiness.

The MHRA said patients should check if their medication, from Recordati Pharmaceuticals Limited, has the batch number MD4L07 with an expiry date of January 2028.

This code is printed on the foil of the blister pack.

More than 7,700 packs affected by the recall have been distributed, according to the MHRA.

The regulator said patients who normally take the 10mg version of the pill, and have an affected batch, should contact their GP or pharmacist or NHS 111.

British regulators issued the warning on packs of lercanidipine hydrochloride tablets due to a misprint on the label that could see patients take a higher dose than advised

If this isn't possible, they should take half a 20mg tablet as a temporary measure until they can speak to a medical professional.

Patients on the 20mg dose should check the medication is the correct dosage and then take it as normal, though if they have any concerns they should contact their pharmacist.

Dr Alison Cave, MHRA Chief Safety Officer said: 'Patient safety is our top priority. We ask patients to check their medicine packaging and follow our advice.

'Healthcare professionals such as pharmacists are also being asked to stop supplying medicine from the affected batch and to return it to the supplier.'

Recordati Pharmaceuticals Limited is also issuing a recall of packages which have not yet been distributed to patients.

Lercanidipine is a blood pressure medication and makes it easier for the heart to pump blood around the body.

Tablets come as either a 10mg or 20mg dosage that patients take once per day, with patients usually starting on a lower dose.

Any patients who takes more than their advised dose should contact NHS 111.

NHS backed data shows 4million prescriptions of lercanidipine hydrochloride were distributed in England last year.
Washington, DC, US (PANA) - The Gambian authorities and a team of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) have reached a staff-level agreement on the request for access under the Resilience and Sustainability Facility (RSF) to enhance resilience to climate change
The sun comes out and our minds immediately go to warm evenings with a glass of everyones go-to summer tipple: rose wine. From Whispering Angel to Miraval, everyone from your favourite celebrity to your aunt has their rose tribe  and will no doubt be posting about it on social media.

But if you dont want to splurge 25 on a bottle, wheres the best place to get a decent bottle on a budget? According to most connoisseurs, Aldis wine aisle.

Lauded for its affordable alternatives across everything from concealers to caterpillars (no one mention Cuthbert), the supermarkets swaps for iconic roses are the best of the bunch.

Belo, we've rounded up the five to shop this spring based on your favourite OG brand, from a 10 Provence to a Rosorange that one wine expert says is the perfect summer drink.

 Slide me  Sainte Victoire Provence Rose/Whispering Angel

If you like: Whispering Angel, 22.25, Sainsburys

Try: Chassaux et Fils Sainte Victoire Provence Rose, 11.99, Aldi

This Provence rose is a classic style with notes of red berries, watermelon, citrus, raspberry and pear, resulting in a fresh and dry drink. Its made with the same four grapes as Whispering Angel, and according to wine expert Tom Gilby its clean, crisp and an absolute banger.

 Slide me  Unearthed Thracian Valley Pinot Noir Rose/Studio Rose by Miraval

If you like: Studio Rose by Miraval, 15, Waitrose

Try: Unearthed Thracian Valley Pinot Noir Rose, 8.99, Aldi

Aldis delicate Pinot Noir rose is exceptionally light, with notes of ripe strawberries, peach, melon and pear. Its a great swap for lovers of the easy-to-drink Studio Miraval, being slightly more floral and lighter-bodied than Whispering Angel.

 Slide me  Primitivo Rosato Puglia Rose/San Marzano Tramari Rose di Primitivo

If you like: San Marzano Tramari Rose di Primitivo, 14.95, Wine Republic

Try: Primitivo Rosato Puglia Rose, 6.99, Aldi

Aldis smooth and velvety Primitivo has rich notes of grapefruit and sweet red berry, perfect for those who enjoy a balance of citrusy freshness and summery sweetness. Its perfect for lovers of southern Italian roses, and particularly those that arent too acidic  like the fruity San Marzano Tramari.

 Slide me  Specially Selected Rosorange Rose/Domaine Binner Si Rose

If you like: Domaine Binner Si Rose, 35.90, Monty Wines

Try: Specially Selected Rosorange Rose, 9.99, Aldi

Aldis Rosorange (a mixture between a traditional rose and trendy orange wine) quickly went viral when it was initially released last summer, with critics labelling it delightful, perfect and stunning. Its a great option for those who enjoy a flavourful, exotic drink, like Binners Si Rose, with its perfumed aroma and vibrant notes of apricot and apples.

 Slide me  Australian Jammy Rose/Saint Clair Pioneer Block Rose

If you like: Saint Clair Pioneer Block Rose, 14.99, Majestic

Try: Australian Jammy Rose, 5.99, Aldi

If you prefer the slightly darker and more spicy characteristics of Australian and New Zealand wines, then Aldis Jammy Rose is a great option. There are flavours of strawberry, redcurrant and a subtle hint of florals, but theres still a crispness to offer the perfect balance.
Comedian Tyler Fischer is persona-non-grata at Fox after being accused of harassing a young female employee at the network's New York studios earlier this year.

Fischer, 38, was a frequent guest on Gutfeld!, the network's widely popular late night show that pulls in about five million viewers nightly.

But after boldly asking out a young female staffer during a visit to the network's Manhattan HQ in January, his appearances have dried up.

Fischer says his only 'crime' was innocently asking the woman out for coffee.

He'd been asked to appear on Gutfeld's show on January 30, and was in the building early for a meeting when he encountered the young woman sitting at her desk.

Fischer, speaking to Daily Mail, described it as a 'flirty little interaction'.

'I introduced myself, I said "Hey, I'm Tyler... I need to get going to the show to film, but would you ever get coffee sometime"' he recalls himself saying.

Moments later, he was approached by security.

The female staffer complained that he'd harassed her and reported it. Fischer insisted to DailyMail.com there was nothing aggressive or unfriendly about the interaction, saying it was 'consensual and we agreed to exchange information.

'I asked if shed like to get coffee another time and she said yes. Thats what prompted me to ask about exchanging contact information, which was also consensual.'

Comedian Tyler Fischer says he's been blacklisted by Fox after asking out a female employee at the network

The incident occurred at Fox's Sixth Avenue HQ on January 30, when Fischer was in the building to film Gutfeld!

Within minutes, he recalled, 'Security grabbed me and I was escorted me off the floor.

'It was confusing - I didn't get what happened... I was stunned and humiliated,' he says.

Fischer was then accompanied by security to the Gutfeld set to film, and left the studios afterwards.

Two weeks later, a pre-arranged appearance was canceled.

Fischer - who has appeared on the show over a dozen times in the last two years - hasn't been asked back since.

He believes he's a victim of a woke 'mind virus' culture, and that he did nothing wrong.

'It is not illegal or against any rules at Fox to ask a grown adult for coffee,' he fumed, a day after taking to X to air his claims - a decision he said he did not take lightly. He gave Fox a full two months to address his inquiries, he said.

'But in the woke mind virus world, any advance by a man is labeled as some kind of toxic masculinity,' he fumed.

Fischer is now contemplating legal action against the network, he says - adding how he even warned Fox he was going to post about it to explain his side and absence to fans.

'It is beyond tragic to see men hide away in fear. I, for one, will not allow it to happen to me,' he said, slamming the 'harassment' claims as a 'false accusation.'

Fischer was a regular on Fox's widely popular late night show Gutfeld! until the January incident

Fischer claims he was unfairly accused of harassment and blacklisted as a result

A source said to have knowledge of the situation, however, told DailyMail.com the incident played out differently, claiming Fischer grabbed the woman's phone and put his number in it forcibly, before returning it and 'demand[ing] to know she had the number now.'

'And it wasn't friendly', the source said.

Representatives for Fox, meanwhile, declined to comment. The staffer in question has not been named.

She was sitting at her desk and had not been interacting with Fischer when he approached her, he said.

The interaction was overheard by other network employees.

As for Fischer, he is a comedian who lives full-time in Texas. He had been renting out an apartment in New York specifically to appear on Fox, he said - adding how sans some early, initial responses from Fox in February, he has yet to hear anything more.

A well-known figure, Fischer has appeared on both the Joe Rogan Experience and Kill Tony, and is currently touring across the US. He has built a sizable following over the past or two years thanks to his Gutfeld! appearances.

In a previous spat, he accused a talent agency of refusing to sign him because he is a white man.

We love you. Everyone here loves you and thinks youre a star, but were not taking you because youre white,' he claims agents at AGI said.

Fox faced a sexual harassment reckoning in 2017 with an onslaught of #MeToo allegations against late chairman Roger Ailes and a handful of male stars.

Bill O'Reilly was among star hosts who'd been accused of harassing female colleagues.
Seventeen times more potholes could have been repaired last year if councils used a standardised approach to filling in craters in our local roads, new research has said.

A study identified a massive 650 difference in the amount local authorities are spending per planned pothole repair, suggesting millions is being wasted due to inconsistent strategies and repair techniques.

A Freedom of Information (FOI) request submitted by Citroen to 284 councils across England, Scotland and Wales suggests that if all councils paid the lowest amount recorded for a single planned pothole fix, there could have been 33.3 million fewer craters on routes.

The report found that, because councils had significantly different processes, and therefore costs, for reactive and planned pothole repairs, just 1.89 million were filled throughout 2024.

French car maker Citroen - which has long campaigned for an improved approach to pothole repairs in the UK - is warning that councils are at risk of wasting a staggering 1.23 billion by overspending on road maintenance.

This is not the first time polarised approaches councils are taking to pothole repairs have been laid bare. Last year, This is Money reported how a joint RAC and Channel 4 Dispatches investigation exposed the varying criteria required for councils to send out road fixing teams.

The lack of standardised pothole repair criteria across the UK means 33.3 million potholes weren't filled in last year that could have been, a new Freedom of Information request from Citroen has found

Citroens discovery follows the 2025 Annual Local Authority Road Maintenance (ALARM) report, which in March revealed that 52 per cent of roads have less than 15 years structural life remaining.

The one-off cost to fix this approaching crisis and bring the road network up to the ideal condition is claimed to have increased to a cool 16.81 billion.

The ALARM report also looked into the average cost for a reactive and planned pothole repair and found it was 72.37.

However, while this might be the average, the disparity in potholes repair costs each council is coughing up varies massively from over 500 to the price of a supermarket meal deal, according to the results of Citroen's FOI.

Out of the 284 councils Citroen approached, 145 responded - and just 61 had comparable data, with authorities not even having a standardised approach to how it records these figures.

The FOI showed Shetland Islands Council spent the most, forking out an eye watering 656 per single planned pothole repair in 2024.

Shropshire Council and Coventry City Council spent 654 and 633.90 respectively per crater filled.

In comparison, Cardiff Council spent just 4.13 on a single planned pothole fix in the same time period, highlighting a significant imbalance between local authorities.

If all of the 1.89 million potholes filled in last year were repaired at the rate of the most expensive council repair (656), the cost would be 1.2 billion, while using Cardiff's 4.13-a-pothole approach would see that bill plummet to only 7.8 million across the country.

On top of this, if Cardiffs approach was the standardised methodology then the Shetland Islands Council could have filled in nine times more potholes in 2024.

The highest and lowest spending councils for a single planned pothole repair 2024 HIGHEST SPEND PER SINGLE PLANNED POTHOLE REPAIR 1. Shetland Islands Council: 656 2. Shropshire Council: 654 3. Coventry City Council: 633.90 4. North Lanarkshire Council: 479.78 5. Argyl and Bute Council: 513.01 LOWEST SPEND PER SINGLE PLANNED POTHOLE REPAIR 1. Cardiff Council - 4.13 2. Rotherham Metropolitan Borough Council: 18.06 3. London Borough of Southwark: 34.75 4. East Riding of Yorkshire Council: 35 5. Worcestershire County Council: 43.27 Source: Citroen FOI to 284 councils across Great Britain (145 responded and 61 provided comparable data

Citroen, which has developed its own Advanced Comfort suspension system for its cars, has for years been calling for improvements to Britain's roads, especially concerning potholes

The discrepancy in how councils assess and repair potholes

Last year, the RAC and Channel 4's Dispatches found that whether potholes do or don't get fixed depends entirely on each council's own criteria.

And as with repair costs of a pothole, there is not a standard definition of what depth constitutes a pothole, and therefore whether it's in need of being repaired.

The probe found that a third of councils will only fix potholes when they reach a specific depth, irrelevant of how wide they are.

Incredibly, three-in-10 councils don't state any public criteria for repairing potholes.

Accordingly, the 2025 ALARM Report suggested that around three-quarters of surveyed councils use a guideline depth of 40mm to define a pothole.

Dispatches also found that the most common depth for pothole repair is 4cm (54 councils), but only 35 per cent (out of 206 councils surveyed) will act on potholes if they meet this barometer.

But some councils - Warwickshire, Torbay, Thurrock, Nottingham, Torfaen and South Lanarkshire - won't fix potholes unless they're at least 5cm deep.

The RAC's main concern was that the use of specific size-based criteria could 'kick the can down the road' and avoid pothole repairs, exacerbating the UK's pothole crisis.

In the wake of the discovery it called on 'Whitehall to provide fresh guidance to councils to bring about consistency when it comes to prioritising potholes and taking action to fix them.'

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A third of councils will only fix potholes when they reach a specific depth, irrelevant of how wide they are. In most cases this is 4cm deep

Citroen is also calling for a standardised approach to repairs, because without it the Government risks wasting recently announced 1.6 billion investment into pothole maintenance - the additional amount the UK Government has committed to giving British councils for pothole repairs.

If all councils spent 4.13 per single planned pothole repair, like Cardiff Council, the governments 1.6 billion investment could fund 387 million potholes based on the 2024 figures.

This is compared to only an additional 2.4 million more potholes being filled if all councils spent 656 per pothole repair, the most expensive rate for a single planned pothole repair.

Greg Taylor, Managing Director Citroen UK, said: 'Road conditions in Great Britain continue to deteriorate year-on-year and our data highlights the issues around pothole repairs, in particular the considerable overspending on planned and reactive pothole repairs because of a non-standardised approach to maintenance.

'We are glad that the government has committed to give councils an additional 1.6 billion to repair potholes, but without a standardised approach this money is at risk of being wasted.'
Electric cars might be more expensive to buy than a petrol equivalent but we're consistently told they offer more affordable running costs during ownership.

From incredibly cheap home charging, less expensive servicing bills due to having fewer mechanical parts to maintain compared to petrol and diesel cars, and exemption from low emission zone charges - like ULEZ - means motorists pay much less day-to-day.

But for Tesla owners, one higher cost than any other car has been exposed - the bill to replace tyres. This is because they need replacing more often, according to a report by KwikFit.

Research by the car servicing and repair company reveals which cars and vans need new rubber most frequently, and the Tesla Model 3 tops the table across the UK.

And this can get expensive quickly, as Tesla tyres cost anything from 78 to 220, the vehicle servicing specialist said.

It comes as various studies have tried to suggest that EVs produce more tyre emissions than conventional combustion cars - but is that really the case?

The Tesla Model 3 needed its tyres changes most frequently in 54 areas across Britain, which is more than double that of second place

The data from KwikFit, which claims to fit more tyres to the nations cars than any other company, was collated from the two million plus British car owners who take their vehicles to its centres each year.

Analysing 12 months of its own data, it found that different cars need new tyres more often in different parts of the UK, indicating that driving conditions in some locations are tougher on tyres than others.

However, the Tesla Model 3 tops the list in significantly more locations than any other. In fact it is the vehicle that burns through rubber in twice as many areas as the Citroen Berlingo van in second place.

Looking at which models were disproportionately more likely to be brought in for tyre changes than the average car in every area of Britain, the company's analysts calculated an index figure for each model.

Citroen, Mercedes and BMW models were listed at the top of the order below Tesla as those needing tyres replacing at an above average rate.

The Tesla Model 3 topped the table in 54 areas across Britain, landing it clearly in first place for toughest tyre wear.

These ranged from Aberdeenshire to Devon, with the highest score in the KwikFit Maintenance Index in Enfield, where it has an index figure of 9.4.

Additionally, across London, it tops the chart in 14 out of the capitals 32 boroughs and is in the top three places in a further seven.

The Citroen Berlingo comes top in 24 areas, including Argyll and Bute and Wiltshire.

Its highest index figure of 9.2 was seen in Medway.

Yet, despite being top of the table in 24 areas of the UK, the model doesnt appear in the top three in any of the London boroughs.

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The Citroen Berlingo is the vehicle model that churns through tyres the second most often in the UK, with 24 areas where it has the most tyre changes of any model

CAR MODELS WITH THE MOST TYRE WEAR Ranking Model Number of areas where model topped the list for tyre changes 1 Tesla Model 3 54 2 Citroen Berlingo 24 3 Tesla Model Y 16 4 Mercedes CLA 9 5 Volvo XC40 7 6 BMW 4 Series 7 7 BMW 2 Series 5 8 Jaguar XE 4 9 Kia Niro 3 10 Skoda Karoq 3 Source - KwikFit

The Tesla Model Y also made the list, with tyre replacements needed most frequently in 16 areas

In third place is another Tesla, the world's best-selling car of 2023, the Model Y SUV. This was brought in for new rubber most frequently in 16 areas.

Fourth place went to the Mercedes CLA (nine areas) while the top six were rounded out by the the BMW 4 Series and the Volvo XC40 both with seven areas.

When all the models from each manufacturer are combined, it can be seen that five marques account for the vehicles most disproportionately needing new tyres in four fifths of the country (80 per cent of areas).

Tesla and Citroen remain in first and second place in this combined table, but BMW takes the third position with a range of model families contributing to its score, namely the 2 and 4 series, as well as the X1, X3 and X5.

Tesla however has explained to This is Money that above average changing of Model 3 tyres likely ties in with the Model 3 delivery period; Tesla started delivering the Model 3 in volume in the UK in 2021 - within the three to five year period typical for tyre replacement recommendations.

The US brand also pointed out that tyre changes are the only regular maintenance owners need to do because Tesla doesn't require or ask for annual servicing for its cars, with the Honest John Satisfaction Index survey ranking Tesla the best-rated reliable car brand for 2025.

CAR MAKES WITH THE MOST TYRE WEAR Ranking Manufacturer Number of areas where manufacturer topped the list for tyre changes 1 Tesla 70 2 Citroen 24 3 BMW 15 4 Mercedes 14 5 Volvo 13 Source - KwikFit

Outside of these five top marques, some rogue modes require a disproportionate number of new tyres in one specific area.

For instance, the Suzuki Alto tops the table in Dundee, while the Welsh county borough of Torfaen sees the Vauxhall Adam at the top of the list.

The MG ZS on the other hand appears to find the mean streets of Barking and Dagenham tough on its tyres.

None of these models top the table anywhere else in the country.

Do electric car tyres produce more emissions than rubber fitted to petrols and diesels?

A recent study by the University of Southampton suggested earlier this year that emissions from EV brake pads and tyres are higher than those installed on petrol and diesel cars.

Lead author Dr James Parkin said: 'People generally associate pollution from cars as being from exhaust pipes and think of electric vehicles as having zero emissions.

'However, EVs still produce particulate matter due to friction and wear of the road, tyres, and brakes.'

A study published by King's College London last year also pointed to brakes and tyre wearing out 30 per cent faster on heavier EVs, leading to a greater level of particulate pollution.

However, green campaign groups have rubbished such suggestions.

Think Tank Transport & Environment says: 'There is yet to be a comprehensive study measuring particle emissions from tyres, especially of electric cars.

'It is often forgotten that electric cars are mostly fitted with designed to cope with the specific needs, including the heavier weight, of EVs to ensure that they do not wear out too quickly.

'Therefore, studies which make assumptions on tyre emissions from EVs on the basis of normal tyres are potentially overestimating the problem.'

It added: 'Blaming BEVs for tyre pollution when all road vehicles  including heavy SUVs  are to blame, is wrong.'

Checking tyre pressure regularly and keeping an eye on alignment will make sure your tyres don't wear unnecessarily quickly

KwikFits top tips to keep tyre wear to a minimum

Roger Griggs, communications director at KwikFit, said: 'While the Maintenance Index has highlighted those models which are most likely to have had new tyres fitted, our advice is consistent across all vehicles when it comes to tyre care.'

The key tip is to make sure you keeping tyres at the correct pressure.

Another crucial piece of advice is to regularly check wheel alignment which will both help prolong the life of the tyres and also ensure they hold the road effectively.

Roger adds: 'Drivers neglect tyre care at their peril. Its always vital to remember that regardless of all the other safety features on a car, they all rely on the tyres performing as expected.'
WH Smiths profits have slumped ahead of a sale of its retail division to private equity.

By contrast, it hailed a booming travel arm, in a vote of confidence for its airport and rail ambitions.

Its 480 shops in town centres will be rebranded as TG Jones after being sold to Hobbycraft owner Modella Capital for 76million.

The familiar WH Smith name will in future only remain in shops in airports, train stations and hospitals, ending a 233-year long legacy, which began when Henry Walton Smith and his wife Anna opened up a newsagents in central London, in 1792.

WH Smith said high street sales fell 7 per cent to 239million for the six months to February 28.

That contributed to profits in this division falling by 32 per cent to 15million, and reflected fewer shoppers in town centres, it said.

End of an era: WH Smiths High St stores will be rebranded as TG Jones after being sold to Hobbycraft owner Modella Capital for 76m

The update echoes retailers concerns that they will not be able to survive a barrage of higher costs over the next few years.

AJ Bell investment director Russ Mould said: If there were any lingering questions about why WH Smith was prepared to let its high street operation go on the cheap they are answered in its latest first-half results.

Sales at its travel arm rose 6 per cent to 712million for the same period, helping profits climb 12 per cent higher. WH Smith chief executive Carl Cowling struck a bullish tone about the future even as a global trade war cast a shadow.

The group, which already operates across the US and Canada including in Las Vegas casinos, plans to open 70 shops in North America over the next few years.

This is its most exciting growth market, he said.

Cowling added: We are mindful of the increased level of geopolitical and economic uncertainty, however given the resilient nature of our business, we are well-positioned to benefit from the growth opportunities in global travel retail.

The business was pretty well sheltered compared to others as it imports less than 1pc of goods from China, which has been hit with heavy tariffs by the US.

And Cowling said the firm could stand to benefit if there was a slowdown in consumer confidence. More families may buy sandwiches and snacks to eat on the plane instead of dining at restaurants before flights, he said.

Shares fell 1 per cent, or 9p, to 941.5p even as WH Smith said the second half had started well.
Yodel has been snapped up by Polish parcel locker firm InPost, the businesses announced on Thursday.

The British delivery firm was snapped up in a last-minute rescue deal early last year as Yodel lined up potential administrators in case a takeover could not be agreed.

The deal will make the Polish group the third-largest independent logistics player in Britain, behind Royal Mail and Evri, but excluding Amazon.

InPost expects the deal to bolster its market share to eight per cent and rapidly increase its capacity to more than 300million parcels annually.

InPost acquired 95.5 per cent of Yodel parent Judge Logistics' share capital, with PayPoint retaining a minority stake of 4.5 per cent.

The acquisition was structured as a debt-to-equity conversion, with InPost converting its existing loan to JLL into equity.

Up to the closing date, InPost had provided JLL with financing of around 106million in the form of convertible loan notes.

InPost's chief executive, Rafal Brzoska, said in a post on LinkedIn that the total value of the transaction amounted to 136million, including debt refinancing.

Acquisition: Yodel has been snapped up by Polish parcel locker firm InPost

In January, InPost said it planned to invest a further 600million by 2029 to expand its operations across Britain.

The acquisition builds on the partnership established between InPost and Yodel in October 2024, when Yodel began providing last-mile services through InPosts 'locker-to-door' service.

Following the transaction, InPost UK's market share will increase to around 8 per cent, with 10,000 automated parcel machines totalling more than 18,000 out-of-home pick-up points.

Brzoska said on Thursday: 'This acquisition marks a pivotal milestone in InPost's journey to revolutionise the UK delivery market as well as the group pan-European presence.'

He said Britain was a market where InPost saw 'enormous opportunity' for growth.

InPost plans for the deal to be accretive to earnings before interest, tax, depreciation and amortisation within a year.

Research published by Citizens Advice in November revealed that nearly 15million Britons experienced a problem with a parcel delivery in a four-week period.

According to an Ofcom report published in October 2024, Evri and Yodel were branded the worst parcel firms at helping their customers, while Amazon and DHL were found to be the top performers.

The most common issues were delivery delays, parcels being left in an inappropriate location, the delivery driver not knocking loudly enough, and not being given enough time to answer the door.
My wife is in the process of divorcing me. As well as the family home here in the UK, we also jointly own an apartment in the French Alps. It is owned outright with no mortgage.

Can you please advise what the capital gains tax implications are if the property is sold, and also if I buy her out and keep the property?

Heather Rogers replies: Getting divorced is stressful enough, without worrying about CGT implications.

Transfers between married couples or those in civil partnerships are normally done on a 'no gain/no loss' principle and therefore no CGT arises.

However, once you are legally separated, then this rule changes.

I will explain the general position and then deal with the specifics of your question.

Scroll down to find out how to ask Heather Rogers your tax question

Under rules in place until April 6, 2023, the transfer period for assets at 'no gain/no loss' from one spouse to another was restricted to the end of the tax year in which the couple separated.

This did not give them much time to sort out matters.

Since that date, more flexible rules came into play which give couples a longer period of time, removing the pressure when making decisions about these issues.

For CGT purposes, you are separated from your spouse or civil partner if it is:

- By a court order/formal deed of separation

- In such circumstances that the separation is likely to be permanent.

If you are neither married, or in a civil partnership, then you cannot transfer assets between you under the 'no gain/no loss' rules.

What are the CGT rules if you get divorced?

1. For disposals on or after April 6, 2023, the separating spouses/civil partners will be given up to three years, after the year of separation, to make 'no gain/no loss' transfers of assets.

2. Couples also get unlimited time to transfer assets, when those assets are subject to a formal divorce agreement.

In other words, please take note - it is important to strike a financial deal with your ex and get it signed off by the court at the same time as you divorce or legally separate, if you want this leeway.

Where assets are transferred as part of a formal divorce (or court separation) agreement, there is no time limit applied to 'no gain no loss' treatment of asset transfers.

It means that, for those assets, no CGT will be payable even if they are made outside the three-year period.

How does CGT work? Capital gains tax is payable on the profits from the sale of an asset - what you sell it for, less what you paid for it. Depending on the asset there may be certain reliefs available and each person has a capital gains tax allowance to offset against their gains. This reduced to 3,000 in April 2024, after being cut to 6,000 in April 2023. Before that, it was 12,300. If an asset was transferred to you as a gift, then the value at transfer will be the valuation for acquisition. When the asset is left to you through a will, then the probate value will be the value you are deemed to have acquired it for. You can deduct costs of acquisition and disposal if relevant - the estate agent's and solicitor's fees on sale, for example. You can also deduct costs where you have spent money and have added value to the asset. Capital gains rates are explained here.

But if the couple divorces (or becomes legally separated by court order) before the end of the three-year period, 'no gain no loss' treatment will end at the date the divorce is finalised.

That is, unless the transfer of assets takes place as part of a formal divorce (or court separation) agreement.

3. A spouse or civil partner who retains an interest in the former matrimonial home will have the option to claim Private Residence Relief when it is sold.

4. Individuals who have transferred their interest in the former matrimonial home to their ex-spouse or civil partner, and are entitled to receive a percentage of the proceeds when that home is eventually sold, will be able to apply the same tax treatment on the receipt of those proceeds that applied when they transferred their original interest in the home to their ex-spouse or civil partner.

Meanwhile, CGT can still arise within the allowed period:

- If to raise cash, a property or other asset is sold to a third party, in which case normal CGT rules would apply;

- Or if a sale occurs overseas, where rules may be different and tax may be payable.

What about your situation?

Selling up

If you sell your French apartment, you will need to report the gain both in France, to its tax authorities under its tax rules, and in the UK to HMRC under our tax rules.

HMRC has agreements with other jurisdictions regarding tax matters, and so it will be notified of the disposal.

There is a double taxation agreement with France, so you will receive credit for any capital gains tax paid in France.

As the property is in joint names, then the gain would be split between you and your wife and, if not used elsewhere, then each of you could use your own 3,000 capital gains tax allowance to offset against your gains arising under UK rules.

You can report your gain in the UK here.

You will not need to report the sale of the property or pay CGT via the Capital Gains Tax Property Disposal Scheme within 60 days of completion.

This is because, although the property is residential, it is abroad and therefore out of the scope of this legislation.

It will just need to be reported to HMRC by 31 December following the end of the tax year in which the disposal takes place, and any tax due must be paid by 31 January.

Buying out

If you decide to buy your wife out, then the transfer of her share of the property to you would not be subject to CGT.

That is because the property would be transferred on a no gain/no loss principle under the new rules explained above.

To recap, the transaction should take place within three years of the end of the tax year in which the separation occurred, or before the date the divorce is finalised if is before the end of that three-year period. The time limit is waived if it is part of a formal divorce agreement or court order.

Whatever you might end up actually paying your wife to buy out the apartment, under 'no gain/no loss' property is transferred to a spouse/divorcing spouse at its base cost  in other words, the price originally paid for the property, or their share of that cost.

When you sell the property, you will be responsible for the CGT arising on the original cost, as that is the cost you acquired it for.

You will be able to deduct the original price paid for the property, the cost of improvements and acquisition and disposal costs.

Getting help

Take advice from either your solicitor or a good accountant prior to making any final decisions.

If you need assistance with your tax affairs then here is my guide to finding a good accountant.

You may need assistance in France as they have different rules, but your Notaire (similar to a solicitor) who would deal with the property sale would most likely be able to assist in such matters.
An exotic cat owner in Nevada who has a prescription that proves his tigers are his emotional support animals has been left outraged after feds 'stole' them from his property last week.

Karl Mitchell and his fiancee Catherine Griffiths were woken up at 7am Wednesday at their home in Pahrump - about an hour outside of Las Vegas - by the Nye County Sheriff's Office to seize their seven precious Bengal tigers.

During the seizure, Mitchell, 71, was taken into custody for resisting a peace officer, but he told DailyMail.com he was trying to help protect the animals, who he said were drugged and corralled into a trailer without warning.

'They had no regard for the welfare of the tigers,' an emotional Mitchell told DailyMail.com.

The Vietnam War veteran vehemently defended their ownership of the tigers, telling DailyMail.com he has a legitimate prescription from his VA doctor that states the wild animals are his designated 'emotional support animals.'

He said he suffers from PTSD and that his time with his two male and five female tigers is a 'private, therapeutic situation' for him.

The prescription, obtained by DailyMail.com, states: 'The loss of the tigers would severely undermine his mental health and emotional well-being.'

Karl Mitchell (pictured) and his fiancee Catherine Griffiths, were woken up at 7am Wednesday by the Nye County Sheriff's Office, who arrived at their home in Pahrump to seize their seven precious Bengal tigers

The Vietnam War veteran vehemently defended he and his fiancee's ownership of their tigers, telling DailyMail.com he has a legitimate prescription from his VA doctor that they are his 'emotional support animals' (Pictured: One of their tigers that was seized)

In the prescription (pictured), obtained by DailyMail.com, his doctor said: 'The loss of the tigers would severely undermine his mental health and emotional well-being'

Because of this letter, written by Mitchell's psychologist, he does not have to register his tigers for a permit in the state of Nevada, according to US Service Animals.

The couple do have a required US Fish and Wildlife registration for their exotic cats, they said.

Were the most qualified,' Mitchell said. Were in compliance with the federal government and the county is not.

Mitchell and Griffiths described a chaotic scene the morning the tigers were snatched from their home.

He said his fiancee had a seizure at the same time one of their beloved tigers did.

Mitchell noted that the drugs the animals were given 'could cause them to regurgitate and die.'

You dont knock them down (drug them), put them in a truck and transport them, he said.

Griffiths (pictured) said the way the tigers were transported during the seizure also frightened her. You dont transfer animals in a cargo trailer,' she said

The couple said they have since learned that the tigers were taken to Arkansas. Both of them now worried for the well-being of the animals, as Griffith said they 'are not used to' the cold weather there

Griffiths said the way the tigers were taken away also frightened her.

'You dont transfer animals in a cargo trailer,' she stated.

While Mitchell was being held at Nye County Detention Center, the tigers were taken to 'an undisclosed sanctuary where they will be held until ordered to be released,' police initially said.

The couple told DailyMail.com that they have since learned that the tigers were transported to Arkansas.

Both of them are now worried for the well-being of their animals, as Griffiths said they 'are not used to' the cold weather there.

The couple also said they are worried about what their animals are being fed as they make sure they always eat fresh chicken and red meat at their house.

A spokesperson with the Nye County Sheriff's Office previously told DailyMail.com the tiger's conditions 'seemed good,' but 'there were some concerns about the living conditions.'

Mitchell and Griffiths debunked this statement, stating they always made sure their animals were properly taken care of.

On their property, the tigers live in 20 x 40 square-foot cages, which are up to USDA standards, Mitchell said. They are working on expanding each cage to one acre. (Pictured: One of their tigers)

Griffiths said they are currently in the process of rebuilding the tiger's sanctuary so some of the chain link fencing is moved around, but not enough that the tigers would escape.

According to Mitchell, animal rights activists were saying their tigers 'were running around on the property' - but he said that's a lie.

'Animal activists wanted to satisfy their egos,' he added.

On their property, the tigers live in 20 x 40 square-foot cages, which are up to USDA standards, Mitchell said. They are working on expanding each cage to one acre.

It is unclear when or if they will get their tigers back, but they are hopeful they will be reunited.

Mitchell and Griffiths are currently working with their attorneys to schedule an emergency evidentiary hearing so they can fight to get their tigers back

Mitchell and Griffiths are currently working with their attorneys to schedule an emergency evidentiary hearing so they can fight to get custody back.

Karl said these hearings have to be held in order for the seizure to happen, and that they were happening behind his back before their tigers were taken.

We feel that we could prevail, he said.

We work with our tigers everyday, all day long, Griffiths said. We put everything into them. Its not fair.

DailyMail.com contacted the Nye County Sheriff's Office for comment.
A couple felt like they had been victims of a 'trap' after they received a 100 fine for stopping at a car park for five minutes while on holiday.

Sue Hirst, from Aylesbury in Buckinghamshire, visited Weymouth for a long weekend away alongside her partner and her dog.

The couple enjoyed sunny weather and long walks on the beach in what the 53-year-old described as an otherwise 'lovely stay' in the seaside town.

However just a week after they returned she was hit with a 100 parking fine for a five minute stop off at a car park, where her partner did not even leave the car.

They had pulled up at the Weymouth Old Town West car park, close to the harbour, when Ms Hirst discovered that she would need coins in order to pay for a ticket.

She said: 'I walked up to the machine and it was only taking coins when I was there.

'I did not have any coins on me. Who carries coins anymore?

'Normally if you can't pay by cash, there is an app you can use to pay it. There was no reference to a parking app, so I walked back to the car and drove off.'

Sue Hirst, 53, spent a long weekend in Dorset with her partner, but was shocked to discover a 100 fine when they returned home

She said she was 'shocked' that they had been charged as her partner did not even leave the car

A week later, she was horrified to discover that her brief five-minute stay at the car park had cost her 100, as she was issued with a parking notice through the post.

'It was a complete shock,' she said, 'usually if you are in a car-park like a multi-storey, they give you a chance to look for spaces and to leave if there are none.

'We had a letter which said we had parked there for five minutes. Entrance time 3.37pm and departure time 3.43pm.

'I have never had any issues like this before with parking, we parked in lots of different places over the weekend and it was fine.

'I am outraged by this. It is a total rip off. I might as well have been mugged for 100.'

During the stay, the couple were happy to pay for parking, even spending 17 for a parking space at the popular Dorset beauty spot Durdle Door.

However, Ms Hirst said she has no intention of paying the fine for the one place in Dorset where she did not park over her weekend.

The small car park is located near the harbour and is popular for tourists visiting Weymouth

She said: 'Only I got out of the car, my partner was still in the car with the dog.

'It ruined our holiday, you just don't expect to see a 100 fine.

'They are using the car park to trap tourists. I am not a local and most tourists would probably cave in and pay the fine.

'I won't pay it. That is a lot of money and I am not at fault, I saw I could not pay and I left.

'I am happy to fight this one they can do what they want. I work hard for my money and I dont want to give it to thieving cowboys.

'It does not give Weymouth a good reputation. I have looked online and it seems to happen all the time there.'

The private car park is run by ParkingEye and is not a council owned car park.

The company says that motorists are given a 'five-minute consideration period' before they are charged for parking, meaning Ms Hirst was charged for just 53 seconds she stayed in the car park.

Steve Cottrell received a 100 fine for spending six minutes and 12 seconds in a car park while on holiday

Mr Cottrell his partner Joy drove into the Old Town (West) Car Park in Weymouth, Dorset, on July 15 hoping to find a space to leave their car for the week-long trip

Many tourists have fallen foul of the strict rules associated with the time allowed for stopping.

Last year, NHS nurse Steve Cottrell was also fined at the same car park in Weymouth for a six-minute stay.

The 63-year-old said he felt 'mugged' by the charge, which he too said had 'ruined his holiday'.

The father-of-two, wrote to a number of MPs and copied in the Prime Minister after his one-time appeal was rejected, and even wrote a letter to the car park's landowners.

Three months later, the company finally agreed to 'cancel the charge as a gesture of goodwill'.

'We didn't even stop there  well, we stopped the car but we didn't park there,' he said.

'We had just driven in, walked to the machine and found that we couldn't actually pay because we didn't have any cash and it was costly.

'It feels like I've been mugged.

'I think five minutes is unreasonable because by the time you've pulled up, got out of the car, made your way over to the ticket machine and read the signs, your time is up and you'll be fined.'

Parkingeye said Steve had failed to 'provide any mitigating circumstances' for exceeding the five-minute rule

Weymouth Old Town West car park has a 1.3 star rating on Google Reviews, with many other visitors having been hit by fines for similarly short stays.

One review by Louis Conibear wrote: 'My father received a fine for stopping just five minutes before deciding against parking in this car park.

'It is evident from the reviews that this is a common issue. The owners claim that their car park is correctly signposted, but reading all the fineprint takes longer than the five minutes they allow.

'How can this be just and fair? As another reviewer noted, this policy also discriminates against those with mobility issues, as it may take them more than five minutes to exit their car. Avoid at all costs.

Sarah Bradley wrote: 'Avoid this car park at all costs. They are total crooks. My friends husband and myself on 2 consecutive days tried to pay but the machine was not working, nor able to download parking app.

'We left as you would if you cant pay and display. Only to discover an automatic ticket had was issued for 5 mins!

'There was no phone number to contact. KEEP away.'

ParkingEye claimed that another payment method would have been available to Ms Hirst through the Evology payment app.

Weymouth Old Town West car park allows a grace period of just five minutes for motorists

However the company revealed they had cancelled the fine as a gesture of goodwill.

A Parkingeye spokesperson said: 'The car park at Old Town West in Weymouth is monitored by ANPR camera systems and has 17 prominent and highly-visible signs that give motorists clear guidance on how to use the car park responsibly.

'Motorists are advised that tariffs apply 24/7 and that they have the option to pay by the machine on site or by the Evology payment app.

'The motorist parked in the car park for just under six minutes without paying, this exceeded the five-minute consideration period and therefore led to a parking charge being issued.

'Parkingeye operates a BPA (British Parking Association) audited appeals process, which motorists can use to appeal their parking charge.

'The motorists appeal was currently awaiting review. Despite exceeding the consideration period and a further payment option being available, on this occasion we will cancel the charge as a gesture of goodwill.

'We would strongly urge all motorists to pay the appropriate tariff if they exceed the five minute consideration period, which was introduced as part of the British Parking Association and International Parking Community joint code of practice.'
When Leo Schofield finally tasted freedom after spending 36 years in prison for a murder he insists he didn't commit, one everyday aspect of the modern world jarred him above all else.

'Everyone is staring down at their phones,' he recalled thinking to himself, in a moment that almost made him nostalgic for the inside.

'People have really grown cold,' he told DailyMail.com. 'In prison you live around each other 24/7 and it's a much more social environment, out here its harder for people to connect on a personal level.

'They might be connected electronically through their phone. But they're not connected through their hearts... the love for one another isn't there anymore.'

He had been languishing in prison for almost four decades after his wife Michelle was found dead by a highway in 1987 after being stabbed almost 30 times, despite no physical evidence ever tying him to the slaying.

Schofield was finally granted parole last year after his pleas of innocence were detailed in the podcast Bone Valley on Lava for Good. But he remains a convicted killer in the eyes of the state, even as his wife's alleged murderer, Jeremy Scott, has confessed to the crime numerous times.

As he was released under parole, Schofield said the modern world was a mystery to him, and he came to realize his identity had been stripped by the years in a cell.

He recalled that before his conviction he was a keen mechanic, but soon found he no longer knew his way around a vehicle because he 'had never worked on anything post-1987.'

He said he didn't last long in his first post-prison job at a Tampa Bay garage because of the changes, and recalled that when he took a look at his wife Michelle's car, he told her: 'I know what's wrong with this car - some idiot put the engine in sideways.'

Leo Schofield spent 36 years in prison for the wrongful conviction over his wife Michelle's murder, who was stabbed to death in 1987. He was finally paroled last year, and revealed the harrowing experience of re-emerging back into the world after missing almost four decades

Schofield, pictured with his family following his release, said he was stunned by how people in the modern world have 'grown cold', which he blamed on people's inability to look up from their phones

Besides some car manufacturers flipping their engines 90 degrees in the almost-four-decades Schofield spent in prison, he said he emerged to find a world entirely different to one he had known.

He was just 21-years-old when he was charged in June 1988, when the biggest song in America was 'Faith' by George Michael, and Ronald Reagan was ending his eight years in the White House.

It should be no surprise then that Schofield was stunned by the ubiquity of phones, given that his wrongful arrest for the murder of his wife came exactly 20 years before the invention of the iPhone.

The ever-present Ford Escort was the most popular car on America's roads, and while Schofield may have thought of himself as a decent engineer at the time, he recalls emerging from prison without a clue.

'My exclusion (in prison) was decades, so you know, there was a lot that was different,' Schofield recalled.

When Schofield was arrested aged just 21 in June 1988, the world he knew was entirely different from todays, with Ronald Reagan preparing to leave the White House after eight years in power at the time

The biggest song in America was 'Faith' by George Michael when Schofield was wrongfully accused, and he admitted this week that after the years he spent behind bars, he felt 'excluded' from the subsequent decades

Schofield lamented how 'cold' the modern world has become, and sounded almost nostalgic for prison as he said being locked up is 'a much more social environment... out here its harder for people to connect on a personal level'

As he contended with the modern world, Schofield said his first months on the outside were a 'challenge' as he was locked in the limbo of parole, and was bothered by the fact he was still a convicted killer in the eyes of the state.

But he recalled how this weight was lifted when he got the unexpected opportunity to speak one-on-one with his wife's confessed killer.

Jeremy Scott, who is serving a life sentence for beating a man to death in an armed robbery in 1988, called Bone Valley podcast creator Gilbert King last year when he was with Schofield.

'I wasn't really prepared to speak to him,' he recalled.

Schofield said he forgave the killer 'for myself', as he was able to look past the decades he spent thinking of his wife's killer.

'Forgiveness is about me, not about what Jeremy did to me,' he continued.

'Its really hard because Jeremy is singularly responsible for the murder of my wife, the disintegrating of family on both sides of my marriage, ultimately the 36 years I spent wrongfully convicted, and so that is a lot to overcome.

Their conversation is the subject of the second season of Bone Valley, which King said was fueled by a desire to prove that 'sometimes, the truth is found outside courtrooms.'

Jeremy Scott (pictured) has confessed to Schofield's wife's murder on several occasions, but prosecutors have never charged him with the crime, and he is currently serving a life sentence for beating a man to death in an armed robbery in 1988

Schofield revealed the moment he finally spoke one-on-one with Scott (seen in a mugshot), saying it was 'really hard because Jeremy is singularly responsible for the murder of my wife (and) ultimately the 36 years I spent wrongfully convicted'

In his agonizing fight to clear his name, Schofield's parole was denied four times over the years, even after Scott had come forward several times with his confession over the gruesome 1987 slaying.

The murder came late at night on February 24, 1987, when Michelle Schofield, 18, was finishing a shift at a burger drive-thru in Lakeland, Florida.

Recently married, she was getting ready to pick up her husband Leo, then-21, for them to go out to eat, but she never arrived.

By midnight, Schofield had started a search for his wife and was frantically calling her parents, friends and colleagues to try and find her.

For three days, Michelle's loved ones printed flyers and held out hope until her orange Mazda hatchback was found by the side of Interstate 4.

Her father soon found her body submerged under a piece of plywood in a canal near Interstate 44, around seven miles from her car, and witnesses were shocked at the horrific state of her remains.

She had been stabbed a total of 26 times, and an autopsy found that none of the stab wounds were fatal as she bled slowly to death.

Michelle Schofield was just 18 when she was fatally stabbed almost 30 times on February 24, 1987, in a vicious slaying that Scott ultimately confessed to

Schofield said the horrific nature of his wife's murder fuels his push for justice, as 'she deserved to have us know what really happened to her.'

Leo quickly came under suspicion after his wife's body was found, and was accused of being an abusive husband.

But even as no physical evidence ever tied him to the scene, the prosecution still went ahead with charging Leo in June 1988, and brought forward 21 character witnesses testifying that he had a temper and was in a rocky, young marriage.

Leo was eventually convicted based primarily upon a neighbor's testimony claiming to have heard the couple get into an argument that night, and said she saw Leo leave his home with a large object in his car.

Leo stressed that her story was not true as he insisted that he was with his wife's father at the time of the alleged fight while his wife was at work, and the neighbor was later found to have suffered mental health issues.

Nevertheless, Leo was found guilty based upon testimony of his violent temper, and as he was convicted, he told the jury: 'I'm telling you, you're making a mistake. I can prove it to you.'

Schofield, seen at his trial, insisted upon his innocence for almost four decades until he was finally paroled in April 2024, but he remains a convicted killer in the eyes of the state

Schofield, seen in a hearing in 2017, said he felt a weight lift off him after speaking with Scott, as 'forgiveness is about me, not about what Jeremy did to me'

While DNA never tied Schofield to the slaying, a key piece of evidence was later found to have been missed that could have proven Scott was the killer years before.

A bloody fingerprint was found inside Michelle's car that was not his, and in 2004 forensics matched it to Scott.

But prosecutors have been reluctant to bring any new charges against Scott, who will never get out of prison and is serving a life sentence for first-degree murder and armed robbery for beating a man to death in 1988.

A circuit judge denied Schofield a new trial after the bombshell fingerprint was analyzed, and an appeal was denied, leaving Schofield still searching to clear his name.

The case that convicted Schofield was so weak that a Florida circuit judge, Scott Cupp, quit his job and left the bench to help exonerate him.

For King, who has spent years of his life producing shows on Schofield's innocence, he said the last hurdle to his case is convincing officials in Polk County.

'There is this finality - the jury has spoken, the courts have spoken, and that's the end of the story,' he said of the attitude in the county.

'Well, every single wrongful conviction in this country, and there have been hundreds of them, has had juries and courts rule against them until this evidence comes forward.'
New York, US (PANA) - Despite numerous regional and international diplomatic initiatives, the security situation remains critical in the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), the Security Council heard on Wednesday
An alleged Hamas-supporting Channel migrant accused of entering the UK illegally on a dinghy has asked prosecutors to drop the case against him.

Lawyers for 33-year-old Abu Wadee claim it is not proportionate for the Palestinian national to be charged with illegally entering the UK without clearance.

It is alleged he was one of around 75 migrants on a cramped inflatable boat intercepted by Border Force on March 6 this year.

They say Wadee, who previously called for 'death to all Jews', was not one of those in charge.

They have asked prosecutors to review whether or not they will continue to charge him with the offence, which has a starting point of 12 months in jail and a maximum sentence of up to four years.

He was refused bail during 40-minute hearing at Canterbury Crown Court, at which he appeared to be sporting an eye injury.

His counsel, Audrey Mogan, said he had suffered 'quite serious injuries' to his face and body while on remand at HMP Dumbgate, a category-B jail in Staffordshire, after 'individuals entered his cell'.

She asked the court to bail her client, also known as Mosab Abdulkarim al-Gassas, on the basis that he had been offered Home Office accommodation, would wear a GPS tag, and would report regularly to the police and Home Office.

Abu Wadee, who is 33, was held by Immigration Enforcement officers on suspicion of entering the UK illegally - days after uploading this image to social media of him apparently arriving in British waters

The migrant has filmed himself chanting about killing Jews, and previously shared this picture on social media

Wadee's social media is replete with pictures of him posing with a Kalashnikov, an artillery shell and a menacing posse of masked men

But prosecutor Harriet Palfreman said the Home Office only provided the address in the event that bail was granted, and said the department actually did not support his conditional release.

Ms Palfreman said there were 'substantial grounds to believe if bailed the defendant would abscond, and also the risk posed to both the public and the defendant following media coverage of this case'.

The court heard Wadee arrived in the UK last month having left Palestine in June 2022.

He travelled first to Turkey, before heading to Greece by boat less than three months later.

He stayed in Greece for one year before travelling on to Belgium, Germany and France, making failed asylum applications as he went.

She said: 'The defendant has shown disregard to laws by entering this country without valid entry clearance.

'The chronology of countries he has been through in the last three years suggests he has an understanding of the immigration system.'

She said Wadee has 'no ties' to the UK, whether familial or financial.

Wadee, seen here posing with two assault rifles in front of a Palestine flag, is accused of entering the UK illegally

Wadee, pictured posing with slingshot for hurling rocks, is said to have made his way through Europe before arriving in the UK last month

The court heard Wadee live streamed his arrival in the UK to his social media followers, and had a significant online presence which she said included 'various extreme views' about the Jewish community.

She said his release on bail presented a 'clear threat to the Jewish community' as well as to his own safety from 'vigilante groups'.

Defence counsel Ms Mogan said the Crown should reconsider its decision to prosecute her client, given he was 'not alleged to have been someone who had his hand on the tiller' inside the dinghy.

She said he has no previous convictions, and had not previously come to the UK and then removed.

She said: 'These are the aggravating factors in CPS guidance when deciding whether to prosecute - none of those factors apply here.

'Unless someone has had their hand on the tiller, it is unlikely someone simply sat on the boat is charged. Mr al-Gassas said there were about 75 sat in the boat.'

Wadee will return to court next month when a decision on whether to press ahead with the charge against him is confirmed.

Refusing bail, Her Honour Judge Sarah Counsell said she would not take into consideration media coverage of Wadee's alleged support for extremist groups.

Wadee has been identified by the Campaign Against Antisemitism group as a member of a Hamas-endorsed unit involved in serious violence on the Gaza-Israel border who wants to 'die for the sake of Allah'

Other clips shared by Wadee of his journey to the UK show him sat outside a tent accompanied by other refugees

But she said that 'even with an address provided by the Home Office and a GPS tagged curfew, reporting to two of the authorities, it is not sufficient to allay my concerns' about him either absconding or failing to surrender.

Wadee - who has applied for asylum in the UK - showed no emotion as her decision was relayed to him courtesy of an Arabic interpreter in the dock.

The Home Office's own guidelines effectively prevent people being sent back to war-ravaged Gaza, raising concerns Wadee will be allowed to stay in Britain.

Wadee charted his journey across Europe to his 170,000 TikTok followers, with some videos being viewed more than 2.5 million times.

He also uploaded a video of himself and others on a dinghy in the Channel being approached by a Border Force boat, with the caption: 'Thank God, we arrived in Britain.'

But his account on the social media platform was taken down and listed as 'banned' after an investigation unearthed his extremist history.

It included images of him brandishing assault rifles, and another in which he appeared to hold a tear-gas canister in his mouth during apparent clashes at the border with Israel.

At a previous magistrates court hearing last month, prosecutors described how Wadee had shared 'significant hate speech calling for the death of Jews' as well as 'support for Hamas' and 'pictures of him with various military weapons'.
Police have urged Brits to be on the lookout for signs their neighbours could be making drugs after a seven-year-old boy was killed in a cannabis lab explosion on a residential street.

Archie York, from Newcastle, was asleep when a blast from the flat below tore into his room on October 16. Six other properties at the block were destroyed, and a second resident, father-of-two Jason Laws, 35, also died.

Weed dealer Reece Galbraith, 33, had been producing cannabis concentrates known as 'shatter' or butane honey oil (BHO) for use in cannabis edibles, a process that involves highly flammable butane and propane gas.

With Galbraith having admitted two counts of manslaughter, Northumbria Police are urging anyone aware of any suspected drug activity in their area to get in touch.

'The information you provide could prove vital in helping us prevent this type of activity taking place,' said Detective Chief Inspector Marc Michael.

'We are particularly keen to hear from anyone who becomes aware of people buying, taking delivery of or being in possession of multiple butane cannisters, propane bottles or unusual looking stainless-steel equipment.

Other illegal drugs, including methamphetamines, are also regularly produced at residential addresses - risking the safety of anyone living nearby.

Below, MailOnline draws on police intelligence to reveal some of the tell-tale signs -

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1 - There are suspicious smells (including one that might surprise you...)

While it is obvious that the manufacture of synthetic substances would produce a chemical scent, that isn't the only thing you need to look out for, police say.

While chemical or solvent smells may be present, drug dealers often go to considerable lengths to cover these up.

That means one potentially suspicious sign could be a strong scent of air freshener coming from a neighbouring property.

Producers often use commercial-grade automatic air fresheners, usually near the front entrance, according to a guide compiled by South Wales Police.

A strong smell resembling cat urine or ammonia could also be concerning, they say.

While this could have an innocent cause, the scent is also associated with one method of methylamphetamine production.

2 - Lots of chemical drums or bottles

Substances like meth or cannabis concentrates require a lot of chemicals to produce.

The containers they come in are often large and have to be delivered and disposed of, raising opportunities for detection.

Police advise being particularly aware of chemical drums or other chemical containers with their labels covered up.

Soft drink or milk screw-top bottles are used extensively to hold ingredients. They may either contain unusual liquids or be empty.

Gases like butane have lots of legitimate uses, including for fuelling camping stoves.

But given the gas is also used in the manufacture of cannabis shatter, seeing large numbers appearing in the rubbish should raise eyebrows.

Archie York was killed when the blast ripped through six flats on the terraced street of Violet Close in Benwell in the early hours of October 16

Mr Laws, a father of two, was described by his brother as 'the best dad in the world'

3 - Bars on the windows

Alongside being caught by the police, one of the biggest risk to drug dealers is being robbed by rivals.

As a result, they will often install significant security measures to keep their supply safe. This may include window bars or extra locks on doors.

Heavy metal bars or pieces of wood may be used to block entry through front and rear doors.

If you are a landlord, police advise investigating being aware of damage to walls, paint or wallpaper behind doors, as this could be a sign that these are being used.

4 - Large numbers of empty packets of cold medicine

One less obvious warning sign to be aware of is large numbers of empty medicine packets appearing in the rubbish.

While the average cold sufferer may leave one or two empty cold medicine containers in the bin, police describe the presence lots of emptied out boxes, bottles or blister packs of medicines like Sudafed as 'a definite warning sign'.

This brand and others contain pseudoephedrine, which is used in the manufacture of crystal meth.

The trend for using over-the-counter medicines to product the drug was previously the subject on an investigation by Irish police.

Duracell-type battery cases cut up, match striker plates torn off the boxes, excessive amounts of coffee filters with red staining are also indicators of drug production, according to police.

The flats in Violet Close following the explosion, which also killed 35-year-old Jason Laws

5 - Your neighbours regularly smoke outside

Many smokers choose to leave their home to light up, particularly if they have children.

However, police say that residents regularly leaving a house or flat to smoke could be worth noting if it is accompanied by other suspicious signs.

This is because the chemicals used to make drugs are often highly explosive - as demonstrated by the tragic incident in Newcastle.

6 - They order in lots of powder products

Drug dealers 'cut' - or adulterate - their drugs with a variety of powders in order to increase their profits.

Any powder could be used, but police say that glucose, lactose, caffeine, lignacaine, benzocaine or paracetamol are particularly common.

These substances are either bought online from wholesalers or stolen from legitimate suppliers.

They are usually delivered in tubs, sacks or boxes.

Normal looking: Two houses in Fen Drayton, Cambridgeshire, hid a sophisticated cannabis factory with a street value worth 1million

7 - They are rarely at home

Drug gangs often rent homes for use as drug labs without living in them full time.

In many cases, these properties are rented from legitimate landlords who are unaware they are being used for an illegal purpose.

You may notice that your neighbours are not living in their home full time or only visit for a short time each day.

Windows that are always closed or blacked out, or windows with lots of condensation, may also suggest the presence of cannabis cultivation.

8 - People are always coming and going

While the absence of people could be suspicious, lots of traffic in and out of a house could raise concerns too.

Often, people or cars will appear at the house before leaving after a brief period.

Activity peaking at night is particularly concerning, as are the presence of young people lingering outside - as they may be acting as lookouts.

Police also say that expensive cars parked on a driveway of someone who does not have a large income should raise suspicion.

The properties became home to more than 1,000 plants across 18 rooms

9 - Birds gathering on the roof

It's well known that cannabis cultivation uses large amounts of electricity for heating and ventilation.

While it is difficult to work out how much energy someone is using without inspecting their meter, there are still clues to look out for.

One is the absence of snow on a roof in winter when it has settled on others.

Birds also like roosting on a nice warm roof, so keep an eye on large flocks frequently choosing one to roost on.

Of course, as with all of the potential warning signs listed above, there is often an innocent explanation.
For two intense days in a Boise courtroom last week, the prosecution and defense in the forthcoming trial of Bryan Kohberger, the 30-year-old graduate student accused of brutally murdering four University of Idaho students in an off-campus home, engaged in a combative back-and-forth on a multitude of crucial evidentiary issues.

And while the judge has not yet issued his written opinions on many of the dozens of hotly contested motions that were argued, I, a longtime reporter on the case, listened and reached a startling conclusion.

One of the defense's primary arguments against the death penalty is, I believe, a ploy.

It seems to me that Mr. Kohberger's lawyers understand the evidence against their client is, despite all their protests to the contrary, convincing, even overwhelming.

There is no getting around the fact that the small bit of touch DNA found on a knife sheath left on the bed of one of the murder victims is a match to the DNA found on a cheek swab of Mr. Kohberger taken in a Pennsylvania jail after his arrest.

And while Kohberger's defense team has indicated they will argue that a still unknown perpetrator (or perpetrators) were responsible for bringing the sheath already implanted with his DNA into the house, I am convinced that argument will be laughed down by a jury.

The state realizes this, too. And so all along they've also shrewdly been laying the groundwork for an alternative, still unarticulated strategy.

For the defense has submitted several filings, supported by expert witnesses and psychiatric evidence including neuroimaging, arguing that Mr. Kohberger is autistic.

There is no getting around the fact that the small bit of touch DNA found on a knife sheath left on the bed of one of the murder victims is a match to the DNA found on a cheek swab of Mr. Kohberger (pictured) taken in a Pennsylvania jail after his arrest.

Kohberger is accused of murdering four college students  Madison Mogen (second from left, top), 21, Kaylee Goncalves (second from left, bottom), 21, Xana Kernodle (second from right), 20, and Ethan Chapin (center), 20  in Moscow, Idaho, on November 13, 2022.

Kohberger's attorneys, such as Anne Taylor (pictured), will likely seek to appeal to the court that their uncooperative, uncompromising client is preventing them from doing what's in his best interest.

The ostensible reason for this evidence is the contention that their client's autism spectrum behavior leaves him too impaired to have to face, if convicted, a death sentence.

That  in their judgement  would constitute cruel and unusual punishment. And indeed, Idaho recently has passed a bill making firing squads the primary method of execution for just, I suspect, this very case.

But to date, Judge Steven Hippler hasn't given these arguments much truck, emphatically dismissing one after another. Yet, the defense keeps on filing new versions of the same defeated motions.

And here is, I believe, why. They are well aware that they are not going to persuade this judge in an Idaho courtroom that autism spectrum behavior requires him to take the death penalty off the table.

Or that a Ph.D. candidate at a distinguished university with a 119 IQ (according to his own lawyers), a student who a professor in his master's program at DeSales University described as one of her top students in ten years of teaching, is mentally impaired.

But they are in the carefully argued process making it clear that their autistic client is a difficult one.

They've stated he's recalcitrant, often uncooperative, and refuses to provide the information they require to defend him.

Specifically, they claim that he refuses to help them establish a reasonable alibi for where he was at the time of the murders.

In fact, they assert, he doesn't even fully comprehend the gravity of the charges that have been filed.

Another complicating factor here is that sources close to Kohberger's family tell me that Kohberger's mother Maryann is encouraging her son to plead not guilty, in the face of mountains of evidence.

Another complicating factor here is that sources close to Kohberger's family tell me that Kohberger's mother Maryann (pictured, in black hood) is encouraging her son to plead not guilty, in the face of mountains of evidence.

And so, I predict, it might very well happen at some point this summer, when the case against Mr. Kohberger is at last being fully revealed, his desperate lawyers will play the card they've kept up their sleeve.

They will appeal to the court that their uncooperative, uncompromising client is preventing them from doing what's in his best interest. His autism prohibits him from making reasonable decisions. Therefore, they will want to take the decision-making power out of his hands.

Despite their client's protests, they will ask the court to allow a guilty plea  with the hope that in return the state will forgo the death penalty and accept a life sentence.

Will this happen? And, if it does, will we be deprived of the surprises and revelations of a summer trial?

At this point, nearly two-and-a-half years since the murders occurred, all that is certain is that a tense, high-stakes drama is at last going to be played out in a Boise courtroom.

A former reporter for the NY Times, Howard Blum is the author of several bestselling nonfiction books, including 'When the Night Comes Falling: A Requiem for the Idaho Student Murders.'
State-of-the art robots that could improve surgery for thousands of patients have been approved for use on the NHS.

The machines, which cost between 500,000 and 1.5 million, are capable of movements more precise than the human hand.

Patients report faster recovery times, shorter hospital stays, less pain and reduced scarring than with traditional surgery.

They are also able to return to work quicker.

Some robotic systems allow surgeons to perform procedures using mechanical arms controlled from a nearby console. Others are handheld.

The surgical instruments attached to these arms can move with greater dexterity than the human hand, offering greater precision.

They will be used in specialist hospitals for a range of soft tissue and orthopaedic procedures, including removing tumours or gallbladders, hernia repair and hip and knee replacements.

Eleven robotic surgery systems have been approved by the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (Nice) under its early value assessment programme.

Surgeon using the surgical robot Da Vinci to perform a radical cystectomy

The new guidance says these can be used over the coming three years while more evidence is collected on their benefits.

Among the issues Nice will look at are how the technology affects the length of hospital stays and waiting lists, as well as the resources used for training staff and the costs of implementation.

Dr Anastasia Chalkidou, programme director of Nices HealthTech programme, said: These innovative technologies have the potential to transform both soft tissue and orthopaedic surgical care in the NHS.

Robot-assisted surgery may help overcome key limitations of conventional techniques through precise movements and enhanced 3D visualisation, potentially transforming surgical options and outcomes for NHS patients.

Both applications could benefit patients who might not otherwise be candidates for minimally invasive approaches.

She added: The data gathered over the next three years will allow us to evaluate exactly how these technologies can improve patient care and help ensure NHS resources are directed toward interventions that deliver meaningful clinical benefits and long-term value to our health service.

In 2011/12, the majority of robot-assisted procedures were for urological cancer, which can include cancer in the bladder, kidney, prostate and testicles, according to Nice.

By last year, almost half of these operations were for other conditions, with a surge in the use of robotic surgeries for bowel cancer, which now accounts for a quarter of all robot-assisted procedures.

Professor Sir Stephen Powis (pictured) said the approval is fantastic news for patients

There has also been a jump in the use of the technology in orthopaedics, with 4,000 robot-assisted surgeries taking place last year, up from 300 in 2018/19.

Making greater use of digital technologies in the NHS is one of the three shifts set to be outlined by the Government in its forthcoming 10-year health plan.

It is also expected to focus more on sickness prevention and moving care from hospitals into the community.

Professor Sir Stephen Powis, national medical director at NHS England, said: This is fantastic news for patients and shows that the NHS continues to find new ways to utilise the latest technological innovations to improve care.

'This will be a vital element of the 10-year health plan which will be published in the coming months.

Robot-assisted surgery is crucial to the future of high-quality healthcare  and with benefits including shorter stays in hospital, faster recovery for patients and less invasive procedures, these advancements will have a knock-on effect throughout the system and help patients get treated quicker.

This is an important step forward as we continue to work to ensure everyone is able to get high-quality care when they need it.

Nuha Yassin, a consultant colorectal surgeon and Royal College of Surgeons of England council member, described the Nice guidance as a significant step forward.

'The potential for faster recovery times, reduced complications and increased access to minimally invasive procedures could transform patient care, she said.

'It remains important that, in introducing these new technologies, NHS trusts and surgical teams ensure they are working within the guidelines set out by the Royal College of Surgeons of England, so that they are implemented in the safest way possible for patients.
Animals being used to entertain tourists outside the pyramids of Giza are being abused and left to die in piles of rubbish by the giant tombs, a new investigation has revealed.

Footage taken by a PETA investigator reveals the barbaric treatment of camels and horses at the hands of animal handlers around Egypt's most famous landmark.

The investigation was released days after it emerged that an animal-loving vigilante who attacked a man she saw beating a donkey in Egypt is now facing a lawsuit.

One shocking clip showed the abandoned, mummified remains of a what was once a white horse, turned muddy brown by sand that had blown over its body.

Much of its flesh and skin was seen exposed to the elements, leaving the gaps between the vertebrae of its spine.

Another shows a dirtied horse carcass lying on a pile of rubbish, not moving a muscle.

Flies could be seen buzzing and crawling around the animal corpse.

Secretly-filmed footage showed a tourism business operator mercilessly whipping an exhausted horse that was lying down in the dirt.

One shocking clip showed the abandoned, mummified remains of a what was once a white horse, turned muddy brown by sand that had blown over its body

Another shows a dirtied horse carcass lying on a pile of rubbish, not moving a muscle

PETA says the abuse has been going on for years

The startled animal was seen trying to get up from its resting position, but it was too tired to move - in response, the handler appeared to abandon it in a pile of rubbish.

The animals also appear to be poorly fed, with footage showing emaciated horse digging through rubbish in an attempt to find food.

They also appear to rarely get water either.

The animal rights group claimed that 'nothing has changed' in the years since it began documenting the treatment of animals around Egypt's top tourist destinations.

PETA Asia Vice President Jason Baker said of his organisation's investigation: 'PETA has documented the routine punching, kicking, whipping, and starving of horses and camels at the pyramids.

'Animals are literally ridden to death and then dumped like rubbish outside the gate.

'The Pyramids of Giza should symbolise Egypt's beauty and history  not unchecked animal abuse. The Egyptian government must act to remove these suffering animals from Giza.

'In the meantime, tourists must vote with their wallets and avoid these animal attractions at all costs.'

Earlier this week, astonishing footage showed Dutch expat Joke Van der Post punching the animal's handler before chasing him with a whip as he tries to flee.

In the heartbreaking video - which has since gone viral - the donkey kicks out in agony as it is repeatedly lashed while tethered to a wall on the outskirts of Cairo.

PETA Asia Vice President Jason Baker said of his organisation's investigation: 'PETA has documented the routine punching, kicking, whipping, and starving of horses and camels at the pyramids'

The animals also appear to be poorly fed, with footage showing emaciated horse digging through rubbish in an attempt to find food

The animal rights group claimed that 'nothing has changed' in the years since it began documenting the treatment of animals around Egypt's top tourist destinations

Footage taken by a PETA investigator reveals the barbaric treatment of camels and horses at the hands of animals handlers around Egypt 's most famous landmark

Handlers were seen cruelly whipping horses that were feeding

Appalled by the horrific cruelty, the 47-year-old runs at the man before pinning him against a wall and striking him several times shouting, 'You think you're f****** normal.'

As the man tries to run away Ms Van der Post, who manages a veterinary practice called the Good Karma Sanctuary, grabs a whip from another donkey handler and chases him off into the distance.

The man filed a police complaint accusing Ms Van der Post of assault and claiming appearing in the viral video has caused him 'psychological harm', local media reports.

She was arrested and later released following the altercation.

The shocking clip has triggered outrage online and cast a spotlight on the mistreatment of working animals in Egyptian tourist hotspots.

According to Ms Van der Post, who is married to an Egyptian and has lived in Cairo for many years, animal abuse is commonplace in the area.

Recalling the dramatic encounter she told NOS: 'Of course I jumped in between them.'

She added: 'When I shouted to stop, I was called a w**** and the man laughed and then hit harder.'

Egypt's Ministry of Interior confirmed the man seen in the video had also been identified and arrested.

This is the astonishing moment a Dutch woman punches a man who was beating a donkey before chasing him with a whip as he tries to flee

Heartbreaking footage shows the animal kicking out in agony as it is repeatedly lashed while tethered to a wall on the outskirts of Cairo

Ms Van der Post believes she may still face a lawsuit and told NOS: 'I could probably get six months or a year in prison, or maybe even deportation. But if that means that something will finally change here, it was worth it.'

Her clinic, staffed by three full-time veterinarians, offers care to horses, donkeys, and mules, providing treatments for wounds, skin conditions, and deworming.

Ms Van der Post has spoken publicly in the past about her work and her first encounters with animal cruelty in Egypt.

A recent post on the Good Karma Instagram page reads: 'Dear fellow rescuers and Organisations, lawyers and connected people:

'The everyday scene of the donkey being whipped has gone viral, the world is watching and we have been given a platform and an opportunity to reach positive changes for the future.

'If we can stand Strong together our voices now will be heard, we can achieve a positive change for all animals in Egypt!!!!

'I would love to have a meeting with all my fellow rescuers, I'm only the new kid on the block, but we have this amazing opportunity to bundle our strength!!!

'There's so many of us, some I know some I don't, some I like others not , some who like me others who don't, but in the end what truly matters are the animals so let's try to put our differences apart and use this wave of media attention and make a positive thing out of this!'

Many have shared their support for Ms Van der Post in the comments section, with one person writing: 'You're a hero, thanks for all the work you do out there!'
A jailed murderer who was killed by another inmate in the latest shocking prison security breach died of a head injury, police revealed today.

John Mansfield, who was jailed for life in 2007 for the drug-fuelled murder of his neighbour Ann Alfanso, 63, was attacked on Sunday inside HMP Whitemoor, Cambs.

Mansfield, who had 75 previous convictions, was murdered just a day after three prison officers were doused with boiling hot oil and stabbed with makeshift weapons.

In a separate attack on Saturday, Manchester Arena terrorist Hashem Abedi attacked three prison officers inside a separation centre in HMP Frankland, Co Durham.

In the latest incident, Mansfield, 63, was attacked by a fellow prisoner and died despite the efforts of prison staff.

A post-mortem examination has now concluded he died as a result of a head injury, Cambridgeshire Police said this morning.

A 44-year-old man has been arrested on suspicion of murder and remains in custody.

Police were called at 4.10pm on Sunday following the discovery of Mansfield's body and he died at the prison at 4.27pm.

John Mansfield was jailed for life at Manchester Crown Court for the brutal murder of Ann Alfanso, 63, of Whalley Range

Ann Alfanso was found dead in her home after Mansfield stabbed her almost 100 times

Mansfield, originally from Manchester, had been told he was unlikely to ever be released from prison following his 2014 attack on John Orme, a convicted rapist held at HMP Full Sutton, near York.

Then aged 52, Mansfield was said to have walked up to Orme in his cell and told him 'I have a present for you' before slashing him seven times with a broken plate in a row over a cooking pot.

The attack severed his victim's artery leaving him requiring 22 stitches.

Mansfield received a second life sentence in 2014 for the attack.

It was the second time he had been convicted of a prison attack.

In 2011 he was convicted of wounding a man he hated with a chair leg inside Manchester's Strangeways Prison.

Sentencing him to a second life term in 2014, Judge Jeremy Richardson QC, said: 'This was a pre-planned and calculating attack on a fellow inmate. You would have carried on had you not been prevented.

'I doubt very much it will ever be safe to release you. I have no doubt you are a very dangerous criminal who regards violence as the norm, who has no hesitation but to kill when necessary.

'You killed an old lady. Now you have convictions for two violent offences in prison. I have every reason to believe it will never be safe to release you. You are a violent and very dangerous man who poses a considerable threat to the public.'

John Mansfield, who was jailed for life in 2007 for the drug-fuelled murder of his neighbour Ann Alfanso, 63, was attacked inside HMP Whitemoor (pictured)

Mansfield claimed he could not remember stabbing his first victim when he was first captured.

Ann Alfanso was found dead in her home in May Road, Whalley Range, Manchester, in 2006.

She had been stabbed about 20 times in the head and neck.

A post-mortem examination found she had a total of 97 wounds, bruises and cuts on her body as a result of the attack.

Mansfield admitted her murder which police believe he carried out for a 'pocketful of change'.

Ministers are currently under pressure to get a grip on security in Britain's jails after Hashem Abedi left three prison officers just 'millimetres' from death.

Abedi  who helped his brother, suicide bomber Salman Abedi, plan the Manchester atrocity  fashioned two 20cm blades from a baking tray.

He hurled hot oil on the three officers before attacking them with the blades.

CCTV showing Hashem Abedi in Belmarsh prison prior to storming the office of its custody manager in 2022

The Ministry of Justice is carrying out a review on as gruesome details emerged of the attack at HMP Frankland, County Durham.

Abedi was known to be one of the most dangerous inmates in the UK, with a history of attacking officers.

He was ordered to serve a record 55-year minimum term for helping his brother murder 22 people, many of them children, at the Manchester Arena in 2017.

Yet he was given privileges including being allowed to cook for himself in a prison kitchen where he managed to create the blades.

Abedi is said to have dashed out of the kitchen just before lunchtime on Saturday clutching the weapons and a pan of boiling oil which he flung at the nearest three prison officers he encountered on a landing.

One male officer was then stabbed in the neck, with the blade coming close to severing an artery, reportedly leaving the victim 'just millimetres' from death.

Another male officer was stabbed at least five times in the back, puncturing a lung.

One of their female colleagues was also injured. The boiling oil is said to have left victims with third-degree burns.

Manchester Arena bomb plotter Hashem Abedi (pictured) had access to a 'self-cook kitchen', hot cooking oil and the materials for the makeshift weapons used in his attack

Mark Fairhurst, the national chairman of the Prison Officers Association, has been calling for officers to be issued with stab vests.

He said: 'I do not know why we are so terrified of upsetting terrorist offenders. We are appeasing them instead of treating them as the threat that they represent.

'We need to stop allowing terrorist offenders in separation centres the freedom and privilege to use self-cook facilities and we need to issue stab-proof vests and protective equipment to officers.

'The use of Tasers may not have prevented this attack as those officers would not have had time to draw them, but their injuries would have been severely reduced if they had them.

'Staff are now at risk from copycat attacks in other prisons. These are terrorists  how do we know this will not result in a call to arms?

'Terrorist prisoners are intent on causing harm, and people in these separation centres want to destroy our way of life. Why are we appeasing people who want to kill us?'

After the attack, Justice Secretary Shabana Mahmood promised: 'I will be pushing for the strongest possible punishment.'

The use of kitchen facilities inside separation centres has currently been suspended, it emerged earlier this week.
Halyna was at home alone when the Russians came knocking, saying they were looking for Nazis. The 62-year-old widow was ordered at gunpoint to run around naked in the winter snow before being sexually violated with a Kalashnikov in the most grotesque manner.

In another case, Olha Cherniak, 49, was forced to listen to her teenage sons torture from a neighbouring prison cell as Russian soldiers threatened to rape him.

Tetiana, 61, saw her husband get shot in front of her before she was pinned to the ground and raped. She escaped, was caught, and raped again.

A Russian soldier knocked on the door of 77-year-old teacher Liudmyla Mefodiivna and bashed her teeth out with the butt of his rifle, before assaulting her. These are just a few of the 376 testimonies of sexual violence committed by Russian soldiers against Ukrainians  including children  since 2022.

Not included is the account of Oleksandr Gudilin, 34, a male prisoner of war, who told us how a comrade was forced to perform a sex act on himself.

Although Oleksandr has informed the Ukrainian security services, he has not formally logged what he witnessed as war-related sexual violence.

Alisa Kovalenko is on a mission to record the harrowing testimonies of war victims

Nor has he recorded how he was himself forcibly stripped and electrocuted countless times during nearly three years in prison. Some victims feel too ashamed to come forward, fearing that neighbours in their villages will know what happened to them.

Others, thankful to have escaped with their lives, question what good it will do to report the crimes of Vladimir Putins forces.

It is no wonder, then, that some experts say the true number of victims of Russian sexual violence is likely to be ten times greater than the nearly 400 who have gone through the intrusive process of giving evidence to the Ukrainian Prosecutor Generals Office.

That would mean some 4,000 harrowing stories  like those of Halyna, Olha, Tetiana, Liudmyla and Oleksandr.

Many of the details are too graphic to report in full.

But for SEMA Ukraine, a survivor network to which these women belong, it is vital to catalogue these horrors comprehensively.

For them, this is the Russian rape machine, a systematic attempt to crush the Ukrainian will to fight.

Yet as Donald Trump increasingly pushes for peace at any cost, they fear their voices are being lost.

Olha Cherniak was forced to listen to her teenage son being tortured

Amid talk of mineral deals, ceasefires and land swaps, what attention has been paid to the suffering of these women and men, boys and girls?

What measures will be put in place to bring the depraved perpetrators to justice?

Even more concerning, they fear a deal could be offered to Moscow that sees amnesties granted in exchange for peace.

When we see whats happening politically, what should we say to survivors? says Alisa Kovalenko, one of the first members of SEMA  which means speak out in Swahili  and a documentary maker who has collected these testimonies for a powerful forthcoming film called Traces.

What will we say to them? she asks. For what was this for?

The 37-year-old has little doubt that the sexual violence unleashed by the Russians is an orchestrated weapon of war.

It is systematic, she tells us in Kyiv. In some cases, it is a copy and paste, the same behaviour, the same methodology.

It is a way of destroying whats inside a person  any motivation they might have to rebel. When you are so traumatised, will you rebel?

It is breaking so many people, not just the person who survived. Its breaking all their connections with family, with their community.

Its destroying some basis of your personality, its about taking your dignity away.

For Alisa herself, this is a personal mission, one that began when she herself became a survivor of Russias rape machine.

Halyna was ordered at gunpoint to run around naked in the winter snow before being sexually violated with a gun

When Putins forces first invaded and occupied parts of Ukraine back in 2014, she travelled as a filmmaker to document the war in Donetsk.

Taking a taxi back through occupied territory, she was stopped at a checkpoint where her driver  falsely  told officers his passenger was with the Ukrainian army.

Alisa was dragged out of the car, accused of being a sniper, beaten and taken to a base for pro-Russian separatists and Russian armed militants. After hours of interrogation, a Russian officer took her to an apartment and forced her to take her clothes off and take a bath under his watch.

After, he didnt let me put any clothes on, so I only had a small towel. He was cleaning his gun in front of me and after that he said we would have to sleep together in case I ran away.

I said: Where will I run? I begged him, I said I would not run so I could sleep alone.

I almost fell asleep and then he came and he started raping me. I started to cry.

You feel like youre a paralysed animal or an object because you feel absolutely empty inside. You are frozen. I didnt feel my body at all.

Then, after he stopped, he said: Nothing happened. 

Alisas partner Stephane, 46, a fellow journalist with whom she has a seven-year-old son, Theo, managed to apply pressure and she was freed after four days.

When I was leaving, Grom, the nickname of this Russian officer, told me I had to thank him that I was not killed, Alisa said.

It took five years and a meeting with the inspirational founder of SEMA, Iryna Dovhan, for her to become one of the first Ukrainians to give formal testimony of sexual assault by a Russian soldier. That was in 2020.

Everything started with Iryna, Alisa said. Thanks to her, really, a revolution is happening in this field. Iryna was living in occupied Donetsk in 2014 when pro-Russian forces came to her house, detained, sexually assaulted and tortured her.

Then they took her into the street, put her against a lamppost, draped a Ukrainian flag over her and hung a sign over her neck that said she was killing children.

It was only when a photograph of her being beaten by bystanders went viral on social media that she left Donetsk.

Ever since, she has made it her mission to document the crimes of the Russians, forming SEMA in 2019 and working to overcome the stigma felt by the survivors.

Iryna is the central figure in Alisas documentary, which details her mission to encourage victims to come forward. I always felt that if I stayed unhappy and broken, then my enemies had achieved what they wanted, Iryna says in the film.

It was very important for me not to let them make me unhappy. This is my weapon that I constantly shoot them in the forehead with.

I try to convey this to other women, that the fact that they have overcome [their ordeals] is the best slap in the face to the enemy.

It was Iryna who helped convince Halyna, the 62-year-old widow savagely raped with a Kalashnikov near Bucha in 2022, to tell her story.

She could have died from her injuries, says Iryna. She was suffering so much, alone in her cold house. She was traumatised.

Meanwhile, Olha was the first woman to be tortured with electricity in the Kherson detention centre, where she spent almost a year held in a 3 x 3-metre cell with six other women. She could hear her teenage sons screams from a neighbouring cell.

The mother was made to stand for hours on end and repeatedly given electric shocks. The torture was so bad she lost consciousness.

Banned from using the toilet, she would wet herself  yet another evil part of her humiliation.

Her son finally made it out from occupied territory just last month and the family was reunited after more than two years of hell.

Like all SEMA members, Tetiana, 61, whose husband was shot in front of her, refuses to let the Russians win.

After a while I felt, Im Ukrainian, you bloody swine, she says in the film. You think you raped me? If you humiliated me, you drove me to the point where I didnt want to live any more? No way  I am not giving that to you!

Liudmyla Mefodiivna, 77, was living alone in Myroliubivka, Kherson, when she saw a Russian soldier come to her home in 2022.

As soon as I opened the doors, I immediately received a blow to the face with the butt of a gun, she told Alisa. The blow knocked her teeth out. After they raped her, the Russian soldier threw a Kalashnikov bullet at her and said: One sound and Ill kill you with this.

Another woman, who cannot be named, was left with hepatitis after being raped by a Russian soldier. Alisa said: She was in a horrible psychological state. She was crying all the time, and all the people in her village started to not communicate with her because she was always sad and depressed.

After we started to help her it was amazing how she changed.

Iryna Dovhan was taken out into the street and beaten

Just a few months later I saw her smiling, joking and laughing  one of those moments that inspires you to continue this challenging work.

None of these accounts is more recent than 2022, but Ukrainian soldiers returning through prisoner swaps report that the systematic abuse is still ongoing.

By some accounts, 90 per cent of detained Ukrainian male soldiers have been subjected to some kind of torture or sexual violence.

Oleksandr Gudilin, 34, was defending Mariupol when he was captured and detained in April 2022. He was finally released in December.

Speaking to the Mail, Oleksandr said: At first, it all seemed relatively civil, but when I was severely beaten in the kidneys, I realised no one was going to follow the Geneva Convention. He was made to undress before being beaten and herded into a bath to wash.

You stand under a shower and they electrocute you, he said. Thats when I really felt how well water conducts electricity. They shocked our hands, legs, backs...

Youre not allowed to look at the officers  but they look at you all the time. What are you supposed to do, standing there naked?

Alisa says: This is coming from a country where there are no basic human rights. Thats why I believe we have such a massive wave of crimes from Russia  and not just sexual violence. Because there are no values in this society.

Along with her fellow women in SEMA, she believes Russia must be added to the United Nations List of Shame  the roster of countries held responsible for violations including the systematic use of sexual violence.

Were that to happen, this would be a first step, giving the women some hope that the international community has not forgotten them. A letter from SEMA is currently sitting on the desk of Secretary General Antonio Guterres.

In the meantime, they will carry on documenting Russias crimes, no matter the political climate.

We just continue to do something, without knowing if it will really achieve justice, says Alisa.

Maybe it will not happen for 20 years. But we at least have to document it. I think that is the minimum that we can do.
A Colorado jury on Thursday found a father-of-three Daniel Krug guilty on all charges in the December 2023 murder of his wife and the terrifying months-long stalking campaign that preceded it.

Krug, 44, had pleaded not guilty to first-degree murder, criminal impersonation and stalking in connection with the death of his wife Kristil, 43.

She was found bludgeoned and fatally stabbed in the garage of the family home in Broomfield, Colorado on December 14, 2023.

For more than two months beforehand, shed been receiving vulgar and threatening messages via email and text  purportedly from a distant ex-boyfriend whod occasionally tried to reconnect with her over the years.

Over eight days of testimony, prosecutors outlined for jurors how those messages instead originated with Krug. He had created emails in the name of that ex, Utah resident Jack Anthony Holland, which investigators traced to the Wi-Fi at Krug's workplace. They also traced stalking texts to a phone purchased with a gift card registered in Krug's name.

Their marriage was deteriorating - with Kristil planning on divorcing her husband.

His desperation drove him into a murderous rage, prosecutors said, that culminated in unimaginable violence.

Kristil Grimsrud Krug was found bludgeoned and stabbed to death in the garage of her family home in 2023

Broomfield father Daniel Krug was today found guilty of his wife's murder

As the verdict was read, Kristil's family members - who sat in the front row behind the prosecution for the duration of the trial - nodded their assent and patted each other.

Her mother cried quiet tears, while Kristil's stepmom buried her head in the victim's father's shoulder as he hugged her.

A quiet sob rose up from Krug's family, who were sitting behind him in court. His father, who testified earlier in the week for the defense, put his arm around his wife as she held her hand over her mouth.

Krug, wearing a gray suit and dark tie, was silent. He briefly stood and held out his hands for court officers as they handcuffed him.

His parents stared as he was soon led out of the courtroom - and he could be heard crying behind the doors as he left, a witness told DailyMail.com.

It was a bittersweet but vindicating end for Kristil's relatives, who'd been clamoring for justice since the arrest of her husband two days after her murder in December 2023.

Family members hugged prosecutors, who were also shedding tears, as they exited the courthouse on Thursday. Krug will be sentenced on Friday.

The court heard during the trial how Kristil's final months were filled with anxiety and fear.

She'd started receiving texts from a sender she believed to be Holland at the beginning of October of that year - around the same time she was planning to end her marriage. Kristil and her husband had been sleeping in separate bedrooms for more than a year and were in discussions about splitting assets and custody.

Kristil's mother and brother testified that the engineer had been separating her finances, moving up her timeline for divorce from Krug and couldnt stand the man.

By Halloween, however, she was more concerned for her family's well-being than any marital separation. She called police after contact from the 'stalker' began to escalate - with messages including photos and details indicating that she and her family were being watched.

One email included a picture of Krug at his workplace and threats to his safety - a photo that forensics experts testified had been taken in selfie mode by Krug himself.

Kristil was found stabbed to death in the garage of her home in Broomfield, Colorado

On November 2, 2023, Kristil presented police with a spreadsheet and dossier documenting the stalking, including possible numbers, addresses and license plate information for the man she believed was behind the campaign.

Nobody ever contacted Holland, a Texas Roadhouse server living and working in Utah while blissfully unaware that Kristil was being terrorized in his name.

In addition to the messages, jurors heard how one of the emails Krug created on the workplace wifi was also used to set up an ad on a hookup site. The poster, pretending to be Kristil, invited strange men to 'run a train' on her and send pictures of their genitalia to her phone number - which was included in the listing.

Kristil bought a new gun, practiced shooting and concealed the firearm in a specially-made purse she bought from her aunt's store.

Despite their failure to contact Holland, investigators drew up an arrest warrant for the Utah man, conducted counter-surveillance on Kristil and her husband and searched her car for bugs.

But she complained to family that she felt 'abandoned' by police, jurors heard, and continued living in fear as the 'stalker' mystery deepened.

And by December, she was beginning to suspect her spouse.

Shes figuring it out. She is telling family members: I cant even rule out my husband, Senior Deputy District Attorney Kate Armstrong told the court during closing arguments.

Kristil even confronted Krug, who denied it, Armstrong said.

But by that point, the prosecutor argued, Krug knows its only a matter of time before hes going to be in not only legal trouble for stalking but hes also going to be exposed to his friends and his family and everyone hes trying to present this picture [to] as this great family man and great father.

At this point in time, all hope of rekindling the relationship is over . His ruse has not worked, she said.

Then the only thing left to do was to end Kristils life, both to silence her and to punish her for not wanting to be with him.

Prosecutors argued that, on the morning of December 14, Krug lay in wait for his wife after she dropped two of their children at school.

They told jurors that he caught her by surprise in the garage, turning off security cameras before knocking her unconscious and stabbing her in the chest.

Then he set up delayed messages to himself from her phone, they argued, to help build an alibi and make it seem like she was alive when he'd already killed her.

After that, he stopped at a local coffee shop, knowing security cameras would catch him, and corrected a barista about his order before going to work.

He told investigators he'd been late arriving at his job that day because he'd been suffering from diarrhea.

After getting to work, Krug called police for a wellness check because he said he'd been able to reach his wife for several hours. He also called her mother, who arrived as a responding officer attempted CPR on Kristil upon discovering her unconscious in a pool of blood, her car keys and purse  which held her recently purchased 9mm  still beside her.

Within hours, Utah police had approached a surprised Holland at his home, an eight-hour drive from the scene of the crime. Hed been buying a sweatshirt at Kohls on the day of the murder, Holland testified during the trial.

Broomfield detectives confronted Krug with this damning alibi information in the immediate aftermath of Kristil's death. As he sobbed and issued worried exclamations about his three children, they posited their theory that Krug, in fact, had been the one behind his wifes stalking.

Holland, they told him, had been ruled out. He could not have killed Kristil.

There must be somebody else, Krug protested.

But as it became clear that he was emerging as Suspect Number One, Krug threw his head back and rolled his eyes.

It has to be the husband, he sighed.

He was arrested and charged two days after her murder.

During the trial, the defense argued that investigators had been 'lazy, incompetent and arrogant.' They pointed to search warrant delays and lack of follow-up on Holland.

They also argued out that no physical evidence like blood or DNA tied Krug to the crime.

But the prosecution countered those allegations during closing arguments, describing Krug to jurors as 'methodical' and 'analytical.'

'Do you think this man, who's been planning and stalking his wife for months, is going to be so sloppy [at] the crime scene?' Chief Deputy District Attorney Stephanie Fritts said Wednesday.

'He was too prepared to do that.'

Prosecutors argued that gaps in Krug's dashcam footage and December 14 timeline gave him ample opportunity to dispose of the weapon and any other bloody evidence.
The Royal Caribbean has abruptly halted cruises to its private beach in Labadee, Haiti, as tensions escalate in-land.

The cruise line has suspended trips in light of the US Department of State's high-level alert which warned travelers about the area on the island of Hispaniola.

A spokesperson for Royal Caribbean confirmed to DailyMail.com that visits to Labadee were temporarily paused out of an 'abundance of caution' and guests were informed.

The department issued a travel advisory in September but recently raised the alert to a Level 4.

The warning cited an increase in crime and the State of Emergency in Haiti since March of last year.

Cases of robbery, carjacking, sexual assault, and kidnappings for ransom have been on the rise, forcing Royal Caribbean to take action.

The airport in Port-au-Prince is also a hotspot for armed robberies, with perpetrators often targeting lone travelers and women.

The US government has limited ability to help citizens who come into trouble abroad, especially in countries like Haiti, where resources to help victims are limited.

The Royal Caribbean has abruptly halted stops to Labadee, Haiti, as the US State Department warns of increased violence in the area

A travel warning listed Haiti as a Level 4 advisory, citing armed violence, political unrest, and a lack of resources for tourists

As a result of the Level 4 advisory, four ships, including Voyager of the Seas, Oasis of the Seas, Adventure of the Seas, and Odyssey of the Seas, were rerouted away from Haiti, as first reported by Cruise Radio.

Voyager was rerouted to Puerto Plata, Dominican Republic, instead of Labadee, while Oasis was diverted to Nassau, Bahamas.

Adventure will now dock in Puerto Plata's Taino Bay instead of Haiti on Sunday. Odyssey also dropped its stop in Labadee.

Passengers who have already paid for excursions in Labadee will receive onboard credit refunds.

Royal Caribbean halted trips to Labadee last year, suspending travel from May to September.

Haiti has been plagued with political unrest, poverty, and devastation from natural disasters for decades.

Four cruises were diverted to other locations, including the Dominican Republic and the Bahamas, instead of Labadee

In 2021, President Jovenel Moise was assassinated, which enabled infighting and armed militias to violently siege the capital.

Haiti hasn't held elections in recent years and has struggled to combat the rising poverty and crime in the country.

Armed gangs have taken control of a majority of Port-au-Prince, and on Wednesday, the US Embassy issued a security alert over widespread protests and the potential of heightened violence in the capital city.

Royal Caribbean didn't announce if or when they will resume travel to their Labadee private beach.
His partner is still in touch with him despite arrest

The partner of a man accused of being one of NSW's worst animal abusers has rekindled their long-term relationship claiming 'everyone deserves a second chance'.

Colin Baker was arrested at the home he shared with Mick Mepham at Moorland, near Taree, on April 30 last year.

Baker, 38, was charged with more than 60 criminal offences including bestiality, producing and disseminating bestiality material and accessing child abuse material.

NSW Police allege Baker, who had the online pseudonym 'Beast Boy', abused a seven-year-old rescue chihuahua, a golden retriever, a chicken and a ram.

Police further allege Baker filmed himself violating a dead kangaroo and used encrypted messaging apps to share his material.

At the time, a tearful Mr Mepham told Daily Mail Australia he was 'shocked and confused' when he learned about the allegations.

Mr Mepham added it was difficult to reconcile the person he loved and the person who allegedly committed such horrifying acts.

However, messages shared online between the pair show their romance and relationship is still intact despite Baker's arrest.

Pictured, Mick Mepham (left) and Colin Baker (right)

Mr Mepham told a social media user he was still in a relationship with Baker, the Herald Sun reported.

'I honestly believe he can be fixed and that everyone deserves a second chance,' one message read.

'No one deserves to be alone  No one should be alone without moral support.'

Just days after police had raided their property, Mr Mepham shared a photo of himself with Baker.

Social media users questioned the timing of the photo, with one commenting 'why???' to which Mr Mepham replied: 'Can't fall out of love... will get him the help he needs.'

In November last year, Mr Mepham shared a picture of himself in bondage, similar to the attire Baker had worn on a fetish website where his username was 'beast_boy1'.

Mr Mepham has since posted several photos of Baker on his personal social media account - the latest of which was shared last month.

Mr Mepham (pictured with his chihuahua, Loppy) has rekindled his relationship with his boyfriend despite Baker being arrested for alleged bestiality offences including the alleged abuse of the seven-year-old chihuahua

Baker had a profile on a gay porn platforms (pictured, one of the photos used on his account)

Court documents revealed some of the original charges will be withdrawn, with Baker facing 42 remaining charges.

The charges include 13 counts of bestiality, four counts of producing bestiality material, six counts of disseminating bestiality material, one count of possessing bestiality material, 16 counts of using a carriage service to access child abuse material, two counts of possessing child abuse material, and one count of using a carriage service to transmit child abuse material to self.

During the raid, authorities seized several items from the property - including Baker's computers, hard drives, and Mr Mepham's beloved seven-year-old chihuahua Loppy.

Police allege Baker had been sexually abusing the dog behind Mr Mepham's back.

Court documents obtained by Daily Mail Australia reveal police will allege Baker sexually abused several animals and filmed the acts in Moorland between 2020 and 2024.

On three separate occasions in 2020, he allegedly had sex with a chicken, ram, and a dead kangaroo - and filmed the act with the marsupial.

Over the next two years, his attention allegedly turned to abusing a large brown dog.

During that period, he allegedly made the dog sodomise him while recording the act before distributing the exploitation material online. Police will allege that happened twice in August 2022.

Baker was arrested on April 30, last year, after a NSW police investigation into online child abuse material

Police will further allege he also distributed those videos again in early 2023 to people online.

It will further be alleged raped Loppy on 15 March last year before raping a Golden Retriever the following day.

During that same time frame, police will allege he accessed child abuse material including 7 photos and 27 videos - including one showing little boys being sexually abused by men.

There were also allegedly 364 files of child abuse material found on a hard drive seized from his home.

Baker was arrested following an investigation that began in February last year, led by the NSW Police sex crime squad's child exploitation unit.

Sex Crimes squad commander Detective Superintendent Jayne Doherty said Baker's online presence was prolific.

'His online presence indicates there is a lot more than what we have so far viewed. We have viewed in excess of 500 videos at this point,' Doherty said after Baker's arrest.

Baker is set to appear at Taree Local Court on May 12. He was formally denied bail and has yet to enter a plea.
Xi calls for joint efforts to steadily build China-Cambodia community with shared future in new era

Xinhua) 10:20, April 17, 2025

PHNOM PENH, April 17 (Xinhua) -- Chinese President Xi Jinping said China and Cambodia must work together to promote the steady and sustained progress in building the China-Cambodia community with a shared future in the new era.

Xi made the remarks in a signed article titled "Together We Strive, Together We Thrive: Toward a Stable and Sustainable China-Cambodia Community with a Shared Future in the New Era" published Thursday in Cambodian media outlets Khmer Times, Jian Hua Daily and Fresh News ahead of his arrival in Cambodia for a state visit.

Xi said that China and Cambodia should bring the mutual political trust to a higher level, and expand the mutually beneficial cooperation of higher quality.

Xi urged the two countries to forge greater synergy between the Belt and Road Initiative and the Pentagonal Strategy, and advance the development of the Industrial and Technological Corridor and the Fish and Rice Corridor.

He called on both sides to work together to ensure greater security, have more frequent people-to-people exchanges, and strengthen strategic coordination of higher standards.

(Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Liang Jun)
News and commentary on organized crime, street crime, white collar crime, cyber crime, sex crime, crime fiction, crime prevention, espionage and terrorism.
White House Officials are expecting a trade deal with the UK to be finalised in as little as three weeks.

Britain's rapid deal with the US would come after President Donald Trump pens agreements with Japan, India, and South Korea in an attempt to isolate China.

But a source who spoke to the Telegraph assured that a 'great' trade deal with London was expected in 'two weeks' or 'maybe three'.

It comes a day after Vice President JD Vance declared that Trump was 'working very hard' to strike a trade deal with Britain, noting that the president really loves the UK'.

Trump imposed sweeping tariffs on imports to the US earlier this month, rocking the world economy and sending stock prices tumbling, sparking fears of a global recession.

Britain was spared the most punitive treatment in Trump's initial tariff announcement, due to the two sides enjoying a largely balanced trade relationship.

Still, British imports in the US now incur a 10 per cent charge while its steel and car sectors incur a rate of 25 per cent.

But the UK government has been hopeful of a deal to exempt the UK from Trump's tariffs, with Vance saying he was optimistic that both sides could come to a mutually beneficial agreement.

Keir Starmer and Donald Trump pictured together in the White House on February 27

Britain is in a good position for a rapid trade deal with the US, according to White House officials. It comes after JD Vance said Trump was keen to strike an agreement with the UK

'We're certainly working very hard with Keir Starmer's government' on a trade deal, Vance told the website UnHerd.

'The President really loves the United Kingdom. He loved the Queen. He admires and loves the King. It is a very important relationship. And he's a businessman and has a number of important business relationships in [Britain]. But I think it's much deeper than that.

'There's a real cultural affinity. And, of course, fundamentally, America is an Anglo country.

'I think there's a good chance that, yes, we'll come to a great agreement that's in the best interest of both countries.'

Chancellor Rachel Reeves will aim to continue negotiations for an economic deal with the US later this month when she travels to Washington to attend the International Monetary Fund's spring meetings with other finance ministers.

She warned earlier this week that the US 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 also said that the UK would argue for a 'more balanced global economic and trading system' that 'recognises the benefits of free trade'.

Britain's Prime Minister Keir Starmer speaks during a visit to meet British Steel workers in Appleby Village Hall near Scunthorpe, Lincolnshire, Saturday April 12, 2025

British and American officials have been locked in talks for weeks that initially focused on boosting cooperation on artificial intelligence and tech but could also expand to include food and other goods.

It comes as the trade war between the US and China has continued to intensify, with Trump accusing Beijing of trying to 'screw' America.

Chinese President Xi Jinping has been touring south east Asia this week, making the case for free trade in the region and presenting Beijing as a source of 'stability and certainty.'
She is back in her beloved role as Miranda Hobbes.

But Sex And The City actress Cynthia Nixon has caused a stir by wearing a Palestinian flag-themed shirt in a trailer for the comedy-drama spin-off And Just Like That.

Her split button-down shirt had one half of it bearing the colours and pattern of the Palestinian flag and she paired it with a red tie.

Ms Nixon, 59, asks in a clip alongside co-stars: 'What's in store for season three?'

She denied the outfit was a subtle tactic to share her support for Palestine, but she has been outspoken on the Israel-Hamas war.

Ms Nixon's representative said: 'The shirt was provided to Cynthia at a marketing shoot by the series wardrobe department.

'Any similarities to the colours are coincidence.'

But the star was criticised by social media users for wearing the flag of a territory whose leadership does not support gay rights.

Sex And The City actress Cynthia Nixon has caused a stir by wearing a Palestinian flag-themed shirt in a trailer for the comedy-drama spin-off And Just Like That

Cynthia Nixon and Sarah Jessica Parker on location for 'And Just Like That'

One user wrote Ms Nixon has 'unofficially crowned herself the Grand Marshal of the next Hamas Pride Parade  because siding with anti-progressives is a progressive credential'.

Ms Nixon did post in 2023: 'How can Israel 'intensify strikes' when they already dropped more bombs in one week than the US dropped in the first year of our war on Afghanistan?'

In season three of And Just Like That out in May, Sarah Jessica Parker, 60, returns to play Carrie Bradshaw.
A marketing expert has revealed the two main reasons why a longstanding Australian footwear brand has been forced to close its doors.

Wittner, which was established in 1912, has gone bust, with the announcement on Wednesday sending shockwaves through the fashion and retail industries.

The women's shoe company has over 20 branded stores in Australia and New Zealand, and 25 outlets within Myer and David Jones.

QUT marketing expert professor Gary Mortimer said the cost-of-living crisis clearly played a part in its downfall, as it has with many other businesses in recent years.

However with Wittner specifically, he said the company found it hard to offer a higher-end product while still being affordable to the everyday shopper.

'Consumers are now re-prioritising where they're spending their money, making sure there's enough to pay their rent or mortgage first,' he told Daily Mail Australia.

'Insurance, utilities, logistics - everything seems to be going up. There's not much left over, and people are wondering, where do I put this money?'

Prof Mortimer those who were able to have some extra money left over at the end of the month were now more likely to save it than spend it, for fear things could get worse.

A statement from Wittner said sales growth in the past 12 months couldn't keep up with rising wages and rental costs

'Unfortunately that apparel and footwear segment is very exposed to discretionary spending,' he said.

Prof Mortimer said Wittner occupied a challenging place in the market - caught between the profusion of 'cheap and cheerful' retailers including Shein and Temu at one end of the market, and the luxury top-end brands at the other.

'Brands like Chanel and Burbury are well-established and insulated from the cost of living,' Prof Mortimer said.

'If you're spending $700 to $800 on a pair of boots you're not worried about paying rent. But that middle market is really challenged.'

Prof Mortimer said Wittner was not a luxury store, though it still offered higher-end, quality shoes.

He added its traditional customers were turning to a wide range of cheaper options, if they were spending their diminishing discretionary income on shoes at all.

'It's ultimately a very crowded market when it comes to clothing, footwear and accessories here in Australia,' Prof Mortimer said.

He explained that bricks-and-mortar businesses were not only dealing with lower revenue as consumers tightened their belts, but also rising overhead costs which are not borne by online competitors.

'The big issue is the cost of doing business,' Prof Mortimer said.

The iconic women's shoe company, established in 1912, has over 20 branded stores in Australia and New Zealand

'Rental, wage, electricity, insurance, and security costs are just eroding margins very, very quickly.'

Wittner is one of the more surprising casualties in a squeeze in Australia's retail sector.

Insolvency experts Sal Algeri and David Orr from Deloitte were appointed joint administrators on Wednesday.

Mr Algeri said the company will continue to trade as normal as they 'conduct an urgent review of the group's finances'.

A statement from Wittner said it was rising costs that ultimately sank the company, as sales were actually growing albeit at a slower rate.

'The growth in sales has been eroded by cost pressures from rising wages and occupancy costs, and more recently challenging trading conditions and supply-chain disruptions,' it said.

'We have invested in our range and teams over the last twelve months and remain committed to the Wittner business.

'We will work closely with the administrators to achieve the best outcome for the business and its stakeholders.'

Wittner is the latest in a string of local fashion retailers which have shut up shop.

Jeanswest announced last month that all 87 stores across Australia would close their doors in the next six weeks, and up to 600 jobs would be axed.

Retail group Mosaic, which owns Australian chains including Rivers, Noni B and Katies, also collapsed last year owing creditors almost $250million.
READ MORE: Cyclone Errol upgraded to Category 4 system as it closes in on WA

But a cool change is expected for some states

East coast set for a warm start to the weekend

Millions of Aussies are set for a warm start to the Easter long weekend before showers cause temperatures to plunge in some states.

A cold front is expected to sweep across southern Western Australia on Friday before making its way to the southeast on Sunday.

This means cooler-than-average temperatures are expected for the southern states, particularly in Victoria, South Australia, the ACT and Tasmania.

Senior Meteorologist Angus Hines warned there was a chance of heavy rain along the northern WA coast in the aftermath of Tropical Cyclone Errol, which is currently sitting 500km off the Kimberley Coast.

'From Thursday, Tropical Cyclone Errol could steer south-eastwards back towards the coast,' Mr Hines told Daily Mail Australia.

'While it is forecast to weaken, while doing so, it may bring impacts such as heavy rain, thunderstorms and damaging wind to parts of the Kimberly and Eastern Pilbara over the weekend.'

Meanwhile, the Northern Territory can anticipate a warm Easter, although the far south could see a bit of a cool change on Sunday.

Sydney will be blue skies for most of the weekend with temperatures expected to climb into the high 20s, following a week of cooler autumn weather in the low 20s.

The Bureau of Meteorology expects a cool change to sweep Australia's south from Sunday

Some showers in Sydney are expected on Saturday and Sunday.

Although Queensland is set for a sunny and dry Easter, widespread major flooding is still impacting the south-west as well as north-east South Australia, and northern New South Wales.

Mr Hines warned that 'significant flooding is likely to continue for weeks to come, as floodwaters move slowly downstream'.

Despite the flooding elsewhere in the state, Brisbane will see sunny weather in the high 20s, with a maximum of 31C forecast for Easter Monday.

Melbourne, Adelaide, Canberra and Hobart will see a cool change from Sunday, with some wet weather also expected.

Adelaide will bear the brunt of the cool change with temperatures plummeting from a steamy 30C on Friday to the low 20s on Saturday.

Western Australia will be blessed with blue skies with temperatures expected to range from the low to mid 20s to the low 30s.

Daily Mail Australia has revealed the long weekend weather forecast for your city.

Sydneysiders can expect warm Sunny days, with a maximum of 29C on Saturday & Sunday (pictured, beachgoers cool off at Bondi Beach)

Sydney

Friday: Mostly sunny. Slight chance of a shower along the coastal fringe in the early morning. Near zero chance of rain elsewhere. Winds southwesterly 15 to 20km/h turning south to southeasterly in the middle of the day then becoming light in the late afternoon. Min 15 Max 25

Saturday: Sunny. Light winds. Min 15 Max 29

Sunday: Sunny morning. Medium chance of showers in the afternoon and evening. Light winds becoming westerly 15 to 20km/h during the evening. Min 17 Max 29

Monday: Partly cloudy. Medium chance of showers. Winds westerly 15 to 20 km/h turning southwesterly during the morning. Min 17 Max 25

Adelaide

Friday: The chance of fog in the early morning. Mostly sunny day. Light winds becoming west to northwesterly 15 to 20km/h in the early afternoon then shifting east to northeasterly in the late afternoon. Min 16 Max 28

Saturday: Cloudy. Very high chance of showers, most likely from the late morning. The chance of a thunderstorm. Winds northerly 15 to 20km/h shifting southwesterly 20 to 30km/h during the afternoon. Min 20 Max 27

Sunday: Partly cloudy. Medium chance of showers. Winds southwesterly 25 to 35 km/h turning southerly 15 to 25km/h during the evening. Min 13 Max 20

Monday: Partly cloudy. Slight chance of a shower, most likely during the morning. Winds southerly 15 to 25km/h turning southeasterly 15 to 20km/h later. Min 11 Max 21

Showers have been forecast across most of the east coast and Perth (Sydney is pictured)

Melbourne

Friday: Mostly sunny. Winds northwest to northeasterly 20 to30 km/h tending northwesterly in the early afternoon then light in the evening. Min 17 Max 28

Saturday: Partly cloudy. The chance of morning fog about the nearby hills. Slight chance of a shower developing in the afternoon, increasing to a medium chance during the evening. Winds north to northeasterly 15 to 25km/h increasing to 30km/h before turning northwesterly 15 to 20km/h during the evening. Min 15 Max 28

Sunday: Partly cloudy. High chance of showers. Winds westerly 15 to 25km/h. Min 15 Max 20

Monday: Partly cloudy. High chance of showers. Winds westerly 15 to 20km/h turning south to southwesterly 15 to 25km/h during the morning. Min 12 Max 19

Hobart

Friday: Partly cloudy. Medium chance of showers, most likely in the early morning. Light winds. Min 13 Max 24

Saturday: Partly cloudy. Medium chance of showers, most likely in the evening. Light winds becoming northwesterly 15 to 20 km/h during the evening. Min 13 Max 21

Sunday: Cloudy. High chance of showers. Winds west to northwesterly 15 to 20km/h shifting southerly during the day then tending southwesterly during the evening. Min 13 Max 19

Monday: Cloudy. Medium chance of showers. Winds west to southwesterly 15 to 20km/h turning southerly 15 to 25km/h during the day. Min 11 Max 18

Melbourne will see temperatures drop to 12C on Monday (pictured, cool weather in Adelaide)

Canberra

Friday: The chance of fog in the early morning. Sunny afternoon. Light winds. Min 6 Max 25

Saturday: Sunny. Light winds becoming northwesterly 15 to 20 km/h during the day then becoming light during the afternoon. Min 7 Max 27

Sunday: Partly cloudy. Medium chance of showers, most likely in the afternoon and evening. Light winds becoming northwesterly 15 to 25km/h during the morning then becoming light during the evening. Min 9 Max 25

Monday: Partly cloudy. Medium chance of showers. Light winds becoming west to southwesterly 15 to 20km/h during the morning. Min 6 Max 20

Perth

Friday: Partly cloudy. Winds southerly 15 to 20km/h increasing to 25km/h before turning southeasterly 15 to 20km/h during the day. Min 12 Max 23

Saturday: Partly cloudy. Winds southeasterly 15 to 20km/h turning easterly 15 to 25 km/h during the morning. Min 10 Max 23

Sunday: Sunny. Winds easterly 20 to 30km/h. Min 11 Max 25

Monday: Partly cloudy. Slight chance of a shower. Winds easterly 15 to 25km/h turning northeasterly during the morning. Min 14 Max 30

Brisbane is set for a sunny and warm weekend with a maximum of 31C on Monday

Brisbane

Friday: Sunny. Light winds. Min 17 Max 29

Saturday: Mostly sunny. Light winds. Min 17 Max 29

Sunday: Sunny. Light winds. Min 17 Max 30

Monday: Partly cloudy. Slight chance of a shower. Light winds. Min 18 Max 31

Darwin

Friday: Partly cloudy. Slight chance of a shower in the late morning and afternoon. The chance of a thunderstorm about the Cox Peninsula in the late morning and afternoon. Light winds. Min 23 Max 33

Saturday: Partly cloudy. Medium chance of showers, most likely in the morning and afternoon. The chance of a thunderstorm. Light winds. Min 25 Max 33

Sunday: Partly cloudy. Medium chance of showers, most likely in the morning and afternoon. The chance of a thunderstorm. Light winds. Min 25 Max 33

Monday: Partly cloudy. Medium chance of showers. The chance of a thunderstorm. Light winds. Min 25 Max 34
The DNA expert at the center of the Gilgo Beach serial killer case has helped solve several notorious murders - and cracked a mystery at the heart of the infamous Zodiac killer case, a court heard Wednesday.

Rex Heuermann returned to the Arthur M Cromarty Criminal Courthouse in Riverhead, Long Island, Wednesday to hear a second day of testimony from expert witness Dr Richard Green.

Green - who has worked as a professor in biomolecular engineering at University of California in Santa Cruz since 2010 - used technology in his lab Astrea Forensics to identify the DNA on hairs found on some of the Gilgo Beach victims.

According to investigators, hairs found on the victims bodies were traced back to Heuermanns wife Asa Ellerup, daughter Victoria Heuermann and a third unnamed individual.

During Wednesdays hearing, Green testified about a string of other examples where his DNA lab at the University of California, Santa Cruz, or his company Astrea Forensics had helped to solve cold cases and unsolved murders.

He told the court how he was once contacted at his university lab to assist in the Zodiac killer investigation, to try to extract DNA from some letters believed to have been sent by the killer.

Letters had been sent to a newspaper and a victims father in connection to the 1966 murder of Cheri Jo Bates in Riverside, California.

They wanted to know who sent that letter, he said.

Suspected serial killer Rex Heuermann is led into the courtroom in shackles and handcuffs on April 15

The DNA expert on Rex Heuermann's case revealed he had previously worked on the Zodiac killer case. This flyer was distributed by the San Francisco Police Department in October 1969

Green testified that the lab managed to extract DNA from a letter and used it to develop a DNA profile, which then identified the person who wrote the letter.

The individual confessed to writing the letter but investigators determined he was too young at the time to have been the Zodiac killer, Green said.

Green said the person was just a 13-year-old whose motivation was seeking attention.

The prosecution went on to present a string of newspaper clippings of cold cases being solved thanks, at least in part, to DNA analysis carried out by Green and one of his labs.

Heuermanns defense attorney Michael Brown objected to the prosecution entering the newspaper clippings as evidence, claiming it was prejudicial.

Judge Timothy Mazzei called a sidebar where the prosecution - including Suffolk County District Attorney Ray Tierney - and the defense gathered to argue over the matter.

Heuermann, dressed in a dark suit with a powder blue shirt and pink tie, sat at the defense table alone, watching on intently.

The judge sided with the prosecution and overruled the objection.

Marlyse Elizabeth Honeychurch and her daughters, Marie Elizabeth Vaughn and Sarah Lynn McWaters were named as three of the four victims in the Bear Brooks murders

After 40 years, 'Princess Doe' was identified as Dawn Olanick, a 17-year-old teen from Long Island who was found dead in a cemetery in New Jersey in 1982. The victims tooth and eyelash were submitted to Astrea Forensics for DNA extraction which led to her identity as well as the suspected killer

Astrea Forensics also helped in the 1982 case of a 9-year-old girl, Daralyn Johnson (pictured) of Canyon, Idaho who was kidnapped, raped and murdered

Green went on to describe his work on the infamous Bear Brooks murders, where four female victims were found at Bear Brook State Park in Allenstown, New Hampshire - two in 1985 and two in 2000.

The victims are believed to have been killed in the late 70s or early 80s.

The FBI contacted Greens research lab in California for help in identifying them, he testified.

Many of the victims remains were badly decomposed, he said, with some found in barrels.

Green and his lab used tissue and hair from the victims to generate DNA profiles - and ultimately identified three of the four victims decades after they were killed.

Another case was that of Dawn Olanick, also known as Princess Doe, a 17-year-old girl from Long Island, who was found dead in a cemetery in New Jersey in 1982.

Her case went cold for 40 years until 2022 when she was identified. The victims tooth and eyelash were submitted to Astrea Forensics for DNA extraction which led to her identity as well as the suspected killer.

Astrea Forensics also helped in the 1982 case of a 9-year-old girl, Daralyn Johnson of Canyon, Idaho who was kidnapped, raped and murdered.

Astrea Forensics founder Dr Richard Green (pictured) testified about the DNA technology used to tie Heuermann to the killings

Charles Fain was wrongly convicted for Johnson's killing but always claimed his innocence. New DNA testing later led to his conviction being overturned and the case going unsolved.

Green explained that he was contacted by the FBI to help solve the case. There was not much forensic evidence in the case but some hairs were found on the victim's underwear and sock.

Green was asked to develop a genotype file that could be used by investigative genetic genealogists to develop leads. After a suspect was identified, he was sent a DNA sample to compare to the DNA profile on the hair found on the victim.

It was this case that led Green to create IBDGem, a software program that compares DNA from a known sample to an unknown sample.

Green said that he ran the IBDGem software on the suspect and brother in Johnson's case, which led to David Dalrymple, 66, in 2022. Green was an expert witness in the case that led to the conviction of Dalrymple.

His company also does a lot of work with the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC), he testified.

During a combative cross-examination, Heuermanns defense attorney hit Green with the fact that the case in Idaho is the only time his DNA analysis has been used in a criminal court case.

Literally one court out of 50 states have accepted your product, he said.

Melissa Barthelemy (top left), Amber Costello (top right), Megan Waterman (bottom left), and Maureen Brainard-Barnes (bottom right) became known as the 'Gilgo Four'

Valerie Mack (left) disappeared in 2000 and parts of her body were discovered in Long Island that November. Jessica Taylor (right) vanished in 2003 with some of her remains being found in Manorville that year

Sandra Costilla (left) was murdered in 1993, making her the earliest known victim. Karen Vergata's (right) remains were identified in 2023. Heuermann has not been charged in connection to her death

Brown grilled Green about whether his DNA technology is widely accepted by the scientific community.

Brown pushed that something being accepted by the scientific community might not be the same as being accepted in a criminal court.

At that point, the judge scolded Brown, saying: Isnt that my decision to make?

Judge Mazzei went on to make it clear that whether or not it is accepted in his courtroom in New York will be his decision.

Heuermanns legal team is seeking to sow doubts in the DNA technology used in the case - branding it magic that has never been used before in a criminal case in New York.

He is asking the judge to throw out the DNA evidence allegedly tying Heuermann to the murders.

Prosecutors are fighting back, arguing the method is well-regarded in the scientific community.

Asa Ellerup and her attorney Robert Macedonio is seen inside the court house on Wednesday

Rex Heuermann's wife Asa Ellerup, daughter Victoria Heuermann and their attorneys attend a hearing for Rex Heuermann at the Arthur M. Cromarty Criminal Courthouse in Riverhead, Long Island on Tuesday

Asa Ellerup and Victoria Heuermann - dressed head to toe in a vibrant, multicolored outfit - looked on from the fourth row of the courtroom at the hearing

The cross-examination will resume Thursday morning in Riverhead.

The defense is then expected to call some expert witnesses before the judge issues a ruling on the matter.

Whether or not the DNA experts technology is allowed in the case could make or break the case against the Gilgo Beach serial killer suspect - determining whether jurors will be allowed to hear critical evidence tying him to the murdered women.

Green testified Tuesday that his company Astrea Forensics has become the go to for the specific DNA testing used in the case.

He told the court how Astrea specializes in DNA extraction from old or difficult samples - such as ancient bones that are tens of thousands of years old or rootless hairs.

Through his research, he went on to found the lab Astrea Forensics in 2019 - the lab that carried out the DNA testing in the case against Heuermann.

Green explained how the technology developed by his lab is able to develop a DNA profile from a rootless hair - like the hairs found on the bodies of several of the Gilgo Beach victims.

A hair, he explained, has small amounts of DNA that are fragmented - making it more difficult to obtain a profile from.

But, he said that DNA is easily recoverable from rootless hairs using his labs technology.

It is then compared to a DNA sample taken from a known individual using a buccal swab, to see if it matches.

Rex Heuermann, a 61-year-old architect, returned to a courtroom in Riverhead, Long Island, Tuesday

Heuremann is getting escorted inside the Riverhead courtroom surrounded by court officers

Alleged Gilgo serial killer Rex Heuermann appears for a frye hearing at Suffolk County Court in Riverhead on April 3

Heuermanns now ex-wife Ellerup - who returned to the courtroom Wednesday for the hearing - exclusively told DailyMail.com, through her legal team, that she believes her husband may have been framed for the murders.

Ellerups attorney Bob Macedonio told DailyMail.com outside the courtroom Wednesday that Greens testimony had not provided any clarity to the family members about how their hairs had been found on some of the murdered women.

This is the procedure used to extract DNA, he said of the hearing.

The clarity is going to come on how was Asas hair or Victorias hair taken into evidence off the alleged victims bodies.

He added that the family does not believe they are going to be able to counter it or prove the science wrong, it's just not possible.

But the extraction of evidence, the maintaining of evidence, the chain of evidence - all that is going to come into play at the trial.

Ellerups concerns come after she watched the new Netflix docuseries Gone Girls about the case, her legal team revealed.

The show documented the corruption that plagued the case in the early days, with the then-Suffolk County Police Commissioner James Burke botching the investigation and forcing the FBI off the case. He was then sentenced to 46 months in prison for 2012 beating of a man who stole sex toys and paraphernalia out of his vehicle. The then-Suffolk County DA Tom Spota was also convicted for corruption, obstruction and witness tampering in connection to Burke.

The home of Rex Heuermann in Massapequa Park, Long Island, during a search of his home

Law enforcement on the scene of Rex Heuermann's home following his arrest in July 2023

The Netflix series raises more concerns and questions about how this investigation was conducted and procedures that were used to extract that DNA, the legal team said this week.

Ellerup has been attending the critical Frye hearings to hear the evidence for herself.

The couples daughter Victoria joined her mom in court Tuesday but did not put in an appearance Wednesday.

Heuermann is currently charged with the murders of seven women over a two-decade reign of horror running from 1993 to 2011.

The Gilgo Beach serial killer case had haunted the Long Island community for more than a decade, ever since the first of multiple bodies were discovered along Ocean Parkway in December 2010.

The chilling case began back in May 2010, when Shannan Gilbert vanished in bizarre circumstances one night.

The 24-year-old, who was working as an escort, had gone to see a client in the Oak Beach Association community when she made a terrifying 911 call, saying that someone was trying to kill her.

During a search for Gilbert in December 2010, officers came across the body of Barthelemy in the marshes by Gilgo Beach.

Police search a marsh in Oak Beach for the remains of Shannan Gilbert in December 2011

Within days, three more bodies - Amber Costello, Melissa Barthelemy and Megan Waterman - had been found.

The four victims, who became known as the Gilgo Four, had been dumped within a quarter mile of each other, some of them bound and wrapped in burlap.

Over the following months, the remains of seven other victims were found dumped along Ocean Parkway near Gilgo Beach.

Gilberts body was found last. Investigators maintain that she was not a victim, but died by accidental drowning after she fled into the dense thicket that night.

More than a decade later, in July 2023, Heuermann was dramatically arrested as he left his office in midtown Manhattan.

He was initially charged with the murders of three women: Costello, Barthelemy and Waterman.

Since then, he has been charged with the murders of four more victims: Maureen Brainard-Barnes, Sandra Costilla, Jessica Taylor and Valerie Mack.

All the victims were working as sex workers when they vanished after going to meet a client.

Heuermann has not been charged in connection to the deaths of Karen Vergata and three still-unidentified victims, known only as Asian Doe, Peaches, and Peaches toddler daughter.

Costilla, meanwhile, had never been linked to the Gilgo Beach serial killer case until Heuermann was hit with charges for her murder in 2024.

Her murder expands the timeline that the accused serial killer is alleged to have been actively preying on victims.

Heuermann has pleaded not guilty to all the charges.
A woman who thought she had finally secured her dream home on the Gold Coast says she feels 'deceived' after her winning auction bid was rejected less than an hour later.

Laura Clare, 33, said she was subjected to a 'misleading' and 'deceptive' bidding process when she submitted an offer on the Queensland home.

When Ms Clare inspected the property earlier this month, she was told the seller wanted to move quickly so final offers would close the following day.

She submitted an offer and the agent said there were four others around the same price, so the five prospective buyers would have to take part in an online bidding platform, promising the highest offer would secure the home.

Ms Clare's bid was the highest during the nerve-wracking five-hour auction, so she began texting her friends and celebrating her purchase.

But it all came crashing down an hour later when the agent called and said the owner had decided he had been too hasty and wanted to do more open homes and canvas more offers.

'It was very clear [the bidding] didn't go how it was meant to go,' Ms Clare told Daily Mail Australia.

Reflecting on the 'deceitful' bidding war, Ms Clare admitted the process was 'weird'.

Queensland woman Laura Clare, 33, thought she had won a property auction (pictured)

Ms Clare (pictured) felt like she had been 'deceived' over the online bidding platform

'I've dealt with open platforms before and it's been very transparent about terms and conditions and the owner can take any bid in the time frame, so I asked if it was like this and [the agent] said the owner wants the best price, so the top price will get the property,' she said.

The first bid came in almost as soon as the online auction began, $20,000 higher than what Laura had initially offered, and she thought the speed was 'questionable' as it 'took me a while to get confirmed on the platform'.

'I thought it was weird to come straight off the bat and offer over $20,000 more when the agent had said all the offers had been a similar amount,' she said.

Ms Clare, who shared the experience on TikTok, waited until the last 10 minutes of the auction before bidding $1,000 more than the highest price and assumed the home was now hers.

Instead the 33-year-old was left 'angry and upset' when she found out the 'auction meant nothing'

'I would never have bid if I had known there was no validity to my bid and everyone could see what's on the table and then they pull out anyway,' she said.

'It's really important for people to know what they're getting into, know the difference between the different bidding platforms, ask the agent a lot of questions about what it means if they win the bid.

'Is it legally binding? How long is the cool off period? I didn't know to ask these questions until this happened to me.'

Ms Clare (pictured) has urged other buyers to be wary of bidding platforms

Laura got a measure of payback when she visited the property's next open home, confronting the agent and warning other prospective buyers.

'I do not like people being played so I wanted to make sure that the people who were there weren't going to get played,' she explained.

'I wanted to give them all the information and make them aware of his tactics so they weren't in the same position as me.

'The funny thing is I would have bought it and probably would have paid more if he had done the right thing.'

Founder of Bluestone Property Corporation, James Anderson, described the online bidding platforms as 'a really good tactic for the agent and the owner but totally wrong for the average buyer'.

'It's totally unethical because in a private treaty you shouldn't be able to see other offers and the agent shouldn't be disclosing offers to the other buyers so this is really creating a a strong sense of competition when there really shouldn't be,' he said.

Real estate agent James Anderson (pictured) blasted the online auction was 'unethical'

'The programs allow buyers to compete for a property by entering their bids online. It creates a sense of an auction without it being an official auction. It's not a legally binding auction campaign. It's basically the same as just private treaty now.'

Mr Anderson offered some blunt advice to first-time home buyers who were being urged to participate in such an online auction.

'Find your best and final offer for any given property and the terms that you're willing to offer and submit it to the agent,' he said.

'Tell the agent you're not willing to compete in this program and you do not want your offer to be disclosed to other buyers'.
An Irish woman who has claimed she was violently raped by the prime suspect in the disappearance of Madeleine McCann is taking her case to Europe.

Hazel Behan wants the European Court of Human Rights to investigate alleged failures in the original Portuguese investigation which followed the serious sexual assault she said she suffered in the country in 2004.

Ms Behan, 41, from the Irish county Westmeath, said: 'Lodging my case with the European Court of Human Rights is not just about seeking justice for myself  it's about standing up after being silenced and ignored for far too long.

'I carry the pain of how I was treated every single day, but I hope the court will ensure that my human rights are protected in line with the very standards that are expected right across Europe.'

She said she also hopes that 'maybe, through this, Portugal, and other countries, will treat victims of rape, both domestic and foreign, with the decency and respect we deserve'.

Last October, Christian Brueckner, a convicted sex offender currently imprisoned in Germany for similar offences, was acquitted by a court in Braunschweig, Germany, in relation to the charge of rape of Ms Behan.

Prosecutors in the trial had called for him to be jailed for a further 15 years, and the court heard him described as a 'dangerous psychopathic sadist'.

However, Judge Uta Engemann said Brueckner could 'not be convicted of the acts he is accused of' because of the evidence presented.

Hazel Behan (pictured) wants the European Court of Human Rights to investigate alleged failures in the original Portuguese investigation which followed the serious sexual assault she said she suffered in the country in 2004

Last October, Christian Brueckner (pictured), a convicted sex offender currently imprisoned in Germany for similar offences, was acquitted by a court in Braunschweig, Germany, in relation to the charge of rape of Ms Behan

She came forward to investigators in July 2020, as she believed she recognised Brueckner when he was initially linked to the disappearance of three-year-old British girl Madeleine (pictured) in Portugal in 2007

Ms Behan, a former holiday rep, first spoke publicly about her experience on RTE's Late Late Show in 2015 without identifying her attacker.

She came forward to investigators in July 2020, as she believed she recognised Brueckner when he was initially linked to the disappearance of three-year-old British girl Madeleine in Portugal in 2007.

She claimed Brueckner was her attacker, who tied her up and raped her three times while wearing a mask, after he climbed onto her apartment balcony while she was sleeping in Praia da Rocha, the Algarve. She was aged 20 at the time.

Ms Behan told the German court last May she would 'never forget' the blue eyes of Brueckner, whom she accused of leaving her with lasting injuries.

'It is bored into my skull, I will never forget it,' she said. 'Everything he had on was so dark, it was like they were just lights, so bright that I just never... I just know them.'

She told the court she feared for her life during the 'hateful, aggressive' four-hour assault.

Yesterday, her solicitor, Darragh Mackin, confirmed that Ms Behan had lodged an application with the European Court of Human Rights (ECHR).

Ms Behan claimed Brueckner was her attacker, who tied her up and raped her three times while wearing a mask, after he climbed onto her apartment balcony while she was sleeping in Praia da Rocha, the Algarve. She was aged 20 at the time

He said the case centred on the alleged inaction of the Portuguese authorities in identifying and prosecuting Brueckner.

He said it is alleged there was a failure to seize the blood-stained bed sheets and broken false nails from the struggle, 'which plainly contained important forensic evidence'.

It is also claimed the authorities failed to provide Ms Behan with a translator, so she could understand the process or provide a detailed witness statement.

It is alleged she was placed under surveillance after the incident, and that there was a direct approach by Portuguese police to make her return to Ireland, due to the 'damage' her allegations had on the tourism industry.

Finally, it is claimed the case was closed without her being given notice.

Mr Mackin said that despite striking similarities between her case and other offences that occurred in the area, for which Brueckner is now accused, the Portuguese authorities failed to pursue any clear lines of inquiry.

'The systematic failings in the Portuguese investigation from the time have directly affected the ability of the German authorities to prosecute Brueckner for the rape of Ms Behan,' he said.

Her solicitor, Darragh Mackin, confirmed that Ms Behan had lodged an application with the European Court of Human Rights (ECHR). He said the case centred on the alleged inaction of the Portuguese authorities in identifying and prosecuting Brueckner (pictured)

'It is for this reason Ms Behan brings the instant application to the European Court of Human Rights for violations of Article 3 (prohibition of inhuman or degrading treatment) and Article 8 (right to private life).'

He continued: 'Through this action, Hazel has highlighted how the systematic and inexcusable failings by the Portuguese authorities have denied her, and many other victims, justice for nearly two decades.

'These failings have ultimately contributed to the acquittal of one of the most high-profile perpetrators in modern history.'

He said this case is about 'ensuring victims of sexual violence are not ignored, dismissed or silenced by the very systems that are meant to protect them'.
Maritime workers were left stumped when a 50-foot shrimp boat washed ashore on a Florida beach without anyone on board.

The boat, named Miss Montie, appeared on Beverly Beach along Florida's East Coast between Jacksonville and Orlando on Sunday evening.

When the Flagler Beach Fire Department responded to the empty boat, they discovered it was empty.

The department posted on social media that when they searched the vessel, they came up with 'no findings.'

However, the maritime mystery was later unraveled to reveal a decision by the Coast Guard, and not a paranormal captain.

The boat's owner Captain Corey Thomas says he was forced to abandon the vessel when it had lost power on Friday night and he struggled to pull in the anchor.

Another boat had attempted to come to Thomas' rescue, but after unsuccessful tries, he was forced to call the Coast Guard for help.

'The Coast Guard come and told me they couldn't tow me nowhere,' Thomas revealed to the Daytona Beach News-Journal. 'And I couldn't understand why they couldn't tow me. They told me it was too dangerous.'

A massive fishing boat called Miss Montie was the center of an eerie maritime mystery over the weekend when it drifted ashore with no one on board

The Flagler Fire Department responded to the 'ghost ship' abandoned on a Florida beach and found that no one was inside

Thomas, his dog Lucy, and another crew member were forced to flee the boat.

A spokesperson for the Coast Guard confirmed to the Daytona Beach News-Journal that they helped safely transport Thomas' crew to a marina with no reported injuries.

Once on shore, Thomas found another boat captain who was willing to go back out to sea with him and tow his boat back.

However, they discovered that Miss Montie had drifted eight miles in three hours and was in a rough territory.

The second boat attempted to tow Miss Montie back to shore but the six foot waves made it increasingly difficult.

Thomas tried to anchor the boat but the line broke and he was forced to once again abandon Miss Montie.

Luckily, the boat eventually was pushed back to shore without sustaining any significant damage to the hull, but onlookers were shocked by the mysterious scene as it rocked aimlessly like an abandoned ghost ship.

A spokesperson for the Coast Guard confirmed that since the vessel had made it to shore upright, they weren't afraid of it falling apart or becoming a danger to beachgoers.

They added that recovering the shrimp boat is now up to Thomas, but they will continue to monitor for threats of pollution.

As the boat waited to be towed off the beach, onlookers flocked to see Miss Montie and take photos with the empty vessel.

Authorities later discovered that the Coast Guard rescued the ship's captain and crew after their power went out and their anchor line broke

Captain Corey Thomas said he attempted to bring the ship back to shore, but the combination of having no power and no working anchor line made it impossible to tow

Florida resident Jeff Olkowski told the News-Journal that he drove up to see the boat with his family.

'It is pretty wild to see it out on the beach. It's not something that you see every day,' he said.

Mackenzie Kohlbeck, a resident of St. Augustine, said that she had to come and photograph the boat after a friend told her what happened.

'I grew up in the Jacksonville area, big shrimping area, so I've always loved shrimp boats, but they're hard to get pictures of when they are all the way out in the water,' Kohlbeck told the outlet.

Jaime Burdick added, 'I've never seen a boat this large stranded before so it's kind of surreal to see but glad everybody's OK.'

The ordeal did, however, cause a headache for Captain Thomas, who has started a GoFundMe to pay for the $11,000 it will take to repair the boat's anchor line, and remove it from the beach.

The ship eventually washed ashore safely, and everyone on board was rescued by the Coast Guard. Even though there was no 'ghost captain,' onlookers still flocked to photograph the lone ship

The description said that Thomas was a fourth-generation local shrimper and was struggling to keep his business afloat as restaurants have begun sourcing from shrimp farms instead of local operations.

'There is nothing like fresh shrimp and Captain Corey desperately wants to keep providing fresh shrimp to your table,' the GoFundMe pleaded.

'Please help Captain Corey with your financial support to remove his shrimper, make necessary repairs, purchase a new anchor, and help him support his efforts in a local industry that his great-grandfather began in the 1880s,' the description added.

DailyMail.com reached out to the Coast Guard for comment but didn't immediately hear back.
A radical tenants' rights activist who encouraged squatters to move into a vacant home owned by a grieving daughter after her dad passed away has refused to admit it was a mistake - and warned he would likely do it again.

The squatters changed the locks on the Melbourne property and stole several items belonging to the late homeowner after Victorian Socialist senate candidate Jordan van den Lamb, 29, shared the address to his social media.

Mr van den Lamb, a lawyer and housing advocate known online as Purplepingers, maintains a database of seemingly abandoned houses across Australia which he provides to Aussies in need of emergency housing.

Carol, who inherited the Melbourne property after her father passed away nearly two decades ago, was left $70,000 out-of-pocket after her insurance claim was rejected following the 'bizarre' break-in.

She told the ABC the ordeal left her feeling 'very unsafe' and 'scared of what might happen', and that the stolen belongings had been her final links to her father.

Confronted with Carol's story during an appearance on The Project on Wednesday night, Mr van den Lamb said he was 'very sorry' her belongings were taken but refused to admit it had been a mistake to share her father's address.

'I think I feel very sorry that her belongings were taken but I also think about the fact that every four days a young person experiencing homelessness dies in this country even though there are hundreds of thousands of homes available to them,' he said.

'They die because they don't have access to housing and our government sits there doing nothing about it.'

Victorian Socialist senate candidate Jordan van den Lamb has been forced to apologise to a Melbourne woman after he encouraged squatters to move in to her late father's home

Mr van den Lamb is pictured alongside Greens leader Adam Bandt during a press conference

Asked whether he would post the address again if given the opportunity, Mr van den Lamb told The Project he would 'have a think about it, I guess'.

Carol only realised the address to her late father's property, which she did not live in, had been leaked by Mr van den Lamb after she tried and failed to gain access on a routine visit last year.

After struggling to fit her key in the door, Carol was horrified to discover the locks had been changed without her approval.

She then noticed new CCTV cameras had been installed over the carport and a heating system down the side of the house.

'At that point, I think my heart was in my throat and I was panicking,' she told the ABC.

After police forced entry to the home, Carol was devastated to find almost all her father's belongings had been removed.

The stolen items - including his favourite painting and an antique radio - were the few belongings connecting her to her dad who died nearly two decades ago.

Mr van den Lam first rose to social media prominence under the moniker Purplepingers by posting satirical videos mocking unethical landlords.

Victorian woman Carol reported feeling 'very unsafe' after the locks on her Melbourne home were changed by squatters who removed items belonging to her late father (stock)

The Victorian Socialist senate hopeful amassed a large social media following for his satirical videos mocking unethical landlords went viral

His senate candidacy announcement became mired in controversy after his social media posts calling Victorian police 'Nazis' and 'pigs' resurfaced.

Last year, the activist began collecting addresses to seemingly abandoned properties which he distributes through public and private means.

He has repeatedly claimed the address he posts publicly tend to be of lesser quality than those he distributes privately and are generally posted simply to raise awareness of the number of empty houses across the country.

'The addresses that I post are generally the ones that I personally think no one would live in because I probably wouldn't live there,' he told The Project.

According to Mr van den Lam, Carol's address was submitted to him by a neighbour who claimed the property had not been lived in for more than a decade.

When asked by The Project hosts whether he made enquiries as to the condition of the property in this case, he admitted to relying on the neighbour's report.

'Obviously I can't visit every single house which is unfortunate,' Mr van den Lam said.

'I'm doing this because I see that there are hundreds of thousands of empty homes in this country and there are far fewer people than that sleeping rough, dying on the street because they don't have access to housing.

'I'm just literally here trying to make sure that people have things that they need because I care about them.'

Mr van den Lamb admitted to feeling 'very sorry' Carol's belongings had been stolen but refused to rule out leaking her address again if the opportunity arose

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese on Wednesday described the break-in as 'outrageous' before blasting Mr van den Lamb as a 'disgrace'.

'The idea of having to deal with the loss of a loved one, I think, would have been traumatic enough without finding someone essentially taking over what was her late father's property,' Mr Albanese told ABC Radio Melbourne.

Victorian Socialists soon returned fire in a post on X in which they described being called a 'disgrace' by the Prime Minister as a 'badge of honour'.

'The disgraceful thing isn't that people like [Mr van den Lamb] are trying to do something about this - encouraging squatting, in part, to try force action - but that no major party in Australia is actually proposing to help the situation in any way, and instead making it worse!' the post read.

Mr van den Lamb has been contacted by Daily Mail Australia.
Teachers will no longer be forced to report sexually active teenagers to the police under new child abuse laws after a controversial 'Romeo and Juliet' exemption won cross-party support.

Under the new Crime and Policing Bill, professionals who fail to report suspected child sexual abuse could face disciplinary action - or worse.

The new laws, aimed at protecting minors, were drafted in light of the grooming gangs scandal.

However, teachers and other staff will be allowed to use their judgment and not alert authorities in some cases, so long as there's no evidence of coercion or abuse.

There will be exceptions if two teenagers are in a consensual relationship, such as a 14-year-old girl and her 17-year-old boyfriend, under what has been called a 'Romeo and Juliet' exemption.

Harriet Cross, the Conservative MP for Gordon & Buchan and a party whip, indicated that the party would support the clause.

She told the committee that the exemption 'recognises that not all sexual activity involving under-18s is a cause for alarm or state intervention'.

Ms Cross said: 'Specifically, it lets professionals refrain from reporting consensual sexual activity between older teenagers when they believe there is no abuse or exploitation at play. It is basically a Romeo and Juliet exemption.

Juliet, played by Claire Danes in the 1996 film, is almost 14 and while the age of Romeo, played by Leonardo DiCaprio, is never stated it is implied to be older

Harriet Cross, the Conservative MP for Gordon & Buchan and a party whip, indicated that the party would support the clause.

Teachers and other staff will be allowed to use their judgment and not alert authorities, so long as there's no evidence of coercion or abuse.

'Sexual activity for under-16s is, as we know, illegal in law but without this clause, a teacher who learns of two 15-year-olds in a consensual relationship would legally be bound to report that as a child sexual offence.

'The clause empowers the teacher to use their professional judgment, but the exemption applies only where the reporter is satisfied that the relationship really is consensual and not appropriate to report given the circumstances.

'The bar for not reporting should be high. As a safeguard, the clause explicitly says to consider the risk of harm.

'If there is any indication of harm or imbalance, the duty to report remains.

'For example, if a 14-year-old girl is sexually involved with a 17-year-old boy, even if she says she has consented, a teacher or adult might rightly feel uneasy about the power dynamic and the possible impact of grooming. The adult might decide that it is appropriate to report in that case.'

In France, lawmakers made headlines in 2021 by ruling that sex with a child under 15 is rape but included a 'Romeo and Juliet' exception for teenagers within five years of each other.

The age of sexual consent in the UK is 16 and, unlike in countries such as Australia, there is no exemption for sexual activity between under 18s even when the two are in a consensual relationship.

In William Shakespeare's Romeo and Juliet, Juliet is almost 14 and while Romeo's age is never stated it is inferred that he is older.

Jess Phillips said: 'Consensual relationships between young people should not be considered child sexual abuse in the absence of coercion or significant differences in age or maturity'

Speaking to the committee, safeguarding minister Jess Phillips said: 'Consensual relationships between young people should not be considered child sexual abuse in the absence of coercion or significant differences in age or maturity, and that an exception can therefore be made to the duty in such circumstances.

'This avoids situations such as two kissing teenagers having to be reported to the authorities by a teacher who knows them both well.'

Professionals who fail to report suspected child sex abuse would be liable for sanctions from their professional regulator or the Disclosure and Barring Service under the laws.

For exemption from mandatory reporting, teachers and other professionals must be certain that both teenagers are both over 13 and have no concerns about abuse or coercion.
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 ...


The mother of an innocent man mistakenly shot dead by police on the London Underground has said she is finally able to forgive the officers who killed her son  but insists she will never accept the devastating events that followed.

Jean Charles de Menezes, a 29-year-old Brazilian electrician, was gunned down at Stockwell Tube station in South London on July 22 2005, after being wrongly identified as a terrorist suspect in the aftermath of the 7/7 London bombings.

At first, the police narrative suggested a suspected suicide bomber had been taken out before he could strike.

But within days, the official version began to unravel and it emerged that Jean Charles had been entirely innocent.

Now, nearly 20 years on, his 80-year-old mother Maria has spoken movingly about the heartbreak that has consumed her family  and revealed she has made peace with the officers who took her son's life, despite the lack of accountability.

Speaking from her home in Brazil, Maria told the Mirror: 'I forgive, but I cannot accept what they have done because they destroyed my son's life.

'But I've come to realise that I don't want to keep this hatred inside my heart. I believe those people who made the mistakes will pay for it somehow.

'They have souls, and I have entrusted it to God, as to what will happen to them. But I don't want this hatred for myself anymore, because I don't want this to destroy me.'

Now, nearly 20 years on, his 80-year-old mother Maria (above) has spoken movingly about the heartbreak that has consumed her family  and revealed she has made peace with the officers who took her son's life, despite the lack of accountability

Jean Charles de Menezes, a 29-year-old Brazilian electrician, was gunned down at Stockwell Tube station in South London on July 22 2005, after being wrongly identified as a terrorist suspect in the aftermath of the 7/7 London bombings

Tributes in memory of Jean Charles outside Stockwell underground station in 2005. He was shot seven times in the head at point-blank range

Jean Charles was shot seven times in the head at point-blank range in a packed carriage during the morning rush hour.

He had been followed by surveillance teams from his flat and wrongly linked to a failed Tube bombing the previous day.

All 17 eyewitnesses confirmed that he had not behaved aggressively or suspiciously and made no attempt to flee police.

But initial reports wrongly claimed he had vaulted station barriers while wearing a bulky jacket, fuelling assumptions he was a threat.

In the days and weeks after his death, Jean Charles' devastated family  who hail from a small rural community in Minas Gerais  were left to grapple not only with the shocking reality of his killing but also the wave of misinformation that followed.

Maria and her son Giovani have now travelled to London to support a new drama series on Disney+ titled Suspect: The Shooting of Jean Charles de Menezes.

The show aims to portray the truth about the botched operation and the chaos surrounding it.

Maria said the drama had brought some measure of comfort: 'It is hard to forgive, but this series is bringing some relief to us, revealing what the police did and all the lies. So this is helping a lot.

'I believe that whoever watches the series will understand and believe Jean Charles was innocent.'

Jean Charles had moved to London to build a better life and was sending money home to support his family. Before he left, he gave his mother a watch set to UK time so she would always know what time it was where he was.

His brother Giovani said: 'We believed the police weren't properly trained. If they were, they would have stopped him before this terrible accident. So they did a very bad job, and people saw only what the police wanted to tell them.'

Matuzinhos Otone Da Silva and Maria De Menezes stand outside the Independent Police Complaints Commission in central London on Thursday, 29 September 2005

Brazilians Maria Otoni de Menezes (L), 60, and her husband Matozinho Otoni da Silva, 66, hold up photographs of their son, Jean Charles de Menezes in their home in the village of Gonzaga, Minas Gerais State, July 24, 2005

A British police officer stands outside Stockwell Underground station, as flowers and messages of condolence to Jean Charles de Menezes are seen outside

A police cordon seen round London's Stockwell Station on Friday, 22 July 2005 shortly after Jean Charles was shot

The family plans to mark the 20th anniversary of Jean Charles' death quietly, sharing stories and remembering the man they knew  not the suspect falsely portrayed to the public.

An inquest into Jean Charles' death returned an open verdict. No one was charged, but the Metropolitan Police was fined under health and safety laws.

In a statement, the Met said the tragedy occurred 'at a time of unprecedented terrorist threat to London'.

'No officer sets out intent on ending a life. Our sole purpose is the protection and preservation of life, and we have taken extensive action to address the causes of this tragedy.

'Our thoughts remain with his family and we reiterate our apology to them.'
A young woman has unleashed a tirade at a petrol station worker for making her 11-year-old brother cry by treating him like a thief.

Indigenous and Torres Strait Islander woman Sari-Ella Thaiday went to an Ampol service station in Queensland with her brother on Wednesday night.

In a video shared to TikTok on Wednesday, Ms Thaiday explained she waited outside with her dog as her brother went inside to buy a chocolate.

The woman said the boy left the store in tears after the petrol station worker had grabbed him and said, 'I'm watching you'.

In the video posted on her account justanotherblakgirl, Ms Thaiday confronted the man.

'Did you just growl at my brother saying, "I'm watching you"? I'm standing here, I have a dog, I can't come in, I sent him inside to find something to eat,' she said.

The man replied his comment 'wasn't meant that way'.

Unsatisfied with his reply, Ms Thaiday fired back demanding the worker apologise to her little brother.

Indigenous and Torres Strait Islander woman Sari-Ella Thaiday confronted the Ampol worker in a video shared to TikTok and demanded he apologise to her little brother for making him cry

'He's come out here upset, do you want to go say sorry to him? Tell him you didn't mean it like that, because he's really upset,' Ms Thaiday said.

The man claimed it was only a joke and that if he believed the young boy had stolen something then his words would have been more severe.

'Buddy, I was only joking with you. Don't take offence to that,' the man said.

'I thought you were going to steal something. If you had I would have said something a lot more.'

The Ampol worker, who said the servo was beset by stealing kids, did not know the young boy was accompanied by an adult as he did not see Ms Thaiday outside.

'You don't treat people like that just because there's not an adult here, there's one standing right out here,' Ms Thaiday said.

'You don't talk to a little kid like that, that's what I'm saying. You need to work on how to act your bloody age, that's what you need.'

After the Ampol worker explained that many children stole from the store, Ms Thaiday interjected: 'He's not one of them. That does not mean you generalise him.'

The Ampol worker told the woman he was 'joking' and that he told the boy 'I'm watching you' because he thought the boy was going to steal something from the store (stock image)

The man replied: 'Get off your high horse' as he retreated back into the store.

Ampol limited told Daily Mail Australia that it was aware of the incident and was investigating the matter.

'Ampol is looking into the matter that occurred... and has reached out to the customers involved to understand their perspective on what occured,' Ampol said.

Social media users praised Ms Thaiday for looking after her brother, with many claiming she managed the situation calmly.

'Im sure he already knows but Tell your brother that he is blessed with a big sister that will walk through fire for him,' one person wrote.

'Good on you, no kid deserves to be treated like that,' a second person commented.

'Nah, good on you for standing up for your brother, dude knows hes in the wrong and is trying to justify his actions,' a third chimed.

A fourth added: 'I get nervous sending my 14 yr old son in anywhere at the moment. Poor kids dont deserve to be treated like this because of a minority of young people doing the wrong thing.'

Other commenters who have experience as service station workers claimed shoplifting was rampant among children.

'Nah, I work in a servo, all little kids rob us constantly,' one commented.

'This is why Im glad I got out of the servo we had more thieves that were 8 yrs old then actual customers,' a second chimed.

'I started treating every person the same. I loathe myself.'

A third wrote: 'You get to the point of thinking every single person is bad and it makes me sick thinking I judged every person the same'.
Karoline Leavitt would not take a question from a reporter representing Mike Lindell's TV network who made waves recently for a question about Donald Trump's health.

Cara Castronuova, 45, had her colleagues in stitches by talking up President Trump's physique during a daily press briefing Friday.

But by Wednesday, it appeared that Leavitt ignored Castronuova during the White House press briefing after introducing Patty Morin, the mother of Rachel Morin, a Maryland mother of five who was brutally raped and murdered while hiking a popular trail.

Leavitt turned it to the floor: 'Does anyone have any questions for Patty or for me?'

A woman in a pink can clearly be seen raising her hand along with at least one reporter next to her. The woman in pink was identified as Castronuova.

'I have a question,' she can be heard saying.

'No,' responded Leavitt, before again asking for anybody and leaving the briefing room.

DailyMail.com has reached out to the White House, Castronuova and LindellTV for comment.

Karoline Leavitt (pictured) would not take a question from a reporter representing Mike Lindell's TV network who made waves recently for a question about Donald Trump 's health

Cara Castronuova, 45, was not picked on when she told Leavitt she had a question

Last week, Castronuova caused some laughs in the room when she asked a follow up to questions about Trump's recent physical.

After answering 'yes', the 27-year-old called on Castronuova who immediately asked whether the White House would consider releasing the president's fitness plan.

'He actually looks healthier than ever before,' Castronuova, a former fitness trainer who won two Golden Gloves as an amateur boxer, which saw a grin rapidly form on Leavitt's face.

'[He looks] healthier than he did eight years ago. And I'm sure everybody in this room could agree,' the athlete-turned-journalist insisted.

'Is he working out with Bobby Kennedy?'

As the room erupted in laughter, the correspondent she continued: 'And is he eating less McDonald's?'

'I can confirm that the president is in very good shape, as you see on a near-daily basis here,' she said, ignoring the inquiry about health nut RFK.

The briefing ended on an even lighter note.

On Wednesday, it appeared that Leavitt(pictured right) ignored Castronuova during the White House press briefing after introducing Patty Morin (pictured left), the mother of Rachel Morin, a Maryland mother of five who was brutally raped and murdered while hiking a popular trail

Last week, Castronuova (pictured) caused some laughs in the room when she asked a follow up to questions about Trump's recent physical

'In that vein, thank God it's Friday,' she smiled, calling the briefing to a close.

'It's been a very long and busy week here at the White House... we will see you all on Monday.'

Castronuova, years after appearing as a trainer on The Biggest Loser, was named LindellTV's Chief White House Correspondent last January.

The conservative broadcast platform was founded by MyPillow maker Mike Lindell back in April 2021, and can be found on lindelltv.com.

Other on-air talents there include former New York Governor - and Trump lawyer - Rudy Giuliani.

Each have their own shows with the network, which secured a spot in the coveted White House press briefing room in February.

At the time, Lindell - a well-known and vocal Trump ally - praised the move as 'game-changing.'

Its parent company, Mike Lindell Media Corp., bills its broadcasts as 'a superior First-Amendment-friendly alternative to highly censored Big Tech options.'

In 2004, Castronuova starred as one of the head celebrity trainers on Season 11 of NBC's The Biggest Loser. She was named LindellTV's Chief White House Correspondent last January

Meanwhile, CEO Lindell is facing defamation lawsuits from two electronic voting firms for conspiracy-fueled comments he aired about their machines during the 2020 election, claiming they were rigged against a then-voted-out Trump.

Castronuova made her debut on the White House floor on February 13 by posing another positive question to Health Secretary RFK.

The inquiry, however, had little to do with their common knowledge on matters such as fitness and health.

Instead, it honed in on Democrats' pushback against the appointment - after which she was sure to offer her 'congratulations.'

Leavitt invited Morin to slap back at critics of Trump's deportation policy by bringing a 'special guest' to her briefing on Wednesday.

The administration added the event to its schedule after Democratic Senator Chris Van Hollen landed in El Salvador to try to visit Kilmar Armando Abrego Garcia, a Maryland man and father of three who who was mistakenly deported along with dozens of other migrants on March 15.

Leavitt slammed Van Hollen's trip as 'appalling and sad.' She repeated the administration's claim that Garcia is a gang member.

'Maryland Democrat Senator Chris Van Hollen rushed to Dulles Airport this morning to fly to El Salvador, potentially using taxpayer dollars to demand the release of deported illegal alien, MS 13 terrorist,' she said.

'The Democrats and the media in this room have continually and wrongly labeled Kilmar Armando Abrego Garcia as a Maryland father. There is no Maryland father.'

Morin blasted Van Hollen for his trip, saying the 'senator from Maryland who didn't even acknowledge  or barely acknowledged my daughter and the brutal death that she endured, leaving her five children without a mother' chose to 'use my tax money to fly to El Salvador to bring back a person who isn't even an American citizen.'
An ecommerce 'CEO' has sparked fury for gloating about flying first class with a blunt message to travelers in economy.

Jake Bass, who shares tips on social media for running online businesses, shared a series of photos taken from a first class Emirates journey he'd taken.

'Recently, I was in the Emirates First Class lounge,' he wrote. 'I looked over the glass at everyone flying economy below. We were having two very different experiences.

'Were not the same.'

Bass appeared to be attempting to share a motivational perspective, insisting in the post that he wasn't 'born into' the wealth needed to travel first class, but had instead 'chose the hard path.'

Instead, he simply invoked fury, with critics arguing he 'lacked class' and came off as 'greedy and selfish.'

'Your post comes off as super smug schmuck, implying that those who can't afford to fly first class are just victims of their own poor life choices. Bad form,' one said.

'Here - someone take a picture of me in first class with my drink so I can use it for the witty bragging post I already have concocted in my head,' another added.

Jake Bass, who shares tips on social media for running online businesses, shared a series of photos taken from a first class Emirates journey he'd taken

Bass included a photo looking down on all the people sitting in the main part of the airport, boasting that he'd taken the picture from the Emirates first class lounge

'Getting self affirmation by looking down on people. Probably did not get a lot in childhood. Tsk,' a third wrote.

Bass said he flew his father with him to Dubai in first class, revealing it cost $50,000 and that it was just the pair of them in the first class cabin.

'I sat there thinking - what made our journey so different from the 468 behind us?' he asked.

'Then I saw the pilot adjust our course by just 1 to avoid turbulence. Barely noticeable... But hours later, we were far off the original path.

'Thats when it clicked: Just a slight change in direction with consistently, changes everything.'

Bass included a photo looking down on all the people sitting in the main part of the airport, boasting that he'd taken the picture from the Emirates first class lounge.

He also shared a series of selfies and pictures of the first class cabin of the plane itself, documenting the meal he was served, the space of the bed and the screen.

Bass was roundly mocked for the callous words, with one person noting: 'Nobody buying your course lil bro.'

Another said: 'What a BS post. First picture isnt Emirates, and a first class ticket is not 50k. Clearly you are unfortunate... with your false bragging.'

Bass has been roundly mocked for his post, with one person noting: 'Nobody buying your course lil bro'

He often shares photos on Instagram posing at luxury locations around the world

Bass responded arguing he bought two round trip flights from Brisbane, Australia, to Dubai. Currently, round trips on that route on Emirates are selling for about $12,000 a ticket.

He claims to be a Forbes '30 under 30 nominee.' Any person under the age of 30 can self nominate or be nominated by a friend to be considered. Around 1,000 make the list each year, although it does not appear that Bass has ever been one of them.

The social media user claims to have earned 'eight figures in ecommerce sales', but the precise nature of his business is vague.

When asked explicitly what he does for work, Bass said he is 'managing several businesses' and describes himself as a 'CEO and founder.'

He often shares photos on Instagram posing at luxury locations around the world.
Kristi Noem continued Donald Trump's war on Harvard, saying the school will lose its ability to enroll foreign students if it does not meet demands from the White House.

Trump's Department of Education announced Monday that they froze over $2.2 billion in federal grants and around $60 million in contracts to the Ivy League institution on Monday.

Since October 7, 2023, college campuses nationwide have erupted with protests over the Israel-Hamas war. Some demonstrations have turned violent, and others resulted in full-fledged occupations with students camping out for weeks on lawns and in halls.

Harvard, like many elite universities, has been a hotbed for these protests.

Noem also announced on Wednesday the termination of two DHS grants totaling over $2.7 million to Harvard.

The former governor of South Dakota wrote a letter to Harvard demanding records on what she called the 'illegal and violent activities' of Harvard's foreign student visa holders by April 30.

'And if Harvard cannot verify it is in full compliance with its reporting requirements, the university will lose the privilege of enrolling foreign students,' Noem said in a statement.

In a statement to DailyMail.com, a spokesperson for the Ivy League university said they're not budging.

Kristi Noem (pictured) continued Donald Trump's war on Harvard, saying the school will lose its ability to enroll foreign students if it does not meet demands from the White House

Trump's Department of Education announced Monday that they froze over $2.2 billion in federal grants and around $60 million in contracts to the Ivy League institution on Monday

'We continue to stand by that statement. We will continue to comply with the law and expect the Administration to do the same.'

They expect that if the federal government takes action against them, it be done based 'on clear evidence, follow established legal procedures, and respect the constitutional rights afforded to all individuals.'

The Trump administration has threatened universities with federal funding cuts over pro-Palestinian campus protests against U.S. ally Israel's devastating military assault on Gaza after a deadly October 2023 attack by Palestinian Hamas militants.

Trump casts the protesters as foreign policy threats who are antisemitic and sympathetic to Hamas.

Protesters, including some Jewish groups, say the Trump administration wrongly conflates their advocacy for Palestinian rights and criticism of Israel's actions in Gaza with support for extremism and antisemitism.

The White House is also attempting to deport some foreign protesters and has revoked hundreds of visas across the country.

'With a $53.2 billion endowment, Harvard can fund its own chaos - DHS won't,' Noem said, adding an 'anti-American, pro-Hamas ideology' existed at Harvard.

Harvard has previously said it worked to fight antisemitism and other prejudice on its campus while preserving academic freedoms and the right to protest.

In a statement to DailyMail.com, a spokesperson for the Ivy League university said they're not budging

Since October 7, 2023, college campuses nationwide have erupted with protests over the Israel-Hamas war. Some demonstrations have turned violent, and others resulted in full-fledged occupations with students camping out for weeks on lawns and in halls. Harvard, like many elite universities, has been a hotbed for these protests

According to a letter sent from the administration to the university on Friday, the school could stand to lose out on around $9 billion in grants and contracts should they not conform.

But the Harvard president hit back at the White House in a letter Monday.

'The University will not surrender its independence or relinquish its constitutional rights,' Harvard President Alan Garber wrote.

'No government - regardless of which party is in power - should dictate what private universities can teach, whom they can admit and hire, and which areas of study and inquiry they can pursue.'

The Trump administration subsequently said it was freezing $2.3 billion in funding.

Trump also threatened on Tuesday to strip Harvard of its tax-exempt status.

CNN reported on Wednesday the U.S. Internal Revenue Service was making plans to rescind the tax-exempt status of Harvard and that a final decision was expected soon.

Human rights advocates have raised free speech and academic freedom concerns over the crackdown by the government.

The Trump administration has frozen or canceled some funding for universities like Columbia, Princeton, Brown, Cornell and Northwestern as well.

It has also threatened to withhold funding over culture war issues such as DEI programs and transgender policies.

Rights advocates have also raised concerns about Islamophobia and anti-Arab bias during the Israel-Gaza war. The Trump administration has not announced steps in response.
EXCLUSIVE

Friends brought flowers, embraced, wept and cracked open drinks for one last toast to Claire Austin the day after the marketing executive died from running 'through a glass door' in her Sydney apartment.

Six of Claire's former colleagues from The Do Collective arrived at the apartment block on Wednesday with bouquets of flowers, an image of a Sydney beach and a unique tribute.

It was a sombre walk down the hill on Claire's street to the building on Randwick St in the eastern suburb of Randwick, where the 38-year-old had been living with her boyfriend Lee Loughlin.

Neighbours had reported hearing the pair arguing, and Ms Austin partially severed her arm by running through an internal glass door just after 7.30am on Saturday.

She was taken to hospital and put on life support long enough for her parents to arrive from the UK and say goodbye before she died on Tuesday.

She had worked at The Do Collective, a marketing company, until just last month, when she had moved on to a new media company as an events producer.

Her colleagues placed the flowers and mementoes at what has become a growing shrine to Claire at the side of the flats where she was fatally injured.

They stood in a semi-circle and opened cans of Pepsi to toast the memory of Claire - who they said was 'Pepsi mad'.

Workmates who gathered to toast Claire (above) for one last time said she was 'a lovely person' loved life and had enjoyed a large group of friends

The friends brought flowers, embraced, wept and drank Pepsi in honour of the work colleague who had only left The Do Collective last month for a new job

They told Daily Mail Australia that Claire was 'a lovely person' who embraced life and had a large group of friends.

One of the cards left for Claire read, 'To the sweetest soul, it was an honour to have known you. Your presence is truly missed.

'Thank you for all your love and support - words can't describe how painful this is. Rest in peace Claire.'

Claire Austin had seemed to embrace Sydney life since moving here from the UK ten years ago.

Images on social media show how much the petite Claire had enjoyed her decade in Sydney since moving from the UK, with pictures of concerts, parties with friends and trips to the beach, bushwalking and even running in Sydney's City to Surf.

She was in a relationship with Mr Loughlin, a recruitment analyst who is also from the UK and runs his own company, Lead Group in Darling Harbour.

The couple moved into their rented two bedroom Randwick flat last May, and neighbours said they heard them 'fighting constantly', but that the fight last Saturday morning 'sounded way worse'.

One neighbour said he heard fighting begin about 7am on Saturday, with Ms Austin shouting first, and this altercation was 'at a different level than usual'.

'They both sounded (like) something would happen,' he told Daily Mail Australia.

Workmates from the creative agency Claire Austin had only left in March placed flowers, cards and tributes and embraced in their grief at the growing shrine outside the apartment block where she partially severed her arm running through a glass door and then died in hospital

Black fingerprint dust on the outer window of Claire Austin's Randwick apartment where she partially severed an arm running through a glass door and died three days later in hospital

'I heard the woman at first and it worried me. Then I heard the man. I think I heard a crash and then I didn't hear the woman again.'

The neighbour then heard a man screaming 'somebody help me' over and over.

The sound of the fight prompted the neighbour to go out on the street to investigate because he was so alarmed.

Someone had called Triple Zero and soon after the ambulance and police arrived.

Paramedics rushed Ms Austin to St Vincent's Hospital where she was on life support for three days before she died.

Mr Loughlin reportedly told police the pair were having an argument, then she ran through the glass door.

Mr Loughlin assisted police with their inquiries and was admitted to a mental health facility.

'He has since been released without charge and no arrests have been made at this time,' a NSW Police spokesman said, with the police investigations continuing.

Emergency crews rushed to the block of flats in Randwick following a Triple Zero call and Claire was taken to St Vincents Hospital and placed on life support, but she died on Tuesday

Boyfriend Lee Loughlin, 44, told police the pair had an argument before the incident and he was 'released without charge and no arrests have been made at this time' police said

Claire Austin, 38, was found inside her top-floor apartment bleeding from a partially severed arm and was later placed on life support but died in hospital on Tuesday

The two-bedroom apartment, which features a sunroom with sliding glass doors, was rented by Claire Austin and her recruitment company executive boyfriend Lee Loughlin

On Wednesday, the first bouquet left at the front of the apartment complex had an attached card with a touching message to Ms Austin.

'I am so sorry that this happened to you, especially on the shores of a foreign country,' it read.

Ms Austin's family flew from the UK to Sydney immediately after being told she would not survive her injuries, and arrived on Tuesday morning just hours before she passed away.

NSW Police Deputy Commissioner Peter Thurtell said Ms Austin's death was being treated as a criminal matter.

'This is a tragic loss of life and we are determined to work out exactly what happened,' Deputy Commissioner Thurtell told the Daily Telegraph.

Police launched Strike Force Lyndoch to investigate the exact circumstances surrounding Ms Austin's death.
A budding influencer has admitted throwing a lamp at her ex-boyfriend at an upmarket Japanese eatery in an attack which left him with a gash to the head.

Property developer Dean Contos was dining with his current partner at Tanuki in Sydney's Double Bay two months ago when part-time model Natalie Marangos walked into the restaurant.

CCTV captured what happened next as Marangos picked up a table lamp about 10.40pm on February 22 and threw it at Contos's face, causing a cut to his forehead.

Pictures taken shortly after the confrontation and obtained by Daily Mail Australia show the injury, as well as blood on Contos's T-shirt and right hand.

Marangos left the restaurant before police arrived and was arrested the following night at a Hurstville Grove address in Sydney's southern suburbs.

She was charged with assault occasioning actual bodily harm and appeared in Downing Centre Local Court for the first time on February 27.

On that day, solicitor Kiki Kyriacou said Marangos would be assessed by a psychiatrist or psychologist and he would investigate having the assault charge dealt with under mental health provisions of the law.

Mr Kyriacou would also seek to view CCTV footage of the alleged restaurant incident and speak to the Director of Public Prosecutions about separate charges against Contos.

Budding influencer Natalie Marangos has admitted throwing a lamp at her ex-boyfriend Dean Contos at an upmarket Japanese eatery in an attack which left him with a gash to the head

Graphic images have emerged of the head wound property developer Dean Contos suffered after Natalie Marangos threw a lamp at him while he dined at Tanuki in Double Bay

Marangos, 34, and Contos, 37, are both the subjects of interim apprehended violence orders protecting them from each other.

Contos, who served almost four years in jail for kidnapping two cleaners in 2019, spent three months behind bars after being accused of choking and stalking Marangos last year.

He was set to face a District Court trial in coming months but in late February the Director of Public Prosecutions elected to have the charges heard by a magistrate.

Marangos was back before court on March 19 when she pleaded guilty to assault occasioning actual bodily harm.

Contos was arrested on May 7 last year and charged with stalking Marangos at Riverview between 10am and 7.23pm that day, and breaching a restraining order.

Four months later, he was arrested and refused bail after allegedly choking Marangos at Riverview on Sydney's lower north shore between 6pm on August 30 and 9am on August 31.

Contos was also charged with a second count of contravening an AVO.

He was hit with a fifth charge on February 27 when police accused him of installing a tracking device 'to determine [her] geographical location without her consent'.

Marangos has pleaded guilty to assault occasioning actual bodily harm and is listed for sentence later this month. She is pictured outside court

The tracking device was allegedly installed on the night Contos is accused of having stalked her.

Contos pleaded not guilty to the stalk or intimidate charge and one of the alleged AVO breaches in September but has not entered pleas to the other charges.

He is on bail which requires him to wear a electronic monitoring devices and includes conditions he not enter Hurstville or go within 3km of that area.

Contos is not to contact Marangos, not to drink alcohol or take drugs which have not been prescribed by a doctor and has to report every day to police.

In March 2021, Contos was jailed for five years and 10 months, with a minimum term of three years and 10 months, after he pleaded guilty to two counts of aggravated kidnapping.

The District Court heard Contos had ambushed two men when they showed up to clean his three-bedroom harbourside apartment at Milsons Point about 4.20pm on February 20, 2019.

Contos had been convinced one of the cleaners had been stealing his property and enlisted two mates to kidnap both men.

The cleaner Contos accused of stealing was repeatedly threatened and assaulted during an ordeal which lasted almost five hours and left him seriously injured with multiple broken ribs.

CCTV captured Marangos pick up a table lamp and throw it at Contos's face, causing a cut to his forehead. He is pictured after the attack with blood on his hand

At one point, one of Contos' companions took that cleaner's mobile phone and said: 'You have beautiful kids and wife - if you want to see them again you have to pay $10,000.'

When the cleaner said he had cash at home he was rolled up in a tarpaulin and driven with his co-worker to the first cleaner's home at Lidcombe in Sydney's west.

Once at the house, the cleaner screamed to his wife in Korean, 'Don't open the door, call the police' then said in English, 'Can you open the door and get the $10,000?'

Denied access to the house, Contos and one of his friends took the cleaner back to Contos' Toyota Hilux and resumed assaulting him.

The kidnappers drove away with the cleaners and dropped them off in North Sydney about 9.05pm.

Contos presented himself to Manly police station two days later and said he was 'wanted'.

The District Court heard Contos had a stable upbringing as the oldest of four siblings and had worked in real estate most of his adult life.

The kidnapping offences were described as 'out of character' and he had no prior convictions for violence.

Contos was arrested in September after he allegedly choked Marangos (above) at Riverview on Sydney's lower north shore and spent almost three months behind bars

Having been jailed for at least three years and ten months, Contos went to the Court of Criminal Appeal to challenge the severity of his sentence.

That court dismissed Contos' appeal and ordered the original prison term to stand.

'The applicant's offending was serious,' Justice Paul Brereton said.

'The applicant planned, instigated, and carried out the kidnapping, and enlisted the two co-offenders to assist.'

Marangos is due to sentenced for assaulting Contos on April 30. Contos is listed for a hearing on all the charges related to Marangos on December 8.
An Australian conwoman has begun a disturbing relationship with a notorious paedophile while behind bars.

Samantha Azzopardi, 36, is serving a two-year jail sentence for posing as a sex-trafficked teenager.

Now Azzopardi has formed a relationship with infamous paedophile Malka Leifer at the Dame Phyllis Frost Centre, a maximum-security women's prison in Melbourne, according to news.com.au.

An inmate who shared a cell with Azzopardi told the publication the pair had been writing each other notes and had even shared a kiss in front of prisoners and guards.

Azzopardi's most recent offending included posing as a 17-year-old sex-trafficked schoolgirl from Belgium named Hattie Leigh.

While masquerading as Hattie, she collected more than $20,000 meant for victims of domestic violence.

The prolific liar, who was the subject of a 2023 documentary, previously served jail-time for a long list of offences including fraud and child stealing.

'It is apparent that the accused is a compulsive liar and suffers from several mental health issues which no doubt is a catalyst for her offending,' a statement of facts from one of her previous cases said.

Samantha Azzopardi (pictured) is serving a two-year jail sentence for posing as a sex-trafficked schoolgirl from Belgium named Hattie Leigh

Malka Leifer (pictured right) sexually abused two young students at an ultra-Orthodox Jewish school in Melbourne. She was sentenced to 15 years behind bars in 2023

Leifer, a former ultra-Orthodox Jewish principal in Melbourne, was sentenced to 15 years behind bars in 2023 for the sexual abuse of two highschool students.

She arrived from Israel in 2001 as menaheles at the Adass Israel School - a revered position giving her responsibility for the school's ethos and religious teachings.

The students viewed Leifer as a mentor but she groomed and abused them.

The dual Israeli-Australian citizen fled to Israel where she remained for 13 years before she was extradited to Australia to stand trial.

Laika did not express remorse for her crimes and maintained she was not guilty.
A death row inmate who had his sentence commuted by former president Joe Biden has been indicted over the murder of a 12-year-old girl.

Thomas S. Sanders was indicted by a Louisiana state Grand Jury on April 14 for the chilling death of 12-year-old Lexis Kaye Roberts in 2010.

Sanders was convicted at a federal level in 2014 for the same offense, relating to the kidnapping, torture and murder of Lexis, but now faces charges by Louisiana state.

He was one of 37 men languishing on federal death row who had their sentences commuted by Biden in one of his final acts as president on December 23, 2024.

The move sparked outrage among conservatives, who accused him of trying to subvert justice by reverting the sentences from death to life in prison.

During the federal trial against Sanders, jurors heard he struck up a romantic relationship with Lexis' mom, Suellen Roberts.

Two months into their relationship, Roberts agreed to go on a trip to the Grand Canyon with Sanders and her daughter.

On their way back to Nevada after the three day getaway, Sanders shot Roberts dead at a remote location in the Arizona desert and forced 12-year-old Lexis into the car.

Thomas S. Sanders (pictured) was indicted by a Catahoula Parish Grand Jury on April 14 for the chilling death of Lexis Kaye Roberts in 2010

Sanders was convicted at a federal level in 2014 over the kidnapping, torture and murder of Lexis, but now faces charges by Louisiana state

He kept her captive for several days, driving across the country to Catahoula Parish in Louisiana, where he ultimately shot the 12-year-old four times and cut her throat.

Her body was found by a hunter abandoned in the woods.

Jurors heard testimony from two of Lexis' teachers, who described her as a 'shy but hard working' girl who was 'sweet, vulnerable and innocent.'

It took the jury just one hour of deliberating to return a verdict of guilty.

'This is a heartbreaking case,' Assistant Attorney General Leslie Caldwell said at the time.

'A young girl witnessed the murder of her mother, was held captive for days, and had her life cut tragically short by a senseless, brutal murder.'

Seventh Judicial District Attorney Brad Burget maintained that Biden's commutation had no bearing on the state's case against Sanders.

'In 2010, the state deferred prosecution to the federal authorities, who successfully prosecuted and achieved justice for Lexis,' Burget said.

Sanders was one of 37 men languishing on federal death row who had their sentences commuted by Biden in one of his final acts as president on December 23, 2024

A Trump spokesperson called the decision 'abhorrent' at the time and sparked outrage among conservatives

'Yet, Mr. Biden commuted the federal death sentence imposed on Mr. Sanders to a sentence of life in prison choosing to spare the life of a convicted child killer over the victim, Lexis Kaye Roberts.'

Biden's decision spared the lives of people convicted in horrific crimes, including the slayings of police and military officers, people on federal land and those involved in deadly bank robberies or drug deals, as well as the killings of guards or prisoners in federal facilities.

The decision left three federal inmates to face execution.

A Trump spokesperson called the decision 'abhorrent' at the time.

'These are among the worst killers in the world and this abhorrent decision by Joe Biden is a slap in the face to the victims, their families, and their loved ones.' he said.

'President Trump stands for the rule of law, which will return when he is back in the White House after he was elected with a massive mandate from the American people.'

In a speech announcing his 2024 campaign, Trump called for those 'caught selling drugs to receive the death penalty for their heinous acts.'

He later promised to execute drug and human smugglers and even praised China's harsher treatment of drug peddlers.
A person has been rushed to hospital after a helicopter crashed in Melbourne's southeast just minutes after taking off.

Emergency services were called to Moorabbin Airport about 2.30pm on Thursday following reports a helicopter with two passengers had crashed.

Data recorded by Flight Radar showed the aircraft went down just minutes after it took off from the airport.

Ambulances Victoria told Daily Mail Australia one person had been transported to Alfred Public Hospital by road.

One person involved in the incident suffered 'non-life-threatening injuries', Victoria Police said.

Aerial images obtained by 9News showed a fire crew standing near the scene where the damaged helicopter had been doused in foam.

The helicopter's tail boom and rotor blades were severely bent in the crash landing.

A spokesperson for Moorabbin Airport said it was working with emergency services.

A person has been rushed to hospital after a helicopter crashed in Melbourne's south-east

Emergency services were called to Moorabbin Airport about 2.30pm on Thursday

Police said Work Safe and the Australian Transport Safety Bureau will be notified of the incident.

Moorabbin Airport services mostly light aircraft.
More than 300 enraged locals have signed a petition objecting against plans to build a travellers' site on the outskirts of a quaint Welsh village.

Submitted proposals would see a static caravan, one touring caravan as well as utility and ecological enhancements at Froghall Yard, Moreton Lane in Saundersfoot in Pembrokeshire.

The plans were lodged by Dai Evans of Pontypool, who 'belongs to a long-standing Romany Gypsy family', with generations of his family having lived 'a traditional and cultural lifestyle living in caravans all their lives'.

The documents put forward by Hayston Developments & Planning Ltd argue that Mr Evans and his partner currently live on 'an overcrowded Traveller site in Pontypool', in 'poor' and living conditions.

It also stated that the family currently reside in 'unsatisfactory', rented, brick and mortar accommodation which is 'not in keeping with their cultural preference' of living in a caravan'.

The plans also added that the husband and wife were familiar with the location as their family have been travelling to the site since the late 1980s in a touring caravan in the summertime.

It also argued that the location was previously owned by another Gypsy family before the site was purchased by Mr Evans in 2023, and refurbishment began, as their goal is 'to continue his Gypsy culture and traditions residing in a caravan on site.'

However furious Pembrokeshire residents have hit back at plans, with hundreds signing a petition against the application.

More than 300 enraged locals have signed a petition objecting against plans to build a travellers' site on the outskirts of the quaint village of Saundersfoot (pictured: The site as it looks currently)

Submitted proposals would see a static caravan, one touring caravan as well as utility and ecological enhancements at Froghall Yard, Moreton Lane (pictured: The site)

Saundersfoot Community Council have argued against the traveller site application, with 50 attending locals at the meeting unanimously voting against the plans.

In their objection, the community council queried why the applicant, who lives around 100 miles away in Pontypool and has no links to the area, picked the site.

The village council also noted that the location has been used as farming land for the last three decades and not for other purposes such as caravans.

Concerns were also raised that the plans could impact the views of nearby Incline Way, as well as set a standard for development at any locations across the national park.

Pembrokeshire Coast National Park development management committee have since decided to carry out a visit of the site before making any concrete decision.

The plans are due to be reviewed at a scheduled national park meeting.

It comes after Senedd members launched a report into the conditions Gypsy and Romany communities were living in Wales.

Several worries were noted about the conditions the communities were living in, as well as a lack of awareness about how to change matters.

Many of those who contributed to the report, highlighted worries about the price of rent and utilities.

One contributor said she paid far less for a two bedroom house, than her relative who was residing in 'an outbuilding and a concrete pitch that's crumbling'.
Two franchises of a beloved dessert chain have gone into liquidation owing tens of thousands of dollars of debt.

Tella Balls' Penrith and Liverpool stores in western Sydney appointed liquidator Steven Naidenov from Aston Chace Group on Tuesday.

The six other Tella Balls stores, which are famous for their donut-based sweets, have not been impacted.

Describing itself as the sweetest place on earth, the chain's Nutella-filled doughnuts and their signature milkshake became a staple for Sydney foodies after opening their doors a decade ago.

Preliminary investigations revealed creditors of Tella Balls Penrith are owed in more than $50,000, the Daily Telegraph reported.

It's understood a dispute with the landlord worsened the stores' financial woes.

Aki Daikos and Simon Kappatos created the Instagram-famous business following Mr Kappatos' successful cafe Foodcraft Espresso in inner-city Erskineville.

The pair worked together for 14 years before setting up Tella Balls, which is focused on quality and authenticity.

Tella Balls has been a favourite of Sydney foodies for a decade

Tella Balls' Penrith and Liverpool stores have entered liquidation

'We have travelled quite a lot and what we wanted to do here is to create a European inspired dessert bar where you can watch everything be made in front of you, from the crepes and waffles, to the fresh gelato out the back,' Mr Daikos previously told Daily Mail Australia.

'This has been our dream. We really have a vision to create an authentic experience and can not wait to open our doors.'

All crepes, waffles and pancakes are made on site and each month, the cafe featured a new menu item, created and tasted by Mr Daikos and Mr Kappatos.

'It is not a meal replacement by any means but we all love work hard and deserve a cheat day every now and then,' he said.

'Who counts calories when youre having dessert anyway? Where's the fun in that?'

Fans were disappointed to learn about the store closures.

'That's what happens in high inflation/cost of living times, discretionary things like desserts are bought less often and then the shops can't pay their rent,' one wrote.

The news of Tella Balls' liquidation comes just one day after Fox Friday Craft Brewery announced it had entered voluntary administration.

The company started as a nano-brewery in the Hobart suburb of Moonah six years ago but has since grown to open venues across the city as well as Melbourne and Perth.

Preliminary investigations revealed creditors of Tella Balls Penrith are owed in more than $50,000

In another hit to the hospitality sector, Collins Foods announced it would be selling its Mexican fast food chain Taco Bell.

The ASX-listed company, which also runs KFC stores across the country, announced the news on Tuesday and aims to finalise its plans within a year.

'Collins Foods has decided to exit its Taco Bell business,' a release published on the ASX stated.

'If a new operator cannot be identified and/or an agreement cannot be reached, other exit options will be explored.

'Collins Foods intends to complete the transition within the next 12 months, subject to formal terms being agreed.'

Further details, including the cost of selling off the Mexican-themed chain will be released further down the line.

Industry experts expect the bloodshed to continue as high operating costs and upward price pressures force out hospitality operators.
An urgent warning has been issued to anyone suffering from Legionnaires' disease to seek medical attention immediately after a man with the illness died in hospital.

NSW Health has recorded 12 cases of the deadly disease in the last month, all related to people who spent time in Sydney's CBD between March 13 and April 5.

All but but one case required hospitalisation.

The department confirmed on Thursday that a man aged in 50s with underlying health conditions who contracted the disease died in hospital last week.

'NSW Health expresses its sincere condolences to their loved ones,' it said.

A cooling tower in the CBD is being decontaminated after Legionella bacteria was detected, with authorities now working to determine if it's the source of the outbreak.

One patient was simply driving through Circular Quay when they were infected.

Anyone who was in Sydney CBD in late March or early April is being urged to monitor their health for symptoms of the disease.

NSW Health has recorded 12 cases of the deadly disease in the last month, all related to people who spent time in Sydney 's CBD between March 13 and April 5

NSW Health has recorded 12 cases of deadly Legionnaires' disease, one of who died with the illness while in hospital last week (stock image)

Royal Australian College of General Practitioners spokesperson Dr Aadhil Aziz has warned that anybody can be affected by Legionella bacteria.

As a GP who specialises in chronic disease, including respiratory infections, he warned that patients are at risk not receiving the necessary treatment to recover if symptoms are ignored.

What is Legionnaires' Disease?

Legionella bacteria, which is usually found in water bodies, causes an infection of the lungs which is a form of pneumonia.

The bacteria can be located in rivers, lakes, creeks and hot springs, but can also grow in artificial water systems such as cooling towers.

Illness usually occurs when a person inhales this bacteria in microscopic water droplets.

Most people recover from it but Legionnaires' disease is occasionally fatal.

How does it spread?

'There are lots of ways it can be spread,' Dr Aadhil Aziz told Daily Mail Australia.

People catch the disease by breathing in the spray from a shower, tap, jacuzzi, water feature but also inhaling water particles in air conditioning and ventilation systems.

Unlike many viruses, Legionella bacteria generally isn't spread from person to person but is possible in rare circumstances.

An infection of the lungs (a form of pneumonia) is caused by Legionella bacteria, which is usually found in water bodies (stock image)

All of the cases are related to people who spent time in Sydney 's CBD between March 13 and April 5, according to NSW Health (stock image)

What are the symptoms?

The illness takes anywhere from two to 10 days to develop, with symptoms including fever, often a severe headache and chills.

Common symptoms also include a cough, shortness of breath, muscle aches and pains and a loss of appetite.

'It's pretty much like any respiratory disease,' Dr Aziz said.

'Sometimes you might start with upper respiratory infection symptoms, like a runny nose or a sore throat; [it's] very similar to what we had during the COVID pandemic.'

Atypical symptoms may include nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea and confusion.

Who does it affect?

Anyone can get the illness but symptoms may vary for patients.

'Some people get very mild symptoms, and then others can get much more severe symptoms where you feel like you've been hit by a truck', Dr Aziz said.

Those most at risk include those aged over-40, smokers, people with a chronic lung disease or a weakened immune system, or other underlying medical conditions.

'We're especially concerned if they get symptoms and they should seek medical treatment,' he said.

'But that doesn't mean it's just these populations. It can be anybody.'

Royal Australian College of General Practitioners spokesperson Dr Aadhil Aziz (pictured) has said anyone worried they might have symptoms of the disease should seek help immediately

What is the treatment?

The main treatment is antibiotic therapy, which should be started as soon as possible.

If left untreated, Legionnaires' disease can lead to serious and even fatal lung infections.

'If you push it off too long, it's too late for anybody. It's too late for us to give you better help, get you admitted [to hospital], get you on track,' Dr Aziz said.

'So if you're going downhill, get help ASAP.'
America has been asked to 'use a bit more stick' to wrangle Russia into a ceasefire, ahead of high-level talks between the US and EU officials over the state of the invasion of Ukraine.

UK foreign secretary David Lammy will join Donald Trump's special envoy Steve Witkoff and top diplomat Marco Rubio, alongside Ukraine's foreign minister Andrii Sybiha and defence minister Oborony Ukrayiny, in Paris today for discussions on how to end the invasion.

EU diplomats told the BBC they will urge the US to pile more pressure on Russia to agree to an unconditional ceasefire.

One official told the broadcaster: 'We want the US to use a bit more stick.'

Overnight, a Russian mass drone attack killed three people, including a child, and injured many more in the southeastern Ukrainian city of Dnipro.

Serhiy Lysak, governor of Dnipropetrovsk region, wrote on the Telegram messaging app that 30 people had been injured, including five children. Sixteen people were being treated in hospital. The attack triggered several fires.

Pictures posted online showed a large blaze and firefighters working at the scene well into the night, as well as gutted vehicles and buildings with smashed windows and damaged facades.

In northeastern Kharkiv region, governor Oleh Syniehubov said a Russian missile attack injured two people in the town of Izium.

Firefighters extinguish fire following a Russian attack in Dnipro, Thursday, April 17, 202

A fire breaks out after the Russian drone attack in Dnipro, Ukraine on April 16, 2025. Russia attacked Dnipro with 'Shahed' UAV, which resulted in more than 10 explosions in city center

Ukrainian rescuers work at the site of a mass drone attack on the residential area in Dnipro, Ukraine, 16 April 2025

Donald Trump (pictured) has faced accusations that he has allowed Vladimir Putin to take advantage of him

The town was captured by Russian troops in the early days of the February 2022 invasion, but was retaken by Ukrainian forces later in the year.

Trump has faced accusations that he has allowed Vladimir Putin to take advantage of him, with Polish foreign minister Radosaw Sikorski saying on Monday that he desperately wanted the Republican and his officials to see that Vladimir Putin was 'mocking their goodwill.'

Today, it was revealed that Russia has been outlining plans to use an American-owned company seized by the Kremlin and placed under state control to supply food to the Russian army, a document seen by Reuters showed, potentially threatening Moscow's warming relations with the U.S.

As the U.S. and the Kremlin negotiate to stop the war in Ukraine, the canned food maker Glavprodukt which was seized in October and is the only American-owned firm to be taken under state control, has been caught in the crosshairs.

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio has said its treatment will be part of the conversation about resetting U.S.-Russia relations.

The seizure was necessary to ensure stable production, including for future supplies to the national guard and defence ministry, according to a letter, reviewed by Reuters, addressed to Russia's prosecutor general from Glavprodukt's new management.

Glavprodukt is now under the control of Russia's federal property management agency Rosimushchestvo having been seized from Los Angeles-based Leonid Smirnov.

Overnight, a Russian mass drone attack killed three people, including a child, and injured many more in the southeastern Ukrainian city of Dnipro

Serhiy Lysak, governor of Dnipropetrovsk region, wrote on the Telegram messaging app that 30 people had been injured, including five children

Russia's industry and trade ministry and Rosimushchestvo did not respond to requests for comment on the state's plans for Glavprodukt and questions about its new management.

Russian prosecutors have accused Smirnov and companies controlled by him of moving about 1.38 billion roubles ($17 million) out of Russia from 2022 to 2024, the RBC daily reported in March.

On March 12, Glavprodukt's assets were seized by the Moscow Arbitration Court at the request of the prosecutor general's office. A hearing is scheduled for April 18. Smirnov denies wrongdoing and says the lawsuit is a 'Russian-style corporate raid' to steal his company.

The prosecutor general did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

About a dozen European companies have had their Russian subsidiaries expropriated by presidential decree, including Danish brewer Carlsberg and Finnish utility Fortum and the Kremlin has warned of more asset seizures.

The Ukraine invasion was expected to be a quick operation, but the war has now stretched to more than three years, seeing Russia hike defence spending and secure tighter control of strategic assets. In 2022, Russia was scrambling for military supplies, including food.

The letter reviewed by Reuters shines a light on the people standing to gain from the expropriation. It said that Rosimushchestvo appointed Glavprodukt's new director general at the request of food producer Druzhba Narodov.

Druzhba Narodov was the sole supplier to Russia's national guard for 2019-20, according to a 2018 press release.

Sixteen people were being treated in hospital. The attack triggered several fires

Burned cars are seen next to an apartment building damaged during a Russian drone strike, amid Russia's attack on Ukraine, in Dnipro, Ukraine, in this handout picture released April 17, 2025

Rescuers working at the site of a Russian drone attack in Dnipro, amid the Russian invasion of Ukraine

A person familiar with the matter said that Glavprodukt never previously supplied Russia's army.

A 2018 investigation by late opposition politician Alexei Navalny's Anti-Corruption Fund revealed that then President Dmitry Medvedev had in 2017 signed off on Druzhba Narodov becoming the national guard's sole supplier.

Ownership information for Druzhba Narodov is classified, but Russian newspaper Kommersant reported in 2022, citing then publicly available information on Russia's EGRUL corporate registry, that entities connected to agriculture holding 'Agrocomplex named after N. I. Tkachev' had acquired Druzhba Narodov.

Reuters could not independently verify that as the information is now classified, but the Agrocomplex holding referred to, and Druzhba Narodov, share the same agrocomplex.ru domain name for some email addresses, according to their websites and filings from Russia's Spark corporate registry.

Druzhba Narodov and Agrocomplex did not respond to requests for comment.

The holding's ultimate owner is Alexander Tkachev, according to the company's 2025 independent audit filings, reviewed by Reuters.

Tkachev, sanctioned by the European Union in 2014 for his support of Moscow's annexation of Crimea, was appointed Russia's agriculture minister the following year, and is the holding company's board chairman, the filings show.
A British woman living in Australia has died after running through a glass door and partially severing her arm following an alleged argument with her boyfriend.

Claire Austin, 38, severed an artery in her arm when she hit the internal glass door at her Sydney flat, and was found bleeding profusely just after 7.30am on Saturday.

The marketing executive, who is originally from Woking, Surrey, had been living in the apartment with her boyfriend Lee Loughlin, 44, who also moved from the UK.

Neighbours said they had heard the pair arguing and Mr Loughlin reportedly told police the pair were having a row before Ms Austin ran through the glass door.

One neighbour said he heard fighting begin at about 7am on Saturday, and this altercation was 'at a different level than usual'.

'They both sounded (like) something would happen,' he told Daily Mail Australia.

'I heard the woman at first and it worried me. Then I heard the man. I think I heard a crash and then I didn't hear the woman again.'

The neighbour then heard a man screaming 'somebody help me' over and over and decided to investigate, with the noise prompting someone in the area to call the emergency services.

Ms Austin was rushed to hospital and put on life support. After being told she would not survive her injuries, her family immediately flew from the UK to Sydney and arrived on Tuesday morning, just hours before she passed away.

Claire Austin, 38, was found inside her top-floor apartment bleeding from a partially severed arm and was later placed on life support but died in hospital on Tuesday

Boyfriend Lee Loughlin, 44, told police the pair had an argument before the incident and he was 'released without charge and no arrests have been made at this time' police said

Emergency crews rushed to the block of flats in Randwick following a Triple Zero call and Claire was taken to St Vincents Hospital and placed on life support, but she died on Tuesday

Friends gathered at her apartment today to leave tributes and toast her memory.

Former colleagues at marketing firm The Do Collective, which she left last month to start a new job, said Claire was 'a lovely person' who embraced life and had a large group of friends.

One of the cards left for Claire read, 'To the sweetest soul, it was an honour to have known you. Your presence is truly missed.

'Thank you for all your love and support - words can't describe how painful this is. Rest in peace Claire.'

Ms Austin was in a relationship with Mr Loughlin, a recruitment analyst who is also from the UK and runs his own company, Lead Group in Darling Harbour.

The couple moved into their rented two bedroom Randwick flat last May, and neighbours said they heard them 'fighting constantly', but that the fight last Saturday morning 'sounded way worse'.

Mr Loughlin assisted police with their inquiries and was admitted to a mental health facility.

'He has since been released without charge and no arrests have been made at this time,' a New South Wales Police spokesman said, adding that the police investigations are continuing.

Workmates who gathered to toast Claire (above) said she was 'a lovely person' loved life and had enjoyed a large group of friends

The two-bedroom apartment, which features a sunroom with sliding glass doors, was rented by Claire Austin and her recruitment company executive boyfriend Lee Loughlin

Workmates from the creative agency Claire Austin had only left in March placed flowers, cards and tributes and embraced in their grief at the growing shrine outside the apartment block

NSW Police Deputy Commissioner Peter Thurtell said Ms Austin's death was being treated as a criminal matter.

'This is a tragic loss of life and we are determined to work out exactly what happened,' Deputy Commissioner Thurtell told Australia's Daily Telegraph.

Daily Mail Australia revealed an application for an apprehended violence order on behalf of Ms Austin was due to face Waverley Local Court on Thursday.

It is not suggested the person named in the order was linked to the incident that led to her death.
The owner of Toby Carvery has apologised for 'all the upset caused' after they felled an ancient oak tree beloved by the local community, as the pub chain faces a 1million legal bill over the ordeal.

The ancient oak tree, which once stood tall in Whitewebbs Park, in Enfield, north London, was felled on April 3.

Pub chain Mitchells & Butlers has admitted its contractors cut down the tree, near one of its Toby Carvery restaurants, after acting on the advice of employed tree experts who assessed it as dying and a risk to the public.

But Enfield Council, which leases the land to Mitchells and Butlers, has since revealed it found the tree was healthy and posed no risk during an inspection in December 2024.

The council, which said it was 'outraged' by the felling', says it will be pursuing legal action over the tree which has been valued at 1million, The Telegraph reports.

The CEO of Mitchells & Butlers has today apologised in a letter to residents. He said: 'Clearly the felling of a beautiful old tree is a very emotive subject and is not something any of us would undertake lightly. I can only apologise for all the upset that it has caused.'

He added: 'In this instance, one of our team acted in good faith in response to expert advice and authorised the work to be done.

'However, I would totally accept that this was an exceptional circumstance, and as part of our review, we have already concluded that we need to tighten our protocols to ensure that if something like this were to ever happen again, that we could still protect our guests, team members and/or general wider public from harm but have time for a fuller consultation.'

The ancient oak tree (pictured), located near a Toby Carvery pub in Whitewebbs Park, in Enfield, north London, was felled on April 3

The tree, which is believed to have been felled on April 3, was only discovered by Enfield Council workers last week in Whitewebbs Park surrounded by its severed branches and trunk

The oak tree was described as 'one of Enfield's most iconic trees' before it was chopped down

The felling of the tree has been compared to that of the landmark Sycamore Gap tree next to Hadrian's Wall in Northumberland. The iconic tree, which featured in the 1991 film Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves, was valued at more than 620,000.

Ergin Erbil, leader of Enfield Council, said on Wednesday: 'I am outraged that the leaseholder has cut down this beautiful, ancient, oak tree without seeking any permissions or advice from Enfield Council.

'This tree would have been home to countless wildlife, fungi, and pollinators. This tree is a part of our ecological and cultural heritage.'

The council previously reported the matter to the Metropolitan Police but the force is treating the felling as a civil matter.

Mr Erbil said the council will continue to take 'appropriate legal action' and will report any criminal activity found during its investigation to the police.

It also believes the firm has broken the terms of its lease to maintain and protect the existing landscape, Mr Erbil added.

'The tree was the oldest one on site and cutting it down seems to be a clear breach of this condition,' he said.

The Enfield oak was worth 1million, according to tree valuer Russell Miller, who made his estimate using the Capital Asset Value for Amenity Trees system.

Environmental campaigners and locals have decried the felling as 'devastating' and compared it to the felling of the Sycamore Gap tree in 2023.

Mr Miller said it was 'much older and much more valuable' than the Sycampore Gap tree.

He told the BBC: 'This tree is designated... as an irreplaceable habitat because it's got decay features and habitats within it that you cannot replace within hundreds of years.

The council previously reported the matter to the Metropolitan Police but the force is treating the felling as a civil matter

'In addition to the sorts of species that people are familiar with, like bats and owls that live in these trees, you've got thousands of species of invertebrate.

'You've got lots of different niches for lots of different species inside the tree, and that's why they're so special.'

The oak was believed to be between 450 and 500 years, according to the Woodland Trust.

Ed Allnutt, an Enfield resident and secretary of the Guardians of Whitewebbs group, is organising a petition calling for a full investigation of the matter, which has been signed by more than 1,500 people.

'This was a beloved ancient tree,' he said. 'With a 6.1 metre circumference, it was one of only 60 similarly ancient English oak trees in the whole of London.

'It was an irreplaceable habitat for hundreds of species, and was at least 300 years old.'

Green groups have said there needs to be greater protections and enforcement for England's ancient trees.

John Deakin, head of trees & Woodland at the National Trust, said: 'Older trees are refuges for a huge variety of species from the smallest mosses and lichens and beetles to bats and a wide variety of birds.

The tree felling is believed to have occurred on April 3, but it was not discovered until last week

Enfield Council, which said it was 'outraged' by the felling', says it will be pursuing legal action over the tree which has been valued at 1million

'Many trees in our care, such as the 2,500-year-old Ankerwycke yew at Runnymede and the Old Man of Calke - a 1,000-year oak tree at Calke Abbey in Derbyshire, also have a huge, cultural significance too.'

'There is some level of protection in the national planning policy framework, but it needs greater enforcement.

'It is also therefore crucial that the Government addresses concerns about the Planning and Infrastructure Bill currently before Parliament, so that protections for important habitats and natural features, such as ancient trees - which are irreplaceable - aren't undermined'.

A spokesperson for Mitchells & Butlers said: 'The tree was cut back after we were advised by our specialist arboriculture contractors that it caused a potential health and safety risk.

'This was an important action to protect our employees and guests as well as the wider general public, to whom we have a duty of care.

'We took necessary measures to ensure any legal requirements were met. We are grateful to our specialist arboriculture contractors for warning us of this potential health and safety risk, allowing us to act swiftly to address it.'
Passengers from London were left stranded on their way to Wales last week after being encouraged to get off the packed train to get some air - before it left without them.

The group of passengers - which included an elderly couple - were 'flabbergasted' after the Great Western Railway blunder saw them left at Swindon station, more than 130 miles away from their destination.

Some of the group were also separated from vital luggage still on board the train, which contained important medication and valuables.

They had boarded the train to Camarthen, south Wales, at London's Paddington Station on Thursday afternoon but found that because two earlier trains had been cancelled, it was packed with passengers.

One couple, Trevor and Eileen Greenfield, had to stand with 10 others in very cramped and hot conditions for about an hour until the train stopped at Swindon and was delayed for about 15 minutes.

Mr Greenfield said the driver announced that he understood things might be uncomfortable for passengers and would arrange for the guard to open the door so they could get off to get some fresh air.

The 74-year-old, from Barry in the Vale of Glamorgan, said a group of eight people got off and stood about a metre away from the train - waiting to be told when to get back on it.

But they said that at 5.30pm, without any announcement being made, the doors of the train closed and it started moving.

Trevor (pictured) and Eileen Greenfield were among the group of passengers to disembark from the train during the unscheduled stop at Swindon - before being left behind

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The passengers were left stranded on a platform at Swindon station (pictured), more than 130 miles from their destination

Mr Greenfield said: 'As a group, we were horrified and in shock that it was pulling away. People started shouting and waving in panic to the guard who was some distance away.

'When he spotted us, he shouted aggressively "get away from the train". He made no attempt to check on the panic and hysteria of our group and what was happening.

'People were distressed, confused and flabbergasted. It's worrying and disappointing that the driver made no announcement that the train was leaving and that the guard ignored the pleas for help.'

To make matters worse, the couple's suitcase, containing clothes, medication and valuables from a four-day break in the capital, was still on the train.

Fortunately, after later getting another train to south Wales from Swindon, they were reunited with their luggage. The train stopped at Cardiff and their daughter drove over from Barry and managed to pick the suitcase up.

Mr Greenfield, who said he and his 68-year-old wife had lodged a formal complaint about the incident with Great Western Railway (GWR), said: 'It was a long, stressful and worrying day. What happened was unbelievable.'

The couple were separated from their suitcase which contained vital medication - fortunately, their daughter was able to collect it at Cardiff

Passengers described their experience as 'disappointing and unacceptable'

Another passenger, Liam Svensen, said the experience had been 'disappointing and unacceptable'.

The 23-year-old CCTV engineer from Bridgend said: 'There was no announcement whatsoever to tell us to get back on the train. It was very out of order.'

He added that had his work colleague not gone back onto the train before it pulled away, he could have lost 3,500 worth of work tools.

A spokesperson for GWR said: 'We'd like to apologise to customers affected by the disruption last Thursday afternoon. To help keep the journey moving, the 1618 Paddington to Carmarthen train made an unscheduled stop at Swindon to allow a relief driver to board.

'During the stop, the doors were opened. Our station and on board teams carried out the necessary checks before the train was safely dispatched.

'We understand that some customers did not reboard the train during this time, and we're really sorry for the inconvenience this caused.'
Ursula von der Leyen has declared 'the West as we knew it no longer exists,' taking aim at US President Donald Trump's chaotic administration and its team of 'bros' and 'oligarchs making the rules'.

The President of the European Commission, 66, painted a grim picture of transatlantic relations to German newspaper Die Zeit, contrasting Washington's tariffs and unpredictable behaviour to the EU's commitment to global trade.

'The West as we knew it no longer exists,' von der Leyen said bluntly.

'Everyone is asking for more trade with Europe - and it's not just about economic ties. It is also about establishing common rules and it is about predictability,' she said. 'Europe is known for its predictability and reliability, which is once again starting to be seen as something very valuable.'

She then took a swipe at Trump's inner circle of tech titan and power broker 'bros' such as Elon Musk, comparing them to Russian oligarchs.

'We don't have bros or oligarchs making the rules,' she fired. 'We don't invade our neighbours and we don't punish them,' in a dual jab at Trump's trade war antics and Putin's aggression in Ukraine.

The remarks mark a clear shift in tone from Brussels, which has long walked a diplomatic tightrope with Washington.

But von der Leyen, a former German defence minister, appears to be defending a 'stronger Europe', claiming it is the best place for democracy, equality, healthcare and for the middle class.

EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen has declared 'the West as we knew it no longer exists'

She compared Trump's inner circle of tech 'bros' such as Elon Musk to Russian oligarchs

Trump greets Tesla CEO and X owner Elon Musk during a rally the day before Trump is scheduled to be inaugurated for a second term, in Washington, January 19, 2025

'In Europe, children can go to good schools however wealthy their parents are. We have lower CO2 emissions and higher life expectancy,' she said, adding that 'controversial debates are allowed at our universities'.

It was a thinly veiled shot at Trump's culture war with academia and ongoing battles over freedom of speech on US campuses.

She also hit out at rising inequality across the Atlantic, highlighting what she called Europe's 'stronger, broader middle class', adding: 'Inequalities are less pronounced here because the levers of power are more widely distributed.'

Trump and his Republican allies, including vice-president JD Vance, have repeatedly attacked the EU as anti-democratic, elitist and weak on borders.

Vance has even accused the EU of 'cancelling elections' and muzzling right-wing populism through legal and media pressure - including against Germany's far-right AfD.

Vance is due to visit Rome on Good Friday to hail Italian PM Giorgia Meloni's right-wing coalition as 'the future of Europe'.

She, in turn, will meet Trump on Thursday to press for a trade truce - and remind him that her voice was instrumental in convincing the EU to pause retaliatory action on his now delayed tariffs.

Meloni will repeat the EU's offer to buy more American liquefied natural gas and weapons as well as a 'zero tariffs for zero tariffs' agreement on industrial products.

Trump and his Republican allies, including vice-president JD Vance (pictured right), have repeatedly attacked the EU as anti-democratic, elitist and weak on borders

Italian Premier Giorgia Meloni will visit Washington on Thursday to press for a trade truce - and remind Trump that her voice was instrumental in convincing the EU to pause retaliatory action on his now delayed tariffs

Trump, with Tesla CEO Elon Musk, and his son, arrive on the South Lawn of the White House Tuesday, March 11, 2025, in Washington

In return she is hoping for a truce on an existing 10 per cent tariff and a promise of trade negotiations between the US and EU.

Trump backed down on tariffs hitting 328bn of European imports after financial market turbulence that wiped trillions off the value of US stocks.

But despite the political storm, von der Leyen insists Europe is emerging as the world's safe haven of stability.

In what sounded like a thinly veiled thank-you to Trump for exposing the fragility of Western unity, she said: 'It's often easier to see your own strengths in somebody else's mirror.'

Europe, she said, is open for business - but also for families, retirees and those in need of healthcare.

'You can make money anywhere in the world,' she concluded. 'But where do you want to raise your children? Where do you want to be if your health isn't great? When you get older?

'There are many very good answers which Europe has to offer.'

Von der Leyen highlighted that while 13 per cent of global trade was with the US, 87 per cent was with other countries. 'They all want predictability and reliable rules. Europe can deliver that'.
A manhunt has begun for a rapist who attacked a 16-year-old schoolgirl in Primrose Hill park in London.

The girl alerted police officers who were on patrol on nearby Regents Park Road at around 11pm last Friday to tell them she had been raped.

She was airlifted to hospital from the north London park by London Air Ambulance.

A crime scene is in place at the park. No arrests have been made yet.

A spokesperson for the Metropolitan Police said: 'Officers on patrol were flagged down by a 16-year-old girl in Regents Park Road at 22:50hrs on Friday, 11 April who reported that she had been raped in Primrose Hill.

'She was taken to hospital by the London Ambulance Service. She is being supported by specialist officers.

'A crime scene is in place in Primrose Hill. No arrests have been made. Enquiries continue.'

Anyone who has information for police is asked to call 101 or message @MetCC, quoting CAD 8380/11APR.

A manhunt has begun for a rapist who attacked a 16-year-old schoolgirl in the Primrose Hill park in London. Pictured: File photo of Primrose Hill

The girl alerted police officers who were on patrol on nearby Regents Park Road at around 11pm last Friday to tell them she had been raped. Pictured: File photo

She was airlifted to hospital by London Air Ambulance. Pictured: File photo of police at Primrose Hill during the second Covid lockdown

They can alternatively contact the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously via their website or by calling 0800 555 111.

Primrose Hill has long been known as one of London's trendiest and most upmarket neighbourhoods, with streets lined with luxury homes and stunning views of the capital in its namesake park.

It has long been the favoured hangout of Hollywood, supermodel and rock'n'roll royalty, such as the 'Primrose Hill set', a group of celeb locals in the mid-nineties including Kate Moss and Jude Law.

But in recent years the area has become riven with division over fears about rising crime, including violence, anti-social behaviour, phone thefts and shoplifting.

Royal Parks, which runs the 62-acre Grade II-listed green space, warned crowds to stay away on New Year's Eve last year, with Primrose Hill a typical viewpoint for London's annual fireworks display.

It came after tragedy struck on New Year's Eve 2023, when 16-year-old Harry Pitman was stabbed to death with a hunting knife at the top of Primrose Hill as people gathered to watch the fireworks.

Local figures, as well as officials, have described Harry's death as an isolated incident - but traders and residents in the area have raised concerns about crime levels in the neighbourhood.
A hardworking father who broke down on national TV after struggling to pay rent while juggling two jobs, has pitched a tent in front of the Prime Minister's home.

Morgan Cox set up his tent outside Anthony Albanese's $4.3million clifftop mansion on the NSW Central Coast on Thursday, and plastered it with a pointed message.

A large sign on the tent read: 'Everyone deserves a home Albo!!! Costoflivingcasualties.com.au. Tell your story.'

Father-of-three Mr Cox made headlines with his heartbreaking story on ABC's Q+A in March.

He revealed that his young family had already been forced out of Sydney by soaring rent costs - partially driven by an influx of people moving to the city and increasing the demand for property.

Mr Cox used the traction to further his message through social media.

The young dad has called for the federal government to temporarily close the nation's borders to migrants in order to free up housing availability in areas affected by chronic shortages, like Sydney.

At the forefront of Mr Cox's argument is a 2022 study which found that 3.3 million Australians are living below the poverty line, including 761,000 children.

Morgan Cox sent a poignant message to Anthony Albanese outside the PM's $4.3million clifftop mansion on the NSW Central Coast on Thursday

The father-of-three (pictured) opened up about his struggles on a recent episode of Q+A

He showed his followers his set-up outside Mr Albanese's home in a video on Thursday.

'I'm here at Albo's $4.5 (sic) million mansion, we've just turned down his $100million road, we're here on behalf of 3.5 million Australians who are struggling, who are in poverty, (who are) facing homelessness,' Mr Cox explained

'All we want is to be heard, all we want is for politicians to listen to us.

'Everyone deserves a home Albo.'

The clip was inundated with dozens of supportive comments from viewers

'Mate you are doing this for future of Australia. You will be on the good side of history,' one wrote.

'Onya Morgan! Hopefully someone will deliver you some cold ones for the stay. Stay safe mate,' another said.

A third wrote: 'We all appreciate the efforts you put into this, we will forever be grateful.'

Labor pledged to build 1.2 million new homes by 2030 but a report from Master Builders Australia found it will likely fall 350,000 houses short of its goal

The Prime Minister's latest property purchases on the NSW Central Coast is pictured

The property features stunning ocean views

Mr Albanese's $4.3million home drew criticism in October with many Aussies accusing him of being 'out of touch'.

He bought the home with partner Jodie Haydon, who is originally from the NSW Central Coast.

In response, Mr Albanese said: 'I am much better off as prime minister ... as prime minister I earn a good income. I understand I've been fortunate.

'I also know what it's like to struggle. My mum lived in the one public housing (flat) that she was born in for all of her 65 years.'

He was again grilled about his property portfolio addition by Karl Stefanovic in a recent 60 Minutes interview.

'It was very much a personal decision, not a political one. And I think Australians get that,' Mr Albanese said.

'At some stage I won't be Prime Minister into my eighties and therefore, we have bought a place close to where Jodie grew up, where her family are all based.'

Now it's Mr Albanese's constituents who are suffering with Mr Cox's heartbreaking appearance on Q+A telling of many Aussies' experience.

'I recently got a rent increase notice for an additional $180 a week, which works out to be about $10,000 a year,' Mr Cox told the program panel.

Mr Cox called for the government to temporarily close the borders to migrants in order to free up housing availability in areas affected by chronic shortages, like Sydney

'I tried to find a cheaper place and there just aren't any. What little is available, there's dozens of people lined up.

'Lots of them are immigrants and they have plenty more money than I can possibly get.'

The father was blunt in admitting the housing crisis could soon see his family on the streets.

'I'm already working two jobs,' Mr Cox said.

'One more rent increase and my family - my one-year-old baby - we're facing homelessness and we've got nowhere to go.

'I want to know, is the government going to cut immigration to match housing availability or are we just gonna keep going until every regular working Australian is homeless?'

Labor pledged to build 1.2 million new homes by 2030 to stem the housing crisis, but a report from Master Builders Australia found it will likely fall 350,000 houses short of its goal.

Immigration levels last year eased to 444,480, down from the record-high levels approaching 550,000 in late 2023, based on the combined permanent and long-term intake.

But the net overseas migration level was still more than double the 194,400 of 2019-20 financial year covering the start of the Covid pandemic.
Dr. Windy Mack Stephenson ORANGEBURG, S.C.  Navigating relationships is an essential part of every college students journey. Whether its with peers, professors or professional staff, effective communication is key to success.

At South Carolina State University, Dr. Windy Mack Stephenson wants freshmen to build that necessary rapport early in their matriculation.

Held in conjunction with SC States First-Year Experience Program, her recent workshop, Improving Communication with Faculty & Staff, was intended to equip first-year students with ways to succeed in their campus interactions.

The first year of college is about more than academics  its about learning how to advocate for yourself, build meaningful relationships, and seek guidance when needed, said Stephenson, executive director of academic and scholarship services for SC States Dr. Emily England Clyburn Honors College. Our students are capable, brilliant, and full of potential.

Sessions like these ensure they have the tools to navigate challenges and thrive in this new environment, she said.

Through a combination of discussion, guided instruction, and active learning, students explored how to professionally interact with faculty, ask for help, and build positive relationships with professors. Students participated in role-playing scenarios that reflected real-life academic challenges and analyzed examples of good and bad emails to professors. The sessions emphasized the importance of tone, timing, and clarity in all academic communications.

The workshop fit right in with what students are learning from the First-Year Experience program.

First-Year Experience has shown me a lot in just a little bit of time, but the main things that has stuck with me is to surround yourself with people that want you to succeed, freshman Keziah Darby said. Make those connections with others including my peers and professors as well and making time for yourself is always important.

And I learned to stop procrastinating so much -- have that mindset to just get it done right then and there. I enjoyed every meeting we had, each and every one of them helped in some way, Darby said.

Stephensons session covered key topics designed to equip students with practical tools to navigate their academic journey more successfully, including:

Why communication with professors matters.

Best practices for emailing professors.

Using office hours effectively.

How to advocate for yourself.

The First-Year Reset  understanding that college offers a fresh start and an opportunity to grow beyond high school routines.

Additionally, students explored such themes as the difference between a fixed and growth mindset, the importance of academic grit, and strategies for staying organized and self-motivated throughout the semester.

Dr. Lisa Sparks, the First-Year Experience programs executive director, said student feedback was overwhelmingly positive. Many participants expressed that these sessions were eye-opening and should be a required experience for all freshmen.

Students mentioned that the workshops provided much-needed reality checks, and they realized how small changes in their daily routines could make a significant difference, Sparks said.

Cameron Davis, first-year advisor for SC States College of Graduate and Professional Studies, praised the initiative, calling the sessions innovative and reassuring in an unpredictable environment. He emphasized the importance of such workshops in helping students build confidence and adaptability in their academic pursuits.

Dr. William H. Whitaker Jr., dean of the Dr. Emily England Clyburn Honors College, applauded the collaboration and the commitment to first-year success.

Workshops like these exemplify the mission of the Clyburn Honors College  to equip students with not only academic excellence, but also the essential life and leadership skills they need to succeed, Whitaker said. We are proud to support programs that invest in our students' growth from day one.

As SC State continues to emphasize holistic student development, workshops like these remain essential for empowering students with the mindset, skills, and support needed to succeed throughout their college journey and beyond.
A university sparked outrage from students after cow dung was smeared onto classroom walls in an attempt to keep the spaces cool in the summertime.

Pratyush Vatsala, the principal of Delhi University, posted a video showing her plastering the manure onto the walls with her ungloved hand.

In traditional Indian knowledge, it is believed that a coating of cow dung can decrease the temperature by a few degrees.

Vatsala was mocked after a clip of her applying the manure was shared on social media.

In the video, the principal, who is wearing trainer shoes and dressed in a teal-coloured sari, moves her arms around in a semi-circular motion, applying the cow dung.

She stands on a stool to reach the top of the room while a man next to her holds a container carrying the excrement.

Vatsala insists she is trialing the technique as part of a faculty-led research project investigating how traditional Indian practices can combat sweltering heat.

She has promised to publish the results of her research.

A university sparked outrage from students after cow dung was smeared onto the walls of classrooms in an attempt to keep the spaces cool in the summertime. Delhi university principal Pratyush Vatsala posted video showing her plastering the manure onto the walls with her ungloved hand

In traditional Indian knowledge, it is believed that a coating of cow dung can bring the temperature down by a few degrees. Vatsala was mocked after a clip of her applying the manure was shared on social media

Vatsala told PTI: 'It is under process. I will be able to share details of the full research after a week.

'The research is being carried out in porta cabins. I coated one of them myself because there's no harm in touching natural mud.

'Some people are spreading misinformation without knowing the full details.'

In a message to those who attend the university she added: 'Efforts are being made to make your teaching experience pleasant.'

However, angry students, who had previously complained of the heat, plastered cow dung on the walls of her office in protest and suggested that she could now uninstall her air conditioner.

'We want fans and air conditioners, not the stink of cow dung in our class-rooms,' said one student.

Another said the research would 'be carried out in her office as well.'

Temperatures in Delhi are soaring, with forecasts predicting intense heat as high as 41C over the next few days.

This is not the first time cow dung has been used in a surprising way. In 2021 researchers used the manure to turn seawater into freshwater.

Vatsala (pictured) insists she is trialing the technique as part of a faculty led research project looking at how traditional Indian practices can combat sweltering heat

In the video, the principal, wearing trainer shoes and dressed in a teal coloured sari, is seen moving her arms around in a semi-circular motion, applying the cow dung on the walls. Nearby, a man is holding up a big pan which carries the dung

Scientists at Northeastern University developed a process that turns the bovine feces into a filter that purifies otherwise undrinkable water  an innovation the team hopes can address the global water crisis.

By blasting the manure with intense heat, scientists broke it down to a carbon powder that was made into a foam.

The foam floats on the seawater's surface and when sunlight hits the area, water beneath the black material turns to steam and passes through it as drinkable liquid.

There are some 1.42 billion people living in areas stricken with water scarcity, according to UNICEF, and only three percent of water on Earth is drinkable.

With this in mind, many scientists are tirelessly working to transform ocean water into freshwater.

The running solution is a filtration system that removes salt from the water, a process called desalination, but such devices come with downfalls.

Yi Zheng, a professor at Northeastern University, said in a statement: 'Material is kind of expensive to fabricate, and the material itself is not sustainable.

'Furthermore, 'the entire process for water desalination consumes electricity.'

Building upon the filtration idea, Zheng looked for a more sustainable power source  sunlight.

However, the process would not need solar panels, but a filter that is activated by sunlight.

Zhang collected a trove of cow manure from local farms and hit the material with heat up to 3,092F to kill off any bacteria.

Once the bacteria was removed, the manure had transformed into a carbon powder that Zhang turned into a foam to filter out the salt from ocean water.
Britain's trade deal with Donald Trump could be finalised in as little as three weeks, according to White House officials.

Sir Keir Starmer has been pushing for an agreement with America in a bid to lower the 10 per cent tariffs on British goods imposed by the US President.

Mr Trump has also slapped 25 per cent levies on steel, aluminium and cars as part of his worldwide tariffs.

But, despite hopes a trade agreement with the US is imminent, the PM has been warned moving closer to the EU could drag the UK back into Mr Trump's tariffs war.

According to The Times, Sir Keir is offering to align with EU carbon levies as part of his 'reset' of post-Brexit relations with Brussels.

The PM is proposing deeper co-operation on the EU's carbon border adjustment mechanism (CBAM) as he seeks to ease trade barriers, the newspaper reported.

It is estimated, without an EU deal, the UK could end up paying 800 million a year in levies to Brussels - money that would otherwise go to HMRC.

Yet there are fears that Mr Trump could identify EU green taxes as another anti-competitive measure that requires retaliation against the bloc.

It shows how Sir Keir is facing a tricky balancing act between his desire to improve relations with Brussels, while also mitigating the impact of Mr Trump's tariffs.

Sir Keir Starmer has been pushing for an agreement with America in a bid to lower the 10 per cent tariffs on British goods imposed by Donald Trump

At the same time, the PM is attempting a 'reset' of post-Brexit relations with the EU. He is pictured with European Commission president Ursula von der Leyen in October

A UK trade deal with the US is set come after Mr Trump pens agreements with Japan, India, and South Korea in an attempt to isolate China.

A Washington source told the Telegraph a deal with London was expected in 'two weeks' or 'maybe three'.

US Vice President JD Vance this week declared that Mr Trump was 'working very hard' to strike a trade deal with Britain, noting that the President 'really loves the UK'.

Another ally of Mr Trump, his former chief strategist Steve Bannon, suggested an agreement with Britain would be among the simplest and fastest to negotiate.

'You (the UK) don't make anything anymore,' he said. 'You don't make anything we're trying to bring back. That's why Japan and Korea will be tough.

'Sure you guys make automobiles but it is nothing in the grand scheme of things. They're kind of bespoke Jaguars and Aston Martins.'

It has also been reported that Britain could be forced to limit dealings with China as the price of securing tarfiff reductions.

Mr Trump is said to want to stop Beijing getting round his tariffs by shipping goods through other countries.

Sir Keir is thought to have offered to cut the UK's digital services tax on tech giants and water down online safety laws in a bid to woo the US into agreeing a trade deal.

But Labour is holding firm against allowing chlorinated chicken or hormone-treated beef into the UK from America as the price of an agreement.

At the same time as negotiating with the White House, the PM is also in talks with Brussels over his Brexit 'reset' ahead of a UK-EU summit in London on 19 May.

The UK will implement its own CBAM from 2027 with ministers reportedly pushing for 'dynamic alignment' with the EU's carbon pricing scheme.

This aims to put a 'fair price' on the carbon emitted during the production of carbon intensive goods - such as cement, aluminium, steel and fertilisers - that enter the EU.

Joel Reland, a senior researcher at UK in a Changing Europe, said the benefits of linking the UK and EU carbon regimes were 'obvious'.

'Economically, it would spare UK firms from potentially hundreds of millions of pounds in tariffs on goods exports to the EU from next year,' he said.

'But the price of a deal is 'dynamic alignment' with the EU carbon pricing regime.

'That means giving the EU powers to increase the duties paid by UK manufacturers on their carbon emissions - though the money will still go to the UK Government, not the EU.'

A Government spokesman said: 'We are resetting our relationship with the EU to improve trade and investment and promote climate, energy and economic security.

'We recognise the importance of international co-operation on carbon pricing. In line with the Trade and Cooperation Agreement, we will consider linking our respective schemes.'

Mr Trump imposed sweeping tariffs on imports to the US earlier this month, rocking the world economy and sending stock prices tumbling to spark fears of a global recession.

Britain was spared the most punitive treatment in Mr Trump's initial tariff announcement, due to the two sides enjoying a largely balanced trade relationship.

Still, British imports in the US now incur a 10 per cent charge while its steel and car sectors incur a rate of 25 per cent.

The UK Government has been hopeful of a deal to exempt the UK from Mr Trump's tariffs, with Mr Vance saying he was optimistic that both sides could come to a mutually beneficial agreement.

US Vice President JD Vance this week declared that Mr Trump was 'working very hard' to strike a trade deal with Britain, noting that the President 'really loves the UK'.

'We're certainly working very hard with Keir Starmer's government' on a trade deal, the US Vice President told the website UnHerd.

'The President really loves the United Kingdom. He loved the Queen. He admires and loves the King. It is a very important relationship.

'And he's a businessman and has a number of important business relationships in [Britain]. But I think it's much deeper than that.

'There's a real cultural affinity. And, of course, fundamentally, America is an Anglo country.

'I think there's a good chance that, yes, we'll come to a great agreement that's in the best interest of both countries.'

Chancellor Rachel Reeves will aim to continue negotiations for an economic deal with the US later this month when she travels to Washington to attend the International Monetary Fund's spring meetings with other finance ministers.

She warned earlier this week that the US 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 also said that the UK would argue for a 'more balanced global economic and trading system' that 'recognises the benefits of free trade'.

British and American officials have been locked in talks for weeks that initially focused on boosting cooperation on artificial intelligence and tech but could be expanded unto other areas.

It comes as the trade war between the US and China has continued to intensify, with Mr Trump accusing Beijing of trying to 'screw' America.

Chinese President Xi Jinping has been touring south east Asia this week, making the case for free trade in the region and presenting Beijing as a source of 'stability and certainty.'
Comedian Seth Rogen's jokes about US president Donald Trump have been cut out of the broadcast of one of the most prestigious science awards shows in the world.

The Pineapple Express actor and writer was presenting an award at this month's Breakthrough prize ceremony, a heavily-funded awards programme that aims to recognise 'outstanding scientific achievements'.

The programme, which describes itself as the 'Oscars of science', was co-founded by many of the world's biggest tech founders including Google co-founder Sergey Brin and Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg.

Rogen reportedly cracked some harsh jokes at the US president's expense as he and actor Edward Norton presented a special prize in fundamental physics to Gerardus 't Hooft.

According to the Hollywood Reporter he addressed the audience, which included Brin and Zuckerberg as well as Amazon founder Jeff Bezos and OpenAI CEO Sam Altman, said: 'It's amazing that others [who have been] in this room underwrote electing a man who, in the last week, single-handedly destroyed all of American science.'

He added: 'It's amazing how much good science you can destroy with $320m and RFK Jr, very fast.'

But the jokes were not included in the 'full' YouTube upload of the ceremony.

Breakthrough told the Hollywood Reporter: 'This year's ceremony lasted longer than the prior few years, and several edits were made in order to meet the originally planned run time.'

Seth Rogen (pictured, left) was presenting an award at this month's Breakthrough prize ceremony alongside Edward Norton (pictured, right)

Comedian Seth Rogen's jokes about US president Donald Trump (pictured) have been cut out of the broadcast of one of the most prestigious science awards shows in the world

Rogen's joke appeared to take aim at how quickly Silicon Valley founders cosied up to Trump after he won the White House.

Zuckerberg, Bezos and Altman donated $1million (760,000) each to Trump's inauguration committee after he was elected.

Since taking office, his administration has completely upended the scientific and academic world.

Mass firings and the freezing of billions earmarked for universities and scientific agencies have left researchers terrified.

Last month, nearly 2,000 of the world's most prominent academics signed an open letter warning the world of the 'danger' of Trump's attacks on science itself.

The letter read: 'We see real danger in this moment. We hold diverse political beliefs, but we are united as researchers in wanting to protect independent scientific inquiry.

'We are sending this SOS to sound a clear warning: the nation's scientific enterprise is being decimated.'

And Trump's appointment of Robert Kennedy Jr., a notorious vaccine sceptic, has left epidemiologists worried that the US will soon be unable to deal with another outbreak of a pandemic.

Following the firing of thousands of national park employees under Donald Trump's administration, park scientists are now being pulled from their research duties to clean hundreds of campground bathrooms.

In February, Trump terminated thousands of national park and forest management employees in a maneuver by Elon Musk's DOGE to slim the government and root out fraud, waste and abuse - a decision met with heavy scrutiny

Acting Superintendent Stephanie Burkhart's office requested that the park's division chiefs designate staff members to clean 10 campground restroom facilities in an uncovered internal email

In California, Yosemite National Park is bracing for its busiest season of the year amid a custodial staff shortage - and bathroom duty has now fallen on the park's scientists, rangers, IT workers and even its leadership team

Roughly 1,000 newly hired National Park Service (NPS) employees and about 3,400 US Forest Service workers were fired in February, sparking concerns that the administration's actions could harm the country's most sacred natural lands.

In California, Yosemite National Park is bracing for its busiest season of the year amid a custodial staff shortage - the result of the president's delay in hiring seasonal workers across the nation's beloved parks.

With staff stretched thin, bathroom clean-up duty has now fallen to an unlikely group - the park's scientists, rangers, IT workers and even its leadership team.

'When our manager first notified us that we were assigned this new duty, I was somewhat outraged,' one employee, who spoke on the condition of anonymity, told SFGate.

'We are already understaffed, mainly due to the hiring freeze caused by the new administration, and now more work unrelated to our job description is being piled on top of us?'

The National Park Service (NPS) regularly hires between 7,000-8,000 seasonal employees, but these roles will be exempt from Trump's federal hiring freeze, which he enacted on day one of his second administration.

National park advocates have argued the job cuts paired with the hiring freeze could lead to trash piling up, facilities falling into disrepair and long wait times for park entries and reservations.
The doctors who carried out an abortion which left a mother-of-three needing all four of her limbs amputated have walked free from court.

Frenchwoman Priscilla Dray suffered from septic shock after she went to the Pellegrin University Hospital in Bordeaux for an abortion in 2011.

She said that she had arrived in 'great shape' but was 'left to die' when doctors refused her antibiotics for the infection.

A month after the procedure, the former shopkeeper, then 36, suffered necrosis and needed to have both legs, her right forearm and her left hand amputated.

Now, 14 years later, two doctors, Martial Dekhili and Francois Vandenbossche, have been sentenced to six and nine months in prison, suspended, and fined 6,800 each for the severe injuries caused to Dray.

They will also have to pay her legal fees of 8,600. The Bordeaux University Hospital, however, was acquitted.

Victim Dray has been left distraught by the outcome, telling Le Parisien: 'Since I had the misfortune of meeting these two doctors at the Bordeaux University Hospital 14 years ago, my life has been turned upside down'.

Her lawyer, Coviaux, blasted the decision as a 'rare judgment in criminal law' but explained the sentences carried little weight as both doctors 'can continue to practice and start again'.

Priscilla Dray went into hospital to have an abortion in July 2011. By August, she had had four limbs removed, suffering from sepsis and necrosis

She has been left furious after two doctors who performed the procedure were handed six and nine months prison sentences, suspended, and fined 6,800 each

Dray claimed that her temperature soared to 39.6C the day after the operation, prompting her to head to the university hospital emergency room.

Her IUD was removed and a swab taken before an intern allegedly concluded she was likely suffering from endometriosis.

Under advice, Dray requested antibiotics but was allegedly refused by the doctor on duty. 'He handled everything over the phone and refused to give me antibiotics or keep me under observation,' she told the French newspaper.

She was, instead, sent home.

The next day, on July 24, 2011, she went to see a GP in Cap Ferret, who suspected septicemia.

She was then urgently referred back to Bordeaux University Hospital with a note to pass on to emergency doctors. 'Normally, this is an emergency where the patient should be sent to intensive care. I was left in the maternity ward all day,' she said.

The note was not forwarded by the hospital staff as Dray struggled to breathe and presented with frozen hands and feet, France3 reported in February.

The 'flesh-eating bacteria' had already started to attack her limbs, requiring amputation.

'I trusted [them] and this is the state they put me in,' she said on the M6 programme Zone Interdite. 'They killed me, and normally I should have died.'

According to France3, her chance of survival was estimated at around five per cent during the night of July 24, when she was rushed back into hospital.

In just over a week, she developed necrosis, linked to the septic shock, and was transferred to intensive care for severe burns.

By the end of August they made the difficult decision to amputate.

The criminal court accused Dr. Vandenbossche, the head of the clinic on call that evening, of not having taken appropriate urgent action to examine her, of not checking on his inexperienced intern, and of not ensuring that the anesthesiologist to whom he had finally referred the patient was available, French newspaper Sud-Ouest reported.

Dray miraculously survived her ordeal, but developed severe necrosis as 'flesh-eating bacteria' ravaged her limbs

A picture taken on January 25, 2020 shows a general view of the Pellegrin university hospital (CHU) in Bordeaux

Dray, who had chosen to have an abortion after only recently having her third-born child, revealed that she was unable to see her newborn for three months after the surgery.

'They took away all those moments of happiness,' she said. 'I don't think there's anything worse.'

At the time, her two children were aged seven and 10, and her baby was five-months- old. 'I couldn't get up at night and hold him when he cried. It was just awful,' she told Le Parisien.

The hospital would ultimately be fined 260,000 over the case, and three people were indicted, Femme Actuelle reported in 2023.

A gynecologist was indicted for not having immediately prescribed antibiotics.

Dray has needed more than 50 operations since to implant metal rods in her shin bones to fix prosthetics. She has undergone a total of 92 operations and surgeries with the most recent a kidney transplant last year after anti-rejection medications gradually damaged her organs.

The mother also underwent a costly doule-hand transplant in the US at her own expense, requiring her to spend 'many months' back in hospital, France3 reported.

'But transplanted hands aren't hands that move well, and I was unable to give my child insulin injections,' she said.

Still, Dray has questions about what happened to her in those crucial moments in July 2011.

'To this day, I still don't understand why I was left to die in that maternity ward,' she told Pourquoi Docteur in 2017.

The doctors' lawyers, who had requested their clients' acquittal, can still appeal.

Sepsis is a life-threatening infection that can be difficult to spot in some patients, per the NHS.

It happens when the immune system reacts aggressively to an infection and starts to damage the body's own tissues and organs.

Without proper treatment, it can lead to organ failure, tissue damage and death.
This is the shocking moment a man hangs onto a helicopter as it takes off from a wedding in Kenya.

Heart-stopping footage shows Stephen Odhiambo Ouma dangling hundreds of feet in the air and clinging on for dear life as he soars through the sky.

A stunned crowd can be heard gasping as they watch on in horror, praying for the father-of-two's safe return.

Ouma, 28,had reportedly asked the chopper occupants for money and a ride before grabbing onto it as it left Rapogi village on Sunday, April 13.

After becoming aware of the extra passenger, the pilot made an emergency landing in a field nearby.

Ouma told local media he was quite relieved to be brought down, as he had started to feel exhausted mid-air.

But he remained unapologetic and insisted he would have completed the 65-minute journey to Nairobi without issue.

Describing the experience as exhilarating, Ouma noted that he often relies on donkeys for transport so the flight marked a historic moment for him.

This is the shocking moment a man hangs onto a helicopter as it takes off from a wedding in Kenya

Heart-stopping footage shows Stephen Odhiambo Ouma dangling hundreds of feet in the air and clinging on for dear life as he soars through the sky

A stunned crowd can be heard gasping as they watch on in horror, praying for the father-of-two's safe return

According to police Ouma is expected to be charged with endangering his life and those of others aboard the helicopter

He added that he barely felt the cold during the short trip and even managed to keep his slippers on.

Ouma was later arrested at his home and is currently in police custody.

According to police Ouma is expected to be charged with endangering his life and those of others aboard the helicopter.

Police Commander Enrico Lyomu told local press: 'After the incident, we began a search. He tried to escape and was very violent, but we managed to arrest him. Hell face charges for risking lives, including his own.'

Lyomu also warned people not to attempt such reckless stunts, especially as helicopters have become more common in rural gatherings.
A Channel 4 reality star who broke his girlfriend's jaw and pulled out her hair in front of her children in a five-year campaign of terror has been jailed.

Jack Woodman, who appeared on the series Bodyshockers, brutally assaulted his partner, Crystal Taff, three separate times during their five-year relationship.

On separate occasions, Woodman, 33, punched Ms Taff, 29, in the face breaking her jaw, pulled a clump of her hair out and also threatened to burn her with a pair of hair straighteners.

Ms Taff, who welcomed a baby girl into the world last month, bravely stood against her attacker in court - only weeks away from giving birth - telling the court he attacked her in front of their two children.

Last February, he was found guilty at Bristol Crown Court of grievous bodily harm and two counts of actual bodily harm. Now he has been sentenced to two-and-a-half years behind bars.

After Woodman was found guilty in February, Ms Taff's stepfather David Priddle said: 'This is a victory not only for my stepdaughter but for all women who have to suffer domestic violence and control and coercive behaviour.

Jack Woodman appeared on the hit reality show Bodyshockers, a show that meets people across the UK who regret their plastic surgery or body art and want to reverse it or cover it up

The pawnshop owner Jack Woodman (right), who shares two children with Crystal Taff (left), had denied GBH and two charges of ABH but has now been convicted on all three counts

'Woodman made Crystal's life a living nightmare until she finally snapped and ran away from him with their two children.

'All he was ever worried about was himself and his relentless pursuit of being famous.

'Woodman has now got what he always craved  to be famous. But that fame has come at a massive price.

'The jury obviously saw through the lies he was telling and didn't think he was a credible character.'

Following Woodman's sentencing, Mr Priddle told The Sun: 'This was the sentence the family needed for the pain and torment Woodman has put Crystal through.

'Woodman has now got what he always craved  to be famous.'

A five-day trial at Bristol Crown Court heard how the former pawnshop owner had been with Ms Taff for five years and the pair had two children together.

Their relationship ended in 2022 when she walked out of the house they shared with Woodman's mother following a series of beatings.

Prosecuting, Caitlin Evans said: 'On Father's Day in 2022, he punched Ms Taff after she came to pick him up following a night out at a casino in which he had lost a considerable amount of money.'

Giving evidence, Ms Taff told how their relationship began after she walked out of her job as a hairdresser to start work at Woodman's pawnshop, Jack's Cash in Bedminster, Bristol.

Bristol Crown Court heard how Jack Woodman (left) subjected his former girlfriend Crystal Taff (right) a five-year campaign of abuse

Self-confessed 'rebel' Jack Woodman has now been jailed for two-and-a-half years

She described how he attacked her in the store, saying: 'One day I had agreed to cut my brother's hair but Jack wouldn't let me go until I had cleaned all the TVs in the pawnshop.

'He wasn't happy with the standard of my cleaning of the TVs and he said I was a lazy b****.

'He was facing me and punched me in the right side of the face which was agony.

'I said I think you've knocked my teeth out and he said, "If you don't shut up I'll make sure I knock the other teeth out". I was very panicky as it just didn't feel right.

'He made me stay in the shop and I sent a text to my stepmum apologising that I couldn't cut my brother's hair today. I didn't tell anybody what had happened.

'I was in pain and very anxious and very scared. I didn't know if anything was broken but I carried on working as normal at Jack's Cash.

'I went to A&E because I physically couldn't eat as it was too painful and so went to A&E but it was far too busy and [I] was told that it would be up to five hours.

'I was conscious that Jack would come home that evening and so I went back to his house.

'I went back to A&E the following day and had x-rays taken which showed my jaw was broken.

'I was referred to a surgeon at Bristol Dental Hospital who said that I would need surgery to repair my jaw.'

In another incident during the weekend of the late Queen Elizabeth II's Platinum Jubilee in 2022, Ms Taff told how Woodman assaulted her in the car as they drove back from a family meal out.

She said: 'During the journey home he was telling me I was boring to be with.

'It was a verbal argument but I do remember him pulling my hair which was something he often did.

Woodman appeared on the Channel 4 show trying to have a giant tattoo on his back removed

'He reached across and just pulled out a clump of my hair and left me with a bald patch.

'I was really upset and started to cry when I looked in the mirror.

'He came in and started to get quite angry. He pushed me on the bed and threatened to burn me with my straighteners.

'He had me pinned down with his hands around my neck so I couldn't move.

'I was on the bed and he had the straighteners snapping next to my face.

'I was petrified but he didn't burn my face. This wasn't an uncommon thing over the five years and I was terrified.'

Woodman, from Kingswood in Bristol, denied the charges but the jury of seven women and five men took just two hours to return guilty verdicts.
This is the moment a BBC presenter challenged a transgender activist who claimed the Supreme Court's ruling that the definition of a woman is based on biological sex may need 'clarification'.

In an interview broadcast just moments after the landmark ruling, trans campaigner and ex-Labour MSP candidate Heather Herbert provoked a furious response from newsreader Martine Croxall after declaring: 'I feel like I'm under attack.'

Croxall, who clashed with Herbert throughout the interview, questioned how it was an 'attack', saying it was simply a 'clarification of what the word woman means'.

The BBC veteran told Herbert the ruling made it clear 'sex is binary and immutable' after the trans activist denied local authorities who have not protected single sex spaces based on biological sex may now have to reverse policies.

Croxall challenged Herbert after she called for further 'clarification', at one point reminding her: 'The ruling is that woman means biological sex.'

The tense exchange came after Supreme Court judges decided unanimously that the Equality Act's definition of a woman is based on biological sex. It means trans women with a Gender Recognition Certificate can be excluded from single-sex spaces if 'proportionate'.

When asked for her reaction to the ruling which will have far-reaching implications for single-sex spaces, Herbert told Croxall: 'Obviously I'm disappointed, no judge can tell me who I am.

'If a judge was to tell you that you're not a woman, that you're a man, it wouldn't change who you are, it wouldn't change how you feel.'

Heather Herbert, a trans campaigner and former Labour MSP candidate, provoked a furious response from Croxall after declaring: 'I feel like I'm under attack'

Heather Herbert previously performed dilation exercises following her gender reassignment surgery in a disabled toilet at Gatwick Airport in 2023 (pictured)

The court's decision will have huge consequences for how single-sex spaces and services operate across the UK.

The Equality and Human Rights Commission said the ruling would lead to an updated code of conduct for services, including the NHS and prisons, which could affect single-sex spaces in areas such as hospital wards, changing rooms and refuges.

Following the decision, the Government said: 'This ruling brings clarity and confidence, for women and service providers such as hospitals, refuges, and sports clubs.'

Herbert went on to claim the UK was 'following in the footsteps of Trump's America', but Croxall pointed out there 'are already provisions which do protect trans people from discrimination, victimisation and harassment'.

The trans campaigner, who made headlines when she performed dilation exercises following her gender reassignment surgery in a disabled toilet at Gatwick Airport in 2023, claimed it was an 'attack on minorities'.

But this prompted a furious response from Croxall who said: 'I'm sorry, but how is this an attack on anyone? It's just a clarification surely of what the word woman means in the Equality Act.'

Herbert then fired back: 'Well, I am a woman, so where do I fit in?' to which Croxall replied: 'Well, according to this, are you a biological woman is what the law is asking?'

As the interview became more tense, Herbert asked Croxall: 'Are you a woman? If someone were to say to you, you're not a woman, would that feel very much like you were under attack? I think it would, I feel like I'm under attack.'

Croxall then asked: 'So what extra provision would you like to see in response to this? It was a unanimous and unambiguous ruling.'

Herbert replied: 'It is. We need clarification. It won't necessarily affect my day to day life but it just feels like it is another attack on trans people.'

But Croxall pressed her, saying: 'There may have to be, don't you agree, a reversal in policy by local authorities perhaps who have not protected single sex spaces based on biological sex until now?

When Herbert replied 'I don't think so, I would hope not', Croxall, growing increasingly frustrated, bit back: 'Why would you think not when this makes clear sex is binary and that sex is immutable?'

During the interview, Herbert claimed the ruling would not impact the rights of trans women using female changing rooms.

But Croxall fired back again, saying: 'That's not how the group For Women Scotland are seeing it. They are saying sex is real, women can now feel safe that services and spaces designated for women are for women and we are grateful to the court for this ruling.

'The ruling is that woman means biological sex. The sex that you were observed to have at birth.'

Heather Herbert was a Labour member who stood for election and voted for Scottish Independence but has now joined the Greens

As the interview became more heated, Herbert replied: 'Are you saying that I can't participate in public life? I think it makes no difference to how trans people will go about their day to day lives.

Croxall replied: 'Does it bring further clarity that trans women should be in women's prisons or have access to refuges?'

She added: 'So it does. But can I ask you a question. Do you think I should be allowed in the women's toilets?

'If I'm not, if you're implying that I shouldn't, that would mean that I don't have any ability to be in public life at all. I can't go to work because you're saying that I can't use the loo at work.'

Herbert was challenged by Croxall why she thought the UK was heading towards 'Trump's America' if she does not think the day to day lives of trans people will change.

'I feel it feels we are heading to Trump's America, I don't think this particular ruling will make any different to anybody's day to day life.'

Herbert, who quit Labour for the Scottish Greens, previously made headlines when she posted an image of herself lying on the floor of a disabled loo at Gatwick doing 'dilation' exercises after gender reassignment surgery in 2023.

She said: 'Found a disabled toilet... not the most fun I've had.' Doctors say the exercises need to be done daily to promote healing.

Herbert was born in Leicester but moved to Scotland in 2013.

She voted for independence four years later and joined Scottish Labour, saying that she was 'hoping to move the party to the Left' but 'failed'.

Herbert was heavily critical of the Supreme Court ruling that gender is defined by biology.

Her concerns were echoed by Ella Morgan, the first trans woman to appear on Married at First Sight UK.

Speaking on Good Morning Britain, the reality TV star said: 'As a voice for the trans community since I have been in the public eye, I have always seen the good in everything and I have always been very positive.

'But for the first time since I have had the title and role I actually do feel nervous and scared not only for myself but for the community because it's the unknown.

'It's been said but theres not clarity. We are not sure exactly what is going to happen in terms of passports, toilets, gym changing rooms.

'There are so many things logistically that needs to be discussed and then to have the headline "the definition of a woman is biological sex", makes me feel and trans people feel that we are defined as a man.

'Im essentially a man in a lot of people's eyes and now legally potentially on paper I could be and thats scary.'

As the country reacts to the decision, the head of Britain's equalities watchdog said trans women cannot use single-sex female toilets, changing rooms or compete in women's sports.

Equality and Human Rights Commission (EHRC) chairwoman Baroness Kishwer Falkner said Wednesday's ruling was 'enormously consequential' and brought clarity, as she vowed to pursue organisations which do not update their policies.

The ruling that the terms woman and sex in the 2010 Equality Act 'refer to a biological woman and biological sex' means transgender women with a gender recognition certificate (GRC) can be excluded from single-sex spaces if 'proportionate', the Supreme Court said.

Baroness Falkner said organisations should be 'taking care' to look at the 'very readable judgment' to 'understand that it does bring clarity, helps them decide what they should do'.

Asked if it was now simple that trans women cannot take part in women's sport, she told BBC Radio 4's Today programme: 'Yes, it is.'

For Women Scotland directors Susan Smith (left) and Marion Calder (right) celebrate the landmark ruling

Marion Calder (centre), Helen Joyce (centre left) and Maya Forstater (left) celebrate outside the Supreme Court

On changing rooms and toilets, Baroness Falkner said: 'Single-sex services like changing rooms must be based on biological sex.

'If a male person is allowed to use a women-only service or facility, it isn't any longer single-sex, then it becomes a mixed-sex space.

'But I have to say, there's no law that forces organisations, service providers, to provide a single-sex space, and there is no law against them providing a third space, an additional space, such as unisex toilets for example, or changing rooms.'

She suggested trans rights organisations 'should be using their powers of advocacy to ask for those third spaces'.

The commission is expecting to lay an updated statutory code of practice before Parliament by the summer, and has said it is working 'at pace to incorporate the implications of this judgment' into the code for public bodies setting out their duties under the Equality Act.

Baroness Falkner said the commission evaluates when the law is not followed by organisations and can speak to those bodies, or 'use enforcement, compliance tools or whatever, we will be continuing to do that'.

Regarding single-sex hospital wards, she said the NHS will 'have to change' their 2019 policy, which says that trans people 'should be accommodated according to their presentation'.

Baroness Falkner said the court ruling means there is now 'no confusion' and the NHS 'can start to implement the new legal reasoning and produce their exceptions forthwith'.

Officials said they were already updating the guidance but the judgment will be considered as they move forward.

Care minister Karin Smyth told BBC Breakfast the 'NHS will obviously be complying' along with 'every other public body'.

She said she hopes the ruling will draw a line under arguments over gender recognition, but accepted more 'homework' needed to be done on what it will mean in practice.

The Supreme Court decision was hailed as a victory by women's rights campaigners, but LGBT charity Stonewall described the judgment as 'incredibly worrying for the trans community'.

Baroness Falkner said while the ruling is a 'victory for common sense', this is only the case 'if you recognise that trans people exist'.

She added: 'They have rights, and their rights must be respected - then it becomes a victory for common sense.'

She added: 'It's not a victory for an increase in unpleasant actions against trans people. We will not tolerate that.

'We stand here to defend trans people as much as we do anyone else. So I want to make that very clear.'
David Lammy is to meet Donald Trump's top officials for talks on Ukraine today.

The Foreign Secretary will travel to Paris to meet with Marco Rubio, the US Secretary of State, and Steve Witkoff, who is Mr Trump's special envoy to Vladimir Putin.

Ukrainian and other European ministers are also set to take part in the discussions in the French capital.

It will be the first high-level talks between White House representatives and the so-called 'coalition of the willing' since Sir Keir Starmer's visit to Washington in February.

The Prime Minister, together with French President Emmanuel Macron, have gathered around 30 countries who are ready to help enforce a peace deal in Ukraine.

Today's talks will give Mr Witkoff the opportunity to brief European ministers on his recent five-hour meeting with Mr Putin.

Mr Witkoff claimed he 'finally' got an answer to the Russian President's demands for a peace agreement in Ukraine during their 'compelling meeting' in Moscow.

But Kyiv and other European capitals have been left alarmed by Mr Witkoff's suggestion that Ukraine could hand over 'five territories' to Russia.

Foreign Secretary David Lammy is to meet Donald Trump 's top officials for talks on Ukraine

Steve Witkoff, second left, is Mr Trump's special envoy to Vladimir Putin.

Today's talks will give Mr Witkoff the opportunity to brief European ministers on his recent five-hour meeting with Mr Putin.

European diplomats said they would use the meeting in Paris on Thursday to urge the US to put more pressure on Moscow to agree an unconditional ceasefire.

'We want the US to use a bit more stick,' one official told the BBC.

Mr Trump's efforts to secure peace between Ukraine and Russia have stalled in recent weeks.

This is despite the two countries having last month agreed in principle to a ceasefire in the Black Sea in separate deals with the US, following talks in Saudi Arabia.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky this morning urged his nation's allies to 'put pressure on the killers' following further Russian attacks.

'We must put pressure on the killers and help life to end this war and guarantee a reliable peace,' he posted on Telegram.

'I want to thank all partners who use their capabilities in this way. Wars are stopped by force - force against the aggressor, force in the defence of life.'

The talks between Mr Rubio, Mr Witkoff and European ministers are also set to include discussions about a new nuclear deal with Iran.

Mr Trump has warned he is willing to bomb Iran's nuclear facilities if a deal is not reached.

A US State Department spokesperson said Mr Rubio and Mr Witkoff would be in France 'for talks with European counterparts to advance President Trump's goal to end the Russia-Ukraine war and stop the bloodshed'.

'While in Paris, he will also discuss ways to advance shared interests in the region,' they added.
A United Airlines plane was forced to make an emergency landing after a rabbit got sucked into its engine.

Video shows a fireball of flames erupting from an engine on Flight 2325 shortly after it took off from Denver Airport on Sunday night.

Passengers on the Edmonton, Canada-bound flight recalled hearing a 'loud bang' and feeling 'significant vibration' just after takeoff, but the aircraft continued to climb.

'Every few moments there was a backfire coming from the engine, a giant fireball behind it,' passenger Scott Wolff told ABC's Good Morning America. 'Everyone in the plane then started to panic.'

The Boeing 737 safely landed back at Denver Airport around 8.05pm local time.

Audio records from the flight deck revealed that after landing, the crew requested the plane to be inspected for an engine fire. They were told that a rabbit had been sucked into the engine.

'Rabbit through the number two, that'll do it,' the pilot said.

The 153 passengers and six crew members then continued to Edmonton on a new plane, United told ABC in a statement. The Federal Aviation Agency (FAA) is investigating the incident.

United Airlines Flight 2325 was forced to make an emergency return to Denver Airport after a rabbit got sucked into its engine

Video shows a fireball of flames erupting from an engine on Flight 2325 shortly after it took off from Denver Airport on Sunday night

Flight UA 2325 took off from Denver Airport at 7.08pm on Sunday. The plane diverted back to Colorado's capital city after the a fire erupted in one of the engines. The aircraft safely landed back in Denver less than an hour later

Flight UA 2325 took off from Denver Airport at 7.08pm on Sunday, according to data recorded by tracking service FlightAware.

The plane diverted back to Colorado's capital city after the a fire erupted in one of the engines. The aircraft safely landed back in Denver less than an hour later.

Wyatt McCurry witnessed the incident from the ground at Denver Airport, alleging that his 'stomach dropped' as he saw the fireball erupting in the sky.

'I just thought, "I'm going to see a plane go down",' he recalled.

United told MailOnline that the plane 'returned safely to Denver to address a possible wildlife strike. The aircraft returned to the gate, and we lined up a new aircraft to get our customers on their way'.

The FAA also issued a statement to MailOnline, saying: 'United Airlines Flight 2325 returned safely to Denver International Airport around 8.05pm local time on Sunday, April 13, after the crew reported striking an animal while departing.

'The Boeing 737-800 was headed to Edmonton International Airport in Canada. The FAA will investigate.'

Wildlife strikes are quite common, according to the FAA, which recorded more than 20,000 incidents last year in the US alone.

However, rabbit strikes appear to be more rare, with the FAA database only reported four nationwide, including one in Denver.

Most animal strikes reported to the agency involved birds.
MAFS trans star Ella Morgan today said she feels 'scared' and 'nervous' after the Supreme Court's landmark gender ruling.

The reality star, 31, has vowed to carry on using female toilets after judges declared that the definition of a woman in the Equality Act should be determined by their biological sex.

Ella said the ruling, which JK Rowling celebrated by popping champagne and smoking a cigar, is a terrifying unknown.

She said she feels the trans community is now bearing the brunt of the damage caused by the likes of rapist Isla Bryson and 'a few people' doing a 'few bad things' who are not trans.

Outlining the impact the court ruling will have on people who make up less than one percent of the UK's population, a passionate Ella told Good Morning Britain: 'We are now the ones suffering and it affects us.'

She added: 'As a voice for the trans community since I have been in the public eye. I have always seen the good in everything and I have always been very positive.

'I hate to say this, but for the first time since I have had that title and role I actually do feel nervous and scared not only for myself but for the community because it's the unknown.

'It's been said but there's not clarity. We are not sure exactly what is going to happen in terms of passports, toilets, gym changing rooms.

MAFS trans star Ella Morgan today said she feels 'scared' and 'nervous' after the Supreme Court 's landmark gender ruling

The reality star, 31, has remained defiant and has vowed to carry on using female toilets after judges declared that the definition of a woman in the Equality Act should be determined by their biological sex

'There are so many things logistically that needs to be discussed and then to have the headline '"the definition of a woman is biological sex", makes me feel and trans people feel that we are defined as a man.

'I'm essentially a man in a lot of people's eyes and now legally potentially on paper I could be and that's scary.'

Ella revealed how during a recent hospital stay she had been left terrified medics would recognise who she was and put her on a male ward.

People have also in the past told her to use the disabled toilets, something she rejected.

'I go to the gym and I use the female changing rooms - nobody has ever had any issues with me,' Ella said.

'Trans people should never have to justify their existence or debate our existence and who we are.'

The reality star defiantly said: 'I still see myself as a woman and always will. Whether this legislation comes in and people agree with it or not, I still see myself as a woman.'

Ella's comments come on the back of Harry Pooter author JK Rowling posting a picture of herself puffing on a cigar to gleefully declare: 'I love it when a plan comes together.'

Ella pictured with her ex-boyfriend Alex James Ali in November 2024 at the Beauty Awards at Honourable Artillery Company in London

Ella Morgan attends the NTAs 2024 at The O2 Arena, in London -- September 11, 2024

While trans activists reacted with fury to the decision, branding it 'evil' and calling it a set back for transgender rights, Rowling and others took to social media to celebrate it as a victory for women ad common sense.

And after sharing a post on X, formerly Twitter, suggesting she and her husband were clinking glasses of Champagne after the ruling, she has now followed up with a selfie of her smoking.

She accompanied it with the words: 'I love it when a plan comes together. #SupremeCourt #WomensRights.'

The 59-year-old has been a vocal supporter of campaign group For Women Scotland, throwing her cultural and financial clout behind its long-running legal battle against the Scottish government over the definition of a 'woman' in Scottish law.

That was the catchphrase of the A-Team character and leader George 'Hannibal' Smith, played in the 1980s TV series by the late George Peppard.

Rowling also hit back at suggestions she was smoking a 'blunt', associated with cannabis use, in the picture she shared.

She posted: 'To those celebrating the fact that I'm smoking a blunt: it's a cigar. Even if it decided to identify as a blunt for the purposes of this celebration, it would remain objectively, provably and demonstratively a cigar.'

She also told in replies how the photo was taken by one of her daughters and the drink she was sipping was an 'Old Fashioned' cocktail.

Earlier in the evening, Rowling had shared a photo on X of what appeared to be two glasses of prosecco under a sunny canopy, as she toasted the decision with her husband Neil.

The case centred on whether somebody with a gender recognition certificate (GRC) recognising their gender as female should be protected from discrimination as a woman under the Equality Act.

JK Rowling has been posting on social media following the landmark Supreme Court ruling

Susan Smith (L) and Marion Calder, Directors of For Women Scotland, make a statement outside the Supreme Court

The Scottish government had argued that such people were entitled to sex-based protections, meaning a transgender person with a GRC certificate identifying them as female would count towards women's quota.

But campaign group For Women Scotland claimed they only applied to people born female.

In an 88-page ruling, the justices said: 'The definition of sex in the Equality Act 2010 makes clear that the concept of sex is binary, a person is either a woman or a man.'

They stated: 'A person with a Gender Recognition Certificate in the female gender does not come within the definition of a 'woman' under the Equality Act 2010 and the statutory guidance issued by the Scottish ministers is incorrect.'
A dentist has told of her terror when a shark sank its teeth into her on a luxury holiday in the Maldives.

Ekaterina Alexandrova, 30, from Moscow, was bitten in the hand when she was snorkelling with a friend.

She complained of 'insane pain' but was able to get back to her tour boat.

The attack was by normally docile nurse sharks after she was told an excursion was 'safe'.

'I got lucky  I pushed [the attacking shark] away with my left hand, and it didn't manage to bite hard,' she said.

'Of course, I've had men tell me I'm a tasty pie and can make some, you know, bite,' she said. 'But I didn't think I was on the lunch menu of sharks in the Maldives.

'So it was certainly a shock and a huge surprise to me.'

The dentist was filmed shaking from shock in a clinic afterwards as she was given stitches for the gash in her skin.

Ekaterina Alexandrova (pictured) was bitten in the hand when she was snorkelling with a friend

She complained of 'insane pain' but was able to get back to her tour boat

She claimed: 'At the hospital they told me there were three fatal stingray attacks this March'

She said: 'Just so you understand  I was in shock and just smiling stupidly. The pain, of course, was insane. I cried later.'

Her friend Masha 'turned pale and almost fainted - the boat was covered in blood,' she said.

In a video she posted, Ekaterina told the story of her shark attack:

'I was bitten by a shark in the Maldives. I feel problems ahead because a lot of stingrays arrived.

'The number of sharks grew three times bigger than at the start of the dive. The depth is shallow, there are a lot of sharks and there is nowhere to escape.

'The next was the moment I was bitten. I keep an eye on a predator as I snorkel. I turn my camera away from myself, and just then the shark sharply turns [at me].

'All I could do was to push the shark away with my left hand. The camera falls out of my hands and lands on the sea bottom, the depth is about [8 to 10ft].

'My camera even hits another shark on its tail. I don't panic, because it's not allowed to splash about in the presence of predators.'

She posted later: 'I'm not exaggerating or joking. This is the reality of a holiday I ended up on.

The Russian tourist was visiting the Maldives when she was attacked

The dentist was awake during her surgery

She was forced to undergo emergency surgery to repair her wounds

The dentist was left with several scars across her arm

The dentist was filmed shaking from shock in a clinic afterwards as she was given stitches for the gash in her skin

'Honestly, breaking my leg didn't hurt as much as what happened to me in [the Maldives]. Thank you to my friend who was with me the whole time.

'It all happened like in a bad dream.'

She claimed: 'At the hospital they told me there were three fatal stingray attacks this March.'

They used a scalpel on her and she said: 'They cut something, stitched something.

'The bone and ligaments are intact  that's great. Planning to return to work soon.'
Electric vehicles with Chinese parts have been banned from British military sites amid spying fears, it has been revealed.

There are concerns that EVs kitted out with cameras, sensors, radar and internet connectivity could be used for surveillance purposes.

Chinese-manufactured EVs, such as those made by BYD, GWM, Omoda, and Jaecoo, are increasingly popular in the UK.

Labour peer Lord Coaker, a defence minister, recently told Parliament that some defence sites have stricter rules on EVs but declined to give 'specific details'.

According to The i Paper, staff at RAF Wyton in Cambridgeshire have been told to park EVs with Chinese technology at least two miles away from key buildings.

It also reported that certain EVs have been prohibited from the military training area on Salisbury Plain.

The Government's recent row with British Steel's Chinese owners over its Scunthorpe plant has sparked fresh scrutiny of China's involvement in critical UK infrastucture.

Under Beijing's national intelligence laws, Chinese firms are compelled to 'support, assist, and co-operate' with state intelligence work.

Chinese-manufactured electric vehicles, such as those made by BYD, are increasingly popular in the UK

The Pathfinder building at RAF Wyton has been described as the 'jewel in the crown' of UK defence intelligence and plays a critical role in the work of the 'Five Eyes' intelligence allies

Labour peer Lord Coaker, a defence minister, recently told Parliament that some defence sites have stricter rules on EVs but declined to give 'specific details'.

The Pathfinder building at RAF Wyton has been described as the 'jewel in the crown' of UK defence intelligence and plays a critical role in the work of the 'Five Eyes' intelligence allies.

Salisbury Plain has long been a training area for the British military and has, more recently, been used to train Ukrainian troops amid the country's war with Russia.

James Bore, a cyber security expert, said EVs are constantly reporting data back to manufacturers, increasing the potential for 'misuse' by adversaries.

He said: 'By their nature electric vehicles tend to be more modern.

'They have more technology and intelligence in them and almost all of them will report back to the company that runs them and give efficiency statistics so they can better calculate battery usage.

'You cannot update a combustion engine midway through driving but you can update the algorithms that govern, charge and discharge a military personnel's EV battery on the fly.

'It does mean that you are being reported on. If you're looking at sensitive sites that is data that could be useful and it could be misused.'

In his answer to a recent written question in Parliament, Lord Coaker said the Ministry of Defence was working with other departments 'to understand and mitigate any potential threats to national security from vehicles'.

'Our policies and procedures take account of the potential threats from all types of vehicle, not just those manufactured in China, and we have issued appropriate internal direction to all drivers and passengers,' he added.

'There are no centrally mandated policy restrictions on the movement of Chinese manufactured vehicles.

'We are aware that individual defence organisations may have stricter requirements relating to electric vehicles on some sites, but we do not provide specific details for security reasons.'

A Ministry of Defence spokesman said: 'Protecting national security is the foundation of everything we do.

'We have strict security procedures in place to ensure all sensitive information is protected.'
Upset dog lovers have expressed distress after a photo of the crate where Gene Hackman's pet dog died emerged.

The kelpie mix named Zinna starved and dehydrated to death after she was left trapped inside the cage when the actor and his wife died at their Santa Fe home in February.

Hackman, 95, passed away from heart disease and complications due to his Alzheimer's disease, while Arakawa, 65, succumbed to the rare hantavirus.

The couple lay undiscovered at their $4 million mansion for two weeks while tragically Zinna remained trapped in her crate.

The dog had been placed inside the cage following a visit to the vet and is believed to have been left stuck once Arakawa died.

Authorities said that Hackman likely did not know his wife was dead or remember to free his trapped pet.

The crate was seen in bodycam footage and images released by the Santa Fe Sheriff's Department after the couple's families lost their battle to keep pictures and documents related to the death investigation private.

The crate was located in a bathroom feet from where Arakawa's body was found in amongst piles of garbage and clutter.

One online viewer wrote: 'I feel so bad for the dog :(.'

Another said: 'I hate to also think of the poor dog who died a slow death stuck in the crate. It had to be so distressing on the other dogs seeing him/her trying to get out.'

And a third said simply: 'Poor dogs.'

The dog crate where Gene Hackman's beloved pet spent her last harrowing moments has been pictured for the first time

Hackman, 95, passed away from heart disease and complications due to his Alzheimer's disease, while his wife Betsy Arakawa, 65, succumbed to the rare hantavirus

A red blanket had been placed on top of the cage which was also topped with stacks of papers and surrounded by bedding.

The chaotic scene was just one of many in the couple's squalid home which raised questions about whether Arakawa was fit to to be Hackman's sole caretaker.

The couple were notoriously private and their mummified remains were discovered by a security guard on February 26.

It was later determined that Arakawa died from hantavirus pulmonary syndrome around February 12, a rare condition brought about by a virus that is spread via rodent droppings and urine.

Hackman died a few days later on February 18 from severe heart disease, which was exacerbated by Alzheimer's disease and kidney disease.

Cops who combed their home following the gruesome discovery shared bodycam footage which captured how the couple's other heartbroken dog watched over Betsy's lifeless body as it lay surrounded by clutter.

Clothes which mounted up over decades fill some of the rooms of the sprawling Santa Fe home, while other items including dog beds, pill packets and bedding are seen strewn across the floor.

A dressing room is filled with piles of shirts, jeans, dresses and boxes of shoes, while other treasured items are stacked high, close to toppling over.

Photos, artwork and perfume bottles cover a side table in the couple's home

One of the chilling pictures appears to show blood on a pillow in an unmade bed

The couple were found dead inside their Santa Fe home on February 26 by one of their security guards

A basin and vanity area in one washroom is seen covered with pill bottles and other items in other photos which showed their squalid home at the time of their deaths

A series of heartbreaking notes were also found dotted around the house, each exchanged between Betsy and Gene and showing the couple's affection for one another until the end.

Photos of their adored German Shepherds also adorn tables and sideboards, with smiling pictures of the couple with their old pets dating back years.

The pair had three dogs at the time of their deaths, including 12-year-old Zinna.

The two surviving dogs, Bear, a German shepherd, and Nikita, an Akita-shepherd mix, have since been rehomed.

Police released the body camera video and other public records related to the investigation into the reclusive couple's deaths on Tuesday.

The documents, which initially had been sealed by a temporary court order to protect the Hackman family's privacy, were released after a court ruled that most of them are public record.

The New Mexico Department of Public Health has since revealed an inspection found that the couple's home was a breeding ground for rats which spread the hantavirus which killed Arakawa.
White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt was trolled by the a Chinese diplomat for wearing a dress allegedly made in China while her boss blasts the country.

Leavitt, 27, wore the red and black trim dress in January, but the Chinese official did not call her out until this week, as President Trump's tariff war between the US and China heats up.

'Accusing China is business. Buying China is life,' said Zhang Zhisheng, China's envoy to Indonesia. 'The beautiful lace on the dress was recognized by an employee of a Chinese company as its product.'

Zhisheng also shared screenshots from Weibo users claiming the dress cost $750 and the lace in the dress was made in a factory in Mabu, China.

The diplomat continued mocking Americans as some X users defended Leavitt.

When one X users said that 'soon, [things] will be made in America,' Zhinsheng replied with a meme showing a stereotypical obese American man working at a factory.

When another X user pointed out China's reliance on 'American investments,' the Chinese official replied: 'Read some economy statistics on China before comment.'

Many accused Zhisheng of sharing a copy of the dress instead of the original.

DailyMail.com was unable to verify the manufacturer of Leavitt's dress.

White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt, 27, was trolled by a Chinese official who claimed she wore a dress made in China in January

Zhang Zhisheng, China's envoy to Indonesia, made the claim on X earlier this week

The diplomat who works in Indonesia continued mocking Americans as some X users defended Leavitt

AI-generated videos mocking Americans have continued to go viral amid a deepening trade war between the US and China.

Chinese accounts have been promoting content ridiculing the so-called 'US Manufacturing Revival Plan' in light of Beijing's pledge to 'fight to the end' in a tariff war.

The propaganda campaign against US tariffs has also seen TikTok flooded with videos showing luxury brands that produce some of their products in China.

After taking office, Trump first ordered a 10 percent increase in tariffs on imports from China.

He later raised that to 20percent. Now, China is facing 145 percent tariffs on most of its exports to the United States, based on the most recent revisions in Trumps trade policies.

China has responded with 125 percent tariffs on US products and other measures meant to pinch the US where it hurts most, such as controls on exports of critical minerals needed in high-tech manufacturing, such as electric vehicle production.

Chinas trade surplus with the United States was $27.6 billion in March as its exports rose 4.5percent. It logged a surplus of $76.6 billion with the US in January-March even though exports were up only 2.3 percent the first two months of the year.

Zhisheng shared screenshots from Weibo users claiming the dress cost $750 and the lace in the dress was made in a factory in Mabu, China

Late Friday, Trump exempted most computer-related goods from the higher China-specific tariffs, including laptops, smartphones and the components needed to make them, though his administration says he plans to announce those within days. Such products accounted for nearly $174 billion in US imports from China last year.

Still, the harsh US tariffs on Chinese products have raised questions about whether exporters might end up diverting their goods to other overseas markets as they give up on selling to American consumers due to the more than doubling of import duties.

Chinese President Xi Jinping was visiting Vietnam on Monday as part of a regional tour that also will take him to Malaysia and Cambodia, giving him an opportunity to firm up trade ties with other Asian countries that also are facing potentially steep tariffs, though last week Trump delayed enforcing them by 90 days.
Two US service members deployed to the US-Mexico border were killed and a third is in serious condition after a vehicle accident near Santa Teresa, New Mexico.

The accident occurred around 8:50am MDT Tuesday outside El Paso; the names of the deceased will not be released until the next of kin are notified.

The troops are deployed there in support of President Donald Trumps executive order to secure the U.S.-Mexico border - Joint Task Force Southern Border.

The region where the accident took place is just over the state line and west of Fort Bliss, a major Army installation in West Texas that has played a critical role in dispatching military deportation flights. It also served as a touchpoint for thousands of soldiers and pieces of equipment now deployed along the border.

The victims were Marines from Camp Pendleton in California, according to the Washington Post.

A defense official speaking on the condition of anonymity said the accident occurred in a civilian vehicle, but no civilians were harmed in the incident.

The incident did not involve any of the scores of Stryker vehicles the Pentagon has sent down to the border to perform patrols, the official said.

Two US service members deployed to the US-Mexico border were killed and a third is in serious condition after a vehicle accident near Santa Teresa, New Mexico

The troops are deployed there in support of President Donald Trump s executive order to secure the U.S.-Mexico border

The cause of the accident remains under investigation.

'I am very saddened to learn of the tragic accident yesterday that took the lives of two of our nations heroes and seriously injured another,' Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth said on X.

'My heartfelt condolences and prayers are with them, their families, and the unit.'

Last month Hegseth ordered nearly 3,000 troops to the southern border as part of the White House's effort to shut down illegal immigration and drug trafficking.

The new troops would 'reinforce and expand current border security operations to seal the border and protect the territorial integrity of the United States,' the Pentagon said at the time.

Trump is determined to expand the militarys role in his effort to shut down the border and send detained migrants back to their home countries.

He ordered the military to take control of a 'buffer zone' in the New Mexico area and turn it into military installation at the border and allow US troops to temporarily hold migrants who cross over into the America.

The land is usually monitored by the Department of the Interior, though in the past, pieces have been given over to the Pentagon, as recently as Trump's first term.

The president has made fixing the migrant issue the top of his second term agenda and has seen success early on with illegal crossings plummeting from the record highs under predecessor Joe Biden.

The victims were Marines from Camp Pendleton in California , according to the Washington Post

Donald Trump is taking his next step to resolve the crisis at America's border with Mexico with plans to let the military take control of a 'buffer zone' that would allow them to hold illegal migrants

The number of troops stationed at the southern border has doubled since Trump directed the Pentagon to take 'full operational control' of the ongoing crisis.

Military personnel have been sent to the border almost continuously since the 1990s to help address migration, drug trafficking and transnational crime.

The military is largely prohibited by federal law from many law enforcement duties by the Posse Comitatus Act.

But Trump has gotten around the law during his second term by using Customs and Border Patrol (CBP) or Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) to detain migrants and then moving them.
The budget for detectives investigating the disappearance of Madeleine McCann has been slashed, we can reveal.

They have been granted a further 108,000 to carry on the search for her - a drop of 84,000 on the amount awarded last year, MailOnline has learned.

The money was approved earlier this month following a request from the Metropolitan Police's Operation Grange team who were specifically tasked with finding the toddler.

Madeleine was three when she vanished from the Portuguese resort of Praia da Luz on the Algarve while on a break with her siblings and parents Kate and Gerry McCann.

Next month will mark the 18th anniversary of her disappearance on May 3, and also her 22nd birthday but there has been no real breakthrough in the hunt.

Last year German rapist and paedophile Christian Brueckner, who was identified as a prime suspect, was cleared of unrelated sex attacks in the same area Madeleine vanished from.

It was hoped that he could provide some insight but despite a tumultuous announcement in June 2020 by German prosecutors of their suspicions he has not been charged with anything in relation to Madeleine.

Investigators said he was their 'prime suspect' and were certain of his involvement in her abduction, even going so far as to say she was dead, adding more heartache for her parents.

The budget for detectives investigating the disappearance of Madeleine McCann (pictured) has been slashed, we can reveal

They have been granted a further 108,000 to carry on the search for her - a drop of 84,000 on the amount awarded last year, MailOnline has learned. Pictured: File photo

Last year German rapist and paedophile Christian Brueckner (pictured), who was identified as a prime suspect, was cleared of unrelated sex attacks in the same area Madeleine vanished from

Brueckner is currently serving seven years for raping an elderly American woman in the Algarve the year before Madeleine disappeared and he is due to be released later this year.

Prosecutors are awaiting a final judgement on his acquittal last October before deciding on an appeal, but Brueckner's lawyers have told MailOnline it 'only has a ten per cent chance of succeeding'.

With the latest 108,000 Operation Grange has spent almost 13.5million investigating the case  prompting some to question whether it is viable considering no arrests or charges have been made.

The money comes from a special Home Office fund and is reviewed annually with Operation Grange making a request which is submitted and then considered.

It is not known why the funding is considerably less for the financial year 2025-2026 or whether the Metropolitan Police had asked for more.

Operation Grange consists of three police officers and one member of police staff who work on a part-time basis.

Last year, one of the officers on the team DC Mark Draycott, testified at Brueckner's trial and said he had taken a call from a man called Helge Busching who had named Brueckner as a suspect.

He told the court he had taken a statement from Busching in 2017 after he had called the incident hotline.

Madeleine (pictured) was three when she vanished from the Portuguese resort of Praia da Luz on the Algarve while on a break with her siblings and parents Kate and Gerry McCann

Last year, one of the officers on the team DC Mark Draycott, testified at Brueckner's trial and said he had taken a call from a man called Helge Busching (pictured) who had named Brueckner as a suspect

Brueckner (pictured) is currently serving seven years for raping an elderly American woman in the Algarve the year before Madeleine disappeared and he is due to be released later this year

DC Draycott said: 'One of my jobs was to check the answerphone on a daily basis, and on May 18 I checked the answerphone and there was a message.

'It was from a male, by the sound of his voice, he spoke good English, and he asked to speak to Dave Edgar (private investigator), he said he had information, and he left a Greek mobile number.

'I then rang this Greek mobile number and spoke to a male I now know to be Helge Busching, and he gave information in relation to the McCann investigation.

'As a result of that information we conducted inquires and searches and this became a line of enquiry, and we worked with the BKA in Germany and the police in Portugal.

'The line of enquiry continued which led us to go to Athens in Greece, where we spoke to him this trip had all been authorised through the official channels.

'We spoke to him over two days and he gave us information in relation to the McCann case.'

DC Draycott was the first officer from Operation Grange to speak publicly about the unit and added that Busching had then come to London in 2018 to make a further statement.

He was asked by the trial judge if they had ever made any 'promises' to Busching for his help and DC Draycott replied:' So, we don't make promises to witnesses.'

Kate and Gerry McCann, Madeleine's parents, hold up pyjamas similar to those of their daughter during a press conference in June 2007

Next month will mark the 18th anniversary of her disappearance on May 3, and also her 22nd birthday but there has been no real breakthrough in the hunt

A Home Office source told MailOnline: 'The ongoing police investigation into the disappearance of Madeleine McCann, known as Operation Grange, is an operational matter for the Metropolitan Police Service'

But when asked if any money or incentives had been offered to Busching, a convicted people smuggler, DC Draycott denied the suggestion.

He said: 'His incarceration has nothing to do with it. He had already been released on 12 April 2017, and he was on parole in Greece. He only contacted us on 18 May.

'If at all then, we might be able to pay expenses, and we did pay some expenses, 35 Euros for him to get a catch to Athens and he provided a receipt for that.

'And likewise, we gave him expenses to get back to where he lived, and we booked a cheap hotel for him to stay in the evening in Athens.'

Busching told Draycott that Brueckner had told him 'it was strange Madeleine didn't scream when she was taken' and this was considered a vital piece of evidence but at his trial he and several other witnesses were discredited.

A Home Office source told MailOnline: 'The ongoing police investigation into the disappearance of Madeleine McCann, known as Operation Grange, is an operational matter for the Metropolitan Police Service.

'Ministers have approved a request to provide up to 108,000 for Operation Grange in 2025-2026, in line with our Special Grant processes, and funding is approved on an annual basis.'

Earlier this year Conservative peer Lord Black of Brentwood had asked for a breakdown of the funding and was told by Lord Hanson of Flint, Home Office minister, that this were 'operational matters' for the Metropolitan Police.

The Metropolitan Police have been contacted for comment.
An alleged thief was left stunned after he was chased down after supposedly stealing a 1,000 worth of clothes from an Oxford Street shop.

The man reportedly fled after stealing a set of expensive white shirts from the popular men's clothing shop Hackett on Regent Street but was stopped by a speedy by-passer.

The video shows Good Samaritan Abdur Mijeed and another person running after the alleged thief through the street of the capital, as he shouts 'someone catch him'.

Mr Mijeed runs and eventually catches up and confronts him as the man, wearing a black beanie and a checked shirt, is held on the ground.

The incident which saw suspected thief run in between cars took place on Oxford Street, London, on Sunday, April 13.

As the sun set in the city Mr Mijeed helped the workers retrieve the stolen items despite not working at the shop.

Meanwhile the out-of-breath man was held by members of the public.

As the man, who appears shocked that he was caught up with, tries to stand up, others tell him to stay on the ground.

Good Samaritan Abdur Mijeed spotted the man trying to escape with the stolen items but ran at him and eventually tackled him to the ground and confronted him

The man fled after stealing a set of expensive white shirts but was stopped by a speedy by-passer

Mr Mijeed helped workers retrieve the stolen items despite not working at the shop while the out-of-breath man was held by members of the public

The clothes had been taken from the popular men's clothing shop Hackett

In the video, another man appears holding the white shirts as the 28-year-old, filming the moment, then turns around to the alleged thief and says: '1,000 shirts he robbed.

'You got caught stealing 1,000 worth of shirts, mate.

'Come on, you're better than that uncle.'

But, whilst on the ground, the alleged thief said: 'I took some shirts.

'I didn't know what it was, I didn't know what they were, I just took them.'

They then try to confirm how many shirts had been stolen with one person asking: 'Were they two shirts?'

The Metropolitan Police has been approached for comment.
Fyre Festival 2 is in doubt after authorities in Mexico said that they had no record of anyone applying for permits for the event.

The reboot of the notorious 2017 festival has now been postponed just a month before its scheduled kick-off, with organisers failing to provide a specific reason as to why and insisting that they still plan for it to go ahead.

'The event has been postponed and a new date will be announced,' an announcement from organisers read. 'We have issued you a refund. Once the new date is announced, at that time, you can repurchase if it works for your schedule.'

The official website for Fyre 2 later deleted the announcement, according to reports, writing that 'FYRE Festival 2 is still on' and organizers are 'vetting new locations and will announce our host destination soon'.

Tickets to the beach festival cost punters from $1,400 (1,058) to $1.1m (831,534), with many forking out to attend despite the disastrous outcome of the original event.

Guests who paid thousands to attend the first festival famously ended up stranded in the Bahamas with limited shelter, no running water or electricity and dire food, with artists who had been due to perform pulling out.

Organiser Billy McFarland was given a six-year jail sentence in 2018 for committing wire fraud and ordered to pay back $29million to investors.

He served less than four years in jail, getting out in 2022. In August 2023, he announced that a second festival would go ahead, putting tickets on sale without providing dates or a lineup.

Organiser Billy McFarland was given a six-year jail sentence in 2018 for committing wire fraud and ordered to pay back $29million to investors

After paying up to $12,000 for tickets, Fyre Festival's guests were greeted with substandard accommodation, soggy food and poor security - before the entire event was cancelled before it even began

The infamous cheese sandwich went viral on social media during the original doomed festival

Organizers informed ticket holders about the postponement on Wednesday, according to ABC News

Then in February, a lengthy statement claimed that the sequel would finally be going ahead, with an events company assisting in the organising.

McFarland insisted that 'thoughtful planning' was going into it and thanked people for a 'second chance'.

'I'm sure many people think I'm crazy for doing this again,' he said at the time. 'But I feel I'd be crazy not to do it again.

'After years of reflection and now thoughtful planning, the new team and I have amazing plans for Fyre 2.'

He promised the event would offer attendees 'boundary-pushing excursions by day' and 'intimate beach-side performances at night'.

The lineup was set to feature 'international and local talent', but no artists were announced.

The location was announced as Isla Mujeres in Mexico, but local authorities disputed that the proper permits were granted.

The location was then changed to Playa Del Carmen, but the regional government has again said that no permit requests were submitted.

On April 4, festival organisers shared a statement on Instagram insisting that they had been 'working directly' with the government of Playa del Carmen (PDC) since March 5 'to ensure a safe and successful event'.

Fyre Festival 2, the sequel to the disastrous 2017 festival founded by fraudster Billy McFarland, has been postoned; McFarland seen in 2023

The official website for Fyre 2 later deleted the announcement, writing that 'FYRE Festival 2 is still on' and organizers are 'vetting new locations and will announce our host destination soon'

Mexican government officials and luxury hotel venues were casting doubt on the return of infamous Fyre Festival - this time branded as Fyre Festival 2

'All media reports suggesting our team has not been working with the government of PDC are simply inaccurate and based on misinformation,' they said.

'FYRE has operated as a good partner with PDC government and has followed the proper processes and procedures to lawfully host an event.'

Fyre still lists Playa Del Carmen as the location for the event on its website.

Ticket packages cost up to $1.1m, with the 'Promotheus' package promising that guests will 'live like Gods of FYRE'.

McFarland attempted to reassure ticket holders and festival-goers in a social media video.

He insisted that Fyre Festival 2 had secured contracts with 'a number of villas, yachts, and hotels,' though he conspicuously avoided naming specific locations.

In another twist, Mourad Essafi, the general manager of the Secrets resort publicly denied any affiliation with the festival.

'We are not sponsoring Fyre Festival 2 or affiliated with it in any way. Reports to the contrary are false,' Essafi declared on February 28.

Despite this the hotel is still listed on the festival's website as a premium accommodation option, raising even more questions about the legitimacy of McFarland's claims.

After some hotels publicly disassociated themselves from the festival, McFarland took an aggressive stance stating how his team had 'terminated those contracts' after two hotels allegedly gave 'misleading statements, saying they never heard of Fyre.'

Guests at the original festival were forced to wait for hours on end in the heat before being herded into makeshift tents on an island with no running water or electricity

Electronic producer and DJ deadmau5 responded to the news of the event's postponement

While McFarland did not specify which hotels he was referring to, it remains unclear how many actual agreements are in place.

'We're going to have artists across electronic, hip hop, pop and rock. However, it's not just music,' McFarland said to Today.

'We might have a professional skateboarder do a demonstration. We might have an MMA champion teach you techniques in the morning.'

McFarland said attendees who cough up the million-dollar price tag will get a glamorous experience.

'You will be on a boat, have the luxury yachts that we partner with who will be docked and parked outside the island,' he said.

'But once again, Fyre is not just about this, like, luxury experience. It's about the adventure. So you'll be scuba diving with me. You'll be bouncing around to other islands and other countries on small planes.'

The first Fyre Festival was infamously marketed the 'cultural experience of the decade', featuring influencer endorsements from the likes of Kendall Jenner, Bella Hadid, and Hailey Bieber.

Celebrity faces of Fyre Festival included Kendall Jenner, Emily Ratajkowski, Bella Hadid and Hailey Bieber - several of whom were subpoenaed for their role in the scam

In another embarrassing twis the general manager of the Secrets resort, pictured, has publicly denied any affiliation with the festival

Attendees were promised performances from major artists like Blink-182 and Migos, along with five-star accommodations and gourmet food.

Instead, when festival-goers arrived on the Bahamian island Exuma, it was a scene of chaos.

Andy King, a businessman who invested in the first festival, issued a warning to anyone planning to go to the reboot, telling them to 'proceed with caution'.

Mr King, who lost $1m, told the BBC that McFarland was 'known for the biggest failure in pop culture and wants to flip the script. But I'm not sure he's going about it the right way.'

Electronic producer and DJ deadmau5 responded to the news of the event's postponement, sharing a screenshot of the announcement on his Instagram with the caption: 'Well that sucks'.
Australia's 'wokest university' has backed down on a controversial decision to mark law students on how well they perform a Welcome to Country.

While Sydney's Macquarie University has scrapped the ceremony from its marking criteria, the institution maintains it was an 'authentic, professional skill relevant to contemporary legal practice.

The university spent weeks defending the criteria for its 'Age and the Law' unit after students revealed a Welcome to Country was part of their oral exam, which accounted for 30 per cent of the final course mark.

The rules stipulated that a student would fail if they didn't present an Acknowledgement or Welcome to Country or 'did so in a way that was inappropriate or did not comply with the instructions'.

To get a high distinction of 85 per cent or more, the Acknowledgement of Country had to be 'a brief, thoughtful, exceptionally well-written, culturally respectful acknowledgement of country or welcome to country at the beginning of the presentation'.

Macquarie University has since found it was 'not appropriate' to mark students on the task following a 'thorough review'.

'An acknowledgement of country will not form part of the assessment task in question in future offerings of the unit LAWS5005,' a statement read.

Macquarie University will no longer grade its law students on their performance of a Welcome to Country

Macquarie University (pictured) law students had to perform a Welcome to Country as part of their course, which which accounted for 30 per cent of their final mark

'The unit convener has advised students that they are able to opt out of the acknowledgement of country and that students will not fail the unit, nor will their grades be adversely affected, should they decide to do so.

'The university's standard practice of unit moderation will ensure this is the case.'

Macquarie previously defended the assessment as being relevant to the specific task and overall learning outcomes.

'This unit addresses Indigenous young people and their relationship with the legal system in Australia.,' a spokesperson said at the time.

The university maintains acknowledgement ceremonies are 'commonly employed across the sector, including in law firms, government agencies and legal reform submissions'.

It also remains 'deeply committed to academic freedom and respectful debate, where diverse ideas and knowledge can be explored in a spirit of curiosity, open-mindedness and progress'.

'The Macquarie Law School has taken immediate action to address the issues raised by one student and to make future improvements,' a spokesperson told The Australian.

'These actions conform with the university's ongoing assessment strategy and commitment to authentic, well-aligned assessment tasks that are relevant and empowering for our students.'

Macquarie University (students pictured) maintains acknowledgement ceremonies are 'commonly employed across the sector, including in law firms, government agencies and legal reform submissions'

Daily Mail Australia has contacted Macquarie University for further comment.

The backflip comes after Indigenous leaders previously slammed the Acknowledgement to Country exam as 'pure indoctrination.'

'The whole concept of welcome to country is a reinvention of culture,' Coalition Senator Jacinta Nampijinpa Price said.

'The fact that it is being imposed upon university students in their education institutions, especially when it's being implanted into courses that actually don't have anything to do with Indigenous culture or history or anything like that; this is pure indoctrination. It's not education.

'Australians are fed up with being made to feel like they are guests in their own country.'

Indigenous businessman Warren Mundine also described it as indoctrination 'by a group of fanaticists'.

'It's a dangerous step ... what has that got to do with the actual course?' he said.

Coalition Senator Jacinta Nampijinpa Price (pictured) previously described the assessment as 'pure indoctrination.'

The university also recently scrapped its divisive and mandatory 'Manawari' course that labelled non-Indigenous students 'visitors' and 'settlers'.

The controversial module made headlines when a student revealed she was required to take the class which called her a guest in Australia - despite being born and raised here.

Macquarie vice-chancellor Bruce Dowton was summoned to the NSW Parliament over the saga, where he admitted that errors had been made.
A haunting photo was taken of the Hawaiian cove where a beloved bagpiper's body was found just moments later, ultimately leading to the shocking discovery of his son's remains.

Henry Frantz, 74, died off the coast of Maui on March 10 while scuba diving before his missing 28-year-old son's skeletal remains were discovered at his Atlanta home.

A couple vacationing in the Maui's Wailea Resort told WSB-TV2 that they were the first to notice Frantz unresponsive in the ocean after taking photos of the area.

'It was just a really tragic situation,' Samantha Small told the outlet. She and Michael Small shared pictures of their holiday at the Wailea Resort on the fateful day they noticed Frantz in the water.

'He wasn't moving, and I think that was alarming to me too,' Samantha continued.

Michael added that he 'immediately saw [Frantz] in the water.'

He told the outlet that he rushed for help from a towel attendant, who radioed for help, and emergency services responded swiftly.

'The waves were so rough, and it was so windy,' Michael added.

Henry Frantz, 74, died off the coast of Maui on March 10 while scuba diving before his missing 28-year-old son's body was discovered at his Atlanta home

'It was just a really tragic situation,' Samantha Small told the outlet. She and Michael Small shared pictures of their holiday at the Wailea Resort on the fateful day they noticed Frantz in the water

Michael added that he 'immediately saw [Frantz] in the water,' and said the conditions were 'rough and so windy'. Pictured: The cove where Frantz' body was found, moments before the Smalls spotted and tried to rescue him

But the crews jumped into action despite the dangerous conditions and used a jet ski and a bodyboard to get Frantz out of the water.

'They immediately jumped on top of him, and they were giving him CPR,' Samantha said, but the crews weren't able to revive him.

Maui Police said that while on the scuba trip, Frantz had told the group he was diving with that he felt exhausted before disappearing.

The Smalls wanted Frantz's family to know they did everything they could think of to help save him.

'I'm hoping that in doing this that we can give his family some sense of closure,' Samantha said.

The couple added that they were shocked that anyone had been allowed to go into the ocean that day due to the vicious conditions.

Maui Police are investigating Frantz's cause of death but suspect no foul play.

The couple were left shocked as they tried to find Frantz's identity on social media and instead came across a news story explaining that the bagpiper's death led to the discovery of his son's remains in a shocking twist that left their family baffled.

Dekalb Medical Examiner confirmed that the remains found were of Frantz's son, but no cause of death could be determined. They do not suspect foul play

The remains were of his son, Henry Doyle Colon Frantz (pictured), who disappeared four years ago at the age of 28 after leaving home, were found in a treehouse in his father's backyard

Frantz's family had gone to visit his home following his tragic death to settle his affairs but instead were greeted by the skeletal remains of his son

Frantz's son, Henry Doyle Colon Frantz, had gone missing four years ago after leaving home.

'I mean, I can't even imagine what that family is going through. That's so awful,' Samantha said.

'It sounds like it would be something you see on TV, right?' Michael added.

Henry Doyle Colon Frantz was discovered inside a treehouse in the bagpiper's backyard in Decatur, northeast Atlanta, on March 16.

Frantz's family had gone to visit his home following his tragic death to settle his affairs but instead were greeted by the skeletal remains of his son.

The bagpiper's daughter, Rebecca Frantz Culpepper, said the remains were that of her missing brother.

Dekalb Medical Examiner confirmed that the remains found were of Frantz's son, but no cause of death could be determined. They do not suspect foul play.

Culpepper said that her father maintained a 'very active lifestyle' and was seldom visited by his family as they lived in different states.

Frantz (left) with his son Henry, wife Fran who died in 2018, and daughter Rebecca

Frantz was known as the 'bagpiper of Decatur' who played at weddings, funerals, birthday parties and public events

Frantz was one of the founders of the Atlanta Pipe Band in 1970 and also played solo at weddings, funerals, birthday parties, and public events

His second wife, Fran, had died of natural causes in 2018 and Frantz had lived alone ever since.

He had five children, including Henry.

Frantz was known as the 'bagpiper of Decatur' who played at weddings, funerals, birthday parties and public events.

'People have to let go and for some reason, a lot of people and preachers think the pipes at a grave site helps to let go and is a letting-go facilitator, he told Decaturish in 2015.

'I know that I am performing something valuable in that instance.'

By day, he was a lawyer and amateur fossil hunter who grew up in Hong Kong, where his Pan Am airline pilot father was stationed and he learned the bagpipes.

'There was all that pomp and circumstance in Hong Kong I met up with someone who played in a pipe band and it sort of drew me to it,' he recalled.

Frantz was one of the founders of the Atlanta Pipe Band in 1970, which has played for presidents Carter and Bush, King Charles, Mikhail Gorbachev, and the Dalai Lama.

'His dedication, kindness, and high standards inspired generations of pipers,' the band wrote online to honor his death.

'Beyond music, Henry's curiosity led him to travel the world, explore fossils, and pursue scuba diving. He will be deeply missed but never forgotten.'
The stricken mother of a Maryland woman who was raped and murdered by an illegal migrant urged journalists to 'tell the truth' in an emotional White House plea.

Patty Morin's plea came as she spoke about the savage ending her daughter Rachel Morin, 37, met at the hands of El Salvadorian Victor Martinez-Hernandez.

Rachel was out hiking on a Baltimore trail when she was attacked by the illegal migrant, who was wanted for murder charges in his homeland.

Patty told a press conference her daughter's death in August 2023 proves the need for tighter border controls.

'Please, tell the truth,' she said on her way out. 'Tell how violent it really is. This is about protecting our children.

'It's more than just politics or votes, or anything it's about national security. Protecting Americans, protecting our children.'

Hernandez was found guilty of first degree murder, first degree rape and kidnapping after just an hour of deliberation by the jury.

Patty also spoke at length about the horrific torture Rachel was subjected to prior to her death, which included having her skull shattered, 'like an eggshell', according to the grieving mom.

Patty Morin, the grieving mother of a Maryland woman who was raped and murdered by a fugitive from El Salvador, has urged White House journalists to 'tell the truth'

Rachel Morin, 37, was brutally killed by Victor Martinez-Hernandez while out on a hike near her home

Patty said her daughter's death is an example of why the US needs tighter border controls

'These are the kind of criminals President Trump wants to remove from our country,' she said.

'These are the kind of criminals that we need to remove from our country. We are American citizens.

'Why should we allow people like this, violent criminals that have no conscience at all to murder our mothers, our sisters, our daughters? I don't understand.'

Rachel is survived by her five devastated children and one grand child.

While insisting the issue is not political, Patty was speaking at a event put on by the White House where press secretary Karoline Leavitt was attempting to defend President Trump's mass deportation policy.

The administration added the event to its schedule after Democratic Senator Chris Van Hollen landed in El Salvador to try to visit Kilmar Armando Abrego Garcia, a Maryland man and father of three who who was mistakenly deported along with dozens of other migrants on March 15.

Leavitt slammed Van Hollen's trip as 'appalling and sad.' She repeated the administration's claim that Garcia is a gang member.

Morin blasted Van Hollen for his trip, saying the 'senator from Maryland who didn't even acknowledge  or barely acknowledged my daughter and the brutal death that she endured, leaving her five children without a mother' chose to 'use my tax money to fly to El Salvador to bring back a person who isn't even an American citizen.'

On Monday, Victor Martinez-Hernandez was found guilty of first degree murder, first degree rape and kidnapping for the horrific August 2023 attack on the 37-year-old mother in Baltimore

Rachel Morin's tragic death inflamed debates about the illegal migrant crisis in the United States

Van Hollen put out a statement after Martinez-Hernandez's conviction.

'While the conviction of Rachel Morin's killer will not return Rachel to her family where she rightfully belongs, this verdict brings a measure of justice that they so deserve,' he said.

'The American people deserve meaningful action to reform our broken immigration system, improve public safety, and strengthen our border security.

'We can do this while also supporting our immigrant communities and respecting the rights of individuals who are here legally,' he added.

Liberals have contested that there are few similarities there are between Rachel's murder and Abrego Garcia's deportation.

Leavitt wrapped up the event without taking questions from the reporters, despite several raising their hands.

Martinez-Hernandez is awaiting sentencing for his crimes. He was also wanted in connection with a home invasion and assault on a woman and her nine-year-old child in California.

The murderer also has known gang ties, according to prosecutors.

The body of the 37-year-old mom-of-five was discovered in a tunnel along a popular hiking trail in Bel Air, Maryland

Rachel's murder is one of several high profile cases which have been used by the Trump administration in support of its mass deportation policies.

Studies show that typically migrants are significantly less likely than US citizens to commit crimes.

But a combination of record-breaking illegal migration during the Biden era coupled with high-profile crimes carried out by migrants has boosted support for Trump's deportation drive.

Illegal crossings reached an all-time high in December 2024, Biden's final month in office, when more than 370,000 migrants were intercepted crossing illegally.

Since Trump took office, the number has plunged below 30,000 for both February and March 2025.
A Virginia mother has shared horrifying photos revealing the aftermath of a brutal attack on her young son - an incident she said left him with Bell's Palsy.

Enzo Guimaraes, 13, was inside his classroom at Robert Aylor Middle School last week when principal David Rudy called his mother to inform her he had been involved in an altercation with another student.

However, he assured her that the situation was resolved - but for Deise Ellston, the nightmare was only just beginning, Fox 5 reported.

When Ellston arrived at the school, she was shocked to discover the so-called 'altercation' had left her son with a droopy face and the inability to fully close his eyes or smile.

'Enzo was the victim of a violent and hate-motivated assault inside his middle school classroom,' the family wrote to a GoFundMe page. 'The attack was not only physical - it was deeply personal and degrading.'

'Another student brought a dog treat to school, called Enzo a dog, and made horrific, racially charged sexual remarks about our family,' the post added.

'When Enzo stood up to defend himself, he was brutally punched in the face and head. As a result, he was diagnosed with Bell's Palsy, a form of facial paralysis due to nerve trauma.'

On April 8, Ellston received a nonchalant call from Rudy about an issue involving Enzo and another student, though he emphasized that the matter had already been handled.

The school nurse followed up with a call just moments later, explaining that she had given Enzo an ice pack to treat his face.

Enzo Guimaraes, 13, of Virginia, was left with a droopy face and the inability to close his eyes fully or even smile following a brutal attack with another student inside a classroom at Robert Aylor Middle School (pictured: Enzo)

Deise Ellston, Enzo's mother, claimed that the school downplayed the entire incident and urged her not to report the attack, suggesting that because she had only moved legally from Brazil to the US in 2018, she 'didn't know the laws here' (pictured: Ellston)

Growing increasingly concerned, Ellston left her dentist appointment in Gainesville and rushed to the school - only to be horrified by what she saw when she arrived.

Seemingly paralyzed, one of her son's eyes also wouldn't fully close, a troubling sign that the altercation was far more serious than the school initially led on.

His alleged aggressor, Ellston said, was simply sent back to class.

'When I arrived to the school and Enzo was in one room and the aggressor is back to the class, I asked the principal's assistant, why didn't you take photos, and they said we don't need to take photos,' Ellston told Fox News.

'I said, yes you do, because it's an aggression.'

The school's administration urged Ellston not to report the attack, suggesting that because she had only moved legally from Brazil to the US in 2018, she 'didn't know the laws here', Fox News reported.

A report was eventually filed by a school resource officer, but it described the attack as a 'mutual combat incident' - yet another way Ellston felt that the school was downplaying the seriousness of the event.

'We were never notified of the incident when it happened; the school refused to provide access to security footage,' the family detailed on the GoFundMe.

The family shared a doctor's note to a GoFundMe page, revealing that Enzo was ultimately diagnosed with Bell's Palsy, reportedly caused by head trauma from the attack (pictured: Enzo's doctor's note following the attack)

Enzo's family explained that 'another student brought a dog treat to school, called Enzo a dog, and made horrific, racially charged sexual remarks about our family', but when he tried to defend himself, he was instead 'brutally punched in the face and head'

Ellston explained how the school never informed her of the attack and refused to provide access to security footage. She also claimed that a staff member blamed and intimidated Enzo while only giving his aggressor one-week of lunch detention (pictured: Robert Aylor Middle School)

'The school resource officer blamed our son and intimidated him and the aggressor was given only a one-week lunch detention.'

The family also shared a doctor's note, revealing that Enzo was ultimately diagnosed with Bell's Palsy, reportedly caused by head trauma from the attack.

'Enzo is a child with a 504 Plan, battling depression and suicidal thoughts - all linked to the relentless bullying he has endured in school for months,' the family wrote.

'His psychiatrist has confirmed that the school environment is the sole cause of his mental health crisis,' they added.

'Now, we are left fighting alone - for justice, for accountability and for the safety of our child.'

Ellston has since been in the process of completing paperwork to file a restraining order against the other student involved, as well as against the administration of Robert Aylor Middle School, Fox News reported.

A spokesperson of Frederick County Public Schools told the outlet that they are aware of the 'recent concerns' regarding a student at the school.

'Due to the confidential nature of personnel and student matters, we are unable to provide further details at this time,' the statement said. 'FCPS remains committed to the safety and well-being of all students.'

Enzo's family described him as a child with a 504 Plan who has been battling depression and suicidal thoughts 'all linked to the relentless bullying he has endured in school for months' (pictured: Enzo)

The principal, David Rudy, initially called Enzo's mother to inform her Enzo had been involved in an altercation with another student but that it had been resolved (pictured: David Rudy)

Ellston has since been in the process of completing paperwork to file a restraining order against the other student involved, as well as against the administration of Robert Aylor Middle School (pictured: Enzo after the attack)

'We will continue to follow established procedures, in accordance with the Code of Virginia and school division policy, to maintain a safe learning environment.'

The family launched a GoFundMe page to help cover legal fees in both state and federal courts, Enzo's therapy and mental health treatment, the cost of gathering evidence and documentation and income lost due to attending hearings and filing complaints.

'We are determined to hold those responsible accountable - including the school, the county and the individuals who failed to protect Enzo,' the family wrote. 'But we can't do this alone.'

'Your support is not just financial - it sends a message that no child should suffer in silence, and no family should face this kind of trauma without a community behind them,' they added.

'Please help us fight for Enzo, and for every other child who has been failed by the system.'

The family has raised $940 toward their $14,000 goal as of Thursday morning.

'He's kind, intelligent and has always tried to stand up for himself,' the family wrote. 'Even in the face of cruelty.'
Wes Streeting has vowed not to 'cut and run' to a safe seat at the next general election - despite the likelihood of him facing a huge battle to cling on as an MP.

The Health Secretary won his Ilford North constituency at last July's general election with a majority of just 528 votes.

This was down from a 5,000-vote majority he enjoyed in 2019 and a nearly 10,000-vote majority he secured in 2017.

Mr Streeting's narrow victory last summer followed an intense fight against a pro-Palestinian activist standing as an independent candidate.

Leanne Mohamad stood for election against Labour's stance on the Gaza conflict.

Her strong performance means Mr Streeting now holds Labour's 10th-smallest majority, despite him being a senior Cabinet minister.

But, in an interview with The Spectator, the Health Secretary dismissed a suggestion he could be tempted to move to a safer seat.

He vowed to 'stand on my record' at the next general election, which is scheduled for 2029.

Wes Streeting has vowed not to 'cut and run' to a safe seat at the next general election - despite the likelihood of him facing a huge battle to cling on as an MP

Mr Streeting's narrow victory last summer followed an intense fight against Leanne Mohamad, a pro-Palestinian activist standing as an independent candidate

'Definitely not. Ilford North is my home,' Mr Streeting told the magazine.

'And I don't believe in cutting and running, I'm in it to win it. I won against the odds in 2015, I won despite the pressures in 2024.

'And I plan to go into the next election in Ilford North with a track record of turning around the NHS, making a real change for my constituency and changing people's lives.

'I'll be standing on my record at the next election.'

Mr Streeting, a former president of the National Union of Students and ex-local councillor, was first elected an MP at the 2015 general election.

He defeated Tory incumbent Lee Scott in Ilford North by just 589 votes on a night when the Conservatives won an unexpected majority in the House of Commons.

Despite his current slender majority in Ilford North, Mr Streeting is the bookies' favourite to be the next Labour leader after Sir Keir Starmer.

In the interview, Mr Streeting said the now-Prime Minister had been 'consistently underestimated as a leader' since replacing Jeremy Corbyn.

He added: 'I was definitely one of those people when he won the leadership who breathed a huge sigh of relief that the Labour Party had chosen the path of sanity and electability.

'But I didn't think Keir was going to lead us to victory in one term. Poor sod, I thought, he's going to be the Neil Kinnock isn't he?

'Keir always says, "I need to be Kinnock, (John) Smith and (Tony) Blair all in one". And he's done that.'
A Japanese PhD student and father-of-five is being deported because of two speeding tickets and a fishing citation that was later dismissed in court.

ICE agents have revoked the student visa of Suguru Onda, who is one year away from completing his program at Brigham Young University in Utah with little explanation.

It means that his wife and five children may also have to leave the US for Japan within weeks, despite having lived in the US on his visa for years.

'I think it's unfair,' Onda told ABC4.com. 'At least they should notify us or reach out to us, or give us some explanation, but there's nothing.'

Onda said he received an email from BYU's international student office telling him his immigration status had changed. He went to their office to speak in person.

'The university didn't get anything, I didn't receive anything, so we just found out it is terminated,' Onda told ABC.com.

'I know I'm not alone, and lots of international students was affected by this visa termination,' Onda added. 'I really hope things get better.'

The devastated student's lawyer, Adam Crayk, said BYU was told his criminal background was part of the reason for the change in his status.

ICE agents have revoked the student visa of Suguru Onda, who is one year away from completing his program at Brigham Young University in Utah with little explanation

'I think it's unfair,' Onda, pictured above, said. 'At least they should notify us or reach out to us, or give us some explanation, but there's nothing.'

The ICE decision means that Onda's wife and five children may also have to leave the US for Japan within weeks. (Pictured: Onda and his wife in October 2024)

But Crayk researched Onda's history and found only two speeding tickets and a fishing citation which was dismissed in court.

'This is no longer about politics,' Crayk told ABC4.com. 'This is an issue about right or wrong.'

Authorities told Onda he could either go back to Japan and request a new I-20 immigration form from BYU, or apply for an F-1 via, or wait for up to one year for his current visa to be re-validated.

President Donald Trump has ordered DHS Sec. Kristi Noem to increase the speed of deportations, and Crayk speculated that the use of AI technology could have led to the decision to deport Onda.

'Whether it's tech, bot, algorithm, AI, they have a technology there's close to a million student visas, and so  for one person to monitor that it's fairly difficult,' Crayk told ABC4.com.

'But when you make a decision to revoke, you ought to at least have somebody check that.'

Onda's case is the latest amid Trump's immigration crackdown, which has seen a range of people deported, from murderers and rapists to pro-Palestine protesters.

ICE agents have revoked the student visa of Suguru Onda, who is one year away from completing his program at Brigham Young University in Utah with little explanation

President Donald Trump has ordered DHS Sec. Kristi Noem to increase the speed of arrests and deportations

In late February, Department of Homeland Security Sec. Kristi Noem announced that in conjunction with Border Czar Tom Homan, immigration officials had already apprehended over 20,000 at large illegal aliens since Trump was sworn in.

'That's a 627% increase in monthly arrests compared to just 33,000 at large arrests under Biden for ALL of last year,' she wrote in a post on X.

In another post on the platform she bragged that DHS has slashed border encounters from 15,000 a day under Joe Biden to just 200 under Trump.

It's a '15-year low,' she wrote.
President Donald Trump is building a Golden Dome missile defense shield, which will cost hundreds of billions of dollars to cover the entire globe and monitor enemy threats to the US.

The state-of-the-art defense structure could be up and running as early as 2026, with Elon Musk's SpaceX company partnering with software maker Palantir and drone builder Anduril to build key parts of the Golden Dome, six sources told Reuters.

SpaceX's integral involvement in the project - which is expected to cost Musk $10 billion - would include building and launching more than 1,000 satellites around the globe to sense missiles and track their movements.

Another trailblazing fleet of around 200 attack satellites armed with precision missiles or lasers would then bring down threatening enemy missiles, according to sources.

The decision process is still in its early days, and who is selected to work on certain elements could change - but the Pentagon said that parts of the Golden Dome could be operational from next year, with other parts delivered by 2030.

The protection system was ordered by Trump during his first week in office, and if successful, would mark the first time the U.S. would place weapons in space that are meant to destroy ground-based missiles within seconds of launch.

Trump warned that a missile attack is 'the most catastrophic threat facing the United States,' highlighting the need for such a revolutionary, orbital defense mechanism.

All three of the companies selected for the Golden Dome project were founded by entrepreneurs who have been supporters of Trump, with Musk also serving as a special adviser to the president as the chief of DOGE.

The Pentagon has reacted positively to SpaceX being involved in the project, which would build and launch hundreds of satellites around the globe to sense missiles and track them

Musk's SpaceX company is partnering with software maker Palantir and drone builder Anduril to build key parts of Golden Dome. The above image is AI generated

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Defense Department officials will soon brief the president on three options for him to choose from, according to NBC News.

Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth and others will show him the plans in what has been referred to as 'Goldilocks options', small, medium and large, with each option coming with its own timeline and price tag, the outlet reported.

US Space Command said last week that they had handed their finalized options to Hegseth for his review and approval.

The three companies met with top officials in the Trump administration and the Pentagon recently to pitch their ideas.

One of the sources familiar with the talks described them as 'a departure from the usual acquisition process'.

'There's an attitude that the national security and defense community has to be sensitive and deferential to Elon Musk because of his role in the government', they said.

SpaceX has proposed that they set up Golden Dome as a 'subscription service', in which the government would pay for access to the tech, rather than own the whole system.

The subscription model could skirt some Pentagon procurement protocols allowing the system to be rolled out faster, the two sources said.

While the approach would not violate any rules, the government may then be locked into a subscription and lose control over its ongoing development and pricing, they added.

Some of those inside the Pentagon have expressed concerns about relying on such a model, with the arrangement unusual for such a large defense program.

The Pentagon received interest from over 180 companies keen to develop and build the system.

All three of the companies were founded by entrepreneurs who have been supporters of Trump, with Musk also serving as a special adviser to the president as the chief of DOGE

Rockets fired from Gaza and intercepted by Israel's Iron Dome anti-missile system over Israeli skies are seen from Gaza City, on May 13, 2023

Some experts believe it could cost hundreds of billions of dollars, SpaceX has estimated the preliminary engineering and design for the satellites would cost between $6 billion and $10 billion, two sources told Reuters.

In his January executive order, Trump gave the military 60 days to provide him recommendations on what an overall Golden Dome system would look like.

President Ronald Reagan had proposed a similar space-based defense system, but the Strategic Defense Initiative, known as Star Wars, didn't come to fruition.

The program was previously known as Iron Dome but was renamed by the Pentagon in February to Golden Dome and is modeled on Israel's own Iron Dome anti-missile system.

The system in Israel has been seen as a success in its job in warding off rocket and artillery attacks.

Developments in hypersonic missiles have prompted calls by the US military to develop more ways to defend against missile strikes.

SpaceX has proposed that they set up Golden Dome as a 'subscription service', in which the government would pay for access to the tech

The Astra 1P is seen here inside a thermal vacuum chamber. It was launched by SpaceX last year into orbit

Gen. Stephen Whiting, head of Space Command, said in a speech kicking off the annual Space Symposium last week, said: 'It's time that we can clearly say that we need space fires and we need weapons systems.

'We need orbital interceptors. We call these weapons, and we need them to deter a space conflict and to be successful if we end up in such a fight.'

It comes after a Russian ballistic missile strike on the Ukrainian city of Sumy left dozens dead over the weekend.

Two Iskander-M/KN-23 ballistic missiles hit a trolley bus on Sunday, killing at least 35 people, including two children, and wounding 117.

President Trump told reporters on Air Force One: '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.'

When asked to clarify on what he meant, he said that 'they made a mistake... you're gonna ask them' - without specifying who or what he meant.
A woman died from a medical emergency inside her Indiana home before the four-year-old girl she was babysitting was mauled and ultimately killed by six pit bulls.

When Gina Flores asked her aunt to watch her young daughter, she never would have thought it would be the last time she saw either of them alive.

On Monday, Oliva Mora Regalado, 53, reportedly died from a medical emergency stemming from a pre-existing condition, leaving Flores' daughter Evelynn Lopez alone with seven dogs - six pit bulls and one poodle mix.

Evelynn was then viciously attacked by the animals, according to a statement from the Huntingburg Police Department.

It is unclear what caused the animals to turn violent on the small girl.

Flores was returning to pick up her child when she made the heartbreaking discovery, police told the DailyMail.com.

She frantically called 911 and emergency services arrived around 3:40 pm, according to police.

First responders immediately performed life-saving measures, but Regalado was pronounced dead at the scene.

Evelynn Lopez, 4, tragically passed away after being attacked by six pit bulls on Monday (pictured: Evelynn with her parents, Alberto Lopez and Gina Flores)

Oliva Mora Regalado, 53, reportedly passed away from a complication from a pre-existing condition in the Huntingburg home (pictured)

Evelyn was rushed to Deaconess Memorial in Jasper in critical condition. She later succumbed to her severe injuries.

All seven dogs were put down at the home where the gut-wrenching incident occurred in order to ensure 'the safety of everyone involved and the preservation of evidence,' the police department said.

The animals' bodies were taken to an agricultural center for lab testing. No criminal charges related to the incident have been filed.

Relatives have not spoken out about the double-tragedy, but community members and friends of the heartbroken family have shared their condolences online, especially for Evelynn's parents, Flores and Alberto Lopez.

'Sending love and prayers to Gina and Albertos family during this heartbreaking time,' Brisa Villalobos, who knows the family, wrote on Facebook underneath the police department's statement about the two deaths.

'Anyone who truly knows Gina knows how amazing of a mother she was to Evelynn she was her whole world, her little blessing from God.

'Gina and Alberto were both loving, dedicated parents, and its really upsetting to see people making assumptions and leaving cruel comments without even knowing the full story.

'Please remember this family is grieving not just the loss of their daughter, but also Ginas aunt. They deserve compassion, not judgment.'

Relatives have not spoken out about the double-tragedy, but community members and friends of the heartbroken family have shared their condolences online (pictured: Evelynn, Lopez and Flores)

These horrifying deaths come about a week after an Ohio seven-month-old was mauled to death by her family's dog.

Elizah Turner, of Columbus, was fatally attacked by one of her family's three pit bulls on Wednesday.

The injured infant was first taken to a nearby fire station before she was taken to Nationwide Children's Hospital around 11:43 am, where she was pronounced dead.

There were multiple dogs inside the home at the time of the attack, but it is unclear exactly which one bit the baby, Columbus Police Sgt. James Fuqua told WBNS.

He called the incident a tragic accident and said no charges are expected to be filed.

'There is really not a lot of words I can say to convey how I feel and how the officers who arrived [feel]. Everyone in this process is literally grieving as if this child belonged to us because most of us are parents and can't imagine just how this scene is,' Fuqua added.

After the tragedy, the pit bulls were seen being escorted out of the home by Franklin County Animal Control.
A woman who is being investigated by police for taking her husband, who had motor neurone disease, to Dignitas to die has said she has no regrets.

Louise Shackleton took her husband Anthony, 59, to Switzerland in December to assist his suicide, after he had suffered from the neurodegenerative condition for six years.

She has spoken publicly for the first time since his death as Parliament gears up to vote on assisted dying legislation in England and Wales.

Mrs Shackleton, who gave herself up to police after returning from Switzerland, told Sky News: 'I have committed a crime, which I have admitted to, of assisting him by simply pushing him on to a plane and being with him, which I don't regret for one moment. He was my husband and I loved him.'

After discussing it for more than two years, the couple had decided an assisted death was the only way Mr Shackleton could 'die peacefully, with grace, without pain, without suffering', his wife added.

It is illegal in the UK to assist someone's suicide - but people are rarely prosecuted.

The assisted dying bill currently going through Parliament would allow someone with a terminal diagnosis and less than six months to live to end their life, with approval from two doctors and a panel of experts.

The next vote on it has been postponed for three weeks, to give MPs time to think about amendments to the bill.

Louise Shackleton (pictured) took her husband Anthony (pictured), 59, to Switzerland in December to assist his suicide, after he had suffered from the neurodegenerative condition for six years

She has spoken publicly for the first time since his death as parliament gears up to vote on assisted dying legislation in England and Wales

Mrs Shackleton (pictured) said people need to be safeguarded - but equally, their wishes need to be respected, even if others are not comfortable with them or do not agreed

Mrs Shackleton said her husband finally relaxed when he boarded the plane to Switzerland at the end of last year - and was happy and at peace throughout the four-day trip.

The couple had been together for 25 years - and had known each other since they were both 18.

She said: 'It was in those four days that I realised that he wanted the peaceful death more than he wanted to suffer and stay with me, which was hard, but that's how resolute he was in having this peace.'

And if legislation had been different in the UK, she added, they could have also shared those final days with family.

Concerns have been raised that the assisted dying bill puts vulnerable people at risk, with fears they will feel coerced into making use of what the legislation would allow.

Critics of the bill have also said they worry that it will see attitudes towards the elderly, ill and disabled change - and that the focus should be on improving palliative care instead.

Mrs Shackleton said people need to be safeguarded - but equally, their wishes need to be respected, even if others are not comfortable with them or do not agreed.

She recalled the kindness and generosity of her husband, a furniture restorer who had been recognised globally for his handmade rocking horses - and who no one ever had a bad word to say about.

She said: 'It was in those four days that I realised that he wanted the peaceful death more than he wanted to suffer and stay with me, which was hard, but that's how resolute he was in having this peace'

She recalled the kindness and generosity of her husband (pictured), a furniture restorer who had been recognised globally for his handmade rocking horses - and who no one ever had a bad word to say about

She added that she chose to speak publicly because she did not want him to die in vain - and because he had made her promise, on his final day, to tell his story

She added that she chose to speak publicly because she did not want him to die in vain - and because he had made her promise, on his final day, to tell his story.

Mrs Shackleton said: 'He told me to fight and the simple thing that I'm fighting for is people to have the choice.

'This is about a dying person's choice to either follow their journey through with disease or to die peacefully when they want to, on their terms, and have a good death. It's that simple.'

A spokesperson for North Yorkshire Police said: 'The investigation is ongoing. There is nothing further to add at this stage.'
Dedicated Luigi Mangione fans have been left disappointed after learning they won't be able to catch a glimpse of the alleged killer in court.

Mangione, who is accused of assassinating UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson on December 4 in Manhattan, is set to return to court Friday - but he won't be seen.

Unlike his last appearance, where a slew of fans came out to support him, the 26-year-old will be in federal court where photography and video footage is strictly prohibited.

Now, his supporters - who have previously gushed over his sockless loafers and chic courtroom sweaters - will have to rely solely on descriptions from reports and court sketches.

Even his entrance into the courtroom will be very restricted as he will most likely be brought inside from a vehicle in the garage because he is a high-profile defendant.

While fans have previously gone wild over seeing his outfits, others advocating for Mangione's fair trial welcomed the federal court's rules.

'He doesn't have to be paraded just some internet breaking sessions. I wish him to have a swift legal hearing. Good luck to his legal team,' one wrote online.

Another said that it shouldn't all be about getting a chance to see him in court, the focus should be on 'his life and freedom.'

Die-hard Luigi Mangione (pictured in February) fans won't be able to get a glimpse of him at his court appearance on Friday

Because his appearance is in federal court, photography and video footage is strictly prohibited. (Pictured: Star-struck fans outside the courthouse in February)

'I hope the [death penalty] can be dropped and I hope that he has a good hearing. I wish him the best of luck and hopefully these charges will be dropped,' someone else said.

He was previously greeted by star-struck fans on February 21 when he entered Manhattan Criminal Court for his status hearing.

One woman who locked eyes with Mangione as he left the courtroom that day told DailyMail.com it felt like an 'out of body experience.'

Hailey Viviani, 23, said she thought to herself oh my god as the alleged killer stared her down as he walked out following the hearing.

Speaking afterward Viviani, a cashier from Staten Island, New York, said: To see him with the shackles on his hands and his arms, it was dehumanizing. Theyre treating him like hes a terrible person and its really sad to see.

Seeing it online is one thing but seeing it in the flesh.'

Asked what it was like to see Mangione in person, Viviani said: Honestly it was like an out-of-body experience. Ive seen all the videos but this was the first time Ive attended a court date.'

Outside court, a crowd of around 150 people chanted Free Luigi and held up posters and a flag with Mangione's face. Some even wore Super Mario Bros character Luigi's famous hat.

Mangione is accused of gunning down UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson on December 4 in Manhattan, New York City

His fans range from those who think he's innocent, to those who believe he's guilty and love him for it.

Mangione was arrested in a McDonald's in Altoona, Pennsylvania after a multi-day manhunt for the suspect.

He denied the charges and pleaded not guilty to state murder and terror charges on December 23 for the killing of Thompson.

Karen Friedman Agnifilo, Marc Agnifilo, and Jacob Kaplan are representing Mangione.

Agnifilo was met with a resounding applause from Mangione's supporters when she entered the courtroom two months ago.

She argued that her client's constitutional rights may have been violated when officers arrested him and seized his belongings.

It was also argued that the defense hadn't received critical evidence from the prosecution and claimed that Mangione's right to a fair trial was impacted.

Mangione's team told Judge Gregory Carro that they didn't have enough access to their client while he has been held in a Brooklyn federal detention center.

Mangione sat in court with his hands and ankles shackled, as Judge Carro denied the defense's request to remove them.

Now, his supporters will have to rely solely on descriptions from reports and court sketches. (Pictured: Mangione being escorted into court in February)

He's denied the charges and pleaded not guilty to state murder and terror charges on December 23 for the killing of Thompson

Following his appearance, prosecutors claimed Mangione chose to go barefoot in his loafers because he 'did not like' how his socks looked.

Many of his fans were stunned by his fashion choice and prosecutors revealed the real reason behind it after requests from his lawyers in March.

Most jailed defendants wear jail uniforms at routine court dates, but Mangione was allowed to change into clothes brought by his legal team.

However, prosecutors said they found his adoring fans snuck notes into his socks, which he then opted not to wear during his appearance.

A court officer intercepted the heart-shaped note, which urged the accused killer to 'know there are thousands of people wishing you luck,' according to prosecutor Joel Seidemann.

The note - plus another heart-shaped message addressed to someone called 'Joan' - was hidden in a piece of cardboard at the center of a new pair of Argyle socks. It's not clear who wrote the note or slipped it into the socks.

Mangione could face the death penalty if convicted of Thompson's murder, Attorney General Pam Bondi pledged on April 1.

Bondi said in a statement that her office would push for the ultimate punishment, describing Thompson's assassination in December as 'premeditated and cold-blooded'.

'After careful consideration, I have directed federal prosecutors to seek the death penalty in this case as we carry out President Trump's agenda to stop violent crime and Make America Safe Again,' Bondi said.

Mangione was met with an outpouring of support after his arrest as morbid fans vented their fury with the healthcare system, and Bondi said in her statement that she believes Thompson's murder was 'an act of political violence'.

'Mangione's actions involved substantial planning and premeditation and because the murder took place in public with bystanders nearby, may have posed grave risk of death to additional persons,' Bondi said.

Mangione remains behind bars at the Metropolitan Detention Center in Brooklyn, New York, and is housed in the same unit as other famous faces including Sean 'Diddy' Combs.

A legal donation fund that was created soon after Mangione was arrested has since amassed more than $900,000 - nearly reaching its goal of $1 million. (Pictured: A large crowd of fans outside the courtroom)

A legal donation fund that was created soon after Mangione was arrested has since amassed more than $900,000 - nearly reaching its goal of $1 million.

In March he received a massive donation of $36,5000 from an anonymous donor who left an enigmatic message.

'What intrigues me about this case is how unified folks' responses are regardless of strata,' the mystery donor said.

'In Corporate America, for instance, there has been widespread doubt of potential prosecutorial mishandling and overcharging.

'I've also been surprised at the almost ubiquitous nature of support towards the suspect that I would expect to be quite bifurcated in this type of litigation. Quite exceptional.'
Donald Trump's daughter-in-law, Lara Trump, has lifted the lid on who Trumpworld's favorite media superstar is.

In a glowing tribute written for Time Magazine's '100 Most Influential People of 2025,' Lara Trump, the former co-chair of the Republican National Committee, wrote that former Fox News host Megyn Kelly is redefining media in the MAGA age.

'Megyn Kelly is a force,' Trump wrote, adding that her 'journalism is unparalleled, and fearless.'

The tributes on the list are typically written by friends with deep histories with those they are profiling.

In the case of Kelly, Lara Trump, who now hosts her own show on Fox News, penned glowing praise for the journalist she has likely known for the past decade since her father-in-law jumped into politics.

'In 2024, she redefined media by talking about the toughest issues and engaging audiences across the spectrum,' the former RNC co-chair wrote.

'Megyns sharp intellect and unwavering commitment to honest discourse have not only shaped public opinion but undoubtedly inspired a new generation of journalists,' Trump continued.

'Shes a trailblazer who isnt afraid to voice where she stands on any given issue, and her impact on the media landscape is undeniable.'

Donald Trump greets Megyn Kelly at a campaign rally at PPG Paints Arena, Monday, Nov. 4, 2024, in Pittsburgh, Pa., just days before the election

Lara Trump fawned over Kelly in a glowing tribute she wrote for the former Fox News star for Time's '100 Most Influential People of 2025' list

Kelly has been described by Lara Trump as 'a legend of the conservative space'

Trump, the wife of Eric Trump, also plugged a new business venture Kelly started just weeks ago.

'In March, she announced the launch of a, MK Media, highlighting other standout perspectives,' Trump wrote.

'As someone who values strong, independent, female voices, I couldnt be prouder to see her recognized among the worlds most influential people. Megyn Kelly is a force.'

The two blonde journalists appear to have a friendly personal and work relationship.

Last month, Kelly joined Trump on her podcast 'The Right View with Lara Trump' where the host similarly heaped on glowing praise.

The president's daughter-in-law introduced the former Fox News as 'a legend in the conservative space.'

Kelly, 54, did not always have a solid relationship with the first family, however.

In 2015, when she moderated a presidential debate between Donald Trump and Hillary Clinton, the future president fumed at the then-Fox News host's questions.

Lara Trump aired her support of Kelly in Time Magazine this week while also giving a shoutout to the journalist's new business venture, MK Media

Megyn Kelly speaks during the 2025 Conservative Political Action Conference

Kelly is seen on The Megyn Kelly Show at the SiriusXM Studios on May 20, 2024 in New York City

He called her 'not very tough and not very sharp.' In 2023, the Republican called Kelly 'nasty.'

Kelly, for her part, has also lobbed criticism at the president and his administration.

Though that all seems to be water under the bridge since Kelly launched her own talk show and podcast that has frequently been supportive of the president and his positions.

Kelly's staying power in the 78-year-old's orbit was proven as he chose her to speak at a critical campaign event the day before the 2024 election.

During her speech she said Trump 'will be a protector of women' and noted his 'energy and stamina' that he has 'at his age.'

Other notable media personalities that made the list include podcaster and UFC commentator Joe Rogan, ABC News journalist David Muir and 'Saturday Night Live' creator Lorne Michaels.
A Turkish Tufts graduate student has been dealt a crushing blow as an immigration judge denied her bond and ordered her to remain in jail as her case proceeds.

Rumeysa Ozturk, 30, was dramatically detained by ICE last month after being accused of 'engaging in activities in support of Hamas -a Palestinian group recognized by the US government as a 'foreign terrorist organization.'

Her lawyers say the accusations against her are retaliation for an op-ed piece she co-wrote in the Tufts University student newspaper.

They had asked that Ozturke released on bond as her immigration case proceeds. That judge denied her request Wednesday, the same day Ozturk had a hearing, they said in a statement released Thursday morning.

The Department of Homeland Security presented one document to support their opposition to Ozturks bond request: a one-paragraph State Department memo revoking her student visa, her lawyers said in the new court filing.

The memo says that Ozturks visa was revoked on March 21 following an assessment that she had been involved in associations 'that may undermine US foreign policy by creating a hostile environment for Jewish students and indicating support for a designated terrorist organization.'

Prosecutors cited the op-ed, which they claimed 'found common cause with an organization that was later temporarily banned from campus.'

Rumeysa Ozturk, 30, detailed the hellish conditions inside the infamous Louisiana immigration detention center she is being held at

Ozturk, a doctoral student studying child development, was taken by immigration officials as she walked along a street in the Boston suburb of Somerville on March 25

Ozturk's arrest footage sparked backlash as video showed her being surrounded by six undercover ICE agents

In the op-ed. the student branded 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.

Ozturk, a doctoral student studying child development, was taken by immigration officials as she walked along a street in the Boston suburb of Somerville on March 25.

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.

After being taken to New Hampshire and then Vermont, she was put on a plane the next day and moved to an Immigration and Customs Enforcement detention center in Basile, Louisiana.

'The governments entire case against Rumeysa is based on the same one-paragraph memo from the State Department to ICE that just points back to Rumeysas op-ed,' Marty Rosenbluth, one of Ozturks attorneys, said in a statement.

Ozturks lawyers say her detention violates her constitutional rights, including free speech and due process. They said they didnt know for hours where she was after she was taken.

They said they were unable to speak to her until more than 24 hours after she was detained. Ozturk herself said she unsuccessfully made multiple requests to speak to a lawyer.

Ozturk is among several people with ties to American universities whose visas were revoked or have been stopped from entering the US after they were accused of attending demonstrations or publicly expressed support for Palestinians.

In Louisiana, an immigration judge has ruled that the US can deport Columbia University graduate student Mahmoud Khalil based on the federal governments argument that he poses a national security risk.

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

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.

'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.

Ozturks lawyers have filed a new request with a federal judge in Vermont considering whether to take jurisdiction of her detention case. The lawyers asked the judge to order her to be brought to the state by Friday and hold a hearing next week. They said that would allow better communication with her legal team and a doctor to evaluate her.
Former President Joe Biden made a secret visit to Harvard University on Wednesday, as he was smuggled into a meeting with students for a private seminar.

The former president appeared at for an event at the Harvard Institute of Politics at the invitation of his former senior advisor Mike Donilon, who is currently serving at the university as a spring resident fellow.

The private discussion with about 50 students was invite-only who were not told about the special guest in advance. His appearance was also not publicized in advance.

Photos of the former president at Harvard emerged on social media as students shared selfies with Biden to celebrate the occasion.

The Harvard Crimson reported that after his remarks, his ice cream bar fell out of his hand on the floor after he bit into it.

He also mistakenly referred to the conflict in Ukraine as 'Iraq' before he was corrected by his former advisor.

Despite the secretive nature of his appearance, pro-Palestinian protestors on campus gathered outside the event by ringing bells, playing drums, and shouting 'Biden, Biden, you can't hide. You're committing genocide.'

Students at the event confirmed they were able to hear the protesters as Biden spoke.

Joe Biden makes a surprise visit to Harvard University to meet with students

US President Joe Biden eats an ice cream cone

Biden applauded Harvard officials for pushing back against President Donald Trump and the administration for threatening their federal funding and revoking the university's federal funding.

'Harvard stepped up in a way no one else has. You should be really thankful,' Biden told the students.

Biden broke his post-presidency silence on Tuesday, criticizing Trump supporters for having 'no heart' during a speech at a disability rights conference.

'I said I've been doing this a long time, it's never been this divided. Granted it's roughly 30 percent, but it's a 30 percent that has no heart,' he said.

The former president recalled when he was a young boy in Wilmington, Delaware and the schools were still segregated.

Joe Biden makes a surprise visit to Harvard University to meet with students

Joe Biden makes a surprise visit to Harvard University to meet with students

'There were hardly any Black people in Scranton at the time  and I was only going into fourth grade. And I remember seeing kids going by, at the time called colored kids, on a bus going by,' he said.

Biden also accused the Trump administration for recklessly attacking waste and fraud in the Social Security administration.

'Why are these guys taking aim at Social Security now?' Biden asked, referring to the Trump administration. 'Well, they're following that old line from tech startups. The quote is "move fast, break things." They're certainly breaking things. They're shooting first and aiming later.'
An Australian politician has joined OnlyFans as part of his campaign efforts ahead of the upcoming federal election.

Stephen Bates, an Australian Greens MP, has joined the subscription-based platform and posted his first video on his free-to-subscribe page.

He used the account to announce his party's new policy to make a vital HIV-prevention medication free to anyone with a prescription.

Thousands of Australians take PrEP (Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis) and PEP (Post-Exposure Prophylaxis) tablets each year, according to Bates.

The medications have been on the pharmaceutical benefits scheme since 2018 and costs about $31 per month with a prescription.

But the Queensland Greens MP claims the growing gap payment means users can be out of pocket hundreds of dollars a year, which he added that in a 'cost of living crisis is just too much'.

Making the medications free would ensure people in the LGBTQ+ community would live long and healthy lives, Bates said, adding that the policy goes 'hand in hand' with the Greens' other healthcare initiatives, including free contraception.

Bates took part in a campaign titled 'You always come first with the Greens' in 2022 which saw him promote his policies on the LGBTQ+ dating app Grindr.

He decided to add OnlyFans, which is visited by Australians more than 28 million times each month, this election season as another way to reach voters.

Australian Greens MP Stephen Bates has joined the subscription-based platform OnlyFans and posted his first video on his free-to-subscribe page

Bates opened his first OnlyFans video playfully, saying: 'Whoever said sex and politics doesn't mix, hasn't heard what I've got for you.

'We've all heard that safe sex is great sex and we know it's important to wrap before you tap,' the gay MP for Brisbane continued.

OnlyFans is a site that allows people to subscribe and access free or paid content, and is often used by adult content creators - although it is not exclusive to pornographic content. The site is visited over 28 million times per month by users based in Australia

'But did you know that one of the most effective measures to prevent the transmission of HIV is actually costing individuals hundreds of dollars every year?

'That's why the Greens are launching our plan to make PrEP and PEP free for anyone with a prescription.'

He added: 'You shouldn't have to pay a fortune to be responsible. Ending HIV is too important to fly under the radar.'

PrEP is a tablet that people can take to reliably prevent HIV and is used by nearly 100,000 Australians.

Bates, reminding voters that the May 3 election will be very close and there is 'real potential for a hung Parliament', highlighted his party's campaign efforts and encouraged voters to keep the Greens in power.

He then doubled down on his previous campaign mantra, concluding his video with: 'You always come first with the Greens.'

The PrEP proposal would cost $6million per year but would be a measure to materially improve people's lives and health, and also save the healthcare system money, the party has claimed.

Bates used his OnlyFans account to announce his party's new policy to make a vital HIV -prevention medication free to anyone with a prescription

Thousands of Australians take PrEP (Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis) and PEP (Post-Exposure Prophylaxis) tablets each year. The medications have been on the pharmaceutical benefits scheme since 2018 and costs about $31 per month with a prescription (file photo of PrEP)

The Greens have announced a suite of LGBTQI-friendly healthcare policies in the election campaign, including ending the ban on blood donations by gay men and making IVF accessible for same-sex couples.

The minor party also wants to establish a national LGBTQI human rights commissioner to ensure the community has the legal protections it needs.

'The decision to establish this commissioner under the Human Rights Commission framework would be so that we have an institution outside the government that can hold government to account,' Bates previously said of the proposal.

'It's so that we can examine discrimination in our society, but also provide an avenue for people in the community to take grievances too so that we can address discrimination across all aspects of the law.'

He also touted the benefits of the PrEP programme, telling Australian media: 'So many people in the LGBTIQA+ community use PrEP to check themselves and others around them, so this announcement is so exciting to make sure that people have access to healthcare when they need it, and that it is free.'

With less than three weeks to go until the federal election, the Greens hope to hold the balance of power in a possible hung parliament.

However, Bates faces a tight three-way contest with Labor and the Liberals in his Queensland seat of Brisbane, which he won in 2022.

'We're hearing lots and lots of different issues in the community, but I think at the end of the day people in my electorate really don't want Peter Dutton to be the prime minister,' he said.

'But they're also thoroughly, thoroughly disappointed in the Albanese government ... they have lost their way (and) I don't think they know what they stand for anymore, other than trying to keep on winning elections.'

Bates faces a tight three-way contest with Labor and the Liberals in his Queensland seat of Brisbane, which he won in 2022. He is pictured during Question Time in the House of Representatives at Parliament House in Canberra on March 27, 2025

OnlyFans is a site that allows people to subscribe and access free or paid content, and is often used by adult content creators - although it is not exclusive to pornographic content.

The site hosts more than 4.1million creator accounts and has over 305million fan accounts registered, the platform reported in 2023.

According to statistics cited by the Greens, OnlyFans is visited over 28 million times per month by users based in Australia.

Bates does not intend to post any explicit or salacious content on OnlyFans, but is using it, as well as Grindr, to connect with voters.

He told 7NEWS Australia : 'I campaign on OnlyFans and Grindr because it gets attention. Sometimes you have to make a splash to make people pay attention to the things that matter.'
Passengers were left in fear for their lives when a pilot encountered landing difficulties while operating a Frontier Airlines flight bound for Puerto Rico.

Frontier Flight 5306 from Orlando was carrying 228 passengers and approaching Luis Marin Munoz International Airport in San Juan on Monday when its landing was aborted at the last second.

The Airbus A321 encountered a 'mechanical problem' when one of the wheels broke off the front landing gear, the airline told El Nuevo Dia newspaper.

FlightAware - the flight tracking company - showed that aircraft flew around the airport four times and made a second landing attempt.

The airplane was about 500 feet from another runway and continued its flight path, circling around again prior to landing at 10:54 p.m.

Luis Irizarry, who has investigated other aviation accidents, told WAPA television that the aircraft was not stable on its first approach.

'The plane was coming in, but it was in an unstable pattern. It wasn't stabilized for landing,' Izarrry claimed, citing information he gathered from sources on the ground. 'While trying to land, it hit the runway with its nose wheel.'

The expert said the wheel broke from the left side and some of its piece ended in the engine.

Pictured: Passengers on Frontier Airlines Flight 5306, which encountered 'mechanical problems' when a co-pilot attempted to land the aircraft Luis Marin Munoz International Airport in San Juan, Puerto Rico on Monday before a wheel broke from the landing gear, which caused the captain to take over the plane and fly over four times before landing

The wheel from the landing gear broke when the Frontier Airlines aircraft tried to land on the runway at Luis Marin Munoz International Airport in San Juan on Monday night. No injuries were reported

'When the nose wheel hit the plane, the pilot grabbed it and gave it power to turn around. At that time, they shut down the left engine to avoid further damage and the possibility of it catching fire. They turned around and landed,' he said.

Irizarry added that the co-pilot had recently started flying with the low-budget airline

'The information we have is that the person flying was the copilot, and the copilot was a new pilot for the airline. When I say new, I mean a young pilot, with a thousand or so flight hours,' he said.

'Perhaps it was his first flight, flying solo and not with a supervisor or a trainer, and that's the situation we fear. That's why the plane wasn't stable because he didn't have it under control.'

A video recorded by Melanie Gonzalez Wharton, who was on the flight with her husband and their two children, showed sparks coming out of the airplane's left engine.

Irizarry's claim that the novice co-pilot was in control of the airplane seemingly confirmed Gonzalez Wharton's initial concern.

'Oh my God, I knew it!!! Finally, the answer I wanted to hear,' she wrote on her Facebook page.

Melanie Gonzalez Wharton said cries and prayers were heard throughout the Frontier Airlines aircraft after it encountered mechanical issues on a landing attempt at Luis Marin Munoz International Airport in San Juan, Puerto Rico on Monday night

Sparks appeared to come out of the engine after a piece of a broken tire got inside

'I said the same thing to Edwin [her husband], 'I have a feeling it was a trainee pilot who didn't know how to land properly.' He almost killed us.'

Gonzalez Wharton told El Nuevo Dia that third landing attempt did not have any problems.

'But it was a horrible experience. While we were on the plane going around the island, we were crying, the children were screaming, people were praying, singing loudly,' she said. 'It was an unforgettable experience. It was horrible.'

Frontier Airlines said in a statement that the plane experienced a hard landing upon arrival, but it landed safely and there were no injuries. It noted further that the incident is under investigation.
A six-year-old spaniel has been successfully rescued by daring RNLI volunteers after jumping over a sea cliff and becoming stranded on a rock.

Stacey Chadfield was taking a coastal walk in Angelsey, north Wales, on a familiar route she had walked 'millions' of time yesterday when her beloved pet Ember 'decided to jump over a wall' and landed 'right into the sea below'.

Ms Chadfield said: 'You all know Ember is my baby, my whole world, she is my soul dog. She decided to jump over a wall after her ball that just happened to be a little bit too high.

'A couple saw her jump in and told me, I didn't see her, hear her. She had swam back and managed to get on a ledge below where I was stood, but then found herself stuck and too scared to get off.'

Describing how she 'catastrophised' and 'totally feared the worst' for Ember, Ms Chadfield quickly raced across to the nearby Moelfre Royal National Lifeboat Institution (RNLI) station for help, with the team quick to assist her in the urgent rescue effort.

Dramatic video footage shows the moment the heroic volunteers, Gaz and Vince, clambered down the cliff rocks to meet the distressed dog, with one shouting: 'Come on Ember, come on', while Ember barks in the background.

Stacey Chadfield was taking a walk along the coast in Angelsey, north Wales yesterday when her excited six-year-old Sprocker Spaniel, Ember, 'decided to jump over a wall' 'right into the sea below' (pictured: Stacey with RNLI members Gaz and Vince)

Dramatic video footage shows the moment the heroic volunteers, Gaz and Vince, clambered down the cliff rocks to meet the distressed dog

Describing how she 'catastrophised' and 'totally feared the worst' for her beloved pet, Ms Chadfield quickly raced across to the nearby RNLI Moelfre Lifeboat station for help, with the team quick to assist her in the urgent rescue effort

Photos shared by Ms Chadfield show the daring rescue team, Gaz and Vince, even getting in the water alongside Ember to try and calm her down

At a later point, one of the crew members insists to the other: 'Once she's been past you a couple times she'll realise you're not going to harm her.'

The two RNLI members eventually managed to calm Ember down, reattaching her to a lead before swimming her back to safety where she was eventually reunited with Ms Chadfield.

Praising the 'patient' RNLI crew, Ms Chadfield added: 'We were so lucky to be right across from the lifeboat station so I ran over and asked for help, where the amazing guys waded out in their suits and went to collect her.

'They were so patient with her, taking their helmets off to gain her trust and coax her over and then even jumped in the water with her and swam back.

'Sooooo so so grateful to them for everything they did, they even saved her ball. They were really kind and understanding and just absolutely amazing! Support your RNLI'.

Describing the rescue mission as a 'rather eventful afternoon', RNLI Moelfre said: 'When it comes to a shout, we usually write our own post, but Stacey has written from the heart, so here is her account of a rather eventful afternoon.

'Vince, Gaz and the rest of us at RNLI Moelfre are glad there was a happy ending.'

The two RNLI members eventually managed to calm Ember down, reattaching her to a lead before swimming her back to safety where she was eventually reunited with Ms Chadfield.

Describing Ember as her 'soul dog', Ms Chadfield praised the RNLI crew members for being 'really kind and understanding and just absolutely amazing!'

Social media users were quick to express their relief at Ember's safe return, alongside praise the 'amazing' RNLI team for their incredible efforts

Further detailing the events of the successful rescue, RNLI Coxswain, Vince Jones said: As we entered the water near the cliff, we could hear the dog yapping away.

Where the spaniel was trapped, it would have been inaccessible from the cliff top so kitted in our drysuits and lifejackets we entered the water and made our way onto the ledge.

After a few moments of talking to Ember, she seemed to calm down and we were able to get a lead on.

It was great to then reunite the spaniel with her owner.

The owner did the right thing by coming to the lifeboat station and alerting us. Our advice is to never go in after your pet and to call 999 and ask for the Coastguard. Always keep them on lead when near the edge of cliffs or piers.

Social media users were quick to express their relief at Ember's safe return, alongside praise the 'amazing' RNLI team for their incredible efforts.

One commenter said: 'Oh my god my heart would have been in my throat. So glad you got her back safe', while another added: 'Love a happy ending, thank goodness for the RNLI heroes. I bet Ember will be on a lead near rocks now.'

Meanwhile, one dog lover, who said they would have been 'beside' themselves if they found themselves in a similar situation remarked: 'So glad all ended well. What a lucky pupster.'

Further praising the RNLI, another user remarked: 'So glad that all turned out well. The RNLI ARE greatly under recognised for the work they do and the danger they also put themselves in. Well done them.'

Entirely ran by volunteers, the RNLI provide, on call, 24-hour lifeboat search and rescue services, alongside a seasonal lifeguard service.

In 2022, the RNLI rescued 164 dogs from around the UK's coastline, including from the waves, with the charitable service continuing to advise that owners remain cautious when walking their dogs along beaches.
A Michigan middle school student was found dead a few blocks from his home shortly after getting off the school bus.

The 14-year-old boy, who has not yet been identified, was on his way home from Handy Middle School on Tuesday.

He was found unconscious on the sidewalk after his bus dropped him off near MacGregor Elementary School around 2:53 p.m. ET, reported WNEM.

Bay City Public Safety Sgt. Ben Krzyminski said the teen appeared to be walking in the direction of his home by himself before he was found.

Students at the elementary school were kept inside the building and exited on the opposite side of the school for pickup while emergency personnel arrived at the scene, according to Bay City Public Schools Interim Superintendent Rick Seebeck.

'We are heartbroken for this family and will do all we can to support them during this time,' he said.

Bay City Public Safety confirmed to MLive that police are investigating the teen's death.

They said the 14-year-old's death does not appear suspicious or related to foul play, and the teen showed no signs of using drugs or having any injuries.

A 14-year-old Handy Middle School (pictured) student was found dead shortly after getting off his school bus and walking home

Bay City Public Schools Interim Superintendent Rick Seebeck (pictured) said the district is doing everything they can to support the family

Krzyminski told the local news station that autopsy will be performed, but it will take months for a final report to be completed. He added that it is still unclear if the student showed any signs of distress.

A crisis management team was available at Handy Middle School on Wednesday and school officials said counselors are available for students.

DailyMail.com contacted Bay City Public Schools and Bay City Public Safety for comment.
A lawmaker who admitted stealing public funds was caught on camera removing furniture from her office just weeks before entering her guilty plea.

Surveillance footage obtained by WCVB showed disgraced Democrat lawmaker Tania Fernandes Anderson hauling the goods out of Boston City Hall.

Fernandes Anderson was arrested and charged last year for orchestrating 'a complicated kickback scheme' to steal city funds through a family member on her pay roll.

The former council member was accused of pocketing $7,000 of public funds as part of the scam.

Now video has emerged showing the Fernandes Anderson removing a rolled up rug, chair and other items with help from two associates.

A U-Haul charge for $67.12 was also posted to her campaign finance report the day after the furniture was removed.

It is unclear if the items removed originally belonged to Fernendes Anderson.

Fernandes Anderson agreed to plead guilty to federal corruption charges after prosecutors accused her of taking most of an inflated bonus that she paid to a relative who worked for her.

She pleaded guilty to one count each of wire fraud and theft concerning a program receiving federal funds, the US attorneys office said in a statement.

Disgraced lawmaker Tania Fernandes Anderson, who admitted stealing public funds, was caught on camera removing furniture from her office just weeks before entering her guilty plea

Fernandes Anderson was arrested and charged last year for orchestrating 'a complicated kickback scheme' to steal city funds through a family member on her pay roll

In exchange, prosecutors dropped four wire fraud counts against the lawmaker, who in 2021 became the first African immigrant and Muslim American elected to the council.

Fernandes Anderson initially refused calls to resign but agreed to step down as part of the plea deal.

However, she is yet to formally rescind her position although was not in attendance of a council meeting yesterday.

If she resigns before May 8, a special election will be triggered. Otherwise the position will be filled in the next Fall election cycle.

The shamed lawmaker was going through financial difficulties when she carried out the scheme in 2023, prosecutors said.

She was facing a $5,000 fine from the Massachusetts State Ethics Commission for hiring an immediate family member in contravention of the city council's rules.

According to prosecutors, she told her relative that she would give her a $13,000 bonus, which was more than twice as much as the combined bonuses she gave to the rest of the staff.

After taxes, the staffer received about $10,000. She withdrew the money in several bank transactions in May and June of 2023 before exchanging texts to meet Fernandes Anderson in a City Hall bathroom that June 9, where she gave Fernandes Anderson $7,000 of the money.

A U-Haul charge for $67.12 was also posted to her campaign finance report the day after the furniture was removed

She agreed to take a plea deal which would also see her step down from her position, but she is yet to formally resign

The government is recommending a sentence of one year and one day in prison to be followed by three years of supervised release and restitution in the amount of $13,000.

Fernandes Anderson could have faced up to 20 years in prison and a fine of up to $250,000 on each of the fraud charges. The theft count carried a penalty of up to 10 years and a fine of up to $250,000.

In a statement after she was charged, Anderson only said she would continue 'fight' for her constituents.

'I'm not just a mom to two boys, as you know, I have actually four sons, with my stepsons. I'm soon to be a grandma,' she told NBC10 when discussing her resignation.

'How do I do the right thing to ensure that my family is safe, is stable?'

DailyMaill.com has contacted Fernandes Anderson for comment.
A former spokesperson for Florida Governor Ron DeSantis is facing sickening sex charges after allegedly being caught in vile acts in public.

Frederick Piccolo Jr., 47, was arrested Tuesday in Sarasota, Florida after allegedly exposing himself on several occasions.

He was picked up on a warrant from the Manatee County Sheriff's Office following an incident where he allegedly stopped his car to ask a woman for directions before exposing himself to her.

Piccolo was also accused of exposing his genitals to multiple people at department stores in the University Town Center Mall in Sarasota between August 22 and September 4 of last year, according to court records.

In one alleged occasion, Piccolo was accused of touching himself inappropriately in a fitting room at a Banana Republic in front of an employee.

Then on September 4, he allegedly exposed his genitals inside a Dillard's to two sales associates, and then again outside a fitting room.

Deputies said Piccolo returned to the store the next day and exposed himself again outside a fitting room.

Piccolo pleaded not guilty to four counts of exposure, and his father claimed the alleged acts were the result of medication his son is taking following a diagnosis of early onset Parkinson's disease.

Frederick Piccolo Jr., 47, a former spokesperson for Florida Governor Ron DeSantis, is facing sickening sex charges after allegedly being caught in vile acts in public, including allegations of exposing himself to store workers

Piccolo, pictured with his wife Kristin, allegedly exposed himself to multiple department store workers over a three-week span last year

Piccolo worked as DeSantis' director of communications from August 2020 to December 2020, and had also worked under the Florida House Speaker's office and New College in Sarasota.

He resigned from the governor's office at the height of the Covid-19 pandemic over a controversial social media post where he questioned how serious the disease was.

He said in an X post: 'I'm wondering since 99% of Covid patients survive, shouldn't you have 99 photos of survivors for every one fatality?

'Otherwise you're just trying to create a narrative that is now reality.'

His arrest this week sent shockwaves through Florida politics, with Piccolo's former employers racing to distance themselves from the former spokesperson.

In a statement to NewsNation, DeSantis' office said: 'He hasn't worked here in over four years.'

State Attorney Suzy Lopez, where he also worked briefly, said in a statement: 'He was a short-term contractor with our office and that relationship ended in 2022.'

Piccolo was most recently employed at the New College of Florida, but the institution confirmed to WFLA this week that he is 'no longer' with the college.

Piccolo worked as DeSantis' director of communications from August 2020 to December 2020, and had also worked under the Florida House Speaker's office and New College in Sarasota

Piccolo resigned from DeSantis' office at the height of the Covid-19 pandemic over a controversial social media post where he questioned how serious the disease was

Piccolo pleaded not guilty to four counts of exposure, and his father claimed the alleged acts were the result of medication his son is taking following a diagnosis of early onset Parkinson's disease

Former Florida State Attorney Andrew Warren, who was suspended by DeSantis, said the arrests cast a shadow over Piccolo's public service.

'This is disturbing that someone with this much proximity, this close proximity to the Governor, whos been put in a position of authority at New College, has had these disturbing charges leveled against him,' he said.

'Getting arrested for indecent exposure not once, but four times, speaks for itself.

'I think the more important questions here are: Why has this man been in the governors inner circle? Why was he brought into the state attorneys office by Suzy Lopez after she was illegally appointed? Those are the questions the public deserves to answer.'

Piccolo's father Fred Piccolo told WFLA following his son's arrest that his alleged acts were the side effect of medication he has been taking, and said his family is 'deeply saddened and surprised' by the allegations.

He said Piccolo was diagnosed with early onset Parkinson's disease around a decade ago, and 'as the disease has progressed, he has had various and increasing medications for the affliction.'

Piccolo's family (seen with his wife at DeSantis' inauguration) said they were 'deeply saddened and surprised' by the allegations against him

'One of the listed side effects of the medications, particularly the dopamine agonists he is taking, is impulsive and compulsive behaviors, including gambling and hypersexuality activities,' he said.

'We are very sorry that any individuals were subjected to any inappropriate conduct and we will seek the medical and mental health services necessary to return him to the wonderful and caring individual we knew before this decade of medication he has endured.

'Thank you for the opportunity to respond and we will not have any further comments as we work to heal our son.
Russian authorities have been forced to deny disturbing rumours that North Korean labourers working in the country have been eating pet dogs after bizarre footage emerged showing workers stroking a canine beside a large cooking pot.

The footage, filmed at a construction site in the far eastern city of Vladivostok, was released by a local official in an effort to squash growing panic online.

In the clip, North Korean workers can be seen affectionately petting a dog reportedly meant to guard the site, while a pot of red liquid bubbles away nearby.

Pointing to the metal pot, the official assures viewers: 'There's no blood in it, it's just spicy kimchi. This is not a cafe or anything - it's a work camp.'

The unusual video comes amid a swirl of speculation on social media, where locals have voiced alarm over a string of missing pets - prompting at least one worried resident to storm the work camp and confront the labourers over what they were really doing with the animals.

Dog meat, known in North Korea as dangogi or 'sweet meat', is considered a delicacy in Kim Jong Un's reclusive regime - particularly in the summer, when it is believed to boost stamina and male virility.

Though the men in the video are only referred to as 'Koreans', they speak with unmistakably North Korean accents, and the country has long sent cheap labourers to Russia, despite international bans.

In 2017, the United Nations passed a resolution banning member states from employing North Korean workers abroad after Pyongyang's provocative missile tests.

North Koreans filmed stroking a dog beside large cooking pot in Russia sparked fears workers were eating local pets

In the clip, North Korean workers can be seen affectionately petting a dog reportedly meant to guard the site, while a pot of red liquid bubbles away nearby

The unusual video comes amid a swirl of speculation on social media, where locals have voiced alarm over a string of missing pets

Russia, a permanent member of the Security Council, officially signed the resolution -but appears to have quietly flouted it.

The labourers, many of whom live in camps under tight surveillance, are reported to have been deployed in Russia's mines, logging camps, construction sites, and, most recently, e-commerce warehouses.

According to reports this week, hundreds of North Koreans are now working for Wildberries, Russia's version of Amazon.

Their presence has grown more visible as Russia grapples with a deepening labour shortage, worsened by its war in Ukraine, which has siphoned millions of workers into the military and arms production.

But the Kremlin's growing dependence on Pyongyang doesn't stop at labour.

North Korea has reportedly sent up to 12,000 troops to support Russia's war effort in Ukraine, especially around the contested Kursk region.

According to a new report by South Korea's Institute for Defence Analysis, Kim's regime may have pocketed as much as 15billion from its military and economic support for Russia - a staggering sum for the isolated nation.

It comes after Kim Jong Un reportedly banned North Koreans from eating hotdogs in a bizarre new crackdown in January.

The despot, 40, claimed that the popular fast food dish is too Western and says that serving the food will now be deemed an act of treason.

Anyone in the hermit state caught selling hotdogs on the streets or cooking the American sausage dish in their homes risks being shipped off to labour camps.

Speaking to The Sun, a vendor in the northern province of Ryanggang said: 'Sales of budae-jjigae in the market have stopped'.

Budae-jjigae is a spicy Korean-American fusion dish made from broth, Korean hot pepper paste, kimchi, American Spam, beans, and sausage.

The dish was imported from affluent, pro-Western South Korea in 2017.

The vendor also confirmed to the newspaper that North Korean police and market management have said anyone caught selling the savoury meal will be shut down.

The bizarre move is part of the regimes ongoing efforts to suppress what it views as decadent, capitalist culture infiltrating the country.
A minibus driver who ploughed head-on into a car after veering onto the wrong side of the road has been jailed.

Benjamin Charles Foster was driving the red Ford Transit when he swerved into oncoming traffic on the A30 Sherborne Road near Purse Caundle, Dorset, on September 7, 2023.

Shocking dash-cam footage showed the moment that vehicle smashed into a red Toyota, which was then pushed into a Volkswagen Polo.

The incident, which took place at 6.15pm, left three people seriously injured, including a man in his 60s who was airlifted to hospital, and a man and a woman in their late teens.

Footage from one of thee cars shows a van crossing a filter lane on a corner, as if to turn right, before it continues straight towards oncoming traffic.

The Toyota is seen trying to avoid it, but it's too late, and the crash has such an impact that the back of the car is lifted into the air.

A Dorset Police investigation led to Foster being arrested and later charged.

The heart-stopping moment was caught on a dashcam as the cars approached a curve

Suddenly, the van is seen approaching the cars, but it then does not turn back into its lane on the A30 Sherborne Road near Purse Caundle, Dorset, on September 7, 2023

The Toyota is seen trying to avoid it, but it's too late, and the crash has such an impact that the back of the car is lifted into the air

Benjamin Charles Foster, 35, pictured, was jailed for four years and disqualified from driving for seven years

The 35-year-old, of Yeovil, Somerset, pleaded guilty at Bournemouth Crown Court yesterday to two counts of causing serious injury by dangerous driving, as well as charges of driving a motor vehicle otherwise than in accordance with a licence and using a motor vehicle on a road/public place without third party insurance.

He was jailed for four years and disqualified from driving for seven years.

Police Constable Adam Carr, of the Serious Collision Investigation Team, said: 'Foster's dangerous driving and failure to have a valid licence and insurance showed utter contempt for both the law and the victims who sustained serious injuries due his reckless actions.

'Through our enquiries, we were able to identify Foster as the driver responsible for this collision and ensure he was brought to court to face the consequences of his actions.

'We continue to urge motorists to make sure they have a valid licence and insurance to ensure they can drive legally on Dorset roads.'
Polling guru Nate Silver is predicting that Democrats will choose Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez as their 2028 presidential nominee.

Silver made the bold claim in a video for his Silver Bulletin Substack Wednesday alongside journalist Galen Druke, who actually brought up AOC as a viable contender first.

'That was going to be my f***ing pick!' Silver exclaimed. 'We both are on the AOC bus.'

Silver explained that he picked AOC 'because of some of the polling, because she has this kind of progressive lane, probably not to herself, because she is younger and media savvy.'

He pointed to polls that showed her leading Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer should she try to challenge him for his New York Senate seat.

Silver said he thought this could mean that she has appeal beyond the progressive left as New York Democrats are actually 'a pretty moderate lot.'

'I think there's a lot of points in her favor at this very moment,' Druke argued. 'In a Yale poll just out late week, AOC has the highest net favorability rating of any of the Democrats that they asked about.'

Ocasio-Cortez had a 62 percent positive rating among Democrats in the survey, with former Democratic nominee, Vice President Kamala Harris, trailing her slightly.

Polling guru Nate Silver (left) and journalist Galen Druke (right) both picked Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez as their dark horse pick to lead the Democratic Party's presidential ticket in 2028

Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez speaks at a stop on the 'Fighting Oligarchy' tour in California earlier this week. She and progressive Sen. Bernie Sanders have drawn large crowds since taking on the Trump agenda

Druke noted that this means that AOC 'has broad appeal across the Democratic Party.'

'She has very fervent support,' he added - something that could come in her favor should she announce a presidential run and get through a crowded primary field.

'I think a lot of people are gonna run in 2028 and it's going to be a contest for attention and getting those sort of people who might be in your boat to turn out and stay with you through thick and thin, and I think that's Ocasio-Cortez,' Druke said.

While AOC has become a prominent Republican punching-bag, she's played the political game better than some of her fellow squad members.

During recent appearances on her 'Fighting Oligarchy' tour, with fellow progressive, Sen. Bernie Sanders, she's stuck to kitchen table issues over pushing social issues that conservatives have expertly maligned as 'woke.'

'I think progressives have learned like stick to the economic message because what you have to say about those social and cultural state of affairs in America broadly isn't popular, and I think she knows that,' Druke said.

Silver said he wasn't sure the 35-year-old New York congresswoman would even run for the presidency.

Druke said he was pretty sure she would.

Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez waves to supporters at a Fighting Oligarchy in Folsom Lake College in Folsom, California

'I think she's gonna run. If you've been following her moves in terms of her 'Fight Oligarchy,' in terms of the kind of content she's putting out on social media,' he argued.

'Also, she has learned a lot as a politician since those early days of opposing Amazon, and especially those early days of the 'Abolish ICE' stuff that was very unpopular ultimately,' Druke continued.

'You listen to her message today, it's all about the economy, and she's really hitting Trump on I think his most obvious weakness most quickly, which is the number of billionaires in his cabinet, he seems to be serving - like playing to the tech elite, and serving people who are ultimately not the median voter in America,' Druke added.

Druke also argued that as a Latina, AOC doesn't have to argue that she's fit to represent a racially diverse party, comparing her ease to former Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg, who while gay, is also a white man from the Midwest.

Silver and Druke agreed on their second-place pick as well - Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro.

In third for Silver was Sen. Cory Booker, the New Jersey Democrat who recently set a record for the longest Senate floor speech.

In third for Druke was 2024 nominee Harris.
The mother of a three-year-old girl who was beaten to death by two boys while she went gambling last year has been sentenced to 18 months in jail.

Dineshia Yates, 27, pleaded guilty to manslaughter and cruelty to juveniles after her daughter, Blessing Buckles, was killed by other children while unattended.

Along with her friend Terica Scott, Yates was booked for leaving eight kids ranging in age from 11 months to 12 years old home alone at her Baton Rouge, Louisiana home.

Yates' daughter Blessing Buckles suffered a brain bleed following an alleged attack by the juvenile suspects - who are Scott's son, 10, and her nephew, 12.

Scott has pleaded not guilty to all charges and is expected to attend court on May 5.

East Baton Rouge Sheriff's Office said they responded to a call about Blessing being unconscious at Scott's home on O'Neal lane on February 12, 2024.

Deputies said a child made the call at around 3.45pm and there were no adults in the house when they arrived. Scott and Yates pulled up in the driveway shortly after.

The pair admitted that all eight children had been left home alone for several hours while they were out gambling at the casino, police said.

Two Louisiana boys aged just 10 and 12 allegedly beat three-year-old Blessing Buckles (pictured) to death in a horrific attack while their moms were gambling at a casino

Dineshia Yates (pictured), 27, pleaded guilty to manslaughter and cruelty to juveniles after her daughter, Blessing Buckles, was killed by other children while unattended

Terica Scott (pictured) said she was aware that her nephew had a history of violence

Scott also said she was aware that her nephew had a history of violence towards other children.

Yates said she had seen bruises on at least one of her daughters after they were left alone with the boy but she 'ignored her children's pleas for help', according to arrest records seen by WAFB.

Scott and Yates were each charged with principal to simple battery and principal to second-degree murder over Blessing's death.

The two boys responsible for the attack were also arrested and charged with one count each of battery and second-degree murder.

EMTs tried to resuscitate Blessing at the home before transporting to her to the hospital in a critical condition. She later succumbed to her injuries and was pronounced dead two days later, on February 14.

Blessing suffered a brain bleed and bruising to her face and body likely to have been caused by blunt force trauma, authorities said.

At the time of her death, Yates and her children had been staying with Scott and her family, and they admitted to police that they regularly left all eight juveniles home alone to go gambling.

The pair are close friends but not related, and they both have criminal records.

Yates was previously arrested for stealing clothes from a Walmart and belongings from a home in 2017, according to WBRZ.

She also reportedly launched a brick through the windshield of another woman's car in 2020.

Scott was charged with murder in 2021 for allegedly shooting a woman to death, but she was never indicted by a grand jury. (Pictured: her booking photo in this case)

Pictured: the house where the brutal attack took place in Baton Rouge, Louisiana

Scott was charged with murder in 2021 for allegedly shooting a woman to death, but she was never indicted by a grand jury.

She was also charged with arson in 2023 for allegedly setting fire to a car outside someone's home.

Witnesses said Scott tampered with security cameras to try to avoid detection, according to a WBRZ report from the time.

Her booking photo for the murder case shows her from the chest up with bare shoulders and her hair tied back. A heart-shaped tattoo is visible in the middle of her chest.

'A case like this is devastating,' Sheriff Sid Gautreaux said in a statement following the recent arrests.

'My heart breaks for this child lost too soon, and I pray for the others involved. Please call law enforcement immediately if you are ever aware of abuse, neglect or desertion of children.'
A mother of three was found bleeding to death by her own children in the family home - and their father has been charged with her murder.

Hien Thi Vu, 45, was treated for severe injuries by paramedics at the family home in New Cross, south-east London, early on Sunday morning but her life could not be saved and she was pronounced dead at the scene.

Shortly afterwards her husband, businessman Hai Van Nguyen, 41, was charged with her murder.

Nguyen appeared at Bromley Magistrates' Court on Monday afternoon over the death of a woman described as 'the most loving, selfless and kind-hearted' mother.

Her three children paid tribute to their beloved mother in a GoFundMe appeal for donations to help pay for a 'farewell she deserves'.

In a moving address, her eldest wrote: 'Our beloved mother, Hien Thi Vu, was tragically taken from us on Sunday.

'She passed away in our home. Her death is now part of an ongoing investigation, and our father has been charged with her murder.

'My younger sister and brother were the ones who discovered our mum's body that morning - an experience no child should ever have to go through.

Mother of three Hien Thi Vu, 45, (pictured) was found bleeding to death by her own children in the family home

Nguyen appeared at Bromley Magistrates' Court on Monday afternoon over the death of a woman described as 'the most loving, selfless and kind-hearted' mother

'While we await answers and justice, we are left with an overwhelming grief.

'Our mum was the most loving, selfless and kind-hearted person we knew.

'She was the sole provider for our family, working tirelessly to ensure we had everything we needed. She dedicated her life to us, always putting others first.

'She didn't deserve what happened - she deserved peace, love and safety. We miss her more than words can express.'

They added: 'We are struggling with the immense pain of this loss, and our only wish is to give our mum the proper, peaceful farewell she deserves - one that reflects the beautiful, strong person she was.

'We are humbly asking for your support to help cover the costs of her funeral and any associated expenses.

'Every donation, no matter the amount, will go directly towards laying her to rest with the dignity, love, and respect she deserves.

Her three children paid tribute to their beloved mother in a GoFundMe appeal for donations to help pay for a 'farewell she deserves'

She was treated for severe injuries by paramedics at the family home in New Cross, south-east London, early on Sunday morning but her life could not be saved

'While no amount of money can ease the pain, your generosity will help us take the necessary steps to honour her memory and begin the long process of healing.

'P.S. We love you, Mummy. Our time was short, but your love is with us forever.'

A Met Police spokesman said: 'Hai Van Nguyen, 41, of Hatfield Close, Lewisham was charged on Monday, 14 April with the murder of his wife, Hien Thi Vu, 45.

'Nguyen was remanded in custody and appeared at Bromley Magistrates' Court on Monday afternoon.

'His next hearing will be at a court and on a date that is yet to be decided.

'Hien Vu's next-of-kin have been informed and continue to be supported by specialist officers.

'A post-mortem examination will take place in due course.'
A female nursery school teacher allegedly sexually assaulted and killed her boyfriend's four-year-old daughter because she was jealous of her.

Amber Lee Hughes, 25, stands accused of the rape and murder of Nada-Jane Challita and has now gone on trial at the Johannesburg High Court in South Africa.

Hughes allegedly sexually assaulted the young girl with an object before drowning her and cutting her wrists on January 23, 2023. She has pleaded not guilty.

A spokesperson for the National Prosecuting Authority, Phindi Mjonondwane, said: 'The court heard that the preschool teacher allegedly developed a romantic relationship with the deceased's father.

'She moved in with them and during her stay, their relationship was allegedly marked by frequent altercations.'

Mjonondwane said that the defendant regularly threatened to harm the child during these arguments.

It is alleged that when the father, Elie Challita, left Nada-Jane alone in Hughes' care, she sexually assaulted the young girl using objects.

The spokesperson also said: 'It is also alleged that she drowned her and cut both her wrists. The deceased's lifeless body was later found floating in the bathtub.'

Amber Lee Hughes, 25, stands accused of the rape and murder of Nada-Jane Challita and has now gone on trial at the Johannesburg High Court in South Africa .

Hughes allegedly sexually assaulted Nada-Jane Challita with an object before drowning her and cutting her wrists on January 23, 2023

A spokesperson for the National Prosecuting Authority, Phindi Mjonondwane, said that the defendant regularly threatened to harm the child during arguments

Challita, who was heard as a witness, told the court that Hughes had grown jealous of his daughter.

He said: '[She] was jealous about me giving [Nada-Jane] more attention and spending more money on her.'

On the day of the murder, Challita had gone on a job interview, but Hughes seemed angry that he did not give her a goodbye kiss before leaving and suspected him of cheating.

She sent him a chilling text message saying: 'You broke my heart; I'm going to burn yours. How could you do that to me?'

The father said: 'I felt my heart fall from my chest; I felt something was very wrong.'

The trial is ongoing.
A former Las Vegas judge will soon find out if she will be jailed until 2165 after she was found guilty of pocketing donations that were supposed to go toward a memorial statue of a slain officer.

A jury convicted Michele Fiore, 54, in October on six counts of wire fraud and one count of conspiracy to commit wire fraud.

The disgraced Republican will be sentenced on May 14, and could face up to 140 years in prison - meaning she wouldn't get out until 2165.

Fiore has maintained her innocence and even went on to blame the FBI for coming after her as part of a revenge plot.

The political firebrand, who was backed by the Proud Boys militia, had raised money for a statue of Alyn Beck, one of two Vegas cops murdered on duty in 2014.

She was then suspended from the bench after it was found that she spent $70,000 of the money on herself, including for plastic surgery.

Fiore claimed she had been targeted by the FBI for supporting rancher Clive Bundy after he was charged over an armed stand-off between federal agents and militants at Oregon's Malheur Federal Wildlife Refuge in 2016.

'For a decade I've been their target for standing up for what was right,' she wrote in a statement. 'As I go through this distressing and challenging time, fight again, and bring light to the shadows.'

Former Las Vegas judge Michele Fiore (pictured), 54, will soon find out is she will be jailed for up to 140 years after she was convicted of wire fraud charges in October

The political firebrand who was backed by the Proud Boys militia had raised money for a statue of Alyn Beck (pictured), one of two Vegas cops murdered on duty in 2014

The city was outraged when Beck, 41, and his colleague Igor Soldo, 31, were gunned down by a pair of white supremacists as they ate lunch at a pizza restaurant in June 2014.

Fiore was a Las Vegas City councilwoman when she spoke at the opening of a memorial park named after Beck in 2018, and announced she planned to raise money for a statue to the murdered officer.

She then went on to contract a company to create the statue and falsely told it she 'had appropriated discretionary funds through the City of Las Vegas' to pay for it, according to an indictment filed in July 2024.

She set up a charity in July 2019 to solicit donations claiming that '100 percent of the contributions' would go to the cause.

But none of the money was used for the statue and all went directly to bank accounts she controlled, prosecutors said.

'Fiore instructed prospective donors to write a check to a bank account that Fiore controlled at Bank of Nevada,' they claim.

'Fiore directed that money to be spent not for the charitable purpose solicited but for her own personal expenses.'

In 2021, FBI agents subpoenaed records and searched Fiore's home in northwest Las Vegas in connection with her campaign spending.

Fiore has maintained her innocence and went on to blame the FBI for coming after her as part of a revenge plot. (Fiore with Donald Trump Jr.)

The city was outraged when Beck, 41, and his colleague Igor Soldo (pictured), 31, were gunned down by a pair of white supremacists as they ate lunch at a pizza restaurant in June 2014

Her attorney Michael Sanft told the jury that the FBIs investigation was 'sloppy.'

Fiore, who does not have a law degree, was appointed as a judge in deep-red Nye County by lawmakers in 2022 shortly after she lost her campaign for state treasurer.

She was elected in June of that year to complete the unexpired term of a judge who died.

She was a Las Vegas councilwoman from 2017 to 2022 and an outspoken gun rights supporter.

The 54-year-old served in the state Legislature from 2012 to 2016, making headlines posing with guns and her family for Christmas cards.

Fiore's daughters, Sheena and Savanah, featured prominently on a calendar she posed for in 2015 dubbed 'Michele Fiore's 2016 Walk The Talk 2nd Amendment Calendar.'

Andrea Soldo, the wife of slain Officer Igor Soldo, is seen crying at her late husband's funeral after he was shot

The 54-year-old served in the state Legislature from 2012 to 2016, making headlines posing with guns and her family for Christmas cards

That year, she sent out an infamous Christmas card of her family holding pistols and semi-automatics, including her five-year-old grandson Jake who held a Walther p22.

She defended the image saying: 'If you look real close, you'll see that his finger is not on the trigger.

'That five-year-old grandson of mine has total trigger control.

'I think giving firearms as a present and getting firearms as a present is a great present, and I think because Christmas is a family affair, our ultimate responsibility is to protect and make sure our family is safe.'

Months earlier, she had hit the headlines after saying she would shoot Syrian refugees herself when asked if Nevada should offer them asylum.

'What, are you kidding me? I'm about to fly to Paris and shoot 'em in the head myself,' she told a local radio station.

'I am not okay with Syrian refugees. I'm not okay with terrorists. I'm okay with putting them down, blacking them out, just put a piece of brass in their ocular cavity and end their miserable life. I'm good with that.'

Fiore has also come under fire for having pushed 'Right to Try' laws to allow patients to choose experimental treatments, claiming that cancer is a fungus and could be cured with baking soda.

Fiore, who does not have a law degree, was appointed as a judge in deep-red Nye County by lawmakers in 2022 shortly after she lost her campaign for state treasurer

'If you have cancer, which I believe is a fungus, and we can put a PICC line into your body and we're flushing with, say, salt water, sodium carbonate, through that line and flushing out the fungus,' she said in 2015.

And she pushed a bill that would allow students to carry guns on college campuses, suggesting it could decrease sexual assaults.

'If these young, hot little girls on campus have a firearm, I wonder how many men will want to assault them,' she told the New York Times.

'The sexual assaults that are occurring would go down once these sexual predators get a bullet in their head.'
Google has lost a major antitrust case after a judge found it illegally built 'monopoly power' to control online advertising.

US District Judge Leonie Brinkema made the ruling on Thursday in a significant victory for online news publishers.

The decision vindicates dozens of companies that were disadvantaged by Google's practices worldwide.

Daily Mail's Chief Digital Officer Matthew Wheatland was a key witness in the case, fought by the Department of Justice, which proved the tech giant promotes anti-competitive practices in two key markets.

These two markets - the publisher ad server and ad exchange markets for open-web display advertising - were illegally controlled by Google's monopoly for the last decade, the judge ruled on Thursday.

However, Judge Brinkema dismissed the third notion that Google monopolized tools used by advertisers to buy display ads.

She also chastised the company for its 'systemic disregard of the evidentiary rules regarding spoliation of evidence and its misuse of the attorney-client privilege.

Immediately after the landmark ruling in Virginia on Thursday, Alphabet's shares sank by 3.2 percent - signaling the latest major blow for the embattled tech titan.

Google lost a landmark antitrust federal case after being found guilty of monopolizing advertising technology markets - in what's being hailed as a major win for the free press

Pictured: Sundar Pichai, CEO of Google and Alphabet. Google said they will appeal the part of the case they lost

Judge Brinkema said the company used 'contractual policies and technological integration' to ultimately suffocate other news publishers on the platform.

Google was also found to have imposed policies warning off competition to its customers, as well as removing desirable product features - which deprived the search engine's rivals of the ability to compete.

Judge Brinkema wrote in a 115-page opinion, which applies to Googles operations worldwide: 'Google has willfully engaged in a series of anticompetitive acts to acquire and maintain monopoly power in the publisher ad server and ad exchange markets for open-web display advertising.

'Google further entrenched its monopoly power by imposing anticompetitive policies on its customers and eliminating desirable product features,' she wrote.

'In addition to depriving rivals of the ability to compete, this exclusionary conduct substantially harmed Googles publisher customers, the competitive process, and, ultimately, consumers of information on the open web.

During the antitrust trial in September, Mr. Wheatland told the court: 'We are a news publisher that produces content that we believe Americans find important and interesting, and monetization we receive is generated by display advertising which runs through Google.

'Google suppressing prices for publishers ultimately reduces publisher revenue which, in turn, means we do not invest in journalism in a way that we potentially otherwise could.'

Google have said they will appeal the part of the case they lost.

Lee-Anne Mulholland, Google's vice president of regulatory affairs, told The Verge: 'The Court found that our advertiser tools and our acquisitions, such as DoubleClick, don't harm competition.

US District Judge Leonie Brinkema (pictured) made the ruling on Thursday, vindicating dozens of companies who were disadvantaged by Google's illegal practices in the advertising and publishing world

'We disagree with the Court's decision regarding our publisher tools. Publishers have many options and they choose Google because our ad tech tools are simple, affordable and effective.'

Next week, a judge will hold a trial in Washington next week on a request by the US Department of Justice to make Google sell its market-leading Chrome browser and take other measures to end its dominance in online searches.

Jonathan Kanter, the former Justice Department antitrust chief, praised the outcome on Thursday.

He told Bloomberg that the ruling 'is a huge victory for antitrust enforcement, the media industry, and the free and open internet. I am extremely proud of our team at DOJ and partners from the state attorneys general for this momentous victory.'

'Google is now an illegal monopolist twice over.'

The ruling on Thursday comes just two days after a new lawsuit against Google was announced in Britain.

A class action lawsuit, citing potential damages of up to $6.6 billion, was launched against the company for allegedly abusing its dominant market position in online search.

Filed at the Competition Appeal Tribunal, the new legal battle claims that Google's actions allowed the tech giant to charge higher prices for ads that show up in search inquiries.
Longtime Democrat strategist James Carville believes that his party's top priority should be rescuing alleged MS-13 member Kilmar Abrego Garcia from prison in El Salvador.

'People say, 'Well, should we really fight on this turf or should we fight more on ordinary people?' And this we should fight on - you can't pivot to an economic issue,' Carville, who famously coined the phrase 'its the economy, stupid,' said.

Speaking with journalist Al Hunt on their 'Politics War Room' podcast, Carville was discussing how liberals should respond to President Donald Trump's agenda.

Specifically, he mentioned Abrego Garcia's high-profile legal fight with the White House over their accidentally deporting the Salvadorian man, who has an American wife and kid.

'This is why we think we are country, and they do this to him,' Carville continued. 'It's an old saying 'first they came for you ... and they came for me.''

'I think this is worthy of being on the top agenda of things that we're going to fight on is get this guy back home,' the Democrat said of Abrego Garcia.

'I completely agree,' Hunt said in response.

Though their advocating for his release comes just as new court documents reveal that Abrego Garcia's wife, Jennifer Vasquez, filed court documents alleging that her husband beat her up multiple times.

Democratic strategist James Carville said the top priority for liberals should be to return Salvadorian Kilmar Abrego Garcia to the U.S. from an El Salvador prison

Kilmar Abrego Garcia was an active MS-13 member, he Justice Department has claimed, which is considered a terrorist organization in the U.S.

Jennifer Vasquez, Abrego Garcia's wife, has been advocating for his release. Though this week court documents filed by Vasquez describing how Abrego Garcia used to beat her up came to light, tanking public support for the deported man

A 2021 petition for protection from domestic violence filled out by Vasquez, which was obtained first by DailyMail.com, states that the alleged MS-13 member beat his wife multiple times over the years.

In November 2020, Abrego Garcia hit Vasquez with his work boots, and in August 2020 he hit her in the eye, causing her to get a black eye, according to her petition.

That same day Abrego Garcia started driving quickly, scaring his wife, as their one-year-old was in the back seat.

'In the recording you can hear him yelling, insulting me, driving extreme fast,' Vasquez told authorities.

Later that day she left the residence they shared after being 'afraid to be close to him,' her request continued.

Then in May 2021, after an argument at a gas station, the Salvadorian migrant punched and scratched his wife, 'leaving me bleeding,' Vasquez wrote.

Additional documents released this week reveal that Maryland police claimed Abrego Garcia was a confirmed member of MS-13, though Democrats have claimed that the Salvadorian is an innocent 'Maryland father' who was improperly swept up in Trump's deportation campaign.

Abrego Garcia was deported from the U.S. on March 15

Jennifer Vasquez attends a hearing in the case of her husband Kilmar Abrego Garcia who was deported to a notorious prison in El Salvador due to a Trump administrative error at the U.S. District Court for the District of Maryland in Greenbelt MD on April 15, 2025

Maryland Sen. Chris Van Hollen speaks to the press in La Libertad, El Salvador on Wednesday

Maryland Democrat Sen. Chris Van Hollen even flew down to El Salvador to advocate for Abrego Garcia's release on Wednesday.

But after arriving Van Hollen was denied a meeting with the country's president and was not allowed to visit CECOT, the maximum-security prison where Abrego Garcia is being held.

Still, multiple courts have ruled that the Trump administration must 'facilitate' the alleged gang member's return to the U.S. so that he can go through a proper deportation process.

The Trump administration has previously admitted that Abrego Garcia's deportation was the result of an 'administrative error.'

Regardless, White House officials have stated they have not intention of bringing him back.

El Salvador's President Nayib Bukele affirmed on Monday that he has no intentions on releasing Abrego Garcia either.
A Missouri school teacher was fired from her post after only a few months for not being able to manage her classroom or give kids instructions, according to a new lawsuit.

Sharon Nicholas was hired last July as a first-grade teacher at the Immaculate Conception Catholic School in Dardenne Prairie.

Just three months into her role as a first-grade teacher at the school, she was informed that she was being sacked.

In a termination letter, the school's principal Michelle Knapp said that Nicholas was being let go due to classroom management and a lack of effective instructions.

She was given opportunities to learn from other teachers, but even after this period of time there had been a 'lack of growth,' the brutal letter said.

It said: 'Sharon, after providing you opportunities to observe other teachers, receive feedback from administration, and providing you with professional development resources, there has been a lack of growth.'

In a lawsuit filed this week, Nicholas has claimed the school violated her contract by firing her without the promised notice of 30 days.

She also claims they let her go without her severance pay of three months' salary and is seeking damages of over $25,000 in unpaid salary as well as attorney fees.

Sharon Nicholas was hired last July as a first-grade teacher at the Immaculate Conception of Dardenne, in Dardenne Prairie, seen here

Nicholas also says the school did not follow her contract's stated reasons for termination, low enrollment or a lack of staff to operate the school.

The suit says that Nicholas had sent a letter to the local archdiocese, who are named as a defendant, to advise them of their breach of her contract.

She claims she has yet to receive any response to that letter from the archdiocese and hasn't received any part of the remainder of her salary from the last school year.

In taking on the role she was being paid a base salary of $38,705, the lawsuit adds.

According to the St. Louis Dispatch the school has over 700 students and is the second largest in the archdiocese.

The outlet said that the recent suit has gave an insight into teacher pay in the archdiocese, which doesn't disclose salaries.

Her suit says that Nicholas had been a teacher for over 15 years and has a 'long list of notable achievements'.

In a termination letter, the school's principal Michelle Knapp said that Nicholas was being let go due to classroom management and a lack of effective instructions

Teachers with the same credentials and experience at the school should be expected to make just over $50,000, the outlet said.

Archdiocese leaders have said in the past that low teacher salaries are a social justice problem for the church.

Raises were on the agenda in 2023 for a restructuring plan in the area that also led to the closure of nine parish schools.

DailyMail.com has approached the archdiocese and the school district for comment.
Russia is using the violent rape of Ukrainian civilians as a weapon to break the spirit of the nation, Ukrainian human rights lawyer Oleksandra Matviichuk has told the Mail's 'Apocalypse Now' podcast.

Matviichuk works to catalogue Russian war crimes in Ukraine, in hopes that once the invasion is repelled, those implicated will face justice.

She said her organisation, the Centre for Civil Liberties, has uncovered 84,000 instances of war crimes perpetrated by Putin's war machine since the annexation of Crimea in 2014.

For its tireless work preserving the stories of victims, The Centre for Civil Liberties was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 2022.

In conversation with the Mail's special correspondent David Patrikarakos, Matviichuk described the Russian army's use of sexual violence as a 'weapon of war'.

'This crime has a very sensitive nature', Matviichuk described.

'Through the targeting of individuals, Russia can target entire communities. The survivors feel shame  so do their neighbours, their relatives, and their families.

Listen to new politics podcast - Apocalypse Now?' wherever you get your podcasts. Listen now

Oleksandra Matviichuk works to catalogue Russian war crimes in Ukraine, in hopes that once the invasion is repelled, those implicated will face justice. Listen here

Oleksandra Matviichuk: 'I spoke with hundreds of people who survived Russian captivity  men and women, civilian and military. They told me horrible stories.' Listen here

'They feel guilty because they couldn't stop it. They feel fear that they could be subjected to the same treatment.

'This complex mix of different feelings decreases social connections between members of different communities and helps Russia control the occupied regions.'

Matviichuk detailed some of the accounts of horrific sexual violence and torture she had gathered from Ukranians living behind Russian lines.

'I spoke with hundreds of people who survived Russian captivity  men and women, civilian and military', she began.

'They told me horrible stories: how they were beaten, raped, smashed into wooden boxes.

'Their fingers were cut, their nails ripped away. Nails were drilled into. Some were electrically shocked through their genitalia.

'One woman told me how her eye was dug out with a spoon. There is no legitimate reason for doing such things. Russians are doing these horrible things only because they can.'

An expose by The Mail's Andy Jehring cataloged concurring stories of senseless Russian brutality.

He referred to one case where a 62-year-old widow was ordered at gunpoint to run around naked in the snow before being sexually violated with a Kalashnikov rifle.

Oleksandra Matviichuk: 'Women are on the frontlines of this battle for freedom and democracy because bravery has no gender.' Listen here

Oleksandra Matviichuk: 'We are fighting for our daughters.' Listen here

A recent Human Rights Council report concluded that Russian authorities systematically used sexual violence as a form of torture against male and female detainees.

Despite the horrors inflicted upon predominantly women, Matviichuk delivered a stirring account of female bravery in Ukraine.

'I know enormous amounts of fantastic women in different fields of Ukrainian society', Matviichuk said.

'Women are on the frontlines of this battle for freedom and democracy because bravery has no gender.

'In this war, we are fighting for our daughters. We want our daughters to never have to face a situation again where they must prove they are human beings.

'Hope is not the same as having confidence that everything will be fine. Hope for me, is a deep understanding that all our efforts have a huge meaning.'

If you or anyone you know has been a victim of rape or sexual assault, you can get help at Rape Crisis England & Wales.
A defiant Kemi Badenoch today told David Tennant 'I was right' following the Supreme Court's ruling on the legal definition of a 'woman'.

The Tory leader returned to her past row with the former Dr Who star in the wake of the judgment by the UK's highest court.

Senior judges on Wednesday confirmed the terms woman and sex in the 2010 Equality Act 'refer to a biological woman and biological sex'.

It means transgender women with a gender recognition certificate (GRC) can be excluded from single-sex spaces if 'proportionate'.

Ms Badenoch, a former women and equalities minister, hailed the ruling as a 'victory'.

Speaking to GB News this afternoon, she pointed to how she had 'got abuse' - including from Tennant - for 'really fighting on this issue' in the past.

Ahead of last summer's general election, the Scottish actor sparked a furious row with Ms Badenoch by telling her to 'shut up' on issues such as transgender rights.

As he received an award for being a 'celebrity ally' for LGBTQ+ people, Tennant said of the Conservative MP: 'I don't wish ill of her, I just wish her to shut up.'

A defiant Kemi Badenoch told David Tennant 'I was right' following the Supreme Court 's ruling on the legal definition of a 'woman'

As he received an award for being a 'celebrity ally' for LGBTQ+ people last year, Tennant said of the Conservative MP: 'I don't wish ill of her, I just wish her to shut up.'

Ms Badenoch referred back to the row when she was asked why it had been left to judges to confirm the definition of a 'woman' after the Tories spent 14 years in power.

'Judges had also been changing the definition,' she replied. 'This went to the Supreme Court because at a lower court, a different ruling was given.

'This case has been going on for years. I believe it started in 2018, long before I became equalities minister.

'And there were many other things which I did when I was in government. You look at what happened in Scotland, where they were bringing in full self-identification.

'I was the one who stopped that, bringing in that Section 35 judgment. I also supported a lot of the people who had been working on these cases.

'And I was bringing in legislation to emphasise that sex in the Equality Act was biological, just as the snap election was called. I wasn't expecting that.

'But I spent my entire time as equalities minister really fighting on this issue - I even got abuse from David Tennant!

'But it's one of those things where a lot of people have been scared to speak out. You need bravery, and I'm so pleased I cannot tell you how pleased I am.'

Asked what her message was to Tennant, Ms Badenoch added: 'I was right!

'And actually what is now really clear is that the law explains something that all children know, men are men and women are women.'

The Tory leader suggested there should now be a parliamentary review of laws on equality and gender recognition in light of the Supreme Court ruling.
An adorable Boston Terrier was abandoned at a Pennsylvania animal shelter by her cruel owners because she could not have puppies.

The Central PA Humane Society posted a photo of Brenda, a two-year-old black and white pup, on Facebook on April 10.

'She is a Boston Terrier mix, she is just hiding her ears! She was dumped after "not being able to reproduce,"' the post said.

The dog is available for adoption at their Altoona location and has a plethora of good qualities.

'She can live with children. She has done well so far with cats, though she does follow them around out of curiosity and excitement,' the shelter said.

'As far as a canine sibling, she seems to prefer smaller dogs like her. She will not hesitate to square up with another dog, no matter how much bigger than her it may be!

'Brenda may be best suited as an only dog, but she can absolutely meet any new potential siblings!'

Brenda's adoption fee includes getting her microchipped, spayed and vaccinated. Interested owners can apply for the dog on the shelter's website under the Adopt A Pet tab.

Brenda (pictured), a two-year-old black and white Boston Terrier mix, was abandoned for being unable to have puppies

The Central PA Humane Society (pictured) said Brenda is available for adoption at their Altoona location and has a plethora of good qualities

In Harrisburg, an adorable gray Pitbull was abandoned with a heartbreaking note claiming they ditched her because she is not 'good with new people.'

On March 9, the Swatara Township Police Department alerted locals about the pet pooch.

Officers said that the owner was seen dumping the gray Pitbull, which is believed to be around nine years old, on March 7 at 6:21 a.m.

Along with her crate, water bowl, bone, yellow toy, and red and white blanket, the owner also left a heartbreaking handwritten note.

'I've had her for nine years so she's a good dog, but doesn't do good with new people,' the note read.

'I've been trying to rid her for over a year and she won't go to anyone and I can't have her or take care of her anymore.

'Please be careful, she's scared and doesn't know you so she's defensive. Not a crazy dog. Thanks and sorry.'

Once the pup was found, police took her to the Humane Society in Harrisburg.
A British teacher accused of sexually assaulting a child in Turkey should not be extradited because she has depression, a court has heard.

Rebecca Richardson, 54, appeared at Westminster Magistrates' Court on Thursday to fight being sent back after an incident said to have happened while she was teaching at an international school in Istanbul.

The alleged assault happened in early 2019, when the child would have been four or five years old.

The court heard Richardson, of Cradley in Herefordshire, left the UK in 2000 and spent nearly 20 years living abroad.

She lived in Turkey between 2013 and 2019, but before that had lived in Mexico and Hong Kong.

Doctors who have assessed her told the court she has mental health struggles.

Dr Richard Latham said Richardson suffers from moderate depression, but noted that her symptoms would worsen if she were to be extradited and imprisoned in Turkey.

Dr John Tully, who gave evidence by video link, said he deemed Richardson's condition mild, with 'no objective signs she was severely depressed'.

Teacher Rebecca Richardson from Cradley in Herefordshire, arrives at Westminster Magistrates' Court in London today to attend an extradition hearing following an extradition request from Turkey after she was accused of sexually assaulting a child in Istanbul, on January 22, 2019 whilst teaching in Turkey

Graeme Hall, representing Richardson, asked Dr Latham if she were to be extradited, would her symptoms worsen.

'I agree,' Dr Latham said.

Asked if her risk of suicidal thoughts would worsen if she were extradited, Dr Latham said: 'Yes.'

He raised concerns about Richardson's risk of suicide if she were to be extradited, and said the teacher can give the impression she 'is in a better state than she is'.

Richardson, who sat in seats in front of the dock, wore a white shirt and black blazer.

She spoke only to confirm she understood her duty to return to court for her next hearing.

She was granted conditional bail and will face a further extradition hearing on June 2. The decision on her extradition is not expected until two weeks after that.
This is the horrifying moment a mother dragged two police officers along the road while speeding off after being pulled over.

Lauren Baird, 43, gave a false name and details to officers in Aviemore in Scotland after a computer check revealed the vehicle had no insurance.

After police challenged her and informed her she was under arrest, Baird sped off.

She was caught on dashcam dragging the two officers along the B9152 as they narrowly avoided being dragged under her wheels.

The incident in July 2023 was captured on police dashcam footage which was shown at Inverness Sheriff Court.

One officer was able to detach himself from the car after travelling a few feet down the road but a female officer could not get free until several yards down the road.

Both officers were taken to Raigmore Hospital in Inverness and required treatment on multiple injuries.

The female officer, who was left having to use crutches, has still not been able to return to work.

Lauren Baird, 43, gave a false name and details to officers in Aviemore in Scotland after a computer check revealed the vehicle had no insurance

After police challenged her and informed her she was under arrest, Baird sped off

She was caught on dashcam dragging the two officers along the B9152 as they narrowly avoided being dragged under her wheels

Osborne appeared in court in person and admitted culpable and reckless conduct to the danger of the officers' lives; attempting to pervert to pervert the course of justice by giving police false details and attempting to conceal the vehicle she was driving whilst having no licence or insurance.

Fiscal depute Susan Love told the court that police had difficulty in obtaining Baird's true details in a half hour conversation during which she showed the officers a photograph she claimed was her but clearly it was not.

Ms Love added: 'It was fortunate that the officers did not go under the wheels of her car.

'They were taken to Raigmore Hospital in Inverness for treatment to grazing, bruises, head swelling, an injured knee and a staved finger.

Baird was found in a hotel after the incident and her car had been hidden in a forest road close to the property.

Drugs possession charges against Baird were dropped by the prosecution service.

Sheriff Sara Matheson deferred sentence on Baird until June 3 for a background report and a restriction of liberty order assessment.

Her bail was continued.
A Finnish man accused of doing a 2,000 'dine and dash' at one of Britain's most prestigious hotels has appeared in court.

Homeless Mikko Luistinen, 58, allegedly tucked into a sumptuous meal with wine at the five-star Dorchester Hotel on Park Lane, in May 2022 worth 1,936, with no intention of paying.

Staff called the police and he was arrested but then failed to appear in court after he was granted bail.

A warrant was issued for his arrest and he was finally held earlier this month.

Wearing a green jumper with matching trousers Luistinen spoke only to confirm his name and date of birth at Westminster Magistrates Court on Wednesday.

A Finnish interpreter was not available to assist Luistinen and the case had to be put back.

District Judge Briony Clarke said she was 'very sorry' the court had been unable to find an interpreter.

The matter was adjourned until Tuesday 22 April for a Finnish interpreter to appear via videolink.

Homeless Mikko Luistinen, 58, allegedly tucked into a sumptuous meal with wine worth 1,936 at the five-star Dorchester Hotel on Park Lane

Staff called the police and he was arrested but then failed to appear in court after he was granted bail

A Finnish interpreter was not available to assist Luistinen at first and the case had to be put back

Luistinen, of no fixed address, is accused of obtaining services dishonestly and failing to surrender to custody.

He remains remanded in custody.
Britons are being warned to brace for miles of traffic, roadworks and chaos on the rail networks as the Easter weekend getaway begins.

Nearly 20million people hit the road on Thursday, while 19million more are set to travel on Friday - meaning many motorists could face snaking queues along some of Britain's busiest motorways.

Hotspots are expected to include the M6 around Birmingham and Blackpool, the M25's south-western section from the M23 to M40, the M5 at Bristol and the A303 in Wiltshire.

A yellow warning for a 'prolonged spell of rain' has been issued for Good Friday in south-west England by the Met Office, meaning difficult driving conditions with some disruption to travel likely.

The warning, affecting Cornwall, Devon, Plymouth and Torbay, is in place from Friday at 6pm through to Saturday at 9am during which up to 75mm of rain could fall.

Residents have been advised by the forecaster that flooding of some homes and business is possible, along with longer journey times for travellers.

The downpours may also be accompanied by 'windy' conditions, the Met Office added.

This comes after a flood warning was issued earlier this week in Devon following a night of heavy rain in the county.

The forecast traffic is so great that National Highways has shelved more than 1,000 miles of roadworks in a bid to keep motorways and major carriageways clear.

And those looking to escape the country entirely could also find their best laid plans scuppered, with strikes set to hit up to 50 flights a day at Gatwick Airport.

There will be no respite for people hoping to get away by train, with the situation on Britain's railways arguably worse, as hundreds of engineering works take place.

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Passengers arrive at King's Cross Station in London this afternoon as the Easter getaway starts

Passengers carrying luggage stand in the concourse at King's Cross Station today

Elsewhere, southern and eastern England will see some 'fine weather with some sunshine' on Good Friday while most of the showers are expected to be confined to western areas, the Met Office said in an online forecast.

Best and worst time to leave for the Easter getaway Thursday Best time - Before 12pm Worst time - 2pm to 7pm Good Friday Best time - Before 10am Worst time - 10am to 7pm Saturday Best time - Before 10.30am, after 2pm Worst time - 11am to 1pm Easter Sunday Best time - After 1pm Worst time - 11am to 1pm Easter Monday Best time - Before 11am Worst time - 11am to 6pm Source: RAC Advertisement

The southeast England will enjoy the highest temperatures of the day of up to 18C.

On Saturday, 'showery bursts' are likely across southern England with 'a bit of a breeze' and some 'fine weather' further north and east, Met Office meteorologist Clare Nasir said.

'You'll find that showery rain tends to sort of wax and wane as we head through the day, but still a fair amount of cloud here,' she added.

Highs of 16C are expected on Saturday in southern England, followed by lows of around freezing that night.

Lighter wind with some 'fine weather' and a 'mix of sunshine and cloud' are forecast on Easter Sunday, with highs of 16C in London, 11C in Edinburgh and 15C in Cardiff, the Met Office said.

On Monday, more 'unsettled' weather is expected, with outbreaks of rain and showers focused in the south and west, according to the weather service.

Central and southeastern England are expected to see the warmest temperatures of the day of around 19C.

Network Rail, making the most of an anticipated fall in commuters, is undertaking 300 projects across Britain between Good Friday and Monday, causing a number of lines to be closed.

Among the most significant effects will be at London Euston - the UK's 10th busiest railway station - which will have no services to or from Milton Keynes on Saturday and Easter Sunday, and a reduced timetable on Good Friday and Monday.

The rail works that will hit people wanting to travel by train include renewals of overhead electric lines and drainage improvements.

Services on the West Coast Main Line between Saturday and Monday will start and terminate at Carlisle, with replacement buses serving stations to the north.

Platforms one to eight will be closed at London Victoria, meaning no Southeastern trains will serve the station over the four-day bank holiday period.

Trains will be diverted instead via London Bridge or London Cannon Street.

Engineering work in the Southampton and Brockenhurst areas will close various lines in the region.

Helen Hamlin, Network Rail's director of system operations, said: 'The vast majority of the rail network will be open as usual for people wanting to travel over the Easter bank holiday, but there will be changes to services in some areas, so we're asking passengers to plan ahead and check before they travel.

'We carry out a large amount of our work over the Easter period as passenger numbers are lower than they typically would be, disrupting fewer journeys, and the two bank holidays either side of the weekend give us a unique opportunity to get more work done whilst keeping disruption to a minimum.'

Network Rail has said it would deliver investments totalling 86million over the Easter period.

Meanwhile, drivers are being advised to prepare for congestion around town and city centres, retail parks and major routes.

Traffic was already hitting the M25 in Kent this afternoon, as people finished work

Traffic snakes its way onto the M25 near to the Dartford Crossing in Kent this afternoon

Easter getaway 2025 BUSIEST ROADS M6 in Birmingham area

M6 in Blackpool area

South and western section of the M25 between the M23 and M40

M5 at Bristol

A303 in Wiltshire RAILS London Euston : No services to/from Milton Keynes on Easter Saturday and Sunday

: No services to/from Milton Keynes on Easter Saturday and Sunday London Victoria : Southeastern services diverted; reduced Southern and Gatwick Express services

: Southeastern services diverted; reduced Southern and Gatwick Express services Carlisle / Glasgow / Edinburgh : Buses replace trains on some routes

/ / : Buses replace trains on some routes Southampton : Trains diverted via Fareham into Portsmouth

: Trains diverted via Fareham into Portsmouth Elizabeth line : Reduced service in western section

: Reduced service in western section Piccadilly line : No service Acton Town to Uxbridge

: No service Acton Town to Uxbridge Docklands Light Railway : No service on three sections

: No service on three sections London Paddington : Disruptive work

: Disruptive work Manchester / Stockport : Disruptive work

/ : Disruptive work Cambridge : Disruptive work

: Disruptive work Leeds / Huddersfield area: Disruptive work Advertisement

The AA estimated that 19.1million people in the UK would drive on Good Friday, with 18.5million hitting the road on Saturday and 18.2 million on each of Easter Sunday and Monday.

The predictions come as Steven Skeates, deputy chief meteorologist at the Met Office, said there would be 'changeable weather for many' during the bank holiday weekend.

An area of low pressure could bring 'heavy and possibly even disruptive rain' on Good Friday for parts of south-west England, Northern Ireland and South Wales, he added.

And RAC breakdown spokesperson Alice Simpson suggested that if the heavy rain became a reality, 'many drivers may have their journeys disrupted as they set off for day trips and long weekends'.

She added: 'It's vital to plan ahead and be prepared for trips to take longer because of the wet weather and the expected getaway congestion.'

Ms Simpson said an estimated 6.2million people were 'undecided' on when they will travel for an Easter leisure trip, which means 'any sign of sun' could spark 'big jams'.

National Highways said it has removed roadworks from 1,127 miles of motorways and major A roads in England, meaning 97.5 per cent of its network is free of traffic cones for Easter getaways.

Tourism authority VisitEngland estimates that about 10.6million British adults are planning to take a holiday in the UK over the bank holiday period.

Meanwhile travel trade organisation Abta said approximately 2.2million Britons would head overseas during the long weekend, with Good Friday being the busiest day for travel.

Some 11,282 flights are scheduled to leave UK airports between Good Friday and Monday, according to aviation analytics company Cirium.

That is six per cent more than during last year's Easter, but remains four per cent down from Easter 2019.

The most common international destinations for UK departures this Easter are Dublin, Amsterdam, Malaga, Alicante and Mallorca.

Traffic queues along the M25 for the Dartford Crossing in Kent today as the Easter getaway begins

Traffic queues are seen today along the A2 close to the Dartford Crossing in Kent

Meanwhile, those who do try and make the trip abroad could find themselves confronted with strike action at one airport.

Staff at Gatwick Airport are set to walk out from Good Friday until next Tuesday as part of the row over conditions, sparking warnings that up to 50 flights per day could be hit.

Ground staff at Red Handling and the union Unite are currently in dispute, with baggage handlers, check-in staff and flight dispatchers from airlines including Norwegian, Delta, TAP and Air Peace going on strike.

London Heathrow is tipped to be the busiest airport departure point, with 12,093 outbound flights across the holidays as a whole - followed by Gatwick, Manchester and Stansted.

EasyJet is expected to be the busiest airline throughout the holidays, with 10,276 departures from the UK, followed by British Airways and Ryanair.

Good Friday will be the busiest day overall for UK departures during the weekend, with almost 3,000 flights.

Elsewhere, there have been warnings that holidaymakers could be hit with surprise extra charges on the Eurotunnel for failing to comply with a change in rules.

LeShuttle has altered its terms and conditions for those who have booked day trip and overnight tickets.

Traffic jams are pictured along the M25 for the Dartford Crossing in Kent today

The new rules, brought in on March 5, mean holidaymakers who arrive less than one hour before departure - or later - will have their tickets for both their journey out and return voided.

Previously, drivers who arrived within the two hours AFTER their booked departure time could exchange it free of charge.

Now, Britons travelling across the Channel could face paying hundreds of pounds for premium tickets on the spot if they do not follow the new rules.

Jean-Claude Gonneau, 70, from Greater Paris in France, was travelling from Calais to England to see friends, and spent 144 euros on his outward journey on Wednesday last week at 11:16am - returning the following day at 4:24pm.

He arrived 20 minutes late because of a road accident near Calais and was told his tickets were void.

Having lived in both France and England, Mr Gonneau - a retired investment banker who worked in London for 15 years - has made the crossing almost 100 times, and would normally pay a small fee to use the next train if he were late.

However, he was informed, due to the new rules, he would have to purchase new tickets at a cost of 252 euros, or 216.

He said: 'It's just unbelievable - because I was caught in a terrible traffic jam, I was forced to pay more than 250 euros for new tickets.

Drivers are seen here queueing for the Eurotunnel from Folkestone to Calais last December

'It's a quick fix for the people in charge to save an unprofitable service.

'There was a time in France when everyone was talking about train services running at a deficit, but now people are talking about issues with the tickets.

'That's because they're trying to bring the service to profitability through cheating people out of their money - it's technocratic and irresponsible.'

He says that when he challenged the company on the new policy, he was told he should have read the travel conditions which had been updated.

The travel conditions on LeShuttle website for day trip or overnight tickets state: 'Arrival Window: Check-in at least 1 hour but no more than 4 hours before departure.

'Early Arrival: Your ticket is valid only for the booked departure. If you arrive more than 1 hour early, you will not be accommodated on an earlier departure.

'Late Arrival: If you arrive less than 1 hour before departure or later, your ticket will be void. A new ticket must be purchased for travel.

'Failure to travel on the outward crossing will invalidate the return crossing.'

A spokesperson for LeShuttle said: 'After reviewing customer preferences and behaviours, we decided that we need a new simpler ticket structure that match the needs of our customers.

'The new tickets mean more flexibility and control to our customers to select the experience that meets their needs. If opting for the most restricted ticket customers must arrive in time to travel on their booked departure and this cannot be changed.

'Our check-in time for this ticket type is at least 60 minutes prior to the booked train and this was explained in the ticket terms, which the customer would have been made aware of at the time of booking.

'Indeed if they booked online, they would have needed to check a box to confirm that they had both read and accepted these revised ticket terms. The restricted nature of the ticket is also made clear during the booking process.

'We believe that the terms of our tickets are important and when our new terms came into force, we drew our customers' attention to this fact.

'This is why the main points a customer needs to be aware of when selecting a ticket (for example, whether a ticket is amendable or refundable) are highlighted on several occasions during the booking process.

'Customers must confirm that they have read the ticket terms prior to making a booking. From the implementation of the revised terms, we have clearly alerted customers to the changes.

'We feel that the information provided on our website is in line with other travel providers and our revised ticket terms are displayed clearly.'
The NHS will be pursued if it does not follow new guidance on single-sex spaces, the Equality and Human Rights Commission has warned.

Baroness Falkner, the Commissions chairwoman, said the health service will be receiving guidelines after the UK Supreme Court unanimously ruled a woman is defined by biological sex under equalities law.

She said: We've been speaking to the health service for an inordinately long time - we will now be asking them when they will be updating their advice.

The Darlington Nurses, who are taking legal action after being forced to undress in front of a transgender colleague in their hospital changing room, have also piled pressure of the NHS following the ruling, saying: We now need swift and clear action.

Currently the NHS guidance says trans people should be accommodated according to the way they dress, their name and pronouns.

But this is likely to be scrapped following the landmark ruling.

The national NHS guidance on same-sex accommodation, published in September 2019, says: Good practice requires that clinical responses be patient-centred, respectful and flexible towards all transgender people whether they live continuously or temporarily in a gender role that does not conform to their natal sex.

It adds: Trans people should be accommodated according to their presentation: the way they dress, and the name and pronouns they currently use.

The Darlington Nurses had to undress in front of a transgender colleague in their hospital changing room

This may not always accord with the physical sex appearance of the chest or genitalia.

It does not depend on their having a gender recognition certificate or legal name change.

The guidance applies to wards, toilets and bathing facilities, it says.

The Equality and Human Rights Commission says it is working at pace to provide an updated code of conduct for services, including the NHS and prisons, and it expects its updated guidance to be in place by the summer.

Asked on the BBC's Today Programme whether the EHRC would pursue the NHS if it doesn't change, the Baroness replied yes we will.

We will be having those conversations with them to update that guidance,' she said.

An NHS England spokesperson said the service was reviewing guidance on same sex accommodation and as part of this process will consider and take into account all relevant legislation and the Supreme Court ruling.

However, policies on same-sex staff changing facilities are a matter for individual trusts, which will be instructed to review their position in light of the ruling.

Baroness Falkner, chairwoman of the Equality and Human Rights Commission

This could have an impact on the case of the Darlington Nurses, who have taken legal action against County Durham and Darlington NHS Foundation Trust on the grounds of sexual harassment and discrimination, after they were forced to undress in front of a male colleague who identifies as a woman.

They say the colleague, named Rose, began using the female staff changing room at Darlington Memorial Hospital, without consultation or warning.

One nurse, who experienced sexual abuse as a child, said she suffered panic attacks after Rose repeatedly asked her: Are you getting changed yet?

After 26 nurses raised concerns with HR, they were told they needed to be more inclusive, compromise, broaden their mindset and get re-educated.

The nurses previously met health secretary Wes Streeting who said he was horrified by their case but the government is yet to take action to protect female staff in the NHS.

The nurses have now launched the Darlington Nursing Union, which is dedicated to women's dignity in the workplace.

Responding to Wednesdays Supreme Court ruling, Bethany Hutchison, Darlington nurse and President of the Darlington Nursing Union, said: 'We are delighted by the result and the clarity it brings to the Equality Act.

'We now need swift and clear action from Wes Streeting and the NHS to implement the Supreme Courts ruling.

Currently the NHS guidance says trans people should be accommodated according to the way they dress, their name and pronouns

'Front line nurses, like ourselves, have been dealing with this for too long and should not have had to take the action and risks that we have.

'Illegal Stonewall inspired policies that have allowed men to access womens changing rooms in the NHS need to be urgently overhauled, and women like ourselves who have been discriminated against as result of these policies, need full justice.

An NHS England spokesperson said: 'The NHS is working through the implications of the Supreme Court ruling and appreciates the need for revised guidance on same sex accommodation.

'While we dont have an exact timeframe established yet, we are working closely with government to provide any further guidance for the health service as soon as possible.'
A former Harvard Medical School morgue manager has agreed to plead guilty to stealing and selling body parts which had been donated for medical research.

Cedric Lodge, 56, managed the Ivy League's morgue for 27 years until he was arrested in 2023 for transporting goods across state lines.

He plans to plead guilty to the charge, according to a plea agreement filed on Wednesday at a federal court in Williamsport, Pennsylvania.

Lodge had been due to face trial on May 5 alongside a woman who prosecutors said bought body parts from him and his wife, who pleaded guilty last year.

Lodge, who stole heads, brains and bones from the morgue, now faces a maximum sentence of 10 years in jail. His lawyer declined to comment on Thursday.

Prosecutors said Lodge stole everything from brains to skin and bones from the Massachusetts morgue and smuggled them to him home in Goffstown, New Hampshire, where he and his wife flogged them.

He even allowed potential buyers into the school's morgue to examine the human bodies donated and select which parts they wanted to buy, prosecutors said.

The buyers mostly resold the body parts, according to the allegations aired in court.

Cedric Lodge, 56, managed the Ivy League's morgue for 27 years, from 1995, until he was arrested in 2023 for transporting goods across state lines

Some of the human remains allegedly stolen and sold by Lodge included half a head, a whole head, three brains, heart, liver, lung, two kidneys, female pelvis, torso, and four human hands

Cedric Lodge drove a bright orange Subaru sporting the license plate 'GRIM-R'

Families that entrusted their loved ones' remains to Harvard filed about a dozen lawsuits against the school following the arrest of Lodge and others charged in the scandal, accusing it of mishandling the bodies.

But a Massachusetts judge dismissed those cases last year, saying the lawsuits failed to plausibly allege Harvard failed to act in good faith in handling the bodies or was legally responsible for Lodge's 'horrifying' conduct.

Those families are awaiting a decision from Massachusetts' highest court on whether it will reverse that decision.

Harvard did not respond to a request for comment on Thursday.

It had previously said it was appalled by Lodge's conduct and was sorry for the uncertainty and distress that families faced as a result of his actions.

An independent review Harvard launched of its cadaver donation program recommended in late 2023 that it implement more oversight and better documentation.

Lodge started work as Harvard Med's morgue manager back in 1995, assuming the post when he was 27 years old.

For years, he would run the school's Anatomical Gift Program, during which time thousands of Good Samaritans donated their bodies to the school for research purposes.

Lodge, meanwhile, lived 60 miles away with his wife in suburban New Hampshire, commuting an hour each day - eventually in a car sporting the license plate 'GRIM-R.'

Cedric Lodge, 56, managed the Ivy League's morgue for 27 years, from 1995, until he was arrested in 2023 for transporting goods across state lines

Lodge lived 60 miles away with his wife in suburban New Hampshire, commuting an hour each day to Boston

Lodge's wife Denise is also accused of being involved and overseeing electronic payments for the stolen human remains through a PayPal account

At the school, he was tasked with preparing for and accepting donors' bodies, embalming them and overseeing their storage.

When they were finished being used for research, the bodies would then be prepared by Lodge to be transported to a crematory - a crucial step prosecutors said Lodge eventually lost sight of.

All the while, thousands of the most talented young medical minds in the country were being molded in the halls above. Four different deans - all working next-door - came and went, and Lodge still went unnoticed.

By 2013, feds said he was stealing supplies like body bags, citing a post to the online forum DeviantArt from the morgue man - who, by 2018, had allegedly upgraded to the corpses.

'I have been looking for customers interested in purchasing some heavy body bags and other miscellaneous medical toys,' Lodge wrote in a post resurfaced by prosecutors, looking for 'a little cash to plan a vacation.'

Prosecutors say he went on to invite interested parties into the hallowed university's off-limits morgue - before pawning off parts of donated cadavers like brains, skulls, and skin to the highest bidder.

This reportedly continued for at least five years - in a practice that harked back to the days when professors relied on body snatchers to rob graves in the 18th and 19th centuries.

And he wasn't alone. His wife, Denise, oversaw electronic payments for the stolen human remains through PayPal.

A supporting cast of buyers were also involved - funneling tens of thousands in the form of dozens of payments to the account.

Many of these payments sported macabre descriptions - such as 'head number 7' or in one case, 'braiiiiiins.'

Daytime view of the Harvard Medical School quadrangle. In the basement, sits the halls of windowless, subterranean space Lodge manned for some 27 years

Jeremy Pauley, 41, was arrested after his estranged wife called the police in June of 2022 to tell them something was amiss at his Enola home. It was this call that ended up blowing the Harvard morgue scandal wide open

Pauley's home in Enola where officers found a plastic bag filled with human eyeballs, an expanse of human skin laid draped over the back of a chair and buckets of floating body parts including kidneys, lungs, a heart, a spleen, and a trachea

Pauley's 'house of horrors' was located just across the road from a cemetery in Enola

It was one of these buyers who ended up inadvertently exposing the scandal.

That person was 41-year-old Pennsylvanian Jeremy Pauley, whose estranged wife called cops in June of 2022 to tell them something was amiss at his Enola home, which was located right across from a graveyard.

A dispatcher connected her to the East Pennsboro Township Police Department, who sent Sergeant Adam Shope to investigate.

One of the most senior officers on call in the sleepy town, he went on to blow the case wide open.

First, though, he came face-to-face with Pauley - who had black, scale-like tattoos covering half of his face and metal spikes protruding out of the top of his head.

One of his eyes was dyed black, Shope later told the Boston Globe - and in the homeowner's mouth, was a set of sharpened, shark-like teeth.

The intimidating visage at first unsettled the investigator, whose superiors had told him during a brief that the woman had claimed Pauley was hoarding illegally obtained human remains.

But Pauley's demeanor came in stark opposition to his appearance, Shope told the outlet - remembering Pauley as not only cooperative, but 'nice as pie.'

Pauley, 40, was arrested and charged for abuse of a corpse, receiving stolen property and dealing in the proceeds of unlawful activities

In Pauley's home in 2022, Pennsylvania cops found more than 50 human ribs and three full skeletons

Pauley was then charged with trafficking stolen human remains - including skulls, hearts, skin and stillborn babies

Pauley happily let him inside when the officer explained what he was investigating - and was immediately graced with a glimpse at the horrors the house had in store.

What awaited him inside was far from typical decor - with jars holding infant remains on full display, along with more than 50 human ribs and three full skeletons.

A placid Pauley proceeded to explain - calmly telling the officer how he was preservation specialist, specifically 'of retired medical specimens' and historic human remains.

A professional with a website and years of experience, he answered questions about the collection without any pushback - and left Shope in awe due to the extent of his cooperation.

He explained how his home doubled as his Memento Mori Museum, 'a place where lost histories are regained and respectfully displayed.'

Pauley further revealed himself to be one of the most active dealers in a largely unknown - and unregulated - body part marketplace, where collectors preserve and shill 'oddities' such as human remains.

Explaining his prominence in the field and its scientific aspects, he successfully swayed Shope into believing his antics were above board.

'During the course of the interview,' Shope wrote in his report of the on June 20, 2022 visit, 'it was determined that these items were lawfully purchased from medical facilities and museums.'

But another call from the same woman the next month reignited suspicions.

This time, the woman urged officers to visit her estranged spouse's basement - cryptically telling them to look inside the multiple Home Depot buckets he had stored there.

Pauley is one of the most active dealers in a largely unknown - and unregulated - body part marketplace, where collectors preserve and shill 'oddities' such as human remains

He admitted to knowingly buying stolen human remains from several people, and then selling many of the stolen remains to others, including some who also knew they had been stolen. Pictured is an array of human teeth he kept at his house

Pauly allegedly purchased $4,000 worth of human remains from Candace Scott, who police say stole them from a mortuary partnered with the University of Arkansas

This time, the claim was enough for Shope to seek a search warrant, one he successfully obtained before paying a visit to the previously unseen basement, which Pauley neglected to include in his tour.

Moreover, for this visit, Pauley wasn't present - but his wife was, and led the sergeant and other officers into the space to a scene straight out a snuff film.

There, officers recalled in an ensuing criminal complaint, a plastic bag filled with human eyeballs sat the floor, as an expanse of human skin laid draped over the back of a chair.

Inside the three buckets Pauley's wife has warned about, laid a bevy of floating body parts - including kidneys, lungs, a heart, a spleen, and a trachea.

There were also two brains, as well as a skull with hair still attached, and a child-sized jawbone with teeth still in place.

A portrait of Jesus propped against a cardboard box loomed over the startling scene, while shipping labels on that box and elsewhere provided officers with the first hint of the extent of the illegal activity that had been occurring.

A federal investigation ensued, during which officials would eventually hone in on Lodge and several other buyers.
Prince William has brought back a senior royal aide at the centre of the Meghan Markle 'bullying' row  just weeks after the official gave a no-holds-barred interview where he said he had 'no regrets' about his explosive claims.

Jason Knauf, the former chief executive of The Royal Foundation, has been named the next CEO of The Earthshot Prize, Kensington Palace revealed today.

He replaces Hannah Jones, who will step back from her role this summer after four years at the helm of the Prince of Wales's flagship environmental project.

Jones, who became Earthshot's first CEO in 2021, will remain in an advisory role  while Knauf will take up the post immediately to ensure a smooth transition.

The appointment has raised eyebrows among royal watchers, coming just weeks after Knauf broke his silence on his role in the bombshell allegations against Meghan Markle  including a leaked email where he accused the Duchess of Sussex of bullying staff 'out of the royal household'.

In the 2018 message, which emerged shortly before Harry and Meghan's tell-all Oprah interview aired in 2021, Knauf wrote: 'The Duchess seems intent on always having someone in her sights.

'She is bullying Y and seeking to undermine her confidence. We have had report after report from people who have witnessed unacceptable behaviour towards Y.'

Jason Knauf (pictured in the documentary for 60 Minutes Australia) added that both William and Kate are simply themselves in front of the cameras

Jason Knauf (left) is pictured with Harry and Meghan attending the Invictus Games in Toronto

In a recent interview with 60 Minutes Australia, Knauf spoke publicly about the scandal for the first time, insisting he had 'no regrets' over the allegations.

Reflecting on the media firestorm, he said: 'I think it, it's tough, but it's probably quite good. You know someone who has been helping other people through how to deal with the public eye. You probably had to take your own medicine sometimes.'

He went on in what many viewed as a thinly veiled swipe at the Sussexes, saying: 'You can't choose just to take the fun stuff in any job.

'And that applies to the Prince and Princess as well as everyone else working for them. So I wouldn't change anything.'

Pressed on whether he would have done anything differently, Knauf doubled down: 'No.' He added that in a royal role, you have to 'take everything that comes with it.'

Despite the explosive claims, Knauf still had warm words for the Duke and Duchess of Sussex, saying he had 'lots of great times' with the pair and fond memories of working on their 2018 wedding.

A spokesperson for Harry and Meghan previously hit back at the bullying claims, branding them a 'calculated smear campaign.'

Jason said at the time: 'Working for the Prince and Princess of Wales was the honour of a lifetime'

Speaking in the documentary, Jason touched on William and Harry's fractured relationship, saying that it was 'sad' and the Prince of Wales has chosen to be 'private' about it

Mr Knauf is pictured with the Princess of Wales during a visit to Scotland in 2021

Knauf began his royal career as joint communications secretary for both the Cambridges and the Sussexes, before later working solely with William and Kate. He was heavily involved in launching both the Heads Together mental health initiative and the prestigious Earthshot Prize.

He later served as chief executive of the Royal Foundation before stepping down in 2021 and was made a Lieutenant of the Royal Victorian Order by Prince William at Windsor Castle in 2023.

Following today's announcement, Knauf said: 'I am honoured to be appointed as the next CEO of The Earthshot Prize and look forward to working with our exceptional team and incredible Earthshot community to advance our mission of urgent optimism for our planet.

'The Prize has already achieved so much and the future potential is vast. I can't wait to get started.'

The Prince of Wales, 42, said in a statement: 'As the first CEO, Hannah has built The Prize into a world class organisation with an incredible team delivering an annual Prize, powering a platform for speeding solutions to scale, and catalysing a movement to encourage young people, spark imaginations and infuse urgent optimism across the world.'

The Prince and Princess of Wales (pictured in Southport in October 2024) are not interested in the fame and celebrity that comes with their roles, according to a former aide

'As we look ahead to the future of The Prize and the urgent work needed to scale more inspiring solutions to the world's greatest challenges, I look forward to working with Jason to chart the course for the next five years of The Earthshot Prize and beyond.'

Hannah Jones said: 'As I tell all our finalists in our annual Fellowship Retreat, one of the most important jobs of a CEO is to know the right time to step aside.'

'After four years, and midway through the Earthshot decade, this is my time to pass the baton. It's been a privilege to help bring The Prince of Wales's founding vision to life. I'm incredibly proud of everything our team has achieved, deeply grateful to all our Founding Partners and Global Alliance for their support, and I am delighted to remain an enthusiastic member of The Earthshot family.'
The father of a teen boy who was stabbed to death at a track meet in Texas was thrown out of a press conference for his alleged killer and targeted with shocking insults from the accused's supporters.

Austin Metcalf's father Jeff Metcalf crashed a press conference on Thursday organized by the supporters of 17-year-old alleged killer Karmelo Anthony.

Metcalf, who had been standing with the press, was escorted out of the venue after police were called to the Next Generation Action Network's headquarters in Dallas.

Minister Dominique Alexander delayed the event until Metcalf, who refused to leave on his own when asked, was forced out of the room by security.

Alexander then slammed Metcalf for showing up uninvited, calling his behavior 'inappropriate,' and 'a disrespect to the dignity of his son', TMZ reported.

Anthony walked free from jail after a controversial decision by a judge to lower his bond for charges that he stabbed and killed Austin Metcalf, who died in his twin brother's arms.

The horrific killing at a track meet in Frisco has divided the community and nation at large, with Anthony's family claiming they have been left too afraid to leave their home over racist attacks.

Anthony admitted to the stabbing, per police, but his lawyer has indicated he will claim that he acted in self-defense.

Jeff Metcalf, whose son Austin was fatally stabbed by Karmelo Anthony, 17, at a track meet, showed up to a press conference organized by the accused teen killer's family on Thursday

Jeff Metcalf was kicked out by Dallas police after he refused to leave when asked

Karmelo Anthony's parents are seen behind their spokesman, minister Dominique Alexander on Thursday

Karmelo Anthony, 17, did not answer questions from reporters Monday as he walked out of jail

Anthony's mother Kayla Hayes spoke during Thursday press conference, pleading for the threats and harassment to stop.

Alexander said it would be the last press conference until Anthony's trial begins.

He took issue with the media coverage's of the teen's donation page and claimed the family only gained access to the funds on Wednesday.

'We have not received a single dime from the GiveSendGo fundraiser.... we were just notified yesterday that we could begin to withdraw funds and it still takes several days to receive those funds once the request is made,' Anthony's mother Angela Hayes said.

The spokesman was previously forced to deny viral rumors that Metcalf had bullied the accused killer and said the two had never met each other before the stabbing.

Alexander had also claimed the family could not leave their home after their address was leaked online, leading to 'graphic and racist threats,' which included images of 'black children with knives stuck in their head.'

The Anthony family said they would use some of the donated funds to relocate and hire security.

Meanwhile the judge who reduced Anthony's bond has gone private on social media after receiving racist attacks for her ruling, with several social media accounts sharing her image and information as they slam the bond reduction.

During Monday's hearing, judge Angela Tucker said 'they've never had the security issues they've faced with this case.'

'We have not received a single dime from the GiveSendGo fundraiser.... we were just notified yesterday that we could begin to withdraw funds and it still takes several days to receive those funds once the request is made,' Anthony's mother Angela Hayes said

Metcalf, who had been standing with the press, was escorted out of the venue after police were called

Jeff and late son Austin Metcalf are seen together. The teen was a star high school athlete

Austin's twin brother Hunter held him in his arms and tried to stop the bleeding after the stabbing on April 2

A donation page for the teen's legal defense has received more than $450,000 as of Thursday, with many donors claiming he is the real victim in the killing.

Anthony's attorney Michael Howard said, regarding the money: 'It would be disingenuous to say there isnt money... But it is not a bond fund. This family needs to be able to survive.'

'Every Texan has a right to defend themselves when they reasonably fear for their life. Self-defense is a protection that applies to each and every one of us,' Howard said. 'There are two sides to every story.'

Howard said he is not ready to disclose why Anthony brought a knife to the track match.

As part of the terms of his release, Anthony is under house arrest and must wear an ankle monitor.

The altercation between Anthony and Metcalf happened at a high school track meet in Frisco, Texas April 2. Anthony, who does not attend school with Metcalf, sat under the tent for the Memorial High School Warriors

Anthony's family has been renting a $900,000 home in the gate community "Richwoods' in Frisco, Texas

Local cops say a confrontation between Metcalf and Anthony broke out during a high school track meet when Metcalf called out Anthony, who did not attend the same school as Metcalf, for sitting under his team's tent.

Metcalf demanded Anthony leave and the argument escalated when Anthony produced a knife and stabbed the junior from Memorial High School in the chest.
A woman was arrested for allegedly poisoning a family of three, including a seven-year-old boy who died after eating a chocolate-covered Easter egg, authorities in the northeastern Brazilian state of Maranhao announced.

Jordelia Araujo, 36, was on a bus attempting to flee when she was taken into custody in Santes Ines on Thursday afternoon.

The arrested came less than 24 hours after she allegedly had a tray with the holiday treats delivered to the familys home, 239 miles away in the town Imperatriz.

Luis Silva, his sister, Evelyn Silva, 13, and their mother, Miriam Lira, 36, all fell sick after eating from the same treat Wednesday evening and were rushed to Imperatriz Municipal Hospital.

The Maranhao Civil Police said Araujo had previously dated Lira's former husband and father of her two children, Rafael Silva.

Silva, told the police that the gifted holiday treat was delivered to their home in the town of Imperatriz by a courier on Wednesday night.

The eggs were placed in a plastic tray accompanied by a note in Portuguese that read, 'With love, to Miriam Lira. Happy Easter!!'

Luis became unresponsive after eating the candy and was administered CPR by his father before paramedics arrived and rushed him to the hospital.

He went into cardiac arrest, was revived after an hour and a half before he died at 4am, Imperatriz Municipal Hospital manager Dirceu Castro, told Brazilian news outlet G1.

Luis' aunt, Naiza Santos, told the outlet that he initially complained to his mother that he was feeling 'weak' but she did not take him seriously.

'She said she thought it was a joke and didn't take it seriously,' Santos said. 'But then she looked at him and saw that he was already fainting. That's when she ran to her mother's house asking for help.'

Seven-year-old Luis Silva died during the early hours of Thursday after eating what police suspected was a poisoned Easter chocolate egg at the family home in Imperatriz, Brazil. His 13-year-old sister Evelyn Silva, and their mother, Miriam Lira, 36, had to be hospitalized and intubated after falling sick from eating the same treat.

The Easter chocolate eggs were dropped off by a courier moments Wednesday night moments before an unknown woman called to ask if the family had received the treat

Santos thought Luis was choking and tried to save his life by placing her finger down his throat before he threw up a yellow discharge.

Santos revealed that Lira received a call from an unknown woman after the Easter treats were delivered.

'When the egg arrived, there was no identification of who had sent it, just the note and they didn't say who it was from,' Santos said.

'She [Miriam] only received the call, the voice was of a woman, asking if she had received [the Easter egg]. She said, 'Yes I did, who is it?'.

Santos said that the woman told Lira, 'You'll find out who it is,' and hung up the phone without saying anything else.

Police arrested Jordelia Araujo on Thursday for allegedly poisoning the family-of-three

Luis Silva fell sick at home after eating chocolate-covered Easter egg Wednesday night at his home in Imperatriz, Brazil and had to be rushed to the hospital, where he went into cardiac arrest and was revived before he died at 4am Thursday

The Easter treat was accompanied with a note that read, 'With Love for Mirian Lira. Happy Easter!!'

Lira's conditioned worsened while she was waiting on her son. She and her daughter had to be intubated.

'She was fainting and we thought it was because her son was being intubated,' Santos said. 'And her hands started to get hard and purple and she had a lot of difficulty breathing.'

Left over samples of the Easter eggs were removed from the home and submitted for testing at the Imperatriz Criminalistics Institute.

DailyMail.com reached out to the Maranhao Civil Police for comment.
Only a 'small fraction' of white farmers who lost their land in the 2000s in Zimbabwe have been compensated to date.

More than two decades ago over 4,000 commercial farmers lost their land to black counterparts amid the land reforms of then president Robert Mugabe.

Mugabe led the country to independence from Britain in 1980 and was president for 37 years until shortly before his death in 2019.

'There is a tiny fraction that have accepted a side deal,' said Deon Theron, acting chairman of the committee.

'We're just trying to correct that misconception that the deal has been done and compensation is taking place and everyone is happy. That's not the true fact,' he insisted.

The committee has already complained that the government's compensation programme substantially undervalues the properties' values.

Land reforms designed to correct inequalities stemming from the era of British colonialism largely benefited acolytes of the then government and farmers who were neither equipped nor trained to run the farms, leading to a collapse in production as well as underpinning a surge in criminality, the effects of which remain today.

Mugabe's successor, Emmerson Mnangagwa, signed a $3.5 billion deal in 2020 designed to compensate those dispossessed, but Theron says they have seen almost none of the cash to date.

In 2000 the then President of Zimbabwe, Robert Mugabe, ran a land reform program that aimed to redistribute the farm land mostly owned by white Zimbabweans, to black subsistence farmers

Over 4,000 commercial farmers lost their land to black counterparts amid the land reforms of then president Robert Mugabe (pictured)

Zimbabwe on July 29, 2020, signed a USD 3.5 billion compensation agreement with white farmers whose land was seized over 20 years ago under the countrys controversial reforms

Theron said the farmers had so far received barely one percent of the money on a much reduced valuation amount, with much of the proposed gains designed to come from 10-year government bonds.

'The problem with that really is that the majority of those people might not be alive within 10 years,' he said.

'These guys are pretty desperate. They've got health issues - at 80 years old, health becomes an issue. Some farmers are even saying that they're really struggling to put food on the table.

'We were basically four-and-a-half thousand farmers evicted. I think it's like 117 or something that have accepted and started getting small payments. I think there's another 250-odd that are looking at maybe on the second tranche of accepting and hopefully getting a bit of money.'

A government agreement announced this week provides for the immediate payment of $3.1 million to a 378-strong group of former farmers but the remainder of the compensation is likely to be in the form of long-term bonds.
A Minnesota father has been accused of forcing his teenage son to have threesomes with himself and other women.

William Roy Witt, 39, has been charged with criminal sexual conduct for pressuring his son into having sex over the course of several years.

His various girlfriends Maria Isabel Rios, 44, Kimberly Kay Klein, 43, and Sarah Marie Riederer, 43 have also been charged in connection to the abuse, reported The Minnesota Star Tribune.

Court documents show the alleged abuse began around the son's 15th birthday in March 2022.

Klein told police that the sexual encounters started on the boy's 15th birthday as a 'gift' arranged by Witt.

The son told police that his father, Witt, would coax him into sex with the adult women he was dating, including one he viewed as a 'second mother.'

Witt would allegedly provide alcohol and set up DJ equipment for the orgies at his home in Redwood Falls, which has since been demolished.

The victim said he felt pressured have sex with his father and these women, and claimed at one point Witt told him to 'be a man.'

William Roy Witt, 39, has been charged with criminal sexual conduct for pressuring his son into having sex over the course of several years

Klein told police that the sexual encounters started on the boy's 15th birthday as a 'gift' arranged by Witt

'[The victim] said basically every other weekend when he was with Witt, they would get intoxicated, listen to music, and have sex,' court document said.

The teen claimed he was forced to have sex with is father and his girlfriends dozens of times between the ages of 15 to 17.

Court documents described lewd acts between the victim, Witt and Rios, including the use of sex toys.

'[The victim] said the last time something happened was in October, a few weeks before he cut Witt out of his life in November of 2024 because he no longer wanted to have the sexual relations,' the filings said.

'[He] told Witt that it was causing him too many mental health issues and stress from having to go to Witt's residence.'

During interviews with police, Rios and Klein allegedly admitted to sexual contact with the minor, claiming Witt had convinced them to.

Police said they interviewed Witt on March 22 and initially he denied knowing about the abuse.

However, the court documents state that he later admitted to investigators that he dated the three women and that group sex sessions involving himself, his son and Rios occurred several times.

Witt was in custody at the Chippewa County jail on a $150,000 bond as of Thursday, records show. His next court hearing is scheduled for May 12.
From the icy harbors of Maine to the tropical waters around American Samoa, our commercial fishermen have long fed our nation, sustained our coastal communities, and defended our food security.

Yet, both the Obama and Biden administrations have treated these warriors of the sea as expendable.

This week, President Donald Trump took decisive action to reverse this trend with two executive orders that together form the foundation of an America First Fishing Policy.

One ends the shutdown of nearly half a million square miles of US waters in the Pacific  waters vital to American Samoa's economy. The other targets a deep swamp of over-regulations that now sacrifice our own fisherman on the altar of foreign competition, as well as a flood of unfairly traded seafood imports responsible for gutting our domestic fleets.

In 2009, President George W. Bush created the Pacific Remote Islands Marine National Monument. In 2014, President Barack Obama recklessly expanded the size of the monument, thereby cutting off commercial fishing across nearly 500,000 square miles.

And in the wake of Obama's overreach, the law of unintended consequences kicked in with a vengeance.

While US commercial fishermen have been effectively barred from America's own offshore Exclusive Economic Zones (the jurisdiction extending 200 nautical miles from America's shores), illegal, unreported, and unregulated poaching by foreign fleets  particularly from China  has skyrocketed.

Meanwhile, Samoan vessels have been forced to travel farther, spend more, and compete in international waters against subsidized, unregulated fleets from China, along with Japan, South Korea, and Taiwan.

On Thursday, President Trump signed an executive order to reopen the waters for US commercial fishing.

Tuna-related products make up virtually the entire export economy of American Samoa, making this industry not just economically vital, but existential for the territory's future.

This has had devastating consequences for American Samoa.

Tuna fishing and processing are the economic backbone of American Samoa. Roughly 5,000 jobs  direct and indirect  are tied to the tuna industry, representing more than 25 percent of the local workforce.

The StarKist cannery in Pago Pago  one of the largest tuna processing facilities in the world  is the territory's largest private employer and the anchor of a vast supply chain that includes local fishing vessels, offloading crews, cold storage facilities, packaging operations, and transport services.

Tuna-related products make up virtually the entire export economy of American Samoa, making this industry not just economically vital, but existential for the territory's future.

President Joe Biden had every opportunity to right this wrong. Despite repeated pleas from Congresswoman Uifa'atali Aumua Amata Coleman Radewagen of American Samoa, Biden chose not to.

President Trump's first executive order changes all that.

It formally reopens the monument waters around the Pacific Remote Islands to commercial fishing by US-flagged vessels. Chinese and other foreign poachers will be kept at bay.

In addition, President Trump's second executive order will promptly resolve this paradox: While the US controls over four million square miles of prime fishing grounds, nearly 90 percent of seafood on our shelves is now imported while our seafood trade deficit has soared to over $20 billion.

This second order will streamline  and steamroll  federal overregulation, which has resulted in over-restrictive catch limits, the selling of our fishing grounds to foreign offshore wind companies, inaccurate and outdated fisheries data, and delayed adoption of modern technology.

Peter Navarro (left) is the Senior Counselor for Trade and Manufacturing.

Under previous regulations, commercial fishing was banned within Pacific Remote Islands Marine National Monument, which spans half a million miles in the Pacific Ocean, in order to conserve the wildlife present.

President Trump has directed Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick to 'immediately consider suspending, revising, or rescinding regulations that overly burden America's commercial fishing, aquaculture, and fish processing industries at the fishery-specific level.'

Within 30 days, Secretary Lutnick will also identify the most heavily overregulated fisheries requiring action and appropriately reduce the regulatory burden on them.

In tandem, Lutnick will work with Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins to develop and implement an America First Seafood Strategy to promote production, marketing, sale, and export of US fishery and aquaculture products and strengthen domestic processing capacity.

As for the long-running problem of unfair trade practices, foreigners flood our markets with cheap, low-quality seafood produced under conditions that would be illegal here at home. Their fleets operate with massive government subsidies  for fuel, vessel construction, and access fees  and rely on labor practices that range from exploitative to outright criminal.

China, in particular, abuses its fishermen, beating them if mistakes are made, and confiscates their passports, forcing them to stay on board. China has also press-ganged North Korean labor.

This is not fair competition  it's economic warfare.

US Trade Representative Jamieson Greer will immediately initiate a Section 301 investigation that examines the unfair trade practices of major seafood-producing nations.

As with the historic Trump China tariffs, America's USTR will take all appropriate measures.

American fishermen have proven that we can harvest responsibly and conserve marine ecosystems at the same time.

If overzealous environmental activists had it their way, large swaths of American waters would remain closed forever. Our domestic fleets would shrink. Our stores would fill with filthy imported seafood of unknown origin. Our food security would weaken.

That's not the future we choose. We chose fish, baby, fish.
A drug dealer and his two accomplices have been told they face significant jail sentences for killing a woman in a deadly car attack.

Arslan Sajid, 24, drove a Mercedes which hit a vehicle driven by Amy Rose Wilson, 27, in Falkirk, in July 2023.

Jurors at the High Court in Edinburgh saw CCTV footage of Sajid driving just a few yards behind the car which Ms Wilson was travelling in with her partner Ryan Paterson, 23.

Sajid and his associates Andrew Gregoire, 29, and Anthony Davidson, 32 had earlier confronted the duo in the towns Foundry Street.

It came a short time after Sajid accused Ms Wilson and Mr Paterson had stolen five kilos of cannabis which belonged to him.

Sajid and his associates, all from London, followed Ms Wilson and her partner from a car park in Cumbernauld to the Stirlingshire town.

The court heard how the three men smashed the windows of her car, shouting: Youre f****** dead.

She drove away at speed in a bid to get away from them. Sajid then pursued her car and struck it, causing it to spin into another car, killing Ms Wilson.

Amy Rose Wilson, 27, who died in the crash on New Carron Road in Falkirk

Police forensic officers carrying out investigations in the wake of the crash in 2023

Sajid then tried to evade being arrested for the violent attacks by fleeing to Pakistan.

Yesterday jurors found the trio, who stood trial on a charge of murdering Ms Wilson, guilty of the lesser offence of culpable homicide.

The three men were also accused of the attempted murder of Mr Paterson but were found guilty of severely assaulting him to the danger of his life.

Along with a fourth man, Steven Hornsby, 55, - the trio were also convicted of a charge of conspiring to rob people of drugs money in locations across the country.

Judge Lady Drummond said: These are very serious offences to which you have been convicted of and with your records they will no doubt result in significant custodial sentences being imposed upon you.

During proceedings, the court heard Sajid say he and his accomplices had travelled from Dagenham in Essex with 10 kilos of cannabis to sell to a Glasgow based dealer.

Sajid told Prosecutor Alan Cameron that the Scottish dealer, who he didnt name, told him he was only going to buy half the cannnabis and sell the other five for them.

Sajid then said that a buyer was found and the handover was going to take place in the car park of a branch of B&Q in Cumbernauld.

The court heard that Sajid expected that he would receive 17,000 but the cash was not handed over.

The court heard evidence that the car containing the drugs - a Vauxhall Vectra - was being driven by Amy Rose Wilson.

He said he then followed the car to Falkirk at which point three masked men got out of the Mercedes and smashed the windows of Ms Wilsons car.

Sajid then followed the car as it made off. He said: I clipped the Vectra. It spun out into the other lane.

He added that he kept driving as he didnt appreciate how serious the incident was.

Mr Paterson told jurors that he suffered a mental breakdown and has post traumatic stress disorder, anxiety and depression.

Gregoire laughed in the dock after learning of the jurys verdicts. He also gave a thumbs up sign to family members who were sitting in the public benches.

Mr Cameron told Lady Drummond that Sajid had previous convictions for road traffic offences and cannabis possessions.

He said Gregoire had served a 42 month jail term in 2020 for producing cannabis.

Hornsby had been given an 86 month long jail term in 2017 for attempted robbery whilst Davidson had also served six years for attempted robbery.

The four men will be sentenced at the High Court in Glasgow on May 1 2025.

Following the verdict, Detective Superintendent Susan Balfour said: Davidson, Gregoire and Sajid went to extreme lengths plotting a robbery, travelling from the south of England to carry out the attack in Scotland. Their subsequent actions were entirely reckless, resulting in her death. They then, along with Hornsby, took further measures to try and evade responsibility for their crimes.
A Texas orchestra teacher who resembles Miss Honey from the movie Matilda was arrested for allegedly having sex with a middle school student.

Kara Hernandez, 32, from Missouri City, is accused of having sex with a minor three years ago while teaching at Ronald Thornton Middle School.

The alleged incidents took place in April and October of 2022, according to court records reviewed by DailyMail.com.

Hernandez is said to have made the student touch her genitals during both instances 'with the intent to arouse or gratify the sexual desire' of herself or the unidentified student, the filing stated.

She was arrested on February 14 after allegations were brought to Fort Bend ISD's attention in September by a former student, the district said.

Hernandez resigned from her position during the investigation, they added.

The married mother-of-four was the director of the orchestra at the middle school, where she would 'collaborate' with nearby high schools to 'ensure the Sienna Orchestra students have a meaningful musical, educational, and community experience throughout their seven years,' the website stated.

'Mrs. Hernandez firmly believes that her purpose in life is to provide an exceptional music education for students,' it continued.

Kara Hernandez, 32, from Missouri City, is accused of having sex with a minor three years ago while teaching at Ronald Thornton Middle School

Hernandez not only taught in the district, but attended Clements High School, Commonwealth Elementary School and Fort Settlement Middle School where she found her passion for orchestra.

Outside of teaching, she is said to enjoy 'spending time outdoors and supporting the Houston Astros with her husband and their four children,' her bio said.

In a letter sent to parents and students addressing her alleged actions, Fort Bend ISD said: 'Recently, allegations of past inappropriate conduct by a Thornton Middle School staff member were brought to the district's attention by a former student.

'Fort Bend ISD immediately began an investigation, and the staff member was immediately removed from the campus and placed on administrative leave pending the outcome of the investigation. The staff member will not be returning to FBISD.'

The married mother-of-four was the director of orchestra at the middle school (pictured)

Hernandez, who resembles Miss Honey from the film Matilda (pictured), faces two charges, including improper relationship between an educator and student and indecency with a child involving sexual contact

She faces two charges, including improper relationship between an educator and student and indecency with a child involving sexual contact, records show.

A $50,000 has been set for her - $25,000 for each charge. She is due in court on April 28, according to court documents.

DailyMail.com contacted Fort Bend ISD for comment.
Sen. Josh Hawley is celebrating a landmark court case that found Google holds an illegal monopoly over online advertising technology.

'Huge news: Google officially found to have violated the antitrust laws,' the Missouri Republican posted on X Thursday afternoon after a ruling was announced.

The decision vindicates dozens of companies that were disadvantaged by Google's practices worldwide.

Daily Mail's Chief Digital Officer Matthew Wheatland was a key witness in the case, fought by the Department of Justice, which proved the tech giant promotes anti-competitive practices in two key markets.

These two markets - the publisher ad server and ad exchange markets for open-web display advertising - were illegally controlled by Google's monopoly for the last decade, the judge ruled on Thursday.

Hawley has long been outspoken about Google's online monopoly, posting just last month how he hopes the company gets what it deserves after the firm exerted control over recent U.S. elections.

'Google and Meta are massive monopolies with political agendasand they're using their market power to control our elections,' he wrote. 'Google even rigged its search results to sway voters & tip elections.'

'And until we take away their power, nothing is going to change,' he continued.

U.S. District Judge Leonie Brinkema granted, at least partially, Hawley's wish on Thursday.

Her ruling noted how Google 'substantially harmed' web publishers and users with their monopoly which violated the Sherman Antitrust Act.

The big tech company, which is worth nearly $2 trillion total, was found liable for 'willfully acquiring and maintaining monopoly power' in the advertising technology industry.

Sen. Josh Hawley, R-Mo., celebrated Thursday's ruling against Google for it holding an illegal monopoly over advertising technology. Hawley, an outspoken critic of Big Tech, wrote a book in 2021 claiming that Big Tech firms exert tyrannical powers over U.S. citizens

Google 's alleged monopoly of online display advertising is negatively impacting the ability of news organizations to invest in journalism, a senior publishing executive told the trial

Google CEO Sundar Pichai who was not present at court

'Plaintiffs have proven that Google has willfully engaged in a series of anticompetitive acts to acquire and maintain monopoly power in the publisher ad server and ad exchange markets for open-web display advertising,' Brinkema wrote in the ruling.

'For over a decade, Google has tied its publisher ad server and ad exchange together through contractual policies and technological integration, which enabled the company to establish and protect its monopoly power in these two markets,' she continued.

Sen. Mike Lee, R-Utah, also celebrated the ruling.

'DOJ has won its antitrust ad tech case against Google, which was found liable for monopolistic behavior in violation of the Sherman Act,' he wrote.

Time to pass my AMERICA Act and break up the stranglehold on online advertising once and for all.'

The case represents a major win for the U.S. Department of Justice which has been pursing antitrust charges against the search engine since 2020.

It also marks the second major antitrust ruling against Google after the company was found in August 2024 to have illegally spent billions to entrench its position as the world's default search engine.

The tech giant was accused of operating a 'rapacious' monopoly and being an 'authoritarian intermediary' as it controls how publishers and advertisers interact.

Sen. Mike Lee, R-Utah, also celebrated the antitrust decision on Thursday

Google legal team members wait outside the courthouse in September during arguments

The U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia

The case centered on the billions of advertisements that are bought and sold daily on web pages, including those of news publishers like The Daily Mail.

The sales of the ads are 'programmatic,' meaning automated auctions are held in just milliseconds.

Google owns the biggest ad server, the technology tool used by publishers to sell the space on their sites, which is known as DFP. It also runs the main tool used by advertisers to buy the space, called Google Ads.

And it has the largest exchange where the instantaneous auctions take place, which is called AdX.

Fees for the three technology tools mean Google keeps over 30 cents of every advertising dollar that goes through them.

Now Google may be forced to sell off part of its advertising business, which has brought in over 10 percent of the company's revenue in recent years.
F1 legend David Coulthard has revealed how surviving a horror plane crash transformed the trajectory of his life and illustrious sporting career.

The McLaren driver and 13-time Grand Prix champion was flying to his Monaco home on a private jet in 2000 when a technical fault forced the plane to make a crash landing.

Pilots lost control of the aircraft, which was owned by Rangers then chairman Sir David Murray, as it dropped from 39,000ft above Lyon, in France.

The plane struck the runway and erupted into flames, killing captain David Saunders and co-pilot Dan Worley as the cockpit was ripped from the jet.

Miraculously, Mr Coulthard, his then-partner the American model Heidi Wichlinski, and his personal trainer Andy Matthews escaped relatively unscathed, with the F1 star merely suffering a broken rib.

Just five days later, the Kircudbrightshire-born racer was back in the driving seat to compete in the Barcelona Grand Prix, even securing second place.

But Coulthard admitted that his brush with death had a profound impact long after he had crossed the finish line.

Speaking on the Pitlane Life Lessons podcast, he said: Knowing that two families lives had been changed forever  they were fathers, they were husbands, they were sons  it was horrible, absolutely horrible.

Racing driver David Coulthard and former girlfriend Heidi Wichlinski

The plane that was carrying Mr Coulthard and Ms Heidi Wichlinski at Satolas airport in Lyon, France, where it crashed in 2000, killing the pilot David Saunders and co-pilot Daniel Worley

Forced to confront his own mortality, the F1 star stressed that the crash transformed his attitude to his career and personal life entirely.

Mr Coulthard said: What that did do was make me grow the f*** up,

I think Id just turned 30 and I was living the comforts of being well paid as a Formula 1 driver, jumping on private planes and all the good things [] I think I was getting a little bit spoiled without realising it.

He added: That was a massive kick up the ass to slow down, not on the race track, be a bit more aware of decisions I was making and get rid of the I want this, make it happen now attitude.

The athlete explained that he discovered a newfound appreciation for his time, and drive to succeed on the racing track.

That was a defining moment where I thought that there would be no compromise, he said. I decided that, if something didnt feel right for me then I was going to challenge it.

This attitude shift saw the Scot end his relationship with Ms Wichlinski and stop accommodating unnecessary distractions to please others.

The racing ace recalled: Id go and hibernate in the mountains in my chalet in Switzerland, and didnt go home to Scotland for Christmas like Id done previously.

He continued: Instead of going to training camps, they were done in the comfort of my own home. I just became more time aware.

Mr Coulthard stressed: Its all eyes on the prize, and understanding that time passes and you might only get one chance to get it right.
A Salvadorian father who had been living undocumented in the US for 30 years was taken by ICE after being detained for driving on a suspended license.

Alexis Cana came to the US in his teens and built a family in Maryland, where he raised eight American children and founded a home improvement business.

The 49-year-old had no criminal record, but was detained last month for driving with a suspended license. He was given a two-day sentence and was arrested by ICE as he left court.

Cana is now being held at a detention facility in Mississippi and facing deportation after an immigration judge called him a 'danger to the community.' and denied him bond.

His family acknowledges he should not have been driving on a suspended license but think the punishment does not fit the crime.

'I'm having faith that it will be okay, but at the same time, Im honestly really terrified, my family is terrified,' Cana's oldest daughter Diana told NBC Washington.

An immigration judge noted Cana was in the country illegally and claimed he had made no efforts to get legal status.

The judge, who has not been named, branded Cana 'dangerous' but did not provide any details of his alleged violent background.

Meanwhile Frederick County Sheriff Charles Jenkins called Cana 'collateral damage' amid president Donald Trump's mission to end illegal immigration and deport those in the US who are undocumented.

El Salvador native Alexis Cana was detained by ICE after spending 30 years in the US while undocumented

Cana was detained by ICE after he was released from jail over the criminal misdemeanor of driving with a suspended license

His family acknowledges he should not have been driving on a suspended license but think the punishment does not fit the crime

'Its gonna be hard, strict enforcement; ICE has said that, the president has said that, and unfortunately, I guess you would categorize this as collateral damage,' he said.

Jenkins added: 'When you think about the person, you think about the family, sure, you feel bad, theres heartache that goes with it, I feel sad for em... But again, I gotta think of whats best for this country and whats best for Americans.'

Cana was flagged to ICE thanks to a deal between the Frederick County Sheriff's Office and ICE.

A GoFundMe for Cana and his family has received over $15,000.

ICE arrests have ballooned since Trump returned to the White House in January with the promise to deport millions.

While his administration says it is focusing on the worst of the worst criminals, many of those detained do not have a criminal record, they are only guilty of the civil offense of being in the country illegally.

In Maryland, driving without a suspended license is a criminal misdemeanor.

The case of Kilmar Abrego Garcia, a father who lived in Maryland for decades, has sparked a liberal outcry as the mass arrests and deportations continue.

He was deported to El Salvador by the Trump administration who claims he has ties to MS-13. But a judge ruled the US government must bring him back because another judicial ruling shielded him from deportation after he argued his life was in danger in El Salvador.

ICE arrests have ballooned since Trump returned to the White House in January with the promise to deport millions

The case of Kilmar Abrego Garcia, a father who lived in Maryland for decades, has divided the nation as the mass arrests and deportations continue

Still, the White House insists the undocumented migrant has ties to MS-13 and said it will not bring him back from El Salvador.

Meanwhile hundreds of Venezuelan migrants were deported to El Salvador and sent to what has been called the world's worst prison.

The US says the Venezuelans deported on March 15 were members of the Tren de Aragua gang, a criminal organization that president Trump declared an invading force, but has provided no evidence of their alleged membership.

The Alien Enemies Act allows noncitizens to be deported without the opportunity to go before an immigration or federal court judge.

A gay Venezuelan makeup artist who fled his home nation to escape persecution for his sexual orientation and political beliefs was one of those shipped to the maximum prison.

Andry Jose Hernandez Romero, 31, was detained at the Mexico-US border last year when he requested entry to attend a pre-arranged asylum hearing in San Diego, California.

The makeup artist and hairdresser was reportedly trying to claim asylum to avoid crackdowns in Venezuela by strongman Nicolas Maduro who is widely accused of stealing the July 2024 election to continue his reign.

But border agents arrested him after noticing tattoos on his wrists that read 'Mum' and 'Dad' adorned with a pair of crowns.

Hernandez waited months in detention for an immigration court hearing on March 13, but instead was put one of three planes with 237 other migrants and deported

The make up artist's tattoos were derived from his upbringing in his home town of Capacho, famed for its 'Three Kings Day' - but border agents suspected they were gang symbols

US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) claimed that Hernandez's crown tattoos 'are consistent' with those adopted by members of Tren de Aragua - a notorious Venezuelan gang known for human trafficking and extortion throughout Latin America.

In reality, the makeup artist's tattoos were derived from his upbringing in his hometown of Capacho, famed for its 'Three Kings Day,' which sees thousands of Christians turn out in the streets to participate in carnival-like celebrations every year.

Many residents of the town are inked with the same tattoos to signify their faith and culture, according to Miguel Chacon, the president of Capacho's Three Kings Day foundation.

Despite no other evidence to suggest Hernandez had any gang connections, he languished in detention for months until his immigration court hearing on March 13, after which he was put on one of three planes with 237 other migrants and deported.

Hernandez' mother Alexis has told the Guardian she has received no word from her son since he arrived in El Salvador's notorious CECOT prison.
An air cadet officer faces more time behind bars after being found guilty of abusing two teenage boys.

Ronald Hardman preyed on the youngsters mainly at the squadron in Kilmarnock and at his then home in the Ayrshire town.

One of the victims recalled how he exploded at the now 80-year-old in rage when he molested him.

Hardman - who had been a trusted volunteer warrant officer at the Kilmarnock Air Training Corps (ATC) for 35 years - had denied the crimes.

But, jurors at the High Court in Glasgow yesterday took just 15 minutes to find him guilty of the attacks.

The pensioner was already behind bars for the serial abuse of young cadets.

He was initially locked up for five years in late 2018 for sex crimes against three teenagers.

But, a huge investigation - resulting in 300 former cadets speaking to police - led to fresh allegations.

Ronald Hardman preyed on youngsters in the Kilmarnock area

More victims then bravely came forward to reveal how they also suffered at the hands of Hardman.

In September 2019, he was sentenced to nine years after he pleaded guilty to 15 charges of lewd and libidinous conduct as well as indecent assault involving 12 boys.

Hardman was then prosecuted for these latest offences in 2023.

His stay in prison was due to expire in 2028, but that is now likely to be extended when he returns to the dock next month.

The attacks involving these two boys occurred between 1988 and 1993. Hardman had been with the ATC from 1960 to 1995.

In his evidence, the OAP said his aim was to keep the cadets safe in his care and to try and encourage them to go into the RAF.

But, instead, Hardman abused his position to take advantage of youngsters.

This included groping the boys in this latest case when fitting them out for their cadet outfits.

Hardmans KC Murray Macara put to him: One said that you tried to grope him while measuring him for his uniform and that he exploded saying, Do not ever do that again to me.

The pervert denied that happened. He also refuted other attacks on this victim such as molesting him on a bus during a trip to Alton Towers.

Hardman even claimed he had no memory of this youngster at the ATC.

He further denied any abuse of the other boy including preying on him having got him to come to the squadron hall by lying other cadets would be there.

Hardman also suggested evidence he got boys to swim naked, made them play Strip Poker, look at pornographic magazines or plied them with drink were untrue.

Prosecutor Tracey Brown went on to quiz Hardman about boys going to his home.

Miss Brown: You were around 50 at the time. These cadets were 14 or 15. Why invite teenage boys into your flat?

Hardman: Dont really know. Just to play cards.

The advocate depute: Not think it more appropriate to invite men your own age?

He replied: Not really, no. The only people I knew were in the ATC.

Hardman claimed he was good to cadets.

Miss Brown later concluded: So, in your case two (now) men have made up allegations - you say both are lying and that you are the only one telling the truth?

He claimed that was correct.

Hardman was yesterday found guilty of lewd and libidinous behaviour and indecent assault against both victims.

Judge Douglas Brown deferred sentencing for reports.

Two years ago, the Ministry of Defence confirmed it had paid more than 1.2m in compensation to former air cadets who were sexually abused by their officer.
A Florida mall is considering a chaperone policy for those under the age of 18 after a spate of break-ins have costed shops $30,000 in damages.

The Oviedo Mall, in Oviedo, is considering the drastic measure after they said a tenant is facing tens of thousands of dollars in losses after two vehicle break-ins.

According to a post to their social media, the break-ins happened on Sunday and Tuesday night.

Details about the break-ins have yet to be released by local authorities or the mall, and it remains unclear what tenant was targeted.

Marketing manager Josh Gunderson told WESH2 that it was teens involved doing what he said was 'crazy, weird stuff', that involved 'unleashing fire extinguishers'.

Due to the incidents, they warned they are now close to bringing in the policy for those under the age of 18.

The Oviedo Mall, in Oviedo, is considering the drastic measure after they said a tenant is facing tens of thousands of dollars in losses after two vehicle break-ins

A post to their Facebook said: 'What was once a maybe around implementing a chaperone policy for those under 18 has quickly become a we have to'.

'Before that happens, Im making one final appeal to our community  especially to parents and the younger generation.'

It is unclear how the policy would stop vehicle break-ins outside of the mall. It is also not known who wrote the post or what position they hold at the mall.

Gunderson also told ClickOrlando: 'Sit and watch another human being go through a deeply emotional experience of assessing $30,000 in damages.

'Thats not a small number, especially in this day and age. Thats big, so it really hurts the heart.'

Since sharing the post they have been inundated with locals expressing their dismay about the possible shift in policy.

Oviedo Police Department chief Dale Coleman is seen in the above picture

Since sharing the post they have been inundated with locals expressing their dismay about the possible shift in policy

One person said: 'One of the most frustrating parts is that almost EVERY tenant in here is considered a small business.

'Thirty thousand dollars in damages. It's not a "kids will be kids" situation at this point. Teach your kids not to be s******, they're ruining it for literally everyone around them.'

Another said: 'This is so sad that they even have to post this. Why cant parents actually parent their kids these days and teach them to respect these places?'

A spokesperson for Oviedo Police Department said: 'The cases are currently under investigation and there is nothing at this time to release.'
Multiple children were trapped in the wreckage of a horror bus crash on Thursday after their bus flipped on their way back from a field trip.

Some 35 students and two adults from Pine Ridge Middle School in South Carolina were on the bus when it blew a tire on I-77 and flipped over.

Multiple children were rushed to hospital and five medical helicopters were dispatched to the site of the accident.

Shocking aerials show the scene - with the bus toppled onto one side in the middle of busy traffic.

Children have been rushed to hospital after their school bus flipped on its side on their way back from a field trip

The extent of their injuries is not yet known.

Paramedics and firefighters also responded and the other students are being assessed at the scene.

Traffic was backed up on both sides of the highway and the southbound lanes are closed with the wreckage blocking the road.
Chinese travel to ASEAN soars in Q1, fueled by tourism and business demand: platform

Global Times) 10:30, April 17, 2025

Outbound travel from the Chinese mainland to ASEAN destinations surged in the first quarter of 2025, driven by both steady growth in leisure tourism and booming business activity, according to a report sent to the Global Times by Chinese travel agency Tongcheng Travel on Wednesday.

Data from the platform showed that ticket bookings from major mainland cities to key cities in ASEAN countries, including Thailand, Vietnam, Cambodia, Malaysia, Singapore and Indonesia, rose about 40 percent year-on-year in Q1 2025.

Flight bookings from major Chinese mainland cities to destinations such as Penang, Malaysia, rose 130 percent year-on-year. Bookings to popular cities in Vietnam increased nearly 60 percent, while those to Cambodia jumped close to 90 percent, according to the platform.

The platform attributed part of the growth to favorable visa policies. Countries like Thailand and Malaysia, which offer visa-free access to Chinese travelers, have maintained strong growth momentum since 2024.

From a demand perspective, while leisure travel continued to grow steadily, business travel between Chinese mainland cities and major destinations in Vietnam, Malaysia, Cambodia and Indonesia saw rapid growth, according to the report.

In the first quarter, ASEAN remained China's largest trading partner, with total trade reaching 1.71 trillion yuan ($234.17 billion), a 7.1 percent year-on-year increase and accounting for 16.6 percent of China's overall foreign trade, said Lu Daliang, a spokesperson for the General Administration of Customs, on Monday.

(Web editor: Zhong Wenxing, Liang Jun)
Prison bosses are under pressure to immediately remove male-born trans inmates from female jails.

The demands come in the wake of the watershed court ruling that made it clear it is against the law to lock them up among women.

The Supreme Court ruled on Wednesday that biological sex, not gender choices or paperwork, is the decisive factor in equality law.

It sent shockwaves across Scotlands public sector organisations which will now have to update their guidance on single-sex spaces among other things.

The Scottish Prison Service (SPS) has 16 transgender people in custody, latest figures show, with current rules allowing trans women to be housed in the female estate.

But now pressure is mounting on bosses to urgently rewrite its SNP enforced transgender policy following the landmark court ruling.

Rhona Hotchkiss, a former governor of Cornton Vale women's prison, said: The Scottish Prison Service are looking at where they stand now and how their policies need to be revised.

Its really easy, no males in female jails. Thats it.

Theres no complications here, theres no finer points to be debated, the law is now clear: You cannot include biological men within the definition of woman.

Named Adam Graham when charged, double rapist Isla Bryson then changed gender and when found guilty was sent to a womens prison amid a huge outcry

The latest rules surrounding trans inmates were implemented following the public outrage caused by the Isla Bryson scandal.

Named Adam Graham when charged, the double rapist then changed gender and when found guilty was sent to a womens prison amid a huge outcry.

Yet, despite the uproar the new policy, which came into force in February 2024, still allowed trans women to be housed in female prisons.

The policy said that an individual will be placed in an establishment which matches their affirmed gender only when staff have enough information to reach a decision that a trans individual can be safely accommodated.

It said that any transgender woman with a history of violence against women and girls, who presents a risk to women and girls, will not be placed in the womens estate.

Yesterday, the Scottish Prison Service refused to reveal where its trans prisoners were housed or how many were behind the bars in female prisons.

According to its own figures, there were 16 transgender prisoners at the end of December 31 last year.

Paris Green, who was born Peter Laing, is reported to remain in the womens prison estate despite being charged with assaulting a female prison officer

However, trans murderer Paris Green, who was born Peter Laing, is reported to remain in the womens prison estate despite being charged with assaulting a female prison officer.

Last month the killer admitted to assaulting the officer at HMP Edinburgh by forcibly pushing a door in August 2023 by culpable and reckless conduct, he was admonished and told not to offend again.

Green, who was given the go-ahead for gender reassignment surgery on the NHS in 2018, was not given any other penalty.

And Alex Stewart, who changed gender after being jailed for murder and had an Adams apple reduction, has lived at HMP Greenock as a woman since 2016.

The 36-year-old was called Alan Baker when he landed behind bars in 2013 for knifing father-of-two John Weir, 36, to death.

Alex Stewart, who changed gender after being jailed for murder and had an Adams apple reduction, has lived at HMP Greenock as a woman since 2016

Prisons were intentionally targeted by trans lobby groups who wanted to see radical changes to gender policies.

In 2014 the SNP Government, then led by Nicola Sturgeon, first introduced a policy to accommodate transgender prisoners according to their chosen gender.

The move was influenced by the Scottish Trans Alliance, which was funded by the devolved administration.

The group deliberately targeted prisons turning them into a testbed for their ideology.

SNP ministers warmed to the demands for gender self-ID and in 2018, the then director James Morton, said that prisons had been deliberately targeted as a means of persuading other public bodies to follow its agenda.

In an essay for Trans Britain, he wrote: We strategised that by working intensively with the Scottish Prison Service to support them to include trans women as women on a self-declaration basis within very challenging circumstances, we would be able to ensure that all other public services should be able to do likewise.

The learning from our prison work has made it much easier to assist other Scottish public services, such as NHS wards and schools, and to also respect trans peoples gender identities.

Last night, Susan Smith, of the group For Women Scotland who were pivotal in securing this weeks gender ruling, demanded bosses act now.

She said: These men never had the right to be in womens prisons. The SPS has already broken its own guidelines by letting Paris Green remain in Polmont, in the womens estate, after he assaulted a female officer.

I hope the women there take courage and challenge this appalling policy.

MSP Liam Kerr, justice spokesman at the Scottish Conservatives, said: Men do not belong in womens prisons. This shouldnt be a difficult message for the SNP to follow.

The onus is on SNP ministers to ensure that the Scottish Prison Service is following the law of the land which states that sex means biological sex and this should be reflected across all public institutions.

A Scottish Prisons Service spokesman yesterday said: We have received the Supreme Courts judgment and are considering any potential impact it may have.

It comes as the Equality and Human Rights Commission warned that NHS boards will be pursued if they do not follow new guidance on single-sex spaces.

Baroness Falkner, the Commissions chairwoman, said the health service will be receiving guidelines after the UK Supreme Court unanimously ruled a woman is defined by biological sex under equalities law.

She said: Weve been speaking to the health service for an inordinately long time - we will now be asking them when they will be updating their advice.

Currently the NHS guidance says trans people should be accommodated according to the way they dress, their name and pronouns.

But this is likely to be scrapped following the landmark ruling.

A Scottish Government spokesman said: The Supreme Court judgment has given clarity between two pieces of legislation passed at Westminster and we have accepted this in full.

Scottish Ministers have now written to the UK Government to seek an urgent meeting to discuss the implications of the judgment and the Social Justice Secretary will give a statement to the Scottish Parliament next week on the judgment, subject to Parliamentary approval. Ministers will also meet the Equality and Human Rights Commission (EHRC) next week.

The Scottish Government acted in good faith in our interpretation of both the Gender Recognition Act 2004 and the Equality Act 2010; and our approach was guided by the published guidance of the EHRC.

The Supreme Court judgment explicitly references that this stance was consistent with EHRC advice and we note that that the EHRC are now reviewing their guidance to reflect the ruling.

We will continue to engage with the EHRC and other stakeholders and are fully committed to protecting everyones rights and ensuring that Scotland remains an inclusive country.
A scorned teen set off explosives inside a Michigan home with kids inside because he was upset a girl refused to go out with him.

Jonathan Brady, 17, was arrested on April 10 after he broke into the girl's house in Mount Clemens around 3am and detonated an explosive device.

At the time, seven people were inside the home, including three young children. Fortunately, everyone made it out alive with no injuries.

The home itself suffered extensive damage from the blast as fire spread quickly across the property.

Delvon Lee, who was in the home at the time of the horrid incident with his nine-month-old son, he heard 'a big boom' when the explosive went off.

'You just hear a big old boom, like it was just loud. It sounded literally like someone threw an M-80 in there. Just  it blew up. When I went downstairs, first it was like a little fire. It wasn't nothing big,' Lee told WXYZ.

Soon enough the fire quickly engulfed the home as Lee, his son's mother and grandmother, a two-month-old, his cousin and her nine-month-old escaped out the back door and hopped over a fence.

'You just see the whole front of this just burst in flames. It was crazy,' Lee recalled. He said Brady was agitated that his female cousin who lived in the home had declined the teen's offer to go out with him earlier that night.

Jonathan Brady, 17, was arrested on April 10 after he broke into the girl's house in Mount Clemens around 3am and detonated an explosive device while several young kids were inside

Delvon Lee, who was in the home at the time of the horrid incident with his nine-month-old son, he heard 'a big boom' when the explosive went off

'This is a kid ruining his life over a girl he met five days ago,' Lee added.

Pictures and video footage taken after the blast showed serious damage made to home.

All of the children, including babies, were checked out and cleared at the hospital.

'My main concern was making sure my son was good and everybody was out the house,' Lee said.

The family rented the home, but many of their belongings were lost in the explosion.

A GoFundMe page has since been created to help them rebuild their lives after the senseless tragedy.

'I never in my life would have thought it would be me an my family when we just over came from a struggle with a domestic abusive relationship from on the run from it we had to go to a shelter and then we found this house a year and a half ago and finally getting our life together,' Michell Wilson, the page organizer wrote.

She also shared devastating pictures of the now charred home. As of Thursday afternoon more than $2,200 was raised to help them.

The home itself suffered extensive damage from the blast as fire spread quickly across the property

Pictures and video footage taken after the blast showed serious damage made to home

Brady remains in custody at the Juvenile Detention Center, according to the Macomb County Sheriff's Office.

A preliminary hearing was held on April 11 where a judge granted the Macomb County Prosecutors Offices request for a special adjournment to determine if Brady should be tried as an adult for his crimes.

On Thursday, the sheriff's office announced that he was arraigned as an adult on one count of home invasion, second degree arson, placing explosives near a property and causing damage, as well as possession of bombs with unlawful intent.

Home invasion is a felony that holds a 20 year sentence. He could also face 20 years for the arson charge.

The explosives charges also hold 20 year sentences and are considered felonies.

Brady's bond was set at $500,000. If released he will have to wear a GPS device, the department said.

'This was an extremely serious crime that endangered the lives of seven people and caused substantial damage to a home,' Macomb County Prosecutor Peter J. Lucido said.

'I am especially outraged that the lives of two infants were put a risk. The Macomb County Prosecutors Office will not tolerate this reckless disregard for human life and private property.'
A 10-year-old girl was kidnapped in California this week by a man who had been messaging her on gaming platform Roblox, police have warned.

The Kern County Sheriff's Office said the youngster was snatched by Matthew Macatuno Naval, 27, on Saturday but was found safe on Sunday.

Naval, from Elk Grove, was arrested Sunday and is facing charges of kidnapping and unlawful sexual conduct with a minor child.

Police uncovered communications between Naval and the girl on Roblox, which is popular among preteens, which suggested their whereabouts.

They had also been speaking on messaging platform Discord, authorities said.

Kern County Sheriffs Office said deputies were dispatched to Cypress Street in Taft, around 110 miles north of Los Angeles, at around 10am on April 13.

Relatives of the 10-year-old girl reported that she hadn't been seen since the night before at the Southern California home.

The girl's friends gave detectives information which led them to believe she had been kidnapped, and they traced her to Naval's home town of Elk Grove, around 260 miles away in Northern California.

A 10-year-old girl was kidnapped in California this week by a man who had been messaging her on gaming platform Roblox, police have warned

The Kern County Sheriff's Office said the youngster was snatched by Matthew Macatuno Naval, 27, on Saturday but was found safe on Sunday. He has not been pictured

'It was suspected that the victim was communicating with Naval through Roblox and Discord, leading to their abduction,' the sheriff's office said.

Working with Elk Grove Police, detectives found Naval in his car at a strip mall close to his home, along with the missing girl.

The girl was temporarily taken into protective custody, before being released back to her family.

At around 3.35pm on Sunday, police arrested Naval at the 7100 block of Elk Grove Boulevard, and he was booked into Sacramento County Sheriff's Office Jail without bail, where he is awaiting extradition to Kern County.

The sheriff's office issued a warning to parents in the wake of the horrific incident.

'Kern County Sheriffs Office would like to take this time to remind our community of the importance of internet safety,' the office said in a statement.

'Parents, monitor all electronic usage and know who your children are communicating with.

On Sunday, police arrested Naval at the 7100 block of Elk Grove Boulevard (pictured above)

A 10-year-old girl was kidnapped in California this week by a man who had been messaging her on gaming platform Roblox, police have warned

'Many apps and games have messaging capabilities and present the same, if not more, risk as social media platforms.

'Media monitoring apps are great tools for those who may not know where to begin when monitoring electronic usage.'

Anyone with additional information about this case is encouraged to contact the Kern County Sheriff's Office at (661)861-3110. Case 2025-00045231
The disappearance of a woman who vanished at the weekend is now being treated as a murder, police say.

Paria Veisi, 37, has not been seen since leaving her place of work in the Canton area of Cardiff at around 3pm on Saturday.

South Wales Police on Wednesday put out a plea for information on the whereabouts of Paria, saying they had arrested two people in connection to her disappearance.

The force have now said they have 'no proof' the businesswoman is alive.

A 41-year-old man and a 48-year-old woman arrested earlier in the week are now being held on suspicion of murder. The pair remain in police custody.

Paira was caught on CCTV driving her black Mercedes GLC 220, which was later found just a couple on miles away on Dorchester Avenue, Penylan, on Tuesday evening.

South Wales Police issued an appeal to locate the missing woman on Wednesday night.

The force said her disappearance is totally out of character and officers are concerned for her welfare.

Police are desperately searching for missing 37-year-old Paria Veisi (pictured) who vanished on Saturday

Paria Veisi's black Mercedes surrounded by officers as they launch a murder investigation

She was caught on CCTV leaving work in her black Mercedes GLC 220, which was later found just a couple on miles away on Dorchester Avenue (pictured), Penylan, on Tuesday evening

It has also released an image of Paria, who is described as having has long, curly, black hair.

She was last seen wearing a black zip-up gym top over a red top, black trousers, and trainers and carrying a small handbag.

Senior Investigating Officer, Detective Chief Inspector Matt Powell, said: 'I can confirm that that the investigation into the disappearance of Paria Veisi is now a murder investigation. I currently have no proof that Paria is alive.

'Her family and friends are extremely concerned that they have not heard from her which is totally out of character.

'Paria's family have been informed and we are keeping them updated.

'We have two people in custody, and at this stage we are not looking for anybody else in connection with this investigation.

'Our investigation remains focussed on Paria's movements after she left work in Canton area on Saturday, April 12.

'Extensive CCTV and house-to-house enquiries are being carried out by a team of officers and I am appealing for anybody who has information, no matter how insignificant it may seem, to make contact.'

The force has asked for any information and video footage such as from mobile phones, CCTV cameras, doorbells or dash-cams to be submitted via this link: https://mipp.police.uk/operation/62SWP25C05-PO1

Anyone with information is also being asked to contact South Wales Police quoting reference 2500116906.
As Prince Philip was laid to rest at St George's Chapel in Windsor on April 17, 2021, the commentators stressed that he had personally chosen every detail of his farewell.

'Throw my coffin in the back of a Land Rover,' the Duke of Edinburgh had said, according to biographer Robert Lacey in his book Battle Of Brothers. So that is what the Royal Family did.

The Land Rover Defender, which the Duke had painted a military green and modified to include an open-top rear with special fittings to secure his coffin, was followed by his four children: Prince Charles, Princess Anne, Prince Andrew and Prince Edward.

His grandsons William, then Duke of Cambridge, and Harry, Duke of Sussex, also formed part of the procession.

It was the first time they had reunited since Harry and Meghan's bombshell interview with US chat show host Oprah Winfrey earlier that year.

Strategically, Peter Phillips was placed in between the feuding brothers to act as a 'diplomatic buffer', wrote Lacey.

Ever modest, Philip had also insisted that he wanted no personal address or tributes during the service, so it was kept to his handpicked selections of readings and music.

It was difficult not to tear up at the sound of the buglers of the Royal Marines trumpeting out The Last Post to signify 'a soldier has gone to his final rest' and the mourners praying for 'those in peril on the sea', pointing to Philip's time in the Royal Navy.

Senior members of the Royal Family walk behind the specially designed Land Rover in the funeral procession towards St George's Chapel at Windsor Castle

Prince William (left) and Prince Harry (right) walk either side of Peter Phillips and behind Prince Andrew at Windsor

The duke wanted the call to echo around the vast 15th-century St George's Chapel at his funeral.

A Palace spokesman said: 'It is a fitting testimony to remind many people who might not realise that the duke saw active service in the Second World War aboard a ship in the Royal Navy.'

But although the service was almost exactly as he would have wanted it, it was rendered all the more moving by the pandemic restrictions in place.

The congregation all wore black face masks that conveniently not only helped stop the spread of the disease but also kept emotions private.

But it was Queen Elizabeth, whom Philip was married to for 73 years, that broke hearts across the nation.

In a picture that served somewhat as an allegory of the times, the frail monarch sat six feet away from family members and faced her grief alone.

Only 29 other mourners - including Prince Charles, Prince William and Prince Harry - were allowed inside St George's Chapel as social distancing rules were still in place.

Immediately after Prince Philip's funeral, his eldest son Charles exited the church and stripped his face mask away. He had clearly been crying.

The then Duke of Cambridge, the Duke of Sussex and Peter Phillips walk up the West Steps outside St George's Chapel

Prince William and Prince Harry follow the hearse towards the chapel

The then Duchess and Duke of Cambridge during the Duke of Edinburgh's funeral

Prince Harry sits alone in the pews at St George's Chapel in Windsor Castle

Philip's coffin had on it his standard, navy cap and a sword given to him by the Queen's father when they had married 73 years before

Queen Elizabeth sits alone at the funeral of her husband in April 2021 due to coronavirus restrictions

As members of the Royal Family joined him in removing their masks, a horde of lip-readers came into their element. It was the first time Harry had mingled with relatives in-person since the revelatory Oprah interview.

'Yes, it was great, wasn't it?' remarked William to Harry, as if they had not been 'estranged' for several months.

'It was as he wanted,' Harry apparently replied.

Royal fans noted what seemed to be a touching reunion between the brothers - with many noting how Catherine, then Duchess of Cambridge, expertly manoeuvred herself to allow the pair to talk alone.

Speaking about the brothers' conversation, body language expert Judi James told MailOnline: 'The moment of connection between William and Harry came right at the end of the service as they left the chapel.

'In a well-co-ordinated but also relatively natural-looking moment, Harry walked up behind William and Kate to then join them, walking between them and chatting to them both.

'After a few seconds of what looked like natural and not self-conscious conversation, Kate fell back, leaving the two brothers walking off talking alone. It looked like a genuine moment of unity rather than something contrived for the cameras.'

Although their interaction looked perfectly friendly, Lacey reported that William could see no point in talking to Harry beyond pleasantries 'since any discussion of substance would go straight back to Meghan to be leaked out via Oprah, Gayle King or some other tentacle of the Sussex network'.

Prince Harry and Prince William talk to each other as they leave the funeral service at St George's Chapel

Prince Harry and Prince William leave the funeral as the Duchess of Cambridge walks alongside them

The Duke of Sussex is seen speaking to the Duke of Cambridge following the service

Immediately after the funeral, Queen Elizabeth returned to her apartment in Windsor Castle in silence.

'I helped her off with her coat and hat and no words were spoken,' senior dresser Angela Kelly told royal expert Gyles Brandreth.

'The Queen then walked to her sitting room, closed the door behind her, and she was alone with her thoughts.'

Though her grief was private, in public the Queen was determined to carry on as normal. 'Life goes on,' she said. 'It has to.'
Millions of Britons will mark Good Friday by tucking into a fish dish for their evening meal - and the Royal Family are no exception.

While it is not known what King Charles and Queen Camilla's meal will be, the late Queen was known to enjoy a rather unusual dish of choice for the age-old ritual, believed to have been started by the first Christians to remember Jesus's sacrifice.

According to Darren McGrady, the Queen Elizabeth's personal chef from 1982 until 1993, she ate a fish supper on Good Friday but with the traditional haddock or cod swapped for hake.

Similar to cod and haddock but softer and with a more mild flavour, hake is usually used in curries and soups rather than in fish and chips.

Darren had revealed in a YouTube video how the Queen liked her fish and chips cooked - and it wasn't only her choice of fish which departed from the usual ingredients.

Queen Elizabeth (pictured on Easter Sunday in 2019) is said to have enjoyed a hake fish supper on Good Friday instead of a traditional haddock or cod

Instead of deep-frying the fish in batter, the Queen preferred her hake oven-cooked with a panko crusting

On Easter Sunday, after attending the church service at St George's Chapel, the Royal Family typically enjoy a roast leg of lamb served with redcurrant jelly

Darren said: 'The Queen wouldn't really eat the fish fried in all that crispy rich batter - a little bit too much for her. She preferred a more refined fish and chips.

'The chips were all cut the same length - every one the same length, perfect rectangles.'

So, instead of deep-frying the hake in batter, it was dunked in flour, egg yolk and butter before it was rubbed with panko crusting and popped into the oven at 200C for ten minutes.

While most Brits might enjoy their fish and chips with a healthy dollop of tartare sauce and a side of mushy peas the Queen's choice of condiment was a little more off-menu.

She enjoyed homemade tarragon hollandaise sauce made of egg yolks, lemon, tarragon, clarified butter with salt and pepper as well.

Presentation of the dish was also crucial. The perfectly asymmetrical chips had to be stacked into a square.

Then the hollandaise sauce was drizzled around the side of the plate before a flower was placed on top of the fish for decoration.

Answering the question of whether the Queen did eat fish and chips, Darren said: 'Sort of I guess.

During Lent the Queen would give up chocolate so that by Easter Sunday she was more than happy to indulge in an Easter egg or two

According to Darren McGrady, the late Queen's personal chef from 1982 till 1993, she enjoyed hollandaise sauce over tartare sauce or mushy peas

Hake is similar to cod and haddock but is softer and has a more mild flavour

'I love the combination of flavours in this dish and we'd serve this a lot when the Queen had guests for lunch.'

As well as a fish supper, the Royal Family also enjoyed homemade hot cross buns on Good Friday, which were served with afternoon tea.

On Easter Sunday, after attending the church service at St George's Chapel the Royal Family typically enjoy a roast leg of lamb served with redcurrant jelly.

Darren also revealed that, like everyone at Easter, the late Queen indulged in an Easter egg.

Speaking to Time magazine, he described the Queen as a 'chocoholic', who especially enjoyed dark chocolate.

During Lent she would give up the sweet treat so that by Easter Sunday the Queen was more than happy to indulge in an Easter egg or two.

Afternoon tea is accompanied by a 'huge selection' of hand-decorated chocolate eggs so all the members of the family can enjoy the festive snack.

This year, Buckingham Palace confirmed that the King and Queen will lead members of the Royal Family at this year's Easter Sunday church service.

Last year's Easter celebration was a more lowkey affair for the royals following King Charles's and The Princess of Wales's cancer diagnoses

The Prince and Princess of Wales and their children did not attend last year's service as Kate continued her treatment. Pictured: Kate with Prince Louis in 2023

Last year's Easter celebration was a more lowkey affair for the royals following King Charles's and The Princess of Wales's cancer diagnoses.

Instead of a line-up of glamorous royals - such as Zara and Mike Tindall, Kate and Prince William with their children, Princesses Eugenie and Beatrice, the Duchess of Edinburgh and Lady Sarah Chatto - the occasion was 'smaller than usual' in order to limit the number of people Charles came into contact with.

The King was accompanied by Queen Camilla as well as The Duke and Duchess of Edinburgh and their son, James, Princess Anne and her husband, Timothy Laurence, and Prince Andrew and Sarah Ferguson.

Despite still receiving treatment for cancer, the King appeared to be in a cheery mood at last year's service as he waved and smiled at well-wishers as he arrived in his maroon state Bentley limousine for the service being held at St George's Chapel.

The Prince and Princess of Wales and their children did not attend last year's service as Kate continued her treatment.

The Daily Mirror at the time reported that an aide said: 'The family just want to go away for Easter, spend time together, the five of them, close off from the world and move on.'

In January this year, Kate revealed that her cancer was in remission.
Awkward wedding nights are not just the preserve of us mere mortals, but with the fate of Kingdoms often on the line, they can prove equally challenging for Royalty.

On the latest episode of the Mail's 'Queens, Kings & Dastardly Things' podcast, Royal biographer Robert Hardman and historian Kate Williams look back to some of the most disastrous Royal weddings in history, that, in some instances, caused the collapse of entire dynasties.

One such collapse came through the union of the Prince of Orange, soon to be King William III of England, and Princess Mary, the last of the Stuart monarchs.

The Wedding of William and Mary

In 1677, Prince William of Orange married his cousin, Princess Mary, to firm up ties between the Royal courts of England and Holland.

Mary was the eldest daughter of England's last Catholic ruler, James II, the son of the reviled Charles I, who had been executed during the civil war.

Their union was vital to the stability of the realm: Mary, the last of the English ruling house of Stuart, and William, the first of the Dutch Kings invited to invade after the turmoil wrought by Britain's ill-fated Commonwealth, led by Oliver Cromwell.

That Mary and William produce a child was imperative, given that the monarchy's power and legitimacy was probably the weakest it had been in over a century.

Historian Kate Williams: 'William is cold  he had no interest in the bedding ritual' Listen here

Historian Kate Williams: 'Mary, at 15, was told she had to marry her 26-year-old cousin. She cries and cries, and the marriage would not be very successful' Listen here

Royal biographer Robert Hardman: 'Maybe there'd be no Queen Victoria, it's a what if, but it's totally fascinating' Listen here

Their wedding, however, would prove a disaster. As historian Kate Williams describes: 'Mary, at 15, was told she had to marry her 26-year-old cousin. She cries and cries, and the marriage would not be very successful.

'William is cold  he has no interest in the bedding ritual. He goes for the equivalent of a 17th-century kebab in town, leaving his bride and the King of England waiting until midnight.

'He then refuses to take off his woolly draws in bed. He tells Charles II that he's accustomed to wearing them in bed and that's not about to change.

'Charles II begins to panic, worried he's seen his niece into a terrible marriage and gets really drunk.'

The bedding ritual was a bizarre tradition, a holdover from medieval times. Royal courtiers and family members would be invited into the bedroom of the new bride and groom, so to be assured the marriage was being consummated.

The fact that William was cold on the tradition would have rang alarm bells at court, given that marriages were not seen as legitimate if they were not consummated.

Their wedding night would prove telling of their marriage, with the couple unable to produce an heir.

As Royal biographer Robert Hardman explains: 'There is no child in the marriage  if there had been, it wouldn't have been the end of the Stuarts.

'There was poor Queen Anne, who had children who never lived to adulthood, but then it was over to the Germans, the Hanoverian dynasty.

'If maybe William had taken off those woolly draws and not gone out for a kebab the night before, we'd never have lost the Stuarts.

'Maybe there'd be no Queen Victoria, it's a what if, but it's totally fascinating.'

To learn more about awkward Royal marriages, search for Queens, Kings, and Dastardly Things - wherever you get your podcasts.
The Duke of Sussex has in the past described his seemingly never-ending legal action against the popular Press as a mission.

Now, he has a new cause which is apparently even more important than reforming the British media.

It is the provision of taxpayer-funded security to VIPs. Or, more specifically, the workings of the Royal and VIP Executive Committee - known as Ravec.

This may not be the most pressing concern for the average hard-pressed British taxpayer, already struggling to cope with the cost-of-living crisis.

But it is the noble cause on which Prince Harry chooses to concentrate his time, money and energy.

Prince Harry in court earlier this month. He has mounted a legal challenge to restore British police protection after it was revoked in 2020, following his split from the Royal Family

Some of us may have been under the impression that he was suing his fathers government in a fit of pique at having his automatic protection withdrawn when he and his wife, the Duchess of Sussex, quit royal duties and moved to America to seek a fortune.

But, no, according to Harry, he is pursuing his case against the Home Office to the bitter end because he wants to help other highly privileged individuals who may find themselves in a similar situation.

Regardless of the outcome, the duke will hope that by drawing attention to the way the committee operates, the system might change and become more transparent, reported The Daily Telegraph, which is one of the few British newspapers with which Harry deigns to communicate.

It added of his selflessness: If he cant fix it for himself, perhaps he can fix it for others.

The duke spoke to the Telegraph, which reported that he felt exhausted and overwhelmed by the legal process of fighting His Majestys Government over the withdrawal of his automatic protection when he returned to his homeland.

And, buried away at the bottom of the article was an ominous warning from Harry to the Royal Family.

Whether or not he has an appetite for pursuing the case still further, beyond the courtroom, remains to be seen, it said.

There would be nothing stopping him talking publicly about the experience and what he has learnt, putting together the pieces of the puzzle, writing a second book or making a podcast.

The Telegraph added: He will be acutely aware that to do so would cause further upset. But the duke believes that if he has uncovered an injustice, he should try and fix it. He is unlikely to rest until he feels vindicated.

As if such thinly veiled warnings about Harry writing a follow-up to his tawdry memoirs, Spare, were not bad enough, Meghan chose this week to emphasise that she is still Her Royal Highness, whether her in-laws like it or not.

The American former actress posted on her Instagram account a message sent to her which addressed her as Your Royal Highness.

She and Harry agreed not to use their HRH titles after quitting royal duties, so it seemed a deliberately provocative act to publish the message, which had been sent to her by a government minister from Ukraine.

Royal courtiers are now realising that it would have been better to have stripped Harry and Meghan of their Duke and Duchess of Sussex titles and HRHs as soon as they decided to move to the US

The move went down badly with a friend of King Charles, who told the well-connected journalist Tom Sykes: Its outrageous. Every time you think they cant make it worse, they make it worse.

From what I hear, its starting to dawn on courtiers that the deal agreed with Harry at the Sandringham Summit in 2020 may not have gone far enough.

Courtiers are now realising that it would have been better to have stripped Harry and Meghan of their Duke and Duchess of Sussex titles and HRHs at the time.

That would have put more distance between them and the Royal Family and would have prevented Meghan styling herself Duchess of Sussex for commercial purposes, as she is now doing.
If you're house hunting in Florida, now might be the time to look again.

That is because new analysis shows that many of the top 10 areas where home prices are falling are in the Sunshine State.

And some are falling fast  with Sarasota County seeing the biggest drop at 7.3 percent.

Charlotte and Lee counties were second and third on the list, with 7.2 percent and 6 percent dips, respectively

Other Florida areas seeing declines include Manatee, Collier, Pasco, and Pinellas counties, which hug the Gulf of America.

There were also big declines in other states around the Gulf Coast, which has been hit by many hurricanes over the last couple of years.

'A lot of them are very leery of buying anything along the coast,' real estate advisor Rick Harrison told The Washington Post.

Harrison admitted that he also brings insurance quotes to showings so house hunters can get a better idea of the total price.

Florida's Sarasota County experienced a 7.3 percent drop in housing prices

Properties in Charlotte County, which includes places in Punta Gora Island, dropped 7.2 percent in home prices

Rick Harrison, a real estate agent in Fort Myers in Florida, said people do not want to buy homes near the coast due to fears of hurricanes

Prior to the drop, people began to avoid the housing market due to the growth in prices and mortgage rates.

Hannah Jones of Realtor.com pointed out that these factors explained why potential homeowners couldn't afford houses and sat on the market.

The number of houses on the market slowly declined, which increased the difficulty of purchasing a home.

'Buyers were just simply hit with the housing affordability challenges,' said Lawrence Yun of the National Association of Realtors.

'The buying aspiration is there, it's just that the capacity is not.'

Now that prices of mortgages are lowering, the housing market's inventory is growing.

Some of the Florida properties are new builds and in major cities that are no longer flooding with new state residents.

Home searchers may want to consider acting quickly, especially since Palm Beach County is now a must-live area for the wealthy.

Housing market inventories are growing due to the decreases in property prices and mortgage rates

Besides Florida, experts concluded that Kaufman County cities in Texas saw a 4.4 percent drop in home prices.

Major Texas cities like Austin, Dallas, and Houston have also experienced slight declines.

Over the past five years, employees who work remotely have already been fleeing to less expensive areas of the Lone Star State.

Now that the Texas housing demand is growing, so is its inventory, with newly built homes driving down prices.

Real estate agent Todd Luong revealed he noticed a 30 percent increase in homes listed in the Dallas-Fort Worth area compared to last year.

Unfortunately, despite the decline, Luong noted that Dallas is 'not as affordable as it used to be' with prices catching up to others in the US.

The Midwest and Northeast are still the most competitive US regions, with small inventories full of high-priced properties.

'We're moving in the right path but we're still a ways from our destination in returning to our more normal levels of affordability,' said Andy Walden of Intercontinental Exchange (ICE).

Experts believe house prices will increase by 3 percent this year nationwide

The US housing market has continued to improve, and costs of single-family homes only rose by 2.7 percent in 2024.

This was a change compared to the over 6 percent growth from 2023, according to a Washington Post analysis of home value data from the mortgage technology division of ICE.

Despite the drops and abundance of properties, market prices are still high compared to costs from before 2020.

Walden referred to the housing market as a 'supply-side story.'

However, some researchers believe house prices will increase by 3 percent this year with 6.7 percent mortgage rates.

Experts also concluded President Donald Trump's policies could change the market's affordability.

'Existing homes for sale have reverted to more normalized levels across several key Metropolitan Statistical Areas (MSAs), and new homes have become fairly plentiful,' said Michael Rehaut of J.P. Morgan.

'Supply should be less of a support for the housing market in 2025.'
The saying goes that dogs are man's best friend - but it now appears that the friendship is coming to an end for some British breeds.

New figures reveal that Britons are falling out of love with purebreed dogs in favour of trendy crossbreeds.

The Kennel Club analysed over 11 million dog registrations and found that the number of pedigree pooches in Britain has shrunk by around 0.9 per cent every year since 1990.

In particular, the researchers found that numbers have been falling sharply since 2010.

The Yorkshire Terrier has seen the most dramatic decline, with its population shrinking by 16 per cent from one year to the next every year since 2010.

According to the researchers, this could be due to the ballooning popularity of mixed breeds like the Cockapoo and the Labradoodle.

The decline is now so rapid that the Kennel Club is concerned that it could cause serious trouble for the future of breeding dogs in the UK.

Study author Dr Joanna Ilska, genetics and research manager at the Kennel Club, told MailOnline: 'People may also be breeding less because of negative attitudes towards pedigree dog breeding but welfare experts agree its crucial to have a supply of healthy, happy puppies bred by responsible, informed breeders.'

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The breed with the most rapid decline is the Yorkshire Terrier (pictured) which has seen its population shrink by 16 per cent between 1990 and 2021

Between 2012 and 2021, the number of pet dogs in the UK soared from 7.6 million to 12 million in 2021.

However, the number of dogs registered as a purebreed with the Kennel Club has continued to decline for many breeds.

In 1990, there were over 24,000 Yorkshire Terriers born in the UK - but by 2021 there were just 529 new puppies.

After the Yorkshire Terrier, the breed which has shrunk the fastest since 1990 was the West Highland White Terrier which declined by 8.4 per cent each year - with just 1,238 born in 2021.

This was followed by the Pekingese and the Anatolian Shepherd Dog, whose populations fell by eight per cent and 7.2 per cent year on year respectively throughout this 30-year period.

However, the data shows that the decline in pedigree breeds has only accelerated since 2010.

On average, the population of purebreed dogs fell by around 1.3 per cent each year every year between 2010 and 2021.

During this period, the Kennel Club found that there were 10 breeds whose populations declined by more than 10 per cent each year.

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The researchers say that the decline in purebred dogs could be because mixed dogs like the cockapoo (pictured) have become more popular

Following the Yorkshire terrier, the West Highland Terrier (pictured) was the second fastest shrinking breed between 1990 and 2021. In 2021, just 1,238 were born in the UK

The UK's fastest-vanishing purebreeds Pyrenean Sheepdog : -16.89 per cent Akita : -16.48 per cent Greyhound : -16.35 per cent Yorkshire Terrier : -16.34 per cent Bichon Frise : -15.86 per cent Siberian Husky : -15.19 per cent Alaskan Malamute : -14.93 per cent Estrela Mountain Dog : -13.57 per cent Lhasa Apso : -13.44 per cent German Longhaired Pointer : -11.76 per cent (Proportional change from 2010-2021) Advertisement

The Pyrenean Sheepdog's population fell the most rapidly, declining by 17 per cent each year and leaving no new puppies being born in 2021.

The Akita, Greyhound, and Yorkshire Terrier populations in the UK also fell by more than 16 per cent each year during the same decade, with only one registered greyhound born in 2021.

This has now created a serious risk that some of these breeds could vanish from the UK.

As the populations of these breeds dwindle, the choice of dogs for breeding decreases and there is a greater risk of harmful inbreeding.

The rate of loss of genetic diversity must be kept at sustainable levels to avoid population decline or in extreme cases the eventual extinction of the breed.

Dr Ilska says: 'We are concerned about declines in popularity - especially for some unusual breeds which already have small populations  and the supply of healthy, well-bred puppies which have predictable characteristics, so owners can find a good match for their lifestyle.'

The researchers believe this could partly be caused by the rapid growth in popularity of newer, trendy crossbreeds.

Dr Iska points out that while the number of pedigree dogs has fallen, the number of recognised breeds has actually increased by 12 per cent.

During 2021, only one pedigree greyhound puppy was registered with the Kennel Club (file photo)

The UK's fastest-growing purebreeds French Bulldog : 34.91 per cent Lagotto Romagnolo : 23.36 per cent Dachsund (Miniature Smooth-Haired) : 17.44 per cent Dachsund (Smooth-Haired) : 16.32 per cent Korthals Griffon : 14.44 per cent Chow Chow : 14.19 per cent Daschund (Wire-Haired) : 14.01 per cent Belgian Shepherd Dog : 14.01 per cent Sealyham Terrier : 12.73 (per cent) Welsh Corgi : 12.03 (per cent) (Proportional change from 2010-2021) Advertisement

However, Dr Ilska argues that trendy crossbreds like the labradoodle still suffer from many of the same issues as pedigree dogs.

She says: 'While some believe crossbreeds are healthier, there is still little data to determine their health status and therefore ways to avoid certain diseases in their populations, and less evidence-based resources for breeders or puppy buyers to make informed, responsible decisions about health and genetic diversity.'

Some more popular breeds have seen huge population growth over the same period.

For example, French Bulldogs saw the biggest increase and grew yearly by 22.1 per cent between 1990 and 2021 and 34 per cent since 2010.

Likewise, several different varieties of dachshund have all seen rapid population growth since the start of 2010.

But this does not necessarily mean that more pedigree dogs are being born in the UK.

Of all the pedigree dogs in the UK, just 13.7 per cent were used for breeding between 2005 and 2015.

To make up the difference, a huge number of dogs are now imported from abroad, with more than 3,000 arriving each year from 2011 to 2019.

Some more popular breeds have seen huge population growth over the same period. For example, French Bulldogs (pictured) saw the biggest increase and grew by 22.1 per cent between 1990 and 2021 and 34 per cent since 2010

Ireland exported 11,577 dogs to the UK between 1990 and 2021, while Russia exported 4,396 dogs, and Poland exported 3,905 dogs.

This means the few pedigree dogs being bred in the UK still face the problem of rapidly reducing genetic diversity.

Charlotte McNamara, Head of Health at The Kennel Club, says: 'Pedigree dogs have many advantages because we know their ancestry and we can better predict the way that they will turn out.

'But it also means that they are more similar to each other genetically, and so we have to consider how breed populations are monitored and managed, as the lower the genetic diversity the greater the risk that new health conditions will begin to surface.'

The researchers hope their study will help breeders develop strategies for preserving the fastest-declining breeds.

Ms McNamara says: 'We hope this new research, which has been conducted on a huge scale, will help to address the wider issue of the supply of well-bred, healthy puppies in the UK.'
In a 'transformational' discovery, scientists have discovered the strongest evidence of life on a distant alien planet.

Using data from the James Webb Space Telescope, astronomers found huge quantities of chemicals produced by life on Earth in the atmosphere of the planet K2-18b.

According to scientists from the University of Cambridge, an 'ocean that is teeming with life' is the best explanation for this stunning discovery.

But what would that alien life look like?

MailOnline has used AI to take scientists' best predictions and imagine what life might be like on K2-18b.

The most likely scenario is that K2-18b's oceans are filled with something like phytoplankton - microscopic organisms that feed on the energy from the nearby star.

However, where there are plankton there is also the possibility of more complex lifeforms evolving to feed on this abundant food supply.

That could mean K2-18b is teaming with strange lifeforms, from filter-feeding shrimp to alien flying fish.

Scientists say life on the planet K2-18b will likely be microscopic phytoplankton (AI Impression)

Researchers found traces of chemicals produced by life in the atmosphere of K2-18b (artist's impression), a planet 124 light-years from Earth. This planet is most likely a 'Hycean' world covered by oceans

Plankton

K2-18b is an exoplanet located around 124 light-years from Earth in the constellation of Leo.

It is 2.6 times larger and 8.6 times as massive than Earth, and experts believe it is likely covered in an ocean  making it what they call a 'Hycean world'.

From observations, scientists know that K2-18b is orbiting a red dwarf star in an area known as the 'habitable zone' in which liquid water can exist.

As the planet passes in front of its star, scientists can record how different chemicals in the atmosphere absorb the light.

This revealed the chemical fingerprints of dimethyl sulfide (DMS) and dimethyl disulfide (DMDS), which are only made on Earth by living creatures.

Dr Arik Kershenbaum, a zoologist from the University of Cambridge says: 'It's a complex chemical that decays really quickly. So, if you see it there, then something must be making it.'

Although scientists can't be 100 per cent certain that K2-18b is a Hycean world, if it is, then the oceans would be the most likely place for life to develop.

On Earth, DMS and DMDS are only produced by living organisms - mostly microbial life such as marine phytoplankton (like the ones pictured)

K2-18b is thought to be a 'Hycean' world (depicted) - a class of exoplanet possessing key ingredients for alien species because of their hydrogen-rich atmospheres and oceans of water. Life most likely exists near the surface of the water, feeding on the energy from the star

However, Dr Arik Kershenbaum, a zoologist from the University of Cambridge and author of The Zoologists Guide to the Galaxy, says that life on K2-18b would be quite different to life on Earth today.

'Even if there is an ocean on this planet it's going to look more like what Earth looked like three or four billion years ago when life first evolved,' he said.

'So, one thing we can say pretty confidently is that the vast majority of planets that have any sort of life on them are going to have simple life on them.'

That means the most likely form of life will be microscopic organisms such as phytoplankton.

On Earth, these creatures sit near the surface of the water and convert sunlight into energy by photosynthesis and, importantly, also create DMS and DMDS.

So, if these chemicals do really have a biological source, phytoplankton in K2-18b's oceans are the most likely contender.

Filter feeders

However, just because life is simple on K2-18b, this doesn't mean that it will all be small.

More complex life may have evolved to feed on the microorganisms in the water, these could resemble Earth creatures called choanoflagellates which suck water through their funnel-like bodies (AI impression)

Dr Kershenbaum says: 'By simple I just mean simple interactions and a very simple ecosystem.

'So, you might have organisms that capture light from the star like plants do on our planet and then, as they die and sink down in the water there might be some organisms that eat the dead creatures.

'That's probably what life was like on Earth around two billion years ago.'

Dr Kershenbaum says that the restrictions of physics and the limits on how creatures can move themselves mean that life on K2-18b would share some similarities with life on Earth.

So, if more complex life has evolved it could resemble some of the early filter feeders in Earth's history.

On Earth, one of the very first things to start eating microorganisms was a type of single-celled organism called choanoflagellates, the earliest living ancestor of all animals on Earth.

These simple creatures looked like tiny badminton shuttlecocks which used microscopic hairs to suck bacteria through a funnel and consume them.

Scientists believe that something very much like this was probably the closest relative of all animal life on Earth so simple creatures on K2-18b might look similar.

Animals on K2-18b could look like some of Earth's first filter-feeding organisms. These were large, shrimp-like creatures which gathered particles in the water using their feather-like appendages (AI impression)

Although complex animals only evolved more recently in Earth's evolutionary history, the fossil record might offer some hints to what alien life could look like.

Scientists believe the first filter-feeding animal in Earth's history was a large shrimp-like creature called Tamisiocaris borealis which lived 540 million years ago.

This animal used long, feather-like structures around its head to gather tiny particles from the water.

Although it isn't likely, if there is more complex life on K2-18b it might have evolved in a similar way.

More complex organisms

Life has existed on Earth for about four billion years, but it is only in the last half a billion years or so that anything resembling an animal has emerged.

This makes it less likely that K2-18b will have forms of life with complex relationships like predation and evasion behaviours.

However, if it does happen to have a truly complex life, scientists have some ideas of what it could look like.

Scientists have said that flying fish or even birds might develop on water worlds to avoid predators (AI impression)

Since the light from the red dwarf star is so dim, any creatures in K2-18bs oceans would have evolved very large eyes (AI impression)

Since K2-18b orbits a red dwarf star, the light reaching the planet will be dim which places some constraints on how life could develop.

Astronomer Michael Garrett, a professor at Manchester University, previously told MailOnline: 'I think the way complex life might appear will depend a lot on the environment within which it evolves.

'If your star is a red giant, you might find life with eyes that are much more sensitive and larger than ours.'

Professor Garrett also said that if the world had a low-density atmosphere, it may have 'life forms with wings of enormous scale'.

Likewise, in 2013, NASA researchers discovered two water worlds, called Kepler-62e and Kpler-62f, which were promising candidates in the search for life.

Speaking to Space.com at the time, lead researcher Bill Borucki, of NASA's Ames Research Center, said that these planets could be home to fish or even birds.

Mr Borucki said: 'At least in our ocean, we have flying fish. They 'fly' to get away from predators. So we might find that they have evolved  birds  on this ocean planet.'

Since K2-18b is a water world just like Kepler-62e and 62f, its oceans could also be home to strange alien flying fish or even sea birds.
The search for extraterrestrials has been one of the biggest scientific quests for centuries.

Now, scientists may have just taken one giant step closer towards finding life outside of our solar system.

Planet K2-18b  which is more than twice as big as Earth and 120 light-years away  sits within the habitable zone of its star in the Leo constellation.

Promisingly, an analysis of its atmosphere revealed huge quantities of chemicals, which are only made by living organisms.

It is the 'strongest hint yet' of biological activity outside our solar system, with experts hailing the 'huge, transformational moment'.

However, if aliens do exist, it might be a big mistake to try and reach out to them, according to experts.

Mark Buchanan, a physicist and science writer in the UK, has said alien contact could result in 'the end of all life on Earth'.

'I personally think it would be a really bad idea to just blindly make contact, without first trying to learn more about the other civilization,' he told MailOnline.

No life beyond Earth has ever been found and there is no evidence that alien life has ever visited our planet. But this may be due to extraterrestrial life being too scared of 'dangerous' and 'violent' humans (artist's impression)

Scientists made an exciting and potentially groundbreaking discovery in the search for alien life - after detecting signs of a gas produced only by living organisms on a distant water planet known as K2-18b (pictured in an artist's impression)

'There's a big debate among scientists about the wisdom of actively sending out messages toward potential civilization, as we may find that they are not particularly friendly, while also being unimaginably more powerful than us.

'Historically on Earth, when different civilizations have come in contact, the result has often been the extinction or enslavement of the weaker group.

'But other people feel differently and argue that, maybe another civilization could teach us things, such as how to manage our limited environment more effectively or could teach us new technology  so there are interesting ideas on both sides.'

Scientists are able to beam messages towards another solar system in radio or light signals, akin to sending information in an email via the internet.

According to Buchanan, the best way to make contact with alien life would be to send light signals towards their world because they travel so fast.

'And there are many ways to send signals of a kind that do not get changed by any natural process, so another civilization would see them as coming from an intelligence,' he told MailOnline.

Buchanan stresses that these potential lifeforms on planet K2-18b are most likely 'some kind of microbial life, not an intelligent civilization'.

Dr Anthony Milligan, ethicist at King's College London's department of theology, said if we ever do find intelligent life, 'the urge to establish contact will be overwhelming'.

It is thought to be a 'Hycean' world (depicted) - a new class of exoplanet possessing key ingredients for alien species because of their hydrogen-rich atmospheres and oceans of water

Using data from the James Webb Space Telescope (JWST), astronomers identified huge quantities of chemicals only made by living organisms on Earth. They have picked up the chemical fingerprints of dimethyl sulfide (DMS) and dimethyl disulfide (DMDS) - molecules that are primarily produced by microbial life such as marine phytoplankton

Planet K2-18b: Key facts Discovered: 2015 Star: K2-18 Orbital duration: 33 days Constellation: Leo Mass: 8.6 times that of Earth Radius: 2.6 times that of Earth Advertisement

'But we should always be cautious about the information that we send  partly because of Earth security, but mostly out of a concern that we might cause damage at the other end if we send the wrong kind of information,' Dr Milligan told MailOnline.

'Well-intentioned contact doesnt always go well. Contact would be a good thing, but only if we proceed with caution.'

Professor Avi Loeb, a theoretical physicist at Harvard University, said if we ever conclusively find life on an exoplanet, we 'should definitely listen to any technological signals it transmits'  but communications would be 'challenging'.

'This planet K2-18b is 124 light years away,' he told MailOnline.

'If we send a communication signal towards it right now, the earliest time for us to receive a response at the speed of light is 248 years from now, in the year 2273.

'I am not that patient and would love to learn more about it by observing it in great detail over the centuries before the year 2273.'

Aliens 'will probably not view us as a serious threat,' Professor Loeb added.

'In fact, my concern is that they will ghost any DM (direct message) we send them because they will not find us particularly intelligent given the geopolitics on our planet.'

On Earth, DMS and DMDS are only produced by living organisms - mostly microbial life such as marine phytoplankton (like the ones pictured)

The James Webb Space Telescope (JWST, depicted here) is able to analyse the chemical make-up of a distant planet by capturing the light from its host star after it has passed through the planet's atmosphere on its way to Earth

What have astronomers found? Astronomers have found chemical fingerprints of dimethyl sulfide (DMS) and dimethyl disulfide (DMDS) in the exoplanet's atmosphere. These molecules that are primarily produced by microbial life such as marine phytoplankton. DMS and DMDS are molecules from the same chemical family, and both are predicted to be biosignatures. Both molecules have overlapping spectral features in the observed wavelength range, although further observations will help differentiate between the two molecules. Advertisement

Buchanan called the new announcement from scientists a 'fascinating finding' as it suggests there's 'more advanced life forms elsewhere in the universe'.

Investigations into planet K2-18b are being led by Dr Nikku Madhusudhan, an astrophysicist at the University of Cambridge, who called it a 'hycean' world  a rocky planet with a hydrogen-rich atmosphere and oceans of water.

Planet K2-18b  more than eight times the mass of Earth and over twice as big  was discovered 10 years ago, but it was only in 2019 that the presence of water vapour in K2-18b's atmosphere was reported.

Then, in 2023, the James Webb telescope detected carbon dioxide and methane in its atmosphere, as well as a shortage of ammonia  a 'very profound' finding because it indicates there's a water ocean underneath a hydrogen-rich atmosphere.

Arguably even more exciting, however, is the discovery of dimethyl sulfide (DMS) and dimethyl disulfide (DMDS) in the planet's atmosphere.

On Earth, DMS and DMDS are only produced by life, primarily microbial life such as marine phytoplankton  suggesting a similar form of life on the distant planet.

In fact, scientists have been unable to think of any natural geological or chemical process that could create DMS without living organisms.

What's more, concentrations of DMS and DMDS in K2-18bs atmosphere are estimated to be thousands of times stronger  more than 10 parts per million by volume compared with one part per billion on Earth  conjuring a scenario of an ocean world teeming with life.

Earlier observations of K2-18b identified methane and carbon dioxide in its atmosphere. This was the first time that carbon-based molecules were discovered in the atmosphere of an exoplanet in the habitable zone (a planet outside our solar system that's at just the right distance from its star for life to realistically proliferate)

However, the team 'remain cautious' and want to obtain more data before officially announcing that life has been found on another world.

The observations have reached the three-sigma level of statistical significance  meaning there is a 0.3 per cent probability that they occurred by chance.

To reach the accepted classification for scientific discovery, the observations would have to cross the five-sigma threshold, meaning there would be below a 0.00006 per cent probability they occurred by chance.

Between 16 and 24 hours of follow-up observation time with JWST may help them reach the all-important five-sigma significance.

NASA's $10 billion (7.4 billion) observatory is able to analyse the chemical make-up of a distant planet by capturing the light from its host star after it has passed through the planet's atmosphere on its way to Earth.

Gases in the atmosphere absorb some of the starlight but each leave tell-tale signatures in the spectrum of light.

Astronomers can then piece together these signatures to determine the constituent gases of the exoplanets atmosphere.

The new results are reported in The Astrophysical Journal Letters.
A Navy sailor, whose family has ties to Area 51, has revealed eerie details about when he encountered four mysterious UFOs rising from the Pacific Ocean.

Senior Chief Operations Specialist Alexandro Wiggins, a Navy veteran of 23 years, was onboard the USS Jackson during the incident on February 15, 2023.

Wiggins had watched the mysterious four objects emerging from the ocean and taking off in a 'synchronized' flight off the coast of southern California.

Speaking with 8newsnow, the radar specialist contended that he still remains dubious and wonders if the truth about it will ever be revealed about what he saw.

He said: 'To my surprise, which is something I've never witnessed, was a light I noticed on the horizon, it looked as if it were surfacing out of the water and going up.'

Not believing what he was seeing, he took a look at the shapes through a thermal sensor, which showed not just one but two tic-tac shaped objects in the sky.

'We only saw the one, and then we see the second one. I was only when we zoom out that we realize there's two more out here, a total of four', he added.

Wiggins - who is speaking out to help investigators piece together the mystery - said that while he was watching the tic tacs in awe, they suddenly took off 'to the north east, all at the same time.'

Most shocking to Wiggins was the speed of the lights in the sky. He said: 'If I had to talk speed, it was two steps behind instantaneous.'

Senior Chief Operations Specialist Alexandro Wiggins, a Navy veteran of 23 years, was onboard the USS Jackson during the incident on February 15, 2023

The objects were recorded by stunned sailors who said they spotted four UFOs in total

While maintaining skepticism about what he saw from the ship in 2023, Wiggins hoped that 'one day Ill know what that was, and Ill be like 80 or 90 years old.

'And itll be normalized like the stealth fighter or Area 51. At some point, itll be public, but then Ill be old.'

Wiggins, a Las Vegas native, also said that his father had worked at Area 51, the highly classified Air Force base that is frequently linked with UFO theories and folklore.

The shape of the UFOs appeared strikingly similar to a 2004 sighting of a 'tic tac shaped' UFO in the same waters, which was previously investigated by a top secret government program.

The never-before-seen video was obtained by journalist George Knapp and Jeremy Corbell, co-hosts of the Weaponized Podcast, who revealed it to the public earlier this month.

Knapp and co-host Jeremy Corbell spoke to personnel onboard who said they watched as four Tic Tac-shaped UFOs that emerged from the ocean in a military-controlled area known as Warning Area 291.

Corbell noted that this is the same area of the Pacific where other Navy sailors have reported seeing strange, unidentified craft over the years - including the now-infamous 2004 Tic Tac sighting by the USS Nimitz.

A combat information center (CIC) operator on board the Jackson who witnessed the incident spoke with the podcast, saying that seeing a UFO over the Pacific isn't really shocking for Navy personnel, but seeing a whole formation take off out of the water was jarring.

The shape of the UFOs appeared strikingly similar to a 2004 sighting of a 'tic tac shaped' UFO in the same waters

A Satellite image of Area 51, Southern Nevada, is seen here. The base has frequently been linked with UFO theories and folklore

'All in synchronous, jetting into the abyss. All four, all timed together and all left. And we were like holy s**t," the anonymous CIC operator told the Weaponized podcast.

'The second they left, maybe three, four seconds pass, I run to my station and I look at my radar, they're all off radar. That's it, they all zoomed off," the sailor continued.

'But it's clear that they're in communication with one another and synchronized like three, two, one countdown. Let's all go.

'I think unless there's some level of like one entity controlling all four and then they all leave at the same time.'

Shockingly, none of the craft seen in the Safire images was producing any kind of heat trail as they were moving through the air - meaning they were using a totally unknown form of propulsion.

Corbell added that even if the UFOs were just hovering over the Pacific, the Safire camera should have been able to see some kind of heat from an engine - but there was nothing.

Former defense department analyst Marik Von Rennenkampff analyzed flight data from the time and location of the sighting and concluded there were no US aircraft in the area.

'I don't think it's ours. I suspect there are better places for us to showcase that kind of equipment to unwitting sailors. That just doesn't make sense,' Von Rennenkampff said.

The incident echoes the infamous, 'Nimitz incident' two decades prior, when Navy pilots saw two UFOs flying at incredible speeds in the same area.

At least four pilots encountered the mysterious object as it flew at speed over the Pacific near Mexico on November 14, 2004.

Top Gun fighter pilot David Fravor was flying a training exercise off the coast of San Diego when he was re-routed to investigate a strange object spotted on radar by warships protecting his aircraft carrier, the Nimitz.

He found a roughly 40ft white object with no windows or wings, shaped like a Tic-Tac, flitting about above the sea that was roiling below it, disturbed by something large submerged beneath the surface.

Commander Fravor told Congress in 2023 that as he circled the object, it turned to mirror his movements, then shot off past him at thousands of miles per hour, somehow stopping a second later at a secret pre-designated rendezvous point 60 miles away, that only he and a handful of Navy staff on his ship were given ahead of their training exercise.

Fellow F-18 pilot Lieutenant Chad Underwood then flew out and caught the object on video  footage that was published by the New York Times in 2017, igniting a firestorm of intrigue about the government's knowledge of UFOs.

The way it moved has led to speculation that it was a UFO and it has become a key piece of evidence for those who believe in extraterrestrials.
The Trump Administration quietly revealed it has futuristic technologies that literally bend time during a speech on 'the golden age of American innovation.'

The director of the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy, Michael Kratsios, declared that the US currently has the ability to 'manipulate time and space' and 'leave distance annihilated.'

Kratsios made the bold statement on Monday during the Endless Frontiers Retreat, a scientific conference in Texas focused on promoting US technological innovations to maintain global competitiveness.

The rest of the director's speech touched on American breakthroughs of the past and undoing Biden-era policies that the Trump Administration claims stifled innovation - adding that the regulatory process on new tech has been a burden since the 1970s.

Kratsios actually referenced this again at the end of his speech, saying that Americans will soon have the choice to 'craft new technologies and give themselves to scientific discoveries that will bend time and space.'

Kratsios did not clarify his points, but they may have been a hyperbolic reference to recent breakthroughs in AI and quantum computing.

Currently, there is no device publicly known that can literally 'manipulate time and space' or make distance irrelevant.

President Donald Trump recently lauded the capabilities of the new 6th generation F-47 fighter jet on March 21. Trump also made reference to a mysterious secret weapon on April 9

President Donald Trump has not been shy about its focus on Earth-shattering innovations, especially when it comes to space and technology.

During his first term in 2019, President Trump created a new branch of the military, the US Space Force, with the mission 'to secure our nation's interests in, from, and to space.'

The White House also has a very public relationship with Elon Musk, whose commercial spaceflight company SpaceX has become a key player in NASA's ongoing missions and has its sights set on delivering astronauts to Mars within the next five years.

However, the comments that the US already has the ability to manipulate time and space stoked the flames of government conspiracy theorists online.

'Did he just say the quiet bit out loud?' one person on X asked.

'Is this the US secret weapon Trump was talking about?' another person asked, referencing a cryptic statement by President Trump on April 9.

'We have a weapon that no one has a clue what it is. And this is the most powerful weapon in the world, which is more powerful than anyone even close,' Trump claimed.

DailyMail.com has reached out to the White House for comment.

Michael Kratsios stoked wild speculation online after he said that the US currently has the ability to 'manipulate time and space' and 'leave distance annihilated'

Kratsios added that Americans are still seeking to explore 'endless frontiers' and that the country will soon have the technological inventions on hand to reach them.

'Our technologies, and what we do with them, will be the tools with which we will make the destiny of our country manifest in this century,' Kratsios said.

The director noted, however, that the US would first need to safeguard US intellectual property from nations like China and also keep American companies from exporting these innovations overseas.

The speech by Trump's science policy director is just the latest in a growing pile of 'evidence' some say may prove there's more going on in Washington and in the US military than the public knows about.

Recently, scientists told DailyMail.com that time travel is possible - and people have already done it.

In 1915, Albert Einstein presented his theory of general relativity to the Prussian Academy of Sciences in Berlin and proved that time travel is possible.

As bizarre as this situation sounds, Einstein's theories show that this type of time travel is not only possible but extremely common.

Dr Alasdair Richmond, a philosopher and time travel expert from the University of Edinburgh, told DailyMail.com: 'Einstein teaches us that how fast time passes in your surroundings varies with your velocity.'

Essentially, this means the faster you travel, the slower you experience time.

So, if you're on a plane or train, you will be experiencing time slower than anyone standing still and experiments have shown this is true.

Astronauts aboard the International Space Station travel around the Earth at speeds close to 17,500 mph, fast enough to experience slight time travel.

For example, NASA astronaut Scott Kelly has spent 520 days on the station and, as a result, has aged a little bit slower than his identical twin, Mark Kelly, who stayed back on Earth.

If Kratsios was referring to some sort of faster-than-light travel (also known as warp speed), well, scientists have recently proven that this was possible too.

According to NASA, time travel involves moving through time faster than one second per second. In Interstellar (pictured) this is done by getting close to a black hole but, in reality, the same can be achieved just by getting on a plane

A 2024 study published in the journal Classical and Quantum Gravity, suggested that real-life warp drive is not just a far-fetched concept of science-fiction after all.

Researchers from the University of Alabama and the Applied Physics Laboratory believe warp speed could be possible by bending the rules of physics using Einstein's theory of general relativity.

They proposed creating a 'warp bubble' around a spaceship using a shell of regular matter, like dense particles or dark matter, to compress spacetime in front of the ship and expand it behind.

This bubble would let the ship travel faster than light without breaking the laws of physics, and crucially, it doesn't need exotic 'negative energy' that past theories required.
Inscriptions deciphered at the traditional Last Supper site reveal it was a major pilgrimage hub in ancient Jerusalem.

The Cenacle on Mount Zion is generally identified as the building where Jesus had his final meal with his apostles before the crucifixion.

The team analyzed nearly 40 markings on the Cenacle walls, uncovering medieval graffiti from Armenians, Czechs, Serbians, Arabic-speaking Eastern Christians and Western Europeans.

While many of the images were inscriptions in native languages, the team found a scene of a wine goblet, food platter and loaf of bread that may have been drawn to reference the Last Supper.

There were also boats signifying the long journey some pilgrims made and coat of arms belonging to royal families.

The markings dated from 1300 to 1500 and included markings from Christians and Muslims.

Co-author Ilya Berkovich of the Austrian Academy of Sciences said: 'These graffiti shed new light on the geographical diversity and international pilgrimages to Jerusalem in the Middle Ages.

'This was far more diverse than the current Western-dominated research perspective led us to believe.'

Archaeologists have deciphered inscriptions on the Cenacle walls, suggesting it was revered by Christian pilgrims in the Middle Ages. Pictured is a carved coat of arms with the scene of the Last Supper above

The Bible describes the Last Supper location as being in 'a large upper room furnished and ready' just outside the ancient walls, which fits the look of the Cenacle (pictured) that is a two-story building in the old city of Jerusalem

The Bible details the story of the Last Supper around 33 AD when Jesus sat with his 12 apostles and told them that one among their number would betray him, adding that his death was imminent.

He blessed the bread and wine, saying it represented his body that would be broken and the blood he would shed for the forgiveness of their sins.

Christians commemorate the Last Supper as Holy Thursday, two days before Easter Sunday.

The Cenacle was captured by the Muslims and turned into a mosque in 1523, at which point plaster was applied to the walls, obscuring the graffiti left behind by these pilgrims.

'We do not know exactly when the walls of the Cenacle were plastered over, but we assume this was done shortly after the Muslim takeover as it is unlikely that the new owners would leave in plain sight the numerous Christian inscriptions, heraldic symbols and pilgrim writings,' researchers wrote in the study.

Researchers took pictures of the markings, which were uploaded to computers that store and process digital images of the Dead Sea Scrolls, a collection of ancient Jewish manuscripts that include copies of biblical texts.

The process revealed clear pictures of 30 inscriptions and nine images incised, cut or written on the walls of the Cenacle.

These included the 'Teuffenbach' coat of arms from Styria in southern Austria, an Armenian Christmas inscription and a Serbian inscription 'Akakius.'

The team also identified a carved coat of Arms with the inscription 'Altbach,' which was etched by a pilgrim from southern Germany.

The Bible details the story of the Last Supper around 33 AD when Jesus sat with his 12 apostles and told them that one among their number would betray him, adding that his death was imminent

Moreover, the inscriptions and signatures of several well-known historical personalities could be identified.

They also deciphered a fragment of Arabic inscription which reads: '...ya al-Halabiya.' The team said it was etched by a Syrian woman from Aleppo

One such was Johannes Poloner of Regensburg, who produced an interesting account of his pilgrimage to Jerusalem in 1421 to 1422.

A charcoal drawing of the coat of arms of the Bernese patrician family von Rumlingen was also documented.

The Bernese patrician family von Rumlingen, from Switzerland, was a powerful family of the High Middle Ages.

The largest single group of etchings was left by Arabic-speaking Christians from the East.

Pictured is a digitally remastered black-and-white multispectral image of the 'Teuffenbach' coat of arms from Styria

A Muslim chiselled an Inscription and scorpion into the wall. Researchers said they etched them into the wall to show ownership of the Cenacle

The degree of detail and workmanship required to draw or engrave some of the inscriptions, drawings and coats of arms suggests that installing graffiti in the Cenacle was an accepted practice

'When put together, the inscriptions provide a unique insight into the geographical origins of the pilgrims,' Berkovich said.

This was far more diverse than the current Western-dominated research perspective led us to believe.'

However, it was not just Christians who visited the Cenacle, but the team found markings left Muslims.

They deciphered a fragment of Arabic inscription which reads: '...ya al-Halabiya.'

Based on the double use of the feminine suffix 'ya', the researchers concluded that this is a marking of a female pilgrim from the Syrian city of Aleppo, making it a rare material trace of pre-modern female pilgrimage.

'Unlike their Christian counterparts, which were mostly written or drawn in coal, all Muslim inscriptions, as well as the image of the scorpion, were cut into the wall surface,' researchers shared.

'Apparently this was done as a statement of ownership, ensuring that the Muslim inscriptions would not be erased should the building ever return to Christian hands.'

The Cenacle is located above the southern gate and was constructed with large, branching columns that supported a vaulted ceiling and a sloping red roof that is still there today.

Because researchers haven't been able to conduct any archaeological digs, they're unable to confirm whether the building existed during the Last Supper.

However, the current Cenacle structure dates mostly to the Crusader period, not the first century when Jesus was believed to hold the Last Supper.

Some traditions, like the Syriac Orthodox, argue for alternative locations like the Monastery of Saint Mark.

Inside the monastery, there is ancient inscription written in Syriac Aramaic that reads: 'his is the house of Mary, mother of John, also called Mark. It is the place of the Last Supper of Our Lord Jesus Christ with His disciples.'

The etching on the wall led many to believe it was the site of the Last Supper.

However, the belief of the monastery being the sacred site goes back to at least the sixth century, while the Cenacle is the fourth.

that claims
More than 1.4 million people in Puerto Rico were plunged into darkness Wednesday after power went out across the entire island.

Local power authorities reported a system failure around 12:40pm the same time a powerful geomagnetic storm was striking Earth.

A geomagnetic storm is a temporary disruption of Earth's magnetic field caused by a large burst of solar plasma, typically from a coronal mass ejection on the sun.

Dr Tamitha Skov, an independent space weather physicist, told DailyMail.com that the blackout occurred nearly simultaneously with the intensification of the geomagnetic storm to G4 levels.

A G4 geomagnetic stormclassified as severe on a scale from G1 to G5can interfere with power grids by producing geomagnetically induced currents (GICs), which may overload transformers and other critical infrastructure.

Officials warned Wednesday that the storm could disrupt the management of electricity flow across the grid, potentially triggering automatic safety systems to shut down parts of the network unintentionally.

Josue Colon, Puerto Rico's energy chief and former executive director of the Puerto Rico Electric Power Authority, explained that all generators shut down after a failure in the transmission system, even though only one should have entered protective mode.

'This added stress from GICs likely worsened an already fragile system, especially with power usage near peak levels in the middle of the day,' Dr Skov added.

More than 1.4 million people in Puerto Rico were plunged into darkness Wednesday after power went out across the entire island

Local power authorities reported a system failure around 12:40pm the same time a powerful geomagnetic storm was striking Earth

Luma Energy, the company responsible for overseeing transmission and distribution of power in Puerto Rico, said it restore 90 percent of residents' power as of Thursday.

Dr Skov said Luma Energy could determine if the solar storm caused the blackout by checking if geomagnetically induced currents (GICs) overloaded the grid with 'green energy.'

DailyMail.com has contacted Luma for comment.

'This was a complex event comprised by three separate filament eruptions that occurred April 12 through April 13,' said Dr Skov.

'Though these filament structures all got sandwiched together into a single solar storm series, they were magnetically oriented in different ways. Only the second filament structure was oriented in such a way to cause sustained storming at Earth.'

However, there is currently no evidence suggesting the solar storm caused Puerto Rico's blackout.

On Wednesday, major power plants across Puerto Rico began shutting down after a failure in a transmission line.

The sudden outage caused refrigerators to stop running, air conditioners to fall silent and traffic lights to go dark.

Hundreds of businesses, including the largest shopping mall in the Caribbean, were forced to close.

On Wednesday, major power plants across Puerto Rico began shutting down after a failure in a transmission line. A musician plays in a street during a power outage in San Juan

Hospitals and Puerto Rico's main international airport switched to backup generators, while dozens of passengers on a rapid transit train serving San Juan were evacuated by walking along an overpass next to the train tracks.

Authorities are still investigating the exact cause of the blackout. Governor Jenniffer Gonzalez stated that officials are examining whether several breakers failed to open or possibly exploded.

Another theory is whether overgrown vegetation may have interfered with power lines and caused the transmission failure. Luma Energy is responsible for conducting regular aerial inspections to ensure transmission lines are clear of vegetation.

Pedro Melendez, an engineer with Luma, said during a Thursday press conference that the specific transmission line involved in the failure had been inspected just last week as part of routine aerial surveillance covering over 2,500 miles of lines across the island. 'No imminent risk was identified,' Melendez said.

The solar storm began on Tuesday, reaching a moderate G2 level overnight.

The following day, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) issued a severe geomagnetic storm alert, cautioning that the event could cause voltage regulation issues and GPS disruptions.

By Wednesday evening, many Americans had already begun experiencing problems with GPS systems.

Users reported that while their systems worked earlier in the day, they became increasingly unreliable as the evening went on.

Meanwhile, the South African National Space Agency (SANSA) confirmed that the solar storm had also affected satellite navigation systems in South Africa.

NOAA extended its space weather warning into Thursday, anticipating that minor geomagnetic activity would persist.

'Very small, weak power grid fluctuations might occur, especially in high-latitude regions,' the agency said. 'Auroras may be visible in areas like Canada and Alaska.'
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Eagle-eyed Dunelm shoppers have spotted pastel cookware that rivals the Le Creuset casserole dishes worth between 180 and 250 - only for under 45 in the brand's spring sale.

Sure to take pride of place in any spring kitchen, the MasterClass Non-Stick Cast Aluminium 24cm Casserole Dishes are available in a range of pretty pastel colours and are currently on sale for 20 per cent off. And with shoppers comparing them to the iconic French cookware brand, it could be a savvy investment.

MasterClass Non-Stick Cast Aluminium 24cm Casserole Dish, 4L The MasterClass Non-Stick Cast Aluminium Casserole Dish is available in a range of pretty pastel shades that are perfect for bringing to the table this spring and summer. Praised for being a lightweight alternative to cast iron, these have been hailed as easy to use, non-stick, and robust. They are made of high-quality cast aluminium, which is a strong heat conductor, allowing for fast and even cooking. Additionally, these dishes are induction-safe and oven-safe up to 200C (392F), providing versatility in cooking options. Shop

The Dunlem Spring Sale event is a great time to pick up some new pieces like the pretty MasterClass Casserole Dishes

Shoppers looking refine their hosting this spring and summer are sure to be won over by the pretty pastel designs of the MasterClass casserole dishes.

Currently on sale for 20 per cent off, now 41.60 for a 4-litre pot, it's a great deal cheaper Le Creuset whose similar looking 4.5L pot costs 305.

While admittedly not made from cast iron, the stylish casserole pots are made from aluminium which shoppers have noted are a great deal lighter, making them more convenient for frequent cooks.

'Excellent casserole dish - only used it 3 times so far but does an excellent job. Additional perk is that its a lot lighter than its cast iron equivalent and very easy to clean.'

As well as being notably more lightweight, aluminium conducts heat quickly for fast, even cooking yet so while it weighs a lot less than traditional cast-iron, it's also very efficient.

Lightweight, non-stick, and robust, the Masterclass design has naturally become a popular buy with thousands of glowing reviews on Amazon. Now on sale for 20 per cent off at Dunelm, it's a great time to purchase.

Suitable for cooking for family and friends thanks to the generous 4L capacity, the ultra-strong double layer non-stick means you can say goodbye to food sticking for more effortless cleaning.

It's even hob-friendly, suitable for gas, electric, induction, ceramic, and halogen stove tops

Not just for stews, you can use it to cook fish and meat thanks to the self-basting lid that ensures your food stays juicy and tender, while the fast heat up base means you can get cooking in no time.

And the best part? This dish is both dishwasher and oven safe, so you can cook and not have to worry about the clean up after. Additionally, these dishes are induction-safe and oven-safe up to 200 degrees, providing versatility in cooking options.

'Incredibly light' raved one shopper. 'Still using my Le Creuset dishes (very heavy) after 50+ years. My son moving into his new flat asked if it was now possible to get something lighter. This turned out to be perfect - he loves it.'

Another agreed, adding: 'Bought it to make stews. Ive also fried bacon and sausages in it. Great results with everything Ive cooked in it so far. Also safes cooking time and easy to clean. Very happy with my masterclass cast aluminium casserole dish.'
Ryanair's boss has issued a warning to the aviation industry over delays

Ryanair's boss has issued a warning of the impact of Donald Trump's tariffs on the aviation industry.

CEO Michael O'Leary has said the budget airline could delay deliveries of Boeing aircraft if the planes become more expensive.

Mr O'Leary told the Financial Times that the airline is due to receive new planes in August but might delay the delivery as Ryanair does not need the planes until March or April 2026.

He explained: 'If tariffs are imposed on those aircraft, there's every likelihood we may delay the delivery. We might delay them and hope that common sense will prevail.'

The Ryanair boss said there would likely be 'debate' over whether manufacturers or airlines would bear the cost of the tariffs.

'The airlines will say the manufacturer must pay. I'm sure the manufacturer will insist the airline pays,' said Mr O'Leary.

Delta Air Lines, a major airline in the USA, has already said it will delay its orders from Airbus rather than pay tariffs.

Plane delivery delays could lead to increased demand which could cause prices to rise for holidaymakers.

Ryanair's boss has issued a warning of the impact of Donald Trump's tariffs on the aviation industry

Under Trump's tariffs, imports to the USA from countries other than China are under a 10 per cent duty charge.

The aviation industry is also affected by the 25 per cent tariff on aluminum and steel as both materials are used in the manufacture of planes.

Vice President JD Vance has said that Trump is 'working very hard' to strike a trade deal with Britain.

Chancellor Rachel Reeves has warned that tariffs will have a 'profound' impact on the UK and said she is 'under no illusion about the difficulties that lie ahead'.
Ahead of a flight being called, airport chairs are the first port of call for many passengers - offering a spot to rest travel-weary legs and even a makeshift bed for a few hours.

However, tourists might not be so keen to take a seat - or a nap - after watching a TikTok video that shows just what's lurking on the surface of many of them.

With dozens of passengers taking seats at gates 24 hours a day, it's little surprise that they harbour some serious germ potential - despite the best efforts of cleaning staff at airport hubs around the globe.

TikToker @howdirtyis shared a clip on the social media platform taking a swab to seats at New York's LaGuardia Airport, before heading to a lab to test the results.

The clip shows the social media user dragging a swab stick across the synthetic surface of a black and red chair in an airport gate at the NYC travel hub.

After also taking samples from the arm rests and the back of the chair, the TikTok cuts to a petri dish where the sample is deposited.

It's then seen being placed in a fridge to cool until the results become clear.

When the fridge door is re-opened, streaks of the sample are much clearer to see to the naked eye.

Fancy a kip? TikToker @howdirtyis's findings might make your reconsider; a clip shared on the social media platform tested bacteria levels on a seat at New York's LaGuardia Airport

And the results make for fairly grim viewing. The TikToker reveals that the petri dish is showing up samples of skin bacteria from the travellers who've sat on them, with the caption explaining: 'Pretty rough, but looks like mainly skin bugs'.

The clip ends with the warning: 'Just something to bear in mind if you're taking a quick nap.'

Unsurprisingly, those tuning into the clip, which has had more than 56,000 likes were horrified at the reality of the germs that might sit on passenger seats.

One unnerved traveller wrote: 'The airport never fails to make me feel gross'.

Elsewhere, another added: 'This is why I change immediately when I get home'.

After a measles outbreak at US airports last month, Dr. Darin Detwiler, who previously served as a public health expert for the FDA, advised on how to keep the risk of germs low when transiting through an airport.

Your exposure to germs begins long before you step into the terminal, Dr. Detwiler told MailOnline.

'Rideshares, taxis, and airport shuttles can be incubators for illness, often lacking proper sanitation and ventilation between passengers,' he explained.

To maximize safety, the doctor recommended disinfecting high-touch surfaces - such as seatbelt buckles and door handles - with a hand sanitier or wipes.

Swabbed: The sample taken by @Howdirtyis - it was then placed in a cool environment before the results were delivered

And, he reveals, paying for a more upscale experience makes little difference to how exposed you are to bacteria.

Dr. Detwiler says premium airport lounges may offer a quieter atmosphere, but they're not immune from contamination, 'especially when it comes to shared food stations and high-touch surfaces.'

He advises avoiding self-serve buffets and opting for packaged or made-to-order meals instead, and he also recommends disinfecting tables and seating areas before eating.

The bathrooms and shower facilities in airport lounges are also riddled with germs, so he always uses a napkin or paper towel to open bathroom doors and touch water faucets.
It's been one of the most famous British seaside resorts since the Victorian era, but a beach in Blackpool could disappear forever if coastal erosion isn't halted.

Mother Nature is slowly rubbing out a stretch of sand on the Lancashire coast known as Anchorsholme Beach - with the coastal area now subject to a 30million protection plan to ensure it's saved for future generations.

Funding will put rock groynes - long wooden structures that run from the top of the beach to the sea that prevent sand and sediment moving along the coastline - in place to try and stop the erosion.

Grants from the Environment Agency will also boost measures to protect the popular coastal region, with work beginning later this year and expected to be in place for three years until 2028.

The downside for tourists is that the beach will be largely inaccessible during this period, reports local news website The Gazette.

Plans outlined say they hope future tourists will be able to enjoy the sands for decades to come.

A design and access statement submitted with the planning application reads: 'The scheme will retain the beach as an important local amenity for existing and future generations.

'The loss of the beach without the installation of the groynes, would not only be harmful to the character and appearance of the area but would also result in the loss of a large area of beach habitat.'

Rescue plan: Anchorsholme Beach in Blackpool is under threat from Mother Nature with a 30million project beginning later this year to save the stretch of sand for future generations

The beach lies four miles north of Blackpool's famous pier and has been a popular destination for locals and tourists for centuries

The groynes that will preserve the beach - but stop visitors enjoying all of the sands while the plan is in place between now and 2028

The groynes will stretch for 3km and the area will require a Marine Licence to install them, to ensure vessels out to sea are made aware of the presence of the man-made rocky headlands.

The move will be a boost to the Blackpool tourism industry; once a go-to for the British holidaymaker, the resort has fallen out of favour in recent decades as tourists have headed overseas.

Last month, one of the biggest attractions in the region announced it was struggling to be profitable.

The Blackpool Pleasure Beach theme park confirmed it will close some rides this year and cut staff numbers after posting a 2.7million pre-tax loss.

The venue, which has operated on the seafront since 1896, said in its new accounts that it had been struggling with visitor numbers not recovering after the pandemic.

Other rides will open later and close earlier this year as it attempts to reduce costs.

Blackpool's tourism industry has taken a hit in recent decades, with the lure of foreign travel taking British travellers away from the north west resort

Blackpool Pleasure Beach is closing five rides this year after posting a 2.7million loss - but the owners say thrillseekers can expect a new 8.7million spinning pendulum ride soon

Blackpool has been wooing tourists since the Victorian era

The park then moved to reassure thrillseekers, saying the measures were part of a strategic review, the site will in fact be open for more days this year compared to 2024 and no more rides would shut in addition to the five announced last month.

The Pleasure Beach has benefited from overall tourist numbers in Blackpool rising after the pandemic, with footfall up in each month of last summer against the year before - and visitors across the whole of 2023 increasing by 1.2million compared to 2022.

But the town suffers from being ranked as one of the UK's most deprived areas with boarded-up shopfronts a common sight on streets  and fast food outlets aplenty.

Blackpool has the UK's lowest male average life expectancy at 73.1 years, which is 18 months lower than in 2019 and six years less than the average for the rest of England.

And it also has England's worst mortality rate, highest proportion of children in care and biggest proportion of workforce economically inactive because of sickness.
Holidays across the pond have always required deep pockets. But Donald Trumps tariffs are expected to drive the price up even further - and are predicted to affect Europe too.

As post-tariff uncertainty and global tensions rise, we will likely see costs drive up across the US and much of the Eurozone, and major tourist hubs are especially vulnerable, explains BookRetreats.com co-founder Sean Kelly.

But fear not, as the travel expert has exclusively revealed some lesser-known alternatives to the tourist hotspots in Europe that wont be as affected by President Trumps tariffs.

He adds: These smaller European cities tend to rely on more localised supply chains, have a lower cost of living, and avoid the pricing pressure of mass tourism.

Here are the surprisingly affordable destinations Sean recommends booking as soon as possible if you want to escape the crowds and price hikes

Swap Santorini for Nafplio in Greece

Once the capital of modern Greece, Nafplio remains relatively undiscovered today, and Sean recommends choosing to visit here over the tourist hotspots.

Visitors here can enjoy the Mediterranean experience without the high costs and crowds of Santorini or Athens, he says.

BookRetreats.com co-founder Sean Kelly has revealed some lesser-known alternatives to the tourist hotspots in Europe that wont be as affected by President Trumps tariffs. He recommends swapping Santorini for Nafplio (pictured) in Greece

Croatia is a very popular tourist destination, with so many people heading to Dubrovnik, Split and Hvar. But Sean says that those willing to venture just two hours inland from Split to Mostar (pictured) will see their money go twice as far

According to Sean, a three-course meal for two in Nafplio averages around 32.15, while travellers will pay more than double that in Santorini.

This destination is also popular among budget airlines, with one-way flights from London as low as 22.

Ditch Croatia for Bosnia and Herzegovina

Croatia is a very popular tourist destination, with most people heading to Dubrovnik, Split and Hvar.

But Sean says that those willing to venture just two hours inland from Split to Mostar will see their money go twice as far.

In this southern Bosnia and Herzegovina city, a three-course meal for two averages just 26.18, compared to 60 in Split.

Sean adds: Beyond the savings, visitors can experience a city rich in history with unique landscapesincluding the iconic stone bridge which will be the stage for the 2025 Red Bull Cliff Diving World Series this September.

Switch Madrid for Granada in Spain

Sean says: A three-course meal for two costs just 32.57 in Granada (pictured) - nearly 37% less than what you'd pay in Barcelona or Madrid, where it would come to 51.43'

Granada was named Europe's best value destination for wellness in Book Retreats 2025 Wellness Cost Index.

The report found that a full wellness break, including a multi-day retreat, in the Spanish city is 180 cheaper than in the Canary Islands.

And the food is just as affordable.

Sean says: A three-course meal for two costs just 32.57 in the city - nearly 37% less than what you'd pay in Barcelona or Madrid, where it would come to 51.43.

Plus, Granada is one of the few Spanish cities that still honours the tradition of serving free tapas with every drink, essentially giving you a meal included with your beverages.

It's these kinds of practical savings that can make a significant difference to your overall holiday budget.

Trade Turkey for Albania

A hidden gem worth booking, says Sean, is Gjirokaster in Albania, as it offers great value any time of the year.

A hidden gem worth booking, says Sean, is Gjirokaster in Albania (pictured), as it offers great value any time of the year

He says: With the pound particularly strong over the Albanian LEK, travellers can book accommodation, enjoy a meal and drinks for two, and still spend less than the price of a room in most capital European cities.

Like Turkey, Albania has beautiful beaches and a historu of Ottoman influence.

Sean adds: Albanias unique Ottoman architecture and UNESCO World Heritage status also guarantee a rich cultural experience that's worth every penny.

Leave Lisbon for Porto in Portugal

Sean says: Although not off the radar entirely, Porto delivers the quintessential Portuguese experience at prices more reasonable than the country's crowded capital.

Your morning coffee will cost under 2 here, and you'll find similar savings on everything from food to attractions.'

But Sean recommends booking Porto sooner rather than later if you want to take advantage of the cheap prices.

'This second city is gaining in popularity,' he adds. 'So it's best to visit now for a more authentic experience of Portugal without the crowds.

Sean says: Although not off the radar entirely, Porto (pictured) delivers the quintessential Portuguese experience at prices more reasonable than the country's crowded capital'

It comes after Ryanair's boss issued a warning of the impact of Donald Trump's tariffs on the aviation industry.

CEO Michael O'Leary said the budget airline could delay deliveries of Boeing aircraft if the planes become more expensive.

Mr O'Leary told the Financial Times that the airline is due to receive new planes in August but might delay the delivery as Ryanair does not need the planes until March or April 2026.

He explained: 'If tariffs are imposed on those aircraft, there's every likelihood we may delay the delivery. We might delay them and hope that common sense will prevail.'
TUI has announced it is launching new flights to a gorgeous island destination with 30C weather all year round.

The holiday company is set to fly British tourists from East Midlands Airport to Boa Vista, a Caribbean-like island in Cape Verde.

Flights will depart on Wednesdays and Saturdays during the summer with one weekly departure throughout the winter. The first flight from East Midlands Airport will take off on Saturday, April 26.

Cape Verde might look like the Caribbean but it's a much cheaper choice. A seven-night holiday to Boa Vista with flights and a room with a balcony currently starts at 738 per person, based on two adults sharing.

TUI describes Cape Verde as an 'up and coming' destination that's 'only recently emerged from obscurity'.

Boa Vista, which means 'Beautiful View' in Portuguese, is known for its white-sand beaches and laidback atmosphere.

TUI says: 'When you first set eyes on Boa Vista's beaches, you'll see where it gets its nickname.

'The island is wrapped up in 55 kilometres' worth of coastline, where rocky coves merge into white-sand bays.'

TUI has announced it is launching new flights to a gorgeous island destination with 30 degree weather all year round

TUI reveals that holidaymakers are likely to have Santa Monica beach (above) to themselves as the beach is 'untouched' and 'pretty much deserted'.

Santa Monica Beach is one of Boa Vista's best-rated beaches. TUI reveals that holidaymakers are likely to have the 'place to themselves' as the beach is 'untouched' and 'pretty much deserted'.

If that's not remote enough for you, tourists can also take a boat to the Ilheu de Sal Rei, an uninhabited island just off the coast of Boa Vista. The island's pretty coves are known for being quiet and unspoilt.

Boa Vista is also a fantastic destination for wildlife watching with humpback whales visiting the island's waters to breed between March and May. Loggerhead turtles are also commonly seen on the island's shores.

And at Viana Desert, a small desert in the north of the island, holidaymakers can hire a 4x4 to explore or opt for a quad bike safari.

The new Boa Vista flights are part of TUI's 'broader strategy to expand its Cape Verde programme'.

It's also adding additional Wednesday flights from London Gatwick to Boa Vista and an extra Saturday service from Bristol to Sal, another island in Cape Verde.

Chris Logan, TUI UK and Ireland commercial director, says: 'Cape Verde has been a popular all-round holiday destination for some time now and we are seeing increased demand for Boa Vista.

'This new route from East Midlands, along with our expanded Cape Verde programme, allows us to meet this growing demand.

TUI says: 'When you first set eyes on Boa Vista's beaches, you'll see where it gets its nickname'

Chris Logan, TUI UK and Ireland commercial director, says: 'Cape Verde has been a popular all-round holiday destination for some time now and we are seeing increased demand for Boa Vista'

'The island is home to unspoilt beaches and boasts year-round sunshine, which is a huge draw for holidaymakers seeking a new destination for a relaxing holiday.'

And TUI isn't the only airline that's expanding its Cape Verde offering.

easyJet just launched its first-ever flights to the country, with new flights from London Gatwick to Sal.

Booking a holiday? Find out which two summer dates you'll want to avoid to escape airport chaos.

A travel expert has explained which airports are the least likely to have flight delays this summer.

While it's bad news for Londoners, there's good news for passengers flying from another major UK airport.
A popular island in Spain has introduced a new 'pay and display' system for sunbeds on its most crowded beaches.

Tourists heading to Gran Canaria will now have to use the system if they want to rent sun loungers or parasols on El Perchel, Puerto Rico or Playa de Mogan, and only have cash on them.

Launched last Friday, the service works like a parking meter, requiring visitors to use the machine, select the item they want to use, and pay.

The machine will then print out a ticket, which the customer must keep hold of while using their sunbed and umbrella.

If a beachgoer has a bank card to hand, rather than cash, they don't have to use the pay-and-display service.

Instead, they can still go to the attendants and use one of their card machines to pay for their beach accessories.

Willy Garcia, from Mogan Town Council, told Canarian Weekly: 'Until now, payment has only been available by card due to security concerns.

'However, many beachgoers have been requesting the option to pay in cash.

Tourists heading to Gran Canaria will now have to use a 'pay and display' system if they want to rent sun loungers or parasols and only have cash on them

The system will be used on El Perchel or Playa de Mogan (pictured)

Puerto Rico in Gran Canaria (pictured) also has the new system

'After evaluating different options, we decided on these payment machines.'

With the majority of tourists travelling to Gran Canaria to enjoy the beaches, Canary Islands expert Marek Bron recently told MailOnline Travel that heading inland is a way to see a more unexpected side of the island.

The travel pro said: 'There are these wonderful mountain towns where the air is a little bit cooler and you get these beautiful mountain ranges where you can see the sun coming up.

'Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, the island's capital, also has some incredible historic buildings and it's a nice place to go out and eat.'
A Coronation Street heartthrob is making a shock return to the cobbles 25 years after a scandalous love triangle saw him crash out of soap.

However, the actor will play a whole new character instead of going back to his former role.

Dominic Rickhards, 59, played occupational therapist Michael Wall in the soap intermittently for two and a half years.

He arrived to support Jim McDonald (Charles Lawson), who had been accidentally pushed off some scaffolding by his son Steve (Simon Gregson).

Despite their friendship growing closer, Michael became responsible for Jim and his wife Liz's (Beverley Callard) break-up in the late nineties.

The love triangle completely tore the McDonald family into pieces and left fans fuming.

Dominic Rickhards is making a shock return to the cobbles 25 years after a scandalous love triangle which saw him crash out of soap

The 59-year-old played occupational therapist Michael Wall in the soap intermittently for two and a half years

His character became responsible for Jim and his wife Liz's ( Beverley Callard ) break-up in the late nineties(pictured in 2000)

But now after almost two and a half decades, the actor is heading back on the soap to play the seemingly charming Dom Norwood.

He is set to be part of Daisy Midgeleys (Charlotte Jordan) impending exit storyline, and will appear in episodes airing next week.

His character arrives as the mystery man who has been talking to Jenny Connor (Sally Ann Matthews) on a dating app.

With his sweet charm, Dom manages to lure the Rovers landlady into investing in his business.

But what she doesn't know is that he has been hired by Daisy and her mum Christina (Amy Robbins) to pretend to be the person she has been talking to online in a bid to con her.

Dominic is thought to appear in multiple episodes as the storyline intensifies over the coming weeks.

The storyline is part of Daisys upcoming exit after actress Charlotte quit the soap last year after five years.

At the time, Charlotte told The Sun: 'My time at Coronation Street is something I'll always cherish.

Dominic is set to be part of Daisy Midgeleys (Charlotte Jordan) impending exit storyline, and will appear in episodes airing next week

'It's been a privilege to be part of a wonderful institution with even more wonderful colleagues who have taught me so much.

'After a brilliant four years for Daisy, it's time for me to start a new chapter and explore other opportunities.'

The news comes after it was revealed that Jonathan Howard has ditched the glamour of Hollywood for a role on Coronation Street.

And he has already got ITV fans gripped with the storyline after making an indecent proposal to his brothers wife after a car park crash.

Jonathan's character Carl, who is the long-lost brother of Kevin Webster (Michael Le Vell), came on to his wife Abi (Sally Carman) and after a series of unfortunate events he saw her displaying adept engine skills, when she fixed his car after they collided.

Now, firmly settled in the family fold, they are left wondering if her hostility is a defense mechanism.

The gripping storyline certainly caught Jonathan's attention and he swapped Los Angeles for the role and even slept in his old childhood bedroom while filming.

Over the last 10 years, Jonathan has worked with the likes of Brad Pitt, Chris Hemsworth and Anthony Hopkins but noted that landing the part in Corrie is his greatest achievement.

Jonathan Howard has ditched the glamour of Hollywood for a role on Coronation Street and he has already got ITV fans gripped with the storyline

He told The Mirror: 'Being in Coronation Street is just as big a thrill as being in a Hollywood film or an American TV series. It's all the same, everyone's telling stories, whether it's a big $200m movie or a soap like Corrie.

'As a Lancashire lad born and raised, the dream was to be in Coronation Street  that was the ceiling, so it feels wonderfully surreal to now be acting with people like Kevin Webster that I watched religiously as a kid.

'I'm staying with my mum and I sleep in my childhood bedroom. It's been really nice to come home  going back to my roots.'

Over the years, Jonathan has played Charles Dance's son in the 2019 film Godzilla: King of the Monsters, and worked with Brad, who produced and starred in the 2013 action horror film World War Z.

He has also appeared in several Hollywood blockbusters, including the Marvel superhero film Thor: The Dark World, where he played astrophysicist Ian Boothby, alongside Chris Hemsworth, Anthony Hopkins, Natalie Portman and Idris Elba.

Coronation Street airs on ITV1 and is available to stream on ITVX.
Fans of The Feud are only just realising the lead star is a nepo-baby with very famous actor parents.

The six-part Channel 5 drama follows suburban neighbours whose dream home extension quickly spirals into a nightmare.

Rupert Penry-Jones, 54, stars in the new series, portraying John Bartlett alongside his onscreen wife Emma, played by Jill Halfpenny, 49.

While it is well known the actor is married to award-winning actress Derevla Kirwan, 53, they are not the only famous faces in the family.

Rupert comes from a very impressive family of actors and he and his brother Laurence both followed their parents into the limelight.

But can you guess who they are?

Fans of The Feud are only just realising the lead star is a nepo-baby with very famous actor parents (pictured Rupert Penry-Jones)

The actor, 54, stars in the new series, portraying John Bartlett alongside his onscreen wife Emma, played by Jill Halfpenny, 49

It's Welsh actor Peter Penry-Jones and English actress Angela Thorne.

Rupert's late father, who died of bowel cancer in Anglesey in 2009, aged 70, boasted a very impressive CV.

During his active years, he worked with the iconic actor Laurence Olivier at The National Theatre.

He also made appearances on the small screen in shows like Midsomer Murders and Bergerac.

Meanwhile, Rupert's mother is actress Angela, sadly passed away at the age of 84, in 2023.

She became a household name thanks to her role as Marjory Frobisher in popular BBC sitcom To The Manor Born.

The show ran from 1979 to 1981 before later returning for a one-off special in 2007.

As for theatre, she played Margaret Thatcher in Anyone for Denis?, and was nominated for Best Comedy Performance at the Laurence Olivier Awards, before reprising the role in the film.

Rupert is the son of Welsh actor Peter Penry-Jones and English actress Angela Thorne (both pictured in 2008)

Angela pictured with her son Rupert pictured together during his younger years

Rupert's mother is actress Angela, sadly passed away at the age of 84, in 2023. She became a household name thanks to her role as Marjory Frobisher in popular BBC sitcom To The Manor Born (pictured in 2013)

At the time of her passing, it was revealed that Angela had left her 1.6million estate to her sons Rupert and Laurence.

Now an accomplished actor himself, Rupert became well known for his portrayal of Adam Carter in the BBC series Spooks.

He has also starred as Joseph Chandler in Whitechapel, Clive Reader in Silks and joined Halfpenny in the cast of The Drowning.

He played Mayor Don Mitchell, Jr. in the recent television Batman spin-off The Penguin.

Created by Aschlin Ditta, The Feud features an all-star cast in addition to Rupert.

It includes Larry Lamb, Chris Gascyone, Amy Nutall and Ray Fearon.

Created by Aschlin Ditta, The Feud features an all-star cast in addition to Rupert

Only Fools and Horses' Tessa Peake-Jones, The Vicar of Dibley's James Fleet and Derry Girls' Jamie-Lee O'Donnell round out the cast.

Speaking about the working with Rupert on the series, Ray gushed: 'Rupert Penry-Jones and I we worked together on the TV series 'Silk' and with the Royal Shakespeare Company.

'We have a lot of great memories and a lot of great memories of Newcastle, because years ago we worked there for quite a while.

'We've spent a lot of time together working in Newcastle, London, Plymouth, and New York, so it was great to see him and work with him again.'

The Feud airs on Channel 5.
Black Mirror fans were left 'crying uncontrollably' after a heart-wrenching episode which has been hailed as 'one of the best pieces of TV ever'.

The seventh instalment of the science fiction drama landed on Netflix earlier this month.

Black Mirror is described as a 'mind-bending anthology series that reveals humanity's worst traits, greatest innovations and more,' according to the synopsis.

However, there's one particular instalment of the sci-fi series that has really hit fans.

Episode five, Eulogy, stars Paul Giamatti as Phillip who is an isolated man approached by a technology company.

They ask him to delve into memories of his former girlfriend who passed away with a 'groundbreaking system that allows users to step inside old photos - stirring powerful emotions in the process,' according to the synopsis.

Episode five of Black Mirror, called Eulogy, stars Paul Giamatti as Phillip who is an isolated man approached by a technology company

They ask him to delve into memories of his former girlfriend who passed away with a 'groundbreaking system that allows users to step inside old photos - stirring powerful emotions in the process,' according to the synopsis

And it wasn't just Phillip's emotions that were stirred, viewers found it powerful too and praised the episode.

On Reddit, one fan wrote: 'It was just beautifully put together. The actors were amazing. The episode was just so amazingly put together dude. Thats all.'

'As a grown man... I bawled my eyes out man, that episode hit like a truck.'

'I agree. This episode brought me to tears. Not only missed opportunities but looking back on the past with older maybe wiser perspectives and realizing you may not have been as right as you thought you were at the time.'

'Beautifully written episode, but Paul Giamattis acting is astonishing.'

'I dont think Ive ever cried that hard watching a show.'

'I just finished the episode and Im here balling my eyes out.'

Another said: 'I just finished Eulogy and it has to be one of the singular best pieces of TV I have ever seen.'

And it wasn't just Phillip's emotions that were stirred, viewers found it powerful too and praised the episode

On Reddit, one fan wrote: 'It was just beautifully put together. The actors were amazing. The episode was just so amazingly put together dude. Thats all.'

'100% agreed. This was peak cinema. Actually made me cry uncontrollably and that almost never happens when watching shows/movies'

It comes as Black Mirror viewers claimed they were 'driven to madness' after spotting alternate versions of the same episode in the Netflix series.

The second episode sees Maria's (Siena Kelly) life disrupted by Verity (Rosy McEwen) who is able to tweak reality with a special pendant.

Maria becomes confused when discussing the name of a takeaway chicken shop her boyfriend used to work at.

She is convinced it was called 'Barnies' while others say it was called 'Bernies'. It is soon revealed the shop was called 'Bernies'.

Aside from Maria being baffled, viewers were also left confused when they realised the name was spelt differently for some of those watching.

Black Mirror viewers claimed they were 'driven to madness' after they spotted alternate versions of the same episode

The second episode sees Maria's (Siena Kelly) life disrupted by Verity (Rosy McEwen) who is able to tweak reality with a special pendant

Maria becomes confused when discussing the name of a takeaway chicken shop her boyfriend used to work at

One fan took to X and posted two photos of the instalment at the same timestamp showing how was said 'Barnies' and the other read 'Bernies'.

They wrote: 'So my friend and I were watching the new Black Mirror episode 'Bete Noire' and we noticed that there was a stark difference between our episodes even the viewers are getting gaslit at 16:40!'

The post attracted over 100 comments from other viewers and one penned: 'I bet you guys were like "It's Bernies!" "No it's Barnies!" The showrunners probably did that to mess with people lol.'

Black Mirror is available to stream on Netflix now.
Naga Munchetty kept her distance from her BBC Breakfast co-star Charlie Stayt and show editor as she left the studios in Manchester amid a rumoured feud and bulling row.

The 50-year-old and Charlie - who present the show every Thursday to Saturday - looked downcast as they left work on Thursday.

Naga wrapped up warm in a black midi puffer coat and white scarf as she looked down at the street with her hands in her pockets.

The journalist opted for black knee high socks and a pair of black trainers.

She completed the look with a black handbag.

Meanwhile Charlie, 62, looked dapper in a white shirt, black trousers and matching trousers, with a rucksack on his back.

Stony-faced Naga Munchetty keeps her distance from BBC Breakfast co-star Charlie Stayt and show editor as she leaves studios amid rumoured feud and bullying row

Richard Frediani was seen elsewhere outside of the studios, after The Mail revealed an ugly row between him and Naga

The TV star wore glasses pushed back in his hair and also held a white mug in his hand.

Meanwhile Richard Frediani was seen elsewhere outside of the studios, after Deadline alleged that the editor was the subject of at least two misconduct complaints.

The Mail have since revealed tensions between him and Naga.

Some staff have shared their unhappiness with the show's editor, who has been accused by insiders of being on occasion 'aggressive' and 'belittling' towards his underlings.

Sources on the show say that Naga has expressed uneasiness about his behaviour to bosses at the corporation.

An insider says that Naga is 'quite open' about her ill-feeling towards Frediani, while another says that she has an 'uneasy relationship' with him.

The Mail can reveal that displeasure is intensifying at the BBC's northern base in Salford, where staff have watched Frediani's rise - from Breakfast boss to arguably the most powerful BBC editor outside London.

One said 'You have to wonder what on Earth is going on.

Naga wrapped up warm in a black midi puffer coat and white scarf as she looked down at the street with her hands in her pockets

The journalist opted for black knee high socks and a pair of black trainers, and she completed the look with a black handbag

Meanwhile Charlie looked dapper in a white shirt, black trousers and matching trousers, with a rucksack on his back

Some staff have shared their unhappiness with the show's editor (pictured), who has been accused by insiders of being on occasion 'aggressive' and 'belittling' towards his underlings

'The BBC claims to be this no-nonsense, woke, kind place - yet Fredi has been able to keep climbing the ladder.

'HR and his bosses are aware of [past] bullying claims against him.

'He's still allowed to hire, as we saw with Nina [Warhurst, who has just been appointed a regular presenter] this week, and presumably fire.

'He has so much power, it doesn't feel right at all.'

Richard became editor of the flagship news programme in 2019.

Meanwhile Naga has been part of the BBC Breakfast team since 2014 and Charlie has been on the programme since 2006.

Jon Kay and Sully Nugent present the show Monday to Wednesday.

The stand-in presenters include Roger Johnson, Rachel Burden, Ben Thompson, Tina Daheley, Nina Warhurst and Ben Boulos.

BBC Breakfast first aired in 2000.

Watch BBC Breakfast every morning from 6am on BBC One and is available to stream on ITVX.
Fans of The Conners were left shocked as the brutal details surrounding the death of matriarch Roseanne have been touched on as the series comes to a close.

The highly popular sitcom has detailed the death of Roseanne Barr's - who is enjoying an idyllic Texas life - character as it was said she died of an opioid overdose at the very begging of the series.

She was the main character of the original Roseanne sitcom which aired from 1988 to 1987 before a reboot in 2018 for a total of 10 total seasons.

This comes ahead of the finale of The Conners which is set for two parts next Wednesday, April 23.

In last week's episode Dan (John Goodman) asked for daughters Darlene (Sara Gilbert) and Beckys (Lecy Goranson) help in trying to piece together the timeline of Roseannes addiction.

This led to multiple characters arguing over who was ultimately responsible for her death as Dan decided to sue the pharmaceutical company after Jackie (Laurie Metcalf) had suggested to take legal action.

Fans of The Conners were left shocked as the brutal details surrounding the death of matriarch Roseanne have been touched on as the series comes to a close

The highly popular sitcom has detailed the death of Roseanne Barr's character as it was said she died of an opioid overdose at the very begging of the series

He said: 'My lawyer asked me to fill out these forms for my lawsuit against the pharmaceutical company and I need your help to remember the details.

'We need to prove that her overdose was entirely the fault of the drug company and none of us could have done anything to prevent it.'

Darlene began to recall that time in the family's life as she believed that September 14 was a day of relevance as she explained: 'I told mom about [my difficult day] and she said, "I am not sure of anything that youre saying because I have just taken my first pain pill."'

This led to Becky asking how her mother got back on pain medication and that was when things took an unfortunate turn.

Dan said: 'The doctor never cut her off  he kept upping her dosage because she kept complaining it wasnt stopping the pain.

'Then I found the extra pills she was getting from her friends. I knew she had friends but I didnt know they were swapping pills like a bunch of San Francisco hippies.'

Dan went on to explain that he believed that Roseanne was done taking the pills after surgery.

He said: 'It would have seemed that way to anyone. You spin things however you need to make it sound like that.'

She was the main character of the original Roseanne sitcom which aired from 1988 to 1987 before a reboot in 2018 for a total of 10 total seasons

The Conners will end after 7 seasons with a two episode finale next Wednesday, April 23

Then in the most recent episode - which aired on Wednesday - Jackie was talking about the deposition with their lawyer Jean (Jane Lynch).

She said: 'I have been practicing with Dan and I cant get him to be emotional when he talks about what happened with Roseanne. He just stuffs it down.

'I even sent him links from depositions where loved ones really broke down to show him what will move a jury and he never opened them.'

The Conners premiered in 2018 after Roseanne Barr was fired from the reboot of her eponymous sitcom after making racist remarks about former Obama administration aide Valerie Jarrett.

The series was rebranded and Roseanne's character was killed off before the first episode aired.

A fan on Twitter was shocked by the Roseanne death storyline as they came up with their own theory about what is going on in the series.

Fans on X have had a lot to say about the sitcom

A comment on The Conners Instagram said that Roseanne will always be pat of the Conner family despite being killed off

There were also many reactions to the detailing of Roseanne's character death on Reddit

They wrote: 'So which character do you think is having the nightmare that Roseanne died of a drug overdose?

'Roseanne dreamt that Dan died, so is "The Conners" his dream about her? Yeah, that's what I'm going with. #Roseanne #TheConnors @TheConnorsABC'

Fans were all over X commenting on the death of Roseanne being touched on in addition to The Conners Instagram and Reddit.

The Conners will end after 7 seasons with a two episode finale next Wednesday, April 23.
Dean Franklin has been crowned the winner of The Apprentice 2025, beating Anisa Khan in Thursday night's final to become Lord Sugar's new business partner.

The 34-year-old AC business owner has definitely got the last laugh after he was grilled by Mike Soutar about a sex toy picture during the interview process last week.

Dean and Anisa, 26, had to pull out all the stops to show Lord Sugar that they are the best business partner to receive his 250,000 investment.

The two had to create a brand new brand, produce an advertising campaign it and then pitch it to Lord Sugar and other leading industry experts.

Luckily they had some help from previous contestants Liam Snellin, Frederick Afrifa, Jonny Heaver, Jordan Dargan, Mia Collins, Amber-Rose Badrudin, Nadia Suliaman, Chisola Chitambala, Melica Moshiri and Emma Street.

Anisa decided to create her brand and trusted Amber-Rose to make the advert for Zaal Pizza, while Dean put Liam in charge to make his advert, while he made he brand Domesticool.

Dean Franklin has been crowned the winner of The Apprentice 2025, beating Anisa Khan in Thursday night's final to become Lord Sugar 's new business partner

The 34-year-old AC business owner has definitely got the last laugh after he was grilled by Mike Soutar about a sex toy picture during the interview process last week

Liam's advert totally contrasted against his brand's name Domesticool, as his idea was that the product warmed up homes, so they had to reshoot.

Meanwhile Anisa made a chickpea pizza on a Dahl base and was totally impressed with Amber's advert.

After the adverts and branding was completed, they presented in front of professionals to show off their products.

Anisa explained that she wanted make 10 new dark kitchens in the next five years, and Dean said that he wants to expand his business.

Back in the boardroom Lord Sugar said: 'No disrespect to you or you, but profits of 20 or 30,000 a year, is of no interest of me, I'm looking for big business.'

Anisa said: 'What I'm proud about is my product, my pizzas taste great and I'm confident with that.

'I agree my numbers are not that big, but I did that myself.'

Dean told Lord Sugar: 'I've been a supervisor for one of the biggest air conditioning companies in the UK, I've seen the operation. I know how it works. I had 24 blokes underneath me.

Dean and Anisa, 26, (pictured) had to pull out all the stops to show Lord Sugar that they are the best business partner to receive his 250,000 investment

Former contestants returned to the show to help the finalists with one final task

The two had to create a brand new brand, produce an advertising campaign it and then pitch it to Lord Sugar and other leading industry experts

Anisa explained that she wanted make 10 new dark kitchens in the next five years, and Dean said that he wants to expand his business

Back in the boardroom Lord Sugar said: 'No disrespect to you or you, but profits of 20 or 30,000 a year, is of no interest of me, I'm looking for big business'

'If I can get to that stage, I can run it a lot smoother.'

Lord Sugar said: 'I have got a dilemma because you're both very credible.'

Unfortunately Anisa, who had put herself forward as project manager a number of times, didn't do enough to win.

Announcing the news that Dean was his new business partner, Lord Sugar said: 'This is the way I see it.

'Dean, through the process you've been quite good. There have been a few rocky moments where you remained in it by the skin of your teeth, but do I have the confidence in the residential market?

'As opposed to food, where everyone's got to eat, and a 10, 12 pizza is affordable to most people. That's where I am at the moment.'

Lord Sugar announced: 'Giving it deep consideration, I'm going to say that Dean, you're going to be my business partner'

Speaking after his big win, Dean said: 'I can't believe I've just won The Apprentice. This is going to mean the world to me and my family. My kids are going to be over the moon'

Lord Sugar and winner Dean posed with miniature air conditioning units following the final

He then added: 'Giving it deep consideration, I'm going to say that Dean, you're going to be my business partner.'

Speaking after his big win, Dean said: 'I can't believe I've just won The Apprentice. This is going to mean the world to me and my family. My kids are going to be over the moon.'

Dean's huge win comes after a very awkward moment last week.

The remaining five contestants squirmed during the interview process.

Anisa, Dean, Amber-Rose Badrudin, Chisola Chitambala and Jordan Dargan were grilled by Mike Soutar, Claudine Collins, Linda Plant and Claude Littner.

The entrepreneurs certainly found it very hard, but there was one very awkward moment that left Dean very red-faced.

Dean was left lost for words when Mike brought up an old picture that was posted on his company's social media account.

The interviewer went on to show the contestant a snap of a sex toy attached to an AC unit and asked: 'Do you remember posting his on social media?'

An awkward Dean laughed to himself and scratched his head.

He then replied: 'So we were working in a sex shop and I thought it would be quite funny...

'Clearly not.'

Dean was left lost for words when Mike brought up an old picture that was posted on his company's social media account last week

Mike Soutar went on to show the contestant a snap of a sex toy attached to an AC unit and asked: 'Do you remember posting his on social media?'

Mike fumed: 'It's a sex toy on an air conditioning unit! It's currently on your social media?!

'This doesn't say to me "Here's a trusted organisation that is going to come into my home and treat it like their own".

'Does it really feel like fun?'

'Not right now. Not right now,' Dean replied.

The Apprentice airs on BBC.
Her sons are among the most recognizable actors in show business: Home Alone star Macaulay and recent Oscar-winner Kieran Culkin.

And both have made millions from their very different screen careers.

Yet their ailing mother Patricia Brentrup, 70, is living a world apart, strapped for cash and in need of caregiving help in her modest, one-story ranch-style home across the street from a junkyard on the outskirts of Billings, Montana -where visits from her famous sons are few and far between.

As one inside source tells DailyMail.com, the mother-of-seven and her husband Mart Cox 'are poor and struggling to get by.'

'They're both 70 years old and retired,' the source added. 'The paychecks aren't coming in anymore. They're having a hard time right now. It's tough.'

The couple is described as living 'the simple life'  without cell phones or Internet access  along with two dogs and four horses kept on the 11-acre property.

While the brothers live well after raking in millions, ailing mother Patricia Brentrup, 70, is living a world apart, in a modest, one-story ranch-style home on the outskirts of Billings, Montana - where visits from her famous sons are few and far between

Of the six surviving Culkin siblings, Kieran, 42, and Macaulay, 44, have seen the most success in showbusiness, with the younger brother winning his first Academy Award earlier this year

Kieran and Macaulay started their show business careers as children, famously acting alongside each other in Home Alone. They are pictured with mom Patricia Brentrup and father Kit Culkin in December 1990, five years before she filed for sole custody

It's a far cry from the life of son Macaulay, 44, who has a reported net worth of $18million, and currently lives in an $8million five-bed, five-and-a-half bathroom mansion in Toluca Lake, California, with fiancee, actress Brenda Song, 37, and their sons Dakota, three, and two-year-old Carson.

Meanwhile his younger brother Kieran, 42, is estimated to be worth $5million, and reportedly lives in a three-bedroom apartment with wife Jazz Charton, 36, and their two children in New York.

But while their fortunes have soared, their mother has seen little of their riches, with only one of her sons stepping up, according to Patricia's husband.

Macaulay gives some help, sending $1,000 monthly to help Brentrup, Cox told DailyMail.com exclusively.

However, Kieran, this year's Oscar winner for best supporting actor in the film A Real Pain, is not offering support.

'He never calls,' Cox said with more than a tinge of bitterness. 'I don't expect any help from him or nothing. And I am not a man who would ask.'

Patricia and Mart are described to be living 'the simple life', which consists of a landline telephone, local TV channels, and no Internet access, along with their two dogs and four horses on their 11-acre property

Brentrup relocated to the mountain west after marrying Cox in 2011. Her health has deteriorated in recent years since she suffered a stroke and was diagnosed shortly after with Alzheimer's disease, Cox revealed

Meanwhile, Macaulay currently lives in an $8million five-bed, five-and-a-half bathroom mansion in Toluca Lake, California, with fiancee, actress Brenda Song, 37, and their two sons

Cox was reluctant to discuss Kieran, who has praised his mom publicly, yet has had almost no contact with her since visiting a few years ago.

'Out of sight, out of mind,' the stepdad said.

Kieran's last visit, he noted, came after Brentrup fell into a fire in a teepee on the Billings property and sustained severe burns.

Upon her release from the hospital a week later, Cox says he snapped at Kieran while both were trying to bandage her wounds.

'I was talking down to him and pissed him off,' he said.

Even with help from his daughter, Cox is finding it a struggle to care for Brentrup, his high-school sweetheart whom he married in 2011. years after she ended what insiders have described as an abusive, relationship with former actor Kit Culkin, with whom she had seven kids.

Her health has deteriorated since she suffered a stroke a few years ago and was diagnosed shortly after with Alzheimer's disease, Cox revealed.

'Boom, it just hit and it's getting worse,' he said. 'Her mind isn't there anymore. She has a memory of about five minutes.'

The family source told DailyMail.com: 'The kids don't help out at all.

'Well, Macaulay helps a little bit. He actually brought his two kids to his mom's house not too long ago.'

Macaulay's turbulent relationship with his parents played out publicly in the late 1990s when the actor accused his father of being violent, amid his parents' nasty custody battle

Brentrup split with Kit Culkin in 1995 and sought custody of the kids after their father abandoned the family earlier that year

It was Macaulay's father Kit who tried to push all six of Macaulay's siblings into an on screen career - but most have stayed out of the limelight Pictured: Kit and Patricia with six of their seven children in the 1990s. Back row L-R: Patricia, Kit, Shane, Dakota. Front row L-R: Macaulay, Kieran, Rory, Quinn

The former child star mentioned the recent trip during his appearance on Kate and Oliver Hudson's Sibling Revelry podcast last month.

He said the visit to 'Papa's mama' was somewhat of a yawner for his preschoolers, who complained that petting Cox's horses was pretty much all they did.

'[I] was like, 'Yeah, you're right, that's life from Montana. Just get to pet a horse andit's all you got,' Macaulay said on the podcast.

He also opened up about his estrangement from his 'narcissistic' and 'abusive' father, Kit Culkin, revealing he and most of his siblings haven't spoken to their dad in more than 30 years.

'One of my earliest memories of him was [thinking] "when I grow up, this is how Im not going to be with my kids". And now that I got kids of my own, it makes me even more, it kicks up some dust that I kinda go, "I cant believe he was like that",' he said.

'You know, he's a man whohad seven kids and now he has four grandkids and, uh, none of them want anything to do with him.'

Macaulay (pictured with Kieran in 1991 and 2001) catapulted to stardom at the age of 10 in the first Home Alone film in 1990. Now, aged 44, he describes himself as mainly 'retired,' while his brother remains active and has attained mainstream success as an adult

The Culkin brothers pose for a selfie with Kieran's wife Jazz Charton and Macaulay's fiancee Brenda Song

Patricia and Kit never married but had a 21-year relationship that produced seven children together: Shane, 48, Macaulay, Kieran, Quinn, 40, Christian, 38, Rory, 35, and daughter Dakota, who died in 2008 at age 30 after being struck by a car.

Kit is credited with pushing his children into the limelight during their youth and had managed Macaulay's career in the early years of his stardom.

The family's turbulent relationship played out in public when the My Girl star took his parents to court to remove them from his trust fund when he was 15 years old.

Kieran has also publicly thrown shade on their father in the past, famously snubbing Kit during his acceptance speech at the 2024 Emmys.

The Succession star acknowledged his mother at the time, thanking Brentrup 'for giving me life and my childhood, which was great.'

He continued praising his mother in an interview backstage, describing her as a 'wonderful woman who took on raising seven kids in a studio apartment, by herself.'

But referring to his father he said: 'There was a guy there  he didn't do anything'.

Now 80 years old and believed to be living reclusively somewhere in California, Kit couldn't be reached for comment by DailyMail.com.

One of the last major family reunions appeared to be at the Culkins' mother Patricia's wedding to Mart Cox in July 2011 (pictured from left to right: Shane, Christian, Macaulay, Quinn, Kieran and Rory)

Macaulay and his four younger siblings (pictured) were raised by their mother Patricia ever since she was granted sole custody in 1997 by a New York judge

Younger sister Quinn, 40, and brother Rory, 35, were seen supporting their older sibling Macaulay in 2023 when he was honored with a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame

Brentrup ended things in the late 1990s after accusing Kit of being physically abusive, an alcoholic, and unfaithful in their relationship.

Court documents show Kit had spent weeks at a time abandoning her and their kids, even while fighting to control the fortune that Macaulay was making in movies.

Once her kids were old enough to support themselves and live on their own, Brentrup reconnected with Cox, her former beau from Catholic high school in North Dakota.

The longtime pilot for a commuter airline in Montana moved briefly to Manhattan to be with her, then headed back home because he said: 'I couldn't take it in the big city.'

Brentrup packed up and followed him to Billings, settling into the humble ranch-style home.

While the Culkin brothers' fortunes have soared, their mother has seen little of their riches, DailyMail.com can reveal. She is pictured with son Rory in 2002

A source revealed to DailyMail.com that the Culkin siblings rarely visit their mom in Montana (Quinn is pictured here with Patricia in 2017)

A source revealed to DailyMail.com that Patricia and Mart, both 70, are 'broke' and not getting any paychecks since retiring

Besides her husband, she lives with her much-loved poodle, Mabel, and long-haired chihuahua, Duke, that Cox said he bought to keep her company and now follow her everywhere she goes around the house.

Land records obtained by DailyMail.com show that Mart purchased their home in 2001. Although sales of homes in the state of Montana aren't public records, the property itself is now estimated to be worth $550,000.

In 2020, the couple, who have been married for 13 years, took out two loans from two different mortgage companies for $604,500  bringing the total loan to over $1.2million.

Brentrup's health and financial issues have contributed to the distance between her and sons, according to insiders.

'They can't afford a flight. Plus, Patricia can't travel alone anymore and their stepfather doesn't want to go to New York, so their travels are on a standstill,' the source told DailyMail.com.

Macaulay noted Kit has become a model for how not to raise his sons Dakota, three, and Carson, two, whom he shares with Brenda Song; pictured with Brenda and Dakota in 2023

Speaking to DailyMail.com, Cox says he knows the Culkin boys have struggled with their mom being so far away, both geographically and culturally, from their lives in New York and Los Angeles.

'I think they've had some hard feelings about that,' he said.

He admits that while he doesn't follow show business or award season very closely, he is proud of Kieran's Oscar achievement and makes a point to remind Brentrup of it as often as possible:

'I posted a picture of his acceptance on our refrigerator, you know, so she doesn't forget.'

Brentrup filed a petition in New York Supreme Court in spring 1995 seeking custody of the kids after their father abandoned the family earlier that year.

Two years later, a judge awarded her with sole custody of Macaulay and his four younger siblings. (Shane and Dakota were not minors at the time).

A source told DailyMail.com: 'Kit never showed for the final court appearance, so he lost totally. He was going to lose the kids anyway, so he said, "Well, she deserves them. She can have them." And that was the end of it.'

Kit was awarded 'reasonable' visitation, but said that he could not visit his older children until family therapy healed his relationship with them, according to UPI.

Patricia was awarded back child support payments of between $32,000 and $47,000 for Macaulay.

Macaulay and Kieran, who were 16 and 14 at the time, have both indicated that they did not want to see their father.

The State Supreme Court Justice described Kit as 'a demanding, difficult and pugnacious man,' but credited him with Macaulay's success as a star.

Kieran has publicly thrown shade at their father in the past, famously snubbing Kit at the 2024 Emmys after he accepted the award for Outstanding Lead Actor in a Drama Series

The Home Alone star soon after went to court to have his parents removed from his trust fund - they were acting as his managers and pocketed around 15 percent of his earnings per film - and an executor was appointed in their place.

As for the other Culkin children, Shane, a former actor, has kept a low profile ever since he quit acting. Rory has continued acting, but for smaller projects, and has a YouTube channel.

Meanwhile, Christian appears to be a contributing writer and Quinn works as a chef and film caterer as well as posts food content on her Instagram.

The source claimed to DailyMail.com: 'The youngest three don't have as big of a paycheck, obviously, as their siblings are pulling in and are pretty bad off.

'Christian, for example, doesn't have a real job, doesn't earn much income and is living with somebody who's taking care of him.'

According to court records, Quinn owes nearly $8,000 in taxes. She was slapped with a tax lien in New York in 2018 and another in December 2024.

Records show she still owes $3,593.46 for the first lien and $4,168.74 for the second.

When reached for comment, Quinn told DailyMail.com that everything Macaulay said on the podcast was true and that she and her siblings are 'working hard and doing good,' adding, 'Everybody's doing fine.'

When asked if she has a close relationship with all her siblings, she responded: 'Yes, for the most part.'

The inside source told DailyMail.com: 'Everyone in the family feels the same way about Kit. He was so mean and ornery and deceitful and lying that his kids didn't want anything to do with him. They hated their father.

The source went on to allege: 'He beat their mother several times, and even one time knocked her teeth out.

'They wanted to stay away from him. They were afraid of him. They would all hide under the table as their dad whipped up on their mother.'

The source continued, 'Patricia just would hide to run away from him. She would get a new place somewhere and not tell anybody where they were at.

'But he also just left them. He would just take off and leave three weeks at a time.'

In 2001, Kits partner at the time, Jeanette Krylowski, denied he abused any of his children, and claimed that Patricia lied to keep her kids away from their dad.

Despite the abuse allegations, an insider told DailyMail.com that the Culkin brothers don't give their dad as much credit as they should as they normally credit their mom.

'They're all good kids and they've all grown up under tough circumstances. Their dad was the hardest thing they ever overcame, but yet they still should show respect for him because if it wasn't for him, they wouldn't have ever got into the acting,' the insider said.

'He first got Macaulay into acting, and then Kieran fell into it. They wouldn't be where they are today without him, without what he did for him.'
Welcome to The Group Chat with Lucy Manly, where Australia's most-trusted society insider shares the hottest gossip BEFORE it makes the news.

Rebound romance is the talk of the town

There's nothing quite like a love story that blossoms from the ashes of heartbreak.

I hear two high-profile eastern suburbs residents have been quietly hooking up after their respective marriages broke down amid a blaze of publicity.

In what sounds like the blurb of a well-fingered Mills & Boon novel, socialite Jessica Bowditch has fallen into the arms of strapping Texan financier Denham Schiff.

Their relationship follows Jessica's acrimonious split from banker husband Dyson Bowditch, and Denham's ex-wife calling it quits on their marriage during Covid.

TV producer and socialite Jessica Bowditch (right) is divorcing banker Dyson Bowditch (left)

Jessica is now being romanced by Texan financier Denham Schiff (left) whose ex-wife Juliet Anderson (right) called it quits on their marriage at the start of Covid

The Bowditches' four-bedroom terrace home at Darling Point was recently listed by Sothebys

What was described by Jessica's (left) lawyers as a 'pillow fight' with her husband Dyson (right) over a recent purchase resulted in an assault charge that was later dropped

A friend tells me: 'She's got a type - you know, a wealthy man in finance.'

'And he [Denham] certainly wouldn't mind having an attractive woman on his arm after his divorce.'

Denham's marriage broke down at the start of Covid when his wife Juliet Anderson, a Double Bay boutique owner, left him and began dating a colleague, Rowan Rundle.

The pair, who had worked together at Juliet's monogramming shop The Monogram Mode, would later make things official by tying the knot in 2023.

They then embarked on an overseas honeymoon across Europe and Singapore.

If you thought that was messy - just wait until you hear the details of what happened when Jessica and Dyson's marriage imploded last year.

What was described by Jessica's lawyers as a 'pillow fight' with her husband over a recent purchase resulted in the 38-year-old former TV producer being arrested, charged with assault and slapped with an AVO.

The magistrate saw sense and last month mother-of-two Jessica avoided a conviction when her charge was dismissed on the condition she continue to seek mental health support for the next 12 months.

Denham's marriage broke down in 2020 when his wife Juliet (right), a Double Bay boutique owner, left him and began dating her colleague Rowan Rundle (left)

Juliet and Rowan, who had worked together at her shop The Monogram Mode, would later make things official by tying the knot in 2023 (they are pictured on their honeymoon in Italy)

The AVO will remain in place for two years.

Deputy chief magistrate Theo Tsavdaridis made a point of saying both Jessica and Dyson, who is Barrenjoey's co-head of equity markets, had engaged in 'childish behaviour'.

The Bowditches are now in the process of divorcing. Their four-bedroom marital home in Darling Point, which they had bought for $7.9million in 2021, was recently listed by Sotheby's.

Here's to no more pillow fights and plenty of pillow talk for the happy new couple!

Another 'mortifying' tale of woe

A little eastern suburbs scandal flew under the radar this week.

Fashion guru Katherine 'Kate' Killey pleaded guilty to a single charge of possessing a prohibited drug after cops sprung her buying a bag on a Friday night in Bondi.

The 40-year-old, who used to do PR for Alice McCall and now runs her own fashion sales business, The Known Agency, had been spied by plainclothes police on April 4 ducking into a Ford station wagon that had pulled up outside an apartment complex on Spring Street.

A quick search of the car showed it was from 'well out of the area'.

When Ms Killey was seen exiting the vehicle just 20 seconds after sitting down in the passenger seat, it didn't take Columbo to work out what was going on.

Fashion guru Katherine 'Kate' Killey (pictured) pleaded guilty to a single charge of possessing a prohibited drug after cops sprung her buying a bag on a Friday night in Bondi

She was stopped by the cops and when asked if she had drugs on her, a 'clearly remorseful' Ms Killey handed over a little baggie with 0.6g of cocaine inside.

When the matter made it to court less than two weeks later, it was dismissed without conviction. And fair enough: Ms Killey, originally an Adelaide girl, has an otherwise unblemished reputation and is highly regarded in her industry.

She told the court she was 'mortified', deeply sorry and her solicitor argued a criminal record would seriously impact her globe-trotting career in fashion.

While a small-time eastern suburbs' cocaine arrest hardly seems to raise eyebrows these days, the remarks by the weary magistrate bear repeating here.

In a report by local rag the Wentworth Courier, you could almost hear the despair in Stephen Barlow's voice as he told Waverley Local Court on Tuesday that Ms Killey's offending was 'almost an eastern suburbs stereotype' at this stage.

He went on to remark that 'getting caught with cocaine in Bondi is pretty prevalent'.

Barlow noted that 'intelligent' eastern suburbs high flyers often assume they won't get caught buying coke - even though police 'have eyes on everyone around here' as they seek to crack down on the illicit trade.

'I'm not telling you to get your cocaine anywhere else,' he added (lol).

'But you have to decide what's more important: your career, your reputation and the ability to travel to New York without having to be cross-examined, or is it cocaine?'

It's a good question - perhaps one that other Sydney businesswomen with plenty to lose should be asking themselves.

A local news story this week about a fashion PR caught buying cocaine reminded us of Kristin Fisher's (pictured) brush with the law in 2021 and a thundering slapdown from a magistrate

Now, Barlow's gentle chiding of Ms Killey was nothing compared to the dressing-down fellow magistrate Ross Hudson gave Kristin Fisher back in October 2021 after her conviction for cocaine possession was annulled in the same court.

The Double Bay eyebrow queen, like Ms Killey, had been busted in a 'dial-a-dealer' situation after hopping into the passenger seat of a 19-year-old's Kia Rio for a quick transaction.

A 'mortified' (that word again) Ms Fisher apologised for her 'dreadful mistake' and her application to annul her sentence was duly granted.

But she was given a stern warning that was directed at many others in the east.

'People who justify their cocaine usage as socially acceptable or as part the social fabric... it is not. It is a criminal, illegal drug,' thundered Hudson, who has since been appointed as a District Court judge.

'It is a stain on our community. People in the eastern suburbs must be fed up with it.'

And finally... guess who, don't sue!

All journalists are voyeurs by nature, but one particular scribe really likes to watch.

I hear this well-known reporter arranged a 'treat' for their younger lover, the details of which are so scandalous my hands tremor with excitement.

They arranged for a known media 'bad boy' to have sex with their eager paramour in front of a private audience hand-picked from high society.

The reviews are in. 'Ten out of ten!' one guest tells me.
Lauren Zonfrillo turned to a cocktail of prescription drugs including cannabis oil to cope with her first birthday after the sudden death of her celebrity chef husband.

MasterChef judge Jock Zonfrillo was found dead in a Melbourne hotel room about 2am on May 1, 2023 after police were called to conduct a welfare check on the 46-year-old.

There was widespread speculation about the cause of Zonfrillo's sudden death due to his well-publicised history of drug abuse and mental health struggles.

He left behind Lauren and their two young children, five-year-old Alfie and three-year-old Isla, as well as daughters Ava and Sofia from previous marriages.

At the time of Zonfrillo's death, Lauren had been in Italy and reportedly became concerned when her husband failed to keep to their usual daily schedule of telephone calls.

A senior Victoria Police source told Daily Mail Australia that officers who attended Zagame's House in Carlton found Zonfrillo dead in his bed and saw no obvious signs of anything suspicious or unusual.

Lauren Zonfrillo turned to prescription drugs including cannabis oil to cope with her first birthday after the shock death of her celebrity chef husband Jock (both pictured above)

There was no drug paraphernalia located, no one else in his room and police at the scene formed the initial view Zonfrillo had died of natural causes.

Lauren has never publicly discussed Zonfrillo's cause of death and a spokeswoman for Victoria's Coroners Court told Daily Mail Australia in February that the August 2024 findings of an investigation would not be published.

It is unclear if Lauren will reveal what she knows of what happened the night her husband died in her upcoming book Till Death Do Us Part, an extract of which appears in the current edition of The Australian Women's Weekly.

In that extract, Lauren describes how she coped with her first birthday after Zonfrillo's loss.

'I started crying the night before and continued for hours in bed, so I took a sleeping tablet, and then when I woke up the next morning, the tears instantly started again,' she writes.

'The kids came into my room in the morning, and without even saying anything, Alfie went downstairs to the freezer, got me two icepacks, came back upstairs and told me to put them on my head.

The celebrity chef's widow has put pen to paper two years after her husband was found dead in a hotel room, sharing an extract from her upcoming memoir with The Australian Womens Weekly May edition

'I said it was my birthday, and the response I got was to be asked when they would be able to eat some of my cake.'

Alfie and Isla then went downstairs and made themselves breakfast.

'I felt like they didn't care it was my birthday, and that made the crying even more uncontrollable,' she writes. 'Then I acknowledged they didn't understand the importance of the day to me, and I was expecting a three-year-old and a six-year-old to be Jock.'

As Lauren's family and friends called and texted with birthday messages she turned off her phone 'so I could cry and feel sorry for myself interrupted'.

'I was now maybe an hour and a half away from needing to leave for my birthday lunch with friends, so I climbed out of bed, took a couple of beta-blockers and some CBD oil, had a shower and got in an Uber,' she writes.

Lauren burst into tears when she met friends including her late husband's fellow MasterChef judge Andy Allen and his wife Alex for lunch.

At the time of Zonfrillo's death, Lauren had been in Italy and reportedly became concerned when her husband failed to keep to their usual daily schedule of telephone calls. The couple is pictured on their wedding day

CBD (cannabidiol) oil is a prescription medication made from the hemp plant and used to treat epilepsy. It is taken by some users to relieve anxiety and pain.

Beta-blockers are used to lower blood pressure and heart rate but can also ease anxiety.

Lauren had assumed the first year after Zonfrillo's death would be the hardest, particularly because of all the 'firsts' she and the family would experience without him, but that was not the case.

'That may be true for the first Christmas or Mother's Day, but they actually come in waves each year, and some are freak waves I didnt see coming,' she writes.

Lauren also describes how she handles raising two young children as a single parent.

'An agreement I made with myself early on was that good enough was good enough,' she writes.

It is unclear if Lauren will reveal what she knows of what happened the night her husband died in her upcoming book Till Death Do Us Part, an extract of which appears in the current edition of The Australian Women's Weekly

Till Death Do Us Part, published by Penguin Books Australia, will be released on May 6

Some of those moments included ordering a cake from Uber Eats for her son's birthday, an occasion which was previously catered for by her husband.

The marketing and communications agency founder, who appears as a panellist on the ABC's Gruen program, also could not work out how to turn on the Christmas tree lights.

'I just keep telling myself that I am doing the best I can in this moment in time,' she writes.

'As I move further away from the immediate trauma of losing Jock, the importance of numbers is receding as I shift from basic survival and getting through one day at a time to freedom and release from guilt.

Before his death, Zonfrillo had been preparing for the launch of MasterChef's 15th season, which was set to premiere the night his body was found.

He was also in the early stages of planning a new restaurant and had started working on a cookbook prior to his death.

Zonfrillo and his wife had put their four-bedroom Carlton terrace up for rent ahead of a potential permanent move to Italy, where his father was born.

Daily Mail Australia previously revealed Zonfrillo had been diagnosed with bowel cancer in mid 2021, after recovering from an earlier bout with the disease.

It is not suggested the cancer killed Zonfrillo, only that he had told friends its return was detected after a routine colonoscopy.

A source said Zonfrillo kept his health problems from most friends and colleagues, receiving treatment including chemotherapy when MasterChef was not filming.

A fortnight after Zonfrillo's death his wife led about 200 mourners who gathered for a funeral at Macquarie Park Cemetery and Crematorium at North Ryde on May 13.

Zonfrillo (right) joined the MasterChef Australia judging panel in 2020 with food critic Melissa Leong (centre) and restaurateur Andy Allen (left) after original judges Calombaris, Gary Mehigan and Matt Preston left.

Among those who attended the service were celebrity chefs George Calombaris, Matt Moran, Colin Fassnidge, Manu Feildel and Shannon Bennett as well as Zonfrillo's co-stars Allen and Melissa Leong.

Lauren was among the pallbearers and delivered a eulogy before Zonfrillo's friend and fellow Scotsman, Jimmy Barnes, sang Amazing Grace with his daughter Mahalia.

Zonfrillo wrote in his 2021 memoir Last Shot about battling a heroin addiction from his teenage years working as a chef in Glasgow.

After moving to north-west England he sold cocaine and other drugs to supplement his wages, was eventually sacked and at 17 made his way to London.

Zonfrillo wrote that he turned up at Marco Pierre White's renowned restaurant at the Hyde Park Hotel in 1994 and the famed chef became a mentor who would shape his life.

He moved to Australia aged 20 in 1996 and got a job at Forty One restaurant in Sydney where he was using cocaine, pills, LSD and cannabis.

A fortnight after Zonfrillo's death his wife led about 200 mourners who gathered for a funeral at Macquarie Park Cemetery and Crematorium at North Ryde. Lauren was among the pallbearers (right) and delivered a eulogy

According to his book, Zonfrillo kept a raging heroin habit hidden from everyone before going back to the UK in 1997 when his visa ran out.

He wrote of taking his last hit of heroin in the toilets at Heathrow airport before returning to Australia in early 2000.

Zonfrillo opened his own restaurants, Orana and Bistro Blackwood, in Adelaide in 2013. He added a third, Nonna Mallozzi, in 2018.

The latter lasted six months, Bistro Blackwood closed in late 2019 and Orana in March 2020.

Zonfrillo joined the MasterChef Australia judging panel in 2020 with food critic Leong and restaurateur Allen after original judges Calombaris, Gary Mehigan and Matt Preston left.

Daily Mail Australia's Inside Mail revealed this week Liz Hayes would interview Lauren in her first assignment for Seven's Spotlight program after leaving Nine's 60 Minutes.

Till Death Do Us Part, published by Penguin Books Australia, will be released on May 6.
Nuzzling his wifes neck as she soaked up the Mexican sunshine on her lounger, Dan Osborne looked like any other besotted husband in recent pictures captured by paparazzi.

In a second snap, Jacqueline Jossa, the popular EastEnders actress, affectionately caressed the cheeks of her reality-TV star husband as they enjoyed a family holiday with their daughters Ella, ten, and Mia, six.

However, the pictures, released a few days ago, have come as a shock to some of the couples fans. This is because just weeks ago, Dan and Jacqueline announced to the world they were splitting up after almost eight years of turbulent marriage and claims of his cheating.

Bizarrely, barely a fortnight later they were spotted  once again by the paparazzi  spending a secret night together at Dans new home in Essex.

When it comes to their relationship status, its complicated would be an understatement, those who know the couple tell me.

When they announced they were separating in March, they left no room for doubt.

Jacqueline and Dan are handling things privately, said their representatives. Their children remain their top priority, surrounded by love and care from both parents  something that will never change.

Days later it was revealed that Dan, 33, had secretly bought a house in Southend, Essex, last year without his wife, 32, knowing. She was said to have felt betrayed by the purchase.

So just what is going on between the pair, who have lived out much of their lives in red-top newspapers and glossy magazines?

Sources tell me that Jacqueline has been desperately trying to keep their marital problems away from the limelight, while Dan has been happier for the news of their split to come out.

Pictures of Dan and Jacqueline on holiday in Cancun, Mexico, were released a few days ago

Nuzzling his wifes neck as she soaked up the Mexican sunshine on her lounger, Dan Osborne looked like any other besotted husband

Friends say that Jacqueline, who plays Lauren Branning on the BBCs EastEnders, has been keen to portray the perfect family life - while Dan has simply had enough of their fall-outs.

One says: Jac wants the world to see that things are perfect: she has a handsome husband, two beautiful kids and a great job. But behind closed doors, things are not like that. She has wanted to keep the family image alive but things were not going well between them.

'Dan found it very difficult, he would say that things were pretty awful between them at times and he knew that they had to end it but she didnt want that. Dan was fed up of living this fake life.

In fact, when the word started to get out about their split, Jac wanted it denied while Dan was more keen that it was out there and enlisted in the help of some industry experts to help him.

One friend said: 'Dan found it very difficult, he would say that things were pretty awful between them at times and he knew that they had to end it but she didnt want that'

Another factor behind Dans desire to split from Jacqueline was the fact he was being left to do all the childcare for Ella and Mia while she worked long hours

Friends of Dan, who catapulted to fame on ITVs reality show The Only Way Is Essex, say that he found living with Jacqueline suffocating at times and that things often had to be on her terms.

Understandably, following various cheating allegations, Jacqueline wanted to know where Dan was and who he was with - but he felt that he had more than proved himself to be loyal to her, according to friends.

He could no longer carry on and so decided to buy that new house, says a pal. He never said he didnt love her, but he couldnt carry on living the way they were, so he bought a new place with a view to them separating.

She solely owns the family home so he was looking out for himself. Perhaps you cant blame him: things had been bad for months before he did that.

Another factor behind Dans desire to split from Jacqueline was the fact he was being left to do all the childcare for Ella and Mia, while she worked gruelling hours on the long-running soap.

Late last year Jacqueline was particularly busy with the shows 40th anniversary, something she was a huge part of.

Dan felt he has supported her career so much, added the friend. He has done all of the childcare, the drop-offs, pick ups, the clubs, and he fits his work around that.

Jacs job is all-consuming, and while Dan understands that, it doesnt make it easy.

So why the holiday to Mexico, and more to the point, did they know that the paparazzi were lurking nearby at the five-star, 380-a-night Hard Rock Hotel Riviera Maya? Im told that the pair have form for setting up pictures - but its unclear whether that was the case on this occasion.

Regardless, their cosiness, captured on camera, has hardly dispelled speculation that Jacqueline is determined to keep her man.

Dan has always wanted things to be amicable, says a friend. He doesnt want fall-out and toxicity with the mother of his children. There was talk of it being a make or break holiday: maybe it will make them but its more likely that it is wishful thinking on Jacs part.

All of the tactile stuff makes you wonder whether they knew the photographers were there. Who knows? But Jac is devastated at the split and would love more than anything to make things work. Clearly she is determined to do so, but Dan just wants to keep things happy and calm for the sake of the kids.

Indeed, its been up and down for Dan and Jacqueline almost since they met in 2013, shortly after Dan had his first son Teddy with his ex Megan Tomlin. He married Jacqueline in 2017 in a stunning ceremony at Delamere Manor in Cheshire. The publicity-hungry couples big day featured in OK! magazine in return for a fee of several thousand pounds.

But just a year later, in April 2018, Dan was seen cosying up with Love Islander Gabby Allen on a yacht in Marbella. A month later, it was reported then-pregnant Jacqueline had confronted a mystery woman, after hearing rumours Dan had cheated on her just months after their wedding.

The following September, Dan was forced to deny having had a threesome with Celebrity Big Brother model Chloe Ayling and US reality TV star Natalie Nunn. Six months later, he was snapped kissing Love Islander Alexandra Cane.

Jacqueline threatened to leave Im A Celebrity, which she went on to win, in 2019 after campmate Myles Stephenson told her he believed her husband had cheated with Gabby. She was allowed out of the jungle to send him a voicemail and receive one back.

In 2020, Jacqueline walked out on Dan after quizzing him over a flirty message to Gabby, who apparently did not respond.

Dan confessed publicly to having made mistakes, admitting: Ive done things I shouldnt have done.

Now though, say friends, he is ready to move on.

Dan will always love Jac but he thinks its time to cut the cord and live life as a single man, said one.
It was at an awards ceremony in 2014 that I first met the Harry Potter star, Rupert Grint. Famed for his role as Ron Weasley in the film adaptations, Grint - a famously shy and reluctant celebrity - was hiding in a corner at a showbiz do with his dad. I took the opportunity to talk about my favourite childhood movies with the man, now 36, who had starred in them.

It was clear that he had great affection for the seven-story franchise and told me how he had purchased an ice cream van with his Harry Potter earnings.

And he revealed his great delight in serving the likes of Dame Maggie Smith, who played Professor McGonagall, a Mr Whippy with a 99 on the last ever day on set before an emotional drive home with Dumbledore's Deluminator (a torch-like magical device) on his dashboard.

A few years later in 2022, Grint, by then a father of daughter Wednesday, spoke to me about his excitement at revisiting the films with his toddler.

Ive shown her clips just to see if shed pick me out, he told me. And she does, she completely knows its me instantly and weirdly she looks like I did in the first film. She has that same kind of smile and round head.

Shes got a wand and a robe. And she has a Pez sweet dispenser with my head on it. So Im slowly dipping her toes into that world.

But when I raised the prospect of a remake of the films as rumours were swirling, he was honest about his concerns, saying: I think, over the years, Ron and I became one thing - this kind of hybrid person. So theres a lot of me in there.

I often have this thought that theyre gonna remake them: start again and do a complete remake, and that does scare me. I dont think Id handle that well.

JK Rowling with Daniel Radcliffe, Rupert Grint and Emma Watson at the premiere of 'Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone' in November 2001

Radcliffe, Watson and Grint will only find out who will be playing Harry, Hermione and Ron in the new series when HBO officially announces them

Rupert Grint, 36, has been introducing his daughter Wednesday to the wizarding world

How must Grint feel now, then, given that American TV giant HBO has confirmed the first big-name cast members of the novels upcoming TV adaptation, set to debut next year?

And what of the other two faces that have become synonymous with the Harry Potter film franchise? Daniel Radcliffe and Emma Watson have remained strangely silent at the news.

Despite their almost lifelong connection with the much-loved story - Radcliffe, now 35, was cast as Harry Potter at just 11 years-old - I can reveal that all three have been kept in the dark about the new project.

Im told the trio werent even informed that a remake was in the works.

And to add insult to injury, they will only learn which three young actors will be playing the parts they took as Harry Potter, Hermione Granger and Ron Weasley when HBO officially announces them in the coming months, after spending months going through 32,000 audition tapes.

Its heartbreaking for the three of them, one insider explains. Their childhoods were devoted to creating Harry Potter and it held such a special place in all their lives.

But now as the world looks forward to seeing the stories on screen again, they are a mere afterthought, with no involvement in the new series. Instead they face the prospect of being completely replaced in the minds of future generations of Harry Potter fans.

Those fears are well-founded according to another industry source, who has been working on the new series ahead of filming, which will begin this summer at Warner Bros Studios Leavesden in Hertfordshire.

JK Rowling has been publicly denounced by the multi-millionaire former child stars for her views on women's rights and trans issues

Grint, Radcliffe and Watson spent most of their childhoods filming the eight Harry Potter movies

Radcliffe has publicly supported trans rights

Potter author JK Rowling, who has been publicly denounced by the multi-millionaire former child stars for her views on women's rights and trans issues, will serve as an executive producer on the series, with HBO saying she has been very involved in the project to ensure it is a faithful adaptation of her seven books.

She had the ultimate sign off on the new adaptations writer and showrunner (responsible for overall creative and managerial control). According to my source, Rowling is relishing the opportunity to breathe new life into the books, but perhaps more importantly, banishing the memory of the child stars who allegedly threw her under the bus.

The source added: Jo adores the magical world she created and cant wait to bring it to life again with young, fresh talent.

This is her chance to move on from all the vitriol she has endured at the hands of those she made famous and start again with a new set of faces.

In many ways, it is her ultimate revenge for their betrayal.

Only last month, Rowling appeared to take a scathing swipe at the three stars who owe their careers to her when she replied to a tweet asking: What actor/actress instantly ruins a movie for you?

Without missing a beat, Rowling wrote: Three guesses. Sorry, but that was irresistible. She ended her post with three laughing emojis.

But if Radcliffe and Watson are feeling slighted by being left in an information vacuum, pity might be in short supply from Potters creator.

Rowlings relationship with the original cast deteriorated after she published a nearly 4,000-word essay about the trans community in 2020 on her website, in which she wrote that women were defined by their biological sex and not their gender identity.

Radcliffe responded by penning his own article declaring transgender women are women.

He reignited the row last May, in an interview in The Atlantic, when he admitted that just because Rowling made him a star it did not mean his views on gender ideology had to align with hers.

Radcliffe confirmed that he and Rowling no longer speak after she insisted she would never forgive the younger stars for speaking out against her views on trans rights.

Meanwhile, Watson, 35, tweeted following Rowlings initial comments: Trans people are who they say they are and deserve to live their lives without being constantly questioned or told they arent who they say they are.

She followed it up with an image of herself in a T-shirt reading: Trans rights are human rights.

Ralph Fiennes, who played Voldemort, subsequently offered support to Rowling, saying that the verbal abuse directed at her is disgusting, while Helena Bonham Carter, who played Bellatrix Lestrange, said: Its been taken to the extreme, the judgmentalism (sic) of people. Shes allowed her opinion, particularly if shes suffered abuse.

As for Rupert Grint, he initially responded to Rowling by saying that trans people should be entitled to live with love and without judgment.

However, he has since said he is hugely grateful to her, describing her as extremely talented and likening her to his auntie.

He added: I dont necessarily agree with everything my auntie says, but shes still my auntie.

So what do we know about HBOs upcoming series set to be aired in 2026, 25 years after the world watched Grint, Watson and Radcliffe at Hogwarts for the first time?

Despite the watchful eye of Rowling, there have been some questionable casting decisions taken, at least in the eyes of devoted fans.

Purists have decried American actor John Lithgow being cast as Hogwarts headmaster Albus Dumbledore, and unhappy that black actor Paapa Essiedu has taken on the role of the teacher Severus Snape, who is described as marble white in the books.

They will be joined by comedian Paul Whitehouse as caretaker Argus Filch, Hot Fuzzs Nick Frost playing the bearded Rubeus Hagrid and Oscar nominee Janet McTeer stepping into the late Dame Maggies shoes as Minerva McGonagall.

For others like me who have grown up adoring the Harry Potter books and films its undoubtedly exciting but how galling for Grint and his former co-stars that it looks unlikely they will even get an invite to the premiere.
Former Channel Nine stalwart Liz Hayes has announced a shock move to rival network Seven.

Two months after departing Nine, ending her decades with the network, the former 60 Minutes star, 68, has officially joined Channel Seven to work on current affairs show Spotlight.

Spotlight executive producer Gemma Williams said it was a privilege to welcome Liz to the network's flagship news show.

'We're privileged to welcome Liz Hayes to 7NEWS Spotlight as a guest correspondent,' she said.

'Widely respected for her decades of experience, storytelling expertise and journalistic integrity, we look forward to collaborating with Liz on this special project.'

Daily Mail Australia's Inside Mail revealed this week that Liz's first assignment for Spotlight is a tell-all interview with Lauren Zonfrillo, the wife of late celebrity chef Jock Zonfrillo.

Former Channel Nine stalwart Liz Hayes has announced a shock move to a rival network

Jock, a former MasterChef Australia judge, was found dead in his Melbourne hotel room in 2023.

It was also revealed that the respected journalist is currently 'midway' through shooting the story with Lauren, which is expected to air on May 4, the night after the federal election.

In February, Inside Mail revealed that Liz interviewed Jock and Lauren five years ago while at 60 Minutes but it did not go to air.

Former Nine boss Hugh Marks shelved the story as Jock was on Ten's MasterChef at the time, and the cooking show was in a fierce battle for eyeballs against 60 Minutes.

Liz announced her departure from Nine last month after four decades at the network which made her a household name.

'When I arrived at Nine I had little more than a notebook and a typewriter, but like my new and far more experienced colleagues, I carried with me an enormous passion for telling stories,' she said in a statement.

'I was blessed. I had found my tribe. Even Nine's owner at the time, Kerry Packer, seemed to carry the same passionate storytelling gene.

'Of course since then much has changed. The media world has evolved as have I. What hasn't changed is the need for good stories to be told, and I will continue to tell them.

Two months after leaving her decades-long career at Nine, the former 60 Minutes star, 68, has jumped ship to Channel Seven current affairs show Spotlight as a guest correspondent

Daily Mail Australia revealed this week that Liz's first assignment for Spotlight is a tell-all interview with Lauren Zonfrillo, the wife of late celebrity chef Jock Zonfrillo

Jock, a former MasterChef Australia judge, was found dead in his Melbourne hotel room in 2023

'I leave Nine grateful for the decades of experience, the wonderful friendships that I have endured and deeply appreciative to the many people who trusted me to tell their stories.'

Renowned as one of the better interviewers on Australian television, she has questioned prime ministers and politicians, influential business people, Hollywood actors, music legends, and world-class athletes.

In a video posted on her Instagram, Liz revealed she had been weighing up the move for some time.

'I made the decision last year because I felt it was time to move to the beat of a different drum - my own,' she said.

'I have had the most extraordinary life, telling wonderful stories, working with brilliant people and an audience that, thank you, you have hung in there with me.

'And I'm hoping you'll still hang around - because I'm not going anywhere.

'I'm still passionate about telling stories and I plan to tell many more.

'So this is not goodbye this is the beginning of what I see as a great, new exciting chapter in my life. See you soon.'

'Widely respected for her decades of experience, storytelling expertise and journalistic integrity, we look forward to collaborating with Liz on this special project,' Spotlight executive producer Gemma Williams said in a statement

It was also revealed that the respected journalist is currently 'midway' through shooting the story with Lauren, which is expected to air the night after the election. Liz is pictured on the Today show with co-host Steve Liebmann

It is understood Nine's influential director of television, Michael Healy, was loath to lose Liz and did everything in his power to keep her at the channel.

Although she was offered significant incentives and a sizeable new contract to stay on, Daily Mail Australia understands that she had grown frustrated by the current set-up at 60 Minutes and was unwilling to remain on the program.

'Liz Hayes is an Australian television legend and has dedicated most of her career to Nine, she will leave an undeniable legacy,' Michael said at the time.

'Her many accomplishments speak volumes about the type of journalist she is - tenacious, a truth seeker, and above all, a storyteller.

'I'd like to recognise Liz for the impact she has had on Australian journalism and thank her for all she has done for Nine over the past 44 years.'
Fyre Festival 2, the sequel to the disastrous 2017 festival, has been 'postponed,' less than two months before the music festival was set to take place.

Organizers informed ticket holders who had planned to attend fraudster founder Billy McFarland's ill-fated festival that it had been postponed on Wednesday, according to ABC News.

'The event has been postponed and a new date will be announced,' the announcement read. 'We have issued you a refund. Once the new date is announced, at that time, you can repurchase if it works for your schedule.'

The specific reasons for the postponement remain unclear.

The official website for Fyre 2 later reportedly deleted the announcement, writing that 'FYRE Festival 2 is still on' and organizers are 'vetting new locations and will announce our host destination soon.'

Fyre Festival 2 was scheduled for May 30 to June 2 in Playa Del Carmen, Mexico, with tickets having gone on sale in February. Previously it was supposed to take place in Isla Mujeres, but local authorities disputed that the proper permits were granted.

Fyre Festival 2, the sequel to the disastrous 2017 festival founded by fraudster Billy McFarland, has been postoned; McFarland seen in 2023

Fans quickly mocked the latest development online, with one sarcastically quipping, 'Who could have imagined?'

'This has to be a joke,' someone else wrote on X. 'Who could have possibly seen this coming?' yet another asked.

'I'm shocked,' another chimed in.

'You don't say? Didn't see that one coming,' someone else added.

'I can't wait for the 2nd Netflix documentary!'

'It's a sequel no one asked for.'

Another mocked Billy, writing, 'I wouldn't buy a used car from this dude.'

'The fact that ppl fell for this again is mind boggling.'

In March, Mexican government officials and luxury hotel venues were casting doubt on the return of infamous festival.

Isla Mujeres' city hall released a damning statement, pouring cold water on McFarland's claims revealing how the festival's organizers have not yet even applied for the necessary permits to hold the event.

'The General Directorate for Tourism of Isla Mujeres informs that no person or company has requested permits from this office or any other municipal government department for said event,' the statement read.

Organizers informed ticket holders about the postponement on Wednesday, according to ABC News

The official website for Fyre 2 later deleted the announcement, writing that 'FYRE Festival 2 is still on' and organizers are 'vetting new locations and will announce our host destination soon'

Fyre Festival 2 was scheduled for May 30 to June 2 in Playa Del Carmen, Mexico, with tickets having gone on sale in February. Previously it was supposed to take place in Isla Mujeres, but local authorities disputed that the proper permits were granted; McFarland seen in 2014

McFarland was jailed for four years after guests paid up to $13,000 for a trashy unfinished site and canceled performances at the original festival

The revelation raised serious concerns about whether Fyre Festival 2 could legally proceed, despite convicted con artist McFarland's confident assertions at the time that the event was still on and would go ahead as planned.

Just like its predecessor, Fyre Festival 2 has been aggressively marketing a high-end experience, with ticket packages costing as much as $25,000.

The Phoenix package, as listed on the festival's website, includes four-day festival access for two, private transportation, and a lavish three-night stay at either Impression Isla Mujeres by Secrets or Almare All-Inclusive Resort.

Yet in another embarrassing twist, Mourad Essafi, the general manager of the Secrets resort publicly denied any affiliation with the festival.

'We are not sponsoring Fyre Festival 2 or affiliated with it in any way. Reports to the contrary are false,' Essafi declared on February 28.

Despite this the hotel is still listed on the festival's website as a premium accommodation option, raising even more questions about the legitimacy of McFarland's claims.

McFarland attempted to reassure ticket holders and festival-goers in a social media video.

He insisted that Fyre Festival 2 had secured contracts with 'a number of villas, yachts, and hotels,' though he conspicuously avoided naming specific locations.

After some hotels publicly disassociated themselves from the festival, McFarland took an aggressive stance stating how his team had 'terminated those contracts' after two hotels allegedly gave 'misleading statements, saying they never heard of Fyre.'

While McFarland did not specify which hotels he was referring to, it remains unclear how many actual agreements are in place.

Fans quickly mocked the latest development online, with one sarcastically quipping, 'Who could have imagined?'

'We're going to have artists across electronic, hip hop, pop and rock. However, it's not just music,' McFarland said to Today.

'We might have a professional skateboarder do a demonstration. We might have an MMA champion teach you techniques in the morning.'

McFarland said attendees who cough up the million-dollar price tag will get a glamorous experience.

'You will be on a boat, have the luxury yachts that we partner with who will be docked and parked outside the island,' he said.

'But once again, Fyre is not just about this, like, luxury experience. It's about the adventure. So you'll be scuba diving with me. You'll be bouncing around to other islands and other countries on small planes.'

Given the catastrophic failure of the original Fyre Festival in 2017, many are now questioning why McFarland is even bothering to stage a second attempt.

McFarland was sentenced to six years in prison in 2018 for defrauding investors out of $26 million along with over $100,000 in additional fraudulent ticket-selling schemes.

McFarland agreed to pay back his victims. Along with jail time he was ordered to forfeit the cash.

After serving under four years of his six-year sentence, he was released to a halfway house, and was under house arrest until September 2022.

In February, McFarland wrote a lengthy statement insisting how the festival was definitely going ahead

Tickets to Fyre 2 don't come cheap with one package selling for $25,000 for two

Mexican government officials and luxury hotel venues were casting doubt on the return of infamous Fyre Festival - this time branded as Fyre Festival 2

In another embarrassing twis the general manager of the Secrets resort, pictured, has publicly denied any affiliation with the festival

The infamous cheese sandwich went viral on social media during the original doomed festival

Celebrity faces of Fyre Festival included Kendall Jenner, Emily Ratajkowski, Bella Hadid and Hailey Bieber - several of whom were subpoenaed for their role in the scam

Guests at the original festival were forced to wait for hours on end in the heat before being herded into makeshift tents on an island with no running water or electricity

After paying up to $12,000 for tickets, Fyre Festival's guests were greeted with substandard accommodation, soggy food and poor security - before the entire event was cancelled before it even began

He told USA Today last week that $500,000 of the festival's proceeds and an additional 10 percent of all profits would be allocated toward restitution.

The first Fyre Festival, held in the Bahamas in 2017, was infamously marketed the 'cultural experience of the decade', featuring influencer endorsements from the likes of Kendall Jenner, Bella Hadid, and Hailey Bieber.

Attendees were promised performances from major artists like Blink-182 and Migos, along with five-star accommodations and gourmet food.

Instead, when festival-goers arrived on the Bahamian island Exuma, it was a scene of chaos.

Artists had canceled, the promised luxury lodgings were actually Red Cross disaster-relief tents, and the now-iconic 'gourmet meal' turned out to be little more than a sad cheese sandwich in a Styrofoam box.

Numerous festival-goers posted pictures on social media of the shambolic scenes, leading to online mockery of the high prices many had paid.

Attendees were effectively stranded and had to be evacuated after just one night, cementing Fyre Festival's place as one of the greatest scams in modern history.
Bobby Brown blasted Britney Spears' 2004 cover of his 1988 hit song My Prerogative, claiming she and Swedish production team Bloodshy & Avant didn't do it 'justice.'

'Britney Spears butchered Prerogative,' the 56-year-old Grammy winner told Club Shay Shay host Shannon Sharpe on Wednesday.

Bobby appeared to be under the false impression that his original co-songwriter Teddy Riley had signed on to produce the 43-year-old Grammy winner's cover, which he called 'a butchering that I could not take.'

'I cleared it only because it was Britney Spears and I was thinking Teddy Riley's doing it too, so you know? But I felt it was a butchering,' Brown lamented.

The Boston-born belter explained that, like rapper LL Cool J, he's now learned to listen to the entire song before clearing samples or allowing others to cover his songs.

'Yes, I gotta hear it,' Bobby noted.

Bobby Brown blasted Britney Spears' 2004 cover of his 1988 hit song My Prerogative, claiming she and Swedish production team Bloodshy & Avant didn't do it 'justice'

The 56-year-old Grammy winner told Club Shay Shay host Shannon Sharpe on Wednesday: 'Britney Spears butchered Prerogative'

'I gotta hear it because you don't know what these kids will say these days. These kids say some s*** that you don't want your song associated with, so yeah you gotta listen to it.'

Brown co-founded the boyband New Edition, at age 12, in 1981 before going solo to much success in the late eighties and nineties, and My Prerogative was written as a direct response to the criticism of his exit.

The New Jack Swing pioneer's original version topped the Billboard Hot 100 chart, sold 500K copies, amassed 77.2M Spotify streams, and the music video has 66M views on YouTube.

By contrast, Britney's cover only topped the charts in Finland, Ireland, Italy, and Norway; but sold 500K copies; amassed 53M Spotify streams; and the music video has 51M views on YouTube.

Speaking of covers, Spears and Elton John's Tiny Dancer-inspired track Hold Me Closer reached No. 6 on the US Billboard Hot 100 and sold 1M copies in 2022.

The semi-retired pop star - whose 13-year conservatorship finally ended in 2021 - spends much of her time filming herself dancing in scantily clad get-ups at her $11.8M Calabasas mansion for the viewing pleasure of her 156.4M social media following.

Britney will be very hands on with her fully-authorized biopic for Universal Pictures, which is still in the developmental stage under Wicked director Jon M. Chu.

On August 1, Universal 'paid in the low eight figures' for the rights to Spears' NY Times-bestselling 2023 memoir The Woman In Me and music catalogue in the movie from producer Marc Platt.

Simon & Schuster originally paid the former Mouseketeer a $12.5M advance (25% of the net profits) to pen the critically-acclaimed tell-all with three alleged ghostwriters - Ada Calhoun, Sam Lansky, and Luke Dempsey.

Bobby appeared to be under the false impression that his original co-songwriter Teddy Riley had signed on to produce the 43-year-old Grammy winner's cover, which he called 'a butchering that I could not take'

'I cleared it only because it was Britney Spears and I was thinking Teddy Riley's doing it too, so you know? But I felt it was a butchering,' Brown lamented

The Boston-born belter explained that, like rapper LL Cool J, he's now learned to listen to the entire song before clearing samples or allowing others to cover his songs

Bobby co-founded the boyband New Edition, at age 12, in 1981 before going solo to much success in the late eighties and nineties, and My Prerogative was written as a direct response to the criticism of his exit (pictured in 1986)

Brown's original version topped the Billboard Hot 100 chart, sold 500K copies, amassed 77.2M Spotify streams, and the music video has 66M views on YouTube

By contrast, Britney's cover only topped the charts in Finland, Ireland, Italy, and Norway; but sold 500K copies; amassed 53M Spotify streams; and the music video has 51M views on YouTube

Speaking of covers, Spears and Elton John's Tiny Dancer-inspired track Hold Me Closer reached No. 6 on the US Billboard Hot 100 and sold 1M copies in 2022
The Who's Zak Starkey has 'broken his silence' after being sacked by bandmates Roger Daltrey and Pete Townshend.

The pair reportedly sacked the drummer after a 'huge fall out' with the bust-up having happened after the band's two recent gigs at the Royal Albert Hall.

Sources have allegedly claimed that there were question marks over Zak's drumming at the shows last month.

Zak, who is planning to take 'much needed time off with his family', is said to be 'saddened and surprised' over the decision after his long career in the band.

According to The Mirror, Zak said in a statement: 'In January, I suffered a serious medical emergency with blood clots in my right bass drum calf. This is now completely healed and does not affect my drumming or running.

'After playing those songs with the band for so many decades, Im surprised and saddened anyone would have an issue with my performance that night, but what can you do?

The Who's Zak Starkey has 'broken his silence' after being sacked by bandmates Roger Daltrey and Pete Townshend (Zak pictured in 2021)

Roger and Pete The pair reportedly sacked the drummer after a 'huge fall out' with the bust-up having happened after the band's two recent gigs at the Royal Albert Hall (pictured last month)

'I plan to take some much needed time off with my family, and focus on the release of Domino Bones by Mantra Of The Cosmos with Noel Gallagher in May and finishing my autobiography written solely by me. Twenty-nine years at any job is a good old run, and I wish them the best.'

MailOnline have contacted Zak's representatives for comment.

On Tuesday, a spokesperson announced the news with The Mirror: 'The band made a collective decision to part ways with Zak after this round of shows at the Royal Albert Hall.

'They have nothing but admiration for him and wish him the very best for his future.'

The insider went on to add: 'Its a little acrimonious to say the least.'

And while fans were loving the shows, which were in honour of Roger's Teenage Cancer Trust charity, a source claimed there were a 'few issues with the drumming....and the standard wasnt as high as everyone wanted.'

However, a different source noted that 'extremely talented' Zak's departure is sure to rock the band, with his axing not making 'any sense'.

Zak is the son of Beatles legend Ringo Starr and Maureen Starkey Tigrett.

Sources have allegedly claimed that there were question marks over Zak's drumming at the shows last month

On Tuesday, a spokesperson announced: 'The band made a collective decision to part ways with Zak after this round of shows at the Royal Albert Hall.

And while fans were loving the shows, which were in honour of Roger's Teenage Cancer Trust charity, a source claimed there were a 'few issues with the drumming....and the standard wasnt as high as everyone wanted'

Back in January, Zak said he feared he would die as he spoke for the first time since he cancelled gigs after he was diagnosed with a blood clot.

Zak had been set to take the stage with his supergroup Mantra of the Cosmos - including Happy Mondays vocalist Shaun Ryder, 62, Oasis guitarist Andy Bell, 54, percussionist Mark 'Bez' Berry, 60, and Noel Gallagher, 57, - when he received the alarming health alert.

It lead to him to withdraw from a London gig, hours ahead of showtime.

He has since revealed that the blood clot in his right leg has forced him to rest for two weeks on doctors orders, and he has been prescribed blood thinners for the hazardous health condition.

Zak told MailOnline: 'At first I thought maybe I just pulled a hamstring or something because that's where the pain started on the knee and then the MRI scan showed nothing and then an ultrasound showed it the next day.

'So we had to pull the gig and I was told to go home straight away. I'm on blood thinners and that should move it you know but it wasn't ideal news.

'I am a little bit worried but they said a couple of weeks should be alright. It should be able to dissipate but there is a worry if you move it too much and it hits something major.

'If it hits your lungs or your heart or your brain you're in deep sh**. Or deep earth.'
Maggie Beer is making a comeback after a horror fall at her Barossa Valley home.

The 80-year-old has launched a new cookbook, The Best of Maggie Beer, which hit the shelves this week.

The book gathers together the MasterChef star's favourite recipes, which originally appeared in the pages of The Australian Women's Weekly.

Maggie shared the news to Instagram on Wednesday and teased fans with a preview of what they can expect from her latest tome.

'For over a decade I have been lucky to share my recipes with The Weeklys readers, showing that beautiful meals dont have to be complex,' Maggie said in the post.

'To celebrate our partnership, Ive gathered together my favourite recipes which have appeared in the pages of the magazine.'

Maggie Beer is making a comeback after a horror fall at her Barossa Valley home. Pictured

The 80-year-old has launched a new cookbook, The Best of Maggie Beer, which hit the shelves this week

Maggie also posted the cover of the new book where she can be seen wearing a summery white frock.

She also shared a gallery of images of her scrumptious looking dishes, alongside some wise words about cooking.

'Sharing love over a meal is what it's all about,' she told her legion of adoring fans.

Maggie recently shared some life regrets following her accident at home last year.

'I've been too much of a workaholic...' she told the Daily Telegraph.

Maggie says she was left 'super exhausted' after her fall and it has taught her to stop and smell the roses.

In October, Maggie posted a video to Instagram revealing she was making a slow recovery and hoped to be back to normal soon.

Many of Maggie's celebrity friends quickly took to the comment section to wish her a speedy recovery.

The book gathers together the MasterChef star's favourite recipes, which originally appeared in the pages of The Australian Women's Weekly

Maggie is best known as one of the judges on The Great Australian Bake Off alongside Matt Moran (left) until she left in 2022

In August, Maggie was rushed to hospital after a fall in her South Australian home left her with fractured bones and bruising.

Many of Maggie's celebrity friends quickly took to the comment section to wish her a speedy recovery at the time.

'We love you Maggie' wrote celebrity trainer Michelle Bridges, while MasterChef Australia veteran Gary Mehigan added: 'Take care, we are all thinking of you.'

She is best known as one of the judges on The Great Australian Bake Off alongside Matt Moran. She left the role in 2022.
Aussie indie rock band Ball Park Music have scored the prized opening slot for the upcoming Oasis tour in Australia later this year.

The Brisbane five-piece act will be supporting the Brit pop stars on five massive stadium gigs in Sydney and Melbourne as part of the Oasis Live in '25 reunion shows.

Ball Park Music formed in 2008 and last week went to number one on the ARIA chart with their new album Like Love.

However, industry insiders had initially tipped DMA's for the Oasis shows, according to News.com.au.

The Sydney band had a prior relationship with Oasis' Liam Gallagher who had used them as a support act on his solo shows in the UK and Ireland in 2019.

Ball Park Music have released eight studio albums and consist of members, Sam Cromack on vocals and guitar, bassist Jennifer Boyce, Paul Furness on keyboards and trombone.

Aussie band Ball Park Music (pictured) have scored the prized opening slot for the upcoming Oasis tour coming Down Under in October

They will be supporting the Brit pop stars on two massive stadium gigs in Sydney and Melbourne as part of the Oasis Live in '25 reunion shows. Pictured: Liam Gallagher (left) and Noel Gallagher (right) of Oasis

Completing the line up are rhythm guitarist Dean Hanson and Daniel Hanson on drums.

Oasis are set to play in Melbourne at Marvel Stadium on October 31, November 1 and November 4, before heading to Sydney's Accor Stadium on November 7 and November 8.

The decision by Oasis to select an Aussie support act reverses a trend where promoters have been reluctant to reserve a spot for local performers on international tours.

Drake, SZA, Travis Scott and Olivia Rodrigo did not use any Aussie acts as support on their recent tours Down Under.

Pink, meanwhile, wowed the industry and fans when she used Tones and I as a support on her recent shows in Australia.

Meanwhile, local industry players the Association of Artist Managers are pressuring promoters to use Australian talent as support acts for international shows.

It comes after some fans have slammed the decision for Oasis only having shows in Melbourne and Sydney.

'Adelaide, Brisbane and Perth getting shafted again,' one disgruntled fan wrote.

The decision by Oasis to select an Aussie support act reverses a trend where promoters have been reluctant to reserve a spot for local performers on international tours

'Where's the NZ dates,' another crestfallen fan asked, while another chimed in: 'Snubbed New Zealand? bro.'

An Aussie music promoter shed light on the real reason behind the limited Aussie tour stops on Noel and Liam Gallagher's first tour Down Under in 19 years.

Veteran concert promoter Michael Coppel revealed last October that Oasis were offered gigs in other Aussie cities but didn't take them up on the offer.

He also batted down fan theories that the Gallagher brothers could be yet to announce further shows, insisting their global tour schedule is already jam-packed.

'They're booked to go to Japan after Sydney so there's no extending on to other States,' he told the Courier Mail.

'We offered them the opportunity of doing [more shows] in other states but they didn't want to take that up; they were happy just to be doing Melbourne and Sydney.

The Britpop rockers shot to global stardom in the 90s with their 1994 debut album Definitely Maybe becoming the fastest-selling debut album in British history.

The following year (What's The Story) Morning Glory? was released with smash hits Wonderwall, Don't Look Back In Anger and Champagne Supernova, with Wonderwall topping the ARIA Top 10 charts for 11 weeks in a row following its release.

Oasis announced their reunion tour in August.
Demi Moore has finally revealed how she really felt about losing the best actress Oscar to Mikey Madison last month.

'The physical, human part that has ego, of course, has disappointment,' the 62-year-old Brat Packer admitted to TIME on Wednesday.

'It certainly would have been wonderful to have won.'

However, Demi claimed she predicted the 26-year-old Anora starlet's win as she leaned over and whispered to her manager Jason Weinberg during the commercial: 'I think it's going to Mikey.'

During the ABC telecast, Moore (born Guynes) could be seen saying something to Weinberg right after Mikey's (born Mikaela Rosenberg) name was called by Emma Stone.

'I don't know why I knew, but I did,' the Landman actress marveled.

Demi Moore (L) has finally revealed how she really felt about losing the best actress Oscar to Mikey Madison (R) last month

'I was so centered and calm. I didn't feel gutted. I didn't feel any of those kinds of things. I just trusted, and am in trust of, whatever is going to unfold.'

The very next morning, Demi - who boasts 15.5M social media followers - wrote on Instagram that she was 'overwhelmed with gratitude for this journey' and congratulated Madison: 'Can't wait to see what you do next!'

Moore won both the Golden Globe Award and the SAG Award for her performance as aging workout guru Elisabeth Sparkle in Coralie Fargeat's critically-acclaimed body horror film The Substance.

The New Mexico-born grandmother also crowded her mantel with prizes from Critics Choice Awards, BAFTAs, Hamptons Film Festival, Savannah Film Festival, Cinematheque francaise, SFFILM, Kansas City Film Critics Circle, Women Film Critics Circle, Satellite Awards, Saturn Awards, AARP Movies for Grownups Awards, Dorian Awards, and Irish Film & Television Academy Awards.

Demi will be spending 'the next few months' in Texas reprising her role as Jon Hamm's onscreen wife Cami Miller in the second season of Taylor Sheridan's oil rig drama Landman.

The Paramount+ small-screen adaptation of Christian Wallace's 2019 Boomtown podcast also stars Billy Bob Thornton, Ali Larter, Andy Garcia, and Michael Pena.

Last November, Moore filmed her role as 'cutthroat fashion maven' in Boots Riley's sci-fi shoplifting comedy I Love Boosters alongside LaKeith Stanfield, Will Poulter, Keke Palmer, Eiza Gonzalez, Naomi Ackie, and Taylour Paige.

And the Emmy-nominated producer dreams of starring in an 'irreverent, slightly absurd' action film with her celeb gal pals Michelle Yeoh, Cynthia Erivo, and Gwendoline Christie.

As for the homeschooled Zoomer, aside from hosting the March 29th episode of NBC's Saturday Night Live, she has not announced any new projects, in fact, she's turning down projects.

On Wednesday, Variety reported that Mikey just passed on Deadpool & Wolverine director Shawn Levy's untitled Star Wars movie starring Ryan Gosling.

The 62-year-old Brat Packer admitted to TIME on Wednesday: 'The physical, human part that has ego, of course, has disappointment. It certainly would have been wonderful to have won'

However, Demi claimed she predicted the 26-year-old Anora starlet's win as she leaned over and whispered to her manager Jason Weinberg (L) during the commercial: 'I think it's going to Mikey.'

During the ABC telecast, Moore could be seen saying something to Weinberg right after Mikey's name was called by Emma Stone (L)

The Landman actress marveled: 'I don't know why I knew, but I did. I was so centered and calm. I didn't feel gutted. I didn't feel any of those kinds of things. I just trusted, and am in trust of, whatever is going to unfold'

The very next morning, Demi - who boasts 15.5M social media followers - wrote on Instagram that she was 'overwhelmed with gratitude for this journey' and congratulated Madison: 'Can't wait to see what you do next!'

Moore won both the Golden Globe Award and the SAG Award for her performance as aging workout guru Elisabeth Sparkle in Coralie Fargeat's critically-acclaimed body horror film The Substance

The New Mexico-born grandmother also crowded her mantel with prizes from the Critics Choice Awards (pictured February 7), the BAFTAs, and numerous film festivals

Demi will be spending 'the next few months' in Texas reprising her role as Jon Hamm's onscreen wife Cami Miller in the second season of Taylor Sheridan's oil rig drama Landman (pictured April 2)

Last November, Moore filmed her role as 'cutthroat fashion maven' in Boots Riley's sci-fi shoplifting comedy I Love Boosters (script pictured October 8)

As for the homeschooled Zoomer, aside from hosting the March 29th episode of NBC's Saturday Night Live, she has not announced any new projects, in fact, she's turning down projects
The future is certainly bright for newly-minted Oscar winner Mikey Madison, though it seems she won't be joining one of the biggest movie franchises.

The 26-year-old beat out Hollywood A-listers Demi Moore (The Substance) and Cynthia Erivo (Wicked) to win her first Best Actress Oscar for her indie darling Anora.

While she has yet to announce her follow-up to Anora, a new report reveals she turned down the chance to join the latest in an iconic film series.

She would have even joined a major star - Ryan Gosling - who is attached to the project, for Deadpool & Wolverine director Shawn Levy.

The news also came a few months after she spoke about not having an intimacy coordinator on the set of Anora.

What is this mysterious franchise she cast aside? It was none other than the Star Wars franchise, according to a new report from Variety.

The future is certainly bright for newly-minted Oscar winner Mikey Madison, though it seems she won't be joining one of the biggest movie franchises

While she has yet to announce her follow-up to Anora, a new report reveals she turned down the chance to join the latest in an iconic film series.

The report revealed that she passed on an unknown role in the film, though no details about the character were given.

Very little is known about the Star Wars film - including the title at the moment - though it is said to be a stand-alone story.

It was also said to not be connected to the Skywalker Saga, the nine-film series that includes the original Star Wars trilogy (A New Hope, The Empire Strikes Back, Return of the Jedi), the prequel trilogy (The Phantom Menace, Attack of the Clones and Revenge of the Sith) and the most-recent sequel trilogy (The Force Awakens, The Last Jedi and The Rise of Skywalker).

While Gosling is still attached to star, very little has been said about his character at this time.

Levy will direct the film from a screenplay written by Jonathan Tropper (This Is Where I Leave You, The Adam Project).

Levy will also produce through his 21 Laps production company alongside LucasFilm president Kathleen Kennedy.

The director has been developing the project since 2022, though it isn't clear when production may begin.

The report revealed that she passed on an unknown role in the film, though no details about the character were given.

While Gosling is still attached to star, very little has been said about his character at this time.

Madison got her start in features in the 2015 indie Liza Liza, The Skies Are Grey, alongside Madison Iseman, before being cast as Max in FX's Better Things

However, if they're starting to try and round out the cast, filming may be happening sooner rather than later.

If it does go into production this year, it will follow The Mandalorian & Grogu, which recently wrapped filming and is slated for a May 22, 2026 release.

Madison got her start in features in the 2015 indie Liza Liza, The Skies Are Grey, alongside Madison Iseman, before being cast as Max in FX's Better Things.

She went on to star in Monsters, Once Upon a Time in Hollywood, 2022's Scream and the 2023 film All Souls.

The actress most recently played Judith Weinstein in the Apple TV Plus miniseries Lady in the Lake.
Aussie rock icons Hoodoo Gurus have paid tribute to Australian music industry stalwart Dominic 'Mick' Mazzone who died after battling an illness.

The ARIA Hall of Fame recipients took to Facebook on Thursday to share a heartfelt tribute to Mick, remembering the industry veteran as a 'dear friend'.

'We in the Hoodoo Gurus are utterly devastated at the sudden loss of our dear friend, Mick (Dominic) Mazzone,' they wrote in a statement.

'It is impossible to convey the shock and grief we are feeling right now. We have already shed many tears, and there will be many more to come.

'Our loss is nothing compared to the one that has been dealt to Micks close family and friends and, in particular, to his beloved kids, Frank, Antonia and Alex.

'Our hearts go out to them at this dreadful time. Love, Brad, Dave, Rick & Nik.'

Aussie rock icons Hoodoo Gurus have paid tribute to Australian music industry stalwart Dominic 'Mick' Mazzone who died after battling an illness

The post was met with an outpouring of condolences from fans and followers.

'Mick seemed to have made an impact on so many lives. Grateful his legacy will live on,' one offered.

Another commented: 'My heart goes out to all of you and Mick's family and friends. I'm so sorry for your loss.'

Cutting his teeth playing in local bands in Adelaide, Mazzone later relocated to Sydney where he established the artist management company M Management and record label M records.

The music industry 'all rounder' also built up a reputation as a technical director, producer, tour manager and sound engineer.

He worked with some of the greats of the Australian game including Hoodoo Gurus, Cold Chisel guitarist Ian moss and pub rock legends The Radiators.

He also worked with such global heavyweights as Bon Jovi, Madonna and R.E.M as well as serving as a founding member of the Music manager's Forum.

Mick, who was also a trustee of music industry charity the Golden Stave Foundation was awarded an Order Of Australia in 2019.

The music industry 'all rounder' established the artist management company M Management and record label M records. He also built up a reputation as a technical director, producer, tour manager and sound engineer

Pub rock icons The Radiators also paid tribute to their former manager, admitting that news of his death had come as a shock.

'Last night we heard of the passing of one of our great friends , Mick Mazzone. We only recently had found out of his illness , and we had hoped that Mick would fight the good fight.. and somehow...miraculously recover,' the band wrote.

'He unfortunately faded fast , and his passing came as a horrible shock.'

The band also remembered Mick as someone with an 'incredible ear' who worked wonders with the band's career.

'His management helped lift us up, and without his strong ,sure and steady hand, we as a band ,may not have been able to navigate the '90s.

He worked with the likes of Cold Chisel guitarist Ian Moss and pub rock legends The Radiators. and global heavyweights as Bon Jovi, Madonna and R.E.M

Mick had a fantastic ear , and was instrumental in producing and overseeing the release of our Black and White ( Radiators self titled) Album, Hard Core, Stone and many various singles . All under the banner of MM Records.

They continued: 'He will be sadly missed by so many people in the industry. He was an incredible human . A quiet genius. Gone way way too soon.

'The world is a poorer place today, for the loss of one Mick Mazzone.'

The tributes didn't end there, with lauded music journalist Stuart Cope remembering Mick as a 'good human.'

This is very very sad. I didn't know Mick super well but used to be around him or in his orbit a fair bit in years gone by,' Stuart wrote.

'I remember him as an always smiling, friendly, highly competent and very good human who I enjoyed running into.'
READ MORE: Comedian Jimmy Carr to bring his Laughs Funny Tour to Australia

An Australian podcaster and comedian has broken his silence over a recent 'embarrassing' incident.

Christian Hull, who hosted the Complete Drivel podcast, shared a post to social media on Thursday in which he apologised to a fan for being short with them.

'I'm on my way to Sydney to see family. Im currently at the Brisbane airport and just suffered a HUGELY EMBARRASSING INCIDENT,' Hull began.

'Firstly to the lady that asked for a photo, and I hurried her along, I apologise. I don't have to run to my flight, I was lying.

'Secondly, to the lady I heard calling my name I'm so sorry I ran away from you... here is what was happening. I P***ED MY PANTS!'

He added he was in a rush to clean up the mess and so didn't have time to chat to his fans, as he normally would.

Christian Hull has broken his silence over a recent 'embarrassing' incident. Pictured

'One day I will share the full story but my pants were soaked with urine... I was running to buy new pants and board a flight. Time was of the absolute essence,' Hull wrote.

'This was so disgusting and stressful. I had cleaned myself at the bathroom but there was no way I was sitting in piss soaked pants for the next 7 hours while I travel to the Blue Mountains.

'WHY AM I SUCH A DISASTER?'

Hull is a popular Australian comedian who hosted the tongue-in-cheek Complete Drivel podcast from 2017 - 2024.

In February, he made headlines after making an incredible find at an antique shop.

Hull was casually browsing through an antique shop when he randomly stumbled across a $200 painting that left him in tears.

He spotted a framed artwork he thought looked familiar - only to quickly discover it was painted by none other than his aunt, Helen McCosker.

The drawing shows a naked man reclining on what seems to be a pile of patterned cushions, with his hands resting behind his head.

Christian Hull, who hosted the Complete Drivel podcast, shared a post to social media on Thursday in which he apologised to a fan for being short with them, revealing he had a bathroom emergency

Upon the unexpected revelation, Hull was overwhelmed with emotion, appearing lost for words when he learned the artwork was created in the '80s, before he was born.

'Oh my God, I feel... This is such a weird feeling to have,' the Aussie comedian said in the clip.

'So I'm in an antique store, just going about my business and I saw this artwork here and I thought, "oh it looks like something my aunt does." She doesn't live anywhere near here and she has no connection to Brisbane whatsoever.

'I looked down in the corner and I'm like, "Holy f***, my aunt painted this".'

Hull broke down in tears as he muttered to himself that he had to buy the artwork.

'How much is it going for? It's 200 bucks. I can't even tell you how crazy this is,' he said as he checked the price tag.

'What year was it painted? She probably did this before I was born. This is f***ing insane. Oh my God, I can't wait to text the family group chat. That's crazy.

'I just need you to know how insane this is. I was just perusing the antique centre, looking for macrame pot hangers and oh my God... My heart is racing.'

The former radio producer couldn't help but wonder how the artwork made its way to Brisbane, given that his aunt had lived in Sydney her whole life, carving out a career as a children's author and illustrator.
The Bachelor universe star Sean Lowe gave his fans an update on his health a month after he was brutally attacked at home by his own dog.

The 41-year-old reality star  who married Catherine Giudici after proposing to her on season 17 of The Bachelor  nearly died after his dog Moose attacked him three times within a 24-hour period.

Last month, he shared in an Instagram video with his wife that the Boxer had 'ripped' his arm open, leaving him feeling as if he was 'fighting for [his] life.'

But Sean looked far more relaxed in an Instagram Stories video posted Tuesday in which he said he has been 'healing' since the awful attack.

'A lot of you have asked how Im doing. Im doing great. Im healing,' he said while his son Isaiah sat on his lap.

'My scars arent as bad as I thought they would be,' he added, before revealing how much the wound just below his wrist had healed.

The Bachelor universe star Sean Lowe updated his fans on Tuesday after he nearly died last month when his dog Moose attacked him three times within 24 hours

Last month, he shared in an Instagram video with his wife that the Boxer had 'ripped' his arm open, leaving him feeling as if he was 'fighting for [his] life'

In his original video explaining his ordeal, Sean still had bloody scratches and bite marks running all down both of his arms, but it was a gnarly gash just below his wrist that looked most serious and required multiple stitches.

But the wound looked significantly better in his latest video.

The mottled skin was now pink, and the stitches had been taken out, though he still had a groove in his skin where the gash originally was and small indentations where his stitches had been.

'The doctor told me that one, thats about as good as its gonna get,' he said. '[Its] kind of red. It wont be red forever, but Ill have a cool scar there forever.'

Sean also revealed that his son Isaiah 'likes to kiss this one here' as he pointed to the scar.

The Bachelor star sounded emotional as he thanked his and Catherine's fans for their kind words after he announced that Moose had attacked him.

'We got thousands and thousands of messages, just people wishing me well and sharing similar stories and things like that, but anyway, thank you, because I could just tell it was sincere and heartfelt,' he continued, adding that any messages he hadn't replied to yet had not gone 'unnoticed.'

Sean's son Isaiah was a supply of comedic relief through much of the video as he seemed to consider picking his nose while his dad talked, but he took center stage when he added: 'Thank you for talking to my Daddy [and saying] nice things.'

Sean said he was 'doing great' and 'healing.' He revealed the pink scar he had just below his wrist in place of the gnarly gash and stitches that he displayed in March

He didn't include an update on Moose, but last month he said he was consulting with a no-kill shelter and animal control to find a solution for the Boxer. Shockingly, that wasn't the first time Lowe has had to rehome a dog after an attack on a family member. His son Samuel is pictured with Moose shortly after he was adopted in December 2024

Missing from the update was information about the fate of Moose, the dog that attacked him

Last month, shortly after revealing his injuries, Sean announced that he had been forced to re-home his dog, whom his family had only had for three months.

Shockingly, that wasn't the first time Lowe has been forced to rehome a dog after a chilling attack on a family member.

The reality star  who recounted how the seven-year-old Boxer Moose had 'ripped' his arm open and left him 'fighting for [his] life'  decided after the terrifying incident that Moose had to be removed from the home immediately, even though the dog had seemingly been nothing but sweet up until then.

Lowe shared that he was currently consulting with a no-kill shelter and animal control officers to figure out a solution for Moose, which hopefully wouldn't require the dog to be euthanized.

Because of the unusual nature of the attack, and the possibility that external factors might have set off Moose, the reality star said he wasn't laying the blame on the dog.

'It wasnt Mooses fault. I think its clear he experienced a lot of trauma before we got him and had something neurologically wrong where just a switch flipped and he turned into an absolute killer, which was so weird,' he theorized, adding that the dog had been 'great' around his children and had acted like an 'affectionate, loving Boxer.'

Lowe mentioned that earlier on the day of the first attack, Moose had just been looking for affection and had sweetly laid his head down on his lap so that he could be petted.

The Bachelor's Sean Lowe, 41, revealed Monday in a video recounting how his own dog Moose brutally attacked him that the canine had been rehomed

The incident  which left a 'pool of blood' at the Bachelor star's feet  follows another frightening dog attack from April 2023.

At the time, Lowe revealed that Gus, his family's Bullmastiff, had attacked both their daughter Mia, who was three at the time, and their son Samuel, who was six.

Gus reportedly had a history of being aggressive toward the little girl and snapping at her, before it escalated to a bite.

But it was an even more severe attack to Samuel  in which the dog bit 'him on the side of the head'  that prompted Lowe and his wife Catherine to remove it for good.

Samuel's injury resulted in a 'trip to the ER and a staple in the head,' Lowe shared on Instagram at the time, according to the Today Show. 'So, as much as I love that dog, I have to protect my kids first. But hes in a great home, and well get to see him occasionally.'

Later, Lowe left his fans know that his son had gotten his staple removed and was 'doing great' after his head wound had fully healed.

'He misses his dog too. And so do his brother and sister,' Lowe added.

In an updated posted to his Instagram Stories in 2023, the Bachelorette contestant said Gus was also 'doing great' in his new home.

In 2023, he revealed that he had to rehome a previous dog, a Bullmastiff named Gus. The dog found a new home with his dog trainer

Lowe admitted the dog bit their daughter Mia, who was three at the time. He kissed Mia, now five, in a sweet photos posted Tuesday by his wife Catherine. 'We love this man so much,' she captioned it

Gus then bit their son Samuel, who was six, on the side of the head, requiring a trip to the ER and a staple to his head

'I miss him like you wouldn't believe, but one of my answered prayers was that he found a great home (in my mind,' the best,' he shared.

Lowe revealed that his dog trainer had adopted Gus as her 'personal dog.'

It seemed to be an ideal situation for the pooch, as 'he gets to go to work everyday and be around other dogs.'

Lowe included a photo of his large former dog dwarfing a Pug, and he said his trainer explained that the Pug 'hates all dogs except for Gus.'

'Must be the close resemblance,' he joked.

Earlier in the video, Lowe showed off a gnarly set of stitches and bloody bites marks on his arms from Moose repeated attacks, which he thought at the time could 'kill' him.

'Our family has been through something pretty traumatic over the weekend,' Sean said in the video, before noting that he had debated whether to even share his experience. His wife Catherine sat next to him throughout, but she was mostly silent while tears streamed down her face.

According to Lowe, he had invited friends over for a barbecue on March 13. At the time, his wife and their three children were doing some shopping at a mall.

Earlier in the video, Lowe showed off a gnarly set of stitches and bloody bites marks on his arms from Moose repeated attacks, which he thought at the time could 'kill' him

The reality star revealed Monday in a somber but chilling video that his dog Moose (pictured with the family shortly after his adoption) had 'ripped' his arm open, leaving him feeling as if he was 'fighting for [his] life

After finishing third on season eight of The Bachelorette, Sean went on to star on season 17 of The Bachelor, where he proposed to his future wife Catherine Giudici (pictured together in 2017 in NYC)

Although he was grilling outside, Lowe said he accidentally set off his home's smoke alarm because he had left the windows open and the breeze blew the smoke indoors.

Lowe said he thinks the smoke alarm set the emergency in motion, as the piercing noise may have distressed his dog.

'He shows his teeth at me and just attacks me. I dont mean bite and then run off  like a lot of dogs do when theyre scared or defensive  I mean attacks me,' he recounted. 'I feel him ripping into the flesh of my arm and at this point Im doing everything I possibly can just to fend this dog off.

'I know Im bleeding badly,' he added.

Lowe thought it must have taken multiple minutes to detach the dog's jaws fro his arm and get it outside.

But even after he got Moose off his arm, the dog jumped back to continue attacking him.

'Im not trying to be dramatic but I honestly just felt like I am fighting for my life here against my dog,' he admitted.

Lowe's friends then joined in to detach Moose again, at which point he realized just how severe his injuries were.

Lowe said he thought a smoke alarm set his dog off. 'I feel him ripping into the flesh of my arm,' he recounted. He was left with blood spurting from his arms, so his friends rushed him to an ER, where he received multiple stitches

He then returned home, but it was less than 12 hours before Moose allegedly attacked him again after a gust of wind apparently blew open a door that hadn't been properly locked, releasing the dog

'I look down at my arm and it was cut so deep and I just see blood squirting, probably a couple feet,' he recalled.

The Bachelor star worried his dog might have severed an artery with his teeth, as he saw 'a pool of blood' accumulating at his feet.

Luckily, he was surrounded by friends who immediately rushed him to a hospital emergency room, where he received multiple stitches for his injuries.

He then returned home, but it was less than 12 hours before Moose allegedly attacked him again.

Lowe, who said he was shocked and 'heartbroken' by the attack, claimed that the door keeping Moose away from him wasn't securely locked, so a gust of wind allowed the canine to escape and begin biting him again outside.

'Going through a dog attack is pretty darn traumatic. Having to re-live it less than 12 hours later, seeing that dog running straight at you, is a feeling I dont think I ever want to experience again,' he said. 'He made a beeline right at me and just lunged and started attacking me again.'

Lowe said Moose had 'ripped' his arm open again, and he felt as if he was 'fighting for [his] life.'

'I feel like if this dog gets up, hes going to kill me,' he said.

He kept the animal pinned down for 10 minutes until police and an ambulance arrived; pictured on The Bachelor with Catherine

Lowe said he just barely managed to stop the attack, and he was certain that his wife or children could have been killed if they were mauled, so he decided the dog had to go

However, he didn't blame Moose, and instead said he may have been traumatized by his unknown early experiences. He recounted how earlier on the day of the first attack, Moose had rested his head on Lowe's lap for some affection

He noted that he could barely keep the dog off himself, despite weighing 220 pounds, so he feared that the animal could have killed his wife or children if it had mauled them instead.

Lowe said he was able to keep Moose pinned to the ground for around 10 minutes, until police and an ambulance arrived.

However, the shocking incident made him decide that Moose had to be removed from the home immediately, even though the dog had seemingly been nothing but sweet up until then.

Lowe shared that he was currently consulting with a no-kill shelter and animal control officers to figure out a solution for Moose, which hopefully wouldn't require the dog to be euthanized.

Because of the unusual nature of the attack, and the possibility that external factors might have set off Moose, the reality star said he wasn't laying the blame on the dog.

'It wasnt Mooses fault. I think its clear he experienced a lot of trauma before we got him and had something neurologically wrong where just a switch flipped and he turned into an absolute killer, which was so weird,' he theorized, adding that the dog had been 'great' around his children and had acted like an 'affectionate, loving Boxer.'

Lowe mentioned that earlier on the day of the first attack, Moose had just been looking for affection and had sweetly laid his head down on his lap so that he could be petted.

He added that the family would 'miss' their dog, even though he would now have plenty of scars on his arms to remind him of the terrifying experience.

Although he had turned off comments on his original Instagram video, accounts replying to clips and news stories reposted by other accounts to X (formerly Twitter) largely blamed Lowe for even getting a rescue dog in the first place

One poster said they should simply 'kill the dog,' rather than letting experts determine what to do with the animal

Multiple users were convinced that rescue dogs were either inherently violent, or that the risk of them suddenly becoming violent was too risky

Boxers like Moose are not inherently aggressive or violent, though they require substantial training to ensure they don't attack or harm people

But on social media, many commenters weren't as even-handed when it came to apportioning blame as Lowe was.

Although he had turned off comments on his original Instagram video, accounts replying to clips and news stories reposted by other accounts to X (formerly Twitter) largely blamed Lowe for even getting a rescue dog in the first place.

'We need to re-assess dog breeds in America,' wrote one commenter.

'Not all dogs should be around people,' added another person.

One poster said they should simply 'kill the dog,' rather than letting experts determine what to do with the animal.

Multiple users were convinced that rescue dogs were either inherently violent, or that the risk of them suddenly becoming violent was too risky.

'There is no way I would jeopardize my family, especially my kids, with a rescue dog where I don't know the history or the behavior. Why would anyone roll the dice like that?' opined one commenter.

'Rescue a dog, sure but don't rescue a ticking time bomb,' wrote another user. 'Your kids' safety comes first, not virtue-signaling. Common sense is on life support.'

Several commenters seemed to think that Lowe had rescued a Pit Bull, despite him mentioning multiple times that Moose was a Boxer.

Although the two breeds look similar, and are often bred together, they are distinct.

Boxers  and Pit Bulls  aren't inherently aggressive or violent dogs, but they do require significant training to ensure that they are safe around people, and neglectful or malign owners can train them to be aggressive or to be quick to attack.
Molly Ringwald spent her weekend reuniting with the cast of her iconic 1985 classic The Breakfast Club, though her comments had many bashing her online.

The 57-year-old actor was joined by Judd Nelson, Ally Sheedy, Emilio Estevez and Anthony Michael Hall for a 40th Anniversary reunion panel at the C2E2 convention in Chicago.

During the panel, Ringwald, who played Claire Standish in the film, was asked about the possibility of remaking the classic, which she quickly dismissed.

'I personally don't believe in remaking that movie, because I think this movie is very much of its time,' she said.

'It resonates with people today. I believe in making movies that are inspired by other movies but build on it and represent what's going on today.

'This is very, you know, it's very white, this movie. You don't see a lot of different ethnicities. We don't talk about gender. None of that. And I feel like that really doesn't represent our world today,' Ringwald said.

She added that she would like to see movies that were 'inspired by The Breakfast Club but take it in a different direction, though her comments weren't received too warmly by fans online.

Molly Ringwald spent her weekend reuniting with the cast of her iconic 1985 classic The Breakfast Club, though her comments had many bashing her online

During the panel, Ringwald, who played Claire Standish in the film, was asked about the possibility of remaking the classic, which she quickly dismissed

The film followed a group of very different students who must spend Saturday detention together and realize they have much more in common than they thought, which was one of the films that helped solidify The Brat Pack's fame.

The film, written and directed by John Hughes, took in $51.5 million from a reported $1 million budget and still has legions of fans to this day.

Many of whom weren't too thrilled with Ringwald's comments, including Chatillon's Ghost (@ChatillonsGhost), who said: 'Bet this c**t lives in a very white gated community.'

Another X user - @txsalth20 said, ''Doesn't represent our world today' ummaybe because it was made 40 years ago?'

J.D. (@fanofkfan) said, 'Yet another one of my favorite movies destroyed forever by a racial essentialism I will never understand. Nor do I ever want to. Oh well! Guess I'll just keep watching Top Gun Maverick on a loop!'

Courtney (@crystalandqueue) said: 'The movie took place in a small town in Illinois in the early 80's. It featured five kids out of an entire school district. It was representative of its time.

Alabaster Angel (@alabasterangel2) said, 'Because the country wasn't as multicultural as it is now. There's no reason to re-envision it. Enough with the White guilt. We are a global minority.'

One user - Full Verity (@FullVerity) even tried to reimagine the film set in 2025, stating, 'The Breakfast Club (2025) A neurodivergent fat activist, a transmasc witch, a climate refugee, and a polyamorous anarchist get stuck in Saturday detention for misgendering ChatGPT. Soundtrack by Pfizer.'

The film followed a group of very different students who must spend Saturday detention together and realize they have much more in common than they thought, which was one of the films that helped solidify The Brat Pack's fame.

The film, written and directed by John Hughes, took in $51.5 million from a reported $1 million budget and still has legions of fans to this day.

Many of whom weren't too thrilled with Ringwald's comments, including Chatillon's Ghost (@ChatillonsGhost), who said, 'Bet this c**t lives in a very white gated community.'

J.D. (@fanofkfan) said, 'Yet another one of my favorite movies destroyed forever by a racial essentialism I will never understand. Nor do I ever want to. Oh well! Guess I'll just keep watching Top Gun Maverick on a loop!'

Courtney (@crystalandqueue) said, 'The movie took place in a small town in Illinois in the early 80's. It featured five kids out of an entire school district. It was representative of its time.

One user - Full Verity (@FullVerity) even tried to reimagine the film set in 2025, stating, 'The Breakfast Club (2025) A neurodivergent fat activist, a transmasc witch, a climate refugee, and a polyamorous anarchist get stuck in Saturday detention for misgendering ChatGPT. Soundtrack by Pfizer.'

Keoni Koch (@KeoniLeeKoch) said, 'Holy s**t. I can't imagine being Molly Ringwald and living in arguably the greatest and most inclusive decade in modern history and then buying into this present day preoccupation with race. There is a serious problem with people's minds and the woke mind virus. Victim mindset.'

Hypnogogic Monk (@Hypnogogic_Monk) said, 'Molly Ringwald has been trying to salvage her '80s fame for years. It's incredibly pathetic.'

Psalms 73 (@naryamie9) said, 'It's 30 yrs old, it's not meant to represent our world today. And honestly, we don't even like what the world has become.'

An X user dubbed, @UBERSOY1 said, 'She is completely right. I certainly can't imagine anything like that coming out in our modern world today.'

Keoni Koch (@KeoniLeeKoch) said, 'Holy s**t. I can't imagine being Molly Ringwald and living in arguably the greatest and most inclusive decade in modern history and then buying into this present day preoccupation with race. There is a serious problem with people's minds and the woke mind virus. Victim mindset.'

Hypnogogic Monk (@Hypnogogic_Monk) said, 'Molly Ringwald has been trying to salvage her '80s fame for years. It's incredibly pathetic.'

DontSayThatDad (@DontSayThatDad) added, 'Molly Ringwald doesn't believe a word she's sayingshe's making statements in an attempt to get a new role from Hollywood.'
Ben Affleck cut a handsome figure while attending The Accountant 2 premiere in Los Angeles on Wednesday.

The leading man, 52, looked suave in a navy suit as he continued to show off his recently dyed hair and beard.

The actor has been sporting noticeably darker hair, while his beard also seemed to have lost its salt-and-pepper character.

The Accountant 2 centers around Ben's character Christian Wolff and his brother Brax, played by Jon Bernthal. Christian, a highly intelligent forensic accountant with autism, tries to help solve the murder of a treasury agent.

It takes place eight years after the events that took place in the first installment of The Accountant.

The appearance comes after Ben made a candid confession about flirting following his divorce with Jennifer Lopez, 55.

Ben Affleck, 52, cut a handsome figure while attending The Accountant 2 premiere in Los Angeles on Wednesday

The leading man looked suave in a navy suit as he continued to show off his recently dyed hair and beard

The star shockingly admitted to not being smooth around women despite having previous relationships with stunners Jennifer Garner, Gwyneth Paltrow, Ana de Armas, Shauna Sexton, and the aforementioned J-Lo.

Ben - who finalized his divorce with the Waiting For Tonight hitmaker in January after a two-and-a-half of marriage - made the candid reveal during a press junket for his new film, as he said that he relates to his character Christian's lack of flirting skills.

Of his character, Ben told Page Six recently: 'Heres a guy whos trying to figure out  he wants to have a relationship with a woman, hes trying to figure out how to do that, like, how to put yourself out there.

'You know, hes not comfortable extending himself. He doesnt really know how to flirt exactly. Hes not comfortable.'

Then he related the feeling to the general feeling that most people have - while shockingly including himself - as he said 'like so many of us.'

Ben went on to explain: 'Its not easy for anyone figuring out relationships, particularly at the very early part, where youre trying to gauge, "What does this signal mean? Is this person looking at me? Do they like me? Am I going to humiliate myself if I go over there?"'

He did go on to reveal that he was proud of his character for putting himself out there by line-dancing while on the date which he said was 'kind of a lovely thing.'

Ben went on to joke: 'I probably am not going to get a lot more demands for my line-dancing work [in movies]. I dont know. The phone hasnt rung yet.'

The actor has been sporting noticeably darker hair, while his beard also seemed to have lost its salt-and-pepper character

The Accountant 2 centers around Ben's character Christian Wolff

Christian, a highly intelligent forensic accountant with autism, tries to help solve the murder of a treasury agent

The appearance comes after Ben (pictured with producer Lynette Howell Taylor) made a candid confession about flirting following his divorce with Jennifer Lopez, 55

The star shockingly admitted to not being smooth around women despite having previous relationships with stunners Jennifer Garner, Gwyneth Paltrow, and Ana de Armas

While at the premiere he was joined by Jon Bernthal, 48

Bernthal plays his brother Brax in the movie

They gave each other a warm greeting

The onscreen brothers played it up for the cameras

The Punisher actor looked dapper in a black suit with a white t-shirt underneath

Larsa Pippen, 50, made her red carpet debut with former basketball player Jeff Coby, 31, at the event

The duo have reportedly been dating since January

She had all eyes on her in a see-through look

The Real Housewives of Miami star flashed her toned legs in a black dress with a sheer skirt

She showed off her sizzling look from different angles

Affleck also reportedly recently told a friend that his ultimate movie star crush is Angelina Jolie, who was once married to his old buddy, Brad Pitt.

The brunette bombshell has said she would prefer to concentrate on being a mother to her six children. However, a source told Daily Mail that had not deterred his interest.

'Ben said that he always thought that she was very hot and has admired how she has navigated her career, he has called her smart,' the source said.

'He also thinks it's pretty cool that she has directed films too, something he has done many times with The Town and Argo.'

'They would certainly have a lot to talk about over dinner.'

While at the premiere on Wednesday, Ben was joined by Jon, 48, who plays his brother Brax.

The Punisher actor looked dapper in a black suit with a white t-shirt underneath.

Meanwhile Real Housewives of Miami star Larsa Pippen, 50, made her red carpet debut with former basketball player Jeff Coby, 31, at the event.

The Hills star Heidi Montag, 38, flashed a hint of her toned midriff as she went shirtless under a black suit

Her long blonde tresses were styled in loose waves

She was joined by husband Spencer Pratt, 41, with the pair sharing a sweet kiss on the red carpet

Cynthia Addai-Robinson, 40, who stars as Marybeth Medina in the film, wowed in a dramatic white fringe gown

She rocked red lipstick

Amid ongoing complaints from stars about California's high filming costs, Daniella Pineda, 38, made her stance clear to photographers, holding a sign reading, 'Shoot Movies in California'

J. K. Simmons, 70, who also stars in the film, looked sharp as ever in a black suit and a black button-up shirt underneath

Lynette and Simmons caught up on the red carpet

The cast and director Gavin O'Connor posed together

Ben produced The Accountant 2 - along with childhood friend and actor Matt Damon, in addition to Lynette and Mark Williams

The original film was first released in 2016 - with Ben, Jon, and J.K starring in the film

Finding Nicole actress Blanca Blanco looked fabulous in a neon green mini dress

The duo have reportedly been dating since January.

The reality TV beauty flashed her toned legs in a black dress with a sheer skirt.

The romance comes more than a year after her break up with Michael Jordan's son, Marcus Jordan, 34.

Larsa was previously married to NBA legend Scottie Pippen, 59, from 1997 until 2021. The pair share four kids.

J. K. Simmons, 70, who also stars in the film, looked sharp as ever in a black suit and a black button-up shirt underneath.

The Hills star Heidi Montag, 38, flashed a hint of her toned midriff as she went shirtless under a black suit.

She was joined by husband Spencer Pratt, 41, with the pair sharing a sweet kiss on the red carpet.

Cynthia Addai-Robinson, 40, who stars as Marybeth Medina in the film, wowed in a dramatic white fringe gown. Her short black hair was styled in a chic bob.

Amid ongoing complaints from stars about California's high filming costs, Daniella Pineda, 38, made her stance clear to photographers, holding a sign reading, 'Shoot Movies in California.'

The Accountant 2 will release on April 25, 2025

The Accountant 2 will release on April 25, 2025.

The film is directed by Gavin O'Connor and written by Bill Dubuque - both of whom who also served as director and writer for The Accountant.

Ben produced The Accountant 2 - along with childhood friend and actor Matt Damon, in addition to Lynette Howell Taylor and Mark Williams.

The original film was first released in 2016 - with Ben, Jon, and J.K starring in the film.

Anna Kendrick, Jeffrey Tambor and John Lithgow were also in the first film.
The Australian radio community is reeling from the announcement that this year's Australian Commercial Radio Awards (ACRAs) have been abruptly cancelled.

In a memo to its members, Commercial Radio Australia (CRA) disclosed the decision, citing the need for a comprehensive review of award categories, judging procedures and event management.

The move also aims to redirect resources towards critical priorities amid ongoing legal disputes with the Phonographic Performance Company of Australia (PPCA).

'Dear members, I'm writing to share that after careful consultation with our board of directors, we have made the decision to postpone the ACRAs for 2025,' the memo began.

'This decision allows us to review and refresh our award categories and reallocate resources to address priorities, including the significant cost pressures incurred from our ongoing legal matters with PPCA.'

Acknowledging the gravity of the decision, the memo emphasised the importance of priming the radio industry for future success.

The Australian radio community is reeling from the announcement that this year's Australian Commercial Radio Awards (ACRAs) have been abruptly cancelled. Pictured: Radio stars Kyle Sandilands and Jackie 'O' Henderson at the 2022 ACRA's

'This was not an easy decision, but it is necessary as we navigate positioning our industry for the future,' it continued.

It is currently unclear whether the Awards, which began in 1989, will return in 2026.

The ongoing legal dispute with PPCA centres on issues related to rights management for recording artists and labels in Australia.

This conflict underscores broader challenges facing the industry as it navigates regulatory and financial pressures.

Often likened to TV's night-of-nights the Logies, the ACRAs serve as a celebration of excellence in Aussie radio.

Unlike the Logies, the ACRAs are not televised and the ceremonies are renowned for their informality and spirited atmosphere, fuelled by an open bar and a lengthy awards lineup.

The most recent ACRA Awards were held in Sydney in October and KIIS FM stars Kyle Sandilands and Jackie 'O' Henderson won big on the night, despite not showing up for the event.

There were some surprises, with Gold 101.7's Jonesy & Amanda walking away with the coveted Best On-Air Team gong.

In a memo to its members, Commercial Radio Australia (CRA) disclosed the decision, citing the need for a comprehensive review of award categories, judging procedures and event management. Pictured: Lauren Phillips at the 2024 ACRA's

Acknowledging the gravity of the decision, the memo emphasised the importance of priming the radio industry for future success. Pictured: Richard Wilkins at the 2024 ACRA's

There was much chatter about the rivalry between KIIS stars Kyle, 53, and Jackie, 50, versus Lauren Phillips and Jason Hawkins, who were both up for Best On-Air Team.

Lauren and Jase moved to Nova after being bumped off their slot by The Kyle & Jackie O Show's expansion into the Melbourne market.

But it was WSFM's Amanda Keller and Brendan Jones who beat both sets of teams to take home the coveted trophy.

Kyle and Jackie still won big on the night, taking home Best Networked Show for Hour of Power.

However, the radio superstars were a no-show, with producers from their breakfast hit show collecting the gong on their behalf.
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An iconic Hollywood actor has been spotted in regional New South Wales shooting her latest movie.

While she may've been one of the most recognisable faces and bodies of the 1990s, it was a different story when Pamela Anderson was spotted shooting scenes for her upcoming film The Place To Be in the coastal town of Port Kembla this week.

The former Baywatch star 57, cut quite the demure figure on set, sporting a new bob haircut - a far cry from her trademark golden flowing locks.

Pamela wore a black silk collared blouse that she paired with a similarly coloured tie.

She also donned high waisted plain black pants and a pair of matching shoes to complete her character's look.

Pamela accessorised with a black leather handbag and a pair of glasses that only served to make her less recognisable.

While she may've been one of the most recognisable faces, and bodies of the 1990s, it was a different story when Pamela Anderson was spotted shooting scenes in the coastal town of Port Kembla this week

The former Baywatch star 57, cut quite the demure figure on set, sporting a new bob haircut - a far cry from her trademark golden flowing locks

The Barbed Wire actress was spotted on set with Australian actor Murray Bartlett.

Sporting a shock of salt and pepper facial hair, the White Lotus star was seen deep in conversation with his co-star, possibly comparing notes about the script.

Also spotted on set was fellow Hollywood icon Ellyn Burstyn, 92, who rugged up with a puffy coat wrapped around her shoulders to protect her from the Port Kembla chill.

The trio looked very much in their element as they took a break between takes on the night-time shoot.

All three were seen happily chatting with each other and crew members as they waited for their moment in front of the camera.

At one point, Pamela and Murray appeared quite taken with a pigeon that was sitting happily in a cage, also apparently waiting for its close-up.

Pamela also seemed to be gelling with Ellen, with the pair spotted warmly embracing between takes.

Pamela was spotted wearing a black silk collared blouse that she paired with a similarly coloured tie

She also wore a pair of high waisted plain black pants and matching shoes to complete her character's look

The Barbed Wire actress was spotted on set with Australian actor Murray Bartlett

Sporting a shock of salt and pepper facial hair, the White Lotus star was seen deep in conversation with his co-star, possibly comparing notes about the script

Also spotted on set was fellow Hollywood icon Ellyn Burstyn, 92, who rugged up with a puffy coat wrapped around her shoulders to protect from the Port Kembla chill

The film tells the story of an elderly woman who forms a surprising bond with a middle-aged man as they accompany a lost racing pigeon on a cross-country journey home.

Lauded director Kornel Mundruczo is helming the project that will also star Longlegs actor Maika Monroe and Lena Waithe, creator of the Showtime series The Chi.

Pamela recently admitted she now 'feels so free' as she opened up about being in this new stage of her career.

The actress, who has two sons, Brandon, 28, and Dylan, 26, admitted she could never have taken on projects like her latest big screen release The Last Show Girl when her children were young.

Speaking to Sky News in the UK, the actress and model explained: 'I do have a lot to give, so now I just feel so free. I couldn't have done anything like this when I had kids because my focus was with them.'

'Now that they're grown and they're doing well and they're thriving, that gives me the opportunity to be able to play in this universe.'

She added: 'My sons are so protective of me and their goal is just to say: "Mom, we just want you to be able to know that you focused on us as kids and we want you to have the opportunity to shine and to reach your potential as an actress".'

Since 2019, the mother-of-two has drastically moved away from her signature make-up and pledged to stop wearing it altogether following the devastating loss of a close friend.

The trio looked very much in their element as they waited between takes on the night-time shoot

At one point, Pamela and Murray appeared quite taken with a pigeon that was sitting happily in a cage, also apparently waiting for its close-up

Pamela also seemed to be gelling with Ellen, with the pair spotted warmly embracing between takes

The film tells the story of an elderly woman who forms a surprising bond with a middle-aged man as they accompany a lost racing pigeon on a cross-country journey home

Lauded director Kornel Mundruczo is helming the project that will also star Longlegs actor Maika Monroe and Lena Waithe, creator of the Showtime series The Chi

Pamela recently admitted she now 'feels so free' as she opened up about being in this new stage of her career

Pamela revealed the loss of her close friend Alexis Vogel, who was also her long-time make-up artist, is what sparked her to stop wearing make-up entirely.

Speaking to People Magazine, she explained: 'Make-up has a time and a place. I just feel in my personal life, it just didn't really make sense.'

The actress has also been busy in London promoting her new drama movie, which has seen her nominated for her first ever Golden Globe.

She was up for Best Actress in a Drama for her portrayal of a Las Vegas showgirl but was ultimately beaten to the award by Fernanda Torres, who won for I'm Still Here.
Full House star Dave Coulier is opening up about getting through his cancer chemotherapy treatments and how a simple cold was nearly fatal.

The 65-year-old comedian first came into prominence from playing comical cut-up Joey Gladstone on the 80s/90s sitcom, along with a number of animated voice roles.

Coulier revealed in October that he was diagnosed with Stage 3 non-Hodgkin lymphoma and started his chemotherapy treatments.

He added a month later that he was dealing with 'a very aggressive' form of cancer, though it was revealed in late March that he was cancer-free.

The actor joined his Full House and Fuller House co-stars Jodie Sweetin and Andrea Barber on their podcast How Rude, Tanneritos, where he opened up about his journey.

He also revealed that there were three weeks between his final treatment and learning he was cancer-free, where he caught a cold that almost cost him his life.

Full House star Dave Coulier is opening up about getting through his cancer chemotherapy treatments and how a simple cold was nearly fatal

The 65-year-old comedian first came into prominence from playing comical cut-up Joey Gladstone on the 80s/90s sitcom, along with a number of animated voice roles.

'My blood levels were so low because after chemo treatment, red blood cells dive. All your levels, your white blood cells, everything, just your immune system just kind of crashes. And so I caught a cold during that last chemo treatment,' Coulier said.

The comedian added that he couldn't leave the hospital for 10 days because of the cold, adding he knew, 'that the cumulative effect of the chemotherapy was going to happen.'

'So I attributed it to that instead of realizing I have a cold and my immune system can't handle it right now,' the funnyman admitted.

He credited his wife, Melissa Bring, for telling him to see a doctor even when he wasn't sure if he should.

'So I ended up in the hospital for four days while they administered an IV of antibiotics, for my fever to break. And they said, "Look, we don't know what's going on,"' he recalled.

He added that doctors found various proteins that may have warned of a 'massive heart attack' and recommended CAT scans and Ultrasounds.

'And as my immune system started to regenerate a little bit, I started to come back. And on the fifth day, they finally said, "Your fever's gone, you can go home,"' he said.

'But they said, "Had you waited another 48 hours with this, we could have lost you,"' Coulier recalled.

'My blood levels were so low because after chemo treatment, red blood cells dive. All your levels, your white blood cells, everything, just your immune system just kind of crashes. And so I caught a cold during that last chemo treatment,' Coulier said

He credited his wife, Melissa Bring, for telling him to see a doctor even when he wasn't sure if he should

He added that doctors found various proteins that may have warned of a 'massive heart attack' and recommended CAT scans and Ultrasounds.

Coulier previously revealed that he shared the news of his diagnosis with his Full House co-stars via a group text

Coulier previously revealed that he shared the news of his diagnosis with his Full House co-stars via a group text.

The chat includes series creator Jeff Franklin and castmates Candace, John Stamos, Lori Loughlin, Jodie Sweetin, Andrea Barber, and Scott Weinger.

Coulier portrayed the fun-loving Uncle Joey on Full House from 1987 to 1995 and returned for its Netflix sequel, Fuller House, which ran from 2016 to 2020.

The St. Clair Shores, Michigan-born actor told People, 'I didn't want them to hear it from someone else, so I sent a text message out.'

'It was just this outpouring of, "I will be there. You just name the time, and I know you're in great hands with [wife Melissa] but what can we do?"' he said.

Coulier, who's also worked on popular shows such as Robot Chicken, How I Met Your Mother and It's Garry Shandling's Show, said of the show's inner circle: 'It really is overwhelming the love that we have for each other.
She's bold, brutally honest and has zero time for time-wasters.

And Love Triangle's Ariana 'Ari' Djoric, 29, says she's done playing games and isn't afraid to ask the big question on the very first date  'Do you want kids?'

'I'm not here to waste time,' the Melbourne-based executive assistant and wedding pet chauffeur tells Daily Mail Australia in an exclusive chat.

'They have to like animals, and they have to want kids. I'm a big family person.'

Ariana, who moved into a stranger's house for the Stan Original dating series, admits she used to fall for 'walking red flags'  but not anymore.

'My usual type used to be the gym junkies with the tattoos, no neck kind of thing,' she says with a laugh.

She's bold, brutally honest and has zero time for time-wasters. Love Triangle's Ariana Djoric, 29, says she's done playing games and isn't afraid to ask the big question on the very first date

'I'm not here to waste time,' the Melbourne-based executive assistant and wedding pet chauffeur tells Daily Mail Australia in an exclusive chat

'But as I've gotten older, I've started to lean more towards people who look different, act different I'm open now  tradies, business types, even guys with dad bods.'

Ariana revealed she didn't apply for the show, but jumped at the opportunity when she was approached by producers.

'I have nothing holding me back. I was like, "Why not? It's an experience",' she says. 'I really wanted to find someone  I obviously haven't had much luck by myself, so I thought maybe someone else can help.'

She blames the current dating scene for her run of bad luck.

'The dating pool's just really icky at the moment,' she admits. 'I'm not on dating apps. I usually meet people in real life or through Instagram, or just at events.'

While the move from Melbourne to Sydney was a culture shock, Ariana says living with a stranger under the same roof came with some unexpected quirks.

'It was so bizarre moving in straight away with a stranger. Wild,' she says. 'The worst part? Probably thinking about whether or not you're allowed to fart. Like, do you hold it in?'

And though she stays tight-lipped about how her match plays out ('you'll have to watch and find out'), she hints that the drama behind the scenes was next-level.

Ariana, who moved into a stranger's house for the Stan Original dating series, admits she used to fall for 'walking red flags'  but not anymore

'The dating pool's just really icky at the moment,' she admits. 'I'm not on dating apps. I usually meet people in real life or through Instagram, or just at events'

'I didn't think it was going to be as chaotic as it was. I knew there'd be drama  but this much? No idea. It was a rollercoaster.'

Still, she says she thrived at the infamous dinner parties.

'I loved the dinner parties. I thrive in social environments  it was so fun.'

A self-confessed reality TV junkie, Ariana says she's long been a fan of Married At First Sight and Love Island UK  and now she's living the drama herself.

'As much as people think reality TV is put on, it's actually relatable,' she says. 'With scripted shows, you know it's fake  but with reality TV, anything can happen.'

She isn't worried about how she'll come across on screen.

'I could be a villain. It's always the loud ones, right?' she laughs. 'But I'm honest. I can't hide anything  you'll be able to tell from my facial expressions.'

While the show is about finding love, Ariana says one of the biggest wins was the friendships she formed with fellow contestants Payton and Chloe.

Ariana pictured with her match Nuri

'I've literally found my own little love triangle,' she says. 'We got along so well  I've found girls for life.'

And as for what goes on when the cameras stop rolling?

'Filming happens at different times of the day so I'd go to the gym, get groceries, cook, just normal stuff. But you're still living with a stranger, so it's definitely a unique setup.'

When asked whether she truly believed she'd find a husband on reality TV, Ariana doesn't hesitate.

'You lean into it. You sit there and go, "You know what? Show me what you've got".'

Love Triangle is streaming now on Stan.
Romeo Beckham and Kim Turnbull put on a loved-up display as they celebrated their six-month anniversary on Thursday.

The son of David and Victoria Beckham, 22, took to Instagram to share an array of sweet images with his girlfriend, 24, as he celebrated the milestone.

In the black-and-white snap, Romeo went topless as he cuddled bikini-clad Kim on a sun lounger, both smiling broadly for the camera.

Alongside the snap, Romeo penned: 'Six months around the [world emoji] with this beautiful soul.'

Kim also took to her Instagram Stories to celebrate the anniversary and she posted an adorable snap of Romeo lying on her shoulder while she played on her phone.

She gushed: 'Six [crystal ball emoji] [black heart emoji] @romeobeckham,' referring to their anniversary.

Romeo Beckham, 22, and Kim Turnbull, 24, put on a loved-up display in a sweet snap as they celebrated their six-month anniversary in a Instagram Story on Thursday

The son of David and Victoria Beckham and the brunette beauty appeared smitten as they shared sweet pictures to celebrate the milestone in their relationship

Romeo and Kim first sparked dating rumours in late 2024 when they were spotted on several dates in London.

By November 2024, they had taken their romance to the next level by going Instagram official.

Prior to this, Romeo was in a long-term relationship with model Mia Regan. The couple had been together since 2019 before announcing their split in February 2024.

It was claimed the couple went their separate ways after an argument, with Mia - who is known as Mimi Moocher online - moving out of the home they shared together.

Romeo confirmed their separation by writing on Instagram: 'Mooch and I have parted ways after 5 years of love, we still have a lot of respect for each other, and still hold a strong friendship and always will.'

Sharing a picture of herself with Romeo on her Instagram Stories, Mia added: 'This is an Ro, we have grown up with each other since we were 16!! Love takes different forms & paths as you mature.

'We aren't tougher romantically but we do share lots & lots of love for one another... after 5 years we friendzoned each other.'

News of their split had already surfaced before both Romeo and Mia issued their respective statements.

Romeo and Kim first sparked dating rumours in late 2024 when they were spotted on several dates in London. By November 2024, they went Instagram official

Prior to this, Romeo was in a long-term relationship with model Mia Regan. The couple had been together since 2019 before announcing their split in February 2024

An insider told the Mirror at the time: 'Romeo and Mia had a fallout they arent together at the moment.'

'They were living together, but Mia has apparently moved out of the place they shared and is staying with her parents.

'Theyve split up in the past and got back together again, but this time it feels more serious  Mia moving out obviously points to it being more than just a tiff.'

Following their split, Romeo started dating his new girlfriend Kim and they have gone from strength-to-strength since.

Meanwhile, Mia has moved on with new boyfriend Henry O'Sullivan and they have featured on each other's social media since October 2024.
Thomas Cohen's girlfriend has shared a sweet relationship update as she confirmed the pair are still going strong after they made their social media debut together last October.

The musician, who tragically became a widow back in 2014 after his first wife Peaches Geldof passed away, has found love once again with actor and body positivity model Yasmin El Yassini.

Celebrating her 31st birthday on Thursday, Yasmin confirmed the couple are still together as she shared a snap from a night out alongside another pal.

She also shared a close up of Thomas before writing in the caption: 'Another year experiencing life in this human form.

'So grateful to have spend my day at the farm and with all my lovely angels '

Seemingly referring to the couple's pet cat she added: 'Also its been 2 months of living together with Kashmir.

Peaches Geldof's widower Thomas Cohen has appeared in his girlfriend's happy birthday snaps after finding love again following the tragic death of his wife in 2014

Thomas has been 'quietly in a relationship with actor and body positivity model Yasmin El Yassini since 2019

'Thank you all for all the love  Sending so much love and magic to all of you'.

Thomas was just 23 when he became a widower after Peaches died of a heroin overdose in the spare room of their home in Wrotham, Kent.

The star's husband found Peaches' body beside their 11-month son Phaedra after he became worried that she wasn't returning his calls.

As well as Phaedra, now 11, the couple also shared son Astala, 12, and after Peaches' death the single father stepped out of the spotlight to raise the children at his home in north Kent.

Earlier this year it was revealed by MailOnline that he had found love again and had been 'quietly' in a relationship with Yasmin since 2019.

In a rare comment on his private life, Thomas declared: Its a relief to actually be able to love someone.

Thomas met Yasmin in 2014 - the year that Peaches died - but it was some time before they became an item.

After his wife's death he briefly dated model Daisy Lowe, once a friend of Peaches, as well as Zoe Bleu, the daughter of American actress Rosanna Arquette.

The star's husband found Peaches' body beside their 11-month son Phaedra after she died following a heroin overdose in 2014 (pictured together in 2012)

Celebrating her 31st birthday on Thursday, Yasmin confirmed the couple are still together as she shared a snap from a night out together alongside another pal

Her and Thomas are both d evotees of transcendental meditation  a silent, non-religious practice said to help with stress relief and promote higher states of consciousness

Since Peaches' death Thomas has undergone a dramatic style transformation, having a adopted a love of dresses and sultry make-up

Yassini was raised in Berlin and is half-Moroccan and half-German.

Her and Thomas are both devotees of transcendental meditation  a silent, non-religious practice said to help with stress relief and promote higher states of consciousness.

Last October she featured on his Instagram after the pair posed for a moody, black-and-white photo shoot as they wore matching white vintage dresses.

Thomas and Peaches tied the knot in 2012, in the same venue her parents Bob and the late Paula Yates had their blessing in after their Las Vegas wedding in 1986.

And since Peaches' death Thomas has undergone a dramatic style transformation, having a adopted a love of dresses and sultry make-up.

Once known for his love of retro tailoring and loose-fitting denim, the musician now dons mostly dresses, as documented on his Instagram, where he uses the name Sylph and has the username   - Arabic for Landlord.

He first showcased his transformed look as far back as 2018 with a snap taken in a Berlin art gallery while he donned a stunning orange gown with a voluminous sleeve, and he has kept his fashionable updates coming ever since.

Having taken on an ethereal persona and creating music under his new alias Sylph, Thomas often shares photos of his statement-making looks on social media alongside spiritual messages encouraging fans to embrace 'their divinity'
Jacqueline Jossa and her husband Dan Osborne are trying to patch up their relationship on a 'make or break trip' away with their family in Cancun, Mexico.

The couple, who have been married since 2017, have jetted away with their three children, daughters Ella, 10, and Mia, six, and Dan's son Teddy, 11.

It has recently been claimed that the couple's marriage is on the rocks and they are living separately, after he 'reignited old trust issues'.

But the EastEnders star, 32, and the TOWIE alum, 33, now appear to be rekindling their relationship while soaking up the sun in a lavish resort.

Jacqueline showed off her toned and tanned body in a pink zebra print bikini, which she teamed with a pair of white crochet mini shorts.

The soap star, who went make-up free for the pool day and wore her brunette locks in a sleek ponytail, was seen liberally applying a layer of sun cream.

Jacqueline Jossa and her husband Dan Osborne are trying to patch up their relationship on a 'make or break trip' away with their family in Cancun, Mexico

The couple, who have been married since 2017, have jetted away with their three children, daughters Ella, 10, and Mia, six, and Dan's son Teddy, 11

It has recently been claimed that the couple's marriage is on the rocks and they are living separately, after he 'reignited old trust issues'

Jacqueline was later spotted wearing a casual matching crochet shirt co-ord, teamed with a pair of beige Crocs.

Her husband Dan showed off his muscular body and array of tattoos in just a pair of striped swimming shorts.

The couple each enjoyed a takeaway smoothie as they kicked back around the pool with their family.

Their family getaway follows reports that the pair had enjoyed a 'secret night together' not too long ago.

On Monday the pair looked very smitten - enjoying an escape from their home in a bid to save their marriage.

The actress and Dan both appeared carefree, packing on the PDA as they were repeatedly spotted sharing passionate kisses.

They were joined by Jacqueline's mum Selina for the luxurious getaway at Hard Rock Hotel Riviera Maya Hotel in Cancun.

Amid the smitten display, fresh reports emerged that the couple's friends are not so sure that they should be giving their romance another try as they do not see Dan in Jacqueline's future.

The couple were spotted chatting over smoothies

Jacqueline showed off her toned and tanned body in a pink zebra print bikini, which she teamed with a pair of white crochet mini shorts

Her husband Dan showed off his muscular body and array of tattoos

Jacqueline rubbed her sun cream into her stomach and chest

Shirtless Dan revealed his heavily inked physique

They chatted and spent time together during the leisurely day by the pool

They were joined by Jacqueline's mum Selina for the luxurious getaway at Hard Rock Hotel Riviera Maya Hotel in Cancun

A source revealed to OK! magazine that Dan and Jacqueline are simply trying to 'work out what's best for their children' and are not prioritising a romantic relationship at present.

The insider continued: 'But they've been on such different paths and some of Jac's close friends don't see her future being with Dan.

They believe they'll make excellent co-parents but they want Jac - and Dan - to be as happy as possible, and they're not convinced that means them staying together.'

MailOnline have contacted representative of Jacqueline and Dan for comment.

The couple each enjoyed a takeaway smoothie as they kicked back around the pool with their family

Their family getaway follows reports that the pair had enjoyed a 'secret night together' not too long ago

Amid the smitten display, fresh reports emerged that the couple's friends are not so sure that they should be giving their romance another try as they do not see Dan in Jacqueline's future

Jacqueline ensured she was covered in sun protection
Birds of a Feather actresses Linda Robson and Lesley Joseph are heading back to our television screens after filming a special episode of Channel 5s hit murder mystery Good Ship Murder.

The pair became household names in the 1990s playing Tracy Stubbs and Dorien Green in the popular sitcom, alongside Lindas childhood best friend Pauline Quirke, 65, who played her sister Sharon.

Tragically, in January Paulines devoted husband Steve Sheen announced that his wife had been diagnosed with dementia in 2021 and would be stepping back from all professional and commercial duties.

So when bosses at Channel 5 approached close friends Linda, 67, and Lesley, 79, to reunite for an episode of Good Ship Murder they both jumped at the chance of reuniting on-screen, even though it was emotional.

A source said: Linda and Lesley flew out to Malta a couple of weeks ago to film their special episode. They had a great time and got a lot of attention from holidaymakers who spotted them filming.

Linda and Lesley know how cruel life can be and had a brilliant time back filming together. Of course it was emotional as the last time theyd acted together it was with Pauline on Birds.

Birds of a Feather actresses Linda Robson and Lesley Joseph are heading back to our television screens

The pair became household names in the 1990s playing Tracy Stubbs and Dorien Green in the popular sitcom Birds of a Feather

The popular sitcom originally ran from 1989 until 1998 on BBC One. It was then brought back by ITV in 2014, and ran for six years, with the final episode airing on Christmas Eve 2020

Back in February Linda, who is a panellist on ITVs daytime show Loose Women, revealed that her childhood friend no longer recognised her or her children.

She said: Its very sad. Weve been best friends since we were ten. Ive known (about the diagnosis) for three years and weve managed to keep it quiet She doesnt know who anybody is. She doesnt know who I am or who are kids are. Ive been Facetiming Theres not much conversation but its just nice to see her face really.

Linda reuniting with Lesley for Good Ship Murder was the the first time theyd acted together since ITV pulled the plug on Birds of a Feather back in 2020.

The popular sitcom originally ran from 1989 until 1998 on BBC One. It was then brought back by ITV in 2014, and ran for six years, with the final episode airing on Christmas Eve 2020.

Good Ship Murder, which stars Shayne Ward, Catherine Tyldesley and Ross Adams, has become a huge hit for Channel 5.

The third series is currently being filmed and will hit our TV screens early next year.

It comes as Pauline can reportedly no longer recognise family amid the beloved actress' devastating battle with dementia.

Maurice Glen, who co-wrote the sitcom which made Pauline famous alongside pal Linda Robson , 66, revealed her condition had sadly 'gathered pace' (top - bottom Linda, Lesley Joseph and Pauline in Birds of A Feather)

Her husband Steve Sheen announced in a statement in January that the the Birds Of A Feather star would be 'stepping away from all commercial and professional duties' after living with the disease for four years (pictured together)

Pauline married her husband Steve in 1996, and they share son Charlie, 30, while the actress also has daughter Emily, 40, from a previous relationship (pictured in 2010)

Good Ship Murder, which stars Shayne Ward, Catherine Tyldesley and Ross Adams, has become a huge hit for Channel 5

Her husband Steve Sheen announced in a statement that she had been living with the disease for four years.

Maurice Glen, who co-wrote the Birds of Feather revealed her condition had sadly 'gathered pace'.

He said: 'She's still only 65 so your heart goes out to her. Initially, she felt she was beginning to lose her grip. Now, we understand she struggles to identify members of her own family.'

Pauline married TV producer Steve in 1996, and they share son Charlie, 30, while the actress also has daughter Emily, 40, from a previous relationship.

Maurice said how Lesley, telephoned him shortly before the statement was made public in January.

'[Lesley asked] if Pauline's husband, Steve Sheen, had been in touch, I told her no. 'Well,' said Lesley, 'he's going to go public about Pauline to put a stop to all the speculation'.

Rumours of a rift between Pauline and co-star Linda emerged when Pauline quit Birds Of A Feather in 2017 and her character Sharon Theodopolopodous was absent from the 2020 Christmas special, a year before her diagnosis.

A devastated Maurice, who co-wrote the sitcom with Laurence Marks, said: 'I've always said that Pauline's talent made our words sound better. It couldn't be sadder,'

Pauline's son Charlie said he had been 'moved' by the flurry of messages of support he'd received following Pauline's diagnosis being made public.

Taking to his Instagram Stories to share a snap with his mother as he spoke about the diagnosis for the first time.

He penned in the caption: 'Hi all, I just wanted to say a massive thank you to all of you for your messages of support, kind words about my beautiful mum and stories you have.

'We, as a family are very moved and touched by all of them, and they have put a smile on all of our faces. We appreciate each and everyone of you. Thank you.'
Jason Isaacs sniped at Rebel Wilson when she made a joke about his full-frontal nudity scene in The White Lotus.

The Harry Potter star, 61, took on the role of Timothy Ratcliff in the smash hit drama and one scene saw him accidentally expose his genitals while sitting in a bathrobe.

While his kids Piper (Sarah Catherine Hook) and Lochlan (Sam Nivola) were shocked, his wife Victoria (Parker Posey) and son Saxon (Patrick Schwarzenegger) laughed.

The nude scene became highly talked about and Jason has been repeatedly quizzed on whether he used a prosthetic penis, with his co-stars confirming he did.

Jason has made it clear he doesn't like being asked about the nudity and once again shut down questioning on it during an appearance on The Jonathan Ross Show.

On the show, which is set to air on Saturday night, comedian Rebel, 45, made a joke about his full-frontal nudity, which seemingly didn't go down well with Jason.

Jason Isaacs sniped at Rebel Wilson (pictured) when she made a joke about his full-frontal nudity scene in The White Lotus

The Harry Potter star, 61, took on the role of Timothy Ratcliff in the smash hit drama and one scene saw him accidentally expose his genitals while sitting in a bathrobe

As Jason discussed The White Lotus' success, Rebel quipped: 'I liked the stripping down bit' referring to his nude scene.

But Jason quickly shut down her remark as he replied: 'The show is so fabulous, seems a bit odd to talk about my d*** the whole time'

Jason also addressed rumours of behind-the-scenes tension on the Thailand set of the HBO drama as he admitted there were some 'weird people' who didn't socialise.

'You do see people all the time. Some people didn't leave the hotel, some didn't leave their room,' he said.

'There were some weird people. Never appeared socially. What happened in Thailand stays in Thailand.'

When pressed on who he was referring to, Jason cryptically replied: 'It might not be a member of the cast.'

He admitted it was 'very intense' living in Thailand with the entire cast and crew for seven months, but gushed that he bonded very closely with his on-screen family.

'You'd normally have an apartment or a house. We got to know each other very well. The people in my family, my screen kids, I fell madly in love with,' he shared.

Jason has made it clear he doesn't like being asked about the nudity and once again shut down questioning on it during an appearance on The Jonathan Ross Show

When Rebel joked that she 'liked the stripping down bit', Jason hit back with: 'The show is so fabulous, seems a bit odd to talk about my d*** the whole time'

It is not the first time Jason has addressed rumours of tension on set, with co-star Aimee Lou Wood playfully taking aim at him for 'oversharing' about the dynamics.

Jason recently summed up the shoot as 'a cross between summer camp and Lord of the Flies but in a gilded cage', with Aimee re-sharing a joke about it to Instagram.

Reposting a meme of someone who spills all of their secrets without even being asked alongside the words: 'Interviewer: so did you enjoy Thailand? Jason Isaacs:....'

Aimee Lou, who played the tragic fan favourite Chelsea, has herself described living on the same resort where filming took place as like being on the Truman Show.

She has been hit by rumours that she fell out with Walton Goggins - who played her on-screen lover Rick Hatchett - as they unfollowed each other on Instagram after becoming close friends on set.

Though filming in Thailand came with its tensions, Jason also praised creator Mike White as a 'phenomenal human being'.

He said of the director: 'He laughs, shouts out the most insane things for you to try. We all fold in like an improv troupe. A lot of it ends up in the show.'

Jason also discussed his popular role as Lucius Malfoy in the original Harry Potter movie franchise and who might take over his role in the upcoming TV adaptation.

Jason also addressed rumours of behind-the-scenes tension on the Thailand set of the HBO drama as he admitted there were some 'weird people' who didn't socialise

It is not the first time Jason has addressed rumours of tension on set, with Aimee Lou Wood playfully taking aim at him for 'oversharing' amid rumours she fell out with Walton Goggins

Jason appeared on The Jonathan Ross Show alongside (L-R) Sophie Willan, David Oyelowo, Andrew 'Freddie' Flintoff and Rebel Wilson

HBO will be recreating the popular wizarding novels by JK Rowling in a brand new series, which is set to begin filming this summer.

Some of the star-studded cast have already been announced, with John Lithgow starring as Albus Dumbledore and Nick Frost taking on the role of Rubeus Hagrid.

It is not yet known who will be playing Death Eater Lucius, the father of Harry Potter's nemesis Draco Malfoy, though Jason has thrown a name into the ring.

He suggested Danny Dyer take over the role, before adding: 'Soon I'll be passing the torch on. Fantastic actors [are] being cast.

'It's going to be great and [being recognised] won't happen anymore.'

However, Jason admitted he is rarely ever recognised in public by young children who are fans of the franchise.

'They don't really recognise me, I rarely walk around with an elf,' he quipped.

The Jonathan Ross Show airs on Saturday at 10.20pm on ITV1, ITVX, STV and STV Player.
Former Baywatch glamour girl Brooke Burns was one of the hottest beauties in the 1990s.

She was on shows like Out Of The Blue, dated Bruce Willis and was married to Julian McMahon.

Now she has been seen again at a high-profile event.

On Wednesday the leggy lady hit the red carpet for the premiere of Ben Affleck's new film The Accountant 2 at the TCL Chinese Theatre in Hollywood.

The blonde bombshell proved she has not lost her looks as she wore a spectacular strapless gown with her hair down.

And the pinup also appears to be very much in love as she kissed and held onto her Hollywood producer husband Gavin O'Connor.

Former Baywatch glamour girl Brooke Burns was one of the hottest beauties in the 1990s. She was on shows like Out Of The Blue, dated Bruce Willis and was married to Julian McMahon. Now she has been seen again at a high-profile event

Burns with Brandy Ledford, Simmone Mackinnone and Stacy Lee Kamano in 2000 on Baywatch Hawaii

Two decades after making her name as a bombshell lifeguard on the hit action drama series, the star appeared just as glamorous and healthy.

The Texas born model-turned-actress is best known for her role as Jessie Owens on Baywatch and its second rendition Baywatch: Hawaii from 1998 to 2001.

She now has a quiet life these days in the LA suburb with Hollywood producer husband Gavin O'Connor.

After Baywatch's cancellation in 2001, Burns continued to see plenty of success in Hollywood with TV and minor movie roles, before becoming a gameshow host.

Burns got her start as a fashion model before landing a plum part on the TV series Out Of The Blue in 1995.

She played Jessie Owens on Baywatch for three years, which led to a part on the spinoff Baywatch: Hawaii for which she appeared in almost three dozen episodes.

She went on to host a series of game shows including NBC's Dog Eat Dog, GNS's The Chase, and currently hosts MasterMinds on the network.

On Wednesday the leggy lady hit the red carpet for the premiere of Ben Affleck's new film The Accountant 2 in Los Angeles

The blonde bombshell proved she has not lost her looks as she wore a spectacular strapless gown with her hair down

And the pinup also appears to be very much in love

She kissed and held onto her Hollywood producer husband Gavin O'Connor

She has been married to director O'Connor, father to her younger daughter, Declan, since 2013

Jon Bernthal, Ben Affleck at The Accountant 2 Los Angeles Premiere held at TCL Chinese Theatre in Hollywood on April 16

Burns was previously married to actor Julian McMahon, the son of the former Prime Minister of Australia, Sir William McMahon. The couple split in 2001

She has been married to director Gavin O'Connor, father to her younger daughter, Declan, eight, since 2013.

Burns also has another daughter, Madison, now 25 and a pro beach volleyball star, whom she co-raised with first husband, actor Julian McMahon, the son of the former Prime Minister of Australia, William McMahon.

That marriage ended in 2001 after just two years and Burns went on to date some high-profile types in the years that followed.

Perhaps her most notable romantic partner was actor Bruce Willis, who famously proposed to her in 2003 only for the couple to split the next year following a whirlwind ten months together.
Gia Giudice is coming out swinging in defense of her mom Teresa Giudice after Bethenny Frankel publicly slammed the Real Housewives of New Jersey star over her mounting tax troubles.

Teresa, 52, and husband Luis Ruelas, 49, were slapped with a staggering $3 million in federal and state tax liens in Marchmarking another financial scandal nearly a decade after Teresa served prison time for fraud while married to her ex Joe Giudice.

Bethenny, 54, wasted no time weighing in, using TikTok to blast Teresa for getting involved in another marriage with financial legal issues and dragging Gia into the fray by criticizing her support of her mothers decision not to sign a prenup with Ruelas back in 2022.

'One of the daughters did say that she didn't like that the father made the mother sign a prenup, Bethenny said, referencing Gias past comments about Joe and Teresas former relationship. 'She's just ill-advised and not educated on this topic. She just doesn't know.'

Now, Gia, 24, is clapping backand shes not holding back.

'[Frankel] was honestly trying to gaslight me, Gia told People on Thursday. I didn't say half of the things that she made in her statement. I was never recommending financial advice or anything along those lines.'

Gia Giudice is coming out swinging in defense of her mom Teresa Giudice after Bethenny Frankel publicly slammed the Real Housewives of New Jersey star over her mounting tax troubles; (seen in 2023)

Bethenny, 54, wasted no time weighing in, using TikTok to blast Teresa for getting involved in another marriage with financial legal issues and dragging Gia into the fray by criticizing her support of her mothers decision not to sign a prenup with Ruelas back in 2022; (seen in 2024)

Gia also said her family was not happy about the Skinnygirl moguls remarks.

She also took a moment to thank those whove come to her and her familys defense, including former Real Housewives of Miami star Ana Quincoces, as well as RHONJ castmates Jennifer Fessler and Dolores Catania.

Frankel later issued a clarification on TikTok, insisting she never accused Gia of giving financial advice and blaming a fake quoteallegedly generated by AIfor the confusion.

Its actually a well-written quote because AI wrote it, I just cant claim it, Frankel explained. Its not a read I can claim, I didnt say it. Its kind of going around and people are reporting on it. I dont care in this case, I mean, what do I care?'

'I know that shes an adult, but shes someones kid and thats weird, and I dont get into that at all,' she concluded.

Gia's interview comes after she insisted that she's not worried amid her mom and stepdad's outstanding tax bills, despite them both owing millions.

According to the New Jersey Courts website, Teresa owes $303,889.20 in unpaid taxes in a judgement that was entered on March 20.

Luis owes several times that amount, after a judgment saying he owes $2,569,842.06 was entered on March 6.

'[Frankel] was honestly trying to gaslight me, Gia told People on Thursday. I didn't say half of the things that she made in her statement. I was never recommending financial advice or anything along those lines,' (seen in 2023)

The 52-year-old Real Housewives Of New Jersey fixture and her 49-year-old husband had over $3 million in New Jersey state tax liens placed on them; (seen in 2023)

That amount is on top of an earlier lien issued on December 12, 2024, for $163,523.94 in unpaid taxes.

Speaking on the March 30 episode of Casual Chaos, Gia revealed she is not panicked, saying, 'My mom has been the sole provider for my sisters and I since the minute my father left for prison.'

She went on to stress that mom Teresa has been 'working her a** off to make sure that my sisters and I live a stable life and that my family is financially stable' since she was freed from prison in December 2015.

'I can't stress enough how much my mom has worked,' Gia said.

'Everything will be resolved. My mom has everything under control and there's nothing to worry about.'

My stepdad, Louis, is the most amazing stepfather, Gia continued. He treats my sisters and I like we are his own. He is also working on getting everything resolved as well.

Teresa and Joe are proud parents of four daughters - Gia, Gabriella, 20; Milania, 19; and Audriana, 15.

Her praise for Luis comes as scrutiny persists over Teresas long-running financial troubles following her split from Joe.

Teresa originally met Luis on the Jersey shore in September 2020 - the same exact month she finalized her divorce from ex-husband Joe Giudice (L, pictured in 2014) after 20 years of marriage

The tax-evading pair were originally sentenced in 2014 (pictured) for bankruptcy fraud and conspiracy to commit mail and wire fraud

Joe was sentenced to 41 months in prison after pleading guilty in 2014 to 41 counts of bank, mail, wire, and bankruptcy fraud.

He also admitted to failing to file tax returns between 2004 and 2008. Following his release, he was ordered to return to Italy amid ongoing deportation proceedings.

Teresa served 15 months in federal prison for her role in the crimes.

She later met Luis during a vacation at the Jersey Shore in 2020.
Rebel Wilson has lifted the lid on what really went down when she invited Brad Pitt back to her dressing room at the Oscars.

It was 2020 and the film Cats had recently hit cinemas, so awards show bosses rung up star Rebel to ask if she could help with some presenting on the night.

However, the catch was that she would have to present dressed as a cat.

The gig got her a coveted Oscars dressing room backstage, with full access to some of Hollywood's biggest stars nominated that year.

One of those was Brad Pitt, who won Best Supporting Actor for Once Upon a Time in Hollywood, and Rebel was sure to capitalise on a chance meeting backstage when he expressed that he needed a moment to gather his thoughts away from the madness.

Speaking on The Jonathan Ross Show, Rebel revealed she asked if he would like to join her in her dressing room - while she got transformed into a cat.

Rebel Wilson has lifted the lid on what really went down when she invited Brad Pitt back to her dressing room at the Oscars

Brad Pitt had just won Best Supporting Actor for Once Upon a Time in Hollywood (Pictured), and Rebel was sure to capitalise on a chance meeting backstage

Recalling the day, Rebel wryly says: 'I was in a hit movie, Cats so they said, "Would you like to present but you have to dress as a cat?"

'I had a dressing room backstage at the Oscars. That's the place to have it.'

She continued: 'Brad Pitt had just won his Oscar. He was so gorgeous and he was holding his Oscar.

'He needed a moment. I said, "I've got to get dressed as a cat, do you want to come with me?" He said, "Yes, do you want me to escort you to his dressing room?" He just needed a moment

'He just came with me to my dressing room for me to get transformed into a cat.'

Elsewhere in the interview, the Pitch Perfect star - whose character was called Fat Amy - admitted she struggled to be taken seriously in Shakespeare plays when starting out in acting, but now has a role in a brand new spin on Romeo & Juliet, entitled Juliet & Romeo.

She explained of the film: 'They've flipped it a little bit. If you love the classic story you've got that [but with a] kind of a different ending.

'In the original they die in the end they may or may not live at the end it's a pop musical take on Romeo & Juliet.'

Cats had recently hit cinemas, so bosses rung up star Rebel to ask if she could present on the night - however, the catch was that she would have to present dressed as a cat (Pictured)

Speaking on The Jonathan Ross Show, Rebel revealed she asked if Brad would like to join her in her dressing room - while she got transformed into a cat

'He just came with me to my dressing room for me to get transformed into a cat,' she said of Brad escorting her to her dressing room

Rebel added: 'I'm very serious in this movie, maybe it'll open up a whole new [world for me]. The songs are so catchy. You'll be blown away by the songs.'

'I saw a version without any CGI cat effects' she continued. 'I found that version way better than the one they put in the cinema.

'They should release the one of us in the tight body suits. At least I got to go to the Oscars as a cat.'

Rebel also went on to talk to host Jonathan about being newly married after tying the knot with her wife Ramona Agruma last year.

'My sister has a side hustle as a wedding celebrant,' she said. 'The show wedding was in Italy and then we got legally married in Australia.

Rebel also went on to talk to host Jonathan about being newly married after tying the knot with her wife Ramona Agruma last year

She also opens up about her daughter, who the pair welcomed by surrogacy in 2022, saying: 'Her name is Royce' (Pictured with her wife and daughter)

'My sister, she had a busy week, she married me and then she married my mum the next day. We didn't pay her, she's really upset about that.'

She also opens up about her daughter, who the pair welcomed by surrogacy in 2022, saying: 'Her name is Royce.

'I probably shouldn't have named her after a British luxury car brand, she's a bit high maintenance.

'She's 2 and a half now. She's conned me into massaging her feet before she goes to sleep. I was doing it last night for almost an hour.

'I said, "I should have called you Volvo." I don't know why I got suckered into that.'
Victoria Baker-Harber has announced she is expecting her second child with her husband Inigo Philbrick in a sweet Instagram post on Thursday.

The former Made In Chelsea star, 36, shared a picture of her four-year-old daughter Gaia holding a selection of ultrasound images.

Confirming the news in the caption, Victoria wrote: 'Big sister in the making...'

The photograph tagged her husband Inigo, 37, who also shared the announcement on her social media page.

Last year it was revealed by MailOnline that Victoria quietly married Inigo two months after he was released from prison having been found guilty of 80m art fraud.

They wed Inigo in a 'quickie ceremony without guests', which came after he served two years of a seven-year sentence for defrauding wealthy clients, forging documents and faking an investor.

Victoria Baker-Harber has announced she is expecting her second child with her husband Inigo Philbrick in a sweet Instagram post on Thursday

Confirming the news in the caption, Victoria wrote: 'Big sister in the making...'

After officially tying the knot, the couple celebrated with family and friends in June, once Inigo's electronic tag had been removed.

Their marriage was to help secure an American visa for Victoria, who is half British, half Australia, with the former E4 reality star admitting in a recent interview, 'Not the wedding that I've pictured since I was nine'

Inigo was arrested in 2020 when Victoria was five and a half months pregnant with their daughter and sentenced two years later, his release last month to home detention in New York where he reunited with his young family.

In an interview with the Sunday Times Magazine last week, Inigo admitted he didn't feel any guilt about breaking the law, saying he was merely overambitious and 'greedy', and his crimes didn't lead to anyone's death.

He said: 'There are a lot of people who look at it and say, Look, I didn't kill anyone; I didn't do anything violent in any sort of way.

'Beyond that, the people who are involved in my case... no one missed a meal; nobody didn't send their children to university. I don't think that anyone in this whole story is guilty of much more than greed and ambition.

'I don't think any good business happens without ambition, and I think greed is a natural human state. I'd feel a lot more guilt if I had been drink-driving or if I'd been selling drugs and someone had died.'

The former gallery owner added he would have no problem being transparent about his crimes with three-year-old Gaia because 'a lot can be learned' from his experience.

Last year it was revealed by MailOnline that Victoria quietly married Inigo two months after he was released from prison having been found guilty of 80m art fraud.

They wed Inigo in a 'quickie ceremony without guests', which came after he served two years of a seven-year sentence for defrauding wealthy clients, forging documents and faking an investor

Victoria met Inigo in 2016 on a friend's yacht in the Mediterranean when the father-of-two was still with his ex-girlfriend, with whom he shares another daughter.

She vowed to stand by him throughout his prison sentence, calling Inigo the 'love of her life' and insisting, 'There's no way I was going to get up and let him go through whatever s*** was going to come his way on his own.'

And Inigo says being inside only strengthened his feelings for Victoria, even having a V tattoo on his chest, which was done for him by one of his fellow inmates.

Victoria, who was raised in Belgravia, London, found fame on E4's Made In Chelsea in 2011, where she became known for her sassy, no-nonsense attitude and close friendship with Mark-Francis Vandelli.

And now Victoria has used her TV contacts to land a show where she and Inigo talk about his fraudulent crimes and prison experience, which she says was her husband's idea.

Speaking to the Mail last year, she said: 'I'm doing a documentary. It's about my fiance and his time in prison. It's wild... He's all for it. It was his idea.'

She added: 'He didn't murder anyone. He put his hands up and admitted what he did do, and takes full responsibility and accountability, but everyone makes mistakes.'

Inigo shamelessly shared a photo of his electronic ankle tag on Instagram, captioning the post 'Making moves with my ball and chain'
Twin brothers have revealed how much money they made for incestuously kissing each other on OnlyFans.

Siblings Alex 'Flyysoulja' and Franky 'Kodiyakredd' Venegas, who are popular social media stars and musicians known online as The Island Boys, both 23, first shot to fame in 2021 when a clip of them singing went viral on X, formerly Twitter.

After racking up millions of followers from the video, the siblings joined OnlyFans and eventually filmed a shocking video of themselves locking lips on the subscription-based site.

The clip sent shockwaves across the internet and sparked widespread backlash, but now, one of the brothers bragged about the seven figures that he earned from the sordid stunt.

At a press conference to promote his MMA cage fight in Miami, Kodiyakredd claimed that he made 'millions of dollars' from smooching his twin.

According to LadBible, he then clarified that the stunt had earned him a whopping $6 million, while his twin walked away with $8 million.

Social media sensations The Island Boys, who are twin brothers, have revealed that they made millions of dollars for kissing each other on OnlyFans

After gaining attention online, siblings Alex 'Flyysoulja' and Franky 'Kodiyakredd' Venegas joined OnlyFans and filmed a shocking video of themselves kissing each other on the site

The brothers previously admitted that they only kissed each other to go viral and earn money.

Kodiyakredd has also said that he 'regretted' the kiss.

'I was in a very vulnerable state. I didn't want to do the kissing thing,' he told The Wild Podcast back in February.

'I didn't want to admit that I only had $40,000 to my name,' he added.

He previously defended the stunt back in 2023, saying, 'We're twin brothers, we came out of the womb together, we grew up together. It's not really disgusting if it's twins.'

He added, 'We kind of just made out or whatever, we kissed and then we just like look the other way for a few minutes and couldn't like, look at each other, but it wasn't that big of a deal  just a kiss.'

It comes after Kodiyakredd was arrested yet again, this time, on drug and gun charges in Naples, Florida.

The 23-year-old rapper was booked into the Collier County Sheriff's Office in February and charged with possession of a controlled substance without a prescription as well as possession of an altered firearm - according to TMZ.

Venegas and his brother Alex aka Flyysoulja went viral in 2021 for their song I'm An Island Boy, which has amassed 25M views on YouTube

The brothers previously admitted that they only kissed each other to go viral and earn money

It's unclear what led up to his latest arrest, but it comes only nine months after he attempted to pretend to be his twin brother Flyysoulja in order to get out of a reckless driving charge.

Kodiyakredd - famed for his 'wick' vertical dreadlocks hairstyle - had been allegedly speeding inside a Fort Lauderdale parking lot in his yellow Corvette Stingray on May 24.

The heavily-tattooed zoomer spent the night in Broward County Jail and paid $800 bond after being charged with driving without a valid license, giving a false ID, and reckless driving.

He was previously arrested for domestic battery in 2023 for allegedly slapping his girlfriend and pushing her into a shallow pool, which injured her chin at a Pompano Beach Airbnb.

But the misdemeanor case was dropped by prosecutors just 10 days later.

Kodiyakredd was also accused of domestic abuse by his ex Montaisha Shanell in 2022, but no charges were filed.

That same year, the siblings' home was raided by a SWAT team looking for their childhood friend Andrew James Thomas, who was wanted on first-degree murder with firearm charges after eight-year-old Ronziyah 'Biggs' Atkins was killed during a drive-by shooting.

Franky's long rap sheet also includes robbery, burglary, and car theft.

Venegas and his brother Flyysoulja went viral in 2021 for their song I'm An Island Boy, which has amassed 25million views on YouTube.

The TikTok star currently commands $20 on Cameo and boasts millions of followers across multiple social media platforms.
It's time toothy White Lotus star Aimee Lou Wood braced herself for a reality check.

The British actress has become the patron saint of the offended after a Saturday Night Live (SNL) skit mocked her overbite.

Aimee, just grin and bear it!

The SNL sketch in question  called White Potus  was a parody of the black comedy HBO smash hit.

Wood's character  an astrology-loving yoga teacher named Chelsea - was played by a prosthetically toothsome Sarah Sherman, who looked like a brunette Bugs Bunny.

That was the joke. Aimee Lou Wood had buck teeth.

It's time toothy White Lotus star Aimee Lou Wood (pictured) braced herself for a reality check. The British actress has become the patron saint of the offended after a Saturday Night Live (SNL) skit mocked her overbite.

Wood's character  an astrology-loving yoga teacher named Chelsea - was played by a prosthetically toothsome Sarah Sherman (pictured), who looked like a brunette Bugs Bunny.

Seems harmless. But she had a meltdown over it.

'It's mean and unfunny,' she bleated. 'Yes, take the p**s for sure  that's what the show is about. But there must be a cleverer, more nuanced and less cheap way?'

Like what? Having her chomp on a carrot and ask, 'What's Up Doc?'

Was it really that crass a departure from SNL's usual sloppy satire?

If anything, the fact that it was funny at all was a rare return to form for a show whose ratings recently tanked.

During the 2024 election cycle, SNL bigwig Lorne Michaels and his lefty writers repeatedly failed to read the room, treating bumbling Joe Biden and cackling Kamala Harris with a reverence devoid of humor.

That said Aimee's teeth are non-partisan fair game. But Hollywood empaths are appalled.

Yes, there's been plenty of frothing indignation from celebs quick to jump on the victim bandwagon with their pious platitudes.

'I hate this so much,' blasted self-anointed feminist icon and (very occasional) actress Jameela Jamil on Instagram. 'It's the least interesting or memorable thing about this brilliant actor. Our next Olivia Coleman. Hilarious, deep, vulnerable, and relentlessly loveable.'

Meanwhile, Reese Witherspoon's production company, Hello Sunshine, waded into the saga with this online message.

'She invested seven months of mental and physical work into (her White Lotus performance) - so let's celebrate her incredible talent AND leave space for Aimee to speak her truth beyond the roles she plays on screen.'

Seems harmless. But she had a meltdown over it. 'It's mean and unfunny,' she bleated. 'Yes, take the p**s for sure - that's what the show is about. But there must be a cleverer, more nuanced and less cheap way?' (Wood is pictured crying two days after the SNL episode)

Aimee's teeth are non-partisan fair game. But Hollywood empaths are appalled. Yes, there's been plenty of frothing indignation from celebs quick to jump on the victim bandwagon with their pious platitudes.

Amid wider hysteria of bullying and misogyny, Wood claims to have had an apology from the show  but according to SNL insiders that didn't happen. Sherman sent Woods a bunch of flowers but, sources tell the Daily Mail, show bosses outright refused to say 'sorry' on the grounds that the whole fuss was 'ridiculous'.

They're right. But trouble is, from self-pitying Instagram posts to being pictured blubbing on the streets of London two days after the skit aired, the actress  who claims she is not thin-skinned  seems in no mood to let the matter rest.

And why would she? As Oscar Wilde said, 'There is only one thing in the world worse than being talked about, and that is not being talked about.'

This is especially true for a self-absorbed B-list leading lady buoyed by a tiresomely predictable squad of virtue signaling cheerleaders.

And if it's truth we're speaking, here's one: a gappy smile was never going to go unnoticed stateside.

Americans have long derided the Brits' 'bad' teeth. Our stained, crooked chew sets, immortalized by Austin Powers, are an affront to their ramrod straight, seamlessly gleaming Hollywood veneers.

So, surprise, surprise, it's a talking point. But it's one that has played to Wood's advantage.

From her break-out role in the Netflix comedy drama Sex Education, in which she played one of the hit show's main characters, Aimee Gibbs, she's become the go-to girl for parts that demand kooky, endearing and a little quirky with a bikini bod and good looks.

It's relatability that's won a firm fangirling fanbase and level of attention that has no doubt exceeded what she would have got had she been just another Botoxed, identikit stunner.

Yes, it's laudable she hasn't felt the pressure to conform to the prevailing aesthetic but why would she? It's hardly held her back.

Her buck-toothed battle against the odds is a neat narrative propelling her career and celebrity. It's also the reason why, for someone who supposedly wants everyone else to change the record, she NEVER does herself.

Speaking to Stylist magazine in 2020 she shared that when auditioning for Sex Education she read three times for a lesser character simply because that role was scripted to wear braces: 'I just thought, it's a Netflix show, I'm not going to get on there with my teeth.'

No, not little old me.

Wood claims to have had an apology from the show  but according to SNL insiders that didn't happen. Sherman sent Woods a bunch of flowers but, sources tell the Daily Mail, show bosses outright refused to say 'sorry' on the grounds that the whole fuss was 'ridiculous'.

But trouble is, from self-pitying Instagram posts to being pictured blubbing on the streets of London two days after the skit aired, the actress  who claims she is not thin-skinned - seems in no mood to let the matter rest.

London's Royal Academy of Dramatic Arts trained, Bafta-winning star of HBO's biggest show can't resist playing the self-deprecating, insecurity card, all of which jars with the overconfidence she tends to display.

'HBO really had to fight for me which made me feel insecure,' she humblebragged to GQ magazine. 'Someone told me how much Mike (White, the show creator) had fought for me. They said, "It had to be you, no matter what HBO said".

'It was honestly from the nicest place, but my little head goes, "HBO didn't want me. And I know why HBO didn't want me, it's because I'm ugly".'

Oh, spare us the faux imposter syndrome please. Far from some sidelined character actor, the reality is Woods is cast as much for her good looks as any other young leading women.

Why else would she playing the half-his-age arm candy of a wealthy older man in White Lotus or be rumored to be set to play model Patti Boyd in a forthcoming Beatles biopic?

Yes, that's the woman whose legendary beauty sparked a bitter tug of love between George Harrison and Eric Clapton and inspired two of the most famous love songs ever written  'Something' and 'Wonderful Tonight'.

Let's face it, Wood's teething troubles are tedious. You signed up for this Aimee, and you're making a mint out of putting your best tooth forward, so it's time to stop wallowing and grow a thicker skin. And if you can't do that - get some braces.
She recently split from her boyfriend of three years.

And Tasha Ghouri was keen to show her former flame what he was missing in her latest Instagram upload.

The Strictly Come Dancing star, 26, and estate agent Andrew Le Page, 29, called it quits earlier this year after falling in love on Love Island back in 2022.

Taking to her social media on Thursday evening, Tasha looked sensational as she flaunted her toned figure in a tiny black and white bikini during a sunny trip to Spain.

Styling her blonde locks into beachy waves and going makeup free for the occasion, Tasha put on a defiant display as she playfully posed to the camera.

She captioned the photos with: 'Arrived at the most beautiful place. Solo trip number two for the weekend' followed by fun emojis.

Strictly's Tasha Ghouri looked sensational as she flaunted her toned figure in a tiny black and white bikini during a sunny trip to Spain on Thursday

The dancer looked completely relaxed during the holiday as she slipped into the racy two-piece which boasted a triangle top and matching high-rise bottoms.

Tasha flashed her gorgeous smile as she looked off to the distance in one of the pictures and pouted for another, scraping her hair back and up over her head.

The stunner - who was born deaf - was seen in another photo showing off her long, slender pins as she stood on the step of her stunning hotel room.

This isn't the first time the reality star has travelled alone, as back in March she jetted off for a lavish getaway to Dubai.

At the time she told her followers: 'This is it, my first solo trip. I feel nervous, excited, and scared. I have no idea what it's going to be like, but I'm going to take you all with me.

'If anyone's ever thought about doing a solo trip, this is my first time, so let's do this.

'We are going to Dubai - I cannot wait! Yeah, it is very, very scary.

'It's the first time I'll be alone, and I'm still getting used to being on my own as well. So yeah, let's go!'

Styling her blonde locks into beachy waves and going makeup free for the occasion, Tasha put on a defiant display as she playfully posed to the camera

She captioned the photos with: 'Arrived at the most beautiful place. Solo trip number two for the weekend' followed by fun emojis

It comes after Tasha opened up on the 'silly' mistake she made amid her split from ex boyfriend Andrew Le Page

It comes after Tasha opened up on the 'silly' mistake she made amid her split from Andrew Le Page.

In an nterview in the wake of the 'heartbreaking' break-up, Tasha told of her huge regret at creating a Raya dating profile immediately after the split which reportedly left her ex 'blindsided', with the beauty deleting it very soon after.

She told The Sun: 'I think at the time, I made a silly mistake. I did it way too soon. It was just a heat-of-the-moment kind of situation. Everyone makes mistakes. And in that situation, I did and I own up to that.

'Unfortunately, thats something I just have to put my hands up and say: "Tasha, it was way too soon." It is what it is. I cant turn back time, but Ive learned from that.'

Meanwhile, the blonde beauty reflected on the 'emotional' break-up with Andrew as she revealed the real reason for the split.

She explained: 'It is hard. Any break-up is hard. I spent so much time with Andrew. We were together for two-and-a-half years. We had a house. We got our dog Luna together in 2023. It was heartbreaking. But sometimes you just grow apart, and thats what happened.'

Tasha added that the couple 'didn't end badly at all' and are in fact 'still in touch' as they have to communicate about their shared dog Luna, who they 'co-parent'.

She went on to say how much she still 'cares' about Andrew but acknowledged that the two are now on 'different paths' in their lives.

The pair's split has caused much chatter on social media, with the couple moving out of their shared home - Tasha relocated to her own pad in London while Andrew moved back to his family abode in Guernsey.

Tasha admitted that navigating a break-up in the public eye has been 'difficult' but defiantly remarked that only Andrew and herself 'know what happened between us', adding that they are 'private people'.

And after confessing her mistake for setting up a dating profile so soon, Tasha insisted that she's 'absolutely not' ready to start dating anytime soon, insisting that at this time she's simply concentrating on herself and her career.

Earlier in March, Tasha broke her silence on their split as she hit back at trolls sending her 'horrible comments' accusing her of 'taking' dog Luna from Andrew.

The dancer explained as Andrew has moved back home to Guernsey, she is looking after Luna until he returns to the UK.

The Strictly Come Dancing star, 26, and the estate agent, 29, ended their relationship earlier this year, after falling in love on Love Island in 2022

Taking to Snapchat, the star responded to a comment which read: 'Really hopes Andrew gets to see Luna too'.

Tasha wrote: 'Since there's so many horrible messages I've got about taking Luna off Andrew  first off, she is our dog who we got together.

'He is in Guernsey & decided to leave Luna here with me as he couldn't take her, it wasn't ideal. When he's found a place back in the UK, we will be working out a way for both of us to see her.'

She continued: 'I didn't want to comment on this but when I'm getting messages saying I'm horrible person, scum, etc. I have to put my foot down.'

Addressing the split she continued: 'No-one knows what went on in our relationship behind closed doors. Don't believe every headline you read in the press.

'Break-ups happen in life. Just because ours is in the 'public eye' doesn't make it any different.'

Elsewhere, Andrew recently sparked concern among his fans as he shared a 'sad-looking' snap of himself celebrating his 30th birthday abroad just weeks after he split from Tasha.

The pair moved in with each other just two months after leaving the Love Island villa and went on to buy their first house together in February last year.

But their romance soon came to and end and now the star has uploaded pictures to Instagram on Saturday of him enjoying some time in Turkey.

Alongside a picture of him sitting on a couch in holiday wear, he penned: 'ITS MY BIRTHDAY!

'Thank you so much for all the birthday messages it means the world, I love you all here's to the 30's.'

However, fans were quick to comment on how sad he looked amid his breakup.

Taking to his comment box, one penned: 'Just seen tashas instagram and now yours you both look so sad please get back together i need to see your lovely smiles again.'

'Just want them back together.'

'Happy Birthday, I cant wait for you to find someone thats going to make you shine  when it happens, its going happen happen. Cant wait for that glow up!'

'Happy Andrew I am sorry that you and Tasha have split up. You both looked good during the strictly times. I hope you will find someone who makes you smile again.'

'Happy birthday Andrew, as my nana always used to say , brighter days ahead'
She gave birth to a baby girl in March and has been sharing glimpses into her new mum life ever since.

And on Thursday, actress Michelle Keegan, 37, continued to show her followers how she and husband Mark Wright, 38, spent their time on their first City break with their baby daughter Palma.

Michelle and the TOWIE star, 38, took the little one on her first visit to five-star hotel, Corinthia London for a long weekend.

Sharing a slew of stunning snaps, Michelle looked effortlessly stylish as she made her way around the big smoke, baby bag and pram in tow.

In one image, she showcased her gorgeous figure in a white wrap around top and matching trousers, as she posed for a glamorous mirror selfie, before slipping into a more casual getup of black trousers, a white T-shirt and tan jacket.

She left her brunette tresses down and accessorised with a pair of oversized brown sunglasses to protect her eyes from the spring sun.

Michelle Keegan continued to show her followers how she and husband Mark Wright spent their time on their first City break with their one month old, Palma

The pair took the little one on her first visit to five-star hotel, Corinthia London for a long weekend, where they gifted her a personalised dressing gown

Another picture showed the new-mum looking effortlessly stylish as she enjoyed a sunny day out with baby daughter.

Michelle teamed a chic brown leather jacket with alabaster trousers and comfy trainers while shielding her eyes behind shades.

The stunner wore her long brunette locks in a half up half down style and pushed her beloved daughter in her 1,249 for the iCandy Peach 7 Coco pushchair.

Captioning the post: 'The perfect week' the former Coronation Street star also shared a number of posts which were dedicated to her daughter's name.

These included a personalised dressing gown with her name embroidered on the front from the hotel, some clay mugs - one stamped Palma and another stamped Palma's mama - and two gorgeous gold necklaces - one with her daughters' name written out and another with a string of P's across it.

Earlier in the week, Mark took to his Instagram Stories to give an insight into the lavish trip, where hotel staff kindly gave them some adorable gifts for Palma.

The doting father shared a sweet video of him and Michelle walking into their very luxurious hotel suite, complete with an extravagant chandelier and spiral staircase.

Michelle flashed a huge smile as she cradled baby Palma while hotel staff had put photographs of them with their daughter in silver frames on a table.

Michelle wore a number of glamorous outfits for her weekend away in the big smoke including a casual getup of black trousers, a white T-shirt and jacket with oversized sunglasses

Another picture showed the new-mum highlighting her gorgeous figure in a white wrap around top and matching trousers, as she posed for a mirror selfie

Captioning the post: 'The perfect week' the former Coronation Street star also shared a number of posts which were dedicated to her daughter's name including some clay mugs

She also wore two gorgeous gold necklaces - one with her daughters' name written out and another with a string of P's across it

The star showed off her natural beauty as she shared another radiant selfie opting for a low-key makeup look with a slick of light pink lip

Another image showed the mum-of-one driving around the city as she wore her brunette tresses off her pretty face

A toy bunny was also placed on the table with 'Palma Wright' written on a red bow around its neck in a heartwarming personal touch.

The hotel also gifted baby Palma a dressing gown and tiny slippers with her name embroidered across it, with Mark sharing a picture of the items to Instagram.

He also gave an insight into their high-end stay, complete with a very lavish meal and stunning rooftop views of London's city centre.

'It's the little touches... special,' Mark gushed in a caption alongside his videos.

Mark recently opened up about what he's finding difficult as a first-time parent of a newborn on his Heart FM radio show this morning with his co-host Olly Murs.

The revelation came as they read out a message from a listener who said sorting through their clothes is 'tiring'.

Mark jokingly responded: 'Lisa, I'm going to go back to what you just said there, it's very tiring sorting your clothes in your room  don't talk to me about tired right now.

'Because Palma, my little baby, is making me extremely tired. I turned up this morning and Olly went "you look shattered".'

Michelle and Mark whisked their baby daughter Palma off on their first London city break as a family

The actress, 37, and the TOWIE star, 38, often enjoy luxury stays at the Corinthia London and have taken Palma on her first visit to the five-star hotel (room pictured with personal gifts)

Mark took to his Instagram Stories on Wednesday night to give an insight into the lavish trip, which showed Michelle walking into their high-end suite while cradling Palma in her arms

The hotel also gifted baby Palma a dressing gown and tiny slippers with her name embroidered across it, with Mark sharing a picture of the items to Instagram

Laughing, Olly quipped: 'You know what, it's your eyes, it is the first time I've seen these little bags in all the years I've known you, just here, and it is a dad thing, it is a parent thing, all of a sudden you get these little bags under your eyes.'

Mark agreed: 'Yeah, they say dad bod don't they, they never warn you about dad eyes'.

Despite the lack of sleep, the reality star continued to gush about how much he's loving being a dad.

He said: 'It is the best thing ever. It is the best thing ever. Except when I am trying to wind her after a bottle at 2am, nightmare.'

Mark described fatherhood as the 'biggest achievement' of his life after welcoming Palma into the world with Michelle on March 6.

He told Olly: 'Mate, it's actually hard to put into words.

'It's the biggest achievement of my life its all I think about but obviously hats go off to my wife she is an absolute super human, a superhero for bringing this baby into the world.'

Sharing his appreciation for Michelle, he added: 'It makes you realise what our mums did for us and makes me have so much more respect than I already had and what women had to go through.

Mark has described fatherhood as the 'biggest achievement' of his life after welcoming Palma into the world with Michelle on March 6

'It's the best feeling in the world. I wake up every morning just so excited to see her face.'

Recalling the first moment he held Palma, he continued: 'That moment when I held her in my arms, it gets me emotional now thinking about it.

'I suppose everything else goes out the window and its made me realise what life is all about and my little baby Palma I love you so much and I can't wait to spend the rest of my life with you.

'It's a very special feeling. I cant really put it into words. We've waited a little bit of time, we've chased our dreams and our careers and now we're here. We've got a baby.'

Mark and Michelle announced the news of their daughter's birth last month with a sweet snap shared to Instagram.

It's believed the couple chose the name Palma because of their strong links to Mallorca, their go-to holiday destination and the setting for their pregnancy reveal photoshoot.

The couple tied the knot in May 2015 and they live together in a 3.5million Essex mansion which they built from scratch.
Alicia Douvall has got engaged to her boyfriend David Anstiss during a romantic getaway to the Maldives, she revealed on Thursday.

The 45-year-old former glamour model took to Instagram to share a snap of herself cuddling up to her man, shortly after he popped the big question.

The couple looked happier than ever as they posed in their hotel room, which saw a line of red rose petals leading to a bed strewn with more petals and a message that read: 'She said yes'.

The beauty looked stunning in a busty black dress for the occasion while placing her ring-clad on her husband-to-be's shoulder.

In another snap, Alicia gave a closer look at her ring, holding up her manicured hand while the Indian Ocean was seen behind.

Alicia's post was met with a plethora of messages from fans offering their congratulations to the happy couple.

Alicia Douvall has got engaged to her boyfriend David Anstiss during a romantic getaway to the Maldives, she revealed on Thursday

In another snap, Alicia gave a closer look at her ring, holding up her manicured hand while the Indian Ocean was seen behind

Back in February, MailOnline revealed the identity of Alicia's partner David, who is the director of Solution Engineering.

The pair first went public with their relationship on Valentine's Day with a series of romantic snaps.

The blonde beauty stunned in a black dress as she wrapped her arm around the hunky male, with the two leaning their heads in close together for the picture.

And David certainly pulled out all the stops for the TV personality for the romantic holiday, gifting her a huge bouquet of red roses as well as a red balloon, which Alicia shared on her post.

The pair appeared to have spent their Valentine's at a hotel, with a hotel phone and notebook seen in the background of the shot.

She simply captioned her post: '#valentinesday' alongside two red heart emojis.

MailOnline has contacted representatives of Alicia for comment.

While not much is known about Alicia's recent dating history, at the height of her fame Alicia enjoyed romances and did subsequent kiss and tell stories with the likes of Simon Cowell, Mick Hucknall, P Diddy, Mickey Rourke, and Dean Gaffney.

In February, MailOnline revealed Alicia's new man as director of Solution Engineering David, who is in a career worlds away from her usual exes (pictured on Valentine's Day)

The pair first went public with their relationship last week on Valentine's Day with a series of romantic snaps on Instagram

Alicia simply captioned her post: '#valentinesday' alongside two red heart emojis

The beauty was also allegedly linked to John Terry, Fabien Barthez, Calum Best, Shaggy and Dane Bower, while she was engaged to Dennis Rodman.

Back in 2015 during her stint in the Celebrity Big Brother house, Alicia revealed that she was living with Dwight Yorke when he 'cheated' on her with Katie Price.

Alicia's post comes about her incredible transformation over the years, which has seen her go from surgery-loving party girl to owner of a natural beauty empire.

She has had more than 400 cosmetic procedures totalling to a self-estimated 1 million, but the former glamour model has had a jaw-dropping metamorphosis in recent years.

In the early Noughties Alicia was never far away from a headline and a wild party, known for her string of celeb boyfriends and her constant cycle of surgeries.

But after 18 boob jobs, 11 nose tweaks, bum implants and even having her ribs shaved down Alicia gave up going under the knife and over the past decade has built a successful skincare brand, centered, ironically enough, around the ethos of natural anti-aging.

It's quite the pivot for Alicia, now a mother of two, whose previous life ambition was to have the biggest boobs in Britain.

Born Sarah Howes (she changed her name to one more suited to glamour modelling), her father was a self-made millionaire and Tory councillor and she attended the prestigious Springfield Park School, Horsham, West Sussex.

But Alicia has admitted being sent to boarding school aged nine was the start of her issues with self-confidence and an obsession with her looks.

She would save up the pocket money sent to her by her parents and buy beauty products such as tanning tablets and hair dye.

In one of her most outlandish childhood stunts she even once, when she was just 11, had a sunbed shipped to the school.

Aged 17, and after being expelled, she had her first boob job after deciding to pursue glamour modelling, a decision based on the fact she was too short for catwalk work.

It comes about her incredible transformation over the years, which has seen her go from surgery-loving party girl to owner of a natural beauty empire (pictured in 2006 on Love Island)

After 18 boob jobs, 11 nose jobs and bum implants, Alicia gave up going under the knife and over the past decade has built a successful skincare brand with her daughter Georgia (pictured)

By the late 1990s she was a Page 3 girl, modelling for magazines and presenting on Playboy TV and earning 5000 a week.

She also boosted her bank balance and fame with a 2006 appearance on Love Island, where she made a six figure sum, despite lasting just one week in the villa.

But at the centre of the fame Alicia was addicted to cosmetic surgery, at one point having an enhancement every single week.

'Apart from my daughter's education, I spent nothing on anything but surgery. I ate beans on toast and never had a holiday. I even persuaded boyfriends to pay for operations,' she told The Mail On Sunday in 2013.

'Even when my daughter begged me to stop having surgery, I carried on. I was convinced the next operation was going to make everything OK, so I didn't listen.'

The arrival of her second daughter Papaya in 2011 saw Alicia, who is also mum to Georgia, 29, vow to never go under the knife again, but she struggled to break free of her addiction.

She was diagnosed with body dysmorphic disorder (BDD), also called dysmorphia. A mental illness linked to anxiety and obsessive compulsive disorder, or OCD, sufferers obsess over their appearance and have a distorted perception of the way they look.

After 20 years of being known for her enhancements, she has reinvented herself as a spokesperson for aging naturally.

In 2011, she and her daughter launched Douvall's beauty brand after discovering the benefits of cold-pressed argan oil on their skin.

Alicia, who once sparked outrage when she said she wouldn't mind if her eldest daughter had plastic surgery too, launched the business with Georgia and invested all of her 20,000 savings.

And it's paid off with the brand stocked in the likes of Sephora, and Superdrug in the UK and Walmart in the US.
Next time you grab a bottle of wine at Target, it might feel a little different.... and weirdly light. But dont worry  youre not being shortchanged.

That's because the retail giant has begun stocking wine in much lighter paper bottles  an eco-friendly push that could surprise customers used to the classic clink of glass.

Four varieties under the new Collective Good label  Red Blend, Sauvignon Blanc, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Pinot Grigio  have landed in 1,200 stores, starting at $9.99.

While it might sound like something out of a college art project, the creators of the Frugal Bottle insist it's stronger, lighter, and better for the planet.

Designed by British firm Frugalpac, they are made from 94 percent recycled paperboard with a plastic food-grade liner inside to hold the liquid.

The result is a bottle that's five times lighter than glass, six times cheaper to produce and dispose of, and has a carbon footprint that's 84 percent lower.

Wine fan Andrea Smith, from New York, wasn't sure. 'First, they got rid of corks. I suppose the screw top is more convenient. Now, the glass is going. The wine simply doesn't taste the same,' she said.

Frugalpacs design has already won praise from King Charles III himself and appeared on UK shelves at Aldi and Sainsburys. Target and 7-Eleven will be the next major chains to carry the green packaging.

Target is selling four bottles that come in paper bottles from the Collective Good wine range. Here, on n display at Target

Camilla, Queen Consort of England, examining Frugal Bottles. The Frugal Bottle was recently awarded the Kings Award for Enterprise for innovation from His Majesty King Charles III

Frugalpac says the bottle doesn't just reduce waste  it also stands out. The paper exterior allows for 360-degree branding, making for bold, eye-catching labels

Reactions so far are mixed, the company says. Some shoppers do a double take  or even tap the bottle to make sure it's not a joke.

The move is part of a growing trend among booze brands trying to clean up their carbon footprint.

More than 60 wineries and distilleries across 25 countries have already made the switch  including Bonny Doon Vineyard in California and Half Shell Vodka in Florida.

Frugalpac's CEO, Malcolm Waugh, calls it a 'simple way to help the planet, without changing your drink.'

Target has ordered 256,000 of the Collective Good bottles to sell in their US stores in a move that will save 98.3 US tons of CO2e.

The paper bottles in Target have been produced and filled by King City's Monterey Wine Company and the wines sourced by California's Latitude Wines (LWX).

Monterey Wine Company general manager Shannon Valladarez said: 'As the first US producer of the Frugal Bottle, we are proud to partner with Target.'

The Collective Good wine range, which is bottled exclusively in the paper Frugal Bottle, has a Red Blend, a Sauvignon Blanc, a Cabernet Sauvignon and a Pinot Grigio and have just gone on sale in nearly 1,200 of Target stores across the US from $9.99

Frugalpac CEO Malcolm Waugh with Frugal Bottles

Frugal Bottles on store shelves

LWX Vice President, Business Development and Sales Graham Nordin said: 'Sourced from sustainably-minded, quality driven wineries from around the world and then brought together in a recyclable paperboard bottle  Collective Good is committed to protecting the environment, one bottle at a time.'

Whole Foods Market stocked Bonny Doon's Carbon..nay wine in the Frugal Bottle last year in a select number of its stores. But this is the first time a major US retailer has chosen to stock paper bottles in all its stores.
Hundreds of shiny new cars are on display at this week's New York International Auto Show (NYIAS).

Each vehicle is a perfectly polished preview of what's coming next to America's dealerships: past NYIAS shows are historically a proud moment for international automakers.

The stages are often the first time media members and the public will see physical models that engineers have teased only as computer-generated images for years.

But this year, the number everyone wants is missing: the prices.

Behind closed doors, automakers are pointing their finger at the White House for creating an increasingly unpredictable policy landscape.

And because of the policies, they don't even know what their current or upcoming vehicles will even cost.

President Donald Trumps sweeping tariffs on cars and their parts  ranging from 10 to 25 percent, depending on the component  have complicated pricing strategies.

'It's too early to talk about pricing,' an American CEO, granted anonymity to speak freely, told DailyMail.com.

Industry experts and media members had early access to the NYIAS on Wednesday, where brands touted vehicles like the VW ID. Buzz

'There isn't enough clarity [about tariffs] to know what we can ask our customers to pay.'

Before this week, President Trump had been steadfast about the tariffs that impacted the automotive industry the most.

In February, the President launched 25 percent tariffs on imported steel. The levy, which greatly impacted metal-needy carmakers, remained as Trump waffled on other tariffs for Mexico and Canada.

Then, the President singled out the auto industry, launching 25 percent import taxes on all vehicles made abroad.

But he appears to have reconsidered his position.

In comments to the press corps on Monday, Trump said he was considering modifying the auto levy because automakers 'need a little bit of time.'

Industry analysts at NYIAS repeated what consumer advocates have consistently told DailyMail.com. Tariffs are a massive cost for automakers, and companies will rise car prices and insurance premiums in response.

'The prices are going to go up,' John Bozzella, the president and CEO of the Alliance for Automotive Innovation, said during a conference at the show.

NYIAS runs through April 27 at the Javits Center in New York City

Multiple new models, including the Genesis X Gran Equator Concept, were seen in-person for the first time at the show

Subaru's CEO, Atsushi Osaki, said the company was committed to the US market

Kia launched the K4 hatchback in a brand new yellow paint - the company revealed the popular K4 sedan at NYIAS in 2024

'And sales are likely to go down during an adjustment period.'

In the meantime, automakers are experimenting with stopgap strategies to weather the tariff storm  if it holds.

Ford and Stellantis (the parent company that produces Dodge, Jeep, Ram, and Chrysler vehicles) have rolled out employee discount pricing for everyday buyers.

Ford hasnt released sales figures yet, but executives say the tactic is pulling new shoppers into showrooms.

General Motors is boosting production of its American-made pickups.

And Volkswagen previously told DailyMail.com that it plans to itemize any added tariff costs directly on vehicle stickers, alongside existing fees and optional features.

Other car companies that are more exposed to tariff costs, like Subaru, are emphasizing their current US manufacturing footprint.

'We are dedicated to offering our American customers a wide range of options to meet their evolving needs,' Subaru's CEO, Atsushi Osaki, said before unveiling a new SUV and two redesigns.

During a press conference that might have felt boilerplate in any other year. But the company only has one US factory that produces around 300,000 cars each year.

Subaru sold more than 650,000 cars in the US in 2024.

But despite the patriotic messaging from multiple car companies, no major automaker has announced plans to build new final assembly plants in response to Trumps tariffs.

Only Hyundai has announced a major US investment of $21 billion  but it was a repackaged 2022 announcement to help facilitate its Georgia EV production plant.

'We want to build more cars and trucks here in America, and we want to build more cutting-edge components that go into those cars and trucks' Bozzella said.

'Here's the challenge: this is a massive industry that's incredibly complex.

'If you've ever been to a plant, it's one of the biggest buildings you'll ever walk into with billions of dollars of machinery and equipment. You cannot move this overnight.'
McDonald's fans celebrated as a cult favorite menu item was confirmed to be making a comeback this year.

The restaurant posted a cryptic message on X, writing: 'Snack wraps 0x.14.2025.'

While the fast food chain didn't definitively confirm an exact date, fans are likely correct in suspecting it will be on the 14th of one month this year.

One hungry customer guessed: 'I'm betting on June.'

McDonald's replied that they could neither 'confirm or deny or confirm,' what month the item will be back on the menu.

The lack of clarity didn't stop loyal patrons from sharing their excitement.

'Finally it's been 5 long years since that glorious wrap has touched my taste buds,' one person celebrated.

'2025 is going to be alright,' another declared.

After high anticipation, McDonald's has finally teased when the Snack Wrap will make its return to the menu

'If ya'll bring back the BBQ ones, I'm about to spend a truly unhealthy amount of money,' a third added.

'Hopefully they bring back the salsa roja snack wrap that one was the BEST,' a fourth wrote.

'Cant wait!! My mouth is already watering,' a fifth rejoyced.

McDonald's US President Joe Erlinger announced on Good Morning America last year that the Snack Wrap would be coming back in 2025, but wasn't able to give a time frame then either.

He said that the snack wrap had a 'cult following,' and after being bombarded with emails begging for the item back, the team finally caved.

He teased that the restaurant wouldn't be announcing the release date due to 'competitive reasons.'

McDonald's announced on X that the Snack Wrap would be returning on the 14th of a mystery month this year

McDonald's frequently mixes up their menu, adding a Chicken Big Mac last October for the first time in the US.

The restaurant even enlisted YouTuber and Twitch star Kai Cenat to try the new item on his livestream.

Now, the super chain is finally bringing back the Snack Wrap, which initially debuted in 2006 and was discontinued in 2016.

After almost a decade of pleading for the classic back, McDonald's has finally answered the call.
Two wildly popular stores are preparing their customers for a massive fast-fashion shift.

Temu and Shein said they will raise prices in response to major shifts in US trade policy.

The online shops  which relied on a trade loophole to supply Americans with products like $7 dresses, $4 home goods, and even some sub-$100 heavy equipment  said their prices will rise on April 25.

For years, the China-based companies relied on the de minimis exemption, a workaround that allowed shipments under $800 to bypass US tariffs.

President Donald Trump has announced plans to remove that loophole on May 2 in an attempt to even the playing field for US companies.

He also slapped massive 140 percent tariffs on imports from China.

'With tariffs and the ending of de minimis, the cost of doing business in the US is rising for Shein and Temu,' Neil Saunders, the managing director of retail at GlobalData, told DailyMail.com.

'Given their business models are low margin they have little choice but to increase prices for consumers.'

Customers have flocked to Shein and Temu to buy cheap, popular items to buy like adult clothes and small electronics

The price changes are a shocking admission for both companies that is sure to change their main advantage.

Both stores operated an extremely tight supply chain that offered lower prices to consumers and undercut other clothing retailers. Their dirt-cheap prices were fundamental to their explosive growth.

But even as prices rise on the online store, Saunders said this isn't a deathknell for either company.

'For the shopper, this means goods wont quite be so cheap,' he said.

'However, both Shein and Temu will remain relatively low-priced sites compared to others.'

For years, both online stores had ruffled the feathers of multiple American clothing companies.

Forever 21, for example, pointed its fingers at the rapid rise in popularity of the online brands in its second bankruptcy filing.

Even dominant American brands, like Amazon, reported losing millions of American customers to the Chinese brands.

Brands, including Amazon, have chided the tax exemption advantage that helped grow Shein and Temu

Victoria Alario posted a video to TikTok on Wednesday showing that she was hit with an over $100 duty on her order from women's clothing store Meshki

Steve Dennis, the president of SageBerry Consulting, also said the tax change is 'welcome news' for value-based American retailers.

'However, two things should be kept in mind,' he added.

'Many of their direct competitors source products from China (and other markets that may face significant, persistent tariffs), so they will almost certainly be raising their prices even if the de minimus exemption is a non issue.

'And, Temu and Shein's advantage stems from both low cost labor and the strength of their innovative business model (little or no markdown merchandise, ability to deeply understand consumer trends and respond, very short time to market).'

Dennis said the taxes will amount to a 'material headwind,' but not a destruction of the company's price advantages.

On social media, shoppers remain divided on the exemption's removal in message boards.

Some consumers are parroting what dozens of consumer advocates have told DailyMail.com about tariffs: they will increase prices at stores.

'At the end of the day, we, the consumers, lose out,' one Redditor said in a thread about the price hike announcement.

Analysts estimate that tariffs will add between $3,200 and $4,400 to American's yearly spending.

Some shoppers have already noted the price changes.

Victoria Alario, a TikTok user, posted a video after noticing unexpected charges on her order from another competitor, Meshki, a boutique clothing store that ships from China.

Her two items totaled $304, but after duties and sales tax, the final price jumped to $441.88 - including an extra $101.85 in duties.

'This had me gasping,' Alario said. 'This caught my eye so quick because I was like, where did that come from.'

Others, however, are saying the products weren't worth paying the absurdly low prices.

'That's a good reason to not buy from Temu,' another Redditor chimed. 'I still have crap I haven't opened.'
Walmart shoppers across the US are dealing with a tech glitch thats left customers unable to check out.

Reports of outages started flooding Reddit on Wednesday afternoon, with users from states including Texas, Arizona, Missouri, and New York flagging issues on the main Walmart app.

The company's website and online stores for it's Sams Club warehouse locations reportedly isnt faring much better.

According to outage tracker DownDetector, reports spiked sharply around 2:25PM ET, going from a small trickle and ballooning to more than 3,600 alerts every five minutes.

'It's company wide,' one Redditor, who reported to be a Walmart employee, said on the social media app.

'They've got every IT person working on it right now.'

Online shopping, affected by the outage, accounts for an ever-increasing amount of Walmart's sales.

In fact, $18 in every $100 spent at Walmart is doine online  a clear sign that more shoppers are relying on its website and app to make purchases.

Walmart shoppers reported outages on DownDetector and Reddit - as the company ramps up for Easter holidays

The company recently launched a series of Easter-related sales with bargain basement deals.

Select Easter meals are priced below $6 per person and children's Easter baskets are priced below $20.

The holiday is this Sunday, April 20.

The company offered all of its Easter deals through one-click ordering, same-day pickup, and Express Delivery: all of its most-popular online services.

Walmart didn't immediately respond to DailyMail.com's request for comment.

Walmart updates

Despite the temporary tech glitch, Walmart is heading into the second third of 2025 with millions of dollars of wind in its sales.

The company, which recently hosted two investor days, reported that its expecting solid sales this year, even if the US economy goes sour.

Walmart shoppers said they experienced a series of app outages across the US

DownDetector, a website that tracks online store glitches, saw a massive spike in reports

Walmart shoppers have been gearing up for Easter Sunday with in-store and online deals

Walmart is the largest company in the US by revenue. It plans on using its scale to ensure customers can get lower prices.

The Arkansas-based company's gigantic storefront gives the company massive negotiating leverage in global markets, Walmart's CEO, Doug McMillon, told investors.

That power is particularly useful for American companies right now. Other retailers, like Best Buy and Target, have warned they will increase prices because of President Donald Trump's trade policies.

McMillon said his company remains in a position to 'play offense,' and that tariffs may push it to 'invest in price.'

Retail analysts speaking to DailyMail.com agreed that the massive brand was in a solid position to handle increased taxes.

'Walmart is a very organized and disciplined retailer and is in a better position than most because of its scale,' Retail expert Neil Saunders, from GlobalData, said.

'So some other retailers may be suffering more.'

The positive beat is a turnaround for the company compared to its first quarter earnings call.

Walmart reported massive nine percent sales growth in 2024 in the last call. Executives said the company expects growth to slow between three and four percent this year.
Yacht economy fuels high-quality development in Hainan Free Trade Port

10:59, April 17, 2025 By Zhang Weilan in Sanya ( Global Times

Tourists take yachts to have fun in Sanya, south China's Hainan Province, Feb. 13, 2025. The yacht tourism industry has recently seen a boom in Sanya of Hainan, with local maritime authorities implementing various measures to ensure safe travelling experiences of tourists on the sea. (Photo: Xinhua)

The coastal city of Sanya, South China's Hainan Province, is witnessing the fast development of its yacht economy, boosted by favorable policies in the Free Trade Port (FTP).

Hainan's FTP policies have injected strong momentum into its yacht industry through tariff reductions, facilitation of foreign yachts and extension of the industry chain, helping it become a new benchmark for marine tourism in the Asia-Pacific region. Lin Mingkun, president of the Sanya Cruise and Yacht Association, told the Global Times on Wednesday.

One day earlier, a yacht exhibition opened at the Sanya International Yacht Center, as part of the ongoing 5th China International Consumer Products Expo.

Covering 166,800 square meters, including more than 90 percent water, the show is one of the largest on-water shows in the Asia-Pacific region, which has attracted 62 companies from more than 20 countries and regions. A total of 150 yachts are on display.

Sanya is boosting its yacht economy with FTP policies. In February, the local government issued new regulations to promote the development of the yacht industry throughout the Hainan FTP. These regulations feature a zero-tariff policy for the import of vehicles and yachts. Specifically, registered enterprises in Hainan engaged in the transportation and tourism sectors are exempted from import duties when importing vehicles, aircraft, ships and yachts.

Official data showed that as of the end of 2024, Sanya was home to a registered yacht fleet exceeding 1,400 vessels, with more than 127,900 yacht departures.

"The city will continue to deepen the development of the yacht industry, focusing on yacht research and development, design, manufacturing, exhibition, sales, maintenance, and consumption" said Wang Qiyang, Secretary of the Sanya Municipal Party Committee, at the opening ceremony of the show on Wednesday.

This yacht show serves as a platform for global companies to enter the Chinese market. We aim to collaborate with top yachting regions and welcome investment in Sanya to explore new opportunities in the yachting industry, Wang said.

William Ward, co-founder and CEO of the Clipper Round the World Yacht Race, told the Global Times on Wednesday that there is a growing enthusiasm among the young in China, as many of these individuals have no prior sailing experience but quickly become proficient and passionate sailors.

"Five years ago, we began efforts to promote sailing in China," Ward said. "This includes establishing a joint venture to introduce high-level safety standards, combining those of the Royal Yachting Association and the Chinese Yachting Association. Clipper plans to open sailing academies across the country, starting with a facility in Qingdao scheduled to open in June of this year."

Ward also highlighted that the visa-free travel policy for international sailors and tourists will encourage more yacht enthusiasts to visit Hainan, significantly boosting the region's appeal as a sailing destination.

(Web editor: Zhong Wenxing, Liang Jun)
Orchestra Northwest will hold three magical early evening concerts this Spring.

Established in 2019, Orchestra NorthWest is the only symphony orchestra in the northwest of Ireland and is comprised of some of the most talented amateur instrumentalists from Derry, Tyrone, Donegal and beyond.

Managed by the Allegri arts organisation, the orchestra has become firmly embedded in the cultural life of the region since its inception, presenting a wonderful variety of orchestral works.

This Spring concert programme has been especially designed for all the family and will be performed in Limavady, Dungannon and Derry.

First up is Saint-Saens Carnival of the Animals. This delightful suite has charmed audiences of all ages with its humorous musical interpretations of creatures ranging from lions to elephants, birds to... pianists! Orchestra Northwest will fully embrace the fun and charm of what is arguably the most well-known of Saint-Saens works.

Audiences will experience each animal's characteristics brought to life by different sections of the orchestra. Listen for the xylophone in "Fossils," the flute in "The Aviary," and the clarinet in "Cuckoo in the Depths of the Woods."

Keen music lovers may spot references to other musical works cleverly woven into the movements, such as Offenbachs Can-Can, Mendelssohns A Midsummer Nights Dream, and Twinkle, Twinkle Little Star. While these references might not be familiar to everyone, all are sure to recognize the most famous movement, the beautifully graceful duet of cello and piano that perfectly depicts the elegance of "The Swan."

This playful work is an ideal introduction to the orchestra for young audiences or anyone new to orchestral music.

The second part of the program features a selection of musical favourites from the stage, transporting audiences to different lands and eras. The film music of John Williams will beautifully illustrate the wonder of the dinosaur age with his iconic Jurassic Park theme. The orchestra will also capture the poignant and moving Schindlers List score, featuring the orchestras Leader, Maureen McGranahan, on solo violin.

Next, we journey to the Jazz Age of the 1920s with the vibrant music of Chicagoexpect razzle-dazzle from the start! No concert showcasing movie and musical scores would be complete without the giants of the genre, including Jean-Michel Schonbergs Les Miserables and Leonard Bernsteins West Side Story. Orchestra Northwest will deliver wonderful performances of selections from these beloved musicals.

And for good measure, they will take everyone on a trip to the Emerald City with the ever-popular Wicked. This concert will be filled with feel-good music that will make it hard not to sing along!

Artistic Director of Orchestra NorthWest Maurice Kelly said: "We are thrilled to present our Spring concert series with a programme which is entertaining and enriching for all ages, and which promises to resonate with both new listeners and seasoned aficionados. We are very fortunate to have an abundance of very fine players with considerable experience and we look forward to welcoming you and your family to experience the joy and wonder of live orchestral music."

These magical concerts will take place in Roe Valley Arts and Cultural Centre, Limavady on Saturday, May 17, the Hill of the ONeill, Dungannon on Sunday, May 18 and Guildhall, Derry on Sunday, June 1.

Details for purchasing online tickets are available at Allegri or you can buy online at all venues.

The concerts are supported by the National Lottery through the Arts Council of Northern Ireland.
Police who are currently assisting colleagues in An Garda Siochana with their search for a missing person have appealed for the driver of a van who picked up a man outside Limavady to come forward.

George Brennan, aged 38, is missing from County Mayo in the Republic of Ireland.

George may have links to the Causeway Coast and Glens area, and the Mid and East Antrim area.

A PSNI spokeperson said: "As our enquiries continue, a member of the public has come forward to advise that they saw a man with a backpack hitchhiking at the Lisnakilly roundabout, outside Limavady, on Monday 14th April at around 4.45pm. They saw the man get into a white van with writing on the side, travelling in the direction of Ballykelly.

"We would ask anyone else who may have seen this man to come forward to police. We are also keen to speak to the van driver.

"If anyone has any other information relating to Georges whereabouts, we continue to ask that you contact police on 101, quoting reference number 831 of 12/04/25."
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The brother of a Derry man, who has been left in the hospital following a burglary at his house, has thanked the Derry community for their support.

Tony Mount and his wife, Margaret, were the victims of a burglary at Gweebara Park in Foyle Springs on April 6.

A 43-year-old man has been charged with entering a house as a trespasser and stealing medication and also charged with assaulting a man, occasioning him actual bodily harm and non-fatal strangulation, while being charged with grievous bodily harm on a female.

John Mount, the brother of Tony, has thanked the medical services and the police for their work, along with the community for their support at this difficult time for the family.

He said: We have had tremendous support from the Derry community and thank everyone for their prayers and kind comments.

READ NEXT: County Derry man named among EY Entrepreneur Of The Year 2025 finalists

Tony and Margaret are a very devoted couple who would have organised a pilgrimage to Knock, Maggiore, and Fatima. They are God-loving people and would be the first to offer help to anyone in need, and I think thats why people are so shocked at this attack, but it has been a long time since Ive seen anger shown among the Derry people that has been shown throughout the city.

It is not good either; it is not good for everybody.

The couple spent time in the hospital following the events of April 6. Margaret was admitted with a heart attack, while Tony was admitted the next morning after being found non-responsive by his daughter in her house, and he was rushed to Altnagelvin before the stroke team stabilised him.

The conditions of both have improved, with Margaret being discharged, while Tony is off the supportive oxygen and antibiotics yet is still being monitored closely, as while he is improving, he is not out of the woods yet.

One of the bruises on Mr Mount's face.

John said: It is a hard thing that I had to watch my niece and her children being asked by the doctor those horrific questions that had to be asked.

The medical staff were telling us that only 30 percent of his heart was operating, and if it got any worse, then a call would have to be made. This information was being fed to us and his grandchildren; it is not something you want them to hear or you want to be told.

Tony is 78 years of age and is in the early stages of dementia too.

Im happy to say today hes off oxygen and antibiotics but still not out of the woods but going in the right way.

John is hopeful the condition of his brother continues to improve so he can return to his home in Foyle Springs as soon as possible.

He said: They are a devout family; their house is like a chapel.

Our Tony bought that house before the roof was put on, as he was one of the first people in there when Foyle Springs was getting built, and from that day to this day they have never had a problem with neighbours, everyone in the area loves them.
PICTURED ABOVE: Nominees being presented with their certificates by Ryan McLaughlin, Youth Committee. At front are Noah Doran and Cara Doran, and at back, members of the Drama Club from St. Brigid's College and Luca Doran.

28 individuals and 11 groups were recognized as outstanding at the 2025 Derry Credit Union Young Peoples Awards on Monday night, April 14.

IN PICTURES: Derry Credit Union Young Peoples Awards 2025

Before an audience of more than 200 guests at the Waterfoot Hotel, Derry Credit Unions Youth Committee hosted the glittering event which was made more special given that it was the 20th anniversary of the annual awards programme.

Guests heard inspirational talks from keynote speaker Owen McColgan, CEO of the Howard Academy Trust in Kent who was also the youth committees chair in 2005 when the first awards were held, Irish League of Credit Unions President Martin Busch, and Derry Credit Unions Vice President Delma Boggs.

All praised the nominees for their compassion, achievements, commitment to others and generosity, and offered words of congratulations and encouragement to every nominee.

Nominees then received certificates and presentations were made to the runners-up and winners in the eight award categories.

Derry Credit Unions Youth Development Officer Sinead Bell commented, At this time of uncertainty across the globe, the young people who were recognized at the Young Peoples Awards for their talents, selflessness, compassion and courage, are a cause for hope for the future.

2025 FINALISTS

The 2025 finalists were Above and Beyond Award for Young Carer  Sinead Lavery, Liturgy & Choir Group of St. Columbs College, Alicia Nash, Freya Walker.

All Or Nothing Award for Volunteering  Glen Volunteers, Jude Kerr, Seanain McCallion, St. Johns Cadets.

Braveheart Award for Courage  Adam Roberts-Lynch, Cian McConnell, Shannon OHagan, Joseph Quigley.

Creativity Award for Contribution to the Arts  Grace Callaghan, Drama Club of St. Brigids College, Zhara Moore, The Suite of St. Columbs College.

Innovation Award  Matthew Cairns.

Titan Award for Contribution to Sport  Jude Bryson, Aurora Cartin, Adam Geresus, Hannah Lee McNamara.

Trailblazer Award for Leadership  Anya Ashok, Aimee Mallon, Mercy Girls Leadership Team of St. Marys College, Sistersin Team 2025 of Lumen Christ College.
MI5 files were not deliberately withheld from an investigation into the IRA agent known as Stakeknife, a review has found.

The review was carried out following discovery of the material last year, after the investigative stage of Operation Kenova had already been completed.

Kevin Winters, the lawyer for a number of families impacted by Kenova, described the review report as a damp squib.

Kenova, a major investigation into the operations of Stakeknife, thought to be the British Armys top agent inside the IRA, published its interim report in 2024 finding that more lives were probably lost than saved by his actions.

Despite the findings, the public prosecutor did not to pursue any cases.

Stakeknife, widely believed to be west Belfast man Freddie Scappaticci, died in 2023 at the age of 77.

Former head of Kenova and current PSNI Chief Constable Jon Boutcher said last year it was unacceptable that MI5 had discovered the material so late and that the files appeared to contain significant new material which appears to point to new investigative leads not previously known.

The review into the late disclosure of the four separate sets of documents was carried out at MI5s request by a former assistant commissioner of the Metropolitan Police, Helen Ball.

A summary of her findings has been published on the Kenova website.

She said: I have not seen evidence of a deliberate attempt to withhold the material identified in 2024.

Therefore, I have concluded that none of the material was deliberately withheld from Operation Kenova at either an individual or an organisational level.

However, MI5s disclosure exercise drew on historic information management practices for Northern Ireland material which were not as strong in the past as those that MI5 had in place for its other material.

This meant in some cases that material was not properly stored and indexed when it should have been, and in others that it was indexed in a way that meant its relationship to Operation Kenovas remit was not recognised.

Ms Ball added: In addition, MI5s approach to the disclosure exercise was, as agreed with Operation Kenova, to respond to requests for information provided to it.

MI5 did not conduct a broader assessment of its own position in relation to Operation Kenovas investigative remit and the material it might hold.

Had it done, some of the material might have been identified earlier.

So might it have been if MI5 had maintained stronger relationships with the Operation Kenova team.

She added that MI5 staff had carried out further extensive searches and no similar material has been found since.

Current Kenova head Sir Iain Livingstone said: It is of course deeply regrettable that material was discovered and disclosed after the investigative phase of Kenova had concluded and after the Director of Public Prosecutions for Northern Ireland had made decisions concerning prosecutions of the Kenova cases.

The circumstances and relevance of the non-disclosed material will form part of the Kenova final report which is due to be published later this year.

Some 32 people, including former police, ex-military personnel and people linked with the IRA, were considered for prosecution on a range of charges from murder and abduction to misconduct in public office and perjury as a result of the Kenova investigation.

The Public Prosecution Service (PPS) in Northern Ireland found there was insufficient evidence to pursue any cases.

Mr Winters of KRW Law said: This is a damp squib of a report.

When it comes to state accountability, conflict-bereaved families across the board are conditioned to being let down by the Government and its various agencies.

Unfortunately but not unexpectedly, todays findings are consistent with that inter-generational residual suspicion.

In many ways they can rightly feel insulted that they are being asked to buy into the notion that filing and indexing issues caused a communication deficit between MI5 and Kenova.

He added: It is derisory to suggest that families have to wait to get a full chronology of the relationship between MI5 and Stakeknife.

This is extraordinary when you consider that the Kenova inquiry started over nine years ago.
Services offered by credit unions in Northern Ireland are set to be expanded under new Stormont proposals.

Economy minister Caoimhe Archibald has launched a public consultation on a series of measures aimed at strengthening and modernising the sector.

Legislation governing how credit unions operate is 40 years old and representatives of the sector have been calling for law changes to enable them to offer more to members.

Credit unions are currently restricted in their ability to offer current accounts, digital banking, credit cards and mortgages.

WATCH Economy Minister Dr @CArchibald_SF has launched a public consultation on legislation to modernise and strengthen the credit union sector. Read the consultation and have your say at:https://t.co/xZxs85m1dM pic.twitter.com/3C0bYEsTfA  Economy NI (@Economy_NI) April 17, 2025

Ms Archibald is proposing to amend the legislation to allow them to provide a broader range of financial services, including insurance products.

The new laws would also be designed to allow the Department for the Economy to expand the list of permitted services in the future through the use of secondary legislation.

Other proposals include allowing credit unions to lend more to businesses, charities and local community groups.

Steps to embrace digital services and new technologies are also included in the consultation.

Ms Archibald said the proposed reforms would ensure the sector remains sustainable, inclusive and responsive to the changing needs of its members and the wider economy.

Credit unions are rooted in communities, she said.

They offer accessible and ethical financial services, and they do so with a deep understanding of local needs.

I want to make sure they are supported and thrive in the years ahead.

This consultation is a chance for credit unions, their members and the wider public to shape the future of the movement here.

The proposals were co-designed by the Irish League of Credit Unions and the Ulster Federation of Credit Unions alongside the Department for the Economy.

Ms Archibald added: My department is committed to the promotion of financial inclusion and a regionally balanced economy in which everyone shares in the benefits of prosperity, credit unions are integral to that goal.

The consultation on the Credit Union (Modernisation and Reform) Bill will close on Thursday July 10.
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Google's renewed bid to export South Korean Map data stirs market and trade tensions

Google has once again requested permission from the South Korean government to export high-precision map data, marking its third attempt in nearly two decades. The move, confirmed by local media reports including Chosun Biz and ET News, comes amid increasing US trade pressure and raises concerns about the impact on South Korea's domestic digital mapping industry.

In February 2025, Google submitted an application seeking approval to transfer South Korea's 1:5,000 scale map data to international servers. This scalefar more detailed than the current 1:25,000 map data used by Google Maps in the countrycould significantly enhance navigation services and next-generation technologies like autonomous vehicles, digital twins, and urban air mobility. The request is being reviewed by the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport (MOLIT), which has twice rejected similar proposals in 2007 and 2016 due to national security concerns.

Google's renewed push comes as the US intensifies scrutiny of South Korea's digital policies. The 2025 National Trade Estimate Report by the US Trade Representative labeled South Korea as a digital trade barrier, highlighting it as the only major market that restricts the cross-border transfer of geolocation data. The timing of Google's request aligns with broader US efforts under President Donald Trump to press for reciprocal tariffs and freer digital trade.

While Google has agreed to meet South Korea's requirement to blur sensitive sites, it continues to resist calls to establish a local data centera key condition proposed by the government in 2016. Instead, the company has designated personnel and a hotline to handle any national security concerns arising from map data use.

Industry experts warn that approving Google's access to high-precision data could undermine local competitors such as Naver Map, which leads the market with 27.04 million monthly active users, followed by T Map (14.64 million), Kakao Map (11.71 million), and Google Maps (9.11 million), according to March 2025 figures from IGAWORKS Mobile Index.

The South Korean government has 60 days to respond to Google's application, with a possible extension of another 60 days, meaning a final decision is expected by August 2025. The outcome could reshape the competitive landscape in South Korea's digital navigation sector and serve as a bellwether for how the country balances national security with global trade demands.

Article edited by Jerry Chen
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KENT  An industrial property at 25924 78th Ave. S. sold this week for over $5.6 million, according to King County records. The seller was Top Rung Investments LLC, which acquired the property in 2003 for $600,000.

The buyer was SP 78th Ave LLC, which is associated with Steel Peak. That California investor specializes in yard space. Public records indicate a loan from American Security Insurance.





. . .
Government funding for fact-checking services should be explored, according to a new strategy from the Department of Media.

The Disinformation Strategy, published on Thursday, outlines a range of measures to promote media pluralism, improve media literacy and enhance regulation.

Among the actions, the strategy calls for support in the growth of expertise on fact-checking and pre-bunking in Ireland.

It says more support in the form of training and knowledge exchange for media practitioners is required for the timely and effective dissemination of factchecks, pre-bunks, and disinformation analysis.

It says it essential that fact-checking and pre-bunking activities are resourced properly, sustainably and transparently.

The strategy adds: The feasibility of a funding strand under the media fund for the fact-checking/pre-bunking community should be explored.

Speaking on RTE radio, Media Minister Patrick ODonovan said disinformation had become a global scourge.

He said disinformation represents a danger to democracy as well as peoples ability to distinguish fact from fiction in day-to-day tasks.

Mr ODonovan said the strategy would be funded and resourced, adding: But were going to rely on partners including our public service broadcasters and our commercial broadcasters and social media platforms themselves as well to work with us on weeding out something thats really, to be quite honest about it, has become a global scourge.

And its something that we cant allow to be unchallenged in the way that maybe it has been in some jurisdictions.

Mr ODonovan also highlighted that disinformation can cause irreparable damage to the reputation of individuals.

We need to have mechanisms there so that, first of all people reading it can disseminate and say we know that is a ball of you-know-what but there has to be repercussions in terms of the damage caused to individuals as well.

Elsewhere, the document calls for the Government to develop a national approach to countering foreign information manipulation and interference and support international initiatives to counter disinformation.

The strategy also aims to support media pluralism and freedom as well as overall trust in the media.

It calls for implementation of the local democracy and courts reporting schemes to support the production of high-quality local public service content of relevance to local communities in Ireland.

It adds that there should be independent oversight of all public funding schemes for journalism.

It also points to provisions in the European Media Freedom Act which is designed to ensure that media  both public and private  can operate more easily across borders in the EU internal market.

The act has provisions to protect editorial independence and the independent functioning of public service media as well as steps to enhance transparency of media ownership and State advertising.

A Counter Disinformation Oversight Group will also be established to consider the commitments of the report.
Met Eireann has confirmed that nine counties in Ireland are set to be hit with rain this coming long weekend after issuing a Status Yellow weather warning, with risks of localised flooding.

The counties affected are Cork, Kerry, Galway, Mayo, Carlow, Kilkenny, Wexford, Waterford and Wicklow. With the warnings taking place on different days and times, here is everything you need to know about the Status Yellow rain warning and when to expect the downpours to hit.

Cork and Kerry's Status Yellow weather warning will begin on Thursday, April 17, at 11pm and is set to be lifted the following day at 12pm.

READ MORE: 'Totally speechless'- Shockwaves ripple through communities following tragic accident

The weather warning will then come into effect for Galway and Mayo on Friday, April 18, at 6am and will be lifted at 9pm on the same day.

Looking towards Carlow, Kilkenny, Wexford, Waterford and Wicklow, the Status Yellow comes into effect at 6am on Friday, April 18 and will stay in place until Saturday, April 19, at 6am.

The Irish Meteorological Service stated that while these warnings are in place, the spells of rain will only be heavy at times, as many look forward to the Easter bank holiday.
A Sinn Fein TD has apologised for a social media post about the UK court ruling on excluding trans women from the definition of woman in equality law.

David Cullinane, the partys health spokesman, said the complex issue needs to be approached with compassion and he apologised for any offence caused.

Trans and Intersex Pride Dublin has said it has written to the party asking it to clarify its position and will consider banning it from its parade in July.

The UK Supreme Court ruled on Wednesday that the terms woman and sex in the 2010 Equality Act refer to a biological woman and biological sex.

This means transgender women with a gender recognition certificate can be excluded from single-sex spaces, such as changing rooms and homeless hostels, if proportionate.

The judges also said transgender people are still protected from discrimination in the same law.

They said they can invoke the provisions on direct discrimination and harassment, and indirect discrimination and are protected from discrimination on the grounds of gender reassignment.

I want to apologise for the hurt and offence that I have caused to the Trans community following a tweet I sent last night. That was never my intention. This is a complex issue for many but we need to approach it with compassion, understanding and dignity for all.  David Cullinane T.D. (@davidcullinane) April 17, 2025

Authorities including the NHS are examining the implications of the ruling.

A spokesperson for the Equality Commission in Northern Ireland said while the ruling only relates to England, Scotland and Wales, our initial view is that the judgment is likely to be deemed by our industrial tribunals and courts to be highly persuasive and, consequently, it is likely to be followed in cases where similar issues arise.

On Wednesday evening, Mr Cullinane called for the ruling to be fully examined in this state.

The Waterford TD said on social media site X: The Scottish Supreme Court ruling on the legal meaning of woman is a common sense judgement.

The ruling found that for the purposes of equality legislation a woman means a biological woman & sex refers to biological sex.

It also confirmed that trans people are protected under their Equality legislation in a separate category of gender reassignment.

The PA news agency contacted Mr Cullinane on Thursday morning to clarify his comments.

In a tweet sent on Thursday afternoon, Mr Cullinane apologised.

I want to apologise for the hurt and offence that I have caused to the trans community following a tweet I sent last night, he said on X.

Im sure those in the Trans community will feel vulnerable and isolated today in the aftermath of yesterdays judgement, and I apologise that my words added to that.  David Cullinane T.D. (@davidcullinane) April 17, 2025

That was never my intention. This is a complex issue for many but we need to approach it with compassion, understanding and dignity for all.

Im sure those in the trans community will feel vulnerable and isolated today in the aftermath of yesterdays judgement, and I apologise that my words added to that.

Trans and Intersex Pride Dublin said it is not clear whether Mr Cullinane still believes the ruling should be looked at in Ireland.

It said it shows the instinct and insensitivity to attack the community by a health spokesperson.

The group added: The decision by the UK Supreme Court opens the door to further attacks on trans rights and has severe consequences for the people of Britain, and a knock-on for Irish trans people.

It welcomed the decision by different Pride groups in Northern Ireland to ban all Executive parties that had signed off on the temporary suspension of puberty blockers.

Trans and Intersex Pride organiser and co-founder Ollie Bell said: We understand that many activists in Sinn Fein may disagree with the partys position, however it would be a disservice to the community we represent if we allow Sinn Fein to march.

We encourage all Pride marches to consider our decision, in light of the ban on puberty blockers and the kowtowing to anti-trans forces with regards to agreeing with the Supreme Court decision, and join us in this decision.

We welcome all activists, groups, organisations who genuinely want to fight for trans rights to join us on July 12 in protest against anti-trans attacks everywhere.

A spokesman for Sinn Fein said: We are aware of the ruling from the British Supreme Court.

It is important that we have effective equality protections that work to protect everyone and we will carefully examine the detail of this ruling in that context.
Calling all food and drink producers in Louth  entries are now open for Blas na hEireann 2025, the Irish Food Awards.

Now in their 18th year, Blas na hEireann is the largest competition for quality Irish produce on the island of Ireland, created to recognise and celebrate the very best of Irish food and drink. Entries are now open for producers across all categories and the deadline for entries is the 15th May.

Its an exciting time when we begin our annual process again, says Artie Clifford, Blas na hEireann Chairman. Every year for the past 18 years we have gone into the competition looking forward to discovering new products and welcoming new producers participating, right across the island, and every year our expectations have been exceeded. With over 3,000 entries in 2024, this years bar has been set very high, but we have every confidence in the innovation, talents and commitment of our food producers, and no doubt there will be much to excite and delight in Blas na hEireann 2025.

Sarah Mallon, Head of Enterprise, LEO Louth said: "Louth Local Enterprise Office are delighted to once again sponsor Best in County Louth at the Blas na hEireann awards."

"Renowned for quality, the awards are a fantastic way to highlight the producers and products of county Louth. Applications are now open for 2025 and I would encourage all eligible Louth producers to apply."

The Blas awards are the biggest blind tasting of produce in the country, and the criteria on which the product is judged as well as the judging system itself, which was developed by Blas na hEireann with the Food Science Dept of UCC, is now recognised as an industry gold standard worldwide. The tasting takes place throughout June and July, building towards the biggest celebration of Irish food and its producers when the awards are presented in the Blas Village in Dingle in October.

Read Next: Dundalk IT inspires 125 TY girls to dream big in STEM

Last year over 3,000 products from every county in Ireland were entered to win bronze, silver or gold awards in over 170 food and drink categories, as well as key awards like Supreme Champion and Best Artisan Producer. Winning at Blas makes a significant business difference to winners, with research showing that the Blas accreditation has the highest recognition amongst Irish consumers. Seeing the award logo on packs guarantees shoppers a top quality Irish product.

For full rates and further details, please visit www.irishfoodawards.com
Victims of disgraced surgeon and paedophile Michael Shine have met the Taoiseach as part of their bid to have a Commission of Investigation into alleged sexual abuses.

The group has urged Micheal Martin to authorise a public inquiry into alleged sexual abuses by Shine, aged 93, who was convicted of assaulting nine boys at two trials in 2017 and 2019.

The group, Dignity4Patients, is calling for a public inquiry to probe claims that authorities knew about the decades of abuse that happened at a hospital in Co Louth and at Shines private practice and failed to prevent it.

He had worked as a senior registrar at Our Lady of Lourdes Hospital in Drogheda from 1964 to 1995.

Many of the survivors claim that the Medical Missionaries of Mary religious order, which was in charge of the hospital, was aware of the alleged abuse for years.

More than 200 victims have settled civil actions against the Medical Missionaries of Mary.

The victims met with Mr Martin at his office in Dublin, where they spoke of the abuse they suffered as young boys and teenagers.

Peter OConnor, who was originally from Dundalk, was allegedly abused by Shine in 1975 after undergoing an operation as a teenager.

I was a teenager, and I knew what had happened was wrong, he said.

I was very innocent then and I suffered a lot of jokes from people, about being one of Shines boys. The dogs on the street knew he was abusing boys.

Mr OConnor said he became a heavy drinker and only stopped drinking alcohol in recent years.

He is sceptical that the state will agree to a public inquiry.

I never had any form of help whatsoever from the state, he said.

The meeting with the Taoiseach went pretty much as I expected, a lot of airy talk.

If theres a Commission of Inquiry, Id be really surprised.

The dogs in the street knew what he was doing. It wasnt a world that I was aware of. I was really, really innocent and we had such a huge respect for doctors and Shine was many, many levels above that again.

Larry Torris, who lives in Dundalk, was a 10-year-old when he was allegedly abused by Shine in 1994.

It was during hospital treatment in 2022 that he discovered he was a former patient of Shine, and began having flashbacks while undergoing treatment a year later.

I have panic attacks and have been diagnosed with PTSD. I was only 10 when it happened, he said.

I slowly came to understand why I always had darkness over me and didnt particularly know who I was.

The first instance of Mr Shine happened in 1964, for me it was 1994, 30 years after it first happened.

How is it possible this can happen over a long period of time by one individual?

Ian Armstrong, from Drogheda but who was living in Meath at the time he was abused, attended hospital for treatment to a hand injury when he was around the age of 18.

He said: Mr Shine was the best surgeon around and he performed surgery on my hand. I had appointments with him after that and he seriously abused me.

I havent felt the same since. I am broken. I couldnt understand why he was doing a full body check at the appointment.

I knew what he was doing was wrong. I cant get out of my head what happened. It happened to so many of us.

We just want a Commission of Investigation. Time doesnt matter. Its healing in the head and its good to be listened to.

Cianan Murray, from Duleek, was the first survivor to go public about his abuse in 2009.

He was aged 16 when he was abused after he received treatment for a cut to his eye at the hospital.

I was abused in 1972 and gave a statement to the guards in 1995. They never came back to me and in 2009 I got on to the guards again. I said, whatever happened to my statement? They said, we couldnt find your records, they went missing in the hospital, so were not pursuing your case and you anymore, Mr Murray said.

He is Europes most prolific paedophile. Jimmy Savile had 300 victims. Theres a French surgeon (Joel Le Scouarnec) on trial who had 300 victims. At the moment, Shine has 366 victims.

We need to find out how could this have happened, and please, God, make sure it never happens again.

Id like the truth to come out because so many people have been involved in covering this up.

He had 360 victims and nobody said nothing. Since 1995 Ive been on depression and sleeping tablets.

What Shine did has been an open secret.

Gerard Murray was aged four when he was allegedly raped by Shine.

He attended hospital as a child for a hernia operation.

He sexually abused me and I can still remember his breath whispering over my shoulder as he was raping me, he said.

I cant really put into words how it affects me, but I grew up with a sense of shame, guilt, feeling unsafe and had an overpowering sense of self hatred.

I became addicted to alcohol and drugs and became homeless and attempted suicide. My life was destroyed.

Were looking for a Commission of Investigation because people knew Michael Shine was sexually abusing children and young boys, yet was never stopped.

It happened over decades. Im 26 years clean and sober, thats despite the state. Ive been failed by every institution in this country.

The Taoiseach didnt say yes but didnt say no either, and we need some form of accountability, truth and justice.

Read Next: Woman hit a security man with a glass in Louth pub

Adrienne Reilly, CEO of Dignity for Patients, said they remain cautiously optimistic that Mr Martin will agree to a public inquiry.

We feel that he listened and heard what we said, and in particular, we made it known to him that we have expertise about inquiry models, Ms Reilly said.

Were not starting from zero. Were an organisation that comes with 50% of the work already done.

Weve done a lot of deep thinking and had extensive discussions with the group about an inquiry model and what that may look like, how long it would take, where money should come from, costings and all the things that are a concern to the government.

We made that very clear to the Taoiseach today and I think he really heard us on that front.

A spokesperson for Mr Martin said: The Taoiseach welcomed the opportunity to meet with members of Dignity4Patients today.

The accounts of the abuse so many people suffered over the years were truly harrowing and enormous in scale.

The Taoiseach thanked them for telling their stories. They discussed the need for answers, and the best ways to achieve those answers.

The groups said they plan to meet with the Minister for Health and the Taoiseach agreed to reflect on the issues raised in todays meeting and to continue to engage.
One hundred and twenty-five transition year girls from across the North-East region recently visited Dundalk Institute of Technology to experience the wonders of STEM in a day of activity in conjunction with iWish.

iWish is a national community committed to showcasing the power of Science, Technology, Engineering, and Maths to teenage girls. In a 2024 iWish survey of over 1,700 girls about barriers to STEM, 60% said there was a lack of information about careers in STEM, 53% cited lack of self-confidence in their ability to pursue a career in STEM and 56% said there was a lack of information about STEM college courses. 45% also pointed towards the absence of role models or representation in the area. Through its collaboration with iWish, DkIT is committed to addressing these challenges and making a change in the North East Region and beyond.

The day kicked off with a welcome address from Dr. Breda Brennan, Head of the School of Engineering at DkIT, followed by inspirational talks from Sharon Lombard, Director of iWish and leading Irish science communicator and STEAM specialist Dr Niamh Shaw.

Throughout the day, the students participated in interactive workshops on a variety of STEM topics, including engineering, microbiology, programming, coding, film and media, health and physical activity and more. The event provided a unique opportunity for hands-on learning and a deeper understanding of the variety of career paths within STEM fields.

Students from Breifne College, Cavan; Our Ladys, Greenhills; Inver College, Carrickmacross; St Louis, Carrickmacross and St Vincents, Secondary School Dundalk took part in this years event.

This event was a follow-up to the DkIT Loves STEM team visits to the secondary schools in January to empower over 400 Transition Year girls to explore the dynamic world of STEM. This year, the roadshow introduced a range of innovative, exciting, hands-on STEM activities specifically designed to capture the interest of female students. Participating students also had the chance to compete for STEM roles in the fictional Totally Yours Cosmetics company, designed by DkITs Dr. Orla Sherlock and Maryellen Kelledy allowing participants to explore STEM careers in an engaging and relevant way.

Read Next: The Dogs in the Street Knew: Survivors of Louth surgeon Michael Shine urge public inquiry

Dr Orla Sherlock, Lecturer in the Department of Life & Health Sciences at DkIT said:

At DkIT, we believe the future belongs to those who are inspired to innovate. Through our DkIT Loves STEM outreach programme, we're empowering young female minds to see themselves as the engineers, scientists, and changemakers of tomorrow. As a woman in STEM, I know how powerful it is to see someone like you doing what you dream of. We want to help young girls see the possibilities in science, engineering, and innovation. It's about opening doors, sparking excitement, and building confidence.

To round off the day, participating students were entered in to a draw for some prizes. The DkIT Loves STEM team would like to thank the following for their very generous spot prizes, Walls Construction who provided 3Arena Tickets, Microbiology Ireland who provided Air Pods and Engineers Ireland North East Region who provided Lego Sets.
Steel manufacturers EliteForm marked a significant milestone recently as they celebrated the turning of the sod on their brand new 3.2 acre site in Castlebellingham.

We were honoured to be joined by Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment, Peter Burke, who helped us officially break ground and mark the beginning of this exciting new chapter, an EliteForm spokesperson said.

The day kicked off with a guided tour of their manufacturing facility, where Minister Burke had the opportunity to see first-hand the innovation, craftsmanship, and precision engineering that goes into every EliteForm product.

From cutting-edge machinery to our passionate and skilled team on the floor, it was a proud moment to showcase the heart of our operation the spokesperson continued.

READ NEXT: Four Seasons Hotel Carlingford celebrates their 20th Birthday

A special highlight of the day was the presentation of a custom-made plaque, designed and manufactured in-house by our talented team.

This one-of-a-kind piece symbolises not just the occasion, but the quality and creativity that define EliteForm.

It was our honour to present it to Minister Burke as a token of appreciation for his visit and support.

Louth TD Paula Butterly, several local councillors, and Kevin Nash of Meegan Builders and Brian Hughes and his daughter from Brady Hughes also attended the event.

And of course, we celebrated with our incredible team, many of whom have been with us since the early days.

As a proud, family-run Irish business, this expansion represents more than just physical growthit's a tribute to the people, values, and vision that brought us here.

Thank you to everyone who joined us to celebrateheres to the next chapter of EliteForms journey!
A man who was reunited with his birth mother, a survivor of one of Irelands most notorious mother and baby homes, has launched a fundraiser to help her buy her house.

Patrick Naughton, 70, from Ealing, west London, was taken from his mother, Christina Chrissie Tully, from the Tuam mother and baby home in Co Galway, in 1954, just weeks after she gave birth to him aged 24.

Mr Naughton, who moved to the UK with his adoptive parents aged 13, was reunited with Ms Tully, now 93, in 2013.

Ms Tully, who had given birth to another boy in 1949, when she was 18, via caesarean section, was told by doctors at the time that he had died.

But she believes her son, whom she named Michael, is still alive.

In a bid to help his birth mother, whom he said never had anything in her life, Mr Naughton has set up a fundraiser to help her buy her council home, so her son Michael will always have a home to which he can return.

I am terribly sorry for the raw deal that Chrissie has got, Mr Naughton told the PA news agency.

I came out all right, I wasnt put in with a bad family. I was put in with a good mum and dad that cared, but Chrissie lost.

Chrissie has had no life from the age of 15 onwards and she has suffered.

As many as 68,000 people went through the religious-run mother and baby homes. Womens babies were forcibly taken from them and adopted.

Up to 9,000 children died in institutions across the country, in appalling conditions.

Mr Naughton, who visits Ireland regularly, spoke of his mothers experience under the care of the Bon Secours nuns as an unmarried mother in 1950s Ireland.

Chrissy was put in the Tuam home because nobody wanted her, he said.

Her mother didnt want her. There was nobody she had to return to.

The local priest took her and put her in the Tuam home because she was a disgrace to the village.

When she was due to give birth to her first child, aged 18, she was taken into hospital as she needed to have a caesarean section.

When her time was right to go to the hospital they couldnt do the birth in the home, so they had to take her into Galway Central Hospital, he said.

She gave birth to a baby. The doctor came in and said the babys dead. I dont know how long after the child was born, but she never saw it.

Mr Naughton said he and his mother have searched high and low in recent years for records of her first child, but have been unable to find anything.

He said Ms Tully received a record from a Freedom of Information request that said the baby had been returned to Tuam home after he died.

In 2014 it was revealed that hundreds of babies had been indecently buried in a sewage tank at the Tuam mother and baby home.

The research by local historian Catherine Corless found that 796 babies and young children had died and been indecently buried in a defunct sewage system at the home between 1925 and 1961.

Ms Tully, who said he could be in that pit in Tuam, but he could also have been adopted, said she wanted to keep her home for after she had died, in case he came looking for her, like Mr Naughton.

She said her wish was for the house to remain her family home so Michael knows that she waited for him.

Mr Naughton said: I am desperate. Shes never had anything in her life, and nobody has ever helped her.

Ill never make up the lost time if I lived to be a million. Im trying to give her what she hasnt got. I try to do everything.

To learn more about Patrick Naughtons fundraiser you can visit: https://www.gofundme.com/f/last-of-the-tuam-survivors.
April 17, 2025: NATO countries closer to Russia spend more on defense because they are aware of the threat. Thats why these countries also spend higher percentages of GDP in aid to Ukraine. Estonia, Denmark, Lithuania, Norway, and Latvia took the lead in providing aid to Ukraine when measured as a ratio of the GDP of these countries.

The total amount of Estonia's long-term and short-term commitments to aid Ukraine was 3.6 percent of the country's GDP. Denmark ranks second in this indicator with 2.4 percent, followed by Norway with 1.7 percent, Lithuania with 1.54 percent, and Latvia with 1.2 percent.

In terms of the total amount of aid and commitments to support Ukraine as a percentage of GDP, Germany's aid was 0.6 percent, France's 0.59 percent, Great Britain's 0.5 percent, and the United States's 0.32 percent.

On the other hand, the European Union leads in the amount of aid provided or promised to Ukraine with a total of $91.5 billion, $5.5 billion being military aid. The United States sent Ukraine $73 billion but $42 billion was military aid. Germany is in third place with $23.75 billion in aid with 17.7 billion being military aid.

In the United States there were problems with actually delivering the promised aid. Members of the U.S. House of Representatives delayed approval of American aid to Ukraine because of disagreements over how much should be spent dealing with illegal migration across Americas southern border. While protecting Ukraine from Russian invaders was important to Americans, their own invasion crisis on their southern border was closer to home.

The United States had long called on European NATO countries to increase their defense spending rather than depending on the Americans to carry most of the financial and military burden of defending Europe. The combined GDPs of European NATO members are equal to that of the United States, yet the Europeans still expected the Americans to pay more than Europeans did to defend Europe. A growing number of American voters and politicians were questioning this situation, which had existed since the end of World War II. Back in the late 1940s and throughout the 50s and 60s you could make a case for the United States spending more than their European allies on European defense. Europe was still rebuilding. In the 1970s the European economies that were shattered by World War II began to recover and in the 21st Century returned to prominence in terms of sheer size and the volume of exports. The Americans pointed out that the U.S. could now step back on spending for European defense because Europeans could afford to defend themselves and provide most of the needed financial and military support for Ukraine. While the United States still produced more weapons than European nations, the Americans were willing to increase their weapons sales to European countries so those European allies could give more military aid to Ukraine.

The war in Ukraine was all about the Russian government correctly believing that it could not be a great power again without controlling Ukraine, which had a disproportionate amount of the ex-Soviet Unions heavy industry, military production, and particularly its high-tech development and production. President-for-life Putin also wanted to grab back most of the now independent bordering countries which used to be former Soviet Republics.

Ukraine wanted to join the European Union and NATO. Russia considered Ukraine part of Russia and calls its invasion of Ukraine an internal matter. Russia threatened to use nuclear weapons on NATO nations if NATO did not halt its aid to what Russia considers Russian rebels calling themselves Ukrainians. Russian leader Vladimir Putin believed the dissolution of the Soviet Union in 1991 was a great tragedy and wanted to put the Soviet Union back together again. He ignored the fact that the non-Russian elements of the Soviet Union do not want to rejoin a new version of the Soviet Union.

Some of those former Soviet Union components, like the Baltic States, are now NATO members. While Poland stayed out of the Soviet Union, they remembered that World War II began in 1939 when Germany and the Soviet Union agreed to partition Poland between them. Germany didnt invade the Soviet Union until 1941 and the Russians were not expecting that because they had a mutual non-aggression treaty with Germany since 1939 that included secret clauses detailing how Germany and the Soviet Union would eventually divide Eastern and Central European countries between them.

In 1941 Germany decided to try and take it all and invaded the Soviet Union after having conquered France and other European countries the year before. Germany decided Britain was too difficult to invade and decided to go after the Soviet Union first and conquer Britain later. The Americans stayed out of all this until Japan attacked Pearl Harbor in 1941 and Germany, which was allied with Japan, declared war on the United States. Britain was saved because they and the United States were now allies in the war against Japan and Germany. In 1941 Britain had considerable possessions in Eurasian south with India and in the Far East with Singapore. The Japanese took Singapore, but India proved too big and too far away for them.

Germany and Japan were not too big for the Americans to defeat and thats what they did by 1945. The United States developed nuclear weapons with the intention of using them on Germany, but the Germans surrendered in May 1945, before the Americans' nuclear weapons were ready.

Japan held out until September 1945 when American nuclear bombs were dropped on two Japanese cities. Mass attacks by American B-29 bombers had already demolished several Japanese cities but that required several raids by hundreds of bombers. The nuclear weapons did it with two B-29s dropping a nuclear bomb on two Japanese cities. That forced the Japanese to surrender and saved a lot of Japanese lives because American warships and submarines had already halted food supplies from Japanese-occupied northern China from reaching Japan. That, plus the two nuclear bombs, was more than the fanatical Japanese generals could handle and the Japanese surrendered in September 1945. This was just after Soviet armies had completed their movement from Europe to Manchuria to attack Japanese-occupied Manchuria.

The Soviet Union dominated East European countries after World War II and stationed armies in those nations that bordered NATO countries. In 1989-91 the Soviets withdrew from Europe and in 1991 the Soviet Union collapsed. For many Europeans that was the end of World War II, which for Europeans began in 1939 and in one form or another lasted over fifty years. In the 21st Century Russia decided it was time to restore the Soviet Union and Russian domination of Eastern Europe. World War II was back.
Cork city council focused on the topic of dog fouling again at Mondays meeting, with two councillors tabling motions with suggestions on how to address the issue.

Fianna Fails Sean Martin called for the council to put additional funding into this years budget to allow for the roll out of a more extensive dog bin programme in Cork citys various parks, recreational walking areas and school runs.

Paul Moynihan, director of services for local area, development and operations, explained that the parks department and cleansing department do not provide specific bins for dog waste, as any public litter bin can be used for the disposal of dog waste.

He said: The number of bins is considered adequate at present but is kept under review in the context of footfall at any particular location.

Any request from schools for the installation of additional bins will be considered on a case-by-case basis.

Social Democrats councillor Niamh OConnor said that dog fouling is a blight affecting all areas of the city, a public health risk, affects those with mobility issues and visual impairments most acutely and stands in the way of the councils stated aim of encouraging active travel.

She called for an evidence based solution, and suggested the council engage with Galway City Council in relation to their successful Clean it up you dirty pup campaign with a view to rolling out a similar campaign in Cork city in the short term.

The Galway campaign saw dog poo spray painted yellow to draw attention to the problem and to minimise people standing in it, as well as reporting on the amounts of dog poo on streets by volunteers, and it resulted in a 60% drop in dog fouling.

Ms OConnor mentioned that after she put in her motion, a community garda in her area piloted the programme himself, spray painting dog poo pink, saying: since then, anecdotally, from speaking to business owners on Douglas St, they have seen a decrease in dog fouling.

Mr Moynihan said that the council takes the issue of dog fouling very seriously and in 2016 established a dog fouling committee to help tackle the issue which has undertaken information and awareness campaigns and has organised a number of road show events.

The committee also runs an annual primary school poster competition to teach the next generation of dog owners about the negative impact dog fouling has on all sectors of society particularly those with mobility and visual impairment issues, he said.

Mr Moynihan added that the committee is aware of the initiative run in Galway and as part of the 2025 programme of work they agreed to consider piloting a similar type of initiative to highlight and report on the instances and level of dog fouling around the city.
A radio soap opera, written, developed and voiced by older people from across Cork county, is now available online following a successful run on community radio.

The soap, entitled The Estate, was funded by Cork County Council and Creative Ireland, and facilitated by writer, director and producer Katie Holly.

It was written and recorded by 10 participants from Carrigaline, Fermoy, Baile Bhuirne, the Beara Peninsula, Blarney, Kinsale, Ballyhea and Charleville.

The participants, who range in age from 55 to 75, were invited to take part in the project through the Muintir na Tire Cultural Companions programme, open calls in Cork county libraries, and Age Action groups.

The Estate follows the challenges of the fictional Dillon family, as they struggle the throes of change and disruption.

Widowed matriarch Lily is failing physically and mentally, and her adult children Barbara, Mags, Molly, Sean and James struggle to find a way to care for her, while still serving their own desires.

The core aim of the project was to platform older peoples voices and life experiences to their peers and the wider community.

To achieve this, the participants, who had never made a radio soap opera before, met weekly with Katie Holly in Cork County Hall, and explored different aspects of storytelling through the radio soap opera format, while devising and developing ideas for their own series.

Mayor of the County of Cork, councillor Joe Carroll, applauded the participants, saying developing a new skill can be daunting, and he commended their dedication.

The Estate is a heartfelt and often times humorous portrayal of family dynamics and retaining autonomy while living with dementia, Mr Carroll said.

The Estate has been broadcast on CUH FM and on Bere Island Community Radio and is now available on Cork County Councils SoundCloud channel.
The late John Mullins was a kind and decent man who did a lot of good work that was never publicised, a former political rival who was also his friend has said.

Mr Mullins, who passed away suddenly at home on Monday morning at the age of 57, was a Fine Gael candidate in Ireland South in last Junes European parliamentary elections, polling 33,281 first preferences.

Colm Burke, Fine Gael TD for Cork North Central, said Mr Mullins had unsuccessfully contested against him for selection years earlier, and then he had the good sense of going down the business route, and he did very well.

He was very successful in business, in the companies he was involved in, but then he also worked very hard in relation to sporting organisations, especially the GAA, and he packed a huge amount in throughout his life, whether it was sports, politics, or business, and he did it all very well, Mr Burke said.

He was very involved in a whole lot of things behind the scenes that people wouldnt know about, and he helped a lot of people.

Whatever he took on, he took on with vigour and determination that what needed to be delivered was delivered.

A native of Blarney St and raised in Bishopstown, Mr Mullins had been living in Castlemartyr in recent years.

A former chief executive of Bord Gais, and group chairman of clean energy firm Amarenco Solar, Mr Mullins also served as chairman of the Port of Cork board between 2013 and 2018.

Ann Doherty, chief executive at the Port of Cork Company, said Mr Mullins would be greatly missed by all at the Port of Cork and across the wider Cork community.

Mr Mullins is survived by his wife Siobhan and their children Michael and Sarah.

Liturgy of the Word for Mr Mullins will take place at 1pm today, Holy Thursday, in the Church of the Holy Spirit, Dennehys Cross, with funeral afterwards at the Island Crematorium, Rocky Island, Ringaskiddy.
Calls have been made for the installation of a bus shelter in Blackrock village to further encourage use of public transport.

Fine Gael Cork City South East councillor Des Cahill and Labour Party Cork City South East councillor Peter Horgan have said that the installation of a bus shelter along the Convent Rd in Blackrock village is a basic tenet for promoting sustainable travel.

The issue was raised at a recent meeting of the Blackrock Community Association, which prompted both Mr Cahill and Mr Horgan to raise the matter further with the National Transport Authority (NTA).

A spokesperson for the NTA said that this year, Cork City Council received an allocation of 500,000 under the Bus Stop Enhancement Programme (BSEP), for the provision of enhancing bus stopping locations across the administrative area.

The funding provided under the BSEP is intended to enable each local authority to enhance bus stop facilities, including the provision of bus shelters where appropriate, the spokesperson said.

To further assist local authorities and [to] make the process more streamlined, the NTA will, through a central supply contract, provide any required bus shelters to the local authority.

In addition, the NTA will also arrange for its contractor to undertake their installation [and] to maintain the bus shelters subsequently.

The NTA will be engaging further with each local authority over the next number of weeks to agree the programme of such works for 2025.

Mr Horgan said that the installation of a shelter along the Convent Rd would encourage people in the local area to mix their mode.

Having a bus shelter is a basic tenet in trying to attract people to using the public transport options more frequently, said Mr Horgan.

Having a shelter here makes more sense than a lot of locations because there is no land issue to deal with.

Working cross party for the area, we can achieve this investment which isnt a silver bullet for bus transport, but is helpful in encouraging people to mix their mode.

Mr Cahill said: Its important that this shelter is available in the village, to accommodate those who use the bus service and encourage others to do so.

Speed up work to slow down traffic in the locality

Cork City Council has said that the areas of Beaumont and Ballintemple have been earmarked for assessment following calls for increased pedestrian crossings, despite a lack of funding to facilitate works.

The comments come following calls from city councillors for national funding to ensure a rollout of pedestrian safety measures across Blackrock.

Independent councillor Kieran McCarthy said pedestrian safety is a priority for people across the South East Ward.

Were way behind where we should be  we need more funding for the bread and butter stuff, Mr McCarthy said.

Road safety seems to be a priority for people I have spoken with - we need better footpaths and better pedestrian crossings.

Were very blessed that we get lots of money for greenways and investments like the Marina Promenade, but were obliged not to harness that funding for other projects.

Labour Party councillor Peter Horgan said that pedestrian safety in the area has become a matter of urgency.

This is a critical issue that must be decided on, Mr Horgan said. I have spoken with parents of children going to school in the area and they are very worried about the potential for a serious accident.

We have to slow down the cars but speed up the investment and delivery, he added.

I have sought for some time proper pedestrian safety works in Ballintemple and now in Beaumont drive.

A spokesperson for Cork City Council said:

A request for a pedestrian crossing on Beaumont Drive between the junction of Beaumont Drive and Church Rd to the junction of Dundanion and Beaumont Drive has been added to the list of areas that will be assessed for a pedestrian crossing.

Currently there is no city council funding available for this type of works, however, we will retain the project for future roads programmes should funds be made available.

Style Squad pop-up to raise funds for good causes

Mahon Points Style Squad service recently partnered with Edel House and Good Shepherd Cork to raise vital funds for essential community supports.

At a recent pop-up event, representatives from Edel House and Good Shepherd Cork, Claire Harrington and Jessica Heaphy, met with Style Squad advisor, Dee Kelly to discuss the charitys work providing essential services for both homeless people and vulnerable women and children across the city and county.

Style advisor Dee Kelly with Claire Harrington and Jessica Heaphy from Edel House at the recent partnered pop-up at Mahon Point Shopping Centre.

Rather than charging a fee for the Style Squad event, visitors at the centre were encouraged to donate to the charity instead, seeing more than 500 raised for the provision of Edel House and Good Shepherd Corks services.

The partnership is set to continue between the two with the centres upcoming Jeans Clinic, which will resume from April 28, and continue throughout the year, as part of Ms Kellys style advisory service.

Luas line public consultation

Independent councillor Kieran McCarthy is calling on people across the Cork City South East ward to have their say on the emerging preferred route (EPR) for the Cork Luas line.

The National Transport Authority (NTA) will host three public meetings in Cork across April and May, where the public can share their thoughts on the recently launched EPR.

The 18km route is proposing eight stops within the Cork City South East ward, from the Docklands to Mahon Point Shopping Centre.

Speaking to The Echo, Mr McCarthy said it is crucial for people living along the route to have a chance to voice their opinions.

It is very important for residents from Ballintemple through Churchyard Lane all the way down Skehard Road [to see the documents as] there are proposals for small land takes, said Mr McCarthy.

If you live in these areas, it is crucial that you come up to speed with the proposals and meet the NTA team to get more exact details.

The three public consultations will take place at the Kingsley Hotel on April 28 from 12pm to 8pm; at Pairc Ui Chaoimh on April 29 from 12pm to 8pm; and at the Metropole Hotel on May 6 from 12pm to 8pm.

Easter events at Mahon Point

Over the next week, Mahon Point Shopping Centre will host a range of free childrens events in honour of the Easter holidays.

As part of the line-up of events, a Wizard of Oz themed easter egg hunt will take place on Friday from 1pm to 2.30pm, where participants will have the opportunity to meet with the Easter Bunny, and Dorothy from the classic childrens novel.

On Saturday, an Alice in Wonderland themed arts and crafts workshop will take place at the centre, from 1pm and finishing at 4pm.

Children will have the opportunity to get hands-on and creative with characters including Alice, the Mad Hatter, the Cheshire Cat, and the Queen of Hearts.

While the centre will close for Easter Sunday, a fun-filled music and movement session will take place on Monday from 12pm to 2pm, where guests will have the chance to dance and play games.

Have Mahon and Blackrock news to share? Contact rachel.lysaght@theecho.ie
The oldest bakery in Ireland should be back in business on Corks northside by autumn despite a devastating fire in January, its owner has said.

Healys Bakery, on Great William OBrien St in Blackpool, which was established in 1862, was burnt down in an electrical fire that broke out in the early hours of January 15 this year.

Now, after months of working with insurance providers, owner Rachel Healy has said she is hopeful of being back in business by the end of the year at the latest.

Were getting there, slowly but surely, not nearly fast enough for me, but well get there, Ms Healy told The Echo.

A builder is due to start work on the premises in July, she said, and she is hopeful that construction can be completed by autumn.

Ms Healy added: Were really hopeful that well be open for September or October at the latest, and we should definitely be up and running for Christmas.

The bakery has been in the same family for six generations. Ms Healy, who has worked there for 35 years, said she is in Drogheda at the moment, where her sister has a bakery.

I lost all of the equipment I had been collecting over the years, so were up in Belfast sourcing new equipment, she added.

The fire in January began when an electrical fault in a fridge caused sparks to ignite paper bags and cake boxes stacked at the back of the shop, and in its immediate wake and in the months since, the people of the northside have rallied around Ms Healy and her family, she said.

Theyre all so brilliant, God help us, people are so brilliant, people are very good, theyre very decent, she added.

The family support has been brilliant as well, and Im hoping well have everybody back here working soon.

We have a great old gang working here, and itll be great to get back.

We will be back, and we cant wait, Ms Healy confirmed.

Itll be a small bit longer than we thought, but we will be back.

I have a young fella wanting to come in behind me, and when he does, hell be the seventh generation of our family in the bakery.

I cant wait till we get back up and running and see all our old friends.
A boy, aged 15, from Midleton was diagnosed with a ureteropelvic junction obstruction and identified as being in need of surgery in January this year.

However, his family have been frustrated by miscommunication between hospitals and still have no idea when he will get this surgery.

Filip Kosackis mother Kasia Kosacka told The Echo that her son had issues for the last five to seven years on his right side, with pain roughly one day a month, but since January 12 he has been in constant pain.

He is in pain day and night, sometimes he cant go to sleep until 5am or 6am.

Hes tall so he looks like a man, but he is still a child and I am worried about his mental health.

She said that he was diagnosed on January 16 in Cork University Hospital (CUH) after they went to the emergency department (ED) there, and on February 28 he got a renogram, with results forwarded to Mercy University Hospital on March 20.

The Mercy had agreed to see Filip, but on March 21 they declined him because he wasnt 16 yet.

On March 22, we went to the ED again but they couldnt do anything, two or three days later CUH said they referred Filip to Crumlin, but Crumlin said that they didnt receive anything.

She said that she has been on the phone constantly.

I called CUH, they referred him again, but then I was told the referral was incomplete and had been sent back to CUH.

There is so much miscommunication between the two hospitals.

Last week, she said, she was told by Crumlin that Filips results were missing, so I called CUH asking how this is possible and they said Crumlin hadnt asked for the results.

Ms Kosacka said that the phone calls were a daily occurrence for her, and she had been crying on the phone.

My son has been in constant pain for three months, staying in his room laying down, he cant attend school. Filip is in third year and I am collecting pre-exams from the school for him to try and do whenever he feels even a little bit better, because hes not even able to sit down, and there are no painkillers for his condition.

Ms Kosacka said that their local TD Liam Quaide had been very fast and committed to Filip, raising the issue in the Dail on two occasions.

The Social Democrats TD first asked Tanaiste Simon Harris and then education minister Helen McEntee to intervene and help to expedite the process, both of whom promised to link in with health minister Jennifer Carroll MacNeill.

Mr Quaide told The Echo that he was grateful for their empathic response to Filips situation and for their committing to bringing this to the attention of the health minister and HSE.

Filip was contacted following Mr Quaide raising the issue the first time with a date for an initial consultation in CHI Crumlin, but this is in a months time, and they do not know how much longer after that he will have to wait for surgery.

A HSE spokesperson told The Echo: HSE South West cannot comment on individual cases when to do so might reveal information in relation to identifiable individuals, breaching the ethical requirement on us to observe our duty of confidentiality.
Seven units of Cork City Fire Brigade, with at least 20 personnel, last night attended what was described as a serious fire at the former Good Shepherd convent in Sundays Well.

The blaze began before midnight in the former Magdalene laundry on the western extreme of the ruined building, and the alarm was raised by concerned neighbours.

Just after 1am, a spokesperson for Cork City Fire Brigade said seven units were in attendance at the derelict site on the citys northside, with the building described as well alight.

The crews worked well into the early hours of Thursday morning to bring the fire under control.

It is understood that one unit of the citys fire service was kept in reserve at the its headquarters on Anglesea St in case it was needed in another emergency.

Padraig OSullivan, Fianna Fail TD for Cork North Central, said Cork City Council needed to secure the former Good Shepherd site as a matter of urgency after what is only the latest in a semi-regular series of fires at the site.

This latest fire shows how important it is that the site is made secure as soon as possible.

Weve seen multiple fires up there, and I would have a very serious concern that someone will be badly injured or worse there, Mr OSullivan said.

Local residents tell me that the fires have left the cellars open on the site, and it is a regular occurrence that children are seen on whats left of the roof.

Seven units of Cork City Fire Brigade worked into the early hours of Thursday morning to bring under control a serious fire at the former Good Shepherd convent and Magdalene laundry in Sunday's Well. Picture: Donal O'Keeffe

The site needs to be secured urgently, before there is a tragedy there.

Kenneth Collins, Sinn Fein city councillor, said Cork City Council needed to get serious about the site.

Its getting too serious now, the council needs to contact the developers, and they need to tell them to secure the site, or the council will compulsorily purchase it, he said.

The latest incident is the most serious blaze at the site since a major fire in 2022 gutted the eastern block of the convent, which had until then been largely intact.

The Good Shepherd site has been on Cork City Councils derelict sites register since February of 2019 and has an estimated current market value of 1,850,000.

Last year, several local councillors called on Cork City Council to compulsorily purchase the site, with a possible view to using it for some form of social housing.

The Echo has been unsuccessful in attempts to contact Moneda Developments, the last known owners of the site.

Only last week, local residents had called for clarity around the ownership of the former convent and Magdalene laundry which has been on the derelict sites register for several years and has suffered multiple fires over the years.

At the time, Tom Coleman, chairman of the Blarney Street and Surrounding Areas Community Association, told The Echo that the former Good Shepherd was a tragedy waiting to happen.

Mr Coleman predicted that as the good weather continued, the risk of anti-social behaviour on the derelict site would increase.

The night after Mr Coleman made that prediction, a unit of the fire service had to attend a small fire at the site, the first such incident of 2025.

Cork City Council was asked for comment about the site's current ownership.
A family who had been told Cork City Council would buy their rental home are devastated as the council did not receive enough central Government funding to continue its acquisitions scheme.

Jason Cashman is one of what is understood to be multiple tenants whose future is now uncertain.

Were on the housing list 16 and a half years, and we were receiving HAP [Housing Assistance Payment] for the house were in at the moment in Whites Cross, he told The Echo. The landlord decided to sell, and hes a gentleman so he offered to sell it to the council to keep us where we are.

Weve been here the last seven or eight years. We went through a whole process with the tenant-in-situ scheme last August, and were told by the council that the funding for 2024 had run out and we had to wait for this years funding. Then we got a confirmation at the end of January that the council would put a deposit on the house, it went sale agreed, but since then weve heard nothing  we thought it was just going through the legalities.

We found out on Tuesday that the funding has been pulled on the house.

Now were in a situation that we dont know whats happening, Mr Cashman continued.

I dont know how Im going to tell my seven-year-old son that he has to move out of his home  his school is right outside the housing estate, and our three-year-old is in preschool just up the road. Theyve lived here their whole life, this will have a devastating effect on them.

The tenant-in-situ scheme allows local authorities to purchase rental properties from landlords who are selling, ensuring that tenants who would otherwise face eviction due to the sale can continue to rent from the authority.

A circular issued by the Department of Housing to Cork City Council on March 31 said that a capital funding allocation of 20m will be provided for 2025.

This funding allocation relates to the programme of acquisitions in 2025 for four priority categories, including tenant-in-situ.

After reviewing the current programme and financial commitments carried over from 2024, we have determined that the allocated funding has been exhausted, a council spokesperson told The Echo. In summary, the initial funding allocation received by Cork City Council is inadequate to fulfil its existing commitments and the projected programme for 2025.

The council is discussing the matter with the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage, and we envisage that commitments will be honoured.

However, the progression of any additional purchases under the acquisitions programme for 2025 is ceased with immediate effect.

Speaking to The Echo, Independent Ireland TD for Cork North-Central Ken OFlynn said that commitments must be fulfilled.

The Government needs to step up the finance. Cork City Council was an honest broker in this, he said, adding that he has written to the ministers for finance and housing, calling on them to provide adequate funding.

His party colleague and father, councillor Noel OFlynn, said: The council have been left short by the Government, and families are going to be discommoded

These people have been looking forward to the security of being a tenant for life, now they dont know where they will end up.

Sinn Fein is to hold a protest outside City Hall at 1pm today, calling on the Government to provide adequate funding for Cork City Council to continue the tenant-in-situ scheme.
April 17, 2025: Ukraines borders were established in 1991 when the Soviet Union collapsed into fourteen new countries. Three years later, anxiety over Ukraine possessing some Soviet era nuclear weapons caused Russia, Ukraine, Britain and the United States to mutually agree that if Ukraine got rid of its nuclear weapons these four nations would guarantee that Ukrainian borders would remain the same and that Russia would never attack. After all, why would Russia attack its neighbor? The end of the Cold War in 1991 meant an economic bonanza for Russia, which could now import western technology freely and work with western firms to upgrade the Russian economy to the more modern and efficient western standards. Everyone was interested in demonstrating the benefits of dissolving the Soviet Union and opening up these former communist ruled territories to western investment and technology.

Then, 23 years later after fourteen new countries arising from the wreckage of the Soviet Union, Russia decided that a mistake had been made and the Soviet Union had to be restored to its former size, starting with Ukraine.

In 2021 Ukrainian intelligence experts explained why Russia was serious about completing their takeover of Ukraine. The initial effort was partially successful but had been stalled since 2015. Ukrainians have long warned that the Russians were not giving up on their plans to reincorporate Ukraine into Russia and rebuild the Russian empire that communist misrule destroyed in 1991. Russia spins their rebuilding of the Russian empire as necessary for peace in the region.

Russia used a collection of older tactics to create a plan, and a force currently gathered on the Ukrainian borders, to destroy Ukrainian independence by early 2022, probably beginning in January or February. Why a Winter Offensive? Because Russia could turn off the natural gas supplies to Ukraine without angering natural gas customers depending on the pipeline passing through Ukraine. Russia could now supply those customers via new pipelines for Western Europe via the Baltic Sea and avoid Ukraine. These new pipelines turned the gas supply into a valuable weapon. Russia has been waging a psychological warfare campaign on Ukraine since 2014. Ukraine warned the West what was happening and was, as the Russians expected, largely ignored.

In 2021 Russia had a tiny army compared to the Soviet Union in 1990. After 1991 the Russian military lost 80 percent of its manpower and even more of its annual budget. Since then, the Russian ground forces ended up smaller than the American Army in peacetime. That had never happened before. The current Russian leadership, containing a lot of Cold War era KGB officials, believed they could outsmart the west and so far, had some success at it. This pleased China, which also sought to restore their empire, which includes Russias Pacific Coast areas and perhaps more as well.

The key to the Russian strategy for conquering all of Ukraine was to demoralize Ukraine and multiple armed incursions that would overwhelm Ukrainian ability to handle the situation and further demoralize Ukrainians. At the time Russia had nearly 200,000 troops in the Crimean Peninsula or Ukrainian borders.

Ukraine believed that Russia would make fifty or more simultaneous attacks using battalion size ground units, advancing into Ukraine from different locations along the northern border as well as from the larger garrison currently stationed in Russian occupied Crimea. Russia also had some naval infantry units available for operations along the Ukrainian Black Sea coast as well as over 3,000 airborne and airmobile troops to fly in as small groups to attack or disrupt Ukrainian defense efforts. There would be a lot of artillery fire from the Russian side of the border initially as well as airstrikes inside Ukraine.

All this offensive action was planned to only last a few days because Russia did not possess sufficient supplies for anything longer. The invading units planned to head for Ukrainian supply centers that would provide needed fuel and food. That part of the plan could not be absolutely relied on. The plan depended on demoralization of Ukrainians and economic collapse. NATO aid was not expected to be a major factor and keeping Ukraine from joining NATO was seen as the root cause of all this aggression against an independent Ukraine. Russia wanted to make it clear that Ukrainians would be safer from this violence if they were part of Russia, and not an annoying neighbor.

Ukraine had been receiving some military aid from the United States and other NATO states since 2014 and pointed out what Russia was planning was what was done to European nations by the Nazi Germans and Soviet Russians from the 1930s through the late 1940s. If Europe wanted to avoid a repeat of past horrors, they must act fast. That might happen and is one reason Russia was making serious preparations for another offensive against Ukraine.

Ukraine had formed and expanded its armed forces since 2014 and by 2021 had 250,000 troops on active duty and 80 percent were in the ground forces. Conscription was halted in 2013, but revived in 2014 because of the Russian invasion in Crimea and eastern Ukraine. Because of this Ukraine had several hundred thousand men with military experience who could be called up, armed, and organized into units to deal with a major emergency. The ground forces also included about 10,000 special operations and airborne/airmobile troops. Russia had many agents inside Ukraine and knew of the growing reserve and paramilitary forces and the enthusiasm of Ukrainians to obtain military training to defend their independence. Russia had a lot of reluctant conscripts which meant a large portion of their ground forces were untrained or poorly trained for offensive or special operations. Russia was putting most of its effective units into the new Ukrainian offensive.

In early 2014 the Russian operation to take the Crimean Peninsula from Ukraine had a bracing effect on the other countries that, until 1991, were part of the ancient Russian Empire. In part this was because the Crimean operation was the second such land grab Russia has undertaken. The first was against tiny Georgia in 2008. Many of these former Russian subjects felt that the Russians were trying to reassemble the Soviet Union. Ask many Russians that question and most agreed that it would be a nice thing. Some Russians were more outspoken and bluntly called for the empire to be reassembled no matter what. In reaction to all this the Baltic States of Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania, Belarus, whose leader was pro-Russia but not the Belarussian population, Moldova, Ukraine, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Georgia and the five Central Asian Stans of Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan, that were part of the Soviet Union until 1991, as well as many East European states that were subject to Russian occupation from the end of World War II to 1989, became very nervous after 2014. They were concerned but not alarmed or paying close attention to what was going on in Ukraine. That meant there were no plans to get involved in the defense of Ukraine if there was a major Russian attack.

Poland was particularly agitated because large parts of Poland were part of the Russian empire for most of the 18th and 19th centuries. Same situation with Finland, which broke away after World War I and had to fight off a 1940 Russian invasion and many threats since then to remain independent. There was a similar fear in Norway, which also has land borders with Russia, and Sweden which doesnt but feels itself too close to Russia. That makes the forlorn fourteen the scared seventeen. All these nations have noted what happened to Georgia and Ukraine with great trepidation and are responding in expected and unexpected ways. Poland and the Baltic States managed to join NATO after the Cold War ended and were hoping that the mutual defense terms of the NATO alliance would dissuade Russia. Nevertheless, everyone bordering Russia had increased their military readiness and sought assurances from the West that they would have help against Russia.

Many Finns called for Finland to join NATO, but a large minority opposed this because of the fear it would anger the Russians. There was a similar division in Ukraine but since 2014 more Finns believed NATO membership was preferable to trusting Russia to behave. Even Sweden, never part of the Russian empire and successfully neutral since the early 19th century, was thinking about joining NATO for protection from an increasingly aggressive Russia. The Stans of Central Asia had another option, China. The Stans have been very receptive to Chinese diplomatic and economic cooperation. This bothered Russia, but not to the extent that threats were being made, as was the case with the former imperial provinces to the west.

The Stans also have a problem with never having been democracies. When the Russians conquered them in the 19th century, the local governments were monarchies or tribes. When the Soviet Union collapsed in 1991, locals who were former Soviet officials held elections and manipulated the vote to get themselves elected president for life. Many people in the Stans wanted clean government and democracy, as well as continued independence from Russia. China was no help with that because the Chinese prefer dictators. In the Caucasus Georgia still sought closer ties with the west. Armenia, because of disputes with Azerbaijan and long-term fear of Turkey, remained a close ally of Russia. Azerbaijan maintains good relations with Russia mainly because Iran claims Azerbaijan was a lost province, stolen by Russia in the 19th century.

Russia has long been quite open about wanting to rebuild the old Tsarist Empire the Soviet communists managed to lose in 1991 when the Soviet Union came apart and half the population of that empire went off and formed 14 new countries or reconstituted old ones the Russians had conquered. Russia proposed things like customs unions, military cooperation and rebuilding the old Soviet air defense system that used to defend everyone in the empire. There was some progress, but many of these 14 nations wanted nothing to do with Russia. Meanwhile Russia had to face the fact that when the Soviet Union broke up, half the population willingly went to the 14 new countries and most of those people were quite enthusiastic about the demise of the Soviet Union. The Soviet Union was basically the Russian Empire cobbled together by the old czarist monarchy over more than two centuries of conquest and expansion. Thus, in the Soviet Union half the population felt like conquered people, not part of any union.

The Soviet Union dissolved quickly in 1990-91 because over half the population really wanted it to happen and had wanted it for a long time. Moreover, many ethnic Russians were tired of supporting a lot of the less affluent conquered peoples and were fed up with the economic failures of communism. The former Soviet Union citizens who regretted the breakup tended to be older Russians who were disillusioned at how corruption and bad leadership made post-Soviet life less wonderful than expected. The younger people were more realistic, never having lived as adults in the Soviet Union and were intimately familiar with the fact that freedom isnt free and democracy is difficult to maintain. For younger Russians there were more economic opportunities than under communism. While Russia lost half its population in 1991, it hung on to most of the valuable natural resources like oil and natural gas. That meant more prosperity for post-Soviet Union Russians. While the post-Soviet government was initially reluctant to increase state supplied pensions, which were low during the Soviet period because there was little to spend it on while the government supplied housing and some health care, the pensions did eventually go up. But not as much as the economy grew and the working Russians were obviously doing better than the pensioners who had grown up under communism.

In Soviet times that meant there was little economic opportunity and most everyone was equally poor. The old-timers never got used to the changes and most would prefer the communists to come back. That didnt happen and, as the generations that grew up under communism died off, so did any desire to return to the bad but familiar old days. Nevertheless, enough Russians favored rebuilding the empire to make the idea a popular talking point among major politicians.

A big supporter of Russian aggression is China. In large part this is because China is also an empire trying to reclaim lost territories. That some of those territories are currently Russias Far East in areas bordering the Pacific is not officially discussed in Russia or China, but is no secret to many Russians and Chinese. That is a problem for another day as currently Russia and China support each others imperial ambitions in Ukraine and the South China Sea and help each other out to deal with any associated problems, especially the UN or economic sanctions.

Another reason China is watching Ukraine carefully is because China is violating an international maritime borders treaty it signed by claiming all the South China Sea. What happens to Russia for violating the 1994 agreement to protect Ukrainian borders in return for Ukraine getting rid of its Cold War era nuclear weapons is of interest to China. Russia simply said the 1994 agreement did not apply and that attitude influenced what China did with its numerous offshore territorial disputes. Another problem with violating the 1994 agreement was the message it sent to states like Iran and North Korea. The message was that if you really wanted to keep invaders out and dominate neighbors, you need nuclear weapons.

As for nuclear armed Russia, earlier threats to use nuclear weapons against the NATO threat caused momentary consternation but were soon discounted because that was all the Russians had to deter real threats and NATO, the United States or an independent minded Ukraine were not a real threat to Russia. When informed that NATO, including the Americans, would respond militarily to a Russian invasion of all Ukraine, the Russia leader responded that such an attack was not going to happen because the Russian plans and concentration of troops on the Ukrainian border were an effort to see what Russia could get away with while avoiding a major war that Russian could not afford. Or something like that. With the Russians it was more realistic to depend on what they could do right now and not predict what they might do.
DPP directions are not yet available because of the absence to date of a postmortem in the case against a 38-year-old man accused of assault causing harm to his grandmother who died in hospital two days later.

Sergeant John Kelleher said: Unusually in this case, we are awaiting the outcome of a postmortem, which is not yet available.

Solicitor Shane Collins-Daly said: Unfortunately, [the accused] was unsuccessful in his application for High Court bail.

Judge Treasa Kelly remanded the accused in continuing custody until April 30 to allow time for directions from the DPP.

Brian Nnamdi Ogbo is charged him that on February 23, at 17 Garrydhu Drive, Kilmoney Rd, Carrigaline, Co Cork, he assaulted 82-year-old Stella Nnamdi, causing her harm.

Detective Garda Tom Delaney testified during the original objection to bail that this was a charge of assaulting his maternal grandmother causing her harm, and who later died.

Det Gda Delaney said family members informed gardai that Mr Ogbo suffers from schizophrenia and that he allegedly produced a knife during the assault.

It was alleged that he broke into the upstairs bathroom, where his grandmother was located, and that he dragged her out of the bathroom, Det Gda Delaney said.

He dragged her downstairs. She was off her feet and being dragged head-first down the stairs and pushed out of the house.

Nobody required hospitalisation at the time of the occurrence. However, Stella Nnamdi deteriorated and was subsequently taken by ambulance to Cork University Hospital on Tuesday, February 25, and died later that afternoon.

During his application for bail, the accused agreed that he did need a system of support and that he received help from his family in relation to the taking of medication.
Cork secondary school principals have raised concerns that the new Leaving Cert science course will make for an uneven playing field between private schools and public schools.

An Association of Secondary Teachers Ireland (ASTI)/RedC survey of school leaders reveals that schools will face significant logistical challenges when nine new or revised Leaving Cert subjects are introduced in September.

From September 2025 to 2029, new and revised Leaving Cert subject specifications will be introduced on a phased basis. Nine tranche 1 subjects will be introduced in September for fifth year students.

Half of all principals and deputy principals who participated in the survey agreed that their schools do not have a sufficient number of science labs for the changes to the biology, chemistry, and physics programmes and 44% believe their science labs are not well equipped.

The survey also showed that almost three-quarters of second-level school principals work more than 50 hours per week, and over a third work 56 or more hours.

The new requirements are for a project worth 40% in each subject. That might sound good on the surface, to take pressure off the exam, but many schools feel their labs are insufficient to cope, said Cork ASTI standing committee representative John Byrne.

Its going to make it a two-tier system. Weve always prided ourselves in our very fair Leaving Cert, but some schools will be able to cope better than others with these new projects and that will lead to huge inequity.

He said that concerns as to how teachers will authenticate that the work is their students own and not AI were also prevalent.

That hasnt been sufficiently addressed, but these changes are being accelerated anyway.

He said the new subjects will bring more stress to principals.

There is a general recruitment and retention problem within the teaching sector. People are burning out a lot earlier in their careers because of the increased workload, most of which is admin  nobody goes into teaching for admin.

Aaron Wolfe, principal of Colaiste Eamann Ris in Turners Cross, said that workload impacts are a worry.

Everything that comes out from the department seems to be the principal can do this, but theres only so much that can be done, and assistant principal positions still havent been restored to what they were before austerity.

People dont want to become principals any more."
Is clubbing dead? I keep hearing people tell me that nightclubs are finished, nightlife has changed for good, and that people dont want to go out anymore.

Today Ill give you my two cents! Ive been DJing and going to clubs since I was a teenager and remain passionate about nightlife, so Ive been thinking about this topic a lot lately.

Ill get to my personal perspective imminently but there is no doubt things have changed a little since covid. Venues are closing at a fairly steady rate and in Cork, Dublin, and other cities and towns, there are far fewer late night clubbing options available. Its a pattern that is also continuing in Europe and throughout the world.

A generation of teenagers from 2020 on have grown up differently to previous ones, and the traditional route of teenage discos to regular clubbing has been disrupted somewhat.

These discos still happen and young people still go out once they reach 18ish, but it has definitely changed a little, and many tell me that they cant always get into venues until they are slightly older.

Many remain obsessed with music, nightlife, and DJ culture but there are other options in which to explore these pursuits too.

Festivals remain ubiquitous, and many youngsters travel to other European cities to go clubbing, and go out less regularly here. This is a big pattern that I can see across the board.

Youngsters have less disposable income and are facing massive rent costs compared to what my generation experienced. The price of everything continues to rise and while festivals and other events remain expensive too, more people are spending more money on such experiences instead of regular weekly clubbing events.

The clubs are rarely weekly now anyway. Those that have closed will point to the massive costs, overheads, insurance and red tape involved, and having operated a venue during the last recession, I know all about this. Its an almost impossible task.

People will also be aware that the younger generation out there at the moment are more health conscious and the whole fitness and well being industry is booming.

Many in these industries tie in with DJs and clubland and its my own feeling that young people are still enthusiastic about these elements. DJ culture is bigger than ever on TikTok and Instagram, and while regular club events have gone more underground, it doesnt mean that clubbing is dead.

On the contrary, its booming, and there are underground raves aplenty, while smaller venues such as bars and cafes regularly host DJs and nights.

Im playing lots of daytime and early evening events and my Everybody Dance party in the Marina Market even has the tagline: Thursday morning is the new Saturday night. You will probably be familiar with the Before midnight parties that are springing up everywhere, (Im doing one in June), and there are an increasing number of other morning raves, daytime brunches, and other early evening events too.

Part of the appeal is that many people are not used to being out all night anymore. Some of this is to do with the aforementioned changes after covid.

Others have simply got older, have more responsibilities, maybe kids or jobs or whatever else.

Do they hate clubbing? Again, its often the opposite.

People still love the music and the culture but they dont want to, or cant, be out until four in the morning. Alcohol and drug behaviour has no doubt changed too, and ties with my points regarding fitness, but this isnt black and white. Addiction and misuse of alcohol and other substances continues too, regardless of the club scene.

The clubbing scene has moved either underground and the promoters and DJs are getting more creative in how they keep their passion going.

Music people will always adapt to circumstance and creativity will always flourish no matter what the circumstances.

Much of the sound system culture and club culture that has provided the backbone to club life was born out of such creativity, and even when the clubs become hotels and apartments, the music and creativity will flourish elsewhere.

Give Us the Night and other volunteer groups will continue to campaign brilliantly for later hours and more of a political presence for music, but in the meantime, the DJs, promoters, and club goers will get their clubbing fix no matter what!
By Cate McCurry, PA

Victims of disgraced surgeon and paedophile Michael Shine have met the Taoiseach as part of their bid to have a Commission of Investigation into alleged sexual abuses.

The group has urged Micheal Martin to authorise a public inquiry into alleged sexual abuses by Shine, aged 93, who was convicted of assaulting nine boys at two trials in 2017 and 2019.

The group, Dignity4Patients, is calling for a public inquiry to probe claims that authorities knew about the decades of abuse that happened at a hospital in Co Louth and at Shines private practice and failed to prevent it.

He had worked as a senior registrar at Our Lady of Lourdes Hospital in Drogheda from 1964 to 1995.

Many of the survivors claim that the Medical Missionaries of Mary religious order, which was in charge of the hospital, was aware of the alleged abuse for years.

More than 200 victims have settled civil actions against the Medical Missionaries of Mary.

The victims met with Mr Martin at his office in Dublin, where they spoke of the abuse they suffered as young boys and teenagers.

Cianan Murray, from Duleek, was the first survivor to go public about his abuse in 2009.

He was aged 16 when he was abused after he received treatment for a cut to his eye at the hospital.

I was abused in 1972 and gave a statement to the guards in 1995. They never came back to me and in 2009 I got on to the guards again. I said, whatever happened to my statement? They said, we couldnt find your records, they went missing in the hospital, so were not pursuing your case and you anymore, Mr Murray said.

He is Europes most prolific paedophile. Jimmy Savile had 300 victims. Theres a French surgeon (Joel Le Scouarnec) on trial who had 300 victims. At the moment, Shine has 366 victims.

We need to find out how could this have happened, and please, God, make sure it never happens again.

Id like to truth to come out because so many people have been involved in covering this up.

He had 360 victims and nobody said nothing. Since 1995 Ive been on depression and sleeping tablets.

What Shine did has been an open secret.

Gerard Murray was aged four when he was allegedly raped by Shine.

He attended hospital as a child for a hernia operation.

He sexually abused me and I can still remember his breath whispering over my shoulder as he was raping me, he said.

I cant really put into words how it effects me, but I grew up with a sense of shame, guilt, feeling unsafe and had a overpowering sense of self hatred.

I became addicted to alcohol and drugs and became homeless and attempted suicide. My life was destroyed.

Were looking for a Commission of Investigation because people knew Michael Shine was sexually abusing children and young boys, yet was never stopped.

It happened over decades. Im 26 years clean and sober, thats despite the State. Ive been failed by every institution in this country.

The Taoiseach didnt say yes but didnt say no either, and we need some form of accountability, truth and justice.

Peter OConnor, who was originally form Dundalk, was allegedly abused by Shine in 1975 after undergoing an operation as a teenager.

I was a teenager, and I knew what had happened was wrong, he said.

I was very innocent then and I suffered a lot of jokes from people, about being one of Shines boys. The dogs on the street knew he was abusing boys.

Mr OConnor said he became a heavy drinker and only stopped drinking alcohol in recent years.

He is sceptical the State will agree to a public inquiry.

I never had any form of help whatsoever from the State, he said.

The meeting with the Taoiseach went pretty much as I expected, a lot of airy talk.

If theres a Commission of Inquiry, Id be really surprised.

The dogs in the street knew what he was doing. It wasnt a world that I was aware of. I was really, really innocent and we had such a huge respect for doctors and Shine was many, many levels above that again.

Ian Armstrong, from Drogheda but who was living in Meath at the time he was abused, attended hospital for treatment to a hand injury when he was around the age of 18.

He said: Mr Shine was the best surgeon around and he performed surgery on my hand. I had appointments with him after that and he seriously abused me.

I havent felt the same since. I am broken. I couldnt understand why he was doing a full body check at the appointment.

I knew what he was doing was wrong. I cant get out of my head what happened. It happened to so many of us.

We just want a Commission of Investigation. Time doesnt matter. Its healing in the head and its good to be listened to.

Larry Torris, who lives in Dundalk, was a 10-year-old when he was allegedly abused by Shine in 1994.

It was during hospital treatment in 2022 that he discovered he was a former patient of Shine, and began having flashbacks while undergoing treatment a year later.

I have panic attacks and have been diagnosed with PTSD. I was only 10 when it happened, he said.

I slowly came to understand why I always had darkness over me and didnt particularly who I was.

The first instance of Mr Shine happened in 1964, for me it was 1994, 30 years after it first happened.

How is it possible this can happen over a long period of time by one individual?

Adrienne Reilly, chief executive of Dignity for Patients, said they remain cautiously optimistic that Mr Martin will agree to a public inquiry.

We feel that he listened and heard what we said, and in particular, we made it known to him that we have expertise about inquiry models, Ms Reilly said.

Were not starting from zero. Were an organisation that comes with 50 per cent of the work already done.

Weve done a lot of deep thinking and had extensive discussions with the group about an inquiry model and what that may look like, how long it would take, where money should come from, costings and all the things that are a concern to the government.

We made that very clear to the Taoiseach today and I think he really heard us on that front.

A spokesperson for Mr Martin said: The Taoiseach welcomed the opportunity to meet with members of Dignity4Patients today.

The accounts of the abuse so many people suffered over the years were truly harrowing and enormous in scale.

The Taoiseach thanked them for telling their stories. They discussed the need for answers, and the best ways to achieve those answers.

The groups said they plan to meet with the Minister for Health and the Taoiseach agreed to reflect on the issues raised in todays meeting and to continue to engage.
By Grainne Ni Aodha and Cate McCurry, PA

A Sinn Fein TD has apologised for a social media post about the UK court ruling on excluding trans women from the definition of woman in equality law.

David Cullinane, the partys health spokesman, said the complex issue needs to be approached with compassion and he apologised for any offence caused.

Trans and Intersex Pride Dublin has said it has written to the party asking it to clarify its position and will consider banning it from its parade in July.

The UK Supreme Court ruled on Wednesday that the terms woman and sex in the 2010 Equality Act refer to a biological woman and biological sex.

This means transgender women with a gender recognition certificate can be excluded from single-sex spaces, such as changing rooms and homeless hostels, if proportionate.

The judges also said transgender people are still protected from discrimination in the same law.

They said they can invoke the provisions on direct discrimination and harassment, and indirect discrimination and are protected from discrimination on the grounds of gender reassignment.

I want to apologise for the hurt and offence that I have caused to the Trans community following a tweet I sent last night. That was never my intention. This is a complex issue for many but we need to approach it with compassion, understanding and dignity for all.  David Cullinane T.D. (@davidcullinane) April 17, 2025

Authorities including the NHS are examining the implications of the ruling.

A spokesperson for the Equality Commission in Northern Ireland said while the ruling only relates to England, Scotland and Wales, our initial view is that the judgment is likely to be deemed by our industrial tribunals and courts to be highly persuasive and, consequently, it is likely to be followed in cases where similar issues arise.

On Wednesday evening, Mr Cullinane called for the ruling to be fully examined in this state.

The Waterford TD said on social media site X: The Scottish Supreme Court ruling on the legal meaning of woman is a common sense judgement.

The ruling found that for the purposes of equality legislation a woman means a biological woman & sex refers to biological sex.

It also confirmed that trans people are protected under their Equality legislation in a separate category of gender reassignment.

The PA news agency contacted Mr Cullinane on Thursday morning to clarify his comments.

In a tweet sent on Thursday afternoon, Mr Cullinane apologised.

I want to apologise for the hurt and offence that I have caused to the trans community following a tweet I sent last night, he said on X.

Im sure those in the Trans community will feel vulnerable and isolated today in the aftermath of yesterdays judgement, and I apologise that my words added to that.  David Cullinane T.D. (@davidcullinane) April 17, 2025

That was never my intention. This is a complex issue for many but we need to approach it with compassion, understanding and dignity for all.

Im sure those in the trans community will feel vulnerable and isolated today in the aftermath of yesterdays judgement, and I apologise that my words added to that.

Trans and Intersex Pride Dublin said it is not clear whether Mr Cullinane still believes the ruling should be looked at in Ireland.

It said it shows the instinct and insensitivity to attack the community by a health spokesperson.

The group added: The decision by the UK Supreme Court opens the door to further attacks on trans rights and has severe consequences for the people of Britain, and a knock-on for Irish trans people.

It welcomed the decision by different Pride groups in Northern Ireland to ban all Executive parties that had signed off on the temporary suspension of puberty blockers.

Trans and Intersex Pride organiser and co-founder Ollie Bell said: We understand that many activists in Sinn Fein may disagree with the partys position, however it would be a disservice to the community we represent if we allow Sinn Fein to march.

We encourage all Pride marches to consider our decision, in light of the ban on puberty blockers and the kowtowing to anti-trans forces with regards to agreeing with the Supreme Court decision, and join us in this decision.

We welcome all activists, groups, organisations who genuinely want to fight for trans rights to join us on July 12 in protest against anti-trans attacks everywhere.

A spokesman for Sinn Fein said: We are aware of the ruling from the British Supreme Court.

It is important that we have effective equality protections that work to protect everyone and we will carefully examine the detail of this ruling in that context.
Founded in 2005 as an Ohio-based environmental newspaper, EcoWatch is a digital platform dedicated to publishing quality, science-based content on environmental issues, causes, and solutions.

According to the 40th annual Americas Most Endangered Rivers report by American Rivers, half the rivers in the United States contain unsafe pollution levels, with freshwater species becoming extinct faster than land or ocean species.

The Mississippi River topped the list, with federal flood management changes putting the health of the river at risk, jeopardizing the safety and clean water of those who depend upon it.

Flooding is the most common and costly natural disaster within the Mississippi River Basin, according to the report. More severe and frequent floods have damaged homes, agriculture and businesses.

Our water wealth is one of our greatest assets as a nation, said President and CEO of American Rivers Tom Kiernan, in a press release from the conservation nonprofit. But pollution and extreme weather are putting our rivers, clean water, and public safety at risk. When our rivers [are] sick, our own health and prosperity suffers. There is still hope for these ten endangered rivers, and rivers nationwide. We must come together to safeguard the rivers and clean water we all depend on.

The Mississippi  Americas River  provides 20 million people with drinking water, while supporting agriculture, recreation and industry.

But frequent and severe floods are threatening lives and businesses, while the rivers health declines. Communities along the river need significant support for disaster prevention and response, as well as river restoration  but the fate of the lead federal agency, FEMA, hangs in the balance. The Trump administration should modernize FEMA to improve river health and maximize the safety, security, and prosperity of Mississippi River communities, the report said.

The Tijuana River is the second river on the list, threatened by out-of-control chemical and sewage pollution.

In third are the Rivers of Southern Appalachia, which have been threatened by the impacts of extreme weather on unsafe dams, as well as federal capacity to assist with recovery following recent hurricanes.

Our rivers are in a sensitive state and communities are still at risk We must protect homes and businesses from crumbling, unsafe dams, said Erin McCombs, American Rivers Southeast conservation director, as The Guardian reported. Funding dam removal and river restoration is urgent to ensure public safety before the next storm.

Nominations for Americas Most Endangered Rivers are given by individuals and organizations throughout the country. American Rivers uses three criteria in their selection of the list: A major decision that the public can help influence in the coming year. The significance of the river to people and nature. The magnitude of threat to the river and its communities.

The other rivers on this years list are the Passaic River in New Jersey, threatened by industrial pollution; the Lower Rio Grande, faced with mega-drought coupled with outdated water management; Virginias Rappahannock River, threatened by declining groundwater and water supply strategy issues amidst expanding industries  including data centers  and rapid population growth; the Clearwater River Basin in Idaho, which has lost 700 miles of Wild and Scenic River candidacy protections; Alaskas Susitna River, threatened by mining, pollution and road construction; the Calcasieu River in Louisiana, faced with pollution from toxic and heavy metals; and West Virginias Gauley River, whose headwaters are threatened by toxic pollutants released during the process of strip mining for coal.

This years listing highlights how interconnected communities are with healthy rivers, as a supply of clean drinking water, as a pillar of economic stability and growth, and as a vital line of defense in the face of floods and extreme weather, American Rivers said.
Founded in 2005 as an Ohio-based environmental newspaper, EcoWatch is a digital platform dedicated to publishing quality, science-based content on environmental issues, causes, and solutions.

A parched lake bed at the Palisades Reservoir near Irwin, Idaho on Sept. 23, 2021. The reservoir provides irrigation to southeast Idaho farms. Natalie Behring / Getty Images

Scientists have coined the term thirstwaves to describe extended periods of atmospheric thirst when the Earths atmosphere more readily takes up moisture from the planets surface.

This new term differs from droughts or heatwaves. During thirstwaves, the Earths atmosphere could take more water from soil and plants, prompting concerns over how these periods could affect agriculture.

This idea of thirstwaves I think is really going to catch on, Mike Hobbins, a Cooperative Institute for Research in Environmental Sciences (CIRES) researcher at the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administrations (NOAA) Physical Sciences Laboratory, said in a statement. Its a very powerful metric and its a crucial distinction from heatwaves, because we have been hobbled for decades by this idea that temperature is really the only place where the information is.

In a new study, published in the journal Earths Future, thirstwave is defined as a period of time  lasting at least three days in a row  with higher-than-usual evaporative demand compared to the historical 90th percentile amount.

Evaporative demand is a common metric that farmers use to plan water usage for crops. So with increasing risk of thirstwaves, farmers may require more water resources to grow crops.

The research, written by Hobbins and Meetpal Kukal, a research hydrologist at the University of Idaho, revealed that the chance of no thirstwaves during agricultural growing seasons has gone down dramatically from 1980 to 2021, while frequency, duration and intensity of thirstwaves in the U.S. have all increased in the same period. Frequency is up 23%, duration is 7% higher and intensity has increased by 17%.

In 2022, NOAA warned that increasing evaporative demand in the U.S. was leading to restricted water supplies, drier soil, drier crops and increased risk of fires. The U.S. Department of Agricultures Climate Hub has also noted that even farms in typically dry regions that have implemented adaptive techniques to grow amid droughts can experience lower yields and worsening crop quality with higher evaporative demand.

According to the study authors, the worsening threat of thirstwaves means this phenomenon requires further monitoring and reporting to mitigate impacts.

These findings make us think about how our current water resources infrastructure, irrigation equipment, and water management should mitigate and adapt, Kukal said in a statement. As these pressures grow, theres less and less room for guesswork in irrigation, so if you are under limited water conditions, youve got to do a better job at really tracking your water.

As CIRES reported, Kukal is developing a tool that farmers in Idaho will be able to use to better prepare for thirstwaves.
A federal judge has ruled that Google is a monopolist in online advertising. The New York Times reported on Thursday that Judge Leonie Brinkema of the US District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia said the company broke the law to maintain its ad tech dominance.

In addition to depriving rivals of the ability to compete, this exclusionary conduct substantially harmed Googles publisher customers, the competitive process, and, ultimately, consumers of information on the open web, the judge said.

The case stemmed from a January 2023 lawsuit from the US Justice Department and eight states. They accused Google of illegally monopolizing the ad market and using that power to charge more and take a higher portion of sales.

"Competition in the ad tech space is broken, for reasons that were neither accidental nor inevitable," the government said in its complaint. "One industry behemoth, Google, has corrupted legitimate competition in the ad tech industry by engaging in a systematic campaign to seize control of the wide swath of high-tech tools used by publishers, advertisers, and brokers, to facilitate digital advertising."

The government says Google holds an 87 percent market share in ad-selling tech.

The judge also dismissed a portion of the government's case. We won half of this case, and we will appeal the other half," Lee-Anne Mulholland, Google Vice President of Regulatory Affairs, wrote in a statement. "The Court found that our advertiser tools and our acquisitions, such as DoubleClick, dont harm competition. We disagree with the Courts decision regarding our publisher tools. Publishers have many options and they choose Google because our ad tech tools are simple, affordable and effective.

The government claimed Googles monopoly powers enabled it to force publishers to use its ad software, leaving online media organizations and other websites without much recourse. This reduced the revenue for news sites, especially those without paywalled subscriptions. The media industry is, by and large, in dire financial straits, with closures and layoffs multiplying in recent years. This also has a trickle-down effect, leading to snowballing clickbait headlines and other reader-hostile gimmicks as news orgs try to figure out how to recoup lost revenue and stay afloat.

Judge Brinkema's decision follows another in August, when a federal judge ruled that Google monopolizes online search. Judge Amit Mehta of the US District Court for the District of Columbia said in 2024 that the company "is a monopolist, and it has acted as one to maintain its monopoly." Judge Mehta is considering a DOJ request to break up the company based on that ruling.

Now, Judge Brinkema will face a similar decision about the nearly $1.9 trillion company's dominance in advertising. The DOJ's lawsuit already asked the court to make Google sell portions of its ad tech business. Much of the company's future will rest on what those two judges decide in the coming months.
Newly declassified FBI docs are giving new life to wild speculation about Marilyn Monroe's close relationship with President John F. Kennedy  and her potential pregnancy with the commander-in-chief during his presidential campaign in 1960.

The Hollywood star reportedly became pregnant while making "Let's Make Love" and told Kennedy confidentially after he had won the Democratic nomination, according to sources.

One insider told Radar Online, "Marilyn got pregnant halfway through the movie 'Let's Make Love,' in which she costarred with French actor Yves Montand."

"At the time, she was married to playwright Arthur Miller, but she was cheating on him with JFK."

The images from July 1960  when Monroe was in the Big Apple for hair and makeup tests for "The Misfits"  allegedly show the star with a more generous form. "You can clearly see the rounded, protruding belly as Marilyn was just starting to show," the source said.

Though Monroe was no stranger to curves, the photos were said to have revealed something of a baby bump. Miller thought at the time it was Montand's baby, but Monroe reportedly knew the baby was really Kennedy's.

Pressure to Stay Quiet and Alleged Abortion

The source also claimed Monroe told Kennedy she was pregnant shortly after the Democratic National Convention. "JFK told her she couldn't have the baby because the scandal would ruin his chances of being elected," they said.

A few days later, Monroe flew back up to Nevada to continue filming "The Misfits." Although the official reason was that she was there for 10 days  "exhaustion"  she was hospitalized. But the insider claimed, "The truth is that Marilyn had an abortion."

Monroe was reportedly heartbroken after being rejected by Kennedy, but believed that one day he would leave his wife, Jacqueline Kennedy, for her. The source continued, "She continued to sleep with him."

For decades, speculation has swirled about Monroe's alleged romantic entanglements with both JFK and his brother, then-Attorney General Robert F. Kennedy. The insider revealed that MST became involved with RFK only after being "kept at arms-length" by the president.

Jackie Kennedy apparently demanded her husband end the affair  a request that followed Marilyn's now-iconic performance of "Happy Birthday, Mr. President" in May 1962. However, the source revealed, "But Jackie never knew anything about Marilyn being pregnant  or a hush-hush abortion."

"If she'd heard about a love child, she would have sent Kennedy packing in a heartbeat."

Death and Conspiracy Theories Linger

Monroe died in August 1962. The medical examiner determined that her Death was "probable suicide." Still, the circumstances around it have inspired conspiracy theories for decades.

The newly released files spark several conspiracy theories, one suggested by former author Norman Mailer that "huge motivation" lay with "right-wing" operatives in the CIA and FBI to shut Monroe up to preserve the Kennedy name. Radar Online reported that Monroe's plans included revealing information about her relationships with the Kennedy brothers and about her pregnancy.

"She had become a serious liability," the source concluded. "And some believe that led to her death."
Donald Trump's cameo in 'Home Alone 2' will never be cut, according to the director of the movie.

Chris Columbus, who directed the movie, spoke about 'Home Alone 2' in an interview revealing his concerns that he could be exiled if he were to cut Trump's cameo from the movie.

The director told the San Francisco Chronicle that Trump's short appearance in the movie has "become this curse" and that he wishes that it was "gone" from the movie. Columbus went on to say that he thinks that if he were to cut Trump's appearance in the movie, he could be removed from the United States.

"I can't cut it. If I cut it, I'll probably be sent out of the country. I'll be considered sort of not fit to live in the United States, so I'll have to go back to Italy or something," the director said.

The scene in the movie lasts under a minute and sees the main character, Kevin McCallister, played by Macaulay Culkin, once again alone and without his family. While alone in New York City, Culkin's character asks the current president to point him in the direction of the Plaza Hotel.

Columbus and Trump have exchanged barbs at each other over the years with Columbus claiming that Trump bullied his way into the movie. Trump fired back at the claims that he bullied his way into the movie.

"That cameo helped make the movie a success, but if they felt bullied, or didn't want me, why did they put me in, and keep me there, for over 30 years? Because I was, and still am, great for the movie. Just another Hollywood guy from the past looking for a quick fix of Trump publicity for himself!" Trump shared on Truth Social in 2023.

'Home Alone 2' would become a massive success, grossing $359 million against a budget of $28 million.
JK Rowling has welcomed a landmark ruling from the UK Supreme Court, which confirms that the legal definition of a woman under the Equality Act is based on biological sex. The bestselling "Harry Potter" author said the decision "protects the rights of women and girls" across the UK.

"It took three extraordinary, determined Scottish women and a powerful movement behind them to get this case to the Supreme Court," Rowling posted on X (formerly Twitter). "In winning, they've safeguarded the rights of women and girls across the UK. @ForWomenScot, I'm so proud to know you."

Rowling, 59, has been a vocal advocate for women's rights and is reported to have contributed over $90,000 to help fund the legal challenge led by the grassroots group For Women Scotland.

According to Newsweek, the case revolved around a 2018 Scottish law that aimed to ensure gender balance on public boards, defining "woman" to include transgender women. Critics, including For Women Scotland, argued this undermined protections based on biological sex under the UK-wide Equality Act 2010.

Still, the Supreme Court, in a unanimous decision, concluded that interpreting "woman" to include those with a Gender Recognition Certificate would make the law "incoherent and unworkable."

Read more: Harry Potter TV Series Casts Paapa Essiedu as Snape Leaving Fans Concerned He May Face Racism

Instead, it ruled that the Equality Act's use of terms like "sex," "man," and "woman" must refer strictly to biological sex.

While the ruling narrows the legal definition of sex to biology, the court made clear that transgender individuals will still enjoy protections under the Equality Act. It stated that trans people are safeguarded from discrimination under the category of "gender reassignment" and remain protected from various forms of direct and indirect discrimination.

Rowling's stance on gender and sex has long been a flashpoint in public debates, earning both fierce criticism and firm support.

Just a month before celebrating this court ruling, Rowling appeared to have aimed at the three lead actors from the Harry Potter film franchiseDaniel Radcliffe, Emma Watson, and Rupert Grintin a post on social media.

According to the Guardian, responding to a prompt that asked, "What actor/actress instantly ruins a movie for you?" Rowling quipped: "Three guesses. Sorry, but that was irresistible," followed by three laughing emojis.

Three guesses.



Sorry, but that was irresistible.

 https://t.co/hAMHw2b8EV  J.K. Rowling (@jk_rowling) March 18, 2025

Though she didn't name them directly, the remark is widely believed to be a dig at Radcliffe, Watson, and Grintall of whom distanced themselves from Rowling in 2020 after she published an essay that discussed surviving sexual assault and expressed gender-critical views.

At the time, the actors made public statements supporting trans rights.

Radcliffe said at the time, "Transgender women are women. Any statement to the contrary erases the identity and dignity of transgender people."

Watson also weighed in, posting: "Trans people are who they say they are and deserve to live their lives without being constantly questioned."
Snoop Dogg is staying out of politics and aligns with neither the Republicans or Democrats.

The rapper appeared in the 2025 issue of Time Magazine's Top 100 Most Influential People of the year. During his candid interview, Snoop shared that he neither a Republican, nor a Democrat and instead aligns with the "gangster" party.

"I don't do politics and I don't do religion. I don't represent the Democratic Party or the Republican Party. I represent the motherf**king gangster party," Snoop told Time.

The rapper's words come after he performed at an inauguration event for Donald Trump.

Snoop's performance was met with such harsh criticism that the rapper took to social media to defend himself.

"It's Sunday man, I got gospel in my heart right now. For all that hate, I'm going to answer with love. Y'all can't hate enough on me. I love too much. Get your life right stop worrying about mine. I'm cool, I'm together. Still a Black man, still 100 percent Black," Snoop said.

His performance at the event came after Snoop had praised Trump and his actions revealing in 2024 that Trump had "done nothing wrong to me."

"He has done only great things for me. He pardoned Michael Harris. So, I have nothing but love and respect for Donald Trump," Snoop told The Times.

In the past, Snoop had harsh words for for artists performing for Trump saying that anyone who performs for Trump's 2017 inauguration was a "jiga***o a** n***".

Trump was sworn in as the 47th President of the United States in January after beating out Democratic candidate Kamala Harris.

Originally published on Music Times
Prince Harry and King Charles are reportedly still not on speaking terms, with their already fragile relationship continuing to decline.

Ever Since Prince Harry and Meghan Markle stepped back from royal duties and moved to California, the rift with the rest of the royal household members has only intensified. King Charles may be cancer-stricken, but this does not mean there are any softening to their alleged fallout.

The two haven't spoken privately since February 2023, and recent reports suggest King Charles is now avoiding all communication from his youngest sonignoring both phone calls and letters. Their estrangement appears to have hit a new low.

Just last week, Harry was in the UK for a legal hearing tied to his ongoing dispute with RAVEC, the committee in charge of assigning taxpayer-funded security. He's seeking official protection for himself, Meghan, and their children Archie and Lilibet during visits to the UK.

Despite being aware of the court dates, King Charles scheduled a trip to Italy that overlapped with Prince Harry's visitsomething many see as a deliberate snub.

According to People magazine, the King is keeping his distance to avoid becoming involved in Harry's legal fight. Harry reportedly believes the entire issue could be resolved if his father simply requested the restoration of his security.

To make matters worse, Charleswho is currently undergoing cancer treatmentallegedly didn't inform Harry about his recent hospitalization and has continued to avoid contact.

Back in March, King Charles III was briefly hospitalized after experiencing temporary side effects related to his ongoing cancer treatment.

Following his hospital visit, the 76-year-old monarch returned to Clarence House, where he is continuing to carry out light duties, including working on official documents and making calls from his study.

On medical advice, Charles has cancelled a planned visit to Birmingham scheduled for Friday. The trip was set to include four engagements and a packed public itinerary.

Although King Charles III continues to undergo cancer treatment, he appears intent on not letting his illness define him. The monarch has remained visibly committed to his royal duties, often drawing energy from public engagements and interactions with crowds.

Despite the health challenges, the King has shown no signs of easing up, maintaining a busy schedule of appearances and responsibilities. His determination to stay engaged highlights his dedication to the roleeven as he manages treatment behind the scenes.

The Palace first revealed the King's cancer diagnosis in February 2024, though it has not disclosed specific details about the type or stage of the illness.
(Informacion remitida por la empresa firmante)

Acquisition strengthens Infosys' cybersecurity and cloud capabilities across Australia and Asia

BENGALURU, India and SYDNEY, April 17, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Infosys (NSE: INFY) (BSE: INFY) (NYSE: INFY) , a global leader in next-generation digital services and consulting, today announced a definitive agreement to acquire The Missing Link, an award winning Australian cybersecurity services specialist firm with capabilities across the full stack of cyber solutions. This strategic investment further strengthens Infosys' cybersecurity capabilities, while bolstering its presence in the fast-growing Australian market, and reaffirms its continued commitment to global clients to navigate their digital transformation journey.

Headquartered in Australia, The Missing Link brings to Infosys, a group of highly skilled cybersecurity professionals consisting of Red Team, Blue Team, and a state-of-the-art Global Security Operations Centre (GSOC) adding to the network of Infosys' global cyber defense centers. The Missing Link's accomplished cybersecurity practice provides strategic advice, offensive and defensive security services and tactical support, cybersecurity risk assessments & compliance, and managed services. The company has been serving leading global enterprises in collaboration with market leading technology products, further complemented by its innovative proprietary solutions and accelerators. Their solutions help protect networks, secure assets and equip staff with the tools to mitigate cyber-attacks. Together, Infosys and The Missing Link will be able to offer clients cutting-edge full-stack cybersecurity services covering all aspects of a customer's business, data, systems and networks.

Satish HC, EVP, Chief Delivery Officer, Infosys, said, "Technology led transformation and securing the enterprise are amongst the highest priorities for global corporations.Together with The Missing Link, and our cloud offering Infosys Cobalt, we aim to usher in the new wave of differentiated value to customers, with specialized end-to-end cybersecurity offerings and solutions. We are excited to welcome The Missing Link and their leadership team to Infosys."

Alex Gambotto, Founder & CEO, The Missing Link said, "As we take this exciting next step in our journey, I am proud of all we have accomplished together over the last 27 years. Our team has worked tirelessly to build a company that delivers excellence, innovation, and value to our clients and partners with our core ethos of under promise and overdeliver. I am thrilled that The Missing Link will be joining Infosys. This acquisition marks a significant milestone for us, allowing The Missing Link to leverage the immense expertise, platforms, and global reach of Infosys to better serve our customers and expand our capabilities. While our ownership may change, our commitment to delivering top-tier solutions remains unwavering. We are confident that together, we can create even greater value for all our clients, partners, and team."

Investment Bank TH Global Capital advised The Missing Link on the transaction.

The acquisition is expected to close during the first quarter of fiscal year 2026 (i.e. quarter ending June 30, 2025), subject to customary closing conditions.

About The Missing Link

Established in 1997, The Missing Link was born from a vision to help businesses achieve their goals with the right IT solutions and services. Headquartered in Australia, The Missing Link is a cybersecurity and cloud services specialist, delivering services across the entire spectrum of IT strategy, technology roadmap, project management, cybersecurity, risks assessments & mitigation and automation services. Their highly skilled team of IT specialists includes Cybersecurity, IT Infrastructure/Cloud and Robotic Process Automation & Generative AI experts, with many years of experience and a commitment to delivering first-class solutions that exceed customers' expectations.

About Infosys

Infosys is a global leader in next-generation digital services and consulting. Over 300,000 of our people work to amplify human potential and create the next opportunity for people, businesses and communities. We enable clients in more than 56 countries to navigate their digital transformation. With over four decades of experience in managing the systems and workings of global enterprises, we expertly steer clients, as they navigate their digital transformation powered by cloud and AI. We enable them with an AI-first core, empower the business with agile digital at scale and drive continuous improvement with always-on learning through the transfer of digital skills, expertise, and ideas from our innovation ecosystem. We are deeply committed to being a well-governed, environmentally sustainable organization where diverse talent thrives in an inclusive workplace.

Visit www.infosys.com to see how Infosys (NYSE: INFY) can help your enterprise navigate your next.

Safe Harbor

Certain statements in this release concerning our future growth prospects, or our future financial or operating performance, are forward-looking statements intended to qualify for the 'safe harbor' under the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, which involve a number of risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results or outcomes to differ materially from those in such forward-looking statements. The risks and uncertainties relating to these statements include, but are not limited to, risks and uncertainties regarding the execution of our business strategy, our ability to attract and retain personnel, our transition to hybrid work model, economic uncertainties, technological innovations such as Generative AI, the complex and evolving regulatory landscape including immigration regulation changes, our ESG vision, our capital allocation policy and expectations concerning our market position, future operations, margins, profitability, liquidity, capital resources, our corporate actions including acquisitions, and cybersecurity matters. Important factors that may cause actual results or outcomes to differ from those implied by the forward-looking statements are discussed in more detail in our US Securities and Exchange Commission filings including our Annual Report on Form 20-F for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2023. These filings are available at www.sec.gov. Infosys may, from time to time, make additional written and oral forward-looking statements, including statements contained in the Company's filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission and our reports to shareholders. The Company does not undertake to update any forward-looking statements that may be made from time to time by or on behalf of the Company unless it is required by law.

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View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/infosys-to-acquire-leading-cybersecurity-services-provider-the-missing-link-302431578.html
From: Patrick Asare -- Author of 'The Boy from Boadua' For Immediate Release: Dateline: Wyomissing , PA Thursday, April 17, 2025

[unable to retrieve full-text content] You dont start a war against someone 20 times your size and then hope that people give you some missiles. Those were the words of U.S. President Donald Trump, uttered the day after a Russian ballistic missile struck civilians in the center of the Ukrainian city of Sumy on Palm Sunday. Thirty-five people were killed, [] You dont start a war against someone 20 times your size and then hope that people give you some missiles. Those were the words of U.S. President Donald Trump, uttered the day after a Russian ballistic missile struck civilians in the center of the Ukrainian city of Sumy on Palm Sunday. Thirty-five people were killed, []


French President Emmanuel Macron on Thursday hailed rare talks involving top US, European and Ukrainian officials as a "very important occasion for convergence" as Kyiv's allies seek to rekindle stalled ceasefire efforts amid transatlantic tensions.

The talks involving US Secretary of State Marco Rubio and US envoy Steve Witkoff come as Donald Trump's push to end three years of fighting has not borne fruit so far and after Russian leader Vladimir Putin refused to agree to a complete truce despite multiple efforts to engage him.

"This is a very important occasion for convergence," Macron said in English after hosting Rubio and Witkoff for lunch earlier in the day.

"I think everybody wants to get peace for sure, and a robust and sustainable peace," Macron said.

The meetings in Paris took place just days after Witkoff met Putin.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky's chief of staff Andriy Yermak, Foreign Minister Andriy Sybiga and Defence Minister Rustem Umerov were also in Paris to talk with European and US delegations.

Britain and Germany's national security advisors were also in Paris, the French presidency said.

Macron has taken the lead in seeking to forge a coordinated European response to defending Ukraine, both during the current conflict and in its eventual aftermath, after Trump shocked the world by opening direct talks with Russia.

Russia's strikes, which have recently killed dozens of people including children in Ukraine's cities of Sumy and Kryvyi Rig, show how the war is taking a hefty toll despite a series of diplomatic efforts.

"Arrived in Paris with one goal in mind: secure real, practical solutions to end the Russia-Ukraine war," Rubio said on X.

- 'Spreading Russian narratives' -

Earlier Thursday, Zelensky urged the allies meeting in Paris to lean on Russia to agree to a ceasefire.

"Russia uses every day and every night to kill. We must put pressure on the killers," he said on Telegram.

Zelensky also said Ukraine had "finally" received information that China was supplying weapons to Russia.

And he accused Witkoff of "spreading Russian narratives" after the US envoy suggested a peace deal with Russia hinged on the status of Ukraine's occupied territories.

"I believe that Mr Witkoff has taken on the strategy of the Russian side," Zelensky told reporters. "I think it is very dangerous, because he is consciously or unconsciously, I don't know, spreading Russian narratives."

Witkoff said this week that Putin was open to "permanent peace" after talks with the Kremlin chief in Saint Petersburg, their third meeting since Trump returned to the White House in January.

Witkoff said during a Fox News interview broadcast Monday that he saw a peace deal "emerging".

But Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov dismissed the Paris meeting.

"Unfortunately we see from Europeans a focus on continuing the war," he said.

Russia's top economic negotiator Kirill Dmitriev said certain countries were trying to "derail" Moscow's talks with the United States.

Despite a series of diplomatic efforts, Russia has continued to strike Ukraine.

Russian drone strikes and shelling in Ukraine killed at least 12 people on Thursday, Ukrainian authorities said, just days after a Russian attack killed at least 35 people in the northeastern city of Sumy.

- 'Review progress' -

Macron's office said the purpose of the Paris talks was to "review progress on peace negotiations aimed at ending the Russian aggression in Ukraine".

The negotiations were to focus on a potential full ceasefire, the involvement of international peacekeepers and the development of Ukraine's security framework, Ukraine's foreign ministry said.

Britain and France are spearheading discussions among a "coalition of the willing" of around 30 countries looking to shore up any deal Trump might strike with a "reassurance force".

The German foreign ministry said government security advisor Jens Ploetner would participate in the Paris talks.

Zelensky has said that negotiators were making "good progress" with the United States in fraught talks over a minerals deal intended to secure desperately needed US support.

Putin last month rejected a US proposal for a full and unconditional ceasefire, after Kyiv gave its backing to the idea.

He also suggested Zelensky be removed from office, sparking an angry response from Trump who said he was "very angry" with the Russian leader.

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Meta chief executive Mark Zuckerberg on Wednesday denied in court that his company bought rival services Instagram and WhatsApp to neutralize them, as his testimony in a landmark antitrust case came to a close.

The case could see the Facebook owner forced to divest itself of the two apps, which have grown into global powerhouses since their buyouts.

During his third and final day on the stand in a federal courtroom in Washington, Zuckerberg took aim at the Federal Trade Commission's main argument -- that Facebook, since renamed Meta, devoured what it saw as competitive threats.

The co-founder of Facebook responded "No" when asked by Meta attorney Mark Hansen if his intent was to eliminate rivals with the purchases of photo sharing app Instagram and messaging service WhatsApp.

He explained that Instagram, purchased in 2012, was attractive for "its camera and photo sharing experience" but added that he "didn't view it as a broad network really competitive with where we were."

As for WhatsApp, bought two years later, Zuckerberg testified that he saw the app as technically impressive but its founders as "unambitious" in terms of "maximizing the impact that they could potentially have."

"I basically ended up pushing to add things," he told the court.

Zuckerberg testified that Facebook put its scale and resources to work building Instagram and WhatsApp into apps now used by billions of people.

Former Meta chief operating officer Sheryl Sandberg testified after Zuckerberg, echoing much of what he told the court.

Meta has had to take on an array of rivals including internet colossus Google as internet competition has become increasingly competitive, according to Sandberg.

"Every time you go on your computer or phone, you have a choice of what you spend your time on," Sandberg said.

"That's what all these producers are competing for: your time and attention."

- TikTok as new threat -

A key part of the courtroom battle is how the Federal Trade Commission convincingly defines Meta's market for the judge.

The US government argues that Facebook and Instagram are dominant players in apps that provide a way to connect with family and friends, a category that does not include TikTok and YouTube.

Meta's defense attorneys counter that substantial investments transformed these acquisitions into the blockbusters they are today. They also highlight that Meta's apps are free for users and face fierce competition.

The case was originally filed in December 2020, in the last days of President Donald Trump's first administration.

Zuckerberg, the world's third-richest person, has made repeated visits to the White House as he has tried to persuade the president to choose settlement instead of fighting the trial.

As part of his lobbying efforts, Zuckerberg contributed to Trump's inauguration fund and overhauled content moderation policies.

He also purchased a $23 million mansion in Washington in what was seen as a bid to spend more time close to the center of political power.

Zuckerberg wrapped some 12 hours of testimony on Wednesday with an assessment of TikTok, which he said has emerged as perhaps the biggest competitive threat for Instagram and Facebook.

Meta has seen the growth of its apps slow as the China-based video-snippet sharing sensation has boomed, so the US tech titan added a TikTok-like Reels feature to fire back in the marketplace, according to Zuckerberg.

"That said, TikTok is still bigger than either Facebook or Instagram, and I don't like it when our competitors do better than us," he told the court.

And as video has evolved into a favorite form of online media, particularly on smartphones, YouTube has become serious competition for Meta, the chief executive testified.

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Fairfield, MT (59436)

Today

Cloudy with periods of rain. High 76F. Winds NE at 10 to 15 mph. Chance of rain 70%..

Tonight

Chance of a shower or two during the evening, followed by partly cloudy skies overnight. Low around 50F. Winds NW at 5 to 10 mph. Chance of rain 30%.
A 34-year-old man  who is also now being held for U.S. Immigration & Customs Enforcement (ICE)  fought with a Gallatin County Sheriff's Office deputy after being tased and allegedly choked the officer before surrendering at gunpoint Monday in Belgrade, according to police.

Jose Alfonso Dominguez Valenzuela, who is living in Belgrade, was arrested April 14 following an investigation that began that night not long before 8:25 p.m. when a sheriffs deputy responded to a report of suspicious person trespassing near the area of 3rd Street and Central Avenue.

The deputy made contact with the suspicious person, who allegedly was later identified as Valenzuela. Valenzuela was in a white Jeep and provided the deputy an ID card that did not return any information on file when it was queried by both name and identification number, according to an affidavit the sheriffs office filed in justice court.

The deputy suspected Valenzuela had provided a fake ID and so attempted to detain Valenzuela, according to the affidavit.

The defendant attempted to run, reads the affidavit. [The deputy] was able to grab the defendant, leverage him against a wall, and attempted to place him under arrest. The defendant was pushing against [the deputy] and was able to break free from [the deputys] grasp.

The deputy then tased Valenzuela, who fell to the ground but then then regained control of his body and began to fight and grapple with the deputy, according to the affidavit. During the struggle, Valenzuela allegedly caused abrasions and lacerations to the deputys arm and hand and was able to get an arm around the deputys neck.

As the deputys airway was being restricted, he feared for his life, drew his firearm and ordered the defendant to let him go under threat of serious bodily injury or death, according to the affidavit.

Valenzuela reportedly complied and was handcuffed and evaluated by medics.

Another deputy arrived to assist the investigation and wrote in an affidavit that Valenzuela smelled strongly of alcohol. Valenzuela allegedly admitted to consuming alcohol earlier in the day, according to police.

Valenzuela was in the Gallatin County jail as of Wednesday morning on suspicion of assault on a peace officer, resisting arrest, obstructing a peace officer, and displaying a fake ID. Valenzuela also was wanted out of Idaho, but it wasnt immediately clear to Belgrade News why.

The U.S. Department of Homeland Security and ICE requested that Valenzuela be held in the jail pending immigration proceedings, according to county records.

Valenzuela, who has a River Rock Drive address, was among 9% of the county jails 153 inmates  or 14 inmates  who are on ICE holds, for potential immigration-related matters as of Wednesday morning.

Those can potentially include being n the country illegally as well as overstayed or violated immigration visas.
Dairy farmers are hard-working and dedicated business people with deep roots to their land and cows. Many multigenerational farms are run as a way of life. Unfortunately, many farms cannot survive beyond a couple generations because profits are not adequate to allow the next generation to take over. Based upon Ohio State University and New York State Dairy Statistics, the profit per cow per year has declined the previous several decades. Dairy farms that operate as a way of life and do things the way that dad or granddad did cannot survive because profitability in todays world requires improved efficiency, innovation and scale. A popular dairy speaker once said, A farm run as a way of life is a poor business, but a farm run as a business is a great way of life.

The modern dairy farmer must possess a broad knowledge of skills to be profitable: finance, budgeting, marketing, labor, machinery repair, cow health, calf care, vaccination, reproduction, weather forecasting, soil fertility, manure management, regulations and more. A successful long-term dairy farmer said that a profitable dairy farmer is a jack-of-all-trades but a master of none.

Cornell Universitys Dairy Farm Business Summary has provided financial data analysis for over 50 years to hundreds of dairy farms. Many of the same farms have participated for decades. A review of the financial data collected year after year might provide insight into farms that are consistently in the top 25% of profitability.

What are some key characteristics of these profitable farms? Five categories of profitable dairy farms include high component yield herds, labor efficient dairies, low cost of production farms, value added dairy farm and high efficiency farms with general overall good management. Lets review each of these dairy farm strategies.

High-component farms

High-component farms produce in excess of 7 pounds of components per cow per day for all cows in the herd throughout the year. Pounds of butterfat and protein have become the key drivers of milk income. A herd that is shipping 90 pounds of milk per cow at 4.4% butterfat and 3.4% milk protein is producing 7 pounds of components per cow per day. At current butterfat and protein pricing (Federal Order 33) each cow will generate $17.50 per day. A herd that is shipping 80 pounds of 4.0% butterfat and 3.2% protein is producing 5.8 pounds of components per cow per day. Each cow will generate $14.50 per cow per day. The high component farms have similar purchased grain and forage costs compared to other herds. Additional gross income of $3.00 per cow with similar purchased costs increases profit per cow.

Labor-efficient farms

Labor-efficient farms produce in excess of 1.8 million pounds of milk per year per full-time paid worker. Average labor cost from financial data is approximately $3 per hundredweight for all farms. High labor-efficient farms achieve in excess of 65 cows per full-time worker. Farms that are less labor efficient have 35 cows per full-time worker. Farms that have unpaid family labor will obviously reduce labor cost and contribute to farm profit. Automated milking farms will have lower labor cost per hundredweight of milk but have higher fixed costs.

Low-cost farms

Low-cost farms produce milk at $4 per cwt less than average. This lower cost cannot be associated with one single input cost. Some trends would indicate that these dairy farms have lower fixed cost (no mortgage or land cost), unpaid family labor, less purchased feed cost from more home-raised grain and forage. These low-cost farms also are in the upper level of production.

High-value farms

High-value farms have developed specialized marketing systems to increase direct sales of milk, cheese, meat and agritourism. The addition of dairy beef cross breeding to dairy farms has provided a revenue stream to generate more profit for the overall farm business.

Good management

General overall management farms achieve profit by having above average production, efficient use of labor, excellent cost control of purchased grain, forage and equipment and generate some off-farm revenue with family labor.

Profitable dairy farms, regardless of which of the five strategies implemented, have two key management factors that make them successful. These two key factors are quality cow care and high-quality forage production. Every successful dairy farm has someone that is very adept at reading their cows and preventing their cows from becoming ill, whether it be the owner of a well-trained herd manager that is focused on cow care. As herd size has increased the technology trend has moved the industry to use and depend upon cow wearable Fitbit-like technology. This cow-friendly technology provides valuable data including hourly body temperature, rumination, daily steps and much more. However, this data should be a supplement to the excellent cow whisperer who is experienced, creative, knowledgeable on properly reading, diagnosing cows and maintaining a healthy herd.

A second key characteristic of successful and profitable dairy farms is the ability to consistently produce high-quality silage and forages. Quality forage requires knowledge of soils, fertility, seed genetics, planting, harvesting and storage. A glitch in any one of the forage production links can lead to less than quality forage. High-quality forage provides the basis for high health and highly productive dairy cows. It also reduces excess purchases of off-farm crop and grain expense.

In summary, take time each year to compare your farm to other farms by using the New York State Dairy Statistics and Ohio Farm Business Summary benchmark program available online. Evaluate your farm on component yield, labor efficiency, cost control, value-added performance and overall management. Strive to learn and observe your cows and focus on improve forage quality. Set goals each year to determine how to improve and leverage your strengths to achieve or maintain performance in the top 25% of farms. Continual improvement will lead to consistent high performance to achieve long-term profitability that will last for the next generation.
The Trump administration may grant U.S. agriculture special exemptions from parts of its ever-changing tariff regime, but it cant exempt it from everyday economic reality.

That mainstay of farming  with or without ever-changing White House trade policies  will keep the 2025 American ag economy on its heels, say the farm income specialists in the U.S. Department of Agriculture.

Tariffs will only make USDAs bleak income forecast worse.

According to USDA, 2025s net farm income will be a slim $137.7 billion, slightly skinnier than last years $139.1 billion. Both, however, are miles from 2022s record of $182 billion.

Recall, however, that Congress poured billions into the ag economy last December. Those Supplemental and ad hoc disaster assistance payments, USDA notes, are forecast at $35.7 billion  (for) losses due to natural disasters in 2023 and 2024.

When other, already-on-the-books USDA payments  like EQIP and CRP  are added in, farmers and ranchers can expect 2025 Federal Government direct farm program payments to be a whopping $42.4 billion.

Only one year tops that amount, 2020s record-setting $45.6 billion, which included the first Trump administrations $27 billion Market Facilitation Program introduced to soften the effects of its 2018 tariffs that clipped ag exports to China.

This years federal assistance explains USDA, will go straight to farmers 2025s bottom line and raise the market-generated total from $137.7 billion to a near-record $180.1 billion.

None of that, however, includes one penny of the money both the White House and Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins promised farmers and ranchers recently when explaining the administrations ever-evolving tariff policies.

Billions in potential ag exports and billions in future farm program payments are at stake. Americas top five ag buyers, Mexico, Canada, China, the European Union (EU) and Japan, accounted for 61% of 2024s total $191 billion in U.S. ag exports.

Any threat to one of them is a threat to every American farmer and rancher.

China, again the target of White House wrath, imported $24.7 billion of U.S. ag goods in 2024. This vital U.S. ag market now faces a 104% tariff.

That means everyone from Beijing to Brooklyn will lose: China will lose its best source of high-quality grain, meat and farm technology; American farmers and ranchers will lose a hard-won, valued customer, and U.S. taxpayers can expect to foot the bill for both.

Ironically, the biggest winners will still be American  South American, mostly Brazil and Argentina.

There will be two other losers. First, giving away any ag export market in a tariff war means the American ag trade deficit will grow.

After almost 60 years of ag trade surpluses, the U.S. turned an ag trade deficit in 2019, the year after the first Trump Administration imposed tariffs on China. Since then, the annual deficit has grown; it hit $37 billion in 2024 and is forecast at $49 billion in 2025.

But that was before White House tariff bulls started pawing for a fight. Todays tariff war will increase, not cut as the Trump White House claims, the ag trade deficit.

American taxpayers are losers, too, because, if the Administration keeps its word and protects American farmers from tariff losses, ad hoc disaster assistance payments could easily double from the forecasted $42.4 billion.

Think not? If anticipated trade war payments simply matched the market facilitation payments the first Trump USDA paid farmers in 2018 and 2019, theyd receive another $27 billion.

Todays far bigger tariff war suggests far bigger payments  $40 billion? $60 billion? More?  to stem the bleeding caused by this self-inflicted trade war.

Whatever the cost, it cant possibly cover what will be lost.
ATHENS, Ohio  Two Mississippi men pleaded guilty to multiple wildlife violations after poaching white-tailed deer in southeast Ohio and were ordered to pay a combined $15,054.37 in restitution, according to the Ohio Department of Natural Resources Division of Wildlife.

Dawson Brown, 25, of Poplarville, Mississippi, pleaded guilty to seven charges in Belmont County Court related to unlawfully taking white-tailed deer. Brown was ordered to pay $13,169.37 in restitution and $865 in fines and court costs, serve three years of probation and forfeit his hunting privileges in Ohio for three years.

Five firearms, a spotlight venison, and four antlered deer skulls were forfeited to the Division of Wildlife. Brown was sentenced to 390 days in jail, with all but 30 days suspended.

Jase D. Smith, 24, of Poplarville, Mississippi, pleaded guilty to four charges in Muskingum County Court. He was ordered to pay $1,885 in restitution and $249.25 in fines and court costs, serve 30 days in jail, and forfeit his hunting privileges in Ohio for three years. A crossbow, spotlights and deer mount were forfeited to the Division of Wildlife.

Smith also pleaded guilty in Belmont County Court to possession of untagged deer parts. He was ordered to pay $605 in fines and court costs and complete three years of probation. The Belmont County court also revoked his Ohio hunting privileges, concurrent with the suspension from Muskingum County Court. Smith was sentenced to 60 days in jail, suspended. Two antlered deer skulls were forfeited to the Division of Wildlife.

Both Brown and Smith were entered into the Interstate Wildlife Violator Compact, an agreement that recognizes the suspension of hunting, fishing and trapping licenses in member states. Both men will likely lose hunting rights in 47 other states, including Mississippi, for three years.

Anyone who witnesses a wildlife violation in Ohio can call the Turn in a Poacher hotline at 1-800-762-2437. Reports are kept anonymous. Information that results in a conviction of a wildlife crime may result in a reward.
Industry leaders are urging government to act now to protect UK horticulture and fresh produce sectors amid issues such as rising fees and border challenges.

Three bodiesthe Fresh Produce Consortium (FPC), the Horticultural Trades Association (HTA), and the British Potato Trade Association (BPTA)have issued a joint appeal to government.

They are calling for urgent cross-departmental collaboration to safeguard the future of the UKs horticulture and fresh produce industries.

In a letter sent to Defra Ministers, they warn that failure to act on issues such as rising plant health fees and border policy challenges threatens not only thousands of businesses, but also UK food security.

And issues such as rising logistics costs, damaged goods, delays, increased waste, and complex paperwork are impacting growth and future investment.

Nigel Jenney, chief executive of the FPC, emphasised the sectors readiness to deliver workable solutions.

He said: "By acting decisively and collaboratively with industry partners, the government can strengthen the resilience and efficiency of our supply chains, ensuring continued access to affordable fresh produce for everyone."

"The solutions are ready. The industry is united. We now invite the government to partner with us, demonstrating leadership and commitment to a prosperous, resilient horticultural and fresh produce sector for Britain."

The three organisations say prompt and collaborative engagement on border and plant health policy is essential for ensuring long-term growth, food affordability, and public wellbeing.

They argue that effective action now could deliver a stronger, more resilient supply chain for fresh produce and horticulture, with clear economic benefits.

HTA chief executive, Fran Barnes echoed the sector's concerns, highlighting the growing strain on horticultural businesses.

"Our members are facing unprecedented cost pressures from the recent national insurance and wage hikes," he warned.

"We urgently need the government to address these challenges to ensure the long-term sustainability of the horticultural sector.
The Ulster Farmers Union (UFU) is calling for livestock grazing to be recognised as a key tool in preventing wildfires across Northern Ireland.

Following a series of wildfires that caused significant damage to some of Northern Irelands most valued landscapes last week, the union is renewing its call for more support for grazing in upland areas.

Some of NIs most prized landscapes have been left severely damaged after the wildfires last week, said UFU deputy president, John McLenaghan.

The UFU has continuously raised concern about restricted grazing and how it increases the risk of wildfires and their severity.

Mr McLenaghan explained that grazing by livestock such as cattle and sheep plays a crucial role in managing vegetation, particularly in upland areas where heather and other plants can quickly become fuel for fires.

The natural movement and feeding patterns of animals help to reduce this fire load, creating gaps in vegetation that slow the spread of flames and can prevent fires from taking hold.

With changing weather patterns, grazing is more important than evernot just for food production, but for protecting our land and rural communities, he added.

The UFU pointed to examples in Spain and Portugal, where farmers are actively supported to graze livestock in areas at high risk of wildfires.

The union is calling for similar recognition and support in Northern Ireland to help reduce the growing threat of wildfires and safeguard the countryside.

According to studies from Europe and the US, grazing lowers the chances of fires starting and makes them easier to control when they do.

In response, several European regions now actively support farmers through initiatives like the Life Landscape Fire Project, paying them to graze livestock in fire-prone areas, especially near fire breaks.

Northern Irelands upland heather moorlands are particularly vulnerable to wildfires if not properly managed.

The College of Agriculture, Food and Rural Enterprise (CAFRE) has noted that controlled grazing not only helps maintain ecological balance but also supports local wildlife.

Mr McLenaghan concluded: Restricting grazing does more harm than good, as it leads to overgrowth and creates ideal conditions for wildfires. It takes years for landscape to recover from wildfires.

The benefits of grazing needs to be properly recognised in local land management and wildfire prevention plans."
When the South Korean band BLACKPINK debuted, Roseanne Park  better known as Rose  quickly became a global icon. Shes not just a powerhouse performer with recent hits such as APT. but also a fashion chameleon. From dreamy florals to edgy couture, her style has evolved alongside her career, merging effortless cool with high-fashion flair.

2016-2018: Preppy





Image: Instagram



During the early years of BLACKPINK, Roses style was a youthful and preppy aesthetic, typified by many floral dresses, a selection of soft pastel colours, and several lace details. She cleverly channeled the groups cute-but-edgy aesthetic, using flirty skirts and knee-high boots to hint at the rockstar image she would later adopt.





2019-2020: Grunge





Image: Instagram



As Roses influence grew, she adopted sleeker, more advanced styles. She favoured stark monochrome outfits and impeccably-tailored suits, their sharply-structured silhouettes perfectly complementing her 2020 appointment as Saint Laurents global brand ambassador. Her style featured strikingly-chic leather jackets and boldly unconventional cuts; oversized blazers further added to her cachet as a rising fashion icon.

2021-2022: Luxe Chic





With her debut solo single On the ground and then with Gone, Roses style developed a deeply ethereal quality, seen in several exquisitely-romantic dresses, and a number of sophisticated corset-inspired pieces, with many diaphanous sheer fabrics as key elements. She looked stunning at both the Met Gala and Paris Fashion Week. In 2021, she added another meaningful luxury brand to her diverse portfolio by becoming Tiffany & Co.s global ambassador. Even her casual clothes took on a punkish style, as she combined Saint Laurents advanced look with some impressive accessories.



2023-Present: Edgy & Experimental







Image: Instagram



Today, Roses style combines large, grunge-inspired silhouettes with feminine touches such as cropped jackets and combat boots. While her wardrobe has traditionally leaned towards neutral colours, she has recently embraced bolder hues and more layered outfits. Her off-duty style screams model-off-duty cool, and brands are taking notice  Puma named her its newest global ambassador in June 2024. Most recently, she fronted a dreamy Valentines Day campaign with underwear and loungewear brand skims, proving once again that shes a fashion force to be reckoned with. Shes having as much fun experimenting with her fashion as she does with her music.

Also Read: Tracing The Kardashian/Jenner Style Evolution As We Bid The Show Adieu
Terming the latest domestic gas price hike discriminatory, the Bangladesh Investment Development Authority (BIDA) recently said it will disrupt the flow of foreign investment by creating a negative perception among investors who attended the recently-held investment summit in Dhaka.

A recent BIDA letter urged the Bangladesh Energy Regulatory Commission (BERC) to revise gas prices and adopt an investor-friendly tariff structure. Failure to do so would discourage fresh investment and hinder the development of a competitive market environment in the country.

Terming the new gas price hike 'discriminatory', the Bangladesh Investment Development Authority said it will disrupt FDI flow by creating a negative perception among potential investors. A BIDA letter urged the Bangladesh Energy Regulatory Commission to revise gas prices, and adopt an investor-friendly tariff structure and a more inclusive and non-discriminatory approach to subsidy rationalisation.

"A sudden announcement of discriminatory gas price hikes right after such a successful summit is likely to create a negative perception among prospective investors," the letter read.

BIDA executive chairman Chowdhury Ashik Mahmud Bin Harun sought the active cooperation of BERC chairman Jalal Ahmed to take prompt action on the matter.

On April 13, BERC announced a 33-per cent hike in gas prices for new consumers and existing users expanding beyond 50 per cent of their sanctioned load.

Businesses have opposed the hike, saying the step could derail the government's broader economic goals at a time when Bangladesh is striving to attract foreign investment and revive industrial growth, according to domestic media reports.

The BIDA chairman suggested a more inclusive and non-discriminatory approach to subsidy rationalisation.

The Foreign Investors' Chamber of Commerce and Industry (FICCI) and the European Union Chamber of Commerce in Bangladesh (EuroCham) have also expressed concerns over the hike.

EuroCham cautioned that the differential tariff mechanismbased on industrial consumers' contractual timelines and gas connection statuscould inadvertently hurt investor sentiment and industrial growth.

Fibre2Fashion News Desk (DS)
California governor Gavin Newsom and the states attorney general Rob Bonta yesterday filed a lawsuit in federal court challenging President Donald Trumps use of emergency powers to enact broad-sweeping tariffs that hurt states, consumers and businesses.

The lawsuit, filed in the district court for the Northern district of California, requests the court to declare the tariffs imposed by Trump void and enjoin their implementation.

California governor Gavin Newsom and the state's attorney general Rob Bonta have filed a lawsuit in federal court challenging President Donald Trump's use of emergency powers to enact broad-sweeping tariffs. The lawsuit requests the court to declare the tariffs imposed by Trump void and enjoin their implementation. It argues that Trump lacks the authority to unilaterally impose tariffs.

It argues that Trump lacks the authority to unilaterally impose tariffs through the International Economic Emergency Powers Act, creating immediate and irreparable harm to California, the largest economy, manufacturing and agriculture state in the nation, a release from the governors office said.

These tariffs have disrupted supply chains, inflated costs for the state and Californians, and inflicted billions in damages on Californias economy, the fifth largest in the world, it noted.

President Trumps unlawful tariffs are wreaking chaos on California families, businesses, and our economydriving up prices and threatening jobs. Were standing up for American families who cant afford to let the chaos continue, Newsom said.

The Presidents chaotic and haphazard implementation of tariffs is not only deeply troubling, its illegal. As the fifth largest economy in the world, California understands global trade policy is not just a game, Bonta said.

Californians are bracing for fallout from the impact of the Presidents choicesfrom farmers in the Central Valley, to small businesses in Sacramento, and worried families at the kitchen tablethis game the President is playing has very real consequences for Californians across our state, he added.

The lawsuit invokes the US Supreme Courts major questions doctrine, which holds that in novel matters of vast economic and political significance, federal agencies and the executive branch must have clear and specific authorisation from Congress.

Every dollar collected in tariff revenue comes straight out of the pockets of American consumers, Republican Senator Rand Paul from Kentucky said.

What we have heard from business of all sizes, across all industries, from around the country is that these broad tariffs are a tax increase that will raise prices for American consumers and hurt the economy, the US Chamber of Commerce observed.

American consumers could lose between $46 billion and $78 billion in spending power each year if new tariffs on imports to the United States are implemented, the National Retail Federation noted.

Fibre2Fashion News Desk (DS)
Canadian Finance Minister Francois-Philippe Champagne recently announced new measures for domestic businesses and entities hit by the US-Canada tariff dispute.

The measures include the remission of some of the countermeasure tariffs announced by Canada in response to unjustified US tariffs on products imported from Canada.

The minister announced that the government intends to provide temporary six-month relief for goods imported from the United States that are used in Canadian manufacturing, processing and food and beverage packaging, and for those used to support public health, health care, public safety and national security objectives.

Canada recently announced new measures for domestic businesses and entities hit by its tariff dispute with the US. The steps include the remission of some of the countermeasure tariffs announced by Canada in response to 'unjustified' US tariffs on Canadian products. In the weeks and months ahead, additional measures will be brought forward, as needed, to support businesses and workers.

This provides immediate relief to a broad cross-section of Canadian businesses that must rely on US inputs to support their competitiveness, an official release said. The remission is provided on a time-limited basis to provide businesses and entities with additional time to adjust their supply chains and prioritise domestic sources of supply, if available.

The new Large Enterprise Tariff Loan Facility (LETL), announced by the Canadian Prime Minister in March, is now accepting applicants. This programme will support eligible large businessesincluding those that contribute to Canadas food, energy, economic and national securitythat are facing difficulties in accessing traditional sources of market financing, by providing access to liquidity.

This will help employers that were viable before the recent US trade actions to help sustain their operations and return to financial stability.

Companies will be required to make efforts to maintain jobs and sustain business activities in Canada. Those that were already involved in insolvency proceedings before this crisis will not be eligible.

In the weeks and months ahead, additional measures will be brought forward, as needed, to support businesses and workers.

The federal government will also continue to work closely with provinces and territories to ensure complementary supports are in place across all jurisdictions, the release added.

Fibre2Fashion News Desk (DS)
Actors Ali Fazal and Sonali Bendre have joined hands for a thrilling series on real life criminals Ranga and Billa. The actors have started shooting for the web series in Delhi. It is being helmed by Paatal Lok director Prosit Roy. The show is supposedly based on the infamous Ranga-Billa murder case, one of the most shocking and high-profile crimes that shaped Delhi's history and identity.









See Also: Exclusive! Ali Fazals London diaries



The upcoming series aims to capture the details of the crime and its impact on the people of Delhi at the time and takes an investigative look into the case that followed the murders. The makers have not officially confirmed the storyline but sources suggest it closely follows these very real-life incidents.



The case, which dates back to 1978, involved the brutal kidnapping and murder of siblings Geeta and Sanjay Chopra. The two children were abducted by Kuljeet Singh, known as Ranga, and Jasbir Singh, known as Billa, who initially intended to steal a car but later changed plans after finding the children inside. The case shook the entire nation and led to widespread public outrage. It also played a significant role in the development of stricter laws related to kidnapping and child safety.

A source close to the production shared, The team has been researching the case in detail for months now. The show which has commenced shoot in the capital will focus on the events as they unfolded following the murder case. Its being treated with sensitivity and aims to show how deeply the case affected Delhi. The shoot is currently on in various parts of the city.





This marks one of the first times the Ranga-Billa case is being adapted for a scripted series, with Ali Fazal and Sonali Bendre taking on lead roles. More details are awaited on the show, but it sure is an interesting update.
Ranbir Kapoor and Alia Bhatt were recently spotted visiting their future home in Mumbai, just a few days after celebrating their third wedding anniversary on April 14. The couple took time to check on the progress of the construction of their new house. A video of the outing surfaced on social media, showing Ranbir in a casual black t-shirt and shorts, while Alia kept it relaxed in a shirt and shorts. The video captured them inspecting the site before they left in their car.

The bungalow is said to have cost around aAAA250 crore, with reports suggesting that once completed, the entire Kapoor family, including Neetu Kapoor, may move in together. Currently, Ranbir and Alia live with their daughter Raha in their home at Vastu. The new property is expected to be a place where the Kapoor family will come together, and it will undoubtedly be full of memories and love as the couple builds their life.



For their anniversary, Alia shared a heartwarming photo on Instagram, where she and Ranbir are cuddled up on a beach. In the picture, Alia rests on Ranbirs chest while he gazes at the camera, creating a beautiful moment between the two. Alia captioned it with Home, always, reflecting the deep love and connection she shares with him. The couple, who have a daughter named Raha, continues to enjoy their family moments as they work on their future together.The new home holds special significance for Ranbirs family. The mansion, named Krishna Raj after his grandmother, was once the home of his grandparents, Raj and Krishna Raj Kapoor. The house was later inherited by Ranbirs parents, Rishi and Neetu Kapoor, in 1980, where they raised their children. In 2016, Rishi and Neetu decided to rebuild the property, and the current construction is part of that vision, blending family history with new beginnings.
When will Captain America: Brave New World release on OTT?

Captain America: Brave New World plot

Brave New World cast

Marvels latest theatrical release, Captain America: Brave New World, is all set to arrive on OTT. Featuring Anthony Mackie as Sam Wilson aka Captain America, the film was released in theatres on February 14. While the reception was mixed, it went on to perform well in theatres worldwide.The OTT release date is yet to be announced for the Marvel film. Globally, the film will be available to stream on several platforms, including Apple TV, Fandango and Prime Video. In India, the film might arrive on JioHotstar, considering all of Marvels shows and films are available to watch on the platform. An official confirmation on the same is awaited.The official synopsis reads, In Captain America: Brave New World, Sam (Mackie) finds himself in the middle of an international incident after meeting with newly elected U.S. President Thaddeus Ross (Ford). He must discover the reason behind a nefarious global plot before the true mastermind has the entire world seeing red. The film picks up after the events of The Falcon and the Winter Soldier, the series that saw Sam take on the mantle of Captain America after Chris Evans exit from the role. As new challenges come up, he must contend with the weight of the title and what it means for the universe.The film, directed by Julius Onah, features Mackie as Sam Wilson, Danny Ramirez as Joaquin Torres aka Falcon, Harrison Ford as Thaddeus Ross aka Red Hulk, Shira Haas as Ruth Bat-Seraph, Carl Lumblys Isaiah Bradley, and Liv Tyler as Betty Ross.
A dance of friendship: Cambodian Princess shares traditional dance moves to say "I love you"

People's Daily Online) 13:19, April 17, 2025

Get ready to witness a heartfelt dance of friendship! During a Chinese media trip to Cambodia on Dec. 5, 2024, Cambodian Princess Jenna Norodom, with elegance and poise, expressed "I love you" through traditional Cambodian dance. A People's Daily Online reporter responded by teaching the princess a hand gesture dance that is popular in China, radiating the everlasting friendship between China and Cambodia.

(Web editor: Zhong Wenxing, Liang Jun)
Dulquer Salmaans love for Telugu and Tollywood films continues. He continues to surprise the audiences not only with his choice of films as an actor but also as a producer with his film distribution moves. The actor has been associated with various distribution companies and is also the founder of Wayfarer Films, a production company that has backed several successful films like Bangalore Days, O Kadhal Kanmani, Kurup, Comrade in America, Varane Avashyamund, Kannum Kannum Kollaiyadithaal and King of Kotha among many.

Dulquer, in one of his earlier interviews to Telugu media, shared that he likes to do more work in Tollywood and also distribute Telugu films. He is starring in a Telugu film Aakasam Lo Oka Tara, directed by Pavan Sadineni, and also features Satvika Veeravalli. The shooting is presently in progress. Dulquers Telugu film Lucky Baskhar that released last year was a blockbuster.

Recently, Dulquers production house also ventured into other languages and have been picking up films to distribute in Kerala. After successfully distributing Telugu films like KA and Lucky Baskhar in Malayalam, Dulquer has now picked up another Telugu film, Hit: The Third Case, starring Nani. The actor will be releasing the third installment of the crime thriller in Malayalam. The official handle of the company posted on Instagram, Sarkaar's rage will hit the God's Own Country #HIT3 grand Kerala release by @dqswayfarerfilms, with fire emoji.Many felt that its a smart move by Dulquer considering the craze Hit 3 has in the Telugu-speaking states. No sooner his company revealed about the development on social media, many expressed their gladness and sent in their congratulatory messages. The recently released trailer of Hit 3 garnered good acclaim and shows its protagonist Nani in his most violent avatar. Directed by Sailesh Kolanu, the film which hits the screens on May 1, also features Srinidhi Shetty.
Who is Vasi Sachi?

How did Priyanka and Vasi meet?

Priyanka Deshpande and Vasi Sachis wedding photos

Actor and host Priyanka Deshpande, best known for her appearance in Bigg Boss Tamil, has tied the knot with DJ Vasi Sachi. The two got married in an intimate ceremony in Chennai with their close friends and family in attendance. This is Deshpandes second marriage and curiosity around her new man has left fans wondering who he is. So, without further ado, heres everything you need to know about Sachi.Vasi Sachi is a popular entrepreneur and DJ. He has made a name for himself in the DJ circuit. Hes a businessman who has established an event management company called Clique 87. The firm is known for organising high-profile events, weddings, private parties and more. While he isnt in the film industry, he does have access to people in showbiz.As per reports, Priyanka met Vasi at one of his events, which his company organised while the actress hosted. They have been dating for a while, and after months of seeing each other, they tied the knot. Priyanka was previously married to Praveen Kumar back in 2016. Rumours around the two parting ways emerged in 2022. The two stopped making appearances together, and fans noticed he was visibly absent from her social media posts and her events. They reportedly separated in 2022. However, Priyanka hasnt officially commented on the same.Priyanka announced the happy news in a social media post. On Thursday, she took to her social media handle to share a series of photos from her wedding celebrations with Vasi Sachi. For her bridal look, Priyanka opted for a traditional silk saree in a golden hue. He kept her makeup look minimal and wore flowers in her hair. Vasi opted for a kurta and traditional veshti. They made for a stunning couple as they posed together and with their family. Priyanka captioned her post, 16.04.2025 Life update: Going to be chasing sunsets with this one.
Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - April 16, 2025) - Beyond Medical Technologies Inc. (CSE: DOCT) (FSE: 7FM) (OTC Pink: DOCKF) ("Beyond Medical" or the "Company") announced today that it will likely miss its filing deadline of April 30, 2025 to file audited annual financial statements and accompanying management's discussion and analysis and related CEO and CFO certificates for the financial year ended December 31, 2024 (collectively, the "Annual Filings"), as required under applicable Canadian securities laws.

In connection with the Company's inability to file the Annual Filings on time, the Company has applied for a Management Cease Trade Order ("MCTO") under National Policy 12-203 - Management Cease Trade Orders ("NP 12-203") and is waiting for the British Columbia Securities Commission approval.

The Company is applying for a MCTO as a result of delays caused by the recent transition to a new management team.

The Company expects to file the Annual Filings as soon as they are available and by no later than June 30, 2025. The Company will issue a news release once the Annual Filings have been filed. Until the Company files the Annual Filings, it will comply with the alternative information guidelines set out in NP 12-203. The guidelines, among other things, require the Company to issue bi-weekly default status reports, in the form of news releases, for so long as the Annual Filings have not been filed.

During the MCTO, the general investing public will continue to be able to trade in the Company's common shares listed on the Canadian Securities Exchange. However, the Company's Chief Executive Officer, Chief Financial Officer and such other directors, officers and persons as determined by the applicable regulatory authorities will not be able to trade in the Company's common shares, nor will the Company be able to, directly or indirectly, issue securities to or acquire securities from an insider or employee of the Company except in accordance with legally binding obligations to do so existing as of April 30, 2025, being the date of the Company's anticipated continuous disclosure default.

The Company is not subject to any insolvency proceedings. If the Company provides any information to any of its creditors during the period in which it is in default of filing the Annual Filings, the Company

About Beyond Medical Technologies Inc.

Beyond Medical Technologies Inc. is a healthcare technology company integrating blockchain infrastructure to enhance patient outcomes and operational efficiency across the medical ecosystem.

Neither the Canadian Securities Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider has reviewed or accepts responsibility for the accuracy or adequacy of this release.

Forward-Looking Statements

Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements: This release includes certain statements and information that may constitute forward-looking information within the meaning of applicable Canadian securities laws. Forward-looking statements relate to future events or future performance and reflect the expectations or beliefs of management of the Company regarding future events. Generally, forward-looking statements and information can be identified by the use of forward-looking terminology such as "expects", "intends" or "anticipates", or variations of such words and phrases or statements that certain actions, events or results "may", "could", "should", "would" or "occur". This information and these statements, referred to herein as "forward-looking statements", are not historical facts, are made as of the date of this news release and include without limitation, statements regarding discussions of future plans, estimates and forecasts and statements as to management's expectations and intentions with respect to, among other things, management expectations that it will miss the filing deadline for the Annual Filings and the ability of the Company to file the Annual Filings within the time period described herein.

These forward-looking statements involve numerous risks and uncertainties and actual results might differ materially from results suggested in any forward-looking statements. These risks and uncertainties include, among other things: the Company being unable file the Annual Filings in the proposed timeframe; recent market volatility; and the state of the financial markets for the Company's securities.

In making the forward looking statements in this news release, the Company has applied several material assumptions, including without limitation, that: the Company will be able to file the Annual Filings in the proposed time frame.

Although management of the Company has attempted to identify important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those contained in forward-looking statements or forward-looking information, there may be other factors that cause results not to be as anticipated, estimated or intended. There can be no assurance that such statements will prove to be accurate, as actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements. Accordingly, readers should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements and forward-looking information. Readers are cautioned that reliance on such information may not be appropriate for other purposes. The Company does not undertake to update any forward-looking statement, forward-looking information or financial out-look that are incorporated by reference herein, except in accordance with applicable securities laws. We seek safe harbor.

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/248858

SOURCE: Beyond Medical Technologies Inc.
Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - April 16, 2025) - J2 Metals Inc. (TSXV: JTWO) ("J2" or the "Company") (formerly Cranstown Capital Corp.) announces that it has granted an aggregate of 1,150,000 stock options (the "Options") to certain directors and officers pursuant to the Company's stock option plan. The Options are exercisable for a period of five (5) years at a price of C$0.10 per share and will vest over a period of twelve (12) months.

About J2 Metals Inc.

J2 is a Vancouver-based mineral exploration company focused on discovering critical minerals and precious metals in mining-friendly regions of Canada and the United States. The Company was formerly known as Cranstown Capital Corp. and completed its qualifying transaction in March 2025.

For further information, please contact:

Neither the TSX-V nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX-V) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

Forward-Looking Statements

Certain of the statements made and information contained herein is considered "forward-looking information" within the meaning of applicable Canadian securities laws, including statements with regard to the Company's operations and potential strategic opportunities. These statements address future events and conditions and are reliant on assumptions made by the Company's management, and so involve inherent risks and uncertainties, as disclosed in the Company's periodic filings with Canadian securities regulators. As a result of these risks and uncertainties, and the assumptions underlying the forward-looking information, actual results could differ from those currently projected. The Company does not assume the obligation to update any forward-looking statement, except as required by applicable law.

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/248861

SOURCE: J2 Metals Inc.
TORONTO, April 17, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Consensus 2025, North America's most influential gathering for the crypto, blockchain, and AI industries, has announced Eric Trump and Asher Genoot as their conference headline speakers, marking their first on-stage appearance since establishing American Bitcoin. Trump and Genoot will discuss their vision to reshape Bitcoin mining across North America during the conference, scheduled for May 14-16 at the Metro Toronto Convention Centre.

"The launch of American Bitcoin represents a transformative moment for Bitcoin mining in North America," said Eric Trump, Co-founder and Chief Strategy Officer of American Bitcoin. "I am so proud to share our bold vision for this initiative, which we believe will become the world's largest and most efficient pure-play Bitcoin miner."

Eric Trump and Asher Genoot will speak on the mainstage on Thursday, May 15, from 1:15 pm to 1:40 pm, followed by a session at the dedicated Bitcoin Mining Summit from 2:15 pm to 2:45 pm, where they will be joined by American Bitcoin CEO Matt Prusak. These highly anticipated discussions will provide Consensus 2025 attendees with exclusive insights into how American Bitcoin plans to reshape industrial-scale Bitcoin mining in North America while building a strategic Bitcoin reserve.

"I'm excited to join the conversation in Toronto at Consensus 2025 as we launch American Bitcoin," said Asher Genoot, Chief Executive Officer of Hut 8 and Board Member of American Bitcoin. "We are committed to establishing North America as the global leader in Bitcoin mining and looking forward to connecting with industry leaders and investors at Consensus to share how we believe American Bitcoin is positioned to make that vision a reality."

Launched on March 31, 2025, American Bitcoin aims to become the world's largest pure-play Bitcoin miner, targeting over 50 EH/s of mining capacity.

"We're honored to welcome Eric Trump and Asher Genoot to Consensus 2025 for their first in-person presentation of American Bitcoin. This keynote is among the most highly anticipated sessions of the conference, and I look forward to hearing first-hand how this initiative will help redefine Bitcoin mining across North America. With over 500 speakers convening at Consensus, we continue to offer attendees a front-row seat to the visionaries shaping the future of the crypto sector," commented Sara Stratoberdha, CEO of CoinDesk.

Consensus will feature over 500 speakers across multiple stages, immersive experiences, and unparalleled networking opportunities. This year's expanded programming includes dedicated tracks on Bitcoin mining, institutional adoption, regulatory developments, and emerging Web3 innovations, making it the must-attend event for industry leaders, investors, developers, and policymakers shaping the future of digital finance.

Early bird registration is now open with limited-time discounted rates available at consensus2025.coindesk.com .

Members of the media are invited to apply for press credentials at https://consensus2025.coindesk.com/press/-id/0.

Media Contact:

Jamie Sly

press@coindesk.com

About Consensus:

Consensus by CoinDesk is the world's longest running and most influential gathering for the crypto, blockchain, and AI industries. Bringing together industry leaders, policymakers, and innovators, it helps you understand the future of digital assets with discussions on key topics such as DeFi, Web3, AI, the evolving regulatory landscape and more.

With a mix of panels, keynotes, and networking opportunities, Consensus 2025 provides a platform to explore the latest trends shaping the digital economy. Whether you're an industry veteran or just entering the space, this event offers valuable insights and connections in a rapidly evolving field.

About CoinDesk:

CoinDesk is the most trusted media, events, indices, and data company for the global crypto economy. Since 2013, CoinDesk Media has led the story of the future of money and investing, illuminating the transformation in society and culture that comes with it. Our award-winning team of journalists delivers news and unparalleled insights that bring transparency, comprehension, and context.

CoinDesk gathers the global crypto, blockchain, and Web3 communities at annual events such as Consensus, the world's largest and longest-running crypto festival. CoinDesk Indices offers expertise in digital asset indices, data, and research to educate and empower investors. In November 2023, CoinDesk was acquired by Bullish Group. CoinDesk operates as an independent subsidiary and abides by a strict set of editorial policies. For more information on CoinDesk media and events, please visit CoinDesk.com

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SINGAPORE, April 17, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Dyna.Ai today announces the global launch of Agentic AI Suite, an enterprise-grade AI platform purpose-built for intelligent, collaborative agents that communicate across multi-language, multi-channel, and multi-modality. Designed to enhance automation, cross-agent collaboration, and localization, the platform ushers in a new era of AI-native business transformation.

"Agentic AI Suite reflects our long-term vision of democratizing enterprise AI through accessible, multilingual, and agentic technologies," said Tomas Skoumal, Chairman and Co-founder of Dyna.Ai. "We believe the next wave of digital transformation will be driven by AI agents that can work together-across systems, departments, and borders-to enable smarter operations and more inclusive growth."

All-in-One Platform for the Next Generation of Enterprise AI

The Agentic AI Suite combines a versatile agent development framework, a multi-agent orchestration engine, and a robust enterprise application layer, all optimized for high-performance, secure, and scalable deployment.

At the core of the platform is Agent Studio, a low-code development environment that enables businesses to create, train, and deploy AI agents with ease. It is model-agnostic, supporting a variety of leading models-including Dyna LLM, open-source models, and commercial LLMs-allowing for flexible and scalable agent development. Key features of Agent Studio include:

Multi-Agent Collaboration : Agents can share memory, context, and intent to complete complex tasks as a cohesive team.

: Agents can share memory, context, and intent to complete complex tasks as a cohesive team. Multi-Modal Interaction : Support for text, voice, and image inputs enables agents to engage in human-like communication across various modalities.

: Support for text, voice, and image inputs enables agents to engage in human-like communication across various modalities. Multi-Language Support : Over 100 languages and dialects are supported, empowering businesses to engage with a truly global audience.

: Over 100 languages and dialects are supported, empowering businesses to engage with a truly global audience. Enterprise-Grade Security: Robust security measures, including end-to-end encryption and customizable access controls, ensure data protection and compliance with industry standards.

Agent Store: Ready-Made or Custom at Scale

To fast-track AI deployment, Dyna.Ai introduces the Agent Store, a global marketplace offering a wide range of pre-trained, industry-specific AI agents. Businesses can choose from agents tailored for banking, telecom, retail, BPO, and more. These agents are designed to meet the needs of different industries while offering customization options to ensure they perform optimally for each unique operation.

The Agent Store also features a performance-based rating system that helps businesses identify top-performing AI agents, optimizing them for real-world applications. Through this marketplace, companies are able to quickly deploy pre-built agents or customize them to fit specific business processes-saving valuable time and resources while ensuring seamless integration into existing workflows.

Agentic Apps: Tailored AI Solutions for Every Business Function

Agentic Apps, built on the Dyna Agentic AI platform, are designed to automate and optimize knowledge-intensive workflows across industries. These applications enable seamless orchestration of multi-agent systems, providing real-time adaptability and precision in executing complex tasks.

During the launch, Dyna.Ai demonstrated several cutting-edge solutions, including:

Process Agent for Credit Memo : Automating financial processes with precision and efficiency.

: Automating financial processes with precision and efficiency. Voice Agent for Marketing : Enhancing customer acquisition and retention with targeted, dynamic, personalized voice interactions.

: Enhancing customer acquisition and retention with targeted, dynamic, personalized voice interactions. AI Native App for Financial Product Consultations : Enabling customers to access real-time information and support.

: Enabling customers to access real-time information and support. Avatar for Customer Service and Marketing: Interacting with customers through engaging, human-like avatars to boost conversion rates.

These applications highlight the seamless integration of various AI agents, working together to enhance business efficiency and customer engagement.

Global Reach and Focus on Emerging Markets

The platform is designed to integrate seamlessly with enterprise systems-Social Media Platforms, APIs, CRMs, ERPs, data warehouses. With its inclusive design and multilingual capabilities, Dyna.Ai enables organizations in emerging markets to leapfrog into the AI era, with full control over localization, compliance, and scalability.

"Our AI architecture-spanning compute infrastructure, foundational models, domain-specific AI, workflow automation, and application delivery-allows enterprises to plug-and-play pre-built AI agents or rapidly develop custom solutions that enhance both customer and employee experiences," added Joao Tapadinhas, Chief Architect of Dyna.Ai. "Agentic AI Suite solves the real challenges of enterprise AI, providing multi-agent collaboration, low-latency performance, and seamless deployment at global scale."

Dyna.Ai's Agentic AI Suite is available globally, offering both cloud and on-premise deployment options. Enterprises can begin using pre-built solutions from the Agent Store or leverage Agent Studio to create and deploy custom AI agents tailored to their unique business needs.

To learn more, visit www.dyna.ai.

About Dyna.Ai

Dyna.Ai is a leading AI-as-a-Service company headquartered in Singapore, dedicated to transforming the finance industry and beyond with cutting-edge AI-driven products and solutions.

Our expertise encompasses state-of-the-art AI models, sophisticated algorithms, AI-human interaction technologies, and big data analytics. These capabilities enable us to deliver top-tier AI solutions that empower our clients to achieve business success and maintain a competitive edge in a rapidly evolving market.

At Dyna.Ai, we are committed to harnessing advanced AI technology to provide innovative, industry-specific solutions for the financial sector and beyond, improving marketing, risk management, customer experience and employee experience, while driving enterprise productivity and efficiency.

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Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates--(Newsfile Corp. - April 17, 2025) - Shory has emerged as a game-changer in the industry with its innovative digital approach to car insurance in the UAE. Shory facilitates drivers to secure third-party and comprehensive vehicle insurance in under 90 seconds - requiring only a plate number. This breakthrough solution addresses the region's growing demand for efficient and transparent insurance services in a rapidly evolving automotive landscape.





Shory, Insurtech Company Sets New Standards in the Vehicle Insurance Market



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The UAE car insurance sector is currently valued at USD 1.41 billion and is undergoing rapid digital transformation. Consumers now prefer user-friendly, online insurance solutions, making companies like Shory more relevant than ever. Shory caters to this shift with a fully online, paperless transaction process and real-time quote comparisons from top insurers. The days of spending hours comparing policies or visiting insurance offices are officially over with Shory.

Understanding Car Insurance Options in the UAE

The Central Bank of UAE (CBUAE) regulates the car insurance market, requiring all drivers to maintain at least third-party liability coverage. However, many drivers, especially in cities like Dubai with its high-value vehicle market and dense traffic opt for more comprehensive plans.

Shory's offers both mandatory third-party and optional comprehensive vehicle insurance plans:

Third-Party Liability Insurance:

Covers injuries to others and damage to third-party property

Fulfills the minimum legal requirement

Typically costs between AED 551.25 (for renewals) to AED 2,200 annually

Does not cover damage to the policyholder's vehicle

Comprehensive Car Insurance:

Includes all third-party coverage plus protection for the policyholder's vehicle

Covers theft, fire, and non-collision damage

Starts at AED 1,200 annually, depending on vehicle type and driver profile

May include value added services like roadside assistance

"Getting car insurance in Dubai is about more than just comparing prices, it's about aligning coverage with real-world needs," said Edward Glenn, car insurance specialist at Shory. "At Shory, we simplify this decision-making process by offering clear, side-by-side comparisons tailored to each driver's lifestyle and priorities, empowering them to make truly informed choices."

What Makes Shory a Top Choice for Car Insurance in Dubai

Combining industry expertise, the latest technology and rapid innovation, Shory is positioning itself as one of the best insurance company in the UAE. The company's impressive credentials include:

Licensed by the Central Bank of the UAE (License Number 287)

Outstanding 4.9-star rating on Google from over 5,000 customers

Partnerships with some of the UAE's top insurance providers

Flexible payment options, including interest-free installments

The company's digital platform offers several advantages that traditional insurance brokers cannot match:

Instant policy issuance 24/7 online access to insurance documents Multiple payment methods including Visa, Mastercard and Apple Pay Option to split payments into four interest-free installments

"Vehicle insurance shouldn't be complicated or time-consuming," said Amr Abdelghany, Operations Manager at Shory. "Our 90-second process represents the future of insurance in the UAE - fast, transparent and customer-centric."

As the UAE car insurance market continues to evolve, Shory continues to lead with innovation - upgrading its app and website experience in order to meet and exceed customer expectations. With its commitment to simplifying insurance while maintaining comprehensive coverage options, Shory is setting new standards for what UAE drivers can expect from their insurance providers.

For more information about Shory's car insurance solutions, visit https://shory.com/car-insurance.

About Shory:

Shory is an Insurtech company in the UAE, specializing in digital insurance solutions that simplify the process of obtaining and managing insurance policies. Licensed by the Central Bank of the UAE (License Number 287), Shory partners with top insurance providers to offer customers a wide range of coverage options with transparent pricing and instant policy issuance. With a customer-first approach and innovative technology, Shory is transforming the insurance landscape in the UAE.

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/247486

SOURCE: Plentisoft
The approval makes NextClinic one of a limited number of authorized platforms capable of issuing electronic prescriptions throughout Australia, a significant step toward expanding accessible healthcare options across the country.

Brisbane, Australia--(Newsfile Corp. - April 17, 2025) - NextClinic, an Australia-based digital health platform, announced today it has received full electronic prescription (e-script) certification, allowing it to issue electronic prescriptions nationwide.

NextClinic Marks Milestone in Australia's Digital Healthcare Landscape After Achieving Nationwide E-Script Approval

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Electronic prescriptions, commonly called e-scripts, digitally replicate traditional paper prescriptions and are legally recognized by pharmacies nationwide. This advancement removes barriers to medication access, allowing prescriptions to be issued instantly and securely online. Patients will no longer need to visit healthcare providers in person merely to renew prescriptions or obtain medication for minor ailments.

NextClinic's approval represents a key milestone in the country's digital healthcare landscape as it accelerates the shift toward secure and accessible telehealth services.

"This marks a critical step forward in our mission to deliver accessible and secure healthcare solutions for patients across Australia," said Htet Aung Shine, the company's CTO. "With full e-script conformance, we now offer a service that not only enhances convenience but significantly improves the continuity of care for individuals who rely on regular medications or quick treatment for common illnesses."

According to NextClinic, full e-script capability mainly benefits rural and remote populations, who historically faced longer travel times and fewer healthcare options. Now, patients across Australia, from urban centres to remote regions, have equal access to immediate, reliable, and compliant medical care.

NextClinic's platform offers not just e-scripts but a suite of related digital healthcare services, including issuing digital medical certificates. These certificates fulfil requirements for work or educational institutions and come directly from certified medical professionals registered with the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA). Each digital certificate is fully compliant and verifiable, eliminating traditional paperwork and delays associated with obtaining official medical documentation.

"Digital healthcare needs to address real-world challenges effectively, and the introduction of our fully compliant digital medical certificates complements our e-script services," said Htet Aung Shine. "We are providing tools essential for everyday health management, particularly benefiting employees, students, and individuals who require proof of illness without unnecessary inconvenience."

The new nationwide e-script service arrives as NextClinic continues its growth trajectory in Australia's digital healthcare sector. The company's platform provides direct consultations, prescription issuance, and medical certifications entirely online, responding to an increased demand for telehealth solutions accelerated by changing healthcare dynamics and patient preferences.

NextClinic's services operate from 24-hour accessible digital portals, providing patients with responses and medical assistance promptly, thereby reducing the reliance on traditional healthcare facilities. The ability to issue electronic prescriptions instantly further strengthens NextClinic's appeal in Australia's competitive digital healthcare market.

Security and patient privacy remain central to NextClinic's operations. The company provides robust cybersecurity measures and strictly adheres to Australia's national healthcare privacy standards. All patient data processed via the NextClinic platform is securely stored and transmitted, ensuring compliance with data protection regulations and privacy laws.

"Our infrastructure prioritizes patient safety, privacy, and data protection at every level," Htet Aung Shine emphasized. "The integration of e-script functionality within our secure environment is another step toward making digital healthcare not just accessible but entirely trustworthy."

NextClinic continues to expand its digital health ecosystem, planning further integrations and enhancements to its virtual healthcare offerings. The company's platform is staffed by fully qualified medical professionals, ensuring quality medical advice and prescription accuracy for patients nationwide.

The e-script implementation is part of the company's initiatives to elevate digital health transformation in Australia. This move is part of a sustained national effort to integrate digital healthcare technology within public health services, improve healthcare delivery efficiency, and maintain high-quality patient outcomes.

For more information about NextClinic and its digital health solutions, visit nextclinic.com.au.

About NextClinic

NextClinic provides digital healthcare services designed to improve patient convenience, accessibility, and healthcare efficiency across Australia. The company offers online medical consultations, electronic prescriptions, digital medical certificates, and telehealth solutions that are compliant with national healthcare standards. By eliminating the need for unnecessary in-person consultations, NextClinic aims to streamline healthcare experiences while ensuring regulatory compliance and patient trust.

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/248877

SOURCE: Plentisoft
Singapore, Singapore--(Newsfile Corp. - April 17, 2025) - Atua AI (TUA), the decentralized AI productivity platform, has expanded its Bitcoin-backed infrastructure to deliver more secure and scalable enterprise-grade operations across its intelligent automation ecosystem. This development integrates Bitcoin's robust network into the foundation of Atua AI's AI workflows, ensuring transparent, tamper-proof performance for business-critical processes.

Decentralized intelligence built for scale and performance

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By anchoring key AI activities and data checkpoints to the Bitcoin blockchain, Atua AI ensures that high-value operations-such as smart contract execution, content generation logs, and decision audit trails-are permanently verifiable and resistant to manipulation. This infrastructure enhancement supports greater accountability for enterprise users across industries including DeFi, governance, and digital asset management.

The Bitcoin-backed upgrade also improves system resilience and transactional transparency by offering a trust layer for validating AI decisions and content generation. AI modules like Chat, Writer, and Classifier benefit from this deeper integration, giving users confidence in the provenance and consistency of outputs across multichain environments.

Atua AI's continued investment in secure infrastructure underlines its commitment to intelligent, decentralized systems that meet the needs of enterprise users. By aligning AI automation with Bitcoin's proven trust architecture, the platform enables a new era of reliable, verifiable AI-driven productivity at scale.

About Atua AI

Atua AI offers AI-powered productivity and creativity tools in the Web3 space. Its features include Chat, Writer, Imagine, Voiceover, and Classifier-all designed to empower users with intelligent, decentralized solutions for content creation, coding, analysis, and more.

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/248849

SOURCE: Kaj Labs
Three products, including Coway's new Switch Water Purifier, recognized for design innovation

The company was applauded for its minimalist aesthetics and user-centric design that blends seamlessly into any space

SEOUL, South Korea, April 17, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Coway Co., Ltd., the "Best Life Solution Company", has received the Red Dot Design Award 2025 in the Product Design category. This marks Coway's 19th consecutive win, reaffirming its global competitiveness in design.

The Red Dot Design Award is a prestigious international competition that celebrates design excellence and innovation, alongside other such distinguished awards as iF and IDEA.

This year's award-winning products include the Switch Water Purifier, NOBLE 2.0 Air Purifier Series and more. They were praised for their minimalist design, ability to complement various interior styles, and user-centric features.

Coway's innovative new Switch Water Purifier is a non-electric model offering maximum installation flexibility. It can be easily adapted between horizontal and vertical configurations to suit a range of kitchen layouts and even offers under-sink convertibility, enhancing space efficiency.

Additionally, the NOBLE 2.0 Air Purifier Series blends effortlessly into all kinds of interiors thanks to its sleek, architectural design with clean lines and five nature-inspired color options. Its concealed air intake further contributes to its overall design integrity, while Coway's innovative purification technologies optimize performance even within a more compact form factor.

Also honored in this year's awards was the Premium Bidet Remote Control Series used in Coway's bidets. The series features an intuitive touch display and comes in three shapes - stair-type, bar-type, and square-type - and two elegant color options, titanium silver and charcoal black. With these choices, users can personalize their experience to suit both their bathroom interiors and preferred operation styles, while the intuitive design enhances usability and convenience.

A Coway official said, "This award reflects growing global recognition of our design philosophy - that is, creating products that naturally integrate into everyday life. We will continue to introduce innovative designs that deliver enhanced functional and aesthetic experiences for our customers."

About Coway Co., Ltd.

Established in Korea in 1989, Coway, the "Best Life Solution Company," is a leading environmental home appliances company making people's lives healthy and comfortable with innovative home appliances such as water purifiers, air purifiers, bidets, and mattresses. The company's most recent venture, the BEREX brand, aims to improve sleep and wellness through cutting-edge mattresses and massage chairs. Since being founded, Coway has become a leader in the environmental home appliances industry, with intensive research, engineering, development, and customer service. The company has proven dedication to innovation with award-winning products, home health expertise, unrivaled market share, customer satisfaction, and brand recognition. Coway continues to innovate by diversifying product lines and accelerating overseas business in Malaysia, USA, Thailand, China, Indonesia, Vietnam, Japan, and Europe, based on the business success in Korea. For more information, please visit http://www.coway.com/ or http://newsroom.coway.com.

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JAKARTA, Indonesia, April 17, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- BDx Data Centers (BDx), one of Asia-Pacific's fastest-growing data center operators, today announced that it has been certified as part of the NVIDIA DGX-Ready Data Center program .

BDx's 500MW CGK4 AI Campus in Indonesia is among the first in the country to achieve NVIDIA DGX -Ready certification, delivering scalable and high-performance infrastructure for AI and advanced computing workloads.

BDx offers a national portfolio of interconnected colocation facilities and edge sites in Indonesia, enabling NVIDIA accelerated computing for training and inferencing at the edge. This will empower customers to develop full-stack AI solutions, allowing for data localization while meeting the demands of AI-driven innovation.

"AI is fueling a new industrial revolution-one driven by AI factories. The NVIDIA DGX-Ready Data Center certification is a testament to our capability to deliver state-of-the-art infrastructure to the country," said Mayank Srivastava, Chief Executive Officer of BDx. "As organizations embrace AI, robust environments optimized for AI infrastructure become critical. BDx aims to achieve NVIDIA certification across our data centers to democratize AI at scale for the Indonesian population and accelerate the nation's journey toward achieving its AI-first goals."

"Organizations worldwide are racing to deploy AI at scale, but unlocking its full potential demands infrastructure that is both high-performance and sustainable," said Tony Paikeday, senior director of AI systems at NVIDIA. "With the NVIDIA DGX-Ready Data Center certification, customers in Indonesia can now access advanced AI infrastructure to innovate faster while contributing to the nation's green economy goals."

As home to Indonesia's first renewable-powered AI data center park, BDx Indonesia's 500MW CGK4 AI campus sets a new standard for sustainability. BDx is also leading the way by integrating direct-to-chip liquid cooling at scale-an industry-first in Indonesia-driving the future of high-density, energy-efficient AI computing.

BDx Data Centers offer scalable data center space, advanced cooling, and ultra high-density power to support NVIDIA's latest AI innovations-including the NVIDIA Grace Blackwell Superchip and NVIDIA Blackwell Ultra-powered DGX SuperPOD , unveiled at GTC '25.

BDx is one of the largest data center operators in the region, with a long-term goal of deploying 1 GW of capacity. This ambitious expansion underscores BDx's commitment to supporting the region's rapidly growing digital economy and the escalating demands of AI-driven applications.

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Fidelity Japan Trust Plc - Company Update

PR Newswire

LONDON, United Kingdom, April 17

NOT FOR RELEASE, PUBLICATION OR DISTRIBUTION, IN WHOLE OR IN PART, DIRECTLY OR INDIRECTLY, IN, INTO OR FROM ANY JURISDICTION WHERE TO DO SO WOULD CONSTITUTE A VIOLATION OF THE RELEVANT LAWS OR REGULATIONS OF THAT JURISDICTION.

17 April 2025

FIDELITY JAPAN TRUST PLC (the "Company" or "FJV")

Following the publication of the Company's 2024 final results on 27 March 2025, in which changes to the portfolio management team at Fidelity were also announced, and following the Company's announcement on 4 April 2025 in relation to the announcement made by AVI Japan Opportunity Trust Plc, the Board of FJV (the "Board") has held further discussions with representatives of a number of the Company's largest shareholders.

As required by the Company's Articles of Association, the Company's AGM notice dated 26 March 2025 includes a resolution for the Company to continue as an investment company (the "Continuation Resolution"). The result of the discussions referred to above is that the Board does not expect the Continuation Resolution to be approved by a majority of shareholders at the AGM on 21 May 2025. In addition, the Board has subsequently received a small number of unsolicited and credible indicative proposals from outside parties.

The possibility that the Continuation Resolution might not be approved by a majority of shareholders was referenced in the 2024 Annual Report dated 26 March 2025. However, in accordance with the Articles of Association of the Company, the Continuation Resolution must still be put to the AGM on 21 May 2025. The Board continues to recommend shareholders vote in favour of all the resolutions being put at the Company's AGM on 21 May 2025, including the Continuation Resolution and the resolution which proposes to extend the time permitted to draw up proposals regarding the Company's voluntary liquidation and/or reorganisation in the event of an unsuccessful continuation vote. At present the Board has three months from the date of the vote to draw up proposals and to convene and hold a general meeting. It is proposed to increase this to six months. The proposed new timeframe is felt to provide a more realistic time period to facilitate due diligence, for proposals to be fully considered, and is in line with market practice.

Notwithstanding the fact that the Board continues to recommend that shareholders approve the Continuation Resolution, the Board has decided it is in the interests of all shareholders to start immediately a formal review process to consider the future of the Company (the "Review").

The Board believes it is important to consider the interests of all shareholders and has appointed Stifel Nicolaus Europe Limited ("Stifel") to prepare a process which will invite formal proposals to be made privately to the Board. The focus of the Board will be on those parties who are able to demonstrate a current record of managing Japanese equities in an existing London listed investment company structure. This process will include an invitation to AVI Japan Opportunity Trust Plc.

If the Continuation Resolution is not approved by a majority of shareholders at the AGM, the Board is currently assuming that, as a result of the Review, the Company is likely to enter into a scheme of reconstruction pursuant to section 110 of the Insolvency Act 1986 (a "s.110 Scheme") later in 2025. Any s.110 Scheme which is recommended by the Board to shareholders will require 75 per cent shareholder approval of those voting. As part of the Review, the Board will not actively consider the option of a transaction that would be subject to the Takeover Code, and do not believe such a transaction is a possible outcome of that Review.

The Board has been active on share buybacks during the last year. However in light of the Review, it has decided to suspend on-market share buybacks by the Company.

The Company will update the market on the progress of the Review in due course, noting that at this stage there can be no certainty that the Review will result in a s.110 Scheme.

Enquiries

Fidelity Japan Trust Plc David Graham (Chairman) Via Stifel Stifel Edward Gibson-Watt Andrew Yeo Tel: +44 (0) 20 7710 7600

Important Information

This announcement is released by the Company and the information contained within this announcement is deemed by the Company to constitute inside information for the purposes of Article 7 of the UK version of the EU Market Abuse Regulation (Regulation (EU) No.596/2014) which forms part of UK law by virtue of the European Union (Withdrawal) Act 2018, as amended. Upon the publication of this announcement via a Regulatory Information Service, such information is now considered to be in the public domain. The person responsible for arranging for the release of this announcement on behalf of the Company is David Graham, Chairman.

Legal Entity Identifier (LEI): 549300ND695NEJ5GPI72

Stifel Nicolaus Europe Limited ("Stifel"), which is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority in the United Kingdom, is acting exclusively as financial advisor and broker to FJV and no one else in connection with the Review and the matters and arrangements set out in this announcement. Stifel will not regard any other person as its client in relation to the Review or any other matter or arrangement set out in this announcement and will not be responsible to anyone other than FJV for providing the protections afforded to clients of Stifel, nor for providing advice in relation to the Review or any other matter or arrangement referred to in this announcement. Neither Stifel nor any of its affiliates (nor their respective directors, officers, employees or agents) owes or accepts any duty, liability or responsibility whatsoever (whether direct or indirect, consequential, whether in contract, in tort, in delict, under statute or otherwise) to any person who is not a client of Stifel in connection with the Review, this announcement, any statement contained herein or otherwise. No representation or warranty, express or implied, is made by Stifel as to the contents of this announcement.
WeCap Plc - Board Changes

PR Newswire

LONDON, United Kingdom, April 17

THE INFORMATION CONTAINED WITHIN THIS ANNOUNCEMENT IS DEEMED BY THE COMPANY TO CONSTITUTE INSIDE INFORMATION AS STIPULATED UNDER THE MARKET ABUSE REGULATION (EU) NO. 596/2014, AS AMENDED ("MAR"). ON THE PUBLICATION OF THIS ANNOUNCEMENT VIA A REGULATORY INFORMATION SERVICE ("RIS"), THIS INSIDE INFORMATION IS NOW CONSIDERED TO BE IN THE PUBLIC DOMAIN.

WeCap plc

("Company")

Board Changes

The Company announces that John Taylor has resigned as a Director with immediate effect, to focus on his other business commitments.

The Company would like to thank John for his contributions since joining the Board in 2021 and wishes him well for the future.

The Directors of the Company accept responsibility for the contents of this announcement.

ENDS

Enquiries:

Company:

info@wecapplc.com

Corporate Advisor:

Peterhouse Capital Limited

+ 44 (0) 20 7469 0930 (Direct)

Corporate Broker:

Tennyson Securities Limited

Peter Krens: +44 (0) 20 7186 9033 (Direct)
Toronto, Ontario--(Newsfile Corp. - April 17, 2025) - Global Tactical Metals Corp. (CSE: MONI) (FSE: A7F) ("Global Tactical Metals" or the "Company") is pleased to announce the appointment of Dr. Marcus Bursik to its Advisory Board.

Dr. Bursik holds a Ph.D. from the California Institute of Technology and brings over 30 years of experience in geological consulting across military, governmental, and industrial sectors. His recent work includes guiding mining companies in identifying exploration targets for strategic, critical, and precious metals. He has served on a NATO Science and Technology Organization technical board and has conducted research for the Air Force Office of Scientific Research and NASA.

This appointment comes at a pivotal moment following President Trump's recent executive order aimed at strengthening national security through the assessment and protection of domestic supplies of critical minerals. The order directs an investigation into the reliance on imported processed critical minerals and their derivatives, underscoring the urgent need for a secure domestic supply chain.

"In light of shifting geopolitical priorities, we are strengthening our U.S. strategy by bringing in top-tier expertise," said Kelly Abbott, CEO of Global Tactical Metals. "Dr. Bursik's deep understanding of geostrategic mineral systems will be instrumental as we position our company at the forefront of America's critical mineral push. His leadership will help us identify and advance opportunities aligned with the U.S. Department of Defense and the Defense Production Act."

The Company views this addition as a key step in advancing its strategic objectives in the United States and ensuring alignment with evolving national priorities related to mineral security.

On behalf of the Board of Directors,

Global Tactical Metals Corp.

Kelly Abbott

CEO

About Global Tactical Metals Corp.

Global Tactical Metals Corp. is focused on acquiring, exploring, and advancing mineral properties that address critical resource needs in North America. The company holds a 100% interest in the St. Anthony Property, a highly prospective mineral asset in Newfoundland, Canada, positioned in a region known for its rich mineral potential.

The company has also significantly expanded its exploration portfolio with a substantial land package staked in Darling Township, southeastern Ontario-approximately 300 km east-northeast of Toronto. This property, now exceeding 1,400 hectares, targets critical mineral exploration with a primary focus on antimony, a vital element for renewable energy, defense, and electronics industries.

In addition, Global Tactical Metals Corp. has extended its strategic footprint into the United States by staking the Green Mine, a past-producing antimony deposit in Nevada, further strengthening its commitment to securing critical mineral resources.

Forward-Looking Statement

Certain information contained in this news release constitutes forward-looking statements under applicable securities laws. Any statements that are not historical facts may be considered forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements are often identified by terms such as "may," "should," "anticipate," "expect," "potential," "believe," "intend," or similar expressions. These statements relate to future events or future performance and include, but are not limited to, statements regarding: The exploration and development of the Company's mineral properties, including the St. Anthony Property, the Ontario claims, and the newly staked Green Mine; The potential value and economic viability of these mineral assets; The growing demand for antimony and its impact on the Company's strategic initiatives; and The Company's ability to execute exploration programs, conduct geological assessments, and advance its assets towards potential resource development.

Forward-looking information in this press release is based on various assumptions, including but not limited to: the Company's ability to successfully conduct exploration and development activities, access to funding and infrastructure, regulatory approvals, and favorable market conditions for critical minerals.

These statements are subject to known and unknown risks, uncertainties, and other factors that may cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. Factors that could cause such differences include, but are not limited to: Challenges in obtaining permits, regulatory approvals, or financing; Geological or technical difficulties in mineral exploration and extraction; Changes in market demand or commodity prices; and Unforeseen environmental or operational risks.

Readers are cautioned that the above list is not exhaustive. Forward-looking statements in this press release reflect the Company's expectations as of the date of this release and are subject to change. The Company undertakes no obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements except as required by applicable law.

Neither the Canadian Securities Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the Canadian Securities Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/248882

SOURCE: Global Tactical Metals
Guardian Metal Resources plc (LON:GMET)(OTCQX:GMTLF), a mineral exploration company focused on tungsten exploration and development within Nevada, USA, welcomes the recent Executive Order titled "Ensuring National Security and Economic Resilience Through Section 232 Actions on Processed Critical Minerals and Derivative Products" (the "Executive Order") issued by President Donald J. Trump on 15 April 2025.

This directive initiates a national security investigation under Section 232 of the Trade Expansion Act of 1962, focusing on U.S. reliance on imported processed critical minerals, including tungsten. The order highlights the vulnerabilities in the current supply chain, particularly the dependence on foreign sources, for minerals essential to defence, energy, and advanced manufacturing sectors.

A link to the Executive Order is provided below:

https://www.whitehouse.gov/presidential-actions/2025/04/ensuring-national-security-and-economic-resilience-through-section-232-actions-on-processed-critical-minerals-and-derivative-products/

Key Sections from the Executive Order potentially benefitting Guardian Metal:

National Security Investigation: Mandates the Secretary of Commerce to assess the impact of imported processed critical minerals on national security.

Supply Chain Vulnerabilities: Acknowledges the risks associated with foreign dependence for processed minerals vital to U.S. infrastructure and defence.

Market Distortions: Addresses concerns over foreign market manipulations that threaten the stability and resilience of U.S. industries.

Strategic Importance: Emphasises the necessity of secure domestic sources for minerals such as tungsten to ensure economic prosperity and defence readiness.

Guardian Metal's Nevada-based co-flagship tungsten projects are strategically positioned to contribute to the objectives outlined in this and previously announced Executive Orders. The Company aims to mitigate supply chain risks and support national security initiatives by rapidly advancing its projects aligned with the long-term strategic plan of developing a secure, domestic supply chain of tungsten in the U.S. Tungsten is included in the "Critical Minerals List" published by the United States Geological Survey (USGS) owing to its use in high-strength applications such as defence, aerospace, mining, and high-performance industrial manufacturing.

Oliver Friesen, CEO of Guardian Metal, commented:

"This Executive Order from President Trump marks a pivotal advancement in fortifying the United States of America's critical and defence mineral supply chains. The directive's emphasis on assessing and mitigating vulnerabilities associated with imported processed minerals, including tungsten, underscores the strategic imperative of domestic production.

"The invocation of Section 232 and the involvement of the Department of Commerce represents a significant escalation in U.S. critical mineral policy. As demonstrated during President Trump's first term-when Section 232 measures were successfully implemented to support the domestic steel and aluminium industries-we view this development as a strong signal of intent. We look forward to the outcome of the review, with a particular interest in follow-on policies to enhance the competitiveness of U.S.-based tungsten projects.

"Our Nevada-based tungsten projects are uniquely positioned to contribute significantly to this national objective. We are committed to advancing our operations to ensure a resilient and secure supply of tungsten, vital for defence, aerospace, and high-performance industrial applications. This policy direction not only validates our strategic initiatives but also reinforces our dedication to supporting the United States' economic resilience and national security."

Next Steps

Guardian Metal will actively engage with all relevant government agencies to align with the directives outlined in the Executive Order. We are committed to leveraging this supportive policy framework to expedite the responsible development of our Nevada-based projects.

Our team continues to advance technical studies and community engagement initiatives, ensuring we maintain the highest standards of environmental stewardship and social responsibility. These efforts position us well to capitalise on this pivotal moment for domestic mining in the U.S.

Forward Looking Statements

This announcement contains forward-looking statements relating to expected or anticipated future events and anticipated results that are forward-looking in nature and, as a result, are subject to certain risks and uncertainties, such as general economic, market and business conditions, competition for qualified staff, the regulatory process and actions, technical issues, new legislation, uncertainties resulting from potential delays or changes in plans, uncertainties resulting from working in a new political jurisdiction, uncertainties regarding the results of exploration, uncertainties regarding the timing and granting of prospecting rights, uncertainties regarding the timing and granting of regulatory and other third party consents and approvals, uncertainties regarding the Company's or any third party's ability to execute and implement future plans, and the occurrence of unexpected events.

Actual results achieved may vary from the information provided herein as a result of numerous known and unknown risks and uncertainties and other factors.

For further information visit www.guardianmetalresources.com or contact the following:

Guardian Metal Resources plc



Oliver Friesen (CEO)

Tel:+44 (0) 20 7583 8304 Shard Capital Partners LLP



Lead Broker



Damon Heath/Erik Woolgar

Tel: +44 (0) 20 7186 9000

This information is provided by Reach, the non-regulatory press release distribution service of RNS, part of the London Stock Exchange. Terms and conditions relating to the use and distribution of this information may apply. For further information, please contact rns@lseg.com or visit www.rns.com.

SOURCE: Guardian Metal Resources PLC
-Huble named HubSpot's 2024 Global Partner of the Year, recognizing exceptional success in implementing HubSpot solutions and driving long-term customer retention -

LONDON, April 17, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- HubSpot, the customer platform for scaling businesses, has announced that the winner of its 2024 Global Partner of the Year program is Huble https://www.huble.com .

Huble, HubSpot's 2024 Global Partner of the Year, is a global HubSpot, AI, marketing & creative consultancy enabling mid-market and enterprise businesses to move faster, adapt smarter, and innovate freely-by building their business around HubSpot.

This truly international HubSpot Elite Partner has customers currently supported in 20+ countries, on five continents, delivering value to national and international businesses across the UK, NA, EMEA & APAC, and in a wide variety of vertical markets.

Since achieving ISO 27001 security certification in 2022, and ISO 9001 quality assurance in 2023, this 150+ headcount business has extended all of its business operations in the UK, USA, Canada, Germany, Belgium, Singapore, and South Africa. Most recently adding support capabilities in South America.

HubSpot, the customer platform for scaling businesses, helps businesses grow better by providing powerful and easy-to-use tools for marketing, sales, service, operations, and website management. Designed to scale with business needs, HubSpot includes advanced marketing automation and performance tracking capabilities, enabling organizations to analyze marketing impact on both regional and global levels.

Angela O'Dowd, VP of the Solutions Partner Program at HubSpot said: "Huble has had an incredible impact on their customers' success. The entire HubSpot community congratulates Huble on this exciting achievement."

Chief Executive Officer and Co-founder of Huble, Daryn Smith, comments: "This is an award which we have wanted to win for several years. It means a huge amount to us all as a ringing endorsement of the quality of our people."

Smith continues, "We have a growing volume of large-scale international clients who rely upon our teams of HubSpot solutions architects, consultants, developers, project managers and technical experts who deliver best practice and technical guidance across five continents and many different vertical markets."

Chairman and Co-founder of Huble, Bob Dearsley, comments: "Far beyond just selling HubSpot, this award is a recognition of our commitment to ensuring long-term success for all of our HubSpot customers."

Dearsley concludes, "Our focus has always been on evolving and growing with our clients, helping them maximize the value of HubSpot over time. For us, the real measure of impact is retaining customers on the HubSpot platform, and this recognition reinforces the trust our clients place in us to drive their ongoing business success."

For further information, please contact:

Head of Marketing, Huble - Jenna Linley jenna.linley@huble.com

About Huble - huble.com

Huble, HubSpot's 2024 Global Partner of the Year, is a global HubSpot, AI, marketing & creative consultancy enabling mid-market and enterprise businesses to move faster, adapt smarter, and innovate freely-by building their business around HubSpot.

Committed to security and quality, Huble has certified compliance with ISO/IEC 27001:2022 and ISO 9001:2015 standards across its seven international businesses and 150+ employees.

Boasting almost 15 years of experience and 500+ successful HubSpot CRM implementations, Huble expertly steers clients through digital transformation with offices and consulting teams in the UK, USA, Canada, Germany, France, Belgium, Singapore, and South Africa.

View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/huble-crowned-hubspot-global-partner-of-the-year-2024-302430156.html
Will be one of the largest industrial investments ever undertaken by the private sector in Turkiye and the largest investment in Ronesans' history, expected to directly contribute $300 million annually to Turkiye's balance of payments.

A total of $1.3 billion in financing, led by the U.S. International Development Finance Corporation (DFC) for the PP production plant and Spain's Export Credit Agency (Cesce) for the PP production plant and terminal, underscoring the project's global importance.

The investments secure landmark partnership with Africa's largest company, SONATRACH and one of the world's leading integrated supply chain solution providers for specialty liquid bulk chemicals, Stolt-Nielsen.

ISTANBUL, April 17, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Ronesans Holding, one of Turkiye's largest contracting and investment conglomerates, has closed the financing to progress the development of a major new PP production plant and terminal facility, which will be one of the largest private sector investments in Turkiye.

This landmark undertaking, valued at $2 billion, is expected to boost Turkiye's industrial self-sufficiency and strengthen its global trade position - reducing the country's import dependence.

The development is comprised of two distinct components financed separately by international financiers. The first is the PP production plant, being developed by Ronesans and SONATRACH (as a shareholder and feedstock supplier), with an annual production capacity of 472,500 metric tons, meeting roughly 17% of Turkiye's PP demand.

"This development exemplifies our commitment to sustainable, high-impact investments that support Turkiye's economic and industrial ambitions," said Erman Ilicak, Honorary President of Ronesans Holding. "The Ceyhan PP Plant will not only bring hundreds of new jobs to the region but also secure a more resilient and competitive supply chain for PP, a vital raw material for industries across Turkiye and Europe. Furthermore, the fact that the project is fully financed by foreign resources highlights our ability to attract international investment, strengthening both foreign financing and FDI inflows into Turkiye."

In this regard, Rachid Hachichi, CEO of SONATRACH also stated as follows: "The decision to invest in Turkiye is mainly driven by the dynamic and expanding market demand for PP. This location proves to be ideal considering its well-established and constantly evolving industry. In-depth studies reveal favourable economic prospects and promising profitability indicators."

The second component is the terminal facility, which will be developed in partnership with Stolt-Nielsen's global bulk liquid storage business, Stolthaven Terminals, and provide jetty and feedstock storage services for the new plant and other possible future customers.

Guy Bessant, President of Stolthaven Terminals, added: "We are pleased to partner with Ronesans Holding on this landmark project. Stolthaven Terminals has more than 50 years' experience in the safe and efficient handling and storage of bulk liquids and gases, and proven expertise in developing complex and large-scale storage projects. This terminal will not only provide storage for the Ceyhan PP Plant but is also part of the DAPEK Industrial Zone which, in future, could provide storage and logistics solutions for local and international companies looking for distribution services in the region."

Strong Partnerships and Sustainable Practices

The two projects will use environmentally advanced technology to ensure production efficiency and sustainability. The PP production plant aims to achieve the world's lowest GHG emissions per tonne of PP produced globally, benefiting from 100% renewable electricity and high-efficiency production methods.

The projects have collectively attracted strong international financial backing with a loan package totalling $1.3 billion from international financiers, including, for the production plant, the U.S. International Development Finance Corporation (DFC) together with a consortium of international commercial lenders under Cesce coverage, including ING (also acting as Global Coordinator and Documentation Bank), BBVA, Denizbank AG - Austria, DZ BANK and TAEF (formerly Apicorp), with Deutsche Bank as Cesce Facility Agent and, for the Terminal, ING and BBVA under Cesce coverage along with Vakifbank as commercial lender.

Economic Impact and Commitment to Regional Development

Turkiye is one of the world's largest PP importers, with demand led by key sectors including automotive, textiles and packaging. Currently, the total annual PP consumption in Turkiye is approximately 2.7 million metric tons, with domestic production able to supply only around 100,000 metric tons of material to the market.

The Ceyhan PP production plant will be strategically located within Turkiye's DAPEK Industrial Zone, providing logistical and financial advantages that are set to support the local economy and reduce Turkiye's trade deficit by approximately $300 million annually. The project is expected to create 4,500 construction jobs at its peak and provide 300 permanent jobs once operational.

Aligned with Ronesans Holding's core values, the project includes initiatives to enhance local skills and employment opportunities. Programmes, including a welding school established for the plant, will support education and skill-building within the region, bringing long-term benefits to the Ceyhan community and contributing to Turkiye's socio-economic development.

About Ronesans Holding

Ronesans Holding, the conglomerate's leading investment entity headquartered in Ankara, is the 53rd largest international contracting company globally and one of the largest in Europe. With operations spanning 30 countries across Europe, Central Asia, and Africa, including subsidiaries such as Ballast Nedam in the Netherlands and Heitkamp Industrial Solutions GmbH in Germany, Ronesans has been operating as the main contractor and investor successfully for more than 30 years in construction, real estate, concession, renewable energy and industrials. Putting resilience and growth through innovation at the core of the company, with a priority on sustainability and social development, Ronesans has developed projects supporting students with scholarships, academic platforms and initiatives; been a signatory of the UN Global Compact since 2015; and a signatory of the UN Women's Empowerment Principles since 2016.

Under the leadership of its Honorary President, Erman Ilicak, Ronesans, along with its partners GIC, Meridiam Infrastructure, Sojitz, Samsung C&T, TotalEnergies, and IFC of the World Bank Group (minority shareholder in the group), has invested more than EUR 8 billion into pioneering projects globally.

About SONATRACH

Since 1963, SONATRACH has been the unwavering driving force behind the national economy, masterfully developing Algeria's hydrocarbon reserves, known as the African major, this player in the oil and gas industry derives its strength from its ability to be fully integrated group across the entire hydrocarbon value chain.

SONATRACH operates either independently or in partnership with foreign oil firms some of world's largest oil & gas fields in different regions of Algerian Sahara, Downstream activities include six active refineries, two petrochemical complexes, four LNG plants, and two LPG separation units. These production activities are fully supported and ensured by a 22,000-kilometre length network and four oil ports developed for loading and unloading large tankers with a capacity of 80,000 up to 320,000 MT.

SONATRACH aims to position itself among the top five national oil firms in the global energy industry, focusing on efficiency and profitability whilst maintaining its role as a cornerstone of the Algerian economy.

The group plan to invest over $59 billion as part of its strategy to develop its operation. This investment is expected to generate more than $68 billion in additional revenue, with 50% of with to be reinvested into renewing reserves, expending production capacity, and employee training.

About Stolthaven Terminals

With a global network of 15 owned and joint-venture terminals, Stolthaven Terminals provides five million cbm of storage and distribution services for bulk liquids including chemicals, clean petroleum products, liquified petroleum gases, vegetable oils, biofuels and oleochemicals. Stolthaven's mission is to deliver value to its customers through operating state-of-the-art terminals which complement the capabilities of its sister companies Stolt Tankers and Stolt Tank Containers, ensuring an efficient ship-to-shore interface with the aim of reducing potential demurrage costs and facilitating agile and competitive supply chains. All within an environment of assured quality, safety and environmental protection.

Stolthaven Terminals is a division of Stolt-Nielsen Limited (SNL). A long-term investor and manager of businesses focused on opportunities in logistics, distribution and aquaculture. The Stolt-Nielsen portfolio consists of its three global bulk-liquid and chemicals logistics businesses - Stolt Tankers, Stolthaven Terminals and Stolt Tank Containers - Stolt Sea Farm and investments in LNG. Stolt-Nielsen Limited is listed on the Oslo Stock Exchange (Oslo Brs: SNI).

Photo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2666539/Ronesans_Holding_Ceyhan.jpg

Photo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2666542/Ronesans_Holdings.jpg

Logo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2186431/Ronesans_Holding_Logo.jpg

View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/ronesans-holding-to-fuel-economic-growth-with-new-2-billion-polypropylene-pp-production-plant-and-terminal-investments-in-turkiye-302430701.html
First firm to deliver iManage from Swiss-based Cloud Region

CHICAGO, April 17, 2025, the company dedicated to Making Knowledge Work, today announced that leading Swiss law firm OBERSON ABELS SAhas successfully gone live on iManage Cloud, becoming the first Swiss law firm to adopt iManage Workfrom the company's newly launched Cloud Region in Switzerland.

The firm transitioned from on-premises solutions to iManage Cloud, attracted by its proven, market-recognized platform now available through a Swiss-based Cloud Region. The shift gives the firm a competitive edge by eliminating the burden of on-premises hardware, enhancing security and resilience, and improving efficiency for its legal professionals-while also laying the groundwork for adopting advanced capabilities like AI.

"OBERSON ABELS is proud to be the first law firm on the Swiss-hosted instance of iManage Cloud," said Pierre-Marie Glauser, Co-Managing Partner, OBERSON ABELS. "When we decided to move away from on-premises document and email management, we did a thorough marketplace review and found the iManage knowledge work platform to be both powerful and intuitive, while fully meeting all our regional security requirements. Choosing iManage Cloud opens an exciting new era for us, where we can enhance our expertise and skills with industry-leading technology and deliver optimal outcomes for our clients."

OBERSON ABELS has approximately 90 users across four different offices accessing the iManage knowledge work platform through iManage Cloud. To assist in its migration to iManage Cloud, OBERSON ABELS SA worked with local iManage partner Eficio.

"We were pleased to use our 20 years of experience and unique know-how within the legal field to successfully migrate OBERSON ABELS to iManage Cloud," said Emmanuel Potvin, CEO at Eficio. "With iManage Cloud, OBERSON ABELS has equipped its interdisciplinary teams with a comprehensive knowledge work platform that will enable them to collaborate and be productive from anywhere, on any device, safely and securely."

iManage offers customers ten global iManage Cloud Regions to choose from, including the new Swiss region. Built on Microsoft Azure, each iManage Cloud Region consists of three independent data centers, for maximum security, performance, and reliability.

"OBERSON ABELS' decision to adopt iManage Cloud reflects their innovative and visionary mindset," said Chris RuBert, Executive Vice President of Cloud Operations & Support Services, at iManage. "At iManage, we place the utmost importance on data security and are continually investing in ways to meet the highest standards. With our new Swiss Cloud Region, we're able to deliver our trusted platform in compliance with local data residency requirements-opening the door for more Swiss firms to confidently adopt iManage."

About iManage

iManage is dedicated to Making Knowledge Work. Our cloud-native platform is at the center of the knowledge economy, enabling every organization to work more productively, collaboratively, and securely. Built on more than 20 years of industry experience, iManage helps leading organizations manage documents and emails more efficiently, protect vital information assets, and leverage knowledge to drive better business outcomes. As your strategic business partner, we employ our award-winning AI-enabled technology, an extensive partner ecosystem, and a customer-centric approach to provide support and guidance you can trust to make knowledge work for you. iManage is relied on by more than one million professionals at 4,000 organizations around the world. Visit www.imanage.comto learn more.

Follow iManage via:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/imanage

X: https://x.com/imanageinc

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@iManage

Press contact:

Alicia Saragosa, iManage

press@imanage.com
Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - April 17, 2025) - Li-FT Power Ltd. (TSXV: LIFT) (OTCQX: LIFFF) (FSE: WS0) ("LIFT" or the "Company") is pleased to announce the commencement of the 2025 Environmental Baseline Data Collection Program (the "Program") at the Yellowknife Lithium Project (the "Project"). The Program represents a significant step in preparing for advanced permitting activities for the Project, including Environmental Assessment, and will also inform mine planning activities, including economic studies.

Baseline data collected in 2025 will be used to understand current environmental and socioeconomic conditions in the area and constitutes the first of two years of comprehensive baseline data required for Environmental Assessment. The 2025 program will build on data collected in 2023 and 2024 as well as the wealth of existing data from the area, which is well-studied due to its proximity to Yellowknife and historic mining and exploration activities in the area.

The Program will include local and regional baseline data collection activities and will focus on areas immediately adjacent to known pegmatite dykes where Project infrastructure may be present in the future (Figure 1). Lakes and streams that are immediately up- and down-stream of potential future infrastructure will also be included in the program, along with areas that are up- and downwind of potential future Project activities. The Program will include aquatic, atmospheric, terrestrial, and human environment components and will employ approaches rooted in the scientific method and Indigenous Knowledge.

Figure 1 - Location of LIFT's Yellowknife Lithium Project and baseline data collection study area.

To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit:

https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/8766/248843_0d72261a04804a9d_001full.jpg

LIFT is working closely with local Indigenous communities and regulatory authorities to develop and execute the baseline data collection programs for the Project. Community engagement sessions specific to baseline data collection programs were held in 2024, with additional sessions planned for 2025. The Program will be managed by Det'on Cho Environmental, which is owned by the Yellowknives Dene First Nation and prioritises Indigenous employment.

April Hayward, CSO of LIFT, comments, "The launch of the 2025 Baseline Data Collection Program marks a critical step in advancing the Yellowknife Lithium Project. We appreciate the ongoing support of our Indigenous partners and will continue to work closely with local communities and relevant regulatory authorities to ensure we have the data and information we require for future permitting activities, including Environmental Assessment."

Baseline Data Collection Program Components

Aquatics Program: The program includes bathymetry, hydrology, hydrogeology, and water quality surveys as well as fish, fish habitat, and aquatic life surveys. The program began on April 5th with under-ice water quality sampling, fish habitat surveys, and winter hydrological surveys. The aquatics program will continue on an approximately monthly basis until the end of September or beginning of October, when freeze-up is likely to occur.

Atmospherics Program: The program includes air quality, noise, vibration, light, and meteorological components to establish ambient conditions in and around the Project area. The atmospheric data collection program will begin in late spring/early summer will continue year-round going forward.

Terrestrial Program: The program includes vegetation, soils and terrain, permafrost, host rock geochemistry, and wildlife components. Soils and vegetation field programs will occur in the summer (July-September) and will be used to verify models built from geological maps and remote sensing data. The host rock geochemistry program will build upon initial work completed in 2023 and 2024 and will include static and kinetic testing of host rock. The wildlife program will include acoustic data collection, the analysis of available satellite collar data, and the continuation of camera trapping, which commenced in the autumn of 2023.

Human Environment Program: The program will include heritage resources, land and resource use, social and community conditions, and economic components. The 2025 program builds on archaeological studies and socioeconomic data collected in 2023 and will expand to include Indigenous resource use and Indigenous knowledge studies (which will be integrated with the environmental data collection program) beginning in April of 2024.

About LIFT

LIFT is a mineral exploration company engaged in the acquisition, exploration, and development of lithium pegmatite projects located in Canada. The Company's flagship project is the Yellowknife Lithium Project located in Northwest Territories, Canada. LIFT also holds three early-stage exploration properties in Quebec, Canada with excellent potential for the discovery of buried lithium pegmatites, as well as the Cali Project in Northwest Territories within the Little Nahanni Pegmatite Group.

For further information, please contact:

Cautionary Statement Regarding Forward-Looking Information

Certain statements included in this press release constitute forward-looking information or statements (collectively, "forward-looking statements"), including those identified by the expressions "anticipate", "believe", "plan", "estimate", "expect", "intend", "may", "should" and similar expressions to the extent they relate to the Company or its management. The forward-looking statements are not historical facts but reflect current expectations regarding future results or events. This press release contains forward looking statements. These forward-looking statements and information reflect management's current beliefs and are based on assumptions made by and information currently available to the company with respect to the matter described in this new release.

Forward-looking statements involve risks and uncertainties, which are based on current expectations as of the date of this release and subject to known and unknown risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed or implied by such statements. Additional information about these assumptions and risks and uncertainties is contained under "Risk Factors" in the Company's latest annual information form filed on March 21, 2025, which is available under the Company's SEDAR+ profile at www.sedarplus.ca, and in other filings that the Company has made and may make with applicable securities authorities in the future. Forward-looking statements contained herein are made only as to the date of this press release and we undertake no obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as required by law. We caution investors not to place considerable reliance on the forward-looking statements contained in this press release.

Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this news release.

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/248843

SOURCE: Li-FT Power Ltd.
WILMINGTON, Del., April 17, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- The global military trainer aircraft market is expanding due to increasing defense budgets, fleet modernization programs, technological advancements, and the growing need for pilot training to operate next-generation combat aircraft.

Allied Market Research published a report, titled, "Military Trainer Aircraft Market by Type (Fixed-Wing, Rotary-Wing), by Training Type (Combat Training, Basic and Intermediate Pilot training, Advanced Pilot Training), by Seat Type (Single, Twin), by Application (Armed, Unarmed): Global Opportunity Analysis and Industry Forecast, 2024-2033". According to the report, the "military trainer aircraft market" was valued at $11.4 billion in 2023, and is estimated to reach $21 billion by 2033, growing at a CAGR of 6.5% from 2024 to 2033.

Download Sample Pages of Research Overview: https://www.alliedmarketresearch.com/request-sample/A152784

Prime Determinants of Growth

The growth of the military trainer aircraft market is primarily driven by increasing defense budgets, fleet modernization initiatives, and the rising demand for pilot training due to advancements in combat aircraft. Nations are investing in advanced trainer aircraft to enhance pilot readiness for next-generation fighter jets. In addition, technological advancements, such as integrated simulation systems and AI-driven training solutions, are improving training efficiency. The shift towards multi-role trainer aircraft capable of both training and light combat operations is further fueling market expansion. However, high procurement costs and long equipment lifecycles pose challenges to market growth, impacting new acquisitions and upgrades.

Report Coverage & Details:

Report Coverage Details Forecast Period 2024-2033 Base Year 2023 Market Size in 2023 $11.4 billion Market Size in 2033 $21 billion CAGR 6.5 % No. of Pages in Report 405 Segments covered Type, Training Type, Seat Type, Application, and Region. Drivers  Increase in Defense Budgets and Spending Globally  Ongoing Efforts Towards Enhancing Pilot Skills and Flight Readiness Among Air Forces Globally  Technology Advancement in Trainer Aircraft Opportunity  Emergence of Multi-Role Trainers Alongside Operational Fleet Upgrades  Surge in Public Private Partnerships Restraints  High Procurement Costs  Long Equipment Lifecycles

Impact of Russia-Ukraine War Scenario

On February 24, 2022 the Russia-Ukraine war has significantly impacted the military trainer aircraft market, driving increased demand for pilot training and fleet modernization. As tensions escalate, NATO and allied nations have intensified military aid and training support for Ukraine, increasing the need for advanced trainer aircraft. The conflict has highlighted the importance of combat-ready pilots, prompting countries to invest in next-generation trainer aircraft to enhance their air force capabilities.

European nations are expanding their pilot training programs to address potential security threats, boosting procurement of fixed-wing and jet trainers. However, disruptions in the global supply chain, rising defense expenditures, and geopolitical uncertainties have posed challenges to aircraft production and deliveries. Sanctions on Russia have also affected the availability of key aviation components, leading to strategic partnerships and localized manufacturing initiatives. Despite these challenges, the war has reinforced the necessity for technologically advanced military trainer aircraft, driving market expansion and innovation.

Buy This Research Report (405 Pages PDF with Insights, Charts, Tables, and Figures): https://www.alliedmarketresearch.com/checkout-final/ad684594eb191796bdf1f31b0fe97b67

The fixed-wing segment to maintain its leadership status throughout the forecast period

On the basis of type, the fixed-wing segment held the highest market share in 2023, accounting for more than four-fifths of the global military trainer aircraft market revenue. This is due to its extensive use in pilot training programs worldwide. Fixed-wing trainers are essential for developing fundamental and advanced flying skills, preparing pilots for combat and transport aircraft operations. Their versatility, cost-effectiveness, and ability to simulate real-world flight conditions make them the preferred choice for air forces. The growing demand for lead-in fighter trainers (LIFT) and advanced jet trainers (AJT) has further fueled segment growth. Technological advancements, including modern avionics and integrated training systems, have strengthened the dominance of fixed-wing trainers in military aviation. However, the rotary wing segment is projected to manifest the fastest CAGR of 7.8% from 2023 to 2033. This is due to increasing demand for helicopter pilot training amid rising defense modernization programs. The need for specialized rotorcraft training, driven by expanding combat and reconnaissance operations, has accelerated procurement of advanced rotary-wing trainer aircraft worldwide.

The basic and intermediate pilot training segment to maintain its leadership status throughout the forecast period

On the basis of training type, the basic and intermediate pilot training segment held the highest market share in 2023, accounting for more than two-fifths of the global military trainer aircraft market revenue. This is due to the essential role it plays in shaping future military pilots. Every air force requires a structured training pipeline, starting with basic and intermediate training before advancing to complex combat aircraft. These trainers are widely used to teach fundamental flight skills, navigation, and aerobatics, making them a critical investment for defense forces. However, the advanced pilot segment is projected to manifest the fastest CAGR of 7.6% from 2023 to 2033. This is due to the growing need for skilled pilots capable of operating next-generation fighter jets. Increasing defense investments in simulation-based training, high-performance jet trainers, and lead-in fighter training programs have further fueled this segment's rapid growth.

The Twin segment to maintain its leadership status throughout the forecast period

On the basis of seat type, the twin segment held the highest market share in 2023, accounting for more than half of the global military trainer aircraft market revenue. This is primarily due to its essential role in effective pilot training. Twin-seat trainers offer dual cockpits, allowing instructors to monitor, guide, and intervene during flight operations, ensuring a safer and more comprehensive training experience. This configuration is particularly beneficial for advanced training, where trainees must master complex maneuvers and combat scenarios. However, the single segment is projected to manifest the fastest CAGR of 7.1% from 2023 to 2033. This is due to its growing adoption for cost-effective operational training and combat readiness. Air forces are increasingly integrating single-seat trainers to bridge the gap between training and real-world missions, enhancing pilot proficiency while reducing overall training expenses.

The unarmed segment to maintain its leadership status throughout the forecast period

On the basis of application, the unarmed segment held the highest market share in 2023, accounting for more than one-third of the global military trainer aircraft market revenue. This is primarily due to its critical role in preparing pilots for both training and combat operations. Armed trainers are equipped with advanced avionics, weapons systems, and combat simulation capabilities, allowing trainees to gain real-world experience in operational settings. However, the armed segment is projected to manifest the fastest CAGR of 7.3% from 2023 to 2033. This is due to its growing adoption for cost-effective operational training and combat readiness. Air forces are increasingly integrating single-seat trainers to bridge the gap between training and real-world missions, enhancing pilot proficiency while reducing overall training expenses.

North America to maintain its dominance by 2032

On the basis of region, North America held the highest market share in terms of revenue in 2023, accounting more than one-third of the global military trainer aircraft market revenue. This is due to strong defense spending, advanced aviation infrastructure, and the presence of leading aircraft manufacturers such as Boeing and Lockheed Martin. The U.S. Air Force and Navy maintain extensive pilot training programs, continuously upgrading their trainer fleets with advanced fixed-wing and rotary-wing platforms.

However, Asia-Pacific is expected to witness the fastest CAGR of 8.5% from 2023 to 2033. This is due to rising defense budgets, fleet modernization programs, and increasing demand for pilot training. Countries like India, China, and South Korea are investing in advanced trainer aircraft to strengthen their air forces, driving rapid market growth in the region.

Enquiry Before Buying: https://www.alliedmarketresearch.com/purchase-enquiry/A152784

Leading Market Players: -

Airbus SE

Bae Systems plc

Leonardo SpA

Lockheed Martin Corporation

Northrop Grumman Corporation

Saab AB

Textron Inc.

The Boeing Company

Embraer SA

Korea Aerospace Industries, Ltd.

The report provides a detailed analysis of these key players of the global military trainer aircraft market. These players have adopted different strategies such as expansion and product launch to increase their market share and maintain dominant shares in different regions. The report is valuable in highlighting business performance, operating segments, product portfolio, and strategic moves of market players to showcase the competitive scenario.

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Increase in global demand for pest control solutions is a key driver in the growth of the pest control market. As urbanization and population density rise, pest infestations have become a significant concern, necessitating effective management solutions. Nations such as the U.S., India, and various European countries are adopting pest control services to ensure public health, protect agricultural yields, and comply with stricter environmental and hygiene regulations.

WILMINGTON, Del., April 17, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Allied Market Research published a report, titled, "Pest Control Market by Type (Chemical, Mechanical, Biological, and Other), Pest Type (Insects, Termites, Rodents, Mosquitoes, Birds, Wildfile, and Others), and Application (Commercial, Residential, Agriculture, Industrial, and Others): Global Opportunity Analysis and Industry Forecast, 2025-2034". According to the report, the "pest control market" was valued at $20.1 billion in 2019, and is estimated to reach $44.3 billion by 2034, growing at a CAGR of 5.4% from 2025 to 2034.

Growing Pest Control Market & Expanding Service Infrastructure Provide Opportunities in the Market

The global pest control market is experiencing significant expansion, driven by rising investments in advanced pest management solutions and service infrastructure across key regions such as North America, Europe, and Asia-Pacific. These regions have established themselves as dominant markets for pest control services, responding to increasing concerns about health risks, agricultural losses, and urban infestations. The expansion of pest control service networks, including residential, commercial, and agricultural sectors, is enabling greater accessibility and adoption of integrated pest management (IPM) solutions, thereby fueling demand for eco-friendly and technologically advanced pest control methods.

In 2023, North America emerged as the largest pest control market, surpassing Europe and Asia-Pacific, with a market valuation exceeding $30 billion. This growth was bolstered by stringent regulations on pest control chemicals and increased demand for non-toxic and biological control solutions. Rapid urbanization and climate change have further contributed to pest proliferation, necessitating robust control measures.

Looking ahead, investments in smart pest control solutions, such as AI-powered monitoring systems and automated pesticide application, are expected to revolutionize the industry. Companies like Rentokil Initial, Terminix, and Rollins are leading innovation efforts, with Rentokil's acquisition of Terminix strengthening its global market position. The adoption of sustainable and IPM-based pest control solutions is projected to drive further market expansion, offering significant growth opportunities in the coming years.

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Innovations in Pest Control & Sustainable Practices

The pest control industry is undergoing a significant transformation towards sustainability, with a strong focus on eco-friendly solutions and advanced pest management technologies. Several major companies are investing in biological pest control methods and digital monitoring systems to enhance efficiency and reduce environmental impact.

For instance, Rentokil Initial has expanded its portfolio with new AI-driven smart traps, scheduled for global deployment by 2026-2027. This initiative aligns with Rentokil's strategy to integrate real-time pest monitoring and non-toxic solutions, reducing reliance on chemical pesticides. By 2030, the company aims to increase the adoption of biological and digital pest control solutions by 50%, supporting its broader sustainability goals.

Similarly, Rollins Inc., a leading pest control provider, has committed up to $2 billion in R&D and acquisitions to develop eco-friendly pest control solutions. These innovations, expected to launch by 2028, will focus on biodegradable insecticides, pheromone-based pest management, and automated pest detection systems. These advancements align with Rollins' commitment to reducing chemical pesticide use by 40% by 2040, supporting the industry's shift towards sustainable pest control solutions.

Report Coverage & Details:

Report Coverage Details Forecast Period 2025-2034 Base Year 2019 Market Size in 2019 $20.1 billion Market Size in 2034 $44.3 billion CAGR 5.4 % No. of Pages in Report 578 Segments Covered Type, Pest Type, Application and Region Drivers - Rapid urbanization coupled with exponential growth of population - Changes in climatic condition - Easy availability of pest control products and services Opportunity Consistent product development and product launches Restraint - Health hazards related to pest control chemicals - Ethical concerns regarding wildlife protection

Expansion of Pest Control Market in Asia-Pacific Countries

The Asia-Pacific region has witnessed significant advancements in the pest control market, reflecting a growing commitment to improving public health, agricultural protection, and urban sanitation.

In October 2024, Rentokil Initial announced a strategic partnership with Japan's Fujitec Pest Solutions to introduce AI-driven pest monitoring systems across urban and industrial sectors in Japan and South Korea. This initiative aims to enhance pest detection efficiency using IoT-enabled smart traps, reducing reliance on chemical pesticides while improving response times. The rollout is expected to cover over 500 commercial facilities by 2027, strengthening Japan's position in sustainable pest management solutions.

In November 2024, Bayer Environmental Science approved a $1.5 billion expansion of its biological pest control division in India and Southeast Asia. This project involves the large-scale production of microbial-based pesticides, and the launch of genetically modified biocontrol agents tailored to rice and cotton farming. With a focus on reducing chemical pesticide dependence, the expansion is set to increase production capacity by 40% and is expected to be operational by 2028. This initiative not only reinforces India's role as a leader in agriculture-focused pest control but also aligns with global sustainability targets by promoting eco-friendly pest management technologies.

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Government Policies & Climate Initiatives for the Pest Control Market

Governments worldwide are implementing stricter regulations and sustainable practices in the pest control market to minimize environmental and health risks. These policies focus on reducing the use of harmful chemicals, promoting eco-friendly pest management solutions, and ensuring public safety.

In July 2024, the European Union enforced a revised Sustainable Use of Pesticides Regulation (SUR), aiming to cut pesticide usage by 50% by 2030. This regulation encourages integrated pest management (IPM) practices and mandates stricter safety evaluations for chemical pesticides, significantly impacting pest control service providers across Europe.

In August 2024, the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) introduced new restrictions on neonicotinoid pesticides, limiting their use in agricultural and residential pest control. These measures aim to protect pollinators like bees and butterflies, leading to increased demand for biological pest control solutions such as microbial pesticides and natural predators.

In September 2024, India launched the National Integrated Pest Management (NIPM) Initiative, promoting biopesticides and organic pest control methods to reduce dependency on synthetic pesticides. The government is offering subsidies for organic pest control products and training programs for farmers and pest control businesses to adopt sustainable methods.

Meanwhile, in October 2024, China announced a Green Pest Control Action Plan, targeting a 30% reduction in chemical pesticide use by 2035. The initiative focuses on research and development of AI-driven pest monitoring systems and encourages large-scale adoption of precision spraying technologies to optimize pesticide application.

These regulatory measures are reshaping the pest control industry, driving innovations in eco-friendly solutions and advanced pest management techniques while ensuring compliance with environmental sustainability goals.

Identifying Market Challenges & Providing Solutions in the Pest Control Market

Fluctuations in Pest Infestation Patterns & Regulatory Changes

The pest control market experiences significant fluctuations due to seasonal variations, climate change, and evolving regulatory frameworks. Weather conditions heavily influence pest activity; for instance, warmer temperatures and increased humidity create ideal breeding conditions for insects such as termites and mosquitoes. In 2022, the U.S. witnessed a surge in termite infestations due to prolonged periods of high humidity, particularly in southern states like Florida and Texas, leading to a 20% increase in termite treatment demand. Similarly, global warming has extended the active seasons for many pests, forcing pest control companies to adapt their treatment schedules and strategies.

Additionally, stringent environmental regulations on pesticide usage have reshaped the industry. The European Union, for example, has banned several chemical pesticides due to their harmful environmental impact, leading to increased adoption of biopesticides and integrated pest management (IPM) solutions. In 2023, global biopesticide sales rose by 15% as regulatory bodies pushed for sustainable alternatives. However, compliance with evolving regulations increases operational costs for pest control companies, impacting profitability and service pricing.

Solution

To mitigate the challenges posed by seasonal demand fluctuations and regulatory changes, pest control companies are increasingly adopting technology-driven solutions such as AI-based pest monitoring and predictive analytics, allowing for proactive infestation management. Additionally, firms are investing in non-toxic and eco-friendly treatments, including heat treatments and biopesticides, to comply with regulations while maintaining effectiveness. In 2023, over 60% of leading pest control providers integrated digital monitoring systems to optimize pest detection and minimize chemical use.

Leading Market Players: -

Rollins, Inc.

JG pest control

Syngenta AG

BASF SE

Bayer AG

Anticimex

FMC Corporation

Dodson pest control, inc.

Cleankill environmental services ltd

Rentokil initial plc

Recent Key Developments

In May 2023, Rollins, Inc announced that it acquired FPC Holdings, LLC ("Fox Pest Control" or the "Company" Fox Pest Control employs more than 1,300 associates and is headquartered in Logan, Utah. It ranks as the 13th largest pest management company according to PCT 100 rankings.

In August 2024, JG Pest Control was acquired by Vergo Pest Management Ltd, a leading independent national pest control service provider in the UK.

In September 2024, Syngenta Biologicals and Provivi collaborated to develop pheromone-based biological pest control solutions for corn and rice, while in May 2023, Syngenta AG acquired Macspred Australia, expanding into the forestry and vegetation management sector through its professional solutions division.

In April 2024, Bayer AG announced it has signed an agreement with UK-based company AlphaBio Control to secure an exclusive license for a new biological insecticide. The new product will be the first available for arable crops, including oilseed rape and cereals. Targeted for initial launch in 2028 pending further development and registration, this new insecticide was discovered by AlphaBio, with whom Bayer distributes FLiPPERR. an award-winning bioinsecticide-acaricide.

In June 2024, Rentokil Initial plc, a global leader in Pest Control and Hygiene & Wellbeing services, is delighted to announce the official opening of its first pest control innovation Centre in North America (NA). Rentokil Terminix, as our NA operations are known, is the largest pest control company in North America.

The report provides a detailed analysis of these key players in the global Pest control market. These players have adopted different strategies such as new product launches, collaborations, expansion, joint ventures, and agreements to increase their market share and maintain dominant shares in different regions. The report is valuable in highlighting business performance, operating segments, product portfolio, and strategic moves of market players to highlight the competitive scenario.

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Allied Market Research (AMR) is a full-service market research and business-consulting wing of Allied Analytics LLP based in Portland, Oregon. Allied Market Research provides global enterprises as well as medium and small businesses with unmatched quality of "Market Research Reports" and "Business Intelligence Solutions." AMR has a targeted view to provide business insights and consulting to assist its clients to make strategic business decisions and achieve sustainable growth in their respective market domain.

Pawan Kumar, the CEO of Allied Market Research, is leading the organization toward providing high-quality data and insights. We are in professional corporate relations with various companies and this helps us in digging out market data that helps us generate accurate research data tables and confirms utmost accuracy in our market forecasting. Each and every data presented in the reports published by us is extracted through primary interviews with top officials from leading companies of domain concerned. Our secondary data procurement methodology includes deep online and offline research and discussion with knowledgeable professionals and analysts in the industry.

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Dayton, Ohio--(Newsfile Corp. - April 17, 2025) - Andrew Casey Electrical Contractors announces the launch of Andrew Casey Integration, a new sister company established to expand the reach and scope of the Andrew Casey brand. The formation of Andrew Casey Integration represents a strategic step forward in the company's long-term plan to remain adaptable and forward-thinking in a rapidly evolving business environment.



Andrew Casey Integration will operate independently but in alignment with the core values and principles that have defined Andrew Casey Electrical Contractors since its inception. The new entity was created in direct response to growing market demand for modern infrastructure solutions in environments where security, connectivity, and real-time responsiveness are critical. By formally introducing this company, the commercial electrician Dayton aims to strengthen its presence in key sectors and support businesses facing increasingly complex operational challenges.

Businesses in this technological era are under pressure to stay current with evolving safety protocols, technology infrastructure, and government compliance requirements. Organizations are also seeking streamlined methods for system monitoring and control as building environments become more interconnected. Andrew Casey Integration is positioned to meet these needs through modern approaches that take into account both present demands and future growth.



The company will provide system design, installation, and maintenance support across multiple verticals, including commercial buildings, manufacturing plants, healthcare institutions, educational campuses, and public infrastructure. The primary focus areas for Andrew Casey Integration include building systems that support security operations, fire protection networks, and operational connectivity. The company emphasizes timely response and lifecycle support to ensure systems continue operating efficiently over time.



Andrew Casey Integration upholds the same standards of quality, reliability, and responsiveness that clients in Dayton and surrounding areas have come to expect from the Andrew Casey name. With this launch, the company is expanding its operational capabilities and investing in long-term project planning to meet the evolving needs of modern facilities, regulatory requirements, and user expectations.



The timing of this expansion reflects the company's commitment to adapting to the industry while maintaining its roots in local service and customer trust. Andrew Casey Integration will focus on partnerships that support continued innovation, with an emphasis on addressing present-day challenges using practical and scalable solutions. Through this addition to the Andrew Casey portfolio, the company is preparing to take on projects that require tighter integration between physical infrastructure and digital management tools.

The formation of Andrew Casey Integration marks a significant milestone in the brand's continued evolution. With this launch, Andrew Casey Electrical Contractors reinforces its dedication to serving modern infrastructure needs while building on a trusted local legacy. The team looks ahead with a clear focus on delivering dependable, future-ready solutions.

About Andrew Casey Electrical Contractors:

Andrew Casey Electrical Contractors is locally owned and operated, with decades of service in residential and commercial properties in Ohio. The company has decades of experience in system installation, upgrades, and maintenance, and is known for dependable work, safe jobsite practices, and responsive service. Andrew Casey Electrical Contractors focuses on delivering functional and compliant electrical solutions that contribute to the long-term performance of buildings and facilities.



Media Contact:

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/248898

SOURCE: GetFeatured
Qannati Objet d'Art announces the launch of the first-ever watchmaking initiative in Bahrain and the GCC, following global recognition from The New York Times. The brand now sets its sights on international expansion with its exclusive Lab Edition collection.

Following recent acclaim from The New York Times, which highlighted its pioneering watchmaking course and exclusive Lab Edition collection, Qannati Objet d'Art proudly marks a historic milestone, establishing the first-ever watchmaking initiative not only in Bahrain but also across the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) region.

The New York Times feature celebrated founder Mahmood Qannati's innovative initiative at Bahrain Polytechnic, home to Bahrain's first watchmaking course, uniquely blending traditional craftsmanship with modern technology, including AI-assisted design. This groundbreaking initiative reshapes the regional horological landscape and positions Bahrain and Qannati Watches at the forefront of the global luxury watch industry.

At the heart of this milestone are the exclusive Lab Editions produced at the Qannati Lab located within Bahrain Polytechnic. These limited-edition timepieces showcase Qannati's commitment to exceptional craftsmanship, innovation, and exclusivity qualities the brand aims to export regionally and globally as a core element of its ambitious growth strategy.

"Our presence in the New York Times underscores our global potential. We are strategically preparing to introduce our Lab Editions beyond Bahrain, pursuing partnerships that highlight our legacy of innovation and superior craftsmanship on the international stage." said Mahmood Qannati, Founder of Qannati Objet d'Art.

Qannati Watches remains steadfast in preserving its artisanal values and exclusivity, as discussions for global and regional collaborations grow,. This expansion phase aims not only to amplify market presence but also to establish new benchmarks for luxury watchmaking internationally.

For additional details on Qannati Objet d'Art's global ambitions and prospective strategic collaborations, please visit www.qannati.com and www.qannatilab.com

About Qannati Watches

Qannati Objet d'Art is a luxury brand specializing in wearable art (watches) dually anchored in France and Bahrain. Founded in 2018 by Bahraini entrepreneur and creative visionary Mahmood Qannati, the brand has redefined horology by combining French craftsmanship, ancient Mesopotamian symbolism, and modern innovation.

Qannati Lab, located in Bahrain Polytechnic, is home to the first watchmaking production and educational facility in both Bahrain and the GCC. These pioneering efforts support Qannati's mission to cultivate regional craftsmanship and establish Bahrain as a rising hub in the global watchmaking landscape.

Each Qannati creation is a singular masterpiece, fusing sacred geometry with rare gemstones and materials to tell timeless stories through objects of enduring beauty. As the brand steps into new markets, it continues to uphold its founding principles of exclusivity, personalization, and the art of timekeeping.

Media Contact

Organization: Qannati Objet d'Art

Contact Person Name: Mahmood Qannati

Website: https://www.qannati.com/

Email: o.rana@action-labs.co

Contact Number: +97336996648

Address: Villa 9, Entrance 1227, Street 3228

Address 2: Aali, Kingdom of Bahrain

City: Aali

Country: Bahrain

SOURCE: Qannati Objet d'Art
PORT VILA, Vanuatu, April 17, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Vantage Markets, a globally recognized multi-asset CFD broker, has secured two prestigious awards at the UF Awards LATAM 2025, held during the iFX Expo Mexico 2025.The broker was honored with "Best Multi-Asset Broker" and "Best Mobile Trading App." These accolades underscore Vantage's ongoing commitment to delivering exceptional trading experiences and technological excellence to clients.

Hosted by Ultimate Fintech, the UF Awards LATAM celebrates outstanding achievements and innovation in the fintech and online trading industry. This recognition reaffirms Vantage's position as a globally trusted and forward-thinking broker.

This award recognizes Vantage's robust and diversified product offerings, which include CFDs across forex, commodities, indices, shares, ETFs, and bonds. With access to deep liquidity, ultra-fast execution, and highly competitive trading conditions, Vantage empowers traders to diversify their portfolios and trade confidently across global markets.

Vantage's mobile app has set new industry standards by offering an intuitive, high-performance trading experience that puts powerful tools directly into the hands of users. With real-time data, seamless navigation, customizable charts, advanced indicators, and AI-driven insights, the app equips traders with real-time data to make timely decisions - no matter where they are.

Commenting on the recognition, Marc Despallieres, CEO of Vantage Markets, said:

"We're incredibly honored to be recognized by UF Awards LATAM for both our multi-asset offering and mobile trading app. These awards reflect the hard work and passion of our team, and our unwavering commitment to providing traders with the best tools, technology, and support. We are proud to continue investing in innovation and client-centric solutions to meet the evolving needs of our users."

This additional recognition follows a series of recent accolades for Vantage, including recognition for its copy trading platform, trading reliability, and affiliate program. As the company continues to develop its global offering, Vantage remains focused on building technology-driven solutions that empower traders of all levels.

Visit Vantage Markets website, for more information about Vantage's award-winning services and upcoming initiatives.

About Vantage

Vantage Markets (or Vantage) is a multi-asset CFD broker offering clients access to a nimble and powerful service for trading Contracts for Difference (CFDs) products, including Forex, Commodities, Indices, Shares, ETFs, and Bonds.

With over 15 years of market experience, Vantage transcends the role of broker, providing a trusted trading ecosystem, an award-winning mobile trading app, and a user-friendly trading platform that empowers clients to seize trading opportunities. Download the Vantage App on App Store or Google Play.

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RISK WARNING: CFDs are complex instruments and carry a high risk of losing money rapidly due to leverage. Ensure you understand the risks before trading.

Disclaimer: This article is provided for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial advice, an offer, or solicitation of any financial products or services. The content is not intended for residents of any jurisdiction where such distribution or use would be contrary to local law or regulation. Readers are advised to seek independent professional advice before making any investment or financial decisions. Any reliance you place on the information presented is strictly at your own risk.

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Camino Minerals Corporation (TSXV:COR)(OTC PINK:CAMZF) ( "Camino" or the "Company" ) is pleased to announce the completion of its previously announced 1 acquisition (the " Acquisition ") of all of the issued and outstanding shares of Cuprum Resources Chile SpA (" Cuprum "), which owns the construction-ready Puquios copper project located in Chile (the " Puquios Project ").

"Camino is building a copper production platform, and Puquios is the right sized, long life, copper asset with primary permits in place to be the next copper mine in the world's largest copper jurisdiction 2 , Chile. The recent PFS demonstrates a project with an after-tax internal rate of return of 23.4% and a low capital cost of US$142M (see the Company's news release of March 17, 2025). Our next steps are to market our business plan to global capital markets to earn a re-rating as a near-term new copper producer in the sector. We are pleased that our 50% JV partner at Puquios, Nittetsu Mining, will provide 50% of the equity capital required for the project, and has the direct experience to lead the construction and operation of Puquios" said Jay Chmelauskas, President and Chief Executive Officer of Camino.

"As we turn our attention to financing of Puquios, I would also like to announce the appointment of Chris Adams, as the incoming Chairman of Camino. Chris brings decades of mine financing experience to Camino. Combined with the knowledge and experience of incoming Denham Capital nominee board members, Carl Tricoli, Herculus Jacobs, and Ziad Saliba, we have an experienced management team to progress Puquios to construction in the near term". said Jay Chmelauskas, President and Chief Executive Officer of Camino.

Mita Shinichiro, General Manager of Nittetsu Mining Co., Ltd. said, "The Puquios copper acquisition will be the third copper mine in Chile that Nittetsu and I have directly been involved with building. We have an established office in the La Serena region, where Puquios is located, and where Nittetsu is currently building the Arqueros mine, our second copper mine in Chile. As partners in the construction and operation of the Puquios copper mine, we are pleased to continue and expand our collaboration with Camino in Peru, and now in Chile".

The Acquisition was completed pursuant to the terms and conditions of the share purchase agreement dated October 4, 2024 (as subsequently amended, the " Share Purchase Agreement ") among the Company, Santiago Metals Investment Holdings II SLU (" Santiago Metals ") and Santiago Metals Investment Holdings II-A LLC (together with Santiago Metals, the " Vendors "), Nittetsu Mining Co., Ltd. (" Nittetsu "), and Camino-Nittetsu Mining Chile SpA (" JVCO "). The Acquisition resulted in JVCO (an entity existing under the laws of Chile in which Camino and Nittetsu each hold a 50% ownership interest) acquiring a 100% ownership interest in Cuprum, which owns the Puquios Project, a construction-ready copper project that has obtained its primary RCA environmental permit to build and operate the mine, and which the Company believes is of a scale that it could (together with its business partners, Denham Capital Management LP (" Denham Capital ") and Nittetsu) build by sourcing the necessary funding from capital markets.

"With the acquisition of Puquios, Camino is uniquely positioned in the public markets with one of the few shovel-ready copper projects in the Americas" said Justin Machin, Managing Director of Denham Capital. "Denham Capital started investing in Puquios in 2018, advancing the project through further exploration, permitting and definitive engineering. We are pleased to partner with Camino and Nittetsu to deliver Puquios through construction and into production. The deep experience brought to the table by each of the partners will be instrumental in successful project execution to achieve a valuation re-rating as Camino becomes a copper producer."

Details of the Acquisition

On closing of the Acquisition, as partial consideration (i) the Company issued to Santiago Metals an aggregate of 23,333,333 common shares in the capital of the Company (the " Common Shares "), at a deemed issue price of C$0.45; and (ii) Nittetsu delivered to the Vendors a cash payment in the amount of C$9,932,480.96 (such amount representing the remaining portion of the cash consideration payable to the Vendors under the terms of the Share Purchase Agreement, in the amount of C$9,900,000 plus $32,480.96 for the cash balance held by Cuprum). In accordance with the terms of the Share Purchase Agreement, the Vendors are also entitled to receive five contingent payments (collectively, the " Contingent Payments ") of up to C$25,000,000 in the aggregate, as previously announced by the Company and also described in the management information circular of the Company dated February 12, 2025 (as amended effective March 6, 2025, the " Circular "). Up to 50% of each Contingent Payment may be settled in Common Shares, in accordance with the terms of the Share Purchase Agreement.

The Acquisition constituted a "Non-Arms' Length" transaction within the meaning of the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange (" TSXV ") and a "related party transaction" within the meaning of MI 61-101 - Protection of Minority Security Holders in Special Transactions (" MI 61-101 "). The Acquisition was approved by the shareholders of the Company at a special meeting held on March 31, 2025 (the " Special Meeting "). The Company relied on the exemption from obtaining a formal valuation in Section 5.5(b) of MI 61-101 (as the Company is not listed on a specified market within the meaning of MI 61-101).

The Royalty Agreement

Concurrently with the closing of the Acquisition, Cuprum and an affiliate of the Vendors (the " Royalty Holder ") entered into a royalty agreement (the " Royalty Agreement "), pursuant to which Cuprum agreed to pay the Royalty Holder a 1.25% net smelter returns royalty on products derived from minerals extracted from all concessions currently held by Cuprum. For further details of the Royalty Agreement, please refer to the Circular.

Investor Rights Agreement

Concurrently with the closing of the Acquisition, the Company entered into an investor rights agreement (the " Investor Rights Agreement ") with an affiliate of the Vendors (the " Investor Entity "), pursuant to which the Company granted the Investor Entity: (i) a right, for so long its ownership percentage (as calculated in accordance with the Investor Rights Agreement) is at least 9.9%, to participate in certain future issuances of securities of the Company on a pro rata basis to maintain its then applicable ownership percentage; (ii) a right to nominate up to four directors or board observers to the board of directors of the Company (" Board of Directors "), with the exact number of observers/directors which the Investor Entity is entitled to nominate correlated to the Investor Entity's ownership percentage (as calculated in accordance with the Investor Rights Agreement); and (iii) after the earlier of the first anniversary date of the Investor Rights Agreement and the closing date of any loan facility or other financing arrangement provided for the purpose of financing all or a portion of the cost of developing, expanding, constructing or operating the Puquios Project, and for as long as the Investor Entity's ownership percentage (as calculated in accordance with the Investor Rights Agreement) is at least 9.9%, qualification rights to have its Common Shares qualified for distribution in any Canadian prospectus offering of the Company, subject to certain limitations, in each case in the manner specified in the Investor Rights Agreement. For further details of the Investor Rights Agreement, please refer to the Circular.

Shareholders Agreement

Concurrently with the closing of the Acquisition, Camino Minerals Chile SpA, a wholly-owned indirect subsidiary of Camino, Nittetsu, JVCO, and Cuprum entered into a shareholders agreement with respect to the management of Camino and Nittetsu's 50/50 ownership interest in the Puquios Project (which is held through JVCO). For further details of the shareholders agreement, please refer to the Circular.

Changes to Board of Directors

Upon completion of the Acquisition, the Board of Directors was reconstituted to consist of seven (7) directors, comprised of Jay Chmelauskas, Christopher Adams (Chairman) and Kenneth C. McNaughton, all of whom were directors of the Company prior to the completion of the Acquisition, as well as Justin Machin (who was also a director of the Company prior to the completion of the Acquisition), Carl Tricoli, Herculus Jacobs, and Ziad Saliba, each of whom is a nominee of the Investor Entity, all as approved by the shareholders of the Company at the Special Meeting. The Acquisition did not result in any change to the executive officers of the Company.

Biographies of New Directors

The following are biographies of the newly appointed members of the Board of Directors (please refer to the Circular for the biographies of the other individuals who were directors of the Company prior to the completion of the Acquisition).

Carl Tricoli: Mr. Tricoli is a Founder and Partner of Denham Capital Management LP and has over 40 years of experience in resource related investing. He is responsible for the firm's mining investments and is a member of the Investment Committee and the Valuation Committee. Prior to forming Denham Capital, Mr. Tricoli occupied various positions in the resource investing area including President of GeosCapital, a resource focused investment firm, Managing Director of Koch Industries where he led the principal investing activities for natural resources, President of Black Hawk Resources, an independent exploration and production company with activities focused in the Northern Rockies and Managing Director and Head of Energy Corporate Finance for NationsBank Capital Markets (now Bank of America). Mr. Tricoli is a member of the board of directors of Serra Verde Rare Earths, Pembroke Resources and Tremont Master Holdings. He also serves as a member of the Advisory Board of the University of Texas at Austin College of Liberal Arts. Mr. Tricoli received a Bachelor of Arts from the University of Texas at Austin and a Master of Business Administration from Bayes Business School, City University in London.

Herculus Jacobs: Mr. Jacobs is the Chief Technical Officer - Mining for Denham Capital, responsible for technical due diligence, assessment and monitoring of its Mining investments. He has worked with Denham Capital since 2016 and has over 30 years of experience. Herculus grew up on a large mine in South Africa and started his career as technical manager at Anglo-American's Gold and Base Metal divisions. Herculus also held senior positions at UraniumOne, Pangea and Rand Uranium prior to joining Denham Capital. Of special note is his involvement in the development of Skorpion zinc, Bisie tin, Dominion Reefs and Cooke uranium as well as Panda Hill niobium. Mr. Jacobs' experience spans across a diverse range of commodities, geological settings, mining, processing and marketing requirements. He has led and participated in project development, building mines, providing technical oversight, performing techno-economic due diligence and advising on minerals and metals projects and operations globally. Mr. Jacobs holds a Bachelor Degree in Metallurgical Engineering, is a Registered Professional Engineer with the Engineering Council of South Africa, Fellow of the Southern African Institute of Mining and Metallurgy and Member of the American Society for Mining, Metallurgy and Exploration.

Ziad Saliba: Mr. Saliba is an Associate of Denham Capital, responsible for financial modeling, execution and monitoring of its Mining investments. He joined Denham Capital in 2022. Prior to joining Denham Capital, he was an Investment Banking Analyst on the Global Mining Team at TD Securities. Prior to joining TD Securities, he was an Investment Banking Analyst at Desjardins Securities. Mr. Saliba earned a Bachelor of Engineering in Mining Engineering and Master of Engineering in Mining and Materials Engineering from McGill University.

Early Warning Disclosure

This news release is also being issued pursuant to National Instrument 62-103 - The Early Warning System and Related Take-Over Bid and Insider Reporting Issues (" NI 62-103 ") in connection with the Acquisition. Denham Capital will also file an early warning report (the " Early Warning Report ") pursuant to NI 62-103 under applicable Canadian securities laws with respect to the foregoing matters, a copy of which will be available under the Company's SEDAR+ profile at www.sedarplus.ca.

Prior to the issuance of the Common Shares, Denham Capital, through Santiago Metals and Stellar Investment Holdings LLC (" Stellar ") owned or controlled an aggregate of 7,292,220 Common Shares and 555,556 common share purchase warrants (the " Warrants "), each exercisable for one Common Share. Immediately following the issuance of the Common Shares pursuant to the Acquisition, Denham Capital, through Santiago Metals and Stellar, owns and controls a total of 30,625,553 Common Shares, representing approximately 45.1% of the issued and outstanding Common Shares, and 555,556 Warrants, representing approximately 10.0% of the issued and outstanding Warrants. Assuming the exercise of all of the Warrants owned and controlled by Denham Capital, through Stellar, an aggregate of 31,181,109 Common Shares would be owned and controlled by Denham Capital, through Santiago Metals and Stellar, representing approximately 45.6% of Camino's issued and outstanding common shares.

The Common Shares were acquired for investment purposes. Denham Capital may, from time to time, acquire additional securities, dispose of some or all of the securities of Camino that it holds or may continue to hold the Common Shares.

About Camino

Camino is a discovery and development stage copper exploration company. Camino is focused on developing copper producing assets such as Puquios, a construction-ready copper mine in Chile, and advancing its IOCG Los Chapitos copper project located in Peru through to resource delineation and development, and to add new discoveries. Camino has also permitted the Maria Cecilia copper porphyry project for exploration discovery drilling to add to its NI 43-101 resources. In addition, Camino has increased its land position at its copper and silver Plata Dorada project. Camino seeks to acquire a portfolio of advanced copper assets that have the potential to deliver copper into an electrifying copper intensive global economy. For more information, please refer to Camino's website at www.caminocorp.com .

Jose A. Bassan, MSc. Geologist, an independent geologist FAusIMM (CP) 227922, a qualified person as defined by National Instrument 43-101 - Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects , has reviewed and approved the technical contents of this document.

ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD

/S/ "Jay Chmelauskas"

President and CEO For further information, please contact:

Camino Investor Relations

info@caminocorp.com

Tel: (604) 493-2058 To obtain a copy of the Early Warning Report, please contact: Denham Capital Management LP

185 Dartmouth Street, 7 th Floor

Boston, MA 02116

Attn: Legal Department

Tel: (617) 531-7200

Neither TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Information: Certain disclosures in this news release constitute forward-looking information. When used in this news release, the words "estimate", "project", "belief", "anticipate", "intend", "expect", "plan", "predict", "may" or "should" and the negative of these words or such variations thereon or comparable terminology are intended to identify forward-looking information. In making the forward-looking disclosures in this news release, the Company has applied certain factors and assumptions that are based on the Company's current beliefs as well as assumptions made by and information currently available to the Company. Forward-looking information in the news release includes, without limitation, statements with respect to the Puquios Project (including plans with respect thereto, and its potential to be the next copper mine in Chile), and (ii) Camino's plans to market its business plan and earn a re-rating as a near-term new copper producer in the sector. Although the Company considers the assumptions underlying said forward-looking information to be reasonable based on information currently available to it, they may prove to be incorrect, and the forward-looking information in this release is subject to numerous risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause future results to differ materially from those expressed or implied in such forward-looking information. Such risk factors include, among others, that actual results of the Company's future exploration and development activities may be different than those expected by management, that the Company may be unable to obtain or will experience delays in obtaining any required authorizations and approvals and the state of equity and commodity markets. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on forward-looking information. The Company does not intend, and expressly disclaims any intention or obligation to, update or revise any forward-looking information whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as required by law.

1 See the Company's news releases of June 27, 2024 and October 7, 2024.

2 Source: Investing News Network, Copper Investing, Top 10 Copper Producers by Country, February 10, 2025 ( LINK ).

SOURCE: Camino Minerals Corp.
Toronto, Ontario--(Newsfile Corp. - April 17, 2025) - Exploits Discovery Corp. (CSE: NFLD) (OTCQB: NFLDF) (FSE: 634) ("Exploits" or the "Company") is pleased to report its assay results from the remaining diamond drill holes completed this winter on its Bullseye property (see Table 1 below). The holes drilled in 2025 were designed to both follow up and extend mineralization at the Saddle Zone, as well as test for additional gold mineralization and prospective structures related to the western flank of the Appleton Fault Zone ("AFZ").

Jeff Swinoga, President and CEO, comments, "We are encouraged by the latest drill results, which confirm the continuation of the gold mineralization at the Saddle Zone, extending northward on our Bullseye property. These results mark the successful completion of our fourth drill campaign at Bullseye, which also include a standout intercept of 25.36 g/t gold over 1.60 metres, further extending the Horseshoe Zone at depth.

"With 20,000 metres of drilling completed to date at Bullseye, we've identified two high-grade gold zones: Horseshoe and Saddle. The recently announced resource by New Found Gold Corp. ("NFG") - spanning a 5 km stretch immediately south of our Bullseye property - further highlights the significant potential of our 10+ km of contiguous claims along the highly prospective Appleton Fault Zone. Looking ahead, the Company is well-positioned for continued advancement, with over $4 million in cash and no debt."





Figure 1: Plan map of drilling at the Bullseye property. Drill results from this release are shown in yellow text.



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Figure 2: Simplified cross section (looking west) of Phase 4 drilling at the Bullseye property. This campaign tested each of the three areas (West, Saddle, Horseshoe, separated by dashed-lines) suggested by Company's 2024 intensive rate-rank study. The plotted large discs indicate assay values (Au g/t) from current release; the smaller discs from past releases.



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Table 1: Select drill core assays.

2025 Bullseye Drilling - Selected Assays Hole ID From (m) To (m) Length (m) Vertical

Depth (m) Analysis Type Au Assay (ppb)* Au Assay (g/t)

BE-25-001 44.30 45.00 0.70 ~34m FA 470.00 0.47

BE-25-002 287.25 287.85 0.60 ~205m FA 466.00 0.47 AND 289.50 290.25 0.75 ~207m FA 592.00 0.59

BE-25-003 18.20 19.20 1.00 ~20m FA 2,015.00 2.02 AND 286.30 287.00 0.70 ~253m FA 950.00 0.95

BE-25-004 145.45 146.00 0.55 ~124m FA 4,645.00 4.65 AND 153.25 154.35 1.10 ~130m FA 512.00 0.51 AND 159.75 160.65 0.90 ~137m FA 2,772.00 2.77 AND 161.35 162.45 1.10 ~139m FA 1,301.00 1.30

BE-25-005 281.00 282.25 1.25 ~198m FA 573.00 0.57

*Assays reported direct from lab certificate. Screen-Met samples are 'Weighted Averaged ppb' as calculated from lab **All intersections are core intervals and do not represent true thickness

Table 2: Drill collar data.

Bullseye - Collar Information for Reported Drill Holes

Hole ID Easting Northing Elevation (m) Azimuth Dip Length (m) BE-25-001 659683 5431044 37 280 -45 301 BE-25-002 659858 5430811 43 300 -45 302 BE-25-003 659686 5430796 44 320 -65 350 BE-25-004 659765 5430625 46 305 -60 302 BE-25-005 659786 5430612 51 270 -50 299

Coordinates Reported in NAD-83

Bullseye Gold Property

The Bullseye claims were staked by Exploits in September 2022 and are contiguous to NFG's Queensway and Kingsway projects. The Company considers these to be highly prospective because geological interpretation shows they directly overlay a 1,200 by 800 metres segment of the AFZ and its related splay structures.

Quality Assurance - Quality Control ("QA/QC")

All prospective NQ core is logged and delineated for sampling by an Exploits' professional geologist. The core is subsequently halved by a diamond-bladed core saw by the Company's technicians, with one half being placed in a bag with a unique sample identification. The remaining half core is retained within the Company's secure storage facility in Gander, NL. Sample bags are sealed and then shipped directly to Eastern Analytical Ltd. Certified standards and blanks are inserted at defined intervals following the Company's QA/QC documented procedures, representing approximately 5% of all samples sent for assaying. All core samples are currently analyzed at Eastern Analytical Ltd. of 403 Little Bay Road, Springdale, NL, a commercial laboratory that is ISO/IEC 17025 accredited and completely independent of Exploits. Samples are analyzed using fire assay (30g) with AA finish (Au-FAA 30 ppb process) and/or a four-acid digestion followed by multi-element ICP-OES analysis. All samples with visible gold or assaying above 10.0 g/t Au are further assayed using metallic screen to mitigate the presence of the nugget effect of coarse gold. Metallic screen assays are reported as 'Weighted Averaged ppb' directly calculated from the lab.

National Instrument 43-101 Disclosure

Ken Tylee, P.Geo., VP of Exploration with Exploits, is a qualified person within the Provinces of Ontario and Newfoundland and Labrador as defined by NI 43-101 standards. Mr. Tylee has reviewed and approved the technical information presented herein.

About Exploits Discovery Corp.

Exploits is a Canadian mineral exploration company focused on the acquisition and development of mineral projects in Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada. Exploits is utilizing its experienced, talented team and geologic understanding with the vision to become one of the most successful explorers in Canada.

On Behalf of the Board

/s/ "Jeff Swinoga"

President and CEO

Neither the Canadian Securities Exchange nor its Regulation Service Provider (as the term is defined in the policies of the Canadian Securities Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy of accuracy of this news release.

Forward-Looking Statements

This news release contains certain forward-looking statements, which relate to future events or future performance and reflect management's current expectations and assumptions. Such forward-looking statements reflect management's current beliefs and are based on assumptions made by and information currently available to the Company. Readers are cautioned that these forward-looking statements are neither promises nor guarantees, and are subject to risks and uncertainties that may cause future results to differ materially from those expected including, but not limited to, market conditions, availability of financing, actual results of the Company's exploration and other activities, environmental risks, future metal prices, operating risks, accidents, labor issues, delays in obtaining governmental approvals and permits, and other risks in the mining industry. All the forward-looking statements made in this news release are qualified by these cautionary statements and those in our continuous disclosure filings available on SEDAR+ at www.sedarplus.ca. These forward-looking statements are made as of the date hereof and the Company does not assume any obligation to update or revise them to reflect new events or circumstances save as required by applicable law.

Acknowledgments

Exploits Discovery would like to acknowledge the financial support of the Junior Exploration Assistance Program from the Department of Natural Resources, Government of Newfoundland and Labrador.

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/248837

SOURCE: Exploits Discovery Corp.
Toronto, Ontario--(Newsfile Corp. - April 17, 2025) - Happy Belly Food Group Inc. (CSE: HBFG) (OTCQB: HBFGF) ("Happy Belly" or the "Company"), a leader in acquiring and scaling emerging food brands across Canada is proud to announce that, following our November 14th, 2024 news release regarding securing a real-estate location in Chapman Mills Marketplace in Barrhaven, Ottawa for our Via Cibo Italian restaurant, the grand opening is now set for this Saturday, April 19th, 2025. Being our newest location at 3181 Greenbank Road, Nepean, Ontario, marks a significant milestone as this location belongs to Via Cibo's first multi-unit franchisee. Via Cibo delivers fast-casual Italian street food crafted with the finest traditional ingredients, offering a chef-driven culinary experience for anyone seeking fresh, authentic flavors.

Happy Belly 1

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"It is truly exciting when an existing franchisee commits to opening a second location. Following their success with Via Cibo in Kanata, we are very happy to have helped them open this second location at Chapman Mills Marketplace located at the intersection of Strandherd Drive and Greenbank Road, joining anchor tenants Loblaws, Walmart, and Cineplex Odeon," said Sean Black, Chief Executive Officer of Happy Belly.

"We would like to thank Choice Reit for welcoming us to this property, establishing the second Via Cibo location within the city of Ottawa. When we acquired Via Cibo last year, we saw its tremendous potential in the Italian fast-casual segment. Today's announcement is a significant step towards realizing that vision."

"Barrhaven, a rapidly growing suburb of Ottawa is an excellent location to open a Via Cibo due to its expanding population and diverse, family-oriented community. Known for its strong residential growth, Barrhaven is home to a mix of young families, professionals, and retirees, all seeking vibrant dining experiences. The area has a flourishing dining scene but still offers untapped potential for authentic, high-quality Italian cuisine. With its close-knit community feel and increasing demand for diverse culinary options, a Via Cibo Italian restaurant in Barrhaven could quickly become a go-to spot for families, date nights, and special occasions. The abundance of nearby amenities and easy accessibility from Ottawa's city center make it a prime location for an Italian dining experience. The combination of these factors makes Barrhaven a promising market for Via Cibo."

Happy Belly 2

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"Our strategy has always centered on developing and growing emerging brands in the food industry, and Via Cibo perfectly aligns with that vision. We are excited to continue its expansion, not only throughout Ontario but also into Western Canada. We anticipate that our franchising program will play a key role in driving both top-line revenue and bottom-line profitability for Happy Belly."

Happy Belly 3

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"Our asset-light franchise model enables Happy Belly to continue accelerating growth across all our brands. With a strong foundation, strategic leadership, and a dedicated franchise support system, we are well-positioned to drive sustained success in the Canadian QSR market. This is another step forward in our mission to become a predictable and disciplined growth company, Canada's leading restaurant consolidator."

"We look forward to continuing to execute on our franchising model as we accelerate our growth organically and inorganically through accretive M&A. Happy Belly has 521 contractually committed retail franchise locations across our emerging brands-whether in development, under construction, or already operating. Our team is committed to sourcing and evaluating real estate, reviewing franchisee applications, and collaborating closely with area developers to support our franchising model. We are working to expand this pipeline throughout 2025 and 2026, continually selecting the right franchise partners and securing optimal real estate to achieve our brands' development goals."

We are just getting started.

About Via Cibo

Via Cibo, an all-franchised system, is an asset-light entity with established street-front real estate locations in both Ontario and Alberta. Authentic Italian Street food, made with the best traditional ingredients for those looking for fast, fresh food that respects tradition via a chef driven full-service restaurant without the full service. At Via Cibo you can enjoy an authentic Italian meal that does not require hours of your time or a great amount of money. Via Cibo is a fast casual restaurant which offers an experience tailored to your needs. Order from one of our greeters and our servers deliver your fresh authentic dishes to your table in under 10min. Via Cibo is the Italian food Italians talk about. Our kitchen is open, smell the food, watch the cooks, have a bite with friends and share in our love for food!



Franchising

For franchising inquiries please see www.happybellyfg.com/franchise-with-us/ or contact us at hello@happybellyfg.com.



About Happy Belly Food Group

Happy Belly Food Group Inc. (CSE: HBFG) (OTCQB: HBFGF) ("Happy Belly" or the "Company") is a dynamic multi-branded restaurant company focused on acquiring and scaling emerging food brands across Canada. With a robust portfolio of brands Happy Belly is dedicated to delivering quality, efficiency, and exceptional customer experiences nationwide.

Happy Belly 4

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Sean Black

Chief Executive Officer

Shawn Moniz

Chief Operating Officer

Neither the Canadian Securities Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the Canadian Securities Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this press release, which has been prepared by management.

Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements

All statements in this press release, other than statements of historical fact, are "forward-looking information" with respect to the Company within the meaning of applicable securities laws. Forward-Looking information is frequently characterized by words such as "plan", "expect", "project", "intend", "believe", "anticipate", "estimate" and other similar words, or statements that certain events or conditions "may" or "will" occur and include the future performance of Happy Belly and her subsidiaries. Forward-Looking statements are based on the opinions and estimates at the date the statements are made and are subject to a variety of risks and uncertainties and other factors that could cause actual events or results to differ materially from those anticipated in the forward-looking statements. There are uncertainties inherent in forward-looking information, including factors beyond the Company's control. There are no assurances that the business plans for Happy Belly described in this news release will come into effect on the terms or time frame described herein. The Company undertakes no obligation to update forward-looking information if circumstances or management's estimates or opinions should change except as required by law. The reader is cautioned not to place undue reliance on forward-looking statements. For a description of the risks and uncertainties facing the Company and its business and affairs, readers should refer to the Company's Management's Discussion and Analysis and other disclosure filings with Canadian securities regulators, which are posted on www.sedarplus.ca.

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/248890

SOURCE: Happy Belly Food Group Inc.
Rupert Resources Ltd ("Rupert" or the "Company") today provides an exploration update from its properties in the Central Lapland, Northern Finland including new drilling results and interpretations from Heina South (1km from the 4Moz Ikkari Project, see press release dated February 18, 2025) and from other targets along the 12km regional structure east-northeast from Ikkari (the "Rajala" line).

This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20250417018692/en/

Figure 1. Plan map showing location of all assays >4g/t intersected at Heina South to date, simplified (non-faulted) model of Gabbro footwall shown at surface for context

HIGHLIGHTS

High-grade mineralisation continues to be intersected at Heina South including 45.7g/t Au over 8m including 362g/t Au over 1m intersected in hole #125001.

Additionally, to the north of the main trend, additional single metre high grade intercepts of 83g/t Au, 66g/t Au and 31g/t Au intersected in three separate drill holes. Multiple incidences of broader lower grade mineralisation are also evident.

Induced Polarisation ("IP") surveys alongside wide-spaced drillholes confirm the continuity of the structural and lithological setting that hosts the Ikkari Orebody for >7km along the '"Rajala Line" structure to the ENE.

Graham Crew, Chief Executive Officer of Rupert Resources said "We are encouraged by today's results and the potential to add to the 4Moz resource inventory at Ikkari through continued drilling success at satellite discoveries. Exploration remains a core part of Rupert's DNA and we continue to systematically generate, test and assess exploration targets applying our proven exploration methodology and economic criteria to ensure efficient utilisation of exploration expenditure."

Heina South

As reported previously, drilling in 2024 had delineated continuous lower grade mineralisation over down hole widths of up to 29m to the southwest of the previously discovered Heina South gold occurrence, this was typified in #124001 1.1g/t Au over 24.50m (see press release February 8, 2024). In addition to this, very-high grade mineralisation was intersected to the north of this trend. Structural interpretation during the summer months hypothesized a WNW structural control to the high-grade mineralisation sub parallel to the drill direction. This was tested in early 2025 by drilling on a different orientation specifically to target the high-grade mineralisation (Figure 1).

Drilling recommenced at Heina South in January 2025. Hole #125001 intersected 45.7g/t Au over 8m including 362g/t Au over 1m. To the north several narrow, high-grade, intersections were encountered with #125015 intersecting 83g/t Au over 1m, #125007 intersecting 66g/t Au over 1m and #125010 intersecting 31g/t Au over 1m (Figure 2).

Ikkari Saitta Mike Trend

A 13-line 26km IP survey (Figure 3) was undertaken during Autumn 2024 and followed up with widely spaced drilling, including several holes to depth, along the trend. The program has confirmed the presence of the same stratigraphy that hosts that Ikkari orebody along the >7km strike length and provided evidence for a high-strain zone, analogous in orientation and dip of that present at the Ikkari orebody, occurring at depth. These observations confirm the inherent prospectivity of this trend and will feed into more detailed targeting over the coming months (Figure 4).

Target Generation

To date, since December, >2000 base of till (BoT) samples have been taken as part of Rupert's continued greenfield exploration program. BoT has focused on the Rajala area, 15km northeast from Ikkari and the recently acquired Sayna exploration permit, 20km northwest from Ikkari. These grassroots campaigns will form the basis of Rupert's target definition work informing future drill programmes through the balance of 2025 and into 2026.

Figures tables

Figures are found on the following pages with tables in the Appendix at end of release. Figure and tables include:

Figure 1. Plan map showing location of all assays >4g/t intersected at Heina South to date

Figure 2. Plan map showing location of new drilling and intercepts at Heina South

Figure 3. Geological Map centred on the Rajala Structure showing the location of IP lines referred to in the press release.

Figure 4. Schematic section along the Rajala Structure highlighting possible repeats of the Ikkari structural and lithological setting at depth, viewed looking southeast.

Table 1. Collar locations of the new drill holes, Heina South

Table 2.New Intercepts from Exploration Drill Holes, Heina South

Review by Qualified Person

Mr. Craig Hartshorne, a Chartered Geologist and a Fellow of the Geological Society of London, is the Qualified Person responsible for the accuracy of scientific and technical information in this news release.

The majority of samples are prepared by ALS Finland in either Sodankyla or Outokumpu. Fire assays are subsequently completed at ALS Romania whilst multielement analysis is completed in ALS Ireland. A minority of samples are prepared by Eurofins Laboratory in Sodankyla and Fire Assay is carried out on site. A pulverised sub-sample is then sent to ALS Ireland for multi-element analysis. All samples are under watch from the drill site to the storage facility. Samples at both laboratories are assayed using 50g fire assay method with aqua regia digest and analysis by AAS for gold. Over limit analysis (>100 ppm Au) are conducted using fire assay and gravimetric finish. For multi-element assays, Ultra Trace Level Method by 4-Acid digest (HF-HNO3-HClO4 acid digestion, HCl leach) and a combination of ICP-MS and ICP-AES are used. The Company's QA/QC program includes the regular insertion of blanks and standards into the sample shipments, as well as instructions for duplication. Standards, blanks and duplicates are inserted at appropriate intervals. Approximately five percent (5%) of samples have the pulp reject resubmitted for check assaying at a second laboratory.

Results presented include results from screen fire assay as indicated in Table 2. Screen fire assays were requested due to the presence of coarse gold in the drill core and were performed by ALS Romania. Screen fire assays involve the screening of 1kg at 106 microns to separate the sample into a coarse fraction (>106m) and a fine fraction (<106m). After screening, two 50g sub-samples of the fine fraction are analysed using the normal 50g fire assay method with aqua regia digest and analysis by AAS for gold. The entire coarse fraction is assayed to determine the contribution of the coarse gold using fire assay and gravimetric finish. The "total" gold calculation for the 1kg sample is based on the weighted average of the coarse and fine fractions and is reported for the indicated samples.

Base of till samples are prepared in ALS Sodankyla by dry-sieving method prep-41 and assayed for gold by fire assay with ICP-AES finish. Multi-elements are assayed in ALS laboratories in either of Ireland, Romania or Sweden by aqua regia with ICP-MS finish. Rupert maintains a strict chain of custody procedure to manage the handling of all samples. The Company's QA/QC program includes the regular insertion of blanks and standards into the sample shipments, as well as instructions for duplication and external check assays.

About Rupert Resources

Rupert Resources is a gold exploration and development company listed on the Toronto Stock Exchange. The Company is focused on making and advancing discoveries of scale and quality with high margin and low environmental impact potential. The Company's principal focus is Ikkari, a new high-quality, multi-million ounce gold discovery in Northern Finland.

Cautionary Note Regarding Forward Looking Statements

This press release contains statements which, other than statements of historical fact constitute "forward-looking information" within the meaning of applicable securities laws, including statements with respect to: results of exploration and development activities and mineral resources. The words "may", "would", "could", "will", "intend", "plan", "anticipate", "believe", "estimate", "expect" and similar expressions, as they relate to the Company, are intended to identify such forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements included in this press release include, but are not limited to, statements relating to: the Mineral Resource and Mineral Reserve estimates; plans and expectations regarding future exploration programs; plans and expectations regarding future project development; the progression of the EIA and Definitive Feasibility Study on the timeline contemplated herein, if at all; operating and cost estimates; future gold prices; the LOM; the achievement of commercial production at Ikkari on the timeline contemplated herein, if at all; and the Company's plans for future advancement of the Ikkari Project. Investors are cautioned that forward-looking statements are based on the opinions, assumptions and estimates of management considered reasonable at the date the statements are made, and are inherently subject to a variety of risks and uncertainties and other known and unknown factors that could cause actual events or results to differ materially from those projected in the forward-looking statements. These factors include the general risks of the mining industry, as well as those risk factors discussed or referred to in the Company's annual Management's Discussion and Analysis for the year ended February 29, 2024, available on the Company's website at www.rupertresources.com and on SEDAR+ at www.sedarplus.ca. Should one or more of these risks or uncertainties materialize, or should assumptions underlying the forward-looking statements prove incorrect, actual results may vary materially from those described herein as intended, planned, anticipated, believed, estimated or expected. Although the Company has attempted to identify important factors that could cause actual actions, events or results to differ materially from those described in forward-looking information, there may be other factors that cause actions, events or results not to be as anticipated, estimated or intended. There can be no assurance that such information will prove to be accurate as actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements. Any forward-looking statement speaks only as of the date on which it is made and, except as may be required by applicable securities laws, the Company does not intend, and does not assume any obligation to update any forward-looking statement, whether as a result of new information, future events or results or otherwise.

Cautionary Note Regarding Mineral Resources and Mineral Reserves

Unless otherwise indicated, the scientific and technical disclosure included in this press release, including all Mineral Resource and Mineral Reserve estimates contained in such technical disclosure, has been prepared in accordance with NI 43-101 and the Canadian Institute of Mining, Metallurgy and Petroleum ("CIM") Definition Standards on Mineral Resources and Mineral Reserves, adopted by the CIM Council on May 10, 2014 (the "CIM Definition Standards"). Readers are cautioned that Mineral Resources are not Mineral Reserves and do not have demonstrated economic viability. There is no certainty that all, or any part, of Mineral Resources will be converted into Mineral Reserves. Inferred Mineral Resources are Mineral Resources for which quantity and grade or quality are estimated based on limited geological evidence and sampling. Geological evidence is sufficient to imply but not verify geological and grade or quality continuity. Inferred Mineral Resources are based on limited information and have a great amount of uncertainty as to their existence and as to their economic and legal feasibility, although it is reasonably expected that the majority of Inferred Mineral Resources could be upgraded to Indicated Mineral Resources with continued exploration. Inferred Mineral Resources are considered too speculative geologically to have economic considerations applied to them that would enable them to be categorized as Mineral Reserves.

APPENDIX

Table 1. Collar locations of new drill holes, Heina South

Hole ID Prospect Easting Northing Elevation Dip Azimuth EOH (m) 125001 Heina South 452481.5 7497276.1 226.8 -44.1 218.0 218.00 125003 Heina South 452404.2 7497305.1 226.7 -45.2 283.4 283.40 125005 Heina South 452358.4 7497239.9 226.6 -44.4 191.2 191.20 125007 Heina South 452310.3 7497310.6 226.6 -45.1 211.0 211.00 125009 Heina South 452333.3 7497343.6 226.6 -45.0 101.2 101.20 125010 Heina South 452240.3 7497350.1 226.2 -45.0 226.9 226.90 125012 Heina South 452173.2 7497393.8 225.6 -45.2 188.0 188.00 125013 Heina South 452558.6 7497246.8 226.7 -44.9 190.2 190.20 125015 Heina South 452618.5 7497332.1 226.3 -44.9 152.0 152.00 125017 Heina South 452652.9 7497242.5 226.5 -55.2 205.9 205.90 125021 Heina South 451947.6 7497268.1 227.0 -45.9 139.8 139.80 125022 Heina South 452752.9 7497241.9 226.5 -44.8 197.0 197.00

Table 2. New Intercepts from Heina South

Hole ID From (m) To (m) Interval (m) Grade Au (g/t) 125001 50.15 60.00 9.85 0.4 63.00 86.00 23.00 0.6 Including 63.00 64.00 1.00 1.3 and 75.00 79.45 4.45 1.2 88.00 88.90 0.90 0.5 95.00 100.50 5.50 0.9 110.00 111.00 1.00 0.5 130.00 131.00 1.00 2.2 141.00 144.00 3.00 0.81 150.00 158.00 8.00 45.71 Including 150.00 151.00 1.00 3621 162.85 166.00 3.15 1.2 125003 128.00 133.00 5.00 1.0 139.00 140.00 1.00 0.6 147.00 149.00 2.00 0.7 153.30 164.00 10.70 0.8 Including 153.30 154.00 0.70 1.4 and 158.00 159.00 1.00 3.1 185.00 186.00 1.00 1.9 211.00 212.00 1.00 0.4 227.00 238.00 11.00 0.8 259.00 263.00 4.00 0.8 125005 16.00 1.00 1.00 0.7 20.00 21.00 1.00 1.4 76.00 80.00 4.00 3.4 Including 79.00 80.00 1.00 7.3 105.00 105.40 0.40 0.5 108.70 111.00 2.30 1.2 141.00 142.00 1.00 2.7 125007 23.00 24.00 1.00 65.91 69.00 95.00 26.00 0.8 Including 71.00 72.00 1.00 4.6 111.85 113.60 1.75 0.5 119.00 120.00 1.00 0.7 125.00 126.00 1.00 2.0 171.00 172.00 1.00 1.1 178.00 179.00 1.00 0.8 205.00 206.00 1.00 0.6 125009 75.00 76.00 1.00 2.8 100.00 100.50 0.50 1.7 125010 111.00 115.00 4.00 0.8 123.00 124.00 1.00 0.5 125.00 126.00 1.00 31.11 132.00 133.00 1.00 0.5 135.00 136.00 1.00 0.8 142.00 143.00 1.00 0.4 167.00 168.00 1.00 0.6 125012 102.00 103.00 1.00 0.5 161.00 162.00 1.00 0.7 125013 12.00 14.00 2.00 0.8 117.00 118.00 1.00 0.5 140.00 141.00 1.00 0.9 144.00 145.00 1.00 0.5 125015 20.00 21.00 1.00 82.61 62.00 64.00 2.00 0.9 69.00 72.00 3.00 0.7 78.00 79.00 1.00 3.0 98.00 99.00 1.00 0.4 102.00 103.00 1.00 0.6 125017 126.60 127.30 0.70 0.8 140.50 142.00 1.50 1.4 146.00 147.00 1.00 0.4 156.60 157.00 0.40 0.6 125021 66.00 67.00 1.00 0.4 125022 105.00 106.00 1.00 0.4 112.40 113.00 0.60 0.5 135.00 139.15 4.15 2.5 including 135.00 136.00 1.00 8.1 151.00 155.00 4.00 0.5 1Assays include results from Screen Fire Assay, all other results from standard 50g fire assay.

No upper cut-off grade has been applied. 0.4g/t Au lower cut-off applied, a maximum of 3m internal dilution has been allowed when calculating intercepts unless otherwise stated. All intervals over the cut-off grade are presented here. Italic intervals indicate intercepts included within the wider intercept. Unless specified, true widths cannot be accurately determined from the information available. Bold intervals referred to in text of release. Refer to https://rupertresources.com/news/ for details of previously released drilling intercepts. EOH- End of Hole. NSI No significant intercept

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Contacts:

For further information, please contact:

Graham Crew

Chief Executive Officer

gcrew@rupertresources.com



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Rupert Resources Ltd

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Web: http://rupertresources.com/
FundedNextIs Back in the U.S.-For Futures Only - U.S. traders can now join the most rewarding Futures prop firm with instant access and zero restrictions.

Get Paid in 24 Hours-Or Get $1,000 Extra - Enjoy lightning-fast Performance Rewards with our 24-hour performance reward guarantee, the first of its kind in Futures prop trading.

FundedNext, one of the leading prop trading firms known for its reliability over the years & unique 'trader-first' rewards approach, has officially entered the Futures space with the launch of FundedNext Futures.

This is available exclusively on the FundedNext Futures platform. While CFD products remain unavailable for U.S. clients, Futures traders in the U.S. can now access one of the most rewarding prop models in the world.

FundedNext began with the ambitious goal of impacting 50 million traders' lives worldwide. In an industry where firms often rise and fall quickly, FundedNext has maintained a steady presence-growing past all barriers and earning a reputation for reliability, innovation, and a trader-first approach. Furthermore, The Futures prop trading industry has rapidly grown over the past few years, with more traders entering the space than ever before.

Shortly after their 3-year anniversary, FundedNext announced its entry into the Futures industry-marking a step toward its ultimate goal of becoming the complete prop trading ecosystem.

"When we started FundedNext, it was with the belief that prop trading could be done differently-with fairness, speed, and transparency. Extending that same vision into Futures was a natural evolution. What we're building is not just a product, but a step toward a complete prop trading ecosystem, for every trader, every market," said Syed Abdullah Jayed, CEO of FundedNext.

Building on this idea, "At FundedNext, our move into futures trading is driven by conversations with real futures traders. They've shared challenges around clarity in rules, timely payouts, and consistent trading conditions. We're here to address those pain points directly, creating an environment built around transparency, stability, and genuine career progression," said Syed Abdullah Galib, Chief Strategy Officer of FundedNext.



FundedNext Enters Futures Prop Trading with Transparent, Trader-Centric Model

FundedNext has officially launched its Futures prop trading division, introducing a new approach to an industry many traders feel has grown stagnant. With a focus on transparency and trader empowerment, the firm aims to shift the narrative from restrictive models to one that recognizes and rewards genuine performance.

Key Highlights of the FundedNext Futures Model

Performance Rewards From the Challenge Phase

In what appears to be a first for the Futures prop trading industry, traders are eligible to receive a 15% performance reward from the initial Challenge Phase-a reward structure famously first introduced by FundedNext in their CFD firm challenges.

Performance Reward Within 24 Hours, with an Unusual Guarantee

FundedNext Futures commits to processing rewards within 24 hours of reward request. If this timeline isn't met, traders receive an additional $1,000-another FundedNext exclusive policy in the prop trading industry that underscores the firm's emphasis on timely rewards.

Full Retention of Performance Rewards

Once funded, traders retain 100% of their performance rewards. There are no reward splits or deductions applied, offering a level of earning transparency that many in the trading community have advocated for.

No Ongoing Platform Fees

Access to trading accounts is provided via a one-time payment model. There are no monthly charges, activation fees, or hidden costs-an effort to simplify the financial commitment for traders.

Scaling and Performance Reward Flexibility

The platform allows traders to scale up to 10 mini contracts and withdraw performance rewards every five days. Additionally, there are no restrictions around trading during news events-providing more operational freedom.

FundedNext Futures Launches with Global Access, Now Open to U.S. Traders

With the launch of its new Futures platform, FundedNext expands its reach to include traders from over 170 countries-now including the United States. The platform supports a wide range of payment & withdrawal methods, including but not limited to local & international payment options, bank transfers, e-wallets, and cryptocurrencies, aiming to offer broad access and faster cross-border payments.

Responding to Calls for Greater Transparency

In an industry where traders have increasingly voiced concerns over lack of control and vague rules, FundedNext Futures enters with a focus on transparency and performance-based progression. Instead of focusing on time limits or trading volume, the platform is structured to reward traders based on their actual performance.

A Shift in Prop Trading Models?

While many prop trading firms continue to operate under traditional fee and performance reward models, FundedNext Futures introduces an alternative framework. Key elements include performance-based rewards from the Challenge Phase Reward, flexible scaling, and shorter withdrawal cycles-features that may appeal to traders seeking more control and fewer delays.

Now Live

The FundedNext Futures website is currently live and open for registration. More information can be found at: https://www.fundednext.com/Futures



About FundedNext

FundedNext is a globally recognized financial technology company and modern proprietary trading firm specializing in simulated funding programs. FundedNext offers traders simulated trading accounts designed to closely replicate real market conditions, enabling clients from over 170 countries to effectively develop and refine their trading skills. FundedNext further supports trader development through expert educational resources, a thriving trading community, strategic networking opportunities, and advanced analytical tools.

Successful traders benefit from generous reward-sharing structures, receiving up to 100% performance rewards, including an industry-first 15% rewards from Challenge Phase, rewarding their expertise from the very beginning. FundedNext is also expanding its ecosystem by strategically launching its own CFD brokerage division, further enhancing the overall trading experience for its global client base.

Media Contact:

Contact Person Name: Namia Mursalin

Company Name: FundedNext

Email: namia.mursalin@fundednext.com

Website: fundednext.com

City: Dubai

Country: UAE

SOURCE: FundedNext


EQS Newswire / 17/04/2025 / 12:30 CET/CEST

HONG KONG SAR - Media OutReach Newswire - 17 April 2025 - The inaugural World Internet Conference (WIC) Asia-Pacific Summit (April 14-15) gathered around 1,000 local, Mainland and overseas participants in Hong Kong to forge closer collaboration in developing artificial intelligence (AI) and digital technologies.



Themed "Integration of AI and Digital Technologies Shaping the Future - Jointly Building a Community with a Shared Future in Cyberspace", it was the first time that the WIC has held an international summit outside Mainland China, affirming Hong Kong's role as an important bridge connecting China with the rest of the world.



"Hong Kong's rise as an I&T (innovation and technology) hub has been fast-tracked by our vibrant economy, which is powered by free trade and boasts the world's third-largest financial centre. It helps, too, that Hong Kong has long been a key business conduit between the Mainland and the rest of the world," said Chief Executive of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) John Lee at the opening ceremony.



"And it all comes together under our unique 'one country, two systems' framework. This cardinal governing principle gives Hong Kong the best of both worlds: access to the vast opportunities of the Mainland market, while maintaining the advantages of our unmatched connectivity of our common law system, free flow of information, capital, goods and people."



Hong Kong SAR's Chief Executive John Lee speaks at the World Internet Conference Asia-Pacific Summit 2025

The opening ceremony was followed by a government-enterprise dialogue session, which brought together ministerial officials and senior representatives of industry corporations from a number of countries and regions. Business leaders from Intel, Alibaba Cloud, Ping An Group and many more also contributed to the in-depth exchanges on ways to harness I&T to drive economic and business development.



"AI is no longer a futuristic concept. It is at the core of developing new quality productive forces," said Professor Sun Dong, Secretary for Innovation, Technology and Industry. "The HKSAR Government implemented a series of initiatives to support the development of AI and perfect the local I&T ecosystem, with a view to developing AI as our core tech industry to inject new impetus to the city's high-quality development."



The first day of the summit also featured a Main Forum on the Digital Intelligence Future. Speaking at the forum, Financial Secretary Paul Chan said AI-powered tools are enabling governments and businesses to deliver smarter and more responsive services.



"To seize new opportunities brought by the digital economy and address the associated challenges, we need a comprehensive and forward-looking strategy. That's why, over the past two years, the HKSAR Government has put in place a concrete action plan, covering such areas as digital infrastructure and governance, digital transformation, cross-boundary flow of data and talent development," Mr Chan said.



Day Two of the summit (April 15) presented three sub-forums where expert speakers discussed issues related to "Large Artificial Intelligence Models", "Digital Finance" and "Digital Government and Smart Life".



The Commissioner for Digital Policy, Tony Wong, also unveiled the "Hong Kong Generative Artificial Intelligence Technical and Application Guideline", showcasing Hong Kong's leading role in the field of generative AI governance.



Hong Kong's annual I&T flagship event, the Business of Innovation and Technology Week (BIT Week), is also being held this month, featuring a series of I&T activities, including the InnoEX and the Smart Hong Kong Pavilion set up by the Digital Policy Office, Hong Kong World Youth Science Conference and Xiangjiang Nobel Forum.





Hashtag: hongkong brandhongkong asiasworldcity innovation technology AI conference summit WIC

The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.

News Source: Information Services Department, Hong Kong SAR Government

17/04/2025 Dissemination of a Financial Press Release, transmitted by EQS News.

The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.



Media archive at www.todayir.com


On Monday, April 14, lawyers representing Rumeysa Ozturk, a 30-year-old Turkish national and Tufts University PhD candidate, will appear in a Vermont federal court to demand her release from an Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) detention center in Basile, Louisiana. Ozturk was detained on March 25 in Somerville, Massachusetts, in a dramatic arrest captured on surveillance video, showing six plainclothes ICE agents approaching her as she left to break her Ramadan fast. The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) claims Ozturk "engaged in activities in support of Hamas," a U.S.-designated terrorist organization, but has provided no public evidence to substantiate the accusation.

Ozturk's legal team, supported by the ACLU of Massachusetts, argues that her detention is unlawful and violates her constitutional rights to free speech and due process. They point to a 2024 op-ed she co-authored in The Tufts Daily, criticizing the war in Gaza and calling for Tufts to divest from Israel, as the likely basis for her targeting. "Efforts to target me because of my op-ed will not deter me from my commitment to advocate for the rights of youth and children," Ozturk said in a statement shared by the ACLU. Her attorneys assert that her visa revocation and arrest reflect a broader campaign against pro-Palestinian activists on U.S. campuses.

The case has been mired in jurisdictional disputes. After her arrest, Ozturk was swiftly moved from Massachusetts to New Hampshire, Vermont, and then Louisiana, despite a federal judge's order prohibiting her transfer out of Massachusetts without notice. Her lawyers were unaware of her whereabouts for over 24 hours, raising concerns about transparency. On April 4, U.S. District Judge Denise Casper ruled that Vermont, where Ozturk was held overnight, is the appropriate venue for her case, rejecting the government's push to move it to Louisiana. A Vermont hearing on April 14 will determine whether the court has jurisdiction and if Ozturk should be released pending further proceedings.

Ozturk, a Fulbright scholar pursuing a doctorate in child study and human development, has faced harsh conditions in detention. She reported multiple asthma attacks, inadequate medical care, and religious discrimination, including an incident where a nurse forcibly removed her hijab. "I was sure they were going to kill me," she wrote of her arrest, describing the fear induced by masked agents. Community outrage has fueled protests in Somerville and Boston, with supporters, including Tufts faculty and Massachusetts lawmakers like Sen. Elizabeth Warren, demanding her release and visa restoration.

The government maintains that Ozturk's transfer to Louisiana was due to a lack of detention space in New England and that her visa was revoked lawfully. However, critics, including Somerville's mayor and Tufts President Sunil Kumar, argue that her detention undermines academic freedom and targets lawful expression. As the April 14 hearing looms, Ozturk's case underscores tensions over immigration policy, free speech, and the treatment of international students in the U.S.
Advancing Global Cannabis Brand Strategy: New Celebrity Partnerships and Market Expansion

We are pleased to share a progress update on the execution of International Star Inc.'s global cannabis brand strategy. As we continue building a differentiated portfolio of celebrity-driven cannabis brands, we are excited to announce that Budding Equity LLC has signed a term sheet to launch a cannabis brand for Brad Williams as our newest celebrity partner. Brad's authenticity, humor, and cultural relevance make him a powerful addition to our platform, and his brand will speak directly to an underserved segment of the cannabis consumer market.

The strategy behind this new celebrity and brand centers around launching a full line of premium cannabis products-including flower, pre-rolls, edibles, and vapes-supported by bold, inclusive marketing and authentic storytelling. Initial product rollout will begin in select U.S. markets, with a focus on long-term global growth.

Alongside the domestic expansion planned across multiple states throughout 2025, global distribution efforts are progressing, with infrastructure currently being finalized in the UK, Germany, and Australia, and Canada anticipated to be operational by the end of 2025.

As part of our continued expansion, we are in the final stages of closing a major celebrity partnership, with a definitive agreement expected in Q2. This collaboration will serve as the foundation for another high-impact cannabis brand under the International Star Inc. umbrella.

In preparation for our next phase of growth, we are also bringing on a new Chief Marketing Officer, who will formally join the company upon the signing of the upcoming celebrity partnership. The CMO has been tasked with leading the launch of our upcoming cannabis brands and expanding our footprint across a broader product ecosystem, including papers, hemp-based products, drinks, and other complementary categories. An official announcement on the appointment is anticipated in the next quarter.

Meanwhile, our flagship cannabis brands, Fryday and Good Day, are undergoing a full rebranding initiative. A bold new brand identity is set to launch in Thailand in the 2nd Quarter of this year supporting our broader Asia-Pacific strategy. In the U.S., the newly refreshed versions of Fryday and Good Day will be relaunched in Nevada and California, in the 2nd Quarter as well.

As part of our ongoing strategic update, we're pleased to report that the Jay and Silent Bob Cannabis brands continue to perform steadily in our current markets. Sales remain stable, reflecting strong consumer loyalty and brand recognition. Looking ahead, we anticipate meaningful growth as we expand into Europe and Australia in 2025. Our team is actively pursuing opportunities in key states, and we remain confident in the brand's ability to scale and capture market share through targeted distribution and marketing efforts.

We remain focused on building a diverse, culture-driven cannabis portfolio and look forward to sharing more milestones in the months ahead.

About International Star Inc:

International Star Inc. (OTC PINK:ILST) operates through its wholly-owned subsidiary, Budding Equity ("BE") and its 20% ownership stake in B Studios LLC. BE owns and licenses intellectual property through contracts with movie studios and celebrities and structures licensing deals with third parties for cannabis-related products. The company also maintains joint ventures with affiliates of Ice Cube and Kevin Smith to license and brand cannabis and cannabis-related products. B Studios focuses on producing cannabis-themed films and capitalizing on product placement and licensing. A core focus of ILST remains acquiring and developing innovative businesses with high growth potential in the cannabis space and beyond. For more information, you can visit our website at www.ilstinc.com.

For media inquiries, please contact:

Investors@ilstinc.com

International Star, Inc.

8 The Green

Suite 16020

Dover, DE 19901

Website: www.ilstinc.com

Forward-Looking Statement

The information contained herein includes forward-looking statements. These statements relate to future events or to our future financial performance, and involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause our actual results, levels of activity, performance, or achievements to be materially different from any future results, levels of activity, performance or achievements expressed or implied by these forward-looking statements. You should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements since they involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors which are, in some cases, beyond our control and which could, and likely will, materially affect actual results, levels of activity, performance or achievements. Any forward-looking statement reflects our current views with respect to future events and is subject to these and other risks, uncertainties and assumptions relating to our operations, results of operations, growth strategy and liquidity. We assume no obligation to publicly update or revise these forward-looking statements for any reason, or to update the reasons actual results could differ materially from those anticipated in these forward-looking statements, even if new information becomes available in the future.

SOURCE: International Star, Inc.
DUBAI, UAE, April 17, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Bybit , the world's second-largest cryptocurrency exchange by trading volume, invites Bybit Card users on a hunt for rewards this Easter. With each eligible transaction, Bybit Card holders may qualify for up to 5 guaranteed prizes, including up to 500 USDT in rewards or an extravagant 24K gold egg.

The limited-time campaign unleashes unlimited winning possibilities for lucky users of the Bybit Card. From Apr. 16 to May 4, 2025, the Bybit Card community will get to share in the Easter joy the crypto way. For every $20 spent, users will receive a guaranteed prize. Transaction volume directly enhances winning potential-with every qualified purchase increasing prospects for winning, up to a maximum of 5 opportunities during the promotional period.

In the premier prize tier, 10 top-spending participants who exceed $20,000 or equivalent in qualified spending will each claim a 500 USDT reward on a first come first serve basis. One ultimate winner will be awarded the coveted 24K gold egg.

How to Join

Registration is required

is required Spend $20 or more in a transaction with the Bybit Card

Each qualified transaction will guarantee one prize

This accessible and user-friendly promotion showcases the exceptional benefits of the Bybit Card ecosystem, where every participant enjoys guaranteed rewards while competing for premium prizes-perfectly embodying Bybit's commitment to combining crypto's everyday utility with rewarding experiences.

Since its launch in Sep. 2023, the Bybit Card is on track to reach 2 million users in 2025. The crypto-native, fiat-friendly payment solution allows users to access their digital assets while earning rewards and gaining potential yield.

Bybit Card Highlights

Instant virtual card: instant access in digital wallets on compatible devices, allowing holders to spend anywhere within the Mastercard network.

instant access in digital wallets on compatible devices, allowing holders to spend anywhere within the Mastercard network. Crypto convenience : spending in crypto, and cash withdrawals from any ATM worldwide that supports Mastercard for added convenience with the physical card.

: spending in crypto, and cash withdrawals from any ATM worldwide that supports Mastercard for added convenience with the physical card. No annual fees and up to 8% APY and 10% cashback .

and up to and . Year-round perks: 100% rebates on selected partners including Netflix and ChatGPT, plus air lounge access, early-bird access to Tomorrowland Brasil 2025, and seasonal benefits .

100% rebates on selected partners including Netflix and ChatGPT, plus air lounge access, early-bird access to Tomorrowland Brasil 2025, and seasonal benefits Multi-asset support: USDT, USDC, BTC, ETH, AVAX, and more.

Restrictions apply. Users may find out more about the Bybit Card, regional rewards, and eligibility: Bybit Crypto Card: Your Ultimate Crypto Debit Card .

Bybit / TheCryptoArk TheBybitCard

About Bybit

Bybit is the world's second-largest cryptocurrency exchange by trading volume, serving a global community of over 60 million users. Founded in 2018, Bybit is redefining openness in the decentralized world by creating a simpler, open and equal ecosystem for everyone. With a strong focus on Web3, Bybit partners strategically with leading blockchain protocols to provide robust infrastructure and drive on-chain innovation. Renowned for its secure custody, diverse marketplaces, intuitive user experience, and advanced blockchain tools, Bybit bridges the gap between TradFi and DeFi, empowering builders, creators, and enthusiasts to unlock the full potential of Web3. Discover the future of decentralized finance at Bybit.com .

For more details about Bybit, please visit Bybit Press

For media inquiries, please contact: media@bybit.com

For updates, please follow: Bybit's Communities and Social Media

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DUBAI, UAE, April 17, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Singclean made a remarkable appearance at Dubai Derma 2025, the Middle East and North Africa's premier dermatology event, held at the Dubai World Trade Centre. As a global hub for medical aesthetics, the exhibition provided an ideal platform for international exchange on advanced injection techniques. Singclean hosted its Global Masterclass, featuring renowned experts Dr. Jiang Zhengzheng, Chinese plastic surgery expert, and Dr. Zhila Abdi, a leading Iranian plastic surgeon, to share pioneering injection concepts and techniques.

Medical Aesthetics Meets Innovative Injection Technology

Dr. Jiang presented her signature "surgical injection" approach, achieving traditionally invasive results through minimally invasive techniques. By combining deep structural support with subtle refinements, she demonstrated how Singfiller range enables natural, three-dimensional facial rejuvenation. "Singfiller's superior lifting and precise sculpting capabilities perfectly align with my philosophy of restoring youthfulness while preserving natural beauty," she explained. Through clinical cases, both supportive and viscoelastic properties are well demonstrated by Singfiller. Singfller bring great result of contouring.

Singderm's Natural Aesthetic Solutions for the Middle East

Dr. Zhila Abdi, editorial board member of lran's first specialized aesthetic medicine journal and a key opinion leader in Middle Eastern aesthetics, presented "Creating Natural Facial Beauty Based on Shadow Effect Technique with Singderm filler." Emphasizing anatomical harmony, she outlined precision layering methods to balance rejuvenation and ethnic facial integrity. "Singderm's stability under shear force makes it ideal for defining the Middle East's distinctive contours while minimizing migration risks," she noted. Dr. Abdi also provides insight on how to reduce vascular complications. The importance of understanding facial vascular anatomy in filler injections and having knowledge of the normal anatomy of facial blood vessels is crucial and helps prevent serious complications such as ischemia and tissue necrosis , blindness or even CVA. As a result, the clinical reliability of Singderm has been further enhanced.

Global Expansion Through Strategic Partnerships

Singclean is expanding globally by partnering with top distributors and medical experts. Singclean combines innovative injectables and customized skincare to meet diverse needs, from filling to collagen renewal. "We blend global innovation with local needs," said Virginia Luo, Global Business Director.

Bette, Middle East Sales Director said, "We will collaborate with distributors to enhance medical aesthetics resources, training, and brand influence in the region."

Singclean looks forward to a future of global innovation and aesthetic excellence.

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Consumer Choice Award (CCA) is proud to announce Littleton School of Music as the top-ranked business in the Music Lessons category for the Denver region. This honour reflects the school's nearly two decades of dedication to providing high-quality, one-on-one private music lessons delivered by certified, professional, and patient instructors.

Founded in 2006, Littleton School of Music has grown into a trusted hub for music education in Colorado. The school welcomes students of all ages and skill levels to explore their musical passions in a safe, supportive, and inspiring environment. Whether learning to play the guitar, piano, violin, drums, or voice, students receive tailored instruction designed to foster creativity, discipline, and confidence.

From the beginning, the school's mission has been clear: to use the power of music to help students overcome life's obstacles, boost academic performance, and build lasting self-esteem. With thousands of lessons taught annually, Littleton School of Music continues to fulfil this mission through a team of hand-selected instructors who combine technical expertise with a passion for mentorship.

"We believe music has the unique ability to transform lives, and we're proud to have helped so many families experience that transformation firsthand," said Stephan Hume, founder of Littleton School of Music. "This recognition from Consumer Choice Award is a reflection of our commitment to putting students first, maintaining high standards, and keeping music education fun and accessible."

What sets Littleton School of Music apart is its unwavering commitment to personalizing every lesson. Instructors take time to understand each student's goals-whether preparing for a school band audition, exploring songwriting, or simply learning a favourite song-and adapt their teaching style to support progress at every level.

The school offers both in-person and online instruction, giving families the flexibility to choose a format that fits their schedules and learning preferences. Online students benefit from the same personalized attention and structure as those in the physical studio, ensuring that every learner can thrive, no matter their location.

Parents and students consistently praise the school for its professionalism, responsiveness, and community-focused values. The Littleton School of Music team works hard to create a nurturing environment where creativity can flourish, questions are always welcome, and progress is celebrated.

This award comes at a time when the importance of music education is more recognized than ever. Research shows that studying music can significantly improve focus, memory, emotional well-being, and academic performance. With growing interest from families across Denver and surrounding communities, Littleton School of Music remains committed to expanding its programs while maintaining the personal touch that has made it a local favourite.

For those seeking an enriching, customized music education experience, Littleton School of Music stands out as a leader in its field.

To learn more or schedule a free introductory lesson, CLICK HERE or visit www.littletonmusiclessons.com.

About Consumer Choice Award:

Consumer Choice Award has been recognizing and promoting business excellence in North America since 1987. Its rigorous selection process ensures that only the most outstanding service providers in each category earn this prestigious recognition. Visit www.ccaward.com to learn more.

Contact Information:

Sumi Saleh

Communications Manager

ssaleh@ccaward.com

SOURCE: Consumer Choice Award
SHANGHAI, April 17, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Recently, the "Grow with Beauty" Beauty Industry Summit and the 6th BeautyInc Awards Ceremony were held in Shanghai, China. The BeautyInc Awards, launched by BeautyInc - the beauty media brand under the globally recognized fashion authority WWD-are celebrated for their forward-looking global perspective and professional judging panel. They have become a benchmark in the beauty industry.

This year's event focused on three key themes: humanistic care, environmental protection, and technological innovation. It brought together over a hundred industry leaders to explore responses to evolving consumer markets and build a sustainable ecosystem, while also unveiling the winners of the prestigious BeautyInc Awards. Yatsen Group received the "ESG Award" for its outstanding performance in Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) areas, highlighting its leading position in China's beauty industry.

Yatsen Group recently received the ESG Award, highlighting the industry's recognition of the company's achievements in sustainable development. At the ceremony, Christy Sun, CMO of Yatsen Group, accepted the award on behalf of the Group and participated in the "Grow with Consumers" roundtable forum, engaging in discussions with beauty industry leaders.

Yatsen Group has released its ESG report for three consecutive years and has been highly recognized by MSCI, the world's largest index provider. It is the only company in China's beauty industry to receive an "A" rating in MSCI-ESG assessments for two consecutive years. Yatsen Group has taken a pragmatic approach to ESG governance, achieving significant progress over the past three years: Environmentally, it continues to reduce carbon emissions through product carbon footprint assessments and supply chain carbon audits. Socially, it has launched the "Create A Beautiful Life with Beauty Makeup" Program and the Green Computer Room Donation Activity, focusing on women's empowerment and rural education. In corporate governance, it ensures strong alignment between its development strategies and ESG goals through a robust governance structure and board diversity.

Notably, Yatsen Group has collaborated with its brands to pursue lighter packaging and more sustainable materials, demonstrating a clear commitment to sustainability. For example: Perfect Diary has adopted customized eco-friendly refill bags for its Milk Foam Makeup Remover, reducing plastic usage by 86%; the packaging of Translucent Blurring Longwear Foundation has adopted a refill structure, which can reduce plastic by 91.6%. All of the gift boxes of Galenic products in China and the express cartons for all brands of the company are made of FSC-certified paper. The capsule packaging of the EVE LOM Cleansing Oil Capsules and the capsule packaging of Age Defying Smooth Treatment are made from natural plant-based ingredients that are 100% biodegradable. These initiatives reflect Yatsen Group's commitment to driving the sustainable transformation of its products and embody the core theme of this year's awards-"Grow with Beauty."

Looking ahead, Yatsen Group will continue to lead the beauty-tech wave and pioneer a new chapter in ESG with forward-thinking approaches and innovative practices.

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Newly formed Group to provide clients with multi-asset solutions

NEW YORK, April 17, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Brookfield Asset Management (NYSE: BAM, TSX: BAM) ("Brookfield"), a leading global alternative asset manager headquartered in New York with over $1 trillion of assets under management, today announced that industry leader Alper Daglioglu has joined Brookfield to lead the firm's newly formed Investment Solutions Group ("ISG"). Howard Marks, Co-Chairman of Oaktree Capital Management, L.P. ("Oaktree"), will serve as Chair of ISG.

Focused on delivering innovative solutions to institutional, private wealth, and family office clients across the globe, ISG will develop tailored multi-asset portfolio solutions that leverage Brookfield's full suite of investment capabilities across renewable power and transition, infrastructure, private equity, real estate, and credit. It will also leverage the strategies of its partner manager firms, including Oaktree, Castlelake, Primary Wave and Pinegrove Capital Partners, among others.

Prior to joining Brookfield, Daglioglu spent more than two decades at Morgan Stanley in a variety of roles. He most recently served as Head of Portfolio and Investment Manager Solutions, which encompasses all asset manager research, family investments, and an outsourced CIO business.

Alper Daglioglu, Brookfield Managing Partner and Head of ISG, said, "I'm thrilled to be joining Brookfield, a leader in the alternatives space with an impressive long-term track record. With alternative investments playing an increasingly vital role in portfolios, we are uniquely positioned to offer our wide-ranging capabilities to a broad array of clients. I look forward to collaborating across the Brookfield ecosystem to deliver tailored solutions to meet our clients' unique investing objectives."

Howard Marks, Co-Chairman of Oaktree, said, "I see an important role for asset managers who provide institutions, families and financial intermediaries with multi-strategy portfolio solutions as opposed to having business models which focus only on single investment products. No one is better suited to contribute to that process than Alper Daglioglu. I'm very happy to be joining with him on this effort."

David Levi, CEO of Brookfield's Global Client Group, said, "Increasingly, our clients want to do more with fewer managers, taking a more strategic approach to developing deeper partnerships, gaining better insights, and creating greater value. We expect this trend to accelerate in the coming years, and we are pleased to welcome Alper to Brookfield to spearhead this important initiative."

AboutBrookfieldAssetManagement

Brookfield Asset Management Ltd..
Generation 6 Technology Set for Southern Utah

American Wave Machines , the global leader in world-class surf pool destinations, announces a new project, PerfectSwell Zion , a mixed-use development in Washington, Utah, the outdoor activity hub adjacent to Zion National Park. AWM is partnering with Desert Lakes LLC on the project. The commercial surf park anchors a luxury residential community called Zion Shores offering waterfront single family homes and beachfront townhouses. PerfectSwell Zion will be open to the public with Zion Shores residents enjoying unique perks and surf priority. PerfectSwell Zion opens in Q1 2027.

Capping four years of in-house R&D, the project will feature Generation 6 PerfectSwell surf technology bringing bigger, better waves, improved efficiency, cutting-edge sustainability features, and AWM's most innovative wave package yet. Gen 6 features optimization diagnostics utilizing historic and real time data, innovative health monitoring, maintenance schedules, and a thermal design system for air and water temperature management. Further improvements in pneumatics have resulted in measurable increases in wave generating efficiency. In terms of design, natural and permanent elements will be utilized for energy dissipation in the water minimizing the use of fabricated materials. For the surf and aquatics recreation, the project will upcycle brackish water - unfit for drinking or farming - conserving fresh water and reducing waste.

"We have just about every outdoor activity you can think of in this high desert playground except surfing. We're stoked to partner with AWM to change that. The team behind PerfectSwell is the real deal," said Cody Larkin, CEO of Desert Surf, LLC. "AWM makes the type of waves they want to surf with a mandate of continuing innovation. We're ready to go."

"Gen 6 PerfectSwell is next level, and I can't think of a better location for the debut or a better partner in the US. Desert Lakes brings a wealth of expertise in civil construction and community infrastructure building, essential for a successful project," said Bruce McFarland, President of AWM. "We're thrilled to work with Cody and his team to expand our global network of deeply connected surf communities to Utah and beyond."

About American Wave Machines

American Wave Machines, Inc. is the inventor and developer of PerfectSwell Surf Technology. AWM's technology powers world class surf facilities and destinations backed by proven financials, extensive data capture, and stoked surfers. PerfectSwell is the only sequence based, pneumatic surf technology on the market. Protected by over 50 patents worldwide, PerfectSwell Split Peaks, Peeling Waves, Air Sections, and Wedge Barrels are all covered by AWM's robust patent portfolio.

About Desert Lakes LLC

Desert Lakes LLC is a dynamic partnership between Immaculate Homes and Salt Lake Excavating, formed in 2019 to develop the renowned Southern Shores community in Hurricane Utah. This unique waterfront development features three man-made lakes designed for boating, surfing, and a variety of recreational activities, all surrounded by premium residential properties. Cody Larkin brings extensive expertise in civil construction and lake development, while Jason and Brittany Christensen of Immaculate Homes lead the charge on vertical construction, combining their strengths to create one-of-a-kind living experiences.

Contact:

Jenna Timinsky

info@americanwavemachines.com

SOURCE: American Wave Machines, Inc.
Renowned banking leader joins Climate First Bank to drive sustainable growth

Climate First Bank (https://www.climatefirstbank.com), the world's first FDIC-insured digital community bank founded to combat the climate crisis, today announced the appointment of Richard Prescott as First-VP, Commercial Banker. Prescott brings decades of experience and a strong commitment to community service, making him an excellent addition to the Climate First Bank team.

Richard Prescott

Richard Prescott Headshot

With over 14 years in the banking industry, Prescott brings extensive experience in commercial lending, including conventional mortgages and vacant land loans. This combination makes him well-equipped to drive Climate First Bank's mission forward. He has also demonstrated a commitment to community involvement, actively participating in local initiatives and fostering relationships with clients and colleagues alike.

"I'm excited to join Climate First Bank and honored to contribute to its mission of values-based banking," said Richard Prescott, First-VP, Commercial Banker at Climate First Bank. "My deep connections in Volusia County, especially DeLand, will help drive sustainable growth and positively impact the region. I look forward to leveraging my knowledge and experience to support the bank's initiatives while continuing to serve the local community."

Prescott's extensive volunteer work in Volusia County has given him deep community insights and strong local connections. These relationships will be instrumental as he expands Climate First Bank's presence in DeLand and Volusia County. Prescott's dedication to community service, combined with his professional expertise, positions him as a valuable asset to Climate First Bank and the communities it serves.

"I am thrilled to welcome Richard to Climate First Bank. We met on our first day at Stetson University, and it had turned into a lifetime of friendship, both personal and professional," said Lex Ford, CEO and President of Climate First Bank. "I am confident Richard will help Climate First Bank become THE bank in Deland and Volusia County."

About Climate First Bank

Recognized as the fastest growing new bank in America since 2009, Climate First Bank is the world's first FDIC-insured, values based, digital community bank founded to combat the climate crisis. A Certified B Corp, 1% for the Planet member and operationally net-zero since it opened its doors in June 2021, the Bank offers a complete, full-service portfolio of simple and easy-to-use traditional banking products powered by technology to meet the expectations of today's consumers. In addition to offering standard banking services, the company places a special emphasis on non-governmental organizations (NGOs) and businesses committed to sustainability. Eco-conscious customers will find dedicated loan options for solar photovoltaic (PV), energy retrofits and infrastructure to help combat the climate crisis. The Bank reports annually on its impact in line with corporate social responsibility goals. Read the most recent Impact Report here. Member FDIC.

For more information, please visit: www.climatefirstbank.com.

Contact Information

John Collins

Collins Strategy Group

john@collinssg.com

(917) 496-4587

Rachel Kent

Marketing Director

rachel.kent@climatefirstbank.com

5186693550

SOURCE: Climate First Bank

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The event brought together top Fairmont chefs and wish alumni to create new signature confections, which will debut on Fairmont menus worldwide

NEW YORK, April 17, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Leading luxury hospitality brand Fairmont Hotels & Resorts is continuing its global partnership with Make-A-Wish, collaborating to host the first-ever Bake-A-Wish challenge. The event brought together young Make-A-Wish alumni, former wish recipients with a passion for food and cooking, with three of Fairmont's top chefs for a friendly culinary showdown at Fairmont Olympic Hotel in Seattle.

The bake-off, hosted by content creator and on-camera personality, Melanie Sutrathada, challenged both Make-A-Wish alumni - Roux (18), Theo (9), and Jacqueline (16) - and Fairmont chefs - Chef Nancy Guerrero from Fairmont Century Plaza in Los Angeles, Chef Isabel Chung from Fairmont Empress in Victoria, and Chef Eraj Jayawickreme from Fairmont Olympic Hotel in Seattle - to create the world's most 'wish worthy' dessert. Each 'wish alum' was paired with a chef to collaborate and share ideas for their dream dessert. From there, the chefs were tasked to create an ultimate sweet treat inspired by their partner, and based off their preferred flavors, textures, colors and toppings. The final three creations will be added to select menus across the global network of 92 Fairmont hotels, giving guests a taste of the dreamy desserts and benefiting Make-A-Wish.

"For more than 115 years, we have been turning moments into special memories for our guests, celebrating their most significant occasions, both big and small. It is incredibly meaningful to us to carry this forward and help make dreams a reality for children facing critical illnesses around the globe, through our partnership with Make-A-Wish," said Omer Acar, CEO of Fairmont. "Now we are excited to bring a little bit of that magic to Fairmont hotels worldwide. This is just one small way we are honoring the amazing things Make-A-Wish does, and the inspiring legacy of World Wish Day. We hope you love these dream-inspired desserts as much as we do!"

The three Make-A-Wish alumni were given a unique opportunity to showcase their creativity and passion for food alongside three of the brand's most talented chefs. The chefs participating in this special event brought their wealth of knowledge and diverse culinary backgrounds to add a rich flavor and depth to the experience. Each pairing was encouraged to dream big to inspire a truly one-of-a-kind dessert.

S'mores Cake

Roux's love for cooking, special fondness for chocolate and marshmallows, and recent wish trip to New York City inspired Chef Eraj's special dessert. This creation was about more than just flavor - it was about connection. The graham cracker cake featured decadent, rich chocolate, complemented by a graham cracker-infused creme anglaise and topped with fresh marshmallows made from scratch that were delicately piped and torched tableside, filling the air with a smoky aroma, evoking the treasured moments of sharing s'mores with loved ones under the stars. Chef Eraj crafted this dessert to celebrate both the joy of the moment with Roux and the cherished memories they will carry from the experience.

Coconut Tres Leches with Caramelized Pineapple

Theo found inspiration for his dessert from a cherished family tradition of baking a pineapple upside-down cake with his grandfather, combined with his love for pina colada mocktails, which he enjoyed during a recent trip to Hawaii - part of his wish granted by Make-A-Wish. Chef Nancy crafted a Coconut Tres Leches with Caramelized Pineapple, blending those beloved flavors to create a dessert that would transport Theo back to those joyful memories.

Passionfruit Strawberry Yogurt Cake

Jacqueline's deep love for strawberries became the heart of Chef Isabel's creation - a dessert that intertwines flavors inspired by Jacqueline's Guatemalan heritage. Infused with passionfruit, lychee, and the rich essence of her family's chocolate production in Guatemala, the result is a Passionfruit Strawberry Yogurt Cake. To add a personal touch, delicate pink and white edible flower petals adorn the cake, a tribute to the colors Jacqueline chose for her Quinceanera, her wish granted by Make-A-Wish. As a heartfelt finishing detail, the dessert is plated on a black dish, symbolizing Jacqueline's six-month-old Labradoodle.

During the Bake-A-Wish event, Chef Isabel's Strawberry Yogurt Cake received the highest marks from the host and judges, earning her the winning title of the competition. Though the original intent was to feature only the winning dessert, Fairmont was so wowed by all three creations, and the wish alumni and the stories that inspired them, that the hotels will have the option of featuring any of the three desserts. Launching on World Wish Day, April 29th, Fairmont hotels will select one of the three Bake-A-Wish creations to be offered for a limited time with proceeds donated back to Make-A-Wish. World Wish Day is the anniversary of the wish that inspired the founding of Make-A-Wish, a day focused on raising awareness and support for granting wishes to children with critical illnesses.

"We are excited to announce our latest partnership with Fairmont, a brand that shares our dedication to creating unforgettable experiences for families," said Leslie Motter, president and CEO of Make-A-Wish America. "It takes an entire community of WishMakers to grant wishes that can be life-changing for everyone involved, and we're extremely grateful for Fairmont's support of our mission."

"Wishes have the power to transform lives, bringing much-needed hope and joy to children facing critical illnesses and their families," said Luciano Manzo, President & CEO of Make-A-Wish International. "Our partnership with Fairmont enables us to reach more children worldwide, allowing them to experience the lasting impact of a wish."

Fairmont's World Wish Day programming is a continuation of the 'Wishes Start Here' program, a global partnership between Fairmont and Make-A-Wish, which made its debut in 2022. The legacy of the partnership extends much longer, however, with more than 20 years of bringing hope, strength, and joy to children around the world by granting wishes together.

Supporting images can be found HERE.

About Fairmont Hotels & Resorts

Fairmont Hotels & Resorts is renowned for the international luxury hospitality brand's unrivalled portfolio of more than 92 extraordinary hotels where grand moments of life, heartfelt pleasures and personal milestones are celebrated and remembered long after any visit. From grand hotels to urban retreats, since 1907 Fairmont has created magnificent, meaningful and unforgettable hotels, rich with character and deeply connected to the history, culture and community of its destinations - renowned addresses such as The Plaza in New York City, The Savoy in London, Fairmont San Francisco, Fairmont Banff Springs in Canada, Fairmont Peace Hotel in Shanghai, Fairmont Doha and Fairmont The Palm in Dubai. Fairmont hotels are the social epicenters of their cities-iconic gathering places where people, culture, and ideas converge. Famous for its engaging service, awe-inspiring public spaces, locally inspired cuisine, and iconic bars and lounges, Fairmont also takes great pride in its pioneering approach to hospitality and leadership in sustainability and responsible tourism practices. Fairmont is part of Accor, a world leading hospitality group counting over 5,600 properties throughout more than 110 countries, and a participating brand in ALL, a loyalty program and booking platform providing access to a wide variety of rewards, services and experiences.

fairmont.com | all.accor.com | group.accor.com

About Make-A-Wish

Make-A-Wish creates life-changing wishes for children with critical illnesses. Founded in 1980, Make-A-Wish is the world's leading children's wish-granting organization, having granted more than 615,000 wishes in nearly 50 countries worldwide. Together with generous donors, supporters, staff and more than 27,000 volunteers around the globe, Make-A-Wish delivers hope and joy to children and their families when they need it most. Make-A-Wish aims to bring the power of wishing to every child with a critical illness because wish experiences can help improve emotional and physical health. For more information about Make-A-Wish International, visit worldwish.org and for more information about Make-A-Wish America, visit wish.org.

Media Contact: fairmont@kwtglobal.com

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The scholarships represent a collaborative effort to provide accessible education opportunities

In partnership with Ivy Tech Community College , American College of Education  (ACE) has awarded four full tuition scholarships to Ivy Tech nursing faculty and staff. The collaboration furthers a shared commitment to provide accessible, high-quality education for healthcare professionals and to support the urgent need for qualified nurse educators.

ACE Awards Four Full Tuition Scholarships to Ivy Tech Community College Nursing Faculty



The recipients of nearly $56,000 worth of scholarship funding are:

Breeze Peele, Ivy Tech Sellersburg

Danielle Chiaro, Ivy Tech Lake County

Brooke Irzyk, Ivy Tech Valparaiso

Heather Lunsford, Ivy Tech Richmond

Lunsford will enroll in ACE's Registered Nurse (RN) to Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) program at ACE, while Peele, Chiaro and Irzyk will pursue the Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) to MSN program.

"Partnering with Ivy Tech is opening up door after door to offer accessible nursing education pathways that address national nurse and nurse educator shortages," ACE President and CEO Geordie Hyland said. "We are excited to welcome our scholarship recipients to ACE and to support them on their journeys to earning an MSN."

These scholarships aim to support the development of more qualified nursing faculty, a vital step in solving the growing nursing shortage. According to national data , thousands of prospective nursing students are turned away each year due to a lack of qualified instructors. By investing in the professional growth of current educators, ACE and Ivy Tech aim to expand faculty capacity, enabling more students to pursue nursing careers and strengthening the pipeline of skilled healthcare professionals across Indiana.

Additionally, the scholarship initiative builds on an ongoing partnership between ACE and Ivy Tech, which is designed to create more affordable healthcare education and training pathways for both Ivy Tech students and employees. Through this collaboration, Ivy Tech employees and students are eligible for reduced tuition at ACE, while Ivy Tech's Associate of Science in Nursing (ASN) students can enroll concurrently in ACE's BSN program, allowing them to accelerate degree completion.

"We're thrilled to see four of our outstanding nursing faculty and staff members awarded full scholarships through our partnership with ACE," Ivy Tech Assistant Vice President for Nursing Kimberly Weigand, DNP, RN, CNE, added. "This collaboration provides our faculty with meaningful and flexible opportunities for professional growth that ultimately benefits our students, communities and healthcare systems. By equipping more nurse educators with advanced degrees, we're actively tackling one of the most pressing challenges in nursing education."

Ivy Tech is the largest community college nonprofit awarder of ASN degrees in the county, producing more than 1,500 nursing graduates each year. More than one out of every three registered nurses in Indiana are Ivy Tech graduates.

About American College of Education

American College of Education (ACE) is an accredited, fully online college specializing in high-quality, affordable programs in education, business, leadership, healthcare and nursing. Headquartered in Indianapolis, ACE offers more than 60 innovative and engaging programs for adult students to pursue a doctorate, specialist, master's or bachelor's degree, along with graduate-level certificate programs. In addition to being a leader in online education, ACE is a Certified B Corporation and part of a global movement to use the power of business to solve social and environmental problems.

About Ivy Tech Community College

Ivy Tech Community College is Indiana's largest public postsecondary institution and the nation's largest singly accredited statewide community college system, accredited by the Higher Learning Commission. Ivy Tech has campuses throughout Indiana and also serves thousands of students annually online. It serves as the state's engine of workforce development, offering associate degrees, short-term certificate programs, industry certifications, and training that aligns to the needs of the community. The College provides seamless transfer to other colleges and universities in Indiana, as well as out of state, for a more affordable route to a bachelor's degree.

SOURCE: American College of Education
Mohsen Mahdawi, a Palestinian-born Columbia University student and legal U.S. permanent resident since 2015, was detained by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) on April 14, 2025, during a routine naturalization interview in Colchester, Vermont. His attorney, Cyrus Mehta, claims the detention was retaliation for Mahdawi's role as co-founder of the Palestinian Student Union at Columbia, alongside Mahmoud Khalil, another Palestinian permanent resident recently detained by ICE. The arrests have raised alarms about targeted crackdowns on student activists.

Mahdawi, who has lived in the U.S. for a decade and is set to graduate next month, had met all requirements for citizenship, making his detention highly unusual, legal experts say. "He was clearly eligible for naturalization," Mehta told reporters, noting that Mahdawi had applied for citizenship last year and was expecting a straightforward interview. Instead, he was taken into custody without any criminal charges, prompting swift legal action.

A federal judge in Vermont issued a temporary halt to Mahdawi's removal from the U.S. or transfer to another state, giving his legal team time to challenge the detention. The case has drawn national attention, with advocates arguing it reflects a broader crackdown on foreign-born students involved in political activism. "This sends a chilling message to students exercising their free speech," said Ramzi Kassem, another attorney representing Mahdawi, in a statement to the press.

The incident follows a similar case involving another Columbia student, Mahmoud Khalil, who faced deportation proceedings amid allegations of national security risks tied to his activism. Both cases have fueled debates about the balance between immigration enforcement and First Amendment rights, particularly on university campuses where protests over the Israel-Gaza conflict have been prominent.

Columbia University has not publicly commented on Mahdawi's detention, but student organizations have rallied in his support, planning demonstrations to demand his release. Social media posts from peers describe Mahdawi as a dedicated student leader who grew up in a West Bank refugee camp before building a life in the U.S. "Mohsen's only crime is speaking out for justice," one classmate posted on X.

As the legal battle unfolds, Mahdawi's case is likely to intensify discussions about the vulnerabilities of international and immigrant students in the U.S., especially those engaged in politically charged causes. For now, his futureand his dream of becoming a U.S. citizenremains uncertain.
New Nationwide Survey Reveals Middle Schoolers Most Likely to Seek Extra Learning Resources to Close Foundational Skills Gaps and Build Confidence

More than half of parents (57%) agree that the COVID-19 pandemic had a negative impact on their child's education and/or academic success, and more than a third (35%) now have their child enrolled in a supplemental learning program, according to a new nationwide survey* of parents of children ages 10-18 conducted by Huntington Learning Center and YouGov. The percentage of students receiving supplemental academic support is particularly high among middle schoolers: 41% among parents of 12-year-olds, 42% of 13-year-olds, and 46% of 14-year-olds.

While parents identified several academic areas where they would expect to see improvement in their children from a supplemental learning program, such as GPA (37%) and specific skills like reading comprehension and writing (37%), the top potential improvement cited was increasing their child's confidence (45%). Improving study habits (43%) might also lead parents to turn to supplemental programs.

"Not only have children experienced academic setbacks, but their confidence in their abilities has taken a significant hit," said Anne Huntington Sharma, President and Board Member of Huntington Learning Center. "Families are seeking support beyond the classroom, and this survey confirms that the demand for accessible, personalized academic help is greater than ever."

These results also reflect a deeper, more concerning trend: Students currently in middle school are seeking help at the highest rates. Today's 12, 13 and 14 year olds were in the earliest, most foundational years of their education when COVID-19 shutdowns began. In other words, students who were 7-9 years old, typically in first through third grades, five years ago, may be further behind than other age groups. These are the years when critical reading and writing skills are developed, and according to parents surveyed, many students are still struggling to catch up.

To help address these challenges, Huntington Learning Center has expanded its partnerships with school districts and public entities nationwide. In the 2023-24 school year alone, Huntington operated 124 programs funded by state and federal sources across 17 states (with 4 more in progress), serving more than 7,500 students through over 300,000 hours of instruction.

To learn more about how Huntington Learning Center is helping students bridge learning gaps, visit huntingtonhelps.com

About Huntington Learning Center

Huntington Learning Center is the nation's leading tutoring and test prep provider. We offer customized programs in person, online, and hybrid options. Our certified teachers provide individualized instruction in phonics, reading, writing, study skills, elementary and middle school math, Algebra through Calculus, Chemistry, and other sciences. We prep for the SAT and ACT, as well as state and standardized exams. Huntington's programs develop the skills, confidence, and motivation to help students succeed and meet the needs of Common Core State Standards. Huntington is accredited by Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools. Founded in 1977, Huntington's mission is to give every student the best education possible. Learn how Huntington can help at www.HuntingtonHelps.com

*All figures, unless otherwise stated, are from YouGov Plc. The total sample size was 843 adults with children from ages 10 to 18 years. Fieldwork was undertaken between the 3rd and 12th of March 2025. The survey was carried out online. The figures have been weighted and are representative of all US parents with children from ages 10 to 18 years (aged 18+).

Contact Information

Huntington Learning Center

hlc@mbpconsultants.com





SOURCE: Huntington Learning Center
Adds 4 Leading Australian Brands to Portfolio, Representing Over 250 Stores Nationwide

Adcore Inc. (the "Company" or "Adcore") (TSX:ADCO)(OTCQX:ADCOF)(FSE:ADQ), a global leader in marketing technology empowering businesses to maximize their digital marketing potential with its innovative AI-powered platform ("Marketing Cloud"), today announced it has been appointed to lead the digital marketing activities for Global Retail Brands, including 4 brands under management.

Adcore is thrilled to add the following four brands to the client portfolio:

House: House is part of Australia's largest specialty homewares retailer with over 160 stores nationally. Their stores are the only destination for all cooking, baking, entertaining and gift giving essentials.

MyHouse: Australian retailer dedicated to helping our customers create a warm personal home.

Robins Kitchen: Robins Kitchen is now very proud to be part of Australia's largest privately owned and fastest growing kitchenware retailer.

Baccarat: Established in 1985, Baccarat is Australia's largest homegrown cookware brand.

Omri Brill, Adcore CEO & Founder, commented: "We are incredibly proud to be selected once again by Global Retail Brands, this time as their full-service digital marketing partner across four of their most prominent retail brands. There is no greater validation of our solutions than a returning client choosing to expand the partnership. This milestone firmly positions Adcore as the go-to digital partner for retail brands in Australia, and highlights the tangible value our technology and team bring to the table. Our ability to consistently deliver results in a fast-changing digital landscape speaks to the strength of our platform, the creativity of our people, and the trust we've built with clients over time. We look forward to driving measurable growth and innovation for Global Retail Brands in the years ahead."

Global Retail Brands' Sam Arcadipane, commented, "It's been a great time to re-evaluate our online business, finding the strengths and opportunities across all of our online channels, and building upon these to really drive a better user experience with improved optimisation and growth in the new financial year, and we're excited to start that journey with Adcore as our new SEM/SEO partner."

ABOUT ADCORE

Adcore is a leading AI-powered marketing technology company.

By combining extensive industry knowledge and experience with its proprietary artificial intelligence (AI) powered technology, Adcore offers a unique digital marketing solution that empowers entrepreneurs and advertisers by managing and automating their e-commerce store advertising and monitoring and analyzing the performance of their advertising budget to ensure maximum Return on Investment. Adcore is a certified Google Premier Partner, Elite Tier Microsoft Partner, Facebook Partner, Verified Amazon Partner, and TikTok Partner.

Established in 2006, the Company employs over fifty people in its headquarters in Tel Aviv, Israel and satellite offices in Toronto, Canada, Melbourne, Australia, Hong Kong and Shanghai, China.

For more information about Adcore, please visit https://www.adcore.com/investors/, https://www.adcore.com/blog or follow us on LinkedIn.

FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

This press release contains or may contain certain forward-looking statements, including statements about the Company. Wherever possible, words such as "may", "will", "should", "could", "expect", "plan", "intend", "anticipate", "believe", "estimate", "predict" or "potential" or the negative or other variations of these words, or similar words or phrases, have been used to identify these forward-looking statements. These statements reflect management's current beliefs and are based on information currently available to management as at the date hereof.

Forward-looking statements involve significant risk, uncertainties and assumptions. Many factors could cause actual results, performance or achievements to differ materially from the results discussed or implied in the forward-looking statements. These factors should be considered carefully and readers should not place undue reliance on the forward-looking statements. Although the forward-looking statements contained in this press release are based upon what management believes to be reasonable assumptions, the Company cannot assure readers that actual results will be consistent with these forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements are made as of the date of this press release, and the Company assumes no obligation to update or revise them to reflect new events or circumstances, except as required by law.

For further information please contact:

ADCORE INC.

https://www.adcore.com/investors/

Nick Campbell, CFA Martijn van den Bemd Investor Relations Chief Partnerships Officer Telephone: 905-630-0148 Telephone: 647-497-5337 Email: nickc@adcore.com Email: martijn@adcore.com

SOURCE: Adcore Inc.
Athena Gold Corporation (CSE:ATHA)(OTCQB:AHNR) ("Athena" or the "Company") is pleased to announce plans for its upcoming exploration program at its recently acquired Laird Lake project, located in Ontario's prolific Red Lake Gold District. The Laird Lake project, spanning 4,158 hectares and covering over 10 km of Balmer-Confederation Assemblage contact, represents an underexplored portion of the camp. The project is road-accessible and lies approximately 10 km west of West Red Lake Gold Mines' flagship Madsen mine, and 34 km northwest of Kinross Gold's Great Bear project.

Laird Lake 2025 Field Season:

Starting May 2025, the Company plans to collect approximately 2,000 till samples over its Laird Lake project (Figure 1). The program will range from 100 m x 100 m grid spacing within the Balmer and Confederation assemblages and expand to 200 m x 200 m within the surrounding felsic intrusive bodies.

Figure 1: Map over Laird Lake project, showing proposed till sample locations, key structures, and areas of known mineralization.

With the results from this upcoming program, Athena hopes to outline zones of new mineralization within the Laird Lake project, where recent grab samples returned up to 373 g/t Au (see Athena's press release dated December 4, 2024). Athena is aiming to use the same sampling methodology used at West Red Lake Gold's nearby Madsen project, which successfully confirmed existing mineralization and outlined potential new zones (see West Red Lake Gold's press release dated January 29, 2025). Athena expects to have the final results from the program in mid-summer, which will guide follow-up field work focused on de-risking the Company's maiden drill program at Laird Lake.

"The proposed till survey is an important de-risking exercise for the Laird Lake project. Our philosophy is never to rush into a drill program; we want to do all our homework first and maximize our chances of knocking it out of the park the first go-around. This will be an extensive, tightly-spaced survey, and we expect supplementing the results with our existing dataset, which includes LiDAR, detailed mapping, magnetics, and EM, will help to better define priority drill targets," said Koby Kushner, CEO of Athena.

Nevada Update:

The Company recently completed a regional prospecting and mapping program over its 100%-owned Excelsior Springs Au-Ag project in Nevada, where initial results returned surface grab samples up to 6,630 g/t Ag (see press release dated January 23, 2025). All results from the program have since been received and analyzed. The Company is highly encouraged by the regional prospectivity, and on the back of these results, it has mobilized staking activities to expand its land holdings near its Excelsior Springs project. The Company plans to release additional results from the program after staking activities have been completed. The Company has received third-party interest regarding potential joint venture partnerships and earn-in agreements across its Nevada portfolio.

Qualified Person

Technical information in this news release has been reviewed and approved by Benjamin Kuzmich, P.Geo., a geoscientist and qualified person for the purposes of National Instrument 43-101.

About Athena Gold Corporation

Athena is engaged in the business of mineral exploration and the acquisition of mineral property assets. Its objective is to locate and develop economic precious and base metal properties of merit and to conduct additional exploration drilling and studies on its projects across North America. Athena's Excelsior Springs Au-Ag project is located in the prolific Walker Lane Trend in Nevada. Excelsior Springs spans 1,675 ha and covers at least three historic mines along the Palmetto Mountain trend, where the Company is following up on a recent shallow oxide gold discovery, with drill results including 5.35 g/t Au over 33.5 m. Meanwhile, the Company's new Laird Lake project is situated in the Red Lake Gold District of Ontario, covering 4,158 hectares along more than 10 km of the Balmer-Confederation Assemblage contact, where recent surface sampling results returned up to 373 g/t Au. This underexplored area is road-accessible, located about 10 km west of West Red Lake Gold's Madsen mine and 34 km northwest of Kinross Gold's Great Bear project.

For further information about Athena Gold Corporation and our Excelsior Springs Gold project, please visit www.athenagoldcorp.com.

On Behalf of the Board of Directors

Koby Kushner

President and Chief Executive Officer, Athena Gold Corporation

For further information, please contact:

Athena Gold Corporation

Koby Kushner, President and Chief Executive Officer

Phone: 416-846-6164

Email: kobykushner@athenagoldcorp.com

CHF Capital Markets

Cathy Hume, CEO

Phone: 416-868-1079 x 251

Email: cathy@chfir.com

Forward-Looking Statements

This press release contains forward-looking statements and forward-looking information (collectively, "forward-looking statements") within the meaning of applicable Canadian and US. securities laws. All statements, other than statements of historical fact, included herein including, without limitation, statements regarding future exploration plans, future results from exploration, and the anticipated business plans and timing of future activities of the Company, are forward-looking statements. Although the Company believes that such statements are reasonable, it can give no assurance that such expectations will prove to be correct. Forward-looking statements are typically identified by words such as: "believes", "will", "expects", "anticipates", "intends", "estimates", 'plans", "may", "should", 'potential", "scheduled", or variations of such words and phrases and similar expressions, which, by their nature, refer to future events or results that may, could, would, might or will occur or be taken or achieved. In making the forward-looking statements in this press release, the Company has applied several material assumptions, including without limitation, that there will be investor interest in future financings, market fundamentals will result in sustained precious metals demand and prices, the receipt of any necessary permits, licenses and regulatory approvals in connection with the future exploration and development of the Company's projects in a timely manner.

The Company cautions investors that any forward-looking statements by the Company are not guarantees of future results or performance, and that actual results may differ materially from those in forward-looking statements as a result of various risk factors as disclosed in the final long form prospectus of the Company dated August 31, 2021.

Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on forward-looking statements. The Company undertakes no obligation to update any of the forward-looking statements in this press release or incorporated by reference herein, except as otherwise stated.

SOURCE: Athena Gold Corp
PRESS RELEASE

US Energy Dominance Faces Long-Term Challenges, Wood Mackenzie Report Finds

US oil and gas production to plateau and decline between 2035-2040

LONDON / HOUSTON / SINGAPORE, 17 April 2025 -While the United States currently dominates global oil and gas production, it faces significant challenges to maintaining the same level of leadership in the coming decades, according to the latest Horizons report from Wood Mackenzie.

According to the report "Tough at the top: The threats to US energy dominance", oil and gas fuels 52% of the world's primary energy. Wood Mackenzie models suggest that this share of supply will remain above 50% for another 20 years.

Currently, the US is the world's largest producer of oil and gas, accounting for 20% of global oil production and 25% of global gas output. But even if demand for oil and gas remains robust for decades, the idea of "US energy dominance" as positioned by the Trump administration, becomes challenging long-term. US production is set to decline in the 2030s and the rise of low-carbon energies across the globe, particularly in China, could potentially leave the US exposed.

"The US has achieved remarkable success in oil and gas production over the past two decades," said Robert Clarke, vice president, upstream research at Wood Mackenzie. "However, maintaining this dominance will require addressing several key challenges, including resource maturation and an ongoing global shift towards lower-carbon energy sources."

Top 10 global oil and gas producers, 2025

Source: Wood Mackenzie Lens; liquids include oil, condensate and NGLs.

The report highlights that US oil and gas production is projected to decline by about 1.7 million barrels of oil equivalent per day between 2035 and 2040. But if demand expectations erode prior to this and a drop towards US$50/bbl becomes embedded for crude, declines would occur much sooner and be more severe.

This decline could have far-reaching implications for the industry's ability to raise capital and maintain export relationships. It would also mean a different value proposition for US upstream that prioritizes value capture from late-life assets, said Clarke.

Simultaneously, China is rapidly advancing in low-carbon technologies such as electric vehicles, battery storage, and solar cells. The report notes that China's global market share in these technologies is now greater than the US share in oil and gas production.

Despite the challenges, the report highlights several ways the US could preserve and prolong its energy leadership.

Fostering innovation collaboration, particularly in shale technology

New technology initiatives in the Permian Basin are tight oil's current wildcard. Innovative subsurface diagnostics and reservoir models - including artificial intelligence (AI) - are focused on lowering the cost of supply by redesigning wells and pads in nearly real time to eliminate non-productive capex. If successful, lower unit costs will open new tranches of undrilled inventory for greater resource recovery.

"If new digital tools can lower breakevens by US$5/bbl, which we think is possible, future tight oil projects will remain as competitive as any other global supply source and extend the Permian Basin's production profile," said Clarke.

Reinvigorating grassroots shale exploration

Exploration is needed to replenish top-tier well inventory and the sector's exploration spending has been falling precipitously, down 65% since 2012. Within 10 years, Wood Mackenzie models suggest the industry will have drilled nearly half of all its remaining low-cost tight oil locations.

"Play-opening projects in the Utica, Uinta and deeper Permian benches have had good results, but more can be done," said Clarke. "Derisking, delineation and midstream investment are needed to make the size of these new opportunities as material as existing assets."

Implementing supportive regulatory and fiscal policies

The Trump administration has embarked on reform of federal permitting frameworks, with the aim of creating a faster path to infrastructure expansion, which could help relieve constraints on long-haul interstate pipeline expansions and boost the profitability of high potential supply projects.

Despite opportunity to extend US oil and gas production, the report concludes that an over-reliance on upstream for too long could leave the US exposed if the world moves towards low-carbon energy.

"The future of US energy sector isn't as clear as it could be," concluded Clarke. "While its oil and gas dominance is likely to continue in the near term, the industry must prepare for a changing global energy landscape. Excitement over the US upstream growth story should not mask the reality that the world does not stand still. Balancing continued hydrocarbon production with investments in low-carbon technologies will be crucial for maintaining America's energy leadership in the long run."

Read the entire report here.

ENDS

For further information please contact Wood Mackenzie's media relations team:

Mark Thomton

+1 630 881 6885

Mark.thomton@woodmac.com

Hla Myat Mon

+65 8533 8860

hla.myatmon@woodmac.com

Chris Boba

+44

The Big Partnership (UK PR agency)

woodmac@bigpartnership.co.uk

You have received this news release from Wood Mackenzie because of the details we hold about you. If the information we have is incorrect you can either provide your updated preferences by contacting our media relations team. If you do not wish to receive this type of email in the future, please reply with 'unsubscribe' in the subject header. -

About Wood Mackenzie

Wood Mackenzie is the global insight business for renewables, energy and natural resources. Driven by data. Powered by people. In the middle of an energy revolution, businesses and governments need reliable and actionable insight to lead the transition to a sustainable future. That's why we cover the entire supply chain with unparalleled breadth and depth, backed by over 50 years' experience in natural resources. Today, our team of over 2,000 experts operate across 30 global locations, inspiring customers' decisions through real-time analytics, consultancy, events and thought leadership. Together, we deliver the insight they need to separate risk from opportunity and make bold decisions when it matters most. For more information, visit woodmac.com.
EQS-News: Marley Spoon Group SE / Schlagwort(e): Konferenz

MARLEY SPOON GROUP SE: Q4 AND FULL YEAR 2024 RESULTS INVESTOR CONFERENCE CALL NOTIFICATION



17.04.2025 / 14:12 CET/CEST

Fur den Inhalt der Mitteilung ist der Emittent / Herausgeber verantwortlich.





Marley Spoon Group SE ("Marley Spoon" or the "Company"), a leading global subscription-based meal kit provider for home cooking, will release the audited full year 2024 results and the Non-Financial Report 2024 as well as its quarterly results for the period ending 31 December 2024 on Wednesday, 30 April 2025.

Investors are invited to join a conference call on Wednesday, 30 April 2025, at 12:00 pm/noon (CET) hosted by Marley Spoon CEO, Daniel Raab, and CFO, Thorsten Struck, who will provide an update on the Company's performance.

To pre-register for the call, please follow this link:

https://www.appairtime.com/event/9338faed-b249-497d-8945-2ab9856678d7

About Marley Spoon Group SE

Marley Spoon Group SE is a global direct-to-consumer (DTC) meal solution company. Our Vision is to "Build a better every day, just for you, just right". We started Marley Spoon in 2014 to help our customers cook for their families and deal with their busy lives. We also felt there should be a more sustainable way to cook at home, reducing food waste that traditional supermarket supply chains generate. Marley Spoon currently operates various brands in three regions: Australia, the United States, and Europe (Austria, Belgium, Germany, and the Netherlands). Our meal-kit brands, Marley Spoon, Martha Stewart & Marley Spoon, and Dinnerly, bring pre-portioned fresh ingredients with tasty and simple recipes and other eating solutions reliably to our customers every week. Our customers just decide what to eat, and when to eat, and leave behind the hassle of grocery shopping. Chefgood and bistroMD are our direct-to-consumer ready-to-heat (RTH) services that offer premium-priced, high-quality, healthy, and nutritious RTH meals and eating solutions for our wellness and health-focused customers.

17.04.2025 CET/CEST Veroffentlichung einer Corporate News/Finanznachricht, ubermittelt durch EQS News - ein Service der EQS Group.

Fur den Inhalt der Mitteilung ist der Emittent / Herausgeber verantwortlich.



Die EQS Distributionsservices umfassen gesetzliche Meldepflichten, Corporate News/Finanznachrichten und Pressemitteilungen.

Medienarchiv unter https://eqs-news.com


The "REACH and RoHS Compliance: Protecting Revenues with Advanced Compliance" training has been added to ResearchAndMarkets.com's offering.

What are REACH and RoHS Compliance Training and Regulations?

REACH and RoHS have been referred to as "one of the most complex regulations in the history of the EU." Do not miss this 2-day seminar to find out why.

This 2-day seminar will go into the specifics of the REACH and RoHS regulations, provide case studies and share lessons learned so your organization can benefit from the mistakes of others. We will review the latest on both directives and will draw out key developments and key dates (if applicable) with particular emphasis on requirements for US firms.

REACH and RoHS conformity have banned problematic toxic and environmentally hazardous elements such as lead, mercury, cadmium, hexavalent chromium, polybrominated biphenyls (PBB) and polybrominated diphenylether (PBDE) in quantities not exceeding a maximum of 0.1 percent by mass in products and new phthalate additions as a 2019 amendment.

Restrictions of the use of certain Hazardous Substances (RoHS) and Registration, Evaluation Authorization and Restriction of Chemical Substances (REACH) are European requirements on chemicals and chemical substances used in products.

REACH is required by the EU for products containing chemical compounds. It is also required by US exporters for all suppliers exporting products to the EU. Even though you may not be an exporter, you may have to still comply with these regulations.

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REACH applies to solvents, fragrances, metals, alloys, pigments, dyes, fertilizers, cosmetics, detergents, polymers, electronic equipment, furniture, textile toys, etc.

Objectives of Learning

Understanding your organization's liability under RoHS and REACH.

Review case studies.

Discuss lessons learned applications to ensure full compliance.

RoHS and REACH guidelines

REACH Registration of Substances

Introduction to REACH

Articles and REACH

Substances of Very High Concerns (SVHC)

Supply chain communication

Compliance enforcement

Basics of RoHS

Background and content of RoHS

Responsibility for RoHS

International requirements of RoHS

Material testing methods

Build and manage RoHS/REACH compliance programs

Reporting to management and government agencies

An introduction to Global RoHS/REACH legislation, WEEE. Conflict Minerals, Anti-trafficking regulations, and CA Proposition 65

Methods of regulatory data collection

Compliance consulting on company real world scenarios

This live training seminar includes the following for each registered attendee:

A copy of the presentation slides by download

A certificate of participation for attendee training records

Q/A Session

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Automotive

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Chemical

Toys

Industrial machinery

Manufacturing Professionals

Anyone new to RoHS and or REACH and need to understand the regulations

Anyone responsible for RoHS and REACH compliance

Quality Managers

Environmental Managers

Purchasers

Buyers

Key Topics Covered:

Day 1

REACH Registration of Substances

Introduction to REACH

Articles and REACH

Substances of Very High Concerns (SVHC)

Supply chain communication

Compliance enforcement

Basics of RoHS

Background and content of RoHS

Responsibility for RoHS

International requirements of RoHS

Day 2

A Process for Protecting Revenues

10 Steps to building a RoHS/REACH compliance program

Determining best practices for collecting data

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New UK versions of RoHS and REACH

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Speakers:

Kelly Eisenhardt

Co-Founder and Managing Director

BlueCircle Advisors LLC

Ms. Eisenhardt is Co-Founder and Managing Director at BlueCircle Advisors LLC, a consulting firm that provides strategy and programming to address product compliance risks, sales and revenue protection, and compliance and sustainability practices throughout the supply chain.

With 20 years' experience in IT and Compliance Software Development, her former roles include: Executive Director of Environmental Programs, at Fair Factories Clearinghouse; Environmental Compliance Manager and Design for Environment programs at EMC Corporation; and Director of Product Management at PTC Corporation for Windchill Product Analytics an environmental compliance software.

She is a journalist for industry trade publications such as 3BL, JustMeans, Social Earth, CSRwire, Ethical Performance, and CSR@Risk with a focus on trends in product compliance, supply chain transparency, and corporate social responsibility.

In 2015, she traveled with Asia Pulp and Paper to Indonesia and Sumatra to research and write about the company's zero deforestation efforts and social responsibility programs.

In May 2016, she delivered her paper on "Advancing Product Design with Environmental Compliance," at the IEEE/ISCPCE conference in Anaheim, California. She is currently on assignment with an IT infrastructure company to build Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) programs specializing in anti-trafficking compliance, sustainability programming and reporting, and cybersecurity compliance for supply chains.

For more information about this training visit https://www.researchandmarkets.com/r/4t0612

About ResearchAndMarkets.com

ResearchAndMarkets.com is the world's leading source for international market research reports and market data. We provide you with the latest data on international and regional markets, key industries, the top companies, new products and the latest trends.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20250417159723/en/

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The rise of Super Micro to #1 in the Hazeltree March Shortside Crowdedness Report alongside tariff talk and tech pullback suggests short sellers are bracing for a more volatile road ahead.

Amid rising U.S. tariff concerns and tech sector volatility heading into April, Super Micro Computer, Inc. emerged as the most crowded shorted large-cap security in March, according to Hazeltree's latest Shortside Crowdedness Report. The report also highlighted a notable rotation out of tech, as the number of names among the top 10 most crowded shorted large-cap securities fell from eight in February to five in March. Hazeltree, a leader in active treasury and intelligent operations technology for the alternative asset industry, also identified Kering SA and Disco Corporation as the most crowded shorted large-cap stocks in EMEA and APAC, respectively, for the third consecutive month.

The report is a monthly listing of the top 10 shorted securities in the Americas, EMEA, and APAC regions in the large-, mid-, and small-cap ranges. The data is compiled from Hazeltree's proprietary securities finance platform data, which tracks approximately 15,000 global equities across the Americas, EMEA, and APAC. The data available to select clients is aggregated and anonymized from the contributing Hazeltree community, which includes approximately 700 asset manager funds. The securities are assigned a Hazeltree Crowdedness Score, a key metric, which grades securities on a scale of 1 to 99, with 99 representing the highest concentration of shorting activity. This scoring highlights securities most targeted by investors and reflects key supply-demand dynamics.

"We observed signs of the threat of tariffs being telegraphed to the markets during March," said Tim Smith, Managing Director of Data Insights at Hazeltree. "Our analysis of shorting activity in the Americas suggests that short sellers began reducing their tech exposure in anticipation of the full implementation of tariffs a potential sign of early repositioning. We also saw short interest broaden beyond technology into sectors like financial services, retail, energy, semiconductors, and telecom."

Highlights from the March 2025 report include:

Americas

In the large-cap category, Super Micro Computer, Inc. was the most crowded security with a score of 99 and held the highest institutional supply utilization (49.85%) for the fourth straight month. Chevron Corporation dropped from the most crowded security after two consecutive months to become the second most crowded security with a score of 96.

In the mid-cap category, Shift4 Payments, Inc. ascended to the top with a Hazeltree Crowdedness Score of 99, while MARA Holdings Inc. held the highest institutional supply utilization figure (84.25%).

In the small-cap category, JetBlue Airways Corporation became the most crowded security displacing Wolfspeed, Inc. following seven months at the top, with a score of 99. However, Wolfspeed regained the highest institutional supply utilization (83.38%).

EMEA

In the large-cap category, Kering SA was the most crowded security for the third consecutive month with a score of 99 and H&M had the highest institutional supply utilization (77.68%) for the ninth consecutive month.

In the mid-cap category, Kingfisher plc was the most crowded security for the second month (99). Davide Campari-Milano N.V. had the highest institutional supply utilization (65.59%).

In the small-cap category, Alphawave IP Group plc was the most crowded security for the fourth straight month, achieving a score of 99. Eramet S.A. topped institutional supply utilization (74.82%).

APAC

In the large-cap category, Disco Corporation was one of the most crowded securities with a score of 99 for the third consecutive month. Nongfu Spring Co., Ltd. had the highest institutional supply utilization (35.89%).

In the mid-cap category, Lasertec Corporation and Kokusai Electric Corporation, were the most crowded securities with a score of 99. Kokusai returned for the third consecutive month as the most crowded security and held the highest institutional supply utilization (72.59%).

In the small-cap category, Hisense Home Appliances Group Co. Ltd., Osaka Soda Co., Ltd., and Money Forward, Inc. were the most crowded securities (99). KeePer Technical Laboratory Co. Ltd. had the highest institutional supply utilization for the second straight month (71.28%).

To view Hazeltree's March 2025 Shortside Crowdedness Report and past reports, click here.

Note to editors: If you are a member of the media/press and would like to be included on the distribution list for this report, please contact btanner@hazeltree.com.

Hazeltree Shortside Crowdedness Report Methodology

The Shortside Crowdedness Report tracks shorting activity in three different metrics:

Hazeltree Crowdedness Score: This score represents securities that are being shorted by the highest percentage of funds in Hazeltree's community in a pre-defined category. The securities are graded on a scale of 1-99, with 99 representing the security that the highest percentage of funds are shorting. Institutional Supply Utilization: This figure represents the percentage of the institutional investors' supply of a particular security that is being lent out. The institutional supply utilization rate is an indicator of how "hot" a security is in terms of the supply-demand dynamic. It is possible to see 100% utilization of a security's availability, making it difficult to establish new short positions. Hazeltree Community Borrow Fee: This figure is the average weighted fee for what funds in the Hazeltree community are paying to borrow a security. The fee is represented as the annualized cost calculated as a percentage of the price of the security.

About Hazeltree

Hazeltree is a leader in active treasury and intelligent operations technology. Purpose-built for the alternative asset management ecosystem, Hazeltree's modular platform aggregates internal and external data, providing a comprehensive view of operations and counterparty relationships while proactively highlighting opportunities to extract more value from every transaction. Hazeltree is headquartered in New York with offices in London, Bournemouth, and Hong Kong. For more information, please visit www.hazeltree.com.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20250417168249/en/

Contacts:

Media:

Ben Tanner

Hazeltree

btanner@hazeltree.com
Toronto, Ontario--(Newsfile Corp. - April 17, 2025) - Gold Hart Copper Corp. (TSXV: HART) (formerly Vicunau Metals Corp.) (the "Company", "Gold Hart", or "HART") is pleased to announce completion of the first-ever diamond drill hole at its Tolita gold-copper-silver-molybdenum porphyry target where the Maricunga Gold Belt meets the emerging Vicuna Copper Belt.

"We are excited to have completed the first drill hole at Tolita since 1997, and the first diamond drill hole the asset has ever seen," stated Jonathan Warner, Co-founder & Executive Vice President of HART. "The Tolita property has waited nearly 30 years for this critical second phase of drilling since it was long-ago recognized by Enrique Viteri-Aldunate for its gold, silver, copper, and molybdenum anomalies on surface. The 1997 RC drill campaign only reached 200m and we set out to utilize the comprehensive historical data, combined with modern science and geophysics and armed with a diamond drill rig in order to drill deeper and better test the true potential of the asset. Our Co-founder & Chairman Emeritus Dr. Professor Jose Frutos and I rotated shifts such that one of us was almost always on site monitoring the drilling personally. I would also like to personally thank our excellent drill team for their commitment in operating the drill rig 24/7 and successfully completing the first hole of what we hope will be a much larger campaign."

The drill hole reached a depth of 613 meters. Drill core is being sent to the laboratory for assaying and Gold Hart Copper will report on the results as soon as possible. In the meantime, the drill rig is being moved to the next drill pad for the following drill hole.

About Gold Hart Copper

Gold Hart Copper is one of the largest independent land owners surrounding major miners where the famous Maricunga Gold Belt meets the emerging Vicuna Copper Belt in Chile. HART is actively acquiring, exploring and developing its portfolio of gold, copper & silver properties adjacent to the largest gold and copper assets on the continent.

HART's team of geologists were personally involved in pioneering exploration in the region, leading to some of its greatest gold, copper, and silver deposits, and include the country's former Geological Survey National Deputy Manager Dr. Professor Jose Frutos. Specifically, senior Gold Hart geologists were personally involved in the Escondida copper discovery, now the largest copper mine in the world1 controlled by Rio Tinto and BHP, as well as Cerro Casale, the largest gold-copper discovery in Chile2 acquired by Barrick and Newmont (GoldCorp) with 59-million ounces of gold and 12.5-billion pounds of copper.

HART has rolled-up a portfolio of historically significant assets surrounding majors, in some cases personally staked by the very same geologists who made the adjacent mega-discoveries, since the early 1990s. Some of the Gold Hart properties have already undergone a first phase of RC drilling, with highly encouraging results of gold, copper, and silver. Gold Hart properties are controlled 100% and not subject to any royalties whatsoever.

HART believes it may be sitting on one of the only fully-preserved untested large-scale gold-copper-silver porphyry targets in the Vicuna District - an asset that was first recognized for its uniquely high grades of gold and copper on surface - and staked by one of the Maricunga-Vicuna district's pioneering geologists3 in 1993. Gold Hart Copper is fully funded for its planned drill campaign.

About Gold Hart Copper's Tolita Gold-Copper-Silver-Molybdenum Target

The Tolita property is a historically significant gold-copper asset which was first recognized and staked in 1993 - by one of the pioneering geologists of the Maricunga-Vicuna district - for its uniquely high grades of gold and copper on surface3. Geochemical surveys revealed gold, copper, silver, and molybdenum anomalies, which led to trenching. Tolita has had significant trenching (5,600m / 5.6km) with the highest grade trench returning grades up to 52g/t gold equivalent including 4% copper. Tolita has undergone helicopter mag surveys which identified 4 unique anomalies as well3.

In 1996, a third party company optioned the property and drilled 3 short 200m RC holes, without any geophysics, and yet still hit gold and copper in all 3 holes, including long intercepts of gold and copper (150m and 164m, respectively) close to surface in 2 of the 3 holes. At the time, gold was approximately $300/oz and copper traded below $1.00/lb, and large scale sulphide / porphyry deposits with both gold and copper were often considered less favorable than smaller scale gold-only oxide deposits. As a result, and due to general market sentiment for junior exploration companies in 1997-1998, Tolita was only drilled to a depth of 200m with 3 short RC holes (out of a planned 8 hole campaign)3.

When Gold Hart acquired the property, a full geophysical survey was conducted by a recognized geophysics firm, and a large high-chargeability and conductive anomaly was discovered that is near surface and almost 2.5km2 in size and "interpreted as a copper-gold or gold-copper porphyry system that certainly warrants additional exploration and drilling4". Gold Hart Copper has therefore launched diamond drilling and is fully funded for this planned campaign.

References & Notes:

Escondida is the largest copper mine globally, as defined by producing the greatest number of copper tonnes per annum. Numbers sourced directly from property owner's website and public filings. Norte Abierto is considered the largest gold asset in Chile as defined by hosting the largest number of total gold ounces. Numbers sourced directly from property owner's website and public filings. Please refer to the Company's NI 43-101 Technical Report on Sedar for information pertaining to Gold Hart Copper's properties including historical exploration at Tolita, including but not limited to, the history of the asset and its original staking, geochemical surveys, trenching surveys, helicopter magnetic surveys, and historical RC drilling. Geophysical survey is summarized in the Company's NI 43-101 Technical report available on Sedar. Such geophysical surveys are not definitive, and the results are still at an early stage of interpretation, with no guarantee of a mineral discovery.

HART | Gold Hart Copper Corporation - Social Media Channels

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/goldhart/

X / Twitter: https://x.com/goldhartcopper

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@GoldHartCopper

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/goldhartcopper/

Qualified Person

The technical information contained in this news release related has been reviewed by Mr. Jonathan A. Warner, Executive Vice President of Gold Hart Copper and a Qualified Person within the meaning of NI 43-101.

Cautionary Statement on Forward-Looking Information

This news release contains "forward-looking information" within the meaning of applicable Canadian securities legislation based on expectations, estimates and projections as at the date of this news release. Any statement that involves predictions, expectations, interpretations, beliefs, plans projections, objectives, assumptions, future events or performance (often, but not always, using phrases such as "expects", or "does not expect", "is expected", "interpreted", management's view", "anticipates" or "does not anticipate", "plans", "budget", "scheduled", "forecasts", "estimates", "potential", "feasibility", "believes" or "intends" or variations of such words and phrases or stating that certain actions, events or results "may" or "could", "would", "might" or "will" be taken, occur or be achieved) are not statements of historical fact and may be forward-looking information and are intended to identify forward-looking information. Forward-Looking information is not a guarantee of future performance and is based upon a number of estimates and assumptions of management, in light of management's experience and perception of trends, current conditions and expected developments, as well as other factors that management believes to be relevant and reasonable in the circumstances, including, without limitation, assumptions about: the ability of exploration results, including drilling, to accurately predict mineralization; errors in geological modelling; insufficient data; equity and debt capital markets; future spot prices of copper and zinc; the timing and results of exploration and drilling programs; the accuracy of mineral resource estimates; production costs; political and regulatory stability; the receipt of governmental and third party approvals; licenses and permits being received on favourable terms; sustained labour stability; stability in financial and capital markets; availability of mining equipment and positive relations with local communities and groups. Forward-Looking information involves risks, uncertainties and other factors that could cause actual events, results, performance, prospects and opportunities to differ materially from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking information. Factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from such forward-looking information are set out in the Company's listing application dated March 14, 2025, a copy of which is available on SEDAR+ (www.sedarplus.ca) under the Company's issuer profile. Although the Company believes that the assumptions and factors used in preparing the forward-looking information in this news release are reasonable, undue reliance should not be placed on such information, which only applies as of the date of this news release, and no assurance can be given that such events will occur in the disclosed time frames or at all. The Company disclaims any intention or obligation to update or revise any forward-looking information, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, other than as required by law. Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accept responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this news release. No stock exchange, securities commission or other regulatory authority has approved or disapproved the information contained herein.





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SOURCE: Gold Hart Copper Corp.
Convera Livethe international roadshow hosted by Convera, a global leader in commercial payments, is setting its sights for North America. This must-attend event for senior financial decision makers will feature industry experts and discussions around what's shaping payments today including market insights, key factors driving volatility, and ways to navigate global commerce.

Following a successful run of events across Australia, Singapore, and Europe, the Convera Live roadshow series will bring its expertise to over 10 key cities in total across the globe, including Canada and the United States. Kicking off its first event on April 24, 2025 at the World Trade Center in New York City, those interested can register to attend here

Convera Live offers a unique opportunity for businesses to:

Gain expert insights: Learn from Convera's market analysts how the new Trump administration's trade policies and tariff strategies could impact financial markets.

Learn from Convera's market analysts how the new Trump administration's trade policies and tariff strategies could impact financial markets. Develop effective FX risk management strategies: Discover practical approaches to mitigate foreign exchange exposure and protect your business from unexpected currency fluctuations.

Discover practical approaches to mitigate foreign exchange exposure and protect your business from unexpected currency fluctuations. Create a roadmap for global expansion: Understand how to successfully pursue international growth despite economic headwinds, featuring Convera executives who have navigated expansion during challenging economic conditions.

Understand how to successfully pursue international growth despite economic headwinds, featuring Convera executives who have navigated expansion during challenging economic conditions. Network with industry peers: Connect with other business professionals and share valuable insights on navigating the current economic landscape.

"The volatile global economy creates major challenges for businesses operating internationally. Convera Live brings our experts' insights directly to companies to help them navigate currency risks, understand market trends, and protect their profits when expanding globally." said Steven Dooley, Global Head of Market Insights at Convera. "After tremendous success across other regions, we're excited to expand our roadshow locations."

About Convera

Convera is a global leader in commercial payments that powers international business by moving money with ease. We provide tech-led payment solutions to help more than 26,000 customers globally grow with confidence, from small businesses to CFOs and treasurers. As experts in foreign exchange, risk, and compliance, with an unrivaled regulatory footprint, Convera's financial network spans more than 140 currencies and 200 countries and territories.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20250416000707/en/

Contacts:

convera@150bond.com
Showcasing at ASCRS 2025:

More than 2 million cases planned with ZEISS VERACITY Surgery Planner: Growing use of one of the leading digital planning solutions for cataract surgery in the U.S. is a testament to the increased adoption of the ZEISS Cataract Workflow digital solutions by surgeons.

ZEISS MEL 90 broadens refractive treatment portfolio: U.S. availability of both the ZEISS MEL 90 and ZEISS VISUMAX 800 extends the company's LVC market leadership with treatments for myopia, hyperopia, and mixed astigmatism.

Enhanced cataract portfolio with DORC and FCI: Showcasing cataract solutions from DORC and FCI for the first time in the ZEISS booth #1501.

JENA, Germany and DUBLIN, Calif., April 17, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- ZEISS Medical Technology will celebrate the rapid adoption of digital cataract solutions and showcase newly available refractive treatment technology at the American Society of Cataract and Refractive Surgery (ASCRS) conference from April 25 - 27 in Los Angeles, CA. ZEISS marks a major milestone in the U.S. with more than 2 million digitally planned cases using the ZEISS VERACITY Surgery Planner,1 one of the leading digital planning solutions for cataract surgery, which serves as a testament to the growing number of surgeons discovering the benefits of digital workflows in the delivery of patient care and treatments.

"The digital era continues to grow at a rapid pace. Ophthalmologists are increasingly realizing the significant benefits of using digital workflows as the backbone of their medical practices," says Magnus Reibenspiess, Head of Strategic Business Unit Ophthalmology at ZEISS Medical Technology. "ZEISS has much to celebrate at ASCRS this year, including our continued U.S. leadership in digital innovation and ongoing commitment to improving patient care across both the cataract and refractive markets."

Additionally, the ZEISS Refractive Workflow will showcase for the first time both the VISUMAX 800 with SMILE pro from ZEISS and the MEL 90 from ZEISS, helping to further broaden a surgeon's refractive business with improved patient attraction and positive clinical outcomes. Lastly, for the first time, DORC and FCI, both ZEISS companies, are set to present their portfolio of cataract surgical solutions in the ZEISS booth, showcasing the extended benefits of ZEISS's surgical portfolio.

More than 2 million cases planned using ZEISS VERACITY Surgery Planner reflects growing digital adoption by U.S. cataract surgeons

ZEISS VERACITY Surgery Planner is one of the top digital planning solutions for cataract surgery in the U.S. today with thousands of users logging in to plan their surgical cases, pulling data from most modern EMRs, 19 different diagnostic devices, and optional data sources like patient questionnaires, in order to make data-driven informed decisions designed to drive better patient outcomes in clinics and ORs.

At ASCRS, ZEISS will celebrate the significant milestone of its cloud-based ZEISS VERACITY Surgery Planner, with more than 2 million cases planned. A recent study showed that with the ZEISS Cataract Workflow powered by ZEISS VERACITY Surgery Planner, surgeons and staff can save up to 60% of their time per eye compared to traditional paper planning.2

Kerry Solomon, MD, from Carolina Eye Care Physicians, one of the creators of VERACITY prior to its acquisition by ZEISS in 2017, says, "Today we're up to 2 million plans, unbelievable! When we first started developing this solution, I absolutely envisioned we'd get to where we are today, and I'm thrilled with where we're at!"

In addition to proven efficiency gains, new research abstracts presented at this year's ASCRS showcase excellent refractive accuracy and clinical outcomes when adopting the ZEISS Cataract Workflow:

Steven C. Schallhorn, MD, ABO, will present a clear benefit of reducing postoperative astigmatism by implanting toric IOLs in patients with lower preoperative corneal astigmatism, leveraging cataract outcomes obtained from VERACITY Surgery Planner's database of 50,850 eyes with preoperative corneal astigmatism between 0.75D and 1.50D. Luke Rebenitsch, MD, ABO, will present a comparison of refractive outcomes in a large cohort of 49,057 eyes undergoing cataract surgery with toric IOL implantation where the use of the ZEISS CALLISTO eye system resulted in significant improvements in terms of post-op refractive outcomes compared to a manual marking approach. Kamran M. Riaz, MD, ABO, will present an analysis of the refractive accuracy of two biometers in a cohort of 222 eyes with prior laser vision correction and implantation of toric multifocal IOLs, highlighting the significantly better performance of total keratometry with the IOLMaster 700.

Enhanced refractive treatment portfolio enables a higher standard of refractive patient care with both the ZEISS VISUMAX 800 and ZEISS MEL 90

ZEISS continues to set high standards in refractive patient care in the U.S. with the availability of both the ZEISS VISUMAX 800 and ZEISS MEL 90. For the first time, the ZEISS MEL 90 will be showcased in the U.S. at ASCRS, extending ZEISS's LVC market leadership with treatment for myopia, hyperopia, and mixed astigmatism.

"The FDA approval of the ZEISS MEL 90 excimer laser is a game changer for refractive surgery in the U.S. I am particularly impressed by the system's ability to simplify treatment planning while delivering highly predictable and tissue-conserving results. This approval marks an exciting chapter for surgeons and patients alike," says Dr. John Doane, Refractive Surgeon, Discover Vision Centers, Kansas City, MO (USA).

The MEL 90 from ZEISS aims to offer U.S. surgeons a fast, reliable, and streamlined surgery experience, complementing the VISUMAX 800 with SMILE pro from ZEISS to help further broaden a surgeon's refractive business with improved patient attraction and positive clinical outcomes.

The ZEISS VISUMAX 800 with ZEISS SMILE pro software enables faster treatment, creating the lenticule in less than 10 seconds thanks to a faster laser pulse repetition rate of 2 MHz.3 The ZEISS femtosecond laser also provides greater flexibility for the surgeon and patient, with a smaller footprint and compatibility with a variety of patient beds, adapting to the clinical environment to provide cutting-edge technology without compromise.

Showcasing the benefits of ZEISS's surgical portfolio to help meet the evolving clinical challenges of surgeons in the U.S.

ZEISS will showcase for the first time together in the ZEISS booth key solutions from DORC and FCI. This will feature the DORC EVA NEXUS surgical system for cataract and phaco-vitrectomy surgeries. It will also include the DORC VisionBlue anterior stain, a trusted choice in more than 10 million cataract surgeries since its introduction. As the only FDA-approved trypan blue stain for anterior applications, it is also authorized for staining Descemet's membrane and trabecular meshwork. Additionally, the ZEISS booth will feature the FDA-approved Eyejet 20C from Morcher, built on the gold standard preloaded Eyejet system and designed to prevent toric IOLs rotation, providing maximum toric benefits.

ZEISS will showcase its latest offerings and new innovations at the American Society of Cataract and Refractive Surgery (ASCRS) conference from April 25-27, 2025, in Los Angeles, CA, at booth #1501.

For more information, visit www.zeiss.com/med.

1 Data on file.

2 Gujral, Tarika, and John Hovanesian. "Cataract Surgical Planning Using Online Software vs Traditional Methods." Clinical Ophthalmology (Auckland, N.Z.), U.S. National Library of Medicine, 28 July 2021.

3 Data on file, myopia with optical zone 6.5 mm.

Not all products, services or offers are approved or offered in every market and approved labeling and instructions may vary from one country to another. For country-specific product information, see the appropriate country website. Product specifications are subject to change in design and scope of delivery as a result of ongoing technical development. The statements of the healthcare professionals reflect only their personal opinions and experiences and do not necessarily reflect the opinion of any institution that they are affiliated with. The healthcare professionals alone are responsible for the content of their experience reported and any potential resulting infringements. Carl Zeiss Meditec AG and its affiliates to not have clinical evidence supporting the opinions and statements of the health care professionals nor accept any responsibility or liability of the healthcare professionals' content. The healthcare professionals have a contractual or other financial relationship with Carl Zeiss Meditec AG and its affiliates and have received financial support.

Contact for investors

Sebastian Frericks

Director Investor Relations

Carl Zeiss Meditec AG

Phone: +49 3641 220 116

Mail: investors.meditec@zeiss.com

Contact for the press

Frank Smith

Head of Global Communications Ophthalmology

Carl Zeiss Meditec Inc.

Phone: +49 3641 220 331

Mail: press.med@zeiss.com

www.zeiss.com/newsroom

Brief Profile

Carl Zeiss Meditec AG (ISIN: DE0005313704), which is listed on the MDAX and TecDAX of the German stock exchange, is one of the world's leading medical technology companies. The Company supplies innovative technologies and application-oriented solutions designed to help doctors improve the quality of life of their patients. The Company offers complete solutions, including implants and consumables, to diagnose and treat eye diseases. The Company creates innovative visualization solutions in the field of microsurgery. With 5,730 employees worldwide, the Group generated revenue of 2,066.1m in fiscal year 2023/24 (to 30 September).

The Group's head office is located in Jena, Germany, and it has subsidiaries in Germany and abroad; more than 50 percent of its employees are based in the USA, Japan, Spain and France. The Center for Application and Research (CARIn) in Bangalore, India and the Carl Zeiss Innovations Center for Research and Development in Shanghai, China, strengthen the Company's presence in these rapidly developing economies. Around 39 percent of Carl Zeiss Meditec AG's shares are in free float. Approx. 59 percent are held by Carl Zeiss AG, one of the world's leading groups in the optical and optoelectronic industries.



For further information visit: www.zeiss.com/med

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On April 14, 2025, the University of Chicago Booth School of Business announced a $100 million gift from private equity investor and alumnus Konstantin Sokolov, aimed at bolstering its executive MBA program. The donation, one of the largest in the school's history, comes at a critical juncture as elite U.S. universities grapple with the risk of losing billions in federal grants due to recent policy shifts under the Trump administration.

Sokolov, a Russian-born entrepreneur who credits his Booth education for launching his career, finalized the gift after discussions with Dean Madhav Rajan, which began over dinner in Hong Kong last October. The funds will support scholarships, faculty research, and program enhancements, with the executive MBA program set to be renamed in Sokolov's honor. "This gift is about giving back to the place that shaped me," Sokolov said in a university statement.

The donation follows a pattern of significant giving to Booth, including a $300 million gift from David Booth in 2008, which led to the school's renaming, and a $100 million contribution from Ross Stevens in 2023 for its Ph.D. program. These gifts underscore Booth's appeal to donors, even as the broader higher education sector faces uncertainty.

The timing is notable, as the Trump administration has intensified scrutiny of universities, freezing $2 billion in federal funds to Harvard and threatening similar actions elsewhere, citing concerns over campus activism and ideological priorities. While Chicago Booth has not been directly targeted, the gift provides a financial cushion. "This support strengthens our ability to innovate and lead," Rajan said, hinting at the need for resilience in a volatile funding landscape.

On X, reactions ranged from praise for Sokolov's generosity"A game-changer for Booth!"to debates about reliance on private donors amid public funding cuts. The gift also sparked discussions about the growing influence of alumni wealth in shaping university priorities.

As elite institutions navigate these challenges, Sokolov's donation positions Booth to maintain its global standing, potentially shielding it from the financial pressures facing peers. For now, the school celebrates a milestone that reinforces its legacy and future ambitions.
NexOptic Technology Corp. ("NexOptic") (TSX VENTURE:NXO)(OTC PINK:NXOPF)(FSE:E3O1), a company developing cutting-edge AI and imaging technologies is pleased to announce the appointment of Donna Lisk as Chief Financial Officer.

Ms. Lisk is a CPA with an MBA in Finance from Norwich University and a Bachelor of Commerce from Concordia University. Over the course of her 30+ year career, she has served as Chief Financial Officer for the Canadian divisions of globally recognized brands, including Warnaco (a former PVH company), Lacoste, APP Group (Mackage), and most recently as Head of Finance at Michael Kors Canada. Her leadership has spanned multiple sectors, with a focus on strategic financial management and operational excellence.

Ms. Lisk replaces Patrick Rueben as CFO, as Mr. Rueben moves to a consultancy capacity with the Company. NexOptic wishes to thank Mr. Rueben for his service to the Company and wish him well in his retirement.

What You Need to Know About NexOptic

NexOptic is an innovative imaging AI company headquartered in Vancouver, Canada offering world-leading patented and patent pending AI solutions for imaging known as ALIIS (All Light Intelligent Imaging Solutions) and NexCompress.

For more information about NexOptic Technology Corp., please visit the Company's website at www.nexoptic.com

Forward-Looking Statements

This news release contains forward-looking statements and forward-looking information (together, "forward-looking statements") within the meaning of applicable securities laws. All statements, other than statements of historical facts, are forward-looking statements. Generally, forward-looking statements can be identified by the use of terminology such as "plans," "expects," "estimates," "intends," "anticipates," "believes" or variations of such words, or statements that certain actions, events or results "may," "could," "would," "might," "will be taken," "occur," or "be achieved." Forward-looking statements in this news release include, without limitation, NexOptic's expectations regarding the expansion of its patent portfolio globally, expectations relating to the acquisition of new customers and sources of revenue, expectations regarding the Company's ability to identify and pursue financing opportunities, and the Company's plans and expectations relating to its business generally. Forward-looking statements involve risks, uncertainties and other factors disclosed under the heading "Risk Factors" and elsewhere in NexOptic's filings with Canadian securities regulators, that could cause actual results, performance, prospects and opportunities to differ materially from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. Although NexOptic believes that the assumptions and factors used in preparing these forward-looking statements are reasonable based upon the information currently available to management as of the date hereof, actual results and developments may differ materially from those contemplated by these statements. Readers are therefore cautioned not to place undue reliance on these statements, which only apply as of the date of this news release, and no assurance can be given that such events will occur in the disclosed times frames or at all. Except where required by applicable law, the Company disclaims any intention or obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statement, whether because of new information, future events or otherwise.

Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this news release.

On Behalf of the Board of Directors

Chief Executive Officer - Paul McKenzie

Tel: +1 (604) 669-7330 ext. 1

Email:admin@nexoptic.com

SOURCE: NexOptic Technology
Carnival PLC - Results of Annual General Meetings

PR Newswire

LONDON, United Kingdom, April 17

Results of Annual General Meetings

MIAMI (April 17, 2025) - Carnival Corporation & plc (NYSE/LSE: CCL; NYSE: CUK) held its annual shareholders' meetings on Wednesday in Miami, Florida and also hosted a live video broadcast at the Carnival plc headquarters in Southampton. Carnival Corporation & plc announces that all of the resolutions recommended by the Boards of Directors were passed at the annual shareholders' meetings.

The results of the polls conducted at the annual meetings of shareholders will be available on the Carnival Corporation & plc website at www.carnivalcorp.com and www.carnivalplc.com. In accordance with Listing Rule 6.4.2R, copies of the resolutions, other than ordinary business, will be submitted to the National Storage Mechanism and will shortly be available for inspection at https://data.fca.org.uk/#/nsm/nationalstoragemechanism.
Intersected 2.8 g/t Ag over 6m including 8.3 g/t Ag over 1.5m

Intersected 0.6 g/t Ag over 36m including 1.0 g/t Ag over 13.5m

Polymetallic VMS system identified from maiden drill program

Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - April 17, 2025) - Sienna Resources Inc. (TSXV: SIE) (OTC Pink: SNNAF) (FSE: A1XCQ0) ("Sienna" or the "Company") wishes to announce that the Company has received results from drill hole assays submitted on its 100% owned Case Lake Project, 80 km east of Cochrane, Ontario. Intersections of silver (Ag) were drilled including: 8.3 g/t Ag over 1.5 m within 6 m of 2.8 g/t Ag from 137 m downhole; 0.6 g/t Ag over 36 m including 1.0 g/t Ag over 13.5 m from 67 m downhole (See Table 1). The drill program successfully identified a polymetallic volcanogenic massive sulphide (VMS) system with intercepts of silver and copper, manganese, and zinc. The company believes that there is potential for a VMS system at the Case Lake property as only 600 m of strike have been tested on the ~2 km long structure.

Figure 1: Plan map of Case Lake drill holes with Ag (g/t) assays (coordinates in WGS84 / UTM Z17N).

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Table 1: Significant intercepts from maiden drill program at the Case Lake Project.

Drill Hole From (m) To (m) Length (m) Ag (g/t) Cu (ppm) Mn (ppm) Zn (ppm) CL25-01 118 148 30 0.3 105.0 878.7 354.7 including 130 134.5 4.5 0.5 150.0 617.0 834.7 CL25-02 67 103 36 0.6 189.5 976.5 155.6 including 83.5 97 13.5 1.0 363.6 808.7 137.4 CL25-02 137 143 6 2.8 50.3 952.5 97.0 including 137 140 3 5.3 59.0 760.0 54.0 including 137 138.5 1.5 8.3 71.0 665.0 35.0 CL25-03 285 294 9 0.6 100.3 1393.2 172.0 and 316.5 322.5 6 0.6 53.0 2437.5 101.3 and 328.5 331.5 3 0.5 90.5 2495.0 79.0

Table 2. Diamond drill hole parameters (WGS84 UTM Zone 17N).

Collar ID Easting (m) Northing (m) Elevation (m) Azimuth Dip Length (m) CL25-01 580257 5427830 340 360 -45 297 CL25-02 579836.4 5427857 340 360 -45 333 CL25-03 579700 5427970 330 5 -50 396

About Sienna Resources Inc.

Sienna has recently significantly increased acreage of the "Stonesthrow Gold Project", consisting now of approximately 31,718 contiguous acres prospective for gold. Sienna has also recently acquired the 7,850 contiguous acres "Case Lake West Project" in Larder Lake Mining division of Ontario, Canada roughly 100 km north of Kirkland Lake, NE Ontario. Sienna has also just acquired the 10,357 acre "Uranium Town Project" bordering Denison Mines Corporation, the now 23,134 contiguous acre "Dragon Uranium Project" bordering Cameco Corporation and the 55,440 acre "Atomic Uranium Project" in the world renowned Athabasca Basin of Saskatchewan. Also, Sienna has the "Elko Lithium Project" in Elko County, Nevada consisting of approximately 1830 contiguous acres directly bordering Surge Battery Metals' "Nevada North Lithium Project" in Elko County, Nevada who announced the highest-grade lithium deposit in the USA. Sienna is also one of the larger landholders in Clayton Valley Nevada. Sienna's Clayton Valley projects include the Blue Clay Lithium Project, the Silver Peak South Project, and the Clayton Valley Deep Basin Lithium Project. Clayton Valley is home to the only lithium production in North America, being Albemarle Corp's Silver Peak deposit. This project is also near Tesla Motors Inc.'s Gigafactory in Nevada. On March 18, 2021, Schlumberger New Energy Venture announced the development of a lithium extraction pilot plant with a strategic partnership with Pure Energy. Management cautions that past results or discoveries on properties in proximity to Sienna may not necessarily be indicative of the presence of mineralization on the company's properties.

We seek Safe Harbor.

Qualified Person:

Curtis Ferron MSc. P.Geo. a qualified person as defined by National Instrument 43-101 has reviewed and approved the scientific and technical disclosure contained within this news release.

If you would like to be added to Sienna's email list, please email info@siennaresources.com for information or join our twitter account at @SiennaResources.

"Jason Gigliotti"

President, Director

Sienna Resources Inc.

Statements in this news release that are not historical facts are forward-looking statements. Forward-Looking statements are statements that are not historical, and consist primarily of projections - statements regarding future plans, expectations and developments. Words such as "expects", "intends", "plans", "may", "could", "potential", "should", "anticipates", "likely", "believes" and words of similar import tend to identify forward-looking statements. Forward-Looking statements in this news release include uncertainty of exploration and development plans regarding the property; commodity price fluctuations; political or economic instability and regulatory changes; currency fluctuations, the state of the capital markets; uncertainty in the measurement of mineral reserves and resource estimates; the Company's ability to attract and retain qualified personnel and management; potential labour unrest; reclamation and closure requirements for mineral properties and the availability of capital to fund the Company's projects, as well as other risks and uncertainties identified under the heading "Risk Factors" in the Company's continuous disclosure documents filed on SEDAR. You are cautioned that the foregoing list is not exhaustive of all factors and assumptions which may have been used. The Company cannot assure you that actual events, performance or results will be consistent with these forward-looking statements, and management's assumptions may prove to be incorrect. These forward-looking statements reflect current expectations regarding future events and operating performance and speak only as of the date hereof and the Company does not assume any obligation to update forward-looking statements if circumstances or management's beliefs, expectations or opinions should change other than as required by applicable law. For the reasons set forth above, you should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements.

Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this press release.

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/248894

SOURCE: Sienna Resources Inc.
DP World is transforming how Ecuador's fruits, seafood, and flowers reach the world-through innovation, infrastructure, and an unbreakable cold chain.

When it comes to delivering perishables like fruits, vegetables, and seafood, time isn't just money-it's a matter of quality and trust. Ecuador, a country celebrated for its rich agricultural and aquaculture sectors, faces unique challenges when ensuring these goods reach global markets intact. At the heart of overcoming these challenges lies one key element-seamless logistics.

The Backbone of Ecuador's Perishable Trade

Perishables are central to Ecuador's economy, with the country standing as a leading exporter of bananas, shrimp, and roses. Ensuring these goods maintain their freshness from farm to table demands a sophisticated, high-performance supply chain.

It's not just about moving cargo from point A to point B. The success of Ecuador's perishable exports depends on agility, reliability, and innovation. Every minute counts in maintaining the cold chain, minimizing transit times, and navigating potential bottlenecks.

At DP World, we have made significant long-term investments to enhance logistics efficiency, including expanding infrastructure at the Port of Posorja. These efforts are yielding results-Posorja set a new record for container-handling volumes in 2024, with new service routes driving an 87% increase in container throughput to nearly 1 million TEUs. Today, Posorja is Ecuador's No. 1 port by market share, a milestone achieved in just five years.

This growth isn't just about numbers. It's about ensuring perishable goods remain fresh, meet global standards, and reach international markets quickly and safely. In 2024, more than 100 million boxes of bananas were exported through DP World's deepwater port in Posorja-doubling the previous year's volume. DP World now holds a 28% share of Ecuador's banana export market, reinforcing our role in strengthening the nation's supply chain.

"Day by day, we work with the entire logistics chain to connect Ecuadorian products with the world's major markets, providing the high connectivity, security, and efficiency that our port, economic zone, and logistics services offer."

-- Carlos Merino, CEO of DP World in Ecuador, Peru & Colombia.

Tackling Challenges with Innovation and Collaboration

Transporting perishable goods comes with its own set of challenges, from unpredictable weather to shifting global demand. Any delay can have serious consequences-not just in terms of financial loss, but also for exporters' reputations and the livelihoods of workers along the supply chain.

To address these complexities, DP World has implemented advanced solutions to enhance visibility, efficiency, and flexibility across Ecuador's logistics ecosystem. By leveraging technology and collaborating with industry stakeholders, we are minimizing disruptions and creating certainty for exporters.

For example, security systems ensure the cargo's condition is maintained throughout transit, while our state-of-the-art cold chain infrastructure at Posorja ensures optimal storage conditions. Additionally, streamlined documentation and customs clearance processes reduce wait times, keeping goods moving seamlessly.

Creating Economic Impact, One Shipment at a Time

The benefits of an efficient logistics network extend beyond trade-they directly impact people's lives. When a shipment of Ecuadorian shrimp reaches its destination on time, fishermen see stable demand, exporters build stronger relationships with buyers, and consumers worldwide enjoy high-quality products. Meanwhile, local communities benefit from the economic contributions that global trade brings.

Since its inception, DP World's Port of Posorja has been a catalyst for economic development. During its construction phase, the project generated over 1,800 direct jobs and 7,000 indirect jobs. Today, the port provides more than 700 direct jobs, with half of our employees coming from surrounding areas such as Posorja, El Morro, Playas, and Isla Puna.

Beyond job creation, Posorja is a model of innovation and sustainability. As Ecuador's first fully greenfield deep-water port, it features modern security measures-including the country's first implementation of X-ray scanners-along with a 21-kilometer access road and an exclusive deep-water channel, enabling large vessels to dock at full capacity.

To safeguard Ecuador's perishable exports-particularly bananas and shrimp-the terminal is equipped with refrigerated inspection chambers, 2,457 reefer plugs, automated gates, and an integrated surveillance system. These enhancements strengthen the cold chain and ensure exporters can meet the highest quality standards.

A Future-Forward Vision for Ecuadorian Trade

The expansion will boost Posorja's position as a key regional and global trade hub, strengthening Ecuadorian foreign trade and the country's competitiveness.

Beyond port operations, DP World is also driving logistics innovation through the Logistics and Industrial Park in in Posorja with connection to the deep-water terminal . This facility offers tailored solutions for industries including automotive, beverages, textiles, and raw materials, adding value to imported cargo through tax and financial incentives.

In addition, customers can benefit from a variety of logistics services complementary to port operations, such as Freight Forwarding. In Ecuador, DP World also has a Logistics Center strategically located in the industrial zone of Duran. In this modern and secure infrastructure, DP World offers services such as an empty container depot, a container yard, cargo warehouses, consolidation, and deconsolidation services for dry and fresh cargo.

Looking ahead, DP World is expanding its deepwater port with a new berth expansion, positioning Posorja as a critical regional and global trade hub. The expansion will extend the terminal's berth to a total length of 700 meters, allowing the simultaneous servicing of two post-Panamax vessels at full capacity. This development is further supported by new state-of-the-art port equipment, including gantry cranes and additional machinery to enhance efficiency.

With Posorja now established as Ecuador's leading port by market share, the focus is on building a seamless logistics ecosystem that meets the evolving needs of customers and communities.

Driving Growth Through Seamless Supply Chains

The landscape of perishables logistics is evolving rapidly, and DP World is at the forefront of this transformation. By fostering seamless connections and supply chain efficiency, we are not only enabling trade but also supporting the broader economic and social development of Ecuador.

Our commitment is clear: to ensure Ecuador's rich agricultural and aquaculture sectors continue to thrive, backed by robust logistics that bring global markets closer. Through investment, collaboration, and innovation, we are pushing the boundaries of what's possible in logistics, ensuring that trade benefits every link in the supply chain-from farmers and exporters to consumers worldwide.

As we look to the future, one thing remains certain: seamless supply chains have the power to transform industries and improve lives. With our expertise and commitment, DP World will continue to play a pivotal role in connecting Ecuadorian products to the world, strengthening the nation's position in global trade.

View additional multimedia and more ESG storytelling from DP World on 3blmedia.com.

Contact Info:

Spokesperson: DP World

Website: https://www.3blmedia.com/profiles/dp-world

Email: info@3blmedia.com

SOURCE: DP World
JV to accelerate business process transformation for enterprises leveraging digital procurement platforms

BENGALURU, India and TOKYO, April 17, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Infosys (NSE, BSE, NYSE: INFY), a global leader in next-generation digital services and consulting, today announced Mitsubishi Heavy Industries (MHI) has invested in the Infosys-led Joint Venture HIPUS, enhancing Infosys' presence in Japan. MHI is one of the world's leading industrial groups, spanning energy, smart infrastructure, industrial machinery, aerospace and defense, and has established corporations like Hitachi Ltd., Panasonic Corporation and Pasona.

HIPUS, in which Infosys owns a majority stake, was set up in 2019, to drive high-quality, end-to-end procurement processes along with sourcing and category expertise, leveraging next-generation digital platforms for Japanese corporations.

MHI has been a longstanding customer of HIPUS and has now expanded the collaboration by acquiring a 2 percent stake from Infosys. Through this investment MHI aims to further explore new business opportunities in the region.

Anantha Radhakrishnan, CEO and MD, Infosys BPM, and Chairperson, HIPUS Board said, "Japan continues to be a strategic market for Infosys and HIPUS and we have consistently expanded our footprint in the region. This collaboration with MHI reinforces Infosys' commitment towards building trusted collaboration with customers in Japan and accelerating their digital business process transformation journey. Infosys is excited to welcome Mitsubishi Heavy Industries to HIPUS."

Isao Miyake, Head, Value Chain Headquarters, Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, said, "In our company's ongoing efforts to upgrade procurement activities through a data-driven strategy, we expect HIPUS advanced analytics and support to significantly improve procurement operations, enable well informed decision making, and generate greater value across the organization."

Kiyoshi Asami, CEO and Representative Director, HIPUS, said, "MHI has become an important client for HIPUS receiving a wide range of services. HIPUS is also executing MHI services beyond Japan, leveraging Infosys' global presence as well as its strong sourcing and procurement services. We are extremely delighted that MHI has decided to invest in HIPUS and we look forward to an impactful collaboration."

The transaction is expected to close during the first quarter of fiscal year 2026 (i.e. quarter ending June 30, 2025), subject to customary closing conditions.

About Mitsubishi Heavy Industries (MHI) Group

Mitsubishi Heavy Industries (MHI) Group is one of the world's leading industrial groups, spanning energy, smart infrastructure, industrial machinery, aerospace and defense. MHI Group combines cutting-edge technology with deep experience to deliver innovative, integrated solutions that help to realize a carbon neutral world, improve the quality of life and ensure a safer world. For more information, please visit www.mhi.com

About HiPUS

HIPUS Co., Ltd. promotes business process transformation and provide total procurement solutions with the procurement know-how cultivated over many years in the Hitachi Group as our business core. Since April 2019, Infosys has become our parent company, and we provide new, cutting-edge services that combine global knowledge and domestic skills in procurement processes, consulting, analytics, Gen AI, and other digital technology services. For more information, please visit https://www.hipus.com.

About Infosys

Infosys is a global leader in next-generation digital services and consulting. Over 300,000 of our people work to amplify human potential and create the next opportunity for people, businesses and communities. We enable clients in more than 56 countries to navigate their digital transformation. With over four decades of experience in managing the systems and workings of global enterprises, we expertly steer clients, as they navigate their digital transformation powered by cloud and AI. We enable them with an AI-first core, empower the business with agile digital at scale and drive continuous improvement with always-on learning through the transfer of digital skills, expertise, and ideas from our innovation ecosystem. We are deeply committed to being a well-governed, environmentally sustainable organization where diverse talent thrives in an inclusive workplace.

Visit www.infosys.com to see how Infosys (NSE, BSE, NYSE: INFY) can help your enterprise navigate your next.

Safe Harbor

Certain statements in this release concerning our future growth prospects, or our future financial or operating performance, are forward-looking statements intended to qualify for the 'safe harbor' under the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, which involve a number of risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results or outcomes to differ materially from those in such forward-looking statements. The risks and uncertainties relating to these statements include, but are not limited to, risks and uncertainties regarding the execution of our business strategy, increased competition for talent, our ability to attract and retain personnel, increase in wages, investments to reskill our employees, our ability to effectively implement a hybrid work model, economic uncertainties and geo-political situations, technological disruptions and innovations such as Generative AI, the complex and evolving regulatory landscape including immigration regulation changes, our ESG vision, our capital allocation policy and expectations concerning our market position, future operations, margins, profitability, liquidity, capital resources, our corporate actions including acquisitions, and cybersecurity matters. Important factors that may cause actual results or outcomes to differ from those implied by the forward-looking statements are discussed in more detail in our US Securities and Exchange Commission filings including our Annual Report on Form 20-F for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2024. These filings are available at www.sec.gov. Infosys may, from time to time, make additional written and oral forward-looking statements, including statements contained in the Company's filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission and our reports to shareholders. The Company does not undertake to update any forward-looking statements that may be made from time to time by or on behalf of the Company unless it is required by law.

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Acquisition to strengthen energy and commodity trading and risk management (E/CTRM) capabilities for Infosys

BENGALURU, India and HOUSTON, April 17, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Infosys (NSE, BSE, NYSE: INFY) a global leader in next-generation digital services and consulting, today announced a definitive agreement to acquire MRE Consulting Ltd. ('MRE Consulting'), a technology and business consulting service provider. This strategic investment brings newer capabilities for Infosys in trading and risk management, especially in the energy sector.

Headquartered in Houston, Texas, MRE Consulting will bring a team of over 200 professionals with industry knowledge, consulting and deep technology experience in Energy/Commodity Trading and Risk Management (E/CTRM) platforms and ecosystems. Through decades of successful delivery, MRE Consulting has developed proprietary E/CTRM business process frameworks spanning multiple commodities, transportation modes and business models. These frameworks serve as the foundation for commodity trading projects, accelerating vendor selection, solution design and implementation. MRE brings new clients, and synergies with new buying centers.

Ashiss Kumar Dash, EVP & Global Head - Services, Utilities, Resources, Energy, and Sustainability, Infosys, said, "The world is now shifting towards a more sustainable future. With increasing complexity in integrating diverse sources of energy including renewables, global corporations require innovative solutions to navigate transformation. At Infosys, we are witnessing a significant rise in demand for digital transformation in energy and commodity trading and risk management (E/CTRM). By combining MRE Consulting's deep E/CTRM capabilities with Infosys' established leadership in the energy, resources and utilities sector, we are further enhancing our ability to drive value for our clients in this critical area of their business. We are excited to welcome MRE Consulting and its leadership team to the Infosys family."

MRE Founders, Mike Short, Dru Neikirk and Shane Merz, said, "The opportunities for our clients at the intersection of data, AI, and technology are vast. Beyond strong business synergy, we were seeking a partner who shared our values and mutual respect. By joining with Infosys, we will extend our expertise, deliver new capabilities, and expand beyond our current markets, while scaling what makes MRE special. We are truly excited about this new journey."

The acquisition is expected to close during the first quarter of fiscal year 2026 (i.e. quarter ending June 30, 2025), subject to customary closing conditions.

About MRE Consulting

Founded in 1994, MRE Consulting provides technology and business consulting services to the Energy & Utilities, Services, and Healthcare industries. MRE specializes in business advisory and digital transformation for Energy/Commodity Trading and Risk Management (E/CTRM). MRE also provides comprehensive solutions across customer engagement, call center optimization, field service, CPQ/pricing, cloud infrastructure and digital workplace and is a Salesforce and Microsoft partner. We are proud to be recognized as a Houston Business Journal Best Places to Work. For more information, please visit www.mre-consulting.com/.

About Infosys

Infosys is a global leader in next-generation digital services and consulting. Over 300,000 of our people work to amplify human potential and create the next opportunity for people, businesses and communities. We enable clients in more than 56 countries to navigate their digital transformation. With over four decades of experience in managing the systems and workings of global enterprises, we expertly steer clients, as they navigate their digital transformation powered by cloud and AI. We enable them with an AI-first core, empower the business with agile digital at scale and drive continuous improvement with always-on learning through the transfer of digital skills, expertise, and ideas from our innovation ecosystem. We are deeply committed to being a well-governed, environmentally sustainable organization where diverse talent thrives in an inclusive workplace.

Visit www.infosys.com to see how Infosys (NSE, BSE, NYSE: INFY) can help your enterprise navigate your next.

Safe Harbor

Certain statements in this release concerning our future growth prospects, or our future financial or operating performance, are forward-looking statements intended to qualify for the 'safe harbor' under the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, which involve a number of risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results or outcomes to differ materially from those in such forward-looking statements. The risks and uncertainties relating to these statements include, but are not limited to, risks and uncertainties regarding the execution of our business strategy, increased competition for talent, our ability to attract and retain personnel, increase in wages, investments to reskill our employees, our ability to effectively implement a hybrid work model, economic uncertainties and geo-political situations, technologicassl disruptions and innovations such as Generative AI, the complex and evolving regulatory landscape including immigration regulation changes, our ESG vision, our capital allocation policy and expectations concerning our market position, future operations, margins, profitability, liquidity, capital resources, our corporate actions including acquisitions, and cybersecurity matters. Important factors that may cause actual results or outcomes to differ from those implied by the forward-looking statements are discussed in more detail in our US Securities and Exchange Commission filings including our Annual Report on Form 20-F for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2024. These filings are available at www.sec.gov. Infosys may, from time to time, make additional written and oral forward-looking statements, including statements contained in the Company's filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission and our reports to shareholders. The Company does not undertake to update any forward-looking statements that may be made from time to time by or on behalf of the Company unless it is required by law.

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Flin Flon, Manitoba--(Newsfile Corp. - April 17, 2025) - Boreal Gold Inc (CSE: BGLD) (the "Company") announces that the Company has entered into an option agreement (the "Agreement" and/or the "Option") with Voyageur Mineral Explorers Corp. ("VOY" or the "Optionor"), whereby the Company may acquire a 100-per-cent interest in VOY's North Star Group property, consisting of 2922 Ha in 21 contiguous claims and two mining leases, located 50 kilometres west of Snow Lake Manitoba, as well as the Jewel Box claim located 30 km east of Flin Flon (collectively, the "Property"). The terms of the Agreement include the following conditions:

Issuing 500,000 common shares on signing the Option and 500,000 common shares on the first anniversary of the Option for a total of 1,000,000 common shares of the Company, subject to final approval of the Canadian Securities Exchange (the "CSE");

Complete exploration expenditures aggregating $350,000 on or before the third anniversary of the effective date;

Annual cash payments totaling $50,000 over the four years, including $10,000 received on signing the Option;

For the duration of the Agreement and after the Company exercises its option to purchase the Property, the Company will pay the Optionor a Net Smelter Return Royalty ("NSR Royalty") equals to a 1.5% aggregate of Net Smelter Returns as described in, and determined pursuant to, the Agreement with 0.5% which can be purchased for $500,000.

The Property represents a strategic growth opportunity for the Company. We look forward to further advancing exploration efforts and unlocking the full value of this asset for our shareholders. Boreal Gold Inc. is also pleased to welcome Voyageur Mineral Explorers Corp. as a shareholder.

The Property consist of three contiguous properties which are: the North Star Gold Property; the Gold Rock Mining Lease and the Sewell Lake Critical Metals Property which is contiguous with HudBay Minerals Rail Zone Copper Deposit to the south and the former Dickstone Copper Zinc Mine to the North.

The North Star and Gold Rock properties host a series of deposits along the same 2.5 km long structure. The North Star near the south end of the shear is roughly 2 to 4 meters wide with a grade averaging from face sampling around 0.29 oz gold/ tonne. The Gold Rock at the north end of the shear consists presently of at least two zones 0.5 to 3 m (2 to 10ft) wide but higher grade on average than North Star. There has not been a lot of drilling in between the two deposits which are approximately 1 km apart on the same structure. Also on this group are a number of parallel but narrower gold structures both to the west and to the east. The West Vein is parallel and immediately west of the North Star Deposit and the Richard Vein parallel and North East of the Gold Rock are most notable of these structures. Important intersects of the West Vein are 26.75 g/t Au over 1.1 m from drill hole NS-04-57, 76.18g/t Au over 0.7 m in drill hole NS-03-45, 30.68 g/t Au over 1.0 m in drill hole NS-03-02 and 191.70 g/t Au over 0.2 m in drill hole NS-05-87 (September 23, 2005, Wayne W. Valliant, Foran Mining Corporation NI 43-101 Report, filed on SEDAR). The Richard vein in the 2010 drilling returned values of 15.65 g/t Au over 1.5 meters in drill hole GR-10-115 and 14.41 g/t Au over 3.3 meters in drill hole GR-10-114 (Voyageur Mineral Explorers Corp. (VOY) Press Release April 28, 2010).

Prior to exploration efforts after 2003 on the North Star Group property, there were two periods of activity, pre war and post WW2. From 1915 to 1939 work consisted of mainly extensive trenching, pits and small shafts, and minor drilling by prospectors. The Federal Government geologist's report noted extensive high grade gold mineralization. 1n 1939 those that held the claims went off to war and apparently did not return to the property. The property sat idle until the resurgence of base metal exploration in the 1950's and the operation of the nearby Dickstone Copper-Zinc base metal mine.

From 1950 to 1988 Hudson Bay staked the property for base metals, carried out geophysical surveys and drilling on electromagnetic conductors and only had a cursory drill program on the gold structure before letting the claims lapse after which it was held by prospectors. The lack of development on this gold deposit after 1939 until 2003 was that it was tied up by Exploration companies not that interested in gold or by prospectors.

In 2003 Foran Mining Corporation ("Foran") carried out extensive work on the property under then President and CEO, Stephen Masson, after the acquisition of Foran's McIlvenna deposit the property was shelved in favour of the larger project. In 2007 Copper Reef Mining Corporation under Stephen Masson, after leaving Foran in 2006, acquired the property from Foran where it carried out three more drill programs, mainly on the Gold Rock Vein and Richard Vein as well as completed an VTEM Airborne Magnetic and EM Survey. After 2012 Copper Reef found it difficult to raise funds for the project, due to market conditions and much lower gold prices than we currently have.

Since 2003 the North Star Group property became an advanced exploration property where more than $9 million has been spent on it in the last 20 years with the following work completed:

Five major drilling programs, 135 drill holes at North Star and 143 drill holes at Gold Rock

Ramp access and underground development and sampling;

Large surface blast hole sampling and trenching together with extensive assaying for gold, trace elements and whole rock geochemistry. Average grade from blast holes and trench faces was over 0.35 oz/t gold. (Foran Mining Corporation (FOM) Press Release April 16, 2003). Gold on April 16, 2003 was $332.60 to 333.40 oz (https://www.usagold.com/daily-gold-price-history/) compared to over $3300/oz US or greater than $4500/oz Canadian today.

Extensive metallurgical testing at Lakefield established 85% recovery of gold by gravity alone. LR10572-002-Progress Report #1(Foran Mining Corporation (FOM) Press Release May 3, 2003).

A large grid covers the gold shear with mapping, prospecting and geophysical surveys carried out. The Shear is still open to the north and south and the grid can be extended to follow the shear on strike (unexplored). The shear zone in between the Gold Rock and North Star deposits has seen little drilling.

There is a two km of all-weather road to the North Star site, as well as 15 km of the Dickstone road being brought back to all weather road status with creek crossings improved and adjoining swamps lowered to improve road quality plan for this summer.

Numerous environmental surveys were completed, including: ungulate, rare plant, raptor, fish surveys and other surveys required for the establishment of tailings facilities.

A digital topographical airborne survey was carried out over the main area of the vein, and potential areas for tailings disposal and water intake.

Camp site and storage areas were established and permitted. These permits are still valid as is the road permit. A mill foundation; a concrete slab shop floor and a water waste disposal pond were completed.

A VTEM survey was carried out over the entire claim group in 2010.

Highlights from the history above were:

At North Star 2003

A 6,000 tonne bulk sample was extracted from a 120m long pit that was blasted to a depth of 6m and an average width of approximately 5m. The average grade from the pit face and blast hole is 0.35 oz/ton gold (13 g/t Au). Blast holes were drilled at 1.35 m (4 foot) centers. (2003 Foran Mining Corporation (FOM) Press Releases February 26, March 11, March 17, March 19, March 31, April 16). 2003 -2004 48 NQ drill holes with selected examples of NS-03-02 24.29 g/t Au over 2.2m, NS-03-05 14.94 g/t Au over 4.8m, NS-03-11 23.4 g/t Au over 2.5m, NS-03-32 31.98 g/t Au over 1.7m and NS-03-45 21.83 g/t Au over 1.5m. (2003 Foran Mining Corporation (FOM) Press Release August 5, August 25). 2003-2004 Geophysical ground surveys, enviromental studies and geological mapping 2004 Spring

Underground Development/Bulk Sample. Overall grade of 0.28 oz Au/ton over 2.2 m true width. An 8,000 tonne bulk sample was extracted from a sill 224m long at the 100 foot vertical level The underground sample from the 100 feet vertical level averaged 0.29 Au oz/t in the north part of the sill and 0.27 Au oz/t in the south part of the sill. (Foran Mining Corporation (FOM) Press Release May 25, 2004).

All weather Road Completed 2003-4 Winter Metallurgical Testing by SGS Lakefield Research Limited, A gold recovery of approximately 97% with a gravity, flotation, and cyanidation process and 85% by gravity alone. (Foran Mining Corporation (FOM) Press Release May 3, 2003). Drilled 35 NQ diamond drill holes, 4979.9m. Several drill holes returned excellent gold intersections. For example: NS-04-57 23.34 g/t Au over 1.9m and NS-04-71 16.33 g/t Au over 1.4m. 2005 Fall New Resource Estimate (North Star Only) 19,100 t, grading 10.6 g/t, at a cut-off grade of 7.0 g/t and are classified as indicated resources based on the close spacing of the data. Note high cut-off grade as gold was at $400/oz. (Roscoe Postle Associates Inc., Wayne W. Valliant NI43-101 Technical Report September 23, 2005), The estimate supersedes Pearson and Hogan (May 3, 2004) report of 28,000 t grading 9.3 g/t Au with a cut off of 5 g/t Au which was based on an Inverse Distance Squared technique on a resource block model using only diamond drill data. Using a 1 g/t Au cut off grade, the tonnage is 160,900 tonnes with an average grade of 3.61 g/t Au. 2005 Winter Drilled 50 NQ diamond drill holes on the extremities of North Star Zone. Stephen Masson departs as President of Foran. 2006

Copper Reef Mining Corp. acquires the North Star Group from Foran Mining Corp.

At Gold Rock (The Resource for this Vein System has not been calculated) 2007

Geological Mapping and Prospecting, Discovery of the new Richard quartz vein, where a grab sample assayed 0.91 oz/ton gold. 2008

Drilling at Gold Rock, Drilled 79 HQ diamond drill holes, 2,873.7m. Several drill holes returned excellent gold intersections, such as: GR-08-06 24.14 g/t Au over 3.9m, GR-08-14 61.2 g/t Au over 1.8m, GR-08-30 24.6 g/t Au over 2.9m, GR-08-31 81.73 g/t Au over 1.6m, GR-08-43 27.85 g/t Au over 1.8m, GR-08-50 104.39 g/t Au over 3.4m, GR-08-52 22.42 g/t Au over 5.4m, GR-08-59 30.61 g/t Au over 2.4m, GR-08-78 25.54 g/t Au over 2.0m. (Voyageur Mineral Explorers Corp. (VOY) Press Release October 16, 2009). 2009

Drilled 33 HQ diamond drill holes, 1,176.9m. Several drill holes returned excellent gold intersections, such as: GR-09-81 11.02 g/t Au over 3.8m, GR-09-91 15.95 g/t Au over 2.9m, GR-09-95 6.95 g/t Au over 1.9m, GR-09-108 6.66 g/t Au over 3.95m, GR-09-111 5.78 g/t Au over 1.9m. (Voyageur Mineral Explorers Corp (VOY) Press Release January 27, 2010, July 30, 2010). 2010 Step out drilling at Gold Rock Drilled 23 HQ and 1 NQ diamond drill holes, 3,350.6m. Significant values from step outs are: the Richard Vein (A new vein to the North East) assayed 14.41 g/t Au over 3.3m (11 ft.) in hole GR-10-114 and on the Gold Rock Vein in a new deeper lens to the south assayed: 7.79 g/t Au over 2.1m. in hole GR-10-119 and 7.01 g/t Au over 2.3m in hole GR-10-125. (Voyageur Mineral Explorers Corp. (VOY) Press Release April 28, 2010). 2011

Extension of the North Star Grid 1 km to the north of the Gold Rock Vein with detailed mapping, included the Richard Vein Area.



Planned Program

Line cutting and refurbishing old Grids

Refurbish and recut the Grid from South of the North Star deposit on Line 46 N to Line 59 N between Baselines 46 E and Tie Line 59 E for both mapping and drilling purposes. This portion of the grid is almost 25 years old and overgrown to obliterated as it was cut a few years (12) after a forest fire.

Geological Mapping, Prospecting and Sampling

The Grids from Lines 59+50 N south to L 46 N will require geological remapping and detailed sampling to bring it up to the standard and detail of the northern grids that cover the Gold Rock and Richard Veins, with special emphasis on the section in between the North Star and Gold Rock deposits.

Drilling

Selective infill drilling, as well as down plunge drilling on the Gold Rock Vein with a view of completing a resource estimate and NI 43-101 compliant technical report (never undertaken). Ultimately the plan is to drill off enough tonnes That the combined resource of the North Star and Gold Rock Vein Structures, with sufficient grade, will warrant to bring it to a prefeasibility study. Even if successful on the first pass, this objective will require a few additional drill programs.

Jewel Box Claim

The Gold Button showing on the Jewel Box claim is located approximately 8 kilometers west of the Gurney Mine, a vein gold deposit which produced approximately 25 000 ounces of gold in the 1930s.

The Gold Button area was staked in 1947 and in 1950 John Murray who drilled three holes totaling 140 m. The Vein structure ins narrow but high grade. Core from holes 11, 12 and 13 returned values of 199 g/t Au over 10cm, 511 g/t Au over 25cm and 143 g/t Au over 28cm, respectively. The gold intercepts were marked by quartz veining, visible gold and, in DDH 11 and 13, by chalcopyrite (Assessment File 90313). Grab sampling in 2011 by Copper Reef Mining Corporation returned values up to 64.88g/t Au and in 2020 confirmation sampling by Voyageur Mineral Explorers Corp. returned values up to 28.15 g/t Au from trenches on the narrow vein structure. No work is planned on this property for 2025, due to other commitments.

Qualified Person

Stephen L. Masson, M.Sc., P.Geo. is the "Qualified Person" as defined by NI 43-101 Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects ("NI 43-101") for the Property, has reviewed and approved the technical disclosure contained in this news release. Mr. Masson acts as a consulting Geologist for the Company.

About Boreal Gold Inc.

Boreal Gold Inc. is a Canadian junior mineral exploration company with a specific focus on mineral properties in northwest Manitoba and northeast Saskatchewan, Canada. All of the Company's properties are currently at the exploration stage. The Company has assembled a portfolio of base metal and precious metal prospects in strategic locations in the Provinces of Manitoba and Saskatchewan.

Boreal Gold Inc

No stock exchange or securities regulatory authority has reviewed or accepted responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

Cautionary Statement regarding Forward-Looking Information and Statements, Risk Factors

This news release contains certain forward-looking information and forward-looking statements, as defined under applicable securities laws (collectively referred to herein as "forward-looking statements"). These statements relate to future events or to the future performance of the Company and reflect management's expectations and assumptions as of the date hereof or as of the date of such forward-looking statement. Such forward-looking statements include, but are not limited, statements regarding the Company's objectives and its strategies to achieve such objectives; the Company's beliefs, plans, estimates, projections and intentions, and similar statements concerning anticipated future events; specific statements in respect of the Company's ability to unlock exploration opportunities and potential in the Property, and its other current projects and properties; the Company's exercise of the Option under the Agreement; the Company's exploration plans and activities, including in respect of long-term exploration; the Company's exploration target pipeline; the Company's ability to deliver on exploration success and sustained value across the Company's properties; the CSE providing final approval for the Company's initial payment of 500,000 common shares to VOY and another 500,000 common shares on the first anniversary of the Option; the Company's buyback of any Net Smelter Returns granted to VOY upon the potential exercise of the Option under the Agreement; the Company's geological surveys and interpretation of mineralization; the value of VOY's royalty package; expectations regarding the Company's development and advanced exploration activities; and expectations, assumptions and targets in respect of the Company's feasibility studies. All statements other than statements of historical fact are forward-looking statements. The forward- looking statements in this news release speak only as of the date of this news release or as of the date specified in such statement.

Inherent in forward-looking statements are known and unknown risks, estimates, assumptions, uncertainties and other factors that may cause the actual results, performance or achievements of the Company to be materially different from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by the forward-looking statements contained in this news release. These factors include management's belief or expectations relating to the following and management's response with regard to the following: the Company's reliance on its current projects and properties; the Company is exposed to risks related to mineral resources exploration and development; the Company has no history of mineral production; the Company's operations are subject to extensive environmental, health and safety regulations; mining operations involve hazards and risks; and the additional risks identified in the Company's filings with Canadian securities regulators on SEDAR+ in Canada (available at www.sedarplus.ca). The forward-looking statements contained in this news release reflect the Company's current views with respect to future events and are necessarily based upon a number of assumptions that, while considered reasonable by the Company, are inherently subject to significant operational, business, economic and regulatory uncertainties and contingencies. These assumptions include the availability of funds for the Company's projects; availability of equipment; sustained labour stability; all necessary permits, licenses and regulatory approvals are received in a timely manner; and the ability to comply with environmental, health and safety laws. Although the Company has attempted to identify important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially, there may be other factors that cause results not to be as anticipated, estimated, described or intended.

Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on forward-looking statements and should note that the assumptions and risk factors discussed in this press release are not exhaustive. Actual results and developments are likely to differ, and may differ materially, from those expressed or implied by the forward-looking statements contained in this press release. All forward-looking statements herein are qualified by this cautionary statement. The Company disclaims any intention or obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as may be required by law. If the Company does update one or more forward-looking statements, no inference should be drawn that it will make additional updates with respect to those or other forward-looking statements, unless required by law. Additional information about these assumptions, risks and uncertainties is contained in our filings with securities regulator.

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/248907

SOURCE: Boreal Gold Inc.
Named "Green Horizon", this large-scale project had been selected by the European Commission to join the exclusive list of s trategic transnational projects for Europe (IPCEI)

Following the French Prime Minister's signature, Marc Ferracci, Minister for Industry and Energy, confirmed [1] the grant as part of the presentation of the French National Hydrogen Strategy (SNH II).

This is the largest of the three grants announced on this occasion.

With this large-scale project, Lhyfe will pass the 100 MW milestone in installed electrolysis capacity.

Green Horizon will help to decarbonize one of Europe's largest industrial port areas, in Normandy.

Public support contract signed with Bpifrance for a maximum amount of 149m, with a first payment of 18m scheduled by June 2025.

Nantes (France), 17 April 2025 - Lhyfe (EURONEXT: LHYFE), a world pioneer in the production of green and renewable hydrogen for mobility and industry, announces that the French Prime Minister has officially confirmed, by signature, a 149 million grant for its future green hydrogen production plant located near the Grand Canal of Le Havre. The facility is expected to reach a capacity of up to 34 tonnes per day. The project was selected in 2022 by the European Commission as part of the third wave of IPCEI (Important Projects of Common European Interest) dedicated to hydrogen. In March 2024, the French government announced its decision to award this grant to Lhyfe, through Roland Lescure - then Minister Delegate for Industry and Energy - during a visit to Le Havre1.

A phased public support scheme

The contract signed with Bpifrance outlines the terms of implementation for the public funding. Lhyfe will receive an initial advance of 18m by June 2025, enabling it to cover investments already made since 2022 and to launch the next stages. A second tranche will be released in the following months based on the achievement of milestones specified in the contract. Subsequent payments will take the form of reimbursements for eligible and duly justified expenses, contingent upon the successful completion of predefined annual milestones, over a four-year period and up to a maximum total amount of 149m.

Green Horizon: decarbonising one of Europe's largest industrial port areas

With the Green Horizon project, Lhyfe intends to produce up to 34 tonnes of green hydrogen per day near the Grand Canal du Havre (Normandy), one of Europe's largest industrial port areas.

This site will supply the region's needs in terms of decarbonisation of industry and mobility. The plant will be located near the Yara site in Le Havre, whose decarbonisation roadmap includes the use of green hydrogen. Yara is interested in and supports Lhyfe's project.

The Lhyfe production site, to be located on a 2.8-hectare plot of land in Gonfreville-l'Orcher, is expected to be completed by 2029 and will be one of the first large-scale production sites for decarbonized hydrogen produced by water electrolysis in France and Europe.

Completion of this project will help demonstrate the technical feasibility and economic viability of this solution, which is an essential complement to direct electrification for decarbonising economies, reducing dependence on fossil fuels and meeting the greenhouse gas emission reduction targets set out in the Paris Agreement.

This type of pioneering project must be implemented swiftly to pave the way for the larger-scale facilities needed to meet the ambitious targets for installed electrolysis capacity (4.5 GW targeted in France by 2030) and greenhouse gas emission reductions outlined in the French and European hydrogen and decarbonisation strategies.

This project has been selected by the French government as part of the call for expressions of interest on hydrogen carried out in France in 2021, integrated into the third wave of IPCEI on hydrogen in 2022 and validated by the European Commission in February 2024. IPCEI are transnational projects identified as strategic by the European Union.

For this project, Lhyfe has already submitted the building permit and the environmental authorization request. Grid connection and availability of the necessary power have been secured.

A European pioneer in green hydrogen leveraging its experience to decarbonise industry and mobility

Lhyfe is a producer and supplier of green, renewable hydrogen throughout Europe. Lhyfe has been producing and delivering green hydrogen for over 4 years with its first plant completed in 2021. It now has 4 production sites in France and Germany and is developing numerous sites throughout Europe. Lhyfe supplies customers directly, with over 470 deliveries made in 2024 to around fifty clients across 8 European countries. Lhyfe relies on a fleet of nearly 70 containers, one of the largest modern bulk hydrogen transport fleets in Europe, with a 99% service rate.

As part of the onsite Green Horizon project, hydrogen will be delivered primarily by pipeline, with a direct connection to the customer's industrial site. With two world firsts (a site directly connected to wind turbines and using seawater, and an offshore production pilot), Lhyfe is playing a pioneering role in the sector and is involved in numerous innovation projects related to current and future applications for green and renewable hydrogen.

Matthieu Guesne, founder and CEO of Lhyfe: 'We are proud to receive this grant, which reflects a strong vote of confidence from the French government and the European Commission in a SME that is capable of innovating, meeting complex technological challenges and rapidly turning its ambitions into reality. It also recognizes our ability to invest heavily and rally renowned international partners to our side. By contributing to the decarbonization of Le Havre industrial-port area starting in 2029, the Green Horizon project marks a real turning point - one that is essential if we are to decarbonise our industrial uses on a large scale. With this project Lhyfe will surpass the 100 MW milestone in installed electrolysis capacity: a true industrial leap forward!'

About the announcement of the French National Hydrogen Strategy: 'The release of the French National Hydrogen Strategy is excellent news for both the French and European markets. We've been looking forward to it for several months, and it now provides the clarity and long-term visibility that stakeholders across the hydrogen ecosystem need to make informed decisions and move forward. By setting a realistic production target of 4.5 GW by 2030, and supporting it with subsidies and a dedicated support mechanism for low-carbon and renewable hydrogen production, the French government is aligning its tools with its ambitions. France is home to major industry players, who will strengthen the entire value chain and position our country as European leader in the sector'.

About Lhyfe

Lhyfe is a European group devoted to energy transition, and a producer and supplier of green and renewable hydrogen. Its production sites and portfolio of projects seek to provide access to green and renewable hydrogen in industrial quantities, and enable the creation of a virtuous energy model capable of decarbonizing entire sectors of industry and transport.

In 2021, Lhyfe inaugurated the first industrial-scale green hydrogen production plant in the world to be interconnected with a wind farm. In 2022, it inaugurated the first offshore green hydrogen production pilot platform in the world.

Since then, it has installed three new sites and currently has several sites under construction or expansion across Europe.

Lhyfe is represented in 12 European countries and had 201 staff at the end of 2024. The company is listed on the Euronext market in Paris (ISIN: FR0014009YQ1 - LHYFE).

More information on Lhyfe.com

Contacts

Lhyfe - Business press relations

Nouvelles Graines

Clemence Rebours

+33 (0)6 60 57 76 43

c.rebours@nouvelles-graines.com Lhyfe - Financial press relations

ACTUS

Anne-Charlotte Dudicourt

+33 (0) 6 24 03 26 52

acdudicourt@actus.fr Lhyfe - Investor relations

LHYFE

Yoann Nguyen

investors@lhyfe.com

[1] Grant announced in a press release published on 18 March 2024

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Ende Mai leitete US-Prasident Donald Trump mit der Unterzeichnung mehrerer Dekrete eine weitreichende Wende in der amerikanischen Energiepolitik ein. Im Fokus: der beschleunigte Ausbau der Kernenergie.



Mit einem umfassenden Manahmenpaket sollen Genehmigungsprozesse reformiert, kleinere Reaktoren gefordert und der Anteil von Atomstrom in den USA massiv gesteigert werden. Ausloser ist der explodierende Energiebedarf durch KI-Rechenzentren, der eine stabile, CO-arme Grundlastversorgung zwingend notwendig macht.



In unserem kostenlosen Spezialreport erfahren Sie, welche 3 Unternehmen jetzt im Zentrum dieser energiepolitischen Neuausrichtung stehen, und wer vom kommenden Boom der Nuklearindustrie besonders profitieren konnte.



Holen Sie sich den neuesten Report! Verpassen Sie nicht, welche Aktien besonders von der Energiewende in den USA profitieren durften, und laden Sie sich das Gratis-PDF jetzt kostenlos herunter.



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Film-Featured Antique Vehicles to Be Offered in Aumann's Prestigious Pre-'30 Auction

Aumann Auctions is offering a rare opportunity for collectors, enthusiasts, and fans of the hit 1923 series, which is the Yellowstone Founder's Story, with an upcoming online auction featuring nine vehicles used in the filming of the show. These authentic vintage cars and trucks - each with a unique story and screen time - will sell as part of the Pre-'30 Tractor and Vehicle Auction ending April 29, 2025.

Cars Collage

Images of 9 cars from 1923 set

"This is a once-in-a-lifetime chance to own a piece of Hollywood and automotive history," said Kurt Aumann, CEO of Aumann Auctions. "Each vehicle not only represents an important era in automotive design but has also played a role in a major television production that celebrates American heritage."

Auction Highlights Include:

Flatbed TT Truck - A favorite among filmmakers, this reliable workhorse features a new Brassworks radiator, a WASP gear-reduction starter, gear-driven alternator, and a 12V system conversion. It was most recently fitted with a new fuel tank for its role in Yellowstone's Prequel, 1923.

Ford Model T Coupe ("Doctor's Coupe") - A beautifully restored classic with a rich interior, this dependable driver was used on the 1923 set

1920s Model R Hupmobile - Originally part of a Michigan-based collection and museum, this four-cylinder Hupmobile was brought back to life with a rebuilt vacuum tank and appeared prominently in the first series of 1923.

International Truck - Known for its performance in film, this truck features a rebuilt fuel system, new wiring, and a refreshed cooling system. Another proven veteran of the Yellowstone production.

Durant Touring Car - A former Aumann Auctions feature, the Durant was acquired for 1923 and has been upgraded with new wiring and a rebuilt fuel system, making it a reliable period piece for both display and driving.

Hupmobile Sedan (Model R) - With its rare three-door body and distinctive "gangster-era" look, this car is a favorite in both car circles and the film industry. Extensive restoration includes new interior, woodwork, wiring, and a rebuilt vacuum tank. It was featured multiple times in the series, including as a cab.

Chevrolet Sedan (Modernized) - Modified for modern drivability, this sedan is equipped with a Toyota engine, automatic transmission, and modern brakes - blending vintage style with today's comfort. Used in the 1923 series.

Model T Roadster Pickup - This fun-to-drive classic features a new Brassworks radiator and new fuel tank. A consistent presence on set, it appeared in both seasons of 1923.

All vehicles are available for online bidding now through April 29th. Whether you're a serious collector, a fan of the show, or just love vintage cars, this auction offers an exceptional opportunity to own a vehicle with Hollywood credentials.

About Aumann Auctions, Inc.

Aumann Auctions, Inc. is a nationally recognized leader in antique tractor, automobilia, and vintage advertising auctions. With a reputation for uncovering and bringing historically significant pieces to market, Aumann Auctions continues to set records in the agricultural collectibles industry.

Contact Information

SOURCE: Aumann Auctions
On April 14, 2025, Washington University in St. Louis announced a pause on significant capital projects at its Danforth Campus due to looming uncertainties surrounding federal funding. The decision affects high-profile initiatives, such as a 110,000-square-foot Arts & Sciences building, set to break ground this spring, and planned improvements to Mudd Field, which began earlier this year. Chancellor Andrew D. Martin described the move as a prudent response to a shifting financial landscape, particularly with the Trump administration's push to slash federal research grants.

"We regret these actions, but it's simply not wise to proceed as planned given the current climate," Martin said in a statement. He pointed to potential reductions in funding from agencies like the National Institutes of Health, where WashU's medical school ranks second nationally, as a key concern. The university also faces pressures from a proposed increase in the federal endowment tax, prompting a 5.4% tuition hike to $68,240 for the next academic year.

The Arts & Sciences building, designed by Weiss/Manfredi to achieve LEED Platinum certification, was poised to house key departments and foster interdisciplinary collaboration. Its delay, alongside Mudd Field's stalled upgrades, reflects a broader reevaluation of WashU's $4 billion endowment spending. Martin noted that the university is also scaling back graduate admissions in some programs and reviewing high-level staffing to brace for fiscal constraints.

Faculty and students expressed mixed reactions. Sociology professor Jake Rosenfeld called the pause "disappointing but understandable," citing the building's potential to elevate research. On X, some students voiced frustration"WashU's sitting on billions, why cut now?"while others supported the caution: "Smart to wait out the chaos in D.C." The decision follows similar belt-tightening at other universities, like Harvard, which recently lost $2 billion in federal funds.

WashU hopes to resume the projects once the federal funding outlook stabilizes, but no timeline was provided. For now, the pause underscores the ripple effects of national policy debates on higher education, leaving Danforth Campus plans on hold as the university navigates an uncertain future.
Kudelski Group / Key word(s): Miscellaneous

2025 ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING OF KUDELSKI SA



17.04.2025 / 17:40 CET/CEST





Ad hoc announcement pursuant to Art. 53 LR



All proposals of the Board of Directors have been accepted by a strong majority

All members of the Board of Directors were proposed for re-election and re-elected

Cheseaux-sur-Lausanne, Switzerland - April 17, 2025 - The Annual General Meeting of Kudelski SA (SIX:KUD.S) was held today at the company's headquarters in Cheseaux-sur-Lausanne.

All proposals of the Board of Directors were accepted by a strong majority. 60 shareholders were represented corresponding to 64'581'998 shares out of a total of 97,751,506 shares.

The shareholders approved the 2024 annual report, Kudelski SA's financial statements, the Group's 2024 consolidated accounts and profit allocation, as well as the 2024 report on non-financial matters. They also approved the compensation report for the Board of Directors and the Executive Board, as well as the discharge of the Board of Directors and the Executive Board for 2024.

Mrs. Marguerite Kudelski and Messrs. Laurent Dassault, Patrick Foetisch, Michael Hengartner, Andre Kudelski, Pierre Lescure, Alec Ross and Claude Smadja were re-elected as members of the Board for a one-year term. Mr. Andre Kudelski was also re-elected as Chairman of the Board of Directors.

The shareholders re-elected Messrs. Patrick Foetisch, Pierre Lescure, Alec Ross and Claude Smadja as members of the Remuneration and Nomination Committee for a period of one-year.

PricewaterhouseCoopers SA in Lausanne (Pully) was re-elected as the Group's audit firm for a one-year period. Ofisa Berney Associes SA, in Lausanne, was elected as independent representative for a one-year period.

Note

To download the 2024 Annual Report, please click here.

Printed version can be ordered by sending an email to communication@nagra.com.

About the Kudelski Group

The Kudelski Group (SIX: KUD.S) is a world leader in core digital security technologies and solutions for media, cybersecurity and IoT. The Group is headquartered in Cheseaux-sur-Lausanne, Switzerland and Phoenix, Arizona, USA with a presence in over 20 countries around the world. For more information, please visit www.nagra.com

Contacts

Marc Demierre

Kudelski Group

Director Corporate Communications

+41 79 190 17 09

marc.demierre@nagra.com



Marc Ausoni

Kudelski Group

Senior Vice President - Internal Audit and Investor Relations

+41 21 732 05 49

ir@nagra.com

End of Media Release


Rightmove Plc - Transaction in Own Shares

PR Newswire

LONDON, United Kingdom, April 17

17 April 2025

Rightmove plc

Share buy-back programme

Rightmove plc - transactions in own shares

Rightmove plc ('Rightmove'), announces that today it purchased 195,000 of its 0.1p ordinary shares at a volume weighted average price paid per share of 738.801p. The highest price paid per share was 742.200p and the lowest price paid per share was 729.200p. Rightmove purchased these shares through UBS AG London Branch.

The number of shares purchased represented 0.0250% of the voting rights attributable to the total ordinary shares in issue prior to such purchase. The purchased shares will be cancelled.

Since announcing a share buy-back programme on 28 December 2007, Rightmove has purchased in aggregate 529,242,246 ordinary shares.

The total number of ordinary shares in issue (excluding treasury shares) following this announcement is 778,991,651. Rightmove holds 10,820,183 shares in treasury.

In accordance with Article 5(1)(b) of Regulation (EU) No 596/2014 (the Market Abuse Regulation) as amended by The Market Abuse (Amendment) (EU Exit) Regulations 2019 (the 'UK MAR'), the schedule below contains detailed information about the purchases made by UBS AG London Branch on behalf of the Company as part of the buyback programme.

Contact: Michelle Palmer, Assistant Company Secretary

CompanySecretary@rightmove.co.uk

Schedule of Purchases - Individual Transactions
Cash position of 7.5m (million) as of December 31, 2024, including: 2m received from private placement in March 2024 9.8m from an equity financing line ("PACEO") with Vester Finance

Cash runway extended until Q2 2026, including 9.7m from the private placement completed in February 2025 and a $10m milestone payment from partner Tonghua Dongbao expected at the end of Q2 2025

Advances with our flagship projects: BioChaperone Lispro final dosing of Phase 3 studies in China, with top-line data expected in mid-2025 and submission for Chinese regulatory review in 2025 Business priority to partner BioChaperone CagriSema (stable combination of cagrilintide and semaglutide) and M1Pram, covered by a still-ongoing exclusivity agreement with Sanofi and a Phase 2b clinical program in preparation Continued development of AdoShell platform with plans to submit clinical trial application to the regulator in 2025



Regulatory News:

Adocia (Euronext Paris: FR0011184241 ADOC), a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company focused on the research and development of innovative therapeutic solutions for the treatment of diabetes and obesity (the "Company"), announces today its annual financial results as of December 31, 2024. The consolidated statements contained herein were approved by Adocia's board of directors on April 16, 2025. Audit procedures have been completed, and the audit report is in the process of being issued. These statements will be presented to shareholders for approval at the next annual general meeting on June 11, 2025.

"The year 2024 was marked by two major events", says Olivier Soula, CEO of Adocia. "The completion of BC Lispro Phase 3 studies led to the revenue recognition of a $10 million milestone, and with market authorization being the next catalyst, it brings us closer to recurring revenue. Even more significant: the submission of patent for the stable coformulation of CagriSema, made possible by our BioChaperone technology. Since then, Adocia has made significant progress in advancing this project to ensure its industrialization and establish a partnership."

"Our cash horizon is secured until Q2 2026, thanks to the 9.7m capital raise in February 2025 and the payment expected in Q2 2025 of the $10m milestone from our Chinese partner" adds Mathieu-William Gilbert, CFO-COO of Adocia. "This will enable us to focus on what our shareholders are expecting from us in 2025 signing deals, on M1Pram and on BC CagriSema, that will secure Adocia's future in the coming years, and increase the value of the company."

Financial highlights

The following table summarizes the financial statements under IFRS for the year ending December 31, 2024 with a comparison to the year ending December 31, 2023:

In () thousands, Consolidated financial statements FY 2024

(12 months) FY 2023

(12 months) Revenue 9,320 2,150 Grants, Research tax credit, others 2,804 3,899 Operating revenue 12,124 6,048 Research and development expenses (14,533) (14,813) General and administrative expenses (4,995) (5,479) Operating expenses (19,528) (20,293) OPERATING INCOME (LOSS) (7,404) (14,244) Other operating revenue and expenses 0 0 OPERATING INCOME (7,404) (14,244) FINANCIAL INCOME (LOSS) (965) (6,916) Tax (952) (2) NET INCOME (LOSS) (9,321) (21,162)

The Company's results for 2024 are characterized by:

A net loss of 9.3m in 2024, compared to a loss of 21.2m in 2023, mainly due to:

Revenue of 9.3m in 2024 (compared to 2.2m in 2023) refer to the revenue recognition of the $10m milestone from Tonghua Dongbao partnership, triggered in December 2024 by the final dosing of the last patient that concludes the Phase 3 study of BioChaperone Lispro in people with Type 2 diabetes. This milestone payment is expected to be received in cash at the end of Q2 2025 as per the payment terms of the Licensing Agreement.

By way of comparison, 2023 revenue of 2.2m included revenues related to feasibility studies on AdOral, as well as services provided by Adocia under the collaboration with Tonghua Dongbao for the conduct of three studies in Europe on the BioChaperone Combo project.

Other operating income of 2.8m, consisting of the Research Tax Credit (CIR) generated on the 2024 R&D expenses, compared to 3.9m in 2023 consisting in (i) 3.4m in CIR on the 2023 R&D expenses, and (ii) the 0.5m Bpifrance grant accounted for as income, following the recognition of the technical and commercial failure of a project on an insulin dating back to 2012.

Operating expenses of 19.5m are slightly down by 0.8m compared to last year.

Negative financial result of 1.0m reflecting the financial interest on the state guaranteed loans (the "PGE") for 0.1m and interests on IFRS 16 finance lease debt for 0.9m.

In 2023, the negative financial result of 6.9m was mainly due to (i) interest paid on the PGE and on the loan taken out with IPF Partners through its repayment in July 2023 for 0.8m, and (ii) changes in the fair value of convertible bonds and IPF warrants, which had no impact on cash.

The 2024 net loss of 9.3 versus the 2023 net loss of 21.2m is mainly attributable to the revenue recognition of the Tonghua Dongbao partnership milestone and reduced financial costs.

A cash position of 7.5m as of December 31, 2024 (compared to 13.0m as of December 31, 2023).

The cash position at year-end 2024 reflects the following main receipts and disbursements:

2m fundraising from Gerard and Olivier Soula, a member of the management and Vester Finance in March 2024,

9.8m from the use of the equity financing line signed in March 2024 with Vester Finance in the form of a PACEO (via the issuance of 1.35 million shares out of a maximum of 1.7 million shares set in the contract),

Repayment of 1.2m on the PGE.

Cash used in operating activities for 2024 was 16.2m, compared to 14.5m in 2023 on a comparable basis. Adjusted for the positive impact of the 2023 Research Tax Credit (CIR) of 3.4 million, cash burn amounted to 19.6 million, down slightly by 0.8 million compared to last year.

Debt (excluding IFRS16 impacts) of 4.5m as of December 31, 2024, compared to 5.7m as of December 31, 2023, decreased by 1.2m following the resumption of repayments of the PGE in August 2024, with the loans' maturity remaining unchanged at the end of August 2026.

Cash runway and outlook

As of December 31, 2024, the company had cash of 7.5m, excluding the $10m milestone payment expected to be received at the end of Q2 2025 from China partner Tonghua Dongbao.

Following the 9.7m financing of February 2025 (see post-closing events) and including the $10m milestone payment from Tonghua Dongbao milestone, which is expected to occur at the end of Q2 2025, Adocia is financed until Q2 2026, assuming no other partnership revenue or financing occurs.

Post-closing events

The PACEO financing agreement signed with Vester Finance on March 21, 20241, has now been completed. It has enabled Adocia to raise a total of 11.4 million, via the issuance of 1.65 million shares (corresponding to an average exercise price 6.9 per share).

On March 28, 2025, Adocia announced the realization of a 9.7 million Private Placement2, through the issuance of a total number of 2,125,000 new shares, each with one share warrant attached. Gross Proceeds included 0.5 million from Gerard Soula, chairman of the Board and cofounder of the Company, 0.9 million from Vester Finance, an historical investor, 7 million from Armistice Capital and 1.3 million from a limited number of investors.

The Company intends to use 50% of the net proceeds of this Private Placement to step up development work on its AdoShell Islets project, including toxicology studies and the preparation of clinical batches for the launch of the clinical trial (FIH) and the balance to finance the Company's general corporate purposes and cash runway to Q2 2026.

Highlights of the year 2024

Product pipeline

During 2024, Adocia continued to develop its combination of clinical and preclinical assets, strengthening its diversified pipeline of specialty products for the treatment of diabetes and obesity while maintaining tight financial control. The partnership work and discussions with Sanofi and other undisclosed potential partners are ongoing and management is confident in securing at least one partnership. The latest clinical and commercial developments in the diabetes and obesity fields, and the data generated on Adocia's various technology platforms, make Adocia confident in the high market potential of its highly differentiated technologies and expertise.

Innovative products to meet the growing demand in the diabetes and obesity markets

BioChaperoneLispro: Phase 3 top-line results expected in mid-2025

Partner Tonghua Dongbao initiated two Phase 3 studies with Ultra-Rapid Insulin BioChaperone Lispro in 509 people with Type 1 Diabetes and 978 with Type 2 Diabetes in 2022. The final dosing of the last Type 2 Diabetes patient was announced on December 12, 20243, associated with a $10 million milestone payment to be received by Adocia at the end of Q2 2025. The last patient dosed in the Type 1 Diabetes study took place in January 2025, leading to the expected announcement of top-line results in mid-2025. Assuming successful Phase 3 results, Tonghua Dongbao plans on submitting Ultra-Rapid Insulin BioChaperone Lispro for Chinese regulatory review in 2025. The granting of Marketing Authorization would lead to an additional milestone payment of $20 million and double-digit royalties on sales to Adocia.

BioChaperone GLP-1 Amylin BioChaperoneCagriSema: Combining next-generation obesity products

The preclinical development of BioChaperoneCagriSema, which offers a stable combination of cagrilintide and semaglutide in the same delivery chamber, continues as planned. Data generated to date are promising regarding its commercial and manufacturing benefits over the combination of cagrilintide and semaglutide currently being developed by Novo Nordisk, whose product currently tested in Phase 3 trials is not combining the two peptides, but uses instead separate chambers of a single-use pen device. BioChaperoneCagriSema is expected to offer significant manufacturing advantages, such as enabling it to be included in existing multi-use pen platforms, allowing for four weekly injections with a single pen as opposed to one pen per week with the current formulation studied by Novo Nordisk.

Novo Nordisk is conducting twelve Phase 3 clinical trials with its dual-chamber CagriSema, in over 15,000 people, including a 400-patient long-term efficacy study that was initiated in February 20254

M1Pram: Ongoing exclusive discussions with Sanofi

M1Pram is a fixed combination of insulin and amylin analogs aimed at addressing the unmet medical need of obesity in insulin-dependent individuals. In 2024, results from a post-hoc analysis of the M1Pram Phase 2a trial were published in the renowned Diabetes, Obesity and Metabolism journal and the M1Pram program was selected for the third time to be featured on the cover5. In this study, M1Pram demonstrated a significant reduction in body weight (5.56 kg for participants with a BMI6 over 30 kg/m, after 16 weeks) compared to insulin lispro among individuals with type 1 diabetes, marking an important advancement in addressing weight management for this specific population, for whom currently marketed obesity treatments are not approved. Alongside the weight reduction, M1Pram also enabled a 21% reduction in prandial insulin doses while maintaining effective glycemic control, without increasing the risk of hypoglycemia.

A Phase 2b clinical program in the United States, involving 140 patients with Type 1 Diabetes and a BMI>30kg/m, is in preparation.

Adocia has completed the manufacturing of clinical batches. The launch of the clinical trial is conditional on entering an agreement for its financing.

Adocia granted Sanofi an exclusive right to negotiate a partnership on M1Pram for 10 million7. This exclusive right remains in place with ongoing discussions for a global partnership.

AdoShell Islets: First-in-human study submission planned for H2 2025

The AdoShell platform, an immunoprotective biomaterial for cell therapy, is attracting interest from the scientific community and from potential pharmaceutical partners. The preclinical development continues and preparatory work to submit a clinical trial application to the regulator, remains on track for 2025.

Adocia continues to provide updates about AdoShell to the medical community and presented data in 2024 at various congresses: the Cell and Gene on the Med, the SFD, the EASD and ADA. More recently in 2025, key data were also shared at the EPITA Symposium, the H.C. Wainwright 3rd Annual Cell Therapy Virtual Conference, the ATTD 2025 conference, and the SFD 2025 congress. The project attracted support and interest from physicians involved in pancreatic islets transplantation.

The AdoShellIslets program has been selected again for two presentations at the prestigious ADA Scientific Sessions (American Diabetes Association, June 20-23, 2025, Chicago, U.S.A.), one at the ISCT 2025 (International Society for Cell Gene Therapy, May 7-10, 2025, New Orleans, U.S.A.), and a poster at the EISG 2025 (European Islets Study Group, June 11-13, 2025, Malmo, Sweden).

BioChaperoneCombo: Fixed combination of two gold standard insulins

On July 10, 2024, Tonghua Dongbao announced its decision to discontinue the BioChaperone Combo partnership after reassessing its R&D projects and considering recent changes in the regulatory and competitive environment8 in China. As a result, Adocia regained, at no cost, full ownership of the rights to BioChaperone Combo that had been licensed to Tonghua Dongbao for China and other territories in Asia and the Middle East. The program had demonstrated positive results in three clinical trials (CT046, CT047, CT048)9. The $40 million received at the signing of the license agreement on April 26, 2018, is non-refundable. While Adocia believes in the therapeutic benefit of BioChaperone Combo, it does not plan at this stage to commit significant financial resources behind it and is open for a partnership to develop the product further.

Proprietary technology platforms to improve peptide delivery

AdOral: Delivering peptides in oral form to replace injections

Adocia has developed an oral delivery technology for peptides, enabling the transition from injectable to oral forms, and has achieved promising preclinical results on semaglutide (GLP-1). The only GLP-1 commercially available in oral form to date, Rybelsus, achieved $3.4 billion in global sales in 202410. Oral delivery is a key factor in increasing patient adherence for those with diabetes and/or obesity. Yet, the poor bioavailability of peptides orally administered requires the production of extremely large quantities of peptides, leading to high cost of goods sold and a supply chain constrained by limited manufacturing capacity. Adocia's AdOral technology has demonstrated so far to have improved bioavailability, suggesting that for the same peptide manufacturing capacity, more patients could be treated at a lower cost of goods.

In 2024, key data on AdOral Sema was presented at the ADA congress and in 2025, at the ATTD conference (18th International Conference on Advanced Technologies Treatments for Diabetes, 19-22 March, 2025, Amsterdam, The Netherlands).

Following an initial assessment phase, the AdOral technology is currently covered by an undisclosed R&D collaboration agreement for an application to a novel incretin. All costs related to this agreement are to be covered by the partner.

AdoGel: Long-acting peptide delivery to reduce injections

Designed to enable long-term peptide delivery, AdoGel is currently being studied for a once-monthly dosing of semaglutide (GLP-1). GLP-1, a market that generated over $53 billion in global revenue in 2024, is almost exclusively formulated for weekly injections11. AdoGel's unique technology could enable monthly or even quarterly injections.

In 2024, AdoGelpreclinical data were also on the spotlights at the congresses of the ADA, the EASD, the CRS. More recently, preclinical results were selected for a poster presentation at the ATTD 2025 conference (18th International Conference on Advanced Technologies Treatments for Diabetes, 19-22 March, 2025, Amsterdam, The Netherlands) and for an oral presentation at the SFD 2025 congress (Congress of the Societe Francophone du Diabete, April 1-4, 2025, Paris, France).

Changes in governance

In June 2024, Adocia announced the appointment of Mathieu-William Gilbert as Chief Operating Officer (COO) and in September 2024, he was also appointed as Chief Financial Officer (CFO), in addition to his COO position. He joined Adocia following a distinguished career of over fifteen years at Novo Nordisk, where he held Vice President and General Manager positions for several subsidiaries. He strengthens Adocia's leadership team as part of the Company's strategic transformation project. He oversees Adocia's operations, administrative and financial functions, investor relations, legal affairs, and human resources. He is also a member of the Executive Committee and serves as Secretary General of the Board of Directors.

Valerie Danaguezian, who had held the position of CFO since Adocia's founding in 2005, left the Company to focus on a family project.

During its meeting held on June 13, 2024, the Board of Directors acknowledged the end of Claudia Mitchell's term of office as director, which expired at the close of the Annual General Meeting called to approve the financial statements for the year ended December 31, 2023.

In addition, during its meeting held on September 18, 2024, the Board of Directors acknowledged Katherine Bowdish's resignation from her office as director. To replace Katherine Bowdish, the Board co-opted Valerie Moumdjian as an independent director and appointed her as a member of the Audit Committee and the Compensation Committee. Her co-optation as a director will be submitted for ratification by shareholders at the Annual General Meeting called to approve the financial statements for the year ended December 31, 2024. The Board of Directors is currently composed of six members, four men and two women, including four independent directors.

2025 Newsflow

Following the generation of strong pre-clinical and clinical data in 2024 and good partnering discussions over the last 18 months, Management expects 2025 to be a transformative year for Adocia. Specifically, Management expects the following milestones:

BioChaperone Lispro: Phase 3 top-line results expected in mid-2025.

Phase 3 top-line results expected in mid-2025. M1Pram : Preparations ongoing for Phase 2b in the U.S.

: Preparations ongoing for Phase 2b in the U.S. AdoShell Islets: First-in-human study submission planned for H2 2025.

First-in-human study submission planned for H2 2025. Continued deployment of the BioChaperone , AdoGel and AdOra l technology platforms.

, and l technology platforms. Potential global partnership agreements signed with one or more global pharma players.

About Adocia

Adocia is a biotechnology company specializing in the discovery and development of therapeutic solutions in the field of metabolic diseases, primarily diabetes and obesity.

The Company has a broad portfolio of drug candidates based on four proprietary technology platforms: 1) The BioChaperone technology for the development of new generation insulins and products combining different hormones; 2) AdOral, an oral peptide delivery technology; 3) AdoShell, an immunoprotective biomaterial for cell transplantation, with an initial application in pancreatic cells transplantation; and 4) AdoGel, a long-acting drug delivery platform.

Adocia holds more than 25 patent families. Based in Lyon, the company has about 80 employees. Adocia is listed on the regulated market of Euronext Paris (Euronext: ADOC; ISIN: FR0011184241).

Disclaimer

This press release contains certain forward-looking statements concerning Adocia and its business. Such forward-looking statements are based on assumptions that Adocia considers as being reasonable. However, there can be no guarantee that the estimates contained in such forward-looking statements will be achieved, as such estimates are subject to numerous risks including those set forth in the "Risk Factors" section of the universal registration document that was filed with the French Autorite des marches financiers on April 29, 2024, as updated in the Company's 2024 Half-year financial statements, published on September 19, 2024, both available at www.adocia.com Those risks include uncertainties inherent in Adocia's short- or medium-term working capital requirements, in research and development, future clinical data, analyses and the evolution of economic conditions, the financial markets and the markets in which Adocia operates, which could impact the Company's short-term financing requirements and its ability to raise additional funds.

The forward-looking statements contained in this press release are also subject to risks not yet known to Adocia or not considered as material by Adocia at this time. The occurrence of all or part of such risks could cause the actual results, financial conditions, performances, or achievements of Adocia be materially different from those mentioned in the forward-looking statements.

1 Press Release, March 21,2024, ADOCIA Announces a 2 Million Fundraising from its two Main Shareholders and a Member of its Management, and the Signature of an Equity Financing Line with Vester Finance

2 For more details on the characteristics of this Private Placement, please refer to the Press Releases, February 26, 2025, ADOCIA Announces the Successful Completion of a 9.7 Million Private Placement, Extending its Cash Runway to Q2 2026; and February 28, 2025, ADOCIA Announces the Settlement-Delivery of its 9.7Million Private Placement

3 Press Release, Dec. 12, 2024, ADOCIA and Tonghua Dongbao Announce the Final Dosing in a Phase 3 Clinical Study of BioChaperone Lispro, Milestone Associated with a $10 Million Payment

4 ClinicalTrials.gov

5 ADO09, a co-formulation of pramlintide and insulin A21G, lowers body weight versus insulin lispro in type 1 diabetes by Grit Andersen MD et al., https://doi.org/10.1111/dom.15827.

6 BMI stands for Body Mass Index, calculated as the mass of a person in Kg, divided by the square of its height in meters

7 Press Release, July 5, 2023, ADOCIA Grants Sanofi an Exclusive Right to Negotiate a Partnership on M1Pram for 10 Million Euros and Obtains Commitment from Investors to Provide 10 Million Euros in Financing

8 PR, July 10, 2024, ADOCIA Announces that Tonghua Dongbao is Discontinuing one of the two Partnership Programs: BioChaperone Combo

9 PR, October 23, 2023, ADOCIA's Partner Tonghua Dongbao Announces Positive Results of Three Clinical Trials on BioChaperone Combo

10 Novo Nordisk FY2024 report

11 Global Data, based on consolidated sales

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20250417181248/en/

Contacts:

Adocia

Olivier Soula

CEO

contactinvestisseurs@adocia.com

+33 (0)4 72 610 610

www.adocia.com

Ulysse Communication

Adocia Press Investor Relations

Bruno Arabian

Nicolas Entz

adocia@ulysse-communication.com

+ 33 (0)6 87 88 47 26
DJ Aktie von Novo Nordisk fallt nach Studiendaten zur Lilly-Pille

Von Dominic Chopping

DOW JONES--Die vor Ostern veroffentlichten positiven Studiendaten fur ein neues Diabetes-Medikament von Eli Lilly haben die Aktie von Novo Nordisk am Dienstag im fruhen europaischen Handel auf Talfahrt geschickt. Die Pille von Eli Lilly, die den Daten zufolge auch beim Abnehmen hilft, konnte, so die Kalkulation der Anleger, mit den Blockbuster-Praparaten des danischen Riesen zur Gewichtsabnahme konkurrieren.

Das Papier von Novo Nordisk gab um bis zu 9,8 Prozent nach.

Novo Nordisk und Eli Lilly beherrschen derzeit den Markt fur Adipositas-Medizin, aber ihre bisherigen Projekte werden durch Injektionen verabreicht. Beide arbeiten an Pillenversionen, die fur die Patienten bequemer einzunehmen sowie leichter zu transportieren und zu lagern sein wurden, weil sie nicht gekuhlt werden mussen.

Orforglipron von Lilly wurde in erster Linie auf seine Wirksamkeit im Hinblick auf die Behandlung von Typ-2-Diabetes getestet, doch wurde in der Studie als sekundares Ziel auch die Gewichtsabnahme gemessen. Das Medikament half Patienten, in der hochsten Dosis durchschnittlich 7,9 Prozent ihres Korpergewichts zu verlieren.

Die Daten zu Orforglipron "scheinen die Messlatte sowohl fur orale als auch fur injizierbare Therapien hoher zu legen", schrieb Analyst Naresh Chouhan von Intron Health in einer Kundenmitteilung.

Die gewichtsreduzierende Wirkung und die Vertraglichkeit sind mit Wegovy von Novo Nordisk anscheinend vergleichbar, aber angesichts der oralen Darreichung, der relativ einfachen Herstellung und der verschiedenen Dosierungen, die den Patienten Flexibilitat bieten, erwartet Chouhan, dass es sich im Falle einer Zulassung zum marktfuhrenden Medikament entwickeln wird.

"Fur Novo hatte dies schwerwiegende Folgen", sagte er.

Novo Nordisk bietet derzeit eine Pille an, die denselben Wirkstoff enthalt wie die Blockbuster Wegovy und Ozempic, jedoch zur Behandlung von Diabetes vermarktet wird. Eine hoher dosierte Version der Pille zur Behandlung der Gewichtsabnahme wurde 2023 in einer Studie im Spatstadium untersucht, bevor das Unternehmen den Zulassungsantrag verschob.

Auerdem befindet sich ein weiteres orales Medikament zur Gewichtsreduktion in der fruhen Entwicklungsphase.

Kontakt zum Autor: unternehmen.de@dowjones.com

DJG/DJN/rio/brb

(END) Dow Jones Newswires

April 22, 2025 05:49 ET (09:49 GMT)

Copyright (c) 2025 Dow Jones & Company, Inc.
Kestrel Gold Inc. ("Kestrel" or the "Corporation", TSX-V:KGC) is pleased to announce that Centerra Gold Inc. ("Centerra", TSX:CG)(NYSE:CGAU) will be returning for a second year of exploration on Kestrel's QCM gold property ("QCM") located in the Manson-Germanson area of central British Columbia.

Centerra holds an exclusive option to earn a 75% interest in QCM by making cash payments totalling $900,000 and completing $6,500,000 in exploration work, which must include a minimum of 13,500 metres of drilling, by May 7th, 2029.

Centerra's second year program has an approved budget of $3,000,000, with current planning for 7,430 metres of diamond drilling. Work will be concentrated in the Main Zone and 14 Vein areas, along with exploration of other showings, and is anticipated to begin by the end of May.

Pat Lynch, President and CEO of Kestrel, states: "We are excited to have Centerra return to QCM for a second year of exploration which will include a significant amount of drilling. Their return both validates our belief in the potential of the property and its numerous gold bearing zones as well as providing Kestrel shareholders with exposure to the results that will flow from the drilling proposed by them. Positive results from this drilling have the potential to create a significant amount of value for Kestrel Gold shareholders."

QCM Project Highlights:

QCM is comprised of 8,729 hectares covering an approximate 15-kilometre strike length of the Manson Fault Zone which is thought to be a controlling structure for much of the gold mineralization in the district.

Peak values from historical drilling completed within the Main Zone were found within hole 2004-002 which intersected an interval of 2.86 g/t Au over 110.95 metres, including a high-grade interval of 173 g/t Au over 1.5 metres, true widths unknown.

Prospecting during 2022 resulted in the discovery of the 14 Vein showing, drilling of which returned 2.33 g/t Au over 44.19 metres. Geology consists of silica-ankerite-pyrite altered greywacke cut by sheeted quartz veins. For further details see Kestrel's October 26, 2022 news release: https://www.kestrelgold.com/news/oct-25-2022-e7yzr.

Numerous historical showings occur throughout the project area, including Farrell where historical values of up to 1,777 g/t Au and 3,560 g/t Ag were returned from grab samples of a 3.0-metre-wide quartz vein and Flagstaff where historical values of up to 5.9 g/t Au and 1,153 g/t Ag were reported for grab samples of quartz veins and stockworks.

Kestrel owns a 100% interest in the QCM Property. For further details see Kestrel's March 22, 2024 news release: https://www.kestrelgold.com/news/march-22-2024. Kestrel subsequently granted Centerra the option to earn a 75% interest in QCM. For further details see Kestrel's May 8, 2024 news release: https://www.kestrelgold.com/news/may-8-2024.

Recently completed logging and associated road building has significantly improved access throughout the property which is proving of significant value to exploration efforts.

Qualified Person

Greg Lynch P.Geo., a Qualified Person as defined by National Instrument 43-101 who is also a director of the corporation, has reviewed and approved the technical information contained in this news release.

About Kestrel Gold

Kestrel Gold Inc. is an exploration company headquartered in western Canada and focused on the Canadian Cordillera. Kestrel has earned a 100% interest, subject to a 2% NSR royalty with buydown provisions, in the QCM Property which is an orogenic gold target located in the Manson-Germanson placer district. Kestrel has also earned a 100% interest, subject to a 2.5% NSR royalty with buydown provisions, in the KSD Property which is an orogenic gold target located in the Yukon portion of the Tintina Gold Belt. Kestrel is listed on the TSX Venture exchange under the symbol KGC. Readers are encouraged to refer to the Corporation's website "www.kestrelgold.com" for further information.

Forward-Looking Statements

The information and statements in this news release contain certain forward-looking information. This forward-looking information relates to future events or the Corporation's future performance including exploration activity that could take place on the Corporation's properties or projects. This forward-looking information is subject to certain risks and uncertainties and may be based on assumptions that could cause actual results to differ materially from those anticipated or implied in the forward-looking information. The Corporation's forward-looking information is expressly qualified in its entirety by this cautionary statement. Except as required by law, the Corporation undertakes no obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking information.

NEITHER THE TSX VENTURE EXCHANGE NOR ITS REGULATION SERVICES PROVIDER (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) ACCEPTS RESPONSIBILITY FOR THE ADEQUACY OR ACCURACY OF THIS RELEASE.

For further information contact:

Pat Lynch, President and CEO

Office: (403) 660-3329

Email: pat@kestrelgold.com

SOURCE: Kestrel Gold Inc.
Oliver Martin, the CEO of a Software company in the waste management industry, a high-end business consultant, and a published author, is making strides within the U.S. market by leveraging his expertise in strategic consulting. With an extensive background in banking, real estate, and corporate strategy, Martin has uniquely positioned himself to assist CEOs and professionals in navigating complex business challenges while also providing thought leadership through his writings. His latest books, 31 Bridges and Living in a Toxic World, are now available on Amazon and offer valuable insights for business leaders and professionals who are looking to refine their decision-making strategies.

Oliver Martin



His book 31 Bridges, serves as a resource for professionals looking to enhance their strategic decision-making skills. Drawing from Martin's vast knowledge, the book presents structured methodologies that help readers navigate business complexities with confidence. His ability to distill high-level business strategies into accessible concepts while offering readers practical insights that can be applied across various industries has garnered Martin considerable attention among corporate leaders and entrepreneurs alike.

Expansion into the U.S. Market

Today, Oliver Martin is a multimillionaire, actively pursuing forward-thinking projects with the goal of making a positive impact on the world. His net worth is estimated at 3 to 4 million US dollars. Yet, despite his financial achievements, he stays grounded and dedicates himself to what truly counts: creating a better future for the next generations.

As he expands his presence in the U.S., Martin has brought tailored solutions to businesses at various stages of growth. High-level executives benefit from his elite consulting services focused on long-term success, while startups and innovators gain structured guidance on transforming ideas into profitable ventures. His approach integrates innovative problem-solving techniques, allowing businesses to scale efficiently and mitigate risks effectively.

About Oliver Martin

With years of experience in corporate strategy and business development, Oliver Martin provides businesses with a unique advantage through his global insights, structured methodologies, and innovative approaches to expansion. His ability to analyze complex market landscapes and implement strategic solutions sets him apart from traditional consultants. Catering to executives and growing enterprises, Martin offers a fresh, European-informed perspective on market dynamics, helping businesses navigate challenges, achieve long-term stability, and drive sustainable growth. His expertise in delivering actionable solutions and intellectual frameworks has made him a trusted advisor among corporate leaders and entrepreneurs alike.

For more information about Oliver Martin's high-end consulting services or to explore his latest book, those interested are encouraged to visit https://oliver-martin.com/ and https://oliver-martin.com/oliver-martin-books/ .

For consulting inquiries, contact info@winnox.ch .

SOURCE: Oliver Martin
A Media Snippet accompanying this announcement is available by clicking on this link.

LONDON, April 17, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Apollo Art Auctions is pleased to present the forthcoming Fine Islamic and Indian Art sale, now live on our website. Taking place on Monday 28th April, commencing at 11am, during London's much-anticipated Islamic Art Week, this carefully curated auction features over 250 lots celebrating the artistic splendour, spiritual depth, and cross-cultural dialogues that shaped the Islamic and Indian worlds.

This sale offers the chance to acquire some interesting and extraordinary objects that invite deeper reflection on the complex histories, religions, and aesthetic values that shaped these works. In which, each lot tells a story, bearing witness to centuries of artistic innovation, cultural exchange, and human devotion. From the opulent courts of the Mughals and Ottomans to the intellectual and spiritual centres of Safavid Persia, the sale spans over a millennium of creativity. Covering a broad geographic reach-from the Mediterranean and the Middle East to the Iranian plateau, Central Asia, and the Indian subcontinent.

The sale stands out for its diverse collection of Indo-Persian arms and armour, including lot 63, a fine Mughal dagger of exceptional craftmanship with a hilt carved from a single piece of translucent agate in the form of a rearing horse's head with flaring nostrils, detailed mane, and expressive eyes, and lot 6, a finely worked pair of steel arm guards, or bazu band and lot 67 a rare Mughal riveted chamfron. Following are an array of ceramic styles from lot 116, a beautiful glazed ceramic mihrab tile in white and blue calligraphic detailing and some dazzling pieces of Indian jewellery, lots 56 and 57, two intricate enamelled diamond and multi-gem set rings.

What sets this sale apart is the breadth and richness of the material on offer; including lot 33, a rare Abbasid chess piece, carved from smoky quartz in the 9th-10th century AD, exemplifies the refined craftsmanship and intellectual culture of the Islamic Golden Age. Likely part of an elite set, its use of semi-precious stone reflects both the luxurious tastes of the Abbasid court and the elevated status of chess as a pursuit of erudition and strategy. Other interesting items include lot 129, a black basalt tomb fragment with beautifully carved chinoiserie arabesques and exceptionally fine carved vegetal decorations running around the border with a central pseudo-Kufic design.

Included are a selection of fine Indian miniature paintings which showcase the detailed work characteristic of the Mughal and Rajput styles, depicting court scenes, deities, and daily life with vibrant colours and fine brushwork.? The auction features a strong selection of decorative arts, including a group of finely chased Indian Bidriware vessels-objects that speak to the everyday luxury and craftsmanship of these cultural spheres.

The showcase of this diverse range of artifacts, including manuscripts, works on paper, intricate metalwork, and fine textiles, each reflects the cultural heritage of their respective regions-all testament to the extraordinary craftsmanship and enduring legacy of these cultures.

The full catalogue is now available to browse online. Bidders are invited to register early and explore the collection in detail. We look forward to welcoming you to the sale on Monday 28th April at 11am.

To view the full selection and register to bid, visit: https://auction.apolloauctions.com/auctions/5-1QGLGK/fine-islamic-and-indian-art

Contact information:

islamicart@apolloauctions.com



Phone Number: (+44) 7424 994167
BlackRock Greater Europe Investment Trust Plc - Portfolio Update

PR Newswire

LONDON, United Kingdom, April 17

The information contained in this release was correct as at 31 March 2025 . Information on the Company's up to date net asset values can be found on the London Stock Exchange website at:

https://www.londonstockexchange.com/exchange/news/market-news/market-news-home.html .

BLACKROCK GREATER EUROPE INVESTMENT TRUST PLC (LEI - 5493003R8FJ6I76ZUW55)

All information is at 31 March 2025 and unaudited.



Performance at month end with net income reinvested



One Month Three Months One Year Three Years Launch (20 Sep 04) Net asset value (undiluted) -10.0% -1.9% -13.5% 8.2% 708.4% Share price -9.7% -1.3% -14.6% 0.7% 666.0% FTSE World Europe ex UK -2.6% 7.6% 3.8% 28.4% 471.8%



Sources: BlackRock and Datastream



At month end

Net asset value (capital only): 573.12p Net asset value (including income): 575.31p Share price: 538.00p Discount to NAV (including income): 6.5% Net gearing: 5.4% Net yield1: 1.3% Total assets (including income): 555.6m Ordinary shares in issue2: 96,567,687 Ongoing charges3: 0.95%

1 Based on an interim dividend of 1.75p per share and final dividend of 5.25p per share for the year ended 31 August 2024.

2 Excluding 21,361,251 shares held in treasury.

3 The Company's ongoing charges are calculated as a percentage of average daily net assets and using the management fee and all other operating expenses excluding finance costs, direct transaction costs, custody transaction charges, VAT recovered, taxation, write back of prior year expenses and certain non-recurring items for the year ended 31 August 2024.

Sector Analysis Total Assets (%) Industrials 31.1 Consumer Discretionary 21.6 Technology 16.9 Health Care 12.5 Financials 9.0 Basic Materials 7.1 Real Estate 2.1 Net Current Liabilities -0.3 ----- 100.0 ===== Country Analysis Total Assets (%) France 16.4 Netherlands 16.2 Switzerland 15.0 Germany 11.6 Denmark 7.6 United Kingdom 6.8 Sweden 6.2 Ireland 5.0 Italy 4.4 United States 4.2 Belgium 2.6 Norway 2.3 Finland 2.0 Net Current Liabilities -0.3 ----- 100.0 =====

Top 10 holdings Country Fund % RELX United Kingdom 6.8 Safran France 6.1 Novo Nordisk Denmark 5.1 Hermes France 5.0 Ferrari Italy 4.3 Compagnie Financiere Richemont Switzerland 4.3 Linde United States 4.2 Schneider Electric France 4.2 ASML Netherlands 4.2 SAP Germany 4.1

Commenting on the markets, Stefan Gries and Alexandra Dangoor, representing the Investment Manager noted:

During the month, the Company's NAV declined by 10.0% and the share price fell by 9.7%. For reference, the FTSE World Europe ex UK Index returned -2.6% during the period.

In March, Europe ex UK markets experienced a decline, marked by severe volatility, ongoing narrow market leadership and significant changes on both sides of the Atlantic.

The better backdrop for cyclicals peaked in mid-February and, since then, defensives have generally outperformed. Value has outperformed Growth by a meaningful amount.

Concerns around the US economy, particularly tariffs and federal spending cuts, significantly influenced market performance, leading to a more pessimistic outlook for US consumers, with confidence hitting a 12-year low (US Conference Board Consumer Confidence Index). This dampened consumer outlook was evident in data in more recent weeks and flagged by companies during the month. However, it remains to be seen as to whether this has been influenced by the more volatile political backdrop.

Conversely, Germany's substantial stimulus announcements, including a spending package of at least EUR 1 trillion aimed at defence and infrastructure, provided a more positive outlook for Europe.

The month saw limited major company releases, leaving the market largely driven by macroeconomic factors. Defence stocks, banks and companies likely to benefit from German infrastructure spending showed the strongest performance, while defensive areas such as utilities also performed well. Cyclical and consumer-exposed sectors like consumer discretionary, real estate and IT fell during the month.

The Company underperformed its reference index in March, with an underweight to defensive sectors and an overweight to global high-quality businesses detracting from performance.

Sector allocation provided negative attribution primarily driven by the Company's overweight to consumer discretionary given emerging concerns around the US consumer. An underweight to financials was negative for returns as investors favoured domestically exposed, attractively valued assets.

Our underweight position in utilities also negatively impacted performance in March. In a rapid turnaround, utilities have shifted from deeply oversold levels compared to the European market to currently overbought levels. In mid-February, utilities were lagging the index materially on a one-year view, but now they are outperforming. This circa 15% outperformance over six weeks has only been seen five times in the past - every time during market crashes. This significant change in sentiment shows the volatility and pace of trading we are witnessing in markets. On the positive side, the Company benefited from a higher exposure to industrials.

Shares in Novo Nordisk were the largest detractor during the month given pressure on changing perceptions of the obesity market's potential growth. This comes both as a product of the Cagrisema data release, showing diabetic patients still did not titrate to highest doses, as well as the longer than expected overhang of compounders in the US which have taken some near-term market share. Whilst the latter likely resolves through the courts, it may weigh on Novo's prescription data in 2025 for longer than anticipated. We believe there is upside from the diabetes franchise, as well as optionality on other diseases, but believe the focus on obesity may hold greater influence on the equity return potential in the near term. The greater uncertainty here has led to a significant reduction in position size within the portfolio. We are mindful shares currently trade on a patent cliff multiple of around 8x end of decade P/E, despite the fact that growth will still likely outstrip other European pharmaceutical players. This suggests a higher risk premium on these shares given an uncertain backdrop for how obesity sales will evolve and indeed how geopolitical tensions may impact pharmaceuticals including Novo's home country of Denmark.

A common theme of top detractors in the month came from the market selling companies with exposure to the US, particularly in regard to consumer businesses such as Richemont and Hermes. Adyen detracted for similar reasons given the payment platform's dependence on consumer spending and shares were dragged by the weakening outlook for the US consumer during the month. This followed strong results during the previous month, with full-year earnings above expectations and forecasts of higher net revenue growth and margin expansion in 2025.

Semiconductor equipment businesses - ASMI and BE Semiconductor - detracted, likely on a combination of the market continuing to digest a set of mixed results in the previous month, as well as suffering from the market continuing to sell off anything related to AI and data centres. While we are disappointed in the near-term results versus expectations, these businesses' tools are used in wide reaching applications - back-end and front-end - outside of the AI theme where a volume recovery has been long in the waiting. Thus far, management expect it to materialise in H2 2025 and both also reported positive order book developments in their respective leading-edge technologies of Gate All Around and Hybrid Bonding. However, this is an area of the market we must keep an eye on with respect to the influence of tariffs, especially those imposed in APAC markets.

Journals and analytics company RELX, one of the Company's more defensive positions, was the top contributor. Shares were able to hold up better than the market, doing what we would hope to protect relative returns.

Not owning a number of the largest reference index underperformers - UBS, Kering, Infineon - also contributed to active returns.

Outlook

While near-term uncertainty has increased, we continue to see a resilient bottom-up picture of both consumers and corporates. In our home market, Europe is going through a renaissance moment, introducing potential for change with lasting impact to corporate earnings. We are focused on analysing change as it relates to positioning the portfolio for the duration earnings-streams we see likely to be supported for years and decades to come. We believe with some of the significant changes going on in the market - fiscal policy change, potential for a Ukraine ceasefire and earnings cycles turning - that the European equity rally can continue, although given the geopolitical backdrop this is unlikely to be a straight path. We would expect the shape of market drivers to change in time, with earnings becoming a larger determinant of returns as the narrow areas that have been bid up run out of steam.

Historically, Europe has been home to many world-class franchises that earn profits globally, including from the US and China. This remains true, but now there is a stronger domestic earnings contribution driven by an improved outlook for the continent.

There is potential recovery within rate-sensitive sectors such as construction, as Europe is currently in a rate-cutting cycle. Economic strength in Europe has been evident in the periphery-Spain and Italy, but now there is change in key countries like Germany with a new government forming and releasing fiscal constraints to stimulate the economy.

While the geopolitical landscape is challenging to navigate, especially with US policy keeping investors on their toes, focusing on changing earnings streams can help deliver strong long-term outcomes for investors. Overall, we retain our core exposure to companies with predictable business models, higher than average returns on capital, strong cash flow conversions and opportunities to reinvest that cash flow into future growth projects at high incremental returns.

17 April 2025

ENDS

Latest information is available by typing www.blackrock.com/uk/brge on the internet, "BLRKINDEX" on Reuters, "BLRK" on Bloomberg or "8800" on Topic 3 (ICV terminal). Neither the contents of the Manager's website nor the contents of any website accessible from hyperlinks on the Manager's website (or any other website) is incorporated into, or forms part of, this announcement.
Vero Technologies is proud to announce its participation in Capitol Connections 2025, the Equipment Leasing and Finance Association's (ELFA) premier advocacy event in Washington, D.C., as a continuation of its commitment to industry leadership and policy engagement.

Following its inaugural year as an ELFA member in 2024, Vero is deepening its involvement by sending Co-Founder and CEO John Mizzi and VP of Business Development Jason Bartz to represent their respective ELFA Business Council Steering Committees - Captive and Vendor Finance and Independent Business, respectively - at this year's event on Capitol Hill.

Capitol Connections, hosted annually by ELFA, empowers members to meet directly with lawmakers and key policymakers, advocating for the priorities that shape the equipment finance industry. The 2025 event comes at a critical time, with a new administration and the 119th Congress now in session.

"Our team is passionate about building the future of asset finance-and that means taking an active role in the conversations that shape our industry," said John Mizzi, CEO of Vero Technologies. "We're proud to contribute to ELFA's advocacy efforts and represent both our customers and our peers as we work together to move the industry forward."

Vero's participation in Capitol Connections reflects the company's broader belief in industry collaboration, technology-forward solutions, and responsible innovation. As Vero continues to expand its platform and partner network across wholesale, trade, and equipment finance, its presence in Washington reinforces its position as a forward-thinking leader in the sector.

About Vero Technologies

Vero Technologies is a leading financial technology platform for asset finance, providing end-to-end solutions for wholesale finance, trade finance, equipment finance, and title management. Vero's modular platform enables lenders to streamline loan servicing, risk monitoring, and operational workflows-enhancing efficiency while reducing costs. Learn more at www.vero-technologies.com .

About ELFA

The Equipment Leasing and Finance Association (ELFA) represents financial services companies and manufacturers in the $1 trillion U.S. equipment finance sector. ELFA's over 600 member companies provide essential financing that helps businesses acquire the equipment they need to operate and grow. Learn how equipment finance contributes to businesses' success, U.S. economic growth, manufacturing and jobs at www.elfaonline.org.

Contact: Frank Paleno, frank@vero-technologies.com, +17343550973

SOURCE: Vero Finance Technologies
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Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - April 17, 2025) - East Africa Metals Inc. (TSXV: EAM) ("East Africa" or the "Company") announces voting results from its Annual Meeting of Shareholders held today in Vancouver, BC.

A total of 47,330,789 common shares, representing approximately 21.63% of the Company's issued and outstanding common shares were voted in connection with the meeting. East Africa's shareholders voted overwhelmingly in favor of all items of business, including the election of each director nominee, as follows:

Dr. Jingbin Wang 98.79% in favor Mr. Andrew Lee Smith 99.21% in favor Dr. Antony Harwood 98.78% in favor Mr. David Parsons 99.46% in favor Mr. Zhen Liao 98.46% in favor

East Africa's shareholders voted 99.80% in favor to appoint Baker Tilly WM LLP as auditor of the Company as auditors.

Additional information about East Africa can be viewed at the Company's website at www.eastafricametals.com or at www.sedarplus.ca.

About East Africa Metals

The Company's principal assets include a 30% Net Profits Interest in the Mato Bula and Da Tambuk mines (collectively "Adyabo Property") and a 70% project interest in the Harvest polymetallic VMS Exploration Project in the Tigray Region of Ethiopia. In addition, the Company has a 30% Net Streaming Interest in the Magambazi Mine in the Tanga Region of Tanzania.

EAM has invested US$66.8M in African exploration since 2005 and identified a total of 2.8 million ounces of gold and gold-equivalent resources representing an average discovery cost per ounce of US$24.

More information on the Company can be viewed at the Company's website: www.eastafricametals.com.

On behalf of the Board of Directors:

Andrew Lee Smith, CEO, P.Geo., ICD.D

Cautionary Statement Regarding Forward-Looking Information

This news release contains "forward-looking information" within the meaning of applicable Canadian securities legislation. Generally, forward-looking information can be identified by the use of forward-looking terminology such as "anticipate", "believe", "plan", "expect", "intend", "estimate", "forecast", "project", "budget", "schedule", "may", "will", "could", "might", "should", "indicate" or variations of such words or similar words or expressions. Forward-looking information is based on reasonable assumptions that have been made by East Africa as at the date of such information and is subject to known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause the actual results, level of activity, performance or achievements of East Africa to be materially different from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking information, including but not limited to: timing of receipt of mining permit; timing of mining development; projected heap leach recoveries; early exploration; the closing of the agreement with the exploration and development company to advance the Magambazi Project or identify any other corporate opportunities for the Company; mineral exploration and development; metal and mineral prices; availability of capital; accuracy of East Africa's projections and estimates, including the initial mineral resource for the Adyabo, Harvest and Magambazi Properties; interest and exchange rates; competition; stock price fluctuations; availability of drilling equipment and access; actual results of current exploration activities; government regulation; political or economic developments; foreign taxation risks; environmental risks; insurance risks; capital expenditures; operating or technical difficulties in connection with development activities; personnel relations; the speculative nature of strategic metal exploration and development including the risks of diminishing quantities of grades of reserves; contests over title to properties; and changes in project parameters as plans continue to be refined, as well as those risk factors set out in in East Africa's management's discussion and analysis for the three months and six months ended June 30, 2023 and for the year ended March 31, 2023, and East Africa's listing application dated July 8, 2013 Mineral Resources are not Mineral Reserves and do not have demonstrated economic viability. The contained gold, copper and silver figures shown are in situ. No assurance can be given that the estimated quantities will be produced. Forward-looking statements are based on assumptions management believes to be reasonable, including but not limited to the timely closing of the financing; the ability of East Africa's operating partner in Tanzania to reactivate the mining operations at Magambazi or the success of East Africa to recover the Magambazi project from the operating partner and engagement of new operating partners; the price of gold, silver, copper and zinc; the demand for gold, silver, copper and zinc; the ability to carry on exploration and development activities; the timely receipt of any required approvals; the ability to obtain qualified personnel, equipment and services in a timely and cost-efficient manner; the ability to operate in a safe, efficient and effective manner; the renewal or extension of exploration Licenses; the regulatory framework regarding environmental matters, and such other assumptions and factors as set out herein. Although East Africa has attempted to identify important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those contained in forward-looking information, there may be other factors that cause results not to be as anticipated, estimated or intended. There can be no assurance that such information will prove to be accurate, as actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such information. The Company does not update or revise forward-looking information even if new information becomes available unless legislation requires the Company do so. Accordingly, readers should not place undue reliance on forward-looking information contained herein, except in accordance with applicable securities laws.

Neither TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/248955

SOURCE: East Africa Metals, Inc.
Cypher Metaverse Inc. (CSE:CODE) ("Cypher" or the "Company") today announces that the filing of its audited annual financial statements, management's discussion and analysis and related CEO and CFO certifications for the financial year ended December 31, 2024 (the "Required Filings"), will be delayed beyond the filing deadline of April 30, 2025, and as a result will be in default of its obligations under Part 4 of National Instrument 51-102 Continuous Disclosure Obligations. The delay in the completion of the Required Filings is as a result of a change in the auditor of Cypher. Cypher's former auditor, PKF Antares Professional Corporation, has provided notice that they would be resigning as auditor of the Company. As a result, Cypher is working expeditiously to engage a replacement auditor of the Company and, as a result, has delayed filing of the Required Filings to ensure its new auditor can finalize their audit review once appointed.

The Company has made an application to the British Columbia Securities Commission (the "BCSC") for a management cease trade order (the "MCTO"), which would restrict all trading in securities of the Company, whether direct or indirect, by management of the Company. The MCTO does not generally affect the ability of shareholders who are not insiders of the Company to trade their securities. There is no certainty that the MCTO will be granted.

The Company is working expeditiously to replace its auditor and to complete the audit of its 2024 annual financial statements as soon as possible. Cypher plans to remedy the default and file the Required Filings as soon as it is able to do so and expects such filing to occur on or prior to June 30, 2025. The Company also intends to satisfy the provisions of the alternate information guidelines of Section 10 of National Policy 12-203 Management Cease Trade Orders as long as it is in default of the filing requirements.

The Company confirms that there are no insolvency proceedings against it as of the date of this press release. The Company also confirms that there is no other material information concerning the affairs of the Company that has not been generally disclosed as of the date of this press release.

About Cypher Metaverse Inc.

Cypher focuses on identifying and investing in early-stage opportunities across the digital landscape, participating in blockchain projects, including proof of work mining, proof of stake cryptocurrencies, and decentralized finance. The Company engages in digital experiences, collectively referred to as "the Metaverse" which include non-fungible token-based gaming experiences.

The Company leverages its strategic relationships to drive innovation and growth, creating new possibilities and opportunities. Further information about Cypher can be found on the Company's website at www.cypher-meta.com, along with its SEDAR+ profile accessible at www.sedarplus.ca.

Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Information

This news release contains forward-looking information and forward-looking statements (collectively, "forward-looking information"). Such forward-looking information is provided to inform the Company's shareholders and potential investors about management's current expectations and plans relating to the future. Readers are cautioned that reliance on such information may not be appropriate for other purposes. Any such forward-looking information may be identified by words such as "anticipate", "proposed", "estimates", "would", "expects", "intends", "plans", "may", "will", and similar expressions, although not all forward-looking information contain these identifying words.

More particularly and without limitation, the forward-looking information in this news release includes (i) expectations regarding the Company's business plans and operations; (ii) expectations concerning the MCTO; and (iii) expectations regarding the timing of filing the Required Filings. Forward-looking information is based on a number of factors and assumptions that have been used to develop such information, but which may prove to be incorrect. Although the Company believes that the expectations reflected in such forward-looking information are reasonable, undue reliance should not be placed on forward-looking information because the Company can give no assurance that such expectations will prove to be correct. The forward-looking information in this news release reflects the Company's current expectations, assumptions and/or beliefs based on information currently available to the Company.

Whether actual results, performance, or achievements will conform to Cypher's expectations and predictions is subject to a number of known and unknown risks and uncertainties, which could cause actual results and experience to differ materially from Cypher's expectations. Such material risks and uncertainties include: (i) risks and uncertainties associated with the digital currency industry and decentralized finance; (ii) political, economic, regulatory and other uncertainties in respect of digital currencies; and (iii) consumer sentiment towards blockchain technology generally, decrease in the price of other cryptocurrencies.

Any forward-looking information speaks only as of the date on which it is made and, except as may be required by applicable securities laws, the Company disclaims any intent or obligation to update any forward-looking information, whether as a result of new information, future events or results or expressly qualified by this cautionary statement.

Contact Information

For further information, please contact:

George Tsafalas | President & CEO 1 (778) 373-8578 info@cypher-meta.com www.cypher-meta.com

Neither the Canadian Securities Exchange nor its Market Regulator (as that term is defined in the policies of the Canadian Securities Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy of this release.

SOURCE: Cypher Metaverse Inc.
The Businessabc AI Global Summit 2025, is taking place on June 26-27, 2025, at the Royal Kensington Town Hall in London, enabling growth and trust in AI.

Businessabc AI Global Summit London is a unique knowledge transfer and networking event for international exchange at this imperative time.

Showcasing keynote presentations from AI agents representing Leonardo da Vinci and Ada Lovelace, alongside over 50 expert speakers, the event brings together government officials, AI pioneers, and leading CEOs.

The event is anticipated to bring an audience of over 800 global leaders alongside a digital reach exceeding 20 million impressions across social platforms.

Key highlights include the Businessabc Global AI University Startup Competition, involving over 100k students from around the world and 300 universities.

Keynotes include Ben Goertzel, leading global AI personality who coined the term AGI in 2003, co-created Sophia the Robot, and Founder and CEO SingularityNet.

LONDON, April 17, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- The Businessabc AI Global Summit London 2025, powered by visionary entrepreneur Dinis Guarda and the global AI business directory and marketplace Businessabc.net (part of the ztudium / techabc group), will take place on June 26-27, 2025, at the historic Royal Kensington Town Hall, London .

The Businessabc AI Global Summit will unite over 50 global keynote and panel speakers and an international network of 300+ universities for a bold, forward-thinking dialogue around the next frontier of Artificial Intelligence: business AI growth empowerment,continuous education, ethical governance, human-centric design, innovation, and sustainable transformation.

"AI is not just a technology - it is the new DNA and the nervous system of our societies, businesses, universities and governments. We urgently need a Magna Carta for AI - where innovation is grounded in ethics, creativity, and collective responsibility. The Businessabc AI Global Summit is our call to action for building an inclusive, collaborative, and human-centric AI future", says Dinis Guarda, Founder, Businessabc.net and the host of Businessabc AI Global Summit 2025.

Supported by Baroness Sandip Verma , a former UK Minister for Energy and Climate Change, and International Development, the Summit presents a rare opportunity to shape the global AI agenda through high-level collaborations between governments, corporations, academia, and civil society.

"We are at a critical historical moment in history where AI can either deepen divides or become a bridge for inclusive progress. This summit will enable us to explore how technology can help unite voices across governments, industries and institutions to serve the greater good of humanity and the world order." says Baroness Sandip Verma.

The summit invites ministerial delegations and government leaders, AI companies and startups, universities, think tanks, research labs, sponsors, and media partners to discuss:

Urgency of AI Bridges for Society

Mobilising academia, industry, and policymakers to collaborate on urgent priorities for AI in global development. AI Age - Sectors of Transformation

Exploring the integration of AI in EduTech, Spatial Computing, Finance, Smart(er) Cities, ESG, Blockchain, and Sustainability. The Human-AI Innovation Magna Carta

Drafting new frameworks for ethics, creativity, inclusion, IP, and policy in the age of intelligent machines. Reimagining the Future - Human-Centric AI & AGI

Defining how nations and institutions must support continuous reskilling, inclusive design, and ethical deployment of emerging Artificial General Intelligence (AGI). Businessabc AI Global Summit 2025 will officially launch a Global AI Competition for Universities, in collaboration withHackIndia / Hack2kill - India's largest Web3 and AI hackathon platform. With a community of over 100,000+ students from 300 universities across 100 Global cities

Leo.ai - Leonardo da Vinci AI Agent

Ada.ai - Ada Lovelace AI Agent

Ben Goertzel - Computer Scientist AI Personality who coined the term AGI in 2003 and co-created Sophia the Robot, Founder and CEO, SingularityNet

Computer Scientist AI Personality who coined the term AGI in 2003 and co-created Sophia the Robot, Baroness Sandip Verma - Former UK Minister & Summit Co-Curator

- Former UK Minister & Summit Co-Curator Senior Executives from Major Global AI Tech Companies

Rupert Hofmann - Audi Global Business Innovation GmbH, Founder Foresight Academy

- Global Business Innovation GmbH, Founder Foresight Academy Government and Ministers of Science, Technology & Innovation from multiple countries

of Science, Technology & Innovation from multiple countries Nick Rosa - Technology Innovation Lead, Accenture

- Technology Innovation Lead, Dr. Rais Hussin - CEO, MRANTI Malaysia

- CEO, Malaysia Ghislaine Boddington - Founder and Creative Director, body>data>space, Prof University of Greenwich, BBC presenter/podcast host Me and my digital twin | Stemettes

- Founder and Creative Director, body>data>space, Prof University of Greenwich, BBC presenter/podcast host | Stemettes Leading AI researchers and academics from Oxford , UCL , Imperial , MIT-WPU , Berkeley , UCLA , and institutions from the EU, Africa, Asia, and MENA regions

VIP Networking & Closed-Door Policy Roundtables

Innovation Showcases & Global Deal Flow Opportunities

Broadcast Coverage Across Businessabc.net, Elaph.com, Citiesabc.com (50M+ monthly media reach)

(50M+ monthly media reach) Featured segments on The Dinis Guarda YouTube Podcast Show (with 100M+ global views)

Featured speakers at Businessabc AI Global Summit include:Attendees and partners will benefit from:

With 830 C-level attendees per day and a digital broadcast reaching over 10 million viewers, Businessabc AI Global Summit offers a platform to:

Influence AI policy and international cooperation

Position governmental and corporate leaders on the global stage

Forge multilateral partnerships between institutions and industry

Spotlight national AI strategies and evolve international thought leadership

As we navigate an era of unprecedented technological transformation, the Businessabc AI Global Summit London 2025 will bring together leading minds from top organisations, universities, and governments. This Summit is a unique event that aims to highlight the challenges and opportunities in AI, sustainability, and innovation with a human centric future approach.

Businessabc AI Global Summit London 2025 website https://aisummit.businessabc.net/

Get tickets to the event on Eventbrite https://BusinessabcAIGlobalSummit.eventbrite.co.uk

About the organiser platform Businessabc.net

Businessabc.net is a global AI business directory, community that offers education, certifications, resources, and a marketplace for businesses and professionals. List your organisation on businessabc.net marketplace with an AI verified Business Profile. Turn people who find you in our AI index into new customers. The platform was highlighted by governments such as the UK, and provides an ecosystem of businesses, global corporations, entrepreneurs, international chambers of commerce, incubators, foundations, and governments.

About the company producer Ztudium

Ztudium is an EU artificial intelligence (AI), tech research, creator organisation headquartered in London, UK, EU. It aims to develop "human centric" artificial general intelligence (AGI), spatial AI, digital twins / robotics, consumer services, economically digitally enabled PaaS / SaaS business tools and innovation. Ztudium is listed as a top 50 thought leadership companies in AI and Digital Transformation by Thinkers360.com. Ztudium is known for creating the Businessabc.net, wisdomia.ai , sportsabc.org , citiesabc.com , AI.DNA, Leonardo da Vinci AI Agent, intelligenthq.com among others. Its release of Leonardo da Vinci AI Agent was highlighted in BBC. Ztudium is member of the European AI Alliance and UN Global Compact, and collaborates with multiple governments, organisations, and leading educational and business networks.

Media Contact



Pallavi Singal

VP Content and Communications

pallavi.singal@ztudium.com

(+91) 9717111375

View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/businessabc-ai-global-summit-london-attracts-50-global-speakers-and-governments-reaches-1-million-students-from-200-universities-and-discusses-growth--trust-in-ai-302431982.html
Toronto, Ontario--(Newsfile Corp. - April 17, 2025) - Pascal St-Jean, President and Chief Executive Officer, 3iQ (Company), and his team joined Graham MacKenzie, Managing Director, Exchange Traded Products, Toronto Stock Exchange (TSX), to close the market to celebrate the Company's new listing of 3iQ Solana Staking ETF (TSX: SOLQ).





Cannot view this video? Visit:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8bKQqUoEeIQ

3iQ, founded in 2012, is one of the world's leading alternative digital asset managers, driving innovation with institutional-grade solutions that bring digital assets closer to mainstream and institutional investors. Building on its track record of industry firsts, including the launch of the 3iQ Bitcoin Fund (TSX: QBTC/QBTC.U), has the 3iQ Bitcoin ETF (TSX: BTCQ/BTCQ.U), and North America's first Staked Etherium ETF (TSX: ETHQ/ETHQ.U), 3iQ is focused on expanding opportunities for investors to get diversified digital asset exposure.

In addition to its pioneering ETF offerings, 3iQ also provides hedge-fund-style, risk-managed strategies for institutional investors. In 2024, Monex Group, a prominent Japanese financial institution, acquired a majority stake in 3iQ.

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/248979

SOURCE: Toronto Stock Exchange
Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - April 17, 2025) - CleanTech Vanadium Mining Corp. (TSXV: CTV) (OTCQB: CTVFF) ("CleanTech" or the "Company") is pleased to announce that it has identified multiple occurrences of antimony in select drill core from the El Triunfo gold and antimony project (the "Triunfo Project") located 75 km east of La Paz city, Bolivia.

While conducting due diligence on the Triunfo Project drillhole database, the Company observed several intervals of antimony mineralization from nine inspected diamond-drill-holes recently drilled in 2020 and 2022. The assays of the drill holes are tabulated below. All nine drill holes contained several intersections of antimony grading higher than 0.1%. Hole TR010 contained 1.2-meter intersection grading over 1% antimony.



Significant Drilling Program Intervals at the Triunfo Project Hole ID From To Width True Width Au Ag Sb (m) (m) (m) (m) (g/t) (g/t) (%) TR004 70.00 71.00 1.00 0.77 0.01 1.25 0.15 TR004 71.00 72.00 1.00 0.77 0.37 7.76 0.12 TR004 72.00 73.00 1.00 0.77 1.51 2.67 0.01 TR004 73.00 74.00 1.00 0.77 0.41 4.59 0.39 TR004 101.90 102.50 0.60 0.46 0.13 11.85 0.09 TR004 102.50 103.50 1.00 0.77 0.03 0.80 0.01 TR004 123.50 124.50 1.00 0.77 0.00 1.48 0.02 TR004 131.50 132.50 1.00 0.77 0.01 2.99 0.01















TR005 58.00 59.00 1.00 0.94 0.00 0.38 0.04 TR005 61.00 62.00 1.00 0.94 0.40 8.00 0.03 TR005 62.00 63.00 1.00 0.94 0.04 3.53 0.84 TR005 63.00 64.00 1.00 0.94 0.00 0.61 0.15 TR005 64.00 66.00 2.00 1.88 0.01 0.14 0.02















TR006 94.50 95.00 0.50 0.47 1.63 >100 0.01 TR006 190.50 191.30 0.80 0.75 0.20 76.20 0.01















TR008 46.00 47.00 1.00 0.94 0.36 79.30 0.01 TR008 47.00 47.75 0.75 0.94 5.13 >100 0.02 TR008 72.00 73.00 1.00 0.94 0.02 88.90 0.03 TR008 75.00 76.00 1.00 0.94 0.06 54.30 0.02 TR008 77.00 78.00 1.00 0.94 0.02 3.41 0.07 TR008 78.00 79.00 1.00 0.94 0.02 20.00 0.10 TR008 79.00 80.00 1.00 0.94 0.01 3.22 0.04 TR008 81.00 82.00 1.00 0.94 0.01 1.90 0.01 TR008 82.00 83.00 1.00 0.94 0.04 11.15 0.10 TR008 83.00 84.00 1.00 0.94 0.08 18.20 0.04 TR008 247.50 248.50 1.00 0.94 1.87 63.50 0.02















TR009 154.00 155.00 1.00 0.91 0.11 >100 0.04 TR009 155.00 156.00 1.00 0.91 0.03 >100 0.02 TR009 169.00 170.00 1.00 0.91 0.24 >100 0.02 TR009 173.00 174.00 1.00 0.91 0.11 >100 0.01 TR009 174.00 175.00 1.00 0.91 0.27 88.20 0.02 TR009 175.00 176.00 1.00 0.91 1.92 32.50 0.02 TR009 206.00 207.00 1.00 0.91 0.02 8.11 0.02 TR009 226.00 227.00 1.00 0.91 0.02 3.33 0.01















TR010 31.00 33.00 2.00 1.73 0.01 3.45 0.14 TR010 37.00 39.00 2.00 1.73 0.00 1.23 0.04 TR010 39.00 39.60 0.60 0.52 0.01 4.41 0.31 TR010 39.60 40.80 1.20 1.04 0.30 61.40 >1 TR010 40.80 42.00 1.20 1.04 0.00 1.10 0.03 TR010 42.00 44.00 2.00 1.73 0.00 1.09 0.03 TR010 44.00 46.00 2.00 1.73 0.00 2.31 0.14 TR010 46.00 48.00 2.00 1.73 0.00 1.50 0.05 TR010 117.00 118.00 1.00 0.87 0.00 0.79 0.01 TR010 149.00 150.00 1.00 0.87 0.34 4.42 0.05 TR010 239.00 240.00 1.00 0.87 0.02 5.22 0.01















TR011 199.00 200.00 1.00 0.87 0.09 >100 0.01 TR011 218.00 219.00 1.00 0.87 0.13 75.00 0.01 TR011 229.00 230.00 1.00 0.87 0.02 99.70 0.10 TR011 247.00 248.00 1.00 0.87 0.01 5.71 0.01















TR012 260.00 261.00 1.00 0.71 0.05 7.14 0.08















TR013 77.00 78.00 1.00 0.71 0.16 92.80 0.01 TR013 85.20 86.00 0.80 0.57 0.00 67.60 0.01 TR013 86.00 86.60 0.60 0.42 0.02 49.40 0.14 TR013 86.60 88.00 1.40 0.99 0.00 5.22 0.02 TR013 88.00 89.00 1.00 0.71 0.46 6.30 0.31 TR013 89.00 90.00 1.00 0.71 0.01 6.12 0.29 TR013 90.00 91.00 1.00 0.71 0.01 1.97 0.15 TR013 93.00 94.00 1.00 0.71 0.02 6.58 0.11 TR013 254.00 255.00 1.00 0.71 0.03 15.05 0.04 TR013 260.00 261.00 1.00 0.71 0.01 15.60 0.01 TR013 265.00 267.00 2.00 1.41 0.00 8.13 0.02 TR013 286.00 287.10 1.10 0.78 0.21 7.89 0.01 TR013 287.70 288.45 0.75 0.53 0.20 18.85 0.02 TR013 288.45 289.00 0.55 0.39 0.01 9.33 0.05 TR013 289.00 290.00 1.00 0.71 0.02 8.61 0.04

The Company is highly encouraged by the antimony results and will continue to evaluate this potential by reviewing and assaying prior historic drill core. The Company is optimistic about exploring Triunfo Project's potential to meet the increasing demand in critical sectors like energy storage, military and industrial alloy manufacturing.

Antimony price has reached over US$40,000 per ton in 2025 representing over a 250% increase since January 2024 according to S&P Global[1]. This surge follows China's announcement on January 1, 2025, restricting antimony exports to the United States as part of broader controls on critical minerals, including antimony, gallium, and germanium.

Antimony is a crucial material in flame retardants, lead-acid batteries, ammunition, and various metal alloys critical for industrial and defense applications.

According to the U.S. Geological Survey[2], global annual antimony production was approximately 83,000 metric tons in 2023. China currently dominates global antimony supply, accounting for around 50% of total production and most of the world's exports. The United States currently has no domestic antimony production and relies entirely on imports to meet its antimony requirements. Bolivia produces approximately 3,000 metric tons of antimony annually, accounting for about 3.6% of global supply according to USGS.

About the El Triunfo Project:

CleanTech entered into an Option Assignment Agreement with Silver Elephant Mining Corp. ("Silver Elephant") on April 8, 2025 pursuant to which Silver Elephant proposes to assign its rights to an option agreement dated July 10, 2020 (the "Triunfo Option Agreement") to acquire 100% of the equity interests in the capital of Mururata S.R.L. a commercial society existing pursuant to the laws of Bolivia, which owns certain Bolivian mining rights that comprise the El Triunfo Project to CleanTech in consideration for the payment of CAD 155,000 in cash (the "Transaction").

Closing of the Transaction is subject to the satisfaction of certain conditions precedent thereto including, without limitation, satisfactory completion of due diligence in respect of the Triunfo Project by CleanTech, the receipt of the requisite regulatory and stock exchange approvals by each of Silver Elephant and CleanTech, and the execution of an amendment to the Triunfo Option Agreement in form and substance acceptable to CleanTech. CleanTech paid Silver Elephant a refundable deposit in the amount of $155,000 which deposit shall be repaid in the event the Transaction is not completed by December 31, 2025 or if the Triunfo Option Assignment Agreement is otherwise terminated.

Triunfo Project drilling results (drilling conducted by Silver Elephant):

Triunfo Project 2020 Drill Program Significant Gold Intervals Hole ID From To Width True Width Au Ag Zn Pb (m) (m) (m) (m) (g/t) (g/t) (%) (%) TR004 14.00 15.00 1.00 0.77 0.24 18.85 0.21 0.65 17.00 18.00 1.00 0.77 0.74 2.21 0.03 0.04 71.00 74.00 3.00 2.30 1.11 5.01 0.00 0.00 TR005 61.00 62.00 1.00 0.94 0.59 8.00 0.00 0.01 122.00 124.00 2.00 1.88 0.50 2.29 0.01 0.02 TR006 5.00 6.00 1.00 0.94 0.73 3.19 0.10 0.13 20.00 21.00 1.00 0.94 0.15 11.10 0.35 0.29 40.00 76.00 36.00 33.83 0.49 15.46 0.54 0.44 including 58.00 72.00 14.00 13.15 0.48 20.23 0.76 0.66 TR006 94.50 101.50 7.00 6.58 0.56 23.21 0.82 0.56 106.50 107.40 0.80 0.75 0.32 12.70 0.25 0.01 120.00 121.00 1.00 0.94 0.07 15.90 0.50 0.67 142.80 143.30 0.50 0.47 0.60 0.43 0.00 0.00 190.00 191.30 1.30 1.22 0.72 89.58 2.07 0.16 TR007 13.00 111.90 98.90 85.65 0.37 22.71 0.74 0.58 including 63.00 111.90 48.90 42.35 0.42 35.49 1.17 0.83 TR007 118.50 119.50 1.00 0.87 0.03 4.55 0.17 0.53 121.50 122.50 1.00 0.87 0.30 3.69 0.07 0.46 125.50 126.30 0.80 0.69 0.56 3.18 0.09 0.03 179.00 181.00 2.00 1.73 1.05 1.38 0.01 0.01 185.60 186.20 0.60 0.52 0.44 5.69 0.02 0.01 196.00 197.00 1.00 0.87 0.74 1.46 0.00 0.00 TR008 6.80 84.00 77.30 72.63 0.31 17.65 0.57 0.53 including 45.00 51.40 6.40 6.01 1.60 56.49 1.66 0.94 TR008 138.10 139.10 1.00 0.94 0.71 0.90 0.01 0.00 149.00 151.00 2.00 1.88 0.10 22.73 0.78 0.03 156.00 157.00 1.00 0.94 0.74 1.33 0.02 0.01 183.00 183.60 0.60 0.56 1.65 2.62 0.02 0.01 231.60 232.60 1.00 0.94 0.41 4.50 0.00 0.00 247.50 250.00 2.50 2.35 1.64 35.99 0.00 0.00 257.00 258.00 1.00 0.94 0.78 2.15 0.00 0.00

Triunfo Project 2022 Drill Program Significant Gold Intervals Hole ID From To Width True Width Au Ag Pb Zn (m) (m) (m) (m) (g/t) (g/t) (%) (%) TR009 3.00 250.00 247.00 223.86 0.20 8.10 0.17 0.14 incl 46.00 47.00 1.00 0.91 0.40 1.70 0.01 0.00 and 109.00 115.00 6.00 5.44 0.50 1.90 0.02 0.00 and 137.00 138.00 1.00 0.91 0.40 18.30 0.70 0.14 and 154.00 156.00 2.00 1.81 0.20 211.00 0.84 0.24 and 164.00 178.00 14.00 12.69 0.80 65.00 1.74 1.44 and 193.00 197.00 4.00 3.63 1.20 2.10 0.04 0.01 and 232.00 236.00 4.00 3.63 2.40 12.90 0.19 0.04 TR010 7.00 52.00 45.00 38.97 0.30 8.70 0.58 0.40 incl 24.00 25.00 1.00 0.87 1.80 27.00 0.81 1.25 and 39.60 40.80 1.20 1.04 2.40 61.40 10.80 2.98 TR010 144.00 151.00 7.00 6.06 0.40 2.40 0.00 0.00 TR010 190.00 192.00 2.00 1.73 0.90 4.60 0.05 0.03 TR010 219.00 221.00 2.00 1.73 0.60 5.30 0.01 0.04 TR010 237.00 245.00 8.00 6.93 0.40 4.50 0.04 0.04 incl 241.00 243.00 2.00 1.73 1.10 5.00 0.01 0.01 TR010 290.00 291.00 1.00 0.87 0.30 95.30 1.96 0.20 TR011 2.00 300.10 298.10 258.15 0.06 2.80 0.06 0.05 incl 195.00 242.00 47.00 40.70 0.18 12.90 0.31 0.22 and 197.00 201.00 4.00 3.46 0.34 46.00 1.16 0.78 and 198.00 200.00 2.00 1.73 0.49 80.90 2.04 1.29 and 210.00 214.00 4.00 3.46 0.42 16.60 0.50 0.44 and 218.00 219.00 1.00 0.87 1.39 75.00 1.82 2.35 and 229.00 230.00 1.00 0.87 0.10 99.70 1.41 0.02 TR012 164.00 164.50 0.50 0.35 1.04 61.40 1.87 0.84 and 177.00 179.00 2.00 1.41 0.94 11.40 0.30 0.21 and 184.00 187.50 3.50 2.47 0.32 21.70 0.67 0.28 and 195.00 196.00 1.00 0.71 0.34 44.60 1.15 3.04 and 201.00 203.00 2.00 1.41 1.50 18.80 0.52 0.32 and 234.00 236.00 2.00 1.41 1.54 12.10 0.47 0.76 TR013 64.30 90.00 25.70 18.17 0.32 22.20 0.73 0.48 incl 64.30 65.00 0.70 0.49 0.52 18.50 0.54 0.72 and 75.00 83.00 8.00 5.66 0.76 41.10 1.45 0.98 and 84.00 86.60 2.60 1.84 0.13 70.30 1.72 0.68 and 286.00 290.00 4.00 2.83 0.41 9.40 0.31 0.77

Triunfo Project Drillholes Location HOLE_ID E_UTM N_UTM ELEVATION AZIMUTH DIP TOTAL DEPTH (m) (m) TR004 623424 8169608 4504.0 20.0 -50.0 150.0 TR005 623539 8169656 4518.0 200.0 -70.0 201.0 TR006 623869 8169669 4505.0 180.0 -70.0 201.0 TR007 623752 8169714 4536.0 180.0 -60.0 204.0 TR008 623654 8169712 4575.0 184.0 -70.0 261.4 TR009 623889 8169707 4518.0 205.0 -65.0 250.0 TR010 623519 8169724 4551.0 210.0 -60.0 296.0 TR011 624693 8169502 4560.0 200.0 60.0 300.1 TR012 624825 8169480 4578.0 180.0 45.0 300.0 TR013 625344 8169214 4501.0 190.0 -45.0 329.0





Triunfo Project Drillholes Map

To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit:

https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/8597/248936_59610519d4f4ab67_002full.jpg

Location & Geology

The Triunfo Project lies within Bolivia's Cordillera Real, an area with complex geology including Paleozoic metamorphic and igneous formations. This region has experienced multiple tectonic and orogenic (mountain-building) events, creating fractures and faults that host hydrothermal mineral deposits.

QA/QC

A Quality Assurance and Quality Control (QA/QC) program consistent with industry standards was implemented during the various drilling campaigns. The procedure involved cutting the core in half and sampling one half, with each sample weighing between 6 and 10 kg. All core and other samples were split, bagged, labeled, and shipped directly to the laboratory.

The laboratory used for analysis was ALS Global, with sample preparation protocol PREP-31, and assays requested for silver (Ag) and 41 elements using the ME-ICP41 method. The remaining 50% of the split sample is securely stored at a dedicated facility. Sample preparation is carried out at the ALS Global laboratory in Oruro, Bolivia, and the analyses are performed at the ALS Global laboratories in Peru or Canada.

Standards and blanks were inserted at regular intervals within each sample batch prior to shipment to the laboratory. These accounted for between 3% and 5% of the analyzed material, depending on the phase of the drilling campaign.

Qualified Person

The technical contents of this news release have been prepared under the supervision of Carlos Zamora,is a member of the American Institute of Professional Geologists (AIPG) and a Certified Professional Geologist (CPG) since 2024. Mr. Zamora is an independent qualified person as defined by National Instrument 43-101.

About CleanTech Vanadium Mining Corp.

CleanTech is an exploration-stage mining company focused on critical mineral resources. The Company owns a 100% interest in the Gibellini Vanadium Mine Project in Nevada, United States and has the right to acquire the El Triunfo gold-antimony project in Bolivia.

Further information on CleanTech can be found at www.cleantechvanadium.com.

Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

FORWARD-LOOKING INFORMATION

This news release contains "forward-looking information" and "forward-looking statements" (collectively, "forward-looking information") within the meaning of applicable securities laws. Forward-looking information is generally identifiable by use of the words "believes," "may," "plans," "will," "anticipates," "intends," "could", "estimates", "expects", "forecasts", "projects" and similar expressions, and the negative of such expressions. Such forward-looking information, which reflects management's expectations regarding CleanTech's future growth, results of operations, performance, business prospects and opportunities, is based on certain factors and assumptions and involves known and unknown risks and uncertainties which may cause the actual results, performance, or achievements to be materially different from future results, performance, or achievements expressed or implied by such forward-looking information. Forward-looking information in this news releases includes: the forward looking market data relating to antimony,that all conditions precedent to the Transaction will be met and the realization of the anticipated benefits derived therefrom for shareholders of each of CleanTech and perception of (i) the quality and the potential of the El Triunfo Project, (ii) the consideration offered by CleanTech for the El Triunfo Project, and (iii) the potential of CleanTech's businesses following completion of the Transaction. Forward-looking statements are based on the opinions and estimates of management of CleanTech at the date the statements are made and are based on a number of assumptions and subject to a variety of risks and uncertainties and other factors that could cause actual events or results to differ materially from those projected in the forward-looking statements. Many of these assumptions are based on factors and events that are not within the control of CleanTech, there is no assurance they will prove to be correct and are not guarantees of future performance and actual results may differ materially from those in the forward-looking statements.

Forward-looking information involves significant risks and uncertainties, should not be read as a guarantee of future performance, events or results, and may not be indicative of whether such events or results will actually be achieved. A number of risks and other factors could cause actual results to differ materially from expected results discussed in the forward-looking information, including but not limited to: changes in operating plans; ability to secure sufficient financing to advance the Company's project; conditions impacting the Company's ability to mine at the project, such as unfavorable weather conditions, development of a mine plan, maintaining existing permits and receiving any new permits required for the project, and other conditions impacting mining generally; maintaining cordial business relations with strategic partners and contractual counter-parties; meeting regulatory requirements and changes thereto; risks inherent to mineral resource estimation, including uncertainty as to whether mineral resources will be further developed into mineral reserves; political risk in the jurisdictions where the Company's projects are located; commodity price variation; and general market, industry and economic conditions. Additional risk factors are set out in the Company's latest annual and interim management's discussion and analysis and annual information form (AIF), available on SEDAR+ at www.sedarplus.ca.

Forward-looking information is based on reasonable assumptions by management as of the date of this news release, and there can be no assurance that actual results will be consistent with any forward-looking information included herein. Readers are cautioned that all forward- looking statements in this news release are made as of the date of this news release. The Company undertakes no obligation to update or revise any forward-looking information in this news release to reflect circumstances or events that occur after the date of this news release, except as required by applicable securities laws.

[1] https://www.spglobal.com/market-intelligence/en/news-insights/research/china-responds-to-us-restrictions-with-export-ban-on-select-critical-minerals

[2] https://www.usgs.gov/centers/national-minerals-information-center/antimony-statistics-and-information

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/248936

SOURCE: CleanTech Vanadium Mining Corp.
NEXGENRX INC. ("NexgenRx" or the "Company") is pleased to announce that a dividend in the amount of one-half of one cent per share ($0.005) has been declared in respect of all of its outstanding common shares. The dividend will be payable on or before April 30, 2025 to all shareholders of record as at the close of business on April 25, 2025. As of the date of this press release, there are a total of 71,117,132 common shares issued and outstanding. The common shares are listed and posted for trading on the TSX Venture Exchange under the symbol 'NXG'.

About NexgenRx

NexgenRx is Canada's only independent full-service Third-Party Administrator and Technology Solutions Provider, offering proprietary full front-end, eligibility, enrolment, hour bank and mobile access capabilities, together with state-of-the-art claims adjudication and full provider network coverage. These combined capabilities allow NexgenRx to provide Plan Sponsors, sophisticated administration and health benefit technology applications in a cost-effective SaaS (Software as a Service) Model.

NexgenRx is committed to building partnerships with organizations looking to exceed the expectations of their clients and plan members and deliver superior administration and claims processing solutions at a competitive cost. More information on NexgenRx can be found at www.nexgenrx.com.

Caution Regarding Forward-Looking Statements

Except for statements of historical fact, this news release contains certain "forward-looking information" within the meaning of applicable securities law. Forward-looking information is frequently characterized by words such as "plan", "expect", "project", "intend", "believe", "anticipate", "estimate" and other similar words, or statements that certain events or conditions "may" or "will" occur. Although management believes that the expectations reflected in the forward-looking information are reasonable, there can be no assurance that such expectations will prove to be correct. The Company cannot guarantee future results, performance or achievements. Consequently, there is no representation that the actual results achieved will be the same, in whole or in part, as those set out in the forward-looking information.

Forward-looking information is based on the opinions and estimates of management at the date the statements are made and are subject to a variety of risks and uncertainties and other factors that could cause actual events or results to differ materially from those anticipated in the forward-looking information. Some of the risks and other factors that could cause the results to differ materially from those expressed in the forward-looking information include, but are not limited to: uncertainty as to whether the Company's strategies and business plans will yield the expected benefits; availability and cost of capital; the ability to identify and develop and achieve commercial success for existing and new products and technologies; the level of expenditures necessary to maintain and improve the quality of products and services; changes in technology and changes in laws and regulations; continued development and enhancement of the Company's proprietary software technology; cyber security risks and the other risks and uncertainties disclosed in the Company's annual Management's Discussion and Analysis, as filed under the Company's profile on SEDAR at www.sedar.com. Readers are cautioned that this list of risk factors should not be construed as exhaustive.

The forward-looking information contained in this news release is expressly qualified by this cautionary statement. The Company undertakes no duty to update any of the forward-looking information to conform such information to actual results or to changes in the Company's expectations except as otherwise required by applicable securities legislation. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on forward-looking information.

Neither TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of the release.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION PLEASE CONTACT:

Ronald C. Loucks

NexgenRx Inc.

President and CEO

416.695.3393 x801

Kelly Ehler CPA, CA

NexgenRx Inc.

Chief Financial Officer

416-695-3393x803

SOURCE: NexgenRx Inc.
Montreal, Quebec--(Newsfile Corp. - April 17, 2025) - Elixxer Ltd. (TSXV: ELXR) ("Elixxer" or the "Company") announced today that the cease trade orders issued by the Autorite des Marches Financiers ("AMF"), as principal regulator, and the Ontario Securities Commission ("OSC"), collectively, the "Cease Trade Orders" have been revoked.

On May 8, 2023, the AMF and the OSC issued the Failure-to-File Cease Trade Orders against the Elixxer as a result of the Company not filing various continuous disclosure documents. The Company's continuous disclosure filings are now current and may be viewed on SEDAR+ (sedarplus.ca).

The Company received a revocation of the Failure-to-File Cease Trade Orders on April 16, 2025.

About Elixxer Ltd.

Elixxer is a Canadian public company listed on the TSX Venture Exchange (TSXV: ELXR) and the US OTCQB exchange (OTCQB: ELIXF). Elixxer is an investment company with investments in Canada and other countries and is currently looking for new high growth opportunities to invest in. Please visit www.elixxer.ca

For further information please contact:

Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

Notice Regarding Forward Looking Statements

This press release may contain forward-looking statements with respect to Elixxer and its operations, strategy, investments, financial performance and condition. These statements can generally be identified by use of forward-looking words such as "may", "will", "expect", "estimate", "anticipate", "intends", "believe" or "continue" or the negative thereof or similar variations. The actual results and performance of Elixxer could differ materially from those expressed or implied by such statements. Such statements are qualified in their entirety by the inherent risks and uncertainties surrounding future expectations. Some important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from expectations include, among other things, general economic and market factors, competition, government regulation and the factors described under "Risk Factors and Risk Management" in Elixxer's most recent Management's Discussion and Analysis filed on SEDAR+ (www.sedarplus.ca). The cautionary statements qualify all forward-looking statements attributable to Elixxer and persons acting on its behalf. Unless otherwise stated, all forward-looking statements speak only as of the date of this press release, and Elixxer has no obligation to update such statements, except to the extent required by applicable securities laws

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/248915

SOURCE: Elixxer Ltd.
SILVERSTONE, England, April 17, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- The Aston Martin Aramco Formula One Team made a showstopping return to Saudi Arabia ahead of the Kingdom's upcoming Grand Prix. Aston Martin Aramco and title partner Aramco delivered several events aimed to excite and inspire motorsport fans across Saudi Arabia and beyond.

The celebration began with Aston Martin Aramco driver ambassador Jessica Hawkins - who made history a year ago as the first woman to drive a modern ground-effect Formula 1 car - returning to the wheel for the second time. The symbolic journey saw Hawkins take the AMR23 across Saudi Arabia, stopping at a number of locations, including Ithra, Aramco's remarkable cultural home in Dammam, as well as a newly unveiled Aramco premium retail station, and finishing at the iconic Jeddah Corniche Circuit.

Aston Martin Aramco then returned to Aramco headquarters, where driver Fernando Alonso unveiled the Saudi-inspired helmet that he will wear for the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix. The helmet design was a collaboration between Alonso and Sara Turkestani, a talented young artist from the Kingdom, who won a competition to design a special-edition race helmet for Alonso to wear during this weekend's race. Turkestani will enjoy an exclusive behind-the-scenes trackside experience, hosted by Aston Martin Aramco.

Fernando Alonso, Aston Martin Aramco Formula One Team Driver, said: "It's always special to race in Saudi Arabia, particularly because it's the home of Aramco. It was difficult to pick my favourite helmet design, but the dunes and colours of the winning design reminded me of the incredible landscapes I saw when I raced in the Dakar Rally. Aramco's Generation 3 initiative is all about inspiring the next generation, so it feels meaningful to wear a helmet designed by a young artist from the Kingdom. I'm excited to showcase the designer's creativity on track this weekend."

Rania Biltagi, Aramco Global Head of Sponsorships, said: "It's exciting to see this partnership continue to grow, making history in Saudi Arabia once again. Taking our partnership on an iconic journey across the Kingdom reflects a shared ambition to help inspire the next generation across Saudi Arabia and around the world. By fuelling them with inspiration and skills in STEM, we hope to inspire the next female driver and the future engineers who will shape tomorrow's great achievements."

Jessica Hawkins, Aston Martin Aramco Formula One Team Driver Ambassador and Head of F1 Academy, said: "Being behind the wheel of an F1 car is always incredible, so to make history with Aramco ahead of their home race for a second time felt special. Inspiring the next generation into careers in motorsport is at the forefront of what I do with the team, and I'm proud to support Aramco continue this mission as part of their Generation 3 initiative."

Sara Turkestani, helmet design competition winner, said: "The competition gave me the chance to utilize my passion for art and design and showcase Saudi Arabia's rich cultural heritage. The desert theme represents resilience and history combined with a modern style to represent F1. I am grateful for the chance to share my design, and I am so proud to see it on Fernando Alonso's helmet. It's such an honour to know that he will wear it for the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix."

In addition to celebrating the importance of Saudi Arabia to the partnership and the Kingdom's growing passion for and contribution to motorsports, the activity across the week signals a momentous step in the partnership's Generation 3 campaign, which aims to inspire the next generation of STEM leaders.

For B-roll, hero film and VNR please click here.

Media contact: Ella.Seager@astonmartinf1.com

Photo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2667461/Aramco_Aston_Martin_Saudi_Arabia.jpg

Logo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2667460/5273827/2025_AMF1_Team_Logo.jpg

View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/aston-martin-aramco-celebrates-saudi-arabian-grand-prix-302432085.html
Toronto, Ontario--(Newsfile Corp. - April 17, 2025) - IC Group Holdings Inc. (TSXV: ICGH) ("IC Group" or the "Company"), a technology-enabled consumer engagement company that helps Fortune 500 brands simplify and amplify connections with consumers both nationally and internationally, is pleased to announce the promotion of Matan Gamliel, CPA, CA, to Vice President, Finance. Mr. Gamliel has been with IC Group for over six years, recently serving as Director of Finance. A Chartered Professional Accountant with extensive experience in financial accounting, managerial finance, and M&A transactions, Mr. Gamliel has held senior roles across the marketing, insurance, and construction sectors. Before joining IC Group, he worked with Deloitte in their M&A Transaction Services group and held finance roles at Insured Creativity and Rajotte Capital Group.

"Matan has played a critical role in building the financial strength and discipline of IC Group over the past several years," said Duncan McCready, CEO of IC Group. "His promotion to Vice President, Finance reflects the leadership he brings to our team and our confidence in his continued contributions as we scale the business."

In conjunction with his promotion, the Company has granted 75,000 stock options to Mr. Gamliel under the Company's Stock Option Plan. The options have an exercise price of $0.65 per share, expire April 9, 2035, and vest in two equal tranches: 50% on the first anniversary and 50% on the second anniversary of their grant date.

Additionally, the Company has negotiated a debt settlement pursuant to which it has agreed, subject to acceptance by the TSX Venture Exchange (the "TSXV"), to issue 66,666 common shares at a deemed price of $0.75 per share to Mike Svetkoff to settle an aggregate of $50,000 owing to Mr. Svetkoff.

All securities issued under the debt settlement (or upon exercise of the options granted to Mr. Gamliel) are subject to a four-month hold period in accordance with applicable securities laws. The debt settlement with Mr. Svetkoff is subject to the approval of the TSXV.

About IC Group Holdings Inc.

IC Group (TSXV: ICGH) is transforming how brands engage with audiences across live events. It uses digital and social platforms to drive sales, capture valuable first-party data to fuel ongoing marketing initiatives, and build customer loyalty. The Company does this by simplifying and managing the technology, regulatory, data security, and financial risks of engaging with consumer audiences on a global basis. Its solutions span digital engagement, mobile messaging, and specialty insurance for Fortune 500 brands and their agency partners in international jurisdictions.

Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/248990

SOURCE: IC Group Inc.
Cyber Express Wash, an Anchorage, Alaska-based car wash brand, received an investment from FTW Capital.

The amount of the deal was not disclosed.

The company intends to use the funds to support its continued development, hiring, and infrastructure efforts for both local expansion and a scalable operating model.

FinSMEs

17/04/2025
by Lei Wang

In bardo again, I text a friend, meaning Im at the Dallas airport, en route to JFK. I cant remember now who came up with it first, but it fits. Neither of us are even Buddhist, yet we are Buddhist-adjacent, that in-between place. Though purgatories are not just in-between places, but also places in themselves.

In The Global Soul: Jet Lag, Shopping Malls, and the Search for Home, a book by travel writer Pico Iyer on, among other things, the charm of airports, he quotes Geoff Dyer, who quotes the architect Vincenzo Volentieri:

Birds in flight are not between places, they carry their places with them. We never wonder where they live: they are at home in the sky, in flight. Flight is their way of being in the world.

For a homing pigeon, home is a verb. I try to remember this as my flight is delayed, with bardo extended until 2am. The planes keep malfunctioning: two so far, with need for another. Were waiting as fast as we can, I overhear. But bardo is better than dying.

My best friend loved bus rides as a child, because en route from one destination to another, one could do frivolous things, like listen to music or read a book that wasnt necessary for school. It was a little bit like being sick: a time of respite from ordinary demands, as you and your paused ambitions travel to the kingdom of wellness.

During travel, you are off the hook in a way: you have a reasonable excuse for not getting back to people, a kind of natural digital detox. Internet is opt-in, not opt-out. You are already doing something everyone seems to agree is difficult and uncomfortable, and so distractions are socially sanctioned: juicy novels, non-arthouse movies, guilt-free fast food.

An airport is a free pass for ShakeShack, or for those early morning flights, a sweet and savory McGriddle. Of course, there are those who partake of salads and yogurt and honey crisp apples from home even en route, probably the kind of people who use the word partake.

But while traveling, I feel I dont have to pretend to be better than I am. I dont have to resist hundreds of thousands of years of evolution, which is exhausting. Instead of a hundred things to do, there is really only one thing to do, and just by waiting, by existing as a body in a seat, I am already doing it.

Its why people like to be in the wilderness, when the only thing you have to dohopefullyis stay on the trail. Maybe set up a tent, find water, build a fire, all concrete, doable things.

My best friend and I are both very invested in finding more ways of feeling less guilty and more off the hook, because we are guilt-prone, recovering overachievers. We are both writing books that in some ways are about the delusions of success. Because success doesnt have a concrete benchmark, an actual location, its hard to know when youve done it. When youve reached the destination. More of it still doesnt mean its enough; you can always keep going. We are trying to figure out what is enough.

We picked up our best friend lexicon, off the hook, from a New York Times Magazine piece by Merritt Tierce, a fellow recovering overachiever. The essay is actually about the abortion the author didnt have, but as she writes about getting the positive pregnancy test, she quotes this poem by Marge Piercy:

In nightmares she suddenly recalls

a class she signed up for

but forgot to attend.

Now it is too late.

Now it is time for finals:

losers will be shot.

Later in the essay, Tierce describes the best feeling she has ever felt in her life, after she had finally given birth and someone had put a heavy blanket on top of her:

I fell asleep almost immediately after the blanket was placed on top of me, and I felt what I can only describe as a moment of immense, complete, unforeseen pleasure, because I realized I was physically maxed out, could do absolutely nothing more no matter what was asked of me, and this resulted in a relief I have only otherwise experienced under the effects of clinically administered ketamine. This particular relief arises from being able to momentarily let go of guilt and effort because you understand you are incapacitated and therefore off the hook.

Difficult and uncomfortable? Check, check: what overachievers think is the prerequisite for relaxing.

This was definitely not the main point of the article, but this was the point my best friend and I took from it. Youre off the hook now, we say to each other, as ultimate comfort: when one or the other of us is sick, when were in the midst of shuttling from one place to another, when a social event we would have otherwise frittered away our time at is canceled and suddenly we feel weve gotten some bonus life hours to spend however we wish.

But even then, we doubt ourselves: are we really that sick, or do we just want an excuse to lounge? If were not going to that movie, should we be writing instead? If were not mentally and physically maxed out, how can we possibly deserve to rest?

Not that my best friend and I, being artists, are productivity machines, quite the opposite. But unless we really watch ourselves, we are haunted by the thought of what we could be doing, the shame of what we are not. Its hard to let ourselves off the hook.

Its hard now that some flights even offer free Wi-Fi; one has the option of productivity after all! Im glad Im the kind of person who gets dizzy in cars, so I still get to be just a body then.

Travelling, I get to play hooky from life, as bardo is playing hooky from death.

But maybe I am still doing it wrong.

The spiritual teacher Douglas Harding, who traveled extensively into his 80s and seemingly never felt tired said his secret was that he never actually went anywhere. Im not moving through the world, he said. The world is moving through me.

He was the creator of a series of meditation experiments called the Headless Way, and what he meant was that the typical way we think we see the world is a hallucination. We think of ourselves as heads on bodies, moving through the world as these avatars of ourselves. When really, if you think about it, if you actually look, you are really more like a headless video game character.

From your own perspective, moving through the world, you dont see your own head: you see, at most, a giant space in which the world appears, perhaps a smudge in the center of your vision that is your nose. But it is not the size of the nose you are familiar with: no, this nose seemingly begins at the ceiling and ends near the floor. To everyone else, your nose is sticking out from your face, but to you yourself, your nose is huge and sticking out from a void, a void in which the world appears.

If you pay attention to the void, to the space itself instead of the things that are populating the space, it can feel that even as you move, younot you the body, but you who is looking, you who are the spaceare not moving.

What if, indeed, you are still and the world is moving through you?

Try this next time on a walk, or even while driving: pretend, for a moment, that you are not moving. You are only a screen, a transparency, you are completely still, and the whole world is moving through you. (Ive been told not to try this sitting sideways on a subway if you have even a hint of OCD; you might feel unbalanced at the world rushing through you only one way and have to immediately go back the other way.)

It is one thing to see this, and another to live it. But living it is another way of playing hooky. Wherever you go, there you are, the spiritual adage goes. But what if you never go anywhere?
In Kaafir, Dia Mirza a Pakistani woman wrongfully imprisoned in India as a terrorist after she accidentally crosses the border read more

Sonam Nairs Kaafir featuring Dia Mirza has received a new lease of life six years after its digital debut as it underwent another round of editing and re-releasing as a movie.

In Kaafir, Dia a Pakistani woman wrongfully imprisoned in India as a terrorist after she accidentally crosses the border. While her hard-hitting portrayal garnered rave reviews from all corners, the actress recently shared one particular scene that left her emotionally shattered.

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I remember when we shot the rape scene; it was so hard. I was shaking physically after we got done with filming that scene. I remember throwing up. I vomited after we finished rolling that entire sequence. Thats how emotionally and physically demanding those situations were. When you take your entire body into the truth of that moment, you feel it. You feel it in its full extent, Dia told while talking to CNN-News18 Showsha_._

She also shared that playing Kainaaz helped her growth in real life. I think the first and most important thing one needs to feel as an artist is empathy towards the character that youre playing and embodying. So that when you play, youre absolutely true to the story and to everything within it. Playing Kainaaz actually made me a mother much before I became a biological mother. It was because of the kind of intensity and ferocity and love and protectiveness I felt for her while working on the show, she added.

The synopsis of Kaafir reads on IMDb, [Kaafir] follows Kainaaz Akhtar, a Pakistani woman falsely imprisoned as a militant. Journalist Vedant discovers her and her daughter, who was born in prison. Motivated by a strong sense of justice, he embarks on a mission to uncover the truth.
We have seen Hollywood classic like Eternal Sunshine Of The Spotless Mind and in the Hindi content landscape and language, a film like CTRL. These are the movies where social media is also one of the central characters read more

Cast: Babil Khan Rasika Dugal Gandharv Dewan Nimisha Nair

Director: Amit Golani

Language: Hindi

Login and logout are two of the most used terms in todays times. These two words are often used by social media influencers and corporate employees. The white-collar people get gratified by the idea of logging out and social media influencers get excited by the idea of logging in. And Hindi filmmakers are also milking the idea of this obsession.

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Irrfan Khans son Babil stars in his new film called Logout. The title itself is a giveaway of what to expect. Babil plays a social media influencer who is on the brink of amassing10 million followers. His character is more successful and popular than he is in real life, which only makes the narrative more interesting. And going by the trailer, you can expect all hell is going to break loose.

They say the more likes and hits you get, the more gratified you feel. It releases what we call as dopamine. Quick fame and fortune is the need or maybe the greed of the hour. And this film is an attempt to portray the farcical nature of fleeting popularity. And casting Babil seems to be an interesting choice. Heres an actor whose apology video went viral in no time and netizens had all sorts of reactions. It would have been far more interesting though to cast Babil as himself, and introduce the new kid on the block to the new world on the block. Maybe next time!

We have seen Hollywood classic like Eternal Sunshine Of The Spotless Mind and in the Hindi content landscape and language, a film like CTRL. These are the movies where social media is also one of the central characters. But Logout is not a clone, but bears a faint resemblance to the idea. This time, its not the Artificial Intelligence but a human being who begins to play games with our hero. Babil gets the jittery performance nearly right when the shaky camera angle captures his restlessness and horror. He also puts his best foot forward when it comes to jumping into an opposite direction and dynamic of his personality. Writer Biswapati Sarkar and director Amit Golani also lace the film with a sense of unexpected humor.

Sarkar is the man who found tremendous success and popularity with his imitation of news anchor Arnab Goswami. So its expected he would do something bonkers as a writer too. Despite the lack of a fresh idea, you cannot ignore the subtle irony of how something you control ends up controlling you. Fortunately, the makers steer clear of a moralistic ideology that could have derailed an otherwise watchable thriller. Of course, cinema may impact the society, but can never change it. Logout may or may not be talked about. But all the social media influencers out there are definitely not leaving their unhealthy obsession of checking their likes, dislikes and followers every minute. Login will always trump logout.

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Rating: 3 (out of 5 stars)

Logout premieres on Zee5 on April 18
While the actor is gearing up for the release of Netflixs Jewel Thief, as per the latest report, Jaideep was offered the role of Ravanas righteous brother, Vibhishana, in Ranbir Kapoor, Sai Pallavi and Yash starrer Ramayana. read more

Jaideep Ahlawat has become one of the most demanded actors after he delivered path-breaking performances in Gangs of Wasseypur, Commando, Raazi, Jaane Jaan, Maharaj, and the recently released Pataal Lok Season 2.

While the actor is gearing up for the release of Netflixs Jewel Thief, as per the latest report, Jaideep was offered the role of Ravanas righteous brother, Vibhishana, in Ranbir Kapoor, Sai Pallavi and Yash starrer Ramayana.

However, Jaideep had to let go of the opportunity of Nitesh Tiwaris directorial due to prior work commitments and scheduling conflicts.

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Recently Ranbir also spoke about the magnum opus and playing the character of Lord Rama. I am currently working on Ramayana, which is the greatest story around. My childhood friend Namit Malhotra, somebody who is so passionately making this book, has got the best of all the artists, all the creative people, and the crew. It is directed by Nitesh Tiwari," Ranbir said at the Red Sea Film Festival in Jeddah.

Ravi Dubey, who plays the role of Laxman in the magnum opus, recently praised Ranbir Kapoor. Ranbir is incredibly kind, one of the kindest people Ive ever met. He is very warm and welcoming. We were just discussing humility earlier. When someone attains massive success, especially sudden success, they become widely admired and loved. With that comes immense credibility for their performances, along with the freedom to carry themselves in a certain waysomething many actors embrace, he told PinkVilla.

In Nitesh Tiwaris Ramayana, Ranbir Kapoor will be essaying the role of Lord Ram. He will be joined by Sai Pallavi who has been roped in for the role of Goddess Sita. Notably, Sai replaced Alia Bhatt to play Goddess Sita in the film. However, she backed out due to dates-related issues. In what created the most buzz around the cast of the film, KGF star Yash is set to play Ravana in the movie with Sunny Deol also joining the cast to play the role of Hanuman.

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Chinmay Deore is an undergraduate student at Wayne State University and has been studying computer science since August 2021. He is one of four international students from Michigans public universities who have filed a lawsuit against the Donald Trump administration over possible deportation from the US. The lawsuit comes after their student visa status was revoked unlawfully read more

An Indian student is among four students from public universities in Michigan who have filed a lawsuit against the Donald Trump administration over possible deportation from the US.

The lawsuit comes after their student visa status was revoked unlawfully.

The four students, Chinmay Deore from India, Xiangyun Bu and Qiuyi Yang from China, and Yogesh Joshi from Nepal, have filed the case against the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and immigration officials.

ALSO READ | Trump wants to deport Americans to El Salvador: Is that even legal?

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Across the country, international students are turning to US courts to stop immigration authorities from deporting them. This comes after action by the Trump administration to strip thousands of student visa holders of their right to stay in the US.

In this explainer, we explore the details of the lawsuit filed by the four students, what we know about Indian student Chinmay Deore, and how international students are being deported from the country.

Who is Chinmay Deore?

Deore, 21, is an undergraduate student at Wayne State University, where he has been studying computer science since August 2021.

He is originally from India and holds Indian citizenship. His first entry into the United States was in 2004, when he arrived with his family on an H-4 dependent visa.

The family returned to India in 2008 and came back to the US in 2014, once again on H-4 dependent visas.

After finishing high school in Michigan, he joined Wayne State University for his undergraduate studies.

In May 2022, as he was nearing the age limit for H-4 eligibility, he lawfully applied for and was granted a switch to F-1 student status.

He expects to complete his degree and graduate by May 2025. At present, he lives with his immediate family in Canton.

According to the lawsuit, Chinmay has never faced any criminal charges or convictions in the United States. Apart from a speeding ticket and a parking ticket, both of which he paid without delay, he has not been involved in any civil violations, traffic offences, or breaches of immigration rules.

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The lawsuit also said that he has not taken part in any political protests on campus.

ALSO READ: How Trump administration mistakenly deported a man to El Salvador prison

Why have the students filed a lawsuit? What are they saying?

International students across the country have taken legal action after the US government removed them from a system that tracks roughly 1.1 million international visa holders, placing them at risk of deportation.

This system records details such as students addresses, academic progress, and visa compliance. To remain listed, students must follow the rules of their visas, including restrictions on work and staying clear of unlawful behaviour.

Since Donald Trump took office on January 20, over 4,700 students have been removed from this system, known as the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS), Reuters reported, citing the American Immigration Lawyers Association.

The Trump administration has stripped thousands of student visa holders of their right to stay in the US. AP/File Photo

In this case, Deore and three other students have taken the Department of Homeland Security and immigration officials to court, alleging that their removal from SEVIS was done unlawfully and without proper notice or explanation.

Notably, SEVIS is used to keep track of international students and exchange visitors in the US. Once a student is deleted from this system, they lose their legal status and may be forced to leave the country straightaway.

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The case, filed in the US District Court for the Eastern District of Michigan, has been brought by the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) on behalf of the students.

They are asking the court to restore their legal student status. The students say they have not committed any crimes, broken immigration rules, or been involved in political protests on campus.

None of them has been charged with, let alone convicted of, any crime in the US. None has violated any immigration law. Nor have they been active in on-campus protests regarding any political issue. The lawsuit asks the court to reinstate the status of these students so that they will be able to complete their studies and avoid facing the risk of detention and deportation, the complaint reads.

Notably, some students in the past have lost their visas over involvement in campus activism. But now, authorities are reportedly asking international students, including many from India, to leave the country over smaller offences.

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In recent instances, students have claimed they were removed from SEVIS over matters like drink-driving, unsafe lane changes, or speeding. Some immigration lawyers have also said that there have even been cases where students were penalised for something as minor as a social media post.

Court challenges pile up against Trump administration

On Tuesday, judges in at least seven states, including Massachusetts, Montana and Wisconsin, as well as Washington, DC, issued emergency orders preventing immigration officials from taking action against students whose legal status had been revoked by the government.

This is popping up all over the country, US District Judge Patti Saris in Boston said during a hearing held that day.

ALSO READ: What is Americas new self-deportation app for illegal immigrants?

In court documents, the administration stated that students can lose their eligibility to remain in the US if their names appear in criminal background checks.

Donald Trump signs an executive order. Reuters/File Photo

Under existing law, criminal activity refers to cases where student visa holders are convicted of violent crimes that carry possible jail terms of over one year.

However, many of the students now bringing legal action claim their status was cancelled because of background checks that flagged up minor violations or even charges that were dropped.

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This case comes after a recent court decision to pause the deportation of 21-year-old Indian student Krish Lal Isserdasani, whose visa had been cancelled. Krish is due to complete his studies in May.

With inputs from agencies
Elon Musk, Donald Trumps First Buddy, is actively working on building a legion of children, claims American influencer Ashley St Clair. The 26-year-old, who reportedly shares a child with the worlds richest man, has revealed the great lengths he goes to expand his brood, which includes signing non-disclosures, payment plans and soliciting women on X read more

Elon Musk with two of his children ahead of a meeting with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi at Blair House, in Washington. Musk has a total of 14 children -- one of them died as a baby. File image/Reuters

He is Trumps First Buddy, the worlds richest man and the one running the new Department of Government Efficiency (Doge), which has been slashing staff and billions of dollars from the government.

But beyond that, Elon Musk is also a father  a dad to multiple children which he has had with four different women. And now, a report by the Wall Street Journal chronicles the great lengths that Musk takes to expand his lineage. The report is largely dependent on Ashley St Clair, a 26-year-old conservative influencer who gave birth to Musks 13th child in September. She reveals how the worlds richest man uses his influence, wealth, and platform X to recruit women and propose surrogacy as a way to rapidly build a legion of children

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Non-disclosures and leveraging child support

St Clair, who is now in a paternity battle with Musk, in the Wall Street Journal narrates her baby battle with the billionaire and how he tried to convince her about having more of his children. She told the media outlet that once she became pregnant by him, she stayed indoors to avoid the public. At this point of time, St Clair states that Musk instructed his personal manager and business manager, Jared Birchall, to pay her $2 million in expenses.

When she was in hospital last September, giving birth, she was asked by Birchall to leave Musks name off the birth certificate. Soon after she complied with the request, she was pushed to sign documents keeping the father of the baby and details regarding her relationship with Musk secret in return for financial support. The offer was a one-time fee of $15 million for a home and living expenses, plus an additional $100,000 a month until the baby turned 21.

According to the report, he wanted to keep his name away as a way to protect the baby. Thats because he was #2 after Trump for assassination.

She adds that Musk uses money as a way to silence women like her. She states that after she went public with the relationship in February, the support she received from the billionaire reduced to $40,000 a month  and then dropped to $20,000.

Conservative influencer Ashley St Clair shares her son, seven-month-old Romulus, with Elon Musk. Image Courtesy: ashleystclair/Instagram

The American influencer adds that she had been warned by Birchall not to go public and that if women, who had been approached by Musk in the past to have his babies, sought any legal recourse or outside aid would be threatened financially.

St Clairs claims can be backed up by Musks baby drama with his former partner, pop musician Claire Boucher, who goes by the name, Grimes. Musk has three children with her. In early February, she begged Musk for help on X as she claimed that he refused to engage with her privately.

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Recruiting women to mother his children

Musk, a pro-natalist, has often advocated for the importance of having children. Last summer, he wrote on X, It should be considered a national emergency to have kids.

And it seems that Musk is very serious about having more children; he has 14 of them  six in total with his first wife Justine Wilson, but one of them died; three with Boucher; four more with Shivon Zilis, an executive at his brain computer company Neuralink, and one with St Clair.

US President Donald Trump and Tesla CEO Elon Musk, alongside Musks son X  A-Xii on the South Portico of the White House. People close to Musk believe that he has more than 14 children. File image/AFP

However, according to sources close to him, Musk may have many more children. In fact, when Vivian Wilson, one of Musks older children from his first wife, Justine Musk, was asked about her relations with her half-siblings in a Teen Vogue interview, she said, I will say I do not actually know how many siblings I have, if you include half-siblings. Thats just a fun fact. Its really good for two truths and a lie.

To expand his family, Musk is reported to even have sent unsolicited direct messages to women on X, often in right-wing political circles, offering them to have his babies. One such instance is that of crypto influencer Tiffany Fong. The Wall Street Journal reports that Musk, who had started following her on X after the downfall of Sam Bankman-Fried, sent her a direct message asking if she was interested in having his child.

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However, Fong rejected his proposal. But it didnt stop there. Following Fong sharing messages that Musk sent her, he stopped following her on X and this led to a fall in her engagement and her earnings declined.

Musk has also reportedly texted St Clair about a Japanese official asking him to donate sperm to an unnamed woman. No romance or anything, just sperm, the text read. According to St. Clair, Musk followed through on the transaction, suggesting the number of kids Musk has actually fathered is even higher than whats known.

St Clair has also revealed one text between herself and Musk while she was pregnant. Musk suggested, To reach legion-level before the apocalypse, we will need to use surrogates.

It is reported that Musk wanted his children and their mothers to live in a compound in Austin, Texas. Currently, his partner, Shivon Zilis and their four children live there. Image Courtesy: Shivon Zilis/X

Musks pro-baby stance

All of this fits in with Musks support for pro-natalism. He has repeatedly said that he wants smart people to have more children. He has warned that civilisation is going to crumble if people dont start having more children.

In fact, according to the Wall Street Journal, Musk has even spoken of this with Martin Varsavsky, who has founded a large chain of in vitro fertilisation clinics in the US. Without babies theres no future, every problem becomes secondary to the problem of not having people on the planet, said Varsavsky. Elon believes that a country is not the geography, a country is the people.

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In a previous interview with Fox News, Musk said that falling birth rates keep him up at night. Furthermore, at an investment conference in Saudi Arabia last year, he told the audience, I think for most countries, they should view the birthrate as the single biggest problem they need to solve. If you dont make new humans, theres no humanity, and all the policies in the world dont matter.

Notably, while Musk hasnt responded to the Wall Street Journal report directly, he has posted on X, TMZ  WSJ.

With inputs from agencies
A Berlin palliative care doctor is charged with murdering 15 patients between September 2021 and July 2024, allegedly using lethal sedatives and setting fires to cover up his crimes. Prosecutors claim the 40-year-old was motivated by the act of killing and are now seeking a lifelong professional ban read more

The 40-year-old is accused of taking the lives of 12 women and three men between a span of nearly three years, out of a disturbing 'lust' for killing. Image for Representation. Pixabay

In whats being called one of the most disturbing medical crime cases in recent German history, a palliative care doctor has been charged with the murder of 15 of his patients.

The 40-year-old is accused of taking the lives of 12 women and three men between a span of nearly three years, though prosecutors have said they believe that total could rise. They claim the suspect administered a lethal dose of sedatives out of a disturbing lust for killing.

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Investigators say the doctor used a powerful relaxant that paralysed the respiratory muscles, leading to respiratory arrest and death within minutes.

Heres what we know about the case so far.

Killed patients, set apartments on fire

According to the Berlin prosecutors office, the doctor is accused of killing a total of 15 patients under the care of a nursing service between September 2021 and July 2024.

He allegedly gave his patients an anaesthetic induction drug, followed by a muscle relaxant to his patients without medical necessity or their knowledge and consent. The relaxant reportedly paralysed the respiratory muscles, causing the patients, aged between 25 and 94, to stop breathing and die within minutes.

The Berlin prosecutors office says the doctor is accused of killing a total of 15 patients under the care of a nursing service between September 2021 and July 2024. AI-generated imagerepresentative image

But the horror doesnt end there.

Prosecutors claim that on five occasions, the doctor set fire to the victims apartments in an attempt to cover up the murders.

One such case includes the death of an 87-year-old woman in Neukolln, a neighbouring district in Berlin, reports NBC News. He is alleged to have set fire to her apartment on June 11, 2024, but when the fire department arrived, paramedics were able to revive the woman at the scene, the prosecutors office said. She died a short time later at the hospital.

Weeks later, the man is alleged to have killed two people on the same day. On the morning of July 8, 2024, the doctor allegedly murdered a 75-year-old man in his Kreuzberg flat. Just a few hours later, hes believed to have struck againthis time targeting a 76-year-old woman in Neukolln.

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In that second case, the alleged attempt to destroy evidence failed. The fire he tried to set didnt catch. When he noticed this, he reportedly informed a relative of the woman, claiming that he was standing in front of her apartment and that no one had responded to his ringing, they said.

Also read: Indians are bad: How 67-year-old nurse was brutally attacked by patient in US hospital

Doctor motivated by act of killing

The Berlin doctor was initially arrested in August, facing charges of manslaughter in connection with four patient deaths. But as investigations deepened, the scope and severity of the alleged crimes expanded significantly.

By November, prosecutors announced they were treating the deaths as murder and added four more victims to the list.

The accused appears to have had no motive for killing the people other than the act of killing itself, prosecutors said at the time. The suspect had nothing other than a lust for murder, they said.

The Berlin doctor had nothing other than a lust for murder. Prosecutors are not only seeking a lifelong professional ban but have also called for the suspect to be placed in preventive detention, given the nature of the crimes. Image for Representation. Pixabay

The updated charge sheet, now covering 15 suspicious deaths, accuses the doctor of acting with malice aforethought, suggesting these killings were calculated and deliberate.

Prosecutors are not only seeking a lifelong professional ban but have also called for the suspect to be placed in preventive detention, given the nature of the crimes.

To fully understand the scale of his actions, a special investigative team was assembled. They identified a staggering 395 cases that needed to be re-examined. So far, 95 of those have shown initial signs of suspicious activity, prompting preliminary proceedings. Another 75 cases remain under review.

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As part of the investigation, authorities have already carried out 12 exhumations, five of which relate directly to the victims in the charge sheet. Five more are expected to take place in the coming weeks.

Not the first case of its kind in Germany

This case has drawn comparisons to another shocking trial currently unfolding in Germany.

In the western city of Aachen, a nurse is on trial for allegedly killing nine patients in palliative care. Prosecutors say the nurse injected 26 patients with excessive doses of sedatives or painkillers. Nine of them died.

His motive? Prosecutors allege he wanted to lighten his workload during night shifts and viewed himself as the master of life and death.

Germany also remembers the chilling case of Niels Hogel, a former nurse sentenced to life in prison in 2019 for murdering 85 patients. Hogel admitted during his earlier trials that he deliberately induced cardiac arrest in patients because he liked the feeling of resuscitating them.

At the time of his sentencing, he was considered the deadliest serial killer in modern German history. The current case in Berlin now threatens to join those same disturbing ranks.

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With input from agencies
Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni will meet US President Donald Trump during her visit to the United States. The talks are expected to focus on the ongoing tariff dispute between the US and the European Union. Meanwhile, Chinese President Xi Jinping will continue his tour of Southeast Asia with a visit to Cambodia. This comes amid Chinas ongoing trade tensions with the United States over tariffs read more

Giorgia Meloni posing with Donald Trump at his Mar-A-Lago Club. AFP/File Photo

Several important events are expected around the world today.

Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni is set to meet Donald Trump during her visit to the United States. Meanwhile, Chinese President Xi Jinping will continue his trip across Southeast Asia with a stop in Cambodia.

In Moscow, Qatars Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani will meet Russian President Vladimir Putin for talks.

In the United Kingdom, a court hearing is due in the case of Dionne Marie Hanna, who faces five charges of fraud involving three individuals.

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In another courtroom, a resentencing hearing will be held for the Menendez brothers, who were convicted of killing their parents and sentenced to life in prison

Meanwhile, in Bangkok, Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim is expected to meet Myanmars military leader.

Heres a look at the events in detail:

Italys Giorgia Meloni to meet Trump

Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni will visit the White House today for a meeting with US President Donald Trump.

The discussions are expected to centre around the ongoing tariff dispute between the United States and the European Union.

Giorgia Meloni is set to meet Donald Trump today. Reuters/File Photo

Notably, Meloni finds herself balancing her ideological alignment with Trump and her responsibilities to European allies, who have criticised his tariff hikes and his exclusion of the EU from talks with Russia on ending the war in Ukraine.

It is worth noting that the EU paused retaliatory tariffs on steel and aluminium after Trump announced a 90-day suspension of 20% tariffs on the EU.

Meloni was the only European leader to attend Trumps inauguration in January. Earlier this year, she visited him at his Mar-a-Lago estate, where Trump called her a fantastic woman.

Xi Jinping in Cambodia

As part of his ongoing South-East Asia tour, Chinese President Xi Jinping will visit Cambodia today.

His trip to the region aims to strengthen diplomatic and trade ties amid Chinas ongoing trade tensions with the United States.

Chinese President Xi Jinping at a meeting in Hanoi, Vietnam. Reuters/File Photo

Cambodia remains one of Chinas most loyal allies in Southeast Asia, and Beijing has expanded its influence in the country in recent years.

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In May 2024, the Cambodian government honoured Xi by naming a road in Phnom Penh Xi Jinping Boulevard to honour his contributions to the countrys development, China Daily reported.

Qatars Emir to hold meeting with Putin

Qatars Emir, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani, will travel to Moscow today to hold talks with Russian President Vladimir Putin.

The discussions are expected to focus on several regional and international issues, including the situation in Gaza, developments in Syria, and the ongoing Russia-Ukraine conflict.

Economic matters and strengthening cooperation across various sectors will also be on the agenda, according to the state-run TASS agency.

There will definitely be an exchange of views between Putin and the Emir of Qatar on Ukrainian affairs, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said.

Court hearing in Con Mom Dionne Marie Hannas case

A hearing will take place in the case of British woman Dionne Marie Hanna, who has been charged with five counts of fraud involving three victims.

Hanna, 84, is featured in Netflixs documentary Con Mum, which tells the story of how she allegedly deceived her son, Graham Hornigold, a pastry chef from London.

In 2020, she contacted him claiming to be his long-lost mother.

The documentary, released on March 25, shows how she allegedly scammed Hornigold out of hundreds of thousands of dollars.

Court records reveal that one of the charges involves Hanna allegedly telling a man in Singapore, identified as Paiman Bin Supangat, earlier this year that she was from the Brunei royal family.

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According to Singapore police, preliminary investigations suggest that Hanna is believed to have been involved in at least five fraudulent cases, with losses totalling over $200,000.

Resentencing hearing in the Menendez Brothers case

The resentencing hearing for the Menendez brothers will proceed after a Los Angeles judge denied a motion from Los Angeles County District Attorney Nathan Hochman to withdraw their resentencing petition.

The hearing is scheduled for today and tomorrow (April 18).

The Menendez brothers were convicted in 1996 of first-degree murder and sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole for shooting their parents, Jose and Kitty Menendez, at their Beverly Hills home on August 20, 1989.

The Menendez brothers at a court hearing in Beverly Hills, California. AP/File Photo

While the defence argued they acted out of self-defence after years of sexual abuse by their father, prosecutors said the brothers killed their parents for a multimillion-dollar inheritance.

Malaysias Prime Minister to meet Myanmar junta chief

Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim is set to meet Myanmars junta leader in Bangkok today to discuss extending the ceasefire between the military government and rebel groups, aimed at aiding earthquake relief efforts.

As this years chair of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (Asean) group, Anwar stated that the meeting with Senior General Min Aung Hlaing will be held on humanitarian grounds, as Myanmar has had no formal relations with Asean since the military coup.

The country was struck by a powerful earthquake last month, resulting in thousands of deaths and massive destruction.

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Myanmar has been in a state of unrest since the military coup in early 2021, which led to civil war. Both the junta and the rebel groups have declared temporary ceasefires to support quake relief efforts, though accusations of violations have continued from both sides.

With inputs from agencies
On April 17, 1961, the CIA-backed Bay of Pigs invasion aiming to overthrow Fidel Castros Cuba government began. Poor planning, limited support and fierce Cuban resistance led to a swift and humiliating failure for the US, straining Cold War tensions and pushing Cuba closer to the Soviet Union. It remains a cautionary tale in US foreign policy read more

A soldier of the Cuban Armed Forces stands next to US-built armaments captured after some 1,500 anti-Castro allies came ashore at Playa Giron beach during the Bay of Pigs invasion on the south coast of Cuba, in this April 1961 photo. File Image/Reuters

On April 17, history bore witness to three vastly different but deeply consequential events  each shaping the future of a nation in distinct ways.

In 1961, a US-backed attempt to topple Fidel Castros government ended in disaster at Cubas Bay of Pigs.

In 1975, Phnom Penh fell to the Khmer Rouge, marking the beginning of one of the most brutal regimes of the 20th century.

And in 1982, Canada formally assumed full legislative independence from Britain through the Canada Act.

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Bay of Pigs invasion begins (1961)

On April 17, 1961, the United States launched a covert operation that would become one of the most conspicuous failures of Cold War-era foreign policy  the Bay of Pigs invasion.

The operation involved over 1,400 Cuban exiles, trained and armed by the US Central Intelligence Agency (CIA), landing on Cubas southern coast in a bid to overthrow the revolutionary government of Fidel Castro.

The seeds of the operation were sown during US President Dwight D. Eisenhowers administration, with planning and recruitment starting as early as 1960.

The CIA hoped that a swift amphibious assault would trigger a popular uprising against Castro, whose alignment with the Soviet Union had deeply alarmed US officials.

When John F Kennedy took office in January 1961, he inherited the plan and, despite reservations, gave it the green light with some modifications, including reduced air support to limit visible American involvement.

The invasion force landed in the Bay of Pigs (Bahia de Cochinos) in the early hours of April 17. However, the operation quickly unravelled.

The exiles faced fierce resistance from Cuban armed forces, and expected reinforcements or uprisings failed to materialise. A planned series of air strikes to disable the Cuban air force had been partially cancelled by Kennedy, leaving the invaders vulnerable.

Counter-attack by Cuban Revolutionary Armed Forces supported by T-34 tanks near Playa Giron during the Bay of Pigs invasion, 19 April 1961. Image via Wikipedia Commons

Within 72 hours, nearly all of the invading force had been killed or captured. More than 100 were killed in combat, and over 1,100 were taken prisoner.

The US government, despite initial denials, was soon exposed as the operations sponsor. Kennedy was publicly humiliated and the failed mission severely damaged his credibility early in his presidency.

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The international fallout was significant. The botched invasion bolstered Castros standing domestically and internationally, cementing his rule and pushing Cuba further into the Soviet camp.

The fiasco also deepened Cold War tensions, contributing directly to the Cuban Missile Crisis of October 1962. During that crisis, the Soviet Union attempted to place nuclear missiles in Cuba, leading to a near-confrontation with the US that brought the world to the brink of nuclear war.

The captured invaders were eventually released in December 1962, after the US negotiated a deal that involved sending $53 million worth of food and medicine to Cuba.

Despite the resolution, the Bay of Pigs left a lasting legacy of mistrust between the US and Cuba, and became a symbol of Cold War miscalculations.

The failure also reshaped US intelligence and covert action policies. Kennedy, stung by the experience, reportedly told his advisors, I want to splinter the CIA into a thousand pieces and scatter it to the winds, though he never followed through with dismantling the agency.

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In the aftermath, the administration also authorised a series of other clandestine operations against Cuba, including the infamous Operation Mongoose.

Today, the Bay of Pigs invasion stands as a stark example of how flawed intelligence, political hubris and unrealistic expectations can combine to produce disastrous foreign policy outcomes. It remains a cautionary tale studied by military and diplomatic historians alike.

Phnom Penh falls to the Khmer Rouge (1975)

On April 17, 1975, after five years of civil war, the Cambodian capital of Phnom Penh fell to the communist Khmer Rouge.

The group, led by Pol Pot, quickly began implementing a radical vision to transform Cambodia into an agrarian socialist society. The regime emptied cities, shut down schools and hospitals, and abolished money and religion.

Between 1975 and 1979, an estimated 1.7 to 2 million Cambodians  nearly a quarter of the population  died due to execution, starvation, forced labour, and disease.

The atrocities committed during this period are now known as the Cambodian genocide. The Khmer Rouge remained in power until Vietnam invaded Cambodia and overthrew the regime in January 1979.

Canada Act proclaimed (1982)

On April 17, 1982, Queen Elizabeth II signed the Canada Act into law during a public ceremony in Ottawa, formally ending British legislative authority over Canada.

The act, passed by the UK Parliament, allowed Canada to patriate its Constitution, meaning it now had full control over constitutional amendments without requiring British approval.

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The Canada Act included the Constitution Act, 1982, which introduced the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms  a foundational document that protects individual rights and liberties.

While the act was celebrated as a landmark in Canadian sovereignty, it was controversial at the time due to Quebecs refusal to sign the agreement, an issue that still resonates in Canadian politics.
On Day 1 of hearing a batch of petitions challenging the Waqf (Amendment) Act, 2025, the Supreme Court flagged three aspects  waqf by user issue, representation of non-Muslims on the waqf boards and the powers of the collector. The apex courts three-judge bench is now likely to issue an interim order, staying parts of the law read more

People hold placards during a protest by the All India Muslim Personal Law Board (AIMPLB) against the Waqf (Amendment) Bill at Jantar Mantar, in New Delhi. PTI

Over the past few days, the contentious Waqf Act, 2025, has garnered attention across India. On Wednesday (April 16), the matter reached the Supreme Court after a clutch of petitions challenging the law recently passed by the Narendra Modi government.

After a days hearing, the Supreme Court bench headed by Chief Justice of India (CJI) Sanjiv Khanna indicated it is considering staying the operation of certain parts of the law. We do not stay a legislation normally at this stage of the challenge unless in exceptional circumstances. This appears to be an exception, said Chief Justice of India Sanjiv Khanna in an oral observation.

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However, before the bench could pass a written order, the Centre and the states requested more time, prompting the apex court to say that it would hear the case again on April 17 before passing orders.

The hearing into the case will resume at 2 pm before the three-judge bench comprising Chief Justice of India (CJI) Sanjeev Khanna, and Justices Sanjay Kumar and KV Viswanathan.

But what are the three points that the Supreme Court is likely to pass an interim order on? What are the concerns of the court on them? We examine and get you the answers.

Waqf-by-user

While hearing the petitions challenging the Waqf (Amendment) Act, 2025, the Supreme Court has flagged the issue of the Centre doing away with the concept of waqf-by-user.

Waqf-by-user is a legal doctrine that permits properties used for religious or charitable purposes as Waqf to be declared as such, based on usage. In laymans terms, waqf-by-user is when land used for Muslim religious or charitable intentions is considered as waqf even if its not registered as such. As of today, several mosques and graveyards fall into this category.

However, the new law has abolished the concept of waqf by user, which has become a big point of contention for the petitioners. Speaking on the same, senior advocate Abhishek Manu Singhvi, appearing for the petitioners, said that of about eight lakh existing waqfs, roughly four lakhs are perhaps by user and that the newly introduced provision, makes them non-existent by one stroke of the pen.

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AIMIM leader Waris Pathan along with other Muslim community stages a protest against the Waqf (Amendment) Bill after Friday prayers, in Mumbai last Friday. File image/PTI

Kapil Sibal, another advocate for the petitioners, also argued, Who was the state to say I cannot be a waqf-by-user? Many of these waqfs were created hundreds of years ago. Where do you find the records?

Responding to this, the Supreme Court said many mosques were established in the 14th or 15th centuries. To require them to produce a registered deed is impossible. In most cases, say Jama Masjid of Delhi, the waqf will be waqf-by-user. There may be an abuse of waqf-by-user, but there are genuine cases of waqf-by-user, it observed.

How can the Centre rewrite the past going back hundreds of years? If the Centre denotifies waqf-by-user properties, it will create issues, the court added.

However, Solicitor General Tushar Mehta argued that nothing prevented them from going and getting it registered after 1923. It was mandatory. From 1923 when the first Waqf Act came into force, registration of waqf is mandatory, statutorily, mandatorily required. You cannot have an unregistered waqf. Even waqf-by-user cannot be unregistered, which was followed by the waqf act of 1954. Under 1954 Act also, it is mandatory to have your waqf-by-user or any other waqf registered. That was followed by the Waqf Act of 1995. The present Act, where also the registration of waqf is only compulsory., Mehta said.

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Representation of non-Muslims on waqf boards

The issue of non-Muslims in Waqf boards also became a point of contention with the Supreme Court directly questioning Solicitor General Tushar Mehta on it. Moreover, they drew a parallel with the Hindu endowment scenario.

The issue comes as the Waqf (Amendment) Act, 2025 mandates the inclusion of one member each from Bohra and Aghakhani communities in State/UT Waqf Boards. Additionally, the board will have two non-Muslim members, excluding the ex-officio members.

However, during the Supreme Court hearing on Wednesday, senior lawyer Kapil Sibal mentioned Sections 9, 14 in the new law regarding the nomination of non-Muslims in the Central Waqf Council and the state waqf boards. This, according to Sibal, was a direct violation of Article 26.

Petitioner and Congress MP Mohammad Jawed, (centre), interacts with other petitioners after a hearing on his plea challenging the constitutional validity of the Waqf Act, outside the Supreme Court of India, in New Delhi. PTI

On this, the Supreme Court also noted that only eight of 22 members of the Central Waqf Council are Muslim under the new law. So, eight are Muslims here, Justice PV Sanjay Kumar observed. Yes, correct. This is a complete takeover through nomination, Sibal responded.

The court then took it further asking, Will you allow Muslims to be part of Hindu religious trusts?

The Solicitor General then suggested that by the same logic, this bench also cannot hear the case. This prompted outrage from the bench, What! When we sit over here. We lose our religion. For us both sides are the same. How can you compare it with the judges?

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Activists under the banner of Madhya Pradesh Muslim Tyohar Committee hold banners during a protest against the Waqf (Amendment) Act, in Siliguri last Friday. File image/PTI

Powers of the Collector

During the hearing, the Supreme Court also raised concerns about the powers of the collector as mandated in the new law. The new law states in Section 3C that if any question arises as to whether any Waqf property is government property, an officer above the rank of District Collector shall conduct an inquiry and determine whether the property belongs to the government.

The new law further states that until the collector finalises his/her report, the disputed property will lose its character as that of a waqf.

Is this fair, asked the court, adding, The moment the collector starts inquiry and even when he has not decided yet, you say that it cannot be treated as waqf What purpose will be served by this proviso?

The matter will continue today (April 17) in the Supreme Court post 2 pm and most expect that the Bench will deliver interim orders on these three issues.

With inputs from agencies
US District Judge James Boasberg accused the Trump administration of willful disregard for his orders after officials deported nearly 140 Venezuelan men to El Salvador under the Alien Enemies Act, despite a directive to halt the flights. The migrants were sent to CECOT, a maximum-security prison, without due process. Contempt proceedings are now being considered read more

US President Donald Trump speaks during the Commander-in-Chief trophy presentation to the Navy Midshipman football team in the East Room of the White House, April 15, 2025, in Washington, DC, USA. File Image/AP

United States District Judge James Boasberg has threatened to hold Trump administration officials in criminal contempt for allegedly ignoring a court order that barred the deportation of Venezuelan migrants under the Alien Enemies Act of 1798.

The administration had cited the centuries-old law to justify flying hundreds of Venezuelans  many accused of being members of the gang Tren de Aragua  to a high-security prison in El Salvador.

The Court ultimately determines that the Governments actions on that day demonstrate a willful disregard for its Order, sufficient for the Court to conclude that probable cause exists to find the Government in criminal contempt, Boasberg wrote in a detailed 46-page ruling.

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The court does not reach such conclusions lightly or hastily, Boasberg wrote. Indeed, it has given defendants ample opportunity to explain their actions. None of their responses has been satisfactory.

US District Judge James Boasberg of the US District Court for the District of Washington poses in an undated photograph. US District Court for the District of Washington via Reuters

The judges sharp rebuke comes after federal authorities failed to comply with both a verbal and subsequent written order to halt deportation flights, with Boasberg stating the government had deliberately flouted the directive.

In response, the White House has denied any wrongdoing and announced plans to appeal. The President is 100 per cent committed to ensuring that terrorists and criminal illegal migrants are no longer a threat to Americans and their communities across the country, said Trump communications director Steven Cheung.

What is the controversy around the Alien Enemies Act

At the heart of the dispute is the administrations use of the Alien Enemies Act  an 18th-century wartime statute  to justify deportations.

Dozens of Venezuelan men, accused by US officials of gang affiliations, were transferred to El Salvadors notorious CECOT prison.

However, an analysis by CBS News 60 Minutes revealed that 75 per cent of the deportees had no criminal records.

Prisoners look out from their cell at the Terrorist Confinement Center in Tecoluca, El Salvador, April 4, 2025, during a tour by the Costa Rica Justice and Peace minister. File Image/AP

About 22 per cent had records for largely non-violent offences such as theft and trespassing, while only a handful were linked to serious crimes like assault or murder.

The deportations prompted legal challenges, with some migrants seeking to stop their removal. In a March 15 emergency hearing, Boasberg instructed government lawyers that any ongoing deportation flights should be turned around.

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Nevertheless, nearly 140 migrants were transported out of the country.

What happens when court orders are violated?

Under federal law, criminal contempt refers to knowingly defying a lawful court order. In my experience as a lawyer over the last 30 years, even the hint of being held in contempt by a judge is ordinarily enough in order to cause litigants to correct their behaviour, Mitchell Epner, a partner at Kudman Trachten Aloe Posner, told CBS News.

Boasberg has provided the administration a final opportunity to purge its alleged contempt by taking the migrants back into US custody and filing a plan of action within one week.

Failing that, he may demand names of officials responsible for the deportations, hold sworn depositions, or conduct live hearings.

Boasberg also noted he could recommend criminal charges  although the Department of Justice, under Trump, is unlikely to pursue prosecution of its own officials.

If DOJ refuses, Boasberg may exercise a rarely used provision of federal law to appoint a private attorney to prosecute the contempt case.

This route, however, could ignite a constitutional clash between the judicial and executive branches. Actually trying to prosecute a criminal contempt here would be a mess, said Epner. It is literally setting up a constitutional crisis.

Whats next?

Judge Boasberg is not alone. In a separate case, Judge Paula Xinis in Maryland has also raised the prospect of contempt after the administration failed to comply with a Supreme Court mandate to return .

There will be no tolerance for gamesmanship or grandstanding, she said during a hearing.

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Kilmar Abrego Garcia, a Salvadoran migrant who lived in the US legally with a work permit and was erroneously deported to El Salvador, is seen in this handout image obtained by Reuters on April 9, 2025.

Meanwhile, the Supreme Court has already weighed in  overturning Boasbergs initial ruling on procedural grounds. The justices held that deportation challenges must be filed where migrants are detained, which, in this case, was Texas  not Washington.

Still, Boasberg insists that violation of a court order remains actionable, regardless of whether the order was later reversed. It is a foundational legal precept that every judicial order must be obeyed  no matter how erroneous it may be  until a court reverses it.

On the night following Boasbergs latest ruling, attorneys for the Venezuelan migrants moved to expand their case, seeking retroactive relief and requesting that all individuals facing potential deportation under the Alien Enemies Act be granted 30 days notice to contest removal.

Lee Gelernt, the ACLUs lead attorney, supported the judges hard stance. Judge Boasberg is correctly focused on the return of individuals sent to a brutal Salvadoran prison without any process whatsoever, and that also remains our concern, he said.

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With inputs from agencies
US President Donald Trump, this week, increased the tariffs on China to 245 per cent due to its retaliatory actions. Beijing, which has vowed to fight to the finish against America, had earlier levied a 125 per cent tariff on Washington. Now, Chinese firms are saying they are willing to follow Indias rules and regulations as long as they get access to the market read more

Chinese firms are now saying they are willing to follow Indias rules and regulations as long as they get access to the market.

US President Donald Trumps tariffs on China may benefit India.

Trump this week increased the tariffs on China to 245 per cent due to its retaliatory actions.

Beijing, which has vowed to fight to the finish against America, had earlier levied a 125 per cent tariff on Washington.

It has said it is not interested in playing the tariff numbers game against America.

China last week also filed a new complaint with the World Trade Organisation expressing grave concern over US tariffs, accusing Washington of violating the global trade bodys rules.

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But how will Trumps tariffs on China benefit India? Why does China need India?

Lets take a closer look

Will Trumps tariffs on China benefit India?

According to a report in Economic Times, Chinese firms are saying they are willing to follow Indias rules and regulations as long as they get access to the market.

The report quoted people familiar with the matter as saying that firms such as the Shanghai Highly Group and Haier have agreed to terms for a minority stake in joint ventures.

This is a U-turn from their earlier stance when they were unwilling to do so.

The reported quoted sources as saying that Chinese companies want to be able to do business in India in case their access to the US market is cut off.

Shanghai Highly is communicating with the Tata-owned Voltas for a manufacturing joint venture.

The firm, one of the largest compressor manufacturers in China, is now open to a minority stake, people familiar with the matter said.

Shanghai Highly is even open to cooperating when it comes to technology.

The Indian government banned a joint venture between Voltas and Shanghai Highly a couple of years ago.

Shanghai Highly had proposed taking ownership of 60 per cent of the JV.

As per Business Today, Haier, one of the most popular electronics companies in India, has agreed to sell a majority stake in its domestic operations.

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Haier is in communications with several Indian companies and private equity funds.

It is looking to offload a stake of between 51 and 55 per cent.

Haier was previously looking to sell a minority stake of up to 26 per cent.

Companies offering discounts

The Times of India reported that Chinese electronics components manufacturers are also willing to give Indian companies a discount of up to five per cent.

This is a big deal because the entire industry operates on margins of just four to seven per cent.

The Indian manufacturers, in turn, could pass on some of the lower costs to consumers.

Three-fourths of all parts used in electronics products in India come from China.

As per data from by the Commerce Ministry, imports from China increased to a record high of $113.45 billion over the past financial year.

Shanghai Highly is communicating with the Tata-owned Voltas for a manufacturing joint venture. PTI

Component manufacturers in China are under pressure, Kamal Nandi, head of the appliance business at Godrej Enterprises Group, told The Times of India. Prices will be renegotiated as export orders from the US slow down.

Avneet Singh Marwah, chief executive of television contract manufacturer Super Plastronics, said Chinese companies are facing a glut of supply.

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There is panic. US export shipments from China are on hold. Indian companies and Chinese part makers are negotiating to lower prices by up to five per cent, said Marwah. However, since domestic demand in India is not robust, companies may pass some as discounts.

The US in 2024 imported electronics worth $127.06 billion from China.

Experts say there is a sea-change when it comes to India in the attitude of Chinese firms.

There is a complete change in attitude of the Chinese companies, who are now extremely comfortable to own minority ownership in an Indian joint venture or form technical alliance, Rajesh Agarwal, director at Bhagwati Products, a telecom and electronics contract manufacturer, told Economic Times.

Chinese companies dont want to lose business since India is a big market and there is scope for exports under the tariff regime. The icing on the cake is the PLI scheme, which will make production cost neutral as compared to China.

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India could be well-positioned to take advantage of the moment.

Container traffic plunging

The development comes as container traffic from China to the US is plunging.

As per SCMP, cargo bookings for the next few weeks are reported to be down 30-60 per cent in China and 10-20 per cent in the rest of Asia.

The US-China standoff continues to keep container market sentiment poor with US tariff concessions far from sufficient to restore transpacific volumes, Linerlytica said in a note on Tuesday.

All US importers getting cargo from anywhere but China are sure to fast-track volume in the next three months, to get their peak-season goods through customs before the July 9 deadline, Sea-Intelligence said.

India monitoring Chinese dumping

Meanwhile, the government has set up an inter-ministerial import surge monitoring group as high tariffs on certain countries like China and Vietnam may lead to diversion of goods to India, the commerce ministry said.

It also said that Chinese retaliatory tariffs on US goods could further increase the inflow of US agricultural products into India.

With the global uncertainties related to tariffs, obviously there are elevated apprehensions related to likely flooding or surge in imports or surgeto look at thatimport surge monitoring group has been set up, Additional Secretary in the Department of Commerce L Satya said.

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If any unusual surge is reported, the commerce ministry can take action such as imposing anti-dumping or safeguard duties.

The group, he said, is monitoring weekly as well as monthly trends by commodities and by countries.

If there is any unusual surge, we would like to understand the reasons, he added.

According to the ministry, a recent assessment highlighted the risk of merchandise dumping into India due to reciprocal tariffs amid global trade tensions.

Rising US costs may prompt exporters from countries like China, Vietnam and Indonesia, all facing US trade deficits to divert goods to India, potentially triggering import surges, it said.

With inputs from agencies
US President Donald Trump has threatened Harvard with a ban on foreign students. The development comes just a day after Trump threatened the universitys tax-exempt status. But when did the Trump vs Harvard battle begin? And where is it going? read more

Donald Trump Trump campaigned on fixing instates of higher learning during the 2024 presidential campaign. File image/ Reuters

US President Donald Trump has threatened Harvard with a ban on foreign students.

The development comes just a day after Trump threatened Harvards tax-exempt status.

Harvard is a JOKE, teaches Hate and Stupidity, and should no longer receive Federal Funds, Trump wrote on Truth Social.

The Trump government has frozen federal funding to the tune of $2 billion to Harvard.

The university has vowed to protect its independence and constitutional rights.

But when did this fight begin? And where is it heading?

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Choke off money

Trump campaigned on fixing institutes of higher learning during the 2024 presidential campaign.

We are going to choke off the money to schools that aid the Marxist assault on our American heritage and on Western civilisation itself. The days of subsidising communist indoctrination in our colleges will soon be over, he said at one rally, as per Town and Country.

To every college president: Vanquish the radicals and take back our campuses for all of the normal students, he added at another.

Then, the showdown between Trump and Harvard became inevitable on October 7, 2023  the day Hamas attacked Israel.

As per The Times of India, that was when some students at Harvard issued a letter essentially blaming Israel for the situation in Gaza.

Then, Bill Ackman, a right-wing billionaire got into the act.

Ackman, who attended Harvard, attacked the universitys students on social media.

I have been asked by a number of CEOs if @harvard would release a list of the members of each of the Harvard organizations that have issued the letter assigning sole responsibility for Hamas heinous acts to Israel, so as to insure that none of us inadvertently hire any of their https://t.co/7kzGOAGwp9  Bill Ackman (@BillAckman) October 10, 2023

Ackman would go on to lead a public and high-profile campaign against then Harvard president Claudine Gay  the first black president of the university.

Ackman would later go on to compare Yale to Hamas.

Gay, who would testify before Congress on anti-Semitism at Harvard, would ultimately resign as university president in January.

Harvard in January agreed to provide additional protections for Jewish students under a settlement resolving two lawsuits accusing the Ivy League school of becoming a hotbed of antisemitism.

Trump sworn in

Then, Trump was sworn in on January 20, 2025.

Less than two weeks later, on January 30, the 47th President of the United States signed an executive order aimed at campus antisemitism.

According to the White House, the new order takes forceful and unprecedented steps to marshal all Federal resources to combat the explosion of anti-Semitism on our campuses and in our streets since October 7, 2023.

As per NPR, the order took aim at foreign students who are Hamas sympathizers and pro-jihadist protesters.

A student protester stands in front of the statue of John Harvard, the first major benefactor of Harvard College, draped in the Palestinian flag, at an encampment of students protesting against the war in Gaza, at Harvard University in Cambridge, Mass. AP

We put you on notice: come 2025, we will find you, and will deport you, a White House fact sheet about the Executive Order stated.

The order also directed officials to encourage schools to keep an eye on these protesters.

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In February, the US Justice Department launched the Task Force to Combat Anti-Semitism.

The task force is motivated by one thing and one thing only: tackling antisemitism, White House spokesman Kush Desai was quoted as saying by the Wall Street Journal.

Antisemitic protesters inflicting violence and taking over entire college campus buildings is not only a crude display of bigotry against Jewish Americans, but entirely disruptive to the intellectual inquiry and research that federal funding of colleges is meant to support.

Harvard, Columbia in crosshairs

In February, announced the list of universities it would investigate  Harvard and Columbia being the two most prestigious schools on the list.

Then, in March, Trumps education department ramped things up further by sending letters to over 60 universities including Harvard, Yale, Stanford and Columbia.

The communication warning them to protect Jewish students or face action.

The Department is deeply disappointed that Jewish students studying on elite US campuses continue to fear for their safety amid the relentless antisemitic eruptions that have severely disrupted campus life for more than a year. University leaders must do better, wrote Secretary of Education Linda McMahon.

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US colleges and universities benefit from enormous public investments funded by US taxpayers. That support is a privilege and it is contingent on scrupulous adherence to federal antidiscrimination laws.

The Trump administration in March first took aim at Columbia University, accusing the school of not doing enough to tackle anti-Semitism.

The university paused $400 million in federal funding to Columbia  amid a torrent of criticism from civil rights activists.

Members of the Columbia University Apartheid Divest group, including Sueda Polat, second from left, and Mahmoud Khalil, center, are surrounded by members of the media outside the Columbia University campus, April 30, 2024, in New York. File Photo/AP

The university, weeks later, would capitulate to Trumps demands.

Then, on March 31, it was Harvards turn to come in the crosshairs.

The Trump administration at the time said it was reviewing $9 billion in federal contracts and grants to Harvard as part of a crackdown on what it says is antisemitism that erupted on college campuses during pro-Palestinian protests in the past 18 months.

While Harvards recent actions to curb institutionalized antisemitism  though long overdue  are welcome, there is much more that the university must do to retain the privilege of receiving federal taxpayers hard-earned dollars, Josh Gruenbaum, a senior official at the General Services Administration, was quoted as saying by The New York Times.

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This administration has proven that we will take swift action to hold institutions accountable if they allow antisemitism to fester, Gruenbaum added. We will not hesitate to act if Harvard fails to do so.

Education Secretary Linda McMahon said Harvards failure to protect students on campus from anti-Semitic discrimination  all while promoting divisive ideologies over free inquiry  has put its reputation in serious jeopardy.

Harvard can right these wrongs and restore itself to a campus dedicated to academic excellence and truth-seeking, where all students feel safe on its campus, she added.

Trump sends Harvard demands, university refuses to back down

On Friday, the Trump government issued its list of demands for Harvard.

In a letter on Friday, the education department stated that Harvard had failed to live up to both the intellectual and civil rights conditions that justify federal investment.

The department demanded that Harvard, work to reduce the influence of faculty, staff and students who are more committed to activism than scholarship and have an external panel audit the faculty and students of each department to ensure viewpoint diversity.

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The letter also stated that Harvard, by this August, must only hire faculty and admit students based on merit and cease all preferences based on race, color or national origin. The university must also screen international students to prevent admitting students hostile to American values and report to federal immigration authorities foreign students who violate conduct rules.

On Monday, Harvard announced it would not comply with the administrations demands.

People enter and exit the Harry Elkins Widener Memorial Library on the Harvard University campus in Cambridge, Massachusetts. Elite US university Harvard was hit with a $2.2 billion federal funding freeze on April 14 after rejecting a list of sweeping demands that the White House said was intended to crack down on campus anti-Semitism. AFP

Harvards decision was praised by many on social media including ex-president Barack Obama  himself a Harvard man.

Harvard has set an example for other higher-ed institutions  rejecting an unlawful and ham-handed attempt to stifle academic freedom, while taking concrete steps to make sure all students at Harvard can benefit from an environment of intellectual inquiry, rigorous debate and mutual respect. Lets hope other institutions follow suit, Obama wrote on social media.

Federal funding freeze, threat to tax-exempt status

Within hours of Harvard taking its stand, the administration of President Donald Trump announced it was freezing $2.3 billion in federal funding to the school.

A Department of Education task force on combating antisemitism accused Americas oldest university of having a troubling entitlement mindset that is endemic in our nations most prestigious universities and colleges - that federal investment does not come with the responsibility to uphold civil rights laws.

Harvard President Alan Garber wrote in a public letter on Monday that demands made by the Department of Education last week would allow the federal government to control the Harvard community and threaten the schools values as a private institution devoted to the pursuit, production, and dissemination of knowledge.

No government - regardless of which party is in power - should dictate what private universities can teach, whom they can admit and hire, and which areas of study and inquiry they can pursue, Garber wrote.

Harvard president Alan Garber has warned the cut would stop life-saving research and imperil important scientific research and innovation. Reuters

He said demands the Trump administration made of the Massachusetts university, including an audit to ensure the viewpoint diversity of its students and faculty and an end to diversity, equity and inclusion programs, were unprecedented assertions of power, unmoored from the law that violated constitutional free speech and the Civil Rights Act.

Trump on Tuesday took to social media to threaten Harvards tax-exempt status.

Perhaps Harvard should lose its Tax Exempt Status and be Taxed as a Political Entity if it keeps pushing political, ideological, and terrorist inspired/supporting Sickness? Remember, Tax Exempt Status is totally contingent on acting in the PUBLIC INTEREST! Trump wrote.

Trump has not mentioned how this would be achieved.

Under the US tax code, most universities are exempt from federal income tax because they are deemed to be operated exclusively for public educational purposes.

Trump on Wednesday threatened to bar foreign students from enrolling Harvard.

White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt told reporters Trump wanted to see Harvard apologize for what she called antisemitism that took place on their college campus against Jewish American students.

Where is it heading?

The battle is heading to court.

Harvard, with an endowment of $53 billion, is Americas wealthiest university.

Harvards high-priced lawyers have vowed not to comply with demands that invade university freedoms.

The university will not surrender its independence or relinquish its constitutional rights, the lawyers have said. Neither Harvard nor any other private university can allow itself to be taken over by the federal government.

Last week, a group of Harvard professors sued to block the Trump administrations review of nearly $9 billion in federal contracts and grants awarded to the school.

A few of Harvards peer institutions lent support on Tuesday to the schools stand against the Trump administration.

Princeton stands with Harvard, Princeton University President Christopher Eisgruber wrote on social media, encouraging people to read the Harvard presidents rebuke of the governments demands.

Stanford University President Jonathan Levin and Provost Jenny Martinez said in a statement they fully backed Harvard.

Harvards objections to the letter it received are rooted in the American tradition of liberty, a tradition essential to our countrys universities, and worth defending, the pair wrote.

They added that while universities need to address legitimate concerns with humility and openness its clear that the way to bring about constructive change is not by destroying the nations capacity for scientific research

With inputs from agencies
A recent study found that 71 scientifically valuable Tyrannosaurus rex specimens, including 14 juveniles, are in private hands  outnumbering the 61 held in public trusts. Only 11 per cent of commercially discovered T. rex fossils end up in museums, while private buyers have acquired more specimens in the past 30 years than public institutions have in nearly 150 years read more

Dinosaur fossils are displayed at auction house Christie's in London, UK, in his undated handout photo. Christie's via Reuters

The scientific community is sounding the alarm over the increasing loss of Tyrannosaurus rex fossils to private collectors and the luxury auction market, raising serious concerns about the future of paleontological research on one of the most iconic dinosaurs in history.

A study recently published in the journal Palaeontologia Electronica reveals that a growing number of scientifically important T. rex fossils are now held by private individuals rather than public museums, making them inaccessible for academic study.

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Thomas Carr, a leading paleontologist at Carthage College and director of the Carthage Institute of Paleontology, has closely examined the state of T. rex fossil availability.

His study found that there are now more specimens in private hands (71) than in public institutions (61), including 14 juvenile fossils, whose study is especially crucial to understanding the species early growth stages.

The early growth stages of T. rex are bedeviled by a poor fossil record, and so the loss of them carries the heaviest scientific cost, Carr explained. At the current moment, our knowledge of one of the most basic aspects of T. rex biology is frustratingly compromised by market interests.

How high-end auctions are impacting science

High-profile auctions have become the go-to marketplace for dinosaur fossils, with prices ranging from $1.5 million to nearly $45 million.

This trend has led to private collectors  including celebrities like Leonardo DiCaprio, Nicolas Cage, and Russell Crowe  snapping up rare specimens. Crowe even purchased a dinosaur skull from DiCaprio for $35,000 in what he described as a vodka-fuelled transaction, reported The Daily Beast in a November 2024 report.

Dinosaur fossils are displayed at auction house Christies in London, UK, in his undated handout photo. Christies via Reuters

The most expensive dinosaur ever sold was a stegosaurus skeleton bought by billionaire Ken Griffin in July 2024 for a record-breaking $44.6 million.

It is currently on loan to the American Museum of Natural History in New York, one of the few examples of a private purchase being temporarily made accessible to the public.

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Since Sothebys established its science and popular culture division in 2021, the fossil trade has seen a dramatic rise in both volume and value, turning prehistoric remains into luxury collectibles.

However, this commercial boom is causing critical losses to the scientific community. Carrs study found that only around 11 per cent of commercially discovered T. rex fossils make their way into public collections.

Juvenile fossils: the biggest loss to science

Researchers state that the private sale of juvenile and subadult specimens is particularly troubling. These younger fossils make up about 20 per cent of privately held T. rex skeletons, despite being the most scientifically valuable for understanding the dinosaurs development.

Much like Carr, I am concerned not merely that there are good specimens which are not accessible to researchers, but especially that juvenile and sub-adult specimens happen to be overrepresented in the commercial samples, Thomas Holtz, Jr., a vertebrate paleontologist at the University of Maryland, told Live Science.

The lack of access to these younger fossils leaves critical questions unanswered  such as how fast the T. rex grew, how it changed during its life stages, and how it lived and hunted during adolescence.

According to the research, if fossils hadnt been swept up by the commercial market over the past 30 years, scientists could have had access to nearly 150 complete T. rex specimens today.

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An irreversible trend or a wake-up call?

Despite the grim outlook, some experts believe the situation is not entirely beyond hope. David Hone, a zoology expert at Queen Mary University of London, quoted by Live Science, acknowledged the problem but suggested that more urgent issues lie elsewhere.

For a start, theres not that much that can realistically be done about the commercial trade of things like this. And while Id certainly love to see more specimens in public collections, there are still plenty that can be studied, he noted.

Hone pointed out that illegal fossil smuggling in countries like Brazil and Mongolia might pose an even greater threat to paleontology.

Carr hopes his findings will prompt more paleontologists to examine how fossil sales are affecting their own research areas.

My hope is that concerned colleagues will start counting up, and publishing on, the specimens of the species that they study that are lost to the commercial market, he said.

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With inputs from agencies
Ukraine presented two Chinese nationals captured while fighting for Russia in Donetsk. They claimed they joined Russias military through online recruitment ads promising up to 250,000 roubles ($3,000) per month. Both denied links to the Chinese government and Ukraine later stated it had intelligence on 155 more Chinese citizens fighting for Russia read more

Ukrainian security officers escort a Chinese national, center-left, back to camera, who was captured by Ukrainian forces while fighting on the Russian side, to a press conference in Kyiv, Ukraine, April 14, 2025. File Image/AP

Ukraines public presentation of two Chinese nationals captured while fighting for Russia has turned a lot of heads  not only for what it revealed about Moscows growing dependence on foreign fighters but also for how Kyiv leveraged the moment to put a spotlight on concerns about Beijings role in the war.

The move, while controversial under international humanitarian law, offered a rare glimpse into how foreign nationals are being drawn into the battlefield under Russias banner  and why.

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First Chinese fighters captured in the Russia-Ukraine war

The two men, Wang Guangjun and Zhang Renbo, were apprehended by Ukrainian forces in the eastern Donetsk region. Both were dressed in Russian military fatigues when they were captured after only a few days on the front lines.

Speaking to reporters at a press conference in Kyiv on April 14, the Chinese nationals described their brief yet harrowing experience, from their recruitment and journey to Russia to the confusion and danger they faced in combat.

Their detention marks the first known instance of Chinese nationals being captured as combatants fighting for Russia on Ukrainian soil.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy publicly announced their capture earlier in April, adding that Ukraine had intelligence suggesting several hundred Chinese citizens may be participating in the war on Russias side.

Our military has captured two Chinese citizens who were fighting as part of the Russian army. This happened on Ukrainian territoryin the Donetsk region. Identification documents, bank cards, and personal data were found in their possession.



We have information suggesting that pic.twitter.com/ekBr6hCkQL  Volodymyr Zelenskyy /   (@ZelenskyyUa) April 8, 2025

The decision to bring the two men before the press  flanked by Ukrainian security personnel and accompanied by a translator  has prompted scrutiny under the Geneva Conventions, which prohibit exposing prisoners of war to insult and public curiosity.

How Wang and Zhang came to be involved

Both Wang and Zhang insisted during the press conference that their participation in the conflict was voluntary and not part of any Chinese government initiative.

They said they had come across recruitment materials on TikTok and other Chinese social media platforms that promised high salaries and benefits for those willing to enlist with the Russian military.

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Wang explained that after losing his job during the COVID-19 pandemic, he stumbled upon a recruitment video promoting military service in Russia. I was in China, flipping through TikTok, when I saw an advertisement to join the Russian army, he said.

The videos  which appear to have been initially made for Russian audiences before being re-shared with Chinese subtitles  highlighted payments ranging from 200,000 to 250,000 roubles per month (roughly $2,000 to $3,000), a significant sum compared to average wages in China.

The subtitles also put a spotlight on male identity and strength, saying in Russian: Youre a man, be a man.

Zhang, a former firefighter and rescuer, recounted a similar trajectory. Initially offered work in construction, he said he ended up being channelled into military service after arriving in Russia. I wanted to make money, but I did not expect to end up in the war, he said.

Wang, who had experience in medical rehabilitation, claimed he had hoped to apply that skill in a non-combat capacity but was instead forced into weapons training.

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The documents were all in Russian, he said, adding that he was unable to understand the terms of his service contract. Communication during training and combat was conducted largely through hand signals.

Life inside the Russian ranks

The two men offered stark accounts of their time under Russian command. According to Wang, his phone and bank card were taken away after enlistment, leaving him without access to his own money.

He said he was stationed at a camp in Kazan alongside other foreign nationals, including individuals from Central Asia, Ghana and Iraq.

Conditions were harsh, and desertion was not an option. The control at the training ground was very tight, Wang said.

Chinese prisoners of war Zhang Renbo (L) and Wang Guangjun (R) address the audience during a press conference in Kyiv on April 14, 2025. File Image/AFP

He recalled a moment on the battlefield when a Russian commander ordered an attack using only vague gestures and the repeated phrase da, da, da  Russian for yes, yes, yes.

Wang said he couldnt identify any target and mistakenly believed the order was a joke. He tried to hide, only to find himself caught in a chaotic firefight involving Russian grenades and Ukrainian drones.

Zhang, meanwhile, said he had not seen any Ukrainian soldiers before his capture, and both said they had spent only three days at the front before surrendering.

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Capture, chemical exposure and treatment in Ukraine

Wang recounted the dramatic events surrounding his capture. Following a Russian assault, he found himself taking shelter in a dugout with a Ukrainian soldier.

During the chaos, Wang claimed he was exposed to what he described as a spray gas or chemical weapon. I was losing my strength and fainting, he said. Then I felt someone grabbing my collar and pulling me out into the fresh air.

He credited the Ukrainian soldier for helping save his life. Ukrainian soldiers protected us and have been treating us well this whole time, he told the press.

While it is difficult to verify all aspects of their statements independently  especially as they were made under Ukrainian custody  the testimonies provided a window into how foreign recruits are being lured into Russias war under misleading pretences and limited transparency.

How Russia is growing reliant on foreign fighters

The capture of Wang and Zhang highlights the increasing use of foreign recruits by Moscow in its ongoing campaign against Ukraine. A source within Ukraines Defense Intelligence told CNN that Russia has become heavily reliant on non-Russian personnel to sustain its front lines, as the war has shifted into a prolonged conflict of attrition.

It is unable to maintain the long front line with its own soldiers alone and is taking every opportunity to recruit whoever it can, the source said.

According to Ukrainian intelligence, foreign combatants in Russian ranks include nationals from Sri Lanka, Nepal, Somalia, the Republic of Congo, Sierra Leone, Egypt, Syria, and several former Soviet republics.

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Earlier this year, Ukraine also captured two North Korean soldiers, believed to be part of a broader deployment of around 12,000 North Korean troops to assist Russian operations, particularly in Kursk Oblast.

CNN reviewed a Russian military contract  provided by Ukrainian intelligence and signed by another Chinese national  which outlines a one-year commitment to combat, mobilisation duties, and emergency operations, including participating in efforts to restore international peace and security and suppress international terrorist activity beyond Russian borders.

Wang and Zhang deny Beijings involvement

Both Wang and Zhang maintained that their actions were independent and unauthorised by the Chinese government.

They referenced government-issued warnings that Chinese citizens should not travel to active war zones, and Zhang acknowledged that those who fight in foreign conflicts could face legal consequences under Chinese law.

I understand that there may be punishment, and I am ready for it. But I still want to return home and to my family, Zhang said.

Wang added, Real war is completely different from what we have seen in movies and on TV. I regret one thing  I want to apologise to my parents. And my only wish is to go back (to China) and follow all the instructions that will help me do that.

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Both men also urged other Chinese citizens to avoid enlisting with Russia, warning that the expectations painted by recruitment ads do not match the reality on the ground.

For those (Chinese) citizens who want to take part in the war, we want to say that they should not do so, Wang said.

Since everything we heard from the Russians was a lie. It turned out that Russia is not that strong, and Ukraine is not that weak. Thats why its better not to participate in wars at all.

Why Kyiv chose to parade the Chinese nationals

Ukraines decision to showcase the captured Chinese fighters comes at a time when it is trying to draw renewed international attention to Russias conduct and the broader geopolitical context of the war.

Although Kyiv has previously held press briefings featuring foreign POWs from other regions  including Nepal and several African nations  the decision to spotlight Chinese nationals marks a calculated step.

Some analysts believe the timing reflects Kyivs desire to engage the United States, where President Donald Trumps administration has struggled to broker a meaningful ceasefire with Russia.

The Biden-era focus on China as a primary strategic rival continues under Trump, and Beijing has faced mounting scrutiny from Washington over its support for Russias wartime economy, including its status as a leading supplier of dual-use goods relevant to weapons production.

Zelenskyy was asked whether Beijings involvement in the war extended beyond unofficial channels. I dont have an answer to this question yet. The Security Service of Ukraine will work on it, he said, before adding, We are not saying that someone gave any command, we do not have such information.

We continue to investigate all the circumstances surrounding the involvement of Chinese citizens in the Russian occupation forces.



The Security Service of Ukraine is carrying out the necessary procedural actions with the POWs recently captured in the Donetsk region. At the same pic.twitter.com/beLlin1Qut  Volodymyr Zelenskyy /   (@ZelenskyyUa) April 10, 2025

However, he also noted, We believe that Beijing is aware.

Chinas foreign ministry has pushed back against such suggestions. Foreign ministry spokesman Lin Jian responded, We urge the relevant parties concerned to correctly and soberly understand the role of China and to not release irresponsible remarks, without specifically naming Ukraine or the individuals involved.

Observers like Anders Puck Nielsen of the Royal Danish Defence College suggest that Ukraine may also be targeting European sentiment, particularly as the European Union explores closer cooperation with China on trade and other global issues.

It has clearly been a political move to really emphasise this aspect (of Chinese fighters in the Russian army), Nielsen told CNN.

With inputs from agencies
Krish Lal Isserdasani, a 21-year-old Indian national and final-year computer engineering student at UW-Madison, had his F-1 visa revoked on April 4  just weeks before his May 10 graduation. A federal judge ruled that the cancellation lacked due process, noting Isserdasani faced no criminal charges and had maintained full-time enrollment and good academic standing read more

A Yemeni national shows a cancelled visa in their passport from their failed entry at Washington Dulles International Airport in Chantilly, Virginia, US, February 6, 2017. Representational Image/Reuters

A federal judge in Wisconsin has halted the deportation of an Indian student whose student visa was abruptly cancelled just weeks before he was due to graduate from the University of Wisconsin-Madison.

The student, Krish Lal Isserdasani, a 21-year-old undergraduate in computer engineering, had maintained full-time academic enrolment and good standing throughout his studies and was on track to graduate on May 10, 2025  only 30 days from the time the visa termination notice was delivered.

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On April 4, 2025, Isserdasani was informed via email that his record in the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS) had been terminated.

The message, from the universitys International Student Services (ISS), cited OTHERWISE FAILING TO MAINTAIN STATUS  Individual identified in criminal records check and/or has had their VISA revoked as the reason for the termination. No further detail or explanation was provided.

The sudden revocation meant that Isserdasanis authorisation to remain in the US would expire on May 2  eight days before commencement  without any formal notification, opportunity to appeal, or chance to clarify or rectify the circumstances.

What led to Isserdasanis visa revocation

The visa termination appeared to stem from an arrest five months earlier. On the night of November 22, 2024, Isserdasani and a group of friends became involved in a verbal altercation with another group while walking home from a bar.

He was arrested on a misdemeanour charge of disorderly conduct. However, the Dane County District Attorney, Ismael Ozanne, reviewed the case and chose not to press charges. Isserdasani never received a court summons and reasonably believed the matter had been resolved.

Despite this, federal immigration authorities appear to have used the arrest  without a conviction  as the basis for terminating his F-1 student status.

Judge William Conley, who presided over the case in the US District Court for the Western District of Wisconsin, found that this action lacked legal justification under the applicable immigration regulations.

What the US law states

Under US immigration law, specifically 8 C.F.R.  214.1(g), a student visa may only be terminated on grounds of criminal activity if the individual has been convicted of a crime of violence for which a sentence of more than one year imprisonment may be imposed.

The offense of disorderly conduct in Wisconsin is a Class B misdemeanour, punishable by no more than 90 days in jail. Since the case against Isserdasani was not pursued by prosecutors, there was neither a conviction nor an offence meeting the federal criteria to justify the termination of visa status.

Conley noted in his 12-page ruling that Isserdasani had not engaged in unauthorised employment, misrepresented any information to immigration authorities, or violated other terms of his F-1 visa.

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The decision criticised the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) for failing to adhere to their own regulations, which permit SEVIS termination only in narrowly defined circumstances  none of which applied in this case.

According to the ruling, Isserdasani had received no communication from ICE, DHS, or the US State Department prior to his SEVIS termination, and thus had no chance to defend himself.

Given the amount of Isserdasanis educational expenses and potential losses from having to leave the United States without obtaining his degree, the court concludes that Isserdasani credibly demonstrates that he faces irreparable harm for which he has no adequate remedy at law in the absence of injunctive relief, Conley wrote.

How the news affected Isserdasani

The court acknowledged the profound impact of the visa termination on the students future. Isserdasani and his family have spent approximately $240,000 on his US education.

Additionally, he stands to lose $17,500 in tuition fees for the current semester if forced to leave the country. He is also contractually obligated to pay for housing over the next four months, despite potentially not being allowed to reside in the country.

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Beyond financial hardship, Isserdasani reported significant mental distress as a result of the termination. According to the order, he has been unable to sleep and is afraid to leave his apartment due to fears of being detained or deported at any moment.

The ruling also noted that if Isserdasani were forced to leave the US before May 10, he would be unable to complete his degree or apply for Optional Practical Training (OPT), a critical pathway for international students to gain work experience in their field of study post-graduation.

How visa cancellations in the US are increasing

Isserdasani is not alone in this predicament. Since January 2025, the Trump administration has reportedly cancelled the visas of over 1,000 international students across the country.

According to the Wisconsin State Journal, at least 26 international students and recent alumni at UW-Madison alone have seen their visas terminated unexpectedly, with more than 40 such cases reported system-wide across University of Wisconsin campuses.

Notably, university officials were not informed about these actions in advance. Staff discovered these cancellations by continuously checking immigration databases for changes to students statuses.

The Trump administration has been accused of targeting international students for a range of reasons, including minor legal issues or .

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In a separate instance addressed in the same court order, an Iranian graduate student from Iowa State University, Hamidreza Khademi, also had his deportation temporarily blocked.

He had been accused of evading a law enforcement officer in Texas  a charge that never resulted in prosecution. The court similarly found no legal justification for the termination of his visa.

Why the ruling is a big deal

The legal team representing Isserdasani praised the ruling as a crucial affirmation of due process.

These international students have done absolutely nothing wrong. They have followed US laws and fully complied with the terms of their student status. They do not deserve this, Wisconsin State Journal quoted attorney Shabnam Lotfi of Lotfi Legal.

America must speak out against this injustice and not allow the Administration to distort the facts for their own political purposes, she added, stating that the decision restored fairness in a situation where basic legal standards were overlooked.

Conleys opinion went further in its defense of academic rights and the integrity of student contracts. The public, which includes the taxpayers of the State of Wisconsin, has an overriding interest in seeing that students at the University of Wisconsin are able to be educated and obtain degrees earned with both sweat equity and tuition payments, unless there is a good reason to deny either, he wrote.

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So far, defendants have offered nothing to suggest Isserdasani is undeserving of a degree after years of effort and payment of tuition, much less should be deported from the United States before completing his degree.

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The ruling does not permanently reinstate Isserdasanis visa but bars federal authorities from deporting him or taking enforcement action while the case proceeds.

It also sets a precedent that arbitrary termination of student visas, particularly without conviction or opportunity for appeal, may not hold up under legal scrutiny.

With inputs from agencies
Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar has strongly criticised the Supreme Court over its recent ruling that laid down deadlines for the President and Governors to decide on bills. Addressing the 6th batch of Rajya Sabha interns on Thursday, he also decried Article 142 of the Constitution, saying it has become a nuclear missile against democratic forces. But what is it? read more

Vice President and Chairman of Rajya Sabha, Jagdeep Dhankhar, has used strong words against the judiciary over a recent ruling on the President. File Photo/PTI

Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar has opposed a recent Supreme Court ruling that laid down timelines for the President to decide on Bills referred by the Governor. Comparing Article 142 of the Constitution to a nuclear missile, he claimed the provision is against democratic forces.

There is a directive to the President by a recent judgment. Where are we heading? What is happening in the country? VP Dhankhar said, addressing the 6th batch of Rajya Sabha interns at the Vice Presidents Enclave on Thursday (April 17). He also called for amending Article 145(3), which says a bench of at least five judges should decide a case concerning a substantial question of law. But why?

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Lets take a closer look.

What did VP Dhankhar say?

VP Jagdeep Dhankhar strongly objected to the top courts recent ruling setting deadlines for the President and Governors to sign Bills, slamming judges becoming a super Parliament.

We never bargained for democracy for this day. [The] President being called upon to decide in a time-bound manner, and if not, becomes law. So we have judges who will legislate, who will perform executive functions, who will act as super-parliament, and absolutely have no accountability because the] law of the land does not apply to them, he said, as per LiveLaw.

The VP, who is also the Chairman of Rajya Sabha, criticised Article 142, which, according to him, is being used against democracy. Dhankhar further pointed out that Article 145(3) states that a key constitutional issue has to be decided by a bench of at least five judges. However, the recent judgement involving the President was delivered by a two-judge bench.

Calling for an amendment to Article 145(3), he said there is a need to raise the number of minimum judges in a Constitution bench.

               ?           ,      



There was a survey conducted recently by a media house that indicated that public confidence in the institution of Judiciary is dwindling.



It pic.twitter.com/DjuCS8WYTL  Vice-President of India (@VPIndia) April 17, 2025

We cannot have a situation where you direct the President of India and on what basis? The only right you have under the Constitution is to interpret the Constitution under Article 145(3). There, it has to be five judges or more Article 142, Article 142 has become a nuclear missile against democratic forces, available to the judiciary 24x7, he added.

Dhankhar also brought up the case of Justice Yashwant Varma, the then-sitting judge of the Delhi High Court, who came to the spotlight last month after wads of cash were allegedly found at his official residence in the national capital.

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The Vice President flagged that no FIR has been filed yet after the alleged cash haul, adding that the judges panel has also not disclosed the findings of its inquiry. It is now over a month. Even if it is a can of worms. Even if there are skeletons in the cupboard, time to blow up the can. Time for its lid to go out. And time for the cupboard to collapse. Let the worms and skeletons be in the public domain so that cleansing takes place, he said.

Whats Article 142?

Article 142 of the Constitution empowers the Supreme Court to pass any decree or order required for complete justice in a case.

The Supreme Court in the exercise of its jurisdiction may pass such decree or make such order as is necessary for doing complete justice in any cause or matter pending before it, and any decree so passed or order so made shall be enforceable throughout the territory of India in such manner as may be prescribed by or under any law made by Parliament and, until provision in that behalf is so made, in such manner as the President may by order prescribe, it states.

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The provision also enables the apex court to make any order for the purpose of securing the attendance of any person, the discovery or production of any documents, or the investigation or punishment of any contempt of itself.

What was the SC ruling?

In a landmark judgement on April 8, the Supreme Court deemed Tamil Nadu Governor RN Ravi withholding assent to 10 state bills as illegal and unconstitutional.

A bench of Justices JB Pardiwala and R Mahadevan was hearing a writ petition filed by the DMK-led Tamil Nadu government challenging the Governors repeated delays and refusal to assent to these bills.

The top court laid down guidelines for Governors as well as the President on the clearing of bills. It ruled that Governors are constitutionally bound to act expeditiously on bills and cannot withhold assent or reserve Bills for the Presidents consideration after sending them back once.

The Supreme Court has set a deadline for the President to decide on a bill. File Photo/Reuters

The apex court also set a deadline of three months for the President to decide whether to assent to Bills referred by the Governor.

Invoking Article 143, the top court said that the President ought to seek its opinion if a bill is reserved on grounds of unconstitutionality.

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It also admitted that it is not compulsory for a legislation to be referred to the court. The SC added that the same holds high persuasive value and should ordinarily be accepted by the legislature and the executive and merely because the jurisdiction under Article 143 is not binding does not undermine the principles used by this Court to determine the constitutionality of the bill.

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.

With inputs from agencies
American mortgage firm Fannie Mae has reportedly dismissed 200 Indian Americans due to alleged misuse of the companys matching grants programme. Of the 700 employees let go, around 200 were terminated for ethical reasons, while the rest were part of a company reshuffle. Now, Indian-American Congressman Suhas Subramanyam has contacted Fannie Mae, requesting an explanation for the decision read more

Fannie Mae reportedly let go of around 200 Indian Americans. Reuters/File Photo

American mortgage firm Fannie Mae has reportedly laid off around 700 employees, many of whom are said to be of Telugu origin.

Out of the total 700, about 200 were dismissed over what the company has described as ethical reasons, while the rest lost their jobs as part of a company reshuffle.

ALSO READ | Who is Neela Rajendra, Indian-origin diversity chief fired by Nasa?

After the job cuts, Indian-American Congressman Suhas Subramanyam has reached out to Fannie Mae, asking them to explain the move.

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So, why were they fired from the company?

We take a look at the reasons behind the layoffs at Fannie Mae and what Suhas Subramanyam had to say about the situation.

Why Fannie Mae fired around 200 Indian American employees

Fannie Mae reportedly let go of 200 Indian Americans over alleged misuse of the companys matching grants programme.

These employees, many of Telugu background, were dismissed for what the company described as ethical grounds involving financial misconduct.

About 200 were dismissed over what the company has described as ethical reasons. Pixabay/Representational Image

According to a report by The Times of India, the issue centres on claims that some workers teamed up with non-profit groups such as the Telugu Association of North America (TANA) and misused company money through the matching grants scheme.

The matching grants programme is a benefit offered by the company that adds to employee donations towards charity. It is meant to encourage and support staff contributions to approved causes.

Fannie Mae, officially known as the Federal National Mortgage Association (FNMA), is a government-sponsored financial enterprise in the US. Reports suggest that most of the 200 employees accused of wrongdoing in this case are of Telugu origin.

TOI also reported that one of those let go held a regional vice-president role at TANA, while another was married to a former president of the American Telugu Association (ATA).

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On April 8, 2025, Fannie Mae confirmed that over 100 people were dismissed for unethical behaviour, including helping to carry out fraud.

I would like to thank Director Pulte for his empowering of Fannie Mae to root out unethical conduct, including anyone facilitating fraud. We hold our employees to the highest standards, and we will continue to do so, Priscilla Almodovar, President and CEO of Fannie Mae, said in a statement quoted by Mint.

Sources told TOI that TANA was not the only non-profit organisation involved, and that other groups were also being looked into.

Most of those fired are Indian Americans based in Northern Virginia. According to The American Bazaar, a statement from Congressman Suhas Subramanyams office said these former employees denied any wrongdoing and claimed Fannie Mae carried out no proper investigation into the allegations.

ALSO READ | Who is Chinmay Deore, Indian student suing Trump administration over possible deportation?

What Subramanyam said on the firings

Congressman Subramanyam raised concerns over how Fannie Mae handled the dismissals, saying the company may not have properly looked into the claims of fraud.

He questioned whether simply being part of the Indian American community or donating to Indian American groups was used as the only reason for firing these employees.

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It has been brought to my attention that Fannie Mae has accused hundreds of my constituents in the Indian-American community of fraudulent behaviour and fired them without conducting a full investigation or providing evidence, he said.

I have spoken with many of these employees in our community, and they deserve due process. Fannie Mae owes them, Congress, and the American people an explanation immediately.

In his letter, Subramanyam pointed out that many of those dismissed had years of experience and strong performance records at Fannie Mae. He also noted that most of them were Indian Americans and were let go without any warning.

Some of the affected employees have said they never donated to the groups in question, the report said.

The matching grants programme is a benefit offered by the company that adds to employee donations towards charity. Pixabay/Representational Image

TANA-linked firings at Apple

In December 2024, a court in the Northern District of California issued a subpoena to the Telugu Association of North America, asking the group to appear before a grand jury.

The order required the organisation to share records of donations received, how the money was spent, and information about its office bearers between 2019 and 2024.

Meanwhile, similar claims emerged involving employees at tech firm Apple this year. The company reportedly let go of over 100 staff members, including nearly 50 based at its Cupertino headquarters, after uncovering a fraud that inflated employee earnings.

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Under Apples Matching Gifts Programme, the company supports staff donations by matching their contributions to approved charities. For every amount an employee donates to a qualifying organisation, Apple contributes an equal sum.

The fraud involved staff members pretending to make donations, which were later returned to them. While the employees received their money back, Apples matching contributions were kept, and the false donations were then written off on tax returns, resulting in financial loss for the state of California.

Officials in the Bay Area issued arrest warrants for six former Apple employees. None of them were Indian, though reports suggested that several Indian employees had also been linked to the misuse of Telugu community charities in the US.

By exploiting Apples employee gift-matching programme, the defendants extracted approximately $152,000 from Apples programme and overreported around $100,000 in charitable contributions as tax deductions, the Santa Clara County District Attorneys Office said in a statement.
The community, a prosperous but miniscule minority among Shia Muslims, was represented by noted lawyer Harish Salve during their representation to the Joint Committee of Parliament, which was headed by BJP MP Jagdambika Pal, that had scrutinised the bill tabled in Parliament read more

Prime Minister Narendra Modi met with members of the Dawoodi Bohra community on Thursday. (Image: https://x.com/narendramodi)

A delegation of Dawoodi Bohras met Prime Minister Narendra Modi to express their gratefulness to him for the Waqf (Amendment) Act, which has accommodated some of their key demands.

Officials said the community members told Modi that it was their long-pending demand as they reposed faith in his vision of Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas, Sabka Vishwas.

They were accompanied by Minority Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju in the meeting.

In a post on X, Modi said, Had a wonderful meeting with members of the Dawoodi Bohra community! We talked about a wide range of issues during the interaction. In the interaction, a community member told Modi that they had been seeking exemption from the Waqf regulations since 1923 and lauded him for taking care of the minority within a minority with the new law that allows them to opt out.

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Another member said their community had bought an expensive property for a project in Bhindi Bazaar, a market in Mumbai, in 2015 and then someone from Nasik laid claim over it as a Waqf property in 2019.

His government, he told the prime minister, has put a stop to such a practice.

The community, a prosperous but miniscule minority among Shia Muslims, was represented by noted lawyer Harish Salve during their representation to the Joint Committee of Parliament, which was headed by BJP MP Jagdambika Pal, that had scrutinised the bill tabled in Parliament.

It was based on the committees recommendations that several new amendments were introduced in the bill, which was enacted following its passage in Parliament amid strident criticism from opposition parties.

The Supreme Court is currently hearing a batch of pleas challenging the constitutionality of the law, described by the government as key to transparency and efficient management of Waqf properties.

(Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by Firstpost staff.)
Union Home Minister Amit Shah announced that Naxalism will be eliminated by March 2026, with the CAPF and CRPF, especially the CoBRA unit playing a key role, during an event in Madhya Pradesh. read more

Union Home Minister Amit Shah addressing people on Naxalism in the country on April 17, 2025. (Photo: PTI)

Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Thursday said Naxalism will be eliminated from the country by March 31, 2026 and the Central Armed Police Forces (CAPF) and the CRPF will play a major role in it.

He was addressing the Central Reserve Police Forces (CRPF) 86th Raising Day function in Madhya Pradeshs Neemuch district.

The menace of Naxalism will end in the country by March 31, 2026, as stated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, and the CAPF and CRPF, especially its CoBRA (Commando Battalion for Resolute Action) unit, will play a major role in it, Shah said.

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Earlier, Shah inspected the CRPF Raising Day parade here.

Before attending the ceremonial parade, Shah paid tributes to fallen heroes of the CRPF.

Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Mohan Yadav was also present on the occasion.

The event is part of the 86th Raising Day celebrations of the CRPF, an official release said.

The CRPF Day is celebrated every year on March 19, as it was on this day in 1950 that the flag was presented to the force by the then Home Minister Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel.

This year, the parade was held on April 17 as part of extended celebrations, the release said.

It was in Neemuch on July 27, 1939, that the Crown Representative Police was established during the British rule, which was renamed as Central Reserve Police Force by Home Minister Patel on December 28, 1949.

The CRPF has played a strong role in many fronts, ranging from the integration of princely states to internal security, counter-insurgency-terrorism operations, international peace-keeping, VIP security and disaster management.

(Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by Firstpost staff.)
As the war escalates, Trump is unlikely to expand tariffs with other nations, and will force US companies to ditch China, thereby isolating it. For its neighbours, mainly Vietnam, Cambodia and India, it is an opportunity not to be missed read more

The US-China trade war continues with neither side willing to bend and take the first step towards reconciliation. China countered US tariffs with its own in a tit-for-tat move. The Chinese embassy in Washington tweeted, If the US is bent on waging a trade war, China will fight to the end. Both nations wait for the other to make the first call.

Simultaneously, China is courting other nations, including India, ASEAN and the EU, to join hands with it in challenging US tariffs. The Chinese embassy spokesperson in India, Yu Jing, mentioned, China and India are the two largest developing countries, and we should stand together to oppose unilateralism and protect our development rights. India did not respond.

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The Chinese Commerce minister spoke to his EU counterpart, Commissioner for Trade and Economic Security, on the subject. China even offered to start negotiations on electric vehicle pricing commitments and other trade issues. He also discussed US tariffs with his Malaysian counterpart (Malaysia is the rotating president of the ASEAN). It is unlikely that China will garner much support.

The Chinese President is visiting Vietnam, Malaysia and Cambodia, projecting itself as a reliable ally, willing to temporarily set aside territorial disputes, in return for enhanced economic cooperation. Beijing is displaying itself as a responsible power, rather than a neighbourhood bully, that it in reality is. Chinese attempts are unlikely to yield results as tariffs on other nations are currently stalled. China is desperate for new markets as US doors close, otherwise there could be massive layoffs.

China, already facing an economic slowdown and increased unemployment, cannot afford further setbacks. While seeking alternatives, it is playing on the psyche of its population, hoping to enhance national spirit as it announces itself as the only nation and Xi Jinping, the only leader, standing up to global bully, Donald Trump.

Internally China has begun encouraging an anti-US stance on its social media website, Weibo. It has blocked all references to US imposed tariffs. The Chinese Communist partys internal mouthpieces have begun publishing articles and editorials projecting resilience of the Chinese people and its economy in historically countering risks and challenges. They also falsely highlight growing economic ties with their neighbours.

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The reality is that all of Chinas neighbours, including India, are taking precautions to prevent China dumping products in their markets. Further, China is in territorial disputes with most of its neighbours. The Chinese government is aware of impact of tariffs on their economy, and hence are hoping to calm their public before anger peaks. This also displays that Beijing lacks a definite strategy to counter the US, while it responds in equal measure.

In its latest offensive, China has begun targeting established western brands. Its TikTok media network is releasing multiple videos highlighting products sold by major brands in the west as purchased at very cheap rates from Chinese companies. It has listed over 30 known global consumer brands. The message conveyed is that these companies are cheating customers in the west as cost of manufacture is 1/10th the sale price.

Chinese companies are now offering these products directly at throwaway prices. Videos from TikTok are re-emerging in other media networks, pushed by Chinese handles. Beijing, in desperation, has lifted the secrecy clause which western companies had with Chinese manufacturers. It is only a matter of time before TikTok is banned and US pressure on its sale increased. This open onslaught will also impact future procurements by western global giants from China.

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On X (formally Twitter), there is a sudden surge of pro-China handles pushing Beijings narrative while accusing the US of bullying. It appears that China has activated all its sleeping social media handles, even though X is formally banned in China. Displaying its enhanced national spirit, a handle quoted a Chinese factory owner, mentioning, Only when a great nation rises can the common people have dignity. Sacrifice is not terrifying, but surrender is.

Another mentioned, When the UK kisses Trumps ass, its strategic diplomacy. When China says we will never yield, its a global threat. Every tweet by pro-China handles, are retweeted and positively commented upon by a bunch of similar handles. A look at those pushing the Chinese agenda will display, even to a layman, that these are fake handles, toeing the CCP line. Intelligence or maturity in managing social media is missing. It is an act of desperation rather than a media strategy. It is akin to their failed wolf warrior diplomacy.

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India is also a target on social media for Chinese bots. This is because Delhi has displayed concern over Chinese dumping and believes that increased tariffs on China is an opportunity. A Chinese handle mentioned, China has received moral support from most people around the world during this tariff war, but Indians seems to see it as their opportunity. It added, Small countries can indeed be opportunists, but large countries should not do so. The so-called opportunities are often accompanied by unpredictable risks.

With India refusing to permit BYD EVs to enter its market, a Chinese handle mentioned, BYD flat-out denies any plans to invest in an Indian EV plant. It adds, doing business in India is like playing roulette with contracts  no one trusts you to pay what you owe. India is evidently the only nation which can challenge China economically and militarily in Asia and is unwilling to bend. China targeting India specifically is because it fears western firms migrating to India. Many electronic companies have already migrated.

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Historically, the Chinese refuse to communicate in English, but in this social media war, their fluency in English, especially in their videos and comments, is astounding. The Chinese appear to be sending the message that are the only ones standing upto the US. It is indirectly selling Xi Jinping as the global leader challenging Trump.

For Xi Jinping, this is a battle for survival. He is being projected as the national saviour and hence cannot look weak. For the Chinese, backing down to Trump would display that economic pressures can break China, opening doors to sanctions at some stage.

The Chinese are aware that the US intent is to prevent their rise as a competitor and therefore are hitting back in every manner on every platform, including lowering the image of western brand names exploiting social media networks. Trump is unlikely to bend towards a trade deal with a massive trade deficit. Hence a meeting between him and Xi is unlikely to result in any positives.

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For both nations, decoupling from each others economy, is the long-term solution. This trade war has just begun. China, pushed to a corner, will hit back exploiting all avenues including social media. As the war escalates, Trump is unlikely to expand tariffs with other nations, and will force US companies to ditch China, thereby isolating it. For its neighbours, mainly Vietnam, Cambodia and India, it is an opportunity not to be missed.

The author is a former Indian Army officer, strategic analyst and columnist. Views expressed in the above piece are personal and solely those of the author. They do not necessarily reflect Firstposts views.
Into the future: a glimpse of 6G in action in Nanjing

13:22, April 17, 2025 By Yao Xueqing ( People's Daily

A staff member of the Regional UniversityIndustry Technology Transfer Center (Jiangsu) operates a 6G-enabled drone for technical verification. (Photo by Pang Chengchen)

With a soft hum, a drone carrying a box of medicine lifted off from a pharmacy on Tianyuan West Road in Jiangning district, Nanjing, east China's Jiangsu province. Guided by its operator, it flew eight kilometers and landed smoothly at the east gate of the Purple Mountain Laboratories, a major scitech innovation platform focusing on basic and frontier research on the internet. .

This rapid, sustained, and stable flight exemplifies the application of 6G technology in advancing smart city development and the burgeoning low-altitude economy.

6G, the sixth generation of mobile communication technology, distinguishes itself from predecessors most notably in speed. A widely cited analogy illustrates this progression: if 2G resembles an oxcart, 3G a bicycle, 4G a car, and 5G a high-speed train, 6G would equate to an airplane.

According to Huang Yongming, director of the Pervasive Communication Research Center at Purple Mountain Laboratories, the first generation of mobile communications relied on a "cellular" network architecture. In this system, base stations transmit signals to terminals within a designated coverage zones,- termed "cells" - which are typically hexagonal, giving rise to the concept of "cellular communication." While later generations improved performance, the foundational cellular structure persisted.

In 2018, when Purple Mountain Laboratories was founded, You Xiaohu, an academician of the Chinese Academy of Sciences, and his team embarked on a groundbreaking mission: developing cell-free radio access network technology.

"This innovation dismantles traditional cell boundaries by synchronizing and centrally processing all information. The outcome is enhanced signal strength and coverage extended over tenfold compared to conventional cellular networks," explained Wang Dongming, a professor at the Pervasive Communication Research Center.

For example, a delivery drone traveling eight kilometers under a 5G network would traverse nearly 20 distinct cells, requiring repeated signal handovers at each boundary. Such frequent transitions heighten disconnection risks, potentially forcing the drone to abort its mission. A cell-free network effectively resolves this challenge.

Purple Mountain Laboratories, in collaboration with China Railway Signal & Communication Co., Ltd, conducts a "One Tower, One City" low-altitude communication test in southwest China's Yunnan province. (Photo provided by Purple Mountain Laboratories)

6G's advantages extend far beyond speed.

Above the vast waters of Taihu Lake near Xishan Island, a drone hovered in flight, conducting a 33-kilometer aerial inspection of fishery resources. Equipped with a high-definition night vision camera, infrared sensors, and custom-developed smart applications, the drone was operated autonomously - capable of taking off, landing, recharging, and 24/7 task execution - all powered by a single base station on the island.

Last year, Purple Mountain Laboratories partnered with China Unicom and the Taihu Fishery Management Committee Office to trial ultra-long-range cell-free communication at a lake-based fishery conservation area. "A single station provides ten times the coverage of 5G," explained Liu Dongjie, the project's technical lead.

By transcending the limitations of terrestrial base stations, 6G enables seamless integrated communication across land, sea, air, and space. It also unifies communication, sensing, computing, and artificial intelligence into a cohesive system.

In January this year, Purple Mountain Laboratories collaborated with China Railway Signal & Communication Co., Ltd to conduct a "One Tower, One City" low-altitude communication test in Nujiang Lisu autonomous prefecture in southwest China's Yunnan province.

By installing cell-free base stations on elevated infrastructure, they enabled drone-assisted forest fire monitoring, addressing persistent challenges such as exorbitant infrastructure costs and weak signal coverage in mountainous regions.

Meanwhile, along a road section between Mozhou East Road and Yougu Road in Jiangning district, three autonomous street-sweeping vehicles operated across a 21,000-square-meter area. Following predefined routes, these vehicles utilized high-definition cameras, LiDARs, and multi-sensor arrays to detect obstacles and pinpoint debris with precision.

"The cell-free network, transmits images from the sweepers to a control center, where data is processed and commands are issued - all within milliseconds," explained 6G engineer Jiang Tianxiang. The network's stable performance and deterministic latency ensure rapid, accurate responses from the vehicles.

Globally, 6G development is transitioning from theoretical research to overcoming core technical challenges. Priorities have expanded beyond isolated technological breakthroughs to establishing a cohesive industrial ecosystem.

Experts designate 2025 as the "inaugural year of 6G standardization," with standardization efforts projected to conclude by 2029 and preliminary commercial deployment anticipated around 2030.

"Looking ahead, 6G has great potential to revolutionize manufacturing," said Huang. Among the many use cases, embodied intelligence stands out as a particularly transformative use case..

"Leveraging 6G's ultra-high-speed connectivity and deterministic latency, industrial robots will achieve unprecedented agility and precision in executing intricate, high-skill operations. Future intelligent robots may even collaborate with other autonomous systems via 6G networks to accomplish complex missions," Huang elaborated.

(Web editor: Liang Jun, Zhong Wenxing)
Judge Leonie Brinkema of the US District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia stated that Google violated the law to establish its dominance in the largely unseen technology that places advertisements on various web pages read more

A federal judge ruled on Thursday that Google acted illegally to maintain a monopoly in certain online advertising technologies. This ruling adds to the companys legal troubles, which could reshape the $1.88 trillion corporation and alter its influence over the internet.

Judge Leonie Brinkema of the US District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia stated that Google violated the law to establish its dominance in the largely unseen technology that places advertisements on various web pages.

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The Justice Department, along with a coalition of states, filed a lawsuit against Google, arguing that its monopoly in ad technology allows the company to charge higher prices and take a larger share of each sale, according to a report by New York Times.

Google is facing increasing scrutiny regarding its dominant role in how people access information and conduct business online. Additionally, another federal judge ruled in August that the company holds a monopoly in online search. That judge is currently considering a request from the Justice Department to break up the company.

After the US Justice Department targeted Googles widely used search engine during President Donald Trumps first administration, the same agency pursued the companys profitable digital advertising network in 2023 under President Joe Biden. This move aimed to weaken the power that Google has built since its creation in a Silicon Valley garage in 1998.

Although antitrust regulators succeeded in both instances, the battle is expected to continue for several more years as Google seeks to overturn these two monopoly decisions through appeals while also advancing in the lucrative field of artificial intelligence.

The next phase in the latest case involves penalties, which are likely to begin late this year or early next year. Additionally, remedy hearings related to the search monopoly case are scheduled to start on Monday in Washington, DC During these hearings, Justice Department lawyers will attempt to persuade US District Judge Amit Mehta to impose significant penalties, which may include a requirement for Google to sell its Chrome web browser.

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With inputs from AP
For the first time in 15 years, Pakistan Foreign Secretary Amna Baloch is visiting Bangladesh to hold talks under the framework of the Foreign Office Consultations (FOC) read more

Pakistani Foreign Secretary Amna Baloch is on a visit to Dhaka to hold talks with her Bangladesh counterpart Md Jashimuddin on April 17, 2025. (Photo: Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Pakistan)

For the first time in 15 years, Pakistan and Bangladesh are holding consultations under the framework of the Foreign Office Consultations (FOC).

Pakistani Foreign Secretary Amna Baloch is on a visit to Dhaka to hold talks with her Bangladeshi counterpart Md Jashimuddin.

After her meeting with Jashimuddin, Baloch is expected to meet interim leader Muhammad Yunus and interim foreign minister M Touhid Hossain. She is also expected to attend an interaction with the think-tanks meet the Pakistani diaspora in Dhaka.

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During her official engagements, Baloch is expected to discuss the length and breadth of Pakistan-Bangladesh bilateral relationship with the goals of expanding them. Since the ouster of former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina last year in a movement by pro-Pakistan groups, the two countries have been mending ties that had been strained for a long time.

Bangladesh-Pakistan reset in full-swing

Balochs engagements are part of the efforts for a reset of the Pakistan-Bangladesh relationship after the ouster of former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina last year.

Balochs visit is the latest high-level engagement between Pakistan and Bangladesh. The visit comes ahead of Pakistani Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dars visit to Dhaka later this month. Dars visit to Dhaka would be first by a Pakistani foreign minister to Bangladesh since 2012.

Last year, Yunus met Pakistani PM Shehbaz Sharif twice  firstly on the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) session in September and then at the D8 Summit in Egypt in December.

As part of the warming of ties between the two countries, the two countries resumed bilateral trade after decades in February, according to Dawn.

Pakistan and Bangladesh started direct government-to-government trade after decades with imports of 50,000 tonnes of rice, as per the newspaper.

The newspaper reported that direct private trade had started between the two countries in November 2024 when a container ship sailed from Pakistans Karachi to Bangladeshs Chittagong for the first time in decades.

Moreover, Bangladesh has eased visa rules for Pakistani nationals and has opened direct shipping and aerial routes. Pakistan is keen at improving people-to-people ties between the countries. Pakistan is also pitching itself to Bangladesh as a gateway to trade with Afghanistan, Iran, and other countries in Central and West Asia.

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Bangladesh, which has halted yarn imports from key land ports, relies heavily on India for essential goods like cotton, food grains, sugar. India shipped 5,620 commodities to the country last year. Meanwhile, Dhakas export to India stood at just $1.8 billion last year, suggesting that Bangladesh has a massive trade deficit with India read more

The world is witnessing nothing short of a trade war between the US and China, and amid this, could there be another one waging between India and Bangladesh? Recent developments suggest that the neighbouring countries are going back and forth in import-export by suspending shipping and land port services.

April saw two major events unfold that are likely to hamper trade between India and Bangladesh. First, New Delhi suspended the transhipment facility for Bangladeshs export cargo, followed by Dhaka halting the import of yarn through the Benapole, Bhomra, Sonamasjid, Banglabandha and Burimari land ports.

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The termination of the transhipment facility could disrupt Bangladeshs trade with Bhutan, Nepal, and Myanmar. Furthermore, landlocked countries like Nepal and Bhutan are likely to raise concerns over the closure of the facility as it may affect their trade with Bangladesh.

Relations between the two countries have nosedived since last year after Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina was ousted from Dhaka. Hasinas departure brought in a wave of attacks against Hindus in Bangladesh, which were strongly condemned by New Delhi and plunged ties even further. A meeting between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus did not seem to ease tensions either, as the closure and pause of the transhipment facility and yarn imports followed their discussions.

Is Dhaka trying to upend trade ties with India? And can it really afford to do so? Lets take a look:

Pak foreign secy in Dhaka

While Bangladeshs trade with India comes into question, it seems to be getting cosy with Pakistan. The countrys Foreign Secretary, Amna Baloch, is in Dhaka to attend the Foreign Office Consultation (FOC).

A major point of discussion between Dhaka and Islamabad during this meeting would be to look at ways to boost trade. Bangladesh has already opened direct shipping lines with Pakistan, while Islamabad seeks increased exports with Dhaka.

Pakistan is looking to export products such as cotton, sugar, rice, and wheat. During the fiscal year 202324, Bangladesh exported goods valued at $61.98 million to Pakistan, while its imports from Pakistan totalled $627.8 million.

Pakistan sees potential for boosting exports to Bangladesh, especially if their products are price-competitive, said Bangladesh High Commissioner to Pakistan Iqbal Hussain Khan.

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How has Indias trade been with Bdesh?

According to numbers provided by the India Brand Equity Foundation (IBEF), the total turnover of trade between India and Bangladesh touched $12.90 billion in FY24.

India, which is one of Bangladeshs biggest export partners, shipped 5,620 commodities to the country last year. Meanwhile, Dhakas export to India stood at just $1.8 billion last year.

Major principal commodities exported from India to Bangladesh include cotton, followed by mineral fuels, mineral oils, and products of their distillation; bituminous substances; mineral waxes; vehicles other than railway or tramway rolling stock, and parts and accessories thereof; nuclear reactors, boilers, machinery and mechanical appliances; parts thereof; and residues and waste from the food industries; prepared animal fodder, in April-October FY25, a report by IBEF said.

How forging good ties with India is essential for Bdesh

The above-mentioned numbers on India-Bangladesh export and import suggest that Dhaka has a massive trade deficit with New Delhi. Bangladesh relies heavily on imports of essential goods like cotton, food grains, sugar, electronics, and steel from India. A suspension of trade would almost certainly deal a severe blow to Dhakas economy.

The textile industry in Bangladesh, a crucial pillar of the nations economy, contributing 11 per cent to its GDP, relies heavily on India. Reports indicate that India exports 35 percent of its total cotton production to Bangladesh. If these imports are halted, the impact on Bangladeshs textile sector would be severe.
Investigators believe the killings may have been a revenge attack tied to a violent rivalry between Chinese organised crime factions vying for control over the textile industry especially in the Tuscan city of Prato, a major hub for fast fashion production read more

A Chinese couple was allegedly killed by the mafia in Italy over textile turf war. Representational AI-generated image via DALL-E

A Chinese couple believed to have ties to Triad gangs was shot dead in Rome in what authorities suspect is a gang-related assassination linked to a turf war over Europes fast fashion industry, Italian police (Carabinieri) said Tuesday (April 15).

Zhang Dayong, 53, and his wife, Gong Xiaoqing, 38, were riding bicycles through the Pigneto district of the capital late Monday (April 14) night when two unidentified assailants on a motorcycle opened fire, striking both victims in the back of the head, the Carabinieri said in a statement.

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At least six shots were fired, police said. No arrests have been made, CNN reported.

Zhang, known by the alias Asheng, was a defendant in a high-profile trial in Florence involving 79 people accused of running a wide-reaching network of illegal trafficking operations across Italy, France, Germany, and Spain. He was expected to testify in the coming weeks and was believed to be the second-in-command of a major Chinese gang operating in Europe, according to documents from the Florence court.

Investigators believe the killings may have been a revenge attack tied to a violent rivalry between Chinese organised crime factions vying for control over the textile industry especially in the Tuscan city of Prato, a major hub for fast fashion production.

The ongoing trial stems from a 2018 investigation codenamed China Truck, led by Italys Anti-Mafia Directorate, which uncovered alleged trafficking of people and goods tied to mafia-style Chinese groups across Europe.

While gun violence is rare in Italy, particularly in cases involving organised crime due to strict firearms laws, officials have noted a rise in violent incidents in recent months including attempted murders, arsons, and assaults in Tuscany, Madrid, and Paris. Police say the uptick may reflect shifting allegiances and escalating tensions among competing factions in the Chinese-dominated garment sector.

The investigation into Mondays double homicide is ongoing.
With over 3,520 orbits around Earth and 93.3 million miles travelled, Don Pettit has experienced our planet from a perspective few people ever will read more

Don Pettit is returning to Earth on his 70th birthday, wrapping up his fourth space mission with NASA. After spending 220 days aboard the International Space Station (ISS) during this latest stint, his total time in orbit now stands at 590 days. With over 3,520 orbits around Earth and 93.3 million miles travelled, Pettit has experienced our planet from a perspective few people ever will.

Throughout the mission, Pettit shared captivating images and videos from space. He posted a clip of Starlink satellites gliding in formation, another of the ISS spinning 180 degrees with the Northern Lights as a backdrop, and stunning footage of auroras between Australia and Antarctica.

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Changes in attitude, changes in latitude: @Space_Station We rotated 180 degrees and flew backwards for yesterdays Soyuz docking. This is a bit long but keep watching for the surprise in the middle. pic.twitter.com/UDEp8zKDwE  Don Pettit (@astro_Pettit) April 9, 2025

In that post, he gave a shoutout to fellow space photographer @astro_jannicke, who is currently on the private FRAM2 mission.

Aurora seen today from @Space_Station while orbit was passing between Australia and Antartrica; photographer @astro_jannicke now on the private FRAM2 space mission will be having an even better view in their polar orbit. pic.twitter.com/8IIiWBDtu8  Don Pettit (@astro_Pettit) April 4, 2025

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Pettit also shared a striking video of rare upper-atmosphere lightning over the Amazon, showing sprites and blue jets flashing across the sky. With his signature humour, he captioned the clip, This is for your inner Uber-Geek.

OK, this is kind of out there and caters to your inner Uber-Geek. Nadir view of Transient Luminous Events (TLE ) or upper atmospheric lightning. This clip real time is about 6 seconds over the Amazon basin and shows a number of TLE displays from Sprites to blue jets from a pic.twitter.com/IE0Edtm2Rl  Don Pettit (@astro_Pettit) April 3, 2025

He will return to Earth aboard the Soyuz MS-26 spacecraft alongside Russian cosmonauts Alexey Ovchinin and Ivan Vagner. The crew is scheduled to undock from the ISSs Rassvet module on April 19 and land near Dzhezkazgan, Kazakhstan on April 20, with the help of parachutes.

As Don Pettit celebrates turning 70, he comes home not only as a seasoned astronaut but also as a storyteller whose lens brought space a little closer to Earth.
Maryland Senator Chris Van Hollen said El Salvador has denied his request to visit Kilmar Abrego Garcia, a Maryland resident wrongly deported there last month. Van Hollen travelled to the country hoping to meet Abrego Garcia at a high-security prison where he is being held with other undocumented migrants. read more

Maryland Democratic Senator Chris Van Hollen said on Wednesday that the El Salvador government has denied his request to visit Kilmar Abrego Garcia, a Maryland resident who was wrongly deported by the Trump administration there last month.

Senetor Van Hollen went to El Salvador on Wednesday in a hope to meet Abrego Garcia at the countrys Terrorism Confinement Center (Cecot), where he is being held after the deportation along with other undocumented migrants.

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The senators visit came just days after US President Donald Trump and his Salvadorian counterpart president, Nayib Bukele, refused to send Abrego Garcia back to the US. This comes even though the US Supreme Court recently ordered the government to facilitate his return.

At a press conference in El Salvador, Van Hollen said he met with Vice President Felix Ulloa, who told him he could not meet or speak with Abrego Garcia, even by phone.

I asked the vice-president if I could meet with Abrego Garcia. And he said, well, you need to make earlier provisions to go visit Cecot, Van Hollen said. I said, Im not interested at this moment in taking a tour of Cecot, I just want to meet with Mr Abrego Garcia. He said he was not able to make that happen.

Van Hollen said he offered to return next week to meet Abrego Garcia, but Vice President Ulloa told him he couldnt guarantee that either. Ulloa also said he couldnt arrange a phone call between Abrego Garcia and his family. When Van Hollen asked if he could call him instead, Ulloa said the request would have to come from the US embassy.

Were dealing with an unfair situation. The Trump administration is lying about Abrego Garcia, Van Hollen said, adding that his constituent was wrongly labeled as a member of the MS-13 gang. The Trump administration has admitted that Abrego Garcia was deported due to an administrative error, even though an immigration judge had granted him protected status in 2019.

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The White House criticized Van Hollen for his trip to El Salvador, releasing a statement on Wednesday highlighting the arrests of suspected undocumented criminals. The White House said, Where was his concern for Maryland residents put at risk by other illegal immigrants who have been free until now?

On Fox News, Trumps border TsarTom Homan said, Instead of focusing on crime victims in his own state, hes running to El Salvador to defend an MS-13 terrorist. Its disgraceful.
The firewall against the far-right, neo-Nazi party AfD in Germany, which has so far prevented the partys involvement in major parliamentary business or any government coalition, may about to end in the coming days read more

Co-leader of Germany's far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) party, Alice Weidel, reacts after exit polls for the 2025 general election, in Berlin, Germany, February 23, 2025. (Photo: Reuters)

For years, German parties across the spectrum have kept the far-right, neo-Nazi party AfD out of major parliamentary business or any government coalition.

This boycott of the AfD has been called a firewall against the far-right in Germany. However, there are signs that the firewall is ending in the coming days.

Such a shift appears to be a result of the realisation that AfD is now as mainstream as any other party and continuing its boycott would only lead to the party play the victim card and gain further support. The party already has ample support.

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In the 2025 German elections, the AfD emerged as the second-largest party and got 20.8 per cent vote and won 152 seats. Earlier this month, a survey found that AfD is the most popular party in Germany. It polled 25 per cent whereas Chancellor-in-Waiting Friedrich Merzs CDU/CSU bloc polled 24 per cent.

AfD makes its way to mainstream

With its 152 seats, the AfD is eligible to be part of several parliamentary committees and chair them.

However, the mainstream German parties have so far come together to keep the AfD out of committees and parliamentary vice presidency. That may be about to end as there are voices within the CDU/CSU bloc that favour engagement with AfD for two purposes.

Firstly, they say that AfD represents the will of the people and continuing to sideline would mean alienating those voters further.

Senior CDU leader Jens Spahn told Bild that the AfD should be treated in parliamentary procedures and processes like any other opposition party and that the far-right partys MPs were sitting there in such strength because voters wanted to tell us something and that we should take these voters seriously.

Secondly, they said that continuing to boycott AfD would mean the party would play a victim card and gain further support.

Johann Wadephul, the deputy chair of the CDU/CSU parliamentary group, told RND that the boycott allows the AfD to claim victimhood. He said he supports AfD to chair committees if its candidates havent behaved inappropriately in the past.

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ALSO READ: Germanys AfDs far-right leader Alice Weidel held secret meetings with Chinese envoy

The CDUs strategy seems to give the far-right responsibilities and air-time in the hope people will find it distasteful, according to Politico.

Over the years, some AfD lawmakers have built ties with members of other parties behind closed doors and have received signals of support, AfD officials told Politico.

But not everyone is convinced

Even as there is faction of CDU/CSU bloc that is open to engaging with the AfD, everyone is not on board.

Senior lawmaker Roderich Kiesewetter told RBB that the AfD is a security threat to Germany and that AfD lawmakers dont belong in the parliamentary oversight panel that monitors the intelligence services  just as little as in the budget trust committee.

Similarly, CDU/CSUs coalition partner SPD is also against the AfDs mainstreaming.

The AfD is not a party like any other. We will protect our democratic institutions  above all our parliament  with full determination, SPD parliamentary secretary Katja Mast told Tagesspiegel.

There may be another barrier to AfDs mainstreaming just yet. The coalition agreement between CDU/CSU and SPD mandates the parties to refrain from any co-operation with the far right at all political levels, according to Euractiv.

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The university issued a midday alert warning of an active shooter on campus. Police quickly arrived and began securing the area, sweeping buildings room by room to ensure student and staff safety read more

Florida State University students wait for news amid an active shooter incident at the schools campus in Tallahassee. Source: AP

A shooting incident took place at Florida State University in Tallahassee on Thursday (April 17), leaving one person dead and at least six others injured, including one individual in critical condition.

The incident unfolded near the student union, prompting an immediate lockdown and a swift emergency response from law enforcement and medical teams.

The university issued a midday alert warning of an active shooter on campus. Police quickly arrived and began securing the area, sweeping buildings room by room to ensure student and staff safety.

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One taken into custody

One suspect has been taken into custody, though authorities have not yet released further details about their identity or motive. Officials are also working to determine if others may have been involved.

Witnesses described scenes of confusion and fear. Sirmans, one of the witnesses, recounted alarms sounding inside the universitys main library and how students were evacuated with their hands raised under police supervision.

Federal officials, including members of the FBI, are assisting with the ongoing investigation. The full scope of injuries is still being assessed, and the campus remains under shelter-in-place orders as the investigation continues.

Trump reacts

US President Donald Trump also reacted to the incident, calling it a shame.

During a bilateral meeting with Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, Trump addressed the situation. I have been briefed on the Florida State University active shooter. Its a shame, he said.
Both Humala and Heredia have denied any wrongdoing. The couple were accused of using shell companies and undeclared bank accounts to funnel illicit funds into campaign coffers and personal assets read more

Perus former First Lady Nadine Heredia has fled to Brazil and been granted diplomatic asylum, a day after a Peruvian court sentenced her and her husband, ex-President Ollanta Humala, to 15 years in prison on money laundering charges.

Heredia, who did not attend the sentencing, arrived in Brasilia on Wednesday (April 17) with her son, according to her lawyer Julio Espinoza. She had requested asylum at the Brazilian Embassy in Lima just hours before the verdict was announced. Brazil granted protection to both her and her son, while Perus government authorised their safe passage, CNN reported.

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Heredias sudden departure has raised eyebrows across Perus political circles, with critics accusing her of evading justice. Espinoza said the asylum request had been motivated by a family and personal decision, made only a few hours before the court ruling. He admitted that he had learned of the move through media reports.

The sentencing marks a dramatic chapter in a years-long legal saga involving illicit campaign financing tied to some of Latin Americas most high-profile corruption cases. Prosecutors alleged that Humalas Nationalist Party received millions in illegal contributions from the Venezuelan government and the Brazilian construction giant Odebrecht to support his presidential bids in 2006 and 2011.

Both Humala and Heredia have denied any wrongdoing. The couple were accused of using shell companies and undeclared bank accounts to funnel illicit funds into campaign coffers and personal assets. Prosecutors had sought a 20-year sentence for Humala and 26 years for Heredia.

Humala was present in court on Tuesday (April 16) when the verdict was read out. Within moments of the judgment, judges ordered that he begin serving his sentence immediately. His lawyer, Wilfredo Pedraza, criticised the decision, calling it inexplicable and confirming that an appeal would be filed.

The panel has said that the illegality of the crimes can be verified along the way  that is inadmissible. Here, in oral trial and in sentencing, affirmations must be made, no longer presumptions, Pedraza told CNN.

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If the case proceeds to appeal, Heredia may participate in hearings virtually from Brazil, according to Espinoza.

The convictions come amid ongoing efforts across Latin America to hold former heads of state accountable for financial misconduct and corruption, particularly in connection with the Odebrecht scandal, which has embroiled political figures across the region.
Flights were halted after the outbreak of the Covid-19 pandemic and the subsequent deadly border clashes in 2020. Before the suspension, airlines on both sides operated dozens of flights every week connecting major cities of the two nations read more

A man walks inside a conference room used for meetings between military commanders of China and India, at the Indian side of the Indo-China border at Bumla, in the northeastern Indian state of Arunachal Pradesh, November 11, 2009. Reuters File

Direct flights between India and China could resume soon and both sides are already discussing working out technical arrangements, a spokesperson for the Indian foreign ministry said Thursday (April 17) during a weekly presser.

In principle, both countries have agreed that flight operations will resume. The technical teams on both sides are looking into the technical arrangements for the flight services to resume, Randhir Jaiswal told reporters.

The two civil aviation authorities have met and are discussing the relevant modalities, including the updated framework, the spokesperson added.

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Notably, New Delhi and Beijing agreed to resume direct flights in January this year. Flights were halted after the outbreak of the Covid-19 pandemic and the subsequent deadly border clashes in 2020. Before the suspension, airlines on both sides operated dozens of flights every week connecting major cities of the two nations.

Some issues remain unresolved

Earlier this week, Indias Civil Aviation Secretary Vumlunmang Vualnam had revealed that while talks to resume flights with China have begun, some issues still remained unresolved.

Vualnam on April 14 said that the talks are at a preliminary stage and no specific dates have been set for the resumption of flights.

Last month, Chinese Consul General in Kolkata, Xu Wei, stated that both China and India are engaged in ongoing discussions aimed at restoring direct air connectivity between the two nations. This followed a statement by the Indian foreign ministry which noted that during Foreign Secretary Vikram Misris visit to China in January, both sides had agreed in principle to resume direct flights.

Chinas warm gesture

Meanwhile, Beijing is already rolling out red carpets to welcome Indian citizens to China.

Chinese Ambassador to India Xu Feihong recently revealed that China has issued over 85,000 visas to Indian citizens between January 1 and April 9 of this year.

As of April 9, 2025, the Chinese Embassy and Consulates in India have issued more than 85,000 visas to Indian citizens travelling to China this year. Welcome more Indian friends to visit China, and experience an open, safe, vibrant, sincere and friendly China, Xu Feihong posted on X.

China has also reportedly slashed visa fees for Indians and announced several relaxations in rules.

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The move is crucial as it comes amid rising tensions between the United States and China over tariff disputes. China has urged India to align with it in opposing what it described as the US misuse of tariffs, following President Donald Trumps announcement of a major hike in tariffs on Chinese goods. Restoring direct air connectivity between India and China could signal a step toward closer economic cooperation, even as global trade dynamics shift.

Kailash Mansarovar Yatra

During the Thursday presser, Jaiswal also gave an update on the potential resumption of the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra.

The spokesperson said the pilgrimage could resume soon, and the government was expected to issue a public notice.

We will soon issue a notice for the public on the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra. There is a possibility of resumption of the Yatra soon, Jaiswal said.
India wants to avoid a trade war with Bangladesh, even though Dhakas recent moveslike blocking yarn imports and restarting direct trade with Pakistanhave caused concern in New Delhi. read more

India is keen to avoid a trade war with Bangladesh, even as Dhakas recent movessuch as blocking yarn imports and resuming direct trade with Pakistanhave raised red flags in New Delhi, according to a report by The Times of India.

India suspends trans-shipment facilities

However, Indian officials said that the recent suspension of the trans-shipment facility, granted to Bangladesh in 2020, was only to reduce congestion at Indian ports and airports.

India also clarified that this step wont affect Bangladeshs exports to Nepal and Bhutan that pass through Indian territory. Bangladesh has already blocked imports of yarn from India via land borders.

PM Modis meet with Yunus

In a recent meeting in Bangkok, Prime Minister Narendra Modi urged Bangladeshs Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus to avoid hostile rhetoric. Indian officials believe Dhaka had already begun taking unfriendly trade steps before the trans-shipment facility was halted, Times of India reported.

These include the shutdown of three land ports and tighter customs checks at Benapole. Bangladeshs knitwear industry has warned that blocking yarn imports could seriously hurt their apparel exports.

Dhaka inches closer to Islamabad

As Bangladesh looks to curb trade with India, its interim government has resumed direct trade with Pakistan. In February, Dhaka agreed to buy 50,000 tonnes of rice from Pakistan through the Trading Corporation of Pakistan (TCP).

This move has raised concerns in India, especially amid growing reports of radicalisation in Bangladesh. Indian officials are uneasy about Bangladesh strengthening ties with Pakistan, which India considers a major source of global terrorism.

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Pakistan, in turn, is seeking to expand its exports to Bangladesh. High-level engagements between the two countries have also picked up, with Pakistans Foreign Secretary Amna Baloch scheduled to visit Dhaka on Thursday. This is followed by Foreign Minister Ishaq Dars visit to Dhaka, which is set to take place next week.
The collapse of the Zhongrong trust in China over heavy losses from real estate and property developer defaults has affected more than 30,000 individuals and over 2,000 institutions, primarily wealthy investors. Some analysts have called it Chinas Lehman moment, is it? read more

The Beijing office of Zhongrong International Trust Co, partly owned by Zhongzhi Enterprise Group, is seen in Beijing on August 17, 2023. (Photo by GREG BAKER / AFP)

Chinas shadow banking and trust industry, once a pillar of high returns for wealthy investors, is now in crisis due to the property market collapse. The government is letting investors bear the losses, signalling a new era of financial discipline, but at the cost of undermining confidence in the system.

The Zhongrong International Trust Co, which managed $108 billion in 2022, has been deemed insolvent by state-appointed custodians, marking a significant blow to Chinas $3.7 trillion trust industry, Bloomberg reported.

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The industrys woes, including at least 162 high-yielding trust product defaults since 2024, have eroded confidence among Chinas elite and could undermine a consumer revival the government is counting on to support the economy.

The Zhongrong trust collapsed due to heavy losses from real estate and property developer defaults. This has affected more than 30,000 individuals and over 2,000 institutions, primarily wealthy investors. The government refused to give any bailout, enforcing stricter regulations with a focus on risk containment. But the development has had wider impact, having shaken investor confidence, risk of further defaults and economic headwinds.

What are Chinese trust companies and shadow banks?

Trust companies in China are part of the countrys so-called shadow banking sector. These are financial institutions that operate outside the traditional banking system, offering investment products to wealthy individuals and companies, and often investing in riskier areas like real estate.

Shadow banks are less regulated than ordinary banks, which means they can take on more risk but also face less oversight. The sector grew rapidly during Chinas economic boom, reaching a value of around $3.7 trillion, but much of this growth was fuelled by lending to property developers and local governments.

What happened with Zhongrong International Trust?

Zhongrong International Trust was one of Chinas largest trust companies, managing about $108 billion in 2022. It collapsed after suffering heavy losses from investments in real estate and other sectors. Its parent company, Zhongzhi Enterprise Group, also went bankrupt in late 2023.

Zhongrong defaulted on about 250 billion yuan (roughly $35 billion) in trust products, affecting over 30,000 individuals and 2,000 institutions.

State-appointed custodians declared Zhongrong insolvent and proposed winding up the company, meaning it will be liquidated and investors are unlikely to recover much of their money.

Why did Zhongrong trust collapse?

The main cause was the crisis in Chinas property sector. Developers, who relied heavily on trust company funding, began defaulting on their debts after the government imposed stricter rules on borrowing and the property market slumped.

As property values fell and developers failed to repay loans, trust companies like Zhongrong were left with huge losses. The government has made it clear it will not bail out wealthy investors, breaking with past practice where implicit guarantees were often assumed.

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Its impact has been broader than earlier anticipated

Over 162 high-yield trust products have defaulted in 2024 alone, and more than 600 billion yuan in trust assets are at risk. The collapse has shattered confidence among Chinas wealthy, many of whom now face significant losses and are cutting back on spending.

The government is tightening regulations, banning trust firms from offering implicit guarantees and raising capital requirements. There is a risk of a chain reaction in the shadow banking sector, but so far, this has not led to a broader financial crisis.

Why does this matter for Chinas economy?

The trust sectors troubles undermine confidence among Chinas wealthiest consumers, which could hurt the governments efforts to boost domestic spending and revive economic growth.

The property downturn and shadow banking crisis add to the challenges facing Chinas economy, which is already struggling with slow growth and a trade war with the US.

With the US-China trade tension escalating against the backdrop of President Donald Trumps tariff blitz, which has disrupted Chinas manufacturing sector and supply chains.

Is it Chinas Lehman moment?

The Lehman moment is a reference to the collapse of the Lehman Brothers firm in the US that signalled the 2008 meltdown in America which spread world over quickly. Some analysts have compared the collapse of Zhongrong International Trust and Chinas broader shadow banking troubles to the Lehman Brothers collapse because both represent major financial institutions failing under risky lending and investment practices, triggering fears of wider economic fallout. Zhongrongs insolvency, involving $35 billion in defaults and over 600 billion yuan in at-risk assets, echoes Lehmans role as a large, interconnected player whose failure exposed systemic vulnerabilities.

However, experts note key differences. Chinas government is not only secretive but also more selective and cautious, avoiding blanket bailouts and instead pushing for restructuring and risk containment, unlike the USs broad interventions in 2008.

The Chinese financial system is largely state-owned and controlled, giving regulators more tools to manage defaults and monitor risks. The property crisis in China, while severe, is seen as a gray rhino (an obvious threat) rather than a sudden black swan event like Lehmans collapse.

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Is this really Chinas Lehman moment? It is a significant financial shock exposing deep problems in shadow banking and property lending, shaking investor confidence and threatening economic growth. Yet, many analysts argue it is not a direct parallel to Lehmans collapse because Chinas authorities are managing the fallout differently and the financial systems structure is distinct. The situation remains tense and uncertain, but so far it is more a slow-motion crisis than a sudden systemic meltdown.
US President Donald Trump refused to approve Israels plan to attack Irans nuclear sites after a consensus emerged in his administration in favour of talks, according to a report read more

US President Donald Trump (R) meets with Israel's Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in the Oval Office of the White House in Washington, DC, on February 4, 2025. (Photo: AFP)

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu wanted to attack Irans nuclear sites as early as in May, but US President Donald Trump refused to support the plan, according to a report.

With no support from Trump, the plan to attack Iran has been put on hold for now.

Israel has long seen Irans nuclear programme as an existential threat. Even though Iran has maintained for more than two decades that its nuclear programme is entirely civilian, it has enriched nuclear fuel to near weapons-grade level and is in a position to develop a nuclear weapon within months.

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However, the Trump administration is currently engaged in indirect talks with Iran regarding the nuclear programme and a potential reset of the bilateral relationship. As long as such talks take place, an Israeli attack on Iranian nuclear programme with US blessing is off the table.

For now, Trump chooses talks over attacks: Report

After Israel told the Trump administration that it was planning to attack Irans nuclear site as soon as in May, a debate began in the Trumps orbit and a consensus emerged in favour of talks, according to The New York Times.

For any Israeli attack inside Iran, US support is critical as US warplanes, missiles, and ships would not just be critical in protecting Israel from Iranian response but would also likely be critical in the offensive operations. For instance, Israel gets its bunker-bursting bombs, which would likely be used to hit Irans underground nuclear facilities, from the United States.

The debate in the Trump administration ended in the consensus that talks should be pursued for now with Iran and an attack may be considered if Iran does not take talks seriously, according to The Times.

Earlier this month, intelligence chief Tulsi Gabbard a friendly figure to Iran and its principal ally Russia presented an assessment that the ongoing build-up of US weaponry in the region could spark a conflict that the United States does not want, as per the newspaper.

In the advocacy of a softer position on Iran, Gabbard found support in Vice President JD Vance, Trumps Chief of Staff Susie Wiles, and Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth. Vance went on to say that Trump had a great opportunity to strike a deal with Iran, but could consider an attack if the deal would not materialise.

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ALSO READ: Trump weighs options for Irans nuclear programme, keeps preemptive strikes on table: Report

At Netanyahus orders, Israeli officials came up with two broad approaches for the attack, according to the newspaper.

The first involved a commando raid accompanied by a bombing campaign. The second involved intensive bombing campaign without any commando raid.

Israel wants to attack Iran as its vulnerable

While Netanyahu has wanted to attack Irans nuclear sites for nearly two decades, he finds the current situation particularly opportune.

Currently, Iran is at its weakest in a long time. Its air defences have been nearly wiped out in two rounds of aerial battles with Israel and its allies in the region stand battered. In the Gaza Strip, Hamas has been reduced to a shadow of its former self. In Lebanon, Hezbollah has been battered. In Syria, longtime dictator Bashar al-Assad has been ousted.

Moreover, in an airstrike, Israel dealt a significant blow to the Iranian nuclear capabilities. Separately, Israel has also reduced Irans missile production capabilities with airstrikes.

As Iran stands weakened, Israel wants to utilise the opportunity to attack its nuclear facilities.

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President Trumps transfer of federal land along the U.S.-Mexico border to the Department of Defense aims to give the Army control, potentially allowing troops to detain migrants. Read more to find out the possible political and legal implications. read more

Members of US Army stand next to an M1126 Stryker vehicle parked at the US-Mexico border, as a part of joint Task Force Southern Border (Photo:AP)

A long sliver of federal land along the U.S.-Mexico border that President Donald Trump is turning over to the Department of Defense would be controlled by the Army as part of a base, which could allow troops to detain any trespassers, including migrants, U.S. officials told The Associated Press.

The transfer of that border zone to military control  and making it part of an Army installation  is an attempt by the Trump administration to get around a federal law that prohibits U.S. troops from being used in domestic law enforcement on American soil.

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But if the troops are providing security for land that is part of an Army base, they can perform that function. However, at least one presidential powers expert said the move is likely to be challenged in the courts.

The officials said the issue is still under review in the Pentagon, but even as any legal review goes on, the administrations intent is to have troops detain migrants at the border. The National Security Council did not respond to a request for comment.

The land transfer is the furthest the Trump administration has gone yet to use the military for border security. Up until now, the militarys involvement has been limited largely to helping build or fortify sections of the border wall and operating deportation flights to send migrants back to their home countries or, in some cases, to the detention facility in Guantanamo Bay, Cuba. The military also has assisted U.S. Customs and Border Protection agents by conducting surveillance or performing backup administrative tasks.

The corridor, known as the Roosevelt Reservation, is a 60-foot-wide federal buffer zone that ribbons along the border from New Mexico to California, except where it encounters tribal or privately owned land. It had been run by the Interior Department until Trump directed control be transferred to the Defense Department in a presidential memo released Friday night.

For the next 45 days, the Defense Department will test taking control of a section of the Roosevelt Reservation in New Mexico, east of Fort Huachuca, which is an Army installation in Arizona, one of the U.S. officials said. During that period, the Army will put up additional fencing and signs warning people not to trespass.

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People not authorized to be in that area could be arrested by the Armys security forces, the officials said, who spoke on condition of anonymity to provide details not yet made public.

Any migrants in the country illegally who are detained by military personnel on those lands would be turned over to local civilian law enforcement agencies, the officials said.

It was not clear if the added land would require the military to deploy additional forces to the border. There are about 7,100 active duty troops under federal control currently assigned to the border and about 4,600 National Guard troops under state control.

Troops are prohibited from conducting civilian law enforcement on U.S. soil under the Posse Comitatus Act. An exception known as the military purpose doctrine allows it in some cases  but would not apply here and would likely be challenged in the courts, said Elizabeth Goitein, an expert on presidential emergency powers at the Brennan Center for Justice.

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Thats because even though troops would be on land designated as an Army installation, they would have to prove that their primary mission there was not to conduct border security and law enforcement  and the whole point of Trumps order transferring the Roosevelt Reservation to the militarys control is to secure the border, she said.

The military purpose doctrine only applies if the law enforcement aspect is incidental, Goitein said. Does this (area) have a military purpose that has nothing to do with enforcing customs and security at the border?
While emphasising that the young generation of Pakistan should be constantly reminded of the countrys history, Army Chief General Asim Munir said that Hindus are different from Pakistanis and that this is where the foundation of the two-nation theory was laid. We are two nations, we are not one nation read more

Pakistans Army Chief General Asim Munir floated the two-nation theory and stressed that India and Pakistan are two different countries, as he delivered a provocative speech at the Overseas Pakistanis Convention in Islamabad.

Addressing the public on Wednesday, Munir said that the people of Pakistan are different from Hindus in terms of their culture, ambition, ideologies, etc.

You have to narrate Pakistans story to your children so that they dont forget it when our forefathers thought we were different from Hindus in every possible aspect of life. Our religion is different, our customs are different, our traditions are different, our thoughts are different, our ambitions are different, thats where the foundation of the two-nation theory was laid. We are two nations, we are not one nation," the army general said.

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Pakistan Army Chief General Asim Munir spews hate against #Hindus and propagates the #TwoNationTheory, which failed in 1971 when Bangladesh got independence from Pakistan. He asserts that children must be taught such "falsehoods" since it's easier to brainwash youth. Shameful! pic.twitter.com/vaVZhEK4v8  Taha Siddiqui (@TahaSSiddiqui) April 16, 2025

He reiterated that Pakistanis should not forget the story of Pakistan, how it was formed, and the sacrifices made by its forefathers, so that their bond with Pakistan never weakens, whether it is the third generation, or the fourth generation, or the fifth generation, they know what Pakistan is for them.

Will beat the hell out of terrorists

Earlier this week, three policemen were killed and 18 others injured when an improvised explosive device (IED) hit a constabulary vehicle in the restive Balochistan province of Pakistan.

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif strongly condemned the attack and directed authorities to ensure immediate medical treatment for the injured.

Sharif vowed to continue the fight against terrorism and said: We will thwart the nefarious designs of terrorists, who are enemies of humanity. Our war against terrorism will persist until this menace is completely eradicated from the country.

Talking about the Balochistan attacks, General Munir said, We will beat the hell out of these terrorists very soon. You think, these 1,500 terrorists, belonging to Balochistan Liberation Army, Balochistan Liberation Front and Balochistan Republican Army, etc, can take away Balochistan from us?

Balochistan has been witnessing violence for about two decades by ethnic Baloch groups who are fighting for greater control over the mineral resources of the province.

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With inputs from agencies
Russian President Vladimir Putin praised Elon Musk, comparing him to Soviet space pioneer Sergei Korolev. Putin highlighted Musks obsession with Mars and called him an outstanding person. read more

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Russian President Vladimir Putin on Thursday praised Elon Musk, comparing him to Soviet space pioneer Sergei Korolev, Russias state news agency TASS reported.

Speaking to students about Russias space plans, Putin said, Theres a man living in the US whos absolutely obsessed with Mars.

TASS quoted Putin comparing Elon Musk to Sergei Korolev, the Soviet engineer who helped launch Yuri Gagarin into space in 1961.

People like that are rare, Putin said. Theyre driven by big ideas that may seem impossible now but often come true later.

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Putin has praised Musk before, calling him an outstanding person. Musk, who advises U.S. President Donald Trump, has recently spoken out against Ukraine, which has been at war with Russia since 2022.

With inputs from Reuters.
For the first time, the United States will join the British- and French-led coalition of the willing today for talks regarding the ongoing Russia-Ukraine war read more

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio waves as he departs Israel for Saudi Arabia, at Ben Gurion Airport in Tel Aviv, Israel February 17, 2025. Reuters

In a first, senior US officials will join British and French officials on Thursday to hold talks regarding the ongoing Russia-Ukraine war.

Secretary of State Marco Rubio and US President Donald Trumps special envoy Steve Witkoff will travel to Paris to hold talks with top British and French officials, according to The Daily Telegraph.

This will be their first time the Trump administration will join the British- and French-led coalition of the willing for discussions on the war in Ukraine.

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British Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer and French President Emmanuel Macron have led efforts to put together a coalition of the willing nations to support the war in Ukraine. They have been working to put up a European-led force to enforce any ceasefire reached between Ukraine and Russia and deter any Russian aggression in the future by helping Ukraine rebuild its forces and defences. So far, only the United Kingdom and France have committed troops to the initiative.

British Foreign Minister David Lammy will also join Rubio and Witkoff for talks in Paris.

The Telegraph reported that the meeting will provide opportunity for Witkoff to brief the UK and France on his discussions during his recent talks with Russian leader Vladimir Putin  Witkoff travelled to Russia to hold talks with Putin on Friday.

The Department of State told the newspaper that Rubio would join talks with European counterparts to advance President Trumps goal to end the Russia-Ukraine war and stop the bloodshed.

While in Paris, he will also discuss ways to advance shared interests in the region, the State Department further said.

The talks in Paris on Thursday come after talks earlier this week in Turkey regarding the proposed ceasefire in the Black Sea.

As per Trumps ceasefire initiatives, two ceasefire proposals have so far been floated. While one seeks to cease hostilities in the Black Sea, the other seeks to cease attacks on energy infrastructure. While Ukraine has accepted both proposals, Russia has made the acceptance of these proposals conditional. Russia has made a slew of maximalist demands to accept these ceasefires, such as the lifting of sanctions on the agriculture sector.

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We believe that Chinese representatives are engaged in the production of some weapons on the territory of Russia, Zelenskyy said during a press conference in Kyiv read more

Kyiv possesses intelligence that proves that China is supplying artillery and gunpowder to Russia, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy stated on Thursday (April 17).

We believe that Chinese representatives are engaged in the production of some weapons on the territory of Russia, he said during a press conference in Kyiv. Zelenskyy did not clarify if he was referring to artillery systems or shells.

This allegation could further strain relations between Kyiv and Beijing, already tense due to Ukraines recent disclosure of Chinese nationals fighting for Russia. China has attempted to maintain a stance of neutrality in the ongoing three-year conflict sparked by Russias full-scale invasion of Ukraine.

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Ukraine has previously urged China to leverage its influence over Russia to advocate for peace.

We already have facts about this work by China and Russia to strengthen their defense capabilities, Zelenskyy expressed, noting his disappointment as he recalled Chinese President Xi Jinpings assurance that Beijing would not sell or supply weapons to Moscow.

Chinese soldiers detained in Ukraine

Zelenskyys comments come just days after Ukraine brought out two Chinese soldiers captured while fighting for Russia in front of the media.

Both men confirmed that they were under the command of Russian officers, who communicated with them using gestures due to the language barrier.

Before that, Zelenskyy had claimed that at least 155 Chinese citizens were fighting on Russias side. Kyiv made the assertion before the press conference, but after capturing the two men the first public evidence suggesting that Chinese nationals may be taking part in the war.

While China has consistently maintained a neutral stance in the conflict, its growing ties with Russia have drawn increasing scrutiny from Western governments. The presence of Chinese nationals on the battlefield even in unofficial capacities may complicate Beijings efforts to portray itself as an impartial actor in the war.

With inputs from agencies
In the Canadian elections later this month, US President Donald Trump has emerged as the main issue and rival prime ministerial candidates, Mark Carney of the Liberal Party and Pierre Poilievre of the Conservative Party, are trying to demonstrate who can better deal with the US president read more

A large Canadian flag hangs on the front of the Manitoba Legislative Building in Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada, March 5, 2025. (Photo: Reuters)

In the coming Canadian general elections, the biggest factor does not appear to be the economy or ideological tussle, but US President Donald Trump.

In the first debate between rival prime ministerial candidates on Wednesday, Mark Carney of the Liberal Party and Pierre Poilievre of the Conservative Party, the biggest question was this: Who is going to face Donald Trump as the Prime Minister of Canada?

Canada is going to polls on April 28. In a sharp turnaround within weeks, the Liberals now appear set to win their fourth straight term as they are ahead of Conservatives in polls. Just in January, they were staring at a landslide victory of Conservatives with a margin of more than 20 per cent votes.

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Since Trump won the 2024 elections, he has unleashed economic and territorial aggression on Canada. He has imposed steep tariffs on Canada and has vowed to annex the country and make it the 51st US state. The economic pressure is seen as a tactic to bring the country to its knees to make territorial subjugation easier. Standing up to Trump has therefore become central to the election campaign and Liberals messaging has apparently resonated with Canadians.

Trump remains elephant in the room in Canadian elections

Summing the mood in the country, the debates moderator, journalist Patrice Roy, said that the elections had been hijacked by Trump and he remained the elephant in the room.

Besides Carney and Poilievre, Bloc Quebecois leader Yves-Francois Blanchet and New Democratic Party (NDP) leader Jagmeet Singh were also part of the debate. The debate was held in French.

Poilievre accused the Liberals of weakening the economy over their decadelong rule and making Canada more vulnerable to economic threats. He said that Carney, the incumbent caretaker prime minister, was the same as Trudeau, the longtime prime minister who resigned in January amid deep unpopularity emerging out socioeconomic crisis in the country.

On his part, Carney said that Trudeau was not on the ballot: Mr Poilievre is not Justin Trudeau. Im not Justin Trudeau either. In this election the question is who is going to face Mr Trump.

Following the debate, Carney further distanced himself from Trudeau: One of the differences, there are many, but one of the differences between the two of us is that I put much more emphasis on the economy, on growing the economy. In fact in this circumstance that we are in, given the scale of the crisis, I would say relentless focus on growing the economy.

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In response to Carneys pitch to deal with Trump, BQ leader Blanchet said he had little political experience and he was good to negotiate business deals with tax havens but not with Trump. It was in response to Carney using his credentials as a banker to stress that he was the best to manage the trade war.

NDPs Singh slammed both Carney and Poilievre. He said both mainstream leaders would benefit cut taxes for millionaires and billionaires.

Carney & Poilievre spar in debate

Besides Trump, Canadas housing and cost-of-living crises also featured in the debate.

To address the housing crisis, Poilievre vowed to cut taxes and red tape that he said have prevented the construction of more homes.

We dont need more bureaucracy, we need more front doors, said Poilievre.

However, the two leaders found common ground on energy and immigration. They said that the country needed to ramp up oil and gas production and must look at the countrys capacity to integrate immigrants.

Liberals appear set to win

As per the latest polls, the Liberals appear set to win the coming elections. This is a sharp shift from the reality in January.

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On January 7, the Conservatives polled at 46 per cent and had a massive 26 per cent lead over Liberals.

As of this week, however, the Liberals are polling at 45 per cent and have a lead of 8 per cent over Conservatives, according to a Nanos Research survey.

As things stand today, the Liberals could win up to 191 seats compared to Conservatives 123, according to the election news analysis portal 338 Canada.

The majority-mark is 172 in the Canadian elections.
Elon Musks Doge has been assigned the task of figuring out a way to launch Trumps gold card that can be bought for $5 million to gain American citizenship. Led by Marko Elez and Edward Coristine afrom Musks Doge, the gold card project members have held several meetings with officials from different agencies read more

US President Donald Trump holds the $5 million dollar Gold Card as he speaks to reporters while in flight on board Air Force One, en route to Miami, Florida on April 3, 2025. AFO

US President Donald Trump has asked the Department of Government Efficiency (Doge) to set up a website to sell his $5 million gold card, which will give foreign investors premium access to American citizenship.

Doges Elon Musk is tasked with working out a mechanism to introduce the gold cards and finalise the application process for the special immigration visas, according to a report by The New York Times.

Engineers associated with DOGE have commenced work on the assigned project. In partnership with personnel from the State Department, the Department of Homeland Security, and US Citizenship and Immigration Services, Musks team has initiated the creation of the new visa portal.

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The gold card project

Led by Marko Elez and Edward Coristine from Musks Doge, the gold card project members have held several meetings with officials from different agencies who handle visas and immigration.

Doge engineers are currently figuring out a way to make the gold card system different from the usual visa process.

The team is focused on accelerating standard immigration procedures, such as interviews and background checks, to grant residency to high-net-worth applicants within two weeks of their application.

What is the gold card?

In February, Trump floated the idea of replacing a visa program for foreign investors with a so-called gold card that could be bought for $5 million as a route to American citizenship.

Trump told reporters he will replace the EB-5 immigrant investor visa program, which allows foreign investors of large sums of money that create or preserve US jobs to become permanent residents, with a so-called gold card.

The EB-5 program grants green cards to foreigners promising to invest in US businesses.

We are going to be selling a gold card, Trump said. We are going to be putting a price on that card of about $5 million, he added.

Its going to give you green card privileges plus its going to be a route to (American) citizenship, and wealthy people would be coming into our country by buying this card, Trump said, adding that details about the scheme will come out in two weeks.

With inputs from agencies
The leaks currently being investigated involve sensitive matters such as military strategies concerning the Panama Canal, the deployment of a second aircraft carrier to the Red Sea, Elon Musks contentious meeting at the Pentagon regarding China, and a temporary halt in intelligence gathering related to Ukraine read more

The Pentagon has sent Colin Carroll, chief of staff to Deputy Defence Secretary Stephen Feinberg, on administrative leave as US President Donald Trumps crackdown on military leaks continues in full force. Carroll is the third high-ranking official to be suspended under the investigation of the leak.

The recent dismissal happened just a day after two other political appointees were placed on leave following a probe into potential leaks of sensitive information.

An official told Politico, the leaks currently being investigated involve sensitive matters such as military strategies concerning the Panama Canal, the deployment of a second aircraft carrier to the Red Sea, Elon Musks contentious meeting at the Pentagon regarding China, and a temporary halt in intelligence gathering related to Ukraine.

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Carroll, a Marine Corps Reserve officer, was previously fired by the Joe Biden administration for creating a hostile environment while chief operating officer of the Pentagons former Joint Artificial Intelligence Centre.

Dan Caldwell, senior adviser to Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth, and Darin Selnick, the deputy chief of staff at the Defence Department, were removed from the Pentagon by security personnel and had their access to the building revoked while an investigation is underway, according to the official. Both Caldwell and Selnick have prior ties to Concerned Veterans for America, the nonprofit organisation formerly led by Hegseth.

The incidents intensified Democratic demands for Hegseths resignation. Calls for the Pentagon chief to step down grew louder after he disclosed sensitive information in a Signal group chat with senior officials regarding US military strikes in Yemen.
On April 12, Kyiv mocked the special friendship between India and Russia and accused Russian forces of deliberately targeting the warehouse of Kusum, an Indian pharma company. On Thursday (April 17), the Russian embassy rubbished the claim, blaming the loss to the Indian firm on Ukraines missile defence system read more

Photo posted by British Ambassador to Ukraine Martin Harris on X. The image shows smoke billowing from the warehouse, which allegedly belonged to the Indian firm.

The Russian embassy in India has strongly refuted claims made by Ukraine that Russian forces deliberately hit the warehouse of an Indian pharma firm in Kyiv, stating Ukraines own air defence missiles may have set the facility on fire.

On April 12, Kyiv mocked the special friendship between India and Russia and accused Russian forces of deliberately targeting the warehouse of Kusum, an Indian pharma company.

While claiming special friendship with India, Moscow deliberately targets Indian businesses  destroying medicines meant for children and the elderly, the Ukrainian embassy in India wrote on X.

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On Thursday (April 17), the Russian embassy rubbished the claim, blaming the loss to the Indian firm on Ukraines missile defence system.

The most likely explanation of the incident is that one of Ukrainian air defence missiles fell on Kusum Healthcares warehouse setting it on fire, the embassy claimed.

The most likely explanation of the incident is that one of Ukrainian air defence missiles fell on Kusum Healthcares warehouse setting it on fire.  Russia in India  (@RusEmbIndia) April 17, 2025

The embassy cited similar incidents from the past to back its argument, stating, Similar cases have occurred previously whereby Ukrainian air defence interceptors failing to hit their targets fell in urban areas due to ineptly operated electronic warfare systems.

It should also be noted that it has become customary for the Ukrainian military to deploy air defence systems, rocket launchers, artillery pieces and other military equipment in urban areas using civilians as a human shield, the Russian embassy in India wrote on X.

Earlier on Wednesday (April 16), Ukrainian ambassador Oleksandr Polishchuk alleged that the Russian drone strike on the warehouse led to losses worth $25 million to the Indian firm.

If the drone strike was later in the day, the building would have had more people, and the destruction could have been greater, Polishchuk said. Russia is launching attacks with Shahed drones at night because they are intercepted in the day, and it is targeting critical infrastructure and locations, including pharmaceutical units.

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The attack came on the day that marked the anniversary of India-Russia diplomatic ties, he added.

Polishchuk stated that Kusum Group appeared to be targeted due to its support for Ukraines emergency services. As part of its humanitarian efforts last year, the company supplied 45 sets of body armour and helmets to rescue services and volunteer groups in Sumy and Kyiv. It also donated bulletproof vests and ballistic helmets to the State Emergency Service, reflecting its active role in supporting Ukraine during the crisis.
Trump administration officials could face criminal contempt charges for ignoring a judges order to halt the deportation of alleged Venezuelan gang members, the judge said on Wednesday. US District Judge James Boasberg found probable cause to charge officials. read more

Officials from the Trump administration could face criminal contempt charges for ignoring the orders of the judges to stop the deportation of alleged members of a Venezuelan gang, the judge said on Wednesday.

In a written ruling, US District Judge James Boasberg said there is probable cause to charge the officials, accusing them of showing a willful disregard for his March 15 order that blocked the deportations to El Salvador under the 1798 Alien Enemies Act.

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Lawyers and family members of the deported migrants has pleaded that they are not gang members and were never given a chance to challenge the US governments claims.

The Justice Department has appealed the decision to the DC Circuit Court of Appeals. Judge Boasberg said the administration can still avoid contempt by following his orderspecifically, by giving the migrants a chance to challenge their deportations in court.

He gave the administration until April 23 to explain its next steps or name the officials responsible for ignoring the order, who could then face prosecution.

The judge pointed out that Secretary of State Marco Rubio had retweeted a post by El Salvador President Nayib Bukele, who shared a story about the judges order blocking deportations and wrote, OopsieToo late. The judge further said that the administrations actions suggested they had deliberately ignored the courts order.

White House Communications Director Steven Cheung said on X that the administration would seek an immediate appeal.

A Justice Department spokesperson called the judges attempt to keep control over the case a power grab and said they would fight it by all means necessary.

The Trump administration faces over 150 legal challenges. Democrats and some legal experts argue that officials are sometimes delaying compliance with court orders, showing a possible willingness to disregard the judiciary.

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The Donald Trump administration appears to have dropped some of the contentious demands in the minerals deal being negotiated with Ukraine, but several hurdles still remain to be overcome, according to reports read more

US President Donald Trump shouts at Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy during their interaction with the press at the White House in Washington, DC, on February 28, 2025. Reuters File

The Donald Trump administration of the United States appears to have softened the stance on the minerals deal with Ukraine.

In the latest version of the deal being negotiated, the Trump administration appears to have agreed to not treat the aid to Ukraine so far as debt that needs to be repaid, according to reports.

While neither US nor Ukrainian officials have confirmed it on the record, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has hailed good progress in the deals and that suggests Trump has toned down his maximalist demands.

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Previously, Trump had demanded total control of Ukraines energy and other natural resources and an interest of 4 per cent on repayment of US aid so far. The demands were widely condemned for being predatory that would have reduced Ukraine to a US colony.

The basic legal stuff is almost finalised, and then, if everything moves as quickly and constructively, the agreement will bring economic results to both our countries, said Zelenskyy on Wednesday.

US drops key demand but hurdles remain

A senior official familiar with the negotiations told AFP that newer drafts of the US-Ukraine minerals deal appear to not recognise the US aid to Ukraine as debt that would need to be repaid.

However, some major hurdles still remain in the finalisation of the deal, according to reports.

For one, the Trump administration wants the aid to Ukraine so far, around $90 billion, to be treated as a contribution to the joint fund that would be created to manage Ukraines natural resources, according to Bloomberg.

Essentially, this would mean that Ukraine would have to put most of the money into the fund.

Ukraine has struggled to talk the Trump administration out of that approach, which has underpinned several of the most draconian demands from Washington, according to Bloomberg.

Separately, US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent has said that the minerals deal could be signed as early as this week.

No security guarantees on the table

Like previous versions of the minerals deal, there are no security guarantees on the deal.

Instead, Trump has returned to the familiar bashing of Zelenskyy and Ukraine with his lies.

Earlier this week, Trump falsely said that Zelenskyy had started the war with Russia. On the other hand, he dismissed the Russian attack in a Ukrainian city that killed more than 30 people as a mistake.

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While the Trump administration has pitched the minerals deal as a de facto security guarantee, critics have seen the deals harsh demands as predatory that would reduce Ukraines sovereign rights over its natural resources and put the country in a tough spot where it may have to be choose between subjugation by Russia or colonisation by the United States.
US District Court Judge Indira Talwani has blocked the Trump administrations bid to revoke legal protections called immigration parole on April 24 read more

US President Donald Trump has attacked the American judiciary after a federal judge paused the governments plan to withdraw legal protections to half a million migrants residing in the country.

Earlier this week, US District Court Judge Indira Talwani blocked the Trump administrations bid to revoke legal protections called immigration parole on April 24.

However, Talwani halted the deportation notices issued by the government and blocked officials from rescinding the immigration parolelegal protection granted by the Biden administration to over half a million individuals from Cuba, Haiti, Nicaragua, and Venezuela.

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Talwani said, The early termination, without any case-by-case justification, of legal status for noncitizens who have complied with DHS programs and entered the country lawfully undermines the rule of law.

In a Truth Social post, the US president the judges ruling, saying, Can you believe it? A Judge ruled against us on 530,000 illegal migrants (that Joe Biden flew over the border in his program to transport illegals into the country by airplane) saying that they cant be looked at as a group, but that each case has to be tried individually. Based on the court system, that would take approximately 100 years. What is going on with our courts? They are totally out of control. They seem to hate Trump so much, that anything goes!

He added, We are trying to bring our country back from the destruction caused by the Democrats and crooked Joe Biden. I won on a policy of common s, and what common sense do we have when we have to have 530,000 trials? This radicalised Judge is saying that sleepy Joe Biden can fly more than half a million illegals into America, in one day, but we have to hold many years of long and tedious trials to fly each and every one of them back home. Where is the justice here???

The judgment safeguards the Biden administration-backed program called CHNV, under which 532,000 migrants from Cuba, Haiti, Nicaragua and Venezuela were authorised to fly to the US after they had secured sponsorships from US-based individuals. Following their entry into the country, the immigrants were granted parole and allowed to work in the US lawfully for two years.

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The White House expects to finalise and announce trade deals with India, Japan, South Korea, and the United Kingdom within two to three weeks, according to a report read more

The White House is expecting to reach trade deals with India, Japan, South Korea, and the United Kingdom within the next three weeks, according to a report.

A host of countries have been in talks with the Donald Trump administration to reach bilateral trade deals to avoid the worst outcome of tariffs. The 90-day pause on reciprocal tariffs is essentially a window for these countries to reach deals before tariffs are reinstated for good.

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The Daily Telegraph has reported that the White House expects deals with India, Japan, and South Korea to be reached in the first batch of deals and then, in the second batch, it expects to reach a deal with the UK.

As for the US-UK trade deal, which is expected after deals with India, Japan, and South Korea, a White House official told The Telegraph it is expected soon within two weeks or maybe three.

As the White House expects the deal with India to be reached before the UK, the timeline would be even shorter for the India-US trade deal.

Together, these trade deals would lay the groundwork to isolate China, which has faced tariffs extendable to up to 245 per cent in some cases, according to the newspaper.

While China has responded with counter-tariffs and non-tariff escalatory measures, such as halting the export of critical and rare earths, countries like India have responded quietly with negotiations for a bilateral deal. To be sure, India had been in talks with the Trump administration for a bilateral trade deal even before the tariffs were announced. This is why the Indian government maintains that India did not deserve tariffs in the first place.

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In the so-called reciprocal tariffs rollout this month, Trump clubbed India among the highest-tariffed countries. He slapped 26 per cent tariffs on India and clubbed the country with Vietnam (46 per cent), Taiwan (32 per cent), South Korea (26 per cent), and Japan (24 per cent). He imposed the baseline 10 per cent tariffs on the UK.

Earlier this month, Union Commerce Minister told Firstposts Palki Sharma in an interview: India was not one of those countries which really needed to have tariffs on them because we were already in engagement for a bilateral trade deal.

However, Goyal gave a much longer timeline for the finalisation of the trade deal. He said the deal should be finalised by fall.
Zelenskyy said Witkoff was consciously or unconsciously spreading Russian narratives after the US envoy suggested that a peace deal between Russia and Ukraine depended on the status of territories currently occupied by Russian forces read more

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy on Thursday (April 17) accused the US peace envoy Steve Witkoff of spreading Russian narratives while talking to reporters.

I believe that Mr Witkoff has taken on the strategy of the Russian side. I think it is very dangerous, because he is consciously or unconsciously, I dont know, spreading Russian narratives, Zelenskyy said, after Witkoff suggested that a peace deal between Russia and Ukraine depended on the status of territories currently occupied by Russian forces.

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This peace deal is about these so-called five territories, Witkoff said in comments for Fox News earlier this week. But theres so much more to it. I think we might be on the verge of something that would be very important for the world at large.

Key allies of Kyiv met with top US officials in Paris earlier in the day, as European leaders pushed to revive discussions around a possible ceasefire in Ukraine. The diplomatic effort comes amid ongoing frustration from President Donald Trump, whose attempts to bring an end to the three-year conflict have so far made little headway. Trump has voiced particular concern over Russian President Vladimir Putins reluctance to agree to a full and unconditional truce.

The Paris meeting brought together US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, US envoy Steve Witkoff, and French President Emmanuel Macron. The lunchtime talks at Macrons palace followed a recent meeting between Witkoff and Putin, signalling an intensifying diplomatic effort to break the deadlock.

Putin received Witkoff in the former imperial capital of St. Petersburg on Friday and they spoke for close to five hours. Putins foreign policy aide, Yuri Ushakov, and investment envoy Kirill Dmitriev were also in the room.

On Thursday, Zelenskyy called on allied nations gathered in Paris to intensify pressure on Russia to accept a ceasefire. His plea came amid ongoing Russian attacks, which have continued despite multiple rounds of diplomatic outreach.

Ukrainian officials reported that Russian drone strikes and shelling killed at least 10 people on Thursday alone. This follows a deadly strike earlier in the week in the northeastern city of Sumy, where at least 35 people lost their lives.

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Macron has emerged as a central figure in coordinating Europes response to the war, both in terms of military support during the ongoing conflict and planning for Ukraines future reconstruction.

(With inputs from agencies)
Nathan graduated with his journalism degree from Auburn University in 2017. After growing up in the flatlands of rural Alabama with his parents and older sister, Nathan enjoys Western Colorado's natural resources and recreational opportunities. He currently covers education and business for The Daily Sentinel.
Dennis received bachelor's degrees in communication and political science with a TAG degree in Spanish from The University of Akron in Ohio. He grew up in Ohio with two sisters and two brothers, one being his fraternal twin. He and his wife have two dogs: Bacio, and Cal. Dennis currently covers natural resource and environmental issues for The Daily Sentinel
Fri Friday

90 /65

Mostly sunny. Highs in the low 90s and lows in the mid 60s.
The Glasgow City Council will meet in regular session Monday, April 21, 5 p.m., in the Council Chambers located inside of the Civic Center.

The meeting is open to the public.

Click on the image above to view the full agenda.
DPP asks party officials, staff to report China trips amid espionage probes

ROC Central News Agency

04/16/2025 07:24 PM

Taipei, April 16 (CNA) President Lai Ching-te () said Wednesday that Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) officials and staff members will be required to report any planned travel to China in the future, amid reports of Chinese spies within his ruling party.

Speaking at the party's Central Standing Committee meeting in Taipei, Lai, the DPP chairman, ordered the establishment of a mechanism that would require party officials and staff members to provide advanced notice of any planned travel to China, Hong Kong or Macau, and to submit a report upon their return.

Those who come in contact with individuals holding official positions in the Chinese government should follow the same reporting procedure, according to Lai.

He also stressed the importance of strengthening national security awareness and legal education among DPP officials and staff -- both at the party headquarters and local chapters -- as well as among aides to lawmakers and city or county councilors.

"The DPP was created in an era of authoritarian dictatorship and serves as the driving force of Taiwan's democracy ... we must hold ourselves to a high standard," Lai said.

Those who turn their back on the DPP's core values and betray the country for personal gain must be met with strict party sanctions, the harshest penalties by law and condemnation from society, he added.

Lai's comments came amid ongoing espionage investigations into several DPP staff members who allegedly leaked confidential information to Chinese intelligence services while serving as assistants to DPP government officials.

One of the cases involves Ho Jen-chieh (), a former assistant serving under Secretary-General of the National Security Council Joseph Wu () during the latter's tenure as Taiwan's foreign minister.

Prosecutors in Taipei have detained Ho but have yet to provide details about his alleged crimes, citing nondisclosure clauses concerning ongoing investigations.

A separate espionage case involves Sheng Chu-ying (), a former assistant to then-Legislative Speaker You Si-kun (). Sheng has been released on bail on the condition that he wear an electronic tag.

The DPP has expelled both Ho and Sheng from the party.

(By Yeh Su-ping and Teng Pei-ju)

Enditem/ASG

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Former FAA Contractor Pleads Guilty to Illegally Acting as an Agent of the Iranian Government

Wednesday, April 16, 2025

For Immediate Release

Office of Public Affairs

Former Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) contractor Abouzar Rahmati, 42, a naturalized U.S. citizen and resident of Great Falls, Virginia, pleaded guilty today to conspiring to act and acting as an agent of the Iranian government in the United States without prior notification to the Attorney General.

According to court documents, from at least December 2017 through June 2024, Rahmati worked with Iranian government officials and intelligence operatives to act on their behalf in the United States, including by meeting with Iranian intelligence officers in Iran, communicating with Iranian intelligence officers and government officials using a cover story to hide his conduct, obtaining employment with an FAA contractor with access to sensitive non-public information about the U.S. aviation sector, and obtaining open-source and non-public materials about the U.S. solar energy industry and providing it to Iranian intelligence officers.

In August 2017, Rahmati offered his services to the Iranian government through a senior Iranian government official who previously worked in Iran's Ministry of Intelligence and Security and with whom Rahmati had previously attended university. Four months later, in December 2017, Rahmati traveled to Iran, where he met with Iranian intelligence operatives and government officials and agreed to obtain information about the U.S. solar energy industry, to provide that information to Iranian officials, and to conduct future communications under a cover story based on purported discussions about research with fellow academics.

Upon returning to the United States in early 2018, Rahmati obtained various private and open-source materials related to the U.S. solar energy industry and provided them to an official from the office of Iran's Vice President for Science and Technology in response to tasking from Iranian government officials.

In response to tasking from Iranian officials, and in furtherance of his role as an agent of the Government of Iran, Rahmati exploited his employment as an FAA contractor, working for U.S. COMPANY 1, by downloading at least 172 GB of U.S. COMPANY 1 files, which included sensitive access-controlled FAA documents related to the National Aerospace System (NAS), NAS Airport Surveillance Radar systems, and radio frequency data. Rahmati stored those files on removable media, which he took to Iran, where he provided sensitive documents to the Government of Iran in April 2022.

Also in April 2022, in response to tasking from Iranian government officials, Rahmati sent additional information relating to solar energy, solar panels, the FAA, U.S. airports, and U.S. air traffic control towers to his brother, who lived in Iran, so that he would provide those files to Iranian intelligence on Rahmati's behalf.

Sentencing is scheduled for Aug. 26. Rahmati faces a maximum statutory penalty of 10 years in prison for acting as an agent of a foreign government without prior notification to the Attorney General, and up to five years in prison for conspiracy. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.

Sue Bai, head of the Justice Department's National Security Division, U.S. Attorney Edward R. Martin Jr. for the District of Columbia, and Assistant Director Roman Rozhavsky of the FBI's Counterintelligence Division made the announcement.

The FBI's Washington Field Office is investigating the case, with significant assistance from the FAA's Office of Counterintelligence and Technical Operations.

Assistant U.S. Attorneys Christopher Tortorice and Kimberly Paschall for the District of Columbia and Trial Attorneys Beau Barnes and Alexander Wharton of the National Security Division's Counterintelligence and Export Control Section are prosecuting the case, with significant assistance from the U.S. Attorney's Office for the Eastern District of Virginia.

Topic: National Security

Components: Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI)

National Security Division (NSD)

USAO - District of Columbia

Press Release Number: 25-395

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Private Investigator Sentenced to Prison for Interstate Stalking and Harassment of Chinese Nationals on Behalf of the People's Republic of China

Wednesday, April 16, 2025

For Immediate Release

Office of Public Affairs

Michael McMahon, a Retired New York City Police Department (NYPD) Sergeant, and Two Co-Conspirators Were First Defendants Convicted After a U.S. Trial in Connection with Repatriation Program 'Operation Fox Hunt'

Today, in federal court in Brooklyn, New York, Michael McMahon, 57, of Mahwah, New Jersey, was sentenced to 18 months in prison and ordered to pay an $11,000 fine for acting as an illegal agent of the government of the People's Republic of China (PRC) and interstate stalking and conspiracy to commit the same, for his participation in a scheme to coerce repatriation of a U.S. resident to the PRC as part of its international repatriation effort known as "Operation Fox Hunt." McMahon and co-defendants Zhu Yong, 68, of East Elmhurst, New York, and Congying Zheng, 29, of Brooklyn, were convicted by a federal jury in June 2023 following a three-week trial. In January 2025, Zhu and Zheng were sentenced respectively to 24 months and 16 months in prison.

As proven at trial, between approximately 2016 and 2019, the defendants and their co-conspirators participated in an international campaign to threaten, harass, surveil, and intimidate John Doe #1 and his family in order to force him and his wife, Jane Doe #1, to return to the PRC to face purported corruption charges. Beginning in 2012, John Doe #1 and Jane Doe #1 had been targeted for repatriation as part of the PRC's transnational repression programs known as "Operation Fox Hunt" and "Operation Sky Net." John Doe #1 and his family had accordingly sought to keep their address out of public records.

Zhu hired McMahon, a retired NYPD sergeant working as a private investigator, to locate John Doe #1. McMahon obtained sensitive information about John Doe #1, which he then reported back to Zhu and others, including a PRC police officer. McMahon also conducted surveillance outside the New Jersey home of John Doe #1's relative and provided Zhu and PRC officials with detailed reports of what he observed. The operation was supervised and directed by several PRC officials, including a PRC police officer and a PRC prosecutor.

As McMahon knew, the operation was intended not only to locate John Doe #1, but to coerce him to return to the PRC by exerting pressure on his family members. In April 2017, PRC officials threatened to jail John Doe #1's sister, who lived in the PRC, in order to coerce John Doe #1's then-82-year-old father to travel from the PRC to their relative's home in New Jersey. John Doe #1's father, who had recently suffered a brain hemorrhage, was so frail that a doctor accompanied him for the trip. McMahon followed John Doe #1's father from the relative's New Jersey home, and, by doing so, was able to learn John Doe #1's address. McMahon immediately provided this information to a PRC operative.

On Sept. 4, 2018, Zheng and another co-conspirator drove to the New Jersey residence of John Doe #1 and Jane Doe #1 - at the address that McMahon had provided - where they pounded on the front door, attempted to enter the house, and then peered through the windows in the back of the home. They left a note on the front door informing John Doe #1 that his "wife and children will be okay" if John Doe #1 surrendered himself to face a ten-year prison term in the PRC.

McMahon knew that the subjects of his investigation were wanted by the PRC government, a fact that he texted about with another investigator he contracted to help him. Following his arrest, McMahon acknowledged knowing that his employers wanted to get the victim back to China "so they could prosecute him." After providing the victims' address, McMahon told his surveillance partner that he was "waiting for a call" to find out what to do next. McMahon's partner responded, "Yeah. From NJ State Police about an abduction," to which McMahon responded "Lol." McMahon later suggested to a PRC co-conspirator that they "harass" John Doe #1 by "[p]ark[ing] outside his home and let[ting] him know we are there." McMahon took other investigative steps designed to harass the victims, such as researching their daughter's university residence and college major. McMahon was paid more than $19,000 in total for his role in the illegal repatriation scheme. In an apparent attempt to conceal the source, McMahon deposited payments from his PRC clients into his son's bank account, the only time he had done so with client payments.

Previously, three co-defendants pleaded guilty in connection with their roles in the PRC-directed harassment and intimidation campaign. They are awaiting sentencing.

Sue J. Bai, head of the Justice Department's National Security Division, U.S. Attorney John J. Durham for the Eastern District of New York, and Assistant Director Roman Rozhavsky of the FBI's Counterintelligence Division made the announcement.

The FBI New York Field Office investigated the case, with valuable assistance provided by the Department of State's Diplomatic Security Service.

Assistant U.S. Attorneys Meredith A. Arfa and Irisa Chen for the Eastern District of New York and Trial Attorney Christine A. Bonomo of the National Security Division's Counterintelligence and Export Control Section are prosecuting the case. Paralegal Specialist Rebecca Roth for the Eastern District of New York provided valuable assistance.

The FBI has created a website for victims to report efforts by foreign governments to stalk, intimidate, or assault people in the United States. If you believe that you are or have been a victim of transnational repression, please visit the FBI's website.

Topic: National Security

Components: Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI)

National Security Division (NSD)

USAO - New York, Eastern

Press Release Number: 25-394

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Government proposes more extensive rights for intelligence authorities to disclose criminal information

Finnish Government

Ministry of the Interior

16.4.2025

Press release

The Government proposes that the Finnish Security and Intelligence Service and the military intelligence authorities be allowed to disclose information on criminal offences to other authorities more extensively than before. The proposal would improve national security. The Government submitted the proposal to Parliament on 16 April.

The government proposal would clarify the procedures for disclosing information obtained on offences through the use of intelligence collection methods for the purpose of crime prevention. It would also lay down clearer provisions on the related processing of personal data. With regard to the Finnish Security and Intelligence Service, the proposal would amend the provisions on firewalls laid down in the Police Act, i.e. the rights of the Finnish Security and Intelligence Service to disclose information to the police. The necessary amendments would be made to the Police Act and the Act on the Processing of Personal Data by the Police. Similar amendments concerning the disclosure of criminal information are also proposed to the Act on Military Intelligence.

The Finnish Security and Intelligence Service would be allowed to disclose information on offences more extensively than before. Such offences would include offences of treason, offences of high treason and terrorist offences. In addition, information could be disclosed in situations where it is important to protect national security or to direct the activities of the authorities. This would improve the ability of the security authorities to counter threats.

The Government Programme aims to strengthen national security. The goal is to amend the provisions to enable the sufficient disclosure of information to the police and other public authorities that have the power to intervene concretely in activities that pose a serious threat to national security.

More efficient international exchange of information

In future, the Finnish Security and Intelligence Service would be able to disclose personal data to NATO. Amendments are proposed to the legislation due to Finland's NATO membership.

According to the proposal, the Finnish Security and Intelligence Service could also disclose information to an EU agency or institution whose duties include protecting national security, safeguarding legal and social order, maintaining public order and security, and preventing and investigating offences and referring them for consideration of charges.

The proposed amendments are scheduled to enter into force as soon as possible.

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Pentagon officials placed on leave over 'unauthorized' leaks on Yemen

Iran Press TV

Wednesday, 16 April 2025 11:14 AM

The Pentagon has placed two high-ranking officials on administrative leave amid an ongoing investigation into "unauthorized" leaks related to a confidential group chat discussing military aggression against Yemen.

Dan Caldwell, a senior adviser to US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, and Darin Selnick, the Pentagon's deputy chief of staff, were reportedly escorted out of the Pentagon building on Tuesday in connection to the investigation, according to a department official speaking on condition of anonymity.

Caldwell, who has previously expressed isolationist views and skepticism about US military assistance abroad, is under scrutiny for an "unauthorized disclosure" linked to a controversial Signal group chat that accidentally included Jeffrey Goldberg, editor-in-chief of The Atlantic.

This chat raised significant concerns regarding operational security, particularly as it highlighted Caldwell's role as a key contact for the National Security Council during preparations for military strikes against Yemen's Ansarullah movement.

The leaked chat featured discussions among several high-ranking officials, including Vice President JD Vance, National Security Adviser Mike Waltz, and CIA Director John Ratcliffe.

Goldberg noted that these officials seemed unaware of his presence while discussing detailed military plans, which has sparked bipartisan alarm over the potential security risks associated with such lapses.

Selnick has also been placed on leave as the investigation continues, a move that aligns with the Pentagon's broader initiative launched last month to address "unauthorized disclosures" of sensitive information.

This investigation represents a significant moment in the Trump administration's approach to handling military communications, as officials have taken aggressive measures to combat leaks.

A memo from Hegseth's chief of staff, Joe Kasper, dated March 21, indicated a demand for a thorough review of recent unauthorized disclosures, suggesting the potential use of polygraphs for those involved, although it remains unclear if Caldwell has undergone such testing.

Despite Hegseth's denial that specific war plans were shared, the National Security Council has acknowledged the authenticity of the messages and initiated an investigation. Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer has condemned the incident, emphasizing the seriousness of the breach and calling for accountability.

This investigation unfolds against the backdrop of ongoing US military operations in Yemen, where recent airstrikes have targeted various locations, including civilian infrastructure.

US officials speaking to the Wall Street Journal on Tuesday reported that Washington has conducted over 350 strikes during its current campaign in Yemen.

Yemen's Health Ministry reported on Monday that US strikes on civilian facilities have resulted in 123 deaths and 247 injuries since March 16.

Since the onset of Israel's war on Gaza in October 2023, Yemeni forces have conducted numerous operations to support the besieged Gazans, targeting locations within the occupied Palestinian territories and striking Israeli, American, and British interests in the Red Sea region.

In response, the US established a maritime task force in December 2023 to safeguard vessel passage to Israeli-occupied areas.

In retaliation, Yemeni forces intensified their assaults on key Israeli and American assets, including US warships and aircraft carriers stationed off Yemen's coast, vowing to continue their attacks until Israel ceases its ground and aerial offensives in Gaza.

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Pentagon Official Placed on Administrative Leave Amid Leak Investigation

Sputnik News

20250416

MOSCOW (Sputnik) - Darin Selnick, the Pentagon's deputy chief of staff, has been placed under administrative leave as part of an investigation into potential information leaks, a European newspaper reported on Wednesday, citing defense officials.

The leak investigation concerns US military plans regarding the Panama Canal, deployment of a second aircraft carrier to the Red Sea, billionaire entrepreneur Elon Musk's visit to the Pentagon, and the suspension of intelligence sharing with Ukraine.

Reuters reported on Tuesday that US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth's senior adviser Dan Caldwell had been placed on administrative leave for an unauthorized leak.

 Sputnik

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Philippine, U.S. Troops Kick off Exercise Balikatan 2025

US Marine Corps News

10 Apr 2025 | Courtesy Story U.S. Marine Corps Forces, Pacific

CAMP AGUINALDO, Quezon City, Philippines -- The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) and the U.S. military are joining forces for the 40th iteration of Exercise Balikatan, the largest annual bilateral training exercise between the two allies, from April 21 to May 9. Building on the complexities and achievements of past iterations, this year's exercise will demonstrate the progress in the AFP's modernization efforts and further strengthen the U.S. - Philippine Mutual Defense Treaty by enhancing military interoperability and readiness.

AFP and U.S. military members will participate alongside forces from the Australian Defence Force and, for the first time, the Japan Self-Defense Force. Additionally, 16 nations are scheduled to take part in the AFP-hosted international observer program, including Brunei, Canada, Czech Republic, France, Germany, India, Indonesia, Lithuania, Malaysia, Netherlands, New Zealand, Republic of Korea, Singapore, Thailand, United Kingdom and Vietnam.

Distinguishing itself from past iterations, Balikatan 25 will feature a Full Battle Test that incorporates real-world forces and events into a virtual and constructive exercise scenario. The exercise will span all domainsair, land, sea, space, and cybertesting the interoperability between U.S. and Philippine forces to simulate the defense of Philippine sovereignty.

"The Full Battle Test will demonstrate how the tactical actions of service members have operational effects for the multilateral force," said U.S. Marine Corps Lt. Gen. Michael S. Cederholm, commanding general, I Marine Expeditionary Force. "Doing so allows us to validate, refine and improve our combined capability to defend the Philippines."

The exercise will consist of four primary components: a Combined Joint Logistics Over-the-Shore (CJLOTS) operation, humanitarian civic assistance (HCA) activities, a command-and-control exercise (C2X), and a Multilateral Maritime Exercise (MME). Each component will encompass several training events and engagement throughout the Philippines.

The CJLOTS operation, which will be conducted by U.S. and Philippine forces prior to the opening ceremony, will strengthen our collaborative logistics capabilities through offloading heavy equipment and supplies from maritime vessels onto shore using landing craft and other expeditionary vessels.

During the HCA activities, which will be led by a joint AFP-U.S. civil-military operations task force, service members will carry out humanitarian missions at five locations across the Philippines that focus on improving local infrastructure, sharing medical skills, and reinforcing ties with local communities.

The C2X incorporates two parts: a Command Post Exercise (CPX), during which the AFP and U.S. forces will operate parallel JTFs, synchronizing their bilateral actions through a Combined Coordination Center and fusion centers; and a Field Training Exercise (FTX), where U.S., AFP, ADF and JSDF forces will conduct training across Luzon and Palawan. The FTX focuses on six Combined Joint All-Domain Operations (CJADO) events, which are combined-arms, live-fire exercises that emphasize maritime security, coastal defense and joint fires across all domains. The C2X will showcase AFP modernization progress, as well as the tactical proficiency and operational capability of participating allies, all while certifying I Marine Expeditionary Force as a JTF.

During the MME, the U.S. Navy, Philippine Navy, and Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force will carry out joint naval activities along the coast of Luzon, conducting various training events in the Philippines' exclusive economic zone.

Training side-by-side in each exercise component, AFP and U.S. forces will live up to "Balikatan" namesake, which means "shoulder-to-shoulder" in Tagalog, symbolizing the strong partnership between the Philippines and the United States.

News media representatives interested in additional information or coverage opportunities may contact the exercise Public Affairs Combined Joint Information Bureau media officer at Benjamin.gillman@usmc.mil.

About Balikatan

Balikatan is an annual exercise between the Armed Forces of the Philippines and U.S. military designed to strengthen bilateral interoperability, capabilities, trust and cooperation built over decades of shared experiences. For complete coverage of Balikatan 25 activities, visit https://www.dvidshub.net/unit/BK.

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Press Release - US assets depart for DEFENDER 25 exercise alongside Allies and partners

Dynamic Employment of Forces to Europe for NATO Deterrence and Enhanced Readiness, DEFENDER 25, is a large-scale U.S. Army exercise that tests how quickly, and effectively American troops can deploy to Europe and defend the Eastern Flank with NATO Allies and partners.

By U.S. Army Europe and Africa, United States European Command Wiesbaden, Germany Apr 14, 2025

Dynamic Employment of Forces to Europe for NATO Deterrence and Enhanced Readiness, DEFENDER 25, is a large-scale U.S. Army exercise that tests how quickly, and effectively American troops can deploy to Europe and defend the Eastern Flank with NATO Allies and partners. Beginning April 10, 2025, equipment and personnel depart the U.S. to demonstrate the U.S. military's ability to send forces across long distances, maintain operations, and support its Allies from the Arctic to the Mediterranean and Black Sea regions. This exercise confirms the capabilities to deny aggressors and reinforces the U.S. commitment to NATO's defense strategy and increases combat capability to deter with power.

"This is about global deterrence," said Gen. Christopher Donahue, commanding general of U.S. Army Europe and Africa. "Everything we demonstrate we can do with our Allies and partners we can pick up and do anywhere. DEFENDER gets us sets and reps at theater logistics and warfighting at scale that isn't being done anywhere else right now."

After arriving in Europe, U.S. forces take part in three major exercisesSwift Response, Immediate Response, and Saber Guardian. These drills involve approximately 25,000 troops from the U.S., Allies, and partners working together to improve coordination, tactics, and equipment compatibility. The training takes place in 18 countries, including Albania, Bulgaria, Croatia, Czechia, Finland, Greece, Hungary, Kosovo, Latvia, Lithuania, Montenegro, North Macedonia, Norway, Poland, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, and Sweden, occurring from May 11-June 24, 2025. By strengthening teamwork and military readiness, these exercises help ensure U.S., NATO Allies, and partner forces are able to respond decisively with lethal force to dominate and win against military forces that threaten regional national sovereignties.

This marks DEFENDER's sixth iteration, deploying 5,400 troops and equipment from the U.S. to bolster global security. The 21st Theater Sustainment Command integrates inbound troops and their equipment into foreign training areas. Meanwhile, five near simultaneous Allied and partner airborne operations will take place in Finland, Norway, Latvia, Lithuania, and Sweden during Swift Response 25. From May 11-31, the power projection rehearsal focuses on the expansion of critical capabilities on the battlefield in the High North and Baltics through intricate airborne operations and the integration of technology in support of the U.S. Army Modernization Strategy and DOD Arctic Strategy. In addition to airborne operations, a hospital exercise, High Mobility Artillery Rocket Systems Rapid Infiltration training, air assaults, and experimentation are occurring in Swift Response 25.

Immediate Response 25 is the second phase during which approximately 12,000 U.S. Allies and partners assemble during theater opening activities from May 26-June 9 to reinforce cyber defenses and demonstrate security capabilities while continuing NATO integration through state partnership readiness programs and combined training events. Immediate Response 25 demonstrates multinational live fires conducted with NATO networks, a cyber exercise, a river crossing, and defense protection exercises hosted in eight countries, including Albania, Bulgaria, Croatia, Greece, Kosovo, Montenegro, North Macedonia, and Slovakia.

The final phase, Saber Guardian 25, enhances NATO land component mission command and improves coordination among NATO Allied and partner forces in a fast-moving environment. Starting with a long tactical road march by U.S. Army 2nd Cavalry Regiment, the realistic and multi-domain training brings together approximately 10,000 multinational troops from June 9-24 and takes place in Czechia, Hungary, and Romania. Saber Guardian 25 includes convoys, river crossings, live-fire events, and a rocket live-fire exercise, reinforcing U.S. capabilities and readiness to defend its Allies.

The USAREUR-AF Band & Chorus and other U.S. Army units will conduct a series of dynamic performances and community engagements across Bulgaria, Hungary, and Romania ahead of DEFENDER 25. These outreach events will include interactive and static displays aimed at bolstering international camaraderie and informing local communities about exercises.

DEFENDER 25 is the largest U.S. Army exercise in Europe, scheduled by U.S. European Command and conducted by U.S. Army Europe and Africa involving more than 25 Allied and partner nations. Upon the conclusion of DEFENDER 25 and the series of exercises, the 21st TSC will ensure all U.S. troops and equipment return to home stations.

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Secretary of the Army tours Powidz APS-2 worksite in Poland on first visit to Europe

By Cameron Porter, 405th AFSB Public Affairs Officer April 16, 2025

POWIDZ, Poland -- The Hon. Dan Driscoll, 26th Secretary of the Army, conducted a site visit and key leader engagement at the Powidz Army Prepositioned Stocks-2 worksite in Poland on April 11, 2025, to get a firsthand look and gain a better understanding of the Army's newest and most modern APS worksite.

Driscoll, who was sworn in February 25, 2025 as the Secretary of the Army, walked the state-of-the-art APS-2 worksite and power projection platform as part of his first official visit to Europe as Secretary of the Army.

The commander of the 405th Army Field Support Brigade, Col. Ernest Lane II and the commander of Army Field Support Battalion-Poland, Lt. Col. Omar McKen, led the Secretary of the Army around the site, briefing him on the site's capabilities and its unique workforce, which consists of U.S. Soldiers and Army civilians from AFSBn-Poland and Polish Provided Logistics Support servicemembers from Poland's 33rd Army Prepositioned Stocks Support Battalion.

"We were deeply honored by the Secretary of the Army's visit to the Powidz worksite," said Lane. "It was a fantastic opportunity to showcase our team's hard work and the dedication of our Polish partners. The visit highlights the importance of our mission and strengthens our resolve. Thank you, Secretary of the Army Driscoll, for your support and commitment."

The Secretary of the Army oversees operations, modernization and resource allocation for nearly one million active, guard, and Reserve Soldiers and more than 265,000 Army civilians. A former Army officer and business leader, the Secretary of the Army brings experience spanning military service, law and the private sector.

The Powidz APS-2 worksite is comprised of 650,000 square feet of humidity-controlled warehouse space and a vehicle maintenance facility as well as supporting facilities. It houses and maintains a modernized Armored Brigade Combat Team's worth of APS-2 equipment to include several dozen M1A2 Abrams main battle tanks and nearly 200 other armored combat vehicles, plus more.

The 405th AFSB's APS-2 program enhances U.S. Army Europe and Africa's capability to support the warfighter while simultaneously promoting stability and security in the region. Additionally, it helps to assure partners and allies that the U.S. is fully committed to the collective defense of Europe. By providing turn-key power projection APS-2 packages ready to employ at a moment's notice, the APS-2 program is a key component of U.S. Army Europe and Africa's power projection and warfighter readiness missions.

The 405th AFSB is assigned to U.S. Army Sustainment Command and headquartered in Kaiserslautern, Germany. The brigade provides materiel enterprise support to U.S. forces throughout Europe and Africa - providing theater sustainment logistics; synchronizing acquisition, logistics and technology; and leveraging U.S. Army Materiel Command's materiel enterprise to support joint forces.

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April 16, 2025

Release

Readout of Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth's Bilateral Meeting With El Salvador's Minister of Defense H.E. Rene Merino Monroy

Department of Defense Spokesman Sean Parnell provided the following readout:

On April 16, Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth had a productive bilateral meeting at the Pentagon with El Salvador's Minister of Defense, H.E. Rene Merino Monroy, to discuss U.S. national security interests and our countries' defense cooperation. Secretary Hegseth made clear that the Western Hemisphere is a top priority for the President and the Department of Defense. The Secretary praised El Salvador's impressive progress in pacifying foreign terrorist organizations as well as its commitment to increasing military capabilities to further cooperate with the United States on mutual defense priorities. Both the Secretary and the Minister committed to increasing and building upon existing bilateral cooperation between our militaries. The Secretary looks forward to further engagement with El Salvador for the mutual benefit of both our nations and our peoples.

https://www.defense.gov/News/Releases/Release/Article/1926383/

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April 16, 2025

By Matthew Olay, DOD News

Hegseth Welcomes Salvadoran Counterpart, Praises Relationship Between Countries

Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth welcomed Salvadoran Defense Minister Rene Francis Merino Monroy, to the Pentagon today as part of a bilateral engagement in which the secretary praised the bond shared between the two countries.

"What's clear to us ... is that our relationship with El Salvador is stronger than ever, and it's only just beginning," Hegseth told Merino at the outset of the engagement.

Hegseth praised El Salvador's crackdown on crime in recent years, describing the Salvadoran government's efforts as "nothing short of a miracle."

"Your country's victories over violent cartels and criminal enterprises  groups that terrorized your people and your communities  are a model for all in our hemisphere," Hegseth said, adding that he and President Donald J. Trump appreciate allies like El Salvador because they "punch above [their] weight."

Regarding law enforcement from a military perspective, Hegseth said the U.S. is very impressed with the Salvadoran navy's drug interdiction capabilities.

In December 2023, the U.S. government donated two patrol boats to the National Navy of El Salvador as an example of U.S. commitment to the international fight against drug trafficking.

"We are grateful for your partnership," Hegseth told Merino.

Hegseth also thanked Merino for the Salvadoran government's cooperation with U.S. deportation operations, including El Salvador's recent agreement to take in more than 200 suspected gang members in that country's maximum security Terrorism Confinement Center.

"El Salvador has set a great example for strong bilateral cooperation ... with the United States," Hegseth said, adding that the U.S. seeks strong allies to help deliver peace through strength.

He also recognized "the many ways in which El Salvador has stood with America over the years" and mentioned that Merino, himself, served as a company commander during Operation Iraqi Freedom in 2008 and 2009.

Hegseth emphasized that  just like El Salvador  the U.S. wants the region and hemisphere to be secure, prosperous and sovereign.

"So, we look forward to our discussion today, and we want to thank you  all of you  for joining us," Hegseth told Merino and his delegation before moving on to the private portion of the engagement.

Today's meeting was another example of the Defense Department's further engagement with the United States' South and Central American allies.

Hegseth returned from a three-day trip to Panama, April 9, 2025, during which the U.S. signed agreements with that country to jointly strengthen the security of the Panama Canal and increase bilateral military exercises in an effort to deter China's "maligned influence" in the region.

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Finland's eastern border to remain closed until further notice

Finnish Government

Ministry of the Interior

16.4.2025 13.52

Press release

The Government has renewed its decision on the closure of border crossing points on the eastern border. On 16 April 2025, the Government decided that the border crossing points on the eastern border remain closed and the submission of applications for international protection continue to be centralised. The decision will remain in force until further notice.

The Government's decision on the closure of the border has been in force under the same conditions for about a year. This is why it was reasonable to reassess the content of the decision and its preconditions. The new decision repeals a similar decision made by the Government on 4 April 2024.

The border crossing points on the land border between Finland and Russia have been closed since 15 December 2023 by virtue of a series of government decisions. The most recent decision entered into force on 15 April 2024. Applications for international protection may be submitted at other border crossing points at Finland's external borders that are still open for air and maritime traffic.

The above government decisions and the enactment of the 'Border Security Act' have achieved their intended effect, and instrumentalised migration, which began in November 2023, has ceased for now. Instrumentalised migration is one way that Russia can put pressure on and affect the security and social stability of Finland and the EU.

Based on information available to the Finnish authorities, the risk that instrumentalised migration will resume and expand as seen previously remains likely. If the phenomenon were to continue, it would pose a serious threat to Finland's national security and public order.

The Government will regularly assess the content and scope of the decision as the situation develops in cooperation with the Finnish Border Guard and other public authorities. The decision will be repealed or amended if it is no longer necessary to prevent a serious threat to national security or public order.

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Ministerial Committee on European Union Affairs discusses financing to reinforce European defence

Finnish Government

Government Communications Department

16.4.2025 12.36

Press release

In its meeting on Wednesday 16 April, the Ministerial Committee on European Union Affairs discussed the proposal for a financial instrument to strengthen European defence and the proposal on taking Member States' defence expenditure into account within the Stability and Growth Pact. The initiatives are part of the ReArm Europe Plan. The European Commission's Omnibus I package, which aims to reduce the administrative burden on businesses, was also on the agenda.

The Ministerial Committee on EU Affairs outlined Finland's position on the Commission's proposal for a SAFE Regulation to boost European defence investments, which would rapidly strengthen the European defence industry and enhance European defence. In the exceptional current situation, the instrument would allow Member States to apply for up to EUR 150 billion in loans to develop defence capabilities in jointly agreed priority areas. The instrument aims to promote common procurement by groups of Member States. The Commission would finance the SAFE instrument by borrowing he necessary funds on behalf of the Union. The instrument would be secured using the existing room for manoeuvre between the EU's own resources ceiling and the expenditure ceiling under the multiannual financial framework. Finland's position on the Commission's proposal will be made public after the government session.

The Ministerial Committee on EU Affairs also outlined Finland's position on the Commission's proposal to give the EU Member States more fiscal flexibility for investments in defence. The proposal would allow Member States to apply for temporary flexibility within the EU fiscal policy framework, provided that this does not endanger the country's fiscal sustainability over the long term. Given the changes in the European security situation, Finland considers the flexibility proposed by the Commission appropriate.

The Ministerial Committee on EU Affairs also discussed the Commission's proposals to reduce the administrative burden on businesses. The Omnibus I proposals aim to make sustainability reporting more efficient and easier to approach, to simplify the obligations of the Corporate Sustainability Due Diligence Directive to support responsible business practices, and to strengthen the Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism to make trade more equitable. Finland's position on the Commission's proposal will be made public after the government session.

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Lithuania and Latvia conclude contract to research and develop Finnish landing craft

Finnish Ministry of Defence

16.04.2025 14:01

The Finnish boat manufacturer Marine Alutech Oy Ab has concluded a contract with the Lithuanian and Latvian ministries of defence for a procurement programme to research and develop fast multirole attack craft.

The contract is a continuation of cooperation between the governments of Finland, Lithuania and Latvia that started in 2023.

"This is excellent news, and yet another sign of the ever-strengthening cooperation in the Baltic Sea region. The Finnish defence administration contributed to the signing of the contract by sharing with the cooperation partners its knowledge of the vessel class in question," Minister of Defence Antti Hakkanen said.

Under the contract, Lithuania will procure two fast multirole attack craft from Marine Alutech. The craft will make a significant contribution to the regional response to threats in the Baltic Sea region. The craft are able to operate in extremely shallow waters and enable rapid response to a wide range of threats on the water and on land.

Some parts will be manufactured in the customer countries, while the final assembly will take place in Finland.

Press release by Marine Alutech Oy Ab: https://www.marinealutech.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/PressRelease_CFMAC.pdf

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Iran condemns continued U.S. attacks on Yemen

IRNA - Islamic Republic News Agency

Apr 16, 2025

Tehran, IRNA -- Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmaeil Baqaei has strongly condemned the continued U.S. airstrikes on various areas in Yemen, which have resulted in death and injury of civilians while causing significant destruction to homes and infrastructure.

In a statement on Wednesday, Baqaei described the U.S. airstrikes as illegal and a blatant violation of the fundamental principles and norms of international law, stressing that such actions will only embolden the Israeli regime to continue its genocide in occupied Palestine and exacerbate instability across the region.

The spokesperson characterized the US military aggression in violation of Yemen's territorial integrity as a clear threat to international peace and security.

While urging the United Nations Security Council to break its silence, he called on Muslim countries and the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) to condemn and take necessary actions against the attacks on Yemen.

Baqaei reaffirmed Iran's solidarity with the resilient people of Yemen, who, he said are doing human duty by supporting the oppressed Palestinian people in the face of Israel's occupation and genocide.

2050**4399

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The U.S. Congressional Staff underline the strong and unwavering cooperation between Latvia and the U.S.

Republic of Latvia - Ministry of Foreign Affairs

16.04.2025

From 15 to 18 April 2025, a United States Congressional Staff delegation is visiting Latvia. Visits by the U.S. Congressional Staff to the Baltic states have been taking place on a regular basis since 2013 and are aimed at building an in-depth understanding of the security situation in the Baltic states and plurilateral cooperation between the U.S. and the Baltic states.

A meeting with the Deputy Secretary of State, Political Director Ivars Lasis, addressed bilateral cooperation between Latvia and the U.S., defence matters, foreign policy developments and security situation in the region, while focusing on the impact of Russia's war of aggression against Ukraine. He underlined the importance of a close strategic partnership between Latvia and the U.S. and expressed his gratitude for the United States' unwavering support to Latvia and the security of the Baltic states. Ivars Lasis highlighted Latvia's desire to continue deepening relations between the two countries both in the field of security and economic cooperation, especially in the defence industry, technology and energy sectors.

U.S. congressional staffers were also welcomed by the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Baiba Braze, for the brief meeting, in which she underlined the unwavering cooperation and mutual support between Latvia and the U.S.

The delegation's schedule also includes a meeting with U.S. soldiers stationed in Latvia at Adazi Military Base, and a visit to the LMT mobile operator. The company is cooperating with the National Armed Forces on the research and implementation of various security and defence technology solutions. Meetings are also planned with officials in the Saeima (the Latvian Parliament), the Office of the Prime Minister, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and the Ministry of Defence, as well as a visit to the Museum of Occupation.

Each year, the United States Congress makes an assessment of, and assigns funding for the development of the Baltic states' defence sector under the Baltic Security Initiative. In 2024, the United States Congress approved USD 228 million towards the development of defence capabilities in the three Baltic states.



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Gaza has become a "mass grave" for Palestinians and those helping them

Medecins Sans Frontieres / Doctors Without Borders

Press Release 16 April 2025

Jerusalem - As Israeli forces resume and expand their military offensive by air, ground and sea on the Gaza Strip, Palestine, forcibly displacing people and deliberately blocking essential aid, Palestinian lives are once again being systematically destroyed, warns Medecins Sans Frontieres (MSF). A series of deadly attacks by Israeli forces have shown a blatant disregard for the safety of humanitarian and medical workers in Gaza.

We call on Israeli authorities to immediately lift the inhumane and deadly siege on Gaza, protect the lives of Palestinians, humanitarian and medical personnel, and for all parties to restore and sustain the ceasefire.

"Gaza has been turned into a mass grave of Palestinians and those coming to their assistance. We are witnessing in real time the destruction and forced displacement of the entire population in Gaza," says Amande Bazerolle, MSF emergency coordinator in Gaza. "With nowhere safe for Palestinians or those trying to help them, the humanitarian response is severely struggling under the weight of insecurity and critical supply shortages, leaving people with few, if any, options for accessing care."

Over 50,000 people have been killed since October 2023, nearly a third of whom are children, according to the Ministry of Health. Since the resumption of hostilities on 18 March, more than 1,500 people have been killed, according to local authorities.

According to the United Nations, at least 409 aid workers, most of whom were UNWRA staff, the main provider of humanitarian aid in Gaza, have been killed since October 2023. Eleven MSF colleagues, some while on duty, have been killed since the start of the war, including two in just the past two weeks.

In the latest instance of a ruthless attack by Israeli forces on aid workers, the bodies of 15 emergency responders and the ambulances they were traveling in were found in a mass grave on 30 March in Rafah, southern Gaza. The group was killed by Israeli forces while trying to assist civilians caught in shelling on 23 March. Recent publicly shared evidence has shown that the workers and their vehicles were clearly marked and identifiable, challenging the initial claims given by Israeli authorities.

"This horrific killing of aid workers is yet another example of the complete disregard shown by Israeli forces for the protection of humanitarian and medical workers. The silence and unconditional support of Israel's closest allies further emboldens these actions," says Claire Magone, General Director of MSF France.

MSF considers that only international and independent investigations can bring to light the circumstances of, and the responsibilities for, these attacks on aid workers.

Although the situation has already been catastrophic for over 18 months, over the past three weeks, MSF has witnessed several incidents involving the killing of humanitarian and medical workers. The coordination of humanitarian movements with Israeli authorities, known as the Humanitarian Notification System, an already imperfect mechanism, has become more unreliable and is now barely affording any protection guarantees.

Notified locations, in which humanitarians have informed Israel of their presence, such as health facilities where we work, compounds of humanitarian stakeholders, and MSF offices and guesthouses have been hit by shells or bullets. Areas near healthcare facilities have been subjected to strikes, fighting and evacuation orders.

Medical facilities are not exempt from attacks and evacuation orders by Israeli forces. MSF teams have had to leave many facilities, while others continue operating with staff and patients trapped inside, unable to leave safely for hours at a time.

On 7 April, MSF teams and patients found themselves trapped in the MSF field hospital in Deir Al-Balah, central Gaza. Rockets were launched by Hamas in close proximity to our field hospitals in Deir Al-Balah endangering both patients and staff and leading to an evacuation order of the area by Israeli forces, who also carried out strikes near the compounds of Al-Aqsa and Nasser hospitals. We strongly denounce these actions by the warring parties and call on them to respect and protect healthcare facilities, patients and medical staff.

Since 18 March, MSF has not been able to return to Indonesian hospital in northern Gaza where our teams were set to begin paediatric care but had to flee the field hospital, which was set up right next to the compound. MSF mobile clinics in north Gaza were suspended, and in the south, teams have been unable to return to Al-Shaboura clinic in Rafah.

The full siege on Gaza has depleted food, fuel and medical stocks. MSF is especially facing shortages in medications for pain management and chronic illnesses, antibiotics and critical surgical materials. The lack of fuel replenishment across the Strip will lead to the inevitable suspension of activities as hospitals rely on generators for electricity to keep critical patients alive and conduct lifesaving operations.

"Israeli authorities have deliberately blocked all aid from entering Gaza for over a month. Humanitarians have been forced to watch people suffer and die while carrying the impossible burden of providing relief with depleted supplies, all while facing the same life-threatening conditions themselves," says Bazerolle. "There is no way they can carry out their mission under such circumstances. This is not a humanitarian failure  it is a political choice, and a deliberate assault on a people's ability to survive, carried out with impunity."

Israeli authorities must end their collective punishment of Palestinians.

We urge Israel's allies to end their complicity and stop enabling the destruction of Palestinian lives.



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A look at the Defence news 7 - 13 April

Netherlands Ministry of Defence

News item | 16-04-2025 | 14:57

The Dutch and German ministries of Defence have agreed that the new Dutch tank battalion currently being established will be stationed at Bergen-Hohne in Germany. The location at the barracks in Niedersachsen offers a number of advantages, the main one being that Bergen-Hohne has sufficient space to conduct realistic training with the armoured vehicles.

The Netherlands lacks the necessary space for exercises and firing practice. Dutch military personnel will undergo joint training with German military personnel. The Dutch tank battalion will ultimately have 46 Leopard 2A8 battle tanks at its disposal.

Additional air defence for Ukraine

The Netherlands has pledged  150 million to Ukraine for air-defence systems. This was announced by Netherlands Minister of Defence Ruben Brekelmans during a meeting in Brussels of the Ukraine Defence Contact Group, in which over 50 countries take part to coordinate military support to Ukraine. The systems are I-HAWK systems for medium-range air defence. Delivery will take place in cooperation with the United Kingdom.

Strengthening of cooperation in the High North

The Netherlands and Norway are consolidating their cooperation in the field of security and defence in the High North. Minister Brekelmans and his Norwegian counterpart Tore Sandvik aim to increase deterrence and stability in the region. The Netherlands and Norway will continue their efforts to improve cooperation between their armed forces, and will also explore possibilities for a reinforced presence of Dutch troops in Norway.

Dutch interests central to deployments, missions and operations

Last week, the government reported that Dutch participation in international missions and operations is to focus on the protection of Dutch interests, such as the security of the Netherlands and its allies and the protection of Dutch economic interests. This includes counteracting irregular migration and cross-border crime. The government has moreover opted to scale back long-term, large-scale military contributions in distant countries, but when necessary will still engage in targeted, small-scale operations to send a signal or 'keep a foot in the door'. Additional deployments thus remain a possibility - for instance, if so requested by an ally or in response to unforeseen developments.

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Tolentino urges public vigilance vs. submersible drones

Philippine News Agency

By Wilnard Bacelonia

April 16, 2025, 1:41 pm

MANILA - Senate Majority Leader Francis Tolentino on Wednesday urged the public to remain vigilant and promptly report suspicious maritime activities, following the Armed Forces of the Philippines' (AFP) confirmation that recovered submersible drones pose a national security concern.

"Forensic results affirm the initial findings of our Senate probe that this is a national security concern," Tolentino said, referencing the drones examined by the AFP after being found in various coastal locations across the country in recent months, such as the one found in Masbate on December 30, 2024.

The senator, who led a Senate inquiry in January after a drone was retrieved by fishermen in San Pascual, Masbate, said the findings reinforce suspicions of foreign surveillance operations in Philippine waters.

"What is apparent is that China has been deploying these drones to study our seabed and map out our underwater terrain to gather critical data for scientific, commercial, or military use," he said.

Tolentino, who chairs the Senate Special Committee on Maritime and Admiralty Zones, stressed the importance of defending the country's sovereign rights in the West Philippine Sea through diplomatic and legal avenues while calling on citizens to support maritime security efforts.

"I also call for greater public vigilance. The government derives its strength from the unity of the people," he said but urged the public against tampering with or hiding recovered devices and urged citizens to surrender such equipment to local authorities. (PNA)

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Submersible drones possibly launched by surface ships - Navy spox

Philippine News Agency

By Priam Nepomuceno

April 16, 2025, 1:10 pm

MANILA -- The submersible drones that have been found in the country's waters from 2022 to 2024 could have been dropped by surface ships, a ranking Philippine Navy (PN) official said Tuesday.

Philippine Navy (PN) spokesperson for the West Philippine Sea Rear Admiral Roy Vincent Trinidad made this comment when asked how these platforms could have been delivered in the country's waters.

"Drones like these could either be launched by air, by a mothership (surface ship) or by a submarine. Now, depending on the configuration, we could rule out that this was launched by a submarine in as much as the wings (fins) are fixed. This could have been airdropped, but most more likely this would have been dropped by a mothership (surface ship)," he said.

And due to its small size, Trinidad said these submersible drones are very hard to detect even by more modern armed forces.

"Any modern armed force in the world will have a big capability gap in searching for this type of equipment, this type of drones. In as much as they are small, they are not designed to travel on the surface," he said.

But despite this, Trinidad assured the public that the PN will continue with its mandate of protecting the country's vast waters.

He added they will be keeping a more sharp lookout for this kind of intrusions.

The PN official also appealed to all Filipino fishermen or mariners to immediately report sightings of such drones to authorities.

Trinidad earlier said three of the five submersible drones recovered in Philippine waters from 2022 to 2024 could have been possibly deployed by China.

He added there is a "55 to 80 percent likelihood" that these undersea platforms were deployed by China.

"There is a 55 to 80 percent likelihood that these were deployed by the Chinese Communist Party. Why 55 to 80 percent is because of the components inside. Not all of them have markings that were made in China. Others are available commercially off the shelf. They have the capability to receive, to process, to store, and to transmit data through satellite communications to a station on land, to a mothership, or to other drones," he added.

While this is not categorical, Trinidad said there is a large chance of this possibility.

He said the first submersible drone was recovered in Pasuquin, Ilocos Norte in July 2022; the second off the Zambales coast in September 2022; the third in Calayan Island, Cagayan last August 2024; the fourth in Initao, Misamis Oriental in October 2024; and the fifth in San Pascual, Masbate last December.

Trinidad described the third drone as the most intact one.

He said all five drones were subjected to a "Level 1" forensics examinations which focus on physical description, weight dimensions, colors and markings.

Examination on the first and third drones revealed that they are fitted with conductivity, temperature, depth (CTD) sensors, he added.

"Some of the components were available off the shelf. Some of the components had markings from China. Others had defaced markings to probably prevent reverse engineering or to hide the identity of the source," Trinidad said.

Aside from this, the first and third drones also have integrated chips that were sanitized or were defaced.

"There was an iridium transceiver with serial number HWA Create. HWA Create is a company that focuses on defense, civil, government and industrial solutions, the headquarters of which is in Beijing. There was a China Telecom SIM card. The information gathered focuses on bathymetric data. It also collects information on sound propagation underwater," Trinidad said.

Meanwhile, the fourth drone also has CTD sensors and has its battery pack marked with "China Electronics Technology Corps".

Trinidad said no data can be obtained from the second drone as this was recovered in a seriously damaged condition while the fifth drone is still being analyzed.

Data recovered from the intact drones, which the PN official did not identify, revealed that the data focused more on bathymetric data, depth of water, salinity, temperature, and propagation of sound.

"All of these have applications across different fields, academic research, commercial purposes, and also military use," he added.

Trinidad also said it is very clear that these drones are used for mapping out the underwater terrain. (PNA)

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Cope Thunder drills hone air combat capabilities of PH, US pilots

Philippine News Agency



By Priam Nepomuceno

April 16, 2025, 10:13 am Updated on April 16, 2025, 3:57 pm

MANILA -- The ongoing Cope Thunder 25-1 air drills between Philippine and US Air Forces units are providing fighter jet pilots from both nations a chance to hone their air combat and defensive capabilities, the Philippine Air Force (PAF) said Wednesday.

"During Cope Thunder 25-1, FA-50PH pilots of the PAF engage US Air Force F-16s in advanced dissimilar air combat tactics (DACT) training. These high-intensity air combat drills allow pilots to face different aircraft types that have unique performance profilessharpening their skills in close-range dogfights and tactical intercepts, where speed, timing, and situational awareness are critical," PAF spokesperson Col. Ma. Consuelo Castillo said in a message to the Philippine News Agency when asked what benefits Filipino fighter jet pilots get from participating in this type of air exercises.

She added that "dogfighting" or visual-range air combat, with dissimilar aircraft, tests each pilot's ability to outmaneuver the adversary aircraft in intense and high G-force engagements or situations where pilots experience accelerations significantly higher than the Earth's gravity.

Castillo said such training is crucial in "real-world air combat scenarios" where opposing fighter jet pilots must adapt by exploiting each other's weaknesses and suppressing the opponent's capabilities to win.

"This kind of training pushes both Air Forces to adapt quickly, refine combat decision-making, and improve interoperability. For the 5th Fighter Wing, every maneuver and intercept strengthens not just their individual capabilities, but the collective readiness to secure Philippine skies with support from our allies and partners."

Cope Thunder 25-1 also known as Cope Thunder Philippines (CT PH 25-1) started on April 7 and ends on Wednesday.

The exercise is now being held in key training locations in Northern Luzon, including Basa Air Base and Clark Air Base in Pampanga and Col. Ernesto Ravina Air Base in Tarlac.

Castillo earlier said PAF is deploying 729 personnel and various aircraft types, including FA-50PH fighter jets, A-29B Super Tucano, S-76A and S70i Black Hawk helicopters.

The US Pacific Air Forces, on the other hand, sent 250 personnel and 12 F-16 fighter jets. Castillo said the exercise would also feature subject matter expert exchanges covering a wide range of domains, including fighter and close air support operations, helicopter operations, cybersecurity, communications, aircraft maintenance, logistics, security, and medical services.

CT PH 25-1 marks a key milestone in enhancing joint operational readiness and deepening defense ties between the Philippines and the United States.

It also contributes to the Armed Forces of the Philippines' modernization and capability development efforts. (PNA)

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ICC sues Hungary for failing to arrest fugitive Israeli war criminal Netanyahu

Iran Press TV

Wednesday, 16 April 2025 11:30 PM

The International Criminal Court has launched formal proceedings against Hungary after Budapest failed to execute an ICC arrest warrant against Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu during his official visit to the country earlier this month.

On Wednesday, the court triggered Article 87(7) of the Rome Statute -- the treaty that established the tribunal. The provision allows the court to refer non-cooperative states to the Assembly of States Parties or the United Nations Security Council.

The move came in response to Hungary's refusal to arrest Netanyahu, wanted by the court for war crimes committed as part of the Israeli regime's October 2023-present war of genocide on the Gaza Strip, during his April 3-6 visit to Budapest, where he was warmly received by Prime Minister Viktor Orban.

Hungary's failure to comply with the ICC's arrest warrant had earlier prompted the tribunal to formally censure the country for breaching its obligations as a signatory to the Rome Statute.

Craig Mokhiber, a prominent human rights lawyer and former director of the New York Office of the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, confirmed the development in a statement on X, formerly Twitter.

"The International Criminal Court (ICC) has initiated Article 87(7) proceedings against Hungary for refusing to cooperate with the ICC request to arrest Netanyahu while the fugitive was visiting Hungary," he wrote.

Mokhiber, who resigned from the UN in October 2023 in protest at the world body's failure to stop the war, has been a vocal critic of the international community's inaction concerning the Israeli regime's atrocities in Gaza. He has repeatedly called the warfare that has claimed the lives of around 51,000 Palestinians, mostly women and children, a "textbook case of genocide."

In defiance of the court's decision, however, Hungary has announced plans to withdraw from the ICC, echoing similar decisions by other states that have faced pressure or criticism from The Hague-based tribunal.

The court issued arrest warrants against Netanyahu and his minister for military affairs, Yoav Gallant last November.

The warrants have also been issued in response to the duo's crimes against humanity against more than two million Gazans, whom the regime has subjected to a suffocating all-out siege alongside the war.

The United States, the Israeli regime's biggest ally, has repeatedly threatened the tribunal and its officials with sanctions over the warrants.

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'Complete humanitarian collapse' imminent in Gaza: Media office

Iran Press TV

Wednesday, 16 April 2025 7:09 PM

The Government Media Office has warned that Gaza is entering a "phase of complete humanitarian collapse" as Israeli forces continue to block aid into the besieged Palestinian territory.

In a statement released on Wednesday, the office said hospitals are expected to cease operations within two weeks, bakeries are shut down due to flour and fuel shortages, and water and desalination stations are not functioning.

"Due to this reality ... there is a real concern that at any moment a phenomenon of mass death from hunger, disease, and the consequences of lack of medical treatment may develop," it said.

It said children are particularly affected, the media office added, with "more than 1,100,000 children suffering from severe malnutrition".

"What is happening in the Gaza Strip is not a passing crisis, but rather an organized crime of starvation that amounts to a war crime, perpetrated by the Israeli occupation forces with international complicity and silence," the media office said.

UNICEF recently shared a video of a Palestinian mother in southern Gaza describing the daily struggle to feed her children.

Hanadi, who lives next to a cemetery in Khan Yunis, says she has been forced to salvage pieces of mouldy bread as food has become scarce and expensive as a result of Israel's continued siege on the territory.

"I remove the mould and dip it in tea to feed my children. I have no choice," she said.

Gaza's humanitarian crisis worsening: Egypt

Egypt's Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty has warned that the humanitarian and medical conditions in Gaza have become "very dangerous" due to Israel's decision to halt aid delivery to the Palestinian territory in early March.

The best solution to the problem is to stick to the ceasefire deal signed in January to see the release of the remaining captives and to put an end to the war, Abdelatty said.

Abdelatty added that Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi's recent visits to Qatar and Kuwait were part of Egypt's efforts to deliver aid to people in Gaza.

Israeli Minister for military affairs, Israel Katz, has said Israel would not allow any humanitarian aid to enter Gaza, confirming that food is being used as a tool of pressure against Palestinian resistance groups.

The Gaza Health Ministry says the Israeli genocide, which began in October 2023, has so far killed over 51,000 Palestinians.

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Doctors Without Borders: Israel has turned Gaza into 'mass grave'

Iran Press TV

Wednesday, 16 April 2025 7:08 PM

Doctors Without Borders has decried Israel for massacring Palestinians in Gaza and humanitarian workers trying to alleviate their suffering.

"Gaza has been turned into a mass grave of Palestinians and those coming to their assistance," Amande Bazerolle, MSF's emergency coordinator in Gaza, said in a statement on Wednesday.

The organization said Israel's ongoing strikes on Gaza show a "blatant disregard" for the safety of humanitarian workers.

The Health Ministry in Gaza on Tuesday said 1,400 health workers have been killed since Israel launched the genocidal war on the strip in October 2023.

Last month, Israel's military opened fire on ambulances in Gaza, killing 15 emergency workers.

"We are witnessing in real time the destruction and forced displacement of the entire population in Gaza," Bazerolle said.

The regime's strikes have not spared medical facilities. MSF teams have had to leave many facilities, while others continue operating with staff and patients trapped inside, unable to leave safely for hours at a time, according to the charity.

"With nowhere safe for Palestinians or those trying to help them, the humanitarian response is severely struggling under the weight of insecurity and critical supply shortages, leaving people with few, if any, options for accessing care," Bazerolle said, as Israel has stopped the delivery of aid into Gaza.

On Tuesday, the UN Palestinian refugee agency UNRWA also said "the scarcity of medical care and essential medicines "only compounds" the suffering of the Palestinians and "intensifies their psychological trauma."

Dr. Muhammad, head of an UNRWA medical point in Gaza, said, "We are doing everything we can, but the conditions are dire. We make do with what we have, but the severe shortages of medicine, painkillers, and other essential medical supplies pose a grave threat to the lives of our patients and exacerbate this medical crisis."

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UN says Israel's new controls could jeopardize Gaza aid deliveries

Iran Press TV

Wednesday, 16 April 2025 6:05 PM

The United Nations has warned that a new Israeli "authorization mechanism" and restrictions on humanitarian aid suppliers would introduce greater control over aid delivery by the regime forces in the besieged Gaza Strip.

In a statement released on Wednesday, the UN said aid organizations already have mechanisms to ensure that aid is not diverted and that they are "ready to deliver assistance to those most in need based on humanitarian principles."

"Aid delivery into Gaza has for too long been obstructed," the UN stated.

"Further control over aid operations by a party to the conflict would risk aid not reaching the most vulnerable at a time when it is needed the most."

The UN warning came after Israeli minister of military affairs Israel Katz said the regime would not allow any humanitarian aid to enter Gaza, confirming that food is being used as a tool of pressure against Hamas.

Katz said no preparations were being made to bring supplies into the strip.

It has been six weeks since Israel has blocked the entry of food, medicine and other critical supplies.

Aid agencies say there are concerns of a full-blown famine taking hold across the blockaded Palestinian territory.

Gaza truce deal must include permanent end of war: Hamas

Separately, speaking at a Palestine-related meeting in the Iranian capital, Khaled Qaddoumi, a Hamas representative in Tehran, said any ceasefire agreement will have to include a permanent end to the war and the withdrawal of Israeli troops from Gaza.

Hamas has said it is studying the latest Israeli proposal conveyed to the Palestinian group via Egyptian and Qatari mediators.

Prospects for a truce have been complicated further after Katz said the regime forces would stay indefinitely in the seized areas.

Qaddoumi also said, "The word catastrophe is not enough to describe the extremely critical situation in Gaza."

Elsewhere in his remarks, the Hamas official said Israel's bombing is being carried out with a green light from the US and certain Western countries.

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US intensifies bombing Yemen amid reports of planned ground invasion

Iran Press TV

Wednesday, 16 April 2025 8:11 AM

The United States has carried out a fresh wave of airstrikes across multiple regions in Yemen, targeting various sites and infrastructure in the Arab country in the latest acts of aggression.

Yemen's official Saba news agency, citing local sources speaking on condition of anonymity, reported that a US airstrike hit Mayfa'at 'Anss district in the southwestern province of Dhamar early on Wednesday. No casualties were reported.

Earlier, American fighter jets carried out a series of airstrikes on Harf Sufyan district in the northwestern province of 'Amran, with no immediate reports of casualties or damage.

Al Salem district in the northwestern province of Sa'ada was also hit by six airstrikes, while Kitaf wa al-Boqe'e district underwent four aerial raids. At least three airstrikes were also reported east of Sa'ada city.

No immediate reports about possible casualties and the extent of the destruction have been released.

An airstrike hit the Az Zahir district of the central province of al-Bayda as well.

Kamaran Island in the Red Sea saw the heaviest bombardment, with at least 15 airstrikes reported by Yemeni media outlets.

The reports did not specify casualties or the extent of infrastructure damage resulting from the bombardments.

US strikes lay groundwork for 'ground invasion' of Yemen by UAE-backed militants

Meanwhile, militants backed by the United Arab Emirates are reportedly planning a ground offensive to take the strategic port city of Hudaydah from Yemeni Armed Forces and fighters from the Ansarullah resistance movement.

"Private American security contractors provided advice to the Yemeni factions on a potential ground operation, people involved in the planning said. The United Arab Emirates, which supports these factions, raised the plan with American officials in recent weeks," the Wall Street Journal (WSJ) reported on Tuesday.

The ground offensive seeks to take advantage of the recent US bombing campaign targeting military sites and infrastructure of the Yemeni Armed Forces (YAF).

US officials speaking with the newspaper said Washington has launched more than 350 strikes during its current campaign against Yemen and claimed that the YAF has been weakened as a result.

Under the plan being discussed, factions of the UAE-backed Southern Transitional Council (STC) would deploy their forces north to the western Yemeni coast and try to seize the Red Sea port of Hudaydah, pro-UAE Yemeni sources said.

If successful, the ground offensive would push the YAF back from large parts of the coast from where they have launched attacks on Israeli-linked ships transiting the Red Sea.

The WSJ warned that the move would exacerbate Yemeni conflict, during which Yemeni Armed Forces and their allies fought against Saudi- and UAE-backed militant groups.

"A major ground offensive risks reigniting a Yemeni civil war that has been dormant for years and that spurred a humanitarian crisis when a Saudi-Emirati coalition supported local ground forces with a bombing campaign," the newspaper pointed out.

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US approves potential sale of Stinger Block I Missiles to Morocco worth $825 million

Iran Press TV

Wednesday, 16 April 2025 7:22 AM

The US State Department has authorized the potential sale of FIM-92K Stinger Block I Missiles and related equipment to Morocco, in a move marking a significant step in strengthening bilateral military relations.

The Pentagon announced the potential arms deal valued at $825 million in an official statement published on the website of the Defense Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA), an agency within the United States Department of Defense, on Tuesday.

"The State Department has decided to approve the possible sale to the Kingdom of Morocco of FIM-92K Stinger Block I missiles for foreign military purposes and related equipment for a total amount of about $825 million," the statement said.

It went on to say that the proposed sale includes advanced missile systems designed to enhance Morocco's defense capabilities, adding that it further aligns with US efforts to bolster military cooperation across West Asia and North Africa

The statement further noted that the deal includes engineering services from the US government and contractors, logistics, and technical support.

The American-made Stinger missiles are a key component in modern air defense, providing Morocco with enhanced protection against aerial threats.

RTX Corporation will serve as the primary contractor for the transaction, it added.

Back in 2020, the administration of US President Donald Trump proposed a $1bn weapons sale to Morocco, following the country's normalization of ties with Israel.

Morocco signed a US-brokered normalization agreement with the Tel Aviv regime in 2020, drawing condemnations from Moroccans and Palestinians who slammed the pact as a stab in the back of the Palestinian cause.

As part of the deal, the US agreed to recognize Morocco's claim over the disputed Western Sahara region, where the Algeria-backed Polisario Front seeks to establish an independent state there.

Meanwhile, Morocco reportedly inked a contract with Israel's Elbit Systems in February to buy self-propelled artillery systems that are marketed as "battle-tested" by the notorious weapons manufacturer.

With this new agreement, which entails the purchase of 36 Atmos 2000 (Autonomous Truck Mounted howitzer System), Israel has become Morocco's third-largest weapons supplier, accounting for 11 percent of its total arms imports, according to the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI).

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Vietnam to slash provinces as top leader To Lam seeks to consolidate power

Lam ally to oversee appointment of new provincial leaders ahead of party congress in January.

By RFA Vietnamese 2025.04.16 -- Vietnam's ruling Communist Party approved plans to nearly halve the number of provinces, a crucial step toward enabling top leader To Lam, who faces a party congress in January, to stay in power.

The reduction in the number of provinces to 34 from 63 was approved on Monday by the Communist Party's central committee. The same day, the Politburo, the party's highest decision-making body, issued a directive for the appointment of new provincial leaders under the guidance of a close Lam ally.

Lam, who became secretary general of the Communist Party in August last year, faces a key hurdle in maintaining his position in Vietnam's one-party state - he will surpass the age limit to remain in office.

To secure a full term, the party must either grant him an exemption or amend its charter, both of which can only be decided by a majority of delegates at the National Congress.

Rewriting the map of provinces will also serve to significantly reduce the number of delegates at the upcoming congress, from 1,500 previously, strengthening Lam's ability to control the outcomes.

Since becoming leader, Lam has made several moves to consolidate power and shake up governance, an overhaul he says will make the economy more efficient.

Five of 21 state ministries were eliminated and some state and party offices and institutions were shuttered. The consolidation of provinces will be accompanied by a downsizing of lower level administrative divisions.

To bolster his high-level support, Lam has filled the ranks of the 18-member Politburo with allies from his long career as a top police official and from his native Hung Yen province, an hour south of the capital Hanoi.

Lam's moves to consolidate power also come at a time when Vietnam's export reliant economy faces an ever more difficult balancing act between China and the U.S.

President Donald Trump's administration has threatened a 46% tariff on Vietnam's exports, which would cause substantial pain for industries such as electronics and garment manufacturing that employ millions.

The U.S. says Vietnam has become a conduit for Chinese exporters seeking to avoid U.S. tariffs.

Edited by Stephen Wright and Taejun Kang.

Copyright 1998-2025, RFA. Used with the permission of Radio Free Asia, 2025 M St. NW, Suite 300, Washington DC 20036. For any commercial use of RFA content please send an email to: mahajanr@rfa.org. RFA content April not be used in a manner which would give the appearance of any endorsement of any product or support of any issue or political position. Please read the full text of our Terms of Use.

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The Doctor Is In: Serbia's Vucic Taps Endocrinologist To Treat Political Pressure

By Ajla Obradovic and RFE/RL's Balkan Service April 16, 2025

Djuro Macut became the most searched name in Serbia on April 6 after President Aleksandar Vucic nominated him for the position of prime minister.

"I believe he will bring a different kind of discourse into our public life and help ease tensions. I also think he will do many good and important things for our country," said Vucic.

The tensions he referred to prompted the resignation of Prime Minister Milos Vucevic in January after three months of student-led protests across Serbia.

Demonstrators have demanded accountability, accusing the government for corruption and poor oversight of the railway station reconstruction after 16 people were killed in a roof collapse in the city of Novi Sad in November.

Who Is Djuro Macut? Macut (62) is one of the leading experts in Serbia in the field of endocrinology, the study of hormones. He earned his medical degree, his master's degree, and a PhD in Belgrade, where he was born. Macut is the deputy director of the Clinic for Endocrinology at the University Clinical Center of Serbia and a full professor at the University of Belgrade. He also teaches in Athens and Skopje. Macut serves as president of the Serbian Society for Reproductive Endocrinology and is internationally recognized for his expertise on polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). He is a board member of the European Society of Endocrinology. In 2024, Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic awarded him the Order of the Karadjordje's Star, Second Class, for his work and contributions to Serbia. It is the third-highest state honor in Serbia. He is a member of the Steering Committee for the establishment of the Movement for People and the State, initiated by Vucic. It is a new political movement centered around Vucic's ruling party, though details on how it will operate remain scarce. Vucic has said the movement "calls on honorable citizens to contribute to Serbia with their skills and knowledge and help make it the most successful in its history."

Macut's Prescription

In the first address to the parliament on April 15, Macut said youth-led protests are a natural expression of dissent but criticized tactics such as road and school blockades.

"When you deny others the right to education and movement, you become a usurper of others' freedoms," he said, pledging to support youth engagement -- but only within legal and constitutional framework.

He pledged to reopen universities, saying Serbia is "tired of blockades and divisions."

He vowed to maintain Serbia's current foreign policy direction and reaffirmed continued support for ethnic Serbs in Kosovo. Since Kosovo's 2008 declaration of independence, which Serbia still rejects, there have been ongoing tensions between the two countries.

These tensions primarily revolve around ethnic Serbs in northern Kosovo, who reject Pristina's authority and have tried to maintain parallel governance structures with Belgrade's support. The European Union has led the dialogue between two countries since 2011, aiming to normalize their relations.

Other Cabinet Members

There are 10 new faces among 30 proposed cabinet members.

The new education minister nominee, Dejan Vuk Stevanovic, is the only professor at the Faculty of Teacher Education who publicly opposed the student-led blockade from the start.

A frequent guest on pro-government media, he has criticized both professors and students who are demanding accountability for the Novi Sad tragedy.

The new nominee for information minister, Boris Bratina, is widely known for his anti-European rhetoric and for advocating a ban on the Pride Parade.

He was filmed shouting "Serbia and Russia -- we don't need the European Union!" at a Belgrade rally in 2009, where he also burned the EU flag. Serbia officially maintains that joining the European Union, its biggest investor, remains its strategic goal.

"I don't have an entirely positive view regarding the EU, and perhaps that's where I differ from others. I wouldn't encourage excessive enthusiasm about the EU, as it has plenty of problems of its own," Bratina told RFE/RL's Balkan Service on April 14.

The opening of new chapters in Serbia's EU accession negotiations has been stalled since December 2021.

Bratina has called Pride "a procession of the sick" and said such events don't belong in what he described as Serbia's "deeply heterosexual culture." Belgrade Pride has demanded the withdrawal of his nomination.

Like his potential future boss, Bratina is a member of the Movement for People and the State.

What Can We Expect From Serbia's New Government?

Members of the opposition and analysts do not expect major changes in domestic policy or Serbia's international stance as the country continues to refuse joining Western sanctions against Russia over the invasion of Ukraine and maintains historical and cultural ties with Moscow.

Serbia is also likely to remain China's preferred partner in the Balkans and continue their "iron friendship," as Vucic describes relations with Beijing.

"The fact that the new PM [designate] is a member of Vucic's newly formed movement already shows he is not a politically independent candidate," says Zoran Stojiljkovic, a professor at the Faculty of Political Sciences in Belgrade.

"That choice clearly suggests he will be a kind of 'political figurehead,' as he lacks significant political experience and does not guarantee autonomy from the president of Serbia," Stojiljkovic adds.

On April 6, Serbian Parliament Speaker Ana Brnabic called prime minister-designate "brave, calm, and stable -- everything the Serbian government needs right now." Outgoing PM Milos Vucevic added that Macut is someone "who can open a social dialogue."

But some opposition leaders dismissed the appointment as symbolic.

Dragan Djilas of the Freedom and Justice Party said Vucic is "buying time" by nominating someone who "won't choose ministers, shape policy, or make decisions."

The Serbia Center party added that it "doesn't matter who heads the government when it's clear Vucic is in charge."

Source: https://www.rferl.org/a/djuro- macut-serbia/33387111.html

Copyright (c) 2025. RFE/RL, Inc. Reprinted with the permission of Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, 1201 Connecticut Ave., N.W. Washington DC 20036.

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Secretary Rubio's Meeting with Indonesian Foreign Minister Sugiono

US Department of State

Readout

Office of the Spokesperson

April 16, 2025

The below is attributable to Spokesperson Tammy Bruce:

Secretary of State Marco Rubio met today with Indonesian Foreign Minister Sugiono. The Secretary and the Foreign Minister recognized the importance of the U.S.-Indonesia Comprehensive Strategic Partnership and our shared interest in promoting a free and open Indo-Pacific. They discussed ways to deepen defense and security cooperation, including efforts to uphold freedom of navigation and overflight in the South China Sea in accordance with international law. The Secretary highlighted the importance of the maximum pressure campaign on the Iranian regime to curtail the flow of revenue it uses to finance terrorism, ballistic missile production, and other destabilizing activities.

Secretary Rubio and Foreign Minister Sugiono discussed U.S. reciprocal tariffs on Indonesia, and the Secretary welcomed Indonesia's efforts to introduce economic reforms toward a fair and balanced trade relationship. He thanked Foreign Minister Sugiono for Indonesia's efforts to facilitate the return of its deportees from the United States. Secretary Rubio and Foreign Minister Sugiono underscored the importance of continuing to advance our partnership.



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The UK calls on all parties to agree an immediate and unconditional ceasefire in DRC: UK statement at the UN Security Council

Statement by Ambassador James Kariuki, UK Deputy Permanent Representative to the UN, at the UN Security Council meeting on the Democratic Republic of the Congo.

From: Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office and James Kariuki

16 April 2025

Location: United Nations, New York

Delivered on: 16 April 2025 (Transcript of the speech, exactly as it was delivered)

President, this month we commemorate 31 years since the genocide against the Tutsi.

During this time, we honour the memory of those who lost their lives, and recognise the remarkable resilience shown by the people of Rwanda.

I will make three points.

First, the United Kingdom remains deeply concerned at the situation in eastern DRC.

We regret that despite the unanimous adoption by this Council of resolution 2773 almost two months ago, it remains far from being implemented.

While the withdrawal of M23 and Rwandan Defence Forces from Walikale is a positive step, much more needs to be done.

We reiterate this Council's call for the M23 to cease hostilities and withdraw from all controlled areas, and for the Rwandan Defence Forces to cease support for the M23 and withdraw from Congolese territory.

We call on the parties, in line with resolution 2773, to agree an immediate and unconditional ceasefire, and to seriously engage with regional peace processes.

Second, the United Kingdom welcomes regional leadership towards a durable resolution of the conflict.

We welcome the nomination of President Gnassingbe of Togo as the African Union's mediator for the peace process for eastern DRC.

We hope this will support coordination between regional and international efforts to deliver peace.

And we urge the parties to engage with his efforts and urgently implement the EAC-SADC roadmap to attain sustainable peace and security.

Third, the United Kingdom is deeply concerned by the scale of human suffering from the conflict in eastern DRC, as set out by our briefers, and its impact on the region.

More than one million people have been displaced since the start of the year.

We repeat our calls for all parties to respect international humanitarian and human rights law and to allow safe and unimpeded passage of humanitarian assistance by lake, road and through the reopening of key airports including Goma and Kavumu.

We also support greater UN and donor co-ordination to ensure assistance reaches those most in need.

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Full text of Xi's signed article in Cambodian media

Xinhua) 13:24, April 17, 2025

PHNOM PENH, April 17 (Xinhua) -- Chinese President Xi Jinping on Thursday published a signed article titled "Together We Strive, Together We Thrive: Toward a Stable and Sustainable China-Cambodia Community with a Shared Future in the New Era" in Cambodian media outlets Khmer Times, Jian Hua Daily and Fresh News ahead of his arrival in Cambodia for a state visit.

The following is the full text of the article:

Together We Strive, Together We Thrive: Toward a Stable and Sustainable China-Cambodia Community with a Shared Future in the New Era

H.E. Xi Jinping

President of the People's Republic of China

For Cambodian press

I am very happy to visit Cambodia on the occasion of the Khmer New Year. For me, it feels like going to the home of a good friend. I wish to extend my warmest New Year greetings to our brothers and sisters in Cambodia. This is my second visit to your country in nine years. I sincerely hope this visit will spearhead progress in building a China-Cambodia community with a shared future.

Our community with a shared future is deeply rooted in the historic legacy of good-neighborly relations. Thanks to our geographical proximity, our friendly exchange spans two millennia of our shared history. During China's Tang Dynasty, members of Chenla's royal family visited China's then capital city of Chang'an, where they were warmly received as Binhan, meaning "guest of honor." In the following centuries, the ties between the two nations grew ever stronger and closer. Chinese ceramics and lacquerware were shipped to Cambodia via the Maritime Silk Road, while Cambodian spices, raw silk and other specialty products were highly popular among Chinese people, as evidenced by the Bayon Temple bas-reliefs, which capture the vibrant trade that flourished between the two countries in history. Many renowned Cambodian monks travelled to China to spread Buddhist teachings and scriptures. The Customs of Cambodia, a book written by Chinese diplomat Zhou Daguan of the Yuan Dynasty, is an important literature for studies of Cambodian history. The great Chinese and Khmer civilizations have flourished together, inspiring each other through centuries.

Our community with a shared future is defined by our mutual commitment to friendship and righteousness. The friendship was forged by His Majesty Samdech Preah Norodom Sihanouk and Chairman Mao Zedong, Premier Zhou Enlai, among the elder generations of Chinese leaders. Seventy years ago, His Majesty Samdech Preah Sihanouk and Premier Zhou met at the Bandung Conference and immediately bonded like old friends. Defying all odds, Cambodia established diplomatic relations with the People's Republic of China in 1958. China stood steadfastly with Cambodia in its just struggle against foreign invasion and for national sovereignty and independence. Together, the two countries have shared the rough times and the smooth and consistently supported each other in times of need. His Majesty Samdech Preah Sihanouk lived in China for nearly 40 years, embracing China as his home away from home. He had written and composed many songs in tribute to the China-Cambodia friendship, such as Nostalgia of China. His songs are still widely sung today. His Majesty King Norodom Sihamoni and Her Majesty Queen Mother Norodom Monineath Sihanouk visit China almost every year. We have met many times, sharing warm conversations about our families and life. In 2020, I presented Her Majesty Queen Mother Norodom Monineath Sihanouk with the Friendship Medal of the People's Republic of China. This deeply meaningful medal embodies the profound friendship of the Chinese people toward the people of Cambodia. Upon the outbreak of COVID-19, the pandemic of the century, the then Prime Minister Samdech Techo Hun Sen braved the snow and wind to visit Beijing. China dispatched medical teams to provide emergency assistance to Cambodia. The two countries provided each other with a large amount of medical supplies. In the face of complex regional and international developments, we support each other in safeguarding our respective core interests, and work together to uphold international fairness and justice. Our two nations have forged an ironclad friendship.

Our community with a shared future is powered by equality and mutual benefit. For many years, China has been Cambodia's largest trading partner and largest source of investment, and our industrial and supply chain cooperation has continued to deepen. Thanks to the China-Cambodia free trade agreement, premium agricultural products from Cambodia, including banana, mango and longan, are finding their way into Chinese households. The Sihanoukville Special Economic Zone, developed through China-Cambodia cooperation, has drawn more than 200 international companies to establish operations, laying a solid groundwork for Cambodia's industrial modernization. China-supported infrastructure projects, such as Cambodia's first expressway, first viaduct across a river valley, largest power plant and largest stadium, have brought the Cambodian people tangible benefits and strongly bolstered the long-term development of the country. Chinese experts have helped formulate Cambodia's modern agricultural development plans on the basis of their extensive field trips in the country. The China-Cambodia Diamond Hexagon cooperation has boosted Cambodia's development.

Our community with a shared future is founded upon inclusiveness and mutual learning. Over the past 30 years, China has sent many experts across diverse fields -- including archaeology, geological exploration, cultural heritage, history, architecture and the arts -- who have dedicated themselves to the restoration of Chau Say Tevoda Temple, Ta Keo Temple and the ancient Royal Palace of Angkor. They have helped bring renewed splendor to the Angkor legacy, a gem of human civilizations. More and more Chinese tourists are travelling to Cambodia to experience its rich history and culture while more and more Cambodian friends are learning Chinese to better appreciate the charm of the time-honored Chinese civilization and understand Chinese modernization. Over the years, with Chinese assistance, a number of friendship roads have been built and clean water-pumping wells drilled to improve the well-being of local people. The project of the China-Cambodia Friendship Poverty Alleviation Demonstration Village is completed. Thanks to the treatment by traditional Chinese medicine teams, a hearing-impaired girl articulated "Mama" for the first time, and a wheelchair user got back on his feet.

For nearly half a century, Asia has enjoyed overall peace and stability and rapid economic growth, creating the Asian miracle in the history of global development. As changes unseen in a century accelerate, Asia now stands at a new starting point of collective rise. Consistently following the principle of amity, sincerity, mutual benefit and inclusiveness and the policy of developing friendship and partnership with neighboring countries, China will deepen friendship and cooperation with them, extend the benefits of Chinese modernization to them, and work with them to jointly uphold regional peace and stability and to advance modernization in Asia.

As important members of the big Asian family, China and Cambodia must ride the tide of history and heed our people's aspirations. We must strive together and thrive together. We must act as pioneers and pacesetters in translating the Global Development Initiative, the Global Security Initiative and the Global Civilization Initiative from vision into reality. We must work together to promote the steady and sustained progress in building the China-Cambodia community with a shared future in the new era.

-- Let us bring our mutual political trust to a higher level. We should maintain frequent high-level exchanges and draw up a strategic blueprint for the China-Cambodia community with a shared future in the new era. China firmly supports Cambodia in independently choosing a development path that suits its own conditions, in safeguarding its national sovereignty, independence and territorial integrity, and in playing a greater role on the international stage. To jointly safeguard our political security, we should strengthen communication on matters of strategic importance such as foreign policy and national defense, and resolutely oppose any attempts by external forces to interfere in our internal affairs, sow discord or undermine China-Cambodia friendship.

-- Let us expand our mutually beneficial cooperation of higher quality. We must prioritize development and keep people at the center. To advance modernization in both countries, we should maximize the role of the China-Cambodia Intergovernmental Coordination Committee, forge greater synergy between the Belt and Road Initiative and the Pentagonal Strategy, and advance the development of the Industrial and Technological Corridor and the Fish and Rice Corridor. We should also jointly safeguard the multilateral trading system, advance industrial and supply chain cooperation, enhance cooperation in advanced manufacturing, green development, digital economy and other areas, and make the Diamond Hexagon cooperation shine better and stronger.

-- Let us work together to ensure greater security. To foster a secure environment for our respective development, we should strengthen exchange and cooperation in combating external interference and separatist activities. We must guard against and resist "color revolutions," strengthen joint exercises and training, emergency management and security cooperation on major Belt and Road projects, and crack down on telecom and cyber fraud and other criminal activities. We must stay committed to the vision of common, comprehensive, cooperative and sustainable security, build consensus on security concepts and approaches, and jointly promote peace and tranquility in the region and the world at large.

-- Let us have more frequent people-to-people exchanges. We should uphold solidarity and harmony, have more cultural dialogues, increase experience sharing on state governance, expand diverse forms of cooperation in areas of culture, tourism, youth exchange and protection and restoration of cultural heritages, and promote people-to-people connectivity. We must champion the Asian values and humanity's common values.

-- Let us strengthen strategic coordination of higher standards. We should draw wisdom from the Five Principles of Peaceful Coexistence and the Bandung Spirit, move faster to build a community with a shared future of peace and prosperity among Lancang-Mekong countries, and work together toward a peaceful, safe and secure, prosperous, beautiful, amicable and harmonious Asian home. Together we must stand against hegemonism, power politics and camp-based confrontation, and defend the shared interests of our two countries and other developing countries. We should advocate an equal and orderly multipolar world and a universally beneficial and inclusive economic globalization, endeavor to safeguard world peace and stability and international fairness and justice, jointly oppose protectionism, and defend an international environment of openness and cooperation.

As a Chinese verse goes, "True friendship, like refined gold, withstands all tests of time." I firmly believe that with our joint efforts, the China-Cambodia ironclad friendship, which has been tempered through trials of time and storms of adversity, will stay true to its original purpose. China will work with Cambodia to safeguard peace, pursue development and achieve shared prosperity, to make solid progress in building the China-Cambodia community with a shared future in the new era, and to bring greater stability and certainty to this turbulent world.

(Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Liang Jun)
The UK is deeply concerned at recent political tensions and increased fighting across South Sudan: UK statement at the UN Security Council

Statement by Ambassador James Kariuki, UK Deputy Permanent Representative to the UN, at the UN Security Council meeting on South Sudan.

From: Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office and James Kariuki

16 April 2025

Location: United Nations, New York

Delivered on: 16 April 2025 (Transcript of the speech, exactly as it was delivered)

I will make three points.

First, the United Kingdom is deeply concerned at recent political tensions and increased fighting across South Sudan between parties to the 2018 peace agreement and other opposition forces. This includes the ongoing conflict in Upper Nile State.

We are appalled by the attack on a UN helicopter in Nasir which resulted in the death of an UNMISS contractor.

The current escalation risks South Sudan's hard-won peace.

A return to widespread conflict would devastate the country and have damaging consequences for the broader region, especially in the context of the ongoing crisis in Sudan.

The escalation of violence in the Upper Nile State has already caused dozens of civilian casualties and displaced at least 120,000 people.

So we urge the parties to ensure safe and unhindered humanitarian access to civilian populations in Nasir and Ulang who are in need of emergency assistance and protection.

Second, we are concerned by the arrest and ongoing detention of First Vice President Machar.

This action undermines the core principles of the 2018 peace agreement.

Alongside the AU and other international partners, we call for this action to be reversed to enable both parties to return to dialogue.

We welcome efforts by regional partners, including the African Union and IGAD, to work with the South Sudanese leadership to de-escalate tensions.

And we call on South Sudan's collective leadership to cease hostilities, release political detainees, including First Vice President Machar, and to engage seriously with regional mediation efforts.

Third, President, the recent instability is a reminder of the importance of UNMISS as a peace partner for South Sudan.

The United Kingdom commends UNMISS' work to de-escalate tensions and protect civilians.

In this challenging context, their work to monitor human rights violations and support the provision of humanitarian assistance is critical.

And we call on the South Sudanese leadership to ensure the mission has freedom of movement, without political interference, so that it can effectively carry out its mandate from this Council.

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Joint Statement from the United Kingdom and France on Haiti

Joint statement from the United Kingdom and France on Haiti.

16 April 2025

The UK and France are concerned by reports of criminal gangs coordinating to further destabilise Haiti's Transitional Presidential Council (TPC). We reiterate our collective support for CARICOM and the Kenyan-led Multinational Security Support mission in assisting the TPC and the Haitian National Police to tackle the gangs who continue to cause daily suffering to the Haitian people and in their efforts to bring about the stability required to restore democratic institutions and the rule of law in Haiti. We are committed to maintaining pressure on those who seek to destabilise Haiti via the implementation of sanctions, and we call on authorities to fully implement the sanctions regime in Haiti.

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UNICEF Executive Director Catherine Russell briefing to the United Nations Security Council on the humanitarian situation in the Democratic Republic of the Congo

UNICEF

As prepared for delivery

16 April 2025

NEW YORK, 16 April 2025 - "Excellencies, good afternoon. It is good to be with you for this important discussion on the deepening humanitarian crisis in the Democratic Republic of the Congo.

"Je tiens a exprimer ma gratitude a Monsieur l'Ambassadeur Jerome Bonnafont, for convening and hosting this briefing during France's presidency of the Security Council. The Security Council's continued attention on children affected by armed conflict in the DRC is more critical than ever.

"Excellencies, the significant escalation of conflict in the eastern region of the DRC has reached levels not seen in the last three decades. The intensifying violence has created one of the world's worst humanitarian crises, leaving millions of children at risk.

"Since January, more than one million people - including an estimated 400,000 children - have been displaced by violence in the provinces of Ituri, North Kivu and South Kivu. This new wave of displacement comes in addition to the more than 5 million people in the region who were already living in displacement camps, where crowded and unsanitary conditions make the spread of diseases like mpox, cholera and measles much more likely.

"Excellencies, the most defining, and horrifying, feature of this conflict is the rampant violence being committed against children and women.

"Scores have been killed or injured. There has been a 100 per cent increase in verified grave violations in the first quarter of this year, as compared to the first quarter of 2024. These include indiscriminate attacks, large-scale recruitment and use of children, collective abductions of children, as well as widespread sexual violence.

"The rate of sexual violence against children has reached shockingly high levels. Reports from child protection partners show that children make up more than 40 per cent of the nearly 10,000 cases of rape and sexual violence reported in January and February alone. UNICEF estimates that during the most intense phase of this year's conflict in eastern DRC, a child was raped every half an hour.

"This clearly points to a systemic crisis in which rape and other forms of sexual violence are being used as a weapon of war to destroy lives, families and communities.

"Please bear in mind that these numbers represent only the cases that have been reported, the true figure is likely significantly higher, hidden beneath layers of fear, stigma, and insecurity. Certainly, it should compel broad condemnation and urgent and collective action.

"Cases of abductions of children have also increased sixfold between December 2024 and February of this year. These increases are accompanied by reports of other serious violations of children's rights, including killing and maiming of children and threats by armed groups against children living on the street.

"In addition, repeated mass displacement and the disruption of essential services have created ideal conditions for the spread of endemic diseases. Children under five, many of whom were already facing chronic malnutrition, are especially at risk.

"DRC also remains the epicentre of the outbreak of the new mpox strain.

"Unsurprisingly, the mpox response continues to be heavily impacted by the conflict. For example, most of the 143 mpox patients in isolation units in Goma had to flee for safety, making it nearly impossible to provide them with care, and increasing the risk of the disease spreading, including beyond the DRC's borders.

"At the same time, healthcare facilities have been overwhelmed, and medical supplies are being quickly depleted - including Post-Exposure Prophylaxis or PEP kits used to treat rape survivors who may have been exposed to HIV or other sexually transmitted infections.

"Since the start of the year, more than 2,500 schools and learning spaces in North and South Kivu, including those in displacement camps, have been forced to close - putting children at further risk. Schools play a crucial role in times of crisis in maintaining stability and providing a safe space that protects children from potential recruitment by armed groups and sexual violence.

"Schools can also offer children who have experienced traumatic events access to psychosocial support.

"Making matters worse, violence and insecurity are undermining commercial trade and the ability of humanitarian actors to consistently reach children and families in need. Threats and attacks against humanitarian workers are being exacerbated by widespread mis- and disinformation. At least 11 humanitarian workers have been killed since January. Humanitarian premises and warehouses have been looted, including the two mpox treatment centres supported by UNICEF in Goma, and UNICEF's warehouse in Bukavu.

"Partners who have largely relied on MONUSCO's maintenance of core infrastructure that facilitates humanitarian access - including roads and air strips - are now experiencing challenges in reaching remote areas because of the MONUSCO drawdown.

"Despite these challenges, UNICEF is staying and delivering for children and families in eastern DRC. Key operational staff have remained in Goma and Bukavu along with our NGO partners throughout the worst of the fighting.

"UNICEF's response is focused on the provision of lifesaving assistance to reach people most in need - in displacement sites, host communities and areas of origin.

"UNICEF interventions include emergency water trucking, rehabilitation of water supply systems, establishing chlorination points along Lake Kivu, and distribution of emergency WASH supplies. We are now reaching 700,000 people a day in Goma with clean water and sanitation.

"In addition, UNICEF has been supplying medicines and medical equipment, including PEP kits.

"We are working with partners to provide support to survivors of sexual violence, and to assist children with mental health and psychosocial support. And we are supporting registration and care for unaccompanied and separated children so that they can be reunited with their families.

"But this is far from enough and the humanitarian response is facing a critical funding shortfall.

"In 2024, UNICEF received only 20 per cent of the funding required to address the urgent needs of children and families, leaving millions without access to life-saving aid. Recently, we launched an urgent appeal for nearly $57 million to provide emergency assistance to children in the eastern DRC over the next three months.

"The cost of inaction is affecting children now, leading to preventable suffering and lost futures.

"If the funding crisis isn't urgently addressed, hundreds of thousands of children in eastern DRC will miss out on screening and treatment for malnutrition, lifesaving medicines and vaccines, safe drinking water and psychosocial support.

"UNICEF echoes the call for an immediate cessation of hostilities and the full implementation of Security Council Resolution 2773, which calls for de-escalation, dialogue and protection of civilians - especially children - in eastern DRC. We urge all parties to the conflict, those who support them, and those with influence over them, to work collectively and decisively toward peace.

"We urge all parties to the conflict to respect their obligations under international humanitarian and human rights law, particularly those related to the protection of children. We call for accountability for those who recruit children, commit sexual violence, or target civilians. Impunity must not prevail.

"Excellencies, in closing, I urge Council Members to commit to several actions that are critical to alleviating the humanitarian crisis in the eastern DRC.

"First is to demand that parties to the conflict, and those with influence over them, ensure the protection of children and the civilian infrastructure they depend on. Parties must issue command orders to ensure the safety and protection of children from harm including recruitment and use, and sexual violence.

"In doing so, the Government of the DRC should continue to engage on the implementation of the 2012 Action Plan, and this Council should urge other parties to the conflict to constructively engage with the UN to sign action plans to end and prevent grave violations against children.

"Next is to facilitate safe, rapid and unimpeded humanitarian access. This includes ensuring that international borders to neighbouring countries remain open for the voluntary movement of displaced civilians, as well as humanitarian supplies and personnel. All parties must allow and facilitate the passage of impartial humanitarian relief for civilians in need, and ensure that humanitarian workers and operations are respected and protected.

"Lastly, pending a cessation of hostilities, I call on Council Members to urge parties to the conflict to agree on temporary humanitarian pauses in the most affected areas to ensure humanitarian activities can resume at scale,. and to facilitate medical evacuations for civilians trapped in combat zones. Parties must also facilitate voluntary, safe, and dignified returns for internally displaced people, ensuring they are involved in the planning and decision-making processes for their return.

"The conflict in the eastern DRC has spiralled into a nightmare of horrific violence and skyrocketing humanitarian need. But the situation is recoverable. It is up to this Council and the international community to champion a stronger humanitarian response, which includes providing sustained humanitarian funding, and to drive the parties towards peace. DRC's children deserve nothing less.

"If we fail to act with urgency, we condemn a generation of children to fear, to trauma, and to a future defined by violence. But if we stand together for peace, accountability, and protection, we offer these children something else: Hope.

"Merci beaucoup."

# # # # #

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Gaza faces deepening crisis as aid stocks dwindle

16 April 2025 - The United Nations on Wednesday warned that escalating hostilities and access constraints in Gaza are exacerbating an already dire humanitarian crisis, displacing hundreds of thousands and depriving civilians of shelter, food and medicine.

More than 500,000 people are reported to have been newly displaced since 18 March, many of them uprooted multiple times due to ongoing military operations across the Gaza Strip.

Conditions on the ground are deteriorating rapidly, with critical shortages in basic supplies and growing malnutrition, especially among children.

"Tents are no longer available for distribution," UN spokesperson Stephanie Tremblay told journalists at a regular news briefing in New York.

She noted that families in Bani Suhaila, Khan Younis Governorate, recently received only minimal quantities of blankets and tarpaulins. Displaced populations in Khan Younis reported overcrowded shelters and a dire lack of food, water, and medicine.

Impact on children

Children are among the worst affected. In March, the number of children receiving supplementary feeding declined by more than two-thirds, according to humanitarian partners, raising concerns of acute malnutrition amid collapsing health services.

In addition, hospital operations are further strained by limited access to medical supplies.

"Humanitarians are finding it increasingly difficult to operate as no aid has entered Gaza for now. We are now in the seventh week of this and as military operations expand," said Ms. Tremblay, adding that Israeli authorities continue to deny planned coordinated missions.

"Today, only two out of six planned humanitarian movements that were coordinated with the Israeli authorities, were facilitated. The remaining four were denied, including one mission to retrieve fuel from Rafah, which as you can imagine is urgently needed."

Despite insecurity and access limitations, humanitarian organizations continue efforts to help vulnerable families. Community kitchens across Gaza prepare more than one million meals daily, but that remains insufficient for most of the 2.1 million people in the enclave who rely on aid for basic sustenance.



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Security Council urged to support eastern DR Congo peace initiatives

16 April 2025 - Despite numerous regional and international diplomatic initiatives, the security situation remains critical in the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), the Security Council heard on Wednesday.

In a briefing to ambassadors, UN Special Envoy for the Great Lakes Region Huang Xia called for increased coordination of peace processes.

He noted that the Congo River Alliance-M23 rebel group has continued its territorial expansion. This is happening despite calls from the Security Council, regional and sub-regional organizations in Africa, and the European Union, and in the face of restrictive measures and sanctions.

Furthermore, a ceasefire in not yet effectively in force, violations are ongoing, and the humanitarian crisis is deepening - both in the DRC and neighbouring countries such as Burundi, Uganda and Rwanda, which have seen an increase in Congolese refugees.

"This somber reality means that we have to strive to redouble efforts, to see how together we can transform recent political and diplomatic progress into an irreversible shift to peace," he said.

Diplomatic developments

Mr. Xia welcomed the recent dynamics surrounding the so-called Nairobi and Luanda processes, supported by the African Union (AU), the East African Community (EAC) and the Southern African Development Community (SADC).

EAC and SADC leaders adopted a roadmap on 24 March and appointed a facilitators group that includes two African women, marking significant progress.

The Special Envoy also paid tribute to Angolan President Joao Lourenco, who also heads the AU, for his efforts under the Luanda process to lift Rwanda's defensive measures against the DRC and to neutralize the Democratic Forces for the Liberation of Rwanda (FDLR) armed group.

The Special Envoy also acknowledged the Doha initiative, led by Qatar, welcoming a meeting last month between the Presidents of the DRC and Rwanda as well as consultations between delegations from the two countries and the M23.

"All these efforts show that peace is still possible," said Mr. Xia.

In this same vein, he welcomed a new resolve by the Congolese government to engage directly with the M23 as an important step.

"Given the serious nature of the crisis, obtaining an immediate unconditional ceasefire and reaching agreement on reopening humanitarian corridors should, in my opinion, be the primary issue on the agenda of discussions between all parties concerned," he added.

Enhanced coordination critical

Mr. Xia, however, stressed the need to strengthen coordination between international and regional initiatives which "would help to harness the comparative advantages of each approach and the achievements that have already been made, in order to create complementarity and a unity of vision."

He warned that peace efforts will not be enough without political resolve to tackle the root causes of chronic instability in the region.

"What we've seen to date is that there is competition in terms of political ambitions and security ambitions, and these have been openly stated in terms of strategic areas of interest," he said.

"They have been upheld by the existence of multiple armed groups. There has been the illegal exploitation of natural resources, and also we see the absence of the state's authority in these areas."

The Special Envoy urged the Council "to tap into its influence and to use all levers at its disposal" to support the ongoing peace processes, while underlining that his Office would continue to support economic, security, and judicial initiatives between countries in the Great Lakes region.

Rise in violations against children

The head of UN Children's Fund (UNICEF) also briefed the Council, warning that intensifying violence in the eastern DRC has created one of the world's worst humanitarian crises, putting millions of young lives at risk.

"There has been a 100 per cent increase in verified grave violations in the first quarter of this year, as compared to the first quarter of 2024," Executive Director Catherine Russell said.

"These include indiscriminate attacks, large-scale recruitment and use of children, collective abductions of children, as well as widespread sexual violence."

Since January, violence has displaced more than one million people in Ituri, North Kivu and South Kivu provinces, including an estimated 400,000 children.

This is on top of the five million people already living in displacement camps, where crowded and unsanitary conditions make the spread of diseases like mpox, cholera and measles much more likely.

She noted that the rate of sexual violence against children has reached "shockingly high levels." More than 40 per cent of the nearly 10,000 cases of rape and sexual violence reported in January and February involved children.

"UNICEF estimates that during the most intense phase of this year's conflict in eastern DRC, a child was raped every half an hour," she reported.

Accountability, protection and hope

Meanwhile, UNICEF continues to provide drinking water to nearly 700,000 people per day in the Goma region, while ensuring the distribution of medical kits, psychosocial support for traumatized children, and care for unaccompanied minors.

But needs far exceed capacity and the agency only received 20 per cent of the funds requested last year.

UNICEF recently launched an urgent appeal for nearly $57 million for the next three months and Ms. Russell cautioned against inaction.

"If we fail to act with urgency, we condemn a generation of children to fear, to trauma, and to a future defined by violence," she said.

"But if we stand together for peace, accountability, and protection, we offer these children something else: Hope."





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'All Efforts Focused on Preventing Relapse into Widespread Conflict' in South Sudan, United Nations Mission Head Tells Security Council

Meetings Coverage

Security Council

9898th Meeting* (AM)

SC/16043

16 April 2025

With 'Lives at Stake', UN Aid Official Calls for Funding 'Commensurate with Need'

A sharp deterioration in South Sudan's political and security situation threatens to undermine the peace gains achieved so far and plunge the country back into war, the Head of the UN Mission warned the Security Council today, stressing the need for all parties to cease hostilities and honour the 2018 Revitalized Peace Agreement.

"All our efforts are now focused on preventing a relapse into widespread conflict and refocusing attention on the implementation of the Revitalized Peace Agreement," Nicholas Haysom, Special Representative of the Secretary-General and Head of United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS), told the 15-member body.

He said that the standoff between the two principal signatories of the Agreement has escalated into open military confrontation. The conflict can be traced back to early March in the Upper Nile State, when the White Army overran the South Sudan People's Defence Forces (SSPDF) garrison in Nasir. In the aftermath, air strikes targeting Nasir  allegedly involving devices containing incendiary fuel  inflicted significant casualties, including among women and children. On 7 March, an attack on a UNMISS helicopter in Nasir resulted in the death of a crew member and numerous South Sudanese military personnel.

Mr. Haysom said that the White Army and SSPDF in Upper Nile continue to mobilize and recruit children, while the deployment of Ugandan forces has further fuelled public fear. Meanwhile, senior Sudan People's Liberation Movement-in Opposition (SPLM-IO) figures have been systematically removed from official posts, detained or forced into hiding. "The arrest of First Vice-President, Riek Machar, reflects a new low," he said.

Misinformation and hate speech are fuelling tensions in an atmosphere "darkly reminiscent" of the 2013 and 2016 conflicts, which claimed over 400,000 lives, he warned.

He urged both national and international stakeholders to work urgently towards securing a cessation of hostilities and safeguarding the integrity of the Revitalized Peace Agreement. UNMISS, he noted, has been actively engaged in efforts to broker a peaceful resolution, working closely with the African Union and the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD). The Security Council, he stressed, must call on all parties to uphold the ceasefire, honour the peace agreement and release detained military officials. In response to the deteriorating security environment, UNMISS has reinforced protection-of-civilians measures, including strengthening its presence at internally displaced persons sites in Juba and increasing its patrols and security at its bases.

As the crisis deepens, the Council must ensure the continuity of UNMISS' mandate. "Another war is a risk South Sudan simply cannot afford, nor can the wider region," he concluded.

Humanitarian Nightmare Must Be Averted

"If the political crisis is not averted, the humanitarian nightmare will become a reality very quickly," warned Edem Wosornu, Director of Operations and Advocacy at the Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs.

Ms. Wosornu said that 9.3 million South Sudanese  translating to three quarters of the country's population  need humanitarian assistance. The rising violence and displacement, she continued, which, since mid-February, has swept through the Upper Nile State, "have increased the exposure of women and girls to gender-based violence, including sexual violence, and exploitation".

Close to 7.7 million people are acutely hungry, even as the World Food Programme has warned that vulnerable families in the country's north-east region are at "a critical tipping point", she said. The "unprecedented influx" of the 1.1 million returnees and refugees since April 2023 has "placed immense pressure on local services, food supplies and already-fragile infrastructure," particularly in the Renk, Malakal and Aweil border areas.

"The window of opportunity must be seized to avert a humanitarian nightmare with a relapse of widespread conflict," she added, calling on all stakeholders to work to prevent the country's descent into chaos and the conflict's spillover to neighbouring countries. With "lives at stake", she called for funding that commensurate with high levels of needs and noted that the 2025 Humanitarian Needs and Response Plan requires $1.7 billion to support nearly 5.4 million people in the country.

South Sudanese 'Tired, Traumatized'

Highlighting the devastating impact of the violence on civilians, especially women and girls, Jackline Nasiwa, Executive Director of the Center for Inclusive Governance, Peace and Justice, said that her organization has witnessed survivors of sexual violence in multiple regions, who are in desperate need of health services, psychosocial care and recognition for children born as a result of conflict-related sexual violence.

"The people of South Sudan are tired and traumatized and cannot heal in an environment of unending violence and political uncertainty," she said. Underscoring the importance of inclusive peace processes, she pointed out the insufficient implementation of the 35 per cent quota for women's participation, with only two women out of nine commissioners on the National Elections Commission and none at State High Committees. Highlighting the crucial role of UNMISS in preventing violence, she added that "it is essential to prioritize gender across implementation of UNMISS' mandate".

In the ensuing discussion, Council Members, namely the delegate from the United States, warned that the escalating political divisions in South Sudan threaten to bring the country back to broader conflict. The arrest of First Vice-President Reik Machar risks collapsing the entire peace process, she said, urging Council Members to pressure leaders on all sides to recommit to implementing the Revitalized Peace Agreement. While commending the work of UNMISS, she admitted that the Mission "can only do so much" as "political and business elites" profit from South Sudan's resources while 92 per cent of the population live in extreme poverty.

"The people of South Sudan have endured immense suffering," echoed Sierra Leone's delegate, also speaking for Algeria, Guyana and Somalia. Bombardments of areas occupied by civilians are a blatant violation of international humanitarian law, he went on to say, calling for an independent investigation into crimes committed. "We urge South Sudanese authorities to place the interests of the people above all else," he stressed.

France's delegate, Council President for April, speaking in his national capacity, joined the appeal to de-escalate, calling on authorities to "go back to the spirit of dialogue and commitment in the interest of the people". "There have to be free and transparent elections," he continued, stressing the need for progress in the revitalization of the Agreement, the deployment of necessary forces and the drafting of the Constitution in an inclusive manner that allows for full participation of women in charting the country's future.

Panama's delegate also condemned violence against civilians, particularly sexual violence against women and children, and called on the authorities to investigate these crimes, "guarantee accountability and adopt measures to protect people". Guyana's representative, speaking also for Slovenia in their capacity as informal co-focal points on conflict and hunger in the Council, said that the situation in South Sudan is particularly worrisome as several crises  a cholera outbreak, limited food supply and devasting floods  are all plaguing the region at once. Echoing a similar viewpoint, the delegate from the Republic of Korea warned about the risk of regional escalation and the "threat of [a] ripple effect of South Sudan's situation to the Horn of Africa, which is already a region burdened by multiple conflicts".

Broad Support for UN Mission

Several delegates said UNMISS is a force of stability in South Sudan, with the delegates of Pakistan and the United Kingdom emphasizing that the flare-up in tensons serves as a reminder of the importance of the Mission as a peace partner. As the Council gets ready to renew UNMISS' mandate, Greece's delegate observed, "we see must see to it that the Mission has the necessary means at its disposal to address developments of the situation on the ground". He condemned the loss of UN personnel and recurrent freedom of movement restrictions for the blue helmets, urging all parties to address these violations.

The delegates from Slovenia and China echoed condemnations of the 7 March attack on an UNMISS helicopter, with the former reiterating that the attack may constitute a war crime and those responsible must be held to account. The latter reiterated that "no attacks targeting peacekeepers are acceptable" and highlighted the importance of regional mediation, the involvement of IGAD and the African Union and the prioritizing of "African solutions to African issues".

Peace Agreement 'Most Viable Path Forward'

Council members also highlighted the Revitalized Peace Agreement as the "most viable path forward", with Denmark's delegate urging South Sudan to put its people first and allow the Panel of the Wise, which leads the African Union delegation, to mediate without interference. "We cannot allow the world's youngest nation and its people to endure the horrors of war, once again," he said.

The Russian Federation's delegate said that the situation in South Sudan is under control of the current Government. Citing President Salva Kiir's assurances of "not allowing the country to slide into the abyss of renewed civil war", he stressed that the Council's "common objective" should be to support stabilization efforts by the South Sudanese authorities, "rather than stocking unnecessary tensions". Further steps towards reconciliation should be undertaken "with assistance and mediation of those parties who are trusted by the South Sudanese themselves", he added.

The representative of South Sudan, expressing condolences and condemnation of the 7 March attack on the UNMISS helicopter, called for a full investigation to hold those responsible accountable. "Despite the challenges, we are moving forward," she said, noting her Government's pledge to ensure that peace is not only preserved, but strengthened. The African Union, IGAD and UNMISS "have stood beside us since our independence and we remain grateful to their partnership in our journey to peace".

She said South Sudan's Government continues to strengthen national policing and justice and accountability mechanisms. "The arrest of Dr. Machar and several [SPLM-IO] members and officials has triggered fears of reversal in the peace process," she admitted. However, President Silva Kiir has assured South Sudan's people that "we must not return to war and that we must remain fully committed to the Revitalized Peace Agreement".

Over 6 million people in South Sudan are at risk of acute food insecurities, she said. The situation is made worse by the conflict in Sudan, the cholera outbreak and climate shocks. "We will not allow short-term grievances to undermine the long aspiration of our people," she said.

__________

* The 9898th Meeting was closed.

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U.S. Navy, ROK Navy Complete Combined Mine Warfare Exercise

US Navy

16 April 2025

From Petty Officer 1st Class Chase Stephens

The U.S. Navy and the Republic of Korea Navy (ROKN) concluded Korean Spring Exercise, April 16, 2025.

The exercise ran from April. 7-16 off the southeastern coast of the Republic of Korea. It is part of an annual series of exercises between the U.S. Navy and ROKN designed to increase proficiency in mine countermeasures operations between the two forces.

"Operating together in a combined environment is an outstanding opportunity for us to learn about how we each take on this complex mission set," said Capt. Antonio L. Hyde, commodore, Mine Countermeasures Squadron (MCMRON) 7. "This exercise continues to show the region that the U.S. and Korean navies are committed to preserving a free and open Indo-Pacific region."

During the 10-day exercise, U.S. Navy and ROKN units worked together to clear a route for ships through a simulated minefield using mine hunting, detection and neutralization capabilities, which included an underwater detonation of a simulated mine.

ROKN Mine Squadron 52 and MCMRON 7 commanders partnered throughout the exercise to direct mine hunting tasks for U.S. Navy and ROKN units. This training allowed U.S. and ROK Navy participants to practice communicating and operating as a bilateral team, while learning to maximize their cumulative mine hunting capability.

"Nine days of comprehensive mine warfare exercise allowed ROK-US navies to improve operational capabilities and explore future directions for mine warfare development based on lessons learned." said Capt. Lee Taek-seon, commodore, ROK Mine Squadron 52. "We will continue to conduct practical mine warfare trainings to further strengthen our abilities to protect major ports and sea lines of communications in case of emergency."

Warrior, personnel from Explosive Ordnance Disposal Mobile Unit (EODMU) 5, two MH-53E Helicopters from HM-15 Det 3A and staff assigned to MCMRON 7 were the U.S. Navy units that participated in Korean Spring Exercise.

ROKN participants in the exercise were two Ganngyeong-class minehunter ships, ROKS Ganggyeong (MHC-561) and ROKS Gimhwa (MHC-567); two Yangyang-class minehunter ships, ROKS Yangyang (MSH-571) and ROKS Hongseong (MSH-576); one Wonsan-class minelayer ship ROKS Wonsan (MLS-560); one Nampo-class minelayer ship (MLS-570); one Cheonghaejin-class submarine rescue ship, ROKS Cheonghaejin (ASR-21); a Chamsuri-class patrol boat; one submarine; one MH-60 helicopter and two explosive ordnance disposal companies.

The exercise took place in U.S. 7th Fleet, the U.S. Navy's largest forward-deployed numbered fleet, which routinely interacts and operates with allies and partners in preserving a free and open Indo-Pacific region.

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Keel Laid for Future USNS Solomon Atkinson

US Navy - Press Release

16 April 2025

MOBILE, Ala. -- The keel for the future USNS Solomon Atkinson (T-ATS 12), a Navajo-class towing, salvage, and rescue ship, was laid during a ceremony on April 16, at Austal USA.

The keel laying represents the start of a ship's construction. During the ceremony, the keel is authenticated when the ship's sponsors weld their initials into the keel plate, with the assistance of an Austal USA welder.

"The keel laying of the future Solomon Atkinson marks the beginning of the construction journey for the ship and we are excited about the vital capabilities this vessel will bring to the fleet," said John Lighthammer, Program Manager, Auxiliary and Special Mission Shipbuilding program office. "It's an honor that members of the Atkinson family and the Metlakatla Indian Community were present to celebrate this significant milestone in the life of the ship."

The ship's sponsors are the namesake's widow, JoAnn Atkinson, and daughters Maria Hayward and Michele Gunyah.

The ship's namesake, Solomon Atkinson, was a member of the first SEAL Team One established in 1962. As a SEAL, he deployed to Korea and served three combat tours in Vietnam for which he received a Bronze Star, Navy Commendation Medal with Combat "V" and a Purple Heart. Following his service to the Navy, he returned to his home in Metlakatla Indian Community, Alaska, where he served on the Indian Community Council, Board of Education; was founder and president of the first veteran's organization on Annette Island; and as Mayor of Metlakatla.

The future USNS Solomon Atkinson symbolizes the Navy's 250-year commitment to innovation and maritime dominance. From seabed to space, the Navy delivers power for peace - always ready to fight and win. This marks not only a major milestone for the Navy's newest vessel, but also the Navy's enduring legacy and commitment to shaping the future of maritime power as USNS Solomon Atkinson begins its journey to serve the fleet.

The Navajo-class ship is a multi-mission, common hull platform that will deploy to support a range of missions such as towing, rescue, salvage, humanitarian assistance, oil spill response and wide-area search and surveillance. Navajo-class ships will be capable of towing U.S. Navy ships and will have 6,000 square feet of deck space for embarked systems.

PEO Ships, one of the Department of Defense's largest acquisition organizations, is responsible for executing the development and procurement of all destroyers, amphibious ships and craft, and auxiliary ships, including special mission ships, sealift ships and support ships.

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Russo-Ukraine War - 16 April 2025 - Day 1148

Su M Tu W Th F Sa 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30

A number of claims and counterclaims are being made on the Ukraine-Russia conflict on the ground and online. While GlobalSecurity.org takes utmost care to accurately report this news story, we cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, photos and videos.

On 24 February 2022, Ukraine was suddenly and deliberately attacked by land, naval and air forces of Russia, igniting the largest European war since the Great Patriotic War. Russian President Vladimir Putin announced a "special military operation" (SVO - spetsialnaya voennaya operatsiya) in Ukraine in response to the appeal of the leaders of the "Donbass republics" for help. That attack is a blatant violation of the territorial integrity, sovereignty and independence of Ukraine. Putin stressed that Moscow's goal is the demilitarization and denazification of the country. The military buildup in preceeding months makes it obvious that the unprovoked and dastardly Russian attack was deliberately planned long in advance. During the intervening time, the Russian government had deliberately sought to deceive the world by false statements and expressions of hope for continued peace.

"To initiate a war of aggression... is not only an international crime; it is the supreme international crime differing only from other war crimes in that it contains within itself the accumulated evil of the whole." [Judgment of the International Military Tribunal]

The General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine reported that in total, since the beginning of this day, there have been 92 combat encounters. Ukrainian defenders continue to decisively interrupt the attempts of the Russian enemy to advance into the depths of Ukrainian territory, giving him a fiery impression.

For today, Russian troops have launched one rocket and 77 aviation strikes, using two missiles and dropping 128 controlled aviation bombs. In addition, more than a thousand kamikaze drones were engaged for impressions and carried out more than 4,700 shelling at the positions of Ukrainian troops and settlements.

In the Kharkiv direction, Russian forces twice stormed the positions of Ukrainian units in the areas of Vovchansk and Western.

In the Kupians komu direction, Russian forces carried out offensive actions in the areas of Petropavlivka, New Kruglyakivka, Boguslavka and Zagrizovoye. Ukrainian defenders stopped all five enemy attacks.

In the Lyman direction, Russian invaders attacked 15 times the positions of Defense Forces near the settlements of Nadia, Novoserhiyivka, Grekivka, Novomikhailivka, Nove and towards Olgivka and the Green Valley. Three clashes are still ongoing.

Nine Russian assaults were repelled by Ukrainian defenders in the Siversky direction, the Russian occupiers tried to advance in the regions of Grigorivka, Ivano-Daryivka, Vyimki and Verkhnyokamiansky.

In the direction of Kramators komu, Russian forces five times attacked the positions of Ukrainian defenders in the areas of Chasovoye Yar, Kurdyumivka and Stupochok.

Eight times the Russians advanced on the positions of Ukrainian units in the Toretsky direction in the areas of Toretsk and Leonidivka.

In the Pokrovsky direction since the beginning of this day, Russian forces 29 times tried to advance on the position of Ukrainian units. Russian forces attacked in the areas of settlements Oleksandropil, Elizavetyvka, Lisivka, Zvirove, Uspenivka, Novooleksandrivka, Preobrazhenka, Troitske, Andriyivka, Bogdanivka and towards Stara Nikolaivka and Sergiyivka. The settlements Pokrovsk, Dovga Balka, Zorya, Nova Poltavka, Malinivka, Kalinivka, Shevchenko the First and Hrodivka suffered airstrikes.

Today in this direction, according to preliminary data, 138 Russian occupants were defecated, 67 of them - irrevocably. Also Ukrainian soldiers destroyed seven units of automobile equipment, four motorcycles, six BPLA, two cannons. In addition, one tank, two BMPs, two motorcycles and two Russian cars were damaged.

In the Novopavlivs komu direction, Russian forces 15 times tried to break through the defense of Ukrainian defenders in the areas of Konstantinopol, Rozlivu, Bagatir and Privilny. Two clashes have not subsided so far. Russian aviation struck the areas of the settlements Zelene Pole, Komyshuvakha, Novodarivka and Verbove.

In the gulyajpil s komu direction of aviation strikes suffered railroad and gulyajpole.

In the Orihiv direction, the Russian aggressor six times attacked the positions of Ukrainian defenders in the direction of settlements Lobkove, Mala Tokmachka, Novodanilivka, Stepove, Kamianske. Air strikes were suffered by Lukyanivske, Stepnogirsk and Kamianske. Fighting continues in four locations.

In the Pridniprovsky direction, Russian forces carried out three offensive actions, one of which is ongoing until now. At the same time, he caused air strikes controlled bombs on Kherson.

In Kur ini since the beginning of the day, Ukrainian soldiers repelled 10 assault actions of the Russian occupiers. In addition, Russian forces launched 19 air strikes, dropping 32 controlled bombs, and also carried out 308 shelling positions of Ukrainian troops and settlements, including 16 of the reactive fire systems.

The Ministry of Defense of the Russian Federation reported that in Belgorod direction, the Sever Group of Forces inflicted fire damage on manpower and hardware of two mechanised brigades, a coastal defence brigade, an assault regiment of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, and the three territorial defence brigades close to Miropolskoye, Prokhody, Okop, Taratutino, Stepok, and Ugroyedy (Sumy region).

The AFU losses amounted to up to 65 troops, three armoured fighting vehicles, two motor vehicles, and four field artillery guns. One ammunition depot, a radar, and an electronic warfare station were neutralised.

The Zapad Group of Forces took more advantageous lines and positions, defeated formations of two mechanised brigades, an assault brigade, a jaeger brigade, a mountain assault brigade of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, and a territorial defence brigade close to Andreyevka, Zapadnoye, Druzhelyubovka, Olgovka, Kovsharovka (Kharkov region), Kirovsk, Yampol, Karpovka (Donetsk People's Republic), and Novoyegorovka (Lugansk People's Republic).

The enemy lost up to 230 troops, a tank, a U.S.-made M113 armoured personnel carrier, and a U.S.-made HMMWV armoured vehicle, six motor vehicles, five field artillery guns including a UK-made 155-mm FH-70 howitzer. Five ammunition depots were eliminated.

The Yug Group of Forces has liberated Kalinovo (Donetsk People's Republic).

The Russian troops hit manpower and materiel of seven mechanised brigades, two assault brigades of the AFU, and two territorial defence brigades near Pleshcheyevka, Romanovka, Alekseyevo-Druzhkovka, Poltavka, Zarya, Ivanopolye, Minkovka, and Kleban Byk of the Donetsk People's Republic.

The AFU losses amounted to more than 310 troops, two tanks, a HMMWV armoured fighting vehicle, and a U.S.-made Stryker armoured personnel carrier as well as a Kozak armoured fighting vehicle. Five pick-up trucks, five field artillery guns, and an electronic warfare station were neutralised.

The Tsentr Group of Forces captured more advantageous lines and positions, defeated formations of five mechanised brigades, two assault brigades, three jaeger brigades, an unmanned aerial vehicles brigade, an assault regiment of the AFU, a marine brigade, and two national guard brigades close to Ulyanovka, Razino, Koptevo, Alekseyevka, Zverevo, Uspenovka, Kotlino, Krasnoarmeysk, Shevchenko, Dimitrov, Grodovka, and Mirolyubovka (Donetsk People's Republic).

The AFU losses amounted to more than 350 troops, an infantry fighting vehicle, four motor vehicles, and a French-made 155-mm Caesar self-propelled artillery system. A U.S.-made AN/TPQ-36 counter-fire station, the Plastun electronic signal intelligence station, a Nota electronic warfare station as well as a Finnish-made Airfence radar were eliminated.

The Vostok Group of Forces continued advancing into the depths of the enemy's defence, inflicted losses on manpower and hardware of an airmobile brigade, a mountain assault brigade, a jaeger brigade, an air assault brigade, two territorial defence brigades, and a national guard brigade near Zeleny Kut, Bogatyr, Otradnoye, Poddubnoye, Shevchenko, Novopol, Dneproenergiya of the Donetsk People's Republic, Gulay Pole, and Chervonoye (Zaporozhye region).

The enemy's losses amounted to up to 150 troops, an armoured personnel carrier, a counterobstacle vehicle, a recovery vehicle, four motor vehicles, and three field artillery guns. One fuel depot was destroyed.

The Dnepr Group of Forces' units improved the tactical situation. Russian units engaged three mechanised brigades, a mountain assault brigade, two coastal defence brigades of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, and two territorial defence brigades near Tomarino, Ponyatovka, Antonovka, Nikolskoye (Kherson region), Novodanilovka, and Kamenskoye (Zaporozhye region).

The enemy's losses amounted to over 80 troops, 12 motor vehicles, three artillery guns including a Polish-made 155-mm Krab self-propelled artillery system. One ammunition depot was destroyed.

Operational-Tactical aviation, attack drones, Missile Troops, and Artillery of the Russian Groups of Forces have engaged the infrastructure of the military airfield, the assembly area of uncrewed surface vehicles, the ammunition and armoured vehicles repair enterprise of the Armed Forces of Ukraine as well as temporary deployment areas of the Ukrainian armed formations in 139 areas.

Russian air defence means have destroyed 11 JDAM guided bombs and four HIMARS MLRS projectiles as well as 223 fixed-wing unmanned aerial vehicles.

In total, since the beginning of the special military operation the AFU lost 661 aircraft, 283 helicopters, 52,089 unmanned aerial vehicles, 601 anti-aircraft missile systems, 22,859 tanks and other armoured fighting vehicles, 1,536 MLRS combat vehicles, 23,718 field artillery guns and mortars, 34,172 units of support military vehicles.

The Ministry of Defense of the Russian Federation also reported that the Armed Forces of the Russian Federation continue to destroy AFU units on the territory of Kursk region.

The Sever Group of Forces engaged units of a tank brigade, two mechanised brigades, an assault brigade, three air assault brigades, and a territorial defence brigade of the Armed Forces of Ukraine close to Gornal and Oleshnya.

Operational-Tactical and Army aviation, unmanned aerial vehicles, and artillery fire engaged AFU manpower and hardware close to Belovody, Vladimirovka, Maryino, Novaya Sech, Osoyevka, Sadki, Yunakovka, and Yablonovka in Sumy region.

In the past 24 hours, the AFU losses amounted to up to 160 troops, a tank, an armoured personnel carrier, two armoured fighting vehicles, five motor vehicles, three artillery guns, two Strela-10 anti-aircraft missile systems, two electronic warfare stations, and two air defence radars.

Since the beginning of hostilities in Kursk direction, the AFU losses amounted to more than 74,610 troops, 408 tanks, 333 infantry fighting vehicles, 305 armoured personnel carriers, 2,272 armoured fighting vehicles, 2,722 motor vehicles, 615 artillery guns, 57 MLRS launchers including 15 of HIMARS and seven of MLRS made by the USA,28 anti-aircraft missile launchers, one self-propelled anti-aircraft system, ten transport-loading vehicles, 125 EW stations, 18 counter-fire radars, ten air defence radars, 57 units of engineering and other materiel, including 23 counterobstacle vehicles, one UR-77 mine clearing vehicle, five bridge launchers, one engineering reconnaissance vehicle as well as 15 armoured recovery vehicles, and one command post vehicle.

The operation to neutralise the AFU units is in progress.





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Treasury Sanctions Leaders of La Nueva Familia Michoacana Drug Cartel

U.S. Department of the Treasury

April 15, 2025

Leaders of terrorist-sanctioned cartel tied to deadly fentanyl trafficking, human smuggling, and violence

WASHINGTON -- Today, Treasury's Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) sanctioned four individuals affiliated with La Nueva Familia Michoacana (LNFM), a Mexican cartel designated as a Foreign Terrorist Organization and a Specially Designated Global Terrorist, that has poisoned Americans by trafficking fentanyl and other illicit drugs into the United States. LNFM's crimes also include the smuggling of illegal aliens into the United States and violence against its rivals and Mexican security forces, utilizing drones and bombs in addition to conventional firearms. Those sanctioned today, all of whom are siblings, include the group's notorious co-leaders: Johnny Hurtado Olascoaga and Jose Alfredo Hurtado Olascoaga.

"Today's action underscores our commitment to intensify the pressure on violent drug cartels like LNFM, who continue to traffic deadly fentanyl and other drugs, smuggle illegal aliens over our Southwest border, and attack law enforcement," said Secretary of the Treasury Scott Bessent. "The Trump Administration will continue to use all available tools to target the cartels and other violent organizations that attempt to exploit our communities and harm Americans."

Today's action reflects ongoing coordination with the Drug Enforcement Administration, the Department of Justice, Homeland Security Investigations, and the Department of State. This action was also coordinated closely with Mexico's Financial Intelligence Unit, La Unidad de Inteligencia Financiera.

Today's action complements the unsealing of indictments of Johnny and Jose Alfredo Hurtado Olascoaga by a federal grand jury sitting in the Northern District of Georgia. Additionally, the Department of State announced Narcotics Rewards Offers of up to $5 million for information leading to the arrest and/or conviction of Johnny Hurtado Olascoaga and up to $3 million for information leading to the arrest and/or conviction of Jose Alfredo Hurtado Olascoaga.

VIOLENT ACTIVITIES OF LNFM

LNFM is a drug trafficking organization primarily based in the Mexican states of Guerrero and Michoacan that has trafficked fentanyl, methamphetamine, heroin, and cocaine to the United States, and that has laundered the proceeds of these illicit drugs through the U.S. financial system. In addition to poisoning Americans, the group has engaged in acts of terror and violence within Mexico. For instance, LNFM has utilized drones to drop bombs on its rivals, with utter disregard for Mexico's civilian population. They also terrorize local communities through kidnappings, killings, and extortion.

On November 17, 2022, OFAC designated LNFM pursuant to Executive Order (E.O.) 14059 for having engaged in, or attempted to engage in, activities or transactions that have materially contributed to, or pose a significant risk of materially contributing to, the international proliferation of illicit drugs or their means of production. On February 20, 2025, the U.S. Department of State announced the designation of LNFM as a Foreign Terrorist Organization pursuant to section 219 of the Immigration and Nationality Act, as amended, and as a Specially Designated Global Terrorist, pursuant to E.O. 13224, as amended by E.O. 13886.

SANCTIONING KEY LEADERS OF LNFM

LNFM's leaders, Johnny Hurtado Olascoaga (Johnny) and Jose Alfredo Hurtado Olascoaga (Jose Alfredo), are drug traffickers based in Mexico. Johnny and Jose Alfredo were previously designated on November 17, 2022 pursuant to E.O. 14059 for having engaged in, or attempted to engage in, activities or transactions that have materially contributed to, or pose a significant risk of materially contributing to, the international proliferation of illicit drugs or their means of production. Today, OFAC is sanctioning them pursuant to E.O. 13224, as amended, for being owned, controlled, or directed by, or having acted or purported to act for or on behalf of, directly or indirectly, LNFM, a Foreign Terrorist Organization and Specially Designated Global Terrorist.

In addition, OFAC is today sanctioning two siblings of Johnny and Jose Alfredo, underscoring how Mexico-based cartels often rely on familial networks to facilitate their criminal activities. Ubaldo Hurtado Olascoaga (Ubaldo) is a senior leader of LNFM involved in extortion and narcotics trafficking on behalf of LNFM. Ubaldo oversees sicarios, or hitmen, for LNFM and has illegally mined and extracted mercury and uranium for the organization.

Adita Hurtado Olascoaga (Adita) has laundered drug proceeds for LNFM, including through used clothing stores along the Rio Grande Valley. This trade-based money laundering scheme includes the purchase of used clothing in the United States and their shipment to Mexico, where the used clothing is sold, and the laundered proceeds are received by LNFM. In addition, Adita has trafficked arms for her brothers from the United States into Mexico to use against rival cartels in Mexico.

Ubaldo and Adita are being sanctioned pursuant to E.O. 14059 and E.O. 13224, as amended, for being owned, controlled, or directed by, or having acted or purported to act for or on behalf of, directly or indirectly, LNFM.

SANCTIONS IMPLICATIONS

As a result of today's action, all property and interests in property of the designated persons described above that are in the United States or in the possession or control of U.S. persons are blocked and must be reported to OFAC. In addition, any entities that are owned, directly or indirectly, individually or in the aggregate, 50 percent or more by one or more blocked persons are also blocked. Unless authorized by a general or specific license issued by OFAC, or exempt, OFAC's regulations generally prohibit all transactions by U.S. persons or within (or transiting) the United States that involve any property or interests in property of designated or otherwise blocked persons.

U.S. persons may face civil or criminal penalties for violations of E.O. 14059 or E.O. 13224, as amended. Non-U.S. persons are also prohibited from causing or conspiring to cause U.S. persons to wittingly or unwittingly violate U.S. sanctions, as well as engaging in conduct that evades U.S. sanctions. OFAC's Economic Sanctions Enforcement Guidelines provide more information regarding OFAC's enforcement of U.S. sanctions, including the factors that OFAC generally considers when determining an appropriate response to an apparent violation.

Furthermore, engaging in certain transactions with the individuals designated today entails risk of secondary sanctions pursuant to E.O. 13224, as amended. Pursuant to this authority, OFAC can prohibit or impose strict conditions on the opening or maintaining in the United States of a correspondent account or a payable-through account of a foreign financial institution that knowingly conducted or facilitated any significant transaction on behalf of a Specially Designated Global Terrorist.

Exports, reexports, or transfers of items subject to U.S. export controls involving persons included on the SDN List pursuant to E.O. 13224, as amended, may be subject to additional restrictions administered by the Department of Commerce, Bureau of Industry and Security. See 15 C.F.R. section 744.8 for additional information.

The power and integrity of OFAC sanctions derive not only from OFAC's ability to designate and add persons to the SDN List, but also from its willingness to remove persons from the SDN List consistent with the law. The ultimate goal of sanctions is not to punish, but to bring about a positive change in behavior. For information concerning the process for seeking removal from an OFAC list, including the SDN List, please refer to OFAC's Frequently Asked Question 897 here, and to submit a request for removal, click here.

To view the chart on LNFM and the individuals designated today, click here.

For more information on the individuals designated today, click here.

###

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Putin Announces Russia's Ambitious Plans to Explore Deep Space

Sputnik News

20250416

MOSCOW (Sputnik) - Russia is planning to explore deep space, including the Moon and Mars, Russian President Vladimir Putin said on Wednesday.

"We also have plans to explore deep spaceboth the Moon and Mars. Let me remind you that we were once the first to make a piechmatic landing on a planet with the 400-500 degree Celsius [752-932 degree Fahrenheit] temperature. But it has been done, which seems incredible. Many projects are being implemented. I think this one will eventually be implemented as well," Putin said during a meeting with students of the Bauman Moscow State Technical University.

Russia is a country attractive to partners in regard to the exploration of deep space, he added.

Many different ideas exist on how to complete the work of the International Space Station (ISS), Russian President Vladimir Putin said.

"The International Space Station, it is working, now we have all kinds of ideas about how it should finish its work, what we should do next," Putin said.

Russia and China have very ambitious plans for cooperation in space, Russian President Vladimir Putin said.

"We have big plans with the People's Republic of China, interesting, good ambitious ones. In general, with the BRICS countries as a whole  with India, with South Africa, with Brazil. This cooperation does not stop and cannot stop," Putin said.

Space cooperation between Russia and the United States continues, Russian President Vladimir Putin said.

"By the way, we continue to cooperate with the United States in space, no matter what, everything continues, and the Europeans decided to suspend it, but this is their choice," Putin said.

Russian space equipment is still working on European stations, although the Europeans have stopped cooperating with the Russian Federation, Vladimir Putin said.

"Despite the fact that our European partners have stopped cooperating with us, they have practically reduced it to zero, nevertheless, Russian equipment is still working at their stations and facilities. In particular, in my opinion, it is used to study Mars and so on. What we did, or we did, or we did together, everything is still working. So it is important to them too. They have curtailed cooperation, but the devices have not been withdrawn, the devices are working," Putin said.

 Sputnik

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Space Chiefs forum reinforces international partnerships

United States Space Force

Published April 16, 2025

Secretary of the Air Force Public Affairs

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. (AFNS) -- Chief of Space Operations Gen. Chance Saltzman and Chief Master Sgt. of the Space Force John Bentivegna hosted military space leaders from 18 other countries at the annual Space Chiefs Forum on April 10. The event is part of ongoing Space Force efforts to foster multinational collaboration that builds enduring operational advantages.

First held in 2021, the forum is a key opportunity for global partners to collectively assess the space security environment, evaluate new cooperative concepts and discuss steps that can be taken together to maintain the safety, stability and long-term sustainability of the domain.

This year's iteration explored ways to increase cooperation across a range of mission areas and featured a series of briefings and discussions led by U.S. and partner nation representatives. Topics included the space security environment, force design, multilateral cooperation and the U.S. Space Force's pending international partnership strategy.

"You have to train like you fight, and we must be prepared to operate as a coalition when a crisis emerges," Saltzman said. "That's why it's important we develop integrated capabilities, conduct combined training and exercises and unify around a common operational picture."

Bentivegna hosted international senior enlisted leaders during the Space Chiefs Forum to discuss what the U.S. Space Force is doing to advance space control. Topics of discussion included Space Force training, exercises, education and enlisted operations for the Joint Force.

"Strategic deterrence remains a top priority mission for Department of Defense and our nation, and that mission wouldn't be possible without a strong enlisted force," Bentivegna said. "The work our Guardians are doing today is setting the standard for future space operations."

Partner nations and organizations in attendance included: Australia, Belgium, Canada, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, Luxembourg, NATO, the Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Poland, Republic of Korea, Spain, Sweden and the United Kingdom.

"Make no mistake, America first does not mean America alone," Saltzman said. "Particularly in space, partnerships are vital to our ability to compete with and, if necessary, defeat our adversaries in the domain. It's these kinds of interactions that enable our shared advantage and enhance our ability to respond to the threats we all face."

In addition to Saltzman and Bentivegna, participants from the U.S. included: Air Marshal Paul Godfrey, assistant chief of Space Operations for Future Concepts and Partnerships; Lt. Gen. David Miller, commander, Space Operations Command; Lt. Gen. Douglas Schiess, commander, U.S. Space Forces - Space; Lt. Gen. Shawn Bratton, deputy chief of Space Operations, Strategy, Plans, Programs and Requirements; Maj. Gen. Timothy Sejba, commander, Space Training and Readiness Command; Maj. Gen. Gregory Gagnon, deputy chief of Space Operations for Intelligence; Maj. Gen. Devin Pepper, deputy chief of Staff, Strategic Plans and Policy at NATO Supreme Allied Command Transformation; Brig. Gen. Anthony Mastalir, commander, U.S. Space Forces Indo-Pacific; Brig. Gen. Jacob Middleton, commander, U.S. Space Forces Europe and Space Forces Africa; and Deanna Ryals, acting director of Space International Affairs for the Deputy Under Secretary of the Air Force, International Affairs.

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Xi Jinping Bids Farewell to General Secretary of the Communist Party of Viet Nam Central Committee To Lam

Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the People's Republic of China

Updated: April 15, 2025 23:00

On the morning of April 15, 2025 local time, as his state visit to Viet Nam was drawing to a close, General Secretary of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and President Xi Jinping bid farewell to General Secretary of the Communist Party of Viet Nam Central Committee To Lam.

Xi Jinping noted that the visit, though brief, was rich in activities and yielded fruitful results. Both sides reaffirmed their political will to jointly strengthen the cause of socialism in the world and expressed their shared expectations to comprehensively advance the strategic cooperation between the two countries towards the overarching goals of "stronger political mutual trust, more substantive security cooperation, deeper practical cooperation, more solid popular foundation, closer coordination and collaboration on multilateral affairs, and better management and resolution of differences". Both sides are committed to resisting external risks and challenges, safeguarding regional peace and stability, and upholding international fairness and justice. Xi Jinping expressed his full confidence in the prospects for the development of China-Viet Nam relations. Both sides should fully implement the outcomes of this visit and continue to advance the building of a China-Viet Nam community with a shared future.

To Lam said that General Secretary and President Xi Jinping's visit has produced fruitful results and that the two sides had in-depth communication on major overarching and strategic issues of common interest and concern and reached a series of important common understandings, which have vigorously promoted the strategic cooperation between the two parties and two countries, enhanced Viet Nam's confidence in overcoming risks and challenges, and elevated the friendship between the two peoples to a new height. Viet Nam will actively implement the outcomes of the visit, work for the continuous development of relations between the two parties and two countries, and create a future of shared prosperity for the two nations.

Cai Qi, Wang Yi and Wang Xiaohong, among others, were present.

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Xi Jinping Successfully Concludes His State Visit to Viet Nam

Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the People's Republic of China

Updated: April 15, 2025 23:00

On the afternoon of April 15, 2025, General Secretary of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee and President Xi Jinping concluded his state visit to Viet Nam.

When departing from Hanoi, Vietnamese Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh, Member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of Viet Nam (CPV) Central Committee and Standing Member of the Secretariat of the CPV Central Committee Tran Cam Tu, Member of the Secretariat of the CPV Central Committee and Chief of the CPV Central Committee Office Le Hoai Trung, as well as other Vietnamese party and government leaders and local representatives saw him off at the airport. Local residents as well as representatives of Chinese-funded enterprises and Chinese students raised red banners, extending warm congratulations on the complete success of Xi Jinping's visit to Viet Nam.



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US hits China with export restrictions on chips used for DeepSeek

Nvidia's H20 was the most advanced AI chip legally exportable to China.

By Taejun Kang for RFA

2025.04.15

TAIPEI, Taiwan -- The U.S. has imposed restrictions on the export of Nvidia's H20 chips to China, tightening its grip on advanced AI technology trade with Beijing as part of Washington's strategy to pressure China amid an ongoing tariff battle.

Nvidia, a global leader in AI chip development, said Tuesday it was notified by the U.S. government on April 9 that exporting its H20 chips to China would now require government approval. It separately said that the restriction would remain in place indefinitely.

While the H20 chip has relatively modest computing power, it has other features that make it suitable for building high-performance computing systems.

The U.S. government reportedly based its decision on concerns that the H20 chips could be used in or adapted for Chinese supercomputers.

Until now, the H20 was the most advanced artificial intelligence chip legally exportable to China, which already faced U.S. national security-driven curbs on high-end semiconductor sales. Although its performance is below Nvidia's latest Blackwell chip, it is equipped with high-bandwidth memory similar to that used in Blackwell, giving it a performance boost in certain tasks.

The H20 chip gained attention following its use by DeepSeek, a Chinese AI startup, which in January unveiled a cost-effective and competitive AI model trained using the chip.

Earlier this year, tech media outlet The Information reported that major Chinese tech companies, including Alibaba, Tencent, and ByteDance, collectively placed over US$16 billion worth of H20 chip orders in the first quarter alone - a surge of over 40% from the previous quarter.

As a result of the new export restrictions, Nvidia expects to incur a loss of approximately US$5.5 billion in the first quarter of its fiscal year.

The U.S. first imposed AI chip export controls targeting China in October 2022 and has since broadened the scope of the restrictions to cover additional technologies and countries.

The export restriction on H20 chips comes as U.S.-China trade tensions intensify. It is also despite Nvidia's announcement Monday that it plans to work with its partners to invest up to US$500 billion over the next four years to build AI infrastructure, including supercomputers manufactured in the U.S.

Trump has imposed steep tariffs on Chinese imports, many of which now face a total of 145% in additional levies.

More recently, the Trump administration expanded exemptions for certain products - including smartphones and laptops - excluding them from a global 10% duty and the newly announced 125% levy targeting Chinese tech goods.

On Tuesday, Trump took further aim at Beijing, posting on his Truth Social platform that China had failed to fulfill commitments under a prior trade agreement that temporarily halted the tariff war during his first term from 2016-2020.

He said Beijing had purchased only "a portion of what they agreed to buy," and criticized the previous Biden administration for showing "zero respect" in trade enforcement.

In the same post, Trump said that American farmers were often "put on the Front Line with our adversaries, such as China," during trade conflicts - pledging continued support for U.S. agriculture.

Later that day, Trump turned his focus to a major aerospace deal,saying that China had backed out of a previously committed agreement with Boeing.

"They just reneged on the big Boeing deal, saying they will 'not take possession' of fully committed-to aircraft," he wrote.

Bloomberg earlier reported that Chinese authorities had instructed domestic airlines to stop taking deliveries of Boeing jets, and to pause purchases of aircraft-related equipment and parts from U.S. suppliers.

In retaliation against U.S. actions, China has introduced counter-tariffs targeting American agriculture and imposed a 125% levy on other U.S. imports.

Edited by Stephen Wright.

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.

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China-Malaysia ties ushering in new golden era, Xi says

Global Times

Responding to unstable, uncertain world with stable, certain Asia: President

By Wang Cong in Kuala Lumpur Published: Apr 16, 2025 11:41 PM

Chinese President Xi Jinping said on Wednesday that China is ready to work with the Malaysian side to build a high-level strategic China-Malaysia community with a shared future, so as to usher in new "Golden 50 Years" for bilateral ties, according to the Xinhua News Agency.

Xi made the remarks when meeting with Malaysian King Sultan Ibrahim Sultan Iskandar during a state visit to the country. Prior to their meeting, Sultan Ibrahim held a grand welcome ceremony for Xi.

During the meeting, Xi pointed out that China and Malaysia are good neighbors, good friends and good partners who visit each other as often as family. Bilateral relations have gone through a magnificent half-century and are embracing an even brighter future, he added.

Sultan Ibrahim said he believes that Xi's visit will comprehensively upgrade bilateral relations and promote vigorous development of cooperation in various fields, adding that China's impressive development achievements are attributable to the foresight of President Xi and the hard work of the Chinese people.

On Wednesday afternoon, Xi held talks with Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim. Xi said he is ready to work with Anwar to boost the high-level and strategic development of China-Malaysia community with a shared future. During the meeting, Xi put forward a three-point proposal on building a high-level strategic China-Malaysia community with shared future, Xinhua reported.

First, Xi urged the two countries to adhere to strategic independence and carry out high-level strategic coordination. Second, both countries should build synergy for development and set a model for high-quality development cooperation, Xi said. Third, Xi called for both sides to carry forward their friendship from generation to generation and deepen exchanges and mutual learning between the two civilizations, according to Xinhua.

Following the talks, China and Malaysia exchanged more than 30 bilateral cooperation documents, covering cooperation in areas such as the three global initiatives, digital economy, trade in services, upgrading and development of "two countries, two parks," joint laboratories, artificial intelligence, railways, intellectual property rights, agricultural products exports to China, mutual visa exemption and panda conservation, according to Xinhua.

Xi arrived in Kuala Lumpur on Tuesday for a state visit, the second leg of his three-nation Southeast Asia tour. The Chinese President's visit to the country, his second in the past 12 years, has drawn warm welcomes and positive reactions from all sectors of Malaysian society.

Key outcomes



"President Xi's visit brings key outcomes at a critical moment. The interactions between Chinese and Malaysian leaders signify the deepening of mutual political trust," Ong Tee Keat, president of the Belt and Road Initiative Caucus for Asia Pacific and a former minister of transport of Malaysia, told the Global Times on Wednesday. "It also marks the success of China's neighborhood diplomacy."

During the meeting with Sultan Ibrahim on Wednesday morning, Xi said that the two sides should deepen the synergy of development strategies, draw on each other's strengths for mutual benefit and win-win results, and jointly pursue modernization.

He called on the two sides to ensure good implementation of major projects such as the "Two Countries, Twin Parks" program and the East Coast Rail Link, and to actively foster cooperation in future industries such as artificial intelligence, digital economy and the green economy, according to Xinhua.

China welcomes more high-quality Malaysian agricultural products to the Chinese market, and encourages Chinese enterprises to invest in Malaysia, Xi said.

Also during meeting with Anwar, Xi urged joint efforts to resist decoupling, supply chain disruptions, "small yard with high fences" and arbitrary imposition of tariffs with openness, inclusiveness, unity and cooperation.

He also called for responding to the law of the jungle with Asian values of peace, cooperation, openness and inclusiveness, and responding to the unstable and uncertain world with stable and certain Asia. Xi added that China stands ready to work with countries in the region to sign the upgrade protocol of the China-ASEAN Free Trade Area at an early date.

Anwar said that ASEAN will not endorse any unilaterally imposed tariffs, and will promote collective advancement through cooperation to maintain economic growth. Facing the rise of unilateralism, Malaysia is willing to strengthen cooperation with China to jointly address risks and challenges, Anwar added.

In 2024, China-Malaysia trade reached $212 billion, and China has been Malaysia's No.1 trading partner for 16 consecutive years. In terms of investment cooperation, to date, the Malaysia-China Kuantan Industrial Park has received a total investment of over 11 billion yuan, according to official Chinese data.

Many in Malaysia have praised growing ties between China and Malaysia and have expressed earnest hope for greater trade and economic cooperation between the two countries.

Zariman, a resident in Kuala Lumpur who has conducted businesses with China in areas such as durian exports, was watching live television coverage of the welcome ceremony at the National Palace on a small screen on the dashboard of his car on Wednesday morning.

He told the Global Times that he has been paying great attention to the state visit because he believes China-Malaysia cooperation is so important, especially under the current international situation with growing trade bullying from the US. "It's important that in trade... everyone should benefit. All the countries have their sovereignty and there should be mutual respect," he said, adding that threatening other countries "is uncivilized in the modern world."

These sentiments have been echoed by many local residents in Kuala Lumpur, with many bringing up the issue of US tariffs, while stressing the importance of trade and economic cooperation between China and Malaysia.

Successful example



Ong said that deepening and implementing the China-Malaysia community with a shared future not only benefits the two countries, but it has also set a successful example for the economic integration of China and ASEAN, and the building of a community with a shared future between China and ASEAN in the future.

During the meeting with Sultan Ibrahim, Xi said that China supports Malaysia in its role as ASEAN chair and stands ready to work with Malaysia to implement the Global Development Initiative, the Global Security Initiative and the Global Civilization Initiative, according to Xinhua.

Malaysia holds the chairmanship of ASEAN this year and "can play a pivotal role in coordinating and connecting ASEAN member states' interactions with China," Ong said, adding that China-ASEAN cooperation can go beyond the existing economic and trade partnership, further deepen the high-quality development of the Belt and Road Initiative, and they cooperate in the promotion of China's three major global initiatives in Southeast Asia, in conjunction with the implementation of the ASEAN Community Vision.

Zhong Feiteng, a researcher at the National Institute of International Strategy of the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences, said that the remarkably positive reaction to the state visit demonstrates the growing international image of China as a defender of fairness and justice, and a promotor of peace and development amid certain global conflicts and growing trade tensions.

In contrast to the US' role in some conflicts such as the Israel-Palestine conflict, "China stands on the side of international fairness and justice... and the Global Development Initiative, the Global Security Initiative and the Global Civilization Initiative are in line with the actual needs of Malaysia," Zhong told the Global Times on Wednesday, noting that amid global turmoil sparked by the US, "China's rise has brought stability" for the world.

Also criticizing the US' "unprecedented economic bullying," Ong said that China's approach of neighborhood diplomacy is conducive to regional development and peace.

"Building a community with a shared future is an integral part of China's neighborhood diplomacy, rooted in the principles of amity, sincerity, [mutual benefit] and inclusiveness. It goes far beyond sheer economics. It constitutes a multi-dimensional partnership allowing good neighborliness to create a conducive environment for economic development. The prosperity accrued therefrom will further bolster peace across the region," Ong said.

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China, Egypt to hold first air force joint drill, eye cooperation boost

Global Times

By Liu Xuanzun and Liang Rui Published: Apr 16, 2025 09:52 PM

The Chinese and Egyptian militaries will soon hold their first joint drill in a move to boost cooperation, the Chinese Defense Ministry announced on Wednesday. With the Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA) Air Force sending forces to Egypt, a Chinese expert said the exercise could pave the way for potential aviation equipment cooperation.

According to an agreement reached between the Chinese and Egyptian militaries, the PLA Air Force will send forces to Egypt to participate in a joint air force training exercise codenamed "Eagles of Civilization 2025" from mid-April to early May, China's Ministry of National Defense announced in a statement on Wednesday.

This marks the first joint training between the two countries' militaries, and holds significant importance for promoting pragmatic cooperation as well as boosting friendship and mutual trust between them, the Chinese Defense Ministry said.

Wang Yunfei, a Chinese military affairs expert, told the Global Times on Wednesday that China and Egypt enjoy good military relations, and their first joint exercise will further enhance mutual understanding and friendship.

The two countries' air forces share some similar training methods and tactics, and the latest joint exercise could pave the way for potential equipment cooperation in the future, Wang said, noting that the Egyptian side will get an opportunity to closely observe the Chinese warplanes' capabilities.

Egypt has already operated the Chinese K-8 trainer aircraft, according to media reports.

While the latest drill is the first joint exercise between the two countries, it is not the first time PLA Air Force warplanes have flown to Egypt.

From August 27 to September 5 in 2024, the PLA Air Force sent seven J-10 performance fighter jets of the Bayi Aerobatic Team and a Y-20 transport aircraft to participate in the first edition of the Egypt International Air Show at the invitation of the Egyptian Air Force, Wu Qian, a spokesperson at the Chinese Defense Ministry, said at the time.

During the visit, the J-10s and the Y-20 flew over the Giza Pyramids scenic spot, the Xinhua News Agency reported.

It was the first time the PLA Air Force's Bayi Aerobatic Team visited an African country for a flight performance, and marked the farthest distance it has traveled for a foreign performance, Wu said, noting that the event displayed the PLA Air Force's confidence and openness, and further deepened the cultural communication and friendly exchanges between the two countries and the two militaries.

Wang, the expert, said that flying to Egypt marks a long-distance flight. Such maneuvers could boost the PLA Air Force's long-distance combat capability and adaptability to diverse environments in different regions.

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Chinese FM responds to US' 'ball in China's court' remarks, urging US to stop extreme pressure, threatening and blackmailing

Global Times

By Global Times Published: Apr 16, 2025 04:20 PM

In response to a question regarding White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt's remark that "The ball is in China's court: China needs to make a deal with us, we don't have to make a deal with them," which she claimed that US President Donald Trump had given her that statement directly to use, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lin Jian said Wednesday that the US side initiated the tariff war, and China has taken the necessary countermeasures to safeguard its own legitimate rights and interests and international fairness and justice, which are completely reasonable and lawful.

Lin noted that China's position has always been very clear. Tariff and trade wars have no winner. China does not want to fight these wars but is not scared of them. If the US side really wants to solve the problem through dialogue and negotiation, it should give up using extreme pressure, stop threatening and blackmailing, and engage in dialogue with the Chinese side on the basis of equality, respect and mutual benefit, Lin said.

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Xi urges joint efforts to build high-level strategic China-Malaysia community with shared future

Ministry of National Defense of the People's Republic of China

Source Xinhuanet

EditorChen Zhuo 2025-04-16 20:52:50

KUALA LUMPUR, April 16 (Xinhua) -- Chinese President Xi Jinping said Wednesday that China is ready to work with the Malaysian side to build a high-level strategic China-Malaysia community with a shared future, so as to usher in new "Golden 50 Years" for bilateral ties.

Xi made the remarks when meeting with Malaysian King Sultan Ibrahim Sultan Iskandar during a state visit to the country. Prior to their meeting, Sultan Ibrahim held a grand welcome ceremony for Xi.

During the meeting, Xi pointed out that China and Malaysia are good neighbors, good friends and good partners who visit each other as often as family. Bilateral relations have gone through a magnificent half-century and are embracing an even brighter future, he added.

Xi said he is ready to work with Sultan Ibrahim, the Malaysian supreme head of state, to lead the long-term and stable development of China-Malaysia ties, and write a new chapter in good-neighborliness, friendship, solidarity and cooperation.

China and Malaysia should continue to deepen political mutual trust and support each other on issues concerning their respective core interests and major concerns, Xi said.

The two sides should deepen the synergy of development strategies, draw on each other's strengths for mutual benefit and win-win results, and jointly pursue modernization, he said.

He called on the two sides to ensure good implementation of major projects such as the "Two Countries, Twin Parks" program and the East Coast Rail Link, and to actively foster cooperation in future industries such as artificial intelligence, digital economy and green economy.

China welcomes more high-quality Malaysian agricultural products to the Chinese market, and encourages Chinese enterprises to invest in Malaysia, he said.

China stands ready to promote the Confucian-Islamic civilizational dialogue with Malaysia and to carry out further cooperation with Malaysia in culture, tourism and education to enhance people-to-people exchanges between the two countries, said the Chinese president.

China supports Malaysia in its role as the ASEAN chair and stands ready to work with Malaysia to implement the Global Development Initiative, the Global Security Initiative and the Global Civilization Initiative, Xi said.

He also urged joint efforts to promote the Global South's pursuit of solidarity-driven collective advancement and common development, so as to contribute more certainty and positive energy to the region and the world.

For his part, Sultan Ibrahim said that President Xi's state visit to Malaysia is a major event in bilateral relations, which fully demonstrates the high level of Malaysia-China relations, adding that his successful visit to China last September is still fresh in his memory.

Sultan Ibrahim said he believes that Xi's visit will comprehensively upgrade bilateral relations and promote vigorous development of cooperation in various fields, adding that China's impressive development achievements are attributable to the foresight of President Xi and the hard work of the Chinese people.

Malaysia attaches great importance to its relations with China and will join hands to forge ahead for win-win cooperation and promote the building of the high-level strategic China-Malaysia community with a shared future no matter how the international landscape evolves, he said.

Malaysia attaches importance to regional economic integration, firmly supports the Belt and Road Initiative, and is ready to strengthen trade and investment cooperation with China, jointly stabilize industrial and supply chains, enhance connectivity and boost people-to-people and educational exchanges, said Sultan Ibrahim.

The Malaysian side speaks highly of China's central conference on work related to neighboring countries held recently and values China's important role in addressing global and regional challenges, he said.

As the rotating chair of ASEAN and country coordinator for ASEAN-China Dialogue Relations, Malaysia is committed to promoting greater development of ASEAN-China ties and jointly building a peaceful and prosperous future, he added.

After the meeting, Xi attended the welcome banquet held by Sultan Ibrahim.

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General Secretary and President Xi Jinping General Secretary of the CPV Central Committee To Lam and Vietnamese President Luong Cuong Jointly Meet Representatives Attending Chinese and Vietnamese People's Friendship Meeting

Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the People's Republic of China

Updated: April 16, 2025 08:26

On the morning of April 15, General Secretary of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of China (CPC) and President Xi Jinping, together with General Secretary of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of Viet Nam (CPV) To Lam and President of Viet Nam Luong Cuong, met with representatives attending the Chinese and Vietnamese People's Friendship Meeting at the Hanoi International Convention Center.

As the leaders of the two Parties and two countries walked into the meeting hall together, they were met with a warm round of applause from people from all sectors of society who have contributed to China-Viet Nam friendship.

President Xi delivered a speech entitled "Championing Good-Neighborliness and Friendship, and Jointly Writing a New Chapter of a Shared Future."

President Xi extended cordial greetings to the representatives of both countries attending the event. President Xi pointed out that the foundation, the lifeblood and the source of strength of China-Viet Nam relations lie within the people. From their joint efforts for national salvation during the early revolutionary days, to their unified struggle for national independence and liberation, and to their shared journey toward modernization, the two peoples have always stood together through thick and thin, and jointly written the history of China-Viet Nam friendship.

President Xi stressed that the China-Viet Nam friendship took root in the mutual support between the two peoples. They fought shoulder to shoulder for the just cause of national independence and liberation, and created a shared revolutionary legacy that shaped their deep friendship featuring "camaraderie plus brotherhood." The China-Viet Nam friendship blossomed and yielded fruits thanks to the unity and collaboration between the two peoples. Focused on their overarching goals characterized by "six mores," the two sides have firmly supported each other in advancing along the socialist path suited to their national conditions, and kept making new progress in the cause of socialism. The China-Viet Nam friendship was carried forward and elevated through the common pursuit of the two peoples. The two sides have actively implemented the Global Development Initiative, the Global Security Initiative and the Global Civilization Initiative, resolutely upheld international fairness and justice, and always stood firmly on the right side of history and the side of progress of the times, providing more positive energy to Asia and the world.

President Xi pointed out that the people are the creators of history. The support of the two peoples is the solid foundation for building the China-Viet Nam community with a shared future. The future and hope of this endeavor lie in the youth. In the next three years, the Chinese side will invite Vietnamese youth to China on "red study tours," where they will follow in the footsteps of the older generation of leaders of the two Parties and two countries, explore the revolutionary heritage that underpins the bilateral friendship, and experience the dynamism of Chinese modernization, so as to inspire the young people to contribute their strength to the socialist cause of the two countries and to building the China-Viet Nam community with a shared future that carries strategic significance.

General Secretary To Lam noted the important significance of holding the Chinese and Vietnamese People's Friendship Meeting during General Secretary and President Xi Jinping's historic visit to Viet Nam and as the two countries celebrate the 75th anniversary of diplomatic ties and the China-Viet Nam Year of People-to-People Exchanges. Friendship and cooperation have always been the mainstream of Viet Nam-China relations. The Vietnamese side always remembers the selfless support from the Party, government and people of China in Viet Nam's struggle for national independence, reunification, and development. Building the community with a shared future that carries strategic significance marks a new stage of Viet Nam-China relations, and will be an important contribution to the development and progress of humanity. The youth carry the hope for inheriting and developing the long-standing friendship between the two countries. Vietnamese and Chinese youth should shoulder the historic mission and pass on the traditional friendship forged and nurtured by generations of leaders of the two countries; They should actively engage in the program for Vietnamese youth to visit China on "red study tours" to deepen the "camaraderie plus brotherhood" between the two countries; They should uphold a pioneering and innovative spirit, promote unity and cooperation, pursue common development, and step forward as the main driving force in modernizing the two countries.

Prior to the event, President Xi, accompanied by General Secretary To Lam and President Luong Cuong, visited a photo exhibition commemorating the 75th anniversary of China-Viet Nam diplomatic ties, reflecting on the cherished moments of friendly exchanges between the two countries.

After the event, President Xi, General Secretary To Lam and President Luong Cuong jointly launched the "red study tours" program. President Xi, General Secretary To Lam and Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh jointly witnessed the launching ceremony of the China-Viet Nam railway cooperation mechanism.

Cai Qi, Wang Yi, Wang Xiaohong attended the above activities.





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President Xi Jinping Holds Talks with Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim

Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the People's Republic of China

Updated: April 16, 2025 23:53

On the afternoon of April 16, President Xi Jinping held talks with Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim at Seri Perdana, the prime minister's residence, in Putrajaya.

Upon arriving at Seri Perdana by car, President Xi was warmly greeted by Prime Minister Anwar. Malaysian youth waved the flags of both countries, played lively drum music, and performed energetic traditional dances to welcome their esteemed guest from afar.

President Xi noted that China and Malaysia share a millennium-old friendship, one that has taken shape in the long course of history, grown stronger through cultural exchanges, taken deeper root through mutually beneficial cooperation, and gained greater significance as the two countries stand together through thick and thin. This speaks volumes about our common values and pursuit of sincerity, integrity, justice and harmony, reflects the wisdom and courage our peoples have gained from history, and represents a valuable asset shared by both countries. Last year, the two sides celebrated the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations. Over the past 50 years, China-Malaysia relations have yielded bountiful results. In the next 50 years, the two countries must continue to seize the initiative, stay ahead of the times, and build a high-level strategic China-Malaysia community with a shared future, so as to deliver more benefits for the two peoples and make a greater contribution to regional prosperity and stability.

President Xi made a three-point proposal on building a high-level strategic China-Malaysia community with a shared future.

First, upholding strategic independence and carrying out high-level strategic coordination. Both China and Malaysia are self-reliant nations that oppose external interference. Both countries should continue on the development paths suited to their respective national conditions, resolutely support each other in safeguarding national sovereignty, security and development interests, and hold their future and destiny firmly in their own hands. A "2+2" diplomatic and defense dialogue mechanism will be established to deepen exchanges and cooperation on national security, defense and law enforcement.

Second, combining forces for development and setting a benchmark for high-quality development cooperation. China is committed to advancing Chinese modernization on all fronts through high-quality development. This is highly compatible with Malaysia's Ekonomi MADANI initiative. The two sides should work together to cultivate and expand cooperation in the digital economy, green economy, blue economy, artificial intelligence and other frontier areas, and strengthen the integrated development of industrial chains, supply chains, value chains, data chains, and talent chains. It is important to push for the transformation and upgrade of cooperation in traditional fields, and promote two-way investment. The two countries should promote rail-sea intermodal transport, upgrade "Two Countries, Twin Parks," and turn Malaysia's major ports into important hubs of the New International Land-Sea Trade Corridor.

Third, carrying forward the friendship forged through generations, and deepening inter-civilizational exchanges and mutual learning. The two sides should jointly advance Confucianism-Islam dialogue, and build platforms of civilizational exchanges for both countries and the region. Having signed a mutual visa exemption agreement, the two sides should seize the opportunity to scale up tourism, youth and subnational exchanges, and deepen cooperation in culture, education, sports, film, media, etc., so as to foster closer people-to-people connection and renew their traditional friendship. China is ready to continue joint research on giant panda conservation with Malaysia.

President Xi noted that Malaysia's choice of ASEAN theme this year, "inclusivity and sustainability," reflects its deep insight into the current international landscape. China supports Malaysia in playing its role as ASEAN Chair, and stands ready to sign the China-ASEAN Free Trade Area Upgrade Protocol with regional countries as early as possible. Together, they will reject decoupling, supply disruption, "small yard, high fence" and tariff abuse with openness, inclusiveness, solidarity and cooperation, counter the law of the jungle where the strong prey on the weak with the Asian values of peace, cooperation, openness and inclusiveness, and address instability and uncertainty in the world with the stability and certainty of Asia.

Prime Minister Anwar extended a warm welcome to President Xi. Throughout the years, China has sincerely helped Malaysia and stood together with Malaysia through thick and thin, and is a trusted friend of Malaysia. He noted that President Xi, who has steered China toward remarkable development achievements, led the Chinese people out of extreme poverty, and advocated common prosperity and mutual learning between civilizations, is an excellent leader in today's world. The Malaysian people respect China and President Xi. President Xi's visit this time has set a record in the number of deliverables achieved, and is very meaningful and encouraging to the Malaysian side. Malaysia is firmly committed to the one-China policy, and does not support any act of "Taiwan independence." Malaysia is ready to work with China to deepen strategic communication and cement political mutual trust; to expand bilateral trade, welcome Chinese companies to invest in Malaysia and work with Malaysian counterparts in the fields of digital economy, green economy and emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence, and contribute to greater development of both countries; to advance people-to-people exchanges in culture, education and tourism, and foster understanding and friendship between the two peoples; and to carry out civilizational dialogue between Islam and Confucianism for the sake of human progress. Facing the rise of unilateralism, Malaysia will work closer with China to jointly tackle risks and challenges. ASEAN will not concede to any unilaterally imposed tariffs, and will seek greater strength and maintain economic growth through unity and cooperation. Malaysia highly appreciates China's positive role in international and regional issues. As ASEAN Chair and the Country Coordinator for ASEAN-China Dialogue Relations, Malaysia will actively promote ASEAN-China cooperation for the benefit of regional peace, stability and prosperity.

After the talks, the two leaders jointly witnessed the exchange of more than 30 bilateral cooperation documents, covering areas such as cooperation on the Global Development Initiative, the Global Security Initiative and the Global Civilization Initiative, Confucianism-Islam dialogue, the digital economy, trade in services, upgrading of "Two Countries, Twin Parks," joint laboratories, artificial intelligence, railway, intellectual property rights, export of agricultural products to China, mutual visa exemption, and giant panda conservation.

The two sides issued the Joint Statement Between the People's Republic of China and Malaysia on Building a High-level Strategic China-Malaysia Community with a Shared Future.

On the evening of the same day, Prime Minister Anwar hosted a welcoming dinner in honor of President Xi.

Cai Qi, Wang Yi, and Wang Xiaohong attended the above activities.





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China says stands with Malaysia, region in face of unilateralism

Iran Press TV

Wednesday, 16 April 2025 7:21 PM

President Xi Jinping has said China stands united with Malaysia and other Asian countries against geopolitical confrontation, protectionism, and unilateralism, which endanger the global order.

President Xi arrived in Malaysia on Tuesday, after his trip to Vietnam, as part of a Southeast Asia tour that includes Cambodia as well.

On Wednesday, Xi met Malaysia's King Sultan Ibrahim ibni Iskandar in Kuala Lumpur and discussed bilateral relations.

Xi then held talks with Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim at a state dinner at the administrative capital of Putrajaya outside Kuala Lumpur.

"Together, we will safeguard the bright prospects of our Asian homeland," Xi said as he promised Malaysia greater access to the Chinese market.

"In the face of shocks to global order and economic globalization, China and Malaysia will stand with countries in the region to combat the undercurrents of geopolitical ... confrontation, as well as the counter-currents of unilateralism and protectionism," said Xi.

"China looks forward to working with Malaysia to build a high-quality, strategic China-Malaysia community with a shared future, ushering in a new 'Golden 50 Years' of bilateral relations," he said.

Ibrahim echoed Xi's remarks and praised China's outward-looking approach.

"In some quarters, the rules-based order has been turned on its head, dialogue has yielded to demands, tariffs are imposed without restraint, and the language of cooperation is drowned out by threats and coercion," said Ibrahim.

China has been Malaysia's largest trading partner since 2009, with bilateral trade reaching S$144.5 billion in 2024, which accounts for 16.8 per cent of Malaysia's total global trade.

On Monday, Xi held talks with To Lam, Vietnam's Communist Party General Secretary and Vietnam's President Luong Cuong.

China and Vietnam signed multiple agreements on cooperation in supply chains and a joint railway project.

US President Donald Trump, who took office in January, has shocked the global markets by imposing extensive tariffs on countries across the world, including China, Malaysia, and Vietnam.

While Trump has delayed some of the tariffs for ninety days, China still faces 145% duties on almost all of its products. Xi, however, did not directly refer to the US in his remarks.

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China says 'not afraid to fight' trade war with US

Iran Press TV

Wednesday, 16 April 2025 11:11 AM

China has warned that it is "not afraid" to fight a trade war with the United States, reiterating calls for dialogue after US President Donald Trump said Beijing must take the initiative to come to the negotiating table.

"If the US really wants to resolve the issue through dialogue and negotiation, it should stop exerting extreme pressure, stop threatening and blackmailing, and talk to China on the basis of equality, respect and mutual benefit," Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Lin Jian said on Wednesday.

"China's position has been very clear. There is no winner in a tariff war or a trade war," he said, adding that "China does not want to fight, but it is not afraid to fight."

The Trump administration has imposed sweeping new tariffs on both allies and rivals, but its toughest measures have targeted China, hitting many Chinese imports with 145% duties. Beijing has countered with its own 125% tariffs on American goods, escalating the trade conflict.

Trump first introduced tariffs targeting Chinese imports, citing Beijing's purported involvement in the fentanyl trade. The administration has since dramatically increased these duties - now reaching 145% on numerous Chinese goods over trade practices that Washington deems unfair.

On Tuesday, the US president said, "The ball is in China's court. China needs to make a deal with us." Beijing responded Wednesday by saying it was "the US that initiated this tariff war."

Earlier in the week, Chinese President Xi Jinping warned that there would be "no winners" in a trade war, adding that "protectionism will lead nowhere."

China has also expressed its determination to "fight until the end" if the United States continues to intensify the trade conflict, calling on the European Union to join Beijing in opposing the United States' "bullying" practices.

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US Playing Hardball: Restrict China's Access in Exchange for Fewer Tariffs on Allies

Sputnik News

20250416

MOSCOW (Sputnik) - During negotiations with more than 70 countries, the US administration plans to secure commitments from trade partners to economically isolate China in exchange for lower tariffs imposed by the White House, The Wall Street Journal newspaper reported.

The White House plans to convince countries to prohibit China from transporting goods through their territories, the report said on Tuesday, adding that Washington also wants to ban Chinese companies from locating in these countries in order to circumvent US tariffs, and prevent cheap Chinese industrial goods from entering their markets.

US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent has become one of the key developers of this strategy, the report read. In his opinion, in the near future, such agreements can be reached primarily with Japan, the United Kingdom, Australia, South Korea and India.

On April 2, US President Donald Trump announced reciprocal tariffs on imports from various countries, establishing a baseline rate of 10%. The tariffs were intended to be adjusted based on the rates charged by those countries on US goods. However, on April 9, Trump declared a 90-day pause on tariffs for all countries except China and lowered the rate to 10% to facilitate negotiations.

After a number of steps in the so-called trade war between Washington and Beijing, US tariffs on Chinese goods reached 145%, and China's duty on American goods amounted to 125%.

 Sputnik

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Xi's Malaysia visit sets new milestone in bilateral ties, regional cooperation

People's Daily Online

(Xinhua) 08:11, April 17, 2025

KUALA LUMPUR, April 16 (Xinhua) -- Chinese President Xi Jinping's ongoing state visit to Malaysia marks a significant step in strengthening China-Malaysia all-round cooperation as the two sides have agreed to work together to build a high-level strategic China-Malaysia community with a shared future.

On Wednesday, Xi met with Malaysian King Sultan Ibrahim Sultan Iskandar and Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim, respectively. Both sides emphasized their commitment to enhancing economic cooperation within the framework of the Belt and Road Initiative, and developing future industries such as artificial intelligence, digital economy and green economy.

HIGH-LEVEL EXCHANGES

When meeting the king, Xi said that China is ready to work with the Malaysian side to build a high-level strategic China-Malaysia community with a shared future, so as to usher in new "Golden 50 Years" for bilateral ties.

China and Malaysia are good neighbors, good friends and good partners who visit each other as often as family, Xi said, adding that bilateral relations have gone through a magnificent half-century and are embracing an even brighter future.

Xi called on the two sides to ensure good implementation of major projects such as the "Two Countries, Twin Parks" program and the East Coast Rail Link, and to actively foster cooperation in future industries such as artificial intelligence, digital economy and green economy.

China supports Malaysia in its role as the 2025 ASEAN chair and stands ready to work with the country to implement the Global Development Initiative, the Global Security Initiative and the Global Civilization Initiative, Xi said.

For his part, King Sultan Ibrahim expressed his belief that Xi's visit will comprehensively upgrade bilateral relations and promote vigorous development of cooperation in various fields, adding that China's impressive development achievements are attributable to the foresight of President Xi and the hard work of the Chinese people.

Malaysia attaches great importance to its relations with China and will work with China toward win-win cooperation and promote the building of the high-level strategic China-Malaysia community with a shared future no matter how the international situation evolves, he said.

Malaysia values regional economic integration, firmly supports the Belt and Road Initiative, and stands ready to strengthen trade and investment cooperation with China, jointly stabilize industrial and supply chains, enhance connectivity and boost people-to-people and educational exchanges, said the king.

While meeting the prime minister, Xi urged joint efforts to resist decoupling, supply chain disruptions, "small yard with high fences" and arbitrary imposition of tariffs with openness, inclusiveness, unity and cooperation.

He also called for responding to the law of the jungle with Asian values of peace, cooperation, openness and inclusiveness, and responding to an unstable and uncertain world with a stable and certain Asia.

THRIVING COOPERATION, FLOURISHING TIES

China-Malaysia ties run deep. From the voyages of renowned Chinese navigator Zheng He in the 15th century to the establishment of diplomatic relations in 1974, and to the building of a community with a shared future today, the two countries have long enjoyed cultural affinity and strategic trust.

During Xi's 2013 visit, the two countries upgraded ties to a comprehensive strategic partnership. A decade later, the relationship was elevated again to a China-Malaysia community with a shared future.

In a signed article published in Malaysian media ahead of his arrival, Xi said the decision on building the China-Malaysia community with a shared future marked "a new milestone in the bilateral relations."

"Our bilateral cooperation potential is being progressively realized in the digital economy, green development, industrial investment and transport infrastructure construction," he wrote.

As a vital node along the ancient Maritime Silk Road, Malaysia is among the first to participate in Belt and Road cooperation. Thanks to joint efforts and Xi's steadfast push, bilateral collaboration within the framework has achieved many results.

In 2024, China-Malaysia trade reached 212 billion U.S. dollars, nearly 1,000 times the level at the inception of diplomatic relations. China has been Malaysia's largest trading partner for 16 consecutive years.

On top of that, bilateral initiatives like the "Two Countries, Twin Parks" program, which pairs industrial zones in Qinzhou and Kuantan, have emerged as a model for regional collaboration. This partnership has spurred the expansion of port collaboration and infrastructure connection.

A notable example is the East Coast Rail Link, a 665 km railway whose construction is in full swing. The railway, once completed, will bridge Malaysia's less-developed east coast with its economic powerhouse on the west coast, enhancing connectivity and fostering balanced growth.

Samirul Ariff Othman, an economist at Malaysia's Universiti Teknologi PETRONAS, said, "the flourishing economic ties between Malaysia and China demonstrate the resilience and mutual benefits of our bilateral relationship."

"The continued expansion of investments in high-value sectors such as technology, green energy and manufacturing will further deepen our cooperation," said Othman.

MULTILATERAL COLLABORATION

Experts believe that the significance of Xi's visit goes beyond bilateral relations. "It will greatly impact ASEAN-China relations, injecting new momentum into regional development and stability," said Ong Tee Keat, president of the Belt and Road Initiative Caucus for Asia Pacific.

In the signed article, Xi noted that China was the first ASEAN dialogue partner to accede to the Treaty of Amity and Cooperation in Southeast Asia, and the first to establish a free trade area and a comprehensive strategic partnership with ASEAN.

Bilateral cooperation between China and ASEAN is more robust than ever, he said, adding that in 2024, China-ASEAN trade exceeded 980 billion dollars, making the two sides each other's largest trading partner for five consecutive years.

According to China's General Administration of Customs, ASEAN remained China's largest trading partner in the first two months of 2025. During this period, trade between China and ASEAN countries reached a total of 1.03 trillion yuan, or 15.8 percent of China's overall trade value.

China fully supports Malaysia in its role as the ASEAN chair for 2025 and looks forward to Malaysia serving as a stronger bridge between the two sides as the country coordinator for China-ASEAN Dialogue Relations, Xi said.

China will work with Malaysia and other ASEAN countries to combat the undercurrents of geopolitical and camp-based confrontation, as well as the countercurrents of unilateralism and protectionism, said the Chinese leader.

"We must brave the waves ahead and advance the high-level strategic China-Malaysia community with a shared future, and jointly build a stronger China-ASEAN community with a shared future," Xi said.

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Why China Is Flexing Its Dominance Of Rare Earth Minerals In US Trade War

By Reid Standish April 17, 2025

Their names are difficult to pronounce, they're essential for modern manufacturing, and they're increasingly at the center of the escalating trade war between the United States and China.

The global supply of these rare earths -- an essential group of 17 elements that find themselves in everything from electric vehicle batteries to vital defense technology -- are also mostly controlled by China.

Beijing is now looking to use that strategic leverage amid the growing trade spat and rising tensions with Washington.

In response to recently imposed tariffs, China restricted sales to the United States of seven rare earths. While not an outright ban, the move requires producers to apply for export licenses from the Chinese government, and there's growing concern it will lead to price and supply shocks that could hit US defense companies particularly hard.

"What oil was to the 20th century, rare earth minerals are to the 21st," said Sean McFate, an adjunct professor at Syracuse University's Maxwell School of Citizenship and Public Affairs. "Microchips, green technology, and quantum computing all require rare earths, and China has the bulk of them. It's a national security imperative that goes beyond the stock market."

Beijing controls more than two-thirds of global rare earth production and more than 90 percent of processing capacity. China also effectively holds a monopoly over the supply of global heavy rare earth processing, a subset of the elements used in the US defense sector to make powerful magnets crucial to the production of fighter jets, warships, missiles, tanks, and lasers.

It remains to be seen exactly how China will implement these new restrictions, but a report from the Center For Strategic And International Studies (CSIS), a Washington-based think tank, warned they will likely result in a pause in exports as Beijing establishes the licensing system and cause disruptions in supply to some American firms, particular those in the national security sector.

"The United States is particularly vulnerable for these supply chains," stated the April 14 report. "There is no heavy rare earths separation happening in the United States at present."

How Is China Restricting Rare Earths?

The new export restrictions apply to seven medium and heavy rare earths: samarium, gadolinium, terbium, dysprosium, lutetium, scandium, and yttrium, all of which play a large part in the defense sector.

Yttrium, for example, is used as a high-temperature coating for jet engines that stops them from melting mid-flight.

Analysts say Beijing is looking to leverage this dependency.

While the Pentagon and US firms maintain reserves, they are not estimated to be large enough to outlast a sustained disruption to the supply chain. In addition to the ban on the elements themselves, Beijing also placed 16 US entities -- all but one of which are in the defense and aerospace industries -- on its export control list, limiting them from receiving dual-use goods including the rare earths.

Dimitar Gueorguiev, an associate professor at Syracuse University, says he sees the latest restrictions more as a move by Beijing to signal "its ability to throttle these exports should the trade war escalate further."

"It's important to keep in mind that most importers have had this concern on their horizon for some time now so are likely stockpiled for at least a few months," he said.

Still, the measures and the ability to escalate them are a formidable tool for China. Beyond its ability to curb supply, Beijing's market dominance also allows it to dictate prices, meaning it can raise costs for certain customers or undercut rare earth supplies outside its control by keeping rates low.

This was seen in past measures implemented by China. In 2023, Beijing restricted exports of gallium and germanium, which are used in chips, radars, and satellites. This was followed by a full ban on their export to the United States in December 2024.

Since then, prices have skyrocketed and the global market has fractured. Gallium bought from Western countries is two to three times more expensive than that bought in China, according to the consultancy Project Blue.

The CSIS report also warns that Chinese export controls pose a direct threat to the US military's readiness, adding to concerns raised by lawmakers and analysts that it lags behind in its defense manufacturing.

"Even before the latest restrictions, the US defense industrial base struggled with limited capacity and lacked the ability to scale up production to meet defense technology demands," the report states.

The report's authors cite an estimate -- by a US Air Force official in 2022 -- that China is acquiring advanced weapons systems and equipment five to six times faster than the United States.

"Further bans on critical minerals inputs will only widen the gap, enabling China to strengthen its military capabilities more quickly than the United States," the report concludes.

How Can The US Respond?

Facing pressure from China, experts say the United States needs to enact policies to shore up production at home and look into new sources abroad.

As recently as the 1980s, the United States was a leader in rare earth production, but price increases led to its flagship, the Mountain Pass mine in California, to shut down in the early 2000s.

That mine has since reopened and successive US administrations, including President Donald Trump's in his first term, have allocated investment for rare earth extraction and refinement facilities.

But catching up to China in rare earths as well as other critical minerals is time-intensive and costly. Some working in the sector also said other parts of the tariffs implemented by Trump could have knock-on effects making it difficult to scale up quickly with rare earth production.

On the Rare Earth Exchanges podcast, industry entrepreneur Daniel O'Connor said tariffed materials like steel and aluminum are crucial in mining and processing. "Let's not do tariffs on things we need to build our infrastructure," he said.

Against this backdrop, the United States has also been looking to secure supplies overseas, with the Trump administration looking to get greater access to rare earths and other critical minerals in Greenland and Ukraine, where Kyiv and Washington are reportedly close to achieving a deal.

Washington has also sponsored new mines in Brazil and South Africa, and the United States is funding the first major heavy rare earth processing facility outside of China, in Texas, although it will take years before it can show results.

In the meantime, Beijing is expected to keep flexing its rare earth metals as tensions flare with Washington.

"This has become part of Beijing's playbook when pushing back against Washington," Neil Shearing, group chief economist at Capital Economics, wrote on April 14.

"The weaponizing of this control over critical minerals -- and the race by other countries to secure alternative supplies -- will be a central feature of a fractured global economy."

Source: https://www.rferl.org/a/china-minerals-rare- earths-pentagon-military-trump-tariff/33387371.html

Copyright (c) 2025. RFE/RL, Inc. Reprinted with the permission of Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, 1201 Connecticut Ave., N.W. Washington DC 20036.

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INDIA- UZBEKISTAN JOINT MILITARY EXERCISE DUSTLIK-VI COMMENCES AT FOREIGN TRAINING NODE, AUNDH

India - Press Information Bureau

Ministry of Defence

Posted On: 16 APR 2025 2:39PM by PIB Delhi

The 6th edition of India- Uzbekistan Joint Military Exercise DUSTLIK-VI commenced today, at Foreign Training Node, Aundh (Pune). The Exercise is scheduled to be conducted from 16 to 28 Apr 2025.

Indian contingent comprising of 60 personnel is being represented by a Battalion of JAT Regiment and IAF. The Uzbekistan contingent is being represented by personnel from Uzbekistan Army. Joint Exercise DUSTLIK -VI is an annual training event conducted alternatively in India and Uzbekistan. Last edition was conducted in Termez District, Uzbekistan in April 2024.

The theme of the exercise will be based on the theme of Joint Multi Domain Sub Conventional operations in Semi-Urban Scenario. It will focus on responding to a terrorist action involving the capture of a defined territory. It will also include the establishment of a Joint Operations Centre at the battalion level for continuous joint operations, the execution of counterterrorism missions such as population control measures, raids, search-and-destroy operations, and the employment of firepower, including air assets, to neutralise terrorists. Special forces from the Army and Air Force, during the Exercise, will secure a helipad for use as a mounting base for further operations. The Exercise will also cover the deployment of drones, counter-UAS measures, and logistics support by the Air Force to sustain forces in hostile areas. Additionally, helicopters will be utilised for reconnaissance and observation, special heliborne operations (SHBO), small team insertion and extraction (STIE) and other associated missions.

Joint Exercise DUSTLIK -VI will enable both sides to share best practices in Tactics, Techniques and Procedures of conducting Joint Sub Conventional operations. It will facilitate developing inter-operability, bonhomie and camaraderie between the two armies. The Joint Exercise will also enhance defence cooperation, further augmenting bilateral relations between the two friendly nations.

****

SC

(Release ID: 2122061)

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Foreign minister meets visiting IAEA chief

IRNA - Islamic Republic News Agency

Apr 16, 2025

Tehran, IRNA -- Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi has met with Director General of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) Rafael Grossi who has traveled to Tehran on an official visit.

Grossi, at the head of a technical delegation, landed at Tehran's Mehrabad Airport on Wednesday evening. Upon arrival, he was received by Behrouz Kamalvandi, spokesperson of the Atomic Energy Organization of Iran (AEOI).

During his two-day visit, the IAEA chief will meet and hold talks with high-ranking officials, including AEOI chief, Mohammad Eslami.

During his last visit in November, he met with President Masoud Pezeshkian and several other officials.

Earlier this week, in a post on X, Grossi said that "continued engagement and cooperation with the Agency is essential at a time when diplomatic solutions are urgently needed."

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Contradictory positions of U.S. officials show lack of seriousness and good faith: Foreign Ministry spokesperson

IRNA - Islamic Republic News Agency

Apr 16, 2025

Tehran, IRNA -- Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmaeil Baqaei strongly reacted to the contradictory statements on Iran's nuclear program by Steve Witkoff, the U.S. President's special representative for the Middle East.

In the past few hours, Witkoff's new position on the U.S.-Iran indirect talks has witnessed a nearly 180-degree turn, Baqaei said on Wednesday.

He noted that during and after the Oman talks, the U.S. negotiator had emphasized the continuation of Iran's enrichment program but he suddenly published a post on X emphasizing the necessity of destroying Iran's nuclear program and some of its military industries; a position that prompted a reaction from the Foreign Ministry.

Baqaei interpreted Witkoff's remarks as a fundamental error, writing that these remarks will certainly be seen as signs of the Americans' lack of good faith and seriousness in the negotiations.

Baqaei also warned about extremists in the United States who seek to impose their will on the administration to sabotage the negotiations, saying that the errors stemming from these extremist views and approaches could disrupt the newly-formed path of the negotiations.

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Iran calls for bolstering defense and military cooperation with Tajikistan

IRNA - Islamic Republic News Agency

Apr 16, 2025

Tehran, IRNA -- The chairman of the Chiefs of Staff of the Iranian Armed Forces, in a meeting with Tajikistan's Defense Minister Lieutenant General Emomali Sobirzoda, has expressed Iran's readiness to increase cooperation with Tajikistan in the defense and military fields.

Lieutenant General Sobirzoda, who is on a visit to at the head of a high-level military delegation, met and held talks with Major General Mohammad Baqeri, on Wednesday.

Congratulating and wishing success to Sobirzoda as Tajikistan's new defense minister, Major General Baqeri said that interaction and cooperation between the two armed forces are at their highest level and are constantly growing and developing.

General Baqeri emphasized the importance of improving relations between the two countries in various sectors, adding that cultural, historical, religious, and political commonalities can create a suitable platform for interaction between the armed forces of the two countries.

The Tajik minister, for his part, described the Iranian Armed Forces as powerful and efficient, underlining that Iran's defense industry is very advanced in the region and the world.

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Army, IRGC are strong fortress to shield Iran from external threats, says top commander

IRNA - Islamic Republic News Agency

Apr 16, 2025

Tehran, IRNA -- Islamic Revolution Guards Corps (IRGC) Chief Commander Major General Hossein Salami has described the Iranian Army and IRGC as a strong fortress to defend the country.

Major General Salami praised the coordination and interaction between the Army and the IRGC, while speaking on Wednesday in Tehran ahead of National Army Day, which falls on April 18.

He said that the strategic partnership between the two military forces has strengthened the country's defense capabilities and frustrated Iran's enemies, who are against Iran's independence and progress.

The Iranian Army has evolved into a modern, formidable, and effective force, demonstrating a clear and precise understanding of defense needs and excelling in deterrence and combat readiness, he added.

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Foreign minister to convey Leader's message to President Putin during an upcoming trip to Moscow

IRNA - Islamic Republic News Agency

Apr 16, 2025

Tehran, IRNA -- Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi says he will be carrying a message from Leader of the Islamic Revolution Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei to Russian President Vladimir Putin during an upcoming trip to Moscow.

"The purpose of my trip to Russia is to convey the Leader's written message to Russia's leadership, which will be delivered during a meeting with Mr. Vladimir Putin, Russia's president," Araqchi told reporters after a cabinet meeting on Wednesday.

The remarks come ahead of a second round of indirect talks between Iran and the United States, which according to Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmaeil Baqaei will be held in the Omani capital, Muscat, on April 19. A first round was held also in Muscat on April 12.

Separately, Araqchi said contradictory statements by Steve Witkoff, the United States' chief negotiator in the Oman talks, were not helpful. "We have been hearing positions expressed by the American side which have sometimes been contradictory; that will help the negotiating process in no way," he said.

The foreign minister warned that if the U.S. side continues with its conflicting stances, "work will be made difficult."

Witkoff earlier said Iran "must stop and eliminate" its nuclear enrichment program to reach a deal with Washington. That statement, made on Tuesday, appeared to contradict his suggestion a day earlier that the U.S. would be fine with Iran enriching uranium at a low level to produce energy.

Araqchi once again called on Washington to avoid applying pressure on Iran. "If negotiations are based on equal footing and are held in a respectful atmosphere, they can proceed. But nothing will come of pressure and imposition."

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President thanks Zarif; acknowledges 'set of constraints' in former vice-president's exit

IRNA - Islamic Republic News Agency

Apr 16, 2025

Tehran, IRNA -- President Masoud Pezeshkian has thanked Mohammad-Javad Zarif, his former vice-president for strategic affairs.

In a message on Wednesday, the president acknowledged that "a set of constraints" had led to Zarif's exit from the administration but said he was still willing to use the former vice-president's "scientific merits and experience."

Zarif resigned from President Pezeshkian's administration on March 3. At the time, he wrote on X that he had been invited by Judiciary Chief Gholam-Hossein Mohseni Ejei for a meeting during which the chief justice had advised that the vice-president resign given "the situation in the country."

He said he hoped that by leaving the administration, those hindering the realization of "the people's will and the success of the administration" would be stripped of excuses.

Since he was tapped as vice-president, Zarif had been taking intense heat by a group of lawmakers in Parliament who argued that his appointment to a sensitive post was illegal because at least one of his children holds U.S. nationality. According to Iranian law, individuals who hold foreign citizenship or whose immediate family members hold such citizenship cannot be assigned to sensitive posts in the Iranian government. But Zarif's children were born in the United States when he was a student there, acquiring natural citizenship upon birth.

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Government cannot afford to wait for a deal with Washington, says spokesperson

IRNA - Islamic Republic News Agency

Apr 16, 2025

Tehran, IRNA -- Administration spokesperson Fatemeh Mohajerani says the administration, understanding the country's economic realities, cannot afford to wait for a potential agreement with the United States.

In a post on X, Mohajerani emphasized that even if a deal is reached, it may take months or even years for its effects to be felt in development and people's lives.

She noted that the government's position aligns with that of Leader of the Islamic Revolution Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei, who said national problems should not be tied to negotiations. This is precisely the perspective that governs the administration, she wrote.

Ayatollah Khamenei said on Tuesday that none of Iran's industrial, economic, construction-related, or cultural affairs are in any way dependent on the talks with the U.S.

"The negotiations may or may not yield results. We are neither too optimistic nor too pessimistic about them. Of course, we are very skeptical of the other party, but confident in our own capabilities," the Leader said during a meeting with top government officials.

He also cautioned the officials that the nation's affairs must not be conditioned on the Oman talks.

Mohajerani, in her X post, also stressed the need for an urgent, independent response to ongoing challenges, saying various working groups and committees are continuously reviewing and addressing the country's current issues.

"The administration's main source of support is the people's trust and cooperation," she said, adding that the path forward lies in solidarity and relentless pursuit of real solutions, not in waiting for not-so-certain breakthroughs.

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Iran repeats call on IAEA to clarify position on threats made against peaceful nuclear sites

Iran Press TV

Wednesday, 16 April 2025 9:27 PM

Iran has once again urged the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) to adopt a clear and transparent position regarding the threats that have been made by various parties against the country's peaceful nuclear facilities.

Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi made the remarks to the IAEA's visiting Director General Rafael Grossi in the capital Tehran on Wednesday.

The meeting came amid renewed Israeli threats against Iran's nuclear infrastructure.

US President Donald Trump and his administration's various officials have also threatened the Islamic Republic with the prospect of attacking the nuclear sites, echoing numerous similar menacing remarks made during successive American administrations.

Araghchi urged the United Nations nuclear watchdog to ensure it remained impartial and did not succumb to external political pressures.

The top diplomat emphasized that Iran remained committed to full cooperation with the IAEA within its international legal obligations, but stressed that the agency too had to uphold its technical and professional mandate without being influenced by undue external pressures.

The remarks concerned repeated instances of the United States and its allies' coming up with unfounded allegations about Iran's nuclear energy program's "deviation" towards acquisition of "nuclear weapons." The claims run counter to the agency's having unexceptionally failed to found any evidence of such deviation, and Tehran's being the body's most-verified member.

Using the allegations, however, the Western allies have on many occasions forced the IAEA's Board of Governors to issue anti-Iranian resolutions.

Araghchi's remarks followed his previous calls on the IAEA to denounce threats against its nuclear sites as violations of international law and the United Nations Charter.

For his part, Grossi, who has traveled to Tehran for discussions with Iranian officials, expressed appreciation for the opportunity to engage in direct talks with the Islamic Republic, and underlined the significance of continued cooperation between the two sides.

IAEA chief briefed on Iran-US talks

Grossi's visit came as Iran and the United States are engaged in indirect negotiations, mediated by Oman, regarding removal of the US's illegal and unilateral sanctions against the country and the nuclear issue.

According to Iranian officials, Araghchi also briefed the IAEA chief on the status of the talks, with the latter welcoming initiation of the process.

Grossi additionally announced the agency's support for the process, expressing hope for continuation of the talks until realization of positive outcomes.

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Iran, Tajikistan discuss defense partnership, counter-terrorism cooperation

Iran Press TV

Wednesday, 16 April 2025 6:42 PM

Chief of Staff of the Iranian Armed Forces Major General Mohammad Bagheri has hosted Tajikistan's Defense Minister Lieutenant General Emomali Sobirzoda to discuss bilateral cooperation in the defense.

General Bagheri and General Sobirzoda met in Tehran on Wednesday.

The Iranian commander said cooperation between the armed forces of the two countries is on an upward trajectory.

While congratulating and wishing success to Sobirzoda as the new defense minister of Tajikistan, General Bagheri said Iran's cooperation with Tajikistan to combat terrorism is on the agenda.

The Iranian commander urged Tajikistan to pave the way for the improvement of bilateral relations between the two countries in various fields.

General Bagheri said cultural, historical, religious, and political commonalities can create a suitable platform for interaction between the armed forces of the two countries.

General Bagheri said Iran was ready to develop military and defense cooperation with Tajikistan, particularly in training exchanges and combating terrorism.

The Tajik minister praised the preparedness of the Iranian Armed Forces, underlining that Iran's defense industry is top-notch in the region.

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US imposes sanctions on Chinese buyers of Iranian oil

Iran Press TV

Wednesday, 16 April 2025 5:29 PM

The United States has imposed sanctions on Chinese importers of Iranian oil despite being involved in talks with the Islamic Republic to sort out differences over its nuclear program.

The US Treasury Department's Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) said in a statement on Wednesday that it had targeted the Chinese importers of Iranian oil in a new round of sanctions issued against Tehran.

It said that the Shandong Shengxing, a so-called "teapot" refinery based in China's Shandong province, had been designated for receiving dozens of Iranian oil shipments worth more than $1 billion.

The sanctions also targeted the China Oil and Petroleum Company Limited (COPC), an entity the Treasury claimed has been functioning as a front company for Iran's Islamic Revolution Guards Corps to collect oil export revenues from China, including payments made by Shandong Shengxing.

OFAC said it had also designated one Cameroon-flagged and four Panama-flagged tankers for their role in transporting billions of dollars worth of Iran's oil to international markets, including to China-based refineries.

The tankers' owners and operators, based in Panama, Malaysia, the Marshall Islands, and Hong Kong, were also targeted.

The new sanctions are the sixth such action taken by the US government against Iran since February 4, when US President Donald Trump signed a presidential memorandum ordering a campaign of maximum pressure on the country.

They came despite the fact that Iran and the US have launched negotiations to settle disputes about Tehran's nuclear program. The indirect talks started last weekend in Oman's capital, Muscat, and will continue on Saturday in Italy's Rome.

However, the sanctions are a first under Trump in his second term to directly target China and its imports of oil from Iran. Beijing has repeatedly said that it does not recognize US sanctions.

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Sanctioning a China-Based "Teapot" Refinery to Pressure Iran Further

US Department of State

Press Statement

Tammy Bruce, Department Spokesperson

April 16, 2025

The United States is today sanctioning Shandong Shengxing Chemical Co., Ltd, a China-based independent "teapot" refinery, for purchasing more than a billion dollars' worth of Iranian crude oil. The President is committed to drive Iran's illicit oil exports, including to China, to zero.

The United States is also imposing sanctions on several companies and vessels involved in facilitating Iranian oil shipments to China as part of Iran's "shadow" fleet. This is the United States' second action against an independent China-based teapot refinery since President Trump issued National Security Presidential Memorandum 2 on February 4, 2025.

All sanctions will be fully enforced under the Trump Administration's maximum pressure campaign on Iran.

As Long as Iran attempts to generate oil revenues to fund its destabilizing activities, the United States will hold both Iran and all its partners in sanctions evasion accountable.

Today's action is being taken pursuant to Executive Order (E.O.) 13902 , which targets Iran's petroleum and petrochemical sectors, and marks the sixth round of sanctions targeting Iranian oil sales since the President issued National Security Presidential Memorandum 2 on February 4, 2025. For more information on today's actions, please see the Department of the Treasury's press release.

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Treasury Increases Pressure on Chinese Importers of Iranian Oil

U.S. Department of the Treasury

April 16, 2025

WASHINGTON -- Today, the Department of the Treasury's Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) is designating a China-based independent "teapot" refinery Shandong Shengxing Chemical Co., Ltd. for its role in purchasing more than a billion dollars' worth of Iranian crude oil, including from a front company for Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps-Qods Force (IRGC-QF). OFAC is also imposing additional sanctions on several companies and vessels responsible for facilitating Iranian oil shipments to China as part of Iran's "shadow fleet."

"Any refinery, company, or broker that chooses to purchase Iranian oil or facilitate Iran's oil trade places itself at serious risk," said Secretary of the Treasury Scott Bessent. "The United States is committed to disrupting all actors providing support to Iran's oil supply chain, which the regime uses to support its terrorist proxies and partners."

Today's action is being taken pursuant to Executive Order (E.O.) 13902, which targets Iran's petroleum and petrochemical sectors, and is OFAC's second action against a teapot refinery that has purchased Iranian crude oil. This also marks the sixth round of sanctions targeting Iranian oil sales since the President issued National Security Presidential Memorandum 2 (NSPM-2), instituting a campaign of maximum economic pressure on Iran.

OFAC is also issuing an updated sanctions advisory to assist the global shipping and maritime industry in identifying sanctions evasion practices related to the shipment of Iranian-origin petroleum, petroleum products, or petrochemical products and in implementing sanctions compliance best practices to guard against such sanctions risks.

INdependent refinery PURCHASING IRANIAN OIL

Shandong Shengxing Chemical Co., Ltd. (Shandong Shengxing) is an independent teapot refinery in Shandong Province that has received dozens of shipments of Iranian crude oil worth more than a billion dollars from shadow fleet vessels, some of which have been sanctioned for their role transporting Iranian petroleum, including the newly sanctioned NYANTARA (IMO 9242120), RESTON (IMO 9265744), and the recently sanctioned BRAVA LAKE (IMO 9232876).

Between March 2020 and January 2023, Shandong Shengxing sent more than $800 million in wire transfers to China Oil and Petroleum Company Limited (COPC). COPC was an IRGC-QF front company that aided in selling Iranian oil to China. COPC laundered billions through the U.S. financial system in support of the IRGC-QF, $108 million of which was seized by the U.S. Justice Department.

Shandong Shengxing is being designated pursuant to E.O. 13902 for operating in the petroleum sector of the Iranian economy.

MAINTAINING PRESSURE ON THE SHADOW FLEET

Iran relies on a network of opaque ownership and ship management companies to manage a shadow fleet of tankers that conduct ship-to-ship transfers to obfuscate Iran's petroleum shipments to China. The Cameroon-flagged RESTON (IMO 9265744), and thePanama-flagged BESTLA (IMO 9295593), EGRET (IMO 9283801), NYANTARA (IMO 9242120), and RANI (IMO 9250907), have shipped billions of dollars' worth of Iranian oil, including to China-based refineries, generating vital revenue for the Iranian regime and its proxies.

In early 2025, the RESTON received more than one million barrels of Iranian oil from ship-to-ship transfers involving sanctioned tankers, including the WEN YAO (IMO 9288095) and FIONA (IMO 9365752), which were sanctioned on October 11, 2024 and February 24, 2025, respectively.

In early 2025, the BESTLA received approximately two million barrels of Iranian oil via a ship-to-ship transfer from the sanctioned vessel ATILA (IMO 9233753), which was previously known as the HECATE and sanctioned on April 4, 2024 for its role shipping Iranian oil involving Iranian military front company Sepehr Energy Jahan Nama Pars.

Also in early 2025, EGRET conducted a ship-to-ship transfer of Iranian oil from the sanctioned National Iranian Tanker Company (NITC) tanker DUNE (IMO 9569712) near Indonesian waters.

Lastly, in early 2025, the NYANTARA received hundreds of thousands of barrels of Iranian oil from the SALVIA (IMO 9569700), which was sanctioned on October 11, 2024. The RANI also received hundreds of thousands of barrels of Iranian oil from sanctioned NITC tanker DERYA (IMO 9569700), before delivering the oil to China in early 2025.

Panama-based Oceanic Orbit Incorporated is the owner of the RESTON, while Malaysia-based Pro Mission SDN BHD is the ship manager, operator, and technical manager of the RESTON. Marshall Islands-based Bestla Company Limited is the registered owner, ship manager, and commercial operator of theBESTLA. Hong Kong-based Dexiang Shipping Co., Limited is the registered owner of the EGRET. Panama-based Civic Capital Shipping Inc., Starboard Shipping Inc., and Oceanic Orbit Incorporated are the registered owners of the NYANTARA, RANI, and RESTON,respectively.

OFAC is designating Oceanic Orbit Incorporated, Pro Mission SDN BHD, Bestla Company Limited, Dexiang Shipping Co., Limited, Civic Capital Shipping Inc., and Starboard Shipping Inc. pursuant to E.O. 13902 for operating in the petroleum sector of the Iranian economy.

OFAC is identifying RESTON, BESTLA, EGRET, NYANTARA, and RANI as blocked property in which Oceanic Orbit Incorporated, Bestla Company Limited, Dexiang Shipping Co., Limited, Civic Capital Shipping Inc., and Starboard Shipping Inc. have an interest, respectively.

SANCTIONS IMPLICATIONS

As a result of today's action, all property and interests in property of the designated persons described above that are in the United States or in the possession or control of U.S. persons are blocked and must be reported to OFAC. In addition, any entities that are owned, directly or indirectly, individually or in the aggregate, 50 percent or more by one or more blocked persons are also blocked. Unless authorized by a general or specific license issued by OFAC or exempt, U.S. sanctions generally prohibit all transactions by U.S. persons or within (or transiting) the United States that involve any property or interests in property of designated or otherwise blocked persons.

Violations of U.S. sanctions may result in the imposition of civil or criminal penalties on U.S. and foreign persons. OFAC may impose civil penalties for sanctions violations on a strict liability basis. OFAC's Economic Sanctions Enforcement Guidelines provide more information regarding OFAC's enforcement of U.S. economic sanctions. In addition, financial institutions and other persons may risk exposure to sanctions for engaging in certain transactions or activities with designated or otherwise blocked persons.

The power and integrity of OFAC sanctions derive not only from OFAC's ability to designate and add persons to the SDN List, but also from its willingness to remove persons from the SDN List consistent with the law. The ultimate goal of sanctions is not to punish, but to bring about a positive change in behavior. For information concerning the process for seeking removal from an OFAC list, including the SDN List, please refer to OFAC's Frequently Asked Question 897 here and to submit a request for removal, click here.

Click here for information on the entities designated and vessels identified today.

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Israeli troops will remain in Gaza, Lebanon, and Syria indefinitely: War minister

IRNA - Islamic Republic News Agency

Apr 16, 2025

Israeli minister in charge of military affairs says the regime's forces will remain in the Gaza Strip, Lebanon, and Syria indefinitely.

"Unlike in the past, the (Israeli military) is not evacuating areas that have been cleared and seized," Israel Katz said in a statement on Wednesday, according to The Associated Press.

He added that Israeli forces will remain in those occupied territories as a "buffer" to protect Israeli settlements "in any temporary or permanent situation in Gaza  as in Lebanon and Syria."

In recent weeks, Israeli forces have occupied significant portions of Gaza under the pretext of pressuring Hamas to release the Israeli prisoners - a move that follows the Tel Aviv regime's unilateral decision to end a ceasefire and a prisoner swap deal.

Despite a previous truce with Hezbollah, Israel also continues to maintain its military presence in parts of Lebanon, defying de-escalation efforts. Similarly, it has seized areas in southern Syria following the fall of President Bashar al-Assad.

Israeli authorities claim these occupations are necessary to prevent a recurrence of the October 7, 2023, retaliatory operation by Gaza's resistance fighters.

Since that time, the Israeli regime's devastating war on Gaza has killed at least 51,000 Palestinians and injured 116,343. At least 1,630 Palestinians have been killed and 4,302 wounded since Israel broke the ceasefire on March 18.

4354**9417

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Japanese warships will be first to visit a Cambodian port upgraded by China

China's role in the project sparked fears it may use the base as an outpost to expand its regional influence.

By Taejun Kang for RFA

2025.04.16

TAIPEI, Taiwan -- Japan said two of its minesweepers will visit a naval port in Cambodia this weekend in the first foreign navy visit since a Chinese-funded upgrade was completed.

The Ream Naval Base was officially inaugurated earlier this month, featuring a new pier capable of handling much larger vessels, a dry dock for repairs, and other upgraded facilities. China's involvement in the project has raised concerns among rival powers, who fear Beijing could use the base as a strategic foothold.

While noting concern about China's growing move to secure overseas military outposts, Japanese Defense Minister Gen Nakatani said the port call by the Japanese ships - the Bungo and the Etajima - will help Cambodia to have a naval port that is open and transparent.

"It will contribute to the further openness of the port and it is important in achieving stability and peace in the region," said Nakatani on Tuesday, adding that the visit "symbolizes friendship and closer security cooperation" between Japan and Cambodia.

The two ships left Japan in January and are currently on a four-month mission that includes multinational exercises in the Indo-Pacific and Middle East. The vessels are set to stay at the Cambodian port from April 19-22.

In recent years, Japan has strengthened its ties with Cambodia in an effort to counterbalance China's growing influence in the region. Cambodia invited Japan to make the first port call at the upgraded site.

The Cambodian government said it was giving priority to Japanese warships as a tribute to the "high level of openness in cooperation, relations and mutual trust between the two sides."

China and Cambodia began working on the redevelopment of the Ream Naval Base in June 2021, with the project largely funded by Beijing.

However, actual construction did not commence immediately. It wasn't until June 2022 that a formal groundbreaking ceremony was held, marking the public start of the project.

The ceremony was attended by high-ranking Cambodian and Chinese military officials, highlighting the strategic importance of the development to both countries.

The redevelopment plan included extensive upgrades to existing facilities and the addition of new infrastructure, such as a pier capable of docking larger warships, a dry dock for ship repairs, and expanded logistical and operational support structures.

Satellite imagery in the following months showed rapid construction progress, fuelling speculation - particularly among Western governments - that the base could host Chinese naval forces in the future.

Last year, two Chinese warships were docked at the port for several months while the upgrade was underway.

While both Phnom Penh and Beijing denied that China would be granted exclusive military access to the base, U.S. officials expressed repeated concerns. They said the development lacked transparency and could signal the establishment of a permanent Chinese military presence in the Gulf of Thailand, a strategic maritime gateway to the South China Sea.

Edited by Stephen Wright.

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.

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Myanmar insurgent army to withdraw from northern territory amid Chinese pressure

The move is part of ongoing peace negotiations being brokered by China in Kunming, said sources.

By RFA Burmese 2025.04.16 -- Amid mounting pressure from Beijing, a powerful rebel army in northern Myanmar is preparing to withdraw from the conflict-hit city of Lashio by April 22, residents in rebel-held territory told Radio Free Asia.

The withdrawal by the Myanmar National Democratic Alliance Army, or MNDAA, follows a high-level meeting earlier this month between representatives of the Chinese government, Myanmar's military junta, and MNDAA leaders.

Sources close to the group say the move is part of ongoing peace negotiations being brokered by China in Kunming, which has hosted several unsuccessful ceasefire attempts.

"Everyone is waiting for April 22," said one resident, who spoke anonymously for security reasons. "Some ward offices have already been cleared out, and the rest are set to close by April 17 and 18."

Although the MNDAA has made no public announcement, residents say only its communications office and police force will remain in Lashio. The rest of its departments, personnel, vehicles, and equipment are being relocated to Laukkiang and Hsenwi.

"Everything regarding the army has been removed," said one local.

Despite the retreat, MNDAA troops are expected to stay stationed just five kilometers outside the city.

The MNDAA, a member of the Three Brotherhood Alliance alongside the Ta'ang National Liberation Army and the Arakan Army, has fought for autonomy and territorial control since the 2021 military coup ousted the democratically elected National League for Democracy government.

Lashio was captured by MNDAA forces in August 2024 during Operation 1027, a joint campaign with the alliance.

Their occupation has drawn intense junta retaliation, including frequent airstrikes and devastation from the March 28 earthquake, reducing swathes of the city to rubble.

While some residents have criticized the MNDAA's decision to pull out, others believe it is a tactical move to minimize civilian casualties in the heavily disputed area.

Translated by Kiana Duncan. Edited by Taejun Kang.

Copyright 1998-2025, RFA. Used with the permission of Radio Free Asia, 2025 M St. NW, Suite 300, Washington DC 20036. For any commercial use of RFA content please send an email to: mahajanr@rfa.org. RFA content April not be used in a manner which would give the appearance of any endorsement of any product or support of any issue or political position. Please read the full text of our Terms of Use.

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Joint Statement on the 15th Round of Pakistan-Russia Consultative Group on Strategic Stability

Pakistan Ministry of Foreign Affairs

The 15th round of Pakistan-Russia Consultative Group on Strategic Stability was held in Islamabad on 16 April 2025. Additional Foreign Secretary (Arms Control & Disarmament), Tahir Andrabi and Russian Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs, S.A. Ryabkov, led the respective delegations.

The two sides held detailed discussion on international security, regional and global stability and various aspects of arms control, disarmament and non-proliferation.

The parties also exchanged views on matters related to the agenda of the First Committee of the UN General Assembly, the Conference on Disarmament, the International Atomic Energy Agency, the Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons and the Biological Weapons Convention. The issues concerning Space, International Information Security, and New & Emerging Technologies, including the military use of artificial intelligence, came under discussion.

The two sides expressed satisfaction at the convergence of views on the range of topics. In this regard, they decided to maintain close coordination both bilaterally and at relevant international platforms. It was agreed to hold the 16th meeting of the Group next year in Moscow.

Islamabad

16 April 2025

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Joint Press Release: Fifth Round of Dialogue on Maritime Cooperation Between Pakistan and China

Pakistan Ministry of Foreign Affairs

On April 15, the Fifth Round of the Pakistan-China Dialogue on Maritime Cooperation was held in Beijing. The dialogue was co-chaired by Additional Secretary (Asia-Pacific) of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Pakistan, Imran Ahmed Siddiqui, and Director General of the Department of Boundary and Ocean Affairs of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the People's Republic of China, Hong Liang.

The two sides positively reviewed the progress of their cooperation since the fourth round of the dialogue. They engaged in in-depth discussions on maritime security, marine economy, marine science and technology, and the marine environment, reaching broad consensus on various issues.

Both sides reaffirmed that high-level maritime cooperation is a crucial component of the All-weather Strategic Cooperative Partnership between Pakistan and China. They are committed to jointly building a Pakistan-China maritime community with a shared future. Furthermore, they agreed to maintain ongoing communication on maritime issues, strengthen coordination and cooperation on maritime policies, and continue to deepen both bilateral and multilateral cooperation in the maritime domain.

The two sides also agreed to hold the Sixth Round of the Pakistan-China Dialogue on Maritime Cooperation in Pakistan at an appropriate time next year.

Islamabad

16 April 2025

103/2025

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Joint likeminded statement on the occasion of the anniversary of Alexei Navalny's death on 16 February 2025

Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Denmark

16.2.2025 09:00:00 CET

News from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Denmark

Pressemeddelelse

On the anniversary of Alexei Navalny's death, which followed years of persecution by the Kremlin, we again extend our condolences to his family.

On the anniversary of Alexei Navalny's death, which followed years of persecution by the Kremlin, we again extend our condolences to his family. We reiterate that the ultimate responsibility for his death lies with the Russian authorities. One year on, Russia's dire human rights record continues to deteriorate. The Kremlin crushes peaceful dissent, maintains a climate of fear and undermines the rule of law. All to serve its own interests. As we reflect on Navalny's enduring legacy, we continue to stand with civil society and human rights defenders working tirelessly to build a better future for Russia in the face of immense personal risk.

There are over 800 political prisoners in Russia, including many imprisoned for speaking out against the Kremlin's illegal invasion of Ukraine and the brutality shown towards the Ukrainian people. The UN Special Rapporteur's reports illustrate how many political prisoners are tortured, denied adequate medical treatment and placed in forced psychiatric detention. We are clear: the Russian authorities must uphold their international obligations and release all political prisoners.

Australia, Canada, the Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, the Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Poland, Romania, Sweden and the United Kingdom

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Press release on Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov's meeting with Minister of International Relations and Cooperation of the Republic of South Africa Ronald Lamola

16 April 2025 19:29

642-16-04-2025

On April 16, Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov met with South African Minister of International Relations and Cooperation Ronald Lamola, who arrived in Moscow for the 18th meeting of the Mixed Intergovernmental Committee on Trade and Economic Cooperation as chair the South African part of the Committee.

The parties discussed a range of issues related to further strengthening the traditionally friendly Russian-South African relations with a focus on promoting mutually beneficial cooperation in trade, the economy, science, and technology. The ministers also reaffirmed Moscow and Pretoria's unwavering commitment to effectively coordinate actions at BRICS, the G20, the UN and in other multilateral formats in view to finding best solutions to current global and regional problems, in accordance with the principles of international law and the provisions of the UN Charter.

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Scores of Syria Alawites killed as HTS sectarian violence continues

Iran Press TV

Wednesday, 16 April 2025 8:02 AM

The forces of the Hay'at Tahrir al-Sham-led (HTS) administration have killed at least 42 Alawites during the past two weeks, a month after the massacre of approximately 1,700 members of the religious minority in Syria's coastal areas.

The so-called Syrian Observatory for Human Rights (SOHR) reported that since the end of Ramadan on March 30, 42 Syrian Alawites lost their lives due to sectarian violence, with incidents occurring from Latakia to Tartus and extending inland to Homs.

Rami Abdurrahman, the head of the SOHR, noted that while the scale of the violence has shifted to individual acts, the killings have not ceased. "The killings did not stop, but now they are individual acts," he stated, highlighting the persisting threat to the minority community.

Syria's de-facto leader, former al-Qaeda in Iraq commander Abu Mohammad al-Julani has attempted to justify these brutal acts as "mistakes" occurring during a counterinsurgency operation against what his administration refers to as the "remnants" of the ousted Bashar al-Assad government.

However, Alawites in the affected areas express deep fear and confusion regarding this narrative, feeling increasingly isolated and targeted.

Adding to the community's distress, the Britain-based monitor group reported a troubling rise in enforced disappearances and kidnappings, with at least 17 women and minors reported missing in recent weeks.

Activists have also highlighted that even those opposed to the Assad government have not been spared. Mohammed Saleh, a former political prisoner, said that 18 of his Alawite friends who opposed Assad were also killed in last month's attacks.

Saleh emphasized the dire need for an inclusive national army and security agencies that represent all sects and religions, stating, "There cannot be a state for everyone when security agencies belong to one sect."

The violence escalated dramatically on March 7, when gunmen loyal to the ruling administration conducted a brutal campaign of executions, targeting Alawite civilians. Militants reportedly went door to door, killing 1,700 Alawite civilians, including women and children, amid continuing incidents of murder, kidnapping and robberies.

Several videos have surfaced on social media, captured by members of Syria's general security and directorate and HTS-led administration's Ministry of Defense, depicting the horrific execution of unarmed Alawite men during the period from March 7 to March 9, with some victims subjected to humiliating treatment before their deaths.

In response to the public outcry, the HTS leader established a fact-finding committee on March 9, tasked with identifying the perpetrators and delivering a report within a month. However, the deadline was extended for an additional three months on April 11, raising skepticism among local residents about the sincerity of the investigation.

As sectarian tensions continue to escalate, the Alawite community finds itself in a vulnerable situation, with nearly 30,000 members having fled to neighboring Lebanon in search of safety from ongoing violence.

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US Begins Withdrawing Troops From Key Base Near Syria's Largest Gas Field

Sputnik News

20250416

BEIRUT (Sputnik) - The United States has begun withdrawing military personnel from a base located near Syria's largest gas field, Koniko, in the eastern province of Deir ez-Zor, the Al-Araby Al-Jadeed (New Arab) newspaper reported on Wednesday.

The pan-Arab newspaper cited a source in the pro-Kurdish Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) as saying that the US military at the base began drawing down in early April. Two columns consisting of 70 and 200 vehicles, respectively, were spotted leaving the base within the past 10 days and heading towards the city of Erbil in Iraqi Kurdistan.

A US defense official told Sputnik on Wednesday that the Pentagon regularly adjusts its military forces according to operational requirements, in response to media reports suggesting that the United States has started withdrawing troops from a military base in the Deir ez-Zor province.

"The Department of Defense routinely reallocates forces based on operational needs and contingencies. These movements demonstrate the flexible nature of US global defense posture and US capability to deploy world-wide on short notice to meet evolving security threats. Due to operational security reasons, we have nothing additional to provide at this time," the official said in a statement.

 Sputnik

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62 military personnel hold Chinese 'residence permit': Minister

ROC Central News Agency

04/16/2025 06:33 PM

Taipei, April 16 (CNA) Sixty-two active-duty military officers and soldiers currently hold a residence permit issued by the Chinese government and cannot do jobs related to collecting intelligence and confidential data, Defense Minister Wellington Koo () said Wednesday.

At a legislative hearing, Democratic Progressive Party lawmaker Loh Meei-ling () asked Koo about progress in the Ministry of National Defense's (MND) investigation to ascertain the number of active-duty personnel in possession of Chinese identity documents.

Koo replied that as of March 20, there were no service members found to be in possession of a Chinese passport or resident identity card, which would imply Chinese citizenship.

There were, however, 62 service members who had a Chinese government-issued "Residence Permit for Taiwan Residents," two of whom are in the voluntary service.

There is nothing disqualifying or illegal about holding this "residence permit."

But Koo said military personnel who have them shall not, in principle, be assigned work involving operating newly acquired advanced weapons, accompanying high-ranking military officers, accessing operations and intelligence centers, or serving as chiefs of staff.

Questions were also raised at the hearing on whether the MND had enough manpower to counter Chinese espionage.

Koo said 54 service members were assigned to safeguard military secrets and counter espionage on Jan. 1, but he indicated that the MND will recruit more people in light of several recent cases of former or active-duty service members indicted on charges of spying for China.

The issue of whether Taiwanese military personnel have Chinese identity documents has been in the spotlight after a recent incident involving a member of the Navy surnamed Yang (), who was found to have held Chinese citizenship for 10 years.

The Navy said on Feb. 10 that Yang's mother applied for Chinese citizenship on his behalf without his knowledge, and that he only discovered this after he signed up for voluntary military service.

The MND helped Yang file a request with the National Immigration Agency (NIA) that he be allowed to retain his ROC citizenship, and the NIA determined Yang to be a "special case," according to the statement.

The Mainland Affairs Council, the top government agency in charge of cross-Taiwan Strait affairs, said on Feb. 13 that Yang was allowed to keep his Taiwanese citizenship after "special consideration."

Since the conclusion of fighting in the Chinese Civil War in 1949, the Republic of China and People's Republic of China governments have both claimed sovereignty over China and each has rejected the other side's claims.

Under Chinese law, Chinese citizens must renounce their citizenship when they become naturalized by another country, but this does not apply to Taiwan.

Similarly, Taiwan's law does not recognize Chinese citizenship, and those found to have a Chinese passport or household registration record can have their ROC citizenship revoked.

(By Wang Cheng-chung and Sean Lin)

Enditem/ls

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U.S. congressional group visits Taiwan, to meet with President Lai

ROC Central News Agency

04/16/2025 05:42 PM

Taipei, April 16 (CNA) A delegation led by U.S. Senator Pete Ricketts will meet with President Lai Ching-te () and other top government officials to discuss regional security, trade and investment and other issues during their visit to Taiwan from Wednesday to April 19.

The congressional delegation will engage in a series of high-level meetings with senior Taiwan leaders to discuss bilateral relations, regional security, trade and investment, and other issues of mutual interest, the American Institute in Taiwan (AIT) said in a news release on Wednesday.

The group is scheduled to meet with Lai and attend banquets hosted by Vice President Hsiao Bi-khim () and Foreign Minister Lin Chia-lung (), Taiwan's Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) said in a separate statement.

The bipartisan group is led by Ricketts (R-NE), chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee's Subcommittee on East Asia, the Pacific, and International Cybersecurity Policy, and includes Senators Chris Coons (D-DE) and Ted Budd (R-NC).

The visit "underscores the United States' commitment to its partnership with Taiwan and reaffirms our shared commitment to strengthening a free and open Indo-Pacific," the AIT said.

Meanwhile, MOFA described the three senators as placing great importance on Taiwan-U.S. relations and said Taiwan looks forward to working closely with friends in both the U.S. executive and legislative branches to further deepen the bilateral partnership.

(By Teng Pei-ju)

Enditem/AW

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Taiwan rebuts China's criticism of deregistration rule

ROC Central News Agency

04/16/2025 08:55 PM

Taipei, April 16 (CNA) Taiwan's Mainland Affairs Council (MAC) on Wednesday rejected Beijing's claim that requiring Chinese spouses to submit proof of renouncing their Chinese household registration was "escalating cross-strait tensions."

The purpose of requiring Chinese spouses in Taiwan to submit the missing proof is to prevent them from "unexpectedly losing their 'Taiwan's status' due to arbitrary reports by others," MAC deputy head and spokesperson Liang Wen-chieh () said at a news briefing in Taipei.

"It reflects the government's utmost leniency toward such individuals," Liang said, adding that allowing submissions within a specified period helps prevent cases in which someone could be reported for holding dual household registrations and, under current regulations, immediately lose their "Taiwan's status" without prior notice.

"In fact, the purpose is to help those who wish to stay in Taiwan remain here, so it is by no means to escalate cross-strait tensions," he said.

Liang's remarks came hours after a Wednesday morning news briefing in Beijing by China's Taiwan Affairs Office (TAO), the MAC's counterpart across the Taiwan Strait, where TAO spokesperson Zhu Fenglian () criticized the requirement and accused the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) administration of "escalating cross-strait tensions."

"Chinese spouses are family members and loved ones of fellow Taiwanese compatriots," said Zhu, who described the requirement as a "malicious act" that "persecutes Chinese spouses" and "deepens divisions within Taiwanese society."

The requirement referenced by both Liang and the TAO was listed in notices sent by the National Immigration Agency (NIA) to some Chinese spouses and their children in Taiwan in early April, requesting them to submit proof of having renounced their household registration in China within three months of receiving the notice.

Such a requirement is stipulated in Article 9-1 of the Act Governing Relations between the People of the Taiwan Area and the Mainland Area, which specifies that "the people of the Taiwan Area may not have household registrations in the Mainland Area," and those who violate this provision "shall be deprived of its status as the people of the Taiwan Area and its rights."

Among the over 140,000 Chinese spouses granted "status as the people of the Taiwan Area" -- meaning a "settlement residency" or Taiwanese citizenship -- in Taiwan, more than 130,000 of them have already provided the required proof, according to Liang.

However, the requirement has also drawn criticism from not only TAO, but also new immigrants in Taiwan. Nadia Liu (), chairperson of the Taiwan Immigration Youth Alliance, previously told CNA that it is the result of the authorities' failure to fully implement the policy in the past.

Liu questioned whether it should be considered an "oversight" by the relevant authorities, adding that the review itself has caused unease among all immigrants.

After "listening to a lot of feedback," the MAC has expanded the original four exemption conditions to six, allowing more Chinese spouses and their children to be exempted from submitting the proof, Liang said.

Chinese spouses who are aged 70 or above (including those turning 70 in 2025), as well as those from low-income households who lack the means to travel to China, are now also eligible to apply for the exemption, Liang said.

Those two additional groups can submit affidavits instead of the required proof, Liang added.

Individuals not covered by the six exemption categories may still apply for a deferral if facing circumstances such as pregnancy, caregiving duties, or major family emergencies, with a grace period ranging from three months to one year, Liang said.

Applications for both exemptions and deferrals can be submitted at NIA offices across Taiwan starting next Monday, according to MAC.

(By Sunny Lai)

Enditem/ASG

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Taiwan to fight Chinese origin fraud aimed at tariff evasion: MOEA

ROC Central News Agency

04/16/2025 03:31 PM

Taipei, April 16 (CNA) The government is hoping to thwart Chinese circumvention of American tariffs by taking measures to prevent Chinese goods from using Taiwan for false origin claims, Economic Affairs Minister Kuo Jyh-huei () said Wednesday.

The measures include imposing a fine of up to NT$3 million (US$92,245) on violators of origin rules, Kuo said at a hearing of the Legislative Yuan's Economics Committee.

Kuo said that how well the government tackles the practice of "transshipping" to misrepresent imported goods' country of origin to skirt import duties is crucial to whether Taiwan can gain the trust of the United States in bilateral trade deal negotiations.

He reiterated measures he first broached last Thursday to address the issue, including monitoring of imports, imposing stricter penalties, and strengthening anti-dumping investigations. Violators could be fined up to NT$3 million, Kuo said.

The promotion of the measures has been targeted at fastener and machine tool industries because some of their materials are imported from China for processing in Taiwan.

According to the Foreign Trade Act, should an exporter/importer falsely label their products' country of origin, they could be issued a warning, given an administrative fine from NT$60,000 to NT$3 million or ordered to suspend business.

In the most serious cases, they could have their export/import registration revoked.

To keep companies from committing violations due to unfamiliarity with country of origin rules, the Ministry of Economic Affairs said it held a meeting on the topic Tuesday attended by more than 600 people representing the machinery, electronics, metals, and other sectors.

The Ministry of Finance said in a report presented at a hearing of the Legislature's Finance Committee, meanwhile, that it has set up a task force to strengthen inspections of illegal transshipments at customs to prevent the use of Taiwan as a base for re-exports to the U.S. to avoid higher duties.

The ministry will also actively collect domestic and foreign intelligence to identify suspicious manufacturers and products and analyze violation patterns through big data, according to the report.

It will also study the feasibility of rewarding informants who report violations, according to Customs Administration Director General Peng Ying-wei (), who attended the legislative session Wednesday.

(By Liu Chien-ling and Evelyn Kao)

Enditem/ls

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MOFA protests labeling of Taiwan in China-Vietnam joint statement

ROC Central News Agency

04/16/2025 01:03 PM

Taipei, April 16 (CNA) Taiwan's Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) on Wednesday condemned a joint statement issued by China and Vietnam that asserted Taiwan is a part of China.

MOFA said in a statement that it "strongly condemns" the two governments' claims that "Taiwan is an inseparable part of Chinese territory," noting that the statement was "a serious departure from facts."

The Republic of China (Taiwan's official name) is a sovereign and independent country and it is not subordinate to the People's Republic of China (PRC), MOFA said.

The PRC has never ruled Taiwan, MOFA said in the statement, which also criticized Beijing for consistently spreading rhetoric that undermines Taiwan's sovereignty in international settings.

MOFA's comments came one day after Vietnam and China issued a joint statement on strengthening their strategic cooperative partnership, following China's leader Xi Jinping's () visit to Hanoi from Monday to Tuesday.

In that statement, Vietnam also said it "supported ... the cause of China's unification, [and] resolutely opposes any separatist activity seeking 'Taiwan independence.'"

(By Teng Pei-ju)

Enditem/ls

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US hype of 'hellscape' exposes malicious intent of anti-China forces to destroy Taiwan island for own political gain: spokesperson

Global Times

By Global Times Published: Apr 16, 2025 12:39 PM

In response to remarks made by Samuel Paparo, commander of the US Indo-Pacific Command during a Congressional hearing claiming that the US should build a "hellscape" of autonomous systems in the Taiwan Straits to deter the Chinese People's Liberation Army, Zhu Fenglian, a spokesperson for the Taiwan Affairs Office of the State Council, said at a regular press conference on Wednesday that some individuals in the US continue to hype up and exaggerate the so-called "hellscape," which starkly reveals the malicious intent of anti-China forces in the US to destroy Taiwan island for their own political gain.

We urge the US to adhere to the one-China principle and the provisions of the three joint communiques between China and the US, to stop interfering in Taiwan question and stirring up trouble in the Taiwan Straits, and to refrain from sending any erroneous signals to the "Taiwan independence" separatist forces, Zhu said.

Also commenting on US' sending a retired general to serve as senior observer for Taiwan military's annual Han Kuang 41 exercises and so-called "advisor" to Taiwan military's chief of the general staff, Zhu said that the Taiwan question is purely China's internal affair and does not allow for any external interference.

We firmly oppose any form of military exchange between the US and the island of Taiwan, and we urge the US to adhere to the one-China principle and the provisions of the three China-US communiques, to handle the Taiwan question with caution, and to stop encouraging the "Taiwan independence" separatist forces to "seek independence through force," Zhu said.

We warn the DPP authorities that relying on the US to seek independence is a misguided path, and "seeking independence through force" is a dead end, the spokesperson stressed.

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Taiwan Affairs Office condemns Lai: 'turning the other cheek' as US slaps high tariffs on Taiwan

Global Times

By Global Times Published: Apr 16, 2025 12:15 PM

In response to a question saying Lai Ching-te's offering of zero tariffs against the US and companies in the island will raise their US investments, rather than imposing reciprocal measures, Zhu Fenglian, a spokesperson for the Taiwan Affairs Office of the State Council, said on Wednesday that in order to pursue "independence," the Lai Ching-te authorities have actively sold off Taiwan's core advantageous industries, only to be met with the US imposition of high tariffs on the island. This has shattered the illusion of the fabricated concept of "US-Taiwan relationship," turning Taiwan from a "pawn" into a "discarded piece."

The Lai authorities disregard the interests of the people and the prospects for industrial development, proposing a "large procurement and investment plan" to appease the US, which is seen as obsequious "turning of the other cheek." This kind of groveling to the US and selling out of Taiwan is deeply contemptible, Zhu said.

The media question noted that the US announced a 145 percent tariff on the mainland. Despite TSMC's commitment to invest an additional $100 billion in the US, the US still declared a 32 percent tariff on the island of Taiwan, causing an uproar across various sectors on the island. Critics have condemned the DPP authorities for boasting about their "rock-solid" relationship with the US, only to face "betrayal."

Lai Ching-te offered zero tariffs as the basis for talks with the US, pledging to remove trade barriers rather than imposing reciprocal measures and saying Taiwanese companies will raise their US investments, Reuters reported. Lai has been criticized for "surrendering to the US" and "hollowing out Taiwan."

Zhu responded that in the face of the US' excessive imposition of tariffs and its unilateral provocation of a global trade war, the mainland promptly implemented necessary countermeasures. This is not only to safeguard our legitimate rights and interests but also to defend international trade rules and uphold international fairness and justice, Zhu said.

Zhu continued that the mainland's firm stance and decisive actions have received widespread recognition and support from the international community, with many countries choosing to stand with China in opposing US bullying and hegemony. She noted that public opinion and netizens on the island have praised the determination and confidence demonstrated by the mainland in its response.

As long as peace prevails across the Taiwan Straits and compatriots remain united, the Chinese nation can grow stronger economically, collectively resist external risks, and create a great cause of national rejuvenation that allows people on both sides of the Straits to hold their heads high, the spokesperson said.

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It is only a matter of time before Taiwan's semiconductor industry is handed over by 'professional traitor of Taiwan' Lai Ching-te: spokesperson

Global Times

By Global Times Published: Apr 16, 2025 11:11 AM

In response to media query on concerns on the Taiwan island over the US hollowing out its semiconductor industry are growing, Zhu Fenglian, a spokesperson for the Taiwan Affairs Office of the State Council, said that the concerns of Taiwan's industry are not groundless. TSMC has long become a political pledge of the DPP authorities' attempts to seek "Taiwan independence" by leaning on the US. It is only a matter of time before Taiwan's semiconductor industry is handed over by Lai Ching-te, who is a "professional traitor of Taiwan."

According to Reuters reports, TSMC and Intel recently discussed a preliminary agreement to form a joint venture to operate the US chipmaker's factories. TSMC will take a 20 percent stake in the new company. Taiwan's major chipmaker United Microelectronics and US-based GlobalFoundries are looking into the possibility of a merger.

As hard as it is to build, it falls as quickly as a spark sets hair on fire. If the DPP authorities are allowed to continue down the dangerous path of selling out Taiwan and ruining Taiwan, Taiwan's industrial sector and the public will not only lose their current jobs, but also the opportunities for future development, said Zhu.

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Online platform receives over 3,000 reports of "Taiwan independence" activities

People's Daily Online

(Xinhua) 13:37, April 16, 2025

BEIJING, April 16 (Xinhua) -- The online platform launched late last month for the public to report vile acts of "Taiwan independence" has received more than 3,000 relevant reports so far, a Chinese mainland spokesperson said on Wednesday.

Most of these reports were centered on certain individuals and organizations with detailed allegations provided, according to Zhu Fenglian, spokesperson for the State Council Taiwan Affairs Office.

On March 26, the office announced the launch of the online platform, accessible on its official website, for the public to report vile acts by those advocating "Taiwan independence" and their accomplices in persecuting Taiwan compatriots.

Noting that the move has a solid jurisprudential and legal basis, Zhu said it was in response to the call by people on both sides of the Taiwan Strait for punishing "Taiwan independence" elements and is a necessary measure to protect the legitimate rights and interests of Taiwan compatriots.

The spokesperson also pledged measures to verify report information, hold relevant perpetrators accountable and strictly punish them based on facts and in accordance with law.

The mainland earlier accused Taiwan's Democratic Progressive Party authorities of fabricating various charges to suppress dissenting voices on the island, stifling freedom of speech, and resorting to threats, intimidation and persecution aimed at political opponents, as well as political parties, organizations and individuals who support the peaceful development and integration of cross-Strait relations.

In a recent high-profile case, a woman from the mainland who was married to a man in Taiwan and expressed her support for China's reunification online, had her residence permit in Taiwan revoked by the island's authorities. She was forced to leave the island -- separating her from her husband and three children.

Taiwan is part of China, and the country will never allow "Taiwan independence" separatist forces to split Taiwan from China by any means or under any pretext, Zhu said.

"Taiwan independence" hardliners who violate the law, no matter where they are, will be hunted down by law enforcement and judicial authorities, who will impose severe penalties according to the law, she added.

The spokesperson also warned relevant organizations, separatist elements, officials and online influencers who act as enforcers and accomplices for the "Taiwan independence" agenda, that authorities will never sit idly by and condone their wrongdoing.

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PLA activities in the waters and airspace around Taiwan

ROC Ministry of National Defense

2025/04/16

PLA activities in the waters and airspace around Taiwan

1.Date:

6 a.m. Apr. 15 (Tue.) to 6 a.m. Apr. 16 (Wed.) (UTC+8)

2. PLA activities:

17 sorties of PLA aircraft and 8 PLAN ships and 1 official ship operating around Taiwan were detected as of 6 a.m. (UTC+8) today. 11 out of 17 sorties crossed the median line of the Taiwan Strait and entered Taiwan's northern and southwestern ADIZ. ROC Armed Forces have monitored the situation and employed CAP aircraft, Navy ships, and coastal missile systems in response to detected activities.

1140416_PLA activities

1140416_PLA air activities in the vicinity of Taiwan

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OSCE High Commissioner on National Minorities Christophe Kamp visits Ukraine, reiterates support for legislative and institutional framework on national minority issues

OSCE | Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe

16 April 2025

OSCE High Commissioner Christophe Kamp visited Ukraine between 6 and 12 April, where he met with a wide range of interlocutors, including representatives of the government, local authorities, national minority communities, civil society and the international community in Kyiv and Uzhhorod.

In Kyiv, the High Commissioner had the opportunity to exchange views with Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha, Education Minister Oksen Lisovyi and Deputy Minister of Culture and Strategic Communication Andrii Nadzhos.

Kamp met with Head of the State Service for Ethnic Policy and Freedom of Conscience (DESS) Viktor Yelensky to explore how his office can further support the DESS, especially in terms of providing minority communities with a mechanism for effective participation and to resource local initiatives. The office of the HCNM already offers capacity development to the DESS.

The High Commissioner also met with the Deputy Speaker of the Verkhovna Rada Olena Kondratiuk, State Language Protection Commissioner Taras Kremin and Ukraine's Parliament Commissioner for Human Rights Valeriy Lubinets. The High Commissioner assists the Parliament Commissioner for Human Rights by supporting its capacity to monitor minority rights across Ukraine.

Kamp engaged with representatives of minority communities from across Ukraine, including Crimean Tatars, ethnic Greeks, ethnic Hungarians, ethnic Slovaks, ethnic Germans, among others. In Zakarpattia, he additionally met with local authorities and visited educational institutions teaching in the Slovak and Hungarian languages.

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Kyiv Cites 'Significant Progress' In Talks With US On Partnership Deal, Rare Earth Minerals

By RFE/RL's Ukrainian Service April 16, 2025

Ukrainian Economy Minister Yulia Svyrydenko said there has been "significant progress" in negotiations with the United States toward a comprehensive economic partnership agreement that includes a deal on rare earth minerals.

In a post on X published on April 16, Svyrydenko said that while teams from both sides will continue working on specific points in the agreement, "a lot has already been worked out."

"We have now agreed with the American side to record this progress in the relevant memorandum of intent. We are preparing to complete the formalization of the agreement in the near future," she wrote, giving no further indication of the timing.

US President Donald Trump's administration has made securing rare earth supply chains a strategic priority, especially as global competition with China intensifies. The deal with Ukraine is seen in Washington as a way to diversify critical mineral sources and reduce US dependency on Chinese exports.

It's also seen by Trump as a way to be compensated for billions of dollars in support Washington has supplied to Ukraine in its war with Russia, sparked by Moscow's February 2022 full-scale invasion of its neighbor.

Talks on a cease-fire in the conflict have been occurring in parallel to the economic partnership talks.

Svyrydenko said that once finalized, the draft will require ratification by the Ukrainian parliament, the Verkhovna Rada to ensure the agreement aligns with Ukraine's long-term national interests.

"It [the agreement] will create opportunities for investment and development in Ukraine and establish conditions for tangible economic growth for both Ukraine and the United States," she said.

Svyrydenko's statement came a day after President Volodymyr Zelenskyy described recent US-Ukraine discussions as "positive," particularly in the context of a parallel, high-stakes negotiation over critical minerals -- strategic resources essential to modern technologies and national security.

Zelenskyy confirmed that multiple meetings were ongoing and encouraged continued public attention.

However, the negotiations have come against the backdrop of lingering tensions between Trump and Zelenskyy.

On March 30, Trump publicly accused Zelenskyy of attempting to walk away from the critical minerals deal, warning such a move would trigger "serious consequences."

The accusation followed a report by Bloomberg News that Ukraine was preparing to propose key changes to a draft agreement, particularly regarding rare earth minerals -- resources vital for electronics, defense systems, and renewable energy technologies. The revisions reportedly promise to increase American investments in Ukraine's mining sector.

According to The Financial Times and Bloomberg, the United States is pushing for a new strategic framework that would secure access to Ukraine's energy assets and deepen bilateral cooperation across critical sectors.

As Kyiv and Washington edge closer to formalizing both the broader economic partnership and the strategic minerals agreement, these talks could reshape Ukraine's postwar economy and the geopolitical balance of energy and technology supply chains in Europe and beyond.

With reporting by Bloomberg and Financial Times

Source: https://www.rferl.org/a/yulia-svyrydenko-rare- earth-minerals-us-trump-zelenskyy-talks/33387387.html

Copyright (c) 2025. RFE/RL, Inc. Reprinted with the permission of Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, 1201 Connecticut Ave., N.W. Washington DC 20036.

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Planning For A Ukraine Cease-Fire, Turkey Hosts Talks On Black Sea Security

By Ray Furlong, Current Time and RFE/RL's Ukrainian Service April 16, 2025

Military leaders from several nations are quietly holding under-the-radar talks at the headquarters of the Turkish Navy in Ankara this week, focusing on Black Sea security in the event of a cease-fire between Russia and Ukraine.

The meetings come days after two European diplomatic sources told RFE/RL that Turkey had declared it was willing to "assume responsibility for the maritime dimension" of a multinational military deployment in Ukraine.

There are practical reasons for Turkey to do this.

The 1936 Montreux Convention places strict limits on the tonnage that non-littoral navies can deploy in the Black Sea and for how long. This makes Turkey, which has one of NATO's strongest militaries, the natural key player.

It has 17 frigates, for example, compared to just three in Romania's navy.

"It's impossible to solve this without Turkey on the side of the Europeans," Sam Greene of the Center for European Policy Analysis (CEPA) said at a recent briefing.

British and French vessels could also be expected to rotate through the Black Sea as part of a peacekeeping or reassurance force.

But as with the land-based force envisaged by the "coalition of the willing," the naval mission might also rely on a "US backstop."

How Is This Different?

According to the Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS), this would consist of air- and space-based intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance. Although, as the CSIS notes, US Navy ships regularly patrol the Black Sea anyway and could therefore also play a role.

In this regard, a Black Sea mission would take place under very different conditions to a land one -- in that NATO already has a well-established presence there with regular multinational exercises.

In fact, NATO just completed drills involving naval forces from 12 nations, including Turkey, the United States, Britain, and Romania. Over 12 days, forces simulated responses to hybrid, naval, and air attacks in the region.

Naval patrols would be focused on multiple missions, such as securing freedom of navigation for commercial shipping (including Ukraine's vital grain exports), monitoring cease-fire compliance, and mine clearance.

Andriy Ryzhenko, a reserve captain in the Ukrainian Navy, told RFE/RL's Current Time that "many ports are completely blocked at the moment," due to mines.

"They are Mykolayiv, Ochakiv, Kherson. Other ports are officially open but with limitations.... Mines need to be found and neutralized," he said.

'Ukraine Has Won'

Unlike on land, Ukraine feels it is winning or indeed has already won the war at sea.

A series of spectacular attacks that sank numerous Russian vessels has already pushed Russia's numerically superior navy out of its bases in occupied Crimea and back to Novorossiysk.

"Ukraine has won on the sea and now has a complete advantage. That is, it does not allow the enemy near its coasts and it ensures civilian navigation," Oleksiy Neizhpapa, head of the Ukrainian Navy, told RFE/RL's Ukrainian Service on April 8.

"But the enemy has the ability, has weapons that can hit civilian objects, civilian ships directly in ports or at sea. So, of course, the danger remains."

This was amply demonstrated by overnight Russian drone attacks on Odesa on April 16.

Ryzhenko also pointed out that shipping in the Black Sea is not operating along peacetime routes and that these need to be restored.

"It needs to be possible to go directly from Odesa to the Bosphorus across the middle of the Black Sea and not hiding in the territorial waters of neighboring countries," he said.

Ryzhenko added that the talks in Ankara would be focused on these details.

Low-Profile Talks

The talks were first announced by the Turkish Defense Ministry on April 13, but officials would not reveal which countries were taking part.

Later, it was reported that NATO members Bulgaria and Romania would be involved, along with Georgia.

On April 15, Britain's Defense Ministry told RFE/RL that it would join the meetings, before Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy revealed that Ukraine and France were also attending.

"We are talking about the presence of a contingent at sea, and we believe that Turkey can have a serious place in future security guarantees for the sea," Zelenskyy said.

"This is not about ending the war, this is about what will happen after the cease-fire -- security guarantees," he added.

As with previous discussions on a land-based contingent, the United States is not involved in the talks.

Source: https://www.rferl.org/a/ukraine-turkey-black-sea- coalition-willing-security/33387053.html

Copyright (c) 2025. RFE/RL, Inc. Reprinted with the permission of Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, 1201 Connecticut Ave., N.W. Washington DC 20036.

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Russian Drones Again Strike Odesa, Injuring 3

By RFE/RL's Ukrainian Service April 16, 2025

For at least the third time this year, Russian drones attacked Ukraine's historic port city of Odesa, a UNESCO World Heritage site, injuring three people and setting residential and commercial buildings ablaze.

Meanwhile, glide bomb attacks on Kherson killed one person while the city of Dnipropetrovsk was also struck, causing major fires.

"The enemy has again attacked Odesa with a massive drone attack," said Oleh Kiper, governor of the region, on Telegram following the attack.

Odesa's mayor, Hennadiy Trukhanov, shared images of apartments and other buildings that were heavily damaged.

Emergency workers were digging through debris and assessing the extent of destruction in the pre-dawn hours.

Unlike a deadly Russian attack on Odesa in November, April 16's overnight strike on the city was nonfatal and emergency crews managed to have fires there under control quickly.

The city's historic center has seen damage to numerous architectural monuments in repeated attacks, while Russia continues to deny targeting civilian structures.

Since the start of Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022, war damage has claimed over 1,000 cultural heritage sites.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has condemned the repeated attacks as a "deliberate strike" policy, pledging to strengthen Ukraine's air defenses.

The need for stronger security was underscored on April 13, when some 35 people, including two children, were killed in a Palm Sunday attack on the northeastern city of Sumy, which has drawn international condemnation.

A ballistic missile armed with cluster munitions was used in that attack, which landed on a street crowded with worshipers and others.

Ukraine has also stepped up the pace of its air attacks on Russian cities and oil facilities since March.

Source: https://www.rferl.org/a/russian-drones-strike-odesa- ukraine-injured/33387289.html

Copyright (c) 2025. RFE/RL, Inc. Reprinted with the permission of Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, 1201 Connecticut Ave., N.W. Washington DC 20036.

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A Truly Reliable Peace Can Only Be Achieved When Reality Forces Russia to Come to Terms With Our Capabilities - Address by the President

President of Ukraine

16 April 2025 - 21:11

I wish you health, fellow Ukrainians!

There has just been a report by Minister of Defense Umerov on communication and joint work with our partners in Europe: new support packages will be coming, we are also preparing a new security architecture - all the specific details of how a partner security contingent in Ukraine can function. On our part, we will do everything to ensure that political decisions - regarding the contingent - are implemented as swiftly as possible, precisely when the time comes. Today we also had in-depth discussions with our diplomats about our weeks ahead: possible meetings here, in Europe, our work with the United States, and our relations with other countries  with all countries which are strong enough to truly influence diplomacy. In every part of the world, it must be equally clear that the cause of this war lies solely with Russia. The root of it sits there in Moscow, in the Kremlin; that is why there is still no ceasefire, let alone anything more. It is now 36 days since the United States proposed a full and unconditional halt to strikes in the air, at sea, and on land. Ukraine accepted the proposal immediately over a month ago. Russia continues to ignore it and still feels no consequences; and that is the key problem.

Today, I spoke with the President of Finland, in particular about this - about diplomacy, which is losing momentum due to insufficient pressure on Russia. We also discussed relations with the United States - we coordinated our joint messages, our joint steps, our joint positions. It is important that Ukraine and almost all of us in Europe have a unified position on many security issues. I thank Finland for its support.

There are good results from the Ukrainian Government team working with the American side on the economic partnership agreement. First Deputy Prime Minister Svyrydenko delivered a report today on this. The basic legal aspects are almost finalized, and further, if everything moves just as swiftly and constructively, the deal will yield economic results for both our countries: Ukraine and the United States.

And one more thing. Today, I presented state awards to employees of Ukraine's defense industry. Their professional day was on April 13, when Russia struck Sumy with ballistic missiles. We have the means to respond to such strikes, and we will not simply let the scum who kill our people leave in peace on this earth. We have every right to do this, it is absolutely just - to respond to the killers as they deserve. Russia must accept the idea of the inevitability of Ukraine's strength, and a truly reliable peace can only be achieved when reality forces Russia to come to terms with our capabilities. Our drones, Ukrainian missiles, our artillery, Ukrainian shells, our equipment - everything produced by Ukraine - will defend Ukraine, the lives of our people, our state. I thank all more than 300,000 Ukrainians who work at our defense enterprises - here, in our state - for the sake of Ukraine's strength. I am proud of our people!

Glory to Ukraine!

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Presidential Office Hosts Briefing for Foreign Diplomats on Sanctions Policy Against Russia

President of Ukraine

16 April 2025 - 19:17

Deputy Head of the Office of the President Ihor Zhovkva and Advisor - Presidential Commissioner for Sanctions Policy Vladyslav Vlasiuk held a briefing on sanctions against the Russian Federation for the heads and representatives of foreign embassies in Ukraine. The meeting was attended by diplomats from the United Kingdom, Denmark, the Netherlands, Germany, Poland, France, Sweden, Japan, and the European Union.

Ihor Zhovkva spoke about the consequences of Russian strikes on Ukrainian cities and villages, in particular the shelling of Sumy, which claimed the lives of 35 people. He expressed gratitude for the support provided to Ukraine and all Ukrainian people, as well as for the continued pressure on Russia for the war it unleashed.

"We need assistance in the form of concrete things, such as air defense systems to protect against ballistic missiles and continued sanctions pressure. As long as Russian aggression continues, there must be no easing of sanctions," the Deputy Head of the Presidential Office noted.

Vladyslav Vlasiuk briefed the diplomats on foreign components found in Russian weapons and the impact of the imposed sanctions on Russia's capabilities, noting the effectiveness of restrictions targeting the gas and metallurgy sectors, as well as cryptocurrency transactions. He pointed out that sanctions have also been in place against the Russian Federation's shadow tanker fleet, as evidenced by reports of ship detentions. Work in this area will continue.

"The seventeenth package of sanctions is essential to place Russia in a more vulnerable position and increase leverage in negotiations. Limiting Russia's military-industrial potential through sanctions must be part of the plan to strengthen European security," emphasized the Advisor - Presidential Commissioner for Sanctions Policy.

Vladyslav Vlasiuk also thanked non-governmental organizations for their assistance in this effort. These organizations assess the impact of restrictions on revenues to the Russian budget and defense production capacity, analyze components found in Russian weapons, UAVs, and aircraft, investigate supply chains and access to foreign technologies for the Russian defense industry, and identify loopholes enabling the Russian Federation to circumvent sanctions.

In addition, the briefing addressed the confiscation and use of frozen Russian assets for the benefit of Ukraine.

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President of Ukraine Holds Phone Conversation with President of Finland

President of Ukraine

16 April 2025 - 18:45

President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy held a phone conversation with President of Finland Alexander Stubb to exchange views on the current developments and coordinate the next joint steps.

The Head of State informed his counterpart about the situation on the battlefield and the need to strengthen Ukraine's air defense. He emphasized that a just and sustainable peace can only be achieved by reinforcing Ukraine with defense packages and maintaining pressure on Russia, particularly through sanctions.

Volodymyr Zelenskyy and Alexander Stubb discussed relations with the United States and Russia's rejection of the American proposal for an unconditional ceasefire.

The leaders also coordinated the next joint steps and contacts with partners.

The President of Ukraine thanked the President of Finland for his support, advice, and readiness to make efforts toward achieving a dignified peace.

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Ukraine Will Keep Ramping Up Arms Production to Ensure Its Own Security - Volodymyr Zelenskyy

President of Ukraine

16 April 2025 - 18:30

President Volodymyr Zelenskyy met with employees of Ukraine's defense and industrial complex, thanked them for their work, and presented state awards.

"Our defense industry is already manufacturing more than a thousand types of weapons: from artillery shells to missiles and long-range weapons, to our drones. Over 40 percent of all the weapons used at the front to defend our country are produced in Ukraine," the Head of State noted.

Volodymyr Zelenskyy emphasized that, in order to ensure its own security, Ukraine will keep ramping up arms production both independently and in cooperation with partners.

"More and more countries and leaders are showing interest in working specifically with our defense industry. Almost every meeting with Ukraine's truly strong partners includes discussions about cooperation with Ukrainian arms manufacturers and new agreements on joint projects. All of this is a sign of trust in Ukraine. And all of this, in many ways, is the result of your work," the President said.

The Head of State called on everyone to always remember the Ukrainians who gave their lives while working and fighting for Ukraine. The participants honored their memory with a minute of silence.

Volodymyr Zelenskyy presented employees of the domestic defense and industrial complex with the Orders of Merit, III class, one of which was awarded posthumously, the Medal "For Labor and Valor," and conferred the honorary title of Honored Machine Builder of Ukraine.

The meeting was held on the occasion of the Defense and Industrial Complex Employee Day, which Ukraine is marking for the third time on April 13. On this day in 2022, two Ukrainian Neptune missiles destroyed the Russian missile cruiser Moskva.

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Russian Attack On Dnipro Kills 2 Women, Injures At Least 16

By RFE/RL's Ukrainian Service April 17, 2025

A Russian drone attack killed young woman and an elderly woman and injured at least 16 others on April 16 in the southeastern Ukrainian city of Dnipro, the regional governor said.

Serhiy Lysak, governor of the Dnipropetrovsk region, said on Telegram that among the16 people injured were three children. Five people were being treated in hospital, he said.

The attack ignited several fires, according to Dnipro Mayor Borys Filatov, who said one strike came within 100 meters of the city's municipal offices. He also said at least 15 dwellings had been damaged along with a student residence, an educational institution, and a food processing plant.

Pictures posted online showed a large blaze and firefighters working at the scene as well as gutted vehicles and buildings with smashed windows and damaged facades.

It was not possible for RFE/RL to verify the claims.

In northeastern Kharkiv region, Governor Oleh Synyehubov said a Russian missile attack injured two people in the town of Izyum. The town was captured by Russian troops in the early days of Russia's full-scale invasion in February 2022 but was retaken by Ukrainian forces later in the year.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy met with defense industry representatives in Kyiv on April 16. He said Ukraine now produces 40 percent of the weapons used on the front line.

"Our defense industry is already manufacturing more than a thousand types of weapons: from artillery shells to missiles and long-range weapons, to our drones," Zelenskyy said during the meeting, according to his office.

Zelenskyy noted that Ukraine's growing defense sector now employs around 300,000 people and is attracting an increasing number of international partners. Domestic successes include the rapid rollout of new combat drones, artillery production, and Ukraine's own missile systems. Though the items currently are in limited quantities.

Despite the progress, Zelenskyy acknowledged Ukraine remains heavily reliant on foreign arms deliveries, including tanks, armored vehicles, and advanced air defense systems.

Last week, he proposed a $15 billion deal to the US for 10 Patriot air defense systems to bolster Ukraine's protection against Russian missile strikes.

The Ukrainian parliament has voted to extend martial law and the mobilization order by another 90 days. The two corresponding motions submitted by Zelenskyy received the required two-thirds majority. Once signed by Zelenskyy, martial law will apply until August 6. It was due to expire on May 9.

Former President Petro Poroshenko, who is Zelenskyy's main rival, accused the government of rushing the extension through parliament.

Martial law is "being used not only for the defense of the country, but also for the establishment of an authoritarian regime," Poroshenko claimed on social media.

The Ukrainian government first imposed martial law and ordered mobilization following Russia's full-scale invasion on February 24, 2022.

There has been speculation that Zelenskyy could call elections, which cannot be held under martial law. Conscripts aged between 18 and 60 are barred from leaving the country under the law.

With reporting by Reuters and dpa

Source: https://www.rferl.org/a/ukraine-russia-dnipro- drone-attack-zelenskyy-defense-production/33387952.html

Copyright (c) 2025. RFE/RL, Inc. Reprinted with the permission of Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, 1201 Connecticut Ave., N.W. Washington DC 20036.

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SHANGHAI, April 16, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The highly anticipated SOUEAST International Business Annual Conference 2025 will be held at the Grand Halls in Shanghai on April 24. Themed "EASE YOUR LIFE," this milestone event marks the brand's first annual gathering since its renewal. The conference will bring together distributors worldwide to explore emerging global urban mobility trends.

As an international auto brand, SOUEAST brings 20 years of global operational experience and has earned the trust of 1.56 million users, solidifying its role as a key player in the global auto industry. In 2024, the brand underwent a comprehensive renewal, focusing on the philosophy of "EASE YOUR LIFE" and launching a range of refined urban vehicles that integrate "STYLISH", "COMFORT", and "WARM-TECH" features. Over the past year, driven by precise market positioning and innovative marketing strategies, SOUEAST has successfully entered over 30 countries and regions, establishing 144 sales networks worldwide.

This conference seeks to unite distributors worldwide to witness a crucial milestone in SOUEAST's globalization strategy. Featuring in-depth dialogues and interactive experiences, the event aims to foster consensus among global partners and chart SOUEAST's future growth in international markets. Coinciding with the conference, the "Global EASE DAY 2025" Media Tour in China will gather international media and notable influencers to explore emerging urban mobility trends. Through engaging discussions and test drives, the event will highlight SOUEAST's strategic vision and technological innovations.

Marking SOUEAST's first global gathering, this conference will serve as a dynamic platform to deepen partnerships and explore worldwide opportunities. Building on strategic global presence and technological strengths, SOUEAST is advancing steadily in global markets. As the Business Annual Conference approaches, exciting highlights and significant announcements are anticipated. Impressive outcomes are expected from SOUEAST at the event, as well as its continued global vision and strategic foresight in delivering more intelligent and eco-friendly travel solutions worldwide. Stay tuned for further updates.

Company: SOUEAST MOTOR

Contact Person: Frida Fu

Email: yuhe.fu@soueast-motor.com

Website: https://www.soueast-motor.com/

City: Wuhu

A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/238499d9-c68e-408f-a59a-f2457391af27
A first quarter in line with expectations in a volatile environment

Paris, April 17, 2025 - Ipsos, one of the world's leading market research companies, achieved a revenue of 568.5 million euros in the first quarter 2025. Growth stands at 2.0%, including -1.8% organic, 2.9% from scope effect, and 0.9% from favourable currency effects.

Ben Page, CEO of Ipsos, stated: The first quarter results are in line with our expectations, which anticipate a gradual recovery in activity over the year considering the comparison basis and as the measures taken by the new management team in the United States bear fruit. However, the environment remains very volatile and calls for caution. We confirm our targets for organic growth and operating margin for 2025.

PERFORMANCE BY QUARTER

Revenue



(m) 2025 2024 2023 Q1 568.5 557.5 532.0 Q2 581.0 555.1 Q3 591.0 588.0 Q4 711.2 714.7 Total 2 440.8 2 389.8

PERFORMANCE BY REGION

In m Q1 2025



revenue Contribution Total

growth Organic

growth EMEA 272.1 48% 6.1% -0.3% Americas 203.2 36% 0.0% -1.7% Asia-Pacific 93.1 16% -4.7% -6.0% Revenue 568.5 100% 2.0% -1.8%

In the EMEA region, total growth stands at 6.1%, driven by the integration of Infas in Germany since January. Organic growth is stable and reflects (i) good results in Continental Europe, (ii) a temporary but sharp decline in recent months in our public affairs business in France and the United Kingdom, due to the electoral cycle, and (iii) an unfavourable base effect (9.7% organic growth in the first quarter 2024).

Activity in the Americas shows an organic decline of 1.7%. In the United States, where the new management team is now in place, the Public Affairs service line is still in sharp decline, affected by the uncertain political context. Overall, the other service lines are showing encouraging signs with organic growth of over 2%, supported by the strong performance of activities related to consumer goods companies. However, the political and economic environment remains quite unpredictable.

Performance in the Asia-Pacific region continues to be adversely affected by the lack of recovery in China, a slowdown in activity with certain major international clients and governments, as well as an unfavourable base effect (9.2% organic growth in the first quarter 2024).

PERFORMANCE BY AUDIENCE

In m Q1 2025



revenue Contribution Total

growth Organic

growth Consumers1 278.6 49% 0.8% -0.6% Customers and employees2 113.5 20% 1.3% 0.5% Citizens3 92.4 16% 1.9% -14.2% Doctors and



patients4 84.0 15% 6.9% 5.4% Revenue 568.5 100% 2.0% -1.8%

Breakdown of Service Lines by audience segment:

1- Brand Health Tracking, Creative Excellence, Innovation, Ipsos UU, Ipsos MMA, Market Strategy & Understanding, Observer (excl. public sector), Ipsos Synthesio, Strategy3

2- Automotive & Mobility Development, Audience Measurement, Customer Experience, Channel Performance, Media development, ERM, Capabilities

3- Public Affairs, Corporate Reputation

4- Pharma (quantitative et qualitative)

Our service lines dedicated to consumers, customers and employees are stable and reflect sustained demand from consumer goods players, following a very strong performance in the first quarter 2024 (7.4%). Our service lines focused on marketing spend optimization, market positioning, and advertising campaigns measurement are performing well.

Our citizens-related business has declined by 14.2% since the beginning of the year, highlighting governments wait-and-see attitude in a context of global and local political instability, as well as the impact of the electoral cycle in certain countries like the United Kingdom and France, where we anticipate an improvement in the coming months.

The doctors and patients audience is performing well with organic growth of over 5%. Demand from major pharmaceutical industry clients seems to be picking up, but this recent recovery remains to be confirmed in the coming months.

Finally, our DIY platform Ipsos.Digital continues to drive the Group's growth with an organic performance of approximately 30% in the first quarter.

PERSPECTIVES

This first quarter was marked by the initiation of exclusive negotiations to acquire The BVA Family, a prominent French market research group, renowned for its expertise in packaging testing, customer experience, mystery shopping, and research for government and public services. The BVA Family employs 900 people in France, the United Kingdom, and Italy.

Our technological roadmap continues with new innovative solutions, notably in audience measurement and customer experience. We also continue to leverage Artificial Intelligence to meet the new expectations of our clients by providing increasingly relevant insights more quickly.

The recent volatility in the environment linked to the new American tariff policy has not had a significant impact on Ipsos' activity at this stage. The order book at the end of the first quarter is encouraging, the gross margin continues to improve, and cash generation is in line with our forecasts. However, the global political and economic context calls for caution.

Finally, we confirm our financial targets for 2025, namely organic growth higher than that of 2024 and an operating margin of around 13% at constant scope, excluding the impact of acquisitions in 2025.

ABOUT IPSOS

Ipsos is one of the largest market research and polling companies globally, operating

in 90 markets and employing nearly 20,000 people.

Our passionately curious research professionals, analysts and scientists have built unique multi-specialist capabilities that provide true understanding and powerful insights into the actions, opinions and motivations of citizens, consumers, patients, customers or employees. Our 75 business solutions are based on primary data from our surveys, social media monitoring, and qualitative or observational techniques.

Game Changers  our tagline  summarizes our ambition to help our 5,000 clients navigate with confidence our rapidly changing world.

Founded in France in 1975, Ipsos has been listed on the Euronext Paris since July 1, 1999. The company is part of the SBF 120, Mid-60 indices and is eligible for the Deferred Settlement Service (SRD).

ISIN code FR0000073298, Reuters ISOS.PA, Bloomberg IPS:FP

www.ipsos.com

35 rue du Val de Marne

75 628 Paris, Cedex 13 France

Tel. +33 1 41 98 90 00

Attachment
Press Release

Q1 2025 as planned, post financial restructuring:

commercial recovery, decline in revenue

and limited cash consumption

Confirmation of continued commercial recovery, fueled by strategic large deal signatures

Q1 2025 order entry at 1.7 billion

Q1 2025 book-to-bill at 81%, +17 points vs Q1 2024, benefiting from the signature of multi-year contract renewals and business wins with new material revenue streams

Q1 2025 revenue: 2,068 million, down -15.9% organically, impacted by lower order entry and contract completions recorded in 2024, before the closing of the financial restructuring of the Company on December 18, 2024

Reflecting deliberate reduction of BPO 1 activities in the UK, as well as calendar effects

activities in the UK, as well as calendar effects Eviden: down -14.0% organically

Tech Foundations: down -17.5% organically





Estimated cash consumption2 limited to c. -40 million in Q1 2025 vs -415 million in Q1 2024

No usage at all of account receivable factoring or specific optimization on trade payables





Estimated liquidity3 of c. 1,958 million as of March 31, 2025 vs 2,179 million as of December 31, 2024:

Cash and cash equivalent of c. 1,518 million vs 1,739 million in December 2024 and undrawn revolving credit facility of 440 million as of March 31, 2025

Including c. 138 million of cash in advance (vs 319 million as at December 31, 2024), consisting solely of customer invoices paid in advance without any discount and on a pure voluntary basis

Presentation of Atos updated strategy and organization during the May 14, 2025 Capital Markets Day

Paris, April 17, 2025 - Atos, a global leader in digital transformation, high-performance computing and information technology infrastructure, today announces its Q1 2025 revenue.

Philippe Salle, Atos Chairman of the Board of Directors and Chief Executive Officer, declared:

Our first quarter performance confirms the inflexion in our business trajectory following the closing of our financial restructuring at the end of 2024. While top line remained under pressure, our commercial activity continued to recover during the quarter, attesting to the confidence and engagement of our clients and boding well for the future of Atos. We have also limited our cash consumption during the quarter and made significant progress in the implementation of our restructuring program to adapt our cost base. I look forward to sharing my vision for Atos and unveiling our mid-term strategy at our Capital Markets Day on May 14. This is the start of a new chapter for the Group, with relentless focus on serving our customers through innovation and high-quality services.

Q1 2025 Revenue by Business

In  million Q1 2025

Revenue Q1 2024

Revenue Q1 2024

Revenue* Organic variation* Eviden 973 1,164 1,132 -14.0% Tech Foundations 1,095 1,314 1,326 -17.5% Total 2,068 2,479 2,458 -15.9%

*: at constant scope and March 2025 average exchange rates

Group revenue was 2,068 million, down -15.9% organically compared with Q1 2024. Overall, Group revenue evolution in Q1 2025 reflects lower order entry and contract completions recorded in 2024, before the closing of the financial restructuring of the Company in December 2024, deliberate reduction of BPO activities in the UK, calendar effects as well as market softness in key geographies.

Eviden revenue was 973 million, down -14.0% organically.

Digital activities decreased double digit. The business was impacted by H2 2024 contract completions and contract scope reductions, as well as by the continued market softness in North America, in the UK & Ireland and in Southern Europe.

activities decreased double digit. The business was impacted by H2 2024 contract completions and contract scope reductions, as well as by the continued market softness in North America, in the UK & Ireland and in Southern Europe. Big Data & Security (BDS) revenue decreased high single digit. Lower activity in cybersecurity services due to volume decline and contract completions was partially offset by growth in Advanced Computing due to large project deliveries in India and Germany.

Tech Foundations revenue was 1,095 million, down -17.5% organically.

Core revenue (excluding BPO and value-added resale (VAR)) decreased double digit mainly due to previously established contract terminations and completions in North America, lower revenue from Major Events following the delivery of the 2024 Paris Olympic and Paralympic games, and by contract scope and volume reduction in the UK.

(excluding BPO and value-added resale (VAR)) decreased double digit mainly due to previously established contract terminations and completions in North America, lower revenue from Major Events following the delivery of the 2024 Paris Olympic and Paralympic games, and by contract scope and volume reduction in the UK. Non-core revenue declined double digit as planned, reflecting deliberate reduction of BPO activities in the UK and reduced value-added resale for hardware and software products.

Q1 2025 revenue by Regional Business Unit

In  million Q1 2025

Revenue Q1 2024

Revenue Q1 2024

Revenue* Organic variation* Central Europe 501 533 527 -5.0% Southern Europe 438 565 527 -16.9% North America 382 512 528 -27.6% UK / IR 309 423 434 -28.8% Growing markets 224 223 219 +2.0% Benelux and the Nordics (BTN) 212 220 220 -3.6% Others & Global structures 2 3 3 -10.0% Total 2,068 2,479 2,458 -15.9%

*: at constant scope and March 2025 average exchange rates

Central Europe revenue was  501 million, down -5.0% organically.

Eviden revenue decreased low single digit. Decline in Digital due to volume reduction from Manufacturing and Public Sector customers was partially offset by the delivery of a large HPC in Germany.

Tech Foundations revenue decreased double digit, reflecting volume and scope reductions related to low-margin contracts with Pharmaceutical and Banking customers.

Southern Europe revenue was 438 million, down -16.9% organically.

Eviden revenue decreased double digit. Digital activities declined due to volume reduction with Automotive, Transport & Logistics and Banking customers. The delivery of a supercomputer project in France in 2024 provided a higher prior year comparison basis for BDS.

Tech Foundations revenue decreased high single digit due to contract completions with select customers.

North America revenue was  382 million, down -27.6% organically, impacted by contract terminations and completions, and general slowdown in market conditions.

Eviden revenue decreased double digit, notably from lower activity with Healthcare, Finance, and Transport & Logistics customers. BDS decreased double digit due to contract completion and volume reductions.

Tech Foundations revenue decreased double digit notably from lower activity in Media and Insurance.

UK & Ireland revenue was  309 million, down -28.8% organically.

Eviden revenue decreased double digit. Digital revenue decreased on back of market softness in Public Sector while BDS remained stable.

Revenue in Tech Foundations decreased double digit, due primarily to previously announced large contract exit in Public Sector BPO.

Growing Market revenue was 224 million, up +2.0% organically. Revenue from the delivery of a HPC in India was partly offset by the high prior year comparison basis of Major Events, which included revenue from the 2024 Paris Olympic & Paralympic Games.

Benelux and the Nordics revenue was  212 million, down -3.6% organically

Eviden revenue decreased low single digit, impacted by project completions and volume reductions in Manufacturing.

Revenue in Tech Foundations decreased low single digit as well, due to previously established contract completions and volume decline on low-margin contracts with Healthcare and Utilities customers.

Order entry and backlog

Q1 2025 commercial activity

Order entry reached 1.7 billion in Q1 2025, of which 1.1 billion represent new services sold to new or existing customers.

Book-to-bill ratio was 81% for the quarter, improving by +17 points compared with the Q1 2024 ratio of 64%, benefiting from renewed client confidence.

Eviden book-to-bill ratio was 80% for the first quarter compared to 83% in Q1 2024, when a large HPC order was booked for a Danish innovation center. Main contract signatures in the first quarter included a large six-year new business in digital and cyber contract in Belgium and a contract renewal to manage a public health system for a large American insurance company.





book-to-bill ratio was 80% for the first quarter compared to 83% in Q1 2024, when a large HPC order was booked for a Danish innovation center. Main contract signatures in the first quarter included a large six-year new business in digital and cyber contract in Belgium and a contract renewal to manage a public health system for a large American insurance company. Tech Foundations book-to-bill ratio was 81% for the first quarter, a significant improvement compared to the 47% reported in Q1 2024. Main contract signatures in the first quarter included a new four-year contract for IT infrastructure in Public Sector in France, a multi-year contract extension for Mainframe services with a global leader in aerospace as well a contract renewal with a leading automotive manufacturer for Mainframe services. Also, a new five-year Digital Workplace contract was signed with the UK Department of Environments, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA).





Backlog & commercial pipeline

At the end of March 2025, the full backlog reached 12.6 billion representing 1.3 years of

revenue.

The full qualified weighted pipeline amounted to 4.5 billion at the end of March 2025, representing 5.7 months of revenue.

Human resources

The total headcount was 74,074 at the end of March 2025, decreasing by -5.2% compared with the end of December 2024, notably from 1,682 departures related to the restructuring plan already on track.

Q1 2025 liquidity position4

Atos SE also publishes its estimated liquidity position at March 31, 2025. This indicator measures the estimated financial resources available at date to meet Atos SE future obligations. This publication is part of the regular reporting requirements defined and agreed with the Groups financial creditors.

As of March 31, 2025, Atos liquidity is estimated at circa 1,958 million, compared to 2,179 million as of December 31, 2024, and was comprised of:

In  million March 31, 2025

(estimated) December 31, 2024

(actuals) Var. Cash & cash equivalents 1,518 1,739 -221 of which payments received from customers in advance of invoice payment due dates 138 319 -181 Undrawn revolving credit facility 440 440 - Total liquidity 1,958 2,179 -221

Capital Markets Day

Atos will present an update of its strategy and organization during a Capital Markets Day that will be held in Atos Bezons headquarters on May 14, 2025.

Forthcoming events

May 14, 2025 Capital Markets Day





June 13, 2025 Annual General Meeting August 1st, 2025 (Before Market Opening) First semester 2025 results

APPENDIX

Q1 2024 revenue at constant scope and exchange rates reconciliation

For the analysis of the Groups performance, revenue for Q1 2025 is compared with 2024 revenue at constant scope and foreign exchange rates.

Reconciliation between the 2024 reported first quarter revenue and the 2024 first quarter revenue at constant scope and foreign exchange rates is presented below, by Business Lines and Regional Business Units:

Q1 2024 revenue

In  million Q1 2024 published Internal transfers Scope effects Exchange rates effects Q1 2024* Eviden 1,164 2 -44 9 1,132 Tech Foundations 1,314 -2 0 14 1,326 Total 2,479 0 -44 23 2,458 Q1 2024 revenue

In  million Q1 2024 published Internal transfers Scope effects Exchange rates effects Q1 2024* North America 512 0 0 16 528 Benelux and the Nordics (BTN) 220 0 0 0 220 UK / IR 423 0 0 10 434 Central Europe 533 0 -6 0 527 Southern Europe 565 0 -38 0 527 Growing Markets 223 0 0 -3 219 Others & Global structures 3 0 0 0 3 Total 2,479 0 -44 23 2,458

*: at constant scope and March 2025 average exchange rates

Scope effects amounted to -44 million. They related to the divesture of Worldgrid in Southern Europe and Central Europe.

Currency effects positively contributed to revenue for +23 million. They mostly came from the appreciation of the British pound and the US dollar partially compensated by the depreciation of the Brazilian real, the Argentinian peso and the Turkish lira.

Disclaimer

This document contains forward-looking statements that involve risks and uncertainties, including references, concerning the Groups expected growth and profitability in the future which may significantly impact the expected performance indicated in the forward-looking statements. These risks and uncertainties are linked to factors out of the control of the Company and not precisely estimated, such as market conditions or competitors behaviors. Any forward-looking statements made in this document are statements about Atoss beliefs and expectations and should be evaluated as such. Forward-looking statements include statements that may relate to Atoss plans, objectives, strategies, goals, future events, future revenues or synergies, or performance, and other information that is not historical information. Actual events or results may differ from those described in this document due to a number of risks and uncertainties that are described within the 2024 Universal Registration Document filed with the Autorite des Marches Financiers (AMF) on April 10, 2025 under the registration number D.25-0238. Atos does not undertake, and specifically disclaims, any obligation or responsibility to update or amend any of the information above except as otherwise required by law.

This document does not contain or constitute an offer of Atoss shares for sale or an invitation or inducement to invest in Atoss shares in France, the United States of America or any other jurisdiction. This document includes information on specific transactions that shall be considered as projects only. In particular, any decision relating to the information or projects mentioned in this document and their terms and conditions will only be made after the ongoing in-depth analysis considering tax, legal, operational, finance, HR and all other relevant aspects have been completed and will be subject to general market conditions and other customary conditions, including governance bodies and shareholders approval as well as appropriate processes with the relevant employee representative bodies in accordance with applicable laws.

About Atos

Atos is a global leader in digital transformation with circa 74,000 employees and annual revenue of circa 10 billion. European number one in cybersecurity, cloud and high-performance computing, the Group provides tailored end-to-end solutions for all industries in 68 countries. A pioneer in decarbonization services and products, Atos is committed to a secure and decarbonized digital for its clients. Atos is a SE (Societas Europaea) and listed on Euronext Paris.

The purpose of Atos is to help design the future of the information space. Its expertise and services support the development of knowledge, education and research in a multicultural approach and contribute to the development of scientific and technological excellence. Across the world, the Group enables its customers and employees, and members of societies at large to live, work and develop sustainably, in a safe and secure information space.

Contacts

Investor relations:

David Pierre-Kahn | investors@atos.net | +33 6 28 51 45 96

Sofiane El Amri | investors@atos.net | +33 6 29 34 85 67

Individual shareholders: +33 8 05 65 00 75

Press contact: globalprteam@atos.net

1 Business Process Outsourcing

2 Cash consumption of a period is defined as the variance in cash and cash-equivalent, excluding (i) the variance of the drawn portion of the RCF and (ii) the variance in working capital optimization actions (which include cash in advance received from customers, account receivable factoring and specific optimization of trade payables)

3 Liquidity is defined as the sum of (i) the consolidated cash and cash-equivalent position of the Group and (ii) the amounts available under any undrawn committed facilities (including committed overdrafts). Consolidated cash and cash-equivalent includes trapped cash and unpooled cash and excludes cash held in escrow accounts in order to provide cash collateral.

4 Liquidity is defined as the sum of (i) the consolidated cash and cash-equivalent position of the Group and (ii) the amounts available under any undrawn committed facilities (including committed overdrafts). Consolidated cash and cash-equivalent includes trapped cash and unpooled cash and excludes cash held in escrow accounts in order to provide cash collateral.

Attachment




SAN FRANCISCO, April 17, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- FLYR, the technology company that unlocks freedom to innovate for the travel industry, today announced that Ennismore, the fastest-growing lifestyle and leisure hospitality company, is working with FLYR Hospitality to continue to uplevel its commercial operations. With more than 180 hotels and 500 restaurants and bars across 17 brands, Ennismore is leveraging FLYRs platform for revenue management, sales, distribution and marketing across its global operations.

By implementing FLYR Hospitality, Ennismore can benefit from AI-powered forecasting, real-time property and corporate-level analytics, and a standardized technology stack that enhances visibility and operational efficiency.

Making decisions based on the latest intel is critical to our business, said Dan Gordon, EVP of Revenue Management and BI at Ennismore. With our great partners at FLYR Hospitality, were unlocking the ability to democratize data across our portfolio, by creating tailored dashboards that serve our brand-specific, region-specific and enterprise-wide needs.

Since going live with FLYR, Ennismore has deployed the platform across 100 properties, enabling its commercial teamsboth on-property and at the corporate levelto access real-time insights that improve budgeting, forecasting, and market share analysis.

Ennismore is one of the most forward-thinking companies in hospitality, and were proud to support their journey toward AI-driven revenue management, said Lukas Hughes, Vice President of Product at FLYR Hospitality. By providing a single source of truth for commercial teams across properties and brands, were helping Ennismore achieve greater efficiency, agility, and profitability.

FLYR Hospitality seamlessly integrates with key industry partners, including STR, Lighthouse, and Oracle (OPERA Cloud), providing Ennismore with a holistic view of market trends and performance metrics.

About FLYR

FLYR is a technology company that unlocks freedom to innovate for the travel industry  eliminating legacy constraints to enable real-time decision making and create the experiences travelers seek. Cloud native, FLYR leverages technologies including deep learning, an advanced form of AI. FLYR is helping airlines and hospitality businesses around the globe improve revenue performance, reduce cost, and modernize their e-commerce experience. Learn more at flyr.com.




Dublin, April 17, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The "Current Sensor Market by Measurement (Less Than 10A, 10-100A, Above 100A), Offering (Isolated, Non-Isolated), Technology (Hall-Effect, AMR, GMR, TMR, Flux Gate, Current Sensing Amplifier, Opto-Isolated and Shunt Isolated OP Amp) - Global Forecast to 2030" has been added to ResearchAndMarkets.com's offering.

The global current sensor market is projected to grow from USD 3.24 billion in 2025 to USD 5.41 billion by 2030, with a CAGR of 10.8%

This report categorizes the market by current sensing methods, sensing technologies, measurement ranges, and more across major regions. It delves into market drivers like the rise of battery-powered systems, challenges such as pricing pressures, opportunities in networked devices proliferation, and manufacturing advancements in hybrid and electric vehicles. It also discusses product development, market diversification, and competitive assessments of leading players like Asahi Kasei Corporation, Infineon Technologies AG, Allegro MicroSystems, LEM International SA, and TDK Corporation.

This growth is driven by the increasing use of battery-powered systems, a rising focus on renewable energy, and the demand for low-power consumption power monitoring solutions. The adoption of Hall-effect current sensors and the increasing demand from the consumer electronics market also contribute significantly to this expansion. Additionally, the production of hybrid and electric vehicles (EVs) is boosting the need for precise and durable current sensing technology.

Closed-loop current sensors poised for significant market share

In the market by loop type, closed-loop current sensors are anticipated to have a dominant share due to their high accuracy, quick response time, and stability in measuring current across various applications. These sensors use a compensation coil that mitigates the magnetic field generated by the primary current, thus delivering precise and linear measurements with minimal drift over time. Industries like industrial automation, automotive, and energy sectors heavily depend on these sensors for motor control, power conversion, and battery management systems.

The adoption of EVs and hybrid electric vehicles (HEVs) raises demand for closed-loop sensors due to their high bandwidth and low temperature dependence, making them ideal for power inverters and charging structures. Furthermore, the broadening renewable energy sources such as solar and wind power require high precision in current sensing for energy storage and grid management. As semiconductor technologies advance and the need for stable high-performance sensing applications increase, closed-loop sensors remain integral to the industry.

Magnetic current sensors expected to experience robust growth

Magnetic current sensors are projected to register the highest CAGR during the forecast period, owing to their ability to provide non-intrusive, high-precision current measurements with minimal power loss. Technologies like Hall-effect, AMR, GMR, TMR, and flux gate are gaining popularity due to their versatility, compact size, and efficiency in measuring AC and DC currents. The rise in demand for EVs and HEVs primarily drives this growth, as magnetic current sensors are pivotal in battery management systems, power inverters, and motor controllers.

The increasing number of renewable energy projects, notably solar and wind, demands exact current sensing for energy storage and grid stabilization. Industries like industrial automation, consumer electronics, and telecommunications drive the demand for accurate power monitoring in high-frequency switching applications. Advances in semiconductor technology have enabled highly sensitive, cost-effective magnetic current sensors, enhancing their popularity across different sectors.

Asia Pacific region set for significant growth

The Asia Pacific region is expected to demonstrate the highest CAGR in the current sensor market, driven by rapid industrialization, increasing auto manufacturing, and the growing use of alternative energy sources. Leading countries like China, Japan, South Korea, and India spearhead EV manufacturing, where existing sensors play crucial roles in battery control systems and power inverters.

The region's push towards smart grids and renewable energy infrastructure, especially in solar and wind power, escalates demand for high-accuracy current sensing solutions. The thriving consumer electronics sector, including demand for smartphones, wearables, and home automation devices, likewise spurs market growth. The expansion of industrial automation and robotics, notably in manufacturing and process industries, has driven the adoption of current sensors for real-time monitoring and energy efficiency. Additionally, government incentives promoting electrification, energy efficiency, and smart infrastructure projects are propelling further investments in advanced current sensing technologies.

Comprehensive interviews with industry leaders, including CEOs and Directors from key organizations operating within the current sensor market, reveal that tier 1 companies constitute 40%, tier 2 at 35%, and tier 3 at 25%. C-level Executives involve 48%, Directors 33%, and other roles 19%, spread over regions like North America (35%), Europe (18%), Asia Pacific (40%), and RoW (7%). These insights offer a detailed competitive analysis of key market players, highlighting their strategies, recent developments, and company profiles.

Key Attributes:





Report Attribute Details No. of Pages 303 Forecast Period 2025 - 2030 Estimated Market Value (USD) in 2025 $3.24 Billion Forecasted Market Value (USD) by 2030 $5.41 Billion Compound Annual Growth Rate 10.8% Regions Covered Global



Key Topics Covered:



Market Dynamics

Drivers Growing Use of Battery-Powered Systems and Increasing Focus on Renewable Energy High Adoption of Hall-Effect Current Sensors Increasing Demand from Consumer Electronics Industry

Challenges Fluctuations in Accuracy of Current Sensors Over Varying Temperature Ranges Need for Product Differentiation and Development of Innovative Solutions

Opportunities Increase in Number of Networked Devices Increase in Manufacturing of Hybrid and Electric Cars Miniaturization of Current Sensors Global Investments for Renewable Energy Adoptions

Case Studies Monolithic Power Systems, Inc.: Transforming ATMs with Ultra-Small, Linear Hall-Effect Current Sensors Hangzhi Precision: Current Sensor Based on Fluxgate Principle for Vacuum Coating Machines Electrohms: Optimizing Current Sensors Improved Thermal Management Features



Company Profiles

Asahi Kasei Corporation

Infineon Technologies AG

Allegro Microsystems, Inc.

Lem International SA

Tdk Corporation

Melexis

Honeywell International Inc.

Texas Instruments Incorporated

Tamura Corporation

Omron Corporation

Stmicroelectronics

Yageo Group

Analog Devices, Inc.

Broadcom

Aceinna

Kohshin Electric Corporation

Vacuumschmelze GmbH & Co. KG

Ice Components, Inc.

Magnesensor Technology

American Aerospace Controls

Electrohms Private Limited

Dare Electronics, Inc.

Yuanxing Electronics Co. Ltd.

Sensor Electronic Technology (Set)

Tell-I Technologies, Inc.

Sinomags Electronic Technology Co. Ltd.

For more information about this report visit https://www.researchandmarkets.com/r/7pdzm2

About ResearchAndMarkets.com

ResearchAndMarkets.com is the world's leading source for international market research reports and market data. We provide you with the latest data on international and regional markets, key industries, the top companies, new products and the latest trends.

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Dublin, April 17, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The "Cold Plasma Market by Industry (Textile, Electronics & Semiconductors, Polymer & Plastic, Food & Agriculture, Medical, Cosmetic), Application (Surface Treatment & Activation, Wound Healing), Regime (Atmospheric, Low Pressure) - Global Forecast to 2029" has been added to ResearchAndMarkets.com's offering.





The global cold plasma market is anticipated to soar from USD 2.17 billion in 2024 to USD 3.66 billion by 2029, reflecting a CAGR of 11.0% during this period.

This surge is driven by the expanding deployment of cold plasma in diverse industries including medical, food, and electronics, where it offers broad applications and enhanced benefits. The heightened focus on sustainability, aging global demographics, and rising incidences of chronic wounds and cancer further propel demand. The increased awareness and advantages of cold plasma are fostering widespread utilization across sectors.

Technological advancements in cold plasma, coupled with new product launches and significant R&D investments, are expected to enhance market accessibility and drive growth. Improving surface properties like adhesion and wettability, particularly in the polymer and plastic industry segment, is set to garner the largest share of the market. Cold plasma serves as a non-thermal, eco-friendly alternative, reducing reliance on harsh chemicals and supporting the trend toward sustainable product development and innovative customization in coatings and packaging.

The surface treatment and activation application segment is poised to dominate the market, witnessing robust growth from its ability to improve adhesion and wettability. Industries are increasingly adopting its non-thermal, eco-friendly approach, thus spurring innovation and adoption in surface treatment applications. Additionally, enhanced efficiency and customizable options via cold plasma technology continue to promote its application in this area.

Regionally, North America has emerged as the largest market share holder for cold plasma, followed by the Asia Pacific region, which is expected to grow at the highest CAGR. North America's leadership is attributed to its substantial chronic wound and cancer patient base, higher awareness levels, and the strategic presence of numerous market leaders.

Prominent market players in the cold plasma sector include Apyx Medical (US), Nordson Corporation (US), Adtec Plasma Technology Co. Ltd. (Japan), P2i Ltd. (UK), Relyon Plasma GmbH (Germany), with others like Enercon Industries Corporation (US) and Plasmatreat GmbH (Germany) contributing significantly to the field.

Reasons to Purchase the Report:

Gain insights into key drivers like enhanced benefits and broad applications, challenges like high capital investments, and opportunities in emerging markets and sustainability.

Market Penetration: Access in-depth information on product portfolios from leading market entities.

Product Development/Innovation: Understand upcoming trends, R&D activities, and new product releases in the industry.

Market Development: Leverage data on lucrative emerging regions.

Market Diversification: Benefit from exhaustive data on new products, expanding geographies, and recent developments.

Competitive Assessment: Explore detailed analysis of market segments, growth strategies, and revenue assessments of leading market players.

Key Attributes:





Report Attribute Details No. of Pages 238 Forecast Period 2024 - 2029 Estimated Market Value (USD) in 2024 $2.17 Billion Forecasted Market Value (USD) by 2029 $3.66 Billion Compound Annual Growth Rate 11.0% Regions Covered Global



Key Topics Covered:

Drivers

Increased Benefits and Wider Industrial Applications

Increasing Use in Wound Healing

Growing Applications in Cancer and Infectious Disease Treatment

Technological Advancements and New Product Launches

Challenges

High Capital Investments

Opportunities

Growing Focus on Sustainability in Various Industries

Growth Opportunities in Emerging Countries

Challenges

Limited Commercialization and Awareness of Cold Plasma

Limited Presence of Key Players in Developing Countries

Industry Trends

Increasing Adoption in Healthcare

Food Safety and Preservation

Growth in Textile and Material Processing

Focus on Sustainable Solutions

Company Profiles

Nordson Corporation

Adtec Plasma Technology Co. Ltd.

Plasmatreat GmbH

Apyx Medical

Relyon Plasma GmbH

P2I Ltd.

Henniker Plasma

Enercon Industries Corporation

Acxys Plasma Technologies

Tantec A/S

Europlasma Nv

Thierry Corp.

Surfx Technologies, LLC

Softal Corona & Plasma GmbH

Coating Plasma Innovation

Ferrarini & Benelli Srl

Neoplas Med GmbH

Terraplasma GmbH

Molecular Plasma Group

Cinogy Technologies GmbH

US Medical Innovations

Leaflife Technology

Plasmawise

Phasertek Environmental Ltd.

Keylink

For more information about this report visit https://www.researchandmarkets.com/r/fo3x31

About ResearchAndMarkets.com

ResearchAndMarkets.com is the world's leading source for international market research reports and market data. We provide you with the latest data on international and regional markets, key industries, the top companies, new products and the latest trends.

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Christian Boehringer to hand over as Chairman of the Shareholders Committee to Hubertus von Baumbach

Shashank Deshpande, Member of the Board of Managing Directors, to succeed Hubertus von Baumbach as Chairman of the Board of Managing Directors

Appointments to be effective July 1, 2025

The Shareholders Committee of Boehringer Ingelheim have announced the following appointments in the Shareholders Committee and the Board of Managing Directors:

Christian Boehringer, since 2007 Chairman of the Shareholders Committee, has decided to step down from his role with effect from June 30, 2025. The Shareholders Committee has appointed Hubertus von Baumbach, currently Chairman of the Board of Directors, as his successor, effective July 1, 2025.

Shashank Deshpande, member of the Board of Managing Directors, has been appointed Chairman of the Board of Managing Directors, a responsibility that he will take on in addition to his current role leading the Human Pharma Business Unit. He will take over the Chairmans mandate from Hubertus von Baumbach per July 1, 2025.

Christian Boehringer commented: I look back at the past 18 years with great fulfillment, having worked with three CEOs and seen Boehringer grow to become the global pharma company it is today. I now hand over the baton to my cousin Hubertus, and very much look forward to working together with him on the Shareholders Committee.

Hubertus von Baumbach served 16 years on the Board of Managing Directors, nine of which as Chairman. He added: I want to thank Christian for his many years of leadership and dedication to the company. During his tenure the company changed fundamentally. I am very thankful for the trust I have been given with my new role. I wish Shashank much success; with his many years of industry experience in the US, Japan and Germany, he will lead Boehringer through the next growth phase towards 2035. In the many years that I have worked with Shashank I have seen and come to appreciate the strength of his leadership, of his values, and of his commitment to patients.

Shashank Deshpande responded: I am thankful that the shareholders entrust me with the Chairmans role on the Board. I want to acknowledge Hubertus leadership of the company these past nine years. Youve built a great team and its a true pleasure to be part of it. We are fully focused on bringing our strong pipeline to the market as fast as possible, and I am highly motivated to lead our organization to achieve this for the benefit of the patients and animals we serve.
AUSTIN, Texas, April 17, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- As 4/20 approaches, a day widely recognized for celebrating cannabis culture, Hometown Hero, a leading manufacturer of hemp-derived cannabinoid products, is using the moment to spotlight the broader challenges and opportunities facing the legal hemp industry.



With federal uncertainty, inconsistent state laws and new legislation threatening to dismantle entire markets, including Texass booming hemp sector, this 4/20 is about more than festivity. Its about protecting an industry that supports hundreds of thousands of jobs, billions in revenue, and millions of adult consumers and veterans who continue to use hemp-derived products for wellness, relief and personal choice.

Following is the official 4/20 wish list for 2025:

Common-sense regulation, not prohibition. The future of hemp depends on smart rules that protect consumers while preserving access, jobs and innovation, not blanket bans.

The future of hemp depends on smart rules that protect consumers while preserving access, jobs and innovation, not blanket bans. Keep families working . The hemp-derived cannabinoid industry supports over 325,000 jobs and $13.2 billion in wages across the U.S., according to Whitney Economics.

. The hemp-derived cannabinoid industry supports over 325,000 jobs and $13.2 billion in wages across the U.S., according to Whitney Economics. Protect consumer choice. Millions of adults and veterans continue to use hemp-derived cannabinoids to improve overall wellness. Responsible access must be preserved.

Millions of adults and veterans continue to use hemp-derived cannabinoids to improve overall wellness. Responsible access must be preserved. More education, less stigma. Hemp-derived cannabinoids are legal under the 2018 Farm Bill, but conflation with marijuana, along with fearmongering and misinformation, continue to fuel misperceptions.

Hemp-derived cannabinoids are legal under the 2018 Farm Bill, but conflation with marijuana, along with fearmongering and misinformation, continue to fuel misperceptions. Federal stability . Preservation and codification of the 2018 Farm Bill would support and advance an already vibrant hemp industry.

. Preservation and codification of the 2018 Farm Bill would support and advance an already vibrant hemp industry. Smarter tax policy . Excessive taxes on legal hemp products hurt businesses and restrict access, particularly for those who use hemp for daily wellness.

. Excessive taxes on legal hemp products hurt businesses and restrict access, particularly for those who use hemp for daily wellness. Encourage innovation . From farming to formulation, the hemp industry continues to drive product breakthroughs. Thoughtful policy should support, not stifle, innovation.

. From farming to formulation, the hemp industry continues to drive product breakthroughs. Thoughtful policy should support, not stifle, innovation. Better banking access. Despite being federally legal, hemp companies still face hurdles to securing banking, credit, and financial services, holding back growth.

A Booming Industry Worth Protecting

In Texas alone, hemp-derived cannabinoids generated $4.3 billion in sales, $268 million in tax revenue and supported 53,300 jobs with wages totaling over $2.1 billion. Nationally, the market is estimated to be worth $2835 billion, with over $1.5 billion in tax revenues to states.

This year, 4/20 isnt just a celebration, its a call to action, said Lukas Gilkey, cofounder and CEO of Hometown Hero. Were working at every level, from Congress to local statehouses, to ensure the hemp industry is preserved through fair, responsible legislation. Texans and Americans dont want prohibition. They want common-sense policies that protect public safety, create jobs and ensure adult access to hemp products they trust.

Getting Involved

Texans who want to help protect hemp in the Lone Star State can visit the Texas Hemp Business Council website to learn how to get involved.

About Hometown Hero

Headquartered in Austin, Texas, Hometown Hero manufactures and distributes a variety of hemp-derived products, such as Delta-9 THC, Delta-8 THC, CBD, CBDA + CBGA, among others. Founded in 2015 by Lukas Gilkey and Lewis Hamer, the company donates a portion of all proceeds to various charities and organizations that support veterans. The company also is a founding member of the Texas Hemp Business Council. For more information, visit https://hometownhero.com/ or follow the brand on Twitter and Instagram @HometownHeroATX.

Media Contacts:




SINGAPORE, April 17, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- HTX DAO, a decentralized autonomous organization committed to building a transparent and community-driven Web3 financial hub, announced the successful ratification of its first two community governance proposals  HIP-001: HTX DAO Committee Member Policy, and HIP-002: HTX DAOs Official Interview Series "The DAO Talks". Both proposals garnered significant community engagement and received broad support via $HTX token-weighted voting, officially entering the implementation stage.

This marks a major milestone in HTX DAOs progression toward decentralized governance and ecosystem development. It demonstrates the DAOs continued commitment to decentralization, participation, and open collaboration, laying the foundation for a more transparent, inclusive, and interactive DAO model.

*Full Announcement:

https://htxdao-1.gitbook.io/announcement-en/official-announcement-hip-001-and-hip-002-proposals-approved

HIP-001: A Modular Governance System from Policy to Practice

HIP-001 establishes a fundamental governance structure for HTX DAO, setting forth the responsibilities of committee members, a modular governance structure, term and rotation mechanisms, and a hybrid formation model. Key elements include:

Implementation of a modular governance mechanism , with 12 committee members assigned to each module;

, with 12 committee members assigned to each module; Introduction of term limits and a rotation system to ensure continuity and community engagement;

to ensure continuity and community engagement; Adoption of a hybrid selection model combining community elections with appointed members to balance decentralization and stability;

Clear delegation of responsibilities, including proposal drafting, coordination, execution, and community feedback collection.

HIP-001 provides the initial standardized and scalable framework for HTX DAOs governance, laying a solid institutional foundation for future developments such as governance tooling, committee incentives, and additional governance modules. The new framework facilitates broader community involvement in decision-making and governance, enhancing the DAOs professionalism, operational efficiency, and transparency.

As the committee expands with more members, HTX DAOs governance will become increasingly diverse and representative, driving deeper decentralization across the ecosystem.

HIP-002: Empowering Governance Through Content and Building Communication Channels

HIP-002 launches a new branded content initiative titled "The DAO Talks", led by second-term honorary committee member DaDa and produced by HTX DAO. The series will feature interviews with promising Web3 projects, discussions on DAO governance, analysis of market trends, and interactive AMAs with the community.

Airing weekly on X Spaces and HTX Live, the program functions as both a regular touchpoint for HTX DAOs outreach and a strategic conduit linking the community, project teams, and investors. Through open conversations with high-potential projects, the series offers a community-driven perspective to boost token listing decisions on the HTX exchange and acts as a discovery mechanism for ecosystem growth. Paired with real-time market insights and community engagement through AMAs, the initiative strengthens user participation and offers $HTX holders access to rewards such as airdrops and whitelist opportunities.

HTX DAO is redefining governance as a transparent and participatory process, evolving from a closed organization to a collaborative hub that links projects, exchanges, and users, thereby delivering decentralized coordination and shared value creation. By integrating content with governance, HTX DAO is establishing an efficient platform for communication, due diligence, and ecosystem synergy.

Community-Driven Future for HTX DAO

The transition of HIP-001 and HIP-002 from conceptualization to reality is a direct result of community votes and widespread support. These proposals fortify the DAOs institutional foundation and underscore its inherent dynamism.

Looking ahead, HTX DAO remains committed to its principles of openness, transparency, and community-driven governance. The DAO will continue to encourage global contributors to actively participate in building a more inclusive, sustainable, and decentralized ecosystem.

About HTX DAO

As a multi-chain deployed decentralized autonomous organization (DAO), HTX DAO demonstrates an innovative governance approach. It pioneers a blended CeFi/DeFi paradigm, including listing and community governance, through its focus on building an exchange DAO and a free financial hub ecosystem. Unlike traditional corporate structures, it adopts a decentralized governance structure composed of a diversified group, jointly committed to the success of this organization. This unique ecosystem advocates openness and encourages all DAO participants to propose ideas that can promote the development of HTX DAO.

Contact information

Website: www.htxdao.com

Email Address: media@htxdao.com

Disclaimer: This press release is provided by the HTX. The statements, views, and opinions expressed in this content are solely those of the content provider and do not necessarily reflect the views of this media platform or its publisher. We do not endorse, verify, or guarantee the accuracy, completeness, or reliability of any information presented. We do not guarantee any claims, statements, or promises made in this article. This content is for informational purposes only and should not be considered financial, investment, or trading advice.

Investing in crypto and mining-related opportunities involves significant risks, including the potential loss of capital. It is possible to lose all your capital. These products may not be suitable for everyone, and you should ensure that you understand the risks involved. Seek independent advice if necessary. Speculate only with funds that you can afford to lose. Readers are strongly encouraged to conduct their own research and consult with a qualified financial advisor before making any investment decisions. However, due to the inherently speculative nature of the blockchain sectorincluding cryptocurrency, NFTs, and miningcomplete accuracy cannot always be guaranteed.

Neither the media platform nor the publisher shall be held responsible for any fraudulent activities, misrepresentations, or financial losses arising from the content of this press release. In the event of any legal claims or charges against this article, we accept no liability or responsibility.

Legal Disclaimer: This media platform provides the content of this article on an "as-is" basis, without any warranties or representations of any kind, express or implied. We assume no responsibility for any inaccuracies, errors, or omissions. We do not assume any responsibility or liability for the accuracy, content, images, videos, licenses, completeness, legality, or reliability of the information presented herein. Any concerns, complaints, or copyright issues related to this article should be directed to the content provider mentioned above.

A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/acc5da67-19bc-4700-ba63-5b9d38c5967a
BEIJING, April 17, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- KE Holdings Inc. (Beike or the Company) (NYSE: BEKE; HKEX: 2423), a leading integrated online and offline platform for housing transactions and services, today announced that it will hold an annual general meeting of the Companys shareholders (the AGM) at 10:00 a.m. Beijing time on Friday, June 13, 2025 at Oriental Electronic Technology Building, No. 2 Chuangye Road, Haidian District, Beijing, PRC, for the purposes of considering and, if thought fit, passing each of the Proposed Resolutions as defined and set forth in the notice of the AGM (the AGM Notice). A circular of the Company dated April 17, 2025 in relation to the AGM, the AGM Notice and the form of proxy for the AGM are available on the Companys website at https://investors.ke.com/. The board of directors of the Company fully supports the Proposed Resolutions and recommends that shareholders and holders of American depositary shares (ADSs) of the Company vote in favor of the Proposed Resolutions.

Holders of record of the Companys ordinary shares as of the close of business on May 13, 2025, Hong Kong time, are entitled to receive notice of, and to attend and vote at, the AGM or any adjournment or postponement thereof. Holders of record of ADSs as of the close of business on May 13, 2025, New York time, who wish to exercise their voting rights for the underlying Class A ordinary shares must give voting instructions to The Bank of New York Mellon, the depositary of the ADSs, if the ADSs are held by holders on the books and records of the depositary, or indirectly through a bank, brokerage or other securities intermediary, if the ADSs are held by any of them on behalf of holders of the ADSs.

The Company has filed its annual report on Form 20-F, including its audited financial statements, for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2024, with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (the SEC). The Companys annual report on Form 20-F can be accessed on the Companys website at https://investors.ke.com/ and on the SECs website at http://www.sec.gov.

About KE Holdings Inc.

KE Holdings Inc. is a leading integrated online and offline platform for housing transactions and services. The Company is a pioneer in building infrastructure and standards to reinvent how service providers and customers efficiently navigate and complete housing transactions and services in China, ranging from existing and new home sales, home rentals, to home renovation and furnishing, and other services. The Company owns and operates Lianjia, Chinas leading real estate brokerage brand and an integral part of its Beike platform. With more than 23 years of operating experience through Lianjia since its inception in 2001, the Company believes the success and proven track record of Lianjia pave the way for it to build its infrastructure and standards and drive the rapid and sustainable growth of Beike.

Safe Harbor Statement

This press release contains statements that may constitute forward-looking statements pursuant to the safe harbor provisions of the U.S. Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These forward-looking statements can be identified by terminology such as will, expects, anticipates, aims, future, intends, plans, believes, estimates, likely to, and similar statements. Beike may also make written or oral forward-looking statements in its periodic reports to the SEC and The Stock Exchange of Hong Kong Limited (the Hong Kong Stock Exchange), in its annual report to shareholders, in press releases and other written materials and in oral statements made by its officers, directors or employees to third parties. Statements that are not historical facts, including statements about KE Holdings Inc.s beliefs, plans, and expectations, are forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements involve inherent risks and uncertainties. A number of factors could cause actual results to differ materially from those contained in any forward-looking statement, including but not limited to the following: Beikes goals and strategies; Beikes future business development, financial condition and results of operations; expected changes in the Companys revenues, costs or expenditures; Beikes ability to empower services and facilitate transactions on Beike platform; competition in the industry in which Beike operates; relevant government policies and regulations relating to the industry; Beikes ability to protect the Companys systems and infrastructures from cyber-attacks; Beikes dependence on the integrity of brokerage brands, stores and agents on the Companys platform; general economic and business conditions in China and globally; and assumptions underlying or related to any of the foregoing. Further information regarding these and other risks is included in KE Holdings Inc.s filings with the SEC and the Hong Kong Stock Exchange. All information provided in this press release is as of the date of this press release, and KE Holdings Inc. does not undertake any obligation to update any forward-looking statement, except as required under applicable law.

For more information, please visit: https://investors.ke.com.

For investor and media inquiries, please contact:

In China:

KE Holdings Inc.

Investor Relations

Siting Li

E-mail: ir@ke.com

Piacente Financial Communications

Jenny Cai

Tel: +86-10-6508-0677

E-mail: ke@tpg-ir.com

In the United States:

Piacente Financial Communications

Brandi Piacente

Tel: +1-212-481-2050

E-mail: ke@tpg-ir.com

Source: KE Holdings Inc.
BOSTON, April 17, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Amwell (NYSE: AMWL), a leader in digital care, will report first quarter 2025 operating results after stock market trading hours on Thursday, May 1 2025.

Following the distribution of the earnings alert via wire services, the Amwell management team will host a live conference call and webcast at 5 p.m. ET to review the company's operating results and provide a general business update.

The full earnings report and the live audio webcast can be accessed by visiting the Investors section of the company's website. A webcast replay of the call will be available at investors.amwell.com for approximately 90 days.

About Amwell

Amwell offers payers and health systems a single, comprehensive, technology-enabled care platform. We use technology to provide patients with better access to more convenient, affordable and effective care. The Amwell platform includes software and services that power many clinical programs from Amwell and our growing number of partners. Our platform allows patients to experience unified, personalized and simple access to diversified clinical programs across the care continuum. As more people seek care online and more clinical programs become available, we offer integrated, future-ready, consistent solutions. The Amwell platform is proven, operating at a large scale, enabling care for millions of patients and their sponsors while delivering dependable outcomes. For almost two decades, Amwell has proudly served some of the largest and most sophisticated healthcare organizations in the U.S. and worldwide. For more information, visit business.amwell.com or LinkedIn.

2025 American Well Corporation. All rights reserved. Amwell, SilverCloud, Amwell Converge, Carepoint and the Amwell Logo are registered trademarks of American Well Corporation.
Dublin, April 17, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The "India Hot Rolled & Cold Rolled Steel Market, By Region, Competition, Forecast & Opportunities, 2020-2030F" has been added to ResearchAndMarkets.com's offering.





The India Hot Rolled & Cold Rolled Steel Market was valued at USD 171.11 Billion in 2024 and is projected to reach USD 270.49 Billion by 2030, with a CAGR of 7.77%. As the second-largest producer of crude steel globally, India produced 125.32 million tons (MT) of crude and 121.29 MT of finished steel in FY23. Domestic steel demand is expected to grow by 9-10% in FY25, with production poised to rise by 4-7% to 123-127 MT in FY24.

Key Market Drivers:

The booming automotive industry is a major driver. India's automotive sector, one of the largest worldwide, generates increasing steel demand, particularly Cold Rolled Steel, for its strength, smooth finish, and precise dimensions essential in manufacturing. The demand is further fueled by the trend toward electric vehicles (EVs), which require lightweight, durable frames for improved battery efficiency. The government's "Make in India" initiative also contributes, with foreign car manufacturers investing in domestic production. The automotive industry in India, valued at USD 122 billion in 2024, is forecasted to grow at a CAGR of 10-12%, reaching USD 230 billion by 2030, positioning India as the world's third-largest automotive market following China and the USA.

Key Market Challenges:

Volatility in raw material prices, especially for iron ore and coal, presents significant challenges. Despite being one of the largest steel producers, India heavily relies on global markets for these materials. Price fluctuations, driven by mining disruptions and policy changes, impact production costs and profitability. Concurrently, supply chain disruptions from geopolitical tensions, natural disasters, or events like COVID-19 compound material shortages. Strategies to mitigate these issues include enhancing production efficiencies, exploring alternative raw materials, and strengthening supply chain resilience.

Key Market Trends:

The market is seeing a rise in demand for high-strength, lightweight steel, driven by automotive and construction industries seeking materials with superior strength-to-weight ratios. The switch to advanced high-strength steel (AHSS) and ultra-high-strength steel (UHSS) is reducing vehicle weight and boosting fuel efficiency. This trend extends to the construction industry, where such steel supports modern infrastructure needs. Indian manufacturers are investing in R&D to produce advanced Hot Rolled and Cold Rolled Steel, focusing on strength, durability, and lightweight properties.

Key Market Players:

ArcelorMittal Nippon Steel India Limited

Tata Steel Limited

JSW Group

Steel Authority of India Limited (SAIL)

Indian Steel Corporation Limited

Jindal Steel & Power Limited

Rashtriya Ispat Nigam Limited

Key Attributes:





Report Attribute Details No. of Pages 88 Forecast Period 2024 - 2030 Estimated Market Value (USD) in 2024 $171.11 Billion Forecasted Market Value (USD) by 2030 $270.49 Billion Compound Annual Growth Rate 7.7% Regions Covered India





Key Topics Covered:



1. Product Overview



2. Research Methodology



3. Executive Summary



4. Voice of Customer



5. India Hot Rolled & Cold Rolled Steel Market Outlook



6. South India Hot Rolled & Cold Rolled Steel Market Outlook



7. North India Hot Rolled & Cold Rolled Steel Market Outlook



8. West India Hot Rolled & Cold Rolled Steel Market Outlook



9. East India Hot Rolled & Cold Rolled Steel Market Outlook



10. Market Dynamics



11. Market Trends & Developments



12. India Economic Profile



13. Company Profiles



14. Strategic Recommendations



15. About the Publisher & Disclaimer

For more information about this report visit https://www.researchandmarkets.com/r/af3837

About ResearchAndMarkets.com

ResearchAndMarkets.com is the world's leading source for international market research reports and market data. We provide you with the latest data on international and regional markets, key industries, the top companies, new products and the latest trends.

Attachment
DALLAS, April 17, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- P10, Inc. (NYSE: PX), a leading private markets solutions provider, today announced it will release its first quarter 2025 results on Thursday, May 8, 2025, before the U.S. markets open.

The company will host a conference call and live webcast at 8:30 a.m. Eastern Time on the same day. The webcast may be accessed here. All participants joining by telephone should register here for personal dial-in and PIN numbers.

For those unable to participate in the live call, a replay will be made available on P10s investor relations page at ir.p10alts.com.

About P10

P10 is a leading multi-asset class private markets solutions provider in the alternative asset management industry. P10s mission is to provide its investors differentiated access to a broad set of investment solutions that address their diverse investment needs within private markets. As of December 31, 2024, P10s products have a global investor base of more than 3,800 investors across 50 states, 60 countries, and six continents, which includes some of the worlds largest pension funds, endowments, foundations, corporate pensions, and financial institutions.

Visit www.p10alts.com.

P10 Investor Contact:

info@p10alts.com

P10 Media Contact:

Josh Clarkson

Taylor Donahue

pro-p10@prosek.com
OGDEN, Utah, April 17, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- TAB Bank closed a $4 million asset-based lending (ABL) and $2.5 million equipment loan with HydroEdge Solutions, a leading water transfer and fluid management services provider for the energy industry. This capital will allow HydroEdge Solutions to expand its operations, furthering its commitment to efficiency, safety and sustainability.

HydroEdge Solutions , based in Canonsburg, PA, specializes in delivering fluid management solutions, ensuring the seamless transfer of fluids from the source to the destination without leaks, interruptions or incidents. The companys services include automation, trucking and water transfer with a focus on safety and environmental responsibility.

We are excited to partner with HydroEdge Solutions in providing tailored financial solutions to support its growth, said Bill Bahls, Vice President of Business Development at TAB Bank. TAB Bank specializes in supporting innovative companies like HydroEdge with a combination of working capital and equipment financing. The right balance of financing types allows companies to acquire the necessary equipment while maintaining the liquidity they need for operational and scalable growth.

TAB Bank structured the deal as an accounts receivable (AR)-only ABL facility, with an initial funding of $4.4 millioncomprised of both ABL and new equipment funding lines. This working capital and equipment financing will support HydroEdge Solutions growth trajectory, strengthening operational stability and supporting expansion.

We have really enjoyed working with the team from TAB Bank, said John Folino, CFO of Myers Water Transfer, LLC dba HydroEdge Solutions. They have been instrumental in crafting a credit solution unique to our companys needs that will prove to be vital as we scale. We look forward to continuing to work with them in the months and years to come as a trusted financial partner.

TAB Bank offers customized financial solutions to small and midsized businesses across various industries, specializing in asset-based lending, equipment financing and working capital solutions. By partnering with companies like HydroEdge Solutions, TAB Bank reaffirms its missionbuilding value by providing bold financial solutions that lift and empower.

About TAB Bank

At TAB Bank , our mission is to unlock dreams with bold financial solutions that empower individuals and businesses nationwide. We are committed to making financial success accessible to everyone through our innovative banking products. Our dedication drives us to continuously improve, ensuring that we meet the evolving needs of our clients with excellence and agility. For over 25 years, we have remained steadfast in offering tailored, technology-enabled solutions designed to simplify and enhance the banking experience.

For more information about how we can help you achieve your financial dreams, visit www.TABBank.com .
NEW YORK, April 17, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Leading securities law firm Bleichmar Fonti & Auld LLP announces that a lawsuit has been filed against Atkore Inc. (NYSE: ATKR) and certain of the Companys senior executives for potential violations of the federal securities laws.

If you invested in Atkore, you are encouraged to obtain additional information by visiting https://www.bfalaw.com/cases-investigations/atkore-inc.

Investors have until April 23, 2025, to ask the Court to be appointed to lead the case. The complaint asserts claims under Sections 10(b) and 20(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 on behalf of investors who purchased Atkore stock. The case is pending in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Illinois and is captioned Westchester Putnam Counties Heavy & Highway Laborers Local 60 Benefits Fund v. Atkore Inc., et al., No. 25-cv-01851.

Why was Atkore Sued for Securities Fraud?

Atkore manufactures electrical, safety, and infrastructure products including polyvinyl chloride water and electrical conduit pipes (PVC Pipe). During the COVID-19 pandemic, shipping costs rose dramatically, leaving foreign PVC Pipe manufacturers unable to profitably sell PVC Pipe in the U.S. As shipping prices returned to normal when the pandemic subsided in 2022, foreign PVC Pipe manufacturers gradually returned to the U.S. market. Shortly thereafter, in late 2022, the price of PVC Pipe began to decline.

As alleged, Atkore repeatedly misrepresented that post-pandemic PVC Pipe price declines were the result of pricing normalization that reflected competitive dynamics and assured investors that the Company would continue to successfully compete in the post-COVID-19 market.

On July 24, 2024, an activist investor named ManBear published a report titled Pipe Price Fixing which accused Atkore and three of its competitors of using the commodity pricing service OPIS to coordinate pricing actions and fix the price of PVC Pipe.

In truth, it is alleged that Atkore engaged in an anticompetitive price-fixing scheme that artificially inflated the price of PVC Pipes.

The Stock Declines as the Truth is Revealed

On February 4, 2025, Atkore announced disappointing earnings and reduced guidance, disclosing that the plastic pipe and conduit product category declined mid-single digits during the quarter compared to high single digits in the prior year, and largely attributed the guidance reduction to Atkores PVC Pipe business, stating, roughly $75 million or 3/4 [of the guidance reduction] is on the PVC side. This news caused the price of Atkore stock to decline nearly 20%, from $79.72 per share on February 3, 2025 to $64.13 per share on February 4, 2025.

On February 14, 2025, Atkore disclosed that it received a grand jury subpoena from the U.S. Department of Justice Antitrust Division seeking the production of documents relating to the pricing of the Companys PVC pipe and conduit products.

Click here if you suffered losses: https://www.bfalaw.com/cases-investigations/atkore-inc.

What Can You Do?

If you invested in Atkore you may have legal options and are encouraged to submit your information to the firm.

All representation is on a contingency fee basis, there is no cost to you. Shareholders are not responsible for any court costs or expenses of litigation. The firm will seek court approval for any potential fees and expenses.

Submit your information by visiting:

https://www.bfalaw.com/cases-investigations/atkore-inc

Or contact:

Ross Shikowitz

ross@bfalaw.com

212-789-3619

Why Bleichmar Fonti & Auld LLP?

Bleichmar Fonti & Auld LLP is a leading international law firm representing plaintiffs in securities class actions and shareholder litigation. It was named among the Top 5 plaintiff law firms by ISS SCAS in 2023 and its attorneys have been named Titans of the Plaintiffs Bar by Law360 and SuperLawyers by Thompson Reuters. Among its recent notable successes, BFA recovered over $900 million in value from Tesla, Inc.s Board of Directors, as well as $420 million from Teva Pharmaceutical Ind. Ltd.

For more information about BFA and its attorneys, please visit https://www.bfalaw.com.

https://www.bfalaw.com/cases-investigations/atkore-inc

Attorney advertising. Past results do not guarantee future outcomes.
CHICAGO, April 17, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Basis Technologies ( https://basis.com/ ), the industrys leading advertising automation platform, today announced annual survey results revealing AI is almost at full industry adoption, with 98% of agencies leveraging the technology in their workflows. Additionally, generative AI use at agencies has skyrocketed, with nearly 40% of respondents saying they use it every day as part of their workflows. By comparison, in 2023, a Basis survey revealed that less than 10% of advertising professionals used AI daily and 33% said that they didnt use it at all.

Agency leaders cited the top reasons for using AI were for ideation brainstorming (86%) and research purposes (72%). Additionally, 76% of senior agency leaders said they plan to increase their AI investment over the next 12 months, with 77% actively seeking out technology to help automate or streamline processes. Basis study was completed in March 2025 by more than 170 senior respondents at North American/Global agencies. To download the full 2025 Advertising Agency Report, please visit https://basis.com/reports/2025-advertising-agency-report.

In the early days of AI, we knew it was going to be a transformative technology, but the speed of scale from experimental usage to full agency adoption is astounding, said Katie McAdams, chief marketing officer at Basis Technologies. However, there are numerous areas within agencies where it has not yet taken full root, like data optimization, ad iteration or media buying  all of which AI is naturally suited to help streamline. I believe the full impact of AI on our industry has yet to be realized or understood.

Additional findings include:

The State of Agency Work

More than half of agency leaders said their organizations 2024 revenue was up from the year prior, while around one-quarter said numbers were down. Another 22% said revenues were flat.

More than 40% of respondents reported that their agencies have conducted layoffs within the last 12 months, a slight increase from 2024 (36%).

Just over half of agency professionals (55%) are open to looking for a new job within the next 12 months, compared to 56% of all US workers. However, just 19% of respondents said they were somewhat or very likely to go job hunting in the year ahead.

A growing majority of agency professionals (61%) believe that digital advertising has gotten harder over the last two years, up slightly year-over-year.





Agency Challenges

Inefficient processes are the greatest challenge agencies report facing (56%), followed closely by rising costs (43%), shrinking profits (43%), and siloed/disconnected systems (42%).

With advertisers confronting the growing threats of AI-generated misinformation, hate speech and rolled-back content moderation efforts on social media platforms, 85% of agency professionals believe brand safety risks are greater today than they were at this time last year, with nearly two-thirds of all respondents (64%) believing they are significantly higher.

More than half of respondents (51%) said their current adtech/martech stack consists of eight or more tools, with 40% juggling 10+ tools to manage their clients campaigns. Last year, just 17% of full-service and media agencies said they were managing 10+ tools.





Basis Technologies provides advertising software with an integrated suite of modular applications for planning, operations, and more across programmatic, publisher-direct, search, and social channels.

About Basis Technologies

Basis Technologies is solving the advertising industrys biggest problems with the most comprehensive advertising automation platform. As a unified command center for agencies and brands, Basis delivers an integrated suite of modular applications, each specializing in unique areas such as planning, operations, reporting, and financial reconciliation across programmatic, publisher-direct, search, and social channels. By closing system gaps, automating workflows, and streamlining data management, Basis empowers leaders to increase efficiency and productivity -- driving financial success for their organizations. Renowned for its dedication to both employees and customers, Basis creates more seamless operations and fosters a happier, more engaged workforce. Learn more at https://basis.com.

Press Contact

Anthony Loredo

anthony.loredo@basis.com

917-573-4157

Photos accompanying this announcement are available at

https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/44558c4d-ee6a-4a9b-85f2-6cbda66993cf

https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/b89cd885-4bbe-4402-b2e9-e88ef7a20e4e
Ramat Gan, Israel, April 17, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Can-Fite BioPharma Ltd. (NYSE American: CANF) (TASE: CANF), a biotechnology company developing a pipeline of proprietary small molecule drugs targeting oncological and inflammatory diseases, today announced that leading Medical Centers in the US are approaching the FDA, asking for compassionate use approval to treat patients with pancreatic carcinoma with the company oncological drug Namodenoson.

Namodenoson has recently received FDA approval for its first single-patient compassionate use treatment, marking a significant milestone in its clinical journey. This approval has sparked growing interest from oncologists at leading U.S. medical centers, who are now seeking to treat their pancreatic cancer patients with Namodenoson under compassionate use protocols.

Simultaneously, Can-Fite is actively enrolling patients in Israel for a Phase IIa studyan open-label trial designed for individuals with advanced pancreatic adenocarcinoma whose disease has progressed despite at least first-line therapy. The trial aims to assess the safety, clinical activity, and pharmacokinetics (PK) of Namodenoson in this challenging patient population. The study is led by Dr. Salomon Stemmer, a renowned key opinion leader at the Institute of Oncology, Rabin Medical Center, Israel. Notably, Namodenoson has been granted Orphan Drug Designation by the U.S. FDA, further underscoring its potential as a promising therapeutic option.

We are thrilled that more top-tier U.S. medical centers are recognizing the potential of Namodenoson and are eager to participate in our compassionate use program, said Motti Farbstein, CEO of Can-Fite. Our goal is to provide this underserved patient population with a novel treatment that may extend survival and improve quality of life.

About Namodenoson

Namodenoson is a small orally bioavailable drug that binds with high affinity and selectivity to the A3 adenosine receptor (A3AR). Namodenoson is currently being evaluated in a pivotal Phase III trial for advanced liver cancer, a Phase IIb trial for the treatment of Metabolic Dysfunction-associated Steatohepatitis (MASH), and in a Phase IIa study in pancreatic cancer. A3AR is highly expressed in diseased cells whereas low expression is found in normal cells. This differential expression may be one of the important factors that accounts for the excellent safety profile of the drug.

About Can-Fite BioPharma Ltd.

Can-Fite BioPharma Ltd. (NYSE American: CANF) (TASE: CANF) is an advanced clinical stage drug development Company with a platform technology that is designed to address multi-billion-dollar markets in the treatment of cancer, liver, and inflammatory disease. The Companys lead drug candidate, Piclidenoson recently reported topline results in a Phase III trial for psoriasis and is expected to commence a pivotal Phase III. Can-Fites liver drug, Namodenoson, is being evaluated in a Phase III trial for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), a Phase IIb trial for the treatment of MASH, and in a Phase IIa study in pancreatic cancer. Namodenoson has been granted Orphan Drug Designation in the U.S. and Europe and Fast Track Designation as a second line treatment for HCC by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. Namodenoson has also shown proof of concept to potentially treat other cancers including colon, prostate, and melanoma. CF602, the Companys third drug candidate, has shown efficacy in the treatment of erectile dysfunction. These drugs have an excellent safety profile with experience in over 1,600 patients in clinical studies to date. For more information please visit: https://www.canfite.com/.

Forward-Looking Statements

This press release may contain forward-looking statements, about Can-Fites expectations, beliefs or intentions regarding, among other things, its product development efforts, business, financial condition, results of operations, strategies or prospects. All statements in this communication, other than those relating to historical facts, are forward looking statements. Forward-looking statements can be identified by the use of forward-looking words such as believe, expect, intend, plan, may, should or anticipate or their negatives or other variations of these words or other comparable words or by the fact that these statements do not relate strictly to historical or current matters. Forward-looking statements relate to anticipated or expected events, activities, trends or results as of the date they are made. Because forward-looking statements relate to matters that have not yet occurred, these statements are inherently subject to known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause Can-Fites actual results, performance or achievements to be materially different from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by the forward-looking statements. Important factors that could cause actual results, performance or achievements to differ materially from those anticipated in these forward-looking statements include, among other things, our history of losses and needs for additional capital to fund our operations and our inability to obtain additional capital on acceptable terms, or at all; uncertainties of cash flows and inability to meet working capital needs; the initiation, timing, progress and results of our preclinical studies, clinical trials and other product candidate development efforts; our ability to advance our product candidates into clinical trials or to successfully complete our preclinical studies or clinical trials; our receipt of regulatory approvals for our product candidates, and the timing of other regulatory filings and approvals; the clinical development, commercialization and market acceptance of our product candidates; our ability to establish and maintain strategic partnerships and other corporate collaborations; the implementation of our business model and strategic plans for our business and product candidates; the scope of protection we are able to establish and maintain for intellectual property rights covering our product candidates and our ability to operate our business without infringing the intellectual property rights of others; competitive companies, technologies and our industry; risks related to any resurgence of the COVID-19 pandemic and the war between Israel and Hamas; risks related to not satisfying the continued listing requirements of NYSE American; and statements as to the impact of the political and security situation in Israel on our business. More information on these risks, uncertainties and other factors is included from time to time in the Risk Factors section of Can-Fites Annual Report on Form 20-F filed with the SEC on March 28, 2024 and other public reports filed with the SEC and in its periodic filings with the TASE. Existing and prospective investors are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date hereof. Can-Fite undertakes no obligation to publicly update or review any forward-looking statement, whether as a result of new information, future developments or otherwise, except as may be required by any applicable securities laws.

Contact

Can-Fite BioPharma

Motti Farbstein

info@canfite.com

+972-3-9241114
CHICAGO, April 17, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Numerator, a data and tech company serving the market research space, has released consumer sentiment and purchase data findings around Economic Blackout events, a series of consumer spending boycotts organized by The Peoples Union USA activist group. With the next Economic Blackout scheduled for April 1820, 2025, Numerator surveyed 2,000+ consumers on April 15 to understand participation intentions and analyzed verified purchase behavior for the previous Economic Blackout on February 28th to understand consumer response.

April 1820 Economic Blackout  Consumer Survey Findings:

More than 1 in 10 consumers plan to participate  down from February. 12% of U.S. consumers say they will abstain from shopping on April 1820, down from the 16% who said they planned to participate in the February 28 event. Millennials were the most likely generation (16%) to say they will participate, followed by Gen X (13%), and Gen Z (12%), and Boomers+ (10%).

12% of U.S. consumers say they will abstain from shopping on April 1820, down from the 16% who said they planned to participate in the February 28 event. Millennials were the most likely generation (16%) to say they will participate, followed by Gen X (13%), and Gen Z (12%), and Boomers+ (10%). Awareness of the April event is lower than the February event and highest among minorities. About one-third of U.S. consumers (31%) say they are aware of the April Blackout, down from 38% in February. Awareness is significantly higher among Asian (45%), Hispanic / Latino (45%), and Black (44%) consumers.

About one-third of U.S. consumers (31%) say they are aware of the April Blackout, down from 38% in February. Awareness is significantly higher among Asian (45%), Hispanic / Latino (45%), and Black (44%) consumers. The majority of consumers support the protest, though opposition is growing. Among those who are aware of the protests, 58% say they support the goals or purpose, while 18% say they oppose it (+7 points vs. February)

Among those who are aware of the protests, 58% say they support the goals or purpose, while 18% say they oppose it (+7 points vs. February) Not all participants plan to fully stop spending during the blackout. 63% of participants say they will avoid non-essential purchases during the event, while 58% will avoid shopping at major chain retailers and 53% will avoid fast food chains & restaurants. Only about half (52%) of intended participants plan to avoid spending any money at all.

63% of participants say they will avoid non-essential purchases during the event, while 58% will avoid shopping at major chain retailers and 53% will avoid fast food chains & restaurants. Only about half (52%) of intended participants plan to avoid spending any money at all. Participants are targeting big box stores during the Blackout. The top retailers that participants intend to avoid are Target (70% of participants), Walmart (66%), and Amazon (65%), though Target was the only retailer to see an increase from the February 28 event (+2 points). Other businesses that consumers intend to boycott include McDonalds (46%), Starbucks (45%), Sams Club (41%), Walgreens (36%), CVS (32%), Costco (27%), and Kroger (25%).

The top retailers that participants intend to avoid are Target (70% of participants), Walmart (66%), and Amazon (65%), though Target was the only retailer to see an increase from the February 28 event (+2 points). Other businesses that consumers intend to boycott include McDonalds (46%), Starbucks (45%), Sams Club (41%), Walgreens (36%), CVS (32%), Costco (27%), and Kroger (25%). Nearly half of participants will shift to local businesses for any essential spending. When asked how they will approach spending in relation to the Economic Blackout, participants said they will shift purchases to local businesses (47%), forgo certain purchases entirely (36%), pause purchases during the Blackout period (22%), delay certain purchases until after the Blackout (21%), and make purchases in the days leading up to the Blackout (17%).

February 28 Economic Blackout  Verified Purchase Data Findings:

While household penetration, sales, and trips were down across retailers and channels during the first Blackout on February 28, these changes were not statistically significant. Compared to an average Friday, household penetration was down by 2 percentage points, sales fell 5.4%, and shopping trips were down 4.1%. While noticeable, these dips did not meet the threshold for statistical significance. However, Amazon, Target, and Walmart saw declines beyond standard week-to-week variation. Household penetration at these retailers dropped to 22.7% (-2.2 points), which was a statistically significant decline. While drops in sales (-6.2%) and trips (-7.5%) did not quite hit the significance threshold, they were notably steeper than the total market declines.

Compared to an average Friday, household penetration was down by 2 percentage points, sales fell 5.4%, and shopping trips were down 4.1%. While noticeable, these dips did not meet the threshold for statistical significance. Black consumers showed the most significant purchasing pullbacks during the February 28th Economic Blackout. Among Black shoppers, relative penetration across all channels and retailers dropped 10.1 points, with sales down 18.7% and trips down 17.6%. Black households collectively spent fewer than $1B the Friday of the Blackouta drop of more than $220 million and the only time that has occurred in the past year. Amazon, Target, and Walmart saw even bigger drops among Black consumers. At Amazon, Target, and Walmart, penetration among Black shoppers fell 6.6 points, with a 24.9% sales drop and 27% fewer trips.

Among Black shoppers, relative penetration across all channels and retailers dropped 10.1 points, with sales down 18.7% and trips down 17.6%. Black households collectively spent fewer than $1B the Friday of the Blackouta drop of more than $220 million and the only time that has occurred in the past year. LGBTQ+ shoppers also registered statistically significant changes. Relative penetration dropped by 4.7 points at a total market level for LGBTQ+ consumers.

Numerators February 28 Economic Blackout Survey was fielded on 2/27/2025 to 1,389 U.S. consumers. Numerators April 1820 Economic Blackout Survey was fielded on 4/15/2025 to 2,007 U.S. consumers. Results of the February 28 Economic Blackout are based on verified purchase data from over 200,000 U.S. households and benchmarks 2/28/25 shopping behaviors to the average Friday in the past year.

About Numerator:

Numerator is a data and tech company bringing speed and scale to market research. Numerator blends first-party data from over 1 million US households with advanced technology to provide 360-degree consumer understanding for the market research industry that has been slow to change. Headquartered in Chicago, IL, Numerator has 5,800 employees worldwide; 80 of the top 100 CPG brands manufacturers are Numerator clients.
DUBLIN, Ohio, April 17, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Tyson Group has been named the Gold Globee Winner at the 2025 Globee Awards for Sales, Marketing, Service & Operations, earning top honors in the Sales Training and Development Program of the Year category for its proprietary Sales Team Science framework. This elite recognition affirms Tyson Groups leadership, innovation, and proven excellence in transforming sales teams through optimizing sales effectiveness and driving revenue across industries.

To achieve Gold, entries must earn an average score of 9.0 or higher from an esteemed panel of more than 85 global judges. This award highlights Tyson Groups exceptional performance and commitment to delivering measurable sales outcomes in todays fast-evolving marketplace.

We are deeply honored to be recognized as a Gold Globee Award winner for 2025, said Lance Tyson, President and CEO of Tyson Group. Our Sales Team Science methodology is designed to tackle the real challenges sales organizations face todayfrom talent and process issues to the pressures of constant market change. This award is a powerful validation of the work our team does every day to help clients achieve their revenue goals and outperform the competition.

Tyson Groups award-winning Sales Team Science methodology is a data-driven, comprehensive framework that evaluates and optimizes the seven critical elements required to build and sustain high-performance sales organizations: Leadership, Management, Process, Effectiveness, Methodology, Talent, and Enablement.

Importantly, these elements are addressed within the broader Sales Environmenta dynamic, ever-shifting landscape shaped by changing buyer expectations, competitive pressures, and economic variables. Sales Team Science gives organizations the tools to adapt and thrive in this complexity.

Through in-depth diagnostic assessments, predictive analytics, and proprietary talent evaluations measuring over 140 sales competencies across 18 benchmark data points, Tyson Group helps sales leaders identify gaps, align strategies, and maximize team performance. The result? Accelerated sales cycles, increased productivity, reduced turnover, and consistently higher close rates.

This Gold Globee Award underscores Tyson Groups relentless focus on delivering customized, results-driven solutions, not off-the-shelf training programs. Whether advising Fortune 500 brands or emerging leaders, Tyson Group enables sales teams to excel through precise, personalized programs built on real-world insights.

Tyson Group has also earned national recognition with back-to-back appearances on the Inc. 5000 list of fastest-growing companies, reinforcing the measurable success they bring to their clientsand the competitive edge their programs deliver.

The Gold Globee isnt just an honor for our teamits a reflection of the powerful outcomes our clients are achieving in the field, said Tyson. In a time when sales organizations are being pushed to do more with less, our mission is to equip them with the systems, insights, and talent strategies to rise to the challenge.

As the sales profession continues to evolve, Tyson Group remains at the forefront, helping companies build elite teams and execute high-performance strategies in any market condition.

About the Globee Awards

The Globee Awards are among the worlds leading business recognition programs, honoring achievements in innovation, performance, and customer impact across industries. Learn more at https://globeeawards.com.

About Tyson Group

Tyson Group delivers award-winning sales consulting and training tailored to the real needs of todays sales organizations. Through their proprietary Sales Team Science framework, Tyson Group helps companies build, scale, and sustain high-performing sales teams that deliver measurable results. Learn more at www.tysongroup.com.
NEWPORT BEACH, Calif., April 17, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- via IBN -- The 37th Annual ROTH Conference welcomed thousands of participants from around the globe to Dana Point, California, where the event has been proudly hosted for the past 25 years. This year marked more than just another successful gathering of institutional investors, company executives, and industry visionaries. It was also a milestone in Roth Capital Partners, LLCs (ROTH) enduring commitment to the local community that has helped shape the events identity over the last quarter-century.

One of the most meaningful moments of the conference took place on March 17, when the City of Dana Point formally recognized Bryon Roth, Ted Roth, and Gordon Roth for their 25-year contribution to the citys cultural, economic, and philanthropic landscape. The recognition ceremony, coordinated by the Eco Yacht Group in collaboration with Dana Point officials, brought together mayors, community leaders, nonprofit founders, and ROTH team members to celebrate the positive local impact made possible by this long-standing partnership. Mayor Matthew Pagano and Mayor Pro Tem John Gabbard presented official certificates of recognition, applauding the Roth familys dedication to fostering opportunity, economic development, and charitable contributions since the conference began its residency in Dana Point.

The honorees received custom gift baskets curated with premium items from local and sponsor partners including El Septimo cigars and cognac, Kindred Wines, Hook Hand Rum, Perduret Champagne, Once Upon A Coconut premium beverages, and several other thoughtful tokens of appreciation that reflect both the spirit of Dana Point and the caliber of the ROTH Experience.

Throughout the weekend, the conferences connection to the Dana Point community was woven into a number of thoughtfully planned experiences. In partnership with the City of Dana Point, Visit Dana Point, the Dana Point Chamber of Commerce, and local businesses such as the Dana Cliffs Marriott, attendees were welcomed not just as guests, but as contributors to a shared community story. ROTH worked with a local artist to create a custom welcome card that was placed in each hotel room, offering a heartfelt introduction to Dana Points coastal heritage and creative spirit. A Dana Point Heritage Walk, held in conjunction with the Challenged Athletes Foundation charity event, gave guests the chance to explore the towns cultural and historical landmarks while engaging directly with local partners.

The spirit of giving was further highlighted through support of the California Love Drop initiative, which provides meals and supplies to first responders and communities affected by California wildfires. ROTHs support of this initiative was represented by longtime partner Wing Lam, founder of Wahoos Fish Tacos, and exemplifies the companys ongoing dedication to social impact initiatives that extend far beyond the financial sector.

Two signature gatherings helped deepen the sense of connection between conference attendees and community leaders. The Eco Yacht Groups VIP Tide to Table Dinner at Glasspar Seafood & Steakhouse and the Tide to Table Yacht Luncheon in Dana Point Harbor brought together a diverse group of innovators, creatives, ocean conservationists, and executives. These experiences were supported by local sponsors including Once Upon A Coconut, Luxicon, and Stillwater Spirits & Sounds. Guests enjoyed meaningful conversations around sustainability, entrepreneurship, and shared responsibility in a setting that was both elegant and grounded in community values.

Among the many distinguished guests in attendance were ROTH CEO Sagar Sheth, CMO Isabel Mattson-Pain, ROTH Sustainability Banking Senior Advisor John Cavalier, Meta World Peace, Roma Stibravy, President of NGO Sustainability and UN Advisor to ROTH, Herbert (Beto) Bedolfe III, Founder of OCEANA, Executive Director of the Marisla Foundation, and Board Member of SIMA, Scott Kitcher, CEO of Sustain SoCal, Grammy-winning producer Jimmy Thomas, and leadership from organizations including Hollo.ai, Cox Communications, the Plastic Pollution Coalition, and the Surf Industry Manufacturers Association. Their presence spoke volumes about the type of environment ROTH continues to fosterone that blends innovation and investment with purpose and connection.

The Dana Point community has been an incredible partner to us over the last 25 years, said ROTH CFO Gordon Roth. We are honored and deeply grateful for the recognition from the city. But more importantly, we are proud of the meaningful relationships weve built and the positive impact we've been able to make together. From local nonprofits and small businesses to civic leaders and artists, this conference is a success because of the people who come together to make it so.

The ROTH Conference continues to be one of the premier investor events in the country, yet its strength lies in the relationships it cultivatesboth in boardrooms and in the heart of Dana Point. As ROTH looks ahead to the next chapter, it remains committed to growing those relationships and deepening its impact as a partner, neighbor, and responsible corporate citizen.

About ROTH

ROTH is a relationship-driven investment bank focused on serving growth companies and their investors. Our full-service platform provides capital raising, high-impact equity research, macroeconomics, sales and trading, technical insights, derivatives strategies, M&A advisory, and corporate access. Headquartered in Newport Beach, California, ROTH is a privately held, employee-owned organization and maintains offices throughout the U.S. For more information on ROTH, please visit www.roth.com.

Investor Contact:

Roth Capital Partners

Isabel Mattson-Pain

Managing Director, Chief Marketing Officer

949.720.7117, imattson-pain@roth.com

ROTH  Member FINRA/SIPC  www.roth.com

Media Contact:

IBN

Austin, Texas

www.InvestorBrandNetwork.com

512.354.7000 Office

Editor@InvestorBrandNetwork.com
Toronto, April 17, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Restaurants Canada congratulates the Ontario government for tabling legislation to remove its Canadian Free Trade Agreement (CFTA) exceptions, adopt mutual recognition with reciprocating provinces, liberalize labour mobility and allow direct-to-consumer sales of alcohol.

Every premier in Canada should be looking to Ontario and doing what it did yesterday on interprovincial trade, said Kelly Higginson, President and CEO of Restaurants Canada. Its also important to highlight the leadership of Nova Scotia and New Brunswick on this issue. Well only have true free trade within our borders once every province acts.

Restaurants Canada has been advocating for the removal of interprovincial trade barriers for years. With the U.S. tariff war threatening Canadas food supply chains, its more important than ever that Canadian businesses and producers can trade freely across provincial borders.

Were very pleased that the Ontario government is lifting all of its CFTA exceptions and adopting a mutual recognition framework with provinces willing to do the same, added Kris Barnier, Vice-President for Central Canada at Restaurants Canada. This will allow Ontario businesses to diversify their supply and client networks, do business more efficiently and ultimately make them more competitive and resilient in the face of economic upheaval.

Yesterdays announcement comes on the heels of a commitment from Premier Ford and Finance Minister Bethlenfalvy at Restaurants Canadas RC Show in Toronto last week to increase the discount restaurants and bars receive at LCBO from 10% to 15%.

Restaurants Canada is calling on all provinces to use the tools at their disposal, such as removing internal trade barriers, to help foodservice businesses regain their footing amid the ongoing trade dispute with the U.S.

Right now, there is real opportunity for Canada to modernize its internal trade framework, and the momentum is strong. Yesterdays move by Ontario is an important first step, but we need a real Team Canada approach from all provinces and territories, added Higginson.

About Restaurants Canada

Restaurants Canada is a national, not-for-profit association advancing Canadas diverse and dynamic foodservice industry. Restaurants are a nearly $120 billion industry employing 1.2 million Canadians and is the number one source of first-time jobs in Canada.
In accordance with a halt work order issued by the US government, Empire Offshore Wind LLC (Empire) will safely halt the offshore construction in waters of the outer continental shelf for the Empire Wind project.

On 16 April, Empire received notice from the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (BOEM), ordering Empire to halt all activities on the outer continental shelf until BOEM has completed its review.

Empire is engaging with relevant authorities to clarify this matter and is considering its legal remedies, including appealing the order.

The federal lease for Empire Wind was signed with the US Administration in 2017. Empire Wind 1 has validly secured all necessary federal and state permits and is currently under construction. The project is being developed under contract with New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA) to provide an important new source of electricity for the State of New York. The construction phase has put more than 1,500 people to work in the US. Empire wind 1 has the potential to power 500,000 New York homes.

Empire is complying with the order affecting project activities for Empire Wind. Upon receipt of the order, immediate steps were taken by Empire and its contractors to initiate suspension of relevant marine activities, ensuring the safety of workers and the environment.

Empire Wind has per 31 March 2025 a gross book value of around USD 2.5 billion, including South Brooklyn Marine Terminal.

Equinors ownership to Empire is held through the Equinor Wind US LLC.

Total amount drawn under the project finance term loan facility per 31 March 2025 was around USD 1.5 billion. Empire is in the process of ascertaining the impact on the project and project financing. Equinor US Holdings Inc has provided guarantees for the equity commitment in the project financing. In a full stop scenario, the USD 1.5 billion will be repaid from the equity commitment to the project finance lenders and Empire Offshore Wind LLC will be exposed to termination fees towards its suppliers.

The halt work order will be disclosed as a subsequent event in the first quarter 2025 report.

Equinor is a broad energy company with more than 35 years of history in the US. Equinor has invested more than 60 billion USD in the US to date, including in oil, gas and renewables.

Contact persons:

Investor relations:

Bard Glad Pedersen, Senior vice president Investor Relations,

+47 918 01 791

Media relations:

Sissel Rinde, Vice president Media Relations,

+47 412 60 584

This information is subject to the disclosure requirements pursuant to Section 5-12 of the Norwegian Securities Trading Act
ZURICH, April 17, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Margarita Finance, a next-gen DeFi platform, is proud to introduce the AI Bartender  a smart, conversational trading assistant designed to make decentralized finance (DeFi) radically easier and more accessible for everyone.

Built natively on Solana and powered by Wormhole , the AI Bartender allows users to seamlessly trade, swap, and earn across chains without complexity.

What is the Margarita AI Bartender?

The AI Bartender is a powerful yet intuitive DeFi assistant that allows users to:

Request an investment product based on their preferred assets, risk and yield

Reduce the complexities of investing in DeFi

Bridge across other chains via Wormholes integration



Were building a future where trading DeFi is as simple as going to order a zesty Margarita said Margarita Co-Founder Matthias Wyss. The AI Bartender breaks down the barriers that have kept many out of DeFi.

To mark the occasion of crossing 10,000 signups and 10,000 X followers, Margarita Finance is hosting a $10,000 AI Bartender a Signup Event giving early users the chance to test the AI Bartender, trade on-chain, and earn rewards. Users can participate here :

The team secured a $1M in pre-seed round in late 2024 with backing from top-tier VCs and angels including:

Jump Crypto

Solana Ventures

G20

Tomahawk

And many others

They are currently raising a $4M seed round from top tier VCs, and are exploring a TGE for their native $MARG token in Q3.

Margaritas AI Bartender is one of the first real-world products to deeply integrate Wormhole for seamless crosschain access. Users can interact with DeFi apps across Solana, Ethereum, Arbitrum, and beyond  all from one intuitive interface.



To learn more about Margarita Finance, join their Telegram , and follow these useful links:

Website

Twitter/X

Telegram

Zealy Quests

Contact Info: Matthias Wyss

Email: matthias@margarita.finance
Independent filmmaking is broken, and Director Clemy Clarke knows it. She went and made "Hi How Are You?" to reimagine the possibilities.

An Unfiltered Look at Exile, Resilience, Survival, and Love to Audiences Worldwide

LOS ANGELES, April 17, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Andre Naline Productions announced today the digital release of Hi How Are You?, an asteroid love story by director Clemy Clarke that is revolutionizing independent filmmaking. Shot entirely in selfie mode on iPhone across eight countries, the multilingual debut feature is now available for rental and purchase on Amazon Prime Video in the United States.





Hi How Are You? Official Poster

Where & When: LOS ANGELES, CA  LA-based acclaimed French filmmaker Clemy Clarke, known for her web series Hollywood and short film After Anyuta, unveils her highly anticipated debut feature, Hi How Are You?.

Who: In this film, Clarke combines the limitations of the challenging times with limitless creativity, bringing audiences a story of survival, exile, and reconnection in the face of impending catastropheall through the lens of a smartphone in selfie mode.

What & How: The first feature film shot entirely in selfie mode, Hi How Are You? is set in seven years in the future and follows an Iranian musician in Brooklyn, starring real-life artist Siavash Karampour (of The Yellow Dogs), who reconnects with a former lover in Paris amid rumors of an asteroid collision threatening Earth.

The innovative use of the iPhone across international locations including the United States, France, Brazil, Sweden, Iran, and the UK infuses a heightened intimacy, stripping away the artifice to reveal authentic emotion. The selfie-mode perspective transforms everyday smartphone interactions into a powerful storytelling device, offering viewers a window into each character's private world. The film captures raw, unfiltered moments of human connection in times of crisis. With Authentic Casting and Global Acclaim, Hi How Are You? Becomes a Model for Future Filmmakers.

Clarke conceived the story after encountering Siavash Karampour at a punk rock show in Brooklyn. Drawn to his powerful presence and moved by his past, Clarke was inspired to tell a story of exile, resilience, and self-discovery, symbolized by an ominous asteroid. I felt compelled to create a character who, like Siavash, is displaced, unable to return home, and constantly reinventing himself, she shares.

With the encouragement of New York-based producer C.C. Kellogg and Paris-based producer Adele de Fontbrune to pursue the versatility of mobile filmmaking, Clarke directed remotely from Paris. Not only was HHAY filmed in several countries, but the films crew was based all over the world. Actors uploaded footage in real-time, enabling Clarke and her London-based cinematographer, Irene Gomez-Emilsson, to guide the next scenes from across continents. This unconventional process is enhanced by the films approach, allowing each actors true personality to shine through.

About HHAY: A Story Born from Connection and Creativity

Clarkes casting was as unconventional as her filming technique. Each character is based on people she has met and connected with through the years, including Anouchka Delon, daughter of the late Alain Delon, and established high fashion model and rising actress Heloise Giraud. Actors like Manuel Gelin, Meital Peretz, and Izzy Pollak bring their unique backgrounds and experiences, adding layers of authenticity to this complex, interconnected narrative.

Since debuting at film festivals in Los Angeles such as the Santa Monica Film Festival and the Culver City Film Festival, Hi How Are You? has earned critical praise, winning Best Feature Film and Jury Award at the Barcelona Cinephone Film Festival in 2023 and solidifying Clarkes voice in cinemas new age. The accolades are a testament to the power of resilience, creativity, and technology, she reflects, and I hope this film inspires others to create despite limitations.

Thinking out of the Box

Stella Adler said that actors should be at the center; not producers, not writers, or directors. The world can collapse, and anything can happen behind a believable performance. They are the source, my job is to make sure we can all feel that and the iPhone is the modern tool for authenticity, Clarke said.

With her debut feature receiving high praise, Clarke is already eyeing her next projects, including a comedy and a period fantasy TV series. We need stories that make us laugh and escape, she shares, hinting at the versatility and depth she aims to bring to future work.

Hi How Are You? invites audiences into a world of resilience and connection, proving that great storytelling transcends boundaries. The film will is now available for digital rental and purchase on Amazon Prime Video.

Hi How Are You?

YOUTUBE TRAILER

AMAZON US

PRIVATE SCREENER LINK (PRESS ONLY) Password: hhay

E.P.K





Clemy Clarke: www.clemyclarke.com







Musician Siavash Karampour as MANI in "Hi How Are You?"

About Andre Naline Productions



We are a production company focused on timeless stories and crazy world energy, for your 21st century screen. Paris and LA-based. Globally-minded. Our most recent project and award-winning international feature Hi How Are You?, directed by French director Clemy Clarke and shot remotely on iPhone in selfie-mode across 8 territories, is available on Amazon Prime Video US in March 2025.

Press inquiries

Andre Naline Productions

https://www.andrenalineproductions.com

Adele de Fontbrune

prod@andrenalineproductions.com

Photos accompanying this announcement are available at:

https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/e69324f6-7e4b-40da-ba23-2030722826bc

https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/85289439-01e8-444a-bc50-6350f94a71f3

A video accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/126ea8a1-6210-4e51-ade8-9480142bb125
NEW YORK, April 17, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Pomerantz LLP announces that a class action lawsuit has been filed against Actinium Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (Actinium or the Company) (NYSE: ATNM). Such investors are advised to contact Danielle Peyton at newaction@pomlaw.com or 646-581-9980, (or 888.4-POMLAW), toll-free, Ext. 7980. Those who inquire by e-mail are encouraged to include their mailing address, telephone number, and the number of shares purchased.

The class action concerns whether Actinium and certain of its officers and/or directors have engaged in securities fraud or other unlawful business practices.

You have until May 26, 2025 to ask the Court to appoint you as Lead Plaintiff for the class if you purchased or otherwise acquired Actinium securities during the Class Period. A copy of the Complaint can be obtained at www.pomerantzlaw.com .

[Click here for information about joining the class action]

On August 5, 2024, Actinium issued a press release announc[ing] a regulatory update on the Companys planned Biologics License Application (BLA) filing for Iomab-B in patients with active relapsed or refractory acute myeloid leukemia (r/r AML). The press release stated, in relevant part, that the U.S. Food and Drug Administration had determined that the Phase 3 SIERRA trial is not adequate to support a BLA filing for Iomab-B despite its statistically significant primary endpoint[.]

On this news, Actiniums stock price fell $3.69 per share, or nearly 60%, to close at $2.48 per share on August 5, 2024.

Pomerantz LLP, with offices in New York, Chicago, Los Angeles, London, Paris, and Tel Aviv, is acknowledged as one of the premier firms in the areas of corporate, securities, and antitrust class litigation. Founded by the late Abraham L. Pomerantz, known as the dean of the class action bar, Pomerantz pioneered the field of securities class actions. Today, more than 85 years later, Pomerantz continues in the tradition he established, fighting for the rights of the victims of securities fraud, breaches of fiduciary duty, and corporate misconduct. The Firm has recovered numerous multimillion-dollar damages awards on behalf of class members. See www.pomlaw.com .

Attorney advertising. Prior results do not guarantee similar outcomes.
VANCOUVER, British Columbia, April 17, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Forte Minerals Corp. ("Forte" or the "Company") (CSE: CUAU) (OTCQB: FOMNF) (Frankfurt: 2OA) is pleased to announce its engagement of Trion Communications GmbH ("Trion") to provide investor relations and communication services in the German-speaking markets, effective April 1, 2025, in accordance with Canadian Securities Exchange ("CSE") policies.

Trion Communications GmbH will support Forte in enhancing visibility among investors in Germany, Austria, and Switzerland. Their role includes distributing company news, translating shareholder communications, coordinating editorial placements in German financial publications, and fielding investor inquiries via multiple channels.

As per the consulting agreement, Trion will receive a monthly fee of 2,500 during an initial three-month trial period ending June 30, 2025. If the Company finds the engagement effective, the term may be extended by an additional three months at the same rate. In addition, Trion will be granted 50,000 stock options of Forte Minerals, vesting quarterly over one year, with a two-year expiry from the grant date, subject to CSE approval.

About Trion Communications GmbH



Trion Communications GmbH is a Germany-based investor relations firm specializing in capital markets outreach for resource and exploration companies. With a proven track record across the DACH region (Germany, Austria, Switzerland), Trion delivers visibility and investor engagement through targeted campaigns, editorial placement, and shareholder communications.

About Forte Minerals Corp.

Forte Minerals Corp. is an exploration company with a strong portfolio of high-quality copper (Cu) and gold (Au) assets in Peru. Our strategic partnership with GlobeTrotters Resources Peru S.A.C. (GTR) grants us access to a comprehensive project pipeline, enabling us to target the most promising opportunities. This collaboration focuses on historically discovered, drill-ready targets, driving significant value in Cu and Au resource development.

On behalf of FORTE MINERALS CORP.

(signed) Patrick Elliott

Chief Executive Officer

For further information, please contact:

Forte Minerals Corp.

office: (604) 983-8847

info@forteminerals.com

www.forteminerals.com

Certain statements included in this press release constitute forward-looking information or statements (collectively, forward-looking statements), including those identified by the expressions anticipate, believe, plan, estimate, expect, intend, may, should and similar expressions to the extent they relate to the Company or its management. The forward-looking statements are not historical facts but reflect current expectations regarding future results or events. This press release contains forward looking statements. These forward-looking statements are based on current expectations and various estimates, factors and assumptions and involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors.

Forward-looking statements are not a guarantee of future performance and involve risks, uncertainties and assumptions which are difficult to predict. Factors that could cause the actual results to differ materially from those in forward-looking statements include the continued availability of capital and financing, and general economic, market or business conditions, including the effects of COVID-19. Forward-looking statements contained in this press release are expressly qualified by this cautionary statement. These statements should not be read as guarantees of future performance or results. Such statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause actual results, performance or achievements to be materially different from those implied by such statements. Although such statements are based on management's reasonable assumptions, there can be no assurance that the statements will prove to be accurate or that managements expectations or estimates of future developments, circumstances or results will materialize. The Company assumes no responsibility to update or revise forward-looking information to reflect new events or circumstances unless required by law. Readers should not place undue reliance on the Companys forward-looking statements.

Neither the Canadian Securities Exchange (the CSE) nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the CSE) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.
NEW YORK, April 17, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Pomerantz LLP is investigating claims on behalf of investors of Altria Group, Inc. (Altria or the Company) (NYSE: MO). Such investors are advised to contact Danielle Peyton at newaction@pomlaw.com or 646-581-9980, ext. 7980.

The investigation concerns whether Altria and certain of its officers and/or directors have engaged in securities fraud or other unlawful business practices.

[Click here for information about joining the class action]

On April 2, 2025, Deutsche Bank downgraded Altria to Hold from Buy, citing, in part, regulatory uncertainty after the U.S. International Trade Commission ruled that Altrias NJOY ACE e-vapor products infringe on patents owned by Juul Labs.

On news of the downgrade, Altrias stock price fell $1.67 or 2.84% to close at $57.12 per share on April 2, 2025.

Pomerantz LLP, with offices in New York, Chicago, Los Angeles, London, Paris, and Tel Aviv, is acknowledged as one of the premier firms in the areas of corporate, securities, and antitrust class litigation. Founded by the late Abraham L. Pomerantz, known as the dean of the class action bar, Pomerantz pioneered the field of securities class actions. Today, more than 85 years later, Pomerantz continues in the tradition he established, fighting for the rights of the victims of securities fraud, breaches of fiduciary duty, and corporate misconduct. The Firm has recovered numerous multimillion-dollar damages awards on behalf of class members. See www.pomlaw.com.

Attorney advertising. Prior results do not guarantee similar outcomes.
Burlingame, CA, April 17, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Coherent Market Insights published a report, titled, "Chromatography Market, By Chromatography Systems (Gas Chromatography Systems, Liquid Chromatography Systems, Fluid Chromatography Systems, Thin Layer Chromatography Systems), By Consumables & Accessories (Columns, Detectors, Pressure regulators, Solvents, Syringes/Needles, Others), By End User (Pharmaceutical & Biotechnology Company, Academic & Research Institutes, Food & Beverage Company, Life Science Industries, Others): Global Opportunity Analysis and Industry Forecast, 2025-2032". According to the report, the global chromatography market size was valued at $10.00 billion in 2025, and is projected to reach $14.37 billion by 2032, growing at a CAGR of 5.3% from 2025 to 2032.

Request a Sample of the US Tariff Impact Analysis Report: https://www.coherentmarketinsights.com/insight/request-sample/4072

Global Chromatography Market Key Takeaways

 The global chromatography market size is anticipated to expand from USD 10 billion in 2025 to USD 14.37 billion by 2032, exhibiting a CAGR of 5.3% throughout the forecast period.

Liquid chromatography systems are expected to dominate the target industry, accounting for around 2/5 of the total revenue share in 2025. This can be attributed to high sensitivity, precision, and specificity of liquid chromatography systems.

Based on consumable & accessories, columns segment is set to account for a prominent global chromatography market share in 2025.

By end user, pharmaceutical & biotechnology segment will likely retain its market dominance during the forecast period.

 As per Coherent Market Insights latest chromatography market research, North America is expected to dominate the industry, accounting for nearly two-fifths of the total market revenue share in 2025.

 Asia Pacific will remain the fastest-growing chromatography market during the assessment period, owing to rapid expansion of pharmaceutical and biologics sectors across nations like India and China.

Chromatography Market Report Coverage

Report Coverage Details Market Revenue in 2025 $10.00 billion Estimated Value by 2032 $14.37 billion Growth Rate Poised to grow at a CAGR of 5.3% Historical Data 2020 To 2024 Forecast Period 2025 To 2032 Forecast Units Value (USD Million/Billion) Report Coverage Revenue Forecast, Competitive Landscape, Growth Factors, and Trends Segments Covered By Chromatography Systems, By Consumables & Accessories, By End User Geographies Covered North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, and Rest of World Restraints & Challenges  Increasing R&D investments in pharmaceutical and biotechnology industries



 Developing Healthcare Sector Growth Drivers  High costs associated with chromatography instruments



 Requirement of skilled professionals to operate chromatography instruments

High Adoption of Chromatography in Pharma and Biotech Sectors Fueling Growth

A new report by Coherent Market Insights outlines significant chromatography market growth factors. One key factor expected to spur growth is the increasing adoption of chromatography in pharmaceutical and biotechnology sectors.

Chromatography has gained immense traction in pharmaceutical and biotech industries. It is widely employed in drug development, quality control, and purification processes. Thus, rising focus on research and development activities will likely fuel demand for chromatography systems.

Penetration of counterfeit pharmaceuticals is also positively impacting the chromatography market demand. According to the World Health Organizations report, about 1 in 10 medical products circulating in low- and middle-income countries are either falsified or substandard. This has necessitated the use of rapid testing and analysis of imported medicines, thereby driving demand for chromatography solutions.

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High Equipment Cost and Availability of Alternative Technologies Restraining Growth

The chromatography market forecast looks promising. However, certain factors are expected to limit its growth to some extent. These include high cost of chromatography systems and availability of alternative technologies.

Advanced chromatography systems are more expensive than conventional ones, which limits their adoption across research labs and institutions with limited budgets. Many end users also prefer to use more cost-effective and efficient alternatives like electrophoresis and spectrometry. This is expected to further limit growth of the chromatography market.

Rising Food Safety Concerns to Create Growth Prospects for Companies

Modern consumers demand high-quality food products amid rising food safety concerns. This is prompting food manufacturers to employ chromatography technologies for food testing and quality assurance, thereby creating growth prospects for chromatography system manufacturers.

Chromatography systems, including liquid and gas chromatography systems, have the tendency to detect contaminants, pesticides, additives, and other components in food products precisely. By doing so, they help ensure product quality, consistency, and regulatory compliance.

Increasing number of food testing laboratories globally is also expected to improve the chromatography market value during the forecast period. Various governments and regulatory bodies across the world are rigorously investing in developing and upgrading food testing infrastructure. As per CMIs latest chromatography market analysis, such initiatives are anticipated to fuel demand for advanced chromatography solutions.

Emerging Chromatography Market Trends

Demand for advanced chromatography techniques is increasing rapidly in the biopharmaceutical sector. They are being used for purification and analysis of complex biological molecules like monoclonal antibodies and nucleotides.

Expanding usage of chromatography in clinical and diagnostic fields will likely foster sales growth. Chromatography systems are often used for detecting and monitoring complex diseases like diabetes and cancer, particularly through identification of biomarkers.

There is a growing trend of using eco-friendly solvents and sustainable practices in chromatography. This is expected to help companies reduce their carbon footprint as well as woo eco-conscious customers.

Leading manufacturers of chromatography systems are focusing on integrating AI and ML into workflows to improve efficiency and reduce human error. New microfluidic-based chromatography systems are being developed for on-site and point-of-care testing in clinical diagnostics and environmental monitoring.

Similarly, more automated chromatography systems are making their way into the market. Many companies are also introducing ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography (UHPLC) systems that offer improved analytical capabilities.

Ask for Customization Report: https://www.coherentmarketinsights.com/insight/request-customization/4072

Analysts View

The global chromatography market is witnessing steady growth, driven primarily by its increasing adoption of chromatography systems across food, pharmaceutical, biotechnology, and life science industries, said senior analyst Komal Dighe. Advancements in chromatography software and systems and implementation of stringent food and pharmaceutical safety regulations will likely open new growth avenues for chromatography system manufacturers.

Competitor Insights

Key companies in the chromatography market report include:

Restek Corporation

Shimadzu Corporation

Agilent Technologies

Danaher Corporation

Hitachi Ltd.

Phenomenex

Bio-Rad Laboratories

Gilson Inc.

Young Lin Instrument Co., Ltd

Merck KGAA

PerkinElmer, Inc.

Thermo Fisher Scientific, Inc.

Restek Corporation

Waters Corporation.

Phenomenex

Tosoh Bioscience

Key Developments

In October 2024, Agilent Technologies Inc. introduced its next-generation Agilent InfinityLab LC series, which includes the 1260 Infinity III Prime LC, 1290 Infinity III LC, and 1260 Infinity III LC models. These are the first high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) systems that feature the new Agilent InfinityLab Assist Technology. They have the tendency to enhance task automation, error detection, connectivity, and predictive feedback, thereby allowing labs to focus more on achieving results rather than on daily operations.

In April 2024, Waters Corporation launched the Alliance iS Bio HPLC System for pharmaceutical and biotechnology sectors. The new high-performance liquid chromatography system is designed to help biopharmaceutical QC laboratories boost efficiency and reduce common errors.

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Detailed Segmentation-

By Chromatography Systems:

Gas Chromatography Systems

Liquid Chromatography Systems

Fluid Chromatography Systems

Thin Layer Chromatography Systems

By Consumables & Accessories

Columns

Detectors

Pressure regulators

Solvents

Syringes/Needles

Others

By End User

Pharmaceutical & Biotechnology Company

Academic & Research Institutes

Food & Beverage Company

Life Science Industries

Others





By Region:

North America U.S. Canada

Latin America Brazil Argentina Mexico Rest of Latin America

Europe Germany U,K. Spain France Italy Russia Rest of Europe

Asia Pacific China India Japan Australia South Korea ASEAN Rest of Asia Pacific

Middle East GCC Countries Israel Rest of Middle East

Africa South Africa North Africa Central Africa



Transform your Strategy with Exclusive Trending Reports:

The chromatography resins market is estimated to be valued at USD 2.82 Bn in 2025 and is expected to reach USD 4.51 Bn by 2032, exhibiting a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 6.9% from 2025 to 2032.

Chromatography Data System Market Analysis & Forecast: 2025-2032

Prepacked Chromatography Columns Market is estimated to be valued at USD 358.6 Mn in 2025 and is expected to reach USD 610.6 Mn in 2032, exhibiting a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 7.9% from 2025 to 2032.

Liquid Chromatography Mass Spectrometry (LCMS) Market Analysis & Forecast 2032

About Us:

Coherent Market Insights leads into data and analytics, audience measurement, consumer behaviors, and market trend analysis. From shorter dispatch to in-depth insights, CMI has exceled in offering research, analytics, and consumer-focused shifts for nearly a decade. With cutting-edge syndicated tools and custom-made research services, we empower businesses to move in the direction of growth. We are multifunctional in our work scope and have 450+ seasoned consultants, analysts, and researchers across 26+ industries spread out in 32+ countries.
College Station, Texas, April 17, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The Board of Directors for Capital Farm Credit recently supported the purchase of two crop insurance agencies in the Texas Plains Region in an acquisition agreement aimed at serving as a long-term provider of critical crop insurance policies to better serve our customers.

Bennett Crop Insurance and Taylor Crop Insurance have joined Capital Farm Credits Insurance Services Group. Both were independent insurance agencies headquartered near Lubbock, Texas. These acquisitions add nine new employees and two new locations to CFCs territory.

Bennett Insurance, located in Brownfield, Texas, has been family-owned and operated since 2004 and serves several counties in the Panhandle. Taylor Crop Insurance has been in business for more than 40 years, starting as a family-owned agency in Ropesville, Texas. Taylor Crop Insurance focuses mainly on serving cotton producers in Lubbock and Hockley counties.

There are headwinds in the insurance marketplace right now, after several back-to-back years of losses in the Plains. This environment offers us an opportunity to increase our footprint in this important agricultural region, where insurance providers are less willing to offer coverage, said Jeff Norte, chief executive officer and president of Capital Farm Credit. It also allows us to work with our Approved Insurance Providers to offer coverage to the Plains as we give them access to the remainder of the state. CFC has an attractive footprint across Texas.

CFC has offered crop and livestock insurance for over 10 years. For the last two years, the association has worked to enhance its relationship-focused lending practices, cultivate new ag production loan customers, and increase non-interest income through crop insurance sales. CFC continues to promote that notion of serving agricultural customers with the insurance services they need to maintain successful operations.

Even though the Bennett and Taylor employees will join the CFC family, their customers will work with the same agents in the same locations to which they are accustomed.

This is an exciting week, as we are adding new team members to our family and expanding our insurance portfolio, Norte said. Acquiring these two agencies will help combine forces to expand the reach and influence needed to continue serving customers in the Plains Region.

About Capital Farm Credit

For more than 100 years, Capital Farm Credit has supported rural communities and agriculture with reliable, consistent credit and financial services that include home, land and agribusiness lending; equipment and facilities leasing, and insurance for crops and livestock. Capital Farm Credit is a proud member of the Farm Credit System with more than 600 employees, serving over 24,500 members and more than $13 billion in loan volume.

Since 2006, CFC has returned $2.9 billion in combined cash and allocated equities to its members. Headquartered in College Station, Texas, Capital Farm Credit has offices serving 192 of Texas 254 counties. For more information about financial services or our cooperative returns program, visit CapitalFarmCredit.com.





-30-





Connect with Capital Farm Credit: Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, LinkedIn
OTTAWA, Ontario, April 17, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Canadians coast to coast will compete against more than 700 cities in a record 70 countries in the 10th annual City Nature Challenge from April 25 to 28, 2025.

This is a massive international effort to track and showcase global biodiversity at a time when wildlife and people are remerging after a long winter, said James Page, species at risk and biodiversity specialist for the Canadian Wildlife Federation (CWF). Simply using the free iNaturalist app to grab a sound recording or snap a photo of any wild plant or animal anywhere in the city, automatically contributes to the tally and to our understanding of biodiversity, like tracking the first butterfly to emerge this season or the earliest spring flowers.

This year, 36 Canadian cities have united to represent Canada in this global competition to see which community can track the highest number of wildlife observations. Results for both Canada and participating cities internationally will be announced after May 5, 2025.

With the loss of biological diversity emerging as a global environmental threat, anyone can be part of the solution. The City Nature Challenge encourages people to upload species observations and sound recordings to the iNaturalist.ca platform. These observations become part of an international database of biodiversity to be used for conservation.

While Canadian cities will compete against each other to see which one can engage the most people and accumulate the highest number of observations, the collective number will represent Canadas total in the international competition. In 2024, over 2.4 million observations were made, and 65,682 species were identified including rare, endangered, or threatened species. In Canada, 123,451 observations were made including 5,157 different species. Metro Vancouver earned top honours with 14,066 observations including 1,563 different species. This years event runs in two parts: recording observations from April 25  28 and identifying observations April 29  May 4. Canadians not in a city officially registered for the City Nature Challenge can still participate by contributing to the Non-Registered Cities project listed in iNaturalist.ca

The City Nature Challenge was established by the California Academy of Sciences in San Francisco and Natural Museum of Los Angeles in 2016. For more information visit iNatualist.ca. You can also contribute using iNaturalist all year by joining CWFs Observation Nation project.

RELATED LINKS:

Canadian Wildlife Federation CNC Information Page: www.citynaturechallenge.ca

City Nature Challenge Canada iNaturalist Project Page: https://inaturalist.ca/projects/city-nature-challenge-canada-2025-defi-nature-urbaine

Canadian Wildlife Federation Observation Nation Project page: https://inaturalist.ca/projects/observation-nation-bioobservateurs

City Nature Challenge: https://citynaturechallenge.org/

About the Canadian Wildlife Federation:

The Canadian Wildlife Federation is a national, not-for-profit charitable organization dedicated to conserving Canadas wildlife and habitats for the use and enjoyment of all. By spreading knowledge of human impacts on wildlife and the environment, carrying out actions to conserve and restore species and habitats, developing and delivering conservation education programs, advocating for changes to government policy and programs, and co-operating with like-minded partners, CWF encourages a future in which Canadians can live in harmony with nature. For more information, visit CanadianWildlifeFederation.ca.

About the City Nature Challenge:

Started in 2016 for the first-ever Citizen Science Day, the teams at Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County and California Academy of Sciences dreamed up the City Nature Challenge as a fun way to capitalize on their home cities friendly rivalry. In 2017 the City Nature Challenge went national and in 2018 it became an international event.

English Contact: French Contact: David DeRocco James Page Sr. Manager, Marketing and Events Species at Risk and Biodiversity Specialist davidd@cwf-fcf.org jamesp@cwf-fcf.org (613) 599-9594 x 279 (613) 599-9594 x 242 (905) 975 4672 (cell) media@cwf-fcf.org

2025 CITY NATURE CHALLENGE CANADA PARTICIPATING CANADIAN CITIES

Abbotsford, B.C.

Algoma District and Chippewa County, Ont.

Annapolis Valley, N.S.

Barrie, Ont.

Brandon, Man.

Calgary, Alta.

Cape Breton Regional Municipality, N.S.

Charlottetown, P.E.I.

Edmonton, Alta.

Fort Erie, Ont.

Fredericton, N.B.

Gatineau, Que.

Greater Victoria, B.C.

Halifax Regional Municipality, N.S.

Kamloops, B.C.

Kincardine, Ont.

Kingston, Ont.

Lethbridge, Alta.

London, Ont.

Moncton; Dieppe; Tantramar, N.B.

Montreal, Que.

Niagara Falls, Ont.

Ottawa, Ont.

Quebec City, Que.

Red Deer, Alta.

Regina, Sask.

Richmond, B.C.

Saskatoon, Sask.

Sherbooke, Que.

St. Catharines, Ont.

Summerside, P.E.I.

Thunder Bay, Ont.

Toronto and Greater Toronto Area, Ont.

Vancouver, B.C.

Welland, Ont.

Winnipeg, Man.

Photos accompanying this announcement are available at

https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/343d27e9-f574-40ad-a1f1-e0f41d1a7d6a

https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/3555e5eb-4af3-4d85-a383-483f9378478d
Former Texas Governor Rick Perry; Shereef Elnahal, Former Undersecretary for Health, U.S. Dept. of Veterans Affairs; Congressman Jack Bergman; Congressman Morgan Luttrell; Javier Muniz, Former Associate Director, FDA Division of Psychiatry; Carl Hart, Ph.D.; Nolan Williams, M.D.; Gul Dolen, M.D., Ph.D.; and hundreds of policymakers, researchers, Veterans, therapists, and thought leaders to speak at Psychedelic Science 2025

Conference Registration and Hotel Booking Now Open; Exhibitor and Sponsor Opportunities Remain Available

DENVER, April 17, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Psychedelic Science  the premier global gathering for psychedelic research, medicine, policy, and culture hosted by the Multidisciplinary Association for Psychedelic Studies (MAPS)  announces the expansion of its lineup of expert speakers and immersive sessions. On June 1620, 2025, at the Colorado Convention Center in Denver, Psychedelic Science 2025 (PS2025) will convene thousands of attendees from around the world for five transformative days of education, inspiration, and integration. Registration is now open for community members, practitioners, and businesses to attend the most extraordinary week of the psychedelic movement.

This year's theme, The Integration , reflects a critical turning point in psychedelics: where research meets regulation, healing meets culture, and personal insights scale into collective change. As governments explore new regulatory models, clinical trials reach pivotal milestones, and conversations go mainstream, PS2025 invites participants to help shape an equitable and ethical future for psychedelics.

Psychedelic Science 2025 is a call to integrate decades of research, activism, and lived experience. We are entering a new era  one that demands we bring together all that weve learned and all who've contributed to this movement. Now is the time to unite the rigor of science with the wisdom of tradition, bridge regulatory systems with community care, and build a future together that centers healing and justice. PS2025 aims to integrate science, tradition, community, and policy into a movement that is sustainable, equitable, and just.

Betty Aldworth , Interim Co-Executive Director, MAPS

Psychedelic Science 2025 will feature two days of workshops and three conference programming days, covering a wide range of topics  from groundbreaking clinical research and policy discussions to cultural, artistic, and philosophical explorations. Attendees will explore themes of scientific rigor, personal transformation, and the intersection of psychedelics with music, film, and art. In addition to the panels and workshops, PS2025 will feature an exhibit hall, creative installations, and film screenings that bring the latest developments in the science of psychedelics to life.

PS2025 features programming across 14 distinct tracks, each designed to explore a vital dimension of the psychedelic ecosystem: Science, Therapy, Studies, Trials, Policy, Business, Black Liberation, Community, Statewide Initiatives, Keynote, Veterans, Plant Medicine, Society, and the Doblin Stage.

Over 300 speakers are now featured on the PS2025 website, with hundreds more to be announced in the coming weeks, including:

Researchers, scientists, and medical practitioners

Lynette Averill, Ph.D.  Associate Professor of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Baylor College of Medicine; Clinical Research Psychologist, National Center for PTSD

 Associate Professor of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Baylor College of Medicine; Clinical Research Psychologist, National Center for PTSD Raquel Bennett, Psy.D.  Ketamine Specialist; Founder, KRIYA Institute

 Ketamine Specialist; Founder, KRIYA Institute Bruce Damer, Ph.D.  Astrobiologist, previously working with NASA; Founder, Center for MINDS; Founding Director and Chief Scientist, BIOTA Institute

 Astrobiologist, previously working with NASA; Founder, Center for MINDS; Founding Director and Chief Scientist, BIOTA Institute Gul Dolen, M.D., Ph.D.  Neuroscience Professor, Helen Wills Neuroscience Institute, UC Berkeley

 Neuroscience Professor, Helen Wills Neuroscience Institute, UC Berkeley Jim Fadiman, Ph.D.  Senior Research Fellow, Sophia University; Author; Microdose Researcher

 Senior Research Fellow, Sophia University; Author; Microdose Researcher Carl Hart, Ph.D.  Professor, Columbia University Department of Psychology; NYT Best-Selling Author, Drug Use for Grown-Ups

 Professor, Columbia University Department of Psychology; NYT Best-Selling Author, Drug Use for Grown-Ups Veronica Magar, Dr.P.H.  Former Gender, Equity and Human Rights Team Leader, World Health Organization (WHO); public health researcher

 Former Gender, Equity and Human Rights Team Leader, World Health Organization (WHO); public health researcher Keren Tzarfaty, Ph.D.  Co-Founder and Executive Director of MAPS Israel; Clinical Investigator in MDMA-Assisted Therapy for PTSD trials

 Co-Founder and Executive Director of MAPS Israel; Clinical Investigator in MDMA-Assisted Therapy for PTSD trials Nolan Williams, M.D.  Associate Professor of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Stanford University; Director, Stanford Brain Stimulation Lab; Co-Founder, Soneira

 Associate Professor of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Stanford University; Director, Stanford Brain Stimulation Lab; Co-Founder, Soneira Rachel Yehuda, Ph.D.  Director, Center for Psychedelic Psychotherapy and Trauma Research at Mount Sinai; Director of Mental Health, James J. Peters Veterans Affairs Medical Center

Elected and appointed officials

Congressman Jack Bergman  Member of the U.S. House of Representatives, Michigan; Retired Lt. General in the U.S. Marine Corps

 Member of the U.S. House of Representatives, Michigan; Retired Lt. General in the U.S. Marine Corps Shereef Elnahal, M.D., M.B.A  Former Under Secretary for Health, U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs

 Former Under Secretary for Health, U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs Congressman Morgan Luttrell  Member of the U.S. House of Representatives, Texas; Retired U.S. Navy SEAL

 Member of the U.S. House of Representatives, Texas; Retired U.S. Navy SEAL Javier Muniz, M.D.  VP of Research and Development Strategy, MindMed; Former Associate Director, FDA Division of Psychiatry

 VP of Research and Development Strategy, MindMed; Former Associate Director, FDA Division of Psychiatry Rick Perry  Former Governor of Texas; Former United States Secretary of Energy

 Former Governor of Texas; Former United States Secretary of Energy Tim Ryan  Former United States Congressman, Ohio; President & CEO, Celtic Consulting

 Former United States Congressman, Ohio; President & CEO, Celtic Consulting Kyrsten Sinema  Former United States Senator, Arizona; known for her work on mental health and Veterans' issues



Business leaders and industry champions

Ron Beller  Lykos Board Member; Former Partner, Goldman Sachs

 Lykos Board Member; Former Partner, Goldman Sachs Tim Chang  Partner, Mayfield Fund

 Partner, Mayfield Fund Elliot Marseille  Director, Collaborative for the Economics of Psychedelics, UC Berkeley

 Director, Collaborative for the Economics of Psychedelics, UC Berkeley Danny Moytka  CEO, Psygen

 CEO, Psygen Kabir Nath  CEO, Compass Pathways

 CEO, Compass Pathways Jonathan Sabbagh  CEO, Journey Clinical

 CEO, Journey Clinical Mo Septimus  CFO, Lykos



Community advocates and influential voices

Vicky Dulai  Chair, MAPS Board of Directors

 Chair, MAPS Board of Directors Juliana Mercer  Executive Director, Healing Breakthrough; U.S. Marine Corps Veteran

 Executive Director, Healing Breakthrough; U.S. Marine Corps Veteran Bob Jesse  Catalyst in psychedelic research, policy, and ethics

 Catalyst in psychedelic research, policy, and ethics Zach Leary  Author; Son of Timothy Leary

 Author; Son of Timothy Leary William Leonard Pickard  Chemist; Author; Former Harvard drug policy fellow at the Kennedy School; Former prisoner in the War on Drugs

 Chemist; Author; Former Harvard drug policy fellow at the Kennedy School; Former prisoner in the War on Drugs Cipriana Quann & TK Wonder  Advocates for survivors of sexual, physical, and mental childhood abuse; Co-Founders, Urban Bush Babes; Models; Musicians; Sisters

 Advocates for survivors of sexual, physical, and mental childhood abuse; Co-Founders, Urban Bush Babes; Models; Musicians; Sisters Sandy Samberg, CPNP  Director, Joe and Sandy Samberg Foundation



Find more information about the hundreds of speakers and Psychedelic Science 2025 registration, hotel bookings, sponsorship, or exhibitor opportunities at psychedelicscience.org .

About Psychedelic Science

Psychedelic Science 2025 (PS2025), hosted by the Multidisciplinary Association for Psychedelic Studies (MAPS), is the worlds leading psychedelic conference. Returning to the Colorado Convention Center in Denver from June 16-20, 2025, this five-day event brings together a global community of scientists, therapists, policymakers, cultural leaders, and advocates to explore the forefront of psychedelic research, therapy, and culture. Produced by Superfly , known for iconic events such as Bonnaroo and Outside Lands, PS2025 will feature expert speakers; hands-on workshops; community events with art, music, and mindfulness activities; and scholarship opportunities to support broad participation.

Since its inception in 2010, the Psychedelic Science conference series has fostered knowledge-sharing, collaboration, and community-building within the psychedelic ecosystem. Join thousands of attendees as we explore the transformative potential of psychedelics and shape the future of mental health, policy, and cultural understanding. For more information and registration details, visit psychedelicscience.org , and follow us on X , Instagram , LinkedIn , and Facebook .

ABOUT MAPS

Founded in 1986, MAPS is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit research and educational organization that develops medical, legal, and cultural contexts for people to benefit from the careful use of psychedelics and marijuana. MAPS' conference flagship, Psychedelic Science , has been the leading convening of the psychedelic community since 2010. MAPS incubated Lykos Therapeutics, a drug-development public benefit company, and the Zendo Project , a leader in psychedelic harm reduction. Since MAPS founding, philanthropic donors and grantors have given more than $150 million to advance research , change drug policy , and evolve education in the field of psychedelics.
VANCOUVER, British Columbia, April 17, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Westhaven Gold Corp. (TSX-V:WHN) (Westhaven) announces that it has filed an independent technical report pursuant to National Instrument 43-101 - Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects (NI 43-101) supporting the Updated Preliminary Economic Assessment (the Updated PEA) for its 100% owned Shovelnose Gold Project, under the Westhaven profile on Sedar+ (www.sedarplus.com). The Companys news release dated March 3, 2025 summarizes the positive results of the Updated PEA for the Shovelnose Gold Project, located within the prospective Spences Bridge Gold Belt, bordering the Coquihalla Highway approximately 30 kilometres south of Merritt, British Columbia.

The Technical Report, titled Updated Preliminary Economic Assessment and Mineral Resource Estimate of the Shovelnose Gold Project, British Columbia was prepared by James L. Pearson, P.Eng., D. Grant Feasby, P.Eng., Yungang Wu, P.Geo., Antoine Yassa, P.Geo., Brian Ray, P.Geo., Jarita Barry, P.Geo., Alexander Partsch, P.Eng., Dipl.-Ing, MBA, William Stone, Ph.D., P.Geo., and Eugene Puritch, P.Eng., FEC, CET of P&E Mining Consultants Inc., Brampton, Ontario (P&E), all Independent Qualified Persons as defined by NI 43-101. The technical report includes descriptions of important assumptions, and the justifications for them, made by the Qualified Persons who prepared the Updated PEA, and upon which the Updated PEA results are based. The Updated PEA is preliminary in nature and includes Inferred Mineral Resources that are considered too speculative geologically to have the economic considerations applied to them that would enable them to be classified as Mineral Reserves, and there is no certainty that the Updated PEA will be realized. Mineral Resources are not Mineral Reserves and do not have demonstrated economic viability. There is no guarantee that Westhaven will be successful in obtaining any or all of the requisite consents, permits or approvals, regulatory or otherwise, for the Shovelnose Gold Project to be placed into production. The Updated PEA has an effective date of February 28, 2025, and the report is dated April 17th, 2025. Mr. Puritch has reviewed and approved the technical contents of this news release.

The technical report can also be found on the Westhaven website (https://www.westhavengold.com/ ).

On behalf of the Board of Directors

WESTHAVEN GOLD CORP.



"Gareth Thomas



Gareth Thomas, President, CEO & Director

Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

About Westhaven Gold Corp.
HOUSTON, April 17, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Carriage Services, Inc. (NYSE: CSV) today announced plans to release 2025 first quarter results on Wednesday, April 30, 2025, after the market closes. In conjunction with the release, Carriage Services has scheduled a conference call, which will be broadcast live via webcast on Thursday, May 1, 2025, at 8:00 a.m. Central Time.

What: Carriage Services First Quarter 2025 Earnings Conference Call When: Thursday, May 1, 2025  8:00 a.m. Central Time How: Live via phone  By dialing 888-256-1007 (Conference ID 2607303) or live via webcast link

Click to Join .



An audio archive of the call will be available on demand via the Company's website at www.carriageservices.com .

Carriage Services is a leading provider of funeral and cemetery services and merchandise in the United States. Carriage operates 160 funeral homes in 25 states and 28 cemeteries in 10 states. It is dedicated to delivering premier experiences through innovation, partnership, and elevated service.

For more information, please email InvestorRelations@carriageservices.com.
Enhancing bilateral ties: Xi's visit strengthens China-Malaysia friendship

(People's Daily App) 13:36, April 17, 2025

Chinese President Xi Jinping paid a state visit to Malaysia from Tuesday to Thursday. During his visit, Xi met with Malaysian friends to celebrate China and Malaysia's friendship and discuss future cooperation. In Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia's capital, people have expressed their hopes for enhanced collaboration and increased dialogue between the two peoples.

(Web editor: Zhong Wenxing, Liang Jun)
Fairfax, Virginia, April 17, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The challenges from individual and nation-state cyber adversaries continue to grow, making the future of cyber warfighting a whole-of-government, as well as an industry and academia set of problems. In AFCEA Internationals sixth annual The Cyber Edge Writing Award, sponsored by ManTech, 51 cyber experts challenged themselves to write articles that addressed this years theme: Cyber Defense for Critical Infrastructure, all vying for cash prizes and recognition of their work.

Innovation is at the heart of the connections that AFCEA International seeks to foster between government, military, industry and academia, said AFCEA President and CEO Lt. Gen. Susan S. Lawrence, USA (Ret.), adding that to advance that innovation, AFCEAs own SIGNAL Media has prioritized encouraging and curating innovation among writersparticularly those learning or operating in the cyber environmentthrough this enormously successful contest and award that recognizes diverse cyber talents.

AFCEA could not carry out this important function without the support of our partner ManTech, which has sponsored the award for each of the six years that the competition has been produced. The future of warfare is happening right now, driven by sophisticated cyber attacks with the power to crash critical infrastructure, at will, said Chris Cleary, vice president of ManTechs Cyber Practice. Winners of this years Cyber Edge Award show the best way to combat these threats: commitment to a strategy that deters, defends and dominates in the cyber battlespace."

A panel of judges, which includes members of AFCEAs Cyber, Homeland Security, Technology and Intelligence Committees, reviewed the submissions to help select the winners.

Participants were asked to submit articles identifying threats and offering novel solutions, including emerging technologies, training, tactics, techniques, procedures, policies and partnerships. The example problem presented was Volt Typhoon, the criminal hacker group backed by the Chinese Communist Party.

The winners will receive engraved awards, monetary prizes and recognition during an awards ceremony on May 5, 2025, in conjunction with TechNet Cyber, a flagship AFCEA International event. Most importantly, their articles will be published in the July issue of SIGNAL Magazine and posted online to SIGNAL Media.

The Cyber Edge Writing Award winners for 2025 are as follows:

The third-place award recipient is Matthew Maynard, with his article titled Moving Beyond Traditional Risk Labels: Redefining Patch Management.

Maynard is a cybersecurity researcher with more than 18 years of experience in information technology and information security. He currently serves as an incident response analyst III and purple team lead at BJC HealthCare, where he focuses on proactive threat hunting, adversary emulation and strengthening cyber defenses in the health care sector. Outside of his role at BJC, Maynard specializes in researching dark web forums and cyber criminal ecosystems. He is also a regular contributor to cybersecurity, having presented at events including RSAC, ShowMeCon and the CISO Platform.

In second place, Staff Sgt. Logan Houston, USAF, penned the article Silence on Cyber Crimes Endangers Critical Infrastructure. Houston is an active-duty member of the U.S. Air Force, serving at the Defense Information Systems Agency (DISA) Directorate. He specializes in system administration, scripting and automation. He has also previously written for Crosstalk: The Defense Software Engineering Journal. Houston holds an associates degree in information systems technology and is currently pursuing a bachelors degree in software engineering from Arizona State University.

The first-place award recipient is Evans Mugari, who wrote an article titled Kyyivstar Cyber Attack: A Deep Dive into Cyber Warfare in Ukraine. Mugari is an ardent advocate for cybersecurity, dedicating his career to safeguarding digital landscapes. With a deep-rooted passion for protecting data integrity and privacy, Mugari has immersed himself in various aspects of cybersecurity, from ethical hacking to network security. His journey began with a fascination for technology's potential and its vulnerabilities, leading him to pursue specialized education and certifications in the field. Mugari often shares his insights through workshops, blogs and conferences. Murgari is also a vocal proponent for cybersecurity education, aiming to empower individuals and organizations with the knowledge to navigate the digital world securely.

Details about the 2025-26 contest will be available in fall 2025.

###

AFCEA International is a 501(c)(6) nonprofit international professional association that connects people, ideas and solutions globally. Established in 1946, the membership association serves the military, government, industry and academia by developing networking and educational opportunities and providing an ethical forum. This enables military, government, industry and academia to align technology and strategy to meet the needs of those who serve. AFCEA operates under the guidance of a board of directors, international staff and committees. A large network of chapters is managed by a group of regional vice presidents. Join online.

Attachment
JEDDAH, Saudi Arabia, April 17, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Saudia, the national flag carrier of Saudi Arabia, has received multiple accolades in the TravelPlus Airline Amenity Awards and the Onboard Hospitality Awards, presented on the sidelines of the World Travel Catering & Onboard Services Expo 2025 which was held in Hamburg, Germany. These achievements underscore the airlines unwavering commitment to delivering industry-leading guest experiences and setting new benchmarks in onboard hospitality.

Saudia's new ELIE SAAB premium amenity kit collection has earned Gold Awards from the TravelPlus Airline Amenity Awards for Business Class: The Middle East, First Class: Unisex Kit Middle East, and Business Class: Amenity Kit Program for the Rest of the World. This groundbreaking collaboration with the renowned lifestyle brand ELIE SAAB marks their debut in aviation luxury, bringing celebrated elegance exclusively to Saudias First and Business Class guests. The kits captivated judges and guests alike with their sophisticated design and luxurious contents.

Moreover, Saudia's exquisite Saudi Coffee Cup initiative was recognized with a Gold Award for First Class Glassware. Launched in partnership with the Culinary Arts Commission under the Kingdoms Ministry of Culture, this initiative features handcrafted cups representing Saudi Arabia's diverse regions. It reflects Saudias dedication to infusing cultural elements into its service offerings while maintaining world-class standards.

Further reinforcing its status as a leader in guest comfort and innovation, Saudia was also awarded the prestigious TravelPlus Passenger Amenities Five Star Rating 2025, an honor shared by only five airlines globally this year.

The Onboard Hospitality Awards also acknowledged Saudia's innovative approach by awarding a Highly Commended recognition in the Best Service Equipment: Crew category for the airlines new cabin crew uniforms. This award reflects style as well as functionality designed to enhance service delivery onboard.

Rossen Dimitrov, Chief Guest Experience Officer at Saudia, said: "These awards are more than just trophies; they represent our relentless pursuit of excellence across all aspects of our guest experience at Saudia. From our pioneering collaboration with ELIE SAAB to the culturally rich Saudi Coffee Cup initiative and beyond, each advancement is redefining inflight luxury by combining timeless design with forward-thinking innovation that captivates and delights our guests at every moment."

About Saudia:

Saudia (Saudia Airlines) is the national flag carrier of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. Established in 1945, the company has grown to become one of the Middle Easts largest airlines.

Saudia has invested significantly in upgrading its aircraft and currently operates one of the youngest fleet, with 144 aircraft. The airline serves an extensive global route network covering around 100 destinations across four continents, including all 28 domestic airports in Saudi Arabia.

A member of the International Air Transport Association (IATA) and the Arab Air Carriers Organization (AACO), Saudia has also been a member airline in SkyTeam, the second largest alliance, since 2012.

Saudia was recently awarded the "World Class Airline 2025" for the fourth consecutive year at The APEX Official Airline Ratings awards. Saudia has also advanced 11 places in the Skytrax airlines ranking of the World Best Airlines 2023. The Airline also ranked top among global airlines for best on-time performance (OTP) according to a report by Cirium.



For more information on Saudia, please visit www.saudia.com


VANCOUVER, British Columbia, April 17, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Mustang Energy Corp. (CSE: MEC, OTC:MECPF, FRA:92T) (the Company or Mustang) is pleased to announce that it has received results from a helicopter-borne Mobile MagnetoTellurics ("MobileMT") survey conducted at its wholly owned Yellowstone Project, located in the western Athabasca Basin, Saskatchewan.

The survey was completed by Expert Geophysics of Aurora, Ontario, covering 373 line-kilometres at a 400-metre line spacing. Magnetic and Very Low Frequency (VLF) data were collected over the northeastern portion of the claim block, targeting areas not previously investigated using deep-penetrating electromagnetic (EM) methods. The MobileMT system is designed to detect conductors at depths greater than 1,000 metres, offering a high-resolution view of potential basement-hosted structures favorable for uranium mineralization.

Survey Results

Analysis of the MobileMT data has outlined multiple exploration targets, characterized by strong, deep conductive anomalies coinciding with interpreted structural features, suggesting the potential for uranium hosting hydrothermal or structural zones related to unconformity type uranium deposits. These conductive zones are interpreted as being independent from the ring structures of the Carswell impact crater, suggesting a basement origin. Several of the anomalies are coincident with structurally complex corridors, possibly linked to NW-SE trending faults, and are associated with magnetic low trendsfeatures often considered important for unconformity-type uranium systems. The VLF data reveals near-surface linear features interpreted as fault structures. These lineaments frequently align with breaks or offsets in the conductivity and magnetic datasets, as well as subtle radiometric U and Th radiometric anomalies suggesting fluid circulation from depth, adding a valuable structural layer for prioritizing targets. Geophysical surveys are not definitive, and the results are still at an early stage of interpretation, with no guarantee of a mineral discovery.

Figure 1: Mustang Energy's Yellowstone Project 2025 Mobile MT Results - showing apparent conductivity image of the lowest survey frequency (33Hz) ) related to the deepest depth of investigation of the MMT survey system.

Figure 2: Mustang Energy's Yellowstone Project 2025 Mobile MT Results - showing magnetic image of the CVG and Total Magnetic Intensity.

Figure 3: Mustang Energy's Yellowstone Project 2025 Mobile MT Results - showing very low frequency (VLF) image of near-surface conductor anomalies.

The recent MobileMT survey has successfully infilled a portion of the Yellowstone Project which had not previously seen deep penetrating electromagnetics testing, giving complete geophysical coverage across the property. The Company now has a robust dataset of airborne EM surveys, as well as magnetic and radiometric datasets, providing a comprehensive understanding of both shallow and deep-seated structures. This multi-layered geophysical framework enhances the ability to vector toward high-priority uranium targets with increased confidence. The Company is actively integrating these results with historical data to refine and prioritize future drill targets.

About the MobileMT System

Mobile Magnetic Tellurics (MobileMT) is the latest innovation in airborne electromagnetics and one of the most advanced generation of airborne AFMAG technologies. The MobileMT technology utilizes naturally occurring electromagnetic (EM) fields in the frequency range of 25  20,000 Hz. Thunderstorms release energy, some of which is converted into EM fields that propagate through the ionosphere-Earth interspace. The EM fields and currents induced by these EM fields in the subsurface are used in MobileMT to identify variations in subsurface electrical resistivity.

The MobileMT technology is the product of extensive experience in developing equipment and signal/data processing algorithms for natural EM fields measurement. MobileMT combines the latest advances in electronics, airborne system design, and sophisticated signal processing techniques. The advanced noise processing technique of both electronic and signal processing levels ensures high data quality even for low natural EM fields.

The MobileMT survey system can effectively identify deep seated structures that may be associated with feeder fault systems to uranium mineralization, and is capable of detecting both the basement-hosted electromagnetic conductors and sandstone-hosted zones of anomalous resistivity commonly associated with Athabasca Basin uranium deposits.

MobileMT is capable of resolving resistivity contrasts to depths exceeding 1000 metres, and notably, previous MobileMT surveys have successfully identified basement conductors and alteration zones in the sandstone formations of prominent uranium deposits across the Athabasca Basin.

About the Yellowstone Project

The 100% owned Yellowstone Project is situated approximately 16 kilometres from the past producing Cluff Lake Mine in the Western Athabasca Basin. The project consists of seven adjoining claims totaling 21,820 hectares. The property surrounds the exterior of the Carswell Impact Structure and is adjacent to Fission Uraniums West Cluff Project. The Carswell Impact Structure is thought to be related to a meteorite impact measuring ~18 km in diameter, which exposed basement rock that underlies the Athabasca Basin sandstone formations and hosts high grade uranium mineralization including the Cluff Lake Uranium Mine. The Yellowstone Project is transected by multiple conductors which are yet untested.

Qualifying Statement

The scientific and technical information in this release has been reviewed and approved by Lynde Guillaume, P.Geo., Technical Advisor for Mustang Energy, a registered member of the Professional Engineers and Geoscientists of Saskatchewan. Ms. Guillaume is a Qualified Person as defined by National Instrument 43-101.

Adjacent Property Disclaimer:

This news release includes references with respect to uranium deposits which are located near the Yellowstone Project. The Company advises that, notwithstanding their proximity of location, discoveries of minerals on nearby properties and any promising results thereof are not necessarily indicative of the mineralization of, or located on the Yellowstone Project, or the Companys ability to commercially exploit the Projects, or to locate any commercially exploitable deposits therefrom. The Company cautions investors on relying on this information as the Company has not confirmed the accuracy or reliability of the information.

About Mustang Energy Corp.:

Mustang is a resource exploration company focused on acquiring and developing high-potential uranium and critical mineral assets. The Company is actively exploring its properties in Northern Saskatchewan, Canada and holds 83,069 hectares in around the Athabasca Basin. Mustang's flagship property, Ford Lake, covers 7,743 hectares in the prolific eastern Athabasca Basin, while its Cigar Lake East and Roughrider South projects span 3,442 hectares to the north and the Spur Project to the south covering 23,680 hectares. Mustang has also established its footprint in the Cluff Lake region of the Athabasca Basin with the Yellowstone Project (21,820 hectares) and further expanded its presence in the south-central region of the Athabasca Basin with the Dutton Project (7,633 hectares).

For further information, please contact:

Mustang Energy Corp.

Attention: Nicholas Luksha, CEO and Director

Phone: (604) 838-0184

Neither the CSE nor the Market Regulator (as that term is defined in the policies of the CSE) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

This news release includes certain statements and information that may constitute forward-looking information within the meaning of applicable Canadian securities laws. Forward-looking statements relate to future events or future performance and reflect the expectations or beliefs of management of the Company regarding future events. Generally, forward-looking statements and information can be identified by the use of forward-looking terminology such as intends, believes or anticipates, or variations of such words and phrases or statements that certain actions, events or results may, could, should, would or occur. This information and these statements, referred to herein as forwardlooking statements, are not historical facts, are made as of the date of this news release and include without limitation, statements regarding discussions of future plans, estimates and forecasts and statements as to management's expectations and intentions with respect to, among other things, the future potential of the mineral claims held by the Company, including the Yellowstone Project and the completion of future exploration work on the Yellowstone Project, including identifying high-priority uranium targets. In making the forward-looking statements in this news release, the Company has applied several material assumptions, including without limitation the assumption that the Company will be able to continue exploring its properties given various environmental and economic factors outside of its control and that the Company will be able to integrate the survey results with historical data to refine and prioritize future drill targets. Although management of the Company has attempted to identify important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those contained in forward-looking statements or forward-looking information, there may be other factors that cause results not to be as anticipated, estimated or intended. There can be no assurance that such statements will prove to be accurate, as actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements. Accordingly, readers should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements and forward-looking information. Readers are cautioned that reliance on such information may not be appropriate for other purposes. The Company does not undertake to update any forward-looking statement, forward-looking information or financial out-look that are incorporated by reference herein, except in accordance with applicable securities laws.

Figures accompanying this announcement are available at:

https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/3f0587f5-55e1-428f-b7ea-9122f767c10d

https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/e1690e40-4777-4b46-9fd8-38b1fe99fdb1

https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/ae5561bd-bddf-4985-8115-8374ac7ad3c0
BALTIMORE, April 17, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Adams Diversified Equity Fund, Inc. (NYSE: ADX) announces the Funds investment returns for the first quarter of 2025. The total return on the Funds net asset value for the first quarter of 2025 was -3.9%, with dividends and capital gains reinvested. This compared to -4.3% total return for both the S&P 500 Index and the Morningstar U.S. Large Blend category. The total return on the Funds market price for the period was -3.9%.

The First Quarter Report to Shareholders is expected to be released on or about April 23, 2025.

ANNUALIZED COMPARATIVE RETURNS (3/31/2025) 1 Year 3 Year 5 Year 10 Year Adams Diversified Equity Fund (NAV) 6.8 % 9.4 % 18.7 % 13.0 % Adams Diversified Equity Fund (market price) 11.4 % 10.8 % 19.6 % 13.4 % Morningstar U.S. Large Blend Category 6.4 % 8.1 % 17.6 % 11.2 % S&P 500 8.3 % 9.1 % 18.6 % 12.5 %





NET ASSET VALUE ANNOUNCED

The Funds net asset value at March 31, 2025, compared with the year earlier, was:

3/31/2025 3/31/2024 Net assets $2,529,977,563 $2,829,484,494 Shares outstanding 118,862,758 124,051,688 Net asset value per share $21.28 $22.81





TEN LARGEST EQUITY PORTFOLIO HOLDINGS (3/31/25) % of Net Assets Apple Inc. 7.4 % Microsoft Corporation 6.5 % NVIDIA Corporation 5.7 % Amazon.com, Inc. 4.3 % Alphabet Inc. Class A 3.3 % Meta Platforms, Inc. Class A 2.9 % JP Morgan Chase & Co. 2.3 % Adams Natural Resources Fund, Inc.* 2.2 % Visa Inc. Class A 1.9 % Broadcom Inc. 1.8 % Total 38.3 % * Non-controlled affiliated closed-end fund





SECTOR WEIGHTINGS (3/31/2025) % of Net Assets Information Technology 29.5 % Financials 14.3 % Health Care 11.3 % Consumer Discretionary 10.7 % Communication Services 9.1 % Industrials 7.7 % Consumer Staples 6.4 % Energy 3.9 % Utilities 2.4 % Real Estate 2.2 % Materials 1.8 %





About Adams Funds

Since 1929, Adams Funds has consistently helped generations of investors reach their investment goals. Adams Funds is comprised of two closed-end funds, Adams Diversified Equity Fund, Inc. (NYSE: ADX) and Adams Natural Resources Fund, Inc. (NYSE: PEO). The Funds are actively managed by an experienced team with a disciplined approach and have paid dividends for more than 90 years across many market cycles. The Funds are committed to paying a minimum annual distribution rate of 8% of NAV paid evenly each quarter throughout the year, providing reliability for long-term shareholders. A portion of any distribution may be treated as paid from sources other than net income, including but not limited to short-term capital gain, long-term capital gain, and return of capital. The final determination of the source of all distributions for tax reporting purposes in a calendar year, including the percentage of qualified dividend income, will be made after year-end. Shares can be purchased through our transfer agent or through a broker. For more information about Adams Funds, please visit: adamsfunds.com.

For further information: adamsfunds.com/about/contact 800.638.2479
TORONTO, April 17, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Purpose Investments Inc. (Purpose), the firm behind the worlds first spot Bitcoin ETF and spot Ether ETF, is expanding its digital asset suite with the launch of the Purpose Solana ETF (ticker: SOLL). SOLL is one of the first ETFs worldwide to provide direct physical exposure to Solana while delivering staking rewards accruing directly to the fund. With native staking powered by Purposes proprietary in-house staking infrastructure, SOLL is designed to deliver the highest staking rewards currently available through spot Solana ETFs in Canada.

Now trading on the TSX, the Purpose Solana ETF reinforces Purposes position as a global leader in digital asset ETF innovation and Canadas largest digital asset ETF manager. Backed by deep expertise and a proven track record, Purpose continues to make digital assets safer and easier for investors to access.

Canadas Crypto Leader Setting the Standard for Global Innovation

Solana is pushing the boundaries of blockchain innovation from speed and scalability to real-world decentralized applications, said Vlad Tasevski, Chief Innovation Officer. With the Purpose Solana ETF, were giving investors efficient, regulated access to this rapidly growing digital ecosystem, with the added benefit of native staking. As the only fund manager operating key aspects of the fund in-house through our technology infrastructure, were able to deliver a secure and seamless investment experience, along with more efficient returns and higher yields. This launch builds on the broadest suite of crypto ETFs in the country  and our mission to lead digital asset investing both here in Canada and globally with thoughtful, purpose-built solutions that meet investors where they are and help them move forward with confidence.

Purpose Solana ETF Key Benefits

Direct Exposure to Solana: Gain direct exposure to SOL, the native asset of a high-performance platform known for its speed, scalability, and growing developer ecosystem.

Gain direct exposure to SOL, the native asset of a high-performance platform known for its speed, scalability, and growing developer ecosystem. Native Staking Yield: Capture Solanas staking yield through a regulated ETF structure  without the complexity of setting up wallets or managing on-chain assets.

Capture Solanas staking yield through a regulated ETF structure  without the complexity of setting up wallets or managing on-chain assets. Crypto-Native Advantage: Purposes in-house validator infrastructure and deep involvement in the Solana ecosystem will help to reduce cost and improve investor staking yield  offering one of the most efficient Solana staking programs on the market.

Purposes in-house validator infrastructure and deep involvement in the Solana ecosystem will help to reduce cost and improve investor staking yield  offering one of the most efficient Solana staking programs on the market. Secure, Portfolio-Ready Structure: Held in cold storage with institutional-grade custodians, the ETF trades on the TSX and can be held in registered accounts like RRSPs and TFSAs  no wallets, keys, or crypto exchanges required.

Held in cold storage with institutional-grade custodians, the ETF trades on the TSX and can be held in registered accounts like RRSPs and TFSAs  no wallets, keys, or crypto exchanges required. Uniquely Available With Three Currency Exposures: The ETF is available in CAD hedged units (ticker: SOLL), CAD non-hedged units (ticker: SOLL.B), and USD non-hedged units (ticker: SOLL.U).



The Purpose Solana ETF provides direct access to Solanas high-throughput network, with staking integrated through our proprietary validator infrastructure, said Paul Pincente, VP of Digital Assets. By internalizing key operational components  including staking and reward management  we reduce counterparty risk, improve net yield capture, and create a more efficient, institutional-grade investment structure. This level of control helps us support a more consistent and streamlined investment experience as the digital asset space continues to evolve.

Leading Crypto-Native Capability and Unmatched In-House Staking Expertise

At the core of its platform is true crypto-native capability, supported by Purpose Unlimiteds in-house staking infrastructure. Having deep control over the technology will enable greater operational efficiency and the ability to deliver higher yields to investors. This integrated approach is designed to enhance performance and security and positions Purpose as a leader in bringing institutional-grade crypto ETF solutions.

The Broadest Suite of Crypto ETFs in Canada

Purpose offers the most comprehensive suite of digital asset ETFs in Canada, designed to meet the needs of every investor profile, from active traders to long-term allocators and income-focused investors.

Purpose Digital Assets lineup includes:

Purpose Bitcoin ETF (BTCC) and Purpose Ether ETF (ETHH): The worlds first spot Bitcoin and Ether ETFs, offering regulated access, high liquidity, and a strong track record  backed by advanced features for active traders and tactical allocators.

The worlds first spot Bitcoin and Ether ETFs, offering regulated access, high liquidity, and a strong track record  backed by advanced features for active traders and tactical allocators. Purpose Bitcoin Yield ETF (BTCY) and Purpose Ether Yield ETF (ETHY): Yield-generating ETFs that use covered call strategies to help investors earn income from their Bitcoin and Ether holdings.

Yield-generating ETFs that use covered call strategies to help investors earn income from their Bitcoin and Ether holdings. Purpose Ether Staking Corp. ETF (ETHC.B): A staking-focused Ether ETF, giving investors access to Ethereums proof-of-stake rewards in a regulated structure.

A staking-focused Ether ETF, giving investors access to Ethereums proof-of-stake rewards in a regulated structure. Purpose Solana ETF (SOLL): Unlocking direct exposure to a high-speed, low-fee blockchain known for its lightning-fast transactions, developer momentum, and real-world potential with staking rewards accruing directly to the fund.

With the launch of the Purpose Solana ETF, Purpose Investments continues to expand its industry-leading digital asset lineup, providing investors with secure and simple access to blockchain innovation. This new ETF complements Purposes existing crypto suite, which includes the worlds first spot Bitcoin ETF and first Ether ETF, offering investors a comprehensive range of digital asset solutions. As blockchain technology transforms financial markets, Purpose remains committed to bridging traditional finance with the future of decentralized and emerging financial technology, helping investors navigate the evolving digital economy with confidence.

To explore the full suite of crypto ETFs, visit the Purpose Digital Assets Suite.

About Purpose Investments

Purpose Investments Inc. is an asset management company with over $22 billion in assets under management, focused on client-centric innovation across ETFs and investment funds. Purpose Investments is a division of Purpose Unlimited, an independent financial technology company led by entrepreneur Som Seif.

For further information, please email us at info@purposeinvest.com.

Media inquiries:

Keera Hart

keera.hart@kaiserpartners.com

905-580-1257

The content of this document is for informational purposes only and is not being provided in the context of an offering of any securities described herein, nor is it a recommendation or solicitation to buy, hold or sell any security. Information contained in this document is not, and under no circumstances is it to be construed as, an offering memorandum, prospectus, advertisement or public offering of securities. No securities commission or similar regulatory authority has reviewed this information, and any representation to the contrary is an offence. The information contained in this document is believed to be accurate and reliable; however, we cannot guarantee that it is complete or current at all times. The information provided is subject to change without notice.

Commissions, trailing commissions, management fees and expenses may all be associated with investment fund investments. Please read the prospectus and other disclosure documents before investing. Crypto assets can be extremely volatile, and there can be no assurance that the full amount of your investment in a fund will be returned to you. If the securities are purchased or sold on a stock exchange, you may pay more or receive less than the current net asset value. Investment funds are not guaranteed, their values change frequently, and past performance may not be repeated. Fund distribution levels and frequencies are not guaranteed and may vary at Purpose Investments' sole discretion.

Certain statements in this document may be forward-looking. Forward-looking statements ("FLS") are statements that are predictive in nature, depend on or refer to future events or conditions, or that include words such as "may, "will, "should, "could, "expect, "anticipate, "intend, "plan, "believe, "estimate," or other similar expressions. Statements that look forward in time or include anything other than historical information are subject to risks and uncertainties, and actual results, actions or events could differ materially from those set forth in the FLS. FLS are not guarantees of future performance and are, by their nature, based on numerous assumptions. Although the FLS contained in this document are based upon what Purpose Investments believes to be reasonable assumptions, Purpose Investments cannot assure that actual results will be consistent with these FLS. The reader is cautioned to consider the FLS carefully and not to place undue reliance on the FLS. Unless required by applicable law, it is not undertaken, and specifically disclaimed, that there is any intention or obligation to update or revise FLS, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.
NOT FOR DISTRIBUTION TO U.S. NEWSWIRE SERVICES OR DISSEMINATION IN THE U.S.

VANCOUVER, April 16, 2025 - Centenario Gold Corp. (TSXV:CTG) ("Centenario" or the "Company") announces a non-brokered private placement of up to 10,000,000 units (the "Units") at a price of $0.02 per Unit for gross proceeds of up to $200,000 (the "Offering"). Each unit will consist of one common share and one non-transferable common share purchase warrant ("Warrant"), with each Warrant being exercisable to purchase one common share at a price of $0.06 cents for 24 months from the date of issuance.

The Offering is expected to close on or about May 15th, 2025.

The Company may pay finders' fees to eligible finders, in accordance with applicable securities laws and the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange (the "TSX?V"). The Offering is subject to the approval of the TSX-V, and all securities issued under the Offering will be subject to a statutory hold period expiring four months and one day from the date of closing of the Offering.

The Company intends to use the net proceeds of the Offering for exploration and evaluation of potential new resource projects and general and administrative expenses, which may include funds for marketing and investor relations.

Certain directors and officers of the Company may acquire securities under the Offering. Any such participation will be considered to be a "related party transaction" as defined under Multilateral Instrument 61-101 ("MI 61-101"). The Company expects that the Offering will be exempt from the formal valuation and minority shareholder approval requirements of MI 61-101 as the Company is listed on the TSX-V and neither the expected fair market value of securities being issued to related parties nor the consideration being paid by related parties would exceed 25% of the Company's market capitalization.

Closing of the Offering is subject to TSX-V acceptance.

The Existing Shareholder Exemption

The Offering is also made available to registered shareholders of the Company who, as of the close of business on April 15th, 2025, hold common shares of the Company pursuant to the prospectus exemption set out in British Columbia Instrument 45-534, Exemption from Prospectus Requirement for Certain Trades to Existing Security Holders. The existing shareholder exemption limits a shareholder to a maximum investment of $15,000 in a 12-month period unless the shareholder has obtained advice regarding the suitability of the investment and, if the shareholder is resident in a jurisdiction of Canada, that advice has been obtained from a person who is registered as an investment dealer in the jurisdiction.

About Centenario Gold Corp.:

Centenario Gold Corp. is a mineral resource exploration company that was formed to focus on exploring and generating high quality mineral prospects. During 2020, the exploration team of Centenario visited and evaluated more than 12 mineral prospects before finding the Eden gold silver property located at the boundary between Durango and Sinaloa states, of Mexico, in the Cosala Mining District which hosts Prime Mining's Los Reyes Project.

The Company is also currently looking at other potential prospects in both Mexico and Canada.

On behalf of the Board of Directors,

Doug Fulcher

President, CEO, Director

Further information on the Centenario Gold and the Eden Property can be found on our website at www.centenariogold.com along with the NI43-101 compliant Technical Report filed on SEDAR+.

For further information, please call:

Doug Fulcher 604-803-5901

Alain Charest 011-52-618-299-9885

www.centenariogold.com

The TSX Venture Exchange does not accept responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. Statements in this press release, other than purely historical information, including statements relating to the Company's future plans and objectives or expected results, may include forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements are based on numerous assumptions and are subject to all of the risks and uncertainties inherent in resource exploration and development. As a result, actual results may vary materially from those described in the forward-looking statements.

This news release does not constitute an offer to sell or a solicitation of an offer to buy any of the securities in the United States. The securities have not been and will not be registered under the United States Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the "1933 Act"), or any state securities laws and may not be offered or sold within the United States or to, or for the account or benefit of, U.S. persons (as defined in Regulation S under the 1933 Act) absent such registration or an applicable exemption from such registration requirements.

Caution Regarding Forward Looking Statements:

Certain information included in this press release constitute "forward-looking statements". Such forward-looking statements include, without limitation, statements regarding the Offering. Although the Company believes the expectations expressed in such forward-looking statements are based on reasonable assumptions, such statements are not guarantees of future performance, are subject to risks and uncertainties, and actual results or realities may differ materially from those in the forward-looking statements. Such material risks and uncertainties include, but are not limited to: the equipment leaseback arrangement or the Offering not proceeding as planned; the proceeds of the Offering being used other than as described herein; competition within the industry; actual results of current exploration activities; environmental risks; changes in project parameters as plans continue to be refined; future price of commodities; failure of equipment or processes to operate as anticipated; accidents, and other risks of the mining industry; delays in obtaining approvals or financing; risks related to indebtedness and the service of such indebtedness; as well as those factors, risks and uncertainties identified and reported in the Company's public filings under its SEDAR+ profile at www.sedarplus.ca. Although the Company has attempted to identify important factors that could cause actual actions, events or results to differ materially from those described in forward-looking information, there may be other factors that cause actions, events or results not to be as anticipated, estimated or intended. Accordingly, readers should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements. There can be no assurance that such information will prove to be accurate as actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements. The forward-looking statements contained herein are made as at the date hereof and the Company does not undertake any obligation to update publicly or revise any such forward-looking statements or any forward-looking statements contained in any other documents whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as required under applicable security law.

SOURCE: Centenario Gold

View the original press release on ACCESS Newswire
VANCOUVER, April 16, 2025 - Liberty Gold Corp. (TSX:LGD; OTCQX:LGDTF) ("Liberty Gold" or the "Company") is pleased to announce that, in connection with its previously announced "bought deal" public offering, it has filed a prospectus supplement dated April 16, 2025 (the "Prospectus Supplement") to the Company's base shelf prospectus dated June 21, 2023 (the "Base Shelf Prospectus") to qualify the distribution of 60,608,000 units of the Company (the "Units") at a price of $0.33 per Unit (the "Offering Price") and up to an additional 9,091,200 Units at the Offering Price to be issued upon exercise of an over-allotment option, the particulars of which are further described in the Prospectus Supplement (the "Offering").

Closing is expected on or about April 22, 2025, and is subject to regulatory approval, including that of the Toronto Stock Exchange.

Access to the Prospectus Supplement, the Base Shelf Prospectus, and any amendments thereto are being provided in Canada in accordance with securities legislation relating to procedures for providing access to a shelf prospectus supplement, a base shelf prospectus, and any amendments to such documents. The Prospectus Supplement and Base Shelf Prospectus are accessible on SEDAR+ at www.sedarplus.ca. An electronic or paper copy of the Prospectus Supplement, the Base Shelf Prospectus, and any amendment may be obtained, without charge, from Canaccord Genuity Corp. by email at ecm@cgf.com or by phone at 416-869-3052 by providing the contact with an email address or address, as applicable.

The securities to be offered pursuant to the Offering have not been, and will not be, registered under the U.S. Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the "U.S. Securities Act") or any U.S. state securities laws, and may not be offered or sold in the United States or to, or for the account or benefit of, United States persons absent registration or any applicable exemption from the registration requirements of the U.S. Securities Act and applicable U.S. state securities laws.

This news release shall not constitute an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy nor shall there be any sale of the securities in any jurisdiction in which such offer, solicitation or sale would be unlawful.

Change in Management

The Company announces that Darin Smith, its Senior Vice President Corporate Development, has submitted his notice of resignation, effective May 6th, 2025, to pursue another opportunity. Over the past two and half years, Darin has been instrumental in supporting the Company's strategic initiatives. His contributions were valuable in strengthening key corporate relationships during a pivotal period of growth for the Company.

Cal Everett, CEO and Director, "On behalf of Liberty Gold, I want to thank Darin for his contributions. He played a valuable role in the formulation of the Pre-Feasibility Study at our Black Pine oxide gold project and in supporting various business development initiatives. We wish him all the best as he takes the next step in his career."

ABOUT LIBERTY GOLD

Liberty Gold is focused on exploring for and developing open pit oxide deposits in the Great Basin of the United States, home to large-scale gold projects that are ideal for open-pit mining. This region is one of the most prolific gold-producing regions in the world and stretches across Nevada and into Idaho and Utah. The Company is advancing the Black Pine Project in southeastern Idaho, a past-producing, Carlin-style gold system with a large, growing resource and strong economic potential.

For more information, visit libertygold.ca or contact:

Susie Bell, Manager, Investor Relations

Phone: 604-632-4677 or Toll Free 1-877-632-4677

info@libertygold.ca

All statements in this press release, other than statements of historical fact, are "forward-looking information" with respect to Liberty Gold within the meaning of applicable securities laws. Forward-looking information is often, but not always, identified by the use of words such as "intends", "seek", "anticipate", "plan", "continue", "planned", "expect", "project", "predict", "potential", "targeting", "intends", "believe", "potential", and similar expressions, or describes a "goal", or variation of such words and phrases or state that certain actions, events or results "may", "should", "could", "would", "might" or "will" be taken, occur or be achieved. Forward-looking information is not a guarantee of future performance and is based upon a number of estimates and assumptions of management at the date the statements are made including, among others, assumptions about future prices of gold and other metal prices, currency exchange rates and interest rates, favourable operating conditions, political stability, obtaining governmental approvals and financing on time, obtaining renewals for existing licenses and permits and obtaining required licenses and permits, labour stability, stability in market conditions, the timing and success of future plans and objectives in the areas of sustainable development, health, safety, environment, community development; successful resolution of disputes and anticipated costs and expenditures and the timing of regulatory approvals. Many assumptions are based on factors and events that are not within the control of Liberty Gold and there is no assurance they will prove to be correct.

Such forward-looking information, involves known and unknown risks, which may cause the actual results to be materially different from any future results expressed or implied by such forward-looking information, including, risks related to the Offering; the interpretation of results and/or the reliance on technical information provided by third parties as related to the Company's mineral property interests; changes in project parameters as plans continue to be refined; current economic conditions; future prices of commodities; possible variations in grade or recovery rates; the costs and timing of the development of new deposits; failure of equipment or processes to operate as anticipated; the failure of contracted parties to perform; the timing and success of exploration activities generally; delays in permitting; possible claims against the Company; labour disputes and other risks of the mining industry; delays in obtaining governmental approvals, the completion of exploration as well as those factors discussed in the Annual Information Form of the Company dated March 25, 2025 in the section entitled "Risk Factors", under Liberty Gold's SEDAR+ profile at www.sedarplus.ca.

Although Liberty Gold has attempted to identify important factors that could cause actual actions, events or results to differ materially from those described in forward-looking information, there may be other factors that cause actions, events or results not to be as anticipated, estimated or intended. There can be no assurance that such information will prove to be accurate as actual results, and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements. Liberty Gold disclaims any intention or obligation to update or revise any forward-looking information, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as required by applicable laws.
Kenmare Resources plc

("Kenmare" or "the Company" or "the Group")

17 April 2025

Q1 2025 Production Report

Kenmare Resources plc (LSE:KMR, ISE:KMR), one of the leading global producers of titanium minerals and zircon, which operates the Moma Titanium Minerals Mine (the "Mine" or "Moma") in northern Mozambique, is pleased to provide a trading update for the quarter ending 31 March 2025 ("Q1 2025").

Statement from Tom Hickey, Managing Director:

"We have built on 2024's strong safety performance in Q1 2025, passing the milestone of four million hours worked without a Lost Time Injury in mid-March. Our team at Moma has now worked for over seven months without a Lost Time Injury and I'd like to congratulate them on this outstanding achievement.

Ilmenite production in Q1 was in line with our expectations and we anticipate that production will increase from Q2 onwards as the southern hemisphere rainy season has now concluded. At the end of Q1, we are on track to achieve our guidance on all metrics and our project to upgrade Wet Concentrator Plant A is progressing well.

The markets for Kenmare's products continue to be resilient, with demand for ilmenite bolstered by the growing titanium metal and beneficiation markets."

Q1 2025 overview

Improved Lost Time Injury Frequency Rate ("LTIFR") of 0.06 per 200,000 hours worked on a 12-month rolling basis (31 March 2024: 0.09) and zero Lost Time Injuries ("LTIs") in Q1 2025

Heavy Mineral Concentrate ("HMC") production of 312,300 tonnes, broadly in line with Q1 2024

Ilmenite production of 204,500 tonnes, in line with Q1 2024

Strong co-product production of 14,000 tonnes of primary zircon, up 69% year-on-year ("YoY"), and 2,500 tonnes of rutile, up 67% YoY, benefitting from drawdown of intermediate stockpiles and improved recoveries

Total shipments of 307,100 tonnes, up 26% YoY, due to the marine operations performing well

The Wet Concentrator Plant ("WCP") A upgrade project is progressing on budget, with commissioning on track to begin in Q3 2025, ahead of its transition to the large Nataka ore zone

Market conditions continued to be stable in Q1 2025 and Kenmare has a strong order book for its products in 2025

Discussions with the Government of Mozambique are continuing regarding the extension of the Implementation Agreement ("IA") and Kenmare's existing rights and benefits remain in full force and effect pending conclusion of the extension process

Operations update

Operational results from the Moma Mine in Q1 2025 were as follows:

Q1 2025 Q1 2024 Variance Q4 2024 Variance tonnes tonnes % tonnes % Excavated ore1 9,338,000 9,215,000 1% 10,333,000 -10% Grade1 4.22% 4.15% 2% 4.96% -15% Production HMC production 312,300 316,400 -1% 432,300 -28% HMC processed 303,900 307,800 -1% 442,100 -31% Ilmenite 204,500 205,500 0% 307,400 -33% Primary zircon 14,000 8,300 69% 14,700 -5% Rutile 2,500 1,500 67% 2,900 -14% Concentrates2 9,100 9,600 -5% 11,200 -19% Shipments 307,100 242,900 26% 308,300 0%

Excavated ore and grade prior to any floor losses. Concentrates include secondary zircon, mineral sands concentrate and a new concentrates product, ZrTi.

In mid-March 2025, Kenmare passed four million hours worked without an LTI. No LTIs were incurred in Q4 2024 or Q1 2025 and the Company's rolling 12-month LTIFR improved to 0.06 per 200,000 hours worked (31 March 2024: 0.09).

Excavated ore volumes were 9,338,000 tonnes in Q1 2025, up 1% YoY, and ore grades were 4.22% Total Heavy Minerals, up 2% YoY. Despite this, HMC production was down 1% YoY, which was due to

higher slimes impacting recoveries at WCP A and a short-term change in mining conditions at WCP B. This resulted in the excavation of oversized material, which reduced recovery of excavated ore to rougher feed. Operating time at all mining plants was also negatively impacted by adverse weather conditions, including those associated with Tropical Cyclone Jude, which limited excavated ore volumes.

HMC processed in Q1 2025 was 303,900 tonnes, down 1% YoY, and slightly lower than HMC produced, due to the timing of maintenance work carried out in the Mineral Separation Plant in late March.

Ilmenite production in Q1 2025 was 204,500 tonnes, in line with Q1 2024. Ilmenite production benefitted from higher grades of ilmenite in the HMC, offsetting the slight reduction in HMC processed.

Kenmare delivered strong production of co-products in Q1 2025, with primary zircon production up 69% YoY at 14,000 tonnes and rutile production up 67% YoY, at 2,500 tonnes. This was due to drawdown of intermediate stockpiles and enhanced recoveries. Meanwhile, concentrates production was 9,100 tonnes, down 5% YoY, due to maintenance work undertaken in the secondary zircon circuits.

At the end of Q1, Kenmare is on track to achieve its 2025 guidance on all metrics. Ilmenite production is forecast to strengthen from Q2 onwards due to improving weather conditions following the end of the southern hemisphere rainy season.

Shipments were 307,100 tonnes in Q1 2025, up 26% YoY. Shipments comprised 301,100 tonnes of ilmenite and 5,800 tonnes of concentrates. 200 tonnes of primary zircon are also included in Q1 2025 shipments as an adjustment from the prior quarter.

Closing stock of HMC at the end of Q1 2025 was 22,400 tonnes, compared with 14,100 tonnes at year-end 2024. Closing stock of finished products at the end of Q1 2025 was 210,600 tonnes, compared with 287,200 tonnes at year-end 2024. This drawdown reflects shipments exceeding production of finished products during the quarter.

Capital projects



WCP A upgrade

WCP A is Kenmare's largest mining plant and Nataka is the largest ore zone in Moma's portfolio, containing approximately 70% of Moma's nine billion tonnes of Mineral Resources. Mining Nataka will secure production from Moma for decades to come.

Work on the upgrade of WCP A ahead of its transition to Nataka continued to advance in Q1 2025. The capital cost estimate for the project remains at $341 million and by the end of Q1, over 95% of the budget for 2025's planned activities was committed.

The two new higher-capacity dredges were launched into the dock at the contractor's yard in the Netherlands during the quarter. Fabrication is continuing following the launch and expected to be completed in Q2. The dredges will then be transported to Moma by sea for commissioning in Q3. Construction of the new feed preparation module, including the surge bin and upfront desliming circuit, is continuing at Moma and it is also expected to be commissioned during Q3. The construction of the Tailings Storage Facility commenced in mid-January, and it is anticipated to be commissioned in Q4, although work is currently advancing ahead of schedule. As each of these key components is constructed and commissioned, the project will be progressively de-risked.

An image gallery containing the latest photographs of the WCP A upgrade work, including photographs of the launches of the dredges in the Netherlands, can be viewed at https://www.kenmareresources.com/media/image-library/. Videos of the fabrication and launch of the dredges can be viewed at www.kenmareresources.com/media/videos

Selective Mining Operation

In Q1 2025 Kenmare began commissioning a small-scale, low-cost dredge mining and concentrating operation, or SMO, that will enable mining in peripheral areas of Moma's Mineral Resources. Due to its simple modular nature, it has a capital cost estimate of less than $6 million and it is expected to deliver 50,000 tonnes of HMC production per annum.

The SMO continues to ramp up and although its commissioning schedule was impacted by the wet season, the concentrator is proving to be reliable, with product quality and recoveries exceeding expectations. Kenmare is reviewing options for more consistent feed delivery, including using existing dry mining equipment.

Learnings from the first SMO will inform the design and deployment of a second SMO plant; the capacity and precise capital cost requirement of this plant will be refined during Q2 2025.

Market update

Kenmare experienced stable market conditions in Q1 2025, with encouraging demand for its ilmenite products. This was supported by strong titanium dioxide pigment production and the thriving titanium metal market. Additional beneficiation capacity continues to come online and Kenmare benefits from this trend as the Company's ilmenite is suitable for beneficiation. Kenmare signed two new long-term contracts in early 2025, with a sale completed to one of these new customers in the beneficiation market segment in late Q1. Continuing demand from long-term customers, complemented by sales to new market entrants, contributed to strong shipments in Q1 and the consequent drawdown of Kenmare's ilmenite inventories.

Although demand remained healthy, the market continued to be modestly oversupplied due to new supply from concentrates producers entering the market. This continued to negatively impact average received prices, however prices now look to be stabilising.

The zircon market remained subdued in Q1, with new supply from concentrates producers similarly leading to a modestly oversupplied market. However, the major producers continued to limit their output to balance the market. On the demand side, consumption levels remained stable globally, although slow housing markets continue to weigh on the ceramics industry.

Kenmare has good visibility and a strong order book for its products in 2025. The market for ilmenite suitable for beneficiation remains tight, supporting demand for the Company's ilmenite. Long-term zircon offtake agreements further support stability. While evolving global trade policies present a potential risk, titanium feedstocks and zircon appear likely to continue to benefit from exemptions due to their critical mineral status.

Corporate update

Implementation Agreement

In connection with the IA extension, Kenmare has been discussing certain modifications to the applicable investment regime to obtain the agreement of the Government of Mozambique, notwithstanding Kenmare's clear right to such an extension. Although the proposal described in the Company's 2024 Preliminary Results announcement on 26 March 2025 was not approved by the Mozambican Council of Ministers, Kenmare continues to engage constructively with the Government while reserving the right to safeguard its contractual entitlements via all means, including international arbitration, if an agreement cannot be reached.

Although the original expiry date was 21 December 2024, the Ministry of Industry and Commerce provided confirmation that Kenmare's existing rights and benefits remain in full force and effect pending conclusion of the extension process.

For further information, please contact:

Kenmare Resources plc

Katharine Sutton

Investor Relations

ir@kenmareresouces.com

Tel: +353 1 671 0411

Mob: +353 87 663 0875

Murray (PR advisor)

Paul O'Kane

pokane@murraygroup.ie

Tel: +353 1 498 0300

Mob: +353 86 609 0221

About Kenmare Resources

Kenmare Resources plc is one of the world's largest producers of titanium minerals. Listed on the London Stock Exchange and the Euronext Dublin, Kenmare operates the Moma Titanium Minerals Mine in Mozambique. Moma's production accounts for approximately 6% of global titanium feedstocks and the Company supplies to customers operating in more than 15 countries. Kenmare produces raw materials that are ultimately consumed in everyday quality-of life items such as paints, plastics and ceramic tiles.

All monetary amounts refer to United States dollars unless otherwise indicated.

Forward Looking Statements

This announcement contains some forward-looking statements that represent Kenmare's expectations for its business, based on current expectations about future events, which by their nature involve risks and uncertainties. Kenmare believes that its expectations and assumptions with respect to these forward-looking statements are reasonable. However, because they involve risk and uncertainty, which are in some cases beyond Kenmare's control, actual results or performance may differ materially from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking information.
NOT FOR RELEASE, PUBLICATION OR DISTRIBUTION IN WHOLE OR IN PART IN, INTO OR FROM ANY JURISDICTION WHERE TO DO SO WOULD CONSTITUTE A VIOLATION OF THE RELEVANT LAWS OR REGULATIONS OF THAT JURISDICTION.

THIS IS AN ANNOUNCEMENT UNDER RULE 2.4 OF THE IRISH TAKEOVER PANEL ACT, 1997, TAKEOVER RULES, 2022 (THE "IRISH TAKEOVER RULES" OR THE "RULES") AND IS NOT AN ANNOUNCEMENT OF A FIRM INTENTION TO MAKE AN OFFER UNDER RULE 2.7 OF THE IRISH TAKEOVER RULES. THERE CAN BE NO CERTAINTY THAT ANY FIRM OFFER WILL BE MADE, NOR AS TO THE TERMS ON WHICH ANY SUCH OFFER WILL BE MADE.

THIS ANNOUNCEMENT CONTAINS INSIDE INFORMATION.

17 April 2025

Kenmare Resources plc

Extension of PUSU Deadline

On 6 March 2025, the Board of Kenmare Resources plc ("Kenmare" or the "Company") (the "Board") announced that it had received a non-binding proposal from Oryx Global Partners Limited and Michael Carvill (together, the "Consortium") regarding a possible all-cash offer for the entire issued and to be issued share capital of Kenmare (the "Possible Cash Offer").

In order to facilitate ongoing discussions with the Consortium and to provide additional time for the Consortium to progress its due diligence, the Board has requested, and the Takeover Panel has consented to, an extension of the current deadline of 5.00 pm on 17 April 2025 by which time the Consortium was required to either announce a firm intention to make an offer for Kenmare in accordance with Rule 2.7 of the Irish Takeover Rules or announce that it does not intend to make an offer for Kenmare, in which case the announcement would be treated as a statement to which Rule 2.8 of the Irish Takeover Rules applies (the "PUSU Deadline").

Consequently, in accordance with Rule 2.6(c) of the Irish Takeover Rules, the Consortium is now required by no later than 5.00 pm on 15 May 2025, to either announce a firm intention to make an offer for Kenmare in accordance with Rule 2.7 of the Irish Takeover Rules or announce that it does not intend to make an offer for Kenmare, in which case the announcement would be treated as a statement to which Rule 2.8 of the Irish Takeover Rules applies. The revised deadline may only be extended further at the request of the Board and with the consent of the Takeover Panel.

There can be no certainty that any firm offer will be made, or as to the terms of any such offer, should one be made. A further announcement will be made as and when appropriate.

Enquiries

Kenmare Resources plc

Katharine Sutton

Investor Relations

+353 1 671 0411 Rothschild & Co (Lead Financial Adviser)

Ravi Gupta

James Webb



+44 (0) 20 7280 5000 Davy (Financial Adviser and Corporate Broker)

Ivan Murphy

Daragh O'Reilly



+353 1 679 6363 Peel Hunt LLP (Financial Adviser and Corporate Broker)

Ross Allister

Michael Nicholson



+44 (0) 207 418 8900

Disclosure requirements of the Irish Takeover Rules

Under Rule 8.3(b) of the Irish Takeover Rules, any person 'interested' (directly or indirectly) in 1% or more of any class of 'relevant securities' of Kenmare must disclose all 'dealings' in such 'relevant securities' during the 'offer period'. The disclosure of a 'dealing' in 'relevant securities' by a person to whom Rule 8.3(b) applies must be made by no later than 3.30 pm (Irish/UK time) on the business day following the date of the transaction. A dealing disclosure must contain the details specified in Rule 8.6(b) of the Irish Takeover Rules, including details of the dealing concerned and of the person's interests and short positions in any 'relevant securities' of Kenmare.

All 'dealings' in 'relevant securities' of Kenmare by the Consortium, or by any party acting in concert with the Consortium, must also be disclosed by no later than 12 noon (Irish/UK time) on the 'business' day following the date of the relevant transaction. If two or more persons co-operate on the basis of an agreement, either express or tacit, either oral or written, to acquire for one or more of them an interest in relevant securities, they will be deemed to be a single person for these purposes.

Disclosure tables, giving details of the companies in whose 'relevant securities' 'opening positions' and 'dealings' should be disclosed, can be found on the Takeover Panel's website at www.irishtakeoverpanel.ie.

'Interests' in securities arise, in summary, when a person has long economic exposure, whether conditional or absolute, to changes in the price of securities. In particular, a person will be treated as having an 'interest' by virtue of the ownership or control of securities, or by virtue of any option in respect of, or derivative referenced to, securities.

Terms in quotation marks in this section are defined in the Irish Takeover Rules, which can also be found on the Irish Takeover Panel's website. If you are in any doubt as to whether or not you are required to disclose a dealing or an opening position under Rule 8, please consult the Irish Takeover Panel's website at www.irishtakeoverpanel.ie or contact the Irish Takeover Panel on telephone number +353 1 678 9020.

Responsibility Statement

The Directors of Kenmare accept responsibility for the information contained in this announcement. To the best of their knowledge and belief (having taken all reasonable care to ensure such is the case), the information contained in this announcement is in accordance with the facts and does not omit anything likely to affect the import of such information.

Market Abuse Regulations

The information contained within this announcement would have, prior to its release, constituted inside information for the purposes of Article 7 of the Market Abuse Regulation (EU) 596/2014 and for the purposes of Article 7 of the Market Abuse Regulation (EU) 596/2014 as it forms part of UK domestic law by virtue of the European Union (Withdrawal) Act 2018. Upon the publication of this announcement via a regulatory information service, this inside information will be considered to be in the public domain. The person responsible for arranging for the release of this information on behalf of Kenmare is Chelita Healy.

Document Availability

In accordance with Rule 26.1 of the Irish Takeover Rules, a copy of this announcement will be available on the Company's website at https://www.kenmareresources.com/investors/ by no later than 12.00 (noon) (Irish/UK time) on the business day following publication of this announcement. The content of the website referred to in this announcement is not incorporated into, and does not form part of, this announcement.

Other notices

N.M. Rothschild & Sons Limited ("Rothschild & Co"), which is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority in the United Kingdom, is acting exclusively for Kenmare and for no one else in connection with the subject matter of this announcement and will not be responsible to anyone other than Kenmare for providing the protections afforded to its clients or for providing advice in connection with the subject matter of this announcement.

J&E Davy ("Davy"), which is regulated in Ireland by the Central Bank of Ireland, is acting exclusively for Kenmare and no one else in relation to the matters described in this announcement. In connection with such matters, Davy, its affiliates and their respective directors, officers, employees and agents will not regard any other person as their client, nor will they be responsible to anyone other than Kenmare for providing the protections afforded to their clients or for providing advice in connection with the matters described in this Document or any matter referred to herein.

Peel Hunt LLP ("Peel Hunt"), which is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority in the UK, is acting exclusively for Kenmare and no one else in connection with the matters described in this announcement and will not be responsible to anyone other than Kenmare for providing the protections afforded to clients of Peel Hunt nor for providing advice in connection with the matters referred to herein. Neither Peel Hunt nor any of its subsidiaries, branches or affiliates owes or accepts any duty, liability or responsibility whatsoever (whether direct or indirect, whether in contract, in tort, under statute or otherwise) to any person who is not a client of Peel Hunt in connection with this announcement, any statement contained herein or otherwise.
VANCOUVER, April 17, 2025 - Precore Gold Corp. (CSE: PRCG) (the "Company" or "Precore Gold") is pleased to announce the appointment of Mr. Louis Gariepy, P. Eng (OIQ) to its Advisory Board as Lead Technical Advisor. Mr. Gariepy is a geological engineer with over 30 years of international mining experience, including substantial experience in Quebec and Latin America.

Mr. Gariepy was most recently Vice President, Exploration of O3 Mining Inc. and was instrumental in the development of the world-class Marban Project, an advanced gold exploration project that today has the potential to support a satellite open-pit mining operation to feed the world-renowned Canadian Malartic mining operation in Quebec, Canada. As per its 2022 PEA, Marban could contribute approximately 15,000 tpd and an average of approximately 130,000 ounces of gold per year to the Canadian Malartic complex over a span of 9 years. The successful advancement of O3 Mining led to its acquisition by Canadian mining giant Agnico-Eagle Mines Ltd recently, in March 2025. (www.agnicoeagle.com)

Previously, Mr. Gariepy served as Exploration Manager of Anglo American Plc in Peru from 2012 to 2018, during which time he was instrumental in the delineation of their exploration programs and contributed to the advancement of the world class Quellaveco property, today one of the largest copper deposits in Peru. Mr. Gariepy also served as Exploration Manager with IAMGold Corp. in Peru, developing several projects from 2005 to 2012, with a focus on gold deposits in porphyry epithermal systems. He has also contributed to making the Cerro Lindo VMS deposit a world-class mining asset while working for Compania Minera Milpo, from 1999 to 2005. This achievement earned him the Discovery of the Year Award in 2000, from the Peruvian Institute of Mining Engineers. Mr. Gariepy began his professional career as a mining explorationist with Noranda Inc. in Quebec from 1986 to 1997.

Paul A. Dumas, Executive Chairman of Precore Gold, stated: "I am extremely pleased to welcome Mr. Gariepy to the Company's Advisory Board. We believe that Louis' extensive experience in Latin America and Quebec, with industry leaders such as Anglo American, IAMGOLD, Compania Minera Milpo, Noranda Inc and most recently O3 Mining, will provide the Company with a wealth of knowledge and leadership as we continue to build our asset base. Mr. Gariepy has a proven track record with repeated successes in mineral discovery and development. We truly look forward to working with Louis and to his technical contributions to the Company."

Louis Gariepy adds: "I'm pleased to be joining the Company as a member of its Advisory Board, especially at this pivotal time when Precore Gold is focused on building a portfolio of key projects with great discovery potential.

About Precore Gold Corp.

Precore Gold Corp. is a Canadian junior gold exploration company focused on building a solid portfolio of exploration projects with strong gold discovery potential, in order to capture the strength of the gold market and to generate shareholder returns. The Company plans to seize opportunities, whereby promising properties are located in prolific mining camps, may contain important historical drilling results and are located in politically stable, Tier-1, mining friendly jurisdictions. Precore Gold's mission is supported by diligent environmental, social and corporate governance ("ESG") standards.

For shareholder or investor inquiries, please contact:

Paul Dumas, Executive Chairman

Email: precoregoldcorp@gmail.com

Tel: 514-994-1069

www.precoregold.com

Forward-looking statements

This news release contains forward-looking statements. All statements, other than of historical facts, that address activities, events or developments that the Company believes, expects or anticipates will or may occur in the future including, without limitation, future geological work or exploration programs, the potential positive exploration results, the timing of the exploration results, the ability of the Company to finance exploration programs and the potential mineralization or potential mineral resources are forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements are generally identifiable by use of the words "will", "should", "continue", "expect", "anticipate", "estimate", "believe", "intend", "to earn", "to have', "plan" or "project" or the negative of these words or other variations on these words or comparable terminology. Forward-looking statements are subject to a number of risks and uncertainties, many of which are beyond the Company's ability to control or predict, that may cause the actual results of the Company to differ materially from those discussed in the forward-looking statements. Factors that could cause actual results or events to differ materially from current expectations include, among other things, failure to meet expected, estimated or planned exploration expenditures, failure to establish estimated mineral resources, the possibility that future exploration results will not be consistent with the Company's expectations, general business and economic conditions, changes in world gold markets, sufficient labour and equipment being available, changes in laws and permitting requirements, unanticipated weather changes, title disputes and claims, environmental risks as well as those risks identified in the Company's annual Management's Discussion and Analysis. Should one or more of these risks or uncertainties materialize, or should assumptions underlying the forward-looking statements prove incorrect, actual results may vary materially from those described and accordingly, readers should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements. Although the Company has attempted to identify important risks, uncertainties and factors which could cause actual results to differ materially, there may be others that cause results not to be as anticipated, estimated or intended. The Company does not intend, and does not assume any obligation, to update these forward-looking statements except as otherwise required by applicable law.

Neither the Canadian Securities Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.
Toronto - Laurion Mineral Exploration Inc. (TSXV: LME, OTCPINK: LMEFF) ("LAURION" or the "Corporation") is proud to celebrate a defining milestone: 65 years of continuous listing on the TSX Venture Exchange (the "TSXV"), dating back to its original listing on April 17, 1945.

Founded in 1945 under an early predecessor name, eventually evolving into LAURION Mineral Exploration Inc., the Corporation has continually adapted, survived market downturns, and seized on opportunities for strategic renewal. The TSXV, in parallel, has grown from its grassroots mining roots, including the consolidation of legacy exchanges like the Alberta and Vancouver Stock Exchanges, to become a globally recognized platform for entrepreneurial growth.

As of late 2023, the TSXV is home to over 1,600 listed companies, and has facilitated the raising of hundreds of billions of dollars in equity capital across its history, driving investment into exploration, innovation, and opportunity across Canada and globally.

This milestone not only reflects LAURION's resilience but also symbolizes the enduring spirit of the Canadian exploration industry, cultivated through generations of prospectors, pioneers, and visionaries. Together with the TSXV - whose origins stem from the consolidation of Canada's regional exchanges into a globally recognized launchpad for discovery and innovation - LAURION has grown into a mid-stage exploration company advancing one of Ontario's prospective gold-polymetallic projects.

"To stand as one of the TSXV's longest-listed companies is an extraordinary honour," said Cynthia Le Sueur-Aquin, President and CEO of LAURION. "It reflects not only our staying power but also the shared belief among our stakeholders - investors, First Nations and other partners, and service providers - that we are building something special at Ishkoday."

LAURION's Ishkoday Project, located near Beardmore, Ontario, represents a rare convergence of scale, structural complexity, and mineral endowment, with a district-scale footprint of 57 km, proximal infrastructure, and year-round access.

To date, LAURION has completed 447 diamond drill holes totaling 90,358 metres, delineating over 22 mineralized structures within a 6 km x1.8 km corridor that remains open at depth and along strike. The NI 43-101 Technical Report, titled "Ishkoday Gold Project, Northern Ontario, Canada", as prepared by Maxime Dupere B. Sc., P. Geo., with an effective date October 26, 2023, and filed on SEDAR+ on February 15, 2024, outlined the Ishkoday Project's exploration potential at 22.5 to 45 million tonnes, with an average grade range of 0.11 g/t to 8.67 g/t gold, underscoring both the scale and variability of this mineralized system. In addition to this mineral potential, the Ishkoday Project hosts a gold-bearing surface stockpile - a remnant of historical operations at the Sturgeon River Mine - offering excellent near-term potential for gold generation. LAURION is currently advancing the Advanced Exploration Permit (AEP) to support bulk sampling and potential early-stage production activities.

In seeking to further unlock shareholder value, LAURION is conducting a structured strategic review in partnership with US Capital Global, a leading private financial group. This process involves evaluating a variety of potential strategic transactions and opportunities, including, without limitation, a possible joint venture or disposition.

"We believe that our relationship with US Capital Global positions us for strategic success," added Ms. Le Sueur-Aquin. "Together, we are pursuing long-term outcomes that align with our vision of responsibly unlocking value for shareholders."

From its earliest roots in the mid-20th century to its current position as a mid-stage exploration company, LAURION's journey is defined by commitment, collaboration, and adaptability.

"We honour the generations of shareholders, geologists, prospectors, First Nations, service providers, and strategic partners who have supported LAURION's mission," said Ms. Le Sueur-Aquin. "Their legacy fuels our work, and their trust inspires our next chapter. We remain committed to advancing the Ishkoday Project and positioning LAURION to capitalize on strategic opportunities that may arise in the future."

For more information regarding the Corporation's engagement of US Capital Global, please refer to LAURION's news releases dated August 20, 2024 and April 14, 2025.

The Corporation looks forward to continuing its disciplined exploration efforts and advancing its long-term growth strategy.

Qualified Person

The technical contents of this release were reviewed and approved by Jean-Philippe Paiement, PGeo, MSc, a consultant to LAURION, and a qualified person as defined by National Instrument 43-101 - Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects.

About LAURION Mineral Exploration Inc.

The Corporation is a mid-stage junior mineral exploration and development company listed on the TSXV under the symbol LME and on the OTCPINK under the symbol LMEFF. LAURION now has 273,494,904 outstanding shares of which approximately 73.6% are owned and controlled by insiders who are eligible investors under the "Friends and Family" categories.

LAURION's emphasis is on the exploration and development of its flagship project, the 100% owned mid-stage 57 km2 Ishkoday Project, and its gold-rich polymetallic mineralization. LAURION's chief priority remains maximizing shareholder value. A large portion of the Corporation's focus in this regard falls within the scope of its mineral exploration activities and more specifically, advancing the Ishkoday Project.

A consequence of LAURION's success and advancement over the past several years is that the Corporation has become positioned as an acquisition target for appropriate potential acquirors. Accordingly, the Corporation's Board of Directors is aware that possible strategic alternatives and transactional opportunities may arise and/or could be procured in the short or medium terms. The Corporation will promptly issue a press release if any material change occurs. In the meanwhile, LAURION will continue to work towards advancing the Ishkoday Project while exploring opportunities and potential transactions that are strategically beneficial to the Corporation and its shareholders.

LAURION Mineral Exploration Inc.

Cynthia Le Sueur-Aquin - President and CEO

Tel: 1-705-788-9186 Fax: 1-705-805-9256

Douglas Vass - Investor Relations Consultant

Email: info@laurion.ca

Website: http://www.LAURION.ca

Follow us on X (@LAURION_LME), Instagram (laurionmineral) and LinkedIn (https://www.linkedin.com/in/cynthia-le-sueur-aquin-laurion-lme-04b03017/)

Caution Regarding Forward-Looking Information

This press release contains forward-looking statements, which reflect the Corporation's current expectations regarding future events including with respect to LAURION's business, operations and condition, management's objectives, strategies, beliefs and intentions, the Corporation's ability to advance the Ishkoday Project, the nature, focus, timing and potential results of the Corporation's exploration, drilling and prospecting activities in 2025 and beyond, including the Corporation's planned activities for the Ishkoday Project for the remainder of 2025, and the statements regarding the Corporation's strategic review process and the potential outcome(s) of this strategic review process, and the Corporation's engagement of the above-referenced financial advisory firm, approval of any transactions resulting from the strategic review process, the possible impact of any potential transactions referenced herein on the Corporation or any of its stakeholders, and the ability of the Corporation to identify and complete any potential acquisitions, mergers, financings or other transactions referenced herein, and the timing of any such transactions. The forward-looking statements involve risks and uncertainties. Actual events and future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements could differ materially from those projected herein including as a result of a change in the trading price of the common shares of LAURION, the TSXV or any other applicable regulator not providing its approval for any of the potential transactions referenced herein, the interpretation and actual results of current exploration activities, changes in project parameters as plans continue to be refined, future prices of gold and/or other metals, possible variations in grade or recovery rates, failure of equipment or processes to operate as 5 anticipated, the failure of contracted parties to perform, labor disputes and other risks of the mining industry, delays in obtaining governmental approvals or financing or in the completion of exploration, as well as those factors disclosed in the Corporation's publicly filed documents. Investors should consult the Corporation's ongoing quarterly and annual filings, as well as any other additional documentation comprising the Corporation's public disclosure record, for additional information on risks and uncertainties relating to these forward-looking statements. The reader is cautioned not to rely on these forward-looking statements. Subject to applicable law, the Corporation disclaims any obligation to update these forward-looking statements. All sample values are from grab samples and channel samples, which by their nature, are not necessarily representative of overall grades of mineralized areas. Readers are cautioned to not place undue reliance on the assay values reported in this press release.

NEITHER THE TSX VENTURE EXCHANGE NOR ITS REGULATION SERVICE PROVIDER (AS THAT TERM IS DEFINED IN THE POLICIES OF THE TSX VENTURE EXCHANGE) ACCEPTS RESPONSIBILITY FOR THE ADEQUACY OR ACCURACY OF THE CONTENT OF THIS NEWS RELEASE.

Copyright (c) 2025 TheNewswire - All rights reserved.
CALGARY, April 17, 2025 - (TSXV: GRD) (OTCQB: GRDAF) - Grounded Lithium Corp. ("GLC" or the "Company") announces our financial and operating results for the three and twelve month period ended December 31, 2024. Selected financial and operational information is set out below and should be read in conjunction with the Company's December 31, 2024 financial statements and the related management's discussion and analysis, which are available for review at www.sedarplus.ca or the Company's website at www.groundedlithium.com.

2024 Financial and Operational Highlights

Our most significant highlight involved the entering of a series of agreements with Denison Mines Corp. ("Denison") on January 15, 2024 wherein Denison has the option to become a majority working interest owner in the Kindersley Lithium Project ("KLP") by funding project expenditures, in addition to cash payments directly to GLC, over three distinct phases. Denison is a well-capitalized Saskatchewan focused uranium development company. The agreements with Denison provide for the potential of significant development of the KLP without the need for GLC to dilute interests either at the asset or corporate level; and

Under those agreements with Denison, the partnership commenced technical studies to support the filing of a Pre-Feasibility Study ("PFS") later in 2025; inclusive of re-entering the dedicated lithium well ("4-15 Well"), lab pilot studies from produced brine and engineering studies.

Financial Results

(CAD$, except per share amounts and common shares outstanding)























Three Months Ended

December 31,

Twelve Months Ended

December 31,



2024 2023

2024 2023 FINANCIAL RESULTS











Net comprehensive loss

141,079 776,549

1,073,898 4,187,227 Per share - basic and diluted

- 0.01

0.01 0.06













Cash flow used in operating activities

95,446 368,654

720,313 3,057,030 Per share - basic and diluted

- -

0.01 0.04













Funds flow used in operations

55,234 451,375

710,696 3,152,068 Per share - basic and diluted

- 0.01

0.01 0.04













Capital expenditures











Capital expenditures (dispositions)

- -

(800,000) 451,846













Liquidity











Working capital surplus (deficit)

80,725 (67,543)

80,725 (67,543)













Common shares outstanding











Weighted average - basic and diluted

78,279,227 76,613,873

77,992,568 71,245,719 Outstanding, end of period

78,279,227 76,613,873

78,279,227 76,613,873

President's Message

Our current financial position demonstrates our capacity to manage our balance sheet by minimizing our corporate spending profile while also progressing the KLP through a rigorous technical process with our competent partner, Denison. The next major milestone on our path towards commercial production involves the completion of a PFS. Our Earn-In Agreement with Denison funds the progression of the KLP through the key stages necessary to develop a lithium-from-brine mining project, as well as cash payments directly to GLC at key progression milestones. Ongoing technical studies move the KLP toward a PFS to be completed later this year by Stantec Inc. In October of 2024, we announced the $4.5 million budget by Denison to ultimately produce a PFS during 2025.

The budget involved the additional drilling and production testing of the 4-15 Well in the Kindersley area in November 2024. Sampling of brine from the 4-15 Well occurred at 11 distinct levels within the Duperow/Leduc rock sequence, examining the lithium concentrations and productive capacity of each zone.

We further collected significant volumes of brine across most horizons of the Duperow and sent large volumes to three unique Direct Lithium Extraction ("DLE") firms to evaluate the economics of their technology. We note that our industry peers continue to prove commerciality of DLE on brines utilizing a variety of technology firms to produce lithium-rich eluate and advancing towards commercial production. The evaluation and selection of the DLE technology process informs our design for the construction and operation of an extraction facility in the PFS.

Productivity and lithium concentration data collected from the 4-15 Well contributes to GLC's existing technical inputs which forms the basis of an extensive depletion model. Iterations of the depletion model better define the optimal design for the field layout of producing wells and associated infrastructure.

We look forward to creating corporate value for our shareholders through ongoing technical work and the completion of a technically strong PFS, while continuing to manage our balance sheet.

About Grounded Lithium Corp.

GLC is a publicly traded lithium brine exploration and development company that owns approximately 1.0 million metric tonnes of Measured & Indicated lithium carbonate equivalent mineral resource and approximately 3.2 million metric tonnes of Inferred lithium carbonate equivalent resource over our focused land holdings in Southwest Saskatchewan as per the Company's updated PEA. The updated PEA, titled "NI 43-101 Technical Report: Preliminary Economic Assessment Kindersley Lithium Project - Phase 1 Update" dated November 7, 2023 and effective as of June 30, 2023, reports a Phase 1 NPV 8 after-tax of US$1.0 billion with an after-tax IRR of 48.5%. In January 2024, GLC entered into an agreement with Denison whereby Denison has the option to earn up to a 75% working interest in the KLP by funding in aggregate up to $15,150,000 comprised of both cash payments to GLC of up to $3,150,000 and funding project expenditures of up to $12,000,000 through a structured earn-in option.

GLC's multi-faceted business model involves the consolidation, delineation, exploitation and ultimately development of our opportunity base to fulfill our vision to build a best-in-class, environmentally responsible, Canadian lithium producer supporting the global energy transition shift. U.S. investors can find current financial disclosure and Real-Time Level 2 quotes for the Company on https://www.otcmarkets.com/.

Qualified Person

Scientific and technical information contained in this press release has been prepared under the supervision of Doug Ashton, P.Eng., Alexey Romanov, P. Geo., Meghan Klein, P. Eng., Dean Quirk, P.Eng., Jeffrey Weiss, P.Eng., Chad Hitchings., P.L. Eng., and Michael Munteanu, P.Eng., each of whom is a qualified person within the meaning of NI 43-101.

Forward-Looking Statements

This press release may contain forward-looking statements and forward-looking information within the meaning of applicable Canadian securities laws. The opinions, forecasts, projections and statements about future events of results, are forward looking information, forward-looking statements or financial outlooks (collectively, "forward-looking statements") under the meaning of applicable Canadian securities laws. These statements are made as of the date of this press release and the fact that this press release remains available does not constitute a representation by GLC that the Company believes these forward-looking statements continue to be true as of any subsequent date. Although GLC believes that the assumptions underlying, and expectations reflected in, these forward-looking statements are reasonable, it can give no assurance that these assumptions and expectations will prove to be correct. Such statements include, but are not limited to, statements pertaining to timing of filing a PFS, GLC's vision of becoming a best-in-class, environmentally responsible, Canadian lithium producer supporting the global energy transition.

Among the important factors, risks, uncertainties and assumptions that could cause actual results to differ materially from those indicated by such forward-looking statements are: GLC's expectation that our operations will be in Western Canada, unexpected problems can arise due to technical difficulties and operational difficulties which impact the production, transport or sale of our products; geographic and weather conditions can impact the production; the risk that current global economic and credit conditions may impact commodity prices and consumption more than GLC currently predicts; the failure to obtain financing on reasonable terms; the risk that unexpected delays and difficulties in developing currently owned properties may occur; the failure of drilling to result in commercial projects; unexpected delays due to the limited availability of drilling equipment and personnel; and the other risk factors detailed from time to time in GLC's periodic reports. GLC's forward-looking statements are expressly qualified in their entirety by this cautionary statement.

This news release shall not constitute an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy any securities in any jurisdiction.

Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this news release.

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SOURCE Grounded Lithium Corp.
Monumental Energy Corp. ("Monumental" or the "Company") (TSX-V: MNRG; FSE: ZA6; OTCQB: MNMRF) is pleased to provide an update on its workover wells, Copper Moki 1 & 2 with New Zealand Energy Corp. ("NZEC") located in the Taranaki basin of New Zealand.

Monumental to date has paid a total of $345,000 (CAD) including a 70% deposit last week of $92,000 (CAD) to workover rig contractor RIVAL. The balance has covered the costs of critical parts like 2 3/8" tubing, various sizes of pump rods, pumps and accessories, as well as completion designs and project management.

All of the long-lead and critical items will be in hand by early May and the RIVAL rig is scheduled to move to the site and set up on Copper Moki-2 in the week commencing May 12, 2025. The program for both wells is scheduled to take 17 days and it is expected that the work will be completed by May 30, 2025 at which time both wells will immediately be placed back to production if the workovers are successful. Copper Moki-2 was selected as the first well in the program because it is the easier of the two wells given the pump rods have already been retrieved from the well. Copper Moki-1 still has pump rods in place and will require more time to pull the tubing and the rods contemporaneously.

Upon commencement of production at CM 1&2, Monumental will first recoup 75% of the net revenues from oil and gas sales, followed by transitioning to a 25% royalty model (see the Company's news release dated January 27, 2025).

Furthermore, Monumental and NZEC are evaluating potential sites for new wells either on currently permitted pads or near the Waihapa production facility. The Company will continue to keep the markets informed of any developments and potential agreements if they occur.

Monumental and NZEC have agreed to review all items purchased and other matters when making these payments so both parties are in agreement with the use of funds and can manage them properly as partners.

About Monumental Energy Corp.

Monumental Energy Corp. is an exploration company focused on the acquisition, exploration, and development of properties in the critical and clean energy sector, as well as investing in oil and gas projects. The Company owns securities of New Zealand Energy Corp. and entered into a call option and royalty agreement on the Copper Moki wells with New Zealand Energy Corp. The Company also has an option to acquire a 75% interest and title to the Laguna cesium-lithium brine project located in Chile. The Company holds a 2% net smelter return royalty on Summit Nanotech's share of any future lithium production from the Salar de Turi Project.

On behalf of the Board of Directors,

/s/ "Michelle DeCecco"

Michelle DeCecco, CEO

Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this news release.

Forward Looking Information

This news release contains "forward?looking information or statements" within the meaning of applicable securities laws, which may include, without limitation, the potential plans for the Company's projects, completing the Copper Moki 1 & 2 workovers and the expected results, the expected timeline to complete the workovers of Copper Moki 1 & 2 wells, other statements relating to the technical, financial and business prospects of the Company, its projects, its goals and other matters. All statements in this news release, other than statements of historical facts, that address events or developments that the Company expects to occur, are forward-looking statements. Although the Company believes the expectations expressed in such forward-looking statements are based on reasonable assumptions, such statements are not guarantees of future performance and actual results may differ materially from those in the forward-looking statements. Such statements are based on numerous assumptions regarding present and future business strategies and the environment in which the Company will operate in the future, including the price of metals and the price of oil and gas, the ability to achieve its goals, that general business and economic conditions will not change in a material adverse manner and that financing will be available if and when needed and on reasonable terms. Such forward-looking information reflects the Company's views with respect to future events and is subject to risks, uncertainties and assumptions, including the risks and uncertainties relating to the interpretation of exploration results, risks related to the inherent uncertainty of exploration and cost estimates and the potential for unexpected costs and expenses and those other risks filed under the Company's profile on SEDAR+ at www.sedarplus.ca. While such estimates and assumptions are considered reasonable by the management of the Company, they are inherently subject to significant business, economic, competitive and regulatory uncertainties and risks. Factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those in forward looking statements include, but are not limited to, continued availability of capital and financing and general economic, market or business conditions, failure to secure personnel and equipment for work programs, adverse weather and climate conditions, risks relating to unanticipated operational difficulties (including failure of equipment or processes to operate in accordance with specifications or expectations, cost escalation, unavailability of materials and equipment, government action or delays in the receipt of government approvals, industrial disturbances or other job action, and unanticipated events related to health, safety and environmental matters), risks relating to inaccurate geological assumptions, failure to maintain or obtain all necessary government permits, approvals and authorizations, failure to obtain or maintain surface access agreements or understandings from local communities, land owners or Indigenous groups, fluctuation in exchange rates, the impact of viruses and diseases on the Company's ability to operate, capital market conditions, restriction on labour and international travel and supply chains, the ability to manage working capital, decrease in the price of lithium, cesium and other metals, decrease in the price of oil and gas, loss of key employees, consultants, or directors, failure to maintain or obtain community acceptance (including from the Indigenous communities), increase in costs, litigation, and failure of counterparties to perform their contractual obligations. The Company does not undertake to update forward?looking statements or forward?looking information, except as required by law.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20250417610390/en/

Contact

Michelle DeCecco, Chief Executive Officer and Director

Email: michelle@monumental.energy



Or



Maximilian Sali, VP Corporate Development and Director

Email: max@monumental.energy

Phone: 1-604-367-8117
Vancouver, April 17, 2025 - Element79 Gold Corp. (CSE: ELEM | FSE: 7YS0 | OTC: ELMGF), (the "Company") herein provides an update on the latest community engagement and ongoing development efforts in the Rural Community of Chachas ("Chachas") for its Minas Lucero Project in Arequipa, Peru.

Multi-Stakeholder Meeting in the Chachas on April 12th

As previously outlined in the Company's news release of March 28, 2025, the Spring General Assembly Meeting took place on April 12, 2025, where Element79 Gold Corp's community relationship development team, GAE Peru, was able to present and discuss upcoming exploration, mill and tailings reprocessing plant development plans, which begin with the completion of long-term surface agreements and Formalization of existing REINFO small-scale mining permits with the Company's mineral leases. These surface rights access contracts, for the Company and all other mining groups working in the Chachas region negotiated and signed with the Chachas community.

Element79 Gold Corp's message and dialogue around collaborative work plans and win-win solutions with the community were once again reiterated and were generally well received; in many cases where there were inquiries or debates around the Company's involvement, it is reported that both the greater community and its leaders reinforced and defended the Company's platform and the benefit of developing a constructive and long-term working relationship together. Dissention against the Company and its plans came primarily from a radical faction of the local artisanal miner's group, Lomas Doradas, where emphatic conversations were drawn out for hours both during and after the General Assembly. Due to these disruptions, no formal agreement for either Element79 Gold Corp or Lomas Doradas was reached at the General Assembly.

The Chachas community leaders and JAL (Junta Administrativa Local, or local community administration board) have agreed to meet again outside of the General Assembly to formally during the week of April 21. The Company will provide further updates and action items in due course following these upcoming meetings.

Commitment to Responsible Mining

Element79 Gold Corp. remains dedicated to transparent dialogue, responsible community and resource development, and long-term profitable and mutually beneficial community partnerships. The Company will continue to provide updates as these initiatives progress.

Evaluating Options

The Company upholds that the Lucero project continues to host significant exploration and production merit as well as it continues to develop increasingly strong community relationships for long-term success.

Due to the ongoing difficulties and delays experienced over the past 15 months, the Company's management and Board of Directors has elected to put Lucero and adjacent projects into a period of review, where with its team and trusted consultants, will evaluate the best ways to proceed with the Lucero project in order to maximize shareholder value.

The Company continues to review near-term producing mining assets in Peru and South America for additional growth opportunities and will provide further guidance on these in due course.

About Element79 Gold Corp.

Element79 Gold Corp. is a mining company focused on exploring and developing its past-producing, high-grade gold and silver project, Lucero, located in Chachas, Arequipa, Peru. The Company is committed to advancing responsible mining practices and maintaining strong relationships with local communities to support sustainable development.

The Company also holds several exploration projects along Nevada's Battle Mountain trend, a region renowned for prolific gold production, and these assets are under contract for sale in the first half of 2025. Additionally, Element79 has recently transferred its Dale Property in Ontario to its subsidiary, Synergy Metals Corp., as part of a spin-out process.

For further information, please visit our website at www.element79.gold.

For corporate matters, please contact:

James C. Tworek, Chief Executive Officer

Email: jt@element79.gold

For investor relations inquiries, please contact:

Investor Relations Department

Phone: +1 (403)850.8050

Email: investors@element79.gold

Neither the Canadian Securities Exchange nor the Market Regulator (as that term is defined in the policies of the Canadian Securities Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

Certain statements in this News Release, which are not historical in nature, constitute "forward looking statements" within the meaning of that phrase under applicable Canadian securities law. These statements include, but are not limited to, statements or information concerning future work programs, results and timing of any work programs, the Company's performance or events as of the date hereof. These statements reflect management's current assumptions and expectations and by their nature are subject to certain underlying assumptions, known and unknown risks and uncertainties and other factors which may cause actual results, performance or events to be materially different from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. Those risks include the interpretation of drill results; the geology, grade and continuity of mineral deposits; the possibility that future exploration, development or mining results will not be consistent with our expectations; commodity and currency price fluctuation; failure to obtain adequate financing; regulatory, recovery rates, refinery costs, and other relevant conversion factors, permitting and licensing risks; general market and mining exploration risks and production and economic risks related to design and engineering, manufacturing, technological processes and test procedures and the risk that the project's output will not be salable at a price that will cover the project's operating and maintenance costs. Forward-looking statements should not be construed as investment advice. Readers should conduct a detailed, independent investigation and analysis of the Company and are encouraged to seek independent professional advice before making any investment decision. Accordingly, readers should not place undue reliance on any forward-looking statement. Except as required by applicable securities laws, the Company disclaims any obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements to reflect events or changes in circumstances that occur after the date hereof.

Copyright (c) 2025 TheNewswire - All rights reserved.
Contango Ore Inc. ("Contango" or the "Company") (NYSE American: CTGO) is pleased to announce that it has nominated two new independent directors to its board of directors (the "Board"), and that it will hold its 2025 Annual Meeting of Stockholders (the "Annual Meeting") virtually on Tuesday, June 10, 2025 at 10:00 am Central Time. The notice of the Annual Meeting and proxy materials will be sent on or shortly after April 29, 2025 to stockholders of record as of the close of business on April 11, 2025.

The Board, based on the recommendation of its Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee, has nominated Messrs. Michael Cinnamond and Clynton Nauman to stand for election to the Board. Messrs. Joe Compofelice and Curtis Freeman are not standing for re-election, and their current terms as directors will end at the Annual Meeting. Mr. Compofelice has been a director of the Company since 2010, while Mr. Freeman has been a director since 2022. Their decision not to stand for re-election is not the result of any disagreement with the Company on any matter relating to its operations, policies or practices. The remaining current directors will stand for re-election at the Annual Meeting.

Brad Juneau, Contango's Chairman, said "On behalf of all shareholders and Board members, we would like to thank Joe and Curt for their dedication to advancing the Manh Choh project from an early-stage exploration concept to a producing mine. Their guidance and hard work over the years have resulted in building true shareholder value. On behalf of us all - Thank you!"

Rick Van Nieuwenhuyse, the Company's President and CEO added, "We are very pleased to nominate both Mike and Clynt to the Board. Mike currently serves as Senior Vice President of Finance and Chief Financial Officer of B2Gold Corp., a company with a market capitalization of over $4 billion, bringing a strong finance and capital markets background to the Board, while Clynt brings a wealth of knowledge as a seasoned mining executive with over 45 years of experience building and operating mines internationally, including numerous projects in Alaska and Yukon."

Pursuant to Rule 14a-5(f) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the "Exchange Act"), because the Company did not hold a 2024 Annual Meeting of Stockholders, the Company is hereby providing notice of the deadlines for submission of stockholder proposals and nominations of individuals for election to the Board.

Stockholders of the Company who wish to have a proposal considered for inclusion in the Company's proxy materials for the Annual Meeting pursuant to Rule 14a-8 of the Exchange Act must ensure that proper written notice thereof is delivered to: Corporate Secretary, Contango ORE, Inc., 516, 2nd Avenue, Suite 401, Fairbanks, Alaska 99701, no later than the close of business on April 28, 2025, which the Company has determined to be a reasonable time before it begins to print and send its proxy materials for the Annual Meeting. Any such proposal must also meet the requirements set forth in the rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission (the "SEC") and the Company's bylaws (as amended, the "Bylaws") in order to be eligible for inclusion in the proxy materials for the Annual Meeting.

In addition, in accordance with the requirements contained in the Company's Bylaws, stockholders of the Company who wish to bring business before the Annual Meeting or nominate a person for election as a director, outside of Rule 14a-8 of the Exchange Act, must ensure that proper written notice of such proposal (including all information specified in the Company's Bylaws) is received by the Company's Corporate Secretary at the address specified above no later than the close of business on April 28, 2025. Any such proposal or nomination must also meet the requirements set forth in the rules and regulations of the SEC and the Company's Bylaws.

ABOUT CONTANGO

Contango is a NYSE American listed company that engages in exploration for gold and associated minerals in Alaska. Contango holds a 30% interest in the Peak Gold JV, which leases approximately 675,000 acres of land for exploration and development on the Manh Choh project, with the remaining 70% owned by KG Mining (Alaska), Inc., an indirect subsidiary of Kinross Gold Corp., operator of the Peak Gold JV. The Company and its subsidiaries also have (i) a lease on the Johnson Tract project from the underlying owner, CIRI Native Corporation, (ii) a lease on the Lucky Shot project from the underlying owner, Alaska Hardrock Inc., (iii) 100% ownership of approximately 8,600 acres of peripheral State of Alaska mining claims, and (iv) a 100% interest in approximately 145,000 acres of State of Alaska mining claims that give Contango the exclusive right to explore and develop minerals on these lands. Additional information can be found on our web page at www.contangoore.com.

FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

This press release contains forward-looking statements regarding Contango that are intended to be covered by the safe harbor for "forward-looking statements" provided by the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, based on Contango's current expectations and includes statements regarding future results of operations, quality and nature of the asset base, the assumptions upon which estimates are based and other expectations, beliefs, plans, objectives, assumptions, strategies or statements about future events or performance (often, but not always, using words such as "expects", "projects", "anticipates", "plans", "estimates", "potential", "possible", "probable", or "intends", or stating that certain actions, events or results "may", "will", "should", or "could" be taken, occur or be achieved). Forward-looking statements are based on current expectations, estimates and projections that involve a number of risks and uncertainties, which could cause actual results to differ materially from those reflected in the statements. These risks include, but are not limited to: the risks of the exploration and the mining industry (for example, operational risks in exploring for and developing mineral reserves; risks and uncertainties involving geology; the speculative nature of the mining industry; the uncertainty of estimates and projections relating to future production, costs and expenses; the volatility of natural resources prices, including prices of gold and associated minerals; the existence and extent of commercially exploitable minerals in properties acquired by Contango or the Peak Gold JV; ability to realize the anticipated benefits of the Peak Gold JV; potential delays or changes in plans with respect to exploration or development projects or capital expenditures; the interpretation of exploration results and the estimation of mineral resources; the loss of key employees or consultants; health, safety and environmental risks and risks related to weather and other natural disasters); uncertainties as to the availability and cost of financing; Contango's inability to retain or maintain its relative ownership interest in the Peak Gold JV; inability to realize expected value from acquisitions; inability of our management team to execute its plans to meet its goals; the extent of disruptions caused by an outbreak of disease, such as the COVID-19 pandemic; and the possibility that government policies may change, political developments may occur or governmental approvals may be delayed or withheld, including as a result of presidential and congressional elections in the U.S. or the inability to obtain mining permits. Additional information on these and other factors which could affect Contango's exploration program or financial results are included in Contango's other reports on file with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission. Investors are cautioned that any forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance and actual results or developments may differ materially from the projections in the forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements are based on the estimates and opinions of management at the time the statements are made. Contango does not assume any obligation to update forward-looking statements should circumstances or management's estimates or opinions change.

www.contangoore.com



SOURCE Contango Ore







Contact:



Contango ORE, Inc.

Rick Van Nieuwenhuyse

(907) 888-4273


Vancouver, April 17, 2025 - Dolly Varden Silver Corp. (TSXV: DV) (OTCQX: DOLLF) (FSE: DVQ) (the "Company" or "Dolly Varden") announces that it has entered into a marketing services agreement with LFG Equities Corp. (''LFG'') to provide strategic advice and digital media and marketing services to the Company. LFG, a Toronto-based company, will provide strategic advice, media buying and distribution, and marketing services through on-line media placements for the Company, including but not limited to newsletters. Under the terms of the agreement, LFG will be paid $150,000 USD over the course of the initial term with US$90,000 paid upon signing, US$10,000 paid in advance of the second month and US$50,000 paid in advance of the third month. The initial term is 3 months but may be extended at the discretion of the Company.

LFG's business address at 402-9140 Leslie St., Richmond Hill, ON, L4B 0A9. LFG is an arm's length party to the Company. LFG does not have any interest, directly or indirectly, in the Company or its securities or any right or intent to acquire such an interest at this time, however LFG and its clients may acquire an interest in the securities of the Company in the future. There are no performance factors contained in the agreement and no stock options or other compensation in connection with the engagement.

About Dolly Varden Silver Corporation

Dolly Varden Silver Corporation is a mineral exploration company focused on advancing its 100% held Kitsault Valley Project (which combines the Dolly Varden Project and the Homestake Ridge Project) located in the Golden Triangle of British Columbia, Canada, 25kms by road to tide water. The 163 sq. km. project hosts the high-grade silver and gold resources of Dolly Varden and Homestake Ridge along with the past producing Dolly Varden and Torbrit silver mines. It is considered to be prospective for hosting further precious metal deposits, being on the same structural and stratigraphic belts that host numerous other, on-trend, high-grade deposits, such as Eskay Creek and Brucejack. The Kitsault Valley Project also contains the Big Bulk property which is prospective for porphyry and skarn style copper and gold mineralization, similar to other such deposits in the region (Red Mountain, KSM, Red Chris).

Forward-Looking Statements

This release may contain forward-looking statements or forward-looking information under applicable securities legislation that may not be based on historical fact, including, without limitation, statements containing the words "believe", "may", "plan", "will", "estimate", "continue", "anticipate", "intend", "expect", "potential", "prospective" and similar expressions. Such forward-looking statements included in this news release include the term of the agreement and the proposed benefits of the agreement. Forward-Looking statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties, and other factors which may cause the actual results, performance, or achievements of Dolly Varden to be materially different from any future results, performance, or achievements expressed or implied by the forward-looking statements, including, without limitation, risks associated with the speculative nature of exploration and development of minerals; the anticipates substantial future capital expenditures associated with the exploration and development of its assets and there can be no assurance that debt or equity financing will be available; inherent competition in the mining industry; risks associate with volatility in mineral prices; risks inherent in the estimation of mineral resources; environmental risks associated with the exploration and development of mineral properties; the Company is reliant on key personnel; risks associated with working in remote regions; risks associated with maintaining positive community relations; and the other risks disclosed in the Company's annual information form ("AIF") dated March 28, 2024 for the year ended December 31, 2023 which is available on SEDAR+ at www.sedarplus.ca and in the Company's Form 40-F registration statement as filed with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, which is available on EDGAR at www.sec.gov. The risk factors identified in the Company's public filings are not intended to represent a complete list of factors that could affect the Company. Forward-looking statements are based on management's current expectations and beliefs and assume, among other things, the ability of the Company to satisfy the requirements of listing and registration, and to successfully pursue its current development plans, that future sources of funding will be available to the Company, that relevant commodity prices will remain at levels that are economically viable for the Company and that the Company will receive relevant permits in a timely manner in order to enable its operations, but given the uncertainties, assumptions and risks, readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on such forward-looking statements or information. The Company disclaims any obligation to update, or to publicly announce, any such statements, events or developments except as required by law.

Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX-V) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this news release.

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/248951
April 17 - Abitibi Metals Corp. (CSE:AMQ) (OTCQB:AMQFF) (FSE:4KG) ("Abitibi" or the "Company") is pleased to announce that, subsequent to the closing of the bought deal prospectus offering on April 10, 2025, it has closed on an additional non-brokered private placement (the "Offering") raising gross proceeds of $500,000 through the issuance of 1,785,714 common shares ("Shares") at a price of C$0.28 per Share subscribed by SIDEX Limited Partnership.

Jonathon Deluce, CEO of Abitibi, stated, "Following the recent closing of our $10 million financing, we are pleased to welcome SIDEX as a strategic investor in Abitibi Metals. Their support represents a strong endorsement of both our technical team and our growth strategy for the B26 flagship project. This additional investment further reinforces our strong financial position as we continue to advance our exploration and development initiatives in Quebec. With a solid treasury, we remain fully funded through 2027 and are well-positioned to deliver sustained value for shareholders as we execute our strategy to build a leading metals company in the Abitibi greenstone belt. We greatly appreciate the continued support of our existing shareholders and are excited to welcome new investors who further strengthen our shareholder registry."

No finder's fees were paid under this Offering.

About SIDEX Limited Partnership

SIDEX is an initiative of the Quebec government and the Fonds de solidarite FTQ. Its mission is to invest in companies engaged in mineral exploration in Quebec in order to diversify the province's mineral base, promote innovation and encourage new entrepreneurs.

The securities issued in connection with the Offering are subject to the Company's filing requirements with the Canadian Securities Exchange, and all securities issued are subject to a four-month statutory hold period after closing.

ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD

Jonathon Deluce, Chief Executive Officer

For more information, please call 226-271-5170, email info@abitibimetals.com, or visit https://www.abitibimetals.com.

The Company also maintains an active presence on various social media platforms to keep stakeholders and the general public informed and encourages shareholders and interested parties to follow and engage with the Company through the following channels to stay updated with the latest news, industry insights, and corporate announcements:

Twitter: https://twitter.com/AbitibiMetals

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/abitibi-metals-corp-amq-c/

About Abitibi Metals Corp.

Abitibi Metals Corp. is a Quebec-focused mineral acquisition and exploration company focused on the development of quality base and precious metal properties that are drill-ready with high-upside and expansion potential. Abitibi's portfolio of strategic properties provides target-rich diversification and includes the option to earn 80% of the high-grade B26 Polymetallic Deposit, which hosts a resource estimate of 11.3MT @ 2.13% Cu Eq (Ind - 1.23% Cu, 1.27% Zn, 0.46 g/t Au and 31.9 g/t Ag) & 7.2MT @ 2.21% Cu Eq (Inf - 1.56% Cu, 0.17% Zn, 0.87 g/t Au and 7.4 g/t Ag)1, and the Beschefer Gold Project, where historical drilling has identified 4 historical intercepts with a metal factor of over 100 g/t gold highlighted by 55.63 g/t gold over 5.57 metres (BE13-038) and 13.07 g/t gold over 8.75 metres (B12-014) amongst four modeled zones.

Neither the Canadian Securities Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

Forward-looking statement:

This news release contains certain statements, which may constitute "forward-looking information" within the meaning of applicable securities laws. Forward-looking information involves statements that are not based on historical information but rather relate to future operations, strategies, financing plans, financial results or other technical developments or reports on the B26 Project or otherwise. Forward-looking information is necessarily based upon estimates and assumptions, which are inherently subject to significant business, economic and competitive uncertainties and contingencies, many of which are beyond the Company's control and many of which, regarding future business decisions, are subject to change. These uncertainties and contingencies can affect actual results and could cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed in any forward-looking statements made by or on the Company's behalf. Although Abitibi has attempted to identify important factors that could cause actual actions, events or results to differ materially from those described in forward-looking information, there may be other factors that cause actions, events or results to differ from those anticipated, estimated or intended. All factors should be considered carefully, and readers should not place undue reliance on Abitibi's forward-looking information. Generally, forward-looking information can be identified by the use of forward-looking terminology such as "expects," "estimates," "anticipates," or variations of such words and phrases (including negative and grammatical variations) or statements that certain actions, events or results "may," "could," or "might" occur. Mineral exploration and development are highly speculative and are characterized by a number of significant inherent risks, which may result in the inability of the Company to successfully develop current or proposed projects for commercial, technical, political, regulatory or financial reasons, or if successfully developed, may not remain economically viable for their mine life owing to any of the foregoing reasons, among others. There is no assurance that the Company will be successful in achieving commercial mineral production and the likelihood of success must be considered in light of the stage of operations.

The securities issued pursuant to the Offering have not, nor will they be registered under the United States Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and may not be offered or sold within the United States or to, or for the account or benefit of, U.S. persons in the absence of U.S. registration or an applicable exemption from the U.S. registration requirements. This news release shall not constitute an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy nor shall there be any sale of the securities in the United States or in any other jurisdiction in which such offer, solicitation or sale would be unlawful.

1. Abitibi Metals Announces 62% Increase in Resources at B26 to 11.3 Mt Indicated at 2.13% CuEq and 7.2 Mt Inferred at 2.21% CuEq - Abitibi Metals

Copyright (c) 2025 TheNewswire - All rights reserved.
Another FIA presidential contender emerges

Another candidate has emerged as a potential rival for controversial FIA president Mohammed Ben Sulayem in the forthcoming elections.

David Richards, Malaysian GP 2002

 The Cahier Archive

Earlier, amid obvious unrest and high-profile departures at Formula 1's governing body, it was rumoured that Susie Wolff may take on the incumbent.

Her husband, Mercedes boss Toto Wolff, only offered a half-hearted denial. Not that I know of, he insisted when asked if his wife was considering a run.

Red Bull's Dr Helmut Marko, however, insisted that Susie as FIA president is impossible while her husband runs and co-owns an actual F1 team.

Still, Ben Sulayem is now a highly unpopular FIA president. In Bahrain alone - the 63-year-old's first appearance at a grand prix so far in 2025 - two notable incidents were captured on camera.

In one, Lewis Hamilton ignored the Emirati's offer of a hug, while the cameras also captured the moment on the grid when Luca di Montezemolo - his first appearance at a race in a decade - gave Ben Sulayem a blatant 'thumbs down' right to his face.

If I interpret that hand signal correctly, it didn't seem very friendly, Finnish commentator Ossi Oikarinen said.

It seems that things are pretty tense at the FIA at the moment. I don't think everything we are hearing are just rumours.

Indeed, former F1 team boss and current Motorsport UK chair David Richards was declined entrance at the World Motor Sport Council meeting in February for declining to sign a confidentiality agreement.

As recently as just a few days ago, Richards continued to slam the Ben Sulayem regime, saying the governance processes are becoming ever more opaque and concentrating power in the hands of the president alone .

Rumours are now beginning to emerge that the Briton could run for FIA president late this year.

World Motor Sport Council meetings are usually confidential, former F1 driver Ralf Schumacher told Sky Deutschland, "so I don't think that incident was just about that.

There have been a lot of changes in the FIA, the German added. "I don't know if it's a cultural battle - are they really trying to break through outdated structures, or is Richards exaggerating?

Hopefully it will all be cleared up soon, Schumacher said. There is an election coming up and I know David Richards is a popular candidate. Ben Sulayem probably wanted to get rid of him so he wouldn't have to fight him for the seat.

(GMM)
PwC shuts operations in 9 Sub-Saharan African countries

GraphicOnline Business News Apr - 17 - 2025 , 06:38

PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC), one of the worlds leading professional services firms, has ceased operations in nine Sub-Saharan African countries, in what it describes as the outcome of a strategic review.

The affected countries include Ivory Coast, Gabon, Cameroon, Madagascar, Senegal, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Republic of Congo, Republic of Guinea, and Equatorial Guinea. The announcement was published on PwCs website on 31st March.

The firm made the disclosure in response to media queries following a report by the Financial Times (FT), which suggested that the closures were part of a broader exit from over a dozen markets considered by the company to be too small, risky or unprofitable.

Though PwCs official statement did not provide specific reasons for the withdrawal, the FT report indicated that tensions had emerged between the global leadership and local partners. According to the report, the local firms claimed they had lost over a third of their business in recent years after pressure from PwC's global executives to drop risky clients.

The development marks another turbulent episode for the accounting giant, which has been rocked by reputational and regulatory challenges in several jurisdictions. Last year, its China division was fined $62 million and suspended for six months due to audit failures linked to China Evergrandes $78 billion fraud case. Similarly, the UK regulatory authority slapped PwC with a fine of around $6 million in March over its audit of Wyelands Bank for the 2019 financial year.

Further afield, the firm has been working to restore its relationship with Saudi Arabia after the kingdoms $925 billion sovereign wealth fund halted engagements with PwC. Meanwhile, according to the FT report, the company has also severed ties with member firms in Zimbabwe, Malawi, and even the Pacific nation of Fiji.

The restructuring has coincided with a wave of client departures and job cuts across several PwC offices globally.

Despite these developments, the firm has not publicly confirmed any intention to scale back its footprint in West Africa's larger economies such as Nigeria or Ghana, where it continues to maintain operations.
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Who truly deserves TGMA26 Artiste of the Year?

Richmond Adu-Poku Showbiz News Apr - 17 - 2025 , 08:00 6 minutes read

THE Telecel Ghana Music Awards (TGMA) have long been the crown jewel of Ghanas music industrya night of glitz, glam, and enough heated debates to fuel a months worth of radio call-ins.

Every year, fans passionately rally behind their faves, but no category attracts more fervoror furythan Artiste of the Year(AOTY). It's more than an award; its a cultural battleground.

Once the nominations drop, Ghana splits into factions. From morning shows to meme pages, artistes, pundits, and die-hard fans launch into impassioned defenses of their chosen ones. Youll find barbershop arguments, office polls, WhatsApp voice notes turned essays, and TikTok challenges all feeding into the fire.

And this year? Oh, its electric.

Class of 2025: A Lineup That Slaps

This year, the 26th edition of TGMA AOTY features a star-studded, genre-spanning cast of nominees: Stonebwoy, King Promise, King Paluta, Joe Mettle, Black Sherif, Team Eternity Ghana, and Kweku Smoke. Its a rich mix of Gospel, Street Rap, Afrobeats, and alternative flair, all deserving in their own right.

But lets be real: the loudest noise surrounds a tantalizing trioStonebwoy, King Promise, and King Paluta. And this time, its not just about whos had the most hitsits about history, hunger, and hard-earned respect.

King Paluta: The Local Champion

King Paluta may have started the year as an underdog, but somewhere between Makoma and Aseda, he became a force you couldnt ignore. Nicknamed the Local Champion, he didnt just release songshe created cultural moments.

Makoma became an unofficial campaign song and it was a national hymn. Aseda was even more curiousmoving effortlessly from beer bars to pulpits. Yes, you read that right. Paluta had Ghana dancing and praying at the same time.

He wasnt just dropping hits either. He dropped a solid album, featured heavily across the industry, and performed on virtually every major stage in Ghana. He waved the flag high for Oseikrom (Kumasi), proving the Ashanti capital is a creative powerhouse.

But heres where the debate begins. Critics argue that his international visibility is limited, and his streaming numbers dont quite match up to his rivals. And while he has the street on lock, some say his artistry still has room to grow, especially in terms of stagecraft and versatility.

Still, Paluta gave Ghana one of its most authentic musical yearsand sometimes, being the voice of the people counts more than numbers.

King Promise: The Cool Contender with Global Swag

If King Paluta is the voice of the street, King Promise is the sound of the skylinepolished, global, and impossibly smooth. His musical journey this year has been nothing short of cinematic.

Riding the wave from his 2023 continental smash Terminator, King Promise kept the heat on in the year under review with Paris and Continental, bangers that exude a certain coollike sunglasses at night kind of cool. These songs have become staples at fashion events, rooftop parties, and Afrobeats playlists across the continent.

The numbers? Stunning. King Promise's streaming figures are among the highest in the category, and his digital footprint is undeniable. His shows in Asia, Europe, and parts of Africa showcased not just reach, but demand. Hes become a fixture on international stages, even making quiet inroads into Nigeria, the holy grail of West African crossover.

But heres what makes his story especially compelling: if he wins, he joins his contemporaries KiDi and Kuami Eugene in a tight-knit club of recent winnerscompleting what fans are now calling the K Circle. The sentiment behind that? Powerful. Theres a sense that King Promise has suffered enoughconsistently good, rarely rewarded.

And sometimes, the crowd just wants to see the nice guy win. Not only has he been amazing, he has gone continental and certainly isnt making a stop at Paris.

Stonebwoy: The GOAT in Waiting?

Then comes Stonebwoythe heavyweight. The kingmaker. The hitman with the most polished artillery in the business.

Fresh off his 2024 win, many assumed hed take a quiet victory lap. Instead, Stonebwoy went into overdrive. His album Up&Runnin9 was a masterclass in cross-genre fluidity, with features that read like a who's who of global music royalty. From Grammy-nominated collaborators to chart-topping singles, he didnt just represent Ghanahe exported it.

He didnt stop there. Stonebwoy played some of the biggest stages in the world, including a massive set at Londons O2 Arena. Domestically, he delivered Jejerejea song that not only dominated airwaves but solidified his dual status as mainstream and street-relevant.

This is an artiste who has mastered the music business. A win this year would make Stonebwoy the first-ever three-time Artiste of the Year winner, and the only one to do it back-to-back. Thats dynasty talk. And while some argue his momentum isnt as street-heavy as Palutas or as fresh as Promises, his consistency, range, and reach are unmatched. Indeed, and fact, his competitors might just be his fans.

In many ways, Stonebwoy is not fighting for recognitionhes fighting for legacy.

Spoiler Alert: When Underdogs Bark

And just when you think it's a three-horse race, here come the dark horsesready to mess up your predictions.

Joe Mettle, Ghanas gospel darling, has a loyal base and a reputation for pulling off shockers. His consistency in delivering hits with spiritual resonance keep him quietly in the race. Could the church stage a coup?

Kweku Smoke brings gritty energy and an unapologetically raw style that resonates with younger audiences. His appeal may be niche, but its deep.

And then theres Black Sherifa darling of both fans and critics. While he hasnt dominated the conversation this year like in the past, he still commands respect and attention. One strong push from voters could catapult him into surprise territory.

And heres the kicker: a recent Ghana Music Live poll revealed that many fans support more than one nominee. In a year where the top three could split the vote, the door is wide open for an upset.

A Year of Firsts, or a Full Circle Moment?

So, who truly deserves it?

Is it Paluta, who turned local love into national dominance? Is it Promise, whose global growth and loyal following scream its his time? Or is it Stonebwoy, the man with the numbers, the narrative, and the unmatched artistry?

The truth? Theres no wrong answer this year. Every nominee brings something meaningful to the tablewhether its street cred, sonic innovation, Gospel inspiration, or global reach.

But only one crown. Only one name.

And on the night of the 26TGMAs, when the spotlight hits, and the envelope opens, history will be madeone way or another.

Until then, the debates rage on. Twitter is talking. The fans are voting. And the streets? Oh, the streets are watching.
A nations unspoken wounds: The mental health issue in Ghana

Alexis Aseda Baffour Opinion Apr - 17 - 2025 , 16:25 5 minutes read

If a person breaks a bone, they immediately go to the hospital. But if their mind is breaking, where do they go to?

Each year, more than three million Ghanaians silently battle mental health conditions, yet fewer than 2% receive the necessary care.

These struggles arent just personal problems; they affect how individuals think, work, love, and live. Left untreated, they spread, tearing through families, friendships, classrooms, and communities; nonetheless, mental illness remains shrouded in stigma, myth, and uncomfortable silence.

The consequences of untreated mental health concerns ripple through society, shattering the pillars of our unity as a nation.

The rise in suicides, drug abuse, violencethese are not random tragedies: they are red flags waving high in a nation grappling with a quiet yet deadly epidemic.

Mental Health: More than the absence of illness

Mental health is more than just not being sick. According to the World Health Organization, it encompasses how we regulate our emotions, build relationships, and deal with the stresses of daily life. It is just as real and important as physical health. Yet, we treat it as optional, something to deal with later, or worse, something to hide. True mental well-being is more than the absence of distress.

It is about cultivating joy, purpose, balance, and self-acceptance. Mental illness can affect anyoneregardless of age, class, or upbringing. In Ghana, these challenges often stem from a complex blend of biological, economic, and cultural pressures:

Around 45% of cases are attributed to biological roots, genetics, brain chemistry, or neurological conditions.

Financial stress and economic hardship trigger anxiety and depression in many households.

And cultural expectations, family tensions, and relationship struggles deepen emotional strain.

These factors dont just coexist. they feed into each other, creating a storm that many face with little to no support.

The hidden cost to society

Mental health issues are social as well as personal. They impact families, workplaces, and national progress. Ghana recorded 81 suicides and over 500 attempts in the first half of 2024, representing lives unraveling and communities unsure of how to help.

Behind the rising dropout rates, growing youth unemployment, and increasing domestic violence lies a common thread: untreated mental distress.

When left unaddressed, these issues hold an entire nation back from achieving its potential.

The youth are not okay

Young people are on the frontlines of this crisis. Social media, once hailed as a tool for connection, now often fuels anxiety, insecurity, and comparison.

Teens scroll through highlight reels of perfect lives and flawless bodies, feeling more and more like theyre not enough. In a 2022 survey, 70% of teenagers in Accra said what they saw online made them feel not good enough. That is not just a statistic: it is a generation silently drowning in self-doubt.

These platforms, filtered and curated, dont just warp realitythey isolate. Many teens feel pressured to maintain appearances online while falling apart offline. The result? A cycle of disingenuous connection and growing emotional distance.

Stigma: The silent barrier

Why dont more people seek help? One word: stigma. In Ghana, mental illness is still seen by many as a sign of weakness or a spiritual curse.

People struggling are too often called mad, ridiculed, or dismissed. These harmful ideas dont just shame individualsthey deter entire families from acknowledging problems or seeking care. Some relatives avoid treatment altogether, hoping the issue will go away or praying it wont bring shame. But silence isnt strengthit is suffering. And unless we break this stigma, more people will continue to suffer in the shadows.

Schools without support, youth without voices

Mental health support is nearly absent from our schools. There are barely enough trained professionals, and few safe spaces for students to speak freely.

Peer-reviewed, student-led mental health initiatives are rare, and even open conversations are blocked by fear of judgement or cultural taboos. Our students are navigating the pressure to succeed, the fear of failure, and the weight of personal trauma often alone.

Were leaving them unsupported in the very places that should protect them.

We can do better

This crisis isnt some distant threat. It is here, and it is real. But it doesnt have to remain this way. We need early intervention in schools. We need more youth-centered mental health services.We need to normalise conversations around emotional wellbeing.We must teach people that mental health is health. That struggling doesnt mean youre broken and seeking help doesnt mean youre weak. We must train more professionals, support mental health initiatives, and integrate mental health into our national healthcare system.

A national call to empathy

Whats happening in Ghana today is not just a crisis of medicineit is a crisis of compassion. A failure to see, hear, and care for our fellow citizens.

This silence (the one that tells people to man up) is holding us back. So is the bigotry that implies mental illness makes someone less worthy of support or dignity.

But things can change. If we invest in mental health infrastructure, launch culturally sensitive awareness campaigns, and create safe spaces for people (especially the youth) to open up, we can start to heal.

Empowering young people to speak up, equipping schools with support systems, and integrating mental health into our national priorities arent luxuries. Theyre lifelines. If we choose to listen, to learn, and to lead with empathy, we can begin to heal these hidden wounds. One conversation, one mind, one life at a time.

The writer, Alexis Aseda Baffour is a student of International Community School (ICS)  Accra
Christian Rogg appointed new British High Commissioner to Ghana

Kweku Zurek Apr - 17 - 2025 , 14:53 2 minutes read

The United Kingdom has named Mr Christian Rogg as the next British High Commissioner to the Republic of Ghana.

He is set to assume the diplomatic post in July 2025, replacing Ms Harriet Thompson (below), who will be taking up a new assignment within the UKs Diplomatic Service.

The announcement was made on April 17, 2025 by the UKs Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO). Mr Rogg, a seasoned development economist and diplomat, brings with him over two decades of experience in international development and foreign service, including previous postings in Ghana and across Africa.

Between 2006 and 2009, he served in Accra as Head of the Governance and Growth Team at the UKs Department for International Development (DFID), a role that gave him in-depth familiarity with Ghanas political and economic landscape.

His return to Ghana as High Commissioner marks a significant homecoming and a continuation of his long-standing engagement with West Africa.

Mr Rogg currently serves as Director for Development and Open Societies at the FCDO, a position he has held since 2023. Prior to that, he was Director for Development, Parliament, Coordination and Capability between 2021 and 2023.

His extensive diplomatic record also includes senior roles in Ethiopia, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Nigeria, Vietnam, and the UK.

The incoming High Commissioners academic and professional background reflects a strong foundation in economics and governance. His early career includes stints with Merrill Lynch, the Inter-American Development Bank, and PricewaterhouseCoopers, as well as academic experience as a researcher and instructor at the University of Oxford.

Mr Roggs appointment comes at a time when the UK-Ghana partnership continues to grow in areas of trade, security, education, and climate action. His experience and previous work in Ghana are expected to provide continuity and deepen bilateral cooperation between the two countries.

Ms Harriet Thompson, who has served as British High Commissioner to Ghana since 2021, is credited with strengthening diplomatic, economic and cultural ties between the UK and Ghana during her tenure. Her next diplomatic posting has not yet been officially disclosed.

Mr Rogg is expected to bring fresh energy and renewed focus to UK-Ghana relations when he officially takes up the role in July.
Govt takes over Gold Fields Damang Mines

Justice Agbenorsi Apr - 17 - 2025 , 12:57 5 minutes read

The government has assumed operational control of the Damang Mine, a concession held by Abosso Goldfields Limited, a subsidiary of Gold Fields Limited.

The move follows the rejection of the application by Gold Fields Limited to have its 30-year mining lease at the facility extended for another 30 years.

Abosso Gold Fields Limiteds 30-year lease is set to expire tomorrow, April 18, 2025.

The governments action, according to a statement by the Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources, represented a crucial step in Ghanas economic reset, ensuring that gold reserves directly benefited citizens and contributed to long-term prosperity, easing uncertainty over the future of over 1,300 workers of the company.

The statement available to the Daily Graphic indicated that the governments decision was based on solid, empirically supported grounds.

This decision aligns with the governments policy shift away from the neo-colonial practice of automatic licence renewals for mining in Ghana, focusing instead on a comprehensive reassessment of mining licences to maximise national benefit, the statement said.

The statement gave an assurance that in spite of the government's control of the concession, it remained committed to maintaining uninterrupted operations, protecting jobs, and honouring existing valid service contracts while ensuring compliance with legal and fiscal obligations to secure Ghanas rightful benefits from this vital resource.

Continuity

The government, the statement said, had outlined plans to ensure that all essential services  from security to health care and fuel supply to camp management  continued without disruption.

It also stated that valid contracts would be honoured, wages paid, and operations sustained as efforts were made to regularise arrangements under state stewardship.

The statement further clarified that priority would be given to local workforce retention and community-based enterprises in line with Ghanas Local Content Policy.

This transition, it said, would focus on local hiring and procurement, ensuring that opportunities in transport, labour and auxiliary services primarily benefited businesses within the Damang catchment area.

A dedicated transition team would also engage directly with all workers, contractors, and community leaders in the coming days to address concerns, provide updates and collaborate on the way forward, it emphasised.

The Government of Ghana is committed to enforcing strict protocols to ensure safety, orderly operations, and protection of all assets. Unauthorised access or disruptions will not be tolerated.

Together, we will uphold the integrity of this transition, the statement added.

Reasons

The statement cited several reasons for not renewing the licence, indicating that Abosso Goldfields Limited failed to declare verifiable mineral reserves in its renewal application.

According to Regulation 189 of the Minerals and Mining Act (Licensing) Regulation, 2012 (L.I. 2176), an application to extend a mining lease must include a comprehensive technical report and a programme of mining operations.

Any such report, the statement said, should detail verifiable mineral reserves, including the quantity of gold discovered and projected extraction to justify the lease extension.

Without declared reserves, the Minerals Commission cannot recommend the extension of the lease.

It is important to note that the companys 2024 Annual Reports, published in March 2025  shortly after the Notice of Rejection was served  have validated the governments position regarding the absence of reserves necessary to support the lease extension, the statement said.

Additionally, it said the application submitted by Gold Fields Limited lacked a detailed technical programme outlining past activities over the past 30 years or future plans for the mine.

The statement emphasised that without this critical information, the government cannot adequately assess the mines historical performance or future direction  a fundamental requirement for responsible and informed decision-making.

Furthermore, the statement pointed out that Gold Fields Limited had not allocated any budget for exploration at the Damang Mine over the past two years, insisting that this lack of investment raised serious concerns about the companys commitment to sustainable mining practices and the long-term viability of the mine.

Background

Gold Fields Limited is the seventh biggest producer of gold in the world, and has two operational mines in Ghana, namely the Tarkwa Mine, which is operated by Gold Fields Ghana, and the Damang Mine, which is run by Abosso Goldfields Limited.

In 2011, Gold Fields bought out IAMGolds remaining interest in Damang, and the company now owns a 90 per cent stake, with the Government of Ghana holding the remaining 10 per cent.

According to the 2024 annual report of Gold Fields, no mineral reserves were declared at Damang, which meant there were no defined gold reserves to be mined there.

Actual mining at the mine is said to have stopped in 2023 as the company resorted to processing stockpiles.

In fact, it is stated in the Mineral Resources and Reserves Supplement to the Integrated Annual Report of 2023 that no exploration was proposed for the Damang Mine in 2024.

No reserves

The lack of reserves and the lack of funds for exploration spending for the Damang Mine appeared to suggest that the company was not interested in expanding mine life for the mine at Damang.

Additionally, the company, this year, intended to continue the processing of stockpiles in line with the life of the mine for at least one year.

The mine has since been considered as one that has not met the requirements and justification for an extension of lease.
President launches One Million Coders initiative - Attracts 90,000 applications in 48 hours

Kester Aburam Korankye Apr - 17 - 2025 , 12:03 4 minutes read

President John Dramani Mahama yesterday launched Ghanas ambitious One Million Coders Programme (OMCP), declaring it the foundation of a national technological transformation that will position the country as Africas digital leader.

The launch, held at the Ghana-India Kofi Annan Centre of Excellence in ICT, was greeted with overwhelming enthusiasm, with over 90,000 applications received within just 48 hours of the opening of the portal to receive applications, far surpassing initial expectations of around just 560 applications.

Digital empowerment

In a rousing keynote address, President Mahama framed the initiative as more than a training programme.

It is, he said, the bedrock of a new economic era.

"We are not just teaching code; we are rewriting Ghanas future," the President said.

"This programme is our declaration to the world that Ghana will no longer be a consumer of technology but a creator; a nation where innovation drives growth, where our youth build solutions for our challenges, and where digital skills become the passport to prosperity," he added.

He drew parallels to global success stories, citing Estonias coding-integrated education system and Indias dominance in the $410 billion outsourcing market, emphasising that Ghana, with its strategic location and English-speaking workforce, was poised to become Africas premier tech hub.

President Mahama ended with a direct appeal to Ghanas youth: "You are the architects of this digital dawn. Seize this opportunity, not just to learn but to lead."

Scaling up

The Minister of Communication, Digital Technology and Innovations, Samuel Nartey George, revealed the staggering demand of 91,847 applications as of launch day, forcing an immediate expansion from the planned 560 trainees to a much larger first cohort.

"This isnt just a training programme; its a movement," Mr George declared.

"Weve partnered with Google, Microsoft, Amazon Web Services, and MTN to ensure our curriculum is world-class. From cybersecurity to data analytics, were preparing Ghanaians not just for jobs but to create jobs," he said.

The programmes modular training approach will be rolled out across Accra, Kumasi, Sunyani, and Bolgatanga, with plans to activate community information centres nationwide to ensure rural inclusion.

Economic transformation

The President and the minister underscored the One Million Coders Programmes role in job creation, referencing the potential of tapping into global tech and outsourcing markets, and entrepreneurship to enable startups to solve local challenges in agriculture, health care and governance.

They also touched on the programmes potential for education reform to embed coding in school curricula for long-term impact, and to foster inclusion that would prioritise women, rural youth and persons with disabilities.

First cohort

As the first cohort begins training next month, all eyes are on Ghanas boldest bet yet on a tech-driven future.

In an interview with the Daily Graphic after the launch, Afia Sey (not her real name), an applicant, said the potential of the coders programme to transform the technology industry was huge.

She said her interest for the programme grew when she discovered that a course she had wanted to pursue but did not have the funds to finance was being offered for free as part of the programme.

This course that I am signing up for cost a lot of dollars when I looked it up online, so although I wanted to pursue it, I couldnt afford it, and moreover no institution in the country was offering it, and I had to do it online at a huge fee that I couldnt afford, she said.

Background

The Ghana Coders Programme, officially known as the One Million Coders Programme, is an ambitious national initiative aimed at equipping Ghanas youth with critical digital skills to drive the countrys digital transformation, and position Ghana as a leader in Africas tech ecosystem.

The programme emerged as a key manifesto promise of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) during the 2024 election campaigns, and has been adopted as a flagship initiative by the administration of President Mahama.

It reflects Ghanas recognition of digital skills as essential for employability, economic diversification and global competitiveness in the Fourth Industrial Revolution.

The government formally announced that the programmes pilot phase would begin yesterday, April 16, 2025, initially targeting four regions, namely Greater Accra, Ashanti, Bono, and Upper East, with plans for nationwide expansion.
Mali, Burkina Faso, Niger invited to ECOWAS 50th anniversary launch in Accra

Gertrude Ankah Apr - 17 - 2025 , 15:56 2 minutes read

President John Dramani Mahama has invited the military-led governments of Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger to the 50th anniversary launch of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) in Accra.

The event is set to take place in Accra on April 22, 2025.

At a press briefing in Accra on Thursday, the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa said the invitation extended to the three countries was a gesture of reconciliation, aimed at bridging divisions and restoring dialogue with the three Sahel nations, which recently announced their withdrawal from the regional bloc to form the Alliance of Sahel States (AES).

He added it was in a diplomatic move aimed at fostering dialogue and healing regional divisions.

Mr. Ablakwa underscored the importance of regional unity in the face of emerging threats, stating: Ghana believes in dialogue, not disengagement. This invitation reflects our commitment to peace, regional cooperation, and the shared destiny of West Africans.

The launch of ECOWAS@50 at the Accra International Conference Centre will mark a historic moment for the bloc, which was established on May 28, 1975 to promote economic integration and political cooperation across West Africa.

The event will be officially hosted by President Mahama and will feature the unveiling of a new anniversary logo and the announcement of the year-long Jubilee theme.

Expected dignitaries include Nigerian President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, who currently chairs the ECOWAS Authority of Heads of State and Government, the President of the ECOWAS Commission, other regional leaders, and international development partners.
Mahama to launch ECOWAS golden jubilee celebrations in Accra on April 22

Kweku Zurek Apr - 17 - 2025 , 05:23 2 minutes read

Accra is set to become the focal point of regional celebration on Tuesday, April 22, 2025, as the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) officially launches its 50th anniversary commemorations in Ghanas capital city.

The event will be graced by President John Dramani Mahama, who will lead the formal commencement of activities marking the ECOWAS Golden Jubilee.

The ceremony is expected to attract ministers and dignitaries from all fifteen ECOWAS Member States, making it a major diplomatic and cultural gathering in the region. Accra will be adorned in the official colours of ECOWAS as the city hosts the inaugural festivities, which will set the tone for similar events to be held in each Member State throughout the year.

In a statement released by ECOWAS, it was confirmed that The President of Ghana, H.E. John Dramani MAHAMA, will kick off the activities planned as part of the celebration of the 50th anniversary of ECOWAS.

The launch event in Accra will feature a series of colourful performances, including the presentation of the ECOWAS Golden Jubilee logo and theme, as well as artistic and cultural performances recounting the history of ECOWAS from its creation in Lagos by the Founding Fathers, through its various reforms to the successes and major achievements in the Member States.

The regional bloc, which was established on 28 May 1975 in Lagos, Nigeria, has evolved into what is now widely regarded as the best organised Regional Economic Community in Africa. It boasts of key achievements and ongoing programmes aimed at deepening regional integration and improving the socio-economic development of its Member States.

In preparation for the Golden Jubilee, the ECOWAS Authority of Heads of State and Government strongly recommended that the institutions 50th anniversary be celebrated with great visibility in each Member State.

As part of this directive, the ECOWAS Administrative and Financial Committee convened virtually in February 2025 to approve the programme of activities that will unfold across the region.
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Searching for mobile phone signal  How Sanguli residents struggle with poor network

Simon Unyan Apr - 17 - 2025 , 18:22 5 minutes read

Risking life for a signal  This is is how Sanguli residents struggle with poor mobile network coverage

On a bright Sunday afternoon in Sanguli  a farming community in the Saboba District of the Northern Region  residents gather beneath a tree they ironically call MTN.

But it is not for shade or leisure, the tree has become their only hope of catching a faint mobile signal.

In an increasingly digital world, this spot is a lifeline for a community desperate to stay connected.

Esther (not her real name), a resident shared her ordeal with Graphic Onlines Simon Unyan.

She frequently paddled several kilometers to Saboba town just to send mobile money to her brother in Tamale.

When her aging bicycle fails, she spends GH30 on transport anytime she goes to do mobile money transactions.

Even to receive a MoMo alert, we must travel to a nearby village with a signal, she stated.

These frequent, risky journeys on rocky, stony roads are not just inconvenient; they are dangerous.

Nkunkpakikpe Dalafu, an opinion leader in the community, recalled a tragic case involving a pregnant woman who lost her baby because she couldnt call for medical help.

Weve witnessed heartbreaking incidents  women losing pregnancies, others suffering complications, and even deaths  all because we couldnt make emergency calls, he said.

He also recounted at least 15 cases of snakebites among residents who ventured into the bush at night in search of a signal.

The poor network coverage also affects education. Teachers often reject postings to Sanguli due to the lack of connectivity, disrupting academic progress and limiting students futures.

Gmajinbo Daniel, a university graduate from the community, revealed how he missed a job opportunity because recruiters couldnt reach him.

After that, I had no choice but to rent a room in Saboba just to stay connected while job hunting, he said.

For the youth, the digital gap means missing out on mobile banking, online learning, and mobile money vending businesses.

It stifles economic growth, limits access to agricultural innovation, and deepens the cycle of poverty.

The social consequences are equally severe. A distressed mother, Mabefam Konja, shared that her sons relationship is on the verge of collapse due to poor communication between the two.

His girlfriend lives in Saboba. They only talk on market days when he travels there. Now, shes seeing someone else, she said.

Marital tensions are on the rise. Hours spent in the bush searching for signals often lead to misunderstandings and suspicion of infidelity.

Some spouses get suspicious when they see their partners talking to someone of the opposite sex while waiting for a signal. Its tearing families apart, another resident shared.

Dalafu Emmanuel, another resident, highlighted the absence of a modern network tower between Saboba and Chereponi in the North East Region. This gap not only disrupts communication but also hampers emergency response and farming.

Accidents happen frequently along this stretch, and getting emergency help is a major challenge. Were mostly farmers. During the farming and harvest seasons, without reliable network access, we are unable to contact buyers, suppliers, tractor operators, or agricultural officers.

As a result, much of our produce rots on the farm, he lamented.

The Sanguli Electoral Area, which consists of about 17 communities, continues to struggle with weak or non-existent mobile coverage. This affects not only communication but also access to healthcare, education, emergency services, commerce, and family life.

Despite the governments rural telephony project, Sangulis proximity to Togo worsens the problem. Phones frequently switch to Togocel  Togos mobile network  making calls and data more difficult and expensive.

In desperation, residents tie phones to tree branches, climb trees, or wander deep into the bush at odd hours. When they do catch a signal, calls are often made on speaker mode due to poor receptionsacrificing privacy just to communicate.

Tilako Timugnee Francis, Assemblyman for the Sanguli Electoral Area, said repeated appeals to the district assembly have yielded little change. A temporary rural network booster provided by the assembly remains uninstalled.

Even with that planned intervention, connectivity remains uncertain. Were still waiting for a permanent solution, he said.

One day, some materials were brought in, but it turned out to be only a temporary fix. Our concern is sustainability  especially for such a large electoral area so close to Togo. At night, you can even see lights from Togo, and sometimes our phones connect to Togocel instead of local networks.

He appealed to the government and telecom operators to establish a permanent, modern telecom tower to stabilize the signal and prevent foreign network interference.

Under its mandate, the Ghana Investment Fund for Electronic Communications (GIFEC) is responsible for expanding telecom access to underserved areas. Yet, communities like Sanguli remain disconnected.

Residents are pleading for urgent action. For them, connectivity is not a luxuryits a matter of safety, opportunity, and dignity.

In an era where digital access is a key driver of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), Sangulis story is a powerful reminder that for many rural communities, connectivity is still out of reach.

As Ghana continues its digital transformation drive, Sanguli remains excludedunable to fully participate in mobile banking, e-learning, telemedicine, or e-commerce. The people of Sanguli are simply asking for what many take for granted: the right to connect.
Later this year, Samsung will release its slender flagship  the Galaxy S25 Edge. But that is not the only thin and light phone on the 2025 roster, the Samsung Galaxy M56 is the slimmest phone in its segment, according to the company.

The Galaxy M56 is 30% slimmer than its predecessor

In concrete numbers, the M56 measures 7.2mm thick and weighs 180g. For comparison, the A56 is 7.4mm and 198g, the M55 is 7.8mm and 180g. All three phones have 5,000mAh batteries and 6.7 screen.

Speaking of the screen, it measures 6.74 and is a Super AMOLED+ panel that is 33% brighter and has 36% slimmer bezels compared to its predecessor, the M55 screen. The 1080p+ panel has a 120Hz refresh rate.

6.74 sAMOLED+ 1080p+ 120Hz display on the Galaxy M56

The Galaxy M56 is powered by last years Exynos 1480. While not as fast as the current Exynos 1580 (found inside the A56), the 1480 is still a 4nm chip with AMD RDNA 2 graphics and Cortex-A78/A55 CPU cores. Also, it has a 33% bigger vapor chamber than the M55 to help keep it cool.

The chip is paired with 8GB of RAM (LPDDR5x) and 128GB storage (UFS 3.1). There is no word on a microSD slot, but the device has two SIM slots and sub-6GHz 5G (bands: 1, 3, 5, 8, 28, 40, 41, 78). Other connectivity options include USB 2.0 Type-C, Wi-Fi 6 (ax) and Bluetooth 5.3. Theres no NFC.

The camera system features a 50MP main with an f/1.8 OIS-enabled lens and 4K @ 30fps video recording. Video recording supports 10-bit HDR mode. There is no telephoto lens, instead the main camera has an in-sensor 2x zoom.

Galaxy M56 cameras: 50+8+2MP on the back and 12MP on the front

Also on the back are an 8MP ultra-wide and a 2MP macro cam. On the front is a 12MP selfie camera (f/2.2 FF lens). Galaxy AI features are available to help you edit photos (Edit Suggestions), remove unwanted objects (Object Eraser) or turn them into clip art (Image Clipper).

As mentioned above, the battery has 5,000mAh capacity with 45W charging, just like its predecessor.

There is no dust or water resistance rating, but Samsung did toughen up the M56 compared to the M55. It gave it name-brand glass on the front and back, Gorilla Glass Victus+, with 4x the scratch resistance of the unnamed glass of the old model. Also, it tested the phone for 2m fall endurance.

Galaxy M56 color options

The Samsung Galaxy M56 is manufactured in India and will receive software support up to the end of 2030 (that is 6 OS updates and 6 years of security patches). It will be available soon in Light Green and Black.

The Galaxy M56 will go on sale in India on April 23 with a starting price of 25,000 (this converts to $295/260). You can find it on Amazon India.

Samsung Galaxy M56 highlights

Source

Samsung Galaxy M56 5G

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Guam stands at a critical crossroads that will determine our relevance in the 21st century.

The Fourth Industrial Revolutionreferring to the ongoing transformation of our world through the fusion of digital, physical, and biological technologies in ways that fundamentally alter how we live, work, and relate to one anotheris already here.

It is silently transforming economies worldwide while many of us remain focused on yesterdays challenges.

The journey of industrial progress has evolved dramatically over time, each revolution building upon the last to transform human capabilities.

The First Industrial Revolution of the late 18th century introduced mechanization through water and steam power.

This was followed by the Second Industrial Revolution in the late 19th century, which brought mass production and electricity.

The Third Industrial Revolution emerged in the mid-20th century, implementing automation through electronics and information technology.

While these previous industrial revolutions fundamentally changed our world, today we are experiencing a new era defined by the convergence of digital, cyber, and physical domains. This current revolution features cutting-edge technologies including artificial intelligence, robotics, blockchain, the Internet of Things, and quantum computing leading the charge.

These innovations promise remarkable gains in efficiency, connectivity, and creativity, reshaping diverse industries from tourism, agriculture and energy.

But while we currently debate hotel occupancy rates and military buildup timelines, the next discussions and challenges are right around the corner.

Reimagining tourism for tech-savvy travelers

Our Japanese and Korean visitors are already changing.

The post-pandemic traveler increasingly seeks personalized, authentic experiences rather than cookie-cutter group tours.

Young Asian travelers now research destinations on TikTok and Instagram, book through mobile apps, and expect seamless digital experiences.

Imagine this: AI-powered translation services that allow visitors to converse naturally with CHamoru elders about our traditions.

Picture autonomous shuttles connecting tourists to hidden gems beyond Tumon, or augmented reality experiences bringing ancient latte stone sites to life.

These technologies dont replace our culture. They amplify it, making authentic experiences more accessible while reducing environmental impact.

From food insecurity to agricultural innovation

With less than a 30-day food supply on the island and importing more than 90% of our food, Guams vulnerability is staggering. Yet precision agriculture technologies offer hope.

The University of Guam has already begun experimenting with hydroponics systems that use Internet of Things sensors to monitor nutrient levels and optimize growth conditions, producing vegetables using 90% less water than traditional farming.

Imagine this: Networks of small-scale, tech-enabled farms throughout our villages, using soil sensors, drone monitoring, and predictive analytics to maximize yields of tropical fruits, vegetables, and root crops suited to our climate.

This isnt just about economicsits about food security and our sovereignty in an increasingly unstable world.

Powering tomorrow: Beyond fossil fuels

Our dependence on imported petroleum makes us vulnerable to global price fluctuations and supply disruptions.

The Guam Power Authority has taken initial steps toward renewable energy, but the Fourth Industrial Revolution offers transformative possibilities.

Imagine this: Blockchain-enabled microgrids that could allow neighborhoods to generate, store, and trade solar energy, creating resilience during typhoons.

AI systems could optimize energy distribution across the island, reducing waste and lowering costs.

The risks of falling behind

However, this transformation is not without risks. If we fail to plan, prepare, and posture the island, the consequences could be severe:

Economic vulnerability: Industries that fail to adopt new technologies could fall behind, weakening Guams economy and competitiveness.

Job losses: Automation could eliminate certain traditional jobs, leaving residents without the skills needed for emerging roles. As mentioned before, in the coming decades, technology will eat the world. It will cause massive disruption and many industries will experience job disruption due to automation. There must be an acceptable plan for how to repurpose our human capital when the inevitable job losses come.

Digital divide: Without proper investments in technology infrastructure, Guam could face a widening gap between those who have access to digital tools and those who do not.

To mitigate these risks, we must prioritize policies that foster innovation, strengthen education systems, and build robust infrastructure. Collaboration with international partners and organizations can help the island access cutting-edge technologies and expertise.

The Fourth Industrial Revolution wont wait for Guam to prepare. Its already reshaping economies, and islands that fail to adapt risk becoming digital backwaterseconomically marginalized and dependent on outside support.

The waves of change are already breaking on our shores. Will we learn to surf, or be swept away?

Innovate now!
The remains of U.S. Army Pfc. Dante Taitano arrived on Guam Wednesday evening, according to his uncle, Willy Flores.

As of Thursday, no official public statement had been released and memorial service plans have not been announced.

Taitano, originally from Dededo, was one of four soldiers who died in late March during a training mission near Pabrade, Lithuania. All four were assigned to the 1st Armored Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Infantry Division, based out of Fort Stewart, Georgia.

As the Pacific Daily News reported, the soldiers had been inside an armored vehicle during a tactical training exercise when they and their vehicle were reported missing on March 25.

Three of the soldiers, including Taitano, were found nearly a week later on March 31. The fourth, Staff Sgt. Troy S. Knutson-Collins, 28, was found on April 1.

Taitano attended Okkodo High School and had served in the Army for two years. Lithuania was his first deployment.

As the island mourns his loss, a fundraising effort to support his family has become entangled in an internal dispute.

A GoFundMe campaign launched by Justine and Krystale Oruga has paused donations temporarily, citing family conflict and emotional toll.

Right now, we are just waiting for GoFundMe to verify our banking information and after that we are disbursing the funds to the family. We paused the donation drive since its causing stress to me and my family by getting dragged to an ongoing family issue, Justine Oruga stated on the fundraising page. We dont want to get dragged into it deeper. This isnt the way we would like to commemorate and honor Dantes legacy ... We did this with the good of our hearts.

As of Thursday, Guam time, the campaign had raised $19,585.

Oruga told the PDN earlier this month that although he did not know Taitano personally, he felt compelled to help support his family.

Oruga had personal ties to the two other soldiers who died in the same accident  Sgt. Jose Duenez Jr. and Sgt. Edvin F. Franco.
Anthony Cruz knows that his grandfather Antonio Cruz started the annual Good Friday family tradition of carrying a huge cross to the top of Humuyong Manglo' in Humatak sometime in the mid-1970s.

His grandfather passed the reins to Anthonys father, Gregorio, and this year, Anthony Cruz is in charge of the event that hes participated in as long as he can remember.

Anthony Cruz said this years trek could be the 50th anniversary of the event, give or take a year.

Well, Im 50 so its very possible, he said. Now my grandchildren are part of the event.

For five decades, the Cruz family from Mongmong has built a cross, usually in January, then hauled it to the base of the southern mountain. There, family members and anyone else who wants to can literally carry a 600-pound cross up the slippery, swordgrass-heavy slopes of the Humatak hills.

On the way, they pause and pray for each of the 14 stations of the cross. At the top, they plant the heavy cross into the ground. It is visible for miles all around southern Guam, and it stays erected until nature brings it down. He said there are about 10 crosses still erected today.

Its always a very moving and inspirational experience, you know, to witness the practices along the way, to really honor Good Friday, said Anthony Cruz. And then its very rewarding and meaningful to get to the top and lay the cross down, then lift it into its final mounting space.

Folks really use that moment to reflect on the real meaning of those who honor Good Friday and celebrate Easter.

Usually, hundreds of people make the ascent up the mountain, some with the Cruz family and many without. Anthony Cruz said returnees and first-timers are always welcome to join his family, and perhaps read a prayer at one of the stations, and even lend a shoulder to carry the cross.

Its not easy. The terrain has changed over the years and been affected by natural disasters and erosion. So to maneuver a cross weighing over 500 pounds is challenging. But it is one way for people to really reflect on how Jesus Christ really suffered for us as well, he said.

Anthony Cruz said that they will pick up the cross, which has been at the Mongmong Church since the start of Lent, at 5:45 a.m. and then make their way to Humatak.

Then, they gingerly position themselves under the cross and start the quiet climb. All told it takes about 90 minutes to the top, he said.

The public is welcome to join the family, either from the church or at the base of the mountain. Anthony Cruz suggests that people wear long pants and protective wear against swordgrass, and to consider a walking stick. Water to drink is a must, he said.

I am thankful for all of those over the years who have participated or joined our family on Good Friday, he said. I only ask that people know and respect the limits of your body. We dont want anyone to get hurt.
GTA continued its annual tradition of giving back this Easter by donating colorful Easter eggs and baskets filled with goodies to the children at Alee Shelter.

For several years, GTA has supported this initiative, reflecting its commitment to care for the most vulnerable members of the community, the company said in a release.

The donation is part of GTA Gives, the companys philanthropic program dedicated to creating meaningful moments and uplifting those in need across Guam.

We believe every child deserves to experience the joy of Easter, said Michele Catahay Perez, director of community relations at GTA. Its a small gesture that brings big smiles, and were grateful for the opportunity to brighten the day for the kids at Alee Shelter.

The Alee Shelter serves as both an emergency receiving home for children and a protective shelter for women. Children who are victims of abuse or neglect are placed at the shelter by Child Protective Services. It also provides a safe haven for women  alone or with children  fleeing family domestic violence or sexual assault.

Alee Shelter staff are grateful for GTA and their volunteers for always thinking about our children. It takes a community to end abuse. It also takes a community to heal. The little things matter the most to children, especially during the holidays," Leinani Naholowaa, Alee Shelter program manager said.
As government agencies present their budgets to the Legislature this year, Sen. Chris Duenas has a message for them: We are going to be in a very, very tight situation in this fiscal year.

Duenas, who chairs the Legislatures budget committee, gave a snapshot of the governments financial picture at the start of the University of Guams budget hearing Wednesday.

The Legislature recently approved $5.7 million in supplemental funding for the university to cover a shortfall in fiscal 2025 funding.

After the appropriation of the University of Guam, when we benchmark that against the current (Consolidated Revenue and Expenditure Report), were currently tracking $17 million in excess revenue, far below what we have tracked, probably only 30% of what weve tracked, over the last two to three fiscal years, Duenas said.

UOG President Anita Borja Enriquez said the universitys fiscal 2026 $47.3 million operating budget request is a $2.3 million increase from the previous years request.

When we account for rising costs and utilities, operational necessities, and finally, personnel and medical benefits and retirement contributions, this increase is modest but meaningful, Enriquez said. It reflects not only our needs, but also our commitment to continue delivering excellence for the people of Guam and our region.

Sen. Telo Taitague, who voted against the supplemental funding for the university, said although the budget request was $2.3 million higher than what was requested the previous year, it was more than $13.17 million higher than what was appropriated.

Sen. Vince Borja, chairman of the education committee, reiterated that funding will be a challenge for the upcoming year. He asked about cost-cutting measures that were being studied.

Enriquez said university administrators are prioritizing vacancies that need to be filled, looking at digitization, the elimination and consolidation of contracts that have to do with duplicating services, energy savings, dual-hatting of positions, deferred hiring of staff and other measures.

We are doing a running total of the reasonable and feasible deferred costs  to ensure that we can come up with $3 million to $4 million worth of cuts, she said. Thats going to take time. She said the university honors a shared governance process, meaning officials consult with students, staff, faculty and administrators.

We anticipate the budget may land in a place where its going to hurt, she said.

At the same time, UOG is looking at revenue enhancement and innovation opportunities.

Were doing everything we possibly can, she said.

Taitague said everyone in the Legislature supports education.

Of course we do. Its the backbone of our society, and the growth of our economy deals with that, she said. But we also have to be realistic when it comes to the situation were in right now. And we can learn from it. It might be sad days coming ahead, cutting costs, but we can also really take from that and grow with it.

At the end of the hearing, Duenas praised the university and said the work done by UOG would be key to Guams economic recovery.

Sinking or swimming right now is really based on what you do every day, he said. And there is no future for Guam, in terms of building and getting out of financial difficulties or these other things, without what you do every day. Its absolutely critical.




Haiti - Economy : The Minister of Commerce signs a MoU with the Rasanbleman Madan Sara





On Tuesday, April 15, 2025, James Monazard, the Minister of Trade and Industry (MC), signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with the Rasanbleman Madan Sara (RAMSA) organization.



This MoU aims to promote the formalization of small and medium-sized enterprises in the country, bring the Ministry closer to RAMSA, and provide business benefits to Madan Sara. This represents a decisive step towards the country's economic development.



"No step in the right direction is possible if we ignore the Madan Sara," said Minister Monazard, adding that he has a duty to guarantee the dignity of women traders.



After outlining the various support tools available at the MCI to bolster the national economy, Monazard promised to work with his government colleagues to reduce the licensing fees for trader organizations or groups that are part of RAMSA.



For her part, Jocelyne Jean Louis, RAMSA Coordinator, praised the Minister's commitment and unwavering support for the commercial sector, particularly for small businesswomen. She expressed her hope that this agreement will pave the way for more opportunities for all entrepreneurs in the country.



To ensure better monitoring of this agreement, which promotes economic growth, a four-member committee was established by the two signatory parties.



This event was attended by representatives of the Taiwanese Embassy in Haiti, the representative of the Minister for Women's Affairs, Ms. Natacha Kenold, and various other civil society figures.



HL/ HaitiLibre






















Haiti - News : Zapping...





Major Demonstration Canceled

While thousands of people were preparing to take to the streets against insecurity and the government, the demonstration was canceled and postponed indefinitely at the last minute by Samuel, the Canape-Vert Brigade Chief and former member of the National Palace General Security Unit (USGPN), to prevent a massacre of the population. Samuel explained that several hundred individuals had been mobilized to massacre the protesters. Despite this cancellation, the already mobilized protesters took to the streets to express their anger at the authorities for their lack of security measures. They erected barricades of burning tires, blocked streets, and reported stone-throwing and vandalism of vehicles, despite the deployment of a large police and military presence.



Border : IOM Donation

Haiti's border management helps limit human trafficking and supports neighboring countries in managing migration flows. To strengthen border management, the International Organization for Migration (IOM) provided the PoliFRONT border police with hundreds of items, including bunk beds, office furniture, gas canisters, refrigerators, and sanitation supplies, to ensure better working conditions and greater operational efficiency.



TF1 : Report on Port-au-Prince

After visiting Port-au-Prince in April 2023, a TF1 team returned nearly two years later. A new major report, broadcast in the 8:00 p.m. news this Wednesday, March 19, 2025.







France and the United Kingdom Concerned

France and the United Kingdom express their concern about the collaboration of criminal gangs to continue destabilizing the Presidential Transitional Council in Haiti. "We once again assure our collective support to the Caribbean Community and the Multinational Security Support Mission (MMSS) in Haiti. Kenyan-led operations are assisting the Transitional Presidential Council and the Haitian National Police in their fight against criminal gangs and supporting their efforts to establish the stability necessary to restore democratic institutions and the rule of law in Haiti.



Mexico Visa : Appointment Rescheduling Dates

Due to the unstable security situation in Port-au-Prince and the surrounding area, the Mexican Embassy in Haiti remained closed yesterday, April 16, 2025. Those with appointments for this date can arrive on Tuesday, April 22, Wednesday, April 23, or Thursday, April 24, by presenting the appointment confirmation sent by MiConsulado, or by emailing contactoembhai@sre.gob.mx.



Caribbean Culture Fund : 3 Haiti Projects Subsidized

The Caribbean Culture Fund (CCF) has announced the 50 projects across the Caribbean region that will benefit from its grants. These innovative initiatives span diverse creative sectors, including the performing arts, visual arts, literature, music, film, and multimedia. Three Haiti projects were selected :



 Amandine Saint Martin's "The Women Artists Mentoring Program" (Performing Arts);

 Louvenson Saint Juste's "My Non-Taboo Body" (Literature);

 The Vers le Sud Association for Education and Culture (AVSEC), "Vers le Sud Creative Residency" (Literature).



HL/ HaitiLibre


















LOCAL BRIEFS: High-tech greenhouse, Earth Day, Community Band concert

BRCC leaders, students and supporters celebrate the opening of the new automated greenhouse at Blue Ridge Community College. [BENJAMIN RICKERT/Blue Ridge Community College]

Related Stories

BRCC celebrates high-tech greenhouse

Blue Ridge Community College celebrated the grand opening of its new automated greenhouse on April 10 with a ribbon cutting ceremony and praise for the technology features that advances the horticulture program.

The Growing Bright Futures celebration brought together local leaders, supporters, faculty and students to mark the completion of the cutting-edge 4,320-square-foot facility designed to support agriculture education and workforce development across the region.

Funded by the Golden LEAF Foundation, the Cannon Charitable Interests and Henderson County, the $1.79 million state-of-the-art greenhouse will serve as a high-tech training ground for horticulture students and local agribusiness professionals while also offering interdisciplinary learning opportunities for programs like information technology and engineering technology.

Kelly Leonard, vice chairman of BRCCs Board of Trustees, recognized the contributions of numerous partners, including project architect Clark Nexsen, contractor Cooper Construction, manufacturer Stuppy Greenhouse and the colleges facilities, maintenance and administration teams.

The new greenhouse, located just north of the Spearman Building, stands more than 25 feet tall and is designed with advanced features that support both education and innovation. The facility includes motorized shade curtains, automated irrigation and fertigation systems for precise water and nutrient delivery, real-time weather tracking and integrated data systems. It also offers accessibility features, safety and first aid stations, forklift and utility vehicle access and a backup power generator.

In Henderson County, Blue Ridge Community College is a vital partner in shaping the future of our residents and our local economy, Henderson County Board of Commissioners Chair Bill Lapsley said. Here, students gain the education and training that will open doors to opportunity and a better life, while also supplying local employers with the skilled talent they need to thrive.

Nonprofits invited to apply for grants

The Mills River Town Council is accepting applications from nonprofits that have programs that serve the town.

Each year, the council hears requests from local nonprofits for the purpose of promoting partnerships for the benefit of Mills River residents and to strengthen community organizations. Past recipients include the Mills River Farm Market, Mills River Life Enrichment Center, Literacy Connection and Smart Start Partnership for Children.

The council will convene at 6:30 p.m. Thursday, April 24, to hear the requests from 501(c)(3) nonprofits. Organizations interested in partnering with the town are encouraged to attend in-person. For an application contact Patty Brown at patty.brown@millsriver.org. Applications must be submitted by 5 p.m. April 14.

Earth Day program focuses on advocacy

The Henderson County League of Women Voters will celebrate Earth Day with a program from 2:30 to 4 p.m. Tuesday, April 22, at the Hendrick-Rhodes Veterans Center at Five Points, 900 North Main St.

Local Environmental Advocacy  Yesterday, Today and Tomorrow will be a discussion about the local environmental scene and the Environmental and Conservation Organization, which helped lead the way. Formed in 1987, ECO worked to protect the environment of Henderson County. In 2014 ECO merged with two other regional organizations to form Mountain True.

Program presenters will include two former executive directors of ECO, Mary Jo Padgett and David Weintraub. Katie Breckheimer will facilitate. For more information visit lwvhcnc.org.

Community Band show features music by women

Women of the Podium, the upcoming concert of the Hendersonville Community Band, promises to be a special event featuring Dawn Price, former professor of music, director of bands and coordinator of music education at Wingate University, and several pieces composed and arranged by women. The concert is at 3 p.m. Sunday, April 27, at Blue Ridge Conference Hall at BRCC.

Dr. Price is a former student of Winford Franklin, the community bands principal conductor. The title of the concert is taken from a composition of the same name composed by Virginia A. Allen and conducted by Price.

Price will also conduct Blessed Are They (Johannes Brahms) scored by Barbara Buehlman and Rusty Bucket (Carol Chambers), a fun and challenging piece for the band.

Associate Conductor Cole Hairston will conduct two movements of Steampunk Suite (Erika Svanoe), a new (2016) and most unusual composition.

Scored by Barbara Buehlman, Beautiful River, based on the hymn Shall We Gather at the River, will be conducted by Franklin. Rounding out the program will be will be Slava (Bernstein), Disney from the Movies (arr. Higgins), Loch Lomond (Ticheli), Fire of Eternal Glory (Shostakovich), Brighton Beach (Latham) and the Carmen Dragon arrangement of the tribute to our country America the Beautiful (Samuel Ward), all led by Franklin.

The Hendersonville Community Band is grateful to the N.C. General Assembly for allocating funds for the Grassroots Grant and to The Arts Council of Henderson County for a grant to HCB. The concert is partially sponsored by the Grassroots Grant.

The Ralph Campbell and Joan Tripp scholarships for college students majoring in music education will be awarded during the concert. HCB also awards music camp scholarships, in honor of HCB founder Jim Stokes, to Henderson County band students. Donations, which are tax-deductible, may be made toward the scholarships at the concert or by mail.

Concert admission is $12 per person; free for students. Tickets are available at the Visitors Center, from band members and at the door.

Democratic Women hear about elder law

An overflow crowd filled Democratic headquarters March 15 to hear attorney Caroline Knox speak on elder law during a meeting of the Democratic Women of Henderson County. One of a handful of attorneys certified in elder law in the state of North Carolina, Knox addressed issues facing elders and their families concerning wills, trusts, estate planning and conservatorship.

Democratic Women also held a brief meeting and presented a slate of officers for the coming session. The new slate was unanimously approved and will be voted on at the groups monthly meeting this month. Through education, collaboration and advocacy, DWHC strives to motivate their community and support and elect Democratic candidates at the local, county, state and national level.






U.S. farmers bear the brunt as tariffs backfire

15:53, April 17, 2025 By Zhang Kaiwei ( People's Daily Online

A combine harvests soybeans at a farm in Illinois, the United States. (VCG Photo)

American farmers, once strong supporters of President Donald Trump, are now facing the harsh reality of Trump's tariffs: shrinking export markets, rising costs, and falling incomes. "Like many of my fellow farmers, I voted for President Donald Trump in the past three elections", Caleb Ragland, the president of the American Soybean Association and also a soybean farmer from Kentucky said in an appeal letter published by The Free Press on April 10, 2025, "But now, because of the trade war with China, I'm worried we could be out of business by 2027. All that history, heritage, blood, sweat, and toil could vanish with the stroke of a pen."

What happened to Ragland is not an individual case, according to a news report from Associated Press, Trump's tariffs are likely to cost Iowa farmers their biggest market, China, for the hundreds of millions of bushels of soybeans they grow every year. Republican Sen. Chuck Grassley acknowledged the potential for pain to Iowa farmers, especially grain producers when asked about Trump's tariffs in a public meeting on April 15, 2025.

Ryan Marquard, vice president of the Iowa Farmers' Union said: "That just makes it harder to have a good trading relationship with China. That's really the shame here because what I think a lot of people have strived for is stability through trade and mutual prosperity. And this just smacks that in the face."

At the same time, U.S. sorghum exports to China dropped to around 80,000 metric tons in January and February from around 1.5 million metric tons over the same period a year earlier, down 95%, according to U.S. government data.

According to Reuters, China accounted for nearly 90% of U.S. sorghum exports in 2024, ramping up purchases of the crop it uses to feed livestock and make fiery baijiu liquor. Those purchases have largely ground to a halt as tariff increases by the U.S. and China cripple trade between the world's two largest economies.

Without Chinese demand, U.S. farmers and grain companies face lower prices for sorghum sold for domestically produced ethanol or cattle feed, growers said.

Farmers are not against trade. In fact, they understand that a global market offers opportunities for growth. But the solution lies in fair, equitable trade policiesnot tariffs that curb competition and harm agriculture.

"I think one of the best things we could do between the US and China is to get back and make a big trade deal that where both countries are selling each other lots of products, and we have reciprocal trade instead of reciprocal tariffs, which helps both countries make money instead of just fighting." Ragland said, "We support free trade as we oppose tariffs, and we are working hard with our government officials to deliver that message."

(Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Wu Chengliang)
Unfiltered China shows tremendous charm

16:09, April 17, 2025 By Zhou Shanshan ( People's Daily

American influencer IShowSpeed learns Chinese Kung Fu in Shaolin Temple in central China's Henan province. (Photo is a screenshot of a video clip)

China, a nation of immense scale with its vast population, sprawling geography, and millennia-old civilization, defies simplistic categorization. Two recent viral stories involving internet influencers - one international and one domestic - provide nuanced insights into this ancient yet dynamically evolving society.

The first involves American influencer IShowSpeed, whose global livestreaming adventures have been hailed as a "digital-age Marco Polo journey."

Through his unvarnished lens, international audiences gained real-time glimpses of a China where urban safety rendered his security details nearly redundant, futuristic food-delivery drones coexisted with awe-inspiring displays of Chinese Kung Fu and Sichuan opera's "face-changing" artistry.

His spontaneous engagements - dancing with square-dancing aunties, bargaining at night markets, and receiving good-humored reminders about public etiquette in English - unveiled a society that seamlessly blends approachability, vibrant energy, and civic order.

The statistics paint a striking portrait: over 100 million views, with comment sections flooded by international netizens requesting travel itineraries and organizing fan communities dedicated to experiencing China firsthand.

This digital phenomenon has transcended virtual boundaries. From American-Chinese families reuniting in Shanghai after reconnecting online, to foreign influencers like the U.S.-based "Baobao Xiong" transforming into voluntary ambassadors for China, even an Australian who brought skeptical neighbors to personally verify the country's realities - the "China Travel" wave has fueled more and more foreign visitors to explore, understand, and embrace the nation. This momentum coincides with China's progressively relaxed visa-free transit policies.

What crystallizes is a country defying outdated stereotypes and cultural misconceptions, its authentic allure now resonating globally.

Tourists pose for a picture in a scenic area in Shanghai, April 7, 2025. (Photo by Wang Gang/People's Daily Online)

Another narrative unfolds in Yimeng, east China's Shandong province, where a rural poetess has captivated global audiences by crafting verses amid farm work.

Yimeng Erjie, an online influencer from east China's Shandong province, shoots a video. (Photo from the Dazhong app)

Known online as "Yimeng Sis," she transforms spring into "nature's alarm clock rousing plows" and winter snow into "celestial frost sugar," blending agrarian cycles with lyrical introspection. Her viral declaration - "Life is poetry; existence our eternal anthem" - epitomizes the philosophical depth resonating from China's countryside.

Accusations of AI-generated content or professional team backing expose a persistent cognitive gap: many still struggle to reconcile poetic expression with their preconceived notions of rural life. The root cause lies in the profound and drastic transformation of China, especially the great changes taking place in its rural areas.

Yet Yimeng Sis represents just one blossom in China's cultural renaissance. Young content creator Li Ziqi fuses traditional craftsmanship with pastoral aesthetics, while ethnic embroiderers transform heritage patterns into metaverse NFTs. These grassroots narratives sprout from profound transformationssuccessful poverty alleviation and rural vitalization programs cultivating not just fertile fields, but confident farmers with enriched spiritual worlds.

The parallel success of these disparate storiesan American demystifying China through livestream and a farmer poet articulating rural changesreveals fundamental truths. Modern China, with its multilayered realities and groundbreaking socioeconomic experiments, embodies a living legend. Its authentic representation, whether through foreign lenses or domestic voices, becomes the ultimate traffic magnet.

When observed without filterscomprehensively and objectivelyChina inevitably emerges as credible, endearing, and admirable.

(Web editor: Zhong Wenxing, Liang Jun)
Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov has downplayed the likelihood of a breakthrough in peace talks with the United States, saying there is currently no agreement on the key elements of a deal to end Moscow's war in Ukraine.

In an interview published Tuesday by Russian newspaper Kommersant, Lavrov was asked if the U.S. and Russia had agreed on core components of a potential settlement. "The answer is immediately 'no'," he responded.

"It is not easy to agree on the key components of a settlement. They are being discussed," Lavrov added, signaling that dialogue continues but remains difficult.

He also said it may be premature to expect any broad normalization of U.S.-Russia relations. "If we return to other aspects of the Russian-American dialogue, of course, after three years of failure, it's not easy to pull relations out of this hole," Lavrov said.

Meanwhile, President Donald Trump's foreign envoy Steve Witkoff suggested that an emerging peace deal could include significant commercial opportunities between Russia, the U.S., and Europe.

"I believe there's a possibility to reshape the Russian-United States relationship through some very compelling commercial opportunities that I think give real stability to the region too. Partnerships create stability," Witkoff told Fox News.

Witkoff also revealed that he held a nearly five-hour meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin. According to him, the discussion led to clarity on Putin's conditions for a long-term peace arrangement.

"It was a compelling meeting and towards the end, we actually came up with  I'm going to say finally but I don't mean in the way that we were waiting, I mean in a way that it took a while for us to get to this place  what Putin's request is to get to have a permanent peace here," Witkoff said, though he declined to disclose specific details.
North Korea has become a critical military supplier for Russia in its war against Ukraine, with artillery and weapons systems forming the backbone of Russia's recent battlefield efforts, according to a Reuters investigation conducted in collaboration with the Open Source Center (OSC).

The investigation found that in some units over the past year, the majority of shells fired by Russian forces came from North Korea, significantly aiding Moscow's grinding war of attrition. Analysts tracked 64 shipments over 20 months, including nearly 16,000 containers filled with millions of artillery roundsmany of which were still arriving as recently as March 17.

The analysis drew from intercepted Russian artillery reports, satellite imagery, verified social media footage, and confirmation from three senior Ukrainian officials. "North Korea's contribution has been strategically vital," said Hugh Griffiths, former coordinator of the UN panel of experts monitoring North Korea sanctions. "Without Chairman Kim Jong Un's support, President Vladimir Putin wouldn't really be able to prosecute his war in Ukraine."

This military alliance first surfaced in 2023 but gained urgency in recent months. As Ukraine tried to push into Russia's Kursk region, it was met with renewed Russian firepowermuch of it supplied by Pyongyang.

Ukrainian officials estimate North Korea now provides nearly half of Russia's front-line ammunition needs, a figure consistent with OSC and Reuters data. One Ukrainian military expert told Reuters the contribution was sometimes as high as 70 percent.

Beyond munitions, North Korea has sent long-range artillery systems, ballistic missiles, and troops. Around 4,000 North Korean soldiers have been killed or wounded since arriving in late 2024, according to a South Korean security source. An additional 3,000 troops followed by mid-February, reportedly better trained. "They adapted to modern combat conditions," said Oleh Shyriaiev, commander of Ukraine's 225th Separate Assault Regiment.

Ukraine's military intelligence chief, Kyrylo Budanov, stated in February that North Korea also provided Russia with 120 long-range self-propelled artillery systems and 120 multiple launch rocket systems. Ukrainian drones captured footage of some systems in action during fighting in Kursk.

The collaboration comes at a time when U.S. President Donald Trump has signaled a desire to end U.S. support for Ukraine, a move that has added uncertainty to Ukraine's war effort. Western aid, while vital, has fluctuated. A Czech-led plan to supply 1.6 million rounds has helped, but allies have not committed ground troops, and resupply efforts have struggled to keep pace with demand.

"Whoever had the most shells would have a major advantage," Reuters reported. During peak fighting, both Russia and Ukraine were estimated to fire 10,000 artillery rounds per day.

Russia's partnership with North Korea has helped it regain ground in key areas like Kursk, where only a small Ukrainian pocket remains. The U.S. has accused North Korea of shipping containers filled with munitions from Rajin to Russian ports, where they were transported by rail to western depots.

Satellite imagery tracked the spike in deliveries starting in September 2023. The shipments peaked in January 2024 and averaged three per month by March 2025.

Russia and North Korea share a brief but historically significant border. Kim Il Sung, North Korea's first leader, fought in the Soviet Red Army and received postwar Soviet support. The countries built a "Friendship Bridge" in 1959 for rail transport across the Tumen River, which is still in use today.

Following Russia's political and economic isolation after its 2022 invasion, ties between the two countries have strengthened. Russia's Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu visited Pyongyang in July 2023, meeting with Kim Jong Un to discuss military cooperation. The Cold War-era alliance has since evolved into a vital supply chain fueling Russia's war machine.
Jamie Foxx and Alyce Huckstepp are giving love another try, just two months after their public breakup.

The 57-year-old actor was spotted enjoying a night out with his 30-year-old girlfriend in Malibu on Monday, April 14, sparking buzz that the couple is back together.

According to DailyMail, Foxx and Huckstepp were seen leaving the popular celebrity hotspot Nobucoincidentally, the same restaurant where they first debuted their relationship in August 2023.

While they left separately, they shared a light-hearted moment as Foxx showed her something that made her laugh.

The sighting comes after their January breakup, which followed Foxx's controversial comments during his Netflix comedy special "What Had Happened Was...." In the special, he jokingly declared he was "done with white girls," sparking criticism and speculation about its impact on his relationship with Huckstepp.

In the special, Foxx sang, "No more white girls," and added, "I'm back on the Black side of town!" Though the remarks drew laughs, many questioned whether the comedian was serious. Soon after, multiple sources confirmed Foxx and Huckstepp had parted ways.

Jamie Foxx Rekindles Romance After Stroke Recovery

Huckstepp had been a steady presence in Foxx's life following his near-fatal stroke in April 2023, which left him in a coma for 20 days.

She was reportedly by his side during his recovery, even visiting him on set during projects like his BetMGM commercial shoot, People said.

Despite their split earlier this year, signs of a reunion had been building. Huckstepp attended the taping of Foxx's Netflix special in October and later joined him on a romantic getaway to Mexico. Their reappearance together at Nobu now appears to confirm their rekindled romance.

Foxx, who previously dated actress Katie Holmes for six years, has largely kept his relationships out of the public eye. Still, his relationship with Huckstepp has drawn attention, especially due to the timing of his recent health challenges and career comeback.

The "Back In Action" starwho appears in the new Netflix film alongside Cameron Diazhas said he's focused on recovery and family.

He recently credited his daughter Anelise with helping save his life during his stroke recovery by playing guitar at his bedside, calling her his "spiritual defibrillator."

Originally published on Enstarz
A federal cybersecurity expert has alleged that President Donald Trump's Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) was behind a security breach at the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB), according to a whistleblower statement released Tuesday.

The expert, Daniel Berulis, claims that DOGE may also have removed sensitive data from the board without permission. His allegations were outlined in a sworn declaration submitted to members of Congress and a federal whistleblower office, NBC News reported.

Berulis is calling for an investigation into what he described as a serious breach of cybersecurity. His attorney added that Berulis had received a threatening note and was sent photographs taken near his home.

The whistleblower report emerges as DOGE  and Elon Musk, a billionaire adviser to Trump  face multiple lawsuits over their access to federal computer systems.

Whistleblower Report Claims DOGE Altered Security Settings

Berulis, who works at the NLRB, said in the 14-page statement that he noticed unusual activity in the board's computer systems shortly after DOGE staff arrived in March. He described changes to security protocols, including the disabling of internal alert systems and the modification of multi-factor authentication settings.

He also observed what looked like the transfer of more than 10 gigabytes of data from the NLRB's systems  an unusual event, as data typically doesn't leave the agency's databases.

The whistleblower report mentioned that DOGE accessed a database containing personal and confidential business information related to ongoing labor board cases.

He mentioned that once DOGE got into the labor board's systems, there was a noticeable spike in login attempts from outside the U.S., including one traced to a Russian IP address. He noted that the user associated with that IP had valid login credentials  created just minutes earlier by DOGE engineers  but was blocked from accessing the system due to location-based restrictions.

Although the login attempts were unsuccessful, Berulis called them "especially alarming." He included screenshots from a workstation as evidence of the data transfer and emphasized his qualifications, noting nearly 20 years of experience in cybersecurity and a Top Secret security clearance.

White House Defends DOGE's Actions

In response, White House deputy press secretary Anna Kelly said that DOGE had been transparent in its work at the NLRB.

"It is months-old news that President Trump signed an Executive Order to hire DOGE employees at agencies and coordinate data sharing," she said.

"Their highly-qualified team has been extremely public and transparent in its efforts to eliminate waste, fraud, and abuse across the Executive Branch, including the NLRB," she added. However, her statement did not address the alleged transfer of data.

The NLRB and Musk did not immediately respond to requests for comment. In a separate statement to NPR, an NLRB spokesperson said the agency had not given DOGE permission to access its systems.

The spokesperson also said that DOGE never formally sought access and that a subsequent internal investigation, launched after Berulis raised alarms, "determined that no breach of agency systems occurred."

Critics of DOGE's access have raised alarms about the potential misuse of Americans' sensitive information. This information includes citizens' Social Security numbers, income details, addresses, and other personal data stored in federal systems, some of which are used to administer federal benefits like Social Security payments and student loans. Some fear it could be used for political purposes.

It remains unclear whether Berulis's disclosure will prompt a formal investigation. His attorney, Andrew Bakaj, wrote in a letter to members of Congress that the actions described in the report may have violated the Federal Information Security Modernization Act of 2014  a law aimed at protecting government data  as well as the federal Privacy Act.

Originally published on IBTimes
A U.S. pastor was kidnapped in South Africa and rescued by local authorities after a gunfight that left three men dead.

Josh Sullivan, 45, a missionary, was kidnapped on April 10 at the Fellowship Baptist Church in Motherwell, outside of Gqeberha, PEOPLE reported.

According to police, authorities were able to locate the safe house where he was being held and dispatched law enforcement to that location on April 15. As they approached the house, police officers saw a vehicle at the location.

"The suspects inside the vehicle upon seeing law enforcement allegedly attempted to flee and opened fire on the team. The officers responded with tactical precision, leading to a high-intensity shootout in which three unidentified suspects were fatally wounded," police said. "The victim was found inside the same vehicle from which the suspects had launched their attack. Miraculously unharmed, he was immediately assessed by medical personnel and is currently in an excellent condition."

Following the kidnapping, which reportedly happened during a sermon, Fellowship Baptist Church asked for prayers in a social media post: "Please pray for Josh Sullivan, missionary to South Africa. He was kidnapped at gun point by six men during their church service this evening."

In a follow up post on April 16 following Sullivan's successful rescue, the church proclaimed "Praise the Lord!"

In their statement, police said they are continuing their investigation into Sullivan's kidnapping.

Originally published on Lawyer Herald
In the world of hospitality, everyone talks about data  how much you can collect, how fast you can access it, and how many dashboards you can create. But after two decades of working with the most sophisticated data models, Ive learned something critical: just having the data isnt enough.

What truly matters is whether your data is structured in a purpose-built way that allows you to extract insights  quickly, consistently, and at scale. Thats why at Otelier, weve invested heavily in not just collecting and centralizing data, but also modeling it to reflect how hoteliers actually run their businesses. Its what sets us apart  and whats helping our customers drive better decisions every day.

The hospitality industry is awash in data, from PMS and POS systems to accounting platforms, spa booking software, guest reviews, and more. Yet even organizations that invest heavily in pulling this data into one place often find themselves asking the same question: Now what?

Collecting data is only the beginning  the real power lies in how its modeled, structured, and activated to support better business decisions.

The Problem with Centralized (But Unstructured) Data

A centralized warehouse may store your data  but without a model that mirrors how hotels actually run, its little more than an expensive archive.

Take an example from a global luxury hotel brand Ive worked with closely. They had data from multiple PMS systems, different general ledgers, inconsistent account codes, and a variety of reporting standards across properties. Technically, all the data was in one place  but it wasnt usable without extensive manual effort to clean, standardize, and interpret it.

Thats because hospitality data is complex. Its not just about occupancy and RevPAR  its about how reservations are structured, how cancellations are handled, how group vs. leisure business is segmented, and how departments like food & beverage and spa interact with the rest of the operation. Without a robust data model tailored to this complexity, centralization alone solves very little.

A mature data model does more than mirror operational metrics. It builds in domain expertise: how a guest reservation should be represented, how revenue is allocated, how AR aging fits into the financial picture. Its also agnostic to source systems, normalizing inputs from various vendors into a unified structure.

This kind of modeling allows decision-makers  whether theyre analysts, operators, or CFOs  to trust the numbers and work from a consistent foundation. It also opens the door to automation, advanced analytics, and AI.

Another important factor is accessibility. In high-performing organizations, everyone from hotel GMs to corporate analysts needs access to reliable data. Thats why modern hospitality platforms are moving to the cloud, investing in scalable data warehouses like Snowflake, and layering in visualization tools like Power BI or Tableau.

Equally critical is flexibility. Some operators want ready-made dashboards. Others, like data science teams at large operators and brands, want raw access to models they can manipulate and build upon. The most effective platforms support both, offering tools for easy reporting alongside sandbox environments for advanced use cases.

The Power of Deep Integrations

The hospitality tech landscape is notoriously fragmented, and integrations are key to centralizing and normalizing data. With thousands of systems on the market  many with siloed data or limited APIs  its not enough to offer a handful of standard connectors.

Otelier now supports more than 440 integrations across PMS, POS, accounting, and other systems. This coverage typically serves more than 90% of the market and is made possible by using modern tools like iPaSS and dedicated integration teams. But even more importantly, the integrations go deep  pulling not just top-line metrics, but rich, granular data that reflects how hotels actually operate.

That depth matters. Many platforms overlook key financial data like AR aging or expenses aligned to GL codes, for example. But those details are critical for operators trying to get a full picture of profitability, especially as margins tighten.

From Data to Insight in Hotels

Once data is centralized, modeled, and accessible, the next frontier is intelligence. And this is where things get exciting.

The goal isnt just to provide dashboards. Its to surface insights. Imagine starting your day with five prioritized, actionable recommendations  pulled from patterns in occupancy, labor costs, F&B trends, guest feedback, etc.

Thats the future: automated insights powered by AI models that detect anomalies, recommend optimizations, and help teams focus on what matters most.

Use cases are everywhere. Predictive models can identify underperforming restaurants, flag unusual labor costs, compare similar properties, or forecast spa utilization. When paired with automation  say, flagging an incorrect budget line or automating a reconciliation workflow  these insights become operational levers, not just observations.

In todays environment, where hotel teams are managing through economic uncertainty and travel slowdowns, combining centralized intelligence with automation is the future. Operators need to know where theyre making money, where theyre losing it, and what changes will have the biggest impact. Thats only possible with a complete, normalized view of both revenue and cost  room performance, labor, F&B, spa, utilities, and beyond.

And while technology partners are playing an important role in helping the industry get there, its the hoteliers who embrace this mindset  data-driven, insight-focused, action-oriented  who will emerge strongest.

Thats what excites me most about working in this space. Not just the technology itself, but what it unlocks for the people who use it.



Note: Watch Shams participate in 

The Future of Hospitality: Dazzling Tech, AI Magic, and Hacker-Proof Security panel at AAHOACON in New Orleans at 1:30 p.m. on Wednesday, April 16.



About Otelier

Otelier is a hospitality data platform powering the future of hotel operations. Serving more than 10,000 hotels worldwide, Otelier provides the industry's most comprehensive platform to help hotel owners and operators automate back-office processes and unlock a 360-degree view of their businesses. With more than 30 years of experience building solutions for the world's leading hotel groups, Otelier is trusted by hotels of all sizes  from individual properties to hotel management groups to global brands  for real-time visibility into financial and operational performance. Learn more at otelier.io.

Jason Freed

Hospitality Data Evangelist

+1 330 221 6068

Otelier (formerly myDigitalOffice)
The other day, I was talking to a friend about famous movie lines. He said one of his favorite movies was The Sixth Sense starring Bruce Willis, and his favorite line came from 9-year-old Cole, played by Haley Joel Osment, who said, I see dead people.

I responded, Thats funny. I quote dead people . He looked at me strangely. He laughed. Were both speakers, and we often use motivational quotes to emphasize our points. I told him the story of a client who felt one of my quotes was outdated. She said, Nobody knows who you were referring to, even though I prefaced the quote by mentioning that most of the audience wouldnt recognize the actor I was about to quote, but that what he said was still relevant.

I could have quoted my father, my third-grade teacher, the 16th president of the United States or Aristotle, who died in 322 B.C. The point is, it doesnt matter if the person is recognizable, living or dead. Its what we can learn from them.

So my line, I quote dead people, is now in my standard explanation prior to quoting someone who has passed and whose name may not be recognizable. Here are six of my favorite quotes Ive used in customer service and experience keynote speeches:

Leonardo da Vinci said, Simplicity is the ultimate sophistication. Companies that are easy to do business with will win over competitors that offer complicated, cumbersome and inconvenient experiences.

said, Companies that are easy to do business with will win over competitors that offer complicated, cumbersome and inconvenient experiences. Aldo Gucci said, Quality is remembered long after price is forgotten. Our customer service research shows that people will pay more for a quality experience.

said, Our customer service research shows that people will pay more for a quality experience. Zig Ziglar said, You can have everything in life you want, if you will just help other people get what they want. Help your customers get what they want  not always what you want to sell them  and they will reciprocate by giving you business.

said, Help your customers get what they want  not always what you want to sell them  and they will reciprocate by giving you business. The 16th president of the United States, Abraham Lincoln , said, Give me six hours to chop down a tree, and I will spend the first four sharpening the axe. There are many ways you can interpret this. Ill go with the importance of preparation. When you have an important meeting, your customers deserve your best. Take time to prepare!

, said, There are many ways you can interpret this. Ill go with the importance of preparation. When you have an important meeting, your customers deserve your best. Take time to prepare! Sam Walton, the founder of Walmart , said, There is only one boss. The customer. And he can fire everybody in the company from the chairman on down, simply by spending his money somewhere else . Keep that in mind each and every time youre interacting with a customer.

, said, . Keep that in mind each and every time youre interacting with a customer. Tony Hsieh, the founder of Zappos, said, Customer service shouldnt be a department, it should be the entire company.

Ive quoted many great minds of the past  some well-known, others less recognized. Their words can be powerful, educational and inspiring. But no matter who said them, always give credit where its due. Why? Because its the right thing to do, and as Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. wisely said, The time is always right to do the right thing.

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Escalating Trade Tensions Trigger Record Drop in US Hotel Bookings - Image Credit Pexels

The US hotel industry is facing a significant downturn due to a sharp decline in summer travel bookings, particularly from Canada, amid rising economic instability attributed to volatile tariff policies and geopolitical tensions.

Industry advisory firm Lodging Analytics Research & Consulting (LARC) has refrained from publishing an updated forecast for the US hotel industry, citing "unprecedented uncertainty" within the economic and political environment.

Mohamed Dabo writes in his take on recent economic developments that the US hotel industry is grappling with a significant downturn as fresh data reveals a precipitous decline in advance hotel bookings for the summer, especially those from Canada. This slump is linked to volatile tariff policies and escalating geopolitical tensions, which are undermining confidence in the travel and hospitality markets. Specifically, advance bookings from Canadian travelers have plummeted by over 70% compared to the previous year.

This drastic dip aligns with a broader decline in consumer sentiment, which has seen a 23% reduction year-to-date, mirroring growing concerns about the trajectory of the US economy. Amid such volatile economic signals, Lodging Analytics Research & Consulting (LARC), a leading industry advisory firm, has decided not to release an updated forecast for the US hotel sector. This unusual step reflects the "unprecedented uncertainty" marking the current economic and political scenario.

The recent revision of the US GDP forecast for 2025 by Moodys Analytics from 2.3% to 1.3%, as well as a 15% fall in the S&P 500 index so far this year, has increased pressure on sectors that depend on consumer spending and international travel. In particular, strained relations between the US and Canada, fueled by recent policy shifts and rhetoric from Washington, have contributed to the fall in travel demand. The sudden drop in bookings from Canadian tourists, who constitute a significant segment of the US hotel market, is anticipated to have a notable economic impact during the summer.

Experts point to the recent tariff hikes and absence of clear guidance from the US administration as major contributors to the prevailing uncertainty. This lack of predictability, particularly surrounding trade negotiations with major partners like Canada, presents challenges for businesses planning for the months ahead.

The combination of falling markets, reduced GDP expectations, and declining consumer confidence is expected to impact various travel and hospitality industry sectors. Recovery could be slow and uneven without a clearer policy framework and stabilizing economic signals. Consequently, firms like LARC are refraining from future projections, highlighting the unpredictable nature of the current environment. Once buoyed by steady cross-border travel and consumer spending, the US hotel industry may now be facing one of its most difficult periods in recent history.
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What musicians need to know about SubmitHub and ads on Meta

Want results on Metas Facebook and Instagram without big spending? Brian Hazard breaks down how SubmitHub and ads on Meta might be the current best low-cost promo tool for indie artists.

by Brian Hazard via Passive Promotion

Facebook and Instagram ads, hereafter referred to as Meta ads, are the centerpiece of my music promotion efforts.

I recently wrote about two excellent services that create high quality Meta ad campaigns on your behalf: Southworth Media and Members Media.

Pricing starts at $750 and $1095 respectively. Theyre absolutely worth it, but what if you dont have that kind of cash or arent willing to make that kind of up-front commitment?

SubmitHub Ads offer the same sort of service at a fraction of the price. They recommend a minimum daily budget of 5-10 credits, which works out to $120-$200 per month. The minimum spend is 70 credits (5 per day for 14 days), which is as low as $35 if you also happen to be a SubmitHub curator like me!

They estimate youll get 200-300 conversions (clicks to a music service) for every $100 spent, but if youre not happy with how things are going, you can pull the plug.

Are the ads as polished? No, at least not yet. But just like the pros, they create them for you and run them on their own account (newmusiclinks on Instagram) unless you specify otherwise.

As Im typing this, the service is in beta, so all of this is subject to change.

SubmitHub Ads Creation

I launched my campaign a little over a month ago, and captured plenty of screenshots along the way.

First you need to create a smart link if you dont have one already. I did and it looks like this:

It directs to my self-managed This Is playlist which contains 27 of my best tracks, with my latest release on top.

Link creation couldnt be easier. Paste a link, import an existing one from another service, or roll your own if youre ready for a good time.

Now were ready to create an ad that directs to said link.

Choose your genres and list three similar artists. Theyre the same genres used throughout SubmitHub, so if youve already used the platform, youll know what to expect.

Next, select which countries to target. You dont have to select them individually, but you can if you want!

I went with the default, which is fairly balanced but in retrospect, perhaps a bit heavy on Poland and Hungary.

Then set a budget. Mine comes out of my curator earnings, which means it only costs $0.50 per credit = $5 per day = $70 for two weeks.

Finally, give them some idea of your aesthetic so they can select stock video footage to match.

Alternately, you can upload your own videos! Maybe youve already made a music video you can draw from, or a live performance video, or something that did well on socials.

Hit submit and youre done!

Youre then taken to your dashboard page, which is rather uninteresting at this point.

And that was the entirety of my interaction with the platform!

The rest takes place in my email inbox, but first, a short detour to mention

SubmitHub Ads Studio

As I was preparing to publish this post, Jason Grishkoff, the mastermind behind the entire platform, let me know that he just launched a beta of SubmitHub Ads Studio.

At the moment its a barebones video creator for simple video ads that you can download and use as you see fit, on or off SubmitHub. Theyd certainly do the job for TikTok, Instagram Reels, and YouTube Shorts.

Start by searching for a video to serve as your background. From what I can tell, theyre the same ones that come up in Canva, which are free to use from Pexels.

After choosing a video, I pasted a Spotify link to my latest song and it imported the audio automatically, which no option for me to select a start time. If memory serves, it starts at the time I specified in DistroKid when I uploaded the track.

Finally, add a little text if you want and click Create Video!

Heres the result:

As youll see, its the same tool the SubmitHub team is using to create your ads. So if you think you can do better, have at it!

SubmitHub Ads Performance

The next time I checked email, which happens approximately every 10 seconds, I found a confirmation:

The very next day we were off to the races:

The key points here being:

They submitted 16 different ads to Meta(!) The ads are starting their learning phase, so conversions will be relatively expensive until optimized If the cost per conversion after optimization isnt looking good, theyll make adjustments

I suppose that means theyll make more ads if needed, or maybe prompt you to pick a different track?

Fortunately that wasnt the case for me:

In the first week I got 4.2 conversions per credit = $0.12 per conversion. A conversion is defined as a click from the landing page to a music service, most often Spotify. If youve followed any of my past campaigns, youll know thats pretty great.

Its even more impressive when you look at the actual ad, which is decidedly low tech:

I suspect it works because it looks like something a blogger or Mixcloud DJ would post, completely free of hype.

A few days later, I got a warning that I was about to run out of credits, and was now at 5 conversions per credit = $0.10 per conversion. I must have clicked through and added more credits, because

At two weeks, my cost per conversion went up ever-so-slightly. At three weeks, it went up a bit more.

SubmitHub Ads Results

After 33 days, my campaign generated 1426 conversions at $0.11 per conversion (4.4 conversions per credit).

Heres a pretty chart showing the growth of my promoted playlist:

At that cost, youre probably expecting to see conversions from India or The Philippines, or at least Brazil and Mexico, but youd be wrong! My top country is the US:

Like I said, a little heavy on Poland and Hungary, which I dont normally target, but at least theyre not taking over the campaign. Id consider them tier 2, but its debatable.

All in all, Im very impressed with SubmitHub Ads and plan to continue my campaign indefinitely.

I mean, why wouldnt I? Its getting a lower cost per conversion than I can achieve on my own.

If you want to give it a shot, start here. And if you need to buy credits, Ive got a link thatll get you 10% off here.

Brian Hazard is a recording artist with over twenty years of experience promoting a dozen Color Theory albums, and head mastering engineer and owner of Resonance Mastering in Huntington Beach, California. His Passive Promotion blog emphasizes set it and forget it methods of music promotion.

Catch more of his promotional escapades in his How Im Promoting My Music This Monthemail newsletter.

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Clark Art Institute Offers School Vacation Week Activities

WILLIAMSTOWN, Mass.  The Clark Art Institute will host activities for children and families during the Massachusetts public school systems April vacation week.

From Tuesday, April 22, through Thursday, April 24, landscape drawing stations will be available throughout the museum, featuring various drawing mediums. Free drawing pads and colored pencils will also be provided for outdoor use.

At 2 PM each day, Williamstown Rural Lands will lead nature-related hikes and activities.

On Thursday, April 24, from 11 AM to 2 PM, a drop-in activity will allow visitors to sculpt miniature cows.

The exhibition "Pastoral on Paper," on view through June 15, features artworks depicting rural life, including representations of cows, cottages, mules, maidens, shepherds, ruins, and landscapes. The exhibition includes drawings by Claude Lorrain and Thomas Gainsborough, as well as Dutch Italianate artworks.

"Pastoral on Paper" is organized by the Clark Art Institute and curated by William Satloff, Class of 2025, Williams Graduate Program in the History of Art.

Drawing pads and colored pencil sets are available at the Clark Center admissions desk.
Clark Art Foraging Walks Series

WILLIAMSTOWN, Mass.  The Clark Art Institute's popular series of foraging walks returns this April.

On the fourth Tuesday of the month from April through October, naturalist and wild edibles enthusiast Arianna Alexsandra Collins of the Hoosic River Watershed Association and Offerings for Community Building guides visitors across the Clark's 140-acre campus in a one-hour talk. Each walkabout begins on the Fernandez Terrace by the Clark's Reflecting Pool.

During each foraging walk, Collins discusses characteristics for proper identification of flora and fungi, as well as meal and medicinal preparation. Trailside nibbling throughout the walkabout is encouraged. Collins is an environmental education professional with over twenty years of experience in teaching, developing programs, and engaging with the community.

Foraging Walk Dates

April 22, 5:30 pm

May 27, 5:30 pm

June 24, 5:30 pm

July 22, 5:30 pm

August 26, 5:30 pm

September 23, 4 pm

October 28, 4 pm
State Rep. Leigh Davis joins Lee officials on Tuesday to mark the start of the new public safety building, expected to open in two years. A payloader begins knocking down the Airoldi building, used by the town and other agencies for years. PreviousNext

Lee Celebrates Kickoff of New Public Safety Building with Demo



The new complex to be built on this site will hold the Fire, Police and EMS.

LEE, Mass.  Town officials celebrated the start of a new public safety building on Tuesday by demolishing the Airoldi building and former Department of Public Works building.

"We're starting to take down the Airoldi building, which served as a municipal office building for the last few decades, we've had Tri-Town Health here some of our state representatives had have offices here, the DPW, we've had elections in this building and also was a former ambulance garage," Town Administrator Christopher Brittain said. "So, it served a number of purposes over the years."

The nearby Quonset hut that used to house the DPW is also expected to be taken down, clearing the property for a 37,661-square-foot building that will house the Police and Fire departments, and emergency medical services.

Brittain said this is a historic event for the town.

"This will kind of mark the first real work being done," he said. "We've been in the planning stages for almost two years between town meetings and bonds and things that we had to do and votes and now we are actually starting to see some things happening."

In 2023, voters endorsed nearly $37 million in borrowing, which included the purchase of property and relocating the DPW, during a special town meeting. The facility's cost is estimated to fall below $35 million and back in October the town received $1 million in federal funding toward construction.

Brittain said many factors went into the decision for a public safety building as the fire station building is too small and not up to today's standards.

"We're working right now out of three buildings, we're going to reduce that to two. The two up here on Main Street, the first one we occupied in 1911, it was built for two horse-drawn pieces of apparatus, we currently have four motorized pieces of apparatus in it and we're crammed in there like sardines," Fire Chief Ryan Brown said.

"The efficiency of operation is definitely impacted negatively. Our offices are in the building next door so we're not in the same building as our equipment, but we make it work."

The fire station, built in 1912, was found to be structurally unsound and inadequate to support modern-day equipment and the 1,600 square-foot police station falls significantly short of the 10,960 square feet of space that is required to accommodate the force.

The police building is located at 32 Main St., the same building as Town Hall.

"We're working out of such an antiquated facility that's on multiple floors from a best practice standpoint. It's very difficult to serve our community and it's just not efficient and there's liability issues there's safety issues and that's what we currently have," said Police Chief Craig DeSantis.

"It's hopefully going to accommodate future growth for these departments for 20 or more years into the future which is exciting," said Select Board member Sean Regnier. "This is an area of town that something needed to happen to improve it. It's right on the river, sort of off Main Street  and it's something that's going to be front and center in town to show off our public safety."

Regnier said the board has identified that the facilities were lacking a lot when he was first elected in 2020.

"So this is really kind of a kickoff of the process," he said.

State Rep. Leigh Davis attended the demolition/groundbreaking and spoke about the importance of public safety infrastructure and the bills she has filed in support.

"Investment in emergency medical services is needed more than ever  our fire, our police, really our first responders across the commonwealth and especially in rural communities. EMS providers are under strain, that's why I filed five bills this legislative session focused solely on strengthening emergency medical services statewide. This facility is part of that broader commitment ensuring that every community has access to timely high quality service and care," she said.

The complex is expected to open in March 2027. Officials said Tuesday's demolition is ahead of schedule.
Congressman Richard Neal talks tariffs and federal funding at a stop in Williamstown on Thursday morning.

Neal: Dems Need to 'Fracture' Republicans, Challenge Trump Actions in Court

WILLIAMSTOWN, Mass.  U.S. Rep. Richard Neal, D-Springfield, Thursday said Democrats' best strategy to counteract the Trump administration is to "fracture" his support on Capitol Hill and that decisions like the withdrawal of funds to promote resilient infrastructure will be successfully challenged in the courts.

Neal was in town to celebrate a $500,000 appropriation he helped secure to help the renovation of the Williamstown Meetinghouse, the Main Street home of First Congregational Church.

Later Thursday morning, he headed to a closed door meeting with local business people to talk about the impact of Trump's tariff policy.

His visit came 12 days after a rally on the steps of that structure called for action to turn back some of the most aggressive White House actions in the first 90 days of Trump's presidency and 24 hours after news broke that the administration is clawing back $90 million in disaster prevention aid, including $144,000 to support a culvert restoration project in North Adams.

On Wednesday, Neal in a news release called the administration's decision not to allocate funds from FEMA's Building Resilient Infrastructure and Communities program, "another example of the chaotic decision-making that has been a hallmark of this administration."

Thursday morning, he hearkened back to a 1970s dispute between the Nixon administration and Congress that went all the way to the Supreme Court.

"The challenge that we're going to have is that I think a lot of these decisions that the Trump administration has made are likely to be overturned in court, but there's going to be a lot of anguish in between," Neal said. "I thought many of these [court] decisions were correctly reached during the Nixon administration, and that's why [the Trump administration] has been using terms like 'pause' rather than impoundment.

"Because impoundment is a losing argument. The Supreme Court has already ruled on the jurisdiction that I outlined: Congress has the power of the purse. But what they're going to do is delay and deny when they can, and I think pushing back on that is going to be really important for us."

Democrats have been pushing back against the administration since Day 1, but they have had little success against a Republican party that controls the White House and both chambers of Congress and is backstopped by a solid conservative majority on the Supreme Court.

Neal, an 18-term member of Congress and ranking member of the House Judiciary Committee, said the best course of action for his party on Capitol Hill is to splinter the GOP's 220-213 majority.

"We have an arithmetic challenge, as you know, in the House of Representatives," Neal said. "But we need to fracture that support that the president has had. I'll point out here that, obviously, in our constitutional system, members of Congress don't serve under the president. They serve with the president.

"But until Republicans break in the House, we're going to continue to have this challenge. And I do think Medicaid, Medicare, Social Security and veterans' benefits could fracture a lot of them."

Neal admitted there is a major obstacle to driving a wedge between the White House and congressional Republicans, even though he thinks many of the latter, privately, disagree with some of what is coming out of the executive branch.

"You hear it in the elevators, you see it in the eye rolls, but they're all afraid of a primary," Neal said. "As long as they're afraid of a primary that he and his pal, [Elon] Musk have all threatened to finance, a lot of them are just reluctant to say anything.

"Last week, when I talked to the Democratic Caucus, I said there's a new group in town somewhere, we just don't know where, and we don't know if there are any of them. It's called 'Republicans for Tariffs.' I never met any Republicans who were for tariffs. I mean, Ronald Reagan being for tariffs?"

In addition to tariffs and spending cuts, another flash point for progressive outrage against the Trump administration has been its assault on academic freedom, a salient issue in the home to Williams College.

"I think we all should be cheering for what Harvard's doing in pushing back," Neal said. "I think some of the other law firms and universities have succumbed to some of this pressure. And I think they need to push back aggressively."

Pushed on what the colleges' representatives on Capitol Hill can do, Neal returned to familiar territory.

"I think we have to continue to try to fracture them," he said. "And I think the rules in the House make it very difficult because the majority sticks together on rule making. But I think I saw 18 of them yesterday wrote to the president about Medicaid, saying, 'No cuts to Medicaid.'

"And I would like a floor vote on that," Neal added with a smile.
China-supported training to strengthen Pakistan's agriculture, food security: PM

Xinhua) 16:51, April 17, 2025

ISLAMABAD, April 17 (Xinhua) -- Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif said Wednesday that with China's support, Pakistani agricultural graduates will play a key role in strengthening the backbone of the country's economy, the agriculture sector.

Speaking at a ceremony here to inaugurate the first group of 1,000 graduates to China for training in the agriculture sector, Sharif said that the students will return with knowledge and skills needed to revolutionize the country's farming practices.

"By receiving advanced training, the students will play their part to ensure food security, boost exports, and improve the livelihoods of millions of farmers," he added.

Sharif expressed deep gratitude to the Chinese leadership for facilitating the program, which he described as a testament to a close and enduring friendship between the two nations.

"China has always stood by Pakistan in difficult times, and we will never forget its unwavering support," he said, adding that "our young graduates going to China will act as a bridge of friendship, knowledge, and cooperation."

Under the government-funded initiative, 300 graduates from across Pakistan will travel to China in the first phase.

(Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Liang Jun)
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Its rare that a film ever truly deserves to be called perfect.

While the term is bandied around a lot in the world of cinema, how many films actually manage to last two hours without a single questionable beat? Not too many.

Even great films sometimes have a scene that fails to ring completely true, or a sub-plot that lets your attention drift a little.

From Star Wars: A New Hope to Martin Scorseses The Irishman, there are plenty of stellar films that could have almost been derailed by one bum note.

See below for The Independents list of 11 bad scenes that came close to jeopardising otherwise brilliant movies.

You can also click here to read The Independents list of 23 secretly fantastic performances in otherwise bad films.

10 Cloverfield Lane

For the vast majority of its runtime, 10 Cloverfield Lane is a taut, compelling psychological thriller, starring Mary Elizabeth Winstead as a young woman trapped in an underground bunker with John Goodman and John Gallagher Jr. While shes told that the world above has been decimated by an alien attack, we never know if Goodmans sinister bunker-dweller is telling the truth. Until the ending, that is, when the film suddenly morphs into a full-blown disaster movie. Its a good watch nonetheless, but one that is nearly derailed by the needlessly literal ending.

open image in gallery Mary Elizabeth Winstead in 10 Cloverfield Lane' ( Paramount Pictures )

American Sniper

OK, the problems with American Sniper go deeper than just one duff scene. But for all its questionable politics, Clint Eastwoods hit 2014 war drama was a slick, well-made film  with one shockingly amateurish moment. The scene, in which Bradley Cooper and Sienna Miller talk while holding a transparently, unmistakably fake baby, was ridiculed and memed widely when the film was released.

Django Unchained

Django Unchained is a film with some truly remarkable performances. Theres Christoph Waltzs bounty hunter-dentist (a role which won him a second Oscar), Leonardo DiCaprios loathsome Calvin Candy, and, at the centre of it all, a seldom-better Jamie Foxx. But theres one clear black sheep among the cast: Quentin Tarantino himself, who plays an Australian slavetrader. The director is awful  so awful, in fact, that if he were on screen for more than his brief appearance, the whole movie would have been thrown into jeopardy.

Jurassic Park III

While it was obviously never going to be a patch on the original, Jurassic Park III was a thoroughly enjoyable dinosaur romp that puts all three Jurassic World movies to shame. Except, do you remember the scene with the talking velociraptor? It turned out to be a dream sequence, of course, but the brief moment of dino-loquaciousness was so goofy you couldnt help but be taken out of the experience.

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open image in gallery Tea Leoni and William H Macy in Jurassic Park III' ( Universal )

Kingsman: The Secret Service

There was something about Kingsman that really struck a chord with viewers; its bombastic, farfetched spin on the spy genre seemed to evoke a bygone era of James Bond. The film throughout leaned heavily into comedy, but the very final scene  which features a crude joke about anal sex  left many with a sour taste in their mouths.

Licorice Pizza

The latest film from There Will Be Blood maestro Paul Thomas Anderson proved rather divisive; to some, it was a work of pure genius, to others an uncomfortable endorsement of an inappropriate relationship. There was one thing pretty much everyone agreed on, however. A scene featuring John Michael Higgins as a white restauranteur speaking in a grotesquely caricatured Japanese accent to his wife  intended as a lighthearted anti-racist satire  landed like a lead balloon, and put some viewers off the film entirely.

open image in gallery Alana Haim in Licorice Pizza' ( Universal )

Let the Right One In

Scandinavian coming-of-age horror Let the Right One In featured some pretty impressive visual effects in many of its scenes  with one glaring exception. A sequence in which Virginia (Ika Nord) is attacked by a room full of cats is rendered with such wobbly CGI that the whole thing comes across as an absurd, tacky comedy. Thankfully, it doesnt detract from the rest of the film, which endures as an eerie delight.

Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King

The Return of the King was an undeniably great epic, filled with memorable set pieces and moments of real fantasy awe. The last half hour, however? Im not so sure. The films schmaltzy epilogue was five times too long and dramatically inert  the scene with Frodo lying in bed, greeting his comrades one by one, is enough to have even the most loyal Tolkien-head checking their wristwatch.

Star Wars

The 1997 Special Edition re-release of Star Wars: Episode IV A New Hope, quickly became infamous among the franchises long-term fans thanks to one scene in particular. With just one small editing change, George Lucas made it so Han Solo (Harrison Ford) no longer shot the scurrilous alien Greedo before he could shoot him first. In that moment, a supposedly key piece of character-building was lost. The controversial scene would kick off an argument that raged among Star Wars fans for decades.

open image in gallery Greedo and Han Solo prepare to shoot one another in Star Wars: A New Hope ( Disney/Lucasfilm )

The Dark Knight Rises

Christopher Nolans follow-up to the widely adored superhero thriller The Dark Knight was markedly less well-recieved than its predecessor, and for good reason. But for the majority of its runtime, The Dark Knight is still a compelling, spectacle-fuelled romp. The character of Talia al Ghul (Marion Cotillard), however, sadly never quite came together, and her limp, head-rolling death scene provoked more laughs than gasps.

The Irishman

Martin Scorseses 2018 gangster elegy was a slow-burn masterpiece, reuniting the director with Robert De Niro and Joe Pesci, and marking his first collaboration with Al Pacino. The actors were digitally de-aged for much of the film, to portray their characters at various stages of their life. It worked, more or less  but one scene, in which an ostensibly youthful De Niro beats up the man who pushed his daughter, was too much for the digital effects to bear. Theres no disguising the fact that De Niro moves, and fights, like a man in his mid-70s. In a film filled with great, affecting moments, this one was awkward to watch.

This article was originally published in October 2022
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Disneys new live-action remake of Snow White has been barred from Lebanon due to the films inclusion of Israeli star Gal Gadot, who is on the countrys Israel boycott list.

Gadot, 39, who has been a vocal advocate of Israel amid its conflict with Hamas, stars in the film as the Evil Queen alongside Rachel Zegler as the titular princess.

While the movie was released internationally last month, it has been banned from playing in Lebanese theaters. The ban was put in place by Lebanons Interior Minister Ahmad Al-Hajjar, according to Variety, who was acting on behalf of the countrys film and media watchdog amid Israels ongoing attacks on the Lebanese militant group, Hezbollah, which have resulted in civilian deaths.

A representative for Middle East distributor Italia Films, which handles the release of Disney titles in the Beirut region, clarified to the outlet that this is not a new development, as Gadot has been on the countrys boycott list for some time. In fact, no movie in which shes starred has ever been released in the country, per Variety.

The Independent has contacted Gadots representative for comment.

Gadot was born in Israel, where, at just 20 years old, she served as a combat fitness instructor in the IDF army for two years.

Israeli actor Gal Gadot stars in Snow White as the Evil Queen ( Disney )

Her stint with the IDF included her participation in the Israel-Lebanon war in 2006, which caused more than 1,000 Lebanese civilian deaths and left more than one million displaced. It additionally left 165 Israelis dead, of whom 44 were civilians, and more than 300,000 displaced.

Gadots participation in the 2006 war led to the countrys ban on her 2017 DC superhero movie, Wonder Woman, according to reports at the time.

In 2024, a year after Hamas October 7 attack inside Israel, Gadot gave an impassioned speech at the Anti-Defamation Leagues summit, saying: Never did I imagine that on the streets of the United States, and different cities around the world, we would see people not condemning Hamas, but celebrating, justifying and cheering on a massacre of Jews.

Gadots enduring support of Israel sharply contrasted with her co-star Zeglers support of Palestine, fueling rumors of on-set drama.

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According to one source who spoke to People, the two had nothing in common and their political views differ, adding to the tension. A second added that while the two are not friends due to a huge age gap and very different political views, Gadot is fine with Zegler.

Reviews of Snow White have been abysmal, with critics finding the remake disappointing and confusing.

This Disney musical offers nothing to the talented West Side Story star [Zegler], The Independents Clarisse Loughrey wrote in her one-star review of the movie, and features a dud of a performance from Gal Gadot as the Evil Queen.
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Fatma Hassona, a Palestinian photojournalist who is the protagonist of Sepideh Farsis documentary Put Your Soul on Your Hand and Walk, has been killed by an Israeli missile strike in Gaza. She was 25.

Put Your Soul on Your Hand and Walk is set to screen as part of ACID (Association du Cinema Independant pour sa Diffusion), a parallel section promoting independent film at next months Cannes Film Festival.

In a statement to The Independent, the organizers of ACID said: We, filmmakers and members of the ACID team, met Fatma Hassona when we discovered Sepideh Farsi's film Put Your Soul on Your Hand and Walk during the Cannes programme.

Her smile was as magical as her tenacity: bearing witness, photographing Gaza, distributing food despite the bombs, mourning and hunger. We heard her story, we rejoiced at each of her appearances to see her alive, we feared for her. Yesterday, we were shocked to learn that an Israeli missile had targeted her building, killing Fatem and her family.

We had watched and programmed a film in which this young woman's life force seemed like a miracle. This is no longer the same film that we are going to support and present in all theaters, starting with Cannes. All of us, filmmakers and spectators alike, must be worthy of her light.

In an additional statement, Farsi described how making contact with Hassona had been invaluable for the Iranian filmmakers documentary about Gaza.

open image in gallery A photograph taken in Gaza by Fatma Hassona ( Fatma Hassona/ACID )

I got to know her through a Palestinian friend in Cairo, while I was desperately searching for a way to reach Gaza, while hitting blocked roads, seeking the answer to a question both simple and complex, said Farsi.

How does one survive in Gaza, undersiege for all those years? What is the daily life of Palestinian people under war? What is it that Israel wishes to erase in this handful of square kilometers, with so many bombs and missiles?

I, who had just finished a movie, The Siren, about another war, the one between Iraq and Iran. I, who could still feel the distant echo of the explosions shockwaves ringing in my ears, and dust in the back of my throat, from my Iranian teenage-hood. I wanted to know how the Gazans resisted to all of this, what they were going through... I could not find the answer in news and media. I wanted to hear their words unmediated. I wanted to be in Gaza. Something my born in Iran stamped French passport made inconceivable for Egyptian administration and Israeli occupation.

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From our first conversation, I grabbed my camera and started filming: our exchanges, Fatem and I, what was going on around her, asking her to bring me to a window, whether of her house or her shelter, depending on where she was, for me to see through the window. And so, Fatem became my eyes in Gaza, and I, a window open on the world, for her. I filmed, catching the moments offered by our video calls, what Fatem was sharing with me, fiery and full of life. I filmed her laughs, her tears, her hopes and her despair. I followed my instinct. Without knowing beforehand where those images would lead us. Such is the beauty of cinema. The beauty of life.

The war, now in its 18th month, started when Hamas-led militants stormed into Israel on October 7, 2023, killing some 1,200 people, and taking 251 others hostage. The group still holds 59 captives  24 of whom are believed to be alive.

Israels retaliatory offensive in the territory has killed over 50,000 Palestinians, mostly women and children, according to Gazas Health Ministry.
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George Clooney has told CNN that it was his civic duty to call on Joe Biden to drop out of the 2024 presidential race.

In July 2024, Clooney wrote a much-discussed op-ed for The New York Times encouraging Biden to step aside so that the Democrats could appoint a new nominee. Barack Obama reportedly received an advanced version of the article following Bidens disastrous debate performance against Donald Trump.

During a conversation about Clooneys Broadway adaptation of his 2005 film Good Night and Good Luck, Jake Tapper suggested that Clooneys essay was brave.

The Oceans Eleven actor pushed back on that remark, saying: I dont know if it was brave. It was a civic duty .

Clooney, who describes himself as a Kentucky Democrat, added that he saw people on my side of the street not telling the truth, I thought that was time to.

Reflecting on any criticism he would have received, Clooney told Tapper: Listen, the idea of freedom of speech is you cant demand freedom of speech and then say, But dont say bad things about me.

Thats the deal, you have to take your stand if you believe in it. Take a stand, stand for it and then deal with the consequences. Thats the rules.

Clooney also spoke on the criticism he received for opposing the Iraq War, reminding Tapper: People picketed my movies and they put me on a deck of cards: I have to take that, thats fair. I defend their right to criticise me as much as I defend my right to criticise them.

The Michael Clayton stars comments come just weeks after he was lambasted by Trump following an interview with 60 Minutes.

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Trump issued a scathing critique of George Clooney's 60 Minutes interview after it aired Sunday evening ( 60 Minutes/CBS News/YouTube )

In the interview, the 63-year-old told correspondent Jon Wertheim about his decision to pen the scathing New York Times op-ed before discussing press freedom and the Trump administration.

In retaliation, Trump branded the actor a failed political pundit who dumped Biden like a dog.

Why would the now highly discredited 60 Minutes be doing a total puff piece on George Clooney, a second-rate movie star, and failed political pundit, Trump said in a late night Truth Social rant. He fought hard for Sleepy Joes election and then, right after the Debate, dumped him like a dog.
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Haley Joel Osment, the actor best known as the young star of The Sixth Sense, has reportedly been arrested for public intoxication in California.

The 37-year-old, who first appeared in the 1994 Oscar-winning epic Forrest Gump, was allegedly picked up by ski patrol members over fears he was inebriated at the Mammoth Mountain resort in Mammoth Lakes, California.

Osment was arrested by police for public intoxication and possession of a controlled substance, which officers have sent to a lab for testing after being unable to identify it, per court documents obtained by TMZ.

The actor, who is set to guest star in the second season of Netflixs Wednesday this year, was reportedly released shortly after being arrested, with the District Attorney for Mono County now left to decide whether Osment will be charged.

It comes after Osment recently lost his home in the California wildfires. The actor has struggled to obtain any financial pay-out from his insurance company, sources told TMZ.

The actor wrote on social media at the time of the fire: My heart would be so full every time I drove home. It was such a special place. I loved living there.

Back in 2006, the actor had his first run-in with the law when he was arrested after driving his car into a brick pillar, which flipped his vehicle over and left him with a broken rib and injured shoulder.

open image in gallery Haley Joel Osment has reportedly been arrested for public intoxication in California ( Mono County Sheriffs Office )

A month after the incident, Osment was charged with misdemeanour DUIs and pleaded no contest to driving under the influence of alcohol and possession of marijuana.

The Sixth Sense star was ordered to attend 60 hours of an alcohol rehabilitation programme as well as Alcoholics Anonymous meetings for six months, alongside a $1,500 (1,133) fine.

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Speaking to The Independent in 2019, Osment said his child stardom, which saw him go on to appear in Steven Spielbergs AI: Artificial Intelligence and Pay It Forward, hadnt affected his adult life.

I think sometimes theres an expectation for there to be that darkness, he said.

open image in gallery Haley Joel Osment in The Sixth Sense ( Getty Images )

But I think there are a lot more stories of people who had positive experiences working as children and didnt have that kind of cliched storyline going forward. And thats been the case for me.

Osment explained: I realise that Im very lucky, because there were other kids who maybe didnt have parents that looked out for them, or worked on film sets that were not wholesome, or where they were not protected. But that was not my experience.

In recent years, the actor  who became one of the youngest actors to ever be nominated for an Oscar for his role in The Sixth Sense  has guest starred in the Sky Atlantic series Silicon Valley and featured in Zoe Kravitzs 2024 directorial debut, Blink Twice.

He added of his parents approach to his career: Their line on things was: You could quit and go back to school any day you want when this stops being fun.

So, it was very little pressure and very little feeling of competition through all of that. For me it was always sort of a strange adventure.
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Ryan Coogler, the co-writer and director of Black Panther, has reflected on the moment his heart broke following Chadwick Bosemans death.

The 38-year-old, who is the highest-grossing Black filmmaker of all time, directed Boseman as King TChalla in his 2018 Marvel blockbuster that saw the actor inspire audiences around the world.

Boseman, who first appeared as King TChalla in the 2016 film Captain America: Civil War, died of colon cancer in 2020, aged 43. He last played the role on screen in Avengers: Endgame in 2019.

Speaking to The Guardian, Coogler said working on Black Panther sequel, Black Panther: Wakanda Forever, following Bosemans death was a time of complicated grief.

Sometimes, its actually a relief having something to do, so you cant sit in that terrible feeling, Coogler said of his mixed emotions while working on the project.

After we put the movie out, my heart broke almost even more, because I realised all the work had been distracting me from the fact that Chads not going to make any more movies, he added.

After news of Bosemans death broke, Coogler and his co-screenwriter Joe Robert Cole had to rework the script for the Black Panther sequel as they opted not to recast his role.

open image in gallery Ryan Coogler and Chadwick Boseman at ComicCon in 2016 ( Getty Images for Disney )

The film immediately addressed Bosemans death with an emotional scene showing his characters sister Shuri (Wright) trying to cure her brother, who we learn is dying from an unspecified illness off-screen.

The end of the opening sequence saw Shuri crying as she learned TChalla had died, before Marvels opening logo, typically featuring characters from across other MCU titles, appeared on screen with a tribute to Boseman.

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Speaking to Variety about changing the script following Bosemans death, Coogler said: Where we started was this idea of who would be the most affected by his loss.

Shuri had never known a day without him. Hed always been there, so she would be the most unmoored by him passing away, he added.

open image in gallery Coogler wearing a necklace with the image Boseman on it for the premiere of Black Panther: Wakanda Forever ( Invision )

Elsewhere in The Guardian interview, Coogler addressed rumours that theres a spin-off miniseries in the works, saying he hoped that was the case. I love all those guys over there, he added.

It comes after Denzel Washington seemingly let slip that Coogler has written him a role in Black Panther 3 at the end of last year, citing the filmmaker as one of the few directors he still wants to work with.

Ahead of his death in 2020, Boseman declared Washington the reason he got the role as King TChalla in Cooglers Marvel film  as the star paid for him to go to acting school.

open image in gallery Boseman as King TChalla in Black Panther ( Marvel Studios )

Speaking at an AFI Life Achievement Award ceremony for Washington in 2019, Boseman said: There is no Black Panther without Denzel Washington.

My whole cast stands on your shoulders, he continued. The daily battles won, the thousand territories gained, the many sacrifices you made for the culture on film sets through your career, the things you refused to compromise along the way lay the blueprints for us to follow.
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In 20 years time, film fans will watch Warfare and wonder: How did they assemble that cast?.

Alex Garlands drama, which he co-wrote and directed with Ray Mendoza, features a whos who of rising stars, ranging from Joseph Quinn, whos just been cast as George Harrison in Sam Mendes four planned Beatles biopics, to Charles Melton, the Riverdale actor who won acclaim for his role in Todd Haynes drama May December.

Ahead of the film, which is a re-enactment of a 2006 incident that former US Navy SEAL Mendoza experienced in Iraq, The Independent spoke to the cast, who reflected on the breakout roles that put them on a path to Hollywood success.

Two years after playing a teenage version of Elton John in biopic Rocketman, Kit Connor, 21, was launched to fame with Heartstopper, the Netflix coming-of-age series he said he will be forever thankful for.

Its given me a lot of great friends and amazing opportunities and allowed me to meet a lot of really awesome people, Connor said of the series that explores gay romance.

The series, based on Oseman's webcomic and graphic novel of the same name, also stars Joe Locke, William Gao, Yasmin Finney and Olivia Colman in a cameo role.

open image in gallery Kit Connor in Heartstopper ( Netflix )

The profile of Connors Warfare co-star Michael Gandolfini has risen considerably since 2021 when he starred as a young version of Tony Soprano in The Sopranos prequel film The Many Saints of Newark. This was the character memorably played by his father James Gandolfini in the acclaimed HBO series.

Id probably say The Many Saints of Newark was probably the first big thing I did, the actor said, acknowledging that the role was so tied up with The Sopranos and my dad, and a lot of stuff.

Gandolfini said that while, on a global scale, The Many Saints of Newark put him on the Hollywood map, it was The Deuce, David Simons HBO series about the porn industry, that provided him with his first screen acting experience.

The first show I ever had was The Deuce  David Simons unbelievable, the actor said. Being on that show and learning how to hit marks and that being my own thing was pretty incredible.

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open image in gallery Michael Gandolfini in The Many Saints of Newark' ( Warner Bros Pictures )

Meanwhile, DPharaoh Woon-A-Tai recalled his role in the comedy-drama series Reservation Dogs, which was the first American series to feature all Indigenous writers and directors.

Woon-A-Tai received an Emmy nomination for his role as guarded teenager Bear Smallhill  and he attributed his success to luck.

Im lucky Sterlin Harjo [who co-created the show with Taika Waititi] put his trust in me for telling such a personal story, the actor said.

open image in gallery DPharoah Woon-A-Tai in Reservation Dogs ( AMC )

One Warfare actor who is past the rising star stage of his career is Will Poulter, who has amassed an impressive string of roles since his debut, when he was 14, in the comedy Son of Rambow. His credits include the comedy Were the Millers, horror film Midsommar and Marvel sequel Guardians of the Galaxy Vol 3.

But its Son of Rambow he considers his breakout, saying: I got really lucky with that being my first job  not least in the sense that the director Garth Jennings and Nick Goldsmith, the producer, were the best film dads I could have wished for in a first-time experience.

It was a really wholesome, fun time with my good friend Bill Milner. We played best mates in that movie and had the summer of our lives  and 20 years later, were still friends.

Warfare is in cinemas on Friday (18 April).
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At this particular juncture in history, what are we meant to take from a film about a man politically radicalised by a penguin? Its unclear  but still, The Penguin Lessons persists. And not only does the flightless bird at its centre melt the heart of a full-time cynic (logically played by Steve Coogan), but it inspires him to take (minor) action against the US-backed military dictatorship in Argentina, as it spreads terror through the so-called Dirty War of the late Seventies and early Eighties.

Anyone believed to be associated with socialism, communism, or any other left-wing ideology was targeted. An estimated 30,000 were killed or disappeared. The films desire to tackle these horrors without ever discomforting its audience doesnt play here as gentle entreaty  certainly not in the way its director Peter Cattaneo previously balanced social realism and feel-good, underdog victory in The Full Monty (1997). It plays, instead, like moral negligence.

Its man-penguin meet cute is adapted directly from Tom Michells 2015 memoirs about teaching in a Buenos Aires boyss prep school. But the idea that the penguins innocence? Curiosity? Steadfastness?  would move the stridently apolitical Tom to action, after trouble comes for the schools Argentinian staff (Vivian El Jaber and Alfonsina Carrocio), is an invention of screenwriter Jeff Pope.

And so The Penguins Lessons becomes distracted by a rote arc about a British expat so disconnected from the world that news of a military coup is relevant only if he gets the week off work, while employed in a cloistered institution run by a sniffy headmaster (Jonathan Pryce) who preaches the importance of small p politics. His grand, climactic act of heroism, despite being fictional, doesnt amount to much more than saying pretty please to a fascist brute.

Coogan can play Toms cutthroat sarcasm with ease (when asked why hes not a fan of rugby, he snarls, I like my balls round.). So, too, can he handle the characters slimy desperation when, in the first days of the dictatorship, he pops off on holiday to Uruguay with the science teacher (Bjorn Gustafsson), in search of women. He rescues a Magellanic penguin from an oil spill in an attempt to impress one. She leaves after theyve hosed him down in the hotel bathtub. Ive ended up with no sex and a penguin, he grumbles. The creature wont leave his side.

The bird is the word: Steve Coogan in The Penguin Lessons ( Lionsgate )

Yet Coogan doesnt quite have the earnestness (and perhaps no actor would have the earnestness) to sell the scenes in which Tom monologues to the penguin about his political apathy or the inevitable tragic backstory that made him who he is  all while the penguin, who he names Juan Salvador, waddles about and cocks his head. In fact, nearly everyone, at some point, ends up monologuing at the penguin.

And, yes, Cattaneo does shoot the short-statured avian in a way that makes it look as if he might really be an active listener. But when its revealed that many of the students are the children of those embedded deep in the military junta and that they like to play a game called torture the socialist, the film does nothing to address their indoctrination beyond letting Juan Salvador potter up and down their classroom and Tom recite a little Percy Bysshe Shelley. Sure, penguins can do an impressive amount. But, despite what The Penguins Lessons implies, that does not extend to singlehandedly defeating fascism.

Dir: Peter Cattaneo. Starring: Steve Coogan, Jonathan Pryce, Vivian El Jaber, Bjorn Gustafsson. 12A, 112 minutes.

The Penguin Lessons is in cinemas from 18 April
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Alex Garland has now constructed what could be called his trilogy of violence: the relentless, patriarchal assault in horror Men (2022), the total collapse of American society in Civil War (2024), and, now, the immediate aftermath of an IED explosion in Warfare. Theres little to no context to be offered in these films. The point, entirely, is whats felt in the moment  the fear, the pain, the blood. Garlands approach is understandable but limited. Warfare, at least, is the most successful of the three, because its myopia is a crucial part of its structure.

While filming Civil War, Garland was introduced to Iraq war veteran Ray Mendoza, whod been hired to make sure the films gunfight sequences looked as realistic as possible. In November 2006, Mendoza had been part of a team of Navy Seals who, alongside two Iraqi scouts and two marines, were left cornered in a residential home in Ramadi province after the detonation of an IED resulted in multiple deaths and life-threatening injuries.

He and Garland began work on a screenplay that painstakingly reconstructed his memories and those of his comrades in order to create what he termed a living document for Elliott Miller, one of the men injured, who has no recollection of the incident. As its credits insist, the film aims for as much accuracy as memory allows. It is a work of attempted neutrality, co-directed by both Garland and Mendoza. Theres no musical score to manipulate its audiences emotions; no sympathetic backstories for any of its characters.

Instead, Warfare is concerned only with the overwhelming, sensory journey that is conflict. We start raucously, as a squad of young men bark at the leotard-clad women engaged in sexually provocative aerobics in the infamous video to Eric Prydzs Call on Me. A sudden cut, and were plunged into the silence of a nighttime operation, which then stretches achingly into the hours of subsequent observation, as Miller (Cosmo Jarvis) peers down the sniper scope, breathing as steady and loud as a beating drum. Its an odd state to be in, equal parts boredom and hypervigilance.

Chaos erupts. Were plunged into the muffled sounds and smoke-blurred vision of those caught up in the blast. An incessant stream of chatter from the radio comms, issuing coded and conflicted orders, collides with screams of the injured (Joseph Quinn, as one of the said injured, has one of the most haunting, visceral screams in recent cinema).

We feel the external world start to collapse when Mendoza (DPharaoh Woon-A-Tai) disassociates. In a cast packed to the rafters with young talent  Will Poulter, Kit Connor, Michael Gandolfini, Noah Centineo, Charles Melton, among others  its Woon-A-Tais comparatively quiet, introverted presence that grounds the film. He draws the camera in closer, towards the scars forming in real-time within his soul. We dont know where these men came from or where they will go from here.

Heartstopper star Kit Connor in Alex Garlands Warfare ( A24 )

All Warfare has to offer, inevitably, is the violence itself, stripped from its source, like Men and Civil War before it. If the point is to warn us of its monstrousness, what can a film of this ilk offer if it bears no clues as to the origins of its birth?

Garland and Mendoza do, at least in this instance, make careful, considerate use of the films framework. Were shown how US soldiers invade the home of an Iraqi family who, for the rest of Warfares duration, are held hostage in a downstairs bedroom, guns routinely thrust into their faces. In its final scene, they reemerge into the rubble of what was once their home, their lives upended by US forces and then abandoned without a second thought. Its quite the metaphor.

But Warfare isnt about their memories, nor those of the two Iraqi scouts (Rayhan Ali and Heider Ali), who suffer in ways the film never bothers to reflect on. For a project so invested in the idea of objectivity, there are gaps in the story clearly felt and reflected on screen. This moment, this sudden eruption of hell, didnt happen in isolation  there was a path that led to it, and a path that led beyond it. Warfares violence feels unmoored without its context.

Dir: Ray Mendoza, Alex Garland. Starring: DPharaoh Woon-A-Tai, Will Poulter, Cosmo Jarvis, Kit Connor, Michael Gandolfini, Joseph Quinn, Charles Melton. 94 minutes

Warfare is in cinemas from 18 April
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Fyre Festival 2 has been postponed indefinitely by its organiser, convicted fraudster Billy McFarland, just over a month ahead of its scheduled kick-off date.

McFarland has been attempting to orchestrate a more successful version of the initial Fyre Festival, the notorious event that went viral in 2017. Guests who had paid thousands of dollars for tickets ended up stranded in the Bahamas with limited food and shelter, and none of the promised headliners.

However, the new festival, which was supposed to take place on the Isla Mujeres, Mexico, between 30 May to 2 June, has now been indefinitely postponed, with ticket-holders informed that they had been issued refunds.

The event has been postponed and a new date will be announced, a message sent to a ticket-holder and seen by ABC News said.

We have issued you a refund. Once the new date is announced, at that time, you can repurchase if it works for your schedule.

Tickets for Fyre Festival 2, which was marketed under the slogan FYRE Festival 2 is real, went on sale in February at a starting fee of $1,400 and up to $25,000, while premium packages were also being sold for as much as $1.1m.

At the time, McFarland said a statement, I'm sure many people think I'm crazy for doing this again. But I feel I'd be crazy not to do it again.

After years of reflection and now thoughtful planning, the new team and I have amazing plans for FYRE 2, he added.

open image in gallery Billy McFarland's Fyre Fest 2 has been postponed indefinitely ( Getty )

As with the doomed original event, McFarlands festival promised an electrifying celebration of music, arts, cuisine, comedy, fashion, gaming, sports, and treasure hunting  all set in the stunning location of Isla Mujeres, Mexico.

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Experience unforgettable performances, immersive experiences, and an atmosphere that redefines creativity and culture, the festival's website said.

open image in gallery Guests at the original Fyre Festival were greeted by disaster relief tents and sodden mattresses

Leading up to the festival, Mexico officials with the Quintana Roo Tourism Department and the Playa Del Carmen government said no event of that name was to be held there.

Bernardo Cueto, tourism secretary of the State of Quintana Roo, where Isla Mujeres is located, told ABC News that his agency was responsible for handing out permissions for events of this kind. However, Fyre Fest 2 was not something he was informed about, he said, nor was an event by that name happening in Playa del Carmen or Isla Mujeres.

On 4 April, McFarland shared a timeline of apparent conversations with the government of Playa Del Carmen to the festivals Instagram account, including screenshots of purported conversations and permits.

All media reports suggesting our team has not been working with the government of PDC are simply inaccurate and based on misinformation, he said. FYRE has operated as a good partner with PDC government and has followed the proper processes and procedures to lawfully host an event.

Eagle-eyed followers then pointed out that the terms of the permits McFarland had posted limited the event to 250 attendees max, far below his proposed 1,800 guests, and also limited the event of 12 hours of music across the weekend with a noise limit of 100 decibels.

The festival had yet to announce a lineup but McFarland told the Today programme: Were going to have artists across electronic, hip hop, pop and rock. However, its not just music. We might have a professional skateboarder do a demonstration. We might have an MMA champion teach you techniques in the morning.

Electronic producer and DJ deadmau5 has responded to the news of the events postponement, sharing a screenshot of the announcement on his Instagram account along with the caption: Well that sucks.

McFarland served four years of a six-year sentence in prison after being convicted of wire fraud in connection with the failed 2017 festival.
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The postponement of Fyre Festival 2 has raised eyebrows as ticket holders and performers try to make sense of the chaos.

Originally slated for April 2025, and then pushed to May 30 - June 2, the second iteration of the doomed 2017 festival was supposed to take place on Isla Mujeres, Mexico. Now, ticket holders for Billy McFarlands festival have reportedly been sent an email sharing news of the postponement.

The event has been postponed and a new date will be announced, a message sent to a ticket-holder and seen by ABC News said. We have issued you a refund. Once the new date is announced, at that time, you can repurchase if it works for your schedule.

Organizers have insisted that the festival is still on, saying in a further message obtained by The Independent that new locations were being vetted and their priorities remain unchanged: delivering an unforgettable, safe, and transparent experience.

Still, those who were planning to attend or perform remain unsure about what comes next. Brothers Asa and Eli Maker were set to attend the festival after winning free tickets. But the lack of details surrounding the event gave them pause.

I think we wouldve booked plane tickets and hotels if we saw a real lineup, the brothers told Good Morning America.

open image in gallery Billy McFarland hasnt released a statement since the postponement of Fyre Festival 2 was announced ( Theo Wargo/Getty Images )

A DJ slated to perform was contacted by festival organizers who let her know about the postponement. But they, too, were skimpy on the details.

They didnt necessarily give me dates of when they would be rescheduling it, Juliana Salunek, who goes by her DJ name Jules, told the morning show.

The Independent has reached out to Fyre Festival organizers, including McFarland, for comment.

The festivals website remains live, and those looking for a piece of history can still purchase Fyre Festival 2 merch. Options include a $70 t-shirt that proclaims Fyre Festival 2 Is Real and a $130 hoodie that says Playa is on Fyre.

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Tickets being sold from $1,400 to $1.1 million for the Prometheus pass (which promises luxury travel, accommodations, and experiences) are still advertised on the site but dont appear to actually be available for purchase.

open image in gallery Fyre Festival 2 merch remains available for sale on its website ( Fyre Festival )

Attendees of the infamous first Fyre Festival have been outspoken about the chaos they experienced. They were promised luxury villas and dining experiences in an event touted by influencers and pop stars. Instead, they were relegated to tents and forced to eat cheese sandwiches out of plastic cartons. The festival is largely regarded as a massive scam and led to McFarland, 33, spending time behind bars.

McFarland, who served four years of a six-year sentence, still owes $26 million in restitution after the failure of the original Fyre Festival. He has provided numerous updates regarding the fate of Fyre Festival 2 on his social media channels, even holding a press conference with Mexican officials in late March in an attempt to quiet the naysayers questioning whether the event would happen.

McFarland has not issued a public statement following the postponement announcement.
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Drummer Zak Starkey has said he is surprised and saddened that anyone would take issue with his Royal Albert Hall performance with The Who, after being sacked from the band he has played with for almost 30 years.

The British musician, who is the son of The Beatles drummer Ringo Starr and his first wife, Maureen Starkey, had been the bands full-time drummer since he joined their Quadrophenia tour in 1996.

However, this week the bands representatives shared a statement that a collective decision was made to part ways with Starkey after their Royal Albert Hall shows, during which frontman Roger Daltrey reportedly complained about his performance.

Im very proud of my near-30 years with The Who, Starkey said in a statement shared to Rolling Stone on Wednesday evening (16 April). Filling the shoes of my godfather, uncle Keith [Moon] has been the biggest honour and I remain their biggest fan. Theyve been like family to me.

Referencing the blood clots he suffered in his right bass drum calf in January, Starkey said his injury had completely healed and does not affect my drumming or running, seemingly shutting down speculation that the serious medical emergency could have affected his playing.

According to a Metro report, The Whos frontman Roger Daltrey openly complained several times that Starkey was overplaying at the Royal Albert Hall gig on 30 March.

( Larry Marano/Shutterstock )

To sing that song I do need to hear the key, and I cant. All Ive got is drums going boom, boom, boom. I cant sing to that. Im sorry guys, he apparently told the audience at one point.

After playing those songs with the band for so many decades, Im surprised and saddened [that] anyone would have an issue with my performance that night, but what can you do? Starkey said.

I plan to take some much-needed time off with my family, and focus on the release of Domino Bones by Mantra of the Cosmos with Noel Gallagher in May and finishing my autobiography written solely by me. Twenty-nine years at any job is a good old run, and I wish them the best.

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Starkeys representative had previously told The Independent that the split was a typical rocknroll falling out, healing can take time! Zak is without doubt one of the UKs greatest drummers and his tutor none other than the late Keith Moon!

Starkey and Noel Gallagher collaborated on the Mantra of the Cosmos track Domino Bones (Gets Dangerous) in January. The drummer first met the Oasis rocker in 1995, and later joined the band in 2004, playing on the albums Dont Believe the Truth and Dig Out Your Soul.

Meanwhile, Daltrey and The Who returned to perform at the Royal Albert Hall as part of the Teenage Cancer Trust charity shows in March.

Daltrey stepped down from his longtime role as curator last year, having launched the fundraising series back in 2000.
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In Ghosts, Gary Owen reimagines Henrik Ibsens masterpiece as a sharp, funny and gut-punching domestic drama set in a misty, grey corner of modern Wales. The result is a striking tale of reputation, self-preservation and the cost of parental sacrifice, delivered with biting wit and tour de force performances.

Victoria Smurfit plays Helena, a woman calmly orchestrating the opening of a new hospital in honour of her late husband. But behind her crisp white athleisure and carefully constructed smile is a woman haunted  not just by the memory of her abusive spouse, but by the choices she made to protect her son from the same fate. But when that son, Oz (Callum Scott Howells), returns from London full of resentment over his cold and distant childhood, secrets start to unravel at a dizzying pace.

Owens script is pacy and electric, efficiently unpacking years of backstory without ever getting bogged down. The dialogue is tight and intelligent, often laugh-out-loud funny, and never afraid to lean into emotional discomfort.

Smurfit gives a masterful performance as the coldly flirtatious and emotionally evasive Helena. She doesnt play her slow deterioration with hysteria, instead leaning into a quiet, heart-sinking desperation that hits harder. Shame bubbles beneath her polished surface, erupting in bursts of avoidant behaviour as she refuses to acknowledge the horrors she is retelling.

Reuniting with Romeo and Juliet director Rachel ORiordan, Howells delivers yet another reminder of why hes one of the most exciting actors on stage today. He commands the space with total ease, the only performer to truly use it to his advantage  slamming, stomping, touching and pacing with restless energy that perfectly captures Ozs entitlement and need for attention.

There is a risk of such a character falling into cliche  the sulky, privileged heir who blames everything on the fact that mummy didnt hug him enough  but Howells brings such conviction and specificity that it feels entirely fresh. At times, you dont know whether you want to slap him or kiss him.

The productions visual world, however, cant quite match the calibre of its lead performance. The brutalist grey set, with its minimalist Bauhaus furniture and ominous wallpaper, is meant to evoke a fortress in the clouds  cold, elevated, and cut off from the world. In practice, though, it feels disjointed and skews oddly sci-fi. Stylised lighting choices feel like a similar misstep. The actors already communicate everything we need to feel; bathing the stage in blue to show sadness feels both redundant and jarring.

The supporting cast lands somewhat flaccidly, with one-dimensional performances outshone by the kinetic leads. Patricia Allison and Rhashan Stone, while capable, seem slightly adrift next to the command of Smurfit and Howells. Still, theres much to admire in this adaptation. The themes are no less potent than in Ibsens original: the consequences of silence, the pain of knowing when to lie, and the question of whether love can ever be enough to stop history repeating itself.

Ghosts is a sharp, snappy reimagining of a classic. Gary Owens adaptation manages to be both darkly entertaining and emotionally resonant, pulling audiences into its inky depths with witty dialogue and surprising humour.

Ghosts is on at the Lyric Hammersmith until 10 May; lyric.co.uk
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Victoria Goodwin, the estranged wife of Ghost Adventures host Aaron Goodwin, has accepted a plea deal on charges of conspiring to murder the TV star.

In March, Victoria, 32, was arrested for hiring a hitman to kill Aaron, 49. She was charged with solicitation to commit murder and conspiracy to commit murder in Nevada.

While she originally denied plotting her husbands murder, on Monday, Victoria filed a guilty plea agreement with the Clark County District Court, according to court documents seen by several outlets.

As part of the agreement, Victoria will plead guilty to one felony count of conspiracy to commit murder, for which she faces two to 10 years in prison, the filing said. She could also face a fine of up to $5,000. In exchange for her plea, prosecutors have agreed to drop the charge for solicitation to commit murder, and will not make any recommendation to the judge for her sentencing.

Victoria has been accused of hatching a plan to have her husband killed. In her arrest report, it was cited that she had sent a text message to Grant Amato, a Florida prison inmate. Am I bad a person? Because I chose to end his existence. Not divorce, she said in the text.

In another message to Amato, Victoria wrote: Hes asleep right now in the hotel room ... I need to know what's going on. Can I get an update. Was it done?

open image in gallery Victoria Goodwin in court on April 8 on felony charges of solicitation and conspiracy to commit murder ( Getty Images )

According to police, Victoria was going to pay the hitman $11,515, with an upfront payment of $2,500.

The plot was formed in October 2024 and only discovered when correction officers seized the Florida inmates contraband phone. Her husband was filming Ghost Adventures in California at the time. Police said that Victoria provided information about his whereabouts to the inmate via text, according to TMZ.

open image in gallery Aaron and Victoria Goodwin have been married for three years after tying the knot in 2022 at Disneylands Haunted Mansion ( Getty )

Days after Victorias arrest, Aaron filed for divorce. In the filing, he said his and Victorias views, tastes, likes and dislikes were now incompatible to the extent that it has become impossible for them to live together as husband and wife in marital harmony.

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There is no possibility of reconciliation between husband and wife, the filing added.

The couple has been married for three years. They tied the knot in 2022 at Disneylands Haunted Mansion.

Aaron has since amended his divorce filing to include a lawsuit against Victoria for assault, false imprisonment, negligence, and other claims.

[Victorias] conduct was extreme or outrageous with either the intention of or reckless disregard for, causing emotional distress to [Aaron], the updated filing stated. [He] suffered severe or extreme emotional distress as the actual or proximate result of [her] conduct.

Aaron is seeking more than $10,000 in punitive and exemplary damages, claiming Victoria was negligent in her marital actions.

Additionally, Aaron asked the court to grant him a divorce because of Victorias concert of actions including with another  to commit a tort while acting in concert or pursuant to a common design.
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John Lithgow has addressed the backlash surrounding his casting as Albus Dumbledore in HBOs upcoming Harry Potter series, admitting he was apprehensive about accepting the role, both because of the reaction from fans and because of the planned length of the series.

Speaking on The One Show on Wednesday (16 April) the 79-year-old American actor said stepping into the shoes of the late Michael Gambon, who portrayed the Hogwarts headmaster in six of the original films, was both very exciting and very intimidating.

The decision to cast Lithgow, best known for roles in The Crown, Dexter and 3rd Rock From the Sun, prompted criticism from some fans who argued that Dumbledore should have remained a distinctly British role given to a British actor.

I know there were plenty of people appalled that an American should be hired to play the ultimate English wizard, Lithgow said, but I will do my best.

Responding with humour, he added: Im not English - although Ive played one on TV. I remind everyone that I did play Winston Churchill on The Crown, and I did just fine.

Lithgow admitted the decision to take on such a major role at this stage in his career was not taken lightly.

open image in gallery John Lithgow ( Getty Images )

It was not an easy decision because its going to define me for the last chapter of my life, Im afraid, he said. But some wonderful people are turning their attention back to Harry Potter - thats why its been such a hard decision. Ill be about 87 years old at the wrap party, but Ive said yes.

Filming is set to begin this summer at Warner Bros Studios Leavesden  the same studios used for the original films. HBO has confirmed that the reboot, which will retell JK Rowlings seven-book saga with a fresh cast and more faithful pacing, is planned to span a decade.

open image in gallery The cast for the new Harry Potter series ( Getty )

While the core trio of Harry, Ron and Hermione have yet to be announced, many of the major casting decisions were revealed this week. I May Destroy You star Paapa Essiedu will take on the role of Professor Snape, while Hot Fuzz star Nick Frost has been cast as Hagrid.

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Elsewhere, taking over Dame Maggie Smiths role of Minerva McGonagall is Golden Globe winner Janet McTeer. Additionally, Luke Thallon will play Defence Against the Dark Arts professor Quirinus Quirrell and Paul Whitehouse will take on the role of caretaker Argus Filch.
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The White Lotus star Leslie Bibb has revealed that she hasnt been able to watch the recent series three finale or in fact, anything from this season.

Bibb played the character of Kate Bohr, a churchgoing housewife with an immaculate blonde bob vacationing in Thailand with her two childhood friends, played by Carrie Coon and Michelle Monaghan.

The White Lotus creator Mark White referred to the trio as the blonde blob.

While the HBO show loves a dysfunctional, toxic couple, the third season proved that a group of best friends on a girl's holiday can be just as complex.

After weeks of the three women throwing passive-aggressive insults at one another, the group ended their trip on a surprisingly tender note in the final episode, after Carrie Coons character opened up to her long-term friends about her insecurities.

The segment ended with each of the women professing their love for one another  which Bibb has admitted was not in the original script.

open image in gallery A big, blonde blob: Carrie Coon, Monaghan and Leslie Bibb in The White Lotus ( Sky/HBO )

Bibb told Bustle in a recent interview that after over a year of filming in Thailand, shes still not ready to let it go.

When speaking about her final emotional scene with Coon and Monaghan, Bibb said: It felt like a build to truth, someone finally putting their sword down and leaning into their vulnerability. It was such a beautiful conclusion for these three women.

We were all present and not worried about the camera, our attention was so on each other.

Bibb even surprisingly asked the publication: Is there something where we all say I love you to each other?

That wasnt in the script. That was happening in real time, she said after getting confirmation. Theres a weird thing that happens with this show where you just feel very connected. Art is imitating life. I just felt like there was no acting in that moment.

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The actor also said that she could not bring herself to watch the final scene between her cast mates Amiee Lou Wood and Walton Goggins after their characters Rick and Chelsea are murdered.

open image in gallery Walton Goggins and Aimee Lou Wood in The White Lotus ( HBO )

She said: I just saw a clip of something leading up to it, and I started crying just seeing the clip.

It comes after Goggins appeared to disagree with his co-star Aimee Lou Woods assessment of Saturday Night Lives recent sketch mocking their characters.

During the latest episode of NBCs hit late-night comedy show, 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 tariff policy chaos, surrounded by Ivanka (Scarlett Johansson) and Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick (Jon Gries).

The SNL skit also attempted to recreate the dynamic between the White Lotus character Rick (Goggins) and his younger girlfriend Chelsea (Wood), with RFK Jr. (Jon Hamm) rambling about fluoride in water to Chelsea, played in the SNL skit by cast member Sarah Sherman, who darts off to kill and eat a monkey.

Shermans parody of Chelsea included faking a bizarre British accent and wearing protruding prosthetic teeth in an attempt to mimic Woods appearance.

While Wood, 31, found the White Potus skit to be mean and unfunny, Goggins instead hailed it as amazing.
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Last week, Ncuti Gatwa returned to his role in the sci-fi series alongside Varada Sethu, who is playing the latest companion.

This casting decision marks the first time that the the shows central duo has been played by non-white actors.

Speaking to BBC Radio 2 about the contingent of online critics complaining about the casting, Davies said: Someone always brings up matters of diversity. And there are online warriors accusing us of diversity and wokeness and involving messages and issues.

I have no time for this. I dont have a second to bear [it]. Because what you might call diversity, I just call an open door.

Varada Sethu, who plays new companion Belinda Chandra, has also spoken about viewers complaints of wokeness, saying she takes the label as a positive for the show.

Woke just means inclusive, progressive, and that you care about people, she said. I just think were doing the right thing if were getting comments like that. And, as far as I know, the core of Doctor Who is kindness, love and doing the right thing.

Ncuti Gatwa and Varada Sethu ( BBC Studios/Bad Wolf/Lara Cornell )

Similarly, speaking to the Radio Times, Gatwa said that the casting represented progress, in terms of how we reflect the societies that we live in.

He also added that its exciting to look forward to a day when [having non-white leads] isnt something huge.

Doctor Who has seen 19 different actors in the lead, and 15 different versions of the Doctor, since its initial broadcast on the BBC in 1963, with William Hartnell being the first to take on the role.

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Up until 2017, the role had only been played by male actors, but former head writer Chris Chibnall introduced Jodie Whittaker as the first female doctor.

Gatwa then appeared as the 15th Doctor in 2023, making him the first Black actor to take on the role.

In recent weeks, there have been unconfirmed reports that the show may be facing the axe and that Gatwa is due to leave.

The BBC has said any decisions on the show would be made after the current series ends.
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Trevor Eve has said he regrets his reputation for being a difficult actor to work with as it has lost him roles.

The British actor shot to fame in 1979 with his lead role in detective series Shoestring, but is perhaps best known for playing Detective Superintendent Peter Boyd in BBC drama Waking the Dead.

Over the years, the actor has gained notoriety for allegedly being challenging behind the scenes  and hes now admitted he upset some people along the way.

I was only difficult because I cared, the actor told Radio Times. It was never about the size of my trailer or my car being late. It was, Why are we doing this?.

I rewrote a lot of my stuff because I was taught to believe if theres something you dont want to say, dont say it.

He added to The Times: If you could actually spend 20 minutes making something better, then spend the time and make it better.

However, Eve said that he now holds back from sharing his honest views as he was losing roles as a consequence  and said that he regrets his reputation hugely.

For the last 10 years, I havent opened my mouth because I like to work, he continued. Its very easy to get not employed in the industry.

The actor also reflected on quitting Waking the Dead in 2011, after playing Detective Superintendent Peter Boyd for nine series, due to proposed budget cuts at the BBC.

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According to the actor, who was reportedly paid 1m per series, these cuts would have affected the quality of the show, which he said should have ended in 2007.

open image in gallery Trevor Eve in Waking the Dead ( BBC )

He said If youre the lead actor in something, you are the face on the screen. So really your investment is huge compared to somebody whos coming on just for two weeks or three or four weeks and theyre gone.

Speaking about his decision at the time, Eve told The Independent: The BBC basically didnt have the money to continue to make it as it is.

At the moment we are in the studio 50 per cent of the time and on location the rest, but the new budget meant it would be an 80/20 split. It just wouldnt be the same.

I care about the stuff I do and want it to be the best it can possibly be. Youll have a scene that isnt right, and some people say just shoot it, and then when they watch it back its nonsense. I want to do things right. Im just genetically set that way.
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North Korea has threatened to take powerful measures in response to the US flying long-range bombers over South Korea.

The US flew two B-1B bombers on Tuesday during an aerial drill accompanied by American and South Korean fighter jets, which Seoul framed as a direct response to the escalating threat of North Koreas growing nuclear ambitions.

Pyongyang has previously claimed that the joint drills were a rehearsal for invasion.

The North's defence ministry in a statement said the deployment of bombers was "an open threat to the security of our state and a grave provocation that raises the military tension in the region to an extreme dangerous level, according to the state-run Korean Central News Agency (KCNA).

open image in gallery Two US Air Force B-1B bombers, South Korean Air Force F-35A and F-16 fighter jets and US Air Force F-16 fighter jets fly over South Korea ( South Korean Defence Ministry/AF )

In a veiled threat, the North Korean ministry warned the drill would harm US security, and said North Korea will deter by dint of powerful force the USs aggressive attempt.

The joint drill held in South Korean airspace, featuring F-35A and F-16s, marked the latest in a series of demonstrations of the extended deterrence posture of both allied nations.

"This training was conducted to showcase the integrated ROK-US extended deterrence capability and strengthen the interoperability of our combined forces," the South's defence ministry said, referring to the country by its official name Republic of Korea.

The drill was "in response to the continuing and sophisticated threat from North Koreas nuclear and missile programs", it said.

open image in gallery The US and South Korean military conducted joint drills this week ( South Korean Defence Ministry/AF )

The US and South Korea routinely hold joint military exercises they describe as defensive in nature. But North Korea calls them an invasion rehearsal and is particularly sensitive to the US mobilization of strategic assets such as long-range bombers, aircraft carriers and nuclear-powered submarines.

North Korea often test-launches missiles in response to flyovers of B-1B bombers, which are capable of carrying a huge payload of conventional weapons.

Animosities on the Korean Peninsula are running high as North Korea continues weapons tests designed to modernise Kim Jong Uns nuclear arsenal and supports Russias war against Ukraine by supplying weapons and troops.

Since his inauguration, president Donald Trump has repeatedly boasted of his personal ties with Mr Kim and expressed his willingness to reach out to the North Korean leader to revive diplomacy.

On 31 March, Mr Trump called the North Korean leader a very smart guy and North Korea a big nuclear nation.

Mr Trump said he and Mr Kim have a great relationship and that there is communication, though there are no known public negotiations and North Korea hasnt publicly responded to Mr Trumps outreach.
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The family that founded one of Indias leading electric cab booking services has been hit with allegations of misappropriation of loan funds by the countrys market regulator.

BluSmart has emerged as a strong disruptor in a market dominated by Uber and its local rival Ola, providing a climate-friendly alternative in most major Indian cities.

But now Anmol Singh Jaggi and Puneet Singh Jaggi, the founders of its holding company Gensol Engineering, have been accused of misusing nearly Rs 2.6bn (23m) out of a loan for Rs 9.8bn (85.9m) from the state-run Indian Renewable Energy Development Agency (Ireda) and Power Finance Corporation (PFC).

The Securities and Exchange Board of India (Sebi) issued an interim order on Tuesday detailing the alleged diversion of funds by Gensol Engineering, saying that the funds were utilised for luxury purchases and prestigious real estate such asa high-end apartment in the Camellias project in Gurugram outside Delhi.

Money was also spent on foreign travel, luxury items like wristwatches, spa payments, credit card payments and transfers to relatives, Sebi said.

open image in gallery Indian ride-hailing startup BluSmart was competing to challenge Uber and Ola for market share in the country ( News9 )

Sebi said the mother and the spouse of founder Anmol Singh Jaggi received Rs 62m (545,000) and Rs 29.8m (262,000) from the loaned funds respectively.

...The prime facie findings have shown misutilisation and diversion of funds of the Company in a fraudulent manner by its promoter directors, Anmol Singh Jaggi and Puneet Singh Jaggi, who are also the direct beneficiaries of the diverted funds, the interim order by Sebi said.

Sebi has said that according to Gensols letters, the loans were sought in order to purchase at least 6,400 electric vehicles for BluSmart.

However, only 4,704 of these vehicles were acquired.

"The promoters were running a listed public company as if it were a proprietary firm," Sebi has said in its order.

"The company's funds were routed to related parties and used for unconnected expenses, as if the company's funds were promoters' piggybank," Sebi said.

The remaining chunk of the funds was funnelled to entities controlled by the Jaggi brothers after being routed through Go-Auto Pvt Ltd, which is Gensols EV supplier.

Sebi has now restrained Gensols founders from participating in the securities market until further orders and barred them from holding key positions in the company for defaulting on debt repayment.

While Anmol Singh Jaggi serves Gensol as managing director, his brother Puneet serves as the full-time director, with both collectively holding about 39.6 per cent stake in the company in total, according to exchange data.

Gensol confirmed in a statement on Wednesday that it was complying with Sebis order. "The company is dedicated to upholding the highest standards of corporate governance and transparency," it said.

The Independent has reached out to Gensol and Anmol Singh Jaggi for comment.
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US vice-president JD Vance is set to visit India on a four-day official tour, during which he will meet the countrys prime minister, Narendra Modi, and discuss the terms of a bilateral trade deal.

Mr Modi enjoys warm relations with Mr Vances boss Donald Trump, but the US president has also called India the tariff king and a big abuser and targeted the country with a blanket 26 per cent levy as part of his now-paused tariff programme.

Mr Vance is set to meet the Indian leader on 21 April in Delhi, where the pair are expected to hold discussions on economic, trade and geopolitical ties.

Indias foreign ministry welcomed the upcoming visit by Mr Vance, who will be accompanied by the second lady, Usha Vance, their children and other senior members of the US administration. Ms Vance is a daughter of Indian immigrants, who migrated to the US from the southern Indian state of Andhra Pradesh.

The visit will provide an opportunity for both sides to review the progress in bilateral relations and the implementation of the outcomes of the India-US joint statement, the ministry said. The two sides will also exchange views on regional and global developments of mutual interest.

Mr Vance is also expected to visit Jaipur and Agra, where he is likely to see the Taj Mahal with his family.

Vance and his wife, Usha, arrive for the Munich Security Conference in February ( AFP via Getty )

This marks Mr Vances first visit to India since taking office, at the helm of an important diplomatic mission on behalf of the Trump administration. The US sees India as an important strategic ally in combating the influence of China in the Asia-Pacific, and the visit coincides with a rapidly intensifying trade war between the worlds two largest economies.

In February, shortly after Mr Trump took office, India and the US agreed to work on the first phase of a trade deal to be concluded later this year with a view to reaching bilateral trade worth $500bn (429bn) by 2030. The US is already Indias largest trading partner, with bilateral trade valued at $190bn (144bn) until recently.

India had pre-emptively cut tariffs on a number of categories of US imports even before Mr Trump announced his tariff regimen on 2 April, and the scope for wider-ranging cuts is expected to form part of the discussion during Mr Vances trip.

On Tuesday, Indias trade secretary announced that the country has decided to pursue a path of trade liberalisation with the US and that the terms of reference for the first part of the bilateral trade deal were set to be signed soon.
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Myanmars military junta has pardoned nearly 5,000 prisoners as part of an annual new years amnesty, but there are no indications that prominent political prisoners like ousted leader Aung San Suu Kyi were among those released.

According to state broadcaster MRTV, 4,893 prisoners were freed by order of General Min Aung Hlaing, who leads the countrys ruling military council.

An additional 13 foreign nationals are to be released and deported, while others will receive reduced sentences. Those convicted of serious crimes such as murder, rape or violations under security-related laws were excluded from the pardons.

Watch The Independents documentary Cancelled: The rise and fall of Aung San Suu Kyi

The amnesty coincides with Thingyan, Myanmars traditional new year festival, and follows a 7.7-magnitude earthquake that struck the countrys central region on 28 March, killing more than 3,600 people and levelling ancient pagodas and modern buildings alike.

This years celebrations were subdued due to a national mourning period for earthquake victims.

open image in gallery Relatives gather around a bus carrying prisoners being released from Insein prison to commemorate the Buddhist New Year in Yangon on 17 April 2025 ( AFP via Getty Images )

The United Nations and international rights groups had earlier urged the junta to extend the amnesty to political detainees held since a 2021 coup, including Ms Suu Kyi and former president U Win Myint.

As the traditionally festive season of Thingyan and the start of a new year begins on Sunday in Myanmar, we call for common efforts to assist those in greatest need, said Ravina Shamdasani, spokesperson for the UN human rights office.

In this spirit we call on the military to announce a full amnesty for detainees it has incarcerated since February 2021, including state counsellor Aung San Suu Kyi and President U Win Myint.

open image in gallery A relative celebrates with a prisoner released from Insein prison to commemorate the Buddhist New Year in Yangon on 17 April 2025 ( AFP via Getty Images )

As of Thursday evening there was no confirmation that any of the estimated 22,000 political prisoners held in Myanmar were among those released. Many of them were jailed for peaceful protests in the months following the coup under sweeping incitement laws commonly used to suppress dissent.

Relatives of prisoners gathered outside Yangons Insein Prison early on Thursday morning in hopes of seeing their loved ones freed. The authorities have not disclosed how many inmates were released from the facility.

open image in gallery Myanmar's junta chief Senior General Min Aung Hlaing, who ousted the elected government in a coup ( Reuters )

Myanmar has remained in turmoil since the military overthrew Ms Suu Kyis elected government on 1 February 2021, sparking mass protests that evolved into an armed resistance.

The country is now gripped by a civil war, with swathes of territory controlled by ethnic rebel groups and pro-democracy forces.

In a televised new years address, General Min Aung Hlaing said the military would accelerate relief and rebuilding in areas affected by the earthquake. The junta has been criticised for shelling areas worst-hit by the disaster, despite rebel groups calling a ceasefire.

open image in gallery Revellers celebrate with water during Myanmar's New Year water festival, locally known as Thingyan, in Yangon on 15 April 2025 ( AFP via Getty Images )

The junta leader reiterated his promise to hold general elections by the end of the year and called on opposition groups to pursue political rather than armed solutions.

Meanwhile, Malaysian prime minister Anwar Ibrahim, in his capacity as chair of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (Asean), is expected to meet the Myanmar junta chief in Bangkok to discuss a potential extension of the temporary earthquake ceasefire.

His planned meeting has sparked criticism from Myanmars shadow National Unity Government and ethnic armed groups, who warned it could legitimise the juntas rule.

"Any unilateral engagement with the military leader  widely regarded as a terrorist  must be approached with the utmost caution," the opposition coalition said in a joint statement.

The ceasefire, which was agreed to by the military on 2 April, has been undermined by continued airstrikes, according to the United Nations and independent monitors.

The junta has been accused of carrying out more than 120 attacks since the devastating quake, over half of which occurred after the truce was meant to take effect.
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Australian opposition leader Peter Dutton is under fire over his stance on the climate crisis following his response during Tuesdays election debate, where he appeared to be reluctant to acknowledge that his country is affected by it.

In a post-debate interview, Mr Dutton defended himself, saying he accepts that the climate crisis is real and pointed to the Coalitions net-zero by 2050 target as evidence of the partys commitment.

If people are concerned and interested in the topic of climate change and want real action, vote for the Coalition, because we're the only party, through our energy policy, which is capable of delivering lower-cost electricity and gas, reliable energy, he told ABC News in a post-debate interview.

Australia is set to vote for its next government on 3 May, and Mr Dutton is the main challenger to prime minister Anthony Albanese, leading the opposition Liberal-National Coalition.

His remarks during the second debate between the two prompted backlash from many climate campaigners, as well as from the prime minister.

During the debate hosted by ABC News on Tuesday, moderator David Speers questioned Mr Dutton about the increasing frequency of extreme weather events in his home state of Queensland, which was also recently battered by extreme rainfall from Cyclone Alfred.

When asked if he accepted that Australia is already experiencing the impacts of climate change, Mr Dutton responded, "I think you can see that there's an impact."

However, when pressed further on whether these events are worsening due to the climate crisis, something scientists have stressed, he said: "I'll let scientists and others pass that judgment".

Mr Speers pushed further, questioning: "Really, you're not willing to say this is climate change happening right now?"

Mr Dutton answered: "I don't know, David, because I'm not a scientist and I can't tell you whether the temperature has risen in Thargomindah as a result of climate change or that the water levels are up in Thargomindah's latest flood as a result of climate change."

"I think the honest answer for most people is that they don't know.

Mr Albanese said his reluctance to acknowledge the scientific consensus on the climate crisis stunned him.

"Does he believe in gravity? he asked in a press conference in Brisbane.

"What else is there that is a scientific fact that he needs assurance of or a science degree, to understand?"

"I would have thought that the science is very clear on climate change.

open image in gallery Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, left, shakes hands with Opposition leader Peter Dutton ahead of their TV debate in Sydney, Australia ( AP )

Environmental organisations also voiced concerns over Mr Dutton's comments. The Climate Council said its outrageous for a senior political leader to be so out of touch.

Climate experts are ready and willing to brief Mr Dutton anywhere, anytime, said Climate Council CEO Amanda McKenzie.

In 2025 there is no excuse for someone vying to be Prime Minister not to have educated themselves thoroughly on the science and impacts of the climate crisis.

The Australian Conservation Foundation also criticised Mr Dutton's stance, describing it as reminiscent of outdated climate denial.

"For Mr Dutton to fall back on the old climate deniers' line  I'm not a scientist  in last night's leaders' debate was deeply disturbing at a time when Australia desperately needs to get serious about tackling the climate crisis. ACF CEO Kelly O'Shanassy said, according to Mirage News.

Two million homes and businesses are now at moderate to high risk from worsening climate disasters, like floods, coastal erosion and bushfires, data shows.

Australians are paying $30 billion more in insurance costs than we were a decade ago. People living in vulnerable parts of the country are increasingly finding they cant insure their homes because it is unaffordable or unavailable, said Ms McKenzie.

open image in gallery Country Fire Authority personnel watch as smoke billows from an out of control bushfire in the Grampians National park, in Victoria state, Australia, in December ( AP )

With the climate crisis emerging as a key issue for voters  especially in the wake of recent disasters  both parties have taken a contrasting position.

While Mr Dutton has attempted to position the Coalition as the party offering reliable and affordable energy, Labors approach has focused on scaling up renewables and enshrining stronger emissions cuts through the safeguard mechanism, which the Coalition is considering weakening.

Mr Dutton pledged to review the countrys existing target of cutting emissions by 43 per cent by 2030 and has proposed building nuclear reactors to boost power reliability.

He has also suggested the Coalition would withdraw Australias bid to co-host the next UN climate summit, COP31, in 2026  a joint proposal with Pacific island nations.

Tuvalus climate minister, Maina Talia, earlier said Mr Duttons stance on climate diplomacy forced them to question the nature of our friendship with Australia.
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A supply chain scheme that brings supermarkets together to invest in long-term cocoa contracts can boost efforts to tackle child labour, farmers and industry leaders in Ivory Coast have said.

The West African nation is the worlds largest cocoa producer, supplying the vast majority of the UK market alongside its neighbour Ghana, but the industry has relied heavily on child workers.

With families in remote communities often unable to afford household costs, let alone school kits and transport, children are pulled into work on farms, which can include hazardous labour such as using machetes and toxic agrochemicals.

In recent years, Ivory Coast has taken major action to tackle the issue, introducing a spate of laws and training officials, police officers, social workers and farmer co-operatives.

But funding and resources are limited, with a backdrop of unfair trade practices and years of depressed prices, which keep farmers in poverty.

The Yeyasso farming co-operative, based in the city of Man, said fairer contracts and prices could help it turbocharge its efforts to address the issue across all 44 of its farming communities.

The co-operative has used premium money earned from selling 20% of its produce on Fairtrade terms to hire a child labour response team and build school facilities, including one canteen that feeds 400 people a week.

Fattu Diomonde, who leads the team, said: Getting children off the farms, out of child labour and then later reintegrating them into the workforce the challenges are enormous.

The premium is essential for us to address the issue because, without it, even if we identified children working, we wouldnt have the resources to change the situation  for example, paying to enrol them in apprenticeship centres, she said.

Recent surveys carried out by Yeyasso found that farmers needs still outweigh the current resources available to the co-operative.

In the hope of doubling the premium it receives, Yeyasso has become the first to trial a new supply change initiative led by Fairtrade, which was recently given the green light by the UKs competition watchdog.

The Shared Impact project is working to get European supermarkets, such as Marks & Spencer (M&S), to buy commodities on a longer-term contract together, boosting the impact for producers and offsetting the increased risk.

Currently, we cant visit every single household with the resources, Ms Diomonde said, adding that they have only managed trips to 13 of the 44 communities and 1,314 of their total 7,200 producers.

However, she argued that if supermarkets join the Shared Impact initiative it could lead to more of a Fairtrade market for the co-operative, which would then have a much greater impact in the communities.

We could extend and expand our fight against child labour across the entire co-operative, and help as many children and households as possible, she said.

Emmanuel Kouadio, who is chief of the regional police department team charged with tackling child labour, said Yeyassos work is laudable.

Police efforts in the area are growing as his agents respond to reports of cases, patrol high-risk areas, set up checkpoints, screen farmer IDs and ensure travelling children are not in work.

As a father and grandfather himself, Mr Kouadio said the work can be heartbreaking and is especially hard when they find a child who has not eaten for days.

But for us to be able to provide food and put them in a shelter, were happy, he said.

Personally, physically, morally, we invest ourselves into the job. Its a passion. We want to see children succeed in life and have a good future.

Nonetheless, the police chief said the unfair share of the price that farmers receive should be increased in light of the huge challenges that exist in fighting child labour.

There are so many communities that are not benefiting from fairness from the cocoa industry, he said.

Yeyasso director-general Yeo Moussa said fairer trade practices are also essential in supporting the communities.

If we address the issues at the market level, we can get more resources out of it and then the resourcing will be reinvested in the recruitment of staff to address the issues of child labour as well as other issues affecting the co-operative members, he said.

With the increase in premium from Shared Impact, he said the co-operative will do more to provide school kits and build more lunch canteens, which allow children who live miles away to eat in school, ultimately keeping them in class, safe with adults and out of the fields.

M&S is the first supermarket to sign up to Shared Impact, working with Fairtrade and Yeyasso to ensure proof of concept, while talks continue with other European firms that cannot yet be named.

Kerrina Thorogood, director of partnerships at Fairtrade Foundation, said the initiative is now expanding from cocoa into coffee and banana trials.

These pilots will test the adaptability of the Shared Impact model across new agricultural sectors and create more opportunities for businesses to engage in collaborative sourcing efforts to improve the resilience and sustainability of their supply chains, she said.

By working together, businesses can shift entire sectors and transform markets for greater impact.

Doumbia Abou Zeid, board chairman of Yeyasso, said longer contracts can help tackle unemployment, deliver education and help children get out of the fields.

I want to see all our daughters and sons to go to school, he said.
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Donald Trumps slashing of foreign aid has derailed the projected end of the Aids pandemic and could lead to four million extra deaths by 2030, The Independent can reveal.

New figures show the number of Aids-related deaths could jump from six million to 10 million in the next five years unless funding is reinstated, according to forecasts from the UN Aids agency (UNAIDS).

The unprecedented disruption to global HIV programmes by the US is also projected to lead to more than three million more Aids orphans than previously expected by the end of the decade.

Only last year, the UN said a goal to end the Aids pandemic by the end of the decade was in reach, equating to a 90 per cent reduction in new infections and deaths.

According to the UN figures, there will be 3.4 million more orphans, defined as children who have lost at least one parent to Aids. In addition, 600,000 more newborns could be infected with HIV by 2030  more than double the number originally feared. That will bring the total number of infant infections to a million by the end of the decade, analysis of the figures by The Independent shows.

Responding to the grim statistics, Professor Francois Venter, a leading HIV doctor at the University of Witwatersrand in Johannesburg, says: All the gains that weve seen over the last 20 years will start being steadily reversed.

Our hospitals when I was training 25 years ago were absolutely, absolutely overwhelmed. People were dying on the floor and at the moment hospitals are full, but they will be easily overwhelmed with whats coming.

Due to the funding pause, testing programmes for groups at high risk of HIV in South Africa are falling apart.

open image in gallery The staff at this HIV/AIDS clinic in Jinja, Uganda are working for free after losing all their US funding and they fear running out of drugs ( Bel Trew/The Independent )

Key population programmes are completely shuttered, he adds. Overnight, just stopped. HIV testing in the community has almost completely stopped.

On Trumps first day in office, he froze almost all US foreign assistance funds for 90 days, while projects were reviewed to make sure they were aligned with American interests. That deadline runs out this weekend, though many contracts have already been cancelled.

Timeline of HIV and aid funding cuts under Trump January 20: Trump orders a freeze on all foreign aid with a 90-day review

January 24: A stop-work order is issued to US aid-funded programmes

February 1: Limited exceptions are granted for "urgent lifesaving HIV treatment, but a lack of clarity and loss of staff mean services are still disrupted

February: Funding decisions are challenged in various courts; the Trump administration fights orders to pay aid partners.

By March 10: Most aid grants and contracts are cancelled worldwide

March 25: Authorisation for worlds largest HIV programme, funded by US, expires

By March 28: US Agency for International Development (USAID) shutdown confirmed, nearly all staff sacked

April 19: 90-day freeze and review period ends

This disruption, which has included contradictory information on exceptions to the ban, has had a profound impact, with records being lost and patients missing out on medicine.

Some 35,000 estimated deaths have already been linked to the sweeping freezes to HIV funding, according to forecasts from academics working on the US-funded HIV programme.

Now, UNAIDS data shared with The Independent gives a window into the worst-case scenario if no funding is restored to the Presidents Emergency Plan for Aids Relief (Pepfar)  the largest effort to combat HIV on the planet. By 2029, the number of Aids-related deaths could reach more than three-times higher than previous projections  jumping from 490,000 to 1.6 million.

Set up in 2003 by George W Bush in response to a spiralling pandemic, Pepfar forms the backbone of the global response to HIV, funding drugs, prevention and research in more than 50 countries.

People receiving effective HIV treatment can live a virtually normal life span, and they are also protected from passing the infection on. Without it, their risk of becoming very ill and of infecting others goes up.

As well as treatment, Pepfar also funds testing, condoms and PrEP (pre-exposure prophylaxis) which help prevent new infections. If Pepfar services are completely ended, by the end of this year the number of all new annual infections  across the age spectrum  will have already doubled to 1.6 million, compared to the 830,000 projected for 2025.

The UNAIDS projections of the number of infections and deaths are in the worst-case scenario, where the US funded HIV-programme is not reinstated and none of the work it currently funds is picked up by other donors or governments.

The Independent reached out to the US State Department, which would not publicly confirm that Pepfar would be fully reinstated. Secretary of state Marco Rubio has said he wants Pepfar to continue, but that it should get smaller over time. Limited services, including for pregnant women and new mothers, have already been told they can continue working. But on the ground, a lack of clarity and resources means those services are still disrupted.

In recent years, HIV infections in newborn babies, contracted in the womb or through breastfeeding, have been going down. Pepfar cuts mean they are expected to surge, and fast. Without treatment, more than half of babies born with or contracting HIV in the first months of life will not survive to their second birthday.

In southern Uganda, The Independent met Hadja, a mother-of-three who was infected with HIV before becoming pregnant with her fourth child. US cuts have severed her access to the life-saving medication that suppresses the virus. Without it, she is terrified she will pass HIV on to her unborn baby.

As soon as medication stops, the virus rebounds rapidly, says Professor Lucie Cluver at Oxford University. Children will become sick faster, compared to adults, as their immune system is weaker.

I got sent a photo a few days ago of a little girl in a hospital in Liberia and there were no antiretrovirals left, so she was born HIV positive. Shes got two years to live, probably, this little girl.

Huge strides have been made in tackling HIV in the last 20 years and there had been the end in sight, says Angeli Achrekar, the deputy director of UNAIDS.

But without US support, she adds: When were talking about an additional 2,300 new infections every single day, theres no way we can get to the end of Aids. With these numbers of new infections, we cannot turn off the tap.

Some countries are more reliant on the US Pepfar funding than others. In Tanzania, for example, 94 per cent of HIV services are paid for through Pepfar.

Our reports on the ground show that in Zimbabwe, where Pepfar paid for 60 per cent of HIV services, supplies are running low and government hospitals are being forced to turn patients away.

There are no facilities to help control or reduce the number of infections, yet there is no medication, volunteer health worker, Promise Masawi, says.

The impact can be measured not just in cost to lives and health but in how much harder HIV could become to treat.

open image in gallery Hadja, a pregnant mother-of-three, is worried without her HIV medication she will transmit the virus to her unborn baby ( Bel Trew/The Independent )

Disrupting treatment makes it more likely that when people go back on their previous medication, their infection will have developed a resistance to the drug and it will no longer work.

Doctors have limited other medications in their toolboxes and the drugs they usually reach for after first-line treatments fail are more expensive.

A years supply of the most common HIV drugs costs $64 (48) per person, compared with $300 for the medicines used after those drugs fail. By the time doctors are having to try a third drug, the cost is $405, six times higher.

Its another way that decades of hard-won progress towards ending the Aids pandemic could falter.

Thats whats really devastating, says Achrekar. Because in the end, these are peoples lives that were talking about.

This article is part of The Independents Rethinking Global Aid project
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A much-loved national park where herds of sheep graze has been likened to the Wild West by a farmer who says he has lost thousands of ewes to thieves over the past decade.

Colin Abels family has been farming sheep on Dartmoor National Park since the 1880s, but a rise in sheep rustlings across the vast moorland is now pushing his eighth-generation farm to the brink.

Around 440 of Mr Abels 4,400-ewe flock were reported stolen during an annual count in November last year, up from around 200 the year before. And with each sheep valued at 120, the 56-year-old said the crime cost him more than 50,000 last year.

The seized sheep were among at least 1,101 recorded stolen last year by Devon and Cornwall Police, where officers suspect farming industry insiders are involved. The data, obtained by The Independent, showed there were 182 incidents in 2023, although this could be due to a lower level of reporting.

Its a bit of a Wild West on Dartmoor, said Mr Abel. Every November we take the sheep in, we never know how many we will get back. Some years its terrible. It leads to frustration and anger when you know someone is out there pinching your animals, but you cant do anything about it.

In its latest report NFU Mutual said the annual UK cost of livestock theft had risen to 2.7m in 2023, up 8.7 per cent from 2022. The bodys rural affairs specialist Hannah Binns told The Independent it had become increasingly organised in recent years.

Earlier this year, Martin Beck, the UKs national livestock theft police officer, told the BBC stolen sheep could end up being sold on the black market, where there was a risk to the consumer because of a lack of information on the animals disease status.

Mr Abel said he believed some ewes were stolen for an underground trade in smokies, which are blowtorched sheep carcasses. The illicit delicacy is banned in the UK but is said to be popular in some city-based west African communities.

We never see anyone caught so we never really know the true destination for the animals, he said. Thats a big part of the frustration, there is no deterrent to stop people going on the common and taking.

Last year, Devon and Cornwall Police unveiled a drone to help tackle rural crime, while there have also been discussions among farmers over introducing tracking devices on some livestock.

open image in gallery Thousands of sheep graze on Dartmoor National Park before being brought into farms each November ( Fresh Range )

But there are calls for more to be done.

This week, the Lib Dems shared data that showed just 0.4 per cent of the workforce at police forces across England and Wales was assigned to dedicated rural crime teams. The Countryside Alliance has also said some forces lack even basic kit to tackle rural crime.

A spokesperson for Devon and Cornwall Police said tackling the crime was a challenge, adding that the officers task was being made harder by the suspected involvement of people from the farming industry.

They said: Stealing livestock is not something which can be done without knowledge and experience in agriculture and farming. This is why working with our rural communities, including abattoirs, is essential in building intelligence and employing tactical options.

Last month, the government announced 800,000 in funding to tackle rural crime that, the Home Office said, would partly go towards using technology and data to target organised crime groups.

Environment secretary Steve Reed said: This government will crack down on these criminals and bring them to justice with specialist rural policing units to protect farmers and our rural communities.
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A murder probe has been launched after 93-year-old woman was found dead in a leafy suburb of Manchester.

Police found the pensioners body inside the semi-detached home in Gatley near Stockport at 9.38am on Wednesday.

A 39-year-old woman was arrested at the scene on suspicion of murder and remains in custody, Greater Manchester Police (GMP) said.

The force confirmed it had referred itself to the Independent Office for Police Conduct due to previous contact with the victim.

However, following an initial assessment by GMPs Professional Standards Directorate, all officers remain fully operational.

Forensic officers were seen examining the semi-detached property which had one window broken.

Neighbours said that gas engineers had been called to the property before the victim was found dead.

Tom Morrison, Liberal Democrat MP for Cheadle, said: I am deeply saddened to learn of the tragic incident in Gatley this morning, in which a 93-year-old woman has sadly lost her life. My thoughts are first and foremost with her family and loved ones at this incredibly difficult time.

I have been in contact with Greater Manchester Police and will continue to support them in any way I can. I want to thank Greater Manchester Police officers for their swift and professional response.

Detective Inspector Adam Hitchen, the senior investigating officer, said: The priority for our investigation is understanding the full circumstances which led to this tragic incident and getting justice for the victim.

Our thoughts are with the victims family, who are aware and are being supported by specialist officers.

We recognise that this investigation may cause concern within the local community, but I want to assure the public that this is an isolated incident, with a swift arrest made, and no wider threat.

Anyone with information is urged to contact police on 101 quoting log number 726 of April 16 2025, or contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.
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Learner drivers who face waits of months to book their practical test have described queues of thousands of people while trying to get a slot.

Bots and middlemen are both being blamed for the backlog, as drivers and teachers claim the slots are being bought and sold at a premium.

The booking system, which is run by the Driver & Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA), still faces an enormous backlog after tests were temporarily suspended during the pandemic for everyone except key workers.

In more than half of Britain's test centres, learners face waits of longer than six months, according to DVSA data.

The data, from a Freedom of Information request by the AA Driving School, shows the average waiting time to book a driving test has steadily risen in the last year from 14.8 weeks in February 2024 to 20 weeks in February 2025.

Mother-of-two Sara Thornton, from Aylesbury, keeps checking the DVSA website for her 20-year-old son Henry Thorton-Izzard, who is learning to drive.

She told Metro that she was frustrated after logging on to DVSA at 6am on a Monday only to find she was thousands behind in the queue.

She said: I checked, and I was 23,000th on the queue  as if it was for Glastonbury tickets. It is a government service, not Wimbledon or Harry Styles.

open image in gallery There is still a huge backlog of people waiting to take their driving test after they were temporarily suspended during the pandemic for everyone except key workers ( Getty Images/iStockphoto )

Rachel Newland, a driving instructor from Reading, explained that people and bots buying test slots and selling them on is a big part of the problem when there are only a few spaces.

She told The Independent: Why do the DVSA keep allowing third parties on the business booking system? They should make these only accessible to candidates and driving instructors, and they should make it illegal to sell a test at more than face value.

If there were enough driving tests for everyone, no one would use these third parties.

In December 2024, DVSA made a rule change so driving instructors are no longer able to buy driving tests for learners they are not teaching. The aim was to clamp down on people reselling test slots for a profit.

But cyber fraud experts at DataDome revealed that bots are able to easily access the website and snap up tests for resale.

Fraudsters with a basic understanding of coding can book driving tests in under ten seconds, leaving learner drivers with no chance.

DataDomes investigation revealed touts are reselling driving tests, which cost 65 through the official DVSA website, for up to 250 on social media platforms like WhatsApp and Facebook.

But the backlog isnt just frustrating for learners - it is also stopping many from getting to work or college.

open image in gallery In more than half of Britain's test centres learners face waits of more than six months, according to DVSA data ( iStock )

Emma Bush, managing director of AA Driving School, said: Bringing down driving test waiting times is vital to ensure a lack of driving licence does not become an ongoing barrier for young people trying to access education and employment.

The most effective way to ensure waiting times are brought down is to increase the number of test slots available by increasing the overall number of driving test examiners.

DVSA is in the process of recruiting 450 new driving test examiners who are expected to deliver around 590,000 additional driving tests annually.

A spokesperson for DVSA said: Car practical test waiting times remain high due to an increase in demand and a change in customers booking behaviour.

GOV.UK is the only official way to book your practical driving test, and we urge people to report any social media channels or posts offering unofficial test slots or bookings to the social media network.

We continue to work on implementing our seven-point plan to reduce waiting times and help make the driving test booking system fairer for learners, better protecting them from exploitation.
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The first trans woman to appear on Married at First Sight UK has voiced her concern that the Supreme Courts ruling that transgender women are not legally women will be used as an excuse to attack the community even more.

On Wednesday, UK Supreme Court judges decided unanimously that Equality Acts definition of a woman is based on biological sex.- meaning transgender women with a gender recognition certificate (GRC) are not considered legally women.

The decision could have wide-ranging consequences for trans womens rights, including potentially being excluded from services and spaces meant for women.

Ella Morgan, a TV personality and trans campaigner said she was speechless when she saw the courts decision.

I woke up today and saw my rights as a human being have been taken away, she told The Independent.

Since Ive been in the public eye, Ive never been scared, but today was the first time I am worried for me and other trans people.

Ms Morgan, who was the first trans woman to appear on Channel 4s Married at First Sight UK added she was worried the ruling would be used as an excuse by some to abuse trans people more than they already do, calling the decision an attack on trans women and their existence.

open image in gallery Ms Morgan, who was the first trans woman to appear on Channel 4s Married at First Sight UK added she was worried the ruling would be used as an excuse by some to abuse trans people more than they already do. ( Supplied )

She said: I dont know how some people will sleep at night when trans people are murdered, assaulted and brutally attacked because of this [ruling].

Ms Morgan also said she was concerned what the implications of the decision could be on her access to womens spaces - for example whether she would now be admitted to a female ward in hospital.

However, Ms Morgan said the ruling will not scare us away and added: If people think implementing laws will eradicate trans women, they are wrong.

We have always existed and will always exist, this will never scare us away and if anything our fight will be stronger.

open image in gallery Trans rights groups have reacted with dismay to Wednesdays ruling, warning that it will exclude trans people wholesale from participating in UK society. ( Getty Images )

Trans rights groups have reacted with dismay to Wednesdays ruling, warning that it will exclude trans people wholesale from participating in UK society.

Transgender rights campaign group TransLucent said: Many in the trans community will be extremely worried by this decision and its implications.

We would like to reassure them that they are still protected from discrimination, victimisation and harassment because of their protected characteristic of gender reassignment, they added in a statement.

The Supreme Court ruling means that transgender women with a GRC can be excluded from single-sex spaces if proportionate.

Officials have confirmed the NHS is now looking at updating its official guidance on same-sex wards to reflect the ruling, which currently says trans people should be accommodated according to their presentation: the way they dress, and the name and pronouns they currently use.
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Nationwide is sending a 50 bonus payment as a thank you to its millions of members.

The Big Nationwide Thank You comes after the banking giant purchased Virgin Money UK in October, boosting its accounts by 2.3bn.

Nationwide has now confirmed that 12 million qualifying customers will receive their 50 by 30 April 2025. This will amount to over 600 million handed out in total.

The payments will go to members who had a savings or current account, or mortgage, at the end of last September. They must also have a payment into or from their current account or savings, or had a balance of at least 100, the company said.

open image in gallery Nationwide is now the countrys second largest provider of mortgages and savings accounts ( Getty Images )

The building society said in November that Virgin Money, which it bought the previous month, was worth more than the 2.8 billion takeover price.

At the time of the deal, chief executive Debbie Crosbie said the benefits would go towards improvements for customers.

The buyout was the biggest banking deal since the financial crisis. Following the deal, Nationwide is the countrys second largest provider of mortgages and savings accounts.

When it bought the lender, Nationwide also paused Virgin Moneys plans to close some of its branches, as part of a promise not to leave any town or city where there is currently a branch until at least 2028.

open image in gallery Sir Keir Starmer meets Nationwide CEO Debbie Crosbie during visit to the building societys head office ( via REUTERS )

Debbie Crosbie, Nationwide chief executive, said: Nationwide became even stronger when it bought Virgin Money and we are already improving services for its customers.

The Big Nationwide Thank You recognises the role our members played in building the financial strength that made the deal possible.

Nationwide is the worlds largest building society, and is connected to one in three households in the UK, manages one in ten current accounts, and has more than 25,000 employees and over 700 branches.

This new payment is the latest in a series of moves from Nationwide to return value to its members, following a 100 payment to almost 4 million eligible members in 2023 and 2024.

Since April 2023, it has returned over 3.5bn in member value including 729m through its Nationwide Fairer Share Payment.

The Thank You payment is separate to the Fairer Share payments scheme, which periodically returns some of its profits to members. Ms Crosbie confirmed she intends to reintroduce the payment later this year, subject to financial performance. In preparation, savers are advised to maximise their chances will just few easy steps.
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A police force has announced that male officers will begin performing searches of trans women following Wednesdays Supreme Court ruling on the definition of sex.

The British Transport Police (BTP) says it has adopted a new interim position which will mean trans people held in custody will be searched by an officer in line with their birth sex.

The force has become one of the first to announce a change of policy in light of the divisive court ruling. It means that trans women in custody will be searched by male officers, while officers who are trans women will no longer be able to search female detainees.

The ruling that the terms woman and sex in the 2010 Equality Act "refer to a biological woman and biological sex" means transgender women with a gender recognition certificate (GRC) can be excluded from single-sex spaces if "proportionate", the Supreme Court said.

open image in gallery The ruling in a legal challenge brought by a campaign group about the legal definition of a woman is set to be issued at the UK Supreme Court on Wednesday (Aaron Chown/PA) ( PA Wire )

The BTPs public confirmation of a policy change came as the head of Britain's equalities watchdog said Wednesday's ruling means trans women cannot use single-sex female toilets or changing rooms or compete in women's sports.

Equality and Human Rights Commission (EHRC) chairwoman Baroness Kishwer Falkner said the ruling by the UK's highest court was "enormously consequential", as she vowed to pursue organisations which do not update their policies.

Baroness Falkner said organisations should be taking care to look at the very readable judgment to understand that it does bring clarity, helps them decide what they should do.

A spokesperson for BTP said: Under previous policy, we had advised that someone with a Gender Recognition Certificate (GRC) may be searched in accordance with their acquired sex, however, as an interim position while we digest yesterday's judgment, we have advised our officers that any same-sex searches in custody are to be undertaken in accordance with the biological birth sex of the detainee.

We are in the process of reviewing the implications of the ruling and will consider any necessary updates to our policies and practices in line with the law and national guidance.

open image in gallery APTOPIX Britain Court Gender ( Copyright 2025 The Associated Press. All rights reserved )

On other issues such as toilets, changing rooms and sports, Baroness Falkner echoed the Government in saying the ruling had brought "clarity" to providers on their duties under equality law around single-sex spaces.

Asked if it was now simple that trans women cannot take part in women's sport, she told BBC Radio 4's Today programme: Yes, it is.

On changing rooms and toilets, Baroness Falkner said: Single-sex services like changing rooms must be based on biological sex.

She said there is no law against organisations providing a third space such as unisex toilets and suggested trans rights organisations should be using their powers of advocacy to ask for those third spaces.

The commission is expecting to lay an updated statutory code of practice before Parliament by the summer, and has said it is working at pace to incorporate the implications of this judgment into the code for public bodies setting out their duties under the Equality Act.

Baroness Falkner said the commission evaluates when the law is not followed by organisations and can speak to those bodies, or use enforcement, compliance tools or whatever, we will be continuing to do that.

Care minister Karin Smyth told BBC Breakfast the NHS will obviously be complying along with very other public body.

open image in gallery Care minister Karin Smyth said the NHS will obviously be complying with the Supreme Court ruling (Stefan Rousseau/PA) ( PA Archive )

The Bristol MP said she hopes the ruling will draw a line under arguments over gender recognition, but accepted more homework needed to be done on what it will mean in practice.

Meanwhile, education unions have urged the Government to provide clear guidance to schools and colleges on how to interpret the law in regard to children questioning their gender, amid concerns from teachers about the implications for their pupils following the ruling.

The Supreme Court decision was hailed as a victory by women's rights campaigners, but LGBT charity Stonewall described the judgment as "incredibly worrying for the trans community".

Stonewall CEO, Simon Blake OBE said: Its important to be reminded the Court strongly and clearly re-affirmed the Equality Act protects all trans people against discrimination, based on Gender Reassignment, and will continue to do so.

Stonewall will continue its work with the Government and parliamentarians to achieve equal rights under the law for LGBTQ+ people, he added.

Baroness Falkner said while the ruling is a victory for common sense, this is only the case if you recognise that trans people exist.

They have rights, and their rights must be respected - then it becomes a victory for common sense, she said, adding: We stand here to defend trans people as much as we do anyone else. So I want to make that very clear.
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The UKs Supreme Court handed down a judgment on Wednesday which has found that the terms woman and sex in the Equality Act refer to a biological woman and biological sex.

With potential long-lasting ramifications on how Britain treats its equalities policy, the dispute centres on whether or not somebody with a gender recognition certificate (GRC) recognising their gender as female should be treated as a woman under the 2010 Equality Act.

The ruling follows a series of legal challenges brought by the campaign group For Women Scotland (FWS), backed by Harry Potter author JK Rowling, over the definition of a woman.

The decision means that transgender women can no longer sit on public boards in places set aside for women. However, it could impact the way that trans people use single-sex spaces such as toilets, refuge spaces and hospital wards.

open image in gallery Activists in Parliament Square ahead of Wednesdays decision ( AFP/Getty )

It is likely to reignite the contentious debate around sex and gender that has caused a headache for both Westminster and Edinburgh in recent years and renew pressure from campaigners on either side.

What does the ruling mean?

In the ruling justices at the UKs highest court unanimously ruled in FWSs favour, and ruled that woman in equality law refers to biological women.

Lord Hodge, sitting with Lords Reed and Lloyd-Jones alongside Ladies Rose and Simler, said the central question is how the words woman and sex are defined in the 2019 Equality Act.

He continued: The terms woman and sex in the Equality Act 2010 refer to a biological woman and biological sex.

The justices later said that if sex did not only mean biological sex in the Equality Act, providers of single-sex spaces including changing rooms, homeless hostels and medical services would face practical difficulties.

This is likely to affect policymaking on gender in sports, as well as within the armed services. Other spaces likely to be affected will be hospitals, as well as women-only charities, and access to changing rooms and women-only spaces.

Lord Hodge stressed that trans people are still protected under the Equality Act from discrimination and harassment.

Meanwhile, trans rights campaigners have urged those affected to remain calm until further details are clarified about the daily impact this will have on trans people.

What is the case about?

The legal dispute began in 2018 when the Scottish parliament under Nicola Sturgeon passed a bill designed to establish gender quotas for public boards. It was amended to count trans women with gender recognition certificates, which confirmed their female gender, which sparked a legal challenge by FWS.

After several cases in the Scottish courts, which FWS lost, they were allowed to send the issue to the Supreme Court in London for a final ruling. Their crowdfunder has so far raised 230,000, which includes a 70,000 donation from Rowling.

The appeal at the Supreme Court before Lord Reed, Lord Hodge, Lord Lloyd-Jones, Lady Rose and Lady Simler was heard last November and, after the two-day hearing, the judges said they would take time to consider very carefully before issuing their judgment on 16 April.

When FWS legal argument was published ahead of Novembers appeal, director Trina Budge said: Not tying the definition of sex to its ordinary meaning means that public boards could conceivably comprise of 50 per cent men, and 50 per cent men with certificates, yet still lawfully meet the targets for female representation.

open image in gallery Trans rights activists last year ( PA )

Campaigners for FWS, who believe that sex is biological and cannot be changed, had high hopes that after losing their case in Scotland, they would win in London. This means the issue will not be limited to Scottish law, and will instead affect interpretation of the 2010 Equality Act which applies across Great Britain.

What do both sides say?

Gender critical campaigners are arguing that not tying the definition of sex to its ordinary meaning could have far-reaching consequences for sex-based rights, as well as everyday single-sex services like toilets and hospital wards.

They have previously argued that the Scottish government was overstepping its powers by effectively redefining the meaning of woman by revising guidance under the Equality Act.

Meanwhile, trans rights campaigners have said that if the Supreme Court rules that a GRC does not change your sex, they will lose protections against discrimination.

Ruth Crawford KC, who responded on behalf of Scottish ministers, argued that transgender people had a fundamental right to be recognised, and someone with a GRC was entitled to legal protections just as much as others enjoy those protections who are recorded as a woman at birth.

What are the likely implications?

Gender reform has become a sticky topic for politicians in recent years, with Wednesdays verdict likely to prove a talking point for parties ahead of an election at Holyrood next year.

Whatever the outcome, it will probably galvanise calls to revisit the Equality Act. The Equality and Human Rights Commission, which enforces the 2010 act, had previously suggested that MPs had not appreciated the consequences for women of the law viewing a transgender woman with a GRC as legally female.

If the definition of a woman reversed the decision to include trans people with a GRC, it could see them miss out on equal pay and sex discrimination rights and contribute to a wider atmosphere of hostility.

What does this mean for trans people?

Edinburgh-based charity Scottish Trans is urging people "not to panic" following the ruling as they await further clarification.

"There will be lots of commentary coming out quickly that is likely to deliberately overstate the impact that this decision is going to have on all trans people's lives," the charity posted on Bluesky.

Amnesty International UK described the ruling as "disappointing" with "potentially concerning consequences for trans people" but said it is "important to stress that the court has been clear that trans people are protected under the Equality Act against discrimination and harassment".

One thing is certain, the ruling is likely to place pressure on both governments in Westminster and Holyrood to rewrite the Equality Act.

The 88-page ruling stated that if the word sex did not only mean biological sex in the 2010 legislation, providers of single-sex spaces including changing rooms, homeless hostels and medical services would face practical difficulties.
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An ancient oak that was felled by the owners of Toby Carvery could have lived for another few hundred years, the outraged head of the local council claims as he vows legal action.

Reports were made to Enfield Council in London earlier this month after a roughly 400-year-old oak tree on the edge of Whitewebbs Park, in the north of the capital, was felled. The tree was thought to be in the top 100 of Londons 600,000 oak trees in terms of its size, and was believed to have more ecological value than the Sycamore Gap.

Hospitality group Mitchells and Butlers, which operates the Whitewebbs House Toby Carvery on parkland owned by the council, owned up to chopping down the ancient oak, saying they were advised by arboriculture experts that it caused a serious health and safety risk.

Mitchells and Butlers said they had been told the tree was dead and cut the tree down as an important action to protect our employees and guests as well as the wider general public, to whom we have a duty of care.

open image in gallery The trees felling has sparked outrage in the local community ( Woodland Trust )

We took necessary measures to ensure any legal requirements were met. We are grateful to our specialist arboriculture contractors for warning us of this potential health and safety risk, allowing us to act swiftly to address it.

But Enfield Council leader Ergin Erbil said the ancient oak was not only alive, it could have lived for another few hundred years.

I completely oppose the argument from the leaseholder that this posed a health and safety risk, Mr Erbil told the BBC.

In a statement to The Independent, Mr Erbil said that the council was seeking advice to take appropriate legal action against the hospitality group for violating the terms of their leasehold.

I am outraged that the leaseholder has cut down this beautiful ancient oak tree without seeking any permissions or advice from Enfield Council, he said.

open image in gallery Sean Wilkinson, chair of Friends of Whitewebbs Park, said it was an absolute piece of vandalism ( The Independent )

We have evidence that this tree was alive and starting to grow new spring leaves when this action was taken. Our team of experts checked the tree in December 2024 and found it was healthy and posed no risk to the neighbouring car park and its users.

The police received a report of criminal damage to the tree on Saturday. After making enquiries, they found no evidence of criminality and closed their investigation on Tuesday, treating it as a civil matter.

Mr Erbil said: As the land owner, we believe this action has broken the terms of the lease, which requires Toby Carvery to maintain and protect the existing landscape. The tree was the oldest one on site and cutting it down seems to be a clear breach of this condition.

This tree would have been home to countless wildlife, fungi, and pollinators. This tree is a part of our ecological and cultural heritage.

Were therefore seeking advice and will take appropriate legal action. If any criminal activity is found during our investigation, we will not hesitate to report this to the police again.

open image in gallery Sue Barrett called the park a saviour to the local community ( The Independent )

As the tree shows clear signs of life, we will also do everything we can to help the tree regrow.

Mitchells and Butlers CEO Phil Urban sent an open letter apologising for the anger and upset caused by the incident.

As a business and more importantly as human beings, we are obliged to act on all health and safety issues where expert advice warns us of a direct risk to life or serious injury. The penalties, legally, financially and more importantly, emotionally, for failing to do that when something subsequently happens, are too great to contemplate.

We cannot undo what has been done, and none of us will ever know whether the felling of this beautiful old tree has prevented a future tragedy, he said, adding that the company had tried to be good neighbours by planting over 90,000 trees so far since 2022 along with its partners.

The company said it would complete a thorough review to ensure that in the future, exceptional situations are treated differently to the more regular health and safety issues that arise on a day-to-day basis.

Mr Urban then said that someone on social media had been claiming to be a Toby Carvery manager and using distasteful social media dialogue surrounding the incident. He said the individual was not a Mitchells and Butlers employee, and that this was an example of social media trolling.

The felling of the tree has devastated the local community, who told The Independent they feared what it might mean for the rest of the park.

Sean Wilkinson, who has lived in the area since 1980 and chairs Friends of Whitewebbs Park, called the felling an absolute piece of vandalism.

He added: It was a disgrace, and its symbolic of the lack of care thats been put into the environment of this park.

Vicky Gardner, who has lived in Enfield for 55 years, said she was devastated by the felling of the tree.

open image in gallery Vicky said that she had become a frequent visitor of the park since she got her dog, Rosie ( The Independent )

Its such a shame, I think its so typical of the behaviour of some of these organisations, she said. They dont think about their actions, they dont think about the consequences, and I do wonder where they got their information from.

Sue Barrett, an Enfield resident since 1990, was absolutely appalled by what happened to the ancient oak.

Any decent tree surgeon would have known you dont cut down trees like that. Its an oak tree, and its an ancient oak tree. Anybody worth their salt would know, she said. It wasnt doing anybody any harm. None whatsoever. It was a beautiful tree, and they preserved the stump. I think thats an insult, dont you?

She said that the park had been a saviour to the local community because it became a hub for people to meet together.
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Sir Sadiq Khan has urged the government to agree a youth mobility scheme with the European Union, saying it could save Britain from the economic storm of Donald Trumps sweeping global tariffs.

Writing in The Independent, the London mayor said such an agreement  which would allow 18- to 35-year-olds to move and work freely between countries for up to two years  is long overdue and now needs to be considered in order to boost growth across Britain and Europe in the face of the trade taxes.

In light of Mr Trumps tariffs, Sir Sadiq argued such a scheme is now an economic priority, rather than a political talking point.

Europe is by far our biggest trading partner and our most reliable political ally. At a time when our communities can ill-afford to absorb another economic shock that pushes up prices, it makes sense for us to deepen our partnership, he added.

Sadiq Khan argued a youth mobility scheme is now an economic priority ( Yui Mok/PA )

EU officials see such a youth mobility scheme as a key aspect of closer ties with Britain, but so far, the UK government has publicly opposed it, becoming a major sticking point between the UK and EU.

Britain already has similar agreements with Australia and 12 other countries, including New Zealand, South Korea, Iceland, Uruguay, Hong Kong and Taiwan.

Urging ministers to adopt an EU scheme, Sir Sadiq said: A new youth mobility scheme would allow our city  and country  to benefit from the talent, energy and skills of young EU citizens. They can help ensure we have the worlds best hospitality sector, give our construction sector a shot in the arm, and bring new ideas, creativity and innovation across our economy, he said.

If others want to rush to put up trade barriers, London will always be in favour of tearing them down and strengthening our connections with the EU and the rest of the world in a mutually beneficial fashion.

Sir Sadiqs warnings come just days after The Independent revealed that a youth mobility scheme with the EU is on the table but under a different name.

It is understood the proposal  pitched as a youth opportunity scheme  would operate similarly to proposals for a youth mobility scheme, with the new name being put forward by MPs as part of an attempt to secure government backing for the agreement.

Prompting Labour to endorse such a move, Sir Sadiq said: In the last few weeks, an economic storm has been unleashed that poses a profound threat to global trade. We have witnessed the imposition of tariffs at previously unheard-of levels and seen financial markets in turmoil.

Coming so soon after the battering of the pandemic  and at a time when the world economy remains fragile  the fallout will inevitably impact global cities like London and the whole of the UK.

It comes after Mr Trump imposed sweeping tariffs on imports to the United States earlier this month, rocking the world economy, sending stock prices tumbling and sparking fears of a global recession.

While Sir Sadiq acknowledged that the prime minister has "already demonstrated a readiness to intervene to shelter vital British industries and jobs from the storm, the London mayor warned that the current crisis means we must also look at further measures.

A government spokesperson said: "We do not have plans for a youth mobility agreement.

We are committed to resetting the relationship with the EU to improve the British peoples security, safety and prosperity.

Our starting point will always be to act in Britains national interest, but we have been clear there will be no return to freedom of movement, the customs union or the single market.
A warm bank holiday weekend with placid seas around the British Isles should be jolly good news all round, but for government ministers there is the downside that the number of irregular migrants making the crossing from France will break new records. That would be news at any time  but with not much else going on politically, the effects will be amplified. The local elections in parts of England are only about a fortnight away, and only one party does well out of the migration issue...

Hows it going in the Channel?

Busy. Tuesday saw a record number of refugees, asylum seekers and other irregular migrants make the journey in a single day  705 in 12 boats, encouraged by the favourable weather. That brings the total number of people to have crossed the Channel via small boat to 8,888 thus far in 2025, up 42 per cent on the comparable figure for last year.

Is it a record?

For the sea crossings, its the highest since 2018. Figures may be up significantly on 2024, but dont forget that the crossings by small vessel basically replaced the previous favoured mode, which was hiding in vans and lorries. Much more effective security at the French Channel ports  and for a time, the effects of the pandemic  diverted migrants to use alternative modes of transport.

Whats the government doing about it?

Smashing the gangs is the slogan, and the basis for policy, but thus far its had relatively limited success  it is bound to take time for organisations across Europe to track them down, disrupt their activities, and remove the financial incentives for this lucrative trade. Keir Starmer has also talked about cooperating more with the EU, fast-tracking the asylum claim processing system, and running down the use of hotels, as well as enforcing the law by raiding businesses that use migrant labour  including those that operate as a front, such as some barbers, mini marts and nail bars.

The Border Security, Asylum and Immigration Bill will give the authorities sweeping new anti-terror powers to break the people-smuggling gangs, its claimed  but it is not yet law. The prime minister is also reported to be looking at ways to stop the human right to a family life from being abused by serious criminals facing deportation.

Meanwhile, the government has floated the idea of a one-in, one-out returns agreement with France. This would mean the French would accept the return of people with no valid claim for asylum in return for the same number of people with a legal case, such as for family reunion. There is also strong speculation that the government is looking to use foreign bases in the western Balkans to process cases.

Whats wrong with all that?

Its not enough for some who are impatient about the small-boat traffic, even though those who arrive by such means represent only a small proportion, say 5 or 10 per cent, of the hundreds of thousands who come to the UK  most of whom do so in an orderly, lawful fashion on visas to work or study.

Immigration is blamed by some variously for the pressure on public services, crime, and housing costs; others point to the way public services rely on people from abroad at all levels, underfunding of services, and the fact that there is little correlation between migrant flow and property prices. Indeed, the overriding fact about migration is that it boosts economic growth.

Has the government had any successes?

Yes, though these have been somewhat under-covered in the media. The prime minister says: Weve returned more than 24,000 people who have no right to be here. However, only 6,339 of these were enforced returns. Yvette Cooper, the home secretary, told MPs in December that she had issued closure orders for the seven hotels as the backlog of asylum cases was now coming down, with the total in use down to 220 from a peak under the previous administration of more than 400.

What do the opposition say?

Theyre against irregular migration, but the Conservatives credibility is still shot because of their failure to stop the boats during their own time in office. They plead that they were on the brink of success when the election was called and the new Labour government scrapped the Rwanda plan  a powerful deterrent of a kind that is now lacking, according to the Tories. Kemi Badenoch also says shed consider opting out of the European Convention on Human Rights.

The obvious winners in the light of concerns about migration are Nigel Farage and Reform UK. Farage says the first thing he would do as prime minister would be to take the UK out of the Convention, and that only Reform can stop the boats  but the actual policy is opaque.

The promise is: Illegal migrants who come to the UK will be detained and deported. And if needed, migrants in small boats will be picked up and taken back to France. The first part assumes that other countries would want them back, which is not always true, and therefore leaves the problem of what to do if returns arent accepted.

Simply taking people back to France violates French sovereignty and would provoke defensive action by the French navy, or worse. Using the Royal Navy, as is sometimes suggested, to push or tow boats into French or international waters (far away from the Channel) carries the obvious risk of catastrophic loss of life, and would be resisted by the navy. None of that will stop Reform UK from making strong progress in the council elections, though, if only as the beneficiaries of a protest vote.

Even if Labour, the Tories or Reform were to succeed in deterring the present flow of refugees being picked up by the RNLI or Border Force, that might only create a new incentive to land on the south coast of England in a completely clandestine fashion, with the migrants not making an asylum claim and quietly melting into the grey economy (which is why Tony Blair advocates ID cards as a method of control).

Whats the answer?

If we knew that...
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Reform UKs candidate in the Runcorn and Helsby by-election was previously reprimanded for using her status as a magistrate to influence colleagues, it has emerged.

A finding of misconduct was made against Sarah Pochin by the Judicial Conduct Investigations Office (JCIO) in 2018 during her time as a magistrate  a role she held for 20 years.

The JCIO found Ms Pochin had used her status as a magistrate to influence the views held by her colleagues in a political context at a meeting.

The watchdog also found she breached confidentiality by publicising the complaint levelled against her, saying her behaviour fell below the standards expected of a magistrate.

Sarah Pochin and Nigel Farage in Reform UKs campaign office in Runcorn ( James Speakman/PA Wire )

However, Reform UK dismissed the allegations, first reported in the Liverpool Echo, as a politically motivated attack.

Ms Pochin previously served as a Conservative councillor in Cheshire East, before standing as an independent and then joining Reform.

It comes just days before the Runcorn and Helsby by-election, which will see both Reform and the Conservatives attempt to overturn Labours 15,000 vote majority in what is considered to be a safe seat for the party. The area has been held by Labour for more than 40 years.

The by-election was called after ex-Labour MP Mike Amesbury resigned following his assault conviction for punching a constituent.

In a statement confirming the rebuke on July 3, 2018, a spokesperson for the JCIO said: The Lord Chancellor and Mrs Justice Cheema-Grubb on behalf of the Lord Chief Justice have made a finding of misconduct against Mrs Sarah Pochin, a magistrate assigned to the Cheshire area for using her status as a magistrate to influence the views of her colleagues in a political context.

In addition, she breached confidentiality by publicising the complaint made against her. The Lord Chancellor and Mrs Justice Cheema-Grubb considered that Ms Pochins behaviour fell below the standards expected of a magistrate and have issued her with formal advice.

It comes despite Ms Pochin previously telling The Independent she is a clean candidate.

Reform are absolutely vetting to the hilt because the Conservatives and the Labour Party want to find anything to shut Reform down because we're a threat to both national parties now, she said.

A Reform UK spokesperson told The Independent: This matter had nothing to do with Sarah Pochins conduct as Presiding Justice in Court.

The comment was made in a private meeting and was used by the Conservative Party as a politically motivated attack. No further action was taken.

Sarah went on to serve a further seven years with great distinction as a magistrate in the Chester and Crewe courts.

In March this year she honourably resigned as a Presiding Justice to campaign in the Runcorn and Helsby by-election and was thanked for her past service to the Magistracy. This speaks for itself.
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Ousted Reform UK MP Rupert Lowe has ordered his lawyers to sue Nigel Farage for defamation over alleged bullying allegations.

The Great Yarmouth MP is also suing Reforms chairman Zia Yusuf and chief whip Lee Anderson in the latest stage of a row which saw the party plunged into turbulence in the past month.

The dramatic intervention comes in the middle of Reforms push to win hundreds of council seats in the local elections on 1 May and win the Runcorn by-election in the first serious test since the election.

Supporters of Mr Lowe claim that he was targeted by Mr Farage because he was seen as a potential rival for Reforms leadership following Elon Musk endorsing him in January. However, the party has accused him of being involved with the bullying of staff and making a threats towards Mr Yusuf.

open image in gallery Nigel Farage leads Reform UK (Owen Humphreys/PA) ( PA Wire )

On 7 March, the party made allegations against Mr Lowe just 48 hours after he gave an interview complaining about the party organisation and describing Mr Farage as messianic.

Reform instructed an independent KC Jacqueline Perry, who is also Donald Trumps lawyer, to carry out an investigation of Mr Lowe. Her report found there was credible evidence of bullying or harassment by Mr Lowe and his team against two female employees.

The party also reported Mr Lowe to the police over the alleged threats against Mr Yusuf for which he is being investigated.

Mr Lowe has since claimed the party reneged on an agreement not to publish the details of Ms Perrys report before he could respond. He also had his own KC investigate the investigation and made claims that it had not been conducted fairly.

In a statement published on X (formerly Twitter), Mr Lowe said: On 7 March 2025 Lee Anderson and Zia Yusuf signed and published a statement on behalf of Reform UK. Mr Anderson and Mr Yusuf are respectively the partys chief whip and chairman.

The statement falsely alleged, amongst other things, that I had engaged in serious workplace bullying and had made multiple serious threats to physically assault, and injure, Mr Yusuf.

The statement was read by millions and has caused serious harm to my reputation. I believe it was published as part of a concerted smear campaign against me after I made comments about the partys leader Nigel Farage.

open image in gallery Rupert Lowe during the Reform UK North West Essex conference at Parklands Quendon Hall, in Quendon, Essex (Jordan Pettitt / PA). ( PA Wire )

He went on: I have today instructed my solicitors Brett Wilson LLP to send letters of claim to Reforms leader and director Nigel Farage, Mr Anderson and Mr Yusuf asserting claims for defamation.

I call on the party, Mr Farage, Mr Anderson and Mr Yusuf to do the right thing and retract these false allegations. In the event that they are unwilling to do so it is my intention to issue High Court proceedings. Whilst I have no desire to litigate, I will do what is necessary to ensure my reputation is restored.

Given the extant legal proceedings, I am unable to comment further on the matter at this stage.

The Independent has contacted Reform UK, Mr Farage, Mr Yusuf and Mr Anderson for comment.
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The NHS will be pursued if it does not follow new guidance on gender and single-sex spaces, the equalities watchdog has warned in the wake of the Supreme Courts landmark ruling that transgender women are not legally women.

The judgment, which stated that the definition of a woman in equality law is based on biological sex, means trans women with a gender recognition certificate (GRC) can be excluded from single-sex spaces if doing so is deemed proportionate.

Current NHS guidance means trans people are accommodated on wards and other areas according to their presentation  the way they dress, and the name and pronouns they use. But Wednesdays ruling now means NHS wards must accommodate patients based on their biological sex.

Kishwer Falkner, chair of the EHRC, which says it is working at pace to provide an updated code of conduct for services ( PA )

The Equality and Human Rights Commission (EHRC) said it was working at pace to provide an updated code of conduct for services, including the NHS and prisons. And now its chair has confirmed that the watchdog will pursue the NHS if it does not change its guidance.

Kishwer Falkner told BBC Radio 4s Today programme on Thursday morning: [The NHS] have to change it. They now have clarity. There is no confusion as of yesterday, at 10.30 in the morning, and they can start to implement the new legal reasoning and produce their exceptions forthwith, but they have to change it. We will be having conversations with them to update that guidance.

Asked if the EHRC would pursue the case if this doesnt happen, Baroness Falkner replied: Yes, we will.

Officials have confirmed that the NHS is looking to update its official guidance on same-sex wards to reflect the ruling. But no further information has been given on where trans women will be accommodated if they can no longer use single-sex wards.

Baroness Falkner also said the efficacy of the gender recognition certificate (GRC)  a UK legal document that recognises an individuals gender identity, allowing them to legally change their sex  will be re-examined after the ruling.

She said the next stage of litigation may well be tests as to the efficacy of the GRC, and or other areas.

Asked about whether she thinks GRCs are now worthless, she replied: We dont believe they are. We think theyre quite important. But I think there will be other areas: I mean, the government is thinking of digital IDs, and if digital IDs come in, then what documentation will provide the identity of that person?

So its going to be a space that well have to watch very carefully as we go on.

The Supreme Courts judgment came after the campaign group For Women Scotland brought a series of challenges  including to the UKs highest court  over the definition of woman in Scottish legislation that mandates 50 per cent female representation on public boards.

Gender-critical rights campaigners hailed the ruling as a victory for biological women and an important milestone in their fight to protect single-sex spaces.

But trans rights groups warned that it will exclude trans people wholesale from participating in UK society.

The director of trans campaign group TransActual, jane fae, said: The entire trans community is devastated. Irrespective of the small print on this ruling, the intent seems clear: to exclude trans people wholesale from participating in UK society.
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A government minister was unable to say which changing room transgender women should use after the Supreme Court ruled they are not legally women under the Equality Act.

The judgment, handed down on Wednesday, means transgender women with a gender recognition certificate (GRC) can be excluded from single-sex spaces if deemed proportionate.

But asked which changing room a transgender woman should use, Labour health minister Karin Smyth could not say.

Look, I think we need to make sure that in this discussion we are following both the law so that is clear for women and for service providers and you know... this varies upon what the provision of those service providers are. Large organisations, smaller organisations, many smaller organisations, she told Times Radio.

Asked why it varies, Ms Smyth responded: Because some will have unisex provisions. There might only be one bathroom, one changing room in an organisation. Its a large complex issue so thats why people have to be very clear on that guidance.

Health minister Karin Smyth said trans women or men should have dignity in their use of public spaces (Stefan Rousseau/PA) ( PA Archive )

When it was put to her that the public is looking for clarity from the government, she said: Female changing rooms should be used by women.

Pushed further on where trans women should get changed, Ms Smyth said: Its important that a trans woman or a trans man also has dignity in their use of public spaces. The use of public spaces is also a wider issue for all sorts of people who feel they dont have access to public spaces.

On Wednesday, five judges from the Supreme Court ruled unanimously that the terms woman and sex in the Equality Act refer to a biological woman and biological sex, in a decision that could have wide-ranging ramifications for trans womens rights to use services and spaces reserved for women.

It came after campaign group For Women Scotland (FWS) brought a series of challenges  including to the UKs highest court  over the definition of woman in Scottish legislation mandating 50 per cent female representation on public boards.

Gender critical rights campaigners hailed the ruling as a victory for biological women that will protect single-sex spaces, with FWS saying they were absolutely jubilant about the result.

But trans rights groups have reacted with dismay, warning that it will exclude trans people wholesale from participating in UK society.

jane fae, director of trans campaign group TransActual, argued society will divide more sharply into queer-friendly and queer-hostile spaces as a result of the ruling, adding that it will be the poorer for it.

The entire trans community is devastated, the campaigner told The Independent. Irrespective of the small print on this ruling, the intent seems clear: to exclude trans people wholesale from participating in UK society.

Baroness Kishwer Falkner, chair of the Equality and Human Rights Commission, said the Supreme Court ruling means trans women should no longer be using womens bathrooms or changing rooms.

It means single-sex services, like changing rooms, must be based on biological sex. If a male person is allowed to use a women-only service or facility, it isnt any longer single-sex, then it becomes a mixed-sex space, she told BBC Radio 4s Today programme.

But I have to say, theres no law that forces organisations to provide a single-sex space, and there is no law against them providing a third space, an additional space, such as unisex toilets, for example.

Asked how she would respond to trans people who are worried about not being able to use any public loos or changing rooms as a result of the ruling, she said: There isnt any law saying that you cannot use a neutral third space, and they should be using their powers of advocacy to ask for those third spaces.
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Donald Trump has warned that substantial baseline tariffs will remain on goods imported to the US from all countries, in a blow for Rachel Reeves as she heads to Washington next week for trade talks.

The UK is hoping a deal can help stave off the full brunt of the US presidents sweeping 10% tariffs on all goods imported to the US, and The Telegraph has reported that White House officials believe an agreement could be reached within three weeks.

But on Thursday Trump said that he is in "no rush" to reach any trade deals because of the revenues his tariffs are generating.

Tariffs are making us rich. We were losing a lot of money under Biden  trillions of dollars, trillions on trade and now, that whole tide has turned, he said while meeting Italian prime minister Giorgia Meloni at the White House.

Trump has claimed that as many as 75 countries have contacted his administration hoping to make trade deals after he hiked tariffs on all nearly countries but Russia, later reducing them all to a baseline 10 per cent.

Were taking in a lot of money, which weve never done before, he said. Were moving along very nicely and going to end up with a baseline of a substantial number  which we never got anything.

The president included a 10 per cent levy on imports from the UK in his initial round of new tariffs alongside a 25 per cent levy on car imports.

His warning may dampen the hopes of chancellor Rachel Reeves for talks she will have in Washington DC next week, aiming to secure a trade deal.

She said she would be having conversations with the US administration that active negotiations with the Americans were continuing.

US vice-president JD Vance said this week there was a good chance a trade deal could be reached with the UK.

Chancellor of the Exchequer Rachel Reeves visited the British Steel site in Scunthorpe, North Lincolnshire, on Wednesday (Danny Lawson/PA) ( PA Wire )

He said the US was working very hard with Keir Starmer's government, as global stock markets continued to be volatile after Mr Trumps tariffs sent them plunging.

Asked whether any deal could lead to the 10 per cent levy being lifted, Ms Reeves said: We are in active negotiations at the moment with our US counterparts on a whole range of issues concerning the tariffs for steel and aluminium, and the cars which of course are at 25 per cent, as well as the headline tariff rate of 10 per cent.

Pharmaceuticals are said to be a heated part of discussions between British and US negotiators, amid Mr Trumps plans to begin imposing tariffs on medicines.

Observers will also watch out for whether the UK continues to resist American demands to weaken food standards to allow American farmers to sell chlorinated chicken and hormone-treated beef to British shoppers.

Trump said he was 100 per cent certain of an eventual trade deal with Europe  but that we're in no rush.

The EU faces 25 per cent import tariffs on steel, aluminium and cars, and broader tariffs on almost all other goods.

EU leaders had hoped that Ms Meloni could act as a potential ambassador and get the president on side.

He lavished praise on her, saying: "She's doing a great job, certainly one of our great allies. She's a fantastic person and doing a great job."

But although he hailed their great relationship, he said Ms Meloni did not change his mind on tariffs.

"Of course there will be a trade deal, very much. They want to make one very much. And we are going to make a trade deal. I fully expect it. And it will be a fair deal," Trump said.
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Leaning in pain against the wall of her one-room hut, Hadja, a mother of three, worries about who will look after her children if she dies.

The 27-year-old was unknowingly infected with HIV by her husband before falling pregnant in her village in southern Uganda. Since the US made devastating cuts to its global HIV programmes in January, slashing funding, she has struggled to access her lifesaving medication  drugs that would crucially prevent the transmission of the virus to her baby.

When you go to the government hospital, they dont give you the medicine. There are days we go to the hospitals and there are no doctors, days when they dont have drugs, she says, explaining that she earns just 1.50 a day making and selling pancakes  far too little to afford antiretroviral medication on her own.

Our lives depend on medicine  without it, our lives are shortened. If I die, my children will suffer.

open image in gallery Hadja, a pregnant mother of three, is worried without her HIV medication the virus will transmit to her unborn baby  Uganda ( Bel Trew/The Independent )

The worst-case scenario is already playing out in a neighbouring village, where James, 50, a father of four, is also HIV positive. Lying in agony on a mattress on the floor, he is watched helplessly by his niece, Beatrice, who  along with her teenage daughter  also has the virus. None of them have had access to HIV medication for over a month and a half.

Without antiretroviral drugs, Jamess emaciated body is shutting down, infection by infection. Beatrice knows that she and her 14-year-old may be next.

Im worried because my daughter has started showing symptoms  her body itches, and sometimes she loses her eyesight, she says, her voice a whisper. I am afraid of what may come, and so is my daughter. She keeps asking, How are we going to survive, Mum?

In a shocking move during the first few days of his presidency, Donald Trump signed an executive order that froze almost all foreign assistance for 90 days while programmes were reviewed to ensure they aligned with American interests.

That meant a halt in funding to the Emergency Plan for Aids Relief (PEPFAR), which was first introduced by another Republican president, George W Bush, in 2003 and is widely regarded as one of the worlds most successful responses to a global disease crisis, saving tens of millions of lives.

Trumps actions included a stop-work order and a funding freeze for current and future projects, disrupting supplies and treatment, and impacting 20 million people worldwide.

Although a waiver was later issued by Marco Rubio, the US secretary of state, to continue certain lifesaving services, it's unclear how or if it is being implemented on the ground.

Angeli Achrekar, deputy executive director at UNAIDS, says part of the challenge is that most of the data collection, monitoring, and implementation programmes  the service delivery ecosystem as she calls it  were funded by PEPFAR and are now on hold.

And so some 35,000 estimated deaths have already been linked to the sweeping freezes, according to calculations from the PEPFAR Impact Tracker.

In fact, Achrekar says the world was actually on track to end the global Aids pandemic by 2030, but that will be impossible if these cuts and disruptions continue.

TheIndependents own calculations from UNAIDS data show that, if funding is not reinstated and nothing changes, Aids-related deaths will jump by 4 million people by the end of the decade  reaching the devastating levels of the 1990s and early 2000s.

open image in gallery Father-of-four James, 50, fears he could die after failing to secure his HIV medication for nearly two months in Uganda ( Bel Trew/The Independent )

At the same time, there would be an additional 6 million new infections, including 1 million children, due to mother-to-child transmission  which is what Hadja fears the most.

Were talking about an additional 2,300 new infections every single day, theres no way we can get to the end of Aids if we continue to have that number, Achrekar adds grimly. With these numbers of new infections, we cannot turn off the tap, she said.

The Independent reached out to the US State Department which would not publicly confirm that PEPFAR would be fully reinstated.

Secretary of State Marco Rubio has said he wanted PEPFAR to continue, but that it should get smaller over time. Limited services including for pregnant women and new mothers have already been told they can continue work. But on the ground, lack of clarity and resources means those services are still disrupted.

In Zimbabwe and Uganda, two countries where PEPFAR funds at least 60 and 70 per cent of national HIV spending respectively, healthcare workers and patients say that supplies are running low, clinics are closing, government hospitals are being forced to turn patients away  and people are dying.

In fact, in Uganda, according to UNAIDS projections, if PEPFAR support is discontinued and no alternative steps in, the HIV-related death toll could skyrocket fivefold and the number of new infections could nearly quadruple by 2030.

The most urgent concerns are for vulnerable and high-risk populations, such as sex workers like Rose, 36, a mother of five in Jinja, southern Uganda.

She became HIV-positive after contracting the virus from her violent husband who repeatedly raped her. He later died from the illness: the penniless single mother was forced into prostitution to support her family.

open image in gallery Rose, a sex worker in Uganda, points to the lesions which have appeared on her body since she was forced to stop her HIV treatment ( Bel Trew )

She had been living on antiretroviral drugs (ARVs) provided by government clinics and charities, which not only protected her own life but also prevented her from spreading the virus to clients. Since the US aid cuts, she says she has struggled to get the medication and has been turned away from hospitals.

Earning just 6 a day as a sex worker, she cannot afford the 56 a month she says her HIV medication costs at the pharmacy.

I earn just [a few pounds a day], which I have to use for the children  for school fees, rent and food. Some days I cannot even get a customer and I have to take out loans, she says, showing her arms, now scattered with lesions, bruises and other marks  telltale signs of infection.

Thats why I miss out on my medication  because I dont have money to buy it. Some days, we only have lunch and no supper. Just one meal a day.

She worries about spreading the virus to her clients, many of whom refuse to wear condoms.

We risk a lot with this job. We are begging for the US funding to come back.

open image in gallery The staff at this HIV/Aids clinic in Jinja, Uganda, are working for free after losing all their US funding  they fear running out of drugs ( Bel Trew )

The chaos is reflected in the clinics. At the Family Hope Centre nearby in Jinja, healthcare workers say that all their funding  including even rent, water, and electricity bills  came from US government funding. In January, the centre was forced to shut down for over a month, turning away more than 5,000 patients.

Due to overwhelming need, they have since reopened, now staffed by just nine of the original 37 workers, all volunteering without pay. The future remains uncertain: the rent of the clinic building was due to expire the day of The Independents visit, and they had only two months worth of drug supplies left.

Dr Daniel Wambuzi, the clinics now-volunteer clinical director, says one of their most immediate concerns is the development of medication-resistant HIV strains caused by treatment gaps.

If we dont reverse this, we are going to see resistant strains. The situation is going to go back ten years. The transmission rate will go up. The fatality rate will go up. Well see a reversal of all our progress, Dr Wambuzi warns.

open image in gallery James fears he might die after failing to find HIV/Aids medication for nearly two months ( Bel Trew )

Epidemiologists fear that the number of HIV patients developing resistance to their antiretroviral medication could double in the coming years if these disruptions continue and infections rise.

This is something that worries Laurence, 19, who was born with HIV, and panicked when he turned up to the clinic in January only to find the gates locked.

I wanted to drown myself. I felt like there was nowhere else to get my medicine, says the teenager, who had hoped one day to become a doctor who treated HIV/Aids patients himself.

He fears that any further gaps in his treatment will cause resistance and mean he needs more expensive alternatives.

He is currently on first-line antiretrovirals, which, according to UNAIDS, cost on average $64 (around 48) per person per year in lower-income countries. But anyone who develops multi-drug resistant strains of HIV may need second- or third-line treatment, which costs at least $405 a year  a sixfold increase.

No funding means no medicine  which means no future, Laurence adds.

Another risk is a return to the dark days of mass deaths, and a surge in children orphaned by the pandemic, which again has hit sub-Saharan Africa the hardest.

UNAIDS say that, if PEPFAR programmes are not sustained, by 2030 an additional 3.4 million children will have lost a parent to Aids-related causes.

open image in gallery Hardlife, 15, and Shallom, 16, separately lost their parents to HIV in the last few months in Chimanimani, Zimbabwe ( Bel Trew )

In eastern Zimbabwe, that reality is already here. Promise Masawi, 36, a volunteer health worker who looks after families in a farming community, is already caring for two children whose parents died from HIV/Aids in recent months.

Its unbearable because we dont have the proper financial means to ensure these childrens survival, she says, comforting 15-year-old Hardlife, whose parents both passed away in February after being unable to access medication.

She says most people in the rural community are HIV positive, but treatment access is scarce.

Unfortunately, there are no facilities to help control or reduce the number of infections  yet there is no medication, she adds.

Hardlife says his father died first, and then his mother desperately searched for medicine as her condition worsened, developing lesions and losing her hair.

She would find very little or sometimes nothing at all, he says quietly.

It pained me so much, I was her only child who was around when she fell sick, so I am the one who was supposed to help her live. But it didnt work.

Hardlife  who speaks with a maturity far beyond his 15 years  says he wants to be a pilot and travel to Europe where there are opportunities and better healthcare.

He now lives with his grandmother, and Promise checks in regularly. Its painful, he adds. But we have to accept that now, its part of life.

This article is part of The Independents Rethinking Global Aid project
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Elon Musks SpaceX has emerged as the frontrunner to win a crucial part of Donald Trumps Golden Dome missile defence shield, alongside two other Trump-aligned partners, several people familiar with the matter have said.

The billionaire owner of Tesla and Trump ally is partnering with software company Palantir and drone manufacturer Anduril in a build to build key parts of Golden Dome, the six sources said. The lucrative contract has drawn significant interest from the tech sectors growing base of defence startups.

On 27 January, Trump named a potential missile attack as the most catastrophic threat facing the United States whilst delivering his executive order. Based on Israels Iron Dome defence system, his proposed Golden Dome would similarly be designed to provide the US with a robust anti-missile system.

Defence company Lockheed Martin describes the project as an impenetrable shield, safeguarding the American homeland with unwavering precision. It is of a similar scale to the Manhattan Project, it adds, which led to the production of the first nuclear weapons.

open image in gallery Israels Iron Dome in action as it intercepts missiles from Lebanon on 4 August, 2024 ( Copyright 2024 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. )

SpaceX, Palantir and Anduril were all founded by entrepreneurs who have been major political supporters of Trump. Musk has donated more than a quarter of a billion dollars to help elect Trump, and now serves as a special adviser to the president working to cut government spending through his Department of Government Efficiency.

Despite the Pentagon's positive signals to the SpaceX group, some sources stressed the decision process for Trump's Golden Dome is in its early stages. Its ultimate structure and who is selected to work on it could change dramatically in the coming months.

The three companies met with top officials in the Trump administration and the Pentagon in recent weeks to pitch their plan, which would build and launch 400 to more than 1,000 satellites circling the globe to sense missiles and track their movement, sources said.

A separate fleet of 200 attack satellites armed with missiles or lasers would then bring enemy missiles down, three of the sources said. The SpaceX group is not expected to be involved in the weaponisation of satellites, these sources said.

One of the sources familiar with the talks described them as "a departure from the usual acquisition process. There's an attitude that the national security and defence community has to be sensitive and deferential to Elon Musk because of his role in the government."

SpaceX and Musk have declined to comment on whether Musk is involved in any of the discussions or negotiations involving federal contracts with his businesses.

The Pentagon did not respond to detailed questions from Reuters, only saying it will deliver "options to the President for his decision in line with the executive order and in alignment with White House guidance and timelines."

The White House, SpaceX, Palantir, and Anduril also did not respond to questions.

Subscription Service

In an unusual twist, SpaceX has proposed setting up its role in Golden Dome as a "subscription service" in which the government would pay for access to the technology, rather than own the system outright.

The subscription model, which has not been previously reported, could skirt some Pentagon procurement protocols allowing the system to be rolled out faster, the two sources said. While the approach would not violate any rules, the government may then be locked into a subscription and lose control over its ongoing development and pricing, they added.

Some Pentagon officials have expressed concerns internally about relying on the subscription-based model for any part of the Golden Dome, two sources told Reuters. Such an arrangement would be unusual for such a large and critical defence program.

open image in gallery Tesla and SpaceX CEO Elon Musk takes the stage during a campaign rally for Donald Trump in New York, 27 October 2024 ( Getty Images )

U.S. Space Force General Michael Guetlein has been in talks on whether SpaceX should be the owner and operator of its part of the system, the two sources said. Other options include having the U.S. own and operate the system, or having the U.S. own it while contractors handle operations. Guetlein did not respond to a request for comment.

Retired Air Force General Terrence O'Shaughnessy, a top SpaceX advisor to Musk, has been involved in the company's recent discussions with senior defence and intelligence leaders, the two sources said. O'Shaughnessy did not respond to requests for comment.

Should the group led by SpaceX win a Golden Dome contract, it would be the biggest win for Silicon Valley in the lucrative defence contracting industry and a blow to the traditional contractors.

However, those long-standing contractors, such as Northrop Grumman, Boeing and RTX are expected to be big players in the process as well, people familiar with the companies said. Lockheed Martin put up a webpage as a part of its marketing efforts.

Hundreds of bids

The Pentagon has received interest from more than 180 companies keen to help develop and build the Golden Dome, according to a U.S. official, including defence startups like Epirus, Ursa Major and Armada. Members of the White House's National Security Council were briefed by a handful of companies about their capabilities, four sources said.

The Pentagon's number two, former private equity investor Steve Feinberg, will be a key decision-maker for Golden Dome, two U.S. defence officials said.

Feinberg co-founded Cerberus Capital Management which has invested in the cutting-edge hypersonic missiles industry but not in SpaceX. Feinberg, who did not respond to a request for comment, has said he would divest of all his interests in Cerberus when he joined the administration.

open image in gallery US President Donald Trump and Tesla CEO Elon Musk speak to reporters as they stand with a Tesla vehicle outside of the White House on 11 March 2025 ( AFP via Getty Images )

Some experts believe the overall cost for Golden Dome could reach hundreds of billions of dollars. The Pentagon established several timelines for capabilities to be delivered starting with early 2026 to those delivered after 2030.

SpaceX is pitching for the part of the Golden Dome initiative called the "custody layer," a constellation of satellites that would detect missiles, track their trajectory, and determine if they are heading toward the U.S., according to two sources familiar with SpaceX's goals.

SpaceX has estimated the preliminary engineering and design work for the custody layer of satellites would cost between $6 billion and $10 billion, two of the sources said. In the last five years, SpaceX has launched hundreds of operational spy satellites and more recently several prototypes, which could be retrofitted to be used for the project, the sources said.

Reuters reviewed an internal Pentagon memo from Defence Secretary Peter Hegseth issued shortly before a February 28 deadline to senior Pentagon leadership asking them for initial Golden Dome proposals and calling for the "acceleration of the deployment" of constellations of satellites.

The time frame could give SpaceX an advantage because of its fleet of rockets, including the Falcon 9, and existing satellites that could be repurposed for the missile defence shield, the people familiar with the plan said.

Despite these advantages, some of those familiar with the discussions said it was uncertain whether the SpaceX group would be able to efficiently set up a system with new technology in a cost-effective way that can protect the United States from attack.

"It remains to be seen whether SpaceX and these tech companies will be able to pull any of this off," said one of the sources. "They've never had to deliver on an entire system that the nation will need to rely on for its defence."
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A family is locked in a tense standoff with US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) after agents allegedly smashed a car window and detained a man who, the family asserts, is an asylum seeker.

The incident, which took place on Monday, has raised serious questions about the agencys procedures and targeting practices.

Juan Francisco Mendez was reportedly on his way to a dental appointment when ICE agents intercepted his vehicle. According to the familys lawyer, Ondine Galvez-Sniffin, agents used a hammer to break the car window before apprehending Mendez and his wife. Galvez-Sniffin told The Associated Press that the agents initially claimed they were searching for a different individual, but proceeded to detain Mendez despite the apparent case of mistaken identity.

The family and their legal representation are now demanding answers from ICE regarding the aggressive tactics employed during the arrest and the justification for Mendezs detention, particularly given his pending asylum application.

The incident, recorded on video by Mendez's wife Marilu Domingo Ortiz, shows ICE agents using a hammer to smash the car window and then grab Ortiz. The family believes Mendez is being held at a facility in Dover, New Hampshire.

When I arrived on the scene, my client's wife was sobbing. She was crying. She was shaking, Galvez-Sniffin said, adding that Mendez yelled Help Me in Spanish as he was driven away in handcuffs.

I walked over to the car and I see the busted window, the glass all over the back seat, and I was shocked, the lawyer added. Ive been doing immigration work for 27 years and this was the first time that I saw such violent drastic measures being taken.

open image in gallery This image taken from video provided by Marilu Domingo Ortiz shows ICE agent smashing the window of a car to arrest a man who they claim was in the process of applying for asylum, in New Bedford, Mass., Monday, April 14, 2025. (Marilu Domingo Ortiz via AP) ( Marilu Domingo Ortiz )

A spokesman for ICE did not return repeated messages seeking comment.

New Bedford Mayor Jon Mitchell, in a post on X, said the incident raises questions that require clear answers," including why local police weren't alerted beforehand. He also questioned whether ICE agents are targeting criminals as the Trump administration promised or are engaging in an indiscriminate round-up of individuals with uncertain immigration status.

Ortiz and her 9-year-old son have already been given protection under an asylum status over fears of facing persecution if they returned home to Guatemala.

Galvez-Sniffin said Mendez had been in the country for four years and worked in the seafood industry in New Bedford. He had no criminal record, she said, and was in the process of applying for asylum. He had been fingerprinted in December, she said, adding nothing turned up in terms of a criminal record.

There really was no reason to treat him the way that he and his wife were treated. Galvez-Sniffin said, adding that agents refused to look at the paperwork showing he had applied for asylum.

My biggest concern, his family's biggest concern is getting him back, she said. He has no criminal background and everything to stay for in this country.

open image in gallery Marilu Domingo Ortiz, whose husband was taken into custody by ICE agents after they smashed a window of their family car, shows a photograph of her spouse, Juan Francisco Mendez, at their home, Wednesday, April 16, 2025, in New Bedford, Mass. (AP Photo/Charles Krupa) ( Copyright 2025 The Associated Press. All rights reserved )

The incident comes as the governor and law enforcement officials in New England have raised concerns about the tactics ICE is using to detain people.

Last month, ICE agent Brian Sullivan took Wilson Martell-Lebron, 49, into custody as he was leaving court. Boston Municipal Court Judge Mark Summerville found Sullivan in contempt, arguing that he deprived Martell-Lebron of his rights to due process and fair trial.

That case has since been dropped but the detention outside court while Martell-Lebron was on trial prompted Suffolk County District Attorney Kevin Hayden to call the actions of ICE troubling and extraordinarily reckless.

Tufts University student Rumeysa Ozturk of Turkey, 30, also is challenging her detention by ICE. A video account shows her walking on a street in a Boston suburb as she is surrounded by immigration officials. Ozturk is heard screaming as they take her cellphone and is seen getting handcuffed. Her lawyers have called for her immediate release.
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Seattle pedestrians were greeted Wednesday by Jeff Bezos  or, rather, an AI-generated version of the billionaires voice  in hacked crosswalk audio recordings that usually say things like Wait!

After pressing the crosswalk button, a voice claiming to be Bezos greeted pedestrians: Hello this is Jeff Bezos. This crosswalk is sponsored by Amazon Prime with an important message, revealed videos posted by Reddit users and on X of the hack, which seemed to affect crosswalks across the city.

Please, please dont tax the rich. Otherwise, all the other billionaires will move to Florida too, the voice continued. The Amazon founder moved to Miami last year. Just this week he sold his Seattle home for $63 million, according to reports.

The recording then made an apparent chilling reference to 26-year-old Luigi Mangione, who is accused of killing UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson last December. He has pleaded not guilty.

Wouldnt it be terrible if all the rich people left Seattle ... then normal people could afford to live here again? the message continued, apparently making a comment on the rising cost of living in the city in recent years.

Seattle crosswalk buttons hacked to feature Jeff Bezos begging not to tax the rich ( Copyright 2019 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. )

Comedian Bo Burnhams tune Bezos I then played before the recording came to an end.

When reached for comment by KIRO7 TV, a spokesperson for Amazon told the news station: We do not endorse or sponsor these crosswalks.

It wasnt immediately clear how many crosswalk buttons were impacted.

The Seattle Department of Transportation said it was responding to several locations which have been altered to play fake audio messages. The department said in a statement on Wednesday evening: We have corrected walk signal messages in multiple locations, and will continue to respond to tampered push buttons if we learn of them.

Officials emphasized that the department is working to respond to the situation as quickly as possible, noting that they take this matter seriously.

The audio recordings at crosswalks play a critical role for people who are blind or have limited vision, helping them to cross streets safely, the department said. We are concerned that someone would disregard the safety of people to make a political statement.

The department added that its considering stronger security measures to prevent future hacking. It did not respond to questions regarding who was responsible for the citywide hack.

The hack occurred days after AI-generated versions of Elon Musk and Mark Zuckerbergs voices cropped up in audio recordings at crosswalks across Silicon Valley.

Its normal to feel uncomfortable or even violated as we forcefully insert AI into every facet of your conscious experience, a Zuckerberg soundalike said, TechCrunch reported. I just want to assure you, you dont need to worry because theres absolutely nothing you can do to stop it.

The Musk voice reportedly said: I guess they say money cant buy happiness  I guess thats true. God knows Ive tried. But it can buy a Cybertruck and thats pretty sick, right?

The recording continues: F***, Im so alone.
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The Trump administration has acknowledged mistakenly deporting a Maryland man with protected legal status to a notorious El Salvador prison.

However, the government is arguing against returning the man to the United States because of his alleged gang ties and the lack of power it has over decisions made by the Central American nation.

Kilmar Abrego Garcia was deported to El Salvador by the Trump administration in March, despite a court order preventing his removal from the US.

The Trump administration has accused Garcia of human trafficking  but has not shared any evidence to that effect.

He is among more than 200 immigrants sent to the Terrorism Confinement Center (CECOT), El Salvadors maximum-security gang prison, in the past month.

The deportations come as part of a $6 million agreement between the Trump administration and El Salvadoran President Nayib Bukele, providing the US with a year's worth of detention services.

open image in gallery Guards at the CECOT ( AP )

The agreement and subsequent transfer highlight the Trump administration's continued hardline stance on immigration, leveraging El Salvador's penal system as a tool in its deportation efforts.

Here is what to know about the facility and why it is being used for immigrants.

What is the CECOT?

Bukele ordered the mega-prison built as he began his campaign against El Salvadors gangs in March 2022.

It opened a year later in the town of Tecoluca, about 45 miles (72 kilometers) east of the capital.

open image in gallery Salvadoran soldiers stand guard outside the CECOT ( Reuters )

The facility has eight sprawling pavilions and can hold up to 40,000 inmates.

Each cell can fit 65 to 70 prisoners.

CECOT prisoners do not receive visits and are never allowed outdoors. The prison does not offer workshops or educational programs to prepare them to return to society after their sentences.

open image in gallery Alleged gang members are transferred to CECOT in 2024 ( El Salvador's presidency press office )

Occasionally, prisoners who have gained a level of trust from prison officials give motivational talks.

Prisoners sit in rows in the corridor outside their cells for the talks or are led through exercise regimens under the supervision of guards.

Bukeles justice minister has said that those held at CECOT would never return to their communities.

The prison's dining halls, break rooms, gym and board games are for guards.

open image in gallery Police officers in riot gear stand guard as new inmates arrive at the prison ( El Salvador's presidency press office )

How many prisoners does El Salvador hold?

The government doesnt regularly update the figure, but the human rights organization Cristosal reported that in March 2024 El Salvador had 110,000 people behind bars, including those sentenced to prison and those still awaiting trial.

That was more than double the 36,000 inmates that the government reported in April 2021, a year before Bukele ramped up his fight against crime.

Cristosal and other advocates have accused authorities of human rights violations.

Thousands of inmates transferred to El Salvador 'mega prison' in crackdown on gangs

Cristosal reported in 2024 that at least 261 people had died in El Salvadors prisons during the gang crackdown. The group and others have cited cases of abuse, torture and lack of medical attention.

In slickly produced videos, the government has shown CECOT prisoners in boxer shorts marching into common areas and made to sit nearly atop each other.

Cells lack enough bunks for everyone.

Why are immigrants being sent to CECOT?

open image in gallery Inmates attend a class on social behaviour at CECOT ( AP )

Hundreds of migrants were deported after Trumps declaration of the Alien Enemies Act of 1798, which has been used only three times in US history.

The law requires a president to declare the US is at war, giving him extraordinary powers to detain or remove foreigners who otherwise would have protections under immigration or criminal laws.

Trump claimed the Tren de Aragua gang was invading the US in invoking the wartime authority.

Tren de Aragua originated in an infamously lawless prison in Venezuela and accompanied an exodus of millions of Venezuelans, the overwhelming majority of whom were seeking better living conditions after their nations economy came undone last decade.

open image in gallery Prisoners in a cell at CECOT ( AFP/Getty )

The Trump administration has not identified the migrants deported, provided any evidence they are in fact members of Tren de Aragua or that they committed any crimes in the US.

Video released by El Salvadors government in March showed men exiting airplanes into an airport tarmac lined by officers in riot gear.

The men, who had with their hands and ankles shackled, struggled to walk as officers pushed their heads down to have them bend at the waist.

The video also showed the men being transported to CECOT in a large convoy of buses guarded by police and military vehicles and at least one helicopter.

The men were shown kneeling on the ground as their heads were shaved before they changed into the prisons all-white uniform  knee-length shorts, T-shirt, socks and rubber clogs  and placed in cells.
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Vladimir Putin has drawn a parallel between Elon Musk and a key figure in the Soviet space race, Sergei Korolev, praising the SpaceX founder as a visionary.

Speaking on Russia's space policy at a student meeting, Putin reportedly described Musk, a key adviser of President Donald Trump, as "absolutely crazy about Mars," according to state news agency TASS.

Putin reportedly invoked the legacy of Korolev, the engineer behind Yuri Gagarin's historic 1961 spaceflight, to highlight the rarity of people like Musk.

TASS quoted Putin as saying: "Such people rarely appear in the human population, charged with a certain idea.

Even though it may seem incredible to me today, after a time such ideas are often realized."

This is not the first time the Russian president has commended Musk.

open image in gallery Elon Musk during a SpaceX event in 2022 ( Getty Images )

In 2023, days after a report that Musk refused to let Ukraine use Starlink internet to launch a surprise attack on Russian naval vessels in Crimea, Putin praised the entrepreneur as an outstanding person and businessman.

Musk reportedly refused as he did not want to be complicit in a major act of war. The refusal was heavily criticised by Ukrainian leaders.

Putin spoke about the success of SpaceX later that week.

As far as private business and Elon Musk is concerned... he is undoubtedly an outstanding person, he said.

This must be recognized, and I think it is recognized all over the world.

He (Musk) is an active and talented businessman and he is succeeding a lot, including with the support of the American state.

open image in gallery Vladimir Putin has compared Elon Musk to a Soviet space hero ( POOL/AFP via Getty Images )

Musk has recently drawn attention for his increasingly critical stance on Ukraine amidst the ongoing conflict with Russia.

When Russia invaded in 2022, Musk was seen as one of Ukraines key allies, but he has since used his social media platform X (formerly Twitter) to criticize the countrys president Volodymyr Zelensky and amplify misinformation.

In March, after X was targeted by a cyber attack, Musk blamed Ukraine. He then accused a US Democrat senator who visited Kyiv in a show of support of being a traitor.

He has questioned the purpose of targeted American aid to Ukraine, scoffed at Zelenskys pleas for more support, and called for elections to replace him.
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Donald Trump said there was "big progress" after directly participating in the trade negotiations with a Japanese delegation in Washington, even as both sides made little headway other than an agreement to meet again.

Japan, which was hit by a 24 per cent blankettariff along with an existing 25 per cent duty on automobiles during Mr Trump's "Liberation Day" announcement, was one of the first countries to formally kick off negotiations, an early test of Washington's willingness to cede ground on the duties.

Although the blanket tariff on Japanese imports has been paused for 90 days, a 10 per cent universal rate remains in place, as does the duty for cars, a mainstay of Japan's export-reliant economy. Japan's automobile sector, which comprises 20 per cent of the total exports, could lose $17bn in export potential in the US due duties, according to reports.

"A Great Honor to have just met with the Japanese Delegation on Trade. Big Progress!" Mr Trump said on social media, without adding details about the negotiations.

open image in gallery Japan's economic revitalisation minister Ryosei Akazawa answers questions from reporters in Washington ( AFP/Getty )

Opposite Mr Trump for Wednesday's talks was Ryosei Akazawa, a confidant of Japanese prime minister Shigeru Ishiba who only took up his first cabinet post late last year in the relatively junior position of economic revitalisation minister.

Tokyo had not expected Mr Trump to participate in what it viewed as a preliminary fact-finding mission, sources familiar with Tokyo's planning told Reuters, and had been hoping to limit the scope of discussions to trade and investment matters.

Mr Akazawa gave little away about the details of the discussions but said the parties had agreed to hold a second meeting later this month. He added that Mr Trump said getting a deal with Japan was a "top priority".

He said exchange rates, which the Trump administration has said Japan and others manipulate to get a trade advantage, were not discussed.

open image in gallery Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba reacts to talks regarding US tariffs ( EPA )

However, defence may have been on the agenda, according to reports. Mr Trump earlier said the issue of how much Tokyo pays towards hosting US troops in Japan, the biggest US overseas deployment, would also be discussed in Wednesday's meeting.

"There are still gaps between the respective stances of Japan and the US," Mr Ishiba said in Tokyo on Thursday. Negotiations going forward won't be easy, but President Trump said he intends to position talks with Japan as top priority.

The prime minister said the discussions between the Japanese delegation and the Trump administration were "conducted at length, and I have been told they were frank and constructive."

The Japanese trade negotiator spoke with US treasury secretary Scott Bessent and commerce secretary Howard Lutnick for 75 minutes, The Japan Times reported.

Mr Trump met with Mr Akazawa for 50 minutes before formal talks began. I truly appreciate that President Trump took the time to meet with me today. To put it bluntly  and frankly speaking  I am clearly far beneath him in terms of status.

"So the fact that he came out and spoke with me directly is something I am genuinely grateful for. Mr Akazawa said.

Mr Bessent had previously said he is hoping to strike deals that would cover tariffs, non-tariff barriers and exchange rates, though Tokyo had lobbied to keep the latter separate. Possible Japanese investment in a multi-billion dollar gas project in Alaska could also feature, he added.
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Chinese factories are flooding TikTok with videos urging Americans to buy from them directly to undercut Donald Trumps sweeping tariffs.

Dozens of videos have gone viral in recent days offering buyers the chance to purchase from factories in China that claim to produce goods for high-end brands like Lululemon and Louis Vuitton, and for a fraction of the price.

In one video that has nearly 10 million views, a creator claims to be able to sell yoga pants from the same manufacturer that supplies Lululemon for $5-$6, instead of the $100 they sell for in the United States.

The material and the craftsmanship are basically the same because they come from the same production line, she says, standing in front of what appears to be a factory.

In another, a man standing on a factory floor claims to have access to manufacturers that produce Louis Vuitton bags, which he says can be sold directly to customers for $50.

But both companies deny their products are finished in China, and experts told The Independent the videos are likely an effort by counterfeit or  dupe  manufacturers to take advantage of the chaos over the tariffs to boost their sales.

They're trying to conflate the fake manufacturers in China with the real manufacturers, said Conrad Quilty-Harper, author of Dark Luxury, a newsletter about the luxury goods industry.

They're very clever with their social media, and theyre very effective at driving demand in the West, he added.

Louis Vuitton has said repeatedly that it does not manufacture products in China, and The Independent found at least one video that falsely claimed to be a Lululemon supplier.

open image in gallery A woman tries out a shoe at an Adidas sportswear store inside a shopping mall, in Beijing, Saturday, April 12, 2025. ( (AP Photo/Andy Wong) )

A spokesperson for Lululemon told The Independent that it manufactures approximately 3 percent of its finished goods in mainland China, and provides a full list of its manufacturing partners on its website .

TikTok users have reported seeing the videos appear in their feeds in recent days as the trade war between the U.S. and China continues to heat up.

Trump imposed a levy of 145 percent on all goods from China as part of a global tariff regime, but his administration has since announced that smartphones and some other electronics devices would be exempted.

China responded by placing 125 percent tariffs on American imports.

open image in gallery The videos appear to be aimed at American consumers. ( TikTok )

Many of the videos are slick, highly produced advertisements made by influencers that experts say are likely hired by the manufacturers. Others are low budget and appear to have been made on the factory floor or in a warehouse. Most provide links to the manufacturers website and instructions on how to buy.

Some of the creators have also produced videos arguing against U.S. tariffs imposed on China, suggesting the increased activity may be a response to the tariffs. Imports from China under $800 were previously exempt from tariffs, but that exemption will expire on May 2.

Still, a small number of American TikTok users welcomed the videos for revealing a hidden side of the luxury goods industry and undercutting the tariffs by cutting out U.S.-based companies.

The counterfeit market in China is the largest in the world. U.S. Customs seized counterfeit items worth some $1.8 billion in recommended retail price in 2023 .

Quilty-Harper said the counterfeit industry in China has been a concern for Western companies for years. And the enforcement of trademark and intellectual property rights internally has tended to depend on the geopolitical climate.

In the past, the Chinese authorities have been stricter on it, and sometimes they've been looser on it, and often that's to do with the relationship with the US and previous presidents, he said.

This is part of a huge geopolitical battle between America and China over intellectual property. And it's just fascinating to see this sort of propaganda fight happening on these very high-traffic TikTok videos, he added.
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A Democrat senator flew out to El Salvador on Wednesday to lobby for the release of wrongly deported Kilmar Abrego Garcia.

But Marylands Chris Van Hollen infuriated Republicans with the trip, accusing him of violating a 200-year-old law aimed at preventing people from undermining the government.

Garcia, who lives with his wife and children in Van Hollens state, was sent to the Central American country by Donald Trumps administration. The U.S. government has since refused to comply with a federal court order demanding the 29-year-olds repatriation.

Van Hollen said on Wednesday he had been denied access to Garcia, who is being held in a Salvadoran mega-prison known as CECOT indefinitely despite not having a criminal record.

White House communications director Steven Cheung attacked the senator for his attempted intervention while the presidents border czar Tom Homan called the trip disgusting during an interview with Fox News.

The Department of Homeland Security insisted in a statement of its own, without providing evidence, that Garcia is an MS-13 gang member, human trafficker and illegal alien.

open image in gallery Senator Chris Van Hollen surrounded by reporters in El Salvador on Wednesday ( AP )

In advance of the senators visit, veteran Republican political adviser Roger Stone declared on X that Van Hollen should face prosecution, an argument enthusiastically taken up by the MAGA movement on social media.

Pursuing your own individual foreign policy is a violation of the Logan Act, he wrote. The FBI should arrest this senator the instant he returns to the country.

The act invoked by Stone was passed by the Fifth Congress in 1798 and signed into law by President John Adams the following year.

It states: Any citizen of the United States, wherever he may be, who, without authority of the United States, directly or indirectly commences or carries on any correspondence or intercourse with any foreign government or any officer or agent thereof, with intent to influence the measures or conduct of any foreign government or of any officer or agent thereof, in relation to any disputes or controversies with the United States, or to defeat the measures of the United States, shall be fined under this title or imprisoned not more than three years, or both.

This section shall not abridge the right of a citizen to apply, himself or his agent, to any foreign government or the agents thereof for redress of any injury which he may have sustained from such government or any of its agents or subjects.

open image in gallery Kilmar Abrego Garcia, a Salvadoran migrant who lived in the U.S. legally with a work permit, was wrongly deported to El Salvador ( via REUTERS )

The act takes its name from Pennsylvania legislator Dr George Logan, who travelled to Paris in 1798 to engage in negotiations there as a private citizen concerning the United States debts to France.

It is intended to prevent Americans from undermining the position of their own government by such endeavours, ensuring that the nation speaks with one voice on foreign affairs.

The Logan Act has rarely been enforced over the past two centuries. A 2018 Congressional Research Service report noted that only two individuals have ever been prosecuted under it  a Kentucky farmer in 1803, who called for the Western United States to ally with France and a man in 1853 who wrote a letter to the President of Mexico  and neither case ended with a conviction.

Its enactment has often been called for though, with former president Ronald Reagan suggesting it be used against the Reverend Jesse Jackson for travelling to Cuba and Nicaragua in 1984, to give just one example.

Trump himself has been threatened with it after appearing to encourage Russian spy agencies to hack Hillary Clintons email accounts in 2016 and twice last year for hosting Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban at Mar-a-Lago and claiming to have held regular phone calls with Russian President Vladimir Putin while out of office.

open image in gallery Jennifer Vasquez Sura, Garcias wife, speaks during a press conference about his case ( REUTERS )

He in turn accused Democrats John Kerry and Chris Murphy of Logan Act violations for meeting with Iranian officials in 2019 and 2020 respectively.

But concerns about the Adams-era legislations vagueness and potential infringement of First Amendment free speech protections have led some legal scholars to brand it unconstitutional.

Daniel B Rice of the University of Arkansas, Fayetteville  School of Law is quoted in the congressional report calling the act a dead letter, an anachronism, a curious federalist antique, the most moribund of federal statutes, and an eighteenth century relic that slumbers in splendid disregard.

The services report concludes on an ambiguous note, saying: It is impossible to say what a modern court would do if presented with an actual Logan Act indictment.

While Van Hollen made clear that his actions this week were being carried out in a political capacity and not as a private citizen, it is possible the Trump administration could seek to make a case against him.

But Julian Ku, a law professor at Hofstra University, has been dismissive of the acts application, telling Axios that it amounted to a useful way for people to accuse each other of undermining U.S. foreign policy but is not a meaningful law that is likely to ever be used.
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The Trump administration is scrapping a credit card payment cap as well as offloading student loan oversight in an effort to reshape America's consumer watchdog, according to a recently leaked memo.

Mark Paoletta, the chief legal officer at the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau  an organization created in the aftermath of the 2008 financial crisis  sent the divisive email to his employees on Wednesday, laying the groundwork for a new Trump agenda, according to a copy of the note obtained and seen by Reuters.

The news followed the landmark ruling by a Texan federal judge who declared Tuesday that a government-set $8 limit on a majority of credit card late fees would no longer apply. The judge ruled that the fee limit illegally stretched the agencys budget  a stance advocated by a group of U.S. banks, according to The New York Times.

Last month, the Trump administration attempted to dismantle the bureau after canceling $100 million in contracts and firing 70 employees.

The CFPB adopted the credit fee cap in 2024 as part of a cost-saving effort. However, a cluster of banking and business trade groups objected and sued to block the rule, arguing that the bureau had acted beyond its jurisdiction. The group was granted an injunction, which prevented the CFPBs fee cap from taking effect.

Banks and lenders, who normally charge an average of $32, were delighted at the reversal, calling it a win for consumers and common sense, the lawsuits plaintiffs declared in a joint statement.

open image in gallery President Donald Trump sought to dismantle the bureau all-together after he cancelled $100 million in contracts and fired 70 employees. ( AFP via Getty Images )

The plaintiff group included the American Bankers Association, the Consumer Bankers Association, and the United States Chamber of Commerce, along with three Texas business associations, according to The Times.

Paolettas CFPB memo, however, stated that the "Bureau will focus on its enforcement and supervision resources on pressing threats to consumers, particularly service members and their families, and veterans.

It went on to add that it would shift its priorities to focus on tangible harms to consumers and redirect resources from enforcement and supervision that can be done by the states."

The CFPB is also going to focus on channeling funds back to its consumers rather than imposing penalties on companies.

One employee told Business Insider that overseeing companies "is literally the reason the agency was created" and is not something states should or can be left to do themselves.

Thus, the agency will now aim to prioritise threats to military personnel and will branch away from managing student loans, medical debt, digital payments, and consumer data, reports Reuters.

open image in gallery Trump is clamping down on the CFBP, reversing the moves of his predecessor Joe Biden, who relieved the loans of $5 million debtors during his presidential tenure ( REUTERS )

Just days before President Trump took office, his predecessor, Joe Biden, made the decision to cull the student loans of over 150,000 borrowers, bringing the total number of individuals who had their student debt cancelled by the CFPB to over 5 million during his administration.

The former administration accused multiple student-loan services of engaging in exploitative methods.

Navient, for example, was one of Americas largest student loan providers before it was permanently banned from servicing federal student loans and forced to pay a $120 million settlement.

The news of the consumer watchdogs shift comes in tandem with the prediction that millions of students are set to default this year on their loans, due to some critical protections expiring, according to the New York Federal Reserve Bank.

Last month, U.S. District Judge Amy Berman Jackson blocked Trumps request to dismantle the bureau for good, arguing that the court can and must act to prevent its closure.

CFPB is responsible for protecting U.S. consumers from financial fraud and deceptive practices. It typically receives consumer complaints and scrutinises banks to ensure student loan borrowers are treated fairly.

The Independent contacted the CFPB for comment.
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Last month marked the end of the first quarter for 2025, which begins the fundraising season ahead of the 2026 midterm cycle. At this point, Democrats hope to ride on Donald Trumps growing unpopularity to win back the Hosue of Representatives and maybe even win some Senate seats if they get lucky.

But there have been increasing questions about what the Democratic Partys opposition will look like in the wake of its worst defeat in 20 years. Some have talked about the possibility of a Democratic Tea Party where they will be more confrontational toward Trump, or whether they should work in a more conciliatory manner

Of course, its hard to tell what kind of Democrats voters want since primaries will not take place until next year. If reports to the Federal Election Commission filed this week show anything, however, the verdict is clear: Democratic voters want fighters.

open image in gallery Bernie Sanders and Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez acknowledge the crowd at a Fighting Oligarchy event in Los Angeles on April 12 ( AP )

Rob Pyers, who runs California Targetbook, which tracks campaign fundraising, compiled a list of some of the biggest fundraisers.

In recent weeks, Sen. Bernie Sanders and Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez have engaged on a cross-country tour where they have specifically targeted Republican areas. And it looks like the approach has paid off. Ocasio-Cortezs most recent FEC report showed she raised an eye-popping $9.6 million.

Ocasio-Cortez represents a deep-blue district in the Bronx and Queens, which means she likely will not need to spend that much cash to win her primary and general election. But it does give her a huge war chest to wield.

At minimum, she can use that cash pile should she seek higher office. Last month, when Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer announced he would vote for a stop-gap spending bill crafted by Republicans that most Democrats ardently opposed, many Democrats called on the progressive congresswoman to challenge Schumer in a primary.

open image in gallery Sen. Jon Ossoff of Georgia raised more than $11 million ( Getty Images )

Schumer is not up for re-election until 2028, but she would need every penny if she does challenge him. Or at minimum, Ocasio-Cortez could donate to Democrats challenging Republican incumbents, or shore up endangered Democrats.

Meanwhile, Sanders, who has long been a favorite of the left wing of the Democratic Party despite the fact he is an independent who caucuses with the Democrats, raised a whopping $11.4 million.

This comes despite the fact he is 83 and just won re-election to his Senate seat in November. Sanders is unlikely to seek the presidency a third time, but his cash pile can be leverage or the opportunity to help recruit more progressive candidates in races where Democratic leadership would prefer a moderate.

The same can be said for Rep. Jasmine Crockett of Texas. Crockett rose to prominence last Congress during her time on the House Oversight Committee when she offered aggressive responses to Republicans, most notably when she asked if referring to Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene as a bleach-blonde bad-built butch body would count as a personal attack.

open image in gallery Jasmine Crockett has risen to national prominence during her time on the House Oversight Committee  not least following her public clash with Marjorie Taylor Greene ( REUTERS )

She has continued to rebut Republicans, notably jousting with Rep. Nancy Mace of South Carolina for Maces repeated attacks on transgender people. It seems to have literally paid off, since she raised $1.6 million, which Pyers noted was her best fundraising quarter yet.

All of these members are incumbents in safe seats. But even Democrats who show some level of fight in swing states raised strong numbers. Sen. Mark Kelly of Arizona, who clashed with Elon Musk but isnt up for re-election until 2028, raised $3.9 million.

Perhaps the most endangered Democratic incumbent is Sen. Jon Ossoff of Georgia. Ossoff faces a potentially tough re-election in a state Trump won, particularly if the states popular Republican governor, Brian Kemp, jumps into the race.

But Ossoff raised almost $11.2 million this last fundraising quarter and has a little more than $11 million in the bank. Given how expensive the election will be next year, he will need every penny.
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Congressional Democrats are finding a fighting spirit as Donald Trump and his administration defy court orders to return a wrongfully-deported man.

Kilmar Abrego Garcias deportation to El Salvador, which the Department of Homeland Security and Justice Department have admitted was an error, remains one of the biggest issues in Washington.

A growing number of Democrats and legal experts now have the same prognosis: America is in a constitutional crisis, as the White House and broader federal government ignore court orders to facilitate the return of a man officials have now spent days accusing, without a shred of real evidence, of being a gang member.

And for the most part, the Democratic Party is unified  and finally finding a voice.

Leaders of the opposition party came out this week with forceful statements demanding the Trump administration comply with the courts. Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, on Wednesday, joined a handful of other Democratic senators in announcing that hed place a hold on the administrations nominees for two key US attorney positions.

House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries, whose chamber is not involved in the nomination process, took his own stand at a press conference in Brooklyn.

"The Trump administration has acknowledged [that Garcias deportation was committed in error] and so they need to comply with the Supreme Court's directive or the Supreme Court needs to enforce its order aggressively, which should include contempt, said the House Democratic leader.

open image in gallery Hakeem Jeffries, left, and Chuck Schumer have rediscovered their unity amid the Trump administration's defiance of federal courts over the Kilmar Abrego Garcia case ( Getty Images )

An official Twitter account for the House Democratic caucus and a whole host of other Democratic lawmakers have now released statements on the issue of Abrego Garcias deportation as well  a moment of (mostly) unity for the party which fractured in January with the passage of the Laken Riley Act and again in March in the face of a battle over a government shutdown.

Ask yourselfwhats going to stop the government from deporting you to a prison in El Salvador? wrote Jim McGovern, the senior Democrat on the powerful Rules committee. The people get it. Either everyone has due processor nobody does.

Even John Fetterman, an outlier in his party after breaking with Democrats  hard  on both support for the scale and ferocity of the Israeli assault on Gaza as well as the Laken Riley Act, found that elusive cohesion with his caucus.

The Supreme Court made a unanimous decision, saying the lower Courts order properly requires the Government to facilitate Abrego Garcias release, wrote the Pennsylvania senator. Calling on the White House to follow this directive.

Chris Van Hollen, of Garcias home state, apparently understood the assignment. He reportedly drew a standing ovation at his own town hall Tuesday evening by announcing a visit to El Salvador to attempt to speak with Abrego Garcia, then did so the very next day. Other Democrats are seeking a full congressional delegation from the House. They may push ahead with a visit even if Speaker Mike Johnson doesnt approve it.

The partys unification around Abrego Garcias case has pushed any dissenting voices underground.

One of them, identified only as a centrist House Democrat, aired a very dismissive complaint to Axios on Wednesday, while referring to yet another wrongful deportation case: "Rather than talking about the tariff policy and the economy ... the thing where his numbers are tanking, we're going to go take the bait for one hairdresser.

With those few exceptions in mind, Democrats seem to be meeting the moment, spurred by enraged activist groups and voters alike.

But theres one big question on the minds of those who are looking to see who emerges as the partys next standard bearer. Two, actually: Where is Joe? Where is Kamala?

Both Democrats who ran for president in 2024 have largely dropped off the face of the earth since that disastrous November drubbing at the hands of Donald Trump. Joe Biden gave his first big speech since leaving office on Tuesday  he appeared tired, and stumbled through his speech at times, and couldnt attack Trump by name. His address did not touch on the administrations deportations.

open image in gallery Kamala Harris, the partys nominee in the November presidential elections, hasnt held a public event in months ( Getty Images for BET )

With his political career behind him, however, few are expecting a fiery Biden to emerge to rally the troops.

Its Kamala Harris whose silence is more surprising. Despite her well-reported future political ambitions, the ex-vice president has not said a word about Abrego Garcia on social media, has largely ceased holding public events for the time being, and has had nothing to say about the constitutional crisis which her former peers in Congress now say the US faces. Once again, Harris finds herself at the center of accusations that her partys sense of urgency does not meet its own rhetoric.

With Democratic groups pressing ahead full-steam in the effort to build the Resistance 2.0 and fight the shocking scale of changes Donald Trump is seeking to make to the federal government, Harris could find herself left behind and accused of checking out if she seeks to rebuild a brand as a leader of her party if shes eyeing 2028  or if she runs for governor of California next year.
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El Salvadors President Nayib Bukele intends to double the size of the notorious mega-prison thats currently holding U.S. deportees, according to a new report.

Bukele told Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem last month that he plans to build out the El Salvador prison known as CECOT, which has been attacked by human rights groups as a tropical gulag rife with abuses, The Wall Street Journal reported Wednesday.

The prison, which can house up to 40,000 inmates, in recent weeks began holding hundreds of immigrants that the Trump administration alleges are members of a Venezuelan gang, a Salvadoran father transported there in error who courts have ordered be returned to the U.S., and others as the Trump administration cracks down on its deportation operation in defiance of U.S. court orders, according to judges.

We have no plans to bring them back, this is a long-term solution, Noem told the Journal after her visit with Bukele in March. He has plans to double the size. He has 80-plus acres there that hes going to continue to build on.

The revelation comes days after Trump asked about El Salvador expanding its prison facilities as he has threatened to send American citizens who have broken the law to the foreign prison.

The homegrowns are next, he told Bukele. You gotta build about five more places  Its not big enough.

open image in gallery President Donald Trump speaks during a meeting with El Salvador's President Nayib Bukele, who reportedly plans to double the size of a notorious prison where U.S. deportees are being held

That same day, Bukele was asked about whether he would release Maryland father Kilmar Abrego Garcia, who was sent to CECOT last month after the Trump administration claimed with no evidence that he was a MS-13 gang member. The administration has since admitted Abrego Garcia, who has an American court order granting him permission to live in the U.S., was sent to the prison in error.

Last week, the Supreme Court called on the Trump administration to facilitate his return to the United States after a lower court judge earlier this month demanded that the government return him to the United States, calling his removal a grievous error and his detention at the brutal prison wholly lawless.

Though government attorneys have admitted that Abrego Garcias removal was due to an administrative mistake, they have refused to take steps to bring him back to the United States. They have argued that they understood the Supreme Courts order to mean that Abrego Garcia may be allowed to re-enter the U.S. if and when hes sent back by Salvadoran authorities.

But Trump officials have also said that Abrego Garcia would then be immediately sent back to the prison in El Salvador.

open image in gallery Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem speaks outside of a crowded prison cell at El Salvadors CECOT on March 26 ( POOL/AFP via Getty Images )

On Monday, El Salvadors smiling president said of course he would not release Abrego Garcia back to the U.S. The Trump administration is reportedly paying El Salvador $6 million to imprison those shipped from the U.S., and claims it has no way to convince Bukele to release Abrego Garcia.

The question is preposterous, Bukele told reporters as he sat next to Trump.  How can I smuggle a terrorist into the United States? I dont have the power to return him to the United States.

Maryland Senator Chris van Hollen on Wednesday traveled to CECOT to assist with Abrego Garcias release, but his requests to visit and talk to him were denied, he said.

Maryland District Judge Paula Xinis on Tuesday ordered that Trump administration officials must testify about what steps, If any, they have taken to comply with the Supreme Court order. There will be no tolerance for gamesmanship or grandstanding, she warned.

On Wednesday another federal judge found that Trump administration officials could be held in criminal contempt for willful disregard of his orders to turn planes around carrying alleged Venezuelan gang members summarily deported to the brutal Salvadoran prison under the presidents use of a wartime law.

U.S. District Judge James E. Boasberg warned he could refer the matter for prosecution next week if the administration fails to return the men to U.S. custody

Noem, meanwhile, was sharply criticized after filming a video last month in front of a crowded prison cell while she warned that those who enter the U.S. illegally could wind up in the prison.
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A MAGA loyalist is reportedly eyeing a gubernatorial run in the Empire State after amassing support from the president, GOP donors, and the MAGA community.

Rep. Elise Stefanik, 40, who represents a district in upstate New York, made headlines just a few weeks ago after Trump withdrew her nomination to serve as the U.S. ambassador to the United Nations for tactical voting reasons in Congress.

Stefanik remained MAGA, insisting she was proud to be a team player and one of his [Trumps] top allies on Capitol Hill.

Two anonymous sources told Politico this week that if Stefanik were to enter the race, it could create a rift with fellow New York Republican Rep. Mike Lawler, who is also considering a run.

Congresswoman Elise Stefanik is GREAT!!! President Trump wrote on Wednesday.

Stefanik would likely be taking on Democratic Governor Kathy Hochul in a state that voted 56 percent in favor of former Vice President Kamala Harris last November.

open image in gallery Trump Cabinet Stefanik ( Copyright 2025 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. )

Since, withdrawing her nomination for the United Nations, Trump has lavished praise on Stefanik:

She is phenomenal, number one. She is a friend of mine.  But shes very popular in her district. And I didnt want to take a chance, he said in March.

We have a slim margin. We dont want to take any chances. We dont want to experiment, he added.

Harvard government professor Steven Levitsky, co-author of How Democracies Die, had some harsh words for Stefanik back in January 2024.

Stefanik appears to be willing to go down Trumps authoritarian path wholeheartedly. She scares me in several ways, he told The Guardian during a period when the ultra-conservative was emerging as a strong advocate for Trumps third presidential campaign.

Stefanik is a Harvard graduate who began her political career as a moderate in the GOP but has since shifted right as the MAGA movement has engulfed the party. Despite dedicating an entire section on her congressional website to her support for law enforcement, Stefanik is an avid defender of the actions of the January 6 rioters, calling them hostages in an interview with NBC News.

open image in gallery Rep. Mike Lawler, a fellow Republican candidate, could go head to head with Stefanik in a bid to crush Democratic Hochul ( Getty Images )

Stefanik is also an outspoken supporter of Israel.

Speaking at an anti-semitism address in May 2024, she said: I was raised in Upstate New York, I attended an all-girls day school right next door to a synagogue. I grew up attending b'nai mitzvot of childhood and family friends and have been welcomed into many homes for Shabbat dinner.

Ive celebrated with my friends the birth of their children, attending baby namings and bri-tote, and signing a ketubah at a friends wedding. My love and respect for the Jewish people and the people of Israel is lifelong and deep.

Who are her rivals?

Kathy Hochul, 66, is the current Governor of New York State, and she is set to run for a second full term in 2026.

Providing Stefanik runs, she will likely face off against Lawler in a bid for Trumps endorsement as well as the partys nomination.

Lawler hinted that he would run in the 2026 election, as reported by the New York Post in December of last year.

Republican Putnam County Executive Kevin Byrne could also be vying for a seat, according to Politico.

The Independent contacted Stefaniks office for comment.
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Actor George Clooney and statistician Nate Silver have revealed who they believe will be the Democratic nominee in 2028.

Clooney said during an interview with CNN Wednesday that he backs Maryland Governor Wes Moore, who he hailed as a proper leader for his handling of the Baltimore Key Bridge collapse last year. Silver, meanwhile, predicts that progressive New York Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez will be the Democratic pick, citing her high polling numbers.

Silver shared his thoughts as part of his Silver Bulletin newsletter on Wednesday alongside former FiveThirtyEight podcast host Galen Druke, who currently hosts the GD Politics podcast. Druke also chose the New York progressive as his top pick.

I think theres a lot of points in her favor at this very moment, Druke noted. In a Yale poll just out this week, AOC has the highest net favorability rating of any of the Democrats that they asked about.

Druke went on to say that Ocasio-Cortez has broad appeal across the Democratic Party and theres a lot of people who could potentially get on board with her.

He added that its equally important that she has very fervent support.

I think a lot of people are gonna run in 2028, and its going to be a contest for attention and getting those sort of people who might be in your boat to turn out and stay with you through thick and thin, and I think thats Ocasio-Cortez, said Druke. The media is kind of obsessed with her, and theyre going to follow her every move, which means she will be able to keep the attention on her throughout the primary process.

open image in gallery Nate Silver and Galen Druke picked Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez as their most likely choice for the 2028 Democratic presidential nominee ( Getty Images )

I agree with everything, said Silver, the founder of FiveThirtyEight. She was going to be my first pickBecause of some of the polling; because she has this kind of progressive lane, probably not to herself; because she is younger and media savvy. I mean, look, in polls, if she were to try to primary Chuck Schumer, she is now ahead in those polls, and New York Democrats are actually a pretty moderate bloc.

But the statistician noted that he wasnt sure she would even mount a campaign.

I think shes gonna run, Druke countered. If youve been following her moves in terms of her Fight Oligarchy tour, in terms of the kind of content shes putting out on social media.

Druke argued that she has learned a lot as a politician since those early days of opposing Amazon, and especially those early days of the 'Abolish ICE' stuff that was very unpopular ultimately.

He noted that Ocasio-Cortezs message today is all about the economy as she bashes Trump for his most obvious weakness  the number of billionaires in his cabinet.

Druke argued that Trump is serving people who are ultimately not the median voter in America.

open image in gallery Former Vice President Kamala Harris was also named as a potential leader for the Democrats in 2028. ( Getty Images for BET )

I think one advantage which she has in a Democratic primary is that, as a woman of color, shes not forced to talk about identity all the time because shes sort of self-evidently different from any of the  white guys running, and she doesnt have to prove her bona fides there, he added. At the same time, I think progressives have learned [to] stick to the economic message because what you have to say about those social and cultural state of affairs in America broadly isnt popular, and I think she knows that.

Both Druke and Silver picked Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro as their second-most likely nominee, with Druke going for former Vice President Kamala Harris for his third choice, while Silver went for New Jersey Senator Cory Booker.

Elsewhere, almost a year after helping to get former President Joe Biden out of the 2024 race with his New York Times op-ed, Clooney appeared on CNN on Wednesday, where he backed Moore.

He also mentioned Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear.

Im a Kentucky guy, I like him, hes a good guyAnd hes won in a red state, said the actor, before going on to also point to Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer.

But who I think is who I think is levitating above that is Wes Moore, he said of the Maryland governor.

open image in gallery Actor George Clooney has his eye on Maryland Governor Wes Moore as a possible 2028 Democratic nominee ( Getty Images )

I think he is the guy [who] has handled this tragedy in Baltimore beautifully, he said in reference to the collapse of the Francis Scott Key Bridge on March 26 last year. He has two tours of duty in Afghanistan, active duty. He speaks sort of beautifully. Hes smart. He ran a hedge fund. He ran the Robin Hood Foundation. Hes a proper leader.

We say Democrats fall in love and Republicans fall in line. Although I think Republicans have fallen in love a little bit [with Trump], Clooney added.

I like him a lot, Clooney said of Moore. I think he could be someone we could all join in behind. We have to find somebody rather soon [because the Republicans are] running through government and doing their thing. So its our job now to put together a proper team to stand up because were right now polling very poorly.
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The Trump administration has threatened to pull Harvard Universitys ability to enroll international students unless the school shares information about these students disciplinary records and participation in protests.

It marks the latest escalation in the White Houses crackdown on the Ivy League university over an alleged failure to address campus antisemitism, an effort critics say is a thinly veiled attempt to exert undue influence over the prestigious university.

In a letter to the university on Wednesday, Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem accused Harvard of creating a hostile learning environment for Jewish students.

The letter, obtained by the Harvard Crimson, demands that the university agree by April 30 to sharing information with the administration about international students who have made threats to students or university personnel, obstructed the learning environment, or who have faced disciplinary actions as a result of making threats to other students or populations or participating in protests.

Harvard bending the knee to antisemitism  driven by its spineless leadership  fuels a cesspool of extremist riots and threatens our national security, Secretary Noem said in a statement Wednesday. With anti-American, pro-Hamas ideology poisoning its campus and classrooms, Harvards position as a top institution of higher learning is a distant memory. America demands more from universities entrusted with taxpayer dollars.

If the school lost its accreditation under the Student and Exchange Visitor Program, it would leave the roughly 10,000 international students at Harvard in limbo. These visa-holders make up over a quarter of the schools overall student body and often pay higher tuition rates into university coffers than domestic students.

The White House has accused Harvard of failing to counter campus antisemitism amid widespread pro-Palestine protests over the last two years.

It has threatened the Ivy League school with financial devastation if it doesnt agree to a series of sweeping demands that go beyond antisemitism-related issues, including cooperating with federal immigration officials, ending diversity programs, screening international students for their views, de-recognizing pro-Palestine student groups, and Harvard subjecting itself to a wide-ranging viewpoint diversity audit.

Harvard faces losing billions in federal funds and tax-exempt status in battle with Trump administration over alleged campus antisemitism ( Copyright 2023 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. )

Across the country, the administration has attempted to deport multiple leaders of the campus Gaza solidarity movement and pull the visas of over 1,000 international students.

Harvard, for its part, has maintained that it has worked diligently to stop antisemitism on campus.

University officials said on Monday they would not agree to the administrations demands, calling them an inappropriate overreach. Harvard is the first of the many Ivy League universities targeted by the administration to affirmatively commit to resisting the administrations demands.

No government  regardless of which party is in power  should dictate what private universities can teach, whom they can admit and hire, and which areas of study and inquiry they can pursue, Harvard president Alan Garber wrote this week.

Shortly after Harvard signaled its stance, the administration froze $2.2 billion of federal funding, part of roughly $9 billion in federal funds Trump has threatened to pull from the school.

We will continue to comply with the law and expect the Administration to do the same, the university said in a statement on Wednesday after the threat to international enrollment.

In recent days, President Trump has also threatened to revoke Harvards tax-exempt status.
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A 27-year-old man from Columbia who was being detained by Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents allegedly threw an elbow and busted an agent's nose, according to federal prosecutors.

Hector Villegas-Alvarez has been charged with assaulting a federal official, according to the U.S. Attorney's Office.

ICE agents were conducting surveillance outside of Villegas-Alvarez's home in New Jersey on February 23 and were hoping to arrest him for entering the country illegally, according to a U.S. Justice Department news release.

When the agents surveilling the home moved to arrest Villegas-Alvarez, he allegedly physically resisted and elbowed one of the agents in the face.

The blow broke the agents nose and gave her a concussion. Federal prosecutors claim that the ICE agent suffered "severe post-concussion symptoms, including fainting and difficulty breathing."

An Immigration and Customs Enforcement agent was struck in the face and had their nose broken while trying to detain a man during a New Jersey immigration raid ( AP )

The assault charge carries with it a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison and a fine of up to $250,000.

Between April 6 and April 12, ICE has arrested more than 200 people in the New York City metro area, all under the directive of President Donald Trumps "Operation Take Back America," which the Justice Department describes as "a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations, and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime."

While the Justice Department and Trump push the idea that these raids and deportations are targeted on dangerous individuals, many of the arrests thus far have been of people with no criminal history.

ICE agents have taken a Vietnamese father into custody who was brought to the U.S. as a child and had been regularly attending check-ins with the federal government. They've also rounded up foreign national students attending colleges in the U.S. who have been vocally critical of Israel's genocide in Gaza.
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A doctor from Connecticut has said she was shocked to receive an email from the U.S. governments Department of Homeland Security (DHS) telling her to leave the country, despite being an American citizen born in Pennsylvania.

It is time for you to leave the United States, read the message sent to Lisa Anderson of Cromwell, who said she had at first assumed it was spam.

The language seemed pretty threatening to whomever it might actually apply to, she told NBC Connecticut.

I really have no idea how my email ended up on that list unless someone else was using that as a false email.

Anderson said she has since taken to carrying her passport with her at all times as proof of her citizenship status and is actively looking for an attorney to represent her in case agents from Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) should attempt to apprehend her.

I dont have anything to do with immigration and I never thought that I would have needed the services of an immigration attorney either, and thats where I find myself, she said.

Lisa Anderson, a Connecticut doctor, who received a disturbing email from the Department of Homeland Security ordering her to leave the country, despite being a U.S. citizen ( NBC News )

It does make me concerned there are a lot more people out there like me who probably also thought this was spam, who probably didnt realize, I have a problem.

The incident occurred days after a Boston attorney, who specializes in immigration law, received the same email.

A senior DHS official told NBC in response to that story that Customs and Border Protection (CBP) has been sending out the messages people who do not have a lawful right to be in the U.S. but added: If a non-personal email  such as an American citizen contact  was provided by the alien, notices may have been sent to unintended recipients.

CBP is monitoring communications and will address any issues on a case-by-case basis.

Donald Trumps administration is currently mounting a major crackdown on illegal immigration under border czar Tom Homan, with the president promising the biggest mass deportation in American history on the campaign trail last year.

However, its efforts have already run into problems, the latest of which finds the administration refusing to comply with a federal court order instructing it to facilitate the return of Kilmar Abrego Garcia to Maryland after he was wrongly deported to a notorious mega-prison in El Salvador by administrative error.
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Fox News host Sean Hannity attacked liberal commentator Taylor Lorenz after she praised Luigi Mangione in an interview, telling her that she has a missing chip.

The technology journalist and commentator appeared on Hannitys show Wednesday after being criticized by conservatives for her joy and handsome comments regarding Mangione, who is accused of murdering United Healthcare CEO Brian Thompson, 50, last December.

Im trying to understand what is in your soul that doesnt understand hes a father and a husband here. What are you missing? There seems to be a missing chip with you? Hannity said.

Just two weeks prior, Attorney General Pam Bondi directed federal prosecutors to seek capital punishment for the "premeditated, cold-blooded assassination" of Thompson, which unfolded in December last year on a New York City street.

Mangione has pleaded not guilty to murder and terror charges.

Hannity continued to grill Lorenz: Right, try and explain this to me, you feel joy[...] Those are your words that you felt joy over the murder of this father?

open image in gallery Fox News host Sean Hannity (left) grilled Taylor Lorenz over her comments on accused United CEO healthcare Luigi Mangione ( Fox News )

Lorenz began shaking her head and denied Hannitys accusations.

So let me just be extra clear: never did I say that I felt joy in his death, Lorenz began.

I said very explicitly, if you played the full segment [...] I said that I felt joy along with millions of other Americans that the brutality of our healthcare system was finally being acknowledged.

I believe that our current healthcare system is murderous, she added.

Lorenz later explained to Hannity during the segment that she believed the thousands of American people who die each year because of a lack of adequate health insurance was a violence in itself that is assassination.

The commentator went on to raise the repercussions of a damaged U.S. healthcare system, which she said was plagued by exploitative insurance companies.

open image in gallery Lorenz wrote a scathing post about Hannity on social media hours after speaking with him live on air ( Fox News )

Hannity then doubled down on her glamorization and seal of approval on murder and assassination and said he could not comprehend whose side she was on.

Youre advocating and putting a smiley face on assassination, he chastised.

Lorenz is known for becoming embroiled in controversial American debates in the media, and has been a popular target of hatred and abuse from the right.

One outlet went so far as to brand her as perhaps the most harassed technology journalist in America.

Since the fiery showdown, Lorenz posted an Instagram story that berated Hannity, writing: They finally let me fight this ***** on air.

Mangiones next federal court date is set for April 18, followed by a state hearing on June 26.
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Donald Trumps counterterrorism czar Sebastian Gorka claims Americans who dont support the presidents anti-immigration agenda and deportations policy are on the side of the terrorists.

He suggested advocates for Kilmar Abrego Garcia, a Salvadoran father living in Maryland who was mistakenly deported to a brutal prison in his home country, could be prosecuted for aiding and abetting.

Its not left and right, its not even Republican or Democrat. Theres one line that divides us: Do you love America, or do you hate America? Its really quite that simple, Gorka told Newsmax on Wednesday.

open image in gallery Sebastian Gorka is tasked with developing the administrations plan to combat domestic terrorism, and is suggesting Americans who dont support Trumps deportation policy could be prosecuted for aiding and abetting terrorists ( Getty Images )

We have people that love America, like the president, like his cabinet, like the directors of his agencies, who want to protect Americans. And then theres the other side that is on the side of the cartel members, on the side of the illegal aliens, on the side of the terrorists, he added. And you have to ask yourself: Are they technically aiding and abetting them? Because aiding and abetting criminals and terrorists is a crime in federal statute.

Gorka, who serves as a deputy secretary to the president and the White House senior director for counterterrorism, is tasked with developing the Trump administrations approach to combating domestic terrorism.

The Independent has requested comment from the White House and the Department of Justice.

The administration has designated transnational gangs Tren de Aragua and MS-13 as foreign terrorist organizations and is moving to deport alleged members summarily.

Officials have labeled Abrego Garcia a leader of MS-13, but the allegation rests solely on a statement from an unnamed police informant in 2019. The informant reportedly claimed Abrego Garcia was a member of MS-13s Westerns clique, which operates out of New York, where Abrego Garcia has never lived.

Abrego Garcia, his family and attorneys have flatly rejected the allegations.

The administration is also refusing to share evidence to support allegations that he is involved in human trafficking.

Administration officials blitzed media networks on Wednesday and staged a last-minute White House press conference to blunt criticism for Abrego Garcias removal.

Nothing will change the fact that Abrego Garcia will never be a Maryland father. He will never live in the United States of America again, White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt told reporters.

Attorney General Pam Bondi told Fox News that America is safer because he is gone.

The White House, Justice Department and Department of Homeland Security have also sought to justify his detention in El Salvador by pointing to a protective order filed by his wife in 2021. The order was dissolved a month later.

Things did not escalate, and I decided not to follow through with the civil court process, Jennifer Vasquez Sura told CNN in a statement Wednesday. We were able to work through this situation privately as a family, including by going to counseling. Our marriage only grew stronger in the years that followed. No one is perfect, and no marriage is perfect.

The order does not justify federal agents abducting him and deporting him to a country where he was supposed to be protected from deportation, she added. Kilmar has always been a loving partner and father, and I will continue to stand by him and demand justice for him.

open image in gallery White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt blasted press coverage and Democratic officials that have criticized the administrations removal of Kilmar Abrego Garcia ( EPA )

Abrego Garcia fled El Salvador in 2011 when he was 16 years old. He entered the United States illegally at the time but a judge in 2019 granted a withholding order that prevents his removal from the country for humanitarian reasons. He is a sheet metal apprentice in Maryland, where he has been living with his wife and five-year-old child, both U.S. citizens. The couple is also raising two other children from a previous relationship.

Last month, Immigration and Customs Enforcement swiftly deported Abrego Garcia to El Salvadors notorious jail, where the administration deported dozens of alleged members of Tren de Aragua under the presidents use of the wartime Alien Enemies Act.

The White House and government attorneys have repeatedly admitted that his removal was due to an administrative error. But the administration has refused to seek his return and instead are fighting in court to continue his imprisonment as an alleged member of a foreign terrorist organization. which administration officials argue supersedes any court order against his removal.

Last week, the Supreme Court ordered the Trump administration to facilitate his release from custody in El Salvador. On Tuesday, a federal judge in Maryland rebuked officials for doing nothing since then and has ordered attorneys to report what steps, if any, they are taking to secure his release.
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The U.S. Supreme Court has agreed to hear arguments in the case regarding President Donald Trumps attempt to end birthright citizenship for children born in the U.S. to certain immigrants

In a brief order on Thursday, the justices declined to lift a temporary pause, which three lower court judges ruled on, that prevents Trumps executive order from taking effect nationwide.

They have scheduled arguments for May 15.

Birthright citizenship automatically makes anyone born in the United States an American citizen, including children born to parents in the country illegally. The right is enshrined in the 14th Amendment.

The Trump administration had asked the high court to limit the breadth of the ruling so it only applied to the states that sued and won, despite three federal judges halting it. The dispute is likely going to be the focus of the Supreme Courts arguments.

open image in gallery Birthright citizenship has been enshrined in the US Constitution for more than 150 years ( AP )

Trump and his supporters have argued that there should be tougher standards for becoming an American citizen, which he called a priceless and profound gift in the executive order he signed soon after becoming president in January.

The Trump administration has asserted that children of noncitizens are not subject to the jurisdiction of the United States, a phrase used in the amendment, and therefore are not entitled to citizenship.

States, immigrants and rights groups that have sued to block the executive order have accused the administration of trying to unsettle the understanding of birthright citizenship that has been accepted since the amendments adoption.

Judges so far have uniformly ruled against the administration.

The Justice Department argues that individual judges lack the power to give nationwide effect to their rulings.

open image in gallery Justices of the US Supreme Court will hear arguments in the case in May ( AFP via Getty Images )

The administration instead wants the justices to allow Trumps plan to go into effect for everyone except the handful of people and groups that sued. Failing that, the administration says that the plan could remain blocked for now in the 22 states that sued. New Hampshire is covered by a separate order that is not at issue in this case.

As a further fallback, the administration asked at a minimum to be allowed to make public announcements about how it plans to carry out the policy if it eventually is allowed to take effect.

However, while the emergency appeal is not directly focused on the validity of the order, the justices probably will find it hard to avoid that underlying issue.

If the court is inclined to agree with the administration, it risks creating a confusing patchwork of rules in which the state in which a child is born could determine whether citizenship is granted automatically.

Several justices have raised concerns in the past about nationwide, or universal, injunctions, but the court has never ruled on the matter.

The administration made a similar argument in Trumps first term, including in the Supreme Court fight over his ban on travel to the U.S. from several Muslim majority countries.

The court eventually upheld Trumps policy, but did not take up the issue of nationwide injunctions.

The Associated Press contributed to this report
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A federal judge has blocked the Trump administration from shutting down the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau.

U.S. District Judge Amy Berman Jackson issued a preliminary injunction, which means the agency will continue to exist until she can further rule on a lawsuit seeking to preserve the agency.

Berman Jackson said the court "can and must act to save the agency from being shuttered. She noted In her ruling that without court intervention Donald Trump would move quickly to close down agency  set up to protect consumers in the wake of the 2008 financial crisis.

CFPB is responsible for protecting consumers from financial fraud and deceptive practices. It processes consumer complaints and examines banks to protect student loan borrowers.

If the defendants are not enjoined, they will eliminate the agency before the Court has the opportunity to decide whether the law permits them to do it, and as the defendants own witness warned, the harm will be irreparable, Berman Jackson wrote.

The Independent has previously reported on the lawsuit being brought against the CFPB and Acting Director Russell Vought to challenge the dismantling of the bureau. The plaintiffs include several associations as well as a singular consumer: 83-year-old pastor Eva Steege.

Deepak Gupta, an attorney for the plaintiffs, said in a statement that the ruling "blocks the unprecedented plan to dismantle the CFPB  an agency that Congress created to protect Americans financial security. This ruling upholds the Constitutions separation of powers and preserves the Bureaus vital work.

He added: Were heartened by the decision and look forward to continuing to press our case in court.

open image in gallery The Independent has previously reported on the lawsuit being brought against the CFPB and Acting Director Russell Vought to challenge the unlawful dismantling of the bureau ( Copyright 2025 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. )

During a March 10 hearing, Jackson heard testimony about the chaos that erupted inside the agency after government employees were ordered to stop working last month. Trump fired the bureaus previous director, Rohit Chopra, on February 1.

The president then installed a temporary replacement who ordered the immediate suspension of all agency operations, canceled $100 million in contracts and fired 70 employees.

In an exclusive interview, Steege told The Independent how she had scheduled to meet with officials from the CFPB on February 10, hoping to get $15,000 of student debt forgiven via the nations Public Service Loan Forgiveness program.

The day before her meeting, Steege learned that Trump  with muscle Elon Musk and his Department of Government Efficiency  had taken steps to shut down the CFPB.

open image in gallery In her ruling Berman Jackson made specific reference to incendiary quotes by Trump, Musk and their allies about the bureau. Musk had posted CFPB RIP on X, adding an emoji of a tombstone ( Getty Images )

The defendants unlawful action will have immediate consequences for the Americans that the CFPB was designed by Congress to protect, according to the suit.

In her ruling Berman Jackson made specific reference to incendiary quotes by Trump, Musk and their allies about the bureau. Musk had posted CFPB RIP on X, adding an emoji of a tombstone, while Trump called it "a very important thing to get rid of."

In sum, the Court cannot look away or the CFPB will be dissolved and dismantled completely in approximately thirty days, well before this lawsuit has come to its conclusion, Jackson wrote.
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Donald Trumps pick for U.S. Attorney for the District of Columbia has appeared on Russian state media more than 150 times, according to a new report.

Ed Martin, the current interim U.S. Attorney for D.C., appeared on networks funded by the Russian government from August 2016 to April 2024 as a guest commentator on RT and Sputnik, The Washington Post reports.

Martin helped organize the Stop the Steal movement promoting the baseless position that the 2020 election was rigged against Trump. He has also vowed to pursue legal action against anyone impeding Elon Musks DOGE work, and made headlines last month for his history of inflammatory remarks.

He did not initially disclose his appearances on Russian TV when Trump nominated him to his new post.

After dozens of people were killed in a chemical attack in Syria in April 2017, Martin appeared on RT America to claim that it was possible the incident was engineered in Washington by the people that want war in Syria.

The Trump White House denounced the attack, blamed the Syrian government, and ordered a missile strike. Syrian President Bashar al-Assad said at the time that the United States fabricated the whole story in order to have a pretext for a missile strike.

More recently, in early 2022, Martin reportedly said in another appearance that theres no evidence of a Russian military buildup on Ukraines borders. Russia launched a war against Ukraine about a week later.

Ed Martin, the current interim U.S. Attorney for D.C., has appeared on Russian state media 150 times, according to a report ( Copyright 2023 The Associated Press. All rights reserved )

In March of that year, he suggested there was a missed alliance between the U.S. and Russia during Trumps first term.

We needed to be allies with nuclear powers like Russia, he said on Sputnik, the Post reported. What Trump knew was you want to be allies with the toughest dudes on the street. And he was ready to be allies with North Korea and with Putin and everybody.

Martin failed to disclose these appearances on his Senate Judiciary Committee questionnaire, which asks about media appearances, Illinois Senator Dick Durbin, ranking member of the committee, said Wednesday in a statement.

The 150 undisclosed appearances Mr. Martin has made on Russian state media as recently as April of last year as Russia was actively bombing Ukraine  raises further serious questions about whether he has the temperament to serve as U.S. Attorney, concerns that have been underlined by his misconduct as Interim U.S. Attorney, Durbin said. The senator said the Post report underscored the need for Martin to testify under oath about his relationship with Russia.

A spokesperson for Martin told the Post on Tuesday that he has disclosed all of the identified links in a supplemental letter to the Senate in the past two days.

When asked about Martins guest spots on Russian state media, the White House defended Trumps nomination.

President Trump made a brilliant choice in selecting Ed Martin to serve a full, permanent term as United States Attorney for the District of Columbia. With a distinguished record of service, Ed is the perfect leader to restore law and order and make our Nations Capital safe and beautiful once again, a spokesperson told the newspaper.

The Illinois senator, along with other Democrats, last month requested the D.C. bar launch a disciplinary investigation into Martin, citing his dismissal of charges against his own client, a January 6 defendant, and his use of the threat of prosecution to intimidate government employees and chill the speech of private citizens.

This week, a group of former January 6 prosecutors also asked the D.C. bar to investigate Martin, saying he has used his brief time in office to demonstrate a fundamental misunderstanding of the role of a federal prosecutor, announcing investigations against his political opponents, aiding defendants he previously represented, and communicating improperly with those he did not.
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President Donald Trumps attempt to stash away U.S residents in a brutal prison in El Salvador without due process should be shocking to Americans intuitive sense of liberty, according to a panel of federal appeals court judges.

On Thursday, a three-judge panel in Washington, D.C., denied the Trump administrations emergency request to block a court order to enforce a Supreme Court ruling for the government to facilitate the release of Kilmar Abrego Garcia, a wrongfully deported Salvadoran immigrant who was living in Maryland.

A blistering order written by Ronald Reagan-appointed appellate judge J. Harvie Wilkinson said the government is asserting a right to stash away residents of this country in foreign prisons without the semblance of due process that is the foundation of our constitutional order.

The government claims that it has rid itself of custody of Abrego Garcia and there is nothing that can be done, according to the order.

This should be shocking not only to judges, but to the intuitive sense of liberty that Americans far removed from courthouses still hold dear, Wilkinson wrote.

open image in gallery The case of Kilmar Abrego Garcia, who has been imprisoned in a notorious jail in El Salvador since March 15, could soon return to the Supreme Court. An appeals court blasted Donald Trumps team for his handling of the man. ( AP )

Earlier on Thursday, government attorneys called on appellate judge to pause an order requiring officials to explain what, if, anything the administration is doing to return Abrego Garcia, who has spent more than a month inside El Salvadors notorious Terrorism Confinement Center despite a judges 2019 order that blocks his deportation.

Last week, the Supreme Court ordered the administration to facilitate Abrego Garcias release from custody in El Salvador, noting that officials agreed sending him there was illegal.

The White House and government attorneys have repeatedly admitted that his removal was due to an administrative error. But the administration has refused to seek his return and instead are fighting in court to continue his imprisonment as an alleged member of a foreign terrorist organization, which officials argue supersedes any court order against his removal.

Regardless, he is still entitled to due process, Wilkinson added.

If the government is confident of its position, it should be assured that position will prevail in proceedings to terminate the withholding of removal order, he wrote. Moreover, the government has conceded that Abrego Garcia was wrongly or mistakenly deported. Why then should it not make what was wrong, right?

While the Supreme Courts order notes a deference to the presidents authority to conduct foreign policy, that ruling does not allow the government to do essentially nothing, Wilkinson wrote.

Facilitate is an active verb, he added. It requires that steps be taken as the Supreme Court has made perfectly clear.

open image in gallery A three-judge panel in Washington, D.C. on Thursday denied the Trump administrations emergency request to block a court order to enforce a Supreme Court ruling for the government to facilitate the release of Abrego Garcia. ( Getty Images )

The judges also noted the growing tension between the courts and the president, who has repeatedly defied court orders and threatened to impeach judges who have ruled against him, with legal scholars fearing the president steering the country into a constitutional crisis.

But the presidents enormous powers can be restrained, Wilkinson noted.

If today the Executive claims the right to deport without due process and in disregard of court orders, what assurance will there be tomorrow that it will not deport American citizens and then disclaim responsibility to bring them home? he asked. And what assurance shall there be that the Executive will not train its broad discretionary powers upon its political enemies?

Wilkinson noted that the executive and judicial branches are close to grinding irrevocably against one another, and it is all too possible to see in this case an incipient crisis.

But it may present an opportunity as well, he wrote. We yet cling to the hope that it is not naive to believe our good brethren in the Executive Branch perceive the rule of law as vital to the American ethos. This case presents their unique chance to vindicate that value and to summon the best that is within us while there is still time.
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FCC chairman Brendan Carr raged at Comcast Wednesday evening and asserted it was guilty of news distortion because its cable news channel MSNBC didnt carry a White House press briefing that featured the administration continuing to defend its decision to wrongfully deport a Maryland man.

Donald Trumps hand-picked FCC commissioners suggestion that the NBC parent may have violated its broadcasting licenses over the way its networks covered the case of Kilmar Abrego Garcia piggybacked on the White House calling CNN and MSNBC shameful for declining to air the presser.

This is also just the latest example of Carr and the Trump administration attacking media outlets over their editorial direction while threatening them with investigations and punishment.

Comcast outlets spent days misleading the American publicimplying that Abrego Garcia was merely a law abiding U.S. citizen, just a regular Maryland man. When the truth comes out, they ignore it, Carr tweeted on Wednesday night.

Comcast knows that federal law requires its licensed operations to serve the public interest. News distortion doesnt cut it, he continued. Abrego Garcia came to America illegally from El Salvador, was validated as a member of the violent MS13 ganga transnational criminal organizationand was denied bond by an immigration court for failure to show he would not pose a danger to others.

open image in gallery FCC chair Brendan Carr ramped up his attacks on mainstream media outlets by accusing Comcast of news distortion because MSNBC declined to air the White House press briefing. ( AFP via Getty Images )

Carr concluded by wondering why Comcast was ignoring these facts of obvious public interest.

His remarks were in reaction to White House communications director Steven Cheung blasting cable news channels for not airing Wednesdays press briefing, which featured the mother of a woman murdered by a Salvadoran gang member to blunt criticism of the administration defying a court order to facilitate Abrego Garcias return.

SHAMEFUL that @CNN and @MSNBC refuses to take Angel Mom Patty Morin as she recounts the terrible tragedy of how an illegal killed her sweet daughter, Rachel, Cheung fumed.

Throughout the briefing, press secretary Karoline Leavitt bashed the mainstream media and Democrats for describing Abrego Garcia as a Maryland father while repeating the administrations largely unsupported claim that he is an MS-13 gang member and foreign terrorist.

She also explicitly took a swipe at Sen. Chris Van Hollen (D-MD) for traveling to El Salvador to try to obtain information on the status and welfare of Abrego Garcia, who is currently locked up in the countrys notorious CECOT megaprison after the administration admittedly shipped him there  without due process  because of an administrative error.

Nothing will change the fact that Abrego Garcia will never be a Maryland father. He will never live in the United States of America again, the press secretary exclaimed while simultaneously misstating the Supreme Courts ruling that the administration must facilitate Abrego Garcias release and return.

It's appalling and sad that Senator Van Hollen and the Democrats applauding his trip to El Salvador today are incapable of having any shred of common sense or empathy for their own constituents and our citizens, Leavitt continued.

While the administration refuses to seek Abrego Garcias return and publicly accuses him of being an MS-13 leader and member of a foreign terrorist organization who is involved in human trafficking, the governments attorneys have yet to make these claims in court and they havent been supported by any evidence presented.

open image in gallery Throughout a Wednesday briefing, press secretary Karoline Leavitt bashed the mainstream media and Democrats for describing Abrego Garcia as a Maryland father while repeating the administrations largely unsupported claim that he is an MS-13 gang member and foreign terrorist. ( AP )

Carrs direct attack on Comcast comes a day after Trump ripped into the media giant and its chairman Brian Roberts, claiming that the company was spinning off MSNBC and its cable assets because it was worried the networks news coverage would bring legal action.

Wow! Fake News MSNBC has REALLY BAD RATINGS, in fact, not much better than the broken broadcasting disaster known as CNN. Comcast, which also has the ailing network known as NBC, is trying to stay away from lawsuits by disassociating NBC from MSNBC, but it wont work, Trump posted on Truth Social. Comcast, the owner of both, and its Chairman, Brian Roberts, are a disgrace to the integrity of Broadcasting!!!

The president has ramped up his media attacks since returning to the White House, and has enlisted Carr as something of an attack dog in his mission to seek retribution against news organizations he feels have unfairly covered him.

Earlier this week, for instance, Trump once again called for CBS to lose its license because he was upset about two segments aired on 60 Minutes, warning that the network would pay a big price for the broadcast. Trump, of course, is also suing the network for $20 billion over his allegations that 60 Minutes engaged in election interference for its deceitful editing of a Kamala Harris interview, a case that most legal experts feel is meritless. Still, due to a pending merger between CBS parent company Paramount and Skydance, a settlement with the president is in discussion.

Carr has also ordered a probe into Comcast over its diversity, equity and inclusion programs. I want to ensure that your companies are not promoting invidious forms of discrimination in violation of FCC regulations and civil rights laws, Carr said in a letter in February.

Meanwhile, as Deadline reported this week, cable networks like MSNBC are outside of the FCCs jurisdiction with respect to news distortion and NBC News  which does fall under the FCCs authority  led its Nightly News broadcast with Leavitts claims that Abrego Garcia is an MS-13 member, along with his familys denials. Additionally, the FCC, by its own admission, has a very narrow authority over news content.

As far as this latest attack by Carr, media journalist Oliver Darcy noted that its just one more example of how the Trump administration is weaponizing their powers to bully critics. Thats not free speech; its an attempt at censorship.
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President Donald Trump on Thursday said the United States and Ukraine would sign an agreement giving America access to much of Ukraines mineral wealth next week, more than a month after a planned White House signing ceremony with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky was aborted after a disastrous meeting between him and Trump in the Oval Office.

Trump announced the revived agreement and said it would be signed a week from today as he spoke to reporters alongside Italian prime minister Georgia Meloni on Thursday.

Well, we have a minerals deal, which I guess is going to be signed on Thursday ... and I assume they're going to live up to the deal, so we'll see, he said.

The presidents announcement indicates that relations between Washington and Kyiv  which have taken a downward turn since Trumps inauguration on account of his administrations generally pro-Russian outlook  are on the mend weeks after a public spat between Trump and Zelensky brought them to a nadir even as Russia has stepped up attacks on Ukrainian civilians and infrastructure to take advantage of Trumps reluctance to provide Kyiv with more military aid.

Trump accuses 'disrespectful' Zelensky of gambling with WW3

The revived minerals deal is a sign that both countries have agreed on allowing American access to exploit Ukrainian mineral deposits in exchange for continued financial and military aid. It comes as Trump has continued to tout pro-Russian narratives about the causes of the three-year-old war between Moscow and Kyiv and blame Zelensky for starting the war, which was in reality started by Russia.

The president has also repeatedly demanded access to Ukrainian mineral wealth and concessions to future development rights as a form of compensation for the aid that the U.S. has given Kyiv since Russia launched an unprovoked invasion in February 2022.

Trump was speaking as Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Special Envoy Steve Witkoff were meeting with the French president, Emmanuel Macron, in Paris to discuss how to bring the Ukraine-Russia war to an end.

During Februarys disastrous Oval Office blowup that derailed the previous attempt at a mineral plan, a question-and-answer session with reporters devolved into a shouting match that ended with a vulgar, grievance-filled rant from Trump and taunts about Zelenskys supposed lack of gratitude from Vice President JD Vance.

As reporters watched, the two men spoke about the mineral deal that Zelenskys government has been discussing with Trump administration officials for several weeks, with Trump saying it was an honor to have Zelensky at the White House  his first visit to Washington since the change of administration  and describing the work to reach a deal as very hard while saying it was going very well.

But the conversation took a turn after roughly 30 minutes of questions from reporters as the subject turned to whether the agreement between the U.S. and Ukraine would include any security guarantees from the American side.

Vance berated Zelensky about his supposed lack of gratitude to his American benefactors, and the Ukrainian leader was asked to leave the White House shortly thereafter without signing the agreement.

Russian drone attack hits Odesa

Trump claims that the deal is needed because in his view, past aid should be treated as loans and debt for Ukraine to repay, but Kyiv has refused to accept his framing of the situation.

Meanwhile, Moscow has continued to rain down aerial attacks on the Ukrainian population even as Trump has tried to engage Russia in what he has described as peace talks that were supposed to have resulted in at least a temporary ceasefire weeks ago.

While the Ukrainian government had agreed to pause attacks on energy infrastructure as an opening measure, Russian forces never stopped targeting Ukraines power grid or civilian targets. But Trump has refused to provide Kyiv with further defensive aid, including the U.S. built anti-aircraft missiles that Ukrainian forces have been using to repel Russian attacks from above.

The president has continued to blame Zelensky for the war started by Russia, and Trumps Ukraine envoy, retired lieutenant general Keith Kellogg, told The Times last week that one way to end the war could be to partition Ukraine in a manner similar to how Germany was split asunder after its defeat at the end of the Second World War.

Trump again blames Zelensky for starting Ukraine war

Under the plan floated by Kellogg, the eastern half would be occupied by Russia, while an Anglo-French force could patrol the western half of Ukraine with the two forces separated by a demilitarized zone.

You could almost make it look like what happened with Berlin after World War Two, when you had a Russian zone, a French zone, and a British zone, a US zone, he said, adding the caveat that America would not contribute any ground forces to secure Ukraine.
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Even after Donald Trumps tariffs sent markets plummeting and economists expressed concern about consumer prices, the vast majority of Trump voters do not regret casting their ballots for the president.

Among a sample of people who voted for Trump, only 2 percent said they regret their vote and would vote differently if they had the chance, according to a new University of Massachusetts Amherst / YouGov poll.

In February 2017, 4 percent of people said they regretted voting for Trump.

The poll from UMass Amherst / YouGov also found that 74 percent of people who voted for Trump said they remain confident in their decision. Just 26 percent of voters said they have some concerns about their vote.

open image in gallery Only 2 percent of people who voted for Trump said they regret their decision and would vote for a different candidate, according to a new poll ( AFP via Getty Images )

President Trump still has ample opportunity to convince his voters that he was the right person for the job, but the clock is ticking and his supporters are watching to see if he can deliver, Tatishe Nteta, a professor of political science at UMass Amherst and director of the poll said in a statement.

Trump campaigned on promises including conducting mass deportation of undocumented immigrants, lowering grocery prices, increasing energy production, ending the RussiaUkraine war, ending the IsraelHamas war, cutting taxes, and reducing federal spending.

For the most part, Trump has begun executing on those promises, but it hasnt come without issues.

One major point of contention is Elon Musks role as a senior adviser and de facto head of the Department of Government Efficiency, which has swiftly recommended massive cuts to the federal workforce, policies and agencies.

Polling from UMass Amherst and YouGov found that most Americans do not trust Musk to protect private information, identify federal programs to cut or avoid using his position to benefit his businesses.

open image in gallery The introduction of Elon Musk into the Trump administration has been a point of contention for some Trump voters who do not trust Musk ( Getty Images )

Another point of contention for most Americans is the presidents quickness to defy federal judges who have ordered the administration to reinstate federal employees, agencies or policies that theyve suddenly and drastically axed.

The poll found that 55 percent are concerned Trump will defy a court order  something the administration has already been accused of doing by refusing to return a wrongly-deported man to the U.S. from a prison in El Salvador.

Although judges have ordered the administration to return Kilmar Abrego Garcia, they remain firm that he was correctly deported despite members of the government admitting it was a mistake.

But regardless of the chaos Trump has caused by upending decades-old policies and established agencies, more than 50 percent of Trump voters said they remain hopeful about the next four years, though the Trump voters who are more hopeful are white, non-college educated and earning less than $40k.
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Almost 30,000 real eggs will be used at the annual White House Easter Egg Roll on Monday - despite a national shortage and high prices.

For more than 140 years, the president and first lady have hosted children and families on the lawn of the White House, playing egg-based games and taking part in hunts as a celebration of Easter. The American Egg Board has long assisted in helping the White House put on the tradition, donating tens of thousands of eggs for the past 50 years.

This year will be no different.

Despite high egg prices and strained supply as a result of the avian flu, the American Egg Board said it would continue its tradition and donate 2,500 dozen cartons for children and families to use at the event.

open image in gallery President Donald Trump will host the annual White House Easter Egg Roll on Monday alongside First Lady Melania Trump ( Getty Images )

The heart of this event is about bringing joy to children and families, and in these difficult times for egg farmers, its important to celebrate wherever we can, Emily Metz, President and CEO of the American Egg Board, said.

Eggs are at the center of cherished Easter and Passover traditions and memories, and this year is no different, she added.

President Donald Trump said he rejected other peoples suggestion to use plastic eggs this year as well.

Metz made it clear that the donation of 2,500 dozen eggs will not create additional strain on the nations egg supply or egg prices because they represent a very small percentage of eggs sold in grocery stores. The eggs used in the White House Egg Roll will also be small and medium sizes, which she said are not meant for retail.

open image in gallery Former president Joe Biden helps a young guest roll her hard-boiled egg down the South Lawn during the 2024 White House Easter Egg Roll ( Getty Images )

The White House Easter Egg Roll tradition began in 1878 during Rutherford B. Hayess administration. A group of children showed up to the White House hoping to use the lawn for an egg role on Easter Monday, which Hayes agreed to.

Since then, the egg roll event has gotten more elaborate with a designated area for activities and games on the South Lawn, a visit from the Easter Bunny and more.

At various times in history the egg roll has been postponed  during World War I and II as well as Covid-19.

It is free to attend the White House Egg Roll, however due to demand there is a lottery process for those wishing to join.

open image in gallery President Donald Trump looks on near the Easter Bunny during Easter celebrations in 2018 ( AFP via Getty Images )

Since the event is geared toward children and families, the White House said there must be at least one child under the age of 12 and one adult to enter the lottery.

This year, the White House is soliciting corporate sponsorship for the event with the help of Harbinger, a Washington D.C.-based production company. The money raised will go to the White House Historical Association, a nonprofit.

The egg roll has long been funded by private sponsorships.
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A helicopter carrying two people crashed in Melbourne just minutes after taking off on Thursday, leaving one person injured.

The incident occurred at the Moorabbin Airport at around 2.30pm local time (4.30am GMT), when an R44 helicopter took off for what was described as a training operation.

The aircraft achieved an altitude of roughly 750 feet above the airport before it came down near the airports runway.

Emergency crews managed to pull both occupants from the wreck and both suffered minor injuries, with one taken to The Alfred hospital for further treatment, authorities said.

Photographs from the scene showed the mangled remains of the helicopter lying near a runway, with a crumpled rotor blade and a detached tail section.

Fire Rescue Victoria said fuel had begun leaking from the wreck immediately after the crash, raising the risk of a fire.

Unable to stop the leak, FRV crews laid a blanket of firefighting foam over the spilt fuel and aircraft and isolated power sources to the helicopter to ensure the fuel did not ignite, the agency said in a statement.

The helicopters rotor blade was badly crumpled and the tail section snapped off in the crash.

open image in gallery Visuals from the scene showed the crumpled remains of the helicopter doused in firefighting foam ( Nine )

Victoria Police confirmed there were no fatalities and said emergency services were called promptly after the crash.

Two people were on the craft at the time and one person suffered non-life-threatening injuries, police said. WorkSafe and ATSB will be notified of the incident.

Data from FlightRadar24 indicated the aircraft had only been airborne for a short time before it came down near the runway.

The Australian Transport Safety Bureau (ATSB) said it had been informed of the crash and it was gathering evidence to determine whether a full-scale investigation is required. WorkSafe has also been notified, as the flight was part of a training operation.

The helicopters wreckage remained near the runway well into the evening as authorities worked to secure the area and document the incident.

The R44 model is commonly used in pilot training and light commercial aviation. The Moorabbin Airport is a key hub for flight training in Victoria.

The crash is the latest in a series of recent helicopter incidents across Australia. Investigations are still ongoing into the fatal 2023 Sea World crash in Queensland, which killed four people, including two British tourists.

Last year, a 23-year-old pilot died after crashing a helicopter onto the roof of a Queensland hotel. That flight had not been authorised, and the pilot lacked qualifications for night flying, according to an ATSB report.
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Two British tourists are believed to be among the four people killed when a cable cars traction cable snapped and the cabin plummeted to the ground in southern Italy.

Four tourists and an engineer were on board the cable car when it plunged at maximum speed into woodland in Naples after striking a pylon on Thursday afternoon, triggering a major rescue operation in the face of bad weather and fog.

Four people were killed as the cable car approached the Monte Faito landing station  including a British woman and an Israeli woman, according to a spokesperson for the mayor of Vico Equense  while a fifth person flung from the cabin was evacuated by helicopter in a serious condition.

Vincenzo De Luca, president of Campania, called the day truly tragic and painful in a post on social media and said his thoughts go to those who died, were injured and their families, adding that he was grateful for the rescuers.

An investigation into multiple manslaughter and culpable disaster has been opened by Italian prosecutors, according to reports. Checks were being carried out by investigators on the cable car and the possibility that strong wind was among the causes of the incident.

open image in gallery The accident happened as the cable car was approaching the Monte Faito landing station, a peak around 45 km (28 miles) south-east of the city offering hikers views of Naples and Vesuvius ( AP )

Umberto De Gregorio, chairman of the EAV public transport company, which runs the cable car service, posted on Facebook: What happened is an unimaginable and unpredictable tragedy. The firm said the service had reopened a week ago with all the required safety conditions.

Two of the four people killed when disaster struck and the supporting cable snapped shortly after 3pm were British nationals on holiday, according to Italian media. Another was a cable car operator from a nearby town, Il Corriere della Sera reported, and the fourth was an Israeli tourist.

A second Israeli was injured and in a stable but serious condition, the Naples hospital treating him said on Friday.

Luigi Vicinanza Sindaco, the mayor of Castellammare, said on Facebook that there will be a day of mourning and decided to cancel all initiatives for the Easter holidays.

Mr De Luca told Rainews that the two tourist couples were in the cabin along the cableway that connects the city of Castellammare di Stabia in Naples with Monte Faito, a peak around 45 km (28 miles) south-east of the city offering hikers views of Naples and Vesuvius.

open image in gallery Firefighters working on the site of the Monte Faito cable car collapse on Friday ( Vigili del Fuoco/AFP via Getty I )

Mr Vicinanza Sindaco told reporters: "The traction cable broke, the emergency brake downstream worked, but evidently not the one on the cabin that was entering the station on the top of Faito.

Another cabin stopped in mid-air near the foot of the mountain, with 16 passengers evacuated one-by-one with harnesses, footage on RAI TV and other media showed.

Italy's alpine rescue, along with over 50 firefighters, police and civil protection services worked on the site all Thursday night.

De Luca told RAI that fog and high winds hampered the rescue.

The cable car services had just reopened for the spring and summer season ten days previously, Mr De Gregorio said.

open image in gallery The cable car services had just reopened for the spring and summer season ten days previously, Mr De Gregorio said ( AP )

Mr De Luca told Rainews during the rescue mission: The fog and bad weather are hindering operations but it could have been worse  many human lives were saved. The company told us that maintenance had been done.

It is likely that the cabin descended at maximum speed and hit the central pylons, now we must do everything we can to help the injured.

The cable car had been closed for many years, it was reactivated in 2017, and renovation work has been done.

Angelo Lustro, general secretary of the CGIL union said: "We are facing a tragedy that leaves us breathless and speechless.

Confirming the engineer as one of the victims, he added: Now is the time for mourning and silence for the victims of this immense and absurd tragedy. Then the time will come to ascertain the causes and who is responsible."

open image in gallery A cable car pylon is seen at the site of the crash that killed four people in Monte Faito, near Naples, on Thursday ( REUTERS )

Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni expressed her condolences from Washington DC, where she met with US President Donald Trump.

Minister of Culture Alessandro Giuli expressed his condolences to the victims, saying: Monte Faito is a symbolic place. As a guardian of natural beauty to see it today the scene of such a tragedy saddens us deeply.

Our most sincere thoughts go to the community affected and to all those who are facing the consequences of this tragedy.

A UK Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office spokesperson said: "We are dealing with an incident in Italy and are in contact with the local authorities. Our thoughts are with those affected."

In 2021, 14 people died in Italy when a cable car linking the northern Lake Maggiore with a nearby mountain plunged to the ground.
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Ukraine has intelligence that shows China is supplying weapons to Russia, president Volodymyr Zelensky said on Thursday as he announced significant progress towards a minerals deal with the United States.

We believe that Chinese representatives are engaged in the production of some weapons on the territory of Russia, he told reporters in Kyiv.

He did not specify whether he meant artillery systems or shells.

The allegation is likely to further strain relations between Kyiv and Beijing following the capture of Chinese nationals fighting for Russia. China has so far tried to maintain an outward perception of neutrality in the three-year war prompted by Russias full-scale invasion of Ukraine.

Ukraine has previously called on China to use its influence over Russia to push it towards peace.

We already have facts about this work by China and Russia to strengthen their defence capabilities, Mr Zelensky said, voicing his dismay as he said Chinese president Xi Jinping had promised him Beijing would not sell or supply weapons to Moscow.

Meanwhile, he said Ukraine and the US were poised to sign a memorandum of intent on the minerals deal being negotiated by the two countries.

Donald Trump has pushed for a deal that would allow the US to have privileged access to Ukraines natural resources and critical minerals in what he casts as repayment for military aid provided by Washington to Ukraine under the previous presidency of Joe Biden.

The Ukrainian delegation travelled to Washington at the end of last week for negotiations after the Trump administration offered a new, more expansive deal. The initial framework agreement that was agreed to has never been signed.

This is a memorandum of intent. And we have positive, constructive intentions, Mr Zelensky said.

He added that the offer to sign the memorandum before the comprehensive deal, which would require ratification in the Ukrainian parliament, had come from the US side.

Ukraines economy minister has said Kyiv and Washington made significant progress while discussing the agreement.

Meanwhile, European and Ukrainian officials kicked off a day of talks in Paris to plead Kyivs case to US secretary of state Marco Rubio and Mr Trumps envoy, Steve Witkoff.

The diplomacy reflects Europes mounting concern over White House overtures towards Moscow, after the failure so far of Mr Trumps efforts to arrange a ceasefire in the three-year-old Russia-Ukraine war.

Mr Trump, who has long said he aims to swiftly end the Ukraine war, has indicated he is frustrated with both Moscow and Kyiv, even as his administration has shifted rhetoric towards the Russian account of the conflict.

Ukraine agreed to a Trump proposal last month for a ceasefire, which Russia rejected. The sides have agreed only to curbs on attacks against energy targets and at sea, which both accuse each other of violating.

Reuters and Associated Press contributed to this report.
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French President Emmanuel Macron said Thursday that historic injustice was imposed on Haiti when it was forced to pay a colossal indemnity to France in exchange for its independence 200 years ago.

Macron also announced the creation of a joint French-Haitian historical commission to examine our shared past'' and assess relations, but did not directly address longstanding Haitian demands for reparations.

France subjected the people of Haiti to a heavy financial indemnity, ... This decision placed a price on the freedom of a young nation, which was thus confronted with the unjust force of history from its very inception,'' Macron said in a statement.

It comes on the 200th anniversary of the April 17, 1825 document issued by King Charles X of France, which recognized Haitis independence after a slave revolt  but also imposed a 150 million gold francs debt as compensation for the loss of Frances colony and enslaved labor force.

Although the indemnity was later reduced to 90 million gold francs, the debt crippled the Caribbean nation, which continued to pay it off through French and American banks until 1947. Economists estimate it's the equivalent of billions of dollars today.

Experts have said Haitis current situation can be traced back to its past. Gangs have flourished in the poorest country in the Western Hemisphere, with a growing number of children becoming members as families struggle to find food.

Violence has surged since last year, with gangs that control 85% of the capital, Port-au-Prince, attacking new communities daily in a bid to control even more territory. More than 5,600 people were reported killed last year, with gang violence leaving more than one million people homeless in recent years.

Acknowledging the truth of history means refusing to forget or erase it, Macron said.

The new commission will be made up of historians from both countries, and will aim to propose recommendations to both governments, so that they can learn from them and build a more peaceful future.

Since taking office in 2017, Macron has already addressed Frances role in past colonial conflicts, including in Algeria, Cameroon, and Rwanda.

Over the years, French governments have acknowledged the historic wrong of slavery in Haiti and other former colonies but like other former colonial powers have resisted calls for reparations.

___

Danica Coto in San Juan contributed to this report.
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Drug-traffickers were most likely behind an unprecedented wave of attacks against French prisons though foreign influence and the far-left remain possible instigators, French interior minister Bruno Retailleau said on Thursday.

"It's most likely drug-dealing scum. It is one of the most credible scenarios," Retailleau told RTL radio.

At least nine prison facilities and affiliated institutions have been targeted with nightly arson and other attacks this week and a car was set alight at the home of a prison guard. There was no sign of further violence overnight into Thursday.

President Emmanuel Macron said on Wednesday that those behind an unprecedented wave of attacks would be tracked down and punished after violence flared for a third night.

A car was set on fire in front of the home of a prison guard who works in Aix-Luynes, in southern France, the door of a building in the Seine-et-Marne region was damaged and three cars were set ablaze at Tarascon prison also in southern France, the National Anti-Terrorism Prosecutor's Office (PNAT) said, adding that it was opening an investigation.

That adds to at least nine prison facilities and other affiliated institutions - including a school for prison staff - targeted the previous two nights.

open image in gallery The letters 'DDPF' are seen tagged on a wall of the Aix-Luynes Penitentiary Center in Aix-en-Provence, France, April 15, 2025 ( REUTERS )

Retailleau confirmed an arrest, but said it was too early to tell if it was linked to the attacks, which the government has said appear to be a response to its efforts to clamp down a record-breaking surge of South American cocaine flooding Europe.

Justice Minister Gerald Darmanin plans to open high-security prisons to house France's top 100 drug kingpins and limit inmates' family contact.

A Telegram group called French Prisoner Rights (DDPF), created the day before the attacks began and arguing that prisoner rights are under threat, is under investigation.

open image in gallery This photograph shows a burned car in front of the Tarascon prison in Tarascon, southern France, after 3 cars were set on fire the previous night in its parking lot. Assailants targeted cars and a building lobby linked to prison staff in France overnight, the authorities said on April 16, the latest in a series of such attacks ( AFP via Getty Images )

The influx of South American cocaine has transformed local drug markets, sparking a wave of violence.

Despite record cocaine seizures in France, gangs are reaping windfalls as they expand from traditional power bases in cities such as Marseille into smaller towns unused to drug violence.

"Some are trying to intimidate our prison workers and are attacking (prisons) with unacceptable violence. They will be found, sentenced and punished," Macron said on X.

The government has pointed the finger at drug traffickers, but also said that was one among several options being probed.

"There are clearly people who try to destabilise the state by intimidating it," Justice Minister Gerald Darmanin told CNews TV and Europe 1 radio.

"We are taking very firm measures that are leading drug traffickers to react."

Graffiti letters "DDPF" - apparently an acronym for "French prisoners' rights" -were tagged on some of the attack sites, which some police sources said could be the work of unknown left-wing militant groups.
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Iran confirmed Wednesday that the next round of nuclear talks with the United States this weekend will be held in Rome after earlier confusion over where the negotiations would be held.

The announcement by Iranian state television came as Iran's President Masoud Pezeshkian formally approved the resignation of one of his vice presidents who served as Tehran's key negotiator in its 2015 nuclear deal with world powers.

The head of the United Nations' nuclear watchdog, Rafael Mariano Grossi of the International Atomic Energy Agency, also arrived in the Islamic Republic on Wednesday. His talks may include negotiations over just what access the IAEA inspectors can get under any proposed deal.

The state TV announcement said Oman will again mediate the talks on Saturday in Rome. Oman's foreign minister served as an interlocutor between the two sides at talks last weekend in Muscat, the sultanate's capital.

Officials initially on Monday identified Rome as hosting the negotiations, only for Iran to insist early Tuesday they would return to Oman. American officials so far havent said publicly where the talks will be held, though Trump did call Omans Sultan Haitham bin Tariq on Tuesday, while the ruler was on a trip to the Netherlands.

The stakes of the negotiations couldnt be higher for the two nations closing in on half a century of enmity. U.S. President Donald Trump repeatedly has 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.

Pezeshkian praises former vice president while acknowledging his resignation

The former vice president, Mohammad Javad Zarif, served as a key supporter of Pezeshkian in his election last year but drew criticism from hard-liners within Iran's Shiite theocracy, who long have alleged Zarif gave away too much in negotiations.

In March, Zarif tendered his resignation to Pezeshkian. However, the president did not immediately respond to the letter. Zarif has used resignation announcements in the past in his political career as leverage, including in a dispute last year over the composition of Pezeshkians Cabinet. The president had rejected that resignation.

But on late Tuesday, a statement from the presidency said Pezeshkian wrote Zarif a letter praising him but accepting his resignation.

Pezeshkian emphasized that due to certain issues, his administration can no longer benefit from Zarifs valuable knowledge and expertise, a statement from the presidency said.

The president in a decree appointed Mohsen Ismaili, 59, to be his new vice president for strategic affairs. In Iran's political system, the president has multiple vice presidents. Ismaili is known as a political moderate and a legal expert.

Grossi visit comes as Iran has restricted IAEA access

Grossi arrived in Tehran for meetings with Pezeshkian and others. He met Wednesday night with Iran's Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, writing on the social platform X after the meeting: Cooperation with (the IAEA) is indispensable to provide credible assurances about the peaceful nature of Irans nuclear programme at a time when diplomacy is urgently needed.

Iran's state-run IRNA news agency described Araghchi as briefing Grossi on the first round of talks with the U.S., while also urging the IAEA to adopt a clear and transparent stance regarding threats against Irans peaceful nuclear facilities. Both Israel and the U.S. have threatened to attack Iran's nuclear sites if a deal can't be reached to limit Tehran's program.

Since the nuclear deals collapse in 2018 with Trump's unilateral withdraw of the U.S. from the accord, Iran has abandoned all limits on its program, and enriches uranium to up to 60% purity  near weapons-grade levels of 90%.

Surveillance cameras installed by the IAEA have been disrupted, while Iran has barred some of the Vienna-based agencys most experienced inspectors. Iranian officials also have increasingly threatened that they could pursue atomic weapons, something the West and the IAEA have been worried about for years since Tehran abandoned an organized weapons program in 2003.

Any possible deal between Iran and the U.S. likely would need to rely on the IAEA's expertise to ensure Tehran's compliance. And despite tensions between Iran and the agency, its access has not been entirely revoked.

Iran's foreign minister questions contradictory responses from US envoy

Meanwhile, Araghchi on Wednesday warned the U.S. about taking contradictory stances in the talks.

That likely refers to comments from U.S. Mideast envoy Steve Witkoff, who this week initially suggested a deal could see Iran go back to 3.67% uranium enrichment  like in the 2015 deal reached by the Obama administration. Witkoff then followed up with saying "a deal with Iran will only be completed if it is a Trump deal.

Iran must stop and eliminate its nuclear enrichment and weaponization program, he wrote on X. It is imperative for the world that we create a tough, fair deal that will endure, and that is what President Trump has asked me to do.

Araghchi warned America about taking any contradictory and opposing stances in the talks.

What is certain is that Irans enrichment (program) is a real, accepted matter," he said. "We are prepared to build trust and address any potential concerns, but the core issue of enrichment itself is not negotiable.

___

Karimi reported from Tehran, Iran. Associated Press writer Amir Vahdat in Tehran contributed to this report.
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Jean Mari Konan Yao says he's struggling as a cocoa farmer in the west African nation of Ivory Coast, which produces almost half the worlds cocoa supply of the raw ingredient used in chocolate.

Like many in Ivory Coast  the world's biggest cocoa producer  Konan Yao says cocoa has long provided a lifeline for him, but adverse weather and plant diseases have hurt harvests in recent years.

Now, cocoa farmers worry even more over President Donald Trumps plans to impose a 21% tariff on products from Ivory Coast  the highest among West African nations.

Although Trump has suspended the tariff plans for 90 days pending further review, authorities in Ivory Coast have warned that such tariffs could send the price of cocoa even higher and destabilize the local market by slowing their sales.

Ivory Coast produces between 2 million and 2.5 million metric tons of cocoa annually, with around 200,000 to 300,000 metric tons exported to the United States, according to the Coffee and Cocoa Council.

In 2023, Ivory Coast exported $3.68 billion worth of cocoa beans, its second biggest export after gold. The U.S. was its fourth-largest importer of cocoa beans, after the Netherlands, Malaysia and Belgium, according to the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development.

For most local cocoa growers, any U.S. tariff could further shake a market already struggling with decreasing yields and shrinking funding that has limited farmers ability to meet global demands for chocolate.

If we hear the American president is going to put a tax on the price of cocoa, its really not good for us, it doesnt help us, said another cocoa farmer, Salif Traore.

Already, cocoa prices were rising in the country, in part because of insufficient and irregular rainfall in Ivory Coast.

The U.K.-based Energy and Climate Intelligence Unit research firm has noted a 32% rise in the price of cocoa imported into the United Kingdom over the last three years, partially due to extreme weather conditions in parts of Africa where its mainly grown. Together, Ivory Coast, Ghana, Nigeria and Cameroon produce about three-quarters of the worlds cocoa.

Cocoa is traded on a regulated, global market. In Ivory Coast, the government usually sets cocoa prices at the onset of each season, with prices reflecting market trends and global prices. The local prices are, however, lower than the global market rates, thereby limiting the farmers' profit from high global prices.

Authorities say they are already considering cocoa price increases if the U.S. tariff comes into effect.

Donald Trumps customs tax is causing us problems. We are already feeling the effects, said Boss Diarra, coordinator of the local cocoa farmers union in Bouafle in central Ivory Coast. He pointed to bags of cocoa that he said farmers have been unable to sell.

Meanwhile, a U.S. tariff could mean more cocoa for European markets, said Bruno Marcel Iritie, researcher at the Ivorian Felix Houphouet-Boigny Polytechnic Institute. Some of the top importers of Ivory Coast cocoa are in Europe, market data show.

European customers "will inevitably buy cheaper because when there is too much, the customer is king, Iritie said.

___

For more on Africa and development: https://apnews.com/hub/africa-pulse

The Associated Press receives financial support for global health and development coverage in Africa from the Gates Foundation. The AP is solely responsible for all content. Find APs standards for working with philanthropies, a list of supporters and funded coverage areas at AP.org.
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What could possess Donald Trump to victim-shame Ukraines president and endorse the actions of an indicted war criminal by backing Vladimir Putin? Personal hatred of Volodymyr Zelensky? A near-demented obsession with personal sleight? A radical strategic vision thats upended world affairs? Something worse?

Probably.

Soon after the massacre in Sumy, where two Iskander missiles slammed into the provincial Ukrainian capital killing 35 people, including two children, Trump sloughed off the atrocity by claiming it had been a Russian mistake. Shocking, but not surprising, as Trump has consistently taken the Russian side at every opportunity this year.

Before most of the bodies could be collected from the city morgue, though, he had gone on the offensive by doubling down on his efforts to pin Ukraines suffering on its president.

When you start a war, you got to know you can win, he said of Ukraines leader.

open image in gallery Ukrainian rescuers work at the site of a missile attack in Sumy, northeastern Ukraine ( AFP/Getty )

Zelensky was not president when Russia invaded Ukraine in 2014. He was elected by a landslide in 2019. Russia launched its attempt to kill him, capture Kyiv, and colonise Ukraine in February 2022.

He didnt start the war with Russia  and wasnt president when Ukraine enshrined the goal of Nato membership in its 2018 constitution.

Zelensky did, however, earn Trumps anger by being a disloyal recipient of Americas largesse, mostly financial aid, for failing to open an investigation into Hunter Bidens business deals in Ukraine in July 2019. Joe Biden was the likely Democrat candidate in the election of 2020.

Back then, Trump was impeached by Congress over his alleged threat to withhold $400m in US military aid to Ukraine unless Zelensky helped with the campaign against Biden and other anti-Democrat operations.

Trump was cleared by the Senate but the damage had been done. He bears a deep grudge against Zelensky.

But Trump was already a Russian strategic partner. His relationship with Moscow goes back to 1987 when he made his first trip to the capital of the Soviet Union to scout for investment opportunities. He didnt ever do any deals in Russia. But Russian bankers have backed some of his enterprises since.

Trump has always been sloppy with state secrets since his first term in office. His top intelligence staff have risked easy penetration by foreign spies because theyve been using their personal phones for top-secret communications.

open image in gallery Trump said he was told the Russian attack on Suny was a mistake

So it is reasonable to assume that Americas adversaries, like Russia, have deep knowledge and understanding of every aspect of the 47th presidents life  and have done so for decades.

He supports Russian G7/8 membership. He refused to put tariffs on Moscow this month. He has adopted every one of Russias initial negotiating principles as his own when it comes to Ukraine, and said he thought that the country may anyway be Russian one day. He wants to get back into doing business with Russia too.

But he went further into the realms of bully-backing with his statement on Monday that you dont start a war against someone 20 times your size and then hope that people give you missiles.

Again, Zelensky didnt start the war. The US, the UK, Russia and Ukraine signed a memorandum in Budapest guaranteeing Kyiv security after Ukraine gave up its nuclear missiles in 1994. France and China backed the Budapest memo with their own document.

Ukraine, a Western democracy with ambitions to join the European Union, is a sovereign nation that Putin has said he wants to bring back into the post-Soviet Russian empire. Putin has also said he has designs on the Baltic states, Moldova, and Romania.

Support for Ukraine is a necessary condition of Europes defence. Americas network of allies in Nato and beyond has been the weft of Washingtons tapestry of alliances that has made it a global superpower.

To Trump, though, its getting in the way of turning the world into spheres of influence in which the US, Russia, and China carve up the planet. Thats also, by the way, Putins vision.

open image in gallery Zelensky featured on Sundays CBS episode of 60 Minutes and called for Trump to see his war-torn country for himself ( CBS News/60 Minutes/YouTube )

I believe, sadly, [that] Russian narratives are prevailing in the US, said Zelensky in an interview with CBS at the weekend.

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? This speaks to the enormous influence of Russia's information policy on America, on US politics and US politicians.

That may cost him dearly.

When Trump ranted at Zelensky in March during the Ukrainian presidents official visit to the Oval Office, Trump reiterated how deeply loyal he felt to Putin because the Russian president had been accused of backing his candidacy in 2016.

Let me tell ya, Putin went through a hell of a lot with me  we went through a phoney witch hunt when they used him and Russia, Russia, Russia, Russia, Trump raged, as he got increasingly incoherent during the attack.

That was a phoney Hunter Biden, Joe Biden scam. Hillary Clinton, shifty Adam Schiff, it was a Democrat scam. And [Putin] had to go through that. And he did go through it. We didnt end up in a war. And he went through it.

This gobbledygook makes little sense. It does, however, reveal the depth of his feelings for Putin who, at least since 2016, he has seen as sharing a trench with The Donald in the wider campaign to undermine the American oligarch.

open image in gallery Trump and Zelenskys meeting in the White House in March descended into a shouting match ( Getty )

Trump soon suspended military aid and then intelligence sharing with Kyiv after the Oval Office row, which coincided with Putins campaign to free the Kursk region captured by Ukraine in Russia last year.

Trump has turned Americas system of alliances with the West upside down and inside out.

His evisceration of Americas security establishment with ideological purges, attacks on the US judiciary, Federal bureaucracy, the education system and the constitution itself have been combined with a wholesale trashing of Washingtons soft power and humanitarian operations.

This all serves the interests of the Kremlin. Its Making Moscow Great Again.

A former KGB chief, Putin has reinforced his relationship with Trump by stroking his vanity. Hes relentless in his cultivation of the US president.

In his most recent effort, he sent a portrait of the US president painted in Russia to the White House in the care of Steve Witkoff, Trumps chief Ukraine negotiator.

Witkoff said his boss thought the painting was beautiful. The bad news is that Trumps narcissism is Russias greatest strategic asset.
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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.
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A flight attendant has divided TikTok users after asking a plane passenger to put away her knitting needles.

A woman named Brittany, under the username @brittstitches on TikTok, shared a video on the social media platform explaining that shed been told she couldnt knit on board.

Staring at my knitting in jail because the flight attendant told me to put it away after telling me to think about if I would really want to be holding needles if there was an emergency, she wrote in a caption over the video.

The short video showed the TikTokers backpack sitting on the floor in front of her seat, with her knitting project visible. This was a first, was hoping to finish knitting my sock on this flight, but guess it will have to wait, she captioned the video.

The videos comments section quickly filled with questions about why Brittany was asked to put away her knitting needles, with many pointing out other potentially hazardous items onboard an aircraft.

By that logic no one should have anything in their hands during an emergency, one comment read.

Another agreed: They literally serve boiling beverages and meals to be eaten on a lap tray, which is a threat even outside of a plane-related emergency.

Other commenters pointed out that TSAs policy does not prohibit knitting needles. Id tell her, unless theres a rule preventing me from knitting, Im gonna keep knitting. clearly TSA didnt have an issue, one person wrote.

The flight attendant told Brittany that she shouldnt have her knitting needles out in case of an emergency ( TikTok/@brittstitches )

Knitting needles are allowed via TSAs website but I wasnt going to put up a fight, if she wasnt comfortable with the needles thats fine but I didnt appreciate her condescending approach, Brittany replied.

Specific airlines also do have their own sharp objects policies, but their rules are largely based on TSA requirements. According to TSAs sharp objects policy, certain items such as box cutters, corkscrews, darts, ice axes or picks, kirpans, and knives are only allowed in checked bags. Other items, such as crochet hooks, disposable razors, and knitting needles, are allowed in both carry-ons and checked bags.

Any sharp objects in checked bags should be sheathed or securely wrapped to prevent injury to baggage handlers and inspectors, TSAs website reads.

The debate over in-flight etiquette isnt limited to knitting needles.

Last month, Reddit user PepperLunchies shared a photo of the passenger sitting next to them with their shoes and socks removed, and their bare foot touching the seat in front.

Just wondering, if a passenger is rude next to you, like this example here. Can I request to change seats or get him to put on his stupid shoes? the Reddit user asked in the Singapore Airlines thread.

He was like [that] throughout the flight except for meal times at which he kept asking for whisky and only after confirming that it was a Johnny Walker red label.. for the life of me. Why did I have to put next to this heathen?

The question prompted a wave of responses, with many offering differing verdicts on how to handle the situation.

Ask him nicely. Then ask the crew nicely. Nothing else you can do, one prominent response read.

Omg I swear there are so many disgusting people in this world that i feel like i have to pay 4x the price to sit business so that I can avoid this kind of situation, wrote another.
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A United Airlines aircraft caught fire shortly after takeoff when a rabbit was sucked into its engine.

Flight 2325 was forced to divert back to Denver for an emergency landing on Sunday (13 April).

Dramatic footage shows the right engine of the Boeing 737-800 in flames after departing Denver International Airport.

The United flight, with 159 passengers and crew on board, was just minutes into a two-and-a-half-hour journey to Edmonton in Canada when the incident occurred.

Flight crew can be heard requesting the plane be inspected for an engine fire in LiveATC audio from air traffic control.

The pilot said: Theres a rabbit through the number two [engine].

Rabbit through the number 2, that'll do it, air traffic control responded, per an ABC News report.

According to FlightAware data, the flight took off around 7pm local time, landing in Denver an hour and 13 minutes later at 8.21pm.

Passenger Scott Wolff told Good Morning America: There was a loud bang and a significant vibration in the plane.

He added: Every few moments there was a backfire coming from the engine, a giant fireball behind it.

Everyone in the plane then started to panic.

Although it is rare for an aircraft to encounter a rabbit strike, bird strikes are common in the aviation industry.

In 2024, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) reported over 20,000 aircraft wildlife strikes  with just four caused by rabbits.

The flight landed safely in Denver with no reported injuries.

A United Airlines spokesperson told ABC: Our flight from Denver to Edmonton (UA2325) returned safely to Denver to address a possible wildlife strike.

Passengers were placed on a new aircraft to continue the journey, said the airline.

The FAA is investigating the incident.

It said: United Airlines Flight 2325 returned safely to Denver International Airport around 8.05pm local time on Sunday, 13 April, after the crew reported striking an animal while departing.

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 Close Where to expect Easter holiday travel chaos with Simon Calder

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People heading on an Easter getaway this weekend are facing travel chaos, as multiple train lines close and millions hit the road.

Traffic queues are expected to form along major roads, as people try to get ahead of the estimated 19 million people expected to drive on Good Friday.

Heavy rain forecast by the Met Office could also disrupt journeys, the RAC has warned, as a yellow rain warning has been put in place across the south west of England.

Train passengers are also being warned over disruption as Network Rail prepares to begin its Easter engineering work - closing a number of railway lines.

The most significant impact will be at London Euston  which will have no services to or from Milton Keynes on Saturday and Easter Sunday, and a reduced timetable on Good Friday and Monday.

Those planning on flying to their Bank Holiday destinations will also face major disruption, as Gatwick airport workers are set to strike over pensions.
The White House has said a wrongly deported father will never live in the United States of America again.

Kilmar Abrego Garcia, a Salvadoran national who was living in Maryland with his wife and five-year-old child, was deported by the Trump administration in March.

He was accused of being a member of the MS-13 gang and is currently detained at Cecot prison in El Salvador.

Garcia denies being in the banned MS-13 gang.

Speaking to reporters on Wednesday (16 April) , White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt said: If he ever ends up back in the United States, he would immediately be deported again.
King Charles and Queen Camilla embraced supporters and appeared undeterred by protesters as they arrived for a Royal Maundy Service in Durham.

Charles arrived at Durham Cathedral for the Maundy Thursday service, after missing last years ceremony while receiving treatment for cancer.

As well as being greeted by well-wishers, a group of anti-monarchy protesters held placards and appeared to boo the royal couple as they arrived for the service on Thursday (17 April).

The King handed out Maundy Money to 76 men and 76 women  one for each year of his life  to thank them for their outstanding Christian service.

The recipients were presented with two purses, one red and one white, containing Maundy Money.
A van driver has been jailed for four years after causing a head-on collision which left three people in hospital with serious injuries.

Dashcam footage shows a red Ford Transit van driven by Benjamin Foster, 35, crossing lanes into oncoming traffic before smashing into a Toyota Yaris at high speed on the A30 near Sherbourne in September 2023.

A man in his 60s was airlifted to hospital while a man and woman in their late teens were also hospitalised, all three suffering serious injuries as a result of the crash.

Foster, who plead guilty to driving without a license or insurance, as well as causing serious injury by dangerous driving at Bournemouth Crown Court yesterday (16 April), has been jailed for four years and disqualified from driving for seven years.
A majority of Irish businesses are unprepared for US tariffs, a new survey by Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA) has found.

The accountancy body surveyed Irish businesses before US president Donald Trump announced a 90-day pause on his new trade duties and found that 72pc had not taken any steps to deal with its potential impact.
The transaction, which is expected to close in the second half of the year subject to customary closing conditions, will see the companies jointly operate in 11 countries across Europe, US and Canada for a combined 50 million annual customers.
I may not have a joint bank account, but all my money is my own  the financial perks of being single
'Chinese Flavor' becomes part of daily life in Kuala Lumpur as tea beverage brands gain popularity

13:22, April 17, 2025 By Wang Jing, Zhang Rong ( People's Daily Online

During Chinese President Xi Jinping's state visit to Malaysia, a People's Daily Online reporter visited the Chinese tea beverage brand store Mixue Bingcheng, or Mixue Tea & Ice Cream, located in downtown Kuala Lumpur.

A steady stream of customers came into the store, with long lines forming at the ordering counter. Lemonade, ice cream, and other drinks were especially popular among local consumers.

The lemonade is priced at 3 Malaysian ringgit (approximately 5 RMB or $0.68), which is roughly the same price as in China.

Thanks to the similar tea-drinking cultures of China and Malaysia, as well as the Mixue's refreshing taste and affordable pricing, the brand has quickly gained a foothold in the Malaysian market.

"Chinese flavor" and "Chinese brands" have now become a part of everyday life for many locals, contributing to closer people-to-people exchanges between China and Malaysia.

(Web editor: Hongyu, Wu Chengliang)
Assiduous, a company that uses AI to help SMEs raise capital, has secured 1m in funding.

The company, headquartered at NovaUCD, University College Dublins research hub, also announced that it will launch a corporate finance autopilot  a virtual service-as-a-software (SAAS) platform  which will use AI to bridge the gap between business owners and capital markets.
With Donald Trump threatening trade, what could happen in Canadas election?

Mark Carney is in the running to manage the worlds 10th biggest economy, but the race is super tight

Mark Carney addresses supporters in a victory speech after the official announcement of the Liberal leadership race results in Ottawa last month. Photo: Getty

David Ljunggren Reuters Thu 17 Apr 2025 at 03:30







Canada will hold a general election on April 28, with polls indicating a close race between prime minister Mark Carneys ruling Liberals and the official opposition Conservatives of Pierre Poilievre.
In cinemas; Cert 16

A peculiar thing happens around the midway mark in this singular big-screen epic from writer-director Ryan Coogler, he of Black Panther. We have, at this point of the tale, familiarised ourselves with Cooglers basic game plan. Key players and crucial plot points have been introduced and explored; the second-act mischief is already under way, or so it seems.

Michael B Jordan, mastering a dual role lead, convinces and captivates as a pair of entrepreneurial gangster twins  Smoke and Stack  looking to open a lucrative juke joint in 1930s Mississippi.

Its a good set-up with a smashing lead, and this meaty, muscular presentation devotes its opening half to personal and criminal complications that stand in the way of our handsome business operators. But everything changes following the introduction of Jack OConnells Remmick.

An oily, twitchy type  the kind that usually messes things up in stories such as these  Remmick arrives without warning, skin peeling from his shoulders, eyes burning with supernatural menace. Theres blood dripping from this lads chin.

Could it be that Ryan Coogler went and made a vampire film, and he forgot to tell us?

Yes and no. The vampire bit isnt a secret: its all over the marketing materials, and the damn trailer gives everything away. But Coogler  a man who knows how to turn good ideas into good films  takes his own sweet time introducing these slippery, supernatural fiends.

That is, apparently, all part of the plan. Reel them in with a gritty historical backdrop; keep them buzzed with dusty gangster tales and complex melodrama. Then, when we least expect it, bring in the monsters and send everyone to hell with a mind-blowing third act.

Some commentators will no doubt find similarities with Robert Rodriguez and Quentin Tarantinos From Dusk till Dawn. Thats fair enough, but Sinners is a stronger film with cleverer themes and a tidier narrative.

It also comes with characters who are easier to like. Take, for instance, Sammie Moore (newcomer Miles Caton), a promising young blues man with a voice beyond his years.

Sammie just wants to sing for the people  his preacher father disapproves, but his cousins, Smoke and Stack, recognise talent when they hear it. Thats why theyve booked the kid for their big opening night.

Michael B Jordan plays twins in 'Sinners'

Theyll need all the help they can get. Some of the locals, including Delroy Lindos boozy harmonica player, Delta Slim, are sceptical of the twins. Others, like Li Jun Lis cunning shopkeeper Grace Chow, are happy to help, for the right price.

The bills pile up, but Smoke and Stack make it work. They also find the time to reconnect with lost loves (Wunmi Mosakus Annie) and angry girlfriends (Hailee Steinfelds Mary).

Then comes the bloodsucker element. The brothers joint has only just opened its doors when a trio of undead white hooligans come knocking. Theyre here for a sing-song, says Remmick, but can he and his pale, redneck pals be trusted? Absolutely not.

Coogler and Jordan have previously worked well together on Fruitvale Station and Creed. Their creative partnership continues to excite, and this is probably their finest work.

Its certainly their most confident, and Sinners is in fact something of a rarity in these times  an original blockbuster that isnt looking to be franchised, and that shoots for the stars regardless of the outcome.

Too many horrors overexplain and talk themselves into corners  but not this one, and you probably wont need to be told what Coogler is trying to say here. The important thing is that it works  all of it  and that includes the nifty musical segments.

One such sequence involves an ambitious barrelhouse session from the future. Another finds Remmick taunting his prey with an eerie rendition of Rocky Road to Dublin. Yes, it appears these rotten vamps have some Irish in their blood, and they certainly know their way around a tune.

Coogler and his team throw everything at us. Sensational to look at, and extraordinary to listen to, Sinners defies genre and commits itself entirely to a ghoulish, gonzo premise. Jordan has a blast  twice  and Lindo can barely hide his excitement.

I know the feeling. This is masterful filmmaking, the best Ive seen  and probably the most fun Ive had in a cinema  all year.

Five stars
A safety appeal has been issued to anyone visiting the coast or planning any activities on or near the water ahead of the Easter weekend.

The Irish Coast Guard, Water Safety Ireland and the RNLI has urged people to be aware of the risk of cold water shock when entering the water, as temperatures remain relatively cold at this time of year.

Many sailors and motorboat users typically take their craft out of storage and begin their season at this time of year.

Anyone planning on sailing or motorboating this weekend have been reminded to always check the weather, wind and tide times before going on the water and to always ensure an emergency action plan is in place, which all those onboard should be briefed on.

Someone on shore should be informed of the plans and return time for the boat.

Appropriate life jackets should be worn and there should always be a means of calling and signalling for help, with those sailing or motorboating urged to ensure they have the right level of training for their craft.

Those heading out on the water this weekend were also urged to operate their boat at a speed that is appropriate to the weather conditions and environment.

"As longer evenings and warmer weather draw more people to our waters, its vital to enjoy these activities safely, said Water Safety Ireland chair Clare McGrath.

"When boating or using personal watercraft, proper training is essential, personal floatation devices should always be worn and excessive speed should be avoided.

"Cold water shock and hypothermia are still a danger in spring and we encourage everyone to learn swimming and lifesaving rescue skills, and to plan each outing carefully by checking forecasts and remaining within the limits of your experience and the Code of Practice.

"With preparation and responsibility, we can all enjoy Irelands beautiful waterways while staying safe.

A new feature of the code of practice for the safe operation of recreational craft includes a set of Think and Prepare safety checklists, covering issues such as hazards and risks, fatigue and the importance of letting the Coast Guard know about each proposed trip.

The code, which was updated last year, provides advice for the owners, operators and users of a range of pleasure and recreational craft, operating in Irish coastal and inland waters.

If members of the public see someone in trouble on the water or along the coast or believe that they could be in trouble, use marine VHF radio Ch 16 or dial 112 and ask for the Coast Guard.
Investor claims bank deceitfully encouraged him to buy properties

Bank of Ireland has failed to secure a summary judgment in a High Court action against it in the UK, where the bank has been accused of engaging in fraud, through one of its senior employees, to lend millions of pounds to an investor to buy a raft of properties as the global financial crash was underway.
Vast majority of the country remains effectively locked out of the rental market, Simon Communities of Ireland says

Deepening crisis in rental sector as just 41 properties available through HAP scheme

Only 41 properties were available to rent through the Housing Assistance Payment (HAP) scheme last month, a new report has shown.

The Simon Communities of Irelands Locked Out of the Market report for March found the number of properties available through HAP had dropped from the 46 found in the report for last December.

Overall, there were 1,123 properties at any price across 16 areas surveyed, down 9pc from December.

In 10 of the 16 areas, there were no available properties through HAP. The 10 were Athlone, Cork city centre, Cork city suburbs, Galway city centre, Co Leitrim, Limerick city suburbs, Limerick city centre, Sligo town, Portlaoise and Waterford city centre.

The lack of availability was across standard HAP limits, which vary by local authority, and discretionary limits that provide additional financial support, allowing more expensive properties to be rented through the scheme.

Of the 41 HAP properties, 31 were in Dublin. Only three areas outside Dublin had properties available within HAP limits  Dundalk (four properties), Galway city suburbs (one) and Kildare (five).

Homelessness is getting worse. Stock image

Portlaoise was the area with the lowest number of properties available to rent at any price with just two, followed by Sligo town with five.

There were no properties available for couple/one-parent households with one child through a standard HAP rate, and 16 such properties available through the discretionary rate.

Simon executive director Ber Grogan said the findings of the report highlight the deepening crisis in Irelands private rental sector.

With most of the properties concentrated in Dublin, the vast majority of the country remains effectively locked out of the rental market, she said.

In 10 of the 16 areas surveyed, there were no properties available within HAP limits at all. That is not a housing system thats working for those most in need.

Outside of Dublin, HAP tenants face an uphill struggle, with little to no access to suitable or affordable homes, with discretionary limits proving insufficient to meet current rental prices.

Ber Grogan of Simon Communities of Ireland

This leaves families and individuals with impossible choices  remain in emergency accommodation, face prolonged experiences of homelessness or take on unaffordable rents in an unstable private rental market.

We urgently need increased supply of affordable and secure housing. Targeted action is required now to prevent further homelessness.

With Rent Pressure Zones (RPZs) currently under review, Ms Grogan said it beggars belief that the RPZ framework could be scrapped by the end of this year.

Were asking the Housing Minister to extend this legislation for at least one year to give people some certainty while alternatives are being discussed, she said.

A Simon service user in Cork said theres no way youd find a property within HAP limits and it is impossible to find a property, even on homeless HAP, the higher rate of discretionary HAP available to people who are homeless or at risk of becoming so.

Another man said: I feel like Ive nowhere to turn. Its demoralising.
George Brennan, from Co Mayo, has been missing since April 2 (Family handout/PA)

Police have issued a new appeal for information in the search for a Mayo man missing in Northern Ireland.

George Brennan, 38, was last seen on Wednesday April 2 in Ballycastle, Co Antrim, and his friends and family have not heard from him since.

A member of the public has since come forward to the PSNI to advise them that they saw a man with a backpack hitch-hiking at the Lisnakilly roundabout outside Limavady at around 4.45pm on Monday April 14.

They said they saw the man get into a white van with writing on the side that was travelling in the direction of Ballykelly.

A PSNI spokeswoman said: We would ask anyone else who may have seen this man to come forward to police. We are also keen to speak to the van driver.

If anyone has any other information relating to Georges whereabouts, we continue to ask that you contact police on 101, quoting reference number 831 of 12/04/25.

For those outside Northern Ireland, information can also be shared with gardai or Crimestoppers (1800 25 00 25).

Mr Brennan may have links to the Causeway Coast and Glens area, and the Mid and East Antrim area.

His family and friends said they are deeply concerned for his wellbeing and added that his disappearance is completely out of character.

Speaking on behalf of the family, a spokesperson said: We are heartbroken and desperate for any news. George is deeply loved, and we just want to know that he is safe.

We urge anyone who may have seen him, spoken with him, or has any information, no matter how small, to come forward.

Mr Brennan is 62, 100kg, with brown hair and blue eyes.

He had previously been seen on CCTV in the Spar shop in Moyle Road in Ballycastle on April 2.

At that time, he was wearing a black zip-up top, dark jeans, runners and was carrying a blue hiking backpack.

The family is asking members of the public across the island of Ireland to share Georges photo and appeal widely on social media to help raise awareness.
Sinn Feins health spokesman has apologised after he praised a UK Supreme Court ruling defining women by their biological sex as a common sense judgement.

On Wednesday evening, David Cullinane had welcomed the judgement by Britains highest court and suggested that it should be fully examined in Ireland. The UK ruling could effectively exclude transgender women from certain equality protections.
A baby girl, who was the smallest baby cared for at the Rotunda Hospital, spent her first day at home yesterday.

Maya Dube, who weighed just over 400g on the day she was born, has been in the neonatal unit at the Rotunda Hospital in Dublin for nearly four months.

The newborn was born on December 21, weighing 435g, while her mother, Sipeto Dube, was expecting her on March 26.

Speaking on RTE Radio Ones News at One, Ms Dube said it was a difficult time as she wasnt expecting the premature birth.

I couldn't recognise it at all because she was very, very tiny, so she had to stay in the incubator for two weeks before I got to touch her, she said.

It was a difficult time, personally, because I was not really expecting it to happen. I was hoping to carry full-term, but it happened.

Ms Dube said her daughter now weighs 2.3kg and spent her first day at home yesterday after being discharged from Rotundas neonatal ICU.

"It was a very huge sense of relief, having stayed there for three months, it was a long stay for us.

"I was going there every day. I was in college my whole time, so every time I would go to see her in the afternoon.

They told me it was like a 50/50 chance of survival, and they were hoping that she becomes who she is now, she added.

Ms Dube described her daughters first night at home as a great night.

"She actually didnt give me any issues. I was thinking maybe she's going to be difficult, but no, she did well, she added.

The new mother now hopes her daughter will not have any medical issues along the way in the future.

"I just hope she grows strong as she did while in the ICU. She never had any issues. I hope that she has a smooth journey going forward.

"Ive been documenting this every day since day one, so she'll get to see everything, all the pictures and videos of her since day one, she added.

Meanwhile, consultant neonatologist Michael Boyle told News at One that Mayas weight, which was just over 400g at birth, went down to 380g when the umbilical cord was cut.

We've a very active and fantastic foetal medicine team who are monitoring the pregnancy for a number of weeks, because she wasn't growing very well.

The placenta wasn't working as well as we would like it to be, and she was, what we would call, very growth-restricted. She's certainly not the youngest baby we've looked after. She was born just over 26 weeks.

She was super, super tiny. She fit into my hand, I was at her delivery. She was a tiny little thing, but she was mighty from the get-go.

"She was on a breathing machine for maybe the first three or four weeks of life.

Mr Boyle said the excitement was only amazing yesterday in the hospital while Maya was discharged, adding there wasnt a dry eye in the house.

"Everyone was gathered around watching her ring the bell. We're just all so, so pleased.

"[Sipeto] is a gorgeous woman, and she's such a great mum, and to have this lovely story and see that fantastic little girl go home, we've the best job in the world, he added.
Three observatories across the island of Ireland that have played key roles in astronomical and scientific discoveries have taken the first steps towards receiving international recognition as world heritage sites.

The Historical Observatories of Ireland, which include Dunsink Observatory in Co Dublin, Birr Castle Demesne in Co Offaly and Armagh Observatory in Co Armagh, have been added to Irelands tentative list of properties seeking Unesco world heritage site status.

If successful, they would join Skellig Michael in Co Kerry, the Galapagos Islands off the coast of Ecuador and the Statue of Liberty in New York City on the list of the worlds most important examples of natural and cultural heritage.

Many of Irelands most famous scientists made trailblazing discoveries at Dunsink Observatory, including William Rowan Hamilton, whose work was significant for the development of quantum mechanics.

Dunsink Observatory was built in 1785 and was the first building on the island of Ireland that was specifically constructed for the pursuit of scientific research.

Birr Castle Demesne

Birr Castle Demesne, which began as a private observatory of the 3rd Earl of Rosse on the grounds of his castle in Co Offaly, was the home of the Great Leviathan of Parsonstown, a six-foot telescope built in 1845, which was considered the biggest in the world for more than 70 years.

In 2018, a low-frequency radio telescope on the castle grounds, which is part of a larger European network, observed for the first time a flaring red dwarf star called CN Leo, about 7.9 light-years away, that is believed to have come into being a billion years ago.

The scientific heritage of all three sites cannot be overstated, said Professor Peter Gallagher, chairperson of Birr Observatory and the director of Dublin Institute for Advanced Studies (DIAS) at Dunsink Observatory. The telescope in Birr Castle was the largest in the world for seven decades and remains today a place of scientific endeavour and significance.

We need to protect the heritage of all three sites, conserve, preserve as well as educate on the importance of science for society and to inspire the next generation.

Armagh Observatory and Planetarium

Armagh Observatory and Planetarium is the oldest scientific institution in Northern Ireland and the longest continuously operating planetarium in the UK and Ireland.

It was established in 1790 and has been central to astronomical research ever since.

Some of the research carried out there has included the compilation of the principal catalogue of nebulae and galaxies and the advancement of meteorological readings.

Professor Michael Burton, the director of Armagh Observatory and Planetarium, said: The classical form that we associate with the modern astronomical observatory, of a telescope mounted on a pier inside a rotating dome, began with Dunsink and Armagh at the end of the 18th century.

Through their telescopes, which are still in situ and in working condition today, can also be traced the development of the equatorial telescope through the 19th century, one that is able to automatically track the stars as they rotate across the sky each night.
Police at the scene of the incident in Dromore

A woman in her 40s has been arrested after the discovery of two viable pipe bombs close to a nursery in Dromore, Co Down, earlier this month.

Disruption was caused to the local nursery school which was inside the police cordon at the time and was subsequently evacuated as a precaution.

The woman was arrested in north Belfast today on suspicion of possession of explosives in suspicious circumstances during a search by CID and TSG officers an address on North Queen Street, Belfast.

Both devices, which were discovered at premises on Church Street in Dromore on Wednesday, April 2, were subsequently made safe and removed for examination.

The arrested woman was taken to Musgrave police station for questioning, where she remains in police custody.

On the day the pipe bombs were discovered, police had escorted young children out of the nursery building, bringing them down to waiting parents at the roadside.

One parent told the Belfast Telegraph at the time: "I was driving up as normal to collect my son when I noticed the road was blocked by a police car. I just thought it was maybe a car crash, but then I parked up and saw more police cars I started to panic a bit.

"An officer told me I could walk to the nursery, and when I walked up, I saw another police officer with the huge gun and I was honestly terrified.

"Nursery staff and the police were great in helping the kids get out to the parents, and my son didn't really care what was going on - but for me and the other parents it was really scary there.

"Why would there be a security alert here? I just don't understand this.
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
Former Sinn Fein leader Gerry Adams (left) speaks to the press outside Parliament in London in 1994, next to Labour MP Tony Benn. Photo: Getty

In August 1969, the British government deployed troops on the streets of Northern Ireland. This decision was taken by a Labour government, led by Harold Wilson, who insisted the measure was temporary.

The British army was initially welcomed by besieged nationalist communities, with civil rights activist Eamonn McCann recalling that at Butcher Gate, William Street and other army positions at the edge of the Bogside, women squabbled about whose turn it was to take the soldiers their tea. It would not take long for relations to sour.
Dail committees have overstepped their powers in the past. Photo: Getty

Another investigation report is published (this time the Grace Inquiry) into shortcomings in foster care. It took eight years, cost 13m and runs to 2,000 pages. There are few definitive answers and there is no accountability.

In the last 50 years, Ireland has had a litany of tribunals and inquiries, with very mixed outcomes.

These are a curious type of legal hybrid, lacking the cut and thrust of a criminal jury trial, yet carrying the sanction of serious reputational damage for institutions and individuals deemed to have fallen below the necessary standards. They are flawed in many cases because of faulty terms of reference.

Although they carry more relaxed rules concerning evidence, there is still an adversarial mindset in the legal teams taking part. Ireland is not alone in this.

The UK has been beset with the same problems. It has addressed the issues by reducing time frames, if possible, and stripping back the scope. Sometimes an interim report is completed before the decision is made to proceed.

Dail committees would be the ideal forum, but they have been found to overstep their powers on past outings.

I agree with the Taoiseachs recent comments regarding the poor value for money many of these inquiries provide, with little accountability at the end.

I think it may be timely for a Citizens Assembly to convene and research this whole area, with experts brought in from various common law and civil law jurisdictions.

Joseph Kiely, Letterkenny, Co Donegal

McGregors ambitions all bluster and no substance  he should be ignored

Ian ODohertys article on Conor McGregor and his unnerving effect on politicians has its merits (McGregor is no threat to democracy, so why does he trigger fear in our leaders?, April 16).

Weve seen his type before  showboating agitators who spook the establishment more than they deserve to.

From Billy Sunday in early 20th-century America to Screaming Lord Sutch in the UK and Jean-Marie Le Pen with his far-right, populist views in French politics, such figures rise on a wave of notoriety and public disaffection.

They rattle nerves, command headlines and occasionally flirt with political ambition, but in the long run most prove to be more noise than consequence.

Its not McGregor we should worry about, its a system that loses its nerve so easily.

Enda Cullen, Tullysaran, Co Armagh

Trumps pharma threats risk pushing drugs out of reach for many Americans

I note that Donald Trump name checks Ireland again as he suggests pharma import tariffs may be imposed soon.

Trump told reporters the drug companies are in Ireland, adding that pharma tariffs may happen in the not-too-distant future.

One wonders if Trump realises how many years it would take to switch production plants to the US. Has he factored in the cost of realising such a massive project?

If he continues with this policy, medications are going to get very expensive for the ordinary US citizen  not that it will be a problem for Trump and his billionaire friends.

Its my contention that the pharma companies in Ireland want to stay here.

They have high-spec technical facilities in Ireland, allied to a very skilled workforce, along with favourable tax allowances.

One senses that these companies know it would be disastrous to return to the US. Try telling that to Trump.

John OBrien, Clonmel, Co Tipperary

China must be looking on with approval as dumbing down of the US continues

So the people who wouldnt pass history, politics or economics 101 are now threatening Harvards funding because it doesnt reflect the narrow political agenda of the current US political class  and a Cambridge University voice appears to be on the side of the US fundamentalists.

Can academia see what is happening with this?

China is already producing more research and scholarly work than institutions in the West. Surrender the lead on cutting-edge thinking and you lose the power that shapes the future. It doesnt make the headlines, but it is vital to understand

Billy Leonard, Co Clare

Losing your smartphone now a nightmare scenario, such is our dependency

I feel we are too dependent on the smartphone. Soon, certain airlines will not allow us to use printed boarding passes. We will have to download them on to our smartphones.

The same is true for most concerts nowadays, where we have to show proof of purchase on the phone.

Smartphones can be lost or mislaid. Any taxi driver will tell you that many people have accidentally left their phones in the back of a car.

Also, there is the risk of the battery going dead. Smartphones are great inventions, but lets not get too dependent on them.

James McWalter, Mullingar, Co Westmeath

Indifference to atrocities committed by Israel every day must end

Our world leaders have completely abandoned the civilians of Gaza, who have been left without food, medicine and power.

Are they waiting for children to die from malnutrition before they act?

They should be demanding that Israel allow humanitarian aid to enter Gaza. To block it is a war crime, and these so-called leaders are facilitating it by taking no action.

Condemnations achieve nothing except more deaths in Gaza.

What happened to the air drops of food that countries did previously? Why can these not be resumed?

The destruction of Gaza and the mass killing of Palestinians must be stopped.

Those in power cannot continually respond with indifference to the war crimes we see on our television screens every night.

Bart D Daly, Mount Merrion, Co Dublin

Apparently, spring has sprung, but we forgot to let the forecasters know

Yesterday, I felt I needed a rowing boat more than an overcoat in the deluge. It felt more like a spring tide than spring.

M OBrien, Dalkey, Co Dublin
In recent weeks, weeks Donald Trump's on again, off again tariff policy has triggered diplomatic and economic chaos. But while countries around the world scramble to regroup and re-align, China remains resolutely defiant.

At the heart of this show of strength is one politician: Xi Jinping. So, who is the man hoping to trump the US president and what might that mean for the political landscape internationally?

As China doubles down and relations between two global superpowers deteriorate further, could America's traditional trade partners be rethinking old alliances?

Ellen Coyne is joined by Erin Hale, a journalist based in Taiwan, and Kerry Brown, author of Xi: A Study In Power. Together, they examine the personalities shaping a historic trade war.
33 families in total have been affected in Cork by the decision to pull back funding on the tenant-in-situ scheme

A Cork man whose family are at risk of eviction following a decision to cut funding for the tenant-in-situ scheme says an emergency meeting in the Dail is needed to help them, and hundreds of other families in the same situation.

Jason Cashman lives in a house in Upper Glanmire on the outskirts of the city with long-time partner Clare Savage, and their two boys, Jace and Ollie. They had been privately renting the property for the last eight years and say they have never missed a payment on the property which has become home to their children in that time.

Following a decision by their landlord to sell the property in August of last year, he agreed to work with Cork City Council as part of the scheme, in which local authorities buy houses from landlords looking to sell and then rent the property back to the tenants.

In Cashmans case, their gentleman landlord agreed to postpone the sale in order to facilitate the scheme. The couple were told that funding for the 2024 scheme had run out, and to apply in 2025 for the latest batch of funding. Having worked with an auctioneer, and having had an anxious wait over Christmas, they were told in early 2025 that the deposit was submitted on the house, which confirmed that he and his family would be able to live in the house they had made their home over the past seven years.

Weve been on the housing list 16-and-a-half years now, but weve been here for the last eight years and were very happy. This is our kids family house; this is all they know.

Upper Glanmire has been very good to us, Jace and Ollie are very happy here, the community here is great, everyone gets involved in everything and the schools here are great.

Myself and Claire used to pass this housing estate when we were younger, and we would always say that we wanted to live here. Eight years ago, one of these houses came up and we got it, and it was probably meant to be in a way.

In February 2025, the purchase on the house was approved, after all the commotion that goes along with it. We got confirmation that a deposit was put on, and the tenant-in-situ team got in touch with me and said, the deal is done on the house, Jason, youve nothing to worry about anymore.

It was the best news ever; it was like winning the Lotto really.

The family was told that the sale of the house was now in the legal process between the council and the landlord. However, as the weeks passed and news began to dry up, Jason and Claires unease grew.

I started making phone calls to see what was going on, then it started going all over the media, so I started calling local representatives as well as my auctioneer, and he didnt have any update for me. He rang me then yesterday morning (April 16) to say he had been in contact with someone in City Hall to say that the funding has been pulled on the house you have been dealing with.

The couple say they have now nowhere to go. Having well established themselves in the tight-knit community of Upper Glanmire, they say trying to pull their children out of school and move to some of the properties on the Southside proposed by Choice Based Letting would have an enormously detrimental impact on their childrens wellbeing.

Staying with extended family would mean splitting the couple and their kids up and they now face an uncertain future, having been told they were going to be able to keep their dream home. Having already displayed remarkable patience and understanding throughout the process, they fear that their landlords patience may run out, and they will be left with nowhere to live.

We told the boys when the deposit was confirmed that this was going to be their forever home. We also told them that, because we had been renting, we werent able to decorate his room, but now we were going to be able to decorate the rooms, and they were over the moon. And now to tell them Mr Cashman trails away, as the reality of his situation again hits the father of two.

Where are we going to end up? Why would we move out to the southside? All of our family is from the northside, were settled here. Why would you uproot and family and move them 20 kilometres to the other side of the city?

The Government are on holidays again, as they were all through the Christmas when all this was going on. We couldnt enjoy our Christmas because we had an eviction notice for February 13. They wanted another two weeks off in January and we couldnt get any responses then.

It seems to be the only housing scheme thats working to keep people in their homes and theyre now pulling it, why? Were a developed country with a huge tax income, how are we leaving so many people, families, going homeless? Its disgusting what theyre doing to Irish people.

Were hugely stressed and anxious, this has our lives on hold since August 2024, its a total rollercoaster of emotions.

As a father, if this falls through and were left homeless, I feel like Ive failed my children.

Local TD Ken OFlynn said that the move has posed a direct threat to homeless prevention efforts in our city and criticised the Government in pulling what he calls an indispensable scheme.

It is not Cork City Council that has failed in this matter, Independent Ireland Deputy OFlynn wrote to the Minister for Housing. Quite the oppositethe Council has shown exemplary commitment to protecting the most vulnerable. In 2024 alone, the Council secured 135 homes through acquisitions, exceeding expectations, and delivering on its mandate with diligence and integrity.

The failure lies in the Departments allocation model, which does not account for the reality on the ground or the scale of need in a growing urban centre such as Cork.

It is unacceptable that Cork City Council is being placed in a position where it must choose between honouring prior commitments or protecting those on the verge of homelessness in 2025.

We cannot afford to allow bureaucratic rigidity or underinvestment to compromise the dignity and security of our people.

In a protest held outside City Hall by Cork Sinn Fein, Deputy Thomas Gould says that the cruel decision is a disgrace, particularly the decision to announce it as Leinster House takes its Easter recess.

This is one of the few things the Government did right, said Gould on the steps of council buildings, and the first thing they do when they get into Government is to reduce the scheme.

Im dealing with people now roaring trying, who dont know how to tell theyre children that theyre going into emergency accommodation.
Monitors to detect asbestos threat at County Cork piggery installed following demolition

Video shows locals confront man who identifies himself as landowner at Grenagh site thats under investigation by HSA and council

Cork residents confront piggery owner over asbestos fears

Kevin Galvin Thu 17 Apr 2025 at 17:39

The site of a former piggery in Grenagh which has been flagged by local residents as an asbestos concern, and demolished without planning permission, is now subject to a series of controls by Cork County Council.
The Diocese of Derry has confirmed it is aware of an alleged incident outside a hotel in Derry involving a priest of the diocese.

It comes after videos circulated online of a man in clerical garb being challenged by self-styled "paedophile hunters.

The PSNI say a 58-year-old man was arrested at a hotel in Derry on suspicion of alleged attempted sexual communication with a child.

A spokesperson for the PSNI said, A 58-year-old man was arrested on Thursday, April 17, on suspicion of alleged attempted sexual communication with a child.

"He remains in police custody at his time.

There are no further details."

File image.

Today's News in 90 Seconds - April 17th

The Diocese of Derry said they are aware of the incident and a video circulating on social media.

A spokesperson for the Diocese said, The Diocese of Derry is aware of an alleged incident outside a hotel in the Derry city involving a priest of this diocese.

"The diocese knows that a video of the incident has been posted on-line and we understand the PSNI have been involved.

"Currently, the diocese has no further information.

The Catholic Church was contacted for comment. It shared the same statement issued by the diocese.

The Diocese of Derry serves the Catholic congregation of 51 parishes across almost all of Co Derry, parts of Co Tyrone and Co Donegal, and a small area across the River Bann in Co Antrim.
Volunteers Cory Hanson and Victoria White pictured with a pile of rubbish cleaned from The Dodder River at Donnybrook in 2015

An Otter on the River Dodder in Dublin. Pic: Robert O'Leary

Dublins rivers are getting some much-needed support with a total of 82,582 allocated by the Local Authority Waters Programme (LAWPRO).

The funding will assist three key organisations: the Liffey Salmon Project (3,088); Dodder Action Group (4,493); and The Rivers Trust (75,000), all of which are dedicated to preserving and improving the local waterways.

The Catchment Support Fund, launched last year, was created in direct response to the Resilience Pilot Project Evaluation and an external review of the Community Water Development Fund run by the LAWPRO.

Both reviews highlighted the need for funding to build capacity among local groups supporting Irelands third River Basin Management Plan, the Water Action Plan 2024.

Victoria White, a long-standing volunteer with Dodder Action, said the group has held regular clean-ups for more than 12 years.

It also conducts water quality monitoring and species mapping events to foster greater community engagement and appreciation for this vital natural amenity.

Ms White, who has been a part of the group for over a decade, described the funding as incredible for the work they do.

The latest tranche of funding weve received is incredible, because its aimed at running costs  something you rarely get grants for, but which is so essential, she said.

Our website is currently not really fit for purpose, so with these funds, were going to rebuild it.

Were excited to include video clips, folklore, interviews, and to keep our news current and accessible.

Covid hit us hard, and we lost some of our members. Were hopeful this funding will help us relaunch to some degree.

Support like this is vital  we play an essential role in keeping the River Dodder clean, she added.

Volunteers Cory Hanson and Victoria White pictured with a pile of rubbish cleaned from The Dodder River at Donnybrook in 2015

Previous funding from LAWPRO also supported the creation of This is Your River, a short film celebrating the River Dodder, produced by Greenstem Films on a tiny budget.

A new film focusing on the River Tolka is also in development, with the idea behind both to inspire people to think twice before dumping waste in local rivers.

Further funding has gone towards river water testing kits, which detect nitrates  key data for the groups ongoing monitoring efforts.

You get the impression were a bit of a rare pony, because weve actually organised ourselves around the river, Ms White said.

Thats essential. European directives require local custodianship of rivers, and we are that.

Were the only ones who physically care for the river, both along its banks and in the water itself.

Were constantly monitoring pollution, spills, and planning issues. Were just a simple group of volunteers who clean, clear, and care for the river  but it matters, she added.

The group has also created its own funding platform to manage membership fees, helping it expand its work along the river, from Irishtown all the way to Tallaght.

The overall funding will support a wide range of nationwide initiatives, including river restoration, water stewardship programmes, public awareness campaigns, and habitat protection efforts.

We are proud to support community groups in their efforts to protect and improve local water quality, Anthony Coleman, LAWPRO Director of Services said.

Its essential that these groups have the opportunity to grow so they can continue delivering impactful projects and driving positive change for our water quality  now and for future generations.
The 98 apartments are made up of 21 one-bedroom and 77 two-bedroom units

Applications have now been opened for 98 one and two-bed cost rental homes at a new development by Cluid Housing in Walkinstown.

Applications for the new cost rental homes, 29pc below market value, opened at 9am on April 16 and will close at 5pm on Wednesday, April 30.

The new development, located at Stoneview, Walkinstown, Dublin 12, consists of 21 brand new one-bed apartments and 77 two-bed apartments.

The one bed homes have a rent of 1,345 per month, while the two bed homes have a rental cost of 1,625 per month.

The apartments in Stoneview offer high-quality homes in an excellent location, Colin Byrne, Head of Affordable Rental at Cluid Housing, said.

The transport connections mean they would be ideal for households working in Dublin.

We expect there will be a lot of interest in these homes, so we recommend potential applicants read the FAQs on the Cluid website and start gathering their documents now, he added.

Cluid Housing said this rent is a 29pc discount on comparable homes in the area and, in addition to the lower price in rent on these A-rated homes, future residents will also benefit from secure, life-long tenancies and high-quality, responsive management and maintenance.

Cost Rental is a new, secure form of rental housing tenure in Ireland, designed for people whose income means they dont qualify for social housing or other support, such as HAP, but who still struggle to rent on the open market.

All Cost Rental homes have their rents set at a minimum level of 25pc below the local market rents.

The 98 apartments are made up of 21 one-bedroom and 77 two-bedroom units

The rents in Cost Rental homes are set to cover the cost of construction, maintenance, and operation of the development, ensuring long-term affordability for residents

To be eligible to rent or apply for one of these new cost rental homes, applicants must be able to prove their net household income is below 66,000 per year, or 59,000 outside Dublin.

They must also show they are not receiving any social housing supports, such as HAP or Rent supplement, they can afford the rent, they dont own a property and the household is the correct size for the home.

Stoneview is located off the Lower Ballymount Road, adjacent to the Walkinstown Cross roundabout, 7km from Dublin city centre.

As well as these homes, the Stoneview development includes retail space, a creche and a landscaped communal courtyard.

Each home includes white goods, including a fridge freezer, a dishwasher, an oven and hob, a microwave, and a washer dryer as standard.

Roller blinds are also supplied including blackout blinds in bedrooms, in addition to laminate flooring throughout, and tiled bathrooms.

Cluid said they expect residents to be getting their keys in June.

These new Cost Rental homes were delivered by Cluid in partnership with South Dublin County Council, and with the support of the Department of Housing, Heritage and Local Government, The Housing Agency and the Housing Finance Agency.

Those interested need to register their interest online, via www.cluid.ie/cost-rental, and upload supporting documentation
Members of Dublin Fire Brigade near the scene of a fire at a premises on Aungier Street this morning. Photo: Sam Boal/Collins Photos

Dublin Fire Brigade has confirmed it was called to the scene of an early morning blaze at an apartment on Aungier Street today.

Firefighters were called at 6.23am to the apartment fire in the south city centre.

Four fire engines from Dolphins Barn and Tara Street fire stations responded to the scene, along with an emergency tender, turntable ladder, the District Officer and an ambulance.

The first fire engine arrived on scene at 6.32am where an evacuation took place.

Fortunately firefighters in breathing apparatus extinguished the fire and all persons were accounted for.

The assistance of An Garda Siochana and ESB Networks was requested by Dublin Fire Brigade.

Traffic restrictions were in place for a period of time and the fire was extinguished at 6.46am.

Firefighters remained on scene to ventilate the complex.
A so-called tourist tax on hotel rooms in Dublin would be totally unproductive, according to a government minister.

Patrick ODonovan, Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media, said such a tax would harm the Dublin tourism industry as it would mean visitors would go elsewhere.

The minister was reacting to reports that Dublins four local authorities are working together to seek a change in legislation so tourists could be charged extra fees to visit or stay in the city.

The report claimed this proposed tourist tax could be in place as early as September.

Speaking to RTEs Today with Claire Byrne, Minister ODonovan said competitiveness would be impacted if the Dublin local authorities introduced a tax on people going into their local area.

Asked whether he would welcome a similar tax in his own constituency of Limerick, he said: Well, no, certainly not. I dont want to put a tax on anybody that wants to come to Limerick.

The last thing we need to do is to be adding costs. Anyway, this would be a matter for the Minister for Finance because you cant raise tax without Government approval and the drafting of legislation.

The minister said he does not know how it would work to attach a tax to just one county, especially when what would stop somebody staying in Wicklow and getting the Dart in and not paying tax.

He said Dublins four local authorities could come together and propose this, but the issue of levying tax is ultimately one for Government.

I think putting a tax on people and telling them, Were going to make your trip to Dublin even more expensive than it is at the moment.

Its easy knowing that a lot of people who come up with these ideas maybe dont sit down with the hoteliers, or dont sit down with restaurateurs, or dont sit down with publicans.

The last thing we need, to be quite honest about it, is another tax that is going to make people feel more unwelcome.

Theyll stay in Wicklow, theyll stay in Kildare and maybe go to Cork, or go to Limerick or Galway, and wouldnt that be totally unproductive for the Dublin tourism industry?

Earlier this year, the Irish Hotels Federation claimed there are no grounds for a tourist tax for staying in the capital, a move considered by Dublin City Council for a number of years to increase revenue.

In January of last year, the previous Dublin City Council finance committee proposed a 1pc hotel tax.

The tax, which could potentially raise up to 12m for the local authority, was never introduced.

A spokesperson for the Irish Hotels Federation said: Hotels are already making an enormous contribution in terms of taxes, both towards central exchequer finances and supporting local authority services.

In Dublin, hotels pay approximately 1,000 per bedroom to Dublin City Council (DCC) in commercial rates and levies to fund local authority services, which equates to over 25m for DCC per annum.

In addition to this, Dublin city centre hotels and businesses pay a further 5pc levy toward enhancing the city experience for visitors, residents and workers.

It should be noted that economic activity from tourism businesses, including hotels, is already making a substantial contribution to the exchequer, generating taxes equivalent to 29 cents for every 1 spent by tourists.

Thats equivalent to over 3bn in taxes generated by tourism businesses for the Government each year.

A spokesperson for Fingal County Council said: The Dublin City Taskforce Report identified a tourist tax as a potential source of income for Dublin, but acknowledged that funding mechanisms were outside its remit as this would require enabling legislation which would be a matter for Government.

A spokesperson for the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment said there are currently no plans to introduce an accommodation levy.

The introduction of an accommodation levy was proposed in the report of the Commission on Taxation and Welfare in September 2022 and in the Dublin City Taskforce Report published in October 2024, which is being considered by an interdepartmental group.

The introduction of such a levy would need careful consideration given the importance of inbound tourism to Irelands economy.

Dublin City Council, South Dublin County Council and Dun Laoghaire Rathdown County Council have been contacted for comment.
At Bray Head , Valentia Island, Left, Niamh Osullivan, Director of Services Kerry County Council, Cllr Dan McCarthy, Cllr Norma Moriarty, Cllr Teddy OSullivan, Casey, Cllr Podge Foley, David Doyle, Senior Engineer Kerry County Council, Hilary Creedon, Manager, Activities at Failte Ireland, Cathaoirleach Kenmare Municipal District, Cllr Tommy Cahill, Raymond Lyne, Project Manager, Kerry County Council, Fearghal Reidy, Chief Executive, Kerry County Council, Josephine O'Driscoll, Manager, Wild Atlantic Way at Failte Irelan to mark the beginning of construction on the upgraded Wild Atlantic Way Discovery Point. Photo by Valerie O'Sullivan.

At Bray Head, Valentia Island, Niamh Osullivan, Director of Services Kerry County Council, Cllr Dan McCarthy, Cllr Norma Moriarty, Cllr Teddy OSullivan, Casey, Cllr Podge Foley, David Doyle, Senior Engineer Kerry County Council, Hilary Creedon, Manager, Activities at Failte Ireland, Cathaoirleach Kenmare Municipal District, Cllr Tommy Cahill, Raymond Lyne, Project Manager, Kerry County Council, Fearghal Reidy, Chief Executive, Kerry County Council, Josephine O'Driscoll, Manager, Wild Atlantic Way at Failte Ireland, to mark the beginning of construction on the upgraded Wild Atlantic Way Discovery Point. Photo by Valerie O'Sullivan.

Construction work has begun this week on a 2m tourism project on Valentia island in Kerry which will enhance the tourism product of Kerry and the Wild Atlantic Way.

Work officially began on an upgrade to the Wild Atlantic Way Discovery Point at Bray Head on the most westerly tip of the island.

Following an investment of 2.13 million from Failte Ireland, the project will be delivered in partnership with Kerry County Council.

The project will enhance the existing Discovery Point at Bray Head by restoring and conserving the historic Bray Head Signal Tower, installing a new concrete spiral staircase and viewing platform, offering visitors stunning views of the Skellig Islands and South West coast.

It will also include upgrades to the access road and car park to improve accessibility.

The Bray Head Signal Tower, dating back to 1805, is situated within an enclosure on the cliff face and is the focal point of this project.

Once complete, the Discovery Point at Bray Head will complement the nearby Discovery Points at Kerry Cliffs and Fogher Cliffs on Geokaun Mountain.

The Wild Atlantic Way Discovery Points were first developed in 2014 to showcase areas with the most spectacular views and unique historical sites along Irelands west coast.

The Discovery Point at Bray Head is one of 187 points along the 2,500km route, each marked with a distinctive Wild Atlantic Way signpost. 27 of these Discovery points are in Kerry and include several of the county's top beaches including Banna, Ballybunion and Rossbeigh.

Speaking at the Discovery Point on Valentia Island, Cathaoirleach of Kenmare Municipal District, Cllr. Tommy Cahill said is a significant project for the county.

I am delighted to mark the commencement of construction on this project that will enhance the tourist experience at this Discovery Point on the Wild Atlantic Way at Bray Head on Valentia Island. The works will ensure the protection of the historic Bray Head Signal Tower and improvement of the facilities for visitors to enjoy breath-taking views of Skellig Michael, the Blasket Islands and the stunning South Kerry coast.

Head of Activities at Failte Ireland, Fiona Monaghan said:

Were pleased to mark the beginning of construction on the Discovery Point at Bray Head today. The Discovery Point highlights a key destination along the Wild Atlantic Way, with its stunning views of Skellig Michael and Dingle Peninsula. Failte Irelands investment of 2.13 million underscores our commitment to the sustainable development of tourism and enhancing the visitor experience, while conserving Ireland's rich heritage and culture.

Chief Executive of Kerry County Council, Fearghal Reidy said Bray Head is an example of a strong working relationship between Failte Ireland and the local authority.

Kerry County Council and Failte Ireland have established a strong relationship, for many years, aimed at enhancing tourism in County Kerry. This partnership is evident through various joint initiatives designed to boost the local economy and enrich visitor experiences.
Killarney Brewing & Distilling Company (KBD) who run the landmark brewery in Fossa have gone into examinership.

Killarney Brewing & Distilling Company (KBD)  who run one of the largest independent breweries and distilleries in the State in Fossa in Co Kerry  has gone into examinership.

The 24m 62,000 square foot brewery, distillery and visitor centre opened in 2022 in the former Rosenbluth factory and Department of Arts, Sport and Tourism site in Killalee, Fossa.

A landmark building in the county, it has been promoted as a unique tourist attraction with its own gala dining area, roof-top terrace and brewery which targeted tour groups. It employs approximately 100 people.

However, an examiner has now been appointed to secure the future of the company.

James Anderson, Partner, Deloitte Ireland was appointed as Interim Examiner to Killarney Brewing and Distilling Holdings Public Limited Company and related companies.

Mr Anderson was appointed following the filing of a petition by the Company in the High Court late on April 16, 2025.

The Company believe the examinership process presents the most viable path to secure the companys future.

In a statement released this afternoon, Thursday, April 17, Killarney Brewing and Distilling Company (KBD) said the company faced unprecedented challenges.

Like many in the drinks manufacturing industry, KBD has endured unprecedented challenges during and following the COVID-19 pandemic. These included surging raw material costs, significant supply chain disruptions, delays in opening the Fossa distillery, whiskey inventory supply gluts, and broader geopolitical uncertainties. Collectively, these issues have placed significant pressure on the business and negatively impacted both revenue and profitability, they said.

Earlier this year, KBD reached a preliminary agreement to merge with a US-based strategic partner. Unfortunately, that partner recently made the decision not to proceed with the transaction.

The directors believe the examinership process presents the most viable path to secure the companys future by attracting new investment from experienced industry partners, the statement continued, thanking its employees, customers, partners and shareholders for their support.

It is our belief that this decision will safeguard employment, stabilise operations in the medium to long term and secure a sustainable future. KBD is fully committed to working closely with the Examiner to achieve the best possible outcome for all stakeholders, the statement concluded.

Speaking on his appointment, Mr Anderson, said he is committed to working with the Company and all stakeholders to achieve a successful outcome.

Last year the company said they were in the process of raising 7m, mainly from investors in the US and were undertaking a road show meeting potential backers in New York, Chicago and Wisconsin.

Managing Director of Killarney Brewing and Distilling Co., Barry Spellman, said the company had received considerable interest in the funding.

In August of last year, Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media Catherine Martin TD and Failte Ireland announced that Killarney Brewing and Distilling Visitors Experience was among the five venues awarded a total of 1 million through the Platforms for Growth Gala Dinner Venues Investment Scheme.
Bettystowns Andrew Callaghan Butchers are celebrating national recognition after being crowned Overall Champion at the 2025 Easter Lamb Display Challenge, organised by the Irish Butchers Guild.

The annual competition, which showcases the very best butchery across Ireland, saw Andrew Callaghan Butchers take the top prize with a stunning 5-star Easter Lamb Display, a stunning showcase of seasonal celebration, skilful butchery and product excellence. The judges were impressed with the level of detail, creativity and innovation on display.

With Easter being a time when Irish lamb takes centre stage on tables around the country, the competition shone a spotlight on the exceptional skill and dedication of local butchers - each one a true champion of quality and tradition.

Were absolutely over the moon to be named Overall Champion, said Andrew Callaghan. This competition really brings out the best in our industry, and to have our work recognised at this level means the world. Its a huge team effort, and were proud to celebrate Irish lamb and the craft of butchery in such a creative way.

Lamb holds a special place in Easter traditions, and theres no better place to find premium, locally sourced lamb than your local independent butcher. From expertly trimmed racks and legs of lamb to innovative marinades, ready-to-cook options, and beautifully presented seasonal specials, this years entries highlighted the unmatched expertise of Irish butchers and their ongoing commitment to quality and innovation.

A selection of quality butchers were also recognised with 5-Star Awards for their outstanding entries, including Grogan & Brown Artisan Butchers, Kilkenny, Davidsons Craft Butchers, Cork, Jim Crowley Craft Butchers, Midleton, Corrigans Artisan Butchers, Dublin, Murphy Craft Butchers, Tullow, B. Molloy Master Butchers, Ennis, while others achieved 4-Star and 3-Star Awards for the high quality and effort on display.

The event showcased an impressive variety of lamb-based creations such as Rack of Lamb stuffed with black and white pudding, Mint Lamb Kebabs, Lamb Curry Parcels, Lamb Onion Bhajis, Spicy Lamb Meatballs, Ginger & Chilli Lamb Cushion, Shepherds Pie Lamb Truffles, Herb Crusted Rack of Lamb, Marinated Lamb Tomahawks, Lamb Empanadas, Merguez Sausages, Salt Aged Rack of Lamb and Spicy Lamb Koftas and Lamb Twists, together with more traditional lamb cuts. Entries were evaluated on product range and quality, visual appeal, creativity, innovation, and craftmanship.

Commenting on the competition, the Irish Butchers Guild said: Our members continue to raise the bar each year. These displays arent just about presentation - they represent the passion, tradition and local pride that goes into every cut of meat. Its a celebration of Irish lamb, Irish butchery, and the incredible service our members provide to communities across the country.

The Irish Butchers' Guild, formed in 2019, was founded by a community of independent, like-minded butchers from the entire island of Ireland. United by a shared passion for their craft, this group of highly motivated butchers is dedicated to preserving the time-honoured skills, knowledge, and heritage of traditional butchery. At the same time, they embrace modern techniques and innovation to deliver uncompromising quality, innovation, and exceptional products and experiences for their customers.
J R O' Reilly, Isabelle Canning,Thomas Byrne and a few of the dogs.

St Mary's Secondary School in Enniscorthy organised a fundraiser night in the Enniscorthy Racetrack for their Zambia Immersion Project, which will see a group of students volunteering in Africa.

Following on from their very successful Immersion Project in summer 2023 and in keeping with their ethos of helping those less fortunate than themselves, the school are in the process of organising an Immersion Project to Zambia for the current TY and Fifth Year cohorts.

This is an exciting opportunity provided to a small group of students who will immerse themselves into a different culture and volunteer in Zambia in June of this year.

Since 2006, the school has taken part in this project. Students and staff have helped hospices, taught and interacted with local students and contributed to the building of a school run by ZAMDA Ireland.

Liret, David and Nic Devereux.

This time, students will fundraise throughout the 2024/25 academic year for the continued development of a school called Sables Nua in a developing community in Kabwe, Zambia.

As such, they held a successful and well-attended event in the dog track in Enniscorthy, with a number of Easter eggs, wine and other coveted items making up the raffle prizes.

The cohort of students chosen for this year's project are: Jake Maher, Kacper Jaworiski, Daragh Rogan, Jack ONeill, Rian Bracken, Aidan Furlong, Calum McGuire, Eoghan Lynch, Tadhg Doyle, Darragh Molloy, Cian McCormack, Geoffrey Barry, Thady Cuddihy, Evan Devereux, Luke Colley and VJ Doyle.

Cathal, Jemma, Leaina and Evie O' Neill.

Philip O' Brien, Killian O' Connor and Larry Kavanagh.

Carol and Hayley Curran-Whitney.

Lily Rose Atkins.

Jessica, David and Cian O' Brien.

Yvonne O' Shea, Laura Sheerlock and Ciara Doolan.

J R O' Reilly, Isabelle Canning,Thomas Byrne and a few of the dogs.

Eddie Sheridan and Jim Flynn.
Sophia Mae Dowling - Won second in Public Speaking and Solo Drama - she also came highly commended in the Create your own poem category.

Noah Goold - All Ireland Finalist - top 15 children out of over 400 kids. Pictured with his Drama Teacher Lisa Goold.

A monologue from a Stephen King novel, a speech about inclusivity, and a mime on the experiences of a first driving lesson were just some of the acts on show as young performers from Co Wexford took part in the annual All-Ireland Speech and Drama Teachers Feis in The Stillorgan Park Hotel earlier this month.

Over 30 students from Wexford towns Shine Bright Theatre qualified for the finals of their respective events and each and every one did the county proud on the big stage.

Sophia Mae returned home with two second place prizes, one for public speaking and a speech entitled Balancing Merit and Diversity: the path to true inclusion and another for her depiction of the terrifying Annie Wilkes from the Stephen King novel Misery in the solo drama section.

Sophia also highly commended in the poetry competition for her self-penned work Saved By Who I Am.

Alannah Doyle - 3rd in mime and highly commended in Public Speaking. Pictured with Drama Teacher Lisa Goold.

Meanwhile, Alannah Doyle placed third in the mime section for My First Driving Lesson and came highly commended for her speech on dyslexia in the public speaking category.

There were also medals for Noah Goold in solo drama, Paul O Brien for poetry, Juliet Farrelly Millar for poetry and solo drama, Clodagh Brady for solo drama, Louisa Maguire for poetry, and Eimear Devlin for solo drama. With students aged 8-18 qualifying for the finals, Lisa Goold founder of Shine Bright Theatre said it was a fantastic experience for my students and takes a lot of confidence to perform in front of a full house of strangers.

We prepare yearly in grade and performance exams with the Irish Board of Speech and Drama - all my students again this year achieved distinctions and first class honours. I am extremely proud of all the hard work my students do in preparation for their exams and the All Ireland Feis.

On May 4 Shine Brights youth theatre group is heading to the All-Ireland Youth Theatre Festival in Naas.
While children across Co Wexford will no doubt be hunting for eggs of a chocolate variety this coming weekend, Clean Coasts is encouraging families to take a break from the chocolate over Easter and get involved in a meaningful outdoor activity.

Those living in coastal communities can head to their local beach this weekend in search of shark, skate and ray eggs, and record their findings for the National Biodiversity Data Centre and The Ray Project.

In Kilmore Quay on Tuesday, April 22 at 2 p.m. families can meet at the bottom of the steps on The Burrow Beach for a quick #2MinuteBeachClean followed by an egg case hunt.

This initiative encourages small, impactful actions to help protect the environment while exploring local wildlife, which reflects the ethos of the campaign.

It aims to inspire kids and adults of all ages to enjoy the outdoors, engage with nature, and help protect Irelands coastlines by removing litter and identifying egg cases along the shore. By tracking findings with The Ray Project, or the National Biodiversity Centres Explore Your Shore programme, participants will help marine scientists to gain an understanding of these species and identify nursery areas.

Shark and skate eggs can be found along the coast at low tide along the wrack line, where seaweed and other debris is deposited at high tide. These leathery looking eggs, which are often also referred to as mermaid purses due to their unique texture and shape, can regularly be found attached to seaweed washed ashore.

We encourage everyone who is near a beach over the Easter break to take some time to record shark and ray egg cases. Each record contributes to our understanding of these charismatic species and can help us identify areas important for their conservation, said Dave Wall, Citizen Science Officer at the National Biodiversity Data Centre.
Students and teachers pictured at the presentation of Erasmus+ certificates in Bridgetown College on Thursday. Pic: Jim Campbell

Students and teachers pictured with Cathaoirleach of Rosslare Municipal District Cllr Jim Codd, Cllr Catherine Walsh, Jim Moore (Chairman of the Board of Management) at the presentation of Erasmus+ certificates in Bridgetown College on Thursday. Pic: Jim Campbell

In the latest cross-cultural initiative to take place at the school, Bridgetown College has welcomed eight students and two teachers from Poland to spend a week with them. Part of the Eramus + project, which is the EU's programme to support education, training, youth and sport in Europe, this is the third time Bridgetown has invited international students to the school and follows on from the Wexford trip to Poland last December.

Focusing on the theme of wellbeing and an exchange of cultures and language, the visit saw the connections made in December strengthened yet further as the Polish group took part in workshops and activities in the school and also visited Hook Lighthouse, Johnstown Castle, Wexford town, Dublin and Emerald Park.

They were hosted by the families of Bridgetown College transition year students during their stay.
Wicklow-based James Kelly of LMH Engineering Group has been named alongside 23 other finalists in the 2025 EY Entrepreneur Of The Year Ireland programme.

Mr Kelly, who joined LMH in 2000 and is currently managing director, will compete with the other shortlisted entrepreneurs who span a range of sectors including consumer, technology, media, health, life sciences, manufacturing and financial services.

Collectively, the group of world class business leaders are already generating annual revenues approaching 1 billion and employing over 4,000 people.

This years 24 finalists will engage in a strategic growth programme which includes a week-long CEO Retreat, taking place this year in Tokyo and Kyoto, Japan. As part of this retreat, the finalists will join a group of over 100 alumni of the programme where they will meet a range of world-class entrepreneurs, businesspeople and academics.

The finalists will compete across three categories - emerging, established and international  with Mr Kelly competing in the established category. There is also a special Sustainability Award presented to the finalist making the biggest contribution towards environmental sustainability through their business.

One overall winner will be selected as The EY Entrepreneur Of The Year 2025 at a gala awards ceremony which will take place in November.

Partner lead for EY Entrepreneur Of The Year Ireland Roger Wallace said: From well known and loved consumer brands to pioneering life science and technology businesses, and so much more in between, our finalists lead outstanding businesses creating opportunities and employment across Ireland.

The creation of world class businesses from Ireland has never been more important and our 24 finalists are leading the way.

Our finalists are exploring new markets and technologies to solve challenges and find solutions that will revolutionise their own industries, confirming Irelands exceptional reputation as a centre of excellence for innovation and business.

This years finalists have been shortlisted by an independent judging panel of previous winners, chaired by Harry Hughes, CEO of Portwest and chairperson of the EY Entrepreneur Of The Year judging panel.

Selecting just 24 finalists was an incredibly challenging task, but I am thrilled to congratulate this years finalists and extend a very warm welcome into the EOY community, Mr Hughes said.

An immensely valuable experience now awaits each of them and I wish them every success as they embark on this journey and join this extraordinary group of passionate, courageous individuals who are truly driving Irish entrepreneurship forward."
Bray School Project NS came alive with colour, conversation, and celebration as students, staff, parents, and international guests gathered for the annual Intercultural Fair  a highlight of its Intercultural Fortnight initiative  on Thursday, April 10.

This years event was more meaningful than ever, with representatives and ambassadors from eight embassies  Australia, Czech Republic, Croatia, India, New Zealand, Germany, Romania, and Lithuania  joining the school for a day dedicated to honouring the many cultures represented within the school community and beyond.

With ties to 35 countries across its staff and student body, Bray School Project NS is a microcosm of international diversity  something that was joyfully on display throughout the day. Principal Alan Bedford praised the collaborative spirit behind the fair. It was fantastic for the staff and children to lead this lovely event with help from volunteers and parents, he said. In a time of global uncertainty and changing international relations, our Intercultural Fair  with everyone coming together to celebrate our different cultures  really showed what our school and Educate Together is about.
TDs hit out at utility in Dail but praised Arklows cathedral of crap

Uisce Eireann has responded to criticism by Wicklow TDs in a recent Dail debate, where environmental issues were raised alongside the impact of water infrastructure on housing supply. But it wasnt all negative, as the utility was commended for progress made on the Arklow wastewater treatment plan, which was recently singled out for praise in the English press as a cathedral of crap.

Wicklow Social Democrats TD Jennifer Whitmore addressed the numerous local issues with the utility, highlighting what she said were systemic failures and called for urgent government action. She said that despite the significant investment and political will behind Uisce Eireann, it continues to struggle with basic issues.

In my constituency, there were multiple issues last year alone with Uisce Eireann, Deputy Whitmore said.

Over Christmas, a pump failure in Bray allowed sewage to be pumped onto the beach for four days. This led to the cancellation of the annual charity swim and meant that people could not swim in the sea for five days in Bray. There were also sewage leaks into the harbour at Greystones during this period, which led Wicklow County Council to prohibit swimming at Greystones Harbour environs, Greystones Cove Beach and Greystones South Beach.

There were also issues with the Three Trouts River in Greystones last year, where sewage flowing into the river turned the water grey and people in the surrounding area were not leaving their homes due to the smell. There were serious concerns around the wildlife living in the river at this time, Deputy Whitmore noted.

At the moment, there are ongoing odour issues around the wastewater plants in Greystones and the Murrough. These are simple things that should be resolved, yet theres no indication that Uisce Eireann is on top of it, despite public calls for action, Deputy Whitmore added.

In 2023, Uisce Eireann reported 1,141 short-duration environmental incidents, half of which were due to equipment breakdowns and maintenance issues. Many of the issues that they report are small, once-off, easy fixes. For example, alarms not going off when a pump stops or a generator fails. These are not large-scale infrastructure failures; they are basic issues that Uisce Eireann should be able to fix. Staff on the ground are doing their best to address these issues but there is a lack of focus on a senior level impeding them, Deputy Whitmore continued.

Its not all negative; sometimes Uisce Eireann gets it right. For example, the Arklow wastewater treatment plant has been a huge success. But there are too many instances where Uisce Eireann is not meeting the standard that we need from our highly invested in and highly resourced national water company. The government needs to ensure that, when Uisce Eireann is tasked with a job, they do that job and do it properly, Deputy Whitmore concluded.

Fianna Fails Malcolm Byrne also sounded a note of praise about the Arklow wastewater treatment plant, which The Guardian newspaper described as the worlds most beautiful sewage treatment plant, referring to it as a cathedral of crap.

Its inspiration was Sydney Opera House and Deputy Byrne said it showed that it allows Arklow, a town that in many ways has been held back for decades, to expand and be able to develop in a sustainable way.

However, he bemoaned the plight the villages in south Wicklow, where delays in infrastructure means there is no capacity for further development.

Uisce Eireann acknowledged the malfunction which resulted in a failure of the pumping system at Rathdown Pump Station in Greystones over Christmas. Normal operations were restored at the pump station on the afternoon of Monday, December 30, 2024, and Wicklow County Council lifted the bathing water advisory on Friday, January 7, 2025.

It said that following an investigation, sewage concerns with the Three Trouts River, in Greystones, were not connected to the Uisce Eireann wastewater treatment plant.

In relation to odour complaints from the Greystones Wastewater Treatment Plant (WWTP) several actions have taken place.

The Uisce Eireann Process Optimisation Team attended the site on Monday, November 24, 2024 and carried out a review of plant operations. Several recommendations were proposed and have since been implemented.

The Uisce Eireann Source Control Team have initiated a review of the wastewater network in the Greystones area to focus specifically on discharges from Section 16 license holders to identify the origin of FOGs (fats, oils & greases) entering the Greystones WwTP.

An EPA audit took place at the Greystones WWTP on Tuesday, January 14, 2025 and a recommendation was made for an independent third party to survey the existing WWTP.

This survey has been completed by a third party and Uisce Eireann expect to review the reports later in April 2025.

Due to the aging infrastructure, Uisce Eireann is prioritising the upgrade of Murrough Pumping station. This pumping station is added to the Uisce Eireann wastewater pumping station programme.

The pumping station upgrades are currently moving through the site survey stage with the utilituys regional contractors which is taking place in April 2025.
Want all the Botox effects without resorting to needles? Sarah Caden gets some expert tips

Is face taping really an alternative to Botox and can any other device or skincare do the trick?

Everybody loves a quick fix and if its easy and affordable, all the better. A seemingly recent trend that in fact has been around for years is face taping as an accessible alternative to Botox.

If youve managed to ignore or avoid all knowledge of face taping, it is what it says it is, the practice of applying sticky tape to areas that traditionally have the most furrows, such as forehead, the nasolabial marionette lines from noses to the mouth and the 11 lines between the brows.

The idea is that by immobilising the muscles with tape, and doing it overnight as you sleep and doing it consistently, the muscles will move less and also learn to move less, thus reducing wrinkles. You can very easily find all sorts of tape designed for this purpose, and glowing endorsements, but does it really work?

While face taping may temporarily soften the appearance of fine lines by physically immobilising the skin, theres no scientific evidence that it has any long-term anti-ageing benefit, says Dr Caitriona Ryan, co-founder of the Institute of Dermatologists. In fact, repeated taping can irritate the skin or even cause contact dermatitis. Unlike Botox, which works by temporarily blocking the nerve signals to overactive muscle to relax them for months, tape cannot impact muscle movement in a meaningful or lasting way.

What about gua sha tools or face yoga exercises, can they make a meaningful difference?

Gua sha tools are flat, smooth devices, curved to fit the contours of the face and made of bone, stone or even metal. Originating in traditional Chinese medicine, you drag or scrape  though its not supposed to hurt  the gua sha across the face to improve circulation and blood flow. Over time, some suggest, muscle tone can be improved and lines smoothed.

With face yoga, a sequence of exercises promise to tone the muscles and improve slackness. Both practices aim to stimulate circulation and lymphatic drainage, Dr Ryan says. They can certainly reduce puffiness and create a temporarily brighter, more sculpted appearance and can also improve facial tension, which may help with clenching of the jaw and reduce frowning.

Consistency and correct use is crucial with both of these and where a lot of people fall down. Neither, says Dr Ryan, will do the work of Botox.

They may improve the appearance of fluid retention or puffiness and subtly improve skin tone, but they do not significantly affect deeper wrinkles or static lines caused by muscle movement over time.

Ive read about at-home devices that use microcurrents, are they effective?

These devices deliver low-level electrical currents to stimulate facial muscles. They can provide temporary firming or lifting effects and are among the more promising home tools available. With regular and correct use, they may help maintain muscle tone and improve skin texture, says Dr Ryan.

Results are subtle, and require consistency as changes in muscle tone are very temporary, and still fall short of the longevity and precision of Botox or skin-tightening procedures.

Finally, is there any skincare that might do the trick?

There has been a lot of noise lately about the ingredient Argireline as Botox in a bottle. As can often be the case, a lot of the online testimonials are from people too young to be deeply lined, but plenty of lived-in faces report good results too. So can a serum really rub out a wrinkle?

While the comparison between Botox and Argireline, a synthetic peptide, is a bit of a stretch, there is some science behind its mechanism of action and potential benefits says Dr Ryan.

Argireline works by inhibiting a group of proteins that play a key role in the release of neurotransmitters. By doing this, it can reduce the repetitive muscle movements that contribute to dynamic wrinkles such as crows feet and forehead lines.

However, because a skincare serum cannot penetrate as deeply in to the skin as an injectable, it is not going to significantly alter the action of the face muscles. Basically, it works, but its only skin deep.

The Ordinary Argireline Solution 10%, 11.20, Brown Thomas; Space NK; boots.ie

The Ordinary Argireline Solution 10%, 11.20, Brown Thomas; Space NK; boots.ie

It can be used all over the skin or in targeted areas where lines are a concern. Some good results are reported when you layer this serum with a serum containing matrixyl  also available from this brand  the latter of which claims to work on lines and wrinkles by promoting collagen to fill them in.

Haumea RF Supersculpt Pro, 275, huameaskincare.com

Haumea RF Supersculpt Pro, 275, huameaskincare.com

This Irish skincare brand has several at-home devices in their range, and this new addition offers radio frequency, electrical muscle stimulation, LED light therapy and multi-frequency vibrations all in one tool. Easy to use at home in your down time, with no recovery time.

Ella & Jo Rose Quartz Gua Sha, 20, ellaandjo.ie

Ella & Jo Rose Quartz Gua Sha, 20, ellaandjo.ie

Gua sha tools are often made with rose quartz, which has been used through the centuries for its anti-inflammatory and cooling effect. If you find a gua sha drags on dry skin uncomfortably, it can be used with a facial oil, but dry skin is traditionally preferred for a scraping effect.
The original director of the 1988 comedy Naked Gun has said that he wouldnt have cast Liam Neeson in the new sequel, adding that you cant replace Leslie Nielson.

American director David Zucker also claimed he was excluded from working on the new movie.

The upcoming summer film will see Neeson play Lt. Frank Drebin Jr, son of Lt. Frank Drebin, the lead character of the first three films played by Nielsen, with the first trailer having been released earlier this month.

Liam Neeson in the Naked Gun sequel

Nielsen died in 2010 at the age of 84, having also famously starred in the parody Airplane! movies.

The Naked Gun franchise began with the Police Squad! series in 1982, before transitioning into a film franchise, famous for sending up cop drama tropes and ridiculous visual jokes.

Zucker told Fox News Digital that the new movie wouldnt have been his style.

Zucker directed the original 1988 comedy, "The Naked Gun: From the Files of Police Squad!" starring Nielsen and co-written by his brother, Jerry Zucker, Jim Abrahams and Pat Proft.

David Zucker told Fox News Digital: "It's painful, but it's just it's not what I would have done.

"But you know, I don't want to just bash what they're doing, but I'd like to. But its not what I would have done, it is not our style. Its strange seeing it."

Naked Gun star Leslie Nielsen. Photo: Getty

The director admitted he doesnt want to go watch the Naked Gun reboot with Neeson, comparing it to when Airplane II came out, which did not involve the Zucker brothers.

"Jim Abrahams said when we would do Q and As and we'd be asked: 'Why haven't you ever seen Airplane II? And Jim said: Well, if your daughter became a prostitute, would you go watch her work?" he said.

"'The Naked Gun' and Airplane,' these are our babies. And we spent a lot of time conceiving it, doing it. And then it was kind of a surprise to me when I was excluded from the remake.

"I just assumed I would do it. We wrote a script. And then suddenly Seth MacFarlane came in with Liam Neeson, and it was big studio, big agency, big producer."

Had he been involved, Zucker says he would not have cast the Northern Irish film star.

"You can't replace Leslie Nielsen. That's the thing," he said.

"They were very sincere and in what they thought they were going to do. They want to do Naked Gun. And these aren't bad people, they worship, they love Naked Gun, Top Secret!, Airplane!, and Seth MacFarlane has done homages in Family Guy and all this stuff, and it's very nice.

"He called me, and for 10 minutes he just told me how much he loved my movies. However, when I first heard that he was going to do it, I kind of applied hat in hand to help or to be involved. And he said: Not until we do the script. He didn't want to meet with me. So that's his choice. All I can say is thats Hollywood."

At the time the original Naked Gun movie raked in $152.4 million on a budget of $12 million.

Rumours of another film had circulated since 2009, with reports stating that The Naked Gun: What 4? The Rhythm of Evil was in development, before being put on the back burner following the death of original star Nielsen.
Myanmar frees nearly 4,900 prisoners to mark traditional new year

Thirteen foreigners will be released and deported according to state-run media

The military government has released more than 6,000 prisoners and has reduced other inmates sentences as part of a mass amnesty to mark the 77th anniversary of independence from Britain (AP)

Irish Independent Newsdesk Press Association Thu 17 Apr 2025 at 07:35







The head of Myanmars military government has granted amnesty to around 4,900 prisoners to mark the countrys traditional new year, state-run media reported on Thursday.
US secretary of state Marco Rubio to join European allies to discuss Ukraine peace deal

French and Italian leaders among the EU heavyweights to meet visiting US officials including JD Vance this week

A resident stands in the backyard of his house which was damaged during a Russian drone strike in Odesa, Ukraine, yesterday. Photo: Reuters

Matthew Lee Associated Press Thu 17 Apr 2025 at 03:30







US secretary of state Marco Rubio and Steve Witkoff, American president Donald Trumps special envoy, will travel to Paris today for talks with European allies on US efforts to negotiate a peace deal between Russia and Ukraine.
LATEST | Israel plans to remain in Gaza even if peace deal negotiated, defence minister says

Defence minister says Israel will remain in Gaza 'security zone'Hamas rejects calls to disarm, sees possible 'political trap'Israeli forces have seized about 30pc of Gaza territoryMedical charity MSF says Gaza is 'mass grave'

Palestinians inspect the site of an Israeli strike on a house, in Jabalia, in the northern Gaza Strip. Photo: Reuters

James Mackenzie and Nidal al-Mughrabi Reuters Thu 17 Apr 2025 at 03:30







Israeli troops will remain in the buffer zones they have created in Gaza even after any settlement to end the war, Defence Minister Israel Katz said on Wednesday, as efforts to revive a ceasefire agreement faltered.
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Since our founding in September of 1963, The Independent has been dedicated to giving Livermore, Pleasanton, Dublin, and Sunol readers the news they need to be in-the-know about what's going on in the Tri-Valley region.
Indias Occupational Safety, Health and Working Conditions Code, 2020: What is it and How Should Companies Prepare?

The Occupational Safety, Health and Working Conditions Code, 2020 amalgamates over 10 labor laws to consolidate into one comprehensive act.

It was passed by the Indian parliament and received the presidents assent in September 2020.

Rules to implement the Code are expected to be finalized in the next few weeks.

The Occupational Safety, Health and Working Conditions Code, 2020 (OSH Code) is one of three new labor codes that will consolidate the bulk of labor legislation in India and streamline labor compliance besides expanding the social security net for workers.

More importantly, the new labor codes seek to bring uniformity to the way labor laws are implemented in the country. This has been a much promised reform by Prime Minister Narendra Modis government and finally appears to be at the last stretch before coming to fruition.

Since labor is a concurrent subject under the Indian constitution, it can be legislated upon by both federal and state governments, contributing to the existing framework of convoluted labor laws and notifications, many overlapping in their applicability and jurisdiction. Depending on the situation, this has removed safeguards for, both, employers and employees, due to ambiguous interpretation or limited scope of implementation.

The new labor codes will subsume several labor laws at various levels of government; they are grouped into four categories to ease classification and clearly delineate the types of legislation they will subsume and their legislative goal. The four codes cover industrial relations, wages, social security, and worker health, safety, and welfare.

In this article, we briefly spotlight key features of the OSH Code, including use of legal terms, duties of employers, rights of employees, important regulatory directives, and compliance obligations.

Businesses should prepare their organizations for once the Code comes into effect or risk being found incompliant. Speaking to the media on January 12, the Labor and Employment Secretary Apurva Chandra stated that the labor ministry were looking to finalize the rules under the codes by January-end.

Key definitions under the Occupational Safety, Health and Working Conditions Code

The following terms have had their definitions amended under the new labor code:

Contract labor: Defined as a worker who is deemed to be employed in an establishment or connected to the work of an establishment upon being hired by a contractor for such purpose, regardless of the knowledge of the principal employer. The scope of this definition excludes workers (besides part-time employees) who are regularly employed by the contractor for any economic activity whereby such workers employment is governed by mutually accepted employment standards and benefits of periodical increment in pay and other welfare incentives.

Provisions of the Code that pertain to contract labor would only apply to establishments that hire 50 or more contract laborers.

Establishment: Defined as: (i) any place with 10 or more workers where any industry, trade, business, manufacturing, or occupation is undertaken; or (ii) a motor transport undertaking, newspaper establishment, audio-video production, building or other construction work, or plantation with 10 or more workers; or (iii) factory in which 10 or more workers are employed; or (iv) a mine or port or vicinity of port where dock work is carried out.

Employee: Defined as a person employed and paid wages by an establishment to do any skilled, unskilled, manual, operational, supervisory, managerial, administrative, technical, clerical, or other work. The definition has been made consistent in all the four codes.

Employer: Defined as a person who employs (directly, or through any person, or on behalf of any person) one or more employees in their establishment, and includes, inter alia, the person or authority that has the final control over the affairs of the establishment (or contractor).

Factory: Definition is expanded to 20 workers for premises where the work process uses power and 40 workers where the work process uses no power.

Principal employer: Defined as: (i) any person responsible for the supervision and control of the establishment where contract labor is employed or engaged; or (ii) the owner of the factory/establishment and/or manager of the factory/establishment.

Hazardous process: Defined as any dangerous process or activity in relation to specific industries (Schedule I of the OSH Code) where special care must be taken so that handling or processing raw/intermediate/finished/bye-products, etc., could cause: (i) material impairment to the health of the employed persons; or (ii) pollution of the general environment.

Wages: Defined as consolidated remuneration, comprising salaries, allowances, or money payable to a person in return for their employment and includes basic pay, dearness allowance, and retaining allowance, if any. Wages do not include (i) bonus; (ii) value of accommodation or light, water, medical attendance; (iii) employer contribution towards any pension or provident fund; (iv) conveyance allowance; (v) sum paid to employed person to reimburse special expenses; (vi) house rent allowance; (vii) overtime allowance and (viii) gratuity, etc.

Worker: Defined as any person employed in any establishment to do any manual, unskilled, skilled, technical, operational, clerical, or supervisory work for hire or reward, whether the terms of employment be express or implied, and includes working journalists and sales promotion employees, but does not include the following: (i) who is subject to the Air Force Act, 1950, or the Army Act, 1950, or the Navy Act, 1957; or (ii) who is employed in the police service or as an officer or other employee of a prison; or (iii) who is employed mainly in a managerial or administrative capacity; or (iv) who is employed in a supervisory capacity drawing wage exceeding INR 18,000 per month or an amount as may be notified by the federal government from time to time

What are the duties of employers under the OSH Code?

New establishments covered by the OSH Code must register themselves (within 60 days of commencement of the Code) with registering officers appointed by the appropriate government. Establishments already registered under any other federal law will not be required to register again.

Every employer is directed to undertake the following obligations by the OSH Code:

Ensure that the workplace is free from hazards can cause injury or occupational disease to the employees and comply with the OSH Code and the governments directions on the same;

Provide free annual health examination or testing, free of cost, to certain classes of employees;

Provide and maintain, as reasonably practical, a working environment that is safe and without risk to the health of the employees;

Issue letters of appointments to employees; and

Ensure that no charge is levied on any employee for maintenance of safety and health at workplace, including the conduct of medical examination and investigation for the purpose of detecting occupational diseases.

Further, the Code directs employers with respect to factories, mines, dock work, building and other construction work, or plantations to ensure: (i) safety arrangements in the workplace and absence of risk to health in connection with the use, storage, and transport of articles and substances; (ii) provision of such information, instruction, training, and supervision as are necessary to ensure the health and safety of all employees at work, etc.

Similarly, the Code lays out that it is the duty of the architect, project engineer, or designer responsible for any building or construction work or the design of any project relating to such building, to ensure that due consideration is given to the safety and health of the building workers and employees involved in the construction, operation, and execution of such projects  at the planning stage itself.

The employer must provide a hygienic work environment with adequate ventilation, sufficient space (to avoid overcrowding), potable drinking water, arrangements for separate washrooms, etc. The Code also provides a uniform threshold for welfare provisions to be available at all establishments, such as a canteen, creche, first aid, welfare officer, etc.

The Code also directs the government to notify working hours for various classes of establishments and employees and for women workers. For overtime, the prior consent of workers is required along with the payment of overtime wage. No worker in an establishment will be allowed to work for more than six days a week, except as provided for by the Code. Every worker is entitled to one day of leave for every 20 days of work in a calendar year.

The Code also safeguards the rights of inter-state migrant workers by ensuring that they are also provided all the benefits available to a worker  by the contractor  under various labor laws. Further, the employer of every applicable establishment is required to pay to every inter-state migrant worker, a lump sum fare, to enable the journey to and from their native place and the place of their employment.

What are the duties of employees as prescribed by the OSH Code?

Every employee at the workplace shall:

(i) take reasonable care for the health and safety of themself and other persons who may be affected by their acts or omissions at the workplace;

(ii) comply with the safety and health requirements specified in the standards;

(iii) co-operate with the employer in meeting the statutory obligations of the employer under this Code;

(iv) if any situation which is unsafe or unhealthy comes to their attention, as soon as is practical, report such situation to their employer or to the health and safety representative;

(v) not willfully interfere with or misuse or neglect any appliance, convenience, or other thing provided at the workplace for the purpose of securing the health, safety, and welfare of workers;

(vi) not do anything, willfully and without reasonable cause, to endanger or potentially endanger themself or others; and

(vii) perform such other duties as may be prescribed by the appropriate government.

What are the rights of employees under the OSH Code?

The OSH Code provides every employee the following rights:

(i) Obtain from the employer, information relating to the employees health and safety at work and communicate to the employer any concern regarding inadequate provision for protection of the employees safety or health in connection with the work activity in the workplace, and if not satisfied, to the inspector-cum-facilitator;

(ii) If they have reasonable apprehension that there is a likelihood of imminent serious personal injury or death or imminent danger to health, they may bring this to the notice of the employer directly, and simultaneously bring the same to the notice of the inspector-cum-facilitator;

(iii) The employee should note that once the existence of such imminent danger is established, the employer is obliged to take immediate remedial action and send a report of the action taken in response to the inspector-cum-facilitator; and

(iv) Even if the imminent danger / apprehension about the same by the employee(s) is not accepted by the employer, the employer must refer the matter to the inspector-cum-facilitator whose decision on the question of the existence of such imminent danger shall be final.

What are the relevant authorities under the Occupational Safety, Health and Working Conditions Code?

National and state-level Occupational Safety and Health Advisory Board

The OSH Code directs authorities to set up a National Occupational Safety and Health Advisory Board that will advise the federal government on matters relating to (i) standards, rules, and regulations to be declared under the OSH Code; (ii) implementation of provisions of the OSH Code; and (iii) issue of policy relating to occupational safety and health; and any other matters referred to it. The OSH Code also provides for the constitution of a similar state-level advisory board.

Inspectors-cum-Facilitators

They are appointed by the appropriate government and can inquire into accidents and conduct health and safety inspections. They are conferred special powers with respect to factories, mines, dock-works, buildings or other construction works, and oversee the prohibition of work in hazardous environments.

Safety committees

These may be formed in certain establishments, and for certain classes of workers, by the appropriate government. These committees will aim to function as a liaison between employers and employees.

For specialist advice regarding doing business in India and/or training to ensure your organization is compliant under the upcoming labor codes, please feel free to contact our professional service advisors at india@dezshira.com.
Mental Health at Work: A Strategic Priority for Businesses in India

Workplace dynamics have evolved globally, to which a key part is addressing the mental health of the employees. While the trend is at its initial stage, many companies have taken notes on engaging with the employees on their psychological well-being, a measure that can assist companies with workplace efficiencies and long-term employee retention.

India is home to the largest youth workforce in the world. Latest observations indicate that business entities in the country are engaging in conversations on employee mental health concerns, keeping aside the taboo on the subject.

The rising focus on mental health in India is largely shaped by a new generation of professionals who are prioritizing overall well-being over conventional motivators like compensation. Industry experts emphasize that for a long term impact, organizations in India must adopt a strategic, long-term vision that embeds mental health into the foundational culture of the workplace.

As awareness around mental health continues to growparticularly within professional settingsdiscussions around the subject have gained substantial traction. According to a 2022 Deloitte survey, nearly 80 percent of Indian employees reported facing mental health challenges in 2021. Additionally, 47 percent indicated experiencing stress or anxiety in the workplace.

Identifying the common factors behind mental health issues at work

While organizations tend to prioritize the managerial, operational, and technical capabilities of their employees, mental health often remains an overlooked aspect. A combination of factors is contributing to the growing mental health challenges in Indian workplaces:

Extended working hours, stringent deadlines, and increasingly blurred lines between professional and personal life are major contributors to chronic stress and burnout. Many employees face difficulties maintaining a healthy balance, which adversely affects their mental well-being. Workplace marked by micromanagement, excessive pressure, and workplace harassment or bullying can have a profound negative impact on employee mental health. These toxic dynamics can damage individual well-being, erode team morale and reduce organizational productivity. Despite the enactment of the Mental Healthcare Act in 2017, widespread societal stigma surrounding mental health continues to hinder open dialogue and support in India. The Indian Classification of Mental Disorders (ICMD) diagnostic guidelines has limited implementation in professional settings, reflecting a broader lack of awareness and institutional support for mental health concerns at workplace.

Organisational impact of neglecting employee mental health

Failing to address mental health concerns in the workplace not only affects individual employees but also pose significant risks to organizational performance and sustainability. The consequences of poor mental health at work include:

Reduced productivity : Employees experiencing conditions such as stress, anxiety, or depression often struggle to perform optimally. This can lead to diminished focus, lower efficiency, and a decline in innovative thinking.

: Employees experiencing conditions such as stress, anxiety, or depression often struggle to perform optimally. This can lead to diminished focus, lower efficiency, and a decline in innovative thinking. Increased absenteeism and presenteeism : Mental health challenges frequently result in higher absenteeism, as employees may take time off to cope. Equally detrimental is presenteeismwhen individuals are physically present at work but mentally unwell or disengagedwhich silently erodes productivity over time.

: Mental health challenges frequently result in higher absenteeism, as employees may take time off to cope. Equally detrimental is presenteeismwhen individuals are physically present at work but mentally unwell or disengagedwhich silently erodes productivity over time. Lower employee retention rate: A workplace that lacks adequate mental health support or fosters a toxic culture may drive high-performing employees to seek opportunities elsewhere. It not only disrupts team dynamics but also increases recruitment and training costs.

Integrating mental health into CSR and business responsibility frameworks

Under the Companies Act, 2013, companies in India are encouraged to incorporate mental health initiatives within their Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) strategies. This not only supports employee well-being but also enhances stakeholder trust and aligns with evolving expectations in a socially conscious business environment.

CSR funding can be strategically directed toward mental health awareness through workshops, campaigns, and training programs. These initiatives play a key role in dismantling stigma, fostering open dialogue, and encouraging early intervention. Beyond awareness, companies can invest in professional counselling services, Employee Assistance Programs (EAPs), and digital wellness platforms, creating accessible support systems for employees. CSR can also extend its impact through community-based mental health initiatives by partnering with Non-governmental organization (NGOs), educational institutions, and healthcare providers. Such outreach strengthens community engagement and enhances brand reputation.

In 2018, Indias Union Ministry of Corporate Affairs released a comprehensive guideline titled National Voluntary Guidelines on Social, Environmental, and Economic Responsibilities of Business, reinforcing the role of businesses in promoting employee well-being. Within the dossier, under Chapter 2, Principle 3 of the guidelines urges companies to uphold dignity, ensure equality, prevent harassment, and create safe, inclusive workplaces across all employment categoriesincluding contract and home-based workers.

The document suggests maintaining fair recruitment practices, enabling grievance redressal, supporting work-life balance (especially for women), offering skill development opportunities, and ensuring workplaces are physically and mentally supportive. It further notes that the guidelines, along with CSR initiatives, can collectively position mental health as a vital component of responsible and sustainable business conduct.

ALSO READ: Managing CSR Obligations in India: Company Best Practices

Legal framework supporting employee mental health in India

India has made notable progress in recognizing and protecting employee mental health through various legal frameworks and policy measures. These provisions aim to promote mental well-being, uphold employee rights, and require organizations to cultivate safe, inclusive, and harassment-free workplaces. Some of the key legal instruments are outlined below:

Mental Healthcare Act, 2017 (MHCA)

The Mental Healthcare Act, 2017, protects the rights of individuals with mental health conditions and ensures access to appropriate mental healthcare services. Key provisions include:

Right to mental healthcare: Chapter 6 of the act guarantees affordable, accessible, and quality mental health services for all individuals.

Confidentiality and privacy: Employers and healthcare providers must safeguard the confidentiality of an employees mental health information.

Non-discrimination: The act prohibits discrimination in employment, education, and healthcare based on mental health conditions.

Sexual Harassment of Women at Workplace (Prevention, Prohibition and Redressal) Act, 2013POSH Act

The act, introduced in 2013, is specifically designed to prevent and address sexual harassment of women in professional environments. It broadly defines harassment to include verbal, physical, and psychological forms. Under the POSH Act, organizations with 10 or more employees are mandated to establish an Internal Complaints Committee (ICC) to investigate and resolve complaints.

Factories Act, 1948 (with Occupational Health Amendments)

While the Factories Act primarily focuses on physical safety, it also includes provisions that indirectly support mental health. The law mandates employers to maintain safe and healthy workplaces to mitigate both physical and psychological hazards. It also regulates working hours and rest periods to prevent overwork, burnout, and mental fatigue.

Constitutional safeguards

The Constitution of India provides fundamental rights that contribute to mental well-being in the workplace:

Article 21: Guarantees the right to life and personal liberty, which includes access to healthcare and mental well-being.

Article 14: Ensures equality before the law and protection from discrimination, including on mental health grounds.

Article 42: Directs the state to secure just and humane working conditions, supporting both physical and mental wellness.

Global practices in workplace mental health

Several countries have implemented impactful strategies to enhance mental health in the workplace, offering valuable lessons through policy innovation and collaborative efforts. In the United Kingdom, an independent analysis namely Thriving at Work review, published on October 26, 2027, sets six core standards for mental health in organizations in the country, including training managers and promoting open dialogue in organizations.

Australia launched the Mentally Healthy Workplace Alliance and Heads Up campaign in May 2014, equipping employers with tools and training to boost the well-being of employees and improve productivity by reducing absenteeism.

In 2013, Canada introduced the National Standard for Psychological Health and Safety in the Workplace, promoting risk assessments and Mental Health First Aid (MHFA).

European country such as Sweden legally mandates under the Work Environment Act that employers prevent work-related stress and promote work-life balance. The measure introduced in 2020, is a national work environment

strategy for Sweden from 2021 till 2025.

Similarly, Germany mandates psychological risk assessments under the Occupational Safety and Health Act and promotes Employee Assistance Programs (EAPs) and supervisor training. These measures were introduced to reduce workplace stress and improve early intervention.

In 2014, Singapore integrated mental health into its Total Workplace Safety and Health (TWSH) framework, using workshops, counseling, flexible work policies, and EAPs.

Key takeaway

Promoting mental health in the workplace is both a strategic imperative and an ethical responsibility. As awareness increases, the adoption of supportive policies and a culture that prioritizes mental well-being can significantly enhance workplace inclusivity, productivity, and employee satisfaction.

By embedding mental health considerations into organizational frameworksthrough legal compliance, proactive awareness, and targeted supportbusinesses can foster a resilient and engaged workforce, ultimately contributing to sustained success and a positive work environment.
Blood of Zeus season 3: Fans are ecstatic that the Blood of Zeus season 3 trailer has finally been released. Intense combat and more are hinted at in the captivating trailer. Excitement has been increased by the producers' confirmation of the official release date in addition to the trailer. The new footage of the final season has only increased the excitement among viewers who have been anticipating the next installment of this action-packed adult animation series.

Blood of Zeus season 3 trailer teases epic battles and beyond

Blood of Zeus, formerly known as Gods & Heroes, tells the story of a demigod named Heron while reimagining iconic figures from Greek mythology. The clip suggests that the upcoming season will be action-packed, with epic fights between the Greek pantheon and giant monsters. With two deity factions facing off against one another and what looks to be a journey to the underworld, the program is obviously laying the groundwork for an exciting conclusion.

The trailer was shared by Netflix with the caption, After the events of season 2, the clash between gods and demigods is brought to the brink as Heron's battle continues amongst the likes of Ares, Athena, Persephone and Hades.

Blood of Zeus season 3 trailer fans reaction

The trailer got people pumped, and in the comments section, many mentioned how the makers keep stepping up their game with each season. Some also pointed out that they had to wait four years for Season 2, and they're relieved they didnt have to wait as long for the third one. Fans are especially hoping to see more of Athena this time around. Since this is the final season, it has also left viewers feeling a bit sad they simply cant get enough of the series.

One wrote, An underrated gem of an anime, not many shows/movies can capture the magic of Greek mythology like this one.

Another added, After four years of waiting for season 2 thank god season 3 is just right after.

A third went on to add, First, we have Typhoon and now Kronos this is definitely gonna be one epic series finale.

BLOOD OF ZEUS third and final season will officially premiere in May 2025. pic.twitter.com/E5ResDFGwJ  Cartoon Base (@TheCartoonBase) April 9, 2025





Blood of Zeus season 3 release date on Netflix

Blood of Zeus season 3 will be released on Netflix on 8th May 2025.

As the series' last season, it promises to be a legendary battle unlike any other. Are you excited? Because we are!

For more news and updates from the world of OTT, as well as celebrities from Bollywood and Hollywood, keep reading Indiatimes Entertainment.
Odela 2 OTT Release Window: Tamannaah Bhatia has finally arrived in theatres with her much-awaited Telugu thriller, and audiences are going bonkers. Released globally on 17th April, the supernatural film is a direct sequel to Odela Railway Station (2022). Produced by D. Madhu under the banner of Madhu Creations and Sampath Nandi Teamworks, Odela 2 is directed by Ashok Teja. Heres everything you need to know about the movie, including its OTT details.

When and where to expect Odela 2 online?

According to Filmibeat, Amazon Prime Video has bought the online streaming rights for Odela 2 in all languages for a whopping price of Rs 18 crore. The movie will be available to watch on Prime about five weeks after it releases in theatres. If everything goes as planned, it could start streaming on either May 16 or May 23.

Odela 2s cast and crew

Other than Tamannaah, Odela 2 also stars Hebah Patel, Vasishta N. Simha, Murali Sharma, Sharath Lohitashwa, Yuva, Naga Mahesh, Vamsi, Gagan Vihari, Surender Reddy, Srikanth Iyengar, Bhupal, Pooja Reddy and Kriss Venugopal among others. This B. Ajaneesh Loknath's musical is written by Sampath Nandi, cinematographed by Soundararajan and edited by Avinash.

Odela 2s plot overview

Set in the mystical village of Odela, Odela 2 picks up from the supernatural themes established in the first film. The village, protected by the powerful deity Odela Mallanna Swamy, faces a new and terrifying threat. A dark force has emerged, an evil entity seeking to gain control over the five natural elements (earth, water, fire, air, and space), intending to disturb the spiritual and natural balance of the region.

Into this troubled scenario enters Shiva Shakthi (Tamannaah), a fierce and spiritually awakened sadhvi (female ascetic). Drawn to the village by visions and a divine calling, she discovers that the malevolent force is not only ancient but also tied deeply to the secrets buried in Odelas past. As villagers begin experiencing unexplainable phenomena, Shakthi takes it upon herself to uncover the source.

For more news and updates from the world of OTT and celebrities from Bollywood and Hollywood, keep reading Indiatimes Entertainment.
Snakes and Ladders OTT release date Netflix: Mexican drama Snakes and Ladders has already got people hooked on its trailerManolo Caro, the celebrated director of The House of Flowers, created this dark comedy, which explores the ruthless realm of ambition, power, and moral compromise. The Guadalajara-shot series centers on Dora Lopez, a teacher who is both ambitious and underappreciated. The Netflix release of Snakes and Ladders is scheduled for May 14, 2025.

Snakes and Ladders plot

As per the official synopsis, Cecilia Suarez will bring life to Dora, the seemingly unimportant prefect of a prominent school who gets entangled in a fight between two 8-year-old kids in this Guadalajara-shot story directed by Manolo Caro. Her lifetime aspiration of becoming a school administrator is in danger due to what seems to be an unimportant occurrence.

Snakes and Ladders cast guide

Here are the key cast members for Snakes and Ladders:

Juan Pablo Medina as Olmo

Cecilia Suarez as Dora

Margarita Gralia as Josefina "La Directora"

Marimar Vega as Tamara

Gerardo Trejoluna as Fernando Colmenar "El Gober"

Loreto Peralta as Juana Muriel

Martino Rivas as Vicente

German Bracco as Nicolas

Benny Emmanuel as Tono

Michelle Rodriguez as Martha Sanchez

Alfredo Gatica as Roque

The trailer has got people talking

The recently released trailer for Snakes and Ladders has generated a wave of excitement among viewers, with many calling it one of the most promising upcoming releases on Netflix. Social media users have been quick to share their reactions. One viewer commented, When I saw the title, I thought Snakes and Ladders had finally been made into a Game Show. Another remarked, This looks like such a good time. Will defo check it out. A third user added, This actually looks a little too good.

For more news and updates from the world of OTT, as well as celebrities from Bollywood and Hollywood, keep reading Indiatimes Entertainment.
What happens when royalty meets reality?

Netflixs upcoming romantic comedy, The Royals, is all set to release on May 9, and it brings with it a perfect mix of old-school royalty and modern-day chaos. With Bhumi Pednekar and Ishaan Khatter leading the show, this coming-of-age tale is full of romance, drama, witty comebacks, and unexpected chemistry.

Once upon a time in Morpur

Set in the fictional royal town of Morpur, the story begins inside a crumbling palace where tradition still tries to hold its ground. Enter Sophia Shekhar (Bhumi Pednekar), a sharp, confident CEO of a modern startup called Work Potato. Shes here on a mission to fix the royal households image and pull them out of trouble.

But she didnt expect to deal with Aviraaj Singh (Ishaan Khatter), the spoiled, party-loving, broke prince who still believes in royal charm but has no clue about the real world. As their two very different worlds collide, its not long before fireworks begin. And not just the angry ones. Theres friction, banter, and moments that blur the lines between hate and love.

A royal mix of tradition and today

The Royals is directed by Priyanka Ghose and Nupur Asthana, with writing by Neha Veena Sharma. The show is produced by Pritish Nandy Communications. Apart from the lead duo, the show has a strong ensemble including Zeenat Aman, Sakshi Tanwar, Nora Fatehi, Dino Morea, Milind Soman, Chunky Panday, Vihaan Samat, Kavya Trehan, Sumukhi Suresh, Udit Arora, Lisa Mishra and Luke Kenny among others.

Creators Rangita and Ishita Pritish Nandy describe it best: The series is about two people from completely different worlds, each fighting their own battles, constantly at odds, yet irresistibly drawn to each other in ways they never expectedremember how you never want the good one but always chase after the one you know is trouble? - Thats The Royals for you.

If you're into shows like Bridgerton or Emily in Paris, you might just find The Royals your next binge-worthy fix. So mark your calendars, settle in, and get ready to meet the Rajkumar and Aam Kumari who just might rewrite their own fairytale.

Will they or wont they? Tune in to find out.

For more news and updates from the world of OTT and celebrities from Bollywood and Hollywood, keep reading Indiatimes Entertainment.
Seema Singh recently made headlines with her daughter Dr Meghna Singhs wedding, a lavish event that captivated both Bollywood and the public. A remarkable array of Bollywood's biggest actors attended Singh's event, raising questions about her influence in the business. However, who is Seema Singh exactly? Does she have a deeper connection to Bollywood than just being a philanthropist? Shahid Kapoor dancing, Karan Johar and Sushmita Sen hosting, and other things have raised questions. Let's dive in!

Philanthropist Seema Singh Hosts Star-Studded Sangeet for Daughter - Who Is She?

Prominent social activist and businesswoman Seema Singh is most renowned for being the driving force behind the Meghashrey NGO, a group devoted to improving impoverished areas in India. Meghashrey has had a major influence on grassroots development projects under her direction, with a particular emphasis on giving impoverished children access to high-quality education.

Seema has been actively involved in health awareness initiatives too. Her efforts were acknowledged nationally in 2023 when she received an award for her exceptional work raising awareness of the need for a Cervical Cancer-Free India from Ram Nath Kovind, the 14th President of India.

Her personal life and family

Mritunjay Kumar Singh, a prominent promoter of Alkem Laboratories, a top pharmaceutical company in India, is Seema's husband. Meghna, a dermatologist and social worker who carries on her mother's service legacy, and Shrey, their son, are the couple's two children.

On Instagram she has 209K followers and her bio reads, Founder - @meghashrey Recognized by President Draupadi Murmu | Maharashtra Bhushan | Champions of Change Maker | ET's Inspiring Women.

Why is Seema Singhs daughter's wedding event being talked about?

The fact that so many Bollywood personalities attended the wedding event is the primary reason it has everyone talking. Actor Sushmita Sen and filmmaker Karan Johar were spotted hosting Meghna's sangeet ceremony.Shahid Kapoor showcased his dancing skills to some of his popular songs at the lavish sangeet. The actor was spotted dancing to Mauja Hi Mauja from Jab We Met. Bollywood stars Shilpa Shetty, Aditya Roy Kapur, Arjun Kapoor, and Vaani Kapoor were also seen at the party, which was held in Mumbai on April 16 2025.

Watch the viral moments:

If you were wondering, "Who is she?" Well, now you know, no need to thank us!

For more news and updates from the world of OTT, as well as celebrities from Bollywood and Hollywood, keep reading Indiatimes Entertainment.
Good Friday 2025 holiday in India: Good Friday is one of the most important days for Christians across the world. It is observed as a time of reflection and mourning, marking the crucifixion of Jesus Christ. In 2025, Good Friday falls on April 18, which is a Friday, just two days before Easter Sunday.

Why is Good Friday Called Good?

While the word Good might seem unusual for a day that remembers suffering and death, it refers to the holy sacrifice Jesus made for the good of humanity. His crucifixion is believed to have brought salvation to mankind, which is why the day is considered spiritually significant and good.

As Good Friday is observed tomorrow, April 18, in India this year, people start searching for what is open or closed. Will banks, liquor shops and the stock market remain open? Lets break it down for you:

Is Good Friday 2025 a Public Holiday in India?

Good Friday image | Credit: Freepik

Yes, Good Friday is a public holiday in India. It is observed across many states, especially where the Christian population is significant. States like Karnataka, Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Maharashtra, Meghalaya, West Bengal, Goa, Nagaland, Mizoram, and the Andaman and Nicobar Islands usually declare a public holiday on this day.

This means most government offices, schools, colleges, and banks will stay closed on April 18 2025. However, it's always a good idea to check with local authorities or institutions, as holiday rules can sometimes vary.

Will Banks Be Closed on Good Friday 2025?

Yes, banks will remain closed in many states on Good Friday, as it is a bank holiday. However, this only applies to physical branches. Digital banking services like ATM withdrawals, mobile banking, internet banking, WhatsApp banking, and SMS alerts will continue to work as usual.

Banks will reopen the next day on Saturday, 19 April, and will observe their usual weekend closure on Sunday, 20 April.

Stock Market Holiday on Good Friday 2025

If you're an investor or trader, take noteGood Friday 2025 is a stock market holiday. Both the National Stock Exchange (NSE) and the Bombay Stock Exchange (BSE) will be closed on April 18. This includes trading in the equity, derivatives, and Securities Lending and Borrowing (SLB) segments. Plan your trading activities accordingly.

Are Liquor Shops Open on Good Friday?

Liquor shops in Delhi and several other states are expected to be shut on Good Friday, as per notices from local excise departments. In the national capital, the Delhi government has announced that alcohol shops will remain closed on April 18 due to the religious importance of the day. Other upcoming dry days include Buddha Purnima and Eid al-Zuha.

Will Schools and Colleges Be Closed on Good Friday?

Yes, most schools and colleges across India will remain closed on Good Friday 2025, especially in states where the day is a public holiday. Educational institutions run by Christian organisations or located in states like Delhi, Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, and others are likely to give the day off. However, its best to check with local education boards or individual institutions for official confirmation.

Why Do We Observe Good Friday?

Good Friday marks the crucifixion of Jesus Christ, a major event in Christian history. According to the New Testament, Jesus was arrested by the Romans after being betrayed by Judas Iscariot, one of his own disciples. He was sentenced to death by Pontius Pilate, the Roman governor, and crucified at Calvary. The day holds deep spiritual meaning for Christians and is part of the Holy Week, leading up to Easter Sunday.

Good Friday 2025 will be observed with reverence and respect across India. As it is a public holiday in many parts of the country, you can expect banks, schools, colleges, liquor shops, and the stock market to remain closed on April 18. While physical offices may shut, most digital services will continue without interruption.

Whether you're planning travel, business, or simply taking a break, its good to stay updated on these holiday closures.

For more informative articles on historical and upcoming events from around the world, please visit Indiatimes Events.
Good Friday 2025: Good Friday is one of the most significant days in the Christian calendar. But many people wonder  Why is Good Friday called good? After all, it is the day Jesus Christ was crucified. Despite the sorrow linked to this day, it is still known as Good Friday. In this article, we explore what is Good Friday, the Good Friday history, and the meaning behind its name.

What is Good Friday?

Good Friday, also known as Holy Friday, Black Friday, or Great Friday, is the Friday before Easter Sunday. It is a Christian holiday that remembers the crucifixion of Jesus Christ. According to the New Testament, Jesus was put to death on a Friday, which is now celebrated as Good Friday by Christians all around the world.

This day is filled with sorrow, prayer, and reflection. It is a time when Christians think deeply about the pain and suffering Jesus went through before his death. Although it is a sad occasion, it is also a day of deep religious meaning.

How is Good Friday Observed?

Church | Credit: Pixabay

Across the world, different Christian denominations observe Good Friday in special ways. Some of the common traditions include:

- Fasting and penance

- Attending special church services

- Reading the Passion of Christ

- Singing hymns and offering prayers

In many Catholic, Anglican, Methodist, and Lutheran churches, a service known as the Three Hours' Agony is held between 12 noon and 3 p.m. This period reflects the time when Jesus hung on the cross, and the Bible says there was darkness over the land.

In the Moravian Church, there's a tradition of cleaning gravestones on Good Friday, showing respect to those who have passed away.

Why is Good Friday Called 'Good'?

Many people ask, Why is Good Friday called good when it remembers such a painful event? The name may seem confusing at first, but there are a few reasons behind it.

1. A Day of Great Sacrifice and Love

For Christians, Good Friday marks the day when Jesus Christ gave up his life for the sins of humanity. It is seen as the ultimate sacrificean act of pure love and redemption. Jesuss death made it possible for people to be forgiven and have eternal life. Because of this great act of love, the day is called "Good".

2. The Start of Something Greater

Good Friday is followed by Easter Sunday, the day Jesus rose from the dead. This resurrection is the foundation of Christian belief. So, while Good Friday is filled with sorrow, it also marks the beginning of hope, salvation, and new life. In this sense, it is truly a good day.

3. "Good" Means "Holy" in Old English

Another theory is based on language. In Old English, the word "good" was often used to mean "holy". So, Good Friday could simply mean Holy Friday, which makes more sense given the sacred nature of the day.

The Meaning of Good Friday for Christians

For Christians, Good Friday is not just about sadness. It is a day of deep meaning and faith. It reminds believers of the suffering Jesus endured, but also of the hope and promise that came after.

Many people attend special services, fast, and spend time in prayer on this day. Its a time to think about Jesuss love and the spiritual meaning of sacrifice.

So, what is Good Friday really about? It is a solemn yet powerful day that holds great importance for Christians. Though it marks the day Jesus was crucified, it is called Good Friday because of the love, sacrifice, and hope it represents. Whether you see it as Holy Friday or a day of sorrow, Good Friday history shows us why it remains a central part of the Christian faith.

For more informative articles on historical and upcoming events from around the world, please visit Indiatimes Events.
Following a White House release outlining steep new tariffs on Chinese goods, US President Donald Trump said on Thursday that countries around the world, including China, were eager to hold discussions with him. He cited recent interactions with Mexican and Japanese representatives and added that Italy was next on the list. Trump posted on Truth Social that every country, including China, wanted a meeting amid the rising trade tensions between Washington and Beijing.

Tariff hikes cited in fact sheet

The newly released White House fact sheet outlined a series of existing and proposed tariffs on Chinese exports. These include a 125 percent tariff recently announced by Trump, and a prior 20 percent duty, both framed as a response to Chinas alleged inability to control fentanyl exports. Additional tariffs ranging from 7.5 to 100 percent are also under review based on national security grounds under the Trade Act of 1974.

China rejects tariffs but offers conditional talks

US President Donald Trump | Credit: X

Chinas Ministry of Foreign Affairs dismissed Trumps tariff measures, saying it would not engage in what it described as a numbers game. The Ministry of Finance had earlier labelled the rising tariffs as lacking any real economic effect. However, Chinese officials indicated they are open to talksonly if the US stops what they called threats and blackmail. A spokesperson from the foreign ministry said dialogue should be grounded in mutual respect and equal terms, and that the US must stop putting pressure if it is serious about resolving trade issues.

No breakthrough yet for Japan as WTO warns of fallout

While the White House claims that over 75 nations have reached out to explore new trade agreements, Japan has so far seen no success in securing exemptions. After high-level meetings in Washington, Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba noted that the negotiations ahead would be difficult. Talks between Japanese envoy Ryosei Akazawa and US officials, including Trump, were closely watched as indicators of how Washington is handling global trade diplomacy.

WTO forecasts trade decline

The World Trade Organization has cautioned that continuing with the current tariff policies may severely impact global trade. It projected that under the present conditions, trade volume in 2025 could shrink by 0.2 percentsignificantly lower than if tariffs were eased. The WTO also warned that the effects of these reciprocal tariffs, most of which are on hold until July, could lead to an even larger 1.5 percent drop in global goods trade, with the poorest, export-reliant countries bearing the brunt.

As global powers trade accusations, economic uncertainty deepens, putting trade-dependent nations at increased risk amid ongoing tariff disputes.

For more news and current affairs from around the world, please visit Indiatimes News.
A dress worn by Karoline Leavitt, Donald Trumps White House Press Secretary, has become the latest subject of political trolling and irony online. While the red and black lace outfit seemed ordinary at first glance, its origin soon became a flashpoint. The look came during the same week Leavitt publicly mocked Joe Bidens age and questioned his ability to govern. But before her words could even settle, her wardrobe set off alarms across social media.

Netizens claim Made in China

The backlash began when online users noticed the dress bore a striking resemblance to items listed on several Chinese e-commerce platforms. Though there is no confirmed origin, users on Weibo and X (formerly Twitter) identified the lace design as being from a Chinese factory in Mabu. Zhang Zhisheng, a Chinese diplomat currently serving as Consul General in Denpasar, also joined in online, posting an image of Leavitts dress alongside a product match from China.

He didnt hold back. Accusing China is business. Buying China is life, he wrote, tagging it to Leavitts now-viral photo. The comment quickly caught on, with screenshots circulating across social media.

Cope say users, slamming the irony

Social media users did not spare Leavitt. One blunt post read, Karoline Leavitts gorgeous self-portrait dress is indeed made in China. Cope. Another was far more direct and vulgar: Karoline Leavitt had so much plastic surgery that she is talking out of her arse.

Karoline Leavitt had so much plastic surgery that she is talking out of her arse.  carolM (@carolm61027) April 17, 2025





More users joined in with sarcastic takes, one writing: This just illustrates corporate Americas exploitation of slave labor worldwide for profit, while advocating ridiculous minimum wage in America! Another said, Listen, if you leave power now, we promise to only prosecute Karoline Leavitt.

The outrage wasnt just about a dress. It was about contradiction  the symbolism of criticizing a nation and allegedly benefiting from its products, all in the same breath. Many called it the perfect example of double standards.

Mocking Bidens age and SSA defense

Before this fashion storm, Leavitt had taken a sharp jab at Joe Biden, targeting both his age and his recent remarks defending Social Security. After Biden gave a fiery speech in Chicago condemning Trumps impact on the SSA, Leavitt mocked him by saying, Im shocked that he is speaking at nighttime. I thought his bedtime was much earlier than his speech tonight.

Accusing China is business.

Buying China is life.

The beautiful lace on the dress was recognized by an employee of a Chinese company as its product. pic.twitter.com/SfPyM4M02Z  Zhang Zhisheng  (@salahzhang) April 14, 2025





Leavitt then added Trumps plan to ensure benefits would go only to legal, tax-paying Americans. She said the former president is absolutely certain about protecting benefits for law-abiding, taxpaying American citizens and seniors who have paid into this program.

Bidens speech and his criticism of Trump

At the National Conference of Advocates, Counselors, and Representatives for the Disabled, Biden criticized the current administrations handling of Social Security. He accused Trumps team of taking a hatchet to the SSA, adding that their actions had already led to the exit of over 7,000 experienced employees.

They have a grudge against the Social Security Administration, he said, while highlighting how service delays were affecting millions. Biden took a swipe at tech industry logic, calling Trumps strategy: Move fast, break things. They're definitely causing trouble. They're aiming later and shooting first.

Contradictions fuel online outrage

The core of the backlash lies in contradiction. A secretary who backs a government pushing for economic decoupling with China showed up in a dress identified with Chinese supply chains. This, while mocking a former presidents age and defending policies meant to prioritize American interests, was bound to hit a nerve online.

Listen if you leave power now we promise to only prosecute karoline leavitt. Just leave now immediately leavitt has got to pay the rest of you fuck just exiled your all gunna die soon anyway . Just need you out of power and her smug as can do north korea solo prolly fit in well  DatRougarou (@DRougarou) April 17, 2025

One user captured this perfectly: Karoline Leavitt slammed as 'hypocrite' as Chinese diplomat trolls her over 'Made in China' dress. Another added bitterly, Just need you out of power and her smug as can do North Korea solo  prolly fit in well.

For more news and current affairs from around the world, please visit Indiatimes News.
The Supreme Court on Thursday allowed West Bengal teachers, whose appointments were recently cancelled due to recruitment irregularities, to continue teaching for nowonly if they are not connected to the scam. These teachers can remain in service until a fresh recruitment process, which must start by May 31, is completed by December 31, as directed by the court.

New hiring must begin by May 31

The apex court has ordered the state government to begin a new recruitment process by May 31. The timeline is strict: the selection and appointment process must be completed by the end of this year. The courts decision brings temporary relief to those affected, while ensuring a clean recruitment drive going forward.

2016 recruitment irregularities under the scanner

This announcement comes after the Supreme Courts earlier order from April 3, where it upheld the Calcutta High Court's cancellation of over 25,000 jobs given through the 2016 School Service Commission recruitment. The court found clear evidence of widespread manipulation in the hiring process.

West Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee | Credit: X

Bribes, blank scripts, and tampered sheets

The 2016 recruitment was marred by serious violations. Investigations uncovered blank answer sheets being accepted, OMR sheets being tampered with, and merit lists manipulated to favour those who allegedly paid bribes. These revelations led to the cancellation of 25,753 appointments, both teaching and non-teaching.

The Supreme Courts this order ensures temporary continuity, but insists on long-term accountability. The focus is now on shifting to a transparent hiring process.


Blake Lively is having a week. While she might be basking in the glow of being named a Titan on Time magazines 2025 Most Influential People list, the internet is busy side-eyeing her crown  and not just because of the title. The award comes smack in the middle of her fiery legal brawl with It Ends With Us co-star Justin Baldoni, and lets just say, the timing has the internet in full-on popcorn mode.

It Ends With Us drama: Blake Lively accused Justin Baldoni of sexual assault

Lively has accused Baldoni of sexual harassment during the films production, with a legal complaint that also alleges he launched a calculated smear campaign to sink her reputation. Baldoni has since clapped back, filing his own lawsuit in January, claiming Lively traumatised him, his family and even his team. He says the harassment allegations are baseless and part of a strategic move to regain public sympathy.

Blake Lively titled as Titan for Times 100 Most Influential People list

And then bam  the Time100 list drops. Lively lands in the Titan category, celebrated not for her red carpet slays or Gossip Girl legacy, but for her off-screen activism. Civil rights icon Sherrilyn Ifill, who wrote her Time tribute, described Lively as a deeply curious, informed and socially engaged citizen who made thoughtful contributions  including a hefty $2 million donation to the NAACP Legal Defense Fund back in 2019.

X users troll Blake Lively, call her a 'PR queen'

Blake Lively?!?! good heavens, what did her PR team pay you to get her on that list? one user snarked. Others dragged up the infamous plantation wedding she and husband Ryan Reynolds had tried to leave behind. Another declared that Time had officially become a joke.

Like clockwork, Baldoni's defenders are now harassing civil rights lawyer Sherrilyn Ifill for expressing her opinion and naming Blake Lively as a Titan in the #TIME100



... having ironically spent the day outraged at a lawyer being harassed for expressing her opinion. pic.twitter.com/F4MRxl74IM  Expatriarch (@Expatriarch_uk) April 17, 2025

This is the most egregious PR stunt Blake Lively has ever done. It's so offensive I thought it was satire. TIME Magazine said f-ck it and named Blake Lively one of the most influential of 2025 in the Titan category as a CIVIL RIGHTS CHAMPION. Why? She and Ryan Reynolds donated pic.twitter.com/7q00Synjzk  Melanie King (@realmelanieking) April 16, 2025

Still, her fans are standing tall. One posted, Absolutely deserved. She is more than a Hollywood face  shes a powerhouse. Another chimed in, Another Blake W. Keep crying.

So, is she a Titan or just riding the PR waves? In true Blake fashion, she has kept her lips sealed, letting the discourse do the talking  and clearly, it is loud.
Netflix just gave us the first look at Ginny & Georgia Season 3, and things are falling apart for the Millers. The new season picks up right after that intense Season 2 cliffhanger ending, where Georgia, played by Brianne Howey, gets arrested at her wedding. Meanwhile, Ginny, played by Antonia Gentry, is trying to keep it together while everything around her unfolds. Everyone else is just trying to figure out what just happened.

Ginny & Georgia Season 3 teaser unveils chaos in the Miller family

Ginny & Georgia Season 2 ended with Georgia getting arrested at her wedding. The fresh part picks up right there. Shes now in jail, not exactly in an orange suit, but dealing with serious charges. Shes accused of killing Cynthias husband, and this time, theres no easy way out.

What happens when everything falls apart? The rug can be pulled out from under you in a second, Ginny says in the new teaser.

After everything that went down last season, Georgia finally found the man of her dreams, but could there ever be a normal day in the Miller matriarch's life? Her fairy tale ending comes crashing down fast, as just when shes saying I do to Mayor Paul Randolph (Scott Porter), shes arrested for murder.

The official logline of the show reads, "It's always been Ginny and Georgia against the world, but this time the world is fighting back hard. Ginnys left questioning everything  including whether this ride-or-die bond with her mom is really what she wants."

With Georgia behind bars, Ginny is left on her own. Her relationship with Georgia has always been complicated, but now Ginny has to face the truth about who her mom really is. Dont you want to ask me if I did it? Georgia asks her in the footage. Im not a bad person. Its all about perception.

Ginny & Georgia Season 3 cast: Are there new faces?

Season 3 brings in some new faces. Wolfe, a chill guy in Ginnys poetry class, and Tris, a skateboarding tutor who hangs out with Marcus and Silver. Meanwhile, the original cast, Marcus, Max, Abby, Austin, Zion, Joe, and the rest of the Wellsbury crew, return for this season.

However, there's a slight change behind the scenes as Sarah Glinski is now the showrunner, taking over from the shows creator. So we might see some new directions this season.

Ginny & Georgia Season 3 release date

Ginny & Georgia Season 3 drops on June 5, 2025, on Netflix. So if you want to catch up, nows a good time for a rewatch.

For more news and updates from the world of OTT and celebrities from Bollywood and Hollywood, keep reading Indiatimes Entertainment.
Hold onto your space helmetsscientists might have just found a big clue that life exists on a planet far, far away! A new study published in the Astrophysical Journal Letters reveals a potential sign of life on K2-18b, a planet 120 light-years away.

And get thisits a molecule thats usually linked to living organisms here on Earth, making scientists think that this distant world could just be home to life!

Professor Nikku Madhusudhan (Credit: BBC)

A game-changer for the search of life

K2-18b is a super-Earth that orbits a star in the so-called 'habitable zone', where conditions might be right for life. The lead researcher, Professor Nikku Madhusudhan from the University of Cambridge, said, This is the strongest evidence yet that there is possibly life out there. I can realistically say we can confirm this signal within one to two years. he told to BBC.

Could there be oceans on K2-18b?

The teams discovery also suggests that K2-18b might be covered by an ocean which is a game-changer for the search for life. After all, where theres water, theres a chance for life to thrive. So, could this planet be full of living organisms, just waiting to be discovered? If its true, it could mean that life is way more common in the universe than we thought.

The molecule found on K2-18b is similar to those produced by marine life on Earth, like bacteria and phytoplankton. The amount of this molecule in the planets atmosphere is thousands of times higher than what we find on Earth. This has led researchers to believe that K2-18b might be brimming with life.

Experts call for caution

Of course, not everyones ready to start packing for a trip to K2-18b just yet. Some experts are urging caution.

Planetary scientist Stephen Schmidt explained, Its not nothing. Its a hint, but we cannot conclude its habitable yet. Other experts, like astronomer Laura Kreidberg, have called for more evidence before making any extraordinary claims.

As researchers continue to study K2-18b, we may be on the brink of an new chapter in the search for life beyond Earth. It's still an exciting clue. Maybe K2-18b is the first step in finding out that were not so alone in the universe after all!
When Kate Cassidy left Argentina to return to Florida, she thought she was just saying goodbye to her boyfriend for a week or two. But the universe had other planstwisted, tragic ones.

Liam Payne, 31, One Directions brooding bad boy turned solo heartthrob, had stayed behind in Buenos Aires. Days later, Cassidy, curled up on the couch with their dog Nala, got a call that turned her world upside down. It was a friend of Liams. The question? Is Liam OK? The rumour? That he had fallen from a hotel balcony. Cassidy initially dismissed it as nonsenseuntil the brutal truth hit her like a freight train: Liam was gone.

Liam Paynes death reason

A few weeks later, toxicology reports confirmed that a combination of cocaine, alcohol, and antidepressants may have rendered him unconscious when he fell. It was a devastating cocktail with an even more devastating outcome.

In her first sit-down since the tragedy, on On Purpose with Jay Shetty, Cassidy recounted how her home turned into a safe haven of chaoshousekeeper turned therapist, friends pouring in, and her mother flying in to hold her up. But the pain? Still sharp. Still surreal.

Late Liam Paynes last conversation with girlfriend Kate Cassidy

And then came the memory that still gives her chills. Their final day together had been picture-perfect: countryside breakfasts, horseback riding, and heartfelt talks about their future. Cassidy had told friends she felt they were starting a new chapternew house, new dog, and a fresh start in America after living in England for two years.

She had gushed to Liam on the couch, saying she could not wait for him to join her back in Florida. And just when she was being a little too emotional, Liam had laughed.

According to Cassidy, he had gently teased her, saying she was acting like it was the last time they would ever see each other. Now, looking back, Cassidy finds that moment "chilling yet oddly comforting.

The funeral was the first one she had ever attendedsomething she said was beyond cruel. At just 25, she had imagined trying on a wedding dress, not sobbing in front of a mirror wearing black. Since Liam's passing, Cassidy says everything reminds her of himfrom McDonalds Happy Meal toys to songs, scents, and signs. She believes he is still with her, listening, just a little out of reach.
Actor Kim Soo Hyun is yet to pay the necessary legal fees for his ongoing KRW 12 billion (approx. USD 8.5 million) lawsuit against the late actress Kim Sae Ron's family and YouTuber Kim Se Ui, who runs the controversial Garosero Research Institute that has been behind his dating scandal expose.

Kim Soo Hyun's legal trouble mounts

The Seoul Central District Court's Civil Division 14 has asked Kim Soo Hyun's legal team to pay additional court fees, totaling around 38 million KRW (USD 26,800), for his 12 billion KRW (USD 8.5 million) lawsuit against the late actress Kim Sae Ron's family and YouTuber Kim Se Ui to proceed.

These fees include injidae, or filing fees, which scale with the claim amount, and songdallyo, or document delivery fees, covering official document service.

Is Kim Soo Hyun struggling financially?

After Kim Soo Hyun's team requested an extension to meet the payment deadline, it sparked speculation that he may be facing financial difficulties. This comes after reports revealed his agency, Gold Medalist, might be heading towards bankruptcy.

K-media outlet Nate, citing industry sources, claimed that Kim Soo Hyuns press conference in late March to address Kim Sae Rons allegation was a planned PR move to rescue the agency, which he co-owns with his cousin, from falling off its already broken ivory tower and potential bankruptcy.

Kim Soo Hyun at his press conference| Credit: X

Additionally, a Kbizoom report revealed that an M&A insider familiar with internal affairs at Gold Medalist claims the companys finances are stretched thin. Operations have reportedly slowed down to the point where even janitorial services and freelance contracts have been paused due to budget issues.

Brands cut ties with Kim Soo Hyun

Adding to the company's financial strains, over 20 brands have suspended their contracts with the Queen of Tears actor, with potential penalty fees stacking up to over KRW 22 billion (approx. USD 15.5 million).

Kims upcoming Disney+ drama Knock-Off has already been postponed indefinitely. If the project is cancelled entirely, insiders warn the penalties could reach hundreds of billions of KRW.

Typically, agencies cover these initial penalties and later recover them from the artist. But Gold Medalist, being a new player in the market, having been founded in 2019, is heavily centred around Kim Soo Hyun. If the actor's projects fail, the company may not have the capacity to handle such a financial hit, especially with annual revenue reportedly around KRW 10 billion (approx. USD 7.1 million).

Will Kim Soo Hyun's lawsuit against Kim Sae Ron's family get dismissed?

If the legal fees arent paid by the courts extended deadline, Kim Soo Hyun's lawsuit against Kim Sae Ron's family and Garosero may be dismissed, essentially wiping out the actor's damages claim. With no official statement from Kim or his agency yet, fans are left waiting for answers.

For all the latest K-drama, K-pop, and Hallyuwood updates, keep following our coverage here.
In a major legal twist thats gripped Indias skincare industry, the Delhi High Court has ruled in favour of Ghazal Alaghs Honasa Consumer Ltdowner of The Derma Coordering that a recent Lakme sunscreen ad be withdrawn and reworked.

The controversy erupted after Hindustan Unilever Limited (HUL), parent company of Lakme, released a campaign titled the SPF Lie Detector Test, which claimed that some online bestseller sunscreens offer far less protection than advertised. While the ad didnt name specific brands, the visual cuesespecially a yellow bottlestruck an uncanny resemblance to The Derma Cos packaging.

Court slams misleading ad, order changes

Responding to the ad, Honasa accused HUL of running a misleading and disparaging campaign. The Delhi High Court agreed that the ad could mislead consumers and tarnish reputations unfairly. HUL has now undertaken to remove the current version of the ad and make key changes, including deleting the term online bestseller and altering the product imagery.

In parallel, HUL has filed its own case in the Bombay High Court against Honasa, indicating this legal battle might just be getting started.

How did this feud begin?

The legal move followed a viral LinkedIn post by Ghazal Alagh, where she criticised legacy FMCG brands for becoming complacent. The industry lacked good competition for too long, she wrote, adding that traditional players were finally being pushed to up their game.

Her comments struck a chord with younger consumers and entrepreneurs, many of whom saw the ad campaign as a defensive move from a brand unprepared for real competition.

Her comments struck a chord with younger consumers and entrepreneurs, many of whom saw the ad campaign as a defensive move from a brand unprepared for real competition. (Credit: Instagram)

Public reacts to the sunscreen spat

The reaction online was swift and loud. One user reacted, Big brands acting threatened by new players? That says it all. Another said, Why not just prove your product works instead of throwing shade?



A third added, This is exactly why I dont trust flashy claims without proof. A fourth commented, The Derma Co has been solid for methis ad felt desperate. Meanwhile, a fifth user shared, Glad the court saw through the gimmick. We need honesty, not drama.

Beauty biz gets spicy

Sun protection has now become a booming industry in Indias hot, tropical climate, brands are fiercely vying for attention  and trust. With legacy names like Lakme going head-to-head with newer disruptors like The Derma Co, this courtroom clash may be just the beginning of a longer, more public battle for market dominance. Stay shady, but make it SPF 50!


Just when you thought Disneys live-action Snow White had dealt with enough chaoscue Rachel Zeglers viral interviews and the online backlashLebanon has swooped in with a new plot twist. The country has officially banned the film, but heres the kicker: it has absolutely nothing to do with Zeglers hot takes.

Lebanon bans Snow White film over Gal Gadot's Israeli ties | Credit: X

Snow White is now banned in Lebanon because of Gal Gadot

The ban, according to Lebanese media, was personally signed off by Lebanons Interior Minister Ahmad Al-Hajjar. The reason? Israeli actress Gal Gadot, who plays the Evil Queen in the film, and who also happens to be on Lebanons long-standing Israel boycott list. Apparently, her very presence in a movie is enough to get it blacklisted in the country.

Lebanon bans Snow White film over Gal Gadot's Israeli ties | Credit: X

No film of Gal Gadot has ever been released in Lebanon

A rep from Italia Films, the Middle East distributor that handles Disney titles in the region, told Variety that this is not new. No film starring Gadot has ever been released in Lebanon, so this move was expectedthough the timing, amidst rising regional tensions between Israel and Hezbollah, has added fuel to the fire.

Lebanon bans Snow White film over Gal Gadot's Israeli ties | Credit: X

The same rep clarified that unlike the internet rumours flying around, Snow White has not been banned in Kuwait. So, sorry Twitter, but that drama is a no-go.

Gal Gadots connection with Israel

Gal Gadot, who is known not just for her roles as Wonder Woman and now the Evil Queen, but also for her open support of Israel, has been a controversial figure in the Arab world. During a recent speech in New York, she reportedly expressed disbelief over the global response to the October 7 Hamas attacks, stating that what stunned her most was seeing people cheering on what she described as a massacre. This public stance, combined with her IDF past, makes her a no-show on Lebanese screens.

Gal Gadot films are banned in Lebanon | Credit: X

Lebanon banned Marvels Captain America: Brave New World

Interestingly, Lebanon also banned Marvels upcoming Captain America: Brave New World earlier this year because of another Israeli actress, Shira Haas. So, it seems that Lebanon has turned into a film criticbut strictly of the casting department.

As Snow White stumbles from one controversy to another, it seems the drama offscreen is getting more views than the film itself ever might.
Tiffany Fong, a crypto content creator, reportedly turned down an unusual offer from Elon Musk. According to a Wall Street Journal report, Musk had contacted Fongwho he follows on Xwith a proposal to have a child with him. Fong is said to have declined the offer and shared with friends that she preferred a more traditional family path.

A crypto influencer in the spotlight

Tiffany Fong became widely recognised in the crypto space during the collapse of major platforms like Celsius and FTX. Calling herself a reluctant crypto journalist, Fong first gained attention after losing $200,000 in Celsius during the pandemic and sharing her story in a YouTube video that went viral.

She later conducted interviews with FTX founder Sam Bankman-Fried (SBF) while he was under house arrest. SBF reportedly shared over 200 pages of internal documents with her, some of which were later shared with The New York Times, affecting legal proceedings involving Caroline Ellison.

How the Musk episode unfolded

Musk, known for expressing concerns about population decline, reportedly reached out to Fong in connection with his plan to father more children. He had interacted with her X posts and allegedly asked her if she would consider having his child. Fong declined and mentioned her traditional family preferences to friends.

Elon Musk | Credit: X

There were also rumours that Fong might be pregnant, but she publicly denied them, saying, As far as I know, I am not pregnant.

Online concerns and fallout

Born on March 19, 1994, in Las Vegas Fong was reportedly worried that turning down Musks offer might affect her earnings on X, where creators are monetised based on engagement. After her refusal, Musk unfollowed her on the platform.

The incident once again put Fong at the center of attraction, connecting her to a high-profile figure just as her crypto reporting had done in the past.

Fongs story sheds a light on the complicated intersections of tech, social media, and personal boundaries in the digital age.
Throwback Thursdays that age like fine wine with a dash of masala is a pure bliss, and now that we are on it, lets talk about an old interview of Samantha Ruth Prabhu, that has resurfaced on Reddit and has the internet buzzingnot because of what she wore, but what she dared to say. Turns out, Bollywoods Greek God Hrithik Roshan did not exactly get a celestial rating from the actress.

Samantha Ruth Prabhu thinks Hrithik Roshan is just 7 out of 10

In a candid chat from the archives with Sakshi TV, Samantha was asked to rate a bunch of leading male stars based on their looks. While most people consider Hrithik Roshan a walking thirst trap, Samantha did not exactly share the sentiment. She allegedly rated him a 7 on 10, and even jokingly acknowledged that her opinion might ruffle some feathers.

Samantha Ruth Prabhu thinks Naga Chaitanya, Mahesh Babu is a straight 10

Samantha was far more generous with the others. Mahesh Babu was declared a straight-up 10 on 10 without a blink. Naga Chaitanyaher ex-husbandalso received the coveted perfect score. And when it came to Ranbir Kapoor, Samantha seemed a tad more cautious but still sweet, giving him an 8 on 10. Shahid Kapoor, interestingly, got a glow-up in her eyesfrom a 4 to a 9 post-Kaminey.

Throwback to when Samantha Ruth Prabhu rated Hrithik Roshan a 7 | Credit: X

Naturally, the clip is now doing the rounds on Reddit, giving netizens plenty to chew on. Some are defending her honesty, others are offended on Hrithik's behalf, and a few are simply living for the chaos.

Throwback to when Samantha Ruth Prabhu rated Hrithik Roshan a 7 | Credit: X

Samantha Ruth Prabhu on the work front

On the professional front, Samanthas Citadel: Honey Bunny alongside Varun Dhawan has been officially shelved, but her fans need not worryshes now focusing on her period action drama Rakht Brahmand: The Bloody Kingdom. As for Hrithik, the superstar is busy shooting for War 2 with Jr NTR and Kiara Advani, with Krrish 4 waiting in the wings.

The irony? While Samantha may have given Hrithik a meh on the hotness meter, the internet still refuses to stop calling him the Greek God. But hey, taste is subjective and sometimes, delightfully controversial.
Emergency Action Demands the Return of Abrego Garcia by Mountain View and Beyond

Horrifying news called for urgent action in Mountain View, CA

Photos: Alfred Leung ProBonoPhoto

Please credit the photographer as above



On Tuesday morning April 15, Mountain View Voices for Peace sent out the word... by 6pm residents of the SF Peninsula, South Bay, and East Bay gathered in protest of Trump's defiance of the Supreme Court Order to return Kilmar Abrego Garcia to the US.



As people listened to the news the previous evening, they saw that Trumps statements are becoming even more horrifying. Did Trump even ask Salvadoran dictator Bukele to send Abrego Garcia back? At the same time, Trump is suggesting American citizens could be sent to prisons in El Salvador.



Members of the Raging Grannies in keffiyeh led songs and chanting with the aid of megaphone. The crowd cheered when Batman of San Jose arrived. Batman is a homeless advocate and a member of B.A.S.H., Bay Area Super Heroes, a decentralized, independent network of Superhero-inspired activists serving the entire Bay Area.


Five individuals were hospitalised with severe injuries following an accident at the main gate of the Redeemed Christian Church of God headquarters along the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway.

According to PUNCH Metro, a traffic update by the Commandant General of the Traffic Compliance and Enforcement Agency, Seni Ogunyemi, on Wednesday revealed that the accident occurred on Tuesday.

Ogunyemi stated that the accident happened when a Sienna bus collided with a Highlander Jeep, causing the jeep to crash into several pedestrians.

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He said, A serious road traffic accident occurred in front of RCCG main gate, seven persons were involved and five persons were injured.

According to an eyewitness, excessive speed and loss of control by the driver of the Toyota Sienna caused it to hit a Toyota Highlander from the rear.

In the process, the vehicle somersaulted into the drainage and knocked down the injured victims.

Ogunyemi mentioned that the accident involved a total of seven people, with five injured in the incident.

He continued, TRACE, FRSC, and the police were on the ground monitoring the traffic situation while the accident vehicle was towed to Mowe Police Station for further investigation.

However, three victims were rescued to OSUTH in Sagamu by OGSAES while the remaining two were rescued to Famobis Hospital at Lotto by FRSC.

The TRACE CG listed the vehicles involved as a blue Toyota Sienna (MUS 51 JU), a wine-coloured Toyota Highlander (LSD 782 DY), and two Bajaj motorcycles, one red (DED 801 UV) and the other (AKM 524 VD).
Hellen Ati, the Kenyan lady who has consistently claimed that popular socialite Cubana Chief Priest fathered her child, has now vowed to take the matter to a shrine.

The woman, who has been calling on the celebrity barman to submit to a DNA test, expressed frustration over his refusal to acknowledge her demand.

Cubana Chief Priest, whose real name is Pascal, has kept silent on the issue and has not issued any response since the accusations began.

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READ MORE: My Blood, Sweat, Tears Wont Be Enjoyed By Someone Else  Bimbo Ademoye Cries Out Over Movie Piracy On YouTube

In a post shared on her Instagram page on Wednesday, Hellen threatened to report him to a traditional deity in Nsukka, a town located in Enugu State, Nigeria, over his continued silence.

She accused him of behaving immaturely and warned that she would not back down until he honours her request for a DNA test.

She said, I will report you to the Nsukka deity at the shrine in Igbo land. I will quietly go and report you there and you wont know. Nobody will know I am in Nigeria.

Dont play with me. You worry me too much. You think its a joke? You dont want to return my star. You dont want to take care of this boy, you dont want to do DNA. You just want me to suffer. Upon that, you are mocking and laughing at me.

I will go and report to the Nsukka deity in Igbo land and you know the consequences. Come and carry your child. Pascal Okechukwu, come and do the DNA. I cannot take care of this child alone. You are lying to yourself. It cannot happen. Over my dead body. You must take care of this child.

See some comments below

kissie_pearl said: He for just sleep alone that night o

oluchilouis remarked: This woman is in pain her cry for justice no one seems to listen because the person in question is rich . Anyways God ways not our ways

joedreamchaser wrote: We been dey wait after Obi Cubana birthday doings, we don dey wait you Helen 

Watch her speak below
Economic and Financial Crimes Commission have arrested 40 suspected internet fraudsters in Bida and Minna local government areas of Niger State.

It was gathered that the arrests were made by the anti-graft agency, following a credible information.

In a statement by EFCCs Head of Media and Publicity, Dele Oyewale, on Wednesday, said that the suspects were apprehended for their alleged involvement in various forms of fraudulent internet activities.

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Oyewale noted that during the raid, the operatives recovered a variety of items believed to be proceeds of crime or used in furtherance of illegal activities. These include:

READ MORE: EFCC Arrests 19 Suspected Internet Fraudsters In Edo, Recovers Cars, Gadgets

Three automobiles, eight power-generating sets, one Hisense air conditioner, two power stabilisers, 10 motorcycles, eight laptop computers, four bluetooth speakers, and 60 Android phones.

He said: Among the items recovered were three calabashes adorned with feathers, traditionally made soap and sponge, a bottle of alcoholic drink, 20 cowries, a waist bead, and four ladies underwear.

The operation was based on credible intelligence linking the suspects to a syndicate engaged in cybercrime activities.

The suspects will be charged to court as soon as investigations are concluded.
Engr. Buba Galadima, a prominent figure in the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP), has downplayed the political influence of the All Progressives Congress (APC) National Chairman, Dr. Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, claiming the former Kano governor owes his current position to President Bola Tinubu.

In a recent interview with news men on Thursday, Galadima reacted to claims suggesting that Dr. Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, the NNPPs 2023 presidential flagbearer, may be planning a return to the APC.

He expressed strong disapproval, questioning why such news would emanate from Ganduje, whom he believes lacks the stature to speak on the matter.

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I am hearing this from you. So, if we are going to APC, Nigerians will hear this from Ganduje? Even because of him, nobody would like to go to APC,

He went further to criticize Gandujes leadership, asserting that the APC chairman was only in his position due to Tinubus backing.

Galadima accused the APC leadership of spreading misinformation to remain relevant, adding that the ruling party often uses social media and propaganda to discredit the NNPP.

It is only Tinubu that can make a Ganduje chairman of a party. How can Ganduje be chairman of anything? he said.

He dismissed talks of any planned defection, making it clear that the NNPP is not in discussions with the APC.

Galadima also berated politicians already focused on the 2027 elections, describing them as leaders who have failed their constituents and have nothing to show for their time in office.
Some yet to be identified gunmen have invaded the family house of suspended lawmaker representing Kogi Central, Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan.

It was gathered that the building, located at Obeiba-Ihima area of Kogi State, was raided on Tuesday by criminal elements, and destroyed some properties worth millions of naira during the operation.

In a statement by Senator Natashas media team on Thursday, disclosed that the attack was repelled by security agents.

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The statement partly reads: Two days ago, my younger brother took some contractors to my hometown in Ihima to inspect locations for upcoming projects that I attracted to my senatorial district.

READ MORE: Alleged Defamation: Yahaya Bello Demands Probe, Prosecution Of Senator Natasha

The unknown gunmen assumed I was the one in town and attacked my familys house that night.

Thankfully, the civil defence team and community members responded promptly and chased them off.

A report was made to the police area command, and no one was hurt. We urge the Inspector General of Police to immediately reinstate my security details.

We call on the public to remain calm and support the pursuit of justice for Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan.

Her dedication to speaking the truth and representing her constituents should not be met with violence and intimidation,
Tanzanian music star Juma Jux has officially tied the knot with Priscilla Ojo, daughter of Nollywood actress Iyabo Ojo.

The couples sealed their union with a traditional wedding ceremony held in Lagos.

The ceremony, held on Thursday, drew friends and family who gathered to celebrate and extend their well wishes to the couple.

READ MORE: Iyabo Ojo Shares Sneak Peek Of Wedding Outfit Ahead Of Daughters Big Day

The couple also took to Instagram to share photos from their wedding, where they dazzled in matching blue traditional attire.

Back in February, the lovebirds held their Islamic traditional wedding ceremony in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania.

Priscilla and Juxs love journey began in July 2024, when they made their relationship public on social media.

Priscilla, born on March 13, 2001, holds a degree in Media and Theater Arts from Babcock University.

At the age of 14, she kicked off her acting career with a role in the movie Beyond Disability.

Her performance in the film earned her a nomination for Best Child Actress at the Best of Nollywood (BON) Awards.

Jux, whose full name is Juma Mussa Mkambala, was born on September 1, 1989.

He started his music career at 16 and joined A.M Records in 2008.

His music fuses RnB, Bongo Flava, and Afrobeats. Some of his hit tracks include Enjoy, Nitasubiri, Fashion Killer, Sugua, Juu, and Nidhibiti.

He has received numerous awards for his work and is regarded as one of the top artistes in Tanzania and East Africa.

SEE PHOTOS:
Abisola Kola-Daisi, the late former Oyo State Governors eldest daughter, was laid to rest on Thursday at the Redeemed Christian Church of God, City of David, Trinity Tower, in Victoria Island Lagos State.

Dignitaries including Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu attended the funeral service.

Sanwo-Olu posted photos from the event on X, where he wrote, Today, I attended the funeral service of late Abisola Kola-Daisi nee Ajimobi. Abisolas warmth, kindness, and unwavering spirit touched many, and her absence will be deeply felt.

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My thoughts and prayers are with her family, as they navigate this painful time. May her soul rest in peace.

Adebo Ogundoyin, the Speaker of the Oyo State House of Assembly, was also in attendance at the funeral service.

He wrote on X, I paid my last respects today to the daughter of late Senator Abiola Ajimobi, former Governor of Oyo State, Abisola Kola-Daisi, at the RCCG City of David in Lagos.

May her gentle soul rest in peace, and may God comfort her family, especially her husband, Kolapo Kola-Daisi, and their children during this difficult time.

May we continue to uphold the values of empathy and kindness that Abisola embodied during her lifetime. May her legacy live on through her family. Rest in peace, Abisola.

As per the familys burial plans, a private interment will take place after the funeral service.

Abisola passed away at the age of 44 on March 27, 2025, in London after a brief illness. She is survived by her husband, Kolapo Kola-Daisi, and their three children.

SEE PHOTOS:
Nigerias major opposition party, Peoples Democratic Party has lost one of its backups to unseat ruling All Progressive Congress in 2027 general election.

INFORMATION NIGERIA reports that the development is coming, following a declaration made by Akwa Iboms Governor, Umu Eno, declaring his support for President Bola Tinubus second term bid.

Speaking on Wednesday during the official flag-off of the 65-kilometre, three-lane dual carriageway section of the highway project in Nsit-Antai Local Government Area of Akwa Ibom State, Governor Eno hailed Tinubus commitments in national development.

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Eno described Tinubu as a visionary and de-tribalised leader whose agenda is bringing tangible development to all parts of Nigeria, irrespective of party lines or political affiliations.

He said: I want to express the sentiments of the people of Akwa Ibom State for allowing the project to pass through our state. It could have gone elsewhere, so we do not take this for granted.

READ MORE: We Wont Be Part Of Any Merger, Coalition In 2027 PDP Govs

Mr. President has approved and embarked on this audacious project that is set to unlock our economic potential, especially for coastal communities. This initiative aligns with his Renewed Hope Agenda and deserves to be completed under his leadership.

Let me end by assuring our people-loving President that we will stand by him. He deserves to complete his eight years in office. He cannot start this work and abandon it. Someone else may not finish it with the same passion.
Nollywood actor Ime Bishop Umoh, popularly known as Okon Lagos, has urged President Bola Tinubu to take advantage of the ongoing trade war between the United States and China.

Last Wednesday, US President Donald Trump increased Chinas tariff rates from 104 percent to 125 percent, while suspending tariffs for several other countries.

In response, China implemented 125 percent tariffs on American goods.

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READ MORE: America Under Trump Feels Like A Nigerian Government  Chimamanda Adichie

In an Instagram post on Wednesday, Okon urged Tinubu to capitalize on the situation by encouraging brands affected by the trade war to establish factories in Nigeria.

For such a move, the comedian pointed to the nations hard-working population and low-cost labour as significant economic advantages.

In addition, the 43-year-old movie star highlighted that Aba, Kano, Uyo, and Port Harcourt are ready hubs for such investment, restating his demand that the president take immediate action.

President Tinubu, please take advantage of this US-China trade war. Redirect the factories of victimized luxury brands to Nigeria, he wrote.

Aba, Kano, Uyo, PH will be ready. We have the cheapest labor in the world, and we are a staggering 200plus million hardworking, good people! Tinubu oooo. Take advantage.

SEE POST:

https://www.instagram.com/reel/DIgVeJ0t9L1/?igsh=Z3h3NjBvNzZ3Yzhk
A chieftain of the New Nigeria Peoples Party, Buba Galadima, has rejected claims that the partys 2023 presidential candidate, Rabiu Kwankwaso, is planning a return to the All Progressives Congress.

Galadima noted that NNPP has been focused on providing Nigerians with insight into what the party stands for through responsive and responsible governance.

He further emphasized that only politically failed individuals in APC speculate about future elections during their terms in office.

INFORMATION NIGERIA learnt that Galadimas statement is coming, following a recent claim made by APC National Chairman, Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, suggesting that Kwankwaso might rejoin the ruling party.

Ganduje made the statement during a meeting with President Bola Tinubu Support Group in Abuja, last week, expressing that the ruling party is awaiting Kwankwasos return.

Meanwhile, Mr. Galadima during an interview with the Guardian on Thursday, said that it was only through the grace of President Tinubu that someone like Ganduje could hold the position of APC National Chairman.

He further added that no one in Kano or any other part of Nigeria should be proud to associate with the APC under Gandujes leadership.

Galadima said: I am hearing this from you. So, if we go to APC, will Nigerians hear this from Ganduje? Even because of him, nobody would like to go to APC. Only Tinubu can make Ganduje the party chairman.

How can Ganduje be chairman of anything? They are the people who keep us in the press because they are confused. Everything is going asunder across the country

These are the same people who use social media and propaganda to denigrate us in NNPP.

If they do not claim that Kwankwaso is working for President Tinubu, they will gossip that Kwankwaso is going to France to lobby Mr President.

Only political failures talk about the next election in the middle of their terms.
Three individuals suspected of involvement in a recent kidnapping incident have been arrested by the Benue State Police Command.

Sewuese Anene, the spokesperson for the state police command, confirmed to TheCable on Wednesday that the suspects were apprehended in connection with the abduction of three people along Otukpo Road.

They were arrested two or three days after the kidnapping and are currently in custody, Anene stated.

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The police spokesperson also provided updates on the aftermath of a recent attack on Otobi community in the Akpa district of Otukpo Local Government Area. According to her, nine corpses were recovered following the incident.

Some of the officers that were sent to the community remained there, she added, noting that residents later discovered an additional body, bringing the death toll to ten.

Benue State has been witnessing a troubling surge in violent attacks, with killings and kidnappings reportedly carried out by suspected herdsmen across various local government areas.

On April 10, unknown gunmen killed at least three people in the Mbasombo community of Gwer East Local Government Area.

Similarly, on March 10, suspected herdsmen launched deadly attacks in Katsina Ala Local Government Area, killing 13 individuals, including women and children. The gunmen reportedly invaded several communities, including Utange Council, Kpav, Dikpo, and the Imande Gberihwa region.

Authorities say investigations are ongoing as security operations continue across the state.
"The Stories We Wear" exhibition at the Penn Museum, which is one of the many Philadelphia arts institutions facing grant cuts following orders executed by the Department of Government Efficiency, headed by billionaire Elon Musk. Read more

The Woodmere Art Museum was promised $750,000. Now the money is gone.

Arch Street Meeting House Preservation Trust won an award of $25,000, and that, too, has suddenly evaporated.

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In recent days, the federal government, normally a reliable piece of the funding puzzle for arts and culture groups, has canceled grants it had already approved but not yet paid. The Penn Museum, South Asian American Digital Archive, Rosenbach Museum and Library, and other groups in Philadelphia and beyond have received notices that millions of dollars in grants from the National Endowment for the Humanities and the Institute for Museum and Library Services have been scrapped.

The funding cuts are the latest in a series being executed by the Department of Government Efficiency, headed by billionaire Elon Musk.

A wide range of cultural organizations have been hit, said Patricia Wilson Aden, president and CEO of the Greater Philadelphia Cultural Alliance. The disruption has been sweeping.

In a GPCA survey that has so far drawn responses from 190 groups across the state, 52% said grant cancellations from agencies like the NEH and the IMLS have the potential to disrupt cash flow and payroll, threatening operations; half said the cuts would likely curtail educational programming for children; and 39% said rescinded funding would likely force the axing of exhibits, presentations, and performances.

If people think the cuts are aimed only at projects dealing with DEI (diversity, equity, and inclusion) or LGBTQ matters, Aden says, That is not the case. This goes to the infrastructure of our cultural sector.

In some cases, because grants are often paid as reimbursements for money already spent, groups have been left footing the bill for expenses they expected would be covered.

Many are turning to supporters for help.

The Woodmere had collected only about $15,000 of a promised $750,000 from the IMLS when it received word of the cancellation. It has already incurred expenses for conservation, storage, transportation, and other aspects of a new building, the Frances M. Maguire Hall for Art and Education.

 READ MORE: DOGE cuts threaten funding to Philadelphia museums, libraries, and more

Now the Woodmere must, in essence, raise the same money for a second time.

With Maguire Hall opening in October, Ive already begun the work of reaching out on a one-on-one basis to Woodmeres most loyal supporters and working to fill the gap, said Woodmere director and CEO William R. Valerio, who called the loss of the funding a blow.

 READ MORE: Three DOGE-targeted buildings in Philly could be sold, leaving their historic art at risk: It really will be a travesty

In response to the funding crisis, the William Penn Foundation, Philadelphias largest funder of arts and culture, is offering an unusual degree of flexibility to its grantees on how money may be used. There may be opportunities for William Penn grants already awarded to be spent on purposes other than those first proposed, a note from the foundation said.

The foundation might agree to shift part of a grant budget to cover costs like legal support, crisis communications, or public education efforts, chief philanthropy officer Elliot Weinbaum wrote in an email to arts and culture groups this month.

Additionally, if a delay or disruption in federal funding is creating financial strain, you may request an accelerated payment schedule for your grant, his note said.

A spokesperson for another major source of local arts funding, the Pew Center for Arts and Heritage in Philadelphia, said it has not adjusted policies or developed any special support, adding in a statement that PCAH and the Pew Charitable Trusts recognize that this is an extremely difficult time for the arts and culture sector and are monitoring the changing environment to determine whether and how we can find opportunities to help.

The gutting of the IMLS is being contested in two separate lawsuits. The cuts to the NEH, ordered earlier this month, are targeting both direct grants made by the agency and NEH funding that passed through 56 states and jurisdictions, including PA Humanities, to local groups.

In the meantime, the future of funding from the National Endowment for the Arts is unclear. An executive order from President Donald Trump in January would have required grant applicants to agree to not promote  among other things  the false claim that males can identify as and thus become women and vice versa. But the NEA has rescinded the implementation of the EO pending further administrative review, according to a court filing in a lawsuit over the matter.

 READ MORE: It goes against the democracy of our nation: How DOGEs GSA cuts endanger the future of Philadelphias iconic public art

GPCAs Aden said arts groups and patrons should put pressure on elected officials to save federal funding of the arts. From 2020 to 2024, about $111 million has flowed into Pennsylvania from the NEA, NEH, and IMLS  $42.5 million of that into the Philadelphia region.

I cant predict the outcome, but the fight is absolutely necessary, she said. NEA and NEH were mandated through Congress. Congress ultimately has the ability to keep them alive, and thats why we are sending messages to our allies in Congress that these organizations are essential.

A project at the University of Delawares Center for Historic Architecture and Design was just underway courtesy of a $348,655 NEH grant when the center received its cancellation notice. The money was to have funded digitizing and re-digitizing drawings, photographs, and other materials relating to historic architecture in the Mid-Atlantic  structures at risk or that have since been demolished  so the entire collection could be put online for public use.

The grants cancellation forced the termination of the projects digital archivist, who had been on the job for just eight weeks. This particular grant had been paid up front, and it is unclear what will happen next.

I imagine we have to send back the remaining funds to the federal government, but because this is so new and fast moving, no one knows whats happening, said Catherine Morrissey, associate director of the center. It took us four years to get this NEH grant, and our goal is to find other ways to fund this project.

The Conservation Center for Art and Historic Artifacts in Center City lost at least $321,850 in grants from both the NEH and the IMLS. As a result, the group  which works with collecting institutions to help them care for their materials through conservation and preservation  will have to continue some projects in modified form, continue others only if replacement funding can be found, and halt some altogether.

One project, a co-op for Drexel University students, will go on, but at this point we cant commit to a second cohort, said executive director Michelle Eisenberg.

The program was designed to bring greater socioeconomic diversity to the collections care field and create more career pathways. To not be able to proceed with that is a pretty big loss to the field, she said.

Eisenberg recently received an email from the IMLS saying she could request reimbursement for money already spent as part of a grant award. She has not received a similar notice from the NEH, she said.

The $25,000 award to Arch Street Meeting Preservation Trust was to have gone toward updating written materials and hiring interpreters to explore and present the history of the Black Quaker experience. The NEH grant would have covered most of the budget, and although none of the money has been paid, the project is moving ahead, said Sean Connolly, executive director of the trust.

Were going to find a way. We dont know how we will pay for it, but this is a really important story to tell for the Semiquincentennial, Connolly said.

Finding replacement money, though, at this late stage promises to be tricky, he said.

You think you have a plan in place and then the carpet is pulled out from under you.
A former employee of the Victoria's Secret store at Liberty Place said she was harassed by a manager and ignored by higher-ups after reporting the allegations. Read more

A former Victorias Secret employee said she was sexually harassed by the lingerie department manager at a Philadelphia store, according to a lawsuit. And when she reported her experience, she alleges, she was retaliated against during her shifts and ignored by company higher-ups.

The claims were laid out in a lawsuit that was filed last month in the U.S. District Court in Philadelphia and reported on earlier this week by Philadelphia Magazine. The suit seeks unspecified damages from Victorias Secret.

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The North Philadelphia woman, Ionnae Alvarado-Jones, said the harassment started in February 2022, not long after she started her job as a sales associate at the Victorias Secret store in Liberty Place. According to court documents, a department manager repeatedly told Alvarado-Jones she was sexy, commented on her breasts, and touched her breasts and arm inappropriately.

A store manager saw this behavior and ignored it, Alvarado-Jones alleges in the lawsuit.

Alvarado-Jones also reported the harassment to the companys ethics hotline and human resources departments, she said, but never heard back. After Alvarardo-Jones filed an initial report with the hotline, her managers at the store started to nitpick her work and scream and curse at her, according to the documents.

A spokesperson for Victorias Secret did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

The manager accused of sexual harassment was named in the lawsuit, but not listed as a defendant. It is unclear whether any managers named in the lawsuit still work for Victorias Secret.

Alvarado-Jones, now 21, said the experience made her physically sick, and has turned her into a hypervigilant person, who can be sent into a panic by a tone of voice or an unexpected touch.

Imagine being hyper-aware of every interaction, analyzing every word you say because you didnt want to provoke anything, she said in a statement through her attorney, David Koller. The anxiety became a constant hum in the background of my life, eventually clinging to my everyday thoughts, tasks, and activities.
Larry Williams, of Kensington, was sentenced to 22 1/2 to 45 years in state prison during a hearing Thursday at the Montgomery County Courthouse. Read more

A Kensington man who operated a sprawling gun ring that armed criminals with weapons used in robberies, shootings and other violent crimes was sentenced Thursday to 22 to 45 years in state prison.

From his home in Philadelphia, Larry Williams, 42, distributed at least 94 guns to criminals across Pennsylvania and in New York City and Connecticut, in what Montgomery County prosecutors said was one of the largest criminal organizations of its kind in the region.

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Only 52 of those guns have been recovered by police.

Williams pleaded guilty to racketeering, making false statements, conspiracy and related crimes in February 2024, but later withdrew the plea, saying he had made it after receiving incorrect information from his previous attorney.

That attempt triggering a year of delays that ended when Montgomery County Judge Steven T. ONeill denied Williams efforts, ruling he had made the plea knowingly and voluntarily.

Still, Williams continued to profess his innocence in court Thursday, telling ONeill that police had arrested the wrong man.

Ive been in trouble before, Williams said. This is me being accused of and charged with things I wasnt involved in.

But the veteran judge was not swayed, saying that the weight of the exhaustive evidence against Williams spoke for itself. ONeil added that Williams had shown no sign of remorse for contributing to the regions gun violence epidemic and called him a threat to his community.

If we dont face gun violence in a way in which we, as a community, attempt to interdict it, it would depreciate the seriousness of these crimes, ONeil said.

The gun ring was so efficient in distributing guns, ONeill said, it bore similarities to military groups arming their soldiers.

Prosecutors began investigating the ring in June 2022, when a confidential informant in an unrelated case provided information about Williams operation, according to the affidavit of probable cause for his arrest.

Williams recruited seven people to assist in the conspiracy, who prosecutors said purchased guns on his behalf at gun stores and trade shows in Oaks and Allentown  Williams was unable to buy the guns himself due to multiple prior felony convictions for guns and drugs.

In fact, Williams was on probation at the time he began recruiting others to buy guns for him, according to court records.

Also arrested in the gun ring were: Robert Cooper III, 25; Ziair Stenson, 28, Malik Rowell-Jernigan, 26; Daynell Jones, 42; Shadiid Smalley, 25; and Zakayla Deshields, 24, all of Philadelphia. Kevin Logan, 26, has also been charged in connection with the gun ring, but had not been arrested as of Thursday.

All of the suspects but Logan have pleaded guilty to racketeering charges and making false statements and are awaiting sentencing.

Members of the group made those purchases between October 2018 and July 2021, buying multiple guns during each transaction, according to the affidavit.

Williams would then sell the guns almost as quickly as he received them, advertising them through text messages and exchanging payment for them through mobile apps, the affidavit said. One gun was sold less than an hour after Williams received it.

Williams associates attempted to buy 23 additional guns, but were turned away by store owners who were suspicious of them.

Assistant District Attorney William Highland said Thursday that there was no excuse for purchasing 94 guns to flood the streets.

The sheer volume of firearms this organization was producing, this is something we hadnt seen in this state, Highland said. This is clearly somebody who thought they were above the law, had no care for the law, and wanted to get as many guns in the hands of those cant have them as possible.
Its been a week since Community College of Philadelphia ousted its president, and an interim leader has not been named.

Representatives of the college are scheduled to go before City Council on April 29 as part of budget deliberations, and the colleges commencement is set for May 3, but it is unknown who will be in the leadership role for those events.

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That has left some of those on the ground at CCP feeling a little uneasy.

 READ MORE: CCP board removes president, voting not to renew contract and placing him on immediate paid leave

The board, through spokesperson Kyle D. Anderson, said final candidates for the interim post to replace Donald Guy Generals are under review and a decision is expected shortly.

The CCP cabinet is acting as a cohesive management unit, with Harold Epps, as Board Chair, with final fiduciary responsibility until an interim president is named, Anderson said in a statement.

CCP is a unique city educational institution with various stakeholders, many of whom are part of the decision-making process for selecting an interim president.

All members of the Community College board are appointed by the mayor of Philadelphia on a rotating basis. A spokesperson for Mayor Cherelle L. Parker declined to comment.

The board met in private Wednesday; a sign hung on the meeting room door that said executive session.

 READ MORE: CCP board is preparing to oust its president

Most times when a college president resigns or is removed, boards have a plan in place for an interim leader, said Peter Eckel, senior fellow and director of global higher education management at the Graduate School of Education at the University of Pennsylvania.

Boards do need to plan ahead, he said.

Generals, who led the college for nearly 11 years, said last week that the board told him in December of its intent not to renew his contract when it expired in June, which would seem to have given time for planning. But it is not clear when or why the board decided to immediately place Generals on leave when its members voted not to renew his pact.

Generals has said that the decision not to renew his contract was unjustified, given his record, and that he was stunned the board placed him on leave, a move he called retaliatory.

Other schools have named interim leaders more quickly

In some other cases locally, interim leaders have been chosen more quickly.

At the University of Pennsylvania, J. Larry Jameson was named interim president three days after Liz Magill resigned in December 2023 following an uproar over her congressional testimony about the schools handling of antisemitism complaints. Jameson, formerly executive vice president of Penns health system and its medical school dean, is now in the permanent post.

Thomas Jefferson University in July 2023 announced a new interim president at the same time it said Mark Tykocinski had resigned. Tykocinski had come under fire several months before that for liking controversial tweets about COVID-19 vaccines and gender reassignment surgery for children on his official presidential Twitter account. Susan Aldridge, a senior executive higher education consultant who had been a member of the board of trustees, was named interim president and also has since gone on to the permanent post.

Chestnut Hill College last May said its vice president of financial affairs would take over leadership responsibilities after William W. Latimer, the schools first male and lay leader in the colleges century-long history, stepped down. Brian McCloskey remains interim president there.

Temple University, however, took a little longer. It did not announce JoAnne A. Epps as acting president until two weeks after Jason Wingard resigned in 2023 amid tumult over a graduate student workers strike and the fatal shooting of an on-duty university police officer. After Epps died suddenly in September 2023, it took the board just one week to name Richard M. Englert as president.

Searching for answers

The CCP board has not stated why it chose to end Generals contract and place him on paid administrative leave through the close of the current pact.

Eckel acknowledged that talking about personnel issues can be tricky, but said the board could have stated there was a personnel issue or that it was an issue of the strategic direction of the college, rather than saying nothing and letting people guess.

A lot of stakeholders at the university are looking for additional information about what really happened here and what the board has the ability to say, he said.

The fact that the head of the colleges foundation board  its chief fundraising arm  resigned over Generals ouster suggests that the trustee board, Eckel said, wasnt acting transparently, that people didnt understand their motives.

People are looking for decisions at the board level that will advance the interest of the college and that of their stakeholders, and we have to question whats going on at CCP.

Boards, he said, want to make sure their actions are not the headlines, and unfortunately in this situation it seems like it is.

On Sunday, the Rev. Alyn E. Waller, longtime senior pastor of Enon Tabernacle Baptist Church in East Mount Airy, which with about 15,000 members has one of Philadelphias largest congregations, mentioned the college during his sermon and said he would no longer support the college or encourage others to do so. His wife is Ellyn Jo Waller, who had led the foundation board before her resignation last week.

We are not involved in that anymore, cannot be supportive of that kind of decision-making, he said during his sermon.

Waller is influential in Philadelphia. In 2023, he interviewed nearly every candidate for Philadelphia mayor on Facebook Live, and the talks were widely viewed. That included Parker, who, at least at that time, attended church at Enon.

Ellyn Jo Waller said Wednesday that the church has given a significant amount of money to the college but declined to be specific. The church tithes 10% of its money back to the community, and CCP received a portion of that, she said. That will stop now, she said.

She called the boards decision to oust Generals reckless.

It makes me incredibly sad for the students and the institution itself, she said. Were such an incredibly important institution in the city. Over my years of service, Ive seen amazing things happen.

The faculty and staff union at CCP has not taken a position on the boards decision to remove Generals. Junior Brainard, copresident, said the union remains ready to work with whoever the new leader will be on instituting terms of the unions recently settled employee contracts.

Everybody is just hopeful that things will get better, said Marissa Johnson Valenzuela, secretary of the union and an English professor. When youre replacing a leader, it can go two directions  I guess three: It could stay the same; it could get better or worse. And as we see in higher education, it can definitely get worse.

Were hopeful to get a partner we can work better with to serve our students, who see faculty and staff as an asset and not an obstacle.
President Donald Trump leaves Air Force One after landing in Philadelphia on March 22. Trump was heading to the NCAA wrestling championships at the Wells Fargo Center. Read more

Harvard University stands to lose billions in federal funding, but the governments actions against one of the worlds top research institutions were applied with vague accusations and no proof of specific legal violations, documents show.

The Trump administrations decision Monday to freeze $2.2 billion to Harvard after the school announced it would not yield to demands to change admissions, hiring and governance practices did not follow procedures set out in civil rights law, a Post review found.

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 READ MORE: Trump administration freezes $2.2 billion in grants to Harvard over campus activism

Trump administration officials have publicly said that Harvard has violated students civil rights and mentioned Title VI, which is the federal law that says any school found to violate civil rights is not eligible for federal funding. Harvard, according to the letter the administration sent the school on April 11, was not keeping Jewish and pro-Israel students safe and allowed antisemitism on campus. The letter also said the university had diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) programs that could not stand.

But the governments notice did not list or explain the specific violations that occurred at Harvard.

The administrations action skipped over requirements that say the government must identify and list violations, offer a hearing, notify Congress and then wait 30 days before applying penalties.

 READ MORE: International students in Pa. and N.J. have had their visas revoked by the Trump administration, sparking anxiety on college campuses

The actions against Harvard and several other elite colleges reflect the manner in which the administration is handing out other harsh penalties across the government, such as the growing number of undetailed student visa revocations, as well as how President Donald Trump is applying the Alien Enemies Act to deport immigrants.

The Trump administrations alleged disregard for federal procedure is part of the basis for separate lawsuits filed by the faculty unions at Harvard and Columbia University.

These procedures exist because Congress recognized that allowing federal agencies to hold funding hostage, or to cancel it cavalierly, would give them dangerously broad power in a system in which institutions depend so heavily upon federal funding, attorneys for the American Association of University Professors wrote in the Harvard faculty union lawsuit.

Harvard, the White House, and the three government agencies with representatives who signed the demand letter to Harvard did not immediately respond to a request for comment Wednesday about the punitive measures.

 READ MORE: Here is a running list of HHS grants targeted for termination in Pa., N.J.

The funding freeze at Harvard was the biggest salvo in the Trump administrations actions against elite universities that it sees as bastions of woke ideology and anti-Israel sentiment. Trump signed an executive order to combat antisemitism in the wake of pro-Palestinian protests that roiled campuses last year and left some Jewish students complaining of antisemitism.

Trump has shown his willingness to punish, without detailed explanation, institutions for their embrace of social policies with which he disagrees. In March, he announced on social media that he was freezing $175 million meant for the University of Pennsylvania because the institution allowed a transgender athlete to compete on a womens swim team. The athlete graduated in 2022.

 READ MORE: Trump administration has paused $175 million in funding to Penn for allowing transgender athlete to compete

Universities use federal funds to, among other things, produce cutting-edge medical research and technological advancements that make the United States a leader in many lucrative fields.

The five-page letter to Harvard did not specify which DEI initiatives the administration wanted eliminated, only that it must shutter all such programs and demonstrate that it has done so to the satisfaction of the federal government.

The demands, written by officials at the Education Department, the Department of Health and Human Services, and the General Services Administration, were relatively vague. The administration wants the school to hire an external auditor to evaluate the viewpoint diversity of the universitys students and faculty, make meaningful governance reform and restructuring, and allow for reducing the power held by students and untenured faculty, the letter said.

 READ MORE: Penn scrubs diversity initiatives from its website to comply with Trump order

The letter also demanded admission changes to prevent admitting students hostile to the American values and institutions inscribed in the U.S. Constitution and Declaration of Independence, including students supportive of terrorism or anti-Semitism.

Then, on Monday, the multiagency Joint Task Force to Combat Anti-Semitism housed under the Justice Department froze $2.2 billion in grants and $60 million worth of multiyear contracts to Harvard and its affiliates after the school refused to comply.

Trump in recent weeks has shocked powerful universities by freezing billions of dollars  leaving them to find out through social media or simple emails. Some still have no idea why.

 READ MORE: More Temple students lose visas, $3 million in federal funding halted

A Harvard spokesperson on Tuesday said the university has only received three letters from the antisemitism task force  on March 31, April 3 and April 11  none of which listed specific violations. A separate letter on March 10 from the Education Departments Office for Civil Rights warned Harvard, and 59 other schools, of potential enforcement actions if they failed to comply with Title VI.

Harvard president Alan Garber wrote Monday in a letter to the campus community that the April 11 demands violate the universitys First Amendment rights and overstep the statutory limits of the governments authority under federal civil rights law. No government  regardless of which party is in power  should dictate what private universities can teach, whom they can admit and hire, and which areas of study and inquiry they can pursue, he wrote.

Education Secretary Linda McMahon shot back, saying the funding freeze was a reflection of taxpayers not wanting their dollars to support campuses she says allow antisemitism on their grounds.

Let me be clear, McMahon said Tuesday on Newsmax. Were not talking about First Amendment rights at all. I think that on college campuses, there should be open debate, there should be room for disagreement and all of that. What Im talking about are civil rights violations and safety for these students who are on campus.

 READ MORE: Philly-area colleges are reviewing federal directive on DEI but have not made changes like Penn

Harvard says it has taken several steps to try to ensure the safety of Jewish and pro-Israel students: Harvard clarified campus policies regarding discrimination to include Jewish and Israeli identities, strengthened discipline for infractions and expanded kosher dining options on campus.

Andrea Baccarelli, dean of the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, in March announced he had appointed a faculty working group to review processes and criteria for appointing and renewing instructors. He also said he ended the schools formal collaboration with Birzeit University, located in the West Bank.

But it was not enough.

Harvard has in recent years failed to live up to both the intellectual and civil rights conditions that justify federal investment, according to the Trump administrations April 11 letter. But we appreciate your expression of commitment to repairing those failures and welcome your collaboration in restoring the University to its promise.
Unionized nurses and technicians at Chestnut Hill Hospital held a news conference Wednesday on their contract negotiations with Temple Health. Members earlier this month authorized a strike as bargaining continues. Read more

Unionized nurses and medical technicians at Chestnut Hill Hospital said at a news conference Wednesday that Temple Health, which owns a majority stake in the hospital, is not bargaining in good faith as staff seek to sign their first contract with the health system.

Unions representing nurses and techs at Chestnut Hill and techs at Temple University Hospital-Jeanes Campus, part of the Pennsylvania Association of Staff Nurses and Allied Professionals, voted earlier this month to authorize a strike if contract negotiations break down.

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Jeanes nurses finalized a contract with Temple last year.

On Wednesday, several dozen nurses and technicians gathered outside Chestnut Hill Hospital with signs reading were strike ready and shame on Temple Health.

This will be the Chestnut Hill staffs first contract with the health system after they unionized in 2023, following Temples purchase of a 60% stake in the hospital. The Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine and Redeemer Health own the rest.

Twania Stinson, a medical lab technician at Chestnut Hill involved in bargaining talks with the health system, said union representatives have offered concessions to stave off proposed pay cuts for some nurses and other staff.

Theyre denying everything that were asking for. Theyre not trying to negotiate with anything. Everything is No, she said.

In a statement, a Temple spokesperson said that the hospital is committed to signing labor agreements that do right by our employees and preserve our ability to keep providing our patients and community with the high-quality care they deserve. They noted that the health system has successfully negotiated contracts with other union bargaining units.

One of the unions primary concerns at Chestnut Hill is keeping an adequate level of staffing at the hospital, said James Smith, an ICU nurse who has also participated in bargaining sessions.

He criticized the hospitals recent approach to the typical rise and fall of patient populations. Over the past several weeks, he said, one nurse has cared for two patients apiece in the ICU, a ratio that nursing unions have long advocated for. But for the last few days, an influx of new patients means ICU nurses are caring for three patients at a time, he said, giving them less time to monitor critically ill patients.

Instead of hiring more full-time nurses, he said, Temple Health has hired travel nurses, who work temporary shifts in hospitals for weeks or months at a time, offering higher pay than Chestnut Hills full-time staff.

Temple said that staffing levels at all of its hospitals are higher than before the COVID-19 pandemic and that the health system continues to recruit ambitiously to fill open positions.

Union members said that the health system has also proposed cutting some nurses pay by $4 an hour, and some techs pay by $3.50 an hour. And though other longtime staff at the hospital, like phlebotomists, have been offered raises in contract proposals, members say the proposed raises on the table are too low  especially considering that newer hires have been offered higher salaries.

A Temple spokesperson said that the health system was proposing moving away from a pay system instituted while Tower Health owned the hospital that gave employees on particular units additional pay.

The spokesperson said Temple has instead proposed paying employees based on their experience, which would result in pay increases for the large majority of nurses at Chestnut Hill Hospital.

Some staff who attended Wednesdays news conference said the health system does not pay them enough to get by.

Were here to provide the community with health care, and Temple is not providing us with adequate health care and pay. Its incredibly difficult for us to do our jobs with the standards that Temple provides, Smith said.

Rayderson Distin, a technician at Chestnut Hill, is tasked with sterilizing surgical instruments before operations. He also works a second job to make ends meet, he said.

The value of our paychecks are low. The volume of our work is steadily increasing, he said. To the Temple health-care executives, I ask you, can you make it so that I can afford groceries and rent without compromising time with my family?
St. Christopher's Hospital for Children has a much healthier financial future thanks to a $76 million infusion of extra Medicaid funding. The money is expected each year for five years. Read more

St. Christophers Hospital for Children has received a $76 million boost this year from a revised program that taxes Philadelphia hospitals and uses the money to increase the governments Medicaid funding for facilities that disproportionately care for low-income patients.

That cash infusion has helped put St. Chris in its strongest financial position in years, the nonprofit said in a statement. The North Philadelphia institution is celebrating its 150th anniversary this year, and has received millions in financial support from local health institutions after a 2019 bankruptcy and steep losses during the pandemic.

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The $76 million funding boost from the Philadelphia Hospital Assessment program was first disclosed in St. Chris audited financial statements for fiscal 2024. The Pennsylvania Department of Human Services confirmed the amount, which is expected to continue annually for five years, St. Chris said.

About 85% of St. Christophers patients are insured by Medicaid. That is the highest percentage of Medicaid patients served by any childrens hospital in the nation, according to St. Chris.

That money makes a huge difference for St. Chris, said Larry Kaiser, CEO of the College of Physicians of Philadelphia and former CEO of Temple University Health System.

Thats the difference between survival and not, said Kaiser, an expert in hospital finance who is not involved in St. Chris operations.

But threatening St. Chris otherwise brightening future is the push in Washington to trim $880 billion from federal Medicaid spending over a decade. Congress has targeted the taxing maneuver that benefited St. Chris, because eliminating it would save an estimated $600 billion in that timeframe.

St. Chris did not make anyone available for an interview and did not respond to a request for comment about the threat from Washington. Drexel University and Tower Health own St. Chris in a 50-50 joint venture.

A reset for St. Chris

The inclusion of St. Chris in the Philadelphia Hospital Assessment program  under a law Mayor Cherelle L. Parker signed last summer  adds to the millions in support St. Chris has received in recent years from other Philadelphia health-care organizations.

In 2022, Childrens Hospital of Philadelphia, Thomas Jefferson University, Temple Health, Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine (PCOM), Independence Health Group, and private donors announced $50 million in funding over two years.

That money provided short-term financial stability for St. Chris, following its $97 million operating loss in fiscal 2021 and an $18 million loss in fiscal 2022. The next year, St. Chris had a narrow $500,000 operating profit thanks to the support.

A similar group of donors in October announced $30 million in support over two years. That money is coming from Jefferson Health, Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine, Temple Health, and Childrens Hospital of Philadelphia.

How the assessment works

The $76 million from the hospital assessment is effectively another form of citywide support, because all city hospitals must pay the tax. St. Chris is getting more than half of the $149.6 million increase in Medicaid for the entire city.

Last years amended city ordinance for the hospital assessment included childrens hospitals and cancer hospitals for the first time since the program started in 2009.

The benefit to other newcomers paled in comparison to St. Chris. Childrens Hospital of Philadelphia had a net gain of $8.9 million. American Oncologic Hospital, part of Fox Chase Cancer Center, got $1.7 million. For Shriners Childrens Philadelphia, the gain was $77,624.

The program works by funneling the $264 million in assessments paid by the hospitals through a joint state and federal Medicaid funding system in a way that increases the amount of federal money that comes to the state.

The method for distributing the money to hospitals is complicated and hard to calculate from publicly available data, but a major factor is the proportion of patients with Medicaid insurance at the hospitals.

In addition to the Philadelphia assessment, St. Chris is benefiting for the first time from three other Medicaid supplemental payment programs with more than $15 million in anticipated benefits.

The hospital, however, is losing a $6.9 million contribution from the city, as well as the $4.9 million federal match that generated, according to its audited statement posted online at the end of March.

Last years cash crunch

Last year, St. Chris financial struggles continued. It had a $31.6 million operating loss on $313.5 million in revenue in the year that ended June 30. That was a reversal from a $500,000 profit the year before.

Then cash got tight.

St. Chris borrowed a total of $15 million from Drexel in August and January. That money was supposed to be paid back within five days of when St. Chris received the assessment funds. Drexel confirmed that it got the money back.

In November, St. Chris received $10 million in insurance advances, but declined to identify the insurer. That money was paid back as well, St. Chris said, but that couldnt be verified. For the fiscal year ending in June, St. Chris expects to have an operating profit.

Now, the substantial influx of financial support from Medicaid supplements could give St. Chris a chance to strengthen clinical programs and continue to play a vital role in medical education for the medical schools at Drexel, Temple, and Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine.

Critical investments could help rebuild neurosurgery, cardiac surgery, neurosurgery, and orthopedics, Kaiser said. You cant make a go of it just treating nonoperative pediatric patients, he said.
The Robert H. Morosky Academic Center on the Gannon University campus in Erie, shown in December 2019. Read more

Two international students at a small Catholic college in Pennsylvania have sued the Trump administration over its cancellation of their ability to study in this country.

They asked the federal court to quickly issue a temporary restraining order to halt action against them and to assert that their capacity to pursue their education should be fully restored.

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In separate lawsuits, the students at Gannon University in Erie, both from India and one of them a few credits shy of graduation, claim that federal authorities wrongly revoked their status because of supposed criminal activity.

Documents filed in the case show that each student pleaded guilty last year to disorderly conduct, resolved by the payment of $221 fines and court costs. Details of the incident, settled in Magisterial District Court in Erie, were not included in the lawsuits.

The legal filings come as President Donald Trump targets international students at American universities, raising immigration concerns and contentions on campuses in the Philadelphia region and across the country.

More than 1,400 students at 210 schools have had their visas revoked, according to a tracker maintained by Inside Higher Ed. That number increases by the day, and includes more than 50 students in Pennsylvania and New Jersey.

Its a terror tactic, said Philadelphia immigration attorney Christopher Casazza, of the firm Palladino, Isbell & Casazza LLC, who represents the Gannon students. Its a way for the administration to force out immigrants because theyre immigrants, and no other reason.

During a Thursday afternoon hearing at the federal courthouse in Pittsburgh, U.S. District Court Judge W. Scott Hardy, a Trump appointee, granted the students request for a temporary restraining order that blocked the government from taking action and reinstated their legal status.

I think the judge saw that what the government is doing is wrong and not supported by the law, Casazza said afterward.

Trump administration attorneys declined to comment.

Doug Oathout, the Gannon University chief of staff, called the ruling great news and added, This has been a really frustrating situation for our students who are involved, and for all of our support staff who are trying to help them.

A second hearing likely will be held within two weeks, before the expiration of the temporary order.

Trump has promised to mount the largest deportation campaign in American history, and that includes seeking the ouster of international students who have come here from around the world.

Federal agents have searched dorm rooms at Columbia University and seized a Tufts University student off a Massachusetts street in an arrest that neighbors said looked like a kidnapping. Haverford College and Bryn Mawr college have issued fresh guidance to students in case they are approached by ICE agents.

The two Gannon students

Gannon University is composed of two campuses, one in Erie and the other in Ruskin, Fla.

The Pennsylvania campus is set in the heart of downtown, close to businesses and organizations that the school says provide students with hands-on learning experiences. The school celebrates its 100th anniversary this year.

The 4,400 students on the Erie campus include 1,020 international scholars, about 23% of the total, who come to Gannon from 67 different countries. Visa revocations have affected six students there.

One of the lawsuits was filed by Zeel Patel, who has been studying for a masters degree in management sciences and quantitative methods since August 2024 and plans to graduate in May 2026.

Now she is extremely upset and anxious, the suit stated, fearing that she will be arrested and detained by federal agents and that her huge financial investment in her education will be lost.

She alleges that the Department of Homeland Security unilaterally terminated her F-1 student status, along with that of many others, under the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System.

SEVIS is a government database that tracks international students compliance with their immigration status.

U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement on April 8 unlawfully terminated Patels SEVIS record, the suit alleges, stripping her of her ability to pursue her studies.

Marilee Wilkosz, the schools director of global support and student engagement, emailed Patel that day, writing, I am terribly sorry to inform you that this morning your record was marked as terminated. Wilkosz urged Patel to find an attorney and warned, You are potentially subject to arrest and detention by federal authorities.

The reason given for the governments termination was: Individual identified in criminal records check and/or has had their VISA revoked.

In fact, the lawsuit said, Patel was in full compliance with the terms of her status.

The move appears to be designed, the suit said, into coercing students like her to abandon their studies and leave the country  what is known as self-deportation.

If ICE believes a student is deportable, it has the authority to initiate removal proceedings and make its case in court, the suit said. However, it cannot misuse SEVIS to circumvent the law, strip students of status, and drive them out of the country without process.

The law says students can lose their status for a crime of violence in which a sentence of more than a year in prison could be imposed. But misdemeanor or summary offenses do not meet that threshold, the suit says.

Patel believes the revocation occurred due to her April 2024 guilty plea to disorderly conduct, which carries a potential maximum jail time of 90 days, less than the one-year minimum under which the law could apply.

The circumstances of the second case are nearly identical, except that the plaintiff is a male undergraduate student who has been here since 2022.

Vraj Patel has been working on a bachelors degree in information systems, and if permitted to finish the current semester would be six credits shy of graduating.

He alleges that the school notified him April 7 that his SEVIS registration had been terminated, the reason given as his being identified in criminal records check and/or has had their VISA revoked.

He believes that occurred due to his April 2024 guilty plea to disorderly conduct, for which he also paid $221.75 in fines and costs.

International students in Pa., N.J.

As of Thursday, more than three dozen students in Pennsylvania have lost their ability to study in the United States, including 13 at Pennsylvania State University, seven at Carnegie Mellon University in Pittsburgh, the six at Gannon, five at Temple University, three at the University of Pennsylvania, and three at the University of Pittsburgh.

Officials at Lehigh University said a few students had their visas revoked but did not provide a specific number.

At Penn State, Centre County District Attorney Bernie Cantorna told the Centre Daily Times that his office knows of 12 students whose visas were revoked due to retail theft.

Each was placed in a diversionary program and not convicted of any crimes. A 13th person had a visa revocation after being charged with driving under the influence, and that person participated in a program for first offenders, Cantorna said.

None had any prior criminal convictions, he told the newspaper, and most have already returned to their home countries.

In New Jersey, 24 students have lost their visas, including 12 at Rutgers University in New Brunswick and eight at Rowan University in Glassboro. Four international students at Montclair State University in Montclair had their visas rescinded, the student newspaper reported.

This week Bryn Mawr College sent guidance to help students and staff if they should be approached by ICE agents, instruction that mirrored that shared by Haverford College last week.

Bryn Mawr officials also warned that the Trump administration is working on a proposed travel ban that would create a three-tiered system of countries subject to visa restrictions or delays. As many as 43 countries could be included, the New York Times reported, including a red list whose citizens would be banned from coming to the U.S.  Afghanistan, Bhutan, Cuba, Iran, Libya, North Korea, Somalia, Sudan, Syria, Venezuela, and Yemen.

Immigration advocates said they expect the revocations to keep coming.

Some students who had visas revoked have been accused by the Trump administration 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.

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.

That has set off a legal and ethical debate, with the Trump administration claiming some of the students support Hamas, the terrorist organization, while student advocates say the president has trampled constitutional rights to free speech and assembly.

Several other 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.

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.
Smoke rises as a recycling facility burns at 1400 S Front St. in Camden as seen from the Walt Whitman Bridge Friday, Feb. 21, 2025. Read more

U.K.-based metal recycler EMR will pay $6.7 million toward improvements to Camdens Waterfront South neighborhood as a result of a February fire that led to the voluntary evacuation of 100 families.

The four-alarm fire on Feb. 21 was said to be caused by a lithium-ion battery embedded in an item that was being recycled. The resulting fire and its black, billowing smoke could be seen for 15 miles.

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Camden Mayor Victor Carstarphen announced Thursday that he had negotiated the agreement with the company.

The money will go toward investments at the local level, Carstarphen said. That includes money toward schools, housing, families, and neighborhood improvements. Money will also go to an essential needs operation that would create space for medical care, neighborhood cleanups, a text notification system for residents, and an annual open house with community leaders.

The mayor said $4.5 million will be paid this year and $450,000 a year over the next five years. The city and EMR expect to sign the agreement in the coming month or two.

 READ MORE: Company cites lithium-ion battery as cause of major Camden blaze that spurred 100 families to evacuate

The entire situation was simply unacceptable, Carstarphen said in a statement. But EMR is being held accountable.

Moreover, the agreement would see EMR reduce its overall footprint in the city by nine acres, increase inspections of material being brought to the facility, and limit material stored on site.

The company would also install an aerial fire-suppression system that will include heat-detection cameras to immediately identify and focus cooling water jets on potential hot spots, according to the mayors statement.

The February fire was a wake-up call, said Carlos Morales, executive director of the Heart of Camden, an organization that helps provide affordable housing, economic development, family services, and youth programs. Since day one, weve demanded accountability and real investment  not just words or promises. This agreement  includes serious dollars, serious changes.

Joseph Balzano, CEO of EMR USA, said the agreement creates a long-term partnership with the city and strengthens our commitment to the Waterfront South neighborhood and underscores my dedication to keeping our site safe.

The day after the fire, EMR said a battery, undetectable concealed within scrap metal, sparked the blaze at the companys shredding facility at 1400 Front St. The company does not recycle lithium-ion batteries, and suppliers are prohibited from delivering them to the facility.

The fire outraged residents and officials as the flames and smoke could be seen from neighborhoods across the river in Philadelphia.

EMR has a sprawling operation over an estimated 100 acres in the neighborhood. The blaze was the fourth at EMR since 2021.
New Jersey is cracking down on the popular chat app Discord after a string of incidents involving children across the state.

Attorney General Matthew J. Platkin announced a lawsuit against Discord on Thursday, claiming the platform has misrepresented its safety protection and leaves minors vulnerable to harassment, abuse, and sexual exploitation by predators.

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Discord holds itself out to be a company that cares about safety, Platkin said. But for years, it has been deceiving young users and parents about the design and effectiveness of its apps safety features.

The complaint, filed in the Chancery Division of the Superior Court of New Jersey, claims Discord knew its safety features did not protect minors from being exposed to inappropriate sexual content or online predators, but refused to make changes to protect young people.

In one example, Platkin cited the platforms Safe Direct Messaging feature, which Discord added in 2023 to automatically scan for and block messages that contained explicit content.

The truth is, Discords app was not capable of doing that, and the company knew it, Platkin said. Turns out the safe direct messaging wasnt safe at all.

Platkin also said Discord claims to prevent children under the age of 13 from accessing the platform but barely enforces its own rule.

All a child has to do to access the app is just say theyre 13, Platkin said. Discord will take any 8-year-olds word for it  potentially exposing a second grader to all kinds of explicit and horrific material.

A Discord spokesperson said the company was surprised by New Jerseys announcement given our engagement with the Attorney Generals office and plans to dispute the claims in court.

Discord is proud of our continuous efforts and investments in features and tools that help make Discord safer, the spokesperson said in a statement.

The move comes on the heels of a lawsuit against Discord and Roblox, an online gaming platform, filed in February by the parents of a Burlington County juvenile. Authorities say the juvenile was coerced by a North Jersey adult into exchanging nude photos and videos on the gaming platform.

The parents claim that both Roblox and Discord made the mans alleged acts possible, and that their child has suffered unimaginable harm due to both companies pervasive misrepresentations about safety.

They allow adult users to identify and readily initiate conversations with children, then manipulate the trust of those children, including by gifting them Robux, Robloxs valuable online currency, the lawsuit states.

The family was not identified in the lawsuit.

Sebastian Romero, 27, was arrested on Aug. 2 and charged with production of child sexual abuse material, aggravated sexual extortion, luring, and related offenses.

Burlington County Prosecutor LaChia L. Bradshaw said Romero chatted with the juvenile on Roblox and offered electronic gift cards in exchange for nude photos and videos. Romero also allegedly arranged to meet in person with the minor and began making threatening statements when the juvenile did not appear.

Following Romeros arrest, officials said they found evidence he communicated with at least 25 minors on the platform, according to the lawsuit.

In December, Richard Kattermann, 31, a Morris County man once employed at a Somerset County school, was sentenced to three years in prison after uploading child pornography to Discord.

Discord claims that safety is at the core of everything it does, but the truth is, the application is not safe for children, Cari Fais, the director of New Jerseys Division of Consumer Affairs, said in a statement.

What is Discord?

Launched in 2015, Discord is a communication platform geared mostly toward gamers looking to communicate with friends while playing. It has since grown into a full-fledged social media platform boasting over 200 million monthly active users, CEO Jason Citron said in a 2024 interview.

Discord users can communicate via text, voice, and voice messages. Users can join or create their own groups, known as servers, where they can communicate with friends or other people they invite.

The company is based in San Francisco.
Robert Schmalbach, High School Librarian and 95' Alumni shows off Norristown banner in the Library at Norristown Area High School in Norristown, PA on Friday, April 5, 2019. Read more

The Norristown Area School District, whose student body is half Latino, may no longer have Latino representation on the board in January after tensions between the existing board and local Democrats culminated in the effective ouster of two of the boards first Latino members.

School Board President Chris Jaramillo had the support of Democratic leaders in Norristown, East Norriton and West Norriton when he was appointed in 2020 and sought his first full term in 2021. But now local Democratic leaders have refused to back Jaramillo, or anyone on his slate of aligned candidates. Party leaders cited broad concerns with Jaramillos leadership. But Jaramillo has said party leaders are retaliating for his refusal to bow to countywide pressure campaign for tax abatements that would deny potential revenue for the school district.

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The Democratic committee in the Norristown area has endorsed a new slate of candidates that includes the area leader for the local party while lacking Latino representation. Meanwhile, Jaramillos slate, which included incumbent board member Tessi Ruiz, who is also Latina, was removed from the ballot after voters, including the husband of the Democratic municipal chair for West Norriton challenged their candidacy in court for insufficient paperwork.

Leaders in Norristown worry the lost representation will mean less of a voice for Latino students and parents.

I think that will definitely hurt our community in a way because theyll feel like theres no one there who understands me, Ruiz said on a podcast last week.

Lost representation

Latino representation on the Norristown Area School Board has meant a lot for Latino students and parents, said Obed Arango, Executive Director of the Centro de Cultura Arte Trabajo y Educacion (CCATE), which advocates for the community and offers classes to students in Norristown.

He said the relationship between the district and Latino parents has improved since Jaramillo and Ruiz joined the board. In a notable move, the board voted earlier this year to approve a welcoming-school ordinance, prohibiting immigration agents from carrying out enforcement actions on school grounds.

For the first time they saw themselves represented. I am afraid that that participation and that trustability that was gained could be lost, Arango said.

This is especially painful, Arango said, at a time when increased federal immigration enforcement has spread fear through the community.

Andres Dircio, a 21-year-old graduate of Norristown Area High School who joined the district when he was 11 after immigrating from Mexico, said he believed he might have felt more connected to his school if there were Latino members of the board before his senior year.

Dircio has remained involved in the community, eventually taking a job at CCATE, and said hes been impressed with the work the school board has done to advocate for diversity. He said his heart breaks to see that representation eliminated.

It feels like were taking two steps backward, he said.

In an interview with Arango on his podcast Dialagos de la Villa Immigrante, Ruiz said the lived experience she and Jaramillo brought to the board informed policy decisions and helped them connect with families.

For some parents, she said, they now wont have a board member who even speaks their language.

That perspective wont be heard, she worried, while urging Latino parents to continue to speak up.

Party endorsement is typically a critical first step to winning the May primary and, in heavily blue towns like Norristown, the election. Earlier this year, local Democrats endorsed Cynthia Davenport, a retired multicultural marketing consultant and current substitute teacher, Terell Dale, an engineer, Jeremiah Lemke, a former school principal in North Philadelphia who currently works for an education nonprofit, Jordan Alexander, a community activist, and former Norristown supervisor and current leader of the local party, Bill Caldwell for the five open seats on the board. In addition to serving as area leader for the local party, Caldwell is the first deputy in the Montgomery County Treasurers Office under Jason Salus, the county treasurer and chair of the county Democratic Party.

Davenport, Dale, Lemke and Alexander declined to comment for this story. Caldwell, who said he joined the slate to add political experience, said the board, despite a lack of Latino members, would still represent Latino students.

Those schools have got to be safe places where kids can put as much of the stuff as is going on away and do their learning, Caldwell, who is running for a two-year term, said. Theyre all our kids. We will not abandon them.

He said the incoming slate was still enormously diverse.

Were Black, were white, were LGBTQ. We do come from a background where we get being not the majority in a room, he said.

But Angie Hinton, executive director at PA Youth Vote and a former president of the NAACP of Norristown, said that by refusing to endorse the existing slate, the Democratic Party in the Norristown area has broken trust with minority communities, disrespecting their representation.

Its a disgrace and its a continuation of, you know, the marginalization, right, and these parties that really use this process as a way of just disenfranchising people, Hinton said. This has been a continued problem in Montgomery County.

Frustrations over rejected tax abatement

For many, what makes matters more frustrating is the belief that the party rejected Jaramillos slate for the school board because of a proposed tax abatement, not anything related to education or his work on the board.

Jaramillo says he lost the partys support because of one vote he and the rest of the board made in July 2024 to reject a tax abatement for an affordable housing project for seniors in Norristown.

The situation comes after allegations of a pay-to-play culture that stifled dissent riled the 2023 endorsement process for Montgomery County Democrats. While the county party made reforms to address concerns, many of the same leaders hold power countywide and allegations of an unfair system have persisted.

Im realizing that special interests are, or have permeated into these local elections and to school board, he said.

In 2024, the Norristown Council and the Montgomery County Board of Commissioners approved a local economic revitalization tax assistance abatement (LERTA) for Elon Development to expand work on the housing project.

The school board, which accounts for the largest chunk of property taxes, unanimously rejected the tax abatement over concerns about the companys credentials, they came under fire in 2021 for selling an affordable housing development in Philly, and a belief that the project could move forward without public assistance.

The decision, Jaramillo said, resulted in significant pushback, including tense meetings with township and county leaders as well as Democratic state Rep. Greg Scott and House Majority Leader Matt Bradford. According to campaign finance records, Bradford received a $25,000 donation from an executive in the development firm earlier that year.

Bradford didnt respond to a request for comment on the school board race, his involvement in meetings about the tax abatement or the donations hed received from the development firm. Representatives of the company did not respond to a request for comment.

Despite the pressure, the school board refused to reconsider, and Jaramillo said when he met with Caldwell to discuss his plans to seek reelection, Caldwell told him the party would not support him if he did not reconsider the tax abatement.

I was a bit taken aback, Jaramillo said. I thought I was on the pathway of doing what needed to be done as a school board director.

The project, which was the third phase of a senior housing development, moved forward having received tax abatements from Montgomery County and Norristown Borough. But the school districts abatement would have represented the largest chunk of tax breaks.

In an interview, Caldwell said the rejected tax abatement was an example of the broader concerns he had with the school board, but not his sole reason for refusing to support Jaramillo and his slate.

He said there was constant friction between the Norristown School Board and township leaders in Norristown, East Norriton and West Norriton. Many people, for many reasons, he said, were calling for change.

I was very clear with all of them that I was not prepared personally, not prepared to support them unless they were prepared to support the municipalities in another way, said Caldwell, a former Norristown supervisor. And that conversation started about two years ago and it went nowhere.

The decision to dig your heels in on a tax abatement for an affordable housing project, he said, was a prime example of that friction. Communities like Norristown, he said, need to use economic incentives like LERTAs to bring in development and, because the project in question was a senior housing facility, it wouldnt have cost the district money in terms of more students to serve.

Now, he said, theres little reason for borough leaders to help the school board.

Its bad leadership, he said, referring to Jaramillo. If elected to the board, Caldwell said, he hoped to leverage his political experience to repair relationships he says are damaged and broken.

In an email to The Inquirer, Jaramillo dismissed the broad criticisms of his leadership and said his commitment to his community was unwavering.

It is unfortunate that they are deflecting by questioning my leadership. Leaders stand on their values. Those who know me well have witnessed my work ethic and understand the values I hold, he said.

Caldwell said the firms connections didnt factor into frustrations over the school boards vote. He said the school board race has been a local fight that hasnt involved the state or county-level Democratic parties.

Other members of the local Democratic committee said they were aware of the LERTA but that it wasnt necessarily the guiding force in their endorsement vote.

One municipal chair, Patty Mark, cited concerns about Jaramillos lack of engagement with parents. Another, Roseanne Milazzo, the municipal chair for West Norriton who also serves on the West Norriton Board of Supervisors, said Jaramillo had failed to foster relationships with other local leaders, leaving opportunities for collaboration on the table, and wasnt sufficiently supportive of other Democrats. Particularly egregious, she noted, was that Jaramillo missed the high school graduation last year.

His rejection of the LERTA, she said, raised yet another flag questioning whether the board would support West Norriton if it was seeking a tax abatement for a project.

Milazzo said she would have supported Ruiz if she had been willing to run on a new slate rather than with Jaramillo.

We found some other candidates who wanted to run and we feel that they will be more willing to deal with us and interact with us, Milazzo said. They have experience ... we found more qualified candidates.

The denied endorsement, and his removal from the ballot, Jaramillo said, underscored the barriers that exist to candidates from marginalized backgrounds. He said he had been encouraged to run a write-in campaign but had not yet made a decision.

The fact that the party, the local partys endorsement, is such a significant component of this, Jaramillo said. That contributes to the barriers of write-in campaigns or campaigns that dont come from affluent backgrounds or dont have the financial capital.
Steven Williams, 30, was sentenced to at least 40 years in prison for committing seven murders. Read more

One of the most prolific contract killers in recent Philadelphia history was ordered Wednesday to spend decades in prison for taking part in seven murders in 13 months  crimes authorities say he committed for cash while sometimes working with associates of a drug kingpin.

Moments after Common Pleas Court Judge Rose Marie DeFino-Nastasi imposed the sentence of 40 to 80 years for Steven Williams, spectators in the packed courtroom gallery erupted in anger.

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Murderer! some screamed as Williams was escorted to a holding cell, while others cried and yelled that he should have faced the death penalty.

The outbursts capped an emotional, hours-long hearing at which relatives of Williams seven victims spoke of the pain they have felt since his killing spree, which began in 2018.

DeFino-Nastasi, a veteran homicide judge, said she had never seen as many people  more than 50  packed into one hearing.

The pain in this room is palpable. You can feel it, the judge said.

Im astounded by the number of people whose lives youve shattered, she told Williams. This is permanent. This is forever. This is disastrous.

Williams, 30  who is also known as White Boy  pleaded guilty last year to taking part in four murders, which already made him a uniquely violent figure in recent city history.

But in January, prosecutors charged him with three more homicides, and last month he pleaded guilty to those crimes, too.

The Pennsylvania Attorney Generals Office, which handled all seven cases, agreed to allow Williams to plead guilty to third-degree murder or lesser crimes and declined to seek the otherwise mandatory life sentence for people who are twice convicted of that offense.

Chief Deputy Attorney General Tracie Gaydos did not say why, but in court Wednesday she called Williams crimes heinous acts of violence and asked the judge to impose a minimum sentence of 50 years.

Without explaining her reasoning, DeFino-Nastasi ordered Williams instead be imprisoned for at least 40 years.

I thought that was too lenient, Stanley Crawford, the father of one of the victims who has closely followed the prosecution of Williams, said afterward. Others in the gallery were more emotional, leading sheriff deputies, courtroom staff, and even the prosecutor to seek to bring calm to the room after the hearing by separating the victims supporters from Williams relatives, and later gathering those who were upset and speaking with them as a group.

A killing spree

Prosecutors said Williams took part in seven killings between 2018 and 2019. During that period, Gaydos said, he was effectively making his living as a hit man  accepting thousands of dollars to target and kill men he didnt know.

Several men were killed while in their cars, Gaydos said Wednesday, another was killed early in the morning outside his sisters house, and yet another was shot as he sat on his front porch.

Gaydos said that Williams often worked with two other men  both now dead  and that the group sometimes stalked their targets for days in advance of their shootings, looking for opportunities to strike. After the crimes, she said, Williams would boast in text messages and on social media, writing after one killing that he had a mini graveyard of his own.

The victims, Gaydos said, were caught with the guard down. All literally had nowhere to go.

Authorities have remained tight-lipped about some aspects of the case  including who may have hired Williams or why they paid him to kill people.

Court documents provide some clues. In search warrants filed several years ago, police said one of Williams coconspirators was a hit man with ties to I-Dean Fulton.

Fulton, also known as Hammer, was a major city drug trafficker before he was killed at his Manayunk home in 2020, according to authorities.

Police in court documents called Fulton a major distributor of illegal narcotics and the head of a well-organized criminal enterprise. And they said Fulton was known to have ordered the killing of people he believed were cooperating with authorities or otherwise threatening his drug empire.

Gaydos did not mention Fulton during Wednesdays sentencing hearing, and she declined to comment afterward on his potential connections to Williams.

But a variety of crimes that authorities believe are connected to Fultons organization and its rivals, including homicides, remain under investigation.

Williams, for his part, declined to speak during Wednesdays hearing. And he declined an interview request from The Inquirer while in jail awaiting his sentence.

In December  days before he entered his first guilty plea  a post was published on his Instagram account saying: 100 years, no tears! However this s go, chin up chest out.

You took my entire heart.

Williams streak of violence, authorities said, targeted victims who had no obvious links to one another: Leslie Carroll, William Crawford, Richard Isaac, LeVern Jackson, Kenneth Robinson, Ramon Rosa, and Jermaine Simmons.

At least one of the victims  Jackson  was killed in a case of mistaken identity. In that case, prosecutors said, Williams was the getaway driver, and not the gunman.

In others, investigators found evidence including surveillance video, cell phone records, and witness testimony pointing to Williams as the killer.

About a dozen relatives of the victims testified Wednesday, and many of them cried as they recalled their loved ones. In some cases, witnesses said, they have struggled to explain the deaths to the victims children.

You took my entire heart, Gloria Walcott, Isaacs widow, told Williams. The happiness and joy I was so full of was all gone like that.

Simmons mother, Minnie, said she had to retire early because she could not stop crying on the bus while commuting to work. Williams, she said, destroyed my everyday life.

And Samira Crawford, 22, William Crawfords oldest daughter, said she spent countless hours during her formative years visiting her fathers grave  and the pain has never eased.

They say it gets better, she said through tears. It dont.
As a nursing instructor, Mrs. Moores taught students at all levels about emergency medicine, infectious diseases, orthopedics, oncology, rehabilitation, and other medical subjects. Read more

Linda M. Moores, 77, of Philadelphia, longtime senior nurse at Graduate and Pennsylvania Hospitals, former emergency department nurse in Maryland, and onetime nursing instructor in New York, died Sunday, Feb. 23, as a result of a fire at her home in Bella Vista.

Mrs. Moores graduated from the Medical College of Pennsylvanias School of Nursing in 1968 and earned a bachelors degree in nursing at the University of Maryland in 1972. She was an expert in progressive care, cardiac life support, and telemetry, and she worked at Graduate Hospital from 1979 to 2005 and then at Pennsylvania Hospital until her retirement in 2015.

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Earlier, she was an emergency department and rotating charge nurse at what is now Prince Georges Hospital Center in Cheverly, Md., and a nursing instructor at the Memorial College of Nursing in Albany, N.Y. At Memorial, she helped revise and update the nursing curriculum and taught students at all levels about emergency medicine, infectious diseases, orthopedics, oncology, rehabilitation, and other medical subjects.

She was remarkably adept at interacting with patients, her family said in a tribute, and especially enjoyed mentoring students and other nurses. She had a passion for helping people, her son Heath said. She was one of the sweetest, most loving people you could ever meet.

Linda Mary Bishop was born Oct. 31, 1947, in Carlisle, Pa., about 25 miles west of Harrisburg. She grew up with her sister, Shirley, and graduated from Carlisle High School in 1965.

She met fellow heathcare worker Michael Moores in the emergency room at Prince Georges Hospital, and they married and had sons Heath and Evan. They divorced later.

Mrs. Moores was friendly and curious, her family said. She could literally talk to anyone, son Heath said. She would sit down next to a stranger, engage them in a conversation they werent necessarily prepared for, and talk their ear off for the next half hour.

She liked bedazzled shirts and oversize hats and coats, and often wore her hair in a black bob with bangs. She researched her genealogy, enjoyed murder mysteries and the Olympics on TV, and played Scrabble and other board games with her family.

She and some friends got together for monthly girls nights out for 20 years, and one friend said in a tribute: I will always fondly remember Lindas deep sexy voice, her laughter, and her fierce love for her boys. Another longtime friend said: Shell always have a special place in my heart.

She traveled to Europe several times and especially enjoyed Italy. She doted on her family and dog, and had an amusing way of extending her vowels when she spoke. She ended many conversations with her signature bye-ee.

She was honest, thoughtful, and genuine, her son Heath said. She would pretty much tell you what she thought without a filter and without hesitation.

She gave her sons cute nicknames and donated frequently to Childrens Hospital of Philadelphia and St. Jude Childrens Research Hospital in Tennessee. One of her favorite sayings was: Never look back in anger. Always look forward in hope.

Her son Heath said: When you were loved by her, she made you feel like the most special person in the world.

In addition to her sons and sister, Mrs. Moores is survived by five grandchildren, her former husband, and other relatives.

A celebration of her life was held April 13.

Donations in her name may be made to Childrens Hospital of Philadelphia, Box 781352, Philadelphia, Pa. 19178; and St. Jude Childrens Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, Tenn. 38105.
President Donald Trump at an August event on combating antisemitism at Trump National Golf Club in Bedminster, N.J. The president has cited antisemitism on campuses as a rationale for withholding federal funding for colleges and universities. Read more

Last month, the faculty at Bucknell University voted to endorse the Jerusalem Declaration on Antisemitism, a significant act in defense of the right to free expression on campus.

The Jerusalem Declaration clarifies the distinction between antisemitism and legitimate critique of the actions of the state of Israel. The resolution came as a direct response to the silencing of critical voices related to Israel and Palestine occurring on college campuses and in political debate, often using the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance definition of antisemitism.

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Both academic freedom and the First Amendment affirm the right of citizens and scholars to speak freely without fear of government or university retaliation.

Although one of the authors of the Remembrance Alliances standard has said it was never intended to silence speech, the groups framing  which has always been described as a working definition  has been criticized for being imprecise.

Not only that, but the Remembrance Alliances definition has been the linchpin in numerous efforts to criminalize advocacy for Palestinian liberation, most visibly in the executive orders of the current U.S. administration that were ostensibly intended to combat antisemitism.

The Remembrance Alliances definition indicates that [d]enying the Jewish people their right to self-determination, e.g., by claiming that the existence of a State of Israel is a racist endeavor is antisemitic.

That seems to contradict another portion of the definition which states that criticism of Israel similar to that leveled against any other country cannot be regarded as antisemitic.

Its hard to see what criticism of Israel the Remembrance Alliance definition would deem permissible given its internally contradictory examples.

The Jerusalem Declaration offers an alternative framework to the Remembrance Alliances definition of antisemitism, which dangerously conflates Zionism  support for the state of Israel  with Jewish identity.

Jews have argued about how to respond to antisemitism for centuries, if not millennia. The Zionist movement, a modern political effort to establish a Jewish homeland, is but one of these responses.

Whether Zionism provides the best avenue for ensuring Jewish security remains hotly debated. The Jerusalem Declaration affirms that governments and institutions have no business dictating to Jews or others what is permissible to advocate.

Conversely, the Jerusalem Declaration defends open debate, insisting that it is not antisemitic to support arrangements that accord full equality to all inhabitants between the river and the sea, whether in two states, a binational state, unitary democratic state, federal state, or in whatever form.

Further, the Jerusalem Declaration affirms that evidence-based criticism of Israel as a state, including its institutions and founding principles  its policies and practices, domestic and abroad, such as the conduct of Israel in the West Bank and Gaza, the role Israel plays in the region, or any other way in which, as a state, it influences events in the world, is not in itself antisemitic.

We cannot, and should not, prohibit evidence-based criticism of Israel out of concern that any criticism implies agreement with Hamas most extremist calls to purge Jews from Palestine. And yet, this assertion has already been falsely leveled against campus protesters at the University of Pennsylvania and UCLA.

The stakes for all Americans in preserving rights to free expression and how to self-identify, whether Jewish or not, are high. Lamentably, the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliances definition of antisemitism has been used primarily to disrupt the free expression of Palestinian Americans and their allies.

An earlier definition has been the lynchpin in numerous efforts to criminalize advocacy for Palestinian liberation.

The cosponsors of Bucknells resolution brought their motion forward before the federal government sent U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents to arrest Mahmoud Khalil, the former Columbia student and lead negotiator for the Columbia pro-Palestine protest movement, and deported Brown University assistant professor Rasha Alawieh and Georgetown postdoctoral fellow Badar Khan Suri, though these types of actions were anticipated in the language of the motion.

Endorsing the Jerusalem Declaration provides a more appropriate framework for our community of scholars and students, both U.S. citizens and foreign alike, in which the long-enduring American ideals of lawful protest and open inquiry are upheld and secured.

By passing this vote, Bucknell faculty insist open space for discourse about Israel and Palestine is integral to the mission of the university and principles of academic freedom, and is, even more so, protected by the First Amendment.

We were horrified the governor of New York would attempt to quash the job posting seeking a professor of Palestinian studies at the City University of New Yorks Hunter College, or that the president of the United States would demand control of the Middle Eastern, South Asian, and African studies programs at Columbia University.

The implicit assumption that the study of a peoples history and culture is a priori antisemitic is both wrong and dangerous. University faculty have primary responsibility for curricular decisions, not politicians and partisans.

We praise the brave Jewish activists from Jewish Voice for Peace and Not in Our Name among others who have vocally and visibly stood up for Palestinian rights on campuses across America.

They do not deserve the false loyalty tests, the epitome of antisemitic tropes, leveled against them by the likes of the Anti-Defamation League and Christian Zionist organizations.

To our knowledge, Bucknell is the first university to endorse the Jerusalem Declaration. One may wonder, what can a relatively small act from a rural university do? It is our hope that despite legitimate concerns any definition of antisemitism risks instrumentalization, other colleges and universities may follow our lead and say no to the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliances easily corrupted guidance.

The Bucknell faculty who voted yes last month sent a clear message that we stand together to protect all the diverse voices on our campuses. We hope other colleges will follow, as we work together to defend academic freedom, the issue at the core of our university values and a free society.

Michael Drexler, professor of English, Ron Smith, associate professor of international relations, and Clare Sammells, associate professor of sociology and anthropology, are faculty members at Bucknell University.
State Rep. Tarik Khan writes that one of the rooms in the Pennsylvania governor's mansion that was targeted by an arsonist Sunday also served as the site of an annual dinner for Muslim leaders during Ramadan. Read more

Josh Shapiro and I discussed our faith the first time we ever spoke.

In the spring of 2008, I visited then-State Rep. Shapiro in his state Capitol office as an advocate for patient safety with the Pennsylvania State Nurses Association.

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Inspired by his openness and dynamism, our conversation strayed to other topics. Shapiro had recently become one of the first Pennsylvania officials to endorse then-Sen. Barack Obama for president, giving him a crucial boost.

At this point, some of the early Islamophobic attacks on Obama had already begun, given Obamas Arabic name and Muslim father.

I was disturbed by these attacks on then-Sen. Obama, and I asked Shapiro for advice as a Muslim American with an Arabic name who may one day consider running for office.

Shapiro thought for a moment, then reflected on his own faith and told me, I would let people know your faith informs your values, but does not dictate your decisions or actions.

After that memorable day, I followed Shapiros career closely, including his elections for Montgomery County commissioner, Pennsylvania attorney general, and governor.

Nearly 15 years after we met, the pandemic convinced me we needed more nurses in the state legislature advocating for safety. I joined Shapiro on the winning Democratic ticket in 2022, which made him Pennsylvanias third Jewish American governor and me the third Muslim American state representative in Pennsylvanias history.

Our mutual faiths have informed our values in service to justice, peace, and community. Ive worked with the governors office to pass bipartisan bills that invested historic funding to educate every child in every school, provide homeowners tax relief, and build affordable housing.

And as governor, Shapiro has been there for the Muslim community. Most notably, he signed my bill to increase security grants for nonprofits at risk for hate crimes like mosques and synagogues, proclaimed July 2024 as Muslim American Heritage Month in Pennsylvania, and awarded the largest grant ever to a Muslim community center for $5 million.

And just a few weeks ago, Shapiro hosted his annual iftar dinner, when Muslims break their fast at Ramadan, at his residence, something we established together during my first term in office.

During this years iftar dinner, I could tell the governor was truly moved after we broke bread. He shared that he carries a sense of awe because the room we pray in each year at his official residence is the same room where his son had his bar mitzvah.

That peaceful celebration of our various faiths, he said, was exactly what William Penn envisioned when he founded the commonwealth.

Its even more painful to hear this friend who was openly celebrating his faith at a Passover seder dinner was  just hours later  the target of a man who wished to burn down his home while the Shapiro family slept. And that room where we observed our religious events was one of the rooms in which the attacker threw a Molotov cocktail and nearly burned it to the ground.

As the embers in the governors mansion still smoldered, Shapiro gave a news conference just feet away. He said he and his family chose to see light in that moment of darkness.

Just as the governor leans into his faith following this egregious attack, I am praying for the governor and his family for the trauma they must be experiencing. While the actions of a few may inflame and terrorize, I know the mission of a peacemaker will always inspire more than the malice of an arsonist.

And as I sit in my own Capitol office in the wake of this dark moment for Pennsylvania, I am inspired by the governors resolve to double his efforts and work even harder to make a better and more just society here in the commonwealth.

Just as Penn had in mind.

Tarik Khan is a family nurse practitioner serving his second term representing parts of Northwest Philadelphia in the Pennsylvania House of Representatives.
Spanish is a delicious language. For example, Spanish speakers have a clever way to say someone is behaving in such a disgraceful way as to trigger acute secondhand embarrassment in those of us observing them.

Mexicans choose the delightfully singsongy pena ajena to describe it; Cubans use the slightly starchier verguenza ajena. In English, we might choose one word to describe what many of us Latinos are experiencing as we watch Marco Rubios egregious performance as Donald Trumps secretary of state: cringe.

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Who can forget Rubio  hands folded as he sat in sullen silence  looking on as Trump and Vice President JD Vance excoriated Volodymyr Zelensky for wanting to protect Ukraine from Russias expansionist war?

Bad enough the buffoonish VP (with zero chill and no foreign policy cred) stepped all over what should have been Rubios moment to shine, but that he did so to protect Russian gains should have been galling to the former senator. After all, Rubio  whos Cuban American  is someone whose political rise in Florida benefited from his identification as the son of freedom-loving parents, who left their homeland in advance of the rise of Fidel Castro. A thug  as Rubio has described him  beholden to Soviet interests.

Rubios grandfather, who initially came to the U.S. in 1956, then went back to Cuba and returned to the U.S. in 1962 (reportedly mere weeks before the Cuban missile crisis), cited the increasingly oppressive policies the Castro regime was instituting on the island nation as his rationale.

Throughout his career, Rubio spoke out publicly against those oppressive policies  detainment/imprisonment of U.S. citizens on legally dubious charges, suppression of groups labeled as threats to the government, the imprisonment of protesters and dissenters exercising internationally protected freedoms, crackdowns on freedom of speech, the violations of human rights  as reasons the U.S. should not normalize relations with Cuba, even after Castros death.

But as the U.S. secretary of state for Trump, Rubio has embraced many of the selfsame suppressions and crackdowns he decried in Cuba.

To wit: Deportations that violate constitutional due process rights; mandatory directives to scrutinize media for expressions of sympathy for Palestinians during the war in Gaza; revocations of permanent resident status and deportation orders based on political beliefs; revocation of visa and incarceration in a detention center for a student (with legal immigration standing) for writing an op-ed in a student newspaper; and the revocation of visas for international students participating in protests.

Perhaps most damningly, Rubio has asserted the Trump administration has the authority to expel lawful people merely on the basis of their beliefs and stands behind Trumps threat that U.S. citizens arent exempted from the possibility of being sent to a prison that may be outside of standard legal authority.

For a man who prided himself on making human rights a talking point of his senatorial career, Rubio as secretary of state has done nothing but flout the importance of human rights: He has made light of human rights violations at the Salvadoran prison where the Trump administration is paying for those it has deported to be housed. He has removed sections tracking the rights of LGBTQ people, women, and people with disabilities from the U.S. State Departments annual report on human rights. Hes stood behind drastically reducing funding or defunding human rights nongovernmental organizations operating globally  even those he supported as a senator.

I myself have never been much of a fan of Rubio, but there was a time when I would listen to Cuban-in-exile friends enthuse about him (and his flawless Spanish) with some sympathy. The U.S. hasnt had many Latino presidential contenders, and for a brief moment in 2016, it seemed like Rubio might be the first to make it past the primary candidate stage.

And unlike Ted Cruz  with whom he shared a debate stage with Trump and other GOP hopefuls  back then, Rubio would sometimes talk about immigrants as if they were real human beings rather than bogeymen, and engaged in a few random acts of bipartisanship, along immigration lines, because of that.

But even remembering Rubio in his prime is cause for verguenza ajena.

The same Trump who characterized him as a nervous basket case, a lightweight, and who said, The Rubios of the world could not get into that school.  the Wharton School, Trumps alma mater  They dont have the capacity, when they were running against each other for the 2016 GOP nomination, is now expecting him to take the blame if (likely when) the administrations policies go awry.

Compared with the rest of Trumps cabinet, Rubio actually has some bona fides for the job hes been given, but he doesnt have Trumps respect  his second-rank role in that memorable meeting with Zelensky is proof of that. So why, in Gods name, would he agree to be the fall guy for what is turning out to be this administrations utterly despicable foreign doings? Where is Rubios self-respect? His self-preservation instinct? His decency?

In thinking about Rubio, Im reminded of conversations I had with a Cuban friend who, unlike most Cuban-in-exile folks who came to the U.S. almost immediately after Castro rose to power, lived for some 40 years under Castros repressive regime before coming to the U.S.

He and I often commiserated about the commonalities of living under authoritarian rule  he under a left-wing one, I under a right-wing one in Central America  and how the people who supported these regimes often pointed to selective improvements as justification for the terror inflicted on so many of their compatriots.

In Castros case, it was the vastly improved literacy and health care on the island that people pointed to; in Rodrigo Dutertes Philippines or Nayib Bukeles El Salvador, its the reduction in the drug trade and its attendant violence that was effected with ruthless mano dura methods.

But in each of these cases, it is crucial to remember that something deeper and more precious was lost in trade: the right to worship freely, the right to think freely, the right to lift your voice in protest, the right to demand (or defend) a constitution that protects everyones rights  not just the rights of the favored few.

 READ MORE: Trump seems determined to spark a constitutional crisis. Will anyone stop him? | Editorial

That is what wears you down, my Cuban friend would tell me. The knowledge that once it is determined you arent among those the regime can count on, or that the values you espouse dont mesh with it perfectly, you have no rights. The regime will take every opportunity to remind you of that, and to remind you of the extent of its power over your life and the well-being of your loved ones.

Which is exactly what the Trump administration is doing now  to our neighbors, our compatriots, our friends and allies, and even people we dont like but who we still believe deserve their day in court. It is what Rubio is parlaying for the administration, defending both domestically and globally, and staking his future on. (Vaya imbecil  this never goes as planned for the underlings of authoritarians.)

I cant help but think its not only us Latinos observing this from a distance who are feeling verguenza ajena right now for Rubio. If his parents and grandparents were still alive, Ill wager they, too, would cringe as they watch how easily his actions today  mira nomas  fit in with the Castro playbook.
The 1700 block of Walnut Street is filled with pedestrians as the streets around Rittenhouse Square are closed to vehicular traffic for the city's Open Streets program. Read more

Philadelphias reputation for reflexive opposition to civic initiatives both large (see: the Sixers arena plans for Center City) and small (the saga of the Portal) is, unfortunately, well deserved.

Perhaps thats what makes the response to the Open Streets program so refreshing.

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The initiative  a plan to promote more pedestrian traffic by temporarily closing some of Center Citys most vibrant commercial corridors to motor vehicles  is an example of Philadelphia leaders thinking big  and sticking the landing.

The concept of Open Streets is simple. Taking advantage of lower weekend traffic numbers, the Center City District takes space usually used by cars and trucks and gives it over to pedestrians, creating a plaza-like atmosphere. The idea is that with less noise and pollution from vehicles and more space to stroll, shoppers and diners will have a nicer experience, replicating pedestrian zones in cities like Paris, Tokyo, and Bogota, Colombia.

 READ MORE: Stricter rules and accountability needed to curtail dangerous police pursuits | Editorial

The effort involves shutting down two corridors near Rittenhouse Square  18th Street from Locust to Chestnut Street and Walnut from 15th to 19th Streets  and making them car-free each Sunday this month from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

So far, most indicators show that as an effort to get more people out and about downtown, its working. According to data collected by the Center City District, which conceived the program, pedestrian volumes are up during Open Streets, especially on Walnut Street. An Open Streets event in September saw foot traffic increase by 36%, and another in December resulted in an increase of 48%.

Commerce is also thriving. Almost 80% of businesses surveyed said sales increased during Open Streets over a typical Sunday, with an average increase of 90%. Meanwhile, 36% of businesses reported a decrease in shoplifting and other nuisance behaviors, while no business reported an increase in these behaviors. That means Open Streets is delivering more people and more money without sparking additional problems.

Open Streets is proving to be a win for residents, as well, who find the crowds of pedestrians much quieter than the usual daily traffic. On a typical Thursday, Walnut Street is at a decibel level of 63.25, just below the typical household vacuum cleaner. During Open Streets, this drops to 33.33 dB, a level closer to a whisper. Thats a big increase in the quality of life for anyone living along Walnut Street.

 READ MORE: Parkers housing plan is ambitious, but can it overcome steep challenges? | Editorial

This months series of Open Streets also hosted the debut of yet another new to Philadelphia concept. Instead of the usual lineup of police SUVs and garbage trucks, intersections were secured with vehicle barriers made by Meridian Rapid Defense Group.

Beyond being significantly more aesthetically pleasing than a sanitation vehicle and quieter (and more environmentally conscious) than an idling police cruiser, these barriers make hosting these events cheaper, since the barriers dont require active supervision, allowing hosts to save money without sacrificing public safety. Given how common vehicle ramming attacks have become, and how poorly some motorists drive these days, the barriers are a prudent measure.

If Philadelphia is going to make progress on the long-standing problems that have defined our city  including entrenched poverty, gun violence, and the lack of opportunity that drives these trends  well need to embrace change.

Beyond providing businesses with more customers and residents with quieter weekends, Open Streets serves as an important reminder that Philadelphia can embrace new things, especially if theyre planned well.
Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer (D., N.Y.) on Thursday called on the Department of Justice to investigate whether an early morning arson attempt at Gov. Josh Shapiros official residence last weekend was a hate crime.

In a letter to U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi in the wake of the attack in Harrisburg, Schumer called on the federal government to do everything in its power to pursue justice and uphold the fundamental values of religious freedom and public safety.

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Authorities have yet to announce a motive in the attack, and Shapiro himself has been careful not to speculate, expressing confidence in local prosecutors and whatever charges they deem appropriate.

As to Senator Schumer or anybody else, I dont think its helpful for people on the outside, who havent seen the evidence, who dont know what occurred, who are applying their own viewpoints to the situation, to weigh in in that manner, Shapiro told reporters Thursday. My trust is with the prosecutor to make the decision.

Cody Balmer, 38, was charged Monday with attempted homicide, terrorism, and other serious crimes related to trying to kill Pennsylvanias governor. Early on Sunday, police said, he walked an hour to reach the governors mansion in Harrisburg before scaling a fence, bypassing Shapiros 24-7 security detail, and setting three fires in the home before fleeing. Shapiro and his family were in the residence, asleep after having just hosted the first night of Passover that Saturday evening, and were evacuated. Balmer turned himself in to police later Sunday.

 READ MORE: Pa. man charged with attempting to kill Gov. Josh Shapiro told police he hated him and would have beaten him

According to police in Penbrook, Dauphin County, Balmers mother reached out to authorities three days before the arson, reporting her son as irritable and agitated, and said she was worried he had been off his medication for about a year. She has since told media her son lives with bipolar disorder and schizophrenia.

In his letter to Bondi, Schumer referenced a call Balmer made to Dauphin County 911 less than an hour after he allegedly set the fires.

In the call, snippets of which were included in search warrants executed Tuesday, Balmer told dispatchers the governor needs to be told he will not take part in his plans for what he wants to do to the Palestinian people.

Our people have been put through too much by that monster, Balmer said over the phone, according to the warrant, adding that all he has is a banquet hall to clean up.

In subsequent interviews, Balmer would go on to tell police he was harboring a hatred for Shapiro and would have beaten him with a hammer had he encountered him inside the residence.

These statements  in conjunction with the timing of the attack during Passover, Governor Shapiros visible embrace of his Jewish faith, and the context of rising antisemitism globally and across the country  raise serious concerns about antisemitic motivation, Schumer wrote.

One of the most prominent Jewish elected officials in the country, Shapiro has avoided speculating on Balmers motive, though he has repeatedly said he would not let the incident deter him from doing his job as governor or proudly and openly practicing his faith.

Dauphin County District Attorney Fran Chardo has said he has not ruled out that Balmer may have targeted Shapiro because of his faith. But Chardo said Wednesday that although any potential hate component is a critical part of the countys case against Balmer, it is unlikely he will be charged with ethnic intimidation, as it would have no impact on the final penalty. Balmer faces upward of 100 years in prison based on the current charges against him.

Our federal authorities must bring the full weight of our civil-rights laws to bear in examining this matter, Schumer wrote, referencing some of Chardos past comments about Balmers potential motive. No person or public official should be targeted because of their faith, and no community should wonder whether such acts will be met with silence.

Shapiro reiterated his confidence in Chardo on Thursday, adding he was not going to question his judgment and trusted his ability to analyze the evidence, apply the law, and charge this case as he sees fit.

Should the Department of Justice choose to bring charges, Ill also respect their decision to do just that, Shapiro said.

The Department of Justice did not immediately respond to a request for comment Thursday.

Balmer has faced criminal charges on several occasions over the last decade, including for assault and forgery, as well as traffic-related offenses. His social media presence on Facebook suggested that he held no allegiance to a specific political party or hatred toward specific groups, posting mostly about drug use and relationship troubles, and memes across the political spectrum.

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.

Hours after the incident, Shapiro told reporters that federal authorities were supporting state police in the investigation and that he had spoken with FBI Director Kash Patel. The FBIs Philadelphia office confirmed Monday that it is assisting state police in its investigation.

The state police investigation of the attack is underway. The agency has partnered with a third-party expert to conduct an independent security review that will include a risk and vulnerability assessment of the mansion as the Pennsylvania Department of General Services focuses on the restoration of the property.

The governors residence is typically open for tours, but those have been put on hold as a result of the fires, which affected the state dining room and piano room. According to the general services department, the living quarters and workspace at the residence will reopen within days. Shapiro said the residence will still hold its Easter Egg Roll there next week.
Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro thanks firefighters in Derry Township, Thursday, April 17, 2025, for their efforts after Sunday's arson attack at the Governor's Residence. (Dan Gleiter/The Patriot-News via AP) Read more

HARRISBURG  Yelling. Banging. Smoke.

Those were the first few moments that made Gov. Josh Shapiro hop out of bed and begin evacuating his family from the Pennsylvania governors residence on Sunday, after a man broke into the Harrisburg mansion and set three fires in the predawn hours, causing an estimated millions of dollars worth of damage.

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Shapiro shared new details about the harrowing experience Thursday at a luncheon for the Harrisburg firefighters who quickly responded to the blaze and were able to knock down the fire in about 30 minutes, preventing it from spreading to the rest of the residence.

Shapiro, his wife, Lori, and his four children served lunch alongside some of Shapiros extended family and celebrity chef Robert Irvine at the Harrisburg Fire Company to thank the firefighters for keeping them safe. Shapiro also used the moment as an opportunity to advocate for more funding for Pennsylvanias firefighters. (He requested an additional $30 million for competitive grants for fire departments in his $51.5 billion budget proposal earlier this year.)

On behalf of my entire family, whose lives were saved because of your bravery, we just want you to know how grateful we are to you, Shapiro said in brief remarks to the firefighters. We hope that God continues to shine his light around you, each and every one of you, as you go out to keep us safe.

Shapiro said he organized the luncheon after his kids said they wanted to do something to say thank you to the first responders. Irvine, who runs a foundation supporting veterans and served a Veterans Day meal with Shapiro last year, had texted the governor following the attack, asking how he could help  leading to the lunch in the Harrisburg firehouse bay.

Call it what you want, Irvine said about the arson attack, which occurred hours after Shapiro hosted his family in the residence to celebrate the first night of Passover. Its all terrorism to me.

Authorities have yet to announce a motive in the attack, and Shapiro has been careful not to speculate.

Shapiro on Thursday described, in detail, being woken up by state police that night, rushing to the nearby bedrooms of his children, and shuffling out a back stairwell as the fire burned in a separate wing of the building. The family stood outside in their pajamas in the chilly, misty 2 a.m. air as firefighters knocked down the flames. The full picture of how the fire started  and that this was an attack allegedly carried out by a 38-year-old Harrisburg man who cited Shapiros perceived views of the Israel-Hamas war in a subsequent 911 call  would become clearer in the coming hours.

Shapiros brother Adam, his sister Rebecca Steinberg, their spouses, and their children were among the governors family staying at the residence the night of the fire. On Thursday, they, too, helped serve the firefighters the chef-made meal of braised ribs, shrimp, and grits.

Steinberg, who lives in Los Angeles and whose family experienced the Palisades fires in California earlier this year, said evacuating the governors residence in Harrisburg was calm in the midst of a chaotic scene.

It was all very fast, she said. I give the firefighters, the police, all of the first responders a ton of credit. They were incredibly calm, which helped us stay incredibly calm.

The Shapiros and their extended family have been spending a lot of time together since the fire, the governors siblings said, as they each individually process the arson that unfolded hours after the family gathered for Passover.

In the moment, it was just about safety, getting everybody out, looking around, and ensuring that all of us were safe, Adam Shapiro said. These last few days, the gravity of it has sort of hit more.

Our brother said it the right way. The prayers and everything we received near and very, very far have meant a lot, and its certainly helped us through these moments, he added.

John Wardle, a chaplain with the all-volunteer Penn Township Fire Company, gave Shapiro a letter signed by every member of the small fire department. The Penn Township firefighters also gave $500 to the Shapiro children to put toward doing an activity together as a family. Wardle delivered the check to Shapiro, along with the personal letter, at the firehouse luncheon Thursday.

Wardle, who helped clean up the governors mansion for a week in 1972 after it was flooded by Hurricane Agnes, said his fire company, located in Cumberland County, wanted to do something for Pennsylvanias first family.

Our fire company feels for them. That was a terrible tragedy that could have been so much worse, Wardle said.

A particular section of the letter struck a chord with the governor and his wife.

Its significance unbeknownst to him, Wardles letter included the Bible verse from the Book of Numbers that the Shapiros pray over their kids in Hebrew each night:

The Lord bless thee, and keep thee. The Lord make his face shine upon thee, and be gracious unto thee. The Lord lift up his countenance upon thee, and give thee peace.

As her husband read the verse aloud Thursday, tears quietly formed in Lori Shapiros eyes.
China and Vietnam unveil rail partnership, aiming to link Southeast Asia

People's Daily Online) 13:58, April 17, 2025

President Xi Jinping (fifth from left), who is also general secretary of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, To Lam (sixth from left), general secretary of the Communist Party of Vietnam Central Committee, and other Chinese and Vietnamese officials attend the launching ceremony for the China-Vietnam railway cooperation mechanism in Hanoi on April 15, 2025.

Xi Jinping, general secretary of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and Chinese president, and To Lam, general secretary of the Communist Party of Vietnam Central Committee, attended the launch ceremony of the China-Vietnam railway cooperation mechanism in Hanoi on April 15, 2025.

The new mechanism is expected to help Vietnam align its railway gauge with China's widely adopted gauge, creating new opportunities for economic connectivity and development.

Currently, some Vietnamese railways use a 1,000-millimeter gauge, which is incompatible with China's standard 1,435-millimeter gauge. This difference requires repeated transfers for cross-border cargo, limiting logistics efficiency.

Adopting standard-gauge railways is expected to significantly boost Vietnam's cross-border transport capacity, lower logistics costs and allow seamless integration of the two countries supply chains. For China, the change would further expand the New International Land-Sea Trade Corridor and add momentum to the China-Indochina Peninsula Economic Corridor.

Improved connectivity is seen as central to jointly advancing the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI). Xi once said, "If the Belt and the Road are likened to the two wings of a soaring Asia, then connectivity is like their arteries and veins."

A single railway can cross rivers and mountains, opening new routes to the future. The wider gauge will also allow for faster speeds and greater capacity, further opening China to the world.

In December 2023, China and Vietnam issued a joint statement to promote the connectivity of cross-border standard-gauge railways. In August 2024, leaders from both countries witnessed the signing of several bilateral agreements, including those on railway cooperation. By December 2024, China and Vietnam announced the signing of an intergovernmental agreement for a cross-border standard-gauge railway project. The planned upgrades to the railway network underscore both nations' commitment to pursuing development together.

During talks with To Lam, Xi said the two countries should expand higher-quality, mutually beneficial cooperation and work to connect their standard-gauge railways as soon as possible. The following day, China and Vietnam launched their railway cooperation mechanism, delivering tangible benefits for both sides.

Beyond the China-Vietnam railway project, other major initiatives are underway in the region, including the China-Thailand Railway and Malaysias East Coast Rail Link. The China-Laos Railway and Jakarta-Bandung High-Speed Railway are already providing benefits.

A pan-Asian railway network is gradually taking shape, boosting regional cooperation across Southeast Asia. As new rail links open, improved land and sea connectivity is expected to increase trade and facilitate cross-border exchanges.

Yet, connectivity is about more than just building infrastructure. It is about linking people as well as places.

As Xi said in an important speech at the fourth symposium on Belt and Road construction work in Beijing in December 2024, it is necessary for BRI partner countries to deepen the hard connectivity of infrastructure, the soft connectivity of rules and standards, and the heart connectivity between peoples. He said China would work to strengthen the coordination mechanism for all three areas.

The BRI is not China's solo performance, but a symphony played by all. This is why the BRI has become a bridge of understanding, striking a chord with the world.

(Web editor: Hongyu, Liang Jun)
When we turn up to a customers property theyve lost the biggest investment of their lives. To be able to assist them and see the emotion on their faces, having damaged property and contents, the guys are there to support them and talk them through the incident and how were there to help them, he said.
Across Queensland, speed-related road deaths jumped by nearly one-third in 2023, with 89 fatalities attributed to excessive speed. This marks a 31.7% increase compared to the five-year average between 2018 and 2022, according to Transport and Main Roads Queensland. Hospitalisations linked to speeding also rose 5% over the same comparison period.
[The] data offers a clear reminder that the threat landscape isnt slowing down  its rapidly evolving, he said. The sustained dominance of Elevation of Privilege vulnerabilities highlights how valuable privileges are to attackers and why they will continue to target identities with privileges to move laterally and gain access to critical systems.
The Aged Care Quality and Safety Commission (ACQSC) has signalled its intention to increase regulatory fees to fully fund its oversight activities. Alongside a shift to a new provider registration model, the changes are prompting aged care operators to reassess their liability and property insurance strategies.
One provision that drew industry backlash would have required insurers with a loss ratio below 75% over three years to reduce their rates by 5%. Walker said the proposal would have forced smaller insurers out of the market and caused larger ones to limit their presence. Lawmakers ultimately removed the loss ratio mandate during the amendment process.
Weir has more than a decade of experience in risk management, surety services, and employee benefits, with past roles at IMA Financial Group and Lockton Companies. He holds the CRIS, ARM, and CPCU designations, along with an MBA in Finance from the University of Missouri-Kansas City.
Whats next for Cotality?

By June, Cotality aims to refresh all its global catastrophe peril models. It is bringing more artificial intelligence into the estimating process, such as its voice-to-image-to-scope tool Gray described. But he also teased an AI function that can predict the next set of line items in an estimate, improving both speed and accuracy for property professionals.
Carl, Andy and Allison each bring to the table a degree of experience and expertise that will help us enhance our distribution partnerships, maximize our capabilities and position us for long-term success, said John Diaz, head of customer and distribution management. Furthermore, they emphasize the deep bench of talent we have within Zurich through each of these roles being filled with existing Zurich talent.
During the quarter, Travelers returned nearly $600 million in excess capital to shareholders, including $358 million in share repurchases. The company also declared a 5% increase in its quarterly dividend, raising it to $1.10 per share.
As the largest health insurer in the United States, UnitedHealth Group is under increasing pressure to address criticism about care denials, rising costs, and a complex system that many patients say is difficult to navigate. Its new CEO is now responding publicly, pledging improvements in how it communicates with patients and streamlines access to care.
A commercial truck driver who was acquitted in the 2019 deaths of seven motorcyclists in New Hampshire pleaded guilty and was sentenced Monday for driving under the influence in Connecticut a month before the deadly crash  an offense that should have resulted in his license being revoked.

Volodymyr Zhukovskyy appeared in Hartford Superior Court and entered an Alford plea, which means he did not admit guilt but acknowledged the state had enough evidence to win a conviction at trial. The plea results in a conviction, and he was sentenced to 18 months of probation.

He clearly understands the significance of this, Zhukovskyys lawyer, John OBrien, said during the brief court proceeding.

Zhukovskyy, 29, of West Springfield, Massachusetts, only said Guilty, Yes your honor and No your honor during the hearing. OBrien clarified it was an Alford plea. Zhukovskyy, wearing a taupe polo shirt under a taupe and white flannel shirt and black pants, did not comment entering or leaving the courthouse.

Jury Acquits Truck Driver in 2019 New Hampshire Crash That Killed 7 Motorcyclists

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Trucking Firm Owner Sentenced Over Crash That Killed 7 Bikers

He was arrested for driving under the influence in East Windsor, Connecticut, on May 11, 2019. Connecticut officials alerted the Massachusetts Registry of Motor Vehicles, but Zhukovskyys license wasnt immediately suspended due to a backlog of out-of-state notifications about driving offenses.

East Windsor police said they responded to a call about a man revving his truck and then yelling outside of it. Officers said Zhukovskyy was acting erratically when they got there, including seeming hyperactive, He failed field sobriety tests, and he later tested positive for cocaine, police said.

On June 21, 2019, Zhukovskyy was driving a truck towing a flatbed trailer in Randolph, New Hampshire, that collided with the motorcyclists, killing seven members of the Jarheads Motorcycle Club, an organization of Marine Corps veterans and their spouses in New England.

Killed were Albert Mazza Jr., of Lee, New Hampshire; Edward and Jo-Ann Corr, a couple from Lakeville, Massachusetts; Michael Ferazzi, of Contoocook, New Hampshire; Desma Oakes, of Concord, New Hampshire; Daniel Pereira, of Riverside, Rhode Island; and Aaron Perry, of Farmington, New Hampshire.

A jury in 2022 found Zhukovskyy not guilty of multiple manslaughter and negligent homicide charges.

At his trial, prosecutors argued that Zhukovskyy  who had taken heroin, fentanyl and cocaine the day of the crash  repeatedly swerved back and forth before the collision and told police he caused it.

But a judge dismissed eight impairment charges. Zhukovskyy told authorities he didnt think he was impaired at the time of the crash. His attorneys said the lead biker was drunk and not looking where he was going when he lost control of his motorcycle and slid in front of Zhukovskyys truck. The lead biker, Mazza, had a blood-alcohol level of 0.135%, well above the legal limit of 0.08%, according to his autopsy report.

Zhukovskyy, who came to the U.S. as a child from Ukraine and had permanent residency status, was detained by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement after the 2022 verdict. A judge ordered his deportation in 2023, but the U.S. paused repatriation flights to Ukraine due to the war with Russia and authorized temporary protected status for qualified Ukrainians.

As part of his Connecticut sentence for driving impaired, Zhukovskyy must perform 100 hours of community service and submit to random drug tests. If he violates probation, he could be sent to jail for six months. He told a New Hampshire judge last year that he had been sober for the previous five years.

In November, the owner of the trucking company Zhukovskyy worked for was sentenced to two months in prison for lying to investigators after the crash, including falsifying driver logs to avoid federal highway safety regulations and giving false statements on how long he had known Zhukovskyy.

Copyright 2025 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

Topics Auto Personal Auto
Vermont Governor Phil Scott recently announced several leadership appointments including Kaj Samsom as commissioner of the Department of Financial Regulation (DFR).

Prior to his appointment, Samsom served as chief auditor at the National Life Group. Samsom has 14 years of experience in state government in a variety of positions at DFR and later serving as tax commissioner in the Scott administration from 2017-2019.

Samsom is a CPA and holds a Bachelors of Science as well as a Masters in Public Administration, both from the University of Vermont.

Samson is replacing DFR acting commissioner Sandy Bigglestone, who has served in this role for four months following the retirement of Kevin Gaffney. Bigglestone is returning to her role as deputy commissioner of the Captive Insurance Division.

DFR is responsible for regulating and supervising the industries of banking, insurance, securities, and captive insurance; and the administration of health care. As deputy commissioner of the Insurance Division, Emily Brown directs the largest DFR division.

Topics Legislation
The Newark fire departments lack of training and familiarity with marine firefighting during a deadly cargo ship fire at the East Coasts largest port in July 2023 amounted to a failure of leadership, the head of the National Transportation Safety Board said Tuesday.

The board met publicly in Washington to unveil its findings about the inferno inside the Italian-flagged Grande Costa DAvorio, which smoldered for nearly a week and resulted in the deaths of two Newark firefighters.

In addition to singling out Newarks fire department for criticism, the board also found that the fire ignited when cargo loaders used a Jeep that wasnt designed for such work to push vehicles into position. It also found that a carbon dioxide fire suppression system was ineffective because a large hydraulic door had to be closed for it to operate correctly, and could only be shut from inside, where the fire was raging in cramped conditions, with vehicles parked as narrowly as 4 inches (10 centimeters) apart.

I hope that Newark fire department leadership is listening. This isnt just a failure of communication. This was a failure of leadership. Thats what this was, NTSB chairperson Jennifer Homendy said.

Board investigators said the departments chiefs exposed firefighters to unnecessary risk, first responders were not familiar enough with marine firefighting and the department lacked a fire control plan for the ship.

Staff feels that Newark Fire Division, responding land-based firefighters should not have gone into the space, investigator Bart Barnum said Tuesday.

The need for more training, Barnum said, was his main takeaway from the accident.

You have to be properly trained when you respond to a marine vessel fire, he said. In this particular instance, if they had been, they should never have went inside.

In a statement, Newark Mayor Ras Baraka and Public Safety Director Emanuel Miranda praised the bravery of the firefighters. They also said that every firefighter not on long-term medical leave  about 540 out of 600 firefighters  was certified in Maritime Firefighting Awareness Training.

The events that transpired have informed every endeavor of our entire firefighting force, Baraka and Miranda added.

A message seeking comment was left with Ports America, the company overseeing cargo operations at the port.

The blaze ignited as the ship was being loaded with about 920 mostly used vehicles destined for West Africa. Port workers were using a Jeep Wrangler to push nonrunning vehicles into the ship when a worker heard clunking noises and another operator reported seeing flaming fireballs dripping from the Jeep, according to the board. The Jeep had pushed 37 other vehicles on board by then, investigators said.

Federal rules require that any vehicle used to push other vehicles onto a ship meet standards for such work. The Jeep didnt meet that Occupational Safety and Health Administration standard and was straining beyond its capacity, the boards investigators said.

Maybe it was a readily available vehicle, one investigator said Tuesday. Maybe they overlooked OSHA requirements that it couldnt be used in that manner  just speculating.

The fire began on deck 10 of the 12-deck ship, investigators said, and the ships crew had activated the carbon dioxide suppression system, but it required the ships exterior doors to be closed to operate effectively. Because the door on the top deck couldnt be closed except from inside the ship, it remained open, according to the boards presentation.

Newark firefighters quickly responded  and got lost inside the vessel, the board said, as dark smoke billowed into the sky.

We cannot find our way out, the board said one firefighter relayed. We are lost.

Newark firefighters Augusto Augie Acabou and Wayne Bear Brooks Jr. were killed. Firefighting boats ultimately blasted water cannons at the ship for days to extinguish the blaze.

Board members noted that relatives of the fallen firefighters were present at the meeting and expressed condolences to them.

The Port Authority of New York and New Jersey, which operates Newarks port, relies on local fire departments to assist with fires since it doesnt have its own firefighting agency.

Authorities earlier declined to answer whether firefighters should have gone into harms way to put the blaze out when no lives appeared to be at risk, with the ships 28 crew members safe and accounted for. Fritz Frage, who was Newarks public safety director at the time, said the city and port authority have continuing conversations about training. He didnt offer specifics.

Photo: In this image taken from video, smoke rises from a cargo ship early Thursday, July 6, 2023, in the port of Newark, New Jersey. Two firefighters were killed battling the blaze that began when cars caught fire deep inside the ship carrying 5,000 cars at the port, Newarks fire chief said. (WABC-TV via AP)

Copyright 2025 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

Topics Training Development Trucking
UK fraud cops have charged an insurance broker with bribery, after a four-year probe into alleged corruption involving state-run insurance contracts in Ecuador.

The Serious Fraud Office accused United Insurance Brokers Ltd. of failing to prevent associates from bribing state officials, according to a statement on Thursday. Representatives of the firm, which is a registered broker at the Lloyds of London insurance market, will appear at a London court on May 7 to hear the charges.

UIB sold reinsurance services to state-backed insurers covering parts of the Ecuadorian public sector, including the state water and electricity companies between 2013 and 2016, the SFO said. The broker is accused of 3 million to intermediaries who then bribed an Ecuadorian official in exchange for business.

British companies have a duty to prevent the harm caused by bribery when doing business at home and abroad SFO Director Nick Ephgrave said in the statement. The SFO remains committed to stamping out international bribery wherever it may occur.

The investigation into UIB has been ongoing since 2021. A handful of London insurance firms were being investigated for bribery and corruption relating to Ecuadorian state insurance contracts by the SFO in 2022, Bloomberg previously reported.

The case is the ninth to be publicly announced since Ephgrave, a former police chief and the first non-lawyer to lead the agency, took over the SFO in 2023.

Related:

Topics Agencies Excess Surplus Lloyd's
China is banning automakers from using the terms smart driving and autonomous driving when they advertise driving assistance features, and will tighten rules around such technology upgrades, the government told industry representatives, according to a transcript of a meeting.

The mandate on vehicle advertising was delivered by the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology in a meeting with nearly 60 representatives from automakers on Wednesday, according to a transcript seen by Reuters and confirmed by one of the attendees.

The move follows a fatal accident involving Xiaomis best-selling SU7 sedan in March that triggered widespread concerns over vehicle safety.

China Calls for Smart Driving Vigilance After Fatal Crash of Xiaomi Corp. EV

Preliminary findings showed the Xiaomi car caught fire after hitting a cement roadside pole at a speed of 97 kph (60 mph), seconds after its driver took over control from the advanced driving assistance system (ADAS).

The ministry confirmed the meeting on Wednesday had taken place in a short statement that said it provided clarity to automakers about new requirements published in February involving driving-related over-the-air technology upgrades of intelligent and connected vehicles.

Under the updated rule, automakers are no longer allowed to test and improve their ADAS via remote software updates for vehicles already delivered to customers without approval, according to the meeting transcript.

They are now required to carry out sufficient tests to verify reliability and to obtain approval from the authorities before such roll-outs.

Huawei, which supplies its ADAS to at least seven brands including Audi in China, was among the firms that attended the meeting, according to the transcript. Huawei did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

The regulatory move comes as automakers have been rushing to launch new models equipped with ADAS, touting the smart driving capability as a key selling point to battle a brutal price war that has extended into a third year in the worlds largest auto market.

BYD rolled out at least 21 affordable models in February priced from less than $10,000 that are equipped with free smart driving features. Many of its peers including Leapmotor and Toyota followed suit, introducing affordable vehicles with similar features.

Chinas public security ministrys traffic safety research center said on Monday that automakers which misled consumers by fabricating or exaggerating assisted driving functions in advertisements could face fines of five to 10 times the advertising fee or have their business license revoked, citing Chinas advertising law.

False advertising of an assisted driving function could constitute a criminal law violation when it causes serious consequences, such as traffic accidents resulting in casualties, the research center said in an article, cautioning that perpetrators may be sentenced to less than two years in prison.

Chinese regulators are tightening scrutiny of electric vehicle technologies as the industry has grown faster than expected, with sales of EVs and hybrids accounting for more than half of total vehicle sales late last year, a milestone achieved ahead of policymakers schedule.

The regulators are also tightening EV battery standards, aiming to reduce the risks of fires and explosions.

Analysts and industry sources cautioned stricter regulations would increase costs and slow the pace of technology development and adoption. But it could also accelerate a long-overdue consolidation in Chinas crowded auto industry that has been grappling with overcapacity, they added.

(Reporting by Zhang Yan and Brenda Goh; additional reporting by Beijing Newsroom; editing by Miyoung Kim and Jamie Freed, Kirsten Donovan)

Related:
Healthcare organizations continue to find themselves at the forefront of cyber risk. Exposures such as IT supply chain dependencies, website tracking litigation, ransomware attacks, new security regulations, and data breach class actions put healthcare organizations of all sizes at high risk for cyber insurance claims. Understanding trends in cyberattacks as well as the evolving regulatory and litigation environment are critical to building resilience and maximizing insurance indemnification.

IT Supply Chain Dependencies

The February 2024 breach of a healthcare technology provider had a massive downstream effect on almost all touchpoints of the healthcare industry  hospitals, healthcare providers, pharmacies, drug companies, insurers, and patients. The attack demonstrated the risk of IT supply chain exposures in the healthcare industry segment, and the considerations that healthcare companies should have as they engage with IT vendors and consider dependencies in running their operations.

Website Tracking Litigation

Website tracking is the use of code, including pixels, cookies, or scripts, to capture data about how users interact with a website. Website tracking litigation is not a result of new regulations, but rather the plaintiffs bar use of existing laws that never considered todays technology when they were enacted, such as 1967s California Invasion of Privacy Act, 1968s Federal Wiretap Act, and 1988s Video Privacy Protection Act. These laws carry statutory penalties ranging from $250 to $10,000 per violation. Healthcare organizations tend to be a bigger target for website tracking litigation than other industries, likely due to the highly regulated data that they collect and hold.

Ransomware

Healthcare organizations remain a significant target for ransomware threat actors. According to Comparitech, there were 118 confirmed ransomware attacks and 147 unconfirmed ransomware attacks against the US healthcare sector in 2024, which resulted in an average of 18 days downtime. The healthcare industry tends to be targeted by ransomware threat actors given the large amounts of healthcare and financial data being processed, as well as the critical need for operational uptime to support patients. On average, US healthcare organizations lose $1.9 million per day due to downtime from ransomware attacks. While improved cybersecurity controls have resulted in fewer ransoms being paid, the disruption caused by ransomware attacks is significant.

New Security Regulations

In December 2024, HHS announced a proposed update to the HIPAA Security Rule that would require healthcare organizations to implement additional security controls, such as multifactor authentication (MFA), data encryption, vulnerability remediation, network segmentation, assets inventory, and proactive security testing. This proposed rule update has not yet been finalized and now falls under the purview of the new federal administration. Various states have required healthcare organizations to report breaches within a certain time period and improve cybersecurity controls.

Data Breach Class Actions

Data breaches continue to impact healthcare organizations. According to The HIPAA Journal, there were 13 data breaches in 2024 involving more than one million healthcare records. Eleven of these were a result of a cyberattack on the organization and eight involved an attack on business associates of HIPAA-regulated entities. In many cases, a ransomware attack serves as a basis for not only a disruption in services, but also a breach of HIPAA-regulated data, typically resulting in costly class-action litigation.

With such a challenging risk environment, how can healthcare organizations structure their cyber insurance to address the evolving claims environment? Insurance buyers should pay attention to the following:

Are limits adequate for the risk exposure? Many healthcare organizations reduced limits during challenging cyber insurance market conditions from 2020 to 2022, while continuing to experience revenue growth. Only about half of those buyers increased limits when market conditions changed.

Many healthcare organizations reduced limits during challenging cyber insurance market conditions from 2020 to 2022, while continuing to experience revenue growth. Only about half of those buyers increased limits when market conditions changed. What vendors are in scope for dependent/contingent business interruption coverage? Dependent/contingent business interruption coverage may include indemnification for net income loss and extra expenses associated with a disruption of a vendor on which the insured is dependent, due to a security breach or technology failure. Many policies require that a contract be in place with the vendor to provide this coverage, however coverage may be available or broadened to not require a contract.

Dependent/contingent business interruption coverage may include indemnification for net income loss and extra expenses associated with a disruption of a vendor on which the insured is dependent, due to a security breach or technology failure. Many policies require that a contract be in place with the vendor to provide this coverage, however coverage may be available or broadened to not require a contract. Is coverage available for claims related to website tracking and the associated collection of data? Many policies may exclude coverage for this wrongful collection peril or may limit coverage to defense costs only. Carriers have started underwriting for this exposure, and when controls are adequate, full limits may be available.

Having a broker with cyber insurance expertise and a consultative approach is key. The devil is in the details of cyber coverage, and it is critical that healthcare organizations partner with a broker that can provide data and analytics to identify the potential quantum of loss, understand the nuances of available coverages across the market, and advocate through the claims settlement process. The prognosis for healthcare organizations that take this into consideration is favorable, and those organizations will be better positioned to maximize the value of their cyber insurance policy.

Topics Cyber
1Fort, the AI platform for business insurance, announced it raised $7.5 million in an oversubscribed funding round led by Bonfire Ventures.

The round also included Draper Associates (Tim Draper); Karim Atiyeh, the founder of Ramp; and participation from all existing VCs: Village Global, Operator Partners, 8-Bit Capital, Character VC and Company Ventures. This latest round brings the 1Fort total funding to $10 million.

A large majority of businesses still rely on insurance brokers and agents for coverage but the process is manual and time consuming, and many businesses remain underinsured. 1Fort looks to empower brokers to bind more top-tier insurance policies for businesses faster using artificial intelligence.

The funding will allow 1Fort to continue to improve the broker experience through AI innovations and talent acquisition and further expand partnerships with carriers and brokers, the insurtech said.

The platform leverages AI to automate various broker workflows, including auto-filling insurance applications, retrieving quotes from carriers, comparing coverages, and integrating payment and financing options. 1Fort, licensed in all 50 states, said brokers who use the platform save an average of up to two hours per submission and increase their bind rate by up to 20%.

1Fort also has complementary risk management software to help businesses manage policies and proactively prevent claims or losses.

1Fort said it grew revenue nearly 200% month-over-month in 2024, and has already partnered with more than a dozen leading brokerages and A-rated carriers, including Arch, Tokio Marine HCC and Markel. Brokers can quote directly for their appointed markets or receive wholesale access to cyber, tech E&O, professional, and management liability insurance.

Building AI-powered, service-as-software solutions to modernize legacy workflows in the insurance vertical is one of todays most exciting opportunities, said Jim Andelman, Bonfire Ventures co-founder and managing director. 1Fort has already built impressive momentum and is poised to revolutionize this trillion-dollar market.

Topics Agencies InsurTech Data Driven Artificial Intelligence Tech
A former Friendswood, Texas insurance agent turned himself into authorities last week over charges that he fraudulently brokered insurance policies, the Friendswood Police Department announced.

Edgar Peralta of Edgar Peralta with Peralta Insurance Brokerage LLC, is charged with theft, a state jail felony, through the Galveston County District Attorneys Office.

Friendswood PD received a report on March 3, 2025 in regards to possible theft/fraud involving an insurance scam. The victim advised that they had been using an insurance broker, Peralta, for several years to purchase their homeowner, auto, and flood insurance.

The victim stated it was recommended in May of 2024 to pre-purchasing these policies for the upcoming year, and the agent would be able to save them a great deal of money, FPD said.

After a traffic stop in January 2025, it was discovered that the insurance policy on the vehicle was not valid. The victim said they contacted the insurance company and verified the auto policy had been cancelled due to non-payment of the premiums. It was also discovered that the homeowners and flood insurance policies were also cancelled for non-payment.

The victim said they had records of sending wired payments to Peralta for the policies, which he was supposed to have paid. The victim alleges the money was never sent to the insurance companies, according to the police department.

The victim said they then discovered that Peraltas state license to sell insurance had been revoked/cancelled in June of 2024, and he was continuing to attempt to fraudulently broker insurance policies. Peralta turned himself in on April 10.

Friendswood PD has also reported this incident to the Texas Department of Insurance, and they are conducting their own investigation into the matter and the suspect could face further criminal charges.
It was once known as Anchor Property & Casualty Insurance Co., based in St. Petersburg, Florida, and launched in 2014. Then it was known as another Florida carrier that had slipped into financial troubles and was placed into an orderly runoff during the height of the claims litigation crisis.

Today, it has been born again as Patriot Select Property and Casualty Insurance, the latest entry (or re-entry) into the reformed Florida market. Company leaders hope to have at least 40,000 policies in force by the end of this year.

Were very pleased to be fully capitalized. We should have about $29 million in the carrier to start, said CEO John Rollins, who has worked for the past 18 months to raise the capital and organize a management team.

Rollins is a fixture in Floridas property insurance world, having served in multiple roles over the last 30 years, including chief financial officer at Olympus Insurance and risk officer at Citizens Property Insurance Corp. Others in the Patriot Select C-suite include some well-known names: Kelly Booten, formerly the chief operating officer at Citizens, is the new COO at Patriot Select. Marcia Lamb, previously with Kin Insurance, Centauri and Universal North America, is CFO.

Floridas insurance commissioner approved Patriot Select in a consent order dated April 14, after other orders this year signed off on plans for the carrier to make takeout offers on thousands of Citizens policies. The Office of Insurance Regulation website shows Patriot Select as being first licensed in Florida in 2014, since the company is, technically, a new version of Anchor.

But Rollins said the new Patriot has little in common with its predecessor.

The capital, the management team, the board and the business plan are totally different, he told Insurance Journal this week. Theres really nothing left over thats a legacy from the shell of the old Anchor P&C.

The board of directors in 2023 decided the new name fit the ethos of board members, and all agreed on it.

Rollins declined to say where the startup capital is coming from, except that the majority is from a handful of recognizable insurance services firms, including brokerages, claims firms and managing general agents. And a large minority of the funding has come from Florida-based individuals, family owned insurance offices, and smaller investors.

They know that this is the time to invest because the Legislature has been very successful and the reforms of 2022 and 2023 are working very well, he said.

Statewide, average homeowners insurance rates are starting to drop, if only slightly, and litigation levels have fallen sharply since the 2022 statutory changes were enacted, he noted. That has produced a healthier climate that fosters competition among market-based insurers, which can now offer reasonable premiums and still make money, he added.

After more than 10 insolvencies from 2020 to 2023, Patriot Select is the 13th new property insurer to join the Florida market in the last three years, a sign that insurance industry advocates and regulators have said is a sure sign that the reforms are having their intended effect.

The new carrier, for now, will focus on residential policies all around the state  except for Key West and Monroe County (although that could change later, he noted). But Patriot Select will not write condominium or rental property coverage, at least for the near future.

It is starting with takeout offers on 39,500 Citizens policies, and Rollins hopes that the firms average level rates will lead to at least 60% of the offers being accepted by June.

June is not the traditional time that companies do big takeouts because you have to buy reinsurance for them right away, during hurricane season, he said. But we still think its a good business plan. Perhaps not as good as a December takeout but still do-able if the firm acts quickly on reinsurance, he noted. And reinsurance prices and availability have continued to improve since the legislative reforms, he said.

Following another potential takeout offer in December, the company plans to rely on voluntary, open-market sales through insurance agents around Florida.

Patriot Select will likely offer an optional roof-age/actual cash value endorsement for most homeowner policies, but we wont emphasize that, Rollins said. The carrier also plans to offer homeowners the option of using Patriot Selects preferred contractors to help quickly secure the property and begin repairs after storm damage. But unlike some policies offered by Peoples Trust Insurance and a few other carriers, that choice will be left to policyholders, he noted.

Rollins said he has no significant concerns that recent policy decisions by President Donald Trumps administration will raise insurance repair costs and premiums for Floridians. The administration has introduced a slew of tariffs on foreign materials and has formulated a plan to deport immigrant labor, which multiple economists have predicted will raise costs nationwide.

Theres always concerns that you can deploy both labor and materials when policyholders need you at the time of the claim, Rollins said. Things are working pretty smoothly in Florida now and we dont anticipate having any problems getting the resources we need to respond to people.

While Tampa-based American Integrity Insurance announced this week that it plans to become publicly traded on the stock exchange, joining a few other Florida carriers, Rollins said its too soon to think about an initial public offering for Patriot Select.

We have a five-year plan that involves steadily growing our homeowners business, he said. At the end of five years, if investors are looking for an exit through an IPO, I suppose we would consider that. But were not looking that far ahead now.

Read More: Life After Runoff? Anchor Board Began Exploring Possibilities in 2023

Topics Florida
A North Carolina House of Representatives committee voted Wednesday to do away with educational course requirements for insurance agent licenses, a move that could help address what has been called a shortage of producers in the state.

Its a 40-hour course. I had to take a week off work to take the course when I got my license, said Rep. Chris Humphrey, the bills sponsor and co-chair of the House Insurance Committee.

He was referring to the coursework spelled out by North Carolina law and regulations, required of all insurance producers before taking the licensing exam. Under House Bill 737, approved without a dissenting vote by the committee on Wednesday, producers would still be required to pass the license exam, but they could choose to take preparatory classes online  or not, officials said.

Its my understanding that most people who dont take the online courses typically do not pass the exam, said Charles Whitehead, an attorney with the state Department of Insurance.

He and Humphrey noted that a number of other states in recent years have abolished the course requirements for prospective producers. The Independent Insurance Agents of North Carolina supports the bill, said Joe Stewart, vice president of governmental affairs at IIANC.

Florida lawmakers are now considering a similar bill, HB 1047. It would not end the course requirements but would reduce them, from 200 hours to 60 hours. The bill passed a Florida House subcommittee and is now in the full Commerce Committee, awaiting action.

Unlike their counterparts in North Carolina, leadership at the Florida Association of Insurance Agents strongly opposes weakening the education requirements for agents, noting that the Florida market is complex and ever-changing.

In the North Carolina General Assembly, Humphrey acknowledged that he did not know the full extent of coursework required in the Tarheel State. But he said eliminating the course requirements would remove a hurdle that aspiring agents now face.

The industry is seeing a shortage of agents right now, so this would remove that barrier and make it easier for individuals to get a license, Humphrey said at the meeting.

The North Carolina bill would leave the states insurance regulators with no ability to modify the education requirements.

The Commissioner shall not require an individual who applies for an insurance producer license in this State to complete any specific amount of instruction or any specific course of instruction, reads the bill.

HB 737 now goes to the House Finance Committee.

Topics Agencies North Carolina Training Development
The Federal Emergency Management Agency has denied Washington states request for emergency relief funds to help repair an estimated $34 million in damage from a deadly bomb cyclone storm system in November, according to Gov. Bob Ferguson.

Ferguson said in a news release on Monday that the states January application for assistance was denied in a letter he received on Friday. The states application had met all of the criteria necessary to qualify, he said.

This is another troubling example of the federal government withholding funding, Ferguson, a Democrat, said. Washington communities have been waiting for months for the resources they need to fully recover from last winters devastating storms, and this decision will cause further delay. We will appeal.

The November storm system battered the state with strong winds and rain that caused widespread damage and power outages, and toppled trees that killed at least two people. It was considered a  bomb cyclone, which occurs when a cyclone intensifies rapidly. Bomb cyclones have been associated with major weather events across the country including hurricanes in recent years.

After Washingtons storms, then-Gov. Jay Inslee issued a disaster declaration in 11 counties  including where Seattle is located  and filed the application for disaster relief with FEMA to repair damage to public highways, public utilities and electrical power systems.

FEMAs letter denying the application didnt give an explanation and said the assistance was not warranted. The state has 30 days to appeal.

The denial comes as FEMAs future is in question. President Donald Trump has questioned whether to disband it entirely and give money directly to states to handle disasters. Trump has created a council to study what to do with FEMA and whether to get rid of it.

Earlier this month FEMA said it was ending a key program that has been used by communities across the country to pay for projects designed to help them prepare for natural disasters like flooding and fires.

Under the Biden administration, the agency was instrumental in responding to a growing number of disasters linked to climate change. The agency also tried to address historical inequalities in how aid is dispersed after disasters.

FEMA helps respond to disasters when local leaders request a presidential emergency declaration, a signal that the damage is beyond the states ability to handle on its own. FEMA can reimburse governments for recovery efforts such as debris removal, and it gives stopgap financial assistance to individual residents.

Washingtons preliminary damage estimate of $34 million will likely increase as the state works with counties to update their information for an appeal, Ferguson said.

File Photo: A crew cuts a tree that fell on a Taco Bell restaurant on Wednesday, Nov. 20, 2024, in Issaquah, Wash., after a bomb cyclone storm brought high winds to the area. (AP Photo/Manuel Valdes)



Copyright 2025 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

Topics Washington FEMA
Tesla Inc. is no longer selling the majority of new electric cars registered in California, the state that accounts for almost a third of all zero-emission vehicle purchases in the US.

The companys share of EV sales in the state fell to 43.9% in the first quarter, from 55.5% a year ago, the California New Car Dealers Association said Wednesday. Whereas Tesla registrations dropped 15%, sales of all other EVs increased 35% early this year.

An aging product lineup and backlash against Elon Musks political initiatives are likely key factors for the decline in Tesla BEV market share, the dealers association said in its quarterly report.

Teslas sales slumped in the quarter even as US consumers rushed to buy new cars before US President Donald Trumps auto tariffs took effect this month. While all of the models Tesla sells in the country are built in California or Texas, the company does rely on imported parts that could be hit with higher levies starting in early May.

In addition to blowback over its chief executive officers politicking in Washington, Tesla was dealing with manufacturing disruptions during the first quarter related to its most important product, the Model Y. The company scheduled downtime at all of its car-assembly plants globally to change over production lines for a redesign of its top-selling offering.

Tesla sold 42,322 vehicles in California during the first three months of the year, the bulk of which were Model Y SUVs and Model 3 sedans. The two vehicles remained the top-selling EVs in the state, followed by the Honda Prologue and Hyundai Ioniq 5 SUVs.

The Cybertruck ranked No. 8 among all EVs with 2,282 registered during the quarter, beating Fords F-150 Lightning, which rounded out the top 10.

The report adds state-specific granularity to what was a bleak quarter for Tesla  global deliveries fell to the lowest since mid-2022.

California is by far the largest EV market in the US, accounting for 31.1% of registrations last year, according to the dealers association. Tesla was based in Silicon Valley until Musk moved the companys corporate headquarters to Austin in late 2021.

Top Photo: Tesla electric vehicles outside the companys manufacturing facility in Fremont, California, US, on Monday Feb 24, 2025. Tesla is showing particular signs of strain in places where its chief executive officer is inserting himself in politics in ways that run counter to the companys stated mission and values. (Mike Kai Chen/Bloomberg)

Copyright 2025 Bloomberg.

Topics California Auto Tesla
Gov. Gavin Newsom signed new legislation on Monday that will provide more than $170 million in state funding to help prevent wildfires while signing an order aimed at speeding up the work by easing environmental permitting.

The funding  which the Democratic governor said was part of a broader effort to better protect communities ahead of peak fire season  comes as the state is under extraordinary pressure after the January infernos that devastated Los Angeles communities.

California has already experienced its second most destructive fire year on record, with more than 16,000 homes and other buildings damaged or destroyed by the two major fires in the Los Angeles area. Most of the destruction occurred in neighborhoods where development meets wildland, a high-risk area known as the wildland-urban interface.

The money comes from a $10 billion bond measure for environmental projects approved by California voters last year.

Authorized as part of a fast-tracked, early action budget bill approved by the Legislature, the funds will be paid to six conservancies throughout California. The agencies, which operate under the governors Resources Agency, will manage the removal of vegetation and thinning of forests within their regions.

Related: Group Sues California DOI Over FAIR Plan Surcharges

At least half, $85 million, will be directed to conservancies in Southern California, while $54 will focus on the Sierra Nevada. The approval of the funding comes after Newsom in March declared a state of emergency to clear flammable brush.

With this latest round of funding, were continuing to increase the speed and size of forest and vegetation management essential to protecting communities, Newsom said in a written statement. We are leaving no stone unturned  including cutting red tape  in our mission to ensure our neighborhoods are protected from destructive wildfires.

The challenge of fire prevention in California, which experts say has been worsened by climate change, has become increasingly political. During President Donald J. Trumps first term, the president repeatedly blamed wildfires on California failing to manage vegetation growth, even though the majority of forestland in the state is under federal, not state, ownership.

You gotta clean your floors, you gotta clean your forests, Trump said during a campaign speech in 2020, according to Politico. There are many, many years of leaves and broken trees and theyre like, like, so flammable, you touch them and it goes up.

In the wake of the Los Angeles fires, Trump also inaccurately blamed the states water policies for the blazes and threatened to withhold federal aid unless the state addressed a variety of policies related and unrelated to wildfires.

Related: Neighbors Crowdsource LA Fire Contamination Data

Included is about $31 million each for the Sierra Nevada Conservancy, Santa Monica Mountains Conservancy, State Coastal Conservancy, and the San Gabriel and Lower Los Angeles Rivers and Mountains Conservancy. The California Tahoe Conservancy and the San Diego River Conservancy will receive about $23 million each.

In addition to the legislation, Newsom signed an executive order that allowed wildfire prevention projects to benefit from streamlining provisions outlined in his March emergency proclamation, which suspended certain environmental laws, including the California Environmental Quality Act and the California Coastal Act for projects deemed urgent.

Unfortunately, this money will go toward logging projects that skirt environmental review and harm forests and the climate, said Shaye Wolf, climate science director at the environmental group Center for Biological Diversity. This funding doubles down on forest destruction rather than investing in real wildfire safety measures like home hardening in communities.

Newsom earlier this year promised $2.5 billion for various wildfire resilience projects. Prescribed burns, a land management tool designed to reduce fuel loads, are a major part of the states strategy.

Wildfire season is starting earlier and lasting longer, exacerbated by climate change. Altered cycles of dry and wet years build up vegetation that is vulnerable to fire, and Californias wildfires are acting more erratically and burning longer.

Copyright 2025 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

Topics Catastrophe Natural Disasters California Wildfire
Vice President JD Vance wants to restore American manufacturing. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent intends to build a free trade coalition against China. Council of Economic Advisers Chairman Stephan Miran wants a weaker dollar. Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick wants a permanent new revenue source. Adviser Peter Navarro wants to unleash dramatic change and possibly even chaos. But none of them are the President of the United States, and the President keeps changing his mind on both the broad goals and specific instruments of his international economic policy.

President Trump has had two consistent views about trade for decades. The first is that trade deficits in goods (he ignores one of Americas strongest exports, services) reflect a net loss for the United States. This profit-and-loss statement shows a $240 billion loss in 2024 (the trade deficit in goods) and has had consistent losses for decades. Of course, every economist knows this is not a loss; you could just as easily (and just as inaccurately) say that the European Union lost cars, perfume, machine tools and medical equipment to the United States. The idea that voluntary transactions might benefit both sides does not seem foremost on the Presidents mind.

The second view is that the trade deficit has come about because Europe has been unfair to the United States. Some of that alleged unfairness is, for example, a 10% tariff on imports of U.S. automobiles  something I agree is a mistaken European policy but one that Europeans suffer from more than Americans. Regardless, Europe and the United States have mostly low tariffs punctuated by a few high ones, averaging out to rates of about 2%, at least until the new trade war. Addressing these tariffs could be a feasible and desirable objective for policy, something I will return to.

However, Trumps more considerable contention is that Europe is unfair to the United States because of value-added taxes (VATs). The argument, which just about every economist disagrees with, is that VATs apply to imports but not to exports, so they discriminate against trade. VATs apply equally to domestic production and imports, so they are neutral, and that neutrality is cemented by exempting exports from VATs so they will not be double taxed when sent abroad. Regardless of the economics, getting Europe to eliminate its VATs is not a feasible or desirable policy objective. The trade war will never end if that is the United States demand.

Trumps biggest contention is that the European Union itself was designed to take advantage of the United States. Not only is this a baseless slander  if anything, the United States was enthusiastic about the formation of the European Union  but getting Europe to dismantle the European Union is also an even less feasible or desirable policy objective than getting European countries to eliminate their VATs.

One possibility is that the United States wants greater market access. If the agreement were merely about lower tariffs, it would be technically easy to finish a quick negotiation; the upside for both economies would be relatively small, but still worthwhile. For this to happen, the United States must be willing to drop its 10% across-the-board tariff. A more considerable upside would come from deeper integration like the Transatlantic Trade and Investment Partnership (TTIP) that was under negotiation a decade ago. Still, I see little indication that this is Trumps endgame; it could take years to negotiate, and it was politically controversial in even major European export powerhouses like Germany a decade ago. The ascendancy of Trump to the U.S. presidency has likely only exacerbated the concerns about doing a deal with the United States.

Another possibility that, as of this writing, seems to be on the ascendant  with the caveat that it could change at any moment  is that the primary U.S. demand is not to increase market access for American companies operating in Europe, but is to reduce European economic integration with China. In some ways, this goes with the grain of the increased European skepticism of economic integration with China. Last year, for example, the European Union mirrored Bidens high tariffs on Chinese electric vehicles with its own very high tariffs. However, there is a limit: Europes total trade exposure to China, exports plus imports, was 740 billion last year, the same order of magnitude as the 850 billion trade exposure to the United States. Perhaps more importantly, Europe  or some European countries  is considerably more open to Chinese foreign direct investment than the United States. And foreign direct investment could be the United States biggest concern if they are trying to plug the holes in its Chinese tariff regime.

Not knowing what he wants from Europe is only one of Trumps problems in a successful negotiation. Even more serious is the asymmetry. The trade war will hurt the U.S. economy much more than the European economy. The reason is that the United States is now in conflict with basically every country in the world, while Europe is only facing significant issues with its trade with the United States. Trumps seeming indifference to short-term pain does help increase his leverage, but massively overestimating that leverage would be an obstacle to a deal. Europes democratic decision-making and Trumps reputation for breaking his deals add further challenges.

The uncertainty of Trumps demands, whether grandiose like ending the European Union and acquiring Greenland or more modest like significant tariff reductions, adds to the unpredictability of the situation. The potential outcomes range from a token victory that aligns with the desires of the U.S. business community and markets to more significant sectoral tariffs, including pharmaceuticals, and possibly even the return of the Orwellianly named reciprocal tariffs.

It is impossible to predict what Trump will want from Europe, and even harder to predict what he will get from Europe. However, one thing is sure: regardless of the outcome, Europe will still be, by Trumps reckoning, taking advantage of the United States by running a bilateral trade surplus for the foreseeable future. This means that Trumps focus on and complaints about Europe will remain a risk as long as he  or any successor who shares his mentality  is President.

What should Europe do? First, strive to secure a good deal. It may get lucky with token concessions, ideally ones that are not even concessions but beneficial for its economy. Second, prepare for uncertainty. Even if a good deal is reached, it may not last, and without an agreement, a wide range of changes are possible. Third, diversify economic integration with other partners around the world because the United States is now less reliable. Finally, and most importantly, meet the challenge from the United States by deepening integration within Europe and improving its own economic policies  including ideas from the Draghi report, stronger demand and investment in countries with fiscal space, and reforms and consolidation in countries without it. By doing so, Europe could emerge from this situation in a stronger position, despite the United States actions.

With the correct response, Europe could come out of this better off, regardless of what the United States does. I cannot say the same for the United States ability to recover unscathed from its massive self-inflicted wound.
Killarney Brewing & Distilling Company (KBD) believes the process of examinership will be a viable path to secure the companys future, it said, announcing it has filed a petition for the appointment of an Examiner over the companies within the group.

Ten years ago, the company, which has strong Chicago links, opened a tap room on the Muckross Road and in 2022, it opened a multi-million euro brewing and distillery premises and a luxuriously fitted restaurant and visitors centre in Fossa, with picturesque views of the Killarney mountains and valley.

The unprecedented challenges of covid, and more recently, a planned merger with a US partner had put the company under pressure, it said in a statement issued by the Fossa Killarney-based company to the Examiner.

Like many in the drinks manufacturing industry, KBD has endured unprecedented challenges during and following the covid-19 pandemic. These included surging raw material costs, significant supply chain disruptions, delays in opening the Fossa distillery, whiskey inventory supply gluts, and broader geopolitical uncertainties. Collectively, these issues have placed significant pressure on the business and negatively impacted both revenue and profitability, it said.

Earlier this year, KBD reached a preliminary agreement to merge with a US-based strategic partner.

Unfortunately, that partner recently made the decision not to proceed with the transaction, it said.

The directors believe the Examinership process presents the most viable path to secure the companys future by attracting new investment from experienced industry partners, the statement said.

KBD remains incredibly grateful for the continued support of its employees, customers, partners and shareholders. It is our belief that this decision will safeguard employment, stabilise operations in the medium to long term and secure a sustainable future. KBD is fully committed to working closely with the Examiner to achieve the best possible outcome for all stakeholders.

James Anderson, Partner, Deloitte Ireland, has been appointed as Interim Examiner to Killarney Brewing &Distilling Holdings Public Limited Company and related companies.

Mr Anderson was appointed following the filing of a petition by the Company in the High Court late on Wednesday. The company believes the Examinership process presents the most viable path to secure the companys future.

Speaking on his appointment, Mr Anderson said he is committed to working with the company and all stakeholders to achieve a successful outcome.

The court was told some 100 jobs were involved and there were strong hopes of saving them.
I once apologised to a loaf of bread. In public. In front of witnesses. It fell out of my shopping bag and hit the ground like a doughy little soldier, and I instinctively muttered, Sorry.

To the bread. I didnt even blink. I just picked it up and moved on, as if apologising to baked goods was the most natural thing in the world.

It wasnt an isolated event.

Ive said sorry to the car door (for walking into it), the Hoover (for tripping over it), and a particularly judgmental bathroom mirror (for being in front of it first thing in the morning). The low point? The tumble dryer. I dropped a sock, bent down, whacked my head on the door, and whispered, Sorry, that was my fault.

To the tumble dryer. Who does that? Thats when I started to wonder: is this normal? Or, more precisely, is this Irish?

Im not sure people in other countries apologise to their bins. I dont imagine a German man knocking over his toaster and saying, Entschuldigung.

I doubt a Parisian says, Pardon, to the corner of a table. But here in Ireland, its not just possible  its probable.

Is it cultural? Psychological? Genetic? Is there a long-lost Brehon law that says we must apologise to chairs lest we be cursed with seven years of back pain? Or are we just lovely? Really, really nice?

I realised that, in our own absurd way, Irish people might be among the most empathetic humans on earth even to furniture.

Even to the non-living, the root of our excessive apologising goes back a long way. Weve inherited a deeply embedded culture of humility, courtesy, and deference  often born of survival.

Centuries of colonial rule taught us to tread lightly, literally and linguistically. You didnt want to be seen or heard. The safest path? Politeness.

Add to that (drum roll please) the ever-present influence of Catholicism, where guilt is less of a fleeting emotion and more of a national pastime.

Then theres the Irish fear of confrontation. Well go miles out of our way to avoid it  actual miles. We will apologise to a traffic cone rather than question its placement. Were the people who say, No bother at all, through gritted teeth while balancing a lawnmower we lent to a neighbour in 2009.

Even our language reflects it. Irish English is full of softeners:

I dont mean to be any trouble

Sure, if youre passing

Sorry now but

We apologise before weve even done anything wrong. This is why our inner training kicks in when we bump into a doorframe. Sorry.

Not because the doorframe has feelings but because we do.

Its politeness weaponised.

Politeness Theory was developed by sociolinguists Penelope Brown and Stephen Levinson. They argue that much of our communication is built around maintaining faceprotecting each others dignity and avoiding friction.

In countries like Ireland, where social harmony is valued more than directness, this gets dialled up to eleven.

We also heavily rely on whats called negative politenessbasically, a way of communicating that avoids imposing on others. Thats why Irish people say, Sorry, would you have the time? instead of just, What time is it?

Dr Guy Winch, a clinical psychologist, says that when we apologise to inanimate objects, its actually a side-effect of empathy. Our brains are hardwired to relate, to empathise. Its why kids talk to their toys. Or why we shout at printers. Its called anthropomorphism  attributing human feelings to non-human things.

Then there are mirror neurons brain cells that fire both when we act and when we observe others. If you grow up in a house where your mam says, Sorry, fridge! after slamming the door, your brain will wire that behaviour as normal.

And lets not forget guilt  sweet, grinding, stabbing Irish guilt. A 2014 study published in Emotion (Emotion is my guilty pleasure of journals  it dives into how and why we feel things, from brain science to everyday life, and somehow makes emotions feel) found that people with high sensitivity to guilt were more likely to apologise reflexively  even when it wasnt technically their fault. So its not madness. Its neural kindness.

So now that weve established that this is a real phenomenon, what can you do with that information?

Heres how to navigate your sorry reflex: First, notice it. Then, make it a game: keep a top-five list or start a Sorry Jar. Reframe it with mindful phrases like, That was unexpected, toaster or Im sorry television for shouting at you its not your fault you cant find the hdmi input. Finally, embrace it as quiet kindness. In a loud world, over-politeness isnt weaknessits an empathy weapon with a sense of humour.

Maybe that table with the sharpest corners, well known to humans, doesnt have feelings, but you do, and thats what matters.

So, if you say sorry to a chair today (who was actually in your way), consider it a small, ridiculous act of emotional intelligence. And sure, whats the harm?

So, the next time you find yourself whispering sorry to the leg of the bed after stubbing your toe  smile. Youre part of a long and proud tradition of ridiculous decency.

And on behalf of every inanimate object thats been accidentally kicked, dropped, or headbutted:

They forgive you.

They appreciate the apology.
A Catholic priest is being questioned by police in Derry on suspicion of attempted sexual communication with a child.

The Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) confirmed that a 58-year-old man had been arrested after video was posted online on Thursday afternoon by a group of self-styled paedophile hunters.

The 13-minute clip shows some of their members confronting a man wearing a clerical collar and challenging him with certain allegations.

The confrontation was streamed live on social media and ended when the group said police had arrived.

The PSNI said afterwards that a 58-year-old man was arrested on Thursday, and that he remained in custody last night.

The Diocese of Derry said it is aware of a video showing an incident outside a hotel in the Derry city involving a priest of this diocese.

The diocese knows that a video of the incident has been posted online and we understand the PSNI have been involved, a spokesperson for the diocese told the BBC.

The spokesperson said no further information was available.

The Diocese of Derry serves the Catholic congregation of 51 parishes across almost all of Derry, parts of Tyrone and Donegal, and a small area across the River Bann in Antrim.
The former Good Shepherd Convent site on the north side of Cork City caught fire late on Wednesday.

Shortly before midnight, gardai and emergency services were alerted to the blaze at a derelict building on Convent Avenue in Sunday's Well.
Sarah Corbett Lynch has said she hopes the Netflix documentary about her father Jason Corbett, who was brutally killed in the US in August 2015, will reflect his true essence.

Sarah, who recently published her memoir A Time for Truth, confirmed she has been interviewed for the upcoming documentary, which is set to air on May 9. Mr Corbett, a 39-year-old father of two from Limerick, had been brutally battered to death by his American wife Molly and her former FBI agent father Tom, in August 2015.

Netflix said A Deadly American Marriage will be a chilling exploration of love and betrayal featuring interviews with those closest to the case. It also said the documentary will feature exclusive interviews with Mr Corbetts children, Sarah and Jack, as well as the two people convicted of killing him.

Like my book, A Time for Truth, I hope it offers an insight into our experiences and the true essence of my dad, Jason  a loving and kind father, husband, brother, and son, Ms Corbett Lynch told the Irish Examiner.

By sharing their story, Ms Lynch said she hopes it will offer support to others who may too be going through difficult times.

Jack and I sincerely wish that by sharing our story, it connects with others who are enduring difficult situations, providing them with support and a sense of hope for their own journeys, she said.

Ms Lynch also noted that while she is not able to share specific details about the documentary, it will air on May 9.

The conviction of Tom and Molly Martens for murder was successfully overturned on appeal. They were freed last summer after serving four years and three months in jail in the US, after striking a plea bargain where they admitted to the voluntary manslaughter of the Limerick man.

Earlier this year, Mr Corbetts daughter, Sarah, also shared her side of the story in a memoir.

A Time for Truth: My Father Jason and My Search for Justice and Healing by Sarah Corbett Lynch is published in Trade Paperback by Hachette Books Ireland.
The son of John Mullins moved an entire congregation to tears with his moving eulogy in which he described his fathers larger than life nature and unending ambition".

Tanaiste Simon Harris and Taoiseach Micheal Martin were among the many who turned out to pay their respects to the former chief executive of Bord Gais, and group chairman of clean energy firm Amarenco Solar during his Liturgy of the Word at the Church of the Holy Spirit, Dennehys Cross. The event preceded his funeral at the Island Crematorium, Rocky Island, Ringaskiddy.

Mr Mullins was a Fine Gael candidate in Ireland South in last Junes European parliamentary elections, polling 33,281 first preferences.

The Cork native was an engineering graduate who served as the president of Cork Chamber between 2011 and 2013. The 57-year-old is also remembered fondly for his tenure as chairman of the Port of Cork board between 2013 and 2018.

Family members carry the coffin of the late John Mullins into the Church of the Holy Spirit, Dennehys Cross, Cork.

At the Liturgy of the Word, presided over by Bishop Emeritus of Cork and Ross Dr John Buckley, and concelebrated by Fr Tom Clancy and Fr Donal Cotter PP, Johns son Michael said: Ive been given the unenviable task of having to fit the life of John Mullins into a 10-minute eulogy. He was a larger-than-life character. That description gets used a lot for my dad. It was true enough. One of his absolute phrases was Life is not a dress rehearsal and he always had that at the forefront of his mind.

He made reference to his caring nature adding: "In the last few days, Ive heard some amazing stories that reflected his unending ambition, his compassion for others, and his ability to light up every room he walked into.

"My dad put an awful lot into the 57 years of life, making enormous contributions across business, sport, politics, and civic life. However, it all started on Fort St in Cork city in 1968. From an early age, Dads values and approach to life were shaped in large part by his parents, Pat and Maureen. They were hugely determined to ensure that Dad, and his brothers, Jim, Pat, Kieran and Brian, had the best possible education, and worked extremely hard to enable that.

Taoiseach Micheal Martin with former minister for enterprise, trade and employment Simon Coveney at the Church of the Holy Spirit, Dennehys Cross, Cork, for the Liturgy of the Word for the late John Mullins.

"The influence of his parents was complimented greatly by his education at the North Monastery. It was there that he learned to combine confidence with humility, and to be able to engage with people of all backgrounds with respect."

Michael described his dad as very hard-working.

Even in his younger years, dad had a strong work ethic. If he couldnt give 110% then it wasnt worth doing, whether it was hurling, football, basketball or even singing for the school choir for Pope John Paul II in Rome  he gave it everything.

"He excelled academically, earning a full scholarship in UCC. During his time there, he received graduate of the year, [taking part in numerous societies]. He graduated in 1989 with a bachelors degree in electrical engineering and joined the ESB, a job my nan was delighted with, as it was, she said, 'a good, pensionable civil service role thatll set you up now for life."

Mr Mullins' daughter Sarah spoke about the significance behind the offertory gifts. She fought back tears saying "there are not enough symbols to represent my dad".

One of the gifts she described as her fathers trusted companion and his personal assistant" - his iPhone.

It represents many things but mainly his connectivity to my nana, granddad, and mum, she told the congregation.

Sarah also joked about her dads love of all things Cork.

My dads one regret was me and Michaels posh South Dublin accents.

She reminisced about her fathers strong love for GAA which was symbolised with Castlemartyr GAA club jerseys sponsored by his company. His love for socialising was represented with a bottle of red wine aptly labelled Big John. My dad loved socialising, Sarah said. He was a great conversationalist.

Speaking after the Liturgy of the Word, Tanaiste Simon Harris added:

He was a larger than life character, Mr Harris said.

Like everyone else I am in absolute shock. John was so full of positivity, so full of joy. He loved meeting people. The fascinating thing about John is everybody, apart from his immediate family, knew one part of him. This is because he was involved in so many different things including Age Friendly Cork, the Port of Cork and the business world he was involved in. From a Fine Gael point of view Id like to acknowledge the massive contribution he made to our party both locally in Cork as a trustee and also as a European election candidate. We are all going to miss him so much. His children did him so proud today, as did his family. Its such a difficult thing to ever have to do. I am thinking of them all on this difficult day.

The service featured musical tributes from Johns brother Jim Mullins and Sarah Barry.

A guard of honour comprising pupils from the North Monastery Primary School made for tearful scenes as family members shouldered the coffin.

Corks Lord Mayor Councillor Dan Boyle paid tribute to Mr Mullins following the Liturgy of the Word.

We came across each other in public life, he told the Irish Examiner.

He was someone who represented Ireland as well as Cork city. He had very prominent roles both in Bord Gais as its Chief Executive, as chair of the Port of Cork but its the things that he involved himself in in terms of greater civic duty that he will really remembered for. For instance, recently we had an event at City Hall where he has been an age friendly ambassador and he was helping set up a project where unused renewable energy could be directed towards older people for heating water tanks and I think thats how I remember John. He was someone who wanted to bring about a better Cork and a better Ireland and was looking at ways that he as an individual could achieve that.
President Donald Trump inserted himself directly into trade talks with Japanese officials on Wednesday.

The president attended the meeting alongside Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent and Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick, top economic advisers with a central role in his trade and tariff policies.

The move signals the fragile position now faced by the US after the new trade rules caused stock markets to plunge around the world.

Since the US imposed trade rules on a slew of foreign nations, America has been forced to reassure its public that the government was working to lock in deals with world leaders around the globe.

Hopefully something can be worked out which is good (GREAT!) for Japan and the USA! Mr Trump wrote in a social media post ahead of the meeting.

Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick speaks to reporters outside the West Wing of the White House (Jacquelyn Martin/AP)

Afterwards, he posted: A Great Honor to have just met with the Japanese Delegation on Trade. Big Progress!

The presidents choice to get directly involved in negotiations points to his desire to quickly finalise deals with other nations such as China, with the Asian superpower pursuing its own set of agreements.

It is an open test of Mr Trumps reputation as a dealmaker as countries around the world seek to limit potential damage unleashed by his import taxes.

The sweeping tariffs, announced on April 2 by Mr Trump, triggered fears of a global recession, which saw the US president implement a partial 90-day hold on import taxes.

He also increased his already steep tariffs against China to as much as 145%.

The pause temporarily spared Japan from 24% across-the-board tariffs, but there continues to be a 10% baseline tariff and a 25% tax on imported cars, auto parts, steel and aluminium exports.

With Japan charging an average tax rate of 1.9% on other countries goods and having a long-standing alliance with the US, the Wednesday talks are a crucial indicator of whether the Trump administration can achieve a meaningful deal that reassures the markets, American voters and foreign allies.

China is trying to capitalise on the turmoil around Trumps announcements, with President Xi Jinping touring nations of Southeast Asia and promoting his country as a more reliable trade partner.

Japan is among the first countries to start open negotiations with the US.

Mr Trump and other administration officials have said the phones have been ringing off the hook with dozens of countries calling, eager to strike deals with a president who views himself as a master negotiator to avoid tariffs when the 90-day pause ends.

Japans chief trade negotiator and Economic Revitalisation Minister Ryosei Akazawa speaks to reporters before he departs for the US (Kyodo News/AP)

Israel and Vietnam have offered to zero out their tariff rates, but the president has been noncommittal as to whether that would be sufficient.

On Thursday, he is scheduled to meet Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, who will likely be carrying messages on behalf of the European Union about how to resolve the tariffs placed on the 27-state group.

The president may also be feeling increased domestic pressures to settle any tariffs, with voters saying they returned him to the White House in order to improve the economy, not to worsen it.

California Governor Gavin Newsom filed a lawsuit on Wednesday, which argues Mr Trump overstepped his authority by declaring an economic emergency to levy his tariffs, with the Democrat saying in a statement that the tariffs have caused economic chaos.

Federal Reserve chairman Jerome Powell said on Wednesday that Mr Trumps tariff policies would hurt the US economy.

Mr Powells move signals a direct warning to the White House, which is trying to pitch import taxes to the American public as a long-term positive for the country.

Chairman of the board of governors for the US Federal Reserve Jerome Powell (Erin Hooley/AP)

The level of tariff increases announced so far is significantly larger than anticipated, and the same is likely to be true of the economic effects, which will include higher inflation and slower growth, Mr Powell said at the Economic Club of Chicago.

Japan, like many other nations trying to minimise the possible economic fallout from Trumps tariffs, has been scrambling to respond. It has set up a special task force to assess the impact of the tariffs and offer loans to anxious companies.

Although Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba has been working hard to coax exemptions out of Mr Trump, the government has said little officially on what concessions it might offer during these talks.
The head of Myanmars military government has granted amnesty to around 4,900 prisoners to mark the countrys traditional new year, state-run media reported on Thursday.

It was not immediately clear how many of those were locked up for opposing army rule.

Senior General Min Aung Hlaing, the head of the ruling military council, pardoned 4,893 prisoners, as per state-run media network MRTV. Thirteen foreigners will also be released and deported from Myanmar, it said in a separate statement.

Other prisoners received reduced sentences, except for those convicted of serious charges such as murder and rape, or those jailed on charges under various other security acts.

If the detainees violate the law again, once freed, they will have to serve the remainder of their original sentences in addition to any new sentence, according to the terms of their release.

Family members and colleagues wait to welcome released prisoners outside the main gate of Insein prison (Thein Zaw/AP)

Mass amnesties on the holiday are not unusual in Myanmar, with releases occurring nationwide.

Dozens of relatives and friends waited early on Thursday at the gate of Insein Prison, on the outskirts of Myanmars largest city, Yangon, in the hope of collecting a freed loved one.

No details were available about the number of prisoners released from Insein as part of the amnesty.

Myanmar has been under military rule since February 2021, when its army ousted civilian leader Aung San Suu Kyis elected government.

The takeover was met with nonviolent resistance, which has since become a widespread armed struggle. The country is now in civil war.

Some 22,197 political detainees, including Ms Suu Kyi, were still in detention as of last Friday, according to the Assistance Association for Political Prisoners, an independent organisation which tallies arrests and casualties linked to the nations political conflicts.

Many political detainees had been held on a charge of incitement, a catch-all offence widely used to arrest critics of the government or military.

The offence is punishable by up to three years in prison.

This years celebrations of Thingyan, the new years holiday, were more reserved than usual due to a nationwide grieving period following a devastating earthquake last month.

The country is struggling to recover from the 7.7 magnitude quake in March, which hit the nations central heartland.

The highly destructive earthquake left about 3,725 people dead and levelled structures across the region.

In a speech broadcast on Thursday, Min Aung Hlaing said his government will carry out reconstruction and rehabilitation measures in those quake-affected areas as quickly as possible.

He also reaffirmed plans to hold a general election by the end of the year and called on opposition groups fighting the army to resolve conflicts via political means instead.

During the holiday, the violent struggle between the army and pro-democracy forces continued with armed clashes in the countryside.

The number of casualties remains unclear.
Prime Minister Mark Carney said the key question in Canadas election is who is best to deal with US President Donald Trump.

His Conservative rival Pierre Poilievre argued during Wednesdays French-language leaders debate in Montreal that Mr Carney does not represent change after a decade of Liberal Party of Canada rule and is just like his predecessor, Justin Trudeau.

Mr Poilievre is not Justin Trudeau. Im not Justin Trudeau either. In this election, the question is who is going to face Mr Trump, Mr Carney said.

Mr Trumps trade war and threats to make Canada the 51st state of America have infuriated Canadians, leading to a surge in nationalism that has bolstered Liberal poll numbers ahead of the April 28 vote.

In the face of President Trumps threats, I am ready to fight, to protect, and to build Canada strong. #DebatsDesChefs  Mark Carney (@MarkJCarney) April 16, 2025

Mr Poilievre is imploring Canadians not to give the Liberals a fourth term.

He had hoped to make the election a referendum on Mr Trudeau, whose popularity had declined at the end of his decade in power after food and housing prices rose sharply and immigration surged.

But Mr Trump instead attacked the former Canadian leader, prompting Mr Trudeau to resign.

The move saw former Bank of England governor Mr Carney become Liberal leader and prime minister after a leadership race.

One of the differences, there are many, but one of the differences between the two of us is that I put much more emphasis on the economy, on growing the economy, Mr Carney said when asked about Mr Trudeau after the debate.

In fact, in this circumstance that we are in, given the scale of the crisis, I would say relentless focus on growing the economy.

During the debate, Mr Carney reminded the nation that he has only been prime minister for a month.

We need change. You do not embody change, Mr Poilievre said to Mr Carney.

Bloc Quebecois leader Yves-Francois Blanchet, New Democratic Party leader Jagmeet Singh and Conservative leader Pierre Poilievre listen to Liberal leader Mark Carney speak (Sean Kilpatrick/The Canadian Press/AP)

Bloc Quebecois leader Yves-Francois Blanche, whose party is losing support to Mr Carneys Liberals in Quebec, agreed, saying the Liberals are the same party, the same ministers and the same politicians and a new leader does not change that.

But public opinion has changed. In a mid-January poll by Nanos, Liberals trailed the Conservatives by 47% to 20%. In the latest Nanos poll released on Wednesday, the Liberals led by eight percentage points.

The French-speaking debate was moved up by two hours to minimise conflict with a Montreal Canadiens ice hockey game as they clinched a spot in the Stanley Cup playoffs.

This is not the first time ice hockey has elbowed its way onto the campaign trail.

During the 2011 election, former Bloc leader Gilles Duceppe asked for a debate to be postponed due to a Canadiens hockey game and his request was granted.

The English language debate is on Thursday evening.
A giant planet 124 light years from Earth has yielded the strongest evidence yet that extraterrestrial life may be thriving beyond our solar system, astronomers claim.

Observations by the James Webb space telescope of a planet called K2-18 b appear to reveal the chemical fingerprints of two compounds that, on Earth, are only known to be produced by life.

Detection of the chemicals, dimethyl sulfide (DMS) and dimethyl disulfide (DMDS) would not amount to proof of alien biological activity, but could bring the answer to the question of whether we are alone in the universe much closer.

This is the strongest evidence to date for a biological activity beyond the solar system, said Prof Nikku Madhusudhan, an astrophysicist at the University of Cambridge who led the observations. We are very cautious. We have to question ourselves both on whether the signal is real and what it means.

He added: Decades from now, we may look back at this point in time and recognise it was when the living universe came within reach. This could be the tipping point, where suddenly the fundamental question of whether were alone in the universe is one were capable of answering.

Others are more sceptical, with questions remaining about whether the overall conditions on K2-18 b, are favourable to life and whether DMS and DMDS, which are largely produced by marine phytoplankton on Earth, can be reliably regarded as biosignatures.

K2-18 b, which sits in the Leo constellation, is nearly nine times as massive as the Earth and 2.6 times as large and orbits in the habitable zone of its star, a cool red dwarf less than half the size of the sun. When the Hubble space telescope appeared to spot water vapour in its atmosphere in 2019, scientists declared it the most habitable known world beyond the solar system.

The supposed water signal was shown to be methane in follow-up observations by Madhusudhans team in 2023. But, they argued, K2-18 bs profile was consistent with a habitable world, covered in a vast, deep ocean  a view that remains contentious. More provocatively, the Cambridge team reported a tentative hint of DMS.

Observations by the James Webb space telescope of a planet called K2-18 b appear to reveal the chemical fingerprints of two compounds that, on Earth, are only known to be produced by life.

Planets beyond our solar system are too distant to photograph or reach with robotic spacecraft. But scientists can estimate their size, density and temperature and probe their chemical makeup by tracking the exoplanet as it passes across the face of its host star and measuring starlight that has been filtered through its atmosphere.

In the latest observations, wavelengths that are absorbed by DMS and DMDS, were seen to suddenly drop off as K2-18 b wandered in front of the red dwarf.

The signal came through strong and clear, said Madhusudhan. If we can detect these molecules on habitable planets, this is the first time weve been able to do that as a species  its mind-boggling that this is possible.

The findings, published in The Astrophysical Journal Letters, suggest concentrations of DMS, DMDS or both (their signatures overlap) thousands of times stronger than the levels on Earth. The results are reported with a three-sigma level of statistical significance (a 0.3% probability that they occurred by chance) although this falls short of the gold standard for discoveries in physics.

There may be processes that we dont know about that are producing these molecules, Madhusudhan said. But I dont think there is any known process that can explain this without biology.

A challenge in identifying potential other processes is that the conditions on K2-18 b remain disputed. While the Cambridge team favour an ocean scenario, others say the data is suggestive of a gas planet or one with oceans made of magma, not water.

Researchers from Cambridge University have been using Nasa's James Webb Telescope to study distant exoplanet K2-18b. Picture: Amanda Smith/University of Cambridge/PA Wire

There is a question of whether DMS could have been brought to the planet by comets  this would require an intensity of bombardment that seems improbable  or produced in hydrothermal vents, volcanoes or lightning storms through exotic chemical processes.

Life is one of the options, but its one among many, said Dr Nora Hanni, a chemist at the Physics Institute of the University of Berne, whose research revealed that DMS was present on an icy, lifeless comet. We would have to strictly rule out all the other options before claiming life.

Others say that measuring planetary atmospheres may never yield a smoking gun for life. Its under-appreciated in the field, but technosignatures, such as an intercepted message from an advanced civilisation, could be better smoking guns, despite the unlikelihood of finding such a signal, said Dr Caroline Morley, an astrophysicist at the University of Texas, Austin, adding that the findings were, nonetheless, an important advance.

Dr Jo Barstow, a planetary scientist at the Open University, also viewed the detection as significant, but said: My scepticism dial for any claim relating to evidence of life is permanently turned up to 11, not because I dont think that other life is out there, but because I feel that for such a profound and significant discovery the burden of proof must be very, very high. I dont think this latest work crosses that threshold.

At 120 light years away, there is no prospect of resolving the debate through closeup observations, but Madhusudhan notes that this has not been a barrier to the discovery of black holes or other cosmic phenomena.

In astronomy, the question is never about going there, he said. Were trying to establish if the laws of biology are universal in nature. I dont see it as: We have to go and swim in the water to catch the fish.

- The Guardian
Google has been branded an abusive monopolist by a US judge for the second time in less than a year, this time for illegally exploiting some of its online marketing technology to boost the profits fuelling an internet empire currently worth $1.8tn.

The ruling issued on Thursday by US district judge Leonie Brinkema in the state of Virginia comes on the heels of a separate decision in August that concluded Googles namesake search engine has been illegally leveraging its dominance to stifle competition and innovation.

After the US Justice Department targeted Googles ubiquitous search engine during President Donald Trumps first administration, the same agency went after the companys lucrative digital advertising network in 2023 during then-president Joe Bidens ensuing administration in an attempt to undercut the power that Google has amassed since its inception in a Silicon Valley garage in 1998.

For over a decade, Google has tied its publisher ad server and ad exchange together through contractual policies and technological integration, which enabled the company to establish and protect its monopoly power in these two markets

Although antitrust regulators prevailed both times, the battle is likely to continue for several more years as Google tries to overturn the two monopoly decisions in appeals while forging ahead in the new and highly lucrative technological frontier of artificial intelligence.

The next step in the latest case is a penalty phase that will likely begin late this year or early next year.

The same so-called remedy hearings in the search monopoly case are scheduled to begin on Monday in Washington DC, where Justice Department lawyers will try to convince US district judge Amit Mehta to impose a sweeping punishment that includes a proposed requirement for Google to sell its Chrome web browser.

Judge Brinkemas 115-page decision centres on the marketing machine that Google has spent the past 17 years building around its search engine and other widely used products and services, including its Chrome browser, YouTube video site and digital maps.

The system was largely built around a series of acquisitions that started with Googles $3.2bn purchase of online ad specialist DoubleClick in 2008.

US regulators approved the deals at the time they were made before realising that they had given the Mountain View, California, company a platform to manipulate the prices in an ecosystem that a wide range of websites depend on for revenue and provides a vital marketing connection to consumers.

The Justice Department lawyers argued that Google built and maintained dominant market positions in a technology trifecta used by website publishers to sell ad space on their webpages, as well as the technology that advertisers use to get their ads in front of consumers, and the ad exchanges that conduct automated auctions in fractions of a second to match buyer and seller.

Although Judge Brinkema did not rule entirely in favour of the Justice Department, she concluded Google has been abusing its power to stifle competition to the detriment of online publishers forced to rely on its ad network and pricing for revenue.

Judge Brinkema reached the decision after evaluating the evidence presented during a lengthy trial that concluded just before Thanksgiving last year.

For over a decade, Google has tied its publisher ad server and ad exchange together through contractual policies and technological integration, which enabled the company to establish and protect its monopoly power in these two markets, Judge Brinkema wrote.

Google further entrenched its monopoly power by imposing anticompetitive policies on its customers and eliminating desirable product features.

The Justice Department did not immediately comment on the decision.

In a statement, Google said it will appeal the ruling.

We disagree with the Courts decision regarding our publisher tools, said Lee-Anne Mulholland, Googles vice president of regulatory affairs.

Publishers have many options and they choose Google because our ad tech tools are simple, affordable and effective.

As it did in the search monopoly case, Google and its corporate parent Alphabet vehemently denied the Justice Departments allegations.

Their lawyers argued the US government largely based its case on an antiquated concept of a market that existed a decade ago while underestimating a highly competitive market for advertising spending that includes the likes of Facebook parent Meta Platforms, Amazon, Microsoft and Comcast.
Judges at the International Criminal Court want Hungary to explain why it failed to arrest Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu when he visited Budapest earlier this month.

In a filing released late on Wednesday, the The Hague-based court initiated non-compliance proceedings against Hungary after the country gave Mr Netanyahu a red carpet welcome despite an ICC arrest warrant for crimes against humanity in connection with the war in Gaza.

During the visit, Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban announced his country would quit the court, claiming on state radio that the ICC was no longer an impartial court, not a court of law, but a political court.

Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban speaks during a press statement at the Carmelite Monastery in the Buda Castle in Budapest, Hungary (Denes Erdos/AP)

The Hungarian leader, regarded by critics as an autocrat and the EUs most intransigent spoiler in the blocs decision-making, defended his decision not to arrest Mr Netanyahu.

We signed an international treaty, but we never took all the steps that would otherwise have made it enforceable in Hungary, Mr Orban said at the time, referring to the fact that Hungarys parliament never promulgated the courts statute into Hungarian law.

Judges at the ICC have previously dismissed similar arguments.

The ICC and other international organisations have criticised Hungarys defiance of the warrant against Mr Netanyahu.

Days before his arrival, the president of the courts oversight body wrote to the government in Hungary reminding it of its specific obligation to comply with requests from the court for arrest and surrender.

A spokesperson for the ICC declined to comment on the non-compliance proceedings.

Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu shake hands after a press statement at the Carmelite Monastery (Denes Erdos/AP)

Hungarys decision to leave the ICC, a process that will take at least a year to complete, will make it the sole non-signatory within the 27-member EU.

With 125 current signatory countries, only the Philippines and Burundi have ever withdrawn from the court as Hungary intends.

It is the third time in the past year that the court has investigated one of its member states for failing to arrest suspects.

In February, judges asked Italy to explain why the country sent a Libyan man suspected of torture and murder home on an Italian military aircraft rather than handing him over to the court.

In October, judges reported Mongolia to the courts oversight organisation for failing to arrest Russian President Vladimir Putin when he visited the Asian nation.

Hungary has until May 23 to submit evidence in its defence.
A cable car carrying tourists south of Naples crashed after the cable snapped, killing at least four people and injuring one.

Italys alpine rescue was responding to the accident at Monte Faito in the town of Castellammare di Stabia, about 45km from Naples.
Thursday, Apr 17th, 2025 (1:05 pm) - Score 5,560

The co-Founder & Chair of UK broadband ISP Fibrus, Conal Henry, has criticised network operator Openreach (BT Group) for the pole tax they claim is being levelled against them, which is said to be twice the cost of paying our own staff, just to rent some poles and holes built by the British taxpayer.

Just for some context. Openreach is required to provide access to their existing cable ducts and poles via the regulated Physical Infrastructure Access (PIA) product, which has been extremely successful. This enables rival networks (Altnets) to run their own fibre optic cables via the incumbents existing infrastructure  cutting down on build costs, disruption and speeding up rollouts of gigabit-capable full fibre (FTTP) broadband ISP networks.

NOTE: Fibrus is backed by a total investment of around 893m, including 320m of committed debt, 200m in current and committed equity funding and 373m of government funding (e.g. 23m FFNI, 200m Project Stratum  up to 82,000 premises by June 2025 in N.Ireland  and the c.150m Project Gigabit contract for 53,500 premises in Cumbria  Hyperfast GB ).

Fibrus, much like many other network operators, have been harnessing PIA to support their roll-out across rural parts of both Northern Ireland and Cumbria in England. The operators network currently reaches over 400,000 premises and has connected 100,000 customers.

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Openreach has described their PIA product as being cheap as chips, really successful (175 network builders are using their ducts and poles) and said it returns very strong customer satisfaction scores. But in a recent LinkedIn post, Fibrus Conal Henry appeared to strongly disagree with that viewpoint. The same issue is also touched on in a new BBC Look North episode, although at the time of writing this wasnt available to view online.

Conal Henry said: BT Groups cheap as chips pole tax on Fibrus is twice the cost of paying our own staff, just to rent some poles and holes built by the British taxpayer. Ofcom have allowed them to levy us with a charge which they dont put on Openreach and which also includes the cost of the copper phone network we dont use. These costs are 20 times higher for rural customers than for urban. Funnily enough, fibre penetration in rural areas is half what it is in cities. Fibrus is calling on Ofcom and Department for Science, Innovation and Technology to deal with this unfair and illogical barrier to rural broadband now before its too late. If you agree, contact your elected representatives and tell them so and, whatever you do, dont get your broadband from a phone company!

The timing of Conals remarks are intended to help feed into the Ofcoms current Telecoms Access Review 2026 (TAR), which will also be taking another look at PIA, although it currently seems unlikely to push for any truly radical changes. Similarly, other altnets have previously also called on the regulator to deliver fairness in pricing, to ensure all users of PIA have a level playing field for access to infrastructure (here and here).

Conals concerns appear to be primarily centred around how altnets, unlike Openreach, must pay per-metre rental fees to access the same overground poles and underground ducts needed to install full-fibre broadband. With rural properties spaced much further apart  typically 200m compared to just 10m in cities  the cost burden is significantly higher for rural expansion, said Fibrus in a briefing document seen by ISPreview.

The fact that rural builds cost significantly more than urban ones is nothing new and its worth bearing in mind that Openreach will also suffer that impact when they build the infrastructure. But state-aid based deployments (e.g. Project Gigabit) can help to mitigate against those costs and naturally Openreach itself doesnt need to pay the same rents, although they do have maintenance, repairs and other upkeep costs to consider. Fibrus also benefits from public funding in many of their rural builds.

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The prices are ultimately set by Ofcom, not Openreach, and theyre supposed to be purposely set at a level which supports entry into the market by companies like Fibrus.

An Openreach spokesperson told ISPreview: This is a really successful product. Its cheap as chips, achieves very strong customer satisfaction scores and, because of that, its been flying off the shelf. 175 network builders are using our ducts and poles to cut their network build costs by around half, according to Ofcom. That has encouraged intense competition across the market and helped more than 1.4m extra homes and businesses to be connected with Full Fibre. Also, crucially in rural areas, its avoided more than three million new poles being erected. If anything, the prices are too low, given Altnets currently use around 20% of our duct and pole network yet only pay 4% towards its costs.

In terms of that closing remark above, Openreach appears to be referencing how they previously reported duct and pole costs of 850m in FY24, although network builders only contributed 33m towards that (but the 850m figure is all duct and pole associated costs, not just relating to PIA/Altnets). Rival networks also dont pay upfront for network adjustments, and systems development costs arent included in their PIA prices.

As it stands, around 33% of Openreachs duct and pole network is now either being used by rival networks or theyve indicated plans to use it, which does help to show its popularity. On the flip side, Openreach argues that their rivals are often very reluctant to share their own infrastructure in the same way. But this is hardly surprising for smaller altnets, which carry a lot of risk and need to protect the value of their asset vs those with significant market power.

On the other hand, where altnets receive public investment to expand, then the rules often do oblige them to offer a degree of infrastructure access to rivals too. The catch there is that such unregulated products from altnets are often significantly more expensive than similar solutions via Openreachs PIA (i.e. the terms involved often seem to be designed to discourage infrastructure sharing).

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However, INCAs Infrastructure Sharing Group (ISG) is separately working to produce a new sharing framework for alternative networks (here), which might help to solve some of the above issues. But this is more of an altnets-only kind of club and focuses on areas when Openreachs own PIA solution is not available.

Otherwise, it seems like Ofcom will have the incredibly difficult job of trying to balance the many competing (vested) interests between different operators, and inevitably this will always result in some winners and losers.
Ann Arbor (Informed Comment)  French President Emmanuel Macron spoke by telephone Wednesday with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu about Pariss plan to recognize a Palestinian state. Macron insisted on a ceasefire in Gaza and told Netanyahu that it was the only hope for retrieving the remaining Israeli hostages from Gaza.

Macron wrote at X that he had reaffirmed Frances commitment to Israels security. He said the liberation of all Israeli hostages is an absolute priority, as well as the demilitarization of Hamas.

It is interesting that Macron speaks of the demilitarization of Hamas, which is a civilian political party with a paramilitary wing, the Al-Qassam Brigades. Netanyahu, of course, speaks of destroying Hamas, which apparently means killing all its members and their wives, children, relatives and neighbors.

Macron said, A ceasefire is the sole means of assuring the release of the hostages still held by Hamas.

The French president insisted that the opening of all the checkpoints into Gaza to the entry of humanitarian aid is a vital necessity for the civilian population in Gaza. He recalled how he learned firsthand in his recent visit to El-Arish in Egypt, to which some Palestinians from Gaza have fled, that aid is blocked into the Strip. He said that this aid must reach civilians as quickly as possible. The ordeal that the civilians of Gaza are living through, he asserted, must come to an end.

He expressed hope that current negotiations would allow the Israeli government to agree to a ceasefire and that all the hostages would be released. He said these steps would reopen, in the end, the prospect of a two-state solution. It is in this context, he averred,that I envisage the conference in June, taking into account the security interests of Israel and of everyone in the region. Peace, as soon as possible.

Netanyahu blew Macron off, saying there would never be a Palestinian state, that the creation of one would serve as a reward for terrorism, and that any such state would just be a military base for Iran. None of these things is true, of course. Israel already signed the Oslo Peace Accords of 1993 that promised a Palestinian state by the end of that decade.

Macron said in an interview that the June conference, to be co-hosted with Saudi Arabia in New York, would kick off a series of recognitions of the State of Palestine. In turn, he said, several Arab states that had not done so would recognize Israel.



Recognizing Palestine, Digital, Dream / Dreamland v3 / ChatGPT, 2025.

Macron had announced his intention of recognizing Palestine during a trip to Egypt on 6-7 April. The announcement was controversial in France, and some politicians and pundits attacked him for it.

Last May, Ireland, Norway and Spain recognized Palestine, out of disgust with Netanyahus total war on Palestinian civilians and his disregard for the rulings of the International Court of Justice. In June, Slovenia followed suit. Many Eastern European countries had recognized Palestine in the Soviet era and had not ever rescinded the recognition, as with Poland.

Macrons plan, of offering Israel more widespread recognition in the Arab world as a quid pro quo for Israels recognition of Palestine and for ceasing to occupy militarily 5 million stateless Palestinians, was already tried by King Abdallah of Saudi Arabia. He had pledged Arab League recognition of Israel if the latter would withdraw from the Palestinian territories it seized in 1967.

The Israelis were never interested in the Arab League plan, because they want a Greater Israel and dont care if the Arab countries recognize them.

The Israelis wont be interested in Macrons plan either. They know that Donald Trump will back them to the hilt. France is the worlds 7th largest economy, with a nominal GDP of $3.2 trillion and a population of 66.7 million. It also ranks 7th in the world for military power. But it is a middle power, not a superpower, and has no levers to influence the extremist-fascist Israeli government. Israel did export $1.43 billion to France last year. But Israels annual global exports are $61 billion, so the trade with France is relatively minor.

Macron must know that Netanyahu actively despises any prospect of peace other than the peace of the graveyard for his enemies. I wonder if he is mainly doing this to strengthen his ties with the Arab and Muslim worlds, where French diplomacy is often valued.
By Tariq Kenney-Shawa | 

( Al-Shabaka )  On October 7, 2024, marking one year since Hamass Al-Aqsa Flood operation, the conservative DC-based Heritage Foundation introduced Project Esther as their latest and most brazen effort yet to crush Palestinian solidarity. Framed as an initiative to combat antisemitism, Project Esther exclusively targets voices and groups critical of the Israeli regime. It calls for collaboration between public and private entities to employ censorship, intimidation, and lawfare to delegitimize and dismantle organizations advocating for Palestinian rights. However, Project Estherand the broader pro-Israel efforts to counter growing Palestine solidaritydid not begin with the genocide in Gaza.

For decades, Zionists and their allies have systematically sought to suppress public dissent against the USs unwavering support for the Israeli regime by targeting individuals and groups advocating for Palestinian rights. While efforts to silence pro-Palestine activism are not new, they have escalated significantly under President Donald Trump. Shortly after taking office for his second term, Trump signed an executive order expanding crackdowns on pro-Palestine advocacy under the guise of combating antisemitism. His administration has intensified bipartisan repression by revoking student visas, arresting and deporting activists, and increasing federal oversight of universities to monitor and control campus organizing, among other measures.

In this context, Project Esther is more than just a desperate attempt to salvage a crumbling Zionist narrativeit is part of a broader authoritarian shift in US politics. Across the country, attacks on dissent, free speech, and marginalized communities are redefining the relationship between the state and civil society. Palestinian solidarity has become an epicenter in a broader effort to erode democratic values, exposing the fragility of rights many Americans have long taken for granted.

This policy brief situates Project Esther within the broader bipartisan crackdown on Palestine advocacya consequence of the Zionist movements failure to win the argument in the public sphere. It argues that this repression is not just an attack on Palestinians and the solidarity movement but a litmus test for US democracy. It also provides a roadmap for resisting this authoritarian turn, ensuring that the fight for Palestinian liberation remains central to the broader struggle for justice and equality.

Evolving Trends in Pro-Palestine Support

Pro-Israel narratives that have dominated US mainstream discourse for decades have gradually unraveled in recent years, causing shifts in public opinion and deepening the anxieties of Israels supporters. While mainstream media outlets continue to mythologize Israel as a beleaguered democracy defending itself against terrorism, these narratives are increasingly contested. Independent news and social media platforms have offered Palestinians fresh outlets to tell their own stories and challenge longstanding propaganda. In academia, students, scholars, and activists advocating for Palestinian liberation are increasingly challenging the once-dominant pro-Israel narrative. This shift is evident in the nationwide student-led movement against the genocide in Gaza, which the US political establishment continues to suppress.

Project Esther is more than just a desperate attempt to salvage a crumbling Zionist narrativeit is part of a broader authoritarian shift in US politics Share on X

Similarly, Boycott, Divestment, and Sanctions (BDS) victories, ranging from artists and musicians refusing to perform inside 1948 lands to companies like Ben & Jerrys attempting to halt sales in the occupied West Bank, signal a cultural shift that makes it harder for Israels defenders to justify unconditional support for a regime widely seen as genocidal. This transformation in public consciousness is precisely what supporters of the Israeli regime fear most, as it erodes the unconditional support essential to sustaining Israels violent settler-colonial project. Given how deeply rooted pro-Israel sentiment is in the US, the current shifts in public opinion on Palestine are striking.

While polls do not tell the whole story, they offer key insights into shifting trends with real implications for advocacy and policymaking. On average, Americans still sympathize more with Israelis than Palestinians. However, support for the Israeli regime is cratering. According to Gallups 2025 survey, sympathy for Israel has fallen below 50% for the first time in polling history, dropping to just 46%. Polling by the same organization found that sympathy for Palestinians rose from 25% in 2021 to 33% in 2025.

Deepening party polarization and generational divides have fueled these trends. Gallup found that 59% of Democrats sympathized more with Palestinians, while only 21% sided with Israelis. The same does not apply to Republican sympathies, which remain overwhelmingly pro-Israel, with 75% favoring Israelis compared to just 10% supporting Palestinians. However, a growing number of prominent conservative commentators have become increasingly critical of Israel and now oppose unconditional US support.

Meanwhile, growing support for Palestinians and rising criticism of Israel among younger Americans have created a stark generational chasm with significant implications for future US policy. A February 2024 Pew Research Center survey found that 33% of Americans aged 18-29 from across the political spectrum sympathized more with Palestinians, while only 14% sided with Israelis. This finding glaringly contrasts with the 47% of respondents aged 65 and older who sympathized more with Israelis. This generational realignment is what Israels staunchest political allies in the US find most troubling, as reflected in their nationwide crackdown on campus activism.

Of course, while sympathies do not always translate into policy priorities or voting decisions, the assault on Gaza has intensified these trends, driving more Americans to oppose Washingtons longstanding support for Israel. A recent CBS News poll found that approximately 61% of Americans across the political spectrum oppose additional US military aid to Israel. This means that a growing number of Americans are not only reassessing their wider sympathies but are also increasingly questioning their governments use of taxpayer dollars to support and enable Israeli war crimes.

Despite growing sympathy for Palestinians and waning support for unconditional aid to Israel, these shifts have yet to influence US policy. In fact, since October 2023, Washingtons support for the Israeli regime has reached new heights, actively enabling the ongoing genocide. Yet, despite increased US support, Israels advocates remain concerned about shifting public opinion. They worry that growing sympathy for Palestinians and declining support for unconditional aid to Israel could, if left unchallenged, eventually trigger meaningful policy changes that fundamentally call into question the special US-Israel relationship. In response, Israels supporters are resorting to increasingly authoritarian tactics to silence dissent and suppress advocacy for Palestinian rights.

A Crackdown Long in the Making

The increasingly authoritarian measures we see today are rooted in a bipartisan legacy that spans decades. For example, anti-Palestinian policymakers have long shaped US antiterrorism laws and counterterrorism policy. The first federal statute to reference terrorism appeared in the 1969 US Foreign Assistance Act, which required UNRWA to ensure that no US aid reached any refugee receiving military training from a member of the so-called Palestinian Liberation Army or engaged in any act of terrorism. Of course, the law offered no clear definition of terrorism. Still, it effectively cast Palestiniansparticularly refugeesas presumed perpetrators, embedding a bias that continues to shape US policy and public discourse to this day. With each new iteration of these antiterrorism laws, one constant remained: the deliberate ambiguity that allowed the federal government to define terrorism to suit its objectives.

The association between Palestinians and terrorism became an entrenched legal bias, shaping a broad array of US laws and policies designed to suppress Palestinian advocacy Share on X

The association between Palestinians and terrorism became an entrenched legal bias, shaping a broad array of US laws and policies designed to suppress Palestinian advocacy. This includes leveraging material support lawswhich prohibit providing financial, logistical, or other aid to foreign terrorist organizations (FTO)to target humanitarian groups while also expanding surveillance programs that label Palestinian Americans as extremists or security threats. Successive US administrations have weaponized legislationrooted in the Antiterrorism and Effective Death Penalty Act of 1996, the PATRIOT Act of 2001, and key legal precedentsto criminalize humanitarian aid and advocacy for Palestinians. In the post-9/11 era, federal authorities increasingly deployed counterterrorism legislation to curtail civil liberties. They used it to surveil and shut down organizations accusedoften without evidenceof ties to terrorism. These measures have created an environment where advocating for Palestinian liberation is not only controversial but also increasingly portrayed as criminal or subversive.

Israel-aligned groups have also expanded their arsenal of legal tools aimed at suppressing pro-Palestine advocacy. For example, the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance (IHRA) definition of antisemitism, adopted by numerous institutions and government bodies, conflates anti-Zionism with antisemitism, effectively silencing criticism of Israel. The IHRA definition also fails to acknowledge antisemitisms deep historical roots in Western white supremacy. As a result, this redefinition of antisemitism does little to protect Jewish people. Instead, it enables the suppression of legitimate advocacy for Palestinian liberation, chilling free expression.

Another facet of this crackdown on pro-Palestine advocacy is the surge of anti-boycott legislation sweeping across the US. Since 2014, dozens of US states have enacted laws penalizing individuals and companies that boycott or refuse to engage with entities complicit in the Israeli occupationpart of a broader BDS movementoften barring them from doing business with the state. For example, in 2022, the Eighth Circuit Court of Appeals upheld an Arkansas law requiring state contractors to pledge not to boycott Israel. The decision erodes constitutional protections by restricting boycotts, which the US Supreme Court recognizes as free political expression safeguarded under the First Amendment. Although federal courts in several states have struck down such anti-boycott measures as unconstitutional, the broader effort to suppress BDS initiatives against Israel persists, and the Trump Administration aims to take it to a new level.

Project Esther: Combating Dissent, Not Antisemitism

Since returning to office in January 2025, Trump and his pro-Israel allies have intensified efforts to suppress support for Palestinian rights, adopting increasingly authoritarian measures to stifle activism and advocacy. Unlike their Democratic counterparts, who often justify such measures as necessary to combat antisemitism, far-right Republican leaders unapologetically wield authoritarian tacticsnot only to silence advocates for Palestinian rights but to advance a broader agenda of eroding civil liberties and targeting dissent. Project Esther exemplifies this strategy, honing in on an issue where liberal commitments to civil rights and free speech repeatedly falter: Palestinian rights advocacy.

On October 7, 2024, the Heritage Foundation presented Project Esther as a national strategy to combat antisemitism. In practice, however, the project conflates anti-Zionism and criticism of Israel with antisemitism, leveraging state power and private resources to dismantle the pro-Palestine solidarity movement in the US through a systematic campaign of intimidation, defunding, and criminalization.

Far-right Republican leaders unapologetically wield authoritarian tacticsnot only to silence advocates for Palestinian rights but to advance a broader agenda of eroding civil liberties and targeting dissent Share on X

A central pillar of Project Esther is its effort to reframe the entire Palestine solidarity movement as the Hamas Support Network, designating its constituent organizations as Hamas Support Organizations. By doing so, it effectively casts any group advocating for Palestinian rights as aligned with Hamas. This deceptive framing allows Project Esther to deploy a two-pronged strategy, combining soft and hard power tactics: one to discredit the movement in the public eye and the other to criminalize its operations through legal and financial warfare.

Soft Power Tactics : By falsely claiming that pro-Palestine organizations are linked to or take direction from Hamasa group designated by the US government as an FTOProject Esther aims to discredit, isolate, and fracture the movement in the eyes of Americans. Hard Power Tactics : Designating these organizations as supporters of terrorism threatens their ability to fundraise, operate legally, and engage in advocacy, effectively neutralizing their capacity to organize.

By employing these tactics, Project Esthers architects intend to leverage financial, legal, and reputational warfare to discredit the Palestine solidarity movement and devastate its operations.

Financial Depletion: By targeting the financial pipelines that sustain groups like Students for Justice in Palestine, American Muslims for Palestine, and Jewish Voice for Peace, Project Esther aims to render organizations advocating for Palestinian rights financially unsustainable, forcing them to shut down or drastically scale back their activities. This strategy includes pressuring donor foundations and academic institutions to withdraw funding and support under threat of reputational damage or legal liability. Lawfare: Project Esther seeks to weaponize the legal system to criminalize Palestinian advocacy. The initiative advocates using counterterrorism and anti-racketeering laws to target groups and individuals engaged in organizing or fundraising for Palestinian causes, alleging affiliations with or support for groups like Hamas. To further this agenda, Project Esther deploys strategic lawsuits designed to drain the resources of pro-Palestine groups under the pretense of national security. These efforts also include deporting non-citizen activists. Ultimately, these measures aim to reframe pro-Palestine advocacy as not just illegitimate but illegal.

Artemisia Gentileschi, Esther before Ahasuerus, 1620s. Public Domain. New York Metropolitan Museum. Reputational Damage: Project Esther aims to sow distrust and division within the broader movement for Palestinian rights. Echoing the tactics of the McCarthy era, Project Esthers strategy calls for research and investigation aimed at uncovering alleged criminal wrongdoing within targeted organizations, implying plans to monitor and potentially infiltrate these groups to gather intelligence. This would be followed by public campaigns accusing individuals and organizations of ties to antisemitism or anti-American sentiment. This tactic makes it difficult for other groups to associate with the targeted organizations without risking reputational damage or legal consequences. Organizations like Canary Mission , which doxxes pro-Palestine students, workers, and academics, play a central role in this name-and-shame campaign.

Together, these hard and soft power tactics aim to erode the progress the pro-Palestine movement has made in shifting US public opinion. Lawfare aims to delegitimize constitutionally protected advocacy while disinformation campaigns portray the Palestinian solidarity movement as driven by foreign influence, obscuring its grassroots origins. Importantly, while Project Esther targets organizations and individuals defending Palestinian rights, its broader impact would involve reshaping US society by purging diverse perspectives from education, stifling student protests, and eliminating critical discourse on Zionism in public and academic spaces. Ultimately, the projects goal is to make advocating for Palestinian rights not just controversial but illegal. If it succeeds, its architects will have a template to expand their targets.

It is crucial to view Project Esther not just as an attack on the Palestinian solidarity movement but as part of the Trump administrations broader assault on democracy. The Heritage Foundation and other influential ultra-conservative power brokers are using initiatives like Project Esther to expand and refine powerful legal mechanisms, which have long disproportionately targeted marginalized communities and left-wing activists. These include:

Foreign Agents Registration Act (FARA): Project Esther advocates for the utilization of FARA in order to investigate pro-Palestine organizations and activists as representatives of foreign interests, setting a dangerous precedent for its broader use against any movement critical of US policy.

Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations Act (RICO): By labeling Palestine solidarity groups as part of a so-called Hamas Support Network, Project Esther lays the groundwork for RICO prosecutions a strategy that could just as easily be weaponized against labor unions, climate activists, and other movements the far-right seeks to dismantle.

Counterterrorism Frameworks: The false and unfounded connection drawn between advocacy in support of Palestinian rights and direct association with an FTO serves to justify expanded surveillance, legal action, and extrajudicial repressionfurther entrenching policies historically used to criminalize Muslim, Black, and Indigenous activism.

Immigration Laws: By advocating for the deportation of foreign-born activists, Project Esther is establishing a precedent for even broader immigration crackdowns against dissenters, including refugees, asylum seekers, and other vulnerable communities.

Beyond these instruments of repression, Project Esther relies on fear-driven messaging and disinformation campaigns to influence policy.

Using Fear as a Cudgel

Project Esther is an initiative rooted in disinformation, fear, and conservative fundamentalism. The founders of Project Esther named it after the biblical figure Esther, celebrated in Jewish tradition for saving her people from genocide in ancient Persia. By appropriating Esthers story, the initiative aims to draw a moral parallel between historical Jewish survival and modern Zionist agendas, portraying critics of Israel as existential threats to Jewish safety and using this rhetoric to justify increasingly authoritarian demands.

In reality, concerns for Jewish safety do not drive Project Esther; instead, a far-right Christian nationalist agenda shapes its objectives. The Heritage Foundation reportedly struggled to secure Jewish organizations as official partners. Several organizations that the Heritage Foundation insisted played a direct role in the initiatives creation have denied the claim, including the World Jewish Congress and the Republican Jewish Coalition. This does not mean these organizations shy away from quashing criticism of Israel. They may have been reluctant to join a partisan crusade led by Evangelical Christiansor they wanted to claim ownership of the war on antisemitism themselves. Regardless of their motives, the deeper issue is whether Project Esthers true goal is combating antisemitism at all.

Project Esther conflates anti-Zionism and criticism of Israel with antisemitism, leveraging state power and private resources to dismantle the pro-Palestine solidarity movement in the US. Share on X

If combating antisemitism had been the primary objective of Project Esther, its architects would have presented a plan to address the source of its most violent manifestations: the far-right. However, Project Esther explicitly downplays the dangers of far-right antisemitism and makes no mention of addressing white supremacy. Instead, it paints antisemitism as a form of discrimination that only emanates from the pro-Palestine political left. With that in mind, it lists nearly every Democrat who has ever voiced even the slightest criticism of Israel, branding them as part of a so-called Hamas Caucus. Meanwhile, Republicans such as Rand Paul and Thomas Massie, both outspoken critics of continued unconditional military aid to Israel, are notably omitted.

Project Esthers report, which outlines its strategy to combat antisemitism, fails to mention a single Republican, despite clear instances of antisemitism within the GOP in recent years. It did not condemn Trumps routine invocation of antisemitic rhetoric, including dual loyalty tropes suggesting Jewish Americans who vote for Democrats are disloyal to Israel and their faith. It also fails to mention Marjorie Taylor Greene, who voted against the Antisemitism Awareness Act of 2023 (H.R. 6090), claiming it contradicted the gospel. These omissions expose Project Esther for what it truly is: a blueprint for suppressing dissent against unconditional support for Israel, silencing advocates for Palestinian rights, and entrenching extreme conservative agendas. It has nothing to do with combating antisemitism.

By weaponizing Jewish trauma to advance its agenda, Project Esther undermines genuine efforts to combat antisemitism, aligning itself with the white supremacist forces that have historically posed the greatest threat to Jewish communities. In fact, using the pretext of Jewish safety to dismantle hard-won democratic protections, such as freedom of speech, only reinforces the very stereotypes that fuel antisemitism.

A Direct Assault on Democracy

Project Esther emerges as an extension of Project 2025, a comprehensive far-right agenda that Trump initially distanced himself from during his reelection campaign, only to implement it in a blitzkrieg series of executive orders upon returning to office. Project Esther represents the natural culmination of the broader crackdown on Palestinian solidarity. It also comes at a time when some of the most repressive, supremacist forces in the US are poised to tighten their grip on the halls of power.

Like the broader crackdown on Palestinian solidarity, Project Esther is ultimately an attempt to reclaim narratives that have long justified unconditional US support for Israel. It reflects a broader conservative backlash in the US, as many on the right believe that the stories and myths sustaining their privileges are eroding in an increasingly diverse and politically conscious society. In one sense, Project Esther presents itself as a forward-looking initiative, but at its core, it is a reactionary attempt to preserve the status quo.

The architects of Project Esther are desperately fighting against growing support for Palestinians and increasing criticism of the Israeli regime, both of which are outcomes of the democratic process itself. As pillars of democracy, the open exchange of information and free speech have enabled Palestinians to share their stories, ultimately fostering skepticism toward the continued unconditional US support for the Israeli regime. By working to silence groups and individuals who defend Palestinian rights or criticize Israeli policy, Israels supporters are actively undermining the democratic process.

In the face of the repressive machinery unleashed by initiatives like Project Esther and the broader assault on Palestinian solidarity, the need for strategic, unified, and proactive action has never been greater. Below are recommendations for individuals and organizations committed to defending Palestinian advocacy and upholding the broader principles of justice, equality, and free expression. These strategic recommendations aim to fortify Palestinian advocacy, ensuring resilience, unity, and effectiveness in the face of escalating repression.

Recommendations

Building Movement Resilience and Intersectional Solidarity

The greatest threat to pro-Palestine advocacy is isolation. Project Esthers strategy aims to divide the Palestine solidarity movement and sever it from other human rights causes. To counter this attack, the pro-Palestine movement must strengthen alliances and build a broad, unified coalition.

Foster intra-movement solidarity: Establish shared platforms for communication and mutual support within the pro-Palestine movement to counter division and mistrust.

Highlight intersectionality: Forge alliances with environmental, Indigenous, and racial justice movements, among others, to broaden support and strengthen coalition-building.

Underscore the threat to constitutional freedoms: Frame Project Esther as a direct attack on First Amendment rights for all Americans, not just Palestinian advocates, to galvanize broader opposition to repressive attacks on dissent and civil liberties.

Winning the Information War

Public opinion is a key battleground. Effective messaging and strategic reframing can challenge disinformation promoted by Zionist-aligned groups.

Reframe anti-Zionism as a human rights and public interest issue: Position opposition to Israeli policies within universal principles of justice, equality, and responsible use of US tax dollars.

Expose right-wing cooptation of antisemitism discourse: Demonstrate how conflating criticism of Israel with antisemitism undermines genuine efforts to combat hate and protect Jewish communities.

Document and expose repression: Track and publicize the human and democratic costs of Project Esther and similar initiatives to build a compelling case for solidarity.

Strengthening Legal Defenses and Bolstering Funding

Strong legal strategies and diversified funding sources are essential to counter the lawfare tactics used by Project Esther to silence dissent.

Leverage anti-SLAPP laws: Utilize Strategic Lawsuit Against Public Participation (anti-SLAPP) lawsdesigned to prevent lawsuits aimed at chilling free speechto protect activists and organizations.

Expand and diversify grassroots funding: Build a network of small donors and international supporters to ensure financial independence and mitigate the impact of defunding campaigns.

Via Al-Shabaka
High school students have now joined university students in protests that have rocked the country since March 19

Written by Arzu Geybullayeva

( Global Voices )  Ever sinceMarch 19, when Istanbuls popular mayor and main opposition partys presidential candidate, Ekrem Imamoglu, was first detained, then arrested, on bogus corruption and terrorism charges, Turkey has been rocked by mass protests. While the demography of protesters spans across all age groups and professions, university students have been at the forefront. Starting from this video showing students at Istanbul University dismantling the police barricades, students from across the country continue to call for change. Their demands go beyond the arrest of the mayor and include calls for justice, rights, law and an end to decades-long rule of the only party and the only leader they have known  Recep Tayyip Erdogan. And as of April 14, joining them were high school students demonstrating in solidarity with teachers affected by controversial assignment policies.

I want to break up

Among countless creative posters displayed at protests by students since March 19 was one that read, Recep, I want to break up. As journalist Selin Oztuncman wrote in her piece for Fayn Studio, what these young people have in common is that some have nothing in common at all, except wanting change. But wanting change in Turkey comes at a cost and according to reports by local media, a total of 301 students were among close to 2,000 citizens detained since the start of the protests, despite assertions by lawyers and politicians and other civic activists, that taking part in protests is a right enshrined in the countrys constitution.

According to one lawyer who spoke to The Guardian, As a lawyer, I never saw anything like this before in my life. All of them [students] held in that jail are students and none of them are guilty of anything. Their only crime was protesting, attending a completely legal gathering. This is not a crime under our constitution.

Over the following weeks, news of releases dominated the headlines. At the time of writing this story, at least 43 of the students remain behind bars.

Even though they were forced to spend religious holidays behind bars, facing police violence for the first time, students who were released said they have no intention of stopping. Among them, 21-year-old Berkay Gezgin, who is also the author behind Imamoglus campaign slogan from the 2019 local election, Everything is going to be beautiful. Speaking to journalists following his release on April 10, Gezgin thanked everyone who continued the struggle while he and hundreds of others were within the prison walls. Remember, no one can stand in front of the will of the nation. We are here right now because you fought your struggle. Thank you very much. We will also get Ekrem [Imamoglu] out as soon as possible. Everything will be very beautiful, added the young student.

From universities to high schools

On April 8, the Ministry of Education announced reassignments that affected over 30 schools. Many teachers and administrators across several provinces were reassigned to schools they did not prefer or were left unemployed altogether. The decision impacted specifically Proje okullar (project schools), which were introduced in 2014 by the Ministry of Education. These are state schools operating within a certain criteria (such as only accepting students who have demonstrated exceptional scores at high-school entrance exams) and implementing special education models or projects beyond the standard curriculum.



Teen Protest, Digital, Midjourney, 2025

There are 2,300 project schools in Turkey employing a total of 79,286 teachers and 5,318 administrators as per data by the Ministry of Education. Every four years, both teachers and administrators are subject to rotation. If the school administration wants to keep the teachers, rotations do not take place, as has been the case in previous years, according to reportingby Aposto.

Following the April 8 announcement, high school students launched a social media campaign under the hashtag #ogretmenimedokunma [dont touch my teacher]. Joining the campaign were also schools alumni and parents. In addition to issuing statements, students organized sit-ins in some of the high schools across the country. Critics, students, and parents say the re-appointments targeted dissident teachers who had previously participated in boycotts and work stoppages, and had been critical of the Istanbul mayors arrest.

According to Kemal Irmak, the president of the Education and Science Workers Union (Egitim-Sen), the Ministrys decision has led to the reassignments of some 20,000 teachers and the dismissal of nearly 5,000 teachers. Irmak also said in an interview with Aposto that the decision deprived the students of qualified teachers.

A similar decision was implemented 10 years ago, in 2015, and there were similar objections from students, parents and teachers who at the time also claimed that the teachers who were dismissed from these schools were replaced by unqualified people who did not know the school traditions. But according to Irmak, this time, dismissals and replacements are different. There were more legal and fair criteria then. Today they have been completely abolished, and arbitrariness is being applied. Dissident teachers, teachers who are members of dissident unions, are being excluded from the staff, Irmak told in an interview with Fayn Press.

One of the biggest criticisms is the appointment procedure itself, which, according to the existing procedures, indicates that it is the Ministry of Education that decides who gets appointed where, without transparency. When project schools were introduced for the first time, the requirement on teachers to take certain exams was lifted, prompting public criticism.

The Ministry of Education dismissed the criticisms that the move was political. Students think otherwise. On April 14, university and high school students gathered in Istanbuls Besiktas neighborhood to voice their concerns.

April 14 is known in Turkey as the Great Student Gathering that marked the first mass student mobilisation in the aftermath of the 1980 military coup. Reading a statement from the stage, one high school student said: Today, as high school students, we gathered in Besiktas Square. Our demands are very clear. Over the past week, the AKP government has been trying to discredit and degrade the quality of education in high schools by removing our qualified teachers from their positions. These teachers are union members, opposition, and have always stood by us. We are here to show our support for them.

Meanwhile, calls for boycotts and protests continue across the country, spearheaded by the opposition party.
Vancouver, British Columbia  April 17, 2025  Troubadour Resources Inc. (the Company) (TSX Venture: TR) (OTCQB: TROUF) is pleased to announce the appointment of Zachary Kotowych as Chief Executive Officer, Corporate Secretary, and Director of the Company, effective immediately. Mr. Kotowych has also been appointed as a member of the Companys Audit Committee.

Mr. Kotowych previously served in Corporate Development at Abitibi Metals Corp., a Quebec-focused exploration company advancing the high-grade B26 Polymetallic Deposit and the Beschefer Gold Project. With nearly a decade of experience across capital markets, technical exploration, and corporate strategy, he brings a dynamic combination of geological insight and financial expertise to his new role.

Prior to joining Abitibi, Mr. Kotowych held equity research roles with Haywood Securities and Red Cloud Securities, where he covered mining equities. His technical background includes exploration work with Great Bear Resources, Carlisle Goldfields, and Solstice Gold. He holds an MSc in Geophysics and an Honours BSc in Mathematics and Geology from the University of Toronto.

We are excited to welcome Zachary to the leadership team at Troubadour, stated Navin Varshney, Director. His technical expertise, capital markets experience, and proven track record in resource development will be invaluable as we advance the Companys exploration strategy and strengthen our corporate governance framework.

The Company also announces the resignation of Mr. Christopher Huggins from his roles as Chief Executive Officer, Corporate Secretary and Director. The Board thanks Mr. Huggins for his leadership and dedication during his tenure and wishes him continued success in his future endeavours.

About Troubadour Resources Inc.

Troubadour Resources Inc. is a North American mineral acquisition and exploration company focused on the development of quality battery and precious metal properties that are drill-ready with high-upside and expansion potential. Based in Vancouver, BC, Troubadour trades on the TSX Venture Exchange under the symbol TR and the OTCPK Exchange under the symbol TROUF.

TROUBADOUR RESOURCES INC.

Navin Varshney

Director

778-868-8716

Neither TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

Forward-looking statements

This news release may include "forward-looking information" under applicable Canadian securities legislation, including statements respecting the Companys expectation that Mr. Kotowychs technical expertise, capital markets experience, and proven track record in resource development will be invaluable as the Company advances its exploration strategy and strengthens its corporate governance framework. Such forward-looking information reflects management's current beliefs and are based on a number of estimates and/or assumptions made by and information currently available to the Company that, while considered reasonable, are subject to known and unknown risks, uncertainties, and other factors that may cause the actual results and future events to differ materially from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking information. Readers are cautioned that such forward-looking information are neither promises nor guarantees and are subject to known and unknown risks and uncertainties including, but not limited to, general business, economic, competitive, political and social uncertainties, uncertain and volatile equity and capital markets, lack of available capital, actual results of exploration activities, environmental risks, future prices of base and other metals, operating risks, accidents, labour issues, delays in obtaining governmental approvals and permits, and other risks in the mining industry. The Company is presently an exploration stage company. Exploration is highly speculative in nature, involves many risks, requires substantial expenditures, and may not result in the discovery of mineral deposits that can be mined profitably. Furthermore, the Company currently has no reserves on any of its properties. As a result, there can be no assurance that such forward-looking statements will prove to be accurate, and actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements.
Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - April 17, 2025) - Prospector Metals Corp. (TSXV: PPP) (OTCQB: PMCOF) (FSE: 1ET) ("Prospector" or the "Company") announces a non-brokered private placement to raise gross proceeds of up to C$5,000,000 through the issuance of 25,974,025 Charity Flow-Through Units (the "Charity FT Units") at a price of $0.154 per Charity FT Unit and 9,090,909 Non-Flow-Through common shares (the "NFT Shares") at a price of $0.11 per NFT Share (the "Offering").

Each Charity FT Unit will be comprised of one flow-through common share (a "FT Share") and one half of one non-flow-through common share purchase warrant (each whole warrant, a "Warrant"). Each Warrant will be exercisable at a price of $0.30 into one common share for a period of two years from the date of issuance.

Prospector intends to use the proceeds of the Offering to fund its exploration program at its ML Project in the Yukon, which includes up to 5,000 meters of diamond drilling focused on 5 target areas, as reported in the Company's news release dated April 9, 2025.

The Offering is expected to close on or about May 6, 2025, and is subject to certain closing conditions including, but not limited to, the receipt of all necessary approvals including the conditional approval of the TSX Venture Exchange.

The Company may pay finders' fees under the Offering in accordance with applicable securities laws and the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange. The securities issued under the Offering will be subject to a hold period under applicable securities laws in Canada expiring four months and one day from the closing date of the Offering.

The FT Shares will qualify as "flow-through shares" (within the meaning of subsection 66(15) of the Income Tax Act (Canada) (the "Tax Act")). An amount equal to the gross proceeds from the issuance of the FT Shares will be used to incur eligible resource exploration expenses which will qualify as (i) "Canadian exploration expenses" (as defined in the Tax Act), and (ii) as "flow-through critical mineral mining expenditures" (as defined in subsection 127(9) of the Tax Act) (collectively, the "Qualifying Expenditures"). Qualifying Expenditures in an aggregate amount not less than the gross proceeds raised from the issue of the FT Shares will be incurred (or deemed to be incurred) by the Company on or before December 31, 2026, and will be renounced by the Company to the initial purchasers of the FT Shares with an effective date no later than December 31, 2025.

About Prospector Metals Corp.

Prospector Metals Corp. is a proud member of Discovery Group. The Company is focused on district scale, early-stage exploration of gold and base metal prospects. Creating shareholder value through new discoveries, the Company identifies underexplored or overlooked mineral districts displaying important structural and mineralogical occurrences similar to more established mining operations. The majority of acquisition activity occurs in Yukon and Ontario, Canada  Tier-1 mining jurisdictions with an abundance of overlooked geological regions possessing high mineral potential. Prospector establishes and maintains relationships with local and Indigenous rightsholders and seeks to develop partnerships and agreements that are mutually beneficial to all interested parties.

This news release does not constitute an offer to sell or a solicitation of an offer to buy any securities in the United States. The securities have not been and will not be registered under the United States Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the "U.S. Securities Act") or any state securities laws and may not be offered or sold within the United States or to U.S. Persons unless registered under the U.S. Securities Act and applicable state securities laws or an exemption from such registration is available.

On behalf of the Board of Directors,

Prospector Metals Corp.

Dr. Rob Carpenter, Ph.D., P.Geo.

President & CEO

Forward-Looking Statement Cautions

This press release contains certain "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of Canadian securities legislation, including, but not limited to, statements regarding the Company's plans with respect to the Company's projects and the timing related thereto, the merits of the Company's projects, the Company's objectives, plans and strategies, the Offering and other project opportunities. Although the Company believes that such statements are reasonable, it can give no assurance that such expectations will prove to be correct. Forward-looking statements are statements that are not historical facts; they are generally, but not always, identified by the words "expects," "plans," "anticipates," "believes," "intends," "estimates," "projects," "aims," "potential," "goal," "objective,", "strategy", "prospective," and similar expressions, or that events or conditions "will," "would," "may," "can," "could" or "should" occur, or are those statements, which, by their nature, refer to future events. The Company cautions that forward-looking statements are based on the beliefs, estimates and opinions of the Company's management on the date the statements are made and they involve a number of risks and uncertainties. Consequently, there can be no assurances that such statements will prove to be accurate and actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements. Except to the extent required by applicable securities laws and the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange, the Company undertakes no obligation to update these forward-looking statements if management's beliefs, estimates or opinions, or other factors, should change. Factors that could cause future results to differ materially from those anticipated in these forward-looking statements include the risk of accidents and other risks associated with mineral exploration operations, the risk that the Company will encounter unanticipated geological factors, or the possibility that the Company may not be able to secure permitting and other agency or governmental clearances necessary to carry out the Company's exploration plans and risks of political uncertainties and regulatory or legal changes in the jurisdictions where the Company carries on its business that might interfere with the Company's business and prospects. The reader is urged to refer to the Company's reports, publicly available through the Canadian Securities Administrators' System for Electronic Document Analysis and Retrieval (SEDAR+) at www.sedarplus.ca for a more complete discussion of such risk factors and their potential effects.

Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

NOT FOR DISTRIBUTION TO U.S. NEWSWIRE SERVICES FOR DISSEMINATION IN THE UNITED STATES
Chibougamau Copper-Gold Project, Canada

HIGHLIGHTS:

Drilling at Golden Eye has returned shallow high-grade gold up to 9.1g/t Au in first assays with an intersection of: 3.3m @ 6.6g/t Au from just 131.7m including 2.3m @ 9.1g/t Au (LDR-25-05)

Golden Eye was last drilled in the early 1990s when gold was less than US$350/oz. The entire drilling target sits outside the current resource

Significant intersections from historic drilling 1 include: 5.9m @ 34.1g/t AuEq (32.2g/t Au, 1.2% Cu & 27.3g/t Ag) (RD-11) 4.5m @ 21.6g/t AuEq (14.9g/t Au, 4.7% Cu & 54g/t Ag) (RD-28) 8.4m @ 12.7g/t AuEq (11.0g/t Au, 1.3% Cu & 15.8g/t Ag) (RD-20) 7.5m @ 22.1g/t AuEq (16.0g/t Au & 4.7% Cu) (S1-87-1) 10.4m @ 12.2 g/t AuEq (7.3g/t Au, 3.5% Cu & 31.8g/t Ag) (S3-86-4)

Subsequent holes drilled by Cygnus extended the known mineralisation down dip, where it remains open, with coarse visible gold* intersected in LDR-25-08 (awaiting assays - see photo below)

* Visual estimates of mineral abundance should never be considered a proxy or substitute for laboratory analyses where concentrations or grades are the factor of principal economic interest. Visual estimates also potentially provide no information regarding impurities or deleterious physical properties relevant to valuations. The Company expects to receive the laboratory analytical results of the recent core sample (including LDR-25-08) between late April and early May.

Gold was a significant part of the historic production within the Chibougamau District, with over 3.5Moz of gold produced alongside 945,000t of copper 3

The recent drilling campaign at Golden Eye of six holes for 1,954m aimed to confirm historic drilling results and extend mineralisation at depth. Assay are pending for the remaining five holes

The Company intends to utilise the recently compiled historic drill data totalling 77 holes for 21,371m to complete an initial Mineral Resource for Golden Eye

Cygnus is continuing the process of digitising >100,000 documents including drill logs, some of which have not been looked at in over 30 years and never before in modern 3D software

This highly cost-effective approach is assisting the team to conduct the first consolidated view of the geology and generate new drill targets as Cygnus looks to create shareholder value through resource growth, resource conversion and discovery with two rigs on site

Cygnus Executive Chairman David Southam said: Gold is a major part of the production history in the Chibougamau district. It is more than just a by-product, with production of 3.5Moz at an average grade of 2.1g/t Au. We already have 248,000oz of gold in Inferred Resources and 66,000oz in Measured and Indicated Resources,2 and there is significant opportunity to add to these at Golden Eye with early high-grade results and visible gold down dip.



Golden Eye is fairly unique at Chibougamau in having a significantly higher proportion of gold than copper and was identified by the team early as an excellent gold-dominant drill target. We have a good head start by having the historic drill logs and will utilise this recently compiled data to assist in an initial Mineral Resource for Golden Eye.



TORONTO and PERTH, Western Australia, April 16, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Cygnus Metals Limited (ASX: CY5; TSXV: CYG; OTCQB: CYGGF) (Cygnus or the Company) is pleased to announce high-grade gold assays and visible gold from its first drilling at the new target Golden Eye within the Chibougamau Copper-Gold Project in Quebec.

Assays of up to 9.1g/t Au alongside visible gold intersected down dip in recent drilling highlight the potential for additional resources and scope for further growth. Golden Eye was identified as a priority high-grade gold target which has not been drilled since the early 1990s when gold was less than US$350/oz. The entire target area sits outside of current resources with significant historic intersections of up to 5.9m @ 34.1g/t AuEq.1

The identification of the Golden Eye target is a result of the ongoing compilation work which is helping to unlock this historic district as the Company continues to build upon the existing high-grade copper-gold resources with low-risk brownfield exploration. The Company currently has two rigs on site focussing on both resource growth and resource conversion drilling.

About Recent Drilling at Golden Eye

Golden Eye was identified as a priority drilling target at the Chibougamau Project with shallow high-grade gold mineralisation highlighted during the ongoing review of historic hardcopy drill logs, with the most recent drilling conducted in the early 1990s when gold price was less than US$350/oz. Historic drilling in the area returned some outstanding gold and copper grades1 of:

5.9m @ 34.1g/t AuEq (32.2g/t Au, 1.2% Cu & 27.3g/t Ag) (RD-11);

(RD-11); 4.5m @ 21.6g/t AuEq (14.9g/t Au, 4.7% Cu & 54g/t Ag) (RD-28);

(RD-28); 8.4m @ 12.7g/t AuEq (11.0g/t Au, 1.3% Cu & 15.8g/t Ag) (RD-20);

(RD-20); 7.5m @ 22.1g/t AuEq (16.0g/t Au & 4.7% Cu) (S1-87-1); and

(S1-87-1); and 10.4m @ 12.2 g/t AuEq (7.3g/t Au, 3.5% Cu & 31.8g/t Ag) (S3-86-4).

In 1992, a double access ramp was developed to access the mineralisation and to provide a better platform for drilling; however, low metal prices and a change of ownership shifted the focus to already established operating mines within the camp.

Cygnus recently completed a targeted 6-hole program for 1,954m, which aimed to confirm historic drilling results and extend mineralisation at depth. First assays from this drilling have confirmed the high-grade tenor of the shallow mineralisation with an intersection of:

3.3m @ 6.6g/t Au from 131.7m including 2.3m @ 9.1g/t Au (LDR-25-05)

Recent drilling has also extended mineralisation down dip to a depth of 400m below the surface, which remains open. Visual mineralisation intersected in drill hole LDR-25-08 highlighted coarse visible gold associated with chalcopyrite mineralisation over 0.9m from 463.8m downhole (refer Appendix B). Assays are pending for the five remaining holes of the program and are expected to be received in the current quarter. Once received, these results are expected to be incorporated into an updated geological model along with drilling completed by Dore Copper Mining Corp. in 2022/2023 which tested the conceptual structural model of the wider area.

The Chibougamau district has a strong history of gold production as well as copper, having produced 3.5Moz Au at an average grade of 2.1g/t Au.3 Gold grades vary between different deposits although Golden Eye and Cedar Bay are the two areas with a significantly higher gold grade than other deposits within the camp.

Cygnus intends to utilise the recently completed drilling data (once all received) alongside the newly compiled historic drill data totalling 77 holes for 21,371m (both surface and underground drilling) to complete an initial Mineral Resource Estimate for the Golden Eye target. Golden Eye is an excellent example of the value generated through ongoing compilation work which is helping to unlock this historic district while the Company continues to build upon the existing high-grade copper-gold resources with low-risk brownfield exploration.

Ongoing Work

Cygnus is continuing to compile the data across the camp and deliver additional drill targets as the Company looks to execute its strategy of value creation through resource growth and conversion drilling. This low-cost, low-risk approach includes both surface and downhole electromagnetics (EM) to generate brownfield targets around known high quality mineralisation.

Figure 1: Long Section of Golden Eye over 600m of strike with significant high grade gold up to 34.1gt AuEq over 5.9m. Mineralisation is still open at depth, with visible gold intersected in LDR-25-08. Refer to Appendix A of this release for newly released drill intercept and ASX releases dated 15 October 2024 and 25 March 2025 for previously announced drilling results.

Figure 2: Long Section through the Chibougamau North Camp illustrating Golden Eye with standout intersections of up to 5.9m @ 34.1g/t AuEq. Refer to ASX releases dated 15 October 2024 and 25 March 2025 for previously announced drilling results.

This announcement has been authorised for release by the Board of Directors of Cygnus.

About Cygnus Metals

Cygnus Metals Limited (ASX: CY5, TSXV: CYG, OTCQB: CYGGF) is a diversified critical minerals exploration and development company with projects in Quebec, Canada and Western Australia. The Company is dedicated to advancing its Chibougamau Copper-Gold Project in Quebec with an aggressive exploration program to drive resource growth and develop a hub-and-spoke operation model with its centralised processing facility. In addition, Cygnus has quality lithium assets with significant exploration upside in the world-class James Bay district in Quebec, and REE and base metal projects in Western Australia. The Cygnus team has a proven track record of turning exploration success into production enterprises and creating shareholder value.

Cautionary Note  Visual Estimates

In relation to the disclosure of visible mineralisation, the Company cautions that visual estimates of mineral abundance should never be considered a proxy or substitute for laboratory analysis. Laboratory assay results are required to determine the widths and grade of the visible mineralisation reported in preliminary geological logging. The Company will update the market when laboratory analytical results become available. The reported intersections are down hole lengths and are not necessarily true width. Descriptions of the mineral amounts seen and logged in the core are qualitative only. Quantitative assays will be completed by Bureau Veritas, with the results for those intersections discussed in this release expected between late April and early May.

Forward Looking Statements

This release may contain certain forward-looking statements and projections regarding estimates, resources and reserves; planned production and operating costs profiles; planned capital requirements; and planned strategies and corporate objectives. Such forward looking statements/projections are estimates for discussion purposes only and should not be relied upon. They are not guarantees of future performance and involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors, many of which are beyond Cygnus control. Cygnus makes no representations and provides no warranties concerning the accuracy of the projections and disclaims any obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements/projections based on new information, future events or otherwise except to the extent required by applicable laws. While the information contained in this release has been prepared in good faith, neither Cygnus or any of its directors, officers, agents, employees or advisors give any representation or warranty, express or implied, as to the fairness, accuracy, completeness or correctness of the information, opinions and conclusions contained in this release. Accordingly, to the maximum extent permitted by law, none of Cygnus, its directors, employees or agents, advisers, nor any other person accepts any liability whether direct or indirect, express or limited, contractual, tortuous, statutory or otherwise, in respect of the accuracy or completeness of the information or for any of the opinions contained in this release or for any errors, omissions or misstatements or for any loss, howsoever arising, from the use of this release.

End Notes

Refer to Cygnus ASX announcements dated 15 October 2024 and 25 March 2025. The Mineral Resource estimate at the Chibougamau Project is a foreign estimate prepared in accordance with CIM Standards. A competent person has not done sufficient work to classify the foreign estimate as a mineral resource in accordance with the JORC Code, and it is uncertain whether further evaluation and exploration will result in an estimate reportable under the JORC Code. Refer to Appendix C for a breakdown of the Mineral Resource Estimate. Historic production statistics for the Chibougamau area are recorded in Leclerc. F, Harris. L. B, Bedard. J. H, Van Breeman. O and Goulet. N. 2012, Structural and Stratigraphic Controls on Magmatic, Volcanogenic, and Shear Zone-Hosted Mineralization in the Chapais-Chibougamau Mining Camp, Northeastern Abitibi, Canada. Society of Economic Geologists, Inc. Economic Geology, v. 107, pp. 963989.

Qualified Persons and Compliance Statements

The scientific and technical information in this announcement has been reviewed and approved by Mr Louis Beaupre, the Quebec Exploration Manager of Cygnus, a qualified person as defined in National Instrument 43-101  Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects. The Exploration Results disclosed in this announcement are also based on and fairly represent information and supporting documentation compiled by Mr Beaupre. Mr Beaupre holds options in Cygnus. Mr Beaupre is a member of the Ordre des ingenieurs du Quebec (P. Eng.), a Registered Overseas Professional Organisation as defined in the ASX Listing Rules, and has sufficient experience which is relevant to the style of mineralisation and type of deposits under consideration and to the activity which has been undertaken to qualify as a Competent Person as defined in the 2012 Edition of the Australasian Code for Reporting of Exploration Results, Mineral Resources and Ore Reserves. Mr Beaupre consents to the inclusion in this release of the matters based on the information in the form and context in which they appear.

The Company first announced the foreign estimate of mineralisation for the Chibougamau Project on 15 October 2024. The Company confirms that the supporting information included in the original announcement continues to apply and has not materially changed, notwithstanding the clarification announcement released by Cygnus on 28 January 2025 (Clarification). Cygnus confirms that (notwithstanding the Clarification) it is not aware of any new information or data that materially affects the information included in the original announcement and that all material assumptions and technical parameters underpinning the estimates in the original announcement continue to apply and have not materially changed. Cygnus confirms that it is not in possession of any new information or data that materially impacts on the reliability of the estimates or Cygnus ability to verify the foreign estimates as mineral resources in accordance with the JORC Code. The Company confirms that the form and context in which the Competent Persons findings are presented have not been materially modified from the original market announcement.

The information in this announcement that relates to previously reported Exploration Results at the Companys projects has been previously released by Cygnus in ASX Announcements as noted in the text and End Notes. Cygnus is not aware of any new information or data that materially affects the information in these announcements. The Company confirms that the form and context in which the Competent Persons findings are presented have not been materially modified from the original market announcements.

Individual grades for the metals included in the metal equivalents calculation for the foreign estimate are in Appendix C of this release. Metal equivalents for the foreign estimate of mineralisation have been calculated at a copper price of US$8,750/t, gold price of US$2,350/oz, with copper equivalents calculated based on the formula CuEq (%) = Cu(%) + (Au (g/t) x 0.77258). Individual grades for the metals included in the metal equivalents calculation for the exploration results are in Appendix A of this release. Metal equivalents for exploration results have been calculated at a copper price of US$8,750/t, gold price of US$2,350/oz and silver price of US$25/oz. Copper equivalents are calculated based on the formula CuEq(%) = Cu(%) + (Au(g/t) x 0.77258)+(Ag(g/t) x 0.00822). Gold equivalents are calculated based on the formula AuEq(g/t) = Au(g/t) +(Cu(%) x 1.29436)+(Ag(g/t) x 0.01064). Metallurgical recovery factors have been applied to the metal equivalents calculations, with copper metallurgical recovery assumed at 95% and precious metal (gold and silver) metallurgical recovery assumed at 85% based upon historical production at the Chibougamau Processing Facility, and the metallurgical results contained in Cygnus announcement dated 28 January 2025. It is the Companys view that all elements in the metal equivalents calculations in respect of the foreign estimate and exploration results have a reasonable potential to be recovered and sold.

Neither TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

APPENDIX A  Significant Intersections from Recent Drilling at Golden Eye

Coordinates given in UTM NAD83 (Zone 18). Intercept lengths may not add up due to rounding to the appropriate reporting precision. Significant intersections reported above 2g/t AuEq over widths of greater than 1m. True width estimated to be 80% of downhole thickness.

Hole ID X Y Z Azi Dip Depth (m) From (m) To (m) Interval (m) Au (g/t) Cu (%) AuEq (g/t) LDR-25-05 549448 5525296 375 227 -45 214.2 131.7 135.0 3.3 6.6 0.0 6.6 Including 131.7 134 2.3 9.1 0.0 9.1 LDR-25-06 549560 5525483 375 215 -51 474.0 Pending Assays LDR-25-07 549453 5525313 375 215 -55 261.0 LDR-25-08 549524 5525441 375 246 -57 516.0 LDR-25-09 549445 5525319 375 238 -54 252.0 LDR-25-10 549489 5525229 375 220 -60 237.0

APPENDIX B - Summary Logging Details for Mineralised Intersections Observed in LDR-25-08

Hole ID From To Interval Mineral 1 % Mineral 2 % Mineral 3 % Visible Gold Total Sulphide (%) LDR-25-08 89.0 90.0 1.0 Pyrite 2.0 - 2.0 LDR-25-08 166.4 211.1 44.7 Pyrite 0.5 - 0.5 LDR-25-08 211.1 216.0 4.9 Pyrite 0.1 - 0.1 LDR-25-08 216.0 216.6 0.6 Pyrite 1.0 - 1.0 LDR-25-08 216.6 354.8 138.2 Pyrite 0.1 - 0.1 LDR-25-08 360.4 361.3 0.9 Chalcopyrite 0.5 Pyrite 1.0 - 1.5 LDR-25-08 363.9 392.1 28.2 Chalcopyrite 0.3 Pyrite 0.5 - 0.8 LDR-25-08 392.1 397.3 5.3 Pyrite 0.3 - 0.3 LDR-25-08 397.3 405.6 8.3 Chalcopyrite 0.1 - 0.1 LDR-25-08 405.6 406.1 0.5 Chalcopyrite 0.3 Pyrite 30.0 - 30.3 LDR-25-08 406.1 407.9 1.8 Chalcopyrite 0.5 Pyrite 1.5 - 2.0 LDR-25-08 407.9 408.3 0.4 Pyrite 7.0 Chalcopyrite 0.1 - 7.1 LDR-25-08 408.3 409.0 0.7 Pyrite 0.1 - 0.1 LDR-25-08 409.0 409.4 0.4 Pyrite 25.0 Chalcopyrite 25.0 - 50.0 LDR-25-08 409.4 411.7 2.3 Chalcopyrite 3.0 Pyrite 7.0 - 10.0 LDR-25-08 411.7 411.9 0.2 Sphalerite 2.0 Chalcopyrite 0.5 Pyrite 15.0 - 17.5 LDR-25-08 411.9 415.1 3.2 Chalcopyrite 1.0 Pyrite 3.0 - 4.0 LDR-25-08 415.1 420.8 5.8 Chalcopyrite 0.3 Pyrite 1.0 - 1.3 LDR-25-08 420.8 423.3 2.4 Chalcopyrite 1.5 Pyrite 2.5 - 4.0 LDR-25-08 423.3 428.3 5.1 Chalcopyrite 0.1 Pyrite 0.1 - 0.2 LDR-25-08 428.3 455.0 26.7 Pyrite 0.5 - 0.5 LDR-25-08 457.6 458.1 0.4 Sphalerite 0.1 Chalcopyrite 1.0 Pyrite 0.5 - 1.6 LDR-25-08 461.2 461.8 0.6 Chalcopyrite 2.0 - 2.0 LDR-25-08 463.8 464.6 0.9 Chalcopyrite 5.0 Pyrite 2.0 0.1 % 7.1 LDR-25-08 464.6 478.6 14.0 Chalcopyrite 1.0 Pyrite 0.5 - 1.5 LDR-25-08 478.6 479.7 1.1 Chalcopyrite 3.0 Pyrite 8.0 - 11.0 LDR-25-08 480.6 516.0 35.4 Chalcopyrite 0.2 Pyrite 0.1 - 0.3

APPENDIX C  Chibougamau Copper-Gold Project  Foreign Mineral Resource Estimate Disclosures as at 30 March 2022

Deposit Category Tonnes (k) Cu Grade (%) Au Grade (g/t) Cu Metal (kt) Au Metal (koz) CuEq Grade (%) Corner Bay (2022) Indicated 2,700 2.7 0.3 71 22 2.9 Inferred 5,900 3.4 0.3 201 51 3.6 Devlin (2022) Measured 120 2.7 0.3 3 1 2.9 Indicated 660 2.1 0.2 14 4 2.3 Measured & Indicated 780 2.2 0.2 17 5 2.4 Inferred 480 1.8 0.2 9 3 2.0 Joe Mann (2022) Inferred 610 0.2 6.8 1 133 5.5 Cedar Bay (2018) Indicated 130 1.6 9.4 2 39 8.9 Inferred 230 2.1 8.3 5 61 8.5 Total Measured & Indicated 3,600 2.5 0.6 90 66 3.0 Inferred 7,200 3.0 1.1 216 248 3.8

APPENDIX D  2012 JORC Table 1

Section 1 Sampling Techniques and Data

Criteria JORC Code explanation Commentary Sampling techniques Nature and quality of sampling (eg cut channels, random chips, or specific specialised industry standard measurement tools appropriate to the minerals under investigation, such as down hole gamma sondes, or handheld XRF instruments, etc). These examples should not be taken as limiting the broad meaning of sampling. All drilling conducted by Cygnus Metals at the Chibougamau Project was completed under the supervision of a registered professional geologist as a Qualified Person (QP) who is responsible and accountable for the planning, execution, and supervision of all exploration activity as well as the implementation of quality assurance programs and reporting.

All Cygnus drilling reported is NQ size (47.8 mm diameter). Include reference to measures taken to ensure sample representivity and the appropriate calibration of any measurement tools or systems used. All sample collection, core logging, and specific gravity determinations were completed by Cygnus Metals under the supervision of a professionally qualified registered geologist.

NQ core was marked for splitting during logging and is sawn using a diamond core saw with a mounted jig to assure the core is cut lengthwise into equal halves.

Half of the cut core is placed in clean individual plastic bags with the appropriate sample tag.

QA/QC is done in house by Cygnus Metals geologists with oversight from the Senior Geologist. The check samples (blanks and standards  4% of total samples with another 2% of core duplicates taken on half split core) that were inserted into the sample batches are verified against their certified values and are deemed a pass if they are within 3 standard deviations of the certified value. The duplicates are evaluated against each other to determine mineralization distribution (nugget). If there are large discrepancies in the check samples, then the entire batch is requested to be re-assayed. The samples are then placed in bags for shipment to the offsite laboratorys facility.

The remaining half of the core is retained and incorporated into Cygnuss secure, core library located on the property. Aspects of the determination of mineralisation that are Material to the Public Report.



In cases where industry standard work has been done this would be relatively simple (eg reverse circulation drilling was used to obtain 1 m samples from which 3 kg was pulverised to produce a 30 g charge for fire assay). In other cases more explanation may be required, such as where there is coarse gold that has inherent sampling problems. Unusual commodities or mineralisation types (eg submarine nodules) may warrant disclosure of detailed information. Industry standard sampling practices were used with sample lengths ranging from 0.3 m to 1.0 m and respected geological contacts. Sample tags were placed at the beginning of each sample interval and the tag numbers were recorded in an MS Excel database.

Sampling practice is considered to be appropriate to the geology and style of mineralisation. Drilling techniques Drill type (eg core, reverse circulation, open-hole hammer, rotary air blast, auger, Bangka, sonic, etc) and details (eg core diameter, triple or standard tube, depth of diamond tails, face-sampling bit or other type, whether core is oriented and if so, by what method, etc). Diamond core was drilled using surface diamond rigs with industry recognised contractors Miikan Drilling. Miikan is a joint venture between Chibougamau Diamond Drilling Ltd., the First Nations community of Ouje-Bougoumou and the First Nations community of Mistissini both located in the Eeyou Istchee territory.

Drilling was conducted using NQ core size.

Directional surveys have been taken at 50m intervals. Drill sample recovery Method of recording and assessing core and chip sample recoveries and results assessed.



Measures taken to maximise sample recovery and ensure representative nature of the samples.



Whether a relationship exists between sample recovery and grade and whether sample bias may have occurred due to preferential loss/gain of fine/coarse material. Diamond core recovery was measured for each run and calculated as a percentage of the drilled interval.

Overall, the core recoveries are excellent in the Chibougamau area. As a result, no bias exists. Logging Whether core and chip samples have been geologically and geotechnically logged to a level of detail to support appropriate Mineral Resource estimation, mining studies and metallurgical studies. All core was geologically and geotechnically logged. Lithology, veining, alteration and mineralisation are recorded in multiple tables of the drillhole database. Whether logging is qualitative or quantitative in nature. Core (or costean, channel, etc) photography. Geological logging of core is qualitative and descriptive in nature. The total length and percentage of the relevant intersections logged. 100% of the core has been logged. Sub-sampling techniques and sample preparation If core, whether cut or sawn and whether quarter, half or all core taken.



If non-core, whether riffled, tube sampled, rotary split, etc and whether sampled wet or dry.



For all sample types, the nature, quality and appropriateness of the sample preparation technique.



Quality control procedures adopted for all sub-sampling stages to maximise representivity of samples.



Measures taken to ensure that the sampling is representative of the in-situ material collected, including for instance results for field duplicate/second-half sampling.



Whether sample sizes are appropriate to the grain size of the material being sampled. The NQ diameter the core was sawn in half following a sample cutting line determined by geologists during logging and submitted for analysis on nominal 1m intervals or defined by geological boundaries determined by the logging geologist.

Each core sample is assigned a tag with a unique identifying number. Sample lengths are typically one metre but can be depending on zone mineralogy and boundaries.

This sampling technique is industry standard and deemed appropriate.

Samples sizes are considered appropriate to grain size of the materials being sampled. Quality of assay data and laboratory tests The nature, quality and appropriateness of the assaying and laboratory procedures used and whether the technique is considered partial or total. Sample (NQ size half core) preparation and fire assay analysis were done at Bureau Veritas Commodities Canada Ltd (BV) in Timmins, Ontario, and ICP-ES multi-elements analysis was done at BV in Vancouver, B.C.

Samples were weighed, dried, crushed to 70% passing 2 mm, split to 250 g, and pulverized to 85% passing 75 m.

Samples are fire assayed for gold (Au) (30 g) and multi-acid digestion ICP-ES finish, for 23 elements (including key elements Ag, Cu, Mo).

Samples assaying >10.0 g/t Au are re-analysed with a gravimetric finish using a 30 g charge. Samples assaying >10% Cu are re-analysed with a sodium peroxide fusion with ICP-ES analysis using a 0.25 g charge. For geophysical tools, spectrometers, handheld XRF instruments, etc, the parameters used in determining the analysis including instrument make and model, reading times, calibrations factors applied and their derivation, etc. None used. Nature of quality control procedures adopted (eg standards, blanks, duplicates, external laboratory checks) and whether acceptable levels of accuracy (i.e. lack of bias) and precision have been established. At Bureau Veritas, laboratory QC procedures involve the use of internal certified reference material as assay standards, along with blanks, duplicates and replicates. Verification of sampling and assaying The verification of significant intersections by either independent or alternative company personnel. Verification of sampling was made by Cygnus Metals and other professional consultant geologists. The use of twinned holes. No hole is twinned. Documentation of primary data, data entry procedures, data verification, data storage (physical and electronic) protocols. All logging data was completed, core marked up, logging and sampling data was entered directly into the database.

The logged data is stored on the site server directly. Discuss any adjustment to assay data. There was no adjustment to the assay data. Location of data points Accuracy and quality of surveys used to locate drill holes (collar and down-hole surveys), trenches, mine workings and other locations used in Mineral Resource estimation. The location of the drillholes and the aiming points for the orientation of the drillholes were indicated on the ground using identified stakes. The stakes marking the location of the drillholes were set up and located with a Garmin GPS model GPSmap 62s (4m accuracy).

Surveys are collected using a Reflex EZ-Shot single-shot electronic instrument with readings collected at intervals of approximately every 30 m downhole plus a reading at the bottom of the hole. Specification of the grid system used. The grid system used is UTM NAD83 (Zone 18). Quality and adequacy of topographic control. A Digital Terrane Model (DTM) has been used to accurately plot the vertical position of the holes, which is considered to provide an adequate level of topographic control. Data spacing and distribution Data spacing for reporting of Exploration Results. The drill spacing for recent drilling is considered appropriate for this type of exploration.

Due to the historic nature and mix of underground and surface drilling the drill hole spacing for historic drill results is highly variable. Whether the data spacing and distribution is sufficient to establish the degree of geological and grade continuity appropriate for the Mineral Resource and Ore Reserve estimation procedure(s) and classifications applied. No resource estimation is made. Whether sample compositing has been applied. No sample compositing has been applied. Orientation of data in relation to geological structure Whether the orientation of sampling achieves unbiased sampling of possible structures and the extent to which this is known, considering the deposit type. Recent drilling is orientated approximately at right angles to the currently interpreted strike of the known interpreted mineralisation.

Due to the historic nature of the drilling the drill hole orientation for historic drill results is highly variable. If the relationship between the drilling orientation and the orientation of key mineralised structures is considered to have introduced a sampling bias, this should be assessed and reported if material. No bias is considered to have been introduced by the existing sampling orientation. Sample security The measures taken to ensure sample security. Core was placed in wooden core boxes close to the drill rig by the drilling contractor. The core was collected daily by the drilling contractor and delivered to the secure core logging facility. Access to the core logging facility is limited to Cygnus employees or designates. Audits or reviews The results of any audits or reviews of sampling techniques and data. No audits or reviews of sampling techniques or data have been undertaken, therefore information on audits or reviews is not yet available.

Section 2 Reporting of Exploration Results

(Criteria listed in the preceding section also apply to this section.)

Criteria JORC Code Explanation Commentary Mineral tenement and land tenure status Type, reference name/number, location and ownership including agreements or material issues with third parties such as joint ventures, partnerships, overriding royalties, native title interests, historical sites, wilderness or national park and environmental settings. The data reported within this announcement is from the Chibougamau Project. The Chibougamau project consists of 3 properties which include: Copper Rand, 14,383 ha (15 mining concession and 311 exploration claims) Corner Bay  Devlin (1 mining license, 141 exploration claims owned 100% by CBAY and 17 claims owned 56.4% by CBAY/43.6% Pan American Silver) Joe Mann (2 mining concessions, 82 claims owned 100% by CBAY, and 68 claims and 1 mining concession owned 65% by CBAY/35% by SOQUEM)

CBAY Minerals Inc. (CBAY), a wholly owned subsidiary of Cygnus, is the owner of all claims and leases, except where otherwise noted above.

The properties collectively making up the Project are in good standing based on the Ministry of Energy and Natural Resources (Ministere de lEnergie et des Ressources Naturelles) GESTIM claim management system of the Government of Quebec. The security of the tenure held at the time of reporting along with any known impediments to obtaining a licence to operate in the area. All tenure is in good standing. Exploration done by other parties Acknowledgment and appraisal of exploration by other parties. The Chibougamau Copper and Gold project comprising Corner Bay, Devlin, Cedar Bay and Joe Mann has seen an extensive exploration history dating back to the early 1900s. The Preliminary Economic Assessment (as referred to in the Companys announcement of 15 October 2024) provides a detailed history of the exploration activities undertaken by previous explorers.

Corner Bay was first identified as a prospect in 1956 1956  1972 eight drilling programs totalling 1,463 m and various geophysical and electromagnetic (EM) surveys 1973  1981 Riocanex and Flanagan McAdam: ground geophysical surveys and 43 diamond drill holes 1982  1984 Riocanex and Corner Bay Exploration: 38 drill holes and metallurgical test work 1988  1991 Corner Bay Exploration: diamond drilling, geophysical surveys and geological characterisation with initial MRE 1992  1994 SOQUEM optioned and acquired a 30% interest, and completed diamond drilling 1994 Explorations Cache Inc and Resources MSV Inc: diamond drilling 2004  2006 GeoNova and MSV: 98 diamond drill holes and first Technical Report on the Corner Bay project reporting a MRE 2007  2009 Campbell: diamond drilling and bulk sample 2012 - 2019 CBAY / AmAuCu: diamond drilling and MRE

Devlin identified in 1972 by airborne survey flown by the MERN 1979  1981 diamond drilling, geophysical surveys 1981 development commenced

Joe Mann identified in 1950 with the commencement of mining activities occurring in 1956 The Joe Mann mine operated underground during three different periods from 1956 to 2007 In July 2012, Resources Jessie acquired the Joe Mann mine property, but conducted only surface exploration work

Cedar Bay was discovered prior to 1927 by Chibougamau McKenzie Mines Ltd From initial discovery to 2013 various surface and underground drilling campaigns and geophysical surveys undertaken by various companies

Colline was first discovered with mapping and sampling and then drilled in the 1950s with follow up drilling in 1955. In the 1950s a shaft was sunk but the deposit was never mined. The deposit was later tested with three drill holes and six regional drill holes throughout two drilling campaigns in 1984 and 1986/87. Exploration at Colline has been halted historically with the discovery of and focus on other deposits in the region.

Golden Eye (previously known as Dore Ramp) was drilled in a few different phases from 1984 to 1992. A total of 47 drill holes from surface are reported during that period A double ramp of approximately 1 kilometre was excavated in 1991-92 to a vertical depth of 160 meters Underground drilling campaign of 46 holes totaling 10,200 meters tested the deposit mainly to a depth of 240 meters (only five holes tested the deposit between 300 and 600 meters)

Geology Deposit type, geological setting and style of mineralisation. Corner Bay and Devlin are located at the northeastern extremity of the Abitibi subprovince in the Superior province of the Canadian Shield and are examples of Chibougamau-type copper-gold deposits. The Abitibi subprovince is considered as one of the largest and best-preserved greenstone belts in the world and hosts numerous gold and base metal deposits.

The Corner Bay deposit is located on the southern flank of the Dore Lake Complex (DLC). It is hosted by a N 15 trending shear zone more or less continuous with a strong 75 to 85 dip towards the west. The host anorthosite rock is sheared and sericitized over widths of 2 m to 25 m. The deposit is cut by a diabase dyke and is limited to the north by a fault structure and to the south by the LaChib deformation zone.

The Corner Bay deposit consists of three main mineralized lodes (subparallel Main Lode 1 and Main Lode 2 above the dyke, and Main Lode below the dyke that make up the bulk of the deposit. The Corner Bay deposit has been traced over a strike length to over 1,100 m to a depth of 1,350 m and remains open at depth.

The mineralization is characterized by veins and/or lenses of massive to semi-massive sulphides associated with a brecciated to locally massive quartz-calcite material. The sulphide assemblage is composed of chalcopyrite, pyrite, and pyrrhotite with lesser amounts of molybdenite and sphalerite. Late remobilized quartz-chalcopyrite-pyrite veins occur in a wide halo around the main mineralization zones.

Devlin is a flat-lying, copper-rich lodes-hosted deposit in a polygenic igneous breccia that is less than 100 m from the surface. The tabular bodies have been modelled as four nearly horizontal lodes: a more continuous lower zone and three smaller lodes comprising the upper zone. Mineralization is reflected as a fracture zone often composed of two or more sulphide-quartz lodes and stringers. Thickness of the mineralized zones range from 0.5 m to 4.4 m. It has been diluted during modelling to reflect a minimum mining height of 1.8 m.

The Joe Mann deposit is characterized by east-west striking shear hosted lodes that extend beyond 1,000 m vertically with mineralization identified over a 3 km strike length. These shear zones form part of the Opawica-Guercheville deformation zone, a major deformation corridor cutting the mafic volcanic rocks of the Obatogamau Formation in the north part of the Caopatina Segment. The gabbro sill hosts the Main Zone and the West Zone at the mine, while the South Zone is found in the rhyolite. These three subvertical E-W (N275/85) ductile-brittle shear zones are sub-parallel to stratigraphy and to one another, with up to 140 m to 170 m of separation between them. These shear zones are hosted within a stratigraphic package composed of iron-magnesium (Fe-Mg) carbonate and sericite altered gabbro sills, sheared basalts, and intermediate to felsic tuffs intruded by various felsic intrusions. The Joe Mann gold mineralization is hosted by decimetre scale quartz-carbonate lodes (Dion and Guha 1988). The lodes are mineralized with pyrite, pyrrhotite, and chalcopyrite disposed in lens and lodelets parallel to schistosity, and occasionally visible gold. There are some other minor, mineralized structures, e.g., North and South-South Zones, with limited vertical and horizontal extensions. Drill hole Information A summary of all information material to the understanding of the exploration results including a tabulation of the following information for all Material drill holes:

easting and northing of the drill hole collar

elevation or RL (Reduced Level  elevation above sea level in metres) of the drill hole collar

dip and azimuth of the hole

down hole length and interception depth

hole length. If the exclusion of this information is justified on the basis that the information is not Material and this exclusion does not detract from the understanding of the report, the Competent Person should clearly explain why this is the case. All requisite drillhole information is tabulated elsewhere in this release. Refer Appendices A and B of the body text. Data aggregation methods In reporting Exploration Results, weighting averaging techniques, maximum and/or minimum grade truncations (eg cutting of high grades) and cut-off grades are usually Material and should be stated. For recent results, drill hole intersections are reported above a lower cut-off grade of 2g/t AuEq over widths of greater than 1m. Where aggregate intercepts incorporate short lengths of high-grade results and longer lengths of low-grade results, the procedure used for such aggregation should be stated and some typical examples of such aggregations should be shown in detail. A maximum of 1m internal waste was allowed. The assumptions used for any reporting of metal equivalent values should be clearly stated. Individual grades for the metals included in the metal equivalents calculation for the exploration results are in Appendices A, B and C of this release. Metal equivalents for exploration results have been calculated at a copper price of US$8,750/t, gold price of US$2,350/oz and silver price of US$25/oz. Copper equivalents are calculated based on the formula CuEq(%) = Cu(%) + (Au(g/t) x 0.77258)+(Ag(g/t) x 0.00822). Gold equivalents are calculated based on the formula AuEq(g/t) = Au(g/t) +(Cu(%) x 1.29436)+(Ag(g/t) x 0.01064). Metallurgical recovery factors have been applied to the metal equivalents calculations, with copper metallurgical recovery assumed at 95% and precious metal (gold and silver) metallurgical recovery assumed at 85% based upon historical production at the Chibougamau Processing Facility, and the metallurgical results contained in Cygnus announcement dated 28 January 2025. It is the Companys view that all elements in the metal equivalent calculations have a reasonable potential to be recovered and sold. Relationship between mineralisation widths and intercept lengths These relationships are particularly important in the reporting of Exploration Results.



If the geometry of the mineralisation with respect to the drill hole angle is known, its nature should be reported.



If it is not known and only the down hole lengths are reported, there should be a clear statement to this effect (eg down hole length, true width not known). All intersections reported in the body of this release are down hole.

For recent drill holes, holes are drilled as close to orthogonal to the plane of the mineralized lodes as possible.

True width is estimated to be about 80% of the downhole drill intersection Diagrams Appropriate maps and sections (with scales) and tabulations of intercepts should be included for any significant discovery being reported. These should include,but not be limited to a plan view of drill hole collar locations and appropriate sectional views. Refer Figure 1 (Long Section of Golden Eye) and 2 (Long Section through the Chibougamau North Camp illustrating Golden Eye) in the body of the announcement.

Plan view of recent drilling relative to historic drilling and the 1992 ramp access (see Figure 3 below). Balanced reporting Where comprehensive reporting of all Exploration Results is not practicable, representative reporting of both low and high grades and/or widths should be practiced to avoid misleading reporting of Exploration Results. Recent infill drilling at Golden Eye totals 6 holes for 1,954m, with assay results for 1 drill hole received to date. All results greater than 2g/t AuEq over greater than 1m width have been reported. Other substantive exploration data Other exploration data, if meaningful and material, should be reported including (but not limited to): geological observations; geophysical survey results; geochemical survey results; bulk samples  size and method of treatment; metallurgical test results; bulk density, groundwater, geotechnical and rock characteristics; potential deleterious or contaminating substances. There is no other substantive exploration data. Further work The nature and scale of planned further work (eg tests for lateral extensions or depth extensions or large-scale step-out drilling).



Diagrams clearly highlighting the areas of possible extensions, including the main geological interpretations and future drilling areas, provided this information is not commercially sensitive. The Company plans to conduct drill testing of additional mineralisation as well as step out drilling of existing lodes to further enhance the resources quoted in this release. More information is presented in the body of this report.

Diagrams in the main body of this release show areas of possible resource extension on existing lodes. The Company continues to identify and assess multiple other target areas within the property boundary for additional resources.

Figure 3: Plan view of recent drilling relative to historic drilling and the 1992 ramp access
Toronto, Ontario--(Newsfile Corp. - April 17, 2025) - Gold Hart Copper Corp. (TSXV: HART) (formerly Vicunau Metals Corp.) (the "Company", "Gold Hart", or "HART") is pleased to announce completion of the first-ever diamond drill hole at its Tolita gold-copper-silver-molybdenum porphyry target where the Maricunga Gold Belt meets the emerging Vicuna Copper Belt.

"We are excited to have completed the first drill hole at Tolita since 1997, and the first diamond drill hole the asset has ever seen," stated Jonathan Warner, Co-founder & Executive Vice President of HART. "The Tolita property has waited nearly 30 years for this critical second phase of drilling since it was long-ago recognized by Enrique Viteri-Aldunate for its gold, silver, copper, and molybdenum anomalies on surface. The 1997 RC drill campaign only reached 200m and we set out to utilize the comprehensive historical data, combined with modern science and geophysics and armed with a diamond drill rig in order to drill deeper and better test the true potential of the asset. Our Co-founder & Chairman Emeritus Dr. Professor Jose Frutos and I rotated shifts such that one of us was almost always on site monitoring the drilling personally. I would also like to personally thank our excellent drill team for their commitment in operating the drill rig 24/7 and successfully completing the first hole of what we hope will be a much larger campaign."

The drill hole reached a depth of 613 meters. Drill core is being sent to the laboratory for assaying and Gold Hart Copper will report on the results as soon as possible. In the meantime, the drill rig is being moved to the next drill pad for the following drill hole.

About Gold Hart Copper

Gold Hart Copper is one of the largest independent land owners surrounding major miners where the famous Maricunga Gold Belt meets the emerging Vicuna Copper Belt in Chile. HART is actively acquiring, exploring and developing its portfolio of gold, copper & silver properties adjacent to the largest gold and copper assets on the continent.

HART's team of geologists were personally involved in pioneering exploration in the region, leading to some of its greatest gold, copper, and silver deposits, and include the country's former Geological Survey National Deputy Manager Dr. Professor Jose Frutos. Specifically, senior Gold Hart geologists were personally involved in the Escondida copper discovery, now the largest copper mine in the world1 controlled by Rio Tinto and BHP, as well as Cerro Casale, the largest gold-copper discovery in Chile2 acquired by Barrick and Newmont (GoldCorp) with 59-million ounces of gold and 12.5-billion pounds of copper.

HART has rolled-up a portfolio of historically significant assets surrounding majors, in some cases personally staked by the very same geologists who made the adjacent mega-discoveries, since the early 1990s. Some of the Gold Hart properties have already undergone a first phase of RC drilling, with highly encouraging results of gold, copper, and silver. Gold Hart properties are controlled 100% and not subject to any royalties whatsoever.

HART believes it may be sitting on one of the only fully-preserved untested large-scale gold-copper-silver porphyry targets in the Vicuna District - an asset that was first recognized for its uniquely high grades of gold and copper on surface - and staked by one of the Maricunga-Vicuna district's pioneering geologists3 in 1993. Gold Hart Copper is fully funded for its planned drill campaign.

About Gold Hart Copper's Tolita Gold-Copper-Silver-Molybdenum Target

The Tolita property is a historically significant gold-copper asset which was first recognized and staked in 1993 - by one of the pioneering geologists of the Maricunga-Vicuna district - for its uniquely high grades of gold and copper on surface3. Geochemical surveys revealed gold, copper, silver, and molybdenum anomalies, which led to trenching. Tolita has had significant trenching (5,600m / 5.6km) with the highest grade trench returning grades up to 52g/t gold equivalent including 4% copper. Tolita has undergone helicopter mag surveys which identified 4 unique anomalies as well3.

In 1996, a third party company optioned the property and drilled 3 short 200m RC holes, without any geophysics, and yet still hit gold and copper in all 3 holes, including long intercepts of gold and copper (150m and 164m, respectively) close to surface in 2 of the 3 holes. At the time, gold was approximately $300/oz and copper traded below $1.00/lb, and large scale sulphide / porphyry deposits with both gold and copper were often considered less favorable than smaller scale gold-only oxide deposits. As a result, and due to general market sentiment for junior exploration companies in 1997-1998, Tolita was only drilled to a depth of 200m with 3 short RC holes (out of a planned 8 hole campaign)3.

When Gold Hart acquired the property, a full geophysical survey was conducted by a recognized geophysics firm, and a large high-chargeability and conductive anomaly was discovered that is near surface and almost 2.5km2 in size and "interpreted as a copper-gold or gold-copper porphyry system that certainly warrants additional exploration and drilling4". Gold Hart Copper has therefore launched diamond drilling and is fully funded for this planned campaign.

References & Notes:

Escondida is the largest copper mine globally, as defined by producing the greatest number of copper tonnes per annum. Numbers sourced directly from property owner's website and public filings. Norte Abierto is considered the largest gold asset in Chile as defined by hosting the largest number of total gold ounces. Numbers sourced directly from property owner's website and public filings. Please refer to the Company's NI 43-101 Technical Report on Sedar for information pertaining to Gold Hart Copper's properties including historical exploration at Tolita, including but not limited to, the history of the asset and its original staking, geochemical surveys, trenching surveys, helicopter magnetic surveys, and historical RC drilling. Geophysical survey is summarized in the Company's NI 43-101 Technical report available on Sedar. Such geophysical surveys are not definitive, and the results are still at an early stage of interpretation, with no guarantee of a mineral discovery.

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Qualified Person

The technical information contained in this news release related has been reviewed by Mr. Jonathan A. Warner, Executive Vice President of Gold Hart Copper and a Qualified Person within the meaning of NI 43-101.

Cautionary Statement on Forward-Looking Information

This news release contains "forward-looking information" within the meaning of applicable Canadian securities legislation based on expectations, estimates and projections as at the date of this news release. Any statement that involves predictions, expectations, interpretations, beliefs, plans projections, objectives, assumptions, future events or performance (often, but not always, using phrases such as "expects", or "does not expect", "is expected", "interpreted", management's view", "anticipates" or "does not anticipate", "plans", "budget", "scheduled", "forecasts", "estimates", "potential", "feasibility", "believes" or "intends" or variations of such words and phrases or stating that certain actions, events or results "may" or "could", "would", "might" or "will" be taken, occur or be achieved) are not statements of historical fact and may be forward-looking information and are intended to identify forward-looking information. Forward-Looking information is not a guarantee of future performance and is based upon a number of estimates and assumptions of management, in light of management's experience and perception of trends, current conditions and expected developments, as well as other factors that management believes to be relevant and reasonable in the circumstances, including, without limitation, assumptions about: the ability of exploration results, including drilling, to accurately predict mineralization; errors in geological modelling; insufficient data; equity and debt capital markets; future spot prices of copper and zinc; the timing and results of exploration and drilling programs; the accuracy of mineral resource estimates; production costs; political and regulatory stability; the receipt of governmental and third party approvals; licenses and permits being received on favourable terms; sustained labour stability; stability in financial and capital markets; availability of mining equipment and positive relations with local communities and groups. Forward-Looking information involves risks, uncertainties and other factors that could cause actual events, results, performance, prospects and opportunities to differ materially from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking information. Factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from such forward-looking information are set out in the Company's listing application dated March 14, 2025, a copy of which is available on SEDAR+ (www.sedarplus.ca) under the Company's issuer profile. Although the Company believes that the assumptions and factors used in preparing the forward-looking information in this news release are reasonable, undue reliance should not be placed on such information, which only applies as of the date of this news release, and no assurance can be given that such events will occur in the disclosed time frames or at all. The Company disclaims any intention or obligation to update or revise any forward-looking information, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, other than as required by law. Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accept responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this news release. No stock exchange, securities commission or other regulatory authority has approved or disapproved the information contained herein.
LITTLETON, CO / ACCESS Newswire / April 17, 2025 / Ur-Energy Inc. (NYSE American:URG) (TSX:URE) (the "Company" or "Ur-Energy") is pleased to provide the following updates for 2025Q1 from Lost Creek and Shirley Basin.

Lost Creek Production

During 2025 Q1, we dried and packaged 83,066 pounds and shipped 106,301 pounds U 3 O 8 . At quarter end, our in-process inventory at Lost Creek was approximately 29,700 pounds, our drummed inventory at Lost Creek was 10,772 pounds, and our finished inventory at the conversion facility was 368,540 pounds. Our next shipment of product is scheduled for next week and we currently have 57 drums of product on the ground at Lost Creek.

We are pleased to report that the wellfield flow rate has increased by 44% since the beginning of March 2025 and is now routinely over 2,700 gallons per minute. Additional flow increases are expected throughout the summer as our current fleet of 19 contract drill rigs and Company construction staff bring on additional header houses and enhance flow in existing wells through routine maintenance and improvements. Head grade remains on target and our annualized production rate over the past week averaged over 400,000 pounds and remains on a positive trend. For context, our 2025 delivery commitment to our customers is 440,000 pounds of U 3 O 8 and the repayment of a 250,000-pound U 3 O 8 loan in the form of physical pounds, although repayment of this loan may be deferred upon agreement with the lender. We expect production rates to steadily increase throughout the summer.

The recovery rate in the processing plant has reached design levels as management of the elution circuit has improved, resulting in tail grade on the ion exchange columns commonly being less than three milligrams per liter. The elution and precipitation circuits are now functioning as designed. Both filter presses are operational, and we plan to upgrade the auger in each of the presses in early May, which should further improve throughput. Both rotary vacuum dryers are now operating and performing as designed.

Our safety performance has improved over the past several months with no recordable injury or illness incidents occurring in 2025. Implementation of a behavioral based safety program to proactively address and track potential safety issues has resulted in an improved safety culture and has increased employee participation in Company safety initiatives.

The recent improvements in performance and safety are attributable to several factors of which we believe the most important are growing employee skills and confidence and achieving higher employee retention rates. Our increased number of drill rigs together with mild winter conditions have also contributed to increased output.

Our objectives for Lost Creek for the remainder of 2025 are to continue to safely ramp up the wellfield flow rate and improve plant efficiencies by focusing on training, employee retention, and improved maintenance.

Shirley Basin Construction

Construction at our fully permitted Shirley Basin Project is on target and we continue to estimate mine startup by early 2026. We have hired many of our senior site management and 10 construction staff, who are already directly involved with facility construction. Training of new staff is ongoing, including certain training being conducted at Lost Creek. We have hired several additional professional staff who will join the Shirley Basin team in Q2. Recruiting for operational staff, including remaining managers, will be ongoing through the summer.

To date, the following construction activities have been completed:

Upgraded the existing road to an all-weather surface;

Installed and completed ~125 monitor wells for Mine Unit 1;

Refurbished the existing warehouse, construction bay and maintenance bay. We originally planned to construct new buildings but saved several million dollars by refurbishing existing buildings;

Installed and furnished modular offices for these buildings;

Installed power between the Company substation and the site for the satellite plant enclosure;

Initiated dirt work for the satellite plant foundation;

Installed communications and security systems;

Installed the septic system for the satellite plant enclosure; and

Advanced the construction of the ion exchange vessels, which is well underway in Casper with delivery expected this fall.

Before we initiate production at Shirley Basin, the Wyoming Uranium Recovery Program will perform a pre-operations inspection. To improve the efficiency of the inspection and operational approvals, we have begun to assemble Standard Operating Procedures and permitting documents for agency review.

In 2025, we plan to:

Complete the upgrade the Company-owned electrical substation;

Install the first header house in Mine Unit 1. Two drill rigs were mobilized to the project on April 14 from Lost Creek. We plan to add four more rigs in Q2. Relatively few drill rigs are required for Shirley Basin because dense historic drilling largely diminishes the need for additional exploration or delineation drilling;

Build the relatively small satellite plant enclosure, which will house the ion exchange and wastewater management systems;

Construct additional header houses in our Casper shop;

Install and furnish modular offices for the satellite plant enclosure; and

Install two evaporation ponds.

We are excited to bring Shirley Basin, a prolific historic uranium district and the birthplace of in situ uranium mining in 1963, back into production.

Finally, we want to briefly mention President Trump's recent Executive Order that directed the U.S. Department of Commerce to start a national security probe under Section 232 of the Trade Expansion Act of 1962 into the impact of imports of critical minerals and uranium. The investigation is ordered to be completed within 180 days when a final report with recommendations is submitted to the President. The impact of the investigation and subsequent corrective actions, if any, are unknown at this time but could have a positive impact on Ur-Energy as one of the largest domestic uranium producers in the U.S.

About Ur-Energy

Ur-Energy is a uranium mining company operating the Lost Creek in situ recovery uranium facility in south-central Wyoming. We have produced and packaged approximately 2.9 million pounds U 3 O 8 from Lost Creek since the commencement of operations. Ur-Energy has all major permits and authorizations to begin construction at Shirley Basin, the Company's second in situ recovery uranium facility in Wyoming and is advancing Shirley Basin construction and development following the March 2024 go' decision for the mine. We await the remaining regulatory authorization for the expansion of Lost Creek. UrEnergy is engaged in uranium mining, recovery and processing activities, including the acquisition, exploration, development, and operation of uranium mineral properties in the United States. The primary trading market for UrEnergy's common shares is on the NYSE American under the symbol "URG." UrEnergy's common shares also trade on the Toronto Stock Exchange under the symbol "URE." Ur-Energy's corporate office is in Littleton, Colorado and its registered office is in Ottawa, Ontario.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION, PLEASE CONTACT

John W. Cash, Chairman, CEO & President

720-981-4588, ext. 303

This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Information

This release may contain "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of applicable securities laws regarding events or conditions that may occur in the future (e.g., ability to continue to ramp-up production at Lost Creek, including addressing remaining and/or future operational, maintenance, and staffing issues; our ability to maintain the improved production rates recently achieved, and continue to grow our production rates; our ability to deliver into our contractual commitments in 2025 including the repayment of the physical inventory loan; whether our improved safety records will be sustained; timing and ability to complete build out of Shirley Basin as currently projected, including planned wellfield development, site construction, and purchasing as well as site staff and management hiring and training; our ability to facilitate an efficient and effective operations inspection and approval by regulators to commence operations at Shirley Basin; and how the Section 232 investigation and other plans of the Trump administration, if and when concluded, may affect our industry and our business) and are based on current expectations that, while considered reasonable by management at this time, inherently involve a number of significant business, economic and competitive risks, uncertainties and contingencies. Generally, forward-looking statements can be identified by the use of forward-looking terminology such as "plans," "expects," "does not expect," "is expected," "is likely," "estimates," "intends," "anticipates," "does not anticipate," or "believes," or variations of the foregoing, or statements that certain actions, events or results "may," "could," "might" or "will be taken," "occur," "be achieved" or "have the potential to." All statements, other than statements of historical fact, are considered to be forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors which may cause the actual results, performance or achievements of the Company to be materially different from any future results, performance or achievements express or implied by the forward-looking statements. Factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from any forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to, capital and other costs varying significantly from estimates; failure to establish estimated resources and reserves; the grade and recovery of ore which is mined varying from estimates; production rates, methods and amounts varying from estimates; delays in obtaining or failures to obtain required governmental, environmental or other project approvals; inflation; changes in exchange rates; fluctuations in commodity prices; delays in development and other factors described in the public filings made by the Company at www.sedarplus.ca and www.sec.gov. Readers should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements. The forward-looking statements contained herein are based on the beliefs, expectations and opinions of management as of the date hereof and Ur-Energy disclaims any intent or obligation to update them or revise them to reflect any change in circumstances or in management's beliefs, expectations or opinions that occur in the future.
Gambian national Michael Sang Correa, former member of the Junglers  a hit-squad under ex-president Yahya Jammeh  listened in silence as his verdict was read out on Tuesday April 15, 2025, before the United States District Court in Denver, Colorado. Correa was facing charges for torture and conspiracy to commit torture on at least five compatriots  Tamsir Jasseh, Pharing Sanyang, Demba Dem, Pierre Mendy (now late) and Yahya Darboe. Correa had pleaded not-guilty to all charges, and his defence argued that he was coerced and under duress.

Michael Sang Correa made a huge mistake in coming to Colorado. He thought that he could escape accountability for the vile acts of torture that he committed in The Gambia, working as a member of a military organization known as the Junglers to force confessions of treason from enemies of then-President Jammeh. He thought that his crimes against his fellow Gambians would be forgotten. But Colorado is not a safe haven for torturers, it is not a refuge for sadists. And it is not a home for those who flee justice, J. Bishop Grewell, acting US attorney for the District of Colorado, said at a press briefing after the verdict.

This is Michaels day

In an emotional moment, most victims of Correa who came to testify and were present in the US court were teary as the verdict was announced.

For years, survivors of Yahya Jammehs brutal regime have fought to be seen, to be heard, and to have their suffering acknowledged. Todays verdict is not just a legal win, it is a powerful affirmation of truth. Todays verdict is a bittersweet moment, but the long road to justice has finally caught up with Michael Correa, Isatou Jammeh, a victim of enforced disappearance and member of Gambian civil society who travelled to Denver to observe the trial, told Justice Info.

"Jammeh and his people are getting exposed one by one. What has happened today in America has been witnessed by everyone. This a victory for all victims. When I saw him in court today, I was very emotional, but I thank God. Anyone involved in these crimes should be prepared. This is Michaels day. Its going to be their turn one by one, said Ya Mamie Ceesay, mother of Alhagie Mamut Ceesay who came to Banjul in 2006 from the US for business and disappeared into the Junglers hands.

Gambians had choices

You heard many of the choices Gambians made under the Jammeh regime. They explained to you that they had free will and were guided by their conscience. The defendant had the same choices. He went home every night but never left [Gambia], US Prosecutor Melissa Hindman said in her closing arguments on Monday, April 14.

She acknowledged that there was general fear in The Gambia during Jammehs regime. But to her, that cannot be used as an excuse. Duress is different, she said. At the end of the day, she added, it is about why the defendant did what he did. Was there any impending threat or did he relish the power? Each time Correa did what he did over weeks, Hindman told the court, there was no such threat.

He put a bag over their head, and they were beaten by other Junglers. He is responsible for those acts. Hindman further noted that the evidence showed that Correa enjoyed the power he had over some officers like Yahya Darboe and Pharing Sanyang. That is not how you act when you are doing only what you were supposed to do.

The defendant knew what it meant to be a Jungler. He had other options. He could have left like other Junglers did, but he chose to stay,

Comply or die

Defence attorney Matthew Belcher, delivering his final statement on Monday, April 14, stated on the contrary that all the witnesses stressed the climate of fear in The Gambia, and how nobody was safe from Jammeh even if you fled the country.

He elaborated on Sainey Bayos testimony, telling the court he [Bayo] has told you that you had to be cautious around President Jammeh. Why? Because he said you could die quickly. Pharing Sanyang said he saw him [Jammeh] walk at the NIA to make sure his orders were followed. Tamsir Jasseh told us he [Jammeh] was on the phone. He added that other witnesses like Alieu Jobe testified that he did not flee the country because he was scared that Jammeh would wipe his family out.

Darboe, Bayo, and Sanyang (now retired from the army) were all members of the military. Alieu Jobe was the former accountant general whom Ndure Cham, a Chief of Defence Staff who spearheaded the 2006 coup against Jammeh, had recommended to lead the civilian government if the coup succeeded. Jasseh was the then director of immigration. When the coup failed, they were arrested, tortured by Junglers and forced to confess to being part of the plot. Except for Bayo, they were all prosecuted and sent to Mile 2 Prison.

Michael Correa had to follow President Jammehs orders without question, Belcher continued. It mattered not, ladies and gentlemen, in 2006 what your status was. When President Jammeh suspected you, he let hell rain on you. This was not hypothetical. It was real. The government [prosecutor] wants to sit here in the United States in this place of privilege and say I could have just left."

He further argued that the US government attorney did not present any evidence that showed Correa had the financial means to leave The Gambia. There was an imminent, real, violent threat. Correa could not refuse and escape the threat. He had one option: comply or die.

Gambian Tamsir Jasseh, a direct victim of Michael Sang Correa, after he testified before the Denver court, on April 10, 2025. Photo:  Mariam Sankanu

He was not threatened

You heard there were testimonies that there was a general fear and the Junglers were not immune to that. What the testimonies dont say is that the defendant was under duress when he was torturing these individuals. That rests in your [defences] hands, retorted prosecutor Hindman.

What you have not heard is what this defendant was told would happen to him if he had not done it. He was never threatened, she said, adding that if this threat were sufficient, then no Jungler will ever be held accountable. There is no evidence of the defendants family ever being threatened. The only time you heard about the defendants family is that he went to his ex-wife every night, she added.

Admitting to torture after denial

On Monday, the prosecution continued questioning retired special agent Barton Garrison and continued playing the audio recording of Correas hearing at the US immigration court. During that testimony, Correa said that the first order he received after the March 2006 failed coup was to arrest Lieutenant Colonel Vincent Jatta, now late, who was Chief of Defence Staff. He told the court that he and other Junglers went to Jattas home and arrested him and took him to the National Intelligence Agency (NIA).

The second order, he said at the immigration court, was to torture Pierre Mendy. Lieutenant Colonel Pierre Mendy was the commander at Fajara Barracks. He was among a group of soldiers arrested, tortured to confess to their participation in the coup and later imprisoned. He died in August 2021 before he could have the chance to narrate his story in this court. According to Correa, he was home when Nuha Badjie called and asked him to get dressed and come to the NIA because they had orders. Correa said he asked Badjie what they were doing there, that Badjie told him some of the officers were not cooperating with the investigations and they were there to get a confession out of them.

According to Correa, he had protested this order, stating that was not his job and not in line with his beliefs as a Christian. Are you challenging the Presidents orders? Correa recalled Badjie questioning him. During that back and forth, Correa added, Tumbul Tamba who was leading this operation asked Michael, you said what?

Michael, do as you are told. It is an order. This is what Correa said his late victim, Mendy, advised him. He was kneeled, and I asked him to bend over, which he did. Thats when I started lashing him. Thats when he said yes, I know about the coup, and then I stopped. The defendant could be heard crying in the audio as he narrated the torture of Mendy.

I had no choice. I was a private soldier. I hit him a couple of times and Pierre started talking. Correa also admitted that his supervisors were present when he was torturing Mendy.

A short trial

Correas trial was initially scheduled to start in September 2024, but it was postponed after the defence filed a motion to travel to Gambia to collect depositions from former deputy director of the NIA Momodou Hydara and former Jungler Alieu Jeng.

But when the prosecution closed their case on Monday April 14, the defence rested their case without calling any witness to the stand, including the ones they had said were travelling to Denver.

The trial was expected to last for two weeks and the verdict to be rendered at least a week later. The Denver Court announced, on Tuesday April 15, that Correa has been found guilty of all charges and that the sentencing will be done at a later date.
Myanmar's junta chief held talks with the Malaysian prime minister in Bangkok Thursday in a meeting condemned by critics of the military government.

Myanmar has been engulfed in a brutal multi-sided conflict since 2021, when Min Aung Hlaing's military wrested power from the civilian government of Aung San Suu Kyi.

Junta chief Min Aung Hlaing made a rare foreign trip to the Thai capital to meet Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim on the sidelines of a Thai-Malaysian bilateral.

The two held a "frank and constructive discussion focused on the urgent humanitarian needs of the Myanmar people... (and) the importance of returning the country to normalcy", said a statement posted by Anwar on his Facebook page.

He added that he would meet with Myanmar's exiled opposition National Unity Government on Friday.

Anwar is chairing the 10-country Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) bloc this year.

ASEAN in the past barred junta officials from its summits over lack of progress on a peace plan.

Myanmar's junta government on Thursday said the two leaders "discussed the continuing assistance from the united ASEAN community and Myanmar-ASEAN cooperation for rehabilitation after the Myanmar earthquake disaster".

The junta statement added that Thai ex-premier Thaksin Shinawatra was present at the meeting.

Anwar earlier this week said he would meet Min Aung Hlaing to discuss the safety of Malaysian humanitarian teams dispatched to Myanmar following last month's magnitude-7.7 earthquake.

Opposition groups and rights organisations on Wednesday criticised ASEAN leaders' engagement with the head of the military junta, accusing him of war crimes in Myanmar's brutal conflict.

"Rather than supporting the people of Myanmar, these actions risk legitimizing the illegal military coup and reinforcing the regime responsible for their suffering," they said in a statement.

Min Aung Hlaing earlier this month met with leaders from the Bay of Bengal littoral nations at a plush Bangkok hotel, an invitation that drew criticism.

His presence at that summit represented a diplomatic win for Myanmar's isolated government, as it broke with a regional policy of not inviting junta leaders to major events.

burs-sjc/bjt






Thursday, April 17, 2025 - A family in Kahawa West was thrown out by a rogue landlord over rent arrears and forced to sleep outside.

According to a concerned neighbour who recorded the video, the landlord broke into the house when the family was away and removed everything outside.

The tenant has two little kids, who were captured on camera stranded outside.

The distressed tenant had not paid rent for two months, citing tough economic times.

The heartbreaking video has sparked reactions on social media, with many calling out the ruthless landlord.

Watch the video.

A rogue landlord in Kahawa West breaks into a tenants house and removes everything outside over rent arrears! Look at those 2 poor kids! Oh Lord!! pic.twitter.com/iUEIvw7E67  DAILY POST  (@dailypost_ke) April 17, 2025

The Kenyan Daily POST






Thursday, April 17, 2025 - Thieves stormed the compound of a businesswoman in Karatinas Ndiara village, attacking her shortly after she arrived home on Saturday night.

The intruders, who appeared to have been monitoring her movements, pounced as she alighted from her car.

They confronted her at close range, demanding that she surrender money before forcibly dragging her around the compound.

The assailants seemed to have no fear of being caught, spending several minutes within the premises while issuing threats and searching her belongings.

Footage from a nearby CCTV camera captured the terrifying ordeal, which occurred shortly before 8 pm, as the victim returned from what appeared to be a days work.

Residents in the area have raised an alarm over the trend of criminal activity in rural parts of Nyeri County, where gangs have been targeting business owners and women returning home in the evening.

There is growing frustration in the village as locals call on security officers to respond swiftly before more attacks occur.

CCTV captures the moment thugs attacked a businesswoman in Karatina after she arrived home from work and demanded money from her pic.twitter.com/AjggxozPpR  DAILY POST  (@dailypost_ke) April 17, 2025

Credit: Cyprian Nyakundi






Thursday, April 17, 2025 - Living the American dream just got a little more complicated.

For Kenyans holding or planning to apply for U.S. visas, the U.S Government has declared that the scrutiny doesnt end at visa approval, its only the beginning.

In a recent statement, U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio emphasized that visa holders will now be under continuous monitoring, not just at the point of application but throughout their stay.

Visa screening does not stop after a visa is issued, he stated.

We expect all visa holders to respect our laws and immigration rules - or face deportation.

This marks a significant shift, echoing President Donald Trumps tough stance on immigration.

From now on, green card and student visa applicants must also disclose their social media handles from the past five years.

Anything deemed inappropriate, especially extremist views, like antisemitic content, could be grounds for immediate visa denial or revocation.

There is no room in the United States for the rest of the worlds extremist sympathisers, and we are under no obligation to admit them or let them stay here, said Tricia McLaughlin, the Department of Homeland Securitys Assistant Secretary for Public Affairs.

This essentially means your visa is something you have to earn every single day.

Beyond social media, any violation, be it fraud, theft, fake documents, or sham marriages, could lead to deportation.

The Kenyan DAILY POST






Thursday, April 17, 2025 - In a subtle but sharp jab, Wiper Party leader Kalonzo Musyoka has seemingly taken aim at President William Ruto over his repeated public defenses of his mental state.

Over the past few months, President Ruto has grown increasingly vocal in asserting that he is not mad, frequently telling crowds he is fully in control and deeply focused on steering the nations affairs.

This recurring declaration has raised eyebrows, with many wondering why the Head of State feels compelled to constantly affirm his sanity.

The Presidents remarks appear to be a response to mounting public criticism and growing skepticism around his leadership style and policies.

From economic decisions to political appointments, many Kenyans remain unconvinced and distant, despite his efforts to prove he is a rational, capable leader.

Kalonzo, in a short but pointed video posted on X, weighed in with a loaded statement:

The first sign of mental illness is denying that you are a mad man.

Though he didnt name Ruto directly, the timing and context left little doubt about who his words were aimed at.

Watch the video below.

Did you know that the first sign of mental illness is denying that you are a mad man! pic.twitter.com/slGwPwBZRx  Kalonzo Musyoka (@skmusyoka) April 17, 2025






Thursday, April 17, 2025 - Controversial Mugithi star, Samidoh Muchoki, has stirred reactions online with a cheeky Facebook post about Kenyan relationships.

Most relationships in Kenya are controlled by friends, so ukiona umeachwa ujue committee imeamua, he wrote, suggesting that many breakups are influenced by peer pressure rather than personal choice.

The post comes shortly after his baby mama, nominated Senator Karen Nyamu, announced she had ended their relationship to focus on her legislative duties.

Samidohs love life has been rife with drama, from allegations of domestic abuse to public clashes with Nyamu.

The affair also led his wife, Edday Nderitu, to walk out of their marriage and move to the U.S with their children, stating that she had no desire to be part of a polygamous setup.

Netizens speculate that Samidohs post subtly blames committees for his failed relationships.Bottom of Form

The Kenyan DAILY POST






Thursday, April 17, 2025 - Moses Kuria is reportedly being frustrated and edged out of Government, with reports emerging that President William Ruto has already made up his mind to fire him.

Sources reveal that on Wednesday, Kuria was ordered by the Head of Public Service, Felix Kosgey, to surrender his official vehicle.

Kurias woes come barely a week after he made a cryptic tweet sympathizing with Gachagua after an explosive interview on KTN, where the former Deputy President revealed how President William Ruto mistreated him before he was impeached.

Kuria was appointed as a Senior Economic Advisor to the President after being kicked out of the Cabinet.

Speaking in an interview on KTN a week ago, Gachagua revealed that Ruto had shortchanged Kuria and downplayed his new role in Government, saying it wields no power.

The Kenyan DAILY POST






Thursday, April 17, 2025 - The journalism world is mourning the loss of Ochieng Ogodo, a revered voice in science and environmental reporting, who passed away in the early hours of Thursday, April 17.

His passing followed a brief illness, with reports confirming that he remained in high spirits as late as Wednesday evening.

Ogodo reportedly experienced sudden chest pains around 2:00am while at home.

He alerted his children, who quickly rushed him to Mama Lucy Hospital.

Sadly, he was pronounced dead upon arrival.

With a career spanning nearly three decades, Ogodos influence on African science journalism was profound.

He notably served as the Sub-Saharan Africa Regional Coordinator and News Editor for the UK-based Science and Development Network (SciDev.Net) for 12 years.

His commitment to reporting on critical scientific and environmental issues earned him global acclaim, including the prestigious Reuters-IUCN Media Award for Excellence in Environmental Reporting in 2008.

Beyond his editorial roles, Ogodo was an Executive Board Member of the World Federation of Science Journalists (20172023) and the founding chair of the Kenya Environment and Science Journalists Association (KENSJA), shaping the future of environmental journalism in Kenya.

The Kenya Editors Guild paid tribute to Ogodo, hailing him as a dedicated storyteller whose work helped demystify science for the everyday reader.

His articles were featured in global outlets including National Geographic, The Guardian (UK), and Nature Medicine.

The Kenyan DAILY POST






Thursday, April 17, 2025 - A middle-aged man escaped death by a whisker after police rescued him from a rowdy mob that accosted him after he snatched a gold chain from a mzungu.

The foreigner was walking along a busy street in the Nairobi Central Business District when the suspected thief snatched the expensive chain and attempted to flee, only to be cornered by a mob.

Luckily, police came to his rescue before he was lynched by the mob.

Watch the videos.

The Kenyan DAILY POST
China willing to elevate military relations with Vietnam to new level: spokesperson

Xinhua) 17:05, April 16, 2025

BEIJING, April 16 (Xinhua) -- A Chinese defense spokesperson on Wednesday said that the Chinese military is willing to join hands with the Vietnamese side to elevate their relations to a new level.

Zhang Xiaogang, spokesperson for the Ministry of National Defense, made the remarks in response to a media query regarding the building of a China-Vietnam community with a shared future.

Zhang noted that the Chinese and Vietnamese militaries had enhanced their long-standing friendship featuring "camaraderie plus brotherhood" and maintained close high-level exchanges.

The Chinese military is willing to work with the Vietnamese side to strengthen strategic mutual trust and coordination, and enhance cooperation in political work, maritime security, joint exercises and personnel training, he said.

(Web editor: Zhong Wenxing, Liang Jun)
Blooming tulips and Yulong Snow Mountain attract visitors to Lijiang, SW China's Yunnan

People's Daily Online) 15:34, April 17, 2025

Blooming tulips in a modern flower industry park in the city of Lijiang, southwest China's Yunnan Province, create a striking contrast with the majestic Yulong Snow Mountain in the distance. (People's Daily Online/Liu Yi)

A modern flower industry park in the city of Lijiang, southwest China's Yunnan Province, has become a popular spring destination, with visitors enjoying views of blooming flowers against the backdrop of Yulong Snow Mountain.

In recent years, Lijiang's Gucheng district has developed its flower sector by leveraging local conditions and the park's resources.

The district now has 6,400 mu (427 hectares) dedicated to flower cultivation, producing more than 40 million fresh-cut stems annually and generating an agricultural output value of 291 million yuan ($39.6 million), according to local authorities.

Blooming tulips in a modern flower industry park in the city of Lijiang, southwest China's Yunnan Province, create a striking contrast with the majestic Yulong Snow Mountain in the distance. (People's Daily Online/Liu Yi)

Photo shows blooming tulips in a modern flower industry park in the city of Lijiang, southwest China's Yunnan Province. (People's Daily Online/Liu Yi)

Photo shows blooming tulips at a modern flower industry park in the city of Lijiang, southwest China's Yunnan Province, creating a striking contrast with the majestic Yulong Snow Mountain in the distance. (People's Daily Online/Liu Yi)

Photo shows a scene at a modern flower industry park in the city of Lijiang, southwest China's Yunnan Province. (People's Daily Online/Liu Yi)

(Web editor: Hongyu, Liang Jun)
A NEW 46m HQ for the Army Ranger Wing was given the green light by Tanaiste and Minister for Defence, Simon Harris last week, a move welcomed by his colleague Kildare South TD, and Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries, Food and the Marine, Martin Heydon.

The new base for the Army Ranger Wing was a key recommendation made in the Commission on the Future of the Defence Forces which outlined that there is a clear requirement to develop enhanced infrastructure to support the planned expansion of the commando unit.

Long term plan

Phase one of the project will involve the development of a new HQ building, followed by specifically designed training and operational facilities tailored for the army rangers' needs. Further phases of the overall project will see the delivery of accommodation facilities, a gymnasium and office space.

The Army Ranger Wing has engaged in high-profile operations, including the extraction of Irish citizens in Kabul after the return to power of the Taliban in Afghanistan in 2021.

Army Ranger Wing members also executed a dramatic military intervention in 2023 by fast-roping down from a helicopter, securing a container ship, which was subsequently found to possess over 2.2 tonnes of cocaine.

The Army Ranger Wing is a highly trained and sought-after unit within the defence forces, and they deserve, along with all of our Defence Force personnel across all services, fit-for-purpose infrastructure to enable them to carry out their duties, said Minister Heydon.

Minister Heydon added: Our Defence Forces are seeing record investment by this government into their operations."

Recently, the new  5.4 million Cadet Training School and machinery yard were opened by An Tanaiste at the Curragh, with works continuing on the  8.6 million Communications and Information Services (CIS) Workshop also on the Curragh.

Commitment to Defence Forces

Minister Heydon said these investments "are proof of this government's ongoing commitment to strengthening Oglaigh na hEireann, ensuring it is a modern, fit for purpose military and enhancing the facilities available at the Curragh".

As a TD for Kildare South, which houses the Curragh Camp, I am acutely aware of the bravery, commitment, and professionalism of our Defence Forces, and remain as committed today as when first elected, to ensuring that they are adequately catered for. I am also enormously proud of the Curragh and I will continue to push for further investment there to ensure state-of-the-art facilities and infrastructure to match our forces," he concluded.
A proposal to enhance pedestrian safety in Athy by introducing Smart Crosswalks was brought before the local council at a recent Athy Municipal District meeting.

Cllr Brian Dooley tabled a motion calling for the installation of Smart Crosswalks in Athy, which are designed to improve safety on crossings.

The motion specifically highlighted the need for improved pedestrian infrastructure at the Railway Station, the back square leading to the Shackleton Museum, Leinster Street, and Woodstock Street  all areas known for heavy foot traffic and busy roads.

No Resources

However, in a report issued in response to the motion senior engineer for sustainable transport and traffic management, Donal Hodgins, stated that there are currently no resources available to fund the provision of pedestrian crossings in the county.

The request has been added to a list of similar requests that shall be examined if resources become available, the report noted.

It also stressed that any proposed crossing infrastructure must comply with existing Irish regulations and guidelines.

Despite the councils response, cllr Dooley remained optimistic about this potential and fantastic infrastructure.

He added: If we could get costing and carry out a pilot scheme to see how much these would cost. Lets be the first movers on this."
Netflix have confirmed that a tell-all documentary about the 2015 killing of Limerick man and father-of-two Jason Corbett is set to be released on their platform in the coming weeks.

Titled 'A Deadly American Marriage', the documentary is going to explore "the many questions that have lingered since the shocking events of that night," said a representative of Netflix in a statement.

Mr Corbett, a widower, found love with American au pair Molly Martens in 2008. The couple moved from Limerick to North Carolina "to build a new life together" with Jason's young children, Jack and Sarah.

All was going well for the two until one day, in August of 2015, when 39-year-old Jason was found beaten to death in his home. This resulted in the arrest and conviction of Molly Martens and her father Thomas, a former FBI agent.

READ MORE: ALERT: Irish people told how to get 240 back on mortgage payments amid bank update

However, the pair were granted an appeal and able to avoid a retrial after admitting to voluntary manslaughter. Due to accepting this plea deal, the murder charges were dropped.

In November 2023, both Molly and her father were sentenced to a minimum of four years and three months in prison but these sentences included time that was already served. As a result, Molly and Thomas were released from prison in June 2024.

Also featured in this programme doing exclusive interviews will be Jason's children, Jack and Sarah Corbett, along with Molly Martens and her father Tom.

Directed and produced by Jessica Burgess and Jenny Popplewell , 'A Deadly American Marriage' will explore the mystery behind Jason Corbetts death and the bitter debate of the custody of his children, Jack and Sarah, who were just 8 and 10 at the time of his death.

The documentary will be released on Friday, May 9.
COLUMBIA  After nearly 60 years of life-saving discoveries, the University of Missouri's Research Reactor, or MURR, in short, is getting an upgrade.

MU officials announced Wednesday the creation of a NextGen reactor, capable of doubling the existing reactor's output.

The new reactor, officially called NextGen MURR (MU Research Reactor), will be a collaboration between the university and a consortium that includes Hyundai Engineering America, the Korea Atomic Energy Research Institute (KAERI), Hyundai Engineering Company and MPR Associates, according to a news release.

According to past KOMU 8 reporting, the NextGen MURR project will cost the university $1 billion and is expected to open in the next eight to 10 years.

MURR's history

MURR was built in 1966, with design similarities close to the space-age aesthetic of the era.

According to MU's website, President Dwight D. Eisenhower's call for a peaceful use of the atom, as nuclear powers grew globally, inspired then-university President Elmer Ellis to begin talks on creating a research reactor.

In 1959, Gov. James T. Blair signed bills to fund the reactor's creation.

According to the university, MURR was initially allowed a license for five megawatts of production, but later doubled to 10 megawatts, making it the highest-power university research reactor in the nation.

"We've built the model on how to do this and how to do it right and safely and reliably," said Uriah Orland, the MURR director of communications. "We're the only reactor in the world that operates 24 hours a day, six and a half days a week, every week of the year."

MURR has since allowed students, faculty and researchers to use the facilities to discover life-saving elements at a reliable rate.

"We are the only ones that have this operating schedule," Orland said. "Doctors have patients who have cancer, they can know that they will have treatments."

Orland said the reactor began creating radioisotopes in the '90s. Since then, MURR has grown to be an integral part of the medical landscape.

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"We are the only producer of four medical isotopes used in cancer treatments," Orland said. "They're used to treat thyroid cancer, prostate cancer, pancreatic cancer and liver cancer."

One of these radioisotopes, known as Lutetium 177, is a core piece in the only two FDA approved targeted radiotherapies. These are just as effective but less dangerous than chemotherapy, Orland said.

"Those drugs use a targeting molecule that seeks out a cancer cell and only targets that cancer cell and leaves the healthy tissues in the body alone," Orland said.

Orland suggests the reactor means far more for patients across the country, rather than just for the students researching.

"That's what these drugs bring. They bring hope to the patients," Orland said. "They bring, you know, extended life, less side effects."

The future

A 1960s reactor has its limits.

Orland said the opportunity for more research, production and discovery lies beyond what MURR can currently handle.

"Having a reactor that is more powerful allows us to potentially make different isotopes," Orland said. "It also ensures that we're able to make the current isotopes in a different design than the current MURR."

With the addition of the NextGen research reactor, Orland said he hopes the legacy of MURR can be carried on to a much larger extent.

"We're doing this, it's happening," Orland said. "It's a really exciting time because it's this is the first step to make a vision and an idea a reality."

Both reactors will be able to run at the same time, multiplying the output of life-saving elements like lutetium 177.

"It expands and expands and expands the impact that the reactor will have for Columbia, for the University of Missouri, really making Columbia the Nuclear Science Center of America, which is it's amazing," Orland said.
Kendallville, IN (46755)

Today

Clear to partly cloudy. A stray shower or thunderstorm is possible. Low 68F. Winds SSW at 5 to 10 mph..

Tonight

Clear to partly cloudy. A stray shower or thunderstorm is possible. Low 68F. Winds SSW at 5 to 10 mph.
ONE of the largest solar energy farms in Ireland is being planned for Laois.

A subsidiary of a global Danish-owned energy company  rsted Onshore Ireland Midco Ltd  is planning to develop a solar farm across a stretch of land measuring 4.75km in length and 2km wide.

Locals met recently in Emo Community Hall to discuss their concerns about the development and its impact on the community.

The public meeting was organised by the Emo Solar Action Group.

One of the organisers, David Hainsworth, said the group had invited the company to consult with locals, but said it would only speak to individuals.

A map of the planned solar farm was positioned on a wall, with Mr Hainsworth saying it would stretch for nearly 5km from near Vicartsown to Morette Castle.

The meeting was told that 13 landowners, some local, had entered into contracts with the company to locate the solar panels on their lands.

David Hainsworth was one of the organisers of the public meeting that was held in Emo Community Hall to discuss the concerns the community had about the development of a solar energy farm in their area

Outlining points he considered necessary when submitting objections to the planning application, Mr Hainsworth said there is a lack of government policy surrounding the installation of solar farms and that in his opinion the application breached aspects of the Laois County Development Plan.

He said that instead of locating the solar farm on boglands, why was it necessary to be located on agricultural lands across five townlands?

He also questioned the suitability of locating an industrial complex in a rural community.

Mr Hainsworth said should the development proceed, there would be about 1.8 million square metres of solar panels across the townlands. He also raised concerns about the construction phase of the project, which the company said could take up to 18 months, and the effect that 16,000 heavy goods vehicles and construction traffic every month would have on local roads.

He said that, at present, the road network identified by the company is incapable of facilitating two HGVs passing each other safely. This would cause major safety issues for pedestrians and cyclists and would also have an impact on school bus routes to Monasterevin, Portarlington and Portlaoise.

Mr Hainsworth also said that security fencing, lighting and CCTV cameras would surround 22.75km of the entire site.

He was also concerned about criminal elements coming into the area to steal from the site.

Others at the meeting expressed concerns about the visual effect the solar farm would have on the area and the impact on house and land prices locally, while some asked would the bedding-in of solar panels have an adverse effect on ground water and domestic wells?

The meeting heard that the development would be so large that it would be seen from the Rock of Dunamaise.

A section of the attendance at the public meeting in Emo Community Hall to discuss concerns the community had about the development of a solar energy farm in their area

Some speakers referred to inaccuracies and inconsistencies in the companys application, such as different specifications and lengths of the planned fencing, as well as the omission of a Flora and Fauna Impact Statement. While another said: There was a cut and paste error. They put in a Boyne and a Blackwater River Assessment."

Deputies Sean Flaming and Willie Aird along with cllr Paschal McEvoy encouraged attendees to list their concerns and submit them to the planning authority before Sunday 27 April.

Also in attendance were cllr Vivienne Phelan and a representative of deputy Brian Stanley.

The planning application submitted by rsted Onshore Ireland Midco Ltd stated that it was looking to develop the site within the townlands of Morett, Killone, Cappakeel, Rossmore and Raheennahown North.

While it is looking for a ten-year planning permission, it is also seeking a 40-year operational life for the solar farm within the five locations. It said the total site area for the proposed development will cover approximately 249 hectares, including 1,796,838sq metres of solar photovoltaic panels on ground-mounted steel frames and 44 hard standings for electrical skids and storage. It is also seeking approval for underground power and communication cables and ducts running for approximately 22,753 metres and boundary security fencing of about 12,915 metres in length.

The company said that a separate planning application will be made to An Bord Pleanala as part of a Strategic Infrastructure Development, which will include a 110kV substation with electrical control building and ancillary electrical infrastructure, associated compound with palisade fence, to be located in the townland of Morett and connected to the national grid.
A PUBLIC meeting about women living with endometriosis is taking place in Portlaoise on Wednesday 23 April.

Endometriosis is an often-painful condition in which tissue that is similar to the inner lining of the uterus grows outside the uterus. It often affects the ovaries, fallopian tubes and the tissue lining the pelvis.

The meeting, which takes place in the Killeshin Hotel at 7pm, is organised by Sinn Fein Senator Maria McCormack as part of her ongoing endometriosis campaign. It aims to raise awareness and demand for better healthcare services for women living with the debilitating condition.

The leader of Sinn Fein Mary Lou McDonald will also be in attendance at the meeting which will feature testimonies and insights from campaigners and advocates, including Paula Byrne, Jess Ni Mhaolain and Sarah Jane Allen.

Senator McCormack said: Endometriosis is one of the most underdiagnosed and misunderstood conditions affecting women in Ireland today. For too long, women have suffered in silence, dismissed or ignored by a broken healthcare system.

This campaign is about giving women a voice, demanding proper services, and ensuring no one is left behind.

The public meeting will allow women and families to share their experiences, ask questions and push for urgent policy change to ensure timely diagnosis, appropriate care pathways and investment in specialist services.

Members of the public and healthcare professionals are invited to attend.
On 16 April Ecuadors President Daniel Noboa carried out a partial cabinet reshuffle that saw Sariha Moya appointed as the new finance minister, replacing Luis Alberto Jaramillo, who had only been in the role since February.

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On 16 April Argentinas cabinet chief, Guillermo Francos, appeared before the lower chamber of congress to present a report on President Javier Mileis government.

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On 16 April Mexicos Presidentsaid her government had sent a diplomatic note to the US administration of Presidentabout security collaboration on the countries shared border.

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Blind box craze takes center stage at 5th China Intl Consumer Products Expo

People's Daily Online) 16:11, April 17, 2025

Photo shows popular blind boxes from trendy Chinese toy brand Pop Mart on display at the Beijing Pavilion at the fifth China International Consumer Products Expo in south Chinas Hainan Province. (People's Daily Online/Fu Zemin)

The blind box economy, built on the sale of sealed packages containing random collectible items, has been a highlight of the fifth China International Consumer Products Expo, held April 13-18 in south China's Hainan Province.

Blind boxes  including popular figurines, pastries modeled after archaeological finds, toy snacks and cultural products  have brought new excitement to this years expo. They have also emerged as a new driver of continued growth in consumer spending.

The expo features leading brands, including Pop Mart displaying popular IP blind boxes at the Beijing Pavilion, alongside exhibitors offering a range of cultural products.

Blind boxes at the expo cover a variety of categories. Organizers say they are helping to boost consumer spending by bringing together different industries and introducing new products.

Photo shows a scene at the fifth China International Consumer Products Expo in south Chinas Hainan Province. (People's Daily Online/Liu Yang)

Photo shows blind boxes featuring pastries modeled after archaeological finds at the fifth China International Consumer Products Expo in south China's Hainan Province. (People's Daily Online/Meng Fansheng)

Photo shows products themed on the Sanxingdui Ruins at the Sichuan Pavilion at the fifth China International Consumer Products Expo in south China's Hainan Province. (People's Daily Online/Fu Zemin)

Photo shows blind boxes at the Xizang Pavilion at the fifth China International Consumer Products Expo in south China's Hainan Province. (People's Daily Online/Fu Zemin)

Photo shows blind boxes themed on the famous flying apsaras of Dunhuang art at the fifth China International Consumer Products Expo in south China's Hainan Province. (People's Daily Online/Liu Yang)

Photo shows a visitor participating in a blind box activity at the fifth China International Consumer Products Expo in south Chinas Hainan Province. (People's Daily Online/Liu Yang)

Photo shows products featuring mascots of the fifth China International Consumer Products Expo in south Chinas Hainan Province. (People's Daily Online/Liu Yang)

(Web editor: Hongyu, Liang Jun)
On 16 April MapBiomas, an environmental monitoring platform run by Brazilian NGOs, universities, and private companies, released its forest fire data for the first quarter of this year, which showed 912,876 hectares (ha) affected by fires, down 70% from Q1 2024.

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1:45

Puerto Rican superstar Jennifer Lopez returns to hosting after a decade. JLo will be the presenter and headliner of the 2025 American Music Awards (AMAs). The ceremony will take place on May 26 in Las Vegas and will be broadcast on CBS and Paramount+.

This isn't the first time The Bronx Diva has taken on the role of host at the AMAs. She previously hosted the show in 2015, receiving widespread praise for her work. Although the news hadn't been leaked previously, Jennifer had dropped some hints during the awards' 50th anniversary celebrations.

That year's ceremony began with a performance of her hit "Waiting for Tonight," followed by energetic choreography that included snippets of today's most popular songs. Her performance was highlighted by her energy and dance skills, cementing her reputation as a versatile artist.

Now there is no doubt that she will surpass herself.

Throughout her career, Jennifer Lopez has hosted various events. In addition to the AMAs, she has hosted television programs and specials, contributing her charisma and stage experience.

A very busy year

As for her current projects, Lopez has maintained an active and diverse schedule in 2025. She was recently spotted filming the movie "Office Romance" in Hoboken, New Jersey, where she plays Jackie, an Air Cruz CEO with a strict no-fraternization policy. The film, which will premiere on Netflix , stars Brett Goldstein and has been generating buzz due to its collaboration with the writers of "Ted Lasso."

Additionally, Lopez stars in 'Kiss of the Spider Woman,' a film adaptation of the Broadway musical that premiered at the Sundance Film Festival in January 2025. Her performance has been praised, and an Oscar nomination has been mentioned.

In the music world, Jennifer Lopez has announced her "Up All Night Live In 2025" tour, which will include concerts in several Spanish cities in July, including Pontevedra, Cadiz, Malaga, Madrid, Barcelona, Bilbao, and Tenerife. This tour marks her return to the Spanish stage after six years, and tickets will be available starting April 16.

In addition to her professional projects, Lopez has been seen at social and cultural events. She attended the Broadway premiere of "Good Night, and Good Luck," where she reunited with George Clooney, with whom she co-starred in "Out of Sight" in 1998. She also attended the play "Buena Vista Social Club."
A 31-year-old man has pleaded guilty  three days into his murder trial and prior to a jury reaching a verdict  on charges stemming from a 2023 fatal shooting at an Allentown apartment.

Obadiah Whack of Allentown pleaded guilty Thursday to felony murder and felony possession of a prohibited firearm. Court records show a charge of felony discharge of a firearm into an occupied structure was later withdrawn.

Whack in July 2012 was sentenced to three to eight years in prison for aggravated assault in an incident that prior March, in which he broke someones jaw during a fight in a Catasauqua park. The 2012 aggravated assault conviction prohibited Whack from possessing a firearm.

Lehigh County District Attorney Gavin Holihan announced the guilty plea Thursday afternoon in the murder case. Pamela Lehman, spokeswoman for the DAs Office, said the plea deal was reached prior to the conclusion of the trial, which began earlier this week.

Karen Schuler, a public defender listed in court records as representing Whack, couldnt immediately be reached for comment after the plea.

Whack was sentenced Thursday before Lehigh County Court of Common Pleas Judge James T. Anthony to 30 to 60 years in state prison.

The case began just after 2 a.m. Sept. 29, 2023 when Allentown police officers were called to the reported shooting in the 600 block of North Law Street.

Investigators found 35-year-old Giselle Karen Trabal with a gunshot wound to the chest inside the first-floor apartment.

Trabal was taken to Lehigh Valley Hospital-Cedar Crest in Salisbury Township, where she was pronounced dead at 4:49 a.m. Sept. 29, 2023.

Investigators found a discharged 9-millimeter cartridge casing in the hallway, next to the front door of the apartment. The front door had one bullet hole in it, the DAs Office said.

Prior to the shooting, Whack was in Trabals apartment and got into an argument with several people inside. Whack was told to leave the apartment and he went to a nearby home, where he obtained a handgun and returned to the hallway outside Trabals apartment and tried to get back inside, authorities said.

Whack made several threats to shoot down the apartment door and when he was not allowed back inside, he fired one round from the handgun through the door, striking Trabal, the DAs Office said.

Witnesses provided investigators with a description of the shooter and the license plate for the vehicle he fled in. Investigators said they connected Whack to the crime based on the descriptions and other evidence. Authorities said the investigation also revealed the bullet that killed Trabal was fired from a gun that belonged to Whack.

Police apprehended Whack at an apartment on North 14th Street in the city. Several people inside pushed him out of the apartment along with a bag containing two guns. One of those guns inside the bag was the weapon used in the homicide, the DAs Office said.

At the time, Whack also had an arrest warrant out of Warren County in a separate incident.

The case was investigated by Allentown Police Detectives Nicholas J. Lerch and Lehigh County Homicide Task Force Detective Daniel Reagan and Moses Miller. It was prosecuted by Chief County District Attorney Sara Moyer and District Attorney Gavin P. Holihan.

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Pamela Sroka-Holzmann may be reached at pholzmann@lehighvalleylive.com.
A Washington, D.C. man pleaded guilty to filming two male residents as they showered at a Lafayette College dorm, the Northampton County District Attorneys Office announced.

Peter Hamilton Milius, now 21, pleaded guilty to charges of one count felony child pornography possession and two counts misdemeanor invasion of privacy without consent. The charges were filed in April 2024.

Milius, who was a Lafayette College student when the invasion of privacy occurred, faces a maximum of seven years in prison for child pornography possession and two years for invasion of privacy.

Milius is scheduled to return to court for his sentencing hearing tentatively scheduled for July 15.

Easton-based attorney Gary Asteak, representing Milius, couldnt immediately be reached for comment Thursday morning. Lafayette College spokesman Bryan Hay referred comment to the DAs Office.

A Lafayette College police officer about 11 p.m. Oct. 15, 2023 responded to Rubin Hall, 776B Sullivan Road in Easton, for an invasion of privacy complaint. Court records say the victims resided at Rubin Hall, in which the colleges website describes as occupying bedrooms, a kitchen, living room and lounge/study area for first-year students.

A resident advisor filed the complaint on behalf of the two victims, according to court records.

Milius used a personal cellphone to record the victims showering at different times. One of the victims spotted the cellphone belonging to Milius held above a shower curtain while he was showering and yelled at Milius, Get the (expletive) out of here and What the (expletive) do you think youre doing? Give me the phone!, court records stated.

The officer seized Milius cellphone as evidence. Law enforcement obtained a search warrant Oct. 19, 2023 for Milius cellphone, which was sent to a lab to be further investigated, authorities said.

A second search warrant was obtained on Jan. 4 related to child pornography found on Milius phone, court records stated.

Authorities said evidence showed two videos of the victims while showering, but no images were depicted below the waist of either victim, as well as 76 graphic images of child pornography.

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Pamela Sroka-Holzmann may be reached at pholzmann@lehighvalleylive.com.
Theres a new western in town.

Ransom Canyon premieres on Netflix on Thursday, April 17, and the series has already been compared to the massively successful neowestern drama Yellowstone. But how similar are the two shows, really?

Jack Schumacher, who plays mysterious drifter Yancy Grey on Ransom Canyon, said during an April interview with Us Weekly that its very accurate to describe the new series as a cross between Yellowstone and Virgn River. Schumacher also noted what sets Ransom Canyon apart.

The great thing about that is it leans into the romance more. It exists on its own, he explained. The female gaze is more present here, which you dont get in the vast majority of westerns, and Im a huge fan of the genre.

Ransom Canyon creator and showrunner April Blair has no problem with the Yellowstone comparisons. During an interview with the New York Post, she shared that the Yellowstone spinoff 1923 was a major source of inspiration for her.

[Yellowstone cocreator] Taylor Sheridan is, like, this once-in-a-generation writer that redefined contemporary westerns and this Americana aesthetic. He reinvigorated that kind of world, Blair said. I wanted to do something like [1923] for a contemporary [story].

Ransom Canyon is based on Jodi Thomas book series of the same name. Josh Duhamel stars as Texas rancher Staten Kirkland, who is healing from a personal tragedy while fighting to keep control of his familys land.

READ MORE: The Dutton family tree: Your guide to the characters from Yellowstone and its spinoffs

While the plot may sound similar to Yellowstones Dutton family and their struggle to protect their Montana ranch while dealing with interpersonal drama, the two shows have different tones.

The Boston Globe described Ransom Canyon as an emo version of Yellowstone that lacks the ingredients that made the latter a hit, namely swagger and voice. That might be what the new series is going for, though. Duhamel described Ransom Canyon as comfort food during an interview with the Boston Herald.

I think people will find it an easy watch, the actor said. Its pretty straightforward. But its also pretty complicated, as things can get in small towns like this.

READ MORE: Landman cast update gives major clue about season 2

In addition to Duhamel and Schumacher, Ransom Canyon stars Minka Kelly as Quinn OGrady, a dancehall owner and accomplished pianist who finds herself in a love triangle with Staten and Davis Collins (Eoin Macken).

Tatanka Means (Jake Longbow), Marianly Tejada (Ellie Estevez), James Brolin (Cap Fuller), and Lizzy Greene (Lauren Brigman) round out the cast.

All 10 episodes of Ransom Canyons first season hit Netflix on Thursday, April 17.

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Two tractor-trailer drivers escaped serious injury when the rigs collided and erupted into flames Tuesday afternoon on the Northeast Extension of the Pennsylvania Turnpike in Lehigh County, state police said.

The crash happened at 1:40 p.m. on the Northeast Extension of the Pennsylvania Turnpike, near mile marker 51.7 in Emmaus, according to Pennsylvania State Police Cpl. Richard Levan, public information officer for Troop T.

The accident began when a North Bergen, New Jersey, man operating his rig in the right lane encountered a disabled car on the right shoulder, state police said.

The driver braked hard, lost control, and veered into the left lane, striking the second tractor-trailer. The tractor-trailers came to a stop, blocking the northbound lanes. Shortly after, both vehicles ignited into flames, state police said.

Responding troopers found both tractor trailers fully engulfed at the time of arrival. Both drivers escaped safely before the vehicles caught fire, Levan said.

The crash shut down a portion of Pennsylvania Turnpike north from Lehigh County to Bucks County. Traffic was backed up for miles and the highway was reportedly shut down for more than two hours.

WFMZ-69 News reported the Turnpike was closed for approximately 13 miles, with traffic detoured between the Quakertown and Lehigh Valley exits.

Marissa Orbanek, with the Pennsylvania Turnpike Commission, told WFMZ one of the rigs was empty, while the other was transporting train wheels.

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Pamela Sroka-Holzmann may be reached at pholzmann@lehighvalleylive.com.

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A prolific offender who admitted stealing tools worth over 8,000 and 1,400 in cash from vehicles in Laois has been sentenced to jail.

Stefan Scurtu(45) 21 Rockboro Avenue, Ballintemple, Cork pleaded guilty to theft and interfering with vehicle charges at a sitting of Portlaoise District Court.

He stole tools worth over 8,000 from a vehicle at Balladine Heights, Abbeyleix, between September 29 and 30, 2023. He also interfered with a vehicle at Sli Na Noir Abbeyleix on September 30, 2023. Between September 29 and 31 he took 1,400 cash, a Dewalt grinder, five batteries, a mini grinder, cordless drive and tools worth 1,480. The man also stole a bank card and he stole a chainsaw valued at 250 from a property at Fairways, Abbeyleix on a date between September 29 and October 1, 2023.

Garda Sergeant Colin OLeary said the defendant, who appeared in court via videolink, had broken into five vehicles and taken items from all but one of them. He said the man had 71 previous convictions which all relate to theft.

Sgt OLeary said he had a victim impact statement from one of the victims of the thefts in Laois.

Solicitor Barry Fitzgerald said his client was serving a sentence with a release date in May 2026. He said he was a Romanian national who has been in Ireland for the past four years and he works in construction.

It is quite clear that he is a prolific offender, said Mr Fitzgerald. He said his client had pleaded guilty at an early stage and cooperated with gardai. He said the man is in custody and has had time to reflect on his criminality.

This is at the very upper end of district court jurisdiction in terms of severity, said Judge Susan Fay.

She sentenced the man to a total of 22 months to commence on completion of the sentence he was serving.

Judge Fay fixed recognisance in case of appeal at the sitting of Portlaoise District Court.
The Government has given Laois 30 million to fix roads this year but it has none for a "deficient" national road from Portlaoise to Mountmellick.

The narrow stretch of the N80 road has no verges and traverses a moving bog.

Transport Infrastructure Ireland has given its reasons for not funding the work.

While it primarily says there is a "not sufficient funding", it also says it has no record of collisions for the area.

However the narrow road stretch has seen several serious incidents in recent years alone.

In 2021 and again in 2022 a car plunged off the roadside down into the bog.

In 2021 an articulated lorry flipped across the road, with the cabin falling into the bog. The Laois County Council CEO John Mulholland at that time described the stretch as "deficient in every respect".

Mountmellick teenager Daragh Lee died after being hit by a car while walking home on the narrow road in 2021.

The TII now invites the council to make a submission and report collisions.

"The absence of sites from the locations identified does not preclude a local authority from submitting a feasibility report to TII for safety improvement works. There may be additional information available or there may be unreported collisions at a location that TII is unaware of. In order for TII to consider any such proposals, the road authority is required to carry out an analysis of the collision history at the location, design an appropriate scheme, carry out an economic appraisal, fully cost the scheme and prioritise the scheme.

"Each year TII carries out a collision analysis of the entire national road network, in compliance with the EU Road Infrastructure Safety Management Directive. The purpose is to identify locations that have high concentrations of collisions. It does not include the subsequent process to devise proposals to identify any appropriate road safety interventions. That is the responsibility of the local authority."

The TII also say that "it is noted that the next potential future intervention may be likely to come under the category of town bypass".

This refers to the much needed Mountmellick double bypass that is not up for funding until at least 2031.

Cllr Paddy Buggy had tabled a motion to the February meeting of Portlaoise Municipal District asking the council to install areas for slow moving vehicles like tractors to pull in and allow traffic to pass.

The letter of response from the TII was read out at the March meeting by Director of Services Simon Walton.

He sees an opportunity for funding.

Read also: Laois pub staying closed on Good Friday.

"While no funding is currently available, it offers an opportunity to the local authority to identify appropriate safety interventions and to make a submission to the TII," he said.
A Ballybrittas woman is one of 17 women who will battle it out for this year's Laois Rose title.

20 year old Alannah O'Connell is proud of her Laois heritage, with a passion for her community and agricultural roots.

"I live on a farm just outside of Ballybrittas, over the past year Ive been working in Ballybrittas service Station where I enjoy helping locals with their everyday needs," Alannah told the Leinster Express / Laois Live.

Pictured: 20 year old Alannah O'Connell from Ballybrittas, sponsored by Dublin Stove & Fire

"I am also an active member of the Fisherstown Tractor and Truck Run Committee. Every year we organise a very successful event to raise money for local cancer charities. Last year we raised 52,000 for the Cuisle Center in Portlaoise," she said.

Alannah explained that one of her greatest passions in life is singing, and she regularly performs with her local trad group in the village pub.

"I once even entered Britains Got Talent- although I didnt make it very far, it was an unforgettable experience," she said.

"Im passionate about the community, music and I am a proud Laois woman. I would be absolutely honoured to represent Laois as this years rose," Alannah finished.

The Laois Rose Selection Night takes place in the Midlands Park Hotel, Portlaoise on Friday, April 18, when 17 entrants will be interviewed on stage by Ollie Turner, cheered on by their supporters in the audience.

The winner will then be announced who will take part in the televised International Rose of Tralee in Kerry this August.

The Leinster Express / Laois Live is the proud Media Sponsor for the Laois Rose Selection.

For more on the lead up to the Laois Rose selection night, keep an eye on the Leinster Express website!
Leitrims Health is Wealth returns for its eighth year with a live recording of the award-winning Where Is My Mind? podcast, hosted by Bressie. The event is free and open to the public.

We started this really to raise awareness and to help destigmatise mental health, said Hubert McHugh, who co-founded the event with Valerie Cogan in 2017.

This years event, taking place at 8 p.m. on May 3rd at the Landmark, promises a blend of music, raw storytelling, and honest conversation around mental health.

He's speaking out about mental health problems and normalising that its okay to feel anxious, McHugh said of Bressie. We thought that was very important. We always want to get the message across that it's okay not to feel okay, and that it's okay to look for help.

McHugh, who has worked as a mental health nurse in Leitrim for over 40 years, has seen a significant shift in how mental health is discussed and treated.

When I started in the 80s, there was a terrible stigma around mental health, and that definitely is improving, he said.

Past Health is Wealth events have featured figures like Mary McEvoy, Charlie McGettigan, and Oisin McConville, who shared their own experiences with mental health. Events like these, McHugh believes, play a key role in helping people find the words to talk about their own struggles.

Sometimes people can have thoughts in their heads or they get strange feelings and think, No, I couldnt tell anybody, it sounds awful weird. And yet, when you hear somebody speaking about their problemssomeone prominentit gives that person the language to go to their GP and articulate it. They're not afraid to say it anymore.

The upcoming podcast recording will feature host Bressie, Eurovision winner Charlie McGettigan, and Consultant Psychiatrist Dr. Catherine Dolan.

Accessibility has always been a priority for the organisers, with the event remaining free from the beginning. We want to aim it at the ordinary man or woman on the street so that they can come and go to the event, said McHugh.

In his time working in the mental health field in Leitrim, McHugh said the problems people face have shifted somewhat, with loneliness and drug addiction becoming more prominent in rural Ireland. However, the first step out of a dark place remains the sametalking about it.

Providing clear information about mental health and how to get help is vital for suicide prevention, he stressed.

If youre feeling depressed or suicidal, please go in to your GP and get referred to the services.

McHugh would like to see a national campaign around suicide prevention on the same scale as road safety awareness.

I think we need to get a forum going that will do the very same thing to prevent suicides, because families, communities, and all that are devastated when theres a suicide in their area.

He also highlighted the need for more mental health services in areas like Leitrim, which he believes would benefit from greater access to addiction support and step-down services.

Support services can be found here.

READ MORE: Minister responds to Leitrim forestry concerns
So, on behalf of the government and Minister Ngafuan, we extend our deepest appreciation to everyone who contributedfrom the World Bank to our national consultants, enumerators, and community voices. This is your achievement too, Jones said. Together, lets build a Liberia where equity is not a promise, but a lived reality.
The goal of the Liberia Institute of Tax Practitioners is to enhance voluntary tax compliance, improve revenue collection, and strengthen the overall fiscal policy framework of the country.
(From left) Education Minister Dr. Jarso Jallah; Youth and Sports Minister Jeror C. Bangalu; EU Ambassador to Liberia, Nona Deprez; and UNICEF Country Representative in Liberia, Andrew Brooks
R-NPHILs boss, Dr. Nyan and MOH boss, Dr. Kpoto, were the first to receive their vaccines.
SIXTY new jobs have been created in Limerick after care provider Dovida unveiled fresh investment plans.

Dovida, which is formerly known as Home Instead Senior Care, made the announcement as part of a nationwide recruitment drive for 1,500 caregivers.

Under its predecessor brand, Dovida has been providing care to adults in Ireland since 2005.

The roles on offer will be a mix of full-and-part time positions.

Minister of State for Older People and Housing and local TD Kieran ODonnell was on hand to announce the new jobs at Dovidas Limerick offices at Fairgreen, Ballysimon Road in the city.

READ MORE: Last properties in latest phase of Limerick housing development released

He was joined by Limericks very own caregiver of the year Mary Kenihan.

The Fine Gael TD said: I am delighted to mark the official launch of Dovida here in Limerick. I wish to congratulate the great team of staff and caregivers at Dovida, including Brian OSullivan, general manager, and Michael Wright, director of growth, on this special occasion and an exciting new chapter for Dovida, including their expansion plans with the creation of 60 new jobs in Limerick, which is very welcome.

Mr ODonnell also paid tribute to caregivers for work they do every day.

Thanks to their hard work and commitment, many of our older people here in Limerick are supported and empowered to continue to live independently in their homes and communities, he added.

Mr OSullivan said: We are excited about welcoming more caregivers like Mary to our team. They will help us meet the growing need for home care services in Limerick and make it possible for more people to receive the support they need to live comfortably and independently at home.

He pledged that caregivers joining Dovidas team can expect training, local support, as well as opportunities to grow professionally.

Dovida currently provides home care services to 8,000 people across Ireland.

Historically, the majority of the organisations client base consisted of people in the over-65 age group.

But the firms staff now cares for clients of all ages, with 10 per cent under 65, while children under 18 make up one per cent of people cared for.

Staff provide services to support people living with an acquired brain injury, Parkinsons Disease, Multiple Sclerosis, and Motor

Neurone disease, as well as helping children and young adults with additional needs.
A tax on hotel guests in Dublin is being developed by a local authority team, and could be in place by September.

Dublins four local authorities have backed legislation that would allow tourists to be charged an extra fee as part of their stay in the citys hotels.

Dublin City Council, Fingal and South Dublin County councils have agreed to a working group, while Dun Laoghaire Rathdown is also expected to back the work of the group, according to the Irish Times.

Dublin City councillor Hazel Chu said the plan has cross-party support and has been two years in the making.

She said that tourists should pay their little bit of share.

The Green Party councillor said complaints about Dublin city were often about a lack of public toilets and lack of street cleaning which, she said, were usually because of a lack of funding.

Ms Chu believes the tax could raise about 12 million euro for Dublin city, but the councils have yet to confirm a figure.

Thats 250 extra street cleaners, its perhaps 50 public toilets. These are all things that we need, she told RTEs Today With Claire Byrne.

She also said the money could be ringfenced to attract more tourists to the capital, and provide more public services, including street cleaning.

She said Dublin, and Ireland, was not attracting enough tourism.

If youre a tourist walking around the city right now on a great day like today, its glorious, she added.

But when you see the amount of rubbish, or you see streets not being cleaned, or youre running from place to place and you realise theres not a public toilet, the first thing you think is, well why would I not go to any one of the 18 countries in the EU that has better facilities because they do have this tourist tax in, and actually spend my money there?

This is going to be quite a small amount and its not passed to the hoteliers.

Its passed to tourists who come to our country and use the networks and parks and museums and were asking them to pay quite a small amount.

Micheal Lennon, director of Skylon Hotel, said that hoteliers, businesses and tourists were already spending too much on tax.

I dont think it will be in by September and there are actually no grounds for introducing additional tourist tax on both Irish consumers and on, particularly overseas visitors, that make up about 75% of our tourism, he added.

In terms of tourism taxes, were already probably one of the highest  particularly with the 50% VAT increase that we had last year, half a billion extra has gone to central government, were the third highest contributor to that in Europe. So were already spending too much in tax.

We have to stay competitive. The VAT increase was passed on to the consumer, unfortunately. A lot of it wasnt, particularly in the food and beverage sector. And we need to be competitive and we need to be sustainable.

In a statement, a spokeswoman for Irish Hotels Federation said there are no grounds to introduce an additional tourist tax.

Hotels are already making an enormous contribution in terms of taxes both toward central exchequer finances and supporting local authority services, they said.

In Dublin, for example, hotels pay approximately 1,000 euro per bedroom to Dublin City Council (DCC) in commercial rates and levies to fund local authority services which equates to over 25 million euro to DCC per annum.

In addition to this, swathes of Dublin City centre hotels and businesses pay a further 5% levy toward enhancing the city experience for visitors, residents, and workers.

As the countrys largest indigenous industry, tourism generates 10 billion euro annually for the economy. Economic activity from tourism businesses, including hotels, makes an enormous substantial contribution to the exchequer, generating taxes equivalent to 29 cents for every one euro spent by tourists.

Thats equivalent to over three billion euro in taxes generated by tourism businesses for the Government each year. Given the massive cost increases over recent years, the last thing we should be doing is to increase taxes further making Ireland less attractive.

Placing the burden of additional taxes on international or domestic tourists, particularly at a time when we are trying to make Ireland stand out as an attractive destination for visitors, makes no sense at all.

Minister for Arts, Culture, Media, Sport and Communications, Patrick ODonovan, said a tourist tax was the last thing we need to do to add more costs to people.
OBJECTIONS from locals to a proposed biomethane plant in south Limerick have increased five-fold in just a week.

Almost 100 people have written to council planners expressing opposition to the proposals from Cycle.

The green energy firm, based in London, is seeking permission to develop on land near Bruree.

It wants to construct what it describes as an anaerobic digestion facility to produce renewable biomethane gas, CO2 and fertiliser from organic material.

READ MORE: Limerick man charged with 16k damage to bar in famous GAA club

The development will stretch across a vast site, and will also include a pump house, a digestive storage tank, a boiler, gas treatment system and safety flare.

As of this Tuesday afternoon, a total of 96 people had objected to an application to council.

It came after the Limerick Biogas Concern Group was set up to highlight concerns over the proposal.

Group spokesperson Bernie Carroll said of the number of objections: It just shows the concern people have and the support our campaign has received. It has pretty much exploded in the last couple of weeks.

She said people are overwhelmed and afraid.

The biggest thing is the location. The road network is so poor. Now they want to add in all this extra traffic. People are afraid they will not be able to go for walks, they will not be able to cross the road, she said.

Already pulling out of our junction to get on the Bruff line is pretty dangerous with all the cars driving up and down, added Ms Carroll.

There are fears over the demand the development will please on the electrical supply and contamination of the local water supply.

For its part, Cycle has carried out an environmental impact assessment which shows no negative effect on local wildlife or eco-systems.

A decision is due by May 18.
STREAMING platform Netflix is releasing a new tell-all documentary featuring never-before-seen material on the killing of Limerick man Jason Corbett, in the United States in 2015.

Mr Corbett, was killed by his wife Molly Martens, and her father, Tom Martens, a former FBI agent, at his home in Lexington, North Carolina, in August 2015.

The new documentary, entitled 'Deadly American Marriage,' has been in production for over four years and will be released on May 9, featuring exclusive interviews with Mr Corbett's children Jack and Sarah along with Molly and Tom Martens and US law enforcement agents and court officials.

READ MORE: Memoir of a survivor - Sarah Corbett Lynch opens up about trauma, healing, and her fight for the truth

It will offer a rare glimpse into the conflicting perspectives of those closest to the case and asks viewers to reflect on the elusive truths beneath a once seemingly fairy-tale life that ended in tragedy.

The streaming platform said the documentary "sheds a bright light on the many questions that have lingered since the shocking events of that night."

Molly and Tom Martens were convicted of murder in 2017, two years after Jason's killing, but appealed the conviction, which was later quashed and they were released from prison in June 2024.

The father and daughter agreed a plea deal with Davidson County's District Attorney, who accepted a plea of guilty to voluntary manslaughter in return for dropping murder charges.

They were sentenced to a minimum of four years and three months in prison at a hearing in November 2023, but that sentence was to include time already served.

It has emerged that Molly will be able to move back into her parents home in the US in six weeks when her probation supervision period ends.

Jason's children Sarah and Jack returned to Ireland to be raised by Jason's sister, Tracey, and her husband, Dave.

Sarah (18) published a memoir earlier this year and courageously shared the story of her father's untimely death and the emotional and psychological abuse that marked her childhood.

Recalling moments of intense abuse, she reflected on the toll it took on her and her family, explaining how Molly manipulated her and her brother Jack into carrying out actions that, in hindsight, they would never have chosen.

Speaking to Limerick Live when the memoir was published, Sarah said: I think it's really lifted a weight off my chest because I lied.

I did lie for Molly, and she is free now because she used that lie as evidence to get away with killing my dad and this is only three days after she beat my dad to death.

Her memoir grapples with the devastating impact of control and manipulation but also offers hope. There was a lot of things that I had to unlearn from Molly. She taught me how to make myself sick so that I (could) manage my weight when I was six or seven.

Produced and directed by Jessica Burgess (Rich & Shameless, American Monster) and Jenny Popplewell (What Jennifer Did, American Murder: The Family Next Door), 'A Deadly American Marriage' explores the mystery behind Mr Corbetts death.
One pressing question at the artificial-intelligence (AI) summit in Paris this week was this: is Mistral AIs assistant a cat, or a chat? Called Le Chat and developed by a French startup as a competitor to ChatGPT, it launched as a smartphone app on February 6th. To the English speaker, Le Chat looks like a French twist on AI chat, which it conducts in English (and other languages). Yet at the jamboree President Emmanuel Macron plugged it using a soft sh, rendering Le Chat distinctly feline. Arthur Mensch, Mistrals 32-year-old boss, says his baby is indeed four-legged. Look carefully at the icon in the shape of the letter M, he says: it is also a cats face.

Days after it launched, Le Chat became the most-downloaded iOS app in France. Powered by chips from Cerebras, an American competitor to Nvidia, it is much faster to use than other AI assistants, including ChatGPT. Like Chinas DeepSeek, it uses open-source models; but unlike the Chinese AI assistant, Le Chat does not raise national-security questions. Frances defence ministry, as well as Helsing, a German startup focused on intelligent strike drones, have signed deals with Mistral. Theres nothing like Le Chat anywhere else in Europe, says Verity Harding, a British AI specialist. When you download it, declared Mr Macron, you are helping a European champion.

As ever, trying to build champions was a core message in Paris, though one that was marred by a spat with J.D. Vance, Americas vice-president, over regulation. The summiteers promised technology that would be safe, secure and trustworthy; he accused world leaders of wanting to strangle AI.

All the same, France unveiled 109bn ($113bn) in private, mostly foreign, AI investment over the coming years, much of it to go on data centres that can make use of the countrys low-carbon nuclear electricity. This boost to Frances AI sector well exceeds the 39bn ($49bn) that Britain says it will spend on AI. For all his political woes, Mr Macron was strikingly chirpy as he cajoled foreign tech bosses and leaders over foie gras and champagne at the Elysee Palace.

Le Chat has a long way to go. It is little known, even in Europe. Mistral is a dwarf among American tech giants. But in Paris it got the AI world talking. Ask Le Chat to explain its name wittily and it shoots back: a conversation starter and a purr-fect marketing coup.

To stay on top of the biggest European stories, sign up to Cafe Europa, our weekly subscriber-only newsletter.
President Trump enthused on social media this week that chip maker Nvidia would build A.I. SUPERCOMPUTERS" in the U.S. The company hopes to boost its operations in the U.S. while its business with China has just taken a hit from Trump administration export curbs.

What machines is Trump talking about, and why will they be American-made? Here is a guide:

What is a supercomputer?

Supercomputer" has generally referred to computers designed to perform calculations and simulations at a speed and scale far beyond what everyday computers can do. They specialize in tasks that require crunching a lot of numbers at once, such as forecasting the weather or modeling what happens inside an atom.

Traditionally supercomputers use a large number of central processing units. Those are similar to the type of chip that runs the show in a personal computer or smartphone, but inside a supercomputer there could be tens of thousands of processors working together in parallel, connected by a high-speed network.

Havent supercomputers been around for a long time?

Yes, they go back to the 1960s. Supercomputers have been used especially at government laboratories and universities in countries such as the U.S., China and Japan.

So is the AI supercomputer Trump mentioned another one of these supercomputers?

Not exactly. What Nvidia has in mind is a big computer packed with hundreds or thousands of graphics processing units, or GPUs. Unlike most existing supercomputers, these computers focus on training artificial-intelligence modelsthe kind used in chatbots such as OpenAIs ChatGPT. GPUs are especially useful for these tasks.

Nvidias main customers are companies such as Apple and Microsoft that offer AI-powered services, as opposed to university or government research groups.

Whats the difference between Nvidias AI supercomputer and other machines that power AI?

It is a difference of degree, not of kind, according to people in the industry. In recent years, Nvidias high-end GPUs have played a key role in advancing AI, and the high-performance computers built with them are often called AI servers. These are packed together in big computer farms called data centers.

Nvidia didnt offer a precise definition of when an AI server turns into an AI supercomputer, but it likely wanted to emphasize the high performance of new machines that use a lot of its latest Blackwell chips.

Where will these machines be made?

Nvidia said it has commissioned more than a million square feet of manufacturing space to build and test its Blackwell chips in Arizona and build AI servers in Texas. The company is working with Foxconn, the worlds largest contract electronics maker, on a plant in Houston and with another Taiwanese manufacturer, Wistron, on a plant in Dallas.

Ive read its impractical to build high-tech products like the iPhone in the U.S. Why are AI servers different?

Price sensitivity is a big difference. Even a $100 price increase may induce consumers to shun a smartphone. But the big U.S. companies that buy servers are willing to pay more for hardware close to home. They can absorb the higher costs in the U.S.

Also, making an iPhone may require hundreds of thousands of manual workers so the level of hourly wages matters. The assembly of an AI server is highly automated, and the critical elements are engineering, design and software. The U.S. has a comparative advantage in these areas.

Why Texas and not Silicon Valley?

For one thing, it is closer to Mexico, the current hub of AI server manufacturing. Of the servers imported by the U.S.including AI and non-AI serversabout 70% come from Mexico, according to a report by Taiwans Ministry of Economic Affairs.

Spacious Texas offers plentiful energy and a business-friendly environment, said Adriana Cruz, executive director of economic development at the governors office. In February, representatives of Taiwans major AI server makers met Gov. Greg Abbott to discuss expansion in the state.

The Stargate Project, another plan touted by Trump, has said it would spend $500 billion building out AI. The initial phase of data centers is planned for Abilene, Texas. Apple has said it plans a new factory in the state. Texas will be the center of AI infrastructure," said Cruz.

Still, industry observers said the headline-grabbing announcements should be viewed with caution until the companies deliver concrete results.

This explanatory article may be periodically updated.

Write to Yang Jie at jie.yang@wsj.com
Mumbai, Maharashtra, India  Business Wire India

Rustomjee Group has announced the launch of an iconic gated estate in BKC Annexe. This exclusive residential project named Prive is designed to offer spacious homes, lifestyle amenities, and seamless connectivity to Mumbais key business and lifestyle hubs.



With a Gross Development Value (GDV) of ~ 400 crore, the project will feature 3 BHK residences. The development will introduce 3 wings, offering 69 premium residences that combine exclusivity with contemporary urban living.



Boman Irani, Chairman and Managing Director of Rustomjee Group, said, BKC Annexe has evolved into one of the most sought-after residential destinations, offering unparalleled connectivity and a vibrant lifestyle. With this project, we aim to redefine urban living by creating a community that seamlessly blends modern comforts with thoughtful design. With the presence of six iconic landmarks in the neighbourhood, this launch reaffirms our commitment to crafting homes that meet the evolving aspirations of homebuyers.



Prive  an iconic gated estate in BKC Annexe redefines modern living by offering spacious homes with seamless connectivity and an exclusive lifestyle. With just two residences per floor, it ensures privacy and a low-density living experience. Thoughtfully designed 3 BHK homes come with private sundecks offering breathtaking panoramic views of the citys skyline, abundant natural light, and superior ventilation, creating a serene yet sophisticated living environment. The project is complemented by 15+ curated amenities, including a sky bar, swimming pool, fitness centre, indoor games, childrens play area, and a banquet hallensuring a lifestyle that blends exclusivity with convenience.



Rustomjees new BKC Annexe project presents a compelling opportunity for homebuyers and investors alike. Designed for urban professionals, senior corporate executives, and business owners seeking a well-connected lifestyle, the residences start at Rs 5.4 Crores. With property values in BKC Annexe witnessing steady growth, the project is poised for strong appreciation, driven by infrastructure advancements such as the metro network, expressways, and commercial expansion, including the New Bombay High Court campus. The rising rental costs of commercial spaces in BKCwhere average rents have reached Rs 297 per sqft per month with projections to rise further to Rs 350-370 per sqft by 2028, as per RE Journalhave led to a cascading effect on residential rentals and property prices in the surrounding areas, further enhancing the investment potential of BKC Annexe. Strategically located, the project provides effortless connectivity to Bandra, Andheri, the Eastern Express Highway, Metro, and the upcoming Coastal Road, making daily commutes convenient.



Rustomjee continues to strengthen its dominance in Bandra East with its 7th project in the location, reaffirming its commitment to delivering premium living spaces in Mumbais most sought-after business district. Designed with efficiency in mind, the residences feature expansive living rooms and clean, well-planned layouts that maximize space and functionality. The development reflects Rustomjees commitment to premium design, durability, and quality, ensuring a refined and future-ready living experience.



Rustomjee has a strong legacy of shaping Mumbais skyline, with landmark developments across BKC, South Mumbai, and the suburbs. As a company with a customer-first approach, Rustomjee is recognized for delivering high-quality projects ahead of schedule. The Groups commitment to quality, transparency, and post-sales engagement ensures a seamless home-buying experience for every customer.



About Rustomjee Group



Founded in 1996, Rustomjee Group is one of the leading and renowned real estate developers across Mumbai. It has carved a niche for itself in the ever-growing real estate sector, with a portfolio that includes 25 million square feet of completed projects, spanning across the best locations of Mumbai Metropolitan Region (MMR). Their portfolio currently includes two very large townships, residential spaces, office complexes, retail developments, spaces for healthcare and education spread across Prabhadevi, BKC Annex, Khar, Off Juhu Circle, Kandivali, Borivali, Virar and Thane. Rustomjee lays emphasis on adding value to the lives of their homeowners through their core business, their CSR initiatives and philanthropy. They have strived to ensure that every blueprint includes child-friendly spaces for parks, playgrounds, and learning rooms and thereby encouraging families to spend quality time with each other.



For more information, visit website: https://www.rustomjee.com/
Indian businesses will soon have to present their financial statements in a new way to help investors and regulators quickly assess their performance and financial health, two persons informed about the development said. The attempt to make financial statements more relevant, transparent and uniform will apply to all listed companies as well as large unlisted firms.

A new accounting standard prepared by the Institute of Chartered Accountants of India (ICAI) based on a global accounting rule change mandates businesses classify all income and expenses into three defined groupsoperating, which deals with core business activities, investing activities, dealing with returns or losses and, financing, which deals with items like interest paid or received, one of the persons quoted above said.

This is expected to make the profit and loss account more structured compared to the current format in which some of the information is scattered. Besides, certain metrics shown outside financial statements to complement the profit and loss accountfor example, excluding certain one-off expenses to show a normalized or underlying operational performancewill now be part of the financial statements and hence, covered by the statutory audit, experts explained.

Also read | Forex rate disclosures: ICAI supports change suggested by audit watchdog NFRA

ICAIs proposed accounting standard IndAS 118 is broadly on the lines of a global accounting norm that takes effect in January 2027--International Financial Reporting Standard (IFRS) 18, which seeks to make financial statements more relevant by highlighting material facts.

Queries emailed to ICAI, NFRA and corporate affairs ministry seeking comments remained unanswered.

Once ICAIs Accounting Standards Board and Council approve IndAS 118, it will be referred to National Financial Reporting Authoritys (NFRA) board to consider, after which it will be sent to the ministry of corporate affairs for notification," a person aware of the process of implementing the new standard said on condition of not being named.

IndAS is applicable only to listed companies, companies in the process of getting listed, unlisted companies with  250 crore networth and more, and large or listed non-bank lenders.

IFRS is followed in over 140 countries and trade blocs including the EU, but not the US, which follows its own Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP). Indias IndAS accounting standards are harmonized with IFRS, but have certain carveouts to suit local context.

Read this | NFRA inches ahead of ICAI in regulatory turf

ICAI has proposed to make changes effective 1 April 2027. The accounting standard setter is now seeking public feedback on this.

IFRS18 seeks to give more prominence to more relevant and material information in the presentation of financial statements," explained Steinar S. Kvifte, partner and IFRS leader at EY Nordics, which represents EYs operations across Nordic countries.

IFRS 18 will, to some extent, restructure the profit and loss account, which is a primary focus of investors, so that you get new categories - operating, investing and financing-and sub-totals in the income statement, such as operating profit and profit before financing and income tax," said Kvifte.

The second major impact of IFRS18 relates to adjusted profit measures or key performance indicators, which are usually referred to in investor communities as non-GAAP items, Kvifte explained.

Also read | ICAI to flag concerns about Byjus financials

These metrics, referred to as management defined-performance measures or MPMs, which at present are communicated outside financial statements by businesses, have to be reported within the financial statements, he said. There would be significant disclosures around them. These would now be within the purview of statutory audits. The idea is to enhance the communication done through financial statements," said Kvifte.

IndAS 118 brings more transparency and better understanding of the financial statements, said Nemish Kapadia, partner, assurance at Sudit K. Parekh & Co LLP, an advisory, audit and tax service firm. The requirement of the new standards, with the additional disclosures and labelling will enable the readers to take more informed decisions as it brings more clarity for users to decipher the relevant information in a logical manner, said Kapadia.

It surely caters to the expectations from stakeholders of companies regarding presentation of financial information in a manner supporting better understanding and in turn, informed decision making," said Kapadia.

Also read | ICAI to widen peer review process for auditors: Talati

Companies have to be prepared well ahead of the due date of transition.

Year 2027 is still some time away, but the point is that when you implement the new standard starting 2027, you also have to restate your comparatives. Typically, companies will have 2026 comparatives, and in 2026, they will report under the current accounting standard, but then in 2027, they will restate their 2026 numbers following IFRS18," said Kvifte.

IndAS is applicable only to listed companies, companies in the process of getting listed, unlisted companies with 250 crore networth and more, and large or listed non-bank lenders.

And read | The angst in ICAI over an audit regulation move
New Delhi, Apr 17 (PTI) India's second-largest IT company Infosys on Thursday reported an 11.7 per cent decline in consolidated net profit to 7,033 crore for the March quarter.

It had posted a profit (attributable to owners of the company) of 7,969 crore in the year-ago period.

The company has exceeded its guidance for the full fiscal year. Infosys had raised the 2024-25 fiscal year revenue guidance to 4.5-5 per cent, up from 3.75-4.50 per cent.

Revenues for the quarter under review came in at 40,925 crore, 7.9 per cent higher from 37,923 crore in Q4 FY24.

Sequentially, the company's profits rose 3.3 per cent, but revenues declined 2 per cent.

For the full FY25, profits saw a marginal increase of 1.8 per cent to 26,713 crore, according to a regulatory filing.

Revenues climbed 6.06 per cent to reach 1,62,990 crore.

"We have built a resilient organisation with sharp focus on client-centricity and responsiveness to the market, thanks to the trust of our clients and dedication of our employees," Infosys CEO and MD Salil Parekh said.

"Our performance for the year has been robust in terms of revenues, expansion in operating margins and highest-ever free cash generation. Our depth in AI, cloud and digital and strength in cost-efficiency, automation, and consolidation position us well for the needs of our clients," Parekh said.

Infosys has guided for a revenue growth of 0-3 per cent in constant currency terms for FY26.

As per the filing, the company's cash flow for 2024-25 was USD 4.1 billion. Company CFO Jayesh Sanghrajka said the amount was the highest ever in the company's history.

Infosys's employee count at the end of FY25 was 323,578.

Infosys board has proposed a final dividend of 22, which, along with the interim dividend, is an increase of 13.2 per cent over last year.
Mumbai: JPMorgan India is looking to expand its startup banking segment to include over 100 companies in the coming years, a senior executive said, as it looks to deepen its presence in Indias high-growth technology companies.

The bank started its innovation economy" business in the US about five to six years ago and then expanded it to other geographies. In India, the business started 30 months ago and has approximately 50 companies, Pranav Chawda, chief executive officer (CEO) of JPMorgan Chase Bank India, said in an interview.

Also Read | JP Morgan CEO on return to office stance: Work from home doesn't always work

Globally, JP Morgan Chase saw a 30% growth in its innovation economythe network of venture-backed companies, founders and investorsclient base in 2024, as per its latest annual report.

We generally focus on companies with a topline of $200 million and more. Most of our clients in this segment have yearly revenues of $200-900 million," said Chawda, who took over as the CEO in October following the Reserve Bank of Indias (RBI) approval.

Also Read | JP Morgan sees small gains for EMs in 2025; OW on India, cautious on China

Before his elevation, Chawda headed the banks commercial banking business, which he continues to lead. His new role also includes leading the corporate banking division.

The bank, he said, focuses on high-growth companies in technology, fintech, e-commerce, software as a service (SaaS), and health tech that aim to become global companies. We are looking to cover clients earlier in their life cycle, as early as Series A and be their banking partner as they look to scale and grow the company," said Chawda.

Investment opportunities

Indias startup ecosystem has been one of its success stories. There are 157,706 startups registered with the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT) as of 31 December. As per consulting firm KPMG, India's startup ecosystem, ranking third globally with over 100 unicorns, offers rich investment opportunities for foreign investors. The country's large consumer base and growing digital adoption create significant market potential, it said in a report in December.

Also Read | India's GDP dynamics for Jan-March quarter stood at 7.8%: JP Morgan

Chawda said that these companies are experiencing rapid growth, leading to constant evolution in their business models, and many are now looking to expand their product or service offerings to the global markets. They believe that a bank with a global presence is better equipped to help them establish operations overseas, he said.

This can be as simple as opening a bank account in a new country, and as their business grows, they will require more capital," said Chawda. They aim to raise significant funds, whether through debt or equity capital and not through the traditional banking channels."

He added that because some of these businesses are so new-age, the investors who would understand this segment are more likely to be located in overseas markets.

As part of its push to expand the business, some of the banks top leaders from India and overseas met executives from the industry. The bank recently organized two events where its senior management met executives from venture capital and founders. Doug Petno, co-CEO, commercial and investment banking, JP Morgan Chase and senior global and regional leaders were also present.

According to Chawda, the first event in Bengaluru brought together representatives from 10 leading venture capital firms that collaborate with JP Morgan in India and abroad. Then, it also hosted its corporate leadership retreat in Jaipur, which attracted founders and chief executives from 16 companies with a combined revenue exceeding $7.2 billion.

He said many startups are at a stage where traditional lending is not suitable. They may need venture debt, a structured debt solution, or offshore financing, as the company might operate locally, but the headquarters or the holding company may be incorporated overseas, such as in Singapore or the US, he said.
(Bloomberg) -- Barclays Plc will work with Brookfield Corp. to offload some of its payments business, as part of the lenders push to boost returns.

Barclays agreed to inject 400 million ($529 million) as part of a deal to turn the payments unit into a standalone company, according to a statement Thursday.

Brookfield will be entitled to a financial incentive, linked to performance, and after three years will have a four-year window to acquire as much as 80% of the payments company. If the sale goes ahead, Barclays expects to fully recover its investment in the overhaul and retain the other 20%.

Our partnership with Brookfield recognizes the opportunity within our business to go beyond the foundations we have built to date,said Matt Hammerstein, head of Barclays UK corporate bank.

Under Chief Executive Officer C.S. Venkatakrishnan, Barclays has pledged to invest more in its UK business as well as its US consumer offerings in order to buoy returns that have long lagged rivals. To pull that off, its been shedding non-core operations.

The deal to offload a portion of its payments business, which Barclays said wont affect have a material effect on its guidance, comes just months after Barclays completed a deal to dispose of its German consumer finance division. The bank has also in recent months agreed to sell a portfolio of non-performing Italian mortgages.

The British bank is following in the footsteps of many of its European rivals by turning focus away from the merchant-acquiring business. These divisions, which help businesses handle electronic payments, have typically been sold to rival payment firms or private equity funds that have merged them into bigger platforms.

Brookfield has been seeking to further expand in financial infrastructure after its 2.2 billion purchase of Middle Eastern payments processor Network International Holdings Plc in 2023. That same year, the Canadian asset manager hired former Worldpay CEO Ron Kalifa as vice chair and head of financial infrastructure investments to beef up its presence in the sector.

Barclays merchant acquiring business provided payment terminals and linked up with digital wallets, according to a presentation on the banks website. It was considered the third biggest acquirer in Europe, the presentation shows.

More stories like this are available on bloomberg.com
BluSmart launched in 2018 and quickly stole the limelight, catching the attention of many angel investors who bought stakes of the company in various rounds of fundraising. The all-EV fleet, promise to be on time, and a greener alternative to traditional ride-hailing apps took India by storm, and investors saw an opportunity to benefit from the perks.

According to a report by NDTV Profit quoting data from PrivateCircle, Anmol Singh Jaggi holds almost 25 per cent stake at BluSmart, while his brother Puneet Singh Jaggi has a share of nearly 5 per cent in the company.

The Gensol Engineering co-founders, Jaggi brothers, had a smooth run with BluSmart until Sebi on Tuesday barred the company and them from the securities markets till further orders in a fund diversion and governance lapses case. The regulator has also debarred Anmol and Puneet Singh Jaggi from holding the position of a director or key managerial personnel in Gensol until further orders.

Months and years before the Sebi order, though, BluSmart and the Jaggi brothers, who co-founded the company, a number of well-known investors bought stakes in the app cab company. The most prominent names include MS Dhoni, Deepika Padukone, Sanjeev Bajaj and Ashneer Grover.

BluSmart's famous investors: Deepika Padukone, MS Dhoni, others In 2019, Deepika Padukones family office has invested in BluSmart as part of an angel round of $3 million.

In the same round, Bajaj Capital managing director Sanjiv Bajaj also made an investment. Other prominent investors included JITO Angel Network and Rajat Gupta.

Also Read | The investment firm that keeps raising giant climate funds

More recently in 2024, BluSmart raised $24 million in a pre-Series B funding round from investors including MS Dhoni's family office. ReNew Power chief executive officer Sumant Sinha, and responsAbility Investments, a Switzerland-based asset management company had also invested in the company at the time.

Ashneer Grover, founder of BharatPe, also revealed in an X post that he had invested 1.5 crore in BluSmart, calling himself a victim of the fiasco.

I am the victim of the current scenario having personally invested 1.5 crore in BluSmart and 0.25 cr in Matrix. I hope the business company can survive the current fiasco for sake of its stakeholders, he said.

BluSmart suspends operations

Several passengers across Delhi-NCR, Bangalore and Mumbai were unable to book cabs through ride hailing app BluSmart since Wednesday.

Multiple attempts to book BluSmart rides failed since Wednesday evening, according to various customers. The app remained unoperational on Thursday as well.
NEW DELHI : Elon Musks SpaceX-owned satellite internet services provider Starlink has urged the Indian government to expedite the approval of its licence application to begin operations in the country, people in the know said.

The company's top officials made the request in a recent meeting with the Union commerce and industry minister Piyush Goyal. Besides seeking a faster nod to its application, the company discussed its plans to expand operations in the country.

Met a delegation from Starlink, comprising of Vice President Chad Gibbs & Senior Director, Ryan Goodnight. Discussions covered Starlink's cutting-edge technology platform, their existing partnerships & future investment plans in India," Goyal said in a post on X on Wednesday.

Queries emailed to Starlink and the commerce ministry did not elicit any response till press time.

Security review still underway

The government is still examining Starlinks application from a security point of view. The company will be able to invest in the country only after approval," a government official said on the condition of anonymity.

The company's investments will go largely in setting up earth station gateways in the country. Satellite earth station gateways are ground-based facilities that serve as a vital link between satellites and local networks, and core to internet connectivity.

As per the plans shared, Starlink is currently looking at setting up three earth station gateways," another official said.

Starlink had submitted its application to the department of telecommunications (DoT) to get Global Mobile Personal Communication by Satellite (GMPCS) licence in 2022. The licence is a key requirement to offer satellite-based communication services in the country.

Besides the licence, the company would also require approval from Indian National Space Promotion and Authorisation Centre (IN-SPACe) on its constellation of satellites and the capacity it will create to provide services in the country.

According to government officials, Starlink has accepted key norms to get a licence for launching satellite broadband services in the country. These include the security and data storage requirements mandated by the government. However, the government still wants to be sure from a national security perspective before approving the company's application, the official said.

Data rules, spectrum pricing key

These guidelines require the company to store all user data within the country and ensure it can facilitate data interception by intelligence agencies when needed. This is a prerequisite for obtaining any licences under the DoT.

The Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (Trai) is also in the process of finalising its recommendations on the pricing of spectrum for satellite services and other terms including the tenure of licence, spectrum usage charges, etc.

Rural opportunity

According to analysts, once Starlinks application in the country is approved, it would bring fast and reliable internet to the underserved regions. Further, the company would also serve the urban areas with its satellite internet services.

40% of India population do not have internet access with rural areas making the majority of these cases. This represents a large market opportunity for customer base in rural areas (for Starlink)," analysts at Bernstein, a brokerage, said in a note dated 4 March.

Also Read: New Aadhaar law in the works to align with data privacy law

However, the analysts added that factors such as affordability, competition from established terrestrial providers (like Reliance Jio and Bharti Airtel), and pricing sensitivity mean that only a fraction of these people are likely to subscribe."

Pricing gap with local providers

According to estimates by Bernstein, Starlinks pricing in India is seen significantly higheraround 10 to 14 times morethan that of the countrys leading broadband providers. For a connection offering speeds between 50 and 200 Mbps, users would need to pay an upfront fee of 52,242, with a monthly subscription of 10,469. When taxes and other charges are included, the total annual cost comes to approximately 2.16 lakh for Starlink.

In comparison, similar-speed fibre broadband plans from Airtel and Jio are available for just 11,000 to 15,000 per year, Bernstein said.

Currently, Jio Platforms and Bharti Enterprises-led Eutelsat OneWeb have obtained the necessary approvals to provide satellite broadband internet in the country.

Last month, Bharti Airtel and Reliance JioIndia's two largest telecom service providersentered into a pact with SpaceX to offer Starlink's broadband internet services to its customers in India.

The telecom operators, which once opposed the entry of such players to avoid competition, will explore offering Starlink equipment in their retail stores, services to business customers, opportunities to connect communities, schools, and health centres.

Starlink operates the world's largest satellite constellation, with over 6,750 satellites currently in orbit, serving millions of active customers around the globe with high-speed, low-latency internet, according to the details available on its website.
Indian e-commerce major Flipkart has ended its work from home policy for all employees, requiring them to be at office for five days a week, a new report has said.

The Walmart-owned e-commerce platform has asked all its employees to work from office five days a week, essentially ending the work from home option that they had been granted years back.

Flipkart had started giving its employees the benefit of working from home in 2020 during the Covid-19 pandemic, which was in line with most other companies at the time.

Flipkart issues statement Flipkart confirmed the development to Livemint and said that the company has been pursuing a gradual return to office for the past year and has seen better productivity across teams.

At Flipkart, the vast majority of our employees and contractual/gig workforce, especially those in field roles, have always operated from their respective locations of work. In our Corporate Headquarters, we have been pursuing a gradual return to the office (similar to pre-COVID levels) for the past year and have seen increased interactions, synergies and deeper collaboration across teams, a company spokesperson told Livemint.

Also Read | BIS cracks down on e-commerce platforms like Amazon and Flipkart

Confirming the work from office policy, Flipkart said it aims to foster a strong sense of community for its employees.

By returning to office, we aim to foster a strong sense of community for new hires and existing employees; and a shared focus on our common goals, the spokesperson added.

Flipkart rolls back WFH Flipkart has now begun to roll back its work from home policy that has been in place for five years since the beginning of the Covid-19 pandemic in India.

The company had last year asked senior employees, mostly vice presidents and above, to return to office more regularly.

According to a report by Moneycontrol, a Flipkart employee has now said that the new policy would require all employees across functions to work from office for five days a week.

Also Read | Infosys rolls out system intervention to ensure minimum 10-day work from office

The report further adds that Flipkart now requires all it employees to work from office, and the new policy will be implemented in a phased manner over the next few months. There will be exceptions in some cases, depending on the type of the job and employees have reportedly been given a certain number of days where they can work from home.
A company related to Adani Group Chairman Gautam Adani is set to transfer the ownership of an Australian port terminal to Adani Ports & Special Economic Zone (APSEZ) in a deal worth $2.4 billion, the firm said on Thursday.

The Adani port deal comes at a time when India's largest operator seeks to expand its global footprint.

The Board of APSEZ approved the acquisition of Abbot Point Port Holdings Pte Ltd (APPH), Singapore, from Carmichael Rail and Port Singapore Holdings Pte Ltd, Singapore (CRPSHPL), the company said in a statement.

CRPSHPL is a related party.

Adani Ports & Special Economic Zone Ltd will acquire the North Queensland Export Terminal Pty Ltd (NQXT) by issuing preferential shares to an entity that is controlled by the Adani family, according to a Bloomberg report.

The transaction will be completed on a non-cash basis. APSEZ will issue 14.38 crore new equity shares to CRPSHPL in exchange for the acquisition of 100 per cent interest in APPH. This is based on an enterprise value of NQXT of AUD $3.975 billion (about $2.4 billion), the statement said.

Why is Gautam Adani selling the port? North Queensland Export Terminal, which is a deep-water coal export terminal, was purchased by Adani Ports in 2011. In 2013, Adani Ports sold the terminal to the Adani family in a $2 billion deal, a Bloomberg report said.

However, Adani Ports over the last two years has been seeking to be a dominant force in maritime routes where there is an expectation of Indian trade increasing.

The latest purchase would be the fourth international port asset for the Adani group after Haifa in Israel, Colombo in Sri Lanka and the Port of Dar es Salaam in Tanzania.

As part of the transaction, APSEZ will also assume other non-core assets and liabilities on APPH's balance sheet, which APSEZ will realise within a few months of the acquisition (zero net impact on the transaction valuation). APSEZ's leverage will remain at similar levels post the transaction, the statement said without giving details of the liabilities.
Mumbai and Bengaluru: Gensol Engineering Ltd founder and managing director Anmol Singh Jaggi intends to contest the regulatory order barring him from directorships and participating in the stock market, even as plans to take his companies Matrix Gas and Renewables Ltd and Blu-Smart public come unstuck. On Wednesday evening, the embattled entrepreneur told investors in Matrix Gas that the Securities and Exchange Board of India (Sebi) order was one-sided", which he intends to contest, an investor who attended the meeting said. Jaggi has also put on hold taking Matrix Gas public later this year, while Blu-Smart, which planned to go public in the second half of next year, faces an uncertain road.

The meeting was called by investors who had put 155 crore in Matrix Gas in a round ahead of the planned initial public offering (IPO). In July 2023, the investors paid a premium of 122 for a share of 10 face value. The same month, the company filed its draft prospectus with the National Stock Exchange to list on its Emerge exchange meant for small and medium enterprises. With 5.6 million shares on offer, the IPO could have been worth at least 750 crore.

Matrix Gas did not respond to questions.

Also read | Gensol and the Jaggi brothers: A look inside the piggybank unlocked by Sebi

On Tuesday, Sebi accused the Gensol founder of securities fraud and forgery. The market regulator barred Anmol and his brother Puneet Singh Jaggi from holding any executive or board position at Gensol or trading in securities until further orders.

According to the investor quoted earlier, Anmol Jaggi said in the meeting that the Matrix Gas IPO, for which draft documents were already filed with the NSE in July 2023, will not happen now. That is because Sebi has barred Jaggi from buying, selling or dealing with securities, either directly or indirectly.

"Technically speaking, since Sebi has barred the promoter and not the company from dealing in securities, Matrix Gas IPO can go through if there is no offer for sale from the promoters," said senior securities lawyer Chirag Shah. However, given the shadow of the regulator's order, it is highly unlikely to go through now."

Read this | A 68% fall in Gensol stock prompts creditors to seize 7% promoter pledged shares

Further, Jaggi is said to have stressed that Matrix Gas has adequate reserves and currently needs no additional funding. He also said the company is debt-free.

One of the main concerns was if the reserves in the company were intact, but that question never got discussed. We were muted during the meeting and could ask questions only through the chat box and hence couldn't clarify our concerns," the investor said on the condition of anonymity.

Separately on Wednesday, Blu-Smart riders have complained about missing cabs in Bengaluru, Delhi, and Mumbai. A Blu-Smart spokesperson declined to comment on the issues plaguing the company.

According to an investor deck sent to prospective investors in October last year, Blu-Smart planned to go public in the second half of 2026. The company, which claimed to have 8,000 cars as of 31 September 2024, has raised $220 million in equity and debt from investors.

Also read | Gensol fast-charged Blu-Smart. But their ties are a governance puzzle

The privately held firm has yet to file its financials with the ministry of corporate affairs for FY24. According to its October 2024 presentation, it ended FY23 with 7,300 cars and an annual revenue rate of $60 million.

Beginning September 2024, Blu-Smart has been looking to raise $50 million ( 418 crore) at a pre-money valuation of $335 million.

Gensol gave 148.33 crore as loans to Blu-Smart and 231.85 crore to Matrix Gas in FY24, according to Gensol's annual report. Three subsidiaries of Blu-Smart, including Blu-Smart Fleet Pvt. Ltd, received 138.87 crore, while Blu-Smart Mobility Pvt. Ltd and Blu-Smart Mobility Tech Pvt. Ltd received 9.19 crore and 0.27 crore, respectively.

"Trust of all stakeholders, including customers, vendors and employees, is broken and anyone who does a business transaction with Gensol now runs the risk of a reputational risk, especially after what Sebi concluded about the fraud carried out in Gensol," said Shriram Subramanian, the managing director of proxy advisory firm InGovern.

(Ayaan Kartik in Delhi and Jas Bardia in Bengaluru contributed to the story)

And read | The curious case of Gensol promoters share pledge and cash in current accounts
Google has been branded an abusive monopolist by a federal judge for the second time in less than a year, this time for illegally exploiting some of its online marketing technology to boost the profits fueling an internet empire currently worth $1.8 trillion.

The ruling issued Thursday by U.S. District Judge Leonie Brinkema in Virginia comes on the heels of a separate decision in August that concluded Googles namesake search engine has been illegally leveraging its dominance to stifle competition and innovation.

After the U.S. Justice Department targeted Googles ubiquitous search engine during President Donald Trumps first administration, the same agency went after the companys lucrative digital advertising network in 2023 during President Joe Bidens ensuing administration in an attempt to undercut the power that Google has amassed since its inception in a Silicon Valley garage in 1998.

Although antitrust regulators prevailed both times, the battle is likely to continue for several more years as Google tries to overturn the two monopoly decisions in appeals while forging ahead in the new and highly lucrative technological frontier of artificial intelligence.
The website of Nippon Life India Asset Management Ltd, India's largest mutual fund by number of investors, has been down since a cyberattack hit the companys IT infrastructure on 9 April. When Mint visited the website on 17 April, the home page was accessible but the login page was not.

The company wrote in an exchange filing on 10 April, There has been an incident involving a cyber attack on our IT infrastructure late last night. Immediately upon becoming aware of the incident, we have taken the necessary steps to investigate and respond to the incident, including shutting down affected systems.

It added, We are working with leading cybersecurity experts to support our investigation and identify the extent of the issue and take remedial action as necessary.

The company shut its website as it wanted to insulate the data of its registrar and transfer agent (RTA) K-fintech from the attack, said a source who did not wish want to disclose their name.

We are surprised that it's been like this for almost a week now, said Amol Joshi, a mutual fund distributor. Typically, routine maintenance would happen at midnight."

He added that emails from the AMC containing addendums have had PDFs attachments since the incident. Previously, the contained a link to the addendum or notice on the company's website.

No investor data compromised Abhijit Shah, chief technical officer at Nippon Life India Asset Management, said, Owing to a cyber incident on our IT infrastructure on 9 April, transactions through digital assets like websites and mobile applications are inaccessible due to maintenance activity being carried out. We regret this inconvenience.

Our preliminary investigations have shown that there has been no compromise on the systems and investor data. Please note that all our branches, RTA (registrar and transfer agent) i.e. KFintech, and alternative digital channels such as exchanges, MF Central, MF Utilities etc are available to all our investors to transact with us. Furthermore, there is no impact on our investment- and operations-related activities due to this incident."

Shah added that the AMC had strict security protocols and procedures in place and all systems were monitored around the clock. "We are working on restoring the services back at the earliest, and would like to assure our investors that their investments and data are completely safe in our environment. All relevant concerned authorities namely Cert-in, SEBI, stock exchanges etc have been informed," he said.

On Thursday, Nippon Life India Asset Management stock gained 3% to close at 598. Its up 5.5% since 11 April, the day after the cyber attack.

In February, ransomware gang LockBit said it was behind the hacking of another of Indias top brokerage firms, Motilal Oswal. It claimed to have gained access to confidential data, according to a report by TechCrunch.

In June 2022, Sebi amended its cybersecurity framework for regulated entities. It said AMCs and mutual funds must report any cyber incidents, attacks, or breaches to Sebi within six hours of detecting them, and conduct a comprehensive cyber audit at least twice a year.

What should investors do? If you invest directly through Nippons website, you won't be able to log in to your account for now. You can access your funds through the MFU platform or by logging in to Kfintech. For MFU, you need to first open an account and get your common account number.
(Bloomberg) -- Sheryl Sandberg, the former chief operating officer of Meta Platforms Inc., faced sharp questioning from the US Federal Trade Commission as its second witness in a trial to break up the social media giant.

Sandberg, who left Meta in 2022 after more than 14 years as Mark Zuckerbergs No. 2, was Metas senior-most business leader at the time the company acquired both Instagram and WhatsApp, giving her key insight into its strategy. The FTC argues that those deals  completed in 2012 and 2014, respectively  gave Meta a monopoly on the social networking industry and should be undone.

The FTC quickly moved to undermine Sandbergs credibility. FTC lawyer Susan Musser started off by trying to establish that people primarily use the companys services to stay connected with friends and family, the part of the social media market the agency says Meta has illegally monopolized.

Sandberg first said that a majority of Facebooks users were probably not using the service for that purpose by the time she left the company. She quickly changed her answer, however, when presented with deposition testimony from September 2022 where she said, I think its the majority of what people do.

According to past internal emails, at the time of the Instagram deal, Zuckerberg asked Sandberg whether Meta overpaid for the photo-sharing app, which it offered $1 billion for. She replied, Yes, of course its way too much. On the stand Wednesday, Sandberg felt differently. I dont think anyone today would say we paid too much for Instagram, she said.

Meta has pushed back aggressively against the FTCs monopoly claims, saying that it was able to help Instagram and WhatsApp grow bigger than they ever could have on their own. Meta also refutes FTC claims that it dominates social networking, arguing that it competes intensely with a variety of platforms, including ByteDance Ltd.s TikTok, Snap Inc.s Snapchat, Googles YouTube, Apple Inc.s iMessage and Elon Musks X.

Sandberg joined the fledgling company, then known as Facebook Inc., in 2008 after building Alphabet Inc.s Google search advertising business. Her arrival marked a significant moment for Facebook as she brought meaningful management experience to the company just as it was starting to build its own advertising business under Zuckerberg, who was 23 years old when she joined.

As Metas second-in-command, Sandberg was involved in many of the discussions around acquiring Instagram and WhatsApp and has appeared in several emails and other internal documents presented during the first three days of the trial, which started Monday. Like Zuckerberg, Sandberg is viewed by both sides as a key witness and started off her testimony under questioning by the FTC, which challenged her on some of Metas prior business decisions.

In an effort to show Metas monopoly power in the social media market, Musser showed Sandberg a board presentation from March 2018, shortly after the Cambridge Analytica data privacy scandal. According to the document, a metric used by the company to measure user satisfaction declined. However, there was no visible impact to core engagement metrics  a signal to the FTC that consumers didnt have other options.

Sandberg was also asked about ways the company tried to disadvantage competitors, particularly by blocking their advertisements on Facebook.

In a July 2011 message from Sandberg to company employees discussing the launch of Googles social networking service, Google , she wrote that the most important thing to acknowledge is that for the first time we have real competition and consumers have real choice. The next year, Sandberg and Zuckerberg discussed whether to block ads promoting Google . I would block Google, Sandberg wrote in a message from August 2012.

Sandberg tried to reshape her comments about Google being Metas only real competitor from the stand on Wednesday. I said that to rally the troops, she said. I dont think its a fair reading of history. People never had a direct copy of our product before.

Zuckerberg wrapped up his testimony earlier on Wednesday, after three days on the stand. He spent most of that time under tense questioning by the FTCs lawyer, Daniel Matheson, who challenged him to defend his companys acquisition strategy and argued that Meta deliberately sought to buy competitors rather than compete with them.

While Sandberg wasnt always closely involved in the companys product decisions, she did spearhead Metas efforts to turn a profit and oversaw its advertising business. A key part of the FTCs case is an allegation that consumers were harmed by Metas acquisitions. FTC lawyers have argued that Meta degraded the quality of the apps by increasing the number of ads and watering down users data privacy protections.

Given her role running Metas advertising operations, Sandberg is expected to field additional questions on Thursday about whether Metas business decisions harmed users of WhatsApp and Instagram.

More stories like this are available on bloomberg.com
Mumbai, Czech auto major Skoda Auto India needs to have a higher share in the group's overall exports with a better planning even as it remains "committed" to more overseas shipments from the country, a top company official has said.

Skoda Auto India, which on Wednesday rolled out the second generation luxury 4X4 full-size SUV Kodiaq in the country with a starting price of 46.89-lakh, also said that the domestic market is far from a trend where people chose electric car as the only car in the family and that there must be a certain period in transitioning from one type of fuel to another type.

"We need to fight more for the export the main export is still because of the Volkswagen brand. But we have opened a lot of new markets," Petr Janeba, Brand Director at Skoda Auto India, told PTI.

He said that the company is not only exporting the completely-built units to Vietnam but also now starting exports of auto parts to the South-east Asian country through Mumbai Port, where the company has a new factory, which is serving as a gateway to ASEAN region.

Skoda Auto India, which is marking its 25 years of establishment in the country, is a part of the Skoda Auto Volkswagen India Pvt Ltd , which handles the operations of Volkswagen, Skoda Auto, Audi, Porsche, and Lamborghini in India.

In 2024, SAVWIPL exported 40 per cent of its locally produced vehicles to markets across North America, Africa, Arab Gulf Cooperation Council and the ASEAN region, achieving a 20 per cent year-on-year growth.

Over the years, the company has shipped a total of 6.75 lakh vehicles to around 70 countries. The company exported over 43,000 vehicles in the financial year 2023-24.

The company's export portfolio comprises models such as the Volkswagen Virtus, Volkswagen Taigun, and Skoda Kushaq, alongside legacy models like the Volkswagen Vento and Polo.

Skoda Auto India recorded its highest-ever monthly sales in March 2025, with 7,422 units sold, primarily driven by the strong demand for the all-new Kylaq SUV, alongside the continued popularity of the Slavia and Kushaq models.

"We are now starting to export our parts into Vietnam where we have the new factory, and Vietnam is our gateway to ASEAN because within ASEAN after they will keep their local content growing one day, they would be eligible as well for the right-hand drive cars for the Malaysia and Indonesia operations," Janeba said.

"We are committed to growing exports, but you know, export should be planned with the development of the product. Now, it's very difficult when the product is already set to look for countries because everybody has its nuances, either technological or safety or something related to the powertrain and emissions. So, at the end of the day, for all new cars, export is a very important part of our planning," he said.

For the current Kushak and Slavia models where the company has invested into left hand drive Kushak "but not in left and right Slavia, which we have developed later only because of Vietnam".

"We need to push more and we need to plan it better. So, this is a learning for the new cars to come as well," he added.

About the second generation Kodiaq, he said, "In line with our product offensive strategy, the launch of the all-new Kodiaq showcases the other end of our product spectrum with Skoda's luxury and technology prowess. The Kodiaq has now grown to be an important legacy name for us like the Octavia and Superb. The Kodiaq offers the ultimate luxury and handling for city roads and also packs in versatile all-terrain capabilities."
Tata Consultancy Services (TCS), India's largest IT outsourcing firm, is under fire in the United States for allegedly being biased towards Indian employees and firing American workers during layoffs. The allegations by non-Indian employees in TCS' oversees office has prompted the US Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) to open an investigation against the IT major, as per a report

According to a Bloomberg report, former employees who are largely professionals from non-South Asian ethnic backgrounds and over the age of 40 claim that they have been discriminated against by TCS based on their race, age and national origin.

They have alleged that TCS fired them but sided with their Indian colleagues, some of whom were working on H-1B visas.

According to the Bloomberg report citing emails and interviews with people familiar with the investigation, such layoffs at TCS began during the presidency of Joe Biden and continued under the Donald Trump administration. The laid off employees began filing complaints against TCS in late 2023.

TCS denies allegations Over two dozen ex TCS employees have filed the complaints regarding discrimination, Bloomberg reported. However, TCS called the allegations misleading.

Allegations that TCS engages in unlawful discrimination are meritless and misleading, a company spokesperson was quoted as saying by the news agency.

TCS has a strong track record of being an equal opportunity employer in the US, embracing the highest levels of integrity and values in our operations, the spokesperson reportedly said.

Three former TCS workers in the US had made similar complaints to an employment tribunal, saying the company in 2023 discriminated against them based on their age and nationality as part of a redundancy program, as per a report by The Guardian earlier this month. TCS had denied such claims before the tribunal.

Discrimination impacting Americans In April 2024, US Representative Seth Moulton wrote to the EEOCs commissioners and its then-chair, Charlotte Burrows a letter asking the agency to consider launching a probe into TCS. He mentioned that residents of his state Massachusetts were among more than two dozen people who had submitted complaints to the agency.

TCSs actions may have constituted a pattern-or-practice of discrimination impacting Americans that falls within the EEOCs jurisdiction, he wrote. Additionally, it may also have been a potential misuse of US work visa programs designed to fill US labour shortfalls.

With over 6 lakh employees worldwide, TCS may now face investigation from EEOC, which is tasked with enforcing laws prohibiting discrimination in the workplace.

Workers accuse Milind Lakkad As per the Bloomberg report, the former workers in their complaints claimed that the firings came after after TCSs head of global human resources, Milind Lakkad, said in February 2023 that his company was open to hiring Indian visa workers in the US who had lost their jobs at major tech firms.

TCS has a strong track record of being an equal opportunity employer in the US, embracing the highest levels of integrity and values in our operations.
TikTok's US Public Policy Chief, Michael Beckerman, a key figure in the fight against a US ban, is set to resign, according to a report by The Information.

Beckerman has been working as the US Public Policy Chief of TikTok since 2020, according to his LinkedIn profile. He is reportedly leaving Washington and may take up a new advisory role in TikTok's global operations.

Beckerman's role in TikTok ban Beckerman has constantly defended TikTok against regulatory pressures and measures to ban it in recent years. He has been present during congressional hearings, where TikTok justified allegations on data protection policies and links to China.

Also Read | Donald Trump halts TikTok ban in US, gives app 75 more days via executive order

TikTok ban extended This development comes after US President Donald Trump on April 4 extended the deadline for TikTok to find a non-Chinese buyer by 75 days or face a ban in the United States. He claimed China was holding back on approval of the sale deal of TikTok as a response to the tariffs, AFP reported.

Also Read | TikTok denies rumours of sale to Elon Musk amid US ban: Report

Trump blames China Donald Trump said that China changed the deal because of tariffs and asserted that they would agree in 15 minutes if he eased tariffs on Chinese imports a little.

The report is that we had a deal, pretty much for TikTok, not a deal, but pretty close, and then China changed the deal because of tariffs. If I gave a little cut in tariffs, they'd approve that deal in 15 minutes, which shows you the power of tariffs, Trump told reporters.

TikTok ban in US ByteDance-owned TikTok is a popular video-sharing platform with more than 170 million users in the United States.

In 2024, Congress passed a divest-or-ban legislation for TikTok that received bipartisan support and was signed by former President Joe Biden. The United States has consistently expressed concerns over Chinese ownership of TikTok, threatening the national security of the world's largest economy.
New Delhi: In the backdrop of global trade being rocked by tariffs imposed by the US and threats of more coming soon, India and the European Union (EU) have stepped on the accelerator on their long-in-the-works free trade agreement (FTA).

In the latest round of talks between the two sides in Brussels on 10-14 March, a move to reduce duties on textile exports from India and premium alcoholic beverages from the EU has emerged as a key negotiation manoeuvre, three people aware of the matter told Mint on the condition of anonymity.

Currently, India imposes up to 150% duty on alcoholic beverages from the EU, while the 27-country EU levies a duty of up to 14% on Indian textile goods. Comparatively, Indias textile rival Bangladesh has free access to the European market, with zero import duty.

The concessions on spirits are among several other important issues on the negotiating table," the first person mentioned above said. India is exploring the option of lowering tariffs on alcoholic beverages from the EU while protecting the interests of domestic manufacturers."

Also read | Trump brandishes tariffs, but India and UK are back talking trade

This person added the talks were progressing well and we are moving closer to finalising a mutually beneficial trade deal that will boost exports for both sides".

The new tariff structure for alcohol being considered in the FTA under negotiation is expected to differ significantly from the model adopted in the India-Australia trade pact. Unlike the Australian agreement, where tariff cuts on alcoholic beverages were linked to price bands and gradually reduced over a 10-year period, the structure is expected to be more uniform in the case of the EU and not based on price segmentation.

Negotiators are working on a separate formula, possibly a flat phased reduction or a threshold-based model tailored to the EUs product profile," the third person cited above said, adding that in return, the EU is expected to eliminate tariffs on Indian textile products.

Queries emailed to the commerce ministry remained unanswered till press time.

EU spokesperson Olof Gill said in response to an emailed query that the 10th round of talks was part of a broader push to conclude the FTA negotiations by the end of 2025, as agreed between EU President Ursula von der Leyen and Prime Minister Narendra Modi during von der Leyens visit to India on 28 February.

Read this | India-UK FTA talks likely to resume in April-June to resolve pending issues

For many of the key areas, the EU and India have different approaches, objectives, and legal and administrative traditions; this translates, in some cases, in different levels of ambition," Gill said. In particular, negotiators are focusing on the core issues of a future agreement with the aim to try to identify contours of an economically meaningful market access package. During this round, both sides aimed to achieve greater clarity on their respective positions in the areas under negotiation."

The 10th round of talks focused on key trade areas including goods, services, investment, and government procurement. Along with the trade deal, discussions are also being held on an investment protection pact and a deal on geographical indications (GIs).

Both sides have agreed to speed up the process, and the 11th round of talks is scheduled to take place in New Delhi from 12-16 May. The two sides had resumed talks in June 2022 after a gap of more than eight years. Negotiations had stalled in 2013 due to differences over how much to open their markets.

Industry reactions

The signing of an FTA between India and the EU has the potential to be a game changer for Indias textile and apparel sector," said Prabhu Dhamodharan, convenor of the Indian Texpreneurs Federation (ITF). Currently, India holds just a 5% share in the EU apparel market, compared to Chinas 28% and Bangladeshs 21%. With the FTA in place, our market share can potentially double within two years, thanks to the competitive edge gained through zero-duty access."

Also read | India-UK FTA talks likely to resume next month, new Labour govt may revisit migration, mobility chapters

Bangladeshs rapid growth in the EU has been largely driven by its duty-free advantage. With similar access, India can become significantly more competitive," said Dhamodharan, adding that doubling Indias current $4.5 billion in apparel exports to the EU could create 600,000-700,000 new jobs in the apparel sector.

The EU imports $92 billion worth of apparel annually, making it an even larger market than the US," Dhamodharan said.

Meanwhile, Anant S. Iyer, director general of the Confederation of Indian Alcoholic Beverage Companies (CIABC), said the Indian alcoholic beverage industry is open to a reduction in import duties, but it should be phased over time. He said the CIABC has already urged the government to cut customs duties on spirits from 150% to 50% over a span of 10 years.

However, Iyer cautioned that strict rules of origin are needed in the India-EU FTA, as relaxed rules could allow products from non-EU countries to be routed through EU nations to India to take advantage of duty cuts.

Also read | India-EU free trade negotiations to include discussions on Europes carbon tax

We recommend that only products genuinely made in the EU should qualify for concessions under the FTA," said Iyer. This will prevent unfair trade practices and ensure a level playing field for Indian producers."

India-EU trade

Indias textiles exports to Europe have seen a slight decline over the past three years. In FY22, exports stood at $10.83 billion, which dipped marginally to $10.48 billion in FY23 and further dropped to $9.66 billion in FY24, per data sourced from the commerce ministry.

The key textile products shipped to European markets include ready-made garments across all textile categories, cotton yarn, fabrics and made-ups, handloom products, man-made fibre-based textiles, handicrafts excluding handmade carpets, carpets, and jute-based manufactured goods including floor coverings.

India has reduced the import duty on American bourbon whiskey from 150% to 100%, in a move seen as a gesture to placate the US following the meeting between the heads of both countries in February.

In contrast, the US administration had in March threatened to impose a 200% tariff on European alcoholic beverages in response to the EUs decision to levy a 50% tariff on US spirits. However, in response to the US threat, the EU revised its list of retaliatory tariffs and removed American bourbon and wine to avoid further escalation and protect its own alcohol exports.

And read | EU team heads to India for FTA talks, focus on services, investments
The West Bengal Joint Entrance Examination Board has released admit cards for the West Bengal Joint Entrance Examination (WBJEE) 2025. Registered candidates can download their admit cards from the official website of WBJEE  wbjeeb.nic.in.

Students can download admit cards from April 17 to April 27, 2025 till 2 pm.

WBJEE Admit Card 2025: Step-by-step guide to download hall tickets Registered candidates can download the admit cards by following the steps given below 

Step 1: Go to the official website of WBJEEB at wbjeeb.nic.in.

Step 2: Select the WBJEE Admit Card 2025 link, which will be displayed on the home page.

Step 3: Candidates will have to enter the login details on the new page displayed.

Step 4: Select Submit, and the admit card will be shown on the screen.

Step 5: Check all the details and download the admit card.

WBJEE 2025  Exam details The examination will be conducted on April 27, 2025. The exam comprises two papers, where Paper I will have questions from Mathematics, and Paper 2 will have questions from Physics and Chemistry. For each subject, there will be three categories of questions. Both papers will have Multiple-Choice Questions (MCQ), with four options against each question.

WBJEE 2025: Exam timings The examination will be conducted in two shifts. Paper 1 will be conducted in the morning from 11 am to 1 pm, and Paper 2 will be held in the afternoon from 2 pm to 4 pm.

WBJEE 2025: Eligibility To appear for WBJEE 2025, a candidate must be above 17 years of age and pass the 12th standard or its equivalent examination before 2025 or take the 12th standard or its equivalent examination in 2025.
Mad Square OTT release date: The Telugu film Mad Square, starring Narne Nithiin, Sangeeth Shobhan, and Ram Nithiin, was released in theatres on March 28. The highly anticipated sequel to the 2023 film MAD, Mad Square, is now heading for its OTT debut.

The comedy movie, directed by Kalyan Shankar, garnered mixed reactions from critics. The story revolves around three college friends, Laddoo, DD and Ashok, who plan a trip to Goa.

The fans who missed Mad Square on the big screen will soon be able to watch it from the comfort of their homes.

Also Read | Waiting for Jaat OTT release? Here comes Jaat 2 for Sunny Deol fans

When and where will Mad Square be released on OTT? According to media reports, Mad Square will debut online on digital streaming giant Netflix.

The tentative dates of Mad Square's OTT release are April 25 or 28.

However, Netflix has not officially announced the comedy movie's OTT release date.

Mad Square: Social media review One of the social media users praised the film and said, Hilarious Ride. Crazy first half, Laddoo being the show stealer, while DD being DD. Laughed throughout the marriage episode. Every cameo worked out very well. Sunils part is too good in second half. Music and energy levels havent dropped at all. Congrats #MADSquare team on the blockbuster square success. Cant wait for #MadCube.

Another review said, The film has a feel and vibe of Jathi Ratnalu more than MAD 1. There are both hilarious sequences that work well but at the same time a few sequences that dont land and feel forced and over the top. The crisp runtime is a huge asset. Despite some drops here and there and a few sequences that dont land, it ends up being a lighthearted, entertaining watch!

Mad Square: Social media review highlights Pros:

Decent timepass comedy entertainer

Has a feel and vibe similar to Jathi Ratnalu rather than MAD 1

Features several hilarious sequences that work well

Crisp runtime is a huge asset

Lighthearted and entertaining overall

Cons:

Some sequences feel forced or over the top
A new reality show  Race to Space  is offering one lucky Indian citizen the chance to travel to space in Jeff Bezos' Blue Origin New Shepard rocket, which has been developed for space tourism.

This comes after the all-female crew, including Katy Perry, made an 11-minute flight to space in the spaceflight.

According to a media statement, producing firm Banijay Asia is partnering with the Space Exploration and Research Agency (SERA) to create the groundbreaking reality show that will select one ordinary individual to embark on a once-in-a-lifetime journey to space.

Banijay Asia said Race to Space will showcase a competitive format.

Participants from across India will be offered a chance to travel on Blue Origin's rocket, joining the growing list of pioneers who have reached space.

Banijay Asia said its collaboration with SERA will ensure that this unique experience is accessible to ordinary Indians. This will democratise space travel in India and mark a historic moment in Indias journey in space exploration, it read.

Also Read | Conspiracy theories swirl about Blue Origin space mission after door gaffe

The all-female crew visits space in Blue Origin rocket On April 14, Pop star Katy Perry and five other women launched into space on a Blue Origin rocket and successfully returned to Earth, marking the first all-female spaceflight in more than 60 years.

Before this, Soviet cosmonaut Valentina Tereshkova - the first woman in space - orbited Earth during a nearly three-day solo flight in 1963.

This six-person crew had travelled to the edge of space, where they experienced a brief period of weightlessness before returning to Earth in a flight lasting around 11 minutes.

The crew also included Jeff Bezos' fiancee Lauren Sanchez, CBS host Gayle King, former NASA rocket scientist Aisha Bowe, scientist Amanda Nguyen and film producer Kerianne Flynn.

How much does an 11-minute trip to space cost? Blue Origin does not disclose the average cost of a seat on one of its rockets.

On its website, the company says potential passengers have to pay $150,000 in the form of a refundable deposit to start the order process.

In 2021, the company revealed the highest bid for a seat on its New Shepard spacecraft was $28 million. That same year, Star Trek actor William Shatner flew free of charge as a guest of Blue Origin.

In 2018, Reuters reported the company was planning to charge passengers at least $200,000 for the ride.

Blue Origin says on its website it aims to radically reduce the cost of access to space, with its rockets designed for reusability.
ROMEItalian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni is feeling the weight of the moment as she prepares to take her chances negotiating with President Trump after he hit pause on tariffs above 10%.

Meloni sought to make light of her mission as the first European leader to meet with Trump in Washington since Liberation Day."

As you can imagine, I feel no pressure at all," Meloni said, addressing a crowd of entrepreneurs and business leaders Tuesday night in Rome.

The Italian premier is better placed to convince Trump to go easy on Europe than almost any of her counterparts. Meloni and Trump share a conservative, anti-woke worldview and Trump likes her, once calling her a fantastic woman." Meloni, a friend of Elon Musk, was the only European leader to attend the presidents inauguration.

Still, it is a daunting task.

Melonis meeting with Trump on Thursday will test whether she can use this ideological affinity to secure a breakthrough for Italy and the European Union more broadly. Talks to renegotiate the worlds biggest trade relationship are promising to be long and potentially contentious.

Trump has repeatedly taken aim at the EU, accusing it of screwing us on trade." To appease the president, the 27-country bloc is floating the possibility of bringing mutual tariffs for industrial goods down to zero, an offer Trump has so far rebuffed.

Melonis broader goal is to keep the U.S. firmly anchored to Europe, positioning herself as a potential bridge between Western allies. As the rhetoric from Washington turned increasingly antagonistic, the Italian premier has tried to keep the continent in Trumps good graces, urging her European colleagues to avoid confrontation.

She has carefully avoided criticizing the Trump administrations rapprochement with Russia despite her staunch support for Ukraine. She has spoken out against plans led by the U.K. and France to potentially send peacekeeping troops to Ukraine without the participation of the U.S.

In response to pressure from Washington, Italy is signaling it will increase military spending to at least 2% of its budget to meet its obligations under the North Atlantic Treaty Organization alliance.

We have made a political decision in response to requests from America, which are legitimate," Italian Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani said over the weekend. When the United States says we alone cant be responsible for Europes security, they are right."

European countries are planning to increase military spending to reduce military dependence on the U.S. after Trump cast doubt on whether Americas longstanding security guarantees will last.

Meloni in Washington is likely to signal that, as far as Italy is concerned, some of that spending could happen in the U.S., where Italian companiesincluding defense conglomerate Leonardo and shipbuilder Fincantierialready have manufacturing sites. Italy is also open to increasing its gas imports from the U.S., another issue that Trump is pressing Europe on.

In talks with Trump, Meloni is also expected to make the case for the EUs zero-for-zero tariff offer in Washington, but a breakthrough is unlikely. Talks between EU and U.S. trade officials are making little progress, and significant sticking points remain.

In response to Trumps decision to pause so-called reciprocal tariffswhich include 20% blanket levies on European goodsthe EU put on hold a planned set of countermeasures that targeted U.S. goods ranging from soybeans to motorcycles.

Still, a 10% baseline tariff on all imports and 25% sector-specific tariffs on cars, steel and aluminum remain in place. Trump is considering additional global tariffs, including on pharmaceutical products.

The EU has made it clear that retaliatory tariffs are still in the cards. If negotiations are not satisfactory, our countermeasures will kick in," said EU chief Ursula von der Leyen, who is closely coordinating with Meloni on her trip.

Trump made it clear that dropping tariffs alone isnt going to cut it. He has been complaining about non-tariff barriers, too, ranging from strict food-safety regulations to value-added taxes on goods and servicesissues on which European countries are unlikely to compromise.

Trump wants the bloc to commit to buying large amounts of American energy to reduce the EUs trade surplus with the U.S. Europe sells more goods to the U.S. than it buys, but the opposite is true when it comes to services.

The EUs goods trade surplus with the U.S. was $236 billion last year; it was $132 billion with services included for 2023, the last available figure from the Commerce Department. That is something Trump has left out of his tariff calculations but that European officials may use in trade negotiations.

The EU has delayed a decision to fine U.S. tech companies including Apple and Meta under its digital-competition rules. The U.S. has complained that such penalties amount to unofficial taxes on large American tech firms.

Write to Margherita Stancati at margherita.stancati@wsj.com
Global mining major Rio Tinto and India's AMG Metals & Minerals plan to set up the worlds largest renewable-powered aluminium facility in the country at an investment of about $6 billion, said two people aware of the development.

The two companies have signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to jointly assess the feasibility of developing an integrated low-carbon aluminium project powered by renewable energy in India, a joint statement said.

This development assumes significance in the backdrop of several developed economies planning to impose carbon tax on imports, including the European Union's Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM), bringing in stringent norms.

The plan includes building a 1 million tonne per annum (mtpa) aluminium smelter and a 2 mtpa alumina refinery.

"Together, the parties will consider the potential development of up to a 1 million tonnes per annum (mtpa) primary aluminium smelter and 2 mtpa of alumina production, both powered by renewable wind and solar energy firmed by pumped hydro storage," the statement said.

"The development will comprise a study to evaluate a potential first phase 500,000 tonnes per annum primary aluminium smelter in a favourable location in India," it added.

The aluminium smelter will run entirely on 1.8 gigawatts (GW) of round-the-clock renewable power, said one of the two people mentioned above.

While an investment of around $4 billion will be required for setting up the aluminium smelter, the alumina facility will require around $2 billion," the person added.

Rio Tinto did not confirm the financial details of the potential project. AM Green also did not respond to a mailed query regarding the projected investment.

Also read: Trump's reciprocal tariffs: No new shocks for Indian steel, aluminium, and auto makers

Strategic partnership

Rio Tinto Aluminium Chief Executive Jerome Pecresse said in the statement that the study is an important step in growing the company's global, low-carbon aluminium footprint while exploring new project delivery approaches and opportunities in emerging markets.

"Partnering with AMG Metals & Materials enables us to assess how we can develop low-cost responsible aluminium production powered by renewable energy. With its rapid economic growth and strategic position, India is a compelling location for this potential project and aligns with our long-term vision for a globally more diverse and resilient aluminium business," he said.

As part of the study, AMG M&M, promoted by the founders of Greenko and AM Green, will examine a firmed renewable energy solution with Greenko, while Rio Tinto will explore a commercial alumina solution. The study will also assess smelting technology options to determine the most cost-effective solution for the project.

Group president of AMG M&M and Greenko Mahesh Kolli said, Over the last few years, we have been able to deliver a multitude of decarbonization solutions comprising electricity, molecules, chemicals and fuels. We are excited to expand that further to the materials space. This MoU could deliver much needed low-carbon metal at scale to propel decarbonization initiatives in global supply chains across auto, construction, consumer packaging and many more segments."

Indias energy transition playbook has been attracting global investors. With operations in 35 countries, Rio Tinto is a global mining and metals major. Its primary products include iron ore, aluminium, copper, lithium among other minerals. AMG Metals & Materials is a subsidiary of AM Green set up by the founders of Greenko Group Anil Chalamalasetty and Mahesh Kolli.

Indias green metal map

India is world's second largest producer of aluminium after China; and exports the commodity and derived products to the US and European Union. The current market size of aluminium in India is around 5 million tonne per annum. Companies in steel and aluminium businesses are looking at ways to decarbonize their operations and remain competitive globally.

AM Green is setting up production facilities for green molecules, including green hydrogen, green ammonia, biofuels, e-methanol, sustainable aviation fuels, and various downstream high-value chemicals, for decarbonization in hard-to-abate industries.

In September last year, AM Green Ammonia B.V., another AM Green company tied up with Germanys RWE Supply & Trading to supply green ammonia. Also, in January this year, AM Green partnered with global logistics giant DP World to set up advanced logistics and storage infrastructure for green hydrogen and green ammonia exports.

Mint earlier reported about Malaysias Gentari Sdn Bhd and Singapores GIC Holdings Pte Ltd plans to invest $1.75 billion in AM Green Ammonia Holdings, that ranked among the worlds largest energy-transition deals.

While Gentari, will invest $1.5 billion for 30% in AM Green Ammonia Holdings, the founders will hold the balance 70% along with Singaporean wealth fund GIC, which will invest $250 million.

A comparatively sustainable metalaluminiumis used in several sectors ranging from power, packaging to construction. According to recent estimates by JMK Research, by 2030 the Indian aluminium sector is expected to integrate around 18-20 GW of solar and wind capacity. India aims to achieve 500 GW of non-fossil power generation capacity by 2030.



Also read: Sunny side down: The many gaps in Indias solar story
A new investment product designed to hook India's wealthier retail investors may eat hedge funds' lunch given their tax edge and target audience, industry executives said.

Specialized investment funds (SIFs) are a bridge between retail-focused mutual funds and portfolio management services (PMS) targeting the rich. While entry to alternative investment funds (AIFs) starts at 1 crore and they are taxed at the highest marginal rate, one can sign up for an SIF with 10 lakh, and enjoy the same tax treatment as mutual funds.

Industry experts said that long-short funds, which bet on both rising and falling markets - are expected to take a bigger hit.

"A long-short fund in an SIF will be tax-efficient compared to a long-short fund in an AIF," said Rahul Charkha, partner at Economic Laws Practise. Income earned by Cat-3 AIFs, which work as trusts, are taxed at the AIF level at the maximum marginal rate, Charkha added. Thus, in the case of long-short funds, gains would be taxed as business income at the AIF level at the top rate of 39%, he added.

In the case of SIF, gains from redemptions are taxed at the hands of investors. Therefore, any equity-oriented investment strategiesincluding the gain on long-short strategies adopted by the SIFare taxed in the hands of investors as capital gains either at 12.5% or 20% depending on the holding period, excluding surcharge and cess (where surcharge is capped at 15%), he added.

Also read | Specialized investment funds: All you need to know about Sebi's new mutual fund category

Avendus Capital recently shut its hedge fund and returned money to investors, while its former CEO Andrew Holland moved to Nippon Life India Asset Management to head its SIF business. Alongside, chief investment officer Nandik Mallik left to join Axis Asset Management as head of equity & hybrid SIFs. While Mallik declined to comment, messages and calls to Holland remained unanswered. A spokesperson for Avendus Capital did not respond to an email seeking comments.

Investors would prefer an SIF over an AIF given the lower entry barrier, said Amit Sahita, director of Fincode Advisory Services. "Even for a 1 crore investment, splitting it across 10 SIFs gives better liquidity. For example, if someone needs 20 lakh later, they can just redeem two SIFs, unlike an AIF, which locks the entire amount. Also, AIFs often come with long lock-in periodsthree to seven yearswhereas SIFs offer flexibility with no such restrictions, allowing easier exit if plans change." However, he added that investors might wait for the final rules on taxation, expense ratios and other parameters.

For someone new to long-short investment strategies, SIFs offer a way to test the waters," said Puneet Sharma, CEO of Whitespace Alpha, who runs a long-short AIF.

According to data from PMS Bazaar, a PMS and AIF distributor, India has 86 long-only Cat-3 AIFs, 35 long-short Cat-3 AIFs, and two debt Cat-3 AIFs as of March.

Read this | The silence of the Tiger: Did the US hedge fund investor give up too soon?

Twelve years since their debut in India, the long-short category of hedge funds still has assets of just $3 billion, against global hedge fund assets of around $4.5 trillion. Experts pointed to their stricter tax treatment.

Globally, hedge funds benefit from structures which enable pass-through taxation, but in India, gains are taxed at the maximum marginal rate at the fund level," said Sharma. He added that limited leverage is another constraint. In India, leverage is capped at 2x the AUM, whereas in other countries, hedge funds have no such restrictions."

However, SIFs come with limitations, despite their tax efficiency.

SIFs cannot exceed a gross exposure of 100% of the AUM. So, the total investments--either long or short--cannot exceed 100 if AUM is 100, in order to protect retail investors," said Vaibhav Sanghavi, CEO of ASK Hedge Solutions, a long-short AIF.

And read | Warburg-owned Truhome Finance eyes 50,000 crore AUM in four years

He added that long-short AIFs can have up to 200% exposure as they are for sophisticated investors who can take more risks. This means the AIF can take leverage of up to twice the AUM, which can enhance returns. Also, a mutual fund can launch only one scheme per category, but an AIF can launch multiple long-short funds.

Currently, there are 35 Category III long-short AIFs in India. The larger long-short funds are Alpha Alternatives Fund Advisors, Nuvama Asset Management, and others.
Wipro Ltds turnaround plan could be jeopardised by any potential adverse impact in the global economic scenario, which is marred by trade tariffs. The objective of the IT companys revamped strategy was to boost its revenue trajectory that has been lagging larger peers lately. So, in the past year, Wipro has taken several corrective measures under the leadership of new CEO Srinivas Pallia.

But even before trade tariffs were announced, concerns around clients discretionary technology spending had not eased for the IT sector. Now, the demand scenario has become tougher to predict. Wipro is feared to feel more heat than other tier-1 IT companies because of a higher exposure to discretionary services after consulting acquisitions in BFSI of Capco and in retail of Rizing. The desired outcome of the ongoing turnaround process may now get further delayed.

For cues on Wipros revenue growth pangs, look no further than latest management commentary, which follows muted March quarter (Q4FY25) results. Client spends deteriorated toward the end of Q4, and June quarter (Q1FY26) could see further impact, the management said. Tariff-led macro uncertainty is weighing on the demand in verticals such as consumer and manufacturing, resulting in a pause of certain large transformation projects, added the management.

No wonder then Wipros Q1FY26 sequential constant currency revenue guidance of - 3.5% to -1.5% is below consensus estimate of -1% to +1 %. Part of Wipros weak guidance for Q1FY26 can be attributed to slippages in Europe, which, in our view, is company-specific," said the Kotak Institutional Equities report dated 16 April.

Kotak cautions that a sharp and consistent decline in revenues from Europe is worrying. Wipro has been losing share in Europe due to leadership exits. While it has taken corrective measures to remedy the situation in Europe, it still has a long way to go.

Among other geographies, Americas 1 and APMEA saw marginal revenue growth in Q4FY25, while Americas 2 declined.

Americas 1 covers Latin America and US sectors like healthcare, consumer goods, retail, transportation, tech, and media. Americas 2 includes Canada and US sectors such as BFSI, manufacturing, hi-tech, energy, and utilities. APMEA spans Australia, New Zealand, India, the Middle East, Southeast Asia, Japan, and Africa

All its verticals (healthcare, consumer, tech & communications and BFSI) except for energy, manufacturing and resources saw revenues decline in Q4FY25. These factors culminated in Wipro reporting IT services sequential revenue drop of 0.8%, which was towards the lower end of the guidance and also below the consensus estimate.

Earnings before interest and tax (Ebit) margin at 17.5% was flat sequentially, but slightly ahead of consensus estimate of 17.4%. But thats hardly a consolation. The Wipro management intends to keep margins close to current levels but is facing headwinds from a weak growth environment and large deal implementation cost in H1FY26.

The total contract value (TCV) of deal wins for Wipro stood at $3.95 billion in Q4FY25, including large deal wins worth $1.76 billionboth the readings rose sequentially and year-on-year. However, large transformation deals might see execution delays in the near-to-medium term.

Also Read: Will Pallias game plan for Wipro secure Rishad Premjis legacy?

Investors jittery

A disappointing exit to FY25, with constant currency revenue down 2.3% year-on-year, and a weak start to FY26 are making the Street edgy. Investors are wondering if Wipro is headed for a third straight year of revenue decline.

For now, earnings downgrades pour. Nuvama Research cautions that Wipros turnaround thesis is derailing, and it has trimmed FY26 and FY27 earnings per share estimates by 3.0% and 3.7%, respectively, on lower growth expectations.

The Wipro stock fell 6% on Thursday. However, it has outperformed the Nifty IT index with 5.14% returns in the past year. The shares trade at FY26 price-to-earnings of 18 times, showed Bloomberg data. This is a discount to its large-cap peers and would sustain for now.

Also Read: A cloud of uncertainty hangs over the Big Five of India's IT industry
Bharti Airtel share price climbed over 3 per cent to hit a record high in intraday trade on Thursday, April 17. Bharti Airtel shares opened at 1,831.60 against their previous close of 1,823 and rose 3.6 per cent to an all-time high of 1,888. Around 2:45 PM, the stock traded 3.33 per cent higher at 1,883.70 on the BSE.

Bharti Airtel share price trend Bharti Airtel shares have seen healthy gains in the current calendar year, defying market volatility. The telecom stock jumped 15 per cent this year until April 16, against a 1.4 per cent decline in the Sensex.

Over the last year, the stock has jumped 50 per cent, while in the last three and five years, the stock has given returns of 147 per cent and 266 per cent, respectively.

Bharti Airtel's share price hit a 52-week low of 1,215.70 on April 18 last year.

Why is Bhati Airtel stock rising? The recent rise in the stock price could be attributed to the company's healthy growth prospects.

Recently, Bharti Airtel announced a collaboration with Blinkit to provide SIM cards to customers' homes in just 10 minutes.

Through an exchange filing, the company said it offers a unique service as a telco. The company is now operational in 16 cities across the nation and intends to expand to additional cities and towns in the future.

Moreover, experts also point out that the market is expecting decent Q4 earnings from the telecom major.

According to brokerage firm Motilal Oswal Financial Services, Bharti Airtel's Q4FY25 revenue may see a year-on-year (YoY) growth of 27 per cent, while adjusted profit after tax (PAT) may jump 99.2 per cent YoY. EBITDA, as per the brokerage firm, may jump 38.9 per cent YoY.

Kotak Institutional Equities expects a 26 per cent YoY growth in Bharti Airtel's Q4FY25 revenue and an 89 per cent YoY jump in adjusted PAT. EBITDA may increase 36 per cent YoY, led by continued subscriber additions in the India wireless business.

"We model nearly 35 lakh wireless net adds (versus nearly 49 lakh gain quarter-on-quarter) and expect ARPU to increase to 248 (versus 245 quarter-on-quarter) during the quarter," said Kotak.

Bharti Airtel: Should you buy, sell or hold ahead of Q4 result? Shitij Gandhi, Senior Technical Research Analyst at SMC Global Securities, pointed out that from a technical standpoint, the stock remains firmly in a bullish trend, trading in a higher-high formation.

A fresh breakout following a prolonged period of consolidation has pushed the stock to new all-time highs, reinforcing the positive momentum.

Gandhi said as long as the stock holds above 1,750, the near-term outlook remains optimistic.

"In the short to medium term, the bullish bias is expected to persist as long as the stock trades above the 1,640 level. Key interim support is placed at 1,720 and 1,675, respectively, while on the upside, the stock has the potential to rally towards 2,050 in the coming months. However, the near-term resistance may be around 1,880 and 1,980 levels," said Gandhi.

Mandar Bhojane, an equity research analyst at Choice Broking, pointed out that Bharti Airtel has been consistently forming higher highs and higher lows, indicating a strong bullish trend.

On the weekly chart, the stock has broken out of a rounding bottom pattern with significant volume, suggesting a shift in long-term sentiment toward sustained upside momentum. This breakout reinforces the positive structure and signals the potential for further gains if the price sustains above 1,800, said Bhojane.

Bhojane believes if Bharti Airtel maintains levels above 1,800, the bullish momentum may carry the stock towards the next resistance zones at 1,900 and 1,950. On the downside, 1,750 is expected to act as immediate support.

Technical indicators remain supportive, with the RSI at 67.9 trending upward and the Stochastic RSI showing a positive crossover, indicating continued buying interest.

"Any dip toward 1,800 can be considered a buying opportunity, as the zone aligns with both psychological and technical support. For prudent risk management, a stop-loss at 1,750 is recommended. The overall outlook remains bullish, making Bharti Airtel a strong candidate for a buy-on-dips strategy," said Bhojane.

While the stock appears to be a good long-term bet, some technical experts see the scope for profit booking at the current juncture.

Jigar S. Patel, Senior Manager of Equity Research at Anand Rathi Share and Stock Brokers, highlighted that Bharti Airtel trades near its R4 Camarilla monthly pivot resistance, indicating a potential pause or reversal.

Patel underscored that this is a good area for profit booking in long-existing positions.

Bharti Airtel technical chart

Patel advised waiting for a weekly close above 1,850 for fresh upside momentum, which would confirm strength and open the door for further bullish movement. He said that staying cautious and avoiding aggressive longs is a prudent approach.



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Infosys dividend: IT major Infosys announced a final dividend of 22 per share along with its March 2025 quarter results on Thursday, April 16.

The company in an exchange filing said, The Board, at their meeting held on April 16-17, 2025, recommended a final dividend of 22/- per equity share for the financial year ended March 31, 2025.

The record date for the purpose of the payment of the final dividend is May 30, 2025. The dividend will be paid on June 30, 2025, Infosys said.

Infosys Dividend History Prior to this, Infosys had announced an interim dividend of 21 per share for the financial year 2024-25 (FY25), for which the record date was fixed as October 29, 2024.

In the past 12 months, Infosys has declared dividends amounting to 49 per share, giving it a dividend yield of 3.45%, according to Trendlyne data.

Infosys Q4 Results Infosys posted a 11.7% year-on-year (YoY) decline in its net profit for the March 2025 quarter to 7,038 crore. The figure stood at 7,975 crore in the same quarter last year.

Meanwhile, the revenue jumped 7.91% YoY in Q4 FY25 to 40,925 crore from 37,923 crore in Q4 FY24. In dollar terms, the revenue came in at $4,730 billion, up 3.6% YoY, while in CC terms, revenue witnessed an increase of 4.2% YoY. Meanwhile, the operating margin for Q4 FY25 came in at 21.1%, growth of 0.5% YoY.

The company pegged the FY26 revenue guidance at 0-3% in CC terms and operating margin at 20-22%.

For FY25, Infosys delivered $19,277 million in revenue, a growth of 4.2% in constant currency. Operating margin was at 21.1%, expansion of 0.5% YoY. Free cash flow was the highest ever at $4,088 million, an increase of 41.8% YoY. Lastly, the total contract value of large deal wins was $11.6 billion for the year, with 56% net new, Infosys said.

"We have built a resilient organisation with sharp focus on client-centricity and responsiveness to the market, thanks to the trust of our clients and dedication of our employees. Our performance for the year has been robust in terms of revenues, expansion in operating margins and the highest ever free cash generation, said Salil Parekh, CEO and MD. Our depth in AI, cloud and digital and strength in cost efficiency, automation, and consolidation position us well for the needs of our clients, he added.

Infosys share price settled the day at 1420.20, up 0.51%.
Infosys Q4 Result: IT major Infosys on Thursday, April 17, reported an 11.75 per cent year-on-year (YoY) decline in consolidated net profit for Q4FY25 to 7,033 crore. In the same quarter last year, the company's profit was 7,969 crore. However, the company's revenue from operations for the quarter under review rose 8 per cent YoY to 40,925 crore from 37,923 crore in the corresponding quarter of the last financial year.

"Our performance for the year has been robust in terms of revenues, expansion in operating margins and the highest ever free cash generation. Our depth in AI, cloud and digital and strength in cost efficiency, automation, and consolidation position us well for the needs of our clients, said Salil Parekh, CEO and MD of Infosys.

Let's take a look at five key takeaways from Infosys' March quarter scorecard.

Infosys Q4: Key takeaways 1. Infosys Q4 key numbers In constant currency, the company's revenue grew 4.8 per cent YoY but declined by 3.5 per cent QoQ. Operating margin for the quarter grew 0.9 per cent YoY and declined 0.3 per cent QoQ to 21 per cent.

"FY25 operating margins expanded by 0.5 per cent which reflects our relentless focus on identifying opportunities for efficiency and executing Project Maximus with discipline, after navigating through multiple headwinds in a challenging macro environment. We delivered the highest ever free cash flows in the history of the company in FY25, said Jayesh Sanghrajka, CFO of Infosys.

2. Infosys Q4 dividend The company's board has proposed a final dividend of 22. The record date for the purpose of the payment of the final dividend is May 30, 2025. The dividend will be paid on June 30, 2025, Infosys said.

3. Infosys Q4 segment and client geography revenue According to the company's exchange filing, the revenue of the 'financial services' segment increased 12.6 per cent YoY, while that of the 'manufacturing' segment increased 14 per cent YoY in constant currency (CC).

Among different geographical regions, revenue from the Indian market grew 43.7 per cent YoY in CC terms, while the revenue from Europe grew 15 per cent YoY. Revenue from North America declined 0.4 per cent YoY. From the rest of the world, revenue dropped 2.2 per cent YoY in CC.

4. Headcount The number of total employees at the end of Q4FY25 was 3,23,578 against 3,17,240 at the end of Q4FY24.

IT services' voluntary attrition stood at 14.1 per cent against 12.6 per cent YoY.

5. Deal wins According to the company's exchange filing, the total contract value of large deals stood at $2.6 billion for Q4FY25. Some of the key deal wins were:

(i) The expansion of strategic collaboration with Citizens Financial Group to propel AI-led transformation.

(ii) The expansion of collaboration with Siemens AG to accelerate Siemens AG digital learning initiatives with generative AI.

(iii) A strategic, long-term collaboration with Lufthansa Group (LHG) and

Lufthansa Systems GmbH (LSY) to accelerate digital transformation and drive innovation in the aviation industry.
Q4 results today: Reliance Group company Jio Financial Services Ltd is one of those listed Indian companies that will announce its Q4 results 2025 on Thursday. The company's board of directors has fixed a meeting on 17 April 2025 to consider and approve the company's unaudited financial results for the January to March 2025 quarter. The board will also consider and approve the proposal for dividend payment during its meeting on Thursday.

Ahead of the announcement of Q4 results today, Jio Financial share price witnessed some upside movement throughout the Thursday session. Jio Financial share price today opened at 242.94 per share and finished at 246.20 per share on the NSE, logging an intraday gain of over 1.50%.

Jio Financial's share price has been on an uptrend for the last week. After ending higher on Thursday, it has registered over a 12% gain in the last five successive sessions, which signals buzz about strong Jio Financial Services Q4 results today.

Jio Financial Services Q4 results 2025 preview Speaking on the market estimates on Jio Financial Services Q4 results today, Kunal Kamble, Sr. Technical Research Analyst at Bonanza Group, said, "Expect the profitability of the company to increase, aided by a better cost-to-income ratio. The company may declare dividend for its shareholders for the first time, which has been positive for the investors."

Jio Financial share price target Speaking on the outlook of Jio Financial share price, Ganesh Dongre, Senior Manager  Technical Research at Anand Rathi, said, Jio Financial share price is currently displaying a classic rounding bottom pattern on the short-term charta formation that typically signals a bullish reversal and a shift from a downtrend to an uptrend. This technical setup often reflects gradual accumulation and growing investor confidence.

After ending at 246.20 per share on the NSE, Jio Financial share price is showing signs of potential upward momentum. The rounding bottom suggests that a breakout may be imminent, offering a favorable risk-reward setup for traders.

To manage downside risk, a stop loss at Rs. 215 is advised. On the upside, the target range is Rs. 265275 over the next few weeks, reflecting a potential price appreciation of approximately 9%13% from current levels, Dongre added.

The Anand Rathi expert said that technical indicators reinforce the bullish outlook, making Jio Financial share an attractive opportunity for short-term traders looking to capitalize on momentum-driven setups.
Multibagger Stock: KFin Technologies share price surged 8% during Thursday's trading session after the company announced its agreement with Singapore-based Ascent Fund Services Pte. Ltd to purchase a 51% stake for USD 34.7 million, with plans to achieve full ownership over the next five years.

Following this deal, KFin Technologies will become the exclusive promoter of Ascent, with the remaining 49% stake to be acquired in three equal installments of 16.33% each at the conclusion of FY28, FY29, and FY30, respectively, as stated in the announcement.

This acquisition will accelerate KFintech's entry into the rapidly expanding and substantial global fund administration market, which has an annual revenue pool exceeding USD 12 billion.

Also Read | Waaree Renewable Technologies shares zoom over 14% after Q4 results

The partnership will be a force multiplier of KFintechs vision to become the first global fund administrator from India across all asset classes and all business processes. The partnership aims to deliver innovative and tech-driven solutions for global asset managers with multi-asset, multi-currency, and multi-geography fund administration capabilities.

KFintechs experience of investing in strategic and synergistic assets bodes well to integrate with Ascent and create long-term value for all our stakeholders, said Sreekanth Nadella, Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of KFintech.

Multibagger Stock KFin Technologies share price has increased by more than 200% from its initial public offering price of 366 per share since it debuted on 29 December 2022. Over the course of more than two years, KFin Technologies has provided multibagger returns to its investors. According to data from Trendlyne, KFin Technologies share price climbed by 84.29% and surpassed its sector by 70.6% over the past year.

Anshul Jain, Head of Research at Lakshmishree Investment and Securities, explained that KFin Technologies share price surged over 505% from its IPO low of 270.85 to an all-time high of 1,641.35, marking a stellar rally.

Also Read | Ashish Kacholia buys stake in THIS multibagger SME stock during Q4FY25

However, it faced a sharp reversal with a 52.23% correction in under eight weeks, forming a buying climax at 1,600. Post this correction, the stock has entered a consolidation phase, trading within the range of 820 1,120. This sideways move is likely to persist for the next 2024 weeks as the stock digests its prior gains.

Further, Rajesh Bhosale, Equity Technical and Derivative Analyst at Angel One, stated that post the listing in June 2023, KFintech share prices have a specacular returns to investors moving from the levels of around 340 to around 1,650. However in the current calendar prices witnessed price correction retracing towards the 800 zone.

 However last couple of weeks have been positive with prices resuming uptrend and confirming a Inverse Head and Shoulder Breakout , considering this the positive momentum could continue towards 1,280 - 1,400 and immediate higher bottom around 1,000 acting as support, said Bhosale.
PSU defence stock: Hindustan Aeronautics share price has increased by 37% over the last seven weeks. The PSU defence stock faced challenges from June 2024 through February 2025, but started to recover in March 2025. Brokerage firm JM Financial anticipates that HAL shares will outperform the Nifty 50.

In its report, the domestic brokerage noted that HAL shares benefit from a favourable price trend in the second quarter of the calendar year. Over the past five years, it has ended the second quarter positively on each occasion, yielding an average return of approximately 34%. Year-to-date, the stock has slightly outperformed the Nifty 50 by about 2%, according to the JM Financial report.

Anshul Jain, Head of Research at Lakshmishree Investment and Securities, explained that HAL share price, after a sharp 45.79% correction in just 35 weeks post a buying climax, is now showing signs of strength with a higher low on weekly charts.

HAL share price has also retraced 50% of the fall at 4,313. Immediate resistance lies in the 4,3004,320 zone; above this, 4,444 (swing high) will be the next hurdle. If HAL share price sustains above 4,320, the logical upside target is 4,720.8, indicating potential for a strong bounce-back rally. On Thursday's session, HAL share price was nearly up 1% on the BSE, the PSU defence stock touched an intraday high of 4,242.10, and an intraday low of 4,195 per share on the BSE.

On a fundamental level, brokerage Nirmal Bang has retained a 'buy' recommendation with a target price of 4,851, which values the stock at 24 times the estimated EPS for March 2027, bolstered by a strong order book.

The company's order book has shown significant improvement over the past year, during which the company expanded its capacities by adding new production lines for the LCA and HTT-40, in addition to increasing the aero engine capacity at Koraput. The current order book is at 1,84,000 crores, compared to the initial order book of 94,129 crores, after accounting for the liquidation in the current year.

Additionally, the brokerage noted that the sector is witnessing positive movement driven by multiple factors: a stronger focus on indigenisation and "Atmanirbhar Bharat" programs, increased allocations for the defence budget, rising geopolitical tensions, a growing list of indigenisation efforts, opportunities for defence exports, and investments in cutting-edge technologies like AI and robotics.

Q4FY25 Update According to the company's filing, HAL achieved a revenue of 30,400 crores (provisional and unaudited) for the financial year ending March 31, 2025, compared to a revenue of Rs. 30,381 crores in the previous year.

In the year 2024-25, HAL secured new manufacturing contracts totaling 1,02,000 crores and ROH contracts amounting to 17,500 crores. Recently, the company finalised a contract with the Ministry of Defence for the provision of 156 LCH Prachand helicopters, valued at 62,777 crores. This marks the largest single procurement by the Ministry of Defence from HAL to date.

"With the supply chain issues stabilizing, new orders in hands and enhancement of capacities, the company is gearing up for more robust physical and financial performance in the FY 2025-26," the company said in an exchange filing.
School theatre is synonymous with annual day performancesproductions with familiar narratives and moral lessons. Programmes like Summertime at Prithvi and Summer Fiesta at the National Centre for the Performing Arts (NCPA)both in Mumbaihave long provided young audiences with theatre created for them, but performed by professional adult actors. These festivals carry forth the ethos of Theatre for Young Audiences (TYA), an international field dedicated to creating high-quality, age-appropriate theatre that respects young viewers as discerning audiences.

In Mumbai, while dedicated companies like Gillo Repertory Theatre produce thoughtful work for young audiences year-round, much of the theatre made for children remains seasonal, tied to summer festivals. Summertime at Prithvi is all set to take place between 4 May and 21 June for kids aged 4-16.

Before the pandemic, a vibrant season of childrens theatre festivals had taken root, with productions catering to children and teenagers alike. This vibrancy, which marked the fulfilment of the principles of TYA, has yet to fully return.

Also read: Performances that you simply must catch at the Remembering Veenapani Festival

Pushing beyond conventionsyet existing adjacent to TYAis Connections India, now in its third edition. A collaboration between the National Theatre in the UK, where the programme has run for 30 years, and the NCPA, it brings together students from 16 schools to stage as many plays over two intense weekends. Held in January earlier this year, the festival is not just a showcase of youthful enthusiasm, it is a space where theatre is treated as a tool for understanding the world, and a means of bridging divides. Its not simply about putting up a playits about the process, the questions that come up, and the way these students start to see theatre differently," said Ragini Singh Khushwaha, who leads creative learning at the NCPA.

Through such showcases, a young audience is now being introduced to a wide range of themespolitical upheaval, intergenerational tensions, inclusionwithout ever simplifying them. These plays are performed by children from different walks of life alongside adults, making the productions more relatable. For instance, in Luke Barnes The Sad Club, featuring children with special needs, director Shivani Vakil Savant focuses on creating a safe, supportive space. Working within the school setting helped. The kids were incredibly resilient, looking out for each other. I set the same behavioural boundaries as I would for neurotypical kids, and they understood," she says. Metaphors become a bridge to expressionI feel like a balloon or I feel like popcornperfectly echoing the plays themes.

Sheena Khalids Level Up, a specially commissioned play, follows a young girl navigating grief through a video game, processing loss one level at a time. It does not just settle for the token strong female lead"it lets her drive the story on her own terms.

It is unusual for young people to grapple with the implications of old age, but at least two plays have tackled it head on. In Tim Crouchs Superglue, performers from the Abhyudaya Nagar MPS portray impassioned climate activists gathered at a memorial for a friend lost during a protest. They are soon revealed to be older than they seem, having matured into a world scarred by ecological decline. But theres a catch. The script explicitly barred the use of conventional markers of old ageno grey wigs, stooped posture, or aged mannerisms," says director Padma Damodaran. Yet, alongside the ensemble, who deliver credibly stoic performances sans affectation, elderly residents from the JJ Dharamsala Old Age Home appear on stage in identikit costumes as the young actors, not just as a projection of what the characters might look like in actuality, but to serve as a quiet, if fleeting, metaphor that upended the usual narrative of youth fighting for a future they wont live to see.

Also read: Lounge Loves: gourmet dog food, Triple Crown watch and more

Sudeep Modak takes a different route in his helming of Abi Zakarians Age is Revolting for the Kherwadi Municipal School. In the play, school-goers disdainful of the elderly unexpectedly find themselves inhabiting their 80-year-old selves in an old age home. They were given tasks like spending time with elders, focusing on the mind, body, and voice. They observed physical discomforts, mental shifts like forgetfulness, and the mix of kindness and sternness," says Modak. The young actors certainly sink their teeth into delightfully acerbic types with sheer gusto, but beyond the performance itself, the process becomes an exercise in empathyallowing them to step into the lives of older people and see them with fresh sensitivity.

Both plays ultimately converged on a shared sensibilitywhether through the quiet poignancy of Superglue, where grief intertwined with the passage of time, or the playful irreverence of Age is Revolting, young performers engaged with old age as something tangible, immediate, and deeply human.

View Full Image The schools participating come from vastly different backgroundscolloquially called international schools and NGO schools

There are plays that turn to the past in different waysgrappling with history to make sense of the present. Yasmeen Khans Back in the Day, directed by Anitha Santhanam for Govind Nagar MPS, takes a lighter, nostalgic route, with a spirited ensemble revisiting the 1980s through time travel to explore how the past lingers in our lives. We adapted the play to reflect local history, from Bombays textile mills to the teacher-student dynamic in India," says Santhanam, who worked with a culturally-aware bilingual translation by Satchit Puranik that made the steadfast messaging feel more organic. She also pushed her precocious students to engage with a more abstract theatrical language. It took time for them to grasp suggestive and metaphorical elements, but their improvisations became stronger with time. Santhanam was clear that the play was never treated as a childrens play. It felt like a process centred around lovewanting students to expand, experience theatre, and be transformed by it," she said, of her experience with Connections.

Despite the emphasis on collaboration, festivals such as Connections do not exist outside the parallel cultures of privilege and access. While TYA practitioners have long worked to broaden audiences, theatre in India occupies a rarefied space within the arts landscape. This exclusivity is reflected not just in the makeup of audiences but also in those who are drawn to the form itself.

True to its name, the NCPA initiative promises moments of connection, but these do not erase structural divides. The schools participating come from vastly different backgroundscolloquially called international" schools and "NGO" schools,constantly used labels that only reinforce disparities in opportunity. The contrast is visible in confidence, fluency and access to resources, though not in ability or creativity. In this writers experience, students from non-profit-funded schools held their own in their plays. The divide is also deeply embedded in language: since most plays are originally written in English, translation becomes both an artistic and political act. Santhanam observed that workshops, in particular, disrupted these divides.

Could this lead to deeper collaborations via inter-school coproductions in the future? It would be an interesting experiment. We have our assumptions, but we wont know until we try," says Santhanam. The challenge would be logisticalschedules, locations, transportbut it could be valuable."

Vikram Phukan is a theatre director and stage commentator.

Also read: Alappuzha Gymkhana review: The most fun youll have at the cinema this year
A recent AIIMS study has highlighted a startling statistic77% of mothers of children with autism experience depression. This revelation is not surprising to those of us who have worked closely with families navigating developmental challenges.

Also read: Why human engagement lies at the heart of treating autism

At the New Horizons Child Development Centre I run in Mumbai, we have served thousands of children and their families since 2003. A consistent observation down the years has been that parental well-being directly impacts a childs progress  more so, a child with developmental challenges. Our work has demonstrated that when parents feel supported and emotionally balanced, their children show better outcomes in terms of social engagement, emotional regulation, and developmental progress.

WHY ARE CAREGIVERS AT SUCH HIGH RISK?

Parenting a child with autism is always emotionally and physically demanding. Families juggle therapy sessions, manage challenging behaviors, and navigate the education systemall while confronting societal stigma. Often, there is poor family support. Mothers, in particular, often bear the brunt of this load. My interactions with families has shown that mothers prioritize their childs needs at the cost of their own emotional health, which over time leads to exhaustion, anxiety, and depression. Very often, there is no end point where the child can become independent and the caregivers may relinquish their responsibility. Prolonged stress, coupled with feelings of isolation and helplessness, can push them toward anxiety, depression, and emotional exhaustion.

Most intervention programs, especially for children with autism, are designed to teach the child different sets of skills that operate best within patterned ecosystems, which largely need caregivers to manage it. Consequently, the child cannot navigate changes - intentional or inadvertent- in this ecosystem, thus making them dependent on the patterned ecosystem. The child and parent can never exit this ecosystem. Since this has no end date, this adds to the caregiver's burden, inspite of seeking and spending resources like time, money and travel, on the intervention.

THE LINK BETWEEN PARENTAL MENTAL HEALTH AND CHILD DEVELOPMENT

Clinical research at New Horizons has consistently demonstrated that:

Parental stress and burnout negatively affect a childs ability to engage and communicate effectively.

2. Interventions that address parental mental healthsuch as counseling and structured parent traininglead to significant improvements in the childs behavior and social skills.

3. Families that adopt a team-based approach to caregiving experience better outcomes for both the child and the caregiver.

STRATEGIES TO PROTECT CAREGIVERS' MENTAL HEALTH

Empower parents through knowledge and skills: There's a need for programs that equip parents to work with their child in achieving sequential milestones and manage( the child's) behaviors effectively while maintaining their own emotional balance. At New Horizons, we implement structured parent training that seeks to to empower families with the knowledge and skills required to handle their childs unique challenges.

Promote self-care as a necessity, not a luxury: A key learning from my experience has been to understand that self-care enhances caregiving quality. My team and I generally encourage parents to prioritize their own emotional well-being through mindfulness practices, relaxation techniques, and hobbies that rejuvenate them. Parents must understand that taking time for themselves is an investment in their childs progress.

Normalize seeking professional support: Early intervention for parental stress reduces the risk of long-term emotional exhaustion. I, therefore, encourage families to access professional guidance not only for their child but also for themselves.

Set realistic, achievable goals: Many parents set overly ambitious goals for their childs progress, often leading to frustration and disappointment. A better approach, instead, would be to celebrate small victories and acknowledge incremental progress, which helps parents maintain a positive and resilient mindset. Connecting with a developmental pediatrician and/or a senior therapist monthly could work wonders.

Create a collaborative ecosystem: In my experience, involving partners, extended family, and professionals in the caregiving process lightens the emotional load. A shared responsibility model ensures that caregivers have the space to recharge and continue their journey with renewed energy. Enlisting aunts and uncles from the extended family, and the neighbourhood, offers the child the essence of nurturing care as well as allows the parents to have time off on their own.

A NEED FOR SYSTEMIC SUPPORT

While individual efforts can significantly improve caregivers' mental health, there is an urgent need for policy-level interventions that include:

Access to affordable counseling and respite care for families of children with special needs.

2. Community-based programs that provide emotional and practical support to caregivers.

3. Monitoring incremental progress in the childs development at regular intervals.

4. Increased awareness and sensitization about the mental health challenges faced by caregivers.

Caring for caregivers equals caring for the child. My experience has shown that when caregivers feel supported, their children thrive. Conversely, the best way to decrease caregiver stress is to get the child to do progressively better and assimilate in society. As India continues to advance its understanding of autism and developmental challenges, we must ensure that those who nurture these childrenday in and day outare also nurtured, emotionally and mentally. After all, a healthy, emotionally available parent is the greatest gift we can offer a child.

Dr. Samir H Dalwai is a developmental behavioural paediatrician based in Mumbai.

Also read: 8 myths about ADHD and how to handle it
You can fund your overseas trip for personal/professional reasons, business or vacation with your credit card. Though credit cards offer a lot of benefits such as low forex mark-up fee, rewards and discounts on flights as well as hotel bookings for international travel, you have to be careful with your usage.

There are several things that you should do to keep your credit card safe from fraudulent or unauthorised transactions when you are abroad. Setting limits on your international transactions and informing your bank in advance about your travel plans top the list of things that you should do before you embark on your journey. Here is a primer on how to protect your credit card from misuse during international travel.

Also Read | Think minimum credit card payments are enough? Think again

Inform your bank This is the first thing that you should do if you plan to use your credit card during your overseas trip. You can provide travel dates and destinations to the card issuing bank. By doing this, you can prevent your credit card from being flagged for suspicious activity.

Providing your bank with advance notice also enables them to monitor your account more effectively and offer assistance in case of any issues or emergencies, HDFC Bank said in its guidelines on preventing credit card misuse during overseas travel. If you are a frequent traveller, you can inform the credit card issuer in advance. This way, there will be no need to inform you about your travel plans every time.

Set limits on usage You have to set a limit on the total amount that can be used on your card during international travel. This will substantially reduce the risks of losses arising out of fraudulent transactions. You can also set up text alerts as it will provide real-time information on card usage.

Whether it is a credit card or a debit card that you are using, setting up text alerts helps in warning you about any fraudulent transactions that are done from your cards. Transaction alerts will inform you about any suspicious activity, Yes Bank said in its usage guidelines.

Use secure channels It is important to use secure payment channels to protect your financial information from being accessed by fraudsters. You should not carry out any transactions on public Wi-Fi networks or unsecured internet connections abroad as they can easily be compromised.

Hackers looking to steal money might have set up a watch on Wi-Fi networks of hotels or other tourist destinations. Whenever possible, you should either use your mobile internet connection or refrain from making net banking transactions on Wi-Fi, Yes Bank said. Furthermore, a Wi-Fi hack can also result in data theft or identity theft in future that may land you in big trouble, the bank said.

You can use VPNs (Virtual Private Networks) to encrypt data as it will increase online security. You can also use banking apps or websites that offer two-factor authentication (2FA) for extra protection. A 2FA will require additional authentication such as a unique code sent to your mobile number in addition to user name and password.

Also Read | What is the minimum spend to earn credit card rewards? Explore here

Disable international transactions option on return If you want to keep your card secure, you have to disable international transactions on it immediately after your return from your foreign trip. You can do this by logging into the mobile banking app or through net banking. You can navigate to the card controls, manage card transactions or similar sections and then disable the card for international transactions. You can enable the card for overseas transactions again when you travel abroad the next time. You can also block the card and get a replacement card, which will not cost much.

If you think that developed countries are more immune from cybercrimes that include credit card fraud, then think again. China, US and UK rank among the top-10 in the World Cybercrime Index. Incidentally, several developed countries do not follow 2FA for credit card transactions.

You do not have to enter the PIN for PoS (Point of Sale) transactions or OTP (One time password) for online transactions in many countries. If someone gets information about your credit card number, expiry date and CVV (Card Verification Value), then she/he can easily carry out online transactions. So, you have to be extra careful while using your card in foreign countries.
While going through your credit card statement, you must have come across certain transactions that have not earned any reward points. These may be transactions from excluded categories or the transaction amount may be lower than the minimum spend required to earn reward points.

Banks require credit card transactions to be of a minimum amount to earn reward points. In this article, we will understand the minimum amount required to be spent to earn one reward point and how it affects your reward rate.

Minimum amount required to be spent to earn reward points Each bank can specify the minimum amount required to be spent on their credit card to earn reward points. The minimum amount may range from Rs. 50 to Rs. 200.

For example, American Express has one of the lowest requirements for minimum spends required to earn reward points on their credit cards. An American Express credit cardholder earns 1 Membership Rewards (MR) point for every Rs. 50 spent.

Most banks require credit cardholders to spend a minimum of Rs. 100 to earn reward points. For example, BOB (Bank of Baroda) Cards require credit cardholders to spend a minimum of Rs. 100 to earn reward points.

Some banks require credit cardholders to spend a minimum of Rs. 150 to earn reward points. For example, HDFC Bank requires credit cardholders to spend a minimum Rs. 150 to earn reward points.

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Lastly, some banks required credit cardholders to spend a minimum of Rs. 200 on some of their cards to earn reward points. For example, Axis Bank requires Magnus Credit Card holders to spend a minimum Rs. 200 to earn reward points.

So, the minimum spend to earn reward points on a credit card transaction can vary between Rs. 50 to Rs. 200. If the transaction amount is below the minimum amount, you will not earn reward points for that transaction. So, check the credit card features and benefit section on the bank website to understand the minimum amount required to be spent to earn reward points.

Minimum spends vary among cards within the bank Within the bank credit card portfolio, different cards may have different minimum spends for earning reward points. For example, earlier we saw that Axis Bank requires Magnus Credit Card holders to spend a minimum of Rs. 200 to earn reward points. However, Axis Bank Atlas Credit Card holders are required to spend a minimum of Rs. 100 to earn reward points.

Similarly, ICICI Bank requires Emeralde Private Metal Credit Card holders to spend Rs. 200 to earn reward points. However, ICICI Bank Sapphiro Credit Card holders need to spend Rs. 100 to earn reward points.

Reward points are awarded for minimum spend and its multiples A cardholder earns reward points for minimum spends and its multiples. For example, the HSBC TravelOne Credit Card holder earns 2 reward points for every Rs. 100 spent. In this case, the cardholder will earn reward points for transactions of Rs. 100 and its multiples. For example, if the cardholder spends Rs. 225, they will earn 4 reward points for Rs. 200 spent, and the remaining Rs. 25 will not earn any reward points.

Small spends count towards milestones In the earlier section, we saw how if the transaction amount is lower than the minimum spend requirement, you will not earn reward points for that transaction. We also saw how reward points are awarded for the minimum amount spent and its multiples. Any excess amount over the multiple doesnt earn reward points. However, these amounts that dont earn reward points count towards the following.

Milestone spends Some credit cards have milestone benefits. When the cardholder achieves the milestone spend, the milestone benefit is awarded. For example, the American Express Platinum Travel Credit Card has two milestones. On achieving spends of Rs. 1.9 lakhs in a card membership year, the cardholder gets 15,000 bonus reward points. Similarly, on achieving spends of Rs. 4 lakhs in a card membership year, the cardholder gets a bonus of 25,000 reward points and a Rs. 10,000 Taj vouchers.

The spends discussed earlier, that do not earn reward points, count towards the milestone spends and help the cardholder reach the milestone faster.

Annual fee waiver Most credit cards waive the annual fee on achieving specified spends in the previous year. For example, the renewal fee for the HDFC Bank Diners Club Black Metal Credit Card is waived on spending Rs. 8 lakhs in the previous year.

The spends discussed earlier, that do not earn reward points, count towards the calculation of the total spent during the previous year for waiver of renewal fee.

Similarly, the spends count towards calculating the amount for spend-based offers and unlocking complimentary airport lounge access. For example, HDFC Bank sends spend-based offers to credit cardholders from time to time. When the cardholder achieves the specified spend between the specified dates, they get gift vouchers of specified brands for specified amounts.

These days, most banks require credit cardholders to spend a specified amount in a month/quarter to unlock airport lounge access in the subsequent month/quarter.

Also Read | 6 smart ways to waive off credit card fees and save big

To conclude, banks require credit cardholders to spend a minimum of Rs. 50 to Rs. 200 to earn reward points. Further, the reward points are awarded for amounts in multiples of the minimum amount. The amount in excess of the multiple doesnt earn reward points.

However, these amounts, which dont earn reward points, count towards the calculation of milestone spends, annual fee waiver, spend-based offers, unlocking complimentary airport lounge access, etc.
Easter, which commemorates the resurrection of Jesus Christ, holds great significance in Christianity. Its date, however, is not fixed like Christmas. The day includes feasting and celebration as people participate in religious services, decorate and exchange Easter eggs, engage in classic Easter games.

When is Easter 2025? This year, Easter Day will be celebrated on April 20, Sunday. According to Ecclesiastical tradition, it comes on first Sunday after the Paschal Full Moon, which follows spring equinox, which causes the date to shift each year as per lunar cycles.

History of Easter 2025 The events surrounding Easter are believed to have taken place around 30-33 AD in Jerusalem. The Council of Nicaea in 325 AD officially set up that Easter would be celebrated on the first Sunday after the first full moon following the vernal equinox usually between March 22 and April 25.

Long before Easter became associated with Christianity, springtime festivals were celebrated to honour themes of rebirth and fertility:

Eostre (or Ostara) was a Germanic goddess maybe linked to spring and fertility. Some historians suggest that the word Easter may have originated from her name. 2. Eggs, symbolising new life and renewal, have long been part of spring traditions and were later included into Easter as a representation of the resurrection.

3. Bunnies (or hares), known for their high fertility, were also connected to Eostre and came to symbolise abundance and new beginnings.

4. Across many cultures, spring festivals marked the end of winter with feasts, rituals, and celebrations of nature's return to life.

Significance of Easter 2025 Easter reminds to hold on to hope, even in the darkest of times, because light always awaits at the end of the journey. It symbolises renewal, rebirth, and the enduring power of hope. It inspires to embody love, forgiveness, and compassion in our everyday lives, following the example and values set by Jesus. Additionally, it strengthens the sense of community and unity among Christians, as they come collectively to celebrate their shared faith and the hope of eternal life.

Easter 2025 celebration Holy Week consists of Palm Sunday, Maundy Thursday, Good Friday, and Holy Saturday, each marking key events. Families often gather for a festive meal, commonly showing lamb, ham, or other traditional dishes depending on the culture. Children celebrate Easter through baskets filled with candy, toys, and sometimes small gifts, which they enjoy.

Five gift ideas for Easter 2025: Easter Bunny Fondant cake is ideal for brunches and themed parties. It comes in different flavours like Chocolate, Buuterscotch, Vanilla, Strawberry and Pine apple. Eyeshadow is a good choice as it adds beauty and glamour. It can be used for ever-lasting sparkle. Easter Vanilla n Choco cupcake duo is one of the gift ideas on a festive time. It is topped with creamy frosting and fondant eggs. 4. Easter Storybooks is fun and age-suitable faith-based or spring tales.
Mumbais soaring rental prices have once again triggered heated debate, thanks to a flatmate advertisement that went viral on social media. A young tech professional, Ohshin Bhatia, recently posted on X seeking a female flatmate to share her two-bedroom apartment in Parela prime residential and commercial hub in the city. But what really caught everyones attention was the rent: RS. 52,000 per month for an unfurnished master bedroom.

Oshins total rent for the 2BHK flat is Rs. 1 lakh. The post included pictures of the apartment along with a caption that read, hey guys, Im looking for a female flatmate (to join me in 2bhk) in Parel. Its an unfurnished master bedroom and the rent is 52k, comes with gym, jogging track and good amenities. The view is breathtaking, as its a higher floor. Preferably aged 2025.

While the view and amenities may be a draw for some, many on social media couldnt get past the steep price for a single roomespecially one that isnt even furnished. The post quickly went viral, with users flooding the comments section with disbelief, sarcasm, and broader criticism of Mumbais unsustainable real estate market.

One user wrote, Mumbais real estate costing is actually insane. You can get a house like this in Ghaziabad for like 1520K. Another quipped, Does 52K include chauffeur, butler and masseur available 24/7? A third commenter added, 52K for this concrete box. Real estate market in India is literally a scam.

The online reactions not only highlighted the gap between salaries and rental expectations in metros like Mumbai, but also struck a chord with countless young professionals struggling to find affordable living spaces.

With amenities often prioritized over actual space, renters are finding themselves paying exorbitant prices for what would be considered average accommodations elsewhere.
The Nagpur bench of Bombay High Court on Thursday issued notice to Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis in a poll petition challenging his 2024 win from the Nagpur South West assembly seat.

The petition, filed in January by Congress' Prafulla Vinodrao Gudadhe, alleged procedural lapses and corrupt practices. The plea had sought that the High Court declare CM Fadnavis' win null and void. Gudadhe lost to Fadnavis by a margin of 39,710 votes.

Several mandatory provisions were not followed during the polls held in November last year, Gudadhe's lawyers Dahat and AB Moon claimed.

Summons issued Justice Pravin Patil took up the plea for hearing in his chamber on Thursday and issued notice to the respondent (Fadnavis). "Justice Pravin Patil issued summons (notice) to Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis returnable on May 8," Gudadhe's lawyer Pavan Dahat told PTI.

On the next date, the chief minister's legal representative will have to appear in court and respond to the petition. The summons must be responded to by May 8.

Also Read | Now, all files will vetted by Dy CM Shinde before being sent to CM Fadnavis

The Mahayuti swept the assembly polls, winning 230 seats in the 288-member Maharashtra assembly, following which Fadnavis became CM.

Meanwhile, the High Court also issued summons (notices) to BJP MLA Mohan Mate from Nagpur West and Kirtikumar Bhangdia from Chimur seat in Chandrapur district in similar election petitions.

CM Fadnavis approves clearances for Gargai dam Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis on Thursday gave his nod for the grant of wildlife and environmental clearances for the Gargai dam project in neighbouring Palghar district that will supply water to Mumbai.

The decision was taken at the 24th meeting of the Maharashtra State Wildlife Board, chaired by Fadnavis and attended by Forest Minister Ganesh Naik and senior officials, said a release.

The Gargai project is important for Mumbai's water requirements in view of growing population, the CM noted. At present, seven lakes/reservoirs provide water to the country's financial capital. He directed the Forest Department to issue necessary wildlife and environmental permissions, ensuring timely completion of the project, the official release added.

The Forest Department should submit a flawless proposal to the National Wildlife Board and obtain necessary wildlife and environmental clearances quickly, he said.
The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) conducted searches at the residence of Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) leader and former Member of Legislative Assembly (MLDA) Durgesh Pathak on Thursday, April 17.

Officials said the searches were conducted in connection with the violation of the Foreign Contribution Regulation Act (FCRA). AAP leaders connected the raids to Gujarat, citing Pathak was recently named co-incharge for the Gujarat assembly elections 2027.

This sends a loud message that BJP clearly views AAP as a growing threat in Gujarat and is rattled by its rising influence, said Sandeep Pathak, AAP general secretary (organisation), in a post on X. Pathak is also an AAP Rajya Sabha MP.

Also Read | MUDA case: HC issues notice to Siddaramaiah on plea seeking CBI probe

FCRA is a law in India that regulates the acceptance and utilisation of foreign contributions or donations by certain individuals, associations, and companies.

Shocking news of CBI raiding the house of AAP leader Durgesh Pathak this morning - days after his appointment as co-incharge of Gujarat elections in 2027! Makes one thing clear - BJP sees AAP as its main opposition in Gujarat and is nervous by its steady expansion, Jasmine Shah, another AAP leader said.

Pathak is a former MLA from the Rajinder Nagar seat in Delhi. He lost from the seat in 2025 Delhi assembly polls.

AAP's Gujarat Focus In the reshuffle, Saurabh Bharadwaj was appointed as the new president of AAP's Delhi unit, while Gopal Rai, the former Delhi chief, was named the party's in-charge for Gujarat. Former Delhi MLA Pathak was designated as the co-in-charge for the state unit.

Gopal Rai and Durgesh Pathak were in Gujarat last week to expand the party's organisational footprint there. The organisational culminated with a state-level leadership meeting in Junagadh on April 12 and a state workers' 'Mahasammelan' at Viswadar on April 13. A final meeting to discuss preparations for the upcoming Viswadar Assembly bypoll was held on April 14.

This marked the first major organisational exercise in Gujarat since the party's leadership overhaul following its defeat to the BJP in the recent Delhi Assembly elections.

Gujarat assembly elections are scheduled in 2027. In 2022, the Bharatiya Janata Party won a landslide victory of 156 seats, the most ever won by any party in Gujarat's history. AAP won five seats.

AAP aims to build on its growing presence in Gujarat, where it won 32 local body seats in February and finished second in about 250 seats. The party has already announced that it would contest the 2027 elections in the state alone without opting for an alliance with Congress.

ED charges on AAP funding Last year in May, the Enforcement Directorate (ED), another central investigation agency, alleged that the AAP received 7.08 crore in foreign funds between 2014 and 2022, breaching the FCRA, the Representation of People Act (RPA), and the Indian Penal Code (IPC).

These funds were sourced from various donors in countries including the US, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Kuwait, and Oman, the ED reportedly said.

The probe agency alleged that these funds were used for personal gains, notably during a fundraising event in Canada in 2016, implicating Durgesh Pathak.
Former BJP MLA from Sangam Vihar, Vijay Jolly, on Thursday claimed that he was duped of "thousands of rupees" by cyber criminals, who allegedly tricked him into booking rooms in the temple town of Ayodhya on a fake website, reported PTI.

According to the report, Jolly arranged for water from 156 rivers worldwide for the 'Jalabhishek' ceremony at the Ram Temple in Ayodhya on 23 April 2023.

In a statement, Jolly said that his NGO  Delhi Study Group  was taking 100 people to the Ram Temple in Ayodhya on 23 April.

He alleged that fraudsters created a fake website named after a popular dharmshala in Ayodhya and duped him of 'thousands of rupees'.

Meanwhile, Jolly stated he has lodged a complaint with the cybercrime unit of the Delhi Police.

On 22 January 2024, the newly built Ram temple in Ayodhya was consecrated in a grand ceremony. Following this, the shrine has drawn a large number of devotees from India and abroad.

Delhi Police arrests 5 cyber fraudsters from Rajasthan and Gujarat Earlier in the day, a report arrived that the Delhi Police arrested five men from Rajasthan and Gujarat for allegedly duping people of about 50 lakh.

The Delhi Police claimed that the fraudsters used different methods to defraud people over the past two years.

The arrested accused have been identified as Zakir (32), Karan Swami (20) and Javed (20), all residents of Jaipur, Tejas Panchal (26) from Ahmedabad, and Mohammad Sohail alias Sahil (26) from Jodhpur.

Some of them posed as bank customer care executives and lured the victims by offering credit card enhancements, while others impersonated the victims' relatives and sent fake SMS messages claiming that money had been credited to their bank accounts.

Among the other methods the fraudsters use include fake online job offers.
After years of being held following the COVID-19 outbreak, Kailash Mansarovar Yatra may soon resume for public, informed Ministry of External Affairs on Thursday.

Briefing a press conference, MEA Spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said, We will soon issue a notice for the public on the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra. There is a possibility of resumption of the Yatra soon.

On being asked by reporters when can it be possible, MEA Spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said, The Kailash Mansarovar Yatra will happen this year, and we are making preparations."

Earlier in January, India and China had decided to resume the yatra and agreed in-principle to restore direct flights. The decisions were announced after Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri held wide-ranging talks with Chinese Vice Foreign Minister Sun Weidong in Beijing.

The Yatra has not taken place since 2020 following the COVID-19 outbreak and the subsequent non-renewal of Yatra arrangements by the Chinese side.

In February, on the sidelines of G20 Foreign Ministers Meeting, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar and Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi had reviewed developments in bilateral ties, management of peace and tranquility along border areas and the resumption of the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra.

Answeringa question on direct air services between India and China, MEA Spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said, In principle, both countries have agreed that flight operations will resume. The technical teams on both sides are looking into the technical arrangements for the flight services to resume. The two civil aviation authorities have met and are discussing the relevant modalities, including the updated framework.

India-China relations 'much better than before' Earlier on 9 April, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar, talking at CNN News 18 Rising Bharat Summit 2025, said that India's relationship with China is much better than before.

"The relationship is much better than before. I think the disengagement, particularly the Depsang Demchok, was important," he said.

"We are now addressing, to some extent, the issues on the border because there has been a force build-up over a period of years. There were many other things that also happened during this period. Some of it was collateral for the situation. Some of it was a carryover from the Covid era," he said.
The Madras High Court bench on Thursday order the police to register a case and proceed with investigation on state Forest Minister K Ponmudy over controversial remarks on women and Hinduism, reported PTI.

The HC bench, led by Justice N Anand Venkatesh, even warned Tamil Nadu police to either file FIR against TN minister Ponmudy or else the court will initiate suo motu (on its own) contempt against them.

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Justice N Anand Venkatesh, who gave the warning to the police, said, as quoted by the PTI, "now the court has taken cognizance of the matter. Even if you do not have a complaint, register a case and proceed with the investigation."

Justice Anand Venkatesh expressed concern over the remarks made by the DMK leader, when the suo motu revision case against Ponmudy relating to a disproportionate wealth case came up for hearing.

Earlier in the day, the judge asked the Advocate General to get instructions from DGP as to whether any FIR was registered against Ponmudy and posted the case to this evening.

Advocate general P S Raman submitted that the police have received five complaints and that they will investigate and register FIR.

Also Read | Why did SC reject plea for regulatory framework on cryptocurrencies?

The judge said, "If they don't register FIR, I will initiate suo motu contempt".

"Now, the court has taken cognizance of the matter. Even If they do not have a complaint, register a case and proceed with the investigation," the judge added.

The judge said the damaging video was continuing. "We do not know when it will flare up". There was no escape from this.

The police need not register multiple FIRs and one FIR was enough, the judge added.

The court said holding that position, Ponmudy should not have made such remarks. In the future, nobody should do it, he said.

The HC judge posted to April 23, further hearing of the suo motu proceedings.

What is the case? Recently, Ponmudy sparked a row with his Shaivism-Vaishnavism remarks, which he made in the context of a sex worker at a public meeting. This drew widespread criticism, including from his own party MP Kanimozhi.

Following this, DMK President and Chief Minister M K Stalin had removed Ponmudy as DMK deputy general secretary, despite the senior leader later tendered an apology for his "inappropriate remarks."
West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee launched a veiled attack against the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and Prime Minister Narendra Modi, accusing them of being "against Muslims" but receiving their hospitality in West Asian countries.

"You (BJP) are against Muslims, but in Saudi Arabia, you (PM Modi) meet Muslims... If you go to Dubai, UAE, whose hospitality do you take there... You say one thing in your country and another outside," Banerjee said while addressing a gathering of Muslim clerics on April 17.

Also Read | Murshidabad violence: Bengal police constitutes 9 Members SIT to probe unrest

The West Bengal chief minister appealed to the INDIA bloc to "stay united and fight together" against the Waqf Amendment Act, whose passage has witnessed strong objections and protests from the Opposition.

"I will appeal to the INDIA bloc: let us stay united and fight together courageously. This is not a personal matter; it will affect everyone. Today, it is happening against you. Tomorrow, it will be against someone else. Now they want to bring UCC," the West Bengal chief minister said.

Waqf Law challenged in SC A Supreme Court bench of Chief Justice of India (CJI) Sanjiv Khanna, Justice Sanjay Kumar and Justice KV Viswanathan stopped short of passing the interim order on Wednesday. The top court raised concerns over three provisions in the amended law while suggesting that it may stay these parts of the contentious law.

These three parts include the concept of Waqf-by-user, representation of non-Muslims on Waqf boards, and the powers of the Collector to change the status of disputed Waqf land.

The court, which will hear the matter later today, also expressed concern over Waqf Law-related violence in West Bengal's Murshidabad district during Wednesday's hearing.

At least three people were killed and hundreds were rendered homeless in violence in Suti, Dhulian, Samserganj and Jangipur areas of Murshidabad during anti-Waqf (Amendment) Act protests late last week, prompting the deployment of central forces and the suspension of internet services.

More than 200 people have been arrested in connection with the violence.

The apex court was hearing a batch of petitions challenging the Constitutional validity of the Waqf (Amendment) Act, 2025. The Waqf (Amendment) Act, 2025, that came into force earlier this month, has been challenged by a batch of petitions.

You are against Muslims, but in Saudi Arabia, you meet Muslims... You say one thing in your country and another outside.

President Droupadi Murmu on April 5 gave her assent to the Waqf (Amendment) Bill, 2025, which was earlier passed by Parliament after heated debates in both Houses of Parliament.
What has Trump said about the WTO?

Nothing so far in his second term as president. But during his first term, he was characteristically belligerent, telling Fox News, If they dont improve, Ill pull out of the WTO." He told Bloomberg he thought the WTO was created to benefit everyone except us". This time around, according to Reuters, the Trump administration has paused paying its share of funds to the Geneva-based body. The US contribution, based on its share of world trade, is 11% of the WTOs annual budget of $232 million. A state department spokesman said, Funding for the WTO, along with other international organizations, is currently under review."

Why doesnt Trump like the WTO?

The first thing to understand is that its not Trump alone. In varying degrees, scepticism about International organizations runs through US policy making. The US failed to punish China for unfair trade practices, including tariffs and dumping at WTO. Suspicious of WTOs dispute settlement mechanism, the US has blocked all appointments to the appellate body since 2017, when Barack Obama was president. This is a self-fulfilling prophecy: If you hobble the settlement mechanism, sooner or later it wont be fit for the purpose, and complaints against WTO rule-making will rise, undermining multilateralism.

How does WTO settle disputes?

This is at the heart of global trade rule-making, but also very controversial. First, a dispute settlement panel, comprising three or five experts, hears a complaint. If it remains unresolved, the matter is heard by an appellate body of seven members, usually professors, lawyers, former government officials or judges. All seven positions have been blocked by the US.

Whats Indias stake in the WTO?

India has played a massive role in the WTO. Its biggest contribution was in the Doha Development Round talks, where it took a strong and unflinching position as the informal spokesperson for the developing world against unfair US and EU farming subsidies. The round was declared dead after members failed to agree to a threshold for the special safeguard mechanism, a measure to protect poor farmers by allowing countries to impose a special tariff on certain agricultural goods. India was blamed but took it on the chin.

Also read | Why are PE investments in real estate falling in India?

Doesnt the WTOs future look a bit grim?

The WTO will survive, with or without the US. This is because developing countries have thrown in their lot with multilateral organizations such as WTO. Rules favour the poor and middling countries: analysts call it the prisoners dilemma  it makes sense not to betray the other even if the outcome is not optimal. The bigger question is if developing countries will continue to push the WTO into working towards an equitable trade order and take on the beggar-thy-neighbour regime of escalating tariffs.
In a horrific incident, an 11-year-old speech-and-hearing-impaired Dalit girl was brutally raped in Uttar Pradesh's Rampur district, India Today quoted the police as saying adding, they have arrested a 24-year-old man  Dan Singh.

According to the report, the minor girl was reportedly lured into a forest by the accused, who is also a resident of the same village and allegedly raped her.

The minor girl was missing since Tuesday evening and her family members had been looking for her. She was found naked and injured in a field on Wednesday morning.

Following the girls mother filed a complaint at the police station, the Rampur Police acted swiftly. To arrest the accused the police constituted three teams. "During the arrest attempt, the accused opened fire with intent to kill. In retaliatory firing by the police, he sustained injuries and was subsequently arrested," Superintendent of Police Vidya Sagar Mishra said, as quoted by India Today.

Also Read | Rape-murder accused Vishal Gawli uses towel to hang self in Maharashtra jail

During the interrogation, Dan Singh, son of Harpal Singh, confessed to the crime. Police mentioned Singh's involvement is corroborated by electronic evidence and CCTV footage, showing him approaching and leading the minor away.

Dr Anju Singh, who conducted the girl's medical examination, told The Times of India, "This is a clear case of rape by one or more persons as there were multiple injuries on her private parts. Her face had been struck with a blunt object, leaving it swollen. She was terrified and unable to explain anything. It is one of the most horrific sexual crimes I have seen."

Meanwhile, the victim has been referred to Meerut Medical College for specialised treatment.

Also Read | Varanasi teen alleges gang rape by 23 men over 7 days; police arrest 6 people

The police registered a case on Singh under Section 65(2) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) and Sections 5m/6 of the Pocso Act.

Similar case: On 13 April, Coimbatore pastor D John Jebaraj was arrested from Munnar in Kerala for sexually assaulting two minor girls at his residence a year ago.

The 37-year-old was the pastor of King Generation Prayer Hall in Tamil Nadu's Coimbatore and is known for his Christian concerts nationwide.

According to a Times of India report, a special team of the Central All-Women Police arrested him on Saturday.
Maundy Thursday 2025: Today, April 17, is Maundy Thurday. Maundy Thursday or Holy Thursday as it is also known, is part of Holy Week observed by Roman Catholics and Christians around the world and in India.

According to the Vatican's online message on Maundy Thursday, on this day Catholics remember Jesus' Last Supper (his last meal with the 12 disciples), the moments leading up to his cruxifiction, and his acceptance of suffering on the cross.

Maundy Thursday is part of Holy Week, which includes Good Friday, Holy Saturday and Easter Sunday. It is the first of three days leading up to Easter.

What is Maundy Thursday 2025? According to the Encyclopedia Britannica's website, Maundy Thursday has been celebrated by Roman Catholics since 1956. On the day, churches prepare and consecrate holy oils for the coming year, and celebrate mass in the evenings to commemorate the sacrament of Holy Communion.

During the evening mass, the priest (or father) washes the feet of 12 people from the local community, in memory of Christs washing the feet of his disciples, and signifying the continuance of Jesus' message of service and love. The Eastern Orthodox churches (independent, but broadly under the Catholic Church) also have a ceremony of foot washing and blessing of oil on this day.

What is the Message of Maundy Thursday? According to the Vatican, Jesus' gesture of washing his disciples feet during the Jewish festival of Passover reveals the message of Maundy Thursday: service of love. While it was customary for servants to wash the master feet during Passover, Jesus broke this tradition by washing his followers' feet and tells them to do this in memory of me after he is gone.

The word Maundy comes from the Latin mandatum which means command. Thus, the day remembers Jesus' command to his disciples that night: Love one another as I have loved you.

Are Banks and Schools Open on Maundy Thursday? Yes, in India, banks and schools will be open on Maundy Thurday, April 17. While significant for the country's Catholic population, it is not a scheduled national holiday or RBI listed holiday. However, local governments in Goa, Kerala and north eastern states, which have sizeable Catholic residents, may announce a holiday today, please check with your local banks and authorities for confirmed details.

Notably, banks, government offices and schools across India will be closed on April 18 for Good Friday 2025.

10 Messages To Send Friends, Family and Priests During Maundy Thursday You may wonder, is it acceptable to send wishes to others during Maundy Thursday? Since it is a time of reflection and prayer, not celebration, messages of encouragement and solidarity, and sharing words from the Holy Bible are more appropriate.

So, how can you wish family, friends and priests on Maundy Thursday? Below are some Bible passages, quotes, prayers and messages you can use: Anonymous: We are called to be Christ-like in our humility, in our willingness to serve, and in our love for others.

Mother Teresa: When you look at the Crucifix, you understand how much Jesus loved you then. When you look at the Sacred Host, you understand how much Jesus loves you now.

St. Benedict: To wash anothers feet is to love them without condition, to serve without seeking.

Pope Francis: In the humility of the washing of the feet, we find the greatest heights of love.

St. Thomas Aquinas: The eucharist is the sacrament of love; it signifies love, it produces love.

Also Read | Pope Francis urges unity in prayer for war-torn countries including Ukraine

Bible Quotes to share: John 13:34: A new commandment I give unto you, That ye love one another; as I have loved you, that ye also love one another.

John 13:13-14: You call me Teacher and Lord, and rightly so, for that is what I am. Now that I, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also should wash one anothers feet.

John 13:15: For I have set you an example that you should do as I have done for you.

Mark 10:45: For even the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve, and to give His life as a ransom for many.

Luke 22:26: The greatest among you must become like the youngest, and the leader like one who serves.

John 13: 1: Now before the Festival of the Passover, Jesus knew that his hour had come to depart from this world and go to the FatherHaving loved his own who were in the world, he loved them to the end. Some reflections and messages: On this Maundy Thursday, a day of holy observance, remember its true meaninglove, kindness, and humility, and take this opportunity to spread a little joy.

This Maundy Thursday, let us honour the memory of Jesus last meal with his disciples, embracing the lessons of love and sacrifice He left us.

Maundy Thursday is a perfect day to take a moment, reflect, and maybe do something nice for someone else.

Fr Antony Kadavil of the Vatican writes: In the older English version of the Mass, the final message was, Go in peace to love and serve one another, that is, to carry Jesus to our homes and places of work, conveying to others around us the love, mercy, forgiveness and spirit of humble service of Christ whom we carry with us. That message has not changed, though the words are different.

Also Read | Hot cross buns, curated menus and decor finds for Easter

About Holy Week: Good Friday, Holy Saturday and Easter 2025 Good Friday: Christians across the globe observe Good Friday to mark the crucifixion of Jesus Christ. It is a day of reflection and prayer (and fasting for some) to remember the sacrifice of Jesus Christ for humanity. Good Friday carries a message of love, hope and redemption. It is observed on the Friday of Holy Week, ending with Easter on Sunday. According to the Bible, Jesus Christ Jesus Christ gave his life on the cross as a sacrifice for the sins of humanity. Good Friday is a day of mourning for Christians across the world due to the death of Jesus Christ on this day. It is a day to reflect on the suffering of Christ rather than celebration. Even though Good Friday is a day of mourning, it is called good as Christians consider the crucifixion of Jesus Christ is considered to a sacrifice for the salvation of humanity and an act of love and redemption, a core belief of Christianity.
Mehul Choksi arrested: Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal on Thursday informed that India was working closely to extradite fugitive diamond trader Mehul Choksi from Belgium. Based on our extradition request, he was arrested. We are working closely with the Belgium side on his extradition, Jaiswal said on Thursday. Indian jeweller Mehul Choksi, who has been accused of involvement in one of Indias biggest bank frauds, was arrested in Belgium on April 14.

Mehul Choksi and his diamond tycoon nephew Nirav Modi are accused of a 13,500-crore bank loan fraud involving Punjab National Bank, Indias second-largest public lender. Both fled India in 2018.

Choksi is wanted by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) and the Enforcement Directorate (ED).

Also Read | Is Mehul Choksi officially a fugitive? All you need to know

Mehul Choksi was arrested on Saturday in the Belgian port city of Antwerp, one of the most important diamond trading hubs in the world. His lawyer, Vijay Aggarwal, told reporters that Choksi's legal team would file an appeal for his release.

What is Mehul Choksi accused of? Punjab National Bank accused Mehul Choksi, Nirav Modi and others of fraud by using fake financial documents to get loans to buy and import jewels.

Coming from a family of diamantaires, Mehul Choksi transformed his inherited business by rapidly expanding the Gitanjali Groups footprint across India and internationally, establishing a network of luxury jewellery stores under various brands.

Alongside his nephew Nirav Modi, Choksi invested heavily in high-profile marketing and advertising campaigns, enlisting international celebrities such as Kate Winslet and Rosie Huntington-Whiteley to endorse their brands and elevate their global appeal.

Much of the extravagant expansion by Mehul Choksi and his nephew Nirav Modi was financed through loans from Punjab National Bank (PNB). According to investigations by the CBI and the ED, between 2014 and 2017, instead of repaying these loans, the duo fraudulently obtained Letters of Understanding (LoUs) from PNBs Brady House branch in Mumbai.

This was done in collusion with certain Punjab National Bank officials, allowing Choksi and Modi to bypass standard banking procedures and secure credit without proper collateral or documentation, thereby defrauding the bank of substantial sums.

The two diamantaires fraudulently got LoUs issued from the Brady House branch of the PNB in Mumbai. These LoUs were used to avail credit on foreign shores to fund their business and build personal assets.

While the LoUs were supposed to be repaid within three months, they were merely renewed with interest by bank officials. This kept a continuous flow of liquidity for the two jewellers even as the debt kept piling up.

By the time the PNB discovered the irregularities and approached the CBI, both Choksi and Modi had fled the country, after setting the bank back by over 13,500 crore. Choksi alone stands accused of defrauding the bank of more than 6,000 crore.
Pakistan Army Chief General Asim Munir, in a rather contentious comment, has dubbed Kashmir as the jugular vein of Islamabad, and said that Pakistan won't forget it. The Pakistan Army chief was addressing the Overseas Pakistanis Convention in Islamabad on Wednesday, where he also said, we are different from Hindus, and defended the two-nation theory.

The convention of overseas Pakistanis was held when their remittances hit the record USD 4.1 billion mark in March, relieving pressure on the balance of payment.

On Kashmir Pakistans Chief of Army Staff, General Asim Munir, has declared that Kashmir remains Pakistans jugular veina status, he asserted, that will endure, with Islamabad never relinquishing its claim or forgetting the region.

Our stance is absolutely clear, it was our jugular vein, it will be our jugular vein. We will not forget it. We will not leave our Kashmiri brothers in their heroic struggle, General Munir said at the Convention for Overseas Pakistanis on Wednesday.

The dispute over Kashmir between India and Pakistan dates back to the 1947 Partition of British India, when the princely state of Jammu and Kashmir was given the choice to join either country.

The Maharaja initially sought independence but acceded to India following an invasion by Pakistani tribal forces, sparking the first Indo-Pakistan war.

Since then, Kashmir has remained a flashpoint, with multiple wars, cease-fire agreements, and ongoing violence along the Line of Control.

On Two-Nation Theory General Munir also staunchly defended the two-nation theory, the ideological foundation for the Partition of 1947, contending that India and Pakistan are fundamentally distinct nations in every respect.

Our forefathers thought we were different from Hindus in every possible aspect of life, Munir said.

Our religion is different, our customs are different, our traditions are different, our thoughts are different, our ambitions are different. Thats where the foundation of the two-nation theory was laid. We are two nations, we are not one nation, Munir said.

He said that the country's people must not forget that they belong to a superior ideology and culture.

Notably, the two-nation theory failed in 1971 when Bangladesh gained independence from Pakistan.

On Balochistan On Balochistan, Asim Munir said that Pakistan's enemies were mistaken in thinking that a handful of terrorists could dictate the country's destiny.

We will beat the hell out of these terrorists very soon ...you think, these 1500 terrorists belonging to BLA, BLF and BRA, etc, can take away Balochistan from us Munir asked.

Do Pakistan's enemies think that a handful of terrorists can decide the fate of Pakistan?...even ten generations of terrorists cannot harm Balochistan and Pakistan.
Christians across the globe observe Good Friday to mark the crucifixion of Jesus Christ. A day to reflect, pray and remember the sacrifice of Jesus Christ for humanity, Good Friday carries a message of love, hope and redemption.

Why is Good Friday observed? Good Friday commemorates the crucifixion and death of Jesus Christ. It is observed on the Friday of Holy Week, ending with Easter on Sunday.

According to the Bible, Jesus Christ gave his life on the cross as a sacrifice for the sins of humanity.

Is Good Friday a gazetted holiday in India? Good Friday is marked as a government holiday in India. Hence, banks, schools, colleges, the stock market and other public offices will be closed on this day.

Good Friday 2025: Messages and wishes to share with friends and family On this sacred day, may the profound sacrifice of Jesus Christ inspire you to embrace love, compassion, and forgiveness in all aspects of life.

Good Friday reminds us that even in moments of darkness, hope and redemption are within reach. May your heart be filled with peace and gratitude.

As we commemorate the crucifixion of our Savior, let's reflect on the boundless love that led Him to the cross and strive to mirror that love in our daily lives.

May the sacrifice of Jesus Christ inspire you to live a life of selflessness and compassion.

May the blessings of Good Friday fill your heart with peace and love.

Wishing you a Good Friday filled with hope, faith, and grace.

On this holy day, may you be blessed with the gift of forgiveness and redemption.

May the love of Christ be with you always and guide you on the path of righteousness.

On this solemn occasion of Good Friday, may the Lord bless you with his abundant grace and mercy.

On this Good Friday, may you find solace in the arms of the Lord and feel his divine presence.

May the light of Christ shine upon you and bring you peace and joy on this holy day.

Let this Good Friday remind you and your family that no matter the darkness, light always follows.

On this sacred day, lets remember the power of compassion and forgiveness. Wishing you a good Friday

May the cross of Jesus Christ be a symbol of hope and salvation for all humanity.

Wishing you a Good Friday filled with reverence, devotion, and love for God.

May the spirit of Good Friday inspire you to live a life of righteousness and goodness.

May the sacrifice of Jesus on the cross remind us of the infinite love of God for us

May this holy day bring calm, clarity, and renewed hope to your soul.

May the blessings of Good Friday be with you and your family today and always.

Sending prayers your way. May you and your family feel the presence of Jesus and peace in your heart.

On this solemn day of Good Friday, may you find comfort in the knowledge that Jesus Christ died for our sins and rose again to give us eternal life.

May the sacrifice of Jesus Christ inspire you to live a life of love, grace, and forgiveness. Wishing you a blessed Good Friday.

On this solemn day, may your heart find peace in His sacrifice and joy in His resurrection. Good Friday blessings to you.

Let His cross remind us of our eternal hope. Wishing you a day filled with prayer, reflection, and grace.

Today we remember love in its purest form. May you be surrounded by divine peace this Good Friday.

His wounds healed us. His sacrifice saved us. Let us walk in the light of His love.

Wishing you a sacred Good Friday filled with quiet moments and meaningful reflection.

On this holy day, may your soul be touched by the depth of Christs love and mercy.

May the cross always remind you that even in sorrow, there is hope. Blessed Good Friday to you and your family.

In His death, we find life. In His pain, we find healing. Have a reflective and peaceful Good Friday.

May the meaning of Good Friday fill your heart with compassion, humility, and kindness.

Let us honour His sacrifice by living a life of purpose and faith. Wishing you peace this Good Friday.

The darkest day brought the brightest light. May that light guide you today and always.

On this sacred day, may your spirit find renewal in Christs ultimate act of love.

As we bow our heads in reverence, may we rise in faith and love. Good Friday wishes to you.

May His love and sacrifice be a guiding light in your life. Have a holy and peaceful Good Friday.

May Christs love be your anchor in every storm. Peaceful Good Friday to you and yours.

From death to life, from sorrow to joyGood Friday reminds us of God's incredible love story.

His love knew no limits. May your faith be strengthened by that boundless love.

May your heart be still and your soul be filled with His eternal peace today.

Let this Good Friday renew your faith, deepen your love, and inspire your spirit. Good Friday 2025: Quotes Good Friday is a day of hope. It is a day where we look forward to a brighter tomorrow  Unknown

By the cross we, too, are crucified with Christ; but alive in Christ. We are no more rebels, but servants; no more servants, but sons!  Frederic William Farrar

It is the resurrection that makes Good Friday good  Ravi Zacharias

Jesus said, It is finished. With those three words, He changed everything  Unknown

Good Friday marks the slaying of our greatest fears: sin and death. Let us cling to the cross and rise with Him  Unknown

On this day, we remember the ultimate act of love. May we carry its message in our hearts always  Unknown

The cross is not the endits the beginning of hope, grace, and redemption  Unknown Bible Verses for Good Friday 2025: But he was pierced for our transgressions, he was crushed for our iniquities; the punishment that brought us peace was on him, and by his wounds we are healed  Isaiah 53:5 (NIV)

Today you will be with me in Paradise (Luke 23:43)

When Jesus therefore had received the vinegar, he said, It is finished: and he bowed his head, and gave up the ghost  John 19:30 (KJV)

But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us  Romans 5:8 (NIV)

Greater love has no one than this: to lay down ones life for ones friends (John 15:13)

The Lord our God is merciful and forgiving, even though we have rebelled against him. (Daniel 9:9)

Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do (Luke 23:34)

Above all, keep loving one another earnestly, since love covers a multitude of sins. (1 Peter 4:8)

He himself bore our sins in his body on the cross, so that we might die to sins and live for righteousness; by his wounds you have been healed  1 Peter 2:24 (NIV)

For if you forgive other people when they sin against you, your heavenly father will also forgive you. (Matthew 6:14)

Woman, behold your son Behold your mother (John 19:26-27)

Then Jesus, calling out with a loud voice, said, Father, into your hands I commit my spirit! And having said this he breathed his last  Luke 23:46 (ESV)

I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me  Galatians 2:20 (NIV)

Therefore, confess your sins to one another and pray for one another, that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person has great power as it is working. (James 5:16) Good Friday wishes for WhatsApp and Facebook:

1. May the sacrifice of Jesus inspire you to live a life of grace and love.

2. On this sacred day, may His peace reign in your heart.

3. Good Friday reminds us of the ultimate act of love  may we carry it in all we do.

4. May this Good Friday bring deep reflection and renewed faith.

5. As we remember Christs passion, may our lives reflect His compassion.

6. Today, we mourn the cross but look forward to the resurrection.

7. Let Good Friday be a time to forgive, heal, and hope again.

8. May the sorrow of the cross bring clarity to the beauty of life.

9. Good Friday is not the end  its the beginning of everlasting hope.

10. Take time today to reflect on love that knows no bounds.

11. May this Good Friday renew your faith and give you strength.

12. Even in sorrow, light is near  keep believing.

13. Hope was born on the cross. Never stop holding onto it.

14. Let Good Friday remind you: every dark day ends in light.

15. Through pain, there is peace. Through death, there is life.

16. Good Friday whispers: Love always wins.

17. Wishing you comfort in the silence and joy in whats to come.

18. May your heart be light, knowing grace covers all.

19. Today is sacred  let your soul rest in the promise of Easter.

20. In the stillness of today, may you hear Gods whisper of peace.

21. May your spirit be uplifted by Christs love and sacrifice.

22.His death gave us life  rejoice in that eternal gift.

23. May His mercy wash over you this Good Friday and always.

24. Let us bow in gratitude and rise in love.

25. May Gods love guide your steps today and forevermore.

26. Jesus bore the weight of our sins  may we walk in grace.

27. Blessings to you as we remember the Lamb who gave it all.

28. On this holy day, may you draw closer to the heart of God.

29. Grace flows from the cross  may it overflow in your life.

30. Take comfort in the power of His promise.

31.Wishing you a quiet day filled with peace and reflection.

32. May the comfort of Christs love surround you today.

33. As you walk through this sacred day, may your heart be calm.

34. Wishing you warmth, rest, and spiritual renewal.

35. May this solemn day bring peace to your soul.

36. May you find strength in stillness and healing in faith.

37. Holding you in prayer on this holy Good Friday.

38. Take time to pause, breathe, and reconnect with grace.

39. May the beauty of His love soothe your spirit today.

40. May today bring gentle reminders of God's everlasting love.

41. Sending you love and blessings this Good Friday.

42. Thinking of you and wishing you a meaningful Good Friday.

43. May today bring you and your family peace and unity.

44. Sharing this sacred day with you in spirit and prayer.

45. May your home be filled with reflection, love, and hope.

46. On this Good Friday, may we remember together the power of love.

47. Wishing you quiet moments and strong faith today.

48. May we grow stronger in love and faith, hand in hand.

49. Blessed to share this holy day with someone like you.

50. From our home to yours, blessings and peace on Good Friday.

Let His cross remind us of our eternal hope. Wishing you a day filled with prayer, reflection, and grace.

51. Hope is alive, even on Good Friday. Keep the faith.

52. Let love lead  today and every day.

53. The cross is not the end  its the start of something beautiful.

54. Wishing you spiritual recharge this Good Friday.

55. Today is a sacred pause  breathe and believe.

56. May your faith be fierce and your heart soft.

57. Even in darkness, His light shines through  never forget it.

58. Good Friday: the day love broke through.

59. Choose grace, choose kindness  the world needs it.

60. May this day deepen your soul and lift your spirit.

61. By His wounds, we are healed.  Isaiah 53:5. May you feel that healing today.

62. May you be still and know He is God this Good Friday.

63. Trust in the One who bore it all for you.

64. May the cross draw you closer to His heart.

65. The darkest hour led to the brightest dawn  never lose hope.

May the sacrifice of Jesus Christ inspire you to live a life of love, grace, and forgiveness. Wishing you a blessed Good Friday.

66. May the message of Good Friday echo in your life daily.

67. Let His love lead your journey today and forever.

68. As we remember His suffering, may we grow in grace.

69. Today, let the Word speak comfort and courage to your soul.

70. May the power of the cross uplift you with new strength.

71. Grace to you this Good Friday.

72. Wishing you peace and purpose today.

73. May love guide your steps.

74. Let today be a prayer lived out.

75. Crossed but never crushed  hope endures.

76. Sending silent prayers and peaceful vibes.

77. May your day be blessed with faith.

78. A holy day for a hopeful heart.

79. Reflect. Remember. Rejoice.

80. He gave it all  now we live in grace.

On this sacred day, may your spirit find renewal in Christs ultimate act of love.

81. Let this Good Friday be a reminder of how deeply you are loved by God.

82. His death was not the endit was the beginning of eternal hope. Wishing you strength and serenity today.

83. May the solemn beauty of this day remain with you through the year. Happy Good Friday.

84. Take a moment today to be still, to reflect, and to rememberHe did it all for us.

85. His sacrifice is our salvation. May you walk in the light of His mercy.

86. As we reflect on the cross, may we grow in gratitude and grace. Good Friday blessings to you.

87. This Good Friday, may you find comfort in Christs love and courage in His example.

88. Let today be a pausea moment to embrace humility, forgiveness, and faith.

89. In silence, we remember. In faith, we continue. Wishing you a meaningful Good Friday.

90. The beauty of Good Friday lies in its promise of redemption. May you be uplifted by His grace.

91. May this Good Friday inspire you to carry kindness like Christ carried the crosswith love and strength.

92. On this sacred day, may you feel the weight of His love and the lightness of His grace.

93. Today, we dont mourn a losswe celebrate the greatest act of love. Wishing you a peaceful Good Friday.

94. His pain was our healing. His silence was our salvation. Lets honor His sacrifice today and always.

95. May your heart be softened by mercy and your soul strengthened by faith this Good Friday.

96. The cross is not the endits the bridge to eternal hope. Have a blessed and meaningful Good Friday.

97. May you find comfort in knowing that you are loved beyond measure by a Savior who gave it all.

98. Good Friday is a reminder that sometimes the darkest moments lead to the brightest dawns.

99. Wishing you a day of reflection, love, and deep connection with the meaning of the cross.

100. May your burdens be lightened, your heart renewed, and your faith strengthened today.

101. The cross is not the end of the storyits the beginning of grace.

102. May your faith be renewed by the love and mercy shown on the cross.

103. Today we honour the ultimate act of love and sacrifice.

104. Wishing you a Good Friday filled with reflection, hope, and faith.

105. Even in the darkest hour, there is light ahead.

106. His sacrifice gives us strength to rise again.

107. Good Friday is a reminder that love triumphs over all.

108. Wishing you a day of quiet reflection and renewed hope.

109.The cross teaches us that endings can lead to new beginnings.

110. May you find peace in His purpose and comfort in His love.

111. He bore pain so we could find healing.

112. May your heart be filled with kindness, joy and happiness. Sending my wishes on the holy occasion of Good Friday.

113. May you and your loved ones be always showered with the choicest blessings of the Almighty. Sending warm wishes to you on the occasion of Good Friday.

114. On the occasion of Good Friday, I hope that the Lord keeps you safe always and surrounds your life with happiness.

115. When you lend a helping hand to others, you honour Jesus Christ and everything he stood for. Sending you blessings on the occasion of Good Friday.

116. May the light of the Lord's love shine upon you. Sending warm wishes and blessings on Good Friday.

117. May Jesus Christ listen to all your prayers on this holy occasion of Good Friday! May all your wishes be fulfilled.

118. Let us pray to Jesus Christ on this holy occasion of Good Friday and seek forgiveness for our sins.

119. I pray that the love of Jesus will always fill your spirit with heavenly joy and pure desires. Wishing You and Your Family a Holy Good Friday.

120. This Good Friday, let us all take a moment and thank God for all the love he always bestows upon us. He made a great sacrifice on this day.

121. May the faith you have in the Lord bring you peace and happiness.

122. May your heart be filled with kindness, joy and happiness. Sending my wishes on the holy occasion of Good Friday.

123. May you and your loved ones be always showered with the choicest blessings of the Almighty. Sending warm wishes to you on the occasion of Good Friday.

124. On the occasion of Good Friday, I hope that the Lord keeps you safe always and surrounds your life with happiness.

125. When you lend a helping hand to others, you honour Jesus Christ and everything he stood for. Sending you blessings on the occasion of Good Friday.

126. May the light of the Lord's love shine upon you. Sending warm wishes and blessings on Good Friday.

127. May Jesus Christ listen to all your prayers on this holy occasion of Good Friday! May all your wishes be fulfilled.

128. Let us pray to Jesus Christ on this holy occasion of Good Friday and seek forgiveness for our sins.

129. I pray that the love of Jesus will always fill your spirit with heavenly joy and pure desires. Wishing You and Your Family a Holy Good Friday.

130. This Good Friday, let us all take a moment and thank God for all the love he always bestows upon us. He made a great sacrifice on this day.
As the electric cab-hailing platform BluSmart hits a pause on its operations across Delhi-NCR, Bengaluru, and Mumbai, heartbroken netizens say they are stressed about having to return to other cab services for their daily commute.

The suspension of services came as the market regulator Sebi cracked down on its co-founder over alleged misuse of funds at an affiliated company.

BluSmart stopped ride bookings after its co-founder Anmol Singh Jaggi and his brother Puneet Singh Jaggi, the promoters of Gensol Engineering, resigned following the Sebi ban for alleged misappropriation of funds in Gensol

As of January 9, the company had a fleet of over 8,500 electric vehicles and a charging network of 5,800 stations across 50 hubs in Delhi-NCR and Bengaluru. It was supported by 10,000-plus active driver partners.

We've decided to temporarily close bookings on the BluSmart app, the firm said in an email to customers without giving any reasons.

Social media users said BluSmart was a rare, perfectly functional cab service and claimed that its reliability, clean, odourless, and least cancelled cars had spoiled them.

Thanks Blusmart for letting me know that there is some fancy apartment named Camillias in Gurgaon and its allure is so hypnotic that owners were ready to destroy a rare perfectly functional cab service for it, a user said.

Stressed at the idea of having to use an Uber and Ola now! Blusmart spoiled me, added another user.

I have been using Blusmart for my daily morning commute and absolutely loved the convenience and sustainability aspect of it. It's sad to see the service shut down. They were upto something really good and it's a shame that good things don't last in India, a user said.

Bye bye clean, odourless, least cancelled cabs with decent drivers. Fraud karo toh aise ki customers ko bhi bura lagey, a sad user said.

Also Read | Who is Anmol Jaggi? Gensol founder banned by Sebi from top company roles

BluSmart was honestly such a reliable cab service. I used it all the time for early morning and late night rides, and never had to worry about anything else. I even told so many friends about it because the experience was that good. Its just really sad to see it go downhill like this, added another user.

A user joked: I dont think my sister in NCR was this heartbroken even after her breakup than she is for BluSmart.

A few users also suggested Adani Group's Gautam Adani or some Private Equity firm to buy BluSmart and save it from dying.

Adani Ji pls buy BluSmart and make Delhi people your permanent supporters, a user said.

Cant a pe firm buy blusmart? just do something dont let it die, added another user.

Apart from providing services in the three Indian cities, BluSmart also offered premium all-electric limousine services in the UAE, which it launched last June.

Earlier this week, Sebi (Securities and Exchange Board of India) banned brothers Anmol and Puneet Jaggi from the stock market and ordered a forensic investigation into their listed renewable energy company, Gensol.

The investigation focuses on allegations that they used funds intended for procuring electric vehicles for personal use.
The US and Japan kicked off tariff negotiations on Wednesday (local time). Japans top negotiator, Ryosei Akazawa, reportedly met with Trump before holding trade talks with US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent and Trade Representative Jamieson Greer.

Sharing an update about the meeting, US President Donald Trump posted on his social media platform, Truth Social, A Great Honor to have just met with the Japanese Delegation on Trade. Big Progress!

Second round of talks soon? The two sides aimed to reach a deal as soon as possible, Akazawa was quoted by Bloomberg as saying. They, however, did not discuss currency issues, the Japanese official added.

"The talks did not result in an immediate halt on the tariffs, but preparations are underway for the second round of talks to take place later this month," Akazawa said in Washington Wednesday.

Military talks, 'no discussion on currencies' According to Bloomberg, Trump had suggested that the topic of military support would be part of the talks.

But neither the Japanese nor US delegations shared details of what exactly had been discussed and what areas were on the negotiating table.

Japanese official Akazawa also declined to comment on whether topics such as security issues, auto tariffs, and agricultural trade had been discussed.

There was no discussion on currencies, Akazawa added.

Trump tariffs Japan is among the first nations to have started formal negotiations with the US amid the tariff war.

Many nations across the world closely watch the developments to ascertain how the talks progress and come to a conclusion.

It is seen as a test case for how to proceed in negotiations with the Trump administration.

Trump imposed a series of tariffs  ranging from 10 per cent to over 100 per cent  on goods imported from other countries that are trade partners with the US.

Also Read | Tariff tensions threaten global trade rebound, WTO warns

He also imposed so-called reciprocal tariffs on US trading partners before abruptly putting a 90-day hold on that levy shortly after it came into effect.

Despite Tokyos repeated pleas for an exemption, Trump has already slapped a 25 per cent tariff on steel, aluminium and cars.
If the United States continues to play the "tariff numbers game", China will pay no attention to it, China's foreign ministry said on Thursday. The comment came in response to the White House stating that China faces tariffs of up to 245% on imports to the United States due to its retaliatory action.

According to Chinese state media Global Times, Chinas foreign ministry said on Thursday that the excessively high tariffs on China have degenerated into a numbers game, which no longer has any practical economic significance.

It only further exposes the US tricks of using tariffs as a tool and weapon for bullying and coercion, the ministry reportedly said.

The ministry said tariff and trade wars have no winner.

"China does not want to fight these wars but is not afraid of them. If the US continues its tariff "numbers game", China will ignore it," it added.

"If the US insists on continuing to substantively infringe upon Chinas rights and interests, Chinas response will continue to the end," the ministry said.

Also Read | Jerome Powell warns Trumps tariffs inflict lasting economic damage

China faces 245% tariffs The White House outlined on Wednesday how China faces tariffs of up to 245% on imports to the United States due to its retaliatory actions.

In a fact sheet released on Tuesday, the White House said China's total duties include the latest reciprocal tariff of 125%, a 20% tariff to address the fentanyl crisis, and tariffs of between 7.5% and 100% on specific goods to address unfair trade practices.

The Trump administration confirmed Wednesday morning the baseline tariff rate on Chinese imports to the US remains at 145%, Bloomberg reported.

US President Donald Trump announced additional tariffs on all countries two weeks ago before suddenly rolling back higher "reciprocal tariffs" for dozens of countries while keeping punishing duties on China.

Also Read | ArcelorMittal Nippon Steel India bats for protection of domestic steel industry

China retaliates China raised its own tariffs on US goods in response and has not sought talks, stating that discussions can only take place based on mutual respect and equality.

Last week, China filed a new complaint with the World Trade Organization, expressing "grave concern" over US tariffs and accusing Washington of violating the global trade body's rules.

Also Read | Trump tariffs: China puts four conditions before US to restart trade talks

This week, China unexpectedly appointed a new trade negotiator who would be key in any talks to resolve the escalating tariff war, replacing trade tsar Wang Shouwen with Li Chenggang, its envoy to the WTO, Reuters reported.
Fewer Americans are viewing China as an enemy, according to a survey by Pew Research Center, a sentiment that runs counter to the tariff war instigated by Donald Trump.

Pew Research found the share of Americans with an unfavorable opinion of China saw a significant year-over-year decline for the first time in five years. It reached 77% in 2025, a decrease of 4 percentage points from 2024, as part of what the pollster called a broader softening of attitudes toward the country.

A third of respondents in the poll labeled China an enemy of the US, versus 42% last year. When asked which country poses the greatest threat to the US, 42% of Americans name China more often than any other nation, down 8 percentage points since the question was last posed in 2023.

Americans hold largely negative views of China, the Pew researchers wrote in the report published Thursday. Still, attitudes toward China have warmed somewhat.

The findings are surprising given a hardening bipartisan consensus in Washington in favor of tougher measures against a country that Trump accuses of unfair trade practices that hollowed out American industry.

The tit-for-tat standoff now pitting the US against China has resulted in a stalemate and threatens to wipe out most trade between the worlds largest economies. Chinese officials have said they wont sit down with the Trump administration for talks unless it treats Beijing with respect.

Americans tend to believe the trade relationship between the two countries benefits China more, with 46% holding this view. But they are skeptical that increased tariffs on Chinese imports will have a positive effect on the US or on their own lives, the report found.

The survey of more than 3,600 US adults, which was conducted during the last week in March, also found that more than three-quarters of respondents have little or no confidence in Chinese President Xi Jinping to do the right thing regarding world affairs.

The margin of sampling error is plus or minus 1.9 percentage points.

Other findings:

2025 Bloomberg L.P.
Meta anti-trust case: Meta Platforms Chief Mark Zuckerberg testified before the United States federal court for the third time on April 16, and argued against the Federal Trade Commission's (FTC) allegation that his tech company Meta bought Instagram and WhatApp to reduce competition.

The billionaire was called during the trial as the first witness in the FTC's case against the tech giant. He took questions from attorney Mark Hansen, who sought to establish that Meta does not hold a monopoly in the social media space and faces stiff global competition, AP reported.

The FTC had used Mark Zuckerberg's emails to associates about Instagram's growth to illustrate that the Meta CEO was threatened by the company. Meta's attorney Hansen, in his questioning, tried to dismiss this claim as Mark Zuckerberg told him the conversations were curious in nature, as he is focused on inventing and understanding what other people create.

He responded No when asked by Hansen if his intent was to eliminate rivals with the purchases of Instagram and WhatsApp, AFP reported.

Meta Anti-trust Trial: What Mark Zuckerberg Said During the first day of trial, Hansen said Meta's competitors include TikTok, Snapchat, YouTube, iMessage and X, Bloomberg reported. On concerns over competition from global rivals, Mark Zuckerberg expressed concern over China-based ByteDance's TikTok, and Google parent Alphabet's video-sharing platform YouTube.

During the second day of trial, Mark Zuckerberg said: Allowing people to connect with friends and family remains one of our priorities. Weve always been a service that lets you discover and learn about whats going on in the world.

On the third day of trial, over concern over Instagram's growth beating Facebook, Mark Zuckerberg told the court that understanding what other people are creating is a big part of the process and emails with similar tones of concern could be found about other companies too.

This is my job. I need to understand what is going on, and I need to push our teams to move quickly to learn about what is going on in a very competitive market, he told the court.

Mark Zuckerberg added that he had no intention of acquiring Instagram only to slow its development and end a threat, but instead focus on running it as an independent brand.

On the acquisition of WhatsApp, Mark Zuckerberg denied the FTC's allegations that he was afraid of the company's potential. Its something I thought about, but later learned not to be worried because the owners didn't share the same vision or direction. I was interested in buying it for the usage of it. I thought the app was important and valuable, Zuckerberg told the court.

Meta Anti-trust Allegations: What is the FTC's Case? The FTC alleges that Facebook-parent Meta has monopolised technology that connects friends and family, in order to generate enormous profits, despite dropping consumer satisfaction, the AP report noted. The case was first filed in 2020 and the FTC is demanding that Meta be forced to break off WhatsApp and Instagram to level the playing field.

FTC's attorney Daniel Matheson also questioned Mark Zuckerberg about the wordings in his emails to associates indicating he was more interested halting the growth of Instagram, than improving the app.

The full trial, presided over by US District Judge James Boasberg is expected to last weeks and will see Facebook's former COO Sheryl Sandberg, former CTO Mike Schroepfer, Instagram co-founder Kevin Systrom, and executives from rival social media companies also testify in court.

Facebook bought Instagram in 2012 for $1 billion, when it was an ad-free photo-sharing website. In 2014, Facebook bought WhatsApp for $22 billion. Both acquisitions helped Facebook shift operations from a heavily desktop-based direction to a more mobile and app-based direction.
US President Donald Trump lauded Texas Governor Greg Abbott, Lieutenant Governor Dan Patrick, and Speaker Dustin Burrows, and other Texas legislators for passing the School Choice bill. We will very soon be sending Education BACK TO ALL THE STATES, where it belongs, an resoundingly elated Donald Trump posted on Truth Social.

Texas House of Representatives voted early Thursday morning to create one of the largest taxpayer-funded school voucher programs.

Also Read | Trump shifts student loans to Small Business Administration

The Texas House approved the plan, part of a push by President Trumps allies to offer up to about $10,000 for private school, home-school or virtual learning.

It is our goal to bring Education in the United States to the highest level, one that it has never attained before. MAKE AMERICA GREAT AGAIN! Trump added.

Also Read | Donald Trump signs order to largely dismantle education department

US President Donald Trump lauded Texas Governor Greg Abbott, Lieutenant Governor Dan Patrick, and Speaker Dustin Burrows, and other Texas legislators for passing the School Choice bill

The legislation, championed by Governor Greg Abbott, Lieutenant Governor Dan Patrick, and Speaker Dustin Burrows, creates a system where state fundsthrough Education Savings Accounts (ESAs)can be used by parents to pay for private school tuition, homeschooling, tutoring, and other educational expenses instead of being limited to public schools.

Also Read | Bible banned in school due to pornographic content

What does the Texas school choice bill do? Known as SB 1, the proposal would devote $500 million to education savings accounts (ESA) to provide financial support for families who remove their children from the public school system.

Under SB 1, each student would be allotted $8,000 annually -- for private school tuition, tutoring, textbooks or other approved expenses.

The program would be capped at $1 billion in its first year, but could grow quickly, potentially reaching an estimated $4.5 billion a year by 2030.

The funds can be used for private school tuition and for costs associated with home-schooling, including curriculum materials and virtual learning programs.

Also Read | Elon Musk's BIG statement after DOGE takes over the Education Department in US

What is school choice and why is it becoming more popular? School choice in the United States has seen significant growth, with thirty-two states and Washington, DC now offering some form of programme, and 2023 marking a particularly notable year as seven states introduced new initiatives and ten states expanded existing ones.

These programmes encompass a range of educational options, including charter schools, voucher schemes, Education Savings Accounts (ESAs), and home schooling, all designed to give parents greater control over their childrens education rather than being limited to their local public schools.

The concept has its roots in the early 1990s, with Wisconsin pioneering the first modern voucher programme and Minnesota enacting the countrys first charter school law soon after.

Also Read | US to defund education department as Elon Musk pushes to end wasteful spending

According to EdChoice, the popularity of school choice has been driven by decades of public education efforts, the normalisation of alternative schooling through charter schools, and a surge in demand for flexible options following the Covid-19 pandemic.

ESAs, which allow parents to use public funds for a variety of approved educational expenses, have emerged as the most popular choice, now present in thirteen states.
The US Internal Revenue Service is planning to rescind the tax-exempt status of Harvard University, CNN reported on Wednesday, citing two sources familiar with the matter.

A final decision on rescinding the university's tax exemption is expected soon, the report added.

The report comes a day after US President Donald Trump threatened to strip Harvard University of its tax-exempt status after the school defied the government's demands to change its policies in exchange for billions of dollars of federal funding.

The US President said the university should apologise after it defied to submit to wide-ranging government oversight.

Spokespersons for the IRS and the US Treasury, which oversee the tax collection agency, did not immediately respond to a request for comment on the CNN report.

What did Trump administration say Education Secretary Linda McMahon told CNN that she did not know whether Harvard would lose its tax-exempt status but argued it was certainly worth looking into.

Well see what IRS comes back with relative to Harvard, McMahon said.

She added, I certainly think, you know, in elitist schools, especially that have these incredibly large endowments, you know, we should probably have a look into that.

McMahon said it is her guess that the IRS is also looking at tax-exempt statuses of other universities.

Trump calls Harvard a joke' President Donald Trump recently called the elite university a joke and threatened to strip it of tax-exempt status after $2 bn in funding was frozen.

Harvard is a JOKE, teaches Hate and Stupidity, and should no longer receive Federal Funds, Trump wrote in the lengthy post. Thank you for your attention to this matter!

Trump earlier posted on Truth Social on Tuesday, Perhaps Harvard should lose its Tax Exempt Status and be Taxed as a Political Entity if it keeps pushing political, ideological, and terrorist inspired/supporting Sickness? Remember, Tax Exempt Status is totally contingent on acting in the PUBLIC INTEREST!

Also Read | How Harvard ended up leading the university fight against Trump

Harvard University said it will not acquiesce to US President Donald Trump's demands, whether it continues to receive federal funding or not.
Ashley St Clair has revealed new information about her relationship with Elon Musk and the birth of their son, Romulus. A Wall Street Journal report said the influencer stated that the Tesla CEO initially proposed giving her more than $15 million in exchange for keeping quiet about their child. However, she ultimately turned down the offer.

Ashley, 26, said the child was conceived during a New Years vacation in St. Barts, in contrast to the rumours that Musk had only offered his sperm. She alleged that Musk first reached out to her on X (formerly Twitter) in May 2023, and that their relationship quickly escalated to discussions about having children.

During their trip, Ashley reportedly told him she was ovulating. After this, Musk allegedly replied, What are we waiting for?

After their son was born, Ashley said Elon made several unusual requests, including insisting that the baby be delivered via C-section. He reportedly believed that a vaginal birth might restrict brain development and that C-sections allow for larger brains.

According to the report, she decided against a C-section.

Musk also opposed circumcising their son, while Ashley, who is Jewish, expressed her wish to go ahead with the procedure.

Financial support offer Ashley St Clair told the Wall Street Journal that Elon offered her $15 million to keep it all a secret in return for financial support.

She complied with the request to not name Musk on the birth certificate.

In a text, Elon Musk told her that it was dangerous to reveal his relationship to the baby, describing himself as the #2 after Trump for assassination. He added that only the paranoid survive.

But not long after she gave birth, Elon, through his longtime fixer Jared Birchall, told her that to receive financial support from him, she would have to sign documents keeping the name of the babys father and the details of her relationship with Elon Musk a secret.

Ashley said Elon offered her a one-time fee of $15 million for a home and living expenses, plus an additional $100,000 a month until the baby turned 21.

Why did Ashley St Clair not sign the agreement? But she said she didnt sign the agreement, because even though it prevented her from speaking about Elon Musk in relation to the child or disparaging him, it didnt bar him from speaking negatively about her if he wanted.

She said she would have to pay back the $15 million lump sum if she broke the agreement.

She said one of the main sticking points was that it would make her son feel illegitimate.

The agreement also didnt provide support for their child if he became gravely ill or a trust fund or life insurance if Elon Musk died before the child turned 21. The agreement would also not have an allotment for security expenses.

However, she said, Elon withdrew the initial $15 million offer after she went public with the son's news.

After she took him to court over custody and support, the amount was reduced to $40,000 a month and was eventually dropped further to $20,000 after The Wall Street Journal published its report, she said.

Paternity test out Elon Musk had publicly questioned whether the child was his via an X post: I dont know if the child is mine or not, but I am not against finding out.
Amid ongoing tariffs war, US President Donald Trump on Thursday said that he was confident he could make a "very good" deal on trade with China, as Beijing too signaled its intentions to open a dialogue to discuss tariffs.

Trump made the remark hours after he claimed that China wants to meet, while sitting opposite Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni who was in Washington for talks on tariffs.

Oh were going to make a deal," Trump said in response to a reporter's question about picking up the phone to call China's President Xi Jinping.

"I think we are going to make a very good deal with China," said the US President.

Even though Trump has paused his tariffs against several countries, including India for 90 days, China faces up to a 245 per cent tariff on imports to the US, following Beijings retaliatory actions of imposing 125 per cent levies against US imports.

Earlier in the day, giving update about his very productive call with the President of Mexico through his Truth Social account, Trump claimed, "Every Nation, including China, wants to meet! Today, Italy!.

Meanwhile, China has said it is in working-level communication with the US on the deadlock over their high-intensity tariff war but asserted that the person who tied the bell should untie it.

While expressing Beijings willingness for talks, Chinese Commerce Ministry spokesperson He Yongqian urged the US to immediately stop its maximum pressure tactics, coercion, and blackmail, and resolve differences through equal dialogue based on mutual respect.

On Wednesday, foreign ministry spokesman Lin Jian said that if the US really wants to resolve the issue through dialogue and negotiation, it should stop exerting extreme pressure, stop threatening and blackmailing, and talk to China on the basis of equality, respect and mutual benefit.

China has also appointed Li Chenggang, previously China's Ambassador at World Trade Organisation (WTO) as its new international trade representative.
Suggesting that the Ukrainian air defence missiles may have fallen, Russia on Thursday rejected Ukraine's allegations that the Russian military attacked a warehouse of an Indian pharmaceutical company in Kyiv.

On Saturday, the Ukrainian embassy alleged that though Russia claims "special friendship" with India, it deliberately targets Indian businesses in Ukraine.

"Today, a Russian missile struck the warehouse of Indian pharmaceutical company Kusum in Ukraine," the Ukrainian embassy had said.

Reacting to Ukriane's allegations, Russia said that the Russian embassy informed that the Russian armed forces did not attack or plan to attack Kusum Healthcare's warehouse on April 12

"The most likely explanation of the incident is that one of Ukrainian air defence missiles fell on Kusum Healthcare's warehouse setting it on fire," the Russian embassy said.

The embassy said the Russian armed forces have never targeted civilian facilities during its 'Special Military Operation'.

Also Read | Zelenskiy Says Hundreds of Chinese Men Have Joined Russias War

Here is Russian Embassy's full statement In response to the accusations spread by the Embassy of Ukraine in India the Russian Embassy in New Delhi informs that the Russian Armed Forces did not attack or plan to attack on April 12, 2025, Kusum Healthcare's pharmacy warehouse in the eastern part of Kiev.

On that day, Russian tactical aviation, strike unmanned aerial vehicles and missile forces hit an aviation plant of the Ukrainian military industrial complex, the infrastructure of a military airfield and armoured vehicle repair and UAV assembly workshops at a completely different location.

The most likely explanation of the incident is that one of Ukrainian air defence missiles fell on Kusum Healthcare's warehouse setting it on fire. Similar cases have occurred previously whereby Ukrainian air defence interceptors failing to hit their targets fell in urban areas due to ineptly operated electronic warfare systems.

The Embassy outlines that during the Special Military Operation the Russian Armed Forces have never targeted civilian facilities.
Mexico's President Claudia Sheinbaum on Thursday said the call with US President Donald Trump was productive and they will continue dialogue to reach good agreements.

Claudia Sheinbaum's remark came just after President Trump said that he had a "very productive" call with the president of Mexico.

Had a very productive call with the President of Mexico yesterday. Likewise, I met with the highest level Japanese Trade Representatives. It was a very productive meeting, added Trump.

The US President stated that every nation, including China, wants to meet! Today, Italy, he added.

Also Read | Donald Trump holds talk with Italy's PM Giorgia Meloni at White House

Meanwhile, referring to Trump's post, Claudia Sheinbaum said, As he mentioned on his account, it was very productive. We will continue our dialogue to reach good agreements that benefit our countries and our people.

Meanwhile, in another development, Mexico on Wednesday sent a diplomatic note to the United States seeking security coordination in response to Washington's plan for its military to control land along the border, President Claudia Sheinbaum said Wednesday.

"It's their own autonomous decision and in their territory, but we hope it doesn't cross the border and that existing collaboration on security matters continues," Sheinbaum said.

Earlier this week, the US Department of Commerce said Monday that it would terminate a 2019 agreement that had "failed to protect US tomato growers from unfairly priced" imports from Mexico.

Washington said that it would impose an antidumping duty order on July 14, resulting in duties of 20.9 percent on most tomato imports from Mexico.

However, Mexico denied that its farmers were dumping tomatoes in the United States and said it would seek talks to avoid duties announced by Washington.

"There is no dumping by Mexican tomato producers," President Claudia Sheinbaum told a news conference, expressing optimism that duties would be avoided.
Perhaps the only positive outcome of the tariff turmoil that the US has plunged the world into is the renewed attention being paid to trade barriers. Across the world, it has led countries to re-examine their own policies. So too in India.

It is in this context that comments made by Niti Aayogs vice-chairperson Suman Bery, who also chairs the Economic Advisory Council to the Prime Minister, assume significance. On Tuesday, he flagged the harm that many of our micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) have suffered due to a flurry of quality control orders (QCOs) issued by the government. These call for quality check approvals for goods to be imported into India, with the Bureau of Indian Standards in charge of certifying whether specified items are worthy of use.

Also Read: Unilateral tariffs risk retaliation aimed at intellectual property

While consumer protection is the ostensible aim, the red tape involved tends to act as a non-tariff barrier. As reported, by one count, India had as many as 187 QCOs covering 769 products by mid-March. Some of these are for inputs used by various industries and have had the effect of either keeping out imports or making them costlier, thus raising the cost base of the affected manufacturers. This threatens their ability to price their finished products competitively.

While Bery was critical of QCOs on inputs, his remarks were part of a discussion on the export prospects of power and hand tools made by small businesses, which have seen their bills swell for the steel and polymers they use. Since compliance with World Trade Organization rules requires tariffs to stay within limits, he observed, other devices had been used. It takes a certain genius for the bureaucracy to come up with an intervention which is even more malign [than tariffs] because of arbitrariness," Bery reportedly said, adding that it had put the survival of several MSMEs at stake.

It is true that QCOs can serve an earnest purpose if there exists an actual problem of quality. Clearly, India cannot be a dumping ground for sub- standard products made elsewhere. Deployed as barriers, these orders could also prevent dumping as economists use this term: that is, to describe imports that sell below their cost of production.

With China facing steep import tariffs imposed by the US on its shipments, trade diversion is exceptionally likely from now on, which explains fears of Indian producers getting swamped by an influx of Chinese goods. In some cases, thus, QCOs might be justified. After all, these are extraordinary times.

Still, Indias expansive list of items deemed fit for quality scrutiny strikes a discordant note at a time we should signal the countrys openness to international trade. Tariff reduction is a key aspect of it. Exposing Indian manufacturers to global rivalry drives efficiency, so long as local regulations do not get in the way. In theory, it also helps us figure out what we can produce for the world. As non-tariff barriers typically have the same effect as tariffs, they go against that effort.

While its undeniable that our global embrace left many businesses disappointed and New Delhi has swerved its policy away from low barriers in general, so that complementary trade deals can be struck with chosen partners, the case for greater economic integration still holds good.

Indeed, todays trade turbulence argues for a broader approach. Global supply chains are in flux; for us to join them, at least inputs must be kept cheap. Its time to withdraw most QCOs. We should only retain the few that serve a clearly justifiable purpose.
It makes sense to think that US President Donald Trumps trade war is increasing the risk of a Chinese invasion of Taiwan because it adds pressure on Beijing. But the self-ruled island isnt more vulnerable because of US tariffs. Its already under siege from the mainland on multiple fronts.

Taipei has long been a geopolitical flashpoint. It now risks losing its hard-won autonomy if it does not confront these threats with more urgency. That would mean strengthening military capabilities, passing an overdue defence budget, and preparing citizens for a possibly prolonged period of mainland aggression. It has invested in missile defence systems and asymmetric weaponry, and extended conscription service. But progress on these deterrence measures has been uneven.

Some analysts have speculated whether Trumps tariffs will accelerate Chinas timeline for unification because Washington is distracted. Beijing has been ramping up military activities. It has sent a surging number of war-planes and coast guard vessels around the island. Strategists have referred to this campaign as an anaconda strategy, a way to strangle Taiwan militarily, economically, diplomatically and psychologically, eventually forcing unification without ever formally declaring war.

Beijing is preparing for confrontation, clearly. The Peoples Liberation Army is now the worlds largest maritime fighting force and continues to modernize rapidly. Recent footage of new barges suggests it may have developed the capacity to land tens of thousands of troops and heavy equipment on Taiwans shores. Capability doesnt equal intent, but the images are a reminder of Beijings ambitions.

Still, most military experts agree the most likely scenario would be a quarantine or blockade, not a full-scale amphibious assault, which is believed to be beyond the PLAs reach for now. Taiwanese intelligence says 2027 may be a potential target date for an attack.

As destructive as this defence build-up is, the mainland is also weakening the island from within. Last year, prosecutions for espionage, particularly among military personnel, soared in Taiwan. And Beijing is using AI-created disinformation campaigns to divide Taiwanese society as well as targeting undersea communication cables, cutting off digital infrastructure to isolate the island. These operations fit with the idea of winning without fighting, as outlined by Sun Tzu and favoured by President Xi Jinping.

China is likely to exploit Trumps unpredictability to its advantage, noted Xin Qiang, an academic at Fudan University, on a recent Asia Society podcast before tariffs went into effect. Beijing sees Trump as transactional, which makes him dangerous but also possibly useful, he suggests.

Taiwans own politics may also be giving China the upper hand. The ruling Democratic Progressive Party is gridlocked with the opposition Kuomintang party in parliament, delaying critical defence legislation. The uncertain environment and Americas lack of security guarantees could play directly into Xis hands, convincing the Taiwanese they may be safer in Beijings embrace than in Washingtons.

The 90-day reprieve from US tariffs on its trade partners is a chance for negotiation. President Lai Ching-te is hoping the deal hes offering Trump will be enough to not just secure trade relief, but guarantees security ties too. Relying on that alone is dangerous. Its time for Lai to use his political skills to get opposition parties to come to an agreement, and not allow infighting to derail security planning. In the absence of a consistent American-led effort to deter China, Taipei needs to prioritize self-reliance and pass its defence budget.

Lessons from countries like Finland and Sweden, which spent decades preparing for the threat of Russian aggression, are instructive. Taiwan is implementing a whole-of-society resilience approach, including citizen training and civil defence measures. This will help in preparations for a potential attack. In the past, these efforts were downplayed out of fear of spooking citizens. Acknowledging the urgency now is progress, and should continue.

Taipei should also counter Beijings AI disinformation campaigns in a coordinated manner and educate people. Some of this is already happening, but boosting media literacy campaigns and public awareness programmes could help bring home the scale of the threat.

The US presidents transactional diplomacy threatens to isolate Taiwan just when solidarity around its future is urgently needed. Beijing will surely exploit any cracks it can spot. Depending simply on the whims of the administration in the White House for protection could mean gambling with its future. Taiwan may be under siege, but its not without options to shore up its security. Bloomberg

The author is a Bloomberg Opinion columnist covering Asia politics with a special focus on China.
US President Donald Trump has declared war against the world to Make America Great Again. Its reciprocal tariffs, currently paused till early July, have been imposed on all countries that treat the US unfairly according to Trump. These include a 49% tariff on imports from Cambodia and 37% on those from Bangladesh, countries whose per capita incomes are 3% of the USs. High tariffs have even been imposed on tiny Pacific island-nations. However, Americas real concern is the remarkable growth of Chinas economy.

The history of wars for ideological hegemony was supposed to have ended in 1991 with the collapse of the Soviet Union and weakening of Russia. The economic ideology of free markets and privatization had defeated the strategy of central planning and industrial policy for building domestic capabilities. To comply with the winning order, Russia pursued big bang reforms, with disastrous consequences for its economy. Russias GDP shrank by nearly 40% between 1991 and 1998; industrial output dropped; and poverty rose, with 30% of the population living below the poverty line by the mid-1990s.

Also Read: Unilateral tariffs risk retaliation aimed at intellectual property

China and India took different paths after 1991. India was compelled to take a loan from the International Monetary Fund (IMF) in 1991 with conditions attached. It was forced to abandon industrial policies. India also joined the World Trade Organization (WTO) when it was formed in 1995; China joined later, in 2001. India signed the global Information Technology Agreement in 1997 to reduce import duties on IT products to zero; China signed up only in 2003. But Beijing did not succumb to US pressure. It pursued a centrally guided socialist market economy to build its capabilities before joining the global game.

As philosopher George Santayana said in The Life of Reason: The Phases of Human Progress, Those who forget history are doomed to repeat it." A comparison of the economic histories of India, China and Vietnam since 1990 should give Indias free-market reformers pause.

In 1990, Indias per capita GDP, at about $370, was comparable with Chinas $318, while Vietnam was much poorer, with a figure of $130. Indias GDP has increased by an impressive 1,000% or so between 1990 and 2024; Chinas by roughly 4,500% and Vietnams by 6,800%. Indias GDP per capita has increased 7.7 times since 1990, Chinas 41.8 times and Vietnams 48 times.

Per capita GDP is what matters to citizens. Incomes have grown much faster in China and Vietnam, and their currencies have remained strongerChinas much more so. They did not succumb to US pressure to give up their socialist moorings and policies to build domestic industries when they joined the global trade system. History suggests that India gave up too soon on industrial policy and moved too fast to liberalize trade.

India, the worlds largest electoral democracy, has a difficult relationship with the US. The US seems to expect India to consistently side with it against any authoritarian country unwilling to toe its line. The US was displeased with Indias neutrality between the Soviet Union and the West during the Cold War. Trump now seems willing to make up with Russia, but not with China, which has caught up with the US in advanced technologies and become the worlds second- largest economy.

The US and China are Indias largest trading partners, with trade worth over $100 billion with each. Whereas India runs a large trade deficit with China, it has a merchandise surplus with the US, which is also Indias largest market for software services. New Delhi must tread carefully not to annoy either the US or China. Given the latters disposition towards India, on territory for instance, it has become imperative for us to create our own industrial capabilities, regardless of any US pressure to abandon Make in India.

In 1990, the manufacturing sectors of India and China were similar. India had acquired better capabilities in the production of machinery, electrical equipment, commercial vehicles and other capital goods. India-made trucks and power equipment were exported to many countries. After India turned to the IMF for financial assistance, however, the Washington Consensus formula came to bear. While China resisted US ideology, India embraced market principles. Now India, like the US, is importing a large range of manufactured products from China, including high-tech ones.

Trump wants Indian duties reduced across the board, which would enable US companies and farmers to export more to India. Americas highly subsidized large-scale farmers have been eyeing India as a market. We must resist this because millions of much poorer Indian farmers and workers need higher prices for their produce to improve their standard of living. The India-US trade negotiations underway have a stated aim of $500 billion in annual trade by 2030. This must not be achieved through a huge influx of imports from the US.

Indian manufacturers hope that US restrictions on Chinese imports, which face a three-digit tariff barrier, will make space for them to replace China in US supply chains. Other countries, meanwhile, fear that Chinese manufacturers will aggressively sell their products in their markets instead.

Some Indian businesses want to re-export Chinese wares. To import and sell is easy. Learning to make in India is harder. Indias manufacturers and government must withstand American bullying on behalf of US business interests and work harder together to build Indias own industrial capabilities.

The author is a former member of the erstwhile Planning Commission and the author of Reimagining Indias Economy: The Road to a More Equitable Society.
We are living in an uncertain world after Donald Trump took over the US presidency. Within a short span of time, the world of international trade has turned topsy-turvy, with daily announcements of tariffs or threats. After Trumps reciprocal tariff announcement on 2 April, country-specific tariffs have been paused till July for all countries except China. The stated objective of unilateral tariffs is to re-industrialize the US, whose industrial base has been hollowed out after decades of globalization and free trade.

While the US grumbles about manufacturing in countries like China, it has a particular problem with Indias agricultural trade tariffs. This is clear from the annual US Trade Estimate Report for 2025 released on 31 March, followed by statements from the US commerce secretary Howard Lutnick and White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt who both criticized India for blocking agricultural trade.

Indias average weighted tariff on US farm produce is 37%, according to the Global Trade Research Initiative, an Indian think tank, as against the USs 5% on Indian agricultural produce. This gap has been picked upon by the US government.

However, agricultural trade between India and the US is not just about average tariffs. This is not the best metric to judge a countrys competitiveness, let alone the reasons for a trade deficit or surplus. Trade patterns, especially in agriculture, are determined by multiple factors including tastes and preferences but also the level of implicit and explicit subsidies provided by governments.

Trade must thus be seen in the right context.

Indias farm sector employs millions of farmers, accounting for almost two-fifths of all Indian workers, with average holdings of less than a hectare. Agricultural trade between India and the US is insignificant for the latter, but it is important for us, as America is the largest export destination of our farm produce. We export not just field crops such as basmati rice, but also seafood, meat, honey and other processed foods. If the US puts a 26% reciprocal tariff after its 90-day pause, it will make these uncompetitive, which could hurt the livelihood of many Indian farmers.

However, a bigger threat may arise if agriculture becomes a point for compromise as part of a larger bilateral trade deal currently being negotiated with the US. Globally, Americas major agricultural exports include wheat, soyabean, maize and dairy products, all of which are protected by high Indian tariffs. Currently, Indias import duty on wheat, soyabean and maize is in the range of 40-50%, while it is 60% for skimmed milk.

Pressure to reduce tariffs on these is likely to come from the trade war between China and the US. China is among the largest importers of some of these goods from the US, and trade disruption is likely to force the US government to look for alternative markets. Given the size of Indias market, we could see cheap soyabean, maize and wheat (and even dairy products) being dumped here. The fact that US crops are highly subsidized, with the subsidy enormously large for some, could result in price pressures in our market.

In any case, soyabean and maize prices are currently running below their minimum support prices, so large supplies from the US could be especially worrisome.

The US may also seek to export pulses to India. As with oilseeds, India is a large importer of pulses, even as the government has been trying to expand domestic cultivation and increase these crops productivity. A pulses supply glut would push local prices down and could thereby set that agenda back.

Note that agricultural trade has been an area of dispute between India and the US even before President Trumps second term. In fact, trade disputes on agriculture have always been a sticking point of trade negotiations at the World Trade Organization, with India facing pressure to reduce its farm subsidies and open its agri-markets. So far, New Delhi has managed to push back, given the central role of agriculture in Indias food and livelihood security.

At a time when Indian agriculture is going through a phase of economic distress, the immediate challenge will be to find alternative export markets while shielding our own markets from cheap imports. However, in the long run, protecting our agricultural market, on which millions depend for their livelihood, would require a global coalition of developing countries to insulate agricultural produce from the impact of tariff wars. Until then, the top priority of any bilateral trade negotiations with any country should be to protect the interests of Indian farmers.

The author is associate professor at Jawaharlal Nehru University and visiting fellow at the Centre de Sciences Humaines, New Delhi.
A fresh controversy has erupted in West Bengal after a video surfaced allegedly showing senior BJP leader Dilip Ghosh urging Hindus to keep weapons at home for self-defence. The remarks, made at a public rally in North 24 Parganas district in the wake of recent communal violence in Murshidabad, have ignited fierce criticism from the ruling Trinamool Congress (TMC), which has branded the comments provocative and accused the BJP of stoking communal discord.

Also Read | Murshidabad violence: Bengal police constitutes 9 Members SIT to probe unrest

In the purported video, Dilip Ghosh, a former state BJP chief, is heard admonishing the Hindu community for prioritising consumer goods over security. Hindus are buying television sets, refrigerators and new furniture. But they dont have a single weapon at home. When something happens, they keep calling the police. The police will not save you, he declared, referencing the recent unrest in Murshidabad where three people were killed and hundreds displaced during protests against the Waqf (Amendment) Act.

Dilip Ghosh further remarked that, a decade ago, Ram Navami processions were virtually unknown in the state, but today they are ubiquitous because Hindus have realised they need to unite. Even God doesnt stand by the weak, he added.

Also Read | Mamata Banerjee blames BSF, foreign elements for Murshidabad violence

The video quickly went viral on social media, though its authenticity has not been independently verified. Neither Ghosh nor the BJP has issued a formal response to the controversy.

(Mint could not independently verify the video)

TMC leaders were swift to condemn the remarks.

Murshidabad MLA Humayun Kabir accused Ghosh of inciting communal tension and undermining West Bengals tradition of harmony. These BJP leaders are using religion to provoke Hindus and disrupt the states culture, Kabir asserted.

The TMC has also pointed to previous incidents where Ghosh and other BJP leaders have been booked for allegedly brandishing weapons at Ram Navami rallies, in defiance of state regulations.

The issue of weapons at religious processions has been a recurring flashpoint in West Bengal.

Dilip Ghosh has previously defended the presence of swords and other traditional arms at Ram Navami rallies, arguing that such practices are part of Hindu custom and that the community has every right to celebrate its festivals as it sees fit.

However, state authorities, including Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, have insisted that carrying arms in public processions is illegal and have directed police to take strict action against violators.
Pakistan Army Chief General Asim Munirs assertion that Islamabad wont forget Kashmir has provoked a sharp response from New Delhi. General Asim Munir, addressing a convention of overseas Pakistanis, said that Kashmir is Pakistan's jugular vein, asserting Islamabad's claim over the region.

Responding to the assertions of General Munir, the Indian government reiterated that Jammu and Kashmir is an integral part of the country and called on Pakistan to vacate territories under its illegal occupation, referring specifically to parts of Kashmir governed by Pakistan.

How can anything foreign be a jugular vein? Jammu and Kashmir is a union territory of India. Its only relationship with Pakistan is the vacating of illegally occupied territories by that country, the Ministry of External Affairs said in a statement.

What Did Asim Munir Say on Kashmir? Pakistans Chief of Army Staff, General Asim Munir, on Wednesday, said that Kashmir remains Pakistans jugular veina status, he asserted, that will endure, with Islamabad never relinquishing its claim or forgetting the region.

Our stance is absolutely clear; it was our jugular vein, it will be our jugular vein. We will not forget it. We will not leave our Kashmiri brothers in their heroic struggle, General Munir said at the Convention for Overseas Pakistanis on Wednesday, drawing sharp criticism from Delhi.

The dispute over Kashmir between India and Pakistan dates back to the 1947 Partition of British India, when the princely state of Jammu and Kashmir was given the choice to join either country.

The Maharaja initially sought independence but acceded to India following an invasion by Pakistani tribal forces, sparking the first Indo-Pakistan war.

Since then, Kashmir has remained a flashpoint, with multiple wars, cease-fire agreements, and ongoing violence along the Line of Control.

On Tahawwur Rana MEA also hit out at Pakistan over 26/11 Mumbai terror attack accused Tahawwur Rana and his extradition from the United States.

Pakistan may try very hard, but its reputation as the epicentre of global terrorism will not diminish. The extradition of Rana serves as a reminder to Pakistan that it needs to bring to justice other perpetrators of the Mumbai attacks, whom it continues to shield, Randhir Jaiswal said.

Tahawwur Rana, the alleged mastermind behind the 2008 Mumbai terror attacks, was extradited from the United States to India earlier this month and is currently under intense interrogation by the National Investigation Agency (NIA).

Held in a high-security cell at the NIA headquarters in New Delhi, Rana is being questioned for up to ten hours daily as investigators seek to uncover the broader conspiracy linked to the attacks that claimed 166 lives.
Sonia Gandhi's son-in-law Robert Vadra hit out at Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) after Enforcement Directorate (ED) questioned him on April 16 in Gurugram land case. Vadra, husband of Congress MP Priyanka Gandhi, claimed if he had entered politics then BJP would either speak of dynasty or misuse ED.

Vadra called ED summon basless and linked the questioning to his messages through social media regarding atrocities on minorities.

If I would enter politics, which is what everyone wants, they [BJP] would either speak of dynasty or misuse ED. This difficulty started when, a few days back, I gave messages through social media regarding atrocities on minorities. This is nothing else. Ever since I said that people wanted me to enter politics, this difficulty started. But the ED summon has no basis, news agency ANI quoted him as saying.

'This is political vendetta' Vadra on Wednesday appeared before the ED for the second round of questioning in connection with the investigation into a case under provisions of the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA) linked to a 2008 Haryanas Manesar-Shikohpur (now sector 83) case.

We told the ED we were organising our documents, I am always ready to be here... I hope there's a conclusion today. There is nothing in the case... When I speak in favor of the country, I am stopped, Rahul is stopped from speaking in the Parliament. BJP is doing it. This is a political vendetta. People love me and want me to join politics, he said.

"When I express my willingness to join politics, they bring up old issues to bring me down and divert from the real issues... There is nothing in the case. I have been summoned 15 times and interrogated for more than 10 hours every time for the last 20 years. Organising 23,000 documents is not easy," Vadra added.

What is the Robert Vadra case about? The case pertains to a land transaction from February 2008, when Vadras firm, Skylight Hospitality Pvt Ltd, acquired a 3.5-acre plot in Shikohpur from Onkareshwar Properties for 7.5 crore. Allegations surfaced that the land mutation process was completed in 25 hours.
French President Emmanuel Macron met with US envoy Steve Witkoff Thursday, with the discussion focused primarily on peace talks to end Russias invasion of Ukraine, the Elysee said.

A series of meetings in Paris involving Witkoff and US Secretary of State Marco Rubio came almost a week after Witkoff traveled to St. Petersburg, where he talked with Russian President Vladimir Putin for almost five hours. Witkoff, President Donald Trumps envoy, described the conversation as compelling, saying they discussed steps that could end the war in Ukraine and perhaps lead to business opportunities as well.

During the talks in Paris, European officials wanted the US side to present evidence that Putin is serious about negotiating an unconditional ceasefire, according to a senior official, who spoke on condition of anonymity. The meeting was organized at the request of the US administration, that person said.

European officials also wanted to know what actions the Trump administration is considering if it doesnt get progress from Putin, and they wanted to impress the need on Washington to harden its position toward Moscow, including through a large scale sanctions package that Trump had signaled previously that he was considering, the official said.

The US president has expressed frustration at the pace of negotiations with Russia, which has so far declined to accept his proposal for a truce in Ukraine as a starting-point for broader peace talks. But Trump also has at times blamed Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy for the war that began with Russias invasion of his country amid questions about which side is responsible for the failure to achieve the ceasefire.

Despite a partial truce being in place, Russia stepped up air attacks on Ukraine that killed more than 55 civilians and wounding hundreds, including children.

Europe has been largely sidelined in talks. The meetings on Thursday, which were also attended by UK National Security Adviser Jonathan Powell, built on France-UK efforts to form a postwar reassurance force in Ukraine, the Elysee said.

Paris and London are hoping that the plan would demonstrate that Europe is serious about committing its own resources to Ukraines postwar future and persuade Trump to commit to security guarantees for Kyiv, Bloomberg reported last week.

The meetings in Paris also included Zelenskiys top aide Andriy Yermak, Defense Minister Rustem Umerov and Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha and other officials from the UK, France and Germany.

We are working on critical issues for the security of Ukraine and all of Europe, Yermak posted on X earlier on Thursday.

2025 Bloomberg L.P.
On what basis?, Jagdeep Dhankar criticised the Supreme Court's ruling allowing judicial review of presidential and gubernatorial assent on state bills, questioning the basis of such directives and asserting concerns over judicial overreach into executive functions.

Supreme Court's historic ruling seems to have sent ripple effect in an apparent Executive versus Judiciary of the Indian governance.

VP Dhankar Launches All-Out Attack on Supreme Court Addressing the 6th batch of Rajya Sabha interns, Vice President Jagdeep Dhankar launched a multi-pronged attack on Supreme Court of India over recent judgement.

Let's take a look

On Judicial Intervention in President's Assent Dhankhar said the President of India is a very elevated position and takes the oath to preserve, protect and defend the Constitution. There is a directive to the President by a recent judgment. Where are we heading? What is happening in the country? Dhankar attacked the highest seat of Judiciary in India.

Also Read | SC sets 3-month deadline for President to decide on bills

"President being called upon to decide in a time-bound manner, and if not, becomes law. So we have judges who will legislate, who will perform executive functions, who will act as super-parliament, and absolutely have no accountability because law of the land does not apply to them," the Vice President said.

"We cannot have a situation where you direct the President of India and on what basis? The only right you have under the Constitution is to interpret the Constitution under Article 145(3). There, it has to be five judges or more... Article 142, Article 142 has become a nuclear missile against Democratic forces, available to judiciary 24 x 7", he said about the provision granting special powers to Supreme Court.

SC Ruling on Prez, Guv's Nos to State Bills The Supreme Court of India has permitted judicial intervention if Governors delay assent to legislative bills for an extended period.

The apex court noted that the President must take a decision within three months on bills referred by governors. The Supreme Court invoked Article 143, in noting that the President of India ought to seek the apex court's opinion.

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.

Supreme Court's special powers nuclear missile Dhankar said that that Article 142 of the Constitution, which gives the Supreme Court special powers, "has become a nuclear missile against democratic forces, available to the judiciary 24x7".

On Yashwant Sinha Cash Recovery Case Jagdeep Dhankar also spoke about the massive cash haul from the home of now Allahabad High Court judge Yashwant Varma.

"An event happened on the night of 14th and 15th of March in New Delhi, at the residence of a judge. For seven days, no one knew about it. We have to ask questions to ourselves. Is the delay explainable? Condonable? Does it not raise certain fundamental questions? In any ordinary situation, and ordinary situations define rule of law - things would have been different. It was only on 21st March, disclosed by a newspaper, that people of the country were shocked as never before.

Also Read | DMK moves Supreme Court against Centres Waqf Amendment Act
(Bloomberg) -- Russian President Vladimir Putin met Irans top diplomat ahead of a second round of talks between the US and the Islamic Republic aimed at resolving the standoff over Tehrans nuclear program.

Putin received Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi in Moscow, the Kremlin said in a statement on Thursday.

After a first meeting in Oman last Saturday that both described as constructive, the US and Iran are due to hold fresh talks in Rome on April 19. US President Donald Trump is trying to secure a deal that guarantees Iran wont develop nuclear weapons in exchange for sanctions relief. Hes warned of military action against Iran in coordination with Israel if diplomacy fails.

The talks hit what may be their first stumbling block after Iran accused Trumps envoy leading the US delegation, Steve Witkoff, of sending mixed signals about Washingtons goals. Witkoff demanded Iran stop its enrichment program after earlier saying it shouldnt be allowed to enrich beyond a purity of 3.67%, a concentration suitable for power reactors but far below the level needed for bombs.

Irans right to enrich uranium is not negotiable, Araghchi said in response, adding that it was necessary to hear the US views in the negotiation sessions. If they continue to present conflicting and contradictory positions, things will be difficult, he told state TV.

Trump asked Putin to assist in communicating with Iran on its nuclear program in a February call, Bloomberg reported last month. Araghchi, who plans to deliver a letter to the Russian president from Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, will consult with Moscow on the talks with the US, the foreign ministry in Tehran said.

Qatars Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani met separately with Putin on Moscow on Thursday. The Qatari ruler held talks with Khamenei in February in Tehran, and his energy-rich Gulf state has offered to mediate in the Iranian negotiations with the US.

Russia and Iran have built deepening trade and defense ties since Putin invaded Ukraine in 2022. Tehran is supplying drones to Moscow, which its used in the war with its ex-Soviet neighbor.

More stories like this are available on bloomberg.com
The governments of India and Australia are in preliminary talks to explore sharing real-time information to tackle cybercrimes, fuelled by growing cyberattacks from nations such as North Korea on critical infrastructure such as power grids and medical facilities.

The two countries are increasingly interested in a bilateral treaty that specifically addresses data-sharing to tackle cybercrime, Brendan Dowling, ambassador for cyber affairs and critical technologies in Australias department of foreign affairs and trade, told Mint.

The current MLAT process is not smooth and impedes our ability to cooperate. Bilaterally, theres room to improve. There have been conversations between India and Australia to set up a bilateral cyber security-driven data sharing agreement, Dowling said. Conceptually, both countries agree upon the need for itwhat hasnt happened is a framework to make this happen, though the intent is there.

Also read | New Aadhaar law in the works to align with data privacy law MLAT, or mutual legal assistance treaty, is the cornerstone of cross-border information sharing between nationswhere either party may have intent to pursue legal resolutions based on a crime. However, the process associated with sharing information through such treaties is prolonged, taking up to multiple years.

There is a time lag in the process of MLATs being executed. When bilaterals are discussed for data sharing to particularly combat cybercrimes, the procedure being adopted is going to be the most critical for India to put it into effective use, said NS Nappinai, senior counsel at the Supreme Court of India and founder of cybersecurity advocacy platform Cyber Saathi.

Expediting information sharing As a result, various countries are working on ways to expedite information-sharing.

There is interest on both sides to find ways for it. The Quad (comprising India, Australia, Japan and the US) has been a useful grouping, under which a cybersecurity working group actively speaks about cross-country data sharing arrangements, Dowling said. Between India and Australia, both governments are interested in sharing more information in real time, collaborating closely with specifically assigned points of contact, and so on.

The ambassador was in India last week to attend the ministry of foreign affairs-backed Global Technology Summit 2025. On the sidelines, Dowling met with various government departments, as well as private industry stakeholders.

Speaking about how the potential bilateral treaty could work, Dowling said it will be hinged upon the regularity of connecting on both ends.

Also read | India eyes seat at global tech patents table with $4 bn design incentive scheme Legal frameworks are important, but institutional linkages are important as well. Going forward, we will work on understanding the right mechanisms. There is a Computer Emergency Response Team (Cert) for Asia Pacific (APAC), through which some information sharing does happen. But, that is very broad-rangedbilaterally, India and Australia will be speaking with each other to improve this aspect, he said.

Such a move is crucial in the current geopolitical climate associated with cybercrime. Homegrown cybersecurity firm Indusfaces State of Application Security in India, 2025 report, published earlier this month, said that over 7.15 billion cyberattacks on enterprises were detected by cybersecurity tools through 202420% jump over the previous year. Over 1.2 billion attacks were tracked in the banking and financial services sector alone, with attacks on the sector increasing 74% through the year.

Crucial to track cybercrimes Nappinai said despite data-sharing strictures laid down under Indias Digital Personal Data Protection (DPDP) Act, 2023, cross-border data sharing is a crucial aspect of tracking cybercrimes.

Data protection laws have built-in exemptions, particularly for data sharing inter alia for criminal investigations. All countries that are signatories of the Budapest Convention have to do data-sharing as per the agreement. This includes European Union countries, which follow the General Data Protection Regulations (GDPR), the gold standard of privacy laws. Data protection laws, therefore, do not prevent countries from data sharing when it comes to combating crimes, she said.

Nappinai added that an ad-hoc UN committee under the aegis of the United Nations Office on Drugs and Cyber Crime (UNODC) is close to finalizing a draft cybercrime convention in 2024, that is likely to come into effect soon. This draft provides for data sharing and cooperation between countries for fighting cybercrime, and becomes part of initiatives that signatory countries are undertaking, she said.

Also read | Google Pixel 9a: A top-notch smartphone in its price range A bilateral agreement between two countries is a good move, because ultimately, whatever the treaties and conventions may be, countries will eventually need to capture the same within municipal laws and methodologies for implementing them. Bilaterals are one way of doing that, she said.

The catalyst for such information-sharing agreements is rising cyberattacks on public infrastructure such as healthcare, power distribution and water networks.

There is scope for more collaborations here, because nation-backed cyberattacks are today interfering with democratic processes, stealing sensitive commercial data, and disrupting civilian services, Dowling said. If a districts power or water supply is being disrupted by another nation, this is a problemweve publicly called out Russia, Iran, North Korea and China for such activities.
Chinas Trade Pivot to Asia Amid U.S. Tariffs: A Lifeline for Growth and Major U.S.-Traded China Stocks #TradeWar #ChinaEconomy #USTariffs

By Shayne Heffernan

The intensifying trade war between the United States and China, with U.S. import tariffs reaching 145% on Chinese goods, poses a significant threat to Chinas economic growth in 2025. Yet, economists argue that Chinas growing trade relationships with Southeast Asia could mitigate some of the damage, providing a potential buffer for the worlds second-largest economy. This shift also impacts major U.S.-traded Chinese stocks, which are navigating the fallout of the tariff conflict. Lets examine how China is responding, the role of Asian trade, and the effects on prominent Chinese companies listed on U.S. exchanges.

The Economic Impact of U.S. Tariffs

The U.S.-China trade war, reignited under President Donald Trump, has escalated with 145% tariffs on Chinese imports. China retaliated with 125% tariffs on American goods, creating a cycle of economic disruption. The Asean+3 Macroeconomic Research Office (AMRO) estimates that these tariffs could cut Chinas GDP growth by one percentage point, projecting a 4.8% growth rate for 2025, below Beijings target of around 5%. AMROs chief economist, Hoe Ee Khor, stated that exports to the U.S., valued at $525 billion in 2024, will be hit quite hard, with growth potentially dropping to 4% in 2026 if the tariffs continue.

The impact is evident in Chinas shipping sector. Cargo bookings for Chinese ports have fallen 30-60% in the three weeks following Trumps tariff announcements in early April 2025, according to Linerlytica. Container throughput at Chinese ports declined 6.1% week-on-week from April 7-13, reversing earlier gains, as reported by Chinas Ministry of Transport. This sharp drop highlights the immediate challenges for Chinese exporters, many of whom now struggle to access the U.S. market under such high tariffs.

A Strategic Pivot to Southeast Asia

Despite the challenges, AMRO suggests that China can offset some of the economic damage by strengthening trade ties with Southeast Asia. The Asean+3 regionencompassing China, Japan, South Korea, and the 10-member Association of Southeast Asian Nations (Asean)offers a growing market to counterbalance reduced U.S. demand. Chinas trade with Asean has been rising, driven by geographic proximity, complementary economies, and established supply chains. Countries like Vietnam and Thailand have become manufacturing hubs for Chinese firms seeking to bypass U.S. tariffs by relocating production, a trend that intensified during Trumps first term when tariffs hit 25%.

This shift faces hurdles. While Southeast Asia enjoys a temporary U.S. tariff reduction to a universal 10% for 90 days (excluding China), the regions shipping traffic has still dropped 10-20%, reflecting broader uncertainty. Analysts caution that this reprieve may be temporary, and Asean nations face their own pressures, with countries like Vietnam previously facing U.S. tariffs above 40%. However, Chinas investments in Aseansuch as in Vietnams factory hubs and Thailands electric vehicle sectorposition it to redirect exports and sustain economic momentum.

Impact on Major U.S.-Traded Chinese Stocks

The trade war significantly affects major Chinese companies listed on U.S. exchanges, many of which depend on the American market. Posts on X highlight the following key U.S.-traded Chinese stocks:

Alibaba (BABA): E-commerce giant with a market cap of $245 billion.

Pinduoduo (PDD): Parent of Temu, with a market cap of $140 billion.

JD.com (JD): E-commerce leader, market cap of $50 billion.

Yum China (YUMC): Operates KFC and Pizza Hut in China.

Tencent (TCEHY): Tech conglomerate focused on gaming and social media.

NetEase (NTES): Gaming and online services provider.

Nio (NIO): Electric vehicle manufacturer.

Baidu (BIDU): Leading search engine and AI company.

XPeng (XPEV): Electric vehicle producer.

Li Auto (LI): Key player in the EV market.

These companies are under pressure from the tariffs. Alibaba and JD.com, reliant on cross-border e-commerce, may see reduced U.S. demand as tariffs increase prices. EV manufacturers like Nio, XPeng, and Li Auto face challenges penetrating the U.S. market, despite domestic growth in China. Sentiment on X includes calls for delisting Chinese stocks from U.S. exchanges, adding uncertainty for these firms.

Chinas trade pivot to Asia could offer relief. Pinduoduo, with its budget-friendly platform Temu, may tap into Southeast Asias demand for affordable goods. Tencent and NetEase, focused on gaming, could benefit from Aseans expanding digital economy, potentially offsetting U.S. market losses.

Navigating a Global Economic Shift

Chinas focus on Asia provides a potential lifeline, but challenges remain. The Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) forecasts Chinas economy at 4.8% growth in 2025, with global trade facing disruptions from the tariffs. U.S. consumers will also feel the impact, as prices for Chinese-made goodslike the iPhone, 90% of which is assembled in Chinarise sharply.

For China, the trade war highlights the need for economic resilience. While Southeast Asia offers a market to redirect exports, long-term stability may require strengthening its domestic economy, as some analysts suggest. U.S.-traded Chinese companies must adapt by diversifying markets and supply chains, a process already in motion but accelerated by the current crisis.

The trade war tests the adaptability of Chinas economy and its major U.S.-traded firms. For investors, the volatility in stocks like Alibaba, Pinduoduo, and Nio presents risks and opportunities, depending on how these companies navigate the evolving global trade landscape.

Shayne Heffernan is a financial analyst who has covered markets and global trends for over two decades. He is the founder of Knightsbridge, a global investment firm.
The Last Supper: A Pivotal Moment in Christian History

By Shayne Heffernan

The Last Supper stands as one of the most significant events in Christian history, marking the final meal Jesus Christ shared with His disciples before His crucifixion. This sacred gathering, rich with spiritual meaning, has been a focal point of theological reflection, historical study, and artistic depiction for centuries. As a Catholic with a deep appreciation for history, I find the Last Supper a profound testament to Christs love and sacrifice. Lets explore where this event took place, what was served, who attended, the historical evidence, the drama that unfolded, notable artistic representations, and key Bible quotes that illuminate its importance.

Where Was the Last Supper Held?

The Last Supper took place in Jerusalem, specifically in an upper room of a house, as described in the Synoptic Gospels. Mark 14:13-15 recounts Jesus instructing two disciples to meet a man carrying a jar of water, who would lead them to a house where the owner had prepared a large upper room, furnished and ready for the Passover meal. This room, often referred to as the Cenacle (from the Latin cenaculum, meaning dining room), is traditionally located on Mount Zion, just outside the Old City walls of Jerusalem. The traditional site, known as the Cenacle or the Upper Room, remains a place of pilgrimage today, though the current structure dates to the medieval period and was likely rebuilt over the original location.

What Was Served?

The Last Supper was a Passover meal, aligning with Jewish tradition, as Jesus and His disciples were observant Jews. The meal would have followed the Seder, a ritual feast commemorating the Exodus. Typical Passover foods of the time included:

Unleavened bread (matzah): Symbolizing the haste of the Israelites departure from Egypt, as there was no time for bread to rise (Exodus 12:39).

Roasted lamb: The Passover lamb, sacrificed and eaten in remembrance of the lambs blood that protected the Israelites (Exodus 12:21-27).

Bitter herbs (maror): Likely horseradish or endive, representing the bitterness of slavery in Egypt.

Wine: Four cups of wine are traditionally consumed during the Seder, symbolizing the four expressions of redemption in Exodus 6:6-7.

During the meal, Jesus introduced a new element, transforming the bread and wine into symbols of His body and blood, instituting the Eucharist. Matthew 26:26-28 records: While they were eating, Jesus took bread, and when he had given thanks, he broke it and gave it to his disciples, saying, Take and eat; this is my body. Then he took a cup, and when he had given thanks, he gave it to them, saying, Drink from it, all of you. This is my blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many for the forgiveness of sins.

Who Came?

The Last Supper was attended by Jesus and His twelve apostles:

Simon (Peter)

Andrew (Peters brother)

James (son of Zebedee)

John (James brother)

Philip

Bartholomew

Thomas

Matthew (the tax collector)

James (son of Alphaeus)

Thaddaeus (also called Judas, son of James)

Simon (the Zealot)

Judas Iscariot (who later betrayed Jesus and was replaced by Matthias, Acts 1:26).

These men were Jesus closest followers, chosen to spread His teachings. The Gospel of John (13:2) notes that the evening meal was in progress, confirming their presence, though the exact number is specified in Matthew 26:20: When evening came, Jesus was reclining at the table with the Twelve.

Historical Evidence of the Event

The Last Supper is primarily documented in the New Testament, specifically in the Synoptic Gospels (Matthew 26:17-30, Mark 14:12-26, Luke 22:7-39) and John 13:1-17:26, though John focuses more on Jesus teachings than the meal itself. These accounts, written within the first century AD, are the earliest sources, likely based on oral traditions from eyewitnesses.

Beyond the Bible, early Christian writings provide further evidence. The Didache, a first-century Christian text, references the Eucharist, linking it to the Last Suppers practices (Didache 9:1-5). Justin Martyr, writing around 150 AD, describes early Christian gatherings where bread and wine were shared in remembrance of Christ, a tradition rooted in the Last Supper (First Apology, 66).

Archaeological evidence is less direct but supportive. The Cenacle on Mount Zion, while rebuilt, aligns with the Gospel descriptions of an upper room in Jerusalem. Excavations beneath the current structure reveal first-century foundations, suggesting a historical basis for the traditional site. Additionally, first-century Jewish practices, such as the Passover Seder, corroborate the meals context, as documented in the Mishnah (Pesachim 10), a Jewish text compiled around 200 AD.

The Drama That Unfolded

The Last Supper was fraught with tension and profound moments that set the stage for Jesus crucifixion. Several dramatic events unfolded:

The Institution of the Eucharist: Jesus transformed the Passover meal into the first Eucharist, declaring the bread and wine as His body and blood, a new covenant for the forgiveness of sins (Luke 22:19-20). This act established a central rite of Christianity.

The Prediction of Betrayal: Jesus announced that one of the disciples would betray Him, saying, The one who has dipped his hand into the bowl with me will betray me (Matthew 26:23). The disciples were deeply distressed, each asking, Surely you dont mean me, Lord? (Matthew 26:22). Judas Iscariot, identified as the betrayer, left to fulfill his role (John 13:30).

Peters Denial Foretold: Jesus predicted that Peter would deny Him three times before the rooster crowed, saying, Before the rooster crows, you will disown me three times (Matthew 26:34). Peter protested, but the prophecy came true (Matthew 26:69-75).

The Washing of the Feet: In a powerful act of humility, Jesus washed the disciples feet, a task typically reserved for servants. When Peter objected, Jesus replied, Unless I wash you, you have no part with me (John 13:8), teaching the importance of service and love (John 13:14-15).

The Farewell Discourse: Jesus delivered teachings on love, unity, and the coming of the Holy Spirit, preparing the disciples for His departure (John 14-17). He commanded them to love one another as I have loved you (John 13:34).

These moments, filled with emotion and foreboding, underscored the gravity of what was to comeJesus arrest, trial, and crucifixion.

Great Paintings That Depicted the Last Supper

The Last Supper has inspired countless artists, with some works standing out for their mastery and influence:

Leonardo da Vinci, The Last Supper (1495-1498): Painted in the refectory of Santa Maria delle Grazie in Milan, this masterpiece captures the moment Jesus announces His betrayal. The apostles varied reactionsshock, disbelief, and sorroware vividly portrayed. Leonardos use of perspective draws the viewer to Christ at the center, though the murals condition has deteriorated due to his experimental techniques.

Tintoretto, The Last Supper (1592-1594): Located in the Basilica di San Giorgio Maggiore in Venice, Tintorettos version is dramatic and dynamic, with a diagonal table and ethereal lighting. Angels hover above, and the scene is filled with movement, emphasizing the spiritual significance of the Eucharist.

Giotto, The Last Supper (c. 1305): Part of the Scrovegni Chapel frescoes in Padua, Giottos depiction is more intimate, focusing on the apostles emotional responses. His early use of realistic expressions paved the way for Renaissance art.

Duccio di Buoninsegna, The Last Supper (1308-1311): Found in the Maesta altarpiece in Siena, Duccios work reflects the Sienese style with its gold background and stylized figures. The apostles are arranged around a rectangular table, with Judas isolated, highlighting his betrayal.

Bible Quotes in Relation to the Last Supper

The Last Supper is richly documented in Scripture, with key passages illuminating its meaning:

Matthew 26:26-28: While they were eating, Jesus took bread, and when he had given thanks, he broke it and gave it to his disciples, saying, Take and eat; this is my body. Then he took a cup, and when he had given thanks, he gave it to them, saying, Drink from it, all of you. This is my blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many for the forgiveness of sins.

Luke 22:19-20: And he took bread, gave thanks and broke it, and gave it to them, saying, This is my body given for you; do this in remembrance of me. In the same way, after the supper he took the cup, saying, This cup is the new covenant in my blood, which is poured out for you.

John 13:34-35: A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.

1 Corinthians 11:23-25 (Pauls recounting): For I received from the Lord what I also passed on to you: The Lord Jesus, on the night he was betrayed, took bread, and when he had given thanks, he broke it and said, This is my body, which is for you; do this in remembrance of me. In the same way, after supper he took the cup, saying, This cup is the new covenant in my blood; do this, whenever you drink it, in remembrance of me.

A Lasting Legacy

The Last Supper was more than a mealit was a transformative moment that established the Eucharist, foretold betrayal, and prepared the disciples for the trials ahead. Held in an upper room in Jerusalem, it brought together Jesus and His twelve apostles for a Passover feast that became the foundation of Christian liturgy. Historical evidence from the Gospels, early Christian writings, and archaeological findings supports its occurrence, while the drama of betrayal, humility, and love continues to resonate. Great artists like Leonardo da Vinci and Tintoretto have immortalized the scene, capturing its emotional depth. For Catholics, the Last Supper remains a call to remembrance and love, a sacred event that shapes our faith through the Eucharist and Christs enduring command to love one another.

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.

Sources: New Testament (Matthew, Mark, Luke, John, 1 Corinthians), Didache, Justin Martyrs First Apology, Mishnah Pesachim, historical studies on the Cenacle.
UPDATE: Calhoun Police Chief Tony Pyle says the man who shot at officers got to Buc-ee's by kidnapping a woman and 10-year-old.

Pyle says the suspect, Robert Smith, went to a woman's house in Atlanta and held her at gunpoint to drive him to Nashville. She started the drive with a ten-year-old on board as well.

They made a pitstop at Buc-ee's in Calhoun around 4:00am where the woman hid in a bathroom.

The woman eventually was able to alert an employee at Buc-ee's to call the police.

When police arrived, they tried to handcuff Smith, who escaped and fired shots at a Calhoun police officer. The officer was not injured and did not fire his weapon.

Smith then stole a truck and fled Calhoun Police.

"It was handled as well as it could have been," said Chief Pyle.

Pyle says he's grateful the incident happened at the time it did because there were fewer people at Buc-ee's - a very popular road trip pit stop.

"It's like an ant farm... if it had been at a busy time, someone would have got hurt," says Pyle. He says they've never handled an issue "this extreme" at Buc-ee's.

Smith continued north on Interstate 75 in the stolen vehicle, with Whitfield County deputies in pursuit. He fired several shots out the car window, but didn't hit any deputies.

Soon afterward, the vehicle lost control. Smith was later found to have died from a self-inflicted gunshot wound.

Pyle says Smith was from the Chattanooga area but frequented Atlanta and Nashville.

PREVIOUS STORY: A man died from a self-inflicted gunshot wound in Whitfield County after shooting at officers in the Buc-ee's parking lot, shooting again at deputies on Interstate 75, and stealing a vehicle on Thursday morning.

The Calhoun Police Dept. says the incident started as a domestic call at Buc-ee's where the suspect shot at officers before stealing a vehicle and fleeing police.

UPDATE: I-75 NB cleared after 'heavy delays' from GBI death investigation "At this time, there is no immediate danger or threat to the public, and more information will be released when possible," the Whitfield County Sheriff's Office says.

The officer who was fired at received no injuries.

Whitfield County Deputies were notified of a "Be On The Lookout" for the suspect heading north on I-75 with a stolen vehicle.

Whitfield deputies located the vehicle on Chattanooga Road, and a pursuit began when the suspect failed to stop.

The suspect then fired a weapon several times at Whitfield County Deputies from the vehicle. The deputies did not return fire.

The pursuit continued for three miles before the suspect lost control of the vehicle and deputies found a self-inflicted gunshot wound to the suspect's head.

The Georgia Bureau of Investigation is assisting with the investigation.

PREVIOUS STORY: A Calhoun police officer was fired at Thursday morning at Buc-ee's early on Thursday morning, but was not injured.

Calhoun police were responding to a domestic call when the suspect shot at an officer.

The suspect stole a vehicle, fled the scene, and was shortly after apprehended by the Whitfield County Sheriff's Office.

The officer who was shot at received no injuries. The investigation is ongoing.

The GBI confirmed to Local 3 News early on Thursday morning that a death investigation was underway in Whitfield County for a death investigation.
UPDATE: The family of Christopher Wright released a statement after a jury reached two guilty verdicts for Darryl Roberts, the man charged with killing Wright on Market St. in 2023.

"We are deeply grateful to the Hamilton County District Attorneys Office for their unwavering dedication to justice. We especially want to thank Coty Wamp, Paul Moyle, Andrew Coyle, and their entire team for the outstanding work they did in prosecuting his murderer. Throughout this difficult journey, they showed us great compassion and ensured we were informed and supported at every stage of the process.

Christopher was a kind, humble, and loving soul who lit up every room he entered. He never met a stranger. He was full of life, joy, and generosityalways ready to welcome someone new, lift others up, or share a solid handshake, winning smile, and a huge hug.

He was a devoted husband, a proud and playful father of three young children, and a cherished son, brother, and friend. His absence leaves a profound void in our lives, and he is missed every single day by all who knew and loved him.

While no verdict can bring Christopher back, we find some comfort in knowing that justice has been served. We will honor his memory by continuing to live with the same kindness and warmth he shared with the world."

Roberts was found guilty of second degree murder and possession of a firearm by a convicted felon.

Sentencing for Roberts will be held in July of 2025.

PREVIOUS STORY: The jury has reached two guilty verdicts in the trials of Darryl Roberts, convicting him of the death of 38-year-old Christopher Wright on Tuesday.

A jury found Roberts guilty of second degree murder in the death of the Baylor School alum on September 28, 2023.

Roberts shot Wright on Market Street near Patten Towers.

Roberts was originally charged with first-degree murder.

The jury chose to convict him on a lesser charge.

Roberts still faced a second verdict for the charge of Possession of a Firearm by a Convicted Felon over the shooting of Wright.

Roberts' felony conviction was in 2009 for aggravated assault and he was given a suspended sentence of 11 months and 29 days.

Roberts waived his right to testify in a second trial for the firearm charge before the first verdict was read.

Following brief arguments from the prosecution and defense, Judge Boyd Patterson read instructions to the jury, which took only a few minutes to deliberate before finding Roberts guilty of Possession of a Firearm by a Convicted Felon.

During closing arguments, the state spent time trying to convince the jury that the death of Chris Wright was premeditated.

For his actions to be intentional, he had to act with a desire to end Chris Wrights Life. Look at the video. Look at the intentional act of standing up, pulling his gun and raising it to someones forehead. That is proof of his desire, the state argued.

The state went on to say there is nothing else that could have happened from Roberts pointing his gun at Wrights forehead besides killing him.

Examples were presented to the jury of legally amounts to premeditation.

If you remember we talked about this with the yellow light and running threw a yellow light. You know you need to get through it, or you know you need to stop at it and then you act to press the gas down or the brake. You can reflect what happens if you press the gas down you go through the yellow light, the state argued.

The defense spent time trying to convince the jury that Roberts was on auto pilot.

You got to experience a fight or flight, something we dont do all the time. I remember going to a Halloween haunted house and somebody jumped out and thats why you go, and I punched him right in the face. I didnt think about punching him in the face, the defense argued.

The defense also argued that the worse Roberts should be charged with is voluntary manslaughter.

All voluntary manslaughter has to do is provoke a reasonable person to act in an irrational manner. It doesnt have to cause a reasonable person to kill someone. It doesnt have to be that level of complication. It just has to be the provocation that takes this case out of the cool, calm collected, coldblooded planning, the defense argued said.

Stay with Local 3 News for updates to this developing story.

PREVIOUS STORY: Jury deliberations continue on Tuesday in the trial of Darryl Roberts, the man charged in the death of 38-year-old Christopher Wright.

Roberts is accused of shooting and killing Wright on Market Street near Patten Towers on September 28, 2023.

The prosecution rested its case during the third day of the trial.

The defense began calling witnesses to the stand on the fourth day, including Roberts who admitted to shooting Wright during his testimony.

Closing arguments were given on Monday, after Judge Boyd Patterson read instructions to the jury.

We have a crew at the courthouse waiting for the jury to come back with its decision.

Stay with Local 3 News for continuing coverage of this story.

PREVIOUS STORY: The fate of Darryl Roberts, the man who is charged with murder in the death of a Baylor School graduate, is now in the hands of a jury on Monday.

Roberts is charged in the death of 38-year-old Christopher Wright on September 28, 2023.

Monday is the fifth day of the trial.

The state rested its case on day three and the defense began its case on Thursday with Roberts taking the stand in his own trial.

During Roberts' testimony, he admitted to shooting Wright after sharing his account of what led to the incident that night.

Roberts said he became angry with himself after realizing what he'd done.

The defense rested its case on Monday morning and now the fate of Roberts will be in the hands of the jury.

Judge Boyd Patterson read instructions for the jurors before closing arguments from the prosecution and defense.

Roberts is charged with first-degree murder.

We have a crew in the courtroom to bring you the latest.

Stay with Local 3 News for continuing coverage of this story.

PREVIOUS STORY: The man accused of shooting and killing a Baylor School alum on Market Street in 2023, gave his account of what happened when he took the stand during the fourth day of his own trial on Thursday.

Roberts is accused of killing Christopher Wright on September 28, 2023 near Patten Towers in downtown Chattanooga.

The trial began on Monday, April 14 after a second jury was chosen.

On Wednesday, the state rested its case and the defense presented its case, calling witnesses to the stand, including the suspect at the center of the trial.

The first witness for the defense was James King, a homicide detective with the Chattanooga Police Department who led the investigation of the case.

The defense asked Detective King if the District Attorney's Office either told or asked if there was video with audio of Wright's murder and King responded that he hadnt heard about it.

After talking to Britton Hall-Brantley, Wright's best friend, King began searching for more cameras in the area to track the victim's activity and find video with audio.

He was unable to find any video with sound that was close enough to crime scene.

During the investigation, King spoke with the manager at Jack Browns about the incident to learn about the victim's behavior prior to the shooting.

King also gathered video to see which bartender was working and if anyone else was with Wright that night.

At one point during court, members of the jury were asked to leave before Detective King was shown a picture of himself along with other officials and Governor Bill Lee that was taken after Tennessee lawmakers passed the Chris Wright Crime Bill Act.

King was asked if the power of the governor could make him alter his investigation and he said no.

Also on day four, Roberts himself took the stand to testify in his own trial.

At one point, Roberts admitted to shooting Wright.

Roberts said Wright walked up and called him and another man a racial slur.

Roberts said he repeatedly told Wright to keep walking but said Wright wouldn't leave.

He claimed Wright said how much he didn't like Roberts and that he was a piece of crap.

Roberts attorney asked, "What caused you to stand up?

Because I told him again 'man get up the street' and I was like 'get yourself up the street' and then he turned around and said come say it to his face, boy, Roberts replied on the stand. "He said 'come say it to my face, boy. I bet you won't say it to my face, boy."

Roberts said he then walked up and shot Wright once in the head.

After shooting Wright, Roberts said he remembered thinking, I did not just do that.

He said he thought it was a dream and was angry with himself.

Stay with Local 3 News for continuing coverage of this story.

PREVIOUS STORY: Day three of the murder trial for the man accused of killing a Baylor School alum on Market St. in 2023 ended after less than an hour.

The state's final witness took the stand Wednesday morning. The state then rested. Day four of the trial will continue on Thursday and witnesses from the defense side will take the stand.

Witness 10, Dylan Padgett of Ooltewah, was the final witness before the state rested.

Padgett was with Julia Friedman at Pickle Barrel, which is across the street from Patten Towers the night of the murder.

Friedman was the first witness that the state brought to the stand for this trial.

The first thing I noticed was a couple sitting near us, the gentlemen with his back towards the street immediately got up and got the woman he was with and started making their way to the door, Padgett said.

Padgett then looked around and down to the street and that when he saw Darryl Roberts standing over Chris Wright.

I recall in the seconds I looked around that he had glanced up to where we were sitting, Padgett said.

That is when Padgett headed for safety.

By the time attention back to my family, everyone was up and moving and Julia was saying that we needed to get inside. And we went to the second floor and sat under the table and chairs with the rest of the guest, Padgett said.

Medical Examiner Dr. Steven Cogswell, who testified on Tuesday, took the stand again.

When he was asked if Wright had a chance to survive the shooting, Cogswell's answer was simply, no.

Darryl Roberts is charged in the fatal shooting of Christopher Wright near Patten Towers in downtown Chattanooga on September 28, 2023.

Witnesses for the defense will take the stand on Thursday.

Stay with Local 3 News for updates to this developing story.

PREVIOUS STORY: The trial for the man accused of killing a Baylor School graduate in September of 2023 entered its second day on Tuesday.

Darryl Roberts is charged in the fatal shooting of Christopher Wright near Patten Towers in downtown Chattanooga on September 28, 2023.

Surveillance video shows Wright talking with Roberts outside Patten Towers on the night of the incident.

Wright can be seen walking away but appeared to still be talking to Roberts.

Police say that's when Roberts walked up and shot Wright at point blank range.

Roberts' trial was originally supposed to begin on April 1; however, after a jury was selected the morning of April 2, they were dismissed by Judge Boyd Patterson.

Judge Patterson said the original jurors were dismissed because something was said in the courtroom that they were not supposed to hear.

A second jury was chosen on Monday, April 14, with opening arguments running until the evening.

Before breaking for lunch, a witness testified to hearing the gunshot the night of the incident.

The witness was celebrating her father's birthday at Pickle Barrel when she said she heard a gunshot and then saw Roberts slowly walking away from the scene where another man was lying on the sidewalk.

Neil Nappi, who works for Reliance Security, the company that maintains surveillance at Patten Towers, was the second witness to take the stand.

Nappi testifies as video of the incident is shown in court.

In the video, you can see Roberts getting on an elevator in Patten Towers to go outside, where he sat down and interacted with a few who were around him.

The video then shows Wright walk by Roberts before back tracks and starts talking to Roberts.

The two have a brief conversation and then the shooting happens.

Roberts goes back inside Patten Towers, gets on the elevator, and punches the wall as he circles appearing frustrated.

Later, the video shows a woman leaving Patten Towers with a yellow bag and what appears to be Roberts' clothing, but it is hard to make out.

Roberts then comes back out of the apartment wearing different clothes and appeared to have the gun in his shorts.

Chattanooga Police Department Detective Alvin Abbett is the third witness to take the stand after court resumes from a lunch break at around 1:15pm.

Detective Abbett responded to scene shortly after midnight, where he recalled seeing the victim with a bullet wound to the forehead.

Abbett said he was given a picture of Roberts to use for a description of the suspect who had the nickname Too Tall.

The detective said when he went to Roberts apartment, no one was home at the time.

Detective Abbett said two women were later seen leaving the apartment by police.

He said one of the women was the one seen in the surveillance video with the yellow bag that appeared to have Roberts' clothes in it.

The video shows the woman with the bag while taking the elevator from the sixth floor, where Roberts apartment is located, to the third floor.

That same woman was later seen getting back on the elevator from the third floor without the bag.

Detective Abbett said the womans apartment was never checked, because there was no reason to at the time since no one knew about the bag.

Detective Abbett said the clothes Roberts was wearing at the time of the incident and the gun were not found when the suspects apartment was searched.

Abbett was asked if any racial slurs were used that night in relation to the motive for the shooting. He replied that he was never made aware of any being used.

We have a crew in the courtroom to bring you the latest.

Stay with Local 3 News for updates to this developing story.

PREVIOUS STORY: A new jury has been selected in the murder trial of Darryl Roberts on Monday, April 14.

The new jury comes after the first jury was dismissed in early April for hearing information they were not supposed to hear.

Chattanooga police say Roberts shot and killed Christopher Wright, a Baylor alum, husband, and father, on Sept. 28, 2023, near Patten Towers.

This is a developing story. Stay with Local 3 News for the most reliable updates.

Chattanooga attorney explains why a jury may be invalidated during a trial In the jury selection process for the Daryl Roberts murder trial, the jury was invalidated rather than a mistrial because they had not been sworn in.

PREVIOUS STORY: The jury selected to serve on the murder trial of Darryl Roberts has been dismissed and a new jury will have to be reselected on April 14.

A Local 3 News crew in the courtroom say the jury was dismissed after they heard a piece of information during the trial they were not supposed to hear.

PREVIOUS STORY: The jury to serve on the murder trial of Darryl Roberts has been selected as of 11:00am on Wednesday, the second day of the trial.

Roberts faces a first degree murder charge in connection to the fatal shooting of a Chattanooga man near Patten Towers in Sept. 2023.

Court records show there will also be a motion hearing regarding the state's effort to exclude an expert testimony and report from Dr. Kimberly Brown.

Chattanooga police say Roberts shot and killed Christopher Wright, a Baylor alum, husband, and father, on Sept. 28, 2023, near Patten Towers.

PREVIOUS STORY: The murder trial for a Chattanooga man begins on Tuesday, April 1.

Darryl Roberts is accused of fatally shooting Baylor School grad and father Christopher Wright near Patten Towers on September 28, 2023.

The court will begin Tuesday with the selection of a jury.

Court records show there will also be a motion hearing regarding the state's effort to exclude an expert testimony and report from Dr. Kimberly Brown.

PREVIOUS STORY: The man accused of shooting a Chattanooga businessman last fall appeared in court on Wednesday.

Darryl Roberts is accused of shooting and killing Christopher Wright on Market Street in September 2023.

A judge set his next court date for June 4.

Roberts remains in the Hamilton County Jail and Detention Center on a $5 million bond.

PREVIOUS STORY: A trail date has been set for the man who is accused of shooting and killing a Baylor School graduate on Market Street in September of 2023.

According to the Hamilton County Criminal Court Clerk's Office, the trial for 57-year-old Darryl Roberts has been scheduled for March 28.

Newly proposed bill cracking down on repeat criminal offenders Tennessee State Senator Bo Watson and Representative Patsy Hazlewood introduced the law to crack down on repeated criminal offenders, making sure they don't walk away with just a slap on the wrist.

Roberts is charged with First Degree Murder and Possession of a Firearm by a Convicted Felon.

Police say Roberts shot and killed Christopher Wright near Patten Towers on September 28.

Roberts is being held at the Hamilton County Jail and Detention Center on a $5-million bond.

PREVIOUS STORY: The man accused of shooting and killing another man on Market Street in September has been indicted by the Hamilton County grand jury.

Daryl Roberts is charged with First Degree Murder and Possession of a Firearm by a Convicted Felon.

Police say Roberts shot and killed Christopher Wright near Patten Towers on September 28.

His arraignment hearing will be on January 5.

PREVIOUS STORY: The case against the man charged in a deadly shooting on Market Street last month has been sent to a grand jury on Monday.

According to the Hamilton County General Sessions Court Clerk, the case against 57-year-old Darryl Roberts was bound over to a grand jury during a court appearance on Monday morning.

Roberts is accused of shooting and killing 38-year-old Chris Wright on Market Street on September 28.

Roberts was arrested on September 29 and charged with first degree murder.

He is being held at the Hamilton County Jail and Detention Center on a $5-million bond.

Stay with the Local 3 News app for updates to this developing story.

PREVIOUS STORY: The man accused of a murder on Market Street last week appeared in court on Monday morning.

Police say 57-year-old Darryl Roberts is accused of shooting and killing 38-year-old Chris Wright on Thursday night during an argument.

Roberts was arrested on Friday and charged with first degree murder.

During Mondays court appearance, Roberts was given a $5-million bond and was ordered to appear in court on October 16.

A GoFundMe has been started to support the family of Chris Wright, who was a Baylor alum. The donations will support Wright's three children. Wright's family says they will welcome all to celebrate and remember Chris's life during a visitation on Tuesday from 4:30pm to 6:30pm at the Baylor School. Funeral services for Wright will also be held at the Baylor Chapel on Wednesday at 11:00am. Stay with the Local 3 News app for updates to this developing story.

PREVIOUS STORY: Chattanooga police have arrested 57-year-old Darryl Roberts for the homicide of Christopher Wright.

Chattanooga Police Department's Fugitive Unit, along with federal partners from the United States Marshals Service and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives ("ATF") observed Roberts in a vehicle in the Brainerd area.

They followed him until marked police vehicles were able to assist with a traffic stop.

CPD's Neighborhood Policing officers assisted with initiating a traffic stop in the 500 block of Tunnel Boulevard.

Roberts was arrested for outstanding warrants related to the homicide.

Roberts is in custody at the Hamilton County Jail and Detention Center. He is charged with first degree murder.

Chattanooga Mayor Tim Kelly released the following statement regarding Thursday nights Market St. shooting and the subsequent arrest of the suspect:
There was glowing praise for the cultural impact that Backstage Theatre has had on Longford during the past three decades at the recent monthly meeting of the local authority.

Mona Considine, the Artistic Director of Backstage Theatre, thanked councillors and executive members for being invited to speak at last week's monthly meeting of Longford County Council.

"I am delighted to be here today, it feels great, we are 30 years old this month at Backstage so it is a great sense of achievement to have got this far and achieved and grown in that 30 years."

Mona said Backstage Theatre helps to deliver artist supports, job opportunities, a strong community focus and they have positive support from stakeholders including Longford County Council and the Arts Council.

Also read: Im Fine: Talented Longford students win top prizes in Texaco Childrens Art Competition

"In 1995 the representatives from Slashers and Backstage Theatre Group with the support of the community, we had a dream of making a Longford theatre a reality and that took many years of planning and developing.

"But finally in April 1995 the theatre opened its doors and it was the first theatre in the Midlands and it was only a handful of theatres in the country at that time."

Mona said it was a big achievement for the town and county.

"It's a 30 year success story we would like to think and for those 30 years Backstage has provided cultural experiences of the highest calibre for the people of Longford and beyond.

Also Read: The incredible John Banville speaks at Longford's Booktown Festival

"In the three decades the organisation survived crippling economic recession, a global pandemic and despite often having very limited financial resources we have grown from strength to strength."

Mona outlined how Druid, one of the most prestigious theatre companies, regularly perform with them and activate their short-term artists residency programme.

She insisted none of the supports or residency programmes would be possible without the annual funding support they receive.

Mona said in 2025 they will receive 275,000 from the Arts Council and just over 21,200 from Longford County Council.

She stated they receive multi-annual funding programmes from both organisations which gives them real security to plan and they are one of only eight organisations and venues in the country to receive multi-annual funding.

Also Read: 'Totally speechless'- Shockwaves ripple through communities following tragic accident

Mona said they have begun the process of integrating new communities into the future plans of Backstage and they continue to support existing actors and artists and nurture new talent into the future.

Backstage Theatre contains a 214 seater auditorium and the adjacent Atrium Gallery and it has developed into a hugely popular and appreciated cultural hub in the region.

Mona said a total of 30% of the audience travel from outside the county and since 2020 they have welcomed active residency for 51 artists.

"These artists bring other collaborators with them and there is often three-to-four artists in each residency, she added.

Also Read: Irish homeowners urged to dry clothes inside amid expert warning

There was unanimous praise from all of the councillors for Backstage Theatre and congratulations Councillor Seamus Butler described Backstage as being one of the 'treasures" of Longford.

He said it is notable the large numbers who travel from outside the county to enjoy the incredible variety of shows and he wished them continued success.

"We encourage you and in the next six years I am sure that Longford County Council will step up to the plate again because this is an invaluable resource for the county."

Cllr Niall Gannon said he is about 30 years living in Longford.

"From the very beginning I have been involved in some way, shape or form in plays and musicals over the years.

"It is a fantastic place for meeting people and a fantastic group of people involved, my kids are involved now and there is a youth group.

"For someone coming from the outside it's great and all the shows over the years have been fantastic.
Founder of Granard Booktown Festival, John Connell, has hailed the third staging of the festival as a huge success beyond our imagination.

Some of the biggest names in writing and journalism gathered in Granard last weekend where there were countless sold-out events and a great atmosphere.

John reflected, It was a real tour de force and there was a lot of smiling and happy people and that was the ultimate thing to see.

The engagement with the community and that everybody had a good time and we're just blown away by the success of it and that people have embraced it and it's a wonderful thing, I'm tired but I'm very happy.

And while the dust has scarcely settled on Booktown '25 John and his colleagues are already thinking about the 2026 line -up.

Also Read: Save the Dates! St Mels Musical Society gears up for comedy classic Me and My Girl

The third Granard Booktown Festival has come and gone and suffice it to say has been the best one yet.

This year's festival had big names such as John Banville, Claire Keegan and Carole Cadwalladr.

Friday kicked off with a discussion between two Longford greats, Conor Gearty and Peter Geoghegan, two men with great experience in the areas of human rights and democracy.

Rebecca Tallon de Havilland and Dani Gill also shared their experience within their respective areas of writing in Fays Bar.

The special guest for Friday evening was Claire Keegan. An author who has not only taken Ireland by storm but the rest of the world, with her storySmall Things Like These being adapted to film starring Cillian Murphy.

Also Read: Difference maker: Longford student recognised for his passion for promoting financial literacy

Speaking to the incredibly talented Sinead Gleeson, Claire enthralled the audience not only as a writer but with her incredible wit.

Saturday was equally successful, among the many events that were scattered throughout the day there were three particular standouts. These were the Emerging Writers Panel that saw three great novelists such as James Roseman, Louise Hegarty and Elaine Garvey.

Poetry and Pints followed shortly after with three brilliant local poets such as Mary Melvin Geoghegan, Darragh Coady, and Louise G Cole who recited their work to enthralled attendees.

Nelofer Pazira Fisk, wife of the Late Robert Fisk spoke with Longford Journalist Shaunagh Connaire in the Library. She discussed the editing process and work that went into publishing her husband's final work and the pain of picking it back up again. She also gave an incredible insight into the truth of the conflict in the Middle East.

Also Read: Longford celebrates the arrival of 'Fraternity' Statue from beloved twin town

The special guest of the evening was Pulitzer Nominated Investigative Journalist Carole Cadwalladr. She sat down with Bryan Dobson to discuss the risk of allowing tech giants to access our data, Ireland's intertwined relationships with Silicon Valley giants and whether billionaires' involvement in politics is reversible.

Sunday kicked off with a free event from the Granard writers group and followed with multiple discussions from writers, poets alike such as Luke Casserly, Gavin Cooney, Conor Niland and Mark Tighe, Cauvery Madhavan ans many more.

The festival came to a close at 6:30pm with John Banville.

One of Ireland's greatest authors and a fascinating man in himself.

Each year booktown evolves to be bigger and better than the last with more and more visitors coming from far and wide to see these literary marvels in the flesh.

John Connell, the founder of Granard Booktown Festival spoke on this year's success.

It was a huge success, beyond our imagination. There were countless sold-out events, a great atmosphere. We had some of the biggest names in writing and journalism joining us for the weekend.

Also Read: Tops: Longford student presented with prestigious award

It was a real tour de force and there was a lot of smiling and happy people and that was the ultimate thing to see, the engagement with the community and that everybody had a good time and we're just blown away by the success of it and that people have embraced it and it's a wonderful thing , I'm tired but I'm very happy.

We had group signings for people, that was a lovely thing and the authors were so generous with their time to do group signings and stuff, so that was a wonderful thing.

And people said to me that they really enjoyed it and they never thought to see the likes of some of the big names in Longford, so that was a great thing.

The booktown festival is a great chance for Irish authors especially locally based writers to strut their stuff and meet other people in their field.

It's important to have arts in rural Ireland and, you know, Granard is proving that and people are coming out in great numbers. It was absolutely phenomenal.

While this year's festival has just come to a close, John and his colleagues are already thinking about the 2026 line -up. And so too are many of the locals.

They're asking me that already now. We have 12 months to figure that out. We have one or two ideas already but all will be revealed soon, and right now the team is taking a well-deserved break and we'll get back to work soon and start planning it out and hopefully we'll be able to provide another great festival next year.

Just to say thank you to all our sponsors, both public, the council and our staff, etc, and private, because they're the ones who help make the festival a reality and we're so thankful to them all for helping make it a reality every year.

So, a huge thanks to them and a huge thanks to the public who came out in great numbers to support it.
Backstage Theatre, Longford will host a wonderful production next week as Rough Magic and the Gate Theatre present Erica Murrays The Loved Ones on Saturday, April 26 as part of a national tour this spring.

In a remote renovated farmhouse, Nell (Jane Brennan) prepares to scatter her sons ashes with her grieving daughter-in-law, Orla (Margaret McAuliffe), while Cheryl-Ann (Helen Norton), a visitor from America, settles in for an idyllic break in the wilds of West Clare.

It's an extraordinary play, Helen Norton told the Leader about the show, It tells exciting and interesting stories about loss, grief, acceptance and fertility. Things that aren't spoken about, generally speaking, in the theatre much. It's incredibly touching.

Helen says the show takes the audience on a journey: It'll make you laugh and it'll make you cry. It's a really rewarding night out.

It's set in a farmhouse in County Clare. I play a slightly wacky American Airbnb guest. The woman who owns the farmhouse is coping with her grief. She's mucked up the times on the Airbnb app, so she's ended up having another guest at the same time.

An unexpected person turns up, who turns everything on its head.

Also Read: Longford TD calls for progress on Autism Bill pledge

A prolific actor, Helen has numerous film and television credits including: Faithless, The Dry, Rebellion, The Borgias, Fair City, Veronica Guerin, and Ella Enchanted. As a stage actor she has worked with world class actors through her involvement with The Abbey and Barabbas The Company.

The transition between stage and screen has given the actor a tremendously versatile career: I love both of them, but they're very different.

The joyous thing about being in a play, you start at one point, and you know exactly the arc you're going on, and you know when you're finishing. When you're doing film or television you're probably filming out of sequence.

You might start at the end of the story, so you have to work out what your character is going to do at the end before you can work out what's going to happen at the beginning. It's quite tricky

Also Read: Longford County Council officially welcomes new member

Whereas in the theatre we're on a different clock, we'll finish before ten, whatever it is. It's a different energy, it's a different way of being. They're both equally kind of joyous, or they can be, Helen says.

This is not the accomplished actor's first time in Longford: I have to say Backstage Theatre is one of my favourite places.

They always have brilliant audiences. And they give you sandwiches when you arrive.

Also Read: Longford's affordable housing sees a welcome positive update

It's really lovely, an incredibly comfortable and lovely place to be. So I'm really glad we're bringing the show there, Helen concluded.

This beautiful play is full of hope, humour and humanity, in it a situation as unlikely as it is inevitable will send the four lives reeling, leaving them questioning the true nature of love, loss and birds.

The Loved Ones will be staged at Backstage Theatre, Longford, on Saturday, April 26 show starts at 8:00pm, tickets are 24/20.
The Carrigallen community in Co Leitrim is in mourning following the tragic death of local teenager Dessie O'Kelly, who was killed in a tractor crash yesterday. Dessie, 18, was a passenger on the tractor when it crashed on the R204 at Aghavilla at around 3:10 pm. He was pronounced dead at the scene. The driver, also in his late teens, was taken to Cavan General Hospital with non-life-threatening injuries.

Local Fianna Fail Councillor Paddy O'Rourke spoke to Newstalk about the heart-wrenching impact of the tragedy. "Unfortunately we are left without one of the finest young men from our parish," he said. "To say that the parish has been numbed by this is an understatement because it has hit us like a ton of bricks."

Cllr O'Rourke added that Dessie had completed his Leaving Certificate and was enrolled in an agriculture course. "The young man was 18 years of age, completed his Leaving Certificate and was doing a course in agriculture," he said. "His whole life was ahead of him."

Also read: Im Fine: Talented Longford students win top prizes in Texaco Childrens Art Competition

The loss has sent shockwaves through the close-knit community of Carrigallen, with Cllr O'Rourke expressing the disbelief many are feeling. "It's beyond comprehension that somebody could go out in the morning and not come back to his family and loved ones at that age," he said. "He would have had a lot of colleagues at school... in the course he was doing... and the entire area has been stunned by this."

Also read: Longford celebrates the arrival of 'Fraternity' Statue from beloved twin town

Carrigallen Vocational School, where Dessie had been a student, has offered support to students and former classmates. The school issued a statement: "It is with deep sadness that we remember former student Dessie OKelly who passed away yesterday. The sympathies of all our school community are extended to his family and friends at this sad time."

Dessie was well-known in the local farming community, and his passing has left many reeling. Local parish priest Fr John McMahon described him as a "helpful and great young fellow," and expressed his condolences to the O'Kelly family.

Down Memory Lane | Longford ladies glam up and turn on the style for a great night out

The community of Carrigallen continues to rally around Dessie's family, offering their support as they cope with this unimaginable loss.

The funeral mass for Dessie O'Kelly will take place in St. Mary's Church, Drumeela, on Easter Sunday at 2 pm, followed by burial in the adjoining cemetery. Dessie will repose at his home in Drumloona, Carrigallen, on Good Friday, April 18, from 4 pm to 8 pm, and on Easter Saturday, April 19, from 5pm to 8 pm.
As we mark the 109th anniversary of the Easter Rising 1916, it is appropriate that we also honour the men and women who 85 years ago engaged in a further gallant attempt to end British rule in Ireland and make effective the proclamation of the all Ireland Republic of 1916 and the Declaration of Independence and Democratic Programme of the first (32 county) Dail Eireann in 1919.

One of the outstanding men of the 1940s who gave his life so that Irish people might control their own destiny was Bernard Casey, a Longford man.

Commandant Casey was shot dead in December 1940 while as an unarmed prisoner in the Curragh Internment Camp. At the time he was one of the 640 republican prisoners held behind barbed wire without charge or trial.

Down Memory Lane | Longford ladies glam up and turn on the style for a great night out

County Longford Easter Commemoration Committee erected a fine memorial over Barneys grave in 1976 with the help of Longford people at home and in New York.

The oration on that occasion was delivered by the President of Republican Sinn Fein Ruairi O Bradaigh, a native of Longford and long time associate of the Casey family.

Also read: RIP: Close knit Leitrim community in shock after tragic death of Dessie O'Kelly in tractor crash

County Longford Easter Commemoration Committee donated a handsome silver trophy for Irish step dancing. It is named Corn Brian OCathasaigh - the Barney Casey Memorial Cup.

This years Easter commemoration will be held at the graveside of Commandant Bernard Casey at Killoe old cemetery on Easter Sunday, April 20 at 3pm.

A decade of the Rosary will be recited, the 1916 Proclamation will be read, the County Longford roll of honour will be read, wreaths will be laid. The graveside oration will be given at the grave.

PICTURES | Massive turn out in Longford for Jimmy Farrell Memorial Tractor Run in aid of HUGG

Wear an Easter lily and honour all those who made the supreme sacrifice for complete freedom of Ireland in every generation.

The fools the fools - they have left us our Fenian dead: and while Ireland holds these graves, Ireland unfree shall never be at peace. (PH Pearse).
The Midlands ICT Network is hosting its second major event of 2025, Lets Talk: AI & Sustainability  Opportunities, Challenges, and Impact, on Wednesday, April 30 at co:worx, Edgeworthstown from 10am to 1pm, in partnership with The CUBE Low Carbon Centre of Excellence.

Keynote speaker for the event will be well-known tech journalist Adrian Weckler who will discuss the implementation of AI as a Sustainable tool for business.

Bringing together leading voices in AI, digital transformation, and sustainable innovation, the event promises to offer fresh perspectives and practical insights into how artificial intelligence can be harnessed to drive meaningful change for businesses, the public sector, and society.

Also read: Longford allocated 128,905 to protect two significant archaeological monuments

The event will begin with a welcome from Caroline Hofman, Managing Director of The CUBE, and Cormac Strain, Technical Advisor for the Midlands ICT Network, followed by a dynamic lineup of speakers, including;

Professor Michael Dowling, Professor of Financial Technology at Dublin City University, will share insights on Using AI to Maximise Your Business.

Ramy Ebeid, EDIH AI Training Manager at CeADAR Ireland, will present CeADARs Fully Funded EDIH for AI Programme, empowering enterprises and public sector bodies to implement AI solutions effectively.

Also read: Difference maker: Longford student recognised for his passion for promoting financial literacy

Adrian Weckler, Tech Editor at the Irish & Sunday Independent, will deliver the keynote address on Implementing AI as a Sustainable Tool for Businesses.

A compelling case study will be shared by Jenna Farrell, Founder of Scopey, showcasing how her platform is helping teams reduce delays, control cost overruns, and keep projects on track.

The event will conclude with a Q&A and panel discussion, offering attendees the opportunity to engage directly with the speakers, followed by a light lunch and additional networking opportunities.

This is a must-attend event for business leaders, tech professionals, policymakers, and anyone interested in the evolving intersection of AI and sustainability.

Down Memory Lane | Longford ladies glam up and turn on the style for a great night out
A defendant who admitted possession of 800 worth of cannabis for his own use was fined 500 at Longford District Court.

Daniel Webster (31) of 17 Tara Drive, Gortnahoe, Tipperary pleaded guilty to two counts of possession of cannabis on March 7, 2025 at Market Square, Longford.

Sergeant Enda Daly Gardai stopped and spoke to the defendant as he was coming out of a premises on Market Square. Mr Webster presented the officers with a tinfoil wrap containing 50 worth of cannabis, he then threw another item into the rear of a pick up vehicle. The officers retrieved the item which was 750 worth of cannabis.

Also read: Longford Senator compares St Joseph's report to 2009 Cathedral Fire

Mr Webster had eight previous convictions, one of which was for drug possession. Solicitor Brid Mimnagh said her client works installing fibre broadband.

Ms Mimnagh said all the cannabis was for the defendants own use, and stated he does not sell it, but buys it in bulk.

Remarking on the volume of cannabis for Mr Webster's own use Judge Bernadette Owens remarked: How does he manage to work at all? I hope he's not putting in my fibre broadband.

Also read: RIP: Close knit Leitrim community in shock after tragic death of Dessie O'Kelly in tractor crash

The judge registered a conviction and imposed a fine of 500 with six months to pay for the first offence.

The second charge was taken into consideration. Judge Owens issued a destruction order for the drugs.

Also read: 'We are so angry!'- Horse rescue filled with rage after latest rescue mission
Crime

By Chris Boyle Published: April 17 2025

Peter A. Saad, Jr. was Disbarred for Stealing $25,000 Held in an Escrow Account in Connection with a Home Sale.

Suffolk District Attorney Raymond A. Tierney today announced that Peter A. Saad, Jr., 48, of Calverton, pleaded guilty to Grand Larceny in the Fourth Degree, for stealing $25,000 from an escrow account that was intended for two parties to a real estate transaction.

When an attorney violates the sacred trust placed in them by their clients, they undermine the very foundation of our legal system, said District Attorney Tierney. The disbarment and guilty plea here demonstrate that no one is above the law, especially those who are entrusted to uphold it.

According to court documents and the defendants admissions during his guilty plea allocution, in 2020, Saad was hired to represent a client in the sale of his home. At that time, Saad was the principal attorney at the Law Offices of Peter A. Saad, Jr., P.C., based in Riverhead. During the real estate transaction, it was discovered that the home had permit issues that needed to be resolved, and which required money be left in escrow after the closing held on September 3, 2020. All parties to the sale agreed to keep $25,000 in Saads escrow account until the outstanding permit issues were resolved.

After the closing, Saad stopped responding to the parties, failed to return the $25,000 in escrow funds, and instead spent the money on his own personal expenses. Subsequently, it was determined that $5,000 was due to the purchasers of the home and the remaining $20,000 was due to the seller of the home, who was Saads client.

Saad was disbarred from practicing law in New York, effective January 31, 2024.

On April 16, 2025, Saad pleaded guilty to Grand Larceny in the Fourth Degree, a Class E felony, before Acting Supreme Court Justice Steven A. Pilewski. He was placed on probation and ordered to pay restitution and to complete 210 hours of community service. Saad is being represented by Christopher Gioe, Esq.

This case is being prosecuted by Assistant District Attorney Patrick Rooney of the Public Corruption Bureau.

Criminal complaints and indictments are merely accusatory instruments. Defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty. No one is above the law.
Local News

By Chris Boyle Published: April 17 2025

James Amorosos life was extended through blood transfusions before he passed away following a battle with Acute Myeloid Leukemia.

New York Blood Center (NYBC) will host a blood drive at St. Mary RC Church on Tuesday, April 22nd from 1:45pm to 7:45pm. The blood drive will be held in memory of James Amoroso, a beloved member of the Islip community since the 1970s who passed away after courageously battling Acute Myeloid Leukemia.

James's family was granted the gift of more time with him due to the generosity of strangers who donated the blood that was used in his life-saving transfusions. In his memory, the Amoroso family is encouraging the community to pay it forward by donating blood to help others who are fighting for their lives.

NYBC recently issued an urgent call for type O+ and O- blood donations. The current supply of O- blood has dropped to just two days, and overall collections are nearly 20% below the level needed to meet hospital demands. This drop in donations is due to seasonal factors such as school breaks, holiday travel, and busy spring schedules.

Blood donors can give every 56 days, and platelet donors can give twice per month. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) recently lifted several blood donor eligibility restrictions. To view current eligibility guidelines, visit nybc.org or call 800.688.0900.

WHEN: Tuesday, April 22, 2025 from 1:45 p.m.  7:45 p.m.

WHERE: St. Mary RC Church / Knights of Columbus Assumption Council 5252, 20 Harrison Ave, East Islip, NY 11730

WHO: Blood Donors, Volunteers, and New York Blood Center Representatives

WHY: It only takes one hour to donate, and a single donation can save multiple lives. Roughly one in seven hospital admissions require a blood transfusion. Those in need include: cancer patients, accident, burn, or trauma victims, newborn babies and their mothers, transplant recipients, surgery patients, chronically transfused patients suffering from sickle cell disease or thalassemia, and many more.

To make an appointment at this blood drive, donors can call 1-800-933-2566 or visit this link. Cant donate blood? You can still make a lifesaving impact by supporting NYBCs mission through financial contributions or volunteering your time. Click here to learn more

About New York Blood Center

Founded in 1964, New York Blood Center (NYBC) has served the tri-state area for more than 60 years, delivering 500,000 lifesaving blood products annually to 150+ hospitals, EMS and healthcare partners. NYBC is part of New York Blood Center Enterprises (NYBCe), which spans 17+ states and delivers one million blood products to 400+ U.S. hospitals annually. NYBCe additionally delivers cellular therapies, specialty pharmacy, and medical services to 200+ research, academic and biopharmaceutical organizations. NYBCes Lindsley F. Kimball Research Institute is a leader in hematology and transfusion medicine research, dedicated to the study, prevention, treatment and cure of bloodborne and blood-related diseases. NYBC serves as a vital community lifeline dedicated to helping patients and advancing global public health. To learn more, visit nybc.org. Connect with us on Facebook, X, Instagram, and LinkedIn.
A Syrian partner force officer listens to a pre-training brief as he joins the US 10th Mountain Division for air assault training at Al-Tanf Garrison, Syria, on February 25, 2025. (Staff Sgt. Fred Brown, US Army)

US forces in Tanf continue to train with Syrian partner forces and support their work securing an area of southern Syria near the Iraqi and Jordanian borders.

On April 11, Combined Joint Task Force Operation Inherent Resolve (CJTFOIR), the US-led anti-Islamic State operation that has operated in the country since 2015, posted an image of 10th Mountain Division troops constructing a mortar position during a patrol in the Deconfliction Zone. It was part of training supporting the Syrian Free Army (SFA), a unit of several hundred Syrians the US has backed in Tanf over the last seven years. The training has continued as the new Syrian government expands its control over the country.

The US military is weighing a potential reduction in forces in Syria, according to Reuters and other reports on April 15. The redeployment, consolidation, or withdrawal of troops is expected to happen in phases, according to a Ynet report.

The US military is set to consolidate its presence in Syria over the coming weeks and months, two US officials told Reuters on Tuesday, in a move that could reduce the number of troops it has in the country by half, Reuters noted on April 16. This development would halve the roughly 2,000 American personnel currently estimated to be in Syria, a fraction of which are at Tanf. On April 16, Levant24, a local Syrian media outlet, claimed that US forces had already begun to leave areas near the Euphrates River. This move followed an agreement between the US-backed Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) and the central government in Damascus.

There is speculation on social media by accounts following Syria developments that the US garrison at Tanf may remain amid phased withdrawals elsewhere. However, such a plan has not been confirmed, and US officials have not commented on the garrisons future.

Nevertheless, a possible US redeployment raises questions about what will happen at Tanf. The garrison is not very large, though the US does not specify how many troops are at the post. The Tanf Garrison has maintained a 55-kilometer de-confliction zone around the post over the last half-decade. Operation Inherent Resolve has frequently highlighted the USs role there over the last month. On April 8, a post to CJTFOIRs X account featured a photograph with the caption, Coalition Forces brief Syrian partner forces in Syrias Deconfliction Zone. Coalition Forces assessed the outposts conditions and trained SFA soldiers in personnel and vehicle searches as well as checkpoint operations. On March 30 and March 28, posts highlighted minesweeping operations in which the 10th Mountain Division supported the SFA.

The 10th Mountain Division has also conducted air assault training with Syrian partner forces. CJTFOIR stated that the exercises were part of the coalitions ongoing efforts to enhance the capabilities of partner forces and strengthen partnerships. The Coalition is committed to advising, assisting, and enabling partner forces to defeat ISIS and maintain regional security and stability. The air assault training took place from late February to early March.

US Senator John Barrasso visited Tanf on March 16, where he met with members of the Wyoming Army National Guards 115th Field Artillery Brigade. In addition, the US commander of Tanf Garrison, Lieutenant Colonel Ross Daly, met with local Bedouins in the area and the commander of the SFA, Colonel Salem Turki Al Antari. US forces at the garrison have also met with local Syrian police in nearby Rukban, which is the site of a large internally displaced persons camp.

The SFA has highlighted its work with local civilians supporting healthcare initiatives. The group also continues to conduct mine-clearing operations and has been operating more than 200 kilometers from Tanf in the city of Dumayr, east of Damascus. These efforts illustrate that the SFA appears to have formed amicable relations with the new Syrian authorities. In February, Antari said his forces would integrate into the new Syrian army.

Reporting from Israel, Seth J. Frantzman is an adjunct fellow at FDD and a contributor to FDDs Long War Journal. He is the senior Middle East correspondent and analyst at The Jerusalem Post, and author of The October 7 War: Israel's Battle for Security in Gaza (2024).
Luxembourg-based insurer Foyer Group has posted what it described as stable results for the 2024 financial year, as revenue increased but profits remained flat as expenses rose, the firm said in its annual report on Tuesday.

Net premium revenue grew by 37% year-on-year to 3.5 billion. The insurer said about 30% of its underwriting clients were in Luxembourg and 70% in other European markets.

Net income rose by a marginal 0.3% year-on-year to 151.3 million, as operating costs, including commissions paid, increased by 8% year-on-year, with staff costs rising 9%. The value of non-life insurance claims jumped 15%.

Assets under contract collectively increased 11% in the 12 months to 31 December 2024, and by 35% between 2020 and 2024, to 29.7 billion.

New chair & new CEO

Also on Tuesday, Foyer named Marc Lauer, a 21-year veteran of the insurance firm and its CEO since 2014, as its new chair. Lauer replaces Eric Kleynen, who had been chair since 2023.



Lauer has been replaced as CEO by Marie-Helene Massard, Foyers deputy CEO for the past year. Massard had previously worked at the French insurer AXA since 1997, including eight years as CEO of its Luxembourg business.

Foyer offers a range of automotive, home, health, liability and life insurance for consumers and businesses, as well as wealth management products. It has around 1,000 employees, 99% of whom are based in the Grand Duchy.
A new park-and-ride facility close to Luxembourg Airport is set to open at the end of the month, the transport ministry said on Wednesday.



P+R Heienhaff will open to the public from 04:15 on Monday 28 April in Senningerberg, just one stop from the airport on the tram.



Parking will be subject to a fee, which will be higher than the rates at the airports Kiss & Fly zone, according to a joint press release from the transport ministry, the National Roads Administration and national rail operator CFL.



However, the exact fees were not disclosed in the announcement, nor on the CFLs Park and Ride app.



The higher pricing structure is intended to discourage short-term use, such as trips to Findel Airport or nearby office buildings, and to prioritise longer stays.



Users of the app can park for free for stays under 24 hours, provided they park in an area at least 1.5 km away from the site.



In its initial phase, P+R Heienhaff will offer 481 parking spaces, including 11 spaces for people with reduced mobility, as well as a bikebox with room for 32 bicycles. The facility will operate 24 hours a day, seven days a week.



Once completed, the site is expected to have a total capacity of 3,700 parking spaces, making the facility the largest in the country.



The site is located near the A1 motorway, providing easy access for commuters travelling from the east of Luxembourg and those heading towards Luxembourg City.



It is directly connected to public transport, with access to both a tram stop and the Senningerberg Heienhaff bus stop.

Also read: Tram travellers give thumbs-up to new Luxembourg Airport route

P+R Heienhaff is one of several facilities planned by the ministry and CFL in a bid to reduce traffic congestion around Luxembourg City and promote the use of public transport. On the app, a new facility in Troisvierges is listed as opening soon, with a scheduled date of 12 May.



Construction of the Heienhaff facility began in November 2024, with total costs of approximately 4 million.
According to the Vermont Department of Health report, one in six Vermont adults has been physically hurt by an intimate partner (15 percent, as of 2021), and 16 percent have ever been forced to experience a non-consensual sexual activity.
MANCHESTER  In June of 2024, Manchesters Select Board adopted a Municipal Flag Policy to guide when, where and how flags (other than the U.S. and Vermont flags, that is) can be displayed on town owned property. The creation of that policy was prompted by a request just weeks prior to fly the rainbow Pride Flag in June 2024  a request which was ultimately denied.

On Tuesday, April 15, the Select Board was once again met with a request to fly the Pride Flag in June of this year, with the new policy in tow  but once again, the request was denied.

Proclamation supports LGBTQIA+ community, paves the way for Pride flags in Manchester As might be expected in a dialogue encompassing political philosophy, free speech, inclusion and  by the same coin  exclusion, it was not without a few raised voices. But the largely civil, heartfelt and productive conversation seems to have paved a way to allow flags that align with Manchesters values in the future.

It was the first time the Municipal Flag Policy had truly been tested. Last month, the Irish flag was flown on town property for a weekend under a prior Select Board proclamation from 2010, granting permission for the flag of the Republic of Ireland to fly in honor of Saint Patricks day as well as the extraordinary breadth and depth of the Irish contribution to Manchester.

The flag was ultimately removed when Town Hall reopened the following Monday, however, as the group had not sought permission from the Select Board as mandated by the newer June 2024 policy. According to Town Manager Scott Murphy, the group was invited to apply for such permission next year.

The precedent set by Tuesdays Select Board decision may make that difficult, however.

Precedent in Manchester and beyond

After unanimously approving a revision to the policy articulating where such flags could be flown, board members were split on whether to accept a request to fly the Pride Flag, submitted by Manchester resident Virginia Dillihay.

The Pride Flag is a recognized symbol of unity and support for the LGBTQ+ community and aligns with the towns values of respect and equality, Dillihay wrote in her request. Many municipalities across Vermont and the country have taken similar steps to celebrate Pride Month and foster an environment of acceptance. Flying the Pride Flag in Manchester would send a positive message that our town is a welcoming place for all residents and visitors.

Though no one at the meeting spoke against the Pride Flag in principle, nor the community it represents, opponents to Dillihays request cited their concern about whether flying anything other than the U.S. or Vermont flags would open the town up to legal risk.

Their concern is not without basis. In the 2022 legal case Shurtleff v. City of Boston, the Supreme Court held that the City of Boston violated the First Amendment when officials denied a flag application from a religious organization. According to an analysis published by the Boston Bar Association, that decision hinged on whether the policy and precedent surrounding the city's municipal flag poles constituted government speech or instead created a public forum for private expression.

When the government speaks for itself, Free Speech protections do not apply  the government is allowed to communicate one message and not another. This has become known as the government speech doctrine, explained Attorney Austin Anderson, who authored the analysis. But the government violates the Free Speech clause if it selectively prohibits private speech based on the message it conveys.

Bostons policies around municipal flag poles drove the decision, Anderson argues. The policy articulated a desire to accommodate all applicants, with no design review, and the Supreme Court determined that, under such a policy, Boston must allow all flags  even those deemed offensive or inappropriate  to fly, meaning the flags could not be construed as government speech. Instead, justices ruled that the flag pole had become a public forum, where speech cannot be censored by the government.

Anderson points out, however, that lower courts reached the opposite conclusion. Additionally, the Supreme Courts ruling in Shurtleff can be interpreted as contradictory to prior rulings like Walker v. Texas Div., Sons of Confederate Veterans, Inc. (in which the Supreme Court upheld Texass refusal to issue a proposed specialty license plate with a confederate battle flag, relying on the government speech doctrine,) and Matal v. Tam (in which the Supreme Court struck down a law allowing the Patent and Trademark Office to reject disparaging trademarks, holding that the PTOs review and registration did not convert the marks into government speech").

The difficulty in seeing how Shurtleff is consistent with the government speech doctrine suggests that this area of the law is evolving, Anderson concluded. ...In light of the lack of clarity, states and municipalities should anticipate future modifications to the doctrine, which are almost certainly on the horizon.

A policy paves the way to a dead end?

Will Manchester be another test case for free speech on municipal flag poles? Thats exactly why Select Board Vice Chair Heidi Chamberlain voted in opposition to the Pride flag request. She was joined by members Greg Cutler and Laurie Kunz.

Chamberlain contended that allowing any flags other than the U.S. and Vt. flags would place the onus on the Select Board to be judge and jury.

Im very concerned about this, she said. I feel like  were treading on something thats going to be a freedom of speech issue, and then were going to have to think about other organizations that we may not support that want  and have a right, then  to fly flags. When Im looking at the unintended consequences of this, as much as I want to support one organization or another, this makes me very uncomfortable.

Select Board member Jonathan West, who had first requested that the Pride flag be flown last year, countered that the current policy prohibited flags that could be construed as offensive, disrespectful or discriminatory, as well as flags that espouse hatred, racism, or violence, or are politically or religiously motivated. Additionally, under the policy, flags shall not discriminate against persons based on race, color, national origin, religion, sex, gender, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local law.

Chamberlain said that the policy may still leave too much room for interpretation  potentially opening the town up to legal challenges if the Select Board approved this request but denied another.

I agree with Heidi. We created the policy and it sounds like the assumption is that we would automatically approve the Pride flag, Cutler said. I think were opening ourselves up to a number of problems, and it isnt because its the Pride flag  it could be a number of flags.

West and Chamberlain also went back and forth on whether the Pride flag could reasonably be construed as political. West contended that the Pride flag is an inclusive symbol welcoming to all human beings, but Chamberlain countered that such a view is not universal.

I'm sitting here as a citizen, [saying] that we have to stand up for the people that live in our community, West said, adding that uncertainty around how federal policies may impact LGBTQIA+ Americans made the local decision even more important.

Manchester resident Kyle Turner affirmed his support for flying the Pride flag in June, adding that other towns and cities had also developed policies and precedent that could further inform Manchesters decision.

Fellow resident Sandra Marsh-Koffman said that deciding to fly the Pride flag  even if it opens the town up to risk  is an important gesture for Manchesters LGBTQIA+ community and their allies.

Right now, our federal government is taking away a lot, Marsh-Koffman acknowledged. When was it that Vermont had civil unions? People were up in arms, but we were going into a new era  and now we're trying to go backwards.

I know it's a difficult decision to put ourselves out there, she concluded. But I think that Vermont stands for acceptance, and inclusion, and it needs to be in Manchester proudly.

Select Board Chair Ivan Beattie was one of just two members who voted in favor of the Pride flag request, alongside West.

This board has embraced a policy of inclusion, we even passed a proclamation to that effect, which to me would lay the groundwork for approving this request and not another, Beattie said. We cant be afraid to support the members of our community based on our fear of things becoming ugly down the road, which may not happen.

Chamberlain took issue with Beatties characterization of fear-informed decision making, stating that her approach is based on a pragmatic view of what she believes is best for the community. Cutler agreed that such a position need not be informed by fear, nonetheless prejudice, and bemoaned the likelihood that  whatever position Select Board members took  there would be outcry on social media.

If I vote no because I agree with Heidi, because I think its going to invite problems, am I subjecting myself to who knows what? Cutler said. People dont know that Im a huge advocate for that population, they just see a no vote. Our responsibility here is to think about the consequences, in the way that Heidi has discussed.

It's my responsibility to preserve and protect the Town of Manchester from negative consequences that are going to tear the fabric of this town, and I will proudly fly our Pride flag at home, which I did, he continued. ... [But] you're never going to have a vote for me for the Pride flag or for any other group, because I think that puts Manchester at risk.

From the audience, local resident Paul Carroccio suggested that the town amend the policy to allow flags for the federally recognized heritage months, of which there are six: African American History Month (February), Women's History Month (March), Asian Pacific American Heritage Month (May), LGBTQ Pride Month (June), Hispanic Heritage Month (September-October), and Native American Heritage Month (November).

It is unclear if Carroccios suggestion will undergo further consideration following Tuesdays decision, however. Also from the audience, local resident Paige Vignola asked whether the Select Boards decision represented a rejection of the Pride flag as a whole, or Dillihays request specifically.

Beattie responded that it may become a legal question but that, for now, it seemed that members were set in their respective stances. Kunz noted that the Select Board may need to review and revise the Municipal Flag Policy once again.

A tense but ultimately brief moment of silence followed the final vote.

I know people are really disappointed, Beattie said. We are a community. We'll get past this. We need to appreciate each other. We need to appreciate the reasons why people voted against this this is how democracy works.
A unique Boston destination where you can publicly humiliate your friends while singing classic hits with strangers is closing after nearly seven years in operation.

Ds Keys Dueling Pianos and Sing Along will shut down on Saturday, April 26, the venue said in an Instagram post Wednesday.

It is with great sadness that we must announce that we are closing forever on April 26, which means we only have 6 more nights of sing-along fun to share with you, the post reads.

Managing partners Matt Nichols and Robert Morse exclusively told MassLive that Ds Keys is closing due to financial struggles.

We wanted to say thanks to everyone in Boston for their support over nearly seven years in business. Unfortunately, while we tried everything that we could, we simply were unable to make it work in todays economic environment, Nichols and Morse said in a joint statement. Please continue to support your local musicians and live music venues as much as possible, now more than ever.

While people never need a reservation to come in, Ds Keys recommend that patrons book a table before the establishment closes for good.

We will be welcoming walk-ins all night as well, the caption of the Instagram post reads.

Ds Keys officially opened in August 2018, Morse and Nichols previously told MassLive.

The dueling piano bar is known for giving guests the opportunity to drunkenly sing along to classic hits with the help of a live band. The band will mostly take suggestions from the crowd, with patrons paying a few bucks to hear their favorite song.

Guests can also cough up more cash to have a funny message written on a glass board behind the stage. The left side of the board has a regular phrase that goes up by $1 throughout the night.

Meanwhile, the right side is for the High Roller phrase, which starts at $20 and can go higher depending on how badly someone wants to write an embarrassing message about their friend. You can also embarrass your loved ones by making them spin the Wheel of Destiny.

The wheel features several dares, such as giving a lap dance, throwing a rubber chicken through a hula hoop while blindfolded or strapping a box with ping bong balls inside around your waste and having to shake them out. That challenge is appropriately called Junk in the Trunk.

When you get off stage from shaking your rear, you can order more drinks or a hot dog to help you refuel before singing some more.

We just want to have fun, Nichols previously told MassLive. We want everyone to feel good about being here together.

Ds Keys, at 391 D St in Boston, is open Thursday through Sunday, with doors opening at 7 p.m. and the show starting at 8 p.m. Those without a reservation can get into the venue by paying a $10 cover. Reservations can be made online or by calling Ds Keys at 617-531-0707.
Trisha Paytas attends as Universal Pictures presents the Los Angeles premiere of Wicked sponsored by Absolut and Lexus at the Dorothy Chandler Pavilion in Los Angeles, CA on Saturday, November 9, 2024 (photo: Nick Agro/ABImages) via AP Images AP

Social media star Trisha Paytas had high praise for one Boston restaurant, saying it had arguably the best chicken sandwich she has ever eaten.

Paytas posted a TikTok following her show at the Boch Center Wang Theatre Wednesday night, April 16.

In the video, Paytas unpacks her order from Bostonia Public House that consisted of smores bites, mashed potatoes, Mac nCheese and a crispy chicken sandwich by which she was most impressed.

Damn, the media personality said after taking a bite. This might be the best chicken sandwich Ive ever had.

Paytas added that the sandwich, which is listed on Bostonias menu as the Nashville Hot Chicken Sandwich, was the most recommended item on Door Dash when she placed her order.

This chicken is superb, Paytas said in the video. [Its] crispy, not too dry, not too juicy.

Bostonia Public House was not the only restaurant Paytas tried while in town for her The Eras of Trish Tour. The 36-year-old posted an earlier TikTok of her eating a lobster roll from Legal Sea Foods.

After admitting that shes never had a lobster roll before, Paytas was pleasantly surprised with the sub. However, she felt there was one thing that could have made it better.

Im just kind of shook theres no butter to at least dip the lobster because its kind of weird in the sandwich, Paytas said before admitting, Its probably really good at the place.

Paytas originally wanted to try Boston Pizza Cupcakes, but said the restaurant was too far to be delivered.
Mick Jagger arrives at the Vanity Fair Oscar Party on Sunday, March 2, 2025, at the Wallis Annenberg Center for the Performing Arts in Beverly Hills, Calif. (Photo by Evan Agostini/Invision/AP) Evan Agostini/Invision/AP

Turns out Mick Jagger has been engaged for quite some time.

The 81-year-old is betrothed to his longtime parter Melanie Hamrick who confirmed the news to French outlet Paris Match and was translated by Billboard.

Hamrick, a former ballerina and choreographer at American Ballet Theatre, told Paris Match that she and Jagger have been engaged for two or three years.

When asked if the couple was looking to get married, Hamrick responded, Maybe one day well marry, maybe not.

We are so happy in our current life that I would be too afraid to change anything, she added.

If the couple does tie the knot, it would be Jaggers second marriage after he was hitched to Bianca Jagger from 1971-to-1978. Hamrick, who is 37, has never been married.

Jagger and Hamrick have been together since 2014, Billboard reported. The couple share an 8-year-old son named Deveraux Octavian Basil. The boy is often featured on his mothers Instagram.
The price of McDonalds signature hamburger varies across the United States, but in Massachusetts, it costs the most on average, according to a recent study.

CashNetUSA collected prices from three McDonalds restaurants near the center of the three most populated cities in each state and the District of Columbia and calculated the average cost of a Big Mac across the restaurants in each state and city.

In Massachusetts case, CashNetUSA would have looked at McDonalds in Boston, Worcester and Springfield.

In its findings, CashNetUSA said that Massachusetts had the highest average price for an individual Big Mac at $6.72  a 30.5% difference between the lowest average price of $4.67 in Texas.

The other New England states also had somewhat similar Big Mac prices, according to CashNetUSAs analysis, with Maine at $6.41 for the burger on average, New Hampshire at $6.50, Vermont at $6.46, Rhode Island at $6.35 and Connecticut, the lowest of the group, at $5.90.

However, despite having the highest price for the individual Big Mac, CashNetUSA found that the Bay State actually was the third most affordable for McDonalds customers purchasing a Big Mac meal thanks to local purchasing power.

A large Big Mac meal costs an average of $11.92, which is 40.9% of the states average hourly wage, CashNetUSA said.

Comparatively, Arkansas had the worst affordability in this metric at 55.1% of the median hourly wage for a large Big Mac meal.

CashNetUSA said it sourced the median hourly wage for all the surveyed states and metro areas based on Bureau of Labor Statistics data and mapped its 130 focus cities to their respective metro areas.

To determine affordability, CashNetUSA calculated the price of a large Big Mac meal in every state and major city as a percentage of the median hourly wage in each location.

Nevertheless, the site pointed out that the average price of a Big Mac in Springfield rises above the state average at $6.96 per burger, whereas Boston falls right on the average at $6.72.

Read More: See this country music superstar serve chicken at popular fast food chain

Additionally, CashNetUSA found Springfield to be the second least affordable city for a Big Mac meal based on a percentage of the median hourly wage at 52.4%, behind only Tucson, Arizona.

Conversely, Boston was among the most affordable for a large Big Mac meal as a percentage of the median hourly wage at only 37.9%.

To see CashNetUSAs full methodology and findings nationwide, visit its website.
Former Harvard Medical School morgue manager Cedric Lodge, 55, shields his face with a printout of the indictment against him as he walked from the Warren B. Rudman United States Courthouse, following his arrest on charges related to an alleged scheme to steal and sell donated body parts. (Photo by Steven Porter/The Boston Globe via Getty Images) Boston Globe via Getty Images

The former manager at the Harvard Medical School morgue, who was accused of stealing and selling body parts, is set to plead guilty to a single count of interstate transport of stolen goods, court records show.

Cedric Lodge, of Goffstown, New Hampshire, becomes at least the third person to plead guilty in the stolen human remains scheme  his wife, Denise, pleaded guilty last April, and another man, Jeremy Pauley, pleaded guilty in September 2023.
A Brood X 17-year cicada is photographed May 27, 2021, at Mountain Lakes Nature Preserve in Princeton, New Jersey. Andre Malok File Photo | NJ Advance Media for NJ.com

Its been 17 years since the world last saw the periodical cicadas and theyre about to pop out of the earth again.

The periodical cicadas, known as the Brood XIV, will be emerging in 14 states, including Massachusetts, according to Cicada Safari, a research and mapping app developed by Dr. Gene Kritsky from Mount St. Joseph University in Ohio.

The brood is expected to emerge anytime from late April to early May.

Periodical cicadas are insects such as the stink bug, bed bug, aphids and cicada families. The last time these critters emerged was in 2008.

After broods hatch, the nymphs stay underground feeding on tree root tap and wait to come out, Tamra Reall, an entomologist at the University of Missouri, told ABC News.

They were first recorded by the Pilgrims at Plymouth Colony in 1634 and were known to Native Americans for centuries before the Europeans came over to North America, Cicada Safari reports.

In 1634, William Bradford, a governor of the Plymouth colony, wrote that these bugs were great flies that made a constant yelling noise and made all the woods ring of them, National Geographic wrote.

Annual cicadas are commonly known to have black or brown eyes. However, there are five species of periodical cicadas and each brood year can include multiple species, National Geographic explained. In total, there are 15 different broods, some of which are 17-year cicadas mainly in the north and 13-year cicadas mostly in the south.

Notably, the brood species Magicicada cassini, Magicicada septendecim and Magicicada septendecula are all expected to occur in Long Island and on Cape Cod. The University of Connecticut found this overlap unusual due to sandy soil conditions prevalent in these coastal areas.

A 17-year cicada pops up on a gravestone May 27, 2021, in Mount Olivet Cemetery in New Cumberland, Pennsylvania. Mark Pynes File Photo | For pennlive.com

Adult cicadas will not sting or bite humans or carry diseases. However, young trees can be harmed when females lay their eggs in the trees new growth, Cicada Safari reports, adding that these bugs should not be sprayed to kill them.

Because they fly into a tree to lay their eggs and spraying will not kill these incoming cicadas, Cicada Safaris website reads. If you have a young tree, you can loosely wrap the branches with cheesecloth to keep the female from laying her eggs.

Additionally, pesticides are not effective at controlling periodical cicadas and they are not considered pests; therefore, they do not need to be killed.

Cicada Safari notes that these broods emergence tunnels in the ground act as a natural aeration of the soil. The many adult cicadas also provide a substantial food source for various predators, which is a positive impact on their populations.

Although the females egg-laying is harmful to young trees, the process is actually considered helpful for natural pruning of trees, resulting in the tree producing more flowers and fruit the following year.

Lastly, when cicadas die, their decaying bodies help create a huge amount of nitrogen and other nutrients for the soil.

Those interested in searching and tracking the Brood XIV Cicadas can download the free Cicada Safari app. Users can photograph and submit the periodical cicadas, which could be posted on a live map for others to see.

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Harvard University, one of the top higher education institutions in the world, is under fire from the United States government for refusing to comply with demands from President Donald Trumps administration.

Massive funding cuts to the university announced this week will likely affect academic programming and research at Harvard, though its unclear exactly what will be affected.

However, Harvards influence extends far beyond its famous Cambridge campus, and the freeze on federal funding could have far-reaching effects than you might expect.

Why is funding being cut?

Early this month, the Trump administration sent a letter to Harvard detailing a list of demands the institution would have to comply with to avoid having its $9 billion in federal funding to the school and its affiliates cancelled.

The demands in that letter  and a subsequent letter submitted to the Harvard on Friday  include canceling all diversity, equity and inclusion programs, banning masks on campus, ending admission and hiring policies based on race and national origin, reviewing programs and departments that fuel antisemitic harassment, cooperating with law enforcement and allowing the government to audit the viewpoints of students, faculty and staff and forcing the university to hire people.

However, Harvards administration refused to comply with the demands, saying in a letter that The university will not surrender its independence or relinquish its constitutional rights.

Neither Harvard nor any other private university can allow itself to be taken over by the federal government, the letter read.

What does Harvard own or influence outside of its Cambridge campus?

Harvards reach goes far beyond Harvard Yard. The school is a major landowner in the Boston area, notably controlling about one-third of the land in Bostons Allston neighborhood, where it is planning a massive research campus.

The school also owns the Arnold Arboretum in the Jamaica Plain and Roslindale neighborhoods of Boston and other properties around Massachusetts, such as the 4,000-acre Harvard Forest in Petersham and the 650-acre Concord Station in Concords Estabrook Woods.

Harvard is known as a top organization for medical and health-related research. Many local hospitals teach Harvard Medical School students, and the school gives their physicians appointments at the medical school in return. The Harvard Medical School website lists 15 such affiliates, including some of Bostons largest medical institutions, including Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston Childrens Hospital, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Brigham and Womens Hospital, the VA Boston Healthcare System and others.

Harvard also partners with a number of respected non-hospital research labs and institutions, such as the Broad Institute at Massachusetts Institute of Technology, the ADA Forsyth Institute, Ragon Institute, Whitehead Institute, Wyss Institute, Baim Institute and others.

The Harvard University campus. Trea Lavery/MassLive

What federal funds could Harvard lose?

Hours after Harvards announcement that it would not meet the governments demands on Monday, the U.S. Department of Education said it would immediately freeze $2.2 billion in multi-year grant and $60 million in multi-year contract value to the school.

Harvards statement today reinforces the troubling entitlement mindset that is endemic in our nations most prestigious universities and colleges  that federal investment does not come with the responsibility to uphold civil rights laws," the Joint Task Force to Combat Anti-Semitism said in a statement on the DOE website.

For now, the cuts appear to have affected only grants directly to Harvards programming and research, rather than those of its affiliates. A $60 million contract with the National Institutes of Health funded a major tuberculosis study at the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Health, which was halted after the announcement of the funding freeze, according to the Boston Globe.

Other than the tuberculosis study, however, it is not yet publicly clear what funding has been cut, though a DOE spokesperson told the Globe the Boston-area hospitals affiliated with the university were unaffected.

Neither Harvard nor DOE responded to requests for comment from MassLive.

What funding could be at risk in the future?

The Trump administration has said it is reviewing the $9 billion in funding to Harvard and its affiliates, so while the existing cuts only affect $2.2 billion, that could change in the future.

A memo obtained by the Boston Globe detailed $255 million in federal government contracts that were included in the review, including the $60 million tuberculosis study.

While about $98 million of the contracts identified by the Globe were described as going to Harvard directly, other contracts listed in the memo went to Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Boston Childrens Hospital and Mass General Brigham, the parent organization of Massachusetts General Hospital and Brigham and Womens Hospital.

The Harvard University website homepage was recently updated to showcase its various research projects and how that research affected peoples lives.

Harvard may lose its tax-exempt status

The government has also threatened to revoke Harvards tax-exempt status.

If that happens, the school could be required to pay federal and state taxes on income from its approximately $53.2 billion endowment and donations it receives, as well as property taxes. It may also lead to fewer donations, as they might not be tax-exempt for donors.

Just under a third of Harvards research funding  approximately $490 million  comes from the university itself. The other $1 billion that makes up Harvards research budget comes from the federal government, various research foundations and private sponsors, according to the university.

A spokesperson for Harvard told MassLive in a statement on Wednesday that losing its tax-exempt status would be a big problem for the university.

The tax exemption means that more of every dollar can go toward scholarships for students, lifesaving and life-enhancing medical research and technological advancements that drive economic growth, he wrote.
Federal law enforcement officers have arrested a Brazilian woman accused of entering the U.S. illegally and raping a child on Cape Cod, Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) announced Monday.

Ilma Leandro De Oliveira, 53, is facing charges of rape of a child, reckless endangerment of a child, indecent exposure, indecent assault and battery on a child under 14, unnatural acts with a child, aggravated statutory rape of a child and incest out of Falmouth District Court, ICE said in a press release Monday. ICE and other federal law enforcement officers arrested her in Falmouth on March 20.

Leandro was previously arrested in September 2007 after she entered the U.S. illegally near Laredo, Texas, according to ICE. In December of that year, she was deported to Brazil.

ICE is unsure of when Leandro illegally reentered the U.S., but she was arraigned on the child sexual abuse charges on March 18, according to ICE. After her arrest, ICE served her with a notice of intent to reinstate a prior removal order.

ICE transferred custody of Leandro over to the U.S. Marshals Service on April 8, it said. Leandro is expected to be prosecuted for illegal reentry after being deported.

Ilma Leandro De Oliveira is charged with seven different crimes regarding the sexual victimization of a child in our Massachusetts community. These are crimes we simply will not tolerate, ICE Boston Field Office Director Patricia Hyde said in the release.
Lawyer Robert Alessi and Karen Read go over documents during a hearing ahead of Read's second trial for the 2022 death of her boyfriend John O'Keefe on Wednesday, April 16, 2025 in Dedham, Mass. (Greg Derr/The Patriot Ledger via AP, Pool) AP

The judge overseeing the Karen Read case set key deadlines requiring Reads defense to turn over information about its relationship with a pair of accident reconstruction experts first hired by the federal government in advance of her second trial.

During a hearing Wednesday, special prosecutor Hank Brennan accused Reads defense of attempting to ambush them with new information in the middle of the trial. He said they needed to turn over information regarding the experts, who work for the firm ARCCA. But Alan Jackson, a lawyer for Read, said the defense had met its obligations in advance of the forthcoming second trial.

Read more: Prosecution targets federal crash experts testimony ahead of Karen Read trial

Judge Beverly Cannone ordered the defense to turn over any bills or invoices from the firm and all communications between anyone working for ARCCA and any member of the defense, including Read herself, by 5 p.m. Friday.

They must also disclose any representation agreements or anticipated reimbursements or payments by that time.

Cannone also ordered the defense to disclose any additional testing they either requested or contemplated from ARCCA, the date additional testing will be completed by, and the results of any additional tests.

Jackson said in court Wednesday that the experts, who were retained by the defense last month after their employment with the federal government ended, may conduct additional testing to refute the conclusions of a prosecution expert.

The experts, Daniel Wolfe and Andrew Rentschler, testified at Reads first trial that they were hired by the FBI to examine the damage to Reads car. Their testing, they said, showed the car was likely not damaged by striking Reads boyfriend, Boston Police officer John OKeefe, as prosecutors have said.

But much like the first trial, neither Wolfe nor Rentschler will be allowed to testify that they were first hired by the federal government.

Reads second trial on charges of second-degree murder, manslaughter while operating under the influence and leaving the scene of an accident causing injury or death begins in earnest with opening statements on Tuesday.

Prosecutors say Read, 45, intentionally hit OKeefe with her SUV after dropping him off outside the home of a fellow Boston Police officer in Canton. OKeefes body was found in the snow outside on the morning of Jan. 29, 2022.

Reads defense claims she is being framed and others are responsible for OKeefes death.

Separately, Read has appealed to the U.S. Supreme Court in a bid to get the murder and leaving the scene charges dropped on double jeopardy grounds. The nations highest court will discuss whether to take up her petition at a conference next on April 25.
Marion police arrested a boarding school kitchen worker Wednesday after students reported that hed exposed himself to them at the school earlier in the day.

New Bedford resident Joao Andrade, 38, is facing two counts of open and gross lewdness in connection with the incident, Marion police said in a press release.

Marion police received a call from Tabor Academy shortly before noon on Wednesday, the department said. Two students reported that a kitchen worker had exposed himself to them while they were in the schools dining hall.
A Maryland man is facing charges in connection with coercing a Massachusetts teen to travel to Baltimore to engage in commercial sex acts, the Massachusetts U.S. Attorneys Office announced Wednesday.

A federal grand jury indicted 44-year-old David Kaufman on two counts of knowingly persuading, inducing, enticing and coercing an individual to travel in interstate commerce to engage in prostitution, the U.S. Attorneys office said in a press release. He is also charged with aiding and abetting.

On two occasions, Kaufman coerced a Massachusetts 18-year-old to visit his penthouse condo at the Four Seasons in Baltimore, the U.S. Attorneys office said. Kaufman paid for the teens plane tickets and provided the victim with alcohol and cocaine once they arrived.

Kaufman is accused of having persuaded the teen to engage in sex acts while they were intoxicated and taking a video of the encounter, the U.S. Attorneys office said. He then provided the teen with cash, electronic money transfers and gifts in exchange for the sex acts.

There is also evidence suggesting that Kaufman has been victimizing 14- to 17-year-olds by paying them for child sexual abuse material, the U.S. Attorneys office said. In some cases, he is believed to have enticed them to travel to Baltimore and elsewhere to engage in sex acts with him while he records the encounters on video.

Kaufman typically provides his victims with gifts and money in exchange for child sexual abuse material and sex acts, the U.S. Attorneys office said. For example, after he and the Massachusetts teen engaged in sex acts in February 2024, he is alleged to have bought the victim a Louis Vuitton bag.

Kaufman appeared in federal court in Maryland on Wednesday and was ordered detained pending a hearing scheduled Thursday afternoon, the U.S. Attorneys office said. He is set to appear in federal court in Massachusetts at a later date.

Each charge of coercing a person to travel for purposes of prostitution provides for a sentence of up to 20 years in prison, up to three years of supervised release and a fine of up to $250,000, the U.S. Attorneys office said.

If you have information or questions about this investigation, or someone you know may be impacted or experiencing commercial sex trafficking or child exploitation, the Massachusetts U.S. Attorneys Office asks that you contact officials via email at USAMA.VictimAssistance@usdoj.gov.
A person sustained life-threatening injuries in a late-night shooting in Chelsea Wednesday, police said.

Chelsea police went to the area of Webster Avenue and Broadway around 10 p.m. Wednesday for a report of a possible stabbing. Arriving officers found a 33-year-old from Chelsea on the ground with a significant gunshot wound to their head, Police Chief Keith Houghton said in a statement.

The person was taken to Massachusetts General Hospital, where they underwent emergency surgery, police said. They are listed in critical condition with life-threatening injuries.
Right whales EgNo 3540 Blackheart and her calf 3540 in Cape Cod Bay on March 27. Center for Coastal Studies photo taken under NOAA Permit 25740-02 Courtesy of the Center for Coastal Studies.

The MBTA has temporarily changed its Lynn ferry service schedule due to the presence of right whales in Broad Sound, between Lynn and Boston.

As of Thursday, Ferries will operate at reduced speeds until Tuesday, April 29, the MBTA said in an alert on its website.

Delays are expected and some ferry trips between Lynn and Boston could be canceled. These trips will now take about 90 minutes, which is more than double the typical 40 minutes it takes for the ferries to travel, the MBTA said in a statement on Wednesday.

All vessels in Broad Sound are required to follow the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administrations guidance to reduce speeds to 10 knots in order to protect the whales in the area, the MBTA stated.

For now, this change is only affecting the Lynn ferry route, the transportation agency added.

This action is in coordination with federal environmental protections, specifically the recently implemented right whale Dynamic Management Area in Broad Sound, the Lynn ferrys main route, the MBTAs statement read.

Right whales have recently been sighted in Broad Sound, the statement read.

The MBTA and Boston Harbor City Cruises are complying out of an abundance of caution and environmental responsibility, the MBTA added.

Inbound tops from Lynn will now depart at 7:30 a.m. and arrive at Long Wharf at 8:55 a.m., the agency said. The other departing service will leave Lynn at 10:45 a.m. and arrive at Long Wharf at 12:15 p.m. Outbound trips from Boston will depart at 5:45 p.m. and arrive in Lynn at 7:15 p.m.

The ferry service may require further updates if needed, as the MBTA monitors updates from NOAA.

Being struck by boats and ships is the leading cause of death for right whales, according to NOAA. The whales swim at or just under the waters surface, which puts them at risk when fast-moving vessels are in the area. By slowing down the speed of these vessels, the risk of being struck is greatly reduced.

A few right whales have been spotted off the Massachusetts cost in recent days. A mother and her calf were seen in Cape Cod Bay, according to an April 14 Facebook post from the Center for Coastal Studies, based in Provincetown.

Last Thursday, the centers Marine Animal Entanglement Response team worked to disentangle a five-year-old male right whale with several ropes and buoys caught around its upper jaw, the group said in a statement on Tuesday. The whale had been entangled since December 2024.

Though the team was successful in removing some of the fishing gear, several hours of further attempts to approach the whales were unsuccessful, the Center for Coastal Studies stated. The entanglement could prove to be lethal for the mammal.

This will be a particularly challenging case to solve, rescue team Director Scott Landry said in the statement. While there may be enough entangling gear on the whale to kill him over the long term, there is not enough gear for us to use techniques we would normally use.
The Trump administration has requested that a top Internal Revenue Service (IRS) official rescind Harvard Universitys tax-exempt status, three people familiar with the situation told The Washington Post Wednesday.

Only the IRS can grant or revoke tax-exempt status, which can be given to many different types of organizations  including colleges and universities. But to keep this status, such organizations must abide by tax laws that bar them from participating in certain political activities.

Experts told The Washington Post there is no evidence that Harvard has violated these laws.

Jason Newton, Harvards Director of Communications, agreed with this assessment in a statement to MassLive Wednesday night, writing that there is no legal basis to rescind Harvards tax-exempt status.

The tax exemption means that more of every dollar can go toward scholarships for students, lifesaving and life-enhancing medical research and technological advancements that drive economic growth, he wrote.

If the IRS revokes the universitys tax-exempt status  an act Newton called unprecedented  it would endanger Harvards ability to carry out its education mission, he said.

It would result in diminished financial aid for students, abandonment of critical medical research programs, and lost opportunities for innovation, Newton wrote.

In the 2024 fiscal year, Harvard provided nearly $750 million in financial aid, according to the university.

Additionally, just under a third of Harvards research funding  approximately $490 million  comes from the university itself. The other $1 billion that makes up Harvards research budget comes from the federal government, various research foundations and private sponsors, according to the university.

The U.S. Treasury Department did not respond to a request for confirmation and comment Wednesday evening, but such a move would be the latest escalation in President Trumps feud with the university.

The Trump administration has demanded increased government control and other changes at Harvard in an attempt to force the university to scale back its diversity, equity and inclusion efforts and do more to crack down on antisemitism.

But while Harvard is far from the only university to have drawn the administrations ire in recent weeks, it alone has publicly said it will not comply with the administrations demands and in doing so jeopardize its freedom and independence.

As a result, the Trump administration froze $2.2 billion in federal funding for the university on Tuesday.
A federal immigration judge denied bond on Wednesday for Rumeysa Ozturk, the Tufts University student taken off the streets of Somerville by federal immigration agents in March.

Ozturk, a 30-year-old Turkish national, has been in federal custody since March 25 when Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents in plainclothes arrested her on the street in Somerville and whisked her to New Hampshire, then Vermont.

Ozturk was ultimately brought to a Louisiana detention center, where she has since been held as one of two dozen women in a 14-person cell and suffered several asthma attacks, according to her own accounts described in court filings.

She has not been charged with a crime to date and was targeted because of an op-ed she co-authored in her student newspaper.

During Ozturks immigration hearing in Louisiana, the immigration judge denied her bond because Ozturk is both a flight risk and a danger to the community, according to filings by her lawyers in Vermont federal court.

Her legal team contends the judges findings were based on a one-paragraph memorandum revoking her visa that the Department of Homeland Security filed. The memorandum solely pointed to Ozturks op-ed as evidence, her lawyers asserted.

Her lawyers include Mahsa Khanbabai of Khanbabai Immigration Law and several ACLU litigators.

In their filings, Ozturks legal team asked a federal judge in Vermont to release or at least return Ozturk to Vermont by April 18, in light of concerns for her health and the immigration court proceedings.

Yesterdays decision is exactly why we are fighting for the federal courts to intervene in Ms. Ozturks immigration case, Khanbabai said. She reiterated that her client has committed no crime and is not a danger to her community.

This attack on free speech is despicable, but we wont be deterred. We will keep fighting until Ms. Ozturk is safely returned home to Massachusetts, Khanbabai said.

Khanbabai previously filed a habeas corpus petition to ask for Ozturk to remain in Massachusetts the night she was detained, but Ozturk was already in Vermont at that time and in Louisiana the following day. A federal judge in Massachusetts transferred her case to Vermont.

Ozturk detailed her experience since being detained in court filings on April 11. She said the agents were scary and harsh during her initial arrest, and was not allowed to speak with a lawyer during her ride to New Hampshire and Vermont.

She wrote, I was afraid that if something happened to me, no one would know where I was.

During the night, they came to my cell multiple times and asked me questions about wanting to apply for asylum and if I was a member of a terrorist organization, the filing reads. I tried to be helpful and answer their questions but I was so tired and didnt understand what was happening to me.

Eventually, Ozturk was told she would be taken to Louisiana. An agent told her, I hope we treated you with respect.

The following morning, March 26, Ozturk was flown from Vermont to Atlanta on the way to Louisiana. In the Atlanta airport, she had the first of four asthma attacks shes suffered in ICE custody.
A 20-year-old man was arraigned Wednesday after prosecutors say he was caught on camera vandalizing a Tesla Cybertruck in a Hingham parking lot over the weekend.

The man is charged with one count of malicious destruction of property. He pleaded not guilty to the charge during his arraignment and was released on personal recognizance, Plymouth County District Attorney Tim Cruzs office said in a statement. The man was ordered to stay away from the victim.

On Sunday, Hingham Police went to the intersection of North and Mill streets for reports of intentional vandalism to a vehicle. The owner of the 2024 Tesla Cybertruck told police a safety feature altered him that someone touched his vehicle and automatically recorded the incident.

The video shows a person, later identified as the 20-year-old man, keying the vehicle on the passenger side at around 7:30 p.m. Sunday.

The man was arrested after meeting with Hingham police on Tuesday.

The incident marked the second Tesla vandalism in Hingham this month.

On April 1, a man reported to Hingham police that his car had been vandalized while parked in the Derby Street Shops parking lot earlier that day. Security cameras on the mans 2021 Tesla Model Y captured a man parking his car in a space near the Tesla before walking by the vehicle with an item in his hand, Hingham police said in a statement.

The 50-year-old man can be seen reaching out and scratching the drivers side of the Tesla as he walks past, police said.

Vandalism of Teslas has grown increasingly common across the country  and in Massachusetts  after President Donald Trumps inauguration on Jan. 20 and Tesla CEO Elon Musks close ties to the Trump administration.

In March, seven charging stations were damaged in Littleton in what appeared to be an act of arson, and two Cybertrucks and one Tesla car were vandalized outside of a Tesla store in Dedham.
An 86-year-old Brookline woman who was struck by a Massachusetts State Police cruiser in January has died, leaving her family with questions about the role the crash played in her death.

Margie Mendez was hit by a state police cruiser around 1:15 p.m. on Jan. 15 at the intersection of Route 9 and Hammond Street in Brooklines Chestnut Hill neighborhood, state police said previously. She died nearly three months later on April 5, according to her obituary.

Shortly after the crash, state police claimed the cruiser made contact with Mendez at a very low speed. She had been running errands when she was hit by a state trooper in the crosswalk, the familys GoFundMe campaign page stated. The collision caused her to fall and hit her head, but she was conscious and alert when taken to a hospital for treatment, police said.
SPRINGFIELD  A total of 36 of the citys most vulnerable residents will soon be handed a key to their own apartment with their own kitchen, bathroom and a myriad of supportive services that will keep them stable, housed and able to move forward.

Officials for Clinical and Support Options Inc. officially broke ground on the approximately $20 million project at 775 Worthington St. Wednesday, while surrounded by multiple supporters and partners who provided financing and other assistance to make the project possible.

As we break ground today we are also breaking cycles. We are breaking cycles of instability and of isolation, said Karin Jeffers, president and chief executive officer of Clinical Support Options. Together we are building something stronger, a community that says you belong here.
Edward Wright, seen here at trial in 1995, was wrongly convicted of a murder he did not commit, says the Innocence Project New England, based on fresh DNA evidence. (Frank Usin / The Republican, File) The Republican

SPRINGFIELD  Edward Wright has spent four decades behind bars, dreaming of the day he might walk free.

On Friday, that dream edged closer to reality as Hampden Superior Court Judge Jeremy Bucci overturned Wrights conviction, citing hidden evidence and new DNA tests proving Wrights innocence, the New England Innocence Project shared on Wednesday. However, the Hampden District Attorneys Office said it has filed an appeal and is ready to defend the integrity of the original conviction.
Jennifer Levi is the senior director of transgender and queer rights at GLBTQ Legal Advocates & Defenders. (Courtesy of GLBTQ Legal Advocates & Defenders) Courtesy of GLAD Law

SPRINGFIELD  One day after President Donald Trump issued an executive order that called for a ban on transgender people from the military, GLBTQ Legal Advocates & Defenders and the National Center for Lesbian Rights sued the government.

Filed in late January, the case was the first lawsuit to challenge the ban, according to The Associated Press.
Dr. Gregory Rosenthal will begin as the new administrator of special services and student support services for the Westfield Public Schools on July 1. (SUBMITTED) The Westfield News

WESTFIELD  At the School Committee meeting on April 7, Superintendent Stefan Czaporowski and Human Services Director Michael Morris introduced Dr. Gregory Rosenthal as the search committees pick to be the new administrator of special services and student support services. Rosenthal will replace Debra Ecker, who is retiring after serving five years at the top special education post and previously as a supervisor.
The Westfield Fire Department was well-represented in the Wyben parade. (MARC ST. ONGE / THE WESTFIELD NEWS) The Westfield News

Local fire departments received some much needed assistance from the state that will allow them to either purchase new gear or continue important safety programming.

The Healey-Driscoll administration recently announced its final round of fire equipment and fire safety education grants, totaling more than $3 million for more than 300 Massachusetts fire departments. This round of grants will provide $1.63 million in funding to fire departments in 266 communities. In many cases, the reimbursed purchases will help them attain compliance with Occupational Safety & Health administration or National Fire Protection Association safety standards.
Leicester High School alumn Kaylana Ryan was honored during the school's Evening of the Arts ceremony. Adam Bass

At Leicester High School, Kaylana Ryan was remembered for her bright personality, along with her love and dedication for playing tenor saxophone.

Ryan, 19, died in February of this year after her heart stopped due to atrial fibrillation when she was taking a nap. Ryans atrial fibrillation occurred due to Marfans Syndrome  a genetic disease she had her whole life.

In honor of Ryan, Leicester Public Schools dedicated their annual Evening of the Arts to her.

The Evening of the Arts is a showcase of visual art and musical performances from students at Leicester Elementary, Middle and High School.

All the students and the teachers wore ribbons of different colors. This was in memory of Ryans bright and colorful personality, according to Leicester High School music teacher Alexis Phillips.

Phillips taught Ryan when she attended Leicester High School. She said that the 19-year-old loved playing the tenor sax and was always striving to be a better player.

She was vibrant, colorful, imaginative, Phillips said. Always working hard, striving to be a better player, a better human and always hilarious.

Ella Smith, a senior, knew Ryan and met her when she was a freshman. The two of them were into the same indie band, Mother Mother.

There was a fish head on the album and I was like, Oh I love that album too, Smith said.

The set list of music being performed by Leicester High School students, including Smith, consists of songs that Ryan enjoyed playing, including Battle Cry of Freedom by George Frederick Root.

She would have loved any music that she wanted to be a part of, Phillips said. She would have loved to play that.

Leicester High School music teacher Alexis Phillips, and seniors Ella Smith and Kaiden Fevens wear ribbons of different colors in honor of Kaylana Ryan, who died suddenly this year. Adam Bass

An array of multicolor ribbons

The ribbons worn by students and teachers included red, gold, and rainbow ones and also ones that sparkle.

Kristina Looney, Leicester Middle Schools music teacher, even dyed a part of her hair purple for the event in honor of Ryan  who herself had dyed a part of her hair blue.

When we think of her, we think color, Looney said.

Looney told MassLive that one of the original plans for the tribute was to have either maroon ribbons representing Leicester or red ribbons representing Ryans condition.

It was decided, however, that the best way to honor Ryan was to have ribbons of multiple colors worn by everyone.

When Looney found out that Ryan died, she couldnt believe that it happened.

Such an awesome person, especially so young, Looney said. I was in disbelief.

Looney had Ryan as a student when she attended Leicester Middle School. She remembered how she loved to play the score to the Harry Potter movies and the Civil War-era song, The Great Locomotive Chase.

She told MassLive that she thinks Ryan would be happy that the school is honoring her with this night along with the ribbons.

Leicester Middle School music teacher Kristina Looney dyed a part of her hair purple in honor of her late student, Kaylana Ryan. Adam Bass

Ryans impact

Ryan was also a sophomore at Nichols College. She was an avid fan of Dungeons & Dragons, Hello Kitty and was the Vice President of her colleges paranormal activity club.

Beginning in 2024, Ryan would help sell desserts at Bris Sweet Treats  a candy store located in the Worcester Public Market.

Briana Azier, the owner of the business, remembers how Ryan would greet customers with a big smile, asking them if they would like to try a free sample.

When Ryan died, Azier launched an annual scholarship named after her  The Kaylana Ryan Memorial Scholarship. The scholarship is for Central Massachusetts high schoolers and is worth $1,250, according to Azier.

The purpose of the scholarship is to honor Ryan not just for her work at Bris Sweet Treats but for the passion and love she put into everything she did in life.

Those eligible for the scholarship need to demonstrate that they, too, have a creative passion, show resilience in overcoming challenges and have a strong work ethic. Applicants must also submit a 300-500 word essay that answers how they express their creativity, submit a creative submission  such as a short story or a piece of artwork  and proof of high school enrollment along with their expected graduation year.

The application for the scholarship can be found here.

Beyond her impact at work, Ryan has also been an inspiration for Leicester Public School students.

Dakota Zenkevich, who plays alto saxophone, told MassLive that she would play with Ryan when she was in her freshman year. She said that she was shocked to find out that Ryan had died but was determined to play her best on Wednesday in her honor.

I remember how much fun she was as a person, Zenkevich said. To be able to play to the best of my ability is the way she would have wanted me to.
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The proposal affirms the sovereignty of countries to address public health matters within their borders

After more than three years of intensive negotiations, WHO Member States took a major step forward in efforts to make the world safer from pandemics, by forging a draft agreement for consideration at the upcoming World Health Assembly in May. The proposal aims to strengthen global collaboration on prevention, preparedness and response to future pandemic threats.

In December 2021, at the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, WHO Member States established the Intergovernmental Negotiating Body (INB)to draft and negotiate a convention, agreement or other international instrument, under the WHO Constitution, to strengthen pandemic prevention, preparedness and response.

Following 13 formal rounds of meetings, nine of which were extended, and many informal and intersessional negotiations on various aspects of the draft agreement, the INB today finalized a proposal for the WHO Pandemic Agreement. The outcome of the INBs work will now be presented to the Seventy-eighth World Health Assembly for its consideration.

 The nations of the world made history in Geneva today,  said Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, WHO Director-General.

 In reaching consensus on the Pandemic Agreement, not only did they put in place a generational accord to make the world safer, they have also demonstrated that multilateralism is alive and well, and that in our divided world, nations can still work together to find common ground, and a shared response to shared threats. I thank WHOs Member States, and their negotiating teams, for their foresight, commitment and tireless work. We look forward to the World Health Assemblys consideration of the agreement and  we hope  its adoption. 

Proposals within the text developed by the INB include establishing a pathogen access and benefit sharing system; taking concrete measures on pandemic prevention, including through a One Health approach; building geographically diverse research and development capacities; facilitating the transfer of technology and related knowledge, skills and expertise for the production of pandemic-related health products; mobilizing a skilled, trained and multidisciplinary national and global health emergency workforce; setting up a coordinating financial mechanism; taking concrete measures to strengthen preparedness, readiness and health system functions and resilience; and establishing a global supply chain and logistics network.

The proposal affirms the sovereignty of countries to address public health matters within their borders, and provides that nothing in the draft agreement shall be interpreted as providing WHO any authority to direct, order, alter or prescribe national laws or policies, or mandate States to take specific actions, such as ban or accept travellers, impose vaccination mandates or therapeutic or diagnostic measures or implement lockdowns.

Dr Tedros paid tribute to the members of the Bureau who guided the INB process: Co-Chairs Ms Precious Matsoso (South Africa) and Ambassador Anne-Claire Amprou (France), and Vice-Chairs Ambassador Tovar da Silva Nunes (Brazil), Ambassador Amr Ramadan (Egypt), Dr Viroj Tangcharoensathien (Thailand); and Ms Fleur Davies (Australia). Past members included former Co-Chair, Mr Roland Driece (the Netherlands), and former Vice-Chairs Ambassador Honsei (Japan) and Mr Ahmed Soliman (Egypt). The Director-General also acknowledged the constant support provided by WHO Secretariat colleagues.

INB Co-Chair Ms Matsoso said:

I am overjoyed by the coming together of countries, from all regions of the world, around a proposal to increase equity and, thereby, protect future generations from the suffering and losses we suffered during the COVID-19 pandemic. The negotiations, at times, have been difficult and protracted. But this monumental effort has been sustained by the shared understanding that viruses do not respect borders, that no one is safe from pandemics until everyone is safe, and that collective health security is an aspiration we deeply believe in and want to strengthen.

Fellow INB Co-Chair, Ambassador Amprou, said the draft agreement is a major step in strengthening the global health security architecture so people of the world would be better protected from the next pandemic.

In drafting this historic agreement, the countries of the world have demonstrated their shared commitment to preventing and protecting everyone, everywhere, from future pandemic threats, Ambassador Amprou said. While the commitment to prevention through the One Health approach is a major step forward in protecting populations, the response will be faster, more effective and more equitable. This is a historic agreement for health security, equity and international solidarity.

The INB was established in December 2021, at a special session of the World Health Assembly , bringing together Member States and relevant stakeholders, including international organizations, private sector, and civil society. At the World Health Assembly in June 2024, governments made concrete commitments to complete negotiations on a global pandemic agreement within a year. The upcoming Assembly starting 19 May 2025 will consider the proposal developed by the INB and take the final decision on whether to adopt the instrument under Article 19 of the WHO Constitution.
'Mysterious' work and activity on the site of the old St Mary's Secondary School in north Mayo is causing concern amongst local residents, warned local councillors.

The future plans for the old St Mary's Secondary School in Ballina are uncertain after a planning application to turn it into an IPAS centre was rejected earlier this year.

However, local councillors raised concerns at the monthly meeting of the Ballina Municipal District and asked for clarity on activity on the site after mobile homes and security huts were moved in and claims beds were moved into the building.

There is work going on there all the time, local councillor Annie May Reape told the meeting after asking council officials if the site on Mc Dermott Street is subject to a live planning application.

READ: No 'separate pot of money' available to make Mayo an autism friendly county

The local councillors attended a meeting with local residents last week and expressed frustration that they had no information to tell them what was happening on the site. Cllr Reape said that mobile homes had moved onto the site which was making it unsightly and questioned why the enforcement office had not got involved.

Fine Gael councillor John O'Hara echoed her concerns saying that there is security on site and lights were beaming into people's windows at night and it was disconcerting to locals.

It is important for the people who live there to know what is happening, he said.

There is renovation going on and there are people in mobiles. It is very wrong that we don't know what is happening. As citizens the local people are entitled to know what is going in there beside them. People need to know what is happening and it is only fair that people are told.

There has been speculation that the site will be turned into a nursing home but in response, Declan Turnbull, Head of the Ballina Municipal District confirmed that there was no live planning application for the old St Mary's building for a nursing home or any other development.

The site is owned by a company in Dublin and is a private building. There is no live planning application in there at the moment. If something is done and they apply for retention that will be dealt with in the normal way.

If there is activity going on if we think it is outside the planning regulations it can be looked at by planning enforcement but I can't say what is going on down there. It is private property and people are entitled to work on their property as they wish. If complaints have been made they can be investigated but they haven't been made and we are not aware of anything, he said.

The former St Marys Secondary School site was used by the school until it moved into a new state-of-the-art facility nearby in September 2022. The school site was subsequently sold to a Dublin-based company.

Independent councillor Marie Therese Duffy described what was taking place at the old school site as mysterious and that the residents are so concerned by the activity on site. She said machinery is heard coming from the building and trucks are moving in and out.

It is having a huge impact on residents and not knowing is troubling people. It was rejected [for an IPAS Centre] but what is next. They are wondering if something else will happen and it is done before they know it. They are still concerned about what is going to happen, she said.
THE publication of legislation to regulate short-term letting has been welcomed by Mayo Fine Gael TD Alan Dillon.

The Short-Term Letting and Tourism (STLT) Bill aims to establish a register for all short-term lets in Ireland from May 20, 2026.

The bill was initially introduced in 2022 but was stalled by the EU Commission to allow time to agree on a unified EU-wide approach to regulating short-term lettings.

There are currently thousands of short-term lettings in Mayo listed on Airbnb, a website which allows rooms or entire properties to be let out to tourists. Last December, over 1,000 entire houses in Mayo were listed on the website - a figure far greater than the number of long-term rental properties available at any given time.

Minister Dillon said there would be further opportunities for discussion and scrutiny regarding the potential impact on tourism in Mayo.

A 2023 study by Oxford Economics estimated Airbnb accommodation to be worth over 20 million to Mayos economy in 2022.

Under the proposed legislation, properties providing short-term accommodation for up to and including 21 days must register with Failte Ireland. Minister Dillon said the new register would, for the first time, provide accurate and up-to-date data on the numbers and distribution of this accommodation.

Currently, short-term letting properties in Rent Pressure Zones must have appropriate planning permission if a secondary property is rented out for more than 90 days per year. Westport is currently the only Rent Pressure Zone in Mayo.

Minister Dillon said that new housing policy will generally restrict new planning permissions for short-term lets in cities and towns with a Census population exceeding 10,000, or as specified by regulations. Local authorities, including Mayo County Council, will have the discretion to develop policies for other areas based on relevant local criteria outlined in the guidance.

The disparity between the number of short-term and long-term rental properties in Mayo has attracted public criticism from local elected representatives and council officials.

Louisburgh-based county councillor Chris Maxwell (Independent Ireland) defended Airbnb providers at a recent meeting of Westport-Belmullet Municipal District, saying they were providing a badly-needed service because there is nothing else in terms of accommodation in the locality.

Minister Dillon added: The long-term development of the tourism sector nationally and here in Mayo requires a balanced approach between the short-term letting sector, the long-term housing market, and the broader needs of local communities, both economically and socially.
A Nottingham womans fond memories of her childhood holidays in Mayo have been immortalised in a book from the National Museum of Country Life.

The museum, based in Turlough Park, has encouraged visitors to submit their tales of rural life in the county during their visits to the facility.

READ MORE: North Mayo road closed after bridge collapses

Now the book, titled Happy Days and Hard Times, is set to hit the shelves.

Included in the plethora of incredible tales from years gone by is the account of a Nottingham womans experiences on her jaunts to the West of Ireland as a child.

The story details her experiences coming to Mayo in a tiny car, with the suitcase tied on top.

The museum is not done collecting these tales. Following the release of their third collection, they are already collecting accounts for the future, with members of the public encouraged to fill out the memory sheets in the reminiscence corner of the museum, or by downloading one here.

Copies of Happy Days and Hard Times, compiled and authored by Joanne Hamilton, are available from the National Museum of Ireland locations in Turlough Park, Kildare Street(Dublin), and Collins Barracks(Dublin).
German discount store Aldi have appealed a decision by Mayo County Council not to grant planning permission for a new store in Swinford.

Last month, Mayo County Council refused planning permission to Aldi to construct a single storey discount foodstore to be located across the road from the existing Tesco supermarket in Swinford.

A number of local people had raised objections to the development to be located on the Castlebar and Kiltimagh Roads with many arguing it was in the wrong location and would be detrimental to the town centre.

In refusing planning permission for the development, Mayo County Council stated that if granted the proposed development would have an adverse impact on the 'vitality, viability and attractiveness of the existing traditional town centre of Swinford', and if permitted would result in 'an over-concentration of retail development, both convenience and comparison in this area of Swinford town'.

READ: Achill Half Marathon and 10k launches sold out 20th anniversary event

The planners also cited traffic concerns regarding how HGV traffic will safely access and egress the site from the serving public road and that the applicant did not demonstrate how the development promotes pedestrian connectivity with the existing town centre.

Aldi have lodged an appeal against the decision to An Bord Pleanala and if successful, the Swinford store will be the seventh Aldi discount store in Co Mayo with stores already in Castlebar, Ballina, Claremorris, Ballinrobe, Ballyhaunis and Belmullet.

The Swinford development is to comprise a gross floor area of 1,908 square metres with one vehicular entrance from the Castlebar Road and the provision one vehicular and one pedestrian access from the Kiltimagh Road.

It was also to be served by 112 car parking spaces including seven disabled accessible bays, nine family bays, four electric vehicle bays and 18 cycle spaces.

In their application to Mayo County Council, MKO Planning and Environmental Consultancy, acting on behalf of Aldi, argued that of the two supermarkets in Swinford, only Kennedy's Eurospar was located in the traditional core town centre and as a consequence there was no over concentration of retail development.

They also argued that Swinford town centre cannot accommodate a modern large-scale convenience retail development without 'the requirement for significant site assembly, demolition and potential impacts on the traditional and established street frontage pattern'.

Therefore, modern large-scale convenience retail development in Swinford must be accommodated on suitably zoned lands which adjoin the traditional town centre, the application stated.
by Adam Buckman , Featured Columnist, April 16, 2025

In the face of existential threats from a tinpot dictator, our national news media must look inside itself and gird for battle.

The industry has a potent weapon at its disposal. It is called the power of journalism.

The professionalism, proficiency, diligence and courage of our leading journalists, and the institutions they work for, are on view for all to see every day -- reporting from war zones, crime scenes, natural disasters, courts and Capitol Hill.

These stories are necessary items on any daily story list, but the threat to press freedom must be moved up from lower positions on the news lists to the top of the ladder and should remain a top priority indefinitely.

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Journalistic institutions now under threat must mobilize their resources, talent and experience to expose a government that is clearly intent on suppressing freedom of the press.

It is a freedom that was deemed so important by the Founding Fathers that they enshrined it in the First Amendment -- not the Third Amendment or the Fifth or the Ninth, but the First.

Presidents and public figures have long complained about the news business and how it swarms around them like gnats they cannot easily swat away.

That is how it has always been. It is how it should always be -- in conformity with the credo that directs journalists to comfort the afflicted and afflict the comfortable.

With that in mind, making sure that freedom from the overreach of politicians in defiance of American democratic norms is the duty and responsibility of the Fourth Estate.

It is even more vital when American news institutions themselves are the ones under threat.

CBS News was targeted just this past Sunday night after 60 Minutes aired two segments that did not meet with the Trump administrations approval -- an interview with Volodymyr Zelenskyy and the other about Trumps plan for the conquest of Greenland.

As soon as the show ended, Trump was weaponizing the FCC to investigate the stories for biases and imbalances. Using a government agency in this way is the very definition of an abuse of power.

He then threatened to impose huge fines on CBS and revoke the broadcast licenses of the stations that aired the show (networks are not licensed by the FCC, but their owned stations and affiliates are).

Last year, he brought a lawsuit against CBS (Paramount) because he did not approve of the way the show edited an interview with Kamala Harris.

Also last year, he sued ABC for defamation because of the way ABC News characterized the civil lawsuit brought by E. Jean Carroll accusing Trump of sexually assaulting her.

ABC used the word rape in connection with its reporting on the civil trials verdict in Carrolls favor. The word was wrong to use because the court did not use it in its decision brief.

ABC settled the Trump suit without a trial last December by agreeing to contribute $15 million to the Trump Presidential Library fund.

To its credit, CBS has not yet settled last falls 60 Minutes suit, although recent reports say Paramount Global and Trump have agreed on a mediator who will help to facilitate a settlement.

Besides the lawsuits to which he appears to be addicted, Trumps attacks on the media have been ongoing -- most recently, his petulant ban of the Associated Press from White House press ops because of its refusal to call the Gulf of Mexico the Gulf of America.

He also routinely belittles and insults correspondents from news organizations he doesnt like such as CNN, whose personnel he berates constantly.

To journalists worth their salt, being banned from the White House and insulted by the president need not provide a barrier to covering any presidential administration -- not as long as there are phones and well-placed sources eager to talk on them.

In America, the news media should not have to labor under the heel of a jackboot.

It is time for the news media to direct their attention to working even harder to investigate all aspects of how the new Trump administration is crossing the boundaries of decency in almost everything it does.
by Fern Siegel , April 17, 2025

Popsycle, a data-driven marketing agency that supplies media-buying solutions to agencies, brands and nonprofits, has rebranded as Tara Media.

Founded in 2017, the agencys ad services includes strategy, creative design, campaign measurement and attribution, video and animation. It offers programmatic media buying on its owned-and-operated media platform for CTV, OTT, online video, display, audio and native media. There is also a social and DOOH component.

When we started this company in 2017, the goal was simple  help mission-driven organizations make a bigger impact through smarter digital campaigns. The new Tara Media identity better aligns with additional services we can provide through our holding company, The Tara Group, as well as our sister companies Statara and TargetSmart, Jeffrey Kaplan, CEO of TARA Media, told Agency Daily.

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Today, our growth is accelerating, and our vision is more streamlined. This rebrand reflects the work we are doing: delivering data-driven, tech-enabled marketing that drives real outcomes for our clients.

Technology provides more efficient campaign execution and precise targeting, according to Kaplan, optimizing the advertising process for their clients.

Over the past six months, the company said it grew 240%, due to a growing client roster and increased use of its proprietary all-in-one media-buying platform to execute digital campaigns for programmatic advertising.
by Ray Schultz , April 16, 2025

The Columbus Messenger has gone out of business after 50+ years of serving Columbus and other Ohio communities.

The Messenger announced its closure last week in a letter to readers and advertisers.

After 50 years of providing solid local journalism providing news stories, features, and photographs to our readers and communities, as well as being a strong and beneficial source of advertising for local businesses, the Columbus Messenger Newspapers will close on April 11 and no longer publish its five newspapers, the paper wrote last week. These newspapers include the Grove City Messenger, Groveport Messenger, Madison (County) Messenger, South/Canal Winchester Messenger, and the Westside Messenger.

Phil Daubel, owner and publisher of the Columbus Messenger Newspapers, explained that the current economic climate and the changing nature of the newspaper industry, including how people get their news and how advertisers reach their customers, has adversely impacted our ability to continue publishing. The decreasing advertising revenue and our accompanying rising expenses make it no longer economically feasible for our newspapers to continue.
by Ray Schultz , April 16, 2025

A California city has banned newspapers and other non-governmental content from placement in its City Hall.

The Fullerton City Council approved this policy by a 4-1 vote, according to the Orange County Register.

The City Council argued that this was not a move in violation of the First Amendment but simply a measure on the use of city facilities.

But Councilman Ahmad Zahra, who cast the single nay vote, argued that this measure does step on press freedom.

We have two publications in our city that have been producing news and covering the city for the last several decades, Zahra said, according to the Register. One of them is the Fullerton Observer, and the other one is the Daily Titan. The end result is pushing those two out.

Presumably, this could also have an advertising impact, although it is not clear how many newspapers were placed in the City Hall.
by Wendy Davis @wendyndavis, April 17, 2025

Google harmed publishers and consumers by monopolizing key components of the market for online display ads, a federal judge in Virginia ruled Thursday.

For over a decade, Google has tied its publisher ad server and ad exchange together through contractual policies and technological integration, which enabled the company to establish and protect its monopoly power in these two markets, U.S. District Court Judge Leonie Brinkema said in a 115-page ruling.

This exclusionary conduct substantially harmed Googles publisher customers, the competitive process, and, ultimately, consumers of information on the open web, she added.

The ruling came in a battle dating to January 2023, when the Justice Department and a coalition of states claimed Google corrupted legitimate competition" by monopolizing markets connected to open web display advertising -- essentially meaning programmatic ads served on sites operated by newspapers and other online publishers.

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Antitrust prosecutors alleged in their initial complaint that Google corrupted legitimate competition in the ad tech industry by engaging in a systematic campaign to seize control of the wide swath of high-tech tools used by publishers, advertisers, and brokers, to facilitate digital advertising, the complaint alleged.

The government sought monetary damages and a court order that would require Google to unwind its 2008 acquisition of DoubleClick and 2011 purchase of AdMeld.

Brinkema, who conducted a three-week trial last year, specifically found that Google monopolized the publisher ad server market and the ad exchange market, and also illegally tied its ad exchange to DFP (formerly DoubleClick for Publishers).

She dismissed a claim that Google monopolized the adveritser ad network market.

Brinkema noted in her ruling that a prosecution witness, economics professor Robin Lee, testified that in 2022, Google had a 91% share of the worldwide publisher ad server market for open-web display advertising as measured by the number of impressions served.

Google unsuccessfully argued that the prosecution's proposed market of publisher ad servers for open-web display advertising -- meaning display ads on sites operated by newspapers and other online publishers -- was too narrow. The company contended hat the publisher-related market should also include ads served on social media, streaming video ads and in-app ads.

Brinkema rejected that argument.

The evidence in the record supports the conclusion that publisher ad servers for open-web display advertising constitute a distinct, relevant market because they are uniquely capable of performing ad-serving functions for websites, which are essential components of news, media, and other online publishers businesses, she wrote.

Organizations that publish primarily text-based news content online, such as The New York Times or The Wall Street Journal, cannot monetize the primary content on their websites with instream video ads, Brinkema continued.

Nor can they feasibly forgo monetizing their websites and publish revenue-generating content only through alternative digital channels, such as via mobile apps or social media pages," she wrote.

Google's Lee-Anne Mulholland, vice president for regulatory affairs, says the company will appeal.

We disagree with the courts decision regarding our publisher tools, she stated. Publishers have many options and they choose Google because our ad tech tools are simple, affordable and effective.

The judge plans to hold a hearing in the future on potential remedies.

It's not known whether the Justice Department plans to ask Brinkema to force Google to divest DoubleClick and AdMeld.

Brinkema said in her ruling that the prosecution failed to prove that those acquisitions were anticompetitive, but also said both deals helped Google create a monopoly.

Although these acquisitions helped Google gain monopoly power in two adjacent ad tech markets, they are insufficient, when viewed in isolation, to prove that Google acquired or maintained this monopoly power through exclusionary practices, she wrote.

Senator Amy Klobuchar (D-Minnesota), who has introduced antitrust legislation targeting large tech companies, praised the ruling.

This verdict is an important win for consumers, small businesses and publishers, Klobuchar stated Thursday. For far too long, Google has used its dominance in online advertising to squeeze out competition and take revenue out of the pocket of publishers like local news organizations.

Brinkema's ruling comes one year after a different jurist, U.S. District Court Judge Amit Mehta in Washington, D.C., found that Google violated antitrust law by arranging to serve as the default search engine on browsers operated by Apple and Mozilla, as well as on Android devices. Mehta is expected to hold a trial next week over remedies in that matter.
A mid-afternoon dose of inhaled corticosteroids may offer better asthma control by reducing nocturnal symptoms compared to other dosing schedules.

  Trusted Source

The impact of dosage timing for inhaled corticosteroids in asthma: a randomised three-way crossover trial



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Did You Know?

The Global Asthma Report indicates that the global prevalence of asthma is 9.1% among children, 11.0% among adolescents, and 6.6% among adults. #medindia #asthma #respiratoryillness

The Global Asthma Report indicates that the global prevalence of asthma is 9.1% among children, 11.0% among adolescents, and 6.6% among adults. #medindia #asthma #respiratoryillness

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Why Timing Matters in Asthma Treatment

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Asthma Duration and Allergen History Among Participants

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Measuring Lung Function and Inflammation Over Time

Mid-Afternoon Dose Showed the Greatest Nighttime Lung Function Improvement

Possible Biological Mechanism Behind Afternoon Effectiveness

Adherence to Treatment Timing May Be Challenging

The impact of dosage timing for inhaled corticosteroids in asthma: a randomised three-way crossover trial - (https://thorax.bmj.com/content/early/2025/04/10/thorax-2024-222073)

Taking a single daily dose of the preventer inhaled corticosteroid beclomethasone in the mid-afternoon may provide the most effective asthma control, as it more efficiently reduces the typical nighttime worsening of symptoms compared to doses taken at other times of day, according to findings from a small clinical trial published in).If the findings are confirmed in larger studies, this approach may lead to better clinical outcomes for patients without increasing unwanted steroidal side effects or medical costs, suggest the researchers.Aligning the timing of drug treatment with the body clock, known as chronotherapy, can enhance the therapeutic effects of medicines, say the researchers.This may be particularly important in asthma , which has a distinct daily rhythm, with the cardinal effects of airflow obstruction and airway inflammation peaking overnight, when 80% of fatal asthma attacks occur, they explain.Drawing on their previously published research, showing enhanced immune cell responsiveness to steroids mid afternoon, the researchers wanted to find out if a single dose of preventer inhaler at this time would better suppress the usual nocturnal worsening of asthma symptoms than either morning or standard twice-daily dosing, and without increasing the risk of steroidal side effects.Twenty five people (aged 18-65) with confirmed mild to moderate asthma lasting at least a year, and common respiratory allergies to cat hair, dust mites, or grass pollen, were randomly assigned to one of three dosing regimens for 28 days each.These comprised a single daily dose of 400 g beclomethasone between 0800 and 0900 hours; the same once daily dose between 1500 and 1600 hours; and a twice daily dose of 200 g beclomethasone between 0800 and 0900 hours and between 20.00 and 21.00 hours.At the end of each 28-day period, participants swapped their dosing regimen after a 14 to 21 day gap until all three trial arms had been completed.Spirometry readings and blood biomarkers (inflammatory cells, levels of cortisol and salbutamol from reliever inhalers) were measured every 6 hours for 24 hours at the start and end of each of the 28-day periods.Twenty one people (84%), all of whom had similar sleep-wake cycles, completed all three of the trial arms.Compared with baseline measurements, all the treatment arms improved night time lung function. But the timing of the improvement differed according to the dosing regimen. The largest improvement, measured at 22:00 hours, was associated with the once daily mid afternoon dose (100 ml more than the morning dose).Similarly, all the dosing regimens suppressed airway inflammation compared with baseline levels. And this was significantly lower at 22.00 and 0400 hours with the once daily mid afternoon dose than it was with the twice daily dose.There was no difference in cortisol levels between the three dosing regimens, compared with baseline levels, suggesting that there was no additional impairment in the bodys ability to produce the hormonea potential side effect of inhaled steroid treatment.The researchers acknowledge the small number of participants involved and the short length of their study, but suggest that the findings might form the basis of further larger trials.Our findings further support the hypothesis that the optimal timing of [inhaled corticosteroid] administration is at 16:00, coincident with enhanced glucocorticoid sensitivity at that time, they say.The notion that the onset of the inflammatory cascade begins mid-afternoon may also explain the findings we observed, and the attenuation of the predictable rhythmic recruitment of airway inflammatory cells at this time point may abolish the subsequent excessive nocturnal dip in lung function in asthma, they suggest.In a linked editorial, Drs Richard Russell and Nicola Smallcombe of, respectively, the Kings Centre for Lung Health, Kings College London, and the Royal Free London NHS Foundation Trust, point out that the mid afternoon dosing regimen did not result in better symptom control.But they explain: This lack of translation to patient outcomes may be attributed to the short duration of the follow-up period, the small numbers, and the relatively low symptom burden of participants at baseline, so there was no headroom for improvement.Because participants had mild to moderate asthma, and long-acting beta agonist inhalersrecommended in the latest treatment guidelineswerent included, the results might not be applicable more widely, they suggest.Additionally, when one considers the translation of these findings into clinical practice, with adherence to asthma therapies being the greatest challenge  around 3040% of the general population struggles with inhaler compliance  introducing a specific time for inhaler use could potentially complicate matters further, they surmise.But they conclude: This study offers promising insights into the potential benefits of using chronotherapy with inhaled corticosteroids for asthma patients. We believe that this is most likely to benefit those with more severe asthma, where marginal gains in lung function and a reduced eosinophil count are more likely to translate into better control and risk reduction.Source-Eurekalert
UK vaping trends shift after government plans disposable vape ban, with usage stabilizing and disposable preference dropping sharply among young adults.

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Changes in vaping trends since the announcement of an impending ban on disposable vapes: A population study in Great Britain



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Did You Know?

Number of young vapers in the UK who mainly use disposable e-cigarettes dropped from 63% to just 35% in one yeareven before the government's ban takes effect in June. It shows how policy announcements alone can drive big behavior shifts. #medindia #vapingtrends #disposablevapes

Number of young vapers in the UK who mainly use disposable e-cigarettes dropped from 63% to just 35% in one yeareven before the government's ban takes effect in June. It shows how policy announcements alone can drive big behavior shifts. #medindia #vapingtrends #disposablevapes

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Ban on Disposables Unlikely to Reduce Overall Vaping

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New Legislation Targets Disposable Vapes and Vape Marketing

Study Based on Large, Ongoing Smoking and Vaping Survey

Changes in vaping trends since the announcement of an impending ban on disposable vapes: A population study in Great Britain - (https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/add.70057)

Survey data on vaping habits in England, Wales, and Scotland was analyzed before and after the UK Government announced plans in January 2024 to, including, in a study published in the journaland funded by Cancer Research UK ().The team found that the proportion of people vapingby nearly a quarter each year from January 2022 to January 2024, butbetween January 2024 and January this year, including for young people.After January 2024, they also found a substantial decline in the proportion of vapers mainly using disposable e-cigarettes. Among 16- to 24-year-olds, the proportion mainly using disposables almostLead author Dr. Sarah Jackson (UCL Institute of Epidemiology & Health Care) said: Action is likely still required to reduce high vaping rates, but now that the situation has stabilised policymakers may be reassured that it would be sensible to avoid stricter policy options currently under review. Some of the options being considered may be more likely to have the unintended consequence of deterring smokers from using vapes to quit smoking .Our results also suggest that the Governments ban on disposables, coming into force in June, may have, given that vapers are already moving away from disposable vapes. It seems likely that people using these products will move to re-usable versions rather than stop vaping completely.The study highlights the value of up-to-date information about vaping and smoking trends, which allow policies to be based on the best possible evidence.The research cannot tell us why vaping rates have levelled off, but we have in the past seen changes in smoking habits before a policy change, with people adapting their behaviour in anticipation of a new policy.The UK Government announced plans to ban disposable vapes in January 2024. This ban will come into force on 1 June this year. The, currently working its way through Parliament, includes powers to potentially restrict the packaging, marketing and flavours of vapes.Senior author Professor Jamie Brown (UCL Institute of Epidemiology & Health Care) said: While it is understandable that policymakers want to take action to reduce vaping among children and never smokers, smoking remains the number one public health priority. These findings should reassure policymakers that they can prioritise measures, such as restrictions on marketing, packaging and display, which are least likely to undermine how helpful vapes are for people trying to quit smoking. It is important that these measures are introduced alongside other messaging and policies that continue to encourage and support smokers to quit smoking, such as mass media campaigns and the swap to stop scheme.For the study, researchers used data from the, an ongoing survey that interviews a different representative sample of adults in England, Wales and Scotland each month. They looked at data collected between January 2022 and January 2025 from 88,611 people (16 and over).They found that, between January 2022 and January 2024, the prevalence of vaping among those 16 and over increased from 8.9% to 13.5%. For those aged 16 to 24, prevalence increased from 17% to 26.5%.In January 2024, nearly half (43.6%) of all vapers aged 16 and over mainly used disposables. This fell to less than a third (29.4%) a year later. The fall was steeper among 16- to 24-year-olds.In study limitations, the researchers noted that the survey only asked vapers what device they mainly used, meaning that the proportion of vapers using disposables in some form would likely be higher. They also said it was possible people under-reported their use of disposable vapes following the Governments announcement.Source-Eurekalert
Emissions Reporting for Transport is available to all Logistics UK members

Logistics UK, the only business group to represent the whole of the logistics industry, is launching a new service to ensure its members have access to accurate CO2 emissions data.

Emissions Reporting for Transport is available to all Logistics UK members and is designed to support their journey to net zero and regulatory compliance, while meeting their customers sustainability requirements.

The business groups members are fully committed to decarbonising, and many are already trialling or have adopted alternative fuels and technologies.

Without accurate CO2 emission data, informed decision-making is impossible, so Emissions Reporting for Transport is a strategic tool for managing the journey to net zero.

As more businesses begin reporting their indirect Scope 3 carbon emissions, suppliers will need to be able to provide this information, and often it will be a requirement of doing business.

Currently, many smaller suppliers lack capacity or resources to be able to supply this information, but Emissions Reporting for Transport makes this information available in an accessible format.

To offer the new service, Logistics UK has partnered with BearingPoint, an independent management and technology consulting firm.

It utilises BearingPoints comprehensive carbon management solution providing accurate CO2 emissions data for legislative compliance, internal reporting and target tracking.

"Our members recognise the long-term benefits of carbon reporting and understand the need to measure CO2 emissions to provide trusted records that their decarbonisation plans are effective, said Al Richardson, Head of Membership & Affinities at Logistics UK.

We are excited to partner with BearingPoint to offer this valuable service to our members and with the increasing need for accurate carbon footprint calculations, our members will benefit greatly from the detailed emissions reporting provided by BearingPoint's technology."

BearingPoint brings its knowledge, expertise and experience to support the successful delivery of this service to the Logistics UK membership.

The partnership aims to create greater transparency in emissions reporting and help logistics companies plan, evaluate, implement and monitor green actions to reduce their environmental impact.

"Creating greater transparency is the key to our approach," said Richard Walters, Senior Manager at BearingPoint.

"You cannot manage what you do not measure, and that is where our leading-edge solution comes in.

"We are proud to support Logistics UK in its mission to improve sustainability in the logistics sector."

The Emissions Reporting for Transport service is available to all Logistics UK members.
More than a month after announcing an indefinite bombing campaign against Houthi rebels in Yemen, the Defense Department has offered little information and the command overseeing the campaign is refusing to answer even basic questions on what U.S. forces have accomplished in the area or whether troops have been under fire or injured.

U.S. Central Command, which oversees all military operations in the Middle East, has spent the past 30 days making near-daily social media posts about its operations against the Houthis, but those posts have been little more than videos of flight operations on the aircraft carrier in the region and generic statements capped off with the hashtag "HouthisAreTerrorists."

While some level of secrecy or information delay has always been part of military operations, the shift to actively refusing to provide even the most basic details about what service members are doing in a major military operation -- the size of which has likely not been undertaken in years -- is highly unusual. It's also paired with a near-total lack of press briefings by the Pentagon's top spokesman and a growing number of reports that the mission is not accomplishing any of its broader goals.

Read Next: Top Enlisted Leader at Air Force Special Operations Command Fired, Facing Investigation

Military.com asked U.S. Central Command this week to offer any details on accomplishments in the region and for basic data on its operations like number of missions flown, a summary of the ordnance dropped or targets that were hit.

In response, an official replied less than two hours later with a statement that said: "The U.S. has hit targets in Houthi-controlled parts of Yemen, destroying command and control facilities, weapons manufacturing facilities, and advanced weapons storage locations," and it had "confirmed the death of several Houthi leader [sic]."

When asked follow-up questions on the claims or whether the combatant command was refusing to answer the questions, a different official simply re-sent the same statement minutes later and added a line: "We have nothing additional to provide at this time."

The attitude is a notable departure from the command's behavior under the Biden administration when it would regularly release updates on social media for the more than 100 strikes it conducted in Yemen since October 2023. While Central Command still insisted on withholding details such as the types of ordnance that was used, the posts included lists of targets hit by specific strikes and by what platforms, when U.S. warships were targeted and what Houthi assets were destroyed.

Those updates would also note whether any U.S. personnel were injured.

The last such update was posted on Dec. 31, 2024.

Despite lofty promises, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth's office has not been any better at offering insight into the Yemen military operation, now in its second month.

Just days before the campaign kicked off, the Pentagon's top spokesman, Sean Parnell, posted a video in which he promised to offer weekly updates and "to be the most transparent DoD in American history for the warfighters and the American people."

However, Parnell has only hosted one press conference since taking the job, compared to the Trump White House and State Department that have been providing regular public press briefings for months.

In his latest video update, Parnell only offered the following statement on the fighting in the Red Sea: "It's been a bad three weeks for the Houthis and it's about to get a lot worse."

What few details that are public or that have been gleaned by journalists paint a picture of a campaign that seems to be racking up costs and expending valuable munition stocks but accomplishing little in its stated goal of reopening the Red Sea to merchant shipping.

CNN reported earlier this month that the operation's costs were nearing $1 billion while having limited impact on destroying the Houthi's capabilities.

The report noted that the strikes had used hundreds of millions of dollars of munitions that included Joint Air-to-Surface Standoff Missiles, or JASSMs, and Tomahawk long-range cruise missiles and Joint Standoff Weapons, or JSOWs -- GPS-guided glide bombs.

Multiple outlets have also reported that the Houthis have managed to down several U.S. MQ-9 Reaper drones, which cost about $30 million each, since the campaign began.

Meanwhile, multiple reports noted that the air attacks are unlikely to be enough to defeat the Houthi rebels and may actually be emboldening them in the process.

Data on transits of the Suez Canal and a key chokepoint in the Red Sea also show that the weekslong campaign that has cost millions has done nothing to move the needle on the volume of merchant shipping that is moving through the area.

Salvatore Mercogliano, a maritime historian and former merchant mariner, told Military.com that he doesn't see the shipping situation changing until insurance companies lower the cost of the "war risk insurance" that shipping companies have to pay to transit the area, and he's seen little change that would convince the insurance firms to substantially lower rates.

Plus, at the same time, going around Africa instead of through the Red Sea is utilizing the extra cargo space the companies now have and that's generating higher rates for them, he said.

"In a situation where insurance companies are making money for those ships transiting the Red Sea and shipping firms maintaining their profitability, there is little incentive to change the business operations," Mercogliano said.

"Plus, if the Red Sea opens, we are going to have three months of chaos in ports, on top of Trump's trade policies," he added.

Central Command chose to not answer the question of whether there were any metrics it had that showed a positive impact on re-establishing shipping traffic in the Red Sea when asked by Military.com.

In the meantime, neither U.S. Central Command nor Hegseth's office has offered any more details on what will prompt an end to operations.

During the single briefing Parnell held in late March, he told reporters that "there's going to be ... a very clear end state to this" without elaborating.

Related: The Last Houthi Attack Was Months Ago. But the US Military Has Now Launched an Open-Ended Campaign in Yemen.
Newly sworn-in Secretary of the Navy John Phelan visited Hampton Roads shipyards in Norfolk and Newport News on Wednesday as part of a tour thats taken him around the country.

Speaking to media at the Norfolk Naval Shipyard after concluding his visit, Phelan emphasized the need for new investment in shipbuilding to meet the demands of the moment, calling it a national emergency. He floated building ships overseas in partnership with foreign allies as well as using old shipyards and advancements in technology to shrink the footprint of current shipyards to allow for expanded manufacturing of military vessels.

I think we have grossly underinvested in this country and hollowed out manufacturing and thats been a real problem, and we now have a real demand signal for the industrial base  particularly for (submarines) and carriers  and so were behind and now we have to catch up, Phelan said.

He said in order to create the workforce needed to spur this growth, it would require jobs programs that match the focus put on coding in recent years.

We spent the last 10 years teaching people how to code, were going to spend the next 10 teaching them how to use their hands, Phelan said. That is going to be a critical skill set and I believe that we can create very good careers, longterm careers.

Phelan was sworn in on March 25 and is overseeing the Navys $263.5 billion annual budget. Previously he was the founder and chairman of the Palm Beach-based private investment firm Rugger Management, and was co-founder and co-managing partner of MSD Capital. He has an MBA from Harvard Business School and has a Bachelors degree in Economics and Political Science from Southern Methodist University.

In talking to workers at different levels of the shipbuilding process, some common themes emerged including difficulties with parking. He said these conversations will inform his decision making going forward.

Phelan said one of his main focuses on his visit was to check in on the construction of the Ford-class USS John F. Kennedy, which is three years behind schedule. He resisted attributing the delays to any one factor, saying hes still gathering information on the situation, but said he is optimistic the issue can be resolved.

I think its a number of different factors, Im still really formulating that. I think its going to take a whole-of-government approach to fix, Phelan said.

Overall he said he was very impressed with Hampton Roads shipyards, particularly the capacity to build nuclear powered supercarriers, calling them the backbone of our deterrence and the presidents peace through strength initiative.

2025 The Virginian-Pilot. Visit pilotonline.com. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.
The Air Force Academy has rolled out a new mission statement that drops the word "educate" and adds in a focus on winning wars.

The statement was posted recently on the academy's website without consulting or informing the school's faculty.

The new mission is To forge leaders of character, motivated to a lifetime of service, and developed to lead our Air Force and Space Force as we fight and win our Nations wars.

An academy spokesperson said the statement reflects the priorities outlined by President Donald Trump and Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth to develop warrior-leaders prepared to lead warfighters on Day One.

The previous mission statement was "To educate, train and inspire men and women to become officers of character motivated to lead the U.S. Air Force and Space Force in service to our nation."

The older mission statement is closer to the one at West Point.

The U.S. Military Academy states its mission is "To build, educate, train, and inspire the Corps of Cadets to be commissioned leaders of character committed to the Army values and ready for a lifetime of service to the Army and nation."

The Naval Academy places emphasis on ideals, as well as a well-rounded education, in its statement.

Annapolis says its mission is "To develop Midshipmen morally, mentally and physically and to imbue them with the highest ideals of duty, honor and loyalty in order to graduate leaders who are dedicated to a career of naval service and have potential for future development in mind and character to assume the highest responsibilities of command, citizenship and government."

The Air Force Academy adopted a new mission statement while it is also reevaluating its curriculum and planning to lose civilian faculty as part of budget cuts, as The Gazette reported earlier.

Longtime Air Force Academy department head and retired Brig. Gen. Marty France said in an email he was concerned the academy deleted "educate" from the statement, because it's been part of the institution's mission since its founding.

"This clears the way to reduce greatly the rigor of program that's been highly rated by all possible agencies since the first class graduated," he said in an email.

France also pointed out it does not include an emphasis on deterrence.

"It is unnecessarily bellicose and focused on fighting wars without mentioning the critical roles played by the Air Force and Space Force in assuring world peace. That would include things like airlift, satellite services like GPS, as well as the war deterrence mission that has been vital since WWII."

 2025 The Gazette (Colorado Springs, Colo.). Visit www.gazette.com. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.
Air Force Special Operations Command said it fired its top enlisted leader this week amid an ongoing investigation.

Chief Master Sgt. Anthony Green, who advised on the readiness, training and quality of life of enlisted air commandos, was fired from his leadership position on Monday by Air Force Special Operations Commander Lt. Gen. Mike Conley, citing "a loss in confidence" of his abilities.

Rebecca Heyse, a command spokesperson, told Military.com on Thursday that Green is "in the process of being reassigned outside the headquarters pending completion and disposition of [an] investigation." The nature of the probe was unclear.

Read Next: Former Air Force Commander Punished with 21 Days' Confinement, Forfeiture of Pay After Guilty Plea

Conley, in an internal email Tuesday to all of Air Force Special Operations Command that was leaked online, wrote: "I want to assure you that this decision was only made after careful consideration of the circumstances."

Heyse confirmed the authenticity and accuracy of the email to Military.com on Thursday.

"As airmen, we are entrusted with the incredible responsibility and held to the highest standards of conduct," Conley wrote. "Upholding these standards is non-negotiable, and maintaining good order and discipline is fundamental to who we are."

"Although there will be questions, we will not be able to answer many of them," Conley added.

Green joined the Air Force in 1995 and served as an instructor and maintenance technician on C-130 aircraft and held roles such as flying crew chief, combat aviation adviser and maintenance superintendent.

His prior assignments included serving as senior enlisted leader of force structure, requirements, resources and strategic assessments at U.S. Special Operations Command, as well as command chief master sergeant of the Air Force Expeditionary Center at Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst in New Jersey.

He had served as the command chief of Air Force Special Operations Command since May 2023. A replacement had not yet been publicly named.

Green's dismissal comes amid other recent leadership firings throughout the Air Force this month.

Last week, defense officials fired a Space Force commander in charge of a Greenland military base after a Military.com report detailed a basewide email distancing the base from comments made by Vice President JD Vance during a March visit.

Earlier this month, the commander of the 557th Weather Wing at Offutt Air Force Base in Nebraska was fired. Among the reasons provided were a January arrest after being charged with third-degree domestic violence assault. The charges were later dropped.

Related: Commander of Greenland Base Who Broke with Vance Fired Shortly After Military.com Report
PARIS  Paris is hosting a series of talks Thursday about Ukraine and its security, including U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio and presidential envoy Steve Witkoff, French President Emmanuel Macron and top Ukrainian and European officials.

Rubio and Witkoff were having lunch discussions with Macron and talks with European counterparts to advance President Trumps goal to end the Russia-Ukraine war and stop the bloodshed, State Department spokeswoman Tammy Bruce said.

The meetings come as concerns grow about U.S. President Donald Trumps readiness to draw closer to Russia, and after weeks of U.S. efforts to broker a ceasefire in Ukraine. There is also frustration over the Trump administration's other moves, from tariffs on some of its closest partners to rhetoric about NATO and Greenland.

Witkoff met Thursday with Ukrainian presidential adviser Andrii Yermak and top officials from France, Britain and Germany. Rubio was expected to meet later with the French foreign minister.

Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha and Defense Minister Rustem Umerov, British Foreign Secretary David Lammy, the German governments foreign policy adviser and German Foreign Ministrys political director were also in Paris for talks Thursday.

Yermak described them as a series of bilateral and multilateral meetings with representatives of the states of the coalition of the willing that are able to guarantee security.

Around 30 countries led by Britain and France have been discussing a possible coalition to police any future peace agreement with Russia. The success of the coalitions operation hinges on U.S. backup with airpower or other military assistance, but the Trump administration has made no public commitment to provide support.

In Ukraine, a massive drone attack hit the city of Dnipro on Wednesday night, killing three people including a child, the regional leader said. Ukrainian government officials and military analysts have said that Russian forces are preparing to launch a fresh military offensive in the coming weeks to maximize pressure on Kyiv and strengthen the Kremlins negotiating position in ceasefire talks.

Rubio and Witkoff have helped lead U.S. efforts to seek peace more than three years after Russia launched the war. Several rounds of negotiations have been held in Saudi Arabia, and Witkoff met last week with Russian President Vladimir Putin.

Moscow has effectively refused to accept a comprehensive ceasefire that Trump has pushed and Ukraine has endorsed. Russia has made it conditional on a halt in Ukraines mobilization efforts and Western arms supplies, which are demands rejected by Ukraine.

Moscow and Kyiv agreed last month to implement a 30-day halt on strikes on energy facilities, but Russia has kept up daily strikes. Both parties have differed on the start time for stopping strikes and alleged daily breaches by the other side.

At Thursday's talks in Paris, Macron also plans to discuss the impact of Trumps tariff policies and the conflicts in the Mideast, in a logic of de-escalation in the region, the French presidents office said.
It was late afternoon on a blazing August day in 1918. Zeferino Gil Lamadrid was on his way home from doing some business on the Arizona side of the Nogales, a city that straddles the border between the Mexican state of Sonora and American Arizona. He carried a package but didnt stop at the U.S. customs house along International Street, which ran between the two towns.

Longtime residents often crossed from one side of the border to the other without a second thought. That day, however, would be different. The simple act of crossing the street would nearly spark a shooting war between Mexico and the United States.

It was Aug. 27, 1918, and the United States was at war against the German Empire and its allies. A series of uprisings and rebellions against Mexicos federal government began in 1910, and violence occasionally poured over the border. Tensions on the border mounted when the U.S. occupied the Mexican city of Veracruz in 1914, Mexican revolutionary Pancho Villa began raiding American towns in the Southwest and the U.S. Army responded by entering Mexico in a failed attempt to hunt down Villa.

Read Next: Military to Take Over Federal Land Along Border Under New Trump Order

The U.S. began reinforcing border towns with armed troops as American officials, including the local field commanders, increasingly suspected Germany was advising Mexican forces and agitating for violence. Racial and political tensions were both very high, and nowhere was that more apparent than in Nogales.

The aftermath of Pancho Villa's raid on Columbus, New Mexico, in 1916. (U.S. Army)

So its no surprise that a series of confusing events that day led to an American infantryman firing his rifle at a carpenter, the death of Nogales Mexican mayor and, eventually, the first permanent fence built to keep people from freely crossing the border between the two countries.

The bad blood at the border didnt start in Nogales. Mexico and the United States clashed long before the Texas border was established. The two went to war in 1846 over a strip of desert between the Rio Grande and Nueces rivers, a border dispute that went well beyond that slice of territory. Texas had joined the United States while Mexico never recognized that Texas was independent of Mexico in the first place.

By 1909, destiny had been manifested, the U.S. stretched from sea to shining sea and the frontier was closed. There were no southern border disputes -- none that should have led to a shooting war anyway. In Nogales, no one needed a border fence. The wide boulevard Calle Internacional-International Street was enough -- until it wasnt.

The first fence between the countries was actually built in 1911 when the Bureau of Animal Industry needed to keep Mexican cattle from entering California to prevent the spread of cattle tick diseases. Other fences had been constructed along the border, but it was only after what turned into the Battle of Ambos Nogales (both Nogales) that the separation started to become permanent.

The Nogales border between Arizona and Mexico around 1898. (National Archives)

As Zeferino Gil Lamadrid walked across International Street (and thus the U.S.-Mexico border), American inspector Arthur G. Barber called out to him to come back and get his package inspected. Lamadrid had already crossed the border, and the Mexican customs official shouted to him to stay in Mexico. The carpenter paused, understandably confused and unsure of what to do next. Thats when a shot rang out. Pvt. William Klint of the U.S. 35th Infantry fired a warning shot from his service rifle.

The carpenter, hearing the shot, threw himself on the ground. Mexican customs officer Francisco Gallegos, believing the soldier just killed a civilian, drew his weapon and shot Pvt. Klint in the face (some historians say he was killed, but the 35th Infantry history page refutes that). The American custom inspectors drew their pistols and returned fire, killing Gallegos and fellow officer Andres Cecena. Amid the shooting, Zeferino Gil Lamadrid fled the scene.

As the cracks of gunfire filled the air in and around Ambos Nogales, Mexican citizens ran home to grab their rifles and join the Mexican troops. The Mexicans occupied the stone-built home of future president Alvaro Obregon as a strongpoint. Buffalo Soldiers of the U.S. 10th Cavalry, stationed just north of Nogales, moved to capture the hills overlooking the town and linked up with the garrison from the 35th Infantry. Together, they moved across the border into Mexico as the Americans mounted a machine gun from the rooftops of the buildings across International Street.

The mayor of Mexican Nogales, Felix B. Penaloza, tied a white handkerchief to his cane and walked into the street to implore his citizens to stop shooting. He was shot from the Arizona side of the border, according to most sources. Lt. Col Frederick J. Herman, commander of the 10th Cavalry at Nogales, denied that it came from one of his soldiers, but it wasnt long before American civilians had joined the firefight. The ammo exchange lasted for more than three hours before the Mexicans flew a white flag from their customs house and Herman ordered a ceasefire.

On the U.S. side, four were dead and 29 were wounded. Mexico reported 15 deaths. Both sides of the conflict expressed regret at the shooting, but much of the blame was placed on an unnamed U.S. customs inspector, whose behavior toward the Mexicans caused much of the outrage from the Sonoran side of the border. The inspector was fired, and both countries apologized for their role in the Battle of Ambos Nogales. To prevent further animosity, a two-mile border fence was constructed down the center of International Street, the first permanent structure separating the people of the two nations.

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Vincent Aiello attended his first airshow when he was 8 years old, sparking a lifelong love of aviation. He and his brothers loved flying so much that they hung posters and replicas of military aircraft in their bedroom and even built remote-controlled airplanes.

It never occurred to Aiello that he could join the military and become a pilot until an eye-opening conversation with his stepfather while he was in high school, which he recounts in his recently released book, "Through the Yellow Visor."

"Prior to that moment, I just never really thought that was something I could do," Aiello told Military.com. "I thought it was just something other people do."

Vincent Aiello, then 8 years old, peers into an F-14A Tomcat cockpit at the Naval Air Station Point Mugu Airshow in California in 1978. (Photo courtesy of Vincent Aiello)

Writing a book about his circuitous journey to becoming a fighter pilot and teaching in the Navy Strike Fighter Tactics Instructor program -- more popularly known as Top Gun -- was cathartic. The five-year process to publication allowed the host of the "The Fighter Pilot Podcast" to relive not only his successes but, more importantly, also the myriad challenges he encountered along the way during his 24-year military career.

Aiello said he hopes readers glean two main takeaways from "Through the Yellow Visor":

You can achieve your dreams. Hollywood usually doesn't portray fighter pilots accurately.

"We're real people with real struggles, and we're not always very arrogant," said Aiello, whose callsign, Jell-O, rhymes with the pronunciation of his last name. "We struggle, and I certainly did."

That struggle started early on when Aiello was forced to pivot after being denied admission to the U.S. Naval Academy; it was not until his junior year of college that he was accepted into the Naval Reserve Officers' Training Corps (NROTC) program at UCLA.

Aiello says he was not an especially gifted student -- or pilot, for that matter -- always feeling he had to work harder than others to achieve the same result. The California native could have easily walked away when doubts arose about whether he could handle the rigorous education and training schedules necessary in order to ultimately fly fighter aircraft.

Vincent Aiellos wide-eyed expression on April 2, 1997, came after several unsuccessful attempts to land aboard the USS George Washington. (Photo courtesy of Vincent Aiello)

He never seriously considered quitting, though.

"Once my stepdad, Jim, got me started in that direction, it was like a dog with a bone that he won't let go," Aiello said. "It did not come naturally, so what else am I going to learn to do besides just give up? If it is something I want to do and I don't have the natural skill, then I just have to keep working at it."

Aiello's persistence is a consistent theme in "Through the Yellow Visor," whose title comes from his unique choice of color for his helmet's visor. (Most pilots choose gray or clear ones.) From the day he was commissioned in August 1992, Aiello wrote, he refused to lose sight of his goal. That mindset helped him manage the steep learning curve both at flight school and during Top Gun training and cope with multiple deployments to the Middle East.

But nothing prepared Aiello for the news that he had a heart murmur. By then, at 39 years old, he was approaching 3,000 flight hours in the F-A/18 Hornet. Doctors sent him from Japan, where he was stationed, to Tripler Army Medical Center in Hawaii for further tests, which revealed a potentially life-threatening condition in which blood was pooling in his left atrium.

Slater, left, and Anthony Aiello visit their father as he recuperates from open-heart surgery at Tripler Army Medical Center in Honolulu, Sept. 23, 2009. (Photo courtesy of Vincent Aiello)

Aiello underwent open-heart surgery in September 2009.

"I was devastated, and I was in denial," said Aiello, who wept uncontrollably after learning of the diagnosis. "I was confident. I could fly an airplane. I could go almost two times the speed of sound. I could drop bombs, shoot missiles, land on aircraft carriers. I mean, I'm all that."

For 3 years, Aiello was grounded as he sought a waiver from the Navy to fly again. He missed being behind the controls terribly. Aiello got so bored at one point that -- seeking to go where the action was, even if he still couldn't serve as a pilot -- he agreed to a deployment to Afghanistan without telling his family. Aiello finally flew again for the first time in February 2013 and continued in that role for nearly four years before retiring from service.

While "Through the Yellow Visor" chronicles the challenges Aiello faced in becoming a fighter pilot, he also writes lovingly about his relationship with his family, especially his wife, Beth, and their three sons Slater, Anthony and Dawson.

Vincent Aiellos wife, Beth, holds their newborn son, Dawson, as big brothers Slater, center, and Anthony look on at Naval Hospital Lemoore, California, on July 20, 2007. (Photo courtesy of Vincent Aiello)

The Aiellos were married on an aircraft carrier in Florida in 1998, and his military journey comes across as truly a tag-team effort. Without Beth's sacrifices and how she repeatedly helped cushion the effects of his extended absences on their children, Aiello's achievements would not have meant nearly as much.

In the end, he says, it was all worth it. The Aiellos have been married for 2 decades, and he is now a commercial airline pilot. At his core, though, he'll always see himself wearing yellow-tinted headgear.

"Call me crazy, but I have a calling that cannot truly be explained in words," he wrote. "I am a sailor -- a naval aviator -- who has voluntarily obliged himself to defend and protect those who cannot or will not do so for themselves."

"Through the Yellow Visor" is available on "The Fighter Pilot Podcast" website and on Amazon.

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Your resume is kind of all over the place.

Thats what a recruiter told me recently after I applied for a job I was perfect for. This stranger only knew me from two pages on a computer screen in front of him -- a cover letter and a resume.

What looked all over the place on paper was actually a life of service, adaptability and leadership across wildly different, but deeply connected spaces. I laughed nervously and stumbled over my words as I tried to explain that my resume looked the way it did because Im a military spouse. Supporting my husbands career meant moving every three years -- and that kind of instability leaves a mark.

As a veteran myself, I served for 10 years in the Marine Corps working on fighter jets and helicopters, with a three-year stretch as a recruiter (or, as a resume workshop suggested, a talent acquisition specialist). After leaving the military, I used my GI Bill benefits to earn a bachelors degree in agriculture and leadership, then landed a civilian job in health-care consulting. I taught myself Salesforce and pivot tables via YouTube University.

Then comes the dreaded employment gap. A big one. During my sabbatical (as I like to call it), I focused on volunteer work because our family was stationed in Yuma, Arizona -- an employment desert in every sense of the word. Those years of volunteering for military service organizations gave me many networking opportunities. A friend I met through volunteer work referred me to my current job at a small communications consulting firm founded by a military spouse. It is a dream job. As a communications strategist on a federal subcontract, I work on behalf of the Department of Veterans Affairs on its largest mental-health awareness project.

Combat veteran, military spouse and federal contractor Hana Romer served in the Marine Corps for 10 years, which included stint as a recruiter and a deployment to Iraq. (Photo courtesy of Hana Romer)

This position allows me to give back to the veteran community while leveraging the skills Ive gained through lived experience. As a veteran who has personally navigated mental-health challenges, this work is deeply personal. It is also fully remote, giving me the flexibility to work from anywhere -- a rare and invaluable benefit for military families. My job moved with us as we PCSed from the West Coast to the East Coast, allowing me to maintain continuity in my career for the first time. For the past three years, I have been thriving and finally making a meaningful contribution to my familys finances.

On Feb. 25, just after finishing my own mental-health appointment at the VA, I got a call from my boss. Due to federal budget cuts, our company was likely not going to be awarded the contract for the upcoming year. My stomach dropped. Part of me had been bracing for this. After seeing the wave of federal layoffs under this administration, I knew my federally adjacent job could be next.

I immediately called my husband.

I think I just lost my job, I told him, and then I broke down.

I walked out of therapy feeling stable, only to be hit with instability and uncertainty.

These past few weeks have been some of the most isolating Ive ever experienced. One reason is that Im not considered a federal worker. I worked in the private sector, supporting a federal contract. When I see protests and advocacy efforts for federal employees on the news or social media, I dont feel represented. I feel forgotten.

As a military spouse, that feeling isnt unfamiliar. Were often in the background, quietly holding things together while our spouses serve. But this time, Im not only overlooked. Im left behind.

Theres been important momentum around reinstating military spouses and veterans into federal jobs, and I celebrate that progress. But people like me -- those who work adjacent to the system without formally being part of it -- fall through the cracks. Were not part of those advocacy efforts. And right now, our exclusion -- intentional or not -- feels loud.

Perhaps thats because it seems like the general public doesnt understand the difference between a federal employee and a federal contractor. Were often grouped in with federal employees, even though we dont receive the same protections or resources.

Well-intentioned friends and acquaintances have encouraged me to join social media groups for federal employees or invited me to military spouse circles rallying to navigate the complexities of what the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) and the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) are doing. Those spaces arent built for people like me. Im not a government employee. I dont have the protections or pathways that come with that status. Im in the in-between, but I -- and people like me -- shouldnt be.

Behind nearly every federal agency is a network of contractors working in the background to keep things running. When federal budgets are slashed and contracts arent renewed, its not just federal employees who are impacted; entire teams of private sector workers lose their livelihoods with little to no warning and virtually no safety net.

For military spouses and veterans working as contractors, these layoffs are especially devastating. Many military spouses face chronic unemployment and underemployment due to frequent moves. According to a report by the DAniello Institute for Veterans and Military Families at Syracuse University, 33% of military spouses are underemployed despite high education levels. According to a study published by the nonprofit Rand Corporation, 25.8% of service members are considered food insecure, and the loss of a secondary source of income could significantly worsen these already critical financial challenges.

A month after being told I was likely losing my job, I found myself in another therapy appointment, still trying to process weeks of anxiety and uncertainty, when my phone buzzed. I glanced down and saw a message from my boss: Check your email. I opened it: Our contract had been renewed.

The irony hit me hard. A month earlier, I had walked out of a mental-health appointment and found out I was likely losing my job. Now, in the middle of another session meant to help me cope with that blow, I was suddenly told that I still had one. I exhaled, but the relief is complicated. It doesnt erase the fear, the spiral or the emotional weight of preparing for loss.

And while my story may have taken a turn for the better, thats not the case for everyone. Many of my colleagues arent so lucky. Contractors, veterans, military spouses -- people doing mission-driven work with heart and hustle -- were overlooked entirely in conversations and advocacy efforts for federal workers.

I dont know exactly what the future holds, but I do know this: The sudden layoffs and catastrophic federal budget cuts weve seen dont just affect government employees. They ripple out quietly, hitting those who work beside the system -- contractors, spouses, veterans -- often without the safety nets others take for granted. We may not have the titles or protections, but weve done the work. By excluding federal contractors from the conversation, were leaving a critical part of the workforce exposed to sudden job loss, with no safety net and no recognition.

Hana Romer is a Marine Corps veteran, military spouse and communications strategist currently supporting the Department of Veterans Affairs as a federal subcontractor. She is a passionate advocate for military families and veterans. Hana lives in North Carolina with her active-duty Marine husband, their two children and their dog.
Mitchell O'Brien of Interlochen was rescued from quicksand near dredging outwash at Reynolds Street Beach in Leland, Mich., April 12, 2025. (Courtesy | Mitch O'Brien, Breanne Sika) Breanne Sika

LELAND, MI  It was a date theyll never forget.

Mitchell OBrien and Breanne Sika were hunting for Leland blue stones and planning to catch the sunset over Lake Michigan when the beach tried to eat OBrien for dinner.

One moment, OBrien was walking normally on hard wet sand at the waterline. The next, he was sunk up to his waistline.

Man, I was stuck, stuck  like, my left leg, I couldnt move it. Its like there was something holding it underground. It was crazy how hard it was there, OBrien said.

Sika and OBrien  co-workers at the 217 Recovery Center clinic in Traverse City who were kinda-maybe dating before they were forced to call 911 together  definitely found more than they bargained for at Reynolds Street Beach on Saturday, April 12.

Their predicament drew news attention and social media gawkers this week after photos circulated online showing OBrien stuck waist-deep in the shoreline.

The two were hunting for a special blue slag that washes up on the Leland shoreline when they encountered a large pipe snaking across the beach, spewing slurry from a hydraulic dredge that was vacuuming sand from the harbor bottom.

The machine is owned by Leland Township, which dredges its harbor periodically under a state permit and is removing about 60,000 cubic yards of sand this spring thats being used to build-up the Vans and Reynolds Street public beaches.

They were crossing the outwash when OBrien got stuck.

If it was obviously unstable, we would not have walked out on it, he said. But it didnt look that bad. It just looked like wet sand by the time we were there. Most of it was firm enough to walk on.

Then, all of a sudden, I was in a quicksand hole.

OBrien struggled to free himself for about 15 minutes before the two decided to call for help. The 911 call was hampered by poor reception and OBrien said the dispatcher hung up on him at one point, mistaking him for a telemarketer.

Mitchell O'Brien of Interlochen was rescued from quicksand near dredging outwash at Reynolds Street Beach in Leland, Mich., April 12, 2025. (Courtesy | Mitch O'Brien, Breanne Sika) Breanne Sika

Then, we both get through at the same time, he said. And I just go, I think my girlfriends trying to call, too. And she, at the same time, about 20 feet away, says, my boyfriend is stuck in the sand. At that point, he said, they became a couple.

That was literally the first time we defined our relationship. It happened with two separate 911 operators at the same time.

Emergency responders arrived a few minutes later. They put a life vest on OBrien and dug around his feet a little. They eventually freed him using a rope lasso.

OBrien was sore afterward, but said he and Sika are thankful nobody was hurt and that the incident helped cement their relationship. Sika posted photos online a few days later to warn others about being careful around dredging outwash.

The township is posting cautionary signage at the beach warning people to stay away from dredging outwash, said Leland Township Fire Chief Dan Besson.

This is one of those rare things, Besson said. Its the first time weve had an issue.

Mitchell O'Brien and Breanne Sika were at Reynold's Beach in Leland on April 12, 2025 when O'Brien sank into a quicksand hole at the shoreline. (Courtesy | Mitch O'Brien, Breanne Sika) Breanne Sika

OBrien said the area of loose sand was just small enough to swallow him, but not large enough to pull in others.

It seemed like there was only a very small amount around me of unstable sand, he said. They could walk up pretty close to where I was and the sand was holding their weight.

OBrien, who lives in Interlochen and grew up going to the beach in Leland, said hes encountered quicksand-like conditions at other Lake Michigan beaches before, but only around creek mouths where he sank up to his knees.

Were kind of choosing to laugh about it, he said. But he suggested beachgoers be mindful of the potential hazard.

Just be careful, he said. Dont go alone. Make sure theres one or more cell phones available.

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A cockroach was found in the smoothie bar of an upscale grocery store in California. David Petkiewicz, cleveland.com

SANTA MONICA, CA -- A grocery store known for high-end luxury shopping had a little something extra cooking near its smoothie bar recently. According to Today, the Erewhon grocery store in Santa Monica was issued a major violation by the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health after cockroaches were found in the stores tonic bar on April 8.

The tonic bar is an area of the store where pastries, acai bowls, and a viral $20 smoothie are created. Erewhon has become known as a celebrity and influencer hot spot in part due to the extraordinary prices the store charges for items. One luxury item, a single strawberry, is sold for $19 while everyday items like organic boneless, skinless chicken breast are $12.49 a pound.

According to Today, the notice claimed health inspectors found two live nymph German cockroaches in the cabinet under the Simonelli coffee machine holding sealed plastic cups while a dead cockroach was found in an area that stores the bars paper goods.

The smoothie bar was reportedly closed for 48 hours while Erewhon cleaned the area. When the health department returned on April 10, the store was allowed to reopen the bar.

No other areas of the store were impacted by the cockroaches.
Timothy Baugher, former president of Pontiac-based Asphalt Specialists LLC (ASI), was sentenced to six months in prison and ordered to pay a $20,000 fine for his role in the bid rigging conspiracy. MLive file photo

The former president of a Michigan asphalt company was sentenced to prison for conspiring with other companies to rig bids in each others favors to win contracts from customers.

Timothy Baugher, former president of Pontiac-based Asphalt Specialists LLC (ASI), was sentenced Wednesday, April 16 to six months in prison and ordered to pay a $20,000 fine for his role in the bid rigging conspiracy, the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) said in a news release.

Baugher is one of seven individuals who have been charged as part of an ongoing antitrust investigation by the DOJ, the release said. Three companies, including ASI, have been charged as part of the investigation, resulting in over $8.1 million in criminal fines.

Baugher pleaded guilty on Jan. 8 to conspiring with Allied Construction Company Inc. to rig bids in each others favor, the DOJ said.

Prosecutors say the two companies coordinated with each other to take turns winning contracts from customers. When submitting bids for services, one company would intentionally provide non-competitive prices so that the other companys bids would be chosen by the customer.

Baugher participated in the bidding conspiracy from July 2017 through May 2021, the DOJ said. Another former ASI executive also pleaded guilty in January 2024 for their participation in the conspiracy with Allied.

There is nothing impressive, just, or indeed lawful about rigging bids with your competitors to win a contract, said Acting Deputy Assistant Attorney General Omeed Assefi, of the DOJs Antitrust Division.

Investigators asked anyone with information in connection to this case to contact the Antitrust Divisions Complaint Center at 888-647-3258, or visit http://www.justice.gov/atr/report-violations.
A Michigan man has been charged with murder in connection to the 2020 disappearance of a Detroit woman. MLive file photo

DETROIT  A Michigan man has been charged with murder in connection to the 2020 disappearance of a Detroit woman.

Michigan State Police said Thursday that Keyvonte Deshawn Clark, 31, of Detroit, was arraigned in the 36th District Court for first-degree murder, mutilation of a dead body, felon in possession of a firearm and felony firearm.

He was charged after what police called hundreds of hours of work which spanned several years related to the disappearance of 24-year-old Jessica Bedford of Detroit in May of 2020.

Detectives involved in this investigation worked tirelessly to find out what happened to Jessica, said F/Lt. Mike Shaw. While this investigation will not bring Jessica back to her family, we are hopeful it will bring them a small amount of peace.

Clark is being held without bond at the Wayne County Jail. His next court appearance is on April 24.
Aaron Jarrett will stand trial in Michigan's Upper Peninsula for allegedly sexually assaulting a woman in 2016.

CHIPPEWA COUNTY, MI  A man will stand trial for allegedly sexually assaulting a woman in 2016 in Michigans Upper Peninsula.

Aaron Jarrett, 36, was bound over on four counts of first-degree criminal sexual conduct and one count of kidnapping on Thursday, April 17, in 50th Circuit Court in Chippewa County, according to a news release from Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel.

Jarrett, most recently of Clark County, Wash., was extradited to Michigan in February by the U.S. Marshals Service as part of Operation Survivor Justice.

RELATED: Man extradited from Washington, accused of sexually assaulting woman in U.P.

Jarrett is accused of sexually assaulting a Chippewa County woman in May 2016. He was charged in the matter by the Chippewa County Prosecuting Attorneys Office later that same year, but allegedly fled before he was arraigned.

Because of Operation Survivor Justice, Mr. Jarrett will finally stand trial after nearly nine years, Nessel said. My Department remains committed to using this vital partnership to ensure that those facing serious charges are located, apprehended, and held accountable.

A trial date for Jarrett has not yet been set, Nessels office said.

Operation Survivor Justice is a partnership between the Michigan Department of Attorney General, county prosecutors, and the U.S. Marshals Service. Funded through a $1 million state appropriation, the operation works to locate, apprehend, and return to Michigan fugitive offenders with outstanding sexual assault warrants.
This weeks product recalls at Americas largest retailer include two toys with choking hazards and celery sticks that could be contaminated with listeria.

With thousands of products on shelves and available online, Walmart serves millions of Americans. When a product it sells is recalled, there can be widespread effects.

Ninety percent of the U.S. population lives within 10 miles of a Walmart store.

Labeling mistakes, safety concerns, defects and contamination can all cause recalls on food, prescriptions and other products.

Walmart and Sams Club are committed to the health and safety of our customers and members and to providing products that are safe and compliant, all supported by our health and wellness, product safety, and food safety professionals, the company said in a statement. In the event of a product recall, we work swiftly to block the item from being sold and remove it from our stores and clubs.

Here are the latest recalls for products sold at Walmart and Sams Club:

Food recalls

Duda Farm Fresh Foods, Inc. issues precautionary advisory for 1,587 cases of 4 in/1.6 oz bundle Marketside Celery Sticks because of possible health risk - The advisory is for ready-to-eat celery that expired on March 23. The company is concerned that some customers may still have the product in their freezers. They were sold at select Walmart stores in Alabama, California, Colorado, Washington D.C., Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Iowa, Illinois, Kansas, Kentucky, Maryland, Michigan, Missouri, Montana, North Carolina, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Virginia, Wisconsin, West Virginia and Wyoming.

Frito-Lay issues limited recall for Tostitos Cantina Traditional Yellow Corn Tortilla Chips for undeclared milk - The recall includes less than 1,300 bags of chips. They were sold at select Walmart stores in Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Indiana, Kentucky, Mississippi, North Carolina, Ohio, South Carolina, Tennessee, Virginia and West Virginia.

RELATED: Tostitos tortilla chips sold in 13 states recalled over allergy risk

Nestle USA voluntary recalls limited quantity of Lean Cuisine and STOUFFERS frozen meals - The recall is due to the potential presence of wood in the food. The products were sold nationwide.

RELATED: Lean Cuisine, Stouffers frozen dinners recalled over possible wood-like material in entrees

Medication recalls

There are no recent medication recalls.

Product recalls

RELATED: Fisher-Price recalls 253K stroller toys over choking hazard

RELATED: 224,000 jewelry kits recalled due to chemical hazard

RELATED: Segway recalls 220K scooters as failure can cause injuries, broken bones

RELATED: Igloo recalls 1M coolers that have caused fingertip amputations, bone fractures
The University of Michigan Faculty Senate held a special hybrid meeting at 1:30 p.m. Thursday, April 17, at the universitys Alexander G. Ruthven Building, 1109 Geddes Ave. Makayla Coffee

ANN ARBOR, MI - University of Michigan faculty held a special meeting Thursday, sharing concerns for the future of higher education due to the recent moves in response to the Trump administration.

Nearly 150 members of the University of Michigan Faculty Senate, as well as about 1,000 over Zoom, met at 1:30 p.m. Thursday, April 17, at the Alexander G. Ruthven Building, 1109 Geddes Ave.

The central faculty governance that represents about 7,600 faculty members mulled many topics, largely demanded university leaders to commit to recently shuttered diversity programs as well as international students that recently had visas revoked.

The group spent over two hours discussing four motions, including a resolution urging the university to protect international students, faculty and staff from unwarranted detention. Another resolution requested administration to continue diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives in alignment with the universitys values and mission, while remaining legally compliant.

Various discussions came out of the meeting, including many from faculty members who are worried about what is next for the Ann Arbor campus.

Sandra Levitsky, professor of sociology, said faculties across the nation now need to band together to protect from funding cuts and other pressures from the Trump administration.

The task for us as faculty now is not just to hope, but to help create the conditions for schools to step up and defy what the Trump administration is trying to do, she said.

University senate members are set to vote on these four motions following the meeting via an emailed link. The voting period will be open until 4 p.m., Sunday, April 20.

If these motions pass, then the Senate will present them to university President Santa Ono.

The motion surrounding DEI generated a lot of buzz, as many spoke in favor of it.

The discussion comes just weeks after UM made major changes to its DEI program by discontinuing its DEI 2.0 Strategic Plan and closing its Office of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion and its Office for Health Equity and Inclusion.

The changes came in the midst of fear over funding cuts from the Trump administration. UM plans to shift resources to increase investments in student-facing programs, like financial aid, mental health resources and pre-professional counseling instead.

Read more: University of Michigan curbs DEI initiatives amid Trump threats

Psychology professor Kevin Cokley was one member speaking in favor of the resolution. He was drawn to UM because it had the institutional audacity to weave diversity, equity and inclusion into the great fabric of its culture in the past.

Without DEI, I fear that we will regress to a time where individuals from underrepresented communities, faculty, students and staff will never feel that they truly belong here at the University of Michigan, he said.

Other faculty senate members like physics professor Keith Riles disagreed with the motion, arguing its not a sound strategy to die on a DEI hill. He alleges UM has been discriminating against other groups illegally for decades.

Fighting court battles over DEI would be doomed to failure, he said. When a universitys position is based not on the law, not even on principle, but merely on what it thinks it can still get away with - it is vulnerable to the turning of political tides.

Cokley argued if there was something truly wrong with UMs DEI initiatives then the university wouldnt have embraced it.

Theres nothing inherently wrong, nefarious or problematic about wanting to make the University of Michigan a place that is diverse, equitable and inclusive for all people, he said.

Another motion discussed involved a resolution for international students, faculty and staff.

Related: Trump administration has revoked visas or legal residency of 22 University of Michigan students, grads

Rima Mohammed, a clinical professor, said this is especially personal to her as a Palestinian Muslim American who came to the U.S. as a refugee.

With recent events, I feel alone, scared, unsafe, she said. If I feel this way, (then) many people from the immigrant and refugee communities feel this way.

Related: Judge mulls case of revoked visas for 4 international students from Michigan universities

She asked the audience to put themselves in the shoes of those impacted right now as they deal with ongoing safety concerns, fear of speaking out and a lack of support by leadership.

Do not comply (and) do not cave in, she said. We do need to support our students, faculty and staff. We need to be with them.

Related: Im afraid to lose my job: Trump cuts disturbing University of Michigan leaders, faculty

The other two motions involved a statement in support of the core mission and values of higher education in the United States and asking Ono to propose and establish an alliance with other universities in the Big Ten to defend academic freedom, institutional integrity and research.

Yi-Li Wu, professor of womens and gender studies and history, said UMs recent actions have shown that officials are avoiding making any public noise that might draw attention.

Its time for that to end, she said.

It is high time for the University of Michigan to join these calls for unity and action loudly and publicly, she said in support of a motion during the meeting. If our president and regents are unwilling to speak out, we the faculty must step into this leadership void.

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A neighbor alerted an Ypsilanti-area man late Wednesday that his home was on fire. ANN ARBOR NEWS

YPSILANTI TWP., MI  A neighbor alerted a man late Wednesday that his home was on fire in Ypsilanti Township.

The resident of the home in the 700 block of Calder Avenue was sleeping around 10:24 p.m. when a neighbor noticed the fire in the attic, Ypsilanti Township fire Capt. Scott Gehringer said.
PITTSFIELD TWP., MI  Two of three people charged in connection with the fatal shooting of a foster family will go to trial, a judge ruled Wednesday.

Keith Lamar Finley, 61, and Gregory Dwight Callhan, 37, are accused of breaking into a home Jan. 1 in the 2000 block of Nollar Bend Road and fatally shooting Jennifer Bernhard, 48, and Smith, 74. They also allegedly shot and injured Jeffrey Bernhard, Jennifers husband.
Residents packed a meeting of the Washtenaw County Board of Commissioners, Wednesday, April 16, to express support for the immigrant community after the county was served a federal immigration enforcement subpoena. Jen Eberbach/MLive

WASHTENAW COUNTY, MI  Residents made emotional pleas to the Washtenaw County Board of Commissioners to protect the immigrant community at a packed meeting Wednesday night. They came to urge county officials to resist a federal immigration enforcement subpoena.

On April 10, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security issued the immigrant subpoena to the county. DHS demanded information about a county-issued identification card program that serves the immigrant community and others. DHS also notified the county about inspecting I-9 employee verification records.

Some residents brought signs or wore buttons protesting ICE and supporting immigrants. Many became emotional as they pleaded with county officials to protect immigrants and shared their fears.

We dont want you to cave from the pressure you are under, Laura Sanders told county officials.

Her husband Ramiro Martinez was mistakenly detained by ICE agents outside a courthouse near Plymouth earlier this month.

Many residents at the meeting expressed fear over what would happen to people who have the county-issued IDs, which provide a form of photo identification for people regardless of their immigration status. A couple of people even suggested the county delete records.

The IDs are not just for immigrants. They also benefit seniors, people facing homelessness, people who were incarcerated, and others.

RELATED: Feds demand info on Washtenaw County program giving IDs to immigrants, homeless and others

DHSs demands prompted the all-Democrat county board to explore legal options. On Wednesday night, the county board went into closed session with legal counsel. They returned to the board table just before midnight.

County commissioners voted unanimously to direct the countys legal counsel to respond to the subpoena and notice of inspection of I-9 forms. They did not say what their response would be.

Due to an ongoing investigation, ICE is unable to comment at this time, an ICE spokesperson told MLive/The Ann Arbor News in an email.

Martinez, who is a U.S. citizen, told the county board ICE agents surrounded him in the courthouse parking lot and pinned him on the ground, as he told them, Youve got the wrong person. He and Sanders, both longtime immigrant rights activists, were at the courthouse to support an immigrant living in the country without legal permission.

RELATED: U.S. citizen mistakenly detained by ICE outside Michigan courthouse speaks out

Martinez said people feel very unsafe, and people who are in the county without legal permission are scared.

Another woman asked county officials not to give people up to federal immigration officials. She also expressing fear that people have already been disappeared and terrorized.

Several people compared the federal crackdown on immigration to Nazi Germany and dictatorships.

University of Michigan law students also spoke about how international students are vulnerable and how they are afraid for their friends and loved ones.

Others who spoke believe the county has ethical duties to protect the immigrant community.

U.S. Rep. Debbie Dingell, D-Ann Arbor, gave a short remark about Constitutional freedoms.

If we dont all fight for those freedoms, who will? Dingell said.

County Sheriff Alyshia Dyer said county law enforcement is not collaborating with ICE.

Commissioner Katie Scott (D-Ann Arbor), the chair of the county board, said she shares a lot of residents concerns about DHSs demand for sensitive data.

These programs were created to help people access services and feel safe doing so, not to serve any outside agenda, Scott said.

I do think we need to be extremely cautious. There are serious legal and constitutional issues at play, she continued. We at this table also took an oath to defend the Constitution, and we have to be sure were not putting the county at risk.

Several other commissioners also expressed solidarity with concerned residents and the immigrant community.

Commissioner Andy LaBarre, D-Ann Arbor, invoked notions of good and evil and said he is committed to resisting DHSs demand as best as can, in whatever capacity I can, as strong as I can.

Commissioner Annie Somerville, D-Ypsilanti, said she stands in solidarity with the residents who attended the meeting.

Somerville then played American folk song This Land Is Your Land, by Woody Guthrie, prompting the crowd to sing together in unison.

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The exterior of the University of Michigan-Flint pavilion in downtown Flint. (Cody Scanlan | MLive.com)

FLINT, MI - The University of Michigan-Flint has confirmed the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has revoked the visas of three individuals affiliated with the university.

One of the students is a currently enrolled student and two are recent graduates amid what appears to be a broader federal crackdown on international students across the country.

In a statement released by UM-Flint Chancellor Laurence B. Alexander, he acknowledged the situation, noting the university hadnt received any prior notification from federal officials and was not given specific reasons for the visa terminations.

Last week, we became aware of reports that student visas have been revoked at several institutions across the country, Alexander wrote in a message to the campus community. Our Center for Global Engagement has confirmed that the Department of Homeland Security has terminated the visas of three individuals affiliated with UM-Flint.

The news comes as the university intensifies its monitoring of the federal Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS), a database used by DHS to track and manage information about international students in the United States.

Other universities in Michigan have experienced the same issue.

Mott Community College has not had any issues of students having their visas revoked, according to the school.

MLive-The Flint Journal reached out to Kettering University to see if any students there have been impacted but did not immediately receive a response.

UM-Flint currently hosts about 120 international students and maintains ties with several alumni who remain in the U.S. under Optional Practical Training, which allows graduates to work in their field of study while on a student visa.

University officials emphasized UM-Flint has not provided any names or identifying information to immigration authorities or federal law enforcement agencies, and the decision to revoke the visas came entirely from DHS.

The federal government has broad authority to terminate SEVIS records and revoke visas without prior notification to the university, the statement read. We want to emphasize that the university has not submitted any lists or identifying information concerning these individuals.

The developments come amid tightening immigration policies under the Trump administration, which has increased scrutiny of student visa holders and foreign nationals in higher education, citing national security concerns.

With no explanation provided by federal authorities, the university is working closely with its counterparts in Ann Arbor and Dearborn to understand the scope and implications of the visa actions.

The Center for Global Engagement is now advising affected students and encouraging all international students to seek guidance and updated resources to navigate the changing immigration landscape.

Many are experiencing a particularly difficult time, Alexander wrote. Let us continue to support one another with care, empathy and solidarity.
Crime Stoppers of Flint & Genesee County is offering a cash reward of up to $1,000 for information leading to the arrest of a driver who hit a motorcyclist and fled the scene. (Photo by Crime Stoppers of Flint & Genesee County) (Photo by Crime Stoppers of Flint & Genesee County)

FLINT, MI  Crime Stoppers of Flint & Genesee County is offering a cash reward of up to $1,000 for information leading to the felony arrest of a driver who hit a motorcyclist and fled the crash scene.

The crash took place around 12:15 a.m. on Saturday, March 22.

A 22-year-old male was taken to the hospital with non-life-threatening injuries after a black sedan struck his motorcycle on West Caroline Street in Fenton.

The crash happened after the 22-year-old motorcyclist, along with one other motorcyclist, passed the black sedan multiple times throughout Fenton and Fenton Township. They began near Thompson Road and Fenton Road, according to Crime Stoppers.

The rate of speed increased onto West Caroline Street, when the motorcyclist pulled over on the shoulder of the eastbound lane to let the sedan pass. It was at that point when the sedan allegedly veered onto the shoulder and struck the motorcycle, according to Crime Stoppers.

Police believe the driver of the sedan was a white male with a scruffy beard in his late 20s to mid-30s. The sedan has damage to the front drivers side and both side mirrors.

Anonymous tips can be submitted at 1-800-422-JAIL (5245), on the Crime Stoppers of Flint & Genesee County website and the P3 mobile app.

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A view of a welcome sign in the city of Burton. Two companies are expected to bring 150 new jobs to the city, Governor Gretchen Whitmer's office said in a statement this week. (MLive file photo) Brice Tucker | btucker@mlive.com

BURTON, MI  150 new jobs are coming to Burton as two expanding companies have announce plans to invest nearly $7.8 million in local facilities.

Gov. Gretchen Whitmers office announced on Thursday, April 17, that the North Carolina-based Custom Air Handling Solutions is purchasing a 50,000 square foot facility in Burton, and Fluid Cooling Systems will expand and update its Burton facility, located at 2416 Bristol Road.

I remain committed to making sure that anyone can make it in Michigan. Thats why Ill work with anyone to help companies invest and grow right here in Michigan, Whitmer said in a statement. Together, lets keep leading the future of manufacturing by bringing jobs and supply chains home.

Custom Air Handling Solutions designs and manufactures custom-engineered air handling units (AHUs) and hydronic packages, while Fluid Cooling Systems engineers and manufactures industrial, commercial, and HVAC products for a variety of industries.

The investment by the two businesses demonstrates the growth of Genesee Countys plumbing, heating and air-conditioning industry and further diversifies Michigans economy, Whitmers office said in a statement.

The new Custom Air Handling Solutions facility is expected to create no less than 68 new jobs with wages starting at $25 an hour including benefits and will generate a capital investment of $5,275,000. The companys approximately $5.3 million expansion is in response to an increased demand from customers.

We are excited to be in Burton and we have already found great local talent, vendors and support, Custom Air Handling Solutions General Manager Jason Kinney said in a statement. We are looking forward to years of growth and connection to this community.

Custom Air Handling Solutions expansion is being funded in part by a $410,000 Michigan Business Development Program grant, and the company hopes to transform the facility into its primary Midwestern hub.

Fluid Cooling Systems plans for its facility include purchasing new machinery, equipment, overhead cranes, and welding equipment to, like Custom Air Handling Solutions, meet the growing demand for their products.

We at Fluid Cooling Systems are deeply grateful to the Michigan Economic Development Corporation for their partnership in our expansion, Fluid Cooling Systems President Bob Antaya said in a statement. Their support not only fuels our innovation but also strengthens our commitment to revitalizing the Flint community. Together, we take pride in fostering growth and development, ensuring a brighter future for all.

In total, improvements to the Fluid Cooling Systems facility are expected to cost over $2.5 million and create 82 new jobs with wages starting at $22 per hour plus benefits. The project is being supported by a $575,000 Michigan Business Development Program grant.

We are pleased Fluid Cooling Systems has made the decision to continue to grow here in our community, Burton Mayor Duane Haskins said in a statement. This decision will create new opportunities, drive innovation, and contribute to the prosperity of our region.

Anyone interested in applying for a position with Custom Air Handling Solutions can explore job opportunities here. To learn more about the company, visit customairhandlingsolutions.com.

Additional information about Fluid Cooling Systems is available at fluidcoolingsystems.com, and information about job opportunities offered by the company can be found online here.

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Lonnie Laronn Morrow, 33, of Kalamazoo County, was sentenced to federal prison for possession of fentanyl and cocaine, including 10,863 counterfeit pills designed to look like oxycodone but actually contained over 1 kilogram of fentanyl, shown in this picture. Andrew Birge, Acting U.S. Attorney for the Western District of Michigan

GRAND RAPIDS, MI  Four men were sentenced this week to decades in prison for trafficking large quantities of drugs in West Michigan, including thousands of fentanyl-laced pills designed to look like oxycodone.

The sentencings of the four men, who are from Kent and Kalamazoo counties, were announced Wednesday, April 16, by Andrew Birge, Acting U.S. Attorney for the Western District of Michigan.

Authorities said the amount of fentanyl, heroin, methamphetamine and cocaine intended for distribution in these cases posed a significant threat to the public.

Three of the men were found in possession of over 2-and-a-half kilograms of fentanyl, which is enough to kill over a million people who have little to no tolerance for the synthetic opioid drug, Birge said.

Everyone in the community needs to be aware: one pill can kill, Birge said. We know that criminal drug networks are mass-producing fake pills and falsely marketing them as legitimate prescription pills to deceive the American public, much like the almost-20,000 counterfeit pills that Mr. Morrow and Mr. Ruiz possessed and intended to sell.

Here are the names of the four men and their sentencings:

Rene Arnold Ruiz, 52, of Kent County, was sentenced on Monday, April 14, to 192 months, or 16 years, in federal prison for possession with intent to distribute fentanyl, heroin, and cocaine. Ruiz previously pleaded guilty on Jan. 13, 2025.

Thomas Charles Davis, 50, of Kalamazoo County, was sentenced on Tuesday, April 15, to 210 months, or 17-and-a-half years, in federal prison for possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine and cocaine. Davis previously pleaded guilty on Dec. 18, 2024.

Lonnie Laronn Morrow, 33, of Kalamazoo County, was sentenced on Tuesday to 188 months, or 15 years and 8 months, in federal prison for possession with intent to distribute fentanyl and cocaine. Morrow previously pleaded guilty on Dec. 2, 2024.

Dyland Edward Hughes, 32, of Kalamazoo County, was sentenced Wednesday, April 16, to 70 months in federal prison for possession with intent to distribute fentanyl and cocaine. Hughes previously pleaded guilty on Dec. 19, 2024.

Morrow was arrested after a traffic stop in March 2024 where he was found in possession of 10,863 counterfeit pills designed to look like oxycodone 30mg pills (also known as M30s), which contained over 1 kilogram of fentanyl, prosecutors said.

Fentanyl in and of itself is dangerous, Chief. U.S. District Judge Hala Y. Jarbou said during Morrows sentencing - but when found in pill form, the fentanyl is disguised, making it even more dangerous.

When police searched Morrows apartment, they found over 170 grams of cocaine, over $12,000 in U.S. currency, amphetamine and morphine pills, and three firearms, according to the release.

Ruiz was arrested in May 2024 when police found 8,558 counterfeit pills, which were also designed to look like M30s, in a storage unit in Kent County. Prosecutors said the pills contained over 900 grams of fentanyl, along with over 400 grams of heroin.

Davis was arrested after selling pounds of meth to a police informant in July 2024, according to the release. Police found 18 pounds of meth and 70 grams of cocaine in his Kalamazoo County apartment.

At the time, Davis was serving a term of federal supervised release for a 2008 federal conviction for conspiracy to distribute cocaine, prosecutors said. The court added 30 months to Davis prison sentence for violating the terms of his release.

Also in July 2024, Hughes was found in possession of over 500 grams of fentanyl and over 100 grams of cocaine, located in a bedroom of his mothers house in Kalamazoo County.

State police say drug overdoses have caused nearly twice as many deaths as fatal car crashes in southwest Michigan.

The Southwest Enforcement Team (SWET) is committed to saving lives and bringing accountability to the drug trafficking organizations that sell lethal narcotics in our communities, robbing us of the lives of our sons and daughters, said Michigan State Police Detective First Lieutenant Rick Pazder. The lengthy sentences given in these cases are just, and we applaud the United States Attorneys Office for their diligent efforts and strong commitment to justice.
MICHIGAN -- The former Grand Rapids police officer accused of killing Black motorist Patrick Lyoya is asking the U.S. Supreme Court to hear his civil case.

Attorneys for Christopher Schurr filed documents earlier this year asking the nations highest court to weigh in on whether Schurr deserves qualified immunity.
Ferris State University spent $163,966 to repair electrical grids and relocate approximately 500 students in early April, after storms caused outages in two residence halls and a campus apartment complex. Ferris State University

BIG RAPIDS, MI - Ferris State University spent $163,966 to repair electrical grids and relocate approximately 500 students this month, after storms caused outages in two residence halls and a campus apartment complex.

At this point, the university is covering the costs by tapping emergency reserve funds.

The outages, which began at around 10 p.m. on Wednesday, April 2, left students without power through Sunday, April 6.

RELATED: Ferris State temporarily relocating 500 students after storm-related power outages

Students in Cramer Hall (1325 Cramer Circle), Bond Hall (1400 Bond Circle Dr.) and the West Campus Apartments (1414 Family Dr.) were affected by the high winds and heavy rains.

Other affected buildings included the College of Pharmacy, College of Health Professions, Department of Public Safety and the Early Learning Center.

Campus leaders said the power took several days to restore because many repair crews across the state were responding to Northern Michigan communities affected by recent ice storms. The storms prompted Gov. Gretchen Whitmer to declare a state of emergency in 10 Northern Michigan counties.

RELATED: Catastrophic damage: Thousands of miles of powerlines smothered in ice after Northern Michigan storm

The university has spent about $85,000 on the electrical grid repairs to date, according to Dave Murray, Ferris States associate vice president for marketing and communications.

Ferris States Facilities Department worked with Muskegon-based Newkirk Electric to repair and replace power lines.

Murray said the university anticipates some additional work on electric cable to be completed.

A power outage is a difficult and unpredictable event, and were proud of the way our team put student safety first and foremost, Murray said. The team worked through the night on the first night and early morning to ensure students were safe, warm and fed during this challenge.

Members of Ferris States Housing and Residence Life and Office of Student Life teams worked through Thursday night and early Friday morning to help the students find temporary locations in other residence halls, with friends or at area hotels.

West Campus students could also elect to be relocated. The university credited student accounts $100 if they chose to go home or stay with friends/family.

In total, the university spent $78,966 at five hotels in the Big Rapids area to temporarily house students.

There were 247 students who used university-provided temporary spaces, whether in open spaces on campus or in hotel rooms.

An additional 391 students informed the student housing department they either chose to stay with a friend or go home, and 220 students went home or stayed with a friend but did not share their decision. Both groups will receive a $100 credit.

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Police are investigating a fraud ring in Detroit that intercepted several Leoni Township checks and cashed them. J. Scott Park

LEONI TOWNSHIP, MI  Police are investigating a fraud ring in Detroit that intercepted several Leoni Township checks and cashed them.

Leoni Township officials contacted law enforcement on Feb. 19 to report they had discovered several township checks had been fraudulently cashed, Blackman-Leoni Township Department of Public Safety Director Darin McIntosh said Tuesday, April 15.
KALAMAZOO, MI  Sean Lamb saw his first Bob Dylan concert in 1977 in Carbondale, Illinois.

Wednesday, April 16, at Miller Auditorium in Kalamazoo was his eighth time seeing the folk legend.

The most outstanding was probably the first, said Lamb, 64, after Dylans two-hour performance Wednesday night. Hes showing his age a little bit, which is fine, but Im still going to come see him whenever I get a chance.

Who knows how much longer weve got? At 83, hes still doing well, but hes getting up there. Were starting to lose a lot of the icons, so any chance you have to go see one of them, you better go.

Sean Lamb, 64, has been seeing Bob Dylan since 1977. Lamb holds up a t-shirt from Dylan's "Rough and Rowdy Ways" tour after a show in Kalamazoo, Michigan on Wednesday, April 16, 2025. Ryan Boldrey | MLive.com

From Desolation Row to Key West, Dylan took the near-capacity crowd of just under 3,500 at the Western Michigan University auditorium on a six-decade musical journey.

Anybody watching recent setlists had a good idea what was coming, however.

The Minnesota-bred troubadour has now played an almost identical 17-song setlist at each of his 16 shows since kicking off the continuation of his Rough and Rowdy Ways tour on March 25, in Tulsa, Oklahoma.

The first five shows of the tour opened with All Along the Watchtower instead of Ill Be Your Baby Tonight. Other than that, each show has mirrored one another from a setlist perspective.

Wednesdays show, like all the others, featured nine of the 10 songs off the 2021 album the tour draws its name from  omitting Murder Most Foul.

There were no more than two songs performed off any other Dylan album on the night as he pulled from six other albums total.

For fans like Cole VanOtteren, the mix of new and old was perfect.

The 23-year-old was seeing Dylan for the second time. He said he was excited to hear older songs like It Aint Me Babe, Every Grain of Sand and Its All Over Now Baby Blue.

I couldnt believe Desolation Row, he said. I was so excited to hear that. But Im also a huge Rough and Rowdy Ways fan and I love Key West. That song is my absolute favorite.

Friends and Bob Dylan fans Ana West, Alex Deahl, Sam Nelson and Cole VanOtteren, share a moment after Dylan's performance Wednesday, April 16, 2025, at Miller Auditorium in Kalamazoo, Michigan. Ryan Boldrey | MLive.com

Key West was talked about by many fans post-show.

The song also provided one of just a couple moments on the night where Dylan drew crowd reactions mid-song.

Upon reaching the line Down by the Gulf of Mexico, Dylan emphatically repeated the word, Mexico eliciting cheers from quite a few in the audience.

Ana West, 25, was among those talking about the song after the show.

I love hearing a song that I didnt know at a concert, and it quickly becomes one of your favorites, she said.

Dylan spent nearly the entire evening on piano, playing harmonica off and on and picking up a guitar just briefly at the beginning of the night, while seated on a piano bench with his back to the crowd.

Aside from introducing band members Tony Garnier on bass, Bob Britt and Doug Lancio on guitar and Anton Fig on drums, he didnt do much talking over the course of the night.

He let his lyrics handle that, although at times, those could be hard to understand.

That didnt stop fans like West from soaking it all up.

I think a lot of people have this spiritual connection to Bob Dylans music, she said. I was definitely transcended.

Dylan will return to Michigan on Friday, June 20 as part of Willie Nelsons Outlaw Music Festival at Pine Knob Music Theatre.

The 10th anniversary Outlaw tour stop will also feature Nathaniel Rateliff & The Night Sweats, Trampled by Turtles and West Michigan native Myron Elkins.

Setlist: Ill Be Your Baby Tonight, It Aint Me Babe, I Contain Multitudes, False Prophet, When I Paint My Masterpiece, Black Rider, My Own Version of You, To Be Alone With You, Crossing the Rubicon, Desolation Row, Key West (Philosopher Prophet), Watching the River Flow, Its All Over Now Baby Blue, Ive Made My Mind Up To Give Myself To You, Mother of Muses, Goodbye Jimmy Reed, Every Grain of Sand
VAN BUREN COUNTY, MI  In March, the city of Bangor denied a citizens request to see the city manager/police chiefs paycheck.

Now, the small town not far from Lake Michigan has revealed the salary after MLive/Kalamazoo Gazette sent a Freedom of Information Act request.

Police Chief/City Manager Justin Weber gets paid $84,975 annually for his position at the city, according to paychecks released to MLive. He does not get a separate amount for being police chief, Bangor City Clerk Shelly Umbanhowar said.

Weber could not be reached for comment this week.

The city of Bangor has attracted attention after passing a resolution threatening legal action against anyone making statements that cause the city harm.

Webers paychecks were first requested on Feb. 7 by Steve Honeycutt, who is running for mayor against incumbent Lynne Farmer. In March, the city denied Honeycutts FOIA request, citing unwarranted invasion of an individuals privacy as the reason for the denial.

Honeycutts FOIA was denied because the request was specifically for pay before and after taxes, Umbanhowar said, and tax withholding information is exempt from disclosure.

Honeycutt never specifically FOIAd paystubs, Umbanhowar said.

A train car serves as a sign welcoming people to Bangor, Michigan. The back, pictured here, thanks them for visiting. But critics say a new policy in Bangor is not very welcoming. (Brad Devereaux | bdeverea@mlive.com)

Webers salary has also been available on the citys website, Umbanhowar said, providing a link to meeting minutes and pointing to Jan. 25, 2024 as the date of the action. The minutes show approval of an item labeled Compensation, $82.5K annual salary though the minutes do not make it clear which officials compensation was approved.

Webers current salary of $84,975 includes a boost from a 3% annual raise, which is indicated in the minutes in a separate approval from that same meeting. Hes been police chief since March 2022 and city manager since September 2023.

Honeycutt already had Webers contract and salary information, Umbanhowar said.

Honeycutt contends he was seeking paycheck amounts to check if Weber was making additional money on top of the city manager salary.

He responded after the information was released to MLive.

I dont believe it, Honeycutt said, questioning the narrative from the city. Officials would not have fought his FOIA like they did unless there was something to hide, he said.

There aint no way in hell.

Honeycutt said hes noticed a drop-off in open criticism from citizens, especially after the citys threat of legal action.

People are scared, he said.

The only reason they didnt give it to me is, they knew Im exposing what theyre doing, he said. They cant get to me, they cant scare me.

Bangor, Michigan, "The Gateway to the Lake," is a small town in Southwest Michigan. (Brad Devereaux | bdeverea@mlive.com)

Citizens at odds with city officials

Honeycutt said he was labeled a troublemaker for asking questions to expose the truth.

Mayor Farmer disagrees with Honeycutt and said the city had to take measures, including locking City Hall and only allowing people inside using a buzzer system, to protect employees.

About Webers salary, Farmer recently confirmed to MLive: He collects one salary for both jobs.

Some dont believe city officials, even though theyve said it over and over, she said.

They believe what they want to believe, Farmer said recently.

The city has nothing to hide, Farmer said.

Were trying to be as transparent as we possibly can, she said. This is her 14th year on the council and it is the most transparent shes ever seen it.

It would be OK if you said Lynne Farmer is the suckiest mayor weve ever had and I wish she would quit. Well, you have every right to that opinion, Farmer said.

But youre saying constantly that Justin Weber, our city manager, is getting two paychecks when you know that to be untruthful.

Thats not right, she said. You cant keep perpetuating untruthful things out there that you know for a fact to be untrue.

Bangor, Michigan, "The Gateway to the Lake," is a small town in Southwest Michigan. (Brad Devereaux | bdeverea@mlive.com)

Honeycutt hopes he can unseat the mayor in the May 6 election and make changes, which he said would include releasing information he believes is being hidden from citizens.

Theyre used to controlling what the populous knows and they pick and choose what to release instead of telling the whole story, Honeycutt said.

Theyre not used to people like me.

Local comparisons

City officials referenced local comparisons that were considered when Webers salary was set in January 2024.

The list included city manager salaries from around the region, ranging from $62,920 in Marcellus up to $80,000 in Watervliet, according to Bangor.

The list is included, below.

Bangor, Michigan, "The Gateway to the Lake," is a small town in Southwest Michigan. (Brad Devereaux | bdeverea@mlive.com)

MLive also reached out to Parchment, a city of about 1,900 in Kalamazoo County, where outgoing City Manager Nancy Stoddard said she makes $75,000. An incoming city manager will make $82,000, she said.

Parchment contracts out for policing $492,253 a year, she said.

Want more Kalamazoo-area news? Bookmark the local Kalamazoo news page or sign up for the free 3@3 Kalamazoo daily newsletter.
ANN ARBOR, MI  With 20 months until voters hit the polls, the 2026 election is taking form in one Michigan race.

Former gubernatorial candidate Abdul El-Sayed this week added his name to the growing list of candidates in the chase for the U.S. Senate seat occupied today by retiring Democrat Gary Peters.

The Democrat is the third candidate to declare plans to pursue one of the states two Senate positions.

Its way too hard to survive here in the richest, most powerful country in the world and it should not be this hard to get by, El-Sayed told The Associated Press.

The Ann Arbor resident was a candidate for governor in 2018, the year voters instead favored fellow Democrat Gretchen Whitmer for the first of her two terms in Lansing.

Secretary of State officials, at the request of the Michigan Democratic Party, filed a lawsuit against El-Sayed after questions arose about whether he met residency requirements to serve as governor. El-Sayed emerged victorious in that lawsuit, and later came in second to Whitmer in the Democratic primary, falling 22 percentage points shy of her.

El-Sayed was considered a progressive candidate back then, when Sen. Bernie Sanders endorsed the former Michigan public health official.

Sanders this week extended that endorsement to El-Sayed for the U.S. Senate race.

Abdul is a physician who understands that our current health care system is broken and wildly expensive, Sanders said in a statement. He understands that health care is a human right, which is why he supports Medicare for All.

El-Sayed previously worked as director of the Department of Health, Human & Veterans Services in Wayne County. Before that, he was the public health director of Detroit.

El-Sayed said he was inspired to run for Senate after the overhaul of the federal government brought on by President Donald Trump and Trump advisor Elon Musk, including changes and cuts made at the nations top health agencies.

El-Sayed said Democrats must do more than just run on the opposite of Republican policies.

You have to come with your own independent analysis of what you think the problem is and how you want to solve it, if you want to earn the trust of the public, he said.

His Democratic competition so far: State Sen. Mallory McMorrow, D-Royal Oak, announced her candidacy earlier this month.

U.S. Rep. Haley Stevens is also considering a run for the Democratic ticket and Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel, a Democrat, has not ruled it out either.

As for the Republican field: former U.S. Rep. Mike Rogers earlier this week announced he will campaign for the Senate seat.

U.S. Rep. Bill Huizenga, a Republican, on his social media account this week said he will consider a bid for the Senate seat too.

Tudor Dixon, the 2022 Republican gubernatorial candidate in Michigan, has hinted at a run.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.
Essential functions at the federal Great Lakes research lab that helps forecast Michigan weather have been crippled by the Trump administrations wave of federal firings, according to one terminated staffer. (MLive file photo) Joel Bissell | MLive.com

Essential functions at the federal Great Lakes research lab that monitors toxic algae blooms and helps forecast Michigan weather have been crippled by the Trump administrations wave of federal firings, according to one terminated staffer.

Since February, the Great Lakes Environmental Research Laboratory (GLERL) in Muskegon and Ann Arbor has lost more than 35% of its staff to the Trump administrations purges of probationary workers and encouraged resignations, former GLERL communications specialist Nicole Rice testified Thursday.

Essential functions have been crippled. GLERLs director, key scientists and the entire communications team have been eliminated, Rice said. A federal hiring freeze means none of these roles can be filled, and its not just people; we are losing capacity.

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) has halted contract approvals, delayed vessel deployments and cut funding for basic fieldwork. That means no algal bloom monitoring, no shoreline mapping, no new data for forecasts and no shipwreck buoys for divers in our marine sanctuaries.

Rice testified during the Michigan Senate Labor Committees hearing Thursday, April 17, on the sweeping federal workforce reductions by the Trump administration and how those staffing cuts will impact Michiganders.

Michigan is home to nearly 30,000 federal employees, Rice said. Two others who spoke Thursday included a marine veteran who was fired, and then rehired, at the Veterans Affairs Medical Center in Ann Arbor, and a financial analyst with the Department of Housing and Urban Development who was fired and later reinstated on administrative leave.

Rice had worked at NOAA for 10 years before a recent promotion and her disability placed her into a two-year probationary period. She was fired Feb. 27 then later reinstated before being fired again last week.

The Trump administration has fired thousands of probationary period employees, those who were recently hired or promoted, to slash the federal workforce. Questions over the legality of the move are working their way through the courts.

GLERL is part of NOAA, which generates and sends weather, water and climate data across the federal government and manages the National Weather Service.

When U.S. Rep. Debbie Dingell, D-Michigan, learned in late February that at least 15 probationary employees had been fired from GLERL, she wrote to NOAA leadership expressing concern and stressed the importance of the lab in protecting Michigan from severe weather and other threats.

The work conducted at GLERL is critical to the health and preservation of the Great Lakes, which are an invaluable natural resource in our region and to our nation at large, Dingell wrote in the letter co-authored with U.S. Rep. Marcy Kaptur, D-Ohio. The laboratorys research plays an essential role in understanding and mitigating the effects of severe weather, pollution, invasive species and other threats to the ecosystem.

Related: Trump jobs purge at NOAA hits Great Lakes staff in Michigan

While functions at GLERL are crippled, they could be eliminated entirely.

According to the New York Times, Trump administration officials have recommended eliminating NOAAs scientific research division as part of a budget proposal to downsize NOAA.

The move would shutter GLERL altogether and endanger Michigan residents, Rice said.

Among the impacts, beach forecasts would potentially disappear, lake effect snow and other hazardous weather would be harder to predict and U.S. Coast Guard operations would be impeded.

Without GLERLs expertise and data, beach forecasts will lag or disappear entirely, leaving the public unaware of dangerous conditions such as rip currents, E. Coli outbreaks or harmful algal blooms, Rice said. The U.S. Coast Guard will lose access to critical wind, wave and ice forecasts, slowing down life saving search and rescue operations.

Rice said there would also be potential delays in toxin forecasting, which she said GLERL developed after toxic algal blooms in 2014 left more than 400,000 people in the Toledo area without drinking water.

And cuts to NOAA risk the agency taking a backseat on invasive species research and forecasting, potentially allowing Asian carp to get a foothold in the Great Lakes and devastate the commercial and recreational fishing industry, Rice said.

It has taken over a century of bipartisan cooperation, investment and science to bring the Great Lakes back from the brink of ecological collapse, Rice said, but these reckless cuts could undo the progress in just a few short years, endangering the largest surface freshwater system in the world.

The hearing comes as communities in Northern Michigan and the Upper Peninsula continue to recover from historic ice storms in late March that brought significant damage to the region, from knocked out power and communications to hundreds of miles of roadways blocked by debris.

Rice was asked about NOAAs role in making sure the state is prepared for extreme weather.

Researchers at GLERL study how the Great Lakes affect weather patterns in the state, which is key to helping shape the National Weather Services forecast models, Rice said.

Without that research ongoing, those weather models, as things shift in the climate, those weather models will, for lack of a better term, get weaker and weaker, Rice said. We need to have those models updated constantly. So eliminating a research office in the Great Lakes is detrimental to being able to predict things like those big ice storms or being able to predict lake effect snow.

GLERL also manages wave modeling and monitoring and a buoy system that predicts shifts in water levels in the Great Lakes and can give a warning if theres a dramatic enough shift.

Without those researchers and without that laboratory, all of those programs go away, Rice said. Were really talking about the safety and welfare of Michiganders and people in the Great Lakes.

Rice said the cuts might mean the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes and Energy would have to take on some of the monitoring done by GLERL.

In late February, Congressional Democrats reported that 1,300 federal workers had been fired from NOAA.

A number of those fired workers were brought back on administrative leave after a court temporarily halted the firings. When that order was lifted last week, the Trump administration began re-firing NOAA employees, the Hill reported.
Gov. Gretchen Whitmer announced an executive directive Thursday for Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) to create a report outlining effects of proposed cuts to the federal program. Ryan Stanton | The Ann Arbor News

LANSING, MI - Gov. Gretchen Whitmer wants to know the impacts of potential federal cuts to Medicaid in Michigan.

The governor announced an executive directive Thursday, April 17, for the state Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) to create a report outlining effects of proposed cuts to the federal program.

Officials have been tasked with quantifying the impact of Congress proposal, including:

The number of Michiganders who would lose health care;

The effect on proposed cuts on hospitals, including reductions in services and closures of facilities;

The impact on timely access to care;

The ways in which cuts would impact the states budget.

Medicaid is a government-funded health insurance program for low-income individuals and families, children, people with disabilities and more.

In Michigan, Medicaid provides health coverage to more than 2.8 million residents, or about a quarter of the states population. That meant an allocation of nearly $17.5 billion to Michigan in 2023.

RELATED: Michigan officials say Medicaid cuts would raise healthcare costs for all

Last week, U.S. House Republicans narrowly passed a 2026 budget framework that would include potential cuts to Medicaid, according to the Hill. The Associated Press reports federal lawmakers will work over the coming weeks and months to turn the framework into a budget bill for final approval.

The spending framework adopted last week directs the House Committee on Energy and Commerce to cut $880 billion from the spending it oversees over the next decade. Medicaid is under the committees jurisdiction.

While the plan doesnt explicitly target Medicaid, the nonpartisan Congressional Budget Office has stated that the extent of the cuts would require reductions to Medicaid.

House Speaker Mike Johnson, R-Louisiana, has stated the cuts would primarily target fraud and inefficiencies. Some Republican representatives have warned they wont support a budget bill that cuts Medicaid.

President Donald Trump has pledged to protect Medicaid funding, telling a reporter in February Were not going to touch it, according to a report by USA Today.

RELATED: Doctors, health officials say Medicaid cuts would threaten Michigans health and its economy

While calling for the report from MDHHS, Whitmer said the Republican budget resolution would force historically high cuts to Medicaid. She warned this would result in Michigan health providers closing their doors, a reduction in the quality of services, and millions of Americans losing health coverage.

Im committed to helping folks get the care they need without worrying about the bill, Whitmer said. Because here in Michigan, getting sick shouldnt mean going broke.

Whitmer spoke about the order shortly after noon Thursday in Royal Oak. She was joined by a trio of Democratic U.S. congresswomen and some health care workers.

Medicaid is already a lean program, said U.S. Rep. Debbie Dingell, D-Dearborn. With few options for how to fill the budget hole left by cuts to Medicaid funding, our state will have no choice but to consider cuts to coverage and benefits, leaving more people uninsured and underinsured.

The governor also took to social media Thursday to note Medicaids importance for Michigan kids.

Half of Michigans kids rely on Medicaid for their healthcare, Whitmer posted on X, formerly Twitter. Its what keeps them healthy, growing, and able to show up in school ready to learn. Now some in Washington want to rip that away. Lets call it what it is: dangerous.

Other state leaders, including the directors of MDHHS and the Michigan Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity, are scheduled to visit Munson Healthcare Hospital in Cadillac on Friday to discuss the negative impacts of potential cuts to Medicaid.

Losing access to health care hurts the economy, particularly in rural areas as residents lose access to health care and cuts can also result in job losses, reads a state press release about the visit. This creates a ripple effect that weakens entire communities and regions.
Jose Azocar originally signed with the Tigers out of Venezuela. (AP Photo/Jeff Roberson) AP

DETROIT -- Former Detroit Tigers farmhand Jose Azocar is headed back to the big leagues -- this time with the New York Mets.

The outfielder was selected from Triple-A Syracuse to replace the injured Jose Siri on Thursday.

Azocar, who turns 29 next month, originally signed with the Tigers as a teenager out of Venezuela but never advanced beyond the Double-A level.

He signed with the Padres as a minor-league free agent before the 2021 season and made San Diegos Opening Day roster in 2022. He bounced between Triple-A El Paso and the Padres for most of the next three seasons.

Known for his speed and defense, Azocar owns a .610 OPS (74 OPS+) in 397 career plate appearances in the big leagues.
Arindam Roy

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Blake Lively reacts to earning a spot on Time's 2025 most influential list, writes, "Its an honor to be acknowledged"

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Prithviraj Sukumaran bags the 54th Kerala State Award for Aadujeevitham: The Goat Life by Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan

Gayatri Rani

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Ranveer Allahbadia does an AMA with fans, says Samay Raina 'will be back soon'

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Saif Ali Khan's BTS moments from 'Jaadu' song set the internet on fire ahead of 'Jewel Thief: The Heist Begins' release

Vaishnavi Gavankar

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SS Rajamouli on Jr NTRs performance during RRRs song filming: 'Tarak Was Like a Man Possessed Man'

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When Hrithik Roshan's alleged affair with Barbara Mori caused a rift in his marriage to Sussanne Khan

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Telcos likely to hike tariffs by Nov-Dec as monetisation push gains steam: Analysts

Danish Khan is the editor of Technology and Telecom. He was previously with the Economic Times and has tracked the sector for 14 years.

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Lovisha Darad Lovisha is passionate about domestic and global equity market development. She writes stories exclusively on equities from a fundamental perspective, gathering insights from niche market gurus.

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India races to woo US companies looking to shift bases from China: Report

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Indian airlines may get 20 more Boeing planes after China orders suspension of deliveries

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Sensex jumps over 1,500 pts, Nifty above 23,850: Global cues, FII buying among key factors behind market rally

Paras Bisht

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Stocks to Watch Today: Hero MotoCorp, Zydus Life, Lupin, Sonata Software, Dalmia Bharat, Paytm, Infosys, Angel One, Wipro in focus on 17 April

Sunil Matkar

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Suresh Sadagopan is Founder, Ladder7 Financial Advisories. He is the author of the book: If God was your Financial Planner

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Flipkart asks all employees to work from office five days a week

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Amid strong opposition, special cabinet meeting on caste census in Karnataka ends without any major decision

Chhabi Kala

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J. Kumar is an author, journalist and a political commentator based in in Mumbai who writes on crime and Maharashtra politics. Views are personal and do not represent the stand of this publication.

Sonalee Borgohain

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BluSmart Wallet Crisis: Users struggle to withdraw money; a look at consumer rights on using wallet-based payment systems

Tamal Nandi

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'How can anything foreign be in jugular vein?': India hits back at Pak Army chief over Kashmir remark

Siddharth Chakravorty

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India eyes ending import tax on US ethane and LPG in trade talks: Report

Arindam Roy

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Iran's foreign minister may visit India in May: What's on agenda?

Priyanjali Ghose

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Chhabi Kala

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'Time to blow up the can': Jagdeep Dhankhar makes strong pitch for judicial accountability, says public confidence in institution dwindling

Priyanjali Ghose

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Supreme Court resumes hearing on Waqf law, may consider stay on key provisions

Priyanjali Ghose

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Victory difficult but path for defeating BJP, RSS goes through Gujarat: Rahul Gandhi

Ria Kapoor

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'Wait for a few more days': Mamata Banerjee asks Governor C V Ananda Bose to delay his visit to Murshidabad

Yeeshu Yadav

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Will Muslims be governed by succession law or Shariat? Supreme Court to examine issue

Priyanjali Ghose

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Bhartendu Kumar Singh is in the Indian Defence Accounts Service. Views are personal, and do not represent the stand of this publication.

Namrata Agarwal

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Brigade Hotel Ventures has raised Rs 126 crore by selling equity shares to 360 ONE Alternates Asset Management, ahead of its maiden public issue. Brigade Hotel Ventures is a subsidiary of Bengaluru-based real estate company Brigade Enterprises. In a statement on Friday, Brigade Hotel Ventures said it has "raised Rs 126 crore in a pre-IPO placement round." The company issued 1.4 crore equity shares to 360 ONE Alternates Asset Management Ltd (360 ONE) at Rs 90 per share. This transaction represents 4.74 percent of the company's pre-offer share capital. According to the DRHP, the company's initial public offering (IPO) consisted of a fresh issue of shares aggregating up to Rs 900 crore. The company will use around Rs 480 crore to cut debt and Rs 107 crore to purchase land. Click Here To Read All IPO News The remaining proceeds will be to pursue inorganic growth. Brigade Hotel Ventures is one of the leading hospitality firms in South India. It entered into the hospitality business in 2004. The company has a portfolio of nine operating hotels across Bengaluru (Karnataka), Chennai (Tamil Nadu), Kochi (Kerala), Mysuru (Karnataka) and the GIFT City (Gujarat) with 1,604 keys. These properties are managed by global hospitality brands such as Marriott, AAPC India Hotel Management, and InterContinental Hotels Group (India).

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Ankita Sengupta

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What is the two-nation theory highlighted by Pakistan Army chief Asim Munir

Ankita Sengupta

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Danish Khan is the editor of Technology and Telecom. He was previously with the Economic Times and has tracked the sector for 14 years.

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Danish Khan

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Google found guilty by US court of using its power to control online ads

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.

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Danish Khan is the editor of Technology and Telecom. He was previously with the Economic Times and has tracked the sector for 14 years.

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Arindam Roy

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Shaurya Shubham

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Meghalaya Introduces Tourist Buddies to Boost Safe, Responsible Travel: All You Need to Know

MC Travel Desk Read the latest and trending travel news storiesstay updated on new destinations, travel trends, visa updates, and expert tips for your next adventure.

Priyanka Roshan

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As China battles US tariffs, India sees openings, and a few red flags

Abhinav Gupta With over 12 years in digital journalism, has navigated the fast-evolving media landscape, shaping digital strategies and leading high-impact newsrooms. Currently, he serves as News Editor at MoneyControl, leading coverage in Global Affairs, Indian Politics, Governance and Policy Making. Previously, he has spearheaded fact-checking and digital media operations at Press Trust of India. Abhinav has also led news desks at Financial Express, DNA, and Jagran English, managing editorial direction, breaking news coverage, and digital growth. His journey includes stints with The Indian Express Group, Zee Media Group, and more, where he has honed his expertise in newsroom leadership, audience engagement, and digital transformation.

Abhinav Gupta

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Pragya Trivedi

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Surabhi Pandey

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Lebanon detains several people on suspicion of firing rockets at Israel

Chhabi Kala

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Malaysias trade minister to visit US for tariff talks, emphasizes country's role in global supply chain

101Reporters

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Abhinav Gupta

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Sonalee Borgohain

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Trump administration pushes back against judges over migrant deportations to El Salvador, sparking clash with judiciary

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US firm Fannie Mae fires 200 Indian-Americans, mostly of Telugu origin, over 'false donations'

Armaan Bhatnagar

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US judge finds 'probable cause' to hold Trump administration in contempt over deportation, appeal planned

Pradeep Tripathi

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Who is Chinmay Deore? Know why the Indian student is facing US deportation despite clean record

Pragya Trivedi

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Wish Elon Musk had the decency to apologise: Tesla whistleblower wins legal victory against Musk

Aishwarya Dabhade

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With China in the wings, Pakistan-Bangladesh talks resume after 15 years  Is India facing a three-front challenge?

Abhinav Gupta

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The members of the 24th House of Representatives pose for a photo in the House chamber.
Kumoi Farms owners Simon and Crystal Deleon Guerrero gather for a group photo with Dr. Adrian Ares of Northern Marianas College-Cooperative Research, Extension, and Education Services and Sollyann Takai of Natural Resource Conservation Services in celebration of the Kumoi Farms Sustaining Pig Farming in the Marianas Initiative.

NMC photo
Robert BrooksMCSO booking photo View Photo

Mariposa, CA Calling it one of the most severe Child Sexual Abuse Material (CSAM) cases ever seen in Mariposa County, deputies arrested the alleged suspect after discovering extensive material depicting the crime on 133 digital devices.

On Tuesday, April 15, 2025, deputies arrested 58-year-old Robert Brooks in Calaveras County, where he had been working, in connection with an extensive child sexual abuse material (CSAM) investigation. His arrest stems from a September 2024 search warrant conducted at a property in the Coulterville/Greeley Hill area. Investigators found 133 electronic gadgets at Brooks house during the search. Afterwards, forensic warrants were acquired; a first examination of the devices showed that 25 of them had evidence related to child sexual assault.

The devices were forensically extracted and analyzed over many months, operating a collaborative investigation between the Fresno Multi-Agency Digital (MAD) Lab, the Mariposa County Sheriffs Office, and the Central California Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) Task Force. The findings were astounding, with 14,649 videos and 886,169 images found to be child sexual assault material (CSAM).

This is one of the most severe CSAM cases weve ever seen in Mariposa County, stated Sheriff Jeremy Briese. These cases are disturbing on every level, but I want the community to know we will never stop hunting down predators who exploit children. The work done by our investigators, the ICAC Task Force, and our forensic partners was nothing short of exceptional. These are not easy cases to work, emotionally or mentally, but our team remains committed to protecting the most vulnerable members of our community.

It is unclear if any children depicted in the video or photos were from the county. Brooks was then handcuffed without incident for possession of obscene matter depicting a minor engaged in sexual conduct. His bail was set at $50,000. Detectives advise that the investigation remains ongoing, and further charges may be filed pending continued forensic analysis. They also ask that anyone with information regarding this case or any potential victim(s) contact the Mariposa County Sheriffs Office at 209-966-3615.
Jackson Fire Department View Photo

Jackson, CA  The Jackson Fire Department in Amador County reports that a house fire ignited early this morning at 119 Gordon Place.

Several engines responded shortly before 2 am. Initial responders learned that it started in the basement of the home.

Engine 6333, led by Captain DiGirolamo, initiated an interior attack, and thanks to help from arriving personnel, they successfully contained it to the room of origin by 2:20 am. There was no significant extension into structural elements of the home. The rest of the residence did sustain smoke damage, however.

The Jackson Fire Department notes that it would like to thank the Amador Fire Protection District, American Legion Red Cross, and Amador Legion Ambulance, and American Red Cross, who all assisted. The Red Cross is helping to find temporary housing for the displaced residents.
Why the Right Way To Fly a Rhino Is Upside Down ZME Science

Scientists hail strongest evidence so far for life beyond our solar system The Guardian

Climate/Environment

FUTURE CHIPS WILL BE HOTTER THAN EVER IEEE Spectrum

Pandemics

India

China?

China annual installations of industrial robots is more than the totality of rest of the world.think about that.. pic.twitter.com/766vnQ77w9  Ray Wang (@rwang07) April 15, 2025

Old Blighty

Syraqistan

Africa

Oligarchy and the subversion of democracy  warnings from South Africa Review of African Political Economy

European Disunion

New Not-So-Cold War

US Softens Calls for Ukraine to Pay Back Aid in Minerals Deal Talks Bloomberg

Turns out the people grooming American teens into occult terrorism and presidential assassination plots arent some accelerationist satanic cult; its just Ukrainian intelligence agents. A bit outside the usual scope of American moral panics, but here we are https://t.co/Tkuf5dHRhF  Russians With Attitude (@RWApodcast) April 16, 2025

Trump 2.0

I am more and more concerned about the White Houses trade negotiations, to the point where I feel I need to sound an alarm. The White House needs new members on its team for trade. In ~3-6 months we are going to start having shortages of transformers, pumps, air conditioners, https://t.co/F4MXYVqSxG  molson  (@Molson_Hart) April 15, 2025

DOGE

Big Brother is Watching You Watch

LAPD Publishes Crime Footage It Got From a Waymo Driverless Car 404 Media

Immigration

Holy shit, even Senator Chuck Grassleys constituents in solid red Iowa are on his case about bringing Abrego Garcia back. pic.twitter.com/5vvNI9sAnh  BrooklynDad_Defiant! (@mmpadellan) April 15, 2025

Mystery Drones

FAA Testing Drone Detection Systems In New Jersey The War Zone

AI

Healthcare?

HHS funding slashed by 30 percent in budget proposal Politico

Groves of Academe

White House plans to target university investments Semafor

Our Famously Free Press

Imperial Collapse Watch

Supply Chain

The Bezzle

Guillotine Watch

Zeitgeist Watch

Class Warfare

fast food is expensive, so Chilis wants to finance your next fast food meal, bc you cant eat at Chilis every day. Repost this with #ChilisFastFoodFinancing, tell us how much your last fast food meal cost and where you got it, and you could win a $20* gift card. rules below: pic.twitter.com/25nPnUl3HQ  Chilis Grill & Bar (@Chilis) April 15, 2025

Antidote du jour (via):

See yesterdays Links and Antidote du Jour here.
Yves here. It seems inadequate to simply keep chronicling the atrocities Israel continues to commit in Gaza. Far too many brave and ethical souls, from medics to journalists to aid workers, have gone to Gaza to try to intervene, and too often wound up dead or tortured or tortured before dead. It would be one thing if these personal sacrifices had made a difference, but like Aaron Bushnells self-immolation, they appear not to have affected the course of events.

Admittedly, other measures are damaging Israel, even if not quickly enough to save the lives of Gazans. Israel was suffering a food crisis, described in those words even by sympathetic outlets, as of October 2024; Lawrence Wilkerson said in one of his recent YouTube talks that the situation was getting worse. The Houthis are continuing to block Red Sea shipments. Sadly, the BDS movement is having little impact economically but the reputation efffect may still matter. From New Arab:

The pro-Palestine Boycott, Divestment, Sanctions (BDS) movement appears to be working, with Israel ranking bottom in a recent global brands index list, according to reports. Israel came in last place in the 2024 Nation Brands Index (NBI) published recently, based on surveys gathered from 40,000 respondents in 70 countries last year by the Anholt Nation Brands Index.

Perhaps more important, Israel is not set up to engage in long-run, open-ended conflict, which is the fix it is in now. The political, economic, and societal fissures are all rising as Netanyahu continues to use escalation as his guarantee of security (as in literally staying out of jail). This is not sustainable, but as we have too often witnessed, seemingly untenable situations can persist well beyond what ought to be their sell-by date.

And in the meantime, the genocide continues.

By Brett Wilkins, staff writer at Common Dreams. Originally published at Common Dreams

Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz said Wednesday that the U.S.-backed genocidal policy of blocking lifesaving humanitarian aid from entering the Gaza Strip will continue, and that Israel Defense Forces troops will remain in the embattled Palestinian enclave indefinitely.

Israels policy is clear: No humanitarian aid will enter Gaza, and blocking this aid is one of the main pressure levers preventing Hamas from using it as a tool with the population, Katz said. No one is currently planning to allow any humanitarian aid into Gaza, and there are no preparations to enable such aid.

Katz had initially said that Israel would eventually allow the resumption of humanitarian aid into Gaza, but later clarified his remarks following outrage from far-right members of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahus government.

Israels defense ministers cant stop publicly confessing to war crimes: Israel Katz: No humanitarian aid is about to enter Gaza and preventing humanitarian aid from entering Gaza is one of the main pressure levers preventing Hamas from using it against the population in Gaza. pic.twitter.com/hYFY8J2ZSb  jeremy scahill (@jeremyscahill) April 16, 2025

Itamar Ben-Gvir, Israels national security minister, warned against repeating what he called the historic mistake of letting any aid into Gaza, where a complete siege declared in response to the Hamas-led attack of October 7, 2023 has fueled widespread starvation, sickness, and other crises.

Its a shame we dont learn from our mistakes. As long as our hostages are dying in the tunnels, there is no reason for a gram of food or aid to enter Gaza, Ben-Gvir said on social media.

Israeli Culture Minister Miki Zohar also discussed the policy Wednesday, asserting that the despicable murderers in Gaza deserve no humanitarian assistance from any civilian or military mechanism.

Only hellfire should be poured on the makers of terrorism until the last hostage returns from Gaza, Zohar added.

Israeli media reported Wednesday that senior government security officials believe Gaza will run out of humanitarian supplies and food in about a month.

Legal experts say the siege is a war crime, and United Nations experts and human rights groups have called Israels blockade and use of starvation as a weapon of war acts of genocide.

The International Court of Justicewhich is weighing a genocide case against Israellast March issued a provisional order to allow humanitarian aid into Gaza. Many critics say Israel has ignored the directive.

Netanyahu and former Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant, who ordered the siege, are also fugitives from the International Criminal Court, which last year issued warrants to arrest the pair for alleged war crimes and crimes against humanity, including the siege.

The Hostages and Missing Families Forum, which advocates for people kidnapped by Hamas during the October 7 attack, on Wednesday accused the Netanyahu government of choosing to seize territory over hostages.

The time has come to stop the false promises and slogans. It is impossible to continue the war and at the same time release all the hostages, the group added, echoing the growing anti-war sentiment among Israeli troops and the general public.



Human rights groups around the world have condemned Israels blockade of Gaza. On Wednesday, Doctors Without Borders/Medecins Sans Frontieres called on the Israeli government to immediately lift the inhumane and deadly siege on Gaza, protect the lives of Palestinians and humanitarian and medical personnel, and for all parties to restore and sustain the cease-fire that Israel unilaterally broke last month.

Amande Bazerolle, the medical groups emergency coordinator in Gaza, said in a statement that Gaza has been turned into a mass grave of Palestinians and those coming to their assistance.

We are witnessing in real time the destruction and forced displacement of the entire population in Gaza, Bazerolle added. With nowhere safe for Palestinians or those trying to help them, the humanitarian response is severely struggling under the weight of insecurity and critical supply shortages, leaving people with few, if any, options for accessing care.

Mothers in Gaza, like Hanadi, are salvaging edible bits from mouldy bread to feed their children. The lack of aid for over a month is having horrific effects on families. UNICEF continues to call on parties to reinstate the ceasefire and allow the entry of humanitarian aid. pic.twitter.com/8OHSEJuhQC  UNICEF (@UNICEF) April 16, 2025

Katz also said Wednesday that Israel Defense Forces (IDF) troops would remain in so-called security zones in Gaza, Lebanon, and Syria for an indefinite period.

Unlike in the past, the IDF is not evacuating areas that have been cleared and seized, and will remain in the security zones as a buffer between the enemy and [Israeli] communities in any temporary or permanent situation in Gazaas in Lebanon and Syria, Katz said.

Earlier this month, Katz said Israel will be seizing large areas that will be added to the security zones of the state of Israel for the protection of fighting forces and the settlements, a reference to plans by far-right members of Netanyahus government for the ethnic cleansing and Israeli recolonization of Gaza.

Israeli soldiers have blown the whistle on alleged war crimes committed by IDF troops in what some call the kill zone along the border with Israel, including indiscriminate killing and wholesale deliberate destruction of civilian infrastructure.

Recent reporting has also revealed the IDF is planning to take as much as 20% of Gaza, including the entire depopulated city of Rafah. U.S. President Donald Trump has also proposed an American takeover of Gaza, the expulsion of its Palestinians, and the development of the Riviera of the Middle East in the coastal strip.

Almost all of Gazas more than 2 million people have been forcibly displaced by Israels onslaught, some of them multiple times. The 558-day assault has left more than 180,000 Palestinians dead, maimed, or missing in Gaza, according officials there.
We said before the indirect negotiations between Iran and the US in Oman last Saturday that an agreement was unlikely. Statements by Trumps chief negotiator Steve Witkoff as well as a planted story leak about a Trump situation room meeting before the second round this week confirm our assessment.

If you have been following this story, there was a brief moment we thought was too good to be true and turned out to be. The earlier hope, stirred by positive noises from both Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi and US envoy Steve Witkoff right after the first session, has been dashed. Witkoff had made a moderate statement about what the US wanted to happen on Fox News, presumably consistent with what he had told Araghchi. Although it was very general, it sounded as if the US was prepared to accept an agreement similar to the JCPOA that Trump had exited, with some face-saving measures, like more stringent inspections and a new end date for the snapback provisions, which now expire on October 18.1 Once the snapback is gone, Iran is not exposed to UN sanctions for non-compliance.

Trump had taken a very hard line and consistent position about Iran, which had been formalized in a memo on February 2. The Trump demands extended beyond assuring that Iran steer clear of nuclear weapons development, as it has so far, to also curb its ballistic missile program and stop backing groups the US deemed to be terrorists. Statements by Trump and other US officials about what Iran had to do to placate the US were deemed by many US experts to be tantamount to asking Iran to surrender its sovereignity. As we wrote:

There are already reasons to think the US will continue to make demands that amount to Iran giving up not just its military and civilian nuclear programs, but also its missiles and its alliances with the so-called Axis of Resistance, which is tantamount to rendering itself defenseless. Alastair Crooke and Douglas Macgregor, among others, deemed this to be clearly unacceptable. Macgregor, in a Judge Napolitano talk mentioned in the segment above, ventured that these provision were designed to be unacceptable and rejected, just as Austria-Hungarys ultimatum to Serbia after the assassination of Archduke Ferdinand was overreaching by design, and meant, as it did, to serve as a pretext for going to war.

Hence the surprise of Trump wanting to start his insistently mis-represented direct negotiations.

Keep in mind that the memo authorized what it called a maximum pressure campaign, as in even more stringent economic sanctions. As we outlined in our earlier piece, it is possible that rather than backing an Israel attack on Iran, the US instead will use the snapback provisions in the JCPOA, which would need to be triggered by sometime in June so as to complete the process before they expire on October 18. Even though the US is no longer a party to the JCPOA, as a Security Council member, it can veto any favorable findings out of the snapback process (that Iran indeed, as the US intel agencies all agreed with a high degree of confidence in its last assessment, is not developing a nuclear weapon). The result would be to re-institute the very stringent sanctions on Iran before the JCPOA.

However, some commentators, such as Larry Johnson, argue that the bluster about Irans nuclear enrichment program is a pretext, just like WMD in Iraq. Trump badly needs a win. The Iran hawks, and Trump is surrounded with them, believe that Iran is militarily weak and will collapse like Syria if attacked. That is despite the failure the last attempt, when Iran engaged in successful, despite having been pre-negotiated, retaliatory strikes resulting from Israels assassinations of Hamas political chief Ismail Haniyeh while a guest of the Iran government and Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah. Israel used that attack as the justification for bombing Iran. Credible accounts indicate that Israel had planned 3 waves of strikes. But the pilots in the first wave detected that Irans air defensive system was tracking their supposedly stealthy F-35s. They fired their missiles at a safe distance. The next two waves were aborted. Despite loud Western noises that this limited air strike had inflicted great damage, Iran and independent sources maintained the impact had been limited, such as to the radars of some air defense systems and a weapons factory.

Well turn the mike over to Daniel Larison of Responsible Statecraft for the current state of play. From Iran Isnt Going to Stop and Eliminate Its Nuclear Program:

The presidents Middle East envoy has repudiated the idea that the U.S. might be open to a reasonable compromise with Iran: United States special envoy Steve Witkoff has said that Tehran must stop and eliminate its nuclear enrichment programme to reach a deal with Washington, seemingly raising the bar of US demands ahead of another round of talks with Iranian officials. Witkoffs remarks on Tuesday appear to contradict his suggestion a day earlier that the US would be satisfied with Iran enriching uranium at a low level to produce energy. Witkoff is restating the extreme and unrealistic demand that the administration has been making for weeks. Nothing has been added to the presidents earlier ultimatum. It is the same brain-dead maximalism that we have seen on display from Trump and his advisers for years. There have been some hints that Witkoff was open to talking about a nonproliferation agreement not so different from the original nuclear deal, but the White House has given him no support when he says things like this. Iran hawks are predictably pleased that Witkoff has been forced to fall in line.

This change also amounts to retrading the earlier proposal, which is deadly to negotiations even when the two sides trust each other. The only way you get away with that is to grovel like crazy and make a concession, which is na ga happen.

Aside from Witkoff changing his position, another bad sign for the hopes of a settlement was the planted New York Times story, Trump Waved Off Israeli Strike After Divisions Emerged in His Administration. Note this confirms what Alastair Crooke had said that Monday on Judge Napolitano, that Israel and the US had agreed on a US strike package against Iran, and Netanyahu was blindsided when Trump said in their White House press conference that he was entering into [actually not] direct talks with Iran (recall the meeting was instigated by Netanyahu to get tariffs relief and a Trump criticism of Erdogan, which Trump quickly rejected). From the story:

Israeli officials had recently developed plans to attack Iranian nuclear sites in May. They were prepared to carry them out, and at times were optimistic that the United States would sign off. The goal of the proposals, according to officials briefed on them, was to set back Tehrans ability to develop a nuclear weapon by a year or more. Almost all of the plans would have required U.S. help not just to defend Israel from Iranian retaliation, but also to ensure that an Israeli attack was successful, making the United States a central part of the attack itself. For now, Mr. Trump has chosen diplomacy over military action.

Given that Trump has been all on board with Israels genocide, I would not attribute this effort to noble motives. With Trumps self-branding as the worlds greatest negotiator looking mighty threadbare with respect to ending the Ukraine war2 and now having over-estimated his position vis-a-vis China in the tariffs row, this attempt may be more about his ego as opposed to risk aversion. And thats before Trump not wanting to play into Netanyahus efforts to maneuver him.

The New York Times continues with a tale of Israels prowess and Irans weakness:

Israel has long planned to attack Iranian nuclear facilities But support within the Israeli government for a strike grew after Iran suffered a string of setbacks last year. In attacks on Israel in April, most of Irans ballistic missiles were unable to penetrate American and Israeli defenses. Hezbollah, Irans key ally, was decimated by an Israeli military campaign last year. The subsequent fall of the government of President Bashar al-Assad in Syria eliminated a Hezbollah and Tehran ally and cut off a prime route of weapons smuggling from Iran. Air defense systems in Iran and Syria were also destroyed, along with the facilities that Iran uses to make missile fuel, crippling the countrys ability to produce new missiles for some time.

Larry Johnson begs to differ:

This is pure, unadulterated Male Bovine Excrement (I think I have to pay Ray McGovern royalties every time I use his artful phrase). The authors of this piece are repeating propaganda about Irans April 2024 attack. Iran announced it in advance and did not use its most sophisticated missiles. Strangely, the authors ignore Irans October 2024 attack, which featured hypersonic missiles and completely skunked Israels air defense system. The authors double down on stupid by asserting that Irans air defense system was destroyed in the October 27 attack. If US and Israeli military planners genuinely believe that this is the case, they are making a huge mistake their assumption is wrong. It is akin to believing that if you tie a sheet to your back you can fly like Superman. I tried that when I was eight years old, but I jumped from the top of an eight-foot shed. Gravity won out over my imagination.

Back to Larison:

Some of the reporting this week claims that the administration is sending mixed messages on what it wants from Iran, but aside from occasional stray remarks from Witkoff the message from Washington has been consistent and terrible. If anyone is confused about what the administration is really after, that is the result of ignoring what Trump and his allies have said and done for the last three months. The president has made some very clear and disturbing threats: unless Iran yields to a far-reaching ultimatum that requires sweeping concessions, the U.S. will attack them. That is deranged and illegal, but it isnt confusing. Witkoffs stop and eliminate comment confirms how far apart the U.S. and Iranian sides are. Many Americans dont appreciate that the Iranian government believes that they have a right to enrichment under the Non-Proliferation Treaty. Our leaders dont have to agree with this position to understand that is extremely important to them. Telling Irans government that they have to give up something they consider theirs by right is never going to work. The only reason to demand such a painful concession is to provoke an angry rejection in order to create a pretext for conflict. The administrations national security team is full of hardliners, and they were never going to tolerate a serious effort at diplomatic engagement. While Witkoff may have been willing to consider a compromise, he isnt in charge and he isnt setting administration policy. As usual, Trump is siding with the most aggressive Iran hawks, and there was never any reason to expect anything else.

And the hardliners have become even more aggressive, if such a thing were possible. During his Trump meeting and afterwards, Netanyahu has been advocating the Libya solution

As one of my friends often says, if you want a happy ending, watch a Disney movie.

_____

1 From IranWire:

As October 18, 2025, approaches  the tenth anniversary of the JCPOA and the deadline for deciding whether to terminate or extend UN Security Council Resolution 2231  the snapback mechanism outlined in the resolution has once again drawn attention in Iran. UN Security Council Resolution 2231 was adopted after the JCPOA agreement was reached, and it annulled six previous Security Council resolutions regarding Irans nuclear program and most of the UN sanctions. However, it included a provision that if the Islamic Republic fails to comply with the JCPOA, the sanctions could quickly be reimposed. Britain has said it is prepared to trigger the snapback mechanism against Iran over violations of the nuclear deal. How Does the Snapback Mechanism Work? Any of the current members of the JCPOA  France, the UK, Germany, China, and Russia  can invoke the snapback mechanism if they claim Iran has violated the agreement. The United States, having withdrawn from the JCPOA and reimposed sanctions during Donald Trumps presidency, has lost its political leverage to use snapback. However, it can request its activation through other countries. The U.S. government failed in its attempt to invoke snapback during the first term of Trumps presidency. Four of the JCPOA member states that are permanent members of the UN Security Council can directly activate the mechanism. Germany, which is not a member of the Security Council, must seek activation through one of its permanent members. In the first step, one or more JCPOA member states must send a letter to the UN Secretary-General and the president of the Security Council about Irans non-compliance with the terms of the agreement. Once the letter is submitted, the president of the Security Council must inform the other members of the warning. The Security Council has 10 days from the formal receipt of the letter to vote on a draft resolution regarding the continuation or termination of the suspension of Security Council sanctions on the Islamic Republic. No veto power exists, and the time frame is only 30 days. In the Security Councils vote on the resolution, veto power was removed following a proposal by Russia, meaning no country could block the draft resolution or prevent the return of sanctions on Iran using a veto. If a country uses its veto, it would effectively veto the continuation of sanctions relief for Iran, leading to the immediate reimposition of UN Security Council sanctions on Irans nuclear program. The continuation of sanctions relief can only be approved if nine votes in favor are achieved in the Security Council, with no permanent member vetoing it.

2The US has been unable to so far to unfreeze Russian embassy checking accounts in the US and return its diplomatic property, when Russia has said that normalizing diplomatic operations was the first step. YouTubers have said that the US side came to the negotiations unprepared, with no papers and not even any understanding of what they were asking for, such as when they asked to restore the so-called grain deal. Even though Witkoff has been making happy noises about progress, the Washington Post has called out the Trump team for exaggerating. John Helmer, in latest talk with Nima, called him a hustler, which I suspect reflects how some Russians view him.
Street View is a monthly column taking a close look at development-related issues affecting different neighborhoods throughout the city.

Stephanie Vergara, a student at Nashville State Community College, has lived with her family in Antiochs Suburban Mobile Home Park since 2013. Last year, a tow truck started waking them up in the middle of the night.

The property, owned by North Carolina-based Stackhouse Management (and their associated development company Jones Properties LLC), had recently instituted a two-vehicle-per-trailer policy. Additional vehicles were towed, sometimes late at night. Releasing the vehicles cost between $450 and $500, Vergara says  and payments had to be in cash. The truck that showed up at Suburban was always from the same company: Boswell Towing.

They had expired plates and tags, and they would come armed, Vergara says. If anyone tried to tell the employees of Boswell anything, they would get aggressive, and flash their gun to try to intimidate us.

The ongoing scenario was frightening to many residents. But in recent weeks it has especially impacted the young people at Suburban  many of whom experienced the January shooting at Antioch High School.

Suburban residents had other issues too: Some water bills had increased, there was no physical office on the property, there was no visitor parking, rent had increased, and some residents were concerned about trees on the property falling during storms.

This isnt the first time Jones Properties has been accused of mistreating residents of its mobile home parks. At one Ohio property, residents say they went without water for days. Back in 2021, Stackhouse used residents at a North Carolina mobile home park as a bargaining chip in zoning disputes, suggesting theyd lose their homes if Stackhouse couldnt rezone part of the property to allow a gas station and apartment complex. And in 2022, residents of another Stackhouse-owned mobile home park in Ohio reported overcharging on utilities, failure to maintain common areas, racial discrimination and rent increases multiple times per year.

Residents of mobile home parks are in a unique and sometimes tenuous situation with landlords  they usually own their mobile homes but pay rent for the land they are on. This can lead to housing insecurity when properties change hands, and often leaves residents vulnerable to exploitation.

At Suburban, residents formed two groups to organize for better living conditions: Unidos por un Cambio and youth committee Justice de Jovenes. Together the tenant unions grew to more than 100 members.

The process to form the youth committee was built on turning our frustration into action, says Vergara. We were tired of not only seeing our parents suffer through this injustice.  We were also tired of experiencing it ourselves.

Alongside the two unions, local organizers Poder Popular got involved. Theyd previously worked with tenants at Cedar Glen Mobile Home Park in La Vergne, who had formed a union called Unidos por Nuestras Familias to protest similar issues  including a two-car towing policy  from property managers Stockbridge Capital. Companies like Jones Estates and Stockbridge Capital buy up the mobile home parks, and they start charging way more rent, and then they implement these policies like the towing policy, which specifically negatively impact working-class families and communities, says Indu Kumar, a spokesperson for the group.

Dickerson Pike Mobile Home Tenants Finally Win Compensation Residents and the developer reached an agreement Monday night

In February, the three groups created a petition with a list of demands. They collaborated with three North-Carolina based organizations to deliver the list in person to Stackhouses main office in Durham. And on Feb. 16, the groups met with Metro Councilmember Tasha Ellis to share their concerns.

Ellis  whose District 29 is home to Suburban  immediately went into action.

A regular tow only costs between $75 and $100, Ellis says. So I felt like they were being exploited by that. Ellis says residents also had water bills at $300 to $800 a month, and a few families said Lonnie Prevost, Suburbans property manager, wouldnt allow Metro Water to check water meters when they suspected leaks.

Ellis contacted Metro Water to inspect the leaks, and called the Nashville Electric Service to inspect a low-hanging wire. She also reached out to Legal Aid and the Nashville Hispanic Bar Association to help an evicted resident and advise about potential exploitation from the towing company. After that, she reached out to Melissa Solomon, director of corporate governance and transactions for Stackhouse Management in North Carolina.

On Feb. 25, residents received a response from Solomon. In an email shared with the Scene, Solomon writes that Stackhouse has a few next steps planned: creating several small guest parking areas at Suburban, looking into a pocket park that can provide a kids play area, and conducting an annual tree review to identify and remove any dangerous trees. Solomon also acknowledges that this action is only a portion of concerns raised, and that in the next 30 days, Stackhouse would be sending out an invitation to each household to organize an upcoming community meeting to address the additional concerns; in early April, Stackhouse emailed residents an invite to a town hall on April 29 from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. Electronic devices wont be permitted at the meeting, and only residents are invited. (A representative for Stackhouse Management declined to comment on the ongoing conversations with residents, but did confirm that a future meeting has been planned.)

Now the towing has also stopped overall  at least for the time being. I want to think that me reaching out and letting Lonnie know that he had been exposed stopped that, Ellis says.

While most of their direct action for Suburban has finished, the youth organizers in Justice de Jovenes have organized around other causes  like anti-immigration bills in the Tennessee General Assembly.

At home, Vergara hopes Suburban residents will have a bigger involvement on what rules are placed for us.

It is easy for landlords to attempt to exploit and discriminate against tenants, says Vergara. Change only happens when the community organizes within themselves and stands united, through the struggles, and wins.
The Tennessee House and Senate passed a revised version of Gov. Bill Lee's $59.8 billion budget on Wednesday.

Sen. Bo Watson (R-Hixson) said the legislatures amendment funded their own priorities without increasing the bottom line by redirecting funding from the governors proposed budget amendment.

While some members may see dark clouds on the horizon for the state of Tennessee, said Watson, this budget looks forward and I believe puts us in a position to handle any storms that might come our way.

Watson said for members who were looking for any reason to support the budget, the bill includes $42 million specifically for grants in House and Senate initiatives. The budget also includes $46 million disaster relief funding, $5.4 million for safety upgrades at the University of Memphis, $78 million from TennCare Shared Savings for rural hospitals uncompensated care and an additional $35.6 million to the Rainy Day Fund.

The budget passed the House first (79-16-1) with several amendments. House Amendment 3 makes several changes. Among the most notable is a change allowing Tennessee State University to utilize funds for operations that had previously only been approved for capital projects. The reappropriation of funds is something Rep. Harold Love (D-Nashville) had pushed for this session as a means to help the university right-side its finances.

Another amendment was added to the House legislation appropriating $8 million for reimbursements to county election commissions for primary elections. That was based on a bill sponsored by Senate Majority Leader Jack Johnson (R-Franklin), which passed in the House on Monday. For the budget, lawmakers approved House Amendments 2, 3, 4, 12 and 16.

Both Republican and Democratic members who spoke thanked representatives and staff for their work on the budget. Democrats still scolded Republicans for not doing enough to help Tennesseans who are feeling the strain of todays economy.

Sen. Jeff Yarbro (D-Nashville), who sits on the Finance, Ways and Means Committee, spoke first on the appropriations bill, saying that while he thought a lot of the work that had been done made this budget better than the version submitted by the governor, he still wasnt sure he could commit to voting for it. In the 30-2-1 vote, he ultimately voted against the budget, along with Sen. Charlene Oliver (D-Nashville). Senate Democratic Caucus Chair London Lamar (D-Memphis) voted present.

I think that we can do better, Yarbro said. We've got to start actually dealing with some of these critical long-term issues.

Several amendments by Democrats in both the House and Senate were also not added to the bill, being either tabled or withdrawn due to lack of member support. In the Senate, Yarbro suggested an amendment to hold off on funding the governors Education Freedom Scholarship Act, known to provide vouchers for children to attend private schools. Yarbros amendment would have removed $150 million from the budget for the first year of the program, but would have preserved funding that was promised to school systems and teachers.

Johnson moved to table the motion, noting that in the budget they had proposed an addition of $244 million for the public schools funding formula and highlighted other funds for public education.

"We are doing a lot for public education, and we have in recent years, Johnson said. But while we do that, were also going to empower parents whose children are not being served by the public school system.

With the budget now passed, the 114th General Assembly could wrap up its 2025 session as early as next week.
Big Tech accused of $278 billion tax underpayment over the past decade

The Fair Tax Foundation (FTF) alleges that six major U.S. tech companies  Amazon, Meta, Alphabet, Netflix, Apple and Microsoft  paid nearly $278 billion less in U.S. corporate income tax over the past decade than they would have at the 29.7% statutory rate.

The analysis of $2.5 trillion in profits and $11 trillion in revenue reveals an average effective tax rate of 18.8%, dropping to 16.1% without one-time repatriation taxes. Companies like Amazon and Netflix were noted for using low-tax jurisdictions to reduce their tax burdens, with Netflix having the lowest tax-to-profit ratio at 14.7%.

The report highlights the use of "profit-shifting" to low-tax countries and "contingency tax positions" to boost reported tax contributions. These tactics, along with tax incentives like the U.S. Foreign-Derived Intangible Income (FDII) break, have allowed Big Tech to save billions in taxes.

The issue of tax avoidance is longstanding, with global efforts like the OECD's 15% Global Minimum Tax and U.S. BEPS reforms attempting to curb the practice. However, loopholes remain, and the tech sector's significant lobbying power further complicates reform efforts.

FTF's CEO, Paul Monaghan, criticizes the current system as designed to enable tax avoidance, urging governments to close loopholes and adopt global minimum tax rules. The report emphasizes the need for accountability, as public trust in corporate tax practices erodes, with 63% of Americans believing corporations pay too little in taxes.

In a landmark report released Monday, the Fair Tax Foundation (FTF) accused six major U.S. tech giants  Amazon, Meta, Alphabet, Netflix, Apple and Microsoft  of paying nearly $278 billion less in U.S. corporate income tax than they would have owed at the 29.7% statutory rate over the past decade. The analysis, covering 20152024, reveals the so-called Silicon Six paid an average of 18.8% of their profits in taxes, with some companies hiding profits in low-tax jurisdictions and exploiting tax incentives. FTFs findings expose a system critics say has hardwired tax avoidance into corporate DNA, raising calls for a global minimum tax and stricter regulations.

Key findings: Tax rates and aggressive tactics

The FTF study examined 2.5 trillion in combined profits and 11 trillion in revenue generated by the six companies. Their average effective tax rate dropped to 16.1% when excluding one-time repatriation taxes, a financial tool companies use to recover profits held offshore.

A critical method for this disparity is profit-shifting, where multinational firms route profits through countries with lower tax rates. Amazon was singled out for booking a large chunk of its UK income in Luxembourg, a low-tax haven. Netflix had the lowest tax-to-profit ratio at 14.7%, while Microsofts 20.4% rate was the highest among the group. Apple (18.4%), Meta (15.4%) and Alphabet (17.9%) also fell below the U.S. average.

The report also highlighted contingency tax positions  estimated liabilities unlikely to materialize  boosting companies reported tax contributions by $82 billion over the decade. For instance, Amazons spokesperson stated its UK operations are fully declared under UK law, adding its investments in infrastructure and low margins naturally reduce tax rates. Meta and Netflix defended their compliance with local rules, but declined to address broader tax strategies.

Historical context: A decade of tax evasion battles

The issue isnt new. Global responses like the OECDs 15% Global Minimum Tax proposal in 2021 and the U.S. Base Erosion and Profit Shifting (BEPS) reforms aimed to curb tax avoidance. However, loopholes persist. For example, the U.S. Foreign-Derived Intangible Income (FDII) tax break allows companies to lower taxes on overseas revenue. The FTF estimates Big Tech has saved $30 billion through FDII in the last three years alone.

The tech sectors political influence looms large. FTFs CEO Paul Monaghan noted companies spent millions lobbying governments, citing their sway over policies favoring low-tax environments. This context is amplified as the U.S. and UK negotiate trade deals potentially including tax cuts for U.S. firms, and as tech execs like Bezos and Zuckerberg attended Trumps second inauguration, signaling industry clout.

Corporate responses: Compliance or hardwired avoidance?

While the companies claim adherence to tax laws, the report counters this by framing avoidance as systemic. Amazon defended its approach, stating it pays all taxes due while investing over $1.2 trillion in the U.S. and 250 billion in Europe since 2010. Microsoft, Alphabet and Apple declined to comment.

FTFs Monaghan rejected the just following the law argument: The fact that their tax rates are half the national average shows theres a system designed to let them do this. He urged governments to close loopholes and adopt global minimum tax rules.

Critics argue compliance isnt the issue  public trust is. Researchers pointed to a 2023 Pew poll showing 63% of Americans believe corporations pay too little in taxes, a perception fueled by revelations like this report.

A crossroads for tax equity

The FTFs analysis arrives as nations and businesses grapple with an interconnected tax system riddled with loopholes. With tech firms amassing unparalleled wealth and power, calls to reclaim lost tax revenue are mounting. The OECDs proposed 15% global minimum tax, still unratified in major economies, and U.S. reforms like closing the FDII break could redefine the landscape.

As FTF concludes, the Silicon Six tax gap isnt just a financial loss  its a democratic deficit. As lawmakers face pressure to act, the question remains: Can corporations moral obligations align with their complex financial structures, or will taxpayers foot the bill? The world watches, demanding accountability.

This isnt about greed  its about systemic failure, Monaghan said. Until governments close the door on profit-shifting, the era of Big Techs tax free-pass may continue.

Sources include:

TheGuardian.com

Tribune.com

NationalTechnology.co.uk
China suspends Boeing deliveries as U.S.-China tensions escalate, raising economic and security concerns

China halts Boeing aircraft deliveries amid escalating trade tensions with the U.S.

The suspension is politically motivated rather than safety-related, following China's pattern of weaponizing trade during disputes.

Boeing faces significant revenue loss as China represents roughly 20% of its commercial market.

The standoff highlights vulnerabilities in America's industrial base and dependence on adversarial trade partners.

Both aggressive retaliation and maintaining the status quo pose risks to American economic and national security interests.

Beijings abrupt halt in approving deliveries of new Boeing aircraft has escalated concerns over Chinas willingness to weaponize trade, further straining an already fraught economic relationship with the U.S.

The move, viewed by many as economic retaliation amid broader geopolitical tensions, underscores the deepening mistrust between Washington and Beijing and raises urgent questions about Americas reliance on a strategic competitor for critical supply chains.

The suspension, enacted without formal explanation, disrupts Boeings ability to deliver planes like the 737 MAX and 787 Dreamliner to Chinese airlines, denting the aerospace giants revenues in one of its largest markets. Experts warn this follows a troubling pattern of China leveraging its market power to punish U.S. companies over political disputes, reinforcing the need for American policymakers to rethink dependence on adversarial trade partners.

A strategic chokehold on critical industries

Chinas Civil Aviation Administration (CAAC) has not publicly cited safety concernsthe usual justification for such freezessuggesting the decision is politically motivated. Beijing has previously blocked imports of Australian coal, Canadian canola, and Lithuanian goods during diplomatic spats, signaling a willingness to sacrifice economic efficiency for political coercion. This latest action, however, targets a sector where the U.S. still holds a competitive edge, exposing vulnerabilities in Americas industrial base.

The timing is telling. The freeze coincides with mounting U.S. export controls on advanced semiconductors and bipartisan support for policies to reshore manufacturing away from China.

The high cost of economic decoupling

While critics of Chinas trade practices argue that its actions validate President Trumps tough tariff policies, others caution that aggressive retaliation risks harming American businesses and consumers. Boeing, for example, derives nearly 20% of its commercial revenue from China, and prolonged delays could force layoffs or production cuts in its U.S. supply chain.

The dilemma reflects a core tension in U.S. trade policy: How to counter Chinas economic aggression without triggering a mutually damaging trade war. Tariffs on Chinese imports under Trump initially aimed to protect domestic industries but also raised costs for manufacturers reliant on Chinese components. Similarly, Chinas Boeing blockade may backfire by accelerating Western efforts to reduce reliance on its market.

Yet the status quo is equally unsustainable. Chinas state-driven economic model, which includes subsidies for its own aircraft manufacturer COMAC, distorts global markets. Its refusal to approve Boeing deliveries while fast-tracking COMACs rival C919 jet highlights a broader strategy to replace Western suppliers with homegrown alternatives.

National security in the balance

Beyond economics, Chinas actions carry security implications. Control over aviation supply chainsfrom rare earth metals to advanced avionicscould give Beijing dangerous leverage in a crisis. The Pentagon has long warned about reliance on Chinese materials for military systems, and civilian aerospace vulnerabilities further underscore the need for resilient supply chains.

Policymakers in both parties increasingly agree that reducing dependence on China is essential, but debate persists over how to achieve it. Some advocate for stricter investment bans and export controls; others emphasize rebuilding domestic manufacturing through subsidies and tax incentives. Whats clear is that Americas current approacha patchwork of tariffs and ad-hoc restrictionslacks a cohesive long-term strategy.

The Boeing standoff is a wake-up call. Chinas willingness to disrupt a critical industry confirms its prioritization of geopolitical goals over market principles. For the U.S., the challenge is coming up with a response that safeguards vital interests without isolating allies or stifling innovation. As tensions escalate, the cost of inaction grows.

Sources for this article include:

TheNationalPulse.com

FoxBusiness.com

Reuters.com

CBSNews.com
Fake job seekers using AI deepfakes infiltrate U.S. companies, fueling national security threat

Foreign actors use AI deepfakes to fraudulently obtain U.S. remote jobs, stealing wages for overseas weapons programs.

Deepfake scammers have infiltrated defense contractors, Fortune 500 companies, and media networks, exposing data and posing financial risks.

Remote hiring vulnerabilities allow AI-generated identities to bypass interviews, fooling even cybersecurity experts.

Fake job seekers threaten American workers, with 1 in 4 global candidates projected to be fraudulent by 2028.

Experts warn deepfake employees could sabotage critical infrastructure, escalating the need for urgent digital security measures.

In a disturbing new trend, foreign actorsparticularly from North Korea, China, and Russiaare exploiting AI deepfake technology to fraudulently secure remote jobs at American companies. These impostors, hiding behind fabricated identities and AI-generated voices and faces, are siphoning wages to overseas weapons programs while exposing U.S. businesses to cyberattacks and data theft.

With lax digital border security and increasingly sophisticated AI, experts warn this threat could escalate, putting national infrastructure and American jobs at risk.

Scammers infiltrate critical industries

Recent cases reveal how deepfake job applicants have infiltrated defense contractors, Fortune 500 businesses, and even a major television network. In May, the Justice Department exposed a North Korean operation where over 300 U.S. firms unknowingly hired IT workers with stolen American identities. These employees allegedly funneled millions in wages back to Pyongyangs weapons programs.

Much of the revenue theyre generating from these fake jobs is going directly to a weapons program in North Korea, said Adam Meyers, a senior vice president at CrowdStrike. Theyre targeting log-in, credit card information, and company data. A separate DOJ indictment revealed that North Korean IT workers extorted at least $88 million from U.S. businesses over six years.

Exploiting weaknesses in remote hiring

With remote work now standard, scammers use deepfakes to bypass interviews with eerie precision. When cybersecurity firm Pindrop posted a job listing, roughly 12.5% of applicants relied on AI-generated identities. Gen AI has blurred the line between what it is to be human and what it means to be machine, said Pindrop CEO Vijay Balasubramaniyan. One applicant, Ivan X, appeared on video with uncanny facial laglater traced to a possible Russian military facility near North Korea.

Dawid Moczad?o, co-founder of Vidoc Security Lab, nearly hired two deepfake developers before spotting inconsistencies. If they almost fooled me, a cybersecurity expert, they definitely fooled some people, he said.

A looming crisis for American workers

Beyond security risks, fake job seekers steal opportunities from qualified Americans. Every time we list a job posting, we get 100 North Korean spies applying to it, said Lili Infante, CEO of CAT Labs. Remote roles in tech, finance, and engineering are prime targets, with AI crafting flawless resumes and interview responses.

Research firm Gartner predicts that by 2028, 1 in 4 job candidates globally will be fraudulent. The consequences? Lost wages for American professionals and a workforce infiltrated by adversaries.

Can the U.S. defend its digital borders?

If America struggles to secure its physical borders, its digital defenses may be even weaker. Security experts warn that deepfake employees could sabotage power grids, water systems, or defense contractors. Once inside a company, deepfake employees can hold systems hostage, locking critical files and demanding ransom payments, wrote Christine Aldrich, Pindrops chief people officer.

The problem will only worsen. Right now the software that the person used wasn't that great. I was able to spot all of the artifacts and all of the glitches," said Moczad?o. But I'm scared that in a year, as AI advances, I won't be able to decide if the person I'm talking with is a real person or not.

The deepfake job crisis underscores a chilling reality: Americas enemies are weaponizing AI against its economy and security. While companies scramble for verification tools, policymakers must treat this as a national security emergency. If unchecked, fraudsters will keep draining U.S. resourcesdiverting paychecks to hostile regimes and leaving American workers behind.

Sources for this article include:

NTD.com

CNBC.com

Fortune.com

TheRegister.com

CFODive.com
Mel Gibson sparks outcry over 9/11 Biggest Scandal remark as unanswered questions resurface

The official story on 9/11 is fraught with inconsistencies, discrepancies, and questions unanswered. Acclaimed actor Mel Gibson is now calling 9/11 America's "biggest scandal" as unanswered questions resurface.

Points to consider:

The collapse of three World Trade Center buildings  despite only two being struck by planes  defied conventional explanations.

The National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) claims Building 7 collapsed because of office fires, but its freefall-like descent over 100 feet remains unexplained in peer-reviewed science.

NISTs office fire theory lacks empirical evidence, as aerial footage shows no intense fires in WTC 7s upper floors to account for its structural failure.

Engineers from the global coalition Architects & Engineers for 9/11 Truth argue fires cannot explain rapid steel frame collapses of such magnitude.

NIST used unverified computer simulations instead of testing explosive residue or recovering critical building components.

Polls show 30% of Americans distrust the official 9/11 narrative, highlighting persistent public skepticism.

WTC 7s collapse signature matches characteristics of controlled demolitions, including symmetrical disintegration and tall dust plumes.

Former Rep. Curt Weldon claims the CIA and media suppress scrutiny of 9/11, dismissing critics as conspiracy theorists to shield institutional ineptitude.

The 9/11 Commission dismissed the possibility of insider involvement, despite acknowledging U.S. counterterrorism failures prior to 2001.

Mel Gibson speaking up about 9/11 scandal

Mel Gibson, a Trump-aligned Hollywood star known for mega-hits like The Passion of the Christ, has ignited renewed public debate over 9/11s biggest scandal, demanding answers into lingering anomalies. On Tuesday, the actor posted a clip of former Republican Rep. Curt Weldon questioning the 2001 attacks official narrative, asserting, Three buildings collapsed as if programmed, and branding the issue the biggest scandal in U.S. history.

Gibsons X post on Tuesday, paired with Weldons Fox News interview on Monday, highlights an increasingly vocal verdict: Americas 3,000 lives lost on 9/11 remain overshadowed by unanswered questions about how  and why  three skyscrapers collapsed on a single day.

Gibsons intervention underscores a growing credibility crisis in institutional storytelling. What really happened that day? Why is no one allowed to talk about it? he demanded, adding, Enough with the fear. Its time for the truth. His challenge loops in rare political space, linking himself to activists like Richard Gage of Architects & Engineers for 9/11 Truth, whose Explosive Evidence documentaries detail suspected controlled demolitions in the Twin Towers and WTC 7s midday implosion at 5:20 p.m., absent any aircraft strike.

Weldons interview logged a damning critique of government secrecy. When reporters dismiss critics as conspiracy theorists, he fired back: Thats all the CIA does! Theyre the ones creating conspiracies. They teach agents how to make people look like liars. He urged President Trump to appoint an independent commission of people of impeccable integrity to conduct a factual audit  not tying their findings to political leanings.

From the World Trade Center ruins to todays truth crisis

The stakes transcend historical curiosity. According to NIST, Building 7s collapse  a 6.5-second near freefall descent  was caused solely by fires ignited by debris. Yet forensic analyses show those fires were moderate, confined to a single floor near ground level, far from the buildings core. Even NISTs 2008 report admitted structural failure beyond fire models, yet officials still dismiss calls to test for explosive residues or interview non-government mechanical engineers.

Meanwhile, a frame-by-frame analysis of WTC 7s collapse demonstrates symmetric floor-by-floor dismantlinga signature of controlled demolitionto which NIST offers no peer-reviewed rebuttal.

The political climate fuels the malaise. The 9/11 Commissiona Congressionally mandated bodyconcluded no inside job, but admitted the FBI and CIA ignored 60+ red flags linking Al-Qaeda to U.S. soil prior to 2001. Yet whistleblowers alleging classified foreknowledge face careers in ruinsas sawed Janette Francesulleto, the then-Secretary of States intel analyst, for flagging black flights on 9/11.

NaturalNews has long documented how centralized media demonize skeptical citizens while excusing official secrecy. The ongoing tragedy isnt just about unanswered questionsits about a culture extinguishing dissent.

The official story of 9/11 is trembling like the Twin Towers themselves, says Weldon. If avian species signal ecosystems health, then Gibsons bold addresspaired with a 30% public dissident cohortreveals the fragility of institutional legitimacy. As nations worldwide confront destabilizing misinformation, the U.S.s failure to address its own shadow questions risks calcifying its role as a global center of conspiracy, rather than the truth.

Sources include:

RT.com

Enoch, Brighteon.ai

FBI.gov
REPORT: Migrants on terrorist watchlist granted taxpayer-funded benefits under Biden administration

The Biden administration paroled 6,300 migrants without formal immigration status, including individuals with criminal records and some on the terrorist watchlist.

These migrants received work permits and Social Security numbers, allowing them to claim federal benefits like Medicaid, unemployment insurance, student loans, tax refunds and food stamps  costing taxpayers hundreds of thousands of dollars.

An estimated 1.3 million paroled migrants are currently enrolled in Medicaid, with 905 migrants (including terror watchlist individuals) reportedly collecting $276,000 from the program.

Thousands of paroled migrants were illegally registered to vote in "friendly states," with evidence suggesting some cast ballots in recent elections  raising concerns about election integrity.

A DOGE official drew parallels to Reagan's 1986 amnesty transforming California from red to blue, suggesting current parole policies may be strategically altering the electoral landscape.

A new report from the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) has revealed that the Biden administration released 6,300 migrants into the U.S., including individuals on the federal terrorist watchlist, who were then granted access to taxpayer-funded benefits.

The report, released this April, identified approximately 6,300 migrants who were paroled into the U.S. without formal immigration status, including some with criminal records or national security concerns. Despite these red flags, they were issued work permits and Social Security numbers, enabling them to access taxpayer-funded benefits and legal privileges like Medicaid, unemployment insurance, student loans, net tax refunds and food stamps.

"So now you're in the country with some quasi-legal status, you're waiting for your court date  you can fill out an asylum application," Antonio Gracias, a DOGE official and equity firm CEO, explained in his recent appearance on "All In" podcast, with Ben Shapiro of the Daily Wire. "Once that application is in, you can file another form, a 765 to get work authorization, once you get that, you get a 766, which is the authorization and we automatically send you a Social Security card in the mail."

Gracias added that with access to Social Security cards, millions of migrants have received Medicaid benefits.

"We mapped this through the benefit programs, we found every benefits program that is being accessed by these people, 1.3 million are on Medicaid right now, today," he said.

According to the investigation, there were 905 migrants, four on the terror watchlist, who collected 276,000 from Medicaid. Others received $42,000 in unemployment insurance (41 migrants), $280,000 in federal student loans (22 migrants) and $751,000 in net tax refunds (409 migrants for 2024). Some also benefited from food stamps (SNAP), though exact figures are still being calculated.

All 6,300 migrants in the report had obtained Social Security numbers and work authorization, privileges only usually reserved for legal immigrants. (Related: Congressional report reveals 99 illegals on TERROR WATCHLIST were released into the U.S. by Biden-Harris government.)

Paroled migrants also unlawfully registered to vote

Aside from taxpayer-funded benefits, Gracias also revealed that paroled migrants, many admitted under lax border policies, have been unlawfully registered to vote in multiple states. Worse, records allegedly show many have already cast ballots in recent elections.

"We looked at voter rolls and we found that thousands are registered to vote in friendly states," Gracias said. "And we looked even further in those friendly states and found that many of those people had actually voted. It was shocking to us. If I hadn't seen this with my own eyes, I wouldn't believe it  it is shockingly bad. I think this was a move to import voters."

"This doesn't include the 7.8 million that ICE has that have come in illegally that we know are here and all the people who are here illegally who we dont know are here," he explained.

Gracias did not name the specific states but pointed to California, which often voted for Republican gubernatorial and presidential candidates before becoming a solid blue state in the wake of former President Ronald Reagan's amnesty for illegal aliens.

"Go look at California. Richard Nixon, Ronald Reagan came from California. Ronald Reagan signed amnesty and some 40 years later, it is now a solidly blue state," Gracias pointed out. "I don't know what the unintended consequences will be long-term, but I can tell you, it's already happened in America where an amnesty program actually turned a very large state from one party to another."

Head to InvasionUSA.news for more news about the ongoing U.S. border crisis.

Watch this video that explains why the borders are open and what will happen next.

This video is from the Alex Hammer channel on Brighteon.com.

More related stories:

CBP declines FOIA request to reveal nationalities of illegal immigrants on the FBI terror watchlist.

Congressional report shows 3,000% SURGE in number of illegal immigrants on TERROR WATCHLIST entering the U.S.

New "DHS Watchlist" exposes federal bureaucrats who compromise U.S. border security.

Five illegal migrants on FBI's terrorist watchlist ARRESTED shortly after Title 42 expired.

U.S. government's TERRORIST WATCHLIST now contains 2 million people  thousands of whom are innocent AMERICANS.

Sources include:

TheNationalPulse.com

MSN.com

DailyWire.com

RVM.com

Brighteon.com
North Koreas new nuclear submarine signals escalating threat, Russian backing suspected

North Korea unveiled its first nuclear-powered submarine, escalating military tensions.

The submarine can carry up to 10 nuclear-capable missiles, threatening U.S. and regional security.

Experts suspect Russian assistance in developing the submarine, signaling a dangerous alliance.

South Korea faces growing pressure to pursue its own nuclear program in response.

The development undermines past diplomatic efforts and could trigger a regional arms race.

North Korea has unveiled its first nuclear-powered submarine, marking a dangerous escalation in its military capabilities and raising urgent questions about the regimes growing ties with Russia.

Photos released by state media show leader Kim Jong Un inspecting the massive vessel, which analysts believe could carry up to 10 nuclear-capable ballistic missiles. The development underscores the failure of past diplomatic efforts to curb Pyongyangs nuclear ambitions while validating fears of a deepening alliance among rogue regimes, including Russia and China. With its ability to threaten U.S. cities and naval bases, the submarine complicates an already precarious security landscape in East Asia, potentially triggering a regional arms race.

A major leap in Pyongyangs arsenal

The submarine, estimated to weigh between 6,000 and 7,000 tons, represents a significant technological leap for North Korea, which has historically relied on aging diesel-powered submarines. Unlike their limited predecessors, nuclear-powered subs can operate longer and farther, making them a formidable tool for coercion. Moon Keun-sik, a South Korean submarine expert, warned that the vessel could be "absolutely threatening to us and the U.S." given its potential to carry long-range missiles like the Pukguksong-6, which may be capable of striking American shores.

Kim Jong Un has long pursued nuclear-powered submarine technology, first vowing to acquire it in 2021 alongside other advanced weapons like hypersonic missiles. While past attempts, including a 2023 claim of a "tactical nuclear attack submarine," were dismissed as propaganda, this latest development appears far more credible. Analysts note that the submarines size suggests it may use a double-hull design, which is likely necessary to accommodate large ballistic missiles. However, questions remain about its stealth and operational readiness.

Russian assistance fuels concerns

Perhaps most alarming is the evidence suggesting Russian technological aid. Moon Keun-sik raised the possibility that Moscow provided North Korea with nuclear reactor expertise in exchange for Pyongyangs shipments of artillery and munitions for Russias war in Ukraine. If confirmed, this would expose a dangerous quid-pro-quo between two U.S. adversaries, reinforcing concerns about an emerging "axis of autocracies" that includes Russia, China, North Korea, and Iran.

North Koreas sudden ability to construct a reactor despite decades of sanctions strangling its economy points to external support. While Pyongyang may have been researching the technology independently, its rapid progress aligns with reports of deepening Russia-North Korea military collaboration. The implications are dire: not only could this submarine patrol undetected for longer periods, but it could also encourage further proliferation as other rogue regimes seek similar capabilities.

Regional fallout and South Koreas dilemma

The submarines unveiling has reignited debate in South Korea over whether to pursue its own nuclear weapons programa stance gaining traction among conservative lawmakers. Currently, Seoul relies on U.S. extended deterrence, but the Norths advancements may erode confidence in traditional security guarantees. Some experts argue that South Koreas superior conventional submarine fleet, including the KSS-III class, could counterbalance Pyongyangs slower, less stealthy nuclear sub. However, the symbolic shift toward nuclear propulsion could destabilize the region, pushing Japan and Taiwan toward more aggressive defense postures.

North Korea has already tested submarine-launched ballistic missiles (SLBMs) multiple times, including a 2021 demonstration of its KN-23 missile. Yet its existing fleet, primarily Soviet-era Romeo-class submarines, lacks the range and firepower of this new vessel. The regimes escalating rhetoricincluding Kims recent call to counter "the inveterate gunboat diplomacy of the hostile forces"hints at a strategy of brinkmanship, possibly timed ahead of U.S.-South Korea military drills.

North Koreas nuclear submarine underscores the futility of past engagement policies, from the failed Trump-Kim summits to years of fruitless multilateral talks. Despite sanctions, Pyongyang has expanded its arsenal, now with apparent Russian backing. This development isnt merely about one submarine; its a harbinger of a darker era where rogue states collaborate to undermine global security.

The U.S. and its allies must reassess their approach. Strengthening missile defenses, tightening sanctions enforcement, and confronting Russias role in proliferation are critical steps. But as Pyongyang inches closer to a deployable nuclear submarine, the window to prevent a destabilizing arms race narrows. South Korea, Japan, and the U.S. can no longer afford complacency; deterrence must evolve to match this mounting threat.

Sources for this article include:

FreeWestMedia.com

APNews.com

CNN.com
Proper forest management to return to U.S., including logging and controlled burn operations

On March 1, 2023, President Donald Trump fired a double-barrel shotgun at the long-held preservationist U.S. mantra that has dealt heavy blows to American forests, forest animals, and the humans whose homes abut government forest lands. The executive orders, issued from the Oval Office, addressed two critical issues : the threat to national security from imports of timber and lumber, and the immediate expansion of U.S. timber production. These orders are a direct response to the escalating wildfire crisis and the economic strain caused by reliance on imported lumber.

Key Points:

President Trumps March 1, 2023, executive orders aim to boost U.S. timber production and address national security concerns.

The orders highlight the need for active forest management, including controlled burns and logging, to reduce wildfire risks.

Environmental groups oppose the orders, claiming they harm forests, but supporters argue that these practices are essential for forest health and public safety.

The economic and environmental case for active forest management

The first executive order tackled the nation's reliance on imported lumber, a dependency that has grown since 2016, despite the U.S. having ample timber resources. The President emphasized that wood products play a "vital role in key downstream civilian industries, including construction." The economic impact of this reliance became starkly evident during the COVID-19 pandemic, when the producer price of softwood veneer and plywood manufacturing skyrocketed from $205 in January 2020 to $702 in June 2021. By December 2024, the price remained higher than the pre-pandemic peak, devastating the home-building industry and keeping construction costs artificially inflated.

The second order, calling for the immediate expansion of U.S. timber production, is a beacon of hope for the logging and construction industries and for home buyers. This shift in policy is a return to the wisdom of indigenous communities, who managed American forests with fire for millennia. Logging and controlled burns have been under attack since the Wilsonian "Progressive" Era, leading to overgrown forests that are prone to catastrophic wildfires. The result has been an ever-increasing threat to property, human and animal lives, and environmental damage, including air pollution, water pollution, and loss of habitat and species.

The historical context of forest management

The market-focused environmental nonprofit PERC (Property and Environment Research Center) has long urged the nation to "Fix Americas Forests," which are "in trouble" due to a century of fire suppression that has disrupted natural fire cycles and impaired forest health. Trees in national forests are dying from insect infestations, drought, and disease caused by overly dense forests. PERCs solution is to reduce existing regulatory hurdles and find more creative funding approaches for active forest management, including prescribed fires and mechanical thinning.

Keith Schneider of the water newsroom Circle of Blue noted that Trumps forest management plan boosts logging on federal lands, increases tariffs on Canadian lumber, and expedites timber approvals to reduce wildfire risks and support the U.S. timber industry. The White House contends that the inability to fully exploit domestic timber resources has impeded job creation, contributed to wildfire disasters, degraded habitats, increased construction and energy costs, and threatened economic security.

The battle over forest policy and the demise of harmful environmentalism

Well-funded environmental groups immediately decried the Trump policy, claiming it increases the human imprint on "sacred" forest lands. Inside Climate News called the order "an assault on the nations public forests" that "removes protections" and will destroy massive swaths of older, fire-resilient trees. Danna Smith, executive director of North Carolinas Dogwood Alliance, called the Trump order "absolutely the wrong direction and a devastating blow." Even as wildfires raged in the Carolinas, killing trees and wildlife, Smith claimed that selective logging and removal of dead trees would harm "standing forests" that are vital to fighting the climate crisis.

The irony of these claims is not lost on those who have witnessed the tragic consequences of the failed federal policies of the past. For example, in Botania, Chile, a community that prepared for wildfires by clearing dead vegetation and creating defensible spaces remained intact while neighboring areas were devastated.

"Despite being surrounded by fire, amidst the voracious chain of fires that in early February claimed the lives of 132 people in the Valparaiso region, the Botania neighborhood in Chile remained intact: the flames did not touch any of the houses," reported a local news outlet. In contrast, areas where owners resisted vegetation pruning saw 250 houses razed by the fire.

A new era of forest management

To oversee this dramatic change in federal forest policy, Trump appointed Tom Schultz, a widely respected forestry expert, to head the Forest Service. One of Schultzs tasks is to enable shorter time frames for evaluating logging plans for their impact on endangered species. This move is crucial for addressing the immediate threats posed by overgrown forests and for supporting the economic well-being of communities that depend on forest resources.

The Trump administrations forest management strategy is not without precedent. In January 2019, the President issued an order requiring the Interior and Agriculture Departments to collaborate with state, tribal, and local partners to create a comprehensive wildfire strategy. This strategy prioritized the highest-risk lands, reduced hazardous fuel loads, and ensured the safety and stability of local communities. By fiscal year 2020, the Department of the Interior had reduced wildfire risk across 1.5 million acres, a 49% increase over the four-year total during Obamas second term.

In April 2020, Interior Secretary David Bernhardt signed a final decision to construct and maintain a system of up to 11,000 miles of strategically placed fuel breaks to control wildfires within 223 million acres of federal lands in Western states. The Bureau of Land Managements assessments showed that 79% of fuel breaks were effective in controlling wildfires, and 84% helped change fire behavior for the better.

Choosing a better path forward

An early test of the Trump forest policy is playing out in San Bernardino, where Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins issued an emergency order to increase timber quotas in Americas national forests by 25%. Opponents claim the order is a "land grab," but the U.S. Forest Service warns that charred portions of the forest burned in the Eaton Fire remain at "significant" risk of debris flows, flooding, and mudslides. Streamlining permits for increased logging will help "achieve relief from threats to public health and safety, critical infrastructure, and/or mitigation of threats to natural resources."

The debate over forest management is not just about environmental policy; it is about the safety and economic well-being of communities. The relatively small population that lives in these areas has little political clout but knows what needs to be done to protect their environment. However, "environmentalists" who live in urban centers and fund groups like the Sierra Club often block attempts to manage the forest by removing dead and overgrown trees, leading to tragic losses of life and property.

As the global community grapples with environmental degradation, embracing natural processes like controlled burns and sustainable logging is crucial. By reassessing traditional methods and adopting a more holistic approach to forest management, we can create a safer, healthier, and more sustainable future for both humans and the natural world.

Is it time to prioritize practical solutions over ideological battles in the fight against wildfires?

Sources include:

Whatsupwiththat.com

TownHall.com

Enoch, Brighteon.ai
A critical examination of the pro-Israel lobby: Robert David Steeles Zionism in America: Seven Strikes & Counting

Robert David Steele's "Zionism in America: Seven Strikes & Counting" argues that Zionist dominance in U.S. politics, finance and media is facing unprecedented challenges, with growing opposition from both political and grassroots movements.

President Donald Trump's ties to Zionist power brokers and Russian Jewish crime families are scrutinized, yet his alliances with global leaders (Putin, Xi) and reformist intelligence factions suggest a push for constitutional governance.

Key "strikes" against Zionist power mentioned in the book include the 1967 USS Liberty attack by Israel; alleged Israeli intelligence involvement in 9/11; the Israel Anti-Boycott Act, seen as suppressing free speech; state-level loyalty pledges to Israel for aid/contracts; and shadowy Las Vegas connections (Adelson, Chertoff, Soros).

Emerging rifts and scandals include Israeli PM Netanyahu's alienation of American Jews, while potential exposures include Arnon Milchan's espionage, Sen. Chuck Schumer's vulnerabilities and pedophilia in Orthodox Jewish circles.

The book links Zionist influence to a larger "Deep State" network (Rothschilds, Khazarian Mafia) controlling finance, media and education, while scandals like Pizzagate fuel demands for systemic accountability.

"Zionism in America: Seven Strikes & Counting" by Robert David Steele (1952-2021) delves into the contentious and historically complex relationship between Zionist influence and American politics, finance and media.

The book argues that what was once an unshakable power structure is now facing unprecedented challenges, signaling a potential shift in the balance of power. The growing opposition to Zionist influence spans from political corridors to grassroots movements, marking a pivotal moment in U.S. history.

Central to the discussion is the role of President Donald Trump, whose unpredictable alliances have raised questions about his connections to Russian Jewish crime families and Zionist power brokers. Despite these ties, Trump's engagements with global leaders like Russia's Vladimir Putin and China's Xi Jinping, along with his alignment with the U.S. Marine Corps and reformist factions within intelligence agencies, suggest a broader push to restore constitutional governance. This dynamic underscores the volatile nature of political alliances and the shifting landscape of influence.

Steele outlines several key "strikes" that have weakened Zionist dominance in America. The USS Liberty incident where Israeli forces attacked a U.S. Navy ship in 1967 remains a contentious issue, fueling skepticism about U.S.-Israel relations. The events of 9/11, still mired in controversy, have also been scrutinized, with allegations implicating Israeli intelligence and its allies.

Another critical strike is the Israel Anti-Boycott Act that seeks to criminalize criticism of Israel, sparking backlash against what many view as an assault on free speech. Additionally, state and local laws requiring loyalty pledges to Israel in exchange for disaster relief or contracts have further galvanized opposition.

The book also examines the shadowy connections in Las Vegas involving figures like Sheldon Adelson, Michael Chertoff and George Soros  suggesting deeper, clandestine operations. The sheer volume of sealed indictments hints at an impending legal reckoning.

Meanwhile, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahus apparent disregard for American Jews signals a growing rift between Israel and the Jewish diaspora, particularly progressive and reform communities. Journalist Judy Maltz's article "Divorcing the Diaspora," published November 2017 in Haaretz, sheds light on this divide.

Steele posits that three additional strikes may further erode Zionist influence. These claims, though controversial, reflect a broader movement seeking accountability and transparency in power structures:

The exposure of film producer Arnon Milchan's alleged espionage

Sen. Chuck Schumer's (D-NY) political vulnerabilities

Revelations of pedophilia and Satanism within Orthodox Jewish circles

The book expands its critique to the so-called "Deep State," a network of elite families  often associated with the Rothschilds and the Khazarian Mafia  alleged to control global finance, media and education. This system, Steele argues, perpetuates corruption and exploitation. The exposure of pedophilia through scandals like Pizzagate and Pedogate has further shaken public trust, implicating not only Orthodox Jewish communities but also Jesuit institutions and secretive groups like Bohemian Grove.

Looking ahead, Steele suggests that the status quo is under unprecedented scrutiny. The push for accountability in cases of abuse and corruption is gaining momentum, with Zionist influence being just one facet of a much larger struggle for truth and justice. As public awareness grows, so too does the demand for systemic change.

Ultimately, "Zionism in America: Seven Strikes & Counting" frames the challenge to Zionist power as part of a wider fight for democracy and human rights. Steele's work calls for vigilance, courage and a commitment to exposing hidden mechanisms of control.

In an era of increasing transparency, the book serves as a stark reminder that knowledge is the most potent weapon against entrenched power. The unraveling of Zionist influence could mark a turning point in America's political and social evolution.

Watch this video about the book "Zionism in America: Seven Strikes & Counting" by Robert David Steele.

This video is from the BrightLearn channel on Brighteon.com.

Sources include:

Brighteon.ai

Brighteon.com
Russias vast energy and natural resources challenge globalist agendas and bolster national sovereignty for decades to come

Russia boasts the worlds largest energy reserves, including oil, gas, and coal, which could last for decades to centuries.

President Vladimir Putin emphasizes Russias reliability as an energy supplier, particularly to China.

The countrys strategic position and vast resources make it a formidable opponent to globalist interests.

Russia's energy and economic sovereignty and dominance comes in the face of mounting world pressures, including sanctions that have failed to cripple Russia.

Despite mounting pressure of assassination of Russian President Vladimir Putin, Moscow has refused to capitulate to globalists looking to tap into and exploit Russia's vast resources.

Russia to remain energy independent for decades to come

In a world increasingly dominated by the push for renewable energy and the geopolitical maneuvering of global powers, Russia stands out as a bastion of traditional energy resources. The countrys vast reserves of oil, gas, and coal, detailed in a recent government report, not only secure its position as a major global energy player but also challenge the agendas of those seeking to undermine its sovereignty and control over its natural wealth.

On Monday, Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin approved Russias Energy Strategy through 2050, a comprehensive document that outlines the nations vision for the energy sector and its response to global challenges. The report reveals that Russia holds more than 31 billion tons of proven oil reserves, enough to sustain production for over 65 years at current rates. It also boasts 63.4 trillion cubic meters of natural gas reserves, sufficient for a century of production, and 272.7 billion tons of coal, which could last for more than 500 years.

These figures are not just numbers; they represent a strategic advantage that Russia is not willing to cede. In a world where energy is power, Russias vast reserves provide a buffer against the economic and political pressures exerted by globalist entities. The report emphasizes that fossil fuels will remain the backbone of global energy supply at least through 2050, with liquefied natural gas (LNG) playing an increasingly important role in global trade.

President Vladimir Putin, speaking at the BRICS Business Forum in Moscow on October 18, 2024, underscored Russias reliability as an energy supplier, particularly to China. The entire border is shared, and the energy resources in Russia are simply unlimited, Putin stated. This mutual cooperation is not just about economic transactions; it is a strategic alliance that bolsters both nations against the encroachment of globalist interests.

The strategic importance of Russias energy resources

Russias energy strategy is not just about maintaining its current position; it is about expanding its influence and securing its future. The report outlines plans to fast-track infrastructure projects and create conditions for redirecting oil, gas, and refined product exports to new friendly markets. This includes expanding transshipment capacity at Arctic and Far Eastern ports via the Northern Sea Route, a move that could significantly alter the dynamics of global energy trade.

The strategic importance of these resources cannot be overstated. Russias vast lands and resources put the nation in a unique position to weather the attacks of globalists and multinational interests. The forces seeking to assassinate and remove Putin from office know exactly that Putin and Russias nationalist unity stand in the way of globalists accessing and plundering Russia's $75+ trillion in resources. Putins leadership has been marked by a steadfast commitment to preserving Russias sovereignty and protecting its national interests.

The globalist threat and Russias courageous response

The globalist agenda, often cloaked in the guise of environmentalism and renewable energy, seeks to control the worlds resources and dictate the terms of global trade. However, Russias energy reserves and its strategic partnerships, particularly with China, pose a significant challenge to this agenda. The reports stress scenarios, including a faster global shift to renewables by 2050, are deemed low risk due to the economic and logistical challenges such a shift would entail.

The document also highlights the rising demand for lithium, nickel, rare earths, aluminum, and other metals, which opens up new opportunities for the efficient development of Russias mineral resource base. This diversification of resources further strengthens Russias position and reduces its vulnerability to global market fluctuations.

As the world continues to grapple with the complexities of energy security and geopolitical tensions, Russias vast energy reserves and strategic foresight offer a compelling counter-narrative to the globalist agenda. President Putins unwavering commitment to national sovereignty and economic independence serves as a beacon for other nations seeking to protect their own interests. The question remains: Will other nations follow Russias lead and assert their own sovereignty, or will they succumb to the pressures of globalist control?

Sources include:

RT.com

RT.com

Globalism.news
Strategic morning light exposure: A natural solution to combat sleep fatigue

A study by Osaka Metropolitan University researchers found that exposure to natural light before waking (20-minute dawn simulation) significantly reduces sleepiness and boosts alertness, outperforming both continuous light and artificial darkness.

Over two-thirds of Americans suffer from sleep disorders linked to diabetes, depression and cancer  a crisis exacerbated by artificial lighting, which disrupts circadian rhythms and melatonin production.

The study highlights the biological importance of natural lights gradual intensity (like dawn), contrasting it with harmful artificial light exposure at unnatural times.

Researchers propose light-adaptive architecture (e.g., motorized curtains, east-facing bedrooms) to mimic natural cycles, reducing reliance on sleep medications and prioritizing prevention over synthetic solutions.

The findings support critiques of conventional medicines overreliance on pharmaceuticals, advocating for holistic approaches like light therapy and biophilic design to restore natural sleep patterns.

A recent study by Osaka Metropolitan University researchers reveals that timed exposure to natural light in the bedroom before waking significantly alleviates morning fatigue and enhances alertness, offering a potential antidote to pervasive sleep-related struggles in modern society. Published in Building and Environment, the research underscores how natural lights rhythm, absent from contemporary artificial-lit environments, could reshape how we prioritize sleep quality. With over two-thirds of Americans suffering from sleep disorders  linked to diabetes, depression and cancer  the findings arrive amidst growing concerns about the health impacts of 24-hour artificial illumination.

The dawn experiment: How natural light enhances alertness

Conducted by graduate student Xiaorui Wang and Professor Daisuke Matsushita, the study tested 19 participants across three scenarios: exposure to natural light for 20 minutes before waking (Condition IA), continuous light from dawn until waking (Condition IB), and no natural light (Condition CC). Data  gathered through ECGs, EEGs and self-reported surveys  showed participants in IA and IB exhibited markedly reduced sleepiness compared to CC. Critically, IA proved optimal, outperforming IB, where excessive light caused alertness to decline.

The results challenge conventional sleep research, which primarily relies on artificial light for its simplicity, and instead advocate for the biological relevance of natural lights nuanced fluctuations. Our findings highlight the importance of simulating natural light cycles to align with circadian rhythms, said Matsushita. The team envisions systems that dynamically adjust light exposure based on seasonal and daily cycles, fostering environments tailored to human physiology.

A legacy of artificial light: Disrupted rhythms and modern health crisis

Before the Industrial Revolution, dawn marked the transition between sleep and wakefulness, synchronizing circadian rhythms with sunlight. The advent of electric lighting, however, turned nights into days, fracturing this harmony. Modern bedrooms, illuminated by smartphones and ceiling lamps, now perpetuate a disconnect with natures cues, exacerbating sleep fragmentation. As Natural News emphasizes, artificial light disrupts melatonin production, a hormone tied to sleep regulation and cancer prevention, leaving over 150 million Americans vulnerable to chronic illnesses.

The Osaka study contextualizes this crisis: its participants improved alertness under IA mirrors our evolutionary alignment with dawns gentle light crescendo. Conversely, the adverse effects of excessive light in IB reflect a contemporary paradox  too much artificial stimuli at the wrong time. Modern lifestyles have distanced us from natures sleep blueprint, said Dr. Joy Sanjay, a sleep specialist, citing light as both remedy and disruptor.

Designing spaces for sleep health: Natural light as a building block for wellness

Architectural design must now reconcile biology and functionality, a shift the Osaka research pioneers. Matsushitas vision  to engineer light-adaptive living spaces that mirror natural transitions  echoes movements advocating for biophilic design. Imagine homes with motorized curtains responding to sunrise or urban housing with eastward-facing bedrooms prioritized in construction. Such innovations could mitigate the sleep famished urban populations reliance on pharmaceuticals for rest.

The study also recalibrates discussions about health institutions focus on pills over prevention. Natural News highlights the critique of conventional medicines leap toward synthetic solutions, urging instead holistic practices like light therapy or sleep sanctuaries. By embedding nature into design, architects and policymakers could democratize pathways to healthier sleep.

Toward a sunlit future  reimagining sleep through environmental science

As urbanization intensifies and screens dominate our lives, the Osaka study reignites the imperative to harmonize with natures cues. Its call to regulate light exposure aligns with broader movements questioning the costs of modernity  from sleep loss to squandered wellness. By returning to dawns gentle illumination, society might awaken not just to mornings, but to a paradigm shift: prioritizing environmental science to forge healthier, more sustainable rhythms. In Matsushitas words, the path forward is illuminated by the sun  if we dare to embrace it.

Sources include:

ScienceDaily.com

Bioengineer.org

TechExplorist.com
U.K. governments pre-crime AI sparks civil liberties debate amid claims of bias and privacy invasion

The U.K. government is developing an AI-driven "homicide prediction" system that analyzes personal data  including ethnicity, mental health and past police interactions  to identify potential future murderers, drawing comparisons to sci-fi film "Minority Report."

The system aggregates sensitive personal data from crime victims, witnesses and non-convicted individuals, raising concerns about racial profiling, wrongful targeting and erosion of civil liberties. Advocacy groups warn it could criminalize vulnerable people preemptively.

Experts compare the project to flawed U.S. predictive policing tools (e.g., NYPDs CompStat), citing bias, inaccuracy and disproportionate harm to marginalized communities. Past attempts, like in Los Angeles, were abandoned due to ineffectiveness and legal challenges.

The system threatens privacy by weaponizing mental health and socioeconomic data as indicators of criminal risk. Critics argue it reflects a broader shift toward preemptive punishment, justified as "risk mitigation" without due process.

The U.K. initiative mirrors U.S. experiments with AI-driven "pre-crime" detection, fueling fears of normalized dystopian surveillance. The lack of transparency and renaming of the project (from "homicide prediction" to "risk assessment") suggests efforts to evade scrutiny rather than address ethical flaws.

In a development critics liken to the fictional "pre-crime" system depicted in sci-fi film "Minority Report," the U.K. government has revealed its plans to build an algorithm-driven homicide prediction system that analyzes personal data  including mental health histories, addiction and ethnicity  to identify individuals at risk of committing murder. Uncovered by civil liberties group Statewatch, the Ministry of Justice (MoJ) initiative  initially dubbed the Homicide Prediction Project  uses data from between 100,000 and 500,000 people, including crime victims and witnesses, to flag potential murderers. Launched during Prime Minister Rishi Sunaks tenure, the project has sparked alarm over its potential to preemptively target innocents, entrench racial profiling and erode civil liberties. As the MoJ defends the project as purely research-based, experts warn it replicates the pitfalls of predictive policing systems that have failed in the U.S. and could codify systemic inequities into law enforcement.

The project unveiled

Buried in bureaucratic legalese, the homicide prediction system marks a dramatic expansion of the governments use of predictive analytics. According to documents obtained by Statewatch via Freedom of Information requests, the program aggregates vast amounts of personal data held by police, probation services and mental health records. This includes identifiers like ethnicity, suicide risk and disability status, as well as details of past police interactions, even for civilians who have never been convicted of a crime. The MoJ insists the current research phase only involves data from convicted offenders, but the data-sharing agreements reviewed by Statewatch explicitly list categories like victims of domestic violence and safeguarding concerns as sources.

The projects audacious ambition  to stop murders before they occur  has drawn comparisons to science fiction. The government is building a model that purports to predict who will be a murderer based on slips of vulnerability or other human struggles, said Sofia Lyall, a Statewatch researcher. This is not about public safety; its about entrenching an overreach of state power.

Civil liberties under siege

Advocacy groups have condemned the project as a threat to basic freedoms. Big Brother Watch, a privacy organization, has called for its immediate cancellation, warning that algorithmic errors could lead to wrongful targeting of marginalized communities. Even when crimes have occurred, algorithms get it wrong  but predicting them is the plot of a sci-fi horror film, not policy, said interim director Rebecca Vincent. She raised alarms about using such data to justify punitive risk mitigation, potentially criminalizing people before theyve committed any act.

The concerns echo broader anxieties over predictive policing in the U.S., where systems like the New York Police Departments CompStat have come under fire for exacerbating racial profiling. Studies show that AI tools trained on biased data disproportionately flag Black, Latino and economically disadvantaged individuals as high-risk. Statewatchs Lyall noted the U.K.s institutional racism in policing and prisons could further distort predictions: Youre taking the worst elements of a broken system, amplify them with automation, and call it progress.

The broken promise of predictive policing

The U.K.s venture mirrors the U.S. push for predictive policing over the past decade, with similarly grim results. In Los Angeles, early pilots of pre-crime algorithms led to false arrests and surveillance overkill, while cities like Seattle abandoned such tools after lawsuits revealed their ineffectiveness and bias. A 2022 National Institute of Justice report found such systems no more accurate than random checks.

The MoJs claim that the homicide tool is only for research may fall on deaf ears, as its own documents reference an eventual operationalization phase. Critics argue this previews a future where state actors penalize people for perceived risks rather than actual crimes. Risk assessment is a euphemism for well lock you up before you fail, Lyall said. Once you start managing scenarios in the realm of science fiction, the real-world harms are inevitable.

Balancing security and civil liberties

As the U.S. explores similar AI-driven pre-crime detection, experts worry the cat-and-mouse game of crime prevention is steering societies toward a surveillance state. The U.K. projects reliance on sensitive health data adds a darker layer, with mental health statuses and suicide risks now potential markers of criminal intent. Theyre weaponizing vulnerable populations under the guise of safety, said Vincent.

The MoJ maintains the tool is tightly regulated, but transparency advocates counter that the months-long cloak-and-dagger rollout undermines that claim. The projects name changefrom explicit Homicide Prediction to opaque risk assessmentsuggests a retreat from public scrutiny, not technical redesign.

A crossroads for liberty in the algorithmic age

The U.K. governments foray into pre-crime analytics sets a dangerous precedent, one that risks normalizing dystopian surveillance under the banner of safety. While crime prevention is a legitimate goal, the use of imperfect algorithms to sanction vulnerable groups without due process is both legally questionable and morally reckless. As the U.S. looks on, the world watches to see whether democracies can resist the seductive but deadly allure of preemptive controlor if the plot of Minority Report will soon face a real-world sequel. The choice, for now, lies in whether sacrifice to security fantasies remains politically untouchable, or whether public outcry can preserve the principle that innocence is indivisible until proven otherwise.

Sources include:

ReclaimTheNet.org

BigBrotherWatch.org.uk

TheGuardian.com
Friendly fire? Ukrainian F-16 pilot killed during combat mission  allegedly by U.S.-supplied Patriot missile batteries

Captain Pavlo Ivanov, a Ukrainian F-16 pilot, was killed on April 12 during a combat mission, marking the second confirmed F-16 loss in the war.

Zelensky called for an investigation while Russian media and analysts suggested friendly fire, mirroring unresolved ambiguities from an August 2024 incident that also killed a pilot.

The crashes highlight critical flaws in Ukraine's defense systems, including the lack of Link 16 technology on Patriot batteries, which prevents real-time coordination with F-16s, exacerbating the risk of friendly fire during combat.

Ukrainian officials estimate nearly half of air losses stem from friendly fire, driven by outdated communication systems, mixed Western donations and strained logistics, while analysts warn this could jeopardize future Western arms shipments.

Ongoing incidents pressure Kyiv to address coordination failures and interoperability, while Washington weighs risks in further aid deliveries, underscoring that advanced weaponry alone cannot overcome human and technical missteps in complex battlefield conditions.

A Ukrainian F-16 pilot, 26-year-old Captain Pavlo Ivanov, was killed when his fighter jet crashed during a combat mission near the eastern front on April 12, marking the second confirmed loss of an F-16 in the war and reigniting questions about its operational vulnerabilities.

Ukraine's military has launched an investigation into the downing, which occurred as Russian forces continued missile strikes. While President Volodymyr Zelensky vowed retaliation, conflicting details emerged over whether the plane was truly shot down by Russian surface-to-air missiles or friendly fire, a possibility underscored by a similar incident in August 2024, which also claimed a Ukrainian pilot's life.

Ukraine's military and government issued conflicting accounts of the crash. The Air Force praised Ivanov's "bravery" in a Telegram statement but offered few specifics, instead noting the "extremely complicated conditions" of combat. Zelensky confirmed the death later that day, emphasizing the need to "investigate all circumstances," setting the stage for speculation about whether Russian weapons or technical flaws were to blame.

The incident follows a month of warnings from senior officials like Air Force spokesperson Yuri Ignat, who expressed concern over the limitations of Ukraine's F-16s, describing them as ill-equipped to challenge Russia's advanced Su-35 jets without additional support.

"We need a comprehensive approach," Ignat said, citing deficiencies in electronic warfare and air defense coordination.

Russian state media and military analysts pointed fingers at Kyiv's forces, with outlets like RT suggesting Ukraine's delayed probe proves friendly fire is suspected. Meanwhile, Zelensky's mention of a "strong and precise response" implied a belief that Russia was responsible, though such ambiguity has fueled public frustration about transparency.

A repeat of last year's tragedy

The loss mirrors the August 2024 downing of pilot Oleksii "Moonfish" Mes, Ukraine's first F-16 casualty. Neither incident has been officially resolved, but multiple reports, including a Wall Street Journal investigation, attributed the earlier crash to Ukraine's Patriot missile batteries shooting down Mes' jet  possibly due to a lack of secure communications alongside the advanced U.S.-supplied systems. (Related: Ukrainian military shoots down its own F-16 fighter jet provided by U.S. earlier this year.)

The parallels have raised alarms about systemic vulnerabilities. "This repeats the August incident," warned Dariia Kaleniuk, co-founder of Kyiv's International Center for Ukrainian Victory, citing the absence of Link 16  a tactical data system critical for identifying friendly aircraft. U.S.-delivered Patriot systems initially lacked this technology because planners did not anticipate F-16 deployments, creating an intelligence gap that impaired coordination.

Ukraine's F-16s lack Link 16 compatibility, a flaw perpetuated despite early warnings. "The Pa[triots] were never upgraded with Link 16 after the F-16s arrived," Kaleniuk explained. This oversight has left pilots at higher risk during chaotic aerial battles, where Patriot operators might mistakenly target friendly craft.

The gap has broader consequences. Over one-third of Ukraine's air defenses now operate without integrated systems, compounding issues for a military already battling Russia's numerical superiority. Analysts note this further strains an air force already losing aircraft to other dangers, including maintenance challenges and pilot fatigue.

Ukrainian lawmaker Maryana Bezuglaya recently claimed "about half" of Kyiv's warplane losses stem from friendly fire, a stark revelation underscoring systemic problems.

"We're losing ourselves too much," she wrote on Telegram, referencing incidents involving MiG-29s and helicopters mistakenly shot down by allies.

Both sides face similar risks; Russia has suffered its own friendly fire casualties, with Insider.ru reporting 13 aircraft losses due to its air defenses. Yet Ukraine's struggles are heightened by reliance on mixed Western donations and dilapidated supply chains, complicating training and coordination.

The incidents have sparked debates over Western military aid. Critics argue additional grounding of advanced jets like F-16s could pressure donors to reevaluate support, especially if technical gaps persist.

"Equipment alone isn't enough," said Ignat, calling for investments in training and interoperability systems like Link 16.

Zelensky, meanwhile, defended U.S. support, citing recent "good results" from F-16s intercepting Russian missiles. Still, the crashes highlight systemic risks  ones Washington's new administration may weigh carefully as it debates further arms supplies.

Watch the video below where Trump announces Boeing's plan to build new 6th-generation fighter jets.

This video is from Cynthia's Pursuit of Truth channel on Brighteon.com.

More related stories:

Russian military DESTROYS 9 Ukrainian jets in one day.

Ukraine closing in on deal with U.S. for new advanced long-range missiles that could strike deep into Russia.

Russian defense firm predicts SWIFT DESTRUCTION of Ukraine's new French fighter jets.

Sources include:

RT.com

KyivIndependent.com

EurAsianTimes.com

Brighteon.com
Major baby food brands exceed California lead limits, risking childrens health

Products from many major baby food brands contain lead levels that far exceed California's safety limit.

A lawsuit alleges that manufacturers knowingly sell products requiring Proposition 65 warnings but fail to use them.

Lead exposure risks children's brain development, with no safe level of consumption.

Companies exploit loopholes to avoid accountability, while FDA standards lag behind those of the state of California.

Parents must take action by choosing safer brands, making homemade options, and demanding transparency.

Parents trust baby food companies to provide safe, nourishing meals for their infants. But recent testing reveals alarming levels of lead in products from major brands like Gerber, Beech-Nut, and Plum Organics  some exceeding Californias safety limits dramatically.

A lawsuit filed by the Environmental Law Foundation (ELF) on behalf of consumers highlights a disturbing trend: manufacturers are selling baby foods with lead concentrations that legally require warning labels under Californias Proposition 65, yet many parents remain unaware of the risks.

A silent threat to development

Lead is a neurotoxin with no safe level of exposure for children, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Even small amounts can impair brain development, lower IQ, and contribute to behavioral disorders like ADHD. Several of the tested baby foods contained levels of lead per serving that were far above Californias maximum threshold of 0.5 micrograms per day. Products flagged include Beech-Nuts organic sweet potatoes, Gerbers 2nd foods carrots, and Plum Organics Just Prunes.

"The goal is to minimize exposure to these heavy metals, but to completely eliminate exposure is not realistic," argued Norbert Kaminski, a food safety expert at Michigan State University. But advocates counter that this reasoning dismisses parental concerns. "Those exposures add up. They create health risks in childhood and throughout a lifetime," said Jane Houlihan of Healthy Babies Bright Futures. "Every time a child eats a meal contaminated with lead, its a problem."

Loopholes and legislative gaps

While Californias Proposition 65 sets strict lead limits, companies exploit averaging tactics to avoid accountability. Gerber claims it complies with the law by calculating lead exposure over time  assuming infants dont eat the same product daily  while Beech-Nut and Plum Organics average contamination across batches. Legal experts note these practices arent explicitly allowed under the law.

The FDAs federal standards, meanwhile, lag behind Californias. None of the tested products exceeded the FDAs daily limit of 2.2 micrograms of lead, but critics argue this threshold is dangerously permissive. A Reuters analysis found 102 out of 1,757 baby food tests surpassed Californias tighter limits, yet companies face no federal repercussions.

How parents can take action

With systemic failures in regulation, families must advocate for their childrens health. Here are practical steps:

Choose safer brands: Support companies like Cerebelly, which sources ingredients from low-heavy-metal soil.

Make homemade purees: Fresh, organic produce blended at home can reduce exposure (though soil contamination persists industry-wide).

Demand transparency: Pressure manufacturers to adopt Californias standards nationwide and end batch averaging.

Some states are taking action; Maryland passed a law mimicking Californias testing requirements, and Illinois may follow. But until stronger federal rules exist, parents remain the first line of defense.

A fight for the future

The lawsuit against major baby food brands that is now advancing in federal court could force overdue accountability. For parents, the stakes couldnt be higher. As one recently recalled Target product (Good & Gather Baby Vegetable Puree) shows, even store-brand items arent immune.

The solution isnt just better testing; its a cultural shift toward valuing childrens health over corporate convenience. Until then, informed choices and collective advocacy are the best tools parents have to protect their babies from an invisible poison.

Sources for this article include:

Reuters.com

Reuters.com

APNews.com
Chinas rare earth move threatens U.S. military and tech dominance

China imposed export controls on seven critical rare earth elements (HREEs), retaliating against U.S. tariffs and disrupting global supply chains. These elements are essential for defense systems, EVs and green tech, heightening fears over U.S. dependency.

The Pentagon warns that restricted access to rare earths like dysprosium and terbiumcrucial for F-35 jets, missile systems and EV batteriescould delay U.S. defense production and cede technological leadership to China.

China refines 85% of the worlds rare earths, leveraging decades of state-backed expertise. Previous actions (e.g., the 2010 Japan embargo) showcase its willingness to weaponize supply chains, forcing competitors to adapt or face disruption.

While the U.S. mines rare earths (e.g., Mountain Pass), it lacks refining capacity for HREEs. Bidens R&D investments (e.g., DARPAs bio-separation project) and Trumps mining push remain insufficient to counter Chinas dominance quickly.

Chinas control over rare earths threatens to erode U.S. military and tech superiority. Without rapid, coordinated action, America risks long-term dependence as Beijing tightens its grip.

China has unleashed a new economic weapon in its trade war with the United States, imposing export restrictions on seven critical rare earth elementsincluding those vital for advanced defense systems, electric vehicles and green energy technologies. The move, announced as retaliation for President Donald Trumps recent tariff hikes, has plunged global supply chains into chaos and intensified fears over U.S. reliance on Chinese dominance of strategic mineral processing. The Department of Defense warns that delays in acquiring these materials could cripple production of modern military aircraft and weapons systems, while automakers and tech firms brace for disruptions in EV motors and semiconductor manufacturing. The geopolitical stakes are clear: Chinas stranglehold on rare earths has redrawn the map of global power, and Washingtons efforts to forge independence remain years behind schedule.

A strategic mineral crisis escalates

At the heart of the conflict are seven heavy rare earth elements (HREEs)scandium, yttrium, samarium, gadolinium, terbium, dysprosium and lutetium. These metals are indispensable for high-temperature magnets used in fighter jets like the F-35, missile guidance systems and electric vehicle batteries. Beijings restrictions, while not a full embargo, require U.S. companies to secure new export licenses, a process Chinese officials have already slowed to a crawl. Meanwhile, blacklists targeting American firms with ties to Taiwan further tighten the screws, compounding disruptions in a supply chain already tilted heavily toward China.

The crisis underscores Chinas unparalleled control. While holding 30% of global rare earth reserves, Beijing refines 85% of the worlds supply, having perfected complex separation processes the U.S. abandoned decades ago. The Middle East has oil. China has rare earths, former leader Deng Xiaoping proclaimed in 1992, laying the groundwork for an industrial strategy that transformed Beijing into a near-monopoly on these critical materials.

Historical precedent and Dengs vision fuel concerns

China has wielded its resource dominance before. In 2010, Beijing cut off rare earth exports to Japan, then a top consumer, after a fishermens arrest near disputed islands. Tokyo was forced to release the captain while scrambling to rebuild its supply chains through diversification, stockpiling and efficiency measuresa playbook the U.S. has yet to fully replicate.

Dengs vision, rooted in his emphasis on resource leverage, guided China to vertically integrate its rare earth sector. While U.S. firms exited due to environmental costs and regulatory hurdles, Chinese engineers amassed patents, innovations and processing expertise. By 2022, Chinas market share had dipped slightly, but its export controls and state-backed refineries kept rivals at bay. All of them behave the same way making separation difficult, Dr. Isabel Barton, a rare earths expert at the University of Arizona, told yourNEWS Media, explaining why Western firms have struggled to revive domestic refining at scale.

Defense and tech sectors brace for impact

The Pentagon faces immediate challenges. Heavy rare earths like dysprosium, crucial for heat-resistant magnets in F-35 engines and AI-powered drones, are now under Beijings thumb. Defense officials report growing delays in acquiring finished magnets, with U.S. firms reliant on Chinese shipments for 80% of their needs. Restricted access could ensure China wins the race to deploy a sixth-generation fighter jet, overtaking U.S. military dominance, warned William Matthews, a senior research fellow at the Asia-Pacific Programme, citing Chinese test flights of the J-36 and J-50 prototypes.

The ripple effects extend beyond aviation. U.S. automakers, racing to meet EV targets, may see battery production stymied by shortages of terbium and neodymium. Meanwhile, Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company, a key chipmaker for U.S. defense contractors, relies on rare earths for precision lasers and radar guidance systems. Beijings dual squeeze on minerals and semiconductor tools risks paralyzing advanced manufacturing ecosystems.

U.S. supply chain efforts lag as clock ticks

Washingtons response has been slow and fraught. While Trump pushed a mine-to-magnet initiative, his America First push aimed to boost domestic mining at Californias Mountain Passa major resource hub producing 45,000 metric tons of rare earth oxides last year, versus Chinas 270,000. Yet U.S. firms have yet to master HREE refining, leaving them dependent on foreign partners. Texas-based firms are building new facilities, but Beijings 2024 state resource classification bans the export of rare earth processing technology, forcing Western companies to innovate from scratch.

The Biden administration poured billions into R&D, including DARPAs EMBER project, which seeks to use microbes for eco-friendly rare earth separation. Principal Investigator Marina Kalyuzhnaya called the research exciting but years from scaling, a timeline critics say is too slow for an arms race.

A race against time to break dependence

The stakes could not be higher. From fighter jets to AI, Chinas rare earth leverage has become a defining feature of the U.S.-China rivalry. Tokyos 1990s response offers a blueprint, but Washingtons bureaucratic delays and disjointed strategies loom large. As Beijing tightens its grip, the question remains: Can the U.S. pivot from reliance to resilience before its militarys technological edge evaporates? The answer will shape the balance of power for decades.

Sources include:

YourNews.com

NewSecurityBeat.org

ChathamHouse.org
Greenlands strategic tensions: A tug-of-war over sovereignty, strategy and alliance

Greenlands geopolitical significance  its location between North America and Europe, rich resources and military valuehas long attracted U.S. interest, especially as China and Russia increase their Arctic influence.

U.S. military access stems from a 1951 NATO-era defense agreement with Denmark, permitting bases like Thule. Past U.S. attempts to purchase Greenland, including Trumps 2019 bid, were rejected by Denmark and Greenlandic leaders.

Greenlands government and residents (85% Inuit) strongly oppose U.S. annexation, viewing it as a sovereignty violation. The island has instead pursued closer ties with China for economic development.

The 1951 defense pact is tied to NATO membership; a U.S. withdrawal could allow Denmark to revoke access under international law, though legal disputes would likely follow.

The Arctic is emerging as a Cold War-style battleground, with Russia and China expanding influence. The U.S. risks alienating allies like Denmark by treating Greenland as a transactional asset rather than respecting sovereignty.

President Donald Trumps repeated assertions of intent to acquire Greenland  a Danish territory  have reignited geopolitical tensions, despite consistent rejections from Danish and Greenlandic leaders. Greenland, the worlds largest island, has been a de facto protectorate of Denmark since the 18th century and gained partial autonomy in 1979. Its strategic location between North America and Europe, rich mineral deposits and military significance have long drawn U.S. interest. However, recent diplomatic maneuvers and legal ambiguities have fueled speculation about the future of U.S. access to the Arctic region. As Trumps rhetoric clashes with Greenlands firm stance against annexation and China seeks closer ties, the debate underscores the fragile balance of international collaboration and sovereignty claims.

Historical ties and legal foundations: A century of military agreements

The foundation of U.S.-Greenland relations dates to World War II, when the U.S. secured defense rights in 1941 to counter Nazi influence. This agreement, formalized in the 1951 U.S.-Denmark Defense Agreement tied to NATO, granted the U.S. military access to bases like Thule. The pact affirmed Danish sovereignty  a principle reiterated in 2004s Igaliku agreement, which limited U.S. presence to Thule Air Base and introduced Greenlandic government consultations. Despite repeated U.S. attempts to purchase Greenland since 1867  most recently in 2019  Denmark has consistently rejected such offers, reaffirming its ownership. The idea of selling Greenland is absurd, stated former Danish Prime Minister Lars Lokke Rasmussen, reflecting the consensus.

Trumps push and Greenlands rejection: Property mindset vs. sovereignty

Trumps fixation on Greenland rooted in his real estate-driven worldview  prioritizing size and domination  has irritated both Denmark and the Greenlandic government. Greenland is not for sale. Period, said Nuuk Mayor Ane Hansen in April 2025, echoing decades of opposition. The administrations 2019 proposal, dismissed as a waste of time, followed Trumps habit of conflating nations with commodities. Meanwhile, Greenland has leaned toward Beijing, signaling closer economic and political collaboration with China, citing Beijings infrastructure investments and funding for resource exploration. This shift underscores Greenlands growing autonomy and skepticism of U.S. overtures, even as 85% of its residents identify culturally as Inuit.

NATO withdrawal and legal uncertainty: A path to expulsion?

A critical legal angle emerges if the U.S. withdraws from NATO, as Trump has threatened. The 1951 agreement links U.S. access to Greenland to NATO membership. While the pact lacks explicit exit clauses, the doctrine of rebus sic stantibus (changed circumstances) under international law allows treaties to be voided if foundational conditions shift. Scholars argue Denmark could claim termination rights if U.S. departure undermines NATOs collective defense mission. The precedent of the 2001 U.S. withdrawal from the ABM Treaty  citing changed Cold War dynamics  took years of litigation. For Greenland, expulsion of U.S. forces would require Denmark and self-governance leaders to navigate a legal minefield, though public sentiment overwhelmingly opposes foreign takeover.

A tangled path forward

The U.S.-Greenland saga intertwines history, law and geopolitics, with implications far beyond territorial disputes. Greenlands strategic valueits minerals, Arctic airspace and potential as a Chinese alliance partnerhas turned the island into a microcosm of global power struggles. While legal frameworks favor Danish sovereignty, political will remains uncertain. For now, the North Atlantic Treatys durability, Greenlands economic aspirations and Trumps transactional approach leave the regions future in limboan example of how fragile international comity can grow from the tangled roots of history. As former U.S. Secretary of State Colin Powell observed in 2020, Greenland isnt a property listing. Its a nation. Yet, until alliances realign, the islands fate remains a contested question.

As Russia and China court Greenland with infrastructure projects, the White Houses "go it alone" mentality sows dangerous divisions. "Denmarks loyalty to NATO and shared security is unshakenbut alliances require reciprocity," warned Hartmann. As the North Pole teeters toward becoming a chessboard of the new Cold War, one question lingers: Can the U.S. afford to treat its oldest allies like tenants? Or must it learn that geopolitical chess demands partners, not prisoners of war?

Sources include:

TheNationalPulse.com

EJILtalk.org

LakeviewJournal.com
Massachusetts pediatrician conscripts law enforcement, unleashes nationwide manhunt for Fitchburg family-of-five who declined vaccinations for their healthy kids

 A Fitchburg, Massachusetts family were terrorized and put in grave danger after they declined vaccinations for their nine-month-old baby on religious grounds.

 The parents, Isael Rivera and Ruth Encarnacion, were arrested and charged with "familial kidnapping" after fleeing to Texas to avoid the Massachusetts Department of Children and Families (DCF) and local police.

 The coercive and vindictive pediatrician who reported the parents to DCF is under scrutiny for overstepping boundaries, and violating the family's fundamental rights.

 The case has sparked national outrage and calls for reform in how DCF and law enforcement handle parental decisions regarding unnecessary medical interventions.

A family's fight for freedom and faith

In a shocking turn of events that has sent ripples of outrage across the nation, a Fitchburg, Massachusetts family is now at the center of a heated debate over parental rights and government overreach. Isael Rivera and Ruth Encarnacion, a homeschooling couple, found themselves in the crosshairs of the Department of Children and Families (DCF) and local law enforcement after they made the informed decision to decline vaccinations for their nine-month-old baby based on their religious beliefs.

The ordeal began in February when the family's pediatrician, a mandatory reporter, threatened to report the parents to DCF if they did not vaccinate their infant. Despite Massachusetts law allowing for religious exemptions to vaccinations, the doctor proceeded to file a 51A child "neglect" report, setting off a chain of events that would terrorize the family and would ultimately lead law enforcement to tear the family apart.

"The doctor said if we didnt vaccinate, hed have to report us," Rivera told an advocate who provided safe harbor for the family in Texas. "We were clear that our decision was based on our religious beliefs, and we were confident in our ability to care for our child." Massachusetts statutory law includes religious exemptions for parents, but these exemptions are for school attendance, and this family home-schooled to begin with, so the pediatrician had no justification one way or the other. The pediatrician had no legal grounds to harass this family, not for school attendance, nor for any reason whatsoever. Vaccines are not a mandatory requirement for school or life in general, so the pediatrician is acting unlawfully and against any basic medical standard. He has not only violated basic medical ethics and his oath, but he has violated the parent's fundamental rights in the most egregious and coercive way imaginable.

DCFS and local PD escalate situation, prompting family's exile from Massachusetts

After the disgusting pediatrician conscripted law enforcement to further the harassment and abuse, what followed was a dramatic and terrifying escalation. DCF left a notice on the familys door demanding a home visit, which the parents refused, citing their rights. Fitchburg police, at the direction of Leominster DCF, surrounded their apartment, banging on doors and circling the property for up to 30 minutes. Encarnacion, fearing for her children's safety, hid in the closet with the five children.

The next day, the situation worsened as police and DCF returned in greater numbers. The family, feeling cornered and fearing for their lives, decided to flee Massachusetts for Texas. They embarked on a three-day journey, aided by a Texas woman who provided them with an RV, food, and supplies.

For a brief moment, the family found refuge in Texas, but their peace was short-lived. A credit card charge for baby formula revealed their location, and on March 8th, authorities tracked them down in Whitney, Texas. Rivera and Encarnacion were arrested and charged with five misdemeanor counts each of "kidnapping a minor by a relative." The children were seized by Child Protective Services (CPS).

National outrage and calls for reform

The case has sparked national outrage, with many questioning the actions of DCF and the Fitchburg Police Department. Kevin Larson, Encarnacions attorney, accused DCF of overstepping their bounds. "There was no basis for the neglect report," Larson said. "The doctors appointment confirmed that the child was healthy. This is a clear violation of the familys rights."

Ron Bouchard, a constitutional law strategist, emphasized the broader implications of the case. "This is a blatant violation of fundamental rights on multiple levels," Bouchard said. "By what authority has this family been apprehended and for what? A family has the right to travel with their children. How and why have they been reported missing, and by whom? What laws have they broken, and what imminent danger exists to justify the drastic action of DCF and the Fitchburg Police Department?"

The pediatrician's office, DCF, and the Fitchburg Police Department have declined to comment, further fueling suspicions of a cover-up. Advocates and legal experts are calling for a thorough investigation into the actions of the pediatrician and the agencies involved.

A call to action

As the case continues to unfold, the Rivera-Encarnacion family remains in a state of limbo. Rivera is being held in Worcester County Jail on a $200,000 bond, while Encarnacion is incarcerated in Chicopee. The children have been placed with family members in Massachusetts, but the trauma of the experience has left deep scars.

"This case is a wake-up call for all parents," said Ann Vandersteel, an activist supporting the family. "We must stand together to protect our rights and prevent government agencies from weaponizing medical mandates against families."

The family's plight has also drawn attention to the need for legislative reform. "Doctors should not have the power to report parents to DCF based on personal beliefs," said Texas Republican congressional candidate Ava Zolari. "This is a clear case of government overreach and a violation of constitutional rights." Congress should act on this issue, making it illegal and punishable for doctors to retaliate against parents who decline childhood vaccinations.

As the nation watches, the Rivera-Encarnacion family's story serves as a stark reminder of the importance of parental authority and the dangers of a medical-police state. The fight for their rights and the safety of their children continues, and the outcome of this case could have far-reaching implications for families across the country.

The Fitchburg Police Department (978) 345-4355 are responsible for escalating this further. This must stop. There is no evidence of abuse or neglect on part of the parents. The abuse and neglect stems from the false authorities - the pediatrician, the compliant police department, the out of control DCF and CPS, who think they can harass, separate, punish, terrorize, and extort this family.

This Rivera-Encarnacion family should immediately be released and reunited, and charges should be pursued against all false authorities acting unlawfully against them!

Sources include:

LifesiteNews.com

BostonBroadside.com

Substack.com
Netanyahus Iran attack plan rejected by Trump amid Gaza backlash

Trump rejected an Israeli proposal for a military strike against Irans nuclear program, favoring diplomacy.

Netanyahu planned bold military actions, including commando raids with U.S. air support, to delay Irans nuclear progress.

Trumps decision reflects reluctance toward new Middle East conflicts, prioritizing economic and diplomatic pressure over force.

Critics argue Netanyahus aggressive stance worsens tensions while Iran faces economic strain, making negotiations favorable.

If talks fail, Trump retains military options, though Israel could act alonerisking unintended U.S. involvement.

President Donald Trump has reportedly rejected an Israeli proposal to launch a military strike against Irans nuclear facilities, opting instead to pursue a diplomatic solution to curb

Tehrans nuclear ambitions. According to sources in the White House and officials briefed on the discussions, Trumps decision reflects a strategic shift toward negotiations rather than immediate military escalation, despite Israels belief that U.S. support was forthcoming.

The move underscores Trumps reluctance to embroil the U.S. in another Middle Eastern conflict while emphasizing his administrations preference for leveraging economic and diplomatic pressure over armed intervention. However, the president has left military options on the table, signaling that he remains willing to act if talks fail.

Netanyahus push for military action

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu had reportedly drafted extensive military plans to strike Iranian nuclear sites in early May, aiming to delay Irans nuclear program by at least a year. The proposals included a combination of airstrikes and commando raids, with the expectation that the U.S. would not only approve the operation but also provide critical logistical support.

One particularly audacious plan involved Israeli commandos infiltrating Iranian nuclear facilities with U.S. air covera scenario that U.S. officials feared could provoke a broader regional war. Netanyahu reportedly argued that Israel could not afford to wait for diplomacy, given Irans advancing uranium enrichment, and that a decisive military strike was necessary to maintain regional stability.

Yet Trump, after internal discussions with top advisors, including Vice President J.D. Vance and Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, concluded that a diplomatic approach was preferableat least for now. "The president has authorized direct and indirect discussions with Iran to make this point clear," a National Security Council spokesperson said.

Trumps calculated approach

Trumps rejection of Netanyahus proposal reflects a pragmatic assessment of both geopolitical risks and domestic priorities. After withdrawing from the Obama-era Iran nuclear deal in 2018 and overseeing a "maximum pressure" campaign of sanctions, the administration now sees an opportunity to negotiate from a position of strengthespecially as Iran faces economic strain and military setbacks.

Critics of Netanyahus strategy argue that Israels aggressive posture has only exacerbated regional tensions. The Israeli governments hardline policies, including its ongoing military operations in Gaza, have drawn widespread condemnation for their disproportionate humanitarian toll. Reports from human rights organizations describe airstrikes targeting civilian infrastructure, mass displacements, and a mounting death tollscenarios that have eroded Israels international standing.

The broader Middle East picture

Trumps cautious approach highlights a growing hesitancy among U.S. leaders to be entangled in another Middle Eastern quagmire. With domestic challengesfrom economic recovery to infrastructure renewalcompeting for attention, the White House seems unwilling to commit to a major military engagement unless absolutely necessary.

Meanwhile, Netanyahus fixation on Iran has drawn scrutiny. Despite Israels formidable military capabilities, experts argue that without U.S. backing, its ability to meaningfully degrade Irans nuclear program is limited. The prime ministers demandsincluding a recent call for any nuclear deal to involve dismantling Irans facilities under U.S. supervisionreflect an uncompromising stance that even some American officials find unrealistic.

For now, the U.S. and Israel appear on divergent paths, with Trump prioritizing negotiations and Netanyahu pushing for military action. The coming weeks will test whether Tehran is genuinely open to a deal or if it merely seeks to buy time while continuing its nuclear advancements.

If diplomacy fails, Israel may yet move unilaterallya scenario that could drag the U.S. into an unwanted conflict. But Trumps message is clear: America will not be rushed into war when diplomacy still holds promise.

Sources for this article include:

RT.com

NYTimes.com

Newsweek.com

TheCradle.co
North Korea now supplies 100% of Russias artillery shells as anti-West alliance tightens

North Korea supplies 4-6 million artillery shells to Russia, becoming its top supplier for the Ukraine war.

Over 10,000 North Korean troops are now fighting alongside Russian forces in Ukraines Kursk region.

Russia is exchanging advanced military tech for North Korean ammunition, violating sanctions.

North Korean POWs reveal forced deployment, with thousands killed or wounded in Ukraine.

The Russia-North Korea alliance challenges Western dominance, risking global security.

North Korea has become the primary supplier of artillery shells for Russias war in Ukraine, shipping between 4 million and 6 million roundsenough to sustain Moscows forces for months. Reports confirm Pyongyang has also deployed more than 10,000 troops to fight alongside Russian soldiers in Ukraines contested Kursk region.

This unprecedented military partnership underscores a growing alliance between two of the worlds most heavily sanctioned regimes, raising alarms about weakened Western resolve and the erosion of decades-old nonproliferation efforts.

North Korea now supplies 100% of Russias artillery shells

The scale of North Koreas involvement is staggering. According to a Reuters investigation, Russian-flagged vessels have made 64 shipments of munitions from North Korea since September 2023, delivering nearly 16,000 containers packed with artillery shells. Ukrainian officials estimate these shipments comprise half to 70% of Russias artillery needs, with some Russian units firing exclusively North Korean shells.

"[Without] Chairman Kim Jong Uns support, President Vladimir Putin wouldnt really be able to prosecute his war in Ukraine," said Hugh Griffiths, former coordinator of the UN panel monitoring North Korea sanctions. Ukraines military intelligence agency, the GUR, echoed this, stating: "Without help from the DPRK, the Russian army shelling of Ukrainian defensive positions would have been cut in half."

Despite billions in Western military aid to Ukraine, Russia maintains a 10-to-1 artillery advantage. The U.S. and Europes inability to match Pyongyangs output has left Ukrainian forces outgunneda serious indictment of ineffective Western supply strategies.

A dangerous quid pro quo: Russian tech for North Korean shells

In exchange for munitions, Moscow is allegedly providing Pyongyang with satellite technology, ballistic missile expertise, and oil, directly undermining international sanctions designed to curb North Koreas nuclear ambitions.

South Korean officials warn Russia may have transferred anti-air missile systems and other advanced arms to North Koreaboosting Kim Jong Uns capabilities just as tensions with Seoul escalate. These transfers could accelerate Pyongyangs development of nuclear-powered submarines, ICBM reentry technology, and spy satellites, posing a direct threat to U.S. allies in Asia.

10,000 North Korean troops on the ground in Ukraine

Beyond supplying weapons, North Korea has sacrificed its own soldiers in Russias war effort. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky revealed in January 2025 that two captured North Korean POWs admitted they were unaware they would be deployed to Ukraine until arriving in Russia. Intelligence reports suggest at least 4,000 North Korean troops were killed or wounded in Kursk by early 2025, with Pyongyang sending 3,000 replacements.

Despite initial struggles with drone warfare, North Korean forces have adapted quickly, now serving as shock troops for Russian assaults. "They continue to be used as assault units that advance, storm. And behind them are units of the Russian Federation, which consolidate and hold positions," said a Ukrainian commander fighting in Kursk.

A weakening West, a strengthening axis

The deepening ties between Russia and North Korea represent a strategic catastrophe for U.S. interests. While Washington debates further aid to Ukraine, Putin and Kim have forged a mutually exploitative pact: Russia gains artillery to batter Ukraine, while North Korea secures the technology to threaten America and its allies.

Despite billions in taxpayer-funded military aid, Ukraine remains at a severe disadvantage, underscoring the failures of disjointed Western strategy. Meanwhile, Moscow and Pyongyangs alliance sends a clear message: Sanctioned regimes are no longer isolated.

The West must confront this new reality: Russia and North Korea are now openly cooperating to dismantle the U.S.-led world order. If unchecked, this axis could expand further, drawing in Iran and China while neutralizing sanctions through shadow trade. "The only country that can provide [Russia] that kind of [ammunition] volume, besides Russia, is North Korea," warned Yang Uk of Seouls Asan Institute for Policy Studies.

Sources for this article include:

ZeroHedge.com

Reuters.com

YNA.co.kr
A struggle over energy future unfolds as developers defy executive order

President Donald Trump's administration issued an executive order halting new offshore wind energy leases and initiating a comprehensive review of existing projects. This move reverses the Biden-era push for offshore wind and has sparked concerns over economic disruption and potential legal battles.

The order faces immediate legal challenges due to its broad demands conflicting with existing statutory obligations, particularly under the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA). Experts warn that the lack of specificity in the order's claims of "alleged legal deficiencies" could lead to litigation.

Despite the order, major developers are proceeding with projects based on existing federal permits. Companies like Dominion Energy and Orsted are confident in their legal standing and anticipate no delays, while New Jersey's Atlantic Shores Wind project insists its leases remain binding.

The moratorium has exacerbated tensions between states and the federal government. Massachusetts and Connecticut have delayed or canceled contracts due to uncertainty and cost concerns, while Delaware and Maryland face local opposition and investment risks.

The order has ignited a debate over the environmental and economic costs of offshore wind versus fossil fuels. Critics argue the policy is hypocritical and could lead to a power crisis, while proponents claim wind energy costs are unsustainable. The outcome of this clash will have long-term impacts on energy policy, grid reliability and geopolitical influence.

On January 21, President Donald Trumps administration issued an executive order blocking new offshore wind energy leases and launching a sweeping review of existing projects, marking a dramatic escalation in his climate policy agenda. The order, titled Temporary Withdrawal of All Areas on the Outer Continental Shelf from Offshore Wind Leasing and Review of the Federal Governments Leasing and Permitting Practices for Wind Projects, mandates a pause on new permits, a reevaluation of existing projects, and reverses the Biden-era push for offshore wind. Yet developers, states and legal experts are defiant, warning of economic disruption and legal clashes in what some predict could become a landmark environmental policy battle.

Legal uncertainties fuel threat of courtroom showdowns

The directive faces immediate legal skepticism. Experts note the orders broad demands clash with statutory obligations tied to existing permits, particularly under the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA). Attorneys at law firm Troutman Pepper Locke caution that the orders reference to alleged legal deficiencies in prior approvals lacks specificity, creating a recipe for litigation.

BloombergNEF analysts warn that while under-construction projects may continue, the orders indefinite temporary pause could delay 14 gigawatts of planned capacity, with foreign investors, including European energy giants, considering claims under international treaties if projects fail.

Interior Department appointee Doug Burgum, awaiting Senate confirmation, told lawmakers he would evaluate permits on a case-by-case basis, but developers distrust the White Houses sudden reversal. Mark Squillace, a former Interior official, noted that executive orders often face significant pushback when they ignore existing legal mandates.

Developers double-down, citing contracts and climate goals

Despite the order, major firms are proceeding with projects anchored in existing federal permits. Dominion Energys 2.6-gigawatt Virginia project, under construction since 2023, remains on track to power 600,000 homes by 2026, with executives stating they will defend [the project] vigorously.

New Jerseys Atlantic Shores Wind project insists its leases and permits from Biden-era agencies remain binding and vow to comply fully with federal and state regulators. Orsted, operator of New Yorks Sunrise Wind project, added, We do not anticipate delays under its existing approval framework.

Rep. Jefferson Van Drew (R-N.J.), a key administration ally, claims such arrogance is misplaced. These companies are playing Russian roulette with billions, he said, emphasizing Trumps demand for proof that offshore wind justifies environmental and economic costs.

States rebalance strategies amid rising costs and opposition

The moratorium has deepened divides between states and the federal government. Massachusetts utility leaders announced in March they pushed back negotiations for utility contracts with Avangrid and Ocean Winds, citing uncertainty over permits and rising costs after European firms demanded risk protections.

Federal policy is an important factor here, stated Lauren Diggin of the Massachusetts Department of Energy Resources, deflecting blame for the delays. Meanwhile, Connecticut pulled out of a regional offshore wind procurement deal due to affordability concerns, redirecting focus to solar and storage.

In Delaware and Maryland, the millions U.S. Wind invested in the resurrected Sparrows Point steelworks now hangs in the balance. CEO Jeff Grybowski insists projects like the Marwin offshore farm deliver American energy dominance, but Sussex County rejected a substation permit in December, signaling growing local skepticism.

Economic vs. environmental priorities: Where does the truth lie?

Behind the legal battles and political posturing lie fundamental policy questions. The administration argues offshore winds environmental and fiscal costs outweigh benefits. Critics, however, charge hypocrisy: as former California climate advisor Ken Alex noted, the order selectively targets renewable energy while ignoring fossil fuels equivalent risks.

NextEra Energy CEO John Ketchum warned of a power crisis if questioned projects stall, stressing the U.S. cannot afford to exclude options as utilities chase grid stability. Meanwhile, Trump allies counter that winds costsup 65% since 2020are unsustainable in a slowing economy.

A crossroads for energy policy

President Trumps offshore wind order has thrust America into a defining clash between clean energy ambitions and fossil-friendly skepticism. With legal challenges mounting, developers defiantly advancing permits, and states scrambling to recalibrate plans, the outcome will shape energy costs, grid reliability and geopolitical influence for decades.

As Van Drew aptly warned, thumbing noses at presidential directives has rarely ended well for opponents. Yet with permitting delayed, contracts stalled and investment confidence shaky, this struggle may reveal more than just environmental priorities  it could redefine the authority of executive power over the nations energy future. The world watches as the U.S. grinds through a conflict that transcends policies, touching the very DNA of American competitiveness and liberty.

Sources include:

WattUpWithThat.com

ENR.com

CommonwealthBeacon.org
Trumps surprise role in Japan trade talks signals new economic order

President Trump personally joined Japan trade talks, showcasing his direct approach to reshaping global trade dynamics.

Japan proposed $300 billion in U.S. investments and military cooperation to ease tensions over tariffs.

The White House sees Japan as a test case for its broader strategy of using tariffs to extract concessions.

Negotiations blend trade fairness with military cost-sharing, targeting Japans auto sector and U.S. deficit concerns.

The outcome could set a precedent for future U.S. trade deals with allies like South Korea and the EU.

President Donald Trump surprised officials on both sides of the Pacific by personally joining high-stakes trade negotiations with Japan in Washington this week, signaling his hands-on approach to reshaping global trade dynamics.

The sudden move underscores the administrations eagerness to leverage tariffs as a tool to extract concessions, even from a key ally, while advancing a dual agenda of economic gains and military cost-sharing. With Japan proposing massive U.S. infrastructure investments and military cooperation, the talks highlight the delicate balance between Trumps aggressive trade tactics and the need to preserve a critical Pacific partnership.

A first-mover advantage

The White House has framed these negotiations as a test case for its broader trade strategy. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent noted a first-mover advantage for Japan, one of the first nations to engage in direct talks after Trump announced sweeping tariffs on imports from over 75 countries. Though Japan faces a 10% universal tariff and a 25% duty on autos, a sector critical to its economy, Tokyo has so far avoided retaliatory measures, aiming instead for a win-win solution.

I will attend the meeting, along with Treasury & Commerce Secretaries, Trump declared on Truth Social ahead of the talks. Hopefully something can be worked out which is good (GREAT!) for Japan and the USA! His insistence on addressing military support costs and exchange rates  topics Japan hoped to sideline  reflects his signature blending of economic and security priorities.

Military ties and trade fairness

Unlike confrontations with adversarial nations like China, the administration has signaled a more measured approach with Japan, acknowledging its role as a strategic ally. The talks include discussions on Tokyos contributions to hosting U.S. troops  the largest overseas deployment  and potential Japanese investments in U.S. energy projects, such as a multi-billion-dollar Alaska gas initiative.

But conservative analysts caution that tariffs, while a potent negotiating tool, risk unintended consequences. The 25% auto levy could raise costs for American consumers and businesses reliant on Japanese imports, exposing the double-edged nature of protectionist policies. Still, proponents argue that recalibrating trade terms could address long-standing imbalances; the U.S. has run a $68 billion trade deficit with Japan, which Trump has repeatedly criticized.

A test of alliance diplomacy

Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba has struck a cautious tone, stating Japan wont rush into concessions. Im not of the view that we should make big concessions for the sake of wrapping up negotiations quickly, he told lawmakers. Yet Japans willingness to discuss investments  reportedly including a $300 billion package this year  suggest it recognizes the need for goodwill gestures.

The stakes are high for both nations. For Trump, a deal with Japan could set a template for future negotiations with allies like South Korea and the EU. For Tokyo, avoiding prolonged tariffs is crucial to shielding its export-driven economy. As Kurt Tong of The Asia Group noted, The U.S. is offering to not hit Japan with sticks, and Japan is stuck in a position of offering a whole lot of carrots.

The Washington talks exemplify the Trump administrations unorthodox fusion of economic pressure and alliance management. While critics decry the tactics as coercive, supporters argue they are necessary to reset trade relations after decades of perceived U.S. disadvantage.

Whether the outcome delivers on Trumps promise of a GREAT deal for both nations or deepens fractures with a pivotal ally remains to be seen. Whats certain is that Americas trade policy is being rewritten in real time, one high-stakes meeting at a time.

Sources for this article include:

Reuters.com

NYPost.com

FoxBusiness.com
U.S. FTC v. Meta: Landmark antitrust trial threatens to break up tech giant

The FTC is attempting to break up Meta, requiring it to sell Instagram and WhatsApp, in what could be the largest corporate breakup since AT&T in the 1980s. The trial begins April 14, 2025, in D.C. federal court.

The FTC claims Meta illegally suppressed competition by acquiring Instagram ($1B in 2012) and WhatsApp ($19B in 2014), citing internal emails where Mark Zuckerberg saw Instagram as a future threat and aimed to "neutralize" it.

Meta argues that its acquisitions enhanced user experience and that rivals like TikTok and YouTube prove competition exists. Zuckerberg testified that Instagram would not have succeeded alone and that Metas investments fueled its growth.

A breakup could reshape antitrust enforcement, potentially forcing other tech giants to unwind past mergers. The case also highlights bipartisan scrutiny of Big Tech under both Trump and Biden administrations.

If the FTC wins, Metas 3.5B+ users could face disruptions in services and advertising. The outcome may also influence future tech mergers and redefine digital antitrust laws, regardless of who prevails.

The U.S. Federal Trade Commission (FTC) has embarked on a historic legal bid to dismantle Meta Platforms Inc., the owner of Facebook, Instagram and WhatsApp, in a trial that could mark the largest corporate breakup in decades. Opening April 14, 2025, in U.S. District Court in Washington, D.C., the FTC alleges Meta unlawfully quashed competition by acquiring Instagram and WhatsApp through a buy-or-bury strategy. A ruling in the FTCs favor would force Meta to spin off its major platformsa first for the agency since it dissolved AT&T in the 1980swhile sparking broader scrutiny over Big Tech monopolies.

The case against Meta  market dominance and acquisitions

The FTCs central claim is that Meta stifled competition by purchasing potential rivals Instagram

(1 billion in 2012) and WhatsApp (19 billion in 2014) at inflated prices. Internal emails exposed in court reveal Metas early anxieties about Instagrams rising influence. In 2011, CEO Mark Zuckerberg described the photo-sharing app as growing quickly, urging Meta to consider buying it out to prevent it from becoming a much bigger threat. A 2012 email stating Meta aimed to neutralize Instagram has been cited as a smoking gun by FTC attorney Daniel Matheson.

The FTC argues Metas acquisitions were defensive attempts to preserve its online dominance, which the government now views as anticompetitive. They decided that competition is too hard and it would be easier to buy out their rivals than to compete with them, Matheson said in opening statements.

Metas former Chief Operating Officer Sheryl Sandberg added to the evidence this week, testifying about a 2011 strategy to block Googles social network, Google+, from advertising on Facebooks platform. Sandberg told the court the move was to keep Google from poaching our audience, but Meta attorneys framed such tactics as routine and lawful.

Metas defense and testimony: A fight for survival

Meta has fought fiercely, contending its acquisitions strengthened user experience and that competitors like TikTok, YouTube and Chinas iMessage pose genuine threats. Zuckerberg, who spent three days on the stand, insisted the company faced intense relatively early competition that drove its strategy.

He admitted purchasing Instagram because it had better camera features than Metas own underdevelopment efforts, but argued Metas resources fueled Instagrams growth. Would it have succeeded on its own? he asked. I think extremely not. Zuckerberg also dismissed claims the FTC could define Metas market narrowly, noting apps like TikTok now dominate younger audiences.

Metas defense team emphasized the sheer number of competitors. Acquisitions to improve and grow an acquired firm are not unlawful, said attorney Mark Hansen, stating Metas services are free and outpace rivals. Senior executives like Javier Olivan, now chief operating officer, and Sandberg further justified blocking competitor ads as logical defense against monopolization claims.

Zuckerbergs political maneuvering has underpinned Metas strategy amid heightened scrutiny. Since President Donald Trumps return to office, the company has eased content moderation policies, contributed to Trumps inauguration fund and settled a $25 million lawsuit over Trumps post-January 6 social media suspension. While he homeschooled in Washington, Zuckerbergs overtures to the White House appear unlikely to sway the FTC, which is staffed with antitrust advocates both under Biden and Trump.

Broader implications

A breakup would echo the FTCs 1984 AT&T ruling, sending shockwaves through Big Tech. The trial underscores a broader bipartisan crackdown starting under Trumps first term, with parallel cases targeting Amazon, Apple and Google. The FTCs victory here could force rivals to unwind similar mergers while empowering regulators to reframe antitrust law for the digital age.

Judge James Boasberg, who will decide the case, faces a complex task assessing how to define Metas market. The FTC argues Facebook and Instagram operate in a unique friends and family categorynot threatened by TikToks short-form video or YouTubes content-driven modelwhile Meta insists its platforms compete daily for users attention across multimedia platforms.

With appeals expected, the case may drag years. For Metas 3.5 billion users, however, chaos looms if the FTC wins. Splitting the company could fracture user bases and disrupt advertising ecosystems, imperiling the $1.4 trillion ad business that funds billions of dollars in metaverse research.

A pivotal moment for digital monopolies

As Zuckerberg, Sandberg and generations of executives face scrutiny, the FTC v. Meta trial represents more than a legal showdownit is a referendum on Big Techs unchecked power. A ruling for the government would send a stark message: dominant platforms cannot flout antitrust laws with impunity. But even if Meta prevails, the case establishes a template for future Big Tech litigation, reshaping an industry where acquisition often trumps innovation.

For now, markets and policymakers watch anxiously, bracing for a verdict that may redefine 21st-century capitalismor prolong its highly concentrated status quo.

Sources include:

RT.com

Aljazeera.com

NYTimes.com
By many accounts, Broadcoms handling of the VMware acquisition was clumsy, and it caused many enterprises to reevaluate their relationship with the vendor. The move to subscription models was tilted in favor of larger customers and longer, three-year licenses. With the string of bad publicity, VMwares competitors pounced, offering migration deals and packages.

However, replacing a virtualization environment isnt a trivial undertaking. A project to migrate from VMwares server virtualization platform could require between seven and 10 full-time equivalents for one month and up to six FTEs for nine months, research firm Gartner estimates in its report, Quick Answer: Estimating a Large-Scale VMware Migration.

Broadcom must have been feeling some heat to bring back the free hypervisor. Still, its more than just Broadcoms approach that is a threat to VMwares dominance. It is the shifting sands of computing in the AI era.

VMware is still highly relevant for managing the overall IT infrastructure that supports AI initiatives, said Rob Enderle, president of the Enderle Group. However, for the core task of large-scale AI model training and inference, the gravity has shifted significantly towards bare-metal clusters, container orchestration (Kubernetes), and specialized public cloud services, making VMwares traditional hypervisor-centric approach less central than it is for general enterprise workloads.

Broadcom is adapting to this brave new world, but the ecosystems center for massive AI lies increasingly outside the traditional VM management sphere. And right now much of the focus is on this AI training making VMware less relevant, Enderle said, adding that the Broadcom acquisition has had customers fleeing the platform because a lot of customers dont like Broadcoms licensing models.
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While ChatGPT-4 excels at multiple-choice medical exams, new research reveals its weaknesses in complex clinical decision-making, raising big questions about the future of AI-powered healthcare.

Study: Assessing ChatGPT 4.0s Capabilities in the United Kingdom Medical Licensing Examination (UKMLA): A Robust Categorical Analysis. Image Credit: Collagery / Shutterstock

In a recent study published in the journal Scientific Reports, researchers evaluated ChatGPT-4s capabilities on the United Kingdom Medical Licensing Assessment (UKMLA), highlighting both strengths and limitations across question formats and clinical domains.

Background

Artificial intelligence (AI) continues to reshape healthcare and education. With the UKMLA soon becoming a standardized requirement for new doctors in the UK, determining whether AI models like ChatGPT-4 can meet clinical benchmarks is increasingly important. While AI shows promise, questions remain about its ability to replicate human reasoning, empathy, and contextual understanding in real-world care.

Study Overview

Distractors tripped up AI logic: In 8 cases, ChatGPT answered correctly without multiple-choice options but failed when presented with plausible wrong answers, exposing vulnerabilities to exam-style trick questions.

The researchers tested ChatGPT-4 on 191 multiple-choice questions from the Medical Schools Councils mock UKMLA exam. The questions spanned 24 clinical areas and were split across two 100-question papers. Nine image-based questions were excluded due to ChatGPTs inability to interpret images, which the authors note as a limitation.

Each question was tested with and without multiple-choice options. Questions were further categorized by reasoning complexity (single-step vs. multi-step) and clinical focus (diagnosis, management, pharmacology, etc.). Responses were labeled as accurate, indeterminate, or incorrect. Statistical analysis included chi-squared and t-tests.

Key Findings

Overall Accuracy: ChatGPT-4 achieved 86.3% and 89.6% accuracy with multiple-choice options on the two papers. Without options, accuracy fell to 61.5% and 74.7%, respectively (p = 0.007).

ChatGPT-4 achieved 86.3% and 89.6% accuracy with multiple-choice options on the two papers. Without options, accuracy fell to 61.5% and 74.7%, respectively (p = 0.007). Reasoning Complexity: Single-step questions were more accurate (90% with prompts, 73.1% without) than multi-step questions (83.6% with prompts, 57.4% without). The difference was statistically significant (p = 0.025).

Single-step questions were more accurate (90% with prompts, 73.1% without) than multi-step questions (83.6% with prompts, 57.4% without). The difference was statistically significant (p = 0.025). Clinical Competency: Diagnostic questions had the highest accuracy, 91.2% with prompts and 84.2% without. Management questions showed poor performance without options (51.2% accuracy), with a notable rate of indeterminate and incorrect responses.

Diagnostic questions had the highest accuracy, 91.2% with prompts and 84.2% without. Management questions showed poor performance without options (51.2% accuracy), with a notable rate of indeterminate and incorrect responses. Pharmacology Weaknesses: Pharmacology had the highest proportion of indeterminate answers, especially without prompts, highlighting the model's limitations in this domain.

Pharmacology had the highest proportion of indeterminate answers, especially without prompts, highlighting the model's limitations in this domain. Distractor Confusion: ChatGPT performed better without options in eight cases, suggesting that misleading distractors in multiple-choice formats can confuse the model.

Discussion

Pharmacology answers lacked certainty: Nearly 35% of drug-related responses were marked indeterminate without answer prompts, reflecting struggles to confidently apply dosing or treatment protocols.

ChatGPT-4 demonstrated a broad knowledge base, especially in diagnostic tasks, and performed at or above the level expected of medical graduates in structured assessments. However, it struggled with contextual clinical reasoning, especially in open-ended or multi-step management scenarios. This suggests the model may support early-stage clinical assessments but lacks the nuance required for autonomous decision-making.

Limitations include a lack of training on UK-specific clinical guidelines, which may have influenced performance on specific UKMLA questions. Furthermore, "hallucinations", fluent but incorrect outputs, pose a risk in clinical use. Ethical concerns include potential depersonalization of care and clinician deskilling due to overreliance on AI.

Conclusion

ChatGPT-4 performs well on structured medical licensing questions, particularly those centered on diagnosis. However, accuracy drops significantly in open-ended and multi-step clinical reasoning, especially in management and pharmacology. While LLMs show promise for supporting education and early-stage clinical support, their current limitations underscore the need for cautious integration, further training on clinical datasets, and ethical safeguards.
A new study published in The Lancet Planetary Health suggests a changing climate threatens the continuous availability of safe blood across the world.

Researchers at the University of the Sunshine Coast and Australian Red Cross Lifeblood say health issues, the spread of infectious disease and extreme weather exacerbated by climate change will impact the ability of people to donate, and at the same time may trigger a rise in the need for blood.

Lifeblood researcher and UniSC Adjunct Research Fellow Dr. Elvina Viennet said this threatened the safety and supply of life-saving blood products crucial for surgeries, trauma care, chronic disease management  and saving lives in emergency situations.

"Warmer temperatures and natural disasters such as heatwaves, floods, cyclones and bushfires are expected to become more frequent and severe," Dr. Viennet said.

"As well as limiting the mobility of large numbers of people, these events disrupt the storage, safety, and transportation of blood which has a short shelf life.

"We experienced this recently with ex-Tropical Cyclone Alfred in Australia, when an extreme weather event drastically reduced national blood supplies for the first time."

Lead researcher, UniSC Associate Professor Helen Faddy said the study was the first to globally examine how a changing climate could affect each stage of the blood supply chain, based on a comprehensive literature review of international studies.

"While many studies have explored the broader health effects of climate change we sought to fill gaps in understanding the full extent of the risks  from donor health and collection logistics to the processing, storage and distribution of products," she said.

The finding suggest climate change may impact some infectious diseases that can be transmitted via blood and can prevent people from donating.

"For example, predictions of increased rainfall and warmer temperatures in certain regions including Australia, could intensify mosquito-borne diseases such as Dengue Fever, West Nile Virus and Malaria, and potentially see them spread to new areas," Dr. Faddy said.

"At the same time, shifts in disease prevalence and natural disaster frequency could increase the demand for blood transfusions due to conditions such as pregnancy complications, cardiovascular disease and sickle cell disease

"We could also face greater difficulty in finding the right blood for patients. With rising sea levels increasing migration rates, it's essential to have more donors from a variety of ethnic backgrounds, and to increase the number of people who give blood."

Less obvious health conditions and heat-related illness could also impact donors, staff, and volunteers.

"We could see new diseases emerge, health issues such as blood pressure and hydration that are exacerbated by heat, as well as psychological distress and 'climate anxiety', impact donors," she said.

The study emphasizes the need to reduce reliance on traditional blood supply chains and have adaptable strategies that offer rapid responses to climate-related challenges.

The researchers recommend Governments and blood services can prepare with critical tools such as early warning systems, disease surveillance, flexible approaches to donor eligibility and blood transport in emergencies, hospital preparation, and expanding collection services so donations can be relocated quickly.

"Recent global innovations include cell salvage techniques during surgery, the use of drones to transport blood when other transit is disrupted, and walking blood banks, which collect donations at the site of crises," Dr. Faddy said.

"As our environment evolves, we need to reduce reliance on traditional blood supply chains and have adaptable strategies that offer rapid responses to climate-related challenges."
The COVID-19 pandemic deepened existing health disparities and thrust children into a mental health epidemic, altering the landscape of health and wellbeing for a generation.

This is the stark warning of Dr. Jatinder Hayre in his critical analysis of 'entrenched inequities' in the UK, The Lost Generation of COVID-19.

He presents a breadth of research to set out how, after a prolonged period of cuts to UK public services, Britain's struggle with COVID-19 has fundamentally reshaped its social, economic, and health landscape. Dr Hayre, who led the Independent SAGE report on COVID-19 and Health Inequality, outlines urgent policy shifts to redress the balance.

The author highlights the excessive impact on children and young people from disadvantaged backgrounds, in particular: "Surging anxiety, stunted social development, and heartbreaking loneliness have coalesced into a mental health epidemic that is likely to outlast the virus itself.

"Britain stands at a pivotal moment, teetering between a path of meaningful reform and a slide into deeper inequity. COVID-19 exposed and magnified the mental health vulnerabilities of our children. If unaddressed, these psychological wounds may define a generation: permanently blocking some children from realising their potential and cementing a landscape of enduring social inequality."

While these disparities were not created by the pandemic, Dr. Hayre explains how these issues were 'thrust into sharper relief' by the crisis. Dr. Hayre explains how, after a decade of austerity, education provision was already under-funded with the most deprived areas facing the largest proportional losses.

So, he explains, when the pandemic arrived, 'these existing fissures became chasms'; for example, children in lower income households lacking access to technology were unable to keep up with remote learning. Meanwhile, children in well-resourced families were able to adjust to remote learning, with private tutoring, parental oversight and dedicated study spaces.

Inequities in education have profound implications, as research unequivocally shows that adults with less schooling experience disproportionately higher rates of cardiovascular disease, obesity and mental health issues.

Besides the academic impact, school closures impacted children in other ways; children living in poverty no longer had access to free hot meals, while children from at-risk or violent households no longer had adult supervision and safeguarding.

Dy Hayre said: "For those already living in poverty, the combined effect of losing out on learning, school meals, and emotional support created a crisis of compounding vulnerabilities. Post-traumatic stress, heightened anxiety, and social isolation threated to derail development at a critical juncture, with long term implications for children's longer term mental and physical health."

Dr. Hayre suggests a 'hidden catastrophe' of the pandemic is 'the mental health crisis that has engulfed our youngest citizens'. He explains that mental health services were already stretched in 2019, with demand far outstripping supply, and the pandemic exacerbated this shortfall on multiple fronts.

Children, isolated from their peer groups and family, reported heightened rates of stress, depression, and suicidal ideation. Academic setbacks for those unable to afford laptops and tutors, thrust children into despair: "the mental anguish of being left out  of both education and social life  was sharp."

Dr. Hayre explains how children's brains are susceptible to trauma, with prolonged stress rewiring emotional regulation, increasing the risk of lifetime anxiety and depression.

"For disadvantaged children, the mental health repercussions of repeated academic failure can solidify a cycle of poverty, poor health and reduced aspirations. This is how a mental health crisis transforms into a societal crisis, with ramifications for the very fabric of post-pandemic Britain," he explains.

To address these disparities, Dr. Hayre suggests urgent policy shifts to prioritise mental health, from education reform to welfare provision, with ring-fenced funding for child mental health services. Besides the moral and social concerns of health inequity, the author points to the broader societal ramifications such as a shrinking workforce, economic stagnation and growing pressure on healthcare services.

Dr. Hayre advocates for policy interventions and structural reforms anchored in equity and fairness, and warns: "If we fail to address the structural underpinnings of inequality, future crises will merely entrench them further. The question is not merely how to fix what is broken but how to imagine a society in which no group is systematically left behind.

"Failure to act decisively means condemning millions of children to carry the pandemics trauma well into adulthood, perpetuating cycles of poverty, ill health and despair."

He argues for a system he calls 'weighted universalism', which amounts to universal access  with extra services weighted to the most disadvantaged areas, to front-load intervention where the need is higher.

For example, this includes free pediatric mental health services across the board, but with extra coverage in high poverty areas.

"By ensuring that every child is equipped, protected and empowered," he explains, "we lay the cornerstone for a post pandemic Britain that not only recovers but thrives, forging a legacy of justice, progress, and unity for generations to come."
A University of Virginia School of Medicine scientist and collaborators have developed a much-needed new tool to increase the efficiency of genomic research and accelerate the development of new ways to improve human health.

UVA researcher Nathan Sheffield, PhD, has spent four years developing a new data standard to ensure that scientists are comparing apples to apples when doing genomic analysis. This type of analysis helps researchers understand the operating instructions for our cells and see how those instructions are carried out. The resulting insights help us understand the workings of both healthy cells and unhealthy ones, pointing us to new ways to treat and prevent disease.

Genomics is a complex field that involves analyzing vast amounts of data. This work is complicated by the number of researchers involved and the varying ways they have named "reference sequences" over the years. Reference sequences are essential tools in genomic research, often representing genetic information compiled from multiple individuals. Researchers rely on these sequences to identify gene variations driving genetic diseases and to understand how diseased cells behave differently than normal cells.

Sheffield's new standard, called refget Sequence Collections, will streamline genomics research by letting scientists more quickly and efficiently identify reference sequences. This will help ensure that the results of a genomic analysis are right and repeatable. This, in turn, can accelerate medical breakthroughs and improve our understanding of the clinical relevance of genetic variation.

Imagine a class where each student had a different version of the book. Maybe the words are slightly different, the page numbers don't match, the chapters titles and numbers aren't the same and the study questions are in a different order. Those differences in the reference text would make it hard for the students to communicate with each other about what they're learning, even if the general ideas behind the reference are basically the same. If the students could identify each version of the text exactly, and also get detailed comparisons showing how they differ, that would make it much easier to communicate ideas and compare results. In the same way, refget Sequence Collections can tame the chaos of slightly different references, improving collaboration, sharing and reproducibility of research results based on genomic data." Nathan Sheffield, PhD, UVA researcher

For scientists, trying to identify the exact reference sequence used for published results can be a major burden. It's time-consuming and involves guesswork  the type of toil you might assume could be done automatically but often is not. Sheffield's new tool addresses that problem, helping scientists eliminate drudge work while ensuring they are comparing their data to the same references.

The tool serves as an important addition to the more than 40 genomic-research resources developed by members of the Global Alliance for Genomics and Health (GA4GH). GA4GH is a not-for-profit that sets standards and develops policies to expand genomic data use within a human-rights framework.

GA4GH previously developed refget sequences to simplify reference-sequence identification by assigning unique identifiers to single genomic sequences. Sheffield's new tool takes the next step, assigning names to groups of reference sequences, such as all the DNA sequences that correspond to a whole reference genome.

This will bring much-needed organization to genomic research while also addressing long-standing challenges that have slowed scientific breakthroughs, Sheffield says. Now automation will free scientists from the important but tedious grind of hunting up reference sequences, allowing them to focus their attention on advancing discoveries that will benefit human health.

"I hope this standard helps solve some of the difficulty the scientific community has faced integrating genomic and epigenomic data," Sheffield said. "With a standardized, approved way to refer to references, we can accelerate the understanding we gain from integrating results across many experiments."

Work on the new tool was an international collaboration led by Sheffield; Timothe Cezard at EMBL's European Bioinformatics Institute; Andy Yates at EMBL's European Bioinformatics Institute; Sveinung Gundersen at ELIXIR Norway; Shakuntala Baichoo at Peter Munk Cardiac Centre-Artificial Intelligence; and Rob Davies at Wellcome Sanger Institute, with support from LSG Work Stream Manager Reggan Thomas at EMBL's European Bioinformatics Institute and Work Stream Co-Leads Oliver Hofmann at the University of Melbourne and Geraldine Van der Auwera at Seqera.

Sheffield holds appointments in the School of Medicine's Departments of Genome Sciences and Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics, as well as in UVA's School of Data Science and in UVA's Department of Biomedical Engineering, a joint program of the School of Medicine and the School of Engineering and Applied Science.
A Ludwig Cancer Research study has identified a novel strategy for treating acute myelogenous leukemia (AML), an aggressive blood cancer for which the median survival time following diagnosis remains just 8.5 months.

Though AML is a genetically heterogeneous disease, all its subtypes share a common feature: impaired differentiation of myeloid progenitor cells in the bone marrow. This differentiation block results in the accumulation of immature precursors of these cells within the bone marrow and circulation, ultimately impairing normal processes by which blood cells are replenished (hematopoiesis) and other essential biological functions.

Researchers co-led by Ludwig Oxford's Yang Shi and Amir Hosseini-as well as Abhinav Dhall at Shi's laboratory at Harvard Medical School and colleagues at the University of Pennsylvania and the University of Helsinki-report in the current issue of Nature a potentially new combination therapy that, in preclinical studies, treats some AML subtypes by dismantling that barrier to differentiation in two mechanistically distinct ways.

The drug combination we have identified works by activating genes that drive cell differentiation while suppressing genes that promote cell proliferation and cancer growth." Yang Shi, Ludwig Oxford

The inability of cellular precursors to differentiate into mature myeloid cells, a defining characteristic of AML, has long pointed to a strategy for treating the cancer: the possibility of employing drugs to circumvent that developmental blockade. Indeed, a subtype of AML-acute promyelocytic leukemia (APL)-is already treated this way using a pair of drugs (all-trans retinoic acid and arsenic trioxide) that shove APL cells down the differentiation process. The combination cures about 95% APL cases, but there remains a pressing need to identify similar strategies for the treatment of other AML patients.

One way to circumvent the differentiation blockade is by targeting the dysfunctional gene expression programs that drive the phenomenon in leukemic stem cells. Such changes are induced by the aberrant activity of enzymes that chemically modify DNA and its histone protein packaging to regulate gene expression. One such "epigenetic" enzyme, LSD1-discovered in 2004 by Shi and his colleagues and shown to erase methyl groups that are tacked on to histones-is expressed at high levels in AML cells and known to help maintain leukemic stem cells.

"While LSD1 inhibitors have been developed and shown to induce differentiation in AML stem cells, they've had limited success in clinical studies owing to their toxicity when used alone," said Hosseini. "To limit that toxicity, we thought we'd try to identify other drugs that could synergize with LSD1 inhibitors to overcome the differentiation arrest and suppress the proliferation of cancer cells."

Using mouse leukemic cells, the researchers screened multiple molecules for such synergies, eventually settling on an inhibitor of the GSK3/ enzyme. The GSK3 inhibitor is already being evaluated as a cancer drug in clinical trials and is well tolerated by patients. When combined with a low dose of the LSD1 inhibitor, the GSK3 inhibitor induced differentiation in laboratory cultures of multiple subtypes of AML and suppressed cell proliferation.

Hosseini, Shi and colleagues then demonstrated that the treatment induced differentiation of leukemic cells, inhibited their proliferation and extended survival of mice engrafted with human AML cells. Further, their experiments indicated that the drug combination selectively targets leukemic cells-not healthy hematopoietic ones-lowering the risk of toxicity in patients.

"We are also encouraged by the observation that the gene expression signature induced in leukemic cells by this combination therapy correlates with that observed in the cancer cells of AML patients who live relatively longer," said Hosseini.

The researchers describe the molecular mechanisms by which combination therapy re-wires gene-expression programs to suppress the stem cell-like traits of leukemic cells that drive the cancer and to promote differentiation, which may have important therapeutic implications for other cancers that are driven by the overactivation of WNT signaling pathway.

"Our findings provide compelling evidence to support the testing of this combination therapy in AML patients, especially since both of the inhibitors involved are not only available but have been developed for human use and are currently being evaluated in the clinical trials," said Shi.

This study was supported by Ludwig Cancer Research, the National Institutes of Health, the Research Council of Finland, the Cancer Foundation Finland, the Sigrid Juselius Foundation, the National Institute for Health Research, the Oxford Biomedical Research Centre and Cancer Research UK.

In addition to his Ludwig post, Yang Shi is a Professor in the Nuffield Department of Medicine at the University of Oxford.
Heitor Medeiros, MD, and A. Sassan Sabouri, MD, of the Department of Anesthesia, Critical Care and Pain Medicine at Massachusetts General Hospital, are the lead and corresponding authors, respectively, of a paper published in the British Journal of Anaesthesia (BJA).

How would you summarize your study?

Spinal anesthesia is widely used to numb patients during surgery, but its effects sometimes wear off too soon. Many anesthetists have experimented with adding extra drugs to extend pain relief. Dexmedetomidine demonstrated results in multiple randomized clinical trials suggesting it could prolong numbness and reduce discomfort. However, the research was mixed and sometimes outdated, leaving uncertainties about its true benefits and risks.

This gap in clear evidence motivated us to conduct a systematic review and meta-analysis, aiming to combine all available data to provide safer, more effective guidance for the drug's use in clinical practice. We reviewed randomized clinical trials to see if adding dexmedetomidine to spinal anesthesia could improve its effects.

What question were you investigating?

We wanted to know if adding dexmedetomidine to spinal anesthesia could make the numbness and pain relief last longer and reduce shivering during surgery.

What approach did you use?

To do this, we reviewed and combined data from many high-quality trials comparing standard spinal anesthesia with and without dexmedetomidine.

What did you find?

We found that combining dexmedetomidine with the usual anesthetic prolonged the duration of numbness and pain relief during surgery, and it reduced shivering. However, it may slightly increase the risk of a slower heart rate.

What are the implications?

Clinically, these results suggest that patients may experience longer-lasting pain relief and fewer shivering episodes, which could lead to a smoother recovery. However, doctors should monitor heart rate closely.

What are the next steps?

The next steps involve more standardized studies to pinpoint the best dose.
Affectionate mothering in childhood may have a lasting impact on important personality traits, potentially influencing life outcomes such as educational achievement, economic success, and health and well-being, according to research published by the American Psychological Association. The findings suggest that positive maternal parenting could foster important traits such as openness, conscientiousness and agreeableness.

Personality traits are strong predictors of important life outcomes, from academic and career success to health and well-being. Our findings suggest that fostering positive parenting environments in early childhood could have a small but significant and lasting impact on the development of these crucial personality traits." Jasmin Wertz, PhD, lead author of the study and professor of psychology, University of Edinburgh

Wertz and her colleagues examined how maternal affection during childhood-specifically between the ages of 5 and 10-predicted the Big Five personality traits at age 18. The Big Five personality traits are viewed by personality psychologists as the five basic dimensions of human personality: extraversion, agreeableness, openness, conscientiousness and neuroticism, or emotional stability.

The research was published in the journal American Psychologist.

Researchers examined data from 2,232 British identical twins (51.1% female) who were followed from birth through age 18 as part of the Environmental Risk Longitudinal Twins Study. Studying identical twins allows researchers to control for genetic and environmental factors by comparing identical twins who grew up in the same family. During the study, researchers conducted home visits with the twins' mothers and recorded them talking about each of their children. Trained observers then rated the mothers' responses for warmth and affection.

Twins whose mothers expressed more warmth toward them in childhood were rated as more open, conscientious and agreeable as young adults.

The results offer evidence that positive, affectionate mothering can affect key personality traits that are linked to success later in life, and these influences could have an impact across generations, said Wertz. The researchers note that even modest changes in personality could lead to significant population-wide benefits over time, particularly in promoting conscientiousness, which is strongly associated with success in education, work and health.

Researchers found no lasting associations between maternal affection and extraversion or neuroticism. These findings suggest that other environmental or genetic factors-such as peer relationships, life experiences, and perhaps later interventions-may be more influential for these in adulthood.

The findings also underscore the importance of considering both genetic and environmental factors when designing programs aimed at promoting positive personality traits, according to Wertz.

"This research provides valuable evidence for the potential of parenting programs to influence critical aspects of personality development," she said. "However, it also highlights the need for a nuanced understanding of how different factors, including genetics, parenting and life experiences, interact to shape who we are."

Wertz believes the research provides important practical considerations for policymakers and practitioners working in education, family welfare and mental health. Given that conscientiousness may predict success in school and the workplace, interventions designed to enhance affectionate parenting could contribute to improving educational outcomes, mental health and social well-being on a broader scale.

"There are many proven ways to support parents, such as policies that improve a family's financial situation; access to treatment for parents who struggle with mental health problems such as depression; and parenting programs that help parents build stronger relationships with their children," she said.

The research also sheds light on the possibility of developing parental training models to address inequalities in personality development. "By targeting parenting practices that promote positive traits in childhood, it may be possible to reduce disparities in life outcomes associated with socioeconomic background, family dynamics and other environmental factors," Wertz said.
The National Institutes of Health's sweeping cuts of grants that fund scientific research are inflicting pain almost universally across the U.S., including in most states that backed President Donald Trump in the 2024 election.

A KFF Health News analysis underscores that the terminations are sparing no part of the country, politically or geographically. About 40% of organizations whose grants the NIH cut in its first month of slashing, which started Feb. 28, are in states Trump won in November.

The Trump administration has singled out Ivy League universities including Columbia and Harvard for broad federal funding cuts. But the spending reductions at the NIH, the nation's foremost source of funding for biomedical research, go much further: Of about 220 organizations that had grants terminated, at least 94 were public universities, including flagship state schools in places such as Florida, Georgia, Ohio, Nebraska, and Texas.

The Trump administration has canceled hundreds of grants supporting research on topics such as vaccination; diversity, equity, and inclusion; and the health of LGBTQ+ populations. Some of the terminations are a result of Trump's executive orders to abandon federal work on diversity and equity issues. Others followed the Senate confirmation of anti-vaccine activist Robert F. Kennedy Jr. to lead the Department of Health and Human Services, which oversees the NIH. Many mirror the ambitions laid out in Project 2025's "Mandate for Leadership," the conservative playbook for Trump's second term.

Affected researchers say Trump administration officials are taking a cudgel to efforts to improve the lives of people who often experience worse health outcomes  ignoring a scientific reality that diseases and other conditions do not affect all Americans equally.

KFF Health News found that the NIH terminated about 780 grants or parts of grants between Feb. 28 and March 28, based on documents published by the Department of Health and Human Services and a list maintained by academic researchers. Some grants were canceled in full, while in other cases, only supplements  extra funding related to the main grant, usually for a shorter-term, related project  were terminated.

Among U.S. recipients, 96 of the institutions that lost grants in the first month are in politically conservative states including Florida, Ohio, and Indiana, where Republicans control the state government or voters reliably support the GOP in presidential campaigns, or in purple states such as North Carolina, Michigan, and Pennsylvania that were presidential battleground states. An additional 124 institutions are in blue states.

Sybil Hosek, a research professor at the University of Illinois-Chicago, helps run a network that focuses on improving care for people 13 to 24 years old who are living with or at risk for HIV. The NIH awarded Florida State University $73 million to lead the HIV project.

"We never thought they would destroy an entire network dedicated to young Americans," said Hosek, one of the principal investigators of the Adolescent Medicine Trials Network for HIV/AIDS Interventions. The termination "doesn't make sense to us."

NIH official Michelle Bulls is director of the Office of Policy for Extramural Research Administration, which oversees grants policy and compliance across NIH institutes. In terminating the grant March 21, Bulls wrote that research "based primarily on artificial and nonscientific categories, including amorphous equity objectives, are antithetical to the scientific inquiry, do nothing to expand our knowledge of living systems, provide low returns on investment, and ultimately do not enhance health, lengthen life, or reduce illness."

Adolescents and young adults ages 13 to 24 accounted for 1 in 5 new HIV infections in the U.S. in 2022, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

"It's science in its highest form," said Lisa Hightow-Weidman, a professor at Florida State University who co-leads the network. "I don't think we can make America healthy again if we leave youth behind."

HHS spokesperson Emily Hilliard said in an emailed statement that "NIH is taking action to terminate research funding that is not aligned with NIH and HHS priorities." The NIH and the White House didn't respond to requests for comment.

"As we begin to Make America Healthy Again, it's 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," Hilliard said.

Harm to HIV, vaccine studies

The NIH, with its nearly $48 billion annual budget, is the largest public funder of biomedical research in the world, awarding nearly 59,000 grants in the 2023 fiscal year. The Trump administration has upended funding for projects that were already underway, stymied money for new applications, and sought to reduce how much recipients can spend on overhead expenses.

Those changes  plus the firing of 1,200 agency employees as part of mass layoffs across the government  are alarming scientists and NIH workers, who warn that they will undermine progress in combating diseases and other threats to the nation's public health. On April 2, the American Public Health Association, Ibis Reproductive Health, and affected researchers, among others, filed a lawsuit in federal court against the NIH and HHS to halt the grant cancellations.

Two National Cancer Institute employees, who were granted anonymity because they were not authorized to speak to the press and feared retaliation, said its staff receives batches of grants to terminate almost daily. On Feb. 27, the cancer institute had more than 10,800 active projects, the highest share of the NIH's roughly two dozen institutes and centers, according to the NIH's website. At least 47 grants that NCI awarded were terminated in the first month.

Kennedy has said the NIH should take a years-long pause from funding infectious disease research. In November 2023, he told an anti-vaccine group, "I'm gonna say to NIH scientists, 'God bless you all. Thank you for public service. We're going to give infectious disease a break for about eight years,'" according to NBC News.

For years, Kennedy has peddled falsehoods about vaccines  including that "no vaccine" is "safe and effective," and that "there are other studies out there" showing a connection between vaccines and autism, a link that has repeatedly been debunked  and claimed falsely that HIV is not the only cause of AIDS.

KFF Health News found that grants in blue states were disproportionately affected, making up roughly two-thirds of terminated grants, many of them at Columbia University. The university had more grants terminated than all organizations in politically red states combined. On April 4, Democratic attorneys general in 16 states sued HHS and the NIH to block the agency from canceling funds.

Researchers whose funding was stripped said they stopped clinical trials and other work on improving care for people with HIV, reducing vaping and smoking rates among LGBTQ+ teens and young adults, and increasing vaccination rates for young children. NIH grants routinely span several years.

For example, Hosek said that when the youth HIV/AIDS network's funding was terminated, she and her colleagues were preparing to launch a clinical trial examining whether a particular antibiotic that is effective for men to prevent sexually transmitted infections would also work for women.

"This is a critically important health initiative focused on young women in the United States," she said. "Without that study, women don't have access to something that men have."

Other scientists said they were testing how to improve health outcomes among newborns in rural areas with genetic abnormalities, or researching how to improve flu vaccination rates among Black children, who are more likely to be hospitalized and die from the virus than non-Hispanic white children.

"It's important for people to know that  if, you know, they are wondering if this is just a waste of time and money. No, no. It was a beautiful and rare thing that we did," said Joshua Williams, a pediatric primary care doctor at Denver Health in Colorado who was researching whether sharing stories about harm experienced due to vaccine-preventable diseases  from missed birthdays to hospitalizations and job loss  might inspire caregivers to get their children vaccinated against the flu.

He and his colleagues had recruited 200 families, assembled a community advisory board to understand which vaccinations were top priorities, created short videos with people who had experienced vaccine-preventable illness, and texted those videos to half of the caregivers participating in the study.

They were just about to crack open the medical records and see if it had worked: Were the group who received the videos more likely to follow through on vaccinations for their children? That's when he got the notice from the NIH.

"It is the policy of NIH not to prioritize research activities that focuses gaining scientific knowledge on why individuals are hesitant to be vaccinated and/or explore ways to improve vaccine interest and commitment," the notice read.

Williams said the work was already having an impact as other institutions were using the idea to start projects related to cancer and dialysis.

A hit to rural health

Congress previously tried to ensure that NIH grants also went to states that historically have had less success obtaining biomedical research funding from the government. Now those places aren't immune to the NIH's terminations.

Sophia Newcomer, an associate professor of public health at the University of Montana, said she had 18 months of work left on a study examining undervaccination among infants, which means they were late in receiving recommended childhood vaccines or didn't receive the vaccines at all. Newcomer had been analyzing 10 years of CDC data about children's vaccinations and had already found that most U.S. infants from 0 to 19 months old were not adequately vaccinated.

Her grant was terminated March 10, with the NIH letter stating the project "no longer effectuates agency priorities," a phrase replicated in other termination letters KFF Health News has reviewed.

"States like Montana don't get a lot of funding for health research, and health researchers in rural areas of the country are working on solutions to improve rural health care," Newcomer said. "And so cuts like this really have an impact on the work we're able to do."

Montana is one of 23 states, along with Puerto Rico, that are eligible for the NIH's Institutional Development Award program, meant to bolster NIH funding in states that historically have received less investment. Congress established the program in 1993.

The NIH's grant terminations hit institutions in 15 of those states, more than half that qualify, plus Puerto Rico.

Researchers can't 'just do it again later'

The NIH's research funds are deeply entrenched in the U.S. health care system and academia. Rarely does an awarded grant stay within the four walls of a university that received it. One grant's money is divvied up among other universities, hospitals, community nonprofits, and other government agencies, researchers said.

Erin Kahle, an infectious disease epidemiologist at the University of Michigan, said she was working with Emory University in Georgia and the CDC as part of her study. She was researching the impact of intimate partner violence on HIV treatment among men living with the virus. "They are relying on our funds, too," she said.

Kahle said her top priority was to ethically and safely wind down her nationwide study, which included 418 people, half of whom were still participating when her grant was terminated in late March. Kahle said that includes providing resources to participants for whom sharing experiences of intimate partner violence may cause trauma or mental health distress.

Rachel Hess, the co-director of the Clinical & Translational Science Institute at the University of Utah, said the University of Nevada-Reno and Intermountain Health, one of the largest hospital systems in the West, had received funds from a $38 million grant that was awarded to the University of Utah and was terminated March 12.

The institute, which aims to make scientific research more efficient to speed up the availability of treatments for patients, supported over 5,000 projects last year, including 550 clinical trials with 7,000 participants. Hess said that, for example, the institute was helping design a multisite study involving people who have had heart attacks to figure out the ideal mix of medications "to keep them alive" before they get to the hospital, a challenge that's more acute in rural communities.

After pushback from the university  the institute's projects included work to reduce health care disparities between rural and urban areas  the NIH restored its grant March 29.

Among the people the Utah center thanked in its announcement about the reversal were the state's congressional delegation, which consists entirely of Republican lawmakers. "We are grateful to University of Utah leadership, the University of Utah Board of Trustees, our legislative delegation, and the Utah community for their support," it said.

Hilliard, of HHS, said that "some grants have been reinstated following the appeals process, and the agency will continue to carry out the remaining appeals as planned to determine their alignment." She declined to say how many had been reinstated, or why the University of Utah grant was among them.

Other researchers haven't had the same luck. Kahle, in Michigan, said projects like hers can take a dozen years from start to finish  applying for and receiving NIH funds, conducting the research, and completing follow-up work.

"Even if there are changes in the next administration, we're looking at at least a decade of setting back the research," Kahle said. "It's not as easy as like, 'OK, we'll just do it again later.' It doesn't really work that way."

Methodology

KFF Health News analyzed National Institutes of Health grant data to determine the states and organizations most affected by the Trump administration's cuts.

We tallied the number of terminated NIH grants using two sources: a Department of Health and Human Services list of terminated grants published April 4; and a crowdsourced list maintained by Noam Ross of rOpenSci and Scott Delaney of the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, as of April 8. We focused on the first month of terminations: from Feb. 28 to March 28. We found that 780 awards were terminated in total, with 770 of them going to recipients based in U.S. states and two to recipients in Puerto Rico.

The analysis does not account for potential grant reinstatements, which we know happened in at least one instance.

Additional information on the recipients, such as location and business type, came from the USAspending.gov Award Data Archive.

There were 222 U.S. recipients in total. At least 94 of them were public higher education institutions. Forty-one percent of organizations that had NIH grants cut in the first month were in states that President Donald Trump won in the 2024 election.

Some recipients, including the University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center and Vanderbilt University Medical Center, are medical facilities associated with higher education institutions. We classified these as hospitals/medical centers.

We also wanted to see whether the grant cuts affected states across the political spectrum. We generally classified states as blue if Democrats control the state government or Democratic candidates won them in the last three presidential elections, and red if they followed this pattern but for Republicans. Purple states are generally presidential battleground states or those where voters regularly split their support between the two parties: Arizona, Michigan, Nevada, New Hampshire, North Carolina, Pennsylvania, Virginia, and Wisconsin. The result was 25 red states, 17 blue states, and eight purple states. The District of Columbia was also blue.

We found that, of affected U.S. institutions, 96 were in red or purple states and 124 were in blue states.
A new discovery could pave the way for more effective cancer treatment by helping certain drugs work better inside the body.

Scientists at Duke University School of Medicine, University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio, and University of Arkansas have found a way to improve the uptake of a promising class of cancer-fighting drugs called PROTACs, which have struggled to enter cells due to their large size.

The new method works by taking advantage of a protein called CD36 that helps pull substances into cells. By designing drugs to use this CD36 pathway, researchers delivered 7.7 to 22.3 times more of the drug inside cancer cells, making the treatment up to 23 times more potent than before, according to the study published April 17 in Cell.

Data from mouse studies shows this enhanced uptake led to stronger tumor suppression without making the drugs harder to dissolve or less stable.

The strategy called chemical endocytic medicinal chemistry (CEMC) takes advantage of a natural process where cells "swallow" molecules called endocytosis. It could change the future of drug design  especially for drugs that were once considered too big to work.

This discovery is important because it could rescue many drugs that were previously considered unusable due to poor absorption and turn them into clinically useful treatments for diseases." Hui-Kuan Lin, PhD, study author, cancer biology researcher and professor, Department of Pathology, Duke University School of Medicine

Most drug development focuses on tweaking molecules to improve their ability to slip through cell membranes by passive diffusion. But the new strategy takes a different path: using cell surface receptors like CD36 to actively bring drugs inside. CD36 is a protein abundantly found on the surface of cells in the intestine, skin, lungs, eyes, and even some brain cells.

The strategy was particularly successful for a class of complex, large-sized drugs known as bRo5 molecules, such as PROTACs, a type of targeted cancer therapy that breaks down proteins in cells.

These molecules usually have a hard time getting into cells because they're very large  over 500 dalton (Da). Until now, it was unclear how they entered cells at all. In this study, the PROTAC drugs tested were over 1,000 Da, which is enormous by pharmaceutical standards.

But the modified PROTACs not only entered cells more efficiently but also showed greater tumor-fighting power, all while maintaining their stability and solubility  two crucial factors for effective medicines.

In doing so, the strategy overcomes the 'Rule of 5' barrier for drug development which holds that drugs larger than 500 Da are generally ineffective because they struggle to enter cells.

"This was completely unexpected in the research field," said study author Hong-yu Li, PhD, professor of medicinal chemistry and chemical biology in the Department of Pharmacology at UT-San Antonio.

"For decades it was thought that molecules this large couldn't cross membranes effectively, since the endocytic cellular uptake of chemical compounds was unknown," Li said. "Through chemistry and biology, we identified CD36 as a protein for uptake and optimized drugs better engaging with CD36 to internalize these drugs to more efficiently reach target protein."

The results were independently reproduced by each of the teams involved in the study, including lab work led by study author, Zhiqiang Qin, MD, PhD, associate professor of pathology at University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences.

The findings will need to undergo further testing and evaluation in clinical trials before the strategy can be used in medications given to patients during cancer treatment.

New path for drug discovery

Traditional cancer drugs, like kinase inhibitors, are designed to block just the enzymatic activity of a target protein  basically, they stop the protein from doing one specific job. But they don't get rid of the protein itself.

However, many proteins have other functions beyond their enzyme activity and those can still help cancer grow and spread. That means the drug isn't fully stopping the cancer, and over time, the cancer can become resistant to the drug.

"Since PROTACs degrade its target protein and activity, it is expected to achieve more potent efficacy and reduce the possibility of drug resistance in the future," said Lin, who is also a professor of cancer biology and pharmacology at Duke.

PROTACs are being developed to treat cancer, neurodegenerative diseases like Parkinson's, and other conditions where eliminating harmful proteins could make a major difference. Eight oral PROTAC drugs are being tested in clinical trials - including a recent Phase 3 trial exploring one as a first-line therapy to break down estrogen receptors in breast cancer tumors.

But the new drug design extends beyond cancer treatment. Researchers say the findings suggest that many other large and complex drugs could be improved using the same strategy.

Additional study authors include co-lead authors Zhengyu Wang, of UT-San Antonio, and Bo-Syong Pan and Rajesh Kumar Manne, of Duke.

The study was supported in part by the National Institutes of Health (R01 CA277682) (R01 CA139429); University of Texas Health San Antonio; Arkansas Research Alliance Endowed Chair Fund; Duke University School of Medicine; Duke Fred and Janet Sanfilippo Distinguished Professorship ; Arkansas Bioscience Institute; Arkansas Breast Cancer Research Program Pilot Award and the Cancer Prevention and Research Institute of Texas.
Non-contact dispensing has recently been recognized as a viable fluid control method, emerging as an advanced alternative to traditional dispensing techniques as industries strive for greater efficiency, precision, and sustainability.

Fluid Metering's FENYX Variable Dispense Pump Play

Video Credit: Fluid Metering, Inc.

This article looks at the advantages and differences of non-contact dispensing.

Contact Versus Non-Contact Dispensing

Contact dispensing works by touching off the tip or nozzle on the substrate or dispensing surface or submerging the tip or nozzle into the fluid being dispensed.

Non-contact dispensing, however, works by expelling fluid from the tip or nozzle without touching the tip or nozzle on the substrate or submerging this into the fluid.

Key Benefits of Non-Contact Dispensing

Non-contact dispensing offers a number of advantages.

Reduced Contamination Risk

Contact dispensing carries a considerable risk of contamination transfer, despite this being the traditional and historically used dispensing approach. Avoiding direct contact allows non-contact dispensing to minimize cross-contamination risks to ensure that results are cleaner and more dependable.

Environmental Benefits

Contact dispensing is often dependent on the use of disposable tips, resulting in increased costs and material waste. The other option is to use stainless steel nozzles, but these still require a comprehensive washing step between each reagent or test cycle.

Because non-contact dispensing uses the same tip, there is less of a need for regular nozzle washinga key step toward an organizations environmental, social, and governance (ESG) goals.

Because non-contact dispensing better aligns with green-friendly initiatives, it is often the preferred choice in regions with stringent environmental regulations, such as the European Union. It could also become a popular choice in areas like the United States, where new environment-related legislation is passed every year.

Improved Precision and Repeatability

Because liquid expulsion through the air often leads to splashing or the formation of satellite droplets, previous non-contact systems struggled to achieve the desired precision. However, recent advancements have overcome these challenges.

Technologies such as Fluid Meterings FENYX Variable Dispense and FDD Pulseless Nanoliter pumps utilize complete shearing to create clean breaks, effectively preventing satellite droplets and improving system reliability.

Higher Throughput

Non-contact dispense pumps work more rapidly, reducing nozzle washing time and removing the need for tip changes. These factors are key to significantly increasing throughput.

Benefits to Applications and Industries

Non-contact dispensing is especially valuable in diagnostics, in-vitro diagnostics (IVD), and biotechnology, where high precision at the microscale and contamination prevention are critical.

These systems are ideal for maintaining sample integrity, as they eliminate physical contact, reducing the risk of disturbance or damage to delicate biological samples.

Developments in Non-Contact Dispensing Technology

The advanced FENYX pump utilizes a combination of positive displacement and the inertia of matched piston liners to offer unmatched precision.

Traditional time pressure dosing is a type of pneumatic dispensing that can be easily impacted by variables such as humidity, air pressure, and temperature, but the new FENYX pump offers a reliable, robust solution for precise microliter volume dispensing.

Choosing the Right Dispensing Method

Organizations making a choice between contact and non-contact dispensing are advised to consider throughput requirements and how central the reduction of contamination risks is to their application.

Non-contact dispensing represents a more rapid, sustainable, and cleaner fluid handling solution offering numerous advantages and ongoing technological advancements.

Non-contact dispensing is set to become the standard for precision fluid handling across a diverse array of industries and applications.

Acknowledgments

Produced from materials originally authored by Sean Madden from Fluid Metering, Inc.

About Fluid Metering, Inc.

Fluid Metering, Inc. (FMI) is a worldwide leader in life science pumps and dispensers, having pioneered the first valve-less piston pump over 64 years ago. With specialized expertise in fluidics and applications, Fluid Metering, Inc. supports instrument developers in tackling complex fluidic challenges.

Committed to innovation through collaboration, Fluid Metering, Inc. advances health, sustainability, and quality of life. ISO 9001:2015 certified.

Sponsored Content Policy: AZoLifeSciences publishes articles and related content that may be derived from sources where we have existing commercial relationships, provided such content adds value to the core editorial ethos of AZoLifeSciences which is to educate and inform site visitors interested in life science news and information.
Fitch Cuts Indias FY25 GDP Growth Forecast By 10 Bps To 6.20%, Projects 6.3% For FY27

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Last Updated: April 17, 2025, 11:04 IST

Fitch revised India's GDP growth forecast, reducing FY25 to 6.20%, FY26 to 6.40%, and pegging FY27 at 6.30%.

For FY27, Fitch has pegged India's GDP growth forecast at 6.30%.

India GDP Growth: Fitch has revised its GDP growth forecast for India, reducing the FY25 projection by 10 basis points to 6.20%. Additionally, the FY26 GDP growth forecast has been cut by 10 basis points to 6.40%. For FY27, Fitch has pegged Indias GDP growth forecast at 6.30%.

The lowering of growth projection is linked to worsening global economic environment amid the trade war between US and China.

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RBI Earlier Cuts Indias GDP Growth

The Reserve Bank of Indias Monetary Policy Committee on Wednesday revised Indias GDP forecast for the fiscal year starting April 1, lowering it to 6.5% from the previously projected 6.7%. This adjustment comes amid growing concerns over the potential economic impact of higher-than-expected tariffs imposed by Trump.

Global trade and policy uncertainties have led to a 20 basis point reduction in the growth projection for this fiscal year," said Governor Sanjay Malhotra while announcing the MPCs decisions.

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In the previous central bank policy meeting, which was also the first under the new RBI Governor Sanjay Malhotra, the MPC had estimated Indias FY26 GDP growth at around 6.7%.

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First Published: April 17, 2025, 09:43 IST
WTO Projects Decline In World Trade Volume In 2025 Amid US Tariff War

Last Updated: April 17, 2025, 08:59 IST

The application of reciprocal tariffs and broader spillover of policy uncertainty could lead to an even sharper decline of 1.5 per cent in global goods trade and hurt export-oriented least-developed countries, says WTO.

The volume of world merchandise trade is expected to decline by 0.2 per cent in 2025 under current conditions.

The World Trade Organisation (WTO) on Wednesday said that the world merchandise trade is expected to decline by 0.2 per cent in volume terms in 2025 amid imposition of high tariffs by the US and China on each other.

It said that the application of reciprocal tariffs and broader spillover of policy uncertainty could lead to an even sharper decline of 1.5 per cent in global goods trade and hurt export-oriented least-developed countries.

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The volume of world merchandise trade is expected to decline by 0.2 per cent in 2025 under current conditions, nearly three percentage points lower than what would have been expected under a low tariff baseline scenario," according to the WTO Secretariats latest Global Trade Outlook and Statistics report.

The forecast does not augur well for India, which is looking at increasing its goods and services exports to $2 trillion by 2030.

Indias exports turned positive after four months, recording a marginal 0.7 per cent increase to $41.97 billion in March, while overall exports of goods and services have crossed an all-time high of $820 billion in the last fiscal despite global economic uncertainties.

The WTO warned that trade could shrink even further, to (-) 1.5 per cent in 2025, if the situation deteriorates.

Services trade, though not directly subject to tariffs, is also expected to be adversely affected, with the global volume of commercial services trade now forecast to grow by 4 per cent, slower than expected.

WTO Director-General Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala said: I am deeply concerned by the uncertainty surrounding trade policy, including the US-China stand-off. The recent de-escalation of tariff tensions has temporarily relieved some of the pressure on global trade".

In October 2024, the WTO had forecast a 3 per cent growth for 2025.

It added that risks to the merchandise trade forecast persist, particularly from the reactivation of the suspended reciprocal tariffs" by the United States, as well as the spread of trade policy uncertainty that could impact non-US trade relationships.

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If realized, reciprocal tariffs would reduce global merchandise trade volume growth by 0.6 percentage points in 2025 while spreading trade policy uncertainty could shave off another 0.8 percentage points," it said.

Together, reciprocal tariffs and spreading trade policy uncertainty would lead to a 1.5 per cent decline in world merchandise trade in 2025, the WTO said.

First Published: April 17, 2025, 08:59 IST
Stocks To Watch Today, April 17: Infosys, Wipro, Paytm, Angel One, Jio Financial, UltraTech Cement

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Last Updated: April 17, 2025, 08:20 IST

Sensex and Nifty are set to maintain their positive momentum. Key stocks to watch today include Infosys, Jio Financial, UltraTech Cement, BHEL, IRFC, Tata Steel, Paytm, Hero MotoCorp, Angel One, and Wipro.

Several stocks will remain in focus on Thursday due to multiple of developments.

Stocks To Watch Today: The Sensex and Nifty are poised to extend their positive momentum on Thursday, buoyed by optimistic pre-market cues. Gift Nifty, the after-hours trading platform, indicated a bullish start, trading 0.44 per cent higher at 23,367.50 around 8:00 AM.

Recommended Stories This upward trajectory may follow a strong performance on Wednesday, which saw the Sensex close 309 points higher at 77,044. The Nifty also registered gains, rising 108 points, or 0.47 per cent, to end the day at 23,437. Market participants will be closely watching a number of stocks today, influenced by various corporate and company-specific developments.

Stocks To Watch Today, April 17:

Infosys In Focus

IT company Infosys will declare its Q4 results for the FY2024-25. The company will also declare final dividend, if any.

Jio Financial In Focus

Jio Financial Services will also announce its Q4 results for the FY2024-25. The company will also announce dividend for FY25, if any.

UltraTech Cement in Focus

UltraTech Cement has entered into an Energy Supply Agreement and a Share Subscription and Shareholders Agreement to acquire 26% equity shares of AMPIN C&I Power Eight, a company that generates and transmits renewable energy. This acquisition aims to meet UltraTechs green energy needs, optimize energy costs, and comply with regulatory requirements for captive power consumption under electricity laws.

Bharat Heavy Electricals (BHEL) in Focus

BHEL has signed a Technology Transfer Agreement with Bhabha Atomic Research Centre (BARC) for electrolyser systems used in hydrogen production. The technology, known as the Mixed-Matrix Membrane Diaphragm, will enable BHEL to achieve complete indigenous development of alkaline electrolyser systems.

Indian Railway Finance Corporation (IRFC) in Focus

The High Court of Judicature at Madras has ruled in favor of IRFC by allowing their writ petitions and setting aside the Assistant Commissioner (ST)s tax demand order dated December 4, 2024, which amounted to Rs 230.55 crore.

Tata Steel in Focus

Tata Steel Nederland has signed an agreement to create the worlds first liquid hydrogen import corridor connecting Oman, the Netherlands, and Germany. This initiative, as reported by CNBC-TV18, involves collaboration with the Port of Amsterdam, Ecolog, and other industrial organizations to enable the commercial-scale import of RFNBO (renewable fuel of non-biological origin) compliant liquid hydrogen into Europe.

One 97 Communications (Paytm) in Focus

Vijay Shekhar Sharma, Chairman, Managing Director, and CEO of Paytm, has voluntarily relinquished all 2.1 crore ESOPs granted to him under the One 97 Employees Stock Option Scheme, 2019, effective immediately. This action will result in a one-time, non-cash ESOP expense of Rs 492 crore in Q4 FY25, with an equivalent reduction in future ESOP expenses.

Hero MotoCorp in Focus

Hero MotoCorp has announced a temporary production pause from April 17 to 19 at four of its manufacturing plants in Dharuhera, Gurugram, Haridwar, and Neemrana due to a short-term supply alignment. Production will resume on April 21, while the Tirupati and Halol plants will continue to operate during this period. The pause will not impact the companys ability to meet retail demand in domestic or international markets, and any production deferment will be efficiently recovered in the following month.

Angel One Q4 (Consolidated YoY) in Focus

Angel Ones profit decreased by 48.7% to Rs 174.5 crore from Rs 339.9 crore, while revenue fell by 22.2% to Rs 1,056 crore from Rs 1,357.3 crore. The board has approved a final dividend of Rs 26 per share for FY25.

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Wipro in Focus

Wipros consolidated profit grew by 6.6% to Rs 3,588.1 crore from Rs 3,366.7 crore. IT services revenue increased by 0.7% to Rs 22,445.3 crore from Rs 22,285.1 crore, while IT services EBIT rose by 0.7% to Rs 3,927 crore from Rs 3,899 crore, maintaining a flat EBIT margin of 17.5%. Total bookings jumped 13.4% to $3,955 million in constant currency, though IT services revenue in dollar terms declined by 1.2% to $2,596.5 million. For Q1FY26, the company expects IT services revenue to be in the range of $2,505-2,557 million, indicating a decline of 3.5%-1.5% in constant currency terms.

About the Author Varun Yadav Varun Yadav is a Sub Editor at News18 Business Digital. He writes articles on markets, personal finance, technology, and more. He completed his post-graduation diploma in English Journalism from the Indian Inst... Read More Varun Yadav is a Sub Editor at News18 Business Digital. He writes articles on markets, personal finance, technology, and more. He completed his post-graduation diploma in English Journalism from the Indian Inst... Read More

Stay updated with all the latest news on the Stock Market, including market trends, Sensex and Nifty updates, top gainers and losers, and expert analysis. Get real-time insights, financial reports, and investment strategiesonly on News18.

First Published: April 17, 2025, 08:10 IST
Why Did Sensex Rise Today? Key Factors Behind Surge In Share Market On April 17

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News18.com

Last Updated: April 17, 2025, 15:42 IST

The BSE Sensex jumps 1,508.91 points to settle at 78,553.20, while the NSE Nifty rallies 414.45 points to close at 23,851.65.

The recovery in the stock market was broad-based, with financials, auto, and oil & gas stocks leading the charge.

The domestic equities market enjoyed a vertical rally on Thursday, the expiry day of Nifty derivatives, soon after opening on a weak note. The Sensex and Nifty ended the day higher by 1.77 per cent and 1.96 per cent, respectively.

The BSE Sensex on Thursday jumped 1,508.91 points to settle at 78,553.20, while the NSE Nifty rallied 414.45 points to close at 23,851.65.

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The recovery was broad-based, with financials, auto, and oil & gas stocks leading the charge. Among the top gainers were Eternal, ICICI Bank, Sun Pharma, Bharti Airtel, and Bajaj Finserv.

What Powered the Market Rally Today?

Continued FII Buying:

Foreign institutional investors (FIIs) remained net buyers for the second day in a row, infusing Rs 3,936 crore into Indian equities on Wednesday. Meanwhile, domestic institutional investors (DIIs) booked profits worth Rs 2,513 crore.

FIIs are likely to continue buying high-quality largecaps in domestic consumption sectors," said V K Vijayakumar, chief investment strategist at Geojit Financial Services.

Positive Global Cues

Asian markets traded in the green, offering strong cues for Indian equities. Japans Nikkei 225 rose 1.32%, South Koreas Kospi gained over 1%, and Hong Kongs Hang Seng was also up more than 1%. Wall Street futures indicated a robust opening for US markets as well.

Strengthening Rupee

The rupee extended its gains for a fourth session, appreciating by 10 paise to 85.54 against the US dollar. The domestic currencys strength, supported by steady foreign inflows and a weaker greenback globally, bolstered sentiment.

Optimism Around Indo-US Trade Talks

Investor hopes are high for a potential bilateral trade deal between India and the US, which could significantly benefit Indian exporters.

The market is discounting the possibility of a bilateral trade agreement between US and India within a few months. The US regards India as among the four allies (UK, Japan, South Korea and India) with whom the US will strike trade deals first. If this happens, India will benefit out of the ongoing trade war between US and China," added Vijayakumar.

Buying in Market Heavyweights

Large-cap stocks saw notable interest, with Bharti Airtel, ICICI Bank, Zomato (Eternal), Sun Pharma and SBI rallying as much as 3%.

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The ongoing uptrend marks the fourth consecutive session of gains for domestic equities, reaffirming investor confidence amid improving global sentiment and steady foreign participation.

The markets will remain closed on Friday on account of Good Friday.

About the Author Mohammad Haris Haris is Deputy News Editor (Business) at news18.com. He writes on various issues related to markets, economy and companies. Having a decade of experience in financial journalism, Haris has been previously asso... Read More Haris is Deputy News Editor (Business) at news18.com. He writes on various issues related to markets, economy and companies. Having a decade of experience in financial journalism, Haris has been previously asso... Read More

Stay updated with all the latest news on the Stock Market, including market trends, Sensex and Nifty updates, top gainers and losers, and expert analysis. Get real-time insights, financial reports, and investment strategiesonly on News18.

First Published: April 17, 2025, 14:01 IST
Who Is Reshma Kewalramani? TIME Honours Indian-Origin Biotech CEO In 2025 Top 100 Influential List

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Last Updated: April 17, 2025, 11:01 IST

Reshma Kewalramani, CEO of Vertex Pharmaceuticals, is honored as one of Time's 100 most influential people of 2025. Under her leadership, Vertex secured FDA approval for a CRISPR-based therapy.

Reshma Kewalramani was born in Bombay, India. She and her family immigrated to the US when she was 11 years old.

Time 100 Most Influential 2025: Reshma Kewalramani has been honored as one of the 100 most influential people of 2025 by Time magazine. The Indian-origin Kewalramani is helming a large, public U.S. biotechonology company known as Vertex Pharmaceuticals. She is also the first female CEO of the company.

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Reshmas journey to the top management of the large, public US company is a testament of resilience, determination and struggle. Coming from immigrant Indian-origin family, she climbed the corporate ladder by sheer hard work and dedication.

According to Time Magazine, under her leadership, Vertex secured the first-ever FDA approval for a CRISPR-based therapy, which treats sickle cell disease by correcting patients own DNA mutations."

Who Is Reshma Kewalramani?

Reshma Kewalramani was born in Bombay, India. She and her family immigrated to the US when she was 11 years old.

She completed the General Management Program at Harvard Business School in 2015. She holds a Doctor of Medicine (M.D.) from Boston University, having completed the Seven Year Liberal Arts/Medical Education Program from 1990 to 1998.

Reshma Kewalramanis Career

Reshma Kewalramani currently serves as the CEO and President of Vertex Pharmaceuticals, a position she has held since April 2020. This role marks over five years of her leadership at the company. Prior to this, she was the Executive Vice President and Chief Medical Officer from April 2018 to April 2020, and before that, she was the Senior Vice President from February 2017 to April 2018. All these roles have been based in Boston.

Before joining Vertex, Kewalramani had an extensive career at Amgen, where she spent twelve and a half years. Her roles at Amgen included Vice President, Head of the US Medical Organization from June 2014 to January 2017, and Vice President, Head of the Nephrology and Metabolic Therapeutic Area, Global Clinical Development from October 2010 to June 2014. She also held various roles in Global Clinical Development and Medical Affairs from August 2004 to October 2010, all based in Thousand Oaks.

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Kewalramanis medical career includes two years as a Nephrologist and Research Fellow at Brigham and Womens Hospital from 2002 to 2004 in the Greater Boston Area. She was also a Nephrology Fellow at Partners HealthCare from 2001 to 2002 and a Resident Physician at Massachusetts General Hospital from 1998 to 2001, both in the Greater Boston Area.

About the Author Varun Yadav Varun Yadav is a Sub Editor at News18 Business Digital. He writes articles on markets, personal finance, technology, and more. He completed his post-graduation diploma in English Journalism from the Indian Inst... Read More Varun Yadav is a Sub Editor at News18 Business Digital. He writes articles on markets, personal finance, technology, and more. He completed his post-graduation diploma in English Journalism from the Indian Inst... Read More

First Published: April 17, 2025, 10:58 IST
Delhi Cracks Down On Fee Hikes: 600 Private Schools Inspected, Over 10 Get Showcause Notice

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Last Updated: April 17, 2025, 08:04 IST

The Delhi government inspected 600 private schools, issuing show-cause notices to over 10 for arbitrary fee hikes.

Delhi School Fee Hike Row: District committees are investigating, with severe actions considered. (Image: Getty)

The Delhi government on Wednesday inspected 600 private schools in the city and issued show-cause notices to more than 10 schools after several complaints over arbitrary" fee hikes. In an official statement, the Delhi Directorate of Education (DoE) informed that district-level committees have been formed to investigate the private schools over complaints of arbitrary and exorbitant fee hikes.

These committees, headed by the respective Sub-Divisional Magistrates (SDMs), also include deputy directors of education, accounts officers and principals of government schools.

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These teams have been directed to inspect private unaided schools, including those specifically mentioned in the complaints received by the DoE.

So far, more than 600 schools have been inspected in Delhi and the process is continuing on a priority basis," reads the statement.

The DoE further stated that schools found guilty of arbitrary fee hike for profiteering were being served showcause notices under Section 24(3) of the Delhi School Education Act and Rules (DSEAR), 1973.

It added that more than 10 such schools have already been issued notices. In severe cases, actions such as withdrawal of recognition and takeover of school management were also being considered, the DoE added.

Inspections have also revealed that several schools failed to meet their statutory obligations regarding the submission of fee statements and audited financial reports, as mandated under Section 17(3) and Section 180(3) of DSEAR.

The DoE said appropriate legal action was being initiated in these cases as well and reiterated that all private schools must strictly follow regulatory guidelines for fee hikes and ensure transparency in communication with parents.

Any violation of these norms will result in firm action, it stressed.

The DoE said it has also received complaints about dummy admissions in several private schools. During inspections, 20 schools were identified as dummy schools and strict action under DSEAR, 1973 has been initiated against them, it said.

During the inspections, schools compliance to the Right To Education Act, 2009 were also being checked. Under Rule 8 of the Delhi RTE Rules, 2011, textbooks, uniforms, and writing materials are to be provided to students admitted under the economically weaker section, disadvantaged group, and children with special needs categories.

Failure to comply with these provisions will attract penalties under the RTE Act and DSEAR, 1973, it added.

The crackdown on private schools comes after the Delhi Chief Minister, Rekha Gupta, implemented a zero tolerance policy against the arbitrary fee hikes in private schools.

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A video shared by the Chief Minister on X shows her instructing an official to notify the school that its registration will be cancelled. The CM stated that schools cannot threaten students or increase fees excessively.

(With PTI inputs)

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 17, 2025, 08:04 IST
IRCTC Job Vacancy 2025: No Written Exam, Salary Up To Rs 67,000 Per Month

Curated By :

Translation Desk

Last Updated: April 17, 2025, 13:15 IST

IRCTC Recruitment 2025: Applicants willing to apply for this IRCTC ecruitment must hold a Graduate, BSc, BTech, or BE (Engineering) degree from a recognised university or institute

Candidates will be selected based on shortlisting (merit) followed by an interview or document verification. (Representative Image)

The Indian Railway Catering and Tourism Corporation (IRCTC) has released a recruitment notification for the posts of Manager and Assistant Manager. Government job aspirants who meet the eligibility criteria can apply through the official IRCTC website.

Candidates wishing to apply for this IRCTC recruitment must submit their applications on or before April 25, 2025.

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Eligibility Criteria

Applicants willing to apply for this recruitment must hold a Graduate, BSc, BTech, or BE (Engineering) degree from a recognised university or institute.

Age Limit

The maximum age limit for applicants is 55 years. Age relaxation will be provided to candidates from reserved categories as per government rules.

Selection Process

Candidates will be selected based on shortlisting (merit) followed by an interview or document verification.

How to Apply

Please note that the application process is offline. Candidates must ensure that they send their completed application along with all the required documents before the deadline.

Salary

Candidates selected for these posts will receive a monthly salary ranging from Rs 37,400 to Rs 67,000, depending on the their past experience.

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For detailed information check IRCTC Recruitment 2025 Notification.

If you are looking to build a career in management or technical roles within the Indian Railways or government sector, this is a promising opportunity. Ensure you apply on time and prepare your documents accordingly.

First Published: April 17, 2025, 13:15 IST
Maharashtra Board SSC, HSC Result 2025 To Be Released By May 15; How To Check?

Curated By :

News18.com

Last Updated: April 17, 2025, 16:07 IST

Maharashtra SSC, HSC exam results 2025 soon. In 2024, the class 10 scorecards were released on May 27 and class 12 results on May 21

Maharashtra Board SSC, HSC Result 2025 soon at mahresult.nic.in. (Representative image/File)

The Maharashtra State Board of Secondary and Higher Secondary Education (MSBSHSE), Pune, will release the SSC and HSC exam results 2025 by May 15, Maharashtra Board Chairman Sharad Gosavi told The Indian Express. The board, however, is yet to make any official announcements regarding the date and time of the Class 10 and 12 results.

In previous years, the Maharashtra Board HSC results were usually released by the last week of May, and SSC results by the first week of June. In 2024, the class 10 scorecards were released on May 27 and class 12 results on May 21.

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Candidates will have to secure 33% in each subject and overall to pass the MSBSHSE SSC and HSC exam. Students will also get grades along with the marks. As per the grading system, those who get 75% and above will get a distinction, 60% and above means first division while those who score between 45% to 59% will secure a second division. Between 35% to 44% is pass grade and below 33% is failed. Those who are unable to secure the minimum marks will likely have to appear to the supplementary exam.

Maharashtra HSC, SSC Result 2025: Websites To Check

 mahahsscboard.in

 mahresult.nic.in

 hscresult.mkcl.org

 msbshse.co.in

 mh-ssc.ac.in

 sscboardpune.in

 sscresult.mkcl.org

 hsc.mahresults.org.in

To obtain the Maharashtra SSC and HSC mark sheets online, students will need to enter their roll/seat number along with their mothers first name on the official website. This information is available on the admit card or the hall tickets. However, if you have not found your admit card, you may contact your school authority and ask them to help you with the seat number.

Maharashtra HSC, SSC Result 2025: Steps To Check

Step 1: Go to the official website at mahresult.nic.in.

Step 2: On the homepage, look for and click on the link  Maharashtra SSC/HSC Results 2025 result.

Step 3: As a new window opens, enter the required credentials and click on the submit button.

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Step 4: The Maharashtra 10th/12th result 2025 will appear on the screen.

Step 5: Check all the details and download the result.

About the Author Sukanya Nandy Sukanya Nandy is a sub-editor at News18.com. She has been writing and reporting for the education and careers section of the website since 2021. She completed her graduation in English followed PG in Journalism... Read More Sukanya Nandy is a sub-editor at News18.com. She has been writing and reporting for the education and careers section of the website since 2021. She completed her graduation in English followed PG in Journalism... Read More

First Published: April 17, 2025, 16:06 IST
Maharashtra Rolls Out NEP 2020; Hindi Made Mandatory As Third Language For Classes 15

Reported By :

News18.com

Last Updated: April 17, 2025, 11:17 IST

As part of its NEP 2020 rollout from the 2025-26 academic year, Maharashtra has made Hindi a compulsory third language for students in Classes 1 to 5.

Maharashtra has made Hindi compulsory for students in Classes 1 to 5 in both Marathi and English medium schools, in line with the three-language policy under NEP 2020. (Representative/File Photo)

Under the new curriculum implementation aligned with the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, studying Hindi as a third language will now be mandatory for students in Classes 1 to 5 in both Marathi and English-medium schools across Maharashtra. This marks a shift from the previous practice, where students were taught only two languages.

In schools with other mediums of instruction, students will study three languages the medium language, Marathi, and Englishfrom Classes 1 to 5.

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On Wednesday, the state school education department announced a phased plan for implementing the new curriculum framework, based on the NEP 2020 guidelines for school education. The Government Resolution (GR) issued in this regard clarifies that schools in Maharashtra following other mediums already implement the three-language formula, with English and Marathi as compulsory languages, along with the medium of instruction. In contrast, only two languages were taught in English and Marathi medium schools.

The GR also marks the beginning of the 5+3+3+4 structure for school education, as recommended under NEP 2020. This structure divides schooling into four stages: the first five years (3 years of pre-primary and Classes 1 and 2) will be the foundational stage, Classes 3 to 5 will be the preparatory stage, Classes 6 to 8 will constitute the middle school stage, and the final four years (Classes 9 to 12) will be secondary education.

The implementation of the new school structure, along with the three-language formula, will begin in the 2025-26 academic year.

The State Council of Educational Research and Training (SCERT) and Balbharati will handle the development of the revised curriculum, textbooks, supplementary materials, and a Setu Syllabus to facilitate a smooth transition. NCERT textbooks will be modified as required.

ALSO READ: Delhi Cracks Down On Fee Hikes: 600 Private Schools Inspected, Over 10 Get Showcause Notice

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The updated curriculum focuses on foundational literacy and numeracy, integrated learning, and minimising rote memorisation. The content will be streamlined to enhance conceptual understanding and foster critical thinking.

Assessments will be redesigned to measure overall student growth, with the introduction of a Holistic Progress Card (HPC) that evaluates both academic performance and non-academic development.

About the Author Archit Gupta Archit Gupta is a Chief Sub-Editor at News18.com and a seasoned education journalist specialising in reporting on education and employment. He has covered a variety of education-related stories, including high-... Read More Archit Gupta is a Chief Sub-Editor at News18.com and a seasoned education journalist specialising in reporting on education and employment. He has covered a variety of education-related stories, including high-... Read More

First Published: April 17, 2025, 10:50 IST
As SC Upholds Urdu Signage In Maha, A Look At Birth Of Language And How It Flourished In Subcontinent

Curated By :

News18.com Edited By: Shilpy Bisht



Last Updated: April 17, 2025, 12:45 IST

In India, Urdu remains an official language in several states and continues to thrive in cultural, literary, and cinematic domains

The Supreme Court dismissed a petition challenging the Bombay High Courts judgment which allowed the use of Urdu on the signboard of the new building of a municipal council in Akola. (Image: PTI)

The Supreme Court has recently stated that Urdu is the finest specimen of Ganga-Jamuni tehzeeb" or the Hindustani tehezeeb" upholding the use of Urdu on a signboard of a municipal council building in Akola district in Maharashtra.

The top court dismissed a petition challenging the Bombay High Courts judgment which allowed the use of Urdu on the signboard of the new building of the municipal council.

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The Supreme Court further said Urdu and Marathi have the same status under the Constitution and rejected the claims that only Marathi should be used.

Our misconceptions, perhaps even our prejudices against a language, have to be courageously and truthfully tested against the reality, which is this great diversity of our nation: our strength can never be our weakness. Let us make friends with Urdu and every language," the Supreme Court said.

Let us understand how Urdu originated and proliferated in the Indian sub-continent.

How Urdu Was Born

The origin of Urdu language in the Indian subcontinent as a result of centuries of cultural fusion, dates back to the medieval period. It is deeply tied to the historical mingling of different linguistic communities, especially in northern India.

Time-frame: Around the 12th century CE

Place: The Delhi region and surrounding areas in North India

Context: The language began to form during the Delhi Sultanate and later flourished under the Mughal Empire.

Base language: Khari Boli (a dialect of Western Hindi spoken around Delhi)

Influences: Persian, Arabic, and Turkish (brought by Muslim rulers, soldiers, and immigrants)

Name Origin: The term Urdu" comes from the Turkish word ordu (meaning camp" or army"), pointing to its early development in military camps and marketplaces where diverse linguistic groups interacted.

How Urdu Evolved Over The Years

As Persian was the court and administrative language, it heavily influenced the local dialects. The soldiers, traders, and settlers began to use a new vernacular that mixed local Prakrit-based speech with Persian and Arabic vocabulary.

Over time, this new hybrid language became more structured and was increasingly used in literature, poetry, and everyday communication.

How It Entered The Indian Subcontinent

Urdu found its most powerful expression in poetry (especially ghazals). Poets like Amir Khusrau, Mir Taqi Mir, and Mirza Ghalib elevated the languages literary prestige.

During the Mughal period, the emperors supported Urdu literature and education, helping the language spread from Delhi to other parts of the empire.

When the Mughal influence reached the Deccan, Urdu interacted with local languages like Telugu and Marathi, giving rise to Dakhini Urdu, a distinct southern variant.

The British colonial administration, after replacing Persian with local languages for official work, recognized Urdu (alongside Hindi) as an important language in northern India.

The 19th century saw a rise in Urdu journalism, publishing, and education, further establishing it as a major cultural force.

After the Partition, Urdu was declared the national language, even though it was the mother tongue of a small segment (mainly migrants from India).

In India, Urdu remained an official language in several states and continued to thrive in cultural, literary, and cinematic domains, especially in Bollywood.

How Many Urdu Speakers In India And Pakistan

In Pakistan, Urdu is the official language used in instruction at government schools, at the district level administration, and in the mass media. According to the Census of Pakistan, 1981, the number of Urdu speakers in Pakistan has been estimated at almost 11 million with the largest concentration in Karachi, and in Punjab.

The Urdu speakers in India are almost 44 million (Census of India, 1991) with the largest numbers in the state of Uttar Pradesh, followed by Bihar, Andhra Pradesh, Maharashtra and Karnataka, which together account for 85% of the national Urdu-speaking population.

Delhi still enjoys being the major centre of Urdu literature and publishing. Urdu is also spoken in countries surrounding India and Pakistan, such as Afghanistan, Bangladesh and Nepal.

Practically, Urdu has become the culture language and lingua franca of the South Asian Muslim diaspora outside the sub-continent, especially in the Gulf and the Middle East, Western Europe, Scandinavia, USA and Canada.

How Urdu Created Cultural Impact

Urdu became a symbol of refined culture (tehzeeb), especially in North Indian cities like Lucknow, Delhi, and Hyderabad. Its poetic tradition, calligraphy (nastaliq script), and role in Bollywood dialogues and songs helped maintain its prestige.

The language has had a profound influence on poetry and pop culture in South Asia, particularly in India and Pakistan. Its richness, subtlety, and lyrical beauty have made it a favourite medium for expression across genres  from classical ghazals to modern-day Bollywood dialogues.

Major Forms In Urdu Poetry

Ghazal: A series of couplets exploring themes of love, longing, beauty, pain, and spirituality. Each couplet can stand alone in meaning.

Nazm: More narrative and thematic than a ghazal, focusing on a central idea or story.

Qasida and Marsiya: Panegyric and elegiac poems, respectively, often with religious or political overtones.

Rubaiyat and Doha: Short, pithy verses conveying philosophical or moral ideas.

Legendary Urdu Poets

Mir Taqi Mir: Called Khuda-e-Sukhan (God of poetry), master of melancholic and romantic ghazals.

Mirza Ghalib: Blended philosophy, existentialism, and love with a unique wit.

Allama Iqbal: Infused Urdu poetry with political and philosophical thought, instrumental in inspiring the Pakistan movement.

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Faiz Ahmed Faiz: Merged classical romanticism with social revolution and Marxist ideals.

Parveen Shakir, Jaun Elia, Ahmad Faraz: Modern poets who brought Urdu into contemporary emotional and intellectual domains.

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 17, 2025, 12:40 IST
'Complete Justice' Vs 'Nuclear Missile': What Is Article 142 That Has Been Excoriated By Vice President Dhankhar?

Curated By :

News18.com

Last Updated: April 17, 2025, 19:28 IST

With the use of Article 142, the Supreme Court this month cleared stalled Bills passed by the Tamil Nadu assembly twice, and also rendered the action of the President void. The President had assented to one of the Bills, not considered two, and rejected seven

The Constitution of India under Article 142 grants the Supreme Court broad inherent powers to do 'complete justice'. Representational image: Getty)

Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar on Thursday expressed concerns over the recent Supreme Court judgement prescribing a timeline for the President to sign bills sent by the states and voiced his worries about the judiciary performing executive functions and acting as a super Parliament".

There is a directive to the President by a recent judgement. Where are we heading? What is happening in the country? We have to be extremely sensitive. It is not a question of someone filing a review or not. We never bargained for democracy for this," he said.

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Dhankhar also stated that Article 142 had become a nuclear missile against democratic forces", available to the judiciary 247.

Understanding Article 142

The Constitution of India under Article 142 grants the Supreme Court broad inherent powers to do complete justice"ensure justice by filling gaps in the law and overriding legal provisions when necessary, which entails interpreting and applying laws considering broader constitutional principles, societal needs, and evolving standards of justice.

Its draft, Article 118, was adopted by the Constituent Assembly without any debate. This meant that demarcating its scope was left entirely to the SC.

The court has used Article 142 to quash criminal proceedings, dissolve marriages on grounds of irretrievable breakdown, and enforce settlements in cases like the Bhopal gas tragedy. While its powers are expansive, they are not unlimited. The SC cannot contravene constitutional provisions, substantive rights of non-litigants, or principles of natural justice.

How it empowers SC

Under Article 142, the Supreme Court, in the exercise of its jurisdiction, may pass such decree or make such order as is necessary for doing complete justice in any cause or matter pending before it.

It enables the SC to exercise executive and legislative functions in specific scenarios, including issuing guidelines, directives, or orders to governmental bodies or other authorities.

The provision permits the apex court to intervene in matters concerning public interest, human rights, constitutional values, or fundamental rights, safeguarding them against any form of violation or infringement.

It elevates the Supreme Courts role as the protector of the Constitution and ultimate interpreter of the law, serving as a catalyst for judicial activism and innovation.

Two clauses of the Article

The Article is structured into two clauses:

Article 142(1): It states that the Supreme Court may pass decrees or orders to do complete justice in any pending matter. These orders are enforceable across India as per the mechanism prescribed by Parliament or, in its absence, as directed by the President.

Article 142(2): This clause grants the Supreme Court the power to secure the attendance of persons, production of documents, or take actions to investigate or punish contempt of itself. These powers are subject to any Parliamentary legislation.

Dual role

Over the decades, the Supreme Court has utilised Article 142 for two primary purposes:

To do complete justice: It allows the court to bridge gaps in law to deliver equitable outcomes.

To address legislative lacunae: It enables the court to act in areas where legislative provisions are inadequate or nonexistent.

Use of Article 142 over the years

A study by IIM Ahmedabad showed that the SC mentioned Article 142 or the phrase complete justice" in 1,579 cases between 1950 and 2023, most of which were civil cases. The study found that the court had explicitly used its powers under Article 142 in only 791 cases.

In its first few decades, the SC was especially sparing in its use of Article 142. In Prem Chand Garg (1962), the Court had been called upon to examine whether the provision enabled it to pass rules that would restrict the scope of Article 32. A five-judge bench answered in the negative. Speaking for the majority, Justice Gajendragadkar wrote that an order passed to do complete justice must not only be consistent with the fundamental rights guaranteed by the Constitution, but it cannot even be inconsistent with the substantive provisions of the relevant statutory laws".

But as the court got busier, there were more frequent invocations of Article 142. In Delhi Judicial Service Association (1991), the top court noted that its powers under Article 142 were entirely of different level and of a different quality". It added that prohibitions or limitations contained under ordinary laws could not restrict its constitutional power" under Article 142.

Later that year, the court echoed the same view in Union Carbide, while ordering the chemical company to pay $470 million as compensation to victims of the Bhopal Gas Tragedy. In Vinay Chandra Mishra (1995), a three-judge bench held that Prem Chand Garg was not good law." Article 142, the bench said, was constitutional power" that cannot be limited or conditioned by any statutory provision".

In Supreme Court Bar Association (1998), a five-judge bench held that Article 142 could not supplant" the existing substantive law applicable to the case." In State of Karnataka v Umadevi (2006), the Court held that it would not grant any relief under Article 142, which would amount to perpetuating an illegality".

However, in 2017, the court used Article 142 to ban liquor sales within 500 metres of national highways. In May 2023, a five-judge bench exercised its power under Article 142 to recognise irretrievable breakdown of marriage" as a ground for divorce under the Hindu Marriage Act. This paved the way for a no-fault divorce jurisprudence, despite the ground not existing in personal laws. The court then relied on the provision in 2024 to set aside the mayoral election in Chandigarh. With the use of Article 142, the Supreme Court this month cleared stalled Bills passed by the Tamil Nadu assembly twice, and also rendered the action of the President void. The President had assented to one of the Bills, not considered two, and rejected seven.

Criticism and controversy

Judicial overreach: Critics argue that Article 142 sometimes leads to judicial overreach, with the court encroaching on legislative functions.

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Subjectivity: The discretionary nature of Article 142 decisions can result in perceived inconsistencies or bias.

Impact on lower courts: By quashing or bypassing proceedings in lower courts, the Supreme Courts actions under Article 142 may undermine judicial hierarchy.

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 17, 2025, 19:28 IST
Global Wine Sales Plunge To 60-Year Low: Whats Causing The Decline?

Curated By :

News18.com Edited By: Anurag Verma



Last Updated: April 17, 2025, 15:13 IST

Wine consumption worldwide declined to 214.2 million hectolitres almost 3.3 per cent lower than what was recorded in 2023.

What is the cause of wine consumption decline in the world?

The global wine industry faced a major setback in terms of both consumption and production last year. Several factors, including long-term shifts in lifestyle, drinking habits, economic stress and environmental pressures, are said to have contributed to the downturn. As reported by the International Organisation of Vine and Wine (OIV), in 2024, wine consumption worldwide declined to 214.2 million hectolitres almost 3.3 per cent lower than what was recorded in 2023. This is the most significant fall since 1961 when the overall volume stood at 213.6 million hectolitres.

Consumption in the United States dropped by 5.8 per cent in 2024 to reach 33.3 million hectolitres. The country, however, still tops the charts for the largest wine consumer by volume. Meanwhile, Europe, which controls nearly half of the global wine market, has also seen a fall of 2.8 per cent. In France, domestic wine consumption dropped by 3.5 per cent in 2024. Spain and Portugal, however, witnessed a slight increase in the annual figures.

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Reason For Global Wine Decline

Not only consumption but also wine production had a major dip in 2024, recording an output of 225.8 million hectolitres the lowest in more than 60 years. The overall figure declined by 4.8 per cent last year due to various climate issues, with some wine-producing regions struggling with incessant rain or severe drought.

Also Read: The Criticism Of Blue Origins All-Female Space Travel That Carried Katy Perry Explained

In 2024, Wine output in France fell by 23 per cent to 36.1 million hectolitres, which was the countrys lowest since 1957. In the US, overall production saw a decline of 17.2 per cent due to excessive heat waves, reaching 21.1 million hectolitres. Italy, however, produced 44 million hectolitres, driven by the demand in the domestic market.

Spain, on the other hand, registered wine production of 31 million hectolitres. The overall figure, 227235 million hectolitres, was lower than what the OIV predicted in November 2023. The total area of vine cultivation also reduced by 0.6 per cent to 7.1 million hectares. Only Italy stood out, expanding the total area by 0.8 per cent.

Trade War

Rising production and retail costs have also affected the global wine industry financially. As per the OIV, the average price per bottle has jumped by 30 per cent since 2019-20. A total of 99.8 million hectolitres were exported globally in 2024. The figure might be the same as 2023, but 5 per cent less than the five-year average. It was the lowest export volume since 2010.

Despite shifting global dynamics, the international wine trade maintained its overall value, reaching 35.9 billion ($38.9 billion). The rise was supported by a consumer shift toward higher-quality products and stable average prices of 3.60 per litre.

Competition Affecting Wine Sales?

Nowadays, Millennials and Gen Z consumers prefer cocktails, craft spirits, ready-to-drink mixes, and functional beverages more than specific categories. Given the huge changes in the beverage alcohol market in the past decade and a half wine has faced lots of competition from an increasingly adventurous alcohol consumer," said Richard Halstead, COO of Consumer Research at IWSR.

Also Read: Why Is Dolo-650 Suddenly Trending On X?

Regular wine drinkers are also changing their wine-with-dinner habits, moving on from frequent consumption. For example, in Australia, monthly wine consumption among adults has declined by 50 per cent between 2010 and 2023.

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Consumer Habits

The wine industry is also affected by internal challenges, with shifting consumer habits reshaping the market. Health consciousness, moderation, and changing social norms are tipped to be the key factors. Besides newer markets like the UK, USA and China, in traditional wine-drinking nations across Europe, consumption has witnessed major declines over the last decade. As per IWSR, half of wine consumers in select markets reduced alcohol intake in 2023, while 20 per cent preferred low or no alcohol.

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 17, 2025, 15:12 IST
How Siddaramaiahs Caste Survey Could Upend Socio-Political Fabric Of Karnataka | Explained

Reported By :

News18.com Edited By: Shilpy Bisht



Last Updated: April 17, 2025, 15:25 IST

The survey raises concerns whether it aims to provide relief to the socio-economically and educationally backward castes, or it is an attempt to show certain castes in fewer numbers than they actually are while inflating the numbers of so-called minority populations

The survey, which was presented in Karnataka cabinet last week, says Muslims as a caste have emerged as the single largest community in the state, constituting 12.83% of the state's total population. (PTI file)

Karnataka chief minister Siddaramaiahs ambitious caste survey has created ripples in the socio-political fabric of the state. The Socio-Economic and Education Survey, as the survey is known, recommended raising the OBC quota in the state from 32% to 51%.

The report presented to the Karnataka Cabinet on April 11, after the Karnataka State Backward Classes Commission presented it to the Siddaramaiah government, reckons the population of OBCs at 69.6%, around 38% more than the existing estimates.

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The survey raises concerns whether it aims to provide relief to the socio-economically and educationally backward castes, or it is an attempt to show certain castes in fewer numbers than they actually are while inflating the numbers of so-called minority populations.

Let us understand the survey in detail, its implications in the state.

When Was The Survey Conducted?

The Kantharaju Committee conducted the caste census under the Socio-Economic and Education Survey during Siddaramaiahs first term as chief minister. According to available details, the survey was conducted from April 11, 2015, to May 30, 2015. In period, around 1,36,000 teachers interviewed approximately 1,01,60,000 people and collected data on 5,98,13,165 individuals, leaving out around 3.7 million. Even Siddaramaiah, in his post on X, said the survey was 95% accurate.

What Does The Alleged Leaked Survey Say?

The survey, whose content got allegedly leaked into the public domain, says Muslims as a caste have emerged as the single largest community in the state, constituting 12.83% of the states total population, that is, 76,76,247 people.

Interestingly, presumed economically and numerically dominant castes such as Vokkaligas and Lingayats showed significantly lower population percentages.

Which Community Stands Where?

According to the Socio-Economic and Education Survey:

 Muslims, with a population of 76,76,247, stand at the top.

 Lingayats (including all sub-castes and Veerashaiva Lingayats) are the second-largest community with 66,35,233 members.

 Vokkaligas (including all sub-castes) stand at 61,58,352 people.

 Scheduled Castes (SCs), when combined, reach nearly 1.09 crore  making them the largest block in total.

Caste And Sub-Caste-Wise Population

The caste and sub-caste-wise divide shows the mighty Vokkaligas from Old Mysore region in the second place with 50,65,642 (8.47%) followed by,

 Kurubas: 44,11,758 (7.38%)

 SC (Left): 35,99,895 (6.02%)

 SC (Right): 34,98,188 (5.85%)

 ST Valmiki-Nayaka: 30,31,656 (5.07%)

 Interestingly, a powerful caste like Lingayats dropped to the seventh position with only 30,14,696 (5.04%) population, followed by:

 SC (Others): 19,82,011 (3.31%)

 Veerashaiva Lingayats: 17,88,279 (2.99%)

Other Lingayat Sub-Communities Voluntarily Recognised Separately

 Panchamasali Lingayat: 10,71,302 (1.79%)

 Sadar Lingayat: 2,55,456 (0.43%)

 Nonaba Lingayat: 1,61,168 (0.27%)

 Jangama Lingayat: 94,282 (0.16%)

 Lalagonda Lingayat: 29,280 (0.05%)

 Beda Jangama Lingayat: 24,127 (0.04%)

 Ganiga Lingayat: 23,483 (0.04%)

 Kuruhinashetty Lingayat: 8,325 (0.01%)

Same Goes For Vokkaliga Sub-Castes

 Kunchitiga Vokkaliga: 73,977 (0.12%)

 Hallikar Vokkaliga: 30,265 (0.05%)

 Reddy Vokkaliga: 24,059 (0.04%)

 Dasa Vokkaliga: 17,961 (0.03%)

 Marasu Vokkaliga: 5,794 (0.01%)

Even SC Sub-Castes Were Listed Separately

 SC (Lambani): 13,96,909 (2.34%)

 SC (Bhovi): 12,12,530 (2.03%)

 ST (Others): 7,92,808 (1.33%)

Out of 167 castes in the state, Brahmins dropped to 10th position with a population of 15,64,741 (2.61%).

Other Prominent Communities Include:

 Maratha: 16,15,667 (2.70%)

 Uppara: 8,15,648 (1.33%)

 Reddy: 7,11,377 (1.19%)

 Ganiga: 7,02,379 (1.17%)

 Madivala: 6,58,887 (1.10%)

 OBC (Others): 17,68,688 (2.96%)

 Devanga: 6,30,691 (1.05%)

 Tigala: 3,28,902 (0.55%)

 Besta: 12,70,044 (2.12%)

 Vishwakarma: 10,88,385 (1.82%)

 Golla: 9,76,641 (1.63%)

 Kshatriyas: 4,12,690 (0.68%)

 Gowdas: 4,12,690 (0.68%)

 Bunts: 3,25,718 (0.54%)

 Kumbara: 4,43,492 (0.74%)

 Arya Vaishya: 4,66,769 (0.78%)

Interestingly, Arya Vaishyas, who were believed to have a large presence, saw their actual numbers revealed through the survey.

Among Other Minorities

 Christians: 8,61,416 (1.44%)

 Jains: 4,19,375 (0.70%)

According to the 2011 Census, Karnatakas population was 6.11 crore, but the Kantharaju Committee estimates this number as 6.5 crore.

Recommendations Of The Committee

The committee headed by former Congress MP Jayaprakash Hegde has made a few important recommendations based on caste and community data. These include:

 Increase reservations according to population

 Increase reservation for Muslims from 4% to 8%

 Raise Category 3(A) reservation from 4% to 7%

 Raise 3(B) reservation to 8% from the current 5%

 Increase Category 1 reservation from 4% to 6%

 Increase 2(A) reservations to 22% from 15%

If these recommendations are implemented, Karnatakas total reservation  including SC and ST  will far exceed the 50% ceiling, and if EWS 10% is added, it will cross the 80% mark.

But the question remains regarding the wide acceptability of the survey report. Many people from Karnataka have taken to social media to express their grievances that no one visited their house to conduct the survey.

In fact, senior Congress leader and Veerashaiva Mahasabha head Shamanur Shivashankarappa himself said no one visited his house for the survey. Another Congress MLA, Ravi Ganiga, also said the same thing  that no one came to his house.

Not only Lingayat numbers, even Vokkaligas, Brahmins, SCs, Reddys, and Yadavs are questioning the governments intent and honesty in conducting the survey.

Opportunity For CM Siddaramaiah

Ahinda consolidation  the grouping of minorities, backward classes and Dalits  is the biggest strength of Siddaramaiah. In fact, due to his Ahinda backing, Siddaramaiah left the Deve Gowdas JD(S) and emerged as the undisputed leader of Alpasankhyata (minorities), Hindulida (backward classes), and Dalits.

In fact, Siddaramaiah is the only leader who can make Karnataka Congress win at least 100 seats without any support from upper castes such as Lingayats, Brahmins, or Vokkaligas. In an ideal situation, if he brings cent percent Ahinda voters together, he can achieve a majority in the state assembly for the Congress.

Even the leaked survey suggests the same. According to the survey, Muslims (76,76,247), Scheduled Castes (1,09,29,347), Scheduled Tribes (42,81,289), CMs own caste Kurubas (44,11,758), Christians (8,61,416)  together constitute almost 46% of Karnatakas population. If other small and backward castes are included, it easily crosses the 50% mark.

Challenges For CM Siddaramaiah

Ideally, this caste survey should help CM Siddaramaiah in consolidating Ahinda votes. But in reality, the way this survey has been handled in haste may hamper Congress prospects in the state for a long time.

Already there is a lot of pressure on the state government due to price rise, law and order issues, infrastructure development, and corruption allegations. More than anything, many Lingayat and Vokkaliga MLAs and ministers are facing agitation from their core voters. In fact, Lingayat seers are demanding that more than 30 respective Congress MLAs resign and join the protest.

Rambhapuri Shri of Veerashaiva Lingayat Panchapeetha has already denounced the survey and has said the Mutt will conduct an independent survey of Lingayats. Even the Shreeshaila Jagadguru has rejected the survey. State Industry Minister MB Patil has claimed that Lingayats are more than 1 crore in the state.

Senior Congress leader and six-time MLA Shamanur Shivashankarappa has issued a warning to the state government, saying, We Lingayats and Vokkaligas will not allow this government to function."

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Even the State Vokkaliga Sangha has expressed the same sentiments. State President Kenchappa Gowda also rejected the survey report and said they will join Lingayats in fighting against this survey.

In a way, this survey has brought these two powerful castes onto the same page. Brahmins, STs, Yadavs, and Reddys have also echoed similar sentiments. There is fear among certain Congress leaders that this may lead to reverse consolidation.

Location : Bangalore, India, India

First Published: April 17, 2025, 10:59 IST
What Is The National Herald Case? ED Charges Against Sonia Gandhi, Rahul Gandhi Explained

Curated By :

News18.com Edited By: Shilpy Bisht



Last Updated: April 17, 2025, 08:30 IST

Sonia Gandhi and Rahul Gandhi are being probed for the ownership of Young Indian Limited and its shareholding pattern in The Associated Journals Limited, the company that runs the National Herald newspaper

Congress leaders have dismissed the allegations in the National Herald case as politically motivated. (File Photo)

The Enforcement Directorate has named Congress leaders Sonia Gandhi and Rahul Gandhi in its charge sheet for money laundering related to the National Herald newspaper, reviving a legal battle that has dogged the top brass of the grand old party for nearly a decade.

This is the first time a charge sheet has been filed against two senior Congress leaders Sonia Gandhi and Rahul Gandhi, who have been named accused number 1 and accused number 2, respectively. The charge sheet also names Congress leader Sam Pitroda and Suman Dubey as accused persons.

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What Is The National Herald Case?

The ED case is based on a trial court order that allowed the Income Tax Department to investigate the affairs of National Herald and conduct a tax assessment of Sonia and Rahul Gandhi. The order was the result of a petition filed by BJP leader Subramanian Swamy in 2013.

Swamys complaint also contained allegations of cheating and misappropriation of funds relating to the Gandhis acquisition of the newspaper. Swami had alleged that the Gandhis purportedly bought the properties belonging to National Herald by taking over the newspaper, The Associated Journals Limited (AJL) for a mere sum of Rs 50 lakh through a company called Young Indian Limited (YIL) in which they control 86% shares.

The properties are worth more than Rs 2,000 crore.

Sonia Gandhi and Rahul Gandhi are being probed for the ownership of YIL and its shareholding pattern in AJL, the company that runs the National Herald newspaper.

On December 19, 2015, the trial court released Sonia and Rahul Gandhi on bail in this matter. In Swamys complaint to the trial court, both the Congress leaders and others are charged with misappropriation of funds by financing with YIL the right to recover Rs 90.25 crore of debt that AJL owed the Congress for Rs 50 lakh.

What Was The Role Of AJL?

The National Herald was published by the Associated Journals Ltd (AJL). Over the years, AJL acquired several valuable properties across India. Although the newspaper stopped publishing in 2008, AJL remained a functioning company and retained real estate assets reportedly worth over Rs 2,000 crore.

In 2010, the Congress extended an interest-free loan of Rs 90.25 crore to AJL to help it repay its liabilities and possibly resume publication. Around the same time, a private company called Young Indian Pvt Ltd (YIL) was incorporated. Sonia Gandhi and Rahul Gandhi held a 76% stake in YIL (38% each), with the rest held by Congress leaders Motilal Vora and Oscar Fernandes.

Following its operational shutdown, a series of transactions led to AJLs control being transferred to the newly formed Young Indian Limited (YIL). This transfer is now the focal point of the EDs investigation.

After it was shut down, a series of transactions led to AJLs control being transferred to the newly formed YIL. This transfer is the focus of the EDs investigation.

What Is YIL?

YIL was incorporated in November 2010 as a not-for-profit company under Section 25 of the Companies Act. It declared that it aims to promote social causes. But the ownership structure of the company raised concerns.

In December 2010, YIL acquired 99% of AJLs shares, effectively taking over the company and its real estate holdings. This transaction has been investigated as it appears to have facilitated the Gandhis control over valuable assets that were originally intended for journalistic purposes, as mentioned in an Economic Times report.

What Is Gandhis Role In National Herald?

The EDs investigation has alleged that AJL closed its publishing operations in 2008 and started using" the properties for commercial purposes.

It said AJL had to repay a loan of Rs 90.21 crore to All India Congress Committee (AICC), however, the AICC treated the said loan of Rs 90.21 crore as non-recoverable from AJL and sold it for Rs 50 lakh to a newly incorporated company Young Indian, which is owned by the Gandhi mother-son duo.

Notably, on November 23, 2010, YIL was incorporated as a Section 25 company, with Gandhi family loyalists Suman Dubey and Satyan Gangaram (Sam) Pitroda as directors. The object of the company was stated to be: To inculcate in the mind of Indias youth commitment to the ideal of a democratic and secular society"

However, immediately after its incorporation, both the Directors transferred their shares to Congress leaders Oscar Fernandes, Sonia Gandhi, Rahul Gandhi and Moti Lal Vora (now deceased). Later, on December 13, 2010, Rahul Gandhi was appointed as Director of Young Indian and, on January 22, 2011, Sonia Gandhi joined the board as a Director.

YIL then registered itself under Section 12A of the Income Tax Act as a charitable organisation, making it eligible for 100% tax exemption. This has raised questions about the true nature of transactions pertaining to YIL. The ED contends that the real value of the transaction lay in the control of AJLs assets rather than any financial gains from dividends.

According to the ED, the AJL properties were also used to generate further proceeds of crime  including bogus donations worth Rs 18 crore, fake advance rent of Rs 38 crore, and fabricated advertising revenues of Rs 29 crore.

Allegations Listed By The ED

The ED has alleged that:

 The transfer of AJL shares to YIL was not for charitable purposes, but rather a strategic corporate move to gain control of prime real estate.

 The loan from the Congress to AJL was essentially a fake transaction to facilitate this takeover.

 Since YIL is not allowed to distribute profits, the ED argues that the true value lay in asset control  not dividends.

What Is Congress Saying?

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Congress leaders have dismissed the allegations as politically motivated, asserting that the case is an example of the ruling BJP misusing central agencies to target opposition figures. The party has said YILs status as a not-for-profit entity means that no individual could financially benefit from the transfer of AJLs assets.

On the Rs 90 crore loan, it has been argued that it was solely intended to clear AJLs liabilities and that the goal was to revive the National Herald, thereby preserving its legacy rather than profiting from real estate.

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 17, 2025, 08:30 IST
What Is Waqf By User Provision, Which The Supreme Court Said Should Not Be Deleted?

Curated By :

News18.com Edited By: Shilpy Bisht



Last Updated: April 17, 2025, 15:57 IST

The new law says that the existing Waqf by User properties registered on or before the Waqf (Amendment) Act, 2025 will remain as waqf properties except that the property, wholly or in part, is in dispute or is a government property

The Supreme Court noted that many Waqf by User properties like mosques would date back to the 13th or 14th century and will not have any registered deeds. (PTI Photo)

Nearly half of the 8 lakh-odd Waqf properties in India are Waqf by User, meaning they got designated as Waqf because they were used for Muslim religious places for long. The Supreme Court said on Thursday that such properties would not be de-notified as Waqf by User for now, which was proposed by the new Waqf Amendment Law, 2025.

The new law says that the existing Waqf by User properties registered on or before the commencement of the Waqf (Amendment) Act, 2025 will remain as waqf properties except that the property, wholly or in part, is in dispute or is a government property." This meant that disputed or government-claimed waqf by user properties would lose their status.

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The government before the Supreme Court has agreed to put this provision on hold for a week. The SC said Waqf by User will not be deleted for now and has put a stay on it.

There were serious concerns expressed by the Supreme Court over the Waqf by User provision in the new law which said if the district collector identified any Waqf by User property as government land, it would cease (or be de-notified) to be Waqf property till a court determines its status. The same applied to any waqf by user property in dispute. The SC was of the view that a court should decide that and the waqf by user de-notification should not be happening before that.

The SC has also noted that many Waqf by User properties like mosques would date back to the 13th or 14th century and will not have any registered deeds. The government argued before the SC on Wednesday that such Waqf by User properties could have made a deed after the first Waqf law came into operation in 1923, and that they had not done so for almost 100 years. However, on Thursday, the government conceded that Waqf by User proviso be held for a week.

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The Centre on Thursday conceded that status quo would be maintained on Waqf including Waqf by User which are notified by declaration or are registered. Petitioner Asaduddin Owaisi said the SC has put a stay on the deletion of Waqf by User and said he had raised the same issue in Parliament as well.

Owaisi said if the Waqf by User properties were deemed to be government properties today, as the new law envisions, it would amount to snatch the properties from Muslims who will have to fight long battles in courts to reclaim them.

About the Author Aman Sharma Aman Sharma, Executive Editor - National Affairs at CNN-News18, and Bureau Chief at News18 in Delhi, has over two decades of experience in covering the wide spectrum of politics and the Prime Ministers Office.... Read More Aman Sharma, Executive Editor - National Affairs at CNN-News18, and Bureau Chief at News18 in Delhi, has over two decades of experience in covering the wide spectrum of politics and the Prime Ministers Office.... Read More

First Published: April 17, 2025, 15:46 IST
11-Year-Old Deaf & Mute Girl Raped In UP's Rampur: 'Cigarette Burn Marks Found In Private Parts'

Curated By :

News18.com

Last Updated: April 17, 2025, 12:02 IST

Dubbing the incident as 'one of the most horrific sexual crimes', the doctor who conducted girl's medical examination stated that the girl's face had been struck with a blunt object, leaving it swollen.

Rampur Rape: Police arrested a suspect on Wednesday allegedly from the same village. (ANI)

An 11-year-old deaf and mute Dalit girl from Rampur in Uttar Pradesh, who was raped by unidentified accused, has been found with multiple injuries on her body. Dubbing the incident as one of the most horrific sexual crimes" in recent times, the doctor who conducted girls medical examination stated that cigarette burn marks were found on her private parts along with bite marks.

Police arrested a suspect on Wednesday allegedly from the same village, and initiated interrogation procedures against him.

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Dr Anju Singh, who conducted 11-year-olds medical examination, was quoted by The Times of India: This is a clear case of rape by one or more persons as there were multiple injuries on her private parts. Her face had been struck with a blunt object, leaving it swollen."

The girls clothes were stained with blood. We completed the medico-legal examination and referred her to a higher centre. She was terrified and unable to explain anything. It is one of the most horrific sexual crimes I have seen," Singh further said.

The report quoted girls mother as saying that the 11-year-old has been getting fits after the incident". My daughter is extremely terrified," the mother added.

When Did The Incident Take Place?

According to TOI, the girl, whose father is a marginal farmer from a village in Rampur district, went missing on Tuesday evening after going to relieve herself in a field.

The next day, which was Wednesday, a man from the village found her lying unconscious in a field around 500m from her home. The report stated that the girl was found half-naked, with her face swollen, following which the man promptly informed her family.

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Police said that an FIR was registered based on the girls fathers complaint and three teams have been deployed to apprehend the accused.

We immediately sent the survivor to the hospital for treatment after learning about the incident. We are using CCTV footage and mobile surveillance data to track down the culprit," additional SP Atul Kumar Srivastava was quoted.

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 : Rampur, India, India

First Published: April 17, 2025, 11:08 IST
Arya Samaj Marriage Performed As Per Hindu Rites Is Valid, Rules Allahabad High Court

Reported By :

LawBeat

Last Updated: April 17, 2025, 13:38 IST

Court emphasised that while marriage registration strengthens evidentiary value, the absence of registration does not nullify a validly performed marriage.

"The place is not relevant for performing marriage as per section 7 of the Hindu Marriage Act. It is Hindu customs and rites which is relevant for the valid marriage," court stressed.

In a significant judgment, the Allahabad High Court has held that a Hindu marriage solemnised in an Arya Samaj Mandir in accordance with applicable rites or ceremonies of Hinduism is a valid marriage under the Hindu Marriage Act, 1955.

Court emphasised that while marriage registration strengthens evidentiary value, the absence of registration does not nullify a validly performed marriage. The place is not relevant for performing marriage as per section 7 of the Hindu Marriage Act. It is Hindu customs and rites which is relevant for the valid marriage," court stressed.

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The bench of Justice Arun Kumar Singh Deshwal made the observation while dismissing a plea by one Maharaj Singh, who had sought quashing of criminal proceedings in a dowry harassment case registered by his wife. The applicant had argued that there was no valid marriage between them as the alleged ceremony was conducted in an Arya Samaj temple and the issued certificate had no statutory force.

Rejecting the contention, the court observed that what determines the validity of a Hindu marriage is not the place of ceremony or the issuing institution, but whether the marriage fulfills the conditions laid down in Section 7 of the Hindu Marriage Actnamely, solemnization through customary rites and ceremonies, including Saptapadi (seven steps before the sacred fire) when required.

In Arya Samaj Mandir, marriage is conducted as per the Vedic procedure, which includes Hindu customs and rites like Kanyadan, Panigrahan, Saptapadi, and chanting of Mantras while applying vermilion(therefore) any marriage solemnized in Arya Samaj Mandir as per the Vedic procedure is valid marriage as it fulfills the requirements of Section-7 of the Hindu Marriage Act," the court said, adding that though certificate issued by Arya Samaj may not have a statutory force of prima facie validity of marriage. But the certificate issued by Arya Samaj regarding performance of marriage is not a waste paper, it can be proved by the Purohit (who performed the marriage) as per the provisions of Bharatiya Sakshya Adhiniyam, 2023 during the trial of the case".

The court referred to the Supreme Courts ruling in Dolly Rani v. Manish Kumar Chanchal (2025) and reiterated that registration of a marriage under Section 8 of the Hindu Marriage Act merely facilitates proof of marriage and cannot confer legitimacy on a union that was never solemnized as per the hindu customs and rites mentioned in Section 7 of the Hindu Marriage Act.

In the present case, the complainant had filed an FIR under Sections 498A and 506 of the IPC, alleging cruelty by her husband post-marriage. The husband contended that there was no valid marriage and that the Arya Samaj certificate was forged. However, the court noted that both the complainant and the priest who performed the wedding had affirmed the performance of Vedic rites at the couples marriage.

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On the charge of cruelty, the court cited the Supreme Courts recent judgment in Aluri Venkata Ramana v. Aluri Thirupathi Rao, which held that the absence of a dowry demand does not dilute the offence under Section 498A, if other forms of cruelty are proven.

Accordingly, the high court refused to exercise its inherent powers under Section 482 CrPC to quash the proceedings. The husbands application was dismissed on April 8, 2025.

About the Author Salil Tiwari Salil Tiwari, Senior Special Correspondent at Lawbeat, reports on the Allahabad High Court and courts in Uttar Pradesh, however, she also writes on important cases of national importance and public interests fr... Read More Salil Tiwari, Senior Special Correspondent at Lawbeat, reports on the Allahabad High Court and courts in Uttar Pradesh, however, she also writes on important cases of national importance and public interests fr... Read More

First Published: April 17, 2025, 13:38 IST
Can A Sitting MP Fight A Case Against The Govt As A Lawyer? | Explained

Curated By :

Translation Desk

Last Updated: April 17, 2025, 17:54 IST

A debate on social media questions if Indian MPs can practice law, sparked by MP Kapil Sibal representing petitioners against the Waqf Amendment Act 2025

Certain circumstances can disqualify a lawyer from practising, such as conflicts of interest, unethical conduct, suspended licenses, or holding specific government positions. (Representative/Shutterstock)

A significant debate has emerged on social media concerning the eligibility of Indian MPs to practice law in court. This discussion was sparked after the Supreme Court began hearing petitions against the Waqf Amendment Act 2025, with prominent lawyer and MP Kapil Sibal representing the petitioners.

Many have argued that Sibals position as an MP disqualifies him from practising law against a government-enacted law.

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The central question revolves around the Indian Advocates Act, 1961, which regulates the legal profession in India. This Act outlines the registration, conduct, and ethics for lawyers, and defines the role of the Bar Council of India (BCI) and State Bar Councils. However, it does not explicitly prohibit MPs from practising law.

Under the Act, lawyers must be registered with a State Bar Council and adhere to the BCIs ethical standards. Lawyers employed full-time by the government or in other salaried positions are barred from practising law.

However, the Supreme Court clarified in the 2018 case of Ashwini Upadhyay vs Union of India that MPs and MLAs are not considered full-time government employees or salaried workers, allowing them to practice law.

Certain circumstances can disqualify a lawyer from practising, such as conflicts of interest, unethical conduct, suspended licenses, or holding specific government positions like Advocate General or Public Prosecutor.

MPs, however, do not fall under these restrictions unless they hold additional government positions that entail full-time obligations.

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In summary, the Indian Advocates Act, 1961, and the Bar Council of India Rules do not prevent MPs from practising law, even against government laws, unless there is a direct conflict of interest or ethical concerns.

Kapil Sibal, therefore, retains his eligibility to represent clients in court despite his status as an MP, although his actions may be subject to scrutiny on ethical grounds.

First Published: April 17, 2025, 17:54 IST
'Cools Every Heart': Pilibhit Locality, Where Rooh Afza Creator Once Lived, Reacts To Ramdev's 'Sharbat Jihad' Remark

Reported By :

News18.com Edited By: Pragati Ratti



Last Updated: April 17, 2025, 13:10 IST

Recently, Baba Ramdev, the founder of Patanjali Ayurveda, made a controversial remark linking a 'soft drink' with 'Sharbat Jihad,' thrusting Rooh Afza into the national spotlight.

Baba Ramdev's 'sharbat jihad' remark has brought Rooh Afza into the spotlight.

Neither a Muslim nor a Jihadi, the residents of Pilibhits Punjabiyan locality, where the creator of the globally loved drink Rooh Afza once lived, say, Its just a drink that cools every heart." Recently, Baba Ramdev, the founder of Patanjali Ayurveda, made a controversial remark linking a soft drink with Sharbat Jihad, thrusting Rooh Afza into the national spotlight. Despite this, in Punjabiyan Mohalla of Pilibhit  where the drinks creator was born  residents dismiss the controversy. For them, Rooh Afza is a symbol of sweetness and unity, cherished across faiths for over a century, embodying the spirit of Ganga-Jamuni tehzeeb.

The Statement that Stirred the Pot

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In a now-viral video, Baba Ramdev compared soft drinks to toilet cleaners and promoted Patanjalis herbal sharbat as a healthier, spiritually aligned alternative. He said, On one side there are soft drinks like toilet cleaners, on the other side there is a company which sells sharbat, but with the money obtained from that, it builds madrasas and mosques. And if you take Patanjali sharbat, then gurukul will be built, acharyakulam will be built, Patanjali Vishwavidyalaya and Bharatiya Shiksha Board will grow further." He concluded by coining the term: Isliye main kehta hoon ye sharbat jihad hai. Jaise love jihad, vote jihad, waise hi sharbat jihad bhi chal raha hai (Thats why I say this is sharbat jihad. Just like Love jihad, vote jihad, sharbat jihad is going on)."

We got Sharbat Jihad" before GTA VI  pic.twitter.com/qIuLrkhJxe Yash Tiwari (@DrYashTiwari) April 9, 2025

Although Ramdev didnt name any brand, many interpreted his remarks as a jab at Rooh Afza, a 100-year-old beverage synonymous with Indian summers and a flagship product of Hamdard Laboratories.

Sharbat Jihad Controversy Erupts

Reactions to Baba Ramdevs statement were swift and furious. Leaders and scholars from the Muslim community called it an irresponsible and inflammatory remark, given Rooh Afzas symbolic status across communities. Maulana Shahabuddin Razvi, president of the All India Muslim Jamaat, condemned the comment, stating, Baba Ramdev is free to promote his products  no one has any objection to that. But linking Rooh Afza with jihad is completely wrong. Rooh Afza is a product of a renowned company that has been serving the nation since before independence. Business in this country runs not on religion, but on trust and quality."

Maulana Qari Ishaq Gora of Darul Uloom Deoband released a video urging people to boycott Patanjali until Baba Ramdev apologises, saying, I used to think Ramdev was an intellectual, but his words proved otherwise  such language only spreads hatred in society. Rooh Afza is a symbol of Ganga-Jamuni tehzeeb, of our shared cultural harmony."

Social media saw an outpouring of support for the heritage brand, with users sharing nostalgic memories tied to the drink  Ramzan iftar tables, summer weddings, childhood school vacations  all painted in the shade of Rooh Afzas ruby red.

The Roots of Rooh Afza

Long before it became a household name across South Asia, Rooh Afza was the innovation of Hakeem Hafiz Abdul Majeed, a Unani physician born in 1883 in Pilibhits Punjabiyan Mohalla. After moving to Delhi in search of livelihood, he established a small Unani dispensary named Hamdard Dawakhana in Old Delhi. In the summer of 1907, noticing how patients suffered from dehydration and lack of appetite, Hakeem Majeed prepared a herbal syrup to replenish body fluids.

He mixed extracts of fruits like orange, watermelon, and pineapple with herbs and cooling agents like khus, kewda, rose petals, coriander, and lotus. The result was a vibrant red concentrate he named Rooh Afza, meaning soul refresher." The label was printed in Hindi, Urdu, and English on handmade paper from a printer in Hauz Qazi. Within a year, the product became wildly popular. Patients and the general public alike lined up outside his Dawakhana to buy the drink. By 1922, after Hakeem Majeeds untimely death, his elder son Hakeem Abdul Hameed took charge of the Indian branch, while his younger son Hakeem Mohammad Saeed, who later migrated to Pakistan, started production in Karachi.

Today, Rooh Afza is made in India, Pakistan, and Bangladesh, continuing the Hamdard legacy across borders.

In Pilibhit, Where It All Began

Back in Punjabiyan Mohalla, Pilibhit, where Rooh Afzas story began, the mood remains calm. Generations have grown up hearing stories of Hakeem Majeed and take pride in their link to this legendary drink. Mohammad Shafiq, a 68-year-old retired schoolteacher and lifelong resident of the mohalla, shrugs off the controversy, saying, For us, Rooh Afza is simply a refreshing drink. Whats there to see in terms of Hindu or Muslim? Its made on Eid, and on every festival like Teej too. We say it cools every heart  no matter who you are."

Youngsters echo similar sentiments. Anshul Verma, a local college student says, Social media par kya chal raha hai, usse humein farq nahi padta. Ghar mein chhoti si party ho ya dhoop se laut rahe ho, mummy Rooh Afza hi deti hain (It doesnt matter whats going on on social media. Whether its a small party at home or we are returning after being out in the sun, mom has always given us Rooh Afza)."

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In the bylanes of this town, memories arent made of controversies but of shared glasses on summer afternoons. Vendors still keep Rooh Afza bottles on their counters next to mango drinks and lassi. School children still ask for ice-filled Rooh Afza soda for five rupees.

As the debate rages in studios and on social media, the people of Pilibhits Punjabiyan Mohalla remind us of a more grounded, unified India  where a drink is not judged by the religion of its maker, but by the sweetness it brings to parched throats and tired souls.

First Published: April 17, 2025, 12:42 IST
Could Have Passed In J-K Assembly: Ex-RAW Chief Dulat On Farooq Abdullah's Article 370 Stand

Curated By :

News18.com

Last Updated: April 17, 2025, 18:42 IST

Amarjit Singh Dulat said that two days before the abrogation was announced, NC leaders Farooq Abdullah, Omar Abdullah and Hasnain Masoodi had met Prime Minister Narendra Modi in Delhi.

Former RAW chief AS Dulat and former Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Farooq Abdullah (Photo: ANI)

As the political storm grew over the mentions concerning National Conference (NC) patron Farooq Abdullah in a new book titled The Chief Minister and the Spy, former RAW chief Amarjit Singh Dulat made another shocking revelation saying Farooq Abdullah had told him that he could have helped" pass the Article 370 abrogation proposal in the J-K Assembly if the Centre had taken him into confidence.

While speaking to news agency ANI, the former RAW chief said that two days before the abrogation was announced, NC leaders Farooq Abdullah, Omar Abdullah and Hasnain Masoodi had met Prime Minister Narendra Modi in Delhi.

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I asked Dr Sahab (Farooq Abdullah) and Omar Abdullah, but they said they knew nothing Dr Sahab said to me, even if they (Centre) wanted to do this (abrogate Article 370), they should have taken me into confidence. Why did they house arrest us? We could have passed it in the Assembly if needed," Dulat told the news agency.

#WATCH | Delhi: On his book on JKNC chief Farooq Abdullahs stand on Article 370, former R&AW Chief Amarjit Singh Dulat says, Two days before the abrogation was announced, on August 3, Dr Sahab, Omar Abdullah and their MP Justice Masoodi, they met the PM I asked Dr Sahab pic.twitter.com/M6sbiA3Fz0 ANI (@ANI) April 17, 2025

Dulat, a former IPS officer, who served both the Intelligence Bureau and RAW and has long experience of working in and on Kashmir, said that Abdullah disclosed the details after the Centre engaged him to talk to the NC leader while he was under house arrest.

No one in Kashmir supported the abrogation The matter was taken to the Supreme Court Why was so much force deployed? Entire Kashmir was shut down No one could have been in support of the abrogation, but the NC or any other Kashmiri would say that there could be more ways" he added.

A huge political storm grew on Wednesday after reports claimed that Dulats book mentioned that Farooq Abdullah privately backed the Centres move concerning Article 370. However, Dulat rejected the claim and said he is misquoted. Absolutely misquoted. Nothing like this happened."

He further said that his book is an appreciation and not a critique of the former Chief Minister.

Meanwhile, Farooq Abdullah strongly refuted the claims and called it a cheap stunt" to boost the sales of the top spys forthcoming memoir, set to release on April 18. The 87-year-old president of the party said this was a figment of imagination" of the author, insisting that both he and his son Omar Abdullah were detained for months at the time of the abrogation in August 2019 precisely because their opposition to the move was well known.

top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all On August 5, 2019, the BJP-led central government revoked J&Ks special status and divided it into two Union territories. After the law was passed in Parliament, Kashmir was placed under a security lockdown that lasted several weeks. Several prominent leaders, including the Abdullahs and PDP chief Mehbooba Mufti, were placed under house arrest.

About the Author Shobhit Gupta Shobhit Gupta is a sub-editor at News18.com and covers India and International news. He previously worked with Hindustan Times Digital (HTDS) and NDTV. He is interested in day to day political affairs in India ... Read More Shobhit Gupta is a sub-editor at News18.com and covers India and International news. He previously worked with Hindustan Times Digital (HTDS) and NDTV. He is interested in day to day political affairs in India ... Read More

First Published: April 17, 2025, 18:42 IST
'Will Stay With Rahul, My Husband...': UP Woman Who Eloped With Son-In-Law Makes Shocking Claims

Curated By :

Translation Desk

Last Updated: April 17, 2025, 12:07 IST

Aligarh police caught Anita and her son-in-law Rahul at the Nepal border after fleeing from Anita's abusive husband. Anita denied theft and wants to live with Rahul

Anita recounted that her husband accused her of inappropriate relations with her son-in-law and repeatedly urged her to run away with him. (News18 Hindi)

In a dramatic turn of events, the Aligarh police have apprehended the infamous mother-in-law and her prospective son-in-law from the Nepal border in Bihar after they had fled from Aligarh in Uttar Pradesh, ten days earlier.

Anita, the mother-in-law, made several shocking revelations to the police, disclosing the real reasons behind her decision to run away with her son-in-law, Rahul.

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Anita detailed the abuse and financial neglect she suffered at the hands of her husband, stating, I want to go with Rahul. My husband used to beat me and did not provide money for expenses."

She insisted that she had not married Rahul yet and left due to the unbearable conditions at home. She denied accusations of fleeing with cash and jewellery worth Rs 3.5 lakh, claiming she only took her mobile phone and Rs 200.

Anita painted a grim picture of her husbands behaviour, alleging that he was an alcoholic.

I wore anklets and a Mangalsutra. He drinks alcohol from morning till evening and stays at home for six months at a time, earning nothing. He hasnt been able to build a house for me. What can he possibly achieve in life? If he gives me Rs. 1,500, he demands an explanation, questioning where the money went and how I spent it," Anita said.

Anita recounted that her husband accused her of inappropriate relations with her son-in-law and repeatedly urged her to run away with him, which led to her eventual decision to leave.

My husband frequently accused me of speaking to my son-in-law, even suggesting an inappropriate relationship. He would often tell me to run away with him, despite my insistence that I would not engage with my son-in-law in that way. These accusations and demands became a daily torment, escalating into severe verbal abuse. Driven to despair by his actions, I made the difficult decision to leave him. Now, I am determined to move forward with my life and will remain with whomever enters it. I requent you to respect my decision and let me be," she said.

I will stay with Rahul. My husband should stay with the children. When we discovered that the Aligarh police were pursuing us, we returned. Where could we go to evade the police? Therefore, we came back. Regardless of whether I get divorced or not, I will stay with Rahul now," she further added.

After fleeing on April 6, the pair travelled from Aligarh to Kasganj, then to Bareilly, and eventually reached Muzaffarpur district in Bihar before making their way to the Nepal border.

Upon their return, Anita and Rahul presented themselves at the police station. Anita shared her ordeal, stating that her husbands continuous beatings and abuse forced her to leave. She expressed her desire to live with Rahul and denied taking anything from her home, countering her husbands accusations that she had taken her daughters wedding jewellery and money.

The case, which had attracted significant attention in Aligarh, saw Anitas husband demanding the return of his daughters wedding jewellery and money, expressing no intention of reconciling with Anita.

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Rahuls marriage was arranged to Anitas daughter. However, a romantic relationship developed between Rahul and his prospective mother-in-law, Anita. Subsequently, the pair absconded. Anitas family reported the incident to the police.

Location : Aligarh, India, India

First Published: April 17, 2025, 11:23 IST
Fatwa Against Tamil Actor Vijay For Allegedly Hosting 'Alcoholics' At Iftar Party, Defaming Muslims

Curated By :

News18.com

Last Updated: April 17, 2025, 09:28 IST

Maulana Shahabuddin Razvi issued a fatwa against actor and TVK chief Vijay Thalapathy, accusing him of insulting Muslims and inviting anti-social elements to an iftar party.

Vijay Thalapathy at his Iftar party (Video screengrab/ANI)

A fatwa has been issued against Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) party chief and actor Vijay Thalapathy after it was alleged he invited anti-social elements, including alcoholics and gamblers, to an iftar party that he hosted.

The fatwa against the actor was issued by the National President of All India Muslim Jamaat, Maulana Shahabuddin Razvi in Uttar Pradeshs Bareilly.

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Addressing the media, Maulana said Vijay, during his time in the film industry, downplayed Muslims as terrorists" and now wants to step in between the community to gain a political career.

There is a prominent personality from Tamil Nadu, named Vijay Thalapathy, who has formed a party called TVK. Now, he wants to transition from the film industry to politics," Maulana Razvi said.

During his time in the film industry, he portrayed Muslims as terrorists in several of his films, attempting to defame Muslims in various ways. Now, he is trying to present a political face and make his way into the Muslim community," he added.

He recently hosted an iftar party and invited gamblers, alcoholics, and other anti-social elements, which has irked the Muslim community in Tamil Nadu," he said.

#WATCH | Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam founder and chief Vijay hosts Iftar during Ramzan month, in Chennai pic.twitter.com/tmxP95wEME ANI (@ANI) March 7, 2025

Displaying a hard copy of the fatwa issued against Vijay, Maulana Razvi advised the Muslims of Tamil Nadu to not shake hands with the actor and not trust him.

Bareilly, Uttar Pradesh: National President of All India Muslim Jamaat, Maulana Shahabuddin Razvi has issued a fatwa against TVK party President and actor Vijay ThalapathyHe says, There is a prominent personality from Tamil Nadu named Vijay Thalapathy, who has formed a party pic.twitter.com/OHhEtDb4BS  IANS (@ians_india) April 16, 2025

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I urge the Muslims of Tamil Nadu to not shake hands with, meet, or empathise with actor Vijay. They should make their decisions wisely and know that actor Vijay cannot be trusted," he said.

About the Author Vani Mehrotra Vani Mehrotra is the Deputy News Editor at News18.com. She has nearly 10 years of experience in both national and international news and has previously worked on multiple desks. Vani Mehrotra is the Deputy News Editor at News18.com. She has nearly 10 years of experience in both national and international news and has previously worked on multiple desks.

First Published: April 17, 2025, 09:28 IST
From JD Vances Visit And Murshidabad Violence To QUAD And Kailash Mansarovar: MEA Briefs on Key Issues

Curated By :

News18.com

Last Updated: April 17, 2025, 17:20 IST

MEA spokesperson Jaiswal spoke on Choksis extradition, resumption of Kailash Mansarovar Yatra and PM Narendra Modis upcoming meeting with US Vice President JD Vance.

US Vice President JD Vance shakes hands with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi during a bilateral meeting, at the residence of the US Ambassador in Paris, France. (IMAGE: REUTERS FILE)

The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) on Thursday addressed a range of critical developments during its weekly press conference. The ministry spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal briefed the media on a range of issues, from the extradition efforts of fugitive businessman Mehul Choksi to updates on India-China air connectivity, US trade negotiations and recent comments made by Pakistan army chief.

Jaiswal responded to a wide set of questions touching upon diplomatic, security and consular issues.

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The spokesperson said that Prime Minister Narendra Modi and US Vice President JD Vance will hold a meeting soon as the US Vice President is set to visit India.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi is expected to meet US Vice President JD Vance soon. Both leaders will hold discussions on all issues in the bilateral relationship," the MEA said.

Speaking on US President Donald Trump tariff rollouts, the spokesperson said that discussions are being held to finalise a bilateral agreement. We are talking to the US side so that a bilateral trade agreement can be done," Jaiswal said.

As India prepares to host the Quadrilateral Security Dialogue (QUAD) Leaders Summit this year, the MEA said that the future of the multilateral forum is bright.

Jaiswal also answered queries raised by the reporters on the violence that has shaken West Bengals Murshidabad, leading to three deaths, many injured and deployment of central forces.

Responding to the queries about alleged Bangladeshi involvement in the recent Murshidabad violence, the MEA clarified that the status of foreign nationals, legal or illegal, resides under the purview of the Ministry of Home Affairs.

India-China Direct Flight Resumption Under Discussion

A technical-level dialogue is underway regarding the possible resumption of direct flights between India and China, Jaiswal informed.

Kailash Mansarovar Yatra to Resume Soon

The annual Kailash Mansarovar Yatra is likely to resume shortly, with additional information expected to be made public soon, the MEA spokesperson said.

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On Mehul Choksis Extradition

The MEA reiterated that India remains in close coordination with Belgian authorities to secure the extradition of Mehul Choksi. Based on our extradition request, he was arrested. We are working closely with the Belgian side to bring him back so he can face trial," said MEA Spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal.

About the Author Shankhyaneel Sarkar Shankhyaneel Sarkar is a senior subeditor at News18. He covers international affairs, where he focuses on breaking news to in-depth analyses. He has over five years of experience during which he has covered sev... Read More Shankhyaneel Sarkar is a senior subeditor at News18. He covers international affairs, where he focuses on breaking news to in-depth analyses. He has over five years of experience during which he has covered sev... Read More

First Published: April 17, 2025, 16:33 IST
Graham Staines Murder: Convict Mahendra Hembram Released From Jail After 25 Years

Last Updated: April 17, 2025, 20:11 IST

Mahendra Hembram, one of the convicts in the 1999 highprofile triple murder case of Australian missionary Graham Staines and his two minor sons, was released from Keonjhar jail in Odisha on Wednesday after serving 25 years.

Mahendra Hembram was released from Keonjhar jail in Odisha after serving 25 years.

Mahendra Hembram, one of the convicts in the 1999 high-profile triple murder case of Australian missionary Graham Staines and his two minor sons, was released from Keonjhar jail in Odisha on Wednesday after serving 25 years.

Now 50 years old, Hembram was released from the prison on grounds of good behaviour during his incarceration.

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"Hembram has been released following a decision by the State Sentence Review Board. The prison directorate informed about it in a letter on Tuesday. He has been released after 25 years because of good behaviour in accordance with the rules," said Jailer Manaswini Naik.

Jail authorities gave Hembram a cordial farewell, garlanding him as a mark of recognition for his good conduct during his prison term.

An official said Hembram was handed over a bank passbook, where his earnings from prison labour had been deposited.

"I spent 25 years in jail after being falsely implicated in an incident related to religious conversion. Today, I have been released," Hembram told reporters outside the jail.

Hembram and Dara Singh, alias Rabindra Pal Singh, were convicted of the brutal murders of Staines and his sons  Philip (10) and Timothy (6)  who were burned alive by a mob allegedly led by Singh on the night of January 21, 1999.

The victims were sleeping in a station wagon parked in front of a church in Keonjhar districts Manoharpur village, when the attack took place, triggering national and international outrage.

It was alleged that the Staines had spread straw over the vehicle to shield themselves from the cold, and the straw caught fire.

When they tried to escape, the mob  armed with lathis  prevented them from getting out, leading to their deaths. Their skeletal remains were later recovered.

A total of 14 persons, including Singh and Hembram, were accused in the gruesome case.

However, 12 of them were acquitted, while Singh and Hembram were sentenced to life imprisonment.

Hembram, hailing from Manoharpur village, was arrested in 1999, while Dara Singh was picked up on January 31, 2000, by then Mayurbhanj SP Y B Khurania, who is now the DGP.

Initially kept as an undertrial prisoner at Jharpada Jail in Bhubaneswar, Hembram was sentenced to life imprisonment on September 22, 2003.

Over the years, Hembram was incarcerated in several facilities, including Jharpada, Jamujhari Open Air Jail (Bhubaneswar), and jails in Cuttack, Berhampur, Baripada, Anandpur Sub-Jail, before being transferred to Keonjhar Jail on September 28, 2011. He remained there until his release.

During the trial at the CBI court in Bhubaneswar on February 1, 2002, Hembram reportedly lost mental composure and declared himself the sole culprit and claimed that others were innocent.

Trial started on March 1, 2001 at the District and Sessions Court in Khurda, which was designated as a CBI court.

Evidence against Dara Singh was confirmed when one of the accused persons, Dayanidhi Patra, told the trial court that he was present when he (Dara Singh) set fire to the vehicle.

The trial concluded on August 18, 2003, with Judge Mahendra Patnaik sentencing Dara Singh and 12 others, while acquitting Anirudha Dandapat, alias Andha Nayak, for lack of evidence.

On September 22, 2003, the court awarded Dara Singh the death penalty and sentenced 12 others to life imprisonment. However, in 2005, the Orissa High Court commuted Singhs death sentence to life imprisonment, a decision later upheld by the Supreme Court.

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Dara Singh, currently serving a life sentence, filed a mercy petition in the Supreme Court in August 2024 seeking release. Another mercy plea was also submitted to the President of India.

Meanwhile, on March 19, 2025, the Supreme Court directed the Odisha government to take a decision on the remission plea of a "repenting" Ravindra Pal alias Dara Singh, who continues to serve his sentence for the murders of Staines and his sons.

Location : Odisha (Orissa), India, India

First Published: April 17, 2025, 20:11 IST
India Among Worlds Top 10 Most Powerful Militaries, Pakistan Left Out

Curated By :

Translation Desk

Last Updated: April 17, 2025, 18:11 IST

The Global Firepower Index 2025 ranks the US as the top military power, followed by Russia, China, and India. Pakistan drops from ninth to twelfth place

The rankings are determined based on over 60 parameters such as defence technology, financial resources, logistics, geography and strategic positioning. (Representative/News18 Hindi)

The Global Firepower Index 2025 has published its latest ranking of the worlds most powerful military nations, with the United States claiming the top spot. The rankings, determined based on over 60 parameters such as defence technology, financial resources, logistics, geography, and strategic positioning, show significant changes this year.

Notably, Pakistan has fallen out of the top 10, dropping from ninth place last year to twelfth.

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1. United States: The US remains the worlds foremost military power, boasting cutting-edge technology and extensive resources. It commands a fleet of 13,043 military aircraft, 1,790 fighter jets, 889 dedicated attack aircraft, 5,843 helicopters (including 1,002 attack helicopters) and 4,640 tanks. Its naval and cyber warfare capabilities are unparalleled, and with global military bases and NATO alliances, the US maintains unchallenged dominance.

2. Russia: Despite substantial losses in the Ukraine conflict, Russia retains its second position, relying heavily on its nuclear arsenal and vast tank fleet. It possesses 4,292 military aircraft, 833 fighter jets, 689 dedicated attack aircraft and 5,750 tanks.

3. China: China ranks third with a substantial force of 2,035,000 soldiers and 3,309 military aircraft, including 1,221 fighters and 371 dedicated attack aircraft. It also has 6,800 tanks, 3,490 self-propelled artillery units, and 2,750 mobile rocket projectors, bolstering its strength. Chinas growing influence in the South China Sea and advancements in indigenous weapon development have significantly enhanced its military power.

4. India: India holds fourth place, recognised for its large army and strategic positioning. It has 1,455,550 soldiers, 2,229 military aircraft, including 513 fighters and 130 dedicated attack aircraft. Indias military strength is further supported by a fleet of 4,201 tanks and 293 naval ships, including 2 aircraft carriers, 18 submarines, 13 destroyers, and 14 frigates. Indigenous missile systems such as Agni and BrahMos enhance Indias regional dominance.

5. South Korea: South Korea ranks fifth, driven by the threat from North Korea to bolster its military capabilities. It has 600,000 soldiers, 1,592 military aircraft, 2,236 tanks, and 227 naval ships, including 2 helicopter carriers and 22 submarines. Advanced defence technology and support from the US contribute to its strength.

6. United Kingdom: The UK holds the sixth position with 184,860 soldiers and 631 military aircraft, including 113 fighters and 31 dedicated attack aircraft. Its arsenal includes 227 tanks and 109 naval ships, with 2 aircraft carriers and 9 submarines. The UKs significant role in global intelligence and NATO bolsters its military influence.

7. France: France has risen to seventh place from eleventh last year. It fields 200,000 soldiers, 976 military aircraft, including 226 fighters and 68 attack helicopters. Frances naval power includes 129 ships, 1 aircraft carrier, 3 helicopter carriers, and 9 submarines. Its military presence in Africa and the Indo-Pacific region enhances its strategic strength.

8. Japan: Japan has slipped to eighth from seventh place. It has 247,000 soldiers, 1,443 military aircraft, 521 tanks, and 159 naval ships, including 4 helicopter carriers and 24 submarines. Japans increased defence budget is a response to Chinas growing influence.

9. Turkey: Turkey is in ninth place with 355,200 soldiers and 1,083 military aircraft. It also has 2,238 tanks and 182 naval ships, including 1 helicopter carrier and 13 submarines. Turkeys indigenous drones and strategic role in the Middle East strengthen its military capacity.

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10. Italy: Italy rounds out the top ten with 165,500 soldiers and 729 military aircraft. Its military assets include 200 tanks and 196 naval ships, with 2 aircraft carriers and 8 submarines. Italys active participation in the European Union and NATO underscores its military importance.

Pakistans drop in ranking, attributed to economic challenges, outdated technology, and strategic weaknesses, has seen it fall to twelfth place from ninth last year.

First Published: April 17, 2025, 18:11 IST
India's Sharp Rebuttal To Gen Asim Munir's Kashmir Remark: 'Its Only Relation With Pakistan...'

Curated By :

News18.com Edited By: Oindrila Mukherjee



Last Updated: April 17, 2025, 16:51 IST

India strongly reacted to Pakistan army chief Gen Asim Munir's statement that Kashmir is Islamabad's "jugular vein" and will be so, and that Pakistan "won't forget it"

Pakistan Army chief General Asim Munir (Image Credit: Videograb)

India on Thursday said Jammu and Kashmir is a union territory of India and its only relation with Pakistan is vacation of illegally occupied territory by that country, in a strong reaction to the Pakistan army chief General Asim Munirs statement that Kashmir is Islamabads jugular vein".

Reacting to this, the ministry of external affairs said: How can anything foreign be in a jugular vein? This is a union territory of India. Its only relationship with Pakistan is the vacation of illegally occupied territories by that country."

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At the Overseas Pakistanis Convention in Islamabad earlier, Pakistan Chief of Army Staff (COAS) Gen Asim Munir said: Our stance is absolutely clear, it was our jugular vein, it will be our jugular vein, we will not forget it. We will not leave our Kashmiri brothers in their heroic struggle."

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Gen Munir also pushed the two-nation theory as he stressed that India and Pakistan are two different nations and Pakistanis are different from Hindus in terms of their culture, ideologies, and more. Our forefathers thought we are different from Hindus in every possible aspect of life. Our religions are different, our customs are different, our traditions are different, our thoughts are different, our ambitions are different. That was the foundation of the two-nation theory that was laid there. We are two nations, we are not one nation," he said.

He further said every Pakistani native should narrate the story of how the nation was born, to their children, and that the story of Pakistan should never be forgotten". You have to narrate Pakistans story to your children so that they dont forget it when our forefathers thought we were different from Hindus in every possible aspect of life," he added.

About the Author News Desk The News Desk is a team of passionate editors and writers who break and analyse the most important events unfolding in India and abroad. From live updates to exclusive reports to in-depth explainers, the Desk d... Read More The News Desk is a team of passionate editors and writers who break and analyse the most important events unfolding in India and abroad. From live updates to exclusive reports to in-depth explainers, the Desk d... Read More

First Published: April 17, 2025, 16:33 IST
'Judges Acting As Super-Parliament, Have No Accountability': VP Dhankhar's Strong Remarks On Judiciary

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Last Updated: April 17, 2025, 17:06 IST

VP Dhankhar's strong-worded statement on judiciary came days after SC set a deadline for the President and Governors to decide on a Bill. He also spoke about cash recovery at Delhi HC judge's house.

Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar slams judiciary (PTI Image)

Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar on Thursday made strong-worded remarks on the powers of the Supreme Court, stating that there cannot be a situation in a democracy where the courts direct the President.

His remarks came days after the Supreme Court, in a landmark judgment, set a deadline for the President and the Governors to give assent to legislation.

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Addressing the 6th batch of Rajya Sabha interns, Dhankhar spoke at a stretch about the massive cash haul from the residence of Delhi High Court judge Yashwant Varma, slamming the judiciarys response to the controversy.

An event happened on the night of March 14 and 15 in New Delhi, at the residence of a judge. For seven days, no one knew about it. We have to ask questions to ourselves. Is the delay explainable? Condonable? Does it not raise certain fundamental questions? In any ordinary situation, and ordinary situations define the rule of law  things would have been different. It was only on March 21, disclosed by a newspaper, that people of the country were shocked as never before," Dhankhar said, recalling the row that shook the country.

Parliament cannot script a judgement of a court. Parliament can only legislate and hold institutions, including Judiciary and Executive, accountable.Judgement writing, adjudication, is the sole prerogative of Judiciary, as much as legislation is that of the Parliament. But pic.twitter.com/FTy767hzDo  Vice-President of India (@VPIndia) April 17, 2025

Thereafter, fortunately, in the public domain, we had input from an authoritative source, the Supreme Court of India. And the input indicated culpability. Input did not lead to doubt that something was amiss. Something required to be investigated. Now the nation waits with bated breath. The nation is restive because one of our institutions, to which people have always looked up with highest respect and deference, was put in the dock," he said.

He underlined that no FIR has been registered against Justice Varma even after the recovery of cash during the fire department operation to douse the fire at his residence and noted that a case can be filed against anyone in the country, but a special permission is required if a judge has to be booked.

An FIR in this country can be registered against anyone, any Constitutional functionary, including the one before you. One has only to activate the rule of law. No permission is required. But if it is the Judges, their category, the FIR cannot be registered straightaway. It has to be approved by the concerned in the Judiciary, but that is not given in the Constitution," he said.

The Constitution of India has accorded immunity from prosecution only to the Honourable President and the Honourable Governors. So, how come a category beyond the law has secured this immunity? Because the ill effects of this are being felt in the minds of one and all. Every Indian, young and old, is deeply concerned. If the event had taken place at his house, the speed would have been an electronic rocket. Now it is not even a cattle cart," the Vice President highlighted.

               ?           ,      There was a survey conducted recently by a media house that indicated that public confidence in the institution of Judiciary is dwindling. It pic.twitter.com/DjuCS8WYTL  Vice-President of India (@VPIndia) April 17, 2025

Dhankhar said that the investigation is the domain of the Executive and asked why a committee of three judges has been formed to inquire into the cash recovery case. He further asked if the committee had been sanctioned under any law enacted by the Parliament.

No. And what can the committee do? The committee can at most make a recommendation. Recommendation to whom? And for what? The kind of mechanism we have for judges, the only action finally that can be taken is by the Parliament. When proceedings of removal are initiated, a month has passed, more than that, and investigation requires speed, expedition, and preservation of incriminating material. As a citizen of the country and holding the position that I do, I am concerned. Are we not diluting the rule of law?" the VP asked.

The Vice President referred to the Supreme Court judgment on the Presidents domain to give assent to a Bill and asked if the judges would act as super-parliament".

There is a directive to the President by a recent judgment. Where are we heading? What is happening in the country? We have to be extremely sensitive. It is not a question of someone filing a review or not. We never bargained for democracy on this day. The President is called upon to decide in a time-bound manner, and if not, it becomes law. So we have judges who will legislate, who will perform executive functions, who will act as super-parliament, and absolutely have no accountability because the law of the land does not apply to them," he said.

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He said that Article 142 of the Constitution has become a nuclear missile against Democratic forces" for the judiciary.

We cannot have a situation where you direct the President of India, and on what basis? The only right you have under the Constitution is to interpret the Constitution under Article 145(3). There, it has to be five judges or more. Article 142, Article 142 has become a nuclear missile against Democratic forces, available to the judiciary 247", Dhankhar added.

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 17, 2025, 15:18 IST
Kerala Lottery Results LIVE: Karunya Plus KN-569 Winners For April 17, 2025 Soon; First Prize Rs 80 Lakh!

Published By :

Trending Desk

Last Updated: April 17, 2025, 09:00 IST

Kerala Lottery Result Guessing Numbers: Check the Live Updates and full list of winning numbers for Karunya Plus KN-569 lucky draw for Thursday, April 17, 2025 here from 3 pm.

Kerala Lottery Karunya Plus KN-569 Results: The first prize winner of Karunya Plus KN-569 will get Rs 80 lakh. (Image: Shutterstock)

KERALA LOTTERY KARUNYA PLUS KN-569 RESULT ON THURSDAY, 17.4.2025, LIVE UPDATES: The Kerala State Lottery Department will announce the Karunya Plus KN-569 lottery results on Thursday, April 17. The draw is scheduled for 3 PM at Gorky Bhavan, near Bakery Junction in Thiruvananthapuram. The first prize winner will take home 80 lakh, while the second and third prizes are worth 10 lakh and 1 lakh, respectively. To ensure transparency and fairness, the draw will be conducted under the supervision of an independent panel of judges. Check the Live Updates and Full List of Winning Numbers here from 3 pm.

KERALA LOTTERY KARUNYA PLUS KN-569 GUESSING NUMBERS

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0289 0298 0829 0892

0928 0982 2089 2098

2809 2890 2908 2980

8029 8092 8209 8290

8902 8920 9028 9082

9208 9280 9802 9823

KARUNYA PLUS KN-569 LOTTERY: PRIZE STRUCTURE

1st Prize: Rs 80 Lakh

2nd Prize: Rs. 10 Lakh

3rd Prize: Rs. 1 Lakh

4th Prize: Rs. 5,000

5th Prize: Rs. 1,000

6th Prize: Rs. 500

7th Prize: Rs. 100

Consolation Prize: Rs. 8,000

FULL LIST OF WINNING NUMBERS FOR KARUNYA PLUS KN-569

WINNING NUMBER FOR 1ST PRIZE OF RS 80 LAKH IS: To be updated

WINNING NUMBER FOR 2ND PRIZE OF RS 10 LAKH IS: To be updated

WINNING NUMBER FOR 3RD PRIZE OF RS 1 LAKH ARE: To be updated

WINNING NUMBERS FOR CONSOLATION PRIZE OF RS 8,000 ARE: To be updated

WINNING NUMBERS FOR 4TH PRIZE OF RS 5,000 ARE: To be updated

WINNING NUMBERS FOR 5TH PRIZE OF RS 1,000 ARE: To be updated

WINNING NUMBERS FOR 6TH PRIZE OF RS 500 ARE: To be updated

WINNING NUMBERS FOR 7TH PRIZE OF RS 100 ARE: To be updated

HOW TO CHECK KARUNYA PLUS KN-569 RESULTS?

To check the Kerala Karunya Plus KN-569 lottery results, you can visit the official website of the Kerala Lottery Department atwww.keralalottery.info. Additionally, the winning numbers can be confirmed in person at the Kerala Government Gazette office. For accurate and detailed information, it is recommended to reach out to the Kerala Lottery Department through their official communication channels.

HOW TO CLAIM YOUR PRIZE MONEY?

Participants can match their ticket numbers with the winning numbers published in the Kerala Government Gazette. If a match is found, they are entitled to claim the corresponding prize.

Winners must claim their prize within 30 days from the date the results are announced by visiting the Kerala Lottery Office in Thiruvananthapuram. To complete the claim process, both the original winning ticket and valid identification must be presented for verification.

DOCUMENTS REQUIRED TO CLAIM PRIZE MONEY?

A self-attested photocopy of the winning lottery ticket (both front and back). Passport-sized photographs signed and verified by a Gazetted officer. A signed copy of the participants PAN card. A completed prize claim form for the award money, with a revenue stamp affixed. Valid identity proof documents such as PAN card, Aadhaar card, Voter ID, or Ration card.

HOW TO DOWNLOAD A PDF WITH A FULL LIST OF WINNING NUMBERS?

Visit the official Kerala Lottery Department website at www.keralalotteries.info or keralalotteryresult.net.

Find and click on the link for the Karunya Plus KN-569 Result.

The winning numbers will be displayed on the result page.

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Look for the download link on the webpage.

Click on the link to download the lottery results in PDF format.

About the Author News Desk The News Desk is a team of passionate editors and writers who break and analyse the most important events unfolding in India and abroad. From live updates to exclusive reports to in-depth explainers, the Desk d... Read More The News Desk is a team of passionate editors and writers who break and analyse the most important events unfolding in India and abroad. From live updates to exclusive reports to in-depth explainers, the Desk d... Read More

Location : Thiruvananthapuram [Trivandrum], India, India

First Published: April 17, 2025, 09:00 IST
Left With Just The Clothes On Our Body: Murshidabad Violence Victims Now Refugees In Their Own Land

Reported By :

CNN-News18 Edited By: Apoorva Misra



Last Updated: April 17, 2025, 13:09 IST

Hundreds of Hindus from violence-hit villages fled to Malda and are now residing in temporary shelters or camps in the area, unsure of what the future holds for them

Surajit Mondal said his life savings of Rs 1 lakh were snatched from him. (News18)

Surajit Mondal and many like him are now refugees in their own land. Displaced from their homes overnight in the aftermath of the communal violence in Murshidabad, the Hindu survivors" were forced to cross a river and are now staying in a Malda school, trying to forget the nightmare they lived through.

Murshidabad witnessed violent protests against the Waqf Amendment Bill 2025 on April 11 and 12. The demonstrations soon escalated into clashes, leaving at least three people dead and several injured, with several outfits calling the attacks pre-planned" and targeted against Hindus". On April 14, fresh incidents of violence rocked Bhangar area in West Bengals South 24 Parganas district even as police claimed the law and order situation in Murshidabad remained largely under control.

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Mondal, who was waiting outside the gates of the West Bengal Police headquarters to meet the DG, told News18: We have come here for justice. The BJP helped us to come here but we cant forget that day. I am a daily labourer but I also go out for work in other districts for money. That evening, people started attacking us. They suddenly entered our house and looted us. Their faces were covered but some of them were locals. I had more than Rs 1 lakh, my whole lifes savings, and it was snatched away from me. There was no police presence. How do you expect us to stay put in our villages? We left with just the clothes on our body."

Along with Mondal, hundreds of Hindus from violence-hit villages fled to Malda and are now residing in temporary shelters or camps in the area.

News18 also spoke to Jayanti Ghosh who left Dhuliyan on Friday evening. They looted everything and set our house on fire. I have young children and want to go back. We want the BSF to be deployed. Some people went back but are now keen to return to the relief camp. The government should help us."

Sukanto Majumdar, BJP state president, trained his guns on West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee and said: See, these people are saying BSF saved them. Today, Banerjee said the BSF has allowed infiltrators to enter Bengal. Did she say this because they saved Hindus?"

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After a meeting with DGP Rajiv Kumar, Majumdar said: We did not find the conversation promising. There is a big question mark on the future of Hindu children. The high court should take cognisance of the issue and order the setting up of a permanent BSF camp in the region. Even the Supreme Court has talked about the problem." Majumdar will go to the Raj Bhawan on Thursday with the victims of Murshidabad violence.

On Wednesday, the Supreme Court too had expressed concerns over the violence in West Bengals Murshidabad and South 24 Parganas. To intensify the probe into the incidents of murders, looting, arson and rioting, special investigation teams (SIT) have been constituted comprising officials from the Criminal Investigation Department (CID), Special Task Force (STF) and Intelligence Bureau (IB).

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

Location : Maldah, India, India

First Published: April 17, 2025, 13:09 IST
Maharashtra To Cast Welfare Net Wider As 12 Lakh Fishermen Likely To Get 'Farmer' Status | Exclusive

Reported By :

News18.com

Last Updated: April 17, 2025, 06:00 IST

The initiative stems from the understanding that both agriculture and fishing are professions deeply dependent on nature. While multiple welfare schemes exist for farmers, fishermen have often remained outside such frameworks

Fishermen will also become eligible for benefits under government insurance schemes and compensation in the event of natural calamities, like what farmers currently receive. Representational image/PTI

The Maharashtra government is working on a policy to grant farmer" status to 12 lakh fishermen across the state. According to sources within the fisheries department, the draft policy is in the final phase of administrative approval. Once it receives the green signal from the finance department and the chief ministers office (CMO), it will be tabled before the state cabinet for final approval, likely within the coming week.

Sources revealed that the policy, once approved, will benefit all 12 lakh inland and marine fishermen in the state. If passed, Maharashtra will become the first state in the country to implement such a policy. Although Andhra Pradesh had previously worked on a similar plan, it never received final approvals and remained only on paper.

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The initiative stems from the understanding that both agriculture and fishing are professions deeply dependent on nature. While multiple welfare schemes exist for farmers, fishermen have often remained outside such frameworks. Granting them the status of farmer" would allow them to access central and state government schemes that are currently exclusive to the agricultural sector.

During the last budget session of the Maharashtra assembly, minister Nitesh Rane had expressed his intention to introduce such a policy. Then-deputy chief minister Devendra Fadnavis had also given in-principle approval as part of the governments Under 100 Days" programme.

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The biggest benefit of this policy is that fishermen will be able to secure bank loans to upgrade their boats from wooden to fibre or electric models, reducing their dependence on private moneylenders. The government will need to bear an annual expense of Rs 70 to Rs 80 crore for this initiative," said a government source.

Fishermen will also become eligible for benefits under government insurance schemes and compensation in the event of natural calamities, like what farmers currently receive. The fisheries department is also planning to promote seaweed cultivation among fishermen. This will help generate alternative income during the monsoon season when marine fishing is prohibited. In addition, there is a renewed focus on enhancing inland fishing capacities. To this end, the department is conducting meetings with fishermen across all districts to develop a roadmap for increasing inland fish production.

About the Author Mayuresh Ganapatye Mayuresh Ganapatye, News Editor at News18.com, writes on politics and civic issues, as well as human interests stories. He has been covering Maharashtra and Goa for more than a decade. He previously worked with... Read More Mayuresh Ganapatye, News Editor at News18.com, writes on politics and civic issues, as well as human interests stories. He has been covering Maharashtra and Goa for more than a decade. He previously worked with... Read More

First Published: April 17, 2025, 06:00 IST
New Meerut Shocker: Man Who Died Of 10 Snakebites Was Murdered By Wife And Her Lover

Curated By :

Translation Desk

Last Updated: April 17, 2025, 16:08 IST

In Meerut, a labourer was recently found dead at his home, initially thought to be from a snakebite. A post-mortem revealed he was strangled by his wife and her lover.

The woman and her lover purchased a snake for Rs 1,000 and released it onto Amit's body.

In a chilling reminder of the dark undercurrents rippling through domestic relationships across the country, another brutal case of spousal murder has emerged from Akbarpur village of in Uttar Pradeshs Meerut district. This follows a disturbing trend of sensational spouse-killing cases, including the now infamous Merchant Navy murder case in Meerut where the accused and her lover encased her husbands body in a drum filled with cement.

In the latest case, a woman from, aided by her lover, allegedly orchestrated the murder of her husband in a manner so cold-blooded that even investigators were left shaken. The victim, identified as Amit, a daily wage labourer from Meeruts Bahsuma police station area, was found dead under mysterious circumstances on his bed. At first glance, it appeared to be a tragic case of snakebite, a narrative reinforced by a disturbing viral video showing a snake repeatedly striking the motionless body.

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However, when police sent the body for a post-mortem, the truth unraveled with harrowing clarity. The forensic report revealed that Amit had been strangled before the snake bites were inflicted, suggesting the venomous creature had been used not as a weapon of chance but as a tool to conceal murder.

When the police interrogated Amits wife, Ravita, she admitted to have conspired Amits murder with the help of her lover, identified as Amardeep. On the night of the murder, while Amit slept, the duo allegedly strangled him. To fabricate a natural cause of death and divert suspicion, they reportedly purchased a snake for Rs 1,000 and released it onto Amits body. The snake was coerced to bite the lifeless man multiple times to simulate a fatal snakebite.

Both Ravita and Amardeep have been arrested. The Meerut police say the investigation is ongoing and additional forensic analysis is underway to strengthen the case. The viral video, now circulating widely, is also being examined as potential evidence of premeditation.

The case bears grim echoes of the Muskan Rastogi-Saurabh Rajput murder case in the same district, where the victims wife, Muskan, reportedly murdered her husband with the help of her lover and entombed his body in a blue plastic drum, filled with cement in an attempt to permanently erase evidence. The brazen nature of that crime had sent shockwaves across Uttar Pradesh, and now, with this new revelation, fears of a disturbing pattern are growing.

Another similar bizarre and cold-blooded murder case in recent years was the Uthra murder case from Kerala, where a man used a live cobra to kill his wife in her sleep. The murder occurred on May 7, 2020, in which the accused Sooraj S Kumar killed his 25-year-old wife, Uthra, by poisoning her and then releasing a venomous cobra in her bedroom while she slept at her parents home in Anchal. The snake bit her fatally, and Sooraj attempted to pass it off as a tragic accident. On October 13, 2021, the Additional Sessions Court in Kollam sentenced Sooraj to life imprisonment for the murder and also imposed a Rs 5 lakh fine on him.

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Interestingly, Uthra had previously survived a snakebite in March that same year, when she was bitten by a Russells viper while recovering at Soorajs family home. That incident, too, was later proven to have been a deliberate act of attempted murder.

The country has been gripped by a series of similarly shocking incidents in recent months, from spouses vanishing without trace to grisly discoveries that point to cold, calculated murders. In Meerut itself, the Saurabh Rajput murder case had only just begun to fade from the headlines before this fresh horror pulled it all back into public focus.

Location : Meerut, India, India

First Published: April 17, 2025, 13:19 IST
Punes Chitale Bandhu Mithaiwale Brand Misused To Sell Fake Bakarwadi, Local Shop Owner Booked

Curated By :

News18.com

Last Updated: April 17, 2025, 19:18 IST

According to the FIR, the counterfeit product, bearing the details of Chitale Bandhu Mithaiwale was also allegedly sold online on e-commerce platforms.

The counterfeit bakarwadi packets were allegedly displayed for sale. (Representative image)

Punes famous sweet brand, Chitale Bandhu Mithaiwale, has filed a case against a local shop owner for allegedly selling Bakarwadi, a Maharashtrian snack, under a deceptively similar brand name.

The city police booked Pramod Prabhakar Chitale, proprietor of Chitale Sweet Home in the Sadashiv Peth area, for allegedly misusing the brands name and selling the fake snack carrying the authorised email ID, customer care number, manufacturing and contact details of the brand, as per the media reports.

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According to the FIR, the counterfeit product, bearing the details of Chitale Bandhu Mithaiwale was also allegedly sold online on e-commerce platforms.

The complaint said that in the last one year, the prominent shop received several complaints about bakarwadi being sold under the brand name but not matching the quality.

On procuring the product from the market, we found key differences in packaging, while the credentials printed on it falsely linked it to our company. Our lab testsconfirmed a clear difference between our original product and this imitation. The lookalike packet carries Chitale Sweet Home in Marathi, along with Puneri Special Bakarwadi and a photograph of the snack," the complaint said as reported by Hindustan Times.

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The Vishrambag police station registered a case against Prabhakar Chitale under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhitas sections 318(2) (cheating) and 350 (making a false mark upon any receptacle containing goods) and the Information Technology Acts sections 66C and 66D (identity theft), based on the complaint of the personal secretary of Indraneel Chitale, one of the partners of Chitale Bandhu Mithaiwale.

The complainant said counterfeit bakarwadi packets displayed for sale at Chitale Sweet Home resembled the original ones. The fake product was allegedly promoted through online and offline marketing, causing financial losses and damage to the original brand.

About the Author Shobhit Gupta Shobhit Gupta is a sub-editor at News18.com and covers India and International news. He previously worked with Hindustan Times Digital (HTDS) and NDTV. He is interested in day to day political affairs in India ... Read More Shobhit Gupta is a sub-editor at News18.com and covers India and International news. He previously worked with Hindustan Times Digital (HTDS) and NDTV. He is interested in day to day political affairs in India ... Read More

First Published: April 17, 2025, 19:18 IST
'Students Should Not Suffer': SC Grants Interim Relief To Sacked Bengal Teachers Of Classes 912

Curated By :

News18.com

Last Updated: April 17, 2025, 14:05 IST

The Supreme Court set the deadline for the selection of new teachers in West Bengal government schools.

Supreme Court of India (Photo: Shutterstock, PTI)

The Supreme Court on Thursday allowed the assistant teachers of Classes 9 to 12 in West Bengal, who lost their jobs earlier this month after the courts verdict in the 2016 recruitment scam, to continue teaching till the new appointments are made to the posts.

However, the relief was only for those teachers whose names were not linked to irregularities during the probe of the appointments made in 2016.

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The top court, however, set a December 31 deadline for the West Bengal School Service Commission (WBSSC) to complete the recruitment process. Chief Justice of India Sanjiv Khanna ordered the WBSSC to release the advertisements for the new recruitments by May 31 and said that the selection process must end by December 31.

We are inclined to accept the prayer made in the application in so far as it relates to the assistant teachers of classes 9 and 10 and classes 11 and 12. Subject to the following conditions that the advertisement for fresh recruitment shall be out by May 31 and the exam, including the entire process, shall be done by December 31," the court said.

The state government and the commission shall file an affidavit in or before May 31, enclosing the ad copy as well as the schedule so as to ensure the completion of the recruitment process by December 31. In case the ad is not published as directed, appropriate orders shall be passed, including imposition of costs," the CJI said.

However, the interim relief is only for the teaching staff and not the non-teaching staff who were among over 25,000 state government employees whose appointments were cancelled by the Supreme Courts order to uphold the Calcutta High Court verdict on April 7.

We are not inclined to accept the prayers of Group C and D employees, as the number of established tainted candidates is higher in number. What has prompted us to pass this order for untainted assistant teachers is that students undergoing studies should not suffer on account of the order passed by this court," the court noted.

The top courts decision comes amid a crisis in many West Bengal government schools, where numerous teachers were kicked out due to the Supreme Courts verdict. The WBSSC and the Mamata Banerjee government had urged the apex court for relief after the resignations of teachers disrupted the classes.

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The Supreme Court, in its April 7 order, had said that the entire selection process was vitiated".

In our opinion, this is a case wherein the entire selection process has been vitiated and tainted beyond resolution," the court had said.

About the Author Ashesh Mallick Ashesh Mallick is a Sub-Editor with over three years of experience in news writing, video production. He primarily covers national news, politics and global affairs. You can follow him on Twitter: @MallickAshes... Read More Ashesh Mallick is a Sub-Editor with over three years of experience in news writing, video production. He primarily covers national news, politics and global affairs. You can follow him on Twitter: @MallickAshes... Read More

First Published: April 17, 2025, 13:29 IST
Tahawwur Rana Extradition A Reminder To Pakistan; Working Closely With Belgium On Mehul Choksi: MEA

Curated By :

News18.com

Last Updated: April 17, 2025, 16:58 IST

While addressing the weekly media briefing, MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said that the neighbouring country's reputation of being as the epicentre of global terrorism won't diminish.

26/11 accused Tahawwur rana and fugitive businessman Mehul Choski. (File)

The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) on Thursday hailed the extradition of Tahawwur Rana, a key accused in Mumbais 26/11 terror attacks and said that the extradition served as a reminder to Pakistan to bring to justice other perpetrators of the terror attacks, whom it continues to protect.

While addressing the weekly media briefing, MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said that the neighbouring countrys reputation of being as the epicentre of global terrorism wont diminish.

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Pakistan may try very hard, but its reputation as the epicentre of global terrorism will not diminish. The extradition of Rana serves as a reminder to Pakistan that it needs to bring to justice other perpetrators of the Mumbai attacks, whom it continues to shield" he said as quoted by news agency ANI.

#WATCH | On 26/11 Mumbai attacks accused Tahawwur Ranas extradition to India, MEA Spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal says, Pakistan may try very hard, but its reputation as the epicentre of global terrorism will not diminish. The extradition of Rana serves as a reminder to Pakistan pic.twitter.com/niskEFp0iA ANI (@ANI) April 17, 2025

Pakistan-born Canadian citizen Tahawwur Hussain Rana, 64, who played a key role in the devastating 26/11 terror attacks, was brought to India from the US in a special chartered Gulfstream G550 aircraft last week.

The NIA team had travelled to the US after the countrys Supreme Court dismissed Ranas review plea seeking an emergency stay on his extradition to India. Rana was remanded to 18-day National Investigation Agency (NIA) custody in a late night court decision.

Rana, identified as one of the masterminds of the deadly 26/11 attacks, has been charged with criminal conspiracy, waging war against the government of India, murder and forgery and under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act.

The MEA spokesperson further spoke about fugitive businessman Mehul Choksis arrest in Belgium and possible extradition to India.

While addressing the briefing, Jaiswal said that India is working closely with the Belgium to extradite Choksi to New Delhi.

Based on our extradition request, he was arrested. We are working closely with the Belgium side on his extradition," he said.

#WATCH | On fugitive Mehul Choksis arrest, MEA Spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal says, Based on our extradition request, he was arrested. We are working closely with the Belgium side on his extradition." pic.twitter.com/MnmUKK8zLI ANI (@ANI) April 17, 2025

Mehul Choksi, who has been on the run from Indian authorities after his alleged massive financial scam, was arrested in Belgium earlier on Sunday.

Choksi was reportedly living in Belgiums Antwerp with his wife, Preeti Choksi, who is a Belgian citizen, after securing an F Residency Card in the country. The fugitive diamantaire, who is wanted in connection with the infamous Punjab National Bank (PNB) fraud case, was granted residency in Belgium on November 15, 2023.

As per the sources, a multi-agency team would likely visit Belgium ahead of Choksis bail hearing next week. The team could include CBI and ED officers, MEA officials and international law experts, sources said.

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Top CBI officials told CNN-News18 that a team from the agency will be in Belgium next week to push for Choksis extradition. A CBI team will be there in due course as the hearing begins in Belgium," a senior officer said.

(With inputs from ANI)

About the Author Shobhit Gupta Shobhit Gupta is a sub-editor at News18.com and covers India and International news. He previously worked with Hindustan Times Digital (HTDS) and NDTV. He is interested in day to day political affairs in India ... Read More Shobhit Gupta is a sub-editor at News18.com and covers India and International news. He previously worked with Hindustan Times Digital (HTDS) and NDTV. He is interested in day to day political affairs in India ... Read More

First Published: April 17, 2025, 16:58 IST
'Trying To Be Global Defender Of Muslim Causes: India Slams Pakistan Army Chiefs Nod To 'Two-Nation' Theory | Exclusive

Reported By :

CNN-News18 Edited By: Apoorva Misra



Last Updated: April 17, 2025, 13:33 IST

Top government sources said Munirs statements are strategically timed with India's Waqf Act amendment and ongoing protests to amplify communal narratives that paint India as hostile to Muslims

Government sources said General Munir aims to rally a united Muslim bloc against India, calling upon radical elements, extremists, and terrorists to launch attacks. (Video Screengrab)

Pakistan Army chief General Asim Munirs peddling of the two-nation theory and statements such as Pakistanis are different" from Hindus show he is deeply frustrated" and determined to prove himself as a general in a failing state", top Indian government sources have told CNN-News18.

Munirs recent anti-Hindu statements should be viewed within the context of domestic politics, regional tensions, and the timing of Indias Waqf Act amendments. He aims to rally a united Muslim bloc against India, calling upon radical elements, extremists, and terrorists to launch attacks. This call to action is intended to motivate Pakistans homegrown terror groups like Lashkar and Jaish to target India and Hindu forces," the sources said.

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They added: Munirs narrative hinges on highlighting Hindu-Muslim civilisational differences and positioning Pakistan as a leader in this divide. By portraying India as a persecutor of Muslims, he seeks to undermine Indias global standing. This strategy also serves to divert attention from internal crises, such as the insurgency in Balochistan, by framing India as a significant threat."

The sources also said that by accusing India of illegally occupying Kashmir", Munir aligns Pakistans military posture with global Muslim solidarity, mirroring his support for Palestinians in Gaza. This comes at a time when Pakistans governance failures are becoming increasingly public. Munir is trying to position himself as a global defender of Muslim causes."

The government sources said Munirs statements are strategically timed with Indias Waqf Act amendment and ongoing protests to amplify communal narratives that paint India as hostile to Muslims". Leveraging the Waqf tensions, Munir aims to undermine Indias secular image while encouraging Islamist groups in India and Bangladesh. Domestically, he seeks to consolidate his position within an environment where an army chiefs tenure is coterminous with the elected government. His rhetoric also strengthens the militarys role by appealing to radical voters and religious groups."

Moreover, Munirs statements are part of a broader geopolitical strategy, reaching out to Bangladesh by resuming rice imports and initiating high-level visits."

WHAT DID MUNIR SAY?

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Munir, while addressing the Overseas Pakistanis Convention in Islamabad on Wednesday, said every Pakistani native should tell their children how the nation was born. You have to narrate Pakistans story to your children so that they dont forget it when our forefathers thought we were different from Hindus in every possible aspect of life," Munir said at the event.

The army chief also vowed to crack down on terrorists in Balochistan and termed it the destiny of Pakistan", stating that even 10 generations of terrorists cannot harm Balochistan and Pakistan".

About the Author Manoj Gupta Group Editor, Investigations & Security Affairs, Network18 Group Editor, Investigations & Security Affairs, Network18

First Published: April 17, 2025, 13:28 IST
Varanasi Rape Case: SIT Formed After Families Of Accused Allege Inconsistencies In Woman's Account

Curated By :

News18.com

Last Updated: April 17, 2025, 22:55 IST

Varanasi Police Commissioner Mohit Agarwal said the arrest of the remaining suspects has been paused till the SIT completes its probe

Police said CCTV footage have purportedly shown the girl riding a bike during the time period of the alleged gang rape. (PTI file photo)

Families of several accused in the alleged gang-rape of a woman in Varanasi have claimed there are inconsistencies in the survivors account and have informed the police on Thursday. In response, a six-member Special Investigation Team (SIT), led by a Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP)-rank officer, has been formed to investigate the case and look into both sets of allegations.

According to the womans complaint, she was sexually assaulted by 23 men at various locations between 29 March and 4 April. Based on this, police began searching for the accused and have arrested 14 people so far.

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However, after families of several accused raised doubts about her claims, Varanasi Police Commissioner Mohit Agarwal said the arrest of the remaining suspects has been paused till the SIT completes its investigation.

The Varanasi police chief stated that the SIT will submit a comprehensive report within 30 days. No one  the survivor, or the accused  will face injustice," he added.

Accuseds families memorandum

In a memorandum submitted to police, some of the accuseds families alleged that the woman had demanded money in exchange for removing certain names from her complaint. They also questioned why she did not seek help during the alleged assault and continued to post videos and photos on social media, where she appeared to be laughing and roaming around".

The accuseds families further pointed out that although the survivor initially named 23 men, she only identified nine during her court testimony, suggesting possible coercion or manipulation.

Investigators have said that CCTV footage purportedly shows the girl riding a bike during the time period mentioned in her gang-rape complaint.

Agarwal also confirmed that when police first found the woman, she neither mentioned rape nor asked to return home. Only after a lengthy conversation with the officers did she agree to go back to her family," he said.

The case drew national attention after Prime Minister Narendra Modi was briefed on the matter during his visit to Varanasi last week. He instructed officials to take the strictest possible action" against those found guilty.

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Notably, PM Modi has been the elected Member of Parliament (MP) from Varanasi for three consecutive terms.

(With inputs from PTI)

About the Author News Desk The News Desk is a team of passionate editors and writers who break and analyse the most important events unfolding in India and abroad. From live updates to exclusive reports to in-depth explainers, the Desk d... Read More The News Desk is a team of passionate editors and writers who break and analyse the most important events unfolding in India and abroad. From live updates to exclusive reports to in-depth explainers, the Desk d... Read More

Location : Varanasi, India, India

First Published: April 17, 2025, 22:27 IST
Centre To Maintain Status Quo On Waqf Appointments, File Supreme Court Response In A Week

Reported By :

News18.com Edited By: Vani Mehrotra



Last Updated: April 17, 2025, 15:25 IST

The Centre told the Supreme Court it won't act on key provisions of the Waqf Act for now and said it would submit a response in a week. The court set May 5 for the next hearing.

Visitors outside the Supreme Court of India, in New Delhi (Photo: PTI)

The Centre on Thursday told the Supreme Court that key provisions of the Waqf (Amendment) Act, 2025, including the inclusion of non-Muslims in the Central Waqf Council and Waqf Boards and provisions on de-notifying properties declared as Waqf by courts, will not be acted upon for the time being.

Meanwhile, the Supreme Court granted the government seven days to file its response on petitions for a stay of the provisions of the Act.

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Petitioners can file their rejoinder within five days after that, the court said.

The matter will be heard again on May 5 to decide on the interim prayer.

The judgment came as a three-judge Bench of Chief Justice of India Sanjiv Khanna and Justices PV Sanjay Kumar and KV Viswanathan recorded the assurance given by Solicitor General Tushar Mehta in this regard.

The order was passed in a slew of petitions challenging the constitutional validity of the Waqf (Amendment) Act, 2025.

During the course of the hearing, SG Mehta states that the respondents would like to file a short reply within seven days and assured that till the next date, no appointment shall take place to the board and councils under the 2025 Act," the courts order stated.

He also assures that Waqfs, including Waqf by user, already declared by notification or gazetted, their status shall not be changed," it stated.

The hearing on the next date will only be for directions and interim orders, if any," the bench said.

LEADERS REACT TO COURT ORDER

Commenting on the Waqf Act hearing in the Supreme Court, AIMIM MP Asaduddin Owaisi said his party considers the Act unconstitutional" and said his legal battle against the law would continue.

We consider this Act unconstitutional. The court has said that the Central Waqf Council and the State Waqf Council will not be constituted, and Waqf by user cannot be deleted. Our legal battle against this Act will continue," Owaisi said.

Aam Aadmi Party leader Amanatullah Khan said his party was satisfied with the judgment as the Centre told the court that properties under Waqf-by-user will continue to be there with Waqf.

I am thankful to the Supreme Court, judges and advocates who rose above religion and helped us in protecting our country. We are satisfied with the decision as the central government said in the court that properties under Waqf-by-user will continue to be there with Waqf, and there will be no interference in the members of the Waqf board," Khan said.

Also speaking to the media, Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) chief Mehbooba Mufti asserted graveyards, madrasas, and mosques were being demolished after this Act. She also called upon Prime Minister Narendra Modi to intervene.

After this Act, many of our graveyards, madrasas and mosques are being demolished  and no action is being taken against the demolition. I think the Prime Minister should intervene in this. Waqf is not a small issue. Muslims keep the country united, and if they are finished, the entire country will be scattered," Mufti said.

THE BACKGROUND

The Supreme Court took up a bunch of petitions challenging the constitutional validity of the Waqf (Amendment) Act.

The petitions also included some by Congress MP Mohammad Jawed and All India Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen (AIMIM) MP Asaduddin Owaisi.

The petitioners contended that the amendment amounts to discrimination against Muslims. They argued that the amendments selectively target Muslim religious endowments and interfere with the communitys constitutionally protected right to manage its own religious affairs.

On the other hand, six Bharatiya Janata Party-ruled states also moved the Supreme Court in the matter, albeit in support of the amendment.

On April 16, the court had proposed that it may pass an interim order that properties declared by the court as Waqf, whether they are Waqf by user or by deed, should not be denotified.

THE WAQF (AMENDMENT) ACT, 2025

The Lok Sabha had passed the Waqf Bill on April 3, while the Rajya Sabha cleared it on April 4.

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The new law amended the Waqf Act, 1995, in order to address the regulation of Waqf properties, that is, properties dedicated exclusively for religious or charitable purposes under Islamic law.

The amendment Act received Presidential assent on April 5.

About the Author Ananya Bhatnagar Ananya Bhatnagar, Correspondent at CNN-News18, reports on various legal issues and cases in lower courts and the Delhi High Court. He has covered the hanging of the Nirbhaya gang-rape convicts, JNU violence, De... Read More Ananya Bhatnagar, Correspondent at CNN-News18, reports on various legal issues and cases in lower courts and the Delhi High Court. He has covered the hanging of the Nirbhaya gang-rape convicts, JNU violence, De... Read More

First Published: April 17, 2025, 14:31 IST
Waqf Row In Supreme Court: Petitioners Claim Victory As Govt Pulls Back, But Is It Tactical Retreat?

Written By :

CNN-News18

Last Updated: April 17, 2025, 16:42 IST

An interim stay order from the Supreme Court on a law, which is the biggest initiative in Modi government 3.0, would have been embarrassing. And the Act, in any case, was not getting implemented immediately since the rules had not been framed or notified yet

Almost every major opposition party has moved the apex court against the new Waqf law. (Representational image: PTI)

On the second day of the Supreme Court hearing of the Waqf Act challenge, the central government took a decisive step back. Solicitor General Tushar Mehta initially argued against any stay or interim order based on the prima facie view by the bench led by Chief Justice of India (CJI) Sanjiv Khanna. But as the SC observed, when matter is pending before the court we have to ensure that situation as it exists now is not disturbed", it was clear which way the hearing was proceeding.

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The proposed interim order of the Supreme Court on Wednesday made it clear that the CJI-led bench was concerned about delegitimising unregistered waqf by user" and allowing non-Muslims on the Waqf Board. On Thursday, Tushar Mehta submitted that the government, on its own, was assuring that: 1) no change will be brought about in the next one week 2) waqf by user", registered or unregistered, will continue to be valid for the next one week at least, and 3) state governments will not make any recommendations to constitute a new waqf board or council.

The suo moto step back by the government was soon interpreted as a victory by the petitioners. AIMIMs Asaduddin Owaisi said that though he continues to oppose the entire Act, the three points recorded by the SC as government submissions on Thursday were, in effect, a stay by the apex court. Amanatullah Khan also interpreted the proceedings as the defeat of BJPs divisive politics".

The government, however, sees the proceedings differently. An interim stay order from the Supreme Court on a law, which is the biggest initiative in Modi government 3.0, would have been embarrassing. Opposition leaders like Trinamool Congresss Mahua Moitra were already claiming vindication after the interim order was proposed by the SC. Conceding suo moto was a more honourable option for the government. The Act, in any case, was not getting implemented immediately since the rules had not been framed or notified yet. For the Citizenship Amendment Act too, the government took its time to notify the rules. CAA rules were notified four years after Parliament passed the Act. By then, the Shaheen Bagh protest sites had been emptied, tempers cooled, and misinformation about the Act trying to take away citizenship" negated.

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For waqf too, the government might be willing to wait it out. Some of the provisions of the original bill were changed after allies like the TDP and JD(U) suggested changes in the joint parliamentary committee (JPC). The government is hopeful that it will be able to convince the apex court about the need for the waqf law to weed out anomalies that have crept in. The fact that the SC observed that some waqf by user" indeed was an abuse of norms (Delhi HC land being claimed as waqf land) is also being seen positively by the government.

All eyes are now on the next chapter of the waqf episode. On May 5, just eight days before Chief Justice Khanna is set to demit office and hand it over to his successor, Justice BR Gavai, the government is expected to file its response, defending the legal provisions concerning waqf by user" (unregistered waqf), the inclusion of non-Muslim members on waqf boards, and the role of the collector or designated officer.

About the Author Arunima Arunima is Editor (Home Affairs) and covers strategic, security and political affairs. From the Ukraine-Russia War to the India-China stand-off in Ladakh to India-Pak clashes, she has reported from ground zero ... Read More Arunima is Editor (Home Affairs) and covers strategic, security and political affairs. From the Ukraine-Russia War to the India-China stand-off in Ladakh to India-Pak clashes, she has reported from ground zero ... Read More

First Published: April 17, 2025, 16:28 IST
Delhis Indira Gandhi International Airport Ranks Among the World's 10 Busiest Airports in 2024

Curated By :

News18.com

Last Updated: April 17, 2025, 09:01 IST

Delhis Indira Gandhi International Airport has been ranked the worlds 9th busiest in 2024, marking a major milestone for Indias rapidly growing aviation sector.

Delhi International Airport Limited (DIAL), the company operating IGIA, has also set ambitious sustainability targets, aiming to achieve net-zero carbon emissions by 2030.

In a remarkable achievement for Indian aviation, Delhis Indira Gandhi International Airport (IGIA) has been ranked the 9th busiest airport in the world for 2024 by the Airports Council International (ACI), which represents over 2,000 airports across 170 countries. This milestone not only highlights Indias rapidly growing tourism and aviation sectors but also reinforces Delhis rising status as a key global air travel hub.

The ACI report, based on total passenger traffic including both domestic and international flyers, confirmed that Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (USA) maintained its long-standing position at the top, followed closely by Dubai International Airport. Delhis IGIA made a historic entry into the top 10, surpassing several major airports across Europe and Asia.

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In 2024, IGIA successfully handled an impressive 77 million passengers (7.7 crore), fueled by a strong recovery in post-pandemic air travel and the explosive growth of Indias domestic aviation market. The rising middle-class population, coupled with affordable flying options, has significantly contributed to this boom.

A key factor behind IGIAs success has been its continued focus on modernization and expansion. Recent developments include the expansion of Terminal 1, the construction of additional taxiways, and the introduction of advanced AI-based services and digital boarding systems. These upgrades have enhanced operational efficiency, minimized wait times, and allowed the airport to seamlessly manage an ever-increasing passenger flow.

Moreover, Delhis strategic connectivity has strengthened with a surge in non-stop international flights linking the city to major destinations across North America, Europe, and the Middle East. As a result, IGIA has evolved into both a popular transit point and a major arrival destination for global travelers.

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Industry experts and government authorities have hailed this accomplishment as a testament to Indias improving infrastructure and the success of aviation sector reforms. Delhi International Airport Limited (DIAL), the company operating IGIA, has also set ambitious sustainability targets, aiming to achieve net-zero carbon emissions by 2030.

Being featured among the worlds busiest airports not only enhances Indias global stature but also encourages tourism, foreign investments, and stronger airline partnerships. As India continues its rapid economic ascent, Delhi Airport stands at the forefront, symbolizing the nations readiness to meet world-class aviation standards. With continued investments in technology, infrastructure, and green initiatives, IGIA is well on its way to becoming a dominant force in the future of global air travel.

About the Author Swati Chaturvedi Swati Chaturvedi, a seasoned media and journalism aficionado with over 10 years of expertise, is not just a storyteller; she's a weaver of wit and wisdom in the digital landscape. As a key figure in News18 Engl... Read More Swati Chaturvedi, a seasoned media and journalism aficionado with over 10 years of expertise, is not just a storyteller; she's a weaver of wit and wisdom in the digital landscape. As a key figure in News18 Engl... Read More

fashion, travel, The News18 Lifestyle section brings you the latest on health food , and culture  with wellness tips, celebrity style, travel inspiration, and recipes. Also Download the News18 App to stay updated!

First Published: April 17, 2025, 09:01 IST
India's Workplace Stress Epidemic: The Silent Productivity Killer That Demands Immediate Attention

Curated By :

News18.com

Last Updated: April 17, 2025, 09:19 IST

2024 data reveals stressed employees demonstrate 72% higher absenteeism, experience 55% slower decision-making during critical periods, and are 3.5 times more likely to quit within six months (WHO and Deloitte Workforce Analytics)

A 2023 study by Aon India found that companies implementing comprehensive stress-reduction programs (including biometric monitoring and flexible scheduling) saw a 38% decrease in stress-related attrition, with participating employees reporting 31% higher productivity (Aon India Workforce Wellbeing Report, 2023)

The alarming reality of Indias workforce is now impossible to ignore: 2024 data reveals stressed employees demonstrate 72% higher absenteeism, experience 55% slower decision-making during critical periods, and are 3.5 times more likely to quit within six months (WHO and Deloitte Workforce Analytics). This isnt just about job dissatisfactionits a silent health crisis with severe business consequences. Diabetologist Dr. K Govinda Rao states, In my Hyderabad clinic, Im now treating 28-year-old professionals with blood pressure readings and cortisol levels that belong to someone twice their agethis is biological burnout at an unprecedented scale." The physical manifestations are equally concerning, with cardiologist Dr. Ramasree Yerramsetty noting, What worries me most are the high-functioning casesthose who appear to cope but whose elevated stress markers are silently damaging their cardiovascular health while eroding their work performance."

The solution to this complex challenge lies in combining cutting-edge technology with workplace changes, as demonstrated by innovations like QuickVitals. This technology changes everything" explains general physician Dr. Daniel. When I can show an executive how their 3 PM energy crash correlates with spiking blood pressure, or demonstrate to a night-shift worker how their sleep deprivation affects next-day focus through measurable biomarkers, it creates powerful motivation for change."

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Forward-thinking Indian companies are already implementing these insights with remarkable resultsA 2023 study by Aon India found that companies implementing comprehensive stress-reduction programs (including biometric monitoring and flexible scheduling) saw a 38% decrease in stress-related attrition, with participating employees reporting 31% higher productivity (Aon India Workforce Wellbeing Report, 2023).

As Dr. Rao emphasizes, Were not just fighting stresswere redesigning work itself to honor human physiology." With the combination of medical expertise, advanced monitoring technology, and organizational commitment, Indias workforce can transform this crisis into an opportunitybut only if businesses recognize that in todays economy, employee wellbeing isnt just an HR initiative; its the foundation of sustainable productivity and innovation. The question is no longer whether companies can afford to address workplace stresswith the proven connection to performance metrics, the real question is how they can afford not to.

About the Author Swati Chaturvedi Swati Chaturvedi, a seasoned media and journalism aficionado with over 10 years of expertise, is not just a storyteller; she's a weaver of wit and wisdom in the digital landscape. As a key figure in News18 Engl... Read More Swati Chaturvedi, a seasoned media and journalism aficionado with over 10 years of expertise, is not just a storyteller; she's a weaver of wit and wisdom in the digital landscape. As a key figure in News18 Engl... Read More

fashion, travel, The News18 Lifestyle section brings you the latest on health food , and culture  with wellness tips, celebrity style, travel inspiration, and recipes. Also Download the News18 App to stay updated!

First Published: April 17, 2025, 09:19 IST
National Blah Blah Blah Day 2025: History, Significance And Origin Of The Phrase Blah Blah Blah

Published By :

Trending Desk

Last Updated: April 17, 2025, 07:25 IST

National Blah Blah Blah Day encourages casual conversations and active listening, recognising the emotions behind nagging.

Blah Blah Blah Day is celebrated every year on April 17.

National Blah Blah Blah Day 2025: Do you have a friend who nags a lot? Tell them there is a day for them to celebrate their nagging. It is called the Blah Blah Blah Day and it is celebrated every year on 17 April. The chatter from someone gives them the space to express their emotions and feelings, while it makes another person a good listener. Isnt it a humorous yet thought-provoking idea to recognize the emotions behind the chatter?

National Blah Blah Blah Day: History

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The celebration of Blah Blah Blah Day was started in 2006 by Ruth and Thomas Roy of Wellcat Holidays and Hub. The idea behind it was to encourage people to hold casual conversations and speak thoughts that others consider nagging. It also suggests people to become good listeners by allowing others to nag.

The word Blah originated from an ancient Greek phrase called bar bar bar. It refers to the sounds of Barbarians, who were considered as noise creator". Over time, this phrase deviated to Blah Blah Blah".

National Blah Blah Blah Day: Significance

The phrase Blah Blah Blah Day" sounds so light-hearted but the actual message is deeper. We live in an era of digitalisation where everyone wants to be heard but no one is ready to hear. This day reminds us to be not only a listener but an active listener. It makes people feel validated, loved and, most importantly. heard.

Why Do People Nag?

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They feel unheard: Most of the chatters talk a lot because they feel that they are not validated enough. Thats why they repeat the words to be acknowledged. Seeking for connection: Some people chatter to be connected with others. They want to feel involved in others lives. Thats why people close to us speak a lot to ensure closeness. The guiding force: People in ones life, such as grandparents, parents, teachers, speak from their experiences. They want to save us from repeating the mistakes they have made. Also, they wish that their children get all the best things in their life. Hence, it sometimes turns into repeated advice for guidance. The silence break: Some people talk excessively to cope with awkward silence and anxiety. Sometimes, it comes from having a bad experience in the past while communicating.

So, if theres someone who always repeats themselves, be a safe space for them, listen actively, and take advice. Because in the middle of chaos, there are some important messages always trying to reach us.

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 17, 2025, 07:25 IST
Actor Vincy Aloshious Files Complaint Against Shine Tom Chacko Over Alleged Misconduct on Film Set

Curated By :

News18.com

Last Updated: April 17, 2025, 13:22 IST

Shine Tom Chacko Drug Case: Actor Vincy Aloshious filed a complaint against co-star Shine Tom Chacko for alleged misconduct and drug use on the sets of Soothravakyam. The Kerala Film Chamber and ICC are addressing the issue.

Vincy Aloshious has filed a complaint against Shine Tom Chacko.

Shine Tom Chacko Drug Case: State Award-winning actor Vincy Aloshious has filed a formal complaint against Soothravakyam co-star Shine Tom Chacko for alleged misconduct on the films sets. She also alleged that Chacko exhaled a white, powdery substance during rehearsals. The complaint has been formally submitted to the Kerala Film Chamber and the Internal Complaints Committee (ICC).

Also See: Shine Tom Chacko Drug Case Escape Video

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Vincys complaint comes after a detailed Instagram video shared by her in response to criticism over her recent remarks at an anti-drug campaign. At the event, she declared that she would no longer work with actors who use narcotics. Later in the video posted by her on Instagram, the Jana Gana Mana actor described a troubling incident on a film set involving a male co-star who, allegedly under the influence of drugs, behaved inappropriately toward her and another actress.

Vincy identified the actor as Shine Tom Chacko in her complaint, and said that he made her uncomfortable with his unprofessionalism and erratic behaviour at work. When I had a minor issue with my costume, he offered to fix it in front of everyone," she said. She also claimed witnessing the actor exhale a white, powdery substance during a rehearsal. In the Instagram video, Vincy addressed online criticism suggesting she was seeking attention or trying to divert focus from a null in her career. In response, she stated, I have the courage to admit Im waiting for meaningful work. But this is about drawing boundaries at the workplace, not personal gain."

Also See: Kerala Film Body Assures Action Against Shine Tom Chacko Over Vincy Aloshious Complaint

In an exclusive conversation with News18, Saji Nanthyattu, General Secretary of Film Chamber Of Commerce Kerala confirmed receiving a complaint from Vincy Aloshious. He mentioned that a meeting has been called on April 21 to address the matter. Nanthyattu added that ICC has already intervened and a necessary action will be taken. We are seeking legal opinion on forwarding the complaint," he affirmed.

Meanwhile, Shine Tom Chacko, the accused, was reportedly seen running from the third floor of his hotel room in Kochi following a drug raid on Wednesday night. The incident was captured on CCTV.

First Published: April 17, 2025, 13:02 IST
Dia Mirza Says Rape Scene In Kaafir Was Hard, Physically Shaking: 'I Vomited After Shoot' | Exclusive

Reported By :

News18.com

Last Updated: April 17, 2025, 12:36 IST

Dia Mirza's 2019 web series Kaafir will re-release as a film. Dia shared that filming a rape scene was physically and emotionally exhausting.

Dia Mirza's Kaafir is now streaming on ZEE5. (Photo: Instagram)

Dia Mirzas Kaafir released as a web series in 2019 and is now all set to re-release as a film. In the project, the actress played the role of an innocent Pakistani woman who mistakenly crosses the Indian border and is then imprisoned like a militant. In a recent exclusive interview with CNN-News18 Showsha, Dia Mirza opened up about the rape scene in Kaafi and called it very hard". The actress recalled throwing up after the scene was shot and admitted that it was emotionally very exhausting.

I remember when we shot the rape scene, it was so hard. I was shaking physically after we got done with filming that scene. I remember throwing up. I vomited after we finished rolling that entire sequence. Thats how emotionally and physically demanding those situations were. When you take your entire body into the truth of that moment, you feel it. You feel it in its full extent," she told us.

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There were many, many, moments in it which were really hard. We were filming in like the most poetically beautiful environment. We were shooting in Himachal in the most beautiful locations, and we actually shot 360 pages over 45 days. So were clocking something between 15 to 18 minutes of springtime a day. It is a lot. So work days were long, they were gruelling, but my God, they were just so rewarding because its not often that a part like this comes to you. Its one in a lifetime opportunity," the actress shared and then added, These stories dont really get told. So it was just a win, win, win, win at every level."

Kaafir is inspired by a true story, and while filming the series, Dia Mirza often found herself reflecting on the real woman behind it. She couldnt stop thinking about the emotional turmoil the woman must have faced after being wrongly identified as a terrorist.

I think the first and most important thing one needs to feel as an artist is empathy towards the character that youre playing and embodying. So that when you play, youre absolutely true to the story and to everything within it. Playing Kainaaz actually made me a mother much before I became a biological mother. It was because of the kind of intensity and ferocity and love and protectiveness I felt for her while working on the show," she said.

Meanwhile, Kaafir is now streaming on ZEE5.

About the Author Chirag Sehgal Chirag Sehgal works as a Sub-Editor in the Entertainment team at News18.com. With an experience of five years in the media industry, he largely focuses on Indian television coverage. Apart from bringing breakin... Read More Chirag Sehgal works as a Sub-Editor in the Entertainment team at News18.com. With an experience of five years in the media industry, he largely focuses on Indian television coverage. Apart from bringing breakin... Read More

First Published: April 16, 2025, 15:42 IST
Nazriya Nazim Fahadh Breaks Silence On Long Absence From Spotlight: 'Healing And Getting Better Every Day'

Curated By :

News18.com

Last Updated: April 17, 2025, 04:47 IST

Nazriya took to Instagram to share a heartfelt note, opening up about her emotional well-being and the reasons behind her disappearance.

Nazriya Nazim Fahadh returns to social media.

Malayalam actress Nazriya Nazim Fahadh, who was last seen in Sookshmadarshini, has finally broken her silence after months of being away from the public eye. The actress, adored for her charm and natural screen presence, had sparked concern among fans after going completely off social media and missing key personal and professional milestones.

On April 16, 2025, Nazriya took to Instagram to share a heartfelt note, opening up about her emotional well-being and the reasons behind her disappearance. Over the past few months, Ive been struggling with my emotional well-being and personal challenges that have made it difficult for me to be present," she revealed.

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The Ante Sundaraniki actress admitted that she missed celebrating major occasions like her 30th birthday, New Years, and even the success of her film Sookshmadarshini, which released during this period. Her absence was not just from public platforms but also from her personal circle.

She sincerely apologised to her friends and loved ones for going incommunicado. Im truly sorry for any worry or inconvenience I may have caused. I did shut down completely," she wrote. Nazriya also addressed her industry colleagues who had reached out to her for work-related queries. Ive been absent, and Im sorry for any disruptions this may have caused," she added.

While the note conveyed the emotional weight of her hiatus, Nazriya also reassured her fans that she is slowly on the mend. Its been a tough journey. But I want you to know that Im working on healing and getting better every day. I may need a bit more time to fully return, but I promise Im on the path to recovery."

The actress concluded by expressing gratitude for the love she continues to receive despite her absence. Love u all and reconnect soon. Thank you all for being here and for your endless support.

About the Author Shrishti Negi Shrishti Negi is a journalist with over eight years of experience in the media industry. She leads the Entertainment desk at News18.com. She writes breaking news stories, generates feature ideas, edits copies, ... Read More Shrishti Negi is a journalist with over eight years of experience in the media industry. She leads the Entertainment desk at News18.com. She writes breaking news stories, generates feature ideas, edits copies, ... Read More

Location : Kochi [Cochin], India, India

First Published: April 17, 2025, 04:47 IST
Parth Samthaan Calls Joining CID A 'Blessing', Says 'I Never Thought I Would...'

Curated By :

News18.com

Last Updated: April 17, 2025, 12:18 IST

Parth Samthaan joins CID as ACP Ayushman, marking his TV comeback after five years. He shared his excitement on Instagram, calling it a blessing.

Parth Samthaan plays the role of ACP Ayushman in CID. (Photo: Instagram)

Parth Samthaan has opened up about joining CID as ACP Ayushman. On Thursday, the actor took to his Instagram handle and dropped a video from the sets of the show. However, in the caption of his post, Parth penned down a long and emotional note. He talked about joining CID and called it a blessing", since it also marks his comeback to television after five years. Parth mentioned that even though joining CID was unplanned", he is now ready for a beautiful journey" ahead.

Introducing ACP Ayushman in the most Iconic, loved and longest running show  CID !!! This show has always been an integral part of our childhood and Indian Television! The all time famous dialogues as well as the officers becoming veterans or rather Legends (ACP pradyuman , Daya & Abhijeet ), this show has seen it all and to be a part is truly a blessing for me  (sic)," he wrote.

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Moreover, me doing a comeback to Tv after 5 years , to be honest CID was one show I never thought i would be a part of , but then , thats life  always being unpredictable and mysterious  and I always end up taking that unplanned route for myself , be it Kyy or Kasautii! So lets begin this beautiful journey and crack some cases ," Parth added.

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Parth Samthaan (@the_parthsamthaan)

This comes days after Parth Samthaan admitted that he had doubts about taking on the role of ACP Ayushman. The actor was speaking to Hindustan Times when he said, Initially, I rejected the role of ACP Pradyuman, because I dont relate to it. But the makers asked me to reconsider. I was also hesitant due to the shows long-standing cast and the fact that theyd have to address me as sir on screen. It felt a bit unusual and awkward."

For the unversed, Parth Samthaan has officially replaced veteran Shivaji Satam, who played the iconic ACP Pradyuman in CID for decades. The show now revolves around the hunt for Barbosa, the man responsible for Pradyumans murder. But its no longer just a missionits personal. The emotional rift between the OG CID officers and the new leadership has set the stage for a gripping storyline.

About the Author Chirag Sehgal Chirag Sehgal works as a Sub-Editor in the Entertainment team at News18.com. With an experience of five years in the media industry, he largely focuses on Indian television coverage. Apart from bringing breakin... Read More Chirag Sehgal works as a Sub-Editor in the Entertainment team at News18.com. With an experience of five years in the media industry, he largely focuses on Indian television coverage. Apart from bringing breakin... Read More

First Published: April 17, 2025, 12:18 IST
Shah Rukh Khan's Wife Gauri Khan's Restaurant Serving Fake Paneer? Her Team Reacts To SHOCKING Claim

Curated By :

News18.com

Last Updated: April 17, 2025, 03:43 IST

Influencer and YouTuber Sarthak Sachdeva shared a now-viral video from his visit to Torii, alleging that the restaurant served paneer containing starch.

Influencer accuses Gauri Khan's restaurant for serving 'fake' paneer.

Gauri Khans popular Mumbai restaurant, Torii, known for its luxe interiors and celebrity clientele, is now in the spotlight for an unexpected reason. The eatery, owned by the entrepreneur and interior designer wife of Bollywood superstar Shah Rukh Khan, has come under fire after a social media influencer accused it of serving fake" paneer.

Influencer and YouTuber Sarthak Sachdeva shared a now-viral video from his visit to Torii, alleging that the restaurant served paneer containing starch, a marker of adulteration, according to his test. In the video, Sarthak performs an iodine tincture test on a piece of paneer served at the restaurant. This test, which is commonly used to detect the presence of starch, turned the paneer black and blue when the iodine touched it. Reacting to the colour change, Sarthak declared, Shah Rukh Khan ke restaurant mein paneer nakli tha. Ye dekh ke mere toh hosh udd gaye the."

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As part of a content series, Sarthak visited several celebrity-owned restaurants in Mumbai including Virat Kohlis One8 Commune, Shilpa Shettys Bastian and Bobby Deols Someplace Else to examine the quality of the paneer being served. Using the same iodine test, none of the paneer samples from those outlets turned black, suggesting the absence of starch.

The video triggered a buzz online, prompting Torii to respond. Commenting on the video, the restaurant wrote: The iodine test reflects the presence of starch, not the authenticity of the paneer. As the dish contains soy-based ingredients, this reaction is expected. We stand by the purity of our paneer and the integrity of our ingredients at Torii."

Sarthak, while maintaining a cheeky tone, replied, So am I banned now? btw ur food is amazing "

Dr Kiran Soni, head of the Department of Nutrition and Health at Yatharth Hospital, Greater Noida, explained that while the iodine tincture test can detect starch, it doesnt necessarily confirm whether paneer is fake. Since pure paneer is made from milk proteins and does not naturally contain starch, an iodine test that results in a colour change could indicate the presence of synthetic or adulterated paneer," she said in an earlier interview with HT Lifestyle.

However, Dr Soni also noted that commercial paneer producers sometimes add starch to enhance texture or weight. Moreover, batter coating or soy-based ingredients could also skew the iodine test results. A dark colour reaction does not automatically mean the paneer is entirely artificial, it could simply be mixed with starch," she clarified.

About the Author Shrishti Negi Shrishti Negi is a journalist with over eight years of experience in the media industry. She leads the Entertainment desk at News18.com. She writes breaking news stories, generates feature ideas, edits copies, ... Read More Shrishti Negi is a journalist with over eight years of experience in the media industry. She leads the Entertainment desk at News18.com. She writes breaking news stories, generates feature ideas, edits copies, ... Read More

First Published: April 17, 2025, 03:43 IST
Varun Grover Takes A Dig At His Audience Amid Kunal Kamra Controversy: 'Venue Ki Koi Galti Nahi Hai'

Curated By :

News18.com

Last Updated: April 17, 2025, 09:17 IST

Comedian Varun Grover humorously addressed the controversy where Kunal Kamra faced backlash from Shiv Sena for mocking Maharashtra Deputy CM Eknath Shinde.

Varun Grover mocked the trend of performative outrage over jokes.

Comedian Varun Grover was recently performing one of his stand-up acts when he used a disclaimer for his audience and hilariously reacted to the controversy surrounding Kunal Kamra. Grover took a dig at the audience and mocked the trend of performative outrage over jokes.

These are jokes. Venue ki isme koi galti nahi hain. Mera bhi nahin hai. Humare time ki hai. If offended, break a clock," he quipped.

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Interestingly, Varun Grovers comment comes at a time when Kunal Kamra has also been making headlines for alleged offensive jokes at one of his recent shows. Kamra has been facing backlash from the Shiv Sena specifically for his comments against the Maharashtra deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde.

During a recent show, Kamra dubbed a parody song of a Hindi film and labelled Eknath Shinde a traitor" for his 2022 rebellion against the Uddhav Thackeray-led MVA government. Weighing on the Maharashtra politics with a musical touch to the song Bholi Si Surat, Kamra mocked Shinde and sang, Meri nazar se tum dekho to gaddar nazar wo aaye. Haaye!"

Weighing on the Maharashtra politics with a musical touch to the song Bholi Si Surat, Kamra mocked Shinde and sang, Meri nazar se tum dekho to gaddar nazar wo aaye. Haaye!"

After the clip went viral on social media, Shiv Sena warned of legal action and some of its workers vandalised the venue where the show was recorded. 12 party leaders were arrested but were later released on bail on Monday. A police case was also registered against Kamra, who is also facing widespread backlash for his words.

However, Kunal Kamra has made it clear that he wont apologise for his comments. It was recently reported that the comic told the police that he did not regret his remarks made during the show and would only apologise if instructed by the courts. However, Kamra said that he will adhere to the law.

About the Author Chirag Sehgal Chirag Sehgal works as a Sub-Editor in the Entertainment team at News18.com. With an experience of five years in the media industry, he largely focuses on Indian television coverage. Apart from bringing breakin... Read More Chirag Sehgal works as a Sub-Editor in the Entertainment team at News18.com. With an experience of five years in the media industry, he largely focuses on Indian television coverage. Apart from bringing breakin... Read More

First Published: April 17, 2025, 09:17 IST
Opinion | In Bihar Assembly Elections, Youths Hold The Key

Written By :

News18.com

Last Updated: April 18, 2025, 03:12 IST

The upcoming Bihar assembly elections have youth leaders spearheading the campaign, which augurs well for the state

If Biharis move to other parts of the country, we cannot be oblivious to the problem of brain drain. (Representational image)

In Bihar, 70 per cent of the population is under 35 years old, which is just about true of many parts of India. Yet, politicians and political parties do not address their concerns. Take Tejashwi Yadav of the Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) for example. He promised 10 lakh jobs in the 2020 assembly elections, which seems to have struck a chord with the youth electorate. He claims that he provided five lakh government jobs during his 17-month tenure as Bihars deputy chief minister in the Mahagathbandhan government led by Nitish Kumar. Though one doesnt know the authenticity of the claim, the truth is he hasnt fully emerged out of the shadows of his father Lalu Prasad Yadav, who is cast in the traditional mould of regional parties pandering to the dominant caste and religious segments in a given state.

The upcoming Bihar assembly elections have youth leaders spearheading the campaign, which augurs well for the state. For the Congress, the firebrand Kanhaiya Kumar, and for the BJP, the relatively young Samrat Choudhary, who could well be the CM face of the party, provided he doesnt get too carried away. The BJP top brass cuts the claimants down to size. Prashant Kishor, the election strategist-turned-politician, will also be testing the electoral waters in the upcoming assembly elections, as he has decided to field candidates on all 243 seats. He cannot be taken lightly. He isnt exactly an upstart. He can cut into the votes of all the parties. On October 2 last year, he floated his own political outfit, the Jan Suraaj Party, after the completion of his nearly two years of padayatra (foot march) that took him to all the nooks and crannies of Bihar, where he connected with the people. He is now banking on core issues of corruption, migration, and unemployment.

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With POTUS Donald Trump upping the ante, rattling the sabre, and unwittingly hurtling the world into the lose-lose path of autarky by mindless increases in tariffs, self-reliance in India is going to be a necessity, as indeed in the entire world. Such an inward-looking, me-too policy is the antithesis of the theory of relative advantage, which has been underpinning global trade for more than a century. Free trade is appealing and makes sense, but only till peace reigns. India realised the futility and danger of the import of wheat from the US in 1960 when America abruptly closed the PL 480 scheme for exporting surplus wheat to third-world countries. The wheat was fit for pigs" was the refrain in those days. That goaded India into anger and action that ultimately resulted in the Green Revolution. Iraq too realised the danger of importing almost everything in return for oil exports when, at the height of the oust Saddam Hussein campaign, the country was denied baby food. The short point is that while autarky, or self-sufficiency, is a mirage, every nation should produce the essentials lest it be held to ransom by other nations.

POTUS Trump has then given other nations a massive kick in their pants, though in the process, he has cut his nose to spite his face, as the tariff war is going to take a huge toll on the US economy too. This seeming digression into Trump is only to underscore the point that manufacturing is the most enduring employment creator, and this truism must not be lost on the entire nation. We preen ourselves on being the 5th largest in terms of GDP, but it has been jobless growth.

India experienced job growth of 3% per annum in the 1970s at a time when our economy grew at 3-3.5% per annum, thus making for employment elasticity pretty close to unity, but over the last three decades, our economy grew at over 5-8% per annum, but our job growth has been close to 1% per annum, thus marking an employment elasticity close to 0.4 in the 1990s, which precipitously has fallen to 0.1 today. This, in simple terms, is what jobless growth is all about  employment growth not matching the GDP growth, a conundrum which rightly baffles even some economists. Every nation, at some point or the other, has been hit by the seeming paradox of jobless growth, which briefly means technology obsolescence resulting in growth all right but denuding the employees of continuity.

Bihar is pilloried for casteism and migration. But the truth is, casteism marks the politics of other states as well. If Biharis move to other parts of the country, we cannot be oblivious to the problem of brain drain. Successive governments have taken pride in India being a service economy, with the services sector contributing to a hefty 58% of the GDP. We have neglected manufacturing over the years. The festering problem of unemployment is directly related to such neglect.

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Bihar should lead the way by addressing the problem beyond tokenism. Government employment cannot be the solution. Extending the stranglehold of bureaucracy is unproductive, as the Trump administration is realising and acting with urgency to cut it down in size. The solution lies in rolling out the red carpet to both Indian industrialists and FDI. The importance of manufacturing-led employment cannot be lost on the youth leaders of Bihar, cutting across parties.

The writer is a senior columnist. He tweets @smurlidharan. Views expressed in the above piece are personal and solely those of the author. They do not necessarily reflect News18s views.

First Published: April 18, 2025, 03:12 IST
Opinion | Need To Find Balance Between Parliaments Authority And States' Concerns

Written By :

News18.com

Last Updated: April 17, 2025, 23:28 IST

The current deadlock over laws passed by Parliament, between an aggressive central government and recalcitrant opposition-ruled states, should be a wake-up call for all concerned

Almost every major opposition party has moved the apex court against the new Waqf law. (Representational image: PTI)

If Parliament enacts a law, and state governments refuse to implement it, what is the impact on the functioning of the Constitution and the federal structure of our polity? This is a question that has emerged in recent times with increasing urgency and frequency. The blame does not lie with the Constitution. Its language is crystal clear, delineating a Union of States, where the powers of the central government and those of the states are clearly defined.

The recent passage of the Waqf Bill by Parliament has reignited this contentious debate: Can state governments refuse to implement a central law if they believe it infringes upon their autonomy or contradicts their policy priorities? The question strikes at the heart of Indias federal structure, testing the delicate balance between parliamentary sovereignty and state rights.

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The Waqf Bill, aimed at streamlining the administration of waqf properties and enhancing oversight, has been met with resistance from some states, particularly those governed by opposition parties. Their defiance raises fundamental constitutional and political questionsdoes Indias federalism permit states to reject central laws, and what are the consequences of such resistance for governance and national unity?

Indias Constitution establishes a quasi-federal system where Parliament has supremacy in certain domains, but states retain legislative and executive authority in others. The Waqf Bill, like many central laws, falls under the Concurrent List (List III of the Seventh Schedule), meaning both Parliament and state legislatures can legislate on the subject. However, Article 254 of the Constitution is clear: if there is a conflict between a central law and a state law on a Concurrent subject, the central law prevails.

Such clashes have occurred in the past too. The Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA), passed in 2019, faced vehement opposition from several states, including Kerala, West Bengal, Punjab, and Rajasthan. Keralas government went a step further by filing a suit in the Supreme Court, arguing that the law was unconstitutional. While states cannot legally block the CAA, some refused to cooperate with its implementation, such as denying the use of state machinery for the National Population Register (NPR) exercise, which was seen as a precursor to the National Register of Citizens (NRC).

The three farm laws passed in 2020 were met with fierce resistance, particularly from Punjab, Rajasthan, and Chhattisgarh. Punjabs state assembly even passed counter-resolutions rejecting the laws. Though the Supreme Court stayed their implementation, the episode demonstrated how states could mobilise political and public pressure against central legislation.

This column is not about the merits of these laws. I myself have reservations about the CAA hyphenated with the National Register of Citizens (NRC), certain provisions of the Land Laws, and those of the Waqf Bill. The purpose here is to discuss the constitutional position if states refuse to accept, or are non-cooperative in the implementation of a law duly passed by Parliament. The Constitution does not explicitly provide states with the power to outrightly reject a central law. Instead, it offers mechanisms for cooperative federalism: Article 256 mandates that states comply with laws made by Parliament. Article 365 allows the President to impose Presidents Rule if a state fails to adhere to central directives. Article 131 permits states to challenge central laws in the Supreme Court if they believe their rights are infringed. Despite these provisions, states have often resisted implementing central laws, citing political disagreement, federal overreach, or ideological opposition.

The key issue then becomes that of cooperative federalism", which the current government avers is its policy, and which the Constitution endorses in practice. Is cooperative federalism functioning as it should today? Are states consulted appropriately before laws are passed by the central government to which state governments are opposed or have reservations about? In a democracy, the principles of federalism can survive only if there are democratic consultations. Indias federal structure must balance state autonomy with national unity. While states have legitimate concerns, outright refusal to implement central laws is not the solution. Instead, the following approaches could strengthen federalism without undermining constitutional order:

One such is the greater use of the Inter-State Council. Established under Article 263, this body can mediate disputes before they escalate. However, this institution has become more or less extinct. A second tool is Pre-Legislative Consultations. The Centre should engage states more rigorously before passing laws affecting their jurisdiction, but this is hardly being seriously or sincerely pursued. A third is judicial clarity. The Supreme Court must provide clearer guidelines on when states can challenge central laws, and it is hoped that in future these will be available. Finally, there is a need for strengthening fiscal federalism. More financial autonomy for states could reduce tensions over central dominance.

It is true that state resistance is often driven by political rivalry rather than constitutional principles. When a state government and the Centre are ruled by opposing parties, defiance becomes a tool for mobilisation. This trend weakens governance and turns federalism into a battleground for partisan politics, where the key factor missing is trust.

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The current deadlock over laws passed by Parliament, between an aggressive central government and recalcitrant opposition-ruled states, should be a wake-up call for all concerned. India cannot afford a state of erosion of Parliaments authority, federal anarchy, or legislative chaos. Nor can it tolerate the one-sided imposition of New Delhi on the states.

The writer is a former diplomat, an author, and a politician. Views expressed in the above piece are personal and solely those of the author. They do not necessarily reflect News18s views.

First Published: April 17, 2025, 23:28 IST
'Detached From Reality': NC Slams Ex-RAW Chief Dulat's Remarks Against Farooq Abdullah In New Book

Curated By :

News18.com Edited By: Oindrila Mukherjee



Last Updated: April 18, 2025, 00:09 IST

The National Conference said party chief Farooq Abdullah is a "symbol of democratic resistance" against "unilateral decisions made by the Centre on August 5, 2019, the date of the abrogation of Article 370

Former RAW chief AS Dulat has claimed that NC chief Farooq Abdullah backed abrogation of Article 370. (Image: PTI/File)

The National Conference on Thursday slammed AS Dulats remarks against party chief Farooq Abdullah in the latest book penned by the former R&AW chief. It said they are detached from reality" and an attempt to gain cheap publicity".

The National Conference (NC) said Farooq Abdullah is a symbol of democratic resistance" against unilateral decisions made by the Centre on August 5, 2019, the date of the abrogation of Article 370. Dr Abdullah was the driving force behind the formation of the PAGD in response to these decisions," a statement said.

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Dulat, in his latest book about Farooq Abdullah, has said he privately supported the abrogation of Article 370. The NC also called out the PDP, saying Dulats accusations are baseless, especially considering his previous allegations against Mufti Syed" that were denied by his party.

Earlier, Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah hit out at PDP chief Mehbooba Mufti for her remarks on Dulats latest book. Mufti said she was not surprised by the revelations made by the former R&AW chief.

If Mehbooba Mufti believes everything Dulat writes is true, then should we also consider what he wrote about Muftis father in his first book as true?" Omar Abdullah asked. If we consider that is true, how can Mehbooba ji make people understand? She should please answer that."

Mehbooba Muftis father late Mufti Mohammad Sayeed was the PDP chief and J-K chief minister.

Omar further criticised Dulat, alleging that it is his habit to exaggerate facts to boost book sales. With friends like this, who needs enemies?" he said.

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Earlier, the PDP chief had said in Srinagar: Dulats revelations are nothing new for me. This father-son duo (Farooq Abdullah and Omar Abdullah) went to meet Prime Minister Narendra Modi on August 3, 2019. Farooq Sahib did not even go to Parliament on August 5, 2019. So, nothing is surprising for me."

(With PTI inputs)

About the Author News Desk The News Desk is a team of passionate editors and writers who break and analyse the most important events unfolding in India and abroad. From live updates to exclusive reports to in-depth explainers, the Desk d... Read More The News Desk is a team of passionate editors and writers who break and analyse the most important events unfolding in India and abroad. From live updates to exclusive reports to in-depth explainers, the Desk d... Read More

Location : Srinagar, India, India

First Published: April 18, 2025, 00:09 IST
'I Request...': Mamata Banerjee Urges Bengal Governor To Delay Visit To Violence-Hit Murshidabad

Curated By :

News18.com

Last Updated: April 17, 2025, 16:20 IST

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee apprised state governor CV Ananda Bose that an SIT is probing the situation in violence-hit Murshidabad district.

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee urged CV Ananda Bose, the states governor, to allow some more time before intervening. (IMAGE: PTI)

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Thursday requested state governor CV Ananda Bose to delay his visit to violence-hit Murshidabad district. Bose is expected to visit the district facing unrest due to protests against the Waqf (Amendment) Act, 2025.

Meanwhile, Bose on Thursday, while addressing a press conference, said he will go to the district to assess the situation".

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The Chief Ministers request will be taken up I, myself, will go to the ground to assess the situation," CV Ananda Bose said. His office said he will reach the district on Thursday night and is expected to visit violence-hit areas on Friday morning.

ALSO READ | Left With Just The Clothes On Our Body: Murshidabad Violence Victims Now Refugees In Their Own Land

Banerjee urged CV Ananda Bose, the states governor, to allow some more time before intervening" and apprised him that an SIT is probing the situation in violence-hit Murshidabad district.

West Bengal has witnessed incidents of violence following protests against the Waqf Act, leading to the migration of riot-hit people, especially in Murshidabad district.

ALSO READ | Very Disturbing: Supreme Court On Murshidabad Violence Over Protests Against Waqf Law Enactment

A Special Investigation Team (SIT) has been formed to investigate the situation in Murshidabad. I request that no one visit the area for now," the West Bengal CM said.

I will also request the Governor to allow some more time before intervening. Our Womens Commission had also expressed interest in visiting, but I have advised them to wait for a few days," Mamata Banerjee further added.

Violence erupted on April 11 and 12 in pockets of Murshidabad, including Suti, Dhulian and Jangipur, during protests against the amended Waqf Act. Three people were killed, several persons injured, and many properties were set ablaze during the clashes last week, prompting a heavy deployment of police, the Rapid Action Force (RAF) and central forces in the area.

On April 14, fresh incidents of violence rocked Bhangar area in West Bengals South 24 Parganas district even as police claimed the law and order situation in Murshidabad remained largely under control.

Around 17 companies of central forces currently remain deployed in the trouble-torn pockets of Suti, Samserganj-Dhulian in Murshidabad.

In the Mandirpara area of Dhulian, numerous women were allegedly molested during the violence.

The violence forced hundreds of women to flee their homes, with many crossing the Bhagirathi river to seek shelter in neighbouring Malda district.

It said NCW Chairperson Vijaya Rahatkar has taken suo motu cognisance of the incident and will visit the affected areas to assess the situation and meet victims.

Mamata Banerjee also referred to the planned visit by the NCW officials and said Bengal state womens commission officials will also visit the area. Our Womens Commission had also expressed interest in visiting, but I have advised them to wait for a few days," she said.

Mamata Demands BSF Be Probed

Banerjee announced compensation of Rs 10 lakh each for the families of the deceased and instructed the chief secretary to initiate a formal inquiry into the Border Security Forces (BSF).

She also accused Home Minister Amit Shah of misusing central agencies and orchestrating a systematic propaganda campaign to malign the image of Bengal.

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West Bengal Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) president Sukanta Majumdar demanded Chief Minister Mamata Banerjees resignation over what he termed a breakdown of law and order on Wednesday and criticised Banerjee for not visiting the district.

The Chief Minister, however, said on Thursday that she plans to visit soon. What is now needed is for the people to regain confidence. While I could have visited, I will go at the appropriate time," she said.

About the Author Shankhyaneel Sarkar Shankhyaneel Sarkar is a senior subeditor at News18. He covers international affairs, where he focuses on breaking news to in-depth analyses. He has over five years of experience during which he has covered sev... Read More Shankhyaneel Sarkar is a senior subeditor at News18. He covers international affairs, where he focuses on breaking news to in-depth analyses. He has over five years of experience during which he has covered sev... Read More

First Published: April 17, 2025, 15:37 IST
'Not Just For Muslims': Karnataka's Ex-Backward Classes Commission Chief Slams Caste Survey Misinformation

Reported By :

News18.com Edited By: Apoorva Misra



Last Updated: April 17, 2025, 10:38 IST

Jayaprakash Hegde hit back at critics who claimed the survey was unscientific or manipulated, and said he is hopeful for the report to be accepted in full by the cabinet

Jayaprakash Hegde said the data does show Scheduled Castes as the single largest group. (X @JPH_official)

Former Karnataka Backward Classes Commission chairman Jayaprakash Hegde has broken his silence on the caste census report, defending the process of data collection, slamming allegations of bias, and clarifying that the proposed increase in reservations is not meant solely for Muslims, as indicated in the leaked pages of the report, but for all communities found to be underrepresented.

Speaking exclusively to News18, Hegde hit back at critics who claimed the survey was unscientific" or manipulated", and said he is hopeful for the report to be accepted in full by the cabinet. If there is any error, it can always be reviewed and corrected. But the report must first be read and understood before it is maligned or challenged like this," he said.

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A large part of the controversy has centred around the proposal to increase Muslim reservation from 4 per cent to 8 per cent. Hegde categorically denied that the increase benefits only one community. Its not just Muslims. Every community has been given more. I cant reveal exact details till the cabinet takes a decision, but this isnt about percentages alone. After the survey, we formed an expert committee which gave indicators based on the data and assigned weightage to every family. Based on that, communities were placed into appropriate categories. It has been done scientifically."

Hegde clarified that the socio-economic and educational survey, carried out in 2014-15, was conducted under the leadership of then chairman H Kantharaj and executed by trained officials and teachers under the supervision of deputy commissioners. The data was submitted to BEL (Bharat Electronics Limited), which compiled the final report. BEL has the password. We cannot even access the full data without it. For the commission to examine details, we need to take that from them," Hegde said.

Responding to widespread criticism that the data was collected in an unscientific manner, Hegde was blunt: What is scientific and what is unscientific? Who is saying this? Who has read the report? Is there any concrete basis for these complaints? Just to oppose something, people are throwing around baseless allegations. If anyone has a specific issue, Im open to correcting it. But dont criticise without facts."

Hegde also addressed questions about the relevance of the data, given that the census was conducted a decade ago. The central census was last done in 2011. This was done later, in 2014-15. Even elections today are conducted based on 2011 data. The last caste census before this was in 1932. All other commissions worked on sample surveys. This is the most complete effort done so far  it covers 5.98 crore people. There may be a 5 per cent margin, I agree. But that can be adjusted. Projections can be made," he explained.

On whether he expects the report to be accepted as it is, Hegde said, I hope so. I want it to be accepted. If theres a mistake, let it be updated. Im open to reviewing it, but not to rumours."

The demand for a cabinet sub-committee to review the report was also met with cautious criticism. I hope they at least read the report before setting up any sub-committee. The only major dispute right now is about the population numbers. Thats where the debate is."

When asked about the caste-wise breakdown and the uproar from Lingayat and Vokkaliga leaders, Hegde said the data does show Scheduled Castes as the single largest group. Thats possible. SCs are spread across every village in Karnataka. Vokkaligas and Lingayats are concentrated in particular regions. If they were spread uniformly, their numbers might have been higher. Also, in some cases, sub-castes among Lingayats may have declared themselves separately to claim 2A benefits. So, they werent recorded as Lingayat or Veerashaiva. That can be checked again. Theres scope to update. The commission is permanent  it has the authority to do that."

He also dismissed suggestions that Vokkaligas had been broken up into smaller units to reduce their political weight. No, they have seen the report. They know that every sub-caste has been included under the main caste list. We have not divided them. These are baseless claims. I request people not to comment casually. Read the report before commenting. Dont rely on misinformation."

With deputy chief minister DK Shivakumar holding back-to-back meetings with Vokkaliga and Lingayat leaders, some of whom have raised doubts about the authenticity of the numbers, Hegde insisted the process was not tampered with. Let me say this again  the survey has not broken down castes to reduce numbers. It has brought every sub-caste into the fold. There is no division, no distortion. The data is intact. Dont shoot from the hip based on hearsay."

Hegde also addressed the contentious issue of reservations exceeding the 50 per cent cap. That ceiling has already been breached. The EWS quota added 10 per cent, and the BJP government also increased SC/ST quota by 6 per cent. Thats already beyond 50 per cent. Now we have empirical data. The Indra Sawhney case says  give us empirical data and you can raise reservations. We have it now. If the commission or the government uses it to revise quotas, whats wrong with it? Let the courts decide."

Asked what he thinks will happen once the report is made public, Hegde said: I dont think anyone will oppose it once its out. Right now, people are commenting based on leaks and rumours. Thats not acceptable. Let it come out. Let there be a discussion. If theres a mistake, were here to set it right."

Would he prefer a review, a recalibration, or for the report to be scrapped altogether? Hegde was clear. I am hoping it will be accepted. Let the government accept it first. Then let people discuss it. If there are issues, let them make a representation. We can correct it. But no decision should be taken based on rumours."

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And what about the long delay in tabling the report? I submitted it on February 29 last year. After that, it was the governments call. I cannot force them to take a decision," he said.

As Karnataka waits to see what the cabinet decides during the crucial meeting to be held on April 17 when the caste census will be discussed in detail, Hegdes message is straightforward  read the report, debate it if needed, but dont discard it based on political noise and misinformation.

About the Author Rohini Swamy Rohini Swamy, Associate Editor at News18, has been a journalist for nearly two decades in the television and digital space. She covers south India for News18s digital platform. She has previously worked with t... Read More Rohini Swamy, Associate Editor at News18, has been a journalist for nearly two decades in the television and digital space. She covers south India for News18s digital platform. She has previously worked with t... Read More

First Published: April 17, 2025, 10:38 IST
'Not Some Ordinary Thing...': Madras HC Asks Police To Book Tamil Nadu Minister For 'Sex Worker' Remark

Curated By :

News18.com Edited By: Oindrila Mukherjee



Last Updated: April 17, 2025, 20:20 IST

DMK leader K Ponmudy allegedly made derogatory and hate speeches against women and religious denominations with his Shaivism-Vaishnavism remarks made in the context of a sex worker at a public meeting

The Madras HC said when the government was taking serious action against others for making hate speech, it should be the same for its own party members. (Image for representation: News18)

The Madras High Court on Thursday directed the Tamil Nadu police to file a case against state forest minister K Ponmudy, following his recent controversial remarks that cost him his party post.

Ponmudy allegedly made derogatory and hate speeches against women and religious denominations. He stirred a controversy with his Shaivism-Vaishnavism remarks made in the context of a sex worker at a public meeting, drawing widespread criticism, including from his own party MP Kanimozhi.

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According to a report published by Live Law, the court said when the government was taking serious action against others for making hate speech, it should be the same for its own party members. When the government takes seriously about the hate speech made by others, the same should be done when a person who is part of the government makes it. And its not some ordinary thing which he has uttered. Weve all heard it," Justice N Anand Venkatesh was quoted.

The high court cautioned the police that if they do not register FIR against the DMK leader, it will initiate suo motu (on its own) contempt against them. Now the court has taken cognizance of the matter. Even if you do not have a complaint, register a case and proceed with the investigation," warned the judge.

The judge posted to April 23, further hearing of the suo motu proceedings.

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Tamil Nadu Chief Minister and DMK president MK Stalin had removed Ponmudy as the partys deputy general secretary, even as the senior leader later tendered an apology for his inappropriate remarks".

(With PTI inputs)

About the Author News Desk The News Desk is a team of passionate editors and writers who break and analyse the most important events unfolding in India and abroad. From live updates to exclusive reports to in-depth explainers, the Desk d... Read More The News Desk is a team of passionate editors and writers who break and analyse the most important events unfolding in India and abroad. From live updates to exclusive reports to in-depth explainers, the Desk d... Read More

First Published: April 17, 2025, 18:47 IST
'Playing With Hindu Sentiments': BJP Slams DMK For Using Temple Tower Replica On Karunanidhi Memorial

Curated By :

News18.com

Last Updated: April 17, 2025, 17:47 IST

In response, DMK spokesperson TKS Elangovan defended the memorials design and criticised the BJP for politicising the issue

BJP has accused Tamil Nadu CM Stalin of hurting the sentiments of Hindus. (Image via X/@narayanantbjp)

A political row has erupted in Tamil Nadu after a replica of a temple gopuram (tower) was placed on top of former Chief Minister M Karunanidhis memorial at Marina Beach in Chennai.

The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has accused the ruling Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) of hurting Hindu sentiments" and demanded an apology from Chief Minister MK Stalin.

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M Karunanidhi, a veteran DMK leader, served as Tamil Nadus Chief Minister for nearly 20 years across five terms between 1969 and 2011. He passed away in 2018, and his memorial was built on Marina Beach.

Reacting strongly to the placement of the temple replica atop the memorial, BJP leader Narayanan Thirupathy accused Tamil Nadu CM Stalin of hurting the sentiments of Hindus.

This is height of arrogance. The Hindu religious department has placed, has portrayed temple gopuram on the burial place, graveyard. Is it not a nonsense? How can you do this? Are you not ashamed? I think the chief minister should apologise for this and hurting the sentiments of Hindus," Thirupathy told PTI.

VIDEO | On a replica of temple being placed at Karunanidhis memorial at Chennais Marina Beach, BJP leader Narayanan Thirupathy (@narayanantbjp) says, This is height of arrogance. The Hindu religious department has placed, has portrayed temple gopuram on the burial place, pic.twitter.com/ukGI5RfraC Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) April 17, 2025

He also voiced his views on X, saying, How can a temple gopuram be portrayed on a place where a body is buried. This is an assault on the faith and beliefs of HIndus. The Chief Minister @mkstalin has to immediately order for the removal of the same. Playing with the sentiments of the Hindus will cost @arivalayam in future."

In response, DMK spokesperson TKS Elangovan defended the memorials design and criticised the BJP for politicising the issue.

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VIDEO | Chennai: On BJP claiming of DMK insulted Hindu religion by depicting Gopuram temple on tomb of Kalaignar Karunanidhi, DMK spokesperson TKS Elangovan says, I think today only all the BJP leaders went to Kalaignar statue to take his blessings. This is happening every year. pic.twitter.com/BwaCDQ5jx4 Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) April 17, 2025

Elangovan stated, I think today only all the BJP leaders went to Kalaignar statue to take his blessings. This is happening every year. They should understand, that is the symbol of government of Tamil Nadu Our minister put the image over there to give respect to our leader. BJP is claiming that it is a Hindu temple. Whenever they speak, they want to portray DMK as an anti-Hindu party."

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 17, 2025, 17:43 IST
Wont Allow Hindi-Fication: Raj Thackeray On Third Language Mandate In Maharashtra

Last Updated: April 17, 2025, 21:22 IST

Raj Thackeray said that the school administration should take note that the compulsion to learn Hindi language from first grade will not be tolerated in Maharashtra.

MNS chief Raj Thackeray (File)

Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) chief Raj Thackeray on Thursday took strong objection to the Devendra Fadnavis-led state governments move to introduce Hindi as a compulsory language in Classes 1 to 5 in Marathi and English schools, saying that the party will not allow the Centres current efforts to Hindi-fy everything to succeed in Maharashtra".

He also announced that the MNS would not tolerate this compulsion while appealing to the state government to immediately withdraw this decision.

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In his post on X, Thackeray said: I request all my Marathi mothers, sisters and brothers in Maharashtra as well as all my brothers and sisters working in Marathi newspapers and Marathi news channels to condemn and oppose this without any debate! And yes, if other political parties in Maharashtra have even a little love for the Marathi language, they will also oppose this. Today they are forcing languages, tomorrow they will issue other forced fatwas."

He further said: We will not allow the Central governments current efforts to Hindi-fy everything to succeed in this state. Hindi is not a national language. It is a state language like other languages in the country. Why should it be taught in Maharashtra from the very beginning? Whatever your trilingual formula is, limit it to government affairs, do not bring it to education.

The formation of linguistic regions was done in this country, and it lasted for so many years. But why have you just now started imposing the language of another region on Maharashtra?

Every language is beautiful and there is a long history and tradition behind its formation. And its respect should be maintained in the state where it is the language. Just as Marathi should be respected by other speakers in Maharashtra, so should all speakers of that language be respected in other states. It is our insistence that even the Marathi people living in other states should consider the language of that state as their own. But if you are going to ignore this and try to ruin the linguistic tradition of this country, we do not accept it," the MNS chief said.

We are Hindus but not Hindi! If you try to paint Maharashtra as Hindi, then there is bound to be a struggle in Maharashtra. If you look at all this, you will realise that the government is deliberately creating this struggle. Is this all an attempt to create a struggle between Marathi and non-Marathi in the upcoming elections and take advantage of it? The non-Marathi speakers of this state should also understand this plan of the government. It is not that they have any special love for your language. They want to burn their own political coals by inciting you," he warned.

Today, the states financial situation is dire, the government has no money left for schemes. Marathi youth are waiting for jobs. They (MahaYuti alliance) said before the elections that they would waive off loans, but later they did not do so. Therefore, the farmers who were hoping for loan waiver are disappointed. And it is as if the industry has turned its back on Maharashtra. When there is nothing to say or show concretely, then the British mantra of divide and rule is being used here, steps are being taken by the government to raise suspicions," the MNS chief said.

He further wondered: Well, why force Hindi in Maharashtra? Will you force Hindi in a southern state like this? And if you do, the governments there will be outraged. The state government and its constituent parties tolerate all this silently, so this is being forced here. We dont know about the rest and we dont care, but the Maharashtra Navnirman Sena will not tolerate this."

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Raj Thackeray said that the school administration should take note that the compulsion to learn Hindi language from first grade will not be tolerated in Maharashtra. Hindi books from the school curriculum will not be sold in shops and schools and will not be allowed to distribute those books to students.

In every state, only their official language should be respected! Tomorrow, will Marathi language be taught from the first grade in all states? No, right? Then why this compulsion here? I appeal to the government not to stress this issue. But if you are going to impose Hindi, then the struggle is inevitable and only the government will be responsible for it. Therefore, the government should respect the sentiments of the people and order to immediately withdraw this decision," he said.

First Published: April 17, 2025, 21:22 IST
OpenAI Now Lets You Save And Manage AI-Generated Images In Its Library: How You Can Use It

Reported By :

News18.com

Last Updated: April 17, 2025, 11:21 IST

ChatGPT AI image tools have given us Ghibli artwork with life-like portraits and now the AI chatbot has its own digital library to store all your images.

The new image library hosts all the AI images you have generated on ChatGPT

ChatGPT image AI tools have given us the viral Studio Ghibli content, something that has got the security experts worried. And now OpenAI is bringing more AI image tools to not only save them but to edit and manage them in many ways. Yes, ChatGPT 4o users are getting a library to store their AI-generated images in a repository which is accessible at any time.

ChatGPT is slowly bringing more of its features to free users, and the image library will work if you have both paid and free versions of ChatGPT on the mobile and web version.

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ChatGPT Image Library: What It Offers

The new image repository is probably OpenAIs way to keep hold of the AI-generated images created using its AI models like DALL-E 3 and more. You can access the Library in the web version of the AI chatbot which is ChatGPT.com and free users can see it on their main screen by signing up with their Google account or creating an OpenAI account.

How It Works

Open ChatGPT.com on the web browser

Sign in with your OpenAI/Google account

Tap on Library from the sidebar of the ChatGPT interface

from the sidebar of the ChatGPT interface You will see your AI-generated images and history of content on ChatGPT

Click on any image to save or edit the AI image

ChatGPT even lets you edit the image by modifying the prompt which will change the whole nature of the original image. You can also share the image with friends via different platforms.

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OpenAI has offered a history of your conversations with the AI chatbot till date but having a Library for images to get the visual history on the platform, that too for free, is a useful addition for many people who dont want to spend time searching for the previous images and have a location to get them.

The company is also busy developing its own AI-powered social network that will have Elon Musk and Meta worried for their own ambitions in the market.

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 : Delhi, India, India

First Published: April 17, 2025, 11:21 IST
'Happy To Help': As BluSmart Falters, Ex-Google MD Pens Note On Elderly Parents' 'Faith' In Cab Service

Curated By :

News18.com Edited By: Oindrila Mukherjee



Last Updated: April 17, 2025, 20:57 IST

Expressing concern over the impending closure of BluSmart, former Google MD Parminder Singh said his parents have "unwavering faith" in the cab services and refuse to keep a car and driver

A pedestrian walks past one of the BluSmart cabs parked on a roadside in New Delhi on April 17. (Image: Money SHARMA/AFP)

BluSmart cab services remained temporarily closed on Thursday across Delhi-NCR, Bengaluru, and Mumbai, as Sebi cracked down on its co-founder over alleged misuse of funds at an affiliated company.

The BluSmart app, which offered over 8,000 taxis across the three metros, stopped receiving bookings on Wednesday evening. As it faces impending shutdown, former Google managing director Parminder Singh took to social media to pen a note about his elderly parents reliance on the cab service.

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Singh said they have unwavering faith" in BluSmart and refuse to keep a car and driver. They also refuse to use any other cab service, including premium ones, opting for BluSmart rentals.

My elderly parents in Delhi have an unwavering faith in BluSmart. They refuse to keep a car and driver, saying BluSmart hai na. Whenever they have to go somewhere and I offer to arrange a premium car service I trust, they respond, BluSmart hai na. Rental kar lenge," he wrote in a post on X.

My elderly parents in Delhi have an unwavering faith in BluSmart. They refuse to keep a car and driver, saying "BluSmart hai na." Whenever they have to go somewhere and I offer to arrange a premium car service I trust, they respond, "BluSmart hai na. Rental kar lenge."I don't Parminder Singh (@parrysingh) April 16, 2025

Singh said he does not know exactly what went wrong" with BluSmart but he would be happy to help in any way he can". He said his parents will be heartbroken" when he tells them Ab BluSmart nahi hai" (BluSmart is not unavailable now).

I dont know exactly what went wrong, but I know theyll be heartbroken when I tell them Ab BluSmart nahi hai," he said.

He further expressed concerns over how the companys impending closure will not only affect users but those, including the drivers, who worked hard to build the brand and deliver quality service. Hoping that it will be rescued and preserved, he said the state of affairs at the company proves that an excellent product needs a solid business model and proper governance to succeed".

I knew BluSmart was popular but didnt realize my experience will touch such a chord. The companys impending closure will affect countless users  proving that even an excellent product needs both a solid business model and proper governance to succeed," he said.

He added: Many dedicated people, especially the drivers whom others have acknowledged here, must have worked tirelessly to build this brand and deliver its quality service. It always takes a village. I hope someone steps in to rescue and preserve BluSmart. I would be happy to help in any way I can."

The sudden suspension of BluSmart puts the livelihood of thousands of drivers at risk and has led to customers venting out their frustration on social media. The company, backed by BP Ventures  an arm of the global energy giant BP  did not immediately offer any comments on the issue.

Weve decided to temporarily close bookings on the BluSmart app," the firm said in an email to customers without giving any reasons.

Earlier this week, Sebi (securities and exchange board of India) banned brothers Anmol and Puneet Jaggi from the stock market and ordered a forensic investigation into their listed renewable energy company Gensol. The probe focuses on allegations that they used funds intended for procuring electric vehicles to purchase luxury apartments.

I have almost 20K balance in BluSmart and, today morning, got this mail that BluSmart services are suspended. What is this??? When can get the refund of BluSmart is getting closed," (sic) said a customer in a post on X and attached the screenshot of the companys e-mail.

BluSmart in the e-mail assured to initiate a refund to customers within 90 days. We truly appreciate your support. While we strive to be back soon, we will initiate a refund within 90 days if services do not resume before that," the e-mail said.

Another customer wrote on X: I loved BluSmart. More than the money in the wallet, I am more concerned about driver partners who will be out of job until the saga plays out" (sic)

Meanwhile, Delhi Airport on April 15 evening issued a passenger advisory, stating that BluSmart has temporarily suspended its operations at Delhi Airport". Apart from providing services in the three Indian cities, BluSmart also offers premium all-electric limousine services in the UAE, which it launched last June.

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The company, as on January 9, had a fleet of over 8,500 electric vehicles and a charging network of 5,800 stations across 50 hubs in Delhi-NCR and Bengaluru, and was supported by 10,000-plus active driver partners.

(With PTI inputs)

About the Author News Desk The News Desk is a team of passionate editors and writers who break and analyse the most important events unfolding in India and abroad. From live updates to exclusive reports to in-depth explainers, the Desk d... Read More The News Desk is a team of passionate editors and writers who break and analyse the most important events unfolding in India and abroad. From live updates to exclusive reports to in-depth explainers, the Desk d... Read More

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First Published: April 17, 2025, 20:57 IST
Influencer Accuses Elon Musk Of Offering $15 Million For Silence In Paternity Dispute

Curated By :

Trending Desk

Last Updated: April 17, 2025, 13:39 IST

Musk allegedly promised Ashley St. Clair $15 million in exchange for her silence.

According to influencer Ashley St. Clair, her child's father is Elon Musk. (Photo Credits: X)

Elon Musk is the head of the US Department of Government Efficiency, the CEO of SpaceX and Tesla, the richest man in the world with an estimated net worth of $370 billion, and the father of at least 14 children, though a recent Wall Street Journal (WSJ) report suggests the real number may be much higher. His personal life is a topic of media conjecture just as much as his professional life.

Furthermore, a paternity suit brought up by right-wing influencer Ashley St. Clair has recently raised questions about the tech billionaires private life. Musk has not officially claimed St. Clairs child as his own. The 26-year-old has responded by launching what some see to be a public smear campaign against the billionaire.

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The most recent in their tumultuous public dispute? According to St. Clairs Wall Street Journal interview, Musk promised her $15 million in exchange for her silence.

Shortly after giving birth, Musk, through his long-time fixer Jared Birchall, informed St. Clair, according to WSJ, that she would need to sign documents that would conceal the babys fathers name and the specifics of her relationship with Musk, to get financial support from him.

According to St. Clair, she was promised $15 million by Elon Musk to conceal the paternity of her child. She would have received a one-time payment of $15 million, in addition to $100,000 per month until the child turned 21. But she declined.

I dont want my son to feel like hes a secret," three months after the childs birth, in December, St. Clair called Birchall, Musks long-time fixer, and spoke. Nevertheless, the right-wing influencer consented to omit Musks name from the documents of birth. Birchall allegedly messaged her while she was in the hospital, demanding that Musks name not appear on the birth certificate, and she complied.

If St. Clair violated the arrangement, she would be required to repay the $15 million. She was not allowed to criticise the millionaire or disclose that he was the father of her child, according to the agreement. But that didnt preclude Musk from criticising St. Clair if he so desired.

The agreement would make her child feel illegitimate, therefore, St. Clair declined to sign it. Additionally, she is worried about the agreements lack of death clauses, which would leave the child without support if Musk passes away before he turns 21.

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Meanwhile, Elon Musks supporters have united in denouncing St. Clair, labelling her a gold digger" who is after Musks huge riches. Musk has asserted on social media that he handed St. Clair $2.5 million even though he was unsure if the child was his.

Elon Musk also requested that Birchall send $2 million to St. Clair during her pregnancy, but the worlds richest man insisted that half of that sum be set up as a loan, according to the Wall Street Journal. This sum was intended to cover expenses. St. Clair reportedly paid $100,000 a month for security, using a portion of it.

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 17, 2025, 13:37 IST
JK Rowling Praises UK Supreme Court Ruling Defining 'Woman' As Biological Female: 'Love It When...'

Curated By :

News18.com

Last Updated: April 17, 2025, 12:10 IST

JK Rowling confirmed her financial support for the group's legal efforts and said that she has donated 70,000 to their crowdfunding campaign.

Author JK Rowling

Author JK Rowling welcomed the landmark ruling by the United Kingdoms Supreme Court which noted that the terms woman" and sex" in the Equality Act 2010 refer strictly to biological sex. As per the decision, transgender women and those holding Gender Recognition Certificates (GRCs) have been excluded from the legal definition of woman" under the Equality Act 2010.

The case originated from a challenge by the advocacy group For Women Scotland- which JK Rowling supports- against the Scottish government.

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What JK Rowling Said On UK Supreme Courts Ruling

JK Rowling said in a post on X (formerly Twitter), It took three extraordinary, tenacious Scottish women with an army behind them to get this case heard by the Supreme Court and, in winning, theyve protected the rights of women and girls across the UK." She also confirmed her financial support for the groups legal efforts and said that she has donated 70,000 to their crowdfunding campaign.

Backlash Against UK Supreme Courts Ruling

While womens rights organisations hailed the ruling, LGBTQ+ advocacy groups, including Stonewall and Scottish Trans, expressed concern over the potential implications for transgender individuals.

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Amnesty International criticised the decision, saying that a blanket policy of barring trans women from single-sex services is not a proportionate means to achieve a legitimate aim."

Jane Fae, director of advocacy group TransActual said that the ruling has reversed progress and it wont be the end of the matter. She said, 20 years ago the UK government was being taken to court on a regular basis because it was denying human rights to trans people. It was losing case after case, and what happened in response to that was the gender recognition act. Theyve now put it back to where we were because what this ruling has effectively done has excluded trans people from large swathes of society."

About the Author Mallika Soni When not reading, this ex-literature student can be found searching for an answer to the question, "What is the purpose of journalism in society?" When not reading, this ex-literature student can be found searching for an answer to the question, "What is the purpose of journalism in society?"

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 : London, United Kingdom (UK)

First Published: April 17, 2025, 12:10 IST
Mumbai Techie Wants Rs 52,000 For Unfurnished Room, Internet In Disbelief

Published By :

Trending Desk

Last Updated: April 17, 2025, 12:08 IST

The techie shared that the apartment had many amenities, such as a gym and a jogging track.

The room has an attached balcony and offers a good view. (Photo Credits: X)

The cost of living in Mumbai is comparatively higher than in other metro cities, and housing rent is one of the major reasons behind it. Recently, a tech professional, Ohshin Bhatia, was looking for a flatmate for her two-room rental, located in Parel. She dropped the advertisement on X (formerly Twitter) with a few pictures of the apartment. Bhatia shared that an unfurnished master bedroom was vacant in her 2 BHK flat, which she had rented for Rs 1 lakh per month. Her female flatmate would need to pay Rs 52,000 for a single room. The price stunned many social media users, who expressed their concerns in the comment box.

Hey guys, Im looking for a female flatmate (to join me in a 2 BHK) in Parel. Its an unfurnished master bedroom and the rent is 52k, comes with a gym, jogging track and good amenities. The view is breathtaking, as its a higher floor. preferably aged 20-25," Ohshin Bhatia wrote on X.

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hey guys, im looking for a female flatmate(to join me in 2bhk) in parel. its an unfurnished master bedroom and the rent is 52k, comes with gym, jogging track and good amenities. the view is breathtaking, as its a higher floor. preferably aged 20-25. pic.twitter.com/lSZyBLXng2 ohshin (@ohshinbhat) April 16, 2025

Her post featured a photo of the master bedroom, which also had an attached balcony. The kitchen looked quite spacious, and the view from the apartment might have impressed many as well. Some users, however, took it as a sign of how the price of rental apartments in Mumbai has been rising day by day.

52K is even more than what one would normally pay for a fortnights rent overseas," shared an individual. Another sarcastically asked, Just out of curiosity, 52k for the flat or 52k per person rent?" One user claimed, We get the same type and view for 25k in Hyderabad..I see the difference."

52K is too much for rent, yaar. The highest Ive ever paid was 14k for a 2 bhk this is too expensive. Take a bowBig salute to people like you," quipped a person. I love that Mumbai keeps reminding me how far I am still from making it in life," added another.

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A man revealed, You can get this type of flat in Lucknow for 10-12 k, and in remote areas its even less. And in remote new construction, they provide all such facilities gym, spa and everything under 20k (2 BHK). Mumbai prices are insane."

Bhata might not have received many positive responses, but her post garnered more than 2,50,000 views on X.

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 17, 2025, 12:08 IST
Send Him To Some Jungle: UP Minister On Physically Challenged Doctor Not Welcoming Him

Curated By :

Trending Desk

Last Updated: April 17, 2025, 17:22 IST

The Samajwadi Party and Congress accused the minister of abuse of power.

Opposition parties attacked the minister, claiming that protocol overshadowed medical care. (Photo Credit: X)

In a shocking incident, an Uttar Pradesh minister allegedly ordered the transfer of a

a specially abled doctor for not greeting him in person during a hospital visit in the Sonbhadra district.

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Sanjeev Kumar Gond, who serves as the state minister for Social Welfare and SC/ST Welfare, was in Dibulganj to inaugurate a solar power plant at the Community Health Centre. According to NDTV, the hospitals medical superintendent, Dr Ravi Singh, continued to treat a patient while several people arrived to greet the minister.

The minister, upset, was seen on camera asking the Chief Medical Officer (CMO) to order Dr Singhs transfer to some jungle" despite his explanation that was carrying out his duties. The politician accused Dr Singh of not understanding how to behave."

A video of the minister making a call to the CMO, which shows him sitting with Dr Singh, has gone viral. In the clip, he asks why Dr Singh is wearing a mask when there were no patients around." In a composed reply, Dr Singh stated that caution is always preferable in a medical facility.

According to an NDTV report, Minister Sanjeev Gond ignored the doctors courteous responses and asked to know why the doctor was allocated to his constituency. He also insisted that the doctor be transferred right away.

Send him to some jungle Why do you keep people like this here? He doesnt know how to talk to people," the minister is heard saying in the now-viral clip.

Dr. Singh made an effort to explain that he was preoccupied with a patient when he tried to meet with the minister. His justification was dismissed.

Take a look at the video here:

Later, Minister Sanjeev Gond told reporters outside the hospital that the doctor could not have been aware of his visit. I dont think he was aware I was coming. If he had known, he wouldve behaved properly," he said as quoted by NDTV.

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He emphasised that he expected officials in his constituency to treat people with dignity and stated that his priority was making sure hospital services for underprivileged patients were adequate.

The Samajwadi Party and Congress accused the minister of abuse of power.

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 17, 2025, 17:22 IST
Watch: Protesters Ransack KFC Outlet In Pakistans Rawalpindi

Curated By :

Trending Desk

Last Updated: April 17, 2025, 18:54 IST

According to the police, they have traced the criminals who damaged the foreign fast food restaurant in the Saddar neighbourhood of Rawalpindi.

Using CCTV evidence, the police were able to track down the suspects.

In the Rawalpindi Military Garrison town on Sunday, April 13, anti-Israel protesters burst into and vandalised a Kentucky Fried Chicken (KFC) restaurant that was crowded with customers. In addition, a group of demonstrators yelled slogans and abused the customers inside the American fast-food chain outlet. The police announced the following day that they had traced the criminals responsible for damaging the multinational fast-food restaurant in the Saddar neighbourhood of Rawalpindi. By using CCTV footage, the police were able to track down the miscreants and promised prompt action. There is a video clip of the incident going viral online.

The viral video shows a few individuals abusing patrons, damaging the eatery, and demanding that everyone leave. People can be seen running out of the restaurant in fear. The video also features the flag of Palestine.

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According to the Free Press Journal (FPJ), the manager of the KFC Saddar branch filed a first information report (FIR) stating that ten to twelve armed individuals stormed the establishment around 8:30 pm on Sunday, April 13, intimidated patrons, and yelled slogans. When we tried to stop them, they hurled abuses and threatened to kill us," the complainant stated as per FPJ.

Take a look at the video here:

Kalesh at KFC rawalpindi, Pakistan pic.twitter.com/fGi1WwjkBF Ghar Ke Kalesh (@gharkekalesh) April 15, 2025

Shared on April 15 on X (formerly Twitter), the video has garnered over 1 lakh views. Social media users reacted quickly to the video.

A user jokingly said, And that has defeated Israel and America forever!!"

Another commented, Their hypocrisy is that PSL is sponsored by KFC  Try vandalising it."

Pakistan me bhi KFC hai," an individual surprisingly stated.

The Internet is filled with kaleshes only, be it from Pakistan, India, or any other place. Btw, Delhi Metro still tops the Kalesh list," another wrote.

According to reports, KFC and other US companies are being boycotted in Pakistan, Bangladesh, and other places because of perceived ties to Israel and the ongoing violence in Gaza.

On April 9, an enraged mob attacked KFC in Pakistans Defence Housing Authority (DHA) in Karachi. Ten people were apprehended by police following the mob violence.

Kalesh at KFC rawalpindi, Pakistan pic.twitter.com/fGi1WwjkBF Ghar Ke Kalesh (@gharkekalesh) April 15, 2025

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According to Dawn, citing Deputy Inspector General (DIG) Syed Asad Raza, roughly 40 persons, mostly young people armed with sticks and stones, attacked the KFC outlet on Korangi Road in the evening, aiming to vandalise the establishment.

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 17, 2025, 18:53 IST
Who Will Clear The Mud In Her Mind?: Bihar Teacher Faces Backlash For Misusing Students To Clean Scooter

Curated By :

Trending Desk

Last Updated: April 17, 2025, 15:27 IST

School students in Bhagalpur were captured on camera cleaning a school teachers scooter in a video that has gone viral.

There has been a lot of outrage over this video after it went viral. (Photo Credits: X)

A distressing video from Bhagalpur, Bihar, is making rounds on social media, showing a female teacher at Mukheriya Madhya Vidyalaya of Jagdishpur district forcing two children to clean her mud-stained scooter during class hours. The video has gone viral and caused a lot of outrage. Serious concerns about the attitude of the teacher and the well-being of the students have been heightened by this incident.

The teachers scooter was being cleaned by students as classes continued, as seen in the now-viral clip. Parents and locals, who expect educational institutions to prioritise pedagogy, have lashed out at this misuse of school time.

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This incident has led to calls for increased oversight and accountability in schools. The children cleaned the mud from Madams scooter, but who will clean the mud from Madams mind??," the tweet on X (formerly Twitter) roughly translates to English.

Take a look at the video here:

Shared on April 16, the video has garnered over 72,000 views so far. The widely shared video has sparked a more thorough discussion on the role of teachers and the significance of maintaining a learning-centred environment in classrooms.

The social media comment section was flooded with outraged responses from netizens after the video went viral.

A user said, Bihar has nothing to do with education."

Another commented, Suspend this teacher as soon as possible."

Is madam ko suspend karna chahiye," an individual wrote on X.

Power of sarkari nokari dekha rhi ha," another user remarked.

In addition, many users said they saw nothing wrong with the video.

Meanwhile, District Education Officer Rajkumar Sharma acknowledged the problem, according to media sources, and said the video was acquired via press channels. He promised that an investigation is being conducted and that the concerned teacher will be contacted to provide an explanation on the matter. Depending on the investigation, the proper course of action will be taken.

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The parents and locals await immediate action to prevent future occurrences of this kind while the investigation continues.

A similar incident occurred earlier this month in the Yelahanka neighbourhood of Bengaluru. A government school is under investigation for reportedly pressuring students to clean the schools lavatories in violation of explicit directives from the Karnataka Education Department that prohibited such behaviour.

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 17, 2025, 14:44 IST
Donald Trump Sees 'Very Good' US-China Trade Deal In The Offing Amid Ongoing Tariff War

Curated By :

News18.com

Last Updated: April 17, 2025, 23:02 IST

US President Trump expressed confidence in securing a "very good" trade deal with China, despite the tariff war, during a meeting with Italian PM Giorgia Meloni.

US President Donald Trump meets with China's President Xi Jinping in Osaka, Japan. (IMAGE: REUTERS FILE)

US President Donald Trump expressed confidence on Thursday about securing a very good" trade deal with China, despite the ongoing tariff war between the two nations. Speaking at the White House, he mentioned his optimism while meeting with Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, who was in Washington to discuss tariffs.

While most countries have been hit with a uniform 10 percent tariff by the United States, China is facing much steeper leviesgoing as high as 145 percent on several products. In response, Beijing has imposed retaliatory duties of up to 125 percent on American goods.

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Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lin Jian said that if Washington truly wants to resolve the dispute through talks, it must stop applying extreme pressure" and avoid threats and blackmail."

The United States should engage with China on the basis of equality, respect and mutual benefit," he said.

There are no winners in a tariff or trade war," Lin added. China does not seek conflict, but it is not afraid of one either."

The US President, however, was quick to play down the likelihood of reaching any trade agreements as a result of his tariffs. Trump told reporters while meeting with Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni that at a certain point" deals would come together.

Were in no rush," said Trump, saying he liked the revenues he expected the tariffs to generate for the US government.

Trump and close ally Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni expressed optimism about resolving trade tensions that have strained US-European relations, ahead of talks at the White House.

Meloni is the first European leader to have a face-to-face with Trump since he announced, and then suspended, 20% tariffs on European exports. Meloni secured the meeting at a critical juncture in the trade war as Italys leader, but she also has, in a sense, been knighted" to represent the European Union, the Associated Press said in a report.

Meloni, sitting across a table from Trump ahead of a lunch at the White House, said she was certain they can make a deal on trade.

I am sure we can make a deal, and I am here to help with that," she said.

Trump said that broadly speaking he expected he would make an announcement about trade deals but was in no rush.

Were going to have very little problem making a deal with Europe or anybody else, because we have something that everybody wants," Trump said.

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Meloni said she would invite Trump to visit Italy. She also said she expected Italy would announce at the next NATO meeting in June that her country would be able to reach the alliance requirement that each member nation spend 2% of GDP on defense spending.

We have a very good relationship together and as countries," Trump said.

About the Author Shankhyaneel Sarkar Shankhyaneel Sarkar is a senior subeditor at News18. He covers international affairs, where he focuses on breaking news to in-depth analyses. He has over five years of experience during which he has covered sev... Read More Shankhyaneel Sarkar is a senior subeditor at News18. He covers international affairs, where he focuses on breaking news to in-depth analyses. He has over five years of experience during which he has covered sev... Read More

Location : Washington D.C., United States of America (USA)

First Published: April 17, 2025, 22:46 IST
Elon Musk, His DOGE Tasked To Build Software For Trump's Gold Card, A New US Citizenship Route

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Last Updated: April 17, 2025, 10:32 IST

'Gold Card' is the new pathway for the US citizenship for the wealthy people, President Donald Trump has previously announced. Elon Musk has been tasked to develop software for it.

Donald Trump's Gold Card to roll out soon (AFP Image)

Tesla CEO and US President Donald Trumps confidant, Elon Musk, has been tasked to build a mechanism for the rollout of the Gold Card  a premium version of the Green Card for the rich immigrants.

Musks Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) has been given the task to create a website and finalise the application process for the special immigration visas" which will act as a way into the United States for the rich who are willing to pay a hefty sum of $5 million, The New York Times reported.

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The engineers linked to DOGE have started working on the given assignment.

In collaboration with the staff of the State Department, Department of Homeland Security, and United States Citizenship and Immigration Services, Musks team has begun the development of the visa portal, according to the NYT report.

DOGEs Role In Gold Card Project

The Gold Card project is being led by Marko Elez and Edward Coristine from the DOGE team. They have been on the given job since last month, the report said.

They have held meetings with officials of different agencies that take care of the visa and immigrant vetting process to reach a conclusion about which existing processes can be retained in the Gold Card application system.

The report said that DOGE engineers are still figuring out how to build a gold card system that would skip the usual visa process, which often takes years.

The team is working on speeding up the usual immigration checks  like interviews and background screenings  to approve residency for wealthy applicants within two weeks of applying.

What Is Gold Card?

As Trump seeks to tighten the screws on immigration after his return to the White House for a second term, he announced in February a new pathway to citizenship in the US for very high-level people" through the roll out of a Gold Card.

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The Trump administration said the new Gold Card would take the place of the current EB-5 visa programme. That programme gives permanent US residency to foreigners who invest $800,000 to $1.05 million in US businesses, as long as their investment creates at least 10 jobs for American workers. Last year, the programme brought in around $4 billion for the US government.

Earlier this month, Trump unveiled a prototype of the Gold Card, featuring his face, the Statue of Liberty and a bald eagle. He had then said that the card would be up for grabs in less than two weeks.

About the Author Ashesh Mallick Ashesh Mallick is a Sub-Editor with over three years of experience in news writing, video production. He primarily covers national news, politics and global affairs. You can follow him on Twitter: @MallickAshes... Read More Ashesh Mallick is a Sub-Editor with over three years of experience in news writing, video production. He primarily covers national news, politics and global affairs. You can follow him on Twitter: @MallickAshes... Read More

Location : Washington D.C., United States of America (USA)

First Published: April 17, 2025, 10:30 IST
Indian-Origin Doctor Convicted In US For $2.3 Million Healthcare Fraud, Faces Up To 130 Years In Prison

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Last Updated: April 17, 2025, 20:32 IST

Indian-origin doctor Neil K Anand has been convicted by a federal jury in the US of committing healthcare fraud worth USD 2.3 million.

Dr. Neil K. Anand conspired to distribute oxycodone outside the usual course of professional practice and without a legitimate medical purpose. (PTI Image for Representation)

An Indian-origin doctor has been convicted by a US federal jury for his involvement in multiple healthcare frauds by giving unnecessary prescription medications to patients and unlawfully distributing controlled substances.

The accused doctor, identified as 48-year-old Neil K Anand of Bensalem, Pennsylvania, has been convicted in $2.3 million healthcare fraud and faces up to 130 years in jail. Anand was found guilty of conspiring to submit fraudulent claims to Medicare, the US Office of Personnel Management (OPM), Independence Blue Cross (IBC), and Anthem, news agency PTI reported.

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The claims involved goody bags  pre-packaged medically unnecessary prescription medications which were dispensed to patients by in-house pharmacies owned by Anand. The total cost of the goody was over $2.3 million and was borne by Medicare, OPM, IBC and Anthem.

As per the evidence, Anand and his co-conspirators required patients to take the Goody Bags, which they did not need or want, to receive prescriptions for controlled substances.

Without a legitimate medical purpose, Anand also conspired to distribute oxycodone outside the usual course of professional practice. Oxycodone is a highly addictive opioid painkiller and one of the substances behind aggravating drug addiction in the US.

In furtherance of the conspiracy, unlicensed medical interns wrote prescriptions for controlled substances using blank prescriptions that were pre-signed by Anand. As part of the scheme, Anand prescribed a total of 20,850 oxycodone tablets to nine patients.

After learning that he was under investigation, Anand concealed the proceeds of the fraud by transferring approx $1.2 million into an account in the name of his father and for the benefit of his minor daughter.

Anand was convicted of conspiracy to commit health care fraud and wire fraud; three counts of health care fraud; one count of money laundering; four counts of unlawful monetary transactions; and conspiracy to distribute controlled substances.

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He is scheduled to be sentenced on August 19 and faces a statutory maximum penalty of 130 years in prison. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the US Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.

(With inputs from PTI)

About the Author Shobhit Gupta Shobhit Gupta is a sub-editor at News18.com and covers India and International news. He previously worked with Hindustan Times Digital (HTDS) and NDTV. He is interested in day to day political affairs in India ... Read More Shobhit Gupta is a sub-editor at News18.com and covers India and International news. He previously worked with Hindustan Times Digital (HTDS) and NDTV. He is interested in day to day political affairs in India ... Read More

Location : New York, United States of America (USA)

First Published: April 17, 2025, 20:30 IST
Nikku Madhusudhan: Who Is IIT-BHU Alumnus Behind Discovery Of Strongest 'Signs' Of Life Beyond Earth?

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News18.com Edited By: Oindrila Mukherjee



Last Updated: April 17, 2025, 17:39 IST

Born in India in 1980, Nikku Madhusudhan -- a professor at Cambridge now -- led the team of scientists that used James Webb Space Telescope to find compelling evidence of biological activity on an exoplanet, K2-18b

Nikku Madhusudhan (L) is a professor of astrophysics and exoplanetary science at the University of Cambridge; (R) a handout artist's impression shows the K2-18b super-Earth, the only super-Earth exoplanet known to host both water and temperatures that could support life. (Image: M KORNMESSER/ESA/Hubble/AFP)

Astrophysicist Nikku Madhusudhan, the lead scientist behind a landmark potential discovery of alien life on a planet 120 light years away, started his journey in science at the Indian Institute of Technology at BHU, Varanasi.

Born in India in 1980, he later studied for a masters degree and doctorate at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) in the US. A professor at Cambridge, he led the team of scientists that used James Webb Space Telescope to find compelling evidence of biological activity on an exoplanet, K2-18b. An exoplanet is a planet that is not part of our solar system but orbits another star far away.

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The best explanation for our observations is that (exoplanet) K2-18b is covered with a warm ocean, brimming with life," Madhusudan said at a press conference. He sought to moderate expectations, though: It is in no ones interest to claim prematurely that we have detected life."

He said the discovery is not yet of actual living organisms but a possible presence of biological processes. Nonetheless, as lead author of the study published in the Astrophysical Journal Letters, he underlined: This is a transformational moment in the search for life beyond the solar system, where we have demonstrated that it is possible to detect biosignatures in potentially habitable planets with current facilities."

Using the James Webb Space Telescope, the team found the gas dimethyl sulphide (DMS), which on Earth is only produced by living organisms, such as marine algae in our oceans. In the most basic terms, if this gas is present in another world, that means a high possibility of life.

About 5,800 planets beyond our solar system (exoplanets) have been discovered since the 1990s, said a CNN report, adding that scientists believe some of these exoplanets could be hycean worlds, covered by an ocean and a hydrogen-rich atmosphere, thus a possible home for living organisms.

Madhusudhan was early best known for the concept of hycean planets, a term coined by him. He specialises in the phenomena of exoplanets, their atmospheres, interiors, formation mechanisms, habitability, and biosignatures.

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At present, he is a professor of astrophysics and exoplanetary science at the Institute of Astronomy in the University of Cambridge. He has also worked at other top universities, including his alma mater MIT, Yale, and Princeton.

He has numerous awards to his name from the European Astronomical Society and the International Union for Pure and Applied Physics. His research bases itself on two major telescopes: the Hubble Space Telescope and the James Webb Space Telescope.

About the Author News Desk The News Desk is a team of passionate editors and writers who break and analyse the most important events unfolding in India and abroad. From live updates to exclusive reports to in-depth explainers, the Desk d... Read More The News Desk is a team of passionate editors and writers who break and analyse the most important events unfolding in India and abroad. From live updates to exclusive reports to in-depth explainers, the Desk d... Read More

Location : Washington D.C., United States of America (USA)

First Published: April 17, 2025, 17:31 IST
'We're Different From Hindus': Pakistan Army Chief's Big Remark On 2-Nation Theory's 'Foundation'

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Last Updated: April 17, 2025, 09:37 IST

Pakistan army chief Asim Munir reaffirmed the two-nation theory, emphasising Pakistan's distinct identity from Hindus in culture, religion, and ideology. He urged Pakistanis to pass down this narrative to future generations.

Pakistan's army Chief General Asim Munir speaks during an event (Video screengrab/Social Media)

Pakistans army chief General Asim Munir, during one of his recent speeches, peddled the two-nation theory and stressed that India and Pakistan are two different nations and that Pakistanis are different from Hindus, in their culture, ambition, ideologies, and more.

Addressing the Overseas Pakistanis Convention in Islamabad on Wednesday, Munir said that every Pakistani native should narrate the story of how the nation was born, to their children, and that the story of Pakistan should never be forgotten".

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You have to narrate Pakistans story to your children so that they dont forget it when our forefathers thought we were different from Hindus in every possible aspect of life," Munir said at the event.

Our religion is different, our customs are different, our traditions are different, our thoughts are different, our ambitions are different, thats where the foundation of the two-nation theory was laid. We are two nations, we are not one nation," Munir said.

Because of that, our forefathers mounted that incessant struggle to create this country. Our forefathers, they have sacrificed immensely, and we have sacrificed a lot for the creation of this country, and we know how to defend it," he said.

My dear brothers and sisters and sons and daughters, please dont forget the story of Pakistan, and dont forget to narrate this story of Pakistan to your next generation, so that their bond with Pakistan never weakens, whether it is the third generation, or the fourth generation, or the fifth generation, they know what Pakistan is for them," the Pakistan army chief said.

Pakistan Army Chief General Asim Munir spews hate against #Hindus and propagates the #TwoNationTheory, which failed in 1971 when Bangladesh got independence from Pakistan. He asserts that children must be taught such falsehoods" since its easier to brainwash youth. Shameful! pic.twitter.com/vaVZhEK4v8 Taha Siddiqui (@TahaSSiddiqui) April 16, 2025

Munir, at the event, also vowed to crack down on terrorists in Balochistan and termed it the destiny of Pakistan", stating that even ten generations of terrorists cannot harm Balochistan and Pakistan".

He emphasised the armys determination to tackle terrorism and praised overseas Pakistanis for their dedication and commitment to the nation.

Munir assured that the countrys armed forces will overcome the threat posed by terrorists, specifically mentioning groups like Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA), Balochistan Liberation Front (BLF) and Baloch Republican Army (BRA).

We will beat the hell out of these terrorists very soon. You think, these 1,500 terrorists, belonging to BLA, BLF and BRA, etc, can take away Balochistan from us?" he asked.

Also assuring that the countrys armed forces will overcome the threat posed by terrorists, he affirmed, Do Pakistans enemies think that a handful of terrorists can decide the fate of Pakistan? Even ten generations of terrorists cannot harm Balochistan and Pakistan."

As long as the brave people of this country stand with the Pakistan Armed Forces, your army can easily face every difficulty. Today we are giving this clear message together that whatever stands in the way of Pakistans progress, we will remove that obstacle together," Munir said.

Chief of Army Staff General Syed Asim Munir declared, Balochistan is the crown jewel of Pakistan. You think 1,500 people can take it away? Even your next 10 generations wont succeed."He vowed decisive action against terrorists, stating, You will soon witness the complete pic.twitter.com/r61nCEZeIq  Anum Fatima (@UnumFatima) April 16, 2025

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News agency ANI quoted Dawn and stated Munir also expressed support for Palestinians affected by Israels military actions in Gaza, saying The hearts of Pakistanis beat in unison with the Muslims of Gaza".

About the Author Vani Mehrotra Vani Mehrotra is the Deputy News Editor at News18.com. She has nearly 10 years of experience in both national and international news and has previously worked on multiple desks. Vani Mehrotra is the Deputy News Editor at News18.com. She has nearly 10 years of experience in both national and international news and has previously worked on multiple desks.

First Published: April 17, 2025, 08:04 IST
Pakistan's Gen Asim Munir Mentions Indian Army, Rakes Up Kashmir In Provocative Speech

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Last Updated: April 17, 2025, 15:05 IST

Speaking at the Overseas Pakistanis Convention in Islamabad, General Munir said, "We will not leave our Kashmiri brothers in their heroic struggle."

Pakistan Army chief General Asim Munir (Image Credit: Videograb)

Pakistan Army Chief General Asim Munir said Kashmir is Islamabads jugular vein" and will be so and that Pakistan wont forget it". Speaking at the Overseas Pakistanis Convention in Islamabad, Munir quashed the idea that Pakistan wont get investment due to terrorist activity as he said, Do you think terrorists can take away the destiny of the country? The 1.3 million-strong Indian Army, with all its wherewithal, if they cannot intimidate us, do you think these terrorists can subdue the armed forces of Pakistan?"

Speaking about Kashmir to a gathering of Pakistanis based abroad, General Munir said, Our stance is absolutely clear, it was our jugular vein, it will be our jugular vein, we will not forget it. We will not leave our Kashmiri brothers in their heroic struggle."

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He also vowed decisive crackdown against terrorist groups operating in Balochistan as he declared, Even ten generations of terrorists cannot harm Balochistan and Pakistan".

Militant outfits such as the Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA), Balochistan Liberation Front (BLF), and Baloch Republican Army (BRA) posed no existential threat to Pakistan, he asserted.

Promising swift action against the Balochistani terrorists, he said, We will beat the hell out of these terrorists very soon. Do Pakistans enemies think that a handful of terrorists can decide the fate of Pakistan?"

Read more: Were Different From Hindus: Pakistan Army Chiefs Big Remark On 2-Nation Theorys Foundation

His remarks came after the Jaffar Express train- travelling from Quetta to Peshawar and carrying 440 passengers- was hijacked by the Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA) on March 11. The Balochi insurgents issued a 48-hour ultimatum for Baloch political prisoners to be released or they would execute hostages. The Pakistan Armed Forces launched an operation to raid the hijacked train multiple times, eventually releasing 354 hostages and killing 33 BLA insurgents but the BLA said that they had killed 50 members of the security forces and 214 hostages.

Pakistan Army Chief On Two-Nation Theory

In his speech, the Pakistan Army chief also pushed the two-nation theory as he emphasised that India and Pakistan are two different nations and Pakistanis are different from Hindus in terms of their culture, ideologies, and more.

He said, Our forefathers thought we are different from Hindus in every possible aspect of life. Our religions are different, our customs are different, our traditions are different, our thoughts are different, our ambitions are different. That was the foundation of the two-nation theory that was laid there. We are two nations, we are not one nation."

Every Pakistani native should narrate the story of how the nation was born, to their children, and that the story of Pakistan should never be forgotten", he said.

You have to narrate Pakistans story to your children so that they dont forget it when our forefathers thought we were different from Hindus in every possible aspect of life," he said.

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Pakistan Army Chiefs Appeal To Citizens Of The Country

He also said that as long as the people of Pakistan remained aligned with the military, the nation would be able to overcome any challenge. He said, Today we are giving this clear message together-that whatever stands in the way of Pakistans progress, we will remove that obstacle together. The question is not when Pakistan will get developed, but how fast Pakistan develops."

About the Author Mallika Soni When not reading, this ex-literature student can be found searching for an answer to the question, "What is the purpose of journalism in society?" When not reading, this ex-literature student can be found searching for an answer to the question, "What is the purpose of journalism in society?"

Location : Islamabad, Pakistan

First Published: April 17, 2025, 15:03 IST
Putin Praises Elon Musk, Compares Him To Soviet Space Hero: Such People Rarely Appear

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News18.com

Last Updated: April 17, 2025, 12:25 IST

Vladimir Putin said that Elon Musk is among the rare individuals charged-up with a certain idea.

Russian President Vladimir Putin and Tesla CEO Elon Musk. (Image Credit: Reuters)

Russian President Vladimir Putin praised Elon Musk as he called the Tesla boss and DOGE (Department of Government Efficiency) chief a visionary akin to famed Soviet rocket engineer Sergei Korolev.

As Vladimir Putin spoke to students during a visit to Moscows Bauman University, he said that Elon Musk is among the rare individuals charged-up with a certain idea".

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His obsession with going to Marks is like the ambitions of Soviet space pioneers like Sergei Korolev, the Russian President said. Sergei Korolev, is credited with launching the Soviet space programme, including the worlds first satellite, Sputnik and Vostok 1.

Vladimir Putin Praises Elon Musks Mars Ambitions

You know, theres a man, he lives in the States, Musk, who, you could say, raves about Mars. These are the kind of people who dont often appear in the human population," he said.

Such ideas may seem incredible now, they often come to fruition after a while", he continued.

Such people rarely appear even though it may seem incredible to me today, after a time such ideas are often realised", Vladimir Putin said.

When Vladimir Putin Called Elon Musk A Smart Person

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Earlier, Vladimir Putin said in an interview with journalist Tucker Carlson that theres no stopping Elon Musk". Referring to Neuralink, Musks brain-chip venture, the Russian leader said, Youll need to find some common ground with him persuade him" but he is a smart person".

At the 2023 Eastern Economic Forum, Vladimir Putin called Elon Musk an extraordinary person" and a talented businessman". He then said, This is also recognised all over the world."

About the Author Mallika Soni When not reading, this ex-literature student can be found searching for an answer to the question, "What is the purpose of journalism in society?" When not reading, this ex-literature student can be found searching for an answer to the question, "What is the purpose of journalism in society?"

Location : Russia

First Published: April 17, 2025, 12:25 IST
Trump Threatens To Ban Harvard From Enrolling Foreign Students Amid Funding Standoff

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Last Updated: April 17, 2025, 10:09 IST

This comes after Trump said that Harvard University can no longer be considered among the "Worlds Great Universities or Colleges".

Donald Trump vs Harvard University feud (AFP Image)

In an escalation of tensions in the Trump vs Harvard University feud, the US administration said on Wednesday (local time) that it would stop the university from enrolling international students if it does not give in to the governments demands that would place it under political oversight.

Trump has expressed his fury against Harvard  which has so far produced 162 162 Nobel prize winners  as it outrightly dismissed his request to allow checks on how the university handles admissions, hiring, and political views.

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And if Harvard cannot verify it is in full compliance with its reporting requirements, the university will lose the privilege of enrolling foreign students," a statement from the Department of Homeland Security read.

Harvard has stood out from other universities by refusing to adhere to Trumps push for strict government control, while several other universities have given in to heavy pressure from the White House.

Harvard can no longer be considered even a decent place of learning, and should not be considered on any list of the Worlds Great Universities or Colleges. Harvard is a JOKE, teaches Hate and Stupidity, and should no longer receive Federal Funds," Trump said on Wednesday on Truth Social.

On Tuesday (April 15), he threatened to take away the universitys tax-free status as a nonprofit school, after already blocking $2.2 billion in federal funding. Hes demanding that the university change how it operates  including how it admits students and hires staff  and agree to government audits" of its academic programs and departments.

In the Truth Social post, Trump said that Harvard has lost its way" and has been hiring woke, Radical Left, idiots and birdbrains" who are capable of only teaching failure to students.

Look just to the recent past at their plagiarizing President, who so greatly embarrassed Harvard before the United States Congress. When it got so bad that they just couldnt take it anymore, they moved this grossly inept woman into another position, teaching, rather than firing her ON THE SPOT. Since then much else has been found out about her, but she remains in place," Trump wrote.

In response, Harvard President Alan Garber has said that the university will not negotiate over its independence or its constitutional rights".

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No governmentregardless of which party is in powershould dictate what private universities can teach, whom they can admit and hire, and which areas of study and inquiry they can pursue."  President Alan Garber https://t.co/6cQQpcJVTd Harvard University (@Harvard) April 14, 2025

Trump and his team say they are putting pressure on universities because of what they claim is rising anti-Semitism and support for the Palestinian armed group Hamas on the campuses.

About the Author Ashesh Mallick Ashesh Mallick is a Sub-Editor with over three years of experience in news writing, video production. He primarily covers national news, politics and global affairs. You can follow him on Twitter: @MallickAshes... Read More Ashesh Mallick is a Sub-Editor with over three years of experience in news writing, video production. He primarily covers national news, politics and global affairs. You can follow him on Twitter: @MallickAshes... Read More

Location : Washington D.C., United States of America (USA)

First Published: April 17, 2025, 09:41 IST
Trump Says US-Ukraine Minerals Deal To Be Signed Next Thursday

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Last Updated: April 17, 2025, 23:42 IST

US President Donald Trump announced a minerals agreement with Ukraine to be signed next Thursday, during meetings with Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni.

US President Donald Trump meets with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy at the White House in Washington, DC, US. (IMAGE: REUTERS)

US President Donald Trump announced on Thursday that a minerals agreement between the United States and Ukraine will be signed next Thursday, during a series of meetings with Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni.

We have a minerals deal which I guess is going to be signed on Thursday next Thursday. Soon. And I assume theyre going to live up to the deal. So well see. But we have a deal on that," Trump told reporters at the White House.

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Earlier in the day, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy mentioned that Ukraine and the US could sign an online memorandum of intent on Thursday regarding the minerals deal currently being negotiated by the two nations.

President Trump has advocated for a deal granting the United States privileged access to Ukraines natural resources and critical minerals, which he considers repayment for military aid provided by Washington to Ukraine during Joe Bidens presidency.

The Ukrainian delegation travelled to Washington at the end of last week for negotiations after the Trump administration proposed a new, more comprehensive deal. The initial framework agreement that was reached has not yet been signed.

This is a memorandum of intent. We have positive, constructive intentions," Zelenskyy told reporters in Kyiv on Thursday.

He further stated that the offer to sign the memorandum before the comprehensive deal, which would require ratification by the Ukrainian parliament, came from the US side.

Ukraines economy minister mentioned that Kyiv and Washington made significant progress in their discussions, and the memorandum is the first stage to document this progress.

Ukraines first deputy prime minister Yulia Svyrydenko on Wednesday took to social media to say that Ukraine and the United States have made substantial progress" in their talks and said that the nation would sign a deal soon without giving a timeframe.

The United States has reduced its cost estimate for the assistance provided to Ukraine since Russias invasion in 2022 to about $100 billion from $300 billion, Bloomberg News reported on Wednesday, citing people familiar with the matter.

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Last month, the Trump administration proposed a new, more expansive minerals deal, which gives Ukraine no future security guarantees but requires it to place in a joint investment fund all income from the exploitation of natural resources by state and private enterprises across Ukrainian territory.

(with Reuters and AFP inputs)

About the Author Shankhyaneel Sarkar Shankhyaneel Sarkar is a senior subeditor at News18. He covers international affairs, where he focuses on breaking news to in-depth analyses. He has over five years of experience during which he has covered sev... Read More Shankhyaneel Sarkar is a senior subeditor at News18. He covers international affairs, where he focuses on breaking news to in-depth analyses. He has over five years of experience during which he has covered sev... Read More

Location : Washington D.C., United States of America (USA)

First Published: April 17, 2025, 23:28 IST
Ukraine Flouts Humanitarian Law, Exposes Identities Of Chinese Prisoners Of War To Prove Beijing Wrong

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Last Updated: April 17, 2025, 07:46 IST

China has repeatedly denied the involvement of its citizens in the Russia-Ukraine war, to counter which Kyiv flouted the international humanitarian law and exposed the identities of POWs.

Chinese prisoners of war in Ukraine (AFP Image)

In a brazen violation of international humanitarian law, Ukraine paraded the Chinese prisoners of war and exposed them to the media, in a move that could possibly irk Beijing, which has earlier denied the involvement of its nationals in the Ukraine war.

Ukraines move comes as Donald Trumps support has been shrinking and Russia is upping its ante in the three-year-long war that sees no end at the moment. China has time and again denied the involvement of its citizens in fighting with the Russians against Ukraine. Ukraines President Volodymyr Zelenskyy had recently said that there are 155 Chinese citizens who were fighting against Ukraine on its soil, out of whom two were held in eastern Donetsk. China had refuted the claims.

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Zelenskyy Nods Flouting International Law

With his permission, the Ukrainian military paraded them and revealed their identities as POWs. According to international humanitarian law, revealing the identities of prisoners of war and exposing them in front of news cameras is a violation of the law. However, Zelenskyy gave a go-ahead to this open defiance of the law, to counter Chinas claims that none of its nationals were involved in the Russia-Ukraine war.

The Chinese POWs were made to sit in front of the media. The International Committee of the Red Cross protects the prisoners of war and also bars a country from revealing them in front of the media.

Zelenskyy had last week said that Russia was dragging China, which has been silently backing Moscow in the conflict, into the war. He also lashed out at Beijing for allowing the recruitment of its citizens into the Russian army.

Chinas Response To Zelenskyy

Chinas Foreign Ministry said, We would like to reiterate that China is not the initiator of the Ukrainian crisis, nor is China a participating party. We urge the relevant parties concerned to correctly and soberly understand the role of China and to not release irresponsible remarks."

According to CNN, which was allowed to meet the Chinese prisoners of war, the captives were brought into a room where the press conference was held. They were wearing army uniforms. The media was allowed to ask them questions, and the prisoners were given a chance to talk about what they had gone through.

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A translator stood next to them, translating the questions for the prisoners, who answered in Mandarin (Chinese). Armed Ukrainian guards kept a close watch on them during the entire briefing.

The men  whom CNN chose not to name  said that money was a big reason they made their decisions. One of them shared that he had lost his job during the COVID-19 pandemic and was struggling to earn. He said the offer of 250,000 rubles (about $3,000) a month in Russia was more than twice what he could make in his home country.

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 : Ukraine

First Published: April 17, 2025, 07:27 IST
Who Is Chinmay Deore, Indian Student Facing Possible Deportation From US?

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Last Updated: April 17, 2025, 10:42 IST

Chinmay Deore Deportation: Chinmay Deore first entered the United States with his family on an H-4 dependent visa in 2004.

Indian student Chinmay Deore (Photo: LinkedIn/ Chinmay Deore)

Indian student Chinmay Deore filed a lawsuit against the United States Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and immigration officials, along with three other students from China and Nepal, after their student immigration status was terminated unlawfully". They claimed that their student immigration status in the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS) was illegally terminated without sufficient notice and explanation".

Who Is Chinmay Deore?

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Chinmay Deore first entered the United States with his family on an H-4 dependent visa in 2004. He and his family left the United States in 2008 but later returned in 2014. After completing high school in Michigan, he enrolled at Wayne State University under the H-4 status and has been studying computer science there since August 2021.

In May 2022, Chinmay Deore applied for permission to transition to F-1 student status when his H-4 status was ending. He was granted the status. Chinmay Deores course will end in May 2025. He currently resides in Canton, as per the lawsuit.

He had earlier planned to exercise his right, pursuant to his F-1 status, to obtain lawful OPT employment after his graduation.

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The lawsuit filed by Chinmay Deore states, These terminations have put Plaintiffs education, research, and career trajectory at risk. In particular, Chinmay is no longer able to obtain OPT, and his ability to transfer his F-1 status to another school for a masters degree is in jeopardy. He has also lost a position he lawfully held pursuant to his F-1 status, a position that provided income that he relied on to support himself. If removed from the United States, he would also be torn away from his parents and sister, all of whom lawfully reside in Canton, Michigan."

On April 4, Wayne State University informed Chinmay Deore that his F-1 student status in SEVIS had been terminated. The email stated, Our record shows that your SEVIS has been terminated this morning- TERMINATION REASON: OTHERWISE FAILING TO MAINTAIN STATUS  Individual identified in criminal records check and/or has had their VISA revoked. SEVIS record has been terminated."

About the Author Mallika Soni When not reading, this ex-literature student can be found searching for an answer to the question, "What is the purpose of journalism in society?" When not reading, this ex-literature student can be found searching for an answer to the question, "What is the purpose of journalism in society?"

Location : Washington D.C., United States of America (USA)

First Published: April 17, 2025, 10:42 IST
'Kept Missing Each Other': Yunus Calls For Stronger Ties Between Pakistan And Bangladesh

Reported By :

News18.com Edited By: Oindrila Mukherjee



Last Updated: April 17, 2025, 19:10 IST

During his meeting with Pakistan foreign secretary Amna Baloch, Bangladesh Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus said he preferred closer ties with neighbouring countries, including Pakistan, in the framework of SAARC

Pakistan said Bangladesh Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus (R) shared his vision for bilateral relations between the two countries during his meeting with foreign secretary Amna Baloch (L). (Image: @ForeignOfficePk/X)

Bangladesh interim leader Muhammad Yunus on Thursday called for stronger ties with Pakistan to boost mutual cooperation as well as explore trade and business potential.

Yunus put emphasis on strengthening ties with Pakistan during his meeting with the countrys foreign secretary Amna Baloch. There are certain hurdles. We have to find ways to overcome those and move forward," he told Baloch, the first Pakistani foreign secretary to visit Bangladesh in 15 years.

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Yunus further said he preferred closer ties with neighbouring countries, including Pakistan, in the framework of South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC). He said Bangladesh and Pakistan should exchange more youth and cultural programmes to increase people-to-people bonding.

We kept missing each other for a long time as our relationship was frozen. We have to overcome the barriers," he said.

HUGE INTRAMARKET POTENTIAL

Acknowledging past issues, Baloch said Bangladesh and Pakistan must find ways to harness the potential between the two countries".

We have huge intramarket potential on our own rights, and we should use it," Baloch said. We cant miss the bus every time."

She said there is a need for a regular business-to-business interaction between the private sectors of the two countries and exchange visits at all levels. In January, a delegation of the Federation of Pakistan Chambers of Commerce & Industry (FPCCI) visited Bangladesh and signed an agreement with the Federation of Bangladesh Chambers of Commerce & Industries (FBCCI).

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The Pakistan foreign secretary hoped that the upcoming visit of her countrys deputy prime minister Ishaq Dar toward the end of April will further boost relations between the two countries.

Yunus, meanwhile, recalled his meeting with Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif in New York on the sidelines of the 79th UN General Assembly in September 2024 and in Cairo on the sidelines of the D8 Summit in December 2024, saying they were key in making progress in bilateral relations. He said Bangladesh and Pakistan will continue to work closely at multilateral and regional forums like SAARC, OIC, and D8.

Location : Dhaka, Bangladesh

First Published: April 17, 2025, 19:10 IST
An armed 17-year-old student slipped into a Dallas high school through an unsecured door on Tuesday, setting off a chain of events that ended with four classmates injured, according to an arrest warrant released Wednesday. Per the warrant, surveillance footage captured an unidentified student open the door at Wilmer-Hutchins High School for the suspect, who walked the hallway "until he spotted multiple male students," reports ABC News . He then opened fire indiscriminately and appeared to take a point-blank shot at a student who was not able to run.

The suspect, identified as Tracy Haynes, turned himself in Tuesday night and is being held in Dallas County jail on a charge of aggravated assault mass shooting. His bond is set at $600,000. Three of the four injured male students suffered gunshot wounds; the fourth experienced an unspecified musculoskeletal injury to the lower body, reports the AP. Two of the injured students were discharged from the hospital by Wednesday. The other two are expected to recover, according to Dallas Fire-Rescue.

Christina Smith, assistant police chief for the Dallas Independent School District, said that the firearm did not enter the building during "regular intake time" and that "it was not a failure of our staff, of our protocols, or of the machinery that we have." Smith provided no further details about the weapon's entry or the motive. The Dallas Morning News notes the school employs metal detectors and has a clear backpack policy in place. The high school will be closed for the remainder of the week.
Source say three senior Pentagon officials have now been placed on leave amid a probe into media leaks from the Department of Defense. The first was Dan Caldwell, one of Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth's senior advisers, who was escorted out of the Pentagon by security on Tuesday. Another Hegseth adviser, Darin Selnick, the department's deputy chief of staff, was also escorted out and placed on administrative leave Tuesday, the Hill reports. On Wednesday, the same thing happened to Colin Carroll, chief of staff for Deputy Secretary of Defense Steve Feinberg, Politico reports.

The investigation reportedly has to do with leaks of sensitive information including military operational plans for the Panama Canal, the pause on collecting intel for Ukraine, Elon Musk's meeting at the Pentagon, and more. But sources tell CNN the three officials butted heads with Hegseth's chief of staff, Joe Kasper, who ordered the investigation into "unauthorized disclosures" in March. "This is a purge of people who had disagreements with the Pentagon chief of staff," says one. Coming in the wake of Signalgate, the situation has more Democrats calling for Hegseth to resign. "This is now the second major breach of classified information by the most senior political appointees in @petehegseth's two months of leadership at DOD," wrote Rep. Daniel Goldman on X. "He should never have been appointed based on merit alone, but now he is a national security threat."
Sen. Chris Van Hollen met with the vice president of El Salvador after flying there on Wednesday, but he was not allowed to see Kilmar Abrego Garciathe purpose of his trip . The US Supreme Court has ruled that Abrego Garcia was in the US legally and should not have been sent to a foreign prison by the Trump administration. In San Salvador, the New York TImes reports, Van Hollen told reporters he was calling upon President Nayib Bukele "to do the right thing and allow Mr. Abrego Garcia to walk out of a prisona man who's charged with no crime, convicted of no crime and who was illegally abducted from the United States."

The senator said he met with US Embassy officials and the nation's vice president, Felix Ulloa, who would not agree to release Abrego Garcia. Nor would Ulloa allow Van Hollen to meet with the detainee or speak to him on the phone, per the Washington Post, telling the senator he needed more time. Van Hollen also told reporters: "President Trump and our attorney general, Pam Bondi, and the vice president of the United States are lying when they say that Abrego Garcia has been charged with a crime or is part of MS-13. That is a lie."

The vice president also would not commit to letting Abrego Garcia's family speak to him, Van Hollen said. Ulloa said such a request would have to come from the embassywhich is to say, the Trump administration. Also on Wednesday, Democratic Rep. Yassamin Ansari said she, too, will go to El Salvador, per the AP. "My parents fled an authoritarian regime in Iran where people 'disappeared'I refuse to sit back and watch it happen here, too," she wrote in a statement.
The prospect of a Fyre Fest 2 has gone from "probably" to "well, maybe not" to a hard "no"at least for now. Organizers of the music fest, whose first incarnation in the Bahamas in 2017 was an infamous disaster, have announced they're postponing the event, which had been set to take place in Mexico from May 30 to June 2, reports ABC News . "A new date will be announced," an email to ticket holders reads, adding that refunds have been issued. "Once the new date is announced, at that time, you can repurchase if it works for your schedule."

Tickets for Fyre Fest 2 had gone on sale in February, starting at around $1,400 apiece. Promos for this version of Billy McFarland's event said it was to include "boundary-pushing excursions by day" and "intimate beach-side performances at night," featuring "international and local talent"but Rolling Stone notes that no artists were ever announced. "I'm sure many people think I'm crazy for doing this again," McFarland, who went to prison for fraud for more than three years over the first Fyre Fest, said in a statement at the time of the initial announcement. "But I feel I'd be crazy not to do it again."

The New York Times details the confusing timeline since Fyre Fest 2 was first announced, with the initial location set in Isla Mujeres. But the island's government soon came out to deny that a fest was happening there, as did the tourism department for the state of Quintana Roo, where Isla Mujeres is located. Then the location was reportedly moved south to Playa del Carmen, whose government also denied the fest was taking place there.

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Meanwhile, McFarland and the official Fyre Fest Instagram account have posted the receipts they claim prove they were indeed authorized to hold the event in Playa del Carmen. "All media reports suggesting our team has not been working with the government of PDC are simply inaccurate and based on misinformation," an April 7 post reads. "FYRE has operated as a good partner with PDC government and has followed the proper processes and procedures to lawfully host an event."
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A portrait of a young Palestinian boy who lost both arms as a result of an Israeli attack in Gaza was honored Thursday as World Press Photo's photo of the year. The image, taken by Qatar-based Palestinian photographer Samar Abu Elouf for the New York Times, shows 9-year-old Mahmoud Ajjour, with his arms missing just below each shoulder. The winner of the 68th edition of the prestigious photojournalism contest was selected from nearly 60,000 entries submitted by 3,778 photographers from 141 countries, per the AP . "This is a quiet photo that speaks loudly," said Joumana El Zein Khoury, the World Press Photo Foundation's executive director. "It tells the story of one boy, but also of a wider war that will have an impact for generations."

In a statement, the organization said that Mahmoud was injured while fleeing an Israeli attack in March 2024. "After he turned back to urge his family onward, an explosion severed one of his arms and mutilated the other," according to the World Press Photo citation. "This young boy's life deserves to be understood, and this picture does what great photojournalism can do: provide a layered entry point into a complex story, and the incentive to prolong one's encounter with that story," said jury chair Lucy Conticello, who's also the photo chief for French newspaper Le Monde's weekend magazine.

Winning photographer Abu Elouf was evacuated from Gaza in December 2023 and now lives in the same apartment complex as Ajjour in the Qatari capital of Doha. "One of the most difficult things Mahmoud's mother explained to me was how when Mahmoud first came to the realization that his arms were amputated, the first sentence he said to her was, 'How will I be able to hug you?'" Abu Elouf said in a statement released by World Press Photo.

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Competition organizers also named two World Press Photo finalists that highlighted the issues of migration and climate change. A dark photo by John Moore for Getty Images shows Chinese migrants warming themselves after crossing the US-Mexico border, while a picture by Musuk Nolte for Panos Pictures, Bertha Foundation, depicts a young man carrying food across a dried-up riverbed in Brazil's Amazon basin region.
Russia's highest court on Thursday removed the Taliban's terrorist label and lifted a ban on the Afghan rulers, following a request from the Prosecutor General's office there. The Taliban had been on Russia's list of terror groups since 2003, per the AP . The ruling marks a notable shift after more than 20 years of official isolation and is a diplomatic victory for the Taliban, allowing Russia to further engage with the group.

Taliban delegations have attended forums hosted by Russia, including an economic summit held last year in St. Petersburg, reports Bloomberg. A handful of other nations have also welcomed Taliban reps, including China and Pakistan, although they don't officially recognize the Taliban government. Last year, Russia adopted a law allowing courts to suspend terrorist designations, and Russian officials recently stressed the need to work with the Taliban to help stabilize Afghanistan. In recent years, Kazakhstan and Kyrgyzstan similarly removed the Taliban from their lists of terrorist groups.

Ibraheem Bahiss, a senior analyst with Crisis Group's Asia Program, tells the Washington Post that "beyond making it easier for individuals and businesses to engage with Afghanistan, I am not sure what other major benefit this will have." Still, South Asia analyst Michael Kugelman says that, even though Russia's ruling isn't necessarily earth-shatteringnot many nations have officially designated the Taliban as a terror group anywayit's a PR win of sorts for the organization. "The court decision is a legitimacy-boosting outcome they can leverage to point to international acceptance of their rule," Kugelman notes.

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The Taliban seized power in Afghanistan in August 2021. Their takeover came as US and NATO troops withdrew after two decades of war. Since then, the Taliban have imposed restrictions on women and girls. Women are barred from most jobs and public spaces, and girls are banned from education beyond the sixth grade. Check out a deeper dive by the nonpartisan Carnegie Endowment think tank last year on why Russia may be intent on legalizing the Taliban.
Haley Joel Osment is trouble with the law again. The 37-year-old actor, whose breakout role came as a child in The Sixth Sense, was arrested at a ski resort in California earlier this month for alleged public intoxication, reports TMZ. Osment has not yet been charged over the April 8 incident at Mammoth Mountain, and it's up to the district attorney in Mono County to decide whether to move forward with the case. A police media release described him as an "unruly skier," per USA Today.
It's been less than a month since Pope Francis was released from a Rome hospital after a five-week stay in which he came close to death , but he has been making an increasing number of public outings despite doctors' orders to take it easy and avoid crowds. On Thursday, the 88-year-old visited Rome's Regina Coeli prison, ABC News reports. "Every year l like to do what Jesus did on Holy Thursday, the washing of the feet, in a prison," he told inmates, according to a Vatican statement. "This year I cannot do it but I wanted to be close to you. I pray for you and all your families." The Vatican said Francis met with 70 inmates individually.

"Every time I enter one of these places, I ask myself: 'Why them and not me?'" the pope told reporters outside the prison. Asked how he was marking Easter season, he said, "I am living it as I can," the AP reports. He is expected to make more appearances in the days ahead, though cardinals will take his place at some Holy Week events. He made a surprise appearance to greet Palm Sunday worshippers in St. Peter's Square and has made unannounced St. Peter's Basilica and another basilica miles from the Vatican. In the visit to St. Peter's Basilica last Thursday, the pope, who wasn't wearing his traditional robes, greeted two people working on the restoration of the tomb of Pope Urban VIII.

"He wanted to shake our hands, and mine was very cold and I was afraid to give it to him, but he was very warm, and kind and he asked me to give it to him in any case," one of the restorers said, per the New York Times. Christopher White, Vatican correspondent for the National Catholic Reporter, says Francis came in as a "maverick" 12 years ago and is continuing to be one after his hospitalization, the Guardian reports. White believes that the public appearances are partly because the pope "really does believe that being with people is the best medicine," and partly because he is "politically astute" and after reading reports about his possible resignation, he is trying to "channel pretty concrete ways of saying 'I'm here, and I'm in charge.'"
An American military veteran was fatally shot after he hijacked a small passenger plane in Belize on Thursday, officials in Belize and the US confirmed. Once the Tropic Air plane carrying 14 passengers and two crew members landed safely, police in Belize identified the hijacker as Akinyela Taylor, the AP reports. Chester Williams, Belize police commissioner, said Taylor wielded a knife and stabbed two passengers and a pilot on the plane. The three were later taken to the hospital for treatment of their injuries.

Williams said Taylor was shot by a passenger who was licensed to carry a firearm, which he later turned over to police. The passenger was among those stabbed and remains in critical condition as he was stabbed in the back and lungs, according to the police commissioner. "We are praying for him," Williams told reporters. "He's our hero." Williams said Taylor was demanding that he be flown out of the Caribbean country and at one point wanted the plane to land to add fuel. US Embassy spokesperson Luke Martin in Belize said Taylor insisted he be taken to the US.

US officials did not know the cause or motive but were working with Belizean authorities to determine what happened, Martin said. The plane was traveling from Corozal to San Pedro, and Belize authorities declared a full emergency after the hijacking, which took place at around 8:30am local time, according to a statement by the Belize Airport Concession Company. The plane circled in random directions for hours until landing safely at Philip Goldson international airport in the coastal town of Ladyville, per the Guardian. All passengers were accounted for, according to the BACC, and those injured were flown to a hospital for treatment.
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.
Azerbaijan Positions Itself at the Forefront of Global Change at Facing the New World Order Forum

Azerbaijan Positions Itself at the Forefront of Global Change at Facing the New World Order Forum

TDT | KSA

Email: mail@newsofbahrain.com

The international forum Facing the New World Order, hosted at ADA University and attended by Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev, was more than just another policy conference  it was a declaration of Azerbaijans active and growing role on the world stage. As global power dynamics evolve, Azerbaijan is stepping forward not as a passive observer, but as a proactive shaper of regional and international developments.

The forum gathered a distinguished lineup of politicians, diplomats, strategists, and academics, all eager to discuss the emerging world order and the realignments reshaping global politics. The event also reflected a larger shift: regions once defined by historical conflicts  such as the South Caucasus  are beginning to emerge as hubs of responsibility, decision-making, and leadership.

Azerbaijans Vision for Peace and Regional Cooperation

In his keynote speech, President Ilham Aliyev laid out a clear and compelling vision, not only addressing Azerbaijans path to peace with Armenia but offering a broader framework for regional cooperation and stability. He reaffirmed Azerbaijans commitment to normalizing relations with Armenia and sketched out the conditions for a lasting peace agreement.

Beyond the bilateral dialogue, Aliyevs address highlighted Azerbaijans geopolitical strategy  one built on regional transformation, evolving security partnerships, and a clear-eyed response to the shifting global order. As conflicts like the war in Ukraine and disruptions to global energy and supply chains shake old systems, President Aliyevs remarks emphasized a crucial question for smaller nations: Will they be passive subjects of global politics, or will they assert themselves as strategic actors?

Azerbaijan: A Key Regional Connector

Geographically straddling the Caspian and Black Seas, Azerbaijan has long been a bridge between East and West. In the past two decades, it has cemented its status as the South Caucasus principal energy and logistics hub. The Southern Gas Corridor, connecting the Caspian Sea to Southern Europe via the TANAP and TAP pipelines, plays an increasingly vital role in Europes energy independence, particularly in reducing reliance on Russian gas.

Azerbaijans capital, Baku, is now home to the largest seaport on the Caspian Sea, serving as a major gateway for trade between China and Europe. Beyond energy, Azerbaijan plays a strategic role in global trade routes such as the International North-South Transport Corridor and the Trans-Caspian Route, linking India, Central Asia, and Europe.

From Post-Conflict Recovery to Positive Peace

Since the 2020 liberation of Karabakh, Azerbaijan has embraced a model of reconstruction centered on the concept of positive peace. This approach extends beyond ending hostilities, aiming to create a lasting, stable, and institutional regional order.

At the forum, President Aliyev underscored Azerbaijans readiness for peace, placing the onus squarely on Armenia. With respect to the peace agreement, the ball is in Armenias court, he declared, signaling that Azerbaijan has fulfilled its commitments and that the delay now lies with Yerevan. He emphasized that Armenias occupation of Azerbaijani territories had obstructed the South Caucasus integration and that the region could only move forward through mutual recognition, cooperation, and respect for international law.

Aliyev also criticized Armenias economic miscalculations, pointing out how its aggressive policies and occupation had cut it off from regional transit routes and trade opportunities. Armenia deprived itself from becoming a transit country for Azerbaijan's energy resources and transportation routes, he noted, highlighting how peace and cooperation could transform Armenias future if it embraces a realistic and forward-looking approach.

Peace as a Path to Prosperity

President Aliyevs address was not merely diplomatic  it was a roadmap for the future. Azerbaijans message to Armenia is clear: the path to economic growth and political stability lies in peaceful cooperation, not territorial disputes.

Should Armenia choose peace, the South Caucasus could enter a new era of integration. A peace treaty would unlock transformative opportunities for both nations, including the potential development of the Zangezur Corridor  a route that could reconnect Armenia to global trade networks stretching from the Persian Gulf to the Mediterranean and Caspian Seas.

A future rooted in cooperation would also reduce the need for military alliances, shifting the regions focus toward economic collaboration and infrastructure development. Institutions such as a South Caucasus Security Council or Infrastructure Commission could emerge, creating a foundation for long-term regional security and prosperity.

A Strategic Hub in a Multipolar World

Historically viewed as a peripheral area in global affairs, Azerbaijans pragmatic and independent foreign policy has elevated its role as a key player in a multipolar world. Through strategic partnerships  particularly with Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, and European Union nations such as Romania and Hungary  Azerbaijan is forging a multi-directional, cooperative model that transcends the traditional center-periphery dynamic.

Azerbaijans investments in energy, transport, and digital infrastructure underscore this transformation. In 2023 alone, the country exported over 8 billion cubic meters of natural gas to the European Union, and nearly 70% of the Trans-Caspian multimodal freight route passes through Azerbaijani territory. Major infrastructure projects, including the Alat Port and digital corridors, position Baku as both a reliable partner and a linchpin of Eurasian connectivity.

Embracing a New World Order

The Facing the New World Order forum made one thing clear: the age of a singular, universal global order is fading. Instead, nations like Azerbaijan are charting their own courses, building flexible alliances and regional partnerships tailored to their unique geopolitical circumstances.

Through dialogue, diplomacy, and bold vision, Azerbaijan is stepping forward as both a regional leader and a reliable global partner  ready to shape, not just adapt to, the emerging world order.
Apr 17 (Japan by Food) - Today, we're giving you a behind-the-scenes look at the farm-to-table journey of premium wagyu beef in Hyogo and Osaka in the Kansai Region, the heartland of Japans wagyu and Yakiniku culture.

Join Stephanie as she visits a wagyu farm in Hyogo, meets the cattle farmers to learn about the strict standards that make Kobe beef so legendary, and goes goes to try it herself at a Osaka Yakiniku restaurant -- one of the best and budget friendly way to enjoy premium cuts.
Apr 17 (News On Japan) - Once a familiar and comforting presence on urban streets, Japan's cherished ramen stalls are quietly fading away as stricter regulations, an aging workforce, and evolving consumer preferences make their survival increasingly difficult.

These humble carts have long served as more than just places to grab a quick bitethey are social hubs where locals gather for conversation, connection, and the simple pleasure of a hot bowl of noodles. Whether its after a night of drinking, following a judo practice, or just a routine stop during a stroll home, people of all ages have cherished these stalls as part of their daily rhythm and emotional landscape. At one such ramen cart, now approaching its final days of operation, regulars gather to savor not just the food but the memories it holds. The owner, a 78-year-old man who has run the stall for nearly 54 years, speaks with warmth and humility about the long history of his ramen. He recalls starting the stall after another business venture failed in his youth, eventually finding joy and meaning in serving ramen through the decades. Despite closing his restaurant for ten years after the death of a co-worker, he returned to the stall, keeping the legacy alive. For many customers, the stall represents more than just a mealits a ritual. Families, coworkers, and solo diners all return regularly, some traveling from afar, including overseas. A man who works in Dubai makes a point to stop by whenever he returns to Japan. Others say the presence of the stalls warm glow is enough to make them feel like theyve come home, even if they dont eat. These interactions often go beyond food, as many simply come to talk, catch up, and share their lives with the friendly owner. The atmosphere around the stall is one of familiarity and affection. Customers call out their orderssoy sauce ramen, salt ramen, miso with extra green onions, garlic tempurawhile the owner works steadily in the compact space, assisted occasionally by his grandson. Despite the long lines, people wait patiently, exchanging stories and jokes. The ambiance is unpolished but comforting, filled with laughter, the clatter of bowls, and the hiss of boiling soup. But even as nostalgia lingers in the air, the reality remains that these types of food stalls are fading from Japans urban scenery. Changing regulations, an aging population, and shifting consumer habits have made it harder for these small businesses to survive. Younger generations, while appreciative, may not be in a position to take over such demanding, physically taxing work. The imminent closure of this ramen cart has prompted waves of gratitude and quiet sadness among its patrons. Many express heartfelt thanks to the owner, some tearfully, others with humor and warm embraces. For those who have grown up with this taste of the past, the end of the stall marks more than the loss of a favorite mealit signifies the vanishing of a piece of Japans living cultural fabric.

Source: Japanese Food Noodles
FUKUOKA, Apr 17 (News On Japan) - A regular flight route between Fukuoka and Kaohsiung in southern Taiwan resumed on April 15th for the first time in nine years, operated by Taiwan's China Airlines.

A flight from Kaohsiung landed at Fukuoka Airport to mark the restart of the service. The newly resumed route will operate up to four times a week, with one round trip per operating day. Departures from Fukuoka are scheduled at 11:50 a.m., arriving in Kaohsiung at 1:40 p.m., while return flights leave Kaohsiung at 7:05 a.m. and arrive in Fukuoka at 10:50 a.m.

China Airlines had suspended the route in March 2016 due to restrictions on takeoff and landing slots at Fukuoka Airport. However, with the opening of a second runway at the airport last month, the airline has decided to resume the service.

A traveler noted, "Until now, I had to fly to Taipei and take the Shinkansen to Kaohsiung, which took over two hours. A direct flight is much more convenient."

Kaohsiung is Taiwans largest industrial city, and China Airlines expects increased demand from business travelers, particularly those affiliated with major Taiwanese firms such as semiconductor manufacturer TSMC.

Source: FBS
FUKUOKA, Apr 17 (News On Japan) - Sales of Miyazaki Prefectures signature fully ripe mangoes, branded as "Taiyo no Tamago" or "Egg of the Sun," officially began on April 17th, with auctions taking place in Fukuoka City.

At the Central Wholesale Market in Fukuokas Higashi Ward, a promotional event was held prior to the mango auction, where participants sampled the fruit. One taster commented, "Amazing, delicioustruly a Japanese brand."

Taiyo no Tamago mangoes are a premium brand that must meet strict standards for sugar content and weight. On April 17th, two sets of 4L-sized mangoes, each containing two fruits, were auctioned and both fetched 100,000 yenthe same price as last year.

Yoshinori Hirashima, deputy union chief of JA Miyazaki, commented: "Although shipments are slightly delayed this year due to unstable weather, the mangoes have developed exceptional sweetness. We hope many people will enjoy them."

The nationwide sale of Taiyo no Tamago mangoes began on April 17th, with the shipping peak expected from late May through early June.

Source: RKBNEWS
TORONTO, April 17, 2025 /CNW/ - The Ontario Nurses' Association (ONA) is unveiling a new digital platform where the unvarnished true stories and perspectives of nurses and front-line health-care professionals in Ontario will be published.

"This new digital publication is a space for our union's 68,000 front-line members to tell the brutal truth," says ONA Provincial President Erin Ariss, RN. "For far too long, nurses and health-care professionals have been quiet, but no longer. The F-Word (F-Word  The Ontario Nurses' Association Magazine) is part of a broader movement of ONA members speaking out and telling it like it really is."

The name is inspired by ONA members across the province who are reclaiming their fight and shedding their fear of taking action to defend public health care and each other. The F-Word is a fierce response to decision makers and those in power who have tried to silence ONA members at every turn.

F-Word will feature in-depth articles about nursing, labour issues and the political landscape. As a regularly updated, online-only source for information, F-Word is also an outlet for expression and connection among grassroots ONA members.

"F-Word is where nurses and health-care professionals can share their thoughts, fight back, celebrate and lift one another up," says Ariss. "It is both a news source and a place for our members to vent their frustrations. The F-Word is our space."

For 17 years, ONA's award-winning quarterly magazine Front Lines told stories of nursing and health care in Ontario. This followed a proud history of regular in-house print publications that connected ONA members and amplified their stories.

"From the front lines to F-Word, we will never stop speaking out and fighting," says Ariss. "We are telling the truth about what's happening to our public heath care."

Ariss says the launch of the F-Word should put politicians and health-care employers on notice: "we are silent no more."

ONA is the union representing more than 68,000 registered nurses and health-care professionals, as well as 18,000 nursing student affiliates, providing care in hospitals, long-term care facilities, public health, the community, clinics and industry.

SOURCE Ontario Nurses' Association

To arrange a media interview: [email protected]
Palo Alto, California, April 16th, 2025, CyberNewsWire

SquareX researchers Jeswin Mathai and Audrey Adeline will be disclosing a new class of data exfiltration techniques at BSides San Francisco 2025. Titled Data Splicing Attacks: Breaking Enterprise DLP from the Inside Out, the talk will demonstrate multiple data splicing techniques that will allow attackers to exfiltrate any sensitive file or clipboard data, completely bypassing major Data Loss Protection (DLP) vendors listed by Gartner by exploiting architectural vulnerabilities in the browser.

DLP is a core pillar of every enterprise security stack. Data breaches can result in severe consequences including IP loss, regulatory violations, fines, and severe reputational damage. With over 60% of corporate data being stored in the cloud, browsers have become the primary way for employees to create, access, and share data. Consequently, the browser has become a particularly attractive target for external attackers and insider threats alike. Yet, existing endpoint and cloud DLP solutions have limited telemetry and control over how employees interact with data on the browser.

Additionally, there are several unique challenges when it comes to maintaining data lineage in the browser. This includes managing multiple personal and professional identities, the wide landscape of sanctioned and shadow SaaS apps, and the numerous pathways in which sensitive data can flow between these apps. Unlike managed devices where enterprises have full control over what can be installed on the device, employees can easily sign up for various SaaS services without the IT teams knowledge or oversight.

SquareX researcher Audrey Adeline says, Data splicing attacks are a complete game changer for insider threats and attackers that are seeking to steal information from enterprises. They exploit newer browser features that were invented long after existing DLP solutions and thus the data exfiltrated using these techniques are completely uninspected, resulting in full bypasses. With todays workforce heavily relying on SaaS apps and cloud storage services, any organization that uses the browser is vulnerable to data splicing attacks.

As part of the talk, they will also be releasing an open-source toolkit, Angry Magpie, which will allow pentesters and red teams to test their existing DLP stack and better understand their organizations vulnerability to Data Splicing Attacks. SquareX hopes that the research will highlight the severe threats that browsers pose on data loss and serve as a call to action for enterprises and vendors alike to re-think their data loss protection strategies.

Upon the completion of BSides San Francisco, the SquareX team will also be presenting at RSAC 2025 and will be available at Booth S-2361, South Expo for further discussions on the research.

Talk Details:

Title: Data Splicing Attacks: Breaking Enterprise DLP from the Inside Out

Speakers: Jeswin Mathai and Audrey Adeline

Event: BSides San Francisco 2025

Location: San Francisco, CA

Toolkit Release: Angry Magpie (Open Source)

About the Speakers

Jeswin Mathai, Chief Architect, SquareX

Jeswin Mathai serves as the Chief Architect at SquareX, where he leads the design and implementation of the companys infrastructure. A seasoned speaker and researcher, Jeswin has showcased his work at prestigious international stages such as DEF CON US, DEF CON China, RootCon, Blackhat Arsenal, Recon Village, and Demo Labs at DEFCON. He has also imparted his knowledge globally, training in-classroom sessions at Black Hat US, Asia, HITB, RootCon, and OWASP NZ Day. He is also the creator of popular open-source projects such as AWSGoat, AzureGoat, and PAToolkit.

Audrey Adeline, Researcher

Audrey currently leads the Year of Browser Bugs (YOBB) project at SquareX which has disclosed multiple major architectural browser vulnerabilities to date. She is also a published author of The Browser Security Field Manual. Key discoveries from YOBB include Polymorphic Extensions, Browser Ransomware and Browser Syncjacking, all of which have been covered by major publications such as Forbes, Bleeping Computer and Mashable. She is passionate about furthering cybersecurity education and has run multiple workshops with Stanford University and Women in Security and Privacy (WISP). Prior to SquareX, Audrey was a cybersecurity investor at Sequoia Capital and graduated from the University of Cambridge with a degree in Natural Sciences.

About SquareX

SquareXs industry-first Browser Detection and Response (BDR) helps organizations detect, mitigate, and threat-hunt client-side web attacks targeting employees happening against their users in real-time. This includes defending against identity attacks, malicious extensions, spearphishing, browser data loss, and insider threats.

SquareX takes a research and attack-focused approach to browser security. SquareXs dedicated research team was the first to discover and disclose multiple pivotal attacks, including Last Mile Reassembly Attacks, Browser Syncjacking, Polymorphic Extensions, and Browser-Native Ransomware. As part of the Year of Browser Bugs (YOBB) project, SquareX commits to continue disclosing at least one major architectural browser vulnerability every month.

Contact

Head of PR

Junice Liew

SquareX

[email protected]


A former nursing home empire owner who admitted that he orchestrated a $38 million tax fraud scheme was sentenced to three years in prison, federal prosecutors announced Thursday.

Joseph Schwartz, 65, of Suffern, New York, operated 95 facilities in 11 states before his scheme toppled his company, according to a statement from U.S. Attorneys Office District of New Jersey.

Schwartz admitted failing to pay $38.9 million in taxes on behalf of employees at his 90 healthcare facilities around the country. His company, Skyline Management was headquartered above a pizza shop in Wood-Ridge, the office said.

Skyline Healthcare, another company owned by Schwartz under Skyline Management, operated three facilities in New Jersey: Hudson View Care & Rehab Center in North Bergen, Brookhaven Health Care Center in East Orange, and the Voorhees Care & Rehabilitation Center, officials said.

He began the expansion of Skyline Management in 2015 before the company ballooned to over 90 facilities, many of which Schwartz made himself a registered employee of, investigators said.

Schwartz later hired an unrelated company to handle payroll. He then withheld the money necessary to sufficiently handle overall payroll and unemployment taxes owed to the Internal Revenue Service between mid-2017 and June 2018, leading to the large sum tax liability, the office said.

He pleaded guilty in January to failing to pay employment taxes that had been withheld from employees of his company, and failing to file annual financial reports with the Department of Labor for a 401k plan he sponsored for his employees, federal prosecutors said.

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A Dominican man serving a 10-year term for drug smuggling died early Wednesday at Federal Correctional Institution at Fort Dix after staffers found him unresponsive, the prison said in a statement.

This is the second inmate to die at the prison in as many months under similar circumstances.

A prison official identified the inmate as Macos Sanchez-Santana, 34. Records show he was tried in federal court in Puerto Rico under the name Marcos Sanchez-Santana.

Employees found Sanchez-Santana at about 3:15 a.m.  the statement did not say exactly where in the prison  and started life-saving measures. An EMS crew that responded to the incident eventually pronounced him dead.

The prison notified the FBI of the death.

Officers from the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) charged Sanchez-Santana and two other men with drug smuggling offenses in April 2022 after the U.S. Coast Guard intercepted them in a 25-foot speed boat with visible packages on board about 50 miles north of Puerto Rico. An airplane had first spotted the craft, records show.

The five packages turned out to be 180 kilograms of cocaine, just shy of 400 pounds. All three men, Dominican nationals, were charged in federal court in Puerto Rico, and all three have been convicted, records show.

Sanchez-Santana pleaded guilty in January 2024 to conspiracy to import cocaine and a judge sentenced him in April 2024 to 120 months in prison. He was sent to Fort Dix in August last year.

On March 25, prison officials found Javier Francisco Villalba-Reyes unresponsive at about 6 a.m. and he was pronounced dead a short time later. He was a 34-year-old Mexican national serving four years for drug distribution. He was arrested in Texas last year.

Federal authorities were not immediately available Wednesday to comment on Villalba-Reyes cause of death.

The prison, also known as FCI Fort Dix, is a low-security institution located on the grounds of Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst.

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Funeral services for Valery Mariana Cardona Gomez and Gissel Samanta "Sammy" Cardona Gomez will be held Thursday night in Millville. The sisters died in a fire last week. (Christy Funeral Home)

Sammy loved animals and hoped to be a veterinarian one day. She also imagined a career as an actress.

Her sister Valery wanted to join the Army.
Actor Haley Joel Osment was arrested for public intoxication and possession of a controlled substance at a ski resort in California. (Photo by Amanda Edwards/WireImage) WireImage

A former child star who appeared in hit films like The Sixth Sense and Forrest Gump was recently arrested for public intoxication.

Actor Haley Joel Osment was taken into custody for public intoxication and possession of a controlled substance April 8 in Mammoth Lakes, Calif., according to TMZ. Police could not identify the substance and sent it to a lab for testing.

The 37-year-old was booked and releases shortly after. The Mono County district attorney will reportedly now decide whether or not to prosecute Osments case.

This is not the Pay it Forward actors first run in with the law. Osment was arrested for a substance-related offense in 2006 after overturning his car and hitting a mailbox while intoxicated. In 2018, police were called to calm the actor at McCarran International Airport in Las Vegas after he made verbal threats toward American Airlines staff after missing his flight.

Osments sister, actress Emily Osment, took to Instagram to reveal that members of her family had lost their homes in the Los Angeles fires in early January.

Osment, who has been acting for over 30 years, appeared in Forrest Gump, A.I. Artificial Intelligence, Secondhand Lions and more.

More entertainment news:

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J.C. Lee, daughter of the late illustrious Marvel architect and creative Stan Lee is hitting back against claims she committed elder abuse against her late father and mother Joan.

Stan Lee died at the age of 95 due to cardiac arrest.

The allegations first arose in an extensive piece in The Hollywood Reporter back in 2018. The report alleged that J.C. Lee constantly pressured her parents for money and control of assets, including demanding changes to the family trust as an extension of three other entities connected with the family. There were also claims that J.C. had many verbal altercations with at least one physical in nature with her parents. A picture with a bruise on Joan Lees arm was also provided to The Hollywood Reporter. At the time, J.C. had denied all accusations.

J.C. Lee, 75, has personally denied all of the accusations in an interview with Business Insider on Sunday. While she conceded that she and her parents got into heated arguments, Lee stated she never once raised her hands towards them. I never ever touched my parents, Lee said. It was a lie. Lee was also asked about her decision not to deny the accusations outright when the THR piece first ran. You think I havent regretted it to this day? she said. They are all lies. That photo is insane. I never did it.

Related coverage:

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Murjani Rawls may be reached at mrawls@njadvancemedia.com
Cuts to regional offices could impact Head Start programs serving over 12,000 New Jersey families, according to Bonnie Eggenburg, president of the New Jersey Head Start Association.

Editors note: This story was shared as part of a content-sharing agreement between Mosaic.NJ.com and NJ Spotlight News. You can follow them on Facebook and Twitter (or X).

Head Start programs in New Jersey are continuing to offer child care and early education after the Trump administration closed the regional office that serves New Jersey.

The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services closed five Head Start regional offices in New York, Boston, Chicago, San Francisco and Seattle, according to the National Head Start Association. New Jersey providers said they rely on their regional office for support, so the closure of the regional office in New York has led to stress and uncertainty.

It is stressful because any time there is change without a lot of communication it leaves a lot of unknowns, said Bonnie Eggenburg, president of the New Jersey Head Start Association.

Head Start, a federal program founded in 1965 as part of the Johnson administrations war on poverty, promotes school readiness for children from low-income families from birth to age 5. The program provides support for the whole family, not just the child who is enrolled. As of August 2024, Head Start and Early Head Start programs in New Jersey were serving more than 12,000 families, according to Eggenburg.

The recent closures are part of a larger plan to Make America Healthy Again based on recommendations from the administrations government efficiency task force, which is led by Trump ally and billionaire Elon Musk. The task force claims it will save taxpayers $1.8 billion per year by laying off about 10,000 full-time employees in the Department of Health and Human Services. The department had run 10 regional offices before the cuts.

We arent just reducing bureaucratic sprawl. We are realigning the organization with its core mission and our new priorities in reversing the chronic disease epidemic, Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy, Jr. said in a statement. This Department will do more  a lot more  at a lower cost to the taxpayer.

New Jersey is part of Head Start Region 2, which also serves New York, Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands. The closest Head Start office that remains open is in Philadelphia, which handles Pennsylvania, Delaware, Maryland, Virginia, West Virginia and the District of Columbia.

No warning

Eggenburg said programs in New Jersey have not received notice about being transferred to another region. Services are continuing as normal, but she is concerned the one or two programs that are expected to receive additional federal funding at the end of the month could be impacted by the office closure and layoffs.

Eggenburg, who is also the vice president of Early Head Start and Head Start services at Gateway Community Action Partnership, said her organization has built a strong relationship with staff from the Head Start Region 2 office, who understand the specific needs of the communities Gateway serves in Atlantic, Cape May, Cumberland, Gloucester, Salem and Mercer counties. After Hurricane Sandy, the Head Start office was key to securing funding to build a new Gateway facility in Atlantic City, she said.

Isaac Dorsey, executive director of Head Start and Early Head Start at the Childrens Home Society of New Jersey, said regional offices have played an important role in the success of Head Start programs he ran in New Jersey, Arizona and California. Currently, his Trenton-based program serves around 160 families for Early Head Start and 270 kids for Head Start.

As the program director, he meets monthly with a program specialist from the regional office to discuss challenges and needs. He said the office closure could have an indirect effect on the quality of programs due to the loss of staff who are knowledgeable about their region.

Dorsey, who was one of the first kids to enroll in Head Start in the 1960s, said he is a strong believer in the program. I know it gave me and my mother an advantage, he said, since it allowed his mom to go to school while Dorsey and his sibling were attending Head Start programs.

Head Start in action

Gloria Andritsopoulos, family partnership manager for Head Start at Gateway, also credits Head Start for helping her get to where she is today. She started as a Head Start parent in 1998, and with the support of the program, earned an associates degree and bachelors degree and secured stable housing. Since enrolling her first child in Head Start, she has worked at Gateway as a classroom aide, family advocate, group teacher, coordinator, and now, family partnership manager.

Without federal funding, Gateway could not help families like hers, Andritsopoulos said.

Project 2025, the conservative playbook for President Donald Trumps second term, proposed the elimination of Head Start. Trump distanced himself from the playbook while campaigning but has since acted on many of its suggestions.

Dorsey said cuts to Head Start would be devastating, especially because students are still recovering from pandemic-related learning loss. The program also provides parents with hard and soft skills and gives them safe, reliable child care that allows them to work, he said.

Childrens Home Society staff anxiety has increased in recent months, causing some people to leave for other jobs they believe will be more secure, Dorsey said.

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A Newark man convicted of sex trafficking women and a minor was sentenced this week to 17 1/2 years in prison, federal prosecutors said.

Detectives were investigating Amin Sharif, 50, of Newark, since January 2021 after he was accused of forcing his victims into prostitution, according to a statement from the U.S. Attorneys Office District of New Jersey.

Sharif used multiple social media services and profiles to target women and girls to engage in sex acts for money, the office said.

He recruited three women and one young girl, from New York, Pennsylvania, Idaho, and Utah, authorities said.

He made promises of housing stability, payment of bills and living expenses, and told the women they could make up to thousands of dollars per day by working for him, investigators said.

Sharif advertised the minor victim online, offering her for sexual services, authorities said.

He was convicted by a jury in July 2024 of one count of attempted transportation of a victim with intent to engage in prostitution, one count of sex trafficking of a minor, one count of use of an interstate facility to promote unlawful activity, one count of transporting a victim with intent to engage in prostitution, and one count of persuading a victim to travel to engage in prostitution, federal prosecutors said.

He pleaded not guilty to the offenses in 2023.

Amin Sharif is a dangerous sex offender who has repeatedly preyed on vulnerable young women and minors in our society, U.S. Attorney Alina Habba said in a statement. The Courts sentence will prevent Sharif from harming additional victims and will send a strong signal to would-be traffickers that sex trafficking will not be tolerated in the District of New Jersey and will result in serious sentences.

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A judge sentenced a Salem County man to five years in prison this week for a drunk driving crash in Gloucester County that left a motorist dead.

Dawson C. Schofield, 23, of Carneys Point Township, offered a tearful apology to the victims family prior to his sentencing on Monday, and one of the victims daughters told the court about the life-changing loss her family has suffered.

Schofield was driving an SUV on Auburn Road in Woolwich Township on Aug. 11, 2023, when police said he disregarded a red light at the intersection with Center Square Road and hit another vehicle.

The driver of that vehicle, Jermaine Oglesby, 50, of Logan Township, died of his injuries, while his passenger suffered minor injuries, according to police.

Schofields vehicle hit the drivers door of Oglesbys car, police said.

An officer smelled alcohol in Schofields vehicle and saw what he believed to be an alcoholic beverage spilled in the SUV, according to an affidavit of probable cause filed in the case.

Schofield was taken to a hospital by ambulance and told an EMT that he drank a can of hard seltzer and smoked weed, police wrote in the affidavit.

His blood alcohol concentration was 0.105%, which is above the legal limit of 0.08%, according to statements made at the sentencing.

Schofield was indicted last year on charges of second-degree vehicular homicide and fourth-degree assault by auto.

Under a plea agreement, Schofield agreed to plead guilty to second-degree vehicular homicide and a traffic summons for driving while intoxicated. In return, the prosecution agreed to recommend a five-year prison sentence, according to plea paperwork.

Oglesby is survived by his wife and two daughters, according to his obituary.

One of his daughters, Olivia Oglesby, spoke on behalf of her family during the Monday hearing about the pain of losing her father.

He was our protector, our provider, our source of comfort and our love, she said, her voice trembling with emotion. He was the man who would walk through the door after a long day and light up our entire world with a smile. His love was constant and his presence was a source of comfort we will never know again.

Her fathers death was entirely preventable, Oglesby said.

Our father and my moms husband was taken from us because of the reckless and selfish actions of a drunk driver, she said. There is no apology, no punishment that can bring him back or undo the damage that has been done.

When given the chance to speak before he was sentenced, Schofield fought back tears as he apologized to the victims family.

I really want to say Im sorry. I really regret it every day of my life, he said. Im sorry. I dont wish that upon anybody.

Superior Court Judge John Eastlack Jr. then sentenced Schofield to five years behind bars with the requirement that he serve 85% of that time before hes eligible for parole.

Schofield is subject to three years of parole supervision when hes released.

He received credit for time already served of seven days.

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After the Perth Amboy council voted to take two properties, the owners - Dina Finkelstein (front left), Honey Meerzon and Luis Romero (center) - gathered with their supporters outside of city hall. Karin Price Mueller | NJ Advance Media for NJ.com

More than 80 people filled the meeting room on the second floor of Perth Amboys city hall.

It was standing room only.

Armed with signs that read, Dont bulldoze our dreams, and Your home could be next, dozens of people crowded into the room to support two property owners who have been fighting for their livelihoods  a tire shop and a four-family home  that the city wants to take as areas in need of redevelopment.

The five-member council ticked through several pages of resolutions and ordinances that would be up for a vote Wednesday night, but it was clear that most attendees were there for only one reason.

To learn the future of Luis Romeros shop and the home owned by Honey Meerzon and her mother Dina Finklestein.

Honey Meerzon holds her hand over her mouth as she awaits the decision of Perth Amboy's city council. After more than five hours, it voted to take her multi-family home and a neighboring tire shop for redevelopment. Karin Price Mueller | NJ Advance Media for NJ.com

Speaker after impassioned speaker praised the property owners, how hard they have worked for their businesses, their kindness and what they contributed to the community.

They pleaded. They begged. They reasoned.

None of it mattered.

After two hours, the council took to executive session behind closed doors. More than three hours would pass before the property owners learned their fate.

Perth Amboys city council voted 4-1 Wednesday night to take their properties  a decision the property owners vowed theyd continue to fight in court.

They already had their minds made up, Meerzon said, shaking her head. They didnt listen. They didnt care.

SMITH STREET

The tire shop and the multi-family home sit on Smith Street, a mixed-use thoroughfare thats a common entry to Perth Amboy for those approaching from the Victory Bridge.

The two properties stand on the border of an area thats already been approved for redevelopment.

The 44 acres behind their properties will be the site of a 471,000-square-foot warehouse. As part of the project, the redeveloper will spend $110 million to clean up the land, once the home to an asbestos shingle manufacturer. It will also prepare nine acres of pad-ready sites that the city will control, according to a press release from the city.

The exact fate of the properties is not clear.

Perth Amboy officials will decide how best to redevelop the land, the press release said.

Meerzons and Romeros properties are not part of that redevelopment project, known as Gateway. But their properties are right on the edge.

Romeros shop, Quick Tire & Auto Service, has been in the city for more than three decades and employs six people full time.

Meerzon has made $150,000 in upgrades to her home, which has four apartments. She describes her tenants, most of whom have been there for a decade, as quiet and clean.

This is their home, she said.

The city hired a consultant to study the properties. He said they fit the criteria for redevelopment in part because they are too close to the road  they do not have front yards  and because Meerzons driveway doesnt have a clear line of sight for cars backing out.

But a competing consultant hired by Meerzon and Romero called that study fatally flawed, saying it did not satisfy the standard of substantial credible evidence for the properties to be deemed an area in need of redevelopment.

He argued the citys study was based on incorrect property information, and noted that Meerzons property, and the distance of the properties from the street, are typical of older neighborhoods and exactly like hundreds of others of properties in the city.

The city planning board rejected his criticisms and recommended the city council take the properties.

Thats what brought everyone to town hall Wednesday night. It was the last chance to save their properties.

Supporters of Honey Meerzon and Luis Romero carried signs of support to Perth Amboy's council meeting. Karin Price Mueller | NJ Advance Media for NJ.com

A dozen people gave testimony to advocate for the property owners, each followed by applause. No one stood up in support of taking the properties.

Luis Romero implored the council to save his shop. He said he was willing to work with the city if there were changes he could make to improve the property. There was nowhere else in the city he could relocate the shop, he said, asking the council to consider his employees.

They have families, he said, his voice soft but steady.

Quick Tires manager, Mario Odllakoff, spoke of the business clean track record, respect for local ordinances and the service it gives to the community. He said he worried for the employees who would lose their jobs, gesturing to the men who stood up in tandem among the onlookers.

After all these years working there, to end like this? Its a shame, Odllakoff said through a translator.

Meerzon pleaded with the council, saying a blight declaration would hurt families who work hard, play by the rules, invest in their community and now are afraid.

We are not against growth. We are not against development. But we are against being erased, Meerzon said. True redevelopment lifts people up. It doesnt push them down.

Honey Meerzon, right, testifies to the Perth Amboy city council, pleading for it not to take for redevelopment a multi-family home she owns. Karin Price Mueller | NJ Advance Media for NJ.com

Ive watched Ms. Meerzon run to that property in the rain, in the cold, on weekends, at night, whenever a tenant needed something, a leak, a light, a repair, she was there, not just as a landlord but as a woman who took pride in building something meaningful, Valerie Yermenko said. She didnt just collect rent. She cared, she improved, she uplifted.

Meerzon and Romero received unexpected support from William Petrick, who served 12 years on Perth Amboys council and lost a bid for mayor in 2024. Petrick was there not only to speak for the duo, but to defend his own home, which appeared on a new resolution to be studied for redevelopment.

He called the process a formality, saying the eventual outcome was inevitable.

Now youre going to take my home and my neighbors homes in an eminent domain procedure after its declared in need of redevelopment? he asked. Amazing.

THE LONG WAIT

After the testimony, at 7:40 p.m., the executive session began. It was expected to last for half an hour, an hour at most.

People looked at their watches. They talked. They came to hug Meerzon, to shake Romeros hand.

Its not right, what theyre doing to you, one man said.

Some people scurried outside to smoke, hurriedly, not wanting to miss the councils return.

An hour passed. Ninety minutes.

People stretched their legs, tired of sitting on pew-like wooden benches. A family member took Meerzons two grandmothers, 89 and 92 years old, home.

Luis Romero lowers his head as he waits for Perth Amboy's council to decide if it will take his tire shop for redevelopment. Karin Price Mueller | NJ Advance Media for NJ.com

No one had eaten dinner, and conversation soon turned to food.

Should we order pizza? one person asked.

Theyre probably eating dinner, another said of the council. Not pizza. Theyre probably having sushi.

They want to wear us down, one attendee said. Theyre in there just waiting for everyone to leave.

One by one, people did leave. They had to take care of kids or get up early for work, they said, with apologies and wishes of luck to Meerzon and Romero.

Apples! Apples!

Meerzons father Eugene Finklestein snuck away to a local market, returning with two large bags of Gala apples to share with the room  even with the police officers standing sentry at the meeting door. It was 9:25 p.m.

My grandmother hates fruit. Ive never seen her eat fruit, Honey Meerzons 17-year-old daughter, Rianna Meerzon, said of Dina Finklestein. You know its bad now.

It was another hour of waiting before the council returned. A microphone malfunction delayed the proceedings even further.

Some 40 onlookers remained. Meerzon sat in the front row, surrounded by family, clutching her hands in her lap. Romero steeled himself on a side bench, body stiff, face stoic, employees by his side.

It was 11:15 p.m.

Perth Amboy's five-member city council shortly before it voted to take a tire shop and a multi-family home for redevelopment. Seated left to right: Kenneth Puccio, Stacey Peralta, Milady Tejeda, Rose Morales and Hailey Cruz Karin Price Mueller | NJ Advance Media for NJ.com

The council voted, and their faces fell. No council members made any public comments about the vote. None could be immediately reached Thursday.

Seemingly at once, dozens of supporters stood, grabbed their protest signs, and left the meeting to follow Meerzon and Romero outside.

At the bottom of the steps, the two started to strategize. Next, the city is expected to make offers for the properties, what it will call fair market value but what the owners will likely call wildly insufficient.

Meerzon wiped tears from her eyes and pushed her blonde hair away from her face.

We have to fight, she said.

Romero nodded, the weight of his worries about employees on his broad shoulders.

The next step would be an appeal before a judge. What other choice would they have, they asked.

This, in New Jersey? We have to fight, Meerzon asked. Otherwise what is next?

Properties on Smith Street in Perth Amboy, NJ, on Tuesday, March 25, 2025. Perth Amboy is trying to take his property through eminent domain. Ed Murray| For NJ Advance Media

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Karin Price Mueller may be reached at KPriceMueller@NJAdvanceMedia.com. Follow her on X at @KPMueller.
Welcome to this weeks newsletter!

Ivy Harrington, the new Miss New Jersey USA 2025, discusses personal loss, pandemic setbacks, and multiple failed attempts before winning the title on April 6. The Neptune native is using her journey to inspire young women  especially athletes  to embrace resilience, self-identity, and purpose beyond the spotlight. Read more in my story: Meet Miss New Jersey 2025: How pageants became her light in the darkness.

Instead of diving into the heated debate over tariffs, Food and Culture Reporter Karim Shamsi-Basha offers a humorous take on the quirks of the English language in his column, Seriously, Karim! This column is NOT about the tariffs. With playful anecdotes and funny missteps, he highlights how English can be baffling  even after 40 years in the U.S.  but ultimately, its all in good fun.

Reporter Amira Sweilem writes about how New Jersey had the third fastest-selling homes in the U.S. in March, with a median of 33 days on the market, trailing only Maryland and Massachusetts. However, high home values and mortgage rates are causing many potential buyers to hold off, according to a Redfin report. Read more in Amiras article: New Jerseys fast-paced housing market: homes sell in a median of 33 days. See full list.

Reporter Vashti Harris details how the National Park Service removed Harriet Tubmans photo, quote, and key historical context from its Underground Railroad webpage, sparking criticism that it reflects a broader effort by the Trump administration to erase history. Though the NPS defended the changes, the move follows similar controversial edits to federal websites under Trumps executive order limiting DEI-related content, prompting backlash from historians, scholars, and the public. Check out Vashtis full article: Federal website scrubs Harriet Tubman image and slavery references over DEI.

Due to delayed federal reimbursements, Newark Reporter Steve Strunsky reported that the nonprofit Accompany Now! laid off 22 staffers, including Amanda Calderon, who helped unaccompanied immigrant children access education and basic services. The layoffs not only disrupted vital support for hundreds of vulnerable families but also left workers like Calderon struggling with personal hardships, such as sudden loss of health insurance and financial insecurity. Read more in N.J. nonprofit serving immigrant children cuts staff after feds delay funding.

If you missed it, Columnist Daysi Calavia-Robertson writes about Jennifer Contreras, a 24-year-old from New Jersey, who was among 218 people killed when the roof of Santo Domingos iconic Jet Set nightclub collapsed during a merengue concert, just as she was celebrating her birthday. The tragedy, which also claimed the lives of public figures and performers, has prompted a nationwide recovery effort and investigation, though the cause of the collapse remains unknown. Read more in Daysis column: N.J. woman celebrating 24th birthday in Dominican Republic killed in roof collapse.

I hope you guys enjoyed this weeks newsletter. See you back here next week!

Welcome to Mosaic. Follow us on Instagram at @MosaicNJcom, on Facebook at MosaicNJcom, on Twitter (X) at @MosaicNJcom and on YouTube at @MosaicNJcom.

Deion Johnson may be reached at djohnson@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Instagram at @DeionRJohnson or X @DeionRJohhnson
Three New Jersey men have each been sentenced to 30 years in prison in South Carolina following a mistaken-identity shooting in a hotel parking lot.

Vernon Jenkins, 42, Altariq Cole, 39, and Dyshawn Hines, 42, were each convicted of attempted murder and sentenced for their roles in a shooting at the Country Inn & Suites in Columbia on Feb. 20, 2023.

The group had been robbed of their drugs earlier and believed a woman who helped set them up was in a vehicle parked in the lot, the Lexington County Sheriffs Office said on Tuesday.
A New Jersey man has been sentenced to 26 years in prison for robbing and killing a man in Delaware.

Deontay Willingham, 35, of Bridgeton, approached the man on a street corner in Wilmington on June 11, 2023 and struck up a conversation, the Delaware Attorney Generals Office said.

Willingham then shot Dennis Davis twice and stole the 37-year-olds necklace near the corner of East 23rd Street and North Market Street, officials said. Davis died of his injuries at an area hospital following the 2:15 p.m. shooting.
The state Department of Transportations three phase plan to reopen I-80, closed since March due to sinkholes, is progressing with the first phase to reopen two lanes of I-80 west in early May.

The round-the-clock work by DOT crews to reopen the critical east-west highway is the first phase of a plan to reopen two westbound lanes early next month. Two eastbound lanes are scheduled to reopen on May 18 and a full reopening of the entire highway is planned by June 25.

The westbound sinkhole repair includes excavating the area, installing a base of large stone and driving micropiles into bedrock to support a concrete slab, said Steve Schapiro, an NJDOT spokesperson.

Micropiles are multiple steel bars or pipes that are 5 to 12 inches in diameter drilled into the ground as deep as 200 feet that can support up to 200 tons of weight.

Crews completed installing 75% of the micropiles, Schapiro said.

Installation of the micropiles on I-80 westbound is ongoing, he said. The remaining piles are located in more sensitive areas, which by design will take longer to install than the areas that have already been completed.

Meanwhile, excavation on I-80 east has begun to prepare for pouring the concrete slabs and work is progressing as expected, he said.

The design is similar to one that the DOT used in 2009 on a nearby section of I-80 east near Exit 34. That project dealt with ongoing settlement issues related to the abandoned Huff Mine off Main Street in Wharton, which is located under I-80 at mile marker 33.6.

That project involved constructing a series of concrete slabs to structurally bridge over an area of 310 feet by 23 feet west of the Main Street underpass structure in Wharton that the I-80 East deceleration and right lanes go over. It was completed in 2010.

I-80 has been closed at Exit 34 in Wharton since March 19, when a third sinkhole opened on the median next to the westbound lanes. A second sinkhole opened on Feb. 10, closing the eastbound lanes.

The start of a related project, repairs to the I-80 bridges over Route 15 was delayed due to weather and work began Tuesday, April 16, and is expected to be completed on or about April 30, Schapiro said.

The work repairs bridge joints and concrete spalling, which is deterioration of the concrete cover on the bridge piers caused by natural bridge aging. That deterioration isnt related to the I-80 sinkholes and the ongoing repairs, officials said.

The Route 15 work is taking place from 10 p.m. to 5 a.m. Monday through Friday nights and requires shifting traffic lanes as necessary to do the work so all lanes remain open to traffic, Schapiro said.

Traffic on I-80 East is still being detoured at Exit 34 in Wharton, and drivers are being asked to get off earlier at Exit 28 to use Routes 46 and 10 as alternates. That has resulted in heavy traffic on local streets in Wharton and other towns.

Local business owners on detour routes in Wharton and other towns asked state officials for help because detouring traffic was preventing customers from visiting their businesses.

The first assistance for beleaguered business owners on the detour routes started this week when the state Economic Development Authority announced an application schedule for grants.

Applications for the Route 80 Business Assistance Grant Program will be available starting at 10 a.m., Tuesday, April 22, for businesses in a 5-mile radius the sinkholes near Exit 34 in Wharton.

This grant program is a lifeline for the small businesses that have endured months of financial hardship due to lane closures and traffic congestion, said State Senate Minority Leader Anthony M. Bucco, R-Morris, who, along with Assemblywoman Aura Dunn, R-Morris, lobbied for help for affected businesses.

Criteria and grant amounts can be found on the EDA website. The federal Small Business Administration is also assisting the state grant program.

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Larry Higgs may be reached at lhiggs@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on X @CommutingLarry
A Toms River man was arrested after he traveled to Norway to have sex with a 14-year-old girl in 2023, investigators announced Wednesday.

Jacob Bauer, 28, was charged with one count of traveling with intent to engage in illicit sexual conduct and one count of engaging in illicit sexual conduct in a foreign place, according to a statement from the U.S. Attorneys Office District of New Jersey.

Bauer left for Norway on Dec. 1, 2023 and checked into a hotel between Dec. 6 and Dec. 9. During that time, he had sex with the girl at least once, according to a criminal complaint.

After returning to the United States, Bauer communicated over social media platforms, including Discord, with the girl and others about his sexual activities with her, the office said.

During those conversations, Bauer acknowledged the girls age, federal prosecutors said.

After two members of an online Discord community learned what Bauer did, they posted private conversations they had with him publicly on the instant messaging social platform, investigators said.

That information was shared with the FBI and helped lead to his arrest this year, the office said.

Bauer made his first appearance in Trenton federal court on April 2, authorities said.

These charges underscore how we are standing up for the most vulnerable and will not tolerate the sexual abuse of children, U.S. Attorney Alina Habba said in a statement. I commend our partners at the Federal Bureau of Investigation, law enforcement members at the state and local levels, and our international partners who assisted with this investigation.

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Chris Sheldon may be reached at csheldon@njadvancemedia.com.
A sex offender with a history of luring children to his car is trying to get out of prison after being sent there when a parole board determined he violated the terms by walking into a Chuck E. Cheese in Ocean County.

David Hohsfield, 69, of Asbury Park, was ordered to serve 18 months after board members determined he violated a parole condition that states he would refrain from contact with minors.

Hohsfield is a Tier 3, or high-level, sex offender, according to New Jersey State Police.
Elon Musk holds a chainsaw handed to him by Argentine President Javier Milei, behind, at the Conservative Political Action Conference (CPAC) in Oxon Hill, Maryland, Feb. 20, 2025. (AP Photo/Jose Luis Magana) AP

Steven Rattner breaks it down in one chart with the headline promises vs reality.

The investor, media commentator, former journalist and head of the Auto Task Force under Barack Obama, dissected Elon Musks promises for cuts by the Department of Government Efficiency and what has been delivered under Musks Wall of Receipts.
A soybean farmer who voted for President Donald Trump is begging for his help.

Caleb Ragland, 38, from Magnolia, Kentucky, penned an a piece published in The Free Press last week calling on Trump to help the farmers as he continues to escalate a costly trade war with China. Citing the high tax rate on exports to China, Ragland wrote that he is facing fear and uncertainty about who will buy his soybean crop.

Like many of my fellow farmers, I voted for President Donald Trump in the past three elections. The president won me over with his commitment to business-friendly tax cuts as well as his track record of reducing regulation and cutting government spending, he wrote.

Ragland, president of the American Soybean Association, said that his farm is currently yielding $750,000a $150,000 loss" in profit, noting that he hopes that a loan will cover the gap.

This year were hoping to hang on with a loan to cover the difference. But not every farmer is so lucky. Ive watched my fellow farmers, who were already having difficulties, forced to have auctions and sell their farms. Some have had to declare bankruptcy and take whatever work they can get as farmhands, he wrote.

Most farmers cant afford any more losses. In the most basic sense, were being asked to pay to go to work. That means taking on debt that will take yearsand good years at thatto recover from," he added.

He concluded his piece by urging Trump to make a deal with China.

As a businessman, President Trump must know how urgent this is. The current trade war with China is a gamble with American livelihoods, especially for farmersthose of us who grew up with soil and sweatwho cant imagine doing anything else," he wrote. Mr. President, I hope you hear our plea: Please make a deal with China now.

Ragland told CNNs Pamela Brown last week that he hopes Trump listens to the farmers.

And I know the president said he loves farmers. I believe he does. I think hes trying to do whats right for this country. But we do want to make sure that our voice is heard and realize that we got to make sure that we survive through these tough times. And were going to need an improvement in our prices. And thats by having strong demand for the products we produce. We want to have good markets and we want to have opportunities. Thats what we need, Ragland said.

Raglands piece came days before Trump vowed to protect farmers in a post on Truth Social. It also came a week before White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt confirmed that the White House would be looking into a potential bailout for farmers.

Trump has imposed 145% tariffs on Chinese imports. China has responded by slapping 125% tariffs on all U.S. imports.

Farmers can try to sell some of their soybeans in other countries, but that may be difficult given that Trump has imposed 10% tariffs on most countries and threatened much higher reciprocal tariffs. So this years crop may pile up until farmers can find a buyer, and likely at a lower price.

The experience from Trumps first trade war with China in 2018 gives farmers plenty of reasons to worry. Soybean exports to China fell from $12.2 billion in 2017 to $3.1 billion in 2018 after Trump imposed tariffs, and China retaliated.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.

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FILE - Mike Lindell, CEO of My Pillow, talks before Republican presidential nominee former President Donald Trump speaks at a news conference at Trump National Golf Club, Aug. 15, 2024, in Bedminster, N.J. (AP Photo/Julia Demaree Nikhinson, File) AP

MyPillow CEO Mike Lindell is the latest ally of President Donald Trump to declare financial ruin.

Lindell claimed during a motion hearing on Wednesday that he has no money to pay the more than $50,000 in sanctions he was ordered to pay to voting software company Smartmatic, ABC News reported.

Im in ruins, a teary Lindell said during the virtual hearing, according to ABC.

Lindell asked U.S. District Judge Carl Nichols if he could delay his payment in the defamation case until after the final judgment is made, according to the report.

Smartmatic filed a motion last month asking the court to hold Lindell in contempt over his refusal to pay $56,369 to the company. Lindell said Wednesday that he does not have the money to pay Smartmatic due to what he called the law fare waged against him for attempting to secure the election, ABC reported.

Election denier and MyPillow CEO Mike Lindell continues to refuse to pay more than $50,000 in sanctions he has been ordered to pay to voting software company Smartmatic  alleging he's left with no money after numerous legal battles. https://t.co/jhCAVJEzww  ABC News (@ABC) April 17, 2025

I borrowed everything I can. Nobody will lend me any money anymore, Lindell said, according to ABC. I cant turn back time ... but I will tell you, I dont have any money.

He rattled off his claims of financial hardship, saying that he has had to layoff MyPillow employees and owes millions of dollars to the IRS. He claimed that all has are his two houses that are being liquidated and a truck, according to the report.

ABC reported that Nichols told him that his claims are non-verifiable representation, and gave him until Friday to submit documentation of his finances.

Lindell is a major supporter of Trump and has been spotted at campaign events for the president as well as at the White House earlier this year. He helped promote Trumps false claims that the 2020 election was stolen from him. He was sued for defamation by Dominion Voting Systems and Smartmatic.

Hes just the latest MAGA mouthpiece whose claims of election fraud backfired. Rudy Giuliani, Trumps former attorney, said he was out of money last year after being ordered to pay $148 million to two Georgia election workers.

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MAGA Georgia Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greenes town hall on Tuesday was marked by chaos, arrests and MAGA politics, according to a headline of the Atlanta Journal-Constitution.

Greenes security, provided by local law enforcement, pounced on protesters, while her supporters harassed and intimidated constituents who simply came to listen. According to one attendee, who posted her experience on Facebook, failing to applaud Greenes answers  many of which were sarcastic and caustic  meant being attacked by her supporters.

Heres how a constituent who identified herself as Melissa Zgonc described the event:

Im not one who speaks out often about politics, but I feel compelled to share my experience at the Marjorie Taylor Greene Townhall tonight. I registered and attended as a legitimate constituent in her district. Kevin and I sat quietly and without disruption. But because we did not applaud and stand for MTG and her message, we were quickly targeted and videoed throughout the townhall by her volunteers because I guess we seemed threatening .

I witnessed people forcibly removed by police officers for

1. Asking if there would be opportunities for questions.

2. For voicing disapproval for certain topics and yelling Boo (This particular person was tased as he attempted to walk away. And btw, there was plenty of yelling Yay that seemed to be ignored)

3. For using profanity (This person was arrested)

If someone voiced any slight dissent, police were quickly on top of them and they were forcibly removed.

We were accused of being paid Democrat protestors (again... we actually registered for the town hall and are constituents in her district), that we were uneducated, that we stood for violence.

We had USA chanted in our faces over and over because we did not stand to applaud. All while we sat quietly and listened.

What I witnessed tonight was both sickening and heartbreaking. We have voted both Republican and Democrat through the years. This is not about party. This is about the slow fade of democracy.

According to the AJC:

Two of the protesters at the Acworth Community Center were shocked with a Taser after resisting arrest, Acworth Police Sgt. Eric Mistretta said. At least six people were ejected from the event, and three were charged in connection with the disruption, one of them with disorderly conduct, Mistretta said.

The altercations dominated the town hall, which also attracted dozens of demonstrators outside the event for hours, waving signs and protesting Greenes MAGA stances. Greene, meanwhile, thanked the roughly 30 law enforcement officers for the aggressive approach.

Im glad they got thrown out. Thats exactly what I wanted to see happen, she said after the roughly hourlong event. This isnt a political rally or a protest. I held a town hall tonight. You know who was out of line? The protesters.

Some questions, submitted in advance, were met with scorn by Greene. For instance, one attendee asked how Greene would protect taxpayers from President Donald Trumps economic whims.

She replied, Poor Christina. Poor, poor Christina. I am sure Christina you think youre pretty smart but the reality is you bring being brainwashed by whatever source of news you listen to.

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New Jersey Gov. Phil Murphy called for a federal investigation Thursday into energy costs, saying sharp hikes set to kick in this summer might be the result of market manipulation.

The governor called for an investigation into the regional transmission organization that helps set prices.

The average consumer in New Jersey can expect to see a monthly hike $20 to $25 as a result of an auction held by a regional transmission organization last summer, state officials said. The auction for reliable electricity from generators resulted in total costs of nearly $14.7 billion compared to $2.2 billion the previous year.

Murphy outlined his concerns in a letter to the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission, calling out PJM Interconnection for an auction last summer that is expected to cause energy costs to soar.

PJM Interconnection serves more than 65 million people in New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Maryland, Delaware, Washington, D.C, and nine other states.

The manufactured PJM cost crisis was foreseeable and preventable, Murphy said in statement. Today, Im urging FERC to take immediate action to investigate the unacceptable outcome of PJMs 2024 capacity auction, which has resulted in exorbitantly high price increases that PJM will unjustly pass down to everyday New Jerseyans.

PJM officials pushed back against Murphys criticism, saying the state was to blame.

New Jersey has insufficient generation in-state to meet its needs, and has to make up this difference through imports," PJM Interconnection said in an emailed statement. A seven -year long effort by New Jersey to fill this gap with offshore wind has failed to deliver any results whatsoever, and consumers are now paying the price for this failure.

It also denied there was market manipulation at the auction

PJM has not seen evidence that supports a finding of market manipulation in the 2025/26 capacity auction, but we take such allegations very seriously. The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission Office of Enforcement is the right place to address such a concern, and PJM will follow any directives we receive from FERC.

The auction was held to ensure PJM Interconnection could secure enough electricity from generators to manage supply.

PJM admitted the auction was subject to market manipulation, according to Murphys letter.

Federal Energy Regulatory Commission Chairman Mark Christie also defended PJM at Thursdays FERC meeting.

I think that a lot of this criticism I have seen in the media, directed at PJM and its management, and blaming them, for everything thats wrong with the PJM capacity market, I think is in many ways misplaced and lot of it is because of state policies that have sort of come to a head just recently, Christie said.

In a March report, the Independent Market Monitor concluded the auction clearing price did not reflect supply and demand fundamentals, resulting in market capacity payments that were approximately twice as high as needed.

Murphy said he wants to make sure New Jerseyans can pay their utility bills.

I am deeply concerned with how increasing energy bills will affect families and businesses as we head into the summer months, the governor said. As the regulator, FERC must ensure that PJM is prioritizing the safe, reliable, cost-effective, and clean delivery of electricity  especially when neglecting this obligation will be at the expense of ratepayers.

State officials said they continue to invest in solar energy and are offering help to people who cant afford their utility bills. Customers in need of financial assistance with utility costs can visit the states website.

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Jeff Goldman may be reached at jeff_goldman@njadvancemedia.com.
FILE - Elon Musk speaks during an event with President Donald Trump in the Oval Office at the White House, Feb. 11, 2025, in Washington. (AP Photo/Alex Brandon, File) AP

The worlds richest mans electric car company and the rest of his businesses are built on $38 billion in government funding, something the Department of Government Efficiency has overlooked.

But Elon Musk, who heads DOGE, is reportedly set to feel government financial pain after all thanks to President Donald Trumps trade war.

According to Reuters, plans to ship components from China for (Teslas) Cybercab and Semi electric trucks in the United States were suspended after President Donald Trump raised tariffs on Chinese goods amid a trade war, said a person with direct knowledge.

Musk had reportedly planned to begin trial production of the two vehicle models in October and begin mass production in 2026.

But thats currently all in jeopardy, per the report.

The move could disrupt Teslas plan to start mass production of the much-anticipated models, which its CEO Elon Musk has been touting to investors as major innovations providing growth momentum of the U.S. automaker, per Reuters. Tesla was ready to absorb the additional costs when Trump imposed the 34% tariff on Chinese goods but could not do so when the tariff went beyond that, leaving shipping plans suspended, said the person, who declined to be named as the matter is private. Trump raised additional tariffs to 84% on April 9 and has since increased that to 125%, bringing the total tariffs on Chinese goods exported to the U.S. to 145%.

This news comes after Tesla sales fell 13% in the first three months of the year.

The leading electric vehicle maker has faced a growing backlash from Musks embrace of right-wing politics and his role in the Trump administration. Opponents have staged protests at Tesla showrooms in the U.S. and in Europe, where the sales declines have been steeper.

Tesla reported deliveries of 336,681 globally in the January to March quarter. The figure was down from sales of 387,000 in the same period a year ago. The decline came despite deep discounts, zero financing and other incentives and could be a warning that the companys first-quarter earnings report later this month could disappoint investors.

Tesla cars have been smashed and set on fire in recent weeks, and protests have been staged at hundreds of Tesla dealerships. Owners have put bumper stickers on their cars saying, I bought this before Elon went crazy.

Europeans have also balked at buying Tesla, especially Germans upset after Musk publicly supported a far-right party in national elections and gave a Nazi-like salute at a Trump inauguration rally in January.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.
Too bad.

Thats the message from former GOP Congressman Joe Walsh after Sen. Lisa Murkowski said Republicans are afraid of being retaliated against for standing up to President Donald Trump.

We are all afraid, Murkowski said, according to The Anchorage Daily News. Its quite a statement. But we are in a time and a place where I certainly have not been here before. And Ill tell ya, Im oftentimes very anxious myself about using my voice, because retaliation is real. And thats not right.

She added: Its called the checks and balances. And right now we are not balancing as the Congress.

She went on to describe President Trumps second term as head spinning, adding that it seems that just when youve made a little bit of progress on one issue that had caused so much anxiety, theres another one.

Zero sympathy, Walsh, a former member of the Tea Party, posted to X.

I have ZERO sympathy for Republicans who are afraid to speak out against Trump for fear of retaliation. Many of us Republicans did publicly speak out against Trump yrs ago, and we lost everything, we ended our careers as Republicans, and weve endured years of threats & hate. And these same Republicans today who say theyre afraid did not stand with us then, most attacked us then. Look, doing the right thing is hard. But I have zero sympathy for politicians who are afraid to do the right thing, he said.

Zero sympathy. I have ZERO sympathy for Republicans who are afraid to speak out against Trump for fear of retaliation. Many of us Republicans did publicly speak out against Trump yrs ago, and we lost everything, we ended our careers as Republicans, and weve endured years of https://t.co/ev08n2y1kJ  Joe Walsh (@WalshFreedom) April 17, 2025

In the early days of Trumps second term, Alaska Sen. Lisa Murkowski has openly challenged or rebuked him at least three times  stunning for a congressional Republican who has faced his wrath before and yet remains unbowed by pressure to embrace his agenda.

Murkowski is a moderate with a history of bucking her party and Trump when she has felt it was the right thing to do.

Many of the Republicans who at times challenged Trump during his first term are no longer in the Senate, including the late John McCain of Arizona; Jeff Flake, also from Arizona; Bob Corker of Tennessee; and Mitt Romney of Utah. That has left a diminished group of Republicans seemingly willing to oppose Trump, lessening the chances he will be stymied by members of his own party in Congress.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.
Sen. Lisa Murkowski, R-Alaska, a member of the Senate Appropriations Committee, pauses outside the chamber to answer a question from a reporter. (AP Photo/J. Scott Applewhite) AP
President Donald Trump takes with Rep. Billy Long, R-Mo., after giving his State of the Union address to a joint session of Congress, Tuesday, Feb. 5, 2019 at the Capitol in Washington. (Doug Mills/The New York Times via AP, Pool) AP

President Donald Trumps pick to lead the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) is under scrutiny for his latest campaign finance disclosures.

Billy Long, a former GOP lawmaker and Trumps nominee for IRS commissioner, disclosed in new federal filings on Tuesday that he paid himself back using campaign donations for a $130,000 loan he made to his failed 2022 Senate campaign. The Lever was the first to report on the filings.

The Lever noted that in the two years since Long lost his bid for Senate, the campaign committee raised less than $36,000. However, the campaign committee suddenly took in nearly $137,000 since Trump announced Long as his IRS pick in January.

Michael Beckel, the senior research director of the campaign-finance reform organization Issue One, told The Lever that Longs donors may want to ingratiate themselves with the potential head of the IRS.

People often criticize campaign contributions for being legalized bribery, but in this case, were truly talking about money being given to Long to repay himself," Beckel told The Lever.

More from The Lever:

At the end of 2024, Longs disclosure reports showed he owed $130,000 in debt from a $250,000 loan to his campaign. His new report filed this week revealed he used most of the money reaped in January to pay himself back.

The move came less than three years after the Supreme Court eliminated limits on politicians repaying personal loans with campaign cash from donors with business before those politicians.

The Lever highlighted that advisers for White River Energy and Lifetime Advisors were listed as contributors to Longs committee.

BREAKING: Trump's IRS nominee Billy Long just had his personal debt paid off by donors whose firms have business before the tax agency hed lead, according to documents reviewed by The Lever.



If confirmed, Long will be able to do favors for the donors. https://t.co/MTaCBAGaux  David Sirota (@davidsirota) April 16, 2025

Those companies were listed in a April 14 letter sent from Senate Finance Democrats to the IRS earlier this week, asking the agency to look into their promotion of allegedly fraudulent tribal tax credits.

As you are aware, the IRS recently confirmed to Senate Finance Committee investigators that these tribal tax credits do not exist and that promoters of these credits could face civil and criminal penalties, the senators wrote in the letter.

It appears that White River Energy Corporation, like other promoters involved in this scheme, used the identity and image of Native American tribes without their knowledge to dupe investors into spending millions to purchase fake tax credits.

Given IRS Commissioner nominee Billy Longs direct financial ties to White River and other entities implicated in this scheme, we are concerned that if confirmed Long could undermine enforcement actions related to this fraudulent scheme, they continued.

The Lever noted that Long sold tax products from Lifetime Advisors after leaving Congress in 2023. The outlet also reported that he also received $5,000 in income from White River Energy Corporation as a referral agent.

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The six Democrats running for New Jersey governor, clockwise from top left: Newark Mayor Ras Baraka, Jersey City Mayor Steven Fulop, U.S. Rep. Josh Gottheimer, U.S. Rep. Mikie Sherrill, New Jersey Education Association President Sean Spiller, and former state Senate President Steve Sweeney. File photos

Tom Martellos column on the state of the New Jersey governors race appears weekly on NJ.com and in the online newspaper. To read previous columns, click here.

The year was 1981. IBM introduced us to the personal computer. Indiana Jones donned his fedora for the first time.

And the field for the New Jersey governors race was filthy with high-profile Democrats, including two members of Congress, the mayors of Jersey City and Newark and a former state Senate president, all scrapping to win the primary

The eventual winner, Jim Florio, predicted the governors race would be a national referendum on the new Republican presidents sharp budget cuts.

Sound familiar?

This years cast of Dems running for governor also includes two members of Congress, the mayors of Jersey City and Newark and a former state Senate president  and, as an added bonus, the leader of the ever-powerful teachers union. All six believe they have a chance to win  and, heres the crazy thing, nobody laughs when they say that.

So pay attention, voters. You havent had a choice like this in a very long time.

The reasons for this are varied, chief among them that the Democratic Party in New Jersey wasnt always so, um ... democratic. Candidates did run, and people did vote in June. But that was mostly for show. These things were usually settled by party bosses the year before Jerseys gubernatorial election.

Once the party leaders chose their candidate, they could give them top billing on primary ballots in what was this exclusively Jersey thing called the county line. The preferred candidate would receive big-time treatment on the ballots like the bold credits a star like Robert De Niro gets at the beginning of a movie.

But all that changed last year when Andy Kim didnt like that party leaders led by Gov. Phil Murphy were using this formula to back First Lady Tammy Murphy in the U.S. Senate race. He shocked Jerseys political world by winning a court decision that ended the county line and led to a backlash against bosses.

Score one for the voters.

But how does all this play out this year?

Democrats tell me at this still-early stage that U.S. Rep. Mikie Sherrill is the slight favorite, but heres my message: Every candidate has a plausible path forward.

Thats because while the large field brings back the traditional stuff  candidate forums, meet-and-greets at Jersey diners, campaign ads aiming at broad audiences  it also means you dont need a huge vote total to take home the prize on June 10. You can use an unconventional strategy by riding a smaller but motivated bloc of supporters.

Everyone has a lane!

So in this Turnpike-and-Parkway driving state, we have candidates in different lanes. Heres how they can ride them to victory, and my current thinking on their chances of winding up in the winners circle.

With a base in the states largest city, Newark Mayor Ras Baraka is claiming the left lane by getting support from progressive groups and opponents of President Donald Trumps immigration policies. Declaring equity is our north star, he is running to become Jerseys first Black governor, and his campaign is making a huge appeal to Black voters. Democrats tell me this alone wouldnt work in a one-on-one race but could succeed against five opponents.

New Jersey Education Association President Sean Spiller is also running in the left lane  and to be New Jerseys first Black governor. But his chief target is, well, members of the teachers union he runs. The $35 million in union dues behind all his ads is nothing to sniff at. But will some of these teachers (and other Democratic voters) resent that hes spending their dues this way?

Jersey City Mayor Steven Fulop has been running the longest  and perhaps the loudest  race, piling up the biggest number of policy statements and taking aim not only at Trump but Democratic Party leaders. In addition to support in his city, hes making a pitch to those who are angry at the system, which could play well this year. But that left lane is getting pretty crowded.

At the other end of the state, former state Senate President Steve Sweeney is hoping the people up north  and the progressives  split up enough of the vote so he can win. A moderate-to-conservative Democrat, Sweeney has some union backing, and says he made lots of friends as Senate president. But being tied to the Statehouse has a down-side, and Sweeneys first campaign ad seems to acknowledge that by taking aim at Trenton politicians and Murphys plan to raise taxes by $1.2 billion.

Its hard to escape U.S. Rep. Josh Gottheimers ads, which hit Trump and anger at Trenton with equal vigor by slamming tariffs and vowing to cut property taxes by 15%. He has consistently won big in a purple congressional district, and could squeeze enough votes by focusing on Bergen County, which has the highest number of Democrats in the state. Hell try to erase early lack of voter enthusiasm by continuing to spend big on ads fueled by $10 million put into the campaign from his congressional super-PAC.

And then theres U.S. Rep. Mikie Sherrill, a moderate candidate with credentials that play well in general elections. A former Navy helicopter pilot and a federal prosecutor, the mother of four is running to be New Jerseys second female governor. Sherrill has the backing of many party leaders, which can be a double-edged sword. If last years Kim experience is an indication, this could have been a kiss of death among angry Democrats. But with six in the mix, you can win even if 70% dont want you to. And the still-potent party leaders know how to get people to the polls.

So who wins? My crystal ball is fuzzy, but right now Id say the odds favor Sherrill, with Baraka not far behind. Then you have Gottheimer and Fulop, with Spiller and Sweeney having the most to prove. Of course, anything can happen in the home stretch.

Six candidates. Six weeks remaining. Who doesnt love a free-for-all?

Looking for even more N.J. political coverage? Try Brent Johnsons new newsletter: What Makes Jersey Run.

Tom Martello may be reached at tmartello@njadvancemedia.com.
This Russian critic has a plan on how to bring down President Donald Trump and his allies.

World-class chess champion Garry Kasparov, who co-founded the World Liberty Congress and is chairman of the Renew Democracy Initiative, penned a piece on Thursday for The Atlantic titled, How America Can Avoid Becoming Russia. He argued that Trump and his allies are trying to erect an authoritarian Mafia state like the one Vladimir Putin and his cronies established in Russia.

He reflected on how he retired from his chess career to resist Russian leader Vladimir Putins regime twenty years ago. He compared Putins takeover of the Kremlin to how Trump is running the government now.

He explained that unlike Russia, the U.S. has a well-stocked toolbox with which to defend their democratic institutions, if only they would use it. He said opposition leaders should focus on criticizing the Trump administration over its attacks on American principles.

This is all new for Americans, but not for me or anyone who lived through the forced transformation of a democracy into a dictatorship. Few took Putin's threat seriously enough either. Americans have a much better toolbox to fight with, but must fight.https://t.co/DjNVG4825U  Garry Kasparov (@Kasparov63) April 17, 2025

Kasparov suggested that Americans should also amp up their criticism on GOP lawmakers who could rein in Trumps power.

Americans should invest their time and money fighting in the arena where political power still lies: with the American people and in Washington, D.C., with the handful of Republican representatives who could put a stop to the power grab. Go after the weakest links and call them out. Promise to support them against Musks threats to fund primary challenges if they defy him  and to raise millions against them if they dont, he wrote.

Dont give up on the levers of political power prematurely. Use them, or they will disappear, and marching in the street will be the only recourse  one that I can tell you from painful personal experience doesnt always work out," he continued.

Trump has challenged the limits of presidential power, including implementing tariffs without congressional approval and appearing to disregard court orders. Kasparov said that Americans must find the weakest links in the GOP to take down Trump.

Four votes in the Senate. Three votes in the House. Thats all it takes. Find the weakest links. Go after them, democratically. Fundraise for them if they stand up, or against them if they dont. The two-party system in America right now is Traitors versus Losers. Playing to win means asking every red-state legislator if they are fine with being in the Traitor Caucus, he concluded.

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President Donald Trump speaks as he signs executive orders in the Oval Office of the White House, Thursday, April 17, 2025, in Washington. (AP Photo/Alex Brandon) AP

Democratic Sen. Sheldon Whitehouse, a member of the Senate Judiciary Committee, suggested an hypothetical  but explosive  climax to Donald Trumps standoff with U.S. District Judges James Boasberg and Paula Xinis over the presidents defiance of their orders in immigration cases.

In a battle with the administration over the deportation of more than 100 immigrants to a prison in El Salvador, Boasberg on Wednesday released an opinion saying that he had probable cause to hold members of the administration in criminal contempt.

That potentially dramatic action was in response to the White House disobeying Boasbergs March 15 order to halt flights taking immigrants to El Salvador.

Meanwhile, in Maryland, Xinis issued her order to begin contempt of court testimony after Trump officials continually refused to retrieve Abrego Garcia, a Maryland man who was sent to the El Salvador prison in as administrative error, the administration admitted. Xinis said the administration has defied a clear Supreme Court order to bring him home.

An appeals court on Thursday shot down the administrations attempt to stop Xinis contempt hearings.

Whitehouse, in his TV appearance, surmised that Abrego Garcia eventually could be awarded compensatory damages if he sues for unlawful imprisonment.

In addition, Whitehouse told MSNBC host Jose Diaz Balart that Boasberg and Xinis could hold members of the administration in criminal and/or civil contempt.

Whitehouse suggested one more possible scenario that Democrats would find delicious  fining the administration as much as a million dollars a day until [Abrego Garcia] is returned from that prison, Whitehouse said. Those million dollars would add up pretty quickly.

Whitehouse then went a step further with his hypothetical remedy  a suggestion that undoubtedly would drive MAGA insane: The judge could decide to award some of that money to Abrego Garcia, he said.

Imagine the right-wing reaction if Trump were forced to bring Abrego Garcia back to the United States and make him a millionaire.

Maryland Sen. Chris Van Hollen originally said he was denied entry into the El Salvador prison on Thursday while he was trying to check on Abrego Garcia, who was sent there despite an immigration court order preventing his deportation.

Van Hollen said at a news conference in San Salvador that his car was stopped by soldiers at a checkpoint about 3 kilometers from the Terrorism Confinement Center, or CECOT, even as they let other cars go on.

They stopped us because they are under orders not to allow us to proceed, Van Hollen said.

Later, Van Hollen tweeted photos of a meeting with Abrego Garcia and posted: I said my main goal of this trip was to meet with Kilmar. Tonight I had that chance. I have called his wife, Jennifer, to pass along his message of love. I look forward to providing a full update upon my return.

Trump and Salvadoran President Nayib Bukele said this week that they have no basis to send Abrego Garcia back, even as the Trump administration has called his deportation a mistake and the U.S. Supreme Court has called on the administration to facilitate his return.

Trump officials have said that Abrego Garcia, a Salvadoran citizen who was living in Maryland, has ties to the MS-13 gang, but his attorneys say the government has provided no evidence of that and Abrego Garcia has never been charged with any crime related to such activity.

The AP contributed to this report.

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Vice President JD Vance speaks as President Donald Trump listens during an event with the 2025 College Football National Champions, the Ohio State University football team, on the South Lawn of the White House, Monday, April 14, 2025, in Washington. (AP Photo/Alex Brandon) AP

President Donald Trump and his closest GOP allies are facing criticism for their hypocrisy on using the IRS as a weapon.

Trump has threatened to revoke Harvard Universitys tax-exempt status due to their political views this week in his administrations escalating battle with the Ivy League school. Critics are decrying Trumps threat and have accused the administration of weaponizing the IRS.

Trump vowed to never turn the IRS into a weapon during his first term, Republican strategist Sarah Longwell highlighted on social media platform X.

I will never allow the IRS to be used as a political weapon, Trump said in 2019.

She also noted that under former President Barack Obamas term, Republicans believed the IRS was targeting conservative groups. She posted a number of videos from that time period of Republicans criticizing the government for allegedly targeting these groups.

Because Republicans believed the IRS under Obama was targeting conservative groups, there are tons of clips of R elected officials passionately arguing that the government targeting the tax exempt status of groups because of their political beliefs is un-American and illegal, she wrote.

Because Republicans believed the IRS under Obama was targeting conservative groups, there are tons of clips of R elected officials passionately arguing that the government targeting the tax exempt status of groups because of their political beliefs is un-American and illegal. FYI  Sarah Longwell (@SarahLongwell25) April 16, 2025

The Republican Accountability organization also posted a two-minute video of Trumps allies, including Vice President JD Vance, Sen. Ted Cruz (R-Texas) and Rep. Jim Jordan (R-Ohio), previously condemning weaponization of the IRS against people for their political views.

If the IRS can go after you because of what you think, or what you believe, or what you do, wed no longer live in a free country, Vance said in the resurfaced clip.

I can also assure you that were this, a Republican president, a Republican attorney general and a Republican IRS that were targeting Democrats, I at least, would speak out just as vigorously against it, because if we are going to respect rule of law, the apparatus of the federal government cannot and should not be used as a partisan tool to bludgeon your enemy, Cruz said in the clip.

They systematically and for a sustained period of time targeted people for exercising their most fundamental right: their right to speak in a political fashion," Jordan said.

Trump suggested Tuesday on social media that Harvard should lose its tax-exempt status if it keeps pushing political, ideological, and terrorist inspired/supporting Sickness?

Tax exemptions enable universities to receive large donations from major funders who want to decrease their tax burdens, which was instrumental in helping Harvard amass the nations largest university endowment at $53 billion.

The hold on federal money for research at Harvard marked the seventh time the administration has taken such a step at one of the nations most elite colleges. The government is attempting to force compliance with Trumps political agenda at schools he accuses of pushing woke policies and allowing antisemitism to fester.

In a letter to Harvard on Friday, Trumps administration called for broad government and leadership reforms at the university, plus changes to its admissions policies. It also demanded that the university audit views of diversity on campus and stop recognizing some student clubs.

Harvard President Alan Garber said Monday that the university would not bend to the governments demands. Later that day, the White House announced the freeze of more than $2.2 billion in multi-year grants and $60 million in contracts.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.

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A 27-year-old Colombian national elbowed an immigration officer in the face as she attempted to arrest him in Roselle earlier this year, federal prosecutors said.

Hector Villegas-Alvarez is charged with assaulting a federal officer, the U.S. Attorneys Office said.

Immigration and Customs Enforcement officers were conducting surveillance outside of Villegas-Alvarezs home on Feb. 23 to arrest him because he is in the country illegally, according to a criminal complaint.

The confrontation occurred after officers pulled over Villegas-Alvarez, ordering him out of the car.

Villegas-Alvarez exited the vehicle but resisted being handcuffed by tensing his body and locking his arms, according to prosecutors.

The officers partner then attempted to subdue Villegas-Alvarez by tasering him three times in the back.

Villegas-Alvarez momentarily fell to the ground and tried to return to his car to flee before the two officers combined to subdue him as he resisted, authorities said.

During the struggle, Villegas-Alvarez elbowed the officer, according to prosecutors. She suffered a broken nose and a concussion. The injured officer still suffers from severe post-concussion symptoms, including fainting and difficulty breathing, court papers state.

Villegas-Alvarez is scheduled to be arraigned Tuesday morning. His federal public defender couldnt immediately be reached.

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Jeff Goldman may be reached at jeff_goldman@njadvancemedia.com.
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Authorities are investigating the death of a 6-year-old girl who went missing Sunday near her home in Saucier near the Mississippi Gulf Coast.
A back-up sewer pump deployed by Jefferson Parish's Sewerage Department is shown here at West Metairie and Pasadena avenues in Metairie, La., on Sept. 5, 2021. The pump was one of many deployed by the parish to prevent sewer lines would not back up and overflow. (Photo by Max Becherer, NOLA.com, The Times-Picayune | The New Orleans Advocate)
The dragging of the man's body down a staircase during a homicide investigation did not compromise the forensic autopsy, Orleans Parish Coroner Dwight McKenna said Wednesday, though it resulted in the firing of one of his employees.
A visit to North Devons popular attraction The Big Sheep saw Liberal Democrat leader Ed Davey ride the rollercoaster, pet a goat and bounce on a trampoline today (Thursday) but he also called on the Government to take urgent action as the UK tourism industry faces a perfect storm.

Joined by North Devon MP Ian Roome and Lib Dem candidates from across the region, Ed Davey met with Rick Turner, owner of The Big Sheep and chair of Devons Top Attractions and Sally Everton, director of Visit Devon, to learn more about the challenges facing seasonal businesses and the wider tourism industry.

During the visit Mr Davey enjoyed the activities on offer at the family theme park by petting a baby goat, riding the Rampage Roller Coaster, Honeypot Bears and The Twister and even bouncing on the parks giant trampoline.

Above: Mr Davey and entourage have a hair-raising rollercoaster experience. Credit: The Big Sheep

But there was a serious side to the visit too and he called on the Secretary of State for Business and Trade and the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport to host an urgent South West tourism summit to address the impact of recent National Insurance tax hikes and the cost of living crisis on the industry.

Above: Ed Davey and North Devon MP Ian Roome meet some of the animals at The Big Sheep. Credit: The Big Sheep

Big Sheep owner Rick Turner said tourism operators across the South West are experiencing an unprecedented combination of rising operational costs, falling visitor numbers and heading into a perfect storm.

Mr Turner said: With minimum wage and National Insurance increases, the cost of doing business has jumped significantly - particularly for seasonal and rural attractions like ours, where the majority of staff are on or near minimum wage.

Attractions have been forced to offer deep discounts just to keep people coming through the doors, but many can't survive on razor-thin margins. We've already seen closures across the region and unless there's meaningful change many more could follow.

Mr Davey added: Tourism is the lifeblood of many communities across the South West. Not only do these family-run businesses provide joy to people living locally and visitors from across the country, they are the backbone of the economy.

Family-run tourism attractions have suffered through years of Conservative economic neglect. The cost of living crisis has reduced footfall and left basic running costs spiralling out of control.

The industry simply cannot afford the additional hammer blow of this National Insurance hike, and frankly they shouldnt have to. The Government must hold an urgent summit before local businesses are forced to close their doors.

Above: Who could resist a baby goat? Credit: The Liberal Democrats

Above: Ed Davey with The Big Sheep owner and 'director of the flock' Rick Turner. Credit: The Liberal Democrats

Following the Big Sheep visit, Mr Davey and Ian Roome went on to Chivenor with the Liberal Democrat county council candidates to do some door-knocking for local candidate Graham Bell. After that, they went on to the Barnstaple train station.

Above: Ed Davey and Ian Rome at Barnstaple Station. Credit: Liberal Democrats

Mr Roome said: It was absolutely brilliant having our Lib Dem party leader, Sir Ed Davey, down to North Devon to give him a proper taste of what we have to offer.

We chatted with the staff and owners at The Big Sheep about their business and the challenges currently facing the tourism industry - the financial pressures affecting self-catering in particular.

After the serious stuff, we rolled up our sleeves and got stuck in, bouncing on the jumping pillows, feeding the animals and even braving the rollercoaster. But behind all the fun, there was a serious message: businesses like these are so important to our local economy and bring a massive amount joy to our community.
For years, kids clambered around the Mascot Hall of Fame in Whiting, shooting T-shirt cannons, feeling how heavy a mascot head can be and meeting with mascots like Benny the Bull, Tommy Hawk and Youppi.

Now, the whimsical museum with a "Science of Silliness" exhibit and a giant booger hanging from a mascot face on the facade will be turned into an office for the neighboring BP Whiting Refinery. The Whiting Redevelopment Commission voted Tuesday to sell the former interactive children's museum to BP for $13.75 million.

BP is looking at investing $49 million in capital to relocate office workers from the Whiting Business Unit commonly known as the Glass House on Indianapolis Boulevard to the museum and new office buildings around it, Whiting City Attorney Denise Sejna said.

BP is also paying the city $40,950 for an option to buy neighboring parcels in the Stadium District at the corner of 119th and Front Streets on the eastern edge of downtown. The oil giant will have one year to put together and submit a master plan for a larger office complex development on more than 3 acres of land around the museum, Sejna said. It could then purchase that land for $1.365 million. Otherwise, it will revert to the city.

"I think it's huge," Redevelopment Director Harry Peterson said. "I think it's a huge partnership and a huge step forward."

Last June, BP was the only company to respond to a request for proposals for the property the city had been accumulating for years around the Mascot Hall of Fame, which originally was supposed to be part of a larger stadium district. It has since been in negotiations with BP over how the land purchase would be structured.

Faced with declining gas prices, a financial performance that lagged behind peers and pressure from activist investors, BP has recently reset its strategy and is looking to slash capital spending globally by $1 billion to $3 billion this year.

But it's still planning to move forward with the project outside its largest refinery.

"BP is pleased that the Whiting Redevelopment Commission approved its bid to purchase land around the Whiting refinery after thorough due diligence. This land purchase is a milestone for BP and (the) city of Whiting that will help maintain the Whiting refinerys position as a vital economic engine for Northwest Indiana and the entire Midwest region," the company said in a statement. "The purchase of the building and surrounding parcels will help bring together Whiting refinerys office-based staff in one place, improving collaboration and efficiencies. This announcement represents the refinerys continued commitment to the community, providing much-needed space for the refinery and investment to the area."

The deal will allow Whiting to pay off all of its debt, not just on the $18 million, 25,000-square-foot museum, but also on everything, Mayor Steve Spebar said. The city can also pay off its sanitary and general obligation bonds dating back to as far as 2014.

"We'll be in a much better financial position," he said. "Any community would love to be debt-free."

Spebar said BP still plans to present a larger development plan for the surrounding area.

"They know they have to present something to us within a year," he said. "If they don't, the $41,000 we have in escrow becomes the city's and we market the property to whoever's interested. Basically, they're paying us to hold the land for a year to come up with a plan for more development."

The Glass House has been aging and is in need of repairs. The refinery also has contractors and other employees working out of tents.

"They feel the need for additional and newer office space," Spebar said. "Some of their employees don't work in those buildings and I believe they would like to shift them to a more office-type setting."

City officials are hopeful that relocating office workers closer to downtown will make them more likely to visit local businesses, such as to grab lunch or coffee.

"It's going to take all the white-collar employees within the refinery and move them to 119th Street," Peterson said. "Now you have food, eateries and other amenities right at their doorstep versus where they were located within the refinery. Now they're coming out. It's a win-win for everybody. The more traffic you got, the better it is."

Whiting had been paying $2.7 million a year in debt payments, Clerk-Treasurer John T. Haynes said. The city will be entirely debt-free after using the proceeds of the sale to pay off its $16.9 million debt.

Whiting was not collecting any property tax revenue when it owned the museum. The property will return to the property tax rolls, generating more revenue to fund city services like the police, fire and parks departments.

BP agreed to pay the higher amount if there's a discrepancy in how the Lake County Assessor's Office and Indiana Department of Local Government Finance assess the property, which falls outside the refinery's footprint.

"It's a great deal for the city. It will save the taxpayers $2.8 million in interest costs by paying the bonds off," Haynes said. "The Mascot Hall of Fame was a losing operation, losing about $500,000 a year. So it's a win-win for the city."
CROWN POINT  Lake County prosecutors have opted not to retry a Munster woman accused in a shaken baby syndrome case one month after jury deadlocked on a child neglect charge and found her not guilty on a count of battery to a child.

Double jeopardy laws prevent deputy prosecutors from bringing Madyson Moyer, 30, to trial a second time on the neglect charge, according to a motion filed by Deputy Prosecutor Maureen Koonce. The issue is related to a legal doctrine called collateral estoppel, which prevents the legal rehashing of an issue that has already been decided by fact and law, even if the cause is different.

"The State of Indiana is prohibited from re-litigating the issues necessarily decided by the jury's acquittal in count I at the March 10, 2025, jury trial," Koonce wrote in the motion.

Moyer was accused of causing a major head injury to a then-4-month-old Edward McCracken Jr. while she cared for him and his siblings June 23, 2020, at his family's Dyer home. The jury heard from a variety of witnesses including the child's pediatrician, a neurologist, child abuse experts, law enforcement, McCracken's mother and father, plus Moyer herself.

After four days of testimony and arguments from attorneys, the jury found Moyer not guilty of battery resulting in serious bodily injury to a child less than 14 years old. Lake Criminal Court Gina Jones declared a mistrial on a count of neglect of a dependent resulting bodily injury after the jury did not reach a verdict. Moyer's defense attorney Adam Tavitas previously told The Times the jury's decision was split 11-1, not guilty.

Both charges are level three felonies, which carry a possible sentence of between three to 16 years in prison.

Prosecutors set the case for a status hearing April 24. The hearing was canceled when a judge approved the dismissal of the case Tuesday, online court records show.

The primary argument pushed by the state at trial was that Moyer had a "bad day" or a moment of anger and shook the child, which caused his brain injury. The deadlocked neglect charge, which requires the state to prove a defendant endangered the child's life or health, would not have been possible for prosecutors to pursue alone because a jury determined she did not cause his injuries in the first place.

Tavitas said he agreed with the state's decision to drop the neglect charge based on the not guilty verdict on the battery charge.

"I am just very happy for Madyson," Tavitas said. "I know she did not do what she was charged with."

For Edward McCracken Sr., his feelings are not as definite. He said it's been a confusing, frustrating almost five years since his young son ended up in the hospital and charges were filed against Moyer.

"I felt like nobody knew about it," McCracken Sr. said. "Nobody understood what we were going through. And this woman (Moyer) was just going on living her life while we were suffering."

He remembers he and his wife taking turns sleeping in their car during their son's hospital stay, since it was during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic and no more than one person was allowed inside the hospital at a time. In addition to the uncertainty of his son's condition, McCracken Sr. said at times he's felt disregarded by police and the justice system. He said he received little to no communication from police immediately after his son's injury, despite doctors' insistence that child abuse was involved. McCracken Sr. wonders why they didn't look at certain evidence in the case, such as Moyer's cell phone.

"This didn't magically happen," he said. "We're just lucky he's in the condition he's in."

The case was continued multiple times, McCracken Sr. said, and he and his family often did not know or understand what was happening in court during the first three years. He said he felt more well-informed and listened to once Koonce took on the case, for which he said he was grateful.

"We lost," McCracken Sr. said. "But if you have some common sense to stand up there and hear these experts talk ... you know she did it."

Eddy Jr. was reportedly "happy" the morning he was injured, according to a photo taken by his mother shared during trial. His parents left for work that morning and in the care of Moyer, who had babysat for the family since 2017. Early in the evening, Moyer saw the baby go limp, according to prosecutors. She called the his parents, who were at dinner at a restaurant in nearby Schererville, and told them the child was "breathing funny." Upon request from the mother, she held the phone up to the baby's mouth. His parents rushed home and took him to a nearby hospital.

Eddy Jr. was airlifted to a Chicago-area hospital where he stayed for 16 days. After multiple scans and medical assessments, doctors determined the baby suffered a brain bleed, known as a subdural hematoma. Doctors suspected child abuse.

Symptoms include lethargy, seizures, vomiting, feeding problems or eye problems. The boy, now 5, had to have a permanent shunt implanted into his head to drain any brain fluid to his stomach, court records show. McCracken Sr. said he also is partially blind in one eye and doctors are unsure exactly how or if it will progress.

Moyer had cared for the child and his siblings for three years without any issues or complaints, Tavitas told the jury, and she acted quickly when the baby stopped breathing. Moyer herself told the jury the changes in the baby's behavior happened suddenly after she gave him a bottle and a bath in the early evening hours. While she was holding the child, he began breathing as if he had the hiccups. Moyer said she used a cold washcloth to try to get a physical response from the baby, which did not work. She tried to open his eyes, which appeared to roll back into his head and yelled his name without success. She said she was frightened, as she had never dealt with a child who had such a reaction before that day.
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

Valparaiso Mayor Jon Costas opened his laptop computer to show me two dozen visual renderings of what could become the future version of an expanded Central Park Plaza.

The drawings, dated Jan. 20 of this year, were created by Abonmarche, an engineering firm with 11 offices in Michigan and Indiana, including Valparaiso, which is working on some of the most transformative projects in the region, according to its website.

The plans, titled Valpo Park Presentation, show several viewpoints of an expanded park to the east and its new amenities, featuring a state-of-the-art indoor event space with seating for more than 300 guests. Inside amenities include restrooms, a warming kitchen, storage facility and a green room for the adjacent amphitheater which hosts a variety of live performances.

The project would cost upwards of $15 to $20 million after completion, though its a premature estimation with a lot of moving parts, Costas told me. (Watch a video at NWI.com.)

Some of those moving parts involve the removal of two buildings just east of Central Park Plaza, housing eight businesses, including a Fifth Third Bank branch, and more than 50 employees in total. When these employees and business owners first learned about the project this week, most if not all immediately opposed it.

It is disconcerting and disappointing that I learned of the citys plans through social media and not from anyone in city government of the intent to acquire these properties, wrote Randall J. Zromkoski, an attorney at the law firm Blachly, Tabor, Bozik & Hartman. Our firm has been a fixture in downtown Valparaiso since its inception in 1961.

Zromkoski was the first of many potentially affected employees to contact me this week.

Had I been contacted (by the city), I would have expressed my sincere and significant concerns with the potential condemnation of both the building where we are tenants, but also the building housing three other businesses including Old World Market. My concerns are multiple.

He sent a detailed letter via email to City Hall outlining his professional concerns and personal feelings.

I would be remiss if I did not express my sincere opposition to the acquisition of these properties and the expansion of the park, Zromkoski wrote. I also am disappointed in the lack of transparency shown by the city when an impacted resident learns of a plan that is beyond conceptual stages, through social media. I would have thought that some lessons were learned through the recent uproar over the proposed data center.

Instant controversy

Costas invited me to city hall after I inquired Wednesday about the proposed development which almost instantly triggered shock, anger and public backlash. What began as a rumor just one day earlier quickly crystallized into a full-blown controversy in just a few hours.

That day, the city put out a press release to announce the project, the two building owners launched a website to counter it and a handful of business owners contacted me to share their opposition.

Ive been crying all day, said Patty Locke, owner of Old World Market, a charming store in a corner building at the intersection of Washington Street and Indiana Avenue.

She was blindsided by the news about the project proposal late Tuesday night after recently making substantial financial investments in her store, which she has owned for seven years. The business has been in operation for 25 years, with plans for a milestone celebration this July.

This isnt about building something new on an empty space or a cornfield. This is about us losing a family business that my daughter Julianna, who graduates next month, planned on working here full time and someday taking over, Locke said.

The next day, after collecting her thoughts, she released a full statement, thanking all the people who reached out with messages, phone calls, hugs and support on social media. As a regular customer of her beautiful store, I was one of those residents who reached out.

We had only wished we would have gotten a heads-up before this all went public. We are still struggling to process it all, Locke wrote. Those of you that say hurtful comments behind a screen dont realize its not just our family you are hurting, but the six other employees who are all Valpo residents.

If we would have known sooner, maybe we would not have just purchased new deli and cheese coolers, and a new logo for our 25-year anniversary, or wasted our time and other local Valpo business owners time on our new front facade, etc., she added.

On Wednesday, the owner of her building, Brent Wagner, along with the owner of the other building, Peter Von Tobel, launched a website, SaveDowntownValpo.com.

Mayor Costas wants to bulldoze two historic buildings in Downtown Valparaiso to make a bigger park, As owners of the buildings, we strongly oppose this plan and we are asking for your help, the site states.

The City plans to condemn both buildings by using Eminent Domain law, the site states. These buildings are modernized, fully occupied and epitomize the character of downtown. To take these types of private properties from their owners is not the intent of Eminent Domain and a clear example of overreach.

Costas told me this is not the case with this project.

The city has rarely, under my leadership, used eminent domain in the downtown to force a sale against the owner's will, and that certainly won't happen here, Costas said Thursday.

A day earlier he said, To maintain our growing and vibrant community, the city must always be exploring new ideas. Some ideas, like the new skatepark and pickleball courts, make sense. Others do not.

At city hall, while showing me the visual renderings of the project, Costas said, We are just beginning this process. Its just an idea. But we feel its an idea worth exploring.

'This idea cannot be pursued'

Critics of the proposal claim the idea was hidden from public view for too long, at least for several months, without the transparency expected from municipal government. Costas insists that this project, like any major project, should first be explored through due diligence by the city before being publicly unveiled, debated and scrutinized. (View more photo renderings at the online version of this column.)

This is a long-term process, two to three years, the mayor said. We need to be committed to having a thorough, lengthy process  with lots of input and let the idea stand on its merits. And we will treat people fairly. We have a history of doing that.

Social media exploded this week after news of the project was leaked publicly before the city formally released anything about it. I also heard from dozens of residents and a few nearby business owners after I posted about it on my Facebook page.

This was leaked in hopes of stopping the mayor in his tracks, one downtown business owner told me. The threat of eminent domain is always implied as a way of forcing unwilling sellers to the table. The city has used these threats multiple times in the past.

Wagner and Von Tobel noted that taxpayer money would be used to purchase and demolish the buildings, and then to redevelop the land. The buildings will no longer be on the tax roll, which means the city is spending even more money because it is cutting over $60,000 of property tax revenue each year that will not be replaced, their new website states.

The project also doesnt align with the voices of our community during Elevate Valpo or the adopted guide from the citys planning consultant HyettPalma, who we have partnered with for 20 years, the site states, encouraging residents to contact city officials with their opinions.

Costas said in his Wednesday statement, If after the citys preliminary investigations, expanding Central Park Plaza is feasible and makes sense, there will be numerous opportunities for robust public engagement before any decisions are made.

Next Monday, city officials were scheduled to host an event at City Hall for invitation-only guests and media outlets, where details would be released and questions answered about the proposed development. But all this changed Thursday afternoon after an avalanche of opposition.

As the primary architect of our downtown revitalization and Central Park Plaza, I would not support any project that would harm rather than enhance the downtown and its local small businesses, the mayor said in a statement.

However, the two building owners have recently decided to discontinue conversations with the city on the potential sale of their buildings. I, of course, respect that decision, and therefore this idea cannot be pursued further at this time. As such, the park expansion concept will remain for now simply an idea and one, perhaps, for future consideration.
A Chinese-made toilet brush designed as a parody of American President Donald Trump has seen a massive spike in domestic sales as a result of the tit-for-tat tariff war between China and the US.

The yellow Trump toilet brush isnt new. It dates back to the US Presidents first term in office, when Chinese factories were churning out all sorts of Trump-themed products because of his popularity, both in China and in the US. A lot has changed since then, though, and today, many Chinese are buying the funny toilet brush as a way to ridicule the American president after he set massive commercial tariffs on Chinese goods. Chinese media is reporting a significant increase in Trump toilet brush sales as part of a trend called Yiwus counterattack.

Yiwu City is home to many small factories producing low-cost plastic products like the popular Trump-themed toilet brush, so the Yiwu counterattack movement is seen as the countrys support for manufacturers directly hit by Trumps tariffs.

The toilet brushes, which have gone viral online this week, sell for prices between 13.9 yuan ($1.9) and 18.9 yuan ($2.6).

Anti-American sentiment has been on the rise in China ever since the tariff war between the US and China escalated. Notices targeting American citizens have been spreading on Chinese social media, and some businesses have decided to retaliate against the tariffs by placing their own, even on services. One restaurant in Wuhan, Hubei Province, attracted attention for posting a sign at the entrance that read, American customers will be charged an additional 104% service charge. If you have any complaints, please contact the U.S. Embassy.
A Michigan teen was recently convicted to eight months in prison for reporting a false bomb threat on a cruise ship to prevent his girlfriend from going on a cruise without him.

In January 2024, a few minutes after the Carnival Sunrise cruise ship left the port of Miami, Florida, for Jamaica, Carnival Cruise Lines received a mysterious email that read: Hey, I think someone might have a bomb on your sunrise cruise ship. This simple one-liner set in motion a costly security operation that involved both the US and Jamaican Coast Guard and the thorough search of the Sunshines more than 1,000 rooms. After several hours of delay, the Sunshine was able to continue its journey to the Caribbean, but that wasnt the end of the story. Authorities managed to trace the email to a 19-year-old man in Michigan who later admitted to reporting the false bomb threat, claiming that he was trying to prevent his girlfriend and her family from going on the cruise without him.

Photo: Alonso Reyes/Unsplash

Joshua Darrell Lowe II, of Bailey, Michigan, told FBI agents that he made up the Sunrise bomb threat because he was upset. His girlfriend and her family had booked tickets for the cruise and left him to take care of the pets while they were gone. That didnt sit well with him at all, and he decided to do something about it. Apparently, ruining their cruise was the only thing he could think of.

Lowe admitted he sent the message because he was upset that the family went on the cruise, while leaving him behind to care for their pets, Assistant U.S. Attorney Nils Kessler wrote in a court filing. Anyone making a bomb threat should expect to be taken at his word. Fortunately, this particular hoax did not result in physical injury.

Bomb threats are not a laughing matter and are extremely irresponsible, said Cheyvoryea Gibson, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI in Michigan. When individuals make false hoax threats, they divert critical law enforcement resources and spread unnecessary fear. The FBI takes all threats to life seriously and will ensure that those who resort to this kind of intimidation face the appropriate consequences.

The 19-year-old faced up to five years in prison for his stupid hoax, but earlier this month, U.S. District Judge Paul Maloney sentenced him to just 8 months behind bars. According to MLive, the teen wrote a letter to the Judge, taking full responsibility for his actions and apologizing.
Financial communications specialist Prosek handles GTCRs announcement of the $24B sale of Worldpay, payments technology company, to Global Payments.

The Chicago private company bought a 55 percent stake in Global Payments in July 23 from FIS. That deal had a valuation of $18.5B.

GTCR then partnered with Worldpay CEO Charles Drucker to expand global processing capabilities, launch new services, and enhance fraud prevention offerings.

Colin Roche, GTCR co-CEO, said the firm is proud of reestablishing Worldpay as an innovative, customer-centric, growth-focused independent company and looks forward to becoming a long-term strategic partner to the combined business of Worldpay and Global Payments.

Under the transaction set to close during the first-half of 2026, GTCR will hold a 15 percent stake in Global Payments.

Prosek Partners is #9 in O'Dwyer's ranking of top public relations firms.
Montieth & Company is holding a free webinar that looks at some of the dangers litigators, in-house counsel and crisis communications pros face when dealing with controversial situations. Ligation PR Lessons, which takes place at 11 a.m. on April 24 (register here) examines the communications response of a multibillion-dollar household name company to a sexual harassment claim that led to C-suite turmoil. The webinar will address issues raised by the way in which the claim was handled, including: how early communications missteps shaped public perception and how internal documents became part of the external narrative. It will also provide clarity on the one mistake companies keep making in high-profile cases.

The Public Relations Global Network adds Franco, a Detroit-based integrated communications agency, as its new representative member for Michigan. The partnership follows Francos acquisition of Bianchi Public Relations earlier this year and ensures PRGNs continued presence and service expansion in the market. Franco, established in 1964, offers services including public relations, marketing, digital, and creative solutions for B2B and B2C clients across diverse industries. Francos membership significantly bolsters PRGNs strategic presence in Michigan, expanding our networks capabilities, said Natacha Clarac, PRGN President and general director of Athenora Consulting. Their expertise in sectors like automotive, technology, and manufacturing aligns perfectly with our mission to provide top-tier communication support worldwide.

Kite Hill unveils new company branding and expanded service offerings. In addition to introducing a revamped visual presence, the agency has shed the PR from its name as a nod to the broader range of services it now offers. The offerings extend beyond Kite Hills expertise in traditional media relations to include strategic digital marketing solutions; personal branding (helping clients engage with target audiences via LinkedIn, thought leadership, and speaking and award opportunities); strategic paid media; and expanded B2B influencer support. Kite Hill CEO and founder Tiffany Guarnaccia says that the new offerings allow the agency to ensure a cohesive and impactful presence across all channels.
CHARLOTTE Brontes 209th birthday will be remembered in Banagher on Saturday April 26th coming.

Proceedings will start at Charlottes Way, The Hill, Banagher at 1.30pm, where they will gather to carpool for a field trip to Shannon Harbour, Shannonbridge, Meelick Weir Walkway, Victoria Lock and Eyrecourt. The purpose of the trip is to visit places outside Banagher which Arthur Bell Nicholls would have been proud to show his new wife, the eminent novelist Charlotte Bronte, when they honeymooned in Banagher in July 1854.

On their return to Banagher about 5pm, they will gather in the new snug in Houghs pub for readings by, on or about the Brontes of Haworth and the Bells of Banagher. This will be an open mike format so now is your chance to have your spake. The readings will conclude about 6.30pm. Some folks will then repair to Flynns restaurant for food. Please make your own booking to guarantee a place at a table at (057) 91 51312.

Proceedings will conclude with a recital by the Banagher Bronte Ensemble in Corrigans Corner Pub at 9pm. The ensemble is now an integral part of the group, and they have been awarded a grant of 800 to reward the gifted players for creating an extensive and growing repertoire of appropriate music. The group will perform twice more this year, once in Heritage Week in Tullamore, as part of four days of celebration of the Bronte associations with County Offaly, particularly Banagher, from Friday August 15th to Monday August 18th, full details coming out soon.

The final events for 2025 will be held over the weekend of Saturday and November 29th and 30th when they will commemorate Arthur Bell Nichollss 119th anniversary.

The Iban for the group is IE30BOFI90167745779855 and the BIC is BOFIIE2DXXX if you wish to join. Membership is just 20 and can be paid to James Scully, Nicola Daly, Donie Hogan or Sean Corrigan. All are most welcome.

READ NEXT: Bord na Mona seeks consent for second major Offaly cycling trail
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.
A TULLAMORE woman pleaded guilty to being in possession of a knife which had a blade which was sharply pointed during last week's sitting of Tullamore Court.

Helen Ward, Bay 16, Kilcruttin Halting Site, Tullamore committed the offence on March 21, 2025 in Kilcruttin. Judge Andrew Cody pointed out that Ms Ward's offence happened on the same night that Gardai with assistance from the Divisional Armed Support Unit responded to a report of shots fired at a residence in Kilcruttin.

Two men, aged in their 30s and 40s, were conveyed from the scene and taken to St. Jamess Hospital, Dublin for treatment of serious, not life-threatening, injuries.

READ NEXT: Offaly woman convicted of stealing groceries from Lidl supermarket

Defending Barrister Paul Noctor told the Court that Ms Ward was driving to the shops in her husband's jeep when she was stopped by the Gardais.

He added that she is 34 years of age and has six children, and had never been in trouble before. She wasn't aware that the knife was in the vehicle.

Judge Cody ordered that she carry out 80 hours of community service in lieu of a prison sentence, the community service to be completed within a 12 months period. He also made an order for the destruction of the knife.
THE proposed hospice for the Midlands should be built on the Tullamore site which was chosen by the previous Government, Health Minister Jennifer Carroll MacNeill said this evening (Thursday, April 17).

The Health Service Executive has lodged a planning application for a 20-bed palliative care unit on Arden Lane and the location was visited by the Health Minister along with HSE officials, medics, hospice campaigners and local elected representatives.

After viewing the site Minister Carroll MacNeill remarked: I know this is badly needed so we just want to see it drive ahead, subject to all of the appropriate processes.

The Minister was then asked by Cllr Frank Moran if she had been briefed on the existence of an alternative site in Tullamore and if she had been told a material contravention of the Offaly County Development Plan would be needed for the project to proceed on Arden Lane.

The Fianna Fail councillor also reminded the Minister that her predecessor, Minister Stephen Donnelly, had stipulated that if the hospice is to be built on the Arden Lane site, planning permission must be granted by September of this year.

Have you taken any consideration [of] that or are you just planning ahead with this particular site? asked Cllr Moran.

The Minister, a Dublin-based Fine Gael TD whose father was the first manager of Tullamore Credit Union, said she was very conscious of what her Fianna Fail cabinet colleague, Finance Minister Jack Chambers had said about the need to cut through the problems in infrastructural provision.

Because we've had so many projects take too long and people need the projects. We have the money at the moment - thank God - will we always have the money? I don't know. But we have to deliver. Because every month that goes by that we're not delivering infrastructure, that infrastructure is getting more expensive, said the Minister.

She added: I'm very conscious of the need to drive forward public infrastructure and certainly Jack Chambers and I are working on the infrastructure guidelines about trying to make sure that we're not having to make repeated business cases.

She said she was also very sensitive that the proper democratic process that has to happen should not be interfered with by her as minister.

But it's exciting to see plans and exciting to see the project move ahead.

Also speaking at the site viewing, Dr Pauline Kane, Midlands palliative care consultant, said a location like the one selected in Tullamore was a dream of hers having trained in London where there were trains going past the windows, no parking and people were upstairs.

The Arden Lane site is a greenfield site where the building can be one-storey only and every bedroom will have access to outdoor fresh air.

Money couldn't buy this and we have room for expansion and the expansion will also mean that all those bedrooms are on the ground floor, said Dr Kane.

When Cllr Declan Harvey, Fianna Fail, remarked that it was lucky that there were two sites because there would be the other one to fall back on, Minister Carroll MacNeill replied: I'm not sure. We just need to move ahead.

Another Tullamore Municipal District councillor, Cllr Neil Feighery, Fine Gael, referred to the beautiful rolling valleys of the Arden Lane site and noted it had the support of hospice groups from outside Offaly.

The other hospice groups have been so kind to allow this to come to Co Offaly. It would be inconceivable that we would not pass the material contravention at that stage, said Cllr Feighery.

Offaly Fine Gael TD John Clendennen stressed the dignity which people at the latter stage of life need and how important it is to give them the best opportunity to enjoy their final days.

But also from a family perspective that they can meet in an environment that is what you see here in terms of the green grass, the blue skies and be surrounded by nature but yet have state of the art clinical expertise, said Deputy Clendennen.

He thanked all the groups across the Midlands for their support and also acknowledged the work of Tullamore Lions Club whose Hooves for Hospice campaign had enabled the acquisition of the Arden Lane site which he said was within a stone's throw of the oncology unit in Tullamore's Midlands Regional Hospital.

The TD said the hospice building project could take 36 months and added: I want to see it delivered during this term of the Government... I would hope that everyone will lend their support to it to ensure that we deliver this much needed facility.

READ NEXT: Work to begin on new care centre in Offaly

Joe Ruane, HSE Midlands, said it had been a major breakthrough to get the project so far and recalled that it had begun in 2002.

The Midlands is a region without a hospice but four counties, Laois, Offaly, Longford and Westmeath had come together and agreed on a Tullamore location.

Through compromise and everyone's commitment to the hospice of the area, we've the Midlands Hospice, Hooves for Hospice, Offaly Hospice, Laois Hospice, North Westmeath Hospice, we've South Westmeath Hospice, Longford Hospice and the Irish Hospice Foundation, all have played a pivotal role in gathering thoughts and developing plans, said Mr Ruane.

The Arden Lane site was selected ahead of one at the Wellwood health campus in Tullamore after a tender-like adjudication process where points were awarded across a number of different criteria.

Unlike Arden Lane, the Wellwood site is zoned for health infrastructure and is where a local development company John Flanagan Developments has planning permission to build a private hospital on the town bypass.

Some campaigners were concerned that a hospice on the Wellwood site would have to be a two-storey structure.

The first site mooted for the Midlands palliative care unit, for which 20 million in Government funding has been committed, was on the grounds of the Midlands Regional Hospital in Tullamore but it was deemed too small.

The Arden Lane site (pictured below) is adjacent to Tullamore Pitch and Putt Club which in turn is beside the Condron Concrete works.

Former Health Minister Donnelly also indicated that proposals to widen the Arden Lane road should be in place by September of this year for the hospice project there to go ahead.
FIANNA Fail TD for North Tipperary, Ryan OMeara has confirmed that the Fianna Fail Minister for Special Education, Michael Moynihan TD has provided him with an update in relation to the new special school for Nenagh, which is set to open next September.

Last December, Deputy OMeara confirmed that Nenagh had been selected by the then Fianna Fail Education Minister, Norma Foley TD as the location for the new special school for Tipperary. Deputy OMeara also clarified that the school would fall under the patronage of Tipperary ETB.

Deputy OMeara said: I am pleased to share the latest update that I have received from Minister Michael Moynihan TD, the Fianna Fail Minister for Special Education, in relation to the new special school for Nenagh. There is much anticipation locally for this school, and I am sure it will come as positive news that delivery of this school is progressing thanks to the hard work of Tipperary ETB, the Department of Education, and Minister Michael Moynihan TD.

In response to Deputy OMearas enquiries into the establishment of the new special school in Nenagh, Minister Moynihan informed Deputy OMeara in writing that the patron is progressing the recruitment of a school principal. The schools admissions process is expected to commence shortly, and the school will initially enrol 12 students. This is in line with the level of need estimated by the NCSE at local level given the availability of places across other special schools in the region.

Deputy OMeara continued, saying: The existing Tipperary ETB owned property on Church Road will be re-purposed to facilitate the opening of the new special school.

As I stated previously, it became very clear during the General Election campaign that access to services and education for children with additional needs is a major issue in our society and an issue that this Government must seriously address. I raised my concerns publicly at the time and remain committed to securing the services required to build an Ireland for All, and in my view that means an Ireland for all children, regardless of their ability or additional requirements.

I would like to thank Minister Moynihan and his team for their work on this to date and for working closely with me on this project. The Minister visited Nenagh recently with me to visit the CBS primary and secondary schools, which will also be opening special classes next September. We will continue to work to deliver in the area of education and special education.

READ NEXT: Colony of bats prevent Midlands housing build until at least September
A woman subject to a deportation order appeared at last week's district court in a civil case relating to a sum of money which Gardai believed was obtained illegally.

In her evidence a Garda immigration officer said that on March 12 last, a search of a premises on High Street, Tullamore identified a woman who was the subject of a deportation order.

Youqing Wu was lodged at Dochas Women's Prison subject to a deportation order. When she was placed in custody she advised prison officers that she had a large amount of cash in her luggage and 20,000 was located. The money was seized in the belief that it was obtained by illegal means as Ms Wu had no evidence of employment or social welfare. The court heard she was not in receipt of entitlements as she was not legally with revenue.

Solicitor Patrick Martin said the money was Ms Wu's life savings. He said she had applied in 2023 for asylum in Ireland, but was unsuccessful. She worked as a cleaner in houses when she could get work, he said.

Judge Andrew Cody said she had to be able to establish ownership of the money. Ms Wu was called to the witness stand and sworn in along with her Mandarin Interpreter. The Judge asked her how much money she had when she arrived in Ireland. She answered that she had a couple of hundred. He then asked how she earned the 20,000, Ms Wu said she cleaned and worked in restaurants.

Judge Cody referred to a High Court decision which had determined that a District Court erred in its decision regarding the seizure of money by the Gardai. It found that the District Court's decision to refuse the return of seized money was incorrect.

He said there was hardly any evidence that the money was obtained through illegal means and he was satisfied Ms Wu owned the cash. He ordered the money to be returned to her.

READ NEXT:Kerry company wins contract to clear knotweed menace in Offaly
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"Allison Riggs, a Democratic justice on the North Carolina supreme court, is battling to keep her seat after a recent court ruling paved the way to overturn her election victory, telling the Guardian in an interview: 'This is not just a North Carolina problem. This is an existential threat to democracy.'

"In November, Riggs won an election for the state supreme court by a razor-thin 734 votes. But on Friday, the North Carolina supreme court ordered the state board of elections to give certain overseas voters 30 days to prove their eligibility in order to have the votes they cast more than five months ago count.

"Riggs has already asked a federal court to intervene and halt the ruling, which could lead to the election results being overturned. She told the Guardian she sees her court challenge as about more than just her seat."

Read on ...
Michelangelo's Pieta, the larger-than-life sculpture of the crucified Christ held tenderly in Mother Mary's lap, has attracted visitors to Rome since it was installed in the old St. Peter's Basilica more than 500 years ago.

Contemplation of the Pieta gifts one with the powerful presence of sacrifice and divine acceptance, life summoned from stone, transcending death. Christians approach Good Friday with two powerful remembrances: Christ's sacrifice and redemption on The Cross, and the acceptance, love and compassion expressed through The Pieta.

Countless images emerging from Gaza, of the sudden deaths of children, by bombing, shrapnel, gunshots, and grieving parents evoke modern day Pietas, occurring with terrible frequency. Unlike Michaelangelo's crucified Christ, the dead children are seldom intact.

They are horribly mangled and disfigured, limbless, headless, often identified by a scrap of clothing. Yet, the bereaved parents, holding what is left of their child wrapped in white shroud, look to the heavens, and, resonating with divine grace and acceptance recite "Allah Akbar," God is Great.

The forbearance, the courage under fire, the suffering of the people of Gaza in the face of the relentless and cowardly bombing attack which seeks to exterminate them has awakened the moral conscience of people all over the world.

As my own attention is riveted to the daily massacres in Gaza, to the graphic videos of extraordinary human suffering sent to me, I find myself filled with a deep sense of anguish at witnessing the collective punishment, the death and destruction of innocents and, equally, the loss of humanity of the perpetrators, which leads us all into an eternal Valley of Shadows.

The feeling of grief at what is unfolding before our eyes is unshakable, at times unbearable, and I know I am not alone in sensing this.

It is not only Gaza which is dying. Our country is dying, from indifference, distraction and crass political calculations which justify mass murder on the installment plan...

It is not only Gaza which is dying.

Our country is dying, from indifference, distraction and crass political calculations which justify mass murder on the installment plan, with the remorseless, clipped reduction: "They are human shields!" Or, for those mired in genocidal sanctimony: "Kill the children before they become terrorists."

And so, the children of Gaza are being killed, by the tens of thousands. Videos of those deceased children whose bodies were not mangled, show they were obviously well cared for by their families, some dressed smartly, some dead in their resplendent Eid finery, the boys with neat haircuts and the girls, long hair, beautifully combed, with colorful bows.

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As the global financial system evolves to accommodate the rise of digital assets, European Merchant Bank (EMBank) is proud to support the leadership of its Chairman of the Supervisory Board, Ekmel Cilingir, in shaping the conversation. In his newly published LinkedIn Pulse article, "Crypto Going Legit: New Direction in the US, MiCA's Early Success, How Businesses Can Benefit," Cilingir explores the contrasting approaches of the U.S. and the European Union 
A Portland City Council proposal to ban the use of algorithms to set residential rents was sent back to committee Wednesday. Dave Killen / The Oregonian

A proposal that was shaping up as the Portland City Councils first major policy enactment experienced a setback when the lead sponsor pulled it from consideration at the last minute.

In a unanimous vote, the 12-member council on Wednesday sent back to committee a proposed ban on the use of algorithms to set residential rents.
Timothy Ryan Donovan, 31, watched Ryan Hackett overdose on fentanyl he gave him and then left without calling 911. Getty Images

A Washington County judge on Tuesday sentenced a Gladstone man to nearly two-and-a-half years in prison for giving another man fentanyl that later killed him.

Timothy Ryan Donovan, 31, pleaded guilty last week to a charge of criminally negligent homicide in the death of Ryan Hackett in September 2024, court records state.

On Sept. 12, 2024, Donovan met Hackett at a Tigard motel and gave him fentanyl, the Washington County District Attorneys Office said in a statement. Hackett, who was still recovering from an earlier overdose, took the drugs, and Tigard police later found him unconscious inside a ground-floor room of the motel. He was driven to a hospital, where he died from the overdose, officials said.

Investigators checked surveillance footage and found that Donovan had entered the room where Hackett was later found on the morning of his overdose and left about 15 minutes later, officials said.

When investigators questioned Donovan he confessed to the fentanyl handoff, and said that Hackett overdosed right in front of him, officials said. Donovan told police that he gave Hackett a single dose of the opioid-reversing drug naloxone and then left without calling 911.

 Tatum Todd is a breaking news reporter who covers public safety, crime and community news. Reach them at ttodd@oregonian.com or 503-221-4313.
At the time of the pawn shop burglary, Robert J. Clark was on supervision for theft of a Ruger rifle. Getty Images

A man who stole 13 firearms from a Klamath Falls pawn shop and then attempted to trade them for drugs was sentenced Wednesday to nearly six years in federal prison.

Robert Jacob Clark stole 12 handguns and one shotgun after breaking into the Take it to The Bank Pawn & Loan shop in the middle of the night on Oct. 21, 2022.
PUTRAJAYA, Malaysia, April 16 (Xinhua) -- Chinese President Xi Jinping on Wednesday put forward a three-point proposal on building a high-level strategic China-Malaysia community with a shared future. Xi made the remarks during his meeting with Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim. First, Xi urged the two countries to adhere to strategic independence and carry out high-level strategic coordination. China and Malaysia both uphold self-reliance and strength, and firmly oppose external interference, Xi said. The two countries should continue to work hand in hand to pursue development paths suited to their respective national conditions, resolutely support each other in safeguarding sovereignty, security and development interests, and keep their future firmly in their own hands, he said. Xi called on the two sides to establish a "2+2" dialogue mechanism on diplomacy and national defense to deepen exchanges and cooperation on national security, defense and law enforcement. Second, China and Malaysia should build synergy for development and set a model for high-quality development cooperation, Xi said. He said China is committed to advancing Chinese modernization in all respects through high-quality development, which aligns with Malaysia's Ekonomi MADANI initiative. The two countries should join hands in fostering growth in cutting-edge areas such as the digital economy, green economy, blue economy and artificial intelligence (AI), and in strengthening integrated development across industrial chains, supply chains, value chains, data chains and talent chains, Xi said. The two sides should upgrade traditional areas of cooperation and promote two-way investment, Xi said, adding that efforts should be made to advance rail-sea intermodal transport, enhance the "Two Countries, Twin Parks" program, and elevate Malaysia's key ports into pivotal hubs of the New International Land-Sea Trade Corridor. Third, Xi called for both sides to carry forward their friendship from generation to generation and deepen exchanges and mutual learning between the two civilizations. China and Malaysia should collaborate on Confucian-Islamic civilizational dialogue to jointly build a platform for cultural exchanges at both the bilateral and regional levels, Xi said. With the mutual visa exemption agreement, the two sides should vigorously promote tourism, youth and sub-national exchanges, and deepen cooperation in culture, education, sports, film and media to foster people-to-people bonds and carry forward traditional friendship, he said. China stands ready to continue joint research with Malaysia on panda conservation, Xi said. Xi said that the traditional friendship between China and Malaysia has spanned a thousand years. Nurtured in a long and rich history, the friendship has grown through cultural exchanges, been consolidated through mutual benefit and elevated through solidarity against challenges, Xi added. It reflects a pursuit of common values, characterized by sincere interactions, honesty, commitment to righteousness, and respect for peace, the Chinese president continued. This friendship, he said, embodies the historical wisdom and courage of both peoples and is shared treasure for the two nations. Last year, both sides celebrated the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations. Over the past 50 years, China-Malaysia relations have yielded fruitful results, Xi said. In the next 50 years, Xi called on both sides to continue to seize opportunities, stand at the forefront of the times, build a high-level strategic China-Malaysia community with a shared future, deliver more benefits to the two peoples, and further contribute to regional prosperity and stability. Xi pointed out that Malaysia has set the theme of the ASEAN chairmanship this year as "Inclusivity and Sustainability," which reflects a deep insight into the current situation. China supports Malaysia in playing its role as ASEAN's rotating chair, Xi said, adding that China stands ready to work with countries in the region to sign the China-ASEAN Free Trade Area Upgrade Protocol at an early date. Xi urged joint efforts to reject decoupling, supply disruption, "small yard, high fence" and tariff abuse with openness, inclusiveness, solidarity and cooperation. He also called for countering the law of the jungle where the strong prey on the weak with the Asian values of peace, cooperation, openness and inclusiveness, and address instability and uncertainty in the world with the stability and certainty of Asia. Anwar warmly welcomes Xi's visit to Malaysia. He said that China has been sincerely helping Malaysia for a long time, sharing weal and woe during the smooth times and the rough, and is a trustworthy friend of Malaysia. He noted that Xi is an outstanding leader in today's world, guiding China toward significant development, spearheading the Chinese people's efforts to eradicate poverty, and has been advocating common prosperity and mutual learning among civilizations. The Malaysian people admire China and President Xi, Anwar said. The record-setting cooperation results achieved by President Xi during this visit are of great significance to Malaysia, and Malaysia is deeply inspired, Anwar said, adding that Malaysia firmly adheres to the one-China policy and does not support any "Taiwan independence" act. Malaysia stands ready to deepen strategic communication with China and consolidate political mutual trust, Anwar said. Malaysia is willing to expand bilateral trade, and Chinese enterprises are welcome to invest and do business in Malaysia, as well as to cooperate with the Malaysian side in developing digital economy, green economy, AI and other emerging technology sectors, so as to foster greater development for both nations, the prime minister said. The Malaysian side is prepared to promote people-to-people exchanges in such fields as culture, education and tourism to enhance mutual understanding and friendship between the two peoples, Anwar said, adding that the country also looks forward to carrying out Confucian-Islamic civilizational dialogue to contribute to the advancement of human civilization. Facing the rise of unilateralism, Malaysia is willing to strengthen cooperation with China to jointly address risks and challenges, Anwar said. Anwar noted that ASEAN will not endorse any unilaterally imposed tariffs, and will promote collective advancement through cooperation to maintain economic growth. The Malaysian side lauds China's positive role in international and regional issues, Anwar said. As ASEAN chair and the Country Coordinator for ASEAN-China Dialogue Relations, Malaysia will work to further strengthen ASEAN-China cooperation, and promote regional peace, stability and prosperity, he added. After the talks, leaders of the two countries jointly witnessed the exchange of more than 30 bilateral cooperation documents, covering cooperation on three major global initiatives, Confucian-Islamic civilizational dialogue, digital economy, trade in services, upgrading the "Two Countries, Twin Parks" program, joint laboratories, AI, railways, intellectual property, export of agricultural products to China, mutual visa exemption and panda conservation, among other areas. In the evening, Anwar held a welcome banquet for Xi.
Jake and Karen had their home ransacked after thieves found a document with their home address in their car parked at Melbourne Airport. Source: 9News

Aussie travellers are being warned of the one important thing to check before parking and leaving cars at the airport over the Easter weekend after a couple returned from a recent holiday to find their car window smashed and their home ransacked.

Josh and Karen reportedly parked their car in the Melbourne Airport long-term parking, like they have done for the last two decades, before going on a three-day holiday last month. However, upon return, they found their car windows smashed. A document with their home address left inside the car directed the thieves straight to their vacant Morning Peninsula home.

"Every single room was trashed completely, every cupboard, every drawer, they left no stone unturned," Josh told 9News. The property was completely ransacked, with the couple returning to find their belongings strewn across the rooms of their home. The thieves took identifying documents, electronics, jewellery and even clay shooting guns. However, the most valuable belongings taken were sentimental  a notepad that included Karen's late mother's written last words.

"When she was in the hospital end of life, that's what I had of her," Karen said.

Couple warns travellers to be vigilant ahead of holidays

The couple are urging Aussies to be mindful of leaving identifying documents inside cars as other vehicles had also been targeted that day with multiple smashed windows visible in the airport car park.

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"Be sure that you're leaving no evidence of where you live around," Jake said. "Be sure to do your house up as tight as you can."

An investigation into the incident is now underway and Yahoo News understands Melbourne Airport is working with Victoria Police and the Australian Federal Police.

The smashed window in the couple's car led to a nightmare chain of events. Source: 9News

Crime rate continues to surge in Aussie state

Victoria has been grappling with surging crime rate and the state has reached an almost decade high, with recent police data suggesting the rate has increased by 15 per cent to more than 605,000 offences last year.

Neighbour Watch told 9News its crucial to not leave clues in your car that can lead thieves to your home  with inputting your home address into your GPS system a big no no.

"If a crook gets your car they now know where home is, they know that you're not there and they can use the car to get to your place," Neighbourhood Watch chief executive Bambi Gordon said, adding the best way to safeguard yourself from intruders is to give neighbours your spare keys.

Do you have a story tip? Email: newsroomau@yahoonews.com.

You can also follow us on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, Twitter and YouTube.
The St. Johns Bridge, seen here from Cathedral Park on Wednesday, is lit up at night. The parents of two teenagers connected to a spring break shooting near the North Portland park, have spoken against gun violence. Allison Barr/The Oregonian

In the nightmare, Jeff Beck is pulling up again at the scene of his sons shooting last month. The first responder just ahead of him is running to the teenager, who lies crumpled by the back tire of his car. Beck is careening forward, seeing the blood pouring from his sons head, feeling the terror course through his veins again.

Then he wakes up. He reminds himself that his son, 16-year-old Elliott Beck, is still alive and recovering from a gunshot wound to the head at Randall Childrens Hospital at Legacy Emanuel.

The Roosevelt High School student can communicate with hand signals and by writing on a whiteboard. He still has a tracheostomy tube. Jeff Beck and his wife, Jennifer Beck, dont know yet if he will walk, but he will live.

The better he gets, the better we sleep, Jeff Beck said. But were all still struggling. Thats an image Ill just never get from my mind, and its very difficult to just even think or talk about it right now.

On March 21, after a string of homicides in the city, Portland Police Chief Bob Day vowed to make police more visible to stem the citys unacceptable violence, especially among young people. Many school districts in the area were just beginning their spring breaks.

But Days pledge wasnt enough to prevent the shooting two days later in which one teenager allegedly pulled the trigger and another teenager lay nearly dying.

All I can think about

The Becks, who live in St. Johns, said they dont own guns, and they dont think teens should have access to them.

Neither does the mother of the 15-year-old arrested in connection with the shooting after police said he turned himself in four days later.

I am not a parent that would ever accept guns or violence into my home, said the mother, who asked that her name not be used. Im the absolute opposite of that. All I can think about is Elliott and his mother.

After her sons initial court hearing last month, she said she did not know where her son would have gotten a weapon. And she said she hoped that when they were ready, the Becks would reach out to her.

The Oregonian/OregonLive typically doesnt name juveniles accused of crimes, but does in serious cases. The teen, Devon Campbell-Williams Jr., was booked into the Donald E. Long Juvenile Detention Center on allegations of attempted murder, assault, robbery, two counts of unlawful use of a weapon and unlawful possession of a firearm.

On the first weekend of spring break, Elliott Beck, 16, was shot near Cathedral Park, seen here in April. Elliott's parents say a bystander called 911 and the immediate police and ambulance response, plus the medical attention at Randall Children's Hospital at Legacy Emanuel, saved their son's life. Allison Barr/The Oregonian

Portland Police Bureau Spokesperson Terri Wallo Strauss said Monday the case remains open and that investigators are not releasing any additional information about the incident in order to not jeopardize the legal proceedings.

The parents of both teens said the two knew each other, though they werent close.

The call no parent wants

The Becks, both 49, grew up in Portland and met at whats now McDaniel High School in Northeast Portland. They say gun violence has long been present in North and Northeast Portland, but the frequency with which they now hear gunshots in St. Johns is unnerving, they said.

There were 45 shootings in St. Johns between February 2024 and February 2025, according to the Portland Police Bureau. Five additional shootings occurred in the Cathedral Park neighborhood on the St. Johns border during the same period. Two of those 50 were homicides and 10 resulted in non-fatal injuries. Those numbers represent a decline from pandemic highs, but are still above the 2019 numbers.

Were so desensitized, Jennifer Beck said.

That changed in the wee hours of March 23, when the couple got a call they say no parent should ever have to receive. It was a family friend telling them Elliott had been shot near Cathedral Park and police were on their way.

Scrambling to pull on her clothes, Jennifer Beck, a nurse, remembers shouting at the phone, Apply pressure! Put pressure on the wound!

Jeff Beck drove them as quickly and safely as I could to the park, arriving just as police did. Moments later, an ambulance pulled up. Elliott was quickly bundled inside and rushed to Randall Childrens Hospital.

At the hospital, his parents said, a surgeon told them Elliott had a 50-50 chance of survival. In what they consider a miracle and a credit to the medical care hes received, Elliott is now awake and making jokes with his family on his whiteboard, though he remembers little of what happened.

The Becks, who had thought Elliott was asleep in their house that night, learned only later that the teen had snuck out to drive around with friends. Jeff Beck said he obviously wished his son hadnt snuck out, but he sees the breach as a sort of teenage rite of passage that should not end in getting shot.

And they say the city must do more to stop the rise in gun violence affecting young people, including in their community of North Portland. Theyre especially adamant about the importance of free, safe places for teens to gather, like neighborhood community centers.

In 2023, the latest year for which complete data is available, 36 people between the ages of 15 and 24 were shot to death in Oregon, according to the Oregon Health Authority. In 2017, the total for the same group was eight.

Hispanic and Black youth are disproportionately killed by gun violence. In 2023, Black young people between the ages of 15 and 24 died in shootings at the rate of 82 per 100,000. That year the toll included three young people shot and killed in North Portland on the first weekend of spring break, including a 17-year-old Franklin High School student and a 19-year-old Roosevelt student.

The rate for white youths killed in shootings was two per 100,000 in 2023, Oregon Health Authority statistics show.

Portland mayors response

The Becks reached out to Mayor Keith Wilson early in their sons recovery and called on him to do something more to stem the violence that is stoking fear, injuring and sometimes killing young people in their neighborhood. Wilson, who also grew up in North Portland and graduated from Roosevelt, responded quickly and spoke with the family.

According to both Wilson and the family, he said a significant part of his plan to reduce gun violence in the city was to end unsheltered homelessness, which he says takes far too much of the citys time and resources.

Michael Johnson, a former gang member and decades-long advocate for reducing gun violence, said last month that he urged the 15-year-old to turn himself in. Johnson, who lost his own son to gun violence in 2023, has led a mentoring service for young people, and is now working with the 15-year-old. Johnson, speaking to journalists outside the courthouse after the teens hearing, also called for the city to invest more in youth intervention services.

These are two teenagers who didnt deserve to be in this position, Johnson said. But today, teenagers carry guns and theyre scared of one another.

Johnson said he believes in facing the consequences for ones actions. At the same time, he worries the alleged shooter could get lost in the prison system.

Were asking for the community to come together to be there for both parents and both sides to work together, he said, because there are no sides when it comes down to the injury of both kids.

Zane Sparling contributed reporting to this story.

Lillian Mongeau Hughes covers homelessness and mental health for The Oregonian. Email her with tips or questions at lmhughes@oregonian.com. Or follow her on Bluesky @lmonghughes.bsky.social or X at @lrmongeau.

Our journalism needs your support. Please become a subscriber today at OregonLive.com/subscribe
UPDATE: Police identify man accused of pepper-spraying officer in NW Portland.

Police arrested a 44-year-old man Wednesday afternoon, two days after he prompted a standoff in Northwest Portland that forced businesses to evacuate and residents to shelter in place.
Robert Atrops, 70, appears in court on the final day of his murder trial on Wed., April 16, 2025. Zane Sparling/The Oregonian

Defense attorneys for a 70-year-old Newberg man accused of strangling his wife to death three decades years ago suggested another witness who died by suicide could be the true killer as the cold case trial came to a close Wednesday.

For the past three weeks, Washington County prosecutors have built a case centering on the missing alibi and stormy if not violent relationship between Robert Atrops and his estranged wife, Debbie Atrops.
When I arrived in Tacoma in late 2019, the citys restaurants were wading into something of a brunch-o-lution. Everyone, it seemed, had tried or was about to try their luck at brunch, from Asado and Wooden City to the since-closed ALMA cocktail lounge and The Table (now Grann). The COVID-19 pandemic undoubtedly threw a wrench in those wheels. The sudden burst of interest has yet to return with gusto  Asado and Wooden City, for instance, continue to serve only dinner.

Last year, it felt like perhaps the tide was shifting.

Side Piece Kitchen took flight on big biscuits and extravagant cheesecakes. Buddys Chicken and Waffles and Howdy Bagel likewise attract fans from far beyond Tacoma before noon. Manuscript debuted in February 2024 with a weekend brunch now core to its identity, and Three Hearts opened last fall with daytime-only hours. Other new or updated restaurants, including Amor Wine and Tapas, The New Frontier Lounge and Indita Mia in its new waterfront location, have leaned into the mid-morning feast, wherein copious beverages must be consumed per the undisputed Law of Brunch.

Field Bar, one of the most ambitious restaurants in Tacoma, known for hyper-seasonality and a frequently rotating menu, also dabbled with weekend-morning service. The food differed from its evening fare in that it focused on a few consistent dishes done incredibly well: fluffy eggs folded with roasted duck onto a Balloon Roof Baking Co. English muffin, French toast bread pudding, an herbaceous green shakshuka. The drinks were, unsurprisingly, an equal draw, with a Jin Jin matcha spritz and a mezcal bloody with pickled horseradish. Yet the crowds didnt show, and brunch is a heavy load, even if it seems like its not. They scaled back to once a month early this year before hitting a hard pause. Instead, they will focus on special events, including wine dinners and private parties on their usual off-days of Sunday and Monday.

I was sad to hear the news but understand the calculation from an ingredient and labor perspective. Then I suffered a different kind of disappointment  in myself: Why had it taken me, the local food reporter, several months to settle into a barstool at one of my favorite restaurants on a leisurely Saturday afternoon? Am I an unwitting member of the apparent cohort of Tacomans who just arent big on brunching? Am I too old, too friend-less? Or is Tacoma simply not a brunch town?

DEFINING BRUNCH

What likely started as a post-church meal, first printed by a British author in 1895, the concept of brunch has assuredly infiltrated the American psyche. In some cities, people stand in line for hours to dine on fare that chefs often lament you can easily make at home  or at least that you could have at any old spot, as the television show Portlandia satirized in its Emmy-winning Brunch Village episode.

We got the Triple Play. We got the cup o joe, side o dough. We got the Early Morning Eye Opener  all $1.99, says Ed Begley Jr. as the owner of the retro diner/drugstore ignored by a horde of people, including the mayor, waiting in a laughably long line for a table at a fictitious brunch haven called The Fishermans Porch.

Around Tacoma, the plentiful sea of busy diners like The Pine Cone and Hob Nob, as well as modern brunch destinations like Art House Cafe, Cooks Tavern and Le Sel Bistro, would seemingly refute any broad anti-brunch sentiment. But is it brunch if the menu never changes, and you can get it on a Tuesday?

As a frequent restaurant diner and an avid home cook in a household always trying to one-up our last bodega-style breakfast sandwich, Im not keen on waiting in line for a veggie omelet. Ive also worked brunch shifts, as a server and a bartender, and empathize with the many hospitality pros who trash the weekend ritual for its reputation as a leftover-food ruse, a pit of lower prices which lead to lower tips, or as just a drag after a late night and a long week. At my first restaurant job, we had to serve so many lattes and cappuccinos that I became the de facto espresso queen, spending my Sundays almost exclusively making drinks in between running food and bussing tables. At another, a thin and motley crew of what we jokingly coined the B-team worked without a dishwasher until 4 p.m.

So, when I brunch, I prefer a restaurant that serves food I cant easily or dont frequently make at home. See: sky-high quiche, pancake alternatives like Dutch babies; brown-sugar-soaked pork belly; and ostensibly not-brunch dishes like fried catfish and collards with a side of hush puppies, or homemade gorditas with wake-me-up salsa. I also want coffee and a cocktail and beer and soda water, all at once.

All of the places mentioned above are fun choices, but heres a deeper look at four spots that I keep in my back pocket to satisfy specific needs. Per Brunch Law, they all have a bar, but they also cater to families and anyone who wants to feast in the middle of the day with beverages a-plenty, no matter when your weekend might be.

MANUSCRIPT TACOMA

 203 Tacoma Ave. S., Tacoma, 253-212-0779, manuscripttacoma.com

 Brunch hours: Saturday-Sunday 9 a.m.-3 p.m. (dinner served Wednesday-Sunday)

 Best for: breezy weekend brunch with a shareable modern menu and frequent vinyl DJs

 Reservations recommended for weekend prime time; most dishes $14-$18, cocktails $15

The edgy nighttime vibes of Eda Johnsons Stadium District restaurant turns breezy on weekend mornings when natural light spills through skylights and, weather permitting, the garage-door rolls up and the lounge-y patio opens. Banana bread pudding here is deep-fried and drizzled with a buttered-rum sauce. The Lemongrab Dutch baby, in a cast-iron skillet, features tart, seasonal house jam and lemon curd with the freshest of fresh whipped cream. A nicely spiced tomato sauce surrounds two runny Eggs in Purgatorio, and hunks of cider-braised pork belly are joined by latkes and apple chutney. You can also get a notable smashburger and Reuben, chilaquiles and an awesome Caesar salad. Local beer, draft wine and solid cocktails  including one of the citys best bloodies, an all-day espresso martini served neat or on the rocks (like an iced latte) and thoughtful NA sippers  make Manuscript the kind of brunch that says, Lets brunch, with confidence. Check Instagram for Vinyl Brunch dates, usually Saturdays starting at 11 a.m.

THREE HEARTS

 1116 Martin Luther King Jr. Way, 253-201-7742, threeheartstacoma.com

 Standard hours: Monday-Friday 6 a.m.-3 p.m., Saturday-Sunday 7 a.m.-3 p.m.

 Best for: weekday brunch and pastries for the table or on-the-go

 Walk-ins only (order at the counter, then find a seat); most dishes $13-$18

Three Hearts has brought a destination-worthy brunch option to Tacomas Hilltop neighborhood that manages to also be casual and befitting of a weekday visit  especially if you prefer to eschew brunch-addicted crowds. Indulge in a sweet or savory Dutch baby, the latter served benedict-style with grilled ham, a poached egg and bearnaise, red-wine-braised brisket hash or a happily vegan tofu scramble. The towering quiche, with a flaky butter-crust, rotates daily. Noteworthy sandwiches include a juicy shaved pork loin on a Macrina baguette and a salmon burger with house slaw on a potato bun. You can just as easily pop in for a pastry: passionfruit-laced morning buns, sausage croissants, pretty little tarts and an array of cookies; they also bake a limited number of whole loaves for retail sale. The space was designed to be family-friendly, but singles and couples can also sit at the bar  which means beverages abound, from Bluebeard espresso and tea to beer, wine, cocktails and zero-proof refreshers.

INDITA MIA

 1715 Dock St., Tacoma, 253-301-1784, inditamia.restaurant

 Brunch hours: Saturday-Sunday 11 a.m.-4 p.m.

 Best for: brunch with a view and patio, plus fresh-fruit cocktails

 Reservations encouraged but walk-ins welcome; parking available on Dock Street (free on Sunday) and select spaces in buildings garage (always complimentary); most dishes $15-$18, cocktails $12-$14

Previously home to The Social, a popular Sunday brunch destination for all-day happy hour in the 2010s, this soaring waterfront space and spacious patio has found committed caretakers in Angie and Oreb Apodaca. Indita Mia opened here last year with a colorful dining room outfitted with custom wicker chairs and a striking round bar anchored by a Madrone tree from Guadalajara. Every weekend, brunch reigns with classic Mexican breakfast dishes like huevos divorciados (fried eggs split with rojo and verde salsa) and chilaquiles with house salsas, served on traditional earthenware. But its the colorful red-velvet pancake stack and pink conchas that will steal your Instagram feed. Try the sweet rolls stuffed with strawberries, cajeta and cream or prepared as French toast. Some of the restaurants best dinner dishes are also available, including thick, homemade gorditas brimming with carne con chile and the Oaxacan-style wagyu tamal steamed in banana leaves. Pair with a cup of cafe de olla (coffee with piloncillo and canela), rotating agua frescas, tropical juice spritzes and the wonderful fruit cocktails like the Don Mango margarita and Coco Rosa with strawberries, lime, rum and coconut.

PACIFIC SOUTHERN

 3832 S. Pine St., Tacoma, 253-474-9898, pacsouthtacoma.com

 Standard hours: Daily 7 a.m.-8 p.m. (except Tuesday until 2 p.m.)

 Best for: late-day brunch in the bar with Southern flair

 Walk-ins only; most dishes $6.99-$14.99

This unassuming restaurant off the busy commercial stretch of South 38th Street has been serving Tacoma since 2015. The dining room is straightforward, and it fills up on weekends, especially with families and big tables of friends. Beeline instead through the back door, accessible from the parking lot behind the building, to snag a stool or a high-top table in the lounge. Its a quirky experience where youll overhear the servers chatter as they fill iced teas and coffee carafes. Dont be a in rush. Get a bloody mary and a beer. Strike up conversation with your neighbor. Breakfast is served all day, but lunch and dinner dishes start at 11 a.m. Focus on the Southern fare: shrimp and grits, buttermilk-fried chicken with ham-hock collards and baked beans, fried catfish and hush puppies.

 Kristine Sherred/The News Tribune
What can employee do when boss takes credit for all their hard work? deagreez - stock.adobe.com

Dear Annie: Im struggling with something at work thats starting to affect not just my motivation but also my self-worth.

My boss has taken credit for my work on several occasions. These arent minor tasks; Im talking about full-scale projects Ive managed from start to finish, ideas Ive brainstormed and developed, and presentations Ive poured hours into.

In team meetings or when speaking to senior leadership, he presents my work as his own, with no mention of my involvement. And Im left sitting there, trying to keep a professional face while feeling completely invisible.

Ive always prided myself on being a team player. I dont need a standing ovation; I just want fair recognition. But lately, I find myself dreading meetings, pulling back from sharing ideas and questioning if any of it is worth it. Ive worked so hard to build a career Im proud of, and now I feel like Im shrinking into the background while someone else stands in the spotlight.

Should I speak up? And if so, how do I do it without burning bridges or risking my job? -- Feeling Overlooked and Undermined

Dear Undermined: Its no small thing to have your hard work taken for granted -- or worse, claimed by someone else. Youre not being petty. Youre being honest about something that would frustrate and demoralize anyone.

While its admirable that youve kept a team-player mindset, that doesnt mean you should allow yourself to be walked on. Recognition matters -- not for your ego, but for your career. If your boss is building his reputation on your effort, thats not leadership. Thats theft, plain and simple.

You have every right to advocate for yourself. Start by documenting your contributions -- emails, drafts, project plans, anything that clearly shows your role. Then, request a private meeting with your boss. Stay calm and professional. Say something like, Ive noticed that in meetings, some of the work Ive done isnt being credited. Id really appreciate being acknowledged for my contributions moving forward.

Give them a chance to correct the behavior. If they dont -- or if it continues -- you may need to escalate the issue to HR or start looking elsewhere. A good workplace values the people who make it run, not just the ones who take the credit.

Stand tall. Youve earned your place at the table.

Send your questions for Annie Lane to dearannie@creators.com.

COPYRIGHT 2023 CREATORS.COM
FILE - Chinook salmons are seen after being unloaded at Fisherman's Wharf in San Francisco, Monday, July 22, 2019. (AP Photo/Eric Risberg, File) AP

The 2025 commercial salmon fishing season in California will be closed for an unprecedented third year running, and sportfishing will be restricted to only a few days due to dwindling numbers of fish, fishing regulators voted Tuesday.

The Pacific Fishery Management Council, which manages West Coast fisheries, warned earlier this year there would be limited salmon fishing this year in California, if at all, because of a predicted low number of fall-run Chinook salmon, often known as king salmon, in the Sacramento River.

This closed commercial and token recreational fishing season is a human tragedy, as well as an economic and environmental disaster, Scott Artis, executive director of Golden State Salmon Association, said in a statement.

Salmon fishing is wildly popular in California but has been off limits for the past two years to commercial and recreational fishing due to dwindling stocks. People who commercially fish blame the issue on a years-earlier drought that walloped waterways, as well as state and federal water management policies they say have made it tough for the species to thrive.

Sacramento River fall-run Chinook, historically the largest contributor to the ocean salmon harvest off California and Oregon, have experienced dramatic declines over the last five years, according to the association.

The Pacific Fishery Management Council has also voted to highly curtail the commercial salmon fishing season in Oregon this year, the association said.

Salmon must swim upstream to lay their eggs, and young fish then make their way out to the ocean through waterways that wind through the state. Thats done more easily when cool water flows are abundant. Agricultural water diversions described as excessive by anglers led to warm river temperatures and low flows when baby salmon were trying to make it from their spawning beds to the ocean.

The closure comes a few months after President Donald Trump ordered officials to find ways to put people over fish and route more water to farmers in Californias fertile Central Valley and residents of its densely populated cities.

The ongoing battle over where to route the water and how much tends to pit California environmental groups and anglers against the states farm industry, which produces much of the countrys fresh fruit, nuts and vegetables.

Trump contends too much water is being used to protect the tiny delta smelt, a federally threatened species seen as an indicator of the health of the Sacramento- San Joaquin River Delta, but salmon rely on the same water for their survival.

Californias salmon fishing industry includes commercial fleets and charters that take anglers out for recreation. Commercial fleets have been especially hard hit by the closures. Earlier this year, there were fewer than 900 permits for commercial salmon fishing in the state compared to 1,200 in 2010, according to Dock Street Brokers.

Recreational fishing charters have also been hit by the closures and have been devoting their boats to activities ranging from party tours to ash scatterings to stay afloat.

Both have also been fishing for other species but say anglers and markets arent as interested in halibut or cod as they would be in salmon.
A community advisory board found Oregon Health & Science Universitys bid to acquire its rival Legacy Health offers little public benefit and raised red flags regarding affordability, access and health equity.

The board, convened by state regulators to help it review the proposed merger, has no decision-making authority, but its decision informs the Oregon Health Authoritys Health Care Market Oversight program, which is expected to rule on the merger this summer.
Magical dancing at Cinco de Mayo Portland. While other cities have canceled Cinco de Mayo celebrations, the annual festivity in Portland is moving forward as planned on May 2 at Tom McCall Waterfront Park, among other events in Oregon. UYgar

Organizers of events celebrating Latino heritage are diverging in plans to proceed amid concerns of immigration enforcement by the Trump administration.

At least two events in central Oregon have joined a growing list of canceled outings nationwide. But several others are moving forward, including next months Cinco de Mayo celebration in Portland.
At First Presbyterian Church in downtown Portland, Palm Sunday is observed with reverence as attendance continues to wane. Chiara Profenna

On Palm Sunday  one of Christianitys most symbolic and celebratory feast days  congregations across Portland commemorate Jesus Christs entry into Jerusalem by waving palm fronds in joyful procession.

At Highland Christian Center in Northeast Portland, children rush the stage waving palms high above their heads during a two-hour service filled with spirited singing, clapping and dancing. The sanctuary buzzes with life as nearly 300 worshippers join in.

Across town at First Presbyterian Church in downtown Portland, the same tradition unfolds with a more reverent tone. But the scene feels markedly quieter. While Highland has seen steady growth each year since 2020, First Presbyterian has watched its pews gradually empty.

Over the last 17 years, the Pew Research Centers Religious Landscape Study has documented the consistent decline in Oregons Christian communities. Surveying more than 35,000 Americans across all 50 states, the study provides a detailed analysis of religious affiliation and spiritual practices nationwide.

In the initial 2007 study, 67% of adults in Oregon identified as Christians. By the most recent 2023-24 survey, that figure had dropped to just 43%.

Oregons decline diverges notably from the national pattern. Across the country, 62% of adults identified as Christians in 2023-24, compared to 78% in 2007. While the national trend seems to be leveling off, Oregon continues to see declining rates in Christianity.

While some churches in Oregon are struggling to keep their doors open, one branch of Christianity is quietly growing. Nondenominational churches  independent congregations not tied to a specific denomination  have seen a notable rise in recent years.

In Oregon, the share of adults affiliated with nondenominational churches grew from 7% in 2007 to 12% in 202324, with most of that growth occurring within the evangelical tradition. This increase comes even as overall Christian affiliation in the state continues to decline.

Highland Christian Center

Highland Christian Center, a non-denominational church in Northeast Portland, has seen steady growth since the COVID-19 pandemic. Chiara Profenna

Dr. Shon Neyland, senior pastor at Highland Christian Center, sees the shift to non-denominationalism as a way for churches to determine their own beliefs and become independent of any larger church governance while staying flexible enough to adapt to rapidly changing cultural landscapes.

Highland transitioned from the United Church of Christ, a mainline Protestant Christian denomination, to a non-denominational model in 2019, emphasizing evangelical values and community impact.

The previous denomination did not align with some of those more conservative values or views, Neyland said. The Pentecostal denomination and the flair of this church didnt line up with the United Church of Christ, and that was the primary change.

The change occurred after an overwhelmingly positive vote within the congregation in 2019. According to Neyland, this shift gave the church much more autonomy and independence to determine their own beliefs and practices, without being restricted by a larger denomination.

It just allows that body to determine their direction and be able to navigate the changing times, Neyland said. Highlands vision is a 21st-century Ministry of Excellence. We want to be modern and relevant but not compromise the Gospel.

Since 2020, Highland Christian Center has seen consistent growth within its congregation, with Easter attendance steadily climbing each year. After a pre-pandemic high of more than 800 attendees in 2019, numbers dropped significantly due to COVID-19, with around 200 people attending in 2021.

Attendance has since rebounded  rising steadily each year. Neyland said he expected 500 to 600 in 2025. Additionally, the church baptizes members monthly  21 so far in 2025  and welcomes an average of 20 new visitors each month, Neyland said.

India International Church

Across the city, another nondenominational church is seeing a similar pattern of growth. India International Church, based in Hillsboro, has begun to outgrow its current worship space and will be moving to a new facility in Cedar Hills in May.

Cedar Hills Baptist Church has been praying about having an international church come and be the primary church there, said Sudha Frederick Peethala, senior pastor at India International Church. They realize that the demographics have changed in the past 15 plus years  they feel like we would be able to connect and reach out to more people just because of the surroundings that have changed.

The church has followed a nondenominational model since it was founded in 1994 in order to welcome individuals from different religious and cultural backgrounds.

The congregation, made up primarily of Indians from South and Southeast India, often sees a rotating mix of temporary members and visitors, said Frederick Peethala. While the core group remains small  about 65 to 70 members  recently, the church has seen a noticeable increase in attendees from a wider range of cultural backgrounds.

Its starting to kind of look a little bit more colorful, Frederick Peethala said about the most recent growth. And thats my vision personally as a pastor.

Within the first quarter of 2025, the congregation has grown by three to four new members, Frederick Peethala said. For a smaller congregation, these new members represent a significant growth.

Moving forward, Frederick Peethala hopes to change the name of the church to be more welcoming to people of all cultural backgrounds.

Frederick Peethala is considering renaming India International Church to better reflect the congregations growing diversity and commitment to inclusivity. Potential new names, such as Northwest Community Church or Northwest International Church, aim to move away from the geographic and ethnic limitations implied by India.

The change is intended to create a more welcoming environment for people of all backgrounds  especially as the church prepares to move into a new facility in Cedar Hills  and to reflect its expanding community, which now includes members from countries like Ukraine and the Philippines.

First Presbyterian Church

First Presbyterian Church in downtown Portland has seen its congregation shrink over the past decade. Chiara Profenna

In the Presbyterian denomination, Rev. Heidi Bolt, interim pastor and head of staff at First Presbyterian Church, views the decline in attendance not just as a challenge, but as a chance to reimagine the churchs role and message in a changing world.

The church is always  and especially in this time of transition  looking at how we can make our message and our work relevant, Bolt said. (How to) make it make sense and translate it into a language thats understandable.

Like many mainline Protestant congregations, First Presbyterian has felt the effects of a broader denominational shift.

The Presbyterian denomination is declining at about 3% to 4% per year, and that has been true for quite some time  probably a decade or more, Bolt said.

From 2014 to 2024, the churchs membership dropped from 637 to 428. Still, its status as a historic landmark and its central downtown location help sustain it. These features draw a steady flow of visitors and community members who continue to engage with the space, even if they arent formal members.

St. Joseph Catholic Church

The parish of St. Joseph Catholic Church in Salem of celebrates the Mass of the LordOs Supper on Thursday, March 28, 2024. The church was damaged in a fire this past summer, and repairs to the sanctuary are ongoing. In the meantime, the church is using its gym and auditorium, as well as several overflow locations, in its place. Dave Killen / The Oregonian

At St. Joseph Catholic Church in Salem, Rev. Jeffrey Meeuwsen said the congregation had remained steady  even after a fire in August 2023 damaged parts of the church and its connected school.

The congregation has held masses in the school gym since the fire, reaching capacity every week. While Catholic affiliation has dropped across Oregon, St. Joseph is preparing for one of its largest Easter confirmations in years.

Were gonna bring people into the church both Saturday night and Sunday night, Meeuwsen said. I think the full number was more than 50.

Despite the disruption to their congregation following the fire, Meeuwsen said, the congregation remains engaged. Before the fire, weekend attendance typically ranged from 4,000 to 5,000 people, but now its closer to 2,000 to 3,000 due to space constraints.

He noted that these parishioners still consider themselves St. Joseph parishioners, even though theyre temporarily worshiping elsewhere.

When I talk to the other parishes in the area, Queen of Peace and St. Vincent de Paul and St. Edwards, they all talk about, We have St Josephs people at our church. They sit together, Meeuwsen said.

 Chiara Profenna covers religion, faith and cultural connections. Reach her at 503-221-4327; cprofenna@oregonian.com or @chiaraprofenna.

The Oregonian/OregonLive receives support from the M.J. Murdock Charitable Trust to bring readers stories on religion, faith and cultural connections in Oregon. The Oregonian/OregonLive is solely responsible for all content.
South African law enforcement officers walk inside a yard of the house where an American missionary Josh Sullivan was being held in KwaMagxaki, Gqeberha, South Africa, Wednesday, April 16, 2025. AP

An American pastor who was kidnapped last week by armed and masked men during a sermon in the Eastern Cape province of South Africa was rescued on Tuesday after three of his abductors engaged in gunfire with officials and were killed, police said Wednesday.

The 45-year-old American citizen, Josh Sullivan from Tennessee, has been based in the Motherwell township branch of the Fellowship Baptist Church since 2018 alongside his wife and two children.

The missionary was abducted on Thursday when four men broke into the church. They stole two cellphones from members of the congregation before seizing Sullivan from the pulpit and bundling him out of the building. His truck was found abandoned a few hours later.

A multi-agency task force, including the Anti-Gang Unit and the Serious Organised Crime Unit, took over the investigation. On Tuesday night they approached the location where they suspected Sullivan was being held, a house in KwaMagxaki in the city of Gqeberha, about 20 minutes drive from the Baptist church.

According to police, a shootout began when suspects in a car parked outside the house tried to escape and began firing at them. Three unidentified suspects were killed, police said.

The victim was found inside the same vehicle from which the suspects had launched their attack, Lieutenant Colonel Avele Fumba said in a statement. Miraculously unharmed, he was immediately assessed by medical personnel and is currently in an excellent condition.

The number of kidnappings in South Africa has risen by 264% over the past decade, police data showed.

According to the Institute of Security Studies, a think tank specializing in Africa, kidnapping has become a key tactic in armed robberies and carjackings. In its latest Africa report, the ISS noted that less than 5% of kidnappings in South Africa involve ransom demands.

Since his release, Sullivan, who describes himself as a church-planting missionary on his personal website, has been reunited with his wife, Meagan, and their two children.

A man named Tom Hatley, whom Sullivan describes on his blog as the pastor who trained him, posted a picture of Sullivan and his family on Facebook. Josh has been released, Hatley wrote.

Thank you for your support and prayers. Please do not stop praying for the Sullivans, his post read.

By Michelle Gumede / Associated Press
There are calls for more public oversight of a program that's resulted in the killing of between 600 and 700 koalas.

Koalas were spotted in trees around the Budj Bim National Park as choppers searched for injured animals to euthanise. Source: Supplied

Animal welfare advocates are demanding an independent review after the Victorian government began euthanising koalas from helicopters for the first time in Australia.

This week Yahoo News revealed 600 to 700 koalas have been shot inside the Budj Bim National Park since March 14, following a blaze that scorched 2,200 hectares, leaving many injured and without food.

As the killing continues, concerned experts are calling on the Victorian government to order a halt to ongoing harvesting of healthy eucalyptus trees in private plantations that surround the national park, so surviving animals have access to food. And theyve raised questions about the governments widespread use of aerial shooting, and the welfare of joeys whose mothers are shot and allowed to plummet to the ground.

Evan Quartermain has seen the devastation bushfires cause firsthand, as he was one of the first rescuers on the ground after the Black Summer blaze scorched Kangaroo Island in 2019. As the head of programs at Humane World for Animals Australia (formerly Humane Society International), hes labelled the Victorian Governments approach heavy-handed.

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"Difficult welfare decisions are unavoidable following bushfires, and minimising animal suffering is often the best outcome that can be hoped for. However, both the large-scale and broad justification for intervention at Budj Bim National Park raise serious concerns that, while well-intentioned, it's been far too heavy-handed, he told Yahoo News.

We can't let aerial shooting become the go-to method for wildlife disaster response."

Around 2,200 hectares of Budj Bin was scorched by the fire. Source: DEECA

Call for more oversight of koala killing

Two government-contracted helicopters have been spotted flying over the national park this week, and more koalas are set to be shot in the coming days. The sound of the choppers has upset locals who ordinarily delight in visiting the local koalas.

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While aerial shooting is used to cull brumbies and deer, there are no known records of using the method to euthanise koalas in Australia. Victorias department of environment (DEECA) maintains the decision to move ahead with the program at such a large scale was not taken lightly.

Several of Australias leading wildlife stakeholder groups and individuals were notified about the program weeks before it was made public by Yahoo. DEECA has indicated the aerial shooting is carried out in accordance with strict guidelines, and most animal advocates Yahoo has spoken with agree that some euthanasia is clearly needed.

A vet has been involved in the decision-making process, and a trial of the program found aerial shooting was accurate and humane. But several wildlife advocates have questioned why the public wasnt notified earlier, and say more oversight is needed if the program is to continue.

Concern for joeys as mother koalas shot

Quartermain understands the need to euthanise injured animals, but is concerned about whether helicopter crews can accurately assess and shoot koalas from the air.

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Koalas that have survived the horror of bushfires are fighters, and there are many trained wildlife rescue teams, including ours, ready to conduct search and rescue so more informed veterinary assessments can be made, he added.

Rescuers with knowledge of koala populations in Victorias southwest, close to where the tragedy is continuing to unfold, are particularly concerned about the welfare of joeys after their mothers are shot down from trees.

DEECA argues the number of females carrying young would be low because of its ongoing efforts in Budj Bim to fit females with fertility controls to try and stabilise the growing population in the park. It's also noted theres a lack of feed due to drought, and this could impact reproductive health.

Independent koala rescuers say independent oversight of the program is needed to back claims made by the state government. One shelter operator with knowledge of koalas in Victorias southwest told Yahoo News, theyre continuing to see female koalas with joeys in their pouches in the surrounding area.

Its that time of year again when all the females have pouch joeys. Some can survive for several days, but once the mothers body has gone cold, the young ones will die, they said.

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Its a terrible slow death for them, particularly the slightly bigger ones. Theyll literally starve to death.

Government urged to ban clearing trees near bushfire zone

A wildlife expert with knowledge of koala control programs at Budj Bim told Yahoo News the huge population is undeniably due to the harvesting of timber plantations that surround it. Thousands of koalas live in these plantations, and when the large eucalyptus trees are cut down, theyre forced to migrate into the already densely populated national park.

I think the blue gum plantation owners really need to stand up and take responsibility. When they decimate and take down all the blue gums, the koalas obviously jump down in the end, and we find them in the national park, they said.

Were creating a habit for them in the plantations, but only until theyre cut down.

Prior to the Budj Bim incident, Yahoo made multiple attempts to discuss the evolving crisis in Victoria's southwest with previous state environment ministers. All requests were rejected.

Glenys Oogjes, the CEO of Animals Australia, labelled the situation at Budj Bim tragic and she links its severity to the destruction of habitat in the surrounding area. The whole system is broken, she said.

Oogjes has called for an independent review of management plans designed to protect koalas in private timber plantations and for harvesting to be paused.

We are concerned about blu gum plantations surrounding Budj Bim National Park, and the risk they could pose for starving koalas seeking out this unnatural food source. We encourage the department to consider the months ahead for the survivors, she told Yahoo.

Wed urge an independent review of any existing koala management plans in these plantations, and plantation harvesting plans to halt until more is known about the movement and impacts on these local koala populations.

Love Australia's weird and wonderful environment?  Get our new newsletter showcasing the weeks best stories.
Endangered sea turtles show signs of recovery in a majority of places where theyre found worldwide, according to a new global survey released Thursday.

Many of the turtle populations have come back, though some havent, said Duke ecologist Stuart Pimm, who was not involved with the research. Overall, the sea turtle story is one of the real conservation success stories.

A hawksbill turtle underwater in Indonesia. AP

The study looked at 48 populations of sea turtles around the world. Scientists measured the impacts of threats such as hunting, pollution, coastal development and climate change to the marine animals. In more than half of the areas studied, threats are declining overall, the study found.

But there are some exceptions. Sea turtle populations in the Atlantic Ocean are more likely to be recovering than those in Pacific waters. And leatherback turtles are not faring as well as other species.

Leatherback sea turtle on a beach in Trinidad. AP

Globally, leatherbacks are considered vulnerable to extinction, but many groups are critically endangered, according to the International Union for Conservation of Nature.

All seven of the regions where leatherbacks are found face high environmental risks, said study co-author Bryan Wallace, a wildlife ecologist at Ecolibrium in Colorado.

Leatherback turtles are famous for making the longest known marine migrations of any animal  with some individuals swimming as many as 3,700 miles (5,955 kilometers) each way. That feat moves them through a wide swath of regions and may expose them to unique risks, he said.

A leatherback turtle in Trinidad. AP

Meanwhile, green turtles are still considered endangered globally, but their populations show signs of recovery in many regions of the world, researchers found.

By ending commercial harvests and allowing them time to rebound, their populations are now doing really well in coastal waters off many regions of Mexico and the U.S., said co-author Michelle Maria Early Capistran, a Stanford University researcher who has conducted fieldwork in both countries.

A loggerhead turtle underwater in Belize. AP

Sea turtles were protected under the U.S. Endangered Species Act of 1973, and Mexico banned all captures of sea turtles in 1990. But it took a few decades for the results of these actions  alongside efforts to protect nesting beaches and reduce accidental bycatch in fishing  to show up in population trends, she said.

Around the world, the problem of sea turtles dying after accidentally becoming entangled in fishing gear remains a major threat, said Wallace. New technologies are being developed to spare turtles, but they must be accepted and used regularly by diverse fishing communities to be effective, he added.

A young olive Ridley turtle in Costa Rica in 2018. AP

The survey was published in the journal Endangered Species Research and is the first update in more than a decade.

-- Christina Larson / Associated Press
I live in a three-generation home. Our daughter-in-law is a Swedish primary care physician who trained in Denmark. She is now studying to try to get an internship in the U.S., as the only work she can do now is telemedicine from here to Sweden.

Swedish physicians are likely as good as any in the United States. So while we have a physician shortage, which will get worse as my generation ages and more doctors burn out or become boutique physicians, doctors from other top medical nations have difficulty becoming licensed.

Sen. Rob Wagner has a bill in the Legislature to address this shortage by making it easier for foreign doctors to work in Oregon. Lets push our representatives to get behind it.

Mike Little, West Linn

To read more letters to the editor, go to oregonlive.com/opinion.
Squatters in a southwest Portland home painted patterns on the walls, cut out copper plumbing and damaged air conditioning, co-owner Brian Boys said. It took Boys and his family months and thousands of dollars to get the squatters out, he said. Courtesy Brian Boys

Portland property manager Ron Garcia had at least four run-ins with squatters in the first three months of the year.

In North Portland, a woman moved out of a rental home his company manages after she said her ex-boyfriend was abusing her. That boyfriend, who was not on the lease, stayed in the home for several months, racking up tens of thousands of dollars in damages, Garcia told lawmakers at a hearing in Salem last month.

A father and son rented a home on Fairview Lake, but when the father died his son moved out. But the sons ex-girlfriend stayed in the house for months, throwing wild parties. The neighbors feared prostitution and drug use but were too afraid to call the police, Garcia said.

When a Beaverton tenant moved out of his rental and returned the keys, a person claiming to be an ex-roommate stayed without paying, an ordeal that escalated into an armed standoff with the Washington County Sheriffs Office nearly six months later, Garcia said.

And in another case, a woman moved out of her North Portland home, but her adult son decided to stay. He invited friends who stayed in the attic and the basement, and burned down the homes garage. It took months for Garcia to recover the keys and get the squatters to move out, he said.

You know how helpless and outraged we all feel when we see a video from a doorbell camera recording a porch pirate, taking our packages and brazenly robbing us? Garcia told lawmakers. Imagine the horror of watching that same doorbell and a stranger walking in and out of your house for months  Theyve become a house pirate.

In Oregon, squatters have greater protections than legitimate tenants, Rep. Annessa Hartman, a Gladstone Democrat said last month. Thats why she is co-sponsoring a bill that would make it much easier for landlords to evict squatters.

Shes won widespread support for the proposal to close legal loopholes by allowing landlords and homeowners to launch eviction proceedings against squatters, instead of winding through what Hartman says is a much slower process called ejectment. Her bill passed the House of Representatives unanimously earlier this month and has drawn support from property owners and tenants rights advocates.

Squatters occupy a gray area under Oregon law. In order to evict someone, a landlord must have proof that they have forcibly entered a property or they have to have established a landlord-tenant relationship Hartman said  basically having their name on a lease.

Squatters who may have been invited onto a property by then-legal tenants but who have no relationship with the property owner  like those in Garcias example  are more challenging to remove.

Hartman became aware of this problem when residents near Gladstones Max Patterson park raised concerns about a property that had been occupied by squatters, she said. The home was sold at auction but occupants who knew the previous owner didnt want to move out, Hartman said. They hung a flag with a swastika on it in the window, like a curtain, Gladstone Police Chief John Schmerber said.

What should have been a milestone moment for this new homeowner turned into a drawn-out and expensive ejectment lawsuit, Hartman said. The new owners spent thousands of dollars and waited months to get access to their home, she said, all because these individuals hadnt forcibly entered and there was no landlord-tenant relationship.

John VanLandingham, a tenants rights advocate and attorney at the Oregon Law Center, which provides free legal aid for low-income Oregonians, testified in favor of the bill. Squatters are not covered by Oregons protections for tenants, he said, and the bill clarifies that landlords can use a quicker process to seek a court order for eviction. Without that clarity, law enforcement officers have to wade through the question of whether someone has permission to be in the home or not when deciding whether to take action, he and Schmerber said.

We really dont want the police spending time trying to figure that out, VanLandingham said.

Squatter disputes are not only expensive for landlords, they can also put neighbors at risk, displace legal tenants and discourage property owners from continuing to rent, Jonathan Clay of housing provider association Multifamily NW told lawmakers.

At a time when Oregon is facing a housing supply crisis it is essential that existing rental homes remain viable for lawful occupancy, Clay said. The bill, he said, helps restore confidence in Oregons rental housing system by reinforcing property rights and improving access to stable housing for those who need it most.

Squatters cut a hole in the front door of a southwest Portland property to install their own lock, co-owner Brian Boys said. Courtesy Brian Boys

Brian Boys, who lives near Eugene, has rented several properties. But he had his first dispute with squatters last fall, when the childhood home he co-owns with his siblings was taken over by strangers, he said.

For the last several years, Boys and his siblings have rented the five-bedroom home their parents owned in Southwest Portland. The last renters, a woman and her daughter, moved out in August, Boys said. But neighbors texted to tell them there were still people in the home coming and going at all hours of the night.

The property management company confirmed that squatters occupied the home, Boys said. He suspects they knew the former tenants. Police said that short of any criminal action, there was little they could do, Boys said.

Whats particularly distressing is theyre people who have no contract with. You dont know who they are, he said. It would be like strangers breaking into your house, except at least now - the way the law has been - the law is on their side, so theres nothing we can do.

Boys and his siblings worked through the property management company to start court proceedings. They paid for a lawyer and were on the hook for the monthly $400 to $500 electric bills the occupants were racking up, Boys said. An eviction complaint alleged that the mother, daughter and all other occupants of the home had not paid for rent, landscaping or a lease break fee. In November, the occupants agreed to pay the family $3,300 and to leave the home by Jan. 2. But they never paid, the Boys lawyer alleged in court filings. So a circuit court judge gave the Multnomah County Sheriffs Office a green light to remove the squatters.

Deputies carried out the eviction in February, court documents show. Nobody was in the house when law enforcement arrived, Boys said, but it was full of trash and the carpets unsalvageable. The squatters cut out copper piping and stole light fixtures and the water heater, he said. They also cut a hole in the 100-year-old front door to install their own keypad and damaged the air conditioning, he said.

Boys estimates the whole ordeal set his family back $20,000 in rent and another $20,000 in repairs.

Its extremely upsetting. Theres this thing of trust with renters, you know, it has to go both ways, Boys said. Then the idea that theres nothing you can do  theres no way of recouping our loss.

Sami Edge covers higher education and politics for The Oregonian. You can reach her at sedge@oregonian.com or (503) 260-3430.
Commissioner Meghan Moyer (right) wants to hire a team, funded by state dollars, to connect people with severe mental illness to Medicaid in Multnomah County. Beth Nakamura

Multnomah County Commissioner Meghan Moyer is asking the state for $1.75 million to fund a task force dedicated to connecting people with severe mental illness to Medicaid-funded treatment.

Moyer said her plan, which she brought before the county board Tuesday, would fill a significant gap in the countys support services for people with debilitating mental illness and keep people with chronic conditions off the streets, out of hospitals and away from jail.

How do we stop this? Moyer said. We stop this by using Medicaid long-term care for this population. So instead of allowing every interaction point to inevitably result again in homelessness, we go to those interaction points and we intervene.

Moyer blasted Oregons approach to assisting those with long-term conditions, saying that the state and county use Medicaid programs like the Oregon Health Plan for treatment in emergency situations but do little to fund longer-term health care. She wants the county to set a standard for other governments.

There is no front door to long-term services, she told the board. I cannot tell you the number of families who have called the organization I used to work for, Disability Rights Oregon, begging to know how to get their loved one the help they need.

Moyer went to Salem on Wednesday to pitch the project to lawmakers, who are navigating an uncertain budget and competing priorities in this years session.

If lawmakers fund Moyers plan, the county would use the money to hire three case managers and six Medicaid eligibility workers who could meet people at the county jail, Unity Health Center, homeless shelters and other locations to screen them to see which Medicaid plans they might qualify for. Her plan also calls on state workers to help county health care and service providers get licensed to accept Medicaid.

As part of the plan, Moyer would want the Oregon Health Authority and the county to research and evaluate the programs monetary effectiveness. After the county exhausts the one-time state funds, Moyer said the program could shift to being funded through billing revenue from Medicaid.

The pilot project would save the county from spending homeless services tax dollars on long-term care and housing support, Moyer said. The county is currently grappling with a $70 million shortfall in its homeless services budget for the next fiscal year.

Moyer said the county would aim to connect with 150 people in its first year of the pilot program and 250 in its second. She acknowledged that the numbers seem low, but argued it would lay the groundwork for future outreach.

You may look at that and think that is a really small number, Moyer said. This is intentional. I do not want to over promise and under deliver.

Moyer wants the county to tap into the Community First Choice Option. This option is reserved for seniors and people with disabilities who need home and community-based nursing home-style care. Once the eligibility workers screen a participant, they could come up with a care plan to connect them with services and help them through the process, Moyer said. The countys case managers would track the progress and provide help along the way.

The county currently helps older adults and people with physical disabilities enroll in the Oregon Health Plan, officials said. That does not offer the same long-term care coverage the Community First Choice Option does, Moyer said.

Board members expressed support for the plan Tuesday.

This is a way, I think, of really tying the needs of that population to the right financial resource that would be able to provide (services) in a way that were just not currently doing anywhere, Chair Jessica Vega Pederson said.

The conversation comes at an uncertain time for federally funded health care as Congress mulls cuts to Medicaid spending. Commissioner Julia Brim Edwards questioned how certain the county can be that the resource will be available in the future given the potential rollback.

With the (federal) administrations continuing assault on health care, including Medicare and Medicaid, Im curious about the shift from going from one-time state money into being covered by Medicaid, she said.

Moyer said the pilot project would be vulnerable among the federal uncertainty, but added that the population its built to support and the approach the county would take make it slightly more protected because the people served would be among the lowest income individuals using Medicaid.

Therefore under any scenario of income eligibility changes, they wont be impacted, she said.

 Austin De Dios covers Multnomah County politics, programs and more. Reach him at 503-319-9744, adedios@oregonian.com or @AustinDeDios.

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The state recently discovered significant errors in a key study that lawmakers use to determine changes to the states gas tax, vehicle registration fees and other transportation-related taxes. Sean Meagher/The Oregonian

The state recently discovered significant errors in a key study that determines whether cars and trucks are paying their fair share for Oregons transportation needs.

That study is the main instrument for lawmakers to determine changes to the states gas tax, vehicle registration fees and other transportation-related taxes, according to the states economic analysis office.

State officials, who contracted with economic consulting firm ECONorthwest to conduct the study, have directed the firm to rapidly redo its analysis for this year and dig through previous reports dating back to 2019 to weed out more errors.

Oregon carries out a highway cost allocation study every two years to determine the fair share of transportation infrastructure costs to be paid by light vehicles, defined as those that weigh less than 10,000 pounds, versus heavy vehicles, like semi trucks. In recent years, the study has found that truckers have overpaid for their use of Oregons roads, while car owners have underpaid.

Lawmakers received this years version of the cost allocation study earlier this year. It found that heavy vehicles would be responsible for 27% of costs associated with state roads over the next two years but were projected to pay 36.5% of those costs in that time. In contrast, light vehicles were expected to be responsible for 73% of the costs but were projected to pay for 63.5% of the costs.

Using those results, Democratic lawmakers recently began crafting an ambitious transportation funding plan that would heavily raise taxes on drivers of cars and other light vehicles and increase taxes on truckers to a lower extent. Those tax increases, they said, would eventually equalize the playing field between truckers and car drivers.

But the recently uncovered errors could significantly alter that plan, officials say.

Earlier this week, a group of transportation experts and stakeholders that oversees the study learned that ECONorthwest included some projects in the analysis that should not have been taken into consideration, according to Oregon Department of Transportation spokesperson Kevin Glenn. The firm also miscalculated the results because it treated costs that will be paid over years, due to bonding, as if they would all be paid in a smaller time frame.

State economist Carl Riccadonna disclosed the errors to several key lawmakers in an email Wednesday morning. In the email, obtained by The Oregonian/OregonLive, he said ECONorthwest had recently discovered some misclassifications of projects which impact the results of the current HCAS study and was working with the Oregon Department of Transportation to find potential errors in the studies going back to 2019.

Riccadonna said the review will be finished by April 28 and pledged to share the updated cost allocation findings with lawmakers by April 30.

The results of one study can cascade into future studies, so this time-consuming process needs to occur and be carried forward chronologically, Riccadonna wrote.

Mazen Malik, longtime senior economist in the Legislative Revenue Office, said he discovered some of the errors while working with the study model.

While it might not be earth-shattering, he said, some of the errors will have a significant impact on the updated findings.

Although the Oregon Department of Transportation supplies the data for the study, a spokesperson for the agency said the Department of Administrative Services and ECONorthwest are jointly responsible for screening the projects included in the study.

ODOT does not direct the sorting of project data, in order to avoid inadvertently directing the outcomes of the study, Glenn, spokesperson for the agency, said in an email. It is our understanding that the consultant has not done the level of sorting for the last few ... studies that had been done in previous years.

Andrea Chiapella, spokesperson for the Department of Administrative Services, said officials still dont know the scope or impact of the errors.

Natasha Pettit, spokesperson for ECONorthwest, said the consulting firm verified that the study model was working correctly after hearing about the errors. She said the state provided a revised project list on April 15 to the firm for the updated analysis.

We anticipate no issues with producing new results by the deadline that DAS has requested, Pettit said in an email.

Its too early to say what kind of an effect the updated study will have on the transportation funding package that lawmakers are hoping to finalize by late June.

Democratic lawmakers recently proposed nearly a dozen new or increased taxes to secure additional funding that they say is necessary to better maintain the states transportation infrastructure. Those include a new tax on tire sales, an increase to the states gas tax, increased car registration fees and a pay-per-mile fee for electric vehicles. Their framework also proposes increasing taxes on truckers by 16.9%.

But if the updated study determines that truckers have not overpaid to the extent as previously reported, lawmakers could possibly propose higher taxes on truckers while cutting some of the proposed taxes for car owners. They have repeatedly said this year a chief aim is to balance the cost burden between truck drivers and car owners.

The two Democrats leading the legislative transportation committee, Sen. Chris Gorsek of Gresham and Rep. Susan McLain of Forest Grove, did not immediately respond to requests for comment.

 Carlos Fuentes covers state politics and government. Reach him at 503-221-5386 or cfuentes@oregonian.com.

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The city-run Clinton Triangle shelter on Portland's central eastside in May 2024 gets some of its funding from Multnomah County. The shelter is one of many new alternative shelters built in the county since 2025. Nicole Hayden, The Oregonian/OregonLive

New data released Wednesday by Multnomah County officials show a stunning local reality: 14,824 people living in the county were homeless as of February. Of those, 6,796 people were living outside, in a vehicle or in some other place considered unfit for human habitation.

Thats more than double the homeless population recorded in the federally mandated point-in-time count conducted in January 2023. And it is an increase of nearly 3,000 people over more granular estimates from the county in January 2024.
One of three listening trumpets by Portland artist Christine Bourdette is found alongside the trail at Cooper Mountain Nature Park, a 230-acre park overlooking the Tualatin River Valley on the edge of Beaverton. Jamie Hale/The Oregonian

When Cooper Mountain Nature Park first opened, the praise was effusive.

Just after the Washington County park opened its trails in 2009, Terry Richard, former outdoors and travel writer for The Oregonian/OregonLive, not only called Cooper Mountain a must-do park, but the hiking gem of Washington County.

Now, more than a decade later, how does that praise hold up?

Cooper Mountain, found on the western edge of Beaverton, is a joint venture by Metro and the Tualatin Hills Parks and Recreation District, developed with a $136 million bond measure approved by voters in 1995. The 230-acre park features three and a half miles of hiking trails that loop and wander through the forests and prairies, with sweeping views atop the 764-foot mountain.

Much of the park is drenched in sun (bring your sunscreen), though there are shaded portions. This is a great place for wildlife watching, with dozens of species of birds spotted in the park, as well as deer, rabbits, squirrels and frogs (as well as the occasional cougar). There are plenty of oak trees and Douglas firs, but hikers will also spot some Pacific madrones growing in the rocky soil.

Mount Jefferson peeks over the hills, seen from a viewpoint on the Cooper Mountain Loop Trail. Jamie Hale/The Oregonian

The Cooper Mountain Nature House hosts community events throughout the year. Jamie Hale/The Oregonian

Hikers enjoy a spring afternoon on the trail. Jamie Hale/The Oregonian

Oregon irises bloom in the grassy brush just off the trail. Jamie Hale/The Oregonian

Its surely nice any time of year, but Cooper Mountain is particularly nice in the spring, when the landscape is humming with life. On a sunny afternoon this week, the trails were lined with blooming yellow Oregon grape flowers, and white Saskatoon flowers, with purple Oregon irises tucked into the grassy brush. Clear, blue skies stretched as far as Mount Jefferson, which peeked above a ridgeline in the distance.

Several hikers were out on the trail by the late afternoon, but the park was far from crowded. The Cooper Mountain parking lot, found on Southwest Kemmer Road, holds about 40 cars, though an overflow lot has space for some 15 more. Youre likely to see others on the trail, but there is plenty of room to spread out.

While signs warn of some steeper sections of trail, the park is a relatively easy place to hike, thanks to some well-graded compacted gravel trails. Trail accessibility varies throughout the park, according to Access Recreation, though at least one smaller section, the .75-mile Little Prairie Loop, is specifically designed for mobility devices.

The Tualatin Hills Parks and Recreation District hosts regular events in the Cooper Mountain Nature House, a big red building at the park entrance, including wildflower walks, yoga classes, nature camps and moon watching events.

It all makes Cooper Mountain a great place to get outside in the heart of the suburbs. And while there are certainly other places to hike in Washington County, the parks hiking gem title still feels well earned.

-- Jamie Hale covers travel and the outdoors and co-hosts the Peak Northwest podcast. Reach him at 503-294-4077, jhale@oregonian.com or @HaleJamesB.

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Dozens of birds shockingly plummeted into the Apple store window in Adelaide. The US tech giant says it has a plan to reduce the chances of it happening again.

Rescuers scrambled to help after dozens of migratory tree martins crashed into the windows of Adelaides Apple store. Source: Reuben/SOWFI

Shocking footage filmed at one of Australias busiest shopping strips shows the moment dozens of birds plummeted into the Apple stores giant front windows. Rescuers estimate 50 native tree martins crashed into the Adelaide shop's window on Wednesday, resulting in deaths and injuries.

The company has tried to stop the birds hitting its windows before, but following last nights incident, it told Yahoo News it has a new plan.

In the short video, shoppers can be heard marvelling at the giant flock of birds flying out of a tree opposite the store as theyre spooked by whats believed to be a falcon. But the mood quickly turns to horror, and a rescuer can be heard yelling "Oh s**t, oh f**king hell" as the birds hit the window. A second woman calls the situation a "nightmare".

The problem has been ongoing for at least two weeks, with Rundle Malls Optus store also becoming a hotspot for the birds. Hundreds of tree martins are estimated to have died, and after Yahoo News reported on the problem, Apple agreed to dim its store lights to try and reduce collisions. Sadly, experts say the move has not been successful.

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Last night was absolutely horrendous. It was the worst rescue Ive been to, rescuer Rachel Anderson said on Thursday.

How Apple plans to stop the bird carnage in front of its store

Now Apple plans to install a film on the exterior of the glass to provide an additional deterrent to the birds, although it was unable to tell Yahoo exactly when this will occur. Birds often dont realise the glass exists because its clear, but a film with a UV coating helps them register its existence.

The problem was sparked by the City of Adelaides decision to net trees that large flocks of tree martins had been roosting in.

For over a decade, around 10,000 migratory tree martins have flocked to Leigh Street, one of Adelaides most popular cafe strips. While their presence has delighted bird lovers, the city council has been less than impressed, claiming droppings from the problem birds are a serious risk to public hygiene, and so it netted their trees to drive them away.

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But the decision created an entirely new problem for the birds after they arrived from the tropical north this season. Unable to roost in their preferred habitat, theyve been forced to an even busier location, Rundle Mall. The birds spend their days high in the sky, catching insects, then fly down to roost in large groups as fast as they can to avoid predators like peregrine falcons.

Wildlife rescue volunteers estimate hundreds of tree martins have smashed into windows at Rundle Mall. Source: Supplied

Rescuer's simple solution to tree martin carnage

The birds are expected to leave the city early next month, but in the meantime large numbers remain displaced. Rescuer Rachel Anderson thinks the solution is simple.

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Council needs to take the nets down, she said.

In a statement, the City of Adelaide told Yahoo it's working to prevent the problem from continuing to occur. It believes changes it has made to lighting across the shopping strip have helped reduce window strikes.

Council has brought together a team of experts to assist in determining the best course of action we can take to further protect the birds during this migration season and into the future, it said.

The welfare and safety of the tree martins remains our highest priority and we again thank those wildlife rescue volunteers who are helping us deal with this complex and challenging situation.

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Editor's note: This story was updated at 5:00 p.m. on April 16 to reflect that Summer Boismier's statement was posted on the social media platform X at the time of this article's publication but has now since been deleted.

Former Norman High School English teacher Summer Boismier released a statement in a now deleted post on social media platform X following the dismissal of her defamation lawsuit against State Superintendent Ryan Walters.

On April 10, U.S. District Judge Bernard Jones ruled Boismier had made herself a public figure by doing multiple interviews and posting on social media, therefore her accusation that Walters defamed her was invalid. Jones also granted Walters motion for a summary judgment, which is still to come, according to the ruling.

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In the now deleted statement posted on Wednesday, Boismier wrote that the ruling was a setback, but the fight for Oklahoma public education continues. People must take action and promote free speech, she wrote.

Words can shatter livelihoods, strangle speech and embolden bigotry when weaponized by those entrusted to lead yet eager to divide, Boismier wrote.

In her statement, Boismier encouraged people to create change by speaking out at school board meetings, supporting educators who resist censorship and contacting their local representatives. This situation is not about the books themselves, but the students, the statement read.

Walters also posted a statement following the ruling, which reads that it was a victory for educational integrity.

We have sent a clear message that Oklahomas schools will remain free from political indoctrination and that our children deserve an education that is focused on core academic values, not promotion of controversial ideologies, Walters wrote in the statement.

NO PAYWALL, NONPARTISAN Students pay about $14 in fees that support the Daily. If you're not a student, please join those invested in OU and Norman who have given more than $110,000 to support our trustworthy, independent journalism. SUPPORT OUR LOCAL JOURNALISM

Background

On the first day of school in 2022, Boismiers classroom bookshelf in Norman High School was wrapped in red paper that had books the state doesnt want you to read written on it. The display also featured a QR code that led to Brooklyn Public Librarys Books Unbanned catalog, which promotes banned books.

The demonstration protested school district guidelines for teachers to review their classrooms for books that violated House Bill 1775. If they couldnt check their books before school began, they were instructed to cover them.

HB 1775 is a 2021 state law that restricts what schools teach about race and gender. It prohibits teaching that one is superior to another, that some people are inherently oppressive and that they bear guilt for the deeds of others of the same race or sex.

Following parent and student complaints, Boismier resigned that August and currently lives in New York.

Later that month, Walters posted about the controversy online, calling for Boismiers teaching license to be revoked. It was revoked in an order released in September 2024.

In his initial post, when he was secretary of education, Walters incorrectly wrote that Boismier was fired, but corrected himself in a second post. The mistake led to Boismiers defamation lawsuit, which asked for at least $75,000, Oklahoma Voice reported.

This story was edited by Ana Barboza and Ismael Lele.
Editors note: This story is a part of a commemorative series marking 30 years since the Oklahoma City bombing, a domestic terrorist attack in which 168 people died. Several stories and multimedia projects commemorating this milestone will be published in the week leading up to April 19, the day the bomb detonated outside the Alfred P. Murrah Federal Building in 1995.

About 20 miles away from the Alfred P. Murrah Federal Building in Oklahoma City, the OU community felt the tragedy of the April 19, 1995, bombing. One student died in the blast while many more were near the scene or spoke to the Daily about the bombing in the immediate aftermath.

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Thirty years later, OU alums reflected on how the bombing affected their lives. These alums spoke about post-traumatic stress disorder and the violence of the bombing while a coworker of Trudy Rigney, the only current OU student to die in the blast, remembered her for her perseverance.

Trudy Rigney

Trudy Rigney, an OU senior studying geography, was an intern at the Oklahoma Water Resource Board at the time of the bombing.

According to the April 21 edition of The Oklahoma Daily, now OU Daily, Rigney left the third-floor office of the Oklahoma Water Resources Board to make copies around 9 a.m. She went down to the second floor and crossed to the opposite side of the building, which was across the street from the Murrah building.

At 9:02 a.m., the bomb inside a Ryder truck parked outside the Murrah building exploded. An unnamed friend of Rigney told the Daily in 1995 the walls of the second floor fell in.

Joe Freeman, chief of the Oklahoma Water Resource Boards financial assistance division at the time, was not Rigneys boss, but he remembered talking to her when they crossed paths at work.

I just got to enjoy visiting with her, Freeman said. She had a great personality, a great attitude.

When the blast happened, Freeman was in a meeting on the west side of the Oklahoma Water Resources Board building. He crouched on the floor as he thought about how to get back to the south side of the building where his employees were.

Though Freeman cant recall the exact order of the days events, he remembers going to the OU Medical Center after helping his employees evacuate the building through the stairwell.

It was there he realized Rigney had died.

They had information taped up on a big wall trying to identify certain remains, Freeman said. I remember reading and saying, OK, that was her. I assumed it was her from the description of the clothes. It really sounded like something I knew shed worn before.

The April 21 edition of the Daily reported Rigneys identity was confirmed around 11 p.m. on April 19 after her coworkers recognized her pink and navy suit.

Freeman wants people to remember Rigney for her perseverance.

She was going to school, she was working, she was raising a son, Freeman said. She had a lot on her plate and was looking forward to graduating.

At 31, Rigney was set to graduate from OU in less than a month. She was president of the undergraduate geography club at OU and had served as student body president at Tulsa Junior College. She was a member of Phi Theta Kappa and Phi Beta Lambda and was frequently on the honor roll, the Daily reported in 1995.

Rigney worked her way up to her internship at the Oklahoma Water Resource Board after starting school while living in a Tulsa homeless shelter with her 11-year-old son.

After her death, a trust fund was established for her son, Jonmichael Rigney, whom Rigney had been raising as a single mother.

Jason Milner, one of Rigneys friends, said he was amazed at how well she juggled classes, her job as a youth minister, an internship at the Water Resources Board and caring for her son, according to the April 25 edition of the Daily.

Rigneys friends submitted a poem she had written, which originally ran in the April 21 edition of the Daily.

Saul Reid

Saul Reid, an OU economics junior at the time of the bombing, was in the Army ROTC program and was wearing his uniform when he heard the news.

I stopped at a coffee shop on campus, and the clerk behind the counter noticed my camouflage fatigues, Reid said.

NO PAYWALL, NONPARTISAN Students pay about $14 in fees that support the Daily. If you're not a student, please join those invested in OU and Norman who have given more than $110,000 to support our trustworthy, independent journalism. SUPPORT OUR LOCAL JOURNALISM

He said the worker asked if he was going to help with the natural gas explosion in Oklahoma City.

It was the early days of the internet and cellphones were in their infancy, so Reid said he had no idea what the clerk was talking about.

I remember saying, Well, what are you talking about? What bombing? Reid said.

Reid said at first he believed the bombing was a natural gas explosion, but after watching local news coverage and seeing the widespread devastation from the bombing, he recognized it had to be a man-made disaster.

I just felt like something was off, Reid said. When I saw the image of the building, I thought,  This is a disaster over and above just a malfunction.

Reid said he didnt personally know anyone affected at the time, but later down the line working in the Oklahoma City area hes met many people who lost a loved one that day.

Reid believes on the 30th anniversary, younger generations of Americans should remember the tragic loss of life and be aware of the dangers of hatred.

Watch out for the violent side of human interaction, Reid said. Be aware that there are violent people out there that will kill innocent strangers.

Fred Blair

Asleep in his bed, Fred Blair woke up on the morning of April 19 to his window being blown out and shattered glass coating his bed.

The walls of his apartment collapsed, and from under the broken window, he was now able to look over into his roommate's bedroom from his bed.

I thought a nuclear bomb went off, Blair said.

A third-year OU medical student at the time, Blair said he looked out the blown-out window of his 14th-floor Regency Tower apartment on Fifth Street and saw fires, smoke and collapsed buildings.

It was like the end of the world, Blair said. It was a harrowing morning.

While evacuating the building, Blair helped his neighbor out of her apartment. The power was out in the stairwell, and flashing emergency lights lit their way down.

It was dark in the stairwell, and all the pipes were broken, so there was water running down the stairs, Blair said. It was really scary.

Despite the chaos, Blair said he rarely thinks about that day.

I dont think about it very much, and the only time it really ever comes up is around April, Blair said.

Around the 25th anniversary of the bombing, Blair said he was approached by a group from the National Library of Medicine conducting a study on the effects of the bombing on victims. When Blair described his experiences that day he began to panic.

I had a pretty casual sense of what was going on that April 19th, but when I went into details of it, by the time I was done with the story I was having a full-blown panic attack, Blair said. I was really going through it all. I couldnt breathe. I was crying, gasping for breath, and it dawned on me that thats what real PTSD is.

Though Blair said he doesnt feel the events are present in his day-to-day life, he also does not want to relive them.

I had never really given it any thought, but just bringing back that memory was debilitating, Blair said. It really was shocking.

Blair currently lives in northern California and works as an OB-GYN. He wants younger generations to understand the fragility of life.

Were all just one morning away from somebody pulling some trigger on some major disaster, Blair said. Dont take anything for granted.

This story was edited by Peggy Dodd, Anusha Fathepure, Ismael Lele and Ana Barboza. Andrew Paredes, Sophie Hemker, Grace Rhodes, Avery Avery and Mary Ann Livingood copy edited this story.
Arauco celebrated the laying of the cornerstone at the site of its new 3.5 million tonne per year single-phase pulp mill, referred to as "Project Sucuriu". Arauco celebrated the laying of the cornerstone at the site of its new 3.5 million tonne per year single-phase pulp mill, referred to as "Project Sucuriu".

Arauco Lays the Cornerstone for Its New Pulp Mill in Mato Grosso do Sul, Brazil

April 17, 2025 - On April 9, Chilean pulp producer Arauco celebrated the laying of the cornerstone at the site of its new pulp mill  "Project Sucuriu"  in Inocencia, Mato Grosso do Sul state in Brazil. This marked end of earth moving phase and the official start of the construction phase of the 3.5 million tonne per year single-phase pulp mill.

The event was attended by national and local authorities including the Vice President of Brazil, Geraldo Alckmin, along with the entire Arauco team, headed by the CEO of the Arauco group, Cristian Infante, and the CEO of Arauco in Brazil, Carlos Altimiras. Valmet was represented by the South America Area management and the team members working for the project.

"We are a company with a global vision, utilizing a renewable resource essential to addressing the planet's challenges," said Cristian Infante, Arauco CEO. "In addition to generating economic value, we believe that our development must be guided by respect for nature and the well-being of people and communities. Therefore, we are promoting a safe, inclusive, and collaborative environment, ensuring that this project generates a positive transformation for Mato Grosso do Sul."

Geraldo Alckmin praised Arauco's significant investment in Brazil, paving the way for close collaboration between his government and Arauco. He highlighted the impact this project has on the region, generating employment and various benefits for the local economy.

"This is the world's largest single-stage cellulose project. Count on us for the new Brazilian industry, research, development and innovation. The bi-oceanic route will create a historic connection with the Atlantic and Pacific, an extraordinary gain for this region."

Celso Tacla, President of Valmet South America, added, "With the Arauco Sucuriu project, the largest and most modern pulp mill in the world, we are creating the future aligned with our commitment to sustainable development and environmental preservation. This plant has been carefully planned and designed to ensure the highest availability and production efficiency. Its capacity definition combines technical and economic aspects to maximize production, adopting the most modern and advanced technologies for pulp production, automation, and control."

The large number of Valmet representatives were happy to celebrate this event and continue the intensive work for the project.

"This is the most important project in Valmet's history. It will be the largest mill in the world and the most modern technology," said Fernando Scucuglia, Director of Pulp and Energy for Valmet.

Valmet Scope of Delivery

EPCC delivery of all key process islands and mill automation:

6 wood handling lines

2 cooking and fiberlines

3 pulp dryers, 8 baling lines

Evaporation plant

Recovery boiler with ESPs

Recausticizing

Lime kiln with biomass dryer and gasification

NCG collection and handling

Valmet DNAe DCS system

Mill wide optimization

Valves and valve automation

Valmet has a global customer base across various process industries and is a leading global developer and supplier of process technologies, automation, and services for the pulp, paper, and energy industries.

SOURCE: Valmet
I mentioned this case in my immediately prior post, but I regard it as such a manifest outrage that Im going to mention it again  and Im going to encourage you to write your senator and your congressman about it: BYU Ph.D. students international student visa revoked over apparent fishing license violation: Husband and father of 5 may have to return to Japan unless the courts allow him to continue his graduate studies

In order to make contacting your representatives in Congress easier (for at least a few of you here), I share the contact information for my own senators and for my own delegate to the House of Representatives:

I hope that some of you will write. All thats needed is a very quick and brief note. One or two lines would almost certainly suffice. The point is to show that members of the public are watching, that at least a few of us are aware of the matter and that we dont approve of whats currently being done to this Latter-day Saint husband, father, and doctoral student from Japan.

Increasingly, the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is a global church, and its educational system appropriately seeks to serve the Saints whatever their nationalities or places of origin. But this is a case of the federal government directly interfering with that aspiration. And just wait for the new BYU medical school to arrive, with its explicit goal of supporting the Churchs humanitarian mission around the world and its express intention of enrolling students from many nations. (Especially, I would think, from developing nations.) Will a foreign BYU medical student be deported if she receives a speeding ticket? If she participates in a ward activity that somehow ends up violating a technicality in some Fish and Game regulation  a violation that, in the aftermath, isnt even deemed worthy of being prosecuted  will she be expelled from the United States?

By the way, a couple of the comments responding to my recent blog post entitled Nairobi: A Memory, A New Temple, And, Yes . . . Opposition have raised the issue of the insistence of some evangelical Protestants that Latter-day Saints  and Jehovahs Witnesses and Catholics and the Orthodox  arent Christians. In other words, if y9u carry the sentiment to its logical conclusion, that the majority of Christians living today arent really Christians at all, and that the overwhelming majority of Christians historically werent Christians. Which has reminded me of Parson Thwackum, a character in Henry Fieldings classic 1749 novel The History of Tom Jones, a Foundling, who explains that,

When I mention religion, I mean the Christian religion; and not only the Christian religion, but the Protestant religion; and not only the Protestant religion, but the Church of England.

And it also reminded me of one of my very favorite jokes. This joke was apparently originated by Emo Philips, but Ive modified it very, very slightly for stylistic reasons:

Once I saw this guy on a bridge about to jump. I said, Dont do it! He said, Nobody loves me. I said, God loves you. Do you believe in God? He said, Yes. I said, Are you a Christian or a Jew? He said, A Christian. I said, Me, too! Protestant or Catholic? He said, Protestant. I said, Me, too! What denomination? He said, Baptist. I said, Me, too! Northern Baptist or Southern Baptist? He said, Northern Baptist. I said, Me, too! Northern Conservative Baptist or Northern Liberal Baptist? He said, Northern Conservative Baptist. I said, Me, too! Northern Conservative Baptist Great Lakes Region, or Northern Conservative Baptist Eastern Region? He said, Northern Conservative Baptist Great Lakes Region.

I said, Me, too! Northern Conservative Baptist Great Lakes Region Council of 1879, or Northern Conservative Baptist Great Lakes Region Council of 1912? He said, Northern Conservative Baptist Great Lakes Region Council of 1912. I said, Die, heretic! And I pushed him over.

This article about the annual Easter pageant that is staged on the grounds of the Mesa Arizona Temple was written by a non-Latter-day Saint journalist (whom I know slightly) and published in a non-Latter-day Saint venue. I think that some of you might find it interesting: Inside The Popular Easter Pageant That Draws 100,000 Visitors And heres an article on the same topic, from the Churchs official newsroom, that illustrates the uniting power that religious faith can often represent, rather than its power to divide: Faith Leaders Unite at Mesa Easter Pageant: The production is one of many ways the Church is celebrating the greater love of Christ

I will, by the way, be heading to Uzbekistan next week, where Im slated to participate in a conference in the city of Samarkand under the title of Diplomacy of the Heart. The theme of the conference is The Power of Intercultural Dialogue and Education in Peacebuilding. It should be an interesting event. For one thing, a sizable contingent of Iranian academics will be among the participants. (Iran and Uzbekistan are located fairly close to one another.) I hope to file reports from Uzbekistan, and will do so if the internet is working there. (One never knows.)
This year my laptop turns sixa relatively young age in the grand scheme of things. Sure, its gotten slower and the battery life has taken a hit, but since I dont use it for advanced video editing or gaming, its no problem. For lighter workloads like web surfing and emailing, it gets the job done just fine.

Theres really only one problem: my laptop is too old for a Windows 11 update. On October 14th, 2025, Windows 10 will reach the end of its life period, which means no new features or security updates. The former is not a big problem. The latter would be a disaster.

Im not alone in this situation. Over 50 percent of users are still running Windows 10, and this figure is gradually dropping. How many will have updated in six months time is anyones guess, but whatever the percentage, one thing is clear. A large proportion of the worlds 1.6 billion Windows PCs will still be running Windows 10 on October 14th, 2025.

What makes this challenging is that Windows 11 is so technically demanding that its not possible to update all fully functional computers. Sadly, my six-year-old laptop is one of them.
Google, undisputed king of search, problematic ruler of browsers, and somewhat even-keeled competitor for mobile operating systems, cant catch a break from the United States Department of Justice. In addition to the fallout from being declared a monopoly for search and browsers, an entirely separate case has just found Google guilty of monopoly practices in web advertising. Its a huge blow.

US District Judge Leonie Brinkema found Google guilty of violating the Sherman Antitrust Act by willfully acquiring and maintaining monopoly power in the open-web display publisher ad server market and the open-web display ad exchange market. Heres a PDF of the ruling, via The Verge. Its the conclusion of a case brought by the federal government and eight states over two years ago.

Though Google competes in dozens of categoriesfrom manufacturing its own phones to providing big iron data to some of the worlds biggest companiesadvertising is arguably its most important business. Ads keep much of the web profitable and allow Google to provide its primary search engine for free, in addition to other services like Gmail, Google Docs, YouTube, etc. According to Statista, Google reaped over 250 billion US dollars from advertising in 2024, and Google owns 80 percent of the search market worldwide.

The determination that Google is operating an illegal monopolythe second such determination from the US DOJ in two yearscould be devastating to its business. The punishment or remedy currently isnt known, but previous corporations found guilty of intentional monopoly behavior have been broken up or forced to divest themselves of portions of their business. Thats one possible end to the ongoing case: Google might be forced to sell or otherwise dispose of the Chrome browser.

And the United States isnt the only country with a bone to pick. In an earlier news story today, Google is facing a possible $6.6 billion USD fine in the United Kingdom, again, for violating its market-leading position in search. Its only the lastest problem the company has had in the region, as the European Union has been cracking down on Google for advertising and other monopoly violations for over a decade.

Its possible, though far from certain, that the US federal government might force Google to abandon both the advertising and browser markets in 2025. That would be absolutely devastating for the big G, though it has plenty of other assets that would allow it to survive in a diminished capacity. But full divestment is only one of many ways both cases could shake out, and Google will undoubtedly exhaust every option in its legal arsenal to mitigate the damage. Itll be months, at least, before we see a full conclusion to either story.
Theres only one place in the United States that Bayer makes aspirin and thats in Myerstown, Lebanon County.

On Wednesday morning, officials gathered at the large Bayer plant on West Stoever Avenue to mark a $43.6-million, 70,000-square-foot expansion to the plant where some of the most well-known over-the-counter products in the United States, including Bayer Aspirin, Aleve, Claritin, Alka-Selzer Plus, Flintstones Vitamins and Midol, are made.
An additional $6.2 million in federal funding is needed immediately to completely eradicate feral cats from South Australia's Kangaroo Island, experts say.

Experts say an additional $6.2 million in funding is needed to completely eradicate invasive cats from South Australia's Kangaroo Island. Source: Invasive Species Council/Getty Images

Grim scenes captured on an iconic Aussie island have prompted an urgent $6.2 million plea to help eradicate the popular tourist destinations feral cat population once and for all.

After an intensive knockdown last year, only about 150 of the pests remain on South Australias Kangaroo Island, however they still pose a very real threat to local wildlife, with recent photos showing cats stalking and killing prey such as little penguins and endangered southern brown bandicoots.

More than 1,600 feral cats have been removed from the island since 2020, easing some of the pressure off native animals, but all of that hard work could come undone without an immediate influx of funding from the federal government, Invasive Species Council CEO Jack Gough told Yahoo News.

Eradications are not easy. When numbers are high its always easy to get high numbers of removals," Gough said. "As you get down to the last few it becomes harder and harder, and the cost per animal becomes a lot more.

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We dont want this to be something that just drags out over many years, costs huge amounts of money and then potentially, never actually is finalised.

More than 1,600 cats have been removed from the tourist destination since 2020, but roughly 150 remain. Source: Invasive Species Council

Call for more funding as cat eradication faces risk of stalling

Ahead of the federal election on May 3, the Invasive Species Council, Livestock SA and Conservation Council SA are calling for $6.2 million over three years  including an urgent $1.93 million injection ahead of winter to prevent a new big breeding event that will drive the population back up.

We have an opportunity here to secure the largest successful feral cat eradication on a populated island in the world, Gough told Yahoo, noting its success could become a national roadmap showing what would be possible with vision, expertise, community support and proper levels of funding.

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Right now, weve got the ambition, weve got the expertise, the community support, but the funding isnt matching what is needed on the ground.

Feral and domestic cats in Australia are a major environmental, economic, and public health concern due to their devastating impact on native wildlife and the costs they impose on various sectors. They also transmit diseases such as toxoplasmosis, which costs Kangaroo Islands economy an approximate $10 million per year through unborn lamb losses and sheep meat sales, according to Travis Tobin, CEO of Livestock SA.

The cats also carry diseases that cost the local economy $10 million a year through unborn lamb losses and sheep meat sales. Source: Invasive Species Council

Debate over Albanese Government's $60 feral cat plan

Last year the Albanese Government announced a $60 million plan to halt the spread of feral cats across the country, with the money reportedly directed to 55 locations. However, that money is not forward facing money, Gough claimed.

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[Environment minister] Tanya Plibersek developed a national plan for feral cats, which was signed on to by all states and territories at the start of this year, and [it] says at least $60 million needs to be spent over the next four years to implement that plan, he told Yahoo.

Theres been no money associated with that plan specifically, but because of the criticism they were getting for not funding [it], they then cobbled together announcements that have been made over the last four years, including under the previous government, and said weve spent $60 million on cats. That was a bit of a sleight of hand.

Of the $6.9 million spent on removing feral cats on Kangaroo Island so far, just under 80 per cent has been provided by the Commonwealth, Gough added.

So what were concerned about is that all of that investment could potentially be undermined if we dont get immediate and substantial funding that is equivalent to the level needed to actually get the eradication done.

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In response, a spokesperson for Minister Plibersek told Yahoo the Albanese Government is serious about protecting our native species and tackling one of their biggest killers.

Since the government declared war on feral cats, we have invested more than $60m in 55 projects that will contribute to controlling feral cats for the benefit of native animals, including more than $3 million to support cat eradication on Kangaroo Island, they said. The government is keen to see feral cats eradicated on the island and well keep working with the community to achieve that.

After a decade of environmental vandalism by the Liberals and Nationals, Labor has made record investments to undo the damage done.

Do you have a story tip? Email: newsroomau@yahoonews.com.

You can also follow us on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, Twitter and YouTube.
Police charged a New Jersey comic book store patron with gun crimes after they say he pulled a weapon in order to intimidate an unruly customer at the business.

The incident began late Saturday morning at The Comic Book Store in Glassboro, where borough police said a misbehaving customer threatened physical violence after employees asked him to leave the shop.

Another customer, Justin A. Fernandez, 34, of Sicklerville, pulled out a gun to intimidate the male acting disorderly, police said in a press release.

Two children were with Fernandez, and one can be seen on surveillance video pulling down Fernandezs arm in an attempt to get him to put the gun away, police said.

Police described the weapon in their complaint as a semi-automatic handgun that was concealed in his waistband.

Everyone involved in the incident was gone when officers arrived, but police said Fernandez didnt have a concealed carry permit or any firearms registered to him.

Fernandez came to the Glassboro police station on Monday to speak with the detective handling the case, police said. He was charged with second-degree counts of unlawful possession of a weapon and possession of a weapon for an unlawful purpose.

He was released on a summons pending a court date.

Fernandez didnt respond to a call seeking comment and court records didnt list an attorney for him.

A representative for the comic book shop didnt immediately respond to a request for comment about the incident.

Matt Gray may be reached at mgray@njadvancemedia.com.
A former Delaware County woman who authorities say is a person of interest in the 2022 deaths of her parents released a statement earlier this week saying she did not kill them.

Michelle Zajko, 32, released a 20-page handwritten Open Letter to the World on Tuesday. She is currently in jail in Maryland awaiting trial on trespassing and gun charges.

Rita and Richard Zajko were found shot in the head, execution-style, in their home in Chester Heights on Dec. 31, 2022. Police have said they consider Michelle Zajko a person of interest in the deaths, but she has not been charged with any crimes related to the killings.

You, the public, are being lied to, Zajko wrote, according to the Philadelphia Inquirer. And while I dont promise to answer all your questions, I think the truth about my friends and I will make a lot more sense than what youve been reading about in the papers.

Im viscerally reminded of the witch hunts, of the Satanic Panic, of the mob that burned Joan of Arc at the stake, and of the mob that ripped apart Hippolyta, Zajko wrote. My friends and I are being described as like Satans lapdogs, the devil & the Manson family all rolled into one. ... These papers are flagrantly lying. ... I didnt murder my parents.

She went on to defend Jack LaSota, a.k.a. Ziz, who prosecutors say is the leader of a cult-like, extremist group known as the Zizians. Authorities say the groups members have been linked to killings in Vermont, Pennsylvania and California.

Ziz is not my leader and I am not hers, Zajko wrote. What we have is called friendship, and I love her infinitely more than I could ever express.

Two other members of the group, Felix Bauckholt and Theresa Youngblut, are accused of engaging in a deadly shootout with U.S. Border Patrol agents in Vermont in January, in which Bauckholt and an agent were killed.

Zajko and LaSota, who identifies as female, were arrested in Maryland in February after police discovered they were camping on private property. Zajko was wearing all black and had on body armor, as well as two firearms and ammunition.

Zajko said she has been treated badly by Maryland authorities, including being denied medical attention after hitting her head during her arrest.

Everyone here is being subjected to our injustice system designed to grab people off of the streets and coerce confessions and declarations of guilt (in the form of plea deals) out of them, with little to no regard for whether their captives are actually guilty, she wrote.
I-83 south is shut down after a fatal crash in a construction zone in York County on Wednesday, April 17, 2024. (511PA) 511PA

A Maryland man used marijuana and had been awake for 24 hours before nodding off and crashing a box truck on Interstate 83 in York County last year, killing three construction workers, police said.

Im not going to lie, I am running on no sleep. I stayed up 24 hours yesterday, Reed Davenport told Pennsylvania State Police after the April 17, 2024, crash, according to court documents.

The 3:25 a.m. crash in a construction zone on I-83 south in Fairview Township killed Jesse McKenzie, 24, of Somerset; Robert Hampe, 41, of Meyersdale; and Philson Hinebaugh III, 24, of Johnstown.

On Wednesday, one day before the crashs one-year anniversary, Davenport, 25, of District Heights, Maryland, was charged with three counts of third-degree murder, three counts of homicide by vehicle while DUI, three counts of homicide by vehicle and 16 related summary/misdemeanor offenses.

An affidavit of probable cause filed by state police gave the following account:

Davenport had a commercial drivers license (CDL) and was driving a box truck south near mile marker 35.5, when another driver saw him start to drift from the right lane onto the shoulder.

The construction workers, McKenzie, Hampe and Hinebaugh, were standing on the shoulder in the active construction zone when Davenport crashed into them, as well as a construction vehicle parked in the right lane. The construction vehicle had a flashing, directional arrow on it pointing to the left and away from the workers.

The workers were pronounced dead at the scene.

Davenports box truck went up a steep embankment and then back onto the shoulder, where it sideswiped a Ford Edge, according to the affidavit. The Fords driver was not hurt.

The box truck came to a stop after hitting the concrete barrier separating I-83s north and southbound lanes. Davenport was not injured.

At the crash scene, a FedEx tractor-trailer driver told troopers he was in the left southbound lane when Davenport passed him in the right lane at what seemed like a high rate of speed, the affidavit said.

According to the affidavit, the FedEx driver said Davenport did not try to merge into the left lane with other vehicles and instead drifted off the highway in a way that appeared he was falling asleep.

Police said data from Davenports box truck later showed he was going 63 mph entering the construction zone and did not try to brake before crashing into the construction workers.

Davenport consented to and had his blood drawn hours after the crash. Court documents said toxicology tests showed he had marijuana in his system. Pennsylvania does not have a legal threshold for how much marijuana can be in a drivers system, so any amount found during a blood test is considered illegal.

Court documents said Davenport got his commercial drivers license in October 2023 and started driving for Factory Motor Parts in February 2024.

The CDL approval process involves getting a medical certificate after a physical by a doctor, on which Davenport verified in July 2023 that he had not used illegal substances in the last two years. He passed a urine test on Jan. 23, 2024, months before the fatal crash, according to the affidavit.

Davenport told troopers his driving schedule includes five stops: two in Maryland, two in Pennsylvania and one in Virginia.

He said he got home around midnight on April 16, 2024, and was busy because his dog had recently had puppies, according to the affidavit. Court documents said Davenport watched the puppies, gave them their shots, walked his dogs, ate and showered before returning to work at 6 p.m. on April 17.

Davenport said he bought a 16-ounce can of Red Bull around 9 p.m. on April 17 but still had some left at the time of the crash, according to the affidavit.

Court documents said he denied using drugs or alcohol, or nodding off while driving. Davenport said he did not remember seeing the construction zone, and that the last thing he recalled was coming up a hill on I-83 south and crashing into the back of the construction vehicle.

Its like I blacked out, Davenport told state police, according to the affidavit.

He added that he woke up as his truck hit the construction vehicle, then the workers, court documents said.

A forensic toxicologist who reviewed Davenports blood results told police the marijuana in his system could have worsened his fatigue, according to the affidavit.

Driving is a complex task that requires the operator to perform various divided attention tasks simultaneously, Dr. Stephanie Marco wrote in the report. Sleep deprivation can impair an individuals ability to operate a motor vehicle safely, and [marijuana] may exacerbate this impairment.

Federal regulations for CDL operators say drivers must be aware of the effects of fatigue, as well as alcohol and drug use. They must have specific knowledge on what to do when driving to avoid fatigue, according to the affidavit.

The guidelines also say drivers should not operate commercial vehicles if they are so tired that it is unsafe for them to be behind the wheel, specifically including when they are under the influence.

Court documents said Davenport defied his CDL training when he drove after going 24 hours without sleep with marijuana in his system.

Davenport has not been arraigned on the charges as of Thursday.
Nearly 200 people gathered in Harrisburg Wednesday evening for an interfaith vigil in response to the recent arson attack at the Governors Residence.

This is really a songful, prayerful gathering, said Beth El Temple Rabbi Ariana Capptauber, who helped coordinate the event. This is not about talking heads. This is not about politics. This is about showing solidarity and a peaceful nature between all residents and neighbors in this community.
Story by Katie Meyer of Spotlight PA

Spotlight PA is an independent, nonpartisan, and nonprofit newsroom producing investigative and public-service journalism that holds power to account and drives positive change in Pennsylvania. Sign up for our free newsletters.
Gene Hackmans handyman is speaking after finding the Oscar-winning actor, 95, and his classical pianist wife, Betsy Arakawa, 65, dead in their home in Santa Fe, New Mexico, last February.

Jesse Kesler, who was the couples handyman for 16 years, revealed in an interview with Fox News that he did a wellness check on the couple because he was concerned about them.

He said he dropped by their house after he hadnt heard from Arakawa in two weeks, which was out of the norm because he usually spoke to her every three days.

Thats when he said he knew something was wrong.

After not being able to reach Hackmans family, Kesler decided to go to the house himself and check on the couple.

We couldnt get hold of any family members.  We were in the process of getting hold of a family member, and it was taking too long, he told Fox. And finally, finally, I saw the security guard, and thats when me and him went in.

Kesler also told the Daily Mail that he wished he had gone in quicker because to him, he might have been able to save Gene or the dog.

New police bodycam footage released Tuesday captured a conversation between Kesler and authorities, per TMZ.

In the footage, Kelser told cops he came across Arakawas body. He also informed them the house is Hackmans and that the couple valued privacy, while also telling them to keep the incident quiet.

Kesler was also concerned with the well-being of one of the dogs, which was later found dead in a crate.

Despite Keslers claim, Hackmans daughter Leslie told Fox News that she had never spoke to Kesler before and that she had no idea a wellness check was being pursued.

No one had reached out, Leslie said. She also added that the authorities did not contact her about her fathers well-being until he and his wife were found in their home.

Sante Fe County Sheriffs Office also said they werent contacted about a wellness check until they received a 911 call about the bodies being found on Feb. 26.
The brewery is moving operations to other facilities within the company's network. (Getty Images) Getty Images/500px

A major United States beverage company is permanently shutting down a craft brewery next month.

As a result, dozens of people will lose their jobs.

Brewbound reports that Monster Brewing  which is owned by the maker of Monster Energy Drinks  is closing down operations at the Squatters and Wasatch Taproom & Beer Store in Salt Lake City, Utah, on May 23.

According to a post published to Wasatch Brewings Instagram, this move is the result of growth as both businesses are moving to other facilities in Monster Brewings bicoastal network.

Sister breweries, Squatters & Wasatch, are making a move to grow distribution and bring you great beer throughout Utah and beyond, the post reads.

To support our plans, we will not renew the lease on our Salt Lake City brewery, taproom and beer store and will close at the end of May with production transition within our brewery network.

The Salt Lake Tribune states that this closure will result in 25 people getting laid off. President of Monster Brewing, Ray LaRue, said via statement these people will be offered a severance package, and will be encouraged to apply for other positions within the company.

We believe in the legacy of Squatters and Wasatch and are committed to maintaining their high-quality standards and each brands unique identity, LaRue said.

Our Utah-based commercial team will continue to support their success and growth locally.

It was also confirmed that this move wont affect the Squatters Pub brewery downtown, the Wasatch Brew Pub and other affiliate locations since theyre owned by a different company, The Salt Lake Tribune adds.

Squatters and Wasatch beers will start their transition into the Monster network on May 27.
Harley, a 3-year-old border collie Australian shepherd mix, died during a grooming appointment at K-9 Kingdom in Woodbury Heights, N.J., last year. (Provided Photo/Ashley Jenkins)

A judge has sentenced a Gloucester County, New Jersey, dog groomer accused of animal cruelty and drug offenses to four years in prison and ordered that he never work with animals again.

Trevor J. Hunt, 40, who owned K-9 Kingdom in Woodbury Heights, was arrested last summer after he contacted a family to tell them their 3-year-old dog, named Harley, died during a grooming appointment, police said.
Gov. Josh Shapiro and his family hosted a lunch today for firefighters who responded to Sundays fire at the Governors Residence in Harrisburg.

Shapiro and first lady Lori Shapiro and their children were joined by celebrity chef Robert Irvine at the Harrisburg Bureau of Fire Station No. 1 in the city.
U.S. Rep. Dan Meuser said Wednesday that "every action (Gov.) Josh Shapiro has taken so far against the president has either been a lawsuit or a falsehood" while appearing on a radio show days after the Governor's Residence was firebombed and Shapiro and his family were evacuated. (AP Photo/Alex Brandon) AP

After initially condemning Sundays firebombing at the Governors Residence, U.S. Rep. Dan Meuser blamed Democrats for violent rhetoric and said Gov. Josh Shapiros actions opposing President Donald Trump are not helpful.

In an appearance on the Bob Cordaro Show on WILK-FM, Meuser said that suspect Cody Balmer is a psycho, of course, and our hearts go out to the Shapiro family on this, but theyve got to tone it down, too, apparently referring to Democrats.

I mean, every action Josh Shapiro has taken so far against the president has either been a lawsuit or a falsehood, and you know thats not helpful, either, said Meuser, as host Cordaro cackled and called the governor one of the amen chorus for the Democrat lunatics.

Meuser, who did not specify the lies Shapiro has supposedly told, shared the interview in a post on X/Twitter. Meusers 9th Congressional District includes Lebanon County.

He said that? was Shapiros immediate response when asked about Meusers comments during a Wednesday news conference on the firebombing.

Look, Ive said for years leaders have a responsibility to speak and act with moral clarity, Shapiro said. It would appear the congressman failed to measure up to that.

Shapiro has pursued lawsuits against the Trump administration for not distributing millions in funding that has already been approved.

The governor has also been a vocal critic of Trumps tariffs and the negative impact they would have on Pennsylvania businesses and consumers.

Trump said Balmer is a whack job, but, according to Shapiro, the president has not called the governor about the attack.

After mentioning Shapiro, Meuser repeated that the attack on the Governors Residence should be condemned by both sides, but then he oddly questioned whether Shapiro put out a statement on the car bomb that exploded in front of a Trump hotel.

48 1 / 48 Arson at Pa. Governor's Residence: Damage, suspect's arraignment, more Megan Lavey-Heaton | mheaton@pennlive.com

That, presumably, was a reference to an incident in Las Vegas on Jan. 1 when an Army veteran suffering from PTSD killed himself by blowing up a Tesla Cybertruck in front of the Trump International Hotel.

Sheriff department officials later said that it was not a terrorist attack directed at Trump.

Earlier in his radio appearance, Meuser had talked about Tesla dealerships and a Republican headquarters out west being firebombed.

Meanwhile, youve got those on the left continuing to make kind of violent type of hostile commentary and this happens, and we all jump right on board saying that this is horrible, this needs to be condemned by all, said Meuser, and, you know, the lefts got to look in the mirror here, too.
Water was not only present across much of the Martian surface, it existed for a long time.

Tiny crystals found just below the surface of Mars are helping scientists unravel the mystery of whether life once existed on its surface.

An Aussie-led research team used data collected by NASA's Perseverance rover to examine tiny sulphate mineral deposits. Because their presence is associated with water, they are able to form a picture of how it once flowed around the planet over a prolonged period.

Instead of just having evidence that water was there, we now have evidence that water was there for a long time, lead researcher Dr Michael Jones of the Queensland University of Technology told Yahoo News. When Mars had an atmosphere, all the right conditions [for life] were there.

Life didnt take long to evolve on Earth once conditions were favourable, so it's plausible that microbial life was once present on Mars, and then became extinct after the atmosphere was destroyed.

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Previous missions to the red planet were focused on where water existed, but the current mission is focused on searching for biosignatures or fingerprints associated with early life.

Were looking for patterns that on Earth are created by biology. Its a lot harder to do on another planet, Jones said.

What was Mars like when it was covered in water?

The data was gathered using a device developed at the Australian Synchrotron facility, and PIXL (the instrument on the rover) was developed by Abigail Allwood.

It would have been relatively wet. The water probably wouldn't have been what you would imagine a lake to be, it would have had a much higher salt content, Jones said.

We have evidence that the inflow was quite rapid and strong. There are some big boulders that are within this sedimentary fan But there was no vegetation, and that would be the stark difference to Earth.

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The research was published in the journal Science Advances on Thursday. It highlights the teams pioneering use of a method called X-ray Backscatter Diffraction Mapping (XBDM) which produces a clearer fingerprint of how and when the crystals grew.

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School administrators struggled to use an unfamiliar system riddled with problems as thousands of students waited for money they were counting on to pay for college. Daniel Fishel / For Spotlight PA
Gov. Josh Shapiro declined to pass judgment Wednesday on the possible motives behind the arson attack at the Governors Residence, saying hes leaving it up to prosecutors to determine what may or may not have driven the firebombing.

Shapiros comments came after PennLive reported on a police search warrant that said the suspect in Sundays arson, Cody Balmer, had made comments about the Israel-Palestine conflict in a 911 call shortly after the incident.
Fire damage from the arson at the Governor's Mansion in Harrisburg, Pa., April 13, 2025. Officials announced the arrest of a suspect during a press conference at the mansion. Commonwealth Media Services

The living quarters and workspace at the Pennsylvania Governors Residence will be ready to reopen within the next few days following a firebombing attack Sunday, according to state officials.

In a press release issued Thursday, Department of General Services Secretary Reggie McNeil said an aggressive restoration and construction schedule will allow the living quarters and the staff workspace to reopen within the next few days.
WILLIAMSPORT  A former securities broker who admitted converting $5.7 million from the hourly employee pension plan of a Centre County business for personal use must pay the firm $3 million.

U.S. Middle District Judge Matthew W. Brann on Tuesday ordered John Sherman Jumper, 59, to pay Snow Shoe Refractories of Clarence a total of $2,000,023 in damages plus $1,090,013 in prejudgment interest from the date of the last conversion in February 2016.

The judge on Feb. 5 had granted summary judgment to the business against Jumper for breach of fiduciary duty, conversion and unjust enrichment.
Sen. David Argall on Thursday apologized to Erin Anderson after she took him to task for what she said was a misuse of power and inappropriate questioning directed at her daughter during Wednesday nights Civics Bee at Penn State Schuylkill. Commonwealth Media Services

A Republican lawmaker has apologized to the mother of a 12-year-old Schuylkill County girl for an inappropriate question about pornography at a school civics event.

In an email to PennLive, Sen. David Argall on Thursday apologized to the students mother, Erin Anderson, who took him to task for what she said was a misuse of power and inappropriate questioning directed at her daughter during Wednesday nights Civics Bee at Penn State Schuylkill.

The Schuylkill County Republican, who served as a judge, confronted Andersons daughter, Mary, after she finished her essay presentation on the dangers book bans  particularly the removal of books with diverse viewpoints or characters from marginalized communities.

Senator Argall asked Mary, Do you think we should allow pornographic magazines in Kindergarten classrooms?, Anderson said. Mary looked confused and had to ask, What does that mean? Instead of rephrasing or redirecting the question, the senator explained to her, in front of the entire audience, that it meant naked pictures of people in books and magazines.

Anderson said that Argall didnt appear angry, but he seemed to be trying to make a rhetorical point that had nothing to do with her daughters essay.

It felt like an attempt to undermine or discredit the ideas she had just presented  at the expense of a 12-year-old child on stage, Anderson said.

The students participating in the Civics Bee were all middle schoolers in grades 6 through 8 from several different school districts throughout the county. The event as part of the National Civics Bee, sponsored locally by the Schuylkill Chamber of Commerce.

In an email to PennLive, Argall apologized for his actions: During last nights local round of the National Civics Bee, I posed a question as a volunteer judge to a participant that was not age-appropriate for this setting. I apologize to the young lady, her family, and all the participants who worked hard to get to this point, with excellent presentations by the students who submitted entries on book bans and many other important subjects.

He then defended himself: I was attempting to ask if some books and magazines are not appropriate for some age groups, a subject which has received considerable attention in the General Assembly in recent years. In hindsight, my obvious mistake was in citing an example that was itself not appropriate for this age group, a mistake which I will not make again.

Anderson said her daughter had made the point that book bans violate the principles of equality and respect.

She wrote about how banning books silences voices and prevents students from learning about people different from themselves, Anderson said. She offered age-appropriate civic actions like writing letters, partnering with librarians, and meeting with local leaders to raise awareness and protect access to literature in public and school libraries. Most of which she didnt get the chance to discuss.

Anderson said she was in complete shock at Argalls exchange with her daughter.

I was sitting with my husband, our younger daughter, and Marys grandmother, and we all looked at each other in disbelief, she said. I couldnt believe that a state senator would ask that kind of question to a child in a public setting. It was not only off-topic, but deeply inappropriate. Mary didnt even know what the word meant and had to ask, which made it even more upsetting when he chose to explain it instead of pivoting.

Anderson said that the audience reaction to Argalls line of questioning was noticeable and swift.

The room was a mixture of gasps, yells, and you could hear some surprised gasps, she said. People were clearly uncomfortable, but no one interrupted. I think many were stunned and unsure of how to respond in real time. She received boisterous cheers after her responses, as people were clearly on her side. The other children also did an amazing job. I am very proud of all of the contestants and their strong ideas.

Anderson said she approached Argall after the event, and he defended his stance. She said the lawmaker said the topics were one and the same, when clearly they are not.

Argall did not apologize at the time, she said, but asked if his office could publish their essays. Anderson, who is a constiuent of Argalls, gave her permission as long as his office left out the mention of pornography.

I let him know I was very displeased that this was said to not only my 12-year-old, but that I also would have to explain this to my nine year old now as well, Anderson said.

She said his actions amounted to a misuse of power.

Senator Argall should know the law  it is already illegal to expose children to pornography, and it has nothing to do with the nuanced, thoughtful points Mary was making about censorship and representation, Anderson said. I believe he owes the students, families, and organizers an apology.

She added that she believed Argall should step down.

If a public official cannot exercise good judgment and basic appropriateness when speaking to children, especially in a civic education setting, then it raises serious concerns about their ability to serve, Anderson said.

In recent years, Pennsylvania has ranked high among states that attempt to limit access to certain books. Book bans in schools and public libraries have surged in recent years due to efforts from conservative organizations, such as the Pennsylvania Family Institute, to limit access to materials they deem inappropriate.
In this photo provided by El Salvador's presidential press office, prison guards transfer deportees from the U.S., alleged to be Venezuelan gang members, to the Terrorism Confinement Center in Tecoluca, El Salvador, Sunday, March 16, 2025. (El Salvador presidential press office via AP) AP

WASHINGTON  With cameras rolling in the Oval Office, President Donald Trump told reporters this week that he would carefully study the law before deciding whether to exile Americans accused of violent crimes to prisons overseas, where, according to his administration, U.S. courts are powerless to respond.

Yet before the press arrived, Trump shared a different, less equivocal message with El Salvadors dictatorial president, Nayib Bukele, who has already built sprawling maximum security complexes in service of Trumps plan to deport noncitizens out of legal reach.
(The Conversation is an independent and nonprofit source of news, analysis and commentary from academic experts.)

Author: Reed Frederick Noss, University of Florida

In an old-growth longleaf pine savanna, the absurdly long pine needles sing in the wind. Once considered forests, these landscapes in the southeastern U.S. coastal plain are open-canopied and sunny, more grassland than forest, with underbrush kept clear by frequent fires.
MyPillow chief executive Mike Lindell faces numerous lawsuits connected to his claims about the 2020 election being rigged. (AP Photo/Jae C. Hong, File) AP

MyPillow CEO Mike Lindell has told a federal judge he doesnt have the money to pay thousands of dollars in sanctions against him.

WUSA reports that during a hearing, Lindell said he and MyPillow face a combined $70 million in debt and garnishments.

Nobody will borrow me any more. Not one dime, Lindell said, according to WUSA. Im in ruins.

Lindells sanctions and garnishments result from numerous lawsuits connected to his claims of election fraud.

Lindell faces defamation claims from voting system company Smartmatic, after he falsely claimed the company was involved in a conspiracy to steal the 2020 election.

Smartmatic asked a federal judge in D.C to hold Lindell in contempt for failing to pay more than $50,000 in sanctions, stemming from another defamation suit brought by Dominion Voting Systems.

Lindell was previously found in contempt of court by a federal judge in Minnesota for failing to turn over documents in that ongoing defamation trial.

Lindell has also been ordered to pay $5 million in damages to a software engineer, who responded to Lindell challenge to prove the election results werent rigged. Lindell has appealed this decision.

According to court filings, Lindell stated that MyPillow was making up to $300 million in annual revenue. After garnishments and sanctions, he said he is now living off $1,000 a week.

I dont have $5,000 or 5 cents, Lindell said, according to WUSA.

U.S. District Judge Carl Nichols gave Lindell until the end of the week to provide financial documents for himself and MyPillow before ruling on Smartmatics motion.
Maryland Sen. Chris Van Hollen speaks to the press in La Libertad, El Salvador, where he arrived regarding Kilmar Abrego Garcia, a Salvadoran citizen who was living in Maryland and deported to El Salvador by the Trump administration, Wednesday, April 16, 2025. (AP Photo/Salvador Melendez) AP

By YOLANDA MAGANA, MARY CLARE JALONICK and MATT BROWN, The Associated Press

SAN SALVADOR (AP)  Maryland Sen. Chris Van Hollen traveled to El Salvador on Wednesday and met with the countrys vice president to push for the release of Kilmar Abrego Garcia, a man who was sent there by the Trump administration in March despite an immigration court order preventing his deportation.

Van Hollen said at a news conference in San Salvador that Vice President Felix Ulloa said his government could not return Abrego Garcia to the United States and declined to allow Van Hollen to visit him in the notorious gang prison where he is being held.

Why is the government of El Salvador continuing to imprison a man where they have no evidence that hes committed any crime and they have not been provided any evidence from the United States that he has committed any crime? Van Hollen told reporters after the meeting. They should just let him go.

Van Hollens trip became a flashpoint in the U.S. The Trump administration sharply criticized it, while Democrats have rallied around Abrego Garcia.

President Donald Trump and Salvadoran President Nayib Bukele said this week that they have no basis to send him back, even as the U.S. Supreme Court has called on the administration to facilitate his return.

Trump officials have said that Abrego Garcia, a Salvadoran citizen who was living in Maryland, has ties to the MS-13 gang, but his attorneys say the government has provided no evidence of that and Abrego Garcia has never been charged with any crime related to such activity.

We have an unjust situation here, said Van Hollen, a member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee. The Trump administration is lying about Abrego Garcia. The American courts have looked at the facts.

Trump officials reiterated Wednesday that he would not be returned to the United States. White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt held a press briefing with the mother of a Maryland woman, Rachel Morin, who was killed by a fugitive from El Salvador in 2023.

Its appalling and sad that Sen. Van Hollen and the Democrats applauding his trip to El Salvador today are incapable of having any shred of common sense or empathy for their own constituents and our citizens, Leavitt said at the briefing.

Republicans have focused on the victims of crime committed by people in the U.S. illegally in arguing for Trumps promised immigration crackdown and mass deportations.

Democrats, meanwhile, have seized on the case to highlight what they say is Trumps disrespect for the courts and as base voters have encouraged them to fight harder against Trumps policies. Sen. Cory Booker, D-N.J., is also considering a trip to El Salvador, as are some House Democrats.

Rep. Yassamin Ansari, an Arizona Democrat, wrote in a Wednesday statement that she plans to travel to El Salvador to support Abrego Garcias return.

My parents fled an authoritarian regime in Iran where people disappeared  I refuse to sit back and watch it happen here, too, wrote Ansari, who is Iranian American and the youngest woman in Congress.

Jennifer Vasquez Sura, the American wife of Kilmar Abrego Garcia of Maryland, who was mistakenly deported to El Salvador, speaks during a news conference at CASA's Multicultural Center in Hyattsville, Md., Friday, April 4, 2025. (AP Photo/Jose Luis Magana, file) AP

Trump officials renewed their claims that Abrego Garcia was a gang member.

Tom Homan, Trumps border czar, said on Fox News Fox & Friends that he is disgusted that any congressional representative is going to run to El Salvador.

Some Republicans have visited the prison as well in support of the Trump administrations efforts. Rep. Riley Moore, a West Virginia Republican, posted Tuesday evening that hed visited the prison where Abrego Garcia is being held. He did not mention Abrego Garcia but said the facility houses the countrys most brutal criminals.

I leave now even more determined to support President Trumps efforts to secure our homeland, Moore wrote on social media.

The fight over Abrego Garcia has also played out in contentious court filings, with repeated refusals from the government to tell a judge what it plans to do, if anything, to repatriate him. The Trump administration has called his deportation a mistake but also has argued, essentially, that its conclusion about Abrego Garcias affiliation makes him ineligible for protection from the courts.

Since March, El Salvador has accepted from the U.S. more than 200 Venezuelan immigrants  whom Trump administration officials have accused of gang activity and violent crimes  and placed them inside the countrys maximum-security gang prison just outside of San Salvador.

That prison is part of Bukeles broader effort to crack down on the countrys powerful street gangs, which has put 84,000 people behind bars and made Bukele extremely popular at home.

Human rights groups have previously accused Bukeles government of subjecting those jailed to systematic use of torture and other mistreatment. Officials there deny wrongdoing.
A tradie has warned homeowners against doing this one thing as the weather cools.

Aussie homeowners were forced to fork out $4,000 after inadvertently bringing termites into the house. Source: EBS Queensland

A sinister discovery made by a tradie inside an Australian property has prompted an urgent warning to homeowners as the cooler months set in.

Termites can pop up in unexpected places and wreck havoc on Aussie homes, even those with brick structures. Now, pest controller Jhy Carroll has warned residents that while it may look aesthetic, keeping wood meant for burning inside the home can come with expensive and destructive consequences.

One Currumbin Waters family learned this lesson the hard way after discovering an infestation of termites beside their fireplace. "These termites were introduced into the home through the firewood," Carroll from EBS Queensland told Yahoo.

He warned residents to "keep all your firewood outside away from the structure and only bring in what you need as you use it."

Termites were hiding in plain sight inside the property. Source: EBS Queensland

Termite mistake cost homeowners $4,000

While it's generally unlikely that termites hiding in firewood could be in the home for long enough to establish a colony, "they can still cause extensive damage to the structure," he said.

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In this instance, the skirting boards by the built-in firewood storage area were infiltrated by termites, costing the homeowners thousands.

"To treat the activity and to put in a termite baiting system to this job was about $4,000 total," Carrol explained. The system was placed around the property to protect it from further termite attack in the future.

How to prevent termites at home

According to the Australian Museum, termite colonies are formed during warm, humid weather, typically in spring and autumn.

Carroll previously told Yahoo, there are two main ways to prevent termites, one is with a chemical barrier and the other is an in-ground baiting system.

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"Chemical barrier treatment consists of digging a trench around the external perimeter of the home and chemically treating the soil area," he said.

While in-ground systems are also installed around the external perimeter of the house, they include a bait that the termites feed on to "eliminate the colony".

Those in the industry almost unanimously urge homeowners to get termite inspections every year or two, typically costing a few hundred dollars. If treatment is required, however, that can range from between $2,000 to $8,000.

There are two ways to eradicate termites from an infested property. Source: EBS Queensland

Speaking to Yahoo News last week, 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 be eaten".

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"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."

Do you have a story tip? Email: newsroomau@yahoonews.com.

You can also follow us on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, Twitter and YouTube.
Ukraine parades Chinese nationals captured fighting for Russia. What message was it trying to send?

A Ukrainian security officer, left, adjusts the handcuffs on a Chinese national, who was captured by Ukrainian forces while fighting on the Russian side, to a press conference in Kyiv, Ukraine, Monday, April 14, 2025. - Efrem Lukatsky/AP

Putting prisoners of war in front of reporters and news cameras is almost certainly a violation of international humanitarian law.

But Ukraine clearly felt any reputational damage it might suffer by doing so in a news conference this week would be outweighed by the fact that it featured two alleged captured fighters from China.

There was more value in giving them a platform to speak, the argument presumably ran, than protecting them against insult and public curiosity  something the International Committee of the Red Cross says includes protection from the media.

China has always claimed neutrality in Russias war on Ukraine and repeatedly tells its citizens not to get involved in foreign conflicts. All the same, as a key diplomatic and economic lifeline for Moscow, Beijings actions are watched closely in Kyiv.

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Dressed in combat fatigues and answering questions in Mandarin, the POWs were watched over by armed Ukrainian security personnel, while a translator sat beside them.

The men  who CNN are not naming, nor identifying in any way  told how financial incentives played a key role in their stories.

One said he had been looking for a way to earn money after losing his job during the coronavirus pandemic. The prospect of 250,000 rubles (around $3,000) per month in Russia was more than double what he could expect to earn at home.

As someone with experience in medical rehabilitation, he said he told the recruiter he wanted to do the same with the Russian military. But when he got to Moscow, he was forced into training for a combat role.

Documents were only in Russian, which neither man said they understood. One said that he communicated mainly through hand signals.

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CNN has seen a Russian military contract signed by a separate Chinese fighter which gives a possible indication of what the two POWs had agreed to.

The contract, which was shown to CNN by a Ukrainian intelligence source, is written in Russian. Lasting a year, it commits the volunteer, among other things, to participate in combat, fulfill duties during the mobilization period emergencies and martial law, as well as take part in activity to keep and restore international peace and security and stopping international terrorist activity outside the territory of the Russian Federation.

Once they reached the battlefield, instruction there was also non-verbal. One of the men recounted the chaotic moments that lead up to their capture in the Donetsk region of eastern Ukraine.

When we reached a forest, my captain told me, Da, da, da (Yes, yes, yes in Russian), signaling me to start the attack. But I did not know where the target was. We passed many Russian positions, and I thought we were heading toward our own bunker. I thought he was joking, so I hid. Then I saw the captain of (another Russian unit) throw in a grenade, and suddenly there were (Ukrainian) drones everywhere.

The men surrendered. They had been fighting for only three days.

The role of foreign fighters

Foreign fighters have been a part of this war  on both sides  since the beginning.

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A list seen by CNN showing non-Russian POWs held by Ukraine as of the end of 2024 showed six Sri Lankan nationals, seven from Nepal, plus individuals from Somalia, Republic of Congo, Sierra Leone, Egypt and Syria, as well as about a dozen from former Soviet republics.

In January, Ukraine also captured two North Koreans, part of an estimated force of about 14,000 troops sent by Pyongyang to help Moscows war effort.

A source at Ukraines Defense Intelligence told CNN that Russia needed its foreign fighters because it was now locked into a war of attrition.

It is unable to maintain the long front line with its own soldiers alone and is taking every opportunity to recruit whoever it can, the source said.

Since the announcement of the Chinese mens capture last week  which was followed by Ukraine declaring it had information on a further 155 Chinese citizens fighting for Russia  considerable interest has focused on how they were recruited and whether Chinas government had played an active role in some way.

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Certainly, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky did nothing to tamp down such speculation when asked by reporters whether he thought the presence of Chinese nationals in Ukraine was the result of official Beijing policy.

I dont have an answer to this question yet. The Security Service of Ukraine will work on it, he said last week, adding, We are not saying that someone gave any command, we do not have such information.

But Zelensky went on to say that Kyiv believed that Beijing was aware of what was happening.

A man rides his bicycle past the building of the Chinese embassy in Kyiv on April 8, 2025. - Genya Savilov/AFP/Getty Images

The POWs were at pains to indicate otherwise, both saying that they were acting as individuals, pointing to slick recruitment videos posted to TikTok as the source of their inspiration.

One such clip has been circulating on Chinese social media networks for more than a year and appears to have originally been created for a domestic Russian audience, with Chinese subtitles added later.

It shows what appear to be Russian soldiers training and dressed in combat fatigues in the field. Youre a man, be a man, it says in Russian, alongside Chinese subtitles, which also explain the payments on offer for signing up.

It is impossible to say if the subtitles were added by an official entity or by social media users, but one of the men said the videos resonated in China, where military prowess is highly prized, but opportunities for direct combat experience are rare.

Why the timing matters

Though Ukraine has hosted news conferences with POWs previously, including one involving combatants from Nepal and several African countries, its decision to platform its Chinese POWs is still unusual.

The timing is important.

It comes amid Kyivs attempts to get the upper hand in its battle with Moscow for the ear of US President Donald Trump, whose administration appears to be making little headway in its efforts to convince the Kremlin to agree to a full ceasefire.

Washington has also been heavily focused on China, which some in the White House see as the United States main global adversary, and which the administration has been hitting with progressively larger import tariffs.

From Zelenskys perspective, there is a clear interest in amplifying anything that suggests Chinas support for Russia might be more than diplomatic and economic.

But it might not just be the US that Ukraines leader is sending a message to.

Anders Puck Nielsen of the Royal Danish Defence College believes Kyiv is also anxious about recent European Union overtures to China, as the two economic powerhouses look for possible joint solutions in the face of Trumps trade wars.

Suddenly it seems there might be potential for the Europeans and the Chinese to find common ground on other questions as well, Nielsen told CNN.

It has clearly been a political move to really emphasize this aspect (of Chinese fighters in the Russian army), he added.

Beijing certainly saw it like that.

We urge the relevant parties concerned to correctly and soberly understand the role of China and to not release irresponsible remarks, foreign ministry spokesman Lin Jian said, without mentioning names.

CNNs Joyce Jiang, Mariya Knight and Daria Tarasova-Markina contributed to this report

For more CNN news and newsletters create an account at CNN.com
Mayor Kelly Krakow advised the council that the WAM (Wyoming Association of Municipalities) convention registration would be open soon and that Region 1 zoom meeting would be on April 17th.

Spring clean-up day is tentatively set for May 31st.

The June Meeting date for the town council was changed to June 19th due to the WAM Convention.

A Utility Rate increase motion was presented before the council, and the first reading of three readings was completed. The rate would increase residential rate to $67 per month and commercial rate to $75 per month. This was also the first reading of the 2025-26...
Roaring 20's Come to Pine Bluffs Prom

The theme for the Pine Bluffs High School Spring dance was The Great Gatsby. Some were in costume, and some were in beautiful gowns and suits. Either way you dressed it was a roaring night for the young high school students.

Highlighting the night was the crowning of the King and Queen of the prom. On this night Luis Martinez and Mari Zamarron would be honored as the King and Queen of the night. Ethan Bomberger and Jess Hoffman were honored as the Senior Class Attendants and Cam Jesson and Avery Sweeter were honored as the Junior Class Attendants.

Prom, an iconic rite of passage for many teena...
Pine Bluffs FFA Chapter Celebrates Unforgettable Success at Wyoming State FFA Convention

The Pine Bluffs FFA Chapter has returned from the Wyoming State FFA Convention with many accomplishments, memories, and milestones worth celebrating.

Topping the list of honors, the chapter was awarded the Gold National Chapter Award. This prestigious recognition celebrates FFA chapters demonstrating excellence in growing leaders, building communities, and strengthening agriculture. This award is a testament to the unwavering commitment of Pine Bluffs FFA members and supporters who have worked tirelessly t...
SIDNEY  The Flyovers, a modern a cappella quintet from Lincoln, will close the High Plains Arts Councils 2024-2025 season with a concert featuring their smooth harmonies at the Sidney High School Performing Arts Center at 7 p.m. on Friday, May 2nd.

Consisting of two tenors, Lucas Kellison and Ether Saure, a soaring soprano, Anna Claridge, a rumbling bass, Bill Catlett, and a talented beatboxer, D-Wayne, the groups only instrument is their voices, and they have grown in popularity from unusually humble beginnings. Kellison had performed with, and knew the other four performers and thought th...
Jay M. Thurin, 40, of rural Kimball County, died at his home on Friday, April 4, 2025. Cremation has been held and Memorial Services will be held at 3:00 p.m. on Monday, April 14, 2025 at the Pine Bluffs High School Gym in Pine Bluffs, Wyoming with Randy Bohac officiating. Inurnment will be held at a later date. Friends may visit www.cantrellfh.com to view his Tribute Wall and share condolences and stories with the family. Memorials may be given in his memory to the Jay Thurin Memorial Fund, memorials can be dropped off at FirsTier Bank in Kimball. The services for Jay have been entrusted to t...
RunGood Bay Area Stop Coming Up w/ $300,000 Guaranteed Main Event

Connor Richards Senior Editor U.S. Copy link

The RunGood Poker Series (RGPS) is heading to California's Graton Resort and Casino for RGPS Bay Area, a stop that will feature 18 ring events across 12 days of action.

The RGPS Bay Area stop will take place May 1-12 and culminate with the $800 buy-in Main Event with a $300,000 guaranteed prize pool.

19 Rings Up for Grabs

Action at Graton Resort and Casino will kick off on May 1 with a $250 Series Kickoff Ring Event, a $250 Double Green Chip Bounty Nightly event and the first of five flights of the $400 Mega Stack Ring Event with a $200,000 guarantee attached.

Other ring events across the schedule include a $400 Black Chip Bounty Ring Event, a $400 PLO Ring Event, and a $360 Big Stack NLH Ring Event with two starting flights and a $50,000 guarantee.

RGPS Bay Area Schedule

The RGPS Bay Area Main Event will kick off on May 9 with the first of five starting flights. Action will then restart and play to a winner on May 12, alongside $1,100 Purple Chip Bounty and $300 Tag Team Ring Events that will close out the series.

The Tag Team event, which costs $150 per player, means that there are 19 RunGood rings up for grabs at this stop.

Last Time at Graton

Jonathan Wang

Last year's RGPS Bay Area Main Event drew 773 runners for a prize pool of $541,100 as California's Jonathan Wang defeated two-time World Series of Poker (WSOP) Circuit ring winner Victor Paredes. Wang earned $85,780 and his first RunGood ring, while the runner-up received $58,000.

After going on a big downswing last year, the way I describe it is Im a little dead inside, Wang told PokerNews after the victory. It helped my mental game, to just go with the flow and only making what you think is the best decision.

The final table of the $800 buy-in Main Event also included Angel Castro (3rd - $43,500), Matthew Betti (4th - $32,500) and Michael Bell (5th - $24,500).

Read About Last Year's Winner!

2024 RGPS Bay Area Final Table Results

Place Name Hometown Prize 1 Jonathan Wang San Francisco, CA $85,780 2 Victor Paredes Modesto, CA $58,000 3 Angel Castro Rohnert Park, CA $43,500 4 Matthew Betti Cupertino, CA $32,500 5 Michael Bell Austin, TX $24,500 6 Jesse Kandola San Jose, CA $18,700 7 Anne Thompson Rohnert Park, CA $14,400 8 Michael Lin San Ramon, CA $11,200 9 Brandon Vitale Eureka, CA $8,800

After wrapping up at Graton Casino and Resort, the RunGood team will stick around California for RGPS San Diego at Jamul Casino and Resort from May 12-18 while also heading to Missouri for RGPS Kansas City at Harrah's Kansas City from May 13-18.

The full schedule for the upcoming RGPS Bay Area stop is available in the table below.

RGPS Bay Area Schedule

Date Time Event Title Buy-In Guarantee / Notes Thursday, May 1st, 2025 9:00 AM In-Room Satellite to Mega Stack Ring Event FLT A $105 Buy-in $105 Thursday, May 1st, 2025 11:00 AM Series Kickoff Ring Event $250 Buy-in $250 Thursday, May 1st, 2025 2:00 PM Package Satellite $180 Buy-in $180, 1 in 10 wins seat into $400 Mega Stack, $800 Main, $200 Thursday, May 1st, 2025 5:00 PM Mega Stack Ring Event FLT A $400 $200,000 GTD Thursday, May 1st, 2025 7:00 PM Double Green Chip Bounty Nightly $250 $10,000 GTD Friday, May 2nd, 2025 9:00 AM In-Room Satellite to Mega Stack Ring Event FLT B $105 Buy-in $105 Friday, May 2nd, 2025 11:00 AM Mega Stack Ring Event FLT B $400 $200,000 GTD Friday, May 2nd, 2025 2:00 PM Package Satellite $180 Buy-in $180, 1 in 10 wins seat into $400 Mega Stack, $800 Main, $200 Friday, May 2nd, 2025 5:00 PM Mega Stack Ring Event FLT C $400 $200,000 GTD Friday, May 2nd, 2025 7:00 PM Nightly NLH $135 Buy-in $135 Saturday, May 3rd, 2025 9:00 AM In-Room Satellite to Mega Stack Ring Event FLT D $105 Buy-in $105 Saturday, May 3rd, 2025 11:00 AM Mega Stack Ring Event FLT D $400 $200,000 GTD Saturday, May 3rd, 2025 2:00 PM Package Satellite $180 Buy-in $180, 1 in 10 wins seat into $400 Mega Stack, $800 Main, $200 Saturday, May 3rd, 2025 5:00 PM Mega Stack Ring Event FLT E $400 $200,000 GTD Saturday, May 3rd, 2025 7:00 PM Nightly NLH $135 Buy-in $135 Sunday, May 4th, 2025 9:00 AM In-Room Satellite to Black Chip Bounty Ring Event $105 Buy-in $105 Sunday, May 4th, 2025 11:00 AM Black Chip Bounty Ring Event $400 Buy-in $400 Sunday, May 4th, 2025 12:00 PM Mega Stack Restart  Restart of Mega Stack Sunday, May 4th, 2025 5:00 PM Satellite to the $1,100 Deepstack $260 1 in 5 wins a seat Sunday, May 4th, 2025 7:00 PM Nightly NLH Survivor $135 1 in 10 wins $1,000 Monday, May 5th, 2025 9:00 AM In-Room Satellite to the $1,100 Deepstack $135 1 in 10 wins a seat Monday, May 5th, 2025 11:00 AM Big Stack NLH Ring Event FLT A $360 $50,000 GTD Monday, May 5th, 2025 12:00 PM PLO Ring Event $400 Buy-in $400 Monday, May 5th, 2025 5:00 PM Deepstack NLH Ring Event $1,100 Buy-in $1,100 Monday, May 5th, 2025 7:00 PM Nightly NLH $135 Buy-in $135 Tuesday, May 6th, 2025 9:00 AM In-Room Satellite to Main Event $105 Buy-in $105 Tuesday, May 6th, 2025 10:00 AM Seniors 50+ NLH Ring Event $400 Buy-in $400 Tuesday, May 6th, 2025 11:00 AM Big Stack Ring Event FLT B $360 $50,000 GTD Tuesday, May 6th, 2025 12:00 PM Big O Ring Event $500 Buy-in $500 Tuesday, May 6th, 2025 5:00 PM Double Board Bomb Pot PLO Ring Event $200 Buy-in $200 Tuesday, May 6th, 2025 7:00 PM Nightly NLH $135 Buy-in $135 Wednesday, May 7th, 2025 9:00 AM In-Room Mega Satellite Package $170 1 in 10 wins seat into $600 Super Stack and $800 Main Event Wednesday, May 7th, 2025 11:00 AM Super Stack NLH Ring Event $600 Buy-in $600 Wednesday, May 7th, 2025 12:00 PM Big Stack Restart  Restart Wednesday, May 7th, 2025 12:00 PM Omaha 8 Ring Event $500 Buy-in $500 Wednesday, May 7th, 2025 5:00 PM Black Chip/Ambassador Bounty NLH Ring Event* $300 Special guests w/ bounty prizes from $1,000 cash to merch credit Wednesday, May 7th, 2025 7:00 PM Nightly NLH $135 Buy-in $135 Thursday, May 8th, 2025 9:00 AM In-Room Satellite to Main Event $185 Buy-in $185 Thursday, May 8th, 2025 11:00 AM One Day NLH Ring Event $400 Buy-in $400 Thursday, May 8th, 2025 12:00 PM TORSE Ring Event $400 Buy-in $400 Thursday, May 8th, 2025 5:00 PM Main Event Mega Satellite $185 1 in 5 wins a seat Thursday, May 8th, 2025 7:00 PM Nightly NLH $250 $10,000 GTD Friday, May 9th, 2025 9:00 AM In-Room Satellite to Main Event $105 Buy-in $105 Friday, May 9th, 2025 11:00 AM RunGood Main Event FLT A $800 $300,000 GTD Prizepool Friday, May 9th, 2025 12:00 PM 8 Game Ring Event $400 Games: HORSE, 2-7 TD, PLO, NLH Friday, May 9th, 2025 5:00 PM RunGood Main Event FLT B $800 $300,000 GTD Prizepool Friday, May 9th, 2025 7:00 PM Main Event Satellite $185 1 in 5 wins a seat Saturday, May 10th, 2025 9:00 AM In-Room Satellite to Main Event $105 Buy-in $105 Saturday, May 10th, 2025 11:00 AM RunGood Main Event FLT C $800 $300,000 GTD Prizepool Saturday, May 10th, 2025 2:00 PM Main Event Mega Satellite $185 1 in 5 wins a seat Saturday, May 10th, 2025 5:00 PM RunGood Main Event FLT D $800 $300,000 GTD Prizepool Saturday, May 10th, 2025 7:00 PM Main Event Satellite $185 1 in 5 wins a seat Sunday, May 11th, 2025 9:00 AM In-Room Satellite to Purple Chip Bounty $135 Buy-in $135 Sunday, May 11th, 2025 11:00 AM RunGood Main Event FLT E $800 $300,000 GTD Prizepool Sunday, May 11th, 2025 2:00 PM One Day NLH Ring Event $400 Buy-in $400 Sunday, May 11th, 2025 4:00 PM WSOP Main Event Satellite $550 Package includes $10,000 WSOP Main Event Seat Sunday, May 11th, 2025 7:00 PM Satellite to Purple Chip Bounty $135 Buy-in $135 Monday, May 12th, 2025 9:00 AM In-Room Satellite to the Purple Chip Bounty $135 Buy-in $135 Monday, May 12th, 2025 12:00 PM Main Event Restart  Restart of Main Event Monday, May 12th, 2025 2:00 PM Purple Chip Bounty Ring Event $1,100 Buy-in $1,100

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Security Swarms as Player Goes Wild Inside Las Vegas Poker Room | PokerNews Podcast #887

Chad Holloway PR & Media Manager Copy link

In the 887th episode of the PokerNews Podcast, Chad Holloway, Mike Holtz, and Kyna England discuss the fight that recently broke out inside the Aria Poker Room in Las Vegas. What could've caused "Tony" to fly off the handle like he did?

The crew then debates all the discussion surrounding the 2025 World Series of Poker (WSOP) Industry Employee Event, recognizes the 14th anniversary of poker's infamous Black Friday, and Chad answers the question of whatever happened to two-time WPT and WSOP champ Hoyt Corkins (AKA the Alabama Cowboy)?

Plus, Allen Kessler plays the piano, Chad shares highlights from his recent trip to the MSPT Running Aces, and the crew recap recent wins by Shannon Shorr, Matthew Wantman & Brandon Wilson at the U.S. Poker Open, as well as by Daniel Lowery in the Main Event of the RGPS Joplin.

The podcast is sponsored by the #1 free-to-play WSOP app. Remember to use the bonus code "POKERNEWS" if you download and play for an extra 1,000,000 in chips!

A new PokerNews Podcast will drop weekly every Thursday at 8a PT / 11a ET / 4p UK time. Remember to subscribe to our YouTube channel so you do not miss an episode!

Tell us who you want to hear from. Let us know what you think of the show  tweet about the podcast using #PNPod, and be sure to follow Chad Holloway on X.

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Subscribe to the PokerNews Podcast on Apple Podcasts here! You can also find us on Spotify as well as our new page on SoundCloud!

Check Out Past Episodes of the PN Podcast Here!

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With the PokerStars and Paddy Power sponsored Irish Open Main Event now in full swing, the halls of the Royal Dublin Society welcomed 688 entrants to Flight 1b of the 1,150 Main Event here in the Irish capital. Of the 688 that entered this Flight, only 181 made it through to Day 2 which will take place on Saturday, April 19 at 12 p.m. local time. This takes the total number of entrants to 1,151 over the first two flights.

Leading the pack is birthday boy Michel Karim, who was given a special birthday wish by the tournament director over the intercom during play this evening. Karim bagged 671,500 and holds the overall chip lead for now. He has multiple EPT cashes, the largest of which came in the 1,100 Eureka Main Event in Prague in 2023. He finished 14th for a score of 24,220 and will be looking to add to his total tournament career earnings of $173,955 with a maiden cash in Ireland.

Top 10 Chip Counts

Rank Player Country Chip Count Big Blinds 1 Michel Karim Sweden 671,500 224 2 Niall Campbell Ireland 605,000 202 3 Joshua Boulton United Kingdom 511,000 170 4 Marius Gicovanu Romania 506,500 169 5 Robert Fluereci Romania 467,500 156 6 Pat Flanagan Ireland 429,500 143 7 Kuljinder Sidhu United Kingdom 418,000 139 8 Slimane Mameche France 403,000 134 9 Jaroslaw Wolczyk Poland 390,500 130 10 Patrick White United States 383,500 128

Gabriel Rymar

Niall Campbell occupies second place with 605,000. Campbell found himself in an interesting spot later into today's play as he moved all in in a multiway pot featuring Judy Whitlow and Alexandros Kolonias. Whitlow had exposed her hand before Kolonias's turn to act and both players ended up being eliminated by Campbell's pocket tens..

Earlier in the day, he laid that same pair down after the covering stack of Rodney Gorman moved all in to isolate the stack of Craig Connick. Campbell finished 86th at this event last year for 5,460.

Joshua Boulton rounds off the podium places and has a stack of 511,000. He cashed at the Irish Poker Open last year in the  350 Irish Open 6-Max, finishing 15th for  1,510. Boulton has also cashed in the Eureka Main Event this past December at EPT Prague, finishing 324th for  3,130, as well as a 225th finish in the 2,200 Eureka High Roller at the same event for  3,290. His total tournament earnings currently stand at $604,661.

Other notables returning for Day 2 include: Niclas Thumm (311,500), PokerStars Ambassadors Parker Talbot (267,000), Benjamin Bruneteaux (110,000) and Benjamin Spragg (47,500)

Others that will need to fire again in the upcoming flights include: Alexandros Kolonias, Emad Zarghami, Christopher Brammer and Chris Da-Silva.

The tournament is stack choice so players can choose to try their hands in one of the upcoming flights in order to acquire a bigger stack for Day 2 play.

The next flight will be taking place on Thursday, April 17 at 12 p.m. local time with the same structure featured today.

Stay tuned to PokerNews for continued coverage of all the Main Event which is shaping up to be the biggest tournament ever held in Ireland.
Business Reporter

Andy Tsubasa Field covers business and development for The Post and Courier's Columbia bureau. He has reported on business for the Albany Times Union, general assignment news in Bridgeport for the Connecticut Post, Kansas state politics for the Associated Press and city hall for the Bismarck Tribune.
Growth & Development Reporter

Caleb Bozard covers business, growth and development for The Post and Courier Columbia. He has previously written for The State and the Times and Democrat. He graduated from the University of South Carolina in 2023.
The $850,000 listing at 3000 Forest Drive in Columbia is a rare Streamline Moderne, a subset of Art Deco that emphasizes curving forms and long, horizontal lines. Built in 1939, the home is on the National Register of Historic Places.
Charleston, SC (29403)

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Seth Taylor covers Greenville and the Upstate for The Post and Courier. Born in Iowa, he worked in Wyoming at the Buffalo Bulletin before moving to the Palmetto State.
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Max White is a reporter for The Post and Courier Spartanburg primarily covering local government and business. He is a South Carolina native of Charleston and graduated from the University of South Carolina in December 2023.
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Mount Pleasant, SC (29464)

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Charleston, SC (29532)

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Widely scattered showers or a thunderstorm this evening. Then partly cloudy. Low 71F. Winds ENE at 10 to 15 mph. Chance of rain 30%..

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An Upstate jail has been overcrowded for decades. There's a new push to replace it.
PR-Inside.com: 2025-04-17 14:01:45

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VACAVILLE, CALIFORNIA / ACCESS Newswire / April 17, 2025 / Athena Gold Corporation (CSE:ATHA)(OTCQB:AHNR) ("Athena" or the "Company") is pleased to announce plans for its upcoming exploration program at its recently acquired Laird Lake project, located in Ontario's prolific Red Lake Gold District. The Laird Lake project, spanning 4,158 hectares and covering over 10 km of Balmer-Confederation Assemblage contact, represents an underexplored portion of the camp. The project is road-accessible and lies approximately 10 km west of West Red Lake Gold Mines' flagship Madsen mine, and 34 km northwest of Kinross Gold's Great Bear project.Laird Lake 2025 Field Season:Starting May 2025, the Company plans to collect approximately 2,000 till samples over its Laird Lake project (Figure 1). The program will range from 100 m x 100 m grid spacing within the Balmer and Confederation assemblages and expand to 200 m x 200 m within the surrounding felsic intrusive bodies.Figure 1: Map over Laird Lake project, showing proposed till sample locations, key structures, and areas of known mineralization. With the results from this upcoming program, Athena hopes to outline zones of new mineralization within the Laird Lake project, where recent grab samples returned up to 373 g/t Au (see Athena's press release dated December 4, 2024). Athena is aiming to use the same sampling methodology used at West Red Lake Gold's nearby Madsen project, which successfully confirmed existing mineralization and outlined potential new zones (see West Red Lake Gold's press release dated January 29, 2025). Athena expects to have the final results from the program in mid-summer, which will guide follow-up field work focused on de-risking the Company's maiden drill program at Laird Lake."The proposed till survey is an important de-risking exercise for the Laird Lake project. Our philosophy is never to rush into a drill program; we want to do all our homework first and maximize our chances of knocking it out of the park the first go-around. This will be an extensive, tightly-spaced survey, and we expect supplementing the results with our existing dataset, which includes LiDAR, detailed mapping, magnetics, and EM, will help to better define priority drill targets," said Koby Kushner, CEO of Athena.Nevada Update:The Company recently completed a regional prospecting and mapping program over its 100%-owned Excelsior Springs Au-Ag project in Nevada, where initial results returned surface grab samples up to 6,630 g/t Ag (see press release dated January 23, 2025). All results from the program have since been received and analyzed. The Company is highly encouraged by the regional prospectivity, and on the back of these results, it has mobilized staking activities to expand its land holdings near its Excelsior Springs project. The Company plans to release additional results from the program after staking activities have been completed. The Company has received third-party interest regarding potential joint venture partnerships and earn-in agreements across its Nevada portfolio.Qualified PersonTechnical information in this news release has been reviewed and approved by Benjamin Kuzmich, P.Geo., a geoscientist and qualified person for the purposes of National Instrument 43-101.About Athena Gold CorporationAthena is engaged in the business of mineral exploration and the acquisition of mineral property assets. Its objective is to locate and develop economic precious and base metal properties of merit and to conduct additional exploration drilling and studies on its projects across North America. Athena's Excelsior Springs Au-Ag project is located in the prolific Walker Lane Trend in Nevada. Excelsior Springs spans 1,675 ha and covers at least three historic mines along the Palmetto Mountain trend, where the Company is following up on a recent shallow oxide gold discovery, with drill results including 5.35 g/t Au over 33.5 m. Meanwhile, the Company's new Laird Lake project is situated in the Red Lake Gold District of Ontario, covering 4,158 hectares along more than 10 km of the Balmer-Confederation Assemblage contact, where recent surface sampling results returned up to 373 g/t Au. This underexplored area is road-accessible, located about 10 km west of West Red Lake Gold's Madsen mine and 34 km northwest of Kinross Gold's Great Bear project.For further information about Athena Gold Corporation and our Excelsior Springs Gold project, please visit www.athenagoldcorp.com On Behalf of the Board of DirectorsKoby KushnerPresident and Chief Executive Officer, Athena Gold CorporationFor further information, please contact:Athena Gold Corporation Koby Kushner, President and Chief Executive Officer Phone: 416-846-6164Email: kobykushner@ athenagoldcorp.com CHF Capital Markets Cathy Hume, CEO Phone: 416-868-1079 x 251 Email: cathy@ chfir.com Forward-Looking StatementsThis press release contains forward-looking statements and forward-looking information (collectively, "forward-looking statements") within the meaning of applicable Canadian and US. securities laws. All statements, other than statements of historical fact, included herein including, without limitation, statements regarding future exploration plans, future results from exploration, and the anticipated business plans and timing of future activities of the Company, are forward-looking statements. Although the Company believes that such statements are reasonable, it can give no assurance that such expectations will prove to be correct. Forward-looking statements are typically identified by words such as: "believes", "will", "expects", "anticipates", "intends", "estimates", ''plans", "may", "should", ''potential", "scheduled", or variations of such words and phrases and similar expressions, which, by their nature, refer to future events or results that may, could, would, might or will occur or be taken or achieved. In making the forward-looking statements in this press release, the Company has applied several material assumptions, including without limitation, that there will be investor interest in future financings, market fundamentals will result in sustained precious metals demand and prices, the receipt of any necessary permits, licenses and regulatory approvals in connection with the future exploration and development of the Company's projects in a timely manner.The Company cautions investors that any forward-looking statements by the Company are not guarantees of future results or performance, and that actual results may differ materially from those in forward-looking statements as a result of various risk factors as disclosed in the final long
PR-Inside.com: 2025-04-17 19:00:53

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WEST NEW YORK, NEW JERSEY / ACCESS Newswire / April 17, 2025 / Oliver Martin, the CEO of a Software company in the waste management industry, a high-end business consultant, and a published author, is making strides within the U.S. market by leveraging his expertise in strategic consulting. With an extensive background in banking, real estate, and corporate strategy, Martin has uniquely positioned himself to assist CEOs and professionals in navigating complex business challenges while also providing thought leadership through his writings. His latest books, 31 Bridges and Living in a Toxic World, are now available on Amazon and offer valuable insights for business leaders and professionals who are looking to refine their decision-making strategies. Oliver MartinHis book 31 Bridges, serves as a resource for professionals looking to enhance their strategic decision-making skills. Drawing from Martin's vast knowledge, the book presents structured methodologies that help readers navigate business complexities with confidence. His ability to distill high-level business strategies into accessible concepts while offering readers practical insights that can be applied across various industries has garnered Martin considerable attention among corporate leaders and entrepreneurs alike.Expansion into the U.S. MarketToday, Oliver Martin is a multimillionaire, actively pursuing forward-thinking projects with the goal of making a positive impact on the world. His net worth is estimated at 3 to 4 million US dollars. Yet, despite his financial achievements, he stays grounded and dedicates himself to what truly counts: creating a better future for the next generations.As he expands his presence in the U.S., Martin has brought tailored solutions to businesses at various stages of growth. High-level executives benefit from his elite consulting services focused on long-term success, while startups and innovators gain structured guidance on transforming ideas into profitable ventures. His approach integrates innovative problem-solving techniques, allowing businesses to scale efficiently and mitigate risks effectively.About Oliver MartinWith years of experience in corporate strategy and business development, Oliver Martin provides businesses with a unique advantage through his global insights, structured methodologies, and innovative approaches to expansion. His ability to analyze complex market landscapes and implement strategic solutions sets him apart from traditional consultants. Catering to executives and growing enterprises, Martin offers a fresh, European-informed perspective on market dynamics, helping businesses navigate challenges, achieve long-term stability, and drive sustainable growth. His expertise in delivering actionable solutions and intellectual frameworks has made him a trusted advisor among corporate leaders and entrepreneurs alike.For more information about Oliver Martin's high-end consulting services or to explore his latest book, those interested are encouraged to visit https://oliver-martin.com/andhttps://oliver-martin.com/oliver-martin-books/ For consulting inquiries, contactinfo@ winnox.ch Contact InformationOliver Martininfo@ winnox.ch SOURCE: Oliver Martin
PR-Inside.com: 2025-04-17 12:01:04

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VANCOUVER, BC / ACCESS Newswire / April 17, 2025 /Camino Minerals Corporation (TSXV:COR)(OTC PINK:CAMZF) ( "Camino" or the "Company" ) is pleased to announce the completion of its previously announced 1 acquisition (the " Acquisition ") of all of the issued and outstanding shares of Cuprum Resources Chile SpA (" Cuprum "), which owns the construction-ready Puquios copper project located in Chile (the " Puquios Project ")."Camino is building a copper production platform, and Puquios is the right sized, long life, copper asset with primary permits in place to be the next copper mine in the world's largest copper jurisdiction 2 , Chile. The recent PFS demonstrates a project with an after-tax internal rate of return of 23.4% and a low capital cost of US$142M (see the Company's news release of March 17, 2025). Our next steps are to market our business plan to global capital markets to earn a re-rating as a near-term new copper producer in the sector. We are pleased that our 50% JV partner at Puquios, Nittetsu Mining, will provide 50% of the equity capital required for the project, and has the direct experience to lead the construction and operation of Puquios" said Jay Chmelauskas, President and Chief Executive Officer of Camino."As we turn our attention to financing of Puquios, I would also like to announce the appointment of Chris Adams, as the incoming Chairman of Camino. Chris brings decades of mine financing experience to Camino. Combined with the knowledge and experience of incoming Denham Capital nominee board members, Carl Tricoli, Herculus Jacobs, and Ziad Saliba, we have an experienced management team to progress Puquios to construction in the near term". said Jay Chmelauskas, President and Chief Executive Officer of Camino.Mita Shinichiro, General Manager of Nittetsu Mining Co., Ltd. said, "The Puquios copper acquisition will be the third copper mine in Chile that Nittetsu and I have directly been involved with building. We have an established office in the La Serena region, where Puquios is located, and where Nittetsu is currently building the Arqueros mine, our second copper mine in Chile. As partners in the construction and operation of the Puquios copper mine, we are pleased to continue and expand our collaboration with Camino in Peru, and now in Chile".The Acquisition was completed pursuant to the terms and conditions of the share purchase agreement dated October 4, 2024 (as subsequently amended, the " Share Purchase Agreement ") among the Company, Santiago Metals Investment Holdings II SLU (" Santiago Metals ") and Santiago Metals Investment Holdings II-A LLC (together with Santiago Metals, the " Vendors "), Nittetsu Mining Co., Ltd. (" Nittetsu "), and Camino-Nittetsu Mining Chile SpA (" JVCO "). The Acquisition resulted in JVCO (an entity existing under the laws of Chile in which Camino and Nittetsu each hold a 50% ownership interest) acquiring a 100% ownership interest in Cuprum, which owns the Puquios Project, a construction-ready copper project that has obtained its primary RCA environmental permit to build and operate the mine, and which the Company believes is of a scale that it could (together with its business partners, Denham Capital Management LP (" Denham Capital ") and Nittetsu) build by sourcing the necessary funding from capital markets."With the acquisition of Puquios, Camino is uniquely positioned in the public markets with one of the few shovel-ready copper projects in the Americas" said Justin Machin, Managing Director of Denham Capital. "Denham Capital started investing in Puquios in 2018, advancing the project through further exploration, permitting and definitive engineering. We are pleased to partner with Camino and Nittetsu to deliver Puquios through construction and into production. The deep experience brought to the table by each of the partners will be instrumental in successful project execution to achieve a valuation re-rating as Camino becomes a copper producer." Details of the AcquisitionOn closing of the Acquisition, as partial consideration (i) the Company issued to Santiago Metals an aggregate of 23,333,333 common shares in the capital of the Company (the " Common Shares "), at a deemed issue price of C$0.45; and (ii) Nittetsu delivered to the Vendors a cash payment in the amount of C$9,932,480.96 (such amount representing the remaining portion of the cash consideration payable to the Vendors under the terms of the Share Purchase Agreement, in the amount of C$9,900,000 plus $32,480.96 for the cash balance held by Cuprum). In accordance with the terms of the Share Purchase Agreement, the Vendors are also entitled to receive five contingent payments (collectively, the " Contingent Payments ") of up to C$25,000,000 in the aggregate, as previously announced by the Company and also described in the management information circular of the Company dated February 12, 2025 (as amended effective March 6, 2025, the " Circular "). Up to 50% of each Contingent Payment may be settled in Common Shares, in accordance with the terms of the Share Purchase Agreement.The Acquisition constituted a "Non-Arms' Length" transaction within the meaning of the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange (" TSXV ") and a "related party transaction" within the meaning of MI 61-101 - Protection of Minority Security Holders in Special Transactions (" MI 61-101 "). The Acquisition was approved by the shareholders of the Company at a special meeting held on March 31, 2025 (the " Special Meeting "). The Company relied on the exemption from obtaining a formal valuation in Section 5.5(b) of MI 61-101 (as the Company is not listed on a specified market within the meaning of MI 61-101).The Royalty AgreementConcurrently with the closing of the Acquisition, Cuprum and an affiliate of the Vendors (the " Royalty Holder ") entered into a royalty agreement (the " Royalty Agreement "), pursuant to which Cuprum agreed to pay the Royalty Holder a 1.25% net smelter returns royalty on products derived from minerals extracted from all concessions currently held by Cuprum. For further details of the Royalty Agreement, please refer to the Circular.Investor Rights AgreementConcurrently with the closing of the Acquisition, the Company entered into an investor rights agreement (the " Investor Rights Agreement ") with an affiliate of the Vendors (the " Investor Entity "), pursuant to which the Company granted the Investor Entity: (i) a right, for so long its ownership percentage (as calculated in accordance with the Investor Rights Agreement) is at least 9.9%, to participate in certain future issuances of securities of the Company on a pro rata basis to mainta
* China's economy started 2025 on solid footing, bolstered by a structural shift toward domestic demand and innovation, positioning the country to better weather global uncertainties. * China has made thorough policy preparations to address external changes, as a series of targeted marco policies have already taken effects and more incremental policies will be introduced as needed to mitigate external shocks. * China has been steadily advancing structural upgrading and high-quality development, with its growth model shifting fundamentally from one driven by investment and exports to one increasingly powered by domestic demand and innovation. BEIJING, April 16 (Xinhua) -- China's economy started 2025 on solid footing, bolstered by a structural shift toward domestic demand and innovation, positioning the country to better weather global uncertainties. The country's gross domestic product (GDP) grew 5.4 percent year on year to 31.8758 trillion yuan (about 4.42 trillion U.S. dollars) in the first quarter of 2025, data from the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) showed Wednesday. China's GDP grew 5 percent year on year in 2024 and the country has targeted its full-year economic growth at around 5 percent for this year. The country's economy delivered a strong start in the first quarter, ranking among the highest of the world's major economies, Sheng Laiyun, deputy head of the NBS, told a press conference Wednesday. At the same time, Sheng cautioned that the external environment has become increasingly complex and challenging, with a rapid rise in global trade protectionism and growing strains on the international economic order. China has made thorough policy preparations to address external changes, Sheng said, noting that a series of targeted marco policies have already taken effects and that more incremental policies will be introduced as needed to mitigate external shocks. SOLID START Highlighting broad-based improvements across key indicators, Sheng pointed out that value-added industrial output expanded 6.5 percent year on year. In March alone, the industrial output grew 7.7 percent from one year earlier. During the period, fixed-asset investment went up 4.2 percent year on year, with investment in infrastructure construction rising 5.8 percent, and manufacturing investment increasing 9.1 percent, according to the NBS data. Retail sales of consumer goods, a major indicator of the country's consumption strength, gained 4.6 percent year on year. Supported by targeted policies to boost consumption, service-related spending also picked up pace. In the first quarter, retail sales of services grew 5 percent year on year, outpacing goods retail by 0.4 percentage points. Wednesday's data also showed that the country's per capita disposable income increased by 5.5 percent year on year in nominal terms to 12,179 yuan in Q1, with the employment situation remaining stable. Sheng credited these improvements to decisive policy support, local-level responsiveness, and the rapid buildup of innovation-driven momentum. Noting that China's massive market, backed by a population of 1.4 billion and a per capita GDP exceeding 13,000 U.S. dollars, offers substantial room for both consumption and investment, Sheng said this strong domestic demand potential will continue to support the country's sustained economic growth. FASTER UPGRADE China has been steadily advancing structural upgrading and high-quality development, with its growth model shifting fundamentally from one driven by investment and exports to one increasingly powered by domestic demand and innovation, Sheng stressed. Over the past five years, domestic demand has contributed more than 80 percent of the country's economic growth on average, he added. As part of its move to make domestic demand the main engine and anchor of economic growth, China unveiled a targeted consumption-boosting plan in March. The initiative reflects the policy direction outlined in this year's government work report, which emphasizes improving living standards and boosting consumer spending. New consumption scenarios are rapidly emerging with the rise of big data and AI, Sheng said, citing movie "Ne Zha 2" as an example of booming cultural demand that reflects the country's vibrant consumer innovation and growth potential. Emerging sectors such as the digital economy are playing an increasingly important role in China's growth, with new drivers expanding steadily and contributing to greater economic resilience and long-term stability, Sheng said. Regarding foreign trade, Sheng noted that a more diversified export structure is emerging, lowering reliance on any single trading partner. When asked about the impact of U.S. tariff hikes, Sheng said they "may exert short-term pressure on China's economy and foreign trade, but will not alter the country's long-term positive outlook," pointing to China's firm fundamentals, diverse strengths, strong resilience, and substantial growth prospects. China is well prepared to address all uncertainties, Chinese Premier Li Qiang said when presiding over a symposium with economic experts and entrepreneurs on April 9. Li noted that it is particularly crucial to ensure effective economic work in the second quarter and beyond, stressing that it is necessary to implement more proactive macro policies and introduce new incremental policies in a timely manner in light of the needs of the situation. (Video editors: Hong Yan, Hui Peipei)
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KUALA LUMPUR, MY / ACCESS Newswire / April 16, 2025 / Crewstone International Sdn Bhd, a PEMC-licensed private equity firm, and Vince Group, one of Malaysia's leading integrated real estate developers, are proud to announce the launch of a strategic partnership to establish a RM150 million Real Estate Investment Fund - marking a major milestone in the country's investment and property landscape.This newly established fund will pioneer Malaysia's first fully integrated real estate investment ecosystem, enabling investors to participate in a seamless, end-to-end property investment platform - from acquisition and development to value enhancement and exit realization."This partnership sets a new benchmark for real estate investment in Malaysia. By combining our investment structuring capabilities with Vince Group's robust property ecosystem, we are unlocking a future where real estate investing is smarter, scalable, and more accessible," said Ahmad Izmir, CEO of Crewstone International.The fund will focus on high-yield, risk-mitigated real estate opportunities throughout Malaysia, with an emphasis on capital preservation and attractive upside potential for both institutional and qualified investors."We're proud to collaborate with Crewstone to bring a bold vision to life - a one-stop, future-ready real estate platform designed to generate long-term value," said Dato' Vincent Nee, Group Managing Director of Vince Group. "This RM150 million fund is more than a financial vehicle - it's a revolution in how real estate investment is approached in Southeast Asia." The signing ceremony, held in Kuala Lumpur, was attended by key stakeholders, and investors - marking the formal launch of this ambitious initiative. The partnership is expected to catalyze innovation within Malaysia's real estate and alternative investment sectors, while offering robust returns to aligned partners.About Crewstone International Crewstone International is a private equity and investment management firm licensed under the Securities Commission Malaysia (License No. VCPE/0099/2023). With over MYR 500 million in assets under management, Crewstone specializes in cross-border private equity, credit, and fund strategies with a focus on delivering value for institutional and government partners.About Vince Group Vince Group is a diversified property group with an end-to-end ecosystem across development, marketing, leasing, and hospitality. With a track record of transformative real estate projects across Malaysia, the Group is known for innovation, execution excellence, and a strong commitment to shaping the built environment.Contact Information Chin Yu ChiaInvestment Associatechinyu@ crewstoneinternational.com +6012-9091011Daniel WooInvestment Associatedaniel@ crewstoneinternational.com +6012-2100347SOURCE: Crewstone International Sdn Bhd
PR-Inside.com: 2025-04-17 16:40:07

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DUBAI, UNITED ARAB EMIRATES / ACCESS Newswire / April 17, 2025 / DB Investing, the award-winning, multi-regulated financial platform, is proud to announce its latest strategic partnership with the ENTERTAINER, the region's most trusted lifestyle savings app. This collaboration represents a powerful step forward in DB Investing's mission to deliver value beyond the trading screen-helping clients grow their wealth and save more in their everyday lives.Through this exclusive partnership, all DB Investing clients in the UAE and Saudi Arabia will receive complimentary, 6 months access to GCC product through the ENTERTAINER lifestyle app, unlocking thousands of offers across restaurants, leisure, travel, beauty, fitness, and more. These benefits are typically reserved for paid subscribers, but DB Investing clients will now enjoy them for free-without any membership cost. "We believe that investing in our clients' financial wellness means more than just offering advanced trading tools and multi-asset access," said Gennaro Lanza, CEO of DB Investing. "With the rising cost of living, saving money on daily activities is more important than ever. Partnering with the ENTERTAINER allows us to help our clients enjoy life's best moments-without overspending." This partnership is part of a larger client-first strategy at DB Investing. In recent months, the company has: Expanded its regulatory footprint with new licenses from ESCA (UAE) and Fintrac (Canada). Strengthened its presence across Dubai, Seychelles, Cyprus, Malta, Nigeria, Egypt, and Saudi Arabia. Earned over 10 prestigious international awards, including recognition as one of the Top 50 CEOs in Financial Markets for 2024. Now, with this collaboration, DB Investing continues to lead by example-proving that investing smartly and living smartly can go hand in hand. Whether it's enjoying a night out, taking the family to brunch, or booking a staycation, DB Investing clients now have more ways to stretch their money, while continuing to grow their investments.About DB Investing:DB Investing is a global trading platform offering access to over 10,000 instruments, including real stocks, ETFs, bonds, and crypto. Regulated in the UAE, Seychelles, and Canada, DB Investing is redefining what it means to be a modern brokerage-with a strong focus on technology, education, and client empowerment.About the ENTERTAINER businessThe ENTERTAINER business offers customized loyalty and rewards opportunities to over 250 businesses globally. We enable businesses to tailor their loyalty and rewards programs to serve their customers and staff. Whether driving customer acquisition, improving staff retention or increasing omnichannel data-driven engagement, the ENTERTAINER business delivers tangible ROI in addition to invaluable analytics and insights.Media Contact:DB Investing marketing@ dbinvesting.com SOURCE: DB Investing
PR-Inside.com: 2025-04-17 11:00:26

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The DEA "Slow Walk" MMJ Scandal: DEA Stalls Pharmaceutical Development, Defying President Trump's AgendaIt's clear that the DEA's prolonged delays in approving pharmaceutical marijuana manufacturing applications are in direct conflict with President Trumps 'America First Pharmaceutical' agenda, which aims to revitalize the domestic pharmaceutical industries. This bureaucratic obstruction by DEA Thomas Prevoznik, Matthew Strait and Aarathi Haig is pushing U.S. companies to seek opportunities abroad, hindering economic growth and undermining national ambitions in FDA clinical trials and drug development.WASHINGTON, DC / ACCESS Newswire / April 17, 2025 / AsPresident Trump's administration pushes to revitalize domestic pharmaceutical manufacturingunder the " America First Pharmaceutical " mantra, aglaring contradiction has emerged within the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) . The agency's prolonged bureaucratic delays in approvingpharmaceutical marijuana (MMJ BioPharma Cultivation) manufacturing applicationsare forcing U.S. drugmakers to relocate operations abroad-undermining both economic growth and the Trump administration's deregulatory goals.Seven Years of DEA Intentional "SLOW WALK" How MMJ BioPharma Cultivation was Left in LimboMMJ BioPharma Cultivation, a pioneer in pharmaceutical-grade cannabis research,has spent seven years awaiting DEA approvalto producefederally compliant medications . This stagnation mirrors a systemic pattern of obstruction, with theDEA's "slow-walk" tactics pushing companiesto seek opportunities in countries like Canada and Germany, where regulatory frameworks prioritize drug manufacturing and innovation. Such delays stifle American competitiveness and contradict promises to bolster domestic manufacturing..DOJ Policy Clashes with Supreme Courts RulingTheDepartment of Justice (DOJ) recently distanced itself from certain administrative practices , including the removal of Administrative Law Judges (ALJs) without cause. Despite this, the DEA continues hearings under these disputed procedures, raising concerns about inconsistent enforcement of federal policy. This discord highlights a lack of cohesion between agencies tasked with upholding justice and public health such is the case with the DEA.Ethical Cloud Over DEA Leadership: The Case of DEA Attorney Aarathi HaigDEA Chief Counsel Aarathi Haig now faces scrutinyfor her role in defending the agency's contested practices after the Attorney General withdrew support.Haig's continued advocacy amid ethical and legal uncertaintiesexposes her to personal liability and casts doubt on the DEA's commitment to transparency. Critics argue this misalignment reflects broader dysfunction within the agency's leadership.Double Standards in Drug Policy: Fentanyl vs. Pharmaceutical CannabisWhile the DEA aggressively targets illicit drugs like fentanyl, its approach to MMJ's FDA approved cannabisresearch reveals a troubling paradox . By obstructing regulated, science-driven cannabis drug development, the agency hampers access to potential therapies for Multiple Sclerosis and Huntington's disease patients-prioritizing DEA's outdated stigma over medical progress.The 'Slow Walkers' Behind the Delays: Meet Mathew Strait and Thomas PrevoznikDEA officialsMatthew StraitandThomas Prevoznikhave been singled out for perpetuating bureaucratic hurdles. Their roles in delaying MMJ approvalsexemplify a culture of inertia that clasheswith the urgency of advancing U.S. pharmaceutical innovation and patient care.A Call for Accountability and ReformThis crisis demands immediate action:Congressional Oversight: Lawmakers must investigate the DEA's handling of MMJ applications and enforce deadlines for regulatory decisions.Judicial Intervention: Courts could compel the DEA to align its practices with federal mandates for efficient drug approval processes.Agency Modernization: The DEA requires structural reforms to eliminate redundancies and prioritize collaboration with researchers and manufacturers.Aligning DEA Bureaucracy With National PrioritiesPresident Trump's vision to "Make America Great Again" hinges on empowering, not crippling, domestic industries. The DEA's delays not only betray this mission but also jeopardize U.S. leadership in medical innovation. By holding the agency accountable and streamlining processes, the administration can reclaim America's position as a global pharmaceutical leader-ensuring patients benefit from cutting-edge treatments while fueling economic growth.This standoff underscores a critical lesson:Bureaucratic red tape must never Trump progress, public health, or national ambition.MMJ is represented byattorney Megan Sheehan .CONTACT:Madison HiseyMHisey@ mmjih.com 203-231-8583SOURCE: MMJ International Holdings
PR-Inside.com: 2025-04-17 12:15:46

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FundedNextIs Back in the U.S.-For Futures Only - U.S. traders can now join the most rewarding Futures prop firm with instant access and zero restrictions.Get Paid in 24 Hours-Or Get $1,000 Extra - Enjoy lightning-fast Performance Rewards with our 24-hour performance reward guarantee, the first of its kind in Futures prop trading.AFZ, AJMAN, UAE / ACCESS Newswire / April 17, 2025 /FundedNext, one of the leading prop trading firms known for its reliability over the years & unique trader-first' rewards approach, has officially entered the Futures space with the launch ofFundedNext Futures .This is available exclusively on the FundedNext Futures platform. While CFD products remain unavailable for U.S. clients, Futures traders in the U.S. can now access one of the most rewarding prop models in the world.FundedNext began with the ambitious goal of impacting 50 million traders' lives worldwide. In an industry where firms often rise and fall quickly, FundedNext has maintained a steady presence-growing past all barriers and earning a reputation for reliability, innovation, and a trader-first approach. Furthermore, The Futures prop trading industry has rapidly grown over the past few years, with more traders entering the space than ever before.Shortly after their 3-year anniversary, FundedNext announced its entry into the Futures industry-marking a step toward its ultimate goal of becoming the complete prop trading ecosystem."When we started FundedNext, it was with the belief that prop trading could be done differently-with fairness, speed, and transparency. Extending that same vision into Futures was a natural evolution. What we're building is not just a product, but a step toward a complete prop trading ecosystem, for every trader, every market," said Syed Abdullah Jayed, CEO of FundedNext.Building on this idea, "At FundedNext, our move into futures trading is driven by conversations with real futures traders. They've shared challenges around clarity in rules, timely payouts, and consistent trading conditions. We're here to address those pain points directly, creating an environment built around transparency, stability, and genuine career progression," said Syed Abdullah Galib, Chief Strategy Officer of FundedNext.FundedNext Enters Futures Prop Trading with Transparent, Trader-Centric Model FundedNext has officially launched its Futures prop trading division, introducing a new approach to an industry many traders feel has grown stagnant. With a focus on transparency and trader empowerment, the firm aims to shift the narrative from restrictive models to one that recognizes and rewards genuine performance.Key Highlights of the FundedNext Futures ModelPerformance Rewards From the Challenge PhaseIn what appears to be a first for the Futures prop trading industry, traders are eligible to receive a 15% performance reward from the initial Challenge Phase-a reward structure famously first introduced by FundedNext in their CFD firm challenges.Performance Reward Within 24 Hours, with an Unusual Guarantee FundedNext Futures commits to processing rewards within 24 hours of reward request. If this timeline isn't met, traders receive an additional $1,000-another FundedNext exclusive policy in the prop trading industry that underscores the firm's emphasis on timely rewards.Full Retention of Performance Rewards Once funded, traders retain 100% of their performance rewards. There are no reward splits or deductions applied, offering a level of earning transparency that many in the trading community have advocated for.No Ongoing Platform Fees Access to trading accounts is provided via a one-time payment model. There are no monthly charges, activation fees, or hidden costs-an effort to simplify the financial commitment for traders.Scaling and Performance Reward Flexibility The platform allows traders to scale up to 10 mini contracts and withdraw performance rewards every five days. Additionally, there are no restrictions around trading during news events-providing more operational freedom.FundedNext Futures Launches with Global Access, Now Open to U.S. Traders With the launch of its new Futures platform, FundedNext expands its reach to include traders from over 170 countries-now including the United States. The platform supports a wide range of payment & withdrawal methods, including but not limited to local & international payment options, bank transfers, e-wallets, and cryptocurrencies, aiming to offer broad access and faster cross-border payments.Responding to Calls for Greater Transparency In an industry where traders have increasingly voiced concerns over lack of control and vague rules, FundedNext Futures enters with a focus on transparency and performance-based progression. Instead of focusing on time limits or trading volume, the platform is structured to reward traders based on their actual performance.A Shift in Prop Trading Models? While many prop trading firms continue to operate under traditional fee and performance reward models, FundedNext Futures introduces an alternative framework. Key elements include performance-based rewards from the Challenge Phase Reward, flexible scaling, and shorter withdrawal cycles-features that may appeal to traders seeking more control and fewer delays.Now Live The FundedNext Futures website is currently live and open for registration. More information can be found at: https://www.fundednext.com/Futures About FundedNext FundedNext is a globally recognized financial technology company and modern proprietary trading firm specializing in simulated funding programs. FundedNext offers traders simulated trading accounts designed to closely replicate real market conditions, enabling clients from over 170 countries to effectively develop and refine their trading skills. FundedNext further supports trader development through expert educational resources, a thriving trading community, strategic networking opportunities, and advanced analytical tools.Successful traders benefit from generous reward-sharing structures, receiving up to 100% performance rewards, including an industry-first 15% rewards from Challenge Phase, rewarding their expertise from the very beginning. FundedNext is also expanding its ecosystem by strategically launching its own CFD brokerage division, further enhancing the overall trading experience for its global client base.Media Contact: Contact Person Name: Namia MursalinCompany Name: FundedNextEmail: namia.mursalin@fundednext.comWebsite:fundednext.comCity: DubaiCountry: UAESOURCE: FundedNext
PR-Inside.com: 2025-04-17 18:56:26

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NEW YORK, NY / ACCESS Newswire / April 17, 2025 / Harcourts Prime Properties, recently disclosed that it suffered a data breach that compromised the sensitive personal data of individuals. This data breach has led to concerns over the security of sensitive personal information entrusted to Harcourts.WHAT'S THIS ABOUT?On March 20, 2025, Harcourts Prime Properties was notified that a ransom demand had been issued on the Dark Web with sample documents of Agent Information sheets. Upon discovery, Harcourts launched an investigation with the assistance of third-party cybersecurity experts to determine the nature and scope of the incident. The investigation confirmed that an unauthorized third party accessed sensitive personal information on March 18, 2025. Harcourts conducted a comprehensive review of the impacted data to determine what information was compromised and to identify affected individuals.Upon information and belief, the following types of sensitive personal information may have been compromised: name, contact information, and Social Security number (in some cases). On April 3, 2025, Harcourts filed a notice with the Attorney General of California and began sending out notice letters to impacted individuals. Compensation may be available for those individuals who received notice that their personal information was compromised.WHY YOU MAY BE ENTITLED TO COMPENSATION?Data breaches are serious matters that can cause long-term damage. Hackers may use stolen information to commit identity theft, financial fraud, or other crimes. Companies that fail to secure your personal data may be held liable for the resulting harm.HOW DO I KNOW IF I WAS AFFECTED?If you received a data breach notification letter from Harcourts, you are likely affected. Follow the link below to find out if you may be eligible for compensation.Levi Korsinsky, LLP is investigating whether affected individuals are entitled to compensation. If you have received a notice about the data breach, you may be entitled to compensation. There is no cost or obligation to participate. Follow the link below to find out:Levi & Korsinsky is a nationally recognized consumer advocacy law firm that has recovered hundreds of millions of dollars against large corporations. The firm's team of over 70 extraordinary attorneys and professionals have a winning track record going against the most powerful defense attorneys in the world and know how to maximize your compensation. The firm is a 100% contingency firm - we don't get paid unless you get paid! Please visit us at www.zlk.com for more information. Attorney Advertising. Prior results do not guarantee similar outcomes.CONTACT: Levi & Korsinsky, LLPJoseph E. Levi, Esq.Ed Korsinsky, Esq.33 Whitehall Street, 17th FloorNew York, NY 10004 jlevi@ levikorsinsky.com Tel: (212) 363-7500Fax: (212) 363-7171 https://zlk.com/ SOURCE: Levi & Korsinsky, LLP
PR-Inside.com: 2025-04-17 14:34:17

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Net Revenue Expected to Grow 34%+ in 2025 to $4.2 Million, up From Previous Guidance of $4.0 MillionProduct Expansion and Growth in Subscription-Based Recurring Revenue Continues to Drive Positive Cash FlowLAS VEGAS, NEVADA / ACCESS Newswire / April 17, 2025 /Healthy Extracts Inc. (OTCQB:HYEX), a platform for acquiring, developing, patenting, marketing, and distributing plant-based nutraceuticals that target select high-growth categories within the multibillion-dollar nutraceuticals market, reported preliminary results for the first quarter ended March 31, 2025.Net revenue is expected to exceed a record $925,000, up more than 19% sequentially and up more than 34% versus the same year-ago quarter.Direct-to-consumer subscription-based customers increased 83% and Amazon "Subscribe & Save" customers increased 81% as compared to the year ago quarter. In addition to the benefits of generating recurring revenue, subscriptions enhance customer communications, improve customer retention and extend customer lifetime value."After generating record-breaking revenue and our first-ever positive adjusted EBITDA in 2024, this momentum continued into the first quarter," stated Healthy Extracts president, Duke Pitts. "These results once again demonstrate our strengthening performance across our direct-to-consumer and retail channels for both our traditional and new product offerings."We also maintained our top three Amazon ranking in our category, with this success due to our well-tuned marketing strategies and perhaps more so our unique formulations that our customers find so valuable for supporting their heart and brain health."As the result of years of research and development, we plan to soon launch several new product formulations representing new product categories. We will cross-promote these products across our sales channels like never before and thereby position us to drive substantial increases in revenues and profitability over the coming quarters and beyond."We then plan to drive future growth by reinvesting our profits into new product development and channel expansion, including the development and launch of new oral delivery systems based on exclusive IP." Healthy Extracts is planning to soon launch several new products:Revolutionary heart health formulation targeting an unmet need of more than 40 million statin users in the U.S.MYNUS sugar blocker specially formulated to reduce up to 42% of the sugar impact from meals. The MYNUS on-the-go gel-packs will be made available under the company's exclusive U.S. and Canadian licensing and manufacturing agreement with Gelteq.Hydrate EZ: on-the-go gel pack specially formulated to provide hydration, focus, recovery, and sleep benefits without need for mixing.Healthy Extracts' top brand ambassador and renowned fitness expert, Whitney Johns, is also preparing to launch WHITNEY JOHNS NUTRITION on-the-go gel packs for gut health in the second quarter of 2025.In the second half of 2025, the company plans to launch COLLAGEN (anti-aging) in an on-the-go gel pack. These products will be based on Healthy Extracts' exclusive oral delivery system and proprietary formulations."We believe our commitment to customer retention, product innovation, and strategic engagement continues to differentiate our company and brands from the competition," added Pitts. "Given the strong leverage we have created in our business model, we see each of these new products generating on their own millions in additional annual revenues with high gross margins."We also believe that our solid cash flow and a highly favorable capitalization structure strengthens our ability to pursue certain opportunistic M&A opportunities, particularly those which would provide additional exclusive IP that differentiates us from our industry peers. Altogether, we remain well positioned for another year of record growth in revenues, cash flow and shareholder value." 2025 OutlookBased upon the strong revenue performance in the first quarter of 2025 and better visibility into the remainder of the year, the company has increased its outlook for total net revenue in 2025 to more than $4.2 million, representing growth of more than 34% over 2024. This compares to the company's previous guidance for 2025 of more than $4.0 million.New product launches across new categories and formats that are scheduled for throughout the year are expected to drive this growth with greater profitability (excluding non-cash-based expenses).The new products are expected to benefit from the broad market channels the company has strategically developed and invested in over the last several years. The company plans to drive future growth by reinvesting its profits into new product development and channel expansion.The preliminary unaudited results presented in this press release are estimates only and are subject to revision until the company officially reports its quarterly results in May.About Healthy Extracts"Live Life Young Again"Healthy Extracts Inc. is a platform for acquiring, developing, researching, patenting, marketing, and distributing plant-based nutraceuticals.The company's subsidiaries, BergametNA and Ultimate Brain Nutrients (UBN), offer nutraceutical natural heart and brain health supplements. This includes the only heart health supplement distributed in North America containing Citrus Bergamot SuperFruit. This superfruit has the highest known concentration of polyphenols and flavonoids.UBN's KETONOMICS proprietary formulations, which have been designed to enhance brain activity, focus, headache and cognitive behavior, provide many sales and intellectual property licensing opportunities.For more information visit: healthyextractsinc.com bergametna.com or tryubn.com Forward-Looking Statements and Safe Harbor NoticeAll statements other than statements of historical facts included in this press release are "forward-looking statements" (as defined in the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995). Such forward-looking statements include our expectations and those statements that use forward-looking words such as "projected," "expect," "possibility" and " anticipate." The achievement or success of the matters covered by such forward-looking statements involve significant risks, uncertainties and assumptions. Actual results could differ materially from current projections or implied results. Investors should read the risk factors set forth in the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K filed with the SEC on April 1, 2025, and future periodic reports filed with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). All of the Company's forward-looking statements are exp
PR-Inside.com: 2025-04-17 18:32:04

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NEW YORK, NY / ACCESS Newswire / April 17, 2025 / Arkansas Heart Hospital, LLC recently disclosed that it suffered a data breach that compromised the sensitive personal and protected health data of individuals. This data breach has led to concerns over the security of sensitive personal and protected health information entrusted to Arkansas Heart Hospital.WHAT'S THIS ABOUT?On March 15, 2025, Arkansas Heart Hospital became aware of a security incident involving a vendor's system. Upon detection, Arkansas Heart Hospital launched an investigation with the assistance of third-party cybersecurity experts to determine the nature and scope of the incident. The investigation determined that an unauthorized third party gained access to patient information contained within electronic medical records processed by the vendor during the hospital's transition to a new electronic medical record system. The vendor's investigation revealed that the unauthorized access occurred between January 22, 2025, and February 20, 2025. Based on the available information, Arkansas Heart Hospital believes that individuals who received care at its facilities between January 1, 2022, and January 31, 2025, may be impacted. Arkansas Heart Hospital conducted a comprehensive review of the impacted data to determine what information was compromised and to identify affected individuals.Upon information and belief, the following types of sensitive personal and protected health information may have been compromised: name, address, phone number, email address, date of birth, Social Security number, treatment/diagnosis information, prescription information, provider name, medical record/case number, health insurance information, and other details (sex, ethnicity, language, maiden name, marital status, religious, death/deceased status, and living will indicator). On March 21, 2025, Arkansas Heart Hospital filed a public disclosure and is currently working to obtain address information to send notice letters to the affected individuals. Compensation may be available for those individuals who received notice that their personal information was compromised.WHY YOU MAY BE ENTITLED TO COMPENSATION?Data breaches are serious matters that can cause long-term damage. Hackers may use stolen information to commit identity theft, financial fraud, or other crimes. Companies that fail to secure your personal data may be held liable for the resulting harm.HOW DO I KNOW IF I WAS AFFECTED?If you received a data breach notification letter from Arkansas Heart Hospital, you are likely affected. Follow the link below to find out if you may be eligible for compensation.Levi Korsinsky, LLP is investigating whether affected individuals are entitled to compensation. If you have received a notice about the data breach, you may be entitled to compensation. There is no cost or obligation to participate. Follow the link below to find out:Levi & Korsinsky is a nationally recognized consumer advocacy law firm that has recovered hundreds of millions of dollars against large corporations. The firm's team of over 70 extraordinary attorneys and professionals have a winning track record going against the most powerful defense attorneys in the world and know how to maximize your compensation. The firm is a 100% contingency firm - we don't get paid unless you get paid! Please visit us at www.zlk.com for more information. Attorney Advertising. Prior results do not guarantee similar outcomes.CONTACT: Levi & Korsinsky, LLPJoseph E. Levi, Esq.Ed Korsinsky, Esq.33 Whitehall Street, 17th FloorNew York, NY 10004 jlevi@ levikorsinsky.com Tel: (212) 363-7500Fax: (212) 363-7171 https://zlk.com/ SOURCE: Levi & Korsinsky, LLP
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NEW YORK CITY, NY / ACCESS Newswire / April 17, 2025 / Stetson & Koenes, PLLC, recently disclosed that it suffered a data breach that compromised the sensitive personal data of individuals. This data breach has led to concerns over the security of sensitive personal information entrusted to Stetson & Koenes.WHAT'S THIS ABOUT?On November 1, 2024, Stetson & Koenes, PLLC identified suspicious activity on its network systems. Upon detection, Stetson & Koenes launched an investigation with the assistance of third-party cybersecurity experts to determine the nature and scope of the incident. Through its investigation, on February 20, 2025, Stetson & Koenes confirmed that an unauthorized third party had accessed sensitive personal information. Stetson & Koenes conducted a comprehensive review of the impacted data to determine what information was compromised and identified affected individuals.Upon information and belief, the following types of sensitive personal information may have been compromised: name, Social Security number, driver's license number, and financial account information. On March 31, 2025, Stetson & Koenes filed a notice with the Attorney General of Massachusetts and started sending out notice letters to the impacted individuals. Compensation may be available for those individuals who received notice that their personal information was compromised.WHY YOU MAY BE ENTITLED TO COMPENSATION?Data breaches are serious matters that can cause long-term damage. Hackers may use stolen information to commit identity theft, financial fraud, or other crimes. Companies that fail to secure your personal data may be held liable for the resulting harm.HOW DO I KNOW IF I WAS AFFECTED?If you received a data breach notification letter from Stetson & Koenes, you are likely affected. Follow the link below to find out if you may be eligible for compensation.Levi Korsinsky, LLP is investigating whether affected individuals are entitled to compensation. If you have received a notice about the data breach, you may be entitled to compensation. There is no cost or obligation to participate. Follow the link below to find out:Levi & Korsinsky is a nationally recognized consumer advocacy law firm that has recovered hundreds of millions of dollars against large corporations. The firm's team of over 70 extraordinary attorneys and professionals have a winning track record going against the most powerful defense attorneys in the world and know how to maximize your compensation. The firm is a 100% contingency firm - we don't get paid unless you get paid! Please visit us at www.zlk.com for more information. Attorney Advertising. Prior results do not guarantee similar outcomes.CONTACT: Levi & Korsinsky, LLPJoseph E. Levi, Esq.Ed Korsinsky, Esq.33 Whitehall Street, 17th FloorNew York, NY 10004 jlevi@ levikorsinsky.com Tel: (212) 363-7500Fax: (212) 363-7171 https://zlk.com/ SOURCE: Levi & Korsinsky, LLP
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NEW YORK, NY / ACCESS Newswire / April 17, 2025 / If you suffered a loss on your Venture Global, Inc. (NYSE:VG) investment and want to learn about a potential recovery under the federal securities laws, follow the link below for more information:or contact Joseph E. Levi, Esq. via email at jlevi@ levikorsinsky.com or call (212) 363-7500 to speak to our team of experienced shareholder advocates.THE LAWSUIT: This lawsuit is on behalf of all shareholders that purchased stock pursuant and/or traceable to Venture's registration statement for the initial public offering held on or about January 24, 2025.CASE DETAILS: According to the complaint, Venture completed its initial public offering on January 27, 2025, selling 70 million shares at $24.00 per share. On February 5, 2025, TotalEnergies, an energy company that was a target customer of Venture, rejected opportunities to become a long-term customer of Venture, citing lack of trust. In particular, TotalEnergies CEO, stated that he was approached by Venture to see if the company would be interested in a long-term supply contract for liquefied natural gas from the Calcasieu Pass terminal in Louisiana, but he rejected the offer "because of what they are doing."Venture is currently facing legal challenges from existing large clients, such as BP and Shell, due to delays in supply contracts as Venture commissions its projects. Given the fact that defendants ability to deliver liquefied natural gas (LNG) to the world and to continue development of Venture's five natural gas liquefication and export projects depends on customer contracts, defendants' failure to account for and address these issues caused statements in Venture's registration statement to be false and/or materially misleading at the time of the initial public offering.WHAT'S NEXT? If you suffered a loss in Venture stock during the relevant time frame - even if you still hold your shares - go to https://zlk.com/pslra-1/venture-global-inc-lawsuit-submission-form?prid=143636&wire=1 to learn about your rights to seek a recovery. There is no cost or obligation to participate.WHY LEVI & KORSINSKY: Over the past 20 years, Levi & Korsinsky LLP has established itself as a nationally-recognized securities litigation firm that has secured hundreds of millions of dollars for aggrieved shareholders and built a track record of winning high-stakes cases. The firm has extensive expertise representing investors in complex securities litigation and a team of over 70 employees to serve our clients. For seven years in a row, Levi & Korsinsky has ranked in ISS Securities Class Action Services' Top 50 Report as one of the top securities litigation firms in the United States. Attorney Advertising. Prior results do not guarantee similar outcomes.CONTACT:Levi & Korsinsky, LLPJoseph E. Levi, Esq.Ed Korsinsky, Esq.33 Whitehall Street, 17th FloorNew York, NY 10004 jlevi@ levikorsinsky.com Tel: (212) 363-7500Fax: (212) 363-7171 https://zlk.com/ SOURCE: Levi & Korsinsky, LLP
PR-Inside.com: 2025-04-17 19:23:59

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CHARLESTON, IL / ACCESS Newswire / April 17, 2025 / In November 2024,Yost Management Servicescompleted The Commons of Mattoon, a $8.4 million, 25-unit supportive housing complex on the south side of Mattoon, Illinois. Just a few months later, the project is already fully leased and drawing praise for both its execution and its impact. Designed for low-income residents, especially individuals with disabilities, the development is part of a broader effort by Yost to address Illinois' growing need for affordable housing. In an industry often defined by delays and budget overruns, Jeremy Yost is delivering something rare: speed, impact, and sustainability-all at once."This development isn't just about providing housing," said Jeremy Yost, CEO of Yost Management Services. "It's about creating a stable environment where people can rebuild their lives." The Commons of Mattoon offers 25 one-bedroom units, each approximately 900 square feet, with modern finishes, community amenities, and proximity to local services. While the features may suggest market-rate housing, the rent structure is income-based-a reflection of the project's dual focus on quality and accessibility.What truly sets the project apart is the timeline. The development was completed in just 89 days, an unusually fast turnaround in the affordable housing sector. Yost, who personally oversaw the entire build, attributes the rapid pace to disciplined project management, an experienced team, and a mission-driven approach."We were determined to deliver on time and within budget-and we did both," Yost said.Funding for the project was secured through a combination of public resources, including the Illinois Affordable Housing Trust Fund and the National Housing Trust Fund. The Illinois Housing Development Authority (IHDA) played a key role in the financing and approvals process."I'm thankful for IHDA's partnership," Yost said. "Public investment in projects like this is essential if we're going to address the housing crisis at scale." Community leaders agree. "The Commons of Mattoon is addressing an urgent need for affordable housing while serving as a model for public-private collaboration," said Ed Dowd, Executive Director of the Mattoon Chamber of Commerce. "Jeremy's leadership has made a real difference for our community." Christine Haley, Illinois Chief Homelessness Officer, echoed that sentiment: "The Commons of Mattoon reflects the state's commitment to expanding access to safe, affordable housing. Jeremy's role in bringing this project to life cannot be overstated." Beyond community praise, the project is also being viewed as a case study in efficiency and scalability-a rare combination in the affordable housing sector, which is often burdened by bureaucratic delays and high construction costs."Developments like this improve more than just housing access," said Brice Hutchcraft, IHDA board member. "They strengthen local economies, reduce strain on public systems, and enhance public health. Jeremy's approach is delivering returns that go far beyond the units themselves." In recognition of his leadership and commitment to inclusive housing development, Jeremy Yost has been selected to receive the prestigious Supportive Housing Developer Recognition of Service at the 2025 Home Illinois Summit, hosted at the Crowne Plaza Rosemont Hotel on June 9-10, 2025. The award, issued by the Office of the Governor, celebrates Yost's exceptional dedication to advancing safe, sustainable, and inclusive housing solutions across the state of Illinois."This award is a reflection of the hard work and passion of my entire team," said Yost. "Together, we strive to create inclusive communities where everyone has the opportunity to thrive." Yost's work in Mattoon is just one part of a broader strategy. With a growing portfolio and plans to expand across Illinois, Yost Management Services is positioning itself as a key player in the future of affordable housing development in the Midwest. Known for its speed-to-market, quality construction, and ability to work across public and private sectors, the firm has become one to watch."The Commons of Mattoon isn't the finish line," Yost said. "It's the blueprint." As the demand for affordable and supportive housing continues to grow, so does the need for bold, results-driven leadership. If the early success of The Commons is any indication, Jeremy Yost is more than up for the challenge.About Yost Management Services Inc.Yost Management Services Inc. is a full-service real estate development and management firm specializing in affordable and supportive housing across Illinois. Led by founder and CEO Jeremy Yost, the company is known for its ability to deliver high-quality, cost-effective housing solutions at rapid speed without compromising on design or impact. With a growing portfolio of projects focused on low-income and underserved populations, Yost Management Services continues to set new standards for efficiency, accountability, and community-centered development in the affordable housing sector.Contact:Yost Management Services Inc.leasing@yost-management.com SOURCE: Yost Management Services, Inc.
Shanghai (Gasgoo)- On April 16, FANGCHENGBAO, BYD's brand that specializes in professional and personalized identities, officially put its latest all-electric compact SUV, the TAI 3 (3), onto the market, offering five variants starting at 133,800 yuan. All models are available for immediate delivery.

Photo credit: FANGCHENGBAO

The lineup includes the RWD Smart Driving Pro (133,800 yuan), the RWD Smart Driving Max (139,800 yuan), the AWD Smart Driving Max (153,800 yuan), the AWD Smart Driving Ultra (163,800 yuan), and the top-spec AWD Drone Edition (193,800 yuan).

According to FANGCHENGBAO, the TAI 3 is equipped with a suite of standout features including the trendy "1 Drone + 3 Compartments" configuration, the "E+2C" intelligent triple system, and the "iCT" safety trio.

The "1 drone, 3 compartments" concept includes the LING YUAN intelligent in-car drone system developed in partnership with DJI (available for the highest-spec variant), an electric front trunk, an immersive cockpit, and a multifunctional rear compartment.

The electric front trunk boasts a 151L capacity, capable of storing a 20-inch suitcase, and features an independent design to keep the interior odor-free. Its optimized opening height of just 90 cm enhances accessibility.

Photo credit: FANGCHENGBAO

The AI-powered cockpit offers an engaging in-car experience with voice interaction, one-touch scene switching, and a central "floating island" console that integrates wireless phone charging, storage, lighting, and karaoke functions. A customizable control panel for the front passenger, a 15.6-inch infotainment screen, dual-zone climate control, Devialet audio, a hot-and-cold mini fridge, and one-touch foldable rear seats further elevate the driving experience. The 28L rear compartment adds additional personalized storage.

Photo credit: FANGCHENGBAO

The "E+2C" suite features BYD's EVO+ intelligent platform, the "God's Eye C" advanced driver-assistance system (DiPilot 100), and an active road preview with the DiSus-C intelligent damping control system. EVO+ enables the TAI 3's iATS smart terrain recognition system, which can detect and adapt to surfaces such as grass, sand, mud, and snow. The model also debuts BYD's ultra-intelligent all-wheel-drive system, offering "energy triple locks," a recovery assist mode, crawl mode, and the brand's signature "leopard-style" turn function.

Performance-wise, the TAI 3 delivers a 501 km driving range across all variants. It can charge from 30% to 80% of its battery capacity in just 18 minutes at normal temperatures, with low-temperature charging times reduced by 40%. Powered by a 20,000 rpm motor, the SUV accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in 4.9 seconds. Its chassis, featuring a front dual-ball joint MacPherson suspension and a rear five-link suspension, ensures superior handling and control.

Photo credit: FANGCHENGBAO

The God's Eye C system enhances intelligent driving with automated parking, obstacle avoidance, and active safety features. Meanwhile, the active road preview and DiSus-C system optimize damping adjustments, improving stability and ride comfort.

For safety, the "iCT" package includes an iTAC (intelligent torque adaption control) system, the CTB (cell-to-body) vehicle safety architecture, and the TSC high-speed blowout stability control system.

The iTAC system detects wheel slip preemptively, adjusting torque distribution to maintain vehicle stability and enabling a one-touch drift mode for enhanced driving fun.

The CTB safety architecture reinforces body strength while optimizing impact absorption and energy dispersion through coaxial motors and front-mounted steering.

Lastly, the TSC system provides stability control in tire blowout scenarios, ensuring safety even at speeds up to 140 km/h.

Photo credit: FANGCHENGBAO

In a nod to personalization, the TAI 3 supports a modular front fascia that allows for customizable design swaps. At launch, the "Face Swap Plan" was officially announced, with multiple front-end designs set to be rolled out on the FANGCHENGBAO official online store. The model also partners with several street-mod brands to release 12 joint customization kits.
PR-Inside.com: 2025-04-17 18:56:23

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NEW YORK, NY / ACCESS Newswire / April 17, 2025 / Crossroads Trading Co., Inc., recently disclosed that it suffered a data breach that compromised the sensitive personal data of individuals. This data breach has led to concerns over the security of sensitive personal information entrusted to Crossroads.WHAT'S THIS ABOUT?On February 15, 2025, Crossroads experienced a security incident when an unauthorized third party gained access to its server and encrypted sensitive data stored on its network. Upon discovery, Crossroads' IT team immediately responded by securing the network, restoring systems, and preventing further unauthorized access. Crossroads launched an investigation with the assistance of third-party cybersecurity experts to determine the nature and scope of the incident. The investigation confirmed that unauthorized access was limited to a specific segment of the network.Upon information and belief, the following types of sensitive personal information may have been compromised: name of individual, Social Security number information, driver's license number, and government-issued id number (e.g., passport, state ID card). On March 25, 2025, Crossroads made a public disclosure and began sending out notice letters to affected individuals. Compensation may be available for those individuals who received notice that their personal information was compromised.WHY YOU MAY BE ENTITLED TO COMPENSATION?Data breaches are serious matters that can cause long-term damage. Hackers may use stolen information to commit identity theft, financial fraud, or other crimes. Companies that fail to secure your personal data may be held liable for the resulting harm.HOW DO I KNOW IF I WAS AFFECTED?If you received a data breach notification letter from Crossroads, you are likely affected. Follow the link below to find out if you may be eligible for compensation.Levi Korsinsky, LLP is investigating whether affected individuals are entitled to compensation. If you have received a notice about the data breach, you may be entitled to compensation. There is no cost or obligation to participate. Follow the link below to find out:Levi & Korsinsky is a nationally recognized consumer advocacy law firm that has recovered hundreds of millions of dollars against large corporations. The firm's team of over 70 extraordinary attorneys and professionals have a winning track record going against the most powerful defense attorneys in the world and know how to maximize your compensation. The firm is a 100% contingency firm - we don't get paid unless you get paid! Please visit us at www.zlk.com for more information. Attorney Advertising. Prior results do not guarantee similar outcomes.CONTACT: Levi & Korsinsky, LLPJoseph E. Levi, Esq.Ed Korsinsky, Esq.33 Whitehall Street, 17th FloorNew York, NY 10004 jlevi@ levikorsinsky.com Tel: (212) 363-7500Fax: (212) 363-7171 https://zlk.com/ SOURCE: Levi & Korsinsky, LLP
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NEW YORK, NY / ACCESS Newswire / April 17, 2025 / Life University recently disclosed that it suffered a data breach that compromised the sensitive personal and protected health data of individuals. This data breach has led to concerns over the security of sensitive personal and protected health information entrusted to Life.WHAT'S THIS ABOUT?On July 30, 2024, Life University became aware of a security incident on its network. Upon detection, Life University launched an investigation with the assistance of third-party cybersecurity experts to determine the nature and scope of the incident. The investigation determined that an unauthorized third party gained access to portions of Life University's network containing sensitive information. Life University conducted a comprehensive review of the impacted data to determine what information was compromised and identified affected individuals. On March 28, 2025, Life University finalized the list of impacted individuals.Upon information and belief, the following types of sensitive personal and protected health information may have been compromised: name, address, date of birth, Social Security number, driver's license number, credit card information, financial account information, health insurance policy number, medical information, student identification number, tax identification number, account number, and routing number. On April 2, 2025, Life University filed a notice with the Vermont Attorney General's office and began sending out notice letters to impacted individuals. Compensation may be available for those individuals who received notice that their personal information was compromised.WHY YOU MAY BE ENTITLED TO COMPENSATION?Data breaches are serious matters that can cause long-term damage. Hackers may use stolen information to commit identity theft, financial fraud, or other crimes. Companies that fail to secure your personal data may be held liable for the resulting harm.HOW DO I KNOW IF I WAS AFFECTED?If you received a data breach notification letter from Life, you are likely affected. Follow the link below to find out if you may be eligible for compensation.Levi Korsinsky, LLP is investigating whether affected individuals are entitled to compensation. If you have received a notice about the data breach, you may be entitled to compensation. There is no cost or obligation to participate. Follow the link below to find out:Levi & Korsinsky is a nationally recognized consumer advocacy law firm that has recovered hundreds of millions of dollars against large corporations. The firm's team of over 70 extraordinary attorneys and professionals have a winning track record going against the most powerful defense attorneys in the world and know how to maximize your compensation. The firm is a 100% contingency firm - we don't get paid unless you get paid! Please visit us at www.zlk.com for more information. Attorney Advertising. Prior results do not guarantee similar outcomes.CONTACT: Levi & Korsinsky, LLPJoseph E. Levi, Esq.Ed Korsinsky, Esq.33 Whitehall Street, 17th FloorNew York, NY 10004 jlevi@ levikorsinsky.com Tel: (212) 363-7500Fax: (212) 363-7171 https://zlk.com/ SOURCE: Levi & Korsinsky, LLP
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HALIFAX, NS / ACCESS Newswire / April 17, 2025 / MedMira Inc. (MedMira) (TSXV:MIR) and Lovell Government Services announced today that they have partnered to serve federal healthcare systems such as the Veterans Health Administration (VHA), the Military Health System (MHS), and the Indian Health Service (IHS). Lovell Government Services will serve as MedMira's Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Business (SDVOSB) vendor to serve these customers through federal contracting systems.The Reveal G4 HIV-1/2 antibody rapid test (Reveal G4 HIV) is the world's fastest HIV rapid test. Based on MedMira's patented Rapid Vertical Flow Technology, the Reveal G4 HIV offers a simple testing solution with immediate results which do not fade away. Therefore, offering the best rapid testing solution which is FDA approved since 2004. The Reveal G4 HIV is offered in three convenient formats (Point-of-Care finger-stick whole blood, Laboratory format Serum/Plasma and venipuncture whole blood) to accommodate any health care setting without the need for timing devices. With its unique built-in procedural and reagent control line, an operator can be assured that each test has been performed correctly.A unique feature of MedMira's patented technology is the elimination of the prozone (hook) effect, a known common issue in traditional serological tests, where a high concentration of antibodies can lead to false-negative results. MedMira's technology avoids this by ensuring antibody binding occurs in a controlled, localized environment, while excess antibodies are washed away. The result is a highly accurate test that maintains reliability across a wide range of antibody levels.As MedMira's SDVOSB Vendor, Lovell is excited to bring this product to federal healthcare providers. MedMira is now available through the Department of Veterans Affairs' Federal Supply Schedule (FSS), GSA Advantage, the Defense Logistics Agency's Electronic Catalog (ECAT), and the Department of Defense's Distribution and Pricing Agreement (DAPA). Listing products on contract vehicles with Lovell streamlines the acquisition process while helping government agencies meet their SDVOSB procurement goals."We're proud to partner with MedMira to bring an advanced rapid testing solution to federal healthcare providers. The speed and reliability of their Reveal G4 platform supports clinicians in making timely decisions and improves the care experience for our veterans," said Chris Lovell, Major, USMC (Ret.), CEO of Lovell Government Services."MedMira is proud to partner with Lovell Government Services, SDVOSB, to support Federal procurement needs through their eCAT, GSA, and VA FSS contract vehicles," said Nicole Crenshaw, VP of Commercial Operations at MedMira. "This strategic partnership provides us with the critical reach into key government markets, enabling greater access to our innovative diagnostic solutions where they're needed most." About MedMiraMedMira is the developer and owner of Rapid Vertical Flow (RVF) Technology. The Company's rapid test applications built on RVF Technology provide hospitals, labs, clinics and individuals with instant diagnosis for diseases such as HIV and hepatitis C in just three easy steps. The Company's tests are sold under the Reveal, Multiplo and Miriad brands in global markets. MedMira's HIV rapid test has been the first approved in Canada and the second HIV rapid test approved in the United States.For more information visitmedmira.com . Follow us onTwitterandLinkedIn .This news release contains forwardlooking statements, which involve risk and uncertainties and reflect the Company's current expectation regarding future events, including statements regarding possible regulatory approval, product launch, future growth, and new business opportunities. Actual events could materially differ from those projected herein and depend on a number of factors including, but not limited to, changing market conditions, successful and timely completion of clinical studies, uncertainties related to the regulatory approval process, establishment of corporate alliances and other risks detailed from time to time in the company quarterly filings.Neither TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.For Media Inquiries:Markus Meileir@ medmira.com902-450-1588 About Lovell Government ServicesLovell Government Services has been a trusted SDVOSB vendor since 2013 with a proven track record of successfully introducing suppliers to the government market. Lovell is a three-time Inc. 5000 honoree and leader in the federal space. They partner with medical and pharmaceutical companies looking to better serve Veteran and military patient populations, increase their federal revenue stream, and win government contracts.Learn more atwww.lovellgov.com For Media Inquiries:Jeff McKay media@ lovellgov.com 850-912-4680SOURCE: MedMira, Inc.
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LINCOLN, NEBRASKA / ACCESS Newswire / April 17, 2025 / Neighborhood LTC Pharmacy, a mission-driven, long-term care pharmacy dedicated to delivering best-in-class medication support for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD), proudly announces the appointment of Stacy DiStefano and Harold D. Tamayo to its Board of Directors. These two nationally recognized leaders bring a depth of experience in behavioral health, pharmacy operations, and healthcare finance that will help drive Neighborhood's mission forward.Elevating Person-Centered Pharmacy SupportNeighborhood LTC Pharmacy is known for providing boutique-style pharmacy services designed to go beyond the traditional dispensing model. With a focus on empowering people with IDD and their care teams, Neighborhood offers customized medication packaging, 24/7 pharmacist access, eMAR support, and proactive consultation-all designed to reduce risk, enhance compliance, and promote independence."The addition of Stacy and Harold to our board is a reflection of our continued investment in innovative leadership that prioritizes outcomes for people with disabilities," said Scott Louderback, CEO of Neighborhood LTC Pharmacy. "Their vision and expertise will help us scale thoughtfully without losing what makes our services so personal and impactful." About the New Board MembersStacy DiStefano is the Founder and CEO of Consulting for Human Services (CFHS), a national consultancy working with providers, payers, and digital health innovators in the behavioral health and IDD sectors. A recognized voice in human services reform, Stacy previously served as Chief Operating Officer at Open Minds and Chimes International, and VP of Innovation at Resources for Human Development. She brings unmatched insight into the challenges and opportunities facing providers who serve complex populations and is deeply committed to helping systems evolve in a way that centers the individual.Harold D. Tamayo is the current Chief Financial Officer of Aspargo Labs, with a long history of executive leadership in pharmacy and healthcare operations. He has held CFO roles at CVS Omnicare, McKesson Prescription Technology Solutions, and Express Scripts International. Harold also previously served as CFO and board advisor to Neighborhood LTC Pharmacy, helping shape its early growth strategy. His financial and operational leadership will support the company's continued growth in new markets, while keeping service quality and care team partnership at the forefront.Contact InformationStacy WilsonDirector of Business Developmentstacy@ neighborhoodrx.com (816) 654-6200SOURCE: Neighborhood LTC Pharmacy
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VANCOUVER, BC, AND BREDA, THE NETHERLANDS / ACCESS Newswire / April 17, 2025 /Organto Foods Inc. (TSXV:OGO)(OTC PINK:OGOFF) ("Organto" or the "Company") today announced that it has entered into investor relations agreements and issued stock options to certain directors, officers and employees of the Company.Engagement of 125389938 Cananda Inc. for Investor Relations ServicesThe Company has entered into an investor relations agreement (the "Agreement") with 12538938 Canada Inc. ("12538938"), a private company controlled by Peter Damouni, a director of the Company. Pursuant to the Agreement, 12538938 has agreed to provide strategic communication services to the Company, in consideration for a fee of C$7,500 per month during the term of the Agreement and the grant of stock options exercisable to purchase 700,000 common shares in the Company ("Common Shares") at a price of $0.20 per share for a period of 5 years (the "Consultant Options"). The Consultant Options vest as to 25% three months from the date of grant and 25% every three months thereafter. The Agreement is effective immediately for a period of twelve months expiring March 31, 2026, and may be terminated by either party upon 90 days' notice. 12538938 does not currently own any securities of the Company, but Mr. Damouni was issued previously 300,000 stock options for his role as a director of the Company.The Agreement is considered to be a "related party transaction" as defined under Multilateral Instrument 61-101 ("MI 61-101") and is exempt from the formal valuation and minority shareholder approval requirements of MI 61-101 since, at the time was agreed to, neither the fair market of the subject matter of, nor the fair market value of the consideration for, the transaction, exceeds 25% of the Company's market capitalization.Grant of Stock OptionsThe Company has also granted stock options (the "Options") exercisable to acquire up to 3,850,000 Common Shares to directors, officers and employees of the Company at a price of $0.20 per Common Share, expiring on April 17, 2029. Of the Options granted, 1,200,000 Options will vest as to 25% immediately and 25% every six months thereafter; and 2,650,000 Options will vest as to 20% immediately and 20% on each anniversary thereafter.The Options and Consultant Options were granted pursuant to the Company's stock option plan which was last approved by shareholders at the annual meeting of shareholders on March 12, 2025 and remain subject to the approval of the TSX Venture Exchange.Engagement of Atrium Research CorporationOrganto also announces that it has engaged the services of Toronto based Atrium Research Corporation ("Atrium"), a provider of issuer paid research, effective immediately. Atrium will produce a number of research reports based on publicly available information, industry data, and discussions with management to assist the Company in presenting its investment case to potential investors. In exchange for its services, Atrium will receive cash compensation in the amount of C$3,000 per month for a term of 12 months. The Company and Atrium are unrelated and unaffiliated entities and Atrium's compensation is not based on the achievement of any market-oriented factors. Neither Atrium nor its principals have any interest, directly or indirectly, in the securities of Organto.ON BEHALF OF THE BOARDSteve Bromley Chairman and CEOFor more information, contact:Investor Relations John Rathwell, Senior Vice President, Investor Relations & Corporate Development647 629 0018 info@ organto.com ABOUT ORGANTOOrganto is a leading provider of branded, private label, and distributed organic and non-GMO fruit and vegetable products using a strategic asset-lighter business model to serve a growing socially responsible and health-conscious consumers. Organto's business model is rooted in its commitment to sustainable business practices focused on environmental responsibility and a commitment to the communities where it operates, its people, and its shareholders.FORWARD LOOKING STATEMENTSThis news release may include certain forward-looking information and statements, as defined by law, including without limitation, Canadian securities laws and the "safe harbor" provisions of the US Private Securities Litigation Reform Act ("forward-looking statements"). In particular, and without limitation, this news release contains forward-looking statements respecting the Company's investor relations service providers, their activities and the costs related thereto. Forward-looking statements are based on a number of assumptions that may prove to be incorrect, including, without limitation, the assumption that the Company will be successful with its planned investor relations activities and that all requisite TSX Venture Exchange approvals will be received. There can be no assurance that forward-looking statements will prove to be accurate, as actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements. Accordingly, readers should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements. Factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those anticipated in forward-looking statements in this news release include, among others, uncertainty regarding the regulatory risks; risks related to market volatility and economic conditions; risks related to unforeseen delays; and risks that necessary financing will be unavailable when needed. For further information on these and other risks and uncertainties that may affect the Company's business, see the "Risks and Uncertainties" and "Forward-Looking Statements" sections of the Company's annual and interim management's discussion and analysis filings with the Canadian securities regulators, which are available under the Company's profile at www.sedarplus.ca . Except as required by law, Organto does not assume any obligation to release publicly any revisions to forward-looking statements contained in this news release to reflect events or circumstances after the date hereof or to reflect the occurrence of unanticipated events.Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this news release.SOURCE: Organto Foods, Inc.
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NEW YORK CITY, NY / ACCESS Newswire / April 17, 2025 / Plaisted Companies, Inc., recently disclosed that it suffered a data breach that compromised the sensitive personal data of individuals. This data breach has led to concerns over the security of sensitive personal information entrusted to Plaisted.WHAT'S THIS ABOUT?In September 2024, Plaisted experienced a network disruption that prompted an immediate investigation with the assistance of third-party cybersecurity experts. The investigation determined that certain employee files were accessed without authorization around September 4, 2024. In response, Plaisted initiated a comprehensive review of the impacted files to determine what specific types of personal information were present and to identify affected individuals. This review concluded on February 11, 2025. Following the review, Plaisted verified address information to ensure proper notification could be provided. That process concluded on March 21, 2025.Upon information and belief, the following types of sensitive personal information may have been compromised: name, Social Security number, driver's license or other government identification number, account number, credit or debit card number, in combination with any required security code, access code, or password that would permit access to an individual's financial account. On March 26, 2025, Plaisted filed a notice with the New Hampshire Attorney General and began mailing data breach notification letters to the impacted individuals. Compensation may be available for those individuals who received notice that their personal information was compromised.WHY YOU MAY BE ENTITLED TO COMPENSATION?Data breaches are serious matters that can cause long-term damage. Hackers may use stolen information to commit identity theft, financial fraud, or other crimes. Companies that fail to secure your personal data may be held liable for the resulting harm.HOW DO I KNOW IF I WAS AFFECTED?If you received a data breach notification letter from Plaisted, you are likely affected. Follow the link below to find out if you may be eligible for compensation.Levi Korsinsky, LLP is investigating whether affected individuals are entitled to compensation. If you have received a notice about the data breach, you may be entitled to compensation. There is no cost or obligation to participate. Follow the link below to find out:Levi & Korsinsky is a nationally recognized consumer advocacy law firm that has recovered hundreds of millions of dollars against large corporations. The firm's team of over 70 extraordinary attorneys and professionals have a winning track record going against the most powerful defense attorneys in the world and know how to maximize your compensation. The firm is a 100% contingency firm - we don't get paid unless you get paid! Please visit us at www.zlk.com for more information. Attorney Advertising. Prior results do not guarantee similar outcomes.CONTACT: Levi & Korsinsky, LLPJoseph E. Levi, Esq.Ed Korsinsky, Esq.33 Whitehall Street, 17th FloorNew York, NY 10004 jlevi@ levikorsinsky.com Tel: (212) 363-7500Fax: (212) 363-7171 https://zlk.com/ SOURCE: Levi & Korsinsky, LLP
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Qannati Objet d'Art announces the launch of the first-ever watchmaking initiative in Bahrain and the GCC, following global recognition from The New York Times. The brand now sets its sights on international expansion with its exclusive Lab Edition collection.MANAMA, BAHRAIN / ACCESS Newswire / April 17, 2025 / Following recent acclaim from The New York Times, which highlighted its pioneering watchmaking course and exclusive Lab Edition collection, Qannati Objet d'Art proudly marks a historic milestone, establishing the first-ever watchmaking initiative not only in Bahrain but also across the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) region.The New York Times feature celebrated founder Mahmood Qannati's innovative initiative at Bahrain Polytechnic, home to Bahrain's first watchmaking course, uniquely blending traditional craftsmanship with modern technology, including AI-assisted design. This groundbreaking initiative reshapes the regional horological landscape and positions Bahrain and Qannati Watches at the forefront of the global luxury watch industry.At the heart of this milestone are the exclusive Lab Editions produced at the Qannati Lab located within Bahrain Polytechnic. These limited-edition timepieces showcase Qannati's commitment to exceptional craftsmanship, innovation, and exclusivity qualities the brand aims to export regionally and globally as a core element of its ambitious growth strategy."Our presence in the New York Times underscores our global potential. We are strategically preparing to introduce our Lab Editions beyond Bahrain, pursuing partnerships that highlight our legacy of innovation and superior craftsmanship on the international stage." said Mahmood Qannati, Founder of Qannati Objet d'Art.Qannati Watches remains steadfast in preserving its artisanal values and exclusivity, as discussions for global and regional collaborations grow,. This expansion phase aims not only to amplify market presence but also to establish new benchmarks for luxury watchmaking internationally.For additional details on Qannati Objet d'Art's global ambitions and prospective strategic collaborations, please visitwww.qannati.comandwww.qannatilab.com About Qannati Watches Qannati Objet d'Art is a luxury brand specializing in wearable art (watches) dually anchored in France and Bahrain. Founded in 2018 by Bahraini entrepreneur and creative visionary Mahmood Qannati, the brand has redefined horology by combining French craftsmanship, ancient Mesopotamian symbolism, and modern innovation.Qannati Lab, located in Bahrain Polytechnic, is home to the first watchmaking production and educational facility in both Bahrain and the GCC. These pioneering efforts support Qannati's mission to cultivate regional craftsmanship and establish Bahrain as a rising hub in the global watchmaking landscape.Each Qannati creation is a singular masterpiece, fusing sacred geometry with rare gemstones and materials to tell timeless stories through objects of enduring beauty. As the brand steps into new markets, it continues to uphold its founding principles of exclusivity, personalization, and the art of timekeeping.Media Contact Organization: Qannati Objet d'ArtContact Person Name: Mahmood QannatiWebsite: https://www.qannati.com/ Email: o.rana@ action-labs.co Contact Number: +97336996648Address: Villa 9, Entrance 1227, Street 3228Address 2: Aali, Kingdom of BahrainCity: AaliCountry: BahrainSOURCE: Qannati Objet d'Art
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LAVAL, QC / ACCESS Newswire / April 17, 2025 / Bausch Health Companies Inc. (NYSE:BHC)(TSX:BHC) (the "Company" or "Bausch Health"), and its gastroenterology business Salix Pharmaceuticals, Inc., today announced the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia in the matter of Norwich Pharmaceuticals, Inc. v. Kennedy, et al. (Case No. 25-cv- 00091), denied Norwich's motion for a preliminary injunction treated as a motion for summary judgment in its lawsuit against the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA).Norwich had asked the District Court for a judgment declaring the FDA's decision to issue tentative approval for Norwich's Abbreviated New Drug Application (ANDA) for XIFAXAN (rifaximin) 550 mg and failure to determine Teva Pharmaceuticals USA, Inc. (Teva) had forfeited its 180-day exclusivity were arbitrary, capricious, and contrary to law. Norwich sought an injunction directing the FDA to immediately grant Final Approval to Norwich's ANDA for XIFAXAN (rifaximin) 550 mg. Norwich argued that if upheld, FDA's determination will prohibit Norwich from marketing those products until at least June 29, 2028, assuming Teva launches its rifaximin product in January 2028.Today, the District Court denied Norwich's motion and granted summary judgment in favor of the FDA, Salix, and Teva, and closed the case."We are pleased with the ruling issued today by the U.S. District Court. We will persist in advocating for the well-being of patients who have greatly benefited from sustained access to XIFAXAN," said Thomas J. Appio, CEO of Bausch Health.Management will release first quarter financial results after market close on Wednesday, April 30, 2025, followed by a conference call and live webcast at 5:00 p.m. U.S. EDT to discuss results and provide a business update.About Bausch HealthBausch Health Companies Inc. (NYSE:BHC)(TSX:BHC), is a global, diversified pharmaceutical company enriching lives through our relentless drive to deliver better health care outcomes. We develop, manufacture and market a range of products primarily in gastroenterology, hepatology, neurology, dermatology, dentistry, aesthetics, international pharmaceuticals and eye health, through our controlling interest in Bausch + Lomb Corporation. Our ambition is to be a globally integrated healthcare company, trusted and valued by patients, HCPs, employees and investors. For more information about Bausch Health, visit www.bauschhealth.com and connect with us on LinkedIn.Forward-looking StatementsThis news release may contain forward-looking statements within the meaning of applicable securities laws, including the safe harbor provisions of the U.S. Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Forward-looking statements may generally be identified by the use of the words "will," "anticipates," "hopes," "expects," "intends," "plans," "should," "could," "would," "may," "believes," "subject to" and variations or similar expressions. These statements are neither historical facts nor assurances of future performance, are based upon the current expectations and beliefs of management and are subject to certain risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those described in the forward-looking statements. Actual results are subject to other risks and uncertainties that relate more broadly to Bausch Health's overall business, including those more fully described in Bausch Health's most recent annual and quarterly reports and detailed from time to time in Bausch Health's other filings with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission and the Canadian Securities Administrators, which factors are incorporated herein by reference. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on any of these forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements speak only as of the date hereof. The Company undertakes no obligation to update any of these forward-looking statements to reflect events, information or circumstances after the date of this news release or to reflect actual outcomes, unless required by law.Investor Contact: Garen Sarafianir@ bauschhealth.com(877) 281-6642 (toll free)Media Contact: Katie Savastano corporate.communications@bauschhealth.com (908) 569-3692SOURCE: Bausch Health Companies Inc.
Nigeria LNG Limited (NLNG) had its claim to non-liability to indemnify oil trading firm Taleveras dismissed at appeal in a ruling against it by a London high court.

The decision at the appellate court followed an earlier ruling at the lower court that awarded $380 million against Nigerias biggest LNG producer and in favour of oil trading firms Vitol SA and Glencore Energy UK.

The Business and Property Courts of England and Wales held Wednesday that the lower courts interpretation of an earlier declaration by an arbitral tribunal asking NLNG to indemnify Taleveras regarding the sum it was obliged to pay Vitol SA and Glencore Energy from the deal is in order.

Besides its claim of non-liability to indemnify Taleveras, NLNG also sought an injunction barring the oil trader from executing the indemnity pertaining to the Vitol Award, according to a court document seen by PREMIUM TIMES.

Dubai-based Taleveras, founded in 2004, is owned by Nigerian entrepreneur Charles Igho Sanomi.

At the crux of the dispute was whether the orders granted by an arbitration panel only applied to the ones in the final dispositive part of its award or they also included issues the panel said it was ordering in a previous section but not stated in the final dispositive section.

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Among NLNGs grouses was that the indemnity was a condition precedent to paragraph 607 of the analysis section of the award. The company asserted that the panel in the Vitol Award ought to have approved its award as to the applicability of the Indemnity to the sums awarded.

The controversial paragraph 607 states that The Tribunal further orders that the terms of this indemnity be drawn forthwith to the attention of the tribunals seised of the Vitol and Glencore arbitrations, and that any eventual enforcement of this indemnity be subject to the endorsement of those tribunals as to its applicability in the context of any award and, in particular, any consent award, made in either of those proceedings.

The bungled deal

The dispute had its roots in a 2020 sales contract between NLNG  a joint venture comprising state-owned NNPC Limited, Eni, Shell and TotalEnergies  and Taleveras, requiring the former to supply the latter gas.

NLNG failed to deliver 19 cargoes between 2020 and 2021 as agreed by the parties, causing Taleveras as well as Vitol SA and Glencore (the firms to which Taleveras had pre-sold the goods) to miss the windfall that a surge in the price of gas had created for oil dealers when Russia invaded Ukraine in February 2022.

In January 2023, an arbitral tribunal of the United Nations Commission on International Trade Law asked NLNG to compensate Taleveras for the profit it lost on the cargoes. It also directed NLNG to provide indemnity for Taleveras to cover the money the commodity trader was required to pay in different arbitrations with Vitol SA and Glencore.

The panel in the Vitol Arbitration awarded damages worth $233.3 million against Taleveras in December 2023.

In reaction, NLNG instituted a legal action a month later, challenging the decision for the reason that it was a precedent condition to paragraph 607 of the analysis section of the award.

Taleveras denied the indemnity required that the Vitol Award be approved as to its applicability on the basis that paragraph 607 was not included in the final dispositive section of the award.

Its amended defence of March 2024 noted that the panel in the Vitol Arbitration had earlier released an addendum and final additional award which incorporated, as part of the award, an endorsement that the cash awarded to Taleveras against NLNG fall within the scope of the indemnity.

NLNG later contended that the arbitrators in the Vitol Award lacked the jurisdiction to add the addendum to its award. It further maintained that, considering that the arbitration had already been concluded, their agreement with the parties had also ended, making their actions to fall outside the ambit of the laws governing the arbitration.

High Court Judge Pelling KC ruled in July 2024 that as a matter of the proper interpretation of the Award, the Indemnity was not contingent on or subject to any declaration in the Vitol Arbitration or the Glencore Arbitration to the effect that the sums awarded fell within the scope of the Indemnity.

He consequently laid aside NLNGs claim and gave Taleveras leave to enforce the indemnity pertaining to the Vitol Award.

The verdict

Lord Justice Phillips, the lead of the three judges that decided the suit, described NLNGs claim that the high court judge misinterpreted some of the words of the arbitration tribunal as lacking merit. He added that the final dispositive section clearly issued distinct, unambiguous orders.

In this regard, it is not as if the part of paragraph 607 relied on by NLNG addressed a subject matter that was not dealt with in the dispositive section, he said.

He remarked that the need for possible approval by the Vitol or Glencore arbitral panel was clearly addressed in parts of the dispositive section.

It is perhaps unfortunate that the Tribunal used the words further orders in paragraph 607 of its analysis section, but that loose wording does not come close, in this case, to undermining the clear structure of the Award and in particular the meaning and comprehensive effect of its dispositive section.

The judges unanimously laid aside the appeal, upholding the lower courts ruling.

Editors Note:

This story has been edited to reflect the actual beneficiaries of the $380 million award against NLNG.

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Trade is a vital engine for economic growth, job creation, and development, particularly for a country like Nigeria with vast natural resources, a large consumer market, and access to regional and international trade agreements.

However, while trade facilitation institutions are meant to enhance the seamless movement of goods and services across borders, many Nigerian businesses continue to struggle with bureaucratic bottlenecks, inefficiencies, corruption, and high costs that hinder rather than support trade.

Nigeria has several trade facilitation institutions tasked with ensuring smooth trade operations. These include the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA), Standards Organisation of Nigeria (SON), National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC), and the Nigeria Export Promotion Council (NEPC), among others.

Additionally, Nigeria is a signatory to the World Trade Organisation (WTO) Trade Facilitation Agreement (TFA), which aims to simplify and harmonise trade procedures.

Trade barriers

Despite these structures, businesses and traders often face delays, excessive documentation, multiple checkpoints, high tariffs, and unofficial charges that make trade cumbersome.

A major challenge in Nigerias trade facilitation process is port congestion and inefficiency. Nigerian ports, particularly those in Lagos, handle the majority of the countrys imports and exports.

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However, delays caused by poor infrastructure, manual clearance processes, multiple agencies demanding documentation, and unofficial levies drive up the cost of doing business.

Importers often spend weeks clearing goods, compared to just a few days in neighbouring countries like Ghana and Benin Republic.

This inefficiency discourages investors and traders, making Nigerian businesses less competitive in the global market.

Another significant trade barrier is excessive regulation and inconsistent policies. While institutions like SON and NAFDAC play critical roles in ensuring product quality and compliance, businesses frequently complain of overlapping regulatory functions, inconsistent enforcement, and high compliance costs.

The lack of a harmonised and transparent regulatory framework creates uncertainty and discourages exporters, particularly small and medium enterprises (SMEs), from participating in international trade.

Corruption also remains a major impediment to trade facilitation. Many traders report being subjected to unofficial fees, bribery, and arbitrary charges at border posts and ports.

This not only raises transaction costs but also erodes confidence in the system. The government must take decisive action to tackle corruption within trade-related institutions by implementing strict accountability measures, digitalising trade processes, and enforcing penalties for corrupt practices.

Improving trade facilitation

To improve trade facilitation, Nigeria must focus on modernising its trade infrastructure. The implementation of the National Single Window system, which allows for electronic submission of trade documents and seamless coordination among trade-related agencies, should be fast-tracked.

Countries that have successfully implemented such systems, like Singapore and Rwanda, have significantly reduced trade costs and processing times.

Additionally, investment in port infrastructure, improved rail and road networks, and the adoption of digital technologies will enhance trade efficiency.

Nigeria also needs to simplify its tariff structure and reduce the multiple taxation burdens on traders. High import duties and levies on raw materials discourage industrialisation and increase production costs for manufacturers.

Aligning tariffs with regional and international trade commitments, such as the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), will position Nigeria as a more competitive trade hub.

Despite these challenges, some progress has been made. The Nigerian Export Promotion Council (NEPC) has been actively supporting non-oil exports, particularly in agriculture, solid minerals, and processed goods.

The governments Ease of Doing Business initiatives have also led to some improvements, such as the streamlining of port operations and the promotion of export-oriented businesses.

However, these efforts must be accelerated and fully implemented to have a meaningful impact on trade facilitation.

Nigeria stands at a critical juncture where it can either transform its trade facilitation institutions into enablers of economic growth or allow inefficiencies to continue hampering trade.

If the country is serious about leveraging trade for national development, it must address bureaucratic inefficiencies, port congestion, regulatory inconsistencies, corruption, and inadequate infrastructure.

By implementing bold reforms and embracing digital trade solutions, Nigeria can shift from a trade-hampering environment to a trade-friendly economy, unlocking its full potential as Africas trade powerhouse.

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If youre suffering through a bout of hiccups on WFAN, expect to be inundated by callers who know how to fix the problem.

With Boomer Esiason out sick Thursday on WFANs morning show alongside co-host Gregg Giannotti, he was replaced by Jerry Recco, who was replaced by Chris Lopresti, who was dealing with hiccups throughout the show. The entire four-hour show. Think four hours of hiccups sounds bad? Lopresti woke up Tuesday morning with a bad case of the cups and hasnt been able to shake them since.

It might be annoying for a radio audience to hear an anchor or host battle through hiccups for an entire four-hour show, but they relished the opportunity, with listeners calling in to offer solves for Loprestis diaphragm spasms. There were suggestions of Thorazine, Nexium and a lot of various spoon tricks, but no caller sounded more confident in their solve than Barry from West Orange New Jersey.

WFAN caller Barry in West Orange has the perfect cure for hiccups pic.twitter.com/tC24NpXR1m  Awful Announcing (@awfulannouncing) April 17, 2025



I get this all the time, Barry told Lopresti and the rest of WFANs morning show. Youre just gonna have to pull the trigger, take two fingers, stick it down your throat and reverse motion, you might throw up, you might not. But just reversing the motion in your diaphragm, they will go away, guaranteed. The rest of this fugazy stuff, Thorazine? What are you outta your mind? Thorazine? Just stick your fingers down your throat and its over. Go to the bathroom, youll be fine in 10 minutes. Trust me.

No radio show proves the potential value of callers better than Boomer and Gio. Last year, it was Dr. Joe revealing Dave Sims was destined to be John Sterlings successor in the New York Yankees radio booth, now its Barry in West Orange attempting to reset Loprestis diaphragm.

Lopresti didnt stick two fingers down his throat during the show, but he did try one of the suggested spoon tricks, to no avail. Anyone battling hiccups for days, however, is bound to get desperate.
Love Ogah, daughter of David Oyedepo, founder of Living Faith Church Worldwide, has narrated a failed assassination attempt on her father.

Mrs Ogah, during a sermon on building a successful marriage posted on her Instagram page on Tuesday, told the congregation that the incident happened when she was a child.

She stated that the assassins ransacked their house for hours, searching for the Presiding Bishop of Faith Tabernacle in Ota, Ogun State.

Recalling the incident, Mrs Ogah said: I remember when we were growing upI believe I was in secondary school thenone particular night, we were visited in our house by hired killers. They came to our house specifically, stating from the time they entered the gate, Were here to execute him. By him, they meant my father (Bishop David Oyedepo). Our house was like a war zone. They were like, Where is he?

The most interesting thing Ill never forget in my life, which has stuck with me since I was a child, was that he (Oyedepo) was looking at them the entire time, but they couldnt see him. They ransacked our house for hours. There was a time we hid behind the door, and at a particular point, they shut the door. The door hit my lipmy entire top gum came off, and my gum was dangling. They came ready to execute.

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Gods will

Additionally, the mother of three stated that after the assassins left, her father came out and narrated what had transpired.

Mrs Ogah noted that the image has never left her mind and urged Christians not to fear challenges, stating that such trials often come when one is at the centre of Gods will.

She added that the Bible does not say challenges will not come, but when they do, Christians must be strong enough to withstand what she described as the storm of life.

After they ransacked the whole house for hours, my aunt came into the house crying. She said, Oh my God, I dont know what would have happened. Oh my God, where is he? And my father came out of his room, and we all looked like it was a film trick. He said, I was staring at them the entire time. They entered his room and ransacked everywherehe was looking, but they couldnt find him.

When youre in the centre of Gods will for your life, challenges will come to test what you stand on. You cant fake this thing forever. And thats why Im begging youfor your destinyto know God for yourself. There are plenty of enemies that want to execute you. But when youre in God, you come from a place of victory. They cant touch you. Not just for marriageto know Godbut for your life, she added.

Mrs Ogah is known for her work in faith-based empowerment, particularly for women and families.

The wife of Pastor Steve Ogah often shares her insights and teachings on various social media platforms, including Instagram, YouTube, and Facebook, as well as through podcasts.

Most of her teachings stress the importance of family relationships, especially concerning marriage and raising children.

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A new report by Edelman Trust Barometer unveiled in Lagos on Wednesday revealed Nigerians perceptions of the government, businesses, and the rich.

The report also reveals that a percentage of Nigerians feel the system favours the privileged few at their expense.

The Edelman Trust Barometer is an annual global survey that measures public trust in four key institutions: government, business, NGOs, and media.

In Nigeria, where economic hardship, insecurity, and governance challenges persist, the Trust Barometer offers a valuable lens into how citizens feeland where they are placing their hope or discontent.

The 2025 edition is particularly significant as it marks 25 years of tracking trust globally at a time of intensifying civic frustration and calls for reform.

First launched in 2001, it has become a widely referenced benchmark for understanding how people worldwide perceive institutional integrity, competence, and ethics.

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The report, tagged Trust and Crisis of Grievance, was launched to mark the 25th anniversary of the Edelman Trust Barometer in reshaping thoughts due to grievances people hold.

In a keynote address, Wandile Cindi, Senior Strategist and Reputation Advisor at Edelman Africa explained that the survey results show seven out of 10 Nigerians hold grievances against the government for purposely misleading the people.

He said the report states that 62 per cent agree that the rich do not pay their fair share of taxes, while 74 per cent said the selfishness of the rich causes many of Nigerias problems affecting ordinary citizens.

Due to unending challenges, he noted that about 52 per cent of Nigerians support hostile activism to drive change across the country.

The report noted that while trust in other institutions, such as NGOs, businesses, and the media, has slightly improved, the government remains the least trusted. Its competence and ethics were rated -46 and -31, respectively.

Although Nigerias overall trust index rose marginally from 61 in 2024 to 65 in 2025, Mr Cindi warned that worsening economic anxiety is fuelling growing discontent.

Theres been a significant increase in job-related fears  from automation to offshoring, he noted. Even employers, long seen as trustworthy, are experiencing a decline in public confidence.

He explained that the 2025 Edelman Trust Barometer, now in its 25th year, surveyed over 33,000 people across 28 countries, including Nigeria.

He said the online interviews, conducted between 25 October and 16 November 2024, sampled about 1,150 respondents per country.

He highlighted that the demographics were balanced by age, gender, region and, where applicable, ethnicity or nationality. Year-over-year changes in trust levels were tested for statistical significance using a 99 per cent confidence level.

This is the 25th year of measuring trust across four institutions  government, business, NGOs, and the media, Mr Cindi said. The 2025 report reveals a growing crisis of grievance  a deep sense of injustice and resentment that is reshaping public perception.

Global trends and local optimism

Globally, the most trusted countries remain China, Indonesia, and the UAE, while the UK, Germany, South Korea, and Japan sit at the bottom. Despite Nigerias challenges, 50 per cent of Nigerians remain optimistic about the futurehigher than many developed countries.

Mr Cindi said fear of discrimination is also on the rise, with 75 per cent of Nigerians reporting concerns about prejudice  a 9-point increase from last year. This fear has surged across income brackets, especially among high earners.

Despite these grim findings, Mr Cindi said there is still room for leadership and institutional repair.

Trust can only be rebuilt if institutions act ethically and competently, he said. In Nigeria, NGOs and businesses are seen as both. Government must demonstrate results that improve everyday lives.

He added that businesses have an opportunity  and an expectation  to lead, especially in job creation, retraining, and combating misinformation.

Mr Cindi urged collaboration across all sectors: Grievance thrives when people feel left behind. Trust and optimism must become shared national goals.

Enter panelists

A panel of leaders from academia, business, and the non-profit sector also addressed the findings, calling for greater collaboration across sectors to rebuild public trust.

Moderated by Olive Emodi, the panel included Kwame Senou, Executive Director at The Holding Opinion (THOP); Ofovwe Aig-Imoukhuede, Executive Vice Chair at the Aig-Imoukhuede Foundation; Ikechukwu Obiaya, Dean of the School of Media and Communication at Pan-Atlantic University; and Amaechi Okobi, Chief Brand and Communications Officer at Access Holdings.

Opening the session, Mrs Aig-Imoukhuede said Nigerians often operate in silos, blaming others while offering few solutions.

Were very good at complaining but not so good at providing solutions, she said. Collaboration is key. The problems we face as a country cannot be solved by one group alone.

Mr Obiaya agreed, urging Nigerians to reflect on their roles. Grievance is real, but we must also ask ourselves: what part am I playing? We cant leave it all to the government or NGOs. Were all part of the solution.

But Mr Okobi emphasised that trust must begin at the personal level. If an employee feels their boss lacks empathy, how can trust be built? he asked.

He shared a personal anecdote: When I stopped just reporting problems and started suggesting solutions, my leaders listened. That spirit of collaboration and responsiveness is what we need in Nigeria.

Speaking on the importance of institutional reform, Mrs Aig-Imoukhuede spotlighted the foundations work to modernise the civil service.

We focus on the civil service. We try to make it better. One big project weve worked on since 2020 is digitalisationhelping the federal civil service move from manual to digital processes. That will remove many of Nigerians issues in accessing government services.

She emphasised interdependence between sectors: The private sector will thrive when the public sector thrives. Were calling on them to help build capacity in public institutionsmany civil servants dont even have the resources or workspaces they need. We must close that gap.

Regarding transparency and accountability, Mrs Aig-Imoukhuede stressed, Data is so important. When you have evidence, you have more than just opinionyou have facts.

She cited the BudgIT platform, Tracka, which empowers citizens to monitor government projects in their communities.

Transformation has happened because people could ask: this classroom was supposed to be builtwhere is it? she said.

Mr Senou posed a fundamental question: Are we truly a nation or just individuals living within borders?

Drawing from his experience as a foreigner and father of Nigerian children, he observed that Nigerians act urgently in personal matters but often disengage from collective responsibility.

When its personal, people act. But when its about the community, we point fingers, he said.

Responding to findings that seven in ten Nigerians believe journalists knowingly mislead, Mr Obiaya highlighted systemic challenges in the media industry.

Politicians own many media houses. During election cycles, journalists often cant publish freely. Add to that poor salaries, and its hard to uphold ethics, he added.

In a goodwill message representing Arik Karani, President of the African Public Relations Association (APRA), the associations Secretary-General, Omoniyi Ibietan, lauded the Barometer as a vital tool in understanding trust in leadership and communication.

It is an honour to be here for the launch of the 23rd edition of the Edelman Trust Barometera landmark achievement that not only celebrates a quarter-century of global research but reflects the growing importance of trust as a currency of modern leadership, he said.

Mr Ibietan emphasised that trust is central to meaningful communication, leadership effectiveness, and societal development.

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Tokunbo Aruoture, also known as Toks Aruoture, is a successful UK-based Nigerian entrepreneur, a baby furniture designer and speaker. She is the owner of The Baby Cot Stop in Chelsea and recently in Harrods. She also founded The Revealry, a furniture company for prime properties. In this interview with our Ime Enang, Mrs Aruoture speaks about her business, passion and how she overcame challenges to firmly plant her feet in the UKs business landscape. She also reveals her plan to expand to Nigeria, her home country.

Enjoy.

PREMIUM TIMES: Mrs. Aruoture, your journey to opening The Baby Cot Shop at Harrods is inspiring. Can you describe the key moments and milestones in your entrepreneurial journey as a Nigerian in the diaspora? What motivated you to start this business, and how did your background shape your approach to it?

Tokunbo Aruoture: Thank you. My journey began from what felt like rock bottom. After relocating to the United States from the United Kingdom, I acquired a boutique specialising in luxury baby and childrens furnishings. That was my introduction to the world of interiors for little ones. The 2008 recession swept everything away, and we returned to the UK with nothing, and pregnant with our fourth son.

What kept me going was a quiet conviction that there was still more ahead. I started researching the UK market and discovered there was nothing quite like what we sold in the US, so I began to curate beautiful pieces from the European continent. That was how The Baby Cot Shop was born.

A key moment was learning to build my website because I didnt have the funds to pay a web designer. Another moment was when a competitor made the rounds to my suppliers, asking them to drop me in favour of her- and they did, all in one evening. I went for a run while praying for a solution to what was clearly the end of my business. The answer came, Design your own furniture and interiors and retain control of it. So I did.

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As a Nigerian, Ive carried a strong sense of resilience and possibility. Watching my mother juggle civil service with running her poultry and soft drink business shaped how I saw entrepreneurship- it was just what you did to provide and progress. Being surrounded by successful people who looked and sounded like me was another bonus I didnt grasp until I began networking and discovered not all black people in the UK were lucky to have had the same experience. I can only imagine what it must have been like for a black child growing up in a country where the leaders and role models looked nothing like them.

The joy of growing up in Nigeria, where success is expected from you and mediocrity is denounced, cannot be described. The Nigerian mindset has been a pillar for me throughout the years.

PREMIUM TIMES: Launching The Baby Cot Shop in a prestigious location like Harrods is no small feat. What were some of the unique challenges you faced as a Nigerian entrepreneur entering a competitive market like London, and how did you overcome them?

Oh, there were many. One of the earliest challenges was access- being taken seriously in a market where I didnt look the part. I had to fight the urge to shrink myself or create a polished persona to fit in. But I learned that authenticity is more powerful than pretence.

There were also practical hurdles- securing funding, sourcing trustworthy suppliers, and learning how to navigate luxury retail in London. At one point, several of my key suppliers dropped me overnight due to a competitors promise to outperform me. That night, I went for a run so my children wouldnt see me cry. But that very moment birthed the idea for our in-house furniture collection. So, what felt like betrayal actually pushed us to grow stronger.

PREMIUM TIMES: As a mother and business owner, how do you balance your personal and professional life, especially while managing a business that caters to such a specialised market? Do you believe that being a mother influenced your decision to create a store focused on baby products?

Tokunbo Aruoture: Interestingly, my decision to start The Baby Cot Shop wasnt inspired by motherhood. It wasnt a passion project born from being a mum, and I wasnt dreaming about baby furniture while rocking my children to sleep. The business came from something far less curated and far more raw: survival.

We had just returned to the UK after losing everything in the 2008 recession. Before that, Id acquired a beautiful boutique in the US that specialised in luxury childrens furnishings. It wasnt even a business idea then- it was part of our emigration plan. I already had a background in interior design, so I merged that with what the store was offering and threw myself into the world of baby interiors. When the business collapsed and we hit rock bottom, I went back to the one thing I knew how to do.

I wasnt afraid of failing again- I was already at the bottom. That kind of clarity gives you courage you didnt know you had.

As for balance, thats still a journey Im walking. Ive long tried to chase this idea of work-life balance, but Ive come to understand it differently now. I segment my life into five areas: Family, Home, Business, Inspiration, and Toks- because I, too, need nurturing. Some days, the business gets all of me. On other days, my children do.

Sometimes, I sit with a salad at Pret and thats how I care for myself. What matters most is that I no longer carry guilt for not doing it all at once. Im learning to celebrate the small, daily investments in each area. And thats what balance looks like for me. Not perfect- just present. But Ive learned to invite God into every area of my life- business, family, even the moments I want to give up. Being a mother means I understand the emotional journey our clients are on. That insight shapes everything- from our product selection to the experience we offer at The Baby Cot Shop.

PREMIUM TIMES: How important has it been for you to maintain a connection with your Nigerian roots while expanding your business internationally? Do you incorporate any Nigerian elements, culture, or values into your products or customer experience at The Baby Cots Store?

Tokunbo Aruoture: Staying connected to my Nigerian roots grounds me. Our culture is rich in warmth, hospitality, and resourcefulnessall qualities I bring into my business. While our products dont directly feature Nigerian motifs, the heart behind the brand is undeniably Nigerian. Theres a boldness, tenacity, and attention to detail that is very much a reflection of who we are.

I often share my storynot just of success but of setbacks, faith, and perseverance. I believe many Nigerians, especially those in the diaspora, relate to that. We know how to create something extraordinary out of nothing.

In terms of business, weve been intentional about creating meaningful bridges between our work in the UK and the Nigerian market. We partnered with Betta eShopping, an e-commerce platform that helps Nigerians easily access products from overseas. More recently, we partnered with Lux Afrique Boutique to distribute our products across Africa, which is such an exciting step for us.

Of course, being in Harrods has brought us even closer to our Nigerian clientele, many of whom shop there and recognise the value of craftsmanship and storytelling behind every piece we create. Its an honour to serve them in a space that celebrates heritage and excellence.

PREMIUM TIMES: The Baby Cot Shop is known for offering high-quality and unique baby products. How do you source your items, and what criteria do you use to ensure they align with your brands vision of excellence and luxury, especially given the prestigious Harrods clientele?

Tokunbo Aruoture: Excellence is at the core of everything we do. Whether our clients find us in Harrods or through our Chelsea boutique, we are committed to delivering an exceptional experience- one thats thoughtful, elevated, and deeply personal.

One way we do that is through our full interior design service. We dont just sell furniture- we create spaces. For parents who want a seamless, stress-free process, we offer in-home consultations, take precise measurements, and design the entire room from the walls to the floors, the layout, the furnishings, even managing construction work where necessary. Every element is considered to ensure the space is both beautiful and functional, offering the very best for their child.

As for sourcing, we work with expert artisans across Europe who share our commitment to quality and timeless design. Every product we offer is selected for its craftsmanship, safety, and aesthetic integrity. We know our clients- whether in Harrods or anywhere else- are looking for more than just a cot or a dresser. Theyre creating a space filled with meaning, and its an honour to be part of that.

PREMIUM TIMES: Looking forward, what are your long-term goals for The Baby Cot Shop, both in terms of growth and global expansion? Do you see this as a stepping stone to bring more Nigerian and African businesses to the international stage? What advice do you have for fellow entrepreneurs in the diaspora who are looking to follow a similar path?

Tokunbo Aruoture: We want to keep growing- both our presence and our impact. Harrods is a milestone, yes, but its not the destination. Were exploring expansion into other key markets and deepening our digital presence to serve clients worldwide.

And yes, I absolutely see this as a door not just for us but for others. There is so much talent across Nigeria and Africa that deserves a global platform. My advice? Tell your story. Your journey- especially the messy, uncertain parts- is your most powerful tool. And remember, there are other currencies besides cash. Your creativity, your network, your faith- those are all resources.

PREMIUM TIMES: Do you have any plans of opening The Baby Cot Shop in Nigeria soon?

Absolutely. Thats why weve partnered with Beta eShopping as a soft introduction into the Nigerian market, along with our recent collaboration with Lux Afrique Boutique, which is helping us distribute our products across Africa. We already have a growing base of Nigerian clients families who reach out to us directly and consistently ask, When are you opening in Nigeria? It will happen in due course, but were being very intentional with our steps.

That intentionality also extends beyond retail. Ive also been spending increasingly more time in Nigeria, not just through our physical presence but through meaningful conversations and opportunities to pour back into the community. Sharing my journey, especially with women navigating the path of business and purpose, has become a profoundly fulfilling part of what I do.

So wherever theres space to listen, encourage, and be part of the dialogue, Im there.

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March witnessed a mixed bag for womens issues in Nigeria: from Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghans suspension by the Senate to President Bola Tinubus pledge to foster gender inclusion during the celebration of International Womens Day.

Heres a look at some of the most important gender stories in March

Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghans suspension amidst sexual harassment allegations

One of only four women in Nigerias 109-member Senate was controversially suspended for six months.

The Kogi Central senator, Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, was suspended on 6 March after the Senates ethics committee found her guilty of unruly and disruptive behaviour for challenging a sitting arrangement put in place by Senate President Godswill Akpabio based on the Senates rules.

However, minutes before her suspension, Mrs Akpoti-Uduaghan accused Mr Akpabio of sexual harassment, an allegation he denied.

Many Nigerians criticised her suspension and demanded an independent investigation of the sexual harassment allegation.

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Women are grossly underrepresented in governance in Nigeria and Mrs Akpoti-Uduaghan is seen as one of the shining lights of women representation in a country where less that 10 per cent of lawmakers are women.

Her suspension led to a public outcry under the banner, We are all Natasha, shining light on womens rights.

International Womens Day (IWD)

On 8 March, Nigeria joined the rest of the world to celebrate International Womens Day, themed Accelerate Action.

President Tinubu reaffirmed his commitment to fostering gender inclusivity by removing systemic barriers and expand access to finance and ensure equitable opportunities in every sector, including governance.

Also, the Minister of Women Affairs, Imaan Sulaiman-Ibrahim, identified four challenges confronting Nigerian women.

She listed these challenges as legal and policy frameworks, economic empowerment, political representation and leadership, and gender-based violence and social norms.

Meanwhile, Mr Akpabio pledged to push for the speedy passage of the five gender bills presently in the chamber.

During a three-day event to mark IWD, Mr Akapabio promised to ensure a 35 per cent affirmative action for women in the National Assembly and all governance processes consistent with the countrys National Gender

Policy and the United Nations Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women.

NNPCS appointment raises concerns about gender inclusivity

President Bola Tinubu appointed an 11-member board for the Nigerian National Petroleum Company (NNPC) after a major leadership shake-up.

However, only one woman made the listand she is not an independent appointee. Instead, she serves as an institutional representative.

The development raises concerns about gender representation in leadership roles in Nigerias oil sector.

Digital exclusion in Northern Nigeria

Samira Buhari, founder of Daurama Foundation, raised concerns over the digital exclusion of women in northern Nigeria. She revealed that 60 per cent of northern women lack internet access, limiting their economic opportunities.

To address this, she announced the Samira Buhari Mentorship Programme to equip young women with digital skills.

Gender advocates seek end to workplace Sexual harassment

To address and end workplace sexual harassment, a flurry of pragmatic and institutional reforms are needed to be carried out, Ene Ede, a gender advocate said at an event organised by Baobab for Womens Human Rights.

Bunmi Dipo-Salami, Baobabs executive director, explained that the goal of the meeting was to move beyond talks and take concrete steps toward ending sexual harassment at workplaces in Nigeria.

While emphasising the need for multi-sectoral collaboration to create safe and supportive work environments for women and girls, she drew attention to Mrs Akpoti-Uduaghans sexual harassment allegation against Mr Akpabio.

Participants at the meeting agreed to push for a national law that covers workplace harassment across all industries, ensuring the domestication of the International Labour Organisation (ILO) Convention 1990 and training judges and legal experts to handle cases properly.

Gender in Nigeria 2025

A report by Datapyte showed significant challenges experienced by women in Nigeria, including a surge in reported rape cases and a concerning belief among many women that wife-beating is justifiable.

While a large percentage are working, the vast majority are in self-employment with limited access to formal employment. A substantial digital divide persists, hindering womens access to economic opportunities in the digital space.

Furthermore, many married women lack autonomy in reproductive health decisions, and alarmingly high rates of child marriage and female trafficking persist, indicating severe violations of womens rights and freedoms.

Namibia gets female president

Away from Nigeria, Namibia has got a female president.

Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah will become only the third woman to serve as executive head of an African government, after Liberias Ellen Sirleaf and Tanzanias Samia Hassan.

Women in Management, Business, and Public Service

To commemorate the 2025 International Womens Day, PREMIUM TIMES conducted series of interviews with women in Nigeria. These interviews were conducted in partnership with Women in Management, Business, and Public Service (WIMBIZ), a Nigerian non-profit organisation committed to advancing and empowering women in leadership.

In one of the interviews, Kofo Akinkugbe, the founder and CEO of SecureID Group, a smartcard manufacturing plant that cuts across manufacturing and technology spoke about why accelerating gender equity requires not just talkbut bold steps and sustained action.

Enitan Rewane, a partner at Rook & Co. Legal Practitioners, explained reasons why Nigeria must create an environment for women to thrive.

The Executive Director of ASVIOL Support Initiative and Managing Director of HUMA Laundry and Linen, Hassana Maina, spoke on the theme for the 2025 IWD Accelerate Action. She said, When I think of the phrase accelerate action, I think of persistence and resilience in ensuring that womens voices and diversities are publicly showcased and celebrated.

I think of accelerating action as doing whatever it takes to build on the work of those that have come before us in ensuring that we achieve gender equality.

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In a move to reduce maternal deaths and improve childbirth outcomes, the Nigerian government has launched six national policy documents aimed at ensuring safer delivery for women across Nigeria.

The Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Muhammad Pate, unveiled the documents in Abuja on Wednesday in commemoration of the 2025 Safe Motherhood Day, themed, Innovating for safer birth: A collective responsibility to crash maternal mortality.

Safe Motherhood Day is an annual event marked on 11 April to create awareness and generate public dialogue on the best strategies and interventions that promote maternal and newborn health and survival within an integrated continuum of care.

Globally, Nigeria remains one of the most affected countries, accounting for about 20 per cent of maternal and child deaths, according to the World Bank.

Implementation

The newly launched policy documents include a national Safe Motherhood Strategy, clinical protocols for managing postpartum haemorrhage, pre-eclampsia and eclampsia, essential gynaecological skills manuals, a national strategy to improve the quality of reproductive and maternal care, and a training manual on managing obstetric fistula.

Describing safe motherhood as both a moral and developmental priority, Mr Pate said no woman should lose her life while giving birth and no child should enter the world only to face preventable suffering.

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He explained that this years slogan, Care for Moms, Hope for the Babies, reflects both a rallying cry and a national obligation.

He said that maternal and newborn deaths have long threatened families and undermined development, noting that the new policy rollout is intended to change that narrative.

Mr Pate emphasised that under the Health Sector Renewal Initiative, the government is already taking concrete steps to fix systemic challenges that have made childbirth risky for many women.

According to Mr Pate, the national Safe Motherhood Strategy (20242028), outlines multi-level interventions to safeguard maternal health.

Other documents launched include guidelines for managing postpartum haemorrhage and hypertensive disorders during pregnancy, as well as updated manuals to enhance the skills of healthcare workers in reproductive health.

A new quality-of-care framework was also introduced, aimed at promoting respectful, high-quality care for women, children, and adolescents.

Mr Pate also revealed that, a training manual was unveiled to guide doctors and nurses in providing holistic and evidence-based care for women suffering from obstetric fistula.

These documents represent our governments promise to not just respond to emergencies, but to build a resilient, people-centred health system that can anticipate and prevent them, he said.

Collaboration

Mr Pate further urged stakeholders, governors, traditional rulers, healthcare workers, community leaders, development partners, and private sector to join hands in making safe motherhood a reality in every village, every ward, and every home.

In his remarks, the Permanent Secretary at the ministry, Daju Kachollom noted that maternal mortality is not just a statistic; it is a personal tragedy for families, a setback for communities, and a reflection of health system gaps we must urgently address.

Ms Kachollom, who was represented by the Director of Family Health at the ministry, Binyerem Ukaire emphasised the need to forge partnerships, share innovations, and accelerate solutions for a safer Nigeria, where every pregnancy is wanted, every birth is safe, and every mother and baby thrives.

Safe Motherhood Day is a solemn reminder of the journey many women and girls still take through pregnancy and childbirth, sometimes with risk, sometimes with fear, and too often without adequate support. But it is also a celebration of the progress we have made, and the resilience of mothers, healthcare workers, and communities who continue to push forward.

Today, I am proud to highlight the progress we have made through the Health Sector Renewal Initiative (HSRII). This bold reform agenda has begun to yield concrete results, she said.

She reaffirmed the ministrys commitment to reducing maternal mortality and morbidity, promoting respectful and inclusive maternity care, expanding access to reproductive and maternal health services, especially in rural and underserved areas, and supporting healthcare workers.

Also, the Country Representative of the World Health Organisation, Walter Mulombo urged the government to continue to invest highly in maternal and newborn health services to expand equitable access to quality care, especially in hard-to-reach areas which are most affected by mortality in mothers and newborns.

Mr Mulombo encouraged the government to enact and uphold laws that protect women and children and their rights including maternity protection and access to sexual and reproductive health services.

Wed like the government to address underlying social and economic factors that drive inequity.

In collaboration with all of us partners, I would like to call all of us to strengthen accountability, coordination, innovation at all levels in support of the Sector Wide Approach and the health transformation that is quite unique in a country like Nigeria, he noted.

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Nigerias foreign minister, Yusuf Tuggar, says his ministry has forwarded the names of ambassadorial nominees to President Bola Tinubu. However, the presidents attention to economic reforms and other state matters has delayed the formal appointment of the ambassadors, he said.

Mr Tuggar, who spoke in an exclusive interview with PREMIUM TIMES, said, The president has to forward the names to the Senate for screening, and thereafter, there will be a request where we will assign ambassadors to the nations where they will go

He said the list was transmitted to the president over a year ago in the wake of the macroeconomic reforms, which was more important and marked the beginning of the Tinubu administration, hence the delay.

President Tinubu announced the removal of petrol subsidy during his inauguration on 29 May 2023. Days later, he floated the naira, essentially devaluing the Nigerian currency by over 100 per cent. Ambassadors were recalled about four months later and have not been reappointed.

Other delays affecting the appointment, Mr Tuggar said, include currency fluctuations and currency conversion challenges affecting missions abroad. Nigeria has about 109 missions abroad who have over the years been affected by currency fluctuations.

There were even shortfalls because we had different exchange rates and then we had huge fluctuations in the exchange rate as well. This further compounded the issue of funding missions and also funding the sending out of ambassadors, the minister explained.

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He, however, noted that appointments will be made soon.

Giving an insight into what the list sent to the president looks like, the minister said the list comprised both career diplomats and political appointees.

It is a mixture, he said. In fact, the list being contemplated has more political appointees than the career ambassadors.

When asked why there were more political appointees, he disclosed that it is at the presidents discretion, albeit with its pros and cons.

He went further to make a case for political appointees as ambassadors using himself as an example during the previous administration where he was appointed as ambassador to Germany.

The same way that you have competent political appointees and you have some that are not equally competent. By the way, I was a former political appointee as an ambassador, he said.

Last week, several media platforms published the names of supposed nominees for ambassadorial positions who had undergone security clearance.

The foreign ministrys spokesperson, Kimiebi Ebienfa, however, denied the reports, saying, Be rest assured that when it is ready, Mr President will transmit the list of nominees to the National Assembly for screening and confirmation.

Ambassadors recalled in 2023

President Bola Tinubu, in September 2023, through the foreign affairs ministry, announced the recall of all ambassadors. No specific reason was given at the time.

According to a statement issued at the time by Alkasim Abdulkadir, the foreign ministers special adviser on media and communications strategy, ambassadors serve as representatives of the country at the presidents behest, and it is his prerogative to send or recall them from any country.

In a separate statement, the then-presidential spokesperson, Ajuri Ngalele, said the recall was a sequel to the presidents careful study of the present state of affairs at Nigerian consulates and embassies worldwide.

 in line with the presidents renewed hope agenda, the president is determined to ensure that world-class efficiency and quality, will henceforth, characterise foreign and domestic service delivery to citizens, residents and prospective visitors alike, Mr Ngalele said.

Nigerian missions abroad have since then been led by charge daffaires, who are career civil servants.

Nigerian Missions and Funding

Over the years, funding Nigerias missions abroad has been difficult and has left everyone complaining including the countrys foreign ministers

Mr Tuggars predecessor, Geoffrey Onyeama, noted that Nigeria cannot get its international image to fit into the acceptable module of the international community if its foreign missions remain underfunded.

PREMIUM TIMES reported that despite increased budgetary allocation (in naira terms) for Nigerias foreign missions over the years, fluctuations and exchange rates continue to affect funding received by these missions.

While the budgetary allocations are in naira, monies are often transmitted in US dollars and further exchanged in the local currency where these missions are located.

In the past years, concerns have heightened on how poor funding affects Nigerias foreign policy implementation.

In our interview, Mr Tuggar told PREMIUM TIMES that this administration is working to address the challenge of funding.

First is ensuring the stability in the exchange rates now we have a single exchange rate that allows for stability and predictability.

better management of resources. We are ensuring we send out competent heads of mission. We also presented a memo at the Federal Executive Council that has empowered us to take stock of all the properties we have abroad, rationalise, where possible, go into public-private partnership arrangements so that some of these missions will become self-funded and more sustainable, Mr Tuggar said.

PREMIUM TIMES will publish the full interview in the next few days.

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The presidential candidate of the Labour Party in the 2023 general elections, Peter Obi, has urged President Bola Tinubu to suspend all his engagements in France and rush home to address the disturbing issues facing the country.

Mr Obi made the call in a statement posted on his X handle on Wednesday.

Mr Tinubu on 2 April left the country for France, his fifth trip to the European country since assuming office.

The Presidency described the trip as a working visit and that it is expected to last for two weeks.

Since the president left the country, there have been some security challenges, including killings in Plateau and Zamfara states, as well as protests among opposing political groups in Rivers, where the president declared a state of emergency and suspended all elected officials, including the governor.

Plateau State Governor, Caleb Mutfwang, in a statewide broadcast, said the attackers shattered the Zike community, forcing victims to cram in churches.

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Innocent men, women, and children were murdered in cold blood. Homes were torched, property ravaged, and the entire family left in agony.

This attack occurred even as we were still mourning the loss of over 50 lives in Bokkos. The scale, frequency, and intent of these atrocities are unmistakable, Mr Mutfwang said, stressing that the attack was a premeditated campaign that seeks to displace, destabilise, and instill terror and fear on the people and the communities.

The suffering of families now crammed into churches and temporary shelters, their lives uprooted overnight, the governor said, stressing that the state has made headlines for the wrong reason for too long.

President Tinubu has condemned the attack and directed security agencies to apprehend the perpetrators.

Rush home, take responsibility for security challenges  Obi

Mr Obi in the statement said he is compelled to call on Mr Tinubu to suspend his ongoing retreat in a foreign land and come home to address the overwhelming security situation across the country.

This urgent call has become necessary following the rising incidents of crimes and criminality all over Nigeria, with an apparent absence of governance.

In the two weeks you have been away, over 150 Nigerians have lost their lives to insecurity across Nigeria, especially in Plateau and Zamfara states.

The repeated pipeline explosions in the Niger Delta, further reflect a nation in distress, Mr Obi said.

In the North East, Borno State leaders are bemoaning the return of insurgency, with troops and civilians being killed randomly. In the South-east, the story is the same: killings and abductions.

Amid all these, the CEO of the troubling company called Nigeria is retreating to far away land in France from the Companys headquarters.

Mr Obi said the primary duty of any government was securing lives and property of its citizens and wondered about the type of retreat going on in a foreign country where he said peace has been secured by their leaders while blood continues to flow in our country.

I, therefore, like to urge Mr President to quickly suspend whatever he is doing in France and rush home to take responsibility by addressing these disturbing issues, he said.

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A Member of the House of Representatives, Leke Abejide, has called on journalists to make significant contributions towareds ensuring the actualisation of the transformation agenda of President Bola Tinubu.

Mr Abejide, a member of Social Democratic Party (SDP) representing Yagba Federal Constituency of Kogi State, made the call during an Easter programme organised by the FCT Council of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) on Tuesday.

The theme of the programme was Renewal and Hope: Harnessing the Transformative Power of Unity and Progress.

The lawmaker emphasised the need and role of the media in ensuring that the government achieved its agenda, and also promote unity and progress in the country.

The theme of this programme is Renewal and Hope: Harnessing the Transformative Power of Unity and Progress. This is very instructive and the Nigeria Union of Journalists has a major role to play if the Renewal of Hope is to be actualised to a transformative state of producing unity and progress for the nation, he said.

Mr Abejide, who is the chairman of the House Committee on Customs and Excise, noted that the actions taken by the Tinubu administration towards the countrys transformation were very necessary because previous administration had dashed the hope of the people.

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He said a situation of this nature produces a state of despondency that requires the courage of a leader to step on toes and do things that may produce some bitter experience at the beginning, but the eventual and ultimate result would be a glorious end and light at the end of the tunnel.

Insisting that the transformative policy thrust of the Tinubu administration is non-negotiable, the lawmaker said it is determined to reposition the country as a global investment hub.

The Renewed Hope Agenda of repositioning Nigeria as a global investment hub, in the transformative policy thrust of the President Bola Ahmed Tinubus administration, is non-negotiable. This agenda hinged on the core pillars of democracy, development, demographic advantages and diaspora engagement, hence an opportunity to remind both

Nigerians and global community that Nigeria stands ready to embrace the future and conduct business rightfully.

Our reason for this gathering is to project the certainty of the vision of the administration of President Ahmed Tinubus (GCFR) vision for this nation, The Renewed Hope Agenda is not just a policy framework; it is a statement of commitment, a covenant between leadership and the

People. To pilot this developmental strive, there is need for unity of purpose from globally and locally inclined institutions to work in tandem with programme consistent with our developmental agenda.

The prosperity that the Renewed Hope Agenda is yearning for aims to drive economic development and improve the quality of the life of all citizens, as highlighted in the Renewed Hope Agenda, hence, the Agenda recognises the importance of harnessing Nigerias demographic potentials, as highlighted in the Agenda, he said.

Mr Abejide also listed the steps the media could take to support the Tinubu administration.

In his goodwill message, the FCT Commissioner of Police, Ajao Adewale, described journalists as the forces partners.

Mr Adewale urged the media to continue to work with the police to achieve a better society.

Information is powerful. A single sentence can promote peace or incite conflict. Thats why I appeal to you: let us continue to practice journalism that uplifts and unites, he said.

The CP likened the challenges journalists go through to those of the security personnel, stressing, You face dangers every day. Sometimes, the information you hold can save or endanger lives. Thats why your responsibility is so important.

He added, Whether youre wielding the pen or carrying out a mission in uniform, it must be for the development of our nation.

Unity as a catalyst for progress

Earlier in her opening remarks, the Chairperson of the NUJ FCT Council, Grace Ike, emphasised the need for journalists to write and share stories that promote unity in communities in the country.

Unity is a catalyst for progress. Unity is the foundation upon which progress is built. It is the glue that holds us together, allowing us to face challenges with strength and resilience. As journalists, we have a unique role in promoting unity by sharing stories that inspire, educate, and unite our communities.

Journalism has the power to transform societies by highlighting truths, promoting understanding, and advocating for justice. Let us continue to uphold the highest standards of integrity and professionalism, using our platforms to foster a culture of peace, tolerance, and mutual respect.

Ms Ike also urged journalists to renew their commitment towards ensuring the creation of a society where its people enjoy their freedom, values and are heard by the authority when they speak.

As we celebrate Easter, let us renew our commitment to these values. Let us strive to create a society where every individual feels valued, heard, and empowered to contribute to our collective progress, she said.

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The Head, Media and Publicity Unit of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, Dele Oyewale, a deputy commander of the EFCC, has emerged the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations Outstanding Federal Government Spokesperson of the Year 2025.

The award ceremony, which took place on Wednesday at the Abuja Continental Hotel, was themed Integrity and the Evolving Roles of Spokespersons in Leadership Communication.

Mr Oyewale emerged winner in a highly competitive category that included Presidential Spokesman, Bayo Onanuga and Josephine Adokuru Mudasiru of the Federal Capital Development Authority (FCDA).

While commending the nominees, Shaibu Husseini, Chairman of the awards Adjudication Committee, emphasised that the selection process was rigorous and driven by merit.

Oyewale stood out for his infusion of finesse in strategic communication, skilful workmanship, impactful media engagements and consistency in the excellent projection of the EFCCs image and in enhancing public understanding of the Commissions mandate and activities.

Winners from other categories include Olufemi Soneye (NNPCL), Distinguished Spokesperson of the Year (Oil and Gas), Nigerian Customs Service, Best Corporate Spokesperson Team, Kashifu Inuwa (NITDA), Most Supportive CEO to Spokespersons (Public Sector), Osagie Edwards Omoruyi (NIMASA), Outstanding Spokesperson (Marine and Blue Economy), and Femi Babafemi (NDLEA), Outstanding Spokesperson (Security Services).

In his remarks, Joshua Audu Gana, Member of the House of Representatives, congratulated the organisers for identifying and rewarding outstanding communicators across various sectors. He lauded the winners for their professionalism and devotion and urged them to continue to strive for excellence in their roles.

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The Special Guest of Honour and Chairperson, House Committee on Media and Public Affairs, Akintunde Rotimi Jr, emphasized the need for institutions and organizations to involve spokespersons in policy formulation and decision-making processes, noting that spokespersons should be equipped with first-hand knowledge of key issues so as to enhance their effective and accurate public communication.

The National Spokespersons Awards is Nigerias foremost platform for celebrating excellence in public relations, strategic communication, and media management. It is an annual celebration of individuals and organisations that demonstrate professionalism, innovation, and impactful public communication.

A well-regarded journalist and communicator, Mr Oyewale worked as a reporter at Independent Communications Limited, publishers of TheNEWS and TEMPO magazines and PM NEWS.

In 2001, he moved to TELL Magazine, where he quickly rose to the rank of assistant editor.

He later worked at BroadStreet Journal, a business-focused publication also published by TELL Communications. There, he won a string of awards and became one of the countrys leading business journalists.

In 2006, he joined the EFCCs public affairs directorate. He was the Zonal Head of the Commissions public affairs directorate in Lagos and Port Harcourt and the Acting Head of the EFCCs enlightenment and reorientation unit.

Mr Oyewale holds a Bachelors degree in Geography from the University of Ilorin and a Master of Business Administration (MBA) degree from the Ladoke Akintola University of Technology.

Mr Oyewale is married and blessed with children.

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Damilola Agbalajobi, a senior lecturer with the Department of Political Science at the Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU), Ile-Ife, has been promoted to the rank of professor.

With this promotion, Ms Agbalajobi emerged as the first female full professor since the department was established in 1962.

The promotion was approved by the universitys Appointment and Promotions Committee at its meeting of 14 April. The elevation takes effect from the 1 October 2024, the committee notes.

Speaking with PREMIUM TIMES shortly after she received the news of the elevation, Ms Agbalajobi expressed gratitude to God for granting her the privilege to reach the peak of her academic career after years of working in the university spanning more than a decade.

I am sincerely overwhelmed and grateful to God for the privilege of becoming a Professor of Political Science at the Obafemi Awolowo University. I joined the university exactly 13 years ago, in March 2012. At that time, I was pursuing my PhD at the University of Lagos, she told this newspaper.

I want to thank God for all the people who have been instrumental in this journey so far. I thank my supervisors at the University of Lagos. I also want to appreciate those I met along the way  those who believed in me even when I didnt believe in myself, and those who have mentored me.

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The don, currently on a fellowship as a senior research fellow with the Open Society University Network (OSUN) Forum on Democracy and Development at the Bogota Hub  Universidad de Los Andes in Colombia, expressed her readiness to continue to play an active role in the academic community.

About Agbalojobi

Ms Agbalajobi joined OAUs political science department in 2012 after a five-year stint at Redeemers University, Mowe, Ogun State. The private university has since relocated to Ede in Osun State.

The new professor holds a Bachelor of Science (BSc) and a Masters in Political Science from the University of Ilorin in 1997 and 2006 respectively, and a PhD from the University of Lagos in 2017.

She specialises in gender studies, peace and conflict, and political economy.

Ms Agbalahobi is a fellow of LeidenASC in the Netherlands, the Nigerian Young Academy (NYA) and the Ife Institute of Advanced Studies (IIAS).

As a specialist in Female Political Participation in (West) Africa, her book, Promoting Gender Equality in Political Participation: New Perspectives on Nigeria, was published in 2021.

She has also won many travel grants to attend and present papers at various conferences on various aspects of politics and developmental studies.

She is also a member of many academic societies, including the Nigerian Political Science Association and the Nigeria Young Academy.

Former students hail the new professor

Meanwhile, former students of Ms Agbalajobi has reacted to her promotion, praising her scholarship and humanity.

Sikiru Akinola, an alumnus of the department and current manager of Strategini Communications described her promotion as a boost for the departments scholarship.

I had long expected it. This is one woman who has shown scholarship. Though briefly, she taught us towards the last part of our undergraduate days. She did the same during my postgraduate degree which I later abandoned. It is a plus for our department as it came when it was needed most. This has increased the number of professors in the department, he said.

Hassan Adebayo, also another alumnus, recalled her tremendous support, empathy, and unwavering willingness to go above and beyond to assist students.

She became a political science faculty member at Ife during our third year, taking a political analysis course. What became apparent was not only the depth of her knowledge, but also her warmth and large heartedness, easily bringing her close to many of us, including young ladies, who needed a fine example.

She later became our course advisor and it was for her dedication  literally moving from one department to another to ensure computation of our results  that we were quickly mobilized for NYSC, just months after our final exams, an unusual at Ife then, Mr Adebayo said.

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The lawsuit filed on April 11 by four international students against the Department of Homeland Security and other immigration officials, stating that their student immigration status was illegally terminated, which was followed by a court hearing, is not only a legal challenge, but also an urgent alarm bell for the US administration.

The recent wave of student visa cancellations, many carried out without any public explanation or procedural clarity, marks a radical departure from the long-standing tradition of welcoming foreign talent to the United States. Since the end of World War II, the US has been like a magnet for the brightest minds the world over, with international students forming a key pillar of the nation's scientific and technological dominance. Yet under the second Donald Trump administration, this tradition is under threat.

By April 11, as many as 700 international students had their visas revoked  some just weeks before their graduation. Many were abruptly ordered to leave the country, leaving universities scrambling to find ways to allow them to complete their studies remotely. No consistent rationale has been provided for this sweeping crackdown. It appears to be motivated more by ideological fervor than by any sound policy analysis.

The harm this inflicts on the US is both immediate and long-term. At an economic level, international students contribute billions of dollars annually, funding that supports not just the universities, but also local economies in cities and towns where these students live and study.

The actual cost of driving the students away goes far beyond financial calculations. Throughout modern history, international students have been at the heart of the US' most profound scientific and technological achievements. The US owes some of its most groundbreaking discoveries to immigrants who first arrived as students. Among them are Nobel laureates of Chinese origin such as Yang Chen-ning, Tsung-Dao Lee, and Daniel Chee Tsui  trailblazers in physics whose work has shaped entire fields.

Cultural and political life, too, has been enriched by international scholars. Former US president Barack Obama's father, a Kenyan, met his American mother while studying in the US. When their son became president he changed the nation's political narrative. Elon Musk, originally from South Africa, studied at the University of Pennsylvania before founding revolutionary companies such as SpaceX and acquiring the platform now known as X (formerly Twitter).

One has to imagine a US without these individuals to realize what is at stake. Would it still be a beacon of innovation, freedom, and global leadership had it turned away the people who helped define its modern identity?

Expelling international students may offer temporary satisfaction to a political base driven by "fears of cultural dilution or economic competition". It may create the illusion of "taking care of our own". But such shortsighted nationalism undermines the country's long-term interests. A less diverse, less connected, and less innovative US will only end up with a shrinking economic pie.

Fortunately, not everyone in the US is turning a blind eye. As early as March 25, the Knight First Amendment Institute at Columbia University filed a lawsuit against the government's visa policies. On Friday, attorneys general from 19 Democratic states urged a federal judge to block the Trump administration's decision to cancel hundreds of international student visas.

These actions show that many in parts of the US still know what truly makes the US great. It is not the walls it builds or the borders it tightens, but the openness it once offered to the world's dreamers, doers and thinkers. Abandoning that openness now would not only betray its own legacy  it would accelerate its decline.
The United Nations Childrens Fund (UNICEF) has donated 1,433,300 doses of polio vaccines to the Adamawa State Government, targeting children from 0 to 59 months in the forthcoming immunisation.

Suleiman Bashir, executive secretary, Adamawa Primary Healthcare Development Agency (PHCDA), made this known at a media round table discussion on Thursday in Yola.

Mr Bashir said the agency had deployed 2,778 personnel to ensure a successful immunisation in all the 21 local government areas of the state.

According to him, the exercise is scheduled from 26 to 29 April. He urged parents and guardians to make sure their children were vaccinated against the polio.

He, however, solicited for the support of traditional and religious leaders for the success of the exercise.

Oluseyi Olosunde, health officer, UNICEF Bauchi Field Office, appreciated the effort of the Adamawa government on healthcare service delivery.

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Mr Olosunde said special teams would be deployed to markets, playgrounds, schools and places of worship to ensure no child was left behind.

(NAN)

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The Chairperson of the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON), Abdullahi Sale, has flagged off the vaccination of Nigerian intending pilgrims in the Federal CapitalTerritory (FCT).

The ceremony, held on Wednesday at the FCT Pilgrims Hajj Camp in Abuja, is part of the ongoing preparations for the 2025 Hajj operations.

The Saudi government requires pilgrims to have certain vaccinations before entering the country for Hajj.

Nigerians intending to go for Hajj are required to get vaccinated from Meningococcal Meningitis, Yello Fever, polio and seasonal Influenza vaccination.

A statement by Abdulbasit Abba of the Information and Publication department of NAHCON, said Mr Saleh, a professor, administered the first dose of the vaccination to one of the intending pilgrim during the occasion.

Mr Saleh also said the event marks a vital step in the journey toward a successful 2025 Hajj, adding that ensuring the health of the pilgrims is not just a requirement but the responsibility of the commission.

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He added, Todays flag-off is a symbol of our readiness and proactive approach to Hajj planning. To our dear pilgrims, I urge you to cooperate fully, follow health guidelines, and remain prayerful as you prepare for this sacred journey.

I also encourage you to be law-abiding and patient throughout the Hajj process. It is equally important that you attend all scheduled pilgrims enlightenment lectures, as they offer essential knowledge and guidance about the rites of Hajj and the journey ahead.

An intending pilgrim, Awwal Imam, who participated in the event, told PREMIUM TIMES on Thursday that it was a well attended event with participants showing appreciation to the NAHCON chair and willingness to fully participate.

The vaccination is a welcome Idea and we commend the leadership of NAHCON for gracing the launch of it.

The presence of the chairman of NAHCON himself is a testimony that the commission this time around is leaving no stone unturned in making sure it succeeds in the coming Hajj, Mr Imam said.

The airlift of Nigerian pilgrims is scheduled to commence on 5 May.

Read the full statement

THE FLAG-OFF CEREMONY OF VACCINATION FOR 2025 FCT PILGRIMS

The Chairman/CEO of the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON), Professor Abdullahi Sale, led the flag-off ceremony for the vaccination of 2025 FCT intending pilgrims on Wednesday, 16th April 2025, at the FCT Pilgrims Hajj Camp, Airport Road, Abuja, as part of ongoing preparations for the 2025 Hajj operations.

In his opening remarks, the Chairman expressed the Commissions unwavering commitment to safeguarding the health and safety of all pilgrims:

This event marks a vital step in our journey toward a successful 2025 Hajj. Ensuring the health of our pilgrims is not just a requirement; it is our responsibility. Todays flag-off is a symbol of our readiness and proactive approach to Hajj planning. To our dear pilgrims, I urge you to cooperate fully, follow health guidelines, and remain prayerful as you prepare for this sacred journey.

I also encourage you to be law-abiding and patient throughout the Hajj process. It is equally important that you attend all scheduled pilgrims enlightenment lectures, as they offer essential knowledge and guidance about the rites of Hajj and the journey ahead. These lectures are designed to equip you spiritually, mentally, and practically to perform your pilgrimage in the best possible manner.

The Chairman personally monitored the exercise and administered the first dose of the vaccination to one of the intending pilgrims, a symbolic gesture that highlighted the Commissions hands-on approach and dedication to excellence.

Before the vaccination exercise began, Dr. Dan Gazama, Director of Public Health, addressed the pilgrims, providing critical information about the vaccines being administered. He informed the gathering that:

The vaccines being given today include the meningitis vaccine, the oral polio vaccine, and the yellow fever vaccineall of which are mandatory according to the health regulations of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. The yellow fever vaccine is valid for ten years, while the meningitis vaccine is valid for three years. These vaccinations are a prerequisite for Hajj and are essential to protecting both individual and public health.

Some mild side effects may occur, such as pain at the injection site, low-grade fever, or body aches. These are normal and typically resolve within a day or two. However, if any pilgrim experiences persistent or severe symptoms, they are strongly advised to visit the nearest hospital or health facility immediately for proper medical attention.

Dr. Gazama emphasized that receiving these vaccinations is a mandatory condition for entry into the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, and forms a critical part of the international health regulations that govern Hajj participation.

Also present at the event were the Commissioner (PRSILS), Prof Abubakar Abubakar Yagawal; the Board Member representing the Ministry of Health, Dr Saidu Dunbulwa, the Secretary of the Commission, Dr Mustapha and some Heads of Divisions. Their presence underscored the importance of the vaccination campaign and the Commissions unified commitment to the wellbeing of all Nigerian pilgrims.

The vaccination exercise commenced immediately after the opening addresses, with medical personnel administering the vaccines in a well-coordinated and professional manner. The process was smooth, efficient, and well-received by the pilgrims, boosting their confidence and reinforcing public trust in NAHCONs preparedness.

This flag-off in Abuja marks the beginning of a nationwide vaccination rollout across all participating states, reflecting NAHCONs steadfast commitment to ensuring the safety, wellbeing, and spiritual fulfillment of every Nigerian pilgrim during the 2025 Hajj.

Abdulbasit Abba  Information and Publications Division, (NAHCON).

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The Lagos State Police Command said Thursday that it foiled an attempted tricycle robbery along Kudirat Abiola Way in the Oregun area of Ikeja, recovering a firearm, ammunition, and other dangerous weapons at the scene.

The Commands spokesperson, Benjamin Hundeyin, said in a statement that Alausa Police Division operatives on routine patrol spotted three men attempting to dispossess the rider his tricycle.

Upon noticing the approaching police patrol van, the criminals took to their heels. The officers, undeterred and determined to prevent further harm, engaged in a hot pursuit, Mr Hundeyin said.

He said the suspects abandoned a black bag while fleeing the scene. A search of the bag revealed a Beretta pistol, one live round of ammunition, a cutlass, a knife, and various charms.

The police stated that the tricyclist, who sustained machete injuries to the head and other parts of his body, was rushed to the Lagos State Emergency Centre where he is currently receiving treatment.

Meanwhile, the Lagos State Commissioner of Police, Owohunwa Jimoh, commended the swift response of the officers and reiterated the Commands commitment to the safety of residents.

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Mr Hundeyin urged members of the public to remain vigilant and promptly report suspicious activity to the nearest police station.

Last year, the police in the state announced the arrest of four suspects for allegedly stealing three tricycles belonging to a mobility company in Lagos.

According to Mr Hundeyin, the companys secretary reported the case to the Ogudu Police Division. He stated that investigations led to the recovery of the stolen vehicles in Lagos, Ondo, and Ogun States.

The first suspect was arrested in Ondo Town with the first tricycle. The second was arrested at Mile 12 in Lagos with the second tricycle. The third and fourth suspects were apprehended at Idiroko, a boundary town between Lagos and Ogun States, with the third tricycle, he said.

Mr Hundeyin added that the suspects will be arraigned upon the completion of the investigation.

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The National Chairperson of the All Progressives Congress(APC), Abdullahi Ganduje, says the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) is too important to be left in the hands of opposition political parties.

Mr Ganduje said this on Thursday in Abuja while receiving some members of the opposition political parties, including the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and Labour Party (LP) who defected to the APC.

The decampees were led by the Chairperson of Abuja Municipal Area Council (AMAC), Chris Maikalangu.

The event was held at the Abuja old parade ground.

Mr Ganduje said that the development was a confirmation that FCT electorate was pleased with the APC and would vote en masse for it to re-elect President Bola Tinubu in 2027.

He noted that Abuja should not be left in the hands of the opposition parties as the seat of power and the city that served as the rallying point of Nigerians.

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The current FCT Senator, Ireti Kingibe, and one of the two members of the two members representing the territory in the House of Representatives, Joshua Obika, belong to the Labour Party (LP). The other member, Abdulrahman Ajiya, is a member of the APC.

In the 2022 FCT Council election, the APC won in three area councils while the PDP won in the remaining three.

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has scheduled the next area council election for 21 February 2026.

Appointments

Mr Ganduje, while speaking on how Mr Tinubu appointed Abuja indigenes as members of his cabinet and other appointments, said the gale of defection of opposition members to the APC was a testament of its achievements over the years.

He said it also spoke of the level of the partys acceptability in the FCT and other parts of the country.

The Minister of Special Duties, Zephaniah Jisalo, who addressed the crowd at the event tagged Abuja Unity rally, lauded Mr Tinubu for living up to his campaign promises to carry along Abuja indigenes in his administration.

Mr Jisalo, who is an indigene of the FCT, testified to Mr Tinubus commitment to the empowerment of Abuja people.

The Minister of State FCT, Mariya Bunkure, urged the FCT electorate to sustain their support for the APC-led administration, saying it was leaving no stone unturned in uplifting their well being.

Dignitaries that graced the event include the Deputy Senate President, Barau Jibrin, former Kogi Governor, Yahaya Bello, FCT Area Council Chairmen, councillors and stalwarts from across the country.

(NAN)

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AgThe Defence Headquarters (DHQ) says the troops of Operation Delta Safe have, in the last week, discovered and deactivated no fewer than 42 illegal refining sites in the Niger Delta region.

The Director, Defence Media Operations, Markus Kangye, a major general, made this known in a weekly report of ongoing military operations on Thursday in Abuja.

Mr Kangye said the military had sustained operational tempo against crude oil thieves and other criminals in the Niger Delta during the week under review.

He said the troops recovered 117,395 litres of stolen crude oil, 22,050 litres of illegally refined Automotive Gas Oil, 6,000 litres of dual-purpose kerosene and 8,060 litres of Premium Motor Spirit.

He added that troops also discovered and destroyed 102 crude oil cooking ovens, 94 dugout pits, 18 boats, four speedboats, 56 storage tanks and 164 drums.

According to him, other items recovered include pumping machines, drilling machines, galvanised pipes, tricycles, motorcycles, mobile phones and nine vehicles.

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Furthermore, 42 oil thieves and other criminals were arrested while assorted arms and ammunition were also recovered.

Between 10 April and 14 April, troops, while conducting offensive operations, made contact with criminals in Southern Ijaw and Aniocha South Local Government Areas (LGAs) of Bayelsa and Delta, respectively.

During the operations, troops arrested criminals and recovered arms and ammunition as well as large quantity of natural gas resources.

Similarly, on 11 April and 13 April, troops, acting on credible intelligence, arrested nine suspected vandals/kidnapers in Onelga and Ndoni LGAs of Rivers as well as Uvwie, Warri South and Aniocha South LGAs of Delta.

They also effected arrest of five criminals in Ikom LGA of Cross River as well as Southern Ijaw LGA of Bayelsa, he said.

(NAN)

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The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), on Wednesday, presented its first prosecution witness in the trial of a Sierra Leonean national charged with failing to declare $90,000 cash that was with him on his arrival at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA), Ikeja, Lagos, in March this year.

The prosecution witness, Danladi Ibrahim, who is an operative of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), told the trial Federal High Court in Lagos, how he interrogated the Sierra Leonean man, Ahmed Shaw, on his arrival at the airport and discovered the hidden currency notes.

On 3 March 2025, at the new arrival hall of MMIA, I intercepted Alhaji Ahmed Shaw. I asked him where he was coming from and he said Sierra Leone. I then requested his passport. Thereafter, I conducted a search, and found the money concealed in his hand luggage, Mr Ibrahim told the trial judge, Deinde Dipeolu.

PREMIUM TIMES reported that Mr Shaw was arraigned on 4 April after his arrest by the NDLEA at the MMIA for his failure to declare $90,000 hidden in his luggage. EFCC said failure to make the declaration constituted an offence contrary to and punishable under Section 3(5) of the Money Laundering (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022.

Section 3(5) of the Money Laundering (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022 stipulates states that any individual who falsely declares or fails to declare funds or negotiable instruments to the Nigerian Customs Service, as required under the Foreign Exchange (Monitoring and Miscellaneous Provisions) Act, commits an offence.

The law requires individuals arriving in Nigeria to declare any foreign currency or negotiable instruments exceeding $10,000 or its equivalent to the Nigerian Customs Service (NCS).

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Upon conviction, such an individual is liable to forfeit the undeclared funds or instruments and may face imprisonment for a minimum of two years, or both penalties.

Mr Shaw pleaded not guilty to the charges after which he was remanded at a correctional centre.

Witness recounts event

A statement from the EFCC providing highlights of Wednesdays proceedings said the witness first prosecution witenss, Mr Ibrahim, informed the court that the defendant had claimed that the funds found were meant for a business trip.

Led in evidence by the prosecution lawyer, Z.B. Atiku, the witness also noted the money, upon its discovery, was counted in the presence of Mr Shaw, his lawyer, the arresting officer and the exhibit officer.

The prosecution counsel then tendered the extra-judicial statement obtained from the defendant in the NDLEA custody, a transfer note from the NDLEA to the EFCC, and the $90,000 cash as exhibits.

However, the defence team objected to the admissibility of the transfer note from the NDLEA to the EFCC, arguing that the witness was not the author of the document.

On the basis of the objection, the prosecution lawyer withdrew the letter.

Cross-examination

Under cross-examination by the defence, the witness was asked if he saw the defendant finish his clearance from the Immigration Service, and why he singled him out of other passengers.

Responding, the witness said, He was profiled and asked routine questions, including where he was coming from and what he does for a living.

He said he was a businessman but I was not satisfied with his response. So, I ordered my officers to search him.

When asked if the defendant showed proof that he was a businessman, the witness said  No.

Also asked if there were officers from other agencies such as the Nigeria Customs Service around him on that day. Responding, the witness said he could not respond to the question because he was at his own duty post.

It is my duty to do the investigation. Mine was to question whether the money was declared and the defendant did not respond to that question appropriately, the said.

The trial judge adjourned proceedings till 7 May for continuation of trial.

Cases of non-declaration of funds

Many travellers still flout the law mandating the declaration of funds exceeding $10,000 on arrival in Nigeria. The law is an anti-money laundering measure to curb the movement of suspicious funds.

PREMIUM TIMES reported how Agudosi Okechukwu was found with 8,020 and $704 that he did not declare on arrival at the MMIA. Mr Okechukwu was arrested in December 2024 at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Ikeja, Lagos by operatives of the Nigerian Customs Service (NCS) and subsequently handed over to the EFCC.

Similarly, PREMIUM TIMES reported in March how a woman was convicted for failing to declare over $1.15 million and SDR135,900 (Saudi Riyal) on her arrival in Nigeria from Saudi Arabia.

The woman, Hauwa Ibrahim, said she was deceived into bringing the box containing the undeclared funds into Nigeria, trusting the owners.

Ms Ibrahim recounted how she was approached by a man, Nafiu in Saudi Arabia to enlist her help in carrying a box to Nigeria to a woman whose name was not disclosed.

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The Federal High Court in Ikoyi, Lagos, has ordered the final forfeiture of about N6.67 billion worth of a mortgage banks shares and other funds described as proceeds of a Ponzi scheme.

The 2,041,087,747 share units of Livingtrust Mortgage Bank Plc, formerly known as Omoluabi Mortgage Bank Plc, were traced to Cititrust Holdings Plc, a suspected Ponzi scheme operator, and its subsidiaries, a statement from the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), said Wednesday. The shares were valued at about N6.67 billion (N6,674,356,932.69).

The statement added that the judge, Friday Ogazi, issued the forfeiture order on Tuesday. In addition to the forfeited shares, the judge also ordered the final forfeiture of about N42.5 million (N42,461,096.66) and $26.44 in cash, both traced to Cititrust Holdings Plc and its subsidiaries.

The final forfeiture order followed the courts earlier order of interim forfeiture of the assets. In the earlier ruling, the court ordered the publication of the interim forfeiture order in a national newspaper inviting any interested parties to show cause why the assets should not be finally forfeited to the victims.

EFCCs lawyer, Ahmad Usman, informed the judge that the commission had published Cititrust Holdings Plc and some of its subsidiaries as part of the companies being prosecuted for operating as a Ponzi scheme.

In March, PREMIUM TIMES reported EFCCs publication of 58 Ponzi scheme operators, including Cititrust Holdings Plc.

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Mr Usman said the mortgage banks shares and the seized funds were found to be proceeds of several investors funds.

Final forfeiture proceedings

Moving the application for the final forfeiture of the assets on Tuesday, EFCCs lawyer, Mr Usman, chronicled the history of the now forfeited shares until they were acquired by Cititrust Holdings.

The shares were initially purchased from Osun State Government by Cititrust, using some Special Purpose Vehicles (SPVs) and later harmonised and transferred to the name of Cititrust Holdings Plc, he added.

The respondent, Cititrust Holdings Plc, however, filed a motion and an affidavit opposing the EFCCs application for the final forfeiture of the assets.

But the judge dismissed Cititrusts application and the affidavit, which it filed to show cause why the assets should not be permanently forfeited to the federal government.

In his ruling, the judge affirmed there was merit in EFCCs application and went on to order the permanent forfeiture of the assets. Adjudging EFCCs application meritorious, the judge ordered the final forfeiture of the assets to the victims.

The judge also ordered that the victims be paid what is due to them and the remainder, if any, be forfeited to the Federal Government of Nigeria.

The thriving scam

Ponzi schemes thrive in Nigeria, despite repeated warnings by law enforcement agencies and financial regulatory bodies against dealing with unregistered investment platforms offering too-good-to-be-true returns on investments.

Platforms like the Cryptocurrency Exchange (CBEX), which recently collapsed, prey on the allure of quick and high returnsoffering as much as 100 per cent profit within a month.

CBEX, like many others, operated under the guise of legitimacy, using referral bonuses and promises of AI-powered trading to attract investors.

However, as with all Ponzi schemes, the system relied on a fragile balance of deposits and withdrawals, which inevitably tipped when withdrawals exceed deposits, leaving countless victims in financial distress.

PREMIUM TIMES reported on Wednesday how the recent crash of CBEX left many victims in tears.

This mirrors the infamous MMM crash in 2016, where Nigerians lost billions.

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Senate President Godswill Akpabio has endorsed Governor Umo Eno of Akwa Ibom State for a second term, reciprocating the governors gesture in endorsing President Bola Tinubu for a second term.

On Tuesday, Mr Eno endorsed Mr Tinubu for a second term, stressing that the president will complete eight years and promised to mobilise support for its actualisation.

Less than 24 hours later, Mr Akpabio acknowledged the governors gesture and remarked that Mr Eno has broken the record.

Sir, for doing that, I am a member of the All Progressives Congress. I am speaking for the elders and to tell you we are also going to support you for a second term, Mr Akpabio said, prompting applause from the governor.

We will support you in whatever aspiration you have. Yesterday, you broke a record by being the first opposition governor to declare support for a second term bid of Mr Tinubu, he added.

The Senate President, represented by Saviour Enyiekere, chairperson of the National Assembly Service Commission, made the endorsement in his Goodwill message at the public lecture organised by the Faculty of Social Science, University of Uyo, on Tuesday.

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Governor Eno, an alumnus of the institution, who recently bagged a doctorate degree in political science with specialisation in public administration, was the guest lecturer at the ceremony.

He lectured on the theme Leading Economic Development in Sub-Nationals of the Nigerian Federation, the Arise Agenda.

Mr Akpabio, in his goodwill message, said the governor has shown governance, love and humility in all aspects.

Arise Agenda

The Arise Agenda is Mr Enos ambitious economic blueprints for the people of Akwa Ibom State, with Agricultural revolution and rural development aimed at reducing rural-urban migration as a major focus.

At the ceremony, Mr Eno said the blueprints was prepared mostly by professors and teachers of the university and described it as a product of the University of Uyo.

The governor in his lecture said the blueprints is to chart a sustainable development path through deliberate development in agriculture, rural development, infrastructure, security management, and educational advancement.

Speaking on politics, Mr Eno said his government is focusing on an all-inclusive government and does not draw a political line.

Since assuming office, I have tried to run an all-inclusive governance, and I have tried to bring peace between past and present leadership so that we can have an atmosphere of peace without rancor.

We do not fight among ourselves. We play politics with maturity and deep respect for our leaders, he said, adding that it would remain his trajectory as long as he remains governor of the state.

Reechoing his Tuesday comments while endorsing Mr Tinubu for a second term, Mr Eno said he sees politics as a platform to run an action.

Parties do not define who you are, it is what you are that you take to the party, and so no should deceive me any political party is better than another, he said, stressing that parties only amplify who you are.

Mr Eno at the event promised to construct a building housing the faculty of social sciences and undertake 50 per cent cost of fencing the university campus, a move he said would checkmate land encroachment by the nearby communities.

Governor Eno has, since assuming office, embraced opposition party members, particularly Senate President, Mr Akpabio and the Minister of State for Petroleum (Gas), Ekperikpo Ekpo, prompting many to say that the governor may be planning to defect to the APC.

The governor had earlier endorsed Mr Akpabio for a fresh term in the Senate.

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A magistrates court in Apapa, Lagos, has freed 17-year-old Alabi Quadri, who went viral ahead of the 2023 general elections for standing in front of the convoy of former Labour Party presidential candidate, Peter Obi.

The magistrate, Adetola Olorunfemi, ordered teenager Alabis release on Thursday, following legal advice from the Lagos State Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP).

Human rights lawyer and activist, Inibehe Effiong, confirmed the development in a statement issued on Wednesday.

He noted that the Nigerian Correctional Service would produce teenager Quadri before the Apapa magistrates courtSikiru Adagun Courthouse (Court No. 9), Orege, Ajegunleby 9 a.m. on Thursday.

I am pleased to share that Quadri Alabi is going to be produced by the authorities of the Nigerian Correctional Service before the Court tomorrow by 9 a.m., Mr Effiong said in the statement.

Mr Effiong had revealed that he had visited the magistrates court in the Apapa Magisterial District, on 9 April, to ascertain the circumstances surrounding teenager Alabis arrest and continued detention.

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I can confirm that Alabi has been in detention since January. He was abducted by Area Boys close to his home while returning from work, Mr Effiong stated.

According to him, both Alabi and his mother believe his ordeal was triggered by a long-standing grudge held by local youths who felt entitled to a portion of a monetary gift he received after the viral encounter with Mr Obi.

His painful walk to prison can be attributed to the prolonged malice nursed by some self-acclaimed area boys of his locality who felt entitled to a share of the unexpected fortune that came Alabis way when he halted and stood in front of the convoy of Mr Peter Obi during the last electioneering campaign, Mr Effiong explained.

Mr Effiong said that the teenager had been held since January after being abducted near his home by local thugs he identified as Lege and Baba Waris who allegedly harboured resentment over financial donations Alabi received following his viral encounter with Mr Obi.

These self-acclaimed area boys felt entitled to a share of the unexpected fortune that came Alabis way and orchestrated a diabolical frame-up to punish him, Mr Effiong stated.

The teenager was taken to the Amukoko (Pako) Police Station by the group, who accused him of being involved in a street fight.

No evidence

The police subsequently charged him and four others, who, Mr Effiong said, the teenager did not knowwith armed robbery.

His case was initially scheduled for hearing on 28 April. However, Mr Effiong disclosed that he and the DPP had jointly requested an earlier date, which the court granted.

The DPPs legal advice, however, stated that there was no evidence to support the charge, leading to the courts decision to release him.

READ ALSO: Peter Obi urges Tinubu to quickly return to Nigeria from France

In his legal advice, the DPP recommended the non-prosecution of Quadri. The presiding magistrate accordingly discharged him today, Mr Effiong wrote in a post on X.

He added that despite teenager Quadri being a minor, the police had recorded his age as 18 and remanded him with adults.

The case drew public attention earlier this month after it was spotlighted by Hassana Nurudeen, co-founder of the Ray of Hope Prison Outreach.

Mr Effiong has since called for disciplinary action against officers at the Amukoko Police Station, including the Divisional Police Officer and Investigating Police Officer.

He also demanded a public apology and N100 million in compensation for what he described as a gross miscarriage of justice.

Quadris case is a painful example of the putrefying corruption, monstrous impunity, and pervasive injustice in the Nigeria Police Force, Mr Effiong said.

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A ruling from the Independent National Electoral Commission appears to have squashed the recall attempt against Kogi Central Senator, Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan. The commissions report shows just how challenging Nigerias recall law is, thanks to one provision that stands out compared to other countries that regularly use the electoral device.

While they may seem like an unusual weapon  the Los Angeles Times once called it freak legislation  recalls have become a very popular electoral tool across the globe. The United States of America, which only allows recalls at the state and local level, had almost 100 officials forced to an early ballot last year, with 77 of them losing office. The country has held some of the most prominent recalls, including the 2003 recall effort in California that led to the election of movie star Arnold Schwarzenegger as Governor.

But the device has been active throughout the world. In the 21st Century alone, there also have been recall votes against the Presidents of Mexico, Venezuela and Romania, as well as mayors of Frankfurt, Germany; Lima, Peru; Warsaw, Poland and Kaohsiung, Taiwan. The United Kingdom adopted a recall law in 2015 and has already seen it used four times. Canada had its first recall election ever two years ago. And Taiwans legislature is currently undergoing an all-out recall battle, with duelling petitions taken out against 79 members of the Yuan (parliament).

Wherever recalls exist, the signature collection requirement is generally the biggest challenge stopping recalls. But the percentage totals to get a recall on the ballot in other places are frequently a fraction of what Nigeria requires. In the United States, the different states use either a percentage of voter turnout for the position at the last election or a percentage of the registered voters. The US state requirements range from 10 per cent to 25 per cent of voters. And most recall efforts fail. In a country where paying people to collect signatures for ballot measures is a regular part of the political process, somewhere between two-thirds and three-quarters of threatened recalls do not get enough signatures to lead to an election.

In other countries, the bar is also much lower. In the UK and Taiwan, the bar is set at 10 per cent of registered voters. Venezuela has a 20 per cent minimum. Mexico requires only 3 per cent.

What separates Nigerias recall from many of these countries is the very high hurdle to get on the ballot. Nigerias Constitution requires that petitioners collect the signatures and thumbprints of over 50 per cent of registered voters in the targeted jurisdiction. In Mrs Akpoti-Uduaghans case, that works out to 237,278 voters. Petitioners managed to get 208,132 signatures, just missing this high bar.

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In most countries that have recall campaigns, there are complaints about their usage. That is certainly the case in Nigeria, where Mrs Akpoti-Uduaghan is seen as facing the recall due to speaking out about mistreatment of women political figures. Having a high signature requirement is one way to cut back. Some voters and certainly many politicians may appreciate the fact that it is not easy to qualify a recall for the ballot. But Nigerias requirement, which is one of the highest, makes a recall exceedingly unlikely to occur.

Joshua Spivak is a Senior Fellow at the Hugh L. Carey Institute for Government Reform at Wagner College and a Senior Research Fellow at Berkeley Laws California Constitution Center. He is the author of Recall Elections: From Alexander Hamilton to Gavin Newsom.

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A former Chairperson of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Enugu State, Ben Nwoye, has resigned from the party.

Mr Nwoye, a lawyer, announced his resignation at a press briefing in Enugu on Thursday.

He served as the chairperson of the APC in the state between 2014 and 2021.

Why I resigned

Mr Nwoye explained that his resignation was in response to deep internal crises and leadership disintegration in the party.

The former chairperson regretted that the APC he helped to build had lost its cohesion and purpose.

The bunch of brooms which we painstakingly tied together in 2013 has loosened and permanently scattered, he said, referring to the APC symbol.

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At least four different political parties merged to form the APC 2013 ahead of the 2015 general elections.

Vindictive politics

Mr Nwoye, at the press briefing, condemned the APC leadership in the South-east which he accused of prioritising vindictive politics over growth and inclusion.

The politician said instead of expanding the APCs reach, the leadership of the party in the region has been focused on suppressing dissenting voices and perceived political enemies.

He also lamented the existence of factions within the party in Enugu, pointing out that two rival camps were currently fighting for control.

Mr Nwoye said while one faction of the party was being backed by a court ruling and the other was persisting in open defiance.

He alleged that the APCs national leadership was ignoring the crisis in the party and failing to act on repeated calls for reconciliation by party elders.

The former APC chairperson claimed that loyal party members who disagreed with the national leadership have been treated with disdain and described them as prisoners of political war.

I have engaged in extensive consultations with my grassroots followers and I have come to the conclusion that it is time to move on, he said.

I refuse to be a political prisoner.

Marginalisation of South-east in APC

Mr Nwoye further accused the APC national leadership of marginalising party chieftains from the South-east.

Giving instances of the alleged marginalisation, the former chairperson claimed the party had sidelined a former Minister of Labour, Chris Ngige and a former governorship candidate in Abia State, Emenike Ikechi.

He did not mention the next political party he will be joining. But there are speculations that he was considering the Peoples Democratic Party.

Background

The APC in Enugu State has been enmeshed in a leadership crisis in recent years which has resulted in the split of the party into two factions.

A faction was being led by a former President of the Nigerian Senate, Ken Nnamani, while the other faction was led by the embattled Chairperson of the APC in the state, Ugochukwu Agballah.

Mr Agballah has the backing of the Minister of Science and Technology, Uche Nnaji, as well as the partys national leadership.

In 2023, the faction led by Mr Agballah suspended some members of the rival faction.

Shortly after, the APCs National Vice Chairperson, South-east, Ijeomah Arodiogbu, ratified the suspension.

Mr Nwoye, who was among those suspended from the party, later dismissed the suspension, calling on Mr Arodiogbo to investigate the allegations of anti-party activities against them.

In February 2025, the faction led by Mr Nnamani announced the expulsion of Mr Agballah and eight others from the party.

The faction of the party claimed that Mr Agballah and other expelled members had consistently disobeyed the orders of a high court that restrained them from parading themselves as executive members of the party in the state.

Mr Agballah later dismissed the expulsion.

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The Kogi Police Command on Thursday confirmed that gunmen attacked Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghans (PDP-Kogi Central) family residence in Obeiba Community in Okehi Local Government Area.

The State Commissioner of Police, Miller Dantawaye, who confirmed this in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Lokoja on Thursday, said that the incident occurred on Tuesday night.

The command has been fully briefed on the unfortunate and criminal incident by the Okehi LGA Divisional Police Officer. So far, no arrest has been made.

Investigation into the incident has begun and we shall get to the root of it. We will deal with those criminal elements that carried out the attack, the police commissioner said.

Mrs Akpoti-Uduaghan, who spoke on the incident, said: The gunmen assumed she was in town and so attacked my family house that Tuesday night.

During the attack, security operatives and community members responded promptly and chased them off.

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No one was hurt. A report on the incident was quickly made at the police area command of the LGA, she said .

A statement from Mrs Akpoti-Uduaghans Media team described the attack as a calculated attack to silence the senator.

We urge the Inspector-General of Police to immediately reinstate her security details for safety, considering this heinous attack.

We condemn the brazen attack on Sen. Akpoti-Uduaghans family house in Obeiba-Ihima, Kogi on Tuesday, April 15.

We call on the public to remain calm.. Her dedication to speak the truth and represent her constituents should not be met with violence and intimidation, the statement read.

(NAN)

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The Police Command in Edo State has confirmed the killing of one Friday Pius and the abduction of his pregnant wife and her sister by suspected kidnappers in Edo.

The incident happened in Uluoke community, Uzairue, Etsako West Local Government Area of the state.

The commands spokesperson, Moses Yamu, said police operatives have been deployed to the area.

According to him, the operatives are working with local vigilantes and hunters to rescue the kidnapped victims and apprehend the attackers.

The Command is aware. Necessary deployments have been made in that regard. Our men have sustained bush combing and rescue operations with a view to rescuing the victims, Mr Yamu stated.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the incident occurred in the early hours of Monday, when gunmen stormed the residence of the deceased between 1 a.m. and 2 a.m.

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Witnesses said the assailants shot Mr Pius dead and kidnapped his pregnant wife and her sister, leaving behind his three children crying beside their fathers corpse.

Residents were said to have been afraid to respond to the gunshots until the attackers had fled.

When people finally came out after the gunfire stopped, the man was found in a pool of his own blood, and his wife and her sister had been taken away, a community source said.

In response to the incident, the source said women from the community took to the streets in protest, demanding improved security and government intervention.

One of the protesting women, who identified herself as Rashidetu, said the protest was not just about the killing and kidnapping, but the general insecurity in the area.

We cant go to our farms anymore. Herdsmen have taken over, uprooting cassava to feed their cows and kidnapping or killing anyone who tries to stop them, she said.

She called on the security agencies to urgently address the growing insecurity in the area, noting that residents now live in fear and have lost access to their livelihoods.

(NAN)

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President Bola Tinubu will return to Nigeria after the Easter holidays, his spokesperson, Bayo Onanuga, has said.

His return to Abuja and the resumption of duties at Aso Villa will follow the conclusion of the Easter holiday, the spokesperson wrote in a Thursday statement.

The federal government had declared Friday and Monday public holidays to mark this years Easter celebration.

Mr Onanuga was responding to criticisms that have trailed Mr Tinubus trip to France since 2 April and the unfortunate incidents that have occurred in the country during the period.

One such incident is the killing of dozens of people by suspected armed herders in Plateau State.

On Wednesday, opposition politician Peter Obi urged the president to suspend all his engagements in France and rush home to address the disturbing issues facing the country.

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Mr Obi made the call in a statement posted on his X handle on Wednesday.

In his Thursday statement, Mr Onanuga said Mr Tinubu remained fully engaged in Nigerias governance even though he was away in Europe.

His absence remains temporary and in line with the communicated timeframe of approximately two weeks, he wrote.

He said the president left Paris for London at the weekend and had maintained constant communication with key government officials.

(He is) overseeing critical national matters, including directives to security chiefs to address emerging threats in some parts of the country.

READ ALSO: Peter Obi urges Tinubu to quickly return to Nigeria from France

The presidents commitment to his duties remains unwavering, and his administration continues to function effectively under his leadership.

We appreciate the publics concern and assure all Nigerians that governance proceeds without interruption, Mr Onanuga stated.

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The Nigerian Army has appointed Appolonia Anele as its first female director of Army Public Relations in an acting capacity.

Ms Anele, a lieutenant colonel, was one time Public Relations Officer in the Office of the Chief of Army Staff, during the tenure of retired Tukur Buratai.

This is the first time a female officer would be appointed to hold such a position in the history of the Nigerian Army.

According to the Ministry of Defence website, the history of the Nigerian Army dates back to 1863 when Lt. Glover of the Royal Navy selected 18 indigenes from the Northern part of the country and organised them into a local force.

An insider source told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) that the new spokesperson would take over on 22 April, from the outgoing spokesperson, Onyema Nwachukwu, a major general.

Mr Nwachukwu has been posted to the Nigerian Army Heritage and Future Centre.

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Ms Anele is a member of Direct Regular Course 15 and a member of the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations (NIPR).

READ ALSO:Gunmen wearing army uniform abduct entrepreneur

Apart from her role in the Office of the Chief of Army Staff, she has served as the Public Relations Officer at the Defence Space Administration (DSA), and recently served in the Department of Civil-Military Relations at the Defence Headquarters.

Her appointment marks a significant milestone in the history of the Nigerian army and had distinguished the service as a gender responsive force.

(NAN)

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The Federal High Court in Lagos Thursday convicted a businessman and his company of refusing to accept naira as a legal tender.

The judge, Akintayo Aluko, convicted Aniogor Obiajulu and his firm, ICE BY CW, after they pleaded guilty on Thursday to the two counts preferred against them.

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) had charged them with rejecting naira as legal tender, while accepting $10,000 for the sale of diamond Clover bracelet in Lagos last December. It also charged the defendants with money laundering for retaining the $10,000, knowing it to be proceeds of crimes.

Mr Aluko sentenced Mr Obiajulu to six months imprisonment for the first count, although with an option of N50,000 fine.

He also sentenced him to four years imprisonment for the money laundering offence alleged in the second count, but also with an option of N1 million fine.

He ordered permanent forfeiture of the Diamond Clover bracelet, the subject of the transaction, to the Federal Government of Nigeria.

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The judgement comes days after a judge of the Federal High Court in Lagos, Alexander Owoeye, convicted another jewelry seller, Precious Uzondu, of refusing to accept naira for the sale a bracelet last December.

The convict accepted $5,700 for the sale of a Cartier diamond bracelet to an EFCC undercover agent, who disguised as a customer.

The judge imposed a N50,000 fine as sentence for the first count.

He also sentenced the defendant to four years imprisonment, though with an option of N600,000 fine, for the second count.

Road to Thursdays conviction

Earlier on Thursday, Mr Obiajulu pleaded guilty to the charges for himself and his firm.

In the first count, the EFCC accused him and his firm, ICE BY CW, of refusing to accept naira by accepting $10,000 for the sale of diamond Clover bracelet in Lagos on 10 December 2024.

The prosecution said the act constituted an offence contrary to and punishable under Section 20(1) of the Central Bank of Nigeria Act, 2007.

The legal provision criminalises refusal to accept naira as a means of payment for goods and services in Nigeria. However, this only applies in Nigeria and does extend to international trade.

In the second count, EFCC charged the defendants with retaining the $10,000 considered as proceeds of the crime: pricing and accepting the United States dollars as a means of payment for goods and services. The money laundering offence is said to be contrary to Section 18 (2) (d) of the Money Laundering (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022 and punishable under Section 18 (3) of the same Act.

While section 18(2) (d) of the anti-money laundering law criminalises the acquisition, retention and use of funds obtained from unlawful activities by anyone, section 18 (3) of the Act prescribes four years imprisonment for such a person or a fine not less than five times the value of the proceeds of the crime.

Following the defendants guilty plea, prosecution counsel, C.C. Okezie, tendered, in evidence, the payment receipt of the bracelet dated 10 December 2024, the defendants extrajudicial statement dated 27 December 2024 and the Diamond bracelet.

Mr Okezie also urged the court to convict the defendant as charged, a call the court heeded.

Concerns about dollarisation of Nigerias economy

The case, like the one earlier in the week, highlights the concerning dollarisation of Nigerias economy, where the US dollar is widely and openly used alongside the naira. This has thrived despite the criminalisation of the act.

The Nigerian authorities have blamed the widespread use of the naira for its contribution to exchange rate instability in the country.

In October last year, Olawale Edun, Nigerias minister of finance and coordinating minister of the economy, said the Nigerian government was making key efforts to de-dollarise the economy amid plans to strengthen the local currency.

Mr Edun said this on the sidelines of the World Bank/IMF annual meetings in Washington DC.

The minister said the move was part of efforts by the fiscal authorities to complement the efforts of the monetary policy authorities and drive necessary economic reforms.

There is also a move to dedollarise the Nigerian economy, Mr Edun said, adding that local providers of services, regulators, and others are being asked to invoice in Naira rather than dollars.

It reduces the value for dollar and of course increases the demand for Naira, he explained.

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The West African Examinations Council (WAEC) has announced that a total of 1.97 million candidates will participate in Nigerias first-ever Computer-Based Test (CBT) version of the West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE) for school candidates.

This marks a significant expansion from its initial implementation for private candidates in 2024, where 8,285 individuals participated in the first series of the computer-based examination.

Head of the Nigeria National Office of WAEC, Amos Dangut, disclosed this during a press briefing held at the councils national office in Yaba, Lagos, on Thursday.

Mr Dangut said the maiden edition of the CBT WASSCE would be held between Thursday, 24 April and Friday, 20 June, across the country.

He revealed that the exam will involve 1,973,253 students from 23,554 schools nationwide. Of this number, 979,228 are males (49.63 per cent) while 994,025 are females (50.37 per cent), indicating a continuing rise in female participation.

The examination will feature 74 subjects and 196 papers, with over 26,000 senior secondary school teachers engaged as supervisors nationwide.

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Need for CBT

According to Mr Dangut, the digital exams are aimed at improving the integrity of the assessment process and combating widespread malpractice.

It will interest you to know that from this year, two candidates will not have the same questions on each number. We have adopted this innovation for some of the WASSCE codes, he said.

This initiative is part of the paradigm shift in the education sector, particularly the adoption of current test administration techniques geared towards upholding the academic and moral integrity of the National Policy on Education and in line with the vision of the Federal Ministry of Education.

Mr Dangut also revealed that the council has revoked the licences of 574 schools that were found guilty of examination malpractices.

Security, crackdown on malpractice

Mr Dangut acknowledged past security challenges that disrupted examinations in parts of the country but noted that WAEC is working closely with the Nigeria Police Force and state governments to ensure a smooth and hitch-free examination process.

Conducting examinations in such situations has been challenging, though surmounted, he said.

The council also warned candidates, supervisors, and schools to comply strictly with examination regulations.

Mr Dangut emphasised that the 2025 examination would feature pre-printed paper variations unique to each candidate.

Any candidate who chooses to write a paper other than the one assigned will bear the consequences, he warned.

He also cautioned against the patronage of rogue websites and assured that WAEC would continue to partner with the police to clamp down on those behind such platforms.

Digital support for candidates

To support students in preparing for the new exam format, WAEC has introduced several digital learning tools, including the WAEC E-Study Portal, WAEC E-Learning Portal, and WAEC Konnect.

These platforms provide access to past questions, marking schemes, performance analysis, and direct updates for candidates and stakeholders.

WAEC has also compiled past question papers and chief examiners reports for various subjects to help candidates understand expectations and improve performance, he added.

Result, certification timeline

The council assured that the results of the 2025 WASSCE would be released 45 days after the conclusion of the exam.

Candidates will be able to access digital copies of their certificates within 90 days via the WAEC Digital Certificate platform.

Mr Dangut reaffirmed WAECs commitment to conducting a credible examination in partnership with the Federal Ministry of Education, state ministries, security agencies, and other stakeholders.

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As Nigeria grapples with the impacts of climate change, stakeholders are calling for urgent, cross-sectoral action to safeguard the countrys future.

This stakeholders made the call at a one-day conversation and report presentation in Abuja on Thursday, where the Nigeria Climate Innovation Centre (NCIC) unveiled its Nigeria climate impact outlook.

The event brought together climate advocates, development partners, journalists, and innovators to discuss practical solutions for building a more sustainable future for the country.

NCIC led the dialogue in collaboration with Connected Development (CODE), the Centre for Journalism, Innovation and Development (CJID), and the Global Initiative for Food Security and Ecosystem Preservation (GIFSEP).

In his welcome address, Bankola Oloruntoba, chief executive officer of NCIC, stressed the importance of moving beyond identifying climate challenges to implementing practical solutions.

Mr Oloruntoba noted that the new climate report unveiled at the event outlines both the consequences of inaction and the possibilities that lie in proactive climate solutions.

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He described the document as a critically designed roadmap for the countrys response to climate change.

He urged everyone to pay attention to the findings as they provide detailed, actionable insights for policymakers, businesses, and communities to better prepare for the anticipated impacts of climate change.

Mr Oloruntoba also emphasised that finance is crucial in building Nigerias green economy, asserting that impact without finance does not stand a chance.

He also noted that NCIC is committed to working with various stakeholders, from government to academia, the private sector, and households, to create innovative models that drive climate resilience.

He reiterated the importance of collaboration across multiple sectors, including the government, private sector, civil society, and the international community.

He explained that Nigerias vulnerability to climate change is rapidly increasing, and therefore, a unified, cross-sectoral approach is key to addressing the issue to ensure a sustainable, climate-resilient future for Nigeria.

Climate policies key to sustainable change

According to World Bank projections for a very high emissions scenario, Nigeria is likely to experience a significant rise in temperatures, reaching between 2.9 degrees Celsius and 5.7 degrees Celsius by 2100.

The country ranks 154 out of 181 in the ND-GAIN 2021 index, which assesses vulnerability and resilience to climate change.

In her goodwill message, Felicia Dairo, the project manager at CJID, focused on the urgent need to address climate change in Nigeria.

Ms Dairo stated that the devastating effects of climate change, such as rising temperatures, prolonged droughts, and extreme flooding, are increasingly impacting vulnerable communities across the country.

She added that these communities are already contending with poverty and limited access to essential resources, which makes them particularly susceptible to the escalating impacts of climate change.

She stressed the importance of developing climate policies that are not only evidence-based but also inclusive.

She explained that it is an essential policy reflecting the realities and needs of local communities, often excluded from policy discussions.

She argued that without involving these communities in the policymaking process, solutions will be ineffective and fail to address the root causes of vulnerability.

Ms Dairo also highlighted that the CJID plays a role in advancing climate change awareness and advocacy across Nigeria through its various media platforms.

She also expressed concern and urged continued commitment to the cause, as the actions taken today will shape the world that future generations will inherit.

Importance of international partnerships, youth engagement

The Finnish Ambassador to Nigeria, Sanna Selin, highlighted Finlands commitment to global climate action and the importance of international partnerships in tackling climate change.

Ms Selin affirmed that climate change is a shared global challenge, and no nation can solve it in isolation.

Finland, she explained, has made significant strides in reducing its carbon footprint and promoting sustainable practices across various sectors, including energy, waste management, and agriculture.

Ms Selin provided a detailed overview of Finlands pioneering work in renewable energy and clean technologies.

She explained that the country has invested heavily in green innovation to reduce emissions and promote sustainability.

She mentioned that, through collaboration, both Finland and Nigeria can benefit from each others strengths, particularly in renewable energy, where Nigeria has vast untapped potential.

Recognising the importance of youth engagement, she said that young people are key to the future, and their innovative ideas and enthusiasm are essential to developing sustainable solutions.

She, therefore, encouraged Nigeria to invest in youth education and capacity-building to ensure that the next generation is equipped with the skills and knowledge necessary to combat climate change effectively.

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The Minister of Foreign Affairs, Yusuf Tuggar, says Africa has a unique opportunity to benefit from the shifting global balance of power.

He made this statement on Thursday during the inauguration session of the Agora Policy Forum, held in Abuja.

According to the minister, the existing order has been unfavourable to African countries and has not provided a level playing field for the continent.

However, with Russia and China driving a shift toward a multipolar world, he emphasised that Africa must strategically position itself to take advantage of the changing global landscape.

We see the existing order deconstructing. It was an order that did not present a level playing field for Nigeria and Africa, in terms of access to financing and markets and the tools to facilitate peace, prosperity and opportunity. As that order breaks down, what follows is much less clear, he said.

Mr Tuggar also said Nigeria, as the regions key power, must actively help create a modern and dynamic order that reflects its national and shared interests.

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The responsibility is fundamentally diplomatic: securitisation shifts thinking from strategic to tactical, to a reduction in the space for dialogue, compromise and manoeuvre, he said. Security more than ever tilts towards hardware and technology. Diplomacy at its best is a very human process of interaction.

There are moments when diplomatic routes have failed, and the national interest must be defended by force. But sequencing is everything. Lives and livelihoods depend on it, he added.

An evolving foreign policy for Nigeria

PREMIUM TIMES reports that Nigeria is Africas most populous country and also has the largest economy in the region. Nigeria has thus anchored its foreign policy on playing leadership roles in Africa where it has led development and stabilisation initiatives in countries like Liberia and Sierra Leone.

On Thursday, the minister stated that although Nigerias foreign policy has traditionally been anchored on Africa as its centrepiece, the principles must evolve to reflect changing realities.

He declared that as global power shifts toward multi-polarity, Nigeria is focused on greater strategic autonomy in its international engagements.

We are strengthening our bilateral relations with emerging powers like China, India, and Brazil while maintaining constructive partnerships with the United States, the European Union, and traditional allies.

We aim to ensure that Nigeria is not merely a passive actor in global affairs but an active shaper of outcomes that align with our national interests.

He also stated that the country is priortising economic diplomacy to attract foreign investment, improve trade, and secure development financing.

The implementation of the African Continental Free Trade Area (Afcfta) presents a unique opportunity for Nigeria to consolidate its position as a regional economic hub, he said.

He further urged Nigeria to focus on evidence-based policymaking and a commitment to both national and continental advancement.

Mr Tuggar said, A nations foreign policy is only as firm as the intellectual and strategic framework that underpins it.

BELOW IS THE FULL SPEECH BY MINISTER TUGGAR AT THE EVENT.

============================



Speech by the Honourable Minister of Foreign Affairs of Nigeria, Yusuf Maitama Tuggar (OON), at the Inaugural Session of the Agora Policy Forum Nigerias Foreign Policy at a Time of Global Uncertainty. 17th April 2025.

Title: Nigerias Foreign Policy at a Time of Global Uncertainty

Distinguished Guests, Eminent Scholars, Policy Makers, and Members of the Diplomatic Community,

I am honoured to address this distinguished gathering at the Agora Policy Forum, a platform that fosters dialogue on policy imperatives for national and global progress. Today, I will speak on Nigerias Foreign Policy at a Time of Global Uncertainty, which has profound implications for Nigeria, Africa, and the broader international system.

We are gathered here at a time when the international order is undergoing significant transformation. Geopolitical tensions, economic realignments, daily tariffs and trade wars, security threats, climate change, and technological disruptions are reshaping the global landscape in ways that demand strategic recalibration from all nations. Traditional assumptions about democracy and markets are being questioned by state and non-state actors. As Africas most populous country and a key economic and diplomatic actor, Nigeria must protect and promote our values and commitment to democratic freedoms and the celebration of diversity, as we navigate these new complexities with foresight, pragmatism, and resilience.

First, I will outline how we understand the global context and how it shapes our diplomacy. I will then outline the foundational principles of our foreign policy.

Finally, I will reflect on the broader responsibilities we all share to develop and implement a diplomacy fit for purpose in a world where uncertainties too often seem to mask more hidden opportunities.

I The Global Context: An Era of Uncertainty and Multipolarity

The post-Cold War consensus that shaped global governance for the past three decades is increasingly fracturing. The resurgence of great power competition, the fragmentation of multilateralism, and the proliferation of regional conflicts have created a more unpredictable world than ever in our post-independence history.

The war in Ukraine has reshaped energy markets, disrupted supply chains, and exacerbated food insecurity, particularly for developing economies like ours.

Conflict in Sudan and the Sahel has illustrated the limits of the old rules-based order, as new state and non-state actors flex influence in areas of chronic instability.

The global economy is experiencing persistent inflationary pressures, debt crises in emerging markets, and a reconfiguration of trade partnerships.

The rise of new technologies, from artificial intelligence to digital currencies, introduces opportunities and challenges for economic governance and national security.

Climate change continues to pose an existential threat, with Africa disproportionately affected, despite contributing the least to global emissions.

In this context, Nigerias foreign policy must be dynamic. It must ensure that our national interests are protected while we remain a responsible and engaged member of the international community. And above all, foreign policy must be efficient. If diplomacy is war by other means, the terrible costs of conflict must at least partially be a measure of diplomatic failure. We should invest in capacity and exhaust all available avenues, because the alternatives are much worse. In that sense, the triumph of diplomacy should be measured as much by what we do not see, what we can avoid, and what we do see. To take examples from our history: we still reference  and rightly so  the sacrifice Nigeria made in Liberia and Sierra Leone in the 1990s, but not so much the efforts, through public diplomacy, back channels, direct engagement, third-party involvement, the balancing of principle with practical detail  all tricks in the diplomatic toolbox  that led to the transfer of power in Gambia without a drop of blood spilt.

Tragedies avoided are more easily forgotten than sacrifices made. For this reason, with defence budgets escalating around the world, we need to be reminded, even in a transactional world, that diplomacy should take the lead. It is always better to talk. We do not always deliver perfect outcomes, especially where those areas of common interest and good faith are narrow, where one side may face particular local pressures that trump what partnership might deliver. Realistic outcomes are shaped by realistic expectations.

We see the existing order deconstructing. It was an order that did not present a level playing field for Nigeria and Africa, in terms of access to financing and markets and the tools to facilitate peace, prosperity and opportunity. As that order breaks down, what follows is much less clear.

It is our responsibility, as the regions key power, to be a voice for Africa  to play our part in helping create a modern and dynamic order that reflects our national and shared interests.

And that responsibility is fundamentally diplomatic: securitisation shifts thinking from strategic to tactical, to a reduction in the space for dialogue, compromise and manoeuvre. Security more than ever tilts towards hardware and technology. Diplomacy at its best is a very human process of interaction. Of course, a strong defence capability and the unspoken jeopardy it carries can be significant assets in negotiation, and there are moments when diplomatic routes have failed that the national interest must be defended by force. But sequencing is everything. Lives and livelihoods depend on it.

II. Core Pillars of Nigerias Foreign Policy in the Contemporary Era

Nigerias foreign policy has traditionally been anchored on Africa as the centerpiece, supported by non-alignment, economic diplomacy, and global multilateralism. While these principles remain relevant, they must evolve to reflect the realities of our time. I will outline four strategic pillars that define Nigerias foreign policy approach in this period of global uncertainty.

1. Strategic Autonomy in a Multipolar World

As global power shifts toward multipolarity, Nigeria must assert greater strategic autonomy in its international engagements. We are strengthening our bilateral relations with emerging powers like China, India, and Brazil while maintaining constructive partnerships with the United States, the European Union, and traditional allies. We aim to ensure that Nigeria is not merely a passive actor in global affairs but an active shaper of outcomes that align with our national interests.

2. Economic Diplomacy and Sustainable Development

With the increasing volatility in global markets, Nigeria is prioritizing economic diplomacy to attract foreign investment, enhance trade partnerships, and secure development financing. The implementation of the African Continental Free Trade Area (Afcfta) presents a unique opportunity for Nigeria to consolidate its position as a regional economic hub.

An important case in point, especially regarding diversification and the creation of new markets, is the Trans-Saharan gas pipeline (TSGP; also known as the NIGAL pipeline and the Trans-African gas pipeline). The project is a planned natural gas pipeline from Nigeria to Algeria. The Nigeria-Morocco Gas Pipeline (NMGP) is a proposed 5,660 km long pipeline project that aims to transport natural gas from Nigeria to Morocco, potentially connecting to the European gas network via the Maghreb-Europe Gas Pipeline. Both projects present a unique opportunity to diversify Europes gas supplies  and represent potent physical symbols of Nigerias place in a new international order.

Beyond trade, economic diversification remains a core priority. To reduce overreliance on hydrocarbon revenues, we are deepening engagement with global partners in renewable energy, technology transfer, and industrialization. Economic diplomacy is not just about investment flows; it is about ensuring that Nigeria is well-positioned to benefit from emerging global value chains.

3. Security and Regional Stability

Nigerias security challenges, particularly terrorism, banditry, and piracy, cannot be addressed in isolation. Our foreign policy recognizes the transnational nature of security threats, necessitating a robust regional and international approach.

 Through ECOWAS, we have spearheaded initiatives to counter military takeovers and support democratic consolidation in West Africa.

 The Multinational Joint Task Force (MNJTF) remains a critical mechanism in our fight against terrorism and insurgency in the Lake Chad Basin. MNJTF is a clear example of a homegrown African solution to an African problem that other partners can key into. With the proper framing and preferred solutions, such an approach is invariably more effective than exogenous strategies from abroad.

 Maritime security in the Gulf of Guinea has been significantly enhanced through Nigerias Deep Blue Project and regional coordination with the African Union and international partners. Under the Tinubu administration, no single piracy incident has occurred in Nigerias territorial waters. Safer sea routes mean lower shipping and insurance costs, which in turn boost industry, jobs, and opportunities.

At a time when global security alliances are shifting, Nigeria will continue to reinforce its defence diplomacy, intelligence-sharing mechanisms, and peacekeeping contributions to promote regional and international stability.

The world needs a militarily strong Nigeria to keep our region and the African continent safe. The prevailing pay-as-you-go approach to weapons systems requires that Nigeria domesticates production with the help of willing partners. This requires deft diplomacy and diplomatic nous, which the Tinubu administration is deploying via the 4-D.

4. Multilateralism and Nigerias Global Voice

In an era of straining multilateralism, Nigeria remains committed to strengthening global institutions to ensure they are more inclusive and responsive to the needs of developing countries.

 Nigeria continues to advocate for UN Security Council reform, calling for permanent African representation to reflect contemporary global realities.

 Our participation in forums such as the G77, BRICS+, and the Commonwealth ensures that we champion the interests of the Global South in trade, climate negotiations, and financial governance.

 Climate diplomacy is a key priority as Nigeria pushes for a just transition that secures climate financing for African nations and promotes green industrialization.

Multilateral engagement is not merely about diplomacyit is about leveraging collective action to address challenges that no country can tackle, from pandemics to cyber threats.

III. Nigerias Foreign Policy and the Role of Thought Leadership

A nations foreign policy is only as firm as the intellectual and strategic framework that underpins it. This is why fora such as the Agora Policy Roundtable are invaluable. Policymakers, scholars, and industry leaders must collaborate to provide thought leadership that informs our diplomatic choices.

Nigeria must remain proactive, adaptive, and innovative in its foreign engagements as it navigates global uncertainty. Evidence-based policymaking, a long-term vision, and a commitment to national and continental advancement must underpin our strategy.

IV. Conclusion: A Call for Collective Action

Distinguished guests, Nigerias foreign policy during a time of global uncertainty is not merely about responding to external pressures but also about shaping our destiny within the international order. It is about ensuring that our economy is resilient, our security is safeguarded, and our voice is amplified in global decision-making.

As we look to the future, I urge all stakeholders, diplomats, academics, business leaders, and civil society to play their part in strengthening Nigerias global standing. The task is complex, but with strategic foresight and national unity, we will position Nigeria as a formidable force in the evolving international system.

I thank you for your attention and look forward to a robust discussion.

Amb. Yusuf Maitama Tuggar (OON)

Hon. Minister of Foreign Affairs

Federal Republic of Nigeria

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As we move closer to 2027, the actions of the children of newsworthy politicians will be a valuable lens by which we try to view and understand the political space. Well wait to see how much this currency will shape the future.

Its understandable if you have not paid attention. I cant help noticing because minding other peoples business is part of my job description. On Tuesday, the newspapers reported a spat between the children of two leading politicians, Mohammed Abubakar and Shamsudeen Bala Mohammed.

Mohammed and Shamsudeen are the children of Atiku and Bala. Atiku was Nigerias vice president, and Bala is the Bauchi State governor and chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Governors Forum.

Both are ranking members of the main opposition, PDP, a party making as much effort to find its way as it is desperate to lose it. The tweetstorm between the children of these leaders has only piled on the partys misery, and what lies ahead doesnt look pretty, especially after the PDP governors meeting in Ibadan.

Back Story

The fight between both sons is the political equivalent of the bitter sibling rivalry between Peter and Jude Okoye in the music industry  siblings now dragging themselves publicly over royalties from their once famous band, P-Square. If the PDP had any royalty left, it squandered it on the insatiable appetite of its leaders, who have eaten the present and future of the party.

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Atikus son is accusing Governor Mohammed of stabbing his father in the back when he ran for the presidency in 2023. The governors son responded that nobody plays as dirty as Atiku, whom he accused of undermining his fathers bid for a second term in Bauchi.

The tweet rage has sparked discussions about how far the children of politicians in power should go to fight publicly for or against their parents political interests, and whether or not such brawls hinder or help their parents political fortunes.

In another life, it would have been considered poor breeding for teenagers or young adults to insert themselves in a fight between adults.

For example, despite the fight-to-the-finish between MKO Abiola and military president General Ibrahim Babangida, who cancelled the 1993 presidential election won by Abiola, their children stayed mainly out of the fray. The equivalence of social media has changed all that.

Born to Rage

The pervasiveness of social media and its popularity, especially among teenagers and young adults, has increased the sense of agency among these groups and amplified their voices, however strident and deeply worrying they may get sometimes.

From the blogger and daughter of the famous Ibadan politician, Kemi Olunloyo, who recently declared on her blog that she would have nothing to do with her family again after her father died, to Bashir, an unabashedly vile tweep and the son of former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai, there is an emerging activism among the children of politicians. Its a cross between rebellion and the search for identity or the process of becoming.

Older adults who are used to nuanced, conservative methods of airing their grievances may be embarrassed, even offended, by the tweet brawl between Mohammed and Shamsudeen. Still, in the last two decades, we have seen that social media, the playground for teenagers and young adults, has also become a legitimate sphere of politics  and in the current Trumpoverse, its even a tool of diplomacy, thanks to US President Donald Trump.

The More You Look

Does it make sense? Is it always an indication of parental values or a measure of the familys stand on political issues? Neither Atiku Abubakar nor Bala Mohammed has weighed in yet. Even though their childrens public fight feels like a scene from Sons of the Caliphate, nothing they said was false. Perhaps, it was how and the speed of the venom that raised eyebrows.

Before the 2023 elections, when Atikus protege and prominent traditional titleholder in Bauchi, Bello Kirfi, fell out with Bala, the former (with former Speaker Yakubu Dogara) openly worked against Balas reelection. During the presidential primary in Abuja, Bala ran against Atiku.

The proxy war between Atikus man, Kirfi, and Bala almost cost the governor his reelection, an offence the governor will not forgive. He was saved by the skin of his teeth and the support of former Rivers State Governor Nyesom Wike and the G5, after which Mohammed stripped Kirfi of his traditional title.

Rise of Social Media

Older adults who are used to nuanced, conservative methods of airing their grievances may be embarrassed, even offended, by the tweet brawl between Mohammed and Shamsudeen. Still, in the last two decades, we have seen that social media, the playground for teenagers and young adults, has also become a legitimate sphere of politics  and in the current Trumpoverse, its even a tool of diplomacy, thanks to US President Donald Trump.

But should blog posts, often typically lacking in depth and context, become the measure of what is truly important and enduring? Do they represent more than what they are  random outbursts of fleeting thoughts from entitled or angry tribes? Or do they teach us something we need to pay attention to?

Price of Feuds

Some years ago, Bobby Goodlatte took a stand on Twitter against his father, Bob, a Republican, whom he accused of political grandstanding that led to the sacking of an FBI agent Bobby described as a patriot. For that reason, he sided with a Democrat running against his father and used social media to mobilise votes for him.

We dont even need to go far. In 2017, Moremi, daughter of Babafemi Ojudu, the former special adviser (political matters) to President Muhammadu Buhari, attacked the government, her fathers employer. Although she later apologised to her father, her action raised questions about who she was speaking for. Yet, everyone knows its a generation that wears its emotions on its sleeve.

High-profile family disputes or squabbles amongst the children of political heavyweights can amplify the controversy and undermine the politicians agenda. An example is the spectacular case of Bukola and Gbemisola in the Saraki dynasty. In cases where such children are viewed as potential successors, it could haunt them and fracture support.

Who Pays?

Seyi, son of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, who uses the handle @STinubu, last tweeted in May 2023. But his activities offline, which invariably become rich social media harvests, have generated no less interest than that of the more social-media active children of other politicians. Do these childrens actions, especially online, carry any significant political risk for their parents?

The answer is, sometimes. A 2020 media psychology study said, When people believe they are not alone in their cause, it encourages them to take action. For the children of well-known or newsworthy parents in the contentious political arena, their actions also become newsworthy by virtue of proximity to their parents and the unceasing demand for news content that will attract audience attention.

The potential impact of such feuds could range from damage to political image to loss of credibility arising from a perception of lack of parental authority and a house divided against itself.

High-profile family disputes or squabbles amongst the children of political heavyweights can amplify the controversy and undermine the politicians agenda. An example is the spectacular case of Bukola and Gbemisola in the Saraki dynasty. In cases where such children are viewed as potential successors, it could haunt them and fracture support.

Sins of the Children

Even when children are old enough to answer their own names, in largely conservative societies, the sins of the children may weigh heavily on how their parents are perceived.

The tweet by Bashir El-Rufai, for example, that the killings in Southern Kaduna would continue until the attacks on Fulani herdsmen ceased, was considered inflammatory and insensitive. It was also deemed a reflection of his fathers politics as governor for eight years.

Seyi Tinubus offline comment that his father is the greatest president in Nigerias history raised a firestorm on social media. Whatever the cost of his comment, he is unlikely to be deterred, and his actions will continue to enrich social media content in the days ahead.

As we move closer to 2027, the actions of the children of newsworthy politicians will be a valuable lens by which we try to view and understand the political space. Well wait to see how much this currency will shape the future.

Azu Ishiekwene is the Editor-in-Chief of LEADERSHIP and author of the new book, Writing for Media and Monetising It.

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Our China experience, so academically explored, was given practical expression in our visit to Chongqing, especially to Chongqing International Logistics Hub Park, a top-level planning and resource centre where BRI was born. Other economic activities such as China-Europe trains, western land-sea channel, land and sea and railway ports were also initiated there Chongqing is also called the double happiness province, but the totality of the country and its evolving transformation should represent some form of multiple happiness for both citizens and visitors alike.

On 20 March, I and three other media personalities from Nigeria embarked on a trip to Beijing, China to join 30 other media heads from eight countries for a seminar of the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) partner countries. It turned out to be a voyage of practical discovery of the Chinese experience, totally different from the Western-inspired narrative.

The event was organised by the Academy for International Business Officials (AIBO) and sponsored by the Ministry of Commerce of the Peoples Republic of China. Facilitated by the China Embassy here in Nigeria, the seminar was conceived, among other goals, to promote understanding and serve as a cultural exchange for a shared future in a global village.

However, participants got more than they bargained for. It was a peek into the Chinese character, history, economy, culture, academia, human, as well as human capital development, food, and their journey from a rural agrarian country to the worlds economic engine room. We saw evidence of the transformation of China from poverty and backwardness to strength and prosperity. Chinas challenge, bluff, and rebuff of Trumps tariffs come from a position of strength. It is a direct consequence of efficiency, efficacy, and work ethic engendering their ubiquitous effect.

Making Sense of BRI

The BRI programme, on whose platform AIBO took us to China, is a unique Chinese business model of partnering with willing countries for mutual benefits, investment opportunities, and economic development. Chinese President Xi Jinping described the BRI arrangement from the African perspective as a shared future in a new era, noting that China and Africa account for one-third of the worlds population. Without our modernisation, there will be no global modernisation.

Perhaps on account of this, the China-Africa relation has grown exponentially since 2013, when the China Belt and Road Initiative was formally launched. From Dakar to Djibouti, and Luanda to Lagos to Abuja, China has quietly developed, financed, or managed over 50 ports across Africa, many with dual-use potential (civilian and military/naval logistics). Chinese BRI engagement in its partner countries has reached $1.175 trillion.

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BRI in Africa has gained significant traction, with 53 African nations participating in varying degrees. In 2023, African countries received $21.7 billion in BRI deals, including investments in ports, railways, and renewable energy.

The BRI also presents an opportunity for sustainable development and economic growth, even as it addresses the infrastructure challenges of participating countries. Underscoring this is the $2 billion contract between Nigerias National Agency for Science and Engineering Infrastructure (NASENI) and three Chinese partners, as well as the Lagos-Kano railway, financed by China.

The media, however, remains skeptical about the accumulated BRI debt, sustainability, and environmental concerns. For them, BRI is not all milk and honey, citing the standard gauge railways as substandard and, of course, the debt overhang. As part of its agenda-setting role, the media has drawn the attention of governments to the need for caution in not trading the Wests slavery, colonialism, and imperialism for the imposition of Chinas economic burden, which could make an unborn child in Nigeria a potential debtor beholden to China.

Meanwhile, China and Africa continue to strengthen their economic cooperation through various strategic plans and initiatives within the frameworks of the BRI and the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC), a partnership platform established in 2000. This cooperation plan focuses on aligning the BRI with the African Unions Agenda 2063  a strategic framework for the socio-economic transformation of the continent.

In essence, BRI reflects the historical journey of Marco Polo, the Italian explorer, merchant, and writer whose expeditions and documentation inspired European interest in Asian cultures, trade routes, and inventions.

AIBOs Impact

AIBO, the organiser of the seminar, truly practices the concept of building a community with a shared future, having successfully organised 2,400 seminars and workshops for 60,000 officials from 160 countries and regions between 1998 and 2024. Therefore, its role cannot be overemphasised. Seeing is believing is a popular saying in Nigeria, and as AIBO graduates and ambassadors, we are now better equipped to tell the China narrative authoritatively.

The compelling inclusion of academic content, along with field visits, enhanced our experience significantly. We visited the Great Wall, Chinas historic and cultural heritage, where resilience and creativity intertwine; the All China Journalists Association (ACJA); Chongqing International Logistics Hub Exhibition Centre; Yingxiongwan village; China Daily; and the China-Africa Business Council (CABC), among others  all generating excitement among participants. The ACJA and China Daily visits offered valuable interaction and insights into the convergence of media in China, similar to the one-China policy and unanimity of purpose of the Chinese government.

Similarly, it was an opportunity to observe innovative practices in Chinese media and Chinese journalists liaison with the Western media, the establishment of an international journalists hub, how business associations guide enterprises to strengthen international communication and outreach, and reporting of news in the digital era. As a highlight of the trip, our visit to the CABC revealed the depth and enduring relationship between the two continents. We saw on display photo exhibitions of the father of modern China, Chairman of the Communist Party, Mao Zedong, who revolutionised the course of Chinese history and began the modernisation of Chinese society, birthing all that China represents today.

Chongqing: A City of Contrasts

Our China experience, so academically explored, was given practical expression in our visit to Chongqing, especially to Chongqing International Logistics Hub Park, a top-level planning and resource centre where BRI was born. Other economic activities such as China-Europe trains, western land-sea channel, land and sea and railway ports were also initiated there.

The Yangtze River economic belt, pilot free trade zone, China-Singapore strategic interconnection, and Chengdu-Chongqing double city economic circle, among others, have all been fully integrated into the BRI.

Chongqing, the mountain citys allure, is like no other; its unique topography stands as an architectural masterpiece. This 34-million-people province is a tourist haven. Variously called mountain city, city of rivers, a port city, and a UNESCO World Heritage site, Chongqing sits at the confluence of the Yangtze and Jialing Rivers, with an area of 31,800 square miles (82,400 square kilometres). Chongqing is also called the double happiness province, but the totality of the country and its evolving transformation should represent some form of multiple happiness for both citizens and visitors alike.

Chongqing is a unique blend of history, nature, and modern development, attracting visitors with its stunning mountain views, cultural heritage, and lively urban charm, as evidenced by monorails criss-crossing between houses perched on mountains by the river. With 22.8 million of its 34 million people living in urban areas, Chongqing is every tourists dream destination. A modern city built on automobiles and rail networks, Chongqing has relegated motorcycles and bicycles to a bygone past.

Yet, its countryside  what we would call a village in Nigeria or rural area in other places  brims with modernity. Our visit to Yingxiongwan village (Eye Bey), which transformed in less than 30 years and now boasts all the trappings of urbanity, was another journey into the inner recesses of the Chinese fast-paced world. Chongqings convergence of land, marine, and air transport makes it a marvelous hub of commerce. The worlds largest laptop manufacturing company is located there.

Chinese Work Culture

In China, work is seamless and endless, day and night. China functions as the worlds biggest factory. With 128 trading partners, it produces 80 per cent of Apple phones, a proudly acclaimed American product. China is greater than just its people; its tooling skills guarantee millions of engineering works and infrastructure projects. Chinese workmen renovated a massive railway station in just seven hours. Such is the magnificent power of Chinas workforce that it is referred to as the engine room of the worlds economy, the worlds factory, the worlds trading nation, and exporter with a GDP of 134.91 trillion (approximately US$18.80 trillion in 2024), second only to the US. It maintains the largest foreign exchange reserves and houses over 56 million SMEs.

Social Media Impact

The internet penetration in China is unrivaled. Short videos, movies, and internet technology communication are not one-directional as the world often assumes of China. With social media, production and innovation in Chinese movies and short videos have converged to enhance internet penetration technology. Internet users number up to 1.108 billion, and e-commerce live streaming is worth US$592 billion.

Teachers Are Revered

Another interesting revelation about the Chinese brand is its teaching workforce. The Chinese doctrine of respect, unassuming ethos, and service has elevated the teaching profession, contrary to what we experience in Nigeria where teaching is relegated and teachers are poorly paid, such that we say teachers rewards are in heaven. In China, teachers enjoy a high level of respect. Not surprisingly, 53.8 per cent of young people under 40, totalling 3.3 million teachers, work in rural areas under the silver help project. In any case, rural areas may simply be defined by population rather than by the absence of infrastructure. The countryside enjoys the same infrastructure as urban cities. Our visit to Yingxiongwan belies traditional notions of rural; it was only rural in population and distance from the city centre, yet complete with urban facilities including small-scale industries and farming.

A recent argument over one dollar being able to provide a daily meal, as espoused by President Tinubus Senior Special Adviser on Economic Affairs, Dr Tope Fasua, in relation to what that same amount can provide in the US, is worth mentioning here. A Nigerian resident in Beijing, the capital of China, told of how he spends one yuan on a meal. At the current exchange rate of slightly over N200 naira to a yuan, three square meals cost barely N650 per day. Now consider what food N650 can buy for anyone in Nigeria. This affirms Chinas food security and security generally as a lived reality and not merely a hope or prospect.

Zainab Suleiman Okino is chairman of Blueprint Editorial Board. She is a syndicated columnist and can be reached through: [email protected]

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It is estimated that approximately 70% of medical decisions are based on laboratory test results,underscoring the pivotal role that medical laboratories play within the healthcare value chain.

They are responsible for diagnosing diseases and other health conditions, aiding doctors and nurses to accurately prescribe and provide appropriate treatments for patients.

Medical laboratories have proven to be of great advantage to the healthcare system, offering various benefits in the test, diagnosis, and treatment stages. These advantages include the provision of scientific data, which allows for empirically supported decisions in patient care.

Furthermore, medical laboratories aid in choosing the least invasive and cost-effective test methods, potentially impacting the duration of hospitalisation and ultimately improving overall patient care.

Medical laboratories also play a critical role in disease control and prevention, providing information that greatly assists in maintaining public health through measures such as early detection of disease outbreaks and disease surveillance.

However, their full potential is hindered

by challenges including poor infrastructure, a shortage of trained personnel, outdated equipment, and limited access to reliable diagnostic services.

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

West Africa particularly suffers from these issues and currently faces a range of healthcare problems, including frequent disease outbreaks such as Ebola, malaria, and cholera. This highlights the increasing need for the strengthening of West Africas laboratory networks to improve disease surveillance, help combat frequent outbreaks, decrease mortality rates, and

enhance national preparedness.

WHX Labs Lagos, formerly Medlab West Africa, serves as the leading hub for laboratory innovation in the region. By bringing together advanced technology, global experts, and transformative opportunities, WHX Labs Lagos specifically is shaping the future of diagnostics

and fostering collaboration to drive progress in West Africas healthcare sector through the bolstering of the medical lab network.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, medical laboratories were instrumental in quickly identifying the causative agent of the outbreak, enabling experts to understand the viruss genetic makeup and characteristics. This understanding was key to limiting the spread of the virus and enhancing medical treatment, establishing quality control programs to ensure accurate results, validating testing methods, developing vaccines, and tracking disease progression. Medical laboratories further played a vital role in monitoring hospitalised patients with severe complications through biochemical and serological analysis.

Consequently, medical laboratory scientists were able to advise governments on containment strategies such as social distancing, overseeing sterilisation and disinfection processes, and implementing robust disease surveillance systems. These efforts enabled swift responses to the

COVID-19 outbreak, helping to prevent further widespread transmission.

With the increasing integration of artificial intelligence (AI) in the health sector, medical laboratories have undergone a significant revolution. The introduction of AI has led to remarkable improvements in the accuracy of medical image analysis and the prediction of patient outcomes.

Numerous studies utilising AI in the diagnosis of ailments such as diabetic

retinopathy and pulmonary tuberculosis have demonstrated success and accuracy, producing results comparable to those of human experts.

For countries in the West African region, building a resilient laboratory network is crucial.

Collaboration between governments, private sector players, and international organisations is key to achieving this. Governments partnering with private sector entities and international organisers can alleviate financial pressures, provide relevant courses and training for medical

laboratory scientists, and procure state-of-the-art equipment for medical laboratories, which governments might not ordinarily be able to afford within their own budgets.

Such initiatives can address the shortage of trained personnel and other issues hindering the development of better health systems in West Africa. These collaborations will foster a stronger laboratory network, ensuring that medical laboratories and laboratory scientists are well-supported and equipped to tackle disease outbreaks and better prepared to prevent future occurrences.

Events such as WHX Labs Lagos provide significant opportunities for such collaborations to occur. With numerous international companies showcasing cutting-edge technologies for the future of medical laboratories in West Africa, WHX Labs Lagos also offers valuable networking opportunities for professionals in both the private and public healthcare sectors, with the aim of encouraging knowledge-sharing and driving the advancement of medical laboratories in the region.

Medical laboratories are central to the healthcare system and are relied upon by the entire healthcare ecosystem to appropriately and accurately diagnose and treat patients. The upcoming WHX Labs Lagos scheduled for 2  4 June 2025 at Landmark Center Lagos will bring together over 500 exhibitors from around the world, creating a central meeting point for medical laboratory professionals and stakeholders to connect, innovate, strategise, explore the latest laboratory technologies, forge partnerships, build relationships, and explore solutions to enhance medical laboratories in West Africa.

Key discussions will be held during the exhibition, focusing on the critical role of medical laboratories in strengthening West Africas healthcare system. These discussions will cover topics across the medical labsector such as: Clinical Chemistry, Laboratory and Quality

Management, Clinical Microbiology and Parasitology, amongst many others. Organisations such as Health Federation of Nigeria, HFN and Private Sector Health Alliance of Nigeria, PSHAN will also be leading relevant healthcare conversations at the conference. Attendees will benefit from workshops and seminars led by health experts and the opportunity to interact directly with the latest medical laboratory technologies, which are poised to significantly impact and rapidly improve medical laboratories in West Africa.

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( Read 5501 Times)

Udaipur : HDFC Bank, Indias largest private sector bank, under its CSR arm Parivartan, has covered 298 border villages across the country under its rural development initiatives. These clusters of villages are located in border areas of Assam, Arunachal Pradesh, Bihar, Gujarat, Himachal Pradesh, J&K, Ladakh, Rajasthan, Sikkim, Uttar Pradesh, and Uttarakhand.The Bank plans to extend its reach to 150additional border villages in the years to come. These initiatives are aligned with national development goals outlined in the Centres Border Area Development Programme and Vibrant Villages Programme.

Speaking about the initiative, Mr. Kaizad Bharucha, DMD, HDFC Bank said, We are committed to creating meaningful impact in Indias border villages by providing access to technology-enabled education, improved agricultural productivity, renewable energy, and livelihood opportunities. By aligning with national development goals, we collaborate with local communities, NGOs, and government bodies to build stronger, self-reliant, and vibrant communities that contribute to Indias economic and social fabric.

A holistic approach to rural development is not merely desirable, but an absolute necessity, especially in border areas.said Nusrat Pathan, Head  Corporate Social Responsibility at HDFC Bank.We ensure that progress in one sector reinforces and amplifies positive outcomes in others, thereby maximising the impact of our interventions.

Border area villages along the northern and northeastern Himalayan regions and the western desert stretches often grapple with unique challenges including difficult terrain, restricted access to essential services and economic vulnerabilities due to their remote locations. Parivartan has impacted the lives of approximately five lakh individuals in these areas through targeted need-based interventions.

The Bank implements two key types of projects in these areas:

1) Holistic Rural Development Programme (HRDP): This approach focuses on clusters of 15-20 contiguous villages over a span of 36-48 months. It integrates multiple aspects, including rural development, education, skill development, financial inclusion, health & hygiene, and natural resource management.

2) Focused Development Programme (FDP): This initiative targets specific areas of intervention, achieving concentrated impact in one sector.

HDFC Banks Parivartan initiativeis committed to strengthening rural communities across border areas such as Lower Dibang Valley and Shi Yomi in Arunachal Pradesh; Baksa and Udalguri in Assam; Kishanganj, West Champaran and Madhubani in Bihar; Banaskantha, Kutch, and Patan in Gujarat; Ladakh; Chandel in Manipur; East Jaintia Hills in Meghalaya; Fazilka and Pathankot in Punjab; Barmer in Rajasthan; Gyalshing West and Pakyong in Sikkim; Pilibhit in Uttar Pradesh; and Chamoli in Uttarakhand.

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( Read 3710 Times)

Gopendra Nath Bhatt

Udaipur : Assembly Speaker Vasudev Devnani has said that today India has emerged as a strong force in the global scenario. India's prestige has increased abroad. Under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the country is touching economic, strategic and cultural heights. It is the responsibility of every citizen to keep the spirit of Nation First.

Devnani said this during a press conference at the Udaipur Circuit House on Wednesday. He said that the environment of the House in the Assembly has been improved by decorating it in pink color. During this, Udaipur Rural MLA Shri Phool Singh Meena and social worker Gajpal Singh Rathore were also present.

The roots of democracy in the country are so deep that no one can harm democracy. It is clearly written in the constitution that if the central government passes a bill with a majority, then all the states have to accept it. This is the basis of the federal structure. In a democracy, everyone has the right to express their views, but questioning the autonomy of government agencies is not good for the country's democracy. The Wakf Bill has been passed by both the houses of the Parliament, despite this, questioning it is like questioning the basic spirit of the Constitution. The Supreme Court has also refused to ban the Wakf Bill. All political parties should have faith in the country's highest court and constitutional houses.

Assembly Speaker Vasudev Devnani said that many innovations have been done in the Rajasthan Assembly. For the first time, many innovations have been done in the assembly including paperless proceedings, providing iPads to the MLAs. Making the assembly paperless is beneficial for the environment as well as for good governance. Artworks such as Maharana Pratap's bravery, tribal culture and constitutional values have been preserved in the visitors' gallery of the Vidhan Sabha. This is giving the new generation an opportunity to get acquainted with our precious heritage.

The roots of democracy in the country are so deep that no one can harm democracy. It is clearly written in the constitution that if the central government passes a bill with a majority, then all the states have to accept it. This is the basis of the federal structure. In a democracy, everyone has the right to express their views, but questioning the autonomy of government agencies is not good for the country's democracy. The Wakf Bill has been passed by both the houses of the Parliament, despite this, questioning it is like questioning the basic spirit of the Constitution. The Supreme Court has also refused to ban the Wakf Bill. All political parties should have faith in the country's highest court and constitutional houses.

Assembly Speaker Vasudev Devnani said that many innovations have been done in the Rajasthan Assembly. For the first time, many innovations have been done in the assembly including paperless proceedings, providing iPads to the MLAs. Making the assembly paperless is beneficial for the environment as well as for good governance. Artworks like bravery of Maharana Pratap, tribal culture and constitutional values have been preserved in the visitors' gallery of the Vidhan Sabha. This is giving the new generation a chance to get acquainted with our precious heritage.

Devnani said that efforts have also been made to make the state executive accountable to the legislature. As a result, its positive results are also coming to the fore. Out of more than 10 thousand pending questions in the Vidhan Sabha, answers have come to 95 percent. Among these, about four and a half thousand questions were pending even from the 15th Vidhan Sabha. This has strengthened the concept of democracy and responsible governance towards the people.

Tribute paid to Arvind Singh Mewar

Knowing the well-being of the former cabinet minister

Vasudev Devnani, during his stay in Udaipur on Wednesday, reached Shambhu Niwas in City Palace and paid tribute to the demise of Arvind Singh Mewar of the former royal family of Udaipur. Devnani expressed his condolences by meeting the family members of late Arvind Singh Mewar including his son Dr. Laxyaraj Singh Mewar. After this, the Assembly Speaker reached Geetanjali Hospital and enquired about the well-being of former Cabinet Minister Nandlal Meena, father of Revenue Minister Hemant Meena, who was undergoing treatment there. Apart from this, Devnani reached the residence of educationist Narayanlal Sharma, brother of BJP leader late Bhanu Kumar Shastra, and expressed condolences on his demise.

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(mohsina bano)

Jaipur  Rajasthan Governor Shri Hari Babu Kambhoj chaired a special review meeting with the states universities, emphasizing the need to adopt innovations in technical education, promote invention of new technologies, increase the number of approved patents, and develop intellectual capacities through updated curricula.

Addressing the gathering at Raj Bhavan, the Governor reviewed the implementation of the New Education Policy (NEP) and progress made towards NAAC accreditation. He stressed that improving the quality of education must be the top priority for all universities in Rajasthan.

During the meeting, Dr. Ajeet Kumar Karnataka, Vice-Chancellor of MPUAT Udaipur, informed the Governor that the university had received 44 patents in just two years, and its Scopus H-index had significantly improved from 37 to 78. He also highlighted ongoing research in solar energy utilization and crop residue management. Additionally, JNVU Jodhpur shared its achievement of successfully attaining NAAC accreditation.

The Governor assured full support for reforms in higher education and stated that rules and laws would be amended if necessary to achieve this goal. He emphasized promoting education in mother tongue, integrating Indian knowledge systems and cultural values, and developing effective academic frameworks in line with NEP.

He also instructed universities to ensure timely action for NAAC accreditation and encouraged them to contribute towards making India a global knowledge hub. The Governor called on Rajasthans universities to strive for national leadership in higher education.

Dr. Prithvi, Secretary to the Governor, highlighted the need for aligning education and research with global standards and innovation. Higher Education Secretary Mr. Bhanu Prakash Ataru presented the progress made by colleges and universities in the state.

#RajasthanUniversities #GovernorReviewMeeting #NEP2020 #HigherEducation #InnovationInEducation #NAACAccreditation #TechnicalEducation #GlobalKnowledgeHub #ResearchAndDevelopment #EducationInIndia

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(MOHSINA BANO)

Udaipur/Jaipur : Prof. Sunita Mishra, Vice-Chancellor of Mohanlal Sukhadia University, Udaipur, garnered widespread appreciation for her insightful presentation at the State-Level Vice-Chancellors' Conference held at Raj Bhavan, Jaipur. Her visionary thoughts and detailed plans stood out during the session.

Honble Governor Shri Hari Babu Kambhampati commended Prof. Mishras academic leadership and foresight, recognizing her significant contribution to the field of higher education.

Key topics such as the National Education Policy (NEP-2020), disaster management, and the Indian Knowledge System were discussed during the conference. Prof. Mishra highlighted that all 15 constituent colleges under her university have received NAAC accreditation, and the university itself holds an 'A' grade by NAAC.

She elaborated on MLSUs initiatives focusing on Indian culture, research, technological innovation, and inclusive education. Prof. Mishra also emphasized the universitys efforts in promoting rural education, involving students in disaster preparedness, and contributing to the vision of an Atmanirbhar Bharat (Self-Reliant India).

Governor Shri Baguade remarked that education is not just a medium of imparting knowledge but also a means to instill a resilient mindset in society to face challenges like disasters. He underlined the vital role of visionary educators like Prof. Mishra in building a developed India.

The conference saw the participation of Vice-Chancellors from over 30 universities across Rajasthan. However, Prof. Sunita Mishras dynamic involvement and impactful presentation truly distinguished her from the rest.

#SunitaMishra #ViceChancellor #MLSUUdaipur #NEP2020 #RajBhavanConference #AcademicLeadership #InclusiveEducation #DisasterPreparedness #IndianKnowledgeSystem #WomenInEducation

Source :
Investment to elevate AI, as company continues to accelerate growth strategy of empowering insurance brokers to bind more policies in less time for businesses

NEW YORK, April 17, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- 1Fort , the AI platform for business insurance, today announced it has raised $7.5 million in an oversubscribed funding round led by Bonfire Ventures . The round also included Draper Associates (Tim Draper); Karim Atiyeh, the founder of Ramp ; and participation from all existing VCs: Village Global , Operator Partners , 8-Bit Capital , Character VC and Company Ventures . This latest round brings the 1Fort total funding to $10 million.

1Fort

Insurance brokers and agents face manual, time-consuming processes when serving businesses. Yet 70% of businesses still rely on them for coverage, according to the Hiscox . Despite this reliance, 75% remain underinsuredleaving nearly 24 million businesses exposed as risks grow in severity and frequency with advancing technologies, such as cyber attacks and supply chain disruptions.

1Fort solves these challenges by empowering brokers to bind more top-tier insurance policies for businesses faster using AI. The platform leverages AI to automate various broker workflows, including autofilling insurance applications, retrieving quotes from carriers; comparing coverages; and integrating payment and financing options. Brokers who use 1Fort save on average up to two hours per submission and increase their bind rate by up to 20 percent. Brokers also better retain clients with 1Fort's complementary risk management software, which businesses manage their policies and proactively prevent claims or losses.

1Fort grew revenue nearly 200% month-over-month in 2024, and has already partnered with over a dozen leading brokerages and A-rated carriers, including Arch, Tokio Marine HCC and Markel. The funding will allow 1Fort to continue to improve the broker experience through AI innovations and talent acquisition and further expand partnerships with carriers and brokers.

"Our mission is to help every business obtain the financial protection they need to keep up with today's fast-moving risks, and empowering insurance brokers with AI to automate their antiquated workflows is the way to achieving it," said Anthony Marshi, 1Fort Co-Founder and CEO. "This investment will allow us to grow even faster by doubling down on our AI features and strengthening our broker and carrier partnerships. We're grateful for our investors who share our vision in transforming business insurance."

"1Fort has been a great resource for our team, allowing us to move even faster and deliver great products for our clients," said Travis Hedge, Co-Founder of Vouch , a leading VC-backed broker for startups from idea to IPO.

"Building AI-powered, service-as-software solutions to modernize legacy workflows in the insurance vertical is one of today's most exciting opportunities," said Jim Andelman, Bonfire Ventures Co-Founder and Managing Director. "1Fort has already built impressive momentum and is poised to revolutionize this trillion-dollar market."

Brokers can quote directly for their appointed markets or receive wholesale access to Cyber, Tech E&O, Professional and Management liability insurance. 1Fort is licensed in all 50 states and has partnered with more than a dozen A-rated carriers.

About 1Fort

1Fort is a leading VC-backed insurtech leveraging cutting-edge AI technology to automate business insurance for brokers. Hundreds of leading independent insurance brokers use 1Fort to save time and earn more on placing business insurance. With a dedicated team and strong backing, 1Fort is on a mission to build the AI platform for the future of business insurance.

SOURCE 1Fort
Alaska continues partnership with Chef Brandon Jew this spring, unveils fresh, new plant-based Main Cabin meal and hints at what's to come

SEATTLE, April 17, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Alaska Airlines is soaring to new heights this spring with chef-curated meals that bring the flavors of an award-winning restaurant straight to your tray table.

Culinary journey continues with award-winning chef

Building on the success of its exclusive First Class menu, Alaska is proud to continue its partnership with acclaimed chef Brandon Jew, owner of San Franciscos Michelin-starred Mister Jius.

Building on the success of its exclusive First Class menu, Alaska is proud to continue its partnership with acclaimed chef Brandon Jew, owner of San Francisco's Michelin-starred Mister Jiu's. Last fall, the airline teamed up with the James Beard Award-winning chef to launch three high-quality meals, setting a new standard for inflight dining.

Now, First Class guests flying between San Francisco and New York's John F. Kennedy International Airport can once again indulge in Chef Jew's expertly crafted dishes, bringing a modern twist to Cantonese cuisine in the skies. New this year, Alaska is expanding the guest experience by adding Chef Jew's dishes to First Class menus on flights from San Francisco to Boston, Washington D.C. (Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport and Washington Dulles International Airport) and Orlando.

"I'm grateful to Alaska Airlines for partnering with me in honoring my roots and continuing to bring Chinese food to guests traveling from coast to coast," said Chef Jew. "As I developed my first menu cycle, I learned to rely on sauces that are delicious on their own and to create dishes that evoke a sense of place  whether that's reminding guests of home or getting them excited to visit San Francisco's Chinatown where my restaurant is located."

Chef Jew's new spring menu puts a cultural twist on familiar favorites still steeped in classic Chinese food, featuring dishes like the new Hong Kong French Toast and Tea-Smoked Soy Chicken.

"With this new menu, I'm featuring local ingredients like Wycen Foods' Lap Cheong, a traditional cured meat made by a specialty San Francisco Chinatown shop; and Stemple Creek, a ranch dedicated to sustainable practices," said Jew. "These ingredients bring incredible flavor and showcase the Bay Area's culinary heritage. The partnership with Alaska is an exciting opportunity, and I can't wait to see how Alaska will continue to elevate their menus with what's cooking behind the scenes."

"Chef Jew's innovative approach and ability to craft dishes that appeal to a wide range of tastes make him the ideal partner  and this is just the beginning," said Todd Traynor-Corey, vice president of products and experience at Alaska Airlines.

A new chapter awaits

It all began with Chef Jew. Now Alaska is working on its next culinary chapter that will take its already elevated meals to new heights.

"Later this spring, we'll be revealing what's next on the horizon and exclusive to our First Class guests," hinted Traynor-Corey. "Get ready for more innovation, more flavor and more culinary artistry at 35,000 feet."

With more menu innovations on the way, Alaska continues to build on the dining excellence that earned it top honors from Business Traveler in 2024.

Plant-based perfection lands this spring

No matter where our guests sit, Alaska delivers a premium dining experience with a variety of chef-curated cuisine. That includes our Main Cabin.

Starting April 30, Alaska Airlines is excited to unveil a 100% plant-based and gluten-free dish in partnership with longtime collaborator Evergreens, the Seattle-based fast-casual restaurant known for its bold, customizable salads, wraps, and bowls.

The Best Laid Plants grain bowlcreated in collaboration with Evergreens' culinary teamfeatures Chimichurri Tofu, avocado, quinoa, and a side of Mango Habanero Dressing. This chef-crafted option brings Evergreens' signature flavors to the skies, offering guests a craveable and satisfying plant-based meal. The Best Laid Plants grain bowl will be available to Main Cabin guests for pre-order on most flights over 1,100* miles.

"This fresh, flavorful dish is not only a healthy choice -- it's good for the planet," said David Rodriguez, food and beverage planning and programs manager at Alaska Airlines. "We created the Best Laid Plants grain bowl to prove plant-based food doesn't have to be bland. After extensive taste testing with employees and focus groups -- even the most dedicated carnivores agree: it's a winner."

"We're thrilled to partner with Alaska Airlines to bring one of our most craveable, plant-based bowls to the skies," said David Kairis, head chef at Evergreens. "This is about proving that healthy food can be bold, satisfying and something travelers will actually look forward to."

For the full spring menu available in First Class, Premium Class and Main Cabin, click here. Fueled by Alaska's industry leading pre-order program, the airline continues to offer more inflight dining choices than any other U.S. carrier. Guests can now choose from up to five chef-curated dishes, including at least one hot meal option on flights over 1,100* miles. In addition to Alaska's freshly prepared selectionslike the guest-favorite Signature Fruit & Cheese Platterfresh meals are available exclusively through pre-order purchase.

For our media kit, click here.

Full First Class Chef Brandon Jew Curated Menu

Route Dish Description SFO to

BOS/DCA/EWR/JFK/IAD/

MCO and EWR/JFK to

SFO



5-9:59 a.m. Hong Kong French

Toast Toasted brioche bread soaked in a

spiced cream mixture, topped with a

rose-water & strawberry compote.

Served with a coconut-cashew butter

sauce and traditional Wycen Chinese

Lap Cheong sausage. SFO to JFK/EWR



10 a.m. -8:59 p.m. Stemple Creek

Ranch Braised Short

Ribs Tender short rib braised in a traditional

shio koji marinade, served with

broccolini and Chow-Fun rice noodles

with roasted butternut squash. JFK/EWR to SFO



and SFO to

BOS/DCA/IAD/MCO



10 a.m.-8:59 p.m. Tea-Smoked Soy

Chicken Soy-marinated crispy chicken thigh

smoked with traditional tea leaves,

served alongside lightly pickled lotus

root and a sticky lotus leaf rice with

traditional Wycen Chinese Lap Cheong

sausage.

*Certain meal options may not be available on some flights, including redeye flights or where catering is not available

About Alaska Air Group

Alaska Airlines, Hawaiian Airlines and Horizon Air are subsidiaries of Alaska Air Group, with McGee Air Services a subsidiary of Alaska Airlines. With hubs in Seattle, Honolulu, Portland, Anchorage, Los Angeles, San Diego and San Francisco, we deliver remarkable care as we fly our guests to more than 140 destinations throughout North America, Latin America, Asia and the Pacific. Alaska is a member of the oneworld Alliance with Hawaiian scheduled to join in 2026. With oneworld and our additional global partners, guests can earn and redeem miles for travel to over 1,000 worldwide destinations. Guests can book travel at alaskaair.com and hawaiianairlines.com. Learn more about what's happening at Alaska and Hawaiian. Alaska Air Group is traded on the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) as "ALK."

SOURCE ALASKA AIRLINES
NEW YORK, April 17, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Alcoholics Anonymous (A.A.) will bring together tens of thousands of members and guests from around the world, July 36, 2025, for its International Convention in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada, to mark the Fellowship's 90th anniversary.

Held every five years, the event celebrates the founding of A.A. in 1935, when one alcoholic reached out to another with a message of hopeand a new way of life. Since then, A.A. has grown to a global community of more than 1.6 million members in more than 180 countries, helping individuals from all walks of life recover from alcoholism through one-on-one support and shared experience.

The International Convention promises to be one of the largest-ever convention hosted by the city of Vancouver. Events will take place at the Vancouver Convention Centre and BC Place Stadium. They include:

A huge Block Party Thursday night to kick off the festivities featuring music, dancing, and joyful fellowship.

An opening ceremony in which A.A. members from more than 80 countries carry flags that represent A.A.'s presence within their borders.

Three "Big Meetings" that will fill BC Place Stadium, as all attendees gather for some of the largest A.A. meetings in the world.

An "Old Timers" meeting where A.A. members with long-term sobriety are invited to share their experience, strength, and hope.

More than 250 meetings, panels, and workshops in a variety of languages.

Hospitality Suites hosted by groups from around the world.

For registration details, housing options, and travel information, visit: aa.org/international-convention

Convention flyer available at: 2025 Convention Registration Flyer (PDF)

Founded in 1935, Alcoholics Anonymous is an effective and enduring program of recovery that has changed countless lives and is committed to making its program of recovery available to anyone who reaches out for help with a drinking problem. To find a local A.A. meeting, contact a local A.A. office or visit aa.org/meeting-guide-app to learn about the Meeting Guide app and how to use it.

Contact: [email protected]

(212)870-3119

SOURCE Alcoholics Anonymous World Services, Inc.
Milestone Location is the 104th AFC to Open In the Last 2 Years

BIRMINGHAM and CAMP HILL, Pa., April 17, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- American Family Care (AFC), the nation's leading provider of urgent care, will open its 400th location today. Located in Camp Hill, Pennsylvania, the state-of-the-art facility is independently owned and operated by local multi-unit franchise operator Daniel Ofosu. The Camp Hill clinic is AFC's 17th clinic to open in 2025 and the 104th location to open in the past 24 months.

The Camp Hill clinic is Ofosu's third AFC location, following successful clinic openings in Harrisburg and Lansdale, Pennsylvania. "Our growth strategy is centered around enabling passionate, community-minded franchisees like Daniel to expand access to high-quality, convenient healthcare," said Jeremy Morgan, CEO of American Family Care. "The opening of this 400th location represents more than just growth in numbersit is also a testament to the power of local entrepreneurship working in harmony with a national brand."

"The opening of a 400th location is an important milestone for any franchise system," said Edith Wiseman, President of FRANdatathe leading independent research and advisory company that focuses solely on tracking and analyzing franchise companies and their performance. Analysis conducted by FRANdata shows that only 6.3% of active franchise brands have 400 or more locations. "What's more, having hundreds of locations is common among food franchises; the fact that this is occurring in the healthcare industry is worthy of note," added Wiseman.

Daniel Ofosu is an accomplished investment banker and entrepreneur with over 15 years of experience in corporate finance and business development. He holds advanced degrees in finance and public administration from Drexel University and Harvard University, respectively. "Bringing AFC's high standard of care to Camp Hill is an exciting step forward," said Ofosu. "As a franchise owner, I've seen firsthand how the AFC model improves healthcare access for patients and opens doors for business owners who want to make a difference in their communities."

About American Family Care

Founded in 1982, American Family Care (AFC) pioneered the concept of convenient and eective urgent care services, delivered through a nationwide network of 400 walk-in clinics. Today, AFC is the nation's largest provider of urgent care, generating more than $1 billion in system-wide sales annually, with 3,500 highly trained healthcare professionals treating over 4 million patients each year. AFC continues to be a leader in accessible healthcare, providing treatments for u, allergies, and everyday injuries, along with a comprehensive range of lab tests, x-rays, and occupational medicine services. Ranked #47 on the Entrepreneur Franchise 500, AFC is one of the most admired brands in urgent care and franchising. For more information, visit americanfamilycare.com .

MEDIA CONTACT:

Nancy Bostrom

[email protected]

(919) 459-8163

SOURCE American Family Care
Burnside Law Firm is representing the family of an injured four-year-old girl. Attorney Garon Muller is advocating for improved child safety standards and greater accountability in childcare facilities.

AUGUSTA, Ga., April 17, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- The Burnside Law Firm is representing the family of a four-year-old girl who suffered a radial head subluxation (commonly known as Nursemaid's Elbow) while under the supervision of a local daycare facility. The incident resulted in criminal charges against the daycare worker for Cruelty to Children in the First Degree (Columbia County Case No. 2025W0550) and has highlighted significant concerns regarding child safety and welfare in childcare settings.

Attorney Garon Muller

According to Garon Muller, lead counsel on the case, "The family is grateful for the outpouring of support for their daughter. Our primary focus is ensuring that children are protected and provided with a safe, nurturing environment while under the care of daycare providers. This incident highlights the need for appropriate teacher to student ratios, proper employee supervision, and continued accountability to guarantee that childcare facilities adhere to the highest safety standards."

The firm is thoroughly investigating the circumstances surrounding the injury and is committed to holding all responsible parties accountable to prevent similar incidents from happening in the future. "Every child deserves to feel safe, valued, and cared for, especially in environments entrusted with their well-being," added Mr. Muller. "We will work diligently to ensure justice for our client and to raise awareness about the importance of child safety in all daycare facilities."

Due to the sensitivity of the matter and pending criminal charges, specific details cannot be disclosed at this time. However, the family is relieved to report that their daughter is recovering well and is now safely at home.

For further inquiries or information regarding this case, please visit https://www.burnsidefirm.com or call (706) 432-8320.

More About Burnside Law Firm, LLP

Burnside Law Firm, LLP, is a Georgia-based personal injury law firm with offices in Augusta and Athens. Known for compassionate, results-driven representation, the firm specializes in daycare injuries, car accidents, medical negligence, workplace injuries, wrongful death, and other negligence-based cases. With decades of experience and a proven track record, Burnside Law Firm is dedicated to securing fair compensation and guiding clients through the legal process with transparency and care.

Media Contact:

Garon Muller

Burnside Law Firm, LLP

Phone: (706) 432-8320

Website: https://www.burnsidefirm.com

SOURCE Burnside Law Firm, LLP.
Explore the wild beauty of Alaska and Western Canada by land and sea with seamless, culturally rich Cruisetour experiences

MIAMI, April 17, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Azamara Cruises, the small-ship line known for its signature Destination Immersion experiences and Extended Destination Days, is making a bold return to Alaska's wilderness in summer 2026 with the debut of immersive new Cruisetour packages. These pre- and post-cruise land journeys invite guests to venture beyond the coastline, seamlessly pairing Azamara's 10 Alaska voyages aboard the intimate Azamara Pursuit with enriching overland explorations. Perfect for travelers seeking deeper discovery, the Cruisetours feature scenic rail expeditions, authentic cultural experiences, and close encounters with the region's striking landscapes and wildlife.

Landscape featuring mountains, treetops, and a sky at sunset

"At Azamara, we believe the most memorable journeys are the ones that offer a genuine connection to a place and its people," said Mike Pawlus, head of itinerary planning at Azamara Cruises. "Alaska is a land of beauty, deep-rooted culture, and incredible wildlifeand our new Cruisetours are designed to bring all those elements to life. Whether it's meeting locals, journeying deep into Denali, or taking in the scenery by rail, these land programs offer a fresh and immersive way to experience the true heart of the region."

A Deeper Dive into Alaska & Western Canada

Azamara Cruises' Alaska Cruisetours offer nine distinct land programs ranging from two to six nights, departing from Whittier, Alaska, and Vancouver, BC, Canada. With flexible durations, guests can choose an itinerary that fits their schedulewhether they're looking for a brief escape or a more immersive inland adventure. Each Alaska Cruisetour package includes carefully selected hotel accommodations, transfers, luggage handling, professional guides, admission fees, and select meals. Plus, with Azamara's one-stop booking process, guests enjoy the most convenient and comprehensive way to explore the best of Alaska.

Unique to Azamara Cruises' Alaska & Western Canada Cruisetours

Exclusive to Azamara Cruises, include a Welcome to Denali presentation at the Denali Discovery Center led by a local naturalist, complete with a wine and cheese reception. Guests can also enjoy a visit to a working farm for an engaging talk with a local farmer about Alaska's unique agricultural landscapepart of Azamara Cruise's signature Destination Immersion Elevated experiences. Additional highlights include hands-on gold panning and a guided tour at "Gold Daughters," where guests can explore the rich history of the Alaska Gold Rush, and a special experience at the Alaska Native Heritage Center, giving travelers a chance to make traditional Alaska Native ice cream. These one-of-a-kind moments are designed to provide an authentic, enriching journey only Azamara Cruises can deliver.

Alaska Cruisetour Options from Whittier, Alaska:

Alyeska, Nordic Spa & Wildlife (2-night Pre- or Post-Cruise)  Guests will enjoy a luxurious and relaxing stay at Alyeska Resort featuring a Nordic Spa and a visit to the Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center.

Guests will enjoy a luxurious and relaxing stay at Alyeska Resort featuring a Nordic Spa and a visit to the Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center. Alaska Explorer: Denali, Talkeetna , Riverboat & Rail (4-night Pre- or Post-Cruise) 

Guests will journey from Fairbanks to Talkeetna , enjoying wonderous rail and riverboat travel, wildlife exploration in Denali , a visit to the Alaska Native Heritage Center and more enriching cultural experiences along the way.

Guests will journey from to wonderous Denali Alaska Wildlife & Rail (4-night Pre- or Post-Cruise)  Discover Alaska's natural beauty and culture on a land tour from Talkeetna to Denali, featuring a panoramic rail experience aboard a dome-roofed train, wildlife viewing, local farm visits, and majestic mountain vistas.

Alaska Cruisetour Options from Vancouver, BC, Canada:

City Views & Mountain Vistas (2-night Pre- or Post-Cruise)  Guests will explore Vancouver's natural beauty and cultural landmarks, from strolling through Stanley Park and Gastown to browsing Granville Island , crossing the Capilano Suspension Bridge, and a gondola up Grouse Mountain.

Guests will explore natural beauty and cultural landmarks, from strolling through and Gastown to browsing , crossing the Capilano Suspension Bridge, and a gondola up Grouse Mountain. Whistler Wilderness & Scenic Vancouver (2-night Pre- or Post-Cruise)  Take in the dramatic scenery along the Sea-to-Sky Highway to Whistler , enjoy a thrilling Bear Viewing Adventure by Land Rover, and return to Vancouver to explore the city's highlights.

Take in the dramatic scenery along the Sea-to-Sky Highway to , enjoy a thrilling Bear Viewing Adventure by Land Rover, and return to to explore the city's highlights. Canadian Rockies by Rocky Mountaineer (5-night Post-Cruise)  Board the iconic Rocky Mountaineer for an unforgettable journey from Vancouver to Banff ( Alberta ), and experience the beauty of Banff National Park , Lakes Louise, and Moraine Lake.

Board the iconic Rocky Mountaineer for an unforgettable journey from to ( ), and experience the beauty of , Lakes Louise, and Moraine Lake. Journey Through the Rockies (5-night Post-Cruise)  Discover the beauty of Western Canada on this post-cruise adventure, visiting Whistler , Banff National Park , Lake Louise , and Moraine Lake, while enjoying scenic drives, wine tasting in Kamloops , and more.

Discover the beauty of on this post-cruise adventure, visiting , , , and Moraine Lake, while enjoying scenic drives, wine tasting in , and more. Journey Through the Rockies (6-night Pre-Cruise )  Travel from Calgary to Vancouver through the scenic Canadian Rockies, with highlights including Banff National Park , Lake Louise , Moraine Lake, a Banff gondola ride, wine tasting in Kamloops , and a sightseeing tour of vibrant Vancouver .

) Travel from to through the scenic Canadian Rockies, with highlights including , , Moraine Lake, a gondola ride, wine tasting in , and a sightseeing tour of vibrant . Journey Through the Rockies (6-night Pre-Cruise)  Guests begin their journey in Calgary , traveling through the majestic Canadian Rockies with highlights including a city tour, a Banff gondola ride, bear viewing in Whistler , wine tasting in Kamloops , and sightseeing in Vancouver .

Every Alaska sailing will feature an exclusive and complimentary AzAmazing Evening, with the Alaskan edition treating passengers to the renowned Lumberjack Show, a celebration of Alaska's rugged heritage, where local Lumberjacks showcase their skill, strength and traditions.

For more information or to explore Azamara's Alaska offerings further visit www.azamara.com/destinations/alaska

About Azamara Cruises:

Azamara Cruises is a small-ship cruise line and leader in Destination Immersion experiences. With a fleet of four intimate-style ships, Azamara Journey, Azamara Quest, Azamara Pursuit, and Azamara Onward, the cruise line allows travelers to reach marquee ports around the world and dock in smaller, hidden gem destinations. Azamara Cruises is committed to creating immersive experiences for guests through Extended Destination Days (10 or more hours in port) for a more meaningful travel experience. Through their deep understanding of hospitality and commitment to delivering exceptional service, guests can experience an intimate hotel at sea. Through Always Azamara guests can know what's always included; a variety of dining venues plus room service, drinks including alcohol all day and night, tips & gratuities, exclusive cultural events, and unlimited self-service laundry; and what is always expected when sailing with Azamara Cruises; no hassle, no crowds, unique & iconic destinations, overnights, and Extended Destination Days. Additionally, guests can also take advantage of exclusive loyalty membership benefits through the Azamara Circle Program. Azamara has received several awards and recognitions including Conde Nast Traveler's "Reader's Choice Awards", Travel + Leisure's "World's Best Awards," US News & World Report "Best Cruise Lines," and more.

SOURCE Azamara
BEIJING, April 16, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- A news report from chinadaily.com.cn

Beijing's Chaoyang district is fast becoming the top destination for internationally-educated talent returning to China to pursue innovation and entrepreneurship.

On April 10, Chaoyang hosted a special event under the theme of "Shining GLOBAL Chaoyang@You" as part of the broader "Gather in Beijing  Create the Future" initiative. The event brought together over 100 leading companies in cutting-edge sectors such as AI, quantum science, smart manufacturing and new energy, offering more than 2,000 job openings. It attracted over 3,000 overseas returnees and 300 international students currently studying in China. Wahed Ahmadzai, founder and CEO of NHUB, hailed the fair as "a great opportunity for international talent who studied in China," highlighting the event's value in connecting global minds with local opportunities.

The event featured a job fair, parallel forums and an innovation-themed cultural market. Interested talent engaged directly with top employers at the job fair, hotspot issues like AI ethics and quantum tech commercialization were discussed at the forums, while tech and lifestyle were blended at the cultural market to showcase Chaoyang's vibrant international environment.

Speakers at the event praised Chaoyang's supportive ecosystem for startups. Dr. Wang Tiejun, CEO of China Entropy Co., Ltd, said local policies and infrastructure allow entrepreneurs to focus on innovation. Liu Peifeng, co-founder of Beijing Borui Tongyun Technology Co., Ltd and assistant researcher at Tsinghua University, referred to Chaoyang as "China's global living room," where international cultures and modern industry converge.

Many international participants echoed this sentiment. Leon Mettenleiter, a German business manager at Stardust AI, lauded the city's convenient transportation and welcoming atmosphere. Others highlighted China's safety, vibrant job market and fast-evolving innovation landscape.

Chen Lei, director of the Talent Development Division at the Chaoyang District Talent Bureau, said the district aims to become "the first stop for returning overseas talent" by offering a comprehensive ecosystem for attracting, nurturing and retaining top minds from around the world.

"This is just the beginning," Chen added. "We welcome global youth to pursue their dreams in Chaoyang."

SOURCE chinadaily.com.cn
WASHINGTON, April 17, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Black Men Vote (BMV) is proud to announce the appointment of Michael Bland as its new Executive Director. Bland brings over a decade of leadership experience in nonprofit and political strategy, focusing on equity-centered policy, coalition-building, and executive-level advocacy.

Michael Bland, BMV Executive Director

"Michael's extensive experience in political mobilization and coalition-building makes him the ideal leader for Black Men Vote's future," said Frank White, BMV co-founder and Board Chair. "We are confident that under his direction, Black Men Vote will reach new heights in empowering Black men to exercise their political power."

Bland recently served as Southern Regional Director and Senior Advisor for Faith Engagement for the Harris for President campaign, directing strategies across key states and leading national engagement with faith leaders. Previously, as National Director of Leaders of Color at Education Reform Now, he scaled a national program that trained over 400 fellows and supported the election/appointment of nearly 100 Black and Brown leaders.

His background includes campaign management, notably leading Congresswoman Jahana Hayes' historic election as the first African American woman to represent New England. He also served as Northeast Deputy Field Director, contributing to flipping Nash County for the first time in United States history.

A University of Rhode Island graduate, Bland has served on numerous nonprofit boards and is a member of the Prince Hall Free and Accepted Masons.

"I am honored to join Black Men Vote at such a critical moment for our nation," said Bland. "I believe deeply in the power of Black men to shape the future of this country, and I look forward to building on the incredible momentum BMV has created to ensure our voices are heard, respected, and represented."

"We are at a critical inflection point when it comes to the role of Black men in American politics. For far too long, Black men have been left out of polling, focus groups, and electoral mobilization efforts," said Bland. "I'm beyond excited to help guide the direction of Black male voter engagement in a way that truly reaches and resonates with all Black men, both civically and electorally. There's a lot of work ahead, but I'm ready to get it done."

Bland will be based in Washington, DC and will lead the organization's strategic direction, fundraising efforts, and programmatic initiatives.

About Black Men Vote:

Black Men Vote (BMV) is a nonpartisan organization dedicated to increasing Black male voter turnout and engagement. Through community outreach, events, and partnerships, BMV works to empower Black men to become active participants in the democratic process.

Media Contact:

Rasheedah Thomas

[email protected]

SOURCE Black Men Vote
BEIJING, April 17, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Beijing Review has recently published a government white paper titled China's Position on Some Issues Concerning China-US Economic and Trade Relations. While outlining China's vision for resolving tariff disputes through dialogue, the document highlights China's commitment to free trade. Edited excerpts follow:

Since joining the World Trade Organization (WTO) in 2001, China has played an active role in economic globalization, launching a new phase in its reform and opening-up efforts. Committed to the principle of free trade, China has made its trade policies more stable, transparent, and predictable, substantially opened its markets, and made a positive contribution to upholding the effectiveness and authority of the multilateral trading system.

China has comprehensively strengthened trade policy compliance. Following its accession, China launched major efforts to review and revise over 2,300 laws, regulations and departmental rules at central government level, and over 190,000 local regulations at sub-central government levels. These efforts spanned key areas such as trade, investment, and intellectual property protection, among others.

Upon acceding to the WTO, China made extensive and substantial tariff reduction commitments. The Chinese government has honored its commitments, and all the tariff reduction commitments for goods were fulfilled by 2010. The overall tariff level was reduced from 15.3 percent in 2001 to 9.8 percent. In July 2023, with the eighth reduction in tariffs on products under the expanded Information Technology Agreement, China's overall tariff level saw a further drop to 7.3 percent. In 2024, China further announced that it would grant zero-tariff treatment for 100 percent tariff lines to all the least developed countries that have diplomatic relations with China.

China is committed to establishing and improving a fiscal subsidy system in line with international practice, and promoting the transformation of industrial policies from differentiated and selective to inclusive and functional. The Chinese government prioritizes market-oriented and indirect guiding measures, such as public services, technical standards, and skills training to support areas of market failure, including technological research and innovation, the development of small and medium-sized enterprises, green energy efficiency, and the establishment of public service systems.

The Chinese government has aligned itself with international rules through a series of systematic reforms and progressively optimized the business environment, providing a more transparent, fair, and predictable environment for global enterprises.

China has continued to improve the business environment. In July 2017, the negative list management system for foreign investment was implemented nationwide. From 2017 to 2024, China reduced the number of items on the national negative list for foreign investment from 93 to 29, and all restrictions on foreign investment in the manufacturing sector were lifted.

In 2022, China released the Guideline on Accelerating the Construction of a Unified National Market, explicitly requiring the comprehensive removal of preferential policies that discriminate against foreign-funded enterprises and enterprises from other regions, as well as those that enforce local protectionism. In June 2024, the State Council released the Regulations on Fair Competition Review, stipulating that policy measures shall not contain provisions affecting production and operational costs without prior authorization, which includes the prohibition of granting to specific operators tax preferences, special fiscal rewards or subsidies, or preferential treatment in terms of factor acquisition, administrative and public service charges, government-managed funds, and social insurance fees.

China treats domestic and foreign-funded enterprises equally in taxation. In recent years, China has implemented orderly reforms of its tax system. It has optimized the tax structure and accelerated the implementation of the principle of statutory taxation, with the aim of capitalizing on taxation's crucial role in boosting high-quality development and promoting social fairness and justice.

China is actively promoting the development of digital trade. China has established 12 national digital service export bases nationwide, and introduced policies and measures to support the innovative development of these bases. Since 2015, China has set up 165 cross-border e-commerce comprehensive pilot zones in 31 provincial-level administrative units, achieving integrated development of industrial digitalization and trade digitalization. In addition, China upholds law-based cyberspace governance and welcomes international internet companies to develop in China, provided they comply with China's laws and regulations and offer secure, reliable products and services.

Comments to [email protected]

SOURCE Beijing Review
Shortly after doffing his cowboy hat with a flourish from atop his horse, like the idolized hero of a Western movie, the rider crashed through a pine trees branches as if the horse was attempting to dislodge the dude.

The black and white film depicting the incident was from an August 1930 trip into the Beartooth Mountains and the Camp Sawtooth dude ranch. The 16-milimeter footage also captured men dancing in a circle around a large campfire, rushing to the outhouse and holding up stringers of freshly caught trout.

These are folks who live in the big city, explained Norm Tjeltveit.

The Billings amateur historian narrated the film as it was shown at the Carbon County Historical Society and Museum in Red Lodge on April 10 to a crowd of about 50 people.

They're not used to the way things work in Montana, he added. So we're out in the wilderness. We're having fun.

Although a silent film, writing introduced the different scenes: Looking around at the scenery and getting accustomed, noted one as the camera pans to views of the surrounding mountains, cabins and smiling dudes gathered near a porch.

Postcards lead down rabbit hole

Showing the 30-minute adventure film was the culmination of a three-year journey for Tjeltveit.

It all started when he was going through old family memorabilia and came across a series of 24 postcards sent from an F.I. Johnson to a Martin Myrebo. Tjeltveit was unfamiliar with both men, so he started digging.

Turns out, F.I. Johnson was the founder of Camp Sawtooth. Myrebo owned a mercantile in Roscoe, a small community northwest of Red Lodge, and also was the towns postmaster. The two were also neighbors.

Coincidentally, Tjeltveits father was a postmaster, as was Tjeltveit.

The postcards from Johnson were todays form of social media. Hed send the notes from Europe, where he was working for the Red Cross, to Myrebo who would spread the news of their neighbors travels abroad in the turbulent era following World War I.

It was while investigating Johnsons past, which became much easier when Tjeltveit learned his first name was Flavius, that he came across the history of Camp Sawtooth and the black and white film.

A copy of the film was donated to the Red Lodge museum by relatives of Leon Lichtenfeld, a cello player of national renown who performed in the Drake Hotel orchestra. He owned the movie camera that made the film, a technology developed only a decade earlier.

Lichtenfeld was one of five WGN radio employees to make the trip from Chicago to Red Lodge, via train, and then ride into Camp Sawtooth.

The accommodations were not a five-star resort, Tjeltveit said. That wasn't the purpose of why they were here.

Trout fishing heaven

They were there, like so many other dude ranch guests of the era, to enjoy the outdoors  hiking, fishing, horseback riding and dancing around the campfire.

Most of the high mountain trout were planted in the lakes and streams, including young brook trout that grew fat enough to draw attention.

The fishing up in this area in this time period was pretty stunning, Tjeltveit said. I think Outdoor Life (magazine) had a national competition and the largest eastern brook trout was taken from this area: 6 pounds, 14 ounces, I believe, 23 inches long.

In addition to the fishing, a large advertisement in the Red Lodge publication, The Picket-Journal, in 1926 noted a trip to Camp Sawtooth provided an aeroplane view without the danger of a tail spin or nose dive.

The camp was located at an elevation of 8,500 feet. The nearby jagged top of Sawtooth Mountain, from which the camp got its name, tops out at more than 10,200 feet.

The family ties that bind

F.I. Johnson, a Red Lodge pharmacist, founded Camp Sawtooth in 1922. The camp switched hands a few times after Johnson sold out, eventually closing at the end of the 1965 season.

Johnson died only a month later at the age of 90.

At the time the camp closed, the Bradshaw family of Billings was running the operation.

Reflections on the past

Billings retiree Gary Bradshaw viewed the film with a bit of wistfulness. He had spent his summers from ages 10 through 19 working at Camp Sawtooth after his parents took over the operation.

It was a great way to grow up, he said. What my parents went through to have that, you dont really appreciate it until youre older.

As a youngster, Bradshaw would help trail 17 horses into camp from the base of the Beartooth Highway south of Red Lodge, a route that took eight hours. Even though the Beartooth Highway was operational by then, Bradshaw said his father thought it would be more stressful for the horses to be trailered to the top than to walk in.

One horse, packed with a load that included a rifle, was so happy to arrive at the lodge that it started bucking, ejecting its entire load. The rifle landed muzzle down in the dirt, standing upright, Bradshaw recalled with a laugh.

By this era of the dude ranch, the late 1950s to mid 1960s, guests would drive to a trailhead across from Long Lake for a short 4.5-mile horse ride in.

So engrained is the memory of that route that Bradshaw said, I can still ride that trail from the pack station in with my eyes closed.

End of an era

The Forest Service wanted to see improvements to the aging buildings, a task made difficult by the short summers at high elevations. Five years after the Bradshaws reluctantly gave up the lease, the agency burned the structures, erasing signs of the camp alongside Little Rocky Creek and its aged log buildings.

Tjeltveit, who grew up in Red Lodge, now wishes he would have known about Johnson and Myrebo when he was a youngster. Myrebos brother was one of the witnesses on the naturalization application for Tjeltveits grandfather. Myrebo was the first to sign the register at his parents 40th wedding anniversary party.

Although his days of hiking or horseback riding are past, Tjeltveit said he regretted not exploring the scenic mountain meadow to further link his familys past to his presence.
Canadian aerospace company to replace legacy systems with Siemens' NX and Capital software to streamline engineering and reduce program cycle time

PLANO, Texas, April 17, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Siemens Digital Industries Software announced today that Bombardier, a global leader in aviation, focused on designing, manufacturing and servicing business jets and specialized mission platforms, has expanded its adoption of the Siemens Xcelerator portfolio of industry software for aircraft development to streamline its product engineering processes to meet the challenges of modern aerospace design and push the boundaries of innovation.

Image courtesy of Bombardier

Bombardier has selected Siemens' NX software for 3D modeling, simulation and manufacturing during aircraft development and Capital software for electronic/electrical systems design. Bombardier has been a user of Siemens' Teamcenter software for product lifecycle management (PLM) since 2018. This expansion of Siemens Xcelerator will enable Bombardier to leverage the comprehensive digital twin across the full aircraft lifecycle to improve performance and shorten program cycles. Bombardier is replacing its legacy system so they can create a seamless, integrated digital thread, leveraging Teamcenter as the digital thread backbone, to bring mechanical and electrical design together in a PLM-based collaborative environment.

Bombardier has also adopted Siemens' Mendix low-code platform. The company's first Mendix app improves efficiency for end-users with search functionality to connect outside application data with Teamcenter. The Siemens Xcelerator solution improves the quality and security of Bombardier's data while saving time and effort for the internal IT team.

"Bombardier's selection of a wider set of software from the Siemens Xcelerator portfolio demonstrates the value the company has realized from using our software as well as the value of a cohesive and comprehensive digital thread to optimize the aircraft development process and accelerate delivery of innovation," said Todd Tuthill, vice president of Aerospace & Defense Industry, Siemens Digital Industries Software. "We look forward to continuing our collaboration with Bombardier as we explore the future of a sustainable aerospace industry together."

"We are pleased to be working closely with Siemens to enhance and optimize our digital aircraft development process," said Glenn Chapnik, Senior Director, Engineering, Projects, Processes and Tools, Project Planning, Bombardier. "With the Siemens Xcelerator portfolio, we can transform our processing capabilities and maximize all parts of the manufacturing process, seamlessly ensuring a solid pathway for further acceleration and innovation."

Collaborating on workforce development

Bombardier is also collaborating with Siemens to reshape the future of its workforce by working with universities and schools to provide students access to Siemens' software to develop the skills they will need to successfully enter the industry after graduation.

"Using Siemens Xcelerator provides an integrated solution spanning across engineering disciplines and downstream users, which could facilitate the use of consistent processes and leverage collaboration across the enterprise. Bombardier looks forward to what we can achieve from these capabilities," added Chapnik.

To learn more about how Siemens Xcelerator is bringing the power of digital transformation to the aerospace and defense industry, visit https://xcelerator.siemens.com/global/en/industries/aerospace.html

Siemens Digital Industries Software helps organizations of all sizes digitally transform using software, hardware and services from the Siemens Xcelerator business platform. Siemens' software and the comprehensive digital twin enable companies to optimize their design, engineering and manufacturing processes to turn today's ideas into the sustainable products of the future. From chips to entire systems, from product to process, across all industries. Siemens Digital Industries Software  Accelerating transformation.

Siemens Digital Industries (DI) empowers companies of all sizes within the process and discrete manufacturing industries to accelerate their digital and sustainability transformation across the entire value chain. Siemens' cutting-edge automation and software portfolio revolutionizes the design, realization and optimization of products and production. And with Siemens Xcelerator  the open digital business platform  this process is made even easier, faster, and scalable. Together with our partners and ecosystem, Siemens Digital Industries enables customers to become a sustainable Digital Enterprise. Siemens Digital Industries has a workforce of around 70,000 people worldwide.

Siemens AG (Berlin and Munich) is a leading technology company focused on industry, infrastructure, mobility, and healthcare. The company's purpose is to create technology to transform the everyday, for everyone. By combining the real and the digital worlds, Siemens empowers customers to accelerate their digital and sustainability transformations, making factories more efficient, cities more livable, and transportation more sustainable. Siemens also owns a majority stake in the publicly listed company Siemens Healthineers, a leading global medical technology provider pioneering breakthroughs in healthcare. For everyone. Everywhere. Sustainably.

In fiscal 2024, which ended on September 30, 2024, the Siemens Group generated revenue of 75.9 billion and net income of 9.0 billion. As of September 30, 2024, the company employed around 312,000 people worldwide on the basis of continuing operations. Further information is available on the Internet at www.siemens.com.

Note: A list of relevant Siemens trademarks can be found here. Other trademarks belong to their respective owners.

Reference number: HQDIPR202504097153EN

SOURCE Siemens Industry Software
The Minnesota-based retailer donated 70 Monster Jam tickets to the non-profit

DES MOINES, Iowa, April 17, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Northern Tool + Equipment shared a day of fun at Monster Jam with the Boys & Girls Clubs of Central Iowa , donating 70 tickets to the organization so local kids and teens could attend the show last weekend.

"BGCCI is thankful to be able to offer unique opportunities and experiences for our club kids through partners in our community and across the country," said Neisa Taylor, Director of Operations at Boys & Girls Clubs of Central Iowa. "Thank you to Northern Tool + Equipment for supporting Iowa youth!"

Northern Tool is the official hardware retailer of tools and related equipment partner for Monster Jam.

"It's special for us to give back and invite the Boys & Girls Clubs of Central Iowa to experience the fun, adrenaline and excitement of Monster Jam," said Frank Crowson, Senior Vice President and Chief Marketing Officer for Northern Tool + Equipment.

About Northern Tool + Equipment:

Northern Tool + Equipment is a family-owned company serving both DIYers and trades professionals tackling the tough projects. A leading supplier of more than 100,000 high-quality tools and equipment for over 40 years, the company's highly-trained team has an immense breadth of knowledge to help customers in-person at more than 130 retail stores, online and over the phone through their fully-staffed contact center. From helping customers get the right tool for the job to assisting with parts and repairs that keep tools running at peak performance, customer service is at the foundation of Northern Tool's mission. Learn more about Northern Tool + Equipment at NorthernTool.com and stay connected through social media: Facebook ( @northerntool ), Instagram ( @northern_tool ), TikTok ( @northerntool ), X (Twitter) ( @northerntool ), YouTube and Pinterest .

About BGCCI

For over 60 years, Boys & Girls Clubs of Central Iowa has provided kids and teens in our community with a safe, supportive environment, structured programs, and caring staff role models. Highly educated and trained professionals at eight area Club locations give 1,600+ members the resources and guidance to graduate high school on time with a plan for the future. Boys & Girls Clubs of Central Iowa's programs help young people achieve academic success, model good character & citizenship, live healthy lifestyles, and prepare for the workforce. For more information, visit www.bgcci.org .

Media Contact: Holly Steffl

Phone Number: 612.351.8312

Email: [email protected]

Website: northerntool.com

SOURCE Northern Tool + Equipment
DUBAI, UAE, April 17, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Bybit , the world's second-largest cryptocurrency exchange by trading volume, is excited to bring new Bybit P2P offline workshops to LATAM, starting with Argentina and Mexico. The meetups are curated to combine fun and insights, connecting P2P users to exclusive resources and opportunities. The workshops also offer an opportunity for P2P insiders to network and upskill in some of the most vibrant emerging markets for Bybit P2P .

Cover photo

Expanding its footprint to the second and the third largest economies in LATAM, Bybit P2P will be hosting its first meetup in Mexico and marking its second event in Argentina, where Bybit P2P concluded a successful inaugural event in Sept. 2024. Both countries are home to technology savvy investors passionate about crypto, poised to transform the future of the digital economy in the continent.

The workshops promise to introduce guests to the world of P2P trading in a mix of interactive activities and knowledge-sharing. Guests may expect to exchange practical tips, tools, and trend analysis with a front-row seat to P2P's growth potential. Attendees will also get to meet top P2P advertisers and Bybit's P2P team, hear from industry experts, and enter live lucky draws and various giveaways at the events.

Event Highlights:

Building Bridges: Attendees will engage with peers and industry insiders on topics close to their hearts, fostering connections that may lead to future collaborations.

Attendees will engage with peers and industry insiders on topics close to their hearts, fostering connections that may lead to future collaborations. Insights in Action : P2P experts and Bybit's team will be holding nothing back in sharing the latest insights and Bybit P2P's latest offerings.

: P2P experts and Bybit's team will be holding nothing back in sharing the latest insights and Bybit P2P's latest offerings. Fun Guaranteed: Engaging activities and open discussions are part of the agenda, with appreciation gifts for attendees.

RSVP - Buenos Aires

Registration Link : https://lu.ma/maph8j4t

: Time : 19:00 - 23:00 (local time), May 9 , 2025

: 19:00 - 23:00 (local time), , 2025 Location: Buenos Aires, Argentina (exact location to be provided upon successful registration)

RSVP - Mexico City

Registration Link : https://lu.ma/n34tm3rg

: Time : 19:00 - 23:00 (local time), May 15, 2025

: 19:00 - 23:00 (local time), Location: Mexico City, Mexico (exact location to be provided upon successful registration)

The events are by registration only, and successful registrants will receive formal confirmation from Bybit P2P.

"We want to offer something for everyone in the P2P community no matter their experience level. Advanced P2P merchants will get to unlock exclusive insights from industry insiders, and our team will give new friends a crash course into P2P in the Bybit P2P 101 sessions. We are here to connect, learn, and grow together," said Rafa Zhao, Operations Manager of Bybit P2P LATAM.

P2P trading transforms finance by enabling direct selling and buying of crypto between individuals. Bybit P2P streamlines price matching, offers enterprise-level custodianship and execution, and allows users to utilize local payment methods with 24/7 support. The solution lowers reliance on traditional intermediaries, improving cost efficiency and making digital assets more accessible to people from diverse economic backgrounds.

#Bybit / #TheCryptoArk

About Bybit

Bybit is the world's second-largest cryptocurrency exchange by trading volume, serving a global community of over 60 million users. Founded in 2018, Bybit is redefining openness in the decentralized world by creating a simpler, open and equal ecosystem for everyone. With a strong focus on Web3, Bybit partners strategically with leading blockchain protocols to provide robust infrastructure and drive on-chain innovation. Renowned for its secure custody, diverse marketplaces, intuitive user experience, and advanced blockchain tools, Bybit bridges the gap between TradFi and DeFi, empowering builders, creators, and enthusiasts to unlock the full potential of Web3. Discover the future of decentralized finance at Bybit.com .

For more details about Bybit, please visit Bybit Press

For media inquiries, please contact: [email protected]

For updates, please follow: Bybit's Communities and Social Media

Discord | Facebook | Instagram | LinkedIn | Reddit | Telegram | TikTok | X | Youtube

Contact

Head of PR

Tony Au

Bybit

[email protected]

Photo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2667627/Bybit.jpg

SOURCE Bybit
As Skype's May 2025 retirement looms, Call.com invites users to seamlessly transition  offering imported chats & media, phone number porting, and a platform supercharged by a recent $7M-backed acquisition and 500,000+ user base.

LONDON, April 17, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Call.com, a rising global communications platform, today affirmed its position as the leading alternative for Skype users facing the imminent shutdown of Skype's consumer service. With Microsoft retiring Skype in May 2025, Call.com is inviting users to join its network with a seamless migration experience. Users can bring along their Skype history and even their phone numbers, ensuring communication continuity.

To make the switch effortless, Call.com offers:

- Import of Skype conversations and media: Users can transfer chat histories and media files using Microsoft's export tool.

- Phone number porting: North American Skype users can port their numbers to Call.com, avoiding service disruption.

These features, alongside Call.com's familiar free voice/video calling and messaging, aim to ease the transition for millions. "Skype has been a trusted staple for global communication for years," said Rolf Larsen, CEO of Call.com. "Our mission is to empower users. We ensure that moving to Call.com brings continuity, enhanced privacy, and a platform built for the future."

Strategic Growth and Acquisition

Call.com recently acquired Vyke Holding Limited, a London-based VoIP pioneer, in a deal funded by over $7 million from Norwegian investment firm Centennial AS (owned by Endre Rsj). This boosted Call.com's active user base to more than 500,000, including over 250,000 paying customers  a strong signal of market trust and viability.

Vyke's legacy  being the first mobile VoIP app pre-loaded on a Nokia phone in 2006  strengthens Call.com's credibility. The acquisition brings decades of experience to Call.com's platform, now enhanced with virtual mobile numbers, multi-device support, and privacy-first features.

A Premium Brand for a Global Audience

Call.com operates on the ultra-premium Call.com domain, acquired for $1.6 million in 2022. This authoritative name signals global ambition and instantly builds trust. It anchors the company's mission to become a top-tier brand in global communication.

Future-Ready for Skype Users

More than a replacement, Call.com offers an upgrade for users and businesses. With its intuitive design and telecom-grade features, the platform is scaling fast to welcome new users with uncompromised quality and security.

"This is more than a migration  it's a chance to redefine global communication," said CEO Rolf Larsen. "We stand on the shoulders of a VoIP pioneer and carry that legacy forward with a modern twist. Call.com is built to empower users with freedom, continuity, and innovation."

Call to Action

Skype users preparing for shutdown should visit https://www.call.com/skype-alternative to transfer their data and numbers. Download the app and embrace the future of global messaging and calling  with Call.com.
PLYMOUTH, Wis., April 17, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Carbliss, the rapidly growing premium ready-to-drink (RTD) cocktail brand, is proud to announce its official launch into Kentucky last week. With its entrance into the Bluegrass State, Carbliss continues its explosive growth and now brings its handcrafted, zero carb cocktails to 15 states across the country.

Founded in 2019 by husband and wife team Adam and Amanda Kroener in Plymouth, Wisconsin, Carbliss has gained national attention for its clean label cocktails; each can is zero sugar, zero carbs, gluten free, just 100 calories and full flavor.

Carbliss's expansion into Kentucky follows a successful full state launch in Indiana in February 2025. According to recent syndicated food data, Carbliss is now the #4 selling RTD cocktail brand in the nation, further cementing its place as a leader in the premium RTD space.

"Our momentum is building faster than ever," said Adam Kroener, CEO and Co Founder of Carbliss. "Launching Kentucky is a huge milestone for us. Consumers are asking for a better, more flavorful cocktail that fits their lifestyle and Carbliss delivers on that promise. We're proud to bring our beverages to a state that knows how to enjoy a good drink."

Carbliss's lineup features vodka based flavors such as Black Raspberry, Cranberry, Pineapple, Lemon Lime, and Peach, alongside cocktail classics like a tequila based Margarita and rum based Mojito. Products are available in single-flavor 4-packs and 12-packs, as well as variety packs of 8 and 18.

In August 2024, Carbliss was named the fastest-growing private company in the food and beverage sector by Inc. magazine, with a three-year revenue growth of over 27,000%.

Carbliss is available at select retailers and on premise locations across most of Kentucky. To find Carbliss near you, visit: www.drinkcarbliss.com/find-your-bliss

About Carbliss

Carbliss is America's fastest growing food and beverage company, producing premium ready to drink cocktails that combine full flavor with zero carbs and zero sugar. Founded in 2019 by Adam and Amanda Kroener in Plymouth, Wisconsin, the company has grown from a home-kitchen experiment to a national brand available in 15 states. Under the leadership of CEO Adam Kroener, an award-winning 9 figure CEO and U.S. Army veteran, Carbliss continues to revolutionize the RTD category through innovation and community-focused growth. For more information, visit drinkcarbliss.com .

SOURCE Carbliss Premium Hand Crafted Cocktails
MINNEAPOLIS, April 17, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Castlelake L.P. ("Castlelake"), a global alternative investment manager with 20 years of experience investing in asset-based private markets, today announced that it has entered into an agreement with Invictus Capital Partners ("Invictus"), an alternative asset manager that specializes in residential credit, to invest in up to $2 billion in newly-originated residential mortgages.

This agreement will enable Castlelake to provide its investors with exposure to what it believes to be high quality mortgage whole loans. The capital commitment will contribute to the further growth of Invictus' existing scaled loan investment platform.

"We are pleased to engage with Invictus, who we believe has a loan sourcing and credit underwriting approach that aligns with our granular data-driven investment philosophy and focus on downside protection," said Isaiah Toback, Partner and Deputy Co-CIO at Castlelake. "We look forward to working with the Invictus team as they continue the scaling of their loan investment capabilities and provide our investors with exposure to what we view as attractive pricing in the private residential loan market at a time when we see the sector experiencing increased growth."

"We believe this relationship with Castlelake highlights the recognition from sophisticated alternative investment managers of the significant opportunity to invest in high-quality loans in the residential credit market, the largest asset-based finance sector globally," said Michael Warden, Senior Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer at Invictus. "Castlelake's support affirms our belief that residential private credit deserves a featured position in an alternative credit portfolio."

With 20 years of experience investing in asset-based opportunities, Castlelake has entered into partnerships to acquire or finance approximately $7 billion of residential and commercial real estate loans since 2024. Invictus Capital Partners has significant experience in residential loan investing, having acquired over 70,000 loans representing more than $35 billion in balance since 2015.

About Castlelake

Castlelake, L.P. is a global alternative investment manager focused on asset-based investments. Founded in 2005, Castlelake manages approximately $25 billion of assets on behalf of a diversified global investor base. The Castlelake team comprises more than 220 experienced professionals, including 80 investment professionals, across seven offices in North America, Europe and Asia. For more information, please visit www.castlelake.com.

About Invictus

Invictus Capital Partners is a leading alternative credit asset manager specializing in residential credit investing, managing more than $20 billion in gross assets. Founded in 2008 and headquartered in Washington, D.C., the firm is majority-owned by its employees. Invictus and its affiliates employ over 200 professionals, offering deep experience across the spectrum of residential debt investments, including high-yielding and distressed loans and bonds.

Castlelake Media Relations:

Molly Blemker

Tel: (612) 851-3083

Email: [email protected]

Josh Clarkson/Remy Marin, Prosek Partners for Castlelake

Tel: (212) 279-3115

Email: [email protected] / [email protected] / [email protected]

SOURCE Castlelake
BEIJING, April 17, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- A news report from chinadaily.com.cn

The central government has pledged full support for Hong Kong's deeper integration into the global digital landscape, vowing to help the city seize emerging opportunities in the booming digital economy.

The Main Forum on the Digital Intelligence Future at the 2025 World Internet Conference Asia-Pacific Summit was held in Hong Kong on April 14. [Photo/wicinternet.org]

Officials and experts made the remarks at the World Internet Conference on Monday. For the first time, the annual event launched its Asia-Pacific summit outside the Chinese mainland, placing artificial intelligence and digital technologies at center stage.

Wang Yong, vice-chairman of the National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference, said digital integration is now a key force driving productivity reform and sustainable regional development.

He outlined China's stance on digital governance, stating, "China promotes the joint building of a fair and just cyberspace and governance system with various countries. We advocate respect for each country's network sovereignty and management models, while rejecting zero-sum games and technological bullying."

Hong Kong Chief Executive John Lee Ka-chiu described the summit as "a testament to Hong Kong's rising role as an international innovation and technology hub", and said it also reflects "our deep integration with our country's national development".

Lee emphasized the importance of international cooperation "especially during these challenging times to geopolitics and trade relations", reaffirming that "Hong Kong champions free trade and multilateralism."

"Hong Kong welcomes all business interests from those who are keen to pursue developments with us in this global city," he said.

Zhuang Rongwen, head of the Cyberspace Administration of China, said breakthroughs in new technologies such as AI are having far-reaching impacts on economic growth, social progress and the global political and economic landscape.

"Chinese research institutions and technology companies continue to introduce innovative achievements such as large language models, bringing strong momentum to the development of China, the Asia-Pacific region and the world," he said. "This also provides opportunities for building a community with a shared future in cyberspace."

Zheng Yanxiong, director of the Liaison Office of the Central People's Government in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, called Hong Kong a "pioneer region in internet development" with long-standing strengths in finance, shipping and trade, and emerging advantages in AI research, innovation and talent.

He cited Hong Kong's institutional innovation, bilingual capabilities, cultural openness and international connectivity as unique strengths, and urged the city to take a leading role in Asia-Pacific digital integration.

"We must accelerate the construction of the Northern Metropolis, relying on Hong Kong Science Park and Cyberport, and join forces with major cooperation platforms such as the Qianhai Shenzhen-Hong Kong Modern Service Industry Cooperation Zone, the Lok Ma Chau Loop, and Guangzhou's Nansha District," Zheng said.

He said such efforts would attract enterprises in the digital integration field and form industrial clusters spanning artificial intelligence, big data, cloud computing and blockchain.

Zheng also emphasized leveraging the "one country, two systems" framework to build cross-border data flow mechanisms aligned with international rules, promoting secure and orderly data circulation and resource sharing.

Nearly 1,000 delegates attended the two-day event, representing government agencies, businesses, international organizations and academia from about 30 countries and regions.

Zhang Donggang, Party secretary of the Renmin University of China, underlined the importance of talent development in the digital sector.

"The high-quality development of digital finance depends on a cohort of high-caliber, versatile professionals who understand both finance and technology," he said.

"Only with a large number of outstanding financial talents who possess vision, responsibility and passion can we truly advance digital inclusive financial innovation and achieve sustainable development with inclusive coverage."

On the sidelines of the conference, John Hoffman, CEO of GSMA Ltd, noted that on a global scale, artificial intelligence is emerging as a powerful force with the potential to transform businesses and society in unprecedented ways.

Over the next 10-20 years, McKinsey, a global management consulting firm, estimates that AI could bring up to $680 billion in benefits to the telecommunications industry, he said. Hoffman said the company is at the forefront of adopting AI and hopes to drive more value by empowering consumers and businesses through artificial intelligence.

SOURCE chinadaily.com.cn
Carl Black Chevy Nashville releases valuable research on the 2025 Chevy Equinox EV, which is available now at the dealership in Nashville, TN

NASHVILLE, Tenn., April 16, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Carl Black Chevrolet of Nashville is excited to announce the launch of extensive new 2025 Chevy Equinox EV research designed to help Middle Tennessee drivers explore everything this next-generation all-electric SUV offers.

This newly published research page gives Nashville-area shoppers an in-depth look at the Equinox EV's performance, range, tech, and value. Plus, drivers can browse current Equinox EV inventory to find available models right now.

A rear quarter view of the 2025 Chevy Equinox EV for sale near Nashville, TN.

Smart, Capable, and Electric

The 2025 Chevy Equinox EV delivers bold design and cutting-edge functionality. It's engineered for families and first-time EV drivers alike. With up to 300 miles of estimated Equinox EV range , it's built for daily commutes and weekend road trips.

Under the hood, the Equinox EV offers impressive power. Depending on the trim, drivers can enjoy up to 288 horsepower. That's a strong performance boost for a compact SUV.

Gary Harms, General Manager at Carl Black Chevrolet, shared his thoughts on what this new model means for the dealership.

"We've done the homework so our customers don't have to," Harms said. "This EV brings serious capability, and our 2025 Chevy Equinox EV research page lays it all out in plain terms."

Helpful Highlights from Our Research

To make things even easier, our team has highlighted key features Nashville shoppers should know:

DC fast-charging capability adds up to 70 miles of range in 10 minutes

Available Super Cruise hands-free driving tech on select trims

Standard 17.7-inch diagonal infotainment display on most models

Up to 57 cubic feet of max cargo space

Available dual-motor eAWD for added confidence

Why Shoppers Are Searching 'Chevy Equinox EV for Sale Near Nashville'

With attractive pricing and flexible charging solutions, the Equinox EV is already turning heads. Moreover, it brings the latest Chevy tech and safety systems to the table.

Buyers will appreciate the easy transition to EV life with home charging and a growing network of public chargers across Tennessee. In addition, federal and state EV incentives may be available, depending on eligibility.

Explore More with 2025 Chevy Equinox EV Research

Whether you're new to electric vehicles or just comparing options, our 2025 Chevy Equinox EV research gives you the details you need.

Explore the model overview, tech, and trims on our website, and then check out our latest inventory .

Carl Black Chevrolet is committed to making your EV journey exciting and informedfrom test drive to charging plug.

About Carl Black Chevrolet of Nashville:Carl Black Chevrolet of Nashville is a renowned dealership in Nashville, TN, offering a wide range of Chevrolet vehicles and exceptional customer service. With a commitment to excellence and a passion for meeting the needs of our customers, we strive to provide an unparalleled automotive experience. Individuals who want to learn more about the Chevy lineup can visit the dealership website, www.carlblackchevy.com. Anyone wishing to speak with a representative can contact the dealership directly by calling 888-509-5199.

SOURCE Carl Black Nashville
Specialty coffee roaster offers award-winning Cup of Excellence coffee at 65% off retail, raising awareness for sustainable sourcing, rising costs, and tariff impacts

NEW YORK, April 17, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Coffee Bros., a specialty coffee roaster based in New York, is giving coffee enthusiasts a rare chance to purchase Brazil's #1 Cup of Excellence coffee for just $9.99. The coffee, a Natural Yellow Catucai from Sitio Santa Luzia, scored an impressive 92.32 points at auction and was originally acquired for $55 per pound.

#1 Brazil Cup of Excellence Coffee

This special offering, discounted 65% from its $75.00 retail value, is part of Coffee Bros.' broader campaign to support specialty coffee producers, raise awareness about the true value of high-scoring coffees, and push back against policies threatening the future of the industry.

"Now is the time to double down on specialty coffee and not turn away from it," said Dan Hunnewell, co-founder of Coffee Bros. "We want to help more consumers experience what makes 90+ point coffees so extraordinary  and why these producers deserve our support."

Educating Consumers While Supporting Producers

Over the past year, green coffee prices have surged more than 100%, driven by global shortages and speculation on the C-Market. Simultaneously, the U.S. has imposed tariffs as high as 46% on coffee imports from 15 of the world's top-producing countries, including Brazil, Colombia, and Vietnam.

The result: small roasters are being squeezed, consumers are paying more, and producers who invest years perfecting their craft may lose access to the U.S. market.

"This coffee is a perfect example of what's at stake," said Hunnewell. "A 92-point Natural Yellow Catucai like this is the product of meticulous processing and innovation at origin. We want to show that specialty coffee is worth the price  and worth protecting."

A Call to Exempt Coffee from U.S. Tariffs

Coffee Bros. is also using this campaign to amplify their petition calling on the U.S. government to exempt coffee from tariffs. Coffee, unlike other commodities, cannot be manufactured at scale in the U.S., with Hawaii and Puerto Rico producing less than 1% of national consumption.

"Coffee is not steel or cars  it's an agricultural product that requires global trade," said Hunnewell. "Tariffs hurt not only small roasters like us, but also our long-term partners at origin who rely on access to the U.S. market."

Coffee Bros. urges consumers to support specialty roasters who prioritize transparency and ethical sourcing, and to help push for policy that reflects the unique structure of the global coffee industry.

Try the #1 Coffee from Brazil  While Supplies Last

This 92.32-point Natural Yellow Catucai is light-roasted to highlight its bright, clean sweetness  ideal for pour-over or iced coffee.

Purchase opportunities are limited. Sign up at www.coffeebros.com to claim your bag.

About Coffee Bros.

Founded in 2019, Coffee Bros. is a U.S.-based specialty coffee roaster committed to ethical sourcing, sustainability, and long-term partnerships with producers around the world. Through transparency, education, and initiatives like this campaign, Coffee Bros. aims to make high-quality coffee accessible while advocating for a more resilient and equitable coffee supply chain.

Media Contact:

Dan Hunnewell

914-598-6495

[email protected]

www.coffeebros.com

SOURCE Coffee Bros.
The nation's first regional offshore wind supply chain study shows more than 50 state companies contributing to active projects  with over 450 identified as having strong potential

GROTON, Conn., April 17, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- The Connecticut Wind Collaborative (CWC) today released the nation's first regional offshore wind supply chain study, "Connecticut Offshore Wind Supply Chain Assessment: Opportunities and Collaborative Efforts in the Northeast."

Connecticut Wind Collaborative releases nation's first regional offshore wind industry supply chain assessment.

Initiated by the Wind Collaborative and produced by Xodus Group in collaboration with The Pew Charitable Trusts, the report shows Connecticut businesses are an integral part of the offshore wind energy industry, and that the region has hundreds more businesses with the potential to benefit from growth in the sector. The assessment outlines steps decision makers can take to attract more offshore wind jobs and investment in the area.

"This report proves what we have been seeing for a long time; Connecticut businesses are an important link in the offshore wind supply chain and that translates into business growth and more jobs," said Kristin Urbach, executive director of the Connecticut Wind Collaborative. "We are committed to working with our partners to implement the study's recommendations, ensuring that Connecticut and the region capitalize on this tremendous opportunity and achieve our clean energy goals."

The assessment highlights that more than 50 Connecticut companies are already contributing to active offshore wind projects and port infrastructure development. An additional 450 companies have strong potential to enter the sector, with more than 130 possessing either previous offshore wind experience or applicable expertise needed in the offshore wind supply chain.

"As this study makes clear, this new, domestic, sustainable energy industry is already providing jobs for Connecticut's skilled workers and represents opportunities for many more," said Gov. Ned Lamont. "We need more energy production, and offshore wind should be allowed to scale up to increase domestic energy sources while driving growth in manufacturing and construction."

The state's strategic investment in port infrastructure, notably the $310 million upgrade to the New London State Pier Terminal, has created an East Coast hub for staging and marshaling offshore wind projects in the Northeast.

The report underscores the critical role of the Connecticut Wind Collaborative in fostering regional collaboration to address industry challenges, pursue opportunities, and drive economic growth across the Northeast.

The full report is available here.

SOURCE Connecticut Wind Collaborative
Three products, including Coway's new Switch Water Purifier, recognized for design innovation

The company was applauded for its minimalist aesthetics and user-centric design that blends seamlessly into any space

SEOUL, South Korea, April 17, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Coway Co., Ltd., the "Best Life Solution Company", has received the Red Dot Design Award 2025 in the Product Design category. This marks Coway's 19th consecutive win, reaffirming its global competitiveness in design.

The Red Dot Design Award is a prestigious international competition that celebrates design excellence and innovation, alongside other such distinguished awards as iF and IDEA.

Coway Products Honored with the 2025 Red Dot Design Award

This year's award-winning products include the Switch Water Purifier, NOBLE 2.0 Air Purifier Series and more. They were praised for their minimalist design, ability to complement various interior styles, and user-centric features.

Coway's innovative new Switch Water Purifier is a non-electric model offering maximum installation flexibility. It can be easily adapted between horizontal and vertical configurations to suit a range of kitchen layouts and even offers under-sink convertibility, enhancing space efficiency.

Additionally, the NOBLE 2.0 Air Purifier Series blends effortlessly into all kinds of interiors thanks to its sleek, architectural design with clean lines and five nature-inspired color options. Its concealed air intake further contributes to its overall design integrity, while Coway's innovative purification technologies optimize performance even within a more compact form factor.

Also honored in this year's awards was the Premium Bidet Remote Control Series used in Coway's bidets. The series features an intuitive touch display and comes in three shapes  stair-type, bar-type, and square-type  and two elegant color options, titanium silver and charcoal black. With these choices, users can personalize their experience to suit both their bathroom interiors and preferred operation styles, while the intuitive design enhances usability and convenience.

A Coway official said, "This award reflects growing global recognition of our design philosophy  that is, creating products that naturally integrate into everyday life. We will continue to introduce innovative designs that deliver enhanced functional and aesthetic experiences for our customers."

About Coway Co., Ltd.

Established in Korea in 1989, Coway, the "Best Life Solution Company," is a leading environmental home appliances company making people's lives healthy and comfortable with innovative home appliances such as water purifiers, air purifiers, bidets, and mattresses. The company's most recent venture, the BEREX brand, aims to improve sleep and wellness through cutting-edge mattresses and massage chairs. Since being founded, Coway has become a leader in the environmental home appliances industry, with intensive research, engineering, development, and customer service. The company has proven dedication to innovation with award-winning products, home health expertise, unrivaled market share, customer satisfaction, and brand recognition. Coway continues to innovate by diversifying product lines and accelerating overseas business in Malaysia, USA, Thailand, China, Indonesia, Vietnam, Japan, and Europe, based on the business success in Korea. For more information, please visit http://www.coway.com/ or http://newsroom.coway.com.

SOURCE Coway Co., Ltd.
MIAMI, April 17, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- As Cruisen Corporation continues to transform the cruise advising landscape, the company proudly announces the appointment of Jeffrey Pawid as Head of Sales. A seasoned leader with a track record of driving exponential growth in the travel sector, Pawid joins Cruisen to expand advisor adoption, forge key partnerships, and deepen the company's presence across the North American market.

Cruisen, already in operation and gaining rapid traction across the advisor community, is a powerful cruise sales tool built for independent travel advisors and high-volume host agencies alike. The platform centralizes communication, enhances collaboration, and reduces advisor sales time by up to 50%, empowering advisors to close more cruise bookings with less effort.

Pawid's impressive career spans globally recognized companies and major milestones, including:

Driving 45% of total North American sales for TBO , contributing to a 130% YoY revenue increase

, contributing to a Spearheading 110% YoY revenue growth at WebBeds

at WebBeds Launching Exoticca's B2B program and growing advisor signups from 0 to 6,000+ in just months

Negotiating partnerships with elite consortia such as Virtuoso (Startup Incubator), MAST, Signature, WESTA, TravelSavers, and NEST

Securing host agency agreements with Cruise Planners, Avoya, Gifted Travel Network, Travel Planners International, Uniglobe, and Worldvia Travel Network

"Jeff's proven ability to scale revenue, build strong advisor networks, and deliver results for some of the industry's most respected names makes him an ideal addition to the Cruisen leadership team," said Reid Williams, Founder and CEO of Cruisen. "With Jeff on board, we're well-positioned to accelerate adoption and support even more advisors in growing their cruise businesses."

Pawid and the Cruisen team will be attending CLIA's Cruise360 conference this month. Travel advisors and industry partners interested in learning more or seeing the platform in action are encouraged to stop by the Cruisen booth at #504 and meet Jeff in person.

Pawid added: "Cruisen is doing exactly what this industry has needed for years- streamlining the cruise sales process and empowering advisors with modern tools and seamless client collaboration. I'm honored to join such an innovative company and help take it to the next level."

About Cruisen:

Cruisen is revolutionizing cruise sales with an innovative platform that enhances collaboration, centralizes communication, and cuts servicing times in half. With versions tailored for independent travel advisors and large agencies alike, Cruisen offers the most powerful and intuitive tools in the industry, reimagining the way cruises are planned and sold.

Media Contact:

Name: Reid Williams

Number: 928-390-8472

Email: [email protected]

Website: Cruisen.com

Instagram: @cruisenhq

SOURCE Cruisen
RESEDA, Calif., April 16, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Daiso, the globally recognized retail chain known for offering affordable and unique products, is excited to announce the grand opening of its latest store in Reseda, California, on April 26th, 2025. Located at Victory + Tampa, this store marks a significant milestone in Daiso's U.S. expansion.

"We are thrilled to open our new store in Reseda," said Jack Williams, Chief Retail Operations Officer for Daiso USA. "This milestone reflects the continued support of our customers, and we're excited to introduce Daiso's budget-friendly offerings to the Reseda community. We invite everyone to Discover Daiso and explore the variety of products we offer."

The new Daiso store, located at Victory + Tampa, spans 6,454 square feet and features a wide selection of products across multiple categories. Customers can find everything from Japanese-inspired home decor and kitchenware to beauty products, stationery, DIY supplies, and snacks. Daiso's commitment to providing affordable and unique merchandise has made it a go-to destination for shoppers seeking unique items at great prices.

"Thanks to the enthusiasm of our loyal customers, we're excited to expand in California," said John Clarke, Chief Development Officer for Daiso USA. "We continue to see growing demand in the region, and we're proud to be opening more stores in 2025. With 189 stores now operating across the U.S., we're excited to serve new communities and bring the Daiso experience to even more customers."

To celebrate the grand opening, Daiso will offer exclusive promotions at the Victory + Tampa location. On April 26th and 27th, the first 100 customers who make a minimum purchase of $30 will receive a special Daiso goodie bag as a thank-you for their support. There will also be an exclusive coupon promotion running all weekend long.

The new store will be located at:

19323 Victory Boulevard, Reseda, CA 91335

Store hours will be Monday through Saturday from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m., and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Daiso invites customers to visit, explore the latest offerings, and find new favorites.

About Daiso:

Daiso is a global retail chain founded in Japan, known for its wide selection of unique and affordable products across categories such as household goods, stationery, beauty, and more. Daiso entered the U.S. market in 2005 and has expanded into multiple states. The company's U.S. headquarters is in Anaheim, CA.

SOURCE Daiso USA
The Estate Series combines spacious, one-to-two-acre lots with the elegance of semi-custom homes. Each home features expansive floor plansfrom approximately 2,000 to over 3,000 square feetvaulted ceilings, 8-foot kitchen islands with waterfall quartz countertops, soft-close cabinetry, soaking tubs, and a large primary closets conveniently connected to the laundry room. For a limited time, completed spec homes include free upgrades at no additional cost.

"Our Estate Series represents the best of both worldsrefined design and premium finishes in homes that are move-in ready or available for a semi-custom dirt build," said Kimberly Griggs-Jordan, Vice President of Marketing and Sales at Dunhill Homes. "These homes offer buyers a truly accessible luxury experience without a custom home price tag."

Each home is styled from one of three thoughtfully curated interior collectionsModern, Farmhouse, or Traditionalwith additional upgrade options for countertops, lighting, and designer finishes. Dunhill's flagship Estate Series model home is now open in Calhoun Acres at 309 Slimp Bluff, Azle, TX 76020, with Tuscan Estates opening in mid-May at 120 Aiden Dr, Waxahachie, TX 75165.

Available Estate Series Communities:

Parker County:

Calhoun Acres ( Azle )  1,8002,400 sq. ft., from the high $400Ks





 1,8002,400 sq. ft., from the high $400Ks Windmill Creeks ( Weatherford )  2,0002,600 sq. ft., from the $500Ks





 2,0002,600 sq. ft., from the $500Ks Wossum Ranch ( Weatherford )  2,4002,600 sq. ft., from the mid $500Ks





 2,4002,600 sq. ft., from the mid $500Ks Woodland Lake Estates ( Weatherford )  3,1003,300 sq. ft., from the $700Ks

Ellis County:

Tuscan Estates ( Waxahachie )  2,4002,800 sq. ft., from the $600Ks





 2,4002,800 sq. ft., from the $600Ks Waterfall Ranch Estates ( Waxahachie )  2,4002,600 sq. ft., from the $500Ks





 2,4002,600 sq. ft., from the $500Ks The Ranch at Stone Hill ( Waxahachie )  2,4002,800 sq. ft., from the $600Ks





 2,4002,800 sq. ft., from the $600Ks Coming Soon - Hartson Ranch ( Midlothian )  2,4002,800 sq. ft.

Johnson County:

Matthew Farms (Venus)  1,8002,600 sq. ft., from the $400Ks

Dunhill Homes is currently offering financing rates as low as 4.99% through a preferred lender. Visit https://dunhillhomes.com/homes/ for model home locations, pricing and floor plan options.

Dunhill Homes is a production homebuilder with a legacy of quality craftsmanship and superior design. With communities across North and Central Texas, Dunhill offers three unique product linesCornerstone, Legacy, and Estateto meet the needs of first-time buyers and luxury seekers alike.

For more information or to schedule a tour, contact the Dunhill Homes Sales Team at 214-382-4860.

About Dunhill Homes

Dunhill Homes is a renowned, multi-award-winning homebuilder with a history of more than 15 years of excellence in homebuilding. Dunhill Homes is known for its quality craftsmanship and beautiful design and is dedicated to delivering an elevated living experience and exceptional value to homebuyers across a range of price points and different stages of life. For more information, visit www.dunhillhomes.com. It feels good to be home.

About Winchester Carlisle Companies

Winchester Carlisle is a Dallas-based holding company that invests in diversified real estate businesses, and assets across Texas. The firm holds $385 million+ of investments across a broad range of real estate assets. With over 60 dedicated associates across a broad range of real estate enterprises, Winchester Carlisle brings local experience, national knowledge, in-depth expertise and uncompromising excellence to every business venture. For more information, visit www.winchestercarlisle.com.

PR Contact: [email protected]

SOURCE Winchester Carlisle Companies
May 9-10, 2025 | Hackensack, NJ

HACKENSACK, N.J., April 17, 2025 /PRNewswire/ --To mark the birthday of Salvador Dali, the father of surrealism, Facticerie--home to the world's largest collection of perfume factices--invites guests into a fantastical, two-day celebration:

"The Scent of Dali: A Surrealist Celebration of Fragrance Fantasies"

Dates: May 9 & 10, 2025 | Time: 2:00 PM - 8:00 PM

Location: Facticerie Museum, 70 1st Street, Hackensack, NJ

Sudhir Gupta, Merceedes Acosta -the Creative Director at Facticerie with Guiness World Records Event The only known complete collection of Salvador Dali's oversized perfume sculptures

Founded by Sudhir Gupta, Guinness World Record holder and custodian of olfactory memory, Facticerie is a museum unlike any other. Housing over 3,500 giant perfume sculptures once created as luxurious display art, it now becomes the stage for a surrealist tribute unlike any the fragrance world has seen.

This landmark exhibition showcases the only known complete collection of Salvador Dali's oversized perfume sculptures--phantasmagoric flacons, melted forms, and amphora-like relics reinterpreted into immersive scent installations. It is a multisensory homage where memory meets imagination, and fragrance becomes a form of artistic rebellion.

Accompanying the exhibit are floral dreamscapes by Venezuelan artist Mercedes Acosta, known for her ethereal creations at the MET Gala. Her installations--featuring dried blooms, botanical shadows, and suspended botanica--echo Dali's surrealism through a feminine, Latin American lens.

"As a Latin woman, I believe memory is fragrance," says Acosta. "This is my love letter to Dali--and to every dream that refuses to fade."

"Dali showed us that the surreal is more real than reality," adds Gupta. "At Facticerie, we honor him not with paint--but with perfume."

Visitors will also discover restored architectural elements from Manhattan's historic Lascoff Pharmacy--converted into scent altars and surrealist cabinets of memory.

Media, cultural editors, and television crews are invited. Bilingual interviews, high-resolution visuals, and press previews are available upon request.

RSVP & Press Contact:

Sudhir Gupta | Email: [email protected] | WhatsApp: +1 718-593-7988

www.facticerie.com

Only at Facticerie--The Museum of Invisible Things.

SOURCE FACTICERIE
The event brought together top Fairmont chefs and wish alumni to create new signature confections, which will debut on Fairmont menus worldwide

NEW YORK, April 17, 2025 /PRNewswire/ - Leading luxury hospitality brand Fairmont Hotels & Resorts is continuing its global partnership with Make-A-Wish, collaborating to host the first-ever Bake-A-Wish challenge. The event brought together young Make-A-Wish alumni, former wish recipients with a passion for food and cooking, with three of Fairmont's top chefs for a friendly culinary showdown at Fairmont Olympic Hotel in Seattle.

The bake-off featured Fairmont chefs from Fairmont Century Plaza in Los Angeles, Fairmont Empress in Victoria, Canada, and Fairmont Olympic Hotel in Seattle.  Joe Loper (CNW Group/Fairmont Hotels & Resorts) The culinary showdown was held at Fairmont Olympic Hotel in Seattle.  Joe Loper (CNW Group/Fairmont Hotels & Resorts)

The bake-off, hosted by content creator and on-camera personality, Melanie Sutrathada, challenged both Make-A-Wish alumni  Roux (18), Theo (9), and Jacqueline (16)  and Fairmont chefs  Chef Nancy Guerrero from Fairmont Century Plaza in Los Angeles, Chef Isabel Chung from Fairmont Empress in Victoria, and Chef Eraj Jayawickreme from Fairmont Olympic Hotel in Seattle  to create the world's most 'wish worthy' dessert. Each 'wish alum' was paired with a chef to collaborate and share ideas for their dream dessert. From there, the chefs were tasked to create an ultimate sweet treat inspired by their partner, and based off their preferred flavors, textures, colors and toppings. The final three creations will be added to select menus across the global network of 92 Fairmont hotels, giving guests a taste of the dreamy desserts and benefiting Make-A-Wish.

"For more than 115 years, we have been turning moments into special memories for our guests, celebrating their most significant occasions, both big and small. It is incredibly meaningful to us to carry this forward and help make dreams a reality for children facing critical illnesses around the globe, through our partnership with Make-A-Wish," said Omer Acar, CEO of Fairmont. "Now we are excited to bring a little bit of that magic to Fairmont hotels worldwide. This is just one small way we are honoring the amazing things Make-A-Wish does, and the inspiring legacy of World Wish Day. We hope you love these dream-inspired desserts as much as we do!"

The three Make-A-Wish alumni were given a unique opportunity to showcase their creativity and passion for food alongside three of the brand's most talented chefs. The chefs participating in this special event brought their wealth of knowledge and diverse culinary backgrounds to add a rich flavor and depth to the experience. Each pairing was encouraged to dream big to inspire a truly one-of-a-kind dessert.

S'mores Cake

Roux's love for cooking, special fondness for chocolate and marshmallows, and recent wish trip to New York City inspired Chef Eraj's special dessert. This creation was about more than just flavor  it was about connection. The graham cracker cake featured decadent, rich chocolate, complemented by a graham cracker-infused creme anglaise and topped with fresh marshmallows made from scratch that were delicately piped and torched tableside, filling the air with a smoky aroma, evoking the treasured moments of sharing s'mores with loved ones under the stars. Chef Eraj crafted this dessert to celebrate both the joy of the moment with Roux and the cherished memories they will carry from the experience.

Coconut Tres Leches with Caramelized Pineapple

Theo found inspiration for his dessert from a cherished family tradition of baking a pineapple upside-down cake with his grandfather, combined with his love for pina colada mocktails, which he enjoyed during a recent trip to Hawaii  part of his wish granted by Make-A-Wish. Chef Nancy crafted a Coconut Tres Leches with Caramelized Pineapple, blending those beloved flavors to create a dessert that would transport Theo back to those joyful memories.

Passionfruit Strawberry Yogurt Cake

Jacqueline's deep love for strawberries became the heart of Chef Isabel's creation  a dessert that intertwines flavors inspired by Jacqueline's Guatemalan heritage. Infused with passionfruit, lychee, and the rich essence of her family's chocolate production in Guatemala, the result is a Passionfruit Strawberry Yogurt Cake. To add a personal touch, delicate pink and white edible flower petals adorn the cake, a tribute to the colors Jacqueline chose for her Quinceanera, her wish granted by Make-A-Wish. As a heartfelt finishing detail, the dessert is plated on a black dish, symbolizing Jacqueline's six-month-old Labradoodle.

During the Bake-A-Wish event, Chef Isabel's Strawberry Yogurt Cake received the highest marks from the host and judges, earning her the winning title of the competition. Though the original intent was to feature only the winning dessert, Fairmont was so wowed by all three creations, and the wish alumni and the stories that inspired them, that the hotels will have the option of featuring any of the three desserts. Launching on World Wish Day, April 29th, Fairmont hotels will select one of the three Bake-A-Wish creations to be offered for a limited time with proceeds donated back to Make-A-Wish. World Wish Day is the anniversary of the wish that inspired the founding of Make-A-Wish, a day focused on raising awareness and support for granting wishes to children with critical illnesses.

"We are excited to announce our latest partnership with Fairmont, a brand that shares our dedication to creating unforgettable experiences for families," said Leslie Motter, president and CEO of Make-A-Wish America. "It takes an entire community of WishMakers to grant wishes that can be life-changing for everyone involved, and we're extremely grateful for Fairmont's support of our mission."

"Wishes have the power to transform lives, bringing much-needed hope and joy to children facing critical illnesses and their families," said Luciano Manzo, President & CEO of Make-A-Wish International. "Our partnership with Fairmont enables us to reach more children worldwide, allowing them to experience the lasting impact of a wish."

Fairmont's World Wish Day programming is a continuation of the 'Wishes Start Here' program, a global partnership between Fairmont and Make-A-Wish, which made its debut in 2022. The legacy of the partnership extends much longer, however, with more than 20 years of bringing hope, strength, and joy to children around the world by granting wishes together.

Supporting images can be found HERE.

About Fairmont Hotels & Resorts

Fairmont Hotels & Resorts is renowned for the international luxury hospitality brand's unrivalled portfolio of more than 92 extraordinary hotels where grand moments of life, heartfelt pleasures and personal milestones are celebrated and remembered long after any visit. From grand hotels to urban retreats, since 1907 Fairmont has created magnificent, meaningful and unforgettable hotels, rich with character and deeply connected to the history, culture and community of its destinations  renowned addresses such as The Plaza in New York City, The Savoy in London, Fairmont San Francisco, Fairmont Banff Springs in Canada, Fairmont Peace Hotel in Shanghai, Fairmont Doha and Fairmont The Palm in Dubai. Fairmont hotels are the social epicenters of their citiesiconic gathering places where people, culture, and ideas converge. Famous for its engaging service, awe-inspiring public spaces, locally inspired cuisine, and iconic bars and lounges, Fairmont also takes great pride in its pioneering approach to hospitality and leadership in sustainability and responsible tourism practices. Fairmont is part of Accor, a world leading hospitality group counting over 5,600 properties throughout more than 110 countries, and a participating brand in ALL, a loyalty program and booking platform providing access to a wide variety of rewards, services and experiences.

fairmont.com | all.accor.com | group.accor.com

About Make-A-Wish

Make-A-Wish creates life-changing wishes for children with critical illnesses. Founded in 1980, Make-A-Wish is the world's leading children's wish-granting organization, having granted more than 615,000 wishes in nearly 50 countries worldwide. Together with generous donors, supporters, staff and more than 27,000 volunteers around the globe, Make-A-Wish delivers hope and joy to children and their families when they need it most. Make-A-Wish aims to bring the power of wishing to every child with a critical illness because wish experiences can help improve emotional and physical health. For more information about Make-A-Wish International, visit worldwish.org and for more information about Make-A-Wish America, visit wish.org.

SOURCE Fairmont Hotels & Resorts
Every once in a while, a breakthrough doesn't just advance medicineit changes the conversation entirely.

SUNNYVALE, Calif., April 17, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- EBR Systems, Inc. (ASX: EBR) has received FDA approval of the WiSE System, which marks a significant leap forward in the treatment of heart failure. Unlike conventional CRT, the WiSE System is the first and only to deliver leadless left ventricular endocardial pacing (LVEP), that closely aligns with the heart's natural conduction pathway. The endocardial approach represents a more physiological method of resynchronization and allows electrophysiologists to treat patients that are not able to receive lead-based devices. This advancement offers a pioneering treatment option for patients who have limited access to conventional CRT therapies.

Illustration of implanted WiSE System

"Recent years have brought significant advancements in leadless pacing for the right heart, but CRT patients were limited to traditional optionsuntil now," said principal investigator Niraj Varma, MD, PhD, FRCP, Professor of Medicine at Cleveland Clinic. "Now, the WiSE System brings a leadless solution to left ventricular pacing, eliminating the biggest limitation of conventional CRT: the lead. This is a game-changer for patients who were previously untreatable due to anatomy or lead failures."

Expanding Access to Patients

Conventional CRT leaves too many heart failure patients behind. The WiSE System was designed for them. It allows physicians to help these key patient populations:

Patients with challenging anatomy where the LV lead could not be implanted





Patients with acute or chronic LV lead failure





Patients with high procedural risk for LV lead placement





Patients with leadless pacemakers* who need CRT, yet are often poor candidates for conventional upgrades

In short: WiSE brings CRT to more patients than ever before.

Backed by Data. Reimagining Delivery of CRT.

The SOLVE-CRT trial has delivered promising results for heart failure patients. The WiSE System offers hope to those who have tried other therapies without success and were told no further options existeduntil now.

16.4% reduction in LV end-systolic volume (LVESV)a key marker of reverse remodeling (p=0.003)





Shorter QRS durations by an average of 39ms an indicator of electrical resynchronization





Over 55% improved at least one NYHA class and another 40% remained stable

Seamless Integration.

The WiSE System syncs with existing pacing devicespacemakers, ICDs, or CRTsusing a subcutaneous ultrasound Transmitter to power an ultra-compact Electrode implanted in the LV.

No leads. No lead navigation. Just endocardial pacing that's more physiologic, from the inside out.

Empowering Physicians, Powering Hearts.

"We're delighted for the heart failure patients who were not treatable with existing CRT lead-based devices," said John McCutcheon, President and CEO of EBR Systems. "This milestone celebrates the dedication of our team, the support of our shareholders, and empowers electrophysiologists with a vital new tool to help their patients. It marks the culmination of EBR's 22-year pre-commercial phase and the start of our journey as a high-growth, medical device company."

For more information about training, patient selection, or clinical support, please contact EBR at www.ebrsystemsinc.com.

*Medtronic's Micra leadless pacemaker has been qualified for use with WiSE System. Abbott's Aveir leadless pacemaker has not yet been qualified for use with WiSE System, but testing conducted by EBR is in progress.

SOURCE EBR Systems
The AI leader in Global Supply Chain & Manufacturing joins MISUMI to Build a Global

Manufacturing Platform for Engineering and Supply Chain Organizations

SAN FRANCISCO, April 17, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Fictiv , a global supply chain technology company, today announced that it has entered into an agreement to be acquired by MISUMI Group Inc., a leading global supplier of mechanical components for the manufacturing industry headquartered in Japan. The all-cash transaction has a total consideration of $350 million, subject to closing adjustments. Once closed, Fictiv will join MISUMI.

This acquisition represents an investment by MISUMI to accelerate the emergence of manufacturing and supply chain solutions that deploy the power of AI through digitally native tools built on top of robust physical infrastructure to build real-world products in an efficient, scalable way.

The manufacturing and supply chain industries are rapidly evolving and increasingly volatile, fueled by shifts in global tariff and trade policy, geopolitical uncertainty, logistics disruptions, and technology developments. These events are exposing traditional manufacturing and supply chain methods that are expensive, inefficient, and opaque, creating inordinate risk in building and scaling products.

Fictiv's Global Manufacturing Supply Chain brings together AI-driven technology workflows, a world-class global manufacturing network, and teams of local manufacturing experts to simplify sourcing for custom mechanical components. To date, Fictiv has produced over 35 million commercial and prototype components for some of the world's most innovative products across early-stage and large enterprises in the aerospace, robotics, clean energy, consumer, and automotive sectors. Customer adoption of Fictiv's solution has grown at a rapid pace, accelerated further by the recent launch of production manufacturing solutions .

Based in Japan, MISUMI supplies mechanical components, tools, consumables, and other products to more than 318,000 companies worldwide. Customers recognize the MISUMI brand for strict quality conformance, global logistics excellence, and scalability offered by digital tools and unique customization capabilities. Bringing all this to Fictiv will help make their solution even better and more scalable, benefitting customers by offering a single global platform capable of building an entire bill-of-materials with world-class speed, price, and quality.

You can read more about Fictiv's solution and vision for unlocking the world's creative potential together with MISUMI on the Fictiv blog.

J.P. Morgan served as exclusive financial advisor and Morrison & Foerster LLP served as legal counsel to Fictiv. The deal is subject to customary closing conditions including regulatory approvals.

Quotes:

Ryusei Ono, Representative Director and President, MISUMI Group Inc.: "From its earliest days, MISUMI's culture of ingenuity and innovation has made us a leader and pioneer in making it easier for customers to procure manufacturing components that fit their needs. Fictiv brings exceptional talent, proven technology, and a shared commitment to innovation. Together, MISUMI and Fictiv will amplify our customers' 'Time Value'."

Dave Evans, Co-Founder & CEO, Fictiv: "Fictiv and MISUMI share a joint vision to make world-class manufacturing & supply chain capabilities easier, more accessible, more intelligent, and democratized. Giving more teams the tools to take their ideas from concept to reality will unlock innovation to fuel the advancements we want to see in the world."

Nate Evans, Co-Founder & CXO, Fictiv: "This is an exciting moment for our company, but an even more important one for our customers, as this acquisition will enable us to turbocharge our mission to simplify sourcing. Fictiv and MISUMI bring together digital and physical infrastructure to support a full bill-of-materials, and reduce the time, cost, and risk associated with building and scaling products."

About Fictiv

Fictiv is a global manufacturing and supply chain company that enables organizations to scale globally without the typical barriers of cost, complexity, and risk. By leveraging Fictiv's four global manufacturing centers in India, Mexico, China, and the U.S., companies can access high-quality production, optimize supply chain logistics, and mitigate supply chain riskensuring they can move from prototype to full-scale manufacturing with speed and confidence. To date, Fictiv has delivered more than 35 million commercial and prototype parts for early-stage companies and large enterprises alike, helping them innovate faster, free up precious resources, and drive profitable growth. For more information, visit www.fictiv.com.

About MISUMI

MISUMI supplies mechanical components for automation that are in demand in the manufacturing scenes, as well as tools, consumables, and other products to more than 318,000 companies worldwide. We wear two hats: a manufacturer with manufacturing capabilities and a distributor of branded products from other companies. With this unique business model, supported by a solid business foundation, MISUMI achieves "globally Reliable, Quick Delivery" for greater customer convenience.

Fictiv Media Relations:

Jennifer Shambroom

Chief Marketing Officer

[email protected]

+1.415.278.1727

5W Public Relations

Lexi Glicksman

[email protected]

SOURCE Fictiv
HONG KONG, April 16, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- On 15 April 2025, S&P Global published the Sustainability Yearbook 2025 (China Edition). Fosun International Limited (HKEX stock code: 00656, "Fosun International") was successfully included in S&P Global's Sustainability Yearbook 2025 (China Edition) and was ranked top 1% for the second consecutive year, recognizing its continuous efforts in environmental, social and governance (ESG) over the years.

S&P Global has published its Sustainability Yearbook (China Edition) for the third consecutive year, aiming to distinguish and recognize individual Chinese companies, within their industries, that have demonstrated strengths in corporate sustainability based on S&P Global's Corporate Sustainability Assessment (CSA).

This year, more than 1,600 Chinese companies assessed for the CSA were considered for inclusion in the S&P Global's Sustainability Yearbook 2025 (China Edition). Among these companies, S&P Global identified the top performing companies in each industry and excluded some companies according to the established rules. In the end, around 160 companies with the best performance were listed in this Yearbook. To be listed in the Yearbook, companies must score within the top 15% of their industry. In addition, only companies within each industry, with a minimum CSA score of 60 and have a score that within 1% of the industry's top-performing company can be ranked top 1% in the Yearbook.

Building on years of dedicated efforts in the ESG field, Fosun International achieved an impressive score of 70 in the 2024 S&P Global CSA, maintaining its leading position in the industry and surpassing the industry average by approximately 40 points.

As of April 2025, Fosun International ranks among the top 5% of global peers participating in the CSA and has been successfully included in S&P Global's Sustainability Yearbook 2025.

In recent years, Fosun International has consistently achieved excellent results in global ESG ratings. As of now, Fosun International's MSCI ESG rating has remained AA since 2021. It received an HSI ESG rating of AA- and has been included in the Hang Seng Corporate Sustainability Benchmark Index for years. Furthermore, Fosun International's FTSE Russell ESG score was consistently higher than the global industry average and it has been continuously selected as a constituent stock of the FTSE4Good Index Series.

Fosun has always paid attention to the development and impact of global sustainability. It has established a sound ESG management system and integrated ESG requirements into its business management over the years. Fosun has actively leveraged its innovation and global operational strengths to address critical social issues. It has long been dedicated to philanthropy projects in areas such as rural revitalization, healthcare, educational equity, community construction, culture and art, significantly expanding its impact across global communities.

Looking ahead, Fosun will continue to deepen its core businesses, strengthen innovation, and drive globalization, promoting the long-term sustainable development of its business. By creating lasting value for all stakeholders, Fosun remains committed to fulfilling its mission of "Creating happier lives for families worldwide".

SOURCE Fosun
BEIJING, April 16, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Chinese President Xi Jinping said on Wednesday that China is ready to work with the Malaysian side to build a high-level strategic China-Malaysia community with a shared future, so as to usher in new "Golden 50 Years" for bilateral ties, according to the Xinhua News Agency.

Xi made the remarks when meeting with Malaysian King Sultan Ibrahim Sultan Iskandar during a state visit to the country. Prior to their meeting, Sultan Ibrahim held a grand welcome ceremony for Xi.

During the meeting, Xi pointed out that China and Malaysia are good neighbors, good friends and good partners who visit each other as often as family. Bilateral relations have gone through a magnificent half-century and are embracing an even brighter future, he added.

Sultan Ibrahim said he believes that Xi's visit will comprehensively upgrade bilateral relations and promote vigorous development of cooperation in various fields, adding that China's impressive development achievements are attributable to the foresight of President Xi and the hard work of the Chinese people.

On Wednesday afternoon, Xi held talks with Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim. Xi said he is ready to work with Anwar to boost the high-level and strategic development of China-Malaysia community with a shared future. During the meeting, Xi put forward a three-point proposal on building a high-level strategic China-Malaysia community with shared future, Xinhua reported.

First, Xi urged the two countries to adhere to strategic independence and carry out high-level strategic coordination. Second, both countries should build synergy for development and set a model for high-quality development cooperation, Xi said. Third, Xi called for both sides to carry forward their friendship from generation to generation and deepen exchanges and mutual learning between the two civilizations, according to Xinhua.

Following the talks, China and Malaysia exchanged more than 30 bilateral cooperation documents, covering cooperation in areas such as the three global initiatives, digital economy, trade in services, upgrading and development of "two countries, two parks," joint laboratories, artificial intelligence, railways, intellectual property rights, agricultural products exports to China, mutual visa exemption and panda conservation, according to Xinhua.

Xi arrived in Kuala Lumpur on Tuesday for a state visit, the second leg of his three-nation Southeast Asia tour. The Chinese President's visit to the country, his second in the past 12 years, has drawn warm welcomes and positive reactions from all sectors of Malaysian society.

Key outcomes

"President Xi's visit brings key outcomes at a critical moment. The interactions between Chinese and Malaysian leaders signify the deepening of mutual political trust," Ong Tee Keat, president of the Belt and Road Initiative Caucus for Asia Pacific and a former minister of transport of Malaysia, told the Global Times on Wednesday. "It also marks the success of China's neighborhood diplomacy."

During the meeting with Sultan Ibrahim on Wednesday morning, Xi said that the two sides should deepen the synergy of development strategies, draw on each other's strengths for mutual benefit and win-win results, and jointly pursue modernization.

He called on the two sides to ensure good implementation of major projects such as the "Two Countries, Twin Parks" program and the East Coast Rail Link, and to actively foster cooperation in future industries such as artificial intelligence, digital economy and the green economy, according to Xinhua.

China welcomes more high-quality Malaysian agricultural products to the Chinese market, and encourages Chinese enterprises to invest in Malaysia, Xi said.

Also during meeting with Anwar, Xi urged joint efforts to resist decoupling, supply chain disruptions, "small yard with high fences" and arbitrary imposition of tariffs with openness, inclusiveness, unity and cooperation.

He also called for responding to the law of the jungle with Asian values of peace, cooperation, openness and inclusiveness, and responding to the unstable and uncertain world with stable and certain Asia. Xi added that China stands ready to work with countries in the region to sign the upgrade protocol of the China-ASEAN Free Trade Area at an early date.

Anwar said that ASEAN will not endorse any unilaterally imposed tariffs, and will promote collective advancement through cooperation to maintain economic growth. Facing the rise of unilateralism, Malaysia is willing to strengthen cooperation with China to jointly address risks and challenges, Anwar added.

In 2024, China-Malaysia trade reached $212 billion, and China has been Malaysia's No.1 trading partner for 16 consecutive years. In terms of investment cooperation, to date, the Malaysia-China Kuantan Industrial Park has received a total investment of over 11 billion yuan, according to official Chinese data.

Many in Malaysia have praised growing ties between China and Malaysia and have expressed earnest hope for greater trade and economic cooperation between the two countries.

Zariman, a resident in Kuala Lumpur who has conducted businesses with China in areas such as durian exports, was watching live television coverage of the welcome ceremony at the National Palace on a small screen on the dashboard of his car on Wednesday morning.

He told the Global Times that he has been paying great attention to the state visit because he believes China-Malaysia cooperation is so important. "It's important that in trade everyone should benefit. All the countries have their sovereignty and there should be mutual respect," he said, adding that threatening other countries "is uncivilized in the modern world."

Successful example

Ong said that deepening and implementing the China-Malaysia community with a shared future not only benefits the two countries, but it has also set a successful example for the economic integration of China and ASEAN, and the building of a community with a shared future between China and ASEAN in the future.

During the meeting with Sultan Ibrahim, Xi said that China supports Malaysia in its role as ASEAN chair and stands ready to work with Malaysia to implement the Global Development Initiative, the Global Security Initiative and the Global Civilization Initiative, according to Xinhua.

Malaysia holds the chairmanship of ASEAN this year and "can play a pivotal role in coordinating and connecting ASEAN member states' interactions with China," Ong said, adding that China-ASEAN cooperation can go beyond the existing economic and trade partnership, further deepen the high-quality development of the Belt and Road Initiative, and they cooperate in the promotion of China's three major global initiatives in Southeast Asia, in conjunction with the implementation of the ASEAN Community Vision.

Zhong Feiteng, a researcher at the National Institute of International Strategy of the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences, said that the remarkably positive reaction to the state visit demonstrates the growing international image of China as a defender of fairness and justice, and a promotor of peace and development amid certain global conflicts and growing trade tensions.

"China stands on the side of international fairness and justice and the Global Development Initiative, the Global Security Initiative and the Global Civilization Initiative are in line with the actual needs of Malaysia," Zhong told the Global Times on Wednesday.

Ong said that China's approach of neighborhood diplomacy is conducive to regional development and peace.

"Building a community with a shared future is an integral part of China's neighborhood diplomacy, rooted in the principles of amity, sincerity, [mutual benefit] and inclusiveness. It goes far beyond sheer economics. It constitutes a multi-dimensional partnership allowing good neighborliness to create a conducive environment for economic development. The prosperity accrued therefrom will further bolster peace across the region," Ong said.

https://www.globaltimes.cn/page/202504/1332263.shtml

SOURCE Global Times
In the preliminary findings of a study conducted with the National Taiwan University Hospital, over 50% of sample cases were reclassified as HER2-expressing when 3D pathology was applied.

HSINCHU, April 16, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- JelloX Biotech Inc., a Taiwan-based startup at the forefront of cancer pathology, announced the preliminary results of a research collaboration with the National Taiwan University Hospital (NTUH) on breast cancer patients. The study found that JelloX's 3D pathology technology identified a significantly increased proportion of tumors with HER2-low and HER2-ultralow expression compared to conventional methods, demonstrating this technology's increased sensitivity and potential as a superior diagnostic tool for HER2 detection in breast cancers.

This is a 3D fluorescent-stained image of mammary ducts from a breast cancer patient. Green areas indicate drug-targeted receptors. Unlike traditional 2D pathology, this reveals the spatial distribution of receptors, reducing the risk of misjudging treatment decisions.

Contact JelloX at [email protected] to explore partnerships and learn more about the company's cutting-edge 3D pathology technology.

According to the US National Cancer Institute, breast cancer is the most prevalent form of cancer. However, the difficulty of precisely determining treatment has made the identification of HER2 expression essential. In HER2-low and HER2-ultralow metastatic breast cancer, the novel antibody-drug conjugate (ADC) Trastuzumab deruxtecan (T-DXd) has demonstrated robust efficacy over conventional chemotherapy. Yet considering HER2 spatial heterogeneity, traditional diagnostic methods have shown to be less precise than 3D pathology in detecting the presence of the HER2 protein.

"For the specific challenges posed by metastatic breast cancer and the need to identify predictive biomarkers accurately, the high sampling capacity of 3D pathology holds particular potential," commented Dr. Yen-Yin Lin, CEO of JelloX. "JelloX Biotech's Comprehensive HER2 Diagnostic Solution is poised to revolutionize HER2 diagnostics. With a more comprehensive data set on tumor samples, healthcare providers can be empowered to make more precise diagnoses, ensuring that the right patients receive the right treatment at the right time."

New findings with NTUH on HER2 breast cancer

In JelloX's research collaboration with NTUH, preliminary findings indicate that more than half of the analyzed cases exhibited diagnostic discrepancies when re-evaluated using the company's advanced 3D pathology methods. Notably, among patients initially classified as HER2-null by traditional methods, more than 66.7% were reclassified as HER2-expressing (HER2-low or HER2-ultralow) using 3D technology, thereby becoming potentially eligible for T-DXd treatment.

These findings echo the company's recent results using samples from colorectal and esophageal cancers, demonstrating that 3D pathology may have broader potential across various cancer types.

The full findings will be shared at the Global Breast Cancer Conference in South Korea on April 17. https://gbcc.kr/Main.asp

Implications for breast cancer treatment and drug guidelines

T-DXd has demonstrated significant efficacy in tumors with HER2 expression. However, tumors classified as HER2-null under conventional pathological testing are ineligible for T-DXd treatment. By detecting HER2 more precisely using 3D pathology methods, we can identify more patients eligible for T-DXd therapy.

In addition to cancer patients, JelloX's 3D pathology technology has the potential to expand possibilities across healthcare stakeholders:

For physicians: This advanced diagnostic tool offers a more comprehensive patient data set and, when integrated with AI, helps reduce physician workloads.

For pharmaceutical companies and research institutions: The technology enhances companion diagnostics (CDx) for drug usage and is a valuable tool for new drug development.

For healthcare systems: 3D pathology optimizes medical resource allocation and minimizes unnecessary financial and healthcare burdens.

About JelloX Biotech Inc.

Based in Hsinchu, Taiwan, JelloX Biotech Inc. is a startup that focuses on advancing cancer pathology through 3D digital imaging and AI technology.

For more information, please visit: https://jellox.com/en/home/

SOURCE JelloX Biotech Inc.
The company's growing selection of telehealth services includes prescription weight management medications to support health at FSA Store and HSA Store

DALLAS, April 17, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Health-E Commerce , parent brand to FSA Store and HSA Store , has introduced a new online shopping experience for consumers who want to use tax-free FSA and HSA funds to achieve and maintain a healthy weight. The new online shopping experience features access to leading prescription weight loss services through Health-E Commerce's telehealth collaborations, and streamlined access to over-the-counter products and devices that support overall health.

Health-E Commerce introduces new online experience for FSA- and HSA-eligible prescription weight management medications and supportive health products.

"Because of the profound impact that maintaining a healthy weight has on physical and mental health, prescription GLP-1 medications continue to be in high demand, but insurance coverage is not yet consistent across employers or health plans," said Keri Kaiser, chief revenue officer for Health-E Commerce. "Our new weight management experience helps eligible account holders understand how to use FSA and HSA funds to improve their health and bridges the gaps in what their health plan covers and what their out-of-pocket costs might be. We've removed the guesswork, so people can focus on their health goals."

When shopping for weight management medications and products at FSA Store or HSA Store , individuals receive special pricing on GLP-1 medications. The experience starts with an online assessment and evaluation by a licensed medical provider. Pending approval, medications are shipped to the individual's home, and one-on-one clinical support is provided throughout the individual's weight loss journey.

In addition to prescription weight loss medications, consumers who are shopping for weight loss medications at FSA Store or HSA Store also have easy access to products that support overall health needs during weight loss, such as digestive health products, diagnostic devices that track key biometrics, a high-tech scale that provides a full body analysis, food sensitivity test kits, and more.

"By curating all eligible products and telehealth services into one convenient shopping experience, we hope to eliminate confusion about using tax-free funds and encourage individuals to consider other factors that can contribute to the success of their personal journeys," said Kaiser.

To learn more about FSA- and HSA-eligible weight management medications, visit FSA Store or HSA Store.

About Health-E Commerce

Health-E Commerce is the parent brand to FSA Store and HSA Store , online stores that serve the 70+ million consumers enrolled in pre-tax health and wellness accounts. The company also created Caring Mill , a popular private-label line of health products through which a portion of every purchase is donated to the Children's Health Fund . Since 2010, the Health-E Commerce brands have led the direct-to-consumer e-commerce market for exclusively pre-tax health and wellness benefits. Health-E Commerce plays an essential role in expanding product eligibility for important new products and telehealth services within the list of eligible medical expenses.

SOURCE Health-E Commerce
Health Net to host convening with California Community Foundation and others to coordinate recovery of critical healthcare infrastructure

SACRAMENTO, Calif., April 17, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- One hundred days after the devastating Eaton Fire began, Health Net, one of California's most experienced Medi-Cal managed care health plans, and the Centene Foundation, the philanthropic arm of Centene Corporation (NYSE: CNC), announced an additional commitment of $750,000 for wildfire recovery efforts in Los Angeles County. This new funding brings Health Net and the Centene Foundation's total contribution to $1 million, underscoring their continued commitment to rebuilding and restoring impacted communities.

Centene Foundation (PRNewsfoto/Health Net)

"Our objective shouldn't be to merely restore what was lost," said Dorothy Seleski, Medi-Cal president at Health Net. "We have a responsibility to the community to be deliberate and strategic in building a better healthcare system compared to what existed before the fires. This begins with assembling the right voices that reflect the needs of the community and bringing together the necessary resources to bring that vision to life."

The funds will be distributed to trusted local nonprofit organizations working directly in the affected areas to support initiatives related to housing assistance, mental health, healthcare services and rebuilding critical infrastructure.

This week, Health Net is convening key stakeholdersincluding public health departments, community organizations and healthcare providersto assess community needs and support the thoughtful rebuilding of healthcare infrastructure and drivers of health. Co-hosted in partnership with HealthBegins, the California Community Foundation, the Pasadena Community Foundation and GRACE (Gather, Respect, Advocate, Change, Engage), the convening will focus on four critical areas of impact:

Respiratory health Mental and behavioral health Children and youth Housing

"In the wake of such devastating wildfires, rebuilding our communities requires partnership, persistence and compassion," said Los Angeles County Supervisor Kathryn Barger. "We're grateful to Health Net and the Centene Foundation for stepping up with this critical investment. Their support will accelerate recovery for families in need and help ensure that Los Angeles comes back stronger, safer and more resilient."

This commitment builds on Health Net's ongoing efforts to strengthen California's healthcare system. Most recently, the organization announced a $9 million investment to bolster the state's physician workforce  creating pathways for individuals to enter the medical field and supporting the professional development of those already in practice. By investing in the healthcare professionals of today and cultivating the physicians of tomorrow, Health Net is helping lay the foundation for a more resilient and equitable healthcare system, one capable of withstanding future crises and delivering continuous care to those who need it most.

To learn more about Health Net's local commitments, visit www.bridgingthedivideca.com.

About Health Net

Founded in California more than 45 years ago, Health Net, LLC ("Health Net"), a company of Centene Corporation, believes that every person deserves a safety net for their health, regardless of age, income, employment status or current state of health. Today, we provide health plans for individuals, families, businesses of every size and people who qualify for Medi-Cal or Medicare. With more than 117,000 of our network providers, Health Net serves more than three million members across the state. We also offer access to substance abuse programs, behavioral health services and managed healthcare products related to prescription drugs. We make these health plans and services available through Health Net and its subsidiaries: Health Net of California, Inc., Health Net Life Insurance Company and Health Net Community Solutions, Inc. These entities are wholly owned subsidiaries of Centene Corporation (NYSE: CNC), a leading healthcare enterprise committed to transforming the health of the communities we serve, one person at a time. Health Net and Centene Corporation employ more than 5,700 people in California who work at one of five regional Talent Hub offices. For more information, visit www.HealthNet.com.

About Centene Foundation

The Centene Foundation (the "Foundation"), a private nonprofit focused on investing in economically challenged communities, is the philanthropic arm of Centene Corporation (NYSE: CNC) ("Centene"). The Foundation supports projects and initiatives strategically aligned with Centene's mission-driven culture and enhances the work Centene Corporation is doing to remove the barriers to wellness underserved and low-income populations face. The Foundation is committed to addressing social drivers of health and improving health equity in three distinct areas of focus: healthcare access, social services and education. To learn more, visit the Centene Foundation's website.

SOURCE Health Net
Second-consecutive year of product wins for Hyundai

U.S. News lauds Hyundai for real-world range and impressive charging capability

FOUNTAIN VALLEY, Calif., April 17, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Hyundai has retained three titles in U.S. News & World Report's 2025 Best Hybrid & Electric Cars awards and is the most awarded brand overall. The IONIQ 5 won Best Electric SUV, IONIQ 6 Best Electric Car, and Tucson Hybrid Best Hybrid SUV. These awards recognize the top electrified vehicles in their categories, with over 100 vehicles evaluated across ten categories.

The 2025 Hyundai Tucson HEV is photographed in Santiago Canyon, Calif., on Sept. 24, 2024.

"Hyundai is dedicated to eco-friendly propulsions for 'Progress for Humanity,' our North Star," said Ricky Lao, director, product planning, Hyundai Motor North America. "Winning the most awards in this competition for the second-year highlights Hyundai's engineering prowess and innovation."

"These awards are about efficiency, but the winners also have to be intrinsically desirable vehicles," says Alex Kwanten, managing editor of Autos for U.S. News & World Report. "The IONIQ 5 and IONIQ 6 both mix excellent real-world range and charging capability with good driving dynamics, premium features and distinctive styles. The Tucson, meanwhile, has a combination of space, efficiency, and user-friendliness that's very hard to beat."

To identify leaders for each of the 2025 Best Hybrid and Electric Cars award categories, U.S. News evaluated 115 luxury and affordable hybrid, plug-in hybrid and electric cars, SUVs and trucks. U.S. News considers gas mileage and range data from the EPA, pricing information and the consensus opinion of the automotive press. The winners have the best combination of quality, value and efficiency in their segment. Read more about our ranking methodology here.

U.S. News Best Cars

Since 2007, U.S. News Best Cars, the automotive channel of U.S. News & World Report, has published rankings and reviews covering the majority of new vehicles sold in America. Each year, U.S. News also publishes the Best Cars Awards, including Best Vehicle Brands, Best Cars for the Money, and Best Cars for Families. U.S. News Best Cars supports car shoppers throughout the entire car buying journey, offering industry-leading advice for researching cars and finding cars for sale, as well as its U.S. News Best Price Program.

Hyundai Motor America

Hyundai Motor America offers U.S. consumers a technology-rich lineup of cars, SUVs, and electrified vehicles, while supporting Hyundai Motor Company's Progress for Humanity vision. Hyundai has significant operations in the U.S., including its North American headquarters in California, the Hyundai Motor Manufacturing Alabama assembly plant, the all-new Hyundai Motor Group Metaplant America and several cutting-edge R&D facilities. These operations, combined with those of Hyundai's 850 independent dealers, contribute $20.1 billion annually and 190,000 jobs to the U.S. economy, according to a recent economic impact report. For more information, visit www.hyundainews.com.

Hyundai Motor America on Twitter | YouTube | Facebook | Instagram | LinkedIn | TikTok

SOURCE Hyundai Motor America
Leaders will share experiences and discuss challenges faced by Indigenous Peoples worldwide during a side event parallel to the 24th session of the United Nations Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues (UNPFII)

NEW YORK, April 17, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- On Tuesday, April 22, the special event "One Earth, One Sky, One Home: Connecting Ancestral Knowledge to Future Generations" will bring together Indigenous representatives from across the globe to stand in solidarity with one another and reflect on current challenges, including the intergenerational transmission of knowledge, collective rights, environmental sustainability, and peace.

Speakers coming from the island of Rapa Nui, in the Pacific, the vast Great Plains of the Blackfoot Tribe, in the United States, and the semi-arid savanna of the Juhoansi, in Namibia, will have a unique space to highlight successful initiatives and discuss the challenges of implementing the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP) at local, national, and international levels.

During the event, participants will collectively build a statement emphasizing the importance of acknowledging, respecting, and honoring Indigenous Peoples' roots, cultures, traditions, spirituality, and rights.

Indigenous Peoples sustain at least 40% of the most intact ecosystems on Earth, which are essential for combating threats posed by climate change and ecosystem destruction.

SPECIAL EVENT: One Earth, One Sky, One Home: Connecting Ancestral Knowledge to Future Generations.

Date & Time: Tuesday 22 April from 6.15 pm to 7.45 pm

Location: UN Church Center, 11th Floor

Representatives of the Ju'hoansi People of the Nyae Nyae Conservancy, from Namibia, will share insights from their ancient cultural traditions. The Rapa Nui delegation from the Comunidad Indigena Ma'u Henua, in the Pacific, will offer valuable knowledge from their island heritage. Representatives from the Blackfoot Confederacy through Blackfeet Eco Knowledge in the United States will share intergenerational ecological wisdom.

Language interpretation will be provided in English and Spanish.

The event is organized by The Wayfinders Circle and the World Union of Indigenous Spiritual Practitioners (WUISP) with the support of Pawanka Fund and Nia Tero.

About The Wayfinders Circle

The Wayfinders Circle is a global network of Indigenous Peoples worldwide who work to strengthen self-determination in managing their lands and territories and maintain cultural and spiritual continuity through intergenerational transmission.

About The World Union of Indigenous Spiritual Practitioners (WUISP)

WUISP is an open, voluntary alliance of Indigenous spiritual practitioners, shamans, healers, sacred sites guardians, cultural activists, holders of traditional Indigenous knowledge and values, Indigenous organizations, and clans committed to working together with the common goal of achieving the mission and vision for the protection of Mother Earth.

About Nia Tero

Nia Tero funds and supports Indigenous Peoples who sustain thriving territories and cultures to strengthen guardianship of Earth and all beings.

About Pawanka Fund

Pawanka Fund is an Indigenous-Led Fund striving to support and empower Indigenous peoples around the globe.

SOURCE Nia Tero
Building on earlier announcements, Info-Tech Research Group has unveiled new details about the keynote sessions at LIVE 2025, taking place June 1012 at the Bellagio in Las Vegas. These sessions will deliver expert insights on AI, cost optimization, talent strategy, and enterprise transformation, central themes that will shape the three-day event. The firm also announced additional speakers who will contribute their expertise across these and other strategic priorities for CIOs and IT professionals.

TORONTO, April 17, 2025 /PRNewswire/ - Info-Tech Research Group has released agenda details for LIVE 2025, taking place June 1012 at the Bellagio in Las Vegas. The details include the featured keynotes, roundtables, and expert panels that will shape the three-day event around the most pressing priorities for IT leaders in 2025. The global research and advisory firm has also revealed the latest additions to its speaker roster, with new experts contributing insights on transformation, optimization, and innovation across the enterprise.

Info-Tech Research Group has unveiled new details about the agenda for its LIVE 2025 conference, taking place June 1012 at the Bellagio in Las Vegas. The global research and advisory firm has also revealed the latest additions to its speaker roster, with new experts contributing insights on transformation, optimization, and innovation across the enterprise. (CNW Group/Info-Tech Research Group)

LIVE 2025's keynote sessions will cover topics that are top of mind for technology leaders across various industries, including the rapid emergence of agentic AI, the need for adaptive leadership amid economic uncertainty, and talent challenges. These sessions, led by Info-Tech's subject matter experts and guest speakers, will connect big-picture trends with actionable strategies and proven frameworks and follow the 2025 conference theme of "Transform IT. Transform everything."

"LIVE 2025 is designed to help technology leaders take action on the trends and priorities that matter most," says Chief Research Officer at Info-Tech Research Group, Gord Harrison. "The agenda will set the tone for the entire event, helping members to build organizational resiliency in the face of volatility and uncertainty. With current supply chain disruption, market volatility, and the advent of agentic AI as a potential cost savings and opportunity generator, CIOs will hear more about how to solve these problems and take advantage of the opportunities."

What to Expect from the LIVE 2025 in Las Vegas Agenda

The keynote sessions at LIVE 2025 will explore key research themes and real-world applications, offering attendees a strategic lens on what's next for IT leadership. Topics will include:

Strategic perspectives on the concept of Exponential IT, two years after its introduction

A deep dive into the generative AI ecosystem and practical enterprise use cases

Insights into agentic AI and how it can transform enterprise operations

Real-world stories from Info-Tech's internal chatbot development team

Frameworks for building AI risk management roadmaps and operational rollouts

A look into off-the-shelf AI solutions and how they can scale customer experience

Research-based guidance on building resilience, responding to economic uncertainty, and rethinking talent strategy

Newly Announced Speakers for Info-Tech LIVE 2025 in Las Vegas:

The firm has also announced more experts who will present at the upcoming conference. The following speakers bring focused, field-tested expertise that aligns directly with the event's most critical themes. From infrastructure and vendor strategy to industry transformation and enterprise leadership, their sessions will provide attendees with real-world tactics and high-impact insights.

John Annand , Practice Lead, Global Services, Counselor Program, Info-Tech Research Group

John Annand brings deep expertise in infrastructure modernization, data center strategy, and aligning IT roadmaps with business priorities. At Info-Tech, Annand has helped organizations reimagine how their technology stack can respond to converging challenges like cloud migration and software-defined infrastructure.

brings deep expertise in infrastructure modernization, data center strategy, and aligning IT roadmaps with business priorities. At Info-Tech, Annand has helped organizations reimagine how their technology stack can respond to converging challenges like cloud migration and software-defined infrastructure. Nora Fisher , Senior Vice President, Global Market Programs, Info-Tech Research Group

Nora Fisher is a strategist and transformation leader with extensive experience implementing enterprise-scale change. Fisher works with organizations across industries to improve IT performance, manage global vendors, and deliver meaningful business outcomes through smarter technology and operating model design.

is a strategist and transformation leader with extensive experience implementing enterprise-scale change. Fisher works with organizations across industries to improve IT performance, manage global vendors, and deliver meaningful business outcomes through smarter technology and operating model design. Larry Fretz , Vice President, Industry Research & Managing Partner, Info-Tech Research Group

Larry Fretz leads Info-Tech's Gaming & Hospitality research agenda and brings over 25 years of experience in technology leadership. Having held CIO and VP-level roles in highly regulated industries, Fretz helps organizations navigate complex operations, deliver innovative customer experiences, and lead strategic digital transformation.

leads Info-Tech's Gaming & Hospitality research agenda and brings over 25 years of experience in technology leadership. Having held CIO and VP-level roles in highly regulated industries, Fretz helps organizations navigate complex operations, deliver innovative customer experiences, and lead strategic digital transformation. Scott Mullan, Vice President, Contract, Cost Optimization & Vendor Management, Info-Tech Research Group

With decades of experience in IT cost strategy, Scott leads Info-Tech's vendor optimization practice. He helps organizations secure sustainable, high-value vendor agreements and supports IT teams in managing costs and partnerships in today's complex procurement landscape.

Info-Tech's LIVE 2025 conference will bring together IT leaders, analysts, and experts from around the world to explore the capabilities, challenges, and opportunities that define the future of enterprise technology. The event's agenda is designed to deliver both strategic perspective and practical guidance through keynote sessions, advisory-led breakouts, and peer networking opportunities.

Further details on keynote speakers and agenda will be announced in the coming weeks and months. Follow Info-Tech Research Group on LinkedIn and X for updates.

Media Passes for Info-Tech LIVE 2025 in Las Vegas

Media professionals, including journalists, podcasters, and influencers, are invited to attend Info-Tech LIVE 2025 to gain exclusive access to research, content, and interviews with industry leaders. For those unable to attend in person, Info-Tech offers a digital pass option, providing access to live-streamed keynotes, select sessions, and exclusive virtual interviews with speakers and analysts.

Media professionals looking to apply for in-person or digital passes can contact [email protected] to secure their spot and cover the latest advancements in IT directly from the event or remotely.

Exhibitor Opportunities

Exhibitors are also invited to be part of Info-Tech LIVE and showcase their products and services to a highly engaged audience of IT decision-makers. For more information about becoming an Info-Tech LIVE exhibitor, please contact [email protected].

About Info-Tech Research Group

Info-Tech Research Group is one of the world's leading research and advisory firms, proudly serving over 30,000 professionals. The company produces unbiased, highly relevant research and provides advisory services to help leaders make strategic, timely, and well-informed decisions. For nearly 30 years, Info-Tech has partnered closely with teams to provide them with everything they need, from actionable tools to analyst guidance, ensuring they deliver measurable results for their organizations.

To learn more about Info-Tech's divisions, visit McLean & Company for HR research and advisory services and SoftwareReviews for software-buying insights.

Media professionals can register for unrestricted access to research across IT, HR, and software and hundreds of industry analysts through the firm's Media Insiders program. To gain access, contact [email protected].

SOURCE Info-Tech Research Group
Acquisition strengthens Infosys' cybersecurity and cloud capabilities across Australia and Asia

BENGALURU, India and SYDNEY, April 17, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Infosys (NSE: INFY) (BSE: INFY) (NYSE: INFY) , a global leader in next-generation digital services and consulting, today announced a definitive agreement to acquire The Missing Link, an award winning Australian cybersecurity services specialist firm with capabilities across the full stack of cyber solutions. This strategic investment further strengthens Infosys' cybersecurity capabilities, while bolstering its presence in the fast-growing Australian market, and reaffirms its continued commitment to global clients to navigate their digital transformation journey.

Headquartered in Australia, The Missing Link brings to Infosys, a group of highly skilled cybersecurity professionals consisting of Red Team, Blue Team, and a state-of-the-art Global Security Operations Centre (GSOC) adding to the network of Infosys' global cyber defense centers. The Missing Link's accomplished cybersecurity practice provides strategic advice, offensive and defensive security services and tactical support, cybersecurity risk assessments & compliance, and managed services. The company has been serving leading global enterprises in collaboration with market leading technology products, further complemented by its innovative proprietary solutions and accelerators. Their solutions help protect networks, secure assets and equip staff with the tools to mitigate cyber-attacks. Together, Infosys and The Missing Link will be able to offer clients cutting-edge full-stack cybersecurity services covering all aspects of a customer's business, data, systems and networks.

Satish HC, EVP, Chief Delivery Officer, Infosys, said, "Technology led transformation and securing the enterprise are amongst the highest priorities for global corporations.Together with The Missing Link, and our cloud offering Infosys Cobalt, we aim to usher in the new wave of differentiated value to customers, with specialized end-to-end cybersecurity offerings and solutions. We are excited to welcome The Missing Link and their leadership team to Infosys."

Alex Gambotto, Founder & CEO, The Missing Link said, "As we take this exciting next step in our journey, I am proud of all we have accomplished together over the last 27 years. Our team has worked tirelessly to build a company that delivers excellence, innovation, and value to our clients and partners with our core ethos of under promise and overdeliver. I am thrilled that The Missing Link will be joining Infosys. This acquisition marks a significant milestone for us, allowing The Missing Link to leverage the immense expertise, platforms, and global reach of Infosys to better serve our customers and expand our capabilities. While our ownership may change, our commitment to delivering top-tier solutions remains unwavering. We are confident that together, we can create even greater value for all our clients, partners, and team."

Investment Bank TH Global Capital advised The Missing Link on the transaction.

The acquisition is expected to close during the first quarter of fiscal year 2026 (i.e. quarter ending June 30, 2025), subject to customary closing conditions.

About The Missing Link

Established in 1997, The Missing Link was born from a vision to help businesses achieve their goals with the right IT solutions and services. Headquartered in Australia, The Missing Link is a cybersecurity and cloud services specialist, delivering services across the entire spectrum of IT strategy, technology roadmap, project management, cybersecurity, risks assessments & mitigation and automation services. Their highly skilled team of IT specialists includes Cybersecurity, IT Infrastructure/Cloud and Robotic Process Automation & Generative AI experts, with many years of experience and a commitment to delivering first-class solutions that exceed customers' expectations.

About Infosys

Infosys is a global leader in next-generation digital services and consulting. Over 300,000 of our people work to amplify human potential and create the next opportunity for people, businesses and communities. We enable clients in more than 56 countries to navigate their digital transformation. With over four decades of experience in managing the systems and workings of global enterprises, we expertly steer clients, as they navigate their digital transformation powered by cloud and AI. We enable them with an AI-first core, empower the business with agile digital at scale and drive continuous improvement with always-on learning through the transfer of digital skills, expertise, and ideas from our innovation ecosystem. We are deeply committed to being a well-governed, environmentally sustainable organization where diverse talent thrives in an inclusive workplace.

Visit www.infosys.com to see how Infosys (NYSE: INFY) can help your enterprise navigate your next.

Safe Harbor

Certain statements in this release concerning our future growth prospects, or our future financial or operating performance, are forward-looking statements intended to qualify for the 'safe harbor' under the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, which involve a number of risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results or outcomes to differ materially from those in such forward-looking statements. The risks and uncertainties relating to these statements include, but are not limited to, risks and uncertainties regarding the execution of our business strategy, our ability to attract and retain personnel, our transition to hybrid work model, economic uncertainties, technological innovations such as Generative AI, the complex and evolving regulatory landscape including immigration regulation changes, our ESG vision, our capital allocation policy and expectations concerning our market position, future operations, margins, profitability, liquidity, capital resources, our corporate actions including acquisitions, and cybersecurity matters. Important factors that may cause actual results or outcomes to differ from those implied by the forward-looking statements are discussed in more detail in our US Securities and Exchange Commission filings including our Annual Report on Form 20-F for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2023. These filings are available at www.sec.gov. Infosys may, from time to time, make additional written and oral forward-looking statements, including statements contained in the Company's filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission and our reports to shareholders. The Company does not undertake to update any forward-looking statements that may be made from time to time by or on behalf of the Company unless it is required by law.

Logo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/633365/4364085/Infosys_Logo.jpg

SOURCE Infosys
Travel advisors from Global Travel Collection will hear from Hyatt representatives about sustainable properties, unique vacation experiences around the world

NEW YORK, April 17, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Internova Travel Group, one of the world's largest travel services companies, is collaborating with Hyatt properties to hold Earth Day events on April 22 as part of its commitment to educating travel advisors about sustainability.

Internova Travel Group, one of the worlds largest travel services companies, is collaborating with Hyatt properties to hold Earth Day events on April 22 as part of its commitment to educating travel advisors about sustainability.

Travel advisors from Global Travel Collection (GTC), Internova's luxury division, will meet with Hyatt representatives at GTC's offices in New York City, Beverly Hills and London. They'll learn about some of Hyatt's more sustainable hotels and unique experiences available to travelers in destinations around the world. A similar event will be held for corporate travel managers at the offices of Internova's ALTOUR corporate division in Mexico City.

With this information, GTC and ALTOUR travel advisors will be well-equipped with stories and selling points that they can pass on to their clients.

"We're dedicated to helping build a greener, more sustainable future for the travel industry," said J.D. O'Hara, Chief Executive Officer of Internova Travel Group. "Our leisure and corporate clients are asking for sustainable options, and it's our obligation to the planet. While our commitment is year-round, Earth Day is a special day when everyone's focus is on the environment. By holding events like this, bringing together our incredible travel advisors and Hyatt, we can help make change happen."

As part of the company's commitment to supporting environmentally friendly practices at home and around the world, Internova launched Green Circle in 2023, an eco-luxe sustainability program. Through advocacy, education, partnerships and initiatives, Green Circle is designed to encourage travel advisors, partners and employees to work together to help reduce the strain on our planet's finite resources and to enrich local communities and cultures.

Earlier this year, Internova announced that it has become a member of the Global Sustainable Tourism Council, which establishes and manages global sustainable standards in the travel and tourism industry.

Internova represents more than 100,000 travel advisors worldwide, with a collection of leading brands that deliver high-touch, personal travel expertise to leisure and corporate clients.

Because of its size and scope, Internova has been able to establish exclusive partnerships with the largest, most influential and most respected brands in the travel industry. These leading companies are part of Internova partner programs. When travel advisors book through partner programs, a portion of the proceeds supports verified carbon sequestration efforts globally, making a positive impact on the environment.

For more information on Internova's Green Circle program and sustainability efforts, please visit https://internova.com/sustainability/.

About Internova Travel Group

Internova Travel Group is one of the largest travel services companies in the world with a collection of leading brands delivering high-touch, personal travel expertise to leisure and corporate clients. Internova manages leisure, business and franchise firms through a portfolio of distinctive divisions. Internova represents more than 100,000 travel advisors in over 6,000 company-owned and affiliated locations predominantly in the United States, Canada and the United Kingdom, with a presence in more than 80 countries.

CONTACT:

Elizabeth Gaerlan

[email protected]

1-212-944-1125

SOURCE Internova Travel Group
Faruqi & Faruqi, LLP Securities Litigation Partner James (Josh) Wilson Encourages Investors Who Suffered Losses In e.l.f. Beauty To Contact Him Directly To Discuss Their Options

If you purchased or acquired securities 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 17, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Faruqi & Faruqi, LLP, a leading national securities law firm, is investigating potential claims against e.l.f. Beauty, Inc. ("e.l.f. Beauty" or the "Company") (NYSE: ELF) and reminds investors of the May 5, 2025 deadline to seek the role of lead plaintiff in a federal securities class action that has been filed against the Company.

Faruqi & Faruqi Logo (PRNewsfoto/Faruqi & Faruqi, LLP)

Faruqi & Faruqi is a leading national securities law firm with offices in New York, Pennsylvania, California and Georgia. The firm has recovered hundreds of millions of dollars for investors since its founding in 1995. See www.faruqilaw.com.

As detailed below, the complaint alleges that the Company and its executives violated federal securities laws by making false and/or misleading statements and/or failing to disclose that: (1) contrary to its representations to investors, the Company was experiencing rising inventory levels as a consequence of flagging sales; (2) Elf falsely attributed the rising inventory levels to, among other things, changes in its sourcing practices; (3) to maintain investor confidence, Elf reported inflated revenue, profits, and inventory over several quarters; (4) accordingly. the Company's business and/or financial prospects were overstated; (5) all of the foregoing, once revealed, would likely have a material negative impact on the Company; and (6) as a result, the Company's public statements were materially false and misleading at all relevant time

On November 20, 2024, Muddy Waters Research ("Muddy Waters") published a report entitled "e.l.f. Beauty, Inc. A Revenue and Inventory Mystery" (the "Muddy Waters Report"), alleging that Elf had "materially overstated revenue over the past three quarters," and that in "Q2 FY24, ELF management realized its growth narrative was in trouble as its inventory built. It appears that ELF then began reporting inflated revenue and profits. Its reported inventory also appears materially inflated as a result - i.e., to account for cash that has not really come in." Further, Muddy Waters accused the Company of concealing its inventory challenges from investors by falsely attributing its rising inventory levels to supposed changes in its sourcing practices rather than the true causeinsufficient sales.

After the Class Period ended, on February 6, 2025, Elf released its fiscal Q3 2024 results and provided its fiscal 2025 outlook. Specifically, Elf revealed that it expected full-year fiscal 2025 net sales growth to be 27%-28%, down from the previous guidance of 28-30%, and also revised its adjusted EBITDA guidance to $289-293 million, down from $304-308 million, resulting in part from the updated sales outlook and a $7 million foreign currency loss. Further, the Company stated that it anticipated net sales growth was lowered to -1% to +2%, with management explaining that this reflected prudence amid softer consumption trends, challenging category conditions, and slower-than-expected new product performance

The court-appointed lead plaintiff is the investor with the largest financial interest in the relief sought by the class who is adequate and typical of class members who directs and oversees the litigation on behalf of the putative class. Any member of the putative class may move the Court to serve as lead plaintiff through counsel of their choice, or may choose to do nothing and remain an absent class member. Your ability to share in any recovery is not affected by the decision to serve as a lead plaintiff or not.

Faruqi & Faruqi, LLP also encourages anyone with information regarding e.l.f. Beauty's conduct to contact the firm, including whistleblowers, former employees, shareholders and others.

To learn more about the e.l.f. Beauty class action, go to www.faruqilaw.com/ELF or call Faruqi & Faruqi partner Josh Wilson directly at 877-247-4292 or 212-983-9330 (Ext. 1310).

Follow us for updates on LinkedIn, on X, or on Facebook.

Attorney Advertising. The law firm responsible for this advertisement is Faruqi & Faruqi, LLP (www.faruqilaw.com). Prior results do not guarantee or predict a similar outcome with respect to any future matter. We welcome the opportunity to discuss your particular case. All communications will be treated in a confidential manner.

SOURCE Faruqi & Faruqi, LLP
Sustainable 7.96% CAGR Reflects Enduring Demand Across Sectors

MIDDLETON, Mass., April 17, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- QKS Group, a premier market intelligence and advisory firm, has released its latest in-depth analysis of the global IT Infrastructure Monitoring Tools Market, projecting a compound annual growth rate of 7.96% through 2030. The new reports - 'Market Share: IT Infrastructure Monitoring Tools, 2025 (ITIM), 2024, Worldwide & Regional Report' and 'Market Forecast: IT Infrastructure Monitoring Tools (ITIM), 2025-2030, Worldwide & Regional Report' - the market is expected to grow at a compound annual growth rate of 7.96% through 2030. This analysis equips businesses with the strategic intelligence needed to navigate the dynamic ITIM TOOLS landscape and make informed decisions as the market continues to evolve.

The Next Growth Frontier in IT Infrastructure Monitoring Tools (ITIM)

In an era where digital transformation is essential for business success, IT Infrastructure Monitoring (ITIM) Tools have become a key technology for enterprises aiming to automate routine tasks, simplify operations, and boost overall efficiency. Across industries like banking, healthcare, retail, telecom, and manufacturing, organizations are increasingly adopting AI-powered ITIM solutions to lower operational costs, improve performance, support innovation, and accelerate time to market. These Tools provide real-time visibility, proactive issue detection, and data-driven insights, enabling IT teams to focus on strategic goals rather than manual troubleshooting.

According to Aditya S, Analyst at QKS Group, "An ITIM tool provides real-time monitoring of IT resources by gathering telemetry data from the entire infrastructure stack. It collects and analyzes resource utilization, traces, logs, and key performance metrics to assess system health and detect anomalies. The tool works across on-premises, cloud, and hybrid environments, ensuring high availability, proactive issue detection, and operational efficiency."

Key Market Insights from QKS Group's Report

Global and Regional Market Analysis : A deep dive into worldwide and regional ITIM TOOLS platform adoption trends, competitive landscapes, and future growth projections.

: A deep dive into worldwide and regional ITIM TOOLS platform adoption trends, competitive landscapes, and future growth projections. Competitive Benchmarking : A comparative analysis of top ITIM TOOLS vendors, their market positioning, and strategic differentiators.

: A comparative analysis of top ITIM TOOLS vendors, their market positioning, and strategic differentiators. Industry Adoption Trends : Insights into which sectors are investing most heavily in ITIM TOOLS solutions and why.

: Insights into which sectors are investing most heavily in ITIM TOOLS solutions and why. Technology Disruption & AI's Role: How predictive technologies, behavior-based analysis, smart automation, and real-time operational insights are transforming IT Infrastructure Monitoring (ITIM) tools by enabling proactive issue detection, reducing manual workloads, cutting operational costs, and enhancing overall IT performance and reliability.

Market Leaders & Competitive Landscape

The report covers key industry players, including AWS (Amazon Web Services), Pandora FMS, BMC, Broadcom, Centreon, DataDog, Dynatrace, eg Innovations, Elastic, Grafana Labs, IBM, ITRS Group, LogicMonitor, ManageEngine, Opentext, NewRelic, Paessler, Progress, ScienceLogic, SolarWinds, Splunk, USU Solutions Veryx Technologies, Virtana, Zenoss.

Why This Matters for ITIM TOOLS Vendors?

For CEOs, CFOs, and CSOs of ITIM tool providers, these insights are vital for uncovering new market opportunities, sharpening go-to-market strategies and staying ahead of increasing competition. As digital transformation remains a top priority for enterprises, vendors must ensure their solutions offer scalable performance, strong security, and AI-driven intelligence that delivers measurable ROI. Aligning product capabilities with evolving enterprise needs is key to remaining relevant and driving long-term growth in this dynamic market.

Get Access to Exclusive Market Insights (single report or subscription offering)

Market Share: IT Infrastructure Monitoring Tools, 2025 (ITIM), 2025, Worldwide

https://qksgroup.com/market-research/market-share-it-infrastructure-monitoring-itim-tools-2024-worldwide-2805

Market Forecast: IT Infrastructure Monitoring Tools, 2025 (ITIM), 2025-2030, Worldwide

https://qksgroup.com/market-research/market-forecast-it-infrastructure-monitoring-itim-tools-2025-2030-worldwide-2734

The comprehensive research package includes:

Most Comprehensive Market Forecast Analysis : A separate market forecast report for each of the regions, including North America , Asia Pacific , European Union, MEA, Latin America

: A separate market forecast report for each of the regions, including , , European Union, MEA, Unmatched Competitive Analysis : A separate market share report for each of the regions, including North America , Asia Pacific , European Union, MEA, Latin America

: A separate market share report for each of the regions, including , , European Union, MEA, QKS TrendsNXT on ITIM TOOLS market

on ITIM TOOLS market QKS TAMSAM Insights report on the ITIM TOOLS market

report on the ITIM TOOLS market Exclusive Analyst Advisory Sessions for strategic decision making and validation

About QKS Group

QKS Group, formerly Quadrant Knowledge Solutions, is a leading global advisory and research firm, dedicated to empowering technology innovators to accelerate their growth journeys and enable technology adopters to achieve their digital transformation objectives.

Click below to learn more about Competitive Intelligence Service: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bhUQYdKd90A

To gain access to the full market insights, growth forecasts, and competitive analysis, Connect:

Shraddha Roy

PR & Media Relations

QKS Group

Regus Business Center

35 Village Road, Suite 100,

Middleton Massachusetts 01949

United States

Email: [email protected]

Content Source: https://qksgroup.com/newsroom/it-infrastructure-monitoring-tools-itim-on-a-steady-growth-path-projected-to-grow-through-2030-at-cagr-7-96-1053

Connect with us on LinkedIn- https://www.linkedin.com/company/qksgroup/

Logo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2501519/QKS_Group_Logo.jpg

SOURCE QKS Group
Awards ceremony of 4th 'Colorful China through the Lens -- China in the Eyes of Japanese Photography Competition' held in Tokyo

People's Daily Online) 17:19, April 16, 2025

Guests and award winners pose for a group photo at the awards ceremony of the "Colorful China through the Lens -- China in the Eyes of Japanese Photography Competition", which was held at the Chinese Embassy in Japan, April 15, 2025. (People's Daily Online/Yu Qian)

Guests attend the awards ceremony of the "Colorful China through the Lens -- China in the Eyes of Japanese Photography Competition" at the Chinese Embassy in Japan, April 15, 2025. (People's Daily Online/Xu Ke)

The awards ceremony of the fourth "Colorful China through the Lens -- China in the Eyes of Japanese Photography Competition" was held at the Chinese Embassy in Japan on the afternoon of April 15, 2025.

The event brought together more than 150 friendly personages from China and Japan, such as Chinese Ambassador to Japan Wu Jianghao, former Japanese Prime Minister Yukio Hatoyama, Zhao Qiang, editor-in-chief of People's Daily Online, and Wang Jiaxun, president of the China Enterprises Association (Japan).

Chinese Ambassador to Japan Wu Jianghao delivers a speech at the awards ceremony of the "Colorful China through the Lens -- China in the Eyes of Japanese Photography Competition", which was held at the Chinese Embassy in Japan, April 15, 2025. (People's Daily Online/Yu Qian)

In his remarks, Wu said the competition serves as an important platform for Japanese people to share their impressions of China. He noted that the entries reflect the Chinese people's pursuit of a better life and capture the dynamic progress of Chinese modernization.

Former Japanese Prime Minister Yukio Hatoyama delivers a speech at the awards ceremony of the "Colorful China through the Lens -- China in the Eyes of Japanese Photography Competition", which was held at the Chinese Embassy in Japan, April 15, 2025. (People's Daily Online/Jiang Xiaochen)

Hatoyama emphasized in his speech the irreplaceable role of people-to-people exchanges in advancing friendly China-Japan relations. He expressed hope that the photography competition would continue to grow and serve as a platform for deepening mutual trust between the two peoples.

Wang Jiaxun, president of China Enterprises Association (Japan), delivers a speech at the awards ceremony of the "Colorful China through the Lens -- China in the Eyes of Japanese Photography Competition", which was held at the Chinese Embassy in Japan, April 15, 2025. (People's Daily Online/Jiang Xiaochen)

Wang noted that the entries authentically captured China's natural landscapes, city development, and daily life from the perspective of ordinary Japanese citizens, offering a vivid testament to the growing cultural exchanges between the two countries.

Yusuke Hiyane, the Grand Prize winner of the event, expressed his passion for sharing China's diverse charm on social media. He said that his past travels in China inspired a desire to fill the gap in tourism information about China in Japan.

This competition has strengthened his resolve to continue exploring and documenting China, he said.

Li Ge, president of the China Photographers Association, sends a congratulatory video message to the awards ceremony of the "Colorful China through the Lens -- China in the Eyes of Japanese Photography Competition", which was held at the Chinese Embassy in Japan, April 15, 2025. (Screenshot)

Li Ge, president of the China Photographers Association, sent a congratulatory video message to the competition, fully recognizing the event's positive role in deepening people-to-people friendship between China and Japan and enhancing mutual understanding and affinity between the two peoples.

Zhao expressed hope that more Japanese people would visit China to witness its beauty and development firsthand and take part in the competition to contribute to friendly exchanges between the two countries through the art of photography.

Launched at the initiative of the Chinese Embassy in Japan in 2016, the photography competition has received over 3,000 submissions from Japanese photographers across four editions.

Takakazu Ando, vice president of Japan-China Friendship Association, delivers a speech at the awards ceremony of the "Colorful China through the Lens -- China in the Eyes of Japanese Photography Competition", which was held at the Chinese Embassy in Japan, April 15, 2025. (People's Daily Online/Jiang Xiaochen)

The fourth edition opened in mid-March, with expert reviews conducted by Chinese and Japanese photography professionals. Seven works were ultimately selected as winners of the event, which also offered special honors such as the "Air China Award" and the "People's Daily Online Award."

This year's event was jointly hosted by Air China's regional headquarters for Japan and South Korea and People's Daily Online Japan Co., Ltd., with support from the Chinese Embassy in Japan, the Chinese Enterprises Association (Japan), and various China-Japan friendship organizations.

Mitsuko Watanabe, granddaughter of former Japanese Prime Minister Masayoshi Ohira, delivers a speech at the awards ceremony of the "Colorful China through the Lens -- China in the Eyes of Japanese Photography Competition", which was held at the Chinese Embassy in Japan, April 15, 2025. (People's Daily Online/Jiang Xiaochen)

Guests take the stage to officially launch the call for submissions for the next edition of the "Colorful China through the Lens -- China in the Eyes of Japanese Photography Competition", which was launched at the initiative of the Chinese Embassy in Japan, April 15, 2025. (People's Daily Online/Yu Qian)

Chinese Ambassador to Japan Wu Jianghao (right), views winning entries of the "Colorful China through the Lens -- China in the Eyes of Japanese Photography Competition" at the Chinese Embassy in Japan, April 15, 2025. (People's Daily Online/Xu Ke)

Guests view the winning works on display at the awards ceremony of the "Colorful China through the Lens -- China in the Eyes of Japanese Photography Competition", which was held at the Chinese Embassy in Japan, April 15, 2025. (People's Daily Online/Jiang Xiaochen)

(Web editor: Hongyu, Du Mingming)
China and Cambodia are ironclad friends who always support each other and stand together through thick and thin. Under the care of the leaders of both nations, the tree of China-Cambodia friendship has flourished, yielding a bountiful harvest of cooperation and mutual trust.
SEOUL, South Korea, April 16, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Korean skincare favorite Fation, the top-rated trouble-care brand at Olive Young with a near-perfect 4.9/5.0 rating, has officially launched in the U.S. market. Next rookie following after its best selling 'Trouble' Line, the Nosca9 Deep Pore Cleansing Foam, hit Amazon in Marchand the response has been immediate. Named an Amazon "Overall Pick" and boasting an average rating above 4.7 stars, the product is already gaining momentum among beauty enthusiasts looking to achieve the Korean "glass skin" look.

K-Beauty Trouble-Care Leader Fation Debuts Nosca9 Deep Pore Cleanser in the U.S., Laying the Foundation for Glass Skin

What sets this cleanser apart is its key ingredient: Retinala highly functional next-generation powerhouse often described as a more effective and less irritating upgrade to the widely known Retinol. Rare to use on the cleanser category but backed by the unique technology of Dong-A Pharmaceutical, a leading name in Korea's pharmaceutical industry for over 94 years, Fation's proprietary Nano-Retinal RX Complex delivers visible pore-tightening benefits with dermatologist-grade precision.

In addition to Retinal, the formula includes rice extract, 17 types of amino acids, and a tannin complex for a well-rounded, skin-friendly deep cleanse. The unique, stretchy texture clings to impurities and excess oil, helping to refine skin texture and minimize enlarged pores.

In celebration of its successful U.S. debut, Fation is offering a limited-time Amazon promotion from April 14 to 23, slashing the price from $15.99 to $11.19 (30% Off).

The Nosca9 line is just the beginning. Fation's Trouble Soothing rangeincluding toner, serum, cream, and masks for sensitive or acne-prone skinis also available on Amazon.

Explore the full collection:

Cleansing Foam: https://amzn.to/44vKTGi

Serum Set: https://amzn.to/3EfyVpP

Cream S: https://amzn.to/4lsXVuf

Toner S: https://amzn.to/42cCzKk

Real Fit Mask: https://amzn.to/4ju9AY1

Glass skin starts herewith Fation.

SOURCE Dong-A Pharmaceutical
MCLEAN, Va., April 17, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Kentro (IT Concepts, Inc., DBA Kentro) announces the full-scale transformation of its market presence with the opening of a relocated office and the launch of its new website. The company recently rebranded as Kentro and remains a leading provider of digital services for the federal government. This rebrand reflects the company's focus on modernizing missions with transformative digital solutions powered by the people at the center of possible.

The office space, relocated from Vienna, Virginia to McLean, features state-of-the-art collaboration rooms, executive offices, wellness oasis, computer stations, call rooms, and an innovation lab space, called the Estelle iLab. Kentro's iLab features an 18' video wall and touch/interactive screen for presentations and collaborative ideation. Kentro invested in the Estelle iLab to reinforce the company's dedication to design thinking fundamentals, the innovation methodology developed to foster mission success. Through intensive workshops, brainstorming and rapid prototyping, Kentro experts develop mission-first solutions delivering measurable value.

The Kentro Estelle iLab is named in honor of Maj. Raymond Estelle II. "Major Estelle, was an Airman and mentor assigned to Headquarters Air Combat Command, and an inspiration to me during my time in the military," said Pinakin Patel, Kentro Chief Executive Officer (CEO). "The Kentro Estelle iLab showcases the innovation happening across Kentro."

Learn more about the Estelle iLab at the new Kentro website. As Kentro, the new brand reinforces the company's role as a trusted partner in advancing federal priorities with precision and impact.

"Kentro delivers expertise to modernize missions and transform digital solutions to empower a more efficient, effective, and future-ready government," said Tom Fogarty, Chief Strategy Officer (CSO). "Through deep understanding of mission requirements and a proactive approach, we help customers modernize faster and realize results sooner."

The new Kentro.us website expands upon the company's capabilities:

Infrastructure Modernization  Strengthening IT environments to improve performance, security, and resilience.





Data and AI  Using advanced data analysis and automation to support decision-making and operations.





Human Capital  Enhancing workforce management with tailored solutions that support agency objectives.





Cybersecurity  Protecting critical systems with proactive security strategies and compliance-focused solutions.





Health  Supporting federal health programs with secure, data-driven digital services.

The new website features information about Kentro's focus on the federal civilian, national security, and health markets, with comprehensive use cases in each category. Jobseekers learn about Kentro's community outreach and dedication to hiring and supporting Veterans and military families.

Kentro understands that federal leaders require a partner to address the complexities of modernization and ensure technology achieves objectives, driving efficiencies to deliver mission value. With Kentro, agencies move forward with confidence, relying on proven expertise and solutions designed to deliver measurable results with maximum efficiency, creating a more effective government for everyone.

About Kentro

Advancing the missions that the nation depends on requires an alignment between agency and technology that's more than a part of the solution, but the core of it. Our customer-centric approach creates a deeper understanding of mission requirements so our customers can modernize faster, realize results sooner, and pursue progress optimally. We empower agencies to navigate change with confidence, with teams of highly certified technologists, consultants, and mission experts who act proactively to prioritize customer needs and adapt to evolving mission environments. We enable more informed, more confident decisions with innovative data services and cutting-edge capabilities like AI/ML to create a clearer picture of what's next, now. In a landscape where mission alignment determines mission success, we're creating the core of a more efficient, effective, and future-ready government for everyone. Kentro. At the Core of More.

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/we-are-kentro/

SOURCE Kentro
Kevin Snyder is A.I.M. Mutual's Director of Sales & Marketing

BOSTON, April 17, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Kevin M. Snyder has been appointed to a five-year term as a business representative on the Massachusetts Workers' Compensation Advisory Council (WCAC).

Mr. Snyder is Director of Sales & Marketing for A.I.M. Mutual Insurance Companies, based in Burlington, Mass. The company is a regional workers' compensation insurer serving New England.

Kevin Snyder, A.I.M. Mutual Director of Sales & Marketing

The Council consists of 16 voting and non-voting members representing major stakeholders in the workers' compensation system. Mr. Snyder, a voting member, was sworn in by Jonathan Torcia, Senior Deputy of Boards & Commissions, Office of Massachusetts Governor Maura Healey.

The WCAC is responsible for overseeing the workers' compensation system in Massachusetts, monitoring and making recommendations on workers' compensation bills and reporting on all aspects of the system. The Council's work helps injured workers, employers in Massachusetts, insurers, and attorneys, according to the WCAC website.

Mr. Snyder brings more than 20 years of workers' compensation experience to the Council. He joined A.I.M. Mutual in 2010 as a Regional Underwriting Manager and was promoted to Senior Manager-Underwriting in 2016, responsible for underwriting operations throughout New England. He was named Director of Business Development in 2021 and Director of Sales & Marketing the following year.

Prior to A.I.M. Mutual, he was with Guy Carpenter & Company, LLC, where he was a Treaty Reinsurance Broker for eight years. He holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Psychology from Saint Joseph's University.

About A.I.M. Mutual Insurance Companies

Established in 1989, A.I.M. Mutual is a workers' compensation insurance carrier serving 18,000 policyholders throughout New England. The company holds a financial strength rating of A (Excellent) from AM Best Company, the industry's leading rating agency.

LEARN MORE ABOUT A.I.M. MUTUAL INSURANCE COMPANIES

SOURCE A.I.M. Mutual Insurance Companies
Winners to Receive Up to $100,000 in Prizes and Funding for Piloting in Greater Los Angeles to Increase Resiliency, Reduce Emissions, and Advance Sustainability

LOS ANGELES, April 17, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- The Los Angeles Cleantech Incubator (LACI) is pleased to announce the launch of the LA Resilient Rebuilding Cup (Cup), a call for startup innovations to help LA communities rebuild more resiliently and sustainably following the devastating fires that began on January 7, 2025. Announced 100 days after the fires erupted, the Cup will culminate in a competition with finalists pitching their solutions for addressing the difficult challenges faced by communities, businesses, and governments to reduce vulnerability to future wildfires, increase resiliency of neighborhoods and homes, and serve as a model for climate action when the world arrives for the 2028 Olympic and Paralympic Games.

LACI

The final stage of the Cup will take place in Los Angeles on July 10, 2025 in front of a jury as well as an audience of investors and corporate partners. Up to $100,000 will be made. Finalists will have the chance to win cash prizes and access funding for piloting to demonstrate their innovations through piloting technologies and business models in fire-affected communities in the Los Angeles region. Additionally, select Cup participants will be invited to participate in LACI's Incubation Program , which provides startups with comprehensive support services to bring their products to market.

"With the help of innovators and entrepreneurs, Los Angeles can better help our region rise from the disastrous fires to rebuild more resiliently by the time the world arrives for the 2028 Olympic and Paralympic Games," said Matt Petersen, President and CEO of LACI. "If you are a startup founder with a solution and a desire to help our region rebuild more quickly, reduce the risk of future fires and other climate shocks, and restore neighborhoods sustainably, then we want you to join us by applying to the Cup."

LACI seeks participation from startups offering innovations that help advance resilient and sustainable rebuilding of homes, business, neighborhoods, and infrastructure, including:

Fire detection and response (e.g., optical detection, automated alert systems, AI predictive analytics, real time data and visibility, simulation);

(e.g., optical detection, automated alert systems, AI predictive analytics, real time data and visibility, simulation); Community health and wellbeing (e.g., air quality monitoring, soil testing, community building tools, mental health);

(e.g., air quality monitoring, soil testing, community building tools, mental health); Resilience (e.g., mobile solar and battery backup systems, uninterruptible Wi-Fi access & communication, drone delivery & rescue operations);

(e.g., mobile solar and battery backup systems, uninterruptible Wi-Fi access & communication, drone delivery & rescue operations); Energy and water resiliency (e.g., distributed energy resources, EV charging, water storage for dousing, electrical shut off technology, remote water supply, renewable energy generation);

(e.g., distributed energy resources, EV charging, water storage for dousing, electrical shut off technology, remote water supply, renewable energy generation); Rebuilding and construction (e.g., pre-built all electric ADUs, manufactured systems and homes, engineered wood, fire-resistant and/or low-carbon building materials);

(e.g., pre-built all electric ADUs, manufactured systems and homes, engineered wood, fire-resistant and/or low-carbon building materials); Permitting, financial, and insurance tech tools (e.g., tools to accelerate permitting and inspections, help to help homeowners finance construction, assistance to help builders and homeowners ensure homes get insured)

Applications to the Cup are due by May 30, 2025. Startups interested in participating can review eligibility criteria and apply here . Initial sponsors include the Los Angeles Department of Water and Power. Additional sponsors, partners, and members of the pitch competition jury will be announced at a later date.

For those interested in sponsoring the Cup, you can learn more about partnership opportunities by emailing [email protected].

ABOUT LACI:

The Los Angeles Cleantech Incubator (LACI) is unlocking innovation by scaling cleantech startups, transforming markets through catalytic partnerships with policymakers, innovators, and market leaders, and enhancing communities through workforce training , pilots and other programs. Founded as an economic development initiative by the City of Los Angeles and its Department of Water & Power (LADWP) in 2011, LACI is recognized as one of the top 10 innovative business incubators in the world by UBI. LACI has helped 506 portfolio companies raise over $1 billion in funding, generated $344 million in revenue, and created 2,626 jobs throughout the Los Angeles region, with a long-term economic impact of more than $733 million.

Cameron Edinburgh

213.647.1441

[email protected]

SOURCE LACI
Catherine Elbakidze and Christina Hubbard will complete the 2025 NCAJ NEXT Leadership Program.

DURHAM, N.C., April 17, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- The Law Offices of James Scott Farrin has announced that two of its attorneys, Catherine Elbakidze and Christina Hubbard, have been selected to participate in the acclaimed North Carolina Advocates for Justice (NCAJ) NEXT Leadership Program. This rigorous program is designed to enhance the skills and experience of the "next generation of trial lawyer leaders in North Carolina."

The NCAJ NEXT Leadership Program has a highly competitive and comprehensive selection process. NCAJ seeks qualified attorneys "who have a history of involvement and leadership in their communities."

"We are incredibly proud of Catherine and Christina for being chosen for this esteemed program," said James S. Farrin, President of the Law Offices of James Scott Farrin. "Their selection is a testament to their formidable skills and dedication to the legal profession."

Elbakidze has a proactive approach to personal injury law and has demonstrated a strong commitment to community service throughout her career. The NEXT program is yet another way Elbakidze is arming herself with powerful tools that help her, in her own words, "perform legal work that brings people relief and peace of mind."

Hubbard helps people every day who have been hurt by the negligence of others, such as in car wrecks. She is a passionate advocate for her clients and the NEXT program will bolster her already advanced litigation skills.

ABOUT THE LAW OFFICES OF JAMES SCOTT FARRIN

The Law Offices of James Scott Farrin is one of the largest personal injury firms in North Carolina and has helped over 73,000 injured people since 1997. Operating from 14 offices in NC and one in SC, many of the firm's 60+ accomplished attorneys are recognized professionals in their fields. The firm focuses on providing quality legal services to as many people as possible in the following practice areas: personal injury, car accidents, workers' compensation, whistleblowing, defective products, eminent domain, mass torts, class actions, and Social Security Disability.

Contact Information:

David Chamberlin

555 S. Mangum Street

Suite 800

Durham, NC 27701

1-866-900-7078

https://www.farrin.com

Offices in Durham (main), Raleigh, Charlotte, Greensboro, NC, and Greenville,

SC. Attorney Michael Shepherd: 555 S. Mangum Street, Suite 800, Durham, NC.

SOURCE Law Offices of James Scott Farrin
Signed contract with the City of Hogansville for the deployment of smart poles and an integrated control system

for the deployment of smart poles and an integrated control system Application of LG CNS's proprietary smart city platform, Cityhub Building , for system management

, for system management Installation of IoT features and emergency call buttons to improve citizen convenience and public safety

SEOUL, South Korea, April 16, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- LG CNS, a leading AX (AI Transformation) company in Korea, signed its first official contract with a U.S. government agency to build smart city infrastructure in Hogansville, Georgia. This agreement calls for LG CNS to install smart poles and an integrated control system, leveraging its leadership in AI transformation, to enhance public safety, connectivity, and urban operations in the city. The project begins with the installation of smart poles and related infrastructure in downtown Hogansville and city parks.

AI-generated conceptual image of the LG CNS smart pole to be installed in Hogansville

Smart poles add intelligence to a city's urban infrastructure by combining traditional street and traffic lights with advanced IoT technology. Each pole will be equipped with features such as lighting control, public Wi-Fi, CCTV, and environmental sensors. These capabilities will support real-time monitoring of traffic conditions and public safety, while also collecting valuable urban data. The control system managing these poles will be operated through LG CNS's proprietary smart city platform, Cityhub Building.

In addition to core IoT features, LG CNS will install electric vehicle chargers, digital signage, and emergency call buttons to the smart poles. These buttons will be connected to emergency services like the local police to enable first responders to act quickly in critical situations. These elements also offer greater convenience for residents and significantly strengthen public safety across the city. LG CNS plans to build on the project by expanding its smart city initiatives to nearby cities in Georgia, including LaGrange and West Point.

Recognized as a leader in smart city innovation, LG CNS brings extensive experience in developing and deploying smart city solutions in Korea and around the world. Among other projects, the company provided design consulting for a major smart city development in Indonesia called Nusantara, which is slated to be that country's new capital. LG CNS is taking part in two large-scale pilot projects in Korea, including Sejong Smart City, valued at approximately 3.2 trillion Korean won, and the Busan Eco Delta Smart City, valued at around 5.4 trillion won. Both projects are being carried out through consortiums.

"Smart infrastructure is essential to accelerating city development, improving operational efficiency, strengthening public safety, and enhancing the daily lives of residents," said Shin-Gyoon Hyun, CEO of LG CNS. "LG CNS will work closely with the City of Hogansville, drawing on our proven smart city experience in Korea and across the Asia-Pacific region, to help build a more sustainable and livable urban environment."

About LG CNS

LG CNS is a leading Korean AX (AI Transformation) company that continues to pioneer various emerging technologies, including AI, cloud computing, big data, and smart engineering, encompassing smart factories, smart cities, and smart logistics, as well as digital marketing. The company also leads the market through innovative system integration (SI) and system management (SM) projects across finance, manufacturing, the public sector, and various other industries. For more information, please visit https://www.lgcns.com.

SOURCE LG CNS
Enhanced features benefit legal professionals, financial teams, medical experts, researchers, and students. Singapore law firm WongPartnership collaborates with LiquidText on beta testing.

NEW YORK, April 17, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- LiquidText, a leading innovator in document analysis and productivity tools, today announced the launch of groundbreaking real-time collaboration capabilities. This major update empowers professionals and students to simultaneously review, annotate, and discuss documents in demanding situations, including courtroom litigation, complex mergers and acquisitions, medical case management, academic research, and financial analysis.

LiquidText collaboration lets you and your team annotate and take notes together in shared projects in realtime Each project can contain private workspaces, and workspaces shared with your collaborators

LiquidText collaborated closely with organizations around the world to identify user requirements and test its collaboration features. Among these key partners was WongPartnership, one of Singapore's premier law firms, whose attorneys played a critical role from initial requirements gathering through beta testing.

"At WongPartnership, innovation has always been a core priority as we firmly believe in the transformative opportunities that new technologies bring. As an early adopter of LiquidText, we were pleased to assist in beta testing LiquidText's real-time collaboration tools, which have already made a significant impact by streamlining workflows for our litigation and case preparation teams. We look forward to further enhancing efficiencies as the solution evolves," said Chou Sean Yu, Deputy Managing Partner and Head of Litigation and Dispute Resolution at WongPartnership LLP.

New real-time collaboration capabilities include:

Simultaneous Editing : Multiple users can annotate and edit documents concurrently without conflicts.

: Multiple users can annotate and edit documents concurrently without conflicts. Privacy Controls : Draft notes privately, sharing them only when ready.

: Draft notes privately, sharing them only when ready. Enhanced Communication : Comments and @-mentions keep communication precise and organized.

: Comments and @-mentions keep communication precise and organized. Visual Activity Indicators: Real-time cursor tracking shows exactly where collaborators are active.

Real-world applications include:

Courtroom Coordination : Real-time strategy updates during live court proceedings.

: Real-time strategy updates during live court proceedings. M&A Negotiations : Teams securely review and negotiate documents simultaneously across multiple locations.

: Teams securely review and negotiate documents simultaneously across multiple locations. Patent Reviews : Streamlined collaborative assessments of complex IP filings.

: Streamlined collaborative assessments of complex IP filings. Medical Collaboration : Rapid, synchronized reviews of patient records and research.

: Rapid, synchronized reviews of patient records and research. Academic Research : Efficiently shared annotations and literature reviews.

: Efficiently shared annotations and literature reviews. Financial Analysis: Real-time collaborative reviews of sensitive financial documents.

LiquidText's collaboration features are available starting April 16, 2025. Existing subscriptions allow one collaborator per project, while the new Unlimited+ subscription and enterprise plans offer extensive collaboration options.

"We designed real-time collaboration specifically for high-stakes, fast-moving environments, where every second counts," said Craig Tashman, CEO of LiquidText. "With feedback and validation from professionals around the world, we are confident this update will set a new standard for document collaboration."

For more information, visit LiquidText.net/collaboration

About LiquidText: LiquidText provides powerful document analysis and collaboration software tailored for professionals and students, enabling users to easily review, annotate, and analyze complex documents. Used by leading law firms, universities, and other organizations across the globe, LiquidText is committed to continually innovating and enhancing productivity in document workflows.

Media Contact:

Craig Tashman

1 508-659-2186

[email protected]

SOURCE LiquidText
AMSTERDAM, April 17, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Locus Robotics, the global leader in AI-powered orchestrated automation, has successfully deployed LocusOne at Boulanger, one of France's top consumer electronics and home appliance retailers. This deployment marks a significant milestone in Boulanger's digital transformation, transitioning from a fully manual operation to an advanced, flexible robotic solution that scales dynamically with demand.

Boulanger_Locus Robotics

Boulanger joins a growing number of leading retailers in France leveraging Locus's intelligent automation, reinforcing the region's increasing shift toward scalable, high-performance fulfillment solutions.

Seamless Integration and Rapid Productivity Gains

The LocusONE deployment at Boulanger's central Henin-Beaumont warehouse delivered immediate efficiency improvements. Within just six weeks of going live, Boulanger doubled its picking productivity. Implemented in under four months, the solution seamlessly integrates with Boulanger's WMS and existing MHE traffic, ensuring smooth operations without disrupting established workflows.

With Locus, Boulanger efficiently manages a broad range of consumer electronics and home appliances, distributing stock to over 200 stores across France. The deployment has also significantly enhanced workforce efficiency, with warehouse associates quickly adopting the solution and working alongside Locus AMRs in a safe and collaborative environment.

Key Results:

250+ Units Per Hour : Within six weeks, productivity soared from 120 to over 250 units per hour.

: Within six weeks, productivity soared from 120 to over 250 units per hour. Rapid Deployment : Achieved full implementation in just five months, from project initiation to go-live.

: Achieved full implementation in just five months, from project initiation to go-live. High-Volume Fulfillment : Nearly 9 million units processed in under a year, demonstrating exceptional efficiency.

: Nearly 9 million units processed in under a year, demonstrating exceptional efficiency. Global Support : Over 200 stores across the country are now efficiently supplied with a diverse range of consumer electronics components.

: Over 200 stores across the country are now efficiently supplied with a diverse range of consumer electronics components. Dynamic Scalability: Locus expanded its fleet by 30% within days to meet a sudden surge in demand.

Advancing Flexible Warehouse Automation in France

"Boulanger's rapid transformation showcases how flexible automation can revolutionize fulfillment operations," said Denis Niezgoda, Chief Commercial Officer, International at Locus Robotics. "By integrating LocusONE, Boulanger has gained the scalability, efficiency, and agility required to meet growing customer expectations. This deployment reinforces our commitment to supporting France's evolving logistics landscape with intelligent, scalable automation solutions."

Boulanger's Perspective: Unmatched Flexibility and Scalability at the Core

"Our partnership with Locus Robotics has been a game-changer," said Olivier Henin, Warehouse Process Manager at Boulanger. "We saw an unexpected 30% surge in volumes, and Locus quickly scaled the fleet within days, ensuring we met demand without disruption. With Locus Vector now CE-certified, we're exploring additional workflows we can automate under LocusONE. This agility allows us to dynamically adjust capacity, eliminating the need to invest in rigid, underutilized automationcritical as we celebrate our 70th anniversary with a major sales campaign ahead."

Scalability for the Future

Boulanger's LocusONE deployment demonstrates how AI-driven warehouse automation maximizes efficiency, mitigates peak season challenges, and delivers unmatched operational agility. With orchestrated automation, retailers can scale seamlessly, future-proofing their fulfillment strategies in an increasingly dynamic market.

About Boulanger

Boulanger is a leading French retailer specializing in consumer electronics and home appliances, with a strong commitment to quality service and innovation. With a presence in over 200 locations across France, Boulanger is known for its dedication to offering high-quality products and exceptional customer service, continually advancing to meet the evolving needs of the modern consumer.

For more information, visit www.boulanger.com or follow us on social media.

About Locus Robotics

Locus Robotics is a global leader in warehouse automation, delivering unmatched flexibility and unlimited throughput, and actionable intelligence to optimize operations. Powered by LocusONE, an AI-driven platform, our advanced autonomous mobile robots seamlessly integrate into existing warehouse environments to enhance efficiency, reduce costs, and scale operations with ease.

Trusted by over 150 industry leading retail, healthcare, 3PL, and industrial brands in over 350 sites worldwide, Locus enables warehouse operators to achieve rapid ROI, minimize labor costs, and continuously improve productivity. Our industry-first Robots-as-a-Service (RaaS) model ensures ongoing innovation, scalability, and cost-effectiveness without the burden of significant capital investments. With proven capabilities in diverse workflowsfrom picking and replenishment to sorting and pack-outLocus Robotics empowers businesses to meet peak demands and adapt to ever-changing operational needs.

For more information, visit www.locusrobotics.com or follow us on social media.

Contact: Kary Zate, [email protected]

SOURCE Locus Robotics
XI'AN, China, April 17, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- LONGi has announced the retention of its AAA rating in PV-Tech's Q1 2025 PV ModuleTech bankability ratings, marking the company's 21st consecutive quarter at this top tier and underscoring its long-term commitment to quality, innovation, financial stability and leadership in the photovoltaic industry.

LONGi maintains AAA ranking

The PV ModuleTech bankability ratings are derived from a thorough evaluation process that examines manufacturers across several critical dimensions, including value chain strength, production capacity, global shipment profiles, capital expenditure (capex), R&D investment and cash-flow management. LONGi's consistent AAA status reflects not only its robust operational metrics but also its dedication to advancing solar technology.

Relying on its profound technology accumulation and advanced intelligent manufacturing advantages, LONGi has made continuous breakthroughs in HPBC technology and forward-looking R&D, and its products for utility and distributed scenarios have been implemented successively.

Since the launch of the new-generation BC products based on HPBC 2.0 in May 2024, LONGi has been winning large orders globally.

At the beginning of April, LONGi signed a 226MW Hi-MO 9 module supply agreement in Greece, which marks the largest BC utility project in Europe.

At the end of March, LONGi signed a Hi-MO X10 module supply framework agreement with a total capacity of 555MW with multiple EPC companies at the South Africa International Photovoltaic and Energy Storage Exhibition. The high-power generation per unit area and anti-shading features of the products have been highly recognized by African customers.

By the end of the first quarter of 2025, the global shipments of BC modules had exceeded 30GW, and the scale of reserved orders had exceeded 40GW.

With technological innovation as its mission, LONGi has been constantly improving the R&D of conversion efficiency in the crystalline silicon and crystalline silicon-perovskite tandem tracks. Up to now, it still holds the world records in these two major tracks.

On April 11th, LONGi announced at its Wuhu base in Anhui Province, China: Through the authoritative certification of the Institute for Solar Energy Research Hamelin (ISFH) in Germany, the photoelectric conversion efficiency of its independently developed Hybrid Interdigitated-Back-Contact (HIBC) crystalline silicon solar cell has reached 27.81%, pushing the exploration of the limits of monocrystalline silicon photovoltaic cells to a new height.

At the same time, LONGi independently developed a two-terminal crystalline silicon-perovskite tandem solar cell that has achieved a conversion efficiency of 34.85%, certified by the U.S. National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL), once again breaking the world record for crystalline silicon-perovskite tandem cell efficiency.

The 21 consecutive AAA ratings are not only a strong testament to LONGi's reliability but also a footnote to LONGi's consistent commitment to product quality, stable operation, and long-termism. In the future, LONGi will continue to enhance its technological strength and risk-resistance capabilities, and work hand in hand with global partners to create a better future.

SOURCE LONGi Solar
AUSTIN, Texas, April 17, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- LumApps , the leading connected employee hub, introduces its new brand identity and positioning, marked by the thought-provoking tagline: "The Bright Way to Work." This transformation underscores LumApps' unwavering commitment to reimagining the employee experience, helping people feel they belong, make an impact, and growevery day.

LumApps, The Connected Employee Hub

LumApps is more than just a tool; it's a new way of working. Its "bright" approach delivers smart, enlightening solutions that positively affect work practices. With more than 6 million users from supporting internationally renowned companies such as Global Payments Inc, Zapier, and Galeries Lafayette, LumApps transforms the way organizations work by making their employee experience more effective, intuitive, and engaging.

In today's intricate enterprise landscape, delivering an exceptional employee experience is paramount. However, this endeavor often involves navigating a myriad of solutions that can create digital friction and hinder effective communication. LumApps addresses this by offering a connected platform that streamlines information flow and enhances collaboration across departments.

"Our new branding and positioning mark a major step forward for LumApps, as employee experience becomes a mission-critical priority for forward-thinking companies," said Elie Melois, CTO and co-founder at LumApps. "Exceptional EX isn't owned by just one team; it takes a village to deliver with close collaboration across Comms, IT, HR, and beyond. LumApps is designed to bring people, information, and tools together in one place, the way toward a more connected, engaging workplace, where every employee can thrive."

The new brand identity embodies LumApps' vision of creating workplaces where everyone feels purpose each day through belonging, impact, and growth. The refreshed visual identity features a clean design with impactful colors and visuals that highlight the company's values and differentiate it within the tech and HR ecosystem. This design approach provides an intuitive and user-friendly experience, avoiding information overload and enhancing user engagement.

This initiative aligns with LumApps' mission to build the worlds' first employee hub that connects people to what they need for success: communications, productivity tools and opportunities for growth. By integrating innovative features and maintaining a user-centric approach, LumApps continues to set the standard for future-ready intranet solutions that enhance the employee experience.

For more information, visit www.lumapps.com .

About LumApps

LumApps is the future-ready intranet designed for businesses that want to stay ahead. It transforms the employee experience, making it more effective, intuitive, and engaging.

As the most flexible, scalable, and innovative solution, LumApps enhances communication, boosts productivity, and drives growth. It works from day one and adapts to your organization to become a fully connected employee hub.

Seamlessly integrating with Google Workspace and Microsoft 365, LumApps centralizes communications, HR resources, and business applications into a modern, AI-powered employee hub. With over 6 million users and customers like Ascension Health, Zapier, and Genuine Parts Company, LumApps redefines the employee experience to support business success.

LumApps is recognized as a Leader in Intranets by both Gartner and Forrester.

Photo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2667753/LumApps.jpg

Logo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2667752/LumApps_Logo.jpg

Press contact: [email protected] .

SOURCE LumApps
Rongqing Dai

Abstract

Earthlings have long been assured by the scientific community that our civilization has been constructed on a solid foundation of mathematically ascertained natural laws and unchallengeable theories of physics. However, since 2021 the author has shown to the world that as the scientific foundation of human civilization, modern physics suffers seriously not only in the faultiness of some assumed unchallengeable theories or well known equations, but also in the cracks of fundamental natural laws. This article briefly summarizes some lofty scientific theories that the author either systematically overturned or exposed their defects and errors since 2021.

Keywords: Cracking Foundation, Physics, Relativity, Quantum Mechanics, Euler, Newton

1. Introduction

Science and technology have been deemed as the pillars of human civilization. While modern technologies might be traced back to human ingenious inventions around the world of millenniums ago, what is now called as modern sciences has been considered as started pretty much with the establishment of the mathematical framework of Newtonian dynamics, on tops of which physicists have developed various conservation laws. In late 19th century and the turn of 20th century, the scientific community even invented things like relativity and some other fancy things through their imaginations. With all those scientific laws as well as some scientifically creative inventions, earthlings have been assured by the scientific community that our civilization has been constructed on a solid foundation of mathematically ascertained natural laws and unchallengeable theories of physics. However, since 2021 the author has not only debunked some fancy scientific imaginations, exposed the cracks in the theoretical foundation of quantum physics, discovered errors in some well known equations, but also demonstrated with undeniable examples of the loopholes in the conservation laws as well as the Newtonian dynamics.

2. A List of Foundational Theories That Have Been Proved Wrong or Cracking

In this section we will review a list of theories that have been treated as scientific pillars, some of them forcibly declared as untouchable, but have been proved either completely wrong, seriously wrong, problematic, basically wrong, or basically correct but with cracks.

2.1. Special relativity

Special relativity is completely wrong not only because the two postulates on which it is based are wrong but also because its reasoning logic violates the fundamental principle of symmetry, its views of space and time, cause and effect, speed limit etc are all wrong [[1],[2],[3],[4],[5],[6]], and it has never been verified by any experiment [[7],[8],[9]]; accordingly, its famous mass and energy relationship E= mc2 needs to be revised as E= mc2/2[[10]].

2.2. General relativity

Unlike special relativity, general relativity is not completely wrong because it has some empirical bases, such as the imitation of the actual path of light in the gravitational field and the reflection of the similarity between the general linear acceleration motion and the acceleration motion under the action of gravity, which is the reason why general relativity has been verified by real world observations on some occasions.

However, general relativity not only takes special relativity as one of its bases but also uses the same wrong logic as special relativity in thinking about relative motions [[11]]. Relevantly, the metric tensor which is the key component of the field equations, the core content of general relativity, is only an approximate tensor under the condition of low speed and low gravity. This means that the so-called metric tensor in the black hole theories, the main applications of general relativity, is not a tensor at all. Besides, the claim by general relativity because of special relativity that the speed of gravity is the same as the speed of light simply cannot hold true [[12]].

2.3. The theoretical foundation of quantum physics

The disproval of special relativity will certainly affect quantum physics because the latter has been largely developed on top of the former. A typical example is the need of revising the formula of de Broglie wavelength as demonstrated by Dai [[13]]; however, the problems with the theoretical foundation of quantum mechanics are far more than just the need to correct the de Broglie wavelength and also go far beyond the impact of special relativity. The following are some of the flaws or errors in the foundation of quantum mechanics that I have pointed out over the past few years.

2.3.1. The genetic defect of Schrodingers cat

Although Schrodingers cat has long become a household name in popular culture worldwide, its real significance lies in the so-called measurement problem that still plagues the community of quantum researchers today [[14]]. However, as Dai pointed out in 2023 [[15]], the concept of Schrodingers cat itself is logically flawed. Accordingly, although Schrodinger devised his cat in order to question the use of the probability wave by the Copenhagen School to interpret his famous equation, the researches on the so-called quantum mechanics measurement problem triggered by Schrodingers cat has logical flaws from the very beginning, despite that the quantum mechanics community has invested tremendous energy trying to resolve the issue in the past few decades and still struggle with it even up to today.

2.3.2. The empirically rootless Schrodinger equation and Dirac equation

Both the Schrodinger equation and the Dirac equation are deemed as the basic equations of quantum mechanics.

However, as Dai pointed out in 2024 [[16],[17]], the Schrodinger equation is not strictly derived from classical mechanics as he tried to make people believe, but is largely constructed in a heuristic manner; in other words, it does not have an empirical basis. Its subsequent applications in quantum mechanics have not been able to provide it with a reliable empirical basis either, largely because shortly after the publication of the Schrodinger equation, its basic meaning was modified by Born of the Copenhagen School to be an equation about the so-called probability waves, and the Schrodinger cat mentioned above was designed by Schrodinger in protest of the Copenhagen Schools reinterpretation of his equation, which caused the so-called measurement problem mentioned earlier. That is to say, the admired empirical basis of the Schrodinger equation so far is only limited to his fictitious relationship with classical mechanics that does not exist.

On the other hand, the Copenhagens reinterpretation of the meaning of the Schrodinger equation itself lacks a sound logical basis either. They simply took an equation that someone else claimed to be derived through continuous classical mechanics and said, Oh, lets change its meaning to probabilistic, and their only basis of doing so seemed to be that they found certain experimental phenomena needed to be comprehended probabilistically, rather than that they could actually deduce the Schrodinger equation for probability waves from any empirical basis.

Concerning Dirac equation, as Dai briefly discussed in one of the papers given above about the Schrodinger equation [17], the fact that the derivation of the Dirac equation is based on the special relativity has already planted the seeds of errors. As for the predictions of the up and down spins of electrons and the anti-electron (positron) by Dirac equation, as claimed by the community of physics with high admiration, they are actually not the results of rigorous derivations as people might normally assume. The so-called up and down spins of electrons appear in the solution of Dirac equation because Dirac artificially adopted the so-called Pauli rotation matrices during the derivation process. This, of course, is a viable way to solve the equation, but his solution is applicable to any charged particle moving around a central point of opposite charge, and the electron in the hydrogen atom orbiting around the nucleus just happens to fit into this pattern. As for the so-called prediction of anti-electron (positron), it is because his quadratic equation has two solutions, positive one and negative one, and people interpreted it as predicting the existence of anti-electron (positron). Besides, like the Schrodinger equation, Dirac equation was derived from continuous Hamiltonian classical mechanics, which makes it, like Schrodinger equation, destined to be incompatible with the Copenhagen interpretation.

2.3.3. The Copenhagen Interpretation

In the case of Schrodinger equation, as mentioned earlier, the Copenhagen reinterpretation had no strict logical basis at all, and thus left behind the so-called measurement problem that even Noble Laureate Penrose considered unsolvable. In fact, Copenhagens problems do not stop there. One of more serious problems may be highlighted by the 2023 Nobel Prize in physics: the laureates of 2023 Nobel Prize in physics could capture the motion of electrons with considerable accuracy in their experiments, from which we can conclude, as Dai analyzed in 2023 [[18]], that the famous Heisenberg uncertainty principle, one of the core elements of the Copenhagen school, is utterly invalidated.

2.3.4. The standard model of fundamental particles

The standard model of fundamental particles is pretty much built entirely on the basis of Schrodinger equation and Dirac equation, mediated by group theory. It is basically a large structure of mathematical models. In 2024, Dai [[19] ] overturned a conclusion of the standard model that the decay of the muon is completely mediated by the so-called weak force. The theory behind that conclusion does not only require the special theory of relativity in its derivation, but also rely on the relativistic claim that the lifetime of the muon is prolonged by its speed of motion in comparison to the lifetime of the so-called muon at rest. However, the so-called muons at rest used for comparison are those whose speed is rapidly reduced from close to the speed of light to zero by colliding with some medium. Obviously, this shows that the claim that the speed of motion prolongs the lifetime of a muon is completely false, and the truth is that the collision between the muon and the medium accelerates the decay of the muon. Since the collision force between particles belongs to the electromagnetic force, this directly negates the conclusion that the decay of the muon is completely mediated by the weak force as stated in the standard model.

2.4. Eulers equations of rigid body dynamics

The finding that Eulers equations of rigid body dynamics are wrong surprised me the most because rigid body dynamics is a discipline with hundreds of years of history as part of the foundation of physics and engineering. How could it be possible for Eulers equations as the very basic equations of rigid body dynamics to be wrong? Unfortunately, this is not only possible, but also a reality. In the paper discussing why Eulers equations are wrong [[20] ], Dai also discussed the possible reason why the incorrectness of such widely used equations could evade scrutiny for hundreds of years.

2.5. Examples of violating the conservation laws of momentum and energy

The incorrectness of Eulers equations of rigid body mechanics caught my attention because of my finding that Eulers equations used by mainstream academics to explain the Dzhanibekov effect actually leading to the violation of the conservation of angular momentum, while the Eulers equations are derived from the conservation of angular momentum. So something must be wrong. After careful investigations, it is found that Eulers equations of rigid body mechanics are actually wrong.

However, as Dai pointed out [[21]] that, from the videos of the Dzhanibekov effect recorded by astronauts from different countries at different times in different space stations, it can be seen clearly that the Dzhanibekov effect itself actually breaks the conservation law of angular momentum, and this has nothing to do with the incorrectness of Eulers equations or any other equations. The key issue here is that the total angular momentum changes during the motion of the Dzhanibekov effect while we cannot find any external force that could account for the change.

I do not rule out the possibility that there might be some physical force in the microgravity environment of the space station that is completely unknown to humans and causes the Dzhanibekov effect. However, before we can find the relevant force, I can only attribute it to an example of breaking the conservation of angular momentum.

In the meantime, because we can mathematically work out the conservation of angular momentum as long as the conservation of momentum is valid, the violation of the conservation of angular momentum would logically lead to the violation of the conservation of momentum; besides, because the conservation of momentum is directly inferred from Newtons second law, the violation of the conservation of momentum would lead to the violation of Newtons second law.

Furthermore, since the law of energy conservation was initially developed by Emilie Du Chatele based on Newtons second law, the violation of the conservation of angular momentum would ring the alarm bell for energy conservation. As a matter of fact, we do have witnessed the violation of the energy conservation in the Dzhanibekov effect videos when the extra flipping kinetic energy occurs without responsible sources.

In fact, contrary to the scientific belief for the past centuries that energy should always be strictly conserved, in 2021 Dai demonstrated with two macroscopic examples [[22],[23]] how energy conservation had been actually violated in nature and in human engineering practices. In 2022 Dai [[24]] also proposed a structural design that could potentially violate energy conservation in the macroscopic world.

3. Final Remarks

The severity of the errors of above mentioned theories and the degree of their impact on current human science varies. The most serious errors that have the greatest impact on current physics are those of the special theory of relativity, followed by the errors in quantum theories, the errors in general relativity, and the errors in the Euler equations of rigid body dynamics and the incompleteness of the conservations of momentum and energy. The reason why the errors of the special theory of relativity are the most serious is that the theory is completely wrong, and it directly affects the correctness of quantum mechanics and general relativity. As for quantum physics, although humans have made many progresses in quantum experiments, errors in quantum theories not only will seriously consume precious funds, but also could mislead quantum experiments to a considerable extent. As for the errors in general relativity, the main impact would be on cosmology and astrophysics; although this will not directly affect other current scientific and engineering practices on Earth, it will not only mislead the researches in cosmology and astrophysics, but also waste the academic careers of many young students.

As for the wrongness of Eulers equations of rigid body dynamics, on a first thought, one might assume that it should have the largest impact on human daily activities among the errors discussed in this article given the wide applications of rigid body dynamics. But on the other hand, since they have been wrong for the past 260 years without getting any attention, it shows that either the errors they cause in practical applications are usually not large, or there are some mechanisms in engineering practices that could offset the errors they cause to a considerable extent in most cases.

However, since Eulers equations of rigid body dynamics are wrong, the errors caused by their incorrectness would be magnified when some right conditions occur, and the analysis of Dzhanibekov effect by mainstream academics using Eulers equations of rigid body mechanics is an example. On the surface, it seems that they just failed to correctly predict the situation of I 2 >I 1 =I 3 or I 2 <I 1 =I 3 ; after all, they seem to have correctly predicted that the rotation around the intermediate axis would create an anomaly when I 1 <I 2 <I 3 . However, in fact, because they are satisfied with the seemingly correct results given by the wrong Eulers equations, they have long missed the recognition that angular momentum may not always be conserved and also caused corresponding confusion in the academic community (such as trying to explain the change of total angular momentum with internal forces by famous scholars). This is a real loss for science.

As for the fact that the conservation laws of momentum and energy do not always strictly hold true as people have thought in the past few hundred years, so far its influence seems to be limited to a few very special cases such as the Dzhanibekov effect; nevertheless, its real significance could be much more profound than we humans currently can imagine. It might mean that the entirety of the existing human scientific knowledge is just a small turf outside the door of a huge field.

References
VANCOUVER, BC, April 17, 2025 /PRNewswire/ - Lumina Gold Corp. (TSXV: LUM) (OTCQB: LMGDF) (the "Company" or "Lumina") is pleased to announce that under the previously announced US$300 million precious metals purchase agreement (the "PMPA") with Wheaton Precious Metals International Ltd., a wholly owned subsidiary of Wheaton Precious Metals Corp. ("Wheaton"), the Company has drawn the final installment of US$3.1 million (the "Final Installment") from the Early Deposit (as defined in the PMPA). The draw is related to specific pre-construction acquisition transactions. Wheaton has now advanced a total of US$48 million to Lumina. The remaining US$252 million under the PMPA will be advanced once specific conditions allowing for the start of construction have been met.

The PMPA has been amended (the "Amendment") to provide more flexibility to Lumina in connection with certain pre-construction acquisition transactions. Under the Amendment, among other things, Lumina has until December 31, 2025, to spend the Final Installment on qualifying transactions. Any portion of the Final Installment not spent by December 31, 2025 must be returned to Wheaton.

About Lumina Gold

Lumina Gold Corp. (TSXV: LUM) is a Vancouver, Canada based precious and base metals development company focused on the Cangrejos gold-copper project located in El Oro Province, southwest Ecuador. In 2023, the Company completed a Pre-Feasibility Study for Cangrejos, which is the largest primary gold deposit in Ecuador. Lumina has an experienced management team with a successful track record of advancing and monetizing exploration projects.

Follow us on: Twitter, LinkedIn or Facebook.

Further details are available on the Company's website at https://luminagold.com. To receive future news releases please sign up at https://luminagold.com/contact.

LUMINA GOLD CORP.



: Signed: "Marshall Koval"





Marshall Koval, President & CEO, Director



Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this news release.

Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Information

Certain statements and information herein, including all statements that are not historical facts, contain forward-looking statements and forward-looking information within the meaning of applicable securities laws. Such forward-looking statements or information include but are not limited to statements or information with respect to: the Company's ability to spend the US$3.1 million prior to December 31, 2025, the return of any unspent funds to Wheaton and the advance of US$252 million if specific conditions are met. Often, but not always, forward-looking statements or information can be identified by the use of words such as "will" or "projected" or variations of those words or statements that certain actions, events or results "will", "could", "are proposed to", "are planned to", "are expected to" or "are anticipated to" be taken, occur or be achieved.

With respect to forward-looking statements and information contained herein, the Company has made numerous assumptions including among other things, assumptions about: the Company's ability to meet its obligations under the PMPA; general business and economic conditions; the prices of gold and copper; and anticipated costs and expenditures. The foregoing list of assumptions is not exhaustive.

Although management of the Company believes that the assumptions made and the expectations represented by such statements or information are reasonable, there can be no assurance that a forward-looking statement or information herein will prove to be accurate. Forward-looking statements and information by their nature are based on assumptions and involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors which may cause the Company's actual results, performance or achievements, or industry results, to be materially different from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements or information. These factors include, but are not limited to: risks associated with the business of the Company; business and economic conditions in the mining industry generally; the supply and demand for labour and other project inputs; changes in commodity prices; changes in interest and currency exchange rates; risks relating to inaccurate geological and engineering assumptions (including with respect to the tonnage, grade and recoverability of reserves and resources); risks relating to unanticipated operational difficulties (including failure of equipment or processes to operate in accordance with specifications or expectations, cost escalation, unavailability of materials and equipment, government action or delays in the receipt of government approvals, industrial disturbances or other job action, and unanticipated events related to health, safety and environmental matters); risks relating to adverse weather conditions; political risk and social unrest; changes in general economic conditions or conditions in the financial markets; and other risk factors as detailed from time to time in the Company's continuous disclosure documents filed with Canadian securities administrators. The Company does not undertake to update any forward-looking information, except in accordance with applicable securities laws.

SOURCE Lumina Gold Corp.
Iconic Tuscan Winery Expands into Etna, One of Italy's 'Hottest' Wine Regions

NEW YORK, April 17, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- At the heart of the enduring friendship between Lamberto Frescobaldi and Marco de Grazia lies a shared passion for wine, a deep regard for meaningful, long-term relationships, and a dream they've nurtured for 35 years: to create something lasting together. Today, that dream becomes reality with Marchesi Frescobaldi taking a minority shareholder position in Tenuta delle Terre Nere.



Lamberto Frescobaldi

Tenuta delle Terre Nere is a pioneering estate on Mount Etna, a place of extraordinary energy, spirit, and primal force. With this step, Marco de Grazia and Lamberto Frescobaldi embark on a new chapter, united in their commitment to carry forward the beautiful journey Marco began in 2002.

"For decades, Lamberto and I have shared time, friendship, and of course, countless bottles of wine  along with the joys and challenges of watching our children grow up together at the same school," says Marco de Grazia, owner of Tenuta delle Terre Nere. He adds, "Fate gave us a gentle push, and our shared vision did the rest. The gears began to turn  at first hesitantly, then with growing enthusiasm. Our friendship then evolved into something more: a shared passion and a united drive to pursue greater ambitions, to share a common institution, and express it through refined and aspirational wines - together."



"For me, Marco de Grazia has always been a true point of reference," says Lamberto Frescobaldi, President of the Marchesi Frescobaldi Group. He continues, "In the early 1990s, shortly after my wedding, we spent many evenings together, opening bottle after bottle. I would listen intently to every word he said, fascinated by his relentless pursuit of finesse in wine, his contagious energy, and the clarity of his vision."



The journey continues, guided by enduring friendship and the ever-inspiring presence of the iconic Mt. Etna.

MARCHESI FRESCOBALDI

Marchesi Frescobaldi has embodied the very essence of Tuscany since 1300. The family's extraordinary vocation for viticulture and the rich diversity of its growing areas lead naturally to its claim: Cultivating Toscana Diversity. The uniqueness of the Frescobaldi family springs precisely from its being the very mirror of such diversity: its winemaking estates and their wines create a kaleidoscope of fragrances and sensations, each of which eloquently expresses an individual terroir. Behind every Frescobaldi wine one can capture the soul of the individuals, viticulturalists, and winemakers who live the vineyards and their terroirs to understand every detail. Their art demands an iron-clad rule: respect. Respect for our tradition, which guides us even when we follow the path of innovation. Respect for Toscana, which we consider a living land, to be cultivated in equilibrium and harmony.

Respect for each terroir, which, thanks to a one-of-a-kind combination of soils, elevations, and microclimates, gift us wines with distinctive, inimitable personalities. The nine Marchesi Frescobaldi wine estates are: Castello Pomino (Pomino), Castello Nipozzano (Nipozzano), Tenuta Perano (Gaiole in Chianti), Tenuta Castiglioni (Montespertoli), Tenuta CastelGiocondo (Montalcino), Tenuta Ammiraglia (Magliano in Toscana), Remole (Sieci), Tenuta Calimaia (Montepulciano), and Gorgona. These estates, located in areas of Toscana famed for their production of world-class wines (DOC, DOCG, and IGT), differ from each other in soils, environment, and history. Joining them are the estates of the Bolgheri-based Ornellaia and Masseto, as well as Tenuta Luce in Montalcino Poggio Verrano (Maremma), Attems in the Collio, and Domaine Roy in Oregon (USA). On each estate, unique elements confer on each Frescobaldi wine its distinctive, stand-alone character. Each estate is managed as an individial entity, with its own management of its vineyards and winemaking.

Follow us on @marchesifrescobaldi

#MarchesiFrescobaldi

Discover more on | www.frescobaldi.com

For media inquiries contact:

Carlotta Ribolini - PR Consultant - Italy Representative

[email protected]

SOURCE Marchesi Frescobaldi
Since the start of the Trump Administration, the CDC and FDA have withheld from the public details about a Romaine Lettuce E. coli outbreak that sickened 89 in 15 states with 36 hospitalized, 7 with kidney failure and 1 death

BAINBRIDGE ISLAND, Wash., April 17, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Today, the national E. coli attorneys at Marler Clark, Inc., PS, filed two Indiana and one Missouri Federal E. coli O157:H7 lawsuits against Taylor Farms on behalf of two children and one adult woman who all suffered hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS)  acute kidney failure  due to E. coli O157:H7 . In addition, Marler Clark amended five previously filed E. coli O157:H7 lawsuits to include Taylor Farms as being linked to salads catered at a high school in St. Louis, Missouri that sickened over 50.

Under the Trump Administration, the CDC and FDA have failed to report a Taylor Farms Romaine Lettuce E. coli outbreak Post this It is disappointing, but with 20,000 employees at Health and Human Services (HHS) being fired, investigating, and reporting on outbreaks and alerting the public to the cause is clearly not a priority for this administration. If the gutted CDC and FDA can no longer do the job, we will step up to inform and protect the public  so much for Make America Healthy Again (MAHA), said William Bill Marler, E. coli attorney.

"It is disappointing, but with 20,000 employees at Health and Human Services (HHS) being fired, investigating, and reporting on outbreaks and alerting the public to the cause is clearly not a priority for this administration. If the gutted CDC and FDA can no longer do the job, we will step up to inform and protect the public  so much for 'Make America Healthy Again (MAHA),'" said William "Bill" Marler, E. coli attorney. See, Marler Blog post: "CDC and FDA 'Romaine' Silent."

In November 2024, the CDC and FDA began an investigation into an outbreak of E. coli O157:H7. By the time the CDC and FDA closed the investigation in January 2025, the outbreak included 89 people across 15 states. Onset dates ranged from November 4, 2024, to November 30, 2024. Ages ranged from 4 to 90 years, with a median age of 24. Outcome information was available for 74 cases, of which 36 (49%) were hospitalized. There were 7 reported cases of HUS, and 1 death attributed to the outbreak. All cases were linked by whole genome sequencing (WGS) to each other[2]. See NCBI WGS Tree of Outbreak Cases . The investigation confirmed Taylor Farms romaine lettuce as the source of the outbreak, yet the CDC and FDA neglected to inform the public.

"Because we represent people and families from several states that were WGS matches to each other, it was not long until our on-staff Epidemiologist determined that the common link was that all clients consumed Taylor Farms romaine lettuce in the outbreak period. Had the CDC and FDA been allowed to do their jobs they would have publicized the same conclusion," said Marler.

Details of E. coli O157:H7 Investigation

7 subclusters of illnesses were identified in a multistate outbreak: AR (2), CO (1), IL (7), IN (8), KS (1), KY (1), MO (50) [1] , MT (1), ND (2), NE (3), OH (8), PA (1), SD (1), TN (1), WI (2).





, MT (1), ND (2), NE (3), OH (8), PA (1), SD (1), TN (1), WI (2). Cases were identified at 3 MO catered events, an OH secondary school, an IN restaurant, an IL restaurant, and an IL event catered by a dierent MO-based caterer.





Salads were the common link across all 7 subclusters; cases in all subclusters ate a romaine lettuce blend. In the points of service (POS), the traceback focused on romaine lettuce.





The CDC and FDA investigation consisted of three traceback legs representing twenty-eight cases and five POS. The three traceback legs identified four distribution centers, one broker, two processors, one grower, and one ranch  all names redacted in the documents.





The traceback investigation determined that a sole processer sourced romaine lettuce from a single grower that would have been available at all points of service during the timeframe of interest. Romaine lettuce supplied to four of the five POS were traced back to the common ranch and lot.





Through analysis of records, four lots of romaine lettuce were implicated, resulting in confirmation of romaine lettuce as the outbreak vehicle. Epidemiologic and traceback data supported the conclusion that romaine lettuce was the source of illnesses in the outbreak.





The CDC and FDA closed the investigation on January 15, 2025 , with the confirmed vehicle being romaine lettuce, without alerting the public that Taylor Farms[3] was the source of the outbreak. See, CDC Report and FDA Report .

See, complaints: Carnaghi, Graham, Mujkanovic , Swearington, Everding, George, Hasenour and Hefling.

William "Bill" Marler has been a food safety lawyer and advocate since the 1993 Jack-in-the-Box E. coli O157:H7 Outbreak which was chronicled in the book "Poisoned" and in the recent Emmy Award winning Netflix documentary by the same name. Bill's work has been profiled in the New Yorker, "A Bug in the System;" the Seattle Times, "30 years after the deadly E. coli outbreak, A Seattle attorney still fights for food safety;" the Washington Post, "He helped make burgers safer, Now he is fighting food poisoning again;" and several others.

Dozens of times a year Bill speaks to industry and government throughout the United States, Canada, Europe, Africa, China, and Australia on why it is important to prevent foodborne illnesses. He is a frequent commentator on food litigation and food safety on Marler Blog. Bill is also the publisher of Food Safety News.

To contact Bill, reach out to Julie Dueck at [email protected] or 1-206-930-4220.

[1] According to the St. Louis Health Department, there were a total of 115 cases, including 13 hospitalizations with two with HUS.

[2] "What is whole genome sequencing (WGS) and why is it pivotal in foodborne illness investigations?"

[3] Taylor Farms was also the source of an onion E. coli O157:H7 outbreak in 2024 that caused 104 illnesses, 34 hospitalizations and 1 death. See, Outbreak Investigation of E. coli O157:H7: Onions (October 2024) .

SOURCE Marler Clark, Inc., P.S.
NEW YORK, April 17, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Milbank LLP is pleased to announce that Liz Downing has joined the New York office as a partner in the Financial Restructuring Group.

"We are excited to welcome Liz to Milbank," said Milbank Chairman Scott Edelman. "Liz is highly regarded in the industry and has played a leading role on some of the most complex restructuring matters in recent years."

Liz Downing

Ms. Downing has advised debtors, creditors, equity sponsors, purchasers and other stakeholders throughout all phases of complex restructuring transactions. The primary focus of her work has been representing companies in prepackaged, prearranged and conventional chapter 11 cases, as well as out-of-court workouts and distressed acquisitions. Ms. Downing's experience spans a wide variety of industries, including healthcare, energy, financial services, shipping and retail. She has significant experience advising companies and other stakeholders in cross-border restructuring transactions, including situations in Canada, the Cayman Islands, Ireland, Hong Kong, Peru, Singapore and the United Kingdom.

"Liz is a highly skilled, experienced restructuring lawyer who will bring further depth to our global bench and debtor-side capabilities," said Dennis Dunne, Global Chair of Milbank's Financial Restructuring Group and member of the Executive Committee. "As we continue to grow our debtor-side capabilities, Liz will be a tremendous part of that growth and we are thrilled to welcome her to the firm."

Milbank has significantly expanded its global Financial Restructuring Group in recent years, including the most recent additions of partners Lisa Laukitis, Jaimie Fedell and Lawrence Wee in New York, Ian Wallace in London, and Nicholas Dunstone in Singapore.

"I am excited to join this exceptional team of restructuring lawyers which is known globally for working on many of the most prominent corporate restructurings and groundbreaking chapter 11 cases," said Ms. Downing. "I look forward to working alongside my new partners, including my former colleague Lisa Laukitis, as we help clients navigate their most critical matters."

Ms. Downing joins Milbank from Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom LLP, where she was a member of the Corporate Restructuring Group.

ABOUT MILBANK

Milbank LLP is a leading international law firm that provides innovative legal services to clients around the world. Founded in New York over 150 years ago, Milbank has offices in Frankfurt, Hong Kong, London, Los Angeles, Munich, New York, Sao Paulo, Seoul, Singapore, Tokyo and Washington, DC. Milbank's lawyers collaborate across practices and offices to help the world's leading commercial, financial and industrial enterprises, as well as institutions, individuals and governments, achieve their strategic objectives. To learn more about Milbank, please visit www.milbank.com and follow us on LinkedIn and Instagram.

SOURCE Milbank LLP
JV to accelerate business process transformation for enterprises leveraging digital procurement platforms

BENGALURU, India and TOKYO, April 17, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Infosys (NSE, BSE, NYSE: INFY), a global leader in next-generation digital services and consulting, today announced Mitsubishi Heavy Industries (MHI) has invested in the Infosys-led Joint Venture HIPUS, enhancing Infosys' presence in Japan. MHI is one of the world's leading industrial groups, spanning energy, smart infrastructure, industrial machinery, aerospace and defense, and has established corporations like Hitachi Ltd., Panasonic Corporation and Pasona.

HIPUS, in which Infosys owns a majority stake, was set up in 2019, to drive high-quality, end-to-end procurement processes along with sourcing and category expertise, leveraging next-generation digital platforms for Japanese corporations.

MHI has been a longstanding customer of HIPUS and has now expanded the collaboration by acquiring a 2 percent stake from Infosys. Through this investment MHI aims to further explore new business opportunities in the region.

Anantha Radhakrishnan, CEO and MD, Infosys BPM, and Chairperson, HIPUS Board said, "Japan continues to be a strategic market for Infosys and HIPUS and we have consistently expanded our footprint in the region. This collaboration with MHI reinforces Infosys' commitment towards building trusted collaboration with customers in Japan and accelerating their digital business process transformation journey. Infosys is excited to welcome Mitsubishi Heavy Industries to HIPUS."

Isao Miyake, Head, Value Chain Headquarters, Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, said, "In our company's ongoing efforts to upgrade procurement activities through a data-driven strategy, we expect HIPUS advanced analytics and support to significantly improve procurement operations, enable well informed decision making, and generate greater value across the organization."

Kiyoshi Asami, CEO and Representative Director, HIPUS, said, "MHI has become an important client for HIPUS receiving a wide range of services. HIPUS is also executing MHI services beyond Japan, leveraging Infosys' global presence as well as its strong sourcing and procurement services. We are extremely delighted that MHI has decided to invest in HIPUS and we look forward to an impactful collaboration."

The transaction is expected to close during the first quarter of fiscal year 2026 (i.e. quarter ending June 30, 2025), subject to customary closing conditions.

About Mitsubishi Heavy Industries (MHI) Group

Mitsubishi Heavy Industries (MHI) Group is one of the world's leading industrial groups, spanning energy, smart infrastructure, industrial machinery, aerospace and defense. MHI Group combines cutting-edge technology with deep experience to deliver innovative, integrated solutions that help to realize a carbon neutral world, improve the quality of life and ensure a safer world. For more information, please visit www.mhi.com

About HiPUS

HIPUS Co., Ltd. promotes business process transformation and provide total procurement solutions with the procurement know-how cultivated over many years in the Hitachi Group as our business core. Since April 2019, Infosys has become our parent company, and we provide new, cutting-edge services that combine global knowledge and domestic skills in procurement processes, consulting, analytics, Gen AI, and other digital technology services. For more information, please visit https://www.hipus.com.

About Infosys

Infosys is a global leader in next-generation digital services and consulting. Over 300,000 of our people work to amplify human potential and create the next opportunity for people, businesses and communities. We enable clients in more than 56 countries to navigate their digital transformation. With over four decades of experience in managing the systems and workings of global enterprises, we expertly steer clients, as they navigate their digital transformation powered by cloud and AI. We enable them with an AI-first core, empower the business with agile digital at scale and drive continuous improvement with always-on learning through the transfer of digital skills, expertise, and ideas from our innovation ecosystem. We are deeply committed to being a well-governed, environmentally sustainable organization where diverse talent thrives in an inclusive workplace.

Visit www.infosys.com to see how Infosys (NSE, BSE, NYSE: INFY) can help your enterprise navigate your next.

Safe Harbor

Certain statements in this release concerning our future growth prospects, or our future financial or operating performance, are forward-looking statements intended to qualify for the 'safe harbor' under the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, which involve a number of risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results or outcomes to differ materially from those in such forward-looking statements. The risks and uncertainties relating to these statements include, but are not limited to, risks and uncertainties regarding the execution of our business strategy, increased competition for talent, our ability to attract and retain personnel, increase in wages, investments to reskill our employees, our ability to effectively implement a hybrid work model, economic uncertainties and geo-political situations, technological disruptions and innovations such as Generative AI, the complex and evolving regulatory landscape including immigration regulation changes, our ESG vision, our capital allocation policy and expectations concerning our market position, future operations, margins, profitability, liquidity, capital resources, our corporate actions including acquisitions, and cybersecurity matters. Important factors that may cause actual results or outcomes to differ from those implied by the forward-looking statements are discussed in more detail in our US Securities and Exchange Commission filings including our Annual Report on Form 20-F for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2024. These filings are available at www.sec.gov. Infosys may, from time to time, make additional written and oral forward-looking statements, including statements contained in the Company's filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission and our reports to shareholders. The Company does not undertake to update any forward-looking statements that may be made from time to time by or on behalf of the Company unless it is required by law.

Logo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/633365/Infosys_Logo.jpg
General Stanley McChrystal's New Book On Character Sparks National Dialogue Ahead of America's 250th Anniversary

WASHINGTON, April 17, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- In response to growing concerns among the American people about the erosion of core values, More Perfectan alliance of 37 Presidential Centers and over 100 civic partners today announced the launch of Conversations on Character, a series of public events across the country designed to foster reflection on personal and national character.

This initiative coincides with the release on May 13 of General (Ret.) Stanley McChrystal's new book, On Character , which draws from his extensive military career to explore lessons learned from success and failure and the discipline required to live up to one's beliefs. The book serves as a catalyst for the series, inviting Americans to reflect on how individual decisions reflect their own values and collectively how they shape the country's character.

A recent Ipsos survey conducted for the Medal of Honor Foundation reflects the potential willingness for Americans to embrace this conversation: 87 percent of Americans believe the country would benefit from stronger values, and 82 percent feel that American society is now less values-based compared to previous generations. Furthermore, 9 out of 10 Americans consider integrity, commitment, citizenship, and courage essential values.

In a recent New York Times op-ed, General McChrystal emphasized the importance of confronting our fears and embracing courage to strengthen our national character. He wrote, "The strength of our character is not defined by the absence of fear but by our ability to face it, to rise above it and to live, and lead, with integrity. It is in these moments that we show the true measure of our resolve." He continued, "Fear is not a force to be defeated by force alone, but by the steady adherence to rules that govern both our actions and our hearts. In this, we will find not just a defense against fear, but also the foundation of our strength."

The first event of Conversations on Character with General McChrystal at a Presidential Center will be held at George Washington's Mount Vernon on May 29, 2025. The Adams Presidential Center and many other Presidential Centers & Sites across the country will be co-hosting these conversations featuring More Perfect Co-Chair General McChrystal and special guests in discussions across the country. These events will delve into themes such as resilience after failure, reflection and examination, conviction and discipline, service and sacrifice, and legacy beyond titles or accolades.

"General McChrystal's book On Character prompted my own life review of how my actions and decisions reflect my values and beliefs," said More Perfect CEO, John Bridgeland. "It also caused me to reflect upon what it means to have 'Constitutional character' and support our nation's rules to safeguard our freedoms."

To learn more about the text, history and meaning of the U.S. Constitution, see the Interactive Constitution of the National Constitution Center. Those interested in learning more about On Character can find the book here , which will be available for purchase at the link and at all events.

"As we approach the 250th anniversary of our nation's founding, it's imperative to reflect on the character that defines us," said General Stanley McChrystal. "Through these conversations, we aim to inspire individuals to examine their own values and contribute to a more perfect union."

More Perfect hopes to inspire leaders across sectors and politics to engage in Conversations on Character. For more information on the Conversations on Character series and to find an event near you, visit www.joinmoreperfect.us . The first event of Conversations on Character with General McChrystal at a Presidential Center will be held at George Washington's Mount Vernon on May 29, 2025. The Adams Presidential Center and many other Presidential Centers & Sites across the country will be co-hosting these conversations.

About More Perfect

More Perfect is a nonpartisan alliance of 37 Presidential Centers, National Archives Foundation, American Academy of Arts and Sciences, Corporation for Public Broadcasting, Karsh Institute for Democracy at the University of Virginia, and more than 100 organizations working together to advance five foundational Democracy Goals: 1) Universal Civic Learning; 2) Expanding National Service & Volunteering; 3) Bridging Divides & Building Trust; 4) Trusted Elections & More Representative and Responsive Governance; and 5) Access to Trusted News & Information.

For press inquiries, contact:

[email protected]

SOURCE More Perfect
PARIS, April 17, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- UNESCO has officially designated the North Riyadh Geopark and Salma Geopark as part of its (UNESCO) Global Geoparks Network, marking a significant milestone for Saudi Arabia in preserving geoheritage and promoting sustainable development.

North Riyadh Geopark and Salma Geopark Join UNESCOs Global Geoparks Network North Riyadh Geopark and Salma Geopark Join UNESCOs Global Geoparks Network

The recognition follows UNESCO's stringent selection criteria, which emphasize the comprehensive management of geopark. These criteria ensure a balance between conservation, education, and sustainable development while actively involving local communities. Dr. Khaled bin Abdullah Al-Abdulkader, CEO of the National Center for Vegetation Cover Development and Combating Desertification (NCVC), praised the announcement as a testament to Saudi Arabia's dedication to protecting its natural and historical heritage.

He attributed the achievement to the steadfast support of the Kingdom's leadership in enhancing environmental initiatives and promoting sustainability.

He also emphasized NCVC's efforts to preserve the country's unique natural landscapes, especially its geological sites, in line with Vision 2030's Sustainable Development Goals.

Eng. Hussam bin Zuhair Al-Turki, Sr. Director of the Saudi Geoparks Initiative, emphasized that the inclusion of North Riyadh Geopark and Salma Geopark is a moment of national pride. He emphasized that this milestone not only reinforces Saudi Arabia's commitment to preserving its cultural and natural identity but also strengthens its role as a global leader in geoheritage conservation and sustainable development.

With this designation, Saudi Arabia reaffirms its commitment to global environmental efforts. The newly recognized geoparks will serve as key destinations for local and international visitors, offering an opportunity to explore the Kingdom's geological wonders while fostering scientific and cultural awareness of geodiversity conservation.

Beyond geotourism, geoparks play a vital role in sustainable natural resource management by connecting geotourism with local economic development, creating jobs, and fostering environmental education. This initiative represents a collaborative effort among government bodies, the private sector, and non-profit organizations, enhancing Saudi Arabia's contribution to both national and sustainable development goals.

Video - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2666614/Saudi_Geoparks.mp4

Photo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2667663/Geoparks_UNESCO.jpg

SOURCE National Center for Vegetation Cover Development and Combating Desertification (NCVC)
EDMESTON, N.Y., April 17, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- For the eighth consecutive year, NYCM Insurance has been ranked among the 2025 Best Companies to Work for in New York State. The announcement was made by the New York State Council of the Society for Human Resource Management, Best Companies Group, and Rochester Business Journal at an awards ceremony in April.

NYCM Insurance Accepts Award for being among Best Companies to Work For in New York

"Being named among the top 10 Best Companies to Work for in New York is truly an honor, and we are incredibly proud to receive this recognition," said NYCM Insurance President and CEO Cheryl Robinson. "Every day, Team NYCM shows up and supports each other, making this company a place where people genuinely want to be. It's clear that together, we've built something truly special here."

Best Companies to Work for in New York is a research-driven program that examines a company's practices, programs and benefits, and surveys its employees for their perspectives. Best Companies Group managed the overall registration and survey process, and also analyzed the data and used their expertise to determine the final rankings.

"The 2025 Best Companies to Work for in New York have created workplaces that inspire success. They are committed to providing their employees with a positive workplace experience which translates into excellent customer service," said Suzanne Fischer-Huettner, managing director of BridgeTower Media/Rochester Business Journal. "We are pleased to join our partners, the New York State Council of the Society for Human Resource Management, the Best Companies Group, and BridgeTower Media in honoring these inspirational businesses."

With over 950 employees, NYCM understands the importance of embodying their core values and is known for its "employee-first" approach. With various personal and professional development opportunities, including programs for wellness, enrichment, and continuing education, NYCM Insurance continues to invest in fostering an environment where employees feel valued and empowered.

To learn more about NYCM Insurance, click here.

About NYCM. NYCM Insurance is a property and casualty insurance carrier that has been providing coverage to residents and businesses in New York since 1899. With a team of over 975 employees, and a network of over 1,400 independent agents, NYCM Insurance is dedicated to providing superior service and a quality customer experience to their over 645,000 customers. Insurance lines include Home, Auto, Umbrella and Business.

Contact Kelly Pylinski, Brand Management Division Manager

[email protected]

800-234-6926

SOURCE NYCM Insurance
A pioneer and master of modern Japanese mixology, Ueno-san is globally celebrated for his bespoke cocktails, meticulous and balanced craftsmanship, and expertise in ice sculpting. With The Harmony Collection, he brings his signature style to a ready-to-enjoy format for the first time  partnering with On the Rocks, the number one bartender-crafted bottled cocktail brand in the U.S.,1 to deliver an authentic taste of Tokyo's cocktail culture in every pour.

"Cocktails are an art form  anchored in tradition, yet endlessly open to innovation," said Ueno. "With the Harmony Collection from On The Rocks Premium Cocktails, I was committed to capturing the precision, balance and artistry of Japanese bartending  bringing the spirit of craftsmanship to life in partnership with the number one bottled cocktail in the U.S. Each sip delivers an authentic, bar-quality experience and a true taste of Japanese culture."

The Harmony Collection captures the essence of balanceblending nature, culture and tradition through the lens of Japanese artistry. It unites The House of Suntory's premium spirits with On The Rocks' bartender-quality craftsmanship to deliver a seamless fusion of East and West in every bottle.

The result: two expertly crafted cocktails that showcase bold flavor and refined technique. The Yuzu Matcha Martini (20% ABV) layers bright, citrusy yuzu with the earthy depth of green tea, creating a vibrant yet delicate balance of tang and bitterness. The Japanese Boulevardier (32.5% ABV) reimagines the classic with a distinctly Japanese twist  infused with rich port wine and bitters for a bold, bittersweet profile that bridges old-world tradition and modern innovation.

"The Harmony Cocktail Collection is the first collaboration between On The Rocks Premium Cocktails and House of Suntory, bringing the essence of Japan to the U.S. and offering cocktail lovers a taste of Tokyo's world-class bar scene," said On The Rocks Premium Cocktails' brand ambassador Joaquin Simo. "By pairing premium Japanese spirits like Haku Vodka and Suntory Whisky Toki with expertly curated flavors, we're elevating ready-to-drink cocktails with a new level of sophistication and authenticity."

The On The Rocks Harmony Collection is available for a limited time in select markets nationwide, featuring two 375ml bottles in a convenient ready-to-serve two-pack for $29.99. For additional information about On The Rocks, please visit www.ontherockscocktails.com or follow the brand on Facebook , Instagram , and Twitter .

About On The Rocks Premium Cocktails

On The Rocks Premium Cocktails was founded in 2015 when a group of restaurateurs and award-winning bartenders left the world of fine dining and embarked upon creating a line of craft-made ready-to-serve bottled cocktails using only the most premium natural flavors  from recipe to manufacturing. The founders pioneered in experiences and places where a bartender was not available, and elevated beverage options in settings where convenience is in demand.

On The Rocks Cocktails established itself early in the field with premium collaborations in the airline and hotel industries. Life doesn't wait for the bar; some moments call for a complex drink in an unconventional setting. On The Rocks Cocktails was crafted to rise to your occasion and bring the bar to you. On The Rocks Cocktails are currently available nationwide in eleven popular bottled expressions including The Spiced Pear Whiskey Sour, The Blue Hawaiian, The Strawberry Daiquiri, The Aviation, The Cosmopolitan, The Jalapeno Pineapple Margarita, The Mai Tai, The Manhattan, The Espresso Martini, Margarita, and The Old Fashioned.

About House of Suntory

Since 1923, Suntory has been renowned as the founding house of Japanese Whisky. Founder Shinjiro Torii built Japan's first malt whisky distillery in Yamazaki, and the Suntory legacy continued with Torii's son and Suntory's second Master Blender, Keizo Saji, who continued to establish distilleries including the Hakushu Distillery.

As the generations of Suntory's master blenders carry on, Suntory Whisky remains committed to heritage and innovation. The House of Suntory is proud to confirm that all exported Suntory Japanese Whisky products are 100% distilled, matured, and bottled in Japan and compliant with the new production and labelling standards set by the Japan Spirits & Liqueurs Makers Association (JSLMA). The House of Suntory has been named Distiller of the Year four times at the International Spirits Challenge in London, UK (2010, 2012, 2013, 2014), with Chief Blender Shinji Fukuyo being named Master Blender of the Year for the first time ever and Yamazaki 12 Year Old being recognized as the Supreme Champion Spirit in 2024. Suntory Whiskies are subtle, refined, and complex. The portfolio includes Yamazaki, Hakushu, Chita, Kakubin, Hibiki, Suntory Whisky Toki and Ao. The House of Suntory portfolio also offers Roku Japanese Gin and Haku Japanese Vodka. Created from Japanese ingredients by the master artisans at The House of Suntory, Roku Gin and Haku Vodka represent the nature and spirit of Japan. In 2023, Suntory Whisky celebrated one hundred years of whisky innovationa major milestone not only for the brand's history, but for Japanese spirits culture as a whole. To mark this anniversary, The House of Suntory rolled out its centennial campaign throughout 2023.

About Suntory Global Spirits

As a world leader in premium spirits, Suntory Global Spirits inspires the brilliance of life, by creating rich experiences for people, in harmony with nature. Known for its craftsmanship of premium whiskies, including Jim Beam and Maker's Mark; Japanese whiskies, including Yamazaki, Hakushu, Hibiki and Toki; and leading Scotch brands including Laphroaig and Bowmore, Suntory Global Spirits also produces leading brands such as Tres Generaciones and El Tesoro tequila, Roku and Sipsmith gin, and is a world leader in Ready-To-Drink cocktails, with brands like -196 (minus one-nine-six) and On The Rocks Premium Cocktails.

A global company with approximately 6,000 employees in nearly 30 countries, Suntory Global Spirits is driven by its core values of Growing for Good, Yatte Minahare and Giving Back to Society. The company's Proof Positive sustainability strategy includes ambitious goals and investments to drive sustainable change and have a positive impact on the planet, consumers and communities. Headquartered in New York City, Suntory Global Spirits is a subsidiary of Suntory Holdings Limited of Japan. For more information, visit www.suntoryglobalspirits.com and www.drinksmart.com .

SOURCE On The Rocks Cocktails
SHANGHAI, April 17, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Ping An Insurance (Group) Company of China, Ltd. ("Ping An", the "Company" or the "Group", HKEX: 2318; SSE: 601318), together with its affiliate OneConnect Financial Technology Co., Ltd. ("OneConnect", HKEX: 6638; NYSE: OCFT), Ping An Property & Casualty Insurance, and PAObank, participated in the "World Internet Conference Asia-Pacific Summit" held on April 14-15. This summit focused on advancing the organic integration of the financial industry with digital intelligence technologies to promote the development of inclusive financial services and build a trustworthy ecosystem for inclusive finance. OneConnect also joined the summit's "Digital Finance Forum" and engaged in discussions under the theme "Digital Intelligence Tools for Financial Inclusion". The forum explored the future development and potential of the digital economy within the financial sector, aiming to collaboratively establish a new framework for the growth of digital inclusive finance.

At the conference, Chen Dangyang, Chairman and CEO of OneConnect, elaborated on Ping An's achievements in the "Five Key Pillars": technology finance, green finance, inclusive finance, retirement finance, and digital finance. These include the investment of RMB 10.14 trillion in 2024 to support the development of the real economy and the allocation of over RMB 1 trillion in insurance funds to serve technology innovation industries.

In addition, he highlighted OneConnect's efforts to become a leading enterprise in fintech and artificial intelligence. Externally, by empowering the financial industry with "technology + business" solutions, OneConnect has attracted financial clients to use its products. Notably, 100% of state-owned banks and joint-stock banks in China have utilized at least one of OneConnect's products for their domestic operations. Furthermore, OneConnect is actively expanding its international business, currently serving 20 countries and regions with 197 overseas financial institutions.

Internally, through supporting Ping An's subsidiaries such as Ping An P&C and Ping An Life, OneConnect provides robust technological backing for Ping An and its subsidiaries' digital transformation. In terms of technological innovation, OneConnect has been deeply involved in projects such as building new "digital-intelligent" claims models and driving the digital transformation of property insurance operations. It has also received multiple accolades, including the First Prize for Financial Technology Development awarded by the People's Bank of China.

Chen Dangyang, Chairman and CEO of OneConnect said: "OneConnect is the sole platform within Ping An that exports financial technology. Internally, we contribute to technological innovation by serving the Group, while externally, we provide greater empowerment through technology and business solutions. Within the Group, we have already served nearly all financial centers and participated in numerous technological innovation projects, and achieved significant results. Looking ahead, we will closely align with the national strategy of building a strong financial sector and uphold our commitment to providing people-centered financial services. Driven by technological innovation, we will implement the 'Five Key Sectors' of financial development and contribute to high-quality growth."

The "World Internet Conference Asia-Pacific Summit," organized by the World Internet Conference, organized by the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government, and co-organized by the Innovation, Technology and Industry Bureau (ITIB), officially commenced on April 14 at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre. With the theme of "Integration of AI and Digital Technologies Shaping the Future - Jointly Building a Community with a Shared Future in Cyberspace", the summit attracted nearly 1,000 local and overseas participants, including representatives from governments and political and business sectors, international organizations, management of leading corporations, authoritative experts and scholars. The event provided a platform for in-depth exchanges of views and experience sharing on promoting high-quality development in innovation and technology (I&T), strengthening regional digital collaboration, as well as creating new momentum and new advantages for the development of the Asia-Pacific region. As part of the summit, the "Digital Finance Forum" was held on April 15, bringing together insights from various stakeholders to explore ways to advance the organic integration of the financial industry with digital-intelligent technologies and build a trustworthy ecosystem for inclusive finance.

SOURCE OneConnect Financial Technology Co., Ltd
Q: What would happen if China's economy collapsed? Would they go to war with other countries or focus on internal issues?

A:

The best way to predict the future is to review history. Whats happened in history when a critical economy collapsed? When a major economy collapses, the world economy collapses.

In 1929, the market collapsed. It was the Great Depression. Every power went into isolationism, which made far-right populist politics rise and the election of Hitler. Isolationism in an economic collapse leads to World War. We are in a very similar situation to the Great Depression. The US, as the largest economy, and its allies opted for isolationism, and they are struggling to prevent collapse by raising debt and increasing military operations and expenditure, similar to the Great Depression that led to WWII.

Raising debt, of course, cannot prevent the collapse. It just postpones the collapse and makes the collapse more disastrous. The geopolitical objective of the US is to collapse China first. Thats why the US deploys the majority of its military power in the Indo-Pacific, despite the Ukraine War in Europe and the Gaza crisis in the Middle East.

What prevents the economic collapse is that China refuses isolationism. China upholds globalization and insists on the opening of its market. China prevents the collapse by opening up wider. Beijing has deregulated many restrictions to encourage more foreign investment and imports.

Washington is pushing for isolationism and Beijing is pushing for globalization. Washington is pushing for war while China is pushing for peace. Washington is marching towards collapse while China is preventing collapse.

There are already wars in Europe and the Middle East, thanks to the US isolationism. When Isolationism prevails, wars prevail. When globalization prevails, peace prevails.

China will not collapse because China is the peace, prosperity, and the future of the world.
We're honored EdTech Digest recognized our Outlier and Savvas CTE solutions among edtech's best & brightest innovations. Post this

Outlier provides online, asynchronous, advanced high school courses that enable students to earn real college credits from the University of Pittsburgh, a top 50 global university. A flexible, digital solution that is easy for educators to implement, Outlier meets the needs of school districts looking to bring high-quality, college-level courses to their high schools.

The EdTech Awards recognize outstanding contributions in transforming education through technology to enrich the lives of learners everywhere. The annual program shines a spotlight on inspiring technologies, leaders, and trendsetters across the K-12, higher education, and skills and workforce sectors. In addition to Outlier's award, the EdTech Awards also named Savvas CTE , the company's innovative career and technical education offering, a Cool Tool finalist in the career planning solution category.

"We are honored that EdTech Digest has recognized our Outlier and Savvas CTE solutions as some of edtech's best and brightest innovations," said Bethlam Forsa, CEO of Savvas Learning Company. "By infusing technology into the learning experience, Outlier enables high schools to turn any classroom into a college lecture hall, increasing educational access and opportunities for all students and helping to prepare them for the demands of higher education."

Outlier's courses offer cinematically produced lectures by top-rated instructors and professors from renowned institutions such as NASA, MIT, Harvard, and Yale. Since Outlier courses are offered asynchronously, students  no matter where they live  can experience the rigor of college-level courses that easily fit their school schedule. The courses offer engaging, interactive features to increase students' interest in the subject matter and mastery-based learning to better ensure they understand it. With Outlier, college credit is driven by the student's overall course grade, not a high-stakes test like an AP exam.

Outlier by Savvas and Savvas CTE courses are part of Savvas PathMaker , Savvas Learning Company's all-in-one, digital solution for college and career readiness. Savvas PathMaker enables educators to offer personalized pathways that align with students' college and career interests, preparing students to successfully pass industry-recognized certification exams and equipping them with transferable job skills and college credits to chart their own path forward.

The EdTech Awards from EdTech Digest were established in 2010 to recognize, acknowledge, and celebrate the most exceptional innovators, leaders, and trendsetters in education technology. Award winners and finalists are judged on various criteria, including pedagogical workability, efficacy and results, support, clarity, value, and potential.

"Congratulations to The EdTech Awards' 2025 finalists and winners," said Victor Rivero, who as editor-in-chief of EdTech Digest, oversees the program. "The future of learning is being shaped right now, and those we honor here are leading the way. If there's one field ready to embrace and lead through change, it's this one."

ABOUT SAVVAS LEARNING COMPANY

At Savvas, we believe learning should inspire. By combining new ideas, new ways of thinking, and new ways of interacting, we design engaging, next-generation K-12 learning solutions that give all students the best opportunity to succeed. Our award-winning, high-quality instructional materials span every grade level and discipline, from evidence-based, standards-aligned core curricula and supplemental and intervention programs to state-of-the-art assessment tools and the industry's most innovative portfolio of college and career readiness solutions  all designed to meet the needs of every learner. Savvas products are used by millions of students and educators in more than 90 percent of the 13,000+ public school districts across all 50 states, the District of Columbia and Puerto Rico, as well as globally in more than 125 countries. To learn more, visit Savvas Learning Company . Savvas Learning Company's products are also available for sale in Canada through its subsidiary, Rubicon .

SOURCE Savvas Learning Company
Co-administered bremelanotide + tirzepatide, bremelanotide alone, and tirzepatide alone arms showed improvement in appetite suppression, fullness, and satiety

Bremelanotide matched or exceeded tirzepatide in appetite suppression

Low-dose bremelanotide helped prevent appetite rebound after tirzepatide cessation

CRANBURY, N.J., April 17, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Palatin Technologies, Inc. (NYSE American: PTN), a biopharmaceutical company developing first-in-class medicines based on molecules that modulate the activity of the melanocortin receptor system, announced positive appetite suppression results from its BMT-801 Phase 2 obesity study. The study included a co-administered melanocortin 4 receptor (MC4R) agonist bremelanotide plus glucagon like peptide-1/gastric inhibitory polypeptide (GLP-1/GIP) tirzepatide arm, bremelanotide alone, and tirzepatide alone arms.

"One of the important research questions that the study was designed to answer was whether a low- dose of an MC4R agonist could support long-term weight loss maintenance. We're excited with the results, which demonstrated that low-dose bremelanotide matched tirzepatide in appetite suppression, a compelling outcome," said Carl Spana, Ph.D., President and CEO of Palatin. "Just as importantly, low-dose bremelanotide significantly reduced the appetite rebound typically observed after stopping GLP-1/GIP therapyone of the major hurdles in sustained obesity management."

Key Results  Appetite Suppression (Patient-Reported Outcomes)

Using a validated daily appetite questionnaire, the study showed that patients receiving co-administered bremelanotide + tirzepatide, tirzepatide alone, and bremelanotide alone, experienced significant improvements in appetite suppression, fullness, and satiety. Patients who transitioned to placebo after initial weight loss on tirzepatide showed no improvement for appetite suppression.

Overall appetite suppression Bremelanotide + tirzepatide: 71% increase Tirzepatide only: 73% increase Bremelanotide only: 71% increase

"How full do you feel (fullness)?" Bremelanotide + tirzepatide: 65% increase Tirzepatide only: 62% increase Bremelanotide only: 79% increase

"How satisfied do you feel (satiety)?" Bremelanotide + tirzepatide: 56% increase Tirzepatide only: 56% increase Bremelanotide only: 68% increase



Consistent with known effects of GLP-1/GIP therapy, over 50% of lost weight was regained within two weeks of stopping treatment in both the tirzepatide and co-administration arms of the study. In contrast, patients who transitioned to low-dose bremelanotide after initial weight loss on tirzepatide maintained their weight without any significant regain, underscoring the potential of MC4R agonists as a valuable therapy for long-term weight maintenance.

Topline results from the BMT-801 Phase 2 trial, released last month, demonstrated statistically significant weight loss with bremelanotide co-administered with tirzepatide versus placebo over an 8-week treatment period. Further analysis of secondary and exploratory endpointsincluding body composition and BMIis ongoing.

Full study results will be submitted for presentation at an upcoming medical conference. Additional trial details are available at clinicaltrials.gov under identifier NCT06565611.

Pipeline Development

Palatin continues to advance its next-generation MC4R agonists, including long-acting peptides and oral small molecules, targeting broad obesity indicationsincluding monotherapy and combination regimens with incretin-based therapies, as well as rare and genetic obesity disorders such as hypothalamic obesity. IND filings are anticipated by end of Q4 2025, with initial clinical data expected in the first half of 2026.

About Melanocortin-4 Receptor Agonists Effect on Obesity

Genetic analysis has identified the melanocortin-4 receptor (MC4R) of the paraventricular nucleus of the hypothalamus as playing a central role in appetite regulation. Genetic mutations that inhibit signaling in the MC4R pathway lead to hyperphagia, decreased energy expenditure and early-onset obesity; such mutations have been identified as the cause of several rare genetic obesity disorders. Agouti-related peptide is an endogenous antagonist of the MC4R that works with neuropeptide Y to stimulate appetite, whereas MC4R agonists such as - and -melanocyte-stimulating hormone promote satiety. MC4R agonism represents an attractive target for potential obesity treatments.

About Melanocortin Receptor Agonists

The melanocortin receptor ("MCR") system has effects on inflammation, immune system responses, metabolism, food intake, and sexual function. There are five melanocortin receptors, MC1R through MC5R. Modulation of these receptors, through use of receptor-specific agonists, which activate receptor function, or receptor-specific antagonists, which block receptor function, can have medically significant pharmacological effects.

About Palatin

Palatin is a biopharmaceutical company developing first-in-class medicines based on molecules that modulate the activity of the melanocortin receptor systems, with targeted, receptor-specific product candidates for the treatment of diseases with significant unmet medical need and commercial potential. Palatin's strategy is to develop products and then form marketing collaborations to maximize their commercial potential. For additional information regarding Palatin, please visit Palatin's website at www.Palatin.com and follow Palatin on Twitter at @PalatinTech.

Forward-looking Statements

Statements in this press release that are not historical facts, including statements about future expectations of Palatin Technologies, Inc., such as statements about Palatin products in development, clinical trial results, potential actions by regulatory agencies, regulatory plans, development programs, proposed indications for product candidates, and market potential for product candidates are "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 and as that term is defined in the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Palatin intends that such forward-looking statements be subject to the safe harbors created thereby. Such forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that could cause Palatin's actual results to be materially different from its historical results or from any results expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. Palatin's actual results may differ materially from those discussed in the forward-looking statements for reasons including, but not limited to, results of clinical trials, regulatory actions by the FDA and other regulatory and the need for regulatory approvals, Palatin's ability to fund development of its technology and establish and successfully complete clinical trials, the length of time and cost required to complete clinical trials and submit applications for regulatory approvals, products developed by competing pharmaceutical, biopharmaceutical and biotechnology companies, commercial acceptance of Palatin's products, and other factors discussed in Palatin's periodic filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Palatin is not responsible for updating events that occur after the date of this press release.

SOURCE Palatin Technologies, Inc.
National Pickleball Franchise Grows Ohio Presence with State-of-the-Art Facility in Centerville

CENTERVILLE, Ohio., April 17, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- PickleRage, a premier indoor pickleball club franchise, is excited to announce its newest franchisee-owned-and-operated location in Centerville, Ohio. Opening in Normandy Shopping Center at 359 Miamisburg Centerville Rd, Centerville, OH, the 32,450-square-foot facility will bring world-class pickleball amenities to Montgomery Countyadvancing the brand's mission to deliver top-tier playing experiences to communities nationwide. The club is expected to open in mid-to-late 2025.

Photo from PickleRage.

Franchisees TJ and Kari Pantano are leading the charge in bringing PickleRage to Centerville and are looking forward to becoming a part of the local pickleball movement.

"We couldn't be more excited to introduce PickleRage to the community," said TJ and Kari Pantano. "With the sport booming across the countryand especially here in Ohiowe knew this was the perfect time and place to create a welcoming space for people to play, connect, and have fun. We're proud to be part of the PickleRage family and can't wait to open the doors to our club."

PickleRage at Centerville is designed with pickleball enthusiasts in mind, boasting nine indoor courts and two outdoor courts to support flexible, year-round play and community engagement. According to the World Population Review, Centerville has seen a 10.43% population increase since 2020 with a growth rate of 1.93% annually, showcasing the incredible expansion the city is experiencing. PickleRage is set to provide the growing community with a superior pickleball experience where players both new and experienced can connect, compete, and improve their game.

"From the prime location of the site to the buzz around pickleball in the area, Centerville checked all the boxes," said Chris Daiss, VP of Real Estate and Construction at PickleRage. "This location is a strong strategic fit, and the combination of indoor and outdoor courts makes it truly stand out. We're excited to continue building vibrant pickleball communities across Ohio and the U.S."

In addition to its best-in-class courts, PickleRage at Centerville will offer a wide range of programming, including leagues, lessons, clinics, and social events. Members and guests will benefit from advanced tech features for easy court bookings and check-ins, as well as a pro shop stocked with premium gear and apparel.

"We're building a brand that's redefining how people experience pickleballand that starts with the right partners," said Eric O'Connor, VP of Franchise Development at PickleRage. "TJ and Kari are passionate about the sport and their community, and we're confident they'll create a dynamic, welcoming space in Centerville."

PickleRage at Centerville is part of a larger, nationwide expansion strategy as the brand continues to grow its presence in markets across the U.S. As pickleball's popularity surges, PickleRage is helping entrepreneurs capitalize on the momentum with a business model built for today's high-demand, high-energy environment. With pro-level CushionX courts, streamlined technology, and a strong emphasis on the local community, PickleRage delivers a playing experience that keeps members coming back. For franchisees, that generally means stronger retention, deeper engagement, and a proven model built for the fastest-growing sport in the country.

For more information about PickleRage at Centerville, please visit: https://picklerage.com/locations/centerville-oh.

About PickleRage

Founded in 2023, PickleRage is one of America's fastest growing indoor pickleball clubs that gives novice & advanced players alike a place to play and connect. PickleRage was founded by a group of pickleball enthusiasts who saw a need for dedicated indoor facilities where players could enjoy the sport year-round. Recognizing the sport's rapid growth and community spirit, they set out to create the ultimate indoor pickleball experience. PickleRage offers a dynamic environment for both novice and advanced players to play, connect, and enjoy the sport. For more information on franchising with PickleRage, please visit https://picklerage.com

SOURCE PickleRage
BIRMINGHAM, Ala., April 17, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- An industrial staffing contractor in Oklahoma has proudly served power plants, paper mills, and various industrial clients for over 24 years. Recently, the company experienced a surge in demand and required immediate working capital to meet payroll and support active and upcoming projects.

The contractor financing need was particularly complex due to an active ownership transition. The incoming owners needed liquidity to maintain momentum and ensure operational stability during the transition. The founder of a pipeline project management platform and longtime client referred the company to Porter Capital. He recognized Porter's ability to move quickly and solve complex challenges, qualities that made them the right fit for the situation.

The $3.5 million contractor financing solution enabled continued growth and ensured a smooth ownership transition. Post this

A representative from the new ownership group shared, "We explored several options for contractor financing, but after careful consideration, we chose Porter Capital. From start to finish, every aspect of working with their team exceeded our expectations. Since receiving contractor financing, our revenue has grown from $2 to 3 million annually to over $6 million in six months. Partnering with Porter Capital has truly been a game-changer for our business."

Despite the deal complexity, Porter Capital moved quickly and coordinated both ownership groups to structure receivables-based financing. The $3.5 million contractor financing solution enabled continued growth and ensured a smooth ownership transition.

"All participants in the deal negotiations were forthright and ready to get the deal done," said Andy Dillard, SVP and Business Development Officer at Porter Capital. "This allowed us to deliver critical contractor financing quickly and keep the company's forward momentum."

This deal is a testament to Porter Capital's flexibility, creativity, and speed, supporting clients in times of growth, transition, and opportunity. With the right financing partner, even complex deals can move quickly and with confidence.

About Porter Capital

Porter Capital Corporation was founded in 1991 by brothers Marc and Donald Porter in Birmingham, AL. The company provides working capital solutions to businesses nationwide across various industries. As a direct lender and factoring company, Porter Capital has funded billions since its inception. It offers Invoice Factoring and Asset-Based Credit Lines of up to $25 million. Over the years, Porter Capital has expanded its services to include a specialized transportation division known as Porter Freight Funding. Porter continues growing by offering fast, personalized working capital solutions backed by dedicated customer service. To learn more about Porter Capital Corporation and how it can support your business, call 1-888-865-7678, email [email protected], or visit www.portercap.com.

CONTACT: Michelle Milhoan, [email protected]

SOURCE Porter Capital
ST. LOUIS, April 17, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Post Holdings, Inc. (NYSE:POST), a consumer packaged goods holding company, today announced it will hold a conference call on Friday, May 9, 2025 at 9:00 a.m. ET to discuss financial results for the second quarter of fiscal year 2025 and fiscal year 2025 outlook and to respond to questions. Robert V. Vitale, President and Chief Executive Officer, Jeff A. Zadoks, Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer, and Matthew J. Mainer, Executive Vice President, Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer, will participate in the call.

Post also announced it plans to release its financial results for the second quarter after market close on Thursday, May 8, 2025.

Interested parties may join the conference call by dialing (800) 445-7795 in the United States and (785) 424-1699 from outside of the United States. The conference identification number is POSTQ225. Interested parties are invited to listen to the webcast of the conference call, which can be accessed by visiting the Investors section of Post's website at www.postholdings.com.

A replay of the conference call will be available through Friday, May 16, 2025 by dialing (800) 753-6121 in the United States and (402) 220-2676 from outside of the United States. A webcast replay also will be available for a limited period on Post's website in the Investors section.

About Post Holdings, Inc.

Post Holdings, Inc., headquartered in St. Louis, Missouri, is a consumer packaged goods holding company with businesses operating in the center-of-the-store, refrigerated, foodservice and food ingredient categories. Its businesses include Post Consumer Brands, Weetabix, Michael Foods and Bob Evans Farms. Post Consumer Brands is a leader in the North American ready-to-eat cereal and pet food categories and also markets Peter Pan nut butters. Weetabix is home to the United Kingdom's number one selling ready-to-eat cereal brand, Weetabix. Michael Foods and Bob Evans Farms are leaders in refrigerated foods, delivering innovative, value-added egg and refrigerated potato side dish products to the foodservice and retail channels. Post participates in the private brand food category through its investment with third parties in 8th Avenue Food & Provisions, Inc., a leading, private brand centric, consumer products holding company. For more information, visit www.postholdings.com.

Contact:

Investor Relations

Daniel O'Rourke

[email protected]

(314) 806-3959

SOURCE Post Holdings, Inc.
NEWPORT BEACH, Calif., April 17, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Orange County based legal powerhouse Troutman Amin, LLP just pulled off another remarkable maneuver, acquiring naming rights to the one of the world's greatest yacht and boat displays.

The Newport Beach International Boat showone of the country's best known and admired marine exhibitionswill have a new name in 2025, now officially dubbed the Troutman Amin, LLP Newport Beach International Boat show.

Powerful Orange County Law Firm Troutman Amin, LLP acquires naming rights to Newport Beach International Boat Show Post this Troutman Amin, LLP founders Puja J. Amin and Eric J. Troutman (PRNewsfoto/Troutman Amin, LLP)

The naming rights deal includes prominent placement of the firm's famous gold lion logo throughout the event and assures attendees will have plenty of exposure to the firm's esteemed "Deserve to Win." It also assures the boat show will have plenty of funding to bring a wonderful experience to marine enthusiasts young and old.

"Everyone loves a boat show!" Said firm founder Puja J. Amin. "And we love to be a powerful corporate law firm that ditches the boring office culture and gets outside for a little fun. Being Orange County's business law firm means supporting our business community for events like these so let's get together and have a fantastic time checking out these beautiful boats."

Troutman Amin, LLP's acquisition of naming rights to the show is another bold move by the firm viewed as a national powerhouse in AI, telecom and data privacy litigation and consulting. The firm's laser focus counseling marketers and advertisers and its deep understanding of the technology sector has set it apart from its peers and enabled tremendous growth and brand recognition.

"We're probably the best known and most powerful law firm in the nation for free speech and TCPA defense and counseling," said firm partner Eric J. Troutman. "So it only makes sense we'd partner with one of the best known and powerful boat shows in the nation! If you like freedom you love boatsthey set you free in a way that nothing else can. We're very proud to support this awesome show."

Event organizers expect tens of thousands of attendees at the event that will feature live music and spectacles and performances in addition to the display of dozens of yachts and boats from around the world.

"Look, we're here to take over the world," Said Troutman Amin, LLP partner Brittany Andres of the new deal. "So why not have an international boat show in our repertoire? No other business law firm can keep up or make the moves we make. I am excited for the future of the firm and also for a wonderful weekend in Lido!"

The Troutman Amin, LLP Newport Beach International Boat Show will run May 1-4, 2025 at Lido Marina Village. For more information visit nbibs.com

SOURCE Troutman Amin, LLP
NEW YORK, April 17, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Dr. DiFrancesco (www.xsrxdoctor.com) is deeply enthusiastic about new developments in the treatment of addiction and has launched a new website for individuals who would like to learn more and are seeking treatment.

Experience the full interactive Multichannel News Release here: https://www.multivu.com/xsrxdoctor/9329051-en-dr-difrancesco-breakthrough-treatment-for-addiction

Dr. Eileen DiFrancesco Introduces Breakthrough Treatment For Addiction Dr. Eileen DiFrancesco Introduces Breakthrough Treatment For Addiction

Dr. Eileen DiFrancesco a physician in New York City has specialized in Psychiatry and Psychopharmacology for over two decades treating a wide variety of neuropsychiatric disorders, focusing on addiction.

She has had the opportunity to train in Ivy League schools and work in the ivory towers of Medicine, but unfortunately, she says there has never been an effective medication for the treatment of addiction - until now.

Patients who are taking the popular drug Ozempic, also known as semaglutide which was developed for the treatment of diabetes and weight loss are experiencing remarkable results. Surprisingly, they are not only reporting a decrease in the over consumption of food, but also little or no interest in alcohol.

DiFrancesco says this is not a coincidence or a side effect. As published in JAMA, Nature and Science Direct -these medications target neural circuits involved in reward and satiety and therefore greatly curb craving for addictive substances.

Semaglutide and a similar medication tirzepatidetide are medication's that mimic a natural hormone called glucagon -like peptide  1 or GLP -1. These hormones are activated when the GLP one receptor agonist attached to their receptors.

What is truly exciting is that GLP one receptors are all over the brain reward pathway. This pathway exists to provide a sense of pleasure or reward when we do something that is essential for our survival or survival of the species such as eating healthy foods having sex and nurturing relationship relationships.

The reward or sense of pleasure is intended to make us repeat these behaviors so that our species will survive because we eat well, procreate and take care of others. However, substances and things that are highly pleasurable can take over these reward circuits. This causes the natural rewards to become less pleasurable and even ignored.

This is what addictive substances do, they hijack the reward pathway in such a way that they become the focus of an individual's life.

According to JAMA, a nationwide register based study with GLP one receptor agonist Semaglutide were associated with a markedly, reduced risk of alcohol use disorders and substance use disorder related hospitalizations. In the journal nature, the administration of GLP one has convincingly shown to reduce alcohol intake and pre-clinical models. Observational studies clearly show that GLP one receptor Agnes are associated with non-volitional reduction and the use of alcohol, nicotine, cocaine and opioids.

When GLP one receptor agonist activate the GLP one receptors in the reward pathway, the sense of reward from the addictive substances, including alcohol, nicotine cocaine, and even opioid becomes less rewarding. This serendipitous finding is truly amazing and wonderful.

When combined with already existing treatment for addiction, DiFrancesco Psychiatry feels there is finally help and hope for treating this destructive and debilitating disease.

If you or someone you love is suffering and would like to learn more, please contact us at: [email protected].

About Dr. Eileen DiFrancesco

Dr. Eileen DiFrancesco graduated with honors from the University of Pennsylvania where she received her Bachelor's Degree. After earning a medical degree from Temple University School of Medicine, she received additional training in both Psychiatry and Neurology.

Upon completing residency training at Mount Sinai Medical Center in New York City she was appointed Medical Director of the Learning Laboratory, a private facility in Connecticut. There she specialized in diagnosing and treating Attention Deficit Disorder, Addiction, Depression and Bipolar Disorder, using Quantitative EEG also known as Brain Mapping.

Her diagnostic skills were also utilized at the Mount Sinai School of Medicine where she assessed psychotic adolescents for Schizophrenia treatment and eligibility for research protocols.

SOURCE xsrxdoctor
ATLANTA, April 17, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Pye-Barker Fire & Safety  the largest fully integrated and full-service fire protection, life safety and security services provider in the United States  has acquired California-based Arrow Fire Protection. This move solidifies Pye-Barker's growing impact in California's critical fire protection industry, keeping people and property safe from fire and life safety risks.

Arrow Fire Protection is a family-owned and operated company serving customers in the San Francisco Bay Area counties.

Arrow Fire Protection provides a full range of fire protection solutions to businesses in the San Francisco Bay area, servicing fire extinguishers, fire sprinkler systems, hydrants, pumps and life safety equipment. The organization delivers thorough inspection, testing and maintenance of fire sprinklers and fire extinguishers  as well as extinguisher training  to ensure customer safety and alignment with local and state codes.

Arrow Fire Protection is a family-owned and operated company serving customers in the San Francisco Bay Area counties: Alameda, Contra Costa, Santa Clara, San Mateo and San Francisco. Their certified technicians have been providing Californian businesses, schools, churches, multi-family properties and other commercial customers with fire protection services since 1972.

"We've always called ourselves a modern company with old-fashioned values, and we knew we found our match in Pye-Barker," said Kimberley Golding, owner of Arrow Fire Protection. "Access to Pye-Barker's comprehensive resources and expert support allows us to provide our customers with enhanced fire protection services, all while maintaining our dependable service, investment in our team and commitment to our community."

"Arrow Fire Protection brings an unwavering commitment to service and community that makes them stand out," said Bart Proctor, CEO of Pye-Barker Fire & Safety. "It was clear from the start that they fit the culture here at Pye-Barker. Their genuine passion for the fire protection industry enhances life safety services in the San Francisco Bay area and strengthens Pye-Barker's impact nationwide."

Arrow Fire Protection's team of skilled technicians will continue to serve customers in the San Francisco Bay Area. Nelson Mullins Riley & Scarborough, LLP represented Pye-Barker in the transaction.

About Pye-Barker Fire & Safety

The U.S. leader in fully integrated life safety systems, Pye-Barker Fire & Safety provides complete fire protection and security systems nationwide. With over 250 locations and 8,000 team members, Pye-Barker ranks No. 849 on the Inc. 5000 and No. 8 on the SDM 100.

Visit pyebarkerfs.com/acquisitions to learn why we're the industry's acquirer of choice.

Contact:

Rod DiBona

EVP, Business Development  M&A

[email protected]

Media Contact:

James Taylor

[email protected]

SOURCE Pye-Barker Fire & Safety
CONSHOHOCKEN, Pa., April 17, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Quaker Houghton (NYSE: KWR) today announced the following schedule and contact information for its first quarter 2025 earnings release and investor call.

Earnings Release: Thursday, May 1, 2025 (after market close)

Visit the investor relations portion of Quaker Houghton's

website at https://investors.quakerhoughton.com/



Teleconference: Friday, May 2, 2025, at 8:30 a.m. (ET)

Participate live by phone or listen to live audio webcast through

the investor relations portion of Quaker Houghton's website at

https://investors.quakerhoughton.com/



Dial-in Number: +1-877-269-7756 (toll-free)

+1-201-689-7817 (toll)

Please call 5-10 minutes prior to the scheduled start of the call.

No password required.



If unable to participate live, select from one of the following replay options:

Digital Replay: Available through May 16, 2025

Call +1-877-660-6853 (toll free) or +1-201-612-7415 (toll)

Conference ID No. 13753016



Archived Webcast: Visit the investor relations portion of Quaker Houghton's website

at https://investors.quakerhoughton.com/

About Quaker Houghton

Quaker Houghton is the global leader in industrial process fluids. With a presence around the world, including operations in over 25 countries, our customers include thousands of the world's most advanced and specialized steel, aluminum, automotive, aerospace, offshore, container, mining, and metalworking companies. Our high-performing, innovative and sustainable solutions are backed by best-in-class technology, deep process knowledge and customized services. With approximately 4,400 employees, including chemists, engineers and industry experts, we partner with our customers to improve their operations so they can run even more efficiently, even more effectively, whatever comes next. Quaker Houghton is headquartered in Conshohocken, Pennsylvania, located near Philadelphia in the United States. Visit quakerhoughton.com to learn more.

SOURCE Quaker Houghton
Deteriorating market conditions, recession concerns, and uncertainty about the impact of Trump tariffs and mass deportations dampen investor outlook.

SOUTH WINDSOR, Conn., April 17, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Real estate investor sentiment fell for the second consecutive quarter, down by nine points from the prior quarter and 12 points from a year ago. The quarterly score of 88 was the lowest level recorded in the RCN Capital/CJ Patrick Company Investor Sentiment Index since it began in the Fall of 2023 and is down by 36 points since hitting its highest score of 124 in the Fall 2024 report.

Experience the full interactive Multichannel News Release here: https://www.multivu.com/rcn-capital/9330051-en-rcn-capital-investor-sentiment-index-2025

Investor optimism is waning in 2025, with the Investor Sentiment Index hitting its lowest point in two years. Despite rising prices, the market remains uncertain, reflecting broader economic and political volatility. Investor optimism is waning in 2025, with the Investor Sentiment Index hitting its lowest point in two years. Despite rising prices, the market remains uncertain, reflecting broader economic and political volatility.

According to the Spring 2025 RCN Capital/CJ Patrick Company Investor Sentiment Index, the percentage of investors who viewed today's market as better or much better than it was a year ago dropped from 35% in the previous quarter to 31% ; those who viewed the market today as being the same as a year ago dropped from 41% to 34%; while the percentage of those who felt market conditions had worsened rose from 25% to 34%. Investors were evenly split on where the market is headed over the next six months, with 34% expecting the market to improve, while 33% expected it to stay the same, and another 33% expected it to decline. The 33% response rate among investors expecting conditions to worsen represented a 14-point jump from the previous quarter, and is the worst negative score recorded since the beginning of the survey.

The RCN Capital/CJ Patrick Company Investor Sentiment Index (ISI) tracks the pulse of real estate investors across the country and gauges their market outlook. The Index uses Summer 2023 (the initial survey) as its basis, and analyzes responses to four key questions:

Current Market Outlook - How does the environment for residential real estate investing compare to one year ago?





Future Market Outlook - What's your outlook for residential real estate investing over the next 6 months compared to today?





Expected Home Price Increases - What do you expect home prices to do over the next 6 months?





Number of Properties Compared to Past 12 Months - How does the number of properties you plan to invest in over the next 12 months compare to the number of properties you've invested in over the past 12 months?

The Index score dropped from 97 in the Winter to 88 in the Spring. Three of the four metrics in the Index showed quarter-over-quarter declines: views on the current market dropped by seven points; outlook for the future market fell by 10 points; and belief that prices will continue to rise dropped by three points. Plans to buy properties, while still the lowest number in the index, actually improved by two points.

"Investor sentiment is trending along the same lines as homebuilder sentiment and consumer sentiment, which recently recorded its second-lowest score in over 50 years," said RCN Capital CEO Jeffrey Tesch. "Our survey results suggest that enthusiasm among both rental property and fix-and-flip investors is being challenged by economic uncertainty, rising home prices and insurance prices, and high finance costs. Hopefully market conditions will become more favorable as we move into the important Spring and Summer months."

Flippers Continue to be More Optimistic Than Rental Investors

Fix-and-Flip investors were significantly more positive about market conditions than were rental property investors. Over 44% of flippers believe that market conditions have improved over the past year, compared to only 17% of rental property investors. The gap was slightly wider when looking to the future: only 17% of rental property investors believe conditions will improve over the next six months, but 48% of flippers do. Similarly, only 28% of fix-and-flip investors believe that today's market is worse than last year's, while about 43% of rental property investors noted a decline in the market.

Both rental property and fix-and-flip investors agree that home prices will continue to rise: 53% of all respondents, 58% of flippers, and 49% of rental investors agree. But investors believe that home price appreciation is slowing down: almost 73% of respondents expect prices to decline, stay flat, or rise by less than 5% in the next year.

And there are also notable differences in purchase plans for flippers and rental owners. Just over 47% of all respondents plan to buy the same number of properties in 2025 as they did in 2024. But investors appear to be less likely to increase the number of homes purchased in the coming year: 35% of flippers and 28% of rental property investors said they planned to buy fewer properties in 2025.

Investors Concerned About the Economy, Skeptical of Trump Plans

Almost 56% of investors expect the U.S. economy to enter a recession in the next 12 months, possibly a contributing factor to the lackluster scores on investors' future outlook. Another potential reason for a less optimistic view of the market is uncertainty about the impact of two of President Trump's current initiatives: higher tariffs on imported goods; and mass deportations of undocumented immigrants.

When asked what the impact of higher tariffs might be, investors were concerned about increased costs (60%), supply chain disruptions (47%), and reduced profit margins on flips or rental returns (40%). Investors in California and Florida both noted supply chain disruptions already happening in their markets.

When asked about the impact of large-scale deportations, investors cited increased costs (48%), and difficulty finding skilled workers (47%). Interestingly, 33% of respondents said that mass deportations wouldn't have any impact on their business.

"Investors believe that deteriorating economic conditions may lead to a recession and are decidedly unenthusiastic about the Trump Administration's plans for higher tariffs and mass deportations," said Rick Sharga, CJ Patrick Company CEO. "Anticipating an environment with higher materials and labor costs, combined with a possible increase in unemployment which would weaken demand, appears to be clouding investors' hopes for future growth."

High Cost of Financing Still Cited as Biggest Challenge  Insurance a Growing Concern

The high cost of financing continues to be the most frequently cited challenge by investors, as it has been since the inception of the survey, noted by 55% of the respondents. Rising home prices (41%), competition from larger investors (38%), lack of inventory (33%), and the high cost and/or limited availability of insurance (26%) were the other challenges most frequently mentioned. As noted above, supply chain issues were cited by investors in Florida and California and may be related to some of the destructive extreme weather events that have decimated parts of both states in recent months.

This was the first time that insurance-related issues were among the five most-cited challenges, and reflective of a problem growing in size and awareness in the housing market. Nationally, over 73% of all investors claimed that insurance costs or the inability to secure a policy factored into their decision on whether or not to make a real estate investment, and over 43% said that insurance problems had caused them to miss out on a deal.

Future challenges cited by investors in the survey were almost identical, although the percentages varied slightly. One interesting note: both flippers and rental property investors believe that in the coming months they'll begin to see more competition both from larger investors and from traditional consumer homebuyers looking to purchase a property.

About RCN Capital

RCN Capital is a South Windsor, CT-based national, direct, private lender. Established in 2010, RCN provides commercial loans for the purchase or refinance of non-owner-occupied residential properties. The company specializes in new construction financing, short-term fix & flip and bridge financing, and long-term rental financing for real estate investors. For more information on RCN Capital and RCN's loan programs, visit www.RCNCapital.com.

About CJ Patrick Company

Founded in 2019, CJ Patrick Company is a Market Intelligence and Business Advisory firm working with companies in the real estate and mortgage industries. Visit www.cjpatrick.com for more information.

About the RCN Capital/CJ Patrick Investor Sentiment Index (ISI)

The RCN Capital/CJ Patrick Investor Sentiment Index (ISI) was designed to track the pulse of real estate investors across the country and gauge market outlook. The ISI is based on a quarterly survey of residential real estate investors and focuses on their responses to four specific questions:

Current Market Outlook - How does the environment for residential real estate investing compare to one year ago?





Future Market Outlook - What's your outlook for residential real estate investing over the next 6 months compared to today?





Expected Home Price Increases - What do you expect home prices to do over the next 6 months?





Number of Properties Compared to Past 12 Months - How does the number of properties you plan to invest in over the next 12 months compare to the number of properties you've invested in over the past 12 months?

More detailed methodology available upon request

SOURCE RCN Capital, LLC
CALGARY, AB, April 17, 2025 /PRNewswire/ - Reconnaissance Energy Africa Ltd. (the "Company" or "ReconAfrica") (TSXV: RECO) (OTCQX: RECAF) (Frankfurt: 0XD) (NSX: REC) announces an agreement for a joint exploration project in Angola with the Agencia Nacional de Petroleo, Gas e Biocombustiveis or National Oil, Gas and Biofuels Agency ("ANPG").

ReconAfrica has entered into a Memorandum of Understanding ("MOU") with ANPG for a joint exploration project in the Etosha-Okavango basin, located onshore in southeastern Angola. ANPG is Angola's national concessionaire and regulator.

ReconAfrica Angola MOU Area (CNW Group/Reconnaissance Energy Africa Ltd.) DRILLING SCHEMATIC  PROSPECT I (CNW Group/Reconnaissance Energy Africa Ltd.) PROSPECT I ATTRIBUTES (CNW Group/Reconnaissance Energy Africa Ltd.)

The agreement is a strategic addition to the Company's asset portfolio, which creates an opportunity for early entry into onshore Angola at a low cost, with minimal work commitments. It complements ReconAfrica's activities in Namibia and highlights the potential of the Damara Fold Belt and Rift Basin by adding 5.2 million acres in Angola to the existing 6.3 million acres in Namibia in the highly prospective Damara Fold Belt and Rift Basin exploration plays.

Brian Reinsborough, President and CEO of ReconAfrica stated: "The encouraging technical results from our recent Naingopo exploration well on PEL 73 onshore Namibia have strengthened our belief in the significant hydrocarbon potential of the Damara Fold Belt play. Our regional geological models indicate that the promising Fold Belt play, known for hosting some of the world's largest fields and covering extensive areas, likely extends into Angola.

"As a result, we are excited to be entering into a strategic MOU with ANPG. Recent regulatory reforms make Angola an attractive jurisdiction for new oil and gas exploration, and we look forward to working with ANPG and Sonangol as we progress our exploration initiatives.

"This significant transaction underscores the Company's strategic focus and complements our activities in Namibia, highlighting the potential within both the Damara Fold Belt and Rift Basin plays. It also aligns with our focus on creating significant value for our shareholders as an early mover into prospective hydrocarbon basins with significant acreage positions. We look forward to implementing our ESG and community outreach programs and creating employment for the people of the Okavango region."

Ownership interest in the MOU Area will be ReconAfrica with an 80% working interest and Sonangol with a 20% working interest. ReconAfrica will have exclusive rights during the MOU term.

Under the terms of the MOU, ReconAfrica will initiate and coordinate geological studies, conduct a regional oil and gas seep study, and plan for a 2D seismic program, as well as perform detailed geochemical analysis and sampling of any oil and gas seeps identified within the MOU area, over a 24-month period.

Other Upcoming Projects for ReconAfrica

ReconAfrica is preparing to begin drilling on Prospect I onshore Namibia, which is located 47 kilometres (29 miles) from the MOU area in Angola and is the Company's largest prospect to be drilled so far. It is targeting 365 million barrels of unrisked and 32 million barrels of risked prospective light/medium oil resources(1), or 1.9 trillion cubic feet of unrisked and 140 billion cubic feet of risked prospective natural gas resources(1), on a 100% working interest basis, based on the most recent prospective resources report prepared by Netherland, Sewell, & Associates, Inc. ("NSAI"), an independent qualified reserves evaluator. Prospect I is noted as location 63 in the NSAI report.

(1) There is no certainty that any portion of the resources will be discovered. If discovered, there is no certainty that it will be commercially viable to produce any portion of the resources. Prospective resources are those quantities of oil estimated, as of a given date, to be potentially recoverable from undiscovered accumulations by application of future development projects. Prospective resources have both an associated chance of discovery and a chance of development. Prospective resources are the arithmetic sum of multiple probability distributions. Unrisked prospective resources are estimates of the volumes that could reasonably be expected to be recovered in the event of the discovery and development of these prospects.

About ReconAfrica

ReconAfrica is a Canadian oil and gas company engaged in the exploration of the Damara Fold Belt and Kavango Rift Basin in the Kalahari Desert of northeastern Namibia, southeastern Angola, and northwestern Botswana, where the Company holds rights to petroleum licences comprising over 13 million acres. The Company will be drilling its next well, Prospect I which is located onshore Namibia in Petroleum Exploration Licence 073 ("PEL 73"). This will be the Company's largest exploration prospect drilled so far. In all aspects of its operations, ReconAfrica is committed to minimal disturbance of habitat in line with international standards and implementing environmental and social best practices in all of its project areas.

Neither the TSXV nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in policies of the TSXV) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements:

Certain statements contained in this press release constitute forward-looking information under applicable Canadian, United States and other applicable securities laws, rules and regulations, including, without limitation, statements with respect to the potential of the Damara Fold Belt and Rift Basin plays into Angola and Namibia, activities outlined by the MOU, the negotiation of an exploration licence in Angola, the activities proposed under the successful negotiation of an exploration licence, statements with respect to the timing of the drilling of Prospect I, the potential of the Damara Fold Belt, the drilling depth of Prospect I, the Company's commitment to minimal disturbance of habitat, in line with best international standards and its implementation of environmental and social best practices in all of its project areas. These statements relate to future events or future performance. The use of any of the words "could", "intend", "expect", "believe", "will", "projected", "estimated" and similar expressions and statements relating to matters that are not historical facts are intended to identify forward-looking information and are based on ReconAfrica's current belief or assumptions as to the outcome and timing of such future events. There can be no assurance that such statements will prove to be accurate, as the Company's actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in these forward-looking statements as a result of the factors discussed in the "Risk Factors" section in the Company's annual information form dated July 29, 2024, available under the Company's profile at www.sedarplus.ca. Actual future results may differ materially. Various assumptions or factors are typically applied in drawing conclusions or making the forecasts or projections set out in forward-looking information. Those assumptions and factors are based on information currently available to ReconAfrica. The forward-looking information contained in this release is made as of the date hereof and ReconAfrica undertakes no obligation to update or revise any forward-looking information, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as required by applicable securities laws. Because of the risks, uncertainties and assumptions contained herein, investors should not place undue reliance on forward-looking information. The foregoing statements expressly qualify any forward-looking information contained herein.

Disclosure of Oil and Gas Information:

The report of Netherland, Sewell & Associates, Inc. ("NSAI"), an independent qualified reserves evaluator, entitled "Estimates of Prospective Resources to the Reconnaissance Energy Africa Ltd. Interests in Certain Prospects and Leads located in PEL 73, Kavango Basin, Namibia as of March 31, 2024" (the "NSAI Report") and the prospective resource estimates contained therein and in this press release were prepared by NSAI, an independent qualified reserves evaluator, with an effective date of March 31, 2024. The NSAI Report was prepared in accordance with the definitions and guidelines of the Canadian Oil and Gas Evaluation Handbook (the "COGE Handbook") prepared by the Society of Petroleum Evaluation Engineers ("SPEE") and National Instrument 51-101  Standards of Disclosure for Oil and Gas Activities ("NI 51-101"). For additional information concerning the risks and the level of uncertainty associated with recovery of the prospective resources detailed herein and in the NSAI Report, the significant positive and negative factors relevant to the prospective resources estimates detailed herein and in the NSAI Report and a description of the project to which the prospective resources estimates detailed herein and in the NSAI Report applies are contained within the NSAI Report, a copy of which has been filed with the Canadian Securities Administrators and is available under the Company's issued profile on SEDAR+ at www.sedarplus.ca. The NSAI Report was filed on SEDAR+ on July 29, 2024 under the "Other" document type.

The prospective resources shown in the NSAI Report have been estimated using probabilistic methods and are dependent on a petroleum discovery being made. If a discovery is made and development is undertaken, the probability that the recoverable volumes will equal or exceed the unrisked estimated amounts is 90 percent for the low estimate, 50 percent for the best estimate, and 10 percent for the high estimate. Low estimate and high estimate prospective resources have not been included in the NSAI Report. For the purposes of the NSAI Report, the volumes and parameters associated with the best estimate scenario of prospective resources are referred to as 2U. The 2U prospective resources have been aggregated beyond the prospect and lead level by arithmetic summation; therefore, these totals do not include the portfolio effect that might result from statistical aggregation. Statistical principles indicate that the arithmetic sums of multiple estimates may be misleading as to the volumes that may actually be recovered.

SOURCE Reconnaissance Energy Africa Ltd.
recteq's First Pellet Grill Designed for Gas Grillers

EVANS, Ga., April 17, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- recteq , a fast growing wood-fired grill brand, has announced the launch of the hottest pellet grill on the market, the X-Fire Pro . Heated with 100% natural wood pellets rather than gas or propane tanks, the X-Fire Pro uses Dual Mode Cooking and Adaptive Sear Control to deliver the open lid cooking experience of a traditional gas grill, while also allowing grillers to cook classic low and slow recipes.

"Finally, the best gas grill is now a pellet grill," said recteq CEO Ralph Santana. Post this The X-Fire Pro is a new pellet grill designed with gas grillers in mind. The Dual Mode Cooking and Adaptive Sear Control deliver the open lid cooking experience of a traditional gas grill, while also allowing grillers to cook classic low and slow recipes, all fueled by wood pellets. With temperatures from 225F to 1250F, grillers can effortlessly switch between the high-heat, hands-on Grill Mode and the low-and-slow Smoke Mode, with all the wood-fired flavor and control that barbecuers love. (PRNewsfoto/recteq)

With temperatures from 225F to 1250F, the X-Fire Pro allows grillers to switch between a high-heat, hands-on Grill Mode and a low-heat Smoke Mode, all with the wood-fired flavor that barbecuers love.

The Adaptive Sear Control is the first of its kind for recteq, allowing grillers to adjust the amount of direct fire. Crank it high for more direct flame and an instant steakhouse crust, or dial it down for classic grilling.

The pellet grill has an 825-square-inch cooking area, large enough for 28 pork chops or 26 burgers. It is built with a 304 stainless steel heat deflector, cast iron grill grates, and a 20-pound hopper, for approximately 20 hours of cooking.

The X-Fire Pro features PID Control for maintaining precise temperatures while using Smoke Mode and Dual-band Wi-Fi to connect to the recteq App. Like gas grills, the Grill Mode dials can be set to low, medium, and high temperatures, but unlike gas grills, there is no fuel guesswork, starter failure, or unexpected flare-ups.

"Finally, the best gas grill is now a pellet grill. This is a totally new grill concept for recteq and the pellet grill category as a whole," recteq CEO Ralph Santana shares. "Our research indicated that while the majority of gas grillers enjoy their current grilling experience, they wish they could also cook low and slow. So, we challenged ourselves to replicate the hot, fast, open-lid convenience of gas while still delivering that additional control and versatility of pellet grill smoking. With the X-Fire Pro, we've done that and stayed true to our quality and customer service DNA."

The X-Fire Pro includes two meat probes, a user-friendly control panel, an industry-leading 6-year bumper-to-bumper warranty, and access to recteq's 100% US-based customer service team.

The X-Fire Pro ($1549.99) and an optional rotisserie spit rod ($249.99) are available now on recteq.com, Amazon, and select retailers nationwide.

ABOUT recteq

Headquartered in Evans, Georgia, recteq is an outdoor lifestyle brand specializing in wood pellet grills. Known for high-quality products, US-based customer service, and innovative Wi-Fi-connected Smart Grill Technology, recteq is one of the fastest-growing grill brands in the category. From the world's first wood-fired griddle to the hottest pellet grill on the market, recteq has been changing the grill game since 2009. recteq also offers a selection of best-selling rubs, sauces, BBQ accessories, and wood pellets. recteq wood pellet grills are available in the U.S.A. and Canada online at www.recteq.com , Amazon, ACE Hardware, and other select retailers.

SOURCE recteq
NOVARA, Italy, April 17, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Rhino Rescue, a global provider of emergency medical solutions, today announced the official opening of its European office in Novara, Italy, marking a significant step forward in its commitment to better serve the rapidly growing European market. The new office will enable the company to localize operations, enhance client responsiveness, and deliver higher-quality services across the region.

Strategically located in Novaraa key logistics hub on Italy's major commercial corridor linking Milan, Turin, Genoa, and Switzerlandthe office is positioned to support both operational efficiency and regional outreach.

Local Operations for Local Needs

The European office is jointly established by Rhino Rescue and local partner Flamor S.r.l.. It will serve as a central hub for customer support, logistics coordination, market response, and after-sales service across Europe.

By building a localized team, Rhino Rescue aims to:

Significantly improve delivery times.

Enhance communication efficiency.

Ensure regulatory compliance.

Tailor product offerings to meet specific country requirements.

The office will also serve as a base for integrating local technical support and training resources, ensuring customers and partners receive timely assistance and expert guidance.

Strengthening Presence Across Europe

With its roots now firmly planted in Southern Europe, Rhino Rescue plans to expand its footprint across key markets including Italy, Germany, the Netherlands, and Poland. The company will continue to deepen its understanding of regional healthcare needs, foster local partnerships, and promote its line of high-quality emergency medical solutions to a broader audience.

Commenting on the announcement, Jenny Lee, CEO of Rhino Rescue, stated:

"In 2025, the global healthcare industry faces both new challenges and fresh opportunities. Across Europe, there is a growing demand for high-quality, rapid-response emergency products, particularly in public safety, outdoor rescue, and emergency medical care.

Italy, as a key transport and healthcare technology hub in Southern Europe, offers not only a strategic location for European connectivity but also a mature healthcare infrastructure and an open market environment.

Establishing our European office in Italy reflects both our responsiveness to local customer needs and a major step in our international growth strategy. Through localised operations, we are better positioned to strengthen logistics, enhance service experiences, and offer more reliable, timely support to our European partners."

Building a Collaborative Future

The new office is located at Via Biandrate nr. 80, 28060 San Pietro Mosezzo, and is now fully operational. Rhino Rescue welcomes collaboration opportunities with European enterprises and invites distributors interested in emergency medical products to join its growing network.

For more information about Rhino Rescue and its solutions, please contact: [email protected].

About Rhino Rescue

Rhino Rescue is the consumer-centered emergency care brand under EMSRUN Medical, launched in 2020 for the US and European markets. Quickly earning the trust of professional rescue teams, first responders, tactical gear enthusiasts, and everyday adventurers, Rhino Rescue has attracted over 300,000 users globally.

Specializing in tactical first aid solutions, Rhino Rescue provides high-performance, reliable, and rapidly deployable products designed for use in training, patrol, high-risk missions, and emergency situations. Every product is field-tested and continuously refined to meet the demanding needs of real-world tactical environments.

Beyond product innovation, Rhino Rescue is committed to empowering users through hands-on guidance and ongoing educational content. By equipping frontline personnel with critical trauma care skills, Rhino Rescue helps ensure fast, effective self-aid and buddy-aid in extreme conditions.
WOODCLIFF LAKE, N.J., April 17, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- The Research Institute for Fragrance Materials (RIFM) will host the next installment of its INFOX (Information Exchange) program on September 29, 2025, in Paris, France, continuing its mission to share transparent, science-based fragrance safety information with the global fragrance community.

RIFM INFOX logo

INFOX brings together RIFM scientists covering all aspects of human health and environmental safety and members of the independent Expert Panel for Fragrance Safety to present the latest methodologies, research findings, and safety assessment approaches. RIFM's signature event features a series of presentations followed by Q&A sessions, providing attendees with the opportunity to engage directly with the experts conducting and reviewing the science behind fragrance ingredient safety.

"INFOX is built on the belief that open dialogue strengthens scientific integrity," said Anne Marie Api, PhD, Fellow ATS, RIFM President. "We are pleased to return to Europe and look forward to engaging in-person with stakeholders in academia, industry, and regulatory agencies."

Open to all interested stakeholders, INFOX fosters collaboration across the fragrance value chainfrom ingredient suppliers and product developers to regulatory professionals and academic researchers. This year's Paris event will provide timely insights into RIFM's work and how it supports global fragrance safety.

Registration is now open for INFOX Paris 2025. For more details and to reserve a spot, visit: https://rifm.org/infox-2025/

The Research Institute for Fragrance Materials (RIFM) collects, analyzes, and evaluates scientific data to determine the safety of fragrance ingredients. RIFM's mission is to ensure that fragrance ingredients are safe for use by the consumer and the environment. Its research is evaluated by an independent Expert Panel for Fragrance Safety and made publicly available through peer-reviewed publication.

Media Contact:

The Research Institute for Fragrance Materials, Inc. (RIFM)

Gary Sullivan

Marketing & Communications Manager

[email protected]

SOURCE Research Institute for Fragrance Materials
TOLLAND, Conn., April 17, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Mastercam, a global leader in CAD/CAM solutions is pleased to announce the appointment of Russ Bukowski as its President. Acting as the interim President since December 2024, Mr. Bukowski is ideally suited to lead the company through its next phase of growth and expansion.

With over 20 years of experience in strategy development and organizational leadership, Mr. Bukowski will guide Mastercam's strategic direction as the company continues to strengthen and further expand its market-leading position in CAD/CAM space.

Russ Bukowski is ideally suited to lead the company through its next phase of growth and expansion. Post this Mastercam, a global leader in CAD/CAM solutions, is happy to announce the appointment of Russ Bukowski as its President.

Having previously served as the company's Executive Vice President and Chief Strategy Officer, Mr. Bukowski has a profound understanding of Mastercam and its critical role within Sandvik Manufacturing Solutions.

"I am pleased to announce the appointment of Russ Bukowski as the new President of Mastercam. He has demonstrated exceptional leadership and strategic vision during his role as acting President. With a long and distinguished career within the Mastercam organization, Russ brings a deep understanding of our offerings and culture," said Mattias Nilsson, President of Business Area segment Sandvik Manufacturing Solutions. Mastercam has been an integral part of Sandvik Manufacturing Solutions since 2021.

Bukowski commented, "I am honored to be leading the Mastercam organization into the future. Mastercam has made an incredible impact in both the software and manufacturing industries for over four decades, thanks to our amazing users, employees and partners. I look forward to continuing our growth journey and further strengthening our position as a world leader in CAD/CAM software for many more decades to come."

For more information, contact:

Melanie Frenkel, Senior Media Director

Berkeley Communications

760 421 7719

[email protected]

About Mastercam

Shaping the Future of Manufacturing, Mastercam is the world's leading provider of CAD/CAM solutions. As part of Sandvik Manufacturing Solutions, we empower manufacturers to enhance productivity, streamline processes, and drive innovation. With a global network of Channel Partners and an extensive developer community, Mastercam continues to set industry standards by delivering comprehensive, connected solutions across the manufacturing enterprise. We lead the way with cutting-edge technology and unparalleled expertise. Discover more at www.mastercam.com, follow us on LinkedIn, and join the conversation with #mastercam.

SOURCE Mastercam
SL1009 targets a 2025 FDA decision for Pyruvate Dehydrogenase Complex Deficiency (PDCD), while SL1002 advances toward Phase III trials for osteoarthritis knee pain and spasticity

ROSWELL, Ga. and DUBLIN and HAMILTON, Bermuda, April 17, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Saol Therapeutics, a privately held, clinical-stage pharmaceutical company, today announced multiple updates on its rapidly advancing clinical development portfolio.

SL1009, Sodium Dichloroacetate (DCA)

DCA is an investigational product, that if approved, will be used with a proprietary dose-related genetic test to treat an orphan pediatric mitochondrial disease, Pyruvate Dehydrogenase Complex Deficiency (PDCD). PDCD is a rare and life-threatening genetic disorder that causes chronic energy deficit leading to lactic acidosis, profound developmental problems and early childhood death.

DCA has received Fast Track Designation, Orphan Drug Designation, and Rare Pediatric Disease Designation, making it eligible for Priority Review and a Priority Review Voucher. The FDA recently notified Saol of a 90-day extension to the NDA review, moving the PDUFA date from May 27, 2025, to August 27, 2025. No concerns were raised by the FDA about the adequacy of the filing or the need for an advisory committee meeting. Saol, in collaboration with Medosome Biotec, also filed the Humanitarian Device Exemption (HDE) application for the dose-related genetic test that will serve as a required companion diagnostic for patients treated with DCA.

"We are working with the FDA to secure approval for this product this year," said Dave Penake, CEO. "Our entire organization is united in the mission to bring hope to patients and families who have been waiting for this breakthrough therapy."

For PDCD patients who did not participate in the clinical trial, Saol is now advancing an expanded access program (EAP). More information can be found at Clinicaltrials.gov, NCT06931262.

Further, Saol is preparing for a Type C meeting with the FDA to discuss the clinical development program for the use of DCA in the treatment of congenital lactic acidosis (CLA). Congenital lactic acidosis is caused by inborn errors of metabolism, including PDCD, often presenting early in life, leading to lactic acid accumulation, with high mortality.

SL1002

SL1002 is an investigational, novel perineural chemoneurolytic injection that utilizes Saol's proprietary CYCLOPHLEX technology. It is currently being advanced in development for the treatment of chronic knee pain related to osteoarthritis and for limb spasticity, both in the adult population (18+).

"SL1002 continues to be a program with enormous potential," said Penake. "Our recent FDA End of Phase II meeting provided a clear regulatory path for our osteoarthritis pain program. We are eager to initiate our pivotal program this year. Meanwhile, our spasticity data was recently presented by our investigators and received positive feedback from thought leaders in the field. As we further explore SL1002's therapeutic potential, it is becoming increasingly clear that this program has far-reaching possibilities to treat patients with a variety of neuromuscular disorders."

About Saol Therapeutics

Saol Therapeutics (pronounced "Sail") is a privately held, clinical-stage, pharmaceutical company with operations in Roswell, GA, Dublin, Ireland, and Hamilton, Bermuda. Saol is focused on development activity in CNS disorders such as spasticity and pain management, and orphan diseases. Saol is committed to providing and advancing therapeutic options for patients and the physicians treating these populations. For more information, visit www.saolrx.com.

Saol Therapeutics Contact

Senior Vice President, Strategy

Brian Nappi

[email protected]

SOURCE Saol Therapeutics
YANTAI, China, April 17, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Rising environmental pressures, from disappearing habitats to climate change and illegal hunting, are driving the need for high-tech wildlife protection solutions. As forests shrink, animals increasingly enter human settlements, leading to dangerous human-wildlife conflicts. Conservationists now rely on thermal cameras for wildlife to detect animals at night, stop poachers, and promote safer coexistence.

24/7 Wildlife Guardians: How Thermal Imaging Enables Uninterrupted Nighttime Monitoring

Unlike traditional methods, thermal cameras detect heat signatures, enabling nighttime non-invasive, 24/7 animal detection regardless of light or weather. In Kenya's Maasai Mara Reserve, thermal imaging to stop poachers has helped World Wildlife Fund (WWF) teams track animal movements and intercept illegal hunting, leading to multiple arrests and a dramatic drop in rhino poaching since 2020. Similarly, Florida's endangered panther population rebounded from fewer than 100 to 200 according to National Geographic, after infrared wildlife camera night vision provided critical data on their nocturnal movement.

On the Frontlines Against Poaching: Thermal Technology's Role in Protecting Endangered Species

As a leading innovator in thermal camera, Raytron plays a pivotal role in wildlife monitoring and environmental protection with advanced wildlife monitoring thermal imaging systems. In 2021, when a herd of 15 Asian elephants in China's Yunnan Province migrated toward urban areas, Raytron deployed over 40 infrared cameras for poaching prevention to track those 15 migrating elephants, ensuring their safety over 300 miles and helping to safeguard both animal and public safety.

Meanwhile, in Gansu Province, infrared cameras donated by Raytron enabled swift detection of wild boars intruding on farmlands, allowing authorities to proactively manage these incursions. "Thermal imaging lets us act before conflict occurs", said a Raytron engineer.

Raytron's Commitment to Eco-Friendly Surveillance for Wildlife

Raytron has upheld its corporate responsibility by championing the application of infrared thermal imagers in wildlife conservation for years, which bolsters biodiversity and ecological balance. Committed to its mission of creating incremental value for customers with continuous technological advancements, Raytron will continue advancing multi-dimensional sensing technology and innovating smart wildlife protection solutions with AI to foster safer human-wildlife coexistence.

For Further Information:

Contact us to explore customized thermal imaging solutions for wildlife protection:

Raytron Marketing Department

E-mail: [email protected]

Website: https://en.raytrontek.com/

SOURCE Raytron Technology Co.,Ltd.
Slate includes four new highly qualified independent outside directors with deep experience relevant to our businesses

Board emphasizes commitment to unlock significant shareholder and corporate value by pursuing two parallel paths

TOKYO, April 17, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Seven & i Holdings Co., Ltd. ("Seven & i," "the Group," or "the Company") today sent the following letter to shareholders regarding the nomination of its highly qualified Board members to help unlock significant shareholder and corporate value. The Company also posted this letter to a new website, https://www.futureofsevenandi.com/en, that consolidates information on Board and management changes and the Company's dual-track value creation strategy.

Dear Shareholders of Seven & i,

Today we disclosed our slate of directors to be elected at the Annual General Meeting on May 27, and we wanted to take this time to reinforce the Board's commitment to pursue all avenues to unlock shareholder and corporate value.

As you know, we are currently pursuing two parallel paths to ensure that value for shareholders and other stakeholders is maximized: a standalone plan to create value and seek further growth, initially announced on March 6, with further details provided on April 9, and constructive engagement with Alimentation Couche-Tard ("ACT").

The standalone plan contains a series of transformational leadership, capital, and business initiatives that are focused on achieving long-term growth and increasing capital return for shareholders. Under this plan, Seven & i is already delivering on its commitment to shareholders, including the commencement of a share repurchase of up to 600 billion in FY 2025.

At the same time, the Special Committee of the Board of Directors, consisting solely of independent outside directors under Chair Paul Yonamine, continues to engage constructively with ACT on behalf of the Board. The Special Committee is trying to find a clear path to antitrust regulatory approval, so that a potential sale transaction can be completed if agreed upon.

With this as our transparent, dual-track roadmap for value creation, our highly qualified Board nominees will continue to act on behalf of shareholders and all our stakeholders.

The newly announced Board slate consists of eight independent outside directors and five internal directors, representing an increase in the proportion of outside directors compared to last year's slate. (Please refer to:

https://www.7andi.com/library/dbps_data/_material_/localhost/en/release_pdf/2025_0417_ir01en.pdf)

Four of the independent outside directors are new to Seven & i. Each of those nominees has important expertise and experience and appropriate qualifications and achievements that are deeply related to our business. They bring diverse and global experience across a spectrum in areas relevant to the company, including in retail, food, fuel, franchise operations, brand management and global expansion. Collectively, they are compelling additions to the Board. They share the Board's commitment to pursuing all avenues to unlock shareholder and corporate value.

Takashi Sawada : CEO and Representative Director of CellSource, former Representative Director and President of FamilyMart and former Executive Vice President of Fast Retailing. Extensive knowledge and executive leadership experience in the areas of overseas expansion including M&A for retail businesses, franchise business management, branding, and finance and accounting.

: CEO and Representative Director of CellSource, former Representative Director and President of FamilyMart and former Executive Vice President of Fast Retailing. Extensive knowledge and executive leadership experience in the areas of overseas expansion including M&A for retail businesses, franchise business management, branding, and finance and accounting. Masaki Akita : Director, Chair and Chairperson of the Board and former Representative Director and Executive Officer of Matsuya and Outside Independent Director of Meiji Yasuda Life Insurance. Highly experienced executive with significant and critical retail and marketing knowledge along with history of enhancing and contributing to governance best practices.

: Director, Chair and Chairperson of the Board and former Representative Director and Executive Officer of Matsuya and Outside Independent Director of Meiji Yasuda Life Insurance. Highly experienced executive with significant and critical retail and marketing knowledge along with history of enhancing and contributing to governance best practices. Tatsuya Tera z awa : Chairman and CEO of the Institute of Energy Economics, Japan (IEEJ) and former Vice-Minister for International Affairs for the Ministry of Economy, Trade, and Industry (METI). Highly knowledgeable in the economic sector and possesses a wealth of wide-ranging expertise and experience in international trade, franchise business, risk management and sustainability.

: Chairman and CEO of the Institute of Energy Economics, (IEEJ) and former Vice-Minister for International Affairs for the Ministry of Economy, Trade, and Industry (METI). Highly knowledgeable in the economic sector and possesses a wealth of wide-ranging expertise and experience in international trade, franchise business, risk management and sustainability. Christine Edman: Former President of H&M Hennes & Mauritz Japan and also President & CEO of GIVENCHY Japan as well as former Executive Officer of ZOZO. Wide-ranging expertise on global retail sector accumulated over years of working for leading global brands, and broad and advanced knowledge and experience on digital transformation and marketing & branding.

In addition, the company will continue with the separation of the Chairperson of the Board of Directors and CEO roles, as first put in place one year ago, to strengthen the corporate governance structure as a global company and enhance transparency and objectivity in management decision making.

With that continued objective, Fuminao Hachiuma has been named Chairperson of the Board (Gicho) and Lead Independent Outside Director, with the appointment to take effect after the AGM. Mr. Hachiuma has deep, global food experience as a senior executive of well-known brand Ajinomoto and former Representative Director, President and CEO of J-OIL MILLS. He will be laser-focused on strengthening coordination and communication between the independent outside directors and senior management and promoting regular constructive dialogue with shareholders and investors.

Seven & i will also form a robust management team, with Junro Ito, a member of the founding family, serving as Representative Director and Executive Chair (Kaicho) and supporting the CEO. In addition, Shigeki Kimura, who has extensive experience in SEVEN-ELEVEN JAPAN (currently serving as its Director and Executive Vice President), will be appointed as Representative Director and Executive Vice President. He and Mr. Ito will focus on fostering relationships with broader stakeholders, including employees and franchisees.

As previously announced, the renomination of Stephen Hayes Dacus as a director on the Board will also be voted on at the AGM, and he will be appointed President & Representative Director and CEO directly following the meeting.

Mr. Dacus has been a tangible agent of change since he joined Seven & i's Board in 2022, spearheading the Strategy Committee and subsequently the Special Committee as the Company has transformed into a world-class food-focused retail group. He is a demonstrated leader in operational execution and has a broad strategic view, extensive knowledge of the Company's strategic direction, and a wealth of global industry experience, including as CEO of MASTER FOODS JAPAN (now known as MARS JAPAN LTD.), CEO of Walmart Japan, and Senior Vice President of Fast Retailing.

Mr. Dacus is uniquely qualified to lead the company at this critical time. With a newly refreshed management team and additional independent outside directors, the company intends to execute its strategy with an entirely new level of urgency, aiming to further enhance shareholder and corporate value.

We firmly believe in Seven & i's pursuit of two parallel paths to ensure that value for shareholders and other stakeholders is maximized. Our strong slate of directors and re-commitment to effective governance will accelerate our progress.

We invite and welcome all shareholders to our Annual Meeting on May 27, 2025.

Sincerely,

Seven & i Holdings Board of Directors

Media Contacts

Kekst CNC

In Tokyo:

Jochen Legewie

[email protected]

In New York:

Ruth Pachman / Nathan Riggs

[email protected] / [email protected]

SOURCE Seven & i Holdings Co., Ltd.
NASHVILLE, Tenn., April 17, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- SouthState Bank has hired an experienced team, based in Nashville, to help the bank expand to Tennessee.

Cameron Wells, an experienced leader in the Middle Tennessee market, has joined SouthState as division president, responsible for leading the team and the bank's presence in the region.

SouthState hires experienced team, establishes presence in Nashville & Tennessee Region

"SouthState is excited to have a presence in the growing, thriving Nashville market, and we are thrilled to have Cameron's strong leadership," said Richard Murray, president. "Tennessee, and Nashville, in particular, is a natural geographic and demographic expansion for SouthState. We are eager to open our office here so we can fully serve our Commercial and Middle Market customers, providing the remarkable experiences SouthState is known for."

Wells brings more than 20 years of experience with BB&T and Truist to the division president role at SouthState. For almost eight years, he has served as Nashville Market president at Truist. He has extensive experience in Commercial, Consumer and Small Business Banking and is known for his ability to build impactful relationships and grow markets.

Will Hatfield is also joining the SouthState team as director of Middle Market Banking, responsible for leading the bank's Middle Market efforts in the region. Hatfield was most recently a Middle Market Banking relationship manager for Truist. Hatfield has served in positions of increasing responsibility at BB&T and Truist for 12 years and brings extensive Commercial and Small Business Banking expertise.

Kelsea Lamia joins the Nashville team as Commercial banker. Lamia brings 14 years of banking experience, including Commercial, Consumer and Small Business Banking, to her role. She comes to the role from BB&T and Truist, where she worked for more than 12 years.

SouthState Corporation (NYSE: SSB) is a financial services company headquartered in Winter Haven, Florida. SouthState Bank, N.A., the company's nationally chartered bank subsidiary, provides consumer, commercial, mortgage and wealth management solutions to more than 1.5 million customers throughout Florida, Texas, the Carolinas, Georgia, Colorado, Alabama, and Virginia. The bank also serves clients nationwide through its correspondent banking division. Additional information is available at SouthStateBank.com.

SOURCE SouthState Bank N.A.
Phil Tshikotshi recognized as Top HR Leader in South Africa , spotlighting people-first strategy and inclusive workplace culture at Startek

DENVER, April 17, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Startek, a digital-first global customer experience (CX) solutions provider, today announced that its South Africa operations have been recognized with the Best Employer Brand Award 2025 at the South Africa Leadership Awards hosted by the Employer Branding Institute. In addition, Phil Tshikotshi, Head of HR, Startek South Africa, has been named the Topmost HR Leader in South Africa, marking a double victory for the company.

Organized by the Employer Branding Institute, a network of senior HR professionals across 36 countries, the awards honor organizations for excellence in people practices. Startek stood out for its holistic approach to hiring, engagement, inclusion, learning and leadership. The recognition followed a detailed submission and rigorous jury evaluation.

"At Startek, we build ecosystems where talent is nurtured, voices are heard and leadership emerges at every level. This recognition is a celebration of our South Africa team's unwavering dedication to creating an inclusive, growth-focused and safe workplace. Phil Tshikotshi's recognition as the top HR leader in the country reinforces our belief that great leadership is the cornerstone of a great culture," said SM Gupta, Global Chief People Officer, Startek.

These honors underscore the Startek commitment to fostering a high-performing, inclusive workplace.

About Startek

Startek is a global leader in customer experience management, delivering comprehensive digital transformation and CX solutions. With over 35 years of expertise, Startek empowers businesses across diverse industries to create memorable, personalized customer interactions. Operating in 12 countries with a team of 38,000 associates, Startek is committed to connecting brands with their customers through innovation, empathy, and operational excellence.

To learn more, visit www.startek.com and follow us on LinkedIn@Startek.

About Employer Branding Institute:

The Employer Branding Institute is a virtual organisation. Senior leaders in H.R connect with each other in the cyber space to share the best practices in Employer Branding and outstanding professionals in several countries who are contributing to "Talent Management, Talent Development and Talent Innovation" are a part of the Employer Branding Institute.

Logo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2222919/4299556/Startek_Logo.jpg

SOURCE Startek
Vagnone brings extensive executive leadership and strategic partnership experience to the institution

NORWALK, Conn., April 17, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Stepping Stones Museum for Children, an award-winning children's museum located in Norwalk, Connecticut, announces the appointment of Frankie Dominic Vagnone as the museum's new Chief Executive Officer.

Frankie Vagnone has been named the new Chief Executive Officer at Stepping Stones Museum for Children in Norwalk, Connecticut. He begins in the new role on June 2, 2025.

The museum's Board of Directors announces Vagnone's appointment following an extensive national search process. He brings more than 25 years of executive leadership experience transforming major cultural institutions, with a particular focus on innovative community engagement and dynamic educational programming. His proven expertise in creating engaging, interactive experiences for children and families has consistently driven record-breaking attendance and community participation at the institutions he has led. Vagnone begins his role at Stepping Stones in June 2025.

"Last month, Stepping Stones Museum for Children marked an exciting milestone as we celebrated the museum's 25th anniversary," said Barbara Koteen, Chair of the Board of Directors of Stepping Stones. "Our collective excitement continues as we welcome Frankie as the museum's next leader. We are beyond thrilled to bring him aboard. His innovative approach to cultural spaces and proven track record of transformative leadership make him the ideal person to lead Stepping Stones into its next chapter. His passion for creating engaging, hands-on learning environments for children aligns perfectly with our mission to broaden and enrich educational opportunities for children and their families."

Throughout his career, Vagnone has developed specialized programming for children on the autism spectrum, with varying cognitive and physical abilities, created contemporary art engagements within cultural sites for families, and designed large-scale community programs focused on kinesthetic learning and childhood engagement. His expertise extends beyond programming to collaborative nonprofit leadership, where he has consistently built organizational capacity and professionalism while strengthening mission focus and financial stability. Internationally recognized for his innovative approach to cultural institutions, Vagnone has written extensively on reimagining visitor engagement and creating meaningful experiences in cultural spaces.

Vagnone served as President and CEO of Old Salem Historic District & Museum of Early Southern Decorative Arts, where he significantly increased attendance through award-winning educational initiatives including "Learning in Place," which used STEAM principles to enrich children's hands-on learning experiences. His "Access Salem" program provided educational opportunities for children with cognitive and physical challenges. His successful Winter Fair and Salem Saturdays at Christmas events saw overwhelming attendance and revenue increases.

Vagnone has also held leadership positions at the Newport Restoration Foundation, the Historic House Trust of New York City, the Philadelphia Society for the Preservation of Landmarks, the Bryn Athyn Cathedral Complex and Charity in Action.

"I am honored to join Stepping Stones Museum for Children at such a pivotal time in its history," said Vagnone. "As the son of a single parent who operated a preschool from our home, I witnessed firsthand the power of thoughtfully designed early childhood environments. Throughout my career, I've observed how children engage with spaces differently than adultstouching, exploring, and questioning everything around them. What visitors might see as play is actually a carefully designed relationship between early childhood development and family engagement. The museum experience requires sensitivity to both the child's journey and the caregiver's needs. Having long advocated for cultural institutions to address contemporary community needs, I'm thrilled to join an organization that has already embedded this philosophy in its mission. I look forward to building upon the excellent foundation of Stepping Stones to create even more dynamic learning environments where children and families can fully engage with their surroundings."

He holds a master's degree in architecture from Columbia University, bringing unique insights into both the physical and programmatic aspects of creating engaging spaces for children. His anthropological studies in early childhood environments, self-curated spatial constructions, and personal boundary concepts inform his distinctive approach to designing interactive spaces. His research-based, educational approach to visitor engagement draws on decades of studying how people of all ages interact with built environments, backed by a lifelong commitment to teaching and developing evidence-based methodologies for meaningful learning experiences. Vagnone also brings substantial experience in exhibition and play environment design for children, implementing spaces that balance educational goals with engaging, tactile experiences

Vagnone will be just the second CEO in the museum's 25-year history. Interim Executive Director Amanda Connell will resume her role as Vice President of Human Resources and Support Services.

Stepping Stones Museum for Children serves nearly 300,000 visitors annually. Nestled in historic Mathews Park, the whimsical 44,000-square foot facility is LEED-Gold certified and features STEAM-infused, hands-on exhibits including Big Adventures: Dinosaurs, ColorCoaster, Energy Lab, Lights On!, StudioK, Tot Town, the tented, open-air Celebration Courtyard, the state-of-the-art Multimedia Gallery, the ELLI+ Book Nook, The Shop at Stepping Stones and the Healthyville Cafe.

About Stepping Stones Museum for Children

Stepping Stones Museum for Children (www.steppingstonesmuseum.org) in Norwalk is an award-winning, private, non-profit 501(c)(3) children's museum committed to broadening and enriching the lives of children and families. Located on five acres in Mathews Park, the LEED Gold certified museum encompasses five hands-on galleries, multimedia theater, The Shop at Stepping Stones and the Healthyville Cafe. Stepping Stones also offers engaging educational events and workshops, onsite, traveling and virtual group and school programs and traveling resources for schools, libraries and youth-serving organizations.

Stepping Stones is located at 303 West Avenue, exit 14N or 15S off I-95 in Norwalk. Museum hours are 9:00 am  5:00 pm daily. Admission is $20 for adults and children and $16 for seniors. Children under 1 are free. Get social with Stepping Stones on Facebook , Twitter or Instagram .

Contact:

Robert Townes

Director of External Affairs

Stepping Stones Museum for Children

203-899-0606 ext. 262

[email protected]

SOURCE Stepping Stones Museum for Children
NOVI, Mich., April 17, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Stoneridge, Inc. (NYSE: SRI) will webcast its first quarter 2025 earnings conference call live on Thursday, May 1, 2025, at 9:00 a.m. ET with president and chief executive officer, Jim Zizelman, and chief financial officer, Matt Horvath.

The webcast can be accessed on the Presentations & Events page of the Investors section of the Company's website, www.stoneridge.com.

Stoneridge, Inc., headquartered in Novi, Michigan, is a global supplier of safe and efficient electronic systems and technologies. Our systems and products power vehicle intelligence, while enabling safety and security for on- and off-highway transportation sectors around the world. Additional information about Stoneridge can be found at www.stoneridge.com.

SOURCE Stoneridge, Inc.
Over 100 U.S. volunteers to deliver care and education to help rebuild Syria's healthcare system

WASHINGTON, April 17, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- This week, more than 120 American healthcare professionals with the Syrian American Medical Society (SAMS) are deploying to Jordan and newly liberated regions of Syria to deliver urgent medical care and training. These back-to-back missions reflect SAMS' commitment to supporting vulnerable populations and strengthening healthcare systems affected by years of conflict.

From April 1925, over 80 volunteers will be on the ground in Jordan providing direct care to Syrian and Palestinian refugees. Beginning April 20, more than 40 SAMS medical volunteers will enter Syria for a weeklong mission focused on education, lectures, and skill-building for local doctors, helping to restore Syria's depleted healthcare workforce.

Jordan Medical Mission: Multispecialty Support for Refugees

Led by Dr. Hend Azhary of Lansing, Michigan, the Jordan medical mission will operate in collaboration with Ministry of Health, the Ministry of Social Development, the public Security Directorate/SRAD, Jordanian universities, UNHCR, INGOs, local community-based organizations, and public and private hospitals to deliver direct care to vulnerable Syrian and Palestinian refugees. The team includes experts in Dental, Cardiology, Orthopedics, Ophthalmology, ENT, Pulmonary, Obstetrics & Gynecology, Pediatrics, Internal Medicine, Radiology, Plastic Surgery, and Gastroenterology.

Over the course of the mission, volunteers plan to deliver thousands of consultations and critical procedures across clinics and mobile medical units. In addition to surgical care and specialized treatments, the team will also provide training and education to local healthcare professionals, ensuring sustainable impact even after the mission ends.

"This mission is not only about the immediate care we provide," said Dr. Hend Azhary, mission lead. "It's about restoring dignity, easing suffering, and building relationships with local communities who have been resilient in the face of unimaginable hardship. Every patient we see is a reminder of why we do this work."

Syria Mission: Investing in Long-Term Medical Capacity

Led by Dr. Amjad Rass, an internal medicine physician from Bloomfield Hills, Michigan, the Syria mission will prioritize medical education and provider training. The team includes over 40 U.S.-based specialists across Internal Medicine, Neonatology, Radiology, and other fields.

With over 30 educational sessions planned, this mission aims to deliver lectures and clinical instruction to local providers in specialties including OB/GYN, Interventional Cardiology, Endocrinology, Oncology, and Pathology.

"As a physician, there's nothing more empowering than sharing knowledge that saves lives," said Dr. Rass. "This mission is about investing in Syria's futureequipping doctors who've stayed and served through incredible adversity."

About the Healthcare Crisis

More than a decade of war has devastated the healthcare system in both Syria and greatly strained the systems in neighboring host countries like Jordan. Millions of refugees still lack access to specialized medical care, and Syria's medical workforce remains depleted, with over 70% of healthcare professionals displaced. These SAMS-led missions are not only about urgent interventionsthey are about building resilience, hope, and long-term sustainability.

To support the April missions or learn more about SAMS' work, visit:

www.sams-usa.net

For media inquiries, contact:

Blaine Heck | [email protected] | 201-314-9506

Venessa King | [email protected]

The Syrian American Medical Society (SAMS) is a nonprofit, non-political organization that works on the front lines of crisis relief, providing medical and humanitarian assistance to the most vulnerable in Syria, its neighboring countries, and beyond. Last year, SAMS provided lifesaving medical services to 3.6 million people. Learn more at www.sams-usa.net.

SOURCE The Syrian American Medical Society
WORCESTER, Mass., April 17, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- The Hanover Insurance Group, Inc. (NYSE: THG) will hold its annual meeting of shareholders on Tuesday, May 13, 2025, at 9:00 a.m. ET at its headquarters, located at 440 Lincoln Street in Worcester, Massachusetts. A live, audio-only webcast will also be available through the company's website under the "Investors" section.

Shareholders are encouraged to vote by submitting valid proxies in advance of the meeting or by attending the annual meeting and voting in person. As described in the proxy materials previously distributed to the company's shareholders and filed with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission on March 27, 2025, shareholders of record at the close of business on March 20, 2025, are entitled to participate. For additional information about the voting process and the proposals under consideration, please see the company's 2025 proxy statement. The company's proxy materials, including the 2024 Annual Report and the THG 2025 Proxy Statement, are available at www.proxydocs.com/THG or at the company's website under the "Investors" section.

About The Hanover

The Hanover Insurance Group, Inc. is the holding company for several property and casualty insurance companies, which together constitute one of the largest insurance businesses in the United States. The company provides exceptional insurance solutions through a select group of independent agents and brokers. Together with its agent partners, The Hanover offers standard and specialized insurance protection for small and mid-sized businesses, as well as for homes, automobiles, and other personal items. For more information, please visit hanover.com.

Contacts:

SOURCE The Hanover Insurance Group, Inc.
FRANKENMUTH, Mich., April 17, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Prominently featured in The Inner Circle, Charles R. Kerns is acknowledged as a Pinnacle Professional Member Inner Circle of Excellence for his contributions to Safety Consulting and Public Service.

Charles R. Kerns

Charles R. Kerns has built a distinguished career in safety consulting and public service, culminating in decades of leadership and community dedication. Now retired, Mr. Kerns most recently served as vice chairman of the Blumfield Township Planning Commission in Saginaw County, where he helped guide critical infrastructure and safety policies for the local community.

His professional journey includes key leadership roles such as executive board chairman of the Saginaw County 911 Communications Authority and consultant for the Tri-County Contractors Association. Mr. Kerns also contributed his expertise through positions with Kerns Safety Consulting LLC, the Saginaw County Road Commission, the Blumfield Township Board of Review, and as Blumfield Township Supervisor for a decade.

A proud veteran, Mr. Kerns served in the U.S. Navy from 1965 to 1969, embodying a lifelong commitment to service. He holds a broad array of certifications including medical first responder and ambulance attendant credentials from the Michigan Department of Public Health. His additional qualifications span arson and fire investigation, firefighting, and hazardous materials operations, earned through the Michigan State Police and Fire Fighter Training Council.

Among his most meaningful accomplishments, Mr. Kerns retired as a lieutenant from the ReeseBlumfield Township Fire Department, where he served with distinction. He is also affiliated with several public safety organizations, including the Tuscola County and Saginaw County Fire Associations and the Saginaw County Township Officers Association.

With more than 16 years in safety consulting and over 30 years in leadership, Mr. Kerns has left a lasting legacy in his field and his community. Today, he looks forward to enjoying more time with his wife, Carolyn, of 56 years, while remaining engaged in safety initiatives and public service efforts as needed. His enduring dedication to community, governance, and safety continues to inspire those who follow in his footsteps.

Contact: Katherine Green, 516-825-5634, [email protected]

SOURCE The Inner Circle
BOCA RATON, Fla., April 17, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Prominently featured in The Inner Circle, Scott Alexander Rose is acknowledged as a Pinnacle Achiever 2025 for his contributions to Insurance, Education and Philanthropy.

Scott Alexander Rose

Dr. Rose stands as a beacon of commitment to education and philanthropy, with a distinguished career marked by remarkable achievements. Beginning his academic journey at Florida Atlantic University, Dr. Rose earned multiple Bachelor's degrees in Theater Arts, Music Education, and Fine Arts. His pursuit of knowledge continued with a Master's degree in Nonprofit Management in 2012, a second Master of Business Administration degree, and culminated in a Doctor of Education degree from Lynn University in 2015. Additionally, he holds certifications as a fundraiser, financial planner, and Certified International Specialist.

As the owner of Mainstreet Solutions LLC since 1992, Dr. Rose has applied his expertise to make a meaningful impact. His contributions extend beyond his professional endeavors, evidenced by his involvement in community leadership roles. Notably, he served as the president of the Life Care Foundation on Disabilities from 2004 to 2015 and actively supports organizations like Limitless Horizons International.

Limitless Horizons Ixil, a nonprofit organization (NPO) co-founded by Dr. Rose's daughter, Katie Morrow, epitomizes their shared commitment to education and community empowerment. Founded in response to the needs of the indigenous Maya community in Chajul, Guatemala. The NPO aims to cultivate literacy skills and support academic and personal development needed to effect change in their lives and community. Over the past two decades, the organization has grown from a small but mighty scholarship program into a thriving initiative that provides life-changing access to high-quality education, nutrition, and psychosocial support for Indigenous youth and families in Chajul through its very own private middle and high school, named "Colegio Horizontes". This new charter school brings culturally responsive, rigorous, and engaging academics to Chajul for the first time, while opening doors for girls to attend and thrive in school, along with a small group of boy allies. Led by local women, Colegio Horizontes fosters the skills youth need to effect change in their lives and community. In addition to education, this innovative school provides each student with two nutritious meals per school day and psychosocial support for both students and their families through mentorship support.

In addition to the 125 students and their families served annually by Colegio Horizontes, Limitless Horizons Ixil reaches many more members of the community through its downtown library, called The Saber Sin Limites Community Library, which opened in 2010 as the very first library in Chajul. Now, with over 500 annual members and more than 11,000 books, along with microscopes, computers, STEM materials, and homework help, the library is making reading and learning fun and popular in Chajul. In 2021, its innovative approach to literacy during COVID-19 was honored with the UNESCO King Sejong Literacy Prize.

To address the growing number of alumni and deepen its investment in the youth it serves, Limitless Horizons Ixil launched the Emerging Leaders Program in 2018. This program helps the organization's high school graduates obtain employment, start small businesses, and/or pursue further education. LHI's long-term goal is to develop a pipeline of young professionals who will drive and grow the local economy, leading to a decrease in overall unemployment. Limitless Horizons Ixil believes that breaking the cycle of poverty among families in Chajul is possible by empowering youth with education and opportunities to gain the knowledge, skills, experience, and networks needed to launch and succeed in professional careers.

Limitless Horizons Ixil broke ground on a new high school for Chajul in November 2023, and on March 6, 2025, the organization hosted a grand opening for the two-building expansion, which includes four new classrooms, the region's first and only science lab, a meeting room, additional storage areas, expanded bathroom facilities, and more. The day was filled with joy and inspiration, marked by powerful speeches from co-directors Odilia Cedillo and Zuliana Lopez, executive director and founder Katie Morrow, and two students from the school's inaugural high school class, along with presentations by each grade level. The celebration also honored the achievements of the organization's Emerging Leadersalumni whose success laid the foundation for this ambitious dreamand recognized the generous donors and partner organizations who helped make this new high school a reality for generations of Chajul's youth to come. Dr. Rose's dedication to philanthropy is further exemplified by his support for the organization mission and for sponsoring students.

Katie Morrow, Executive Director and Co-Founder of Limitless Horizons Ixil, brings her passion for social work and international communities to the forefront. With a Bachelor's degree in community studies and a Master of Social Work from San Jose State University, Katie has devoted herself to improving educational opportunities in Chajul. Through innovative programs and community engagement, she envisions a future where every child has access to quality education.

Together, Dr. Rose and Katie Morrow exemplify the transformative power of education and philanthropy. Their collective efforts through Limitless Horizons Ixil are creating positive change in Chajul, paving the way for a brighter future for generations to come.

Contact: Katherine Green, 516-825-5634, [email protected]

SOURCE The Inner Circle
Ivan Sher Led Firm Adds 11 Agents in Southern California's Prestigious Market

NEWPORT BEACH, Calif., April 17, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- IS Luxury , the premier luxury real estate brokerage in Las Vegas and Henderson, is expanding to Orange County  the firm's first move outside Nevada. Renowned for record-breaking sales, IS Luxury brings its signature approach to one of the nation's most desirable real estate markets. Launching with 11 top-performing agents, the new office located in Fashion Island at 800 Newport Center Drive, Suite 150  will be led by industry veteran Christi Carrillo.

Founded by luxury real estate powerhouse Ivan Sher, IS Luxury has dominated the Las Vegas and Henderson markets, closing nearly $2 billion in sales in the past three years. As the demand for top-tier representation continues to grow across key West Coast markets, the brokerage is making a strategic move to serve Orange County's premier buyers and sellers.

"There's strong synergy between the luxury markets of Las Vegas and Southern California," said Sher. Post this

"Expanding into Orange County is a natural next step for us," said Sher. "There's strong synergy between the luxury markets of Las Vegas and Southern California, and many of our clients invest in both. They rely on us for consistency, market insight, and results across the board. We are excited to help our clients find not just extraordinary homes, but the perfect backdrop for their lives, memories and lasting legacies."

IS Luxury's move into Orange County positions the firm to represent the region's most coveted coastal properties  from Newport Beach and Laguna Beach to Crystal Cove, Monarch Beach, and Corona Del Mar. With a client-first approach and unmatched marketing power, the firm brings a fresh, strategic edge to Southern California's luxury market.

Driven by strong demand and the area's world-class real estate, IS Luxury aims to elevate the buying and selling experience through its deep industry expertise and innovative marketing.

About IS Luxury

IS Luxury is a premier luxury real estate brokerage serving Las Vegas, Henderson, and Orange County. Known for record-breaking sales, innovative marketing, and exceptional client service, IS Luxury represents the most prestigious properties in Southern Nevada and Southern California. Founded by Ivan Sher, IS Luxury is consistently recognized as the No. 1 luxury brokerage in Las Vegas. With almost $2 billion in luxury home sales in the past three years, IS Luxury continues to set the benchmark for excellence in the industry. For more information, visit www.isluxury.com .

SOURCE IS Luxury
DELRAY BEACH, Fla., April 17, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- The US Drone Package Delivery market is projected to reach USD 1,080.1 million by 2030 from an estimated USD 225.2 million in 2024, at a CAGR of 28.6% during the forecast period according to a new report by MarketsandMarkets." Drone package market is primarily driven by the increasing demand for faster delivery times and the potential for cost reduction in last mile. Regulaltory progress is also a crucial factor influencing market growth, with aviation authorities worldwide establishing guidelines that facilitate safe and efficient drone operations. As companies scale operations and enhance capabilities, drones are becoming a viable alternative for last-mile deliveries, particulary in urban and remote areas. Zipline has capitalized on these market dynamics, surpassing one million deliveries across the United States.

View detailed Table of Content here - https://www.marketsandmarkets.com/Market-Reports/drone-package-delivery-market-10580366.html

The service segment accounted for the largest share of the solution segment in the US drone package delivery market in 2023.

Based on solution, The US drone package delivery market is segmented into platform, software, infrastructure, and service. Drones are becoming accessible to smaller logistics operations for running a warehouse. Combined with good logistics software, drones can drastically improve efficiency. Online retail service providers and logistic companies are focusing on developing innovative drones that can carry heavy payloads to deliver packages to customers' doorstep. Logistics drone service takes less time than conventional truck delivery. In industries such as healthcare, logistics, and food, multirotor drones have the capability to fly autonomously to deliver packages at the location provided by customers of the respective company. Drone package delivery service providers cater to various applications of product delivery, such as drone food delivery, retail goods delivery, postal delivery, and medical aid delivery. These service providers function in various logistics processes, such as second-party logistics (2PL), third-party logistics (3PL), and fourth-party logistics (4PL).

Download PDF Brochure: https://www.marketsandmarkets.com/pdfdownloadNew.asp?id=10580366

The short range (<25 Km) accounted for the largest share of the range segment in the US drone package delivery market in 2023.

Based on range, The US drone package delivery market is segmented into short range(<25 Km), medium range (25-50Km) and long range (<50 Km). The rapid expansion of e-commerce has increased the demand of last mile delivery solutions such as delivery within short range. To support this growth, regulatory agencies are actively formulating guidelines for deploying drones in commercial airspace to promote the use of short-distance delivery operations.

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The Food delivery segment is set to record highest growth by end use segment in the US drone package delivery market in 2023.

Based on end use, the US drone package delivery industry is segmented into food delivery, retail goods delivery, postal delivery, medical aid delivery, precision agriculture, industrial delivery, weapons and ammunition delivery, maritime delivery.

Utilizing drones to deliver food directly to consumers significantly enhances efficiency and customer satisfaction. It ensures that food reaches customers quickly and maintains its freshness and quality upon arrival. Major players in the food delivery industry have already begun to pilot drone delivery services, to reduce wait times and operational costs. For instance, in March 2024, Wing Aviation LLC, a subsidiary of Alphabet Inc., partnered with DoorDash (US) to expand drone delivery services in the US. Under this partnership, Wing Aviation will deliver Wendy's meals in Christiansburg, Virginia, with the help of DoorDash. These initiatives underscore the market shift toward adopting advanced technologies to meet evolving consumer expectations for quicker and more reliable services.

The report profiles key players in the US drone package delivery companies such as Alphabet Inc. (US), Zipline International Inc. (US), United Parcel Service of America, Inc. (US), Matternet Inc. (US), Fedex (US), Amazon. Com, Inc. (US), Walmart (US), among others.

Get 10% Free Customization on this Report: https://www.marketsandmarkets.com/requestCustomizationNew.asp?id=10580366

Browse Adjacent Market: Semiconductor and Electronics Market Research Reports &Consulting

About MarketsandMarkets

MarketsandMarkets has been recognized as one of America's Best Management Consulting Firms by Forbes, as per their recent report.

MarketsandMarkets is a blue ocean alternative in growth consulting and program management, leveraging a man-machine offering to drive supernormal growth for progressive organizations in the B2B space. With the widest lens on emerging technologies, we are proficient in co-creating supernormal growth for clients across the globe.

Today, 80% of Fortune 2000 companies rely on MarketsandMarkets, and 90 of the top 100 companies in each sector trust us to accelerate their revenue growth. With a global clientele of over 13,000 organizations, we help businesses thrive in a disruptive ecosystem.

The B2B economy is witnessing the emergence of $25 trillion in new revenue streams that are replacing existing ones within this decade. We work with clients on growth programs, helping them monetize this $25 trillion opportunity through our service lines  TAM Expansion, Go-to-Market (GTM) Strategy to Execution, Market Share Gain, Account Enablement, and Thought Leadership Marketing.

Built on the 'GIVE Growth' principle, we collaborate with several Forbes Global 2000 B2B companies to keep them future-ready. Our insights and strategies are powered by industry experts, cutting-edge AI, and our Market Intelligence Cloud, KnowledgeStore, which integrates research and provides ecosystem-wide visibility into revenue shifts.

In addition, MarketsandMarkets SalesIQ enables sales teams to identify high-priority accounts and uncover hidden opportunities, helping them build more pipeline and win more deals with precision.

To find out more, visit www.MarketsandMarkets.com or follow us on Twitter, LinkedIn and Facebook .

Contact:

Mr. Rohan Salgarkar

MarketsandMarkets INC.

1615 South Congress Ave.

Suite 103, Delray Beach, FL 33445

USA: +1-888-600-6441

Email: [email protected]

Visit Our Web Site: https://www.marketsandmarkets.com/

Research Insight: https://www.marketsandmarkets.com/ResearchInsight/drone-package-delivery-market.asp

Content Source: https://www.marketsandmarkets.com/PressReleases/usa-drone-package-delivery.asp

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SOURCE MarketsandMarkets
With 100 suites designed for business and leisure guests, Home2 Suites by Hilton Bozeman Four Corners combines the brand's signature style with a prime location for travelers and their pets seeking modern amenities and the comforts of home. In addition to contemporary, spacious suites equipped with full kitchens, the hotel offers amenities, such as flexible workspaces, indoor pool, outdoor patio with fire pits, and complimentary breakfast catered to accommodate extended stays and short visits alike.

Bozeman is experiencing significant economic growth, with its population increasing by nearly 20% over the past 5 years. This surge is accompanied by a thriving job market, particularly in sectors such as construction, hospitality, technology, and professional services.

"We're excited to bring the Home2 Suites by Hilton brand to Four Corners, meeting the needs of both long- and short-term guests traveling through one of Montana's most dynamic regions," says Rob Lateiner, CEO of Virga Capital. "This opening marks an important milestone in our portfolio and underscores our commitment to high-quality, purpose-built hospitality in our hometown of Bozeman and other key growth markets."

The opening of the Home2 Suites reinforces Virga Capital's continued investment in high-performing hospitality assets and its vision for identifying emerging submarkets with long-term growth potential.

About Virga Capital

Virga Capital is a Bozeman, Montanabased real estate investment and development firm focused on delivering long-term value through thoughtful, community-oriented projects. With capabilities spanning adaptive reuse, historic preservation, public-private partnerships, and master-planned developments, the firm brings a strategic and disciplined approach to each investment. Virga is currently focused on multifamily and hospitality acquisitions across the Intermountain West and Southwest.



www.virgacapital.com

About Home2 Suites by Hilton

Home2 Suites by Hilton, one of the fastest growing brands in Hilton's history, is a mid-tier, all-suite, award-winning extended-stay hotel concept designed to offer stylish accommodations with flexible guest room configurations and home-like amenities for value-conscious guests and their pets. With a commitment to environmentally friendly products and hotel operations, Home2 Suites by Hilton offers complimentary hot breakfast, innovative and customizable guestroom designs, laundry and fitness areas, multiple outdoor spaces, expansive community spaces and pet-friendly environments. Home2 Suites by Hilton has more than 750 open hotels with nearly 750 in development. Experience a positive stay at Home2 Suites by Hilton by booking at home2suites.com or through the industry-leading Hilton Honors app. Hilton Honors members who book directly through preferred Hilton channels have access to instant benefits. Learn more about Home2 Suites by Hilton at stories.hilton.com/home2suites and follow the brand on Facebook and Instagram.

SOURCE Virga Capital
Held in Austin, TX, annual Outsmart event brought together over 400 Visier customers, prospects and partners for two days of Workforce AI insight and inspiration



Packed two-plus day agenda included high profile keynote speakers, panels, workshops and Visier University classes aimed at giving organizations a Workforce AI Edge

Celebration of "Vizzie" Award winning customers, and showcase of solutions delivered by customers and partners highlight the revenue growth, cost savings and productivity impacts that can be achieved at the intersection of people and work data

VANCOUVER, BC and AUSTIN, Texas, April 17, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Visier, the globally recognized leader in Workforce AI solutions, today announced record-breaking attendance at Outsmart 2025, its annual global customer conference, held this year in Austin, Texas. The event brought together over 400 Visier customers, partners, and prospects from around the world for two days of inspiration, innovation, and Workforce AI strategy.

Kicking off the event, Paul Rubenstein, Visier's Chief Customer Officer, delivered a powerful opening keynote urging HR and people analytics leaders to embrace change and take bold action. "In a world defined by constant disruption  economic, geopolitical, social, and technological  we can't afford to sit on the sidelines," Rubenstein said. "We are experiencing the most profound workforce transformation in over a century, driven by the rise of AI. HR and people analytics leaders must step forward, embrace change, and focus on the business impact of their workforce. Building a Workforce AI Edge is no longer optional; it's essential for competitive advantage."

Key Themes from Outsmart 2025

Over two days, Outsmart delivered 25 information packed sessions across three key themes:

Innovation and impact at the intersection of people and work

Continuous planning for the adaptive enterprise

The changing role of people analytics in the age of AI

Underscoring these themes, and central to this year's event, was the urgent message that HR must become better attuned to the challenges of the business, orienting to productivity and other critical impacts at the intersection of people and work. To drive home this point, customers and partners showcased dozens of examples of innovation on Visier's people data platform, including:

A hospital with 12,000 full-time employees used Visier to reduce their agency labor spend by 70%, allowing them to re-invest over $50M to target retention and turnover.

to target retention and turnover. A healthcare system with over 125,000 caregivers used Visier to bring together operational and financial data to gain a unified view of workforce productivity and make better staffing decisions that directly impacted profitability, quality of service and, ultimately, patient outcomes.

A global luxury retailer used Visier to understand the people and leadership factors that impacted same-store sales performance, linking together point-of-sale data with a variety of people data across multiple systems.

A technology company used Visier to combine finance requisition data to provide executive-level insights that impacted productivity and performance.

Recognizing Visier Customer Achievements

As the customer showcase demonstrated, AI is catalyzing the most profound workforce transformation in over a century. Visier is helping organizations navigate that change, finding productivity pathways through augmentation, redefinition, and at times, replacement of roles with AI. By unlocking new strategic advantages across every dimension, economic, social, geopolitical, and technological, Visier customers are redefining what it means to lead in the age of Workforce AI. To that end, Visier recognized customers at Outsmart for their achievements in people analytics and workforce AI with the coveted Vizzie Awards. This year the awards included:

Business Performance Impact  Tampa General Hospital Tampa General Hospital has demonstrated the powerful ROI of people analytics, using Visier to drive a 70% reduction in agency spend and eliminate the need for inpatient travel nurses. By translating insights into action, they achieved a vacancy rate below 10% and reinvested over $50M into team member compensationboosting retention, rehires, and overall workforce stability.





Best Use of AI with Vee  T. Rowe Price T. Rowe Price has set the standard for AI adoption with a thoughtful, data-driven approach to training users on Visier's AI digital assistant, Vee. Their commitment to continuous improvement, user feedback, and data literacy ensures Vee is not only embraced across the company, but optimized for real business impact.





Rookie of the Year  Eaton Corporation Eaton's Visier rollout set a new standard for implementation success. Despite the added complexity of building a data mesh simultaneously, their strategic planning and flawless execution led to an outstanding launch, with widespread and growing user adoption and great enthusiasm for Visier all around.





Best Technical Innovation  IQVIA IQVIA is redefining what's possible with people analytics, leveraging Visier in groundbreaking ways to drive strategic decision-making. From optimizing global hiring with Top Location Recommendations to integrating financial KPIs for deeper business insights, their innovation spans multiple functions, including HR, finance, and executive leadership.





Perfect Pair: Best C-Suite Partnership  Kong Inc. The power duo at Kong of Mark Tucker , Director, HR Technology & Analytics and Gunjan Aggarwal, Chief People Officer, exemplifies how partnership between people analytics and HR leadership can drive real business impact through data. Their collaboration has fueled executive adoption, bringing data-driven decision-making into strategic discussions and growth planning. Their focus on performance, engagement, and workforce planning is shaping the future of Kong's talent strategy.





Democratizing Data Within HR  Docusign Docusign has made people analytics truly accessible across the organization, ensuring HR teams and business leaders alike have the insights they need to drive decision-making. Through innovative dashboards, tailored training, and automated reporting, they've empowered HRBPs, Talent Acquisition, and leadership teams with real-time, actionable data. Their efforts have increased Visier adoption by 75%, while also eliminating manual reporting, making data-driven decision-making seamless, efficient, and impactful at every level of the business.





Democratizing Data Beyond HR  Johnson & Johnson Johnson & Johnson is setting a new standard for cross-functional data alignment by bridging the gap between HR and Finance. Their groundbreaking work in headcount reconciliation has created a unified source of truth, enabling the C-suite to make more informed workforce decisions. With headcount accuracy now aligned with Finance's records, they're driving stronger collaboration and expanding Visier's impact beyond HR to business and finance teams across J&J.





Content Excellence  Providence Health & Services One of the greatest drivers of people analytics adoption across business functions is well-designed content. In Visier's 2024 Customer Guidebook Competition, we posed the question of "what 'great' looks like" to our entire customer community and Providence Health & Services was voted the best of the best. Best practices in people analytics content design were based on five factors: usage, diversity of personas consuming people data, visual appeal, ability to act on information, and business impact.



Mainstage Speakers Signaled What's to Come for Business Leaders

Kate O'Neill, author and "tech humanist"

Kate O'Neill delivered a compelling keynote exploring the transformative role of AI in today's business landscape. With her signature blend of insight and humanity, Kate examined the evolving intersection of work, data, and organizational success, urging attendees to view these shifts through a human-centered lens. Drawing on real-world examples and strategic frameworks, she highlighted how organizations can harness AI not only to drive agility and performance, but to amplify human potential at every level.

Susan Cain, acclaimed TED Talk speaker and bestselling author of Quiet

Susan Cain captivated the audience with a thought-provoking keynote on "Quiet Leadership," drawing on original research, neuroscience, and psychology. Susan challenged conventional assumptions about leadership and collaboration, highlighting how introverted individuals often drive the most creative and impactful contributions within organizations.

Productivity: How to Rethink the 'Work & Force' in the Age of AI

Speakers Stacia Garr, Co-founder and Principal Analyst, RedThread Research, and Jeremy Shapiro, AVP, Human Resources, Workforce Analytics, Merck, joined Visier's Chief People Officer, Paul Rubenstein to discuss how AI is reshaping job roles and organizational structures, not just automating tasks. They highlighted a critical gap between AI adoption by HR tech vendors and user awareness, urging companies to rethink how work gets done. The key, they noted, is using AI to augment human potential and build more agile, responsive workforces.

Open for Builders Success Stories

"Open for Builders' isn't just a theme for Visier, it's a reflection of how our customers are transforming vision into reality," said Keith Bigelow, SVP and Chief Product Officer at Visier. "Year after year at Outsmart, we see incredible examples of customers unlocking the true business value of their workforce. Their innovation and ingenuity continue to expand what's possible, and we're proud to support and learn from the groundbreaking ways they're driving performance across their organizations."

In their session on Strategic Workforce Planning in the Age of AI, Deloitte's Marc Solow and Russell Klosk explored how organizations can build resilient, future-ready workforce strategies amid economic uncertainty, shifting demographics, and AI-driven change. They demonstrated how to leverage internal and external data, AI-powered forecasting, and process governance to model, plan, and adapt workforce strategies. Case studies illustrated how combining Visier's analytics with Deloitte's planning approach enables more responsive, data-driven workforce decision-making.

More stories of Visier customers and partners building innovative people analytics solutions on Visier People and Visier's People Data Platform can be found here.

From Ryan Wong, CEO, Visier

"Outsmart is my favorite week of the year because it brings together, in one physical space, the positive impact of so much of what we do," said Ryan Wong, co-founder and CEO, Visier. "The range of brilliant solutions our customers and partners have built with Visier to solve the highest value business problems at the intersection of people and work is enormously exciting to see."

About Visier

Visier gives organizations a Workforce AI Edge: a set of AI-powered capabilities that help leaders understand the relationship between people and work, elevate the productivity of their employees, and win by adapting to change faster. The company is the global leader in AI-powered people analytics, workforce planning, and compensation allocation. All Visier technology is underpinned by its Real-time People Data Platform, which uses AI to unlock the business-transforming potential of people data, work data, and the fusion of both. Founded in 2010 by the pioneers of business intelligence, Visier has over 65,000 customers in 75 countriesincluding enterprises like BASF, Panasonic, Experian, Amgen, eBay, Ford Motor Company, and more. To learn more about Visier, visit www.visier.com.

Media Contact

Walker Sands

[email protected]

SOURCE Visier
PITTSBURGH, April 17, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Wesco International (NYSE: WCC) will hold its first quarter 2025 earnings conference call on Thursday, May 1 at 9:00 a.m. ET. Dial-in details are below. The live audio webcast of the earnings presentation can be accessed at https://investors.wesco.com, where related materials will be posted prior to the presentation, and a replay of the webcast will be available.

Wesco will also be participating in the Oppenheimer Industrial Growth Conference on May 7; Wolfe Research Global Transportation & Industrials Conference on May 20; Baird Industrial Distribution Field Trip on May 21; KeyBanc Industrials & Basic Materials Conference on May 28; and the Goldman Sachs Leveraged Finance and Credit conference on May 29.

First Quarter Earnings Call Dial-In Access

Live Access

North America Toll Free: 1-877-443-5356

International: 1-412-902-6614

Please ask to join the "Wesco" call

Replay Access

A recording will be available until June 1, 2025.

U.S. Toll Free: 1-877-344-7529

Canada Toll Free: 855-669-9658

International Toll: 1-412-317-0088

Replay Access Code: 3607376

About Wesco

Wesco International (NYSE: WCC) builds, connects, powers and protects the world. Headquartered in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, Wesco is a FORTUNE 500 company with approximately $22 billion in annual sales in 2024 and a leading provider of business-to-business distribution, logistics services and supply chain solutions. Wesco offers a best-in-class product and services portfolio of Electrical and Electronic Solutions, Communications and Security Solutions, and Utility and Broadband Solutions. The Company employs approximately 20,000 people, partners with the industry's premier suppliers, and serves thousands of customers around the world. With millions of products, end-to-end supply chain services, and leading digital capabilities, Wesco provides innovative solutions to meet customer needs across commercial and industrial businesses, contractors, educational institutions, government agencies, technology companies, telecommunications providers, and utilities. Wesco operates more than 700 sites, including distribution centers, fulfillment centers, and sales offices in approximately 50 countries, providing a local presence for customers and a global network to serve multi-location businesses and global corporations.

Contact Information:

Investor Relations

Will Ruthrauff

Director, Investor Relations

484-885-5648

Corporate Communications

Jennifer Sniderman

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SOURCE Wesco International
LONDON, April 17, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- ZND, a digital finance platform operated by regulated European digital asset exchange zondacrypto , has secured a $20 million token investment commitment from Rollman Management Digital to support the continued development of its technology and business operations. ZND's goal is to provide a streamlined one-stop-shop to explore, earn, trade, and borrow digital assets.

This funding will help advance the platform's vision of becoming a user-friendly, all-in-one destination that enables individuals to access and engage with digital finance in a simple and intuitive way.

"We're incredibly proud of what we've built with ZND so far, and this commitment from Rollman Management Digital is a major milestone in our journey," said Przemysaw Kral, CEO of zondacrypto. "It's a strong signal of trust, not just in our technology and vision, but in the long-term value of the $ZND token. With this investment, we'll be able to accelerate development, add new features, and continue building a platform that makes digital finance more accessible to everyone. We're just getting started, and the best is yet to come."

"Our US$20 million commitment to ZND shows our strong belief in the project, the team behind it, and the role the $ZND token will play in the platform's growth," said Victor R. Ch. Rollman, CEO of Rollman Management Digital. "From the very beginning, our conversations were open and collaborative. We appreciate how well the token model is built around long-term value and growth. This investment will help ZND move faster, improving the platform, reaching more users, and rolling out even more features than initially planned. We see real potential here and are proud to support what's next."

ZND's primary objective is to lower the barriers to entry in digital finance by offering a platform tailored to both newcomers and experienced users. By combining cutting-edge technology with a focus on user-centric design, ZND aims to make digital finance more accessible and approachable.

ZND places a strong emphasis on regulatory compliance and security. The platform's team follows relevant regulatory standards, pursues necessary licenses in its target jurisdictions, and maintains strict security protocols, including offline storage of digital assets and ongoing risk management measures.

This is the latest update in a series of recent announcements from zondacrypto. In line with zondacrypto's values related to education, sports, and social engagement, it has appointed racing drivers Arthur Leclerc and Valtteri Bottas and cyclist Tiffany Cromwell as brand ambassadors, announced partnerships with the Strade Bianche, Milano-Sanremo and St-Tropez to Monaco bike rides, and has been named Title Sponsor of The Eisstadion Davos and AS Monaco Basket's VIP Lounge.

About ZND

The ZND's mission is to empower users to take control of their financial future through simple, reliable, and AI-powered cryptocurrency solutions. Whether you're a beginner exploring digital assets or an advanced trader managing a diverse portfolio, ZND provides an intuitive and efficient ecosystem designed to enhance your experience in digital finance.

The $ZND token is at the core of our platform, serving as a settlement unit, reward mechanism, and user incentive. Integrated into our tokenomics model, $ZND is designed to grow alongside the expansion of the ZND ecosystem, reinforcing its value and utility. With a strong commitment to compliance, ZND adheres to EU crypto regulations and holds licenses in multiple countries, ensuring a secure and transparent trading environment. The team remains dedicated to simplifying digital finance and making it more accessible for everyone.

More information can be found at www.znd.co and www.zndtoken.com , as well as in token's Whitepaper and on project's X , Telegram , Dextool , and GitBook .

About zondacrypto

zondacrypto is a trusted and long-established regulated crypto exchange in Europe, and the operator of the ZND platform. Founded in 2014 by a team of crypto visionaries, investors, and developers, zondacrypto has continuously evolved to uphold the highest regulatory standards while driving innovation beyond borders. The exchange holds operational licenses, VASP register entries, or SRO memberships in Italy, Switzerland, Cyprus, Estonia, Slovakia, and Canada. It is fully MiCAR-compliant and adheres to Estonia's stringent AML regulations.

With a mission to simplify the world of crypto for all, zondacrypto is proud to support a range of cryptocurrencies, fiat currencies, and stablecoins. It also offers a suite of products, including the crypto-fiat payment gateway zondacrypto pay, the ZND asset management platform, and the zondacrypto Academy educational platform. Trusted by a global network of users, zondacrypto continues to lead in offering secure, innovative solutions for digital asset trading. zondacrypto is the driving force behind the ZND token. For more information, please visit zondacrypto.com .

About Rollman Management Digital

Rollman Management is a global business consulting and services firm specialised in emerging technologies for both traditional and transformative industries, driven by the firm belief that optimisation is not an end in itself but an opportunity to better the world of tomorrow. The firm seeks to invest in talented teams and their blockchain protocols to further develop their technology and business while adding significant value to the future of the modern economy.

More details are available at rollmanmanagement.com .

Media Contact

[email protected]

Logo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2666627/ZND_Logo.jpg

SOURCE ZND
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New Delhi, April 17 : The top BJP leadership held an important meeting on Wednesday in Delhi regarding the party's organisational elections, in the presence of Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

The meeting, held at the Prime Minister's residence, was attended by Union Home Minister Amit Shah, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, and BJP's National General Secretary (Organisation), B.L. Santhosh.

The organisational reshuffle is expected to have a significant impact on the BJP's electoral strategy ahead of upcoming polls.

Discussions also focused around the upcoming election for the BJP President.

According to party sources, the announcement regarding the election could be made within a week.

In addition to deliberating on the national leadership, the meeting also focused on organisational changes at the state level.

Sources said that the names of new state BJP presidents for states like Karnataka, Uttar Pradesh, West Bengal, and Madhya Pradesh were discussed.

The election for the BJP President was to be completed by February 2025, but was delayed due to state elections, including Haryana, Maharashtra, Jharkhand and Delhi.

The party may announce around half a dozen state unit presidents in the next two to three days.

"The election process for choosing the BJP President could begin any time after April 20," the party sources said.

The election for the BJP President was supposed to take place in January. However, with April halfway through, it remains pending.

J.P. Nadda, who has been serving as the BJP President since January 2020, had his term extended beyond the three-year limit to ensure a smooth transition and proper preparation for the next leadership phase.

According to the BJP constitution, the term of the National President is generally three years, elected through consensus within the party.

Party insiders believe that the delay is due to the careful selection of a leader who can further strengthen the organisation.

BJP is looking for a young organisational structure and this could lead to ouster of some current General Secretaries being replaced by young faces, keeping in mind the future prospects of the party, party sources said.
Gaza, April 17 : At least 19 Palestinians were killed in Israeli attacks on various areas of the Gaza Strip, according to Gaza's Civil Defence.

Civil Defence spokesperson Mahmoud Basal told Xinhua on Wednesday that 10 people, including children and women, were killed in an Israeli airstrike that targeted the home of the Hassouna family in the al-Tuffah neighbourhood, northeast of Gaza City.

In the Jabalia area, north of the Gaza Strip, the Israeli army killed three people and wounded others, Xinhua news agency reported.

Five people, including at least two children, were killed by Israeli drone strikes in Khan Younis, south of the Gaza Strip. And a Palestinian man was killed after an Israeli aircraft targeted a tent where food is distributed to the displaced in the central city of Nuseirat, Basal said.

Palestinian security sources said that since the early hours of Wednesday, Israeli artillery shelling has continued on the eastern areas of Gaza City, the Beit Hanoun, and the Beit Lahia areas in the northern Gaza Strip.

Meanwhile, the Al-Qassam Brigades, the armed wing of Hamas, said in a statement that its members had targeted three Israeli Merkava 4 tanks near Al-Wafa Hospital, east of Gaza City.

The Israeli army has not commented on the attacks yet.

The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) said in a statement on Wednesday that as part of the renewed operation in the Gaza Strip since March 18, a total of 11 senior officials from Hamas' political bureau have been killed.

"So far, as part of renewed operations, nearly 1,200 terror targets have been struck from the air by 350 fighter jets and aircraft of the IAF. More than 100 targeted eliminations have been carried out, and hundreds of terrorists and military commanders from terror organizations in the Gaza Strip have been neutralised," it added.

The health authorities in Gaza announced on Wednesday that at least 25 people were killed, and 89 others injured across Gaza in the past 24 hours.

The latest figure has brought the death toll since Israel renewed its offensive on Gaza to 1,652, and the overall death toll since the start of the war in October 2023 to 51,025.
Jerusalem, April 17 : Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has instructed Israeli negotiators to "continue the steps" for the release of hostages still held in Gaza, his office said, as efforts to revive the ceasefire appeared to be stalled.

"The Prime Minister issued an instruction for the continuation of the steps to advance the release of our hostages," the office said on Wednesday in a statement.

The statement followed an assessment meeting on the 59 hostages who are still being held in Gaza with the negotiating team and the heads of the security establishment, Xinhua news agency reported.

"The Prime Minister issued directives for the continuation of the steps to advance the release of our hostages," his office said in a statement, adding that he held an assessment on the issue with the negotiating team and the heads of the security establishment.

Israeli forces have taken over more than half of Gaza in a renewed campaign to pressure Hamas militants to release hostages after Israel ended their ceasefire last month.

Israel has also refused to withdraw from some areas in Lebanon following a ceasefire with the Hezbollah militant group last year, and it seized a buffer zone in southern Syria after rebels overthrew Syrian President Bashar Assad in December.

"Unlike in the past, the (Israeli military) is not evacuating areas that have been cleared and seized," Defence Minister Israel Katz said in a statement.

The military "will remain in the security zones as a buffer between the enemy and (Israeli) communities in any temporary or permanent situation in Gaza a" as in Lebanon and Syria".

The United Nations said an estimated 500,000 Palestinians have been displaced since the end of the ceasefire, triggering what it has described as the most severe humanitarian crisis the territory has faced since the war started after the Hamas' October 7, 2023, attacks.

On Monday, Israel's state-owned Kan TV reported that Egyptian and Qatari negotiators have presented to Hamas a new deal proposal that includes the release of about 10 hostages and a temporary truce.

Hamas said in a statement that it was studying the proposal.

The Israeli military said that it had "achieved full operational control over several key areas and routes throughout the Gaza Strip".

"Nearly 30 per cent of the Gaza Strip's territory is now designated as an Operational Security Perimeter."

It added that Israeli air strikes had hit "nearly 1,200 terror targets" and that "more than 100 targeted eliminations have been carried out" since March 18.

Katz said this month that the military was leaving Gaza "smaller and more isolated".

Israeli officials have repeatedly said that military pressure was the only way to force Hamas to release the 58 hostages still held in Gaza.
New York, April 17 : An Indian-descent doctor has been convicted of participating in a $2.3 million conspiracy to illegally distribute controlled substances and of healthcare fraud, according to the US Justice Department.

Neil Anand, 48, was also convicted of money laundering on Tuesday in a federal court in Pennsylvania, the department said on Wednesday.

In the conspiracy to illegally distribute drugs, he issued pre-signed medical prescriptions for oxycodone that were used by interns to enable just nine patients collect 20,850 tablets, it said.

Oxycodone is an opioid painkiller that can be highly addictive and is one of the substances behind the drug epidemic sweeping the US.

Anand also issued "medically unnecessary prescription medications" in what prosecutors called "Goody Bags" through pharmacies he owned if they wanted to get the controlled drugs, and billed health insurance companies and government insurance plans for the unneeded medicines.

The insurance companies and plans paid $2.3 million for the medicines in the "Goody Bags", the prosecutors said.

When Anand became aware of the investigation, he transferred about $1.2 million to an account in his father's name and for the benefit of his minor daughter, to conceal the proceeds from the fraud, according to the prosecutors.

One of the government lawyers who prosecuted him was Arun Bodapati, who works in the Justice Department's Criminal Division's Fraud Section.

Anand is scheduled to be sentenced in August.

He was originally charged in 2019 with four others, three of whom were described as medical graduates of foreign universities without licence to practice medicine in the US.

On December 14, 2017, an Indian-American doctor was arrested on 39 charges of unlawful distribution of prescription opioids and healthcare fraud, officials said.

The cardiologist was based in the US state of Nevada.

The 58-year-old doctor allegedly prescribed opioids such fentanyl, hydrocodone and oxycodone. Opiods are substances which act on opioid receptors to produce morphine-like effects.

Cardiologist Devendra Patel allegedly prescribed the aforementioned drugs without legitimate medical cause on a routine basis from May 2014 to September 2017, according to an announcement made by US Attorney General Jeff Sessions and other law enforcement officials.

The accused, Devendra Patel, had appeared in a federal court in Reno city of Nevada and pleaded not guilty, the US media reported.
Mexico City, April 17 : Mexico has delivered a diplomatic note to the US after reports emerged that Washington is considering establishing a new military base near the shared border to deter irregular migration, Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum said.

Speaking at her daily press briefing on Wednesday, Sheinbaum acknowledged that the decision is a sovereign matter for the US on its own territory, but emphasised that it must not impact Mexico or cross into its jurisdiction, Xinhua news agency reported.

"We respect their autonomy, but we expect the same coordination and cooperation on security that we've had so far," she said.

A reporter asked the Mexican President about the US' reported plan to establish a military base on its southern border with Mexico.

The question came after US Secretary of the Interior Doug Burgum travelled to New Mexico on Tuesday to "announce the emergency withdrawal and transfer" to the US Army "of administrative jurisdiction over nearly 109,651 acres of federal land along the US-Mexico border," according to an Interior Department statement.

"a The Department of the Army requested the withdrawal and transfer of these lands on an emergency basis to allow for the increase in regular patrols by federal personnel, construction of infrastructure to prevent unlawful entry, disrupt foreign terrorist threats to the US, and to curb illegal cross-border activities, such as unlawful migration, narcotics trafficking, migrant smuggling, and human trafficking," the statement said.

While the specific purpose of the proposed US military deployment remains unclear, Sheinbaum stressed that Mexico is focused on addressing the root causes of migration and expects any action to respect human rights and avoid harming border communities.

The President noted that similar US troop deployments have occurred in the past, and reiterated that Mexico remains in regular communication with Washington to prevent any disruption to bilateral relations.

According to US media, US President Donald Trump sent a memorandum to four federal department heads on April 11 instructing them to allow the military to use and take jurisdiction of federal land along the US-Mexico border, and the Trump administration is evaluating the establishment of a military base along the border.
Kyiv, April 17 : The Ukrainian Parliament has voted to extend the country's current martial law and general military mobilisation for another 90 days, parliament member Yaroslav Zheleznyak said on social media Telegram.

According to Zheleznyak, 357 lawmakers supported the extension of martial law, while 346 backed the mobilisation -- well above the 226 votes required for approval, Xinhua news agency reported on Wednesday.

The new extension will be from May 9 to August 6, reported the Interfax-Ukraine news agency.

Ukraine first imposed martial law and declared nationwide mobilisation following the outbreak of the ongoing war with Russia in February 2022, and has repeatedly extended both measures.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky submitted respective Bills to the Parliament.

Martial law was declared in Ukraine on February 24, 2022, and repeatedly extended.

Kyiv officials said on numerous occasions that martial law made presidential and parliamentary elections in Ukraine impossible.

The presidential term of Zelensky expired in May 2024, which makes him illegitimate in the eyes of Russian officials.

Under Ukraine's Constitution, elections cannot be held during martial law -- a provision that remains in effect despite external calls, including from Russia and the US, for a timeline on a future vote.

Russia's President Vladimir Putin has repeatedly questioned the legitimacy of his Ukrainian counterpart, Volodymyr Zelensky, whose five-year term was originally due to end in May last year, and even raised the prospect of a temporary United Nations-backed government to lead Ukraine to elections.

Reacting to the martial law extension, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov accused Kyiv of trying to "preserve its unstable structure".

In February, US President Donald Trump described Zelensky as a "dictator without elections", prompting Ukrainians to rally around their leader and boosting his approval ratings.

US President Donald Trump has called for holding a presidential election in Ukraine.

As peace talks led by the Trump administration created hopes for a potential ceasefire and eventual elections, some Ukrainian Opposition politicians have grown more vocal in their criticism of Zelensky. Still, there is broad support for maintaining martial law.

Petro Poroshenko, a former President and leader of the country's largest opposition party, said there was no doubt martial law should be prolonged, but accused Zelensky of attempting to use the measure to shore up his powers.

"I want to stress that we should recognise the obvious a" the government has started to abuse martial law, using it not only to defend the country, but to build an authoritarian regime," Poroshenko said during parliamentary debates on Tuesday.
New Delhi, April 17 : Businessman Robert Vadra, husband of Congress MP Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, will on Thursday again join the Enforcement Directorate's probe into a money laundering case linked to a land deal in Shikohpur, Haryana.

This will be his third day of questioning by the ED. He was questioned for around six hours by the ED on Tuesday, and has been asked to join the probe again on Thursday at 11 a.m.

Vadra was earlier summoned by the agency on April 8 but did not appear. A second summons was then issued for Tuesday. He has been summoned after some new facts came to light during the investigation into the 2008 land deal, sources have said, adding that the officials will confront him with these new points.

His statement is being recorded under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA).

Vadra, brother-in-law of Rahul Gandhi, has denied any wrongdoing, describing the investigation as a "political vendetta".

On Wednesday, he reached the ED office around 11 a.m., accompanied by his wife Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, the Congress MP from Kerala's Wayanad. They hugged each other before Robert Vadra entered the office. Priyanka Gandhi stayed in the visitors' room of the agency's office, 'Pravartan Bhawan', at the APJ Abdul Kalam Road throughout the questioning.

Sources have said that Vadra has been confronted with about a dozen questions during the 10 hours he spent at the ED office over two days.

Vadra on Wednesday accused the government of stopping him from "doing good work and speaking about their unjust behaviour towards minorities".

He has said that he is innocent and that 'truth will prevail.' In a Facebook post, Vadra said that his birthday week seva had been hampered by the ED summoning him.

"My Birthday Week Seva has been paused for a few days. Plans I have made for feeding the elderly and gifts for all the children in different areas will be continued as soon as I get over the "Government's ways of stopping Me", from doing good and speaking about their unjust behavior towards minorities, or if there are even wishes and talks of me being in politics," wrote Vadra.

He said that nothing was going to deter him from fulfilling people's wishes and needs. "I'm here for any kind of unjust pressure. I believe in the truth, and truth will prevail," he said in the post.

The case pertains to a land purchase in February 2008 for Rs 7.5 crore by Vadra's Skylight Hospitality in Shikohpur in Haryana's Gurugram district. The mutation process, which usually takes months, was done the next day. Months later, he received a permit to develop a housing society on the land, and the value of the plot increased. He sold it to DLF in June at Rs 58 crore.

Suspecting the proceeds to be part of a money laundering scheme, the ED has been probing the trail behind the windfall gains. The deals were made when Congress was at the helm in the state, and Bhupinder Singh Hooda was the chief minister.
Kolkata, April 17 : A National Commission for Women (NCW) delegation will visit violence-affected areas in West Bengal and meet the victims.

The delegation will arrive in Kolkata on Thursday evening and proceed to Malda on April 18 and Murshidabad on April 19.

The NCW enquiry committee will probe the Murshidabad violence and NCW Chairperson Vijaya Rahatkar will personally visit violence-hit areas and meet the victims.

Several areas in the district witnessed violent protests over the newly-promulgated Waqf (Amendment) Act last week.

The total number of arrests in connection with the violence in pockets of Murshidabad district of West Bengal has crossed 200 till now, a senior official of the state police said.

The West Bengal Police on Wednesday announced the constitution of a nine-member Special Investigation Team (SIT) to probe the violence and riot-like situation in the minority-dominated Murshidabad district throughout almost the entire last week over protests against the Waqf Amendment Act becoming violent.

The NCW on Wednesday, announced the formation of an enquiry committee to investigate the violence.

The NCW stated that the decision to form its probe committee was taken after the commission took suo motu cognizance of reports of several women enduring molestation during the communal unrest in the Mandirpara area of Dhulian, Murshidabad district.

"The violence has led to the exodus of hundreds of women, many of whom were forced to cross the Bhagirathi River in search of safety, seeking refuge in the nearby district of Malda. These women have been torn from their homes, living in fear and uncertainty, facing unimaginable trauma and loss," the NCW statement read.

"The committee will also include Dr. Archana Majumdar, Member of the NCW, and Dr. Shivani Dey, Deputy Secretary of the NCW, to support the enquiry and ensure a thorough investigation," the NCW statement read.

Meanwhile, the nine-member SIT of the state police will be headed by an officer of the rank of additional superintendent of police, who will be assisted by two officers in the ranks of deputy superintendents of police and six inspector-ranking officers.

The SIT will have representations from various departments of state police namely Intelligence Branch, Counter Insurgency Force, Criminal Investigation Department, and Cyber Crime Division.

The two announcements came on a day when a petition has already been filed at Calcutta High Court by some victim families of Murshidabad seeking a probe by the National Investigation Agency (NIA) into the violence. The hearing on the matter will be held on Thursday.
New York, April 17 : President Donald Trump's administration has become embroiled in a standoff with the judiciary over its program to send to El Salvador illegal migrants who are allegedly members of criminal gangs now declared as foreign terrorist organisations.

A federal judge on Wednesday threatened criminal contempt proceedings against the administration for not following his order to return to the US a plane that was ferrying Venezuelan migrants to a notorious high-security detention centre in El Salvador.

Another federal judge had on Tuesday told the Justice Department that she was going to move against it for failing to comply with orders to bring back a Salvadoran migrant whom the government admitted had been erroneously deported to El Salvador.

She also held out the possibility of contempt proceedings against officials.

The threats by the two judges in separate cases to rein in the administration's deportation actions test the Constitution's separation of powers between the executive and judicial branches of government.

Trump and his officials have brushed off the judiciary's threats.

Judge James Boasberg said that there was probable cause to hold the administration in contempt for failing to return the migrants en route to El Salvador to give them a chance to challenge their deportation in a US court.

The Justice Department maintains that once the planes were in flight they were out of the court's jurisdiction and could not be returned.

"The Constitution does not tolerate willful disobedience of judicial orders  especially by officials of a coordinate branch who have sworn an oath to uphold it", Boasberg said.

The administration, which invoked the Alien Enemies Act to deport them, has refused to provide him with details about the migrants, asserting that it would compromise state secrets.

The administration asserted that 238 Venezuelans were members of the dangerous criminal gang Tren de Aragua involved in crimes in the US and abroad and since it has been declared a foreign terrorist organisation it could act against them under the Alien Enemies Act, a 1798 law.

Boasberg said that the government would not have to bring them back, but only give them a chance to challenge their deportation in court.

Failing that, he would require officials to testify under oath to identify those who disregarded his order and prosecute whoever was responsible, he said.

When a court cites someone for criminal contempt, the Justice Department prosecutes them.

If it refused to prosecute, Boasberg indicated he would appoint an outside lawyer as the prosecutor.

The Trump administration said it would challenge Boasberg, taking it to the Supreme Court where it had earlier notched a partial victory against him in another matter.

On appeal, the Supreme Court struck down a temporary order by Boasberg to stop deportations under the Alien Enemies Act, but upheld the rights of those facing deportation under the law to challenge it in court.

In the other case, the Salvadoran man Kilmar Abrego Garcia was deported by mistake although a judge had ordered that he should not be sent to El Salvador where he may face violence.

Judge Paula Xinis ordered the government to bring him back.

On an appeal, the Supreme Court partially sided with the judge, ordering the government to only "facilitate" his return, rather than actually bring him back as Xinis ordered.

On Monday, at a White House meeting with Trump, El Salvador's President Nayib Bukele said he would not release Garcia from the dreaded Centro de Confinamiento del Terrorismo (CECOT) prison for hardened criminals.

Attorney General Pam Bondi said that the matter was in the hands of Bukele and Garcia was "not coming back" and it was the "end of story".

Taking a narrow interpretation of the Supreme Court's dictum to "facilitate" Garcia's return, Bondi said if El Salvador released him the US would provide a plane to bring him back.

The government says that though the deportation was a mistake, Garcia belonged to MS-13, a notorious gang with roots in El Salvador.

Xinis had asked the Justice Department to provide regular updates on what it was doing to facilitate his return, and information on his case.

Frustrated by the government's refusal to fully respond, she said, "There will be no tolerance for gamesmanship or grandstanding".

She ordered four government officials to sit for a deposition next week with Garcia's lawyers.

The Administration's lawyer Dave Ensign indicated that the government may appeal her ruling.

Ultimately, the Supreme Court may have the final say on contempt proceedings, and were they to come about it could set the scene for a momentous confrontation between the Trump administration and the judiciary.

Trump has called Boasberg a "radical left lunatic" and a group of Republican members of the House of Representatives have introduced a resolution to impeach him.
Seoul, April 17 : LG CNS, an information technology affiliate of South Korea's LG Electronics, said on Thursday it has signed agreements to develop electric vehicle (EV) charging infrastructure and smart city solutions in the United States.

Under a deal with the New York City Economic Development Corporation, LG CNS will install and operate EV charging stations at the Brooklyn Army Terminal (BAT), a former military supply base now being redeveloped into a modern commercial, manufacturing hub.

As part of the Pilots at BAT programme, the company will also implement a charging and discharging control system, along with a mobile app providing real-time energy usage data for users, according to LG CNS, reports Yonhap news agency.

LG CNS also signed a separate contract with a U.S. government agency to build smart city infrastructure in Hogansville, Georgia.

The project includes the installation of smart poles and an integrated control system designed to improve public safety, connectivity and urban operations through AI-driven solutions.

LG CNS said it plans to expand its eco-friendly smart city initiatives across the U.S., leveraging its expertise in digital transformation and sustainable infrastructure.

Meanwhile, Hyundai Motor, South Korea's leading carmaker, said on Thursday it will launch the all-new Palisade sport utility vehicle (SUV) in the United States later this year.

The second-generation Palisade SUV, a full-change model after six years, has been available in the domestic market since January.

Hyundai Motor introduced the new flagship SUV at the New York International Auto Show, set to run through April 27, ahead of its U.S. launch in the second half of the year, according to the company.

The new Palisade comes with a 3.5-liter gasoline engine or a 2.5-liter turbocharged gasoline hybrid engine for the U.S. market, the company said in a press release.

In Korea, models with a 2.5-liter turbo gasoline engine or a 2.5-liter turbo gasoline hybrid engine have been launched.

Hyundai Motor continues to invest in extended range electric vehicles (EREV), hydrogen fuel cell electric vehicles, gasoline and gasoline hybrid models as the automobile industry is based on consumer demand, the company's Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Jose Munoz said.

a"IANS

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Mumbai, April 17 : Debutante Shanaya Kapoor shared some "random" pictures of herself from the sets of "Aankhon Ki Gustaakhiyan." Mumbai, April 17 (IANS) Debutante Shanaya Kapoor shared some "random" pictures of herself from the sets of "Aankhon Ki Gustaakhiyan."

Shanaya took to Instagram on Thursday morning to share a cozy glimpse into her winter moments. The photo dump began with a close-up selfie, where she's seen bundled up in a jacket and snug earmuffs, radiating that soft winter glow. In the next shot, she playfully hides half her face behind a muffler, letting only her expressive eyes peek through.

The final post was a video of Shanaya strolling through a gentle snowfall, wrapped in a warm jacket and woolen hat, her nose adorably pink from the cold.

For the caption, she wrote, "Random selfies in the cold. #akg."

'Aankhon Ki Gustaakhiyan' also stars Vikrant Massey. Directed by Santosh Singh, the project will mark the Bollywood debut of Shanaya. The movie is based on Ruskin Bond's cherished short story, "The Eyes Have It." While Shanaya will be seen in the role of a theater artist, Vikrant will play a blind musician in his next.

The script for "Aankhon Ki Gustakhiyaan" has been penned by acclaimed writers Niranjan Iyengar and Mansi Bagla. Produced by Mansi and Varun Bagla's Mini Films, the movie marks the production's second collaboration with Vikrant, after the "Forensic" remake.

Apart from "Aankhon Ki Gustaakhiyan," Shanaya is also expected to appear in the upcoming web series "Student of the Year," backed by Dharma Productions.

She also has 'Tu Yaa Main' with Adarsh Gourav by Bejoy Nambiar. The movie is touted to be an adrenaline-charged experience that seamlessly blends love, primal terror, and survival. It has been produced by Colour Yellow, the banner behind films like "Tumbbad" and "Haseen Dillruba."

Set for a Valentine's Day 2026 release, "Tu Yaa Main" is believed to be a gripping, genre-blending ride.

It was announced on March 12 that Shanaya Kapoor has started shooting with Abhay Verma for Shujaat Saudagar's new film in Goa.
Beijing, April 17 : A Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson said on Thursday that the United States' 245 per cent tariff on certain products from China no longer makes economic sense.

It the US continues to play the "tariff numbers game", it will pay no attention to it, according to the spokesperson, Xinhua news agency reported.

The statement came in the wake of White House's statement that China faces tariffs of up to 245 per cent due to its retaliatory action.

China now faces up to 245 per cent tariffs on imports to the US as a result of its retaliatory tariffs, according to the White House Fact sheet.

This came after Beijing ordered its airlines not to take any further deliveries of Boeing jets in response to the earlier US decision to impose 145 per cent tariffs on Chinese goods.

According to the White House, the US President is open to making a trade deal with China, but Beijing should make the first move.

"More than 75 countries have already reached out to discuss new trade deals. As a result, the individualised higher tariffs are currently paused amid these discussions, except for China, which retaliated," it said.

The White House also accused Beijing of banning exports to the US of gallium, germanium, antimony, and other key high-tech materials with potential military applications.

There are no winners in a trade conflict and the tussle between China and the US raises the risk of economic and geopolitical fallout, a report by S&P Global Ratings said this week.

Home to sizable manufacturing activities, Asia-Pacific is highly dependent on exports to the U.S. and China for growth. At the same time, Asia-Pacific depends on the US mostly for security.

The region could find itself pushed to take sides or walk a delicate line between the two large economies, the report stated.

To counteract tariffs, Asia-Pacific governments are exploring the formation of regional trade blocs or bilateral trade agreements. These efforts could accelerate, expediting the need to relocate supply sources and production.

China's economic growth is seeing rising downside risk amid rising trade tensions with the US as its export engine falters from weaker global demand. The country's domestic growth engine remains subdued, given the lingering real estate crisis, which is dragging down confidence.

a"IANS

na/
Milan, April 17 : Goals from Lautaro Martinez and Benjamin Pavard helped Inter reach the Champions League semifinal for the second time in three seasons with 5-4 aggregate win over Bayern Munich.

Both teams were heavily involved in the opening exchanges. Thomas Muller forced the first save six minutes in with a skidding drive following a neat turn on the edge of the area after collecting Michael Olise's pass, while Dimarco was unable to add the finish to a sweeping move from the hosts, drilling his low effort straight at Jonas Urbig.

The 35-year-old MAller was in the thick of the action again as Bayern aimed to breach a Nerazzurri defence that had conceded just once on home soil in this season's competition, the visitors stepping up the pressure following a Hakan AalhanoAYlu curler that flew narrowly wide, UEFA reports.

A Joshua Kimmich volley and an acrobatic Leroy SanA strike were both claimed by Yann Sommer late in the first half, the Swiss international aiming for an eighth clean sheet in the Champions League this term.

Harry Kane had other ideas soon after the interval, and pulled his side level in the tie when steering a precise finish into the far corner from the right of the area when it appeared the hosts' back line had all angles covered.

However, the Serie A leaders hit back with two goals in the space of four minutes either side of the hour, captain Lautaro MartAnez instigating the fightback with a powerful, opportunistic finish after the visitors were unable to clear following a corner.

With Simone Inzaghi's men in the ascendancy, the 2009-10 winners made the most of another set piece when former Bayern defender Benjamin Pavard timed his leap perfectly to meet Calhanoglu's outswinging delivery from the right and plant a fierce header high into the net.

The Bundesliga leaders surged forward in the final 15 minutes and set up a nervy finish from a well-worked dead-ball routine themselves, Eric Dier somehow finding the net with a looping header from a tight angle after a pinpoint delivery from substitute Serge Gnabry.

Bayern pushed for the goal that would have forced extra time and almost capitalised on some hesitation in the home defence with added time approaching, but Kane could only hook a half-volley over.

Muller and Kingsley Coman both came close to levelling on aggregate as time ticked down, but Inter held out to seal a semi-final place and set up a repeat of the 2009/10 semifinal against Barcelona, dashing the Munich outfit's hopes of reaching the final on home soil in the process.
New Delhi, April 17 : The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) on Thursday raided the residence of Aam Aadmi Party's (AAP) Gujarat poll co-incharge Durgesh Pathak. Soon after the raid, the AAP launched a scathing attack on the Union government, accusing it of misusing the central agencies in order to arm-twist the Opposition leaders ahead of the Gujarat Assembly elections in 2027.

In a post on social media platform X, AAP leader and former minister Saurabh Bharadwaj said: "The Central government has started to threaten the AAP leaders by using the CBI."

Notably Pathak was appointed the AAP's Gujarat co-incharge for the 2027 Assembly elections.

"In the previous Gujarat Assembly elections, the BJP, scared by the AAP's presence got our leader arrested. Now when Durgesh Pathak has been assigned the responsibility of Gujarat AAP election co-incharge, the CBI has raided his house," Bharadwaj said.

"The BJP got unnerved by Durgesh Pathak's appointment as it is in a bad shape in Gujarat," he claimed.

The leader also professed that the BJP views the AAP as the main Opposition in Gujarat.

The party also said that the CBI raid was proof that the BJP was fearing the AAP's expansion to other states in the country.

Party leader and former Delhi Chief Minister Atishi posted on X, "As soon as the AAP started preparing for the Gujarat polls, CBI raided the house of the party's election co-incharge of the state."

She claimed that only the AAP can challenge the BJP in Gujarat and the CBI raid shows the ruling party's "nervousness".

"In all these years, the BJP has not understood that we are not going to be scared of their threats," the Leader of the Opposition in the Delhi Assembly said in her post.

AAP leader and former Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia said, "The CBI raid on Pathak's house is not a coincidence. It is a conspiracy born out of the BJP's fear. The BJP knows that only the AAP can challenge them in Gujarat, and this truth has shaken them."
New Delhi, April 17 : Amid mounting troubles for the Gandhi-Vadra families over money laundering investigations, Congress leader Rahul Gandhi will be travelling to the US next week.

He is scheduled to give a talk and interact with the faculty members and students at Brown University in Rhode Island on April 21 and 22.

Congress' media and publicity department head Pawan Khera shared the details in his post on X.

He wrote, "Former Congress President Mr. Rahul Gandhi will be visiting Brown University, in Rhode Island, United States, on the 21st and 22nd of April. He will be giving a talk and interacting with faculty members and students"

Rahul Gandhi will also meet the NRIs and members of his party's overseas unit.

"Prior to visiting Rhode Island, Mr. Gandhi will meet with members of the NRI community, as well as office bearers and members of the Indian Overseas Congress (IOC)," Khera further wrote in his post.

The US visit comes days before a special Delhi court hears the National Herald case.

The Enforcement Directorate has filed a prosecution complaint against senior Congress leaders Sonia Gandhi, Rahul Gandhi, Sam Pitroda, and others in an alleged money laundering case related to the Associated Journals Limited, which owns the National Herald newspaper. On Tuesday (April 9), the special Delhi court posted the matter for its consideration on April 25.

The charge sheet names Sonia Gandhi and Rahul Gandhi as accused numbers 1 and 2. They together hold more than 75 per cent of the Congress-controlled Associated Journals Limited (AJL)'s shares.

The ED has also been questioning his brother-in-law and Priyanka Gandhi Vadra's husband, Robert Vadra, in a money laundering case linked to a land deal in Haryana's Gurugram.

The Congress workers and leaders have been holding nationwide protests against the ED and accusing the Centre of political vendetta.

Rahul Gandhi's US visits have always been followed by major controversies.

Last year in September, Gandhi, during his first visit to the US after becoming the Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha, raked up a major row. The BJP accused him of insulting the country. Addressing the Indian diaspora at an event in Herndon, Virginia, he said there was no religious freedom in India and pinpointed a Sikh and said that "the fight in India was about whether a Sikh would be allowed to practice their religion in the country."

He also hit out at the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) while addressing a gathering in Texas.

Last month, while the Budget session of Parliament was ongoing, Gandhi claimed he wasn't allowed to speak in the Lok Sabha. He reiterated past allegations that his microphone was switched off whenever he tried to address key issues in Parliament.
Patna, April 17 : With the Bihar Assembly elections inching closer, all eyes are on Patna where the first formal meeting of the Grand Alliance (Mahagathbandhan) parties will be held on Thursday.

The spotlight on Thursday will be on finalising the alliance strategy, setting a common agenda, and possibly endorsing Tejashwi Yadav as the chief ministerial face of the alliance.

The meeting will be held at the RJD state office in Patna at 1:00 pm and the agenda of the meeting is to make an election strategy, discuss seat sharing and the Common Minimum Programme.

The meeting is also likely to make a final decision on the chief ministerial candidate of the Grand Alliance, the coordination mechanism among allies and the joint action plan to counter the NDA.

As per RJD sources, Tejashwi Yadav, Rajya Sabha MPs Manoj Jha and Sanjay Yadav, Bihar Congressa incharge Krishna Allavaru, state President Rajesh Ram, Dipankar Bhattacharya of the CPI-ML, Mukesh Sahani of the Vikassheel Insaan Party (VIP) and leaders of the CPI and CPI(M) will be present.

The Rashtriya Lok Janshakti Party (RLJP), led by Pashupati Kumar Paras, has not been invited to the meeting.

The party exited the NDA recently but hasn't formally joined the Grand Alliance.

While the RJD has already declared Tejashwi Yadav as its chief ministerial candidate, the Congress has remained non-committal on it.

However, sources say a consensus may emerge today in favour of Tejashwi leading the charge in the state.

Sources said that matters like the Waqf (Amendment) Act that are seen as a potential rallying point to mobilise minority votes, 65 per cent reservation demand, social justice issues to counter the NDAas agenda, economic and unemployment issues, NDAas track record on education, health, and governance will be the key points on which they would chalk out the plan to counter the NDA.

The leaders of the Mahagathbandhan may plan joint rallies and campaigns, announce shared manifesto and campaign themes.

They will also begin seat-sharing talks soon after a consensus on leadership and schedule for future coordination meetings.

This meeting is being seen as a crucial step towards solidifying Opposition unity in Bihar.

If the Grand Alliance succeeds in presenting a united front under Tejashwias leadership, it could be a formidable challenge to the NDA in the upcoming Assembly polls.
Seoul, April 17 : The South Korean defence ministry has ordered troops to maintain their political neutrality and focus on their duties ahead of the June 3 presidential election, officials said on Thursday.

Under the guideline distributed the previous day, military service members are banned from taking part in or joining political groups, such as parties, and expressing support for or against certain parties and candidates.

The guideline, which also includes information on voting dates for service members, also mandates they are banned from forcing their political preference on other members of the military or engaging in election campaigns.

A ministry official said similar instructions have been given in previous election periods, Yonhap news agency reported.

The defence ministry has underscored the importance of political neutrality since some senior military officials were found to have played key roles in the short-lived martial law imposition on December 3.

Earlier this month, acting Defence Minister Kim Seon-ho instructed commanders to seamlessly conduct planned operations and training while adhering to political neutrality following the Constitutional Court's ruling to oust South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol.

The South Korean government designated June 3 as the date of the next presidential election following the ouster of 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.

Candidates will be required to register by May 11 and the official campaign period will kick off on May 12.

The law also requires a public servant running for President to resign at least 30 days before an election, making May 4 the deadline.

The new President will assume office immediately after the election without a transition team.

When former South Korean President Park Geun-hye was removed from office on March 10, 2017, the early election was also held exactly 60 days later, on May 9.

Meanwhile, Yoon, who dramatically rose from a top prosecutor to the presidency in about three years, became the nation's second President to be formally removed from office, with his surprise martial law bid rattling the nation for months and deepening political polarisation.
Chennai, April 17 : Tamil film actor and politician Sarath Kumar has praised director Ram Jagadish's recently released Telugu film, 'Court: State Vs A Nobody', saying the film was a 'must watch'.

Taking to his X timeline, Sarathkumar wrote, "Watched the Telugu film 'COURT' last night, an excellent film with a much needed message to the society in general, it is about youngsters, adolescence, parenting, above all knowing the law. A quote from the film "An uneducated person should also know law" was enlightening. There is lots more in the film which teaches analytical decision making and also helps developing a never give up attitude and finally that we all should believe "Truth will prevail". Kudos to the entire team well steered by director Ram Jagdish. A must watch film!"

The hit film, which has been presented by Telugu actor Nani and which deals with the misuse of the POCSO Act, has come in for widespread appreciation from men's rights activists as well.

Director Ram Jagadish had in an interview disclosed that the spark for the story came when he came across a case in real life.

Ram Jagadish had then said, "When I learned about that case, I began wondering if this could really happen. Over time, I learned that there were many more such cases. I also researched several POCSO cases. There are hundreds of such cases in Andhra Pradesh and Telangana. I read many case files for this story. I thought I could tell a good story with the material in all the case files. So, all of them were made into one story, which has now been presented on screen."

Court  State Vs A Nobody is a courtroom drama with a beautiful love story that deals with the misuse of the POCSO act. The film, which was presented by Nani's Wall Poster Cinema, featured Priyadarshi in the lead role.

The film, which hit screens this March 14, has been produced by Prashanthi Thipirneni.

--IANS

Mkr/

-- Except for the title, this story has not been edited by Prokerala team and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed
Bengaluru, April 17 : Interesting details have emerged regarding the arrest of the accused in the Bengaluru molestation case of two women. Police nabbed the accused, Santosh Daniel, 10 days after the incident, in Kerala, and it has emerged that his home guard girlfriend helped him hide.

After the CCTV footage of the incident went viral, it became a major challenge for the police department to crack the case quickly.

Sources reveal that the accused was in a live-in relationship with the female home guard. Daniel had sexually harassed two young women and then escaped -- later seen enjoying life in Kerala. The police have expressed shock over the home guard supporting the accused even after knowing about his act of molestation.

Sources reveal that shockingly, the molester was guided by his lover home guard on how to avoid the police after the incident.

Daniel was found having a good time at a resort in Kerala along with the female home guard at the time of arrest.

To confuse the police, the accused kept moving across four to five jurisdictional limits in Bengaluru. He used a Dio scooter and rode through the lanes of Suddguntepalya, Tilaknagar, and MICO Layout police station limits.

The police tracked his movements and launched a search operation. Just when they thought he was still in Bengaluru, he escaped to Kerala. He fled to Kerala with the female home guard from the Bellandur police station.

Though she was married and had a child, the home guard had stayed away from her husband for Daniel, according to sources. She had been in a live-in relationship with Santosh for three years. The home guard allegedly helped Daniel escape. She even accompanied him to Kerala. Initially, the couple went to Hosur, in Tamil Nadu, located close to Bengaluru.

Upon realising that the police were on their trail, they abandoned the bike in Hosur and fled to Salem. From Salem, they moved on to Kerala.

Police sources stated that the home guard had devised a master plan to avoid detection by police. She advised Daniel not to use his mobile phone. She also suggested folding the scooteras number plate so it wouldn't be visible.

When his movements could not be tracked, the special police teams continued their investigation in other directions. The accused, Daniel, was finally caught due to his traffic violation records. The police, who had gone through around 1,000 CCTV footage, identified him through a traffic violation.

They traced the number plate of a bike found at the crime scene, which led them to the suspect. It was the bike that eventually revealed Danielas identity. In the initial days of the investigation, the police traced the accused by tracking his bike.

The police sought help from the transport department during the process.

The Southeast Division police wrote to the transport department regarding the Dio scooter. They inquired about how many Dio scooters of that colour were registered in the city. With help from the transport department, the police got more clues about the accused.

Using the vehicle number, they traced Danielas home address. The police knocked on the door of Daniel's house in Galburga Colony, Jayanagar. Thatas when they found out that the accused was on the run. Karnataka Police arrested the accused on April 14.

Currently, Daniel is in police custody and being intensely interrogated. The police department has officially not revealed any details about the female home guard yet.

According to the police, they examined over 1,600 CCTV footage clips to track down the accused. Two special teams were formed, and based on technical leads, they searched for him in Tamil Nadu and Kerala.

The investigation began based on a complaint filed by a resident, Lokesh Gowda.

A video showing two young women being targeted by the accused in the early hours in a residential locality went viral on social media. The 17-second video showed two women walking down a deserted street flanked by houses on both sides. A tall, well-built man approaches them from behind, pushes one of the women aside, sexually harasses the other, and then escapes. The video also captures the visibly shaken women standing briefly to catch their breath before quickly leaving the scene.

The incident occurred at around 2 a.m. on April 4 in the jurisdiction of the Sadduguntepalya police station. The video went viral on April 6.
Los Angeles, April 17 : JK Rowling, the author of the 'Harry Potter' books, has lauded the decision of the UK Supreme Court's legal definition of a woman.

Los Angeles, April 17 (IANS) JK Rowling, the author of the 'Harry Potter' books, has lauded the decision of the UK Supreme Court's legal definition of a woman.

In a major ruling, the court has stated that the definition of a woman and sex in the Equality Act relates to "a biological woman and biological sex", reports 'Mirror.co.uk'.

However, judge Lord Hodge, who announced the decision, made clear that the law gives trans people protection against discrimination. The author took to her X, formerly Twitter, following the verdict, and shared her opinion on the verdict.

As per 'Mirror.co.uk', the author praised the "tenacious Scottish women" who 'got this case heard'. JK, who has been very vocal about trans people and their rights, said she was "proud" of their efforts, claiming they've "protected the rights of women across the UK".

She wrote, "It took three extraordinary, tenacious Scottish women with an army behind them to get this case heard by the Supreme Court and, in winning, they've protected the rights of women and girls across the UK. @ForWomenScot I'm so proud to know you".

She added, "Trans people have lost zero rights today, although I don't doubt some (not all) will be furious that the Supreme Court upheld women's sex-based rights". The ruling follows a series of challenges brought by the campaign group, For Women Scotland (FWS), over the definition of "woman" in Scottish legislation mandating 50% female representation on public boards.

The outcome of the case will have an impact on the whole of the UK after the lengthy legal battle was heard by the Supreme Court.

Responding to JK's post, many of her fans agreed with her, as one replied: "All of you who vilified @jk_rowling for standing up for women should hang your heads in shame".

Meanwhile, another said, "This is a huge win! Now we need to make the rest of the Western World see reason".

However, there were others who disagreed with the ruling and JK, who has made a series of controversial tweets regarding the trans community in the past, as they said, "Trans women are women and there's no 'argument' about that. Breaks my heart that we're going backwards and it's so frustrating feeling so powerless".
Mumbai, April 17 : The Maharashtra government has taken a policy decision to implement the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 with Hindi as a compulsory third language from the academic year 2025-26.

As per a detailed government notification, Hindi will be a compulsory third language for students in Classes 1 to 5 studying in Marathi and English medium schools.

The new curriculum under NEP 2020 will follow a phased timeline, starting with Class 1 in 2025-26 academic year and expanding to all grades by 2028-29.

According to the notification, other medium schools in Maharashtra are already following the three-language formula since English and Marathi are compulsory in the state; and they also teach the language which is their medium of instruction.

However, in English and Marathi medium schools, only two languages were taught.

In the case of Curriculum and Structure, the state government of Maharashtra will adopt the 5+3+3+4 model, with localised curriculum development by SCERT (State Council of Educational Research and Training) and Balbharati the state textbook bureau.

The SCERT has also prepared a bridge course for classes where students will be transitioning directly from the old to new curriculum.

The government aims to train 80 per cent of teachers in new pedagogical methods and digital tools by 2025.

"The 5+3+3+4 educational structure, introduced by the NEP 2020 under the new curriculum, divides school education into four stages: Foundational stage, preparatory stage, middle stage, and a secondary stage.

"This new policy restructures the previous 10+2+3 system into a 5+3+3+4 format, covering education from foundational to higher levels. The policy is being gradually implemented in the state. It is built on five pillars: Access, Equity, Quality, Affordability, and Accountability, and aligns with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) to be achieved by 2030," Deputy Secretary of the state education department, Tushar Mahajan said in a notification.

According the notification, the government will launch the commencement of the 5+3+3+4 structure of school education, as recommended under NEP 2020 wherein first five years (3 years of pre-primary and classes 1 and 2) will be foundational stage, classes 3 to 5 will be Preparatory stage, Classes 6 to 8 will be covered under Middle school and final four years (Classes 9 to 12) will be Secondary Education.

The three language formula, too, will be implemented as per the prescribed phases, starting with Class 1 from the upcoming academic year.

Further, the textbooks of Maharashtra State Board will now be based on curriculum developed by the National Council of Educational Research and Training (NCERT) along with modifications as per Maharashtra's local context, especially in subjects like Social Science and languages.

Accordingly, Class 1 textbooks are being published by Balbharati.
Bengaluru, April 17 : An FIR has been lodged against three persons in connection with the tragic incident at the Yelahanka Kogilu Junction in Bengaluru in which an autorickshaw driver lost his life after a Metro girder viaduct fell.

On Wednesday, the Bengaluru Metro Rail Corporation Limited (BMRCL) regretted the incident and promised to initiate all necessary measures to prevent such incidents in the future.

The Yelahanka Traffic Police have registered the FIR against the truck driver, the NCC Company Manager and the concerned contractor.

The police have registered a case under the Bharatiya Nyaya Snahita (BNS) Sections 281 (dangerous driving) and 106 (causing death by negligence) on the complaint of deceased Kasim Saab's father-in-law, Syed Khader.

The investigations revealed that Saab had purchased a new auto 20 days ago after taking a loan from a private finance company.

The incident occurred on Tuesday, in which a long carrier truck transporting a girder from the Wadiyarpura casting yard was involved.

As the truck was taking a turn, the girder support system failed, and the massive concrete structure fell onto an autorickshaw, resulting in the death of Saab.

The accident took place while Saab, a resident of Hegde Nagar, was ferrying a passenger towards Nagawara.

The autorickshaw driver, who was trapped beneath, was pulled out using a crane and rushed to the hospital. However, he was declared dead.

BMRCL expresses "deep regret" over this untimely loss of life and conveys heartfelt condolences to the bereaved family.

As per protocol, compensation will be provided to the deceased's family, the BMRCL's statement said.

The girder viaduct -- a massive concrete structure -- was being transported on an 18-wheeler truck for the airport Metro line. While taking a turn at Kogilu Cross, the truck's trailer detached from the cabin, splitting into two, causing the girder to fall onto the road, the police said.

Tragically, the girder landed on the autorickshaw.

The police said preliminary information indicates that the passenger in the autorickshaw had just alighted moments before the accident.

However, Saab was still in the vehicle and was crushed under the falling structure. The autorickshaw was also completely mangled.

Soon after the incident, bystanders and residents rushed to help the victim. Police also reached the spot, but a crane was required to lift the massive viaduct.

Some of the residents, angered by the delay in the arrival of the crane, resorted to stone pelting, sources said.

The police eventually brought the situation under control, and once the crane arrived, the girder was moved, and Saab's body was recovered.

Residents expressed outrage at the BMRCL, blaming its officials for negligence.

In a similar incident on January 10, 2023, a woman techie and her child (a toddler) were killed in HBR Layout in Bengaluru after an under-construction Metro pier buckled and fell on four members of a family travelling on a motorcycle.

The Bengaluru Police had charged 10 people, including representatives of Nagarjuna Constructions Company (NCC) and four officials of the BMRCL, over the incident.
New Delhi, April 17 : India was the top-funded developing market in 2024, posting spectacular growth of 215 per cent in dollar funding and 27 per cent in deal count, according to a report.

The report by Omnivore, in collaboration with AgFunder, a global investment platform, showed that investment increased in five of the top 10 countries in 2024.

India topped with investments in the agrifood tech startups jumping over 3-fold to $2.5 billion last year. It was followed by Singapore $172m (+3 per cent), Mexico $97m (+250 per cent), Vietnam $87m (+350 per cent), and Chile $58m (+33 per cent), noted the report.

The rise in investments is driven by funds raised by quick commerce company Zepto.

Zepto was 2024's best-funded agrifoodtech company globally, raising nearly $1.4 billion across three late-stage deals, the report said.

"Top rounds for India in 2024 highlight continued investment into eGrocery and restaurant-related startups, which are well-suited to the country given its dense urban settings and high population. Midstream Technologies has also been a high-performing category for India agrifood tech investment," the report said.

According to a statement, agrifood tech investment in developing markets reached $3.7 billion in 2024, up 63 per cent from 2023 and accounting for 23 per cent of global investment.

"Deal activity declined 8.4 per cent YoY to 523 as the industry closed fewer and larger deals," it said.

"India is one of the world's most established agtech ecosystems. Startups in the country raised 49 per cent more YoY with Zepto excluded. Ag marketplaces and midstream tech startups raised nearly $500 million alone," the report added.

The report showed that funding in developing markets' agrifood tech sector grew substantially between 2023 and 2024 (63 per cent) versus a 4 per cent decline in global agrifoodtech.

Upstream investment increased some 22 per cent to $1.2 billion, with agri marketplaces and fintech leading the charge. Downstream investment grew 91 per cent to $2.1 billion, representing 57 per cent of all developing markets funding, the report said.
New Delhi, April 17 : The Joint Parliamentary Committee (JPC) chief, Jagdambika Pal, on Thursday rejected the inclusion of non-Muslim members in Central Waqf Councils and State Waqf Boards as an 'encroachment' in the religious rights of minorities, reasoning that it was essential for better upkeep and maintenance of Waqf properties.

The JPC chief, speaking to IANS, said that the Waqf (Amendment) Act has been brought with a clear motive and i.e. 'respect for Islam and gift for Muslims'.

"Waqf Boards are not religious but administrative bodies. Hence, if capable and efficient non-Muslims become part of the Board, it will not be an interference in the religious rights of minorities, but it will only enhance transparency, accountability and efficiency in the management of Waqf properties," Pal said.

The JPC chief's assertions come amid the hearing of a clutch of petitions by the Supreme Court, where the latter also asked questions about non-Muslims getting a role in the Waqf Board.

Pal cited two court rulings from 2010 (Ram Rajya Foundation Vs Waqf Board) and 1982 in Karnataka and stated that in both cases, the respective courts adjudged Waqf Boards as administrative bodies.

"As it has been established by court rulings, Waqf Board is an administrative body and the JPC has only recommended strengthening its framework by paving the way for inclusion of capable and efficient managers in the Board," he said.

He also cited the JPC's recommendation of inclusion of an Islamic scholar in the Waqf Tribunal as a progressive step.

Addressing the issue of the Collector being the 'final authority' in deciding any property dispute, he said that this provision has been altered and now the state-level secretary or Commissioner-level officer will decide the outcome in case of any dispute, thus ruling out any scope of bias.

Allaying apprehensions over removal of the 'Waqf by user' clause, he said that the legislation will be effective in prospective and not with retrospective effect.

"It is essential to digitise the records. Going forward, every property that is being given as 'waqf' should be in government records. This will only bring transparency and cut down scope for property disputes," he reasoned.
Kolkata, April 17 : Tension prevailed at Nandigram in West Bengal's East Midnapore district on Thursday after a policeman was killed while attempting to prevent cattle smuggling in a locality.

As per the information available, a patrolling police jeep attached to the local Reyapara Police station in Nandigram intercepted a truck this morning on suspicion that smuggled cattle were being transported through it.

On being intercepted, the driver of the truck, in his attempt to escape, hit the police vehicle.

After hitting the police vehicle, the driver of the truck escaped from the scene. The police vehicle driver and the two other cops were badly injured in the crash.

Of the three, the driver of the police vehicle, Sahadeb Pradhan, also a local resident, was injured the most. He was immediately rushed to the Nandigram Super-Speciality Hospital, but died soon after.

The two other cops, who received injuries, are currently under treatment at the same hospital. The deceased driver, who used to reside at this residence at Reyapara along with his aged mother and younger brother, was the sole earning member of the family.

Following the mishap, his neighbours protested in the area and complained that the higher district police officials have always ignored complaints of cattle smuggling through this area. Some of the neighbours were also seen having heated exchanges of words with the local cops.

At the time the report was filed, tension was prevailing in the area. The police were trying to track the killer truck and its driver. "We will take strong action against the culprits. No one will be spared," claimed a district police official.

Meanwhile, a political slugfest has started over the development, with the district BJP leadership claiming that the incident proves how safe even the policemen in West Bengal are. The Trinamool Congress leadership has accused the BJP of unnecessarily politicising the unfortunate death of the police driver.

The elected legislator from the Nandigram Assembly constituency is the Leader of Opposition (LoP) in the state Assembly, Suvendu Adhikari.
New Delhi, April 17 : India's travel and tourism sector, which currently contributes 7 per cent of the country's GDP, will soon reach the global average of 10 per cent, World Travel and Tourism Council CEO, Julia Simpson, has said.

New Delhi, April 17 (IANS) Indiaas travel and tourism sector, which currently contributes 7 per cent of the country's GDP, will soon reach the global average of 10 per cent, World Travel and Tourism Council CEO, Julia Simpson, has said.

In a video message at the 'India Travel & Tourism Sustainability Conclave 202'5 here, she said the countryas travel and tourism sector offers an extraordinary opportunity and is expected to clock a growth rate of 7 per cent.

Simpson praised Prime Minister Narendra Modi for increasing investments in travel and tourism and seeing the potential of the sector to transform the living conditions of communities and the lives of people.

Emphasising the need for sustainable practices in the sector, she said about 4.8 per cent of India's greenhouse gas emissions come from the travel and tourism sector.

She also pointed out that India is reducing the "carbon intensity faster than the global average as it is going down by 13 per cent".

The first edition of the India Travel & Tourism Sustainability Conclave, organised by MakeMyTrip Foundation and World Travel & Tourism Council India Initiative (WTTCII), was held in New Delhi.

The event also saw the launch of the Sustainable Hospitality Handbook, developed by the Hotel Association of India (HAI) in collaboration with MakeMyTrip. The handbook offers hotels a 'practical framework' to adopt 'environmentally responsible' practices across energy, water, waste, and community impact.

Addressing the event, MakeMyTrip founder Deep Kalra said sustainable tourism sector, though currently modest in scale, is projected to experience remarkable growth over the next decade.

He highlighted on the vast potential of eco-conscious travel within the country which is expected to become among the fastest growing markets.

Despite the promising outlook, Kalra highlighted that only a small fraction of India's current tourism activity can be classified as sustainable. This, he pointed out, stands in stark contrast to global trends where sustainability is becoming a core focus.

Suman Billa, additional secretary in the Ministry of Tourism, during a panel discussion at a conclave here, also said, "informal consultations" have started with states on the top 50 tourist destinations in the country which will be developed in a "challenge mode".

Indiaas tourism sector, rich in heritage, culture, and diversity, is emerging as a global favourite and a key driver of economic growth. Recognizing its potential for employment-led development, the Union Budget 2025-26 has allocated Rs 2,541.06 crore to enhance infrastructure, skill development, and travel facilitation. A major initiative includes developing 50 top tourist destinations in partnership with states through a challenge mode, ensuring world-class facilities and connectivity.

With committed efforts, tourism is set to drive Indiaas progress toward becoming a developed nation by 2047.

Foreign exchange earnings through tourism were $28 billion. India received 1.8 per cent of world tourism receipts and attained a rank of 14th worldwide in world tourism receipts during 2023.
New Delhi, April 17 : As tensions continue to rise between the US and China over trade tariffs, Indian industry leaders believe this could be a golden opportunity for their country to position itself as a global hub for innovation and economic growth.

Speaking to IANS on the sidelines of the 120th anniversary celebration of the PHD Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PHDCCI) here, Mankind Pharma Vice Chairman and Managing Director Rajeev Juneja said: "This is a very different kind of scenario."

"There's a tariff war going on between China and America, and at this point, India can become a place of opportunity. I see a super bright future for India. Weare always India-centric," Juneja told IANS.

He also emphasised that while the dream of becoming a global leader in emerging fields like artificial intelligence (AI) may seem far off, India is already on the right path.

"We have to start with baby steps. Many startups are doing well. If the youth get the right support from the government, one day we can hope to become a centre for AI," he said.

He praised the governmentas focus on skill development and youth empowerment, pointing to the growing infrastructure and support systems being put in place.

"The government is doing fantastic work. Prime Minister Narendra Modi is very concerned about the youth. Opportunities are being created, and the right steps are being taken," Juneja told IANS.

Hindustan Tin Works Limited Managing Director Sanjay Bhatia echoed a similar sense of optimism.

"This is the best time for India. The way India is progressing and being recognised globally is a great opportunity for our industries. The government is working on ease of doing business, and we hope even more steps will be taken," Bhatia told IANS.

He added that India is well-positioned to absorb global shocks like the recent tariff hike by the US. "Our fundamentals are strong. These global shocks are temporary. India is back on track," he added.

On the rise of AI, Bhatia said India has the resources and talent to lead in the field. "Indians are already contributing to AI globally. If we retrain our existing workforce and equip them with new skills, we can ensure job continuity and generate new employment," he said.

The event, held at the PHD House, saw Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla launch a special coffee table book to mark the Chamberas legacy. Past Presidents of PHDCCI were also honoured for their contributions to Indiaas industrial growth.
New Delhi, April 17 : BJP National General Secretary, Tarun Chugh, on Thursday launched a scathing attack on the Congress for protesting and questioning the Enforcement Directorate's (ED) action in the National Herald case and claimed that it was a case of "ulta chor kotwal ko daante."

His remarks came after the ED filed a charge sheet against senior leaders, including former Congress President Sonia Gandhi and Leader of the Opposition (LoP) in the Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi, in connection with a money laundering probe linked to the National Herald case.

Responding to the development, AICC General Secretary Jairam Ramesh said the party would not be "cowed down" by such tactics and questioned the timing of the agency's action, calling it politically motivated, especially ahead of the Bihar elections.

Speaking to IANS, Tarun Chugh said, "Ulta chor kotwal ko daante. As soon as the law begins to expose the truth, Congress cries vendetta. Sonia Gandhi and Rahul Gandhi have been on bail for several years in cases involving cheating, fraud, and embezzlement. Now, when the court demands accountability, they are resorting to pressure tactics. Does the Congress no longer believe in the country's judicial system?"

He further accused the Congress of placing the Gandhi-Nehru family above the law.

"The Gandhi-Nehru family seems to believe that just by virtue of their surnames, they are above the law and national institutions. This is not just a scam or an isolated incident of corruptionit's a betrayal of democracy and the legacy of our freedom fighters. The money involved belongs to the country and its people, and the Congress' decades-old culture of institutionalised corruption is now being exposed," Chugh claimed.

He added that the Congress' recent protests are an attempt to interfere with the justice system.

"When the court summons Sonia Gandhi and Rahul Gandhi, the Congress stages protests to shield them. They are sending a message that the law should not touch the Gandhi-Nehru dynasty. This mindset is unfortunate and fundamentally undemocratic," he said.

Chugh also responded to last week's violence in West Bengal in which three people were killed, criticising Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee for what he termed as selective concern.

"West Bengal is burning, yet Mamata Banerjee is more worried about 'jihadi' elements from the Muslim League and AIMIM. There is no concern for the Hindus fleeing Murshidabad to save their lives. Relief camps are being dismantled, and migrants are being pressured to return without any assurance of safety," he claimed.

He reacted strongly to CM Banerjee's accusation that BSF personnel incited violence by allegedly paying youths to throw stones during the Murshidabad unrest.

"Mamata Banerjee has stooped to a new low by blaming the BSF and central agencies. Her government has surrendered to the Muslim League's agenda in the name of appeasement. Trinamool Congress is now echoing the divisive politics of the 1940s, reminiscent of Direct Action Day. Instead of protecting its citizens, the state government has aligned with those causing unrest," Chugh professed.

He further commented on the Karnataka Transparency in Public Procurements (Amendment) Bill, which seeks to provide 4 per cent reservation for Muslims in public contracts.

The Bill, passed by the state Assembly in March, has been sent by Governor Thawar Chand Gehlot to President Droupadi Murmu for approval.

"Congress is attempting to enforce unconstitutional religion-based reservations in Karnataka. This goes against the vision of B.R. Ambedkar and the basic tenets of the Constitution.

"They are misleading society in the name of caste and religion, pushing the country towards dangerous communal fault lines. Congress is using Karnataka and Kerala as laboratories of division. The country will not forgive them," he concluded.
Mumbai, April 17 : The makers have unveiled the gripping trailer of "Costao," showcasing Nawazuddin Siddiqui in a fierce new avatar.

Mumbai, April 17 (IANS) The makers have unveiled the gripping trailer of "Costao," showcasing Nawazuddin Siddiqui in a fierce new avatar.

Set in the turbulent 1990s Goa, the trailer introduces Siddiqui as Costao Fernandes  a daring customs officer who rises against a powerful smuggling nexus rooted in corruption and fear. Set against a backdrop of deep-rooted corruption and unchecked crime, "Costao" introduces a world where one man dares to defy the odds. The trailer reveals Nawazuddin as Costao, a fearless customs officer whose bold tactics and unwavering resolve make him a threat to the powerful criminal empire that dominates Goa.

The trailer reveals a gripping turn in the story when Costao's confrontation with the brother of a notorious smuggler triggers a high-stakes manhunt. Betrayed, isolated, and pursued from all sides, Costao is thrust into a relentless battle for survival. But he's not just fighting for justicehe's fighting for his family, his honor, and his redemption.

Speaking about the film, Siddiqui expressed, "Costao is not just a story about a customs officer fighting against a ruthless smuggling empireit's about the cost of standing up to an entire system built on corruption and betrayal. There is a dialoug in the film where the character says 'Humare society mein sabko chahiye ki Officer honest ho aur brave ho lekin Ghar mein Nahi'; it's so true. Costao's courage in the face of unbeatable odds reflects this perfectly. His battle is not only against criminals but against a system that tries to break him at every turn. I can't wait for viewers to experience the explosive twists, raw emotion, and relentless intensity that Costao brings. It's a story that will keep you at the edge, questioning what's right, what's wrong, and what one man is willing to sacrifice for justice."

Debutant Director Sejal Shah added, "Costao is the story of an officer who risked his life to do the right thing and paid the price for it. It's raw, intense, and full of moments that will leave you questioning how far one person can go in the name of duty. Bringing this world to life has been a challenge and a privilege, and I couldn't have asked for a better actor than Nawazuddin Siddiqui to play Costao. He brings an unmatched authenticity and complexity to the character. ZEE5 has always backed bold, powerful storytelling, and I'm excited to collaborate with them. I can't wait for audiences to experience Costaoa story that deserves to be told."

Directed by debutant Sejal Shah, the movie also stars Priya Bapat, Kishore Kumar G, Gagan Dev Riar, and Hussain Dalal. Produced by Vinod Bhanushali, Kamlesh Bhanushali, Bhavesh Mandalia, Sejal Shah, Shyam Sunder and Faizuddin Siddiqui, the film is written by Bhavesh Mandalia and Meghna Srivastava.

"Costao" will premiere on May 1 on ZEE5.

-- Except for the title, this story has not been edited by Prokerala team and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed
New Delhi, April 17 : Boosting awareness, early diagnosis, and improving access to care is crucial to fight haemophilia and other bleeding disorders in the country, said Union Minister JP Nadda on World Haemophilia Day on Thursday.

World Haemophilia Day is observed every year on April 17 to raise awareness about bleeding disorders. The theme this year is: "Access for all: Women and Girls Bleed Too".

Haemophilia is a rare bleeding disorder where blood does not clot properly, even in minor injuries.

"On #WorldHaemophiliaDay, let's raise awareness about haemophilia and other bleeding disorders, promote early diagnosis, and improve access to care," said Nadda, in a post on social media platform X.

"This year's theme -- "Access for All: Women and Girls Bleed Too" -- urges us to recognise the unique challenges faced by women and girls and ensure inclusive, equitable healthcare for all," he added.

India faces a significant burden of haemophilia, holding the second-largest patient population globally, estimated at around 1,36,000 individuals.

Yet, "only 18 per cent are diagnosed, compared to 90 per cent in developed nations," Dr. Tulika Seth, Professor - Haematology, AIIMS Delhi, told IANS.

"Haemophilia is more than a bleeding disorder -- it's a lifelong battle requiring constant care, timely diagnosis, and access to treatment," she added.

Seth cited the lack of awareness as the major reason for delayed diagnosis, which can lead to preventable joint damage.

Each bleeding episode requires attention, and patients take a prolonged time for recovery and severe complications could occur if any bleeding is not attended.

In about 80 per cent of cases, haemophilia manifests as bleeding, most frequently involving the large joints like knees, ankles, elbows, hip, and wrist, followed by deep bleeds affecting large body muscles.

However, the most dangerous ones are bleeds affecting the head/brain, neck, chest cavity, and abdominal and pelvic cavity.

The expert noted that medical advancements are transforming the lives of patients with the condition.

While traditional treatments involved clotting factor replacement during bleeds, offering prophylaxis or preventive treatment, new non-factor monoclonal replacement antibodies like emicizumab are offering better protection with fewer infusions, especially for patients with inhibitors, Seth said.

Last year, scientists at the Centre for Stem Cell Research (CSCR) at Christian Medical College (CMC), Vellore developed the first-in-human gene therapy using lentiviral vectors for severe haemophilia A.

CMC-Vellore scientists also conducted the country's first human clinical trial of gene therapy for haemophilia A (FVIII deficiency).
New Delhi, April 17 : Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar on Thursday expressed dismay at the turn of events following the incident of a large amount of cash allegedly found at the Delhi residence of a High Court judge. He questioned the constitutional validity of the Supreme Court-appointed Commission probing the case, and also said the Constitution has accorded immunity from prosecution only to the President and Governors, and there cannot be a category beyond that.

"It has now been over a month. Even if it is a can of worms. Even if there are skeletons in the cupboard, time to blow up the can. Time for its lid to go out. And time for the cupboard to collapse. Let the worms and skeletons be in the public domain so that cleansing takes place," he said this on an incident where burnt currency notes were allegedly found at the residential premises of a Delhi High Court judge, last month.

Dhankhar said this while addressing the 6th batch of Rajya Sabha interns at the Vice-President's Enclave.

He said, "Let me take the most recent incidents. They are dominating our minds. An event happened on the night of the 14th and 15th of March in New Delhi, at the residence of a judge. For seven days, no one knew about it. We have to ask questions to ourselves. Is the delay explainable? Condonable? Does it not raise certain fundamental questions? In any ordinary situation, and ordinary situations define the rule of law -- things would have been different. It was only on 21st March, disclosed by a newspaper, that people of the country were shocked as never before. They were in some kind of limbo, deeply concerned and worried at this explosive, alarming expose."

"Thereafter, fortunately, in the public domain, we had input from an authoritative source, the Supreme Court of India. And the input indicated culpability. Input did not lead to doubt that something was amiss. Something required to be investigated. Now the nation waits with bated breath. The nation is restive because one of our institutions, to which people have always looked up with highest respect and deference, was put in the dock."

The Vice President said, "In a democratic nation purity of its criminal justice system defines its direction. Investigation is required. Boys and girls, no investigation under law is in progress at the moment. Because for a criminal investigation, the initiation has to be by an FIR, First Information Report. It is not there. It is the law of the land that every cognizable offence is required to be reported to the police, and failure to do so, failure to report a cognizable offence, is a crime; therefore, you all will be wondering why there has been no FIR. The answer is simple."

"An FIR in this country can be registered against anyone, any Constitutional functionary, including the one before you. One has only to activate the rule of law. No permission is required. But if it is the Judges category, FIR cannot be registered straightaway. It has to be approved by the concerned in the Judiciary, but that is not given in the Constitution. The Constitution of India has accorded immunity from prosecution only to the Honourable President and the Honourable Governors. So, how come a category beyond the law has secured this immunity?" the Vice President said.

"Because the ill effects of this are being felt in the mind of one and all. Every Indian, young and old, is deeply concerned. If the event had taken place at his house, the speed would have been an electronic rocket. Now it is not even a cattle cart."

He further stated, "There is a committee of three judges investigating the matter, but investigation is the domain of the executive; investigation is not the domain of the judiciary. Is the committee under the Constitution of India? No. Is this committee of three judges having any sanction under any law emanating from parliament? No. And what can the committee do? The committee can at most make a recommendation. Recommendation to whom? And for what? The kind of mechanism we have for judges, the only action, finally, that can be taken is by the Parliament when proceedings of removal are initiated."

"A month has passed, more than that, and investigation requires speed, expedition, preservation of incriminating material. As a citizen of the country and holding a position which I do, I am concerned. Are we not diluting the rule of law? Are we not answerable to 'We the people' who gave us the Constitution? And therefore, I would strongly urge everyone concerned to examine this as a test case,' said Dhankhar.

"What legitimacy and jurisdictional authority does this committee possess? Can we have a separate law made by a category and the law made by that category, dehors Constitution, dehors Parliament?" the VP asked.

"The committee report, according to me, inherently lacks legal standing," he said.

"On the principle of separation of power," he said, "....When executive, the government is elected by the people, the government is accountable to Parliament; the government is accountable to the people at the election. There is a principle of accountability in operation. In Parliament, you can ask questions, critical questions, because the governance is by the executive. But if this executive governance is by the judiciary, how do you ask questions? Whom do you hold accountable in the election?

"The time has come when our three institutions, the legislature, judiciary, and executive, must blossom. And they blossom best, and best for the nation, only when they operate in their own area. Any incursion by one in the domain of the other poses a challenge, which is not good, "the Vice President concluded.
New Delhi, April 17 : Fitch Ratings on Thursday projected India's GDP growth at 6.4 per cent for FY26 amid global uncertainties, while retaining the projections for the next financial year (FY27) unchanged at 6.3 per cent.

For India, the global ratings agency reduced GDP growth estimates for both the 2024-25 fiscal year and the current 2025-26 fiscal year by 10 basis points to 6.2 per cent and 6.4 per cent, respectively, amid fears of a global trade war.

The growth forecast for the 2026-27 fiscal year remains at 6.3 per cent, according to Fitch.

In addition to India's revised growth forecast, Fitch also lowered its global growth projections for 2025 by 0.4 percentage points and cut growth estimates for China and the US by 0.5 percentage points, from its March outlook.

"It is difficult to predict US trade policy with any confidence. Massive policy uncertainty is hurting business investment prospects, equity price falls are reducing household wealth, and US exporters will be hit by retaliation," Fitch stated in its special update to the quarterly Global Economic Outlook.

The US GDP growth rate is expected to stay positive at 1.2 per cent for 2025. Meanwhile, China's growth is projected to fall below 4 per cent both this year and next, and growth in the eurozone is anticipated to remain well below 1 per cent, according to Fitch's projections.

The large size of Indiaas domestic market, which reduces reliance on external demand, is expected to insulate the country from the US tariff hike, according to the global ratings agency.

A recent Morgan Stanley report had also stated that India is the "best placed country in Asia", amid the global uncertainty triggered by US President Donald Trumpas threat to jack up tariffs, because of the nationas low goods exports to GDP ratio and strong fundamentals.

"While India is exposed to direct tariff risks, we believe on balance India is less exposed to global goods trade slowdown, considering that it has the lowest goods exports to GDP ratio in the region," the report stated.

The Indian economy picked up momentum, growing 6.2 per cent in the third quarter of FY25, recovering from a near two-year low of 5.6 per cent in the July-September period.
Chennai, April 17 : Actor Karthi, whose upcoming film 'Sardar 2' is on the verge of completion, has undertaken a holy pilgrimage to the world famous Lord Ayyappa temple at Sabarimala.

Social media was abuzz with pictures of the actor prayerfully completing the Irumudi Kattu ritual before setting off on the pilgrimage.

Interestingly, Karthi was seen offering prayers at the temple along with another popular Tamil actor, Mohan Ravi, who is also now in Sabarimala.

Meanwhile, shooting for director P S Mithran's eagerly awaited spy thriller 'Sardar 2', featuring Karthi in the lead, is fast nearing completion. It may be recalled that only recently, the film's shooting had entered its 100th day.

Director and writer Rathna Kumar, who is a co-writer of the Sardar2 script, on Thursday posted pictures of himself with director Dharani from the sets of Sardar 2.

He wrote, "#21YearsofGhilli. Love you sir. Thank you for #Ghilli. With Director Dharani sir from the sets of #Sardar2.

On seeing the lights in the background. I said it reminded 'Kokara kokarako' song Light house. We spoke about 'Ghilli' for a while. And felt like vibing for it one more time. Thumchaaak."

It may be recalled that director P S Mithran, in an exclusive interview to IANS, had said that only five to 10 per cent of the film remained to be shot.

Mithran had also confirmed that dubbing work on the film was also progressing simultaneously on the film.

"Only another five to 10 per cent of the film is left. Yes, dubbing is also happening simultaneously," he had informed on the sidelines of an event organised to launch the prologue of the film.

The prologue released recently gave away the fact that actor S J Suryah plays the main antagonist in the film and that his character is called Black Dagger.

Sardar 2 will feature, apart from Karthi S J Suryah and Rajisha Vijayan, actors Malavika Mohanan, Aashika Rangnath and Sajal Ahmed among others.

On the technical front, Sardar 2 has cinematography by George Williams and music by Sam C S. Editing for the film is by Ruben and Art direction is by K Kadhir. Stunts for the film have been choreographed by Dhilip Subbarayan and the story for the sequel has been written by M R Pon Parthipan, Roju Bipin Ragu and Geevee.

--IANS

Mkr/

-- The story has been published from a wire feed without any modifications to the text
Bengaluru, April 17 : Karnataka Congress on Thursday staged protest demonstrations against the Central government over the alleged price hike, in a move to counter the BJP's Janakrosh Yatra, with the Chief Minister Siddaramaiah claiming that lies are the BJP's household 'gods'.

The BJP has launched a state-wide Janakrosh Yatra against price hike and Muslim quota against the Congress government in the state.

The protest was organised at the Freedom Park in Bengaluru. Thousands of party workers gathered at the venue and raised slogans against the Central government and the BJP. The party had displayed garlanded LPG cylinders in front of the stage. The comparison chart of prices of essential commodities during the Congress-led UPA government's term and the BJP's term was prominently displayed.

Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, Deputy Chief Minister and Congress state chief D.K. Shivakumar, Congress General Secretary Randeep Singh Surjewala, cabinet ministers, and party MLAs took part in the protest. All leaders wore black bands and flashed placards against the Central government.

Addressing the gathering at the Freedom Park against the alleged Centre's spree of price hikes, the Chief Minister Siddaramaiah said: "Politics is not just about holding power. Standing with the people and fighting continuously with ideological clarity is true political commitment. Lies are the BJP's household gods. RSS is the grand factory of lies."

He further added that Ambedkar himself wrote that Veer Savarkar and Dhangey defeated him, not the Congress.

"Yet, the BJP spreads the false narrative that Congress was responsible. We must develop the courage to speak the truth across the country in response to the lies of the RSS, the factory of falsehoods," he said.

He added that the Narendra Modi government is spreading false propaganda that our government is financially bankrupt to hide its anti-poor and anti-middle-class stance.

"If the government were bankrupt, would it be possible to allocate Rs 56,000 crore annually for guarantees?. We've increased the milk price by Rs 4, and that money goes directly to the farmers, not to the government. But the Central government has increased gas prices multiple times, and again by Rs 50 recently. Tell us, who is getting this extra money?" he said.

Minister for Medical Education Sharan Prakash Patil alleged that since the BJP came to power at the centre, the lives of common people have been affected severely.

"They have hiked the prices of petrol, diesel and LPG. That is why this protest is organised. There is no logic in hiking fuel prices at a time when the rates are low in the international market," he said.

Siddaramaiah's Legal Advisor and MLA A.S. Ponnanna said that the BJP is a master in giving names.

"Janakrosh is against the BJP, not against the ruling Congress party. The entire protest is against themselves," he claimed.

He further claimed that the people's anger is against the BJP and the Central government, and not against the Karnataka government.
Mumbai, April 17 : Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis on Thursday strongly defended the state government's move to introduce Hindi as a compulsory third language for students in Classes 1 to 5 studying in Marathi and English-medium schools from the academic year 2025-26.

However, the opposition parties, including Congress and Maharashtra Navnirman Sena, have strongly opposed the government's decision.

"We have already implemented the New Education Policy. Therefore, no new decisions have been taken in this regard. It is our insistence that everyone in Maharashtra should know Marathi. Also, there should be a single language for communication across the country. Hindi is a language that can be a language for communication. Therefore, people should also learn Hindi, this is our effort," he added.

"If anyone wants to learn English, they can learn English. If anyone wants to learn any other language, there is no prohibition on anyone from learning other languages. Everyone should know Marathi. Also, other languages of our country should be known. The Central Government has thought about this. The Central Government thinks that there should be a language of communication in our country. This effort has been made," observed the chief minister.

According to CM Fadnavis, the State Council of Educational Research and Training (SCERT) has prepared two state curriculum frameworks, one for the foundation level and one for the school level. The Steering Committee, headed by the Minister of School Education, has approved both these frameworks.

Meanwhile, the Congress Legislature Party leader Vijay Wadettiwar demanded that the state government should immediately withdraw the notification on the introduction of Hindi as a compulsory third language for students in Classes 1 to 5 studying in Marathi and English medium schools to protect Marathi identity and linguistic rights.

"The mother tongue of Maharashtra is Marathi, but Marathi and English are used in education and administration. In such a situation, forcibly imposing Hindi as a third language is an injustice to Marathi and an attack on the identity of Marathi speakers. If a third language is needed, it should be optional. But making it mandatory is a form of pressure from the Centre on the states, which is not in line with the basic principles of federalism. Some states have opposed it and are being threatened a" this is a matter of growing concern," he remarked.

On the other hand, the Maharashtra Navnirman Sena general secretary, Sandip Deshpande, said that Hindi is not the official language of India.

"After India became independent in 1947, linguistic regions were formed. Each state has a different language. Now you cannot impose the language of another state on us, we are firmly opposed to this. Marathi language should be mandatory in Maharashtra. There is no problem with the third language being optional. We are opposed to making Hindi mandatory," he added.

"Should Marathi be given priority in Maharashtra? If such a discussion is going on, then it is the misfortune of Maharashtra," he expressed.

"Various languages of the country should survive. The third language should be optional. If anyone wants to learn any other Indian language except Hindi, they will learn it. But why learn Hindi?" he asked.
New Delhi, April 17 : The Centre for Development of Telematics (C-DOT) and Sterlite Technologies Ltd on Thursday said they have successfully tested India's first QKD transmission over a 4-core Multi-Core Fibre (MCF) -- marking a major milestone in the nation's journey towards quantum-secured communication networks.

The MCF technology provides a powerful solution by enabling data transmission across multiple cores within a single fibre, significantly saving physical space and infrastructure costs.

According to the Ministry of Communications, in the context of QKD -- which typically requires a dedicated dark fibre for the quantum channel -- MCF enables the physical separation of quantum and classical signals into distinct cores within single fibre.

This allows for the simultaneous transmission of QKD and high-capacity data traffic on a single fibre without compromising quantum signal integrity thereby saving fibre cost.

"This initiative is a key milestone for India's telecom ecosystem. This achievement clearly establishes the feasibility of integrated quantum-classical networks over next-generation optical fibres, saving costs for QKD deployments drastically," said Dr Rajkumar Upadhyay, CEO of C-DOT.

In this activity, the quantum signals of QKD were transmitted through one core, while simultaneously, the other three cores on the same fibre were used to carry high-speed user data.

A stable QKD link was established over a distance exceeding 100 km, validating the robustness and stability of quantum communication even amidst high-capacity classical data traffic, according to C-DOT.

C-DOT has successfully developed and deployed industry-grade QKD systems.

Rahul Puri, CEO, Optical Networking Business at Sterlite Technologies said this breakthrough collaboration with C-DOT underscores India's growing prowess in pioneering next-gen digital infrastructure.

"By successfully integrating QKD with our indigenously developed MCF, we have demonstrated how cutting-edge optical innovations can revolutionised secure communication," he said, adding that this milestone is a testament to the power of public-private partnerships in building a digitally sovereign and secure nation.

Sterlite Technologies is a leading global provider of integrated digital networks, specialising in optical fibre manufacturing and network designs.
HANGZHOU, April 16 (Xinhua) -- For years, high logistics costs and long delivery cycles turned online bargains into offline burdens for many in western China, where free shipping and easy returns were uncommon. Now, as e-commerce platforms expand their free shipping services westward, consumers in western regions are gaining access to the same convenience long enjoyed by consumers in other regions. From Taobao and Douyin to Pinduoduo, e-commerce giants are reshaping daily life far beyond China's urban core. BRINGING CONVENIENCE TO DAILY LIFE In just a few days, a sofa made in Foshan, south China's Guangdong Province, traveled some 4,400 km to Maryam Tuniyaz's doorstep in Baicheng County, Aksu Prefecture in northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region. What used to be a slow and expensive process now comes with free shipping and doorstep delivery, allowing Tuniyaz to furnish her new home with a simple click on Taobao. Tuniyaz is among many consumers in western China now enjoying easier online shopping thanks to expanded logistics and new shipping policies on Taobao. Since Xinjiang was added to the platform's "free shipping zone" last year, shopping has become easier than ever for local residents. Recently, Taobao expanded its free shipping to include large items like sofas, beds, and toilets. Since March, more than 1 million bulky home products have been eligible for free delivery to Xinjiang, according to Li Fuquan, general manager of the furniture supply chain at Taobao and Tmall Group. "Offering free shipping on large items doesn't shift the cost to merchants," said Li. "We rely on partnerships with industrial hubs to ship products directly to consumers in Xinjiang. For products not covered by such partnerships, we use the platform's system to aggregate, transfer, and ship across the region, with most of the final delivery costs subsidized by the platform." Delivery times are also dropping. "In the past, it took more than a week for packages to reach Xinjiang. Now, most deliveries arrive in five to seven days, and some even within 24 to 48 hours," Li added. BRINGING RELIEF TO LOCAL ENTREPRENEURS Beyond making daily essentials more accessible, improved logistics are empowering small businesses in the western highlands -- helping entrepreneurial dreams take root in remote cities like Lhasa, capital of southwest China's Xizang Autonomous Region. Pu Yuhu, a 42-year-old veteran from Baoshan, southwest China's Yunnan Province, now runs a small Yunnan-style takeout restaurant in Lhasa. For Pu, the main challenge was not rent or staffing, but securing ingredients at a reasonable cost. "Dry chilies cost 14 yuan per bag in Lhasa, but only 9 yuan back home," he said. Traditional wholesale channels, weighed on by high-altitude freight costs, left little margin for profit. However, the situation has improved as major e-commerce platforms roll out free shipping to China's western regions. Pinduoduo now covers transit fees for remote areas like Xizang, Gansu and Qinghai. Taobao offers free delivery on about 1.7 billion items to places like Xinjiang. Douyin has also expanded its logistics network to reach these areas. The impact has been immediate. "I'm saving 7 to 8 yuan per customer on ingredients," Pu said. With an average spending of around 80 yuan per diner, the savings represent nearly 10 percent of his costs. Goods sold from Xizang are also benefiting from improved logistics and the rise of livestream e-commerce. In 2024, the region's online retail sales reached 22.97 billion yuan (about 3.18 billion U.S. dollars), a 67.7 percent increase from the previous year. Online retail sales of physical goods totaled 19.47 billion yuan, up 79.8 percent, according to the regional department of commerce. BRINGING SHARED LIFESTYLES TO REMOTE COMMUNITIES Even niche products are now reaching the hands and homes of consumers in western China. This spring, blueberry bonsai has become this spring's unexpected breakout hit on China's e-commerce platforms. Once popular mainly among southern urbanites with sunny balconies, these potted fruit plants are now brightening homes in regions like Xizang, Gansu and Inner Mongolia. Shipping blueberry bonsai isn't easy -- they require special packaging to protect the delicate fruit and stems. But with support from Pinduoduo's merchant team, repeat orders from new regions quickly followed. "At the farms, delivery companies like SF Express have set up dedicated collection points, deploying staff and vehicles to ensure the plants travel safely and efficiently over long distances," said Wang Xiaohu, director of the Kashgar municipal postal administration in Xinjiang. The blueberry bonsai boom highlights a broader trend: As e-commerce platforms break down logistical barriers, China's western regions are gaining easier access to popular cultural trends from the country's major cities. "As we help more specialty agricultural products from remote mountain areas reach consumers nationwide, we're also working to ensure that residents in those regions enjoy the same variety and convenience as shoppers in major cities," said an executive from Pinduoduo. In November, China issued an action plan aiming to cut the ratio of social logistics costs to GDP to around 13.5 percent by 2027. The plan sets out to boost economic efficiency by optimizing freight transport, strengthening logistics hubs, and improving the modern logistics service network. Lower logistics costs not only enhance the shopping experience for consumers, but also bring direct benefits to restaurant owners, farmers, and delivery workers in western China. The continued westward expansion of e-commerce is generating multifaceted development dividends, according to Yang Daqing, a logistics industry expert.
John J. LaFalce, who died last week at 85, belonged to an era that seems very far away, but actually isnt in terms of years  a time when politicians could reach across the aisle and get important things done.

For nearly three decades, LaFalce, a Democrat, represented Western New Yorkers in Niagara Falls, parts of North Buffalo and the Rochester suburbs as their congressman. From 1975 to 2003, LaFalce won 14 consecutive terms and served under six presidents.

In reporting on LaFalces death for The News, Jerry Zremski noted that he was remembered by many for his intellect and his compassion. Gov. Kathy Hochul, who worked as an aide for LaFalce during the 80s, stated that he was exacting, extremely intelligent and understood complex issues.

Zremski himself called LaFalce the Unpolitician in a 1993 profile for The News, and wrote that the congressman couldnt be more different from your standard-issue, all-things-to-all people politician and that he spoke his mind no matter how iconoclastic or complex or impertinent the thought might be.

Even in those times, when unpredictable mavericks were more likely to be found walking the halls of the Capitol Building, LaFalce stood out. He also got things done.

As chairman of the Small Business Committee (1987 to 1995), he wrote the Womens Business Ownership Act, which improved access to credit for women. As ranking Democrat on the Banking (now Financial Services) Committee (1998-2003), he worked with his Republican counterpart, the late James A. Leach, to craft the Gramm-Leach-Bliley Act, which requires financial institutions to protect the personal information of their customers.

Many other such legislative initiatives highlight LaFalces long career, but one of his earliest acts while in Congress probably resounds the loudest in both Western New York and throughout the country. In the summer of 1977, LaFalce aide Bonnie Casper told the congressman about an old dump site in Niagara Falls that seemed to be causing terrible problems. LaFalce visited the site of the old Love Canal in early September 1977. He smelled the chemical stench and saw the black sludge bubbling up in homeowners backyards.

Niagara Falls officials still were not admitting to the enormity of the issue and, as is well known, it took many months and the heroic work of Niagara Falls housewife Lois Gibbs, before the dangers of Love Canal and the cause of those dangers were fully understood. But Gibbs persevered, as did LaFalce, who, after his visit, started the initial EPA investigation, helped bring Love Canal to national attention and eventually spearheaded the Superfund legislation designed to fund the cleanup of sites contaminated with hazardous substances.

Its hard to imagine any member of Congress now who would be successfully involved in both environmental and banking legislation, much less on a bipartisan basis.

LaFalces attention to national affairs did not end when he left Congress. Nor did his work for Western New York. Besides serving 14 months as chair of the Erie County Industrial Development Agency and lending his legal expertise to the Hogan Willig law firm, LaFalce used his leftover campaign funds as a sort of mini-foundation, giving regularly to charities, universities, museums and other nonprofit institutions, until the funds were used up.

He also continued to air his views on what was going on in Washington and throughout the world. In February, LaFalce left a voice mail for the Editorial Board. He was concerned about the Trump administrations directive to cancel media subscriptions at hundreds of U.S. diplomatic offices worldwide. LaFalce called it a form of censorship and blatantly outrageous.

He was getting the message out on an issue he felt was important. As he did throughout his life.

It is a call that will be missed.

Whats your opinion? Send it to us at lettertoeditor@buffnews.com. Letters should be a maximum of 300 words and must convey an opinion. The column does not print poetry, announcements of community events or thank you letters. A writer or household may appear only once every 30 days. All letters are subject to fact-checking and editing.
New Delhi, April 17 : Hackers could exploit genomic data vulnerabilities using next-generation DNA sequencing (NGS) technology, warns a study on Thursday urging the need to secure it.

The powerful sequencing tool NGS is used for the development of tailor-made medicines, cancer diagnostics, infectious disease tracking, and gene research.

Researchers from the University of Portsmouth, UK, raised concerns over how the tool can be exploited for data breaches, privacy violations, and even future biothreats by hackers.

While the steps are essential for generating accurate results, they also open up multiple points of vulnerability. As many DNA datasets are openly accessible online, the study warns cybercriminals can misuse the information for surveillance, manipulation, or malicious experimentation, said the researchers in the study published in the journal IEEE Access.

"Our work is a wake-up call. Protecting genomic data isn't just about encryption -- it's about anticipating attacks that don't yet exist. We need a paradigm shift in how we secure the future of precision medicine," said Dr. Nasreen Anjum from the University of Portsmouth's School of Computing.

The research team identified new and emerging methods that hackers and those with malicious intent could use to exploit or attack systems, such as synthetic DNA-encoded malware, AI-driven manipulation of genome data, and identity tracing through re-identification techniques.

These threats go beyond typical data breaches, posing risks to individual privacy, scientific integrity, and national security.

"Despite its importance, cyber-biosecurity remains one of the most neglected and poorly understood research disciplines and is leaving a critical gap in global biosecurity. To make sure our DNA information stays safe and is used only for good, we're urging more research and collaboration to find ways to keep this powerful technology secure," Anjum said.

The experts called on "governments, regulatory bodies, funding agencies, and academic institutions" to prioritise this field "before it's too late".

The team also shared recommendations and practical solutions, including secure sequencing protocols, encrypted storage, and AI-powered anomaly detection, creating a foundation for much stronger cyber-biosecurity.
Wellington, April 17 : Ex-Tropical Cyclone Tam has unleashed severe weather across New Zealand's Northland and Auckland, leaving thousands without power and causing widespread damage as it tracks southward.

Heavy rain and strong winds have downed powerlines, felled trees, closed roads, and disrupted transport.

As of Thursday afternoon, around 5,000 properties in Northland remained without power, with Northpower, the electric power distribution company, warning repairs could take up to three days.

At the storm's peak, over 8,700 Northland homes were affected, Xinhua news agency reported quoting Radio New Zealand (RNZ).

Telecommunications were also impacted, with power outages affecting cellphone towers, RNZ reported on Thursday.

Air New Zealand cancelled multiple flights, and some Auckland ferry services were suspended. Motorists were urged to take care on the Auckland Harbour Bridge due to high winds, with the local council receiving 284 storm-related calls between Wednesday night and Thursday afternoon, local media reported.

MetService, in its precautionary measure, has decided to continue referring to the weather system as Cyclone Tam, despite its technical downgrade. This is being done to emphasise and spread the seriousness of the situation.

The storm is now moving toward Coromandel, Bay of Plenty, and the upper South Island, prompting warnings for a wild and wet Easter weekend, according to MetService forecast.

Cyclone Tam, which formed earlier this week near New Caledonia, is bringing widespread disruption from Northland to Auckland and is expected to track further south by the end of the week.

On April 16, a yacht reportedly sank off the Northland coast, while wind gusts reached up to 130 km/h at Cape Reinga. In Auckland, strong winds forced multiple lane closures on the Harbour Bridge throughout the afternoon and evening.

Northland has so far borne the brunt of the storm, with residents warned to brace for continued strong winds, large swells, and possible thunderstorms. MetService meteorologist Georgina Law noted that "some locally intense bursts of rainfall" are also likely. Heavy rain has already been recorded over Whangarei, with the system steadily moving toward Auckland.

Authorities are urging residents, especially those dependent on electrically powered medical devices, to prepare for further power disruptions.

The effects of Cyclone Tam are expected to continue into Friday, with regions including Coromandel, Bay of Plenty, and the northern South Island likely to be affected next. An updated list of weather warnings and watches is scheduled for release at 9 p.m. on April 16.

Residents are advised to remain vigilant, monitor official weather updates, and prioritise safety as the storm progresses.
New Delhi, April 17 : India and China continue to make progress on finalising the modalities to resume Kailash Manasarovar Yatra which can start soon, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) announced on Thursday.

"We will soon issue a notice for the public on the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra. There is a possibility of resumption of the Yatra soon," said Randhir Jaiswal, spokesperson for the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) at a regular media briefing in New Delhi on Thursday.

The Kailash Manasarovar Yatra has not taken place since 2020 following the Covid-19 outbreak and the subsequent non-renewal of Yatra arrangements by the Chinese side. The Indian government organised the Yatra between June and September through the two official routes of Lipulekh Pass (since 1981) in Uttarakhand and Nathu La Pass (since 2015) in Sikkim.

It was following the meeting held under the Foreign Secretary-Vice Foreign Minister mechanism in January this year that both sides had announced plans to resume the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra in the summer of 2025.

The meeting, where Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri led the Indian delegation, reviewed the state of India-China bilateral relations comprehensively and agreed to take certain people-centric steps to stabilise and rebuild ties, as agreed between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chinese President Xi Jinping during their meeting in Kazan in October 2024.

The MEA had then announced that the relevant mechanism will further discuss the modalities for Yatra as per the existing agreements.

Both sides had also agreed, in principle, to resume direct air services between the two countries with the relevant technical authorities on the two sides to negotiate an updated framework for the purpose at an early date.

Last month, following the official consultation between Foreign Ministries of India and China in Beijing, it was announced that work continues to finalise the modalities to resume Kailash Manasarovar Yatra.

Gourangalal Das, Joint Secretary (East Asia) at the MEA held a consultative meeting with Liu Jinsong, Director General of the Department of Asian Affairs of the Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs, during which the two sides reviewed the action taken by them to implement the strategic direction as also the specific steps agreed in the meeting between Foreign Secretary and Chinese Vice Foreign Minister in January 2025 to stabilise and rebuild ties.

"They took positive note of the developments in bilateral relations since the meeting of the leaders of India and China in October 2024. In the intervening period, the Foreign Ministers have met twice, while the Special Representatives on the India-China boundary question have held their 23rd meeting. These high-level meetings have provided strategic guidance to stabilise and further develop relations," read a statement issued by the MEA.

"They agreed to continue efforts to further facilitate and promote people-to-people exchanges, including arrangements for resumption of direct flights, interaction of media and think-tanks, and celebration of the 75th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations. The two sides have made further progress on the modalities to resume Kailash Manasarovar Yatra in 2025," it added.

The MEA stated that both sides also took stock of the planned exchanges and activities this year, discussing resumption of dialogue mechanisms in a step-by-step manner to utilise them to address each other's priority areas of interest and concern and move relations on to a more stable and predictable path.
Chennai, April 17 : The Censor Board of Film Certification has cleared director Karthik Subbaraj's eagerly awaited-action extravaganza 'Retro', featuring actors Suriya and Pooja Hegde in the lead, for release with a U/A certificate.

Chennai, April 17 (IANS) The Censor Board of Film Certification has cleared director Karthik Subbarajas eagerly awaited-action extravaganza aRetroa, featuring actors Suriya and Pooja Hegde in the lead, for release with a U/A certificate.

The film, which is scheduled to hit screens on May 1 this year, has a run time of Two hours 48 minutes and 30 seconds.

aRetroa has been one of the most eagerly awaited films of the year and a teaser released by the film unit some days ago has only gone on to add to the excitement.

The teaser begins with Pooja Hegde and Suriya seated on the steps of what appears to be a temple, on the banks of a river. Suriya promises her that he will bid adieu to a life of violence and rowdyism. He says he will stop working with his father and try to be smiling and happy. He says that his purpose in life will be her love. After saying all this, he asks her if she will marry him. She expresses her agreement by planting a kiss on his forehead.

The teaser, which had over a whopping two crore views with a matter of hours, made expectations from the film soar even higher with many beginning to await the filmas release.

Apart from Suriya and Pooja Hegde, the film will feature a host of stars including Malayalam actors Joju George and Jayaram and Tamil actor Karunakaran.

Music for the film is by Santhosh Narayanan and cinematography by Shreyaas Krishna. Editing has been handled by Shafique Mohamed Ali and art direction is by Jacki and Mayapandi. The film, which will be high on action, will have stunts by Kecha Khamphakdee.

Interestingly, Suriya underwent special martial arts training in Thailand for this film.
New Delhi, April 17 : India on Thursday said that it continues to "work closely" with the authorities in Belgium for the extradition of fugitive diamantaire Mehul Choksi to India.

"Based on our extradition request, he was arrested in Belgium. We are working closely with the Belgium side for his extradition to India so that he can face trial in the country," said Randhir Jaiswal, spokesperson for the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) at a regular media briefing in New Delhi on Thursday.

The Belgian Federal Public Service (FPS) of Justice on Monday confirmed the arrest of Choksi, who is wanted in connection with the Punjab National Bank (PNB) loan fraud case in India, revealing that the Indian authorities have introduced an extradition request for him already.

"The Belgian federal public service of Justice can confirm that Mr. Mehul Choksi was arrested on the Saturday 12th of April 2025. He is being detained in anticipation of further judicial proceedings. Access to his legal counsel has been assured," the FPS said.

"Please note that the prosecution services retain the right to refrain from comment in ongoing cases. Finally, the Belgian federal public service of Justice can confirm that the Indian authorities have introduced an extradition request for Mr. Choksi. As is standard in individual cases, no further details can be released at this stage," it added.

The FPS acts like the Ministry of Justice and assists in preparation and implementation of legislation while supporting the Minister of Justice in the areas for which he is responsible. It also provides the guidance and operational support of the judiciary, with a focus on coordination and organisational development. It is responsible for the supervision of the adequate implementation of legal and administrative decisions, while guaranteeing legal certainty and equal treatment of all parties involved.

65-year-old Choksi was apprehended by the police in Belgium at India's request for his extradition. He was reportedly living in Antwerp with his wife, Preeti Choksi, after obtaining a 'residency card'.

Choksi and his nephew, Nirav Modi, are wanted by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) and the Enforcement Directorate (ED) for allegedly defrauding the PNB of Rs 13,850 crore.

They allegedly used Letters of Undertaking (LoUs) and Foreign Letters of Credit (FLCs) by bribing officials of the bank's Brady House branch in Mumbai. The CBI has filed cases charging Choksi, his nephew Nirav Modi, their companies, bank staff, and others with conspiracy, cheating, and corruption.

Choksi and Nirav Modi fled India in January 2018, weeks before the scam in the PNB surfaced.

According to reports, Choksi has been living in Antwerp with his wife, Preeti Choksi, a citizen of Belgium.
New Delhi, April 17 : Amid an engaging discourse around governance, decolonisation and societal development in Bharat, Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) chief Mohan Bhagwat will release 'The Hindu Manifesto', a book by Swami Vigyananand, on April 26.

New Delhi, April 17 (IANS) Amid an engaging discourse around governance, decolonisation and societal development in Bharat, Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) chief Mohan Bhagwat will release aThe Hindu Manifestoa, a book by Swami Vigyananand, on April 26.

The event to launch the work of Swami Vigyananand, a senior functionary of the Vishva Hindu Parishad (VHP) and initiator of the World Hindu Congress, will be held at the PM Museum in New Delhi, said a statement.

The Hindu Manifesto offers a transformative framework for prosperity, governance and justice in modern times, rooted in the principles of Dharma and the timeless wisdom of ancient Hindu texts such as the Vedas, Ramayana, Mahabharata, Arthashastra, and Shukranitisar, it said.

Swami Vigyananand has crafted The Hindu Manifesto as a blueprint for civilisational renaissance, based on eight guiding principles, or Sutras, that emphasise prosperity for all, national security, quality education, responsible democracy, respect for women, social harmony, sacredness of nature, and respect for oneas heritage.

The book presents a Dharma-centred model to foster a just, prosperous, and harmonious future for the world.

It advocates for responsible democracy, drawing inspiration from Ram Rajya, where governance is rooted in justice and public welfare. It also redefines social structures, dispelling misconceptions about Varna and Jati (caste) and advocating for a non-discriminatory society.

aThe Hindu Manifestoa maintains that a nationas strength and longevity depend on two fundamental aspects: a solid foundational framework that ensures stability and progress, and a civilisational framework that nurtures values, identity and sustainability. Together, these aspects form the core philosophy of this book, with each of the eight Sutras representing a crucial pillar of a thriving society.

By blending ancient wisdom with contemporary ideas, the book guides readers to realign society with enduring civilisational values and power Bharatas rise in the changing world order, said the publisher, BluOne Ink.

Swami Vigyananand is a renowned scholar of Hindu Dharma, deeply versed in Sanskrit and Hindu philosophy, and an astute observer of various disciplines, including economics, education, diplomacy, strategy, and politics.

A thought leader and changemaker, he is an IIT graduate who is currently serving as Joint General Secretary of the VHP and leading its international coordination efforts. He has spearheaded initiatives like the World Hindu Economic Forum and the World Hindu Congress, organising conferences and mobilising Hindus across the globe.
New Delhi, April 17 : The Supreme Court on Thursday recorded the undertaking given by the Union government that no fresh members would be appointed to waqf boards and the Central Waqf Council in terms of the Waqf (Amendment) Act, 2025, till the next date of hearing, and asked it to file its preliminary reply within seven days.

In its interim order, a bench, headed by CJI Sanjiv Khanna, recorded the assurance given by Solicitor General Tushar Mehta, the second highest law officer of the Centre, that the status of existing waqfs, including waqf by user, will not be changed or identified.

The Bench, also comprising Justices Sanjay Kumar and K.V. Viswanathan, asked the Centre to file its reply to the petitions seeking stay and challenging the validity of the recent amendments introduced to the Waqf Act, 1995, within a period of seven days.

In view of the multiplicity of the petitions, the apex court told the petitioners to choose five lead pleas to be decided by the apex court, adding that the other petitions may be treated as applications and deemed to be disposed of.

The apex court directed its registry to rename the matter as "In Re: Waqf Amendment Act".

It also ordered the appointment of nodal counsel to facilitate the filing of pleadings and written submissions before the apex court.

The matter is likely to be listed next on May 5 for further hearing.

During the course of the hearing, SG Mehta urged the apex court not to pass any stay order, saying that the amendment was brought after taking into account various suggestions and representations across the country.

"The government is answerable to people. Villages and villages were taken as waqf. It (The Waqf Amendment Act, 2025) is a considered piece of legislation. Petitions were filed before Presidential assent," he said.

"If your lordships are going to stay a statutory provision, it by itself is rare," he added. Further, SG Mehta contended that passing of an interim order is a "harsh step" and the Centre should be allowed to file its preliminary reply to explain the rationale behind introducing the amendments to the Waqf Act, 1995.

Urging the top court to defer the proceedings to allow the Centre to file its preliminary reply, he said that he would make a statement on behalf of the non-appearing states that if they make any fresh appointment to a Waqf Board, the same would be void.

On Wednesday, the CJI Khanna-led Bench indicated that it would pass an interim order but deferred the proceedings after SG Mehta urged that the Union government should be given a hearing before any interim order is passed.

Multiple petitions have been filed before the Supreme Court challenging the constitutional validity of the recent amendments introduced in the Waqf Act, 1995.

After the legislation was passed by Parliament in the first week of April, the Congress announced it will challenge the Waqf (Amendment) Bill (now an Act after the Presidential assent) before the Supreme Court, claiming that it was an attack on the basic structure of the Constitution and was aimed at "polarising" and "dividing" the country on the basis of religion. On the other hand, the government said that crores of poor Muslims will benefit from this legislation, and in no way does it harm any single Muslim.

In his petition filed before the apex court, Congress MP and party whip in Lok Sabha Mohammad Jawed contended that the amendments violated Articles 14 (right to equality), 25 (freedom to practice and propagate religion), 26 (freedom of religious denominations to manage their religious affairs), 29 (minority rights), and 300A (right to property) of the Constitution. Another plea filed by All India Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen (AIMIM) chief Asaduddin Owaisi said the impugned amendments are "ex facie violative of Articles 14, 15, 21, 25, 26, 29, 30, 300A of the Constitution of India and manifestly arbitrary".

Several others, including the Association for Protection of Civil Rights, AAP leader Amanatullah Khan, Maulana Arshad Madani of Jamiat Ulema-i-Hind, the All India Muslim Personal Law Board (AIMPLB), the Social Democratic Party of India (SDPI), the Indian Union Muslim League, Taiyyab Khan Salmani, and Anjum Kadari, have filed petitions challenging the constitutional validity of the provision.

In response to the petitions seeking a stay on the implementation of the Waqf (Amendment) Act, 2025, the Union government haf filed a caveat, or notice submitted to a court by a party to a litigation who wishes to be heard before any order is likely to be issued on the opponent's plea, in the Supreme Court. Also, several BJP-ruled states, including Haryana, Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, Chhattisgarh, Assam, and Uttarakhand, have approached the Supreme Court seeking to defend the Waqf (Amendment) Act, 2025.

The concept of aWaqfa, rooted in Islamic laws and traditions, refers to an endowment made by a Muslim for charitable or religious purposes, such as mosques, schools, hospitals, or other public institutions.
New Delhi, April 17 : India on Thursday labelled the ongoing US-Iran nuclear talks as a "positive development", hoping that the negotiations would lead to the resolution of the concerned matter and contribute to peace and stability in the region.

"We see the ongoing US-Iran talks as a positive development. We have always stood for dialogue and diplomacy as the way forward on such issues. We hope it will lead to the resolution of the matter, to the mutual satisfaction of all concerned, and contribute to peace and stability in the region," Randhir Jaiswal, spokesperson for the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), said during a weekly media briefing in New Delhi.

The venue for the second round of indirect negotiations between Tehran and Washington on Saturday will be Italy's capital Rome, said Iran's Deputy Foreign Minister Kazem Gharibabadi

"Up to this point that we are speaking, we have received no new request from the other side for changing the location of the negotiations and Rome will be the venue for the second round," Gharibabadi said in a live televised interview late Wednesday.

Regardless of the negotiations' venue, Oman will continue to facilitate and mediate them, the official added.

Iran's Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi and US Special Envoy to the Middle East Steve Witkoff are scheduled to hold the second round of their indirect talks on Saturday. The talks mainly center on Iran's nuclear programme and the removal of the US sanctions on the country.

Witkoff on Tuesday said Iran "must stop and eliminate" its nuclear enrichment programme to reach a deal with the United States, contradicting his remarks the preceding day that Tehran's uranium enrichment at a low level could be allowed.

"A deal with Iran will only be completed if it is a Trump deal. Any final arrangement must set a framework for peace, stability, and prosperity in the Middle East -- meaning that Iran must stop and eliminate its nuclear enrichment and weaponization programme. It is imperative for the world that we create a tough, fair deal that will endure, and that is what President Trump has asked me to do," Office of U.S. Special Presidential Envoy Steve Witkoff posted on X.

In the first round of Muscat talks last week, Araghchi engaged in "indirect" discussions with Witkoff, facilitated by Omani Foreign Minister Sayyid Badr bin Hamad bin Hamood Albusaidi. These talks focused on Iran's nuclear programme and the potential removal of US sanctions.

The talks were proposed by US President Donald Trump, who threatened Iran with bombing and secondary tariffs if Tehran did not come to an agreement with Washington over its nuclear programme.

Iran signed a nuclear deal, formally known as the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action, with six major countries  Britain, China, France, Germany, Russia, and the United States  in July 2015, accepting restrictions on its nuclear program in return for sanctions relief.

However, the US withdrew from the deal in May 2018 and reinstated sanctions, prompting Iran to scale back some of its nuclear commitments. Efforts to revive the nuclear deal have not achieved substantial progress.
Kolkata, April 17 : A special division bench of the Calcutta High Court, on Thursday, directed the formation of a committee to review the situation in minority-dominated Murshidabad district of West Bengal, which had been hit by violence over protests against the Waqf (Amendment) Act.

As per the verbal order of the special division bench of Justice Soumen Sen and Justice Raja Basu Chowdhury, the said committee will have at least one member each from the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC), West Bengal Human Rights Commission, and West Bengal Legal Aids Services Authority (WBLASA).

The special division bench observed that many residents in the troubled pockets of Murshidabad got displaced from their homes due to the violence in the district last week, and the committee will work to ensure that such individuals can return to their respective homes.

The special division bench, at the same time, directed deployment of the Central Armed Police Forces (CAPF) personnel would continue to remain deployed at Murshidabad till further orders.

The same division bench last week directed the deployment of CAPF in the troubled pockets of Murshidabad to bring the situation under control. In that order, the bench observed that the measures taken by the West Bengal government to control communal unrest were inadequate.

The division bench also observed that had the CAPF deployment been earlier, the situation would not have been so "grave" and "volatile".

The division said that besides paying compensation to the families where violence-related deaths have occurred, the administration should ensure that normal functioning at different schools in the troubled zone is not affected.

So far, there have been reports of three violence-related deaths from Murshidabad, out of which two have been reported from the same family at Samserganj, where the victims are the father and son, Hargobindo Das and Chandan Das.

Although the Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has announced a compensation of Rs 10 lakh each for each victim's family, the members of the Das family have rejected the compensation offer.

A team of the National Commission of Women (NCW), which took a suo motu cognisance of the violence at Murshidabad, is arriving in Kolkata. On Friday and Saturday, they would be interacting with the women members of those families who were displaced from their homes following the violence.

The NCW team will also hold meetings with the Murshidabad district magistrate and district police superintendent.
New Delhi, April 17 : The Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation (MoSPI) on Thursday said it now plans to release the Index of Industrial Production (IIP) data within 28 days instead of 42 days.

"From April 2025 onwards, the All India Index of Industrial Production (IIP) will be released on the 28th of every month at 4:00 p.m. within 28 days from the reference month. For a particular month, IIP will be released as Quick Estimates followed by a Final Estimate," said the ministry in a statement.

The ministry will release the next IIP estimates on April 28.

The ministry releases consumer price indices within 12 days after the end of the reference month, which is among the best globally. Similarly, survey reports of the NSS are now released within 90 days of completion of fieldwork.

The calendar of release of National Accounts Statistics has been rationalised by obviating the need for the 3rd Revised Estimates of GDP.

The IIP is a crucial short-term indicator of industrial growth in the country.

The compilation and release of IIP in India commenced with the base year 1937, which was successively revised to 1946, 1951, 1956, 1960, 1970, 1980-81, 1993-94, 2004-05, and 2011-12.

MoSPI presently releases the monthly all India Index of Industrial Production (IIP) on the 12th of every month (previous working day if 12th is a holiday) within 42 days from the reference month.

Currently, the Quick Estimates of a month undergo revision in subsequent releases as per the revision policy of the IIP.

India's industrial output, based on IIP, posted a 2.9 per cent growth in February this year compared to the same month of the previous year, according to data released by the ministry.

The data showed that the manufacturing sector, which provides quality jobs for the country's young graduates passing out of the country's universities and engineering institutes, recorded a 2.9 per cent growth in February over the same month last year.
News / Local

by Staff reporter

Industry and Commerce Minister Nqobizitha Ndlovu has called for urgent action to address the challenges stifling the competitiveness of Zimbabwe's manufacturing sector, after new findings revealed that over half of the country's manufacturing firms are not optimistic about improving performance in the year ahead.The Confederation of Zimbabwe Industries (CZI) 2024 Annual Manufacturing Sector Survey, launched on Monday, highlighted that while the manufacturing industry in Zimbabwe is vast, with an estimated 4,552 firms employing at least 10 people, the sector's performance has faced significant headwinds. According to the survey, manufacturing output decreased by 0.5% in 2024, while capacity utilisation fell by 0.9 percentage points to 52.3% compared to the previous year.The report pointed to several key factors contributing to the decline, including high production costs, obsolete technology, insufficient funding and government support, high taxes, electricity supply issues, currency instability, challenges with export retention, and competition from the informal sector.Minister Ndlovu expressed cautious optimism about the future, noting that 44% of manufacturers expect better performance in 2025. He singled out the pharmaceutical, beverages, and furniture sub-sectors, where more than half of the firms anticipate growth. However, he stressed that significant challenges remain in the sector that must be addressed to improve competitiveness."I am enthused by the fact that there is a sense of cautious optimism, with 44% of manufacturing firms expecting better performance in 2025," Ndlovu said at the survey's launch. "The pharmaceutical, beverages, and furniture sub-sectors show particular promise, with over 50% of firms in these areas anticipating growth."Despite these optimistic forecasts, Ndlovu emphasized the need for comprehensive policy interventions to resolve the ongoing challenges. High production costs, currency issues, and outdated technology continue to act as major barriers. Notably, the survey found that only 29% of manufacturers felt prepared to compete in the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), underscoring the need for strategic investments and government support.Foreign currency earnings from the sector were also highlighted, with 83% of the foreign currency obtained by the manufacturing sector in 2024 coming from domestic sales. However, a meager 5% of output was directed towards exports, indicating the need for a stronger focus on international markets."In 2024, the foreign currency earned by the sector was largely from domestic sales, with only 5% directed toward exports," Ndlovu noted. "This underscores the need to encourage manufacturers to explore export markets, reducing dependence on local demand and better utilising their production capacity."The government is addressing these challenges through the Zimbabwe Industrial Reconstruction and Growth Plan, launched in October 2024. This plan, set to run until December 2025, includes key interventions designed to revitalise manufacturing production capabilities, improve efficiency, and enhance capacity utilisation.The government is also pushing for stronger export performance, as manufacturing exports have seen gradual growth over the past few years. Manufactured exports totalled US$324.8 million in 2021, increased to US$366.5 million in 2022, and reached US$448.7 million in 2023 before slightly declining to US$432 million in 2024."This trajectory underscores our resilience and adaptability in a dynamic global market," Ndlovu said, noting that recent entrants to the industry, particularly those operating for up to five years, saw a significant output increase of 14%, showing strong adaptability to current market conditions. However, older manufacturers, particularly those operating beyond five years, have not seen similar improvements.Despite these challenges, large firms showed an 8% increase in output, demonstrating their ability to leverage scale and optimise production. However, overall, capacity utilisation across the sector averaged only 52.3%, a slight decrease from 53.2% in 2023, indicating significant idle capacity that many firms are struggling to utilise effectively.Minister Ndlovu concluded by calling for continued efforts to address these structural challenges, stressing the importance of enhancing access to financing, updating technology, and improving macroeconomic stability to foster a more resilient manufacturing sector."To achieve the desired growth and enhance competitiveness, we must prioritise key policy interventions that tackle these challenges head-on," he said. "This includes improving access to financing for retooling, addressing high compliance costs, and stabilising the macroeconomic environment."
Patna, April 17 : Bihar Deputy Chief Minister Samrat Choudhary said on Thursday that a situation similar to CAA is being created by the opposition over the Waqf (Amendment) Act.

"Just like the protests around CAA, a false atmosphere is now being created around the Waqf Act. When CAA was passed, there were claims that Muslims would be forced out of the country; nothing like that happened, and nothing will happen now after the Waqf Act," claimed the Deputy Chief Minister during an event titled 'Sukriya Modi Ji' in Patna on bringing in the new Waqf Act.

He also highlighted the developmental work done under the NDA government, especially under Chief Minister Nitish Kumar.

"During the Nitish Kumar government, over 50,000 graveyards have been fenced, with work on 1,200 more ongoing. Our government has created 'Talimi Markaz' to support free education for children from poor Muslim families," he claimed.

He added that scholarships have been extended to all communities: minorities, Dalits, tribals, EBC, OBC, and even general category students.

"Only two universities were built during the Lalu-Rabri regime from 19902005, and under Nitish Kumar (2005present), Bihar now has 33 universities, compared to just eight pre-1990," he claimed.

He said that Nitish's leadership has enabled children of Dalits and backwards classes to access education.

The Waqf (Amendment) Act has triggered nationwide debates, especially among the opposition and minority groups.
New Delhi, April 17 : India and the International Big Cat Alliance (IBCA) signed the Headquarters Agreement on Thursday in New Delhi, which provides for India to be the host for the IBCA Headquarters and Secretariat and entails necessary provisions to enable IBCA to meet its intended objectives.

The agreement was signed by P Kumaran, Secretary (East), Ministry of External Affairs, and S.P. Yadav, Director General, IBCA.

"The text pertains to visas, privileges, and immunities to be extended to the IBCA Secretariat and personnel, premises, entry into force, supplementary agreements, and some general provisions. The Government of India shall provide budgetary support of Rs 150 crore to IBCA for creating a corpus, building infrastructure, and meeting recurring expenditure for five years from 2023-24 to 2028-29," the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) stated in a press release.

The International Big Cat Alliance (IBCA) was launched by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in April 2023 during the 'Commemorating 50 years of Project Tiger' event at Mysuru. The Cabinet, in its meeting held in February 2024 approved the establishment of IBCA with its headquarters in India. The IBCA and its Secretariat became a full-fledged treaty based inter-governmental international organisation and international legal entity from January 2025.

"The IBCA primarily aims for conservation of seven big cats namely Tiger, Lion, Leopard, Snow Leopard, Cheetah, Jaguar and Puma, with objectives like facilitation of collaboration and synergy amongst the concerned stakeholders, consolidation of successful conservation practices and expertise to achieve conservation of big cats around the globe," the MEA stated.

"The initiative seeks to foster international collaboration for the sustainable future of big cats, as well as underscores India's leadership and commitment to global wildlife conservation," it mentioned.

As of now, 27 countries, including India have consented to join IBCA, and several international/national organisations working in the field of wildlife conservation have also partnered with IBCA.

IBCA is a multi-country, multi-agency coalition comprising 95 big cat range countries, non-range countries with an interest in big cat conservation, conservation partners, scientific organisations engaged in big cat research, as well as business groups and corporates committed to supporting big cat conservation efforts.
Mumbai, April 17 : The iconic journey of the Bombay Stock Exchange (BSE), which will complete 150 years in 2025, began humbly under a banyan tree in 1855.

In those early days, traders would gather under the tree in South Mumbai to buy and sell cotton. This informal trading laid the foundation for what would become Asia's first stock exchange.

As the number of traders grew over time, the Native Share and Stock Brokersa Association was formally established on July 9, 1875, which eventually became the BSE.

Interestingly, this happened three years before the Tokyo Stock Exchange was founded, making BSE the oldest stock exchange in Asia.

One of BSE's key founders was Premchand Roychand, who was popularly known as the "Cotton King of Bombay".

According to reports, the Native Share and Stock Brokers' Association initially had 318 members, and the admission fee was just one rupee.

The land where BSE currently stands was purchased in 1928, and construction of the building began in 1930.

After India's Independence, BSE received official recognition in 1957 under the Securities Contracts (Regulation) Act (SCRA).

The present BSE building -- known as the Phiroze Jeejeebhoy Towers -- was constructed in 1970. It was named after Phiroze Jamshedji Jeejeebhoy, who served as the chairman of BSE from 1966 to 1980.

In 1986, BSE launched India's first stock index, the Sensex, with a base of 100.

Sensex crossed the 1,000 mark for the first time in 1990, 5,000 in 1999, 20,000 in 2007, and 80,000 in 2024.

As part of its 149th Foundation Day celebrations in 2023, the Bombay Stock Exchange (BSE) unveiled a new logo symbolising prosperity, vibrance, growth, and fresh beginnings.

The logo also reflects the exchange's ongoing commitment to trust and its growing sense of responsibility.

The celebrations, held on July 10, 2023, at the BSE International Convention Hall, began with the traditional bell-ringing ceremony.

"On this special occasion, as a lead-up to our 150th Foundation Day, we are proud to present a new logo. It represents prosperity, vibrance, growth, and new beginnings, while also highlighting our continued trust and increased responsibility," the BSE said in a statement on July 10, 2023.

Today, BSE is one of the largest stock exchanges in the world, with over 4,100 listed companies and a total market capitalisation of Rs 419 lakh crore.
New Delhi, April 17 : In a historic achievement, smartphones emerged as India's largest export category in the first 10 months of FY25 -- marking a major success story under the government's production-linked incentive (PLI) scheme, Union Minister for Electronics and IT, Ashwini Vaishnaw, said on Thursday.

He credited the decade-long partnership between the government and industry for this feat, noting that in FY14, smartphones were ranked as India's 167th export category -- a sharp contrast to their number 1 position today.

"Smartphone PLI scheme reaches new highs: Smartphones emerged as India's largest export in first 10 months of FY25. In FY14, smartphone exports were ranked 167th. Number 1 position is result of a 10-year government-industry partnership," he wrote on the social media platform X.

The Union Minister also said that smartphone exports had touched a record Rs 2 lakh crore, highlighting the transformative shift in India's electronics manufacturing ecosystem.

Calling it a record-breaking moment, Vaishnaw, in his X post, said that this achievement reflects the growth of global value chains (GVCs) within India and the rising contribution of domestic firms to global supply networks.

The smartphone sector's rapid ascent has also translated into lakhs of new jobs, especially for women, and expanding opportunities for Indian MSMEs, as the PLI scheme deepens local value addition.

According to earlier industry reports, smartphone exports had already crossed Rs 1.75 lakh crore between April 2024 and February 2025 -- driven by robust global demand and strategic shifts by tech giants.

The growth is being largely credited to the PLI scheme, which has enabled India to not only boost exports but also dramatically reduce dependence on imports.

Currently, about 99 per cent of the smartphones sold in the country are manufactured domestically.

Apple has been the single largest contributor to India's smartphone exports, with iPhones accounting for nearly 70 per cent of total shipments.

Earlier report suggests that the company's key suppliers -- Foxconn in Tamil Nadu and Tata Electronics via Wistron and Pegatron units -- have played an instrumental role in ramping up output.

Foxconn alone contributed around 50 per cent of the total exports, recording a 40 per cent year-on-year (YoY) growth.
New Delhi, April 17 : Delhi Legislative Assembly Speaker Vijender Gupta on Thursday announced that the Monsoon Session scheduled to be held in July will be conducted in a completely paperless mode.

The adoption of a paperless legislative process will become possible through the implementation of cutting-edge software and mobile applications developed under the National e-Vidhan Application (NEVA) initiative, he said at the conclusion of his three-day study tour to Bhubaneswar.

Gupta visited the Odisha Legislative Assembly on Thursday with a delegation from the Delhi Legislative Assembly.

The delegation studied the software, gadgets, and apps being developed under the NEVA project.

They met Odisha Legislative Assembly Speaker Surama Padhi and Chief Minister Mohan Charan Manjhi before sharing detailed information regarding the implementation of the NEVA project.

"Odisha is the latest state to join the NEVA ecosystem, and the technology adopted here is both advanced and efficient," said Gupta.

"Odisha has learned from the experiences of other states and has implemented an excellent model. We aim to study their practices closely and further refine and adapt them for Delhi," he said.

The Delhi delegation examined various NEVA components such as apps, dashboards, and war rooms, gaining a first-hand understanding of how technology can enhance legislative transparency and streamline proceedings.

The team also visited service centres to observe how digital tools are facilitating smooth legislative operations.

Speaker Gupta added that the Delhi Assembly intended to adopt elements of Odisha's NEVA model and planned to invite Odisha's technical experts to share their knowledge.

"Our vision is to position the Delhi Legislative Assembly as a leader in technological innovation, serving as a model for other states to follow," he said.

Reaffirming his support for Prime Minister Narendra Modi's 'One Nation, One Application' initiative, Gupta stated: "Delhi Assembly is committed to playing a leading role in this digital transformation. The shift to e-Vidhan will not only enhance operational efficiency but also promote environmental sustainability. It will bring greater speed and transparency to legislative processes."
Lucknow, April 17 : Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister ripped into the Opposition over their 'silence' on the recent incidents of violence in West Bengal's Murshidabad, which apparently broke out during protests by the Muslim groups, following the passage of the Waqf Amendment Act.

He severely criticised the Opposition for their 'utter silence' on Bengal violence, as against utterances in other regions and said that this has completely exposed their double standards.

Speaking at an event titled "Uttar Pradesh:Towards a Glorious Century", the Chief Minister slammed the opposition parties and blamed them for deep-rooted issues like corruption, casteism, and mafia rule during previous regimes.

"The same people who were involved in scams and built hotels in London using public money are the ones who looted the state and divided people along caste lines," he said.

"Those who built their political empires on corruption, casteism, mafia power, and dynastic politics are now silent on incidents like Murshidabad," he remarked.

Citing the example of Uttar Pradesh, he said that the mafia raj has been eliminated and today the state has turned into a safer and peaceful place.

"In the past, mafias used to control entire districts. They took over government contracts, caused riots, and harassed women and businessmen. People used to be scared during festivals. Today, festivals in UP are celebrated peacefully and with grandeur," CM Yogi stated.

CM Yogi also drew a parallel between Murshidabad violence and what cities like Muzaffarnagar, Bareilly, Aligarh, and Lucknow faced in the past.

The Chief Minister further blasted the Opposition for insulting national heroes like Shivaji, Maharana Pratap, and Rana Sanga, while glorifying figures like Aurangzeb, Babur, and Jinnah, who he said were against the idea of India.

He accused opposition parties and leaders of spreading propaganda and hatred in society for vote-bank politics.

"To build a prosperous Uttar Pradesh and a self-reliant, developed India, it is important to respect our national heroes. This is also one of the pledges of the Prime Minister's 'Panch Pran' vision," he highlighted.
Dhaka, April 17 : India on Thursday reiterated that it remains committed to developing a positive and constructive relationship with Bangladesh irrespective of certain trade issues, including the recent termination of the transshipment facility.

"India looks forward to having a positive and constructive relationship with Bangladesh. We stand for a democratic, inclusive, and prosperous Bangladesh. As far as trade issues are concerned, we made an announcement last week regarding the transshipment facility. We have taken that measure because of the congestion that we see at our ports and airports," Randhir Jaiswal, spokesperson for the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), said during a weekly media briefing in New Delhi on Thursday.

Citing "significant congestion" at its airports and ports, India on April 8 said that it has terminated a trans-shipment facility available to Bangladesh that allowed Dhaka to export cargo to third countries using Indian customs stations.

"The Transshipment facility extended to Bangladesh had over a period of time resulted in significant congestion at our airports and ports. Logistical delays and higher costs were hindering our own exports and creating backlogs. The facility, therefore, has been withdrawn w.e.f. April 8, 2025. To clarify, these measures do not impact Bangladesh exports to Nepal or Bhutan transiting through Indian territory." Jaiswal said, last week.

The facility was introduced in June 2020 and the decision to withdraw it was made by the finance ministry's Central Board of Indirect Taxes and Customs.

"It has been decided to rescind the circular dated June 29, 2020, as amended with immediate effect. Cargo already entered into India may be allowed to exit the Indian territory as per the procedure given in that circular," a notification issued by the Central Board of Indirect Taxes and Customs (CBIC) on April 8 stated.

The facility introduced by New Delhi was aimed at enhancing regional connectivity and promoting trade between Bangladesh and third countries by using India as a transit corridor.

"India's decision to revoke the transshipment facility for Bangladesh underscores Prime Minister Narendra Modi Ji's unwavering commitment to safeguarding national interests and the security of the Northeast region. This decisive action reflects the government's firm stance on protecting Indiaas strategic and economic priorities," Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma had posted on X.

The move came after controversial statements made by Muhammad Yunus, the Chief Advisor of the interim government in Bangladesh, during his recent visit to China.

"The seven states of India, the eastern part of India, are called the Seven Sisters. They are a landlocked region of India. They have no way to reach out to the ocean. We are the only guardian of the ocean for all this region. So this opens up a huge possibility. This could be an extension of the Chinese economy," Yunus said during a high-level roundtable discussion on sustainable infrastructure and energy in Beijing.

Both countries had also operationalized the Agreement for the usage of Chittagong and Mongla Ports in 2023 that allows India to avail the services of these ports in Bangladesh for transit cargo between Northeast and mainland India and significantly reduced the cost and time of transportation.

Earlier this month, Prime Minister Narendra Modi had raised the issue of safety and security of minorities in Bangladesh, including Hindus, during his meeting with Yunus, held on the sidelines of the BIMSTEC Summit in Bangkok.

The Bangkok meeting was the first in-person meeting between the two leaders since the ouster of the Awami League government led by former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and formation of the interim government under the leadership of Yunus in the neighbouring country, last August.

During the discussions, Prime Minister Modi had urged that any rhetoric that vitiates the environment is best avoided and expressed his conviction that all issues of mutual interest between the two countries would continue to be addressed and resolved bilaterally through constructive discussions in the interest of the long standing bilateral relationship between the two countries.

-- IANS

int/scor/as
New Delhi, April 17 : AAP leader Somnath Bharti on Thursday accused the BJP of routinely misusing central investigative agencies including the Enforcement Directorate (ED) and the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) as 'tools' to target the Opposition leaders.

His remarks came following an CBI raid at the residence of senior AAP leader Durgesh Pathak, a move the party claimed is politically motivated.

Speaking to IANS, Somnath Bharti said, "There's an old English idiom that says, 'When a dog bites a man, it's not news. But when a man bites a dog, it is.' Under the BJP regime, raids by ED or CBI on opposition leaders have become so common that they no longer surprise anyone. However, if these agencies were to target BJP leaders, that would be actual news."

He added, "This has become a day-to-day activity. The use of ED and CBI as political weapons is a standard operating procedure under the BJP government."

Bharti further alleged that the timing of the raid on Pathak was politically driven, given his growing prominence within the party and his recent appointment as co-incharge for AAP's Gujarat campaign ahead of the 2027 state elections.

"There is massive anti-incumbency in Gujarat. Congress has never posed a real challenge to the BJP there. But AAP's entry has disrupted their comfort zone. AAP has given BJP sleepless nights, and this raid is a reaction to that. Just like in previous cases, they won't find anything because there is nothing to find," Bharti asserted.

On the ongoing ED probe involving businessman Robert Vadra, son-in-law of former Congress President Sonia Gandhi, Bharti labeled it a "friendly match" between the BJP and Congress.

He said, "During Congress rule, no action was taken against BJP leaders, and the reverse is also true. These raids are often mere formalitiesinvestigative processes without actual consequences. It's like do all the processes but not arrest."

Robert Vadra is currently facing questioning by the ED in connection with a money laundering case linked to a 2008 land deal in Shikohpur, Haryana.
New Delhi, April 17 : Calling for the use of technology, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday reviewed Yamuna cleaning, taking a big step towards fulfilling his promise of personally monitoring the rejuvenation of the holy river and delivering a memorable experience to Chhath devotees.

The meeting, held at PM Modi's residence, also discussed the need for the Jan Bhagidari Movement, enlisting volunteers for river rejuvenation and public events around the Yamuna.

The Prime Minister emphasised the urgent need to rehabilitate Delhi's drinking water system to reduce leakages and pilferage.

It was also decided that Delhi would prepare an Urban River Management Plan, for holistic water management, and integrate it with the City Master Plan, said a statement.

During the meeting, the officials discussed actions to be taken along the river's stretch in Haryana, in Delhi stretch as well as downstream of Delhi up to the Sangam at Prayagraj.

The status of the wastewater treatment infrastructure, and the governance issues that impact the quality of the Yamuna were presented to the Prime Minister, said the statement.

The Prime Minister said that the experience of people of Delhi while celebrating the festival of Chhath Puja should improve.

Emphasis was also laid on the need to create a people-river connect to inculcate respect for the Yamuna and make it a part of the lives of citizens and young people living in cities along the river, said the statement.

"This should include a Jan Bhagidari Movement enlisting volunteers for river rejuvenation and public events around the river. In addition to the Delhi stretch, special attention may also be paid to the culturally rich area around Braj, making the Braj Yatra a part of the river people movement," it said.

The Prime Minister advised that the best available technology should be harnessed to gather micro level real-time data to measure the flows in the drains as well as monitor the functioning of the sewage treatment plants.

Further planning and implementation of pollution abatement infrastructure should be based on this data. The data must also be used for improving governance to ensure that the existing infrastructure is functioning effectively. He also advised that space technology may be used for this purpose.

Union Minister for Jal Shakti C.R. Patil, Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta and other officials attended the meeting.
Mumbai, April 17 : The Maharashtra government, in a serious bid to achieve the ambitious target of Viksit Maharashtra 2047, on Thursday set up a 31 member Advisory Committee headed by the chief minister and the chief secretary led 17 member committee.

The government is pursuing its goal of Maharashtra becoming a $1 trillion economy by 2027 and $3.5 trillion by 2047 as a part of the Viksit Bharat 2047 mission.

In addition, the state government has also established six committees for agriculture and allied sectors, industry and services, infrastructure development, social sector, administration and environment. These sectors are key to achieving the Viksit Bharat 2047 mission.

The state government on Thursday released two separate notifications in this regard.

The government has already made a detailed presentation to the NITI Aayog on its plan to achieve the Viksit Bharat 2047 target. The government has proposed to develop Maharashtra into a global economic powerhouse and Mumbai into the global Fintech capital.

State government sources said that it has crafted all policies and initiatives keeping in mind the poor, women, youth and farmers in line with the Central government. Maharashtra is a major contributor to the nation's economy with its strong industrial and service-sector base. The state tops among other states in attracting the maximum foreign direct investment. The state government is focusing on district-level strategies to create a balanced and inclusive economic development model.

Taking inspiration from the Prime Minister Kisan Samman Nidhi Yojana, the government has started the Namo Shetkari Maha Samman Nidhi Yojana. The state government is resolved to double the income of farmers, and for that, it has prepared the Agriculture Food Export Policy. The government will set up onion banks for the storage of 10 lakh tonnes of onions based on nuclear energy.

The government is focusing on developing the Mumbai Metropolitan Region (MMR) to be a $300 billion economy by 2030 from the present level of $140 billion.

It will be achieved with the promotion of MMR as a global services hub, affordable housing and slum rehabilitation, tourism, port-proximate integrated manufacturing and logistics hub, planned urbanisation and intensive transport-oriented development, sustainability projects and world-class urban infrastructure and transport.

The state government hopes to attract a private investment of $125-135 billion, incremental GDP growth of $130-150 billion and additional capital by the state government of the order of Rs 50,000 crore over 5-6 years to chase the goal of making MMR a $300 billion economy.

The government will implement a slew of policies for services, tourism, affordable housing, and transport-oriented development. In addition, the government will have to craft investment promotion and land allocation policy, simplified and enabling urban planning policies, a women's inclusivity blueprint and a Green MMR policy.

The government is developing the Konkan Coastal Road and the Konkan Green Field Expressway, which will prove to be game changers for that region. The government will construct 5,000 km of access control grid to provide seamless connectivity.

According to sources, the development of the Rs 76,000 crore Vadhvan greenfield port project in Palghar will boost the stateas economic growth.

(Sanjay Jog can be contacted at sanjay.j@ians.in)
News / Local

by Staff reporter

Caledonia Mining Corporation Plc, a Jersey-domiciled miner focused on Zimbabwe's gold sector, has reported a near 10% increase in gold production for the first quarter of 2025, with a total of 18,671 ounces of gold produced at its Blanket Mine.This represents a significant increase from the 17,050 ounces produced in the first quarter of 2024, and marks a new production record for the company in a first quarter. The previous record for first-quarter production was 18,515 ounces, set in 2022.The company, which also owns the Bilboes Mine, the Motapa, and Maligreen gold mining claims, noted that the increase in production was driven by strong operational performance. Caledonia reported that 201,755 tonnes were milled during the quarter, which was 13.4% higher than anticipated, contributing to a substantial rise in surface stockpile levels to approximately 15,000 tonnes."Quarterly gold production of 18,671 ounces exceeded our Q1 2024 production of 17,050 ounces," the company said in a statement. "This represents a record for first-quarter production, surpassing the previous high of 18,515 ounces set in Q1 2022."Caledonia remains on track to achieve its annual gold production guidance of between 74,000 and 78,000 ounces for 2025, based on the strong start to the year.Commenting on the results, Caledonia CEO Mark Learmonth expressed his satisfaction with the performance, particularly given that the first quarter is traditionally the weakest for the company. "I'm delighted to report that production in Q1 2025 has set a new record for production in a first quarter at Blanket, with over 18,500 ounces produced," Learmonth said. "This achievement reflects continued operational improvements and the dedication of our team on the ground. The significant increase in both tonnes milled and the surface stockpile provide a strong foundation for the remainder of the year."Looking ahead, Learmonth emphasized that the company was well-positioned to generate healthy cash flows in the coming months, particularly with strong gold prices expected. He also highlighted the company's commitment to continued growth, noting that Caledonia has allocated US$41 million in capital expenditure for 2025 to modernize operations, improve mining efficiency, and invest in exploration efforts. Of this amount, US$34.1 million is earmarked for Blanket Mine, while US$6.9 million will be allocated to Bilboes Mine and the Motapa claims.In addition to the strong operational results, Caledonia also announced the completion of the sale of its Zimbabwean subsidiary, Caledonia Mining Services (Private) Limited (CMS), to CrossBoundary Energy Holdings for a pre-tax consideration of US$22.35 million, payable in cash. The sale was finalized on April 11, 2025.CMS owns and operates the 12.2MWac solar plant that supplies power to Blanket Mine. Under the terms of the sale agreement, the solar plant will continue to provide power to Blanket Mine under an exclusive power purchase agreement, ensuring a reliable renewable energy source for the operation moving forward.This transaction marks a strategic step for Caledonia as it continues to streamline its operations and focus on growth at its core assets. With strong first-quarter results and ongoing investments in both operations and infrastructure, Caledonia is poised for a productive and profitable year ahead.
Mumbai, April 17 : Bollywood actor Emraan Hashmi opened up about his upcoming film "Ground Zero," emphasizing how the movie honors the bravery and sacrifices of the Border Security Force (BSF).

Mumbai, April 17 (IANS) Bollywood actor Emraan Hashmi opened up about his upcoming film "Ground Zero," emphasizing how the movie honors the bravery and sacrifices of the Border Security Force (BSF).

According to the actor, the film accurately represents the dedication and valor of BSF personnel, with their real-life experiences and contributions forming the core of the narrative. In an exclusive conversation with IANS, Emraan shared his deep appreciation for the Border Security Force (BSF) and emphasized how the film pays homage to their bravery and sacrifices. Addressing concerns raised by members of the armed forces regarding their portrayal in cinema, Hashmi assured that "Ground Zero" truly does justice to the BSF, making them the heart of the story.

The 'Murder' actor told IANS, "From day one, the BSF was involved in the making of this film. We consulted them during scriptwriting, took their feedback, and documented everything with their consent. This story is about themtheir courage, sacrifices, and lives. They are at the heart of the narrative. The entire film is a tribute to the BSF."

When asked whether any scenes required assistance from real BSF personnel, the 'Tiger 3' actor admitted that the shoot came with its fair share of challenges.

"Every day brought new challenges. I gravitate towards roles that make me slightly nervousbecause that fear pushes me to work harder. There's always that thought on set: "I need to do something outstanding today." That nervous energy keeps you sharp. Portraying a BSF officer for the first time meant I had to work harder physically and emotionally. The psychological state of a soldierwhat they carry internallywas especially challenging to express. But that's what ultimately shows up in the performance," Emraan explained.

Emraan Hashmi is all set to portray BSF Commandant Narendra Nath Dhar Dubey in "Ground Zero," a gripping action thriller inspired by a landmark missionone that led to the elimination of Ghazi Baba. The mission is hailed as the BSF's most successful operation in five decades.

Directed by Tejas Deoskar, the much-anticipated film is slated for release in theatres on April 25, 2025.
Hyderabad, April 17 : The Telangana government on Thursday sought financial support from the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) for urban transformational projects, including the second phase of the Hyderabad Metro Rail and the Musi River rejuvenation.

Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy, who is currently on a visit to Japan, held discussions with the top management of the JICA in Tokyo to explore the possibilities for financial support for several flagship urban transformational projects. These include radial roads connecting the Outer Ring Road (ORR) and the Regional Ring Roads (RRR).

According to Chief Ministeras Office (CMO), the delegation led by the Chief Minister met JICA Senior Vice President Shohei Hara and other senior managers. The Chief Minister gave an overview of investor-friendly policies of his government, the attractiveness of Hyderabad as a global investment destination, and large-scale infrastructure projects being taken up in the city and its surroundings.

The Chief Minister informed the JICA team that the Metro Rail phase 2 project proposal, with an investment of Rs 24,269 crore as a joint venture project of the Central and the Telangana governments, is under active consideration of the Central government.

The Telangana government is keen on JICA support for the 48 per cent loan component of the project, which is about Rs 11,693 crore. Revanth Reddy also stressed that the Indian government's foreign debt funding norms were being followed strictly by the state government.

Explaining his vision for Hyderabad city to be developed on a par with global cities like New York and Tokyo, the Chief Minister urged JICA to consider funding the Musi rejuvenation project and the new radial roads as well.

Citing the long-standing relationship between JICA and the Telangana government, JICA Senior Vice President Hara requested CM Reddy to pursue the Metro Rail and other eligible projects with the Centre for JICA's support.

The delegation also met senior leadership of Marubeni Corporation, a leading Japanese industrial conglomerate with interests in energy, transport, real estate, industrial infra, metals, medical services, trading, etc.

Following discussions, Marubeni Corp conveyed their interest to establish a state-of-the-art next-generation industrial park in the upcoming Future City near Hyderabad. Both sides signed and exchanged a Letter of Intent (LoI).

With a proposed initial investment of Rs 1,000 crore, the industrial park will be developed in 600 acres in a phase-wise manner in the Future City.

The industrial park will be dedicated to Japanese companies and other multinational companies to set up their manufacturing plants in Hyderabad, and is expected to attract major investments of over Rs 5,000 crore.

The Marubeni Industrial Park will focus on electronics, green pharma, precision engineering, aerospace, and defence sectors.

The Chief Minister said that the industrial park is expected to create 30,000 direct and indirect jobs, enriching livelihoods and enhancing the skill ecosystem in Telangana.

The Telangana delegation also visited the headquarters of Sony Corporation in Tokyo. Officers of the Sony Corporation showcased several new initiatives at Sony and detailed their workings, including new products, to the delegation.

The delegation also held detailed discussions on the animation subsidiary of the company, Crunchyroll, and cited the strengths of Hyderabad in the animation, VFX and Gaming sectors.

Chief Minister Revanth Reddy outlined his vision for the setting up of a modern film city, which would have the capability of end-to-end production.
New Delhi, April 17 : Russia on Thursday denied Ukraine's allegations that its armed forces had attacked the facility of an Indian pharmaceutical firm in Kyiv during a drone strike on April 12, asserting that Moscow has never targetted civilian facilities during its ongoing Special Military Operation in Ukraine.

"In response to the accusations spread by the Embassy of Ukraine in India the Russian Embassy in New Delhi informs that the Russian Armed Forces did not attack or plan to attack on April 12, 2025, Kusum Healthcare's pharmacy warehouse in the eastern part of Kyiv," read a statement issued by the Embassy of Russia in India on Thursday evening.

"On that day, Russian tactical aviation, strike unmanned aerial vehicles and missile forces hit an aviation plant of the Ukrainian military industrial complex, the infrastructure of a military airfield and armoured vehicle repair and UAV assembly workshops at a completely different location," it added.

Oleksandr Polishchuk, the Ambassador of Ukraine to India, had reportedly stated that the warehouse of the Kusum Group was "deliberately targeted" by a Russian drone, resulting in losses of almost $25 million.

Russia, however, said that the "most likely explanation" of the incident is that one of Ukrainian air defence missiles fell on Kusum Healthcare's warehouse setting it on fire.

"Similar cases have occurred previously whereby Ukrainian air defence interceptors failing to hit their targets fell in urban areas due to ineptly operated electronic warfare systems," the Russian Embassy stated.

It outlined that during the ongoing conflict, the Russian Armed Forces have never targetted civilian facilities.

"It should also be noted that it has become customary for the Ukrainian military to deploy air defence systems, rocket launchers, artillery pieces and other military equipment in urban areas using civilians as a human shield," the statement added.
Dhaka, April 17 : Several projects in Bangladesh aimed at enhancing trade and connectivity with neighbouring countries, including India, have been facing unprecedented delays under the interim government led by Muhammad Yunus, local media reported on Thursday.

"The current government is not giving special priority to projects involving India. Instead, more focus is being placed on scrutinising why such projects were initiated in the first place, which has led to slower implementation of these projects," an official of the Implementation Monitoring and Evaluation Division (IMED) of the Planning Ministry told Bangladesh's leading daily, The Business Standard, on the condition of anonymity.

The implementation of projects, particularly those focused on easing connectivity with India, is progressing more slowly than ever, the newspaper reported, quoting planning ministry sources.

The projects include the Bangladesh Regional Connectivity Project-1, which aims to increase trade with India, Bhutan, and Nepal; the South Asia Subregional Economic Cooperation (SASEC) Project, which aims to boost trade with neighbouring countries; and the Accelerating Transport and Trade Connectivity in Eastern South Asia project.

Reports suggest that the interim government under Yunus has decided not to implement at least 11 projects in Bangladesh that were to be funded by the Indian loans.

Relations between India and Bangladesh have nosedived since the fall of Awami League government led by former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina in a violent mass uprising, last August.

The interim government led by Yunus has been frequently accused of engaging in anti-India rhetoric and persecution of minorities.

Last week, citing "significant congestion" at its airports and ports, India said that it terminated a trans-shipment facility available to Bangladesh that allowed Dhaka to export cargo to third countries using Indian customs stations. The facility introduced by New Delhi was aimed at enhancing regional connectivity and promoting trade between Bangladesh and third countries by using India as a transit corridor.

"The Transshipment facility extended to Bangladesh had over a period of time resulted in significant congestion at our airports and ports. Logistical delays and higher costs were hindering our own exports and creating backlogs. The facility, therefore, has been withdrawn w.e.f. April 8, 2025. To clarify, these measures do not impact Bangladesh exports to Nepal or Bhutan transiting through Indian territory," Randhir Jaiswal, said during last week's media briefing.

The move came after controversial statements made by Yunus during his visit to China last month.

"The seven states of India, the eastern part of India, are called the Seven Sisters. They are a landlocked region of India. They have no way to reach out to the ocean. We are the only guardian of the ocean for all this region. So this opens up a huge possibility. This could be an extension of the Chinese economy," Yunus said during a high-level roundtable discussion on sustainable infrastructure and energy in Beijing.
New Delhi, April 17 : The Financial Intelligence Unit-India (FIU-IND) and the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) here on Thursday as part of continued efforts to strengthen coordination for the effective implementation of the Prevention of Money Laundering Act and Rules framed thereunder.

According to the MoU, the FIU-IND and the RBI will cooperate with each other in the areas of mutual interest including the sharing of relevant intelligence and information, available in their respective databases.

Each party to the MoU will appoint a nodal officer and an alternate nodal officer to interact with the other party.

The MoU also provides for laying down the procedure and manner in which the regulated entities report to the FIU-IND under the PML Rules.

It provides for conducting outreach and training for regulated /reporting entities and upgradation of Anti-Money Laundering/Combating Financing of Terrorism (AML/CFT) skills in the reporting entities regulated by the RBI.

The two orgainsations will also undertake assessment of Money Laundering/Terror Financing (ML/TF) risks and vulnerabilities in the relevant financial sub-sectors.

The MOU also provides for the identification of red flag indicators for suspicious transactions by the RBI and the FIU-IND.

Besides, the MoU provides for supervising and monitoring the compliance of reporting entities regulated by the RBI with their obligations under PMLA, PML Rules, and RBI instructions.

Compliance with the relevant international standards has also been stipulated in the MoU.

The RBI and FIU-IND are also required to conduct quarterly meetings to discuss and share information on issues of mutual interest.

The MoU was signed by Vivek Aggarwal, Director, FIU-IND and R.L.K. Rao, Executive Director, Department of Regulation, RBI.

Bedobani Chaudhuri, Additional Director, FIU-IND, Veena Srivastava, Chief General Manager, Department of Regulation, RBI; Avinash Kumar, Deputy Director, FIU-IND and Sanjoy Ghosh, FSE, FIU-IND, were also present on the occasion.

Financial Intelligence Unit - India (FIU-IND) is the central, national agency responsible for receiving, processing, analysing and disseminating information relating to suspect financial transactions to enforcement agencies and foreign FIUs.
New Delhi, April 17 : India on Thursday said that the first edition of the India-Africa Multinational Maritime Exercise, being co-hosted by India and Tanzania off the coast of Africa, marks a significant milestone in strengthening relations between India and the African nations.

The exercise, involving participation from nine countries - including Tanzania, Comoros, Djibouti, Kenya, Madagascar, Mauritius, Mozambique, Seychelles and South Africa - ends on April 18. It positions both India and African nations in leadership roles as far as security of the Indian Ocean Region (IOR) is concerned and is in line with India's maritime Mutual and Holistic Advancement for Security and Growth Across Regions (MAHASAGAR) vision, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) stated.

"Our Minister of State for Defence recently travelled to Tanzania for the first edition of the India-Africa Multinational Maritime Exercise. It was the first time we conducted a multinational exercise involving nine countries off the coast of Africa. This exercise, hosted by Tanzania, marked an important milestone in India-Tanzania relations, as well as in our broader relationship with Africa in general," said MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal during a weekly media briefing in New Delhi on Thursday.

A defence expo - Africa India Key Maritime Engagement (AIKEYME) 2025 - is also being organised on the sidelines of the exercise where several companies from participating countries, including India, are displaying their defence products.

The expo was inaugurated on April 13 in Dar-es-Salaam in the presence of Tanzania's Minister of Defence and National Service Stergomena Lawrence Tax, India's Minister of State for Defence Sanjay Seth, Chief of the Naval Staff Admiral Dinesh K Tripathi besides several other distinguished military leaders, including the Chief of Defence Force of the Tanzania Peoples' Defence Force (TPDF).

During his visit, Seth also called on Vice-President of Tanzania Philip Isdor Mpango and Defence Minister Tax in Dar es Salaam on April 14. During his meeting with the Tanzanian Vice-President, the minister updated him on the Africa-India Key Maritime Engagement cooperation from Indian defence industries to exercise (AIKEYME) and the ongoing defence expo.

India also offered to fulfil the defence requirements of Tanzania's Defence Force. India-Tanzania development partnership, cultural connections and cooperation in health and education were also discussed.

AIKEYME 25, meaning 'Unity' in Sanskrit, is being conducted over six days and the exercise includes a harbour phase with joint training and exercises focused on piracy and information sharing, followed by a sea phase to enhance maritime security cooperation.

The initiative aims at developing collaborative solutions to regional maritime challenges, enhancing interoperability, and strengthening the friendly relations between India and African nations.
Amaravati, April 17 : In good news to Christian pastors ahead of Good Friday, the Andhra Pradesh government on Thursday released Rs 30 crore for paying them honorarium.

The Minorities Welfare Department has issued a Government Order (GO) to pay a monthly honorarium to pastors for seven months (from May 2024 to November 2024).

According to the GO, the amount has been released from the Budget Estimate provision 2025-26 to pay honorarium to 8,427 pastors across the state.

The Commissioner, Minorities Welfare, has been authorised to draw and disburse the amount to the Managing Director, A.P. State Christian (Minorities) Finance Corporation.

Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu gave the green signal for releasing the amount. Each pastor gets a monthly honorarium of Rs 5,000.

With the government deciding to pay arrears for seven months, each pastor will get Rs 35,000.

The National Christian Council in December last year thanked Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu for confirming the resumption of honorarium payments to pastors.

The Council said that the Christian community has long awaited this development, along with the continuation of the subsidy scheme for pilgrimage to Jerusalem.

The TDP-led NDA government has released the funds on the eve of Good Friday.

The ruling alliance, which includes the BJP and Jana Sena, had promised in last yearas elections that the schemes for the welfare of minorities, including honorarium for pastors, would continue.

Minorities Welfare Minister N. Md Farooq recently said the government completed the disbursement of honorarium to imams and muezzins for six months. The government released Rs.45 crore for the payment of honorariums to imams and muezzins.

The state government has been paying honorariums to Archakas or priests of Hindu temples, imams, muezzins and pastors.

It was in 2019 that the then YSR Congress Party government headed by Y. S. Jagan Mohan Reddy had launched payment of honorarium to pastors as promised during the elections.

The BJP had then condemned the government's move and accused Jagan Mohan Reddy of misusing government-paid village volunteers to identify pastors and pay a monthly stipend to them.
Vijayapura, April 17 : Karnataka BJP has held Janakrosh Yatra against the Congress government over price rise and Muslim quota in tenders in Vijayapura city in north Karnataka on Thursday.

Speaking at a public gathering during the Janakrosha Yatra, BJP State President and MLA B.Y. Vijayendra claimed that ever since Siddaramaiah became the Chief Minister, he has completely neglected all the backward communities in the state.

He said that the Congress and CM Siddaramaiah have abandoned backward communities and are working only in favour of minorities.

Reiterating Siddaramaiah's recent budget announcement, Vijayendra stated that he promised 4 per cent reservation for Muslims in government contracts, Rs 50,000 financial aid for the marriages of Muslim women, and Rs 30 lakh in assistance for Muslim youth pursuing higher education abroad.

He said Prime Minister Narendra Modi scrapped triple talaq to ensure dignity for Muslim women. Initiatives like the Bhagyalakshmi scheme and the Bicycle scheme introduced by B.S. Yediyurappa benefited not just Hindus but Muslims as well.

He recalled that during the UPA regime, numerous scams had erupted, and youth had lost hope in the country's future.

"But Prime Minister Modi revived that hope and proved that India has a bright future," he said.

Leader of the Opposition in the Legislative Council, Chalavadi Narayanaswamy, in his address, stated that it is the BJP that has truly honoured B.R. Ambedkar.

"We increased Dalit reservation and regularised civic workers," he said.

Narayanaswamy reminded that Ambedkar himself had referred to the Congress as a "house of destruction" and appealed to Dalits to understand this and join hands with the BJP.

He said the BJP government is correcting the "historical mistakes" committed by the Congress.
Bengaluru, April 17 : Karnataka BJP on Thursday criticised the state government over the inconclusive meeting of the special Cabinet on the caste census, saying it is a mega drama which is continuing like a television serial.

"The caste census mega-drama initiated 10 years ago by Chief Minister Siddaramaiah seems to be continuing like a never-ending television serial," said Karnataka Leader of the Opposition R. Ashoka.

He added that in an apparent attempt to divert attention from the raging public anger over rising prices, deteriorating law and order, and a lack of development across the state, Siddaramaiah has brought the caste census report back to the forefront.

He claimed that it seems he has decided to continue chanting the mantra of the caste census until the public outrage against his government subsides.

"What was achieved in today's special Cabinet meeting? If no decision could be reached regarding the caste census report, what is the reason for such meetings? Reportedly, Siddaramaiah has asked all ministers to provide written responses regarding the report. If true, does this indicate a lack of trust among cabinet members?" he said.

He alleged that it is the move to collect written statements, a strategy to blackmail ministers or use their responses for political gain?

"Was there any discussion about conducting the caste census again using a more scientific approach?" he said.

The Karnataka Cabinet held an extensive discussion on the study report of the 2015 Social and Educational Survey (caste census) on Thursday evening.

The special Cabinet meeting convened to decide on the caste census report ended without any conclusion.

The discussion has been deferred to the next Cabinet meeting, which is likely to be held next week. Chief Minister Siddaramaiah has asked Cabinet colleagues to submit their opinions and objections, either in writing or orally, at the next meeting.

Sources said that Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar and a few ministers opposed the caste census report.

They said that Minister for Horticulture S.S. Mallikarjun also raised his voice against the caste census report prominently.

Minister H.K. Patil said that the Cabinet held a prolonged discussion on the study report based on the data from the 2015 Social and Educational Survey.

"As more information and technical details are required for further deliberation, senior officials have been directed to provide them. The discussion remains incomplete," the minister said.
Mangaluru, April 17 : Karnataka Police on Thursday arrested three individuals in connection with the alleged gang rape of a woman from West Bengal, officials said.

The victim has filed a police complaint regarding the incident.

She has been admitted to the hospital, and the police are awaiting the medical report to confirm the occurrence of gang rape.

The accused were arrested within 24 hours of the complaint being lodged.

The arrested individuals have been identified as Prabhuraj, a resident of Mulki, and Mani and Mithun, residents of Kumpala.

According to the victim, she was gang-raped.

The Ullal police have registered a case and are currently investigating the matter.

Mangaluru Superintendent of Police (SP), Anupam Agarwal, said that the incident took place around midnight on Wednesday.

At 1:30 a.m., police received a call on emergency helpline 112 reporting that a young woman was being assaulted and was shouting for help.

The police rushed to the scene immediately and shifted the woman to the hospital.

She is currently undergoing treatment, the SP added.

The victim alleged that she was forced to consume alcohol, after which she lost consciousness.

She also said that three individuals were involved, and when she regained consciousness, she found her undergarments missing.

Upon realising what had happened, the woman began shouting, prompting the accused to flee the scene.

She then managed to contact local residents and call the police, the SP added.

Based on the victim's statement, a case of sexual assault has been registered.

Preliminary investigations have revealed that the woman hails from the Cooch Behar region of West Bengal.

She had previously worked at a plywood factory in Kerala and had come to Mangaluru on Wednesday with a friend in search of a new job.

However, following an argument with her friend -- during which he reportedly damaged her phone -- she left and took an auto-rickshaw to repair the device.

She spent nearly five to six hours with the auto driver, who also paid for the phone repair. She then requested to be dropped at the railway station to return to West Bengal.

Instead of taking her to the station, the accused allegedly took her to a different location and called two of his friends.

They reportedly forced her to consume alcohol until she lost consciousness.

When she regained her senses, she realised that she had been sexually assaulted.

The victim has claimed that she was raped, and the police will confirm the allegation through medical examination, the SP said.
News / Local

by Staff reporter

The Harare Institute of Technology (HIT) is playing a leading role in preparing Zimbabwe's youth for the rapidly evolving Fourth Industrial Revolution by embedding Artificial Intelligence (AI) and the Internet of Things (IoT) into its academic curricula.HIT Vice-Chancellor, Professor Quinton Kanhukamwe, speaking to NewsDay Business, emphasized the importance of aligning education with the changing demands of global technological trends. His remarks come as Africa's digital landscape undergoes transformative shifts, with companies like Cassava Technologies and Nvidia Corporation pioneering the establishment of Africa's first AI factory in South Africa. This factory will empower businesses, governments, and researchers across the continent to harness cutting-edge AI computing capabilities."I recognise the importance of my role in inspiring the next generation of innovators and entrepreneurs in Africa," said Kanhukamwe. "Our mission at HIT is to align academic excellence with industry needs. Through our partnerships with leading tech firms, we are embedding AI and IoT training into our curricula to ensure that our graduates are equipped to lead Africa's Fourth Industrial Revolution."HIT has positioned itself as a hub of innovation with initiatives such as the AI and Robotics Research Lab, which focuses on developing solutions for pressing issues like climate resilience. One such solution is the lab's work on precision agriculture and smart water management, crucial for Zimbabwe's evolving agricultural sector.Since its establishment in 2020, HIT's Innovation Hub has fostered over 50 startups, including AgriTech ventures such as FarmSense, which uses AI to enhance crop yields for smallholder farmers, and ZimRecycle, a blockchain-driven waste management platform. These initiatives are contributing to Zimbabwe's technological and economic transformation.The university's strong emphasis on innovation extends to its collaborations with the government to shape policy frameworks. HIT played a pivotal role in the development of Zimbabwe's National AI Strategy, positioning the country as a future tech hub in Southern Africa.Kanhukamwe, who is also the chairperson of the Southern African Regional Universities Association and the immediate past chairperson of the Zimbabwe Vice-Chancellors' Association, will take center stage as a keynote speaker at the upcoming Tech & AI International Expo in Zanzibar, Tanzania. This event is set to align with Silicon Zanzibar, an initiative aimed at transforming the Tanzanian archipelago into a digital innovation hub.Scheduled for August 22-23, the two-day expo will be themed The Gateway to Africa's Digital Revolution and is expected to attract over 1,000 delegates, including policymakers, investors, and tech innovators from across more than 30 countries.Africa Business Inc CEO Stephene Chikozho stressed the importance of this expo in positioning Zimbabwe as a key player in Africa's digital revolution. "We are honoured to have Prof. Kanhukamwe as one of our keynote speakers. His leadership within Zimbabwe and the broader SADC academic community brings valuable insights into how education, policy, and innovation must converge to unlock Africa's digital potential," Chikozho said.Kanhukamwe's address will delve into how educational institutions, industry leaders, and governments can collaborate to drive digital transformation across the continent, particularly in the fields of AI and innovation. His participation in the event highlights the significant strides Zimbabwe is making in positioning itself as a regional leader in technological innovation and digital entrepreneurship.As Africa continues to navigate the complexities of the Fourth Industrial Revolution, HIT's proactive approach in integrating AI and IoT into its curricula is set to equip the next generation of leaders with the skills needed to thrive in the global digital economy.
Mumbai, April 17 : A disciplined effort by their bowling unit, led by Jasprit Bumrah and skipper Hardik Pandya, helped Mumbai Indians defeat Sunrisers Hyderabad by four wickets in a low-scoring encounter in Match 33 of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 at the Wankhede Stadium.

This was the same wicket on which the Mumbai Indians had bowled out defending champions Kolkata Knight Riders for 116 a few days ago. On Thursday, they reaped the juice in the pitch after electing to bowl first and restricted Sunrisers Hyderabad to 162/5 in 20 overs. The hosts then rode on vital contributions by Ryan Rickelton (31), Will Jacks (36), Rohit Sharma (26) and Suryakumar Yadav (26) and Tilak Varma (21 not out) to reach 166/6 in 18.1 overs and win by four wickets with 11 balls remaining.

They could have had a better win margin if skipper Hardik Pandya had not lost his wicket going for a glory shot with two runs needed.

It was the Mumbai Indians' third win in IPL 2025 and took them to six points and seventh spot in the standings as they escaped from the logjam at four points towards the bottom of the points table. Sunrisers Hyderabad remain on four points.

Chasing 163 on a wicket that was still offering some assistance to the bowlers, Rohit Sharma, who came in as Impact Substitute, blasted three sixes -- two off Mohammed Shami in the second over and one off Pat Cummins. However, just when it looked like the Wankhede would see vintage Rohit Sharma in action, the former Mumbai Indians captain was out, gifting his wicket to a low full-toss as Cummins had the last laugh.

Ryan Rickelton and Will Jacks lived a charmed life, both enjoying a life each -- Jacks put down by Travis Head while Rickelton got a reprieve after Cummins had pouched an easy catch off Zeeshan Ansari but the ball was ruled no-ball as keeper Heinrich Klaasen's gloves were ruled out to infront of the stumps before the delivery was bowled.

Rickelton was called back from the dugout and went on to score 31 off 23 balls before Head made up for his earlier lapse by taking a skier off Harshal Patel, who was hit for back-to-back fours in the eighth over. Earlier, the South African opener had blasted Ehsan Malinga for a hat-trick of boundaries.

Mumbai lost their second wicket at 69, but Will Jacks and Suryakumar Yadav then added 52 runs for the third wicket to take MI past the 100-run mark. Suryakumar Yadav, who hammered Zeeshan Ansari for two sixes on the leg-side, also scored two boundaries before he was out for 26 off 15 balls, mishitting a loft through the line off Cummins.

Will Jacks, finally, fell for 36, caught by Zeeshan Ansari off Cummins, slapping the ball straight to mid-off as the ball, dug into the pitch, stopped on him. From 121/3, Mumbai fell to 128/4. Jacks struck three boundaries and two big sixes during his 26-ball stay at the crease, leaving Mumbai needing 35 more runs to win the match.

Despite the double-blow, Tilak Varma and Hardik Pandya guided MI past the 150-run mark before the Mumbai Indians skipper was out, with two needed for victory, caught by Ishan Kishan off Malinga, going for glory to seal victory with a six. Naman Dhir got out for a three-ball duck as Mumbai slumped to 162/6 from 162/4.

Brief scores:

Sunrisers Hyderabad 162/5 in 20 overs (Abhishek Sharma 40, Heinrich Klaasen 37; Will Jacks 2-14, Jasprit Bumrah 1-21) lost to Mumbai Indians 166/6 in 18.1 overs (Will Jacks 36, Ryan Rickelton 31; Pat Cummins 3-26) by four wickets.
Patna, April 17 : In preparation for the upcoming Bihar Assembly Elections 2025, the Election Commission of India (ECI) organised a two-day workshop aimed at training Booth Level Agents (BLAs) of various political parties to ensure the smooth and efficient conduct of the electoral process.

The training programme, held on Wednesday (April 16) and Thursday (April 17), brought together BLAs from major political parties, including BJP, JD-U, RJD, Congress, LJP-RV, RLJP, CPI-ML, and others.

Altaf Aalam (JD-U) praised the initiative, stating: "This is the first time such a technical training program has been organized in Delhi. We received guidance from electoral and returning officers at the district level. But this is the first time that ECI gave training to us."

Raghwendra Jha (BJP) highlighted the workshop's impact, saying: "It's a very good initiative. We have learned many useful points and plan to educate our teams at the district and state levels."

Mithilesh Kumar Das (RJD) said: "If all BLAs follow the ECI guidelines and actively connect with voters, we can achieve 100 per cent voter turnout during the polling."

Prabhat Kumar (Congress) welcomed the initiative stating: "It's a great step by the ECI and I sincerely thank them for organizing this for the first time."

Rohan Kumar Mahto (LJP-RV) shared his commitment and said, "I will pass the insights from the training to fellow BLAs in my district to help improve voter turnout in the election."

Jay Prakash Paswan (CPI-ML) noted the technical benefits: "We learned how to assist voters with adding or removing names from the electoral roll."

Binay Kumar Choudhary (RLJP) expressed optimism: "Such training programs will not only increase voter turnout but also help voters directly."

Educating BLAs on electoral procedures, ensuring accuracy in voter rolls, enhancing voter outreach and promoting transparency and fair play were the key points in the two-day training session.

This initiative by the ECI marks the first of its kind in bringing together agents from across party lines for a unified training program focused on electoral integrity and voter participation.
Bengaluru, April 17 : Karnataka Law, Justice, Human Rights, Parliamentary Affairs, Legislation, and Tourism Minister H.K. Patil said on Thursday that media reports on the caste census are not wrong, and a final decision on the report is likely to be taken on May 2.

"A lot of information that is coming in the media, I don't say that it is wrong. The Cabinet held a prolonged discussion on the study report based on the data from the 2015 Social and Educational Survey (caste census). As more information and technical details are required for further deliberation, senior officials have been directed to provide them. The discussion remains incomplete," the minister said following the special Cabinet meeting chaired by Chief Minister Siddaramaiah on Thursday evening.

He said that in what was described as a very cordial debate, preliminary discussions were held on issues like population-based backwardness and the criteria adopted during the survey.

He said that as the discussion could not be completed, it will resume during the next Cabinet meeting scheduled to be held at Male Mahadeshwara Hills on April 24, where specific regional matters will also be addressed.

"A final decision on the report is expected to be taken at the Cabinet meeting on May 2," the minister said.

He added that the Cabinet also deliberated on the parameters adopted during the survey, including sources of data and methodology.

"Some senior ministers provided guidance on these matters. Officials will present the required details in the upcoming Cabinet meeting," the minister stated.

He reiterated that the government recently received the report and that various parameters of the social and educational survey have already been discussed.

The minister clarified that there are several misconceptions circulating regarding caste-based population figures, and those figures are not accurate.

He emphasised that 94.17 per cent of the population was covered under the survey.

He further stated that the summary of the survey report has already appeared in newspapers and that the Cabinet has discussed the submitted report.

Reacting to developments surrounding the caste census survey in Kalaburagi, Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge said that it is common practice for respective state governments to conduct caste-based censuses, and the recently conducted caste census is entirely the prerogative of the state government.

"In every state, the government conducts its own caste census. This is not something done by the central government. Therefore, we need to wait and see what comes out of the state Cabinet discussions," he said.

Kharge added, "I am not fully aware of the contents of the state's caste census report. I have not seen the report myself. There is some opposition being expressed about the caste census report, but I would like to clarify that what I am saying is just my personal opinion."
Bhopal, April 17 : The Ordnance Factory Itarsi, district Narmadapuram, in Madhya Pradesh, received threatening emails, warning of an explosion at the facility on Thursday.

As soon as the authorities were informed, a bomb disposal squad and a police team rushed to the location to investigate.

Senior police officers confirmed the threats and began search operations immediately.

An official disclosed that the emails were received through the factory's official accounts. The police conducted an extensive search of the premises, but have planned further searches on Friday to ensure safety.

Senior police officials were actively involved in the operations. Sanjeev Pawar, in charge of the Pathrota police station, stated, "We have registered an FIR against unknown persons. The search will continue tomorrow, and we are investigating the origin of the emails."

In light of the situation, strict security measures have been implemented at the factory. A police team remains on-site to monitor the area closely. Authorities are tracing the email's source, though the sender and the exact content of the message are yet to be identified.

"It cannot be revealed at this stage," commented one official.

Given the gravity of the threat, senior officers assured that investigations are proceeding rapidly. Security within the factory has been significantly bolstered to prevent any untoward incidents.

The factory, established as part of the Ordnance Factory Board (OFB) in 1979, was one of several facilities aimed at meeting India's defence equipment needs.

The legacy of Indian Ordnance Factories stretches back to the 18th century when gunpowder factories were set up in Ishapore near Kolkata by the British East India Company. These facilities evolved into India's first Ordnance Factories in Cossipore, Kolkata.

During World War II, Ordnance Factories like the one in Itarsi were pivotal in supplying the Allied Forces. A major shift occurred in 2021 when the OFB was dissolved, and the factories were corporatised, introducing a new era in their management and operations.
Mumbai, April 17 : A disciplined effort by their bowling unit, led by Jasprit Bumrah and skipper Hardik Pandya, helped Mumbai Indians defeat Sunrisers Hyderabad by four wickets in a low-scoring encounter in Match 33 of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 at the Wankhede Stadium. Will Jacks was the star of the match for Mumbai as he claimed two wickets and scored a vital 36 to guide the hosts to back-to-back wins in IPL 2025.

This was the same wicket on which the Mumbai Indians had bowled out defending champions Kolkata Knight Riders for 116 a few days ago. On Thursday, they reaped the juice in the pitch after electing to bowl first and restricted Sunrisers Hyderabad to 162/5 in 20 overs. The hosts then rode on vital contributions by Ryan Rickelton (31), Will Jacks (36), Rohit Sharma (26) and Suryakumar Yadav (26) and Tilak Varma (21 not out) to reach 166/6 in 18.1 overs and win by four wickets with 11 balls remaining.

They could have had a better win margin if skipper Hardik Pandya had not lost his wicket going for a glory shot with two runs needed.

It was the Mumbai Indians' third win in IPL 2025 and took them to six points and seventh spot in the standings as they escaped from the logjam at four points towards the bottom of the points table. Sunrisers Hyderabad remain on four points.

Chasing 163 on a wicket that was still offering some assistance to the bowlers, Rohit Sharma, who came in as Impact Substitute, blasted three sixes -- two off Mohammed Shami in the second over and one off Pat Cummins. However, just when it looked like the Wankhede would see vintage Rohit in action, he was out, hitting a low full-toss to Travis Head off Cummins.

Ryan Rickelton and Will Jacks lived a charmed life. Jacks was put down by Travis Head while Rickelton got a reprieve after Cummins had pouched an easy catch off Zeeshan Ansari, but it was ruled a no-ball as keeper Heinrich Klaasen's gloves were in front of the stumps before the delivery was bowled.

Rickelton went on to score 31 off 23 balls before Head made up for his earlier lapse by taking a skier off Harshal Patel, who was hit for back-to-back fours in the eighth over. Earlier, the South African opener had blasted Eshan Malinga for a hat-trick of boundaries.

Mumbai lost their second wicket at 69, but Will Jacks and Suryakumar Yadav then added 52 runs for the third wicket to take the hosts past the 100-run mark. Yadav, who hammered Zeeshan Ansari for two sixes on the leg-side, also scored two boundaries before he was out for 26 off 15 balls, mishitting a loft through the line off Cummins.

Will Jacks, finally, fell for 36, caught by Zeeshan Ansari off Cummins, slapping straight to mid-off as the ball stopped on him. From 121/3, Mumbai fell to 128/4. Jacks struck three boundaries and two big sixes during his 26-ball stay at the crease, leaving Mumbai needing 35 more runs to win the match.

Despite the double-blow, Tilak Varma and Hardik Pandya guided MI past the 150-run mark before the Mumbai Indians skipper was out, with two needed for victory, going for glory with a six. Naman Dhir got out for a three-ball duck as Mumbai slumped to 162/6 from 162/4. Tilak Varma sealed victory with a four to remain unbeaten on 21.

Earlier, Mumbai Indians used the conditions superbly and kept the SRH batters under a tight leash from the start and did not allow them to score freely. Will Jacks claimed 2-14 in his three overs while Jasprit Bumrah (1-21), Trent Boult (1-29) and Hardik Pandya (1-42) were the other successful bowlers.

SRH, who had successfully chased 246 in their previous match against Punjab Kings at home, made an eventful start with both openers having a close shave in the first over bowled by Deepak Chahar. Abhishek Sharma's thick edge went above the first slip, bursting through Will Jacks' hands, while Travis Head's uppish flick landed just short of a diving Karn Sharma at midwicket.

Both openers continued to play their shots and create chances. Abhishek struck Chahar for a hat-trick of fours in the fifth over, driving, playing inside-out and slapping over cover to the boundary as SRH ended the power-play at a modest 46/0.

MI skipper Hardik Pandya, who appeared limping and had the physio tape up his ankle, made the breakthrough off the first ball he bowled after treatment, getting Abhishek caught by substitute Raj Bawa at the boundary for 40 off 28 balls, laced with seven fours as SRH fell to 59/1.

Will Jacks had Ishan Kishan stumped by Ryan Rickelton for two, and also had Travis Head, who was earlier out on a no-ball, out for 28 runs off 29 balls, holing out to Mitchell Santner at long-off.

Nitish Kumar Reddy and Heinrich Klaasen took the total past 100 runs in the 15th over. Their attempts to explode into action saw Reddy get out for 19 off Trent Boult. Klassen blasted Chahar for a six over cover-point in the 18th over and followed that up with a couple of boundaries and another six, accumulating 21 runs from the over.

Jasprit Bumrah uprooted Klaasen's off-stump with a fine yorker, packing off the South African dasher for 37 runs off 28 balls. Aniket Verma blasted Hardik Pandya for a couple of sixes, and Pat Cummins finished their innings with a six off the final delivery as SRH ended with a below-par 162/5.

But in the end, that proved insufficient as the Mumbai Indians won the match despite a few hiccups.

Brief scores:

Sunrisers Hyderabad 162/5 in 20 overs (Abhishek Sharma 40, Heinrich Klaasen 37; Will Jacks 2-14, Jasprit Bumrah 1-21) lost to Mumbai Indians 166/6 in 18.1 overs (Will Jacks 36, Ryan Rickelton 31; Pat Cummins 3-26) by four wickets.

--IANS

bsk/
Gandhinagar, April 18 : The Gujarat government has announced an increase in financial grants for the construction of new, well-equipped offices for local self-government bodies, including gram panchayats, taluka panchayats, and district panchayats.

The initiative aims to modernise administrative infrastructure across rural and semi-urban areas, ensuring that citizens have improved access to public services and local governance.

Under the new policy announced on Thursday, the state government will offer higher financial assistance to gram panchayats that currently lack a panchayat ghar or have office buildings in a dilapidated condition.

The revised grants are categorised based on village population.

Villages with population of 10,000 or more will now be eligible for a maximum grant of Rs 40 lakh, up from the previous Rs 27 lakh.

Villages with population between 5,000 and 10,000 will receive up to Rs 34.83 lakh, instead of the earlier Rs 22 lakh, while those with population under 5,000 will now be eligible for Rs 25 lakh in assistance, a considerable jump from the previous limit of Rs 17 lakh.

In addition to constructing new panchayat ghars, the government has also introduced a provision for building residential quarters for Talati-cum-Ministers.

This move is intended to ensure the regular presence of Talatis in the villages, thereby improving service delivery and making governance more accessible at the grassroots level.

The grants for taluka panchayat offices have also seen a notable increase.

Previously capped at Rs 3.1 crore, the state government will now provide up to Rs 5 crore or the actual construction cost, whichever is lower.

Likewise, for district panchayat offices, the unit cost has been raised from Rs 38 crore to Rs 52 crore, again limited to the lesser of actual expenses or the newly set cap.

As per the 2011 Census of India, Gujarat comprises nearly 18,225 villages spread across its 26 districts and 225 talukas.

These villages are integral to the state's administrative framework, each falling under the jurisdiction of gram panchayats, which serve as the foundational units of local self-governance.

The distribution of these villages varies by district; for instance, Panchmahal district alone encompasses 595 villages.
ACLS is grateful that we are in a position to continue to fund this vital research that advances our understanding of human societies and cultures. Post this

Meet the 2025 ACLS Fellows and learn about their project.

"ACLS is grateful that we are in a position to continue to fund this vital research that advances our understanding of human societies and cultures," said ACLS Vice President James Shulman. "Representing many different fields of studyincluding African diaspora studies, art history, English, gender studies, musicology, philosophy, religious studies, and morethis year's fellows demonstrate the importance of foundational humanistic inquiry in helping us to understand a wide range of questions concerning our collective and varied histories, narratives, creations, and beliefs."

ACLS Fellowships provide up to $60,000 to support scholars for six to 12 months of full-time research and writing. Awardees who are independent scholars, adjunct faculty, or have teaching-intensive roles receive an additional stipend between $3,000 and $6,000.

The 2025 fellows include scholars based at public and private research universities, liberal arts colleges, community colleges, and a museum. Their projects include an examination of how Black philosophers in the 1950s and 1960s shaped modern political discourse, a study of environmental citizenship in the Soviet Union post-World War II, research on how Indigenous creatives in film and literature reclaim the horror genre, and a study of ancient tenon head sculptures as markers of social memory at Chavin de Huantar, Peru.

The ACLS Fellowship Program is funded primarily by the ACLS endowment, which has benefited from the generous support of esteemed funders, institutional members, and individual donors since our founding in 1919.

Formed a century ago, the American Council of Learned Societies (ACLS) is a nonprofit federation of 81 scholarly organizations. As the leading representative of American scholarship in the humanities and social sciences, ACLS upholds the core principle that knowledge is a public good. In supporting its member organizations, ACLS expands the forms, content, and flow of scholarly knowledge, reflecting our commitment to diversity of identity and experience. ACLS collaborates with institutions, associations, and individuals to strengthen the evolving infrastructure for scholarship.

Media Contact

Anna Polovick Waggy, American Council of Learned Societies, 6468307661, [email protected], https://www.acls.org/

SOURCE American Council of Learned Societies
"Fleet managers told us they were overwhelmed by data they didn't need, and underwhelmed by the visibility they actually had," said Dr. Nasser Kutkut, Founder & CEO of Smart Charging Technologies. Post this

"Fleet managers told us they were overwhelmed by data they didn't need, and underwhelmed by the visibility they actually had," said Dr. Nasser Kutkut, Founder & CEO of Smart Charging Technologies. "Smart Telemetrics was built to change that. We're giving our users just what they need to run better operationswithout the barriers that often come with big enterprise platforms."

The Why Behind the Platform-

Smart Telemetric wasn't built just to impressit was built to solve real-world problems.

Many of SCT's customersincluding small and mid-sized fleet operators, dealers, and OEM partnershave told us the same thing: their operations are more complicated than they need to be. One of the biggest challenges is managing a mixed fleet made up of different forklift, battery, and charger brands, some with its own platformor worse, none at all.

Smart Telemetrics was designed to unify those moving parts. Whether you're operating a single brand or a mixed fleet of forklifts, batteries, and chargers, our platform gives you one centralized view of your key performance datawithout expensive installations, clunky interfaces, or reliance on multiple OEM platforms.

No matter your fleet's makeup, Smart Telemetrics delivers clear, actionable insights across your equipmentso you can run more efficiently, make informed decisions, and reduce downtime without the noise.

What's Available Now-

The dashboard is now live and available to all existing customers via desktop. While the Smart Telemetrics mobile app is not yet available, the web version offers full access to dashboard insights and setup features. Any mobile functionality updates will be announced on the Smart Charging Technologies website.

"It's a major step forward in how we support our customers," added Micah Larsen, SCT Sales Director. "We've created something that's powerful, intuitive, and built for the realities of daily fleet operations. Imagine a single telemetry and data logging dashboard for all of your motive power equipment, regardless of brand! That's impressive and worth taking a look at!"

Where to Learn More

Customers and prospects can explore the Smart Telemetrics dashboard and its capabilities at:

www.smartchargetech.com/smart-telemetrics

SCT will continue to roll out additional updates and features, including mobile access and enhanced customization tools, throughout 2025.

About Smart Charging Technologies

Smart Charging Technologies (SCT) delivers practical, cost-effective telematics and remote power solutions for motive power fleets. From real-time fleet monitoring to smart charger optimization and clean energy credit management, SCT empowers operations to reduce downtime, extend asset life, and simplify performance trackingwithout unnecessary complexity.

Media Contact

Katherine Perez, Smart Charging Technologies, 1 321-576-7523, [email protected], https://www.smartchargetech.com/

SOURCE Smart Charging Technologies
News / Local

by Staff reporter

The ruling Zanu-PF party has escalated its grassroots mobilisation efforts in Bulawayo, with party leaders urging members to focus on aggressive recruitment, particularly targeting the youth, in preparation for future elections.During a recent Zanu-PF Bulawayo district co-ordinating committee (DCC) meeting for region 5, provincial chairperson Jabulani Sibanda outlined strategies for expanding the party's support base, emphasizing the critical role of young people in the party's future success."The youth are the heartbeat of our nation, and we must mobilise and mentor them to become dedicated members of Zanu-PF. Our future depends on how well we engage, train, and integrate young people into our party structures. They must understand our history, values, and vision for Zimbabwe," Sibanda said.Sibanda underscored the significance of ideological training within the party, encouraging members to adopt the "Fishers of Men" strategy-an aggressive outreach initiative designed to recruit and retain youth members. This strategy is seen as pivotal in strengthening the party's ideological foundation and ensuring a vibrant, committed membership in the years to come.A 24-member delegation from each district attended the meeting, contributing to discussions on effective mobilisation tactics. A particular focus was placed on enhancing Zanu-PF's presence in urban areas, traditionally seen as opposition strongholds. This marks a concerted effort to broaden the party's appeal and attract voters in regions where support for rival parties has traditionally been stronger.Zanu-PF senior member and Deputy Minister of Local Government and Public Works, Albert Tawanda Mavunga, also addressed the gathering, stressing the importance of unity and active participation in the recruitment process. "Unity is our greatest weapon in building a stronger Zanu-PF. Every member must become an active recruiter - knocking on doors, engaging communities, and bringing new energy into our party. Future elections will be won through the work we do today in uniting and expanding our base," Mavunga stated.The meeting concluded with a renewed commitment from attendees to intensify grassroots campaigns, ensuring that Zanu-PF remains dominant and well-positioned heading into the 2028 elections.Zanu-PF youth league secretary for information and publicity in Bulawayo, Addington Mpofu, reiterated that the party's youth wing has never stopped recruiting. "We are constantly engaging with young people, making sure they understand the value of being part of Zanu-PF. The future of this party lies in the hands of the youth," he said.Meanwhile, opposition parties are also ramping up their mobilisation efforts. National Constitutional Assembly (NCA) president Professor Lovemore Madhuku shared that his party is actively building structures in preparation for the upcoming elections."The NCA building exercise yielded 77 genuine votes in Glen View South. We are happy with this progress. I thank our 77 voters, our candidate Perpetua Mukanda, and our campaign team. We now have a solid structure in Glen View South. We are inspired to continue building," Madhuku said.As both ruling and opposition parties work to strengthen their grassroots support, it is clear that the battle for the 2028 elections is already well underway. Zanu-PF's strategic focus on youth recruitment and urban mobilisation reflects its commitment to maintaining a strong presence across Zimbabwe's political landscape.
Twentieth-century author and educator Gianni Rodari is considered by many to be the father of the modern Italian childrens book. Since the lead up to his centennial celebration in 2020, Brooklyn-based independent childrens publisher Enchanted Lion has been at the forefront of introducing Rodari to young readers in the U.S., releasing several English-language translations of his works. Published in March, Lamberto, Lamberto, Lamberto, translated by Antony Shugaar, and newly illustrated by Roman Muradov, is a satirical tale of a wealthy baron, his nefarious nephew, and a band of bandits. And forthcoming in September is The Adventures of Cipollino (also translated by Shugaar), illustrated by Dasha Tolstikova. Tolstikova and Muradov recently spoke with each other via Zoom about their early memories of encountering Rodaris stories when they were growing up in Russia, and their approaches to illustrating these new editions of his work.

Dasha Tolstikova: Your book looks so good. This is so dumb, but I looked at your book, and then I looked at my book, and I thought, my book looks like a child made it.

Roman Muradov: Well, its a childrens book. But no, I felt the same. I looked at yours, and I was honestly kind of shocked at, first of all, the number of illustrations. Because I thought that I was going over the top there

I never actually read Cipollino.

Tolstikova: I read it as a kid, many, many times. So, when Claudia [Zoe Bedrick, publisher of Enchanted Lion] she said she was doing the Rodari books, I got really excited. And I said, oh, can I please, please, please do Cipollino? I love it so much.

Muradov: I would have said the same. But I only know the animated film from back in Russia.

Tolstikova: I dont know if Ive ever seen it. But when I was a kid, we went to a ballet of it, in Moscow. So it was very prevalent. But I didnt remember so much of it. And I didnt realize how long it was. And like the fact thatspoiler alerthe ends up in jail twice in the book. Insane.

Muradov: Yeah, I very much look forward to reading it properly.

Tolstikova: Had you read Lamberto before?

Muradov: No, I had no idea it existed. So you read Cipollino and I think you also said somewhere or in your author bio that [Rodaris guide to storytelling] The Grammar of Fantasy is one of your interests.

Tolstikova: Yeah. I read The Grammar of Fantasy when I was a kid. I remember the exact edition that we had. And I loved it. Have you read it?

Muradov: No, I hadnt heard of it until a few years ago when Olesya Shchukina, a great animator and artist, told me about it. But then it turns out that Claudia is putting it out with Matt Forsythes beautiful illustrations [in a translation by Jack Zipes]. So I will finally read it.

Tolstikova: I read it in Russian. Im curious how it will read in English, because I think the Romance languages, like Italian and French, translate into Russian very nicely, because of all the subtleties of words that we can have that arent really available in English. The wordplay, I think, is trickier in English.

Rodari talks so much in that book about inspiration and being inspired by everything around you. And I think that I really internalized it. Its just been my thing always. Even if you think about The Jacket [by Kirsten Hall, illustrated by Tolstikova] and The Bad Chair [written and illustrated by Tolstikova] and how those books are about inanimate objects that are alive and doing stuff, I think that for me is a direct translation from having read The Grammar Fantasy when I was a kid. And then there was also this other book by Rodari called The Blue Arrow about a train and a toy store that was very popular.

Muradov: I wonder if the [Viktor] Pelevin story, The Yellow Arrow, is a reference to that.

Tolstikova: Maybe.

Muradov: Because it also takes place on a train.

Tolstikova: I think its also a frequent name of trains to call them arrows.

Muradov: That is true. But Rodari was huge in Russia. I guess he was one of the few international authors that was almost on every bookshelf.

Tolstikova: My grandpa is a translator from Italian, so we grew up with a lot of Italian stuff at home. And my dad also remembers Cipollino. Its the only book he remembers from his childhood, and he has really strong feelings about it. When I started illustrating it, I would send sketches to our family in our WhatsApp group. But I stopped doing this because my dad would call me afterwards and say, The way that youre drawing Prince Lemon is not right. Hes not mean enough, and I have very strong feelings about what Prince Lemon needs to look like.

Muradov: Thats great.

Tolstikova: Yeah, totally.

And then at some point I had to be like, OK, Im not showing you anymore because I cant. Youre too in my head about this. And hes like, This book is so important.

Muradov: Yeah, its true. How do they feel about the style? Because I feel like for Russians, with the animated film and all, the story was so present, everywhere. You couldnt get away from it.

Tolstikova: Its such a classic. Unfortunately, I dont have all of them here, but I have a collection of a bunch of Russian editions of it now.

Muradov: Oh, wow.

Tolstikova: And they actually have very different illustrations.

Muradov: Have you seen this Munari one?

Tolstikova: Yes, I love that.

Muradov: Thats the only one that I have, which is a collection of Bruno Munaris illustrations for Rodaris books.

Tolstikova: Yeah, but thats different. Honestly, I should have spent more time looking at it, because its great. And is that in Italian?

Muradov: Yeah, but its 99% pictures. So this is more of an art book that just collects everything that Munari has done for Rodari. I think some of them are split into parts. So the idea is that you can cut them out of the book and play with them.

Tolstikova: Oh, that seems like a very Munari thing.

Muradov: Whos going to do that? But anyway

Tolstikova: Thats funny. So this is one of the Cipollinos I have. Its from 1981. And its so different. So thats Cipollino. Hes pretty anthropomorphized. And a lot of the Russian versions are like this. And the Italian version, which I also now have from the 50sso this is what they look like.

Muradov: Yeah, very realistic. Almost like designs for a theater production.

Tolstikova: There [are] such different variations of it and theyve done so many versions, so I feel like you can do anything at this point, which is nice. I was really trying not to look at anything while I was working because I was nervous about being influenced by anything.

Muradov: Did you try different styles?

Tolstikova: I spent a bunch of time trying to figure out what they would look like and how to build the characters, like whether they would have a body, head, all that stuff. It took me a second to figure it out.

What about you? Did you try different styles?

Muradov: Yeah, Im pretty sure I went through a few variations. I think I had a pretty strong vision right away, though. I didnt want it to look like a picture bookI wanted it to look like a novel where someone scribbled around the borders.

Tolstikova: It does look like that, really.

Muradov: And I originally wanted to have texts kind of like constantly overlapping with the drawings. I wanted to have thick lines, so youd have a page with big messy drawings all over the text.

Tolstikova: Oh, I love that.

Muradov: My process is extremely chaotic. I made the preparatory sketches, but they were very loose and rough. I went back and forth a lot. And there's quite a few sketches that didn't make it.

Tolstikova: Its beautiful.

I did the opposite. I was very methodical about it. I had an Excel spreadsheet of all the illustrations. . And I made a template of all the characters before I even started working on the book. I made a chart of all the outfits they wear and their little items that they carry around and their scale in relation to each other. And I think you did that too?

Muradov: Yeah, I also made a lineup. It's not as many characters, but it's pretty heavy. The thing that I got obsessed with was making sure that their shapes are very distinct, because the style is so minimalist.

Tolstikova: Now Im looking at yours and I have to say I think Delfina is so stylish.

Muradov: Oh, thanks. Well, actually, she was a bit of a problem, because after I finished everything, I reread the text and somewhere, maybe around the second chapter or so, I realized that Rodari mentions that she has red hair. So my solution to that was writing an introduction where I say: If the reader finds some discrepancies or something they dislike, please take a pen and do whatever you want with the illustrations.

Tolstikova: I love that. Its such an elegant thing with the way that the book ends, where Rodari says, if you don't like how this ends, I urge you to keep writing and you can give this the ending that you want.

Muradov: When I wrote the emergency introduction, I didnt actually think about it, but then I did my final rereading, and thought, hmm, it almost looks like I knew what I was doing.

Lamberto, Lamberto, Lamberto, trans. from the Italian by Antony Shugaar, illus. by Roman Muradov. Mar. 18, $29.95 ISBN 978-1-59270-415-6

The Grammar of Fantasy, trans. from the Italian by Jack Zipes, illus. by Matthew Forsythe. Enchanted Lion, May 13, $29.95 ISBN 978-1-59270-305-0

The Adventures of Cipollino, trans. from the Italian by Antony Shugaar, illus. by Dasha Tolstikova. Enchanted Lion, $29.95, Sept. 23, ISBN 978-1-59270-416-3
Familiar characters from three acclaimed middle grade novels will soon make return appearances, this time in the pages of picture books. Katherine Applegate revives her spunky aquatic mammal in Odder: An Otters Story, featuring art by Charles Santoso, due from Feiwel and Friends on April 29. Introduced in Lynda Mullaly Hunts Fish in a Tree, neurodiverse fourth grader Oliver stars in Wish in a Tree, illustrated by Nancy Carpenter, which Nancy Paulsen Books will release on May 20. And on June 24, Peter Brown will bring back his intrepid Wild Robot in Little, Browns The Wild Robot on the Island.

Odder Makes a New Splash

Katherine Applegates 2022 novel Odder, about a young otter whose life takes a dramatic turn when she encounters a hungry great white shark, was inspired by the true story of a Monterey Bay Aquarium program that pairs orphaned otter pups with surrogate mothers. The idea of adapting the book, which has sold more than 400,000 copies in North America, was sparked by a serendipitous comment.

After the authors The One and Only Ivan won the 2013 Newbery Medal and she adapted it for younger readers in 2014s The Remarkable True Story of Ivan, the Shopping Mall Gorilla, the novel and picture book (illustrated by G. Brian Karas) were frequently selected together for One Book, One School reading programs across the country.

Deborah Armstrong, a now-retired librarian from California, mentioned to Applegate that it would be ideal to have a picture-book version of Odder so that it could be similarly paired with the novel for such reading initiatives. When I shared the idea with my editor, Liz Szabla, she agreed, Applegate said. I love that this picture book was truly generated from the input of a wonderful librarian in Marin County, where I used to live.

Adapting Odders story into picture book format was not a difficult undertaking for Applegate. Since the novel was written in free-verse, Id essentially already done a lot of paring of the text, she explained. And her task, she added, was made significantly easier by Santoso, who also illustrated the original novel (as well as Applegates Wishtree and Willowdeen).

The wonderful thing about collaborating with an illustrator like Charles is that there is so much you can leave out, Applegate said. You dont have to talk about emotions or expressions or adding a dollop of humorCharles will take care of that! He can take six words and make them blossom into a full-page spread that takes your breath away. When you have this wispy dream in your head, and someone brings it to life, it is a wonderful experience. Ive been really lucky.

The Importance of Being Oliver

Olivers brain is always bubbling with curiosity and imagination, which makes it difficult for him to focus at school or to feel like he fits in. First met in Lynda Mullaly Hunts 2016 novel, Fish in a Tree (which has 2.2 million copies in print worldwide), the boy has a starring role in her spinoff picture book for readers ages six and up, Wish in a Tree, a celebration of creative thinking and things that set us apart.

Hunt did not have to search far to find her inspiration for Fish in a Tree and its companion. This is my own story, she said. As a sixth grader with ADD, I vividly remember hearing other kids pencils scratching across their papers and thinking, I cannot do that. I must be really dumb. My teacher literally saved me that year by speaking to me about how I was doing, and asking me to tutor first graders in math.

Those experiences ignited Hunts interest in becoming a teacher, and she taught third and sixth grade for 10 years before turning to writing. Though as a child she longed to wave a magic wand and be able to focus and get rid of the mind movies that made my life miserable, she said, it turned out to be a gift. I love kids and as a teacher the fact that I have ADD has meant that I was able to help them in useful ways, and that means more to me than anything else.

Attesting to the fact that her sensitivity and empathy run deep in her fiction, Hunt often hears that her books make readers cry. I almost never cry writing novels, she said, but when I wrote the line in which Oliver makes the wish, Please please make me more like the rest of them, it made me tear up. I was right back there with that same childhood longing. It is so important that we continue to deliver the message that you are who you are, and you have to honor that. As I say in Wish in a Tree, The tree is most beautiful when all the leaves are not the same. 

Roz the Robot Rolls into Picture-Book Role

When she washes up on an island in Peter Browns The Wild Robot, published by Little, Brown in 2016, Roz is on unfamiliar turf. Not designed to live in the wilderness, the robot must learn from her animal neighbors how to surviveand thrivein her new surroundings. Rozs adventures continued in two subsequent novels, The Wild Robot Escapes and The Wild Robot Protects, bringing the series worldwide sales tally to five million copies. DreamWorks Animations 2024 film adaptation of The Wild Robot has grossed more than $300 million worldwide, and was nominated for three Academy Awards.

On June 24, Brown brings Rozs saga to life for picture book readers in The Wild Robot on the Island. When I first started imagining The Wild Robot, my ideas were big and layered and the story naturally developed into a novel, said Brown of launching his robot as a middle grade heroine, despite his extensive picture book canon. I began to see how that story might be adapted into a picture book and eventually decided to make The Wild Robot on the Island, which brings Rozs world to life with vivid illustrations, so readers can experience her origin story in a new, visual way.

The Caldecott Honor illustrator found that adapting the 288-page The Wild Robotwhich was eight years in the makinginto a 48-page picture book was a smoother process than his initial creative endeavor, but it came with its own challenges. Obviously, Rozs life story had to be simplified, but deciding which details to keep, which details to cut, and what new details to add was tricky, Brown said. As with all picture books, getting the right balance between the words and pictures was essential. More than anything, I wanted the art to be really beautiful and emotional. My hope is that The Wild Robot on the Island can introduce younger readers to Rozs world, but I also hope fans of the novels will enjoy seeing the big, detailed illustrations of life on her island.

Brown expressed gratitude for the reception that his Wild Robot sequence has received to date. I love working through little story ideas to see which have potential, he said. Most dont go anywhere, so it feels like a miracle that my idea about a robot in the wilderness grew into a big story world that I can share with readers in the form of novels and now a picture book. The fact that readers have connected so deeply with the Wild Robot stories makes this whole chapter of my career feel like a dream.

Odder: An Otters Story by Katherine Applegate, illus. by Charles Santoso. Feiwel and Friends, $18.99, Apr. 29 ISBN 978-1-250-32359-0

Wish in a Tree by Lynda Mullaly Hunt, illus. by Nancy Carpenter. Penguin/Paulsen, $18.99, May 20 ISBN 978-1-5247-3968-3

The Wild Robot on the Island by Peter Brown. Little, Brown, $19.99, June 24 ISBN 978-0-316-66946-7
Booksellers in the west know Scholastic regional sales manager Kristin Rasmussen from her assortment of industry roles. A former co-executive director of the California Independent Booksellers Alliance, Rasmussen joined Scholastics trade field sales team in 2024. I feel like every job Ive donefrom being a library tech in public schools, to being an independent bookseller, to CALIBAhas informed my day-to-day work at Scholastic, she said.

From her Central Coast home base in Santa Ynez, Calif., Rasmussen covers California, Arizona, Colorado, New Mexico, and Hawaii. Though she conducts some meetings remotely, she prefers road trips to meet with booksellers. To be in someones space, to see how our books look on their shelves, informs what I do, Rasmussen said. She also seeks out feedback on ARCs from buyers, which can lead to creative programming.

I think sometimes booksellers don't realize how much their reviews mean to all of us in the Scholastic offices, Rasmussen said. She recalled coordinating with Holly Snyder Thompson, outreach and event manager at the Avid Reader Bookstore in Davis, Calif., to plan an off-site event with Brian Selznick and his editor, David Levithan; Thompsons early review of Selznicks YA novel, Run Away with Me, had caught Scholastics attention.

In his nomination of Rasmussen for sales rep of the year, Dan Moser, director of sales at Scholastic, described her as a remarkable sales rep after only a year in the role. Kristins dedication, deep experience in publishing, and invaluable insights have an overwhelmingly positive influence on the team, our authors, and our booksellers, Moser wrote.

This spring, Rasmussen is excited for Kenneth Oppels Best of All Worlds, Christy Mandins Millie Fleur Saves the Night, and promotional dinners with booksellers. Shes also thrilled with her position, once occupied by retired sales legend Roz Hilden. I've said for the longest time that this would be my dream job, Rasmussen said, and to be sitting here talking about it is mind-blowing.
The American Civil Liberties Union of Tennessee filed a lawsuit April 16 against the Rutherford County Board of Education in response to the banning and restriction of more than 140 books from school libraries in that Tennessee county. The suit, filed in the U.S. District Court Middle District of Tennessee at Nashville, was brought on behalf of three Rutherford County families and PEN America, and alleges that the bans are illegal and a violation of First Amendment rights.

The lawsuit comes after the Rutherford County school board began banning materials in the spring of 2024 through informal requests by school board members, initially without any public meeting or vote of the board. By September 2024, members of the board indicated they were not reading the books they were banning, but relied almost exclusively on the BookLooks rating system created by individuals associated with the conservative advocacy group Moms for Liberty to target books for removal. The website gives books poor ratings if they include LGBTQ+ characters; racial, social or religious commentary the organization considers controversial; profanity; and nudity; among other characteristics.

According to the filing, about 150 books had been targeted to be removed by the board, although some members acknowledged they were confused about what the actual policy for removing books is. After the board hired specialists to make recommendations, attorneys for the plaintiffs charge that the board ignored their suggestions and that by April 9, 2025, over 140 titles had been permanently removed or restricted from library shelves.

In their lawsuit, plaintiffs attorneys argued book bans are a direct violation of students First Amendment rights to access information and ideas, and the government cannot censor books solely based on dislike of or disagreement with the ideas in a book. The plaintiffs are asking the court to block Rutherford County from continuing to ban books from school libraries, and to reinstate many of the materials that have already been banned or restricted.

Book bans are a clear violation of the First Amendment, effectively gagging authors and denying students the opportunity to read, debate, and learn from crucial, acclaimed, and historical works, said co-counsel Kerry Knox in a statement. ACLU-TN legal director Stella Yarbrough added that as these baseless bans continued to escalate, we had no choice but to go to court to defend authors free speech and students freedom to learn.

The lawsuit is just the most recent effort to stem the ongoing push by conservative groups to remove books they deem unacceptable from library shelves. In a new report, PEN provides a comprehensive analysis of the 4,128 unique titles that it determined were removed from public schools nationwide during the 20232024 academic yearthe result of more than 10,000 instances of school book bans over that time period.
News / Local

by Staff reporter

A 29-year-old man from Insukamini in Emganwini has been arrested by Bulawayo police in connection with the alleged murder of his wife, Shylet Siyabonga, aged 21.Assistant Inspector Nomalanga Msebele, the acting spokesperson for Bulawayo police, confirmed the arrest and identified the suspect as Blessed Mpofu.The events leading to the arrest began on April 5 when Mpofu visited a neighbour at the Insukamini Zesa sub-station. He reportedly told the neighbour that his wife had been robbed while walking along a footpath linking their home to Emganwini shopping centre at around 7pm. Mpofu claimed that his wife arrived home around 11pm that evening, unable to speak.The following morning, at approximately 3am, the neighbour reported the incident to the police, who responded to the scene. Upon arrival, officers found Siyabonga kneeling on the bed, with her chest resting on the corner, facing downward, and showing signs of severe injuries. She had multiple cuts on her head, and blood stains were visible on the walls and bedding.A thorough examination of the scene led police to discover a steel rake with blood stains on its handle under the bed, a broken blood-stained broomstick, and blood-soaked clothing belonging to Mpofu. These findings raised suspicions that a robbery, as initially reported by Mpofu, had not taken place.Msebele stated that police investigations found no evidence supporting the claim of a robbery at the scene. As a result, Mpofu was arrested on suspicion of murdering his wife.The investigation is ongoing, with police continuing to gather evidence related to the tragic incident. The arrest has shocked the local community, and more details are expected to emerge as the case progresses.
News / Local

by Staff reporter

Police once again displayed heavy-handed tactics on Wednesday morning, arresting leaders of a demonstration by University of Zimbabwe (UZ) lecturers who were demanding a salary review. The arrested leaders of the Association of University Teachers (AUT)-Borncase Mwakorera, Obvious Vengeyi, and Desmond Ndedzu-were taken into custody at Avondale Police Station.The small group of lecturers had gathered outside their workplace, picketing in protest over their deteriorating wages. Their demands echoed a call for salaries to be restored to pre-October 2018 levels, a time when junior lecturers earned as much as US$2,500. In stark contrast, many lecturers now receive a fraction of this amount, with UZ educators earning just US$300, alongside a ZWL component that falls well below the equivalent of US$200 when converted.Despite seeking permission from both the police and university authorities for the demonstration, the lecturers were met with resistance. AUT's legal advisor, Munyaradzi Gwisai, criticized the actions of the police, stating that the picketing was entirely lawful."In terms of the law, it is clear that registered trade unions are permitted to authorize a picket as long as the strike is lawful, and that is exactly what happened here," Gwisai explained. He added that the police's insistence that the protest was unlawful was in conflict with established labor laws, pointing out that the university had been notified of the protest's location outside of the campus after they refused permission for the picket on university grounds.This protest follows a failed attempt by the AUT to strike earlier in the month, which was halted by the Ministry of Higher and Tertiary Education. The university's educators, undeterred by their previous setback, continued their struggle for better pay, leading to the latest round of arrests and tensions.A source within the university, who requested anonymity for fear of retaliation, shared frustration with the current situation, saying the promises made by the Minister of Higher and Tertiary Education, Fredrick Shava, had been hollow. "The minister came to the university after the press conference by veteran Blessed Geza, where he promised us salaries equivalent to our regional peers. Yet, here we are, earning much less," the lecturer said.Further expressing discontent, another educator explained the financial strain they are experiencing: "Imagine going to work and spending your entire salary on fuel-what do I eat, what do I feed my family with? I have three degrees and more than 40 published papers, yet I am struggling to survive on such meager wages."In addition to the shockingly low salaries, the lecturers are particularly aggrieved by the promises of regional parity that have not been realized, despite repeated assurances from Shava. Professors, who once earned as much as US$5,000, now find themselves earning far below that figure, contributing to a growing sense of disillusionment.Attempts to reach UZ Vice-Chancellor Paul Mapfumo for comment on the matter were unsuccessful.This latest incident has cast a spotlight on the dire financial conditions faced by Zimbabwe's academic staff, whose calls for fair wages have been met with increasingly aggressive responses from both university authorities and law enforcement. As the dispute continues, the future of education at UZ remains uncertain, with lecturers questioning how long they can endure under such economic pressures.
On April 4th, South Koreas Constitutional Court affirmed the National Assemblys impeachment of President Yoon Suk Yeol, removing him from office for his declaration of martial law last December. The unanimous 8-0 ruling on each of five charges was an overwhelming rebuke of Yoons justification for martial law as well as numerous conspiracy theories espoused by his supporters. The courts ruling triggers a special presidential election in early June which is likely to be won by the progressive opposition party.

On December 3, Yoon declared martial law, blaming anti-state forces planning to overthrow the government. He declared that all political activities, including meetings of the National Assembly and public demonstrations, were prohibited and all media would be under government control. He deployed the military and police to prevent the National Assembly from voting on the martial law declaration, which is a protected right in the South Korean constitution.

Yoon claimed he imposed martial law to protect liberal democracy and ensure the safety of the people against unidentified forces operating covertly within South Korea. But he provided no evidence for his claims. Instead, it became apparent he was reacting to the opposition partys obstruction of his legislative agenda and repeated impeachments of Yoon and government officials, which he characterized as a legislative dictatorship and anti-state activities plotting rebellion.

During the short six-hour time frame of martial law, the National Assembly scaled walls and evaded troops to vote to overrule Yoons martial law declaration, leading him to rescind his declaration. The National Assembly voted on December 14 to impeach Yoon.

The Constitutional Court ruled that Yoons declaration of martial law and attempt to seize control of the legislature were grave violations of the principles of democratic governance and the rule of law as well as an infringement on the fundamental human rights of the countrys citizens. The court soundly rejected Yoons depiction that he had done so as a signal against the opposition partys obstructionism.

As the court deliberated, the government mobilized 14,000 policemen, erected barriers, and closed schools and subway stops near the court due to fears of violent responses after the ruling was announced. However, the pro-Yoon supporters responded peaceably and the large street demonstrations eventually dispersed without incident. Yoon apologized for his shortcomings and his ruling People Power Party said it humbly accepts the court's ruling. Yoon still faces a separate criminal trial for insurrection which began on April 14.

The unanimity of the court ruling may have inhibited conspiracy-fueled responses. Yoon and his supporters had claimed the April 2024 National Assembly election, which gave the opposition the majority in the unicameral legislature, was stolen by Chinese and North Korean covert influence operations.

South Korea remains riven by political polarization, which was exacerbated by the constitutional crisis. Since December, large demonstrations were held by both sides of the political aisle, including attendance by members of the National Assembly. Though unanimous, the Constitutional Court ruling will not bridge the political divide, particularly in the run-up to the presidential election. Presidential candidates are expected to double down on their parties positions rather than seek reconciliation amongst the populace.

Despite the political turmoil, it is clear that South Koreas constitutional system prevailed and that democratization has firmly taken hold in the country. South Korea is still a relatively young democracy with only 40 years of free elections after decades of authoritarian regimes, coups, and violent protests.

South Koreas leadership vacuum stymied establishing relations with the Trump administration. Though cabinet ministers and the acting defense minister have met with U.S. counterparts, the acting South Korean president had not directly contacted President Trump until after Yoons ruling. South Koreans are concerned over the viability of the U.S. extended deterrence guarantee and the dire impact of U.S. tariffs on the national economy.

The lack of an elected South Korean president for the next two months and likely electoral change in the ruling party will further hamper bilateral relations. Polls show that the opposition Democratic Party of Korea (DPK) is likely to win the presidential election despite its party leader and leading presidential candidate Lee Jae-myung facing multiple indictments, including election law violations and breach of trust.

Progressive parties such as the DPK have historically implemented foreign policies that are conciliatory to North Korea and China, nationalist and antagonist toward Japan, and seeking greater independence from the United States. Such policies would clash with the Trump administrations emphasis on confronting Beijings aggressive actions against Indo-Pacific nations and predatory business practices.

However, if President Trump sought to re-engage with North Korean leader Kim Jong-un, a DPK government would be more supportive than had Yoon remained in office. Yoon implemented a principled policy against Pyongyang that predicated any negotiations on the regime adhering to UN denuclearization resolutions in return for benefits.

Regardless of the election outcome, the new South Korea president should seek to heal the divisions of the electorate as well as quickly establish direct contact with President Trump to align foreign, security, and economic policies. The military alliance and overall bilateral relationship are critical components for achieving U.S. strategic objectives in the Indo-Pacific.

Bruce Klingner is senior research fellow for Northeast Asia in the Asian Studies Center at The Heritage Foundation.
Stand-up comedian Nate Bargatze will host the Emmys.

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The 77th annual Emmy Awards will take place Sept. 14 at Peacock Theater in Los Angeles. The show will air on CBS and stream on Paramount+.

Bargatze was recently a presenter at the Golden Globe Awards, and his comedy specials include The Tennessee Kid, The Greatest Average American, Nate Bargatze: Hello World and Your Friend, Nate Bargatze.

"It's a huge honor to be asked to host such an iconic awards show and I'm beyond excited to work with CBS to create a night that can be enjoyed by families around the world," he said in press release.

Nominations for the show will be announced July 15.

Television Academy chair Cris Abrego said, "Nate is one of the hottest comics in the business with a remarkable and hilarious brand of comedy that deeply resonates with multigenerational audiences around the globe."
The final trailer for the Marvel movie Thunderbolts shows the group of misfit heroes grappling with their past regrets.

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The preview released Thursday shows Geraldine Viswanathan, who portrays Mel, comment on it's strange that the Avengers are not "coming to save the day."

Bucky Barnes (Sebastian Stan) suggests the Thunderbolts can fulfill that role instead.

"Bucky, you have the wrong people," says Yelena (Florence Pugh). "We have all done bad things."

"Look, I've been where you are," he responds. "The past doesn't go away. So, you can either live with it forever, or you can do something about it."

As the trailer continues, the group encounters a villain (Lewis Pullman) known as "the Void," and Yelena struggles to forgive herself for her past mistakes.

A previously-released featurette shows Pugh jumping from the world's second tallest building in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.

Thunderbolts lands in theaters May 2.

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CANCON South Carolina 2024 was a great event for a lot of reasons. New venue, bigger crowd, and the BBQ is better in South Carolina than it is in Georgia (fight me in the comments).

The highlight of the event for me was the BOSS Silencers booth with its wide range of great-sounding cans. While the GUILLOTINE 5.56 and the price of only $500 is what won other editors hearts during RECOILs Best Suppressor Test, what caught my eye was the then-unreleased Commander SWAT.

At 5.5-inches long, built like a tank but only 14 ounces of gravity and an amazing sound quality  it was top of my list to test once I could get my hands on one after release. Fast forward a few months to February 2025, and the BOSS Commander SWAT landed at my FFL and the fun started.

SPECS:

Dimensions: 1.75 x 5.5

17-4 H900 Stainless Steel Baffles/Mount/Cap, Grade 9 Titanium Tube

14oz without mount

Full-auto rated

No barrel restrictions, optimized for sub-sonic 9mm

Best suited for SMG/PCC, not suitable for handguns

Glacier Black, High Temp Cerakote, 1800 degrees F

Factory Serviceable

JET DIFFUSION TECHNOLOGY

Ill admit, I dont know enough of the science to totally follow just how this works. But if you talk to the brains behind the design at BOSS, you can get a better description of how it actually happens. Bottom line, BOSS uses Jet Diffusion Technology inspired by rocket engine designs to make their suppressors work and to reduce back-pressure.

Rocket engines are all about controlling and directing gas flow, BOSSs Jet Diffusion Tech inverts the flow to accept high speed gasses and slows them down using multiple, progressive diffusion chambers.

These arent just standard baffles stacked in a tube; BOSS actually has some secret sauce in the mix, and it works really, really well.

Shooting BOSS suppressors alongside dozens of other cans at CANCON South Carolina 2024 made it easy to tell just how different BOSS suppressors are compared to most of the rest of the industry.

ON THE RANGE

Since the Commander SWAT came home with me, it has lived on a Springfield Armory KUNA, the new roller-delayed PCC officially released just a few days ago. Lucky for me, Springfield sent one out months ago for testing.

With how compact the Commander SWAT is and the fact that it is designed for PCC, the pairing was a natural choice and one that turned out wonderfully well. From range days to local 2-Gun and PCSL matches, the Kuna and Commander SWAT have been a perfect pair.

Optimized for sub-sonic 9mm the Commander SWAT is Hollywood quiet with 9mm loads that dont break the sound barrier. 147gr Federal HST, 130gr Federal PCC Syntech, 147gr Super Vel Hush Puppy, and more all sound amazing.

Even using supersonic loads like 124gr S&B, 115gr anything, or 100gr Super Vel PCC ammo  the Commander SWAT still sounds great and takes a massive bite out of each ammo's sound. In fact, with ears on, it was sometimes hard to tell the difference between supersonic and subsonic loads with just how well the BOSS can works.

BRUTALITY TESTED

With over 1,000 rounds through the KUNA and the Commander SWAT, it was time for an ultimate testing ground  InRangeTV CQB Brutality-West 2025. This match is a once-a-year event that is a must-attend match in my book. Held at the Southern Utah Practical Shooting Range in St. George, Utah, it isnt just a great match at a good venue; its also the harshest match for gear Ive ever shot.

The dust in southern Utah is a super fine powder that is sticky and gets everywhere. It is inescapable, inevitable, and will cause even super-reliable firearms to fail.

It also has an extremely high round count. Final count on shots fired for 2025 with the Kuna was over 400 across 8 stages.

All 8 stages were shot using Super Vel Hush Puppy 147gr subsonic ammo, and every shot fired was taken with the BOSS Commander SWAT. This extended round count in a harsh environment cemented in my mind just how good the Commander SWAT really is. By far, the loudest thing on the range was the bullets hitting the steel.

Even with just using direct thread mounts, the Commander SWAT never came loose during the long day of shooting, and every shot sounded great. It was by far the most polite-sounding gun on the range. Even the first-round pop was barely noticeable.

LOOSE ROUNDS

PCCs are wildly underrated by most people, and suppressed PCCs are ten times as much fun and add layers of practical benefits that cannot be ignored. There are a lot of decent 9mm suppressors on the market, but there are only a few that are truly great. The BOSS Commander SWAT is one of the greats. And with a price tag of only $800, it might be the best return on your money in the entire 9mm game.
University of Georgia students, faculty and other members of the Athens-Clarke County community gathered at North West Lawn near the Miller Learning Center on Wednesday, April 16 to protest the recent revocations of international student visas. Demonstrators demanded the UGA administration and University System of Georgia take action against ICE and to protect their international students.
News / Local

by Staff reporter

In a significant legal ruling, the Labour Court of Zimbabwe has annulled the Zimbabwe Congress of Trade Unions (ZCTU)'s decision to retire its secretary-general, Japhet Moyo, at the age of 60. Justice Samuel Kudya, who delivered the judgment, found that the move was legally flawed, violating key procedural and contractual safeguards, including Moyo's right to be heard.Moyo had contested his retirement, arguing that the decision was "grossly irregular," as it breached his employment contract, ZCTU's constitution, and provisions of the Labour Act. He sought reinstatement with full benefits or, alternatively, compensation in damages, alongside the recovery of legal costs.ZCTU, on the other hand, defended the decision, asserting that Moyo's retirement was in line with past practices within the union. The union further contended that Moyo had previously overseen the retirement of other employees under similar conditions.In his ruling, Justice Kudya made several critical findings. The judge noted that Moyo's employment contract made no reference to a retirement age of 60 or 65, thus raising doubts about the validity of ZCTU's claim. He highlighted the importance of clearly specified retirement terms in an employee's contract, citing the case of City of Harare v Mubvumbi, where pension regulations were discussed, and confirming that retirement age should be explicitly outlined in a contract.The court also rejected ZCTU's reliance on its constitution, particularly section 13, which deals with acts of misconduct. Justice Kudya stated that section 13 did not pertain to retirement issues, emphasizing that Moyo's situation was not linked to any misconduct.In a key aspect of the ruling, the judge referenced section 12(4)(a) of the Labour Act, which restricts employers from unilaterally retiring employees. "The new amendment sought to take away the power of an employer to retire an employee," Justice Kudya affirmed, underscoring the protections available to employees in such matters.Furthermore, the court found that Moyo's retirement decision had been made without proper consideration of his unique employment terms or a fair comparison with other retirees. Citing the case of Zesa v Stefavo, the judge stressed that the "right to be heard is the cornerstone of the law," and this principle could not be waived in Moyo's case.As a result, the court set aside ZCTU's decision, made on August 7, 2024, to retire Moyo. The union was ordered to reconsider the retirement decision, allowing Moyo the opportunity to make representations.The ruling also stipulated that each party would bear its respective legal costs.This judgment is expected to have broader implications for labor practices in Zimbabwe, particularly concerning the rights of union leaders and employees facing retirement decisions. It reaffirms the principle of fair treatment in employment matters and the necessity for transparency and proper procedural adherence in making such decisions.
When I was in ninth grade, my mom got me a book for my birthday. It was called Sorry Im Late, I didnt want to come: One Introverts Year of Saying Yes. I was slightly insulted by this gift, as I hadnt previously considered myself an introvert, nor thought that I needed any help socially. And so the book went untouched by my bedside table, whatever anecdotes and life lessons it held going unread, dust gathering on the top of the hardcover.
Dubai is positioning itself as a springboard for Indian companies looking to tap into fast-growing emerging markets, including Africa, banking on low tariffs, long-standing trade relations, and a shared vision for regional economic growth, said Mohammad Ali Rashid Lootah, president and chief executive officer, Dubai Chambers, at the Dubai-India Business Forum in Mumbai.

IMAGE: A general view of the Burj Khalifa and the downtown skyline in Dubai, United Arab Emirates. Photograph: Christopher Pike/Reuters

From a business point of view, this will be a great opportunity for Indian businesses to use Dubai as a hub.

"The United Arab Emirates (UAE) and Dubai can be a very attractive destination for Indian businesses that are exporting goods and services to use Dubai since the amount of tariffs is low, Lootah said.

The comments come after the US imposed reciprocal tariffs of 10 per cent on UAE and 26 per cent on India.

Lootah said that with strong trade ties between India and UAE that go back to the ages of the Spice Route and the Silk Route, the two countries can collaborate to meet the growing demand in emerging markets amid challenges like reciprocal tariffs.

He highlighted Dubais attractiveness as a launchpad for Indian exporters and startups due to its strategic location and established connectivity to Africa and the broader West Asia region.

Flights from Dubai connect to top cities in Europe and Africa thus giving the UAE a strategic advantage, he said.

He added that Dubai invested nearly $5 billion in India over the past five years and investments from India to UAE in the same period was similar at $4.2 billion.

With over 72,651 Indian-owned firms registered with the Dubai Chambers, the UAE continues to be a key business destination for India Inc.

New Indian companies numbering 4,563 joined the Dubai Chambers in the first quarter of 2024-25, marking a year-on-year growth of 16.2 per cent.

Lootah further said that while memoranda of understanding about new ventures are good, what really matters is to build personal relationships between business communities.

He added that deeper collaboration between India and Dubai could help high-growth startups scale without relocating overseas for funding.

He said joint efforts should focus on building economic value, creating jobs, and fostering an ecosystem where future unicorns can thrive.

The president of Dubai Chambers said that Indian startups looking to scale have typically turned to the Silicon Valley or other Western markets for funding and growth over the past decade, but Dubai could emerge as a compelling alternative.

I think Dubai can be one of their first options out of India to scale because to scale up in a sustainable way, you not only need funding but also a consumer market to cater to this growth, he said.

There are sectors that Dubai is well known for, which contribute to the gross domestic product, such as trading and services, retail, real estate, logistics, and financial services.

"What we are trying to concentrate on is the growing sector in the digital economy.

"I can say we are very sector-agnostic on all of this, said Lootah.

While financial technology will continue to play a key role in Dubais strong financial services ecosystem, similar to Mumbai, Lootah said there are success stories in food technology, logistics technology, and prospective collaboration with Indias agriculture sector in hydro-technology.

On manufacturing, Lootah proposed aligning Indias Make in India strategy with Dubais Digital Economy Agenda and suggested a collaboration to create a corridor that would help manufacturers in Dubai and India access wider markets.
India's second-largest IT company Infosys on Thursday reported an 11.7 per cent decline in consolidated net profit to Rs 7,033 crore for the March quarter mainly on account of compensation to employees, and acquisitions during the reported period.

Illustration: Dado Ruvic/Reuters

It had posted a profit (attributable to owners of the company) of Rs 7,969 crore in the year-ago period.

Infosys CEO and MD Salil Parekh said the company has guided for a revenue growth of 0-3 per cent in constant currency terms in the current fiscal year due to uncertainty in the environment.

Infosys CFO Jayesh Sanghrajka said the company is on track to hire 20,000 freshers this fiscal year, as announced earlier.

Talking about decline in the margin, Sanghrajka said margins were 30 basis points lower on a quarter-on-quarter basis.

"The biggest headwind we had was because of the comp (compensation) that we had announced.

A large part of our employees got a compensation increase effective first of January, and that impacted by 140 basis points.

We had 40 basis points on account of amortization of intangibles for the acquisition that we made. Those were the headwinds," he said.

Infosys recorded about 8 per cent increase in employee benefit around Rs 22,000 crore.

The company's total employee base increased about 6,000 on a year-on-year basis to over 3.23 lakh at the end of the March quarter.

Revenues for the quarter under review came in at Rs 40,925 crore, 7.9 per cent higher from Rs 37,923 crore in Q4 FY24.

Sequentially, the company's profits rose 3.3 per cent, but revenues declined 2 per cent.

For the full FY25, profits saw a marginal increase of 1.8 per cent to Rs 26,713 crore, according to a regulatory filing.

Revenues climbed 6.06 per cent to reach Rs 162,990 crore -- exceeded its guidance of 4.5-5 per cent for the full FY25.

The company bagged a large deal with a total contract value of $11.6 billion for the year, with 56 per cent net new wins.

The operating margin of the company increased 0.9 per cent year-on-year while there was a 0.3 per cent decline in the margin on a quarter-on-quarter basis.

"We have built a resilient organisation with sharp focus on client-centricity and responsiveness to the market, thanks to the trust of our clients and dedication of our employees," Parekh said.

"Our performance for the year has been robust in terms of revenues, expansion in operating margins and highest-ever free cash generation.

Our depth in AI, cloud and digital and strength in cost-efficiency, automation, and consolidation position us well for the needs of our clients," Parekh said.

He said the company has improved margins despite multiple headwinds.

"We have paid higher variable pay to our employees.

We had many of the large deals ramping up during this period. We did an acquisition, so there was an acquisition-related impact.

Despite all of those headwinds, we have been able to increase our margins by 50 basis points," Parekh said.

He said there has been an increased demand for deployment of AI agents across clients.

"There are about 400 AI projects that we are working on where we see a lot of these sorts of benefits that we are sharing with clients," Parekh said.

As per the filing, the company's cash flow for 2024-25 was $4.1 billion. Sanghrajka said the amount was the highest-ever in the company's history.

Infosys's employee count at the end of FY25 was 323,578.

Talking about the hiring, Sanghrajka said hiring 20,000 is a combination of backfilling the attrition and growth.

"We had 14 per cent attrition this quarter. If you look at the math, it adds up with the guidance that we have had.

We are very confident at this point in time of hiring 20,000 freshers through the year in line with our guidance," he said.

The Infosys board has proposed a final dividend of Rs 22, which, along with the interim dividend, is an increase of 13.2 per cent over last year.

Shares of Infosys settled at Rs 1,420.20 apiece on the BSE on Thursday, 0.51 per cent higher than the previous close. Infosys results were declared after the market closing hours.
President Trump with his MAWA has unwittingly provided us this opportunity.

Will PM Modi grasp this and leave a legacy of ushered in scientific and technological revolution, asks Colonel Anil A Athale (retd).

Illustrations: Dominic Xavier/Rediff

Indians take pride in citizens of Indian origin heading top global tech companies.

In reality it is an advertisement of our failure to nurture and retain talent.

While we are yet to put a man in space, China operates a space station.

In fields of aerospace right till the 1960s India was ahead of China; remember the HF-24 Marut aircraft designed by us!

Along with the factor of non-corrupt and honest leadership, Chinese success can be attributed to their ability to reverse brain drain.

The pioneers of the Chinese aerospace industry were mostly US returned scientists and technocrats. We have a golden opportunity to emulate China and benefit similarly.

Donald Trump's second term has started with a bang with all the attention on his so-called 'trade war' where he has given up on the long held US advocacy of 'free trade' and begun a tariff war.

The jury is still out on the effect this will have on the world economy and the US job situation. This has obscured his other obsession, immigration.

Shorn of verbiage, President Trump wants to 'Make America 'White' Again' (MAWA)!

The slogan of MAGA, or Make America Great again, is a camouflage.

His moves to get Afrikaners from South Africa to migrate to the US while he acts against other immigrants is a dead giveaway.

This has sent shock waves through the large Indian community of Green Card holders (permanent residency permit) who typically are technically qualified engineers and scientists trained at Indian government institutes at our cost but are generating wealth and technology for the US.

Some years ago something like 60% of top IIT graduates migrated to the US.

Our institutes had become a source of supply of trained manpower to the US.

India's niggardly expenditure on science and technology along with our private sector's total apathy brought about this situation.

The situation was so bad that a scientist once justified migration to the US with a quip, 'Brain drain is better than brain in the drain.'

These were the 'push' factors. Greater resources, a good life, freedom and recognition of merit were the pull factors.

With anti-immigrant sentiment on the rise in the US and massive cuts in research funding, the pull factor for migration to the US has virtually evaporated.

This provides a great opportunity for India to retain talent and even attract back high achievers. Many of whom are Green Card holders and face uncertainty for their own stay and status of their children who are not eligible for US citizenship on the basis of birth.

To stop the brain drain and reverse it needs the government to increase funding for scientific and technological research.

Politicians need to beware of clever bureaucrats who may actually recommend cutting back or 'saving' on expenditure since talented individuals have no escape avenue!

This is not bizarre as it sounds, just take a look how medical graduates pursuing post-graduation are exploited at low wages as interns!

But a mere increase in funding for the sake of optics will not work unless we reform the administrative procedures and remove bottlenecks that hinder research.

On the lines of 'Ease of doing business' (?) we ought to also carry out changes for 'Ease of doing research'.

There is also a need to understand that obsession with only technology and neglect of research in fundamental sciences is myopic.

It is scientific research that creates new technology and gives us a first mover advantage.

Without the scientific breakthrough we forever will remain 'followers'.

In layman's terms while technology builds power, it is science that can build national strength.

Technology is important to solve immediate problems but it is only science that can build national strength in the long run.

National security needs power and power is born out of strength.

This link of science and technology for short and long term national security needs to be understood and imbibed by our leaders.

Else we would have a situation where even a patriotic leader like Indira Gandhi wanted to shut down the Tata Institute of Fundamental Research by saying that a poor country like India could not afford the 'luxury' of fundamental research.

Fortunately, better sense prevailed and TIFR was saved when she was convinced that doing so would condemn India to a permanent second class status.

The three-point agenda for improving ease of doing research in India and make it an attractive destination (remember British scientist J B S Haldane who was attracted to India in 1950s):

1. Pay student fellowships on time and give funding for PhD and Postdoc positions to institutes of national importance (ini) and naac a++ universities with autonomy for directors

2. Remove need for GeM for research grade equipment altogether.

The purchases through GeM by government users have been authorised and made mandatory by the ministry of finance by adding a new Rule No. 149 in the General Financial Rules, 2017.

Research equipment or research grade materials should/cannot be equated with mass produced materials/equipment. These are produced by small firms, many times a single source in the world.

Since demand is miniscule it makes sense to import. For materials, it must be noted that unlike in normal purchases, the purity needed is 99%.

3. Give full GST exemption for such research grade equipment purchases on the authority of the director of research institutes.

Since these are bought with government grants it makes little sense to charge duty.

In any case the loss of revenue due to this is miniscule but its imposition has the effect of reducing the government grant.

The ministry often makes an arbitrary percentage cut in the requested demand, expecting the researchers to be able to buy a 'half elephant'.

To utilise the greater talent now available as the US shuts its doors, an across the board increase in the fellowship by 25% is a must.

To attract scientists and technocrats settled abroad ambitious new projects need to be started in the public and private sectors.

Ease of doing business should be implemented on the ground and not remain a slogan.

'Inspector Raj' needs to be abolished so also extortion by local political goons.

Time is of essence and one hopes the education and finance ministries would show the kind of nimble footedness that the foreign ministry has shown in changing an uncertain world.

President Trump with his MAWA has unwittingly provided us a golden opportunity.

Will PM Narendra Modi grasp this and leave a legacy of ushered in scientific and technological revolution in India?

Colonel Anil A Athale (retd) is a military historian whose earlier columns can be read here.

Feature Presentation: Aslam Hunani/Rediff.com
'They want to keep the pot boiling all the time.'

'The BJP wants to set a political narrative that the Gandhis are doing wrong things.'

IMAGE: Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge, Congress Parliamentary Party Chairperson Sonia Gandhi and Lok Sabha Leader of the Opposition Rahul Gandhi at the Prerna Sthal inside the Parliament premises to pay tribute to Dr B R Ambedkar on his 135th birth anniversary, April 14, 2025. Photograph: Rahul Singh/ANI Photo

When the Enforcement Directorate filed a chargesheet against Sonia Gandhi and Rahul Gandhi in the National Herald case on Tuesday, April 15, 2025, it evoked a sense of deja vu.

For the alleged corruption case has been going on since 2011, when Janata Party leader Dr Subramanian Swamy filed a complaint in the matter.

Since the Narendra Modi government came to power in 2014, the case has been meandering its way, suddenly finding life but at most times with little progress.

So the ED suddenly naming the Gandhis as accused in the case, which was followed quickly by the interrogation of Mrs Gandhi's son-in-law Robert Vadra, led to eyebrows being raised. Is a new witch-hunt on against the Gandhis? If so, why now?

"This case reeks of political calculations from the government side," Rasheed Kidwai, veteran Congress watcher and author of 24 Akbar Road and Sonia - A Biography, tells Syed Firdaus Ashraf/Rediff.

The National Herald case against Sonia Gandhi and Rahul Gandhi dates back to 2012. The Modi government didn't do anything concrete over it for 11 years but now seems to have woken up suddenly. Why?

This case was a private complaint by Dr Subramanian Swamy in 2012, when the Congress-led United Progressive Alliance government was in power. At that point of time the Congress party felt there was nothing in this complaint. It was frivolous and not substantive enough. They did their legal and administrative check too.

I am not going into the legal matter of the case as no property was sold.

The Modi government is in power since 2014 and it is 11 years now. Had they been active on this case the outcome would have been much faster.

In cases of such nature there are steps that include 1. Filing of complaint; 2. First Information Report; 3. Chargesheet; 4. Court trial and then 5. Court verdict. And here in this case, after 11 years of the Modi government, we have only reached the third stage which is a chargesheet.

Therefore, this case reeks of political calculations from the government side.

Because from the government's own track record, as far as political convictions by the ED is concerned, the rate of conviction is only 1 percent (external link).

Why are they targeting the Gandhis?

They want to keep the pot boiling all the time. The BJP wants to set a political narrative that the Gandhis are doing wrong things.

If you see, the BJP always has sets this kind of political narrative against the Congress all the time.

They will say Pandit Nehru messed up Jammu and Kashmir issue. He messed up the India-China war.

They will then set a narrative against Rajiv Gandhi by stating he was corrupt and quote the Bofors case.

So in the same way they are charging and setting up a narrative that the Gandhis are corrupt.

If you see they did charge the UPA in corruption cases like 2G scam, Augusta Westland, coal scam or Commonwealth Games scam which were never proved in court.

In that context the National Herald case is high on optics because it is notional and not a politically sensitive case. In this case the bureaucracy is not involved.

In the National Herald case it is only the Gandhis and Congress party office-bearers who are involved. Hing lagey na phitkiri rang lagey chokha (to gain a lot without much effort). It does not require much effort but the benefit is immense.

This is only the political aspect of the case and not legal, because as far as legal is concerned it will be proved in the court of law.

IMAGE: Rahul Gandhi leaves for the Enforcement Directorate office in New Delhi, June 13, 2022 after being summoned for questioning in the National Herald case. Photograph: AICC Handout via PTI Photo/Rediff Archives

Rahul Gandhi was interrogated for 55 hours in 2022 by the ED and nothing happened after that. Why wait for three 3 years to make a fresh move?

In a money laundering case you never know whether you have been called by the ED as one of the witnesses or an accused.

When Rahul Gandhi was called for questioning by the ED, he was told to co-operate in the investigation and he did. He was not named as an accused then, but now after three years he is made an accused.

The Robert Vadra case is almost 20 years old and they are rolling it out now. Is there any connection between this case and the National Herald case?

His case was far more substantive in nature. This again is in the realm of allegations and was about a land deal. Nothing came out of this case too.

Why is the government suddenly targeting the Gandhis when no elections are due?

There are elections in Bihar this year and again in Kerala (May 2026) where the Congress wants to make a comeback. And there are talks in the realm of politics that the Congress wants to make a comeback in Gujarat. Whether they succeed or not, we do not know at this point of time.

On April 12, the Congress appointed 42 AICC and 183 Pradesh Congress Committee observers to oversee the process of appointment of Pradesh Committee presidents in 33 districts and eight major cities of Gujarat.

Do you feel Narendra Modi and Amit Shah are not taking this lightly, since Rahul wants to challenge them in their home state?

One must remember that the Congress fought a very intense battle against the Bharatiya Janata Party in the 2017 Gujarat elections. The next elections, in 2022, was a very tame affair. But one has to understand that there is one-party government in Gujarat for a very long time (the BJP has been ruling Gujarat for 30 years). This makes for a strong possibility of anti-incumbency setting in.

The AICC recently held its convention in Gujarat for only the second time since Independence, and within six days of that Rahul Gandhi again went to Gujarat. Are Modi-Shah bothered by this focus on Gujarat?

Our country is governed by the rule of law and we are a Constitutional democracy. Unless the allegations are proved against the Gandhis in court it makes sense, otherwise it has the potential to boomerang.

IMAGE: Rahul Gandhi at an orientation programme for district observers in Ahmedabad, April 15, 2025. Photograph: ANI Photo

Does the BJP consider Rahul Gandhi as a formidable opponent?

I would say so. He has a sense of conviction against the BJP.

There have been several instances where Rahul Gandhi has been proved right. He spoke and warned about America's tariff war, relations with China and economic recession. All these things were proved right.

He also spoke about the plight of farmers much ahead of the time and therefore, whatever one may say about Rahul, PM Modi did not get a simple majority on his own. The BJP fell short and could not cross the 272 seat mark to form a government on its own.

The BJP lost Amethi and then Ayodhya too, therefore it proved at that point of time that Rahul Gandhi is one politician who can politically upset PM Modi or the BJP's long term calculations.

But after that the Congress lost badly in Haryana and Maharashtra and therefore one wonders why should Rahul Gandhi be taken seriously in politics?

There are a lot of things that are going to happen, like delimitation of seats which will make an impact in the future.

What one needs to understand is that nothing is permanent in Indian politics. Things keep changing and it changes very fast. What will happen next, no one knows.

Nobody thought that the Congress will get 100 Lok Sabha seats, and yet they got it.

In Karnataka, the Congress is a divided house over the caste census. Why they are insisting on going ahead with the caste census?

For so many years it did not happen and it tells you that there is a lot of compelling arguments for and against it.

The Congress' DNA has always been upper caste and there is always resistance for such a census within the Congress party too.

What solution do you foresee emerging?

The Congress party has made up its mind that it will go ahead with the caste census.
'Gyanendra back on the throne would be bad news for the Nepali people. He may not have learnt from his experience, but we have.'

IMAGE: Pro-monarchist demonstrators hurl stones at riot police during the protest in Kathmandu, March 28, 2025, demanding the restoration of Nepal's monarchy which was abolished in 2008. Photograph: Navesh Chitrakar/Reuters

The unexpected tone of violence during what was expected to be a routine-by-Kathmandu-standards protest to restore the monarchy in Nepal stunned many Nepalis, especially the incident where a mob set fire to a building with a television journalist trapped inside.

The K P Sharma Oli government was quick to react, arresting rioters, and leaders of the protests, slapping treason charges against some of them.

While it refrained from such action against Gyanendra, the former king in whose name the protest was undertaken, Kathmandu's civic body nevertheless imposed a fine on the ousted monarch for 'vandalism'. It also scaled down the security offered to Gyanendra.

On Friday, April 11, a fortnight after the rioting, the Nepal police announced the arrest of Durga Prasai, the so-called 'commander' of the protests, who had been on the run.

What happens next in Nepal? Can Gyanendra return to the throne encouraged by the perennial political ferment in Kathmandu -- 13 prime ministers in the 17 years since the monarchy was abolished? Will the current Nepali constitution which promises a secular, democratic republic, be abolished and restore Nepal as a Hindu kingdom?

Kanak Mani Dixit is one of Nepal's most distinguished journalists. Educated at Columbia University, he worked at the United Nations for several years before returning to Nepal where he founded the review magazine, Himal, now the Himal Southasian.

Nine years ago, in April 2016, he was arrested after he criticised the appointment of a former monarchist to head Nepal's commission for investigation of abuse of authority.

"The former king seems to have been hoping that the 'federal, secular, democratic republic' would fail and he would be returned to the throne, but ten years into the implementation of the constitution of 2015, he seems to have decided that it was getting late, and himself getting on in age. There is no proof that the people want him back on the throne, the larger silent majority is obviously not with him," Kanak Mani Dixit tells Rediff's Nikhil Lakshman in an interview conducted on WhatsApp and tweaked on e-mail.

What was the impetus for Mr Gyanendra to rouse the masses on March 28?

Was it meant to be another show of strength to buttress the message conveyed by the large number of people who gathered to welcome at the airport when he arrived from Pokhara? To tell Mr Oli's government that after years of exile he had returned to reclaim his throne and the people wanted him there?

Well, it is a stretch to say that the masses were 'roused'. There were some thousands gathered responding to ex-king Gyanendra's call in his Democracy Day video appeal of February 2025: 'Give me support if you want to save the nation'. Keep in mind that it was Gyanendra who, as king, did the most to bring down the monarchy in Nepal.

This he did by firstly conducting the coup in February 2005 and hence convincing all democratically minded parties and civil society that the monarchy was not to be trusted. They also remember well the 1960 coup by King Mahendra, which led to 30 years of the autocratic Panchayat system that ended only in 1990.

Secondly, in 2006 after the People's Movement brought down the royal regime, he was offered the option of bowing out and allowing some descendant, a minor, to be placed on the throne. Gyanendra refused.

The former king seems to have been hoping all along that the 'federal, secular, democratic republic' would fail and he would be returned to the throne, but ten years into the implementation of the constitution of 2015, he evidently decided that it was getting late, with himself getting on in age.

He therefore decided to utilise the following categories of individuals for the revival of monarchy: Old 'panchas' -- members of the old Panchayat hierarchy; newborn political opportunists who rely radical populism; and politicians who had failed to gain traction in electoral politics.

Mostly, those without ideology, but with ample supply of opportunism and romanticism, decided to exaggerate the failures of republican governance. They have tried to use social media for the purpose, to claim that Nepal's politicians are destroying social and economic prospects of the people, hoping that a populist surge will bring down the constitutional system down.

There is no evidence that the people want Gyanendra back on the throne, the larger silent majority is certainly not with him. On the whole, I believe the ex-king and his supporters have realised that they are not getting the momentum they thought they could generate.

Further, the violence of the royalist rallyists on the streets exposed them in the eyes of the people, and you may notice that there is no countrywide movement for the return of kingship.

It is not that the political parties are doing right, but that the population does not see revival of monarchy as the answer. Nepal's youngsters may not know, but the elders have experienced what it was like under the monarchy, 'constitutional' or otherwise, which delivered nothing but closed society, unaccountability, militarism, a police society, and corruption at the highest places.

If you followed Indian television media, of course, you would think that there is a Hindutva wave in Nepal, and indeed it is Indian television that has been carrying Gyanendra on its shoulders.

Much of that is based on wishful thinking of Hindutva activists and political leaders in India, who hope to use the ex-king to propel Nepal back to being declared a 'Hindu State'. The hope is that such a declaration, while it would destroy Nepal's decade-old constitution, would benefit the BJP's electoral prospects, also useful for the upcoming election in Bihar.

IMAGE: Nepal's deposed king Gyanendra addresses the media at the Narayanhiti royal palace in Kathmandu, June 11, 2008. Photograph: Gopal Chitrakar/Reuters

Have the violent events of March 28 been a setback for the former king? Are ordinary Nepalis shocked by what happened?

The violent events of March 28, plus what has transpired since in terms of exposing the key players selected by the ex-king to lead his 'movement', have definitely set him back.

To begin with, the events showed the royalist flank to be made up of either superannuated individuals out of touch with ground reality, or unprincipled, violence-prone goons.

Secondly, the ex-king blatantly bypassed the very political parties and personages who have been carrying the royalist flag the past decades against all odds. Instead, he chose a retired octogenarian 'pancha' and a boorish businessman to lead the charge.

This has left the royalists in disarray and disheartened the experienced politicos and parliamentarians.

Do you believe Mr Gyanendra dictated the ways to run the March 28 protests? Was this the way it was meant to unfold or did the protest spiral out of control under poor leadership at the street level?

It would be too much to say that Gyanendra personally directed the violence of March 28, but it was his chosen lot who carried it out. He would have to take moral responsibility for what transpired because he selected the front-rank -- the old time 'pancha' Nabaraj Subedi and the coarse-tongued rabble-rouser Durga Prasai as 'commander'.

The fact that Gyanendra did not turn to the experienced leadership of the 'royalist' parties such as the RPP (Rastriya Prajatantra Party) and its leader Rajendra Lingden, or Kamal Thapa of the breakaway RPP, meant that he wanted the movement for royalist restoration to run under his own direction rather than through the political parties in parliament.

In your estimation, who constituted the bulk of the protestors? Were they genuine supporters of a restored monarchy?

The protestors at large would mostly be made up of frustrated youth who have, firstly, been impacted by conspicuous consumption of the wealthy of Kathmandu, the corruption of the political elite widely reported by the media, who have only the prospect of going overseas for labour, and who have been impacted by the negativity spreading algorithms of social media. Everyone is scrolling all the time.

Further, the newborn political parties with supposedly youthful political leaders have not been able to assuage the frustrations of the youth on the street. The new politicos of Nepal are mostly self-publicists hoping the ride the waves of social-media led populism.

Neither have the new and old political forces of the Tarai/Madhes plains been able to spark the imagination of the youth. Hence, there are people on the street whose white-hot anger could be plumbed, or so thought the royalists.

IMAGE: Riot police personnel in action during the protest by pro-monarchist demonstrators in Kathmandu, March 28, 2025. Photograph: Navesh Chitrakar/Reuters

The K P Sharma Oli government has filed cases of treason against some leaders of the restore monarchy movement.

If the government believes that these individuals were plotting against the State, why has it not filed the same charges against Mr Gyanendra in whose name this protest was undertaken?

Gyanendra can always say that he was not on the ground when the violence has happened, although calls for his interrogation and the withdrawal of State support for his lifestyle has now risen in parliament like never before.

Right now, Nabaraj Subedi is under house arrest, Rabindra Mishra and Durga Prasai are in police custody. I believe Gyanendra should be questioned for his activities which amount to instigation, if not direction.

What you need to understand is that Gyanendra's call for a 'movement' for the return of monarchy is actually a demand for the dismantling of the constitution of Nepal, something that would have grave ramifications through political instability, economic downturn and social polarisation.

Taking away the 'republic' to make way for a constitutional monarchy would come part and parcel with cancellation of 'secularism' to allow a 'Hindu State' to be formed, which means a dismantling the constitution and all kinds of unintended consequences.

People who say that the demand is only for restoration of constitutional monarchy and not for absolute monarchy fail to remember that this is the very ex-king who as constitutional monarch under the 1990 constitution carried out the 2005 coup against parliamentary democracy.

As the selfsame gentleman, there is no doubt that Gyanendra would take on the powers of autocratic monarchy were he to be placed back on the throne.

Not once has Gyanendra expressed regret for his 2005 takeover, the jailing of political leaders and civil society persons, and the cancellation of parliament. Nor has he ever been accountable for the excesses carried out by the armed forces during the time he ran the government as 'chairman' of the council of ministers.

Even today, he and his supporters hope for loyalists within the Nepal army to side with the royalists, which only indicates that they do not have a proper political, demographic or political understanding of the polity. Theirs is only a hope for revival of lost glory.

Why would no government in Kathmandu directly take on a former monarch? What would it be wary about?

Would they be fearful that such an action (filing treason charges) would gain sympathy for Mr Gyanendra and provide ballast to his campaign?

Even if the government does not bring a case against Gyanendra, taking to court those who wrought violence while campaigning against the constitution should suffice.

However, a parliamentary committee or a duly authorised commission of enquiry must question him on his role, and seek his views. He may be ex-king, but he is now a citizen with rights and duties like 30 million other Nepalis.

The timing of Mr Gyanendra's current gambit: What is it driven by? Does he recognise the possibility of a deep disenchantment among the Nepali public with the brittle state of government, the multiple prime ministers who have come and gone?

Perhaps he senses that the people would like a return to the monarchy. Is he right in thinking this or is this just wishful thinking?

Gyanendra is delusional in more ways than one, and that has been his trait as seen in 2005-2006. He must have thought that the frustrations of youth and the countrywide disenchantment with the political parties would propel him back towards the crown.

He must also have believed that his reception by Hindutva forces of India, including Chief Minister Adityanath, would give him momentum in Nepal.

Here we have the 12th descendant of the King Prithvinarayan, who consolidated the kingdom while counseling distance from the two great empires of the north and south, blatantly seeking support of political forces of India for a return to the throne.

Gyanendra is willingly using the excuse of weak governance by the political parties to try and dismantle the constitutional regime in place, hoping there will be a populist upsurge fueled by discontent ratcheted up by social media.

This is an attempt at over-correction for self-gain. The failure in governance should lead to demands for better performance by the political parties, or demand for start-up of new parties where the old are seen to have failed.

Instead, Gyanendra and his band of royalists would want to bring down the constitutionally mandated system itself. That cannot be allowed, in the name of democracy and constitutionalism.

The desire for a revival of the throne on the part of Gyanendra and his followers is understandable, but the timing of the ex-royal's push is obviously driven by real or perceived desires of the BJP government in New Delhi and CM Adityanath in Lucknow.

IMAGE: Nepal's former king Gyanendra is welcomed by pro-monarchy supporters outside the Tribhuvan international airport in Kathmandu, March 9, 2025. Photograph: Navesh Chitrakar/Reuters

In your calculation, how many Nepalis would like the monarchy to be restored?

This is a suggestion that is often made by the royalists, that a referendum be conducted. However, referendum on crucial matters of State, including constitutionalism and protection of minorities, is a bad idea.

Look at how the British population went against its own interest on sentimental grounds when it voted for to leave the European Union with Brexit. You cannot have a plebiscite where people at large are asked to decide on the basis of atmospherics.

The way to conduct mature politics, including on matters relating to constitutionalism, is through parliamentary elections, where people understand and tend to vote on issues rather than on the basis of populist sentimentalism.

And so, the process of defining future of the Nepali state including the place of monarchy within it, is a matter that has been codified in the constitution. It means gaining enough trust of the electorate to get enough votes in parliament to push through a constitutional amendment through two-thirds majority.

Looked at through this window, you will note that the royalist parties in Nepal have a small base. Presently, the RPP party has 13 seats in the federal parliament's Lower House of 275 MPs.

What happens next? Will March 28's shocking violence compel the former king and his supporters to back off from another quick confrontation? Or will they be itching for another fight that in their calculation could bring him closer to power?

On the whole, as long as New Delhi overtly and covertly keeps its hand off Nepal, I believe the so-called royalist surge in Nepal, such as it is, will subside.

This will also happen because the leadership of the two main political parties -- the Congress and the UML (Communist Party of Nepal [Unified Marxist-Leninist) -- have been unequivocal in their position regarding the ex-king.

There is a flank within the Congress party that is conservative and even claims to be royalist, but much of that for the moment is posturing against the present party establishment led by Chairman Sher Bahadur Deuba.

Is there any way the monarchy could be restored? Or has that boat long sailed? If it has sailed, what is Mr Gyanendra hoping for then?

If you look at the statement eight of us democracy activists put out on March 24, 2025, we state: 'Gyanendra Shah, the former king, has become politically active with the aim of reinstating monarchy in Nepal, which we the undersigned regard as being against the Constitution, aimed at sowing lawlessness for the benefit of opportunists, and carried out with the backing of religious fundamentalists in India.'

In that same statement, we maintain that Gyanendra could have hoped for a generous and dignified place within the Nepali polity for the Shah clan, as direct descendants of the King Prithvinarayan, and recognised by the people as well as the State, but outside of the constitution.

For this, the precondition was that he eschew playing politics. He has gone and played his hand, and we believe there is now no reason to provide that kind of place for the clan.

Is he being encouraged in his ambition by individuals in the Indian establishment, as is alleged in some quarters? Who would these individuals be and what would they hope to gain from trying to restore the monarchy?

Would such individuals have Prime Minister Modi's sanction?

For sure, Gyanendra was encouraged in his ambitions by power brokers and leaders in the Indian establishment, particularly in New Delhi and Lucknow.

To repeat, they would gain from the restoration of a monarchy in Nepal because that would come part-and-parcel with Nepal being declared a 'Hindu State' with a Hindu monarch, which would help electoral calculations of the BJP/RSS combine.

Lived experience indicates that the BJP/RSS power centres would want this type of evolution of the Nepali polity, but keep in mind they would not leave a paper trail and would also be quick to distance themselves if the Gyanendra balloon bursts.

While Gyanendra hopes to take advantage of India's ultra-right Hindutva brigade, the latter would want Gyanendra to succeed but refuse to take any blame if the royalists did not gain momentum.

At a time when the South Asian neighbourhood is fraught for the Modi government, it will not want to be seen to be interventionist even when it is.

One does not know what Mr Modi thinks, but the blockade conducted in 2015 indicates that he is not shy when it comes to using coercive methods on a smaller neighbour.

On the other hand, times have changed, and the much-disliked constitution has got staying power, and it is today owned by diverse groups beyond the royalist flank, including the Madhesi, Janajati, Dalit, Muslim and other communities.

Given the lack of understanding of Nepal among India's relevant categories -- from unaccountable intelligence apparatchiks, ranting television anchors, clearly self-interested RSS/BJP operatives, and a Congress party that seems to fear taking a position on Nepal -- India may yet blunder into supporting a crisis that is not at all in its interest.

An unstable Nepal can only impact the political-economy of the adjacent states of India.

My own suggestion is that the New Delhi regime take steps to overtly distance itself from the royalist forces in Nepal and erase the solidifying perception among Nepal's citizenry of its anti-republican tilt.

IMAGE: Kanak Mani Dixit.

Have you ever met Mr Gyanendra? Has he never come to terms with being ejected from the throne?

I have met Gyanendra twice, and both times I have come away believing that he is anti-democracy, detests political parties, and has a superior evaluation of his own wisdom and capacities.

Gyanendra sent word to me after the 2005 coup d'etat with the offer of being minister of information and communication in the regime he chaired, which, of course, I rejected.

It was army officers acting on his command who came to the editorial rooms of newpapers and magazines, including one that I published, seeking to censor our content. He shut down the internet and all telephony, international telecommunications.

It was under the his direct orders that the military and police were activated to imprison hundreds of political leaders and us civil rights activists.

With this experience, I can tell you that Gyanendra back on the throne would be bad news for the Nepali people. He may not have learnt from his experience, but we have.

IMAGE: A man injured by gun shot is taken to hospital during the protest in Kathmandu, March 28, 2025, demanding the restoration of Nepal's monarchy. Photograph: Navesh Chitrakar/Reuters

What happens to Nepal in the short term? What would you advise the perennially squabbling politicians to do if they have to avert the likelihood -- however remote -- of the monarchy being restored by popular disillusionment with the way politics has operated in Nepal in the last decade?

Nepal's perennially squabbling politicians are certainly a bane, but that is also proof that we are not an autocracy like much of the rest of South Asia.

One extra reason for unstable politics, apart from foreign interventionism and the incapacities of political leadership, is the electoral system under the 2015 constitution makes it difficult for parties to make a majority government, which gives mischief making powers to smaller parties like the Maoists of Pushpa Kamal Dahal (known to many as 'Prachanda').

Nepal is not doing as badly as a republic as it is made out, and certainly is doing much better that it would ever as under an autocratic monarch. Neither is Nepal's record negative in terms of the indices of equity, economic growth, democracy and open society, when compared to the neighbouring countries.

In particular, socio-economically, Nepal fares better than the neighbouring states of India, viz. Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Jharkhand, and so on.

Internally, the political parties have to try and govern better, tackling corruption, making federalism work, and doing away with the 'winner-takes-all' in constitutional and other appointments.

Externally, New Delhi should pull back away from overt and covert intervention, and also pull back the 'godi media' as well as the pracharaks presently active across Nepal as a hand of the Indian State.

All of this will help create a stable Nepal, one that will remain naturally friendly to India

Is democracy, constitutionalism and secularism in danger in Nepal under the current circumstances with a former monarch itching to return to the old ways?

It is not in danger, because the ex-monarch has been found out. But Nepal remaining a republic does not mean that we should go back to politics-as-usual.

The long-suffering people of Nepal deserve better, with stable government, economic growth and eradication of social ills.
'Mamata needs to address the anger and resentment among various sections of the Hindu community because low-scale communal violence has always paid richer electoral dividends for the BJP.'

IMAGE: BJP workers burn an effigy during a mega protest rally targeting the Mamata Banerjee-led West Bengal government over the recent violence in Murshidabad in Kolkata. All photographs: ANI Photo

At least three people were killed and hundreds were rendered homeless in communal violence in parts of Murshidabad district in West Bengal on April 11 and 12 during protests against the Waqf (Amendment) Act.

Suvendu Adhikari, leader of the Opposition in the West Bengal assembly, blamed the police and the ruling Trinamool Congress for violence and the immediate resignation of Chief Minister Mamata Banrejee, who he said failed to protect the lives and property of people from attacks by jihadi elements given a free run in the state because of the TMC's appeasement politics.

Quick to strike while the iron is hot, Uttar Pradesh Deputy Chief Minister Keshav Prasad Maurya said, 'Hindus of West Bengal, once known as the 'Bhadralok' of the country, are being crushed between the challenge of Muslim fundamentalism and Bangladeshi infiltration and on the other side by the autocratic rule of Mamata Banerjee who is anti-Hindu'.

Bengal and Bengalis once known for its secular credentials has increasingly become a hotbed of communal violence, Islamophobia and hate-mongering. But is the Muslim bogey -- Muslims will take over Bengal from the Hindu majority -- real or is it a mythical beast birthed by the BJP?

"The anxiety of the Muslim population taking over the Hindus is being programmatically fuelled by the RSS," says Maidul Islam, a political scientist and professor of political science at the Centre for Studies in Social Sciences, Kolkata.

Digging deep into history, political science and the Bengali Bhadrolok mindset, Professor Islam busts myths and separates the wheat from the chaff in an depth e-mail interview with Swarupa Dutt/Rediff.

Part one of a two-part interview:

IMAGE: Bharatiya Janata Party workers stage a protest targeting the Mamata Banerjee-led West Bengal government over last week's violence in Murshidabad.

Is the Bengali Bhadralok shedding its secular carapace? Religion, caste, and Hindutva, which were never a divisive factor in Bengal, are now part of living room conversations. Would you agree?

The Bengali Bhadrolok was always divided into conservatives and secular liberals.

It seems that the breed of old secular liberals is slowly waning, and a generational shift has also occurred among the Bengali Bhadrolok.

Thanks to the RSS-backed BJP's firm foothold in the central government, along with several BJP-led state governments throughout India, including in neighbouring Assam and Odisha, a constant propaganda machinery is in force in our everyday lives through most of the mainstream media and social media, campaigns for more conservative and ideologically right-wing articulations.

As a result, the conservative sections among the Bengali Bhadraloks are now more candid and do not shy away from publicly expressing their viewpoints on Hindutva.

This trend is not only limited to the conservative sections of the Bengali Bhadrolok in West Bengal but also among the Bengali diaspora and those Bengalis who live in other Indian states.

Caste, however, was always latent among the Bhadroloks that came to prominence during marital choices.

One can only see the matrimonial advertisements in dailies to see the importance of caste among the Bengalis.

Of late, the fear of the Muslim minority taking over Bengal is something that Bengalis with secular credentials have spoken about.

That, 'soon Bengal will be 100 per cent Muslim and Hindus will have to leave the state'.

Age-old prejudices are suddenly gaining a mainstay and growing into intolerance towards Muslims in Bengal.

What are your observations?

This sentiment over the Muslim population explosion is nothing new.

It was also expressed by the Hindu Mahasabha and later the various branches of the Sangh Parivar in the decades before and after Partition at an all-India level.

At the national level, Muslims are only 14.2% according to the 2011 Census. By 2050, Muslims in India will only be 18.4% as per the research-based population projection of the Pew Research Centre.

Thus, the Muslim population explosion overtaking Hindus in India is a total myth.

However, the Census of 2011 showed that in three districts of Bengal -- Murshidabad, Malda, and North Dinajpur -- Muslims are a majority.

Murshidabad has over 66% Muslims, and Malda has over 51%. Half of North Dinajpur is Muslim, with the community's population touching 49.92%.

In several other districts, Muslims are a substantial minority, like Birbhum with over 37% Muslims and South 24 Parganas with over 35%, which are higher than the state's average of 27% Muslim population.

In several other districts, like Cooch Behar, South Dinajpur, Nadia, East Burdwan, Howrah and North 24 Parganas, the Muslims constitute over 25% of the district population.

This means that out of 23 districts in West Bengal, Muslims are a majority in three, while a substantial minority in eight.

This has undoubtedly to do with relatively higher fertility rates among Muslims in West Bengal due to their educational backwardness and lack of access to public health.

In recent years, the fertility rates among Muslims have come down, as per recent National Family Health Survey reports. However, the total fertility rates among Muslim women are still higher than those among Hindu and Christian women.

In the context of such figures, the anxiety of the Muslim population taking over the Hindus is being programmatically fuelled by the RSS. But given the overall trend of decreasing fertility rates among Muslim women in West Bengal, it is absurd to say that Muslims will completely overtake Hindus in the state when Hindus comprise an overwhelming majority in 20 districts out of 23.

In the next few decades, the growth of the Muslim population will eventually stabilise in the state, just as it would happen at the national level.

IMAGE: Vehicles torched after mob violence against the Waqf (Amendment) Act, at Dhuliyan in Murshidabad.

Low-income Muslims in Bengal I have spoken to unanimously said that Mamata Banerjee is 'looking after them'. That they have nothing to fear in Bengal, unlike UP, where 'Yogi Adityanath keeps Muslims in the state under an iron fist'.

In the aftermath of the riots in Murshidabad, Mamata Banerjee is being blamed for allowing Muslim mobs to run riot for days; for political license for violence; and her silence towards the riot-affected.

Does Mamata need to take a step back and reassess the growing anger and resentment that Hindus feel in Bengal?

Well, the pro-Mamata sentiment among the Muslims across income groups is a reality.

In the aftermath of not only the riots in Murshidabad but also in a series of low-scale communal violence in Deganga, Basirhat, Dhulagarh, Malda in the last decade, it is time that the police administration takes stringent actions against any culprit without looking at their political or religious colour.

The Trinamool party organisation is relatively weak in Malda and Murshidabad, as these two districts, along with North Dinajpur, have been old bastions of the Congress till a few years back.

In fact, due to such weak party organisation, local Trinamool leaders have been attacked in the aftermath of the riots.

Recently, Mamata has also blamed the Congress for such a turbulent situation in the districts of Malda and Murshidabad.

But she needs to address the anger and resentment among various sections of the Hindu community because low-scale communal violence has always paid richer electoral dividends for the BJP.

It has been historically true that the BJP gains politically, electorally and organisationally from any low-scale communal riots, even though they may not always win the specific electoral constituency (the assembly or Parliament seat) affected by such riots.

IMAGE: Charred remains of vehicles after violence erupted on April 11 during a protest against the Waqf Amendment Act, in Murshidabad.

This question is in two points:

a. BJP state president Dilip Ghosh is on record as saying that there are more than a crore illegal Muslim immigrants in West Bengal.

b. The appeasement of the Muslim community by the state government, and that it gets a larger share of the benefits that the state government provides.

What is your perspective?

The statement by Dilip Ghosh is entirely bogus. An RTI inquiry during the NRC exercise in Assam has exposed that the central government has no credible information regarding the exact number of illegal immigrants residing in India, and it has not conducted any comprehensive survey or sample study.

Still, it has quoted figures ranging from 12 million in the entire country in 2004 to 20 million in 2016, of which 5 million are reported to be in Assam.

Such official figures by the Government of India, by its admission, were not based on any survey but on hearsay, and that too from interested parties.

Dilip Ghosh's claim is actually like an interested party who can quote any figure of 'illegal Muslim migrants' in West Bengal without any reliable statistics or official survey data to support such scaremongering.

The appeasement of the Muslim community by the state government, and the fact that it gets a larger share of the benefits that the state government provides, is another carefully crafted mythical narrative by the RSS-BJP ecosystem.

The Sachar Report in late 2006 had made it clear that the socio-economic situation of Muslims in West Bengal is poor.

They are educationally backwards when compared to other religious groups in the state and also at the national level.

Moreover, government employment among Muslims at the national and state levels is also very low.

The post-Sachar Evaluation Committee report in 2014, the periodic National Health and Family Survey (NHFS) reports and the All India Survey on Higher Education (AISHE) reports have shown that the socio-economic situation of Muslims both nationally as well as in West Bengal has still not drastically changed from what the Sachar Committee reported almost two decades back.

If Muslims are socially and economically weaker, along with greater political marginalisation with a low level of political representation from the community in the Parliament and state legislatures, how can they be appeased?

If the state government had done appeasement, then the socio-economic conditions and political representation of the Muslims in West Bengal could have been much better than the reported figures.

Part II of the Interview: 'BJP Won't Be Able To Form Government In Bengal in 2026'

Feature Presentation: Rajesh Alva/Rediff
'The entire town -- Hindus, Muslims and Christians -- my schoolteachers and the ustads from the madrasa were present to witness my arangettam.'

IMAGE: Sakkeer Hussain plays the chenda. Photographs and Videos: Kind courtesy Sakkeer Hussain

When wars are being fought in the name of religion...

When shops owned by some people near temples are being demolished..

When minority community members are not allowed to have shops at the temple festival ground...

Sakkeer Hussain played the chenda (external link) at a Hindu temple during the temple festival.

It was his arangettam and the entire Karuvarakundu town had assembled to witness the historic event.

Yes, it happens only in Kerala...

"In our Malappuram district, Hindus, Christians and Muslims live like brothers. We share our meals during Vishu, Onam, Christmas and Perunnal. There was not a single voice of protest against me performing inside the temple. I never thought it would turn out be such a momentous event. Today, people from all over the world are calling and congratulating me," an elated Sakkeer Hussain tells Rediff's Shobha Warrier.

Sakkeer Hussain always wanted to learn new things...

I always had this desire to learn something new.

I do carpentry, gold work, repair clocks and watches. I work as a tailor even while I drive an autorickshaw. I am also a craftsman. I make a lot of items using bamboo.

As I am crazy about vehicles of all sorts, I worked as a JCB operator for some time. Then, I worked as a motor mechanic.

Although I was very passionate about musical instruments, I couldn't learn any instrument properly.

Captivated by chenda melam at temple festivals

Living in a small town like Kuravanakadu, the local temple festival is not celebrated by Hindus alone; it is a festival for everyone.

I have looked at those who played the chenda at the temple festivals in awe. I felt a little disheartened also because I did not get a chance to learn the instrument.

It was by chance that a cultural organisation called Polima brought Kalathingal Vijayakumar Asan (guru) from Nilambur to our town to teach the chenda to children.

I met him and expressed my desire to learn the instrument. At first, he dissuaded me by saying it would be difficult to learn at my age (Sakkeer is 47) as the learning starts at a very early age.

Moreover, chenda melam is associated mainly with temples.

But I was not bothered about where I would be able to play. I just wanted to learn the instrument.

IMAGE: A poster of Sakkeer Hussain's arangettam.

First Muslim person to learn the chenda

When I started learning from Vijayakumar Asan in December 2024, I had no hope that I would be able to be a part of a chenda melam in a temple.

You have to also understand that not a single person from the Muslim community has learnt the chenda till now. I am the first person to do so.

When I was talking to others about my plan to learn to play the chenda, all of them teased me saying, 'see, the chenda is played mainly in temples and even if you learn, nobody will let you perform in temples.'

More than that, it takes 2 to 3 years of practising before you can have an arangettam. And arangettam can be done only in temples.

So, according to many, I was wasting my time.

Everything changed when Appunni Mashu (Master), a retired school headmaster, happened to see me practise the chenda He was bowled over by my dedication and passion.

He felt I should have a proper arangettam at the local Sree Cherumb Muthappan temple during the temple festival.

Appunni Mashu, who was also part of the Polima cultural organisation, spoke to the temple authorities that I was learning the chenda and was interested in playing at the temple for my arangettam.

If I am getting words of appreciation today, I have to thank Appunni Mashu from the bottom of my heart for his tireless efforts.

I have to also thank my Guru, Nilambur Vijayakumar Asan. If not for these two gurus, I would not have achieved anything.

Thankfully, the temple authorities had no disagreements with both my gurus.

No pottu, no chandanam on the forehead

When I told my gurus that I would not have pottu (bindi) and chandanam (sandalwood paste) on my forehead and I also would wear the mundu to the left side like Muslims do, they said they would take it up with the temple authorities.

Unlike in films, I was not enacting a role. I cannot be somebody else. I am Sakkeer Hussain even when I am playing the chenda. That's why I told them these conditions.

I was not sure whether the temple committee would accept me that way.

It is their greatness that they accepted me as I am, as Sakkeer Hussain.

In fact, they appreciated the fact that I showed interest and passion in learning the chenda and performing at a temple.

They were also happy that we were showing the entire world how to accept someone as he is.

But I wanted my arangettam in the traditional way at the temple.

I wanted to be a part of the chenda melam where it is traditionally performed, which is at temples and nowhere else.

IMAGE: Sakkeer Hussain wearing a mundu.

Arangettam on the 6th of April at 10:30 am

I had just 4 months to learn the chenda before the arangettam.

Everybody asked me, when children take 2 to 3 years to master the art, how are you, at the age of 47, going to perform in four months?

But my Asan told me I was strong in the swaras and that I would definitely be able to perform after 4 months. It was his confidence in me that gave me the courage.

The 3-day temple festival was scheduled for April, and I had to perform in front of thousands of people.

Asan asked me, will you be ready? Shall we fix the date?

I said, yes.

Once the date was fixed, I could not think of anything else. I stopped doing all work.

My days and even nights were spent perfecting the art.

I must applaud the support my wife and four children gave me. If they had complained, I would not have been able to do this.

Every day, I used to get up very early and go to the temple auditorium to practice with a few others.

As I am an autorickshaw driver, I even practised when I was waiting for a ride even if it was a wait of 10 minutes!

You can say, I utilised every single moment of my life to prepare for the D-day.

In the first month, we used a stone and two sticks made from the tamarind tree for practice. Once we are fast enough, the stone was replaced by the round bark of the tamarind tree, more in the shape of a chenda.

It was only 5 days before the arangettam that I started practising with a real chenda.

As I had no money to buy a chenda, I took it on a rent paying Rs 1,000 for 5 days.

IMAGE: Sakkeer Hussain.

Finally, the day of the arangettam!

April 6 dawned and I got up very tense. I did not sleep well at all. The tension was indescribable.

The panchari melam (external link) is of 30 to 45 minutes duration and I was worried whether I would make any mistake.

In the morning itself, we had a practice in front of Asan, and he was satisfied.

I went home, had a bath and got dressed for the event.

Only after I gave dakshina to Asan and took his blessings did we assemble inside the temple for the panchari melam.

We did a pradakshinam of the nalambalam (the sanctum sanctorum) and stood in front of the deity ready to start.

What we were doing was an offering to the Almighty which is one for all human beings. There is no religion or caste in front of God.

I prayed to him to bless me so that I did not make any mistakes.

I believe that I was blessed by the Almighty. That's why I could master the art in such a short period.

The door to the sanctum sanctorum opened and when the panchari melam started, I thought of it as my offering to God.

Nothing else was in my mind.

I did not see the crowd. I did not hear anything. In my mind, only the sound of the panchari melam resonated...

Not a single soul criticised him

I may be the first Muslim to get to perform the chenda at a temple.

But not a single person, Hindu or Muslim, criticised what I did.

I was given a chance to perform inside the temple even though I am a Muslim.

Just because I performed in a temple, I was not thrown out of the mosque.

That's how we live in our Malappuram district.

We -- Hindus, Muslims and Christians -- live like brothers. We eat from the same plate. We share everything whether it is Vishu or Onam or Christmas or Perunnal. That is the kind of bond we share.

Religion does not separate us; it connects us through love.

The entire town -- Hindus, Muslims and Christians -- my schoolteachers and the ustads from the madrasa were present to witness my arangettam.

IMAGE: Sakkeer Hussain being felicitated after the performance. Photograph: ANI Photo

Unforgettable arangettam

The panchari melam got over, and I was brought back to life when my guru rushed towards me and hugged me tightly.

It made me so emotional that tears started rolling down my eyes.

Those 45 minutes were the most unforgettable and memorable experience of my life.

Even now, when I narrate those moments, I am choking and getting emotional...

SEE: Sakkeer Hussain performs at the temple

Videos Curated by Manisha Kotian/Rediff

Feature Presentation: Aslam Hunani/Rediff
The Bangladesh police on Thursday said that a former beauty queen has been detained for setting up a honey trap for a former Saudi ambassador in Dhaka in an attempt to extort $5 million, an allegation rejected by the woman who claimed that the diplomat wanted to marry her.

IMAGE: Bangladeshi model and former beauty queen Meghna Alam. Photograph: Courtesy missbangladesh333/Facebook

"Meghna Alam, her close associate Dewan Samir and two to three others were involved in luring foreign ambassadors into love affairs with beautiful girls," the police said in a petition filed before a Dhaka court seeking her to be shown arrested in an extortion case in the interest of fair investigation.

The police, however, did not name the Saudi diplomat or any other envoy but said she was detained for "disrupting state security" and "prejudicing the country's financial interests".

The 30-year-old model and former "Miss Earth", Alam, who runs a charity as well, was initially detained without charge under the controversial Special Powers Act that allows police to detain a suspect for several months.

Her arrest, however, sparked a media outcry and concerns by rights watchdogs. Law Adviser of the interim government, Asif Nazrul, said that due process was not followed when police took her into custody on April 9.

"We call on the authorities to either charge Meghna with an internationally recognizable crime or release her," Amnesty International last week said in a statement.

Police spokesman Muhammad Talebur Rahman said the court granted the petition ordering her to be sent to prison. She was accused of a primary charge of alleged extortion attempt through blackmail.

The Bengali language newspaper Prothom Alo and other media outlets reported that Alam told the court that she was contacted by the diplomat, who had asked her to commence a relationship.

Public prosecutor Omar Faruq Faruqi told reporters that Alam claimed in the court that the Saudi diplomat had proposed they be locked in nuptial cord and frequently called and messaged her while she never initiated the contact.

Some two million Bangladeshi expatriate workers, the highest in a single country, work in Saudi Arabia - a major source of the South Asian nation's remittance earnings. Interim government Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus does not want to jeopardise diplomatic ties.

Alam appeared without legal counsel during the court hearing on Thursday and defended herself on her own, urging her arrest to be nullified.

Her father, Badrul Alam, earlier told reporters that the ambassador wanted to marry her, but she refused the proposal as he already had a wife and children.

The Saudi embassy in Dhaka did not make any comment, but media reports suggested the envoy left Bangladesh as the scandal was unfolded in public.
News / Local

by Staff reporter

The Zimbabwean government has announced a bold plan to electrify over three million households and achieve 70% clean cooking access by 2030. This ambitious target was unveiled following today's Cabinet meeting, where officials addressed the country's ongoing energy challenges and outlined key strategies to improve energy access across Zimbabwe.In the statement released after the meeting, the government emphasized that its goal is to electrify 3.1 million households and expand clean cooking solutions to 70% of the population by 2030. This initiative is part of a broader national effort to tackle persistent power shortages and ensure that energy resources are more accessible and sustainable, particularly in rural areas where access to electricity remains limited.The government plans to achieve these ambitious targets by implementing regulatory reforms designed to streamline investment processes. Key to this effort is the support for Independent Power Producers (IPPs) through the adoption of mini-grid regulations. In addition, the government aims to unlock private sector investment in the energy sector, which it sees as vital for addressing infrastructure deficits and expanding electricity generation capacity.The announcement comes shortly after the approval of the Energy Compact for Zimbabwe, a strategic plan presented by the Minister of Energy and Power Development, July Moyo. The compact is part of Zimbabwe's commitment to the Dar-es-Salaam Declaration, which was made during the Africa Heads of State Energy Summit held in January 2025. As part of the Declaration, Zimbabwe is committed to the Mission 300 initiative, which seeks to increase the number of African households with access to electricity by 2030.The Zimbabwe National Energy Compact provides a clear roadmap for achieving universal access to affordable, reliable, and sustainable electricity by 2030. The plan is rooted in Zimbabwe's Vision 2030 and its National Development Strategies, and it aims to address critical challenges, such as outdated energy infrastructure, generation shortfalls, and limited access to electricity in rural areas.The government's plan focuses on five strategic areas: expanding energy generation and infrastructure, strengthening regional integration, promoting renewable energy and clean cooking solutions, catalyzing private sector investment, and ensuring the financial viability of utility companies. Through these measures, the government seeks to enhance the country's energy security and resilience, particularly in light of climate-related risks.A key component of the Energy Compact is the promotion of distributed renewable energy and clean cooking solutions, which are expected to reduce Zimbabwe's dependence on traditional cooking fuels like firewood and coal. This shift will help address environmental concerns, including deforestation, and improve public health outcomes in rural communities.The new plan comes at a critical moment, as Zimbabwe continues to face severe power shortages that have disrupted daily life for millions of citizens. The government's ambitious electrification and clean cooking targets are seen as essential for improving the quality of life, stimulating economic growth, and fostering job creation across the country. The regulatory reforms and private sector incentives are expected to attract the necessary investment in the energy sector, enabling Zimbabwe to modernize its energy infrastructure and meet its ambitious targets.As Zimbabwe works toward achieving these goals, the government hopes that by 2030, millions of households will have access to reliable electricity and clean cooking solutions, significantly improving the standard of living for Zimbabweans nationwide.
NDA's alliance partner Janata Dal-United put up a large poster outside its party office in Patna asserting that Nitish Kumar would continue in the post of the Bihar chief minister till 2030, after his Haryana counterpart Nayab Singh Saini said the BJP will win the polls in the eastern state "under the leadership of Samrat Choudhary".

IMAGE: Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar greets the gathering during the 'Bhim Samvad' programme on the eve of Dr BR Ambedkar's 134th birth anniversary, at Bapu Auditorium, Patna, April 13, 2025. Photograph: ANI Photo

Calling for another term for the longest-serving chief minister of Bihar, the message on the poster blazoned: '25 se 30, phir se Nitish' (Nitish again from 2025 to 2030).

JD-U leaders said that the message reflects that 'Nitish magic' was intact.

Saini had on Sunday sparked controversy by stating that the Bharatiya Janata Party would retain power in Bihar, where assembly polls are due later this year, under the leadership of Deputy Chief Minister Choudhary.

"The BJP's victory march should continue from Haryana to Bihar. The flag of victory would be unfurled in Bihar by Samrat Choudhary," Saini had said in an event in Gurgaon.

Reacting to Saini's remark, JD-U national spokesperson Rajiv Ranjan Prasad told PTI Video, "The Bihar assembly elections will be fought under the leadership of Chief Minister Nitish Kumar... he will be the face of the NDA in the upcoming polls. The JD-U supremo will head the NDA government which will be formed after the assembly polls."

Senior JD-U leader Neeraj Kumar told reporters, "The ideas for such posters come from party workers, who put them up across the city and even outside the party office. I heard about this poster. There is no confusion at all... the NDA has already decided that the next assembly elections will be fought under the leadership of Nitish ji, which means he will remain the CM from 2025-2030... it's that simple."

Nitish Kumar's son Nishant had recently told reporters that Union Home Minister Amit Shah has made it clear that Kumar will continue as the chief minister of Bihar after the assembly elections.

He had reacted with surprise when his attention was drawn to the opposition's claim that after the elections, the BJP could elbow out his father, as it was fed up with playing second fiddle to the 74-year-old politician.

"There is no doubt about my father continuing as the CM after the NDA's win in the polls. Amit Shah uncle said so when he recently came here. Samrat Choudhary (Deputy CM) has said the same," Nishant had said in the state capital.

Choudhary had also asserted that the NDA will retain power in the state and form the next government "under the leadership" of Kumar.
Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Thursday said that Naxalism, which is confined to just four districts in India, will be eliminated by March 31 next year, and the Central Reserve Police Force is the 'backbone' of this mission.

IMAGE: Union Home Minister Amit Shah. Photograph: Jitender Gupta/ANI Photo

He was addressing the CRPF 86th Raising Day function in Madhya Pradesh's Neemuch district.

"Naxalism has been confined to just four districts in India. The menace will end in the country by March 31, 2026, as stated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The CAPF (Central Armed Police Forces) and the CRPF, especially its CoBRA battalion, are playing a major role in eliminating Naxalism from the country," he said.

The Commando Battalion for Resolute Action (CoBRA) is a specialised unit of the CRPF, known for its proficiency in guerrilla and jungle warfare, particularly in combating the Naxal menace.

"The CRPF has set up over 400 forward operating bases in Naxal (affected) areas. Because of this, violence in these regions has come down by more than 70 per cent and we are now close to ending it," Shah said.

He said the CRPF's contribution to national security is unparalleled, whether it is fighting terrorists in the Kashmir valley, ensuring peace in the Northeast, or confining hardened Naxalites to just four districts today.

"In all these achievements, the CRPF jawans have played a major role. No number of books can do justice to their bravery, sense of duty and courage," he said.

One of the greatest achievements of the CRPF is its massive contribution in eliminating Naxalism, the minister said.

Today, even the most dreaded Naxalites tremble when they hear about CoBRA commandos approaching, he said.

"The CoBRA battalion has become a symbol of valour. I congratulate all CoBRA jawans on the 86th (Raising Day) parade and thank them for their courage," Shah said.

"Under your leadership, the CRPF jawans have made remarkable strides in eradicating Naxalism. And today, I announce that by March 31, 2026, Naxalism will be completely wiped out from India. This is a pledge the nation has taken and the CRPF is the backbone of this mission," he added.

The CRPF has always made the ultimate sacrifice to maintain the unity and integrity of the country, Shah noted.

"That's why, whenever there is unrest anywhere in the country and, as home minister, I get to know that CRPF jawans are deployed there, I can focus on my other duties without worry because I have faith that if the CRPF is present, victory is assured," he said.

Shah further said, "2,264 among you have sacrificed their lives. I want to say to families of all the martyrs that as the nation moves forward towards becoming the supreme power by 2047, your families' contribution is immense."

When the golden history of India's independence is written, the saga of 'our immortal martyrs' sacrifice will be written in golden letters. I am fully confident of this,' he said.

The event here was part of the 86th Raising Day celebrations of the CRPF, an official release said.

The CRPF Day is celebrated every year on March 19, as it was on this day in 1950 that the flag was presented to the force by the then Home Minister Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel.

This year, the parade was held on April 17 as part of extended celebrations.

Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Mohan Yadav also attended the event.

It was in Neemuch on July 27, 1939, that the 'Crown Representative Police' was established during British rule, which was renamed as Central Reserve Police Force by Home Minister Patel on December 28, 1949.

The CRPF has played a strong role in many fronts, ranging from the integration of princely states to internal security, counter-insurgency-terrorism operations, international peace-keeping, VIP security and disaster management.
India on Thursday said its decision to withdraw the transshipment facility for Bangladeshi exports to third countries was in response to certain measures initiated by Dhaka that impacted bilateral trade.

IMAGE: Prime Minister Narendra Modi meets Bangladesh chief adviser Muhammad Yunus on the sidelines of the BIMSTEC Summit, in Bangkok, April 4, 2025. Photograph: ANI Photo

Though New Delhi did not elaborate on the steps by Dhaka, it is learnt the decision by Bangladesh's interim government to halt import of Indian yarn and closure of three land ports triggered the Indian response on the transhipment facility.

"We stand for a democratic, for an inclusive, and for a prosperous Bangladesh. As far as trade issues are concerned, last week we had made an announcement regarding trans-shipment facility," External Affairs Ministry spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said.

"We had taken that measure because of the congestion that we see on our Ports and our Airports. But I would also remind you, please do have a look at the developments that have happened on the Bangladeshi side prior to us announcing these measures," he said.

The spokesperson was responding to question on India-Bangladesh trade ties at his weekly media briefing.

Last week, India announced withdrawing the transhipment facility it extended to Bangladesh for exports to the Middle East, Europe and various other countries through its ports and airports.

The Indian side cited congestion at airports and ports as the reason for the move.

India has exempted Bangladeshi exports to Nepal and Bhutan as such trade facilitation is mandatory for landlocked countries under the framework of provisions of the World Trade Organisation (WTO).

India and Bangladesh entered into the transshipment arrangement in 2020 to boost trade ties.

Jaiswal said Prime Minister Narendra Modi had told Muhammad Yunus at their first meeting in Thailand on the margins of a BIMSTEC Summit that India looks forward to a "positive and constructive" relationship with Bangladesh.

It is learnt that Bangladesh halted yarn imports from India via land ports in March.

In March, a committee set up by Bangladesh's interim government recommended the closure of Chilahati, Daulatganj and Tegamukh land ports on the border with India, and the suspension of operations at Balla land port.

To a separate question, Jaiswal said India has taken note of the Pakistani foreign secretary's visit to Bangladesh.

"Yes, we have taken note of it," he said.

There has been a sharp downturn in India-Bangladesh relations after deposed prime minister Sheikh Hasina fled Dhaka in August last year in the face of a massive anti-government protest.

The relations nosedived dramatically after the interim government headed by Yunus failed to contain attacks on minorities, especially Hindus, in that country.
Israel's Defence Minister, Israel Katz, has affirmed that Gaza's annexation was part of a military strategy and troops will remain in the security zones created in Lebanon and Syria indefinitely, Al Jazeera reported.

IMAGE: Palestinians try to extinguish the flames after an Israeli airstrike on tents sheltering displaced people, in Khan Younis, in the southern Gaza Strip on April 17, 2025. Photograph: Stringer/Reuters

Defence Minister Israel Katz said the Israeli military will continue to block humanitarian aid from entering Gaza in order to pressure Hamas to surrender.

Meanwhile, the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) on Thursday stated that 3,696 Palestinian children were newly admitted for acute malnutrition, which marked a stark increase compared with the number in February, which was 2,027.

"Food consumption in Gaza has sharply deteriorated due to the blockade on the entry of humanitarian aid and other critical supplies now in its seventh week," OCHA said.

"Consumption of key food groups - such as meat, poultry, dairy, vegetables, and fruits -- remains critically low," it added.

The lack of access to water in Gaza is also fuelling 'a severe survival crisis with far-reaching consequences for public health and protection. Water is essential for survival, yet access to safe water has become dangerously limited,' the UN Humanitarian Affairs agency said.

The US special envoy for hostage affairs, Adam Boehler, told Al Jazeera that a ceasefire in Gaza will only be possible once all the captives held by Hamas in the Palestinian enclave are released.

Boehler's statement comes as ceasefire negotiations continue amid the Israeli military's intense renewed assault on Gaza.

The envoy emphasised release of the remaining captives by Hamas is an essential non-negotiable precondition for any lasting truce.

The United Nations said an estimated 5,00,000 people have been 'newly displaced or uprooted once more' in Gaza since Israel broke the ceasefire with Hamas on March 18.

Israel's Defence Minister Israel Katz said his country's 'policy is clear' and preventing all humanitarian aid from entering Gaza is a 'tool' to pressure Hamas.
The Madras high court on Thursday directed the Tamil Nadu police to file a case against state forest minister K Ponmudy, following his recent controversial remarks and warned of contempt if they failed to do so.

Photograph: / Rediff.com IMAGE: Tamil Nadu Forest Minister Ponmudy.

The judge, Justice N Anand Venkatesh, made the observations orally.

Ponmudy created a controversy recently with his Shaivism-Vaishnavism remarks made in the context of a sex worker at a public meeting, drawing widespread criticism, including from his own party MP Kanimozhi.

On Thursday, the court cautioned the police that if they do not register the FIR against the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam leader, it will initiate suo motu (on its own) contempt against them.

When the suo motu revision case against Ponmudy relating to a disproportionate wealth case came up for hearing, Justice Anand Venkatesh expressed concern over the remarks made by the DMK leader.

Earlier in the day, the judge asked the Advocate General to get instructions from DGP as to whether any FIR was registered against Ponmudy and posted the case for this evening.

When the case was taken up for hearing in the evening, the judge asked AG "where is the FIR". Can this court take that FIR has been registered.

Advocate general P S Raman submitted that the police have received five complaints and that they will investigate and register FIR.

The judge said, "If they don't register FIR, I will initiate suo motu contempt".

"Now, the court has taken cognizance of the matter. Even If they do not have a complaint, register a case and proceed with the investigation," the judge added.

The judge said the damaging video was continuing. "We do not know when it will flare up". There was no escape from this.

The police need not register multiple FIRs and one FIR was enough, the judge added.

The court said holding that position, Ponmudy should not have made such remarks. In the future, nobody should do it, he said.

The judge posted to April 23, further hearing of the suo motu proceedings.

Following the controversy, DMK president and Chief Minister M K Stalin had removed Ponmudy as the party's deputy general secretary, even as the senior leader later tendered an apology for his "inappropriate remarks.
The Bombay high court has extended till August 31 the tenure of special NIA judge AK Lahoti, who is conducting trial in the 2008 Malegaon blast case, days after it issued an order for his transfer to Nashik.

IMAGE: Policemen stand guard at a blast site outside a mosque in Malegaon, 260 km northeast of Mumbai, September 29, 2008. Photograph: Punit Paranjpe/Reuters

Lahoti's name featured in the annual transfer list of judges, issued earlier by the registrar general of the high court.

As per the notification issued earlier this month, he was posted to a court in Nashik and the transfer order was to come into effect after the reopening of courts on June 9 following summer vacation.

However, a fresh notification mentioned that Lahoti's tenure has been stayed till August 31, enabling him to pass the verdict in the case that is in the final stage of trial.

Six persons were killed and over 100 injured when an explosive device strapped on a motorcycle went off near a mosque in Malegaon, a town about 200 km from Mumbai in north Maharashtra, on September 29, 2008.

BJP leader and former Bhopal MP Pragya Singh Thakur, Lt Col Prasad Purohit and five others are being tried for their alleged involvement in the case.

The accused are facing prosecution under the provisions of the stringent Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA) and the Indian Penal Code (IPC).

The case was initially probed by the Maharashtra Anti-Terrorism Squad (ATS) before being transferred to the National Investigation Agency (NIA) in 2011.
The Maharashtra government has decided that Hindi as a third language will be mandatory for students in classes 1 to 5 in Marathi and English-medium schools across the state, in a departure from the practice of studying two languages.

IMAGE: Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis meets MNS chief Raj Thackeray at his residence in Mumbai, February 10, 2025. Photograph: ANI Photo

Maharashtra Navnirman Sena president Raj Thackeray slammed the move, adding his party will oppose the decision vehemently and ensure that it is not implemented.

The three-language formula for classes 1 to 5 is a part of the new curriculum implementation under the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020.

The state school education department has declared a phase-wise implementation plan of the new curriculum framework designed as per the NEP 2020 recommendations for school education.

"I want to make it clear that MNS will not tolerate this decision. We will not allow the central government's current efforts to 'Hindi-fy' everything, to succeed in this state," Thackeray said in a post on X.

"Hindi is not a national language. It is a state language like other languages in the country. Why should it be taught in Maharashtra from the very beginning? Whatever your trilingual formula is, limit it to government affairs, do not bring it to education," he said.

"Why have you started imposing the language of another region on Maharashtra? The very principle of linguistic regionalization is being undermined," the MNS chief said.

"We are Hindus but not Hindi! If you try to paint Maharashtra as Hindi, then there is bound to be a struggle in Maharashtra," Thackeray said.

The MNS chief wondered why Hindi was being forced on Maharashtra.

"Will you force Hindi in a southern state? If you do, the governments there will be outraged," he said.

"Today they are forcing languages upon us, tomorrow they will issue other such fatwas," the MNS chief said.

The Opposition Congress slammed the state government, saying the move amounts to the imposition of Hindi.

Currently, only Marathi and English are being taught as mandatory languages from Classes 1 to 4 in these schools.

According to a Government Resolution, Hindi as a third language will be compulsory from Class 1 to 5 from the next academic year. The new syllabus as per NEP will be implemented for Class 1 in 2025-26.

For Classes 2, 3, 4 and 6, the policy will be implemented in 2026-27, for Classes 5, 9 and 11 from 2027-28, and for Classes 8, 10 and 12 from 2028-29, the GR said.

All schools in the state, other than Marathi and English medium, are currently following the three-language formula. For such schools, the language of the medium, English and Marathi will be taught, said the GR.

For Std VI to X, the language policy will be as per the state curriculum, it said.

Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis said the state has already implemented the NEP.

Marathi has already been made compulsory, he said. Hindi should also be learnt as it is a means of communication in the entire country, he said.

Congress leader Vijay Wadettiwar said the move goes against the Marathi asmita (pride).

There would have been no problem if Hindi were an optional language. But making it mandatory will hurt Marathi sentiments. Can we demand Marathi as a third language in Madhya Pradesh or Uttar Pradesh, Wadettiwar said.

The states have been created by linguistic reorganisation. Priority should be given to the local language, and Hindi should have been made optional, he said.
Maharashtra Navnirman Sena workers had a heated argument with members of a housing society in suburban Ghatkopar for allegedly insulting their Marathi-speaking neighbours for eating non-vegetarian food, prompting police to intervene.

IMAGE: Kindly note that this image has been posted for representational purposes only. Photograph: ANI Photo

Later, state minister Ashish Shelar said such incidents of "disrespect" on the basis of language were unacceptable.

A video of workers of the Maharashtra Navnirman Sena issuing a warning to Gujarati residents of the society on Wednesday, accusing them of ill-treating four Marathi-speaking families living there, has gone viral on social media.

Local MNS leader Raj Parte is seen in the video, alleging that the Marathi-speaking families were called "dirty" for their choice of food.

"Anybody can live in Mumbai and work here, but we will not tolerate such things....how can others dictate what they should eat," Parte is heard saying.

A resident of the building is heard countering him, stating that there were no restrictions about food.

As the argument escalated, some residents alerted Ghatkopar Police who intervened and sorted out the issue, said an eye-witness.

Police asked the residents of the society not to ill-treat their Marathi-speaking neighbours and warned of legal action otherwise, he said.

No complaint has been filed at the police station over the incident, said a police official.

No reaction was available from the Gujarati resident who was accused of insulting Marathi-speaking families.

In the video, Parte is also heard alleging that a housing society in a nearby locality prohibited Marathi-speaking families from cooking non-vegetarian food at home, and they were forced to order food from outside.

Reacting on the issue, Mumbai Bharatiya Janata Party president and state IT and cultural affairs minister Ashish Shelar said "no one should commit the sin of looking down upon Marathi speaking people, their language and their culture".

"It is the stand of the Maharashtra government that Marathi language and its culture should be respected. Creating disrespect among people of different language is not acceptable to us," he warned.

Both the Raj Thackeray-led MNS and the undivided Shiv Sena have alleged in the past that Marathi-speakers were not allowed to buy or rent a flat in some areas as they eat non-vegetarian food.

As elections to the Mumbai civic body are expected to be held this year, the MNS of late has been raising the demand of mandatory use of Marathi in public places including government offices and banks.
An important meeting of top Bharatiya Janata Party leadership was held on Wednesday in Delhi regarding the party's organisational elections, in the presence of Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

IMAGE: Prime Minister Narendra Modi with Union Ministers Amit Shah, J P Nadda and Rajnath Singh, at Ramlila Maidan in New Delhi. Photograph: ANI Photo

The meeting, held at the Prime Minister's residence, was attended by Union Home Minister Amit Shah, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, and BJP's National General Secretary (Organisation), B L Santosh.

Discussions centred around the upcoming election for the BJP's national president.

According to party sources, the announcement regarding the election could be made within a week.

In addition to deliberating on the national leadership, the meeting also focused on organisational changes at the state level.

Sources said that the names of new state BJP presidents for states like Karnataka, Uttar Pradesh, West Bengal, and Madhya Pradesh were discussed.

The party may announce around half a dozen state unit presidents in the next two to three days.

The organisational reshuffle is expected to have a significant impact on the BJP's electoral strategy ahead of upcoming polls.

"The election process for choosing the BJP's national president could begin any time after April 20," the party sources said.

The election for the national president was supposed to take place in January.

However, with April halfway through, it remains pending.

Party insiders believe that the delay is due to the careful selection of a leader who can further strengthen the organisation.

Nadda, who has been serving as the BJP national president since January 2020, had his term extended beyond the three-year limit to ensure a smooth transition and proper preparation for the next leadership phase.

According to the BJP constitution, the term of the national president is generally three years, elected through consensus within the party.
A special cabinet meeting that was convened to discuss the contentious Social and Educational Survey report, popularly known as 'caste census' in Karnataka, on Thursday was inconclusive, and ended without any major decision.

IMAGE: Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah addresses the gathering during a protest rally against the price hike on cooking gas, in Bengaluru, April 17, 2025. Photograph: ANI Photo

The meeting discussed the parameters used for the survey and sought for more information and technical details from senior officials.

The cabinet will once again discuss the survey report on May 2 and decide on it.

"The cabinet has discussed the report in detail and as it was felt that more information and technical details were required for discussion. So, senior officials have been asked to provide it. The discussion today was incomplete," Law and Parliamentary Affairs Minister H K Patil said.

Briefing reporters, he said that the discussions happened in a cordial atmosphere, and several matters like population, backwardness, the parameters that were used during the social and educational survey, the economic parameters that were considered, were all discussed to an extent.

As discussions were incomplete, it will be discussed once again.

"As the next cabinet meeting will be held in MM Hills in Chamarajanagar district with focus on developmental issues of the region, it has been decided to discuss this matter once again in the cabinet that will be held on May 2, and make a final decision," he added.

Soon after the meeting ended, Transport Minister Ramalinga Reddy, speaking to reporters, said that Chief Minister Siddaramaiah had asked ministers to give their opinion in writing or verbally before the next cabinet meeting.

Though there were reports that a couple of ministers spoke in an "upset tone" during the discussion on the survey report, expressing their reservation about it, this was not confirmed by other ministers present in the cabinet meeting. They maintained that the meeting was held in a cordial atmosphere.

Various communities, especially Karnataka's two dominant ones -- Vokkaligas and Veershaiva-Lingayats -- have expressed strong reservations about the survey that has been done, calling it "unscientific", and have demanded that it be rejected, and a fresh survey be conducted.

Objections have also been raised by various sections of society, and there are also strong voices against it from within the ruling Congress.

However, not everyone is opposed. Leaders and organisations representing Dalits and OBCs among others, are in support of it, and want the government to make the survey report public and proceed with it, stating the government has spent about Rs 160 crore public money on it.

With strong disapproval from the two politically influential communities, the survey report may turn out to be a political hot potato for the government, as it may set the stage for a confrontation, with Dalits and OBCs among others demanding that it be made public and implemented.

Responding to a question, was there any discussion regarding pros and cons of the survey report at the cabinet, Patil said, "nothing like that....Parameters used for the survey like the person's source of income, whether he or she is owning cattles -- such things came up for discussion. Some senior ministers gave their guidance on certain matters and sought for some details."

"Details will be provided by officials in the next cabinet. It will be discussed in the next cabinet and decided," he said.

To a question whether there was discussion on the contentious issues of population strength of various communities, the Law Minister said the misinterpretations that are going on regarding the population are not completely true and it has already been clarified. "94.17 per cent of the population was surveyed."

Asked if anyone disputed about the Vokkaliga and Veerashaiva-Lingayat population mentioned in the survey, he said that matter did not come up for discussion today.

Findings of the survey is said to be contrary to the "traditional perception" with regard to the numerical strength of various castes, especially the dominant Veerashaiva-Lingayats and Vokkaligas, making it a politically sticky issue.

According to sources, ministers from these two communities are said to have placed their objections in this regard during the cabinet meeting.

Both Veershaiva-Lingayats and Vokkaligas, and also few other communities have alleged that their various sub castes have been divided among different categories of OBC, resulting in decrease in their respective population numbers. They have alleged that many households were left out from the survey or undercounting.

After a long wait, the Karnataka State Commission for Backward Classes' report was placed before the cabinet for the first time on April 11.

The Siddaramaiah-led Congress government (2013-2018) had in 2015 commissioned the survey in the state.

The State Backward Classes Commission, under its then chairperson H Kantharaju, was tasked with preparing a caste census report. The survey work was completed in 2018 towards the end of Siddaramaiah's first tenure as Chief Minister, and the report was finalised by his successor K Jayaprakash Hegde in February 2024.
News / National

by Staff reporter

The Zimbabwe International Trade Fair (ZITF) has reached full capacity ahead of its 2025 edition, following an unprecedented surge in interest from local and international exhibitors. The overwhelming response has prompted organisers to create additional exhibition space, underscoring Zimbabwe's growing appeal as a trade and investment hub.With just days to go before the event kicks off on April 21 at the Zimbabwe International Exhibition Centre in Bulawayo, 596 exhibitors have confirmed their participation - just shy of the 600-mark - including 112 first-time participants. The record-breaking figures reflect a renewed sense of optimism in Zimbabwe's economic prospects and strong confidence in the ZITF brand.Speaking at a media briefing on Wednesday, ZITF Company board chairperson Mr Busisa Moyo hailed the milestone as a defining moment in the fair's 65-year history."Traditional exhibition space is 100 percent full, and the ZITF Company has prepared extra space to accommodate the high volume of exhibitors, standing at 596. Direct exhibitors have now taken up 51,204.62 square metres of exhibition space," he said.Running under the theme "Industrialisation: Crafting an Integrated Economic Landscape," this year's edition aims to foster deeper connections between policymakers, business leaders, investors, innovators, and small to medium enterprises across various sectors.The fair has also drawn unprecedented international attention, with 28 countries confirming participation - up from 27 last year - and 45 direct international exhibitors expected. Participating nations include global economic heavyweights such as China, the United States, Germany, the United Kingdom, and the United Arab Emirates, alongside key regional players like South Africa, Mozambique, Zambia, and Kenya."We can confirm the participation of 45 direct international exhibitors, with 28 countries represented in the show - an encouraging rise from last year's 27," said Mr Moyo. "The world is recognising Zimbabwe as a gateway to new markets and regional opportunities."The 2025 ZITF will be officially opened on Friday, April 25, by His Excellency Daniel Chapo, the recently elected President of Mozambique. His visit is expected to strengthen economic ties between Zimbabwe and its regional counterparts, adding diplomatic weight and visibility to the event.Bulawayo, the country's second-largest city, is once again at the heart of Zimbabwe's industrial and commercial dialogue. Minister of State for Bulawayo Provincial Affairs and Devolution, Judith Ncube, expressed excitement about the preparations and praised the growing foreign interest."As host city, Bulawayo is ready to welcome this year's edition of ZITF. What excites me most is the high number of foreign countries that have come on board," she said. "The ZITF chief executive officer, Dr Nicholas Ndebele, briefed me on this development."Mr Moyo highlighted the importance of what he called an "ecosystem approach" in making the trade fair a success, pointing to the coordinated effort across sectors."We have already received assurance from stakeholders in the hospitality industry, emergency services and security services, among others, that they are fully prepared for the show," he said.Beyond its economic implications, ZITF is also seen as a critical platform for accelerating Zimbabwe's industrialisation and attracting foreign direct investment. The fair spans multiple sectors, including manufacturing, ICT, mining, agriculture, and services, offering exhibitors and visitors a rare opportunity to network, collaborate, and compete on a global stage.Economists and industry players view this year's ZITF as a barometer of investor sentiment and a showcase of Zimbabwe's readiness to re-engage with international markets. With the full complement of exhibitors, high-level political participation, and an ambitious theme focused on industrial integration, the 2025 edition is shaping up to be one of the most consequential in recent years.As anticipation builds, all eyes will be on Bulawayo next week as it hosts what many are calling a "mega showcase" of Zimbabwean enterprise and international partnership.
President Vladimir Putin has thanked Palestinian group Hamas for releasing three Russian hostages captivated during the October 2023 attack on Israel.

IMAGE: Russian President Vladimir Putin. Photograph: Sputnik/Sergei Karpukhin/Pool via Reuters

Putin welcomed Russian citizen Alexander Trufanov and two of his family members released from Gaza captivity at the Kremlin late on Wednesday night, Interfax agency said. Trufanov was released this February.

"The fact that you are now free is a result of Russia's many years of stable relations with the Palestinian people, with the representatives of different organisations," Putin was quoted as saying by Interfax.

"Here we have to offer a word of gratitude to the leadership and to the political wing of Hamas for a gesture made to us in carrying out this humanitarian act," Putin said at the meeting with freed hostages at which prominent Russian Jewish leaders, including Chief Rabbi Berl Lazer, were also present.

At least 1,200 people were killed and 251 were taken as hostages on October 7, 2023 when Hamas attacked Israel. More than 50,000 Palestinians have been killed in Israel's retaliatory attacks since then.

Trufanov, his mother Elena Trufanova, grandmother Irina Tatti, and fiancee Sapir Cohen were kidnapped and taken to the Gaza Strip, Interfax said, adding, the head of the family, Vitaly Trufanov, was killed in the attack.

Elena, Irina, and Cohen were released in a hostage exchange 53 days later.

Alexander Trufanov spent about 500 days in captivity and was released on February 15, 2025 as part of a ceasefire deal, it added.

Many settlers have retained Russian citizenship in Israel.

Putin promised to assist in the release of remaining hostages.
Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar on Thursday questioned the judiciary setting a timeline for the President to take decisions and act as a "super Parliament", saying the Supreme Court cannot fire a "nuclear missile" at democratic forces.

IMAGE: Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar arrives to pay tribute to Dr BR Ambedkar on his 135th birth anniversary, at Prerna Sthal inside Parliament House premises, New Delhi, April 14. Photograph: Rahul Singh/ANI Photo

Dhankhar's strong words to the judiciary came during his speech to Rajya Sabha interns, days after the Supreme Court sought to fix a timeline for the President to grant assent to the bills reserved for her consideration by the governor.

"So, we have judges who will legislate, who will perform executive functions, who will act as super Parliament and absolutely have no accountability because the law of the land does not apply to them," Dhankhar said.

The vice president also described Article 142, which grants plenary powers to the Supreme Court, as a "nuclear missile against democratic forces available to the judiciary 24x7".

"Article 142 has become a nuclear missile against democratic forces (and) available to (the) judiciary 24x7," he said.

Article 142 of the Constitution gives the Supreme Court the power to issue orders that ensure "complete justice" in any matter before it.

This power is also known as the Supreme Court's "plenary power".

"There is a directive to the President by a recent judgment. Where are we heading?

"What is happening in the country? We have to be extremely sensitive. It is not a question of someone filing a review or not. We never bargained for democracy for this day. President being called upon to decide in a time-bound manner, and if not, becomes law," Dhankhar said.

The vice president said his worries were at a "very highest level" and he had never thought in "my life" that he would have the occasion to see it.

He reminded the audience that the president of India is in a very elevated position.

"(The) President takes an oath to preserve, protect and defend the Constitution. Others, including ministers, the vice president, parliamentarians and judges take an oath to abide by the Constitution," Dhankhar said.

"We cannot have a situation where you direct the president of India and on what basis? The only right you have under the Constitution is to interpret the Constitution under Article 145(3). There it has to be five judges or more...," he said.

Stressing the principle of separation of powers, he underlined that when the government is elected by the people, the government is accountable to Parliament and to the people in the elections.

"There is a principle of accountability in operation. In Parliament, you can ask questions... But if this executive governance is by the judiciary, how do you ask questions? Whom do you hold accountable in elections?

"Time has come when our three institutions -- legislature, judiciary and executive -- must blossom... Any incursion by one in the domain of the other poses a challenge, which is not good," Dhankhar said.
In major relief to West Bengal, the Supreme Court on Thursday extended the services of terminated teachers found untainted by the Central Bureau of Investigation.

IMAGE: Teachers stage a protest against the Supreme Court's order to cancel appointments of over 25,000 staff in West Bengal schools by SSC, at Salt Lake in Kolkata. Photograph: ANI Photo

A bench comprising Chief Justice Sanjiv Khanna and Justice Sanjay Kumar took note of the state government's submissions that teaching in various schools has been adversely impacted and fresh recruitment will take time.

The apex court, however, did not extend the services of grade 'C' and 'D' employees of the state government run and aided schools.

It directed the state government to start the recruitment process on or before May 31 and conclude it by December 31 this year.

The court asked the state government and its WBSSC (West Bengal School Service Commission) to file a compliance affidavit intimating it about the initiation of the recruitment process on or before May 31.

On April 3, the top court invalidated the appointment of 25,753 teachers and staffers in the state-run and aided schools, calling the entire selection process 'vitiated and tainted'.

It upheld a Calcutta high court verdict of April 22, 2024, annulling the appointments and said the tainted candidates should refund their 'salaries/payments received'.
Noted Scottish-born travel writer Bill Aitken, known for his writings on Indian mountains, rivers, and railways, died here at a hospital on Wednesday night.

IMAGE: File image of noted Scottish-born travel writer Bill Aitken. Photograph: Seema Pant

He was 90.

According to a friend, Aitken was brought to Dehradun a few days ago for treatment after having a fall at his home in Mussoorie but he made little improvement.

Born in Scotland in 1934, Aitken travelled across India following his arrival in the late 1950s, especially in and around Himalayan ashrams of Kausani and Mirtola.

He lived between Delhi and Mussoorie since the 1970s. However, his travels took him to lesser-known parts of Arunachal Pradesh, Ladakh, Himachal Pradesh, Sikkim, Haryana and through the diverse landscapes of Maharashtra, Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, and Tamil Nadu.

In over two dozen travel books, Aitken explored India's religious and natural landscapes, wrote intimately about its people and their beliefs. He also had a keen interest in Indian railways and was the president of the Friends of the National Rail Museum in New Delhi.

Some of his noted works are "Seven Sacred Rivers", "Divining the Deccan - A Motorbike to the Heart of India", "Footloose in the Himalaya", "The Nanda Devi Affair", "Exploring Indian Railways", "Mountain Delight", "Travels By a Lesser Line", "Zanskar" and "1000 Himalayan Quiz".

One of his most celebrated works, "Seven Sacred Rivers", documents Aitken's unorthodox pilgrimage spanning 30 years along seven of India's sacred rivers.

In "The Nanda Devi Affair", a sequel to "Seven Sacred Rivers", Aitken talks of his great obsession with Nanda Devi, patron goddess of Kumaon and Garhwal.

In his own words in the book, it is "neither a book about Himalayan climbing nor a treatise on hill theology but a diary of mountain relish".

For "Footloose in the Himalaya", Aitken travelled across Rishikesh, Badrinath, Kedarnath and Gangotri on a lively train of holy men.

Veteran author Ramachandra Guha paid tribute to the travel writer on X.

"Deeply saddened to hear of the passing of the wonderful Scottish-born Indian writer Bill Aitken. He knew his adopted country, its cultures and its landscapes intimately. His books 'Seven Sacred Rivers' and 'Footloose in the Himalaya' are classics," he wrote on the social media platform.

Another X user, @titaboriaS, commended Aitken's writings about his rambles in the mountains.

"So sad to hear about Bill Aitken's passing. He was the first to motorbike in the Himalayas before it became a thing. More commendable were his writings about his rambles in the mountains. High quality, empathetic and evocative writing; I walked & rode the high Himalayas with him," they said.

Artist Tikulli Dogra wrote on X: "Farewell dear Bill. Travel writer, trekker, lover of the mountains. Funny, kind, generous and a seeker he came to India at age 25 and stayed back. You will be dearly missed. Rest in Peace." PTI ALM

ALM
A bossy chief election commissioner TN Seshan proposed an immediate halt to the general election process when Rajiv Gandhi was assassinated on May 21, 1991 and put himself forward as home minister, claims a new book by former West Bengal governor Gopal Krishna Gandhi.

IMAGE: Rajiv Gandhi addresses an election meeting in Kishanganj in Bihar on May 5, 1991, 16 days before he was murdered by an LTTE assassin. Photograph: Krishna Murari Kishan/Reuters

Gopal Gandhi was the joint secretary to then president R Venkatraman when the former prime minister was killed in a suicide bomb attack during an election rally in Sriperumbudur, Tamil Nadu.

In The Undying Light: A Personal History of Independent India, launched by veteran actor Sharmila Tagore at the India International Centre on Wednesday, Gandhi recalls that Seshan was the one who broke the news of the assassination to the president.

Seshan also got himself to the Rashtrapati Bhawan "super-fast" that night, he writes.

Gandhi was present at the Rashtrapati Bhawan alongside Seshan, Venkatraman and the president's secretary P Murari. He says the CEC spoke his mind to him in whispered urgency only about 12 feet from where the president was seated.

"With wide eyes and shovelling hands, Seshan spoke in whispered urgency. He said he felt the election process needed to be stopped straightaway, the nation's security be brought under swift and strict control, and that he was ready to play his role beyond his office of CEC and, if RV thought fit, could serve as the country's home minister," reads the book.

"A kind of euphoria had possessed the civilian, a surge of power, a suffusion of energy," Gandhi says in his latest book.

In early 1991, Congress had withdrawn its support from prime minister Chandra Shekhar's government, alleging that it had spied on Rajiv Gandhi. Chandra Shekhar stepped down and, with no other party able to provide a stable alternative, fresh elections were called.

Rajiv Gandhi's assassination by a suicide bomber associated with the LTTE (Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam), a militant separatist organisation from Sri Lanka, came right in the middle of the election campaign.

According to Gandhi's diary on that day, Seshan, credited with ushering in major electoral reforms during his tenure as the 10th CEC between December 12, 1990 and December 11, 1996, was "present throughout" the tense situation, being "bossy and trying to take charge".

However, none of Seshan's suggestions were considered. Both prime minister Chandra Shekhar and cabinet secretary Naresh Chandra, who also met with the president shortly afterward, reassured him that every step is being taken to contain the crisis... there is no need for any panic, no need to pause the election process.

"The prime minister here, Chandra Shekharji, as you have yourself explained, is prime minister in every sense of the term and is heading the government that is in total control of the situation and will handle any fallout, internal or external, with total confidence. India is secure. Please be assured," the book quotes Chandra as saying.

Meanwhile, unable to stop the elections altogether, Seshan, according to the book, ordered a significant postponement of the second and third phases of polling -- rescheduling them from their original dates to June 12 and 15, following the first round held on May 20.

The Ramon Magsaysay awardee, according to the book, had claimed in an interview that the polling dates were dictated by the government. However, this was met with an "emphatic denial" from Chandra Shekhar.

"Why would Seshan be doing this? Only Seshan knew. VP Singh and IK Gujral called on RV on 15 June to complain about the EC's 'strange' practices," Gandhi says.

The Undying Light also draws from Venkataraman's memoir My Presidential Years to say how the president viewed the CEC.

Venkataraman acknowledges in it that Seshan did his work impartially and firmly but "during all these charges and counter-charges CEC Seshan maintained an unnecessarily high profile, holding press conferences every day, giving his views on all issues and hurting people by his brashness".

Touted to be a "magisterial account of seminal events in the country from Independence to the present day", The Undying Light, is published by Aleph Book Company. It is priced at Rs 999.
A dramatic 10-day saga that gripped social media and shocked an entire village came to an end after a 39-year-old woman, who eloped with her would-be son-in-law just days before her daughter's marriage, surrendered with her 'beau' at Dadon police station in Aligarh district, officials said.

Image used for representational purposes only. Photograph: Gerd Altmann/Pixabay

Sapna Devi from Manoharpur village also made it clear to the police that her relationship with 25-year-old Rahul, who was to become her son-in-law, was not a temporary affair but a committed one.

"It is not a short-term liaison. It's a lifelong relationship," she reportedly said while surrendering before police on Wednesday along with Rahul.

The duo's disappearance on April 6 sparked widespread outrage and speculation, particularly as it came barely 10 days before Sapna's daughter's scheduled marriage to Rahul from a neighbouring village.

After Sapna went 'missing', her panicked family members approached the police, only to discover that the groom-to-be was missing as well.

Speaking to reporters, Rahul claimed that he acted out of concern for Sapna.

"She told me that her family was harassing her for which she was even contemplating suicide. I just wanted to help her," Rahul said, adding that they now intend to get married.

According to investigators, a mobile phone given to Rahul by Sapna's family ahead of the wedding became the medium through which the two developed a relationship.

The phone facilitated a secret communication channel between Sapna and Rahul, eventually culminating in their elopement.

"The couple surrendered at Dadon police station and were later shifted to Madraak police station for interrogation. They have been placed at a one-stop centre and their statement will be recorded before a magistrate on Thursday," SP (Rural) Amrit Jain told reporters on Wednesday night.

Jain said the couple travelled to Sitamarhi in Bihar and then crossed over to Nepal before surrendering.

"As they sensed the noose tightening around their necks, the couple decided to return to Aligarh and surrender before the police," the SP said.

Meanwhile, Sapna's husband Jitendra, their daughter, and her brother reached the police station and demanded Sapna to return the jewellery and Rs 5 lakh in cash she allegedly took with her.

Sapna, however, denied the accusation, calling it "completely concocted."
The Centre on Thursday assured the Supreme Court that it will neither denotify Waqf properties, including "Waqf by user", nor make any appointments to the central Waqf council and boards till May 5.

IMAGE: People hold placards during a protest against the Waqf Act at Sher-e-Kashmir Park in Srinagar. Photograph: ANI Photo

The assurance of solicitor general Tushar Mehta came when he informed a bench of Chief Justice Sanjiv Khanna and Justices Sanjay Kumar and K V Viswanathan that the Waqf law was passed by Parliament with "due deliberations" and it should not be stayed without hearing the government.

The Centre also strongly opposed the apex court's proposal to pass an interim order against the denotification of Waqf properties, including 'Waqf by user', aside from staying a provision allowing the inclusion of non-Muslims in the central Waqf councils and boards.

"During the course of hearing, the solicitor general states that the respondent (Union of India) would like to put in a short response within seven days. He further states and assures that till the next date of hearing, no appointments will be made to the council and boards under sections 9 and 14 (of the Act)," the bench said.

The bench noted that Mehta, appearing for the Centre, has also said that till the next date of hearing, Waqf properties, including 'Waqf by user' already registered or declared by way of notification, shall not be disturbed and denotified.

The bench then granted a week's time to the Centre to file a preliminary response to the pleas challenging the validity of the contentious Waqf (Amendment) Act, 2025 and posted the matter on May 5.

"If your lordships will say something about 'Waqf by user', what will be the fallout?" Mehta said.

He added, "We, as a government, and Parliament, are answerable to the people."

The CJI said if the registration of any Waqf property had taken place under the erstwhile 1995 Act, then those properties can't be denotified till further hearing.

The apex court, while hearing the matter on Wednesday, proposed to stay certain key provisions of the Act, including the power to denotify properties declared as Waqf by courts and inclusion of non-Muslims in central Waqf council and boards.

On Thursday, Mehta asked whether the court might consider staying, directly or indirectly, the Act based upon some prima facie or tentative reading of some of the sections.

"If your lordships are going to stay a statutory provision," Mehta said, "it by itself is rare. We will have to take your lordships to the history of legislation, followed by amendment."

He said the government received several representations, which ultimately resulted into the amended Act.

Opposing the stay, the law officer referred to certain instances and said private properties were usurped as Waqf in several places.

Terming it a "considered piece of legislation", Mehta said the pleas were filed before the Presidential assent and taken immediately by the bench.

"We are not deciding the matter finally," the bench said.

Mehta argued staying the provisions of the Act may be a "harsh step" and said the government should be allowed to place its preliminary reply.

"Allow me to place within a week my preliminary reply with some materials, documents and statutes to show," he said, "and in one week, nothing will change".

Senior advocate Rakesh Dwivedi, representing a state government, said "heavens are not going to fall if the interim order is not passed for a week or so".

Mehta further assured to not make appointments in the respective Waqf boards even if some of the states were not before the court.

The CJI said, "We don't want the position to change. Parliament makes laws, executive decides and judiciary interprets."

The bench has also decided to hear only five of the total number of pleas before it and titled the case: "In Re: Waqf (Amendment) Act, 2025".

About 72 petitions, including those by AIMIM leader Asaduddin Owaisi, All India Muslim Personal Law Board (AIMPLB), Jamiat Ulama-i-Hind, the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK), Anwar Basha former chairman Karnataka State Board of AUQAF represented by advocate Tariq Ahmed, Congress MPs Imran Pratapgarhi and Mohammad Jawed, were filed against the law.

Senior counsel including Kapil Sibal, Abhishek Singhvi, Huzefa Ahmadi appear for the petitioners in the case.

While appointing three lawyers as the nodal counsel on Thursday, the bench asked the advocates to decide among themselves who was going to argue.

The petitioners were allowed to file their rejoinders to the Centre's reply within five days of the service of the government's response.

"We clarify that the next hearing (May 5) will be for the preliminary objections and for an interim order," the bench said.

The bench said a writ petition challenging the 1995 Waqf Act and the amendment made in 2013 should be separately shown in the causelist.

On Wednesday, the bench was miffed over the inclusion of non-Muslims in the central Waqf council and boards and asked the Centre whether it was willing to include Muslims in Hindu religious trusts.

The CJI had proposed to issue the notice and to pass an interim order, saying it will "balance the equities".

Observing some provisions could have "grave ramifications", particularly those that potentially undermine judicially recognised Waqf properties, the CJI proposed the order.

"The properties declared as Waqfs by the courts should not be de-notified, whether they are by waqf-by-wser or waqf by deed while the court is hearing the challenge to the Waqf Amendment Act 2025," he proposed.

"Waqf by user" refers to a practice where a property is recognised as a religious or charitable endowment (Waqf) based on its long-term, uninterrupted use for such purposes, even if there isn't a formal, written declaration of Waqf by the owner.

The Centre notified the Act which received assent from the President on April 5.
The Supreme Court on Wednesday took strong note of an analogy drawn by the Centre in support of the inclusion of non-Muslims in waqf boards and the argument that by that logic, a bench of Hindu judges should not be hearing pleas related to waqf.

IMAGE: Chief Justice of India Justice Sanjiv Khanna with Prime Minister Narendra Modi during the 75th Constitution Day celebrations, at Supreme Court, in New Delhi on November 26, 2024. Photograph: ANI Photo

The bench comprising Chief Justice of India (CJI) Sanjiv Khanna and Justices Sanjay Kumar and K V Viswanathan was questioning the provisions of the Waqf (Amendment) Act, 2025 that allow for the nomination of non-Muslim members to the Central Waqf Council and state waqf boards.

"Are you suggesting that minorities, including Muslims, should also be included in boards managing Hindu religious institutions? Please state that openly," the CJI said.

Representing the Centre in the matter, Solicitor General Tushar Mehta defended the provisions, emphasising that the inclusion of non-Muslim members is limited and does not affect the predominantly Muslim composition of these bodies.

The law officer also said objections to non-Muslim participation could logically extend to judicial impartiality and by that logic, the bench itself would be disqualified from hearing the matter.

If the objection to the presence of non-Muslims in the statutory boards is accepted, then the present bench would also not be able to hear the matter, Mehta said, adding, "Then your Lordships cannot hear this matter if we go by that logic."

The CJI shot back, saying "No, sorry Mr Mehta, we are not talking just about adjudication. When we sit here, we lose our religion. We are absolutely secular. For us, one side or the other is the same."
The United States Department of Homeland Security has threatened to revoke Harvard University's ability to enrol foreign students if it failed to provide by April 30 records on its international student visa holders' 'illegal and violent' activities.

IMAGE: Students walk on the campus of Harvard University in Cambridge, Massachusetts, on April 15, 2025. Photograph: Faith Ninivaggi/Reuters

It also cancelled grants totalling more than $2.7 million to Harvard University.

The latest action from the Trump administration against Harvard comes on the heels of a $2.2 billion federal funding freeze because the university rejected a list of demands.

The administration also proposed the revocation of the university's tax-exempt status over its radical ideology.

"Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Secretary Kristi Noem announced the cancellation of two DHS grants totalling over $2.7 million to Harvard University, declaring it unfit to be entrusted with taxpayer dollars," the DHS said in a statement on Wednesday.

"The Secretary also wrote a scathing letter demanding detailed records on Harvard's foreign student visa holders' illegal and violent activities by April 30, 2025, or face immediate loss of Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP) certification," it said.

"Harvard bending the knee to antisemitism -- driven by its spineless leadership -- fuels a cesspool of extremist riots and threatens our national security," said Secretary Noem.

"With anti-American, pro-Hamas ideology poisoning its campus and classrooms, Harvard's position as a top institution of higher learning is a distant memory. America demands more from universities entrusted with taxpayer dollars," he said.

The DHS said the grants being cancelled were the $800,303 Implementation Science for Targeted Violence Prevention grant and the $1,934,902 Blue Campaign Program Evaluation and Violence Advisement grant.

Since Hamas's October 7, 2023, attack on Israel, Harvard's foreign visa-holding rioters and faculty have 'spewed antisemitic hate', targeting Jewish students, the statement said.

"With a $53.2 billion endowment, Harvard can fund its own chaos, DHS won't," the statement said.

"If Harvard cannot verify it is in full compliance with its reporting requirements, the university will lose the privilege of enrolling foreign students," the statement added.

With 6,793 international students attending Harvard, they comprise 27.2% of its enrolment in the 2024-25 academic year, according to the university's data.
India on Thursday said it is working closely with Belgium for the extradition of fugitive diamantaire Mehul Choksi.

IMAGE: Fugitive diamantaire Mehul Choksi. Photograph: ANI Photo

Choksi was arrested in Belgium's Antwerp on Saturday based on a formal request from the Indian government.

"Based on our extradition request, he was arrested. We are working closely with the Belgium side on his extradition so that he can face trial in the country," external affairs ministry spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said.

Choksi is wanted by Indian probe agencies in connection with a Rs 13,500-crore bank loan fraud case.

The fugitive diamantaire and his nephew Nirav Modi allegedly siphoned off Rs 13,500 crore of public money from the state-run Punjab National Bank using fraudulent letters of undertaking.

Nirav Modi, lodged in a London jail, is contesting his extradition to India after repeated denial of his bail by courts.

In May 2021, Choksi went missing from Antigua but was traced and returned to it later.

It was alleged that Choksi, his firm Gitanjali Gems and others "committed the offence of cheating against PNB in connivance with certain bank officials by fraudulently getting the LoUs (letters of undertaking) issued and got the FLCs (foreign letter of credit) enhanced without following prescribed procedure and caused a wrongful loss to the bank".

The CBI has filed at least two chargesheets against him in this case while the ED has filed three such prosecution complaints.

CBI seeks NBW against Choksi in Canara Bank case

Days after diamantaire Mehul Choksi was arrested in Belgium, the CBI approached a court in New Delhi seeking a Non-Bailable Warrant against him in another case where he and others are accused of cheating a Canara Bank-led consortium of Rs 55.27 crore.

Choksi, a prime accused in the alleged multi-million dollar Punjab National Bank fraud, was arrested in Belgium on April 12 following an extradition request by Indian probe agencies.

The Central Bureau of Investigation, probing the Canara bank cheating case, approached the special CBI court here on Wednesday seeking an NBW against him.

However, judge VP Desai sent the matter to a magistrate's court, saying his court had no jurisdiction.

The judge cited a Supreme Court judgement which states that for a special CBI court to try a case under the Prevention of Corruption (PC) Act, there must be alleged involvement of a public servant.

In the present case, the charge sheet was filed only against private persons for offences under Indian Penal Code sections 120 B(criminal conspiracy) and 420 (cheating).

Hence, the PC Act did not come into the picture and the case should go to a magistrate, the judge said.

The entire CBI case including the application for NBW was transferred to an Additional Metropolitan Magistrate for its final disposal.

The NBW application should be decided forthwith, the special court said.

As per the CBI case, Canara Bank and the Bank of Maharashtra had sanctioned Rs 30 crore and Rs 25 crore, respectively, as working capital facilities under consortium agreement to Bezel Jewellery.

The loan was for the manufacturing and sale of gold and diamond-studded jewellery, but the company did not route any of the business transactions through the account to hide diversion of funds, the CBI claimed.

It did not repay the loan, causing a loss of Rs 55.27 crore to the consortium, the agency alleged.
SHENYANG, April 16 (Xinhua) -- After standing tall in the wind and frost for more than 1,400 years, a towering ginkgo tree in northeast China is now embracing rejuvenation. Rising 30 meters in height with a trunk circumference of 7 meters, the tree is a cherished landmark in Jinji Village of Dalian City, Liaoning Province. It also serves as a natural weather indicator -- when its leaves begin to fall in late autumn, the locals know it's time to harvest their cabbages before the first frost of the year. As time has passed, however, the ancient tree has begun to show signs of aging. Its trunk has partially eroded and many of its branches are broken or damaged. In September 2024, Dalian's municipal bureau of natural resources launched a restoration and enhancement plan targeting 408 ancient or notable trees across the city. The ginkgo tree in Jinji Village was the first to benefit from the initiative, being allocated funding of 80,000 yuan (about 11,091 U.S. dollars) and guidance from four forestry experts. In mid-March, a team of specialists from the municipal bureau arrived in the village to examine the tree's condition in preparation for restoration work. "Restoring an ancient tree is like caring for an elderly person. It requires a systematic and scientific approach," according to one team member. "Our first priority is to halt the tree's decline, and we will then remove dead branches and repair areas of decay and rot," said Fei Xingdong, another member of the team. Fei added that the team also plans to enhance soil aeration around the tree's roots, and to replace existing hard paving materials with permeable alternatives that allow water and air to pass through. According to a national survey conducted between 2015 and 2021, China is home to 5.08 million ancient or notable trees. These living green treasures are receiving more attention, especially following the implementation of China's first national-level regulations for their protection, which came into effect on March 15 this year. The regulations establish legal frameworks for resource surveys, conservation and cultural preservation, as well as penalties for damaging these natural assets, addressing gaps in existing laws. Protection efforts are gaining momentum across the country. In Le'an County of eastern Jiangxi Province, each of the county's 5,141 ancient or notable trees has been issued an identity card, with relevant information recorded in an electronic system. And in the southwestern province of Guizhou, the local government has purchased insurance for 137,500 ancient or notable trees to cover public liability and support treatment and restoration efforts. Additionally, Dalian's municipal bureau of natural resources has cooperated with Jinji Village's economic cooperative to train and involve local residents in the restoration work. "It not only helps increase the incomes of the cooperative and the locals, but also raises awareness of the ecological value of ancient trees," said Lin Junyi, an official of Jinji Village. "Locals also gain skills and knowledge related to tree protection, which strengthens their sense of responsibility." "Through these protection efforts, I hope the ancient ginkgo will remain healthy and lush, continuing to shine as the landmark of our village," Lin added.
Entertainment / Celebrity

by Staff reporter

Don Mlangeni Nawa has died.A statement shared by the Nawa family on his social pages revealed the veteran actor died on Wednesday but did not disclose the cause of his death."He was the heart of our family, a loving father, brother and friend. To the world, he was a gifted and respected actor whose presence lit up every stage and screen he graced. His legacy lives on in the lives he touched, the stories he told, and the love he gave so freely. We are deeply moved by the outpouring of love and support,"We kindly ask for privacy as we grieve this immense loss."The Nawa family said memorial and funeral details would be shared in due course.Nawa started his acting career in the theatre. His first television credit was in the lead role of David in the Zulu television mini series Ubambo Lwami in 1989. In 1992 he had his breakthrough role as Zakhe in the drama serie Hlala Kwabafileyo.In 1993, he made his first appearance in the popular comedy series 'Sgudi 'Snaysi in which he played a loan shark, often playing across co-star Joe Mafela. He starred in the series for five seasons. In 1995 Nawa had a one-episode appearance in the Cycle Simenon series, a French crime series.Nawa became a household name in what is arguably his best known-role of as Bra Zeb Matabane in the iconic and long-running soap opera Isidingo. In 2006 he received a South African Film and Television Award (SAFTA) Golden Horn Award for Best Actor in a TV Soap for his role. Part of the original cast that launched the series in 1998, he left the show in 2014 because of a dispute with the producers.
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Reseller News is proud to reveal the finalists for the Women in ICT Awards in 2025.

Set for Wednesday 11 June at the Cordis in Auckland, the prestigious event will recognise and celebrate female excellence across the New Zealand ICT industry.

Since 2016, WIICTA has put a spotlight on all career stages from graduate-level entrants to well-established CEOs, in addition to inspiring entrepreneurs, creative thinkers and technical experts, as well as talent rising through the ranks and consistent high-performing individuals.

In 2025, WIICTA will house the largest celebration of female excellence within the technology channel across New Zealand featuring 110 finalists from a pool of over 60 organisations and more than 180 nominations submitted, spanning partner, vendor, telco and distributor businesses.

This is a stunning display of emerging and established female talent in New Zealand, Reseller News Editor Julia Talevski said.

This years finalists have set an extremely high bar and are a source of inspiration for women leading the way in technology  we are proud and privileged to be celebrating each and every one of them.

In 2025, WIICTA will honour the channel across eight categories, spanning Innovation, Technical, Entrepreneur, Graduate, Rising Star, Shining Star, Achievement and DE&I Individual Champion award.

Our goal is simple, to ensure as many outstanding women are endorsed through this unique awards program in New Zealand, Talevski added.
News / National

by Staff reporter

A group representing many of the white farmers whose land was seized during Zimbabwe's land reforms over two decades ago has rejected a compensation deal and said it wants to reopen negotiations with the government.The group has criticised the compensation that some farmers have accepted as "token" amounts.There was little sign Wednesday that the government would reopen talks. It has said the compensation deal represents closure.About 4,000 white farmers lost their homes and swaths of land when then-president, Robert Mugabe, launched the redistribution programme in 2000. Mugabe pointed to the need to address colonial-era land inequities after the southern African nation gained independence from white minority rule in 1980.Zimbabwe's finance minister, Mthuli Ncube, last week announced that the government had started paying compensation to white farmers who lost land and property during the reforms. He said the government had approved the disbursement of $3.1 million, equivalent to 1 percent of the total compensation claim of $311 million.According to the deal, the farmers would receive 1 percent of their claim in cash, with the balance settled through the issuance of treasury bonds over 10 years.A first batch of 378 farmers has already been paid out of 740 farms approved for compensation, a move confirmed by Andrew Pascoe, who represents the beneficiary farmers. He said they were "extremely grateful."The dissenting group representing nearly half of the 4,000 commercial farmers asserted that those accepting the payments were doing so out of desperation."The limited number of farmers who have accepted the government's revised deal have generally done so because they are destitute and require urgent funds for food, accommodation and healthcare," representative Deon Theron said.He called the government compensation "a tiny fraction" of the $3.5 billion to be paid in cash over five years that was agreed under a deal between white farmers and President Emmerson Mnangagwa in 2020.The compensation deal is part of conditions of a debt resolution and international re-engagement strategy by Zimbabwe after years of sanctions and isolation by the United States and other Western countries over alleged rights abuses against perceived critics of the government.A few thousand farmers had owned most of Zimbabwe's prime farmland before the land reform, which saw about 300,000 Black families resettled on the acquired land, according to government figures.Theron said most of the white farmers are now in their 70s and 80s and are unlikely to benefit from the issuance of the treasury bills."They are going to their graves without receiving any compensation. They need cash, and it has to be paid while they are still alive," he said.He added, however, his group would not take legal action. He said efforts by his group to meet government officials have been unsuccessful.Land ownership is an emotive topic in Zimbabwe and neighboring countries such as Namibia and South Africa, a result of colonial land conquests that dispossessed local Blacks.In South Africa, a new land expropriation law has attracted criticism from U.S. President Donald Trump, who views it as a rights violation against a white minority who owned huge swaths of land. South Africa has rejected Trump's claims.
Their names are difficult to pronounce, they're essential for modern manufacturing, and they're increasingly at the center of the escalating trade war between the United States and China.

The global supply of these rare earths -- an essential group of 17 elements that find themselves in everything from electric vehicle batteries to vital defense technology -- are also mostly controlled by China.

Beijing is now looking to use that strategic leverage amid the growing trade spat and rising tensions with Washington.

In response to recently imposed tariffs, China restricted sales to the United States of seven rare earths. While not an outright ban, the move requires producers to apply for export licenses from the Chinese government, and there's growing concern it will lead to price and supply shocks that could hit US defense companies particularly hard.

"What oil was to the 20th century, rare earth minerals are to the 21st," said Sean McFate, an adjunct professor at Syracuse University's Maxwell School of Citizenship and Public Affairs. "Microchips, green technology, and quantum computing all require rare earths, and China has the bulk of them. It's a national security imperative that goes beyond the stock market."

Beijing controls more than two-thirds of global rare earth production and more than 90 percent of processing capacity. China also effectively holds a monopoly over the supply of global heavy rare earth processing, a subset of the elements used in the US defense sector to make powerful magnets crucial to the production of fighter jets, warships, missiles, tanks, and lasers.

It remains to be seen exactly how China will implement these new restrictions, but a report from the Center For Strategic And International Studies (CSIS), a Washington-based think tank, warned they will likely result in a pause in exports as Beijing establishes the licensing system and cause disruptions in supply to some American firms, particular those in the national security sector.

"The United States is particularly vulnerable for these supply chains," stated the April 14 report. "There is no heavy rare earths separation happening in the United States at present."

How Is China Restricting Rare Earths?

The new export restrictions apply to seven medium and heavy rare earths: samarium, gadolinium, terbium, dysprosium, lutetium, scandium, and yttrium, all of which play a large part in the defense sector.

Yttrium, for example, is used as a high-temperature coating for jet engines that stops them from melting mid-flight.

Analysts say Beijing is looking to leverage this dependency.

While the Pentagon and US firms maintain reserves, they are not estimated to be large enough to outlast a sustained disruption to the supply chain. In addition to the ban on the elements themselves, Beijing also placed 16 US entities -- all but one of which are in the defense and aerospace industries - on its export control list, limiting them from receiving dual-use goods including the rare earths.

Dimitar Gueorguiev, an associate professor at Syracuse University, says he sees the latest restrictions more as a move by Beijing to signal "its ability to throttle these exports should the trade war escalate further."

"It's important to keep in mind that most importers have had this concern on their horizon for some time now so are likely stockpiled for at least a few months," he said.

Still, the measures and the ability to escalate them are a formidable tool for China. Beyond its ability to curb supply, Beijing's market dominance also allows it to dictate prices, meaning it can raise costs for certain customers or undercut rare earth supplies outside its control by keeping rates low.

This was seen in past measures implemented by China. In 2023, Beijing restricted exports of gallium and germanium, which are used in chips, radars, and satellites. This was followed by a full ban on their export to the United States in December 2024.

Since then, prices have skyrocketed and the global market has fractured. Gallium bought from Western countries is two to three times more expensive than that bought in China, according to the consultancy Project Blue.

The CSIS report also warns that Chinese export controls pose a direct threat to the US military's readiness, adding to concerns raised by lawmakers and analysts that it lags behind in its defense manufacturing.

"Even before the latest restrictions, the US defense industrial base struggled with limited capacity and lacked the ability to scale up production to meet defense technology demands," the report states.

The report's authors cite an estimate -- by a US Air Force official in 2022 -- that China is acquiring advanced weapons systems and equipment five to six times faster than the United States.

"Further bans on critical minerals inputs will only widen the gap, enabling China to strengthen its military capabilities more quickly than the United States," the report concludes.

How Can The US Respond?

Facing pressure from China, experts say the United States needs to enact policies to shore up production at home and look into new sources abroad.

As recently as the 1980s, the United States was a leader in rare earth production, but price increases led to its flagship, the Mountain Pass mine in California, to shut down in the early 2000s.

That mine has since reopened and successive US administrations, including President Donald Trump's in his first term, have allocated investment for rare earth extraction and refinement facilities.

But catching up to China in rare earths as well as other critical minerals is time-intensive and costly. Some working in the sector also said other parts of the tariffs implemented by Trump could have knock-on effects making it difficult to scale up quickly with rare earth production.

On the Rare Earth Exchanges podcast, industry entrepreneur Daniel O'Connor said tariffed materials like steel and aluminum are crucial in mining and processing. "Let's not do tariffs on things we need to build our infrastructure," he said.

Against this backdrop, the United States has also been looking to secure supplies overseas, with the Trump administration looking to get greater access to rare earths and other critical minerals in Greenland and Ukraine, where Kyiv and Washington are reportedly close to achieving a deal.

Washington has also sponsored new mines in Brazil and South Africa, and the United States is funding the first major heavy rare earth processing facility outside of China, in Texas, although it will take years before it can show results.

In the meantime, Beijing is expected to keep flexing its rare earth metals as tensions flare with Washington.

"This has become part of Beijing's playbook when pushing back against Washington," Neil Shearing, group chief economist at Capital Economics, wrote on April 14.

"The weaponizing of this control over critical minerals -- and the race by other countries to secure alternative supplies -- will be a central feature of a fractured global economy."
RFE/RL Ukrainian Service correspondent Serhiy Horbatenko reports from the city of Konstyantynivka after a deadly Russian rocket attack killed at least one person. The city was targeted again by shelling on April 17 as Horbatenko spoke with locals whose homes had been damaged.
Moldova's lawmakers voted to set the next parliamentary elections for September 28 in a test for the country's fragile democracy caught between pro-European and pro-Russian forces.

A total of 57 lawmakers voted on April 17 to hold the elections on September 28, against 32 abstentions.

President Maia Sandu's pro-Western PAS party is expected to face a strong challenge from a three-party coalition led by her rival, Alexandr Stoianoglo.

The Harvard University educated, former World Bank official narrowly edged out Stoianoglo in a presidential election late last year.

Stoianoglo, a former prosecutor-general, will lead the coalition that says it wants to improve ties with Russia while also keeping a westward orientation.

Speaking before parliament's decision, Sandu said the country was committed to holding to fair elections, adding that Moldovans must "decide the country's future" and that the justice system must "punish those who engage in vote-buying or coercion."

Moldova, one of Europe's poorest countries, secured EU candidate status in 2022 and opened accession talks last year after firmly aligning itself with its neighbor, Ukraine, following Russia's unprovoked invasion in 2022, and joining the EU sanctions regime against Moscow.

Sandu has tied her legacy to Moldova being in the European Union, while Stoianoglo, from Gagauzia -- a Turkic-speaking autonomous region of Moldova with pro-Russian sentiment -- has pushed a law-and-order theme.

Moldovan President Starts Second Term, Says EU Integration Is "Path To Security And Prosperity" No media source currently available 0:00 0:01:10 0:00

However, as prosecutor-general, Stoianoglo was widely criticized for his failure to address high-level corruption.

Most notably, he was accused of inaction in the cases of Veaceslav Platon, an oligarch involved in the disappearance of around $1 billion from the country's banks and fugitive oligarch Ilan Shor, who was caught on camera giving PRSM leader and former President Igor Dodon a suspicious-looking bag.

Russia has long been accused of destabilizing Moldovan politics via disinformation and financial support for fringe parties.

Moscow has condemned what it describes as "Western interference" in Moldova's domestic affairs, particularly after Sandu's PAS party tightened campaign finance laws and banned pro-Russian media outlets accused of spreading war propaganda.

In Gagauzia, local authorities have openly defied central government reforms and analysts said it may play a disruptive role during the campaign period  especially if Russian-backed candidates are marginalized.

Meanwhile, in Transdniester, the separatist enclave with de facto Russian control, the elections are being watched as a barometer of Chisinau's political will.

A strong PAS victory, analysts said, could boost Moldova's efforts to assert authority over the breakaway region and tighten EU border security cooperation.

EU officials, including members of the European Parliament, have urged Moldova to ensure free, fair, and transparent elections, warning any sign of political repression or legal overreach could complicate accession talks.
French officials have praised talks held between key European countries, Ukraine, and the United States, the first involving the three sides since US President Donald Trump took power, as they look to end Europe's largest conflict since the end of World War II.

Until the gathering in the French capital on April 17, US officials had taken negotiating tracks -- one between the United States and Ukraine and one between Washington and Moscow -- that appeared to leave Europe on the sidelines.

French Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot said that was no longer the case, with Europe now fully involved in helping end the war between Russia and Ukraine, now in its fourth year. More talks in the new format would continue next week in London, he added.

"For a long time, there were fears that Europeans would not be at the table," Barrot said.

"Today, it was in Paris that, for the first time, the Europeans, the Americans, and the Ukrainians came together."

The Russian Foreign Ministry said later on April 17 that US Secretary of State Marco Rubio outlined the outcome of talks in a telephone conversation, and Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov confirmed Moscow's readiness to continue joint work with American colleagues with the aim of eliminating the original causes of the Ukrainian crisis."

Russia has repeatedly said Ukraine must recognize Russia's annexation of Ukrainian regions and that Kyiv must abandon any notion of it securing membership of the NATO alliance.

The Paris meeting came days after the latest direct talks between Washington and Moscow that are aimed at ending the war.

There have been sharp differences between the Trump administration on one side, and Europe and Ukraine, on the other, over how to handle diplomatic efforts.

It was a very substantive conversation. We continue our work, Ukrainian presidential adviser Andriy Yermak wrote on social media.

The talks were a first chance for face-to-face meetings between senior European and Ukrainian leaders and US special envoy Steve Witkoff since his latest meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin last week.

Moscow has failed to sign on to a broad cease-fire agreement put forward by US President Donald Trump, which Ukraine has already accepted. Russia has said any deal is conditional on Kyiv stopping its mobilization efforts as well as an end to the flow of Western arms to Ukraine. Those demands have been rejected by Ukraine.

Still, Witkoff recently told Fox News that he believes a peace deal was emerging.

He said he had heard what Putins request is to have a permanent peace here, adding that it was about these so-called five territories. This refers to parts of Ukraine at least partially occupied by Russia, which Moscow claims.

As the Paris talks continued, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy told journalists in Kyiv that Witkoff was "consciously or unconsciously, I don't know, spreading Russian narratives."

Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said that while Washington was working for peace, "from the Europeans, we see a focus on continuing the war."

Meanwhile, there has been no letup in deadly Russian missile strikes on Ukrainian cities in recent days. On April 16, a Russian drone attack on Dnipro killed at least five people.

"Russia uses every day and every night to kill. We must put pressure on the killers... to end this war and guarantee a lasting peace," Zelenskyy said in a Telegram post.

The talks also included Rubio, British National Security Adviser Jonathan Powell and Jens Ploetner, a senior adviser to German Chancellor Olaf Scholz.

While Washington has tried to push ahead with cease-fire talks with Kyiv and Moscow, European countries have focused on supporting Ukraine and planning for a possible military mission to shore up any cease-fire deal.

European efforts to get a US commitment to provide a backstop to such efforts have met with a cool response from Washington.
Russias Supreme Court removed Afghanistan's militant Taliban rulers from its list of banned terrorist groups in a step toward recognizing the group that seized power in 2021 as international forces withdrew from the war-torn country.

Russian state news agencies said that in its ruling on April 17, the Supreme Court sided with a petition from the Prosecutor-General's Office, a sign the move is a coordinated policy change with support from top legal and political authorities, who designated the Taliban as a terrorist organization more than 20 years ago.

The suspension of the terrorist designation does not amount to full diplomatic recognition of the Taliban government.

Amid poverty and unrest in the country, the Taliban rulers have made moves to open ties with the rest of the world. But Western nations have been reluctant to engage with the extremist group amid complaints of widespread human rights violations, especially against girls and women.

Russia has not officially recognized the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan, nor has it re-established ambassadorial-level relations. However, the April 17 ruling may lay the legal groundwork for expanded cooperation, investment, and potentially future recognition.

Russia officially banned the Taliban in 2003, aligning itself with international counterterrorism standards and reflecting concerns over jihadist movements in Central Asia and Russia's North Caucasus region.

Still, Russia has been one of the few major powers to keep its embassy in Kabul operational during the Taliban regime.

Russian diplomats, intelligence officials, and even business interests have since engaged with Taliban authorities  especially on regional security, counter-narcotics, and economic cooperation, such as potential mining and energy projects.

Russia Looking To Gain Influence

With Moscow eager to strengthen its influence in Central Asia amid growing competition with the West and Chinas expanding footprint, Afghanistan has become a critical piece of the regional chessboard.

The courts decision may also be linked to Moscows concerns about the Islamic StateKhorasan group, which has claimed responsibility for several high-profile attacks in Afghanistan, Pakistan, and even within Russia itself  including the deadly Crocus City Hall terrorist attack in March 2024.

Some analysts say Russian officials likely view the Taliban as a lesser evil or even a potential security partner.

The suspension of the ban may spark unease in Central Asian countries such as Tajikistan, which has historically viewed the Taliban with deep suspicion.

While some regional governments have engaged with Kabul out of necessity, fears remain about Taliban-inspired radicalization, border security, and cross-border militancy.

In September 2024, Kyrgyzstan removed the Taliban from its list of banned terrorist organizations, aligning with similar moves by neighboring Kazakhstan earlier that year.

Another Central Asian nation, Uzbekistan, has been at the forefront of engaging with the Taliban, emphasizing economic cooperation and regional connectivity.

China is also cautiously increasing its engagement with the Taliban, including through infrastructure and investment talks under the Belt and Road Initiative.
Russian drone and artillery attacks killed at least five people, including a child and an elderly woman, and injured dozens of others in the southeastern Ukrainian region of Dnipropetrovsk.

"It was a difficult night in Dnipro... Three people were killed by this Russian attack, and among them was a girl, Veronika, only 17 years old," Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said.

Local Governor Serhiy Lysak later updated the death toll to five, and added that 31 people, including five children, were injured in the attack on the city of Dnipro late on April 16. Sixteen people were being treated in hospital.

The attack ignited several fires, according to Dnipro Mayor Borys Filatov, who said one strike came within 100 meters of the citys municipal offices. He also said at least 15 dwellings had been damaged along with a student residence, an educational institution, and a food-processing plant.

Two more people were killed in Nikopol, a town only 5 kilometers away from Russian forces in the partially occupied Zaporizhzhya region. Five were reported injured.

"A shop, a cafe, private houses, outbuildings, a car, and a bus stop were damaged," Lysak said.

Pictures posted online showed a large blaze and firefighters working at the scene as well as gutted vehicles and buildings with smashed windows and damaged facades.

Elsewhere, a deadly Russian rocket attack killed at least one person in the eastern Ukrainian city of Konstyantynivka.

The city was targeted again by shelling on April 17 while an RFE/RL correspondent was speaking with locals whose homes had been damaged.

In the northeastern Kharkiv region, Governor Oleh Synyehubov said a Russian missile attack injured seven people in the town of Izyum. The town was captured by Russian troops in the early days of Russias full-scale invasion in February 2022 but was retaken by Ukrainian forces later in the year.

Meanwhile, Russia's Defense Ministry said it's air defense systems destroyed or intercepted 71 Ukrainian drones over six Russian regions overnight, with 49 of the drones downed in the Kursk region.

It was not possible for RFE/RL to verify the claims.

Last week, the head of Ukrainian military intelligence, Kyrylo Budanov, said on Telegram that Russia's ballistic missile strike on Palm Sunday that left 34 people dead in Sumy was partly launched from the Kursk region.

Yan Matveyev, a Russian military analyst, said that Russia's 112th brigade -- one of those accused by Ukraine of carrying out the attack on Sumy -- does indeed have a dozen Iskander-M missiles.

"They can be stationed in different places and move around all the time.... Now they are also responsible for the whole northern direction and fire at various objects," Matveyev said in an interview with Current Time.

Zelenskyy met with defense industry representatives in Kyiv on April 16. He said Ukraine now produces 40 percent of the weapons used on the front line.

"Our defense industry is already manufacturing more than a thousand types of weapons: from artillery shells to missiles and long-range weapons, to our drones," Zelenskyy said during the meeting, according to his office.

Zelenskyy noted that Ukraine's growing defense sector now employs around 300,000 people and is attracting an increasing number of international partners. Domestic successes include the rapid rollout of new combat drones, artillery production, and Ukraine's own missile systems. Though the items currently are in limited quantities.

Matveyev says the Ukrainian-produced drone 'Lyutiy' could have taken part in recent attacks inside Russia.

"It is probably the most massive Ukrainian drone for attacks on some distant objects... It flies slowly, so it's not a big problem to shoot it down if the air defense calculations are ready," he said.

Despite the progress, Zelenskyy acknowledged Ukraine remains heavily reliant on foreign arms deliveries, including tanks, armored vehicles, and advanced air defense systems.

Last week, he proposed a $15 billion deal with the United States for 10 Patriot air defense systems to bolster Ukraines protection against Russian missile strikes.

The Ukrainian parliament has voted to extend martial law and a mobilization order by another 90 days. The two corresponding motions submitted by Zelenskyy received the required two-thirds majority. Once signed by Zelenskyy, martial law will apply until August 6. It was due to expire on May 9.

Former President Petro Poroshenko, who is Zelenskyy's main rival, accused the government of rushing the extension through parliament.

Martial law is "being used not only for the defense of the country, but also for the establishment of an authoritarian regime," Poroshenko claimed on social media.

The Ukrainian government first imposed martial law and ordered mobilization following Russia's full-scale invasion on February 24, 2022.

There has been speculation that Zelenskyy could call elections, which cannot be held under martial law. Conscripts aged between 18 and 60 are barred from leaving the country under the law.

With reporting by Reuters and dpa
News / National

by Simbarashe Sithole

The Prosecutor General Loice Matanda Moyo has issued a rotation and transfer memorandum of the National Prosecuting Authority's prosecutorial and administrative staff.According to the memorandum dated April 16, the move will go a long way in curbing allegations of corruption against staff members due to overstaying at stations."Take note that in terms of section 12 (1) of the NPA ( Code of Ethics) Regulations, 2015 the authority will be initiating transfers and rotation of both prosecutorial and administration personnel from the second quarter of 2025," reads part of the memorandum.Prosecutors who spoke to Bulawayo24.com expressed their displeasure, saying instead of rotating and transferring them, they should increase their salaries."How can they choose to toss us around like that? Instead they should increase our salaries because we are getting peanuts," lamented one prosecutor.Another prosecutor said transfers are a challenge because it takes time to settle in different places."The move is not good because it takes time to settle some of us have spent years and have invested in one area so moving about will be a big blow to us," added another prosecutor.Some prosecutors have indicated in their work group that it is better to resign because the NPA does not consider experience on remuneration.Some have opted for a demonstration because some cannot move from where they are not paying rent to go and pay rent.According to NPA the rotation and the transfers will be done in phases.
News / National

by Staff reporter

The Zimbabwe Defence Forces (ZDF) has moved swiftly to distance itself from the actions of retired Group Captain Boncace Mwakorera, a former Air Force of Zimbabwe officer, who was arrested yesterday alongside three University of Zimbabwe (UZ) academics during a protest over poor salaries and deteriorating working conditions.In a brief statement released today, the ZDF clarified that Mwakorera, who served in the Air Force before his retirement, no longer represents the institution and his involvement in the industrial action was in a personal capacity."The Zimbabwe Defence Forces wishes to make it categorically clear that Retired Group Captain Boncace Mwakorera is no longer a serving member of the military. His actions, including any involvement in civil demonstrations, are entirely his own and do not reflect the views or endorsement of the ZDF," read the statement.Mwakorera was arrested along with three UZ lecturers during a salary protest led by university staff demanding a return to pre-October 2018 wage levels. According to the lecturers, junior academics were earning the equivalent of US$2,250 a month in 2018, but that figure has since plummeted to just US$230, supplemented by a local currency component of up to ZiG8,000  currently valued at less than US$200.The arrested lecturers, whose names were not immediately released, are part of a growing movement within Zimbabwes higher education sector calling for urgent salary reviews and improved working conditions amid economic hardship and currency instability.More protests by university staff are reportedly being planned in solidarity with the arrested lecturers, raising concerns of a possible nationwide academic shutdown if the wage dispute remains unresolved.
Centre Assures SC: No New Appointments to Waqf Bodies Until Next Hearing

Senior Advocate Kapil Sibal argued that empowering the Collector to decide on Waqf status made him a judge in his own cause .

Centre Assures SC: No New Appointments to Waqf Bodies Until Next Hearing, Latest updates:

New Delhi, April 17, 2025 (ANI): The Centre on Thursday assured the Supreme Court that no fresh appointments will be made to the Waqf Board or Council until the next hearing. Solicitor General Tushar Mehta said a preliminary reply, along with relevant documents, will be submitted within seven days in response to petitions challenging the Waqf (Amendment) Act, 2025.

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The SC bench, led by Chief Justice Sanjiv Khanna and Justices PV Sanjay Kumar and KV Viswanathan, refused to stay the entire Act but reiterated that the current status quo must be maintained. We do not want the status to be altered while the matter is under consideration, said the CJI.

During Wednesdays hearing, the bench indicated it might stay certain provisionssuch as allowing non-Muslims in Waqf Boards, Collectors powers over Waqf property disputes, and the de-notification of properties declared as Waqf by courts. The CJI had said, Government cannot rewrite history, referring to the amended scope for de-notifying old Waqf properties.

Senior Advocate Kapil Sibal argued that empowering the Collector to decide on Waqf status made him a judge in his own cause, calling the amendment per se unconstitutional. He further said, It is a parliamentary usurpation of the faith of 200 million persons.

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The court also addressed recent violence in West Bengals Murshidabad linked to the Act. The one thing that is very disturbing is the violence taking place. The issue is before the court and we will decide, the bench noted.

The petitions, filed by MPs, MLAs, religious leaders, and NGOs, argue that the Act discriminates against the Muslim community and violates their fundamental rights. President Droupadi Murmu gave her assent to the Bill on April 5 after it was passed in Parliament.

( For more news apart from, 'Centre Assures SC: No New Appointments to Waqf Bodies Until Next Hearing, Stay tuned to Rozana Spokesman)
Number of Indian Students Studying Abroad in UK, US and Canada Decline Sharply in 2024

This shift marks a turning point after a decade of steady growth in the number of Indian students studying abroad.

Number of Indian Students Studying Abroad in UK, US and Canada Decline Sharply in 2024, Latest News; The number of Indian students going abroad for studies has declined sharply for the first time in the past four years, according to an analysis by The Indian Express based on the latest visa data.

A significant 25% decline was recorded in the number of Indian students receiving study permits to the top three foreign destinations for Indian students  the UK, the US, and Canada.

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In Canada, there was a 32% drop, with study permits falling from 2.78 lakh in 2023 to 1.89 lakh in 2024, according to The Indian Express, citing sources from Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC).

Similarly, in the US, a 34% drop was observed in the number of F1 visas, which fell from 1,31,000 in FY 2023 to 86,110 in FY 2024. In the UK, the drop stood at 26%, with sponsored student visas granted to Indians decreasing from 1,20,000 to 88,732, as per data from the UK Home Office analysed by the news outlet.

In FY 2019, the number of F1 visas issued to Indian students by the US stood at 43,714, which sharply declined to around 15,000 in 2020 due to the pandemic. The numbers bounced back in 2021 and continued to rise, peaking at 1,30,730 in 2023 before falling again to 86,110 in 2024.

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This decline comes at a time when several countries  particularly Canada and the UK  are tightening immigration rules. Both have introduced caps on student intake and placed restrictions on dependent visas, citing growing concerns over housing shortages and the strain international students place on public services like healthcare and infrastructure.

Canada has also ended the fast-track Student Direct Stream (SDS) program, which previously allowed quicker visa processing for students from countries like India. As a result, Indian students may now face longer processing times and stricter scrutiny. Additionally, Canada has announced plans to reduce the number of temporary residents  including international students, foreign workers, visitors, and their dependents  to 5% of its population by 2026.

Canada introduced a cap on study permits in 2024, which led to a 35% drop compared to the previous year. An additional 10% reduction has been announced for 2025. Canadian authorities have cited pressure on housing, healthcare, and other public services as the main reasons for these measures.

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As a result, the number of study permits granted to Indian students in Canada fell by 32%, from 2.78 lakh in 2023 to 1.89 lakh in 2024.

The UK also implemented new restrictions in 2024, particularly targeting foreign students bringing dependents. According to the UK Home Office, these changes partly impacted the number of visa approvals. Unlike the US and Canada, the UK saw an earlier decline in student visas for Indians, with a 13% drop in 2023, followed by a 26% fall in 2024.

This shift marks a turning point after a decade of steady growth in the number of Indian students studying abroad.

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( For more news apart from, 'Indian Students Studying Abroad- UK, US and Canada Decline Sharply in 2024, Stay tuned to Rozana Spokesman)
Indian-Origin Astrophysicist Leads Discovery of Potential Life-Sign on Exoplanet K2-18b (Representatinve image)

This is a revolutionary moment, he said. Its the first time humanity has seen a potential biosignature on a habitable planet.

Indian-Origin Astrophysicist Leads Discovery of Potential Life-Sign on Exoplanet K2-18b, Latest Updates:

Indian-origin astrophysicist Dr. Nikku Madhusudhan and his team have claimed to have found the strongest possible signs of extraterrestrial life on a distant planet known as K2-18b, according to a report by ANI citing The New York Times.

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The study was published on Wednesday in The Astrophysical Journal Letters.

K2-18b is a massive exoplanet located about 120 light-years away from Earth. It orbits a star and is not part of our solar system.

Scientists have analyzed the atmosphere of K2-18b multiple times. In each analysis, they consistently detected a particular molecule that, on Earth, is only produced by living organismsespecially marine algae. There is no known non-living or natural process on Earth that can generate this molecule.

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If this same molecule is present in large quantities on K2-18b, it could indicate the presence of living organisms or some form of life similar to what we know on Earth.

Dr. Nikku Madhusudhan, an astronomer at the University of Cambridge and the lead author of the new study, said during a news conference on Tuesday, It is in no ones interest to claim prematurely that we have detected life. He added that the most accurate way to describe his teams findings is that K2-18b appears to be engulfed by a warm ocean, brimming with life.

This is a revolutionary moment, he said. Its the first time humanity has seen a potential biosignature on a habitable planet.

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Other scientists have described the findings as intriguing. Its not nothing, said Stephen Schmidt, a planetary scientist at Johns Hopkins University. He added, Its a hint. But we cannot conclude its habitable yet.

Dr. Nikku Madhusudhan led the research team that studied K2-18bs atmosphere using data from the James Webb Space Telescope. His work focuses on exoplanetary atmospheres, planetary habitability, and biosignature gases  potential indicators of life.

K2-18b belongs to a planetary system centered around a star named K2-18. The planet was discovered in 2017 by Canadian astronomers using ground-based telescopes in Chile. K2-18b is classified as a sub-Neptune  a type of planet that is larger than Earth (about 2.6 times its radius) but smaller than Neptune.

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It is neither rocky like Earth nor fully gaseous like Jupiter. Instead, it may be a Hycean planet  a term introduced in 2021 by Madhusudhan and his team. The word Hycean is a combination of hydrogen and ocean, used to describe planets that may have deep, warm oceans of liquid water beneath hydrogen-rich atmospheres containing methane and other carbon-based compounds.

Madhusudhan and his team detected several molecules they had predicted would be present on a Hycean planet, along with the unexpected presence of another molecule  dimethyl sulfide (DMS), made up of sulfur, carbon, and hydrogen. On Earth, DMS is produced solely by living organisms, particularly marine algae, and contributes to the distinctive smell of the ocean. Due to this, scientists have long considered DMS a potential biosignature  a chemical indicator that could point to life on other planets. Therefore, finding DMS in the atmosphere of an exoplanet could suggest biological activity, though more evidence is required to confirm the presence of life.

Last year, Madhusudhan and his team observed an even stronger signal of dimethyl sulfide, alongside a similar compound, dimethyl disulfide.

"It is a shock to the system," Madhusudhan said. "We spent an enormous amount of time just trying to get rid of the signal."

In conclusion, while the detection of dimethyl sulfide (DMS) in K2-18b's atmosphere is an exciting hint that life might exist on this distant world, scientists urge caution. Theres still much uncertainty about the planets true nature  whether it's a life-friendly Hycean world or a hostile rocky planet with a scorching atmosphere. Researchers emphasize the need for further observations and lab experiments to better understand these alien environments. As planetary scientist Matthew Nixon put it, were only beginning to uncover the mysteries of such exotic worlds.

Scientists are urging caution despite the exciting detection of dimethyl sulfide on exoplanet K2-18b, a potential sign of life. They emphasize that we are still in the early stages of understanding such distant, exotic worlds. NASAs James Webb Space Telescope will continue examining K2-18b, but early findings could change with more data. Meanwhile, more advanced telescopes are being developed to study habitability beyond Earth. However, funding cuts to NASAs science budget  as reportedly planned by the Trump administration  could halt future astrobiology projects, potentially putting the search for extraterrestrial life at risk.
UK Supreme Court: Terms 'man,' 'woman,' and 'sex' in the Equality Act 2010 refer to biological sex  Landmark Judgment

The Supreme Court clarified that transgender individuals are still protected under the Equality Act 2010, just under different categories.

UK Supreme Court: Terms 'man,' 'woman,' and 'sex' in the Equality Act 2010 refer to biological sex  Landmark Judgment, latest News:

The UK Supreme Court on Wednesday delivered a landmark judgment clarifying the definitions of man, woman, and sex under the Equality Act 2010. The court ruled that legal protections for women under the Act apply only to biological females, and do not include trans women. It emphasized that although the word biological is not explicitly used in the law, its meaning is clear from the plain language of the Act, which refers to physical (biological) characteristics.

In its judgment, the court stated, "The Supreme Court unanimously allows the appeal. It holds that the terms 'man,' 'woman,' and 'sex' in the EA 2010 refer to biological sex."

Justices Lord Hodge, Lady Rose, and Lady Simler delivered a joint judgment, with all other justices in agreement.

The court further explained, "The definition of sex in the EA 2010 makes clear that the concept of sex is binary  a person is either a woman or a man. Persons who share that protected characteristic for the purposes of the group-based rights and protections are persons of the same sex. Provisions that refer to protection for women necessarily exclude men."

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Although the Act doesnt use the word biological, the court said the ordinary meaning of the terms aligns with biological characteristics, which are assumed to be self-explanatory.

Trans People Still Protected  But Under Different Provisions

The Supreme Court clarified that transgender individuals are still protected under the Equality Act 2010, just under different categories, such as gender reassignment and indirect discrimination.

"Transgender people (irrespective of whether they have a Gender Recognition Certificate) are protected by the indirect discrimination provisions of the EA 2010. This applies both in cases of disadvantage shared by those with the characteristic of gender reassignment, and where members of the sex they identify with are disadvantaged  as long as they also share in that disadvantage," the court said.

Trans-individuals can still challenge unfair treatment if they are affected along with their identified gender group or with their biological sex group, even without a GRC.

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Background of the Case

The case began in 2018, when a group of campaigners in Scotland challenged how the Equality Act was being interpreted. They argued that legal rights and protections for women  such as access to single-sex spaces  should apply only to those assigned female at birth.

However, the Scottish government took a different stance. It argued that a trans woman with a Gender Recognition Certificate (GRC) is legally recognized as a woman, and should therefore be afforded the same rights and protections as other women under the law.

This disagreement over the definition of woman led to the UK Supreme Courts recent judgment, which settled the matter by stating that for the purposes of the Equality Act 2010, sex refers to biological sex, not gender identity.

( For more news apart from, 'UK Supreme Court: Terms 'man,' 'woman,' and 'sex' in the Equality Act 2010 refer to biological sex  Landmark Judgment, Stay tuned to Rozana Spokesman)
Christians before Easter

Easter is the oldest and most important celebration of Christianity, which brought humanity the hope of salvation and eternal life, through the sacrifice of Jesus Christ.

Holy Friday procession

Mihai Pelin, 17.04.2025, 14:00

The Orthodox Christians in Romania are preparing to celebrate Easter  the feast of light and joy, considered the greatest celebration of Christianity, which signifies the Resurrection of the Lord, Jesus Christ. The Easter celebrations take place over three days. Easter is marked this year on April 20 by Christians of all rites, a rare situation, given that Western churches celebrate Easter according to the Gregorian calendar, while Eastern churches use the Julian calendar. Easter is preceded by a long period of fasting, and in the last week of Lent, called Passion Week, the triumphal entry of Jesus Christ into Jerusalem is celebrated.

The Patriarch of the Romanian Orthodox Church, His Beatitude Father Daniel, conveyed a message in which he urges the believers, on the occasion of Holy Easter, to show love, forgiveness and joy towards those around them. Through His humble and merciful love, the Lord Jesus Christ shows, on the Cross, humble obedience to God and merciful forgiveness towards those who crucified Him. Thus, the Lord Jesus Christ lifts or heals the sin of disobedience of the proto-parents Adam and Eve for the salvation of the world and, at the same time, replaces murderous violence with peace-making love. The celebration of the Holy Easter calls on all of us to show humble and merciful love, forgiveness, peace and joy to people around us as gifts of the Risen Christ, said the Patriarch Daniel. We wish all Romanians in Romania, near its borders and in the diaspora, peace and joy, health and happiness, together with the Easter wish: Christ is risen! Indeed he is risen! the Patriarch of the Romanian Orthodox Church also said.

The eggs painted red are the symbol of the Holy Easter Holidays, along with the traditional Romanian Easter cheese bread and nut and cocoa sweet bread. They are usually prepared on Maundy Thursday, because, according to tradition, eggs dyed red on this day do not spoil throughout the year. This custom of dyeing eggs is explained by a series of Christian legends, which link their symbol to the passions of Jesus. One of them recalls the fact that Mary the Mother of God, coming to see her crucified Son, brought a basket of eggs which she placed under the cross, and they turned red by the blood shed by Jesus for the salvation of the world.

Every year, in Jerusalem, the Holy Light is lit in the tomb of Jesus, testifying to the place of the Saviors Resurrection. It is considered the oldest miracle in the Christian world and one of the essential moments of the Orthodox liturgical tradition. The Light is received by the Patriarch of Jerusalem, who then shares it with the priests and believers present at that moment in the Church of the Holy Sepulchre and thus is distributed throughout the world. It will be brought from Jerusalem to Romania on Saturday evening by the high official of the Romanian Patriarchates Establishments at the Holy Places, Archimandrite Teofil Anastasoaie, and will be offered to the delegates of the bishoprics throughout the country. Subsequently, it will reach the homes of all Romanians who wish to receive it. The tradition of bringing the Holy Light to Romania was inaugurated in 2009 by Patriarch Daniel. (LS)
People walk along the beach in the Jersey Shore community of Wildwood on May 27, 2021. (Spencer Platt/Getty Images - image credit)

For as long as Matt Levy has been running Spread Love Tours in New York City, he could always rely on Canadians to bring him business.

"I can tell you, 30 to 50 per cent of the tours that my company gives are for Canadian high school groups," Levy recently said, moments before giving a tour to a group from Georgia.

Spread Love Tours NYC, which has been in business for more than two decades, takes visitors to all of the major landmarks. Levy, who does many of the tours himself, has taken thousands of Canadians around the city he loves.

But this year, he said he has barely any Canadian bookings.

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"My company grossed $35,000 exclusively from Canadian high school kids coming to New York City for their class trip," he said about his 2024 earnings. This year, he's at $5,000, with cancellations happening every week.

Levy said his Canadian customers aren't saying explicitly why they're cancelling, but he has put two and two together.

"I know why, and it's because my president is threatening to annex your country."

President Donald Trump first made the suggestion that Canada should become the 51st state in December, after his election victory in November. He has repeated the suggestion many times since, along with airing grievances about the U.S.-Canada trade relationship and border security.

That's in addition to unleashing a historic tariff policy against Canada and the rest of the world.

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The effect on tourism came fast and furious, with Canadians making public declarations about cancelling their U.S. vacations or refusing to visit their southern neighbour altogether.

Cancelled trips

In recent months, Canadian airlines have reduced or cancelled flights due to a drop in demand.

Land border crossings between Canada and the U.S. have also dropped significantly, with March showing close to a million fewer travellers compared to the same period last year, according to the U.S. Customs and Border Protection.

"I don't blame you. I wouldn't come down to my country either if I were in your situation," said Levy.

WATCH | How one NYC tour guide is feeling the effect of fewer Canadians travelling to the U.S.:

He describes the loss of business as heartbreaking, and that it affects everyone who works for his company.

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He's not the only one feeling the sudden freeze from Canadian tourists. There is fear and concern across the entire U.S. tourism industry.

According to the U.S. Travel Association, Canada was the top source of international visitors to the U.S. in 2024, generating $20 billion US and supporting 140,000 jobs.

'We love you guys'

In popular destinations like Palm Springs, Calif., the city government has begun installing banners on streetlights that read Palm Springs  Canada.

Other states like Florida and Arizona, where Canadians are a top source of tourism revenue, are sounding the alarm.

Mike Huckins of the Greater Phoenix Chamber of Commerce recently told media outlet Arizona Family, "We have a lot of snowbirds that come in from Canada for long periods of time. Arizona is kind of famous for it, so a little concerned about some of those visitors delaying or ending their plans to come for an extended amount of time."

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There's also worry in Wildwood, N.J., a Jersey Shore beach town where Canadians are so ubiquitous in the summer months that there are hotels with names like the Quebec Motel and the Royal Canadian.

John Donio, the president of the Wildwood Business Improvement District, is happy to report there hasn't been a wave of cancellations in recent months. But there is enough of a concern that he's working with his fellow business owners on some new messaging.

"We just want our friends up north to know that here in New Jersey, in the Wildwoods, we love you guys," he said. "You're welcome here always  and we know that without our Canadian friends, it's just not the same in the Wildwoods."

WATCH | N.J. beach town wants its Canadian visitors to come this summer:

Michael Bolero, general manager at the Bolero, a resort in Wildwood, got a telling phone call from a guest with a summer booking. She wanted to know about the resort's cancellation fee, in case President Trump escalates tensions with Canada.

"Unfortunately, we did say that there's no free cancellations on geopolitical issues," Bolero said.

'It's a big family, and we have to resolve it'

Canadian visitors have been guests for decades at the Quebec Motel, so named by the original owner after he spent time in Canada.

Lester Katsanis, the current owner of the motel, is acutely aware of the special relationship between Wildwood and its Canadian visitors. He can recall families who've returned summer after summer  watching their children grow up and eventually return with kids of their own.

He's optimistic that Wildwood's relationship with Canadians will survive the fraught state of Canada-U.S. relations.

"It's a big family, and we have to resolve it," he said, referring to the longstanding bond between Canada and the U.S. "We love you."

WATCH | Will dwindling Canadian tourism sting the U.S. economy?

Levy is also trying to remain optimistic, even as Canadians seem set to choose politics over their travel plans.

"I do know that Canadians have a long memory and don't forgive easily. I do think that New York is very distinct and very separate from American politics and identity. And I do think that Canadians will return to New York soon."
Hexagon AB (HEXA-B.ST), a digital reality solutions company, on Thursday announced that it has signed an agreement to buy the Unified Communications Radio Suite or UCRS software assets from CONET Communications GmbH, a unit of CONET Group.

"Combining UCRS with Hexagon's public safety platform will provide agencies with a fully integrated command-and-control solution from one vendor," Hexagon said in a statement.

Financial terms of the deal have not been disclosed.

The transaction is expected to be finalised by the end of the second quarter of 2025.

UCRS is a powerful system that connects and manages various communication channels in control centres.

The combination is expected to earn around 10 million euros in 2025, with profit margins in line with the division's average.

Hexagon is currently trading 0.82% higher at SEK 89.24 on the Stockholm Stock Exchange.

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Business News
Japan exports growth weakened more than expected in March partly reflecting the impact of US trade tariffs, while imports recovered moderately, official data showed on Thursday.



Exports increased 3.9 percent on a yearly basis in March, slower than the 11.4 percent rise in February, the Ministry of Finance revealed.

Shipments were forecast to grow 4.5 percent. Nonetheless, this was the sixth consecutive rise in exports.

At the same time, imports grew 2.0 percent, in contrast to the 0.7 percent decrease in February. However, the rate was weaker than economists' forecast of 3.1 percent.

As a result, the trade balance posted a surplus of JPY 544.05 billion compared to a JPY 349.85 billion surplus in the same period last year.

Exports to the US rose 3.1 percent, while imports from the US declined 4.6 percent. At the same time, exports to China fell 4.8 percent and imports from China surged 15.9 percent.

Data showed that exports to Hong Kong, Taiwan and South Korea increased in March. Overall exports to Asia advanced 5.5 percent and imports were up 11.4 percent.

ING economist Min Joo Kang said all eyes now turn to trade talks with the US as Japanese exports disappoint and tariff headwinds intensify.

The economist noted that there is rerouting of exports within Asia to avoid tariff conflicts with the US. As China is the largest producer of semiconductors, the economist expressed concerned about a downward cycle in the sector.

Capital Economics economist Marcel Thieliant said exports will rise again over the next few months as US importers rush to place orders before the 90-day suspension of Trump's reciprocal tariffs expires in July.

Thieliant said the base case is that the reciprocal tariffs will be suspended indefinitely, which means that export volumes should return to normal levels again before long.

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Business News
Fidelity National Information Services (FIS), a financial company, Thursday said it has agreed to acquire rival Global Payments' (GPN) Issuer Solutions for an enterprise value of $13.5 billion.

Issuer Solutions, a credit processing firm, processes more than 40 billion transactions per year.

The acquisition is expected to add to adjusted earnings in the first 12 months, with more than $125 million of revenue synergies longer-term. Within three years, the purchase is expected to deliver $45 million in incremental revenue synergies and more than $150 million in net EBITDA synergies.

Parallelly, FIS has agreed to sell its stake in Worldpay to Global Payments for a pre-tax price of $6.6 billion.

Both the transactions are expected to close in the first half of 2026.

"Issuer Solutions' globally scaled credit processing capabilities are highly complementary to FIS' established debit processing capabilities, strengthening our broader banking and capital offering," said Stephanie Ferris, Chief Executive Officer and President of FIS. "We are pleased to fully monetize our Worldpay stake at an attractive valuation. The transaction enhances FIS' financial profile and replaces our non-cash generating minority stake in Worldpay with a growing stream of recurring high-margin revenues and cash flows."

FIS also provided preliminary results for the first quarter. For the quarter, the company expects revenue of $2.5 billion, and adjusted EPS of about $1.21.

On average, 25 analysts expect the company to report earnings of $1.20 per share on revenue of $2.5 billion for the quarter. Analysts' estimates typically exclude special items.

Additionally, the company has confirmed its fiscal 2025 outlook for adjusted revenue growth, adjusted EBITDA, and adjusted EPS.

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Business News
The European Commission has proposed to accelerate the implementation of certain aspects of the Pact on Migration and Asylum, which is due to enter into application in June 2026.

The Commission is proposing to frontload two key elements of the Asylum Procedure Regulation with the aim of supporting Member States to process asylum claims faster and more efficiently for applicants whose claims are likely to be unfounded.

In addition, the Commission is proposing to establish an EU list of safe countries of origin, with applications from asylum-seekers of those countries processed in an accelerated or border procedure.

The first EU list of safe countries of origin includes Kosovo, Bangladesh, Colombia, Egypt, India, Morocco and Tunisia.

An EU list will complement these and support a more uniform application of the concept, which allows Member States to process asylum claims of nationals from countries on the list in an accelerated procedure, on the basis that their claims are unlikely to be successful.

The Commission said it is also considering that EU candidate countries, in principle, meet the criteria to be designated as safe countries of origin since as part of their EU membership path, they are working towards reaching the stability of institutions guaranteeing democracy, the rule of law, human rights and respect for and protection of minorities.

The EU list of safe countries of origin can be expanded or reviewed over time. Countries can also be suspended or removed from the list, should they no longer fulfill the criteria for being designated as a safe country of origin.

This proposal is subject to approval by the European Parliament and the Council.

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Business News
The Canadian market, which retreated after an early upmove Thursday morning, gained in strength in late morning trades with stocks from energy, communications and utilities sectors moving higher on fairly strong buying support.

However, with a long weekend ahead, and the trade policy of U.S. President Donald Trump remaining uncertain, the mood in the market is quite cautious so far.

The benchmark S&P/TSX Composite Index is up 101.71 points or 0.43% at 24,208.50, recovering from a low of 24,058.27. The index looks set to end the holiday-shortened week with a gain of about 2.5%.

VersaBank is soaring nearly 15%. Through its wholly owned subsidiary, VersaBank USA National Association, the bank has entered into an agreement with its second US Receivable Purchase Program partner under which the partner will leverage VersaBank's innovative RPP to fund a portion of its loan and lease originations.

Source Energy Services is rising 8.5%. MEG Energy Corp, Precision Drilling Corporation, Finning International, Brookfield Renewable Corporation, Suncor Energy, Pembina Pipeline Corporation, Imperial Oil, Hydro One, Linamar Corporation and Tourmaline Oil Corporation are gaining 2 to 4%.

MAG Silver Corp, MDA Space, Hut 8 Corp, Seabridge Gold, Pan American Silver Corp, Barrick Gold Corporation and Alamos Gold are down 2 to 3%.

Torex Gold Resources, Badger Infrastructure, Telesat Corporation, Newmont Corporation, Aritzia, Constellation Software, MTY Food Group, Agnico Eagle Mines and Teck Resources are lower by 1 to 2%.

On the trade front, U.S. President Donald Trump touted "big progress" in tariff talks with Japan. Japanese representative Ryosei Akazawa revealed limited details but confirmed a second meeting is scheduled for later this month, noting Trump called a deal with Japan a "top priority."

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Crude oil futures moved sharply higher during trading on Thursday, extending the strong upward move seen in the previous session.

After jumping $1.14 or 1.9 percent to $62.47 a barrel, crude for May delivery spiked $2.21 or 3.5 percent to $64.68 a barrel.

The continued surge by the price of crude oil came amid ongoing concerns about Iranian oil exports after Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said the U.S will continue to apply pressure on Iran after imposing new sanctions on Chinese importers of Iranian crude oil on Wednesday.

"We will apply maximum pressure on Iran and disrupt the regime's oil supply chain and exports, which support terrorist proxies and partners," Bessent posted on X. "Any refinery, company, or broker that chooses to purchase Iranian oil or facilitate Iran's oil trade places itself at serious risk."

He added, "We are prepared to take all actions available to get Iran's energy exports down to zero, where they belong, and keep Americans safe."

The increase by the price of crude oil may also have reflected optimism about possible trade deals following upbeat comments from President Donald Trump

Trump said in a post on Truth Social on Wednesday that "big progress" had been made in a meeting with the Japanese trade delegation.

"Had a very productive call with the President of Mexico yesterday," he added in a post this morning. "Likewise, I met with the highest level Japanese Trade Representatives. It was a very productive meeting. Every Nation, including China, wants to meet! Today, Italy!"

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Market Analysis
The Colombian government has declared a national emergency late Wednesday following a sharp rise in yellow fever cases.

Since the beginning of last year, the outbreak has led to 74 confirmed infections and 34 deaths, according to Health Minister Guillermo Alfonso Jaramillo.

Yellow fever is a viral disease transmitted to humans through the bite of infected mosquitoes. While preventable by a vaccine, the current surge has raised serious public health concerns.

Health officials are urging citizens to get vaccinated ahead of the Easter weekend, a period when many Colombians travel to warmer regions where mosquito populations, and thus the risk of transmission, are higher. The yellow fever vaccine is provided free of charge in Colombia.

Minister Jaramillo emphasized the severity of the situation, noting that the current outbreak has a nearly 50 percent mortality rate. "This has been particularly deadly," he told Colombian radio station RCN. Notably, most cases have been concentrated in the eastern part of Tolima province.

Yellow fever had been largely under control in Colombia, with just two cases reported in 2023 and none between 2019 and 2022, according to the Ministry of Health.

The situation in Colombia mirrors a broader regional concern. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recently elevated the yellow fever risk in South America to Level 2, citing a rising number of cases.

Travelers to Colombia, Bolivia, and Peru are now advised to take enhanced precautions, including vaccination at least 10 days before travel and strict mosquito bite prevention measures.

For comments and feedback contact: editorial@rttnews.com

Health News
Victoria da Graca Gilberto Samboco at the AfAS General Assembly and Conference, where she received her prize

Rhodes University doctoral student Victoria da Graca Gilberto Samboco has been awarded the 2024 African Astronomical Society (AfAS) MSc Prize, a prestigious honour recognising her exceptional contributions to the field of radio astronomy. The award was announced during the AfAS General Assembly and Conference.

The AfAS MSc Prize is part of the societys inaugural MSc and PhD awards initiative, established by the Early Career Science Sub-committee to acknowledge academic excellence and research innovation by emerging African astronomers. Samboco, a 27-year-old Mozambican and second-year PhD student at Rhodes University, was selected as the winner for the Southern African regionone of only two regions awarded this year.

This award is a reflection of the hard work and dedication that went into the SolarKAT pipeline, said Samboco. Its an incredible honour to see our work acknowledged on a continental scale.

Her MSc research, titled SolarKAT: Solar Imaging Pipeline for MeerKAT, addresses a crucial challenge in radio astronomysolar interference. Solar emissions frequently disrupt observations from radio telescopes such as South Africas MeerKAT, a key instrument in global astronomy research. Sambocos project developed a dedicated pipeline to isolate and eliminate solar emissions from observational data, significantly improving the clarity and reliability of the telescopes output.

By improving the quality of daytime observations, were unlocking the potential to study transient and dynamic cosmic eventslike pulsars and supernovaewith greater accuracy, she explained.

Samboco expressed gratitude to her supervisors, Professor Oleg Smirnov and Professor Ian Heywood, for their invaluable support throughout her MSc journey.

Now pursuing her PhD at Rhodes University, she is expanding her research into time-domain astronomy and transient source detectionkey areas in understanding the evolving universe.

The AfAS MSc Prize not only recognises individual achievement but also highlights the growing influence of African scientists in the international astronomy community. It aims to foster collaboration and excellence across the continent, encouraging the next generation of African astronomers.

Sambocos success stands as both a personal milestone and a symbol of the thriving talent within Africas scientific community.
2025 Student Representative Council at #RUGrad2025 [PHOTO CREDIT: Zekhetelo Ncanana]

By: Siyabulela Hlebani (2024 SRC Media Councillor)

The #RUGrad2025 ceremonies at Rhodes University were a vibrant celebration of academic achievement and a resounding affirmation of the institution's guiding principle: Where Leaders Learn. Notably, this year's graduation recognised 23 accomplished former and current Student Representative Council (SRC) members spanning several years. Their graduation illustrates the University's ability to foster young leaders who succeed in their academic pursuits and make significant contributions beyond the lecture hall.

These dedicated individuals skillfully navigated the demands of advocacy, administration, and their studies, demonstrating exceptional commitment. Their past and ongoing service with honour and distinction leaves an enduring legacy of excellence, embodying Rhodes University's fundamental promise of cultivating impactful leaders. One of the historic highlights of this years ceremony was the simultaneous graduation of three consecutive SRC Presidents  Avuxeni Tyala (2023), Thandolwethu May (2024), and Siyanda Vilakazi (2025)  marking a first in the Universitys history. Each brought a unique leadership style to their term, yet all share the common thread of having led with principle while maintaining their academic trajectory. Their graduation and the rest of their council peers symbolise the ethos of responsible leadership, where service does not compromise scholarship.

In his keynote address, Vice-Chancellor Professor Sizwe Mabizela praised the integrity and growth of Rhodes University student leaders. Unlike other universities where student leaders often overstay their welcome, The Vice Chancellor remarked to warm applause, Rhodes University has cultivated a culture where student leaders serve purposefully, complete their terms, and graduate with dignity. That is true leadership.

The 23 SRC graduates embody the Universitys core belief that student governance is not an obstacle to success but a training ground for it. This collective achievement reinforces the belief that leadership and learning go hand in hand. It also challenges misconceptions that student leaders are distanced from academic priorities. Their presence on the stage proved quite the opposite: that leadership, when rooted in service, enhances ones growth inside and outside the lecture hall.

Other student leaders include mentors, peer educators, society leaders, residence representatives, and community engagement volunteers among former and current SRC graduates. Many are also first-generation university students, athletes, creatives, and tutors, reflecting the diversity and dynamism of the student body. Their graduation is more than an individual accomplishment; it demonstrates the Universitys commitment to developing well-rounded, ethical leaders who leave a mark on campus and are prepared to make a difference in the world.

Serving in the SRC requires extraordinary discipline, time management, and emotional intelligence in a university environment often marked by tight deadlines, academic pressure, and personal commitments. These student leaders showed that it is possible to lead and still succeed academically  a message that resonates deeply with current and prospective students alike. For those considering Rhodes University as their prospective academic home, the message is clear: this is a place where you can grow beyond the classroom, where leadership is nurtured, and where your voice and actions can shape your university experience while still achieving academic excellence.

Rhodes University is about acquiring knowledge and developing the courage, character, and capability that make a lasting difference. The 2025 Autumn Graduation, with its proud procession of student leaders-turned-graduates, is a vivid example of the Universitys experience in action. It is an institution where leadership is earned through service, success is measured in degrees and impact, and young people are empowered to become their best version.

As the University community continues to celebrate this milestone, the legacy of the 23 graduating former and current SRC members will remain an enduring reminder of what it truly means to learn, lead, and leave a legacy.
Dirt ants (genus Basiceros) are widely distributed yet rarely encountered members of Neotropical ecosystems. Their rarity is attributed to a cryptobiotic life habit. These ants possess specialized hairs that help adhere soil and litter particles to their integument, hence the common name. Paleontologists have now discovered the first fossil of this genus group, Basiceros enana, in Miocene-aged Dominican amber.

Measuring at 5.13 mm long, Basiceros enana is considerably smaller than its modern relatives which can reach nearly 9 mm in length, making the Caribbean species the smallest now known across the lineage.

The fossil adult worker ant offers direct evidence that the cryptic ant group once inhabited the Caribbean islands before undergoing local extinction sometime during the Miocene epoch (23 to 5.3 million years ago), said Dr. Gianpiero Fiorentino, a Ph.D. candidate at New Jersey Institute of Technology.

Dirt ants are rare finds in the wild. Finding one today is exciting given how well they stay hidden, but captured in amber, its like finding a diamond.

This fossil is singularly distinct from all its modern relatives and reshapes the evolutionary history of Basiceros.

Until now, Basiceros ants had only been known to the Neotropical rainforests stretching from Costa Rica to southern Brazil.

While the genus includes a total of nine living species today, the unexpected fossil discovery raises new questions about how the ant group reached their present-day habitats.

Often lineages will have what appear to be fairly straightforward biogeographic histories. If you find a group of animals that only live in South America up to Costa Rica today, you really have no reason to expect that their early relatives lived in the Caribbean, said Dr. Phil Barden, also from New Jersey Institute of Technology.

A fossil like this underscores how the distribution of living species can belie the complex evolutionary history of life on our planet.

Using advanced imaging and 3D reconstruction techniques, the researchers studied Basiceros enana in detail.

They compared the specimens physical characteristics with those of all known modern dirt ant species and conducted molecular dating analyses to trace its evolutionary lineage.

The use of Micro-CT scanning really amplified this study, enabling us to capture features that were virtually impossible to see otherwise, Fiorentino said.

Because amber preserves entire organisms in three dimensions, we can extract a ton of data from even a tiny ant, Dr. Barden added.

Our results show that the embiggening of these ants was relatively rapid, Fiorentino said.

They almost doubled in size in the span of 20 million years.

Previous hypotheses suggested that these ants were ancestrally large and shrank over time, so this flips that on its head and really illustrates how important fossils can be to understanding the evolution of a lineage.

However, Basiceros enana also suggests some of the same adaptations that make modern dirt ants nearly invisible to predators and prey in their environment (an ability known as crypsis) were already in place at least 16 million years ago.

These features include two layers of specialized hairs (or setae) for adhering soil and leaf litter particles against their bodies: longer erect brush hairs and shorter, appressed holding hairs that trap particles against its exoskeleton, or cuticle.

What this shows is that playing dead and hiding pays off, Fiorentino said.

Uncovering a unique fossil like this helps us understand how long organisms may have been employing this strategy, though the presence of these characteristics does not necessarily guarantee they behaved in this way.

The fossil ant also possesses other distinctive morphological characteristics like todays dirt ants, including an upturned propodeal spine, a trapezoid-like head structure, as well as predatory features such as mandibles with 12 triangular teeth.

Despite these specialized adaptations, the ancient Caribbean dirt ants ultimately vanished from the region during significant ecological changes of the Miocene.

The presence of Basiceros in Dominican amber suggests ancient land bridges may have provided pathways for these ants to traverse from the mainland to the Caribbean, Dr. Barden said.

This fossil is a piece of a larger puzzle that will help us understand why some groups of organisms undergo extinction and others stick it out for millions of years.

Their extinction could have come down to a loss of available niches or interspecific competition, Fiorentino said.

These ants are predators, and an overall trend that we see from the Caribbean is a loss of predator ant diversity.

Over a third of ant genera have gone extinct on the island of modern-day Dominican Republic since the formation of Dominican amber.

Understanding what has driven this pattern of local extinction is crucial to mitigating modern human-driven extinction and protecting biodiversity.

The teams paper was published in the Proceedings of the Royal Society B.

_____

Gianpiero Fiorentino et al. 2025. A fossil-informed pattern of body size increase and local extinction in Basiceros dirt ants (Hymenoptera: Formicidae). Proc. R. Soc. B 292 (2045): 20242171; doi: 10.1098/rspb.2024.2171
One reason why our livers excel at clearing waste from our blood system is that the organ functions according to three key "zones" that perform specific major tasks. So, if scientists hope to create self-growing patches of liver organoid tissue that could help repair damaged organs, it's important that the lab-grown tissue faithfully reproduce such zones.

In a groundbreaking paper published April 16, 2025, in the journal Nature, a team of organoid medicine experts at Cincinnati Children's reports achieving just such a milestone -- made from human stem cells. When these humanized organoids were transplanted into rodents whose own liver-bile duct system had been disconnected, the improved organoids nearly doubled the rodents' survival rate.

"The research community has long needed a better model for studying human liver biology and disease, because there are outstanding hepatocyte diversity and associated functional orchestrations in the human liver that do not exist in rodents," says Takanori Takebe, MD, PhD, the study's corresponding author. "This new system paves the way for studying, and eventually treating, a wide range of otherwise fatal liver disorders."

Takebe is Director for Commercial Innovation at Cincinnati Children's Center for Stem Cell and Organoid Medicine (CuSTOM). He has been studying methods for growing liver organoids for over 13 years. Breakthroughs from his lab include producing the first connected set of three organoids grown together, a novel way to mass produce liver organoids for research purposes, and gene-engineered liver organoids that may someday help treat severe jaundice.

In the short term, these multi-zonal liver organoids will help scientists shed new light on diseases including diabetes, drug-induced liver injury, alcohol-related liver disease, and viral hepatitis. In turn, such work could accelerate drug development and other approaches to restore liver health.

Longer-term, for people on waiting lists for liver transplantation, this study moves the medical community one step closer to "growing" a patient's own liver replacement tissue instead of relying on organ donation.

Currently, more than 9,000 Americans are registered on waiting lists to receive a liver transplant, according to the federal Organ Procurement and Transplantation Network. Every year, an estimated 2,000 people die waiting lists, while far more people never become eligible.

"This discovery is exciting for multiple reasons," says Aaron Zorn, PhD, Co-Director of CuSTOM. "At one level, it shows that we have taken a significant step forward at growing liver tissue in the lab that accurately mimic human liver function. While human liver organoid transplantation remains at least several years away, in the lab, these special tissues may help us find ways to prevent people from ever needing a liver transplant."

What's next?

The new study lays out numerous details of how the new organoids were developed, and how they function -- including genetic information down to the single-cell level. But even more research is needed to fully understand how the organoids match up with natural human organ development.

Scientists also are working to develop chemical methods rather than genetic editing to trigger zonal development in the new organoids. This would make it more practical to study disease development and drug responses at a personal level.

In the near-term, however, using these new liver organoids in lab settings to more accurately predict drug metabolism and toxicity may be the biggest medical impact that this innovation will have, Zorn says.

About the study

Cincinnati Children's co-authors include Hasan Al Reza, MS, Connie Santangelo, MS, Abid Al Reza, PhD, Kentaro Iwasawa, MD, PhD, Kathryn Glaser, MS, Alexander Bondoc, MD, and Jonathan Merola, MD, PhD.

This study was supported by members of several shared facilities at Cincinnati Children's: the Confocal Imaging Core, Pathology Research Core, Pluripotent Stem Cell Facility, Transgenic Animal and Genome Editing Core, Veterinary Services Facility, and Single Cell Genomics Core.

Funding sources for this work include a Cincinnati Children's Research Foundation CURE grant, a Falk Transformational Award, an NIH Director's New Innovator Award (DP2 DK128799-01), NIH grant (R01DK135478), grants from the Japan Agency for Medical Research and Development, and support from the Takeda Science Foundation and the Mitsubishi Foundation.
Beneath the steaming geysers and bubbling mud pots of Yellowstone National Park lies one of the world's most closely watched volcanic systems. Now a team of geoscientists has uncovered new evidence that sheds light on how this mighty system may behave in the future -- and what might keep it from erupting. The findings were recently published in Nature.

A team of researchers from Rice University, University of New Mexico, University of Utah and the University of Texas at Dallas have discovered a sharp, volatile-rich cap just 3.8 kilometers beneath Yellowstone's surface. This cap, made of magma, acts like a lid, helping to trap pressure and heat below it. Using innovative controlled-source seismic imaging and advanced computer models, their findings suggest that the Yellowstone magma reservoir is actively releasing gas while remaining in a stable state.

The research, led by Rice's Chenglong Duan and Brandon Schmandt along with collaborators, provides new insight into how magma, volatiles and fluids move within Earth's crust. The project was supported by the National Science Foundation.

"For decades, we've known there's magma beneath Yellowstone, but the exact depth and structure of its upper boundary has been a big question," said Schmandt, professor of Earth, environmental and planetary sciences. "What we've found is that this reservoir hasn't shut down -- it's been sitting there for a couple million years, but it's still dynamic."

Previous studies suggested the top of Yellowstone's magma system could lie anywhere from 3 to 8 kilometers deep -- an uncertainty that left geologists debating how the magma system today compares with conditions before prior eruptions.

That changed after Schmandt conducted a high-resolution seismic survey in the northeastern part of the caldera. A 53,000-pound vibroseis truck -- typically used for oil and gas exploration -- essentially generated tiny earthquakes to send seismic waves into the ground. These waves reflected off subsurface layers and were recorded at the surface, revealing a sharp boundary at about 3.8 km depth.

"The motivation behind my research is to advance structural seismic imaging beyond the limits of conventional travel-time methods," said Duan, a postdoctoral research associate. "Using a wave-equation imaging technique I developed during my Ph.D. for irregular seismic data, we made one of the first super clear images of the top of the magma reservoir beneath Yellowstone caldera."

"Seeing such a strong reflector at that depth was a surprise," Schmandt said. "It tells us that something physically distinct is happening there -- likely a buildup of partially molten rock interspersed with gas bubbles."

To better understand what causes this signal, Duan and Schmandt modeled various rock, melt and volatile combinations. The best match they determined is a mixture of silicate melt and supercritical water bubbles within a porous rock matrix resulting in a volatile-rich cap with about 14% porosity, half of which is occupied by fluid bubbles.

As magma rises and decompresses in volcanic systems, gases like water and carbon dioxide exsolve from the melt, forming bubbles. In some cases, these bubbles can accumulate, increasing buoyancy and potentially driving explosive eruptions.

But present conditions at Yellowstone appear to tell a different story.

"Although we detected a volatile-rich layer, its bubble and melt contents are below the levels typically associated with imminent eruption," Schmandt said. "Instead, it looks like the system is efficiently venting gas through cracks and channels between mineral crystals, which makes sense to me given Yellowstone's abundant hydrothermal features emitting magmatic gases."

Schmandt likened the system to "steady breathing" with bubbles rising and releasing through the porous rock -- a natural pressure-release valve that lowers eruption risk.

Getting these results was anything but easy. The research team not only completed the field survey in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic, but they also had to coordinate the project within a busy and carefully protected national park. This meant they could only operate the heavy vibroseis truck at night and only from designated roadside turnouts. More than 600 seismometers were temporarily deployed to record the vibroseis truck signals, then recovered a few weeks later. Collaboration with University of Utah professor Jamie Farrell, a Yellowstone geophysics expert and seismic network operator, was essential to making this unusual survey possible, Schmandt said.

Processing the data proved just as difficult. Yellowstone's complex geology -- known for scattering seismic waves -- produced noisy data that were initially hard to interpret. But with persistence and many discussions with Schmandt, Duan said he kept going, refining his approach again and again until the numbers finally told a clear story.

"The challenge was that the raw data made it almost impossible to visualize any reflection signals," Duan said. "We used the STA/LTA function to enhance coherent seismic reflections, and this was the first time we had innovatively applied STA/LTA data within the wave-equation imaging algorithm."

Duan said that just like traversing the rocky landscape of Yellowstone, tenacity is key for navigating its mysteries underground.

"When you see noisy, challenging data, don't give up," Duan said. "After we realized the standard processing was not going to work, that's when we got creative and adapted our approach."

By identifying this sharp, volatile-rich cap beneath Yellowstone, Schmandt's team has established a new benchmark for monitoring the volcano's activity. Future research could attempt to detect any shifts in melt content or gas accumulation that may serve as early warning signs of unrest.

Beyond Yellowstone, the study offers broader insights into onshore subsurface imaging with potential applications not only for volcano monitoring but also for carbon storage, energy exploration and hazard assessment.

"Being able to image what's happening underground is important for everything from geothermal energy to storing carbon dioxide," Schmandt said. "This work shows that with creativity and perseverance, we can see through complicated data and reveal what's happening beneath our feet."
Physicists in the Harvard John A. Paulson School of Engineering and Applied Sciences (SEAS) have created a compact laser that emits extremely bright, short pulses of light in a useful but difficult-to-achieve wavelength range, packing the performance of larger photonic devices onto a single chip.

Published in Nature, the research is the first demonstration of an on-chip, picosecond, mid-infrared laser pulse generator that requires no external components to operate. The device can make what's called an optical frequency comb, a spectrum of light consisting of equally spaced frequency lines (like a comb), used today in precision measurements. The new laser chip could one day speed the creation of highly sensitive, broad-spectrum gas sensors for environmental monitoring, or new types of spectroscopy tools for medical imaging.

The paper's senior author is Federico Capasso, the Robert L. Wallace Professor of Applied Physics at SEAS and the Vinton Hayes Senior Research Fellow in Electrical Engineering. Supported by the National Science Foundation and the Department of Defense, the research was a collaboration with the Schwarz group at Vienna University of Technology (TU Wien); a consortium of Italian scientists led by Luigi A. Lugiato; and Leonardo DRS Daylight Solutions led by Timothy Day.

"This is an exciting new technology that integrates on-chip nonlinear photonics to generate ultrashort pulses of light in the mid-infrared; no such thing existed until now," Capasso said. "What's more, such devices can be readily produced at industrial laser foundries using standard semiconductor fabrication."

The mid-infrared is an invisible section of the electromagnetic spectrum that is leveraged today in environmental applications. Because many gas molecules like carbon dioxide and methane absorb mid-infrared light efficiently, this wavelength range has been an important tool in monitoring environmental gases, notably with quantum cascade laser technology that was pioneered by Capasso in the 1990s.

The new paper demonstrates a path to generating a broadband light source that could detect, for example, many different absorption fingerprints of gases in a single device.

"It's a key step to creating what we call a supercontinuum source, which can generate thousands of different frequencies of light, all in one chip," said Dmitry Kazakov, co-first author and research associate in Capasso's group. "I think that's a real possibility for the future of this platform."

Fundamental to the new feat of nanophotonic engineering is the quantum cascade laser, which generates coherent beams of mid-infrared light by layering together different nanostructured semiconductor materials. Unlike other semiconductor lasers that have relied for decades on well-established techniques called mode-locking to generate their pulses, quantum cascade lasers remain notoriously difficult to pulse due to their inherently ultra-fast dynamics. Existing mid-infrared pulse generators based on quantum cascade lasers typically require complex setups to achieve pulsed emission as well as many discrete hardware components. They are also generally limited to a certain output power and spectral bandwidth.

The new pulse generator seamlessly combines, into a single device, several concepts in nonlinear integrated photonics and integrated lasers to make specific types of picosecond light pulses called solitons. In designing their chip architecture, the researchers took inspiration from a seemingly unrelated type of light-modulating device called a Kerr microresonator. Their creative thinking allowed them to skirt traditional techniques, like mode-locking, for pulse generation.

"Our measurements were non-traditional when it came to quantum cascade laser research," said co-first author Theodore Letsou, a graduate student at MIT and research fellow in Capasso's group. "We merged two types of fields and took what the Kerr resonator community does and applied it to our systems. That was an exciting process."

"For me, the most significant impact of our new work -- beyond the impressive physics -- is the confidence it has given us in fabricating and operating multicomponent architectures, which is a capability that had remained a major challenge in mid-infrared integrated photonics until now," said paper co-author Benedikt Schwarz, professor at TU Wien. "We're already developing new architectures to enable functionalities previously thought impossible."

The researchers drew on a foundational theory published in the 1980s that established a framework for passive Kerr resonators. One of the new paper's co-authors is Luigi Lugiato, who worked on repurposing his original equation to describe the dynamics of the mid-IR laser system.

"This is an exciting culmination of a journey that began with the Lugiato-Lefever equation," said Lugiato, professor emeritus at University of Insubria, Italy. "What started as a model for passive systems has evolved into a unified framework for soliton frequency combs in all kinds of cavities. That path led us to predict solitons in optically driven quantum cascade lasers above threshold -- now confirmed by this experiment."

The new mid-infrared laser can reliably maintain pulse generation for hours at a time. Crucially, it can also be mass-produced using existing industrial fabrication processes, which could greatly increase the speed of its widespread adoption. The device is made of a ring resonator that can be externally driven; an on-chip laser that drives the ring resonator; and a second active ring resonator that acts as a filter. The chips were made at TU Wien.

"This technology promises to be a real game-changer in the field of mid-infrared spectroscopy," said paper co-author Timothy Day, Senior Vice President and General Manager of Leonardo DRS' Daylight Solutions business unit. "The ability to leverage existing fabrication processes to produce these devices in commercial volumes could really enable what's next in several markets, including environmental monitoring, industrial process control, life sciences research and medical diagnostics."

The research is based on work supported by the National Science Foundation under Grant No. ECCS2221715. Other sources of funding included the Department of Defense through the National Defense Science and Engineering Graduate Fellowship Program, and the European Research Council.

Harvard's Office of Technology Development has protected the innovations associated with this research and is exploring commercial opportunities.
A team of Lehigh University researchers has successfully predicted abnormal grain growth in simulated polycrystalline materials for the first time -- a development that could lead to the creation of stronger, more reliable materials for high-stress environments, such as combustion engines. A paper describing their novel machine learning method was recently published in Nature Computational Materials.

"Using simulations, we were not only able to predict abnormal grain growth, but we were able to predict it far in advance of when that growth happens," says Brian Y. Chen, an associate professor of computer science and engineering in Lehigh's P.C. Rossin College of Engineering and Applied Science and a co-author of the study. "In 86 percent of the cases we observed, we were able to predict within the first 20 percent of the lifetime of that material whether a particular grain will become abnormal or not."

When metals and ceramics are exposed to continuous heat -- like the temperatures generated by rocket or airplane engines, for example -- they can fail. Such materials are made of crystals, or grains, and when they're heated, atoms can move, causing the crystals to grow or shrink. When a few grains grow abnormally large relative to their neighbors, the resulting change can alter the material's properties. A material that previously had some flexibility, for instance, may become brittle.

"As we design materials, we'd like to be able to design them intentionally to avoid abnormal grain growth," says Chen.

A smarter way to identify stable materials

To date, however, predicting abnormal grain growth has been a needle-in-a-haystack problem. There are countless combinations and concentrations that can go into the creation of any given alloy. Each of those metals must then be tested, which is expensive, time-consuming, and often impractical. The computational simulation developed by Chen's team helps narrow down possibilities by quickly eliminating materials that are likely to develop abnormal grain growth.

"Our results are important because if you want to look at that big haystack of different materials, you don't want to have to simulate each one for too long before you know whether or not abnormal grain growth is going to occur," he says. "You want to simulate for as little time as possible, and then move on."

The challenge is that abnormal grain growth is a rare event and, early on, the grains that will become abnormal look just like the others.

Unlocking hidden patterns with AI

To address this, the team developed a deep learning model that combined two techniques to analyze how grains evolve over time and interact with each other: A long short-term memory (LSTM) network modeled how the properties -- or features -- of the material would be evaluated and a graph-based convolutional network (GCRN) established relationships between the data that could then be used for prediction.

Initially, the researchers simply hoped to make successful predictions. They didn't anticipate being able to make predictions so early.

"We thought that the data might be too noisy," he says. "Maybe the properties we were looking at wouldn't reveal very much about distant future abnormalities, or maybe the abnormality would only reveal itself just as it was about to happen, when it might be obvious even to the human eye. But we were surprised that we were actually able to make predictions so far in advance."

Critical to that early detection was using their models to examine the grain's characteristics over time before the abnormality occurred.

"A better way to think about grains becoming abnormal is to think about how they evolve in the time before they change," he says. "So at 10 million time steps before abnormality, for example, they have certain properties that might differ from those they had at 40 million time steps."

The team aligned each simulation at the point in time where the grain became abnormal, and worked backward examining its evolving properties. By identifying consistent trends in these properties, they were able to accurately predict which grains would become abnormal.

"If you look at the grains in terms of how much time before they transition, you can see shared trends that are useful for prediction," he says.

In this project, Chen and his team conducted simulations of realistic materials. The next phase is to apply the approach to images of real materials and see if they can still accurately predict the future. The ultimate goal, says Chen, is to identify materials that are highly stable and can maintain their physical properties under a wide range of high-temperature, high-stress conditions. Such materials could allow engines and engine parts to run at higher temperatures for longer before failure.

The team also sees the potential of their novel machine learning method to predict other rare events, both within and beyond the field of materials science, thanks to its ability to identify warning signs in complex systems. For example, it could potentially help predict phase changes in materials, mutations leading to dangerous pathogens, or sudden shifts in atmospheric conditions.

"This work opens up an exciting new possibility for material scientists to 'look into the future' to predict the future evolution of material structures in ways that were never possible before," says Martin Harmer, Lehigh's Alcoa Foundation Professor of Materials Science and Engineering, Emeritus; director of the Nano/Human Interface Presidential Research Initiative; and co-author of the paper. "It will have a major impact in designing reliable materials for defense, aerospace and commercial applications."
The simple act of looking at a piece of visual art can boost your wellbeing, a new research study has found, and this benefit can be gained in a hospital setting as well as an art gallery.

Artworks which were included in the review include famous pieces such as The Scream by Edvard Munch, The Starry Night by Vincent Van Gogh, and other pieces of modern and contemporary art.

The authors of the review have called on healthcare providers and policy makers to integrate art into mental health strategies as a low-cost and easily-accessible resource.

Previous research has suggested that viewing art might influence mood or stress, but the research was limited and inconsistent, they say. This study examined decades of scattered research, providing for the first time a clear and comprehensive overview of when, where and why art viewing is used to promote wellbeing.

The review of 38 previously published studies covering a total of 6,805 participants was conducted by team of psychologists from University of Vienna, Trinity College Dublin, and Humboldt University of Berlin. It has been published this week in The Journal of Positive Psychology.

The study found that viewing art can improve eudemonic wellbeing, this is wellbeing associated with meaning in life and personal growth.

These benefits were observed in a variety of locations -- in museums and galleries as well as clinics and hospital settings and also through the medium of virtual reality. A wide range of art types including figurative, abstract, modern and contemporary paintings, photography, sculpture and installations were found to boost wellbeing.

"People often think of art as a luxury, but our research suggest that viewing art -- whether as a hobby or as a targeted health intervention -- can meaningfully support wellbeing," said MacKenzie Trupp, lead author and researcher at the University of Vienna and Radboud UMC, Donders Institute.

"By reframing art as a low-cost, accessible wellbeing resource, this research opens up exciting possibilities for integrating art into everyday environments and public health strategies."

Claire Howlin, Assistant Professor, School of Psychology, Trinity, added: "While the mental health benefits of creating art have been widely explored, the impact of viewing art has been under-researched and undervalued. Yet visual art is present and accessible in everyday spaces -- museums, galleries, hospitals, and at home. Understanding its effects can unlock new avenues for promoting wellbeing through everyday encounters with art.

"Since 2019 the WHO has recommended that creative approaches are used alongside routine clinical care. Art can satisfy people's need to search for meaning in life, build self-esteem, and develop positive identities which are important factors for coping with the chaos of life. Departments of health and arts councils across Europe are looking for high quality evidence to identify which types of arts can be used for each type of medical outcome. This review will help to plan larger scale studies in the future."

The study also found a lack of methodological inconsistency across previous studies, prompting the creation of a new set of guidelines -- Receptive Art Activity Research Reporting Guidelines (RAARR) -- to standardise future research.

This research was funded by the European Union Horizon 2020 ART*IS project.
Complex protein interactions at synapses are essential for memory formation in our brains, but the mechanisms behind these processes remain poorly understood. Now, researchers from Japan have developed a computational model revealing new insights into the unique droplet-inside-droplet structures that memory-related proteins form at synapses. They discovered that the shape characteristics of a memory-related protein are crucial for the formation of these structures, which could shed light on the nature of various neurological disorders.

Our brain's remarkable ability to form and store memories has long fascinated scientists, yet most of the microscopic mechanisms behind memory and learning processes remain a mystery. Recent research points to the importance of biochemical reactions occurring at postsynaptic densities -- specialized areas where neurons connect and communicate. These tiny junctions between brain cells are now thought to be crucial sites where proteins need to organize in specific ways to facilitate learning and memory formation.

More specifically, a 2021 study revealed that memory-related proteins can bind together to form droplet-like structures at postsynaptic densities. What makes these structures particularly intriguing is their unique "droplet-inside-droplet" organization, which scientists believe may be fundamental to how our brains create lasting memories. However, understanding exactly how and why such complex protein arrangements form has remained a significant challenge in neuroscience.

Against this backdrop, a research team led by Researcher Vikas Pandey from the International Center for Brain Science (ICBS), Fujita Health University, Japan, has developed an innovative computational model that reproduces these intricate protein structures. Their paper, published online in Cell Reports on April 07, 2025, explores the mechanisms behind the formation of multilayered protein condensates. The study was co-authored by Dr. Tomohisa Hosokawa and Dr. Yasunori Hayashi from the Department of Pharmacology, Kyoto University Graduate School of Medicine, and Dr. Hidetoshi Urakubo from ICBS, Fujita Health University.

The researchers focused on four proteins found at synapses, with special attention to Ca/calmodulin-dependent protein kinase II (CaMKII) -- a protein particularly abundant in postsynaptic densities. Using computational modeling techniques, they simulated how these proteins interact and organize themselves under various conditions. Their model successfully reproduced the formation of the above-mentioned "droplet-inside-droplet" structures observed in earlier experiments. Through simulations and detailed analyses of the physical forces and chemical interactions involved, the research team shed light on a process called liquid-liquid phase separation (LLPS); it involves proteins spontaneously organizing into condensates without membranes that sometimes resemble the organelles found inside cells.

Crucially, the researchers found that the distinctive "droplet-inside-droplet" structure appears as a result of competitive binding between the proteins and is significantly influenced by the shape of CaMKII, specifically its high valency (number of binding sites) and short linker length. These shape-related properties of CaMKII result in low surface tension and slow diffusion, allowing the protein condensates to remain stable for extended periods. This stability enables the sustained activation of downstream signaling pathways necessary for synaptic plasticity, which is the cellular basis for learning and memory. "Our results revealed new structure-function relationships for CaMKII as a synaptic memory unit. This is the first systematic and mechanistic study investigating the divergent structure of protein-regulated multiphase condensates," highlights Dr. Pandey.

These findings could pave the way toward a better understanding of the possible mechanisms of memory formation in humans. However, the long-term implications of this research extend well beyond basic neuroscience.

Defects in synapse formation have been associated with numerous neurological and mental health conditions, including schizophrenia, autism spectrum disorders, Down syndrome, and Rett syndrome. "Overall, the computational model developed in this study could serve as an important platform for investigating these conditions, potentially leading to new diagnostic tools and therapeutic approaches," explains Dr. Pandey.

Let us hope scientists continue to unravel the mysteries of how memories form at the molecular level, leading us to a more thorough comprehension of one of the brain's most fundamental and complex functions.

***

Reference

DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2025.115504

About Fujita Health University Fujita Health University (FHU) is a private medical university located in Aichi, Japan. Established in 1964, it houses one of the largest university hospitals in Japan. It's 900 member faculty provides diverse learning and research opportunities to medical students worldwide. Guided by its founding philosophy of "Our creativity for the people" Fujita Health University believes that it's students can shape the future through creativity and innovation. FHU has earned global recognition, ranking eighth among all universities and second among private universities in Japan in the 2020 Times Higher Education (THE) World University Rankings. The university ranked fourth worldwide in the 2024 THE University Impact Rankings for contributions to the "Good Health and Well-being" SDG (Sustainable Development Goals) of the United Nations (UN). In June 2021, the university made history as the first Japanese institution to host the THE Asia Universities Summit. In 2024, Fujita Health University was awarded the Forming Japan's Peak Research Universities (J-PEAKS) Program by the Japanese government to establish an innovative academic drug discovery ecosystem and hub of a multi-university consortium for research and education.

Website: https://www.fujita-hu.ac.jp/en/index.html

About Dr. Vikas Pandey from Fujita Health University, Japan Dr. Vikas Pandey obtained MS and PhD degrees from the Indian Institute of Technology, Bombay, India, in 2012 and 2017, respectively. He is currently a Special Research Fellow at Fujita Health University. His research interests revolve around systems biology, computational neuroscience, nonlinear dynamics, and mathematical biology. He has published many research papers on these topics.

Funding information This project received funding from the Core Research for Evolutional Science and Technology (CREST), the Japan Science and Technology Agency (JST) (grant no. JPMJCR20E4), JSPS KAKENHI (JP19K06885, JP24H02317 and JP20K12062), Kobayashi foundation, ISHIZUE2024 of Kyoto University, Grant-in-Aid for Scientific Research JP18H05434, JP20K21462, and JP22K21353 from MEXT, Japan; the Uehara Memorial Foundation; the Naito Foundation; Research Foundation for Opto-Science and Technology; Novartis Foundation; the Takeda Science Foundation; and HFSP Research Grant RGP0020/2019.
Rising temperatures due to climate change may force aircraft at European airports to reduce passenger numbers in the coming decades.

Scientists from the University of Reading studied how hotter air affects aircraft performance during take-off at 30 sites across Europe. When air gets warmer, it becomes less dense, making it harder for planes to generate lift, the force that allows them to fly.

The research, published in the journal Aerospace, focused on the Airbus A320, a common aircraft used for short and medium-haul flights across Europe. By the 2060s, some airports with shorter runways may need to reduce their maximum take-off weight by the equivalent of approximately 10 passengers per flight during summer months.

Dr Jonny Williams, lead author of the study at the University of Reading, said: "A warming world has an impact on people and businesses worldwide, and we are now showing one way it could increase the price of your summer holiday. Flying to Spain, Italy or Greece could get more expensive as flights carry fewer people due to climate change.

"Hot summer days when smaller airports have to reduce their weight will get more common. Our research shows conditions which used to happen about 1 day in a summer may happen 3 or 4 days a week by the 2060s.

"Aviation is sometimes singled out as a significant source of the greenhouse gases that are causing the planet to heat up. Our study provides yet more evidence that aviation is itself not immune to the impacts of climate change."

Mediterranean misery

Of the sites studied, the findings suggest four popular tourist destinations will be most affected:

Chios, Greece

Pantelleria, Italy

Rome Ciampino, Italy

San Sebastian, Spain.

These airports have shorter runways meaning the airlines can't operate them at the maximum weight set by the manufacturer. Future increases in heatwaves will only make this worse, forcing operators to reduce aircraft weights and profit margins even further.

While larger airports like London Heathrow and Gatwick have runways long enough to handle the A320 even in extreme heat, they may face challenges with larger aircraft like the Airbus A380, which needs more runway space.

The problem may also affect airport operations beyond simply reducing passenger numbers. Airlines might need to reschedule flights to cooler parts of the day, and runway maintenance needs could increase as surfaces degrade faster in extreme heat. The researchers note that following a more sustainable climate path would stabilise these effects, whereas continued high emissions would make the problem significantly worse. Future studies will examine how other factors like humidity and changing wind patterns may further impact take-off performance.
Focal cortical dysplasia (FCD) type 2 is a congenital malformation of the cerebral cortex that is often associated with difficult-to-treat epilepsy. In the affected areas, nerve cells and their layer structures are arranged in an atypical manner, which often makes drug therapy more difficult. A research team from the University Hospital Bonn (UKB) and the University of Bonn, in collaboration with the German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases (DZNE), has now found evidence of profound changes in the dopamine system in FCD type 2. The results have now been published in the medical journal Brain.

Dopamine is a central neurotransmitter that regulates attention, learning and the excitability of neuronal networks, among other things. Whether and how this system is affected by FCD has so far remained largely unclear. The current study shows that the dopaminergic supply in the affected brain areas is altered. In addition, an increased expression of certain dopamine receptors was observed -- both in human tissue and in a corresponding mouse model.

Evidence of disturbed modulation in the developing cortex

"Our data suggest a disrupted dopaminergic system in FCD type 2," explains Norisa Meli, a doctoral student at the University of Bonn at the Institute for Reconstructive Neurobiology at the UKB and first author of the study. "Particularly striking was the significantly increased expression of dopaminergic receptors in the neurons that are central role to the disease process."

These changes could play a role in the development of epileptic seizures -- and possibly also explain why many sufferers also experience concentration problems or mood swings.

"Dopamine modulates the excitability of neuronal networks and their formation in the developing cortex," emphasizes Prof. Sandra Blaess, Professor of Neurodevelopment at UKB and member of the TRA 'Life & Health' at the University of Bonn. "Our results show that this modulation may be disturbed in FCD type 2 -- an aspect that has hardly been investigated to date."

Prof. Albert Becker, Head of Department at the Institute for Cellular Neuroscience II at the UKB and also a member of the TRA "Life & Health" at the University of Bonn, adds: "These findings broaden our understanding of the complex neuropathology of dysplasias. They provide important clues for new potential therapeutic approaches that could go beyond the mere control of seizures."

The study combines comprehensive molecular analyses of human tissue samples with a preclinical mouse model that replicates the genetic changes in FCD type 2. The researchers hope that these results will contribute to more targeted and effective treatment strategies in the long term.The work was funded by the German Research Foundation, the BONFOR program of the Medical Faculty of the University of Bonn, the iBehave project (Netzwerke 2021 -- an initiative of the Ministry of Culture and Science of the State of North Rhine-Westphalia). In addition, the work was supported by the Epilepsy Surgery Biobank of the Medical Faculty of the University of Bonn and the Open Access funding of the University of Bonn.
Next-generation DNA sequencing (NGS) -- the same technology which is powering the development of tailor-made medicines, cancer diagnostics, infectious disease tracking, and gene research -- could become a prime target for hackers.

A study, published in IEEE Access, highlights growing concerns over how this powerful sequencing tool -- if left unsecured -- could be exploited for data breaches, privacy violations, and even future biothreats.

Led by Dr Nasreen Anjum from the University of Portsmouth's School of Computing, it is the first comprehensive research study of cyber-biosecurity threats across the entire NGS workflow.

NGS is a cornerstone of modern biotechnology, enabling rapid and cost-effective DNA and RNA sequencing that supports important advances in cancer research, drug development, agricultural innovation and forensic science.

The sequencing process within NGS workflow involves a series of complex, interdependent steps -- from sample preparation and sequencing to data analysis and interpretation -- each involving highly specialised instruments, technologies, software, and connected systems.

While the steps are essential for generating accurate results, they also open up multiple points of vulnerability. As many DNA datasets are openly accessible online, the study warns it is possible for cybercriminals to misuse the information for surveillance, manipulation, or malicious experimentation.

Dr Anjum said: "Our work is a wake-up call. Protecting genomic data isn't just about encryption -- it's about anticipating attacks that don't yet exist. We need a paradigm shift in how we secure the future of precision medicine."

The research was carried out in collaboration with colleagues from the Department of Computer Science at Anglia Ruskin University in Cambridge, the University of Gloucestershire's Department of Cyber Security and Computing, Narjan University's Department of Computer Science and Emerging Research Laboratory, and the Department of Microbiology at Shaheed Benazir Bhutto Women University.

Dr Mahreen-Ul-Hassan, microbiologist and co-author from the Shaheed Benazir Bhutto Women University, said: "Genomic data is one of the most personal forms of data we have. If compromised, the consequences go far beyond a typical data breach."

The research team identified new and emerging methods that hackers and those with malicious intent could use to exploit or attack systems, such as synthetic DNA-encoded malware, AI-driven manipulation of genome data, and identity tracing through re-identification techniques. These threats go beyond typical data breaches, posing risks to individual privacy, scientific integrity, and national security.

Dr Anjun added: "Despite its importance, cyber-biosecurity remains one of the most neglected and poorly understood research disciplines and is leaving a critical gap in global biosecurity. To make sure our DNA information stays safe and is used only for good, we're urging more research and collaboration to find ways to keep this powerful technology secure.

"Governments, regulatory bodies, funding agencies, and academic institutions must prioritise this field and invest in dedicated research, education, and policy development before it's too late.

"Without coordinated action, genomic data could be exploited for surveillance, discrimination, or even bioterrorism. Current protections are fragmented, and vital collaboration between disciplines is lacking. Key to successful prevention will be interdisciplinary cooperation between computer scientists, bioinformaticians, biotechnologists, and security professionals -- groups that rarely work together but must align.

"Our research lays the foundations for improving biosecurity by providing a single, clear list of all the possible threats in the entire next-generation sequencing process."

The paper also recommends practical solutions, including secure sequencing protocols, encrypted storage, and AI-powered anomaly detection, creating a foundation for much stronger cyber-biosecurity.

The study was funded by the British Council's UK-Saudi Challenge Fund and a Quality Related Research Grant from the University of Portsmouth.
Crime scene investigation may soon become significantly more accurate and efficient thanks to a new method for detecting gunshot residues. Researchers from the groups of Wim Noorduin (AMOLF / University of Amsterdam) and Arian van Asten (University of Amsterdam) developed the technique that converts lead particles found in gunshot residue into a light-emitting semiconductor. The method, published last month in Forensic Science International, is faster, more sensitive, and easier to use than current alternatives. Forensic experts at the Amsterdam police force are already testing it in actual crime scene investigations.

Gunshot Residue Clues

The innovative light-emitting lead analysis method offers exciting opportunities for crime scene investigations. When a weapon is fired, it leaves gunshot residue containing lead traces on the surrounding environment, including clothing and skin. Bente van Kralingen, a forensic expert at the Amsterdam Police, explains: "Obtaining an indication of gunshot residue at the crime scene is a major advantage, helping us answer key questions about shooting incidents. For instance, determining whether the damage found could have been caused by a bullet and determining the relative position of a person who might have been involved in a shooting incident. We test for lead traces on possible bullet holes and a suspect's or a victim's clothing or hands."

Currently, police send all samples to the lab for analysis. However, the methods used there are often time-consuming, labor-intensive, and require expensive equipment. "We're excited about the tests we're conducting, and hopefully this will allow us to use the light-emitting method soon in actual court cases as evidence," says Bente.

Semiconductor Technology

The new analysis method builds on recent advances in perovskite research. Perovskites are a promising material used in applications ranging from solar cells to LEDs. A few years ago, the research group of Wim Noorduin developed an easy-to-use lead detection method based on perovskite technology. In this method a reagent converts lead containing surfaces into a perovskite semiconductor. Shining with a UV lamp will make the newly formed semiconductor emit a bright green glow visible to the naked eye -- making even small traces of lead easily detectable.

In 2021, Wim Noorduin and Lukas Helmbrecht (formerly PhD student in the group) established a start-up company to develop this lead testing method into a practical lead detection kit: Lumetallix. Over the past years, many people worldwide have been investigating their surroundings using the Lumetallix test kit. They report positive tests in all sorts of objects, for example: dinner plates, beer glasses, but also in paint dust at construction sites.

Lukas Helmbrecht developed an altered version of the Lumetallix reagent for the forensic application: one that reacts especially well with lead atoms in gunshot residue and produces a long-lasting green glow.

At the shooting range

To validate the effectiveness of this method, the researchers conducted a series of controlled experiments. PhD students Kendra Adelberg and Arno van der Weijden (AMOLF/UvA) visited a shooting range in Amsterdam. Kendra: "We used standard 9 mm full metal jacket bullets and fired them from two different pistols at cotton cloth targets placed at various distances. After applying the reagent, we visualized the gunshot residue patterns. The results revealed well-defined luminescent patterns that were clearly visible to the naked eye, even at extended distances," says Kendra.

During their experiments, Kendra and her colleagues made two other remarkable discoveries. Firstly, unlike other methods, the new light-emitting technique remains effective even after extensive washing of the shooter's hands. This is important for forensic investigations, as suspects often try to tamper with or remove evidence of their involvement. Secondly, bystanders standing approximately two meters away from the shooter also tested positive for lead traces on their hands. "These findings provide valuable pieces of the puzzle when reconstructing a shooting incident. But, a positive test also needs to be carefully interpreted, it does not automatically mean that you fired a gun." says Kendra.

Who Will Benefit?

The researchers believe this new method will be especially beneficial to first responders, such as police officers, who can use it to rapidly screen potential suspects and witnesses to secure crucial evidence. Beyond forensic applications, the team is also exploring the potential of this light-emitting method to detect lead contamination in environmental samples such as water and soil. Since lead is toxic and harmful to the environment, this research could have broader implications for environmental monitoring and public health.
University of Oxford researchers have helped overturn the popular theory that water on Earth originated from asteroids bombarding its surface. Instead, the material which built our planet was far richer in hydrogen than previously thought. The findings have been published today in the journal Icarus.

A team of researchers at the University of Oxford have uncovered crucial evidence for the origin of water on Earth. Using a rare type of meteorite, known as an enstatite chondrite, which has a composition analogous to that of the early Earth (4.55 billion years ago), they have found a source of hydrogen which would have been critical for the formation of water molecules.

Crucially, they demonstrated that the hydrogen present in this material was intrinsic, and not from contamination. This suggests that the material which our planet was built from was far richer in hydrogen than previously thought.

Without hydrogen, a fundamental elemental building-block of water, it would have been impossible for our planet to develop the conditions to support life. The origin of hydrogen, and by extension water, on Earth has been highly debated, with many believing that the necessary hydrogen was delivered by asteroids from outer space during Earth's first approximately 100 million years. But these new findings contradict this, suggesting instead that Earth had the hydrogen it needed to create water from when it first formed.

The research team analysed the elemental composition of a meteorite known as LAR 12252, originally collected from Antarctica. They used an elemental analysis technique called X-Ray Absorption Near Edge Structure (XANES) spectroscopy* at the Diamond Light Source synchrotron at Harwell, Oxfordshire.

A previous study led by a French team had originally identified traces of hydrogen within the meteorite inside organic materials and non-crystalline parts of the chondrules (millimetre-sized spherical objects within the meteorite). However, the remainder was unaccounted for -- meaning it was unclear whether the hydrogen was native or due to terrestrial contamination.

The Oxford team suspected that significant amounts of the hydrogen may be attached to the meteorite's abundant sulphur. Using the synchrotron, they shone a powerful beam of X-rays onto the meteorite's structure to search for sulphur-bearing compounds.

When initially scanning the sample, the team focussed their efforts on the non-crystalline parts of the chondrules, where hydrogen had been found before. But when serendipitously analysing the material just outside of one of these chondrules, composed of a matrix of extremely fine (sub-micrometre) material, the team discovered that the matrix itself was incredibly rich in hydrogen sulphide. In fact, their analysis found that the amount of hydrogen in the matrix was five times higher than that of the non-crystalline sections.

In contrast, in other parts of the meteorite that had cracks and signs of obvious terrestrial contamination (such as rust), very little or no hydrogen was present. This makes it highly unlikely that the hydrogen sulphide compounds detected by the team originated from an Earthly source.

Since the proto-Earth was made of material similar to enstatite chondrites, this suggests that by the time the forming planet had become large enough to be struck by asteroids, it would have amassed enough reserves of hydrogen to explain Earth's present-day water abundance.

Tom Barrett, DPhil student in the Department of Earth Sciences at the University of Oxford, who led the study, said: "We were incredibly excited when the analysis told us the sample contained hydrogen sulphide -- just not where we expected! Because the likelihood of this hydrogen sulphide originating from terrestrial contamination is very low, this research provides vital evidence to support the theory that water on Earth is native -- that it is a natural outcome of what our planet is made of."

Co-author Associate Professor James Bryson (Department of Earth Sciences, University of Oxford) added: "A fundamental question for planetary scientists is how Earth came to look like it does today. We now think that the material that built our planet -- which we can study using these rare meteorites -- was far richer in hydrogen than we thought previously. This finding supports the idea that the formation of water on Earth was a natural process, rather than a fluke of hydrated asteroids bombarding our planet after it formed."

* X-ray Absorption Near Edge Structure (XANES) spectroscopy is a technique that is used to identify what elements are in a material and what their chemical state is. It works by shining X-rays onto a sample, causing the atoms to absorb energy in a way that depends on what the element is, the chemical form it is in (e.g., an oxide, a sulphide, etc), and how the atoms are bonded with others.
For my annual show before Good Friday, I draw upon the incredibly rich tradition of music for and inspired by the Passion story, as well as unexpected music which I find fits the theme. This year, it too often feels like we're living during the end times. Fitting, perhaps, is this year's choice for Passion music: the St. John Passion by Sofia Gubaidulina, the great Russian-Tatar composer, who died in March, aged 93. Gubaidulina came of age at the end of Stalin's tyranny, and she embarked on an idiosyncratic musical path completely at odds with Soviet restrictions. She was encouraged by Shostakovich who told her to continue in her "mistaken" path. She was a convert to Eastern Orthodoxy, and her religious fervor, both from Eastern Orthodox and her father's Islamic background, was a central part of her music. This was very unpopular with Soviet authorities and she was blacklisted in 1979 with her activities severely curtailed, watched by the KGB, and even physically assaulted. Years later, Gubaidulina recalled that being blacklisted and so unperformed gave me artistic freedom, even if I couldnt earn much money. She had a big break in 1980 when she shared a cab with the great Latvian violinist Gidon Kremer, who asked her to compose a violin concerto. Only a couple of years later, Gidon Kremer defected to the west after refusing to return to the Soviet Union after a two year tour. The work, "Offertorium", was smuggled out of the Soviet Union where Gidon Kremer performed it around the world and recorded it to great acclaim. This made Gubaidulina well known in the West. After the fall of the Soviet Union, she moved to Germany where she remained the rest of her life. The New York Times wrote "Gubaidulina made music that manages to be both uncompromising and accessible. Its strange colors are so alluring and changeable, its sense of drama and timing so sure, its desire to communicate  even if enigmatically  so evident that its irresistible." She was still composing music into her 90s (we heard a recording celebrating her 90th birthday with recent works on my program in 2021). Gubaidulina's St. John Passion was commissioned, along with Passions by Osvaldo Golijov, Tan Dun, and Wolfgang Rihm, by the Internationale Bachakademie Stuttgart in 2000 to commemorate the 250th anniversary of Bach's death. Gubaidulina used text from the Gospel of John as well as, unusually, the Book of Revelations. This has dramatically demarcated her Passion from the other three commissions, as well as the standard Passion tradition. Though the Passion of Christ is full of episodes of terror, suffering, and pain, most musical Passions end with at least hints of hope, redemption, and even joy. Her Passion ends with "The Seven Bowls of Wrath" from Revelation. Gubaidulina herself said "I sensed that the narration of Jesuss earthly life path must in no case be allowed to end with a 'solution of the dramatic conflict;' after such a dramatic process, there could only be one thing  a sign from the Day of Judgement. This meant an extreme dissonance, a kind of cry or scream. And following this final scream, only one thing was possible  silence. There is no continuation and there can be no continuation: 'It is finished.'" Gubaidulina's St. John Passion is harrowing, terrifying, gripping. Her view was not just of the Passion, but her assessment of the current world, she wrote: "man should have to experience divine wrath for having chosen evil instead of good and that the message of John about the primacy of the will of the Father is crucial in our times when the world is on the verge of extinction". This seems even more urgent in 2025 than it did in 2000. However dark the work is, it is also very approachable in its earnest desire to communicate and sincere emotions. It was the first Passion to be composed in Russian and often uses very sparse musical forces with recitatives, yet maintaining a very high level of tension. It does use a very large orchestra and choir which is used to great effect. Her Magnum Opus and one of the greatest musical Passions. We hear the recording of the world premiere.

St. John Passion

Sofia Gubaidulina/Natalia Korneva, Victor Lutsiuk, Fedor Mozhaev, Gennady Bezzubenkov, St. Petersburg Chamber Choir, St. Petersburg Mariinsky Theatre Chorus, St. Petersburg Mariinsky Theatre Orchestra, Gergiev Valery - Johannes-Passion - Hannsler Passion

Peter Gabriel featuring Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan, Youssou N'Dour - Passion - Realworld Adela

Stephan Micus - Desert Poems - ECM Initiation of Ecstasy

El-Funoun - Zaghareed: Music From the Palestinian Holyland - Sounds True Fardah

El-Funoun - Zaghareed: Music From the Palestinian Holyland - Sounds True
File photo: Joe Powers Insitu Photography Christian Financial Credit Union headquarters in Sterling Heights.

Michigan DNR The Food Bank Council of Michigans seven Feeding America food banks across the state serve over 2,800 hunger relief agencies, including church pantries, soup kitchens, homeless shelters, school pantries and other community action organizations. Pictured here is a venison meal served at Grace Centers of Hope in Pontiac.

The multiplex in Sterling Heights is no stranger to excitement; it sustains it. With 30 screens, as well as being site to one of the few IMAX locations in the state, the AMC Forum 30 is well-versed in how to show its guests a good time. Theyve been doing it since their grand opening at the tail end of the 20th century, drawing guests from not only Sterling Heights and its neighbors but from all over the metro Detroit region  and often beyond.For all of the big budget Hollywood movies and international sensations that beam across the screens here, the multiplex will soon help shine the spotlight back on the community to which it belongs. On Thursday, May 15, the Sterling Heights AMC Forum 30 will host the 13th annual Macomb Business Awards. Dozens of Macomb County businesses and nonprofits have been nominated across six categories for the awards program, which includes breakfast, networking opportunities, and the awards ceremony. More than 400 business and community leaders from throughout the county are expected to attend, including high-profile guests like County Executive Mark Hackel.In 2024, the programs organizers at Macomb County Planning and Economic Development (MCPED) introduced a new category: Nonprofit of the Year. Including the countys nonprofits puts a unique spin on the tried-and-true program of a regional business awards ceremony, and it was, as MCPED director Vicky Rowinski said when nominations opened in March, an instant hit.We launched the nonprofit category and the public vote in 2024 as a way to recognize all of the deserving organizations that contribute to the wellbeing of our community, and it grew into an incredible crowdsourcing effort, with hundreds of votes cast and lots of engagement around the topic.Several nonprofits that are based in or serve Sterling Heights have been nominated in the category, including the Inclusively Fit Foundation, Chaldean Community Foundation, and more. Its a testament to the community development work happening in a city thats more renowned for its manufacturing base and small business community than it is for its nonprofits. But being included in high-profile award ceremonies like the Macomb Business Awards is helping to change that, and a recent wave of programs and announcements that serve to bolster community development organizations here will help even more  and in more ways than one. And it comes at a good time, as national politics and ensuing economic effects can shake loose those nonprofits with even the most sturdy of foundations.Christian Financial Credit Union made a big splash in the news earlier this March when it announced plans to merge with Livonias Catholic Vantage Financial; the resulting $1.02 billion credit union will remain under the CFCU brand and headquartered in Sterling Heights. Perhaps somewhat lost in the hubbub was that just a few days earlier CFCUs Christian Financial Credit Union Outreach & Impact Foundation announced more than $26,000 in grants awarded to area nonprofits as part of its latest round of grants for local organizations at work in the region.We are honored to support these impactful organizations and their tireless work in our community, said Christine Quitter, director of business development and community outreach at Christian Financial. These grants are a part of our ongoing commitment to making an impact and a tangible difference in the lives of individuals and families across metro Detroit.One such recipient was the Clinton River Watershed Council, which received a $3,063 grant to support its Keeping-It-Clean program. The grant funds cleaning supplies for a program that relies on volunteers to help clean and maintain the Clinton River watershed. Weekly clean-ups are complemented by event-based clean-ups for a river and watershed that helps shape the Sterling Heights experience, with miles of parks and recreation opportunities abundant throughout the citys share of the Clinton River and its watershed. Its a genuine attraction for the city, and one that requires continual care and maintenance.Still, despite the river and watersheds importance, a seemingly small grant of $3,063 can go a long way in caring for such an important piece to the city and regions well-being. Jennifer Hill, executive director of the Clinton River Watershed Council, says the grant will help us continue our mission to protect, enhance and celebrate the Clinton River, its watershed, and Lake St. Clair. Together we are making a meaningful impact toward a healthier environment for current and future generations.As the local business community and nonprofit sector bolster their relationships to improve quality of life factors throughout Sterling Heights, one small business here is forging a partnership that is unique to itself yet shared in spirit. Deer Camp Coffee Roasting Company & Outfitters has partnered with the Michigan Department of Natural Resources to help fight hunger throughout the state. Deer Camp has offered proceeds from special products to the DNRs Hunters Feeding Michigan program, which facilitates venison donations to help feed those in need.The DNR and the Food Bank Council of Michigan are working together on the program, which offers deer hunters the ability to donate deer to participating processors. From there, the venison will be distributed as donations to those who need it. Purchase a bag of Deer Camps Coffee Donor Doe medium roast blend or Traditions dark roast blend  the latter comes with a DNR deer patch  and proceeds will be used to support processing and distributing donated venison.At Deer Camp, we believe in great coffee, strong traditions, connecting and giving back to the community, says director Julie Majewski. "This partnership with the DNR is more than just a collaboration  its a way for us to support hunters, conservation efforts and those in need. Every purchase makes a difference, and together, we can create lasting change, one cup at a time.
Left to Right: Jody Stark, Laura Pawuk, and Debra Gombert.

Jody Conradi Stark plays for a patient at Childrens Hospital as part of a music therapy session.

several studies
Courtesy Douglass Association Participants at a recent meeting of Douglass Association Tenants and Partners discuss upcoming opportunities for the community.

Courtesy Douglass Association Participants at a recent meeting of Douglass Association Tenants and Partners discuss upcoming opportunities for the community.

There is nothing like getting out into the community to be reminded of all the good things happening out there. At the Douglass Community Association on Monday, April 14, a group of leaders gathered to update others on the work being done for youth, veterans, mothers and so many more. There were bankers and builders, alongside community advocates. Literacy, mental health, and music all had a place at the table.This is the kind of gathering that Second Wave was made for. Stories of folks, like Stacey Ledbetter of the Douglass, doing the work that moves the community forward are the ones we love to tell. And we have spent the past 15 years telling them.When I sat down to write this retrospective, it was slow going at first. Having pondered this difficulty, I came to the conclusion it might, in part, be because as you are in the middle of growing something you dont necessarily have time to take note of whats changing.The founders of the company that built Second Wave came out of the tech world. They found that when their company and those of their friends were doing impressive things  creating jobs and innovations  they couldnt get any coverage in their local newspapers. At a time when journalism was focused on layoffs and crime, there seemed to be no reporters to cover business successes and people making positive changes in their neighborhoods. So they started a company to do that reporting.In the early days, we didnt have a name for the kind of reporting that Second Wave does, this blend of stories on entrepreneurs and changemakers, but we came to embrace the description of feature stories told through a solutions journalism lens.If you are not familiar with solutions journalism, it explores a problem and then presents ways in which that problem is being solved. It is designed to give readers a sense of hope and agency in a world that can sometimes feel like there are no solutions.Our stories are about the people creating the change they want to see in their communities. We have stories that show off what is unique about the communities we cover  the types of places and events that help people feel connected to their town.In the beginning, I wrote nearly all of the stories and grew the publication to a freelance staff of seven regular writing contributors and three photographers.Having come from a newsroom background  25 years at the Kalamazoo Gazette and six years at a paper in the Detroit suburbs  this style of reporting was and is refreshing. We dont sit in a newsroom and wait for the stories to come to us. Instead, we have regular sessions where we talk to residents and leaders from the neighborhoods who tell us what is happening and what stories need to be told.The On the Ground program was introduced in 2017, which focused on lifting the voices of those often left out of other media reporting. It included training neighborhood reporters. There also was the expansion of coverage in Battle Creek in 2018 with its own On the Ground program and the introduction of the Voices of Youth program, dedicated to teaching a new generation of young people the signifcance of journalism as they learn to report and write stories that are important to them.In late 2019, Second Wave and a group of local journalists that has grown to 12 members formed the Southwest Michigan Journalism collaborative to support one another and local news as journalism continues to collapse nationwide. (Reportedly, an average of 2.5 newspapers were closing per week in 2023.)As people are increasingly telling the stories of their time during the pandemic lockdown, I have come to realize how different my experience was. There was work as usual only lots more of it. We went from a weekly to an almost daily publication during that time because there was such a demand for local news regarding the pandemic. Ive said it before and Ill say it again, Jane Parikh Simons and Al Jones especially delivered all they had during the height of COVID.We went on to offer A Way Home: Housing Solutions, our series on affordable housing and the unhoused, with stories of programs that are working to keep people housed, advocates for those who need housing, and the stories of those who have moved from homelessness into a place of their own.And then, in 2023, Theresa Coty ONeil became managing editor. She has brought her own touch to the magazine, hiring new writers and assigning stories that reflect her deep knowledge of the region. I moved into the position of Executive Editor for Issue Media Group, the parent company of Second Wave.Looking through the highlights of our work over the past 15 years, I was hoping to see some patterns, discover some important insights about our readers. They really, really love Mark Wedels story on Japanese knotweed. Perhaps the greatest takeaway is our readers appreciate the deeper dives, stories with context, stories about ideas, and the people who think them up and then act on them.Readers have found their own way to describe us. We have been called the website with the pictures. At a gathering dedicated to exploring hope a reader recently told Theresa: You give us hope.Which brings us back to the Douglass Association. I was there to ask about story ideas, leads on what we should be covering. I left with two pages full of them, and we are hoping they will have more to share. Theres always a story to tell.
Budget. Business. Education.

These fell among the topics of conversation Tuesday morning during the Carlisle Area Chamber of Commerces Sunrise with our State Representatives breakfast at the Carlisle Country Club in Middlesex Township.

The event featured a panel discussion with Democrat Nate Davidson of the 103rd District and Republicans Barb Gleim of the 199th District and Thomas Kutz of the 87th District.

Carlisle Area Chamber of Commerce board member Sam Glesner moderated the discussion in front of chamber members and local business and nonprofit representatives.

Budget

The discussion began with a look at the states proposed 2025-26 budget, which requests $51.5 billion for the fiscal year beginning July 1, the Associated Press reported in February.

Gleim cited overspending as her biggest concern, saying the state isnt bringing in the revenue needed to match expenditures. She said she believes the budget needs to be trimmed.

Kutz agreed, claiming Gov. Josh Shapiro is largely focused on keeping the state in a good financial position through 2028.

We have to call a spade a spade, he said. The governor is going to run for president. He needs priorities that he can say he got across the finish line before he runs for president. Unfortunately for taxpayers of Pennsylvania, that means we are playing with Pennsylvania tax dollars to help fund a 2028 presidential primary campaign, and thats not sustainable.

Davidson pointed out that a structural deficit is not a new concept, adding that a proposed budget is just that: a proposal.

He said the state Senate, House of Representatives and governor will negotiate to strike a deal.

While Davidson believes this years budget will look similar to recent years, hes concerned about whats to come.

We are facing catastrophic cuts in federal funding coming from Washington, he said. We are already experiencing the economic uncertainty and the chaos that has been introduced to our national and global economies. Were still at the tip of the iceberg. Much more of this is going to come.

Business

Representatives also addressed how the state can attract and keep businesses. Davidson pointed to recent efforts to lower corporate net income taxes and create an overall friendlier tax environment for the business community.

Thomas and I are working together on a bill for home buyer tax credit rebate [or] something like that to get housing more affordable, he said. So if we do get a business to come here and set up a new headquarters in Pittsburgh or Altoona or wherever, we also have an incentive for their employees to move here.

Kutz emphasized the importance of improving the tax environment for both large and small businesses

He and Gleim also highlighted the reduction of regulations to make it easier to build. Kutz said red tape slows Pennsylvanias ability to compete with surrounding states for business.

It is very arduous situation we have here in Central Pennsylvania to actually start a building project or a housing project for that matter, Gleim said. Theres just too many regulations, and as much as the governor says that he is fixing DEP and their permitting process, its just not happening, and its not happening fast enough.

Workforce development

As the conversation shifted to workforce development and retention, Davidson noted a bipartisan effort to invest in career and technology education.

Kutz said this involves recognizing where the economy is going and identifying what the high-demand jobs will be for the next 20 years.

He and Gleim talked about continuing to incentivize trade schools and private sector pipelines.

I think weve done, personally, a really good job of that in our area, Gleim said. I am on the advisory board at the vo-tech, and just ... going out into the different vo-techs and CTEs (Career and Technical Education), and also meeting with Shippensburg University and making sure that the classes that are being offered are the ones that are going to flow into our region.

As for retention, Kutz said people who might receive tuition assistance if they stay for five years could buy a home and establish roots in that time. That could make them less inclined to move elsewhere after that five-year period.

Davidson agreed, also noting the impact of child care on the workforce.

Its like a hydra, its got multiple heads here, he said. Youve got the affordability for child care, for the parents, which is, its the second mortgage, right? Its the wages for the child care employees, right? But those two are tied together ... you raise the wages, rates go up.

Davidson said child care accessibility can also affect the workforce, with a real supply problem that could prompt one parent to leave the workforce temporarily or permanently.

Public education

State representatives also addressed public education and related funding Tuesday morning, each highlighting the diverse range of schools in their districts.

Davidson said last year, the state debuted a new equity plan designed to assist the lowest funded schools.

That will get baked into the cake for their formula going forward, he said. So we need to continue that effort.

Kutz said the new formula doesnt account for growth, especially considering that Cumberland County is one of the fastest growing counties in the state.

So heres the quandary of being a rep for multiple districts, every district is different, he said. I think thats why we favor local control over a lot of these things. At the same time we have state support thats needed. We want to make sure that state support is fairly spread around, and I think thats a conversation in Harrisburg.

Davidson also addressed a need for charter school reform, saying cyber charter schools specifically are draining money out of public schools. He said the governor has proposed caps on the annual payment per student in regular and special education.

As with the states annual budget, Davidson also expressed concerns about the affect of federal changes to education.

If these federal cuts are as real as they sound, in particular in the special education space, which is the most expensive space in our education, we could see dramatic cuts, and I dont know where were going to find the revenue to plug that hole, he said. If school districts are already raising to the (Act 1) Index [and] state revenues are maxed out in terms of what we can spend, how are we going to fill that hole? I dont know the answer that question.

Gleim argued federal funding wouldnt be lost but rather distributed to the states in the form of block grants. She recalled when public education used to be handled by the state, and argued that the shift from federal to state control would return functions to the way they once were.

Gleim also spoke of incentivizing STEM positions and reducing the time and cost to become an educator to address a teacher shortage.

Additionally, she highlighted a need to ensure that increased funding to public schools is having the desired effect on student outcomes. One solution could be Gleims bill on cell phones, designed to assist with classroom discipline.

I am hearing from teachers from all over saying that their number one issue in their classroom is discipline, she said. Alright, we need to put the cell phones down during class time. We need to have the kids start listening to the teacher in the classroom. If the kid is not listening to the teacher, that kid needs to leave that classroom and go down to the principals office, just like they used to.

Economy

Tuesdays panel concluded with a look at how the representatives intend to stoke the economy for future generations.

Gleim suggested raising the limit for prevailing wage. According to the U.S. Department of Labor, this is the average wage paid to similarly employed workers in a specific occupation in the area of intended employment.

Kutz highlighted efforts to bring more businesses into the state by cutting red tape and working on fiscal responsibility.

The budget piece is so important because how a state manages its finances directly impacts how businesses want to come in and directly impacts how residents want to come in as well, he said.

Davidson discussed planning efforts, saying Gov. Shapiro wrote a statewide economic development plan that can be implemented in the coming years. At the local level, he mentioned a need for similar planning in Harrisburg, a portion of which falls within his district. This could address issues like crime and financial hardship.

If we dont have a successful plan to resuscitate the downtown, for lack of a better words ... if we dont have plans to do that, and were not all sitting around the table working in the same direction, were going to have even worse problems down the road, Davidson said.

As the discussion wrapped up, representatives encouraged open communication with constituents.

We obviously have different perspectives up here from many of you in the audience, Kutz said. Im sure there are some head shakes in both directions to some of the things weve said, but the important thing is that were all willing to sit down and have those honest conversations together, because thats the only way we can actually be productive.
Analysts at Canaccord Genuity raised their target price on precious metals exploration group Hochschild Mining from 285.0p to 370.0p on Thursday as gold and silver prices continued to surge.

Canaccord Genuity said that with the gold price now up over 25% year-to-date, it has now passed through its most recent commodity price revisions.

"With our gold price revisions up 10-13% from 2025 to 2030 and our LT price up another 11%, we see substantial upside for HOC. We have increased our HOC 2025 and 2026 EBITDA forecasts by 17% and 15%, respectively. However, with the current spot price over US$3,300/oz, there is even further potential upside to our 2025 gold price forecast of US$3,024/oz," said Canaccord Genuity.

The Canadian bank, which has a 'buy' rating on the stock, believes the excess cash flows generated on the back of rising precious metals prices will leave Hochschild's balance sheet in a strong position by year-end 2025, with only $12.0m of net debt now forecast.

With Hochschild now forecast to move into a net cash position in early 2026 on its numbers, Canaccord sees excess cash flow both for potential early-stage funding of its MDC project in Brazil and further shareholder returns.

RBC Capital Markets upgraded Antofagasta on Thursday to sector perform from underperform but cut the price target to 1,700.0p from 1,800.0p.

The Canadian bank said copper will continue to be kicked around by trade war escalations and de-escalations.

"Our concerns on possible downside scenarios have been tempered by price sensitive demand coming out of China," it said. "However, on the flip side there will be lasting economic damage caused by the uncertainty that likely removes any material upside over the next twelve months."

RBC also noted that since 25 March, Antofagasta shares and the LME copper price have fallen 20.5% and 9.3%, respectively.

"We are more comfortable on the risk profile at these levels and upgrade to sector perform," RBC said.
Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company (TSMC) reported a robust start to 2025 on Thursday, posting a 60.3% year-on-year increase in first-quarter net income to TWD 361.56bn (8.39bn) and a 41.6% rise in revenue to TWD 839.25bn.

The results surpassed analyst expectations, and were driven by sustained demand for high-performance chips used in artificial intelligence and 5G applications.

Despite geopolitical and trade pressures, including potential US tariffs and tighter export controls on clients such as Nvidia and AMD, TSMC maintained its full-year revenue growth forecast of 24% to 26% in dollar terms.

The company said it had not seen any shift in customer behaviour due to trade developments, and reiterated its capital spending guidance of $38bn to $42bn for the year.

Advanced process technologies, specifically seven-nanometer and below, accounted for 73% of wafer revenue in the first quarter.

High-performance computing, including AI chips, represented 59% of total sales and continued to fuel growth.

TSMC projected AI-related revenue would double this year, with second-quarter revenue expected to reach between $28.4bn and $29.2bn, up significantly from $20.8bn in the same period last year.

While reaffirming its growth trajectory, TSMC warned that increasing overseas production costs, especially in the US and Japan, would pressure margins over the next five years.

Gross margin for the current quarter was forecast between 57% and 59%, down slightly from 58.8% in the first quarter.

Chief financial officer Wendell Huang noted that overseas expansion could dilute margins by up to four percentage points in the longer term, though TSMC was aiming to keep gross margins above 53% through operational efficiencies.

Amid rising trade tensions, TSMC last month committed an additional $100bn to expand its US manufacturing footprint, bringing its total investment in the country to $165bn.

The plan includes six fabs and two advanced packaging plants in Arizona.

Chief executive officer CC Wei said the company was accelerating the timeline for its second Arizona fab, which will produce three-nanometer chips, while confirming that the two-nanometer process would begin mass production in Taiwan later this year.

TSMC also denied reports that it was considering a joint venture with struggling US chipmaker Intel.

Wei firmly stated that TSMC was not engaged in any talks regarding joint ventures, technology licensing, or technology transfers with any company.

The denial followed speculation that TSMC could take a stake in Intels fabrication operations under pressure from US policymakers.

Despite strong fundamentals, TSMC shares had underperformed in 2025.

Its Taipei-listed stock was down over 20% year-to-date, as foreign investors had pulled out more than $8.6bn amid uncertainty over US trade policy.

TSMC is also expanding globally with new fabs in Japan and a planned facility in Germany, while continuing to invest heavily in Taiwan with plans for 11 new fabs and four IC packaging plants in the coming years.

The company said it expected about 30% of its future two-nanometer capacity to be located in the US, marking a significant shift in the geographic distribution of its most advanced production.

Reporting by Josh White for Sharecast.com.
Amravati officially joined India's aviation map with the safe landing of the first commercial flight from Mumbai at the newly opened Amravati Airport in Belora, 15 km south of the city. Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis inaugurated the demo flight of the Air India Flight Training Organisation's (FTO) and said that the upcoming pilot training institute at the airport will be the biggest in South Asia.

The CM, accompanied by Deputy Chief Ministers Eknath Shinde and Ajit Pawar, announced that the FTO will become operational early next year. "This is Prime Minister Narendra Modis gift to Amravati. The institute will train 180 students annually and will operate with 34 aircraft. This will provide a significant growth impetus to the western Vidarbha region," Fadnavis said, also promising to expand the current 1,850m runway to 3,000m to accommodate larger aircraft.

Looking at his own relationship with the city, Fadnavis further said, "Whenever there is development in Amravati, it makes my mother, who is from here, happy. I owe this place." He also pointed toward major initiatives such as the PM Mitra Textile Park, Samruddhi Mahamarg, Wainganga-Nalganga river connecting project, and the Dhanaji Deshmukh Krishi Samruddhi Yojana as significant strides toward converting the arid region.

India's fleet in the near future, we will require 30,000 pilots. The Amravati FTO will be an important contributor to this requirement," he said. Union Civil Aviation Minister K Ram Mohan Naidu, who was on the occasion, appreciated Amravati Airport's strategic location and assured Air India's commitment to establishing the FTO at the location. "With 1,700 aircraft to be added to, we will require 30,000 pilots. The Amravati FTO will be an important contributor to this requirement," he said.

Union Minister of State for Civil Aviation Murlidhar Mohol underscored the government's initiative to increase regional connectivity. "India today has 160 airports, and in 2027, the count will reach 400. Our endeavor is to make flying accessible to all citizens," he said.

Ajit Pawar congratulated the MADC for completing the airport and asked Alliance Air to provide uninterrupted service between Amravati and Mumbai. He also recommended changing the flight times to morning hours and reiterated support to the demand to confer Bharat Ratna posthumously on Dr Panjabrao Deshmukh.

Deputy CM Eknath Shinde emphasized the role of political will to implement such big projects.
Bureau, a leading no-code identity and risk decisioning platform, has named Venkat Srinivasan as its new Chief Analytics and Risk Officer, further strengthening its leadership team following its recent Series B funding round.

Backed by Sorenson Capital and PayPal Ventures, Bureau is rapidly expanding its footprint in digital trust infrastructure. The appointment of Srinivasan marks a strategic move to enhance the companys global risk intelligence capabilities as it scales to serve fintechs, banks, e-commerce firms, and workforce verification providers.

In his new role, Srinivasan will lead Bureaus data science strategy and oversee the development of advanced decisioning models. These will include synthetic fraud detection, behavioral anomaly scoring, and cross-border KYC orchestration all designed to solidify Bureaus position as a single API endpoint for identity and risk decisions.

Todays businesses dont just need fraud signals they need business decisions, real-time answers: Is this user who they claim to be? Should we onboard or block them? said Srinivasan. Bureaus platform uniquely merges identity verification, behavioral biometrics, and risk modelling to deliver those verdicts. Im excited to work with this team to help enterprises replace guesswork with certainty.

Srinivasan brings over two decades of global experience in banking, risk, and analytics to Bureaus leadership. His career includes key roles across India, the UK, Europe, the Americas, and Africa. Notably, he helped build the risk management practice for TSB Bank in the UK and later led lending initiatives at Monzo as Head of Lending. He also served as Chief Risk Officer at Jupiter Money and Shubh Loans and managed significant risk portfolios at Lloyds Banking Group. Earlier in his career, he contributed to data science efforts at American Express, Citibank, and Western Union.

In this new capacity, Srinivasan will work closely with Bureaus engineering, product, and go-to-market teams to embed enterprise-grade intelligence into its APIs. He will also mentor emerging data science and risk talent as part of the companys long-term innovation strategy.

next-generation identity decisioning platform, said Ranjan R Reddy, founder and CEO of Bureau. His ability to build scalable, adaptive risk frameworks will define the new standard for deterministic trust infrastructure. Venkats global banking leadership and AI expertise make him the ideal architect for ourdecisioning platform, said Ranjan R Reddy, founder and CEO of Bureau. His ability to build scalable, adaptive risk frameworks will define the new standard for deterministic trust infrastructure.

Bureau also announced plans to further strengthen its C-suite in the coming months as part of its strategic global expansion.
IDFC FIRST Bank is set to receive a significant capital boost, with global investment giants Warburg Pincus and the Abu Dhabi Investment Authority (ADIA) committing a combined infusion of Rs 7,500 crore. This move is aimed at propelling the bank into its next phase of growth as it transitions into a modern, technology-driven, universal bank.

In a filing to the stock exchanges, the bank announced that its board has approved a preferential issue of equity capital worth Rs 4,876 crore to Currant Sea Investments B.V., an affiliate of Warburg Pincus, and Rs 2,624 crore to Platinum Invictus B 2025 RSC Ltd, a wholly owned subsidiary of ADIA managed by its Private Equities Department. The proposed transaction is subject to requisite shareholder and regulatory approvals.

The capital infusion marks a milestone in the banks six-year journey from its roots as an infrastructure-focused development finance institution to a digitally empowered retail and commercial bank. During this period, IDFC FIRST Bank has significantly expanded its digital platforms and distribution network. The bank reported a sixfold increase in deposits and a doubling of its loan book.

The current account-savings account (CASA) ratio has improved dramatically from 8.7% in FY19 to 47.7% in FY24. Over the same period, the banks financial performance turned around, swinging from a Rs 1,944 crore loss in FY19 to a Rs 2,957 crore profit in FY24.

Despite facing challenges in the microfinance segment during FY25, the bank has managed to outperform many of its peers. With this capital infusion, the bank's capital adequacy ratio is projected to improve from 16.1% to 18.9%, and its core equity tier-1 capital ratio is expected to reach approximately 16.5%, based on its capital position as of December 2024.

Calling the investment a pivotal moment, V Vaidyanathan, MD & CEO of IDFC FIRST Bank, said, From day one, we have always built our foundation with a long-term vision of creating a world-class bank in India. We are technologically advanced and strive to offer the highest levels of customer service.

future growth plans, especially in a volatile global environment. Vaidyanathan added, It is great to have Warburg Pincus back and to welcome ADIA as a shareholder. We thank them for their confidence in our, especially in a volatile global environment.

As of 10:50 AM on Thursday, shares of IDFC FIRST Bank were trading at Rs 63.53 on the BSE, up 0.38%.
The India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor (IMEC) will play a pivotal role in positioning India as the worlds third-largest economy, said Union Labour and Employment Minister Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya. Speaking at an IMEC event in the national capital, he emphasized that the initiative goes beyond trade, fostering cultural exchange and civilizational unity.

Launched in 2023 under Prime Minister Narendra Modis leadership, IMEC has significantly elevated global expectations from India, Mandaviya noted. Our policies and culture show that this corridor will connect not just economies, but also civilizations", he remarked.

Reflecting on Indias historic role in global trade, Mandaviya said that for thousands of years, India has been a hub for international commerce, a legacy that remains strong today. He stressed the importance of India following its own development path rather than replicating foreign models.

Citing Indias Covid-19 response as a prime example, he stated, At that time, many believed India couldnt manage the pandemic. But PM Modi stood firm and said, in India, health is not commerce health is service. Service is our culture. This philosophy, he added, enabled India to create a unique and effective model during the crisis one that could now be applied to projects like IMEC.

Infrastructure like ports, highways, and railways exist worldwide. But how we use connectivity to bring about cultural and economic change thats where India offers something different, he explained.

Indias rising prominence in the global workforce. Countries like Israel, he said, are now looking to hire skilled Indian professionals such as plumbers and carpenters. They need workers, but their qualification standards are different. So, Ive decided that India should become the best platform for such global opportunities, he stated. Mandaviya also highlightedin the global workforce. Countries like Israel, he said, are now looking to hire skilled Indian professionals such as plumbers and carpenters. They need workers, but their qualification standards are different. So, Ive decided that India should become the best platform for such global opportunities, he stated.

Dr. Mandaviyas remarks underline Indias vision of inclusive growth, cultural leadership, and global collaboration through initiatives like IMEC.
In a significant development in the ongoing legal challenge to the Waqf (Amendment) Act, 2025, the Supreme Court on Wednesday provided interim relief to petitioners opposing the new legislation. The Centre, represented by Solicitor General Tushar Mehta, gave an assurance to the apex court that it would not proceed with the denotification of any waqf properties recognized either by deed or by user until the next hearing scheduled for early May. The bench, led by Chief Justice of India Sanjiv Khanna, also halted any appointments to the Central Waqf Council or state Waqf Boards under the amended law until further orders are passed.

The assurance from the government and the interim directions from the court come in response to widespread concerns that several centuries-old waqf properties, including mosques, dargahs, and graveyards, could be affected by the sweeping changes introduced in the amended Act. Waqf properties identified under the 'waqf by user' doctrine, which refers to religious properties used by the Muslim community over a long period and recognized as such, were feared to be at risk under the new provisions.

Chief Justice Khanna emphasized during the hearing that properties registered under the Waqf Act, 1995, should not be disturbed, reinforcing the idea that the status quo must be maintained. He further questioned whether the inclusion of non-Muslim members in Waqf Boards, as permitted under the amended Act, was consistent with the constitutional rights guaranteed under Articles 25 and 26, which protect freedom of religion and the management of religious institutions.

Following the courts direction, the Centre has been granted one week to submit a formal reply to the various petitions filed against the amendment. Petitioners opposing the Act have also been granted five days to file their rejoinders once the Centres response is on record. The court has selected five lead petitions to represent the broader challenge to the law and has separated them from other related cases filed by Hindu petitioners who have previously contested provisions of the original Waqf Acts of 1995 and 2013.

Reacting to the interim relief, All India Muslim Personal Law Board (AIMPLB) spokesperson Syed Qasim Rasool Ilyas called it a 'very big relief', especially with regard to the preservation of waqf by user properties. He explained that the community had feared losing several properties under the pretext of the new law, but the Supreme Courts observations and orders provided assurance. Ilyas pointed out that while both aspects of the interim orderthe stay on appointments and the non-denotification of properties are important, the preservation of properties was the more crucial decision.

Advocate Barun Sinha, appearing on behalf of one of the petitioners, echoed this interpretation, confirming that the Supreme Court had restrained the government from proceeding with any new appointments to the Central Waqf Council or state Waqf Boards under the new legislation. He also reiterated that the court had explicitly stated that waqf properties registered and gazetted under the 1995 law would remain undisturbed until the next hearing.

AIMIM president and Lok Sabha MP Asaduddin Owaisi welcomed the courts intervention but maintained that his party would continue to oppose the Waqf Amendment Act, labeling it 'unconstitutional'. He reiterated that the law infringes on religious rights and expressed hope that the court would eventually strike it down entirely.

Congress MP Pramod Tiwari also lauded the Supreme Courts concerns, stating that the court had highlighted the same issues the opposition had raised in Parliament. He pointed to the disproportionate representation of non-Muslim members on Waqf Boards and raised a rhetorical question about whether Muslims would ever be allowed to serve on temple advisory boards. Tiwari emphasized that the Act violates constitutional guarantees, particularly the rights protected under Articles 25 and 26.

On the other side of the debate, some religious leaders criticized the petitions challenging the law. Muslim cleric Chaudhary Ifraheem Husain claimed that the opposition was misleading the court and undermining its authority. According to him, the Waqf Amendment Act had followed all legal and democratic procedures being passed by Parliament and approved by the President and should not be challenged in the judiciary unless it is proven to be fundamentally unconstitutional.

several fundamental questions about the structure and implications of the new law. The court asked whether the designation of waqf by user properties could be nullified through legislation, especially when some of those properties had historical and religious importance dating back to the 12th and 13th centuries. It also asked whether non-Muslims could constitutionally be allowed to be part of Waqf administrative bodies, and whether religious freedoms were being compromised by changes that redefined what could legally constitute waqf property particularly the exclusion of any property claimed as government land. During the hearing, the Supreme Court raisedabout the structure and implications of the new law. The court asked whether the designation of waqf by user properties could be nullified through legislation, especially when some of those properties had historical and religious importance dating back to the 12th and 13th centuries. It also asked whether non-Muslims could constitutionally be allowed to be part of Waqf administrative bodies, and whether religious freedoms were being compromised by changes that redefined what could legally constitute waqf property particularly the exclusion of any property claimed as government land.

These judicial observations reignited political controversy across the country. West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee criticized the central government, suggesting a double standard in the BJPs approach to Muslims domestically versus abroad. You are against Muslims, but in Saudi Arabia, you meet Muslims. If you go to Dubai, UAE, whose hospitality do you take there? You say one thing in your country and another outside, Banerjee said.

Meanwhile, BJP MP Jagdambika Pal defended the Act, stating that the Waqf Board is a statutory and administrative body and not a religious one. He argued that if the Waqf Boards are viewed as legal institutions, then there is no constitutional bar to including non-Muslim members in their composition. He also noted that similar administrative arrangements have been upheld by courts in the past.

The ongoing hearing has drawn nationwide attention, and the Supreme Court Bar Association has urged the top court to consider live-streaming the proceedings in view of their constitutional importance and public impact. The court is expected to issue further interim directions after the Centre files its reply and the petitioners file their rejoinders. Until then, the implementation of the most contested provisions of the Waqf (Amendment) Act, 2025, remains on hold, providing a temporary reprieve to those concerned about the future of Indias waqf heritage.
Defendant Arwork Gamboa, 37, of Graniteville, is seated between defense attorneys Matthew Santamauro, left, and Michael Vitaliano during trial proceedings Friday in state Supreme Court, St. George. STATEN ISLAND ADVANCE

STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. Had he been convicted by a jury on the top count of second-degree arson, Arwork (AJ) Gamboa was facing anywhere from five to 25 years in prison.

But instead, the 37-year-old defendant will avoid jail time altogether. A dramatic twist mid-trial in part led to a plea offer from the district attorneys office.
STATEN ISLAND, N.Y.  Prosecutors said it was about 12 p.m. on a Friday when an 18-year-old man was robbed for his wallet, gold chain and $47 in a popular commercial corridor on the boroughs South Shore.

About 30 minutes later, a 36-year-old man was targeted for his gold chain by the same perpetrator on a residential block less than a mile away, court documents alleged.

The perpetrator, Michael Mendez, 35, of Veterans Road West in Charleston, is scheduled to be sentenced next month in connection with the case.

Mendez pleaded guilty to first-degree robbery on March 20 in state Supreme Court, St. George, to resolve the case.

Hes scheduled to be sentenced May 6 by Judge Mario F. Mattei to 16 years in prison and five years post-release supervision.

Mendez, whose criminal record includes multiple felony convictions, was facing the possibility of life in prison if convicted by a jury on the top charges.

His attorney, Maria Guastella, declined to comment on the case.

Ill kill your entire family

A 35-year-old defendant is headed to prison in connection with two robberies reported last summer about a mile away from each other, the first one taking place along a commercial strip in Eltingville. Google Maps

The shakedowns, in what typically is a quiet neighborhood, unfolded on the afternoon of June 2, according to court documents.

Mendez approached the first victim in the vicinity of an Italian market on the 3800 block of Richmond Avenue in Eltingville, according to a criminal complaint.

Give me all your s---, the defendant allegedly demanded. If you tell anyone about this, Ill kill you and your whole family.

About 30 minutes later, Mendez  listed in city records at 5 feet, 9 inches and 200 pounds  robbed a 36-year-old man on a nearby residential street, the complaint alleged. The second victim told police Mendez pointed to a knife on his belt while demanding the mans belongings.

There was no indication either of the victims knew their attacker, according to a source with knowledge of the case.

Thankfully, NYPD officers were able to locate, apprehend and arrest the defendant about an hour later, said District Attorney Michael E. McMahon in a written statement.

Committing two violent robberies in under an hour, Michael Mendezs string of criminality was utterly unacceptable and theres no telling how many more Staten Islanders he sought to victimize had it not been for our partners in the NYPD.

We commend New Yorks Finest for apprehending this dangerous defendant and Trials Bureau Chief Antonia Assenso for ensuring Mendez paid the price for his multitude of criminal acts.

Busted with debit card near transit center

Authorities said Mendez was arrested in the vicinity of the Eltingville Transit Center within an hour of the first incident being reported to police. Google Maps

At about 1 p.m. the same day, an NYPD officer found Mendez in possession of a stolen Visa card near Richmond Avenue and Arthur Kill Road, in the vicinity of the Eltingville Transit Center.

The defendant gave officers a false name and date of birth, despite being told it was illegal to do so, according to the complaint.

Records show the defendant was convicted in 2023 of second-degree criminal use of drug paraphernalia, in connection with an arrest in Poughkeepsie Town Court.
The SSG Michael H. Ollis Staten Island Ferry sails out of New York Harbor on Wednesday, Oct. 2, 2024. (Advance/SILive.com | Paul Liotta)

STATEN ISLAND, N.Y.  A Staten Island Ferry worker and an NYPD officer were attacked by a 26-year-old man on a boat loading at the St. George terminal, authorities allege.

According to an official with a union that represents ferry workers, the incident highlights the necessity of having officers present when passengers are walking onto the boats.

However, the NYPD defended its response to the arrest and its safety measures on the ferry.

The assault occurred on Saturday, while the SSG Michael H. Ollis ferryboat was loading for a scheduled 5:30 p.m. departure from the St. George Ferry Terminal to Manhattan, according to multiple sources.

Jorge Meza of Tompkins Avenue in Stapleton allegedly punched the ferry worker in the back of the head.

The worker suffered physical injuries that included swelling, redness and pain, according to the criminal complaint and a source with knowledge of the investigation.

Meza attempted to cause further physical injury to the worker by throwing a glass beer bottle, the complaint alleges.

When police arrived, Meza allegedly punched a cop multiple times, causing the officer to suffer swelling, bruising, redness and substantial pain on the face and head.

The defendant then resisted arrest by flailing and tensing his arms in an attempt to avoid being handcuffed, the complaint alleges.

The worker was taken to an area hospital, according to police.

The NYPDs Deputy Commissioner of Public Information provided the following account about the police response to the alleged assault:

During the incident on April 12th, officers were waiting for an arriving ferry to fully unload prior to transferring to the next departing ferry. Upon arriving at the departing ferry, the officers were alerted to an assault in progress and took police action to arrest the suspect. During this incident, an officer was also assaulted.

Meza has pleaded not guilty to all charges, which include felony and misdemeanor assault, attempted assault, obstructing governmental administration, resisting arrest and harassment.

The defendant, who is 5 feet, 7 inches tall and weighs about 210 pounds, has been remanded to jail. He is being held at Rikers Island and is due back in Criminal Court in St. George on May 27, according to public records.

An attorney for the defendant did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

Ferry workers union expresses concern

Kenny Smith, a patrolman for the New York/New Jersey Marine Engineers Beneficial Association, the union that represents ferry workers, said that no police officers were standing with the deckhands while the defendant and other passengers were boarding the ferry on Saturday. Instead, the officers assigned to that trip were in transit on a St. George-bound ferryboat.

Its just become a chronic issue and now our members are getting hurt, said Smith in calling for an enhanced police presence on ferry boats.

Smith said that the cops should be on the boat as the boat is loading, not coming from a terminal detail, not coming from the other boat thats in-bound.

The union leader said it deters problem people when they come walking on and they see two cops standing on the front of the boat with the crew.

The union representative said it is city Department of Transportation policy that two police officers need to be on board for the boat to sail.

They dont, however, need to be on board the ferry when it is loading, a source with knowledge of the investigation said.

The police should be on the boat when the boats loading and they should be on before the passengers and they should be the last ones off, Smith said.

The NYPD released the following statement explaining its policing policies on the ferry:

Officers do not disembark the arriving ferry until it is fully unloaded, which can take time. They then make their way over to the departing ferry, which is already being loaded with passengers. Delaying embarkation would cause a backlog of passengers and delay departures. The ferries will not depart without NYPD officers confirmed to be onboard.

The city Department of Transportation referred the Advance/SILive.com to the NYPD for comment.

Prior arrest

More than two weeks before the ferry incident, Meza was arrested for an alleged shoplifting incident on April 1 just after 3 p.m. at the Target store at 2900 Veterans Road West in Charleston, according to the criminal complaint.

The complaint alleges that a loss prevention officer saw Meza remove a box of Pop-Tarts, a six-pack of Heineken beer, a bag of Tyson French fries and a bottle of Fairlife milk from store shelves. Meza then allegedly walked past all of the registers without paying for the items.

He has pleaded not guilty to misdemeanor charges of petit larceny, criminal possession of stolen property and disorderly conduct in that case.
A 27-year-old Colombian national elbowed an immigration officer in the face as she attempted to arrest him in Roselle earlier this year, federal prosecutors said.

Hector Villegas-Alvarez is charged with assaulting a federal officer, the U.S. Attorneys Office said.

Immigration and Customs Enforcement officers were conducting surveillance outside of Villegas-Alvarezs home on Feb. 23 to arrest him because he is in the country illegally, according to a criminal complaint.

The confrontation occurred after officers pulled over Villegas-Alvarez, ordering him out of the car.

Villegas-Alvarez exited the vehicle but resisted being handcuffed by tensing his body and locking his arms, according to prosecutors.

The officers partner then attempted to subdue Villegas-Alvarez by tasering him three times in the back.

Villegas-Alvarez momentarily fell to the ground and tried to return to his car to flee before the two officers combined to subdue him as he resisted, authorities said.

During the struggle, Villegas-Alvarez elbowed the officer, according to prosecutors. She suffered a broken nose and a concussion. The injured officer still suffers from severe post-concussion symptoms, including fainting and difficulty breathing, court papers state.

Villegas-Alvarez is scheduled to be arraigned Tuesday morning. His federal public defender couldnt immediately be reached.
A mother of two from Queens has died after a series of buttocks implant surgeries, performed by a man who police say posed as a licensed doctor on Tik Tok, according to an ABC report.

Maria Paz Penaloza Cabrera, 31, had gone to the doctors home office in the Astoria section of Queens for the initial surgery, then returned March 28 to have the troublesome implants removed, the New York Daily News reported.

When she returned March 28 to have the implants removed, she ended up in cardiac arrest after being injected with lidocaine, commonly used in plastic surgery as a local anesthetic to numb specific areas, according to reports.

The doctor, Felipe Hoyos-Foronda, allegedly headed for John F. Kennedy International Airport en route to Colombia amid the womans medical emergency, according to reports.

He was picked up at the airport and charged with practicing without a license and assault.
A New York man was found earlier this month inside an upscale hotel steps away from the University of Virginia in Charlottesville with wads of cash, three firearms and roughly 70 one-pound bags of what investigators suspect is cannabis. But in an unusual move, 26-year-old Jonny Blanco was released from custody three days after his arrest and allowed to return home on a no-cash bail.

Blanco has no ties to the Charlottesville area, and his father, who has vouched for his $10,000 bail, only recently emerged from bankruptcy.

"That's the dirty, little secret about people arrested in drug cases," longtime criminal defense lawyer Scott Goodman told The Daily Progress. "With that many drugs and weapons, 9 times out of the 10 the person has agreed to be a cooperator to help the police identify other suspects."

"It doesn't mean that for sure," Goodman continued, "but those are the overwhelming odds when that person is not locked up but released. Nothing else really would explain it."

Even Charlottesville Police Chief Michael Kochis, who has vowed to crackdown on proliferation of guns on the streets on the city, was caught off guard.

"I'm surprised he got bail," Kochis told The Daily Progress. "I think that would be a question for the courts."

Even though at least two Charlottesville detectives participated in the raid, Kochis said that he wasn't familiar with the case, as it was conducted by the 3A Drug and Gang Task Force, which comprises five regional and two federal agencies.

Detective Nathan Stein executed a search warrant on a guest room at the Graduate hotel on University Avenue at the eastern terminus of the popular Corner shopping district.

"Charlottesville city police were dispatched to room 424 of the Graduate hotel in the city of Charlottesville on the report of a housekeeper who observed money, drugs, and firearms in plain view inside the room," wrote detective Matt McCall in his request for a search warrant.

McCall's two search warrants turned up more than money, drugs and firearms.

According to inventories filed after the raid, officers also seized two bags containing pink powder, some currency marked by white powder, 13 1/2 pink pills and a plastic bottle containing an amber-color liquid. If any chemical testing on the materials has occurred, it is not yet logged in Blanco's public file in Charlottesville General District Court.

What is logged is that a judge from neighboring Albemarle County, Matthew Quatrara, initialed an April 11 order allowing Blanco to return to his home state of New York. The record doesn't indicate which judge approved the bail, dated two days earlier and executed by a magistrate.

The person who has agreed to guarantee a $10,000 payment if Blanco doesn't return for his next court date is his father, Fehim Hasandjekaj. Federal bankruptcy records indicate that he and his wife, Rufina Blanco, emerged from Chapter 7 bankruptcy protection in 2022.

Blanco's prompt release stands in stark contrast to the cases of the dozen out-of-state men who were charged with crimes after participating in the torch-wielding mob that marched across UVa Grounds on Aug. 11, 2017. Many of those men, who were in Charlottesville for the Unite the Right White nationalist rally planned for the following day, were held for months without bail, even though they were prosecuted several years after committing a crime  using fire to racially intimidate  that many claimed they did not realize was illegal. And while the rally on Aug. 12, 2017, would turn violent, ending in the death of anti-racist counterprotester Heather Heyer, none of those men where behind the wheel of the car that struck and killed her and injured many others.

As for Blanco, while Virginia law currently permits households to grow four cannabis plants and lets individuals possess a single ounce, commerce remains illegal. And the law also penalizes those who keep guns with any quantity of the hallucinogenic plant with a minimum two-year sentence in addition to any sentence for distribution.

Arrested amid the raid, Blanco was charged with a felony: possession of more than 5 pounds with the intent to distribute. A conviction carries a sentence of five to 30 years. Blanco, who has addresses in White Plains and Lagrangeville, New York, reportedly has no criminal record.

Along with ammunition and gun magazines, the three guns seized were a Smith & Wesson M&P 15-22 semi-automatic rifle, a Taurus G2C semi-automatic pistol and another pistol made by Smith & Wesson.

While city police spokesman Kyle Ervin said he did not know whether additional charges are expected, investigators appear not to have waited for the test results of the 70 bags of suspected cannabis, vacuum sealed and stored in suitcases.

Among the seized items was a gray Ford 150 pickup truck. If there was any doubt that the truck, which reportedly contained a $5 bill containing white powder, was connected to Blanco, he cleared that up as a tow truck hauled the vehicle away.

"According to Det. Stein, Jonny Blanco made a spontaneous utterance about the hotel towing his truck and pointed out his truck to Officer Devon Turner," according to McCall's narrative.

While Blanco reported working for a firm called Roxxon Inc. of which he is the owner and which holds the title to the pickup truck, he informed the magistrate that he had no income or assets and was assigned a lawyer from the Office of the Public Defender. Attorney Hayley Setear has already begun handling his case, but Setear told The Daily Progress she would not be commenting.

If the prospect of causing his father to incur a $10,000 penalty is not sufficiently onerous to compel Blanco's return, it appears that authorities not only have the guns and drugs they seized from Room 424 at the Graduate. They also kept the pickup truck, two Apple iPhones, an Apple laptop computer and four packages of what appears to be plant material marked "hemlock."

A toxic compound from a plant by that name was used to execute the ancient Greek philosopher Socrates after authorities found him guilty of corrupting the youth of Athens.

Blanco is slated to return to Charlottesville General District Court on May 8.
Members of the Department of Transportation (DOT) and the Conference House Association gathered at the new signage located at the Port Authority Outerbridge Crossing Page Avenue exit on Wednesday, April 16, 2025. Pictured from left to right are: John Kilcullen, Director of Conference House Park; Roseann Caruana, NYC DOT Staten Island Borough Commissioner; Anisa Bekteshi, DOT Borough Planner; William Deautriell, NYC DOT Chief of Staff for Staten Island; Carmine Raimondi, Programs and Events Manager for the Conference House; Evelyn Iacagnino, Conference House Board Member; and William Anderson, Conference House Treasurer. (Advance/SILive.com | Jan Somma-Hammel) STATEN ISLAND ADVANCE

STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. -- In collaboration with the NYC Department of Transportation, the New York State Department of Transportation, and the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey, the Conference House Association and NYC Parks have successfully installed new brown wayfinding signs featuring historic landmark designations at the Outerbridge Crossing and the Page Avenue exit.

The Conference House, located in the neighborhood of Tottenville, was the site of a peace conference during the Revolutionary War. (Alexa Viggiano for the Staten Island Advance) (Alexa Viggiano for the Staten Island Advance)

These new brown highway signs now connect the Conference House with other important sites on Staten Island which was designated a National Historic Landmark in 1966, the Conference House is vital in narrating an essential chapter of American history.

Members of the Conference House Association are thrilled that the new signage is now in place. William Anderson, treasurer of the Conference House Association, read a statement from the association, As we look ahead to celebrating the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence, we are confident that even more visitors will come to know the story of how a delegation of the Continental Congress, including Benjamin Franklin and John Adams, stood up to the British, resolute in their quest for independence, at the Conference House on Staten Island. We are grateful for the increased exposure the new signage will bring.

John Kilcullen, Director of Conference House Park, states, With the Countrys 250th anniversary next year in 2026, the Association wants to draw more attention to our historic site and park as well as the Islands many other cultural and historic locations.

Various DOT and Conference House Association members gathered at the new signage at the Port Authority Outerbridge Crossing Page Avenue exit, Wednesday, April 16, 2025. (Courtesy John Kilcullen) STATEN ISLAND ADVANCE
A fire damages homes on North Burgher Avenue in West Brighton on Wednesday, April 16, 2025. (Advance/SILive.com | Jan Somma-Hammel)

UPDATE: Neighbor, 37, charged with arson in Staten Island fire that damaged 3 homes

***

STATEN ISLAND, N.Y.  A person was taken in for questioning after a blaze that burned three homes in West Brighton Wednesday afternoon was considered suspicious, according to Deputy Assistant Chief David Simms, the FDNY borough commander.

Simms comments came during a press conference after the fire was brought under control just before 4 p.m.

This was a heavy deep-seated fire that necessitated the use of three alarms, Simms said, referring to the large FDNY response.

The fire initially broke out in the rear of 131 North Burgher Ave. before spreading to 129 and 127 North Burgher Ave., explained Simms.

This emergency demanded a massive response, with 33 units consisting of 138 Fire and EMS personnel taking to the scene, the FDNY said.

While no injuries were reported from the blaze and all civilians were accounted for, the properties sustained significant damage.

Firefighters battle a blaze on North Burgher Avenue in West Brighton on Wednesday, April 16, 2025. (Advance/SILive.com | Luke Peteley)

As firefighters continued operations and extinguished the flames, one person was taken in for questioning by Fire Marshals and the NYPD, according to a spokesperson for the FDNY.

The man taken was draped in a blue bath robe and was seated in a patch of grass on the corner of North Burgher Avenue and Wayne Street observing the scene prior to being handcuffed.

He was taken into the back of an NYPD vehicle without resisting.

Charges were not immediately filed and the FDNY did not release further details about why the fire was thought to be suspicious.
Gov. Kathy Hochul is joined by New York district attorneys and business owners in support of discovery law changes. (Susan Watts/Office of Governor Kathy Hochul)

Gov. Kathy Hochul was joined by business leaders and the boroughs district attorneys Wednesday as part of an ongoing effort to change New Yorks criminal discovery laws.

The changes would amend reforms passed in 2019 and continue the battle against retail theft, she said. Discovery refers to the requirement that defense attorneys and prosecutors exchange evidence before a trial begins.

The governors efforts seek to establish new protections against organized retail theft that were signed into law with the 2025 enacted budget as part of her five-point plan to combat such crimes.

The changes have the support of Ricmond County District Attorney Michael E. McMahon and 14 Staten Island civic groups.

The discovery law issue has proved to be a sticking point with lawmakers as state budget negotiations continue.

Retail theft threatens public safety and drives costs up for all New Yorkers, Hochul said. I have been clear since day one: I wont stop fighting to pass a state budget that prioritizes affordability and key public safety measures.

We cannot allow loopholes in our discovery laws to harm the progress we have made in combatting organized retail theft and I remain committed to advancing key changes to discovery laws to hold perpetrators accountable, she said.

In 2024, Hochul signed into law protections that included more than $40 million for dedicated retail theft teams within state police, district attorneys offices and local law enforcement to combat organized retail theft.

The plan also provides a $5 million tax credit to help small businesses invest in security measures, such as cameras, and increases the penalty for those who assault retail workers from a misdemeanor to a felony.

Throughout the city, the number of larceny dismissals doubled from 3,385 in 2019 to 7,168 in 2024. In 2024, 25% of all larceny arrests in the city were dismissed, up from 14% in 2019.

Hochuls proposed changes to the states discovery law aims to shorten case processing times, reduce the length of pretrial incarceration and safeguard sensitive and personal information belonging to witnesses.

Should these changes come to pass, prosecutors would be required to proactively gather comprehensive material and disclose it quickly to individuals charged with a crime.

Like most New Yorkers, I believe that a defendants guilt or innocence should be decided on the merits of the case, not on technicalities and loopholes, said McMahon. The unfortunate reality is that New York states current discovery laws allow far too many drivers of crime, including retail theft recidivists, domestic abusers, and more serious offenders, to escape consequence for their criminal action as thousands of misdemeanors are dismissed across our state over minor and irrelevant paperwork issues.

That reality robs victims, survivors, and their families from ever receiving justice and defendants from being held accountable for their crimes in the courtroom, he said.

We believe that there is light at the end of the tunnel, and that changes are coming, he said. Governor Hochuls proposed amendments to our discovery statutes offer a common-sense path forward which will restore accountability in our criminal justice system while still maintaining New York states distinct standing as having the most open and transparent discovery laws in the nation."

As state budget negotiations continue, I commend Governor Hochul for her partnership and commitment to strengthening public safety, McMahon added.
Nearly 400 open violations have been reported across the Park Hill Apartments since the start of 2025. Priya Shahi

STATEN ISLAND, N.Y.  For over a decade, tenants at the government-subsidized Park Hill Apartments in Clifton have complained about poor living conditions.

Nearly three months ago, The Advance/SILive.com wrote about a 75-year-old resident of the complex enduring a month without heat this past winter.

Over the years, past reports from the Advance/SILive.com have documented numerous tenants experiencing poor living conditions  from rodent and roach infestations to hazardous mold, broken elevators, faulty utilities, and more.

The Advance/SILive.com recently examined tenant-reported violations from the NYC Housing Preservation & Development online portal at the Park Hill Apartments, which includes several multi-story buildings located at 140, 180, 185, 225, 240, and 280 Park Hill Ave., during 2025.

Open violations reported by Park Hill Apartments tenants in 2025

Since the start of 2025, the six buildings in the Park Hill Apartments portfolio have accumulated nearly 400 open violations as of April 11, 2025. Among them, 140 Park Hill Ave. has the highest number, with over 150 reported violations, while 280 Park Hill Ave. has the fewest, with 24.

At 280 Park Hill Ave., tenants have reported 24 open violations so far in 2025  and the most common complaint is one thats hard to ignore: roach infestations, making up more than one in five of the reports. Mice infestations follow closely behind, with three cases. Other serious concerns include no heat, missing smoke detectors, blocked fire escapes, and absent carbon monoxide detectors  each reported twice, underlining ongoing gaps in basic tenant protections.

Just down the block at 240 Park Hill Ave., there are 26 open violations so far in 2025. More than half are tied to a single issue: visible mold, with 11 reports calling for tracing and abatement. Trailing behind as the second most common concerns are broken or defective doors, flooring, or cabinets, with six complaints. Roach infestations rank third, appearing in four reports.

Over at 225 Park Hill Ave., there are 32 open violations so far in 2025. The most common issue reported is general disrepair  including damaged floors, tiles, walls, and cabinets  with nine violations. Mold follows closely behind, with eight reports of visible mold requiring tracing and abatement. The third most frequently reported issue is plumbing-related, with four complaints of clogged or leaky faucets.

At 185 Park Hill Ave., tenants have reported a total of 60 open violations in 2025. The most frequently cited issue is general repair and maintenance  including problems with tiles, doors, and cabinets  with 23 complaints. Infestation concerns come next, with nine reports involving roaches, mice, or bedbugs. Tied for the third most reported violations are six complaints each related to broken or missing carbon monoxide detectors and the need for repainting with light-colored paint.

At 180 Park Hill Ave., there are 90 open violations reported so far in 2025. The most common complaint, appearing 17 times, is the failure to provide hot water at all fixtures throughout the apartments. Tied for the second most reported issues, with nine violations each, are lack of access to the buildings heating system (boiler room) and unresolved mice infestations. Roach infestations across entire apartments follow closely, with eight reports, making it the third most frequently cited violation.

At 140 Park Hill Ave., the violations climb to a striking total of 154 in 2025  the highest among all the buildings. Roach infestations top the list, with 20 reported cases, followed closely by 19 complaints of mice infestations. The third most common violation, with 17 reports, involves the failure to properly repair broken or defective fire-retardant materials on the ceiling in the cellar.

The violations across the Park Hill Apartments reveal a pattern of chronic neglect and ongoing health and safety issues.

Raphael Lajara, whose father-in-law lives in one of the buildings, said he had to advocate for heat to be restored in his apartment this past winter. His father went a month without heat, which worsened his asthma and emphysema, according to Lajara.

Lajara described the building managements response to issues as a band-aid fix, adding that the problems always come back.

Future renovations?

Michael Shah, founder and CEO of DelShah Capital, said during a Jan. 31 interview that hes working with several government agencies to secure a funding arrangement to allow for a full renovation of the complex.

Park Hill has been in my family since the mid 90s. My father ran it before I did, and it was always very important to him. Its been very, very good to our family, he said. Ive always taken my role as a caretaker very seriously.

Shah said his company is working to address various residents complaints as they arise.

DelShah Capital spokesperson Juda S. Engelmayer said theyve identified key areas for improvement across the portfolio and are implementing a comprehensive plan to address them. Specifically, an overhaul of the heating system is included in the upgrades.

These properties have been a longstanding part of our companys legacy, and were deeply committed to their continued care, Engelmayer said. Our top priority is to ensure that every tenants needs are not only met, but consistently exceeded, both now and in the future.
Richmond University Medical Center is offering a unique opportunity for high school students enrolled in the 11th or 12th grades.

Students interested in exploring the world of healthcare can apply for RUMCs Medical Science Program, where they have the opportunity to gain hands-on experience learning alongside medical professionals.

The program is free.

They can get involved in services like nursing, radiology, respiratory therapy, laboratory services and physical therapy.

Students in grades 11 and 12 must be available for a six-week, one-day a week course for two hours each.

They must be able to report to the hospital at 355 Bard Avenue in West Brighton.

They must complete a physical examination provided by a primary care physician.

The spring session runs from May 7 through June 12, and this is its inaugural season.

Students may submit a letter of application to jbruno@rumcsi.org. Questions? Call 718-818-2456.
Dr. Prajakta Vagal has been named assistant vice president of Behavioral Health by Richmond University Medical Center, West Brighton. (Courtesy of Richmond University Medical Center) (Courtesy of Richmond University Medical Center)

STATEN ISLAND, N.Y.  Richmond University Medical Center, in West Brighton, has announced the appointment of Dr. Prajakta Vagal as its new assistant vice president of behavioral health.

Vagal comes to RUMC with more than 20 years of experience as a health-care leader and physician. Her previous experience and expertise in clinical and transformative care delivery allowed her to lead system-wide initiatives at New York City Health + Hospitals, where she integrated primary care into behavioral health services, expanding comprehensive care management and care coordination services and optimized quality improvement programs, according to the announcement released by RUMC.

Richmond University Medical Center stands as Staten Islands safety-net hospital, ensuring that high-quality care is accessible to all members of our community, Vagal said. It holds a unique and critical role in the delivery of behavioral health services, particularly for children and families. I am honored to join an organization that is rooted in the community and dedicated to this mission. As AVP of Behavioral Health, I am committed to expanding access to mental health care, enhancing patient outcomes and supporting our dedicated teams in delivering compassionate, high-quality services that truly support the well-being of our community.

Vagal holds a master of public administration degree in health policy and management from New York University and a bachelor of medicine and surgery degree from Grant Medical College in Mumbai, India.

As Staten Islands leading provider of behavioral health services for children, adolescents and adults, our programs and services will greatly benefit from Dr. Vagals extensive experience and knowledge, said Dr. Daniel J. Messina, president and CEO of RUMC. We are excited to have Dr. Vagal joining our team,

RUMC offers both inpatient and outpatient behavioral health services led by a team of board-certified physicians, therapists and health-care professionals. It provides comprehensive evaluation and referral services and substance abuse treatments and programs.

RUMCs Center for Integrative Behavioral Medicine, located at 1130 South Ave., Travis, provides evaluation and referral services, mental health services, as well as substance abuse treatment programs.

Staten Island Mental Health Society integrated its services and programs with RUMC in 2019. The society provides assistance through outpatient services for children, adolescents, families and young people diagnosed with developmental disabilities.

It also offers early childhood services, and Head Start programs for preschoolers.
New York City students have a week off for spring break. In this 2024 photo, students are let out on their last day of school at PS 3 in Pleasant Plains. (Owen Reiter for the Staten Island Advance) Owen Reiter

New York City students in public schools are enjoying some time off from going to classes and doing homework during spring break  so when exactly do they head back to campus?

Schools are closed for spring recess from Monday, April 14, through Friday, April 18, according to the New York City Department of Education academic calendar. This gives students nine full days off from school during the break, including weekends.

Students will return from spring break on Monday, April 21.

The city public school calendar includes some two dozen days off between the first day and the last day of classes. The calendar gives time off for religious holidays, week-long breaks for winter recess, mid-winter recess and spring recess, and federal holidays.

The next day off for all students after spring break is Memorial Day on Monday, May 26.

Students in New York City public schools will also have time off in June for two holidays  Eid al-Adha on June 5 and Juneteenth on June 19.

For those counting down until summer, the last day of school for public students in New York City is Thursday, June 26.

While public school students currently enjoy their weeklong break, their peers in Catholic elementary schools dont start spring break until Friday, April 18, which is also Good Friday.

Easter break for elementary students in the Archdiocese of New York is from April 18-25.

Its important to note that Catholic high schools and private schools may have different dates for spring break.
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Opposition Leader Peter Duttons Australian gas for Australians scheme risks violating the Constitution and provoking an expensive High Court battle with fossil fuel giants as prominent legal experts warn the Coalition policy appears to be a discriminatory tax regime.

In a direct pitch to voters struggling with the cost of living, Dutton has vowed to bring down energy bills by slapping a levy on Queenslands liquefied natural gas (LNG) shippers to force them to keep more supplies of the fossil fuel in Australia.

Opposition Leader Peter Dutton. Credit: James Brickwood

The plan does not affect LNG tied to long-term export deals to buyers in Asia but would impose a gas security charge on any surplus cargoes of LNG shipped overseas from Gladstone instead of being sold locally.

The Coalitions policy document refers to the cost impost as a charge or incentive for producers to flood the east coast market with cheaper gas.
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Ann Cleeves, the deceptively mild-mannered crime novelist who created DCI Vera Stanhope, eponymous star of the long-running TV series, says she didnt go on set too often. Even though they filmed around where she lives in Northumbria, she would drop in only once during each of its 14 seasons. That was enough, however, to give her a sense of the companys esprit de corps. Last time round, she recalls, she talked to a prop-maker who had been with Vera almost since it started.

I remember him saying: What you need to know, Ann, about this set is that its a family. She mimics him nodding towards Brenda Blethyn. And shes the matriarch!

For 14 years, Blethyns Vera has been one of the reliably entertaining and beloved characters on television, a ramshackle detective who eats in her car, sleeps in her chair, wears a sludge-coloured gabardine raincoat and bucket hat  you can buy souvenir knock-offs of that hat, Im told, at nearby Newcastles Sunday market  and always nails her murderer.

Brenda Blethyn in a scene from the final season of Vera. Credit: Helen Williams

Vera is cosy-on-the-couch telly, but not in a crass way. The news that the final episode, The Dark Wives, based on Cleeves most recent book, would be her last hurrah was hardly a shock  Blethyn is 79  but its a bit like calling a halt to macncheese. What will we do for televisual comfort food now?

Blethyn admits she called time on it. They [commercial network ITV] would have carried on for as much time as I was willing to do it. But for a couple of years, Ive been thinking I miss my family a bit, because Im away for six months of the year. And that not only was I getting on, but my family was getting on. I thought maybe I was being selfish, being up in Northumbria all the time. Because I just loved it. I loved working on Vera.

Blethyn looks much younger than her years; she is also blessed with a young, resonant voice, bundles of enthusiasm and a ferocious work ethic; she has actually made a film  a comedy about Queen Mary Is reign called Fools  since The Dark Wives wrapped. But the hours were gruelling: up at 5.30am for make-up, 12 hours on set, more hours spent travelling from one remote rural location to the next. And I couldnt go home at weekends because it was too far [she lives in the south of England]. I hadnt had a summer, I realised, for 14 years.
The Narrow Road to the Deep North 

Australia has a rich and deep history of war films and TV series. From Vietnam to Gallipoli and Anzac Girls, we have found great value in telling our stories in times of conflict. The Narrow Road to the Deep North, set mainly in the harrowing confines of a POW camp on the Death Railway in Burma, is perhaps the most beautiful and harrowing of those I have seen, with a tender performance from Jacob Elordi at its centre.

Jacob Elordi as Dorrigo Evans and Olivia DeJonge as Ella in The Narrow Road to the Deep North.

Directed by Justin Kurzel and adapted by Shaun Grant from Richard Flanagans 2014 Booker Prize-winning novel, the five-part series is just as much a love story as it is one of war. It slides through time, from 1940 to 1989, following Dorrigo Evans (Elordi), a young doctor on the verge of being sent to war. He is engaged to Ella (Olivia DeJonge), who comes from a well-to-do Melbourne family who can secure Dorrigos future as a surgeon. However, when Dorrigo goes to visit his Uncle Keith (Simon Baker) before deployment, he is drawn to Keiths younger wife, Amy (Odessa Young).

Their affair is all-consuming, and its the memory of this that sustains Dorrigo when he is captured and sent to work on the infamous Death Railway and then, later, as an older man (now played by Irish actor Ciaran Hinds, with Heather Mitchell as the older Ella). The older Dorrigo is still ruined by his experiences in the war  outwardly successful and revered as a war hero, he is reckless in his personal life and uncompromising at work.
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Eating outJust open Beloved 60-year-old family-run restaurant The Malaya returns to George Street It might be a new chapter for the Malaysian institution, but old favourites such as its signature laksa (made with cows milk) and beef rendang will still entice regulars. Scott Bolles April 17, 2025 Save Log in , register or subscribe to save recipes for later. You have reached your maximum number of saved items. Remove items from your saved list to add more. Save this article for later Add articles to your saved list and come back to them anytime. Got it Share

The Malaya restaurant has fed Sydney under the watch of the same family for 62 years, but on Thursday, April 17, the venue will serve its first prawn laksa at a new location at Grosvenor Place, near Circular Quay. When Wong Tai See opened The Malaya at the south end of George Street, near Chinatown, in 1963, everyday ingredients you find today on supermarket shelves often werent available. Coconut milk was one such example, so the laksa was made with cows milk. It became such a favourite with The Malayas clientele that Wong Tai Sees grandchildren, Duan and Isabella Wong, dont dare change it. 1 / 11 Duan Wong and Isabella Wong at The Malayas new home. Jason Loucas 2 / 11 The Malayas spin on prawn laksa. Jason Loucas 3 / 11 Coconut beef rendang. Jason Loucas 4 / 11 Barbecued prawns. Jason Loucas 5 / 11 The Malaya opens on Thursday at its new location at Grosvenor Place, near Circular Quay. Steven Woodburn 6 / 11 XO pipis. Jason Loucas 7 / 11 Salt and pepper scampi. Jason Loucas 8 / 11 Kam Heong mud crab. Jason Loucas 9 / 11 The restaurant will welcome customers to the new location with a menu of familiar favourites and recent additions. Steven Woodburn 10 / 11 Ikan pepes (fish in banana leaves). Jason Loucas 11 / 11 The next generation has taken over the decades-old Sydney institution. Steven Woodburn Previous Slide Next Slide The restaurants third-generation operators dont remember much about the stalwart restaurants 2001 relocation from George Street to King Street Wharf, where The Malaya was a mainstay for 24 years until its closure last month. I was 12 and Isabella was eight, Duan Wong said of the previous move. Isabella Wong has vague memories of the purple walls at the George Street restaurant, and Duan remembers the opening night at the wharf. Their recollection is understandably stronger about the final night at King Street a few weeks ago; a welcome ovation from the dining room for staff, many of whom have been with the restaurant for decades. And regulars, who politely asked if they could take mementos of the restaurant, such as candles, as keepsakes.

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Our parents never put any pressure on us to follow them into the business, Duan Wong said. He studied in Italy, focused on slow food and importing wine. Isabella Wong started to forge a career in psychology. Then Dad got sick, she said. Lance Wong died in 2018. He and his wife, Givie, had taken the restaurant to a new generation of more educated Sydney diners, updating the menu as fresh Asian ingredients such as lemongrass and galangal became available, and modernising the restaurants design. Now the next gen has taken over. Coconut beef rendang. Jason Loucas The Malayas current operators still bounce ideas off their mother, and Lances wine collection has followed the restaurant across town. We still have some Leewin Estate back to 2009, and Hill of Grace, 2002 and 2007 vintages, Duan Wong said. A mid-century floor light and some repurposed pendant lights have also made the trip from King Street Wharf to the Harry Seidler-designed site at Grosvenor Place. They also reordered the original Finnish-designed chairs, which are still in production, used when The Malaya opened at King Street Wharf in 2001.

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While the new restaurant is larger, its multi-level configuration means it will have fewer seats, with 180 seated inside and 60 on the terrace. When you have clientele as loyal as The Malayas  where two old school friends lunch most Tuesdays and regulars who first visited as university students in the 1970s now arrive with their extended families  any alteration to the menu has to be carefully considered. The Malayas spin on prawn laksa. Jason Loucas Isabella Wong, who runs floor operations at the restaurant, said most regulars head straight to their favourite dishes. Thats good news for fans of the kapitan prawns, coconut beef rendang and Sichuan eggplant. They have all gone straight to the new menu. There are a couple of new dish arrivals. The cold beef salad, which went on the menu last year, has stayed, as has a new pork belly dish with glass noodles.

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The duo promise seafood will play a more central role at the restaurant, with mud crab and XO pipis featured, and a dessert of Penang gelato. The lemongrass, makrut lime and mint creation was developed in collaboration with Redfern gelataria Ciccone & Sons. Drinks consultant Ed Loveday has updated The Malayas cocktails, and expanded the line-up. Kam Heong mud crab. Jason Loucas The relocation isnt without risk. The Grosvenor Place restaurant site has chewed through some seasoned operations, with Fratelli Fresh and the Neil Perry-steered Rosetta both opening and closing there. But the incoming team is bullish on the timing on the site, with light rail works and nearby developments such as Sydney Place still unfinished when those restaurants operated there. Were surrounded by some of the citys best hotels, and theres a steady stream of foot traffic from Circular Quay down George Street, Duan Wong said. The Malaya was lucky to have a rusted-on clientele at King Street Wharf, but Wong previously noted its streets have been quieter in recent times.

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We wanted to bring elements [furnishings and the colours] of the old restaurant across, Isabella Wong said. This new space gives Duan and me the chance to bring a few touches of our own to the restaurant, without changing what The Malaya has always been. Open lunch and dinner Mon-Sat Grosvenor Place, 255 George Street, Sydney, themalaya.com.au

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The groups mission, he said, was to fight for principles and policies that promote freedom, security and prosperity, and, in doing so, put the interests of everyday Australians front and centre of the national debate.

Whatever else CPAC Australia is, its no place for shrinking violets. Events like these are sponsored by wealthy benefactors, but their animating forces are ego and grievance. But one speaker stood out for his humility. His name was Matthew Sheahan, and he was the executive director of a right-wing organisation called Advance. Speaking haltingly from notes and with a slight lisp, Sheahan described Advance as an independent grassroots movement, not affiliated or connected to any political party.

Despite the promise of new ideas, the conferences themes were derived almost exclusively from intellectual and cultural prehistory, inevitably returning, in some form or another, to the neoliberal Holy Trinity of smaller government, lower taxes and property rights. The only concession to the 21st century was the word woke, which the attendees seemed to have only just discovered and which copped a predictable flogging.

A spin-off of the US-based CPAC  short for Conservative Political Action Conference  the Sydney-based outfit described itself as a values-based organisation that espouses the best of Howard, Reagan and Thatcher while exploring new ideas and themes for the coming generations. Guests at the August event included One Nation senator Pauline Hanson, Michelle Pearse, the CEO of the Australian Christian Lobby, and broadcaster and soon-to-be alleged sex offender, Alan Jones. Overseas talent included Jay Aeba, chairman of the Japanese Conservative Union and Heather Wilson, mother of six and co-founder of GiveSendGo, a Christian crowdfunding network which has helped raise money for neo-Nazis and anti-vaxxers.

For two days in August 2023, amid the gloomy downlights and stain-disguising carpet of Sydneys Star Casino, some of Australias biggest and boldest conservative thinkers gathered at CPAC Australia to save the free world.

Advance has become a force on the far right, a lavishly resourced team of partisan political warriors, focused on destroying progressive opponents. Credit: Digital illustration by Ollie Towning

The media tend to think we are some fringe group, and that suits us just fine, as Sheahan put it in his CPAC Australia address. We are happy to go underestimated.

Then, as now, the groups tactics  satirical superheroes, racist attack ads  are often derided as stunts. But Advance is inured to ridicule. Indeed, its a force multiplier for them, distracting from the organisations energy, ambition and capacity to influence debate.

But Sheahans description of his groups campaign apparatus was certainly accurate. Advance has indeed become a formidable force on the far right, a lavishly resourced team of partisan political warriors, monomaniacally focused on destroying their progressive opponents, whether they be Labor, the Greens, teals, moderate Liberals, left-leaning academics, the ABC or climate-change activists.

The idea that it grew out of nowhere from grassroots contributions is also laughable, given the bulk of its declared funding comes from a handful of Australias richest people, including winemakers, investment bankers and at least one billionaire coal baron.

There was much of Sheahans speech that was patently false, beginning with the bit about not being connected to any political party. Advances leadership has always been largely composed of former Liberal Party operatives and retired Liberal Party MPs. The group would, just months later, receive $500,000 from the Cormack Foundation, an investment fund established by the Liberal Party of Victoria, and had as a member of its advisory board one Tony Abbott, best known as a former Liberal prime minister of Australia.

Sheahan described how, since its launch in 2018, Advance had built, from the ground up, a sophisticated, permanent campaign infrastructure comprising communications strategists, digital platforms and field operations, together with a supporter base of some 275,000 people. The organisation didnt depend on big corporations or business, Sheahan said, but an army of 23,000 ordinary Australians giving grassroots contributions. The immediate goal, he stated, was to defeat the Voice to Parliament, but there were many battles ahead. He added we need people committed to the cause, who will go all the way to the end, to win.

Other initiatives were similarly ham-fisted. In 2020, Advance was caught targeting primary-school children with classroom resources designed to counter what it called the climate-change hoax. NSW banned the material. Victorias then education minister James Merlino said most principals would put this rubbish where it belongs  in the bin.

Advances initial forays  a push to scrap compulsory superannuation (a long-time goal of big business) and protecting franking credits, which disproportionately benefit the wealthy  sank without trace. Advance then set its sights on the 2019 federal election, producing short videos featuring a bright orange mascot called Captain GetUp! The campaign was monumentally ill conceived: a clip of Captain GetUp! humping a poster of independent Zali Steggall, then running against Tony Abbott, had to be withdrawn. (Steggall won and Captain GetUp! was retired.)

Advance pitched itself as a champion of the silent majority  Howards battlers 2.0. But its real concerns were better expressed by another early backer, hotelier James Power, who was then engaged in a battle to prevent women from becoming members of Brisbanes Tattersalls Club. As journalist Mungo MacCallum said at the time , this was a stratospherically elite clique of rich, bored men looking for a hobby.

Then, in 2018, investment banker and long-time climate conspiracist Maurice Newman, billionaire storage king Sam Kennard, and David Adler, of the far-right Australian Jewish Association, got together to form Advance Australia. Money was no problem: hedge fund manager and Liberal Party donor Simon Fenwick tipped in $190,000; a further $400,000 came from Sydney establishment couple Rodney and Judith ONeil, and the Taylor winemaking family.

Launched in 2005, GetUp! became best known for its campaigns on progressive issues, catalysing community activism around the internet, then still a relatively optimistic space. For a long time, conservatives attempted to do a similar thing but failed to move the masses.

Advance, the word, denotes going forward; but Advance, the group, seems committed to going backwards. Its all about returning  returning, for example, to mainstream values and common sense; returning to a Judeo-Christian consensus, to a time before gender politics and turmeric lattes. And importantly, to a time before political advocacy group GetUp!

According to Advances website , the referendum was just the first step: next would come a treaty that will redistribute land, money and power to Indigenous activists, a change to the Australian flag and national anthem, and even, perhaps, the removal of every statue of Captain James Cook. For confused voters, of which there were an increasing number, Advance ran Referendum News, a supposedly neutral online news source which just happened to publish exclusively negative content.

Working across no fewer than seven social media channels, the group launched a slew of contradictory campaigns, including The Voice Is Not Enough, which claimed that the Voice would be powerless and short-change Indigenous people, and Fair Australia, which claimed the Voice went too far and was run by radical activists. There was also a handbook, One Together, not Two Divided , which warned that the Voice would divide Australians by race, and Christians for Equality, which claimed the Voice would embed Indigenous spirituality in the constitution. As the vote approached, Advances phone campaigners called thousands of households, suggesting that, among other things, the organisers behind the Voice wanted to abolish Australia Day.

Advance was floundering, but then, in 2023, came the Voice to Parliament. The Voice aimed to give First Nations peoples a constitutionally enshrined body to advise the Australian Parliament on matters affecting them. Both the Liberal Party and by extension, Advance, opposed it, but their tactics differed markedly. While the Liberals talked about the Voice being legally risky or bemoaned a lack of detail, Advance went for the jugular, unleashing a veritable firehose of disinformation.

Conservatives used to be hopeless at campaigning effectively in the social media era, says Ed Coper, a digital communications expert who has worked in progressive politics, including for GetUp!. In the stunt age, you can get the attention of mainstream media pretty cheaply. But that doesnt translate to social media, which requires a more integrated strategy that is loud, emotional and always on.

Despite this, Advances tactics didnt initially change. In the 2022 federal election, it again relied on stunts, most noticeably its billboard trucks, one of which depicted David Pocock, then running as an independent for the ACT Senate, as an undercover Greens candidate. The billboards, which featured a digitally altered Pocock ripping open his shirt to reveal the Greens logo underneath, were not only misleading (the Australian Electoral Commission ruled that Advance stop using them) but also stupid, since Pocock needed to appeal to Greens voters to win the seat. Which he did.

By early 2022, the group had taken on two strategic advisories. The first was Dunham + Company, a faith-based public relations outfit headquartered in Texas, whose clients include fundamentalist churches and pro-life organisations. The other was Whitestone Strategic, a Sydney firm headed by ex-Liberal staffer, Stephen Doyle, which describes itself as Australias conservative campaign consultancy.

Ultimately, of course, the No vote prevailed. Depending on your politics, it was a low point for race relations or a victory for common sense. Either way, it was a signal moment for Australian democracy. Weve never seen a disinformation campaign on that scale in Australia, says Coper. For many Australians, it was the first time they experienced in their own feed what they had read about from afar in the US elections.

Advances messaging became openly racist: co-founder David Adler repeatedly questioned Yes advocate Stan Grants Aboriginality, even suggesting he had artificially darkened his skin . The group then ran a full-page advertisement in The Australian Financial Review depicting Indigenous man Thomas Mayo, a prominent Yes campaigner, as a boy wearing shorts and a hammer and sickle T-shirt, capering at the feet of a white man holding a wad of cash. Then NSW Liberal Party MP Matt Kean described it as a throwback to the Jim Crow era of the Deep South. (Nine Media, owner of the AFR and this masthead, later apologised.)

Advance was by no means alone, but its third-party status afforded it extraordinary latitude. As Stephen Doyle later boasted: Some of the decisions we made, the Liberal Party would not have done in a million years.

Ties to American conservative think tanks

To the extent that it registered at all with the public, Advance appeared at first to be an anomaly. But it is perhaps best understood as one part of a much larger ecosystem, an international web of neoliberal think tanks centred around an American non-profit organisation called the Atlas Economic Research Foundation.

Based in Arlington, Virginia, Atlas was founded in 1981 by British businessman Antony Fisher. Born into a wealthy mining family, Fisher attended Eton and Cambridge before serving as a fighter pilot during World War II. After the war, he considered entering politics, but was dissuaded by author FA Hayek, father of neoliberal economics, who urged him instead to engage in a war of ideas by targeting the intellectual class.

In 1955, Fisher established what is regarded as the worlds first free-market think tank, the Institute of Economic Affairs (IEA), in London. He then travelled widely, establishing or co-founding a number of what he called IEA clones, including the Fraser Institute in Canada, and the Manhattan Institute in New York.

Five years later, Fisher set up the Atlas Economic Research Foundation. As Fishers successor, Atlas president John Blundell, put it, the foundations mission was to litter the world with free-market think tanks. From the very beginning, this network was bankrolled largely by fossil fuel interests, including Shell, ExxonMobil and Rio Tinto, as well as tobacco companies Philip Morris and RJ Reynolds. The foundation now oversees some 600 affiliate organisations in 100 countries, seven of which are in Australia, including the Institute of Public Affairs (IPA) and the Centre for Independent Studies (CIS).

Atlas claims to be a non-partisan organisation devoted to free enterprise and individual rights. We have a record of supporting pro-liberty think tanks and civil society organisations for nearly half a century, says Adam Weinberg, Atlas director of marketing and communications. Ive personally been involved in our teams process of assisting local leaders who have founded a classical liberal think tank in Syria after the fall of Assad, and we have for many years supported courageous freedom advocates in Afghanistan, even after the return of the Taliban.

But the foundation and its global network have for decades been accused of widespread climate denialism, seeding doubt wherever possible about the science of global warming, while at the same time crafting laws, running coordinated disinformation campaigns and taking legal action in a bid to promote fossil fuels.

The cover of an Advance e-book. Credit:

Atlas is a transnational influence network, a front for fossil fuel corporations and their investors, among other multinational businesses, says Dr Jeremy Walker, a senior lecturer at the University of Technology Sydney, and author of More Heat than Life: The Tangled Roots of Ecology, Energy, and Economics. Around the world, it and its affiliates have done everything in their power to defeat effective national climate policies and the UN climate treaty, and to stall the roll-out of clean energy, including promoting fake anti-renewable grassroots groups, all so they can keep oil, coal and gas on the grid for as long as possible. Advance is just another part of the same machine.

Weinberg denies that Atlas has any connection to Advance. But given that Advance was founded by senior members of the IPA and CIS  both part of the Atlas network  his claim seems specious, to say the least.

He also asserts that Atlas has never provided the group with funding. But then it wouldnt have to. Advance has always been good at raising its own money. From 2018 to 2024, the group collected more than $30 million. Advance co-founder Simon Fenwick, a retired fund manager who, together with his wife, has given Advance $2.3 million, has said that most of the organisations money comes from everyday Australians donating an average of $160. This is impossible to prove or disprove, since donations of less than $16,900 currently dont need to be declared. (These funds are often referred to, in aggregate, as dark money.)

Sheahan, who declined to talk to Good Weekend, and Fenwick, who didnt respond to a request for comment, both use these figures to make the case that Advance is fighting for mainstream Aussies against self-interested elites. According to investigative journalist Anthony Klan, however, its exactly the opposite. Advance is a fake grassroots campaign run by fake ordinary Australians on behalf of extremely rich people.

Advance are a bunch of billionaires who want to pursue their own interests while pretending to be the underdogs. Independent journalist Anthony Klan

Tall and scruffy, Klan, who is 45, spent 14 years at The Australian, where he won a Walkley Award for business journalism. He now publishes an independent online newspaper called The Klaxon, which he runs out of his garage in a rental house in Byron Bay. I first became interested in Advance during the Voice referendum. I read one or two stories about them, but they were mostly in the shadows. So I began digging into it.

For the past few years, Klan has been raking over data from the Australian Electoral Commission. He has now tabled every disclosed donation to Advance since 2018. Its pretty clear that most of Advances declared donations have come from a small number of extremely wealthy individuals, many of whom have deep ties to fossil fuels and mining, he says.

These include the ONeil family, who made their money mining blue metal, former coal baron and nuclear proponent Trevor St Baker, climate-change denier Bryant Macfie, and Lyn Brazil, who is a non-executive director of, and the largest single shareholder in, Aurelia Metals. Other donors included Marius Kloppers, former CEO of mining giant BHP Billiton, plus coal shipping companies, quarry operators, and chemical and machinery suppliers to the mining industry.

Advance are a bunch of billionaires who want to pursue their own interests while pretending to be the underdogs, says Klan. Weve seen whats happened in the US when people get detached from facts.

Advance anti-Greens campaigner (centre) at the Prahran by-election in February. The Liberals regained the seat. Credit:

War on the Greens

After its success with the Voice, Advance declared war on the Greens. In July 2024, they released their Greens Truth campaign, with the tag line The Greens are not who they used to be. They are not about saving the trees, says the press material. They are not about caring for animals  They want to pull down our borders, defund our defence forces, increase taxes on working Australians and side with terrorists like Hamas.

The Greens are extremists, Advances spokesperson, Sandra Bourke, tells me on the phone. They are driven by ideology rather than facts, she says, especially when it comes to renewables, which are being recklessly rolled out across regional Australia. Bourke believes Australians need to ask themselves what is the best way forward for our energy policy, one that includes putting nuclear on the table as a clean and cheap, reliable source of power.

Advances Sandra Bourke: The Greens are extremists. Credit:

Advances tactics have included roadside billboards claiming Renewables cost the earth, and an online attack on Net Zero called Not Zero. (There is a cost to this madness, and its not zero. ) But the groups broader strategy was best summed up in a presentation Sheahan gave last year on Facebook, hosted by the Australian Jewish Association.

In the video, Sheahan is articulate and relaxed: no need for notes any more. He describes the Greens policies as diabolical, anti-law and order, and aimed at destroying the fruits of the Judeo-Christian West. They are also, he says, antisemitic. An important part of exposing them, then, is to defend our Jewish brothers and sisters.

Sheahan explains the rationale behind the Theyre not who they used to be line. This was the message that tested the best out of the research, he says. It gives the voter permission to say, Well, I havent changed, they have. And I wasnt stupid for voting for them because I didnt know they werent who they used to be. 

Advance had come up with some 258 ads that would be pushed out to what Sheahan describes as the most persuadable voters  women aged between 33 and 49. We always want to tell the truth, he insists. That said, most people vote on how they feel, not what they know. If Advance can get a suburban mum to feel that under the Greens her kids will be encouraged to take hard drugs, and theyre not going to be safe, well, that moves votes.

Advance would use the same sort of techniques they used during the Voice, geo-targeting voters using their propensity model scoring and databases. Advance only needs to reach a million of them, Sheahan says. Our target market is so small  If we are going to spend money and get a message to a mum who is 35 in Adelaide and thinking of voting Greens in the next election, if we can get a message to her 16 times  Thats the sort of number that will change her mind.

An Advance billboard campaigning against the Greens in the federal Melbourne seat of Macnamara.

More recently, Advance has broadened its attack to Labor and the teals. In the months leading up to the election, it has spent as much as $221,000 a week on advertising, mainly on Facebook and YouTube. It is also working with a number of small Jewish organisations, including two Queensland pop-ups, the Minority Impact Coalition and the Queensland Jewish Collective (QJC), and a Melbourne outfit called J-United.

Despite describing themselves as independent grassroots organisations, it has emerged that these groups have received advice and strategic assistance from Advance. The QJCs billboards claiming that the Greens have changed for the worse certainly sound similar to Advances material, as do the groups claims that the Greens support Hezbollah. In turn, Advance has promoted the QJCs campaign material on its X account.

(Hava Mendelle, co-founder of the QJC and Minority Impact Coalition, denied the groups were part of any astroturfing by Advance but did concede that her wife, Roz, had met with Sheahan. J-United recently admitted that it works closely with Advance, which had supplied the group with strategic advice, as well as flyers, T-shirts, corflutes and money for catering.)

As with so much about Advance and its proxies, its hard to discern the means from the end. Do they really believe that climate activists are commies? Does Adam Bandt really want to sell ice to your 10-year-old? The group is rogue by nature. But this has wrong-footed even the Liberal Party, which veers from obsequiousness  as when Dutton publicly thanked Sheahan for his work on the No campaign  to disavowal, after Advance suggested, in early 2024, that immigrants in detention were rapists, paedophiles and murderers, and that Anthony Albanese had personally unlocked the doors and let them loose.

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Doubtless Advance is driven, on the ground at least, by genuine conviction. Despite the fact the organisation could not put me in touch with a single supporter  not one out of 320,000  its undeniable that many Australians are struggling, feel alienated by woke and grieve for conservative values. This clearly works for Advance, but at the end of the day, its immaterial. Advance is as much as anything a model, a collection of interchangeable memes. Labor are communists; refugees are rapists, the Greens want your son to wear a dress to school, and wind farms are coming for your franking credits.

Facts are optional. At one point in my conversation with the groups spokesperson Sandra Bourke, we discussed Advances campaign against renewable energy. Advance posted this year on its social media that offshore wind farms are killing whales, crabs and birds.

The whale-murder trope has become common among anti-windfarmers worldwide. Indeed, the exact same messaging, often with identical graphics  cartoon whales speared by wind turbines, dead whales washed up on beaches  have been circulated by anti-windfarm groups from New Jersey to the Illawarra. But its false. While there is, in many cases, genuine concern among coastal communities about the effect of turbines, there is zero evidence that they kill whales.

Screenshot from an Advance social media campaign against offshore windfarms. Credit:

When I challenged Advances posts about whales and wind farms, Bourke told me, bizarrely, that she had never seen them. I told her it was on Advances website. She asked me to send her a screenshot and that she would then make a comment. I emailed her the material, but she never responded.

Flooding the zone

In 2021, shortly after he retired from his long-running show at 2GB radio, broadcaster Alan Jones launched Australian Digital Holdings, together with his old friend Maurice Newman and former town planner Jack Bulfin. ADH, which is run out of Sydney, features libertarian and conservative hosts, and streams for five hours a day, seven days a week. Its partners include Atlas member the IPA, and, of course, Advance. After billionaire James Packer invested in the network, ADH bought Channel 7 Tasmania and a host of other regional TV stations. It also entered into a commercial arrangement with the US far-right cable outlet, NewsMax.

In 2023, Jones waxed lovingly about then US presidential candidate Donald Trump, wondering why there isnt universal recognition that [he] is the hope of the Western world.

Two years later, Trump has imposed blanket tariffs that have plunged the global economy into meltdown. Jones, meanwhile, is under arrest and no longer on NewsMax. But other presenters have taken his place. The zone continues to be flooded, every day, without relent, with independent news, louder, all the time, and everywhere at once.

To read more from Good Weekend magazine, visit our page at The Sydney Morning Herald, The Age and Brisbane Times.
The public should be confident that when they enter any public hospital they will receive safe and competent healthcare. However, an investigation by the NSW auditor-general into the Northern Beaches Hospital has revealed the public-private partnership ethos of profits before care failed patients and the Minns governments refusals to step in even after childrens deaths rang alarm bells. Auditor-General Bola Oyetunji found massive systemic problems at the hospital and highlighted how repeated requests to the government to take over its troubled public services had been rejected. Premier Chris Minns, with Joe Massas parents Elouise and Danny, announcing a ban on public-private partnerships for acute hospitals in March. Credit: Steven Siewert The hospital is both a public and private hospital controlled in the tax haven of the Cayman Islands. Its owner, Healthscope, was sold for $4 billion in a sharemarket takeover to Canadian private equity group Brookfield. Healthscope operates another 37 private hospitals across Australia. In 2018, public-private partnerships were all the rage among all levels of government when then-premier Gladys Berejiklian opened the hospital. Designed to serve some 260,000 people, the 488-bed $2.14 billion facility was to be operated by Healthscope under a 20-year contract to deliver public services including maternity and the emergency department, and was meant to showcase the doings of a can-do government.

The hospital opened amid industrial disputes, botched surgeries and equipment shortages. The COVID-19 toll may have shattered faith in privatisation, but three tragedies at the hospital exposed the facility was not up to providing public services: In 2021, 14-year-old Joshua Gill died after being discharged from mental health treatment at the hospital, and last September two-year-old Joe Massa died after being left in an emergency department chair for 2 hours despite showing clear signs of a life-threatening condition. The Joe Massa tragedy only became public last February, the same month Leah Pitman and Dustin Atkinson lost their newborn Harper. In an ABC interview, the couple were critical of delays due to the hospital not offering 24/7 operating theatres, which senior staff later told them would not be economically feasible for the facility. If we drove half an hour down the street to Royal North Shore, Harper would be alive, Dustin Atkinson told the ABC. Its purely the fact that we ended up at Northern Beaches Hospital on the days that their theatre isnt open 24/7 that cost our daughter her life. Healthscope made repeated requests  in November and December 2023  to return the public portion of the hospital to public hands 14 years ahead of schedule, but the Minns government stayed its hand until forced to act  last month it announced the introduction of legislation (dubbed Joes Law) to ban future public-private partnerships from being imposed on acute public hospitals. Healthscope has a track record of operating mostly small, private hospitals, but starting a general hospital in a big city with an emergency department alongside a large existing state government hospital system has proved beyond its capabilities. Public confidence must be restored to ensure no more lives are lost. A parliamentary inquiry will further examine the safety and quality of services at the hospital, with public submissions closing next month. The Minns government must not wait and should now take over the Northern Beaches Hospitals public hospital services.
My parents were avid Blue Hills (C8) devotees, says Joan Hayward of Narrawallee. Dad would come home for lunch every day at 1pm to listen. They were devastated when they learned that their one big overseas trip coincided with the final episodes, so as a thoughtful daughter, I recorded them. I made sure there was a good 15 minutes left on the cassette for the last episode then pressed record and headed out to a meeting. I was aghast when I returned home to listen to that last episode - it was 30 minutes long. Tragedy. We missed the denouement!

Nola Tucker of Kiama writes: Before TV, radio serials ruled. My dad adored Yes, What?, my uncle always arrived home in time for Blue Hills and my year group were fans of Dossier on Dumetrius (which featured a young Ruth Cracknell - Granny). TV, when it arrived, was a lot better.

Those blue air letters (C8) are called aerogrammes and are still sold by Australia Post, informs Lyn Langtry of East Ryde. The UK no longer issues them, but my sister-in-law was rather pleased recently when I gave her a bundle of ones shed written and sent in the 1970s from London.

Janice Creenaune of Austinmer joins the POTUS (C8) decoders in offering Points of Truth Undeniably Stretched.

Shortly after the introduction of TV in South Africa (C8), I was on a vacation job in the mining town of Welkom, recalls Ken Arnold of Leura. There, with most people yet to own a set, an enterprising retailer set up several sets in the shop window, with speakers outside, broadcasting to passers-by. Of an evening, it was not unusual to find several cars parked front first around the shop, with the occupants watching the shows as if they were at the drive-in.
Australian cinemas are embracing the Minecraft movie chicken jockey phenomenon sweeping across the country, even as footage continues to emerge of wild behaviour at Melbourne screenings this week.

A theatre in Melbournes outer east became one of the latest settings for the global trend, which sees mostly young audiences cheering and throwing food and drinks in the air during a scene in A Minecraft Movie where a character utters the words chicken jockey.

Footage posted to TikTok appears to show a patron setting off a smoke bomb at Eastland Hoyts in Ringwood during a screening on Tuesday night.

They brought smoke bombs, fire extinguishers and fire crackers, said the TikTok account.
More than 100 campaign posters for Wentworth MP Allegra Spender have been ripped from telegraph poles and were found on the side of the road in Sydneys eastern suburbs on Tuesday morning, in what a spokesperson says is an organised campaign to cut down our corflutes in the dead of night.

It follows similar incidents involving posters belonging to Spenders Liberal opponent in Wentworth, Ro Knox, whose campaign shared photographic evidence of corflutes which had been burned, defaced with antisemitic graffiti, and smeared with animal excrement  an example seen by this masthead.

Damaged corflutes which the Allegra Spender campaign says were removed. Credit: Sam Mooy

Weve seen a record number of Ro Knoxs posters vandalised, graffitied, set fire [to] or stolen  this is disappointing and unacceptable, a spokesperson said. Spenders campaign also shared a video showing campaign signs being removed or vandalised during daylight hours.

While unauthorised corflute displays and damage to signs are not new, the high volume of reports from candidates in marginal seats has prompted candidates to remind volunteers about the standard of conduct expected when theyre out on the hustings.
The specialist military publication that first reported an alleged push by Russia to base long-range aircraft in Indonesia says it stands by the accuracy of its story as Jakarta says it welcomes visits from friendly foreign militaries.

The saga has continued to buffet the Coalitions election campaign, with Nationals frontbencher Bridget McKenzie making a series of gaffes about Russia and Chinas attitudes to Australia and Opposition Leader Peter Dutton admitting at a leaders debate that he had made a false claim about the request.

Nationals frontbencher Bridget McKenzie said she did not have evidence for her claims Russia and China had disparaged Opposition Leader Peter Dutton. Credit: Alex Ellinghausen

Military publication Janes first reported earlier this week that Russia had requested to base long-range warplanes in Indonesia, which Australias neighbour disputed as the issue erupted into the election campaign.

Ridzwan Rahmat, the senior journalist who reported the story, said in a statement: We at Janes stand by this story and it is accurate.
Speaking with host Jacqueline Maley on the Inside Politics podcast , chief political correspondent David Crowe and national affairs editor James Massola discuss if the wheels have fallen off the Coalitions campaign after an eyebrow-raising week on the trail.

And even though both had rock-star welcomes at their official campaign launches over the weekend, where they both announced competing housing policies, Jacinta Nampijinpa Prices mimicry of a popular Trump slogan almost outshone it all  and played right into Labors strategy of trying to link Dutton to Trump any way they can .

Try as they might, Anthony Albanese and Peter Duttons election campaigns just cant get away from the elephant in the room : Donald Trump.

To listen, click the player below, or read on for an edited extract.

Maley: David, on Monday, you wrote up Resolve polling that gave us actual data about the impact of Donald Trump on this political election campaign, as opposed to our vibes and feelings on that subject. What did the polling show?

Crowe: Well, one of the big findings was that 68 per cent of voters say Donald Trump is bad for Australia. Thats up from 40 per cent from last November. So we know that there is this strong feeling in the Australian electorate about the problem presented by Donald Trump. Now, theres been a lot of supposition about how that plays out domestically because theres this perception that Peter Dutton would be more aligned with Donald Trump on some policies. So we asked directly, does your view of Donald Trump make you less likely to vote for Peter Dutton, or more likely, or less likely to vote for Anthony Albanese or more likely, two separate questions worded exactly the same way. And they show a greater tendency of voters to mark down Peter Dutton on this point. And so theres a key problem here for Peter Dutton to overcome this perception among voters that hes not the right person for this era with Donald Trump in office.

Maley: Yeah. Labor, of course, is very explicitly linking Duttons agenda to Trumps, particularly in the case of Dutton talking about anti-woke measures and his desire to cut the public service. And hes also made some remarks praising Trump. You know, a while ago now, he said, Trump was a big thinker and very shrewd. And this perception was made much, much worse on Saturday, wasnt it, James? When Jacinta Nampijinpa Price stood next to Peter Dutton at a press conference in Perth and said a Trump slogan.
Opposition Leader Brad Battin has named Moira Deeming to a new position as his representative to the western suburbs, while her defamation victory threatens to bankrupt former leader and Liberal party room colleague John Pesutto.

Battin made the announcement on Thursday night after four party sources, unable to speak publicly to discuss party matters, told The Age she was being promoted to assistant shadow minister for the western suburbs, angering Pesuttos supporters in the already strained Liberal team.

Moira Deeming re-enters the party room on December 27 last year. Credit: Luis Enrique Ascui

Battin, at 6pm on the eve of the Easter long weekend, said he had appointed her the Leaders Representative to the western suburbs. Under this role, he said she would champion the voices of locals, ensuring their concerns are heard and acted upon, and help people in the west meet their potential.

This already forms part of her role as an upper house MP for the Western Metropolitan Region in the Victorian parliament.
Hanover, Germany: Authorities in Germany have charged a Berlin palliative care doctor with killing 15 patients over the course of three years. The public prosecutor said that a further 75 patient deaths were being investigated as suspicious.

If convicted in the 15 deaths, the doctor would be the most prolific serial killer in Europe since a German nurse killed at least 85 patients two decades ago.

The middle building of Moabit Prison in Berlin. Credit: dpa via Getty Images

The doctor charged on Wednesday, a 40-year-old man whose name was not released, in keeping with Germanys strict privacy laws, is accused of having killed the patients between 2021 and 2024 by giving them a powerful narcotic and then a muscle relaxant  essentially sedating them before stopping their breathing. He has not admitted to the charges, prosecutors said.

In some cases, he is accused of setting fire to the patients apartments to hide the evidence. In at least one instance, he is accused of calling an ambulance to mislead investigators.
The Israeli defence minister says his countrys troops will stay in security zones in the Gaza Strip, Lebanon and Syria indefinitely, after Israel unilaterally expanded its frontiers in the war unleashed by Hamas October 7, 2023, attack.

Israel says it needs to hold on to the zones to prevent similar attacks, but the takeovers appear to meet the dictionary definition of military occupation.

Palestinians accompany the bodies of their relatives killed in an Israeli airstrike, loaded onto a cart in preparation for burial, at Shifa Hospital in Gaza City on Wednesday. Credit: AP

The acquisition of territory by force is universally seen as a violation of international law, something Western allies of Israel have repeatedly invoked regarding Russias invasion of Ukraine.

Israel, which has captured territory during wars with its Arab neighbours going back to the countrys establishment in 1948, says this is a special case. For decades, Israeli governments said they must hold such lands for self-defence but would return them in peace agreements, as when Israel restored the Sinai Peninsula to Egypt in the Camp David Accords.
Police have shot and killed a man in a wheelchair at a Colorado hospital who claimed his oxygen tank had been rigged with a detonator.

Terrance Baughman, 32, was shot in the chest and died about seven hours later after undergoing surgery at Boulder Community Hospital, police said.

Baughman got out of the wheelchair during the standoff, leading officers to fire, police spokeswoman Sarah Huntley said.

"It was his movement that triggered the confrontation," Huntley said.

Police used a robot to remove a red bag found in Baughman's possession, and they took it to a nearby park and detonated it. They had not determined what it was as of Monday night.
Last Friday, 11th of April, and Monday, the 14th of April, several multidisciplinary controls were carried out on St. Eustatius. The controls were conducted in the hospitality and construction sectors and were aimed at raising awareness and ensuring compliance with laws and regulations.

The controls were initiated by the Regional Information and Expertise Center Caribbean Netherlands (RIEC CN), a collaborative partnership that, among other things, works to strengthen the integrated approach to combat subversion on the BES islands. Various authorities, including the Dutch Caribbean Police Force (KPCN), the Belastingdienst CN (BCN), the Supervision & Enforcement department of the Public Entity of St. Eustatius (T&H OLE), and the Immigration and Naturalisation Service Dutch Caribbean Netherlands (IND CN), collaborated on the controls to verify compliance with laws and regulations in the hospitality and construction sectors.

During the inspections at four hospitality establishments, an employee without a work permit was found at one location. At one of the two construction sites inspected, enforcers found eight individuals without valid residence permits. The involved authorities are conducting further investigations into these situations.

The controls are part of a broader approach focused on increasing awareness and strengthening adherence to laws and regulations. The collaborating services indicate that these joint inspections will eventually become structural and will be carried out regularly. Entrepreneurs and citizens are encouraged to have their affairs in order and thereby contribute to a fair and safe society on St. Eustatius.

*In cases of undermining crime, criminals exploit legitimate businesses and (government) services for illegal activities. This erodes norms and reduces the sense of safety and quality of life. This phenomenon is known as undermining.
PHILIPSBURG:--- In a move aimed at improving accessibility and streamlining service delivery, Kadaster St. Maarten has introduced a new credit line starting from Cg. 5,000 and upwards, with a 60-day payment term for eligible clients, including legal professionals. This initiative is part of a broader effort to support fair and timely access to Kadasters services and was announced during a recent meeting between Kadaster Director Benjamin Ortega and the Dean of the Bar Association, Zylena Bary.

The credit line initiative enables legal professionals with regulatory engagements to:

Formally request services and receive official invoices.

Access a starting credit line of Cg. 5,000, with 60 days to settle from the date of invoice.

Use a standardized submission form, which will be shared with the Bar Association to streamline engagements.

A key topic during the meeting was Kadasters upcoming Geographic Information System (GIS) platform, which will provide clients with online access to mapping and cadastral services, similar in functionality to Google Maps. The new digital service will:

Allow clients to make online service requests.

Provide subscription-based access to spatial data that previously required in-person visits.

Improve efficiency and turnaround times for legal and administrative processes.

The GIS platform is expected to go live by Q2 2025, marking a significant step in Kadasters digital transformation journey.

The discussion forms part of Kadasters ongoing outreach to professional stakeholders, following a similar engagement earlier this year with the Notaries of St. Maarten. These stakeholder meetings aim to improve collaboration and enhance client services across the legal landscape.

To further support the legal community, Kadaster will also host an information session tailored specifically for lawyers, providing deeper insight into its services, including land registration and its evolving digital platforms.

The meeting with Bary reflects Kadasters commitment to fostering strong and productive relationships with key stakeholders. The purpose of the meeting was to improve collaboration and engagement between the Bar Association and the Kadaster, with the immediate impact being an improvement in services delivered to the Bars clients.

Bary commended the proactive approach taken by Mr. Ortega, particularly in addressing administrative bottlenecks and seeking practical solutions that benefit all legal professionals. She expressed enthusiasm for continued dialogue and looks forward to future meetings to track the progress of these initiatives.

The Bar Association represents approximately 50 members in Sint Maarten, and nearly 400 members across the Dutch Caribbean. Several members operate within the same firm, and while Kadaster does not distinguish between firm sizes, this initiative is expected to be particularly beneficial for smaller firms that may face challenges with upfront payment requirements. These measures are expected to positively impact overall business performance by improving how services are accessed and delivered.
PHILIPSBURG:--- The Ministry of Justice acknowledges the concerns of justice workers and understands the frustration caused by the delay in finalizing national decrees (LBs). While the process has taken longer than anticipated, Minister of Justice Nathalie M. Tackling remains committed to getting it right, ensuring that placements are accurate, legally sound, and transparent, leaving no room for unnecessary objections once completed.

Why Has the Process Taken So Long?

Since 10-10-10, the Ministry of Justice has had to be built from the ground up, starting with creating new function books for departments that either had none or were using outdated versions. Now that function books are in place, the Ministry is moving forward with issuing national decrees (LBs) to align justice workers with their appropriate roles accurately. However, the placement process is complex and time-consuming. Each placement must be cross-checked against four different payroll systems to ensure accuracy. More than 50% of issued LBs in earlier batches resulted in objections. To avoid this, Minister Tackling is focused on refining the process, involving worker feedback earlier in the validation phase to reduce the likelihood of objections later on.

A New, Transparent, and Efficient Approach to Minimize Objections

Minister Tackling is introducing a more transparent and proactive procedure involving justice workers to improve efficiency and reduce post-completion objections. This new process begins with a thorough validation phase, during which the Ministry reviews and verifies each individuals employment and salary history across the four payroll systems. Once the review is finished, each justice worker will receive a draft version of their LB, supporting documents, and a clear explanation of their proposed placement. A 30-day window will then be provided to submit any concerns or objections to the independent Objections Committee. If objections are submitted, the Committee will issue a binding advice to the Minister, and necessary adjustments will be made before the LB is completed. Under the current system, justice workers can only object after the LB is completed. This new approach ensures greater transparency and accuracy while allowing workers to be heard before decisions are final.

Current Status of Batches

Batch 13 is currently in its final stages, being reviewed by the Ministry of Finance before moving on to the Governor for final approval. While this batch followed the existing procedure, an adjusted approach was used to help reduce the number of objections. This included one-on-one explanations of LB differences to foster mutual understanding and minimize the need for formal objections. Each case in Batch 13 was handled with care and precision because the goal is not simply to finish the process but to do so correctly. With Batch 13 nearing completion, the Ministry has already begun work on Batches 14 and 15, which will follow the newly introduced, more transparent approach that involves justice workers earlier in the process to ensure clarity, fairness, and fewer objections from the outset.

A Message to Our Justice Workers

We hear you, and we understand your concerns. We acknowledge that communication has not always been clear and are committed to improving it. Your voice matters, which is why this new approach places you at the center of the process and makes you part of the solution. Minister Tackling remains dedicated to completing placements with fairness and transparency and with as little disruption as possible. With this new method, we aim to complete the first phase of the placement process by the end of the year.
PHILIPSBURG:--- The Honorable Prime Minister of Sint Maarten, Dr. Luc Mercelina, issued a forceful condemnation today in response to deeply offensive and inflammatory remarks made by Dutch Member of Parliament Thierry Baudet during a meeting of the Parliamentary Committee for Kingdom Relations on Wednesday.

Baudet, the leader of the far-right Forum for Democracy (FvD) party, proposed that Sint Maarten should be repopulated with hundreds of thousands of Dutch nationals to bring the island completely under control, presenting a sweeping colonial vision steeped in racial supremacy, demographic engineering, and imperial nostalgia.

In an impassioned response, Prime Minister Mercelina said:

Sint Maarten is not a commodity to be traded, nor a territory to be reclaimed by relics of a colonial past. We are not the backdrop for someone elses ambition. We are a proud, self-determined peopleanchored in our heritage, alive in our culture, and empowered by our own voice. The comments made by Mr. Baudet are not only historically tone-deaf, but dangerously racist and deeply disrespectful to the people of this island and the wider Caribbean.

Baudets statement comparing Sint Maarten to Dubai and suggesting that 500,000 Dutch nationals could be moved to the island to alter its demographic composition was met with outrage from both within and outside the Kingdom. He also advocated for turning the Dutch Caribbean into a tax haven and logistical hub akin to Hong Kong or Singapore, while making incendiary remarks about development aid and proposing the use of Saba as a holding station for asylum seekers.

PM Dr. Mercelina emphasized that such rhetoric is a direct threat to the spirit of cooperation and equality that is supposed to define relations within the Kingdom of the Netherlands:

This kind of colonial fantasy belongs in the darkest chapters of our shared history, not in the democratic chambers of the 21st century. If the Kingdom is to thrive, it must be built on the foundations of mutual respect, dignity, and genuine partnership  not domination, exploitation, or racial superiority.

The Prime Minister noted that these remarks come at a time when the people of Sint Maarten are actively engaged in building a more resilient, inclusive, and sustainable future  in close collaboration with regional and international partners who respect the islands autonomy and aspirations.

It is shocking and unacceptable that in 2025, any elected official in the Kingdom would suggest that cleansing our culture and flooding our island with settlers is a solution. What we need is solidarity, responsible governance, and bold cooperation to address climate vulnerability, economic diversification, and our peoples well-being  not arrogance and absurdity.

Prime Minister Mercelina called upon all members of the Dutch Parliament, especially those within the Committee for Kingdom Relations, to publicly reject Baudets statements and reaffirm their commitment to the core principles of human dignity and democratic values.

The Kingdom must never be a place where voices of division are louder than those of unity and justice. Let this moment serve as a litmus test of who truly believes in decolonization, equality, and a future where all partners in the Kingdom stand shoulder to shoulder, not foot on neck.

The Government of Sint Maarten stands firm in its commitment to democratic values, equal rights, and respectful engagement. It will continue to call out rhetoric that seeks to dehumanize or delegitimize its people.
PHILIPSBURG:--- Orco Bank is proud to announce its sponsorship of the inaugural St. Maarten Science Fair Week 2025, a groundbreaking initiative designed to inspire the next generation of scientists, engineers, artists, and innovators. The event brought together secondary school students from across the island to showcase their creativity and passion for STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics). By contributing to this initiative, Orco Bank continues to demonstrate its commitment to youth empowerment, education, and sustainable community development. As a responsible financial institution, we believe its vital to support platforms that equip our youth with the tools and mindset to build a brighter future, said Judy King - Richardson, Country Manager for Orco Bank Sint Maarten. The Science Fair Week is more than just an eventits a movement that fosters curiosity, innovation, and critical thinking among our young people. The banks contribution helped fund various components of the week-long event, including student led exhibitions, interactive panels, STEAM career field trips, and a culminating award ceremony recognizing outstanding achievements that took place last weekend. This initiative aligns with Orco Banks core values of building strong communities and empowering the next generation to lead with knowledge and confidence. Orco Bank congratulates the St. Maarten Science Fair Foundation on launching this impactful project and looks forward to seeing the creativity and brilliance of local students on full display. For more information about Orco Bank, please visit https://www.orcobank.com. Stay connected and follow us for daily updates on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/OrcoBank .
PHILIPSBURG:--- Nation, Opportunity, Wealth, (NOW) Member of Parliament Lyndon Lewis has issued a forceful rebuke of recent statements circulating on social media allegedly made by Dutch far-right politician MP Thierry Baudet, who allegedly proposed repopulating St. Maarten with hundreds of thousands of Dutch nationals to assert complete control over the island. The comments, made during a meeting of the Parliamentary Committee for Kingdom Relations, have sparked outrage across the Dutch Caribbean and beyond.

MP Lewis called Baudets remarks deeply offensive, dangerous, and steeped in outdated colonial thinking. He warned that such rhetoric undermines the core principles of equality, respect, and mutual partnership that should govern relations within the Kingdom of the Netherlands.

"The Dutch in the past had restrictions on their own people, prohibiting them from overpopulating the then Netherland Antilles by the Admittance and Expulsion Law (LTU)." Lewis said.

The idea that our island should be overrun and reshaped by foreign settlers to serve someones imperial fantasy is not only deeply insulting, its a direct threat to the dignity, identity, and autonomy of our people, said Lewis. This is not 1625. It is 2025, and St. Maarten will not tolerate any return to colonialist ideology, no matter how its dressed up.

Baudet, leader of the far-right Forum for Democracy party, allegedly suggested during his appearance that if 300,000 to 500,000 Dutch citizens were relocated to St. Maarten, the island would become completely ours and fall under control, turning over the Netherlands. He further proposed the Dutch Caribbean into a tax haven and a hub for economic experiments, comparing it to Hong Kong and Dubai, while suggesting the exploitation of natural resources in nearby waters.

MP Lewis described the remarks as a disgraceful display of historical amnesia and political extremism, noting Baudets known history of promoting racist and nationalist conspiracy theories. "The Sint Maarten people will not tolerate his nonsensical approach," Lewis stated.

Mr Baudets comments are not economic proposals, they are fantasies of dominance, rooted in a disturbing worldview that sees Caribbean people as expendable and Caribbean territory as exploitable, he said. Such rhetoric has no place in the past nor in modern democratic discourse and must be roundly rejected by every responsible member or leader within our Kingdom.

MP Lewis also urged his colleagues in both the Kingdom Parliament and the Dutch government to distance themselves clearly and publicly from Baudets vision.

Silence or lukewarm responses in the face of this kind of dangerous speech are a form of complicity. If the Kingdom is truly committed to justice, equality, and decolonization, then it must condemn these ideas in the strongest terms.

MP Lewis reiterated his commitment to safeguarding the sovereignty, identity, and democratic rights of St. Maarten and the Dutch Caribbean on a whole and its people, while advocating for a Kingdom based on mutual respectnot imperial nostalgia.
PHILIPSBURG:--- The Unified Resilient St. Maarten Movement (URSM), under the leadership of President Brenda Brooks, is fiercely disapproving of recent remarks made by far-right Dutch MP Thierry Baudet. Baudet proposed repopulating St. Maarten with hundreds of thousands of Dutch nationals to bring the island under control." Baudet, known for his inflammatory and extremist views, shared his vision for demographic and economic domination of the Dutch Caribbean during a Parliamentary Committee meeting on Kingdom Relations this week.

President Brenda Brooks denounced Baudets remarks as a grotesque resurrection of colonial mindsets dressed up as economic strategy.

St. Maarten is not an empty canvas for empire-building, Brooks declared. We are not subjects to be relocated, reengineered, or ruled over. and we will not be dictated to by those still romanticizing a colonial past.

The URSM board collectively described Baudets proposals as an insult to the dignity and intelligence of the people of St. Maarten and the wider Caribbean.

This isnt visionits revisionism, the board stated. Its a reckless blend of racial arrogance and economic imperialism parading as innovation. Such rhetoric has no place in modern governance and must be challenged at every level.

Baudet's outrageous suggestions included transforming the Dutch Caribbean islands into low-tax economic zones and flying asylum seekers to Saba for processing, triggering alarm over human rights concerns and exploitative practices.

His statements reflect an obsession with dominance, not development, Brooks added. Weve endured centuries of being treated as property and profit margins. We will not allow that narrative to be rewritten in the 21st century under the guise of economic opportunity. The people of St. Maarten are not here to be managedwere here to be respected.

The URSM is calling on the Dutch Parliament to reject Baudets remarks outright and recommit to the values of mutual respect, equity, and shared progress.

This moment demands more than polite disagreementit demands moral clarity, the board emphasized. This is not simply about one politicians twisted views. Its about confronting the dangerous normalization of ideas that reduce Dutch Caribbean citizens to pawns in a play for power. That must end now.
Acquisition strengthens Infosys cybersecurity and cloud capabilities across Australia and Asia

Infosys (https://www.infosys.com/en.html) (NSE: INFY) (BSE: INFY) (NYSE: INFY) , a global leader in next-generation digital services and consulting, today announced a definitive agreement to acquire The Missing Link (https://apc01.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.themissinglink.com.au%2F&data=05%7C02%7CRajarshi.Basu%40infosys.com%7C82e6bd1ae9b5446913e108dd7d0142b5%7C63ce7d592f3e42cda8ccbe764cff5eb6%7C0%7C0%7C638804166545404137%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJFbXB0eU1hcGkiOnRydWUsIlYiOiIwLjAuMDAwMCIsIlAiOiJXaW4zMiIsIkFOIjoiTWFpbCIsIldUIjoyfQ%3D%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&sdata=YhE9q71TcYMG%2BOIaOan4naxgpDdedEx%2F7%2B%2Foty2jN0o%3D&reserved=0), an award winning Australian cybersecurity services specialist firm with capabilities across the full stack of cyber solutions. This strategic investment further strengthens Infosys cybersecurity capabilities, while bolstering its presence in the fast-growing Australian market, and reaffirms its continued commitment to global clients to navigate their digital transformation journey.

Headquartered in Australia, The Missing Link brings to Infosys, a group of highly skilled cybersecurity professionals consisting of Red Team, Blue Team, and a state-of-the-art Global Security Operations Centre (GSOC) adding to the network of Infosys global cyber defense centers. The Missing Link s accomplished cybersecurity practice provides strategic advice, offensive and defensive security services and tactical support, cybersecurity risk assessments & compliance, and managed services. The company has been serving leading global enterprises in collaboration with market leading technology products, further complemented by its innovative proprietary solutions and accelerators. Their solutions help protect networks, secure assets and equip staff with the tools to mitigate cyber-attacks. Together, Infosys and The Missing Link will be able to offer clients cutting-edge full-stack cybersecurity services covering all aspects of a customer s business, data, systems and networks.

Satish HC, EVP, Chief Delivery Officer, Infosys, said, Technology led transformation and securing the enterprise are amongst the highest priorities for global corporations.Together with The Missing Link, and our cloud offering Infosys Cobalt (https://www.infosys.com/services/cloud-cobalt.html), we aim to usher in the new wave of differentiated value to customers, with specialized end-to-end cybersecurity offerings and solutions. We are excited to welcome The Missing Link and their leadership team to Infosys.

Alex Gambotto, Founder & CEO, The Missing Link said, As we take this exciting next step in our journey, I am proud of all we have accomplished together over the last 27 years. Our team has worked tirelessly to build a company that delivers excellence, innovation, and value to our clients and partners with our core ethos of under promise and overdeliver. I am thrilled that The Missing Link will be joining Infosys. This acquisition marks a significant milestone for us, allowing The Missing Link to leverage the immense expertise, platforms, and global reach of Infosys to better serve our customers and expand our capabilities. While our ownership may change, our commitment to delivering top-tier solutions remains unwavering. We are confident that together, we can create even greater value for all our clients, partners, and team.

Investment Bank TH Global Capital advised The Missing Link on the transaction.

The acquisition is expected to close during the first quarter of fiscal year 2026 (i.e. quarter ending June 30, 2025), subject to customary closing conditions.

About The Missing Link

Established in 1997, The Missing Link was born from a vision to help businesses achieve their goals with the right IT solutions and services. Headquartered in Australia, The Missing Link is a cybersecurity and cloud services specialist, delivering services across the entire spectrum of IT strategy, technology roadmap, project management, cybersecurity, risks assessments & mitigation and automation services. Their highly skilled team of IT specialists includes Cybersecurity, IT Infrastructure/Cloud and Robotic Process Automation & Generative AI experts, with many years of experience and a commitment to delivering first-class solutions that exceed customers expectations.

About Infosys

Infosys is a global leader in next-generation digital services and consulting. Over 300,000 of our people work to amplify human potential and create the next opportunity for people, businesses and communities. We enable clients in more than 56 countries to navigate their digital transformation. With over four decades of experience in managing the systems and workings of global enterprises, we expertly steer clients, as they navigate their digital transformation powered by cloud and AI. We enable them with an AI-first core, empower the business with agile digital at scale and drive continuous improvement with always-on learning through the transfer of digital skills, expertise, and ideas from our innovation ecosystem. We are deeply committed to being a well-governed, environmentally sustainable organization where diverse talent thrives in an inclusive workplace.

Visit www.infosys.com to see how Infosys (NYSE: INFY) can help your enterprise navigate your next.

Safe Harbor

Certain statements in this release concerning our future growth prospects, or our future financial or operating performance, are forward-looking statements intended to qualify for the safe harbor under the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, which involve a number of risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results or outcomes to differ materially from those in such forward-looking statements. The risks and uncertainties relating to these statements include, but are not limited to, risks and uncertainties regarding the execution of our business strategy, our ability to attract and retain personnel, our transition to hybrid work model, economic uncertainties, technological innovations such as Generative AI, the complex and evolving regulatory landscape including immigration regulation changes, our ESG vision, our capital allocation policy and expectations concerning our market position, future operations, margins, profitability, liquidity, capital resources, our corporate actions including acquisitions, and cybersecurity matters. Important factors that may cause actual results or outcomes to differ from those implied by the forward-looking statements are discussed in more detail in our US Securities and Exchange Commission filings including our Annual Report on Form 20-F for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2023. These filings are available at www.sec.gov. Infosys may, from time to time, make additional written and oral forward-looking statements, including statements contained in the Company s filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission and our reports to shareholders. The Company does not undertake to update any forward-looking statements that may be made from time to time by or on behalf of the Company unless it is required by law.

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Original-Content von: INFOSYS, ubermittelt durch news aktuell
AMD says US rule on chips to China could cost it $800 mn



San Francisco, April 16 (AFP) Apr 16, 2025



Chip developer Advanced Micro Devices (AMD) on Wednesday said it expects new US licensing requirements for semiconductors exported to China to cost it as much as $800 million.

The Silicon Valley company's earnings warning, filed with the US Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), came a day after rival Nvidia notified regulators that it expects a $5.5 billion hit this quarter from licensing requirements on the main chip it can legally sell in China.

Shares in both companies were down by about 7 percent at the close of formal trading on Wednesday.

The new US export control measure applies to MI308 graphics processing units (GPUs) designed for high-performance applications like gaming and artificial intelligence, AMD said.

AMD said in the filing that it "expects to apply for (export) licenses but there is no assurance that licenses will be granted."

The $800 million earnings blow it forecast would come from charges in "inventory, purchase commitments and related reserves," it added.

Wall Street stocks overall tumbled Wednesday as the Federal Reserve chief warned of the drag from President Donald Trump's tariffs, with Nvidia sinking on costs connected to the US-China trade war.

US officials last week told Nvidia it must obtain licenses to export its H20 chips to China because of concerns they may be used in supercomputers there, the Silicon Valley company said in a SEC filing.

The United States had already restricted exports to China of Nvidia's most sophisticated GPUs, tailored for powering top-end artificial intelligence models.

Nvidia was told the licensing requirement on H20 chips would last indefinitely, it said in the filing.

Chief executive Jensen Huang has said publicly that the AI chip powerhouse will balance legal compliance and technological advances under Trump, and that nothing will stop the global advancement of artificial intelligence.

"We'll continue to do that and we'll be able to do that just fine," the Taiwan-born entrepreneur told reporters late last year.

Trump's predecessor Joe Biden restricted Nvidia from selling some of its top AI chips to China, which the United States sees as a strategic competitor in high tech.

gc/tgb

AMD - ADVANCED MICRO DEVICES
Webb spots strongest 'hints' yet of life on distant planet



Paris, April 16 (AFP) Apr 16, 2025



Astronomers announced Thursday that they had detected the most promising "hints" of potential life on a planet beyond our solar system, though other scientists expressed scepticism.

There has been vigorous debate in scientific circles about whether the planet K2-18b, which is 124 light years away in the Leo constellation, could be an ocean world capable of hosting microbial life.

Using the James Webb Space Telescope, a British-US team of researchers detected signs of two chemicals in the planet's atmosphere long considered to be "biosignatures" indicating extraterrestrial life.

On Earth, the chemicals dimethyl sulfide (DMS) and dimethyl disulfide are produced only by life, mostly microscopic marine algae called phytoplankton.

The researchers emphasised caution, saying that more observations were needed to confirm these findings, and that they were not announcing a definitive discovery.

But the implications could be huge, according to Nikku Madhusudhan, a Cambridge University astrophysicist and lead author of the study, published in The Astrophysical Journal Letters.

"What we are finding at this point are hints of possible biological activity outside the solar system," he told a press conference.

"Frankly, I think this is the closest we have come to seeing a feature that we can attribute to life."

But outside experts pointed to disputes over previous discoveries about the exoplanet, adding that these chemicals could have been created by unknown means having nothing to do with life.



- Chemical clues -



More than eight times the mass of Earth and 2.5 times as big, K2-18b is a rare exoplanet that orbits its star in a habitable or "goldilocks" zone.

This means it is neither too hot nor too cold to have liquid water, considered the most important ingredient for life.

Telescopes observe such far-off exoplanets when they cross in front of their star, allowing astronomers to analyse how molecules block the light streaming through their atmosphere.

In 2023, the Webb telescope detected methane and carbon dioxide in K2-18b's atmosphere, the first time such carbon-based molecules were detected on an exoplanet in a habitable zone.

It also detected weak signals of the chemical DMS, leading astronomers to turn Webb towards the planet again a year ago, this time using its mid-infrared instrument to detect different wavelengths of light.

They found much stronger signs of the chemicals, though still well below the "five sigma" threshold of statistical significance scientists seek for such discoveries.

Even if the results are confirmed, it would not necessarily mean that the planet is home to life.

Last year, scientists found traces of DMS on a comet, which suggested it can be produced in non-organic ways.

However the concentration of the chemical observed on K2-18b appears to be thousands of times stronger than levels on Earth, strongly suggesting a biological origin, Madhusudhan said.



- Are we alone in the universe? -



K2-18b has long been considered the premier candidate for a "hycean planet" -- an ocean world bigger than Earth with a hydrogen-rich atmosphere.

These planets would not be expected to be home to intelligent alien life, but rather tiny microbes similar to those in Earth's oceans billions of years ago.

Some research has questioned whether the currently proposed hycean planets are too close to their stars to support liquid water, including K2-18b, which orbits its star every 33 days.

Raymond Pierrehumbert, a planetary physics professor at Oxford University, has conducted separate research indicating K2-18b is too hot for life.

If the planet did have water, it would be "hellishly hot" and uninhabitable, he told AFP, adding that oceans of lava were more plausible.

Sara Seager, a professor of planetary science at MIT, called for patience, pointing to previous claims of water vapour in K2-18b's atmosphere that turned out to be a different gas.

And within our solar system, Mars, Venus and moons such as Saturn's Enceladus all have "more chance to be realised as life-hosting," she told AFP.

Madhusudhan estimated that it would take just 16 to 24 more hours of Webb's time to confirm their findings, which could happen in the next few years.

Even beyond K2-18b, Madhusudhan said Webb and future telescopes could allow humanity to discover life outside our home planet sooner than one might think.

"This could be the tipping point, where suddenly the fundamental question of whether we're alone in the universe is one we're capable of answering," he said.
US judge rules against Google in online ad tech antitrust case



Washington, April 17 (AFP) Apr 17, 2025



A US judge on Thursday ruled that Google illegally wielded monopoly power in the online ad technology market, in a legal blow that could rattle the tech giant's revenue engine.

The federal government and more than a dozen US states filed the antitrust suit against Alphabet-owned Google, accusing it of acting illegally to dominate three sectors of digital advertising -- publisher ad servers, advertiser tools, and ad exchanges.

It is one of two federal suits targeting Google that could ultimately see the company split up and curb its influence -- and part of a wider government push to rein in Big Tech.

The vast majority of websites use a trio of Google ad software products that together leave no way for publishers to escape Google's advertising technology, the plaintiffs alleged.

District Court Judge Leonie Brinkema agreed with most of that reasoning, ruling that Google built an illegal monopoly over ad software and tools used by publishers, but partially dismissed the argument related to tools used by advertisers.

"Google has willfully engaged in a series of anticompetitive acts to acquire and maintain monopoly power in the publisher ad server and ad exchange markets for open-web display advertising," Brinkema said in her ruling.

"Google further entrenched its monopoly power by imposing anticompetitive policies on its customers and eliminating desirable product features," she wrote.

"In addition to depriving rivals of the ability to compete, this exclusionary conduct substantially harmed Google's publisher customers, the competitive process, and, ultimately, consumers of information on the open web."

Google quickly vowed to appeal the ruling.

"We won half of this case and we will appeal the other half," the company's vice president of regulatory affairs Lee-Anne Mulholland said in a statement.

"The court found that our advertiser tools and our acquisitions, such as DoubleClick, don't harm competition," Mulholland said.

For Emarketer senior analyst Evelyn Mitchell-Wolf, "the bigger picture is crystal clear: the antitrust tides have turned against Google and other digital advertising giants."

"The extent of the fallout will depend on the legal remedies employed, and the implementation timeline is likely to span years if Google loses its anticipated appeals," Mitchell-Wolf told AFP.



- What to do? -



Launched under the presidential administrations of Donald Trump and Joe Biden, five major antitrust cases from the Federal Trade Commission and the US Justice Department are proceeding against major US technology companies.

These cases represent a significant and aggressive shift in antitrust enforcement, after a relatively quiet period in antitrust prosecution since the Microsoft case in the late 1990s.

In August last year, a US judge ruled that Google maintained a monopoly with its dominant search engine. The company has appealed that ruling as well.

Online advertising is the driving engine of Google's fortune and pays for widely used online services such as Maps, Gmail, and search offered free.

Money pouring into Google's coffers also allows the Silicon Valley company to spend billions of dollars on its artificial intelligence efforts, as it tries to keep up with its rivals.

Brinkema gave attorneys on both sides of the online ad tech case seven days to submit a schedule for arguing their positions regarding what remedies should be imposed on Google.

Ordering Google to spin off its ad publisher and exchange operations is likely to be among the plaintiffs' proposals.

For Mitchell-Wolf, the ruling has "profound implications for the advertising industry."

"The open web is so deeply rooted in Google's advertising technology that any change to the status quo could crush vulnerable publishers," the analyst said.
Google has illegal monopoly in ad tech, US judge rules



Washington, April 17 (AFP) Apr 17, 2025



A US judge on Thursday ruled that Google illegally wielded monopoly power in the online ad technology market, in a legal blow that could rattle the tech giant's revenue engine.

The federal government and more than a dozen US states filed the antitrust suit against Alphabet-owned Google, accusing it of acting illegally to dominate three sectors of digital advertising -- publisher ad servers, advertiser tools, and ad exchanges.

It is one of two federal suits targeting Google that could ultimately see the company split up and curb its influence -- and part of a wider government push to rein in Big Tech.

The vast majority of websites use the trio of Google ad software products that together leave no way for publishers to escape Google's advertising technology, the plaintiffs alleged.

District Court Judge Leonie Brinkema agreed with most of that reasoning, ruling that Google built an illegal monopoly over ad software and tools used by publishers, but partially dismissed the argument related to tools used by advertisers.

"Google has willfully engaged in a series of anticompetitive acts to acquire and maintain monopoly power in the publisher ad server and ad exchange markets for open-web display advertising," Brinkema said in her ruling.

"Google further entrenched its monopoly power by imposing anticompetitive policies on its customers and eliminating desirable product features," she wrote.

"In addition to depriving rivals of the ability to compete, this exclusionary conduct substantially harmed Google's publisher customers, the competitive process, and, ultimately, consumers of information on the open web."

Google quickly vowed to appeal the ruling.

"We won half of this case and we will appeal the other half," the company's vice president of regulatory affairs Lee-Anne Mulholland said in a statement.

"The court found that our advertiser tools and our acquisitions, such as DoubleClick, don't harm competition," Mulholland said.

For Emarketer senior analyst Evelyn Mitchell-Wolf, "the bigger picture is crystal clear: the antitrust tides have turned against Google and other digital advertising giants."

"The extent of the fallout will depend on the legal remedies employed, and the implementation timeline is likely to span years if Google loses its anticipated appeals," Mitchell-Wolf told AFP.



- What to do? -



Launched under the presidential administrations of Donald Trump and Joe Biden, five major antitrust cases from the Federal Trade Commission and the US Justice Department are proceeding against major US technology companies.

These cases represent an aggressive shift in antitrust enforcement, after a relatively quiet period in antitrust prosecution since the Microsoft case in the late 1990s.

In August last year, a US judge ruled that Google maintained a monopoly with its dominant search engine. The company has appealed that ruling as well.

Online advertising is the driving engine of Google's fortune and pays for widely used online services such as Maps, Gmail, and search offered free.

Money pouring into Google's coffers also allows the Silicon Valley company to spend billions of dollars on its artificial intelligence efforts, as it tries to keep up with rivals.

Brinkema gave attorneys on both sides of the online ad tech case seven days to submit a schedule for arguing their positions regarding what remedies should be imposed on Google.

Ordering Google to spin off its ad publisher and exchange operations is likely to be among the plaintiffs' proposals.

For Mitchell-Wolf, the ruling has "profound implications for the advertising industry."

"The open web is so deeply rooted in Google's advertising technology that any change to the status quo could crush vulnerable publishers," the analyst said.

Nicole Gill, co-founder of advocacy group Accountable Tech, called Brinkema's decision a "massive victory," while Amnesty International Secretary-General Agnes Callamard called for a "rights-respecting structural break-up of Google."
UN watchdog chief says Iran 'not far' from nuclear bomb



Tehran, April 17 (AFP) Apr 17, 2025



The UN nuclear watchdog's chief Rafael Grossi warned that Iran was "not far" from possessing a nuclear bomb, shortly before he arrived in Tehran on Wednesday for talks.

Western countries including the United States have long accused Iran of seeking to acquire nuclear weapons -- an allegation Tehran has consistently denied, insisting that its programme is for peaceful civilian purposes.

"It's like a puzzle. They have the pieces, and one day they could eventually put them together," Grossi told French newspaper Le Monde in an interview published on Wednesday.

"There's still a way to go before they get there. But they're not far off, that has to be acknowledged," he said.

The International Atomic Energy Agency watchdog was tasked with overseeing Iran's nuclear programme and its compliance with a 2015 nuclear deal which collapsed three years later when the United States withdrew from it during President Donald Trump's first term.

"It's not enough to tell the international community 'we don't have nuclear weapons' for them to believe you. We need to be able to verify," said IAEA chief Grossi.

He arrived in Tehran on Wednesday and met Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, who posted on X that the pair had had a "useful discussion".

Araghchi called on the IAEA boss to "keep the agency away from politics" in the face of "spoilers" vying to "derail current negotiations".

Grossi posted ahead of the meeting that Tehran's cooperation with the IAEA was "indispensable to provide credible assurances about the peaceful nature of Iran's nuclear programme at a time when diplomacy is urgently needed".

Grossi was also expected to meet Mohammad Eslami, who heads Iran's nuclear energy agency.



- 'Maximum pressure' -



Grossi's visit comes ahead of a second round of talks between Iran and the United States on Saturday, a week after the two countries held their highest-level talks since Trump abandoned the nuclear deal in 2018.

Both Tehran and Washington called the first meeting "constructive".

Earlier, Araghchi said Iran's enrichment of uranium was not up for discussion, after US Middle East envoy Steve Witkoff called for it to end.

"We are ready to build confidence in response to possible concerns, but the issue of enrichment is non-negotiable," he told reporters.

His remarks came after Witkoff said Tuesday that Iran must "stop and eliminate" enriching uranium as part of any nuclear deal.

The day before, Witkoff had urged only that Iran return to the 3.67 percent enrichment ceiling set by its 2015 accord with major powers.

In its latest report, the IAEA said Iran had an estimated 274.8 kilogrammes (605 pounds) of uranium enriched to up to 60 percent.

That level far exceeds the ceiling set by the 2015 deal, but still falls short of the 90 percent threshold required for a nuclear warhead.

After returning to office in January, Trump reimposed sweeping sanctions against Iran under his "maximum pressure" policy.

In March, he wrote to Iran's supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, urging talks but also warning of possible military action if these fail to produce a deal.



- 'Conflicting positions' -



Ahead of Saturday's new round of talks, Araghchi condemned what he called the Trump administration's "contradictory and conflicting positions".

"We will find out the true opinions of the Americans during the negotiation session," he said.

Araghchi said he hoped to start negotiations on the framework of a possible agreement, but that this required "constructive positions" from the United States.

"If we continue to (hear) contradictory and conflicting positions, we are going to have problems," he warned.

On Wednesday, Iranian state media said Saturday's talks would be held in Rome with Omani mediation, as an Italian spokesman also confirmed the location.

Iran's deputy foreign minister, Kazem Gharibabadi, affirmed to state television late Wednesday that the talks would be held in Rome.

He also noted that Iran's request is that "if the other party is serious about the negotiations, they should come with logical requests, not unrealistic ones," referring to Witkoff's enrichment remarks.

Araghchi is set to head to Iran's ally Russia on Thursday, said Kazem Jalili, Tehran's ambassador in Moscow.

Iran has said the visit was "pre-planned", but will include discussions on the Iran-US talks.

Ahead of Saturday's talks, Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian said he hoped a deal could be reached with the United States, the official IRNA news agency reported.
Trump blocked Israeli plan to strike Iran nuclear sites: report



Washington, April 17 (AFP) Apr 17, 2025



US President Donald Trump scuppered an Israeli plan to strike Iranian nuclear sites, the New York Times reported on Wednesday, as Washington attempts to reach a deal to curb Tehran's weapons program.

The United States and Iran, which have not had diplomatic relations for more than 40 years, are seeking a new nuclear deal after Trump pulled out of a landmark agreement during his first term.

US Special Envoy Steve Witkoff and Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi are due to meet in Rome on Saturday, a week after they held the highest-level Iranian-US nuclear negotiations since the collapse of a 2015 accord.

In March, Trump sent a letter to Iran's supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei urging talks but warning of possible military action if they failed to produce a deal.

Trump administration officials revealed to the New York Times that Israel had sought Washington's assistance to carry out an attack on Iranian nuclear facilities in May.

According to the Times, the plan and its possible maneuvers were under consideration for months.

But during Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's visit to the White House last week, Trump told the Israelis he would not support an attack. The president instead publicly announced the direct talks with Tehran.

Iran has consistently denied that it is seeking nuclear weapons, but has stepped up its nuclear capacities since Trump scrapped 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.

tjx/lb
Somali-US air strike kills 12 militants: information ministry



Mogadishu, April 17 (AFP) Apr 17, 2025



Somali and US forces carried out an air strike on an area under attack from the Al-Shabaab Islamist group and killed 12 militants, the Somali government said on Thursday.

The strike on Adan Yabaal, 220 kilometres (140 miles) north of the capital Mogadishu came as Al-Shabaab fighters raided the key town used as a base by Somali military commanders.

Growing attacks by the Al-Qaeda-linked group, including one on President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud's convoy, are fuelling worries of a jihadist resurgence after militants were forced back in recent years.

The strike on Wednesday night by Somali armed forces and the US Africa Command "aimed to neutralize the threat posed" by Al Shabaab, the information ministry said in a statement posted on X.

"The targeted strike hit a site used by the militants as a gathering and hideout," it said. "Preliminary reports indicate that 12...operatives, including senior leaders, were eliminated."

Somali government forces took control of Adan Yabaal from Al-Shabaab in December 2022 during the major offensive backed by African Union peacekeeping forces.

On Wednesday, Al-Shabaab launched a dawn raid on the town, with bombs loaded on trucks detonating before militants fought their way into the town, a military official said.

The official said the army was getting reinforcements from nearby positions to defend the town, but Al-Shabaab claimed its fighters had overrun the Somalia military and controlled Adan Yabaal.

AFP was unable to confirm those claims.

Two local residents told AFP that militants had taken Adan Yabaal.

The president had visited the town recently, with state media reporting he had met with military commanders to review the ongoing military offensive against Al-Shabaab.

In the southwest, Somali forces and allies killed 35 militants around Baidoa town in the early hours of Thursday, after they attempted to attack an army base there, the ministry said.

Earlier this month, Al-Shabaab fired multiple mortar rounds near Mogadishu's airport, disrupting international flights.

Halane camp -- a fortified compound that houses the United Nations, aid agencies, foreign missions and the headquarters of the African Union's Support and Stabilisation Mission in Somalia (AUSSOM) -- was also targeted.

The group has seized key locations in Middle and Lower Shabelle, coastal regions on either side of Mogadishu.

A bomb blast that narrowly missed the convoy of President Mohamud in March underscored that Al-Shabaab again poses a risk in the capital itself.

Al-Shabaab has been fighting the government for 15 years, but the African Union-led peacekeeping force helped push the jihadists onto the defensive in 2022 and 2023.
UN nuclear chief in Tehran ahead of fresh Iran-US talks



Tehran, April 17 (AFP) Apr 17, 2025



UN nuclear watchdog chief Rafael Grossi met the head of Iran's atomic energy agency, Mohammad Eslami, on Thursday ahead of a fresh round of nuclear talks between Tehran and Washington.

Iranian and US delegations are to gather in Rome on Saturday for a second round of Omani-mediated negotiations, a week after the longtime foes held their highest-level talks since US President Donald Trump abandoned a landmark nuclear accord in 2018.

There were no immediate details on Grossi's meeting with Eslami, but Iran's reformist Shargh newspaper described his visit as "strategically significant at the current juncture".

On Wednesday, Grossi met with Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, who led the first round of talks with US Special Envoy Steve Witkoff on Saturday.

Araghchi said he had a "useful" meeting with the International Atomic Energy Agency chief.

"The IAEA can play a crucial role in peaceful settlement of the Iranian nuclear file in the coming months," he said.

Araghchi called on the IAEA chief to "keep the agency away from politics" in the face of "spoilers" seeking to "derail current negotiations". He did not elaborate.

Grossi said their meeting was "important".

"Cooperation with IAEA is indispensable to provide credible assurances about the peaceful nature of Iran's nuclear programme at a time when diplomacy is urgently needed," he said on X.



- 'Not far' from possessing bomb -



Before heading to Iran, Grossi told French newspaper Le Monde that Tehran was "not far" from possessing a nuclear bomb.

Western governments have long accused Iran of seeking to acquire a nuclear weapons capability, an ambition Tehran has consistently denied.

A year after Trump pulled out of the 2015 nuclear deal, Iran began rolling back its own commitments under the agreement, which gave it relief from sanctions in return for IAEA-monitored restrictions on its nuclear activities.

In its latest report, the IAEA said Iran had an estimated 274.8 kilogrammes (605 pounds) of uranium enriched to up to 60 percent.

That level far exceeds the 3.67 percent enrichment ceiling set by the 2015 deal, but still falls short of the 90 percent threshold required for a nuclear warhead.

Since he returned to office in January, Trump has revived his "maximum pressure" policy of punishing economic sanctions against Iran.

In March, he sent a letter to Iran's supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei urging talks and warning of possible military action if Iran refused.

On Thursday, the New York Times reported that Trump had blocked an Israeli plan to strike Iranian nuclear facilities in favour of seeking a negotiated deal.



- 'Conflicting positions' -



On Tuesday, Khamenei cautioned that while the talks with the United States had started well, they could yet prove fruitless.

"The negotiations may or may not yield results," he said.

On Wednesday, Araghchi said Iran's enrichment of uranium was not up for discussion after Witkoff called for a halt.

Witkoff had previously demanded only that Iran return to the 3.67 percent enrichment ceiling set by the 2015 deal.

Araghchi said he hoped to start negotiations on the framework of a possible agreement, but that this required "constructive positions" from the United States.

"If we continue to (hear) contradictory and conflicting positions, we are going to have problems," he warned.

On Thursday, Iran's top diplomat was in Moscow on a "pre-planned" visit to the Tehran ally.

"Our regular exchanges with Russia and China have allowed us to align our positions," Araghchi said on his arrival in the Russian capital.

The Kremlin said that Russia stood ready to do "everything" in its power to help resolve the standoff over Iran's nuclear programme.

Meanwhile, the official Saudi Press Agency reported that Defence Minister Prince Khaled bin Salman had travelled to Tehran for talks on Thursday.

During his first term, Trump attempted to forge an alliance between Israel and the Gulf Arab states against Iran.

But in 2023 Tehran and Riyadh restored ties in a Chinese-brokered rapprochement, while the outbreak of the Gaza war later the same year soured relations between all Arab states and Israel.
Europe sidelined in US-Iran nuclear talks, say experts



Paris, April 17 (AFP) Apr 17, 2025



Europe played a central role in a 2015 accord that led Iran to restrict its nuclear programme enrichment but has become just an observer as the United States leads new efforts to reign in Tehran's uranium enrichment, analysts say.

Alarm bells are ringing again in western capitals with UN nuclear watchdog chief Rafael Grossi warning on Wednesday that Iran was "not far" from possessing a nuclear bomb.

The topic will feature in Paris talks Thursday between US Secretary of State Marco Rubio and French leaders. The second round of new US-Iran talks, mediated by Oman, are to be held in Rome on Saturday.

And while Iran has denied seeking a bomb, Israel and the US have stepped up warnings of possible military action against its capability.

Britain, France and Germany were among the guarantors of the 2015 accord that US President Donald Trump killed off when he withdrew from it in 2018. They will barely be involved this time. Despite holding four rounds of talks between October and February, all they can do now is support the diplomatic efforts going ahead.

"It's a pity the Europeans, who started this diplomatic process 22 years ago and were playing a leading role in it, played their hand so poorly," commented Ali Vaez, head of the Crisis Group think tank's Iran project.

The European trio, he added, "have been sidelined because neither Iran nor the US believe they hold a lot of cards or have meaningful added value."

"The Europeans seem doubly trapped, on the one hand because they are excluded from the current negotiations and restricted to the role of commentators," said David Khalfa of the Jean-Jaures Foundation in Paris.

"On the other hand because they cannot afford to torpedo the chances of a new agreement, even if it is American-Iranian," he added.

Khalfa said there was little chance of them returning to centre stage in the effort because of Trump's "hostility" to Europe.

Europe also misjudged the stakes when Trump pulled the US out of the earlier accord in 2018, according to Thierry Coville, a researcher at the Institute of International and Strategic Relations (IRIS) in Paris. Trump called it "the worst deal ever".

The 2015 accord was made between Iran and the five permanent members of the UN Security Council -- Britain, China, France, Russia and the United States -- plus Germany. It offered the easing of UN-backed diplomatic and economic sanctions in return for Iran easing back its uranium enrichment.

"The Iranians, who had wanted to stay in the accord, asked the Europeans to help by maintaining economic exchanges despite US sanctions," said Coville.

But European firms fled the Iranian market, because of threats under US sanctions. And that has hit European credibility, Colville said.

Noting Iran's reduced cooperation with the UN's International Atomic Energy Agency, the European nations wrote to the UN Security Council in December raising the possibility of reviving sanctions -- a process known as "snapback" sanctions.

But European diplomats acknowledge that they have very limited room for manoeuvre to become a credible player again. The US and Israel could be ready for punitive action against Iran by mid-2025, experts say.

Europe's strategy now "is to make the Americans understand that it is in their interest to include them at some stage in the negotiations," said Khalfa.

But new sanctions would reduce Europe's ability to influence Iran, according to Vaez and could push Tehran to withdraw from the Non-Proliferation Treaty.

Iran exiting the 1970 treaty that is the cornerstone of global efforts to prevent the spread of nuclear weapons "will only create a bigger problem rather than resolve the existing one," said Vaez.

Iran probably believes that "Trump has weight and so it is better to make an accord with him that could be sustainable," said Coville.
Lebanon says one killed in Israeli strike in south



Beirut, Lebanon, April 17 (AFP) Apr 17, 2025



Lebanon reported Thursday that one person was killed by an Israeli air strike in the country's south, hours after Israel said it had attacked sites there belonging to Hezbollah.

The health ministry said "the raid carried out by the Israeli enemy on the locality of Aitaroun left one dead", a day after Israeli strikes in the same region killed two people.

The Israeli military said earlier that it had struck "Hezbollah terrorist infrastructure sites" in southern Lebanon overnight, without offering details.

The military added that it would "operate against any attempts by Hezbollah to rebuild or establish a military presence under the guise of civilian cover".

Despite a November 27 ceasefire that sought to halt more than a year of hostilities between Israel and Hezbollah, Israel has continued to carry out near-daily strikes in Lebanon.

Hezbollah, significantly weakened by the war, insists it is adhering to the ceasefire, even as Israeli attacks persist.

Rocket fire from Lebanon into Israel has also been reported since the truce was struck, although no group has claimed responsibility for the launches.

On Wednesday, the Lebanese army said it had arrested several people suspected of firing rockets at Israel from Lebanon.

A security official told AFP that three of those detained were members of Hezbollah's Palestinian ally Hamas.
UN nuclear chief says Iran, US running out of time to secure deal



Tehran, April 17 (AFP) Apr 17, 2025



UN nuclear watchdog chief Rafael Grossi said Thursday that Iran and the United States were running out of time to secure a deal as they prepare to hold fresh nuclear talks this weekend.

Iranian and US delegations are to gather in Rome on Saturday for a second round of Omani-mediated negotiations, a week after the longtime foes held their highest-level talks since US President Donald Trump abandoned a landmark nuclear accord in 2018.

"We are in a very crucial stage of these important negotiations. We know we don't have much time, this is why I am here ... to facilitate this process," Grossi said on a visit to Tehran.

"We are working hard and we want to succeed," he told a joint news conference with Iran's atomic energy agency chief Mohammad Eslami, acknowledging that the search for a deal was "not an easy process."

On Wednesday, Grossi met with Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, who led the first round of talks with US Special Envoy Steve Witkoff on Saturday.

Araghchi said he had a "useful" meeting with the International Atomic Energy Agency chief.

"The IAEA can play a crucial role in peaceful settlement of the Iranian nuclear file in the coming months," he said.

Araghchi called on the IAEA chief to "keep the agency away from politics" in the face of "spoilers" seeking to "derail current negotiations". He did not elaborate.



- 'Not far' from possessing bomb -



Before heading to Iran, Grossi told French newspaper Le Monde that Tehran was "not far" from possessing a nuclear bomb.

Western governments have long accused Iran of seeking to acquire a nuclear weapons capability, an ambition Tehran has consistently denied.

A year after Trump pulled out of the 2015 nuclear deal, Iran began rolling back its own commitments under the agreement, which gave it relief from sanctions in return for IAEA-monitored restrictions on its nuclear activities.

In its latest report, the IAEA said Iran had an estimated 274.8 kilogrammes (605 pounds) of uranium enriched to up to 60 percent.

That level far exceeds the 3.67 percent enrichment ceiling set by the 2015 deal, but still falls short of the 90 percent threshold required for a nuclear warhead.

Since he returned to office in January, Trump has revived his "maximum pressure" policy of punishing economic sanctions against Iran.

In March, he sent a letter to Iran's supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei urging talks and warning of possible military action if Iran refused.

On Thursday, the New York Times reported that Trump had blocked an Israeli plan to strike Iranian nuclear facilities in favour of seeking a negotiated deal.



- 'Conflicting positions' -



On Tuesday, Khamenei cautioned that while the talks with the United States had started well, they could yet prove fruitless.

"The negotiations may or may not yield results," he said.

On Wednesday, Araghchi said Iran's enrichment of uranium was not up for discussion after Witkoff called for a halt.

Witkoff had previously demanded only that Iran return to the 3.67 percent enrichment ceiling set by the 2015 deal.

Araghchi said he hoped to start negotiations on the framework of a possible agreement, but that this required "constructive positions" from the United States.

"If we continue to (hear) contradictory and conflicting positions, we are going to have problems," he warned.

On Thursday, Iran's top diplomat was in Moscow on a "pre-planned" visit to the Tehran ally.

"Our regular exchanges with Russia and China have allowed us to align our positions," Araghchi said on his arrival in the Russian capital.

Meanwhile, the official Saudi Press Agency reported that Defence Minister Prince Khaled bin Salman had travelled to Tehran for talks on Thursday.

During his first term, Trump attempted to forge an alliance between Israel and the Gulf Arab states against Iran.

But in 2023 Tehran and Riyadh restored ties in a Chinese-brokered rapprochement, while the outbreak of the Gaza war later the same year soured relations between all Arab states and Israel.
Putin to meet with Iran's foreign minister over nuclear programme



Moscow, April 17 (AFP) Apr 17, 2025



Russian President Vladimir Putin is scheduled to meet Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi later Thursday to discuss Tehran's nuclear programme, days after US and Iranian officials held talks in Oman.

Araghchi is on a visit to Moscow for talks that are also expected to address issues related to Syria, the Caucasus and the Caspian Sea.

"He will meet him today," a Kremlin aide, Yuri Ushakov, told state media.

He is also due to meet his counterpart Sergei Lavrov on Friday, Russia's Foreign Ministry said.

The visit comes less than a week after Iranian and US officials held talks in Oman, the highest-level meeting between the two sides since Donald Trump abandoned a landmark nuclear deal in 2018 during his first term as US president.

The Kremlin said Wednesday that Russia was ready to do "everything" in its powers to help find a diplomatic resolution to the stand-off between the United States and Iran over Tehran's nuclear programme.

Moscow, which commands the world's largest confirmed arsenal of nuclear weapons, has deepened its military ties with Iran since launching its offensive on Ukraine in February 2022.

Russia has issued calls for calm after Trump last month appeared to threaten to bomb Iran if it did not engage in talks about restricting its nuclear programme.

The New York Times reported Wednesday that Trump had recently blocked an Israeli plan to strike Iranian nuclear sites.

bur/js




UN nuclear chief says Iran, US running out of time to secure deal



Tehran, April 17 (AFP) Apr 17, 2025



UN nuclear watchdog chief Rafael Grossi said Thursday that Iran and the United States were running out of time to secure a deal as they prepare to hold fresh nuclear talks this weekend.

Iranian and US delegations are to gather in Rome on Saturday for a second round of Omani-mediated negotiations, a week after the longtime foes held their highest-level talks since US President Donald Trump abandoned a landmark nuclear accord in 2018.

"We are in a very crucial stage of these important negotiations. We know we don't have much time, this is why I am here ... to facilitate this process," Grossi said on a visit to Tehran.

"We are working hard and we want to succeed," he told a joint news conference with Iran's atomic energy agency chief Mohammad Eslami, acknowledging that the search for a deal was "not an easy process".

On Wednesday, Grossi met with Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, who led the first round of talks with US Special Envoy Steve Witkoff on Saturday.

Araghchi said he had a "useful" meeting with the International Atomic Energy Agency chief.

"The IAEA can play a crucial role in peaceful settlement of the Iranian nuclear file in the coming months," he said.

Araghchi called on the IAEA chief to "keep the agency away from politics" in the face of "spoilers" seeking to "derail current negotiations". He did not elaborate.



- 'Not far' from possessing bomb -



Before heading to Iran, Grossi told French newspaper Le Monde that Tehran was "not far" from possessing a nuclear bomb.

Western governments have long accused Iran of seeking to acquire a nuclear weapons capability, an ambition Tehran has consistently denied.

A year after Trump pulled out of the 2015 nuclear deal, Iran began rolling back its own commitments under the agreement, which gave it relief from sanctions in return for IAEA-monitored restrictions on its nuclear activities.

In its latest report, the IAEA said Iran had an estimated 274.8 kilogrammes (605 pounds) of uranium enriched to up to 60 percent.

That level far exceeds the 3.67 percent enrichment ceiling set by the 2015 deal, but still falls short of the 90 percent threshold required for a nuclear warhead.

Since he returned to office in January, Trump has revived his "maximum pressure" policy of punishing economic sanctions against Iran.

In March, he sent a letter to Iran's supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei urging talks and warning of possible military action if Iran refused.

On Thursday, the New York Times reported that Trump had blocked an Israeli plan to strike Iranian nuclear facilities in favour of seeking a negotiated deal.



- 'Conflicting positions' -



Khamenei has cautioned that while the talks with the United States had started well, they could yet prove fruitless.

"The negotiations may or may not yield results," he said on Tuesday.

On Wednesday, Araghchi said Iran's enrichment of uranium was not up for discussion after Witkoff called for a halt.

Witkoff had previously demanded only that Iran return to the 3.67 percent enrichment ceiling set by the 2015 deal.

Araghchi said he hoped to start negotiations on the framework of a possible agreement, but that this required "constructive positions" from the United States.

"If we continue to (hear) contradictory and conflicting positions, we are going to have problems," he warned.

On Thursday, Iran's top diplomat was in Moscow on a "pre-planned" visit to the Tehran ally. Kremlin aide Yuri Ushakov said Araghchi would meet Russian President Vladimir Putin later in the day.

"Our regular exchanges with Russia and China have allowed us to align our positions," Araghchi said on his arrival in the Russian capital.

Meanwhile, the Saudi Defence Minister Prince Khaled bin Salman travelled to Tehran and delivered a message from the Saudi king to Iran's supreme leader Khamenei, according to the leader's official website.

During his first term, Trump attempted to forge an alliance between Israel and the Gulf Arab states against Iran.

But in 2023 Tehran and Riyadh restored ties in a Chinese-brokered rapprochement, while the outbreak of the Gaza war later the same year soured relations between all Arab states and Israel.
Netanyahu insists Israel will not allow Iran to acquire nuclear weapons: office



Jerusalem, April 17 (AFP) Apr 17, 2025



Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu insisted on Thursday that Israel would not allow Iran to acquire nuclear weapons, even as US President Donald Trump attempts to negotiate a new nuclear deal with Tehran.

Netanyahu's remarks were his first on the issue since US-Iran talks began earlier this month, and followed a report that former President Trump had blocked an Israeli plan to strike Iran's nuclear sites.

"As the prime minister has stated many times: Israel will not allow Iran to acquire nuclear weapons," a statement from Netanyahu's office said.

Israel and western governments have long accused Iran of pursuing nuclear weapons capability, an allegation Tehran has consistently denied.

Even before the war in Gaza, sparked by Hamas's October 2023 attack, Netanyahu repeatedly took issue with Iran for its backing of Hamas and other militant groups Israel is currently fighting.

"The prime minister has led countless overt and covert actions in the battle against Iran's nuclear programme, without which Iran would today possess a nuclear arsenal," the statement said.

"These actions delayed Iran's nuclear programme by nearly a decade."

Netanyahu's statement comes ahead of a second round of Omani-mediated negotiations between US and Iranian delegations set to take place in Rome on Saturday.

Trump's efforts to reach a deal with Iran on its nuclear programme through mediation appear in contrast to Netanyahu's long standing policy to tackle the issue using military action.

"Prime Minister Netanyahu has been leading the global campaign against Iran's nuclear programme for over a decade, even when some dismissed the threat and referred to it as a 'political spin' and called the prime minister 'paranoid,'" his office said.

In March, Trump sent a letter to Iran's supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei urging talks but warning of possible military action if they failed to produce a deal.

While Netanyahu has been pushing the US to also take firmer action, a report in the New York Times on Wednesday said Trump had scuppered an Israeli plan to strike Iran's nuclear sites.

Trump administration officials revealed to the Times that Israel had sought Washington's assistance to carry out an attack on Iranian nuclear facilities in May.

According to the report, the plan and its possible manuevers were under consideration for months.

But during Netanyahu's visit to the White House earlier this month, Trump told the Israelis he would not support an attack. The president instead publicly announced the direct talks with Tehran.

On Thursday, UN nuclear watchdog chief Rafael Grossi urged the two sides to secure a deal, saying that time was running out.
Niger stiffens Burkina border troop presence over 'terror' threat



Niamey, Niger, April 17 (AFP) Apr 17, 2025



Niger beefed up its troops presence on the border with neighbouring Burkina Faso to counter a perceived "terror threat" liable to force local people from their homes, an security source told AFP on Thursday.

Ruled by a military junta since July 2023, Niger is battling heightened insecurity amid repeated attacks by armed groups, several affiliated to Al-Qaeda or Islamic State.

"The area of Torodi (in the southwest) has experienced several security incidents in recent days," stated the latest army operations bulletin on its website.

On April 14, a military detachment came under fire "from criminal armed groups" on a road in the area, with six attackers killed.

The army said one soldier was lightly wounded while troops seized motorcycles and weapons.

On 6 April, a "criminal armed group" attacked a neighbourhood and a police station in the town of Makalondi, the army said, but "did not cause casualties".

Four days earlier, minibuses were also attacked.

"The events logged in Makalondi have caused a movement of local populations to other localities in the region," the army said.

Therefore, to "reassure the population," the military had "immediately reinforced its presence" locally to facilitate "the gradual return of the displaced populations".

Some 100 kilometres (60 miles) from Niamey, but just a handful of kilometres from the border, Makalondi has been targeted since 2018 by Islamist groups, despite the massive deployment of anti-jihadist forces reinforced by a state of emergency.

In addition, the army said it had arrested a fortnight ago "an influential member" of the Salafist jihadist JNIM group, without elaborating.

Mali and Burkina Faso, like Niger under military regimes, have similarly suffered regular jihadist attacks in recent years.

The three neighbours recently grouped together in an Alliance of Sahel States and created a unified force to fight jihadist groups in a landlocked space of some 2.8 million square kilometres (1.1 million square miles).

"Our people expect results ... We have a historic duty to respond to this legitimate aspiration (to counter attacks) and establishing this unified force must be the manifestation of our categorical refusal to depend on external support," Burkinabe chief of staff General Moussa Diallo told a meeting in his homeland earlier this week attended by counterparts from Mali and Niger.
US urges France to take lead on European defense



Washington, April 17 (AFP) Apr 17, 2025



US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth on Thursday called on France to boost military spending at a time of strained transatlantic relations over President Donald Trump's commitment to NATO.

France's Defense Minister, Sebastien Lecornu, was in Washington for talks on a variety of issues including Iran and the conflicts in Ukraine and Gaza, with a series of remarks by Trump stoking fears over Washington's reliability as an ally.

"The secretary urged France to increase defense spending and, alongside other NATO allies, take primary responsibility for Europe's conventional defense," Pentagon spokesman Sean Parnell said.

"Secretary Hegseth and Minister Lecornu discussed related priorities, as well, including ongoing efforts toward a durable peace in Ukraine."

The visit came amid tensions between Washington and its European partners over Trump's trade war and his remarks on multiple occasions implying a softening of US support for Kyiv in its war with Russia.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky on Thursday accused US envoy Steve Witkoff of "spreading Russian narratives" after he suggested a peace deal with Russia hinged on the status of Ukraine's occupied territories.

Trump himself has claimed falsely on more than one occasion that Ukraine started the war and this week accused Zelensky of responsibility for "millions" of deaths.

Trump, who returned to office in January, has long accused European allies of taking US protection for granted and underspending on defense.

The Republican leader is demanding NATO allies massively ramp up defense spending to five percent of GDP -- a level that looks well out of reach for many.

Republican and Democratic administrations have taken similar stances in the past but Trump has gone further than previous presidents in threatening not to defend countries he thinks are not paying their way.

Faced with Russia's war on Ukraine, NATO allies have already ramped up spending in recent years.

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio told NATO counterparts earlier this month that they must agree a "realistic pathway" to five percent, which means Washington would have to spend more, too.

Vice President JD Vance made headlines when he argued that Europe cannot be a "permanent security vassal" of the United States, singling out France, however, as a nation he deemed worthy militarily.

Lecornu was also expected to meet Keith Kellogg, Trump's special envoy for Ukraine, and Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard to discuss the Ukraine conflict.

Trump's push to end three years of fighting has yet to bear fruit, and he has voiced frustration over Russian President Vladimir Putin's refusal to agree to a complete and unconditional truce.

Despite a series of diplomatic efforts, Russia has continued to strike Ukraine, killing at least 35 people in the northeastern city of Sumy on Sunday.

Ukrainian representatives and key allies of Kyiv were in Paris Thursday for meetings with Rubio and Witkoff to discuss rekindling stalled talks on a ceasefire.
UN nuclear chief says Iran, US running out of time to secure deal



Tehran, April 17 (AFP) Apr 17, 2025



UN nuclear watchdog chief Rafael Grossi said Thursday that Iran and the United States were running out of time to secure a deal as they prepare to hold fresh nuclear talks this weekend.

Iranian and US delegations are to gather in Rome on Saturday for a second round of Omani-mediated negotiations, a week after the longtime foes held their highest-level talks since US President Donald Trump abandoned a landmark nuclear accord in 2018.

In March, Trump sent a letter to Iran's supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei urging talks and warning of possible military action if Iran refused.

"We are in a very crucial stage of these important negotiations. We know we don't have much time. This is why I am here... to facilitate this process," Grossi said on a visit to Tehran.

"We are working hard and we want to succeed," he told a joint news conference with Iran's atomic energy agency chief Mohammad Eslami, acknowledging that the effort to secure a deal was "not an easy process".

On Wednesday, Grossi met with Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, who led the first round of talks with US Special Envoy Steve Witkoff on Saturday.

Araghchi said he had a "useful" meeting with the International Atomic Energy Agency chief.

"The IAEA can play a crucial role in peaceful settlement of the Iranian nuclear file in the coming months," he said.

Araghchi called on the IAEA chief to "keep the agency away from politics" in the face of those seeking to "derail current negotiations". He did not elaborate.

Oman's foreign ministry confirmed it would again mediate the talks, which it said will be in Rome "for logistical reasons."



- 'Not far' from possessing bomb -



Before heading to Iran, Grossi told French newspaper Le Monde that Tehran was "not far" from possessing a nuclear bomb.

Western governments have long accused Iran of seeking to acquire nuclear weapons capability, an ambition Tehran has consistently denied.

A year after Trump pulled out of the 2015 nuclear deal, Iran began rolling back its own commitments under the agreement, which gave it relief from sanctions in return for IAEA-monitored restrictions on its nuclear activities.

In its latest report, the IAEA said Iran had an estimated 274.8 kilograms (605 pounds) of uranium enriched to up to 60 percent.

That level far exceeds the 3.67 percent enrichment ceiling set by the 2015 deal, but still falls short of the 90 percent threshold required for a nuclear warhead.

Since he returned to office in January, Trump has revived his "maximum pressure" policy, imposing punishing economic sanctions against Iran.

On Thursday Trump said he is "not in a rush" to take military action against Iranian nuclear facilities, "because I think that Iran has a chance to have a great country".

Trump did not confirm a New York Times report that he had blocked an Israeli plan to strike Iranian nuclear facilities in favour of seeking a negotiated deal.

Israel did not directly comment on the report, but Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's office said Israel would not allow Iran to acquire nuclear weapons.

"The prime minister has led countless overt and covert actions in the battle against Iran's nuclear programme, without which Iran would today possess a nuclear arsenal," Netanyahu's office said.

There was no immediate comment from Tehran on the remarks.



- 'Conflicting positions' -



Khamenei has cautioned that while the talks with the United States had started well, they "may or may not yield results."

On Wednesday, Araghchi said Iran's enrichment of uranium was not up for discussion after Witkoff called for a halt.

Witkoff had previously demanded only that Iran return to the 3.67 percent enrichment ceiling set by the 2015 deal.

Araghchi said he hoped to start negotiations on the framework of a possible agreement, but that this required "constructive positions" from the United States.

Araghchi was in Moscow on Thursday on a "pre-planned" visit to the Tehran ally, where he met with President Vladimir Putin.

"Our regular exchanges with Russia and China have allowed us to align our positions," Araghchi said on arrival in the Russian capital.

Meanwhile, the Saudi Defence Minister Prince Khaled bin Salman travelled to Tehran and delivered a message from the Saudi king to Khamenei, according to the leader's official website.

During his first term, Trump attempted to forge an alliance between Israel and the Gulf Arab states against Iran.

But in 2023 Tehran and Riyadh restored ties in a Chinese-brokered rapprochement.

rkh-mz/it/jsa
Gaza rescuers say 40 mostly displaced people killed in Israeli strikes



Gaza City, Palestinian Territories, April 17 (AFP) Apr 17, 2025



Gaza's civil defence rescue agency said Thursday that a rash of Israeli air strikes killed at least 40 people, most of them in encampments for displaced civilians, as Israel pressed its offensive in the Palestinian territory.

The Israeli military said it was looking into reports of the strikes, which came as Hamas officials said that internal deliberations on the latest Israeli truce offer were nearly complete.

Civil defence spokesman Mahmud Bassal said two Israeli missiles hit several tents in the Al-Mawasi area of the southern city of Khan Yunis, resulting in at least 16 deaths, "most of them women and children, and 23 others were wounded".

After Israel declared Al-Mawasi a safe zone in December 2023, tens of thousands of Palestinians flocked there seeking refuge from bombardment, but the area has since been hit by repeated Israeli strikes.

Survivors described a large explosion at the densely packed encampment zone that set multiple tents ablaze.

"We were sitting peacefully in the tent, under God's protection, when we suddenly saw something red glowing -- and then the tent exploded, and the surrounding tents caught fire," Israa Abu al-Rus told AFP.

"This is supposed to be a safe area in Al-Mawasi," Abu al-Rus said. "We fled the tent towards the sea and saw the tents burning."

Bassal said Israeli strikes on two other encampments of displaced Gazans killed a further nine people -- seven in the northern town of Beit Lahia, and a father and son near Al-Mawasi.

Separately, the civil defence reported two more attacks on displaced people in Jabalia -- one that killed at least seven members of the Asaliya family, and another that killed six people at a school being used as a shelter -- as well as Israeli shelling in Gaza City that killed two.

The military later announced it had carried out a strike in Jabalia on what it said was a Hamas "command and control" centre.



- 'Starvation as a weapon' -



Israel said Wednesday that it had converted 30 percent of Gaza into a buffer zone in the widening offensive it resumed in March, ending a two-month ceasefire with Hamas.

Defence Minister Israel Katz said this month that the military was leaving Gaza "smaller and more isolated".

The United Nations said half a million Palestinians have been displaced since the offensive resumed, triggering what it has described as the most severe humanitarian crisis since the war began with Hamas's October 7, 2023 attack on Israel.

"Every single person in Gaza is relying on humanitarian aid to survive," the chief executives of 12 NGOs, including Oxfam and Save the Children, wrote in a joint statement.

The leader of Qatar, which along with Egypt and the US helped mediate the January ceasefire deal, blamed Israel on Thursday for its collapse.

"As you know, we reached an agreement months ago, but unfortunately Israel did not abide by this agreement," Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani said during a visit to Moscow.



- New truce offer -



Hamas accused Israel on Thursday of attempting to starve Gaza's 2.4 million people after Katz said the day before that Israel would continue preventing aid from entering the territory.

"This is a public admission of committing a war crime, including the use of starvation as a weapon and the denial of basic necessities such as food, medicine, water, and fuel to innocent civilians for the seventh consecutive week," the group said in a statement.

In parallel to the Gaza offensive, Hamas said Israel had proposed a new 45-day ceasefire through mediators that would include the release of dozens of hostages.

The proposal also called for Hamas to disarm to secure a complete end to the war, a demand the group rejects.

Two Hamas officials said Thursday that internal discussions on the truce proposal were nearly complete, with one telling AFP "the group will send its response to the mediators once they finish" -- possibly on Thursday.

"Every time they say truce and just as we begin to catch our breath, the occupation resumes its bombings -- even more brutally than before," said Nidal Wresh Agha, a resident of Rafah.

"We pray that this time it is real."

The International Committee of the Red Cross, said it was "outraged" that an explosive hit one of its bases in Gaza on Wednesday, the second such strike in three weeks.

It said the strikes "highlight the risks to which civilians, medical staff and humanitarian workers in the Gaza Strip are exposed today".

Israel's renewed assault has so far killed at least 1,691 people in Gaza, the health ministry in the Hamas-run territory reported, bringing the overall toll since the war erupted to 51,065, most of them civilians.

Hamas's October 2023 attack on Israel resulted in the deaths of 1,218 people, also mostly civilians, according to an AFP tally based on official Israeli figures.
Iraq PM meets Syrian leader in Doha for the first time



Baghdad, April 17 (AFP) Apr 17, 2025



Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani met with Syrian interim President Ahmed al-Sharaa in Doha, Iraqi state media reported Thursday, in their first meeting since Bashar al-Assad was toppled.

Sudani made "a quick visit to Qatar where he met with Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani" and Sharaa, the official INA news agency quoted a source close to the government as saying.

"The tripartite meeting is a result of the rapidly evolving events in the region, especially in Syria," the source added, without specifying when the meeting took place.

A source with knowledge of the meeting confirmed to AFP discussions between Sharaa and Sudani in Qatar with Sheikh Tamim.

"Talks focused on the opening of the border, resumption of trade and an invitation to the Arab League," the source said on condition of anonymity because of the sensitivity of talks.

Iraq announced the closure of its border with Syria during the lightning rebel offensive that led to Assad's fall in December, fearing the repercussions of the instability on its territory.

The ouster of Assad, who was a close ally of the government in Baghdad, has complicated relations between the two neighbouring countries.

On Wednesday, Sudani said that Baghdad invited Sharaa to the Arab League summit expected to be held in Baghdad in May.

If Sharaa attends, it would mark his first public visit to the country where he was jailed for years on charges of joining al-Qaeda after the 2003 US-led invasion.

During the Doha meeting, Sudani called for "an inclusive political process" in Syria, which guarantees "the protection of all social, religious and national components", the source told INA.

Sudani also urged the Syrian government to take "serious steps to combat" the Islamic State group.

He stressed that achieving "tangible progress" on these issues could enhance relations between both countries and lead to "establishing cooperation mechanisms that serve their interests" and "improve security and stability in the region".

Syrian Foreign Minister Asaad al-Shaibani visited Baghdad last month and said his government was ready to "reinforce cooperation" with Iraq in security and trade.

Iraq remains scarred by decades of conflict since the US-led invasion, which was followed by a sectarian conflict, al-Qaeda insurgencies, and the rise of the Islamic State group.
Spoilers below :





The cold open for this episode was quite creepy. In my opinion having it be first person view was definitely a very good creative choice because it bought you straight into the episode.





Maggie and Joels breakfast date was very cute, and I do like the fact that Maggie is seeing someone outside of the FBI and moving on partially from her husband. It didnt shock me that Joel wanted to talk about her line of work and where he stood with her when she was undercover, and it also didnt shock me that she didnt overly want to talk about it.





I like the fact that Maggie spoke about the relationship and how Joel was feeling with OA, even though it was such a small part of the episode it was nice to see the OA and Maggie friendship shine again. It was also very nice to see the big three back together OA, Maggie and Scola.





The team discovered that it was a home-made chemical attack and that there was security footage of the attack. It was definitely a very graphic attack. I do love when OA and Maggie interview people because they have very different styles of interviewing however, they always manage to get what they need out of the interviewee, they notify the family that they know about the brother being on the terror watchlist and that he has been seen on video with an AK-47 and puncher Interpol. The parents deny that their son is a danger.





The parents revealed that the siblings had fought a couple days prior to her death, however at the time I never suspected the brother until he started running away from Maggie. The chase scene bought one of my favourite parts of the episode with Maggie jumping over the fence and having OA stop the man with the car. It was definitely a true show of how much of a power duo they are.





The brother not knowing about his sisters death was definitely not something I was expecting. I assumed he wouldve at least known about the death; it probably wasnt the best way for him to find out about his sisters death. The brother reveals that they had an argument about the dating app that she was using which leads them to the next part of their case about who threatened her on the dating app.





This is where we find out that Patrick is the one that threatened her on the dating apps and that he has also lured another woman to a hotel. When the team arrive, they find that theres a fire in room 717, which is where the woman was lured to. She was severely injured and died later on the chemical attack. The attack fully changed her appearance because the small clip we saw of her when she was out of the room compared on the gurney to her profile photo was entirely different.





The Jock then finds out that Patrick has been seen by TSA and has been picked up to will be shipped to FBI custody. Patrick definitely didnt seem like the killer. We find out that Patricks images were being used to catfish people by a man called Austin, he had worked at Patricks gym until he was recently fired for inappropriate behaviour.





The little room in his apartment that OA and Maggie find, where he makes a chemical definitely showed how crazy he was. A person presumably Austin tries to communicate with them through the laptop and before deleting the information that was on it. This scene was one of my favourite scenes watching OA shout at Maggie for smashing the laptop on the floor. Regardless of what OA thought Maggie had clearly done the right thing as the laptop still had information on that could be recovered.





Austin had logged back onto scorch, which if he knew he was being watched was probably a very stupid idea. He set up a date in Central Park, the team managed to save the girl however they had shots fired at them by supposedly Austin. OA distracted the gunman whilst Scola took him down, when they removed his mask, they realised it wasnt Austin but instead Jeff, who was Austins partner. I truly did not expect the gunman to not be Austin.





Jeff and Austin bonded over supposed injustice due to women rating them low on the dating app, which forced them to be unable to get future dates. The list of names had to be released by an employee, the runner of the company gave them the name Cody Suarez, he had downloaded them a few days prior and sent them to the pair.





As always it is very high stakes in the FBI world and this was no different. They had Cody shorting at them with a nail gun. Once they caught him and told him what had happen, he seemed remorseful for a moment, before he started to say that it was good that the girls had died, and he hopes that they kill everyone on the list. He turned sinister incredibly quickly.





The pair had created highlight rules of the deaths which was definitely key indications of them not being psychologically sound, but it led to them realising that the creator of scorch was the intended target of their attack. I really liked the takedown at the end of this episode by Maggie.





OAs conversation with Maggie at the end, alluding to the choice of being alone prompted her to speak to Joel. I like the fact that shes opening up to Joel and told him about her husband and wanting to figure things out together. Maggie really deserves this.





This was definitely one of my favourite episodes this season.








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?
It's the ideal place to decamp to after a few days of shopping, scoffing and sightseeing in the City of Lights, though equally its more than worth a visit in its own right if Paris doesnt appeal. I drove there from London via the Eurotunnel with my husband and our four-year-old daughter and the trip couldnt have been easier. It also meant we had our car with us, so we could easily strike out to explore the towns of Rambouillet (around a 20-minute drive away) and Chartres (50 minutes by car). That being said, theres so much to do here you could easily spend several days on the estate without ever leaving.
She commended members of the public who had tried to help the victim, saying: The impact of your actions that day will I am sure be felt by all of those who tried to help Rijkaard and who called the emergency services.
"However, I would totally accept that this was an exceptional circumstance, and as part of our review, we have already concluded that we need to tighten our protocols to ensure that if something like this were to ever happen again, that we could still protect our guests, team members and/or general wider public from harm but have time for a fuller consultation."
Sophie Asquith, venue support team manager at the Music Venue Trust, told The Times: (These) venues are the incubators of the entire industry. As soon as you take them out of the chain, it impacts the entire music industry.
One instance that went viral on the internet was when Mr Bezos opened the hatch to release the six passengers after the capsule touched down. The hatch door appears to have been opened from within, then closed again, before Mr Bezos opened it, according to a video of the incident.
Patients Cann UK, the UK's patient-led advocacy organisation for medical cannabis community said: We are inviting the medical cannabis community, along with friends and supporters, to a relaxed and inclusive picnic at Hyde Park. This gathering celebrates community, conversation, and the spirit of togetherness. Please note, while the gathering has a special nod to medical cannabis culture, it is not a PatientsCann UK or Medical Cannabis event. Attendees are kindly requested to follow all Royal Park guidelines and local regulations, ensuring a safe and enjoyable experience for everyone.
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.
Commenting on a recent interview by ambassador of the Republic of Moldova in Bucharest Victor Chirila with Chisinau-based news agency Info-Prim Neo (IPN), chairman of the Joint Committee on European Integration between the Romanian and the Moldovan Parliament Valeriu Munteanu said that the diplomat committed a regrettable faux pas when stating that "if a president with conservative, populist tendencies is elected in Romania, developments could be uncertain, I don't want to pronounce in advance, but our visions may not always coincide." The ambassador "slipped down a dangerous slope of diplomatic interference with Romania's internal affairs," the Romanian MP said in a press statement.

As the official representative of the government of the Republic of Moldova in Bucharest, the ambassador's words inevitably reflect the position of the Chisinau administration, therefore "this type of insinuation, which places a possible conservative president in opposition to the 'vision' of the Moldovan government is unacceptable and must be firmly condemned," Munteanu said, noting also that it is regrettable that an official representative of the neighboring country's government suggests that the democratic choice of the Romanian people could affect the course of bilateral relations or would be in dissonance with the "visions" of the Moldovan authorities. "Romania is a democratic, sovereign state, in which only the Romanian citizens decide - freely and sovereignly - who their president will be: conservative or globalist, unionist or technocrat, patriot or progressive," the Romanian lawmaker emphasized.

Such statements, coming from an accredited ambassador, are not only inappropriate, but also potentially harmful to a strategic relationship that both states have undertaken to develop and deepen, he went on to note.

"As chairman of the Joint Committee on European Integration between the Parliament of Romania and the Parliament of the Republic of Moldova, I respectfully but firmly draw the attention of the government in Chisinau and its diplomatic representatives that such slip-ups endanger the relationship of trust between the two Romanian states. Moreover, a historical, legal and moral truth must be reaffirmed: Bessarabia is Romanian land, and there are over a million Romanian citizens living today in the Republic of Moldova, who will actively participate in the election of the future president of Romania. Treating these Romanians as an 'external electorate' or questioning their right to express their electoral choice is a departure from the norms of democracy and national sovereignty," the Alliance for the Unity of Romanians deputy said.

"Romania has been, is and will remain the main support of the Republic of Moldova on its European path, but this common path must be based on trust, not on suspicions, political allusions or ideological interference," Valeriu Munteanu wrote in conclusion of his statement.
The Ministry of Education is obliged to provide free of charge, for the preparatory class, school textbooks and/or alternative teaching materials, stipulates a legislative proposal to supplement art. 93 of the Law on Pre-university Education no. 198/2023, submitted by the parliamentary group of the UDMR.

"The Ministry of Education is obliged to provide, free of charge, for the preparatory class, school textbooks and/or alternative teaching materials, including worksheets, workbooks and other teaching materials in accordance with the national curriculum in printed and digital format, for all students in compulsory state, private and denominational education," the legislative proposal states.

If an approved school textbook is not available for a certain subject or field, the Ministry of Education is obliged to provide equivalent materials, in accordance with the school curriculum, until the respective textbook is developed and approved, according to the project.

The initiators recall that, starting from the 2012-2013 school year, the preparatory class became part of primary education, being regulated as a mandatory level through the amendments to the National Education Law, provisions also taken up in the Pre-university Education Law. However, the parliamentarians add, "The Ministry of Education does not provide textbooks or other teaching materials for this level, thus violating the legal provisions regarding the right to free education, as regulated in the Pre-university Education Law no. 198/2023".

"This situation has generated, for over a decade, educational inequities, differences in treatment between students at the beginning of the primary cycle and those in higher grades, and the lack of unified teaching support for teachers working with 6-year-old children. It has also placed a financial burden on parents and created a precedent that does not respect the constitutional principles of equity and universal access to free education. The task of purchasing worksheets and auxiliary materials is informally transferred to parents or educational units, which leads to a deeply unfair situation. This problem especially affects children from disadvantaged backgrounds, where many parents do not have the necessary financial resources to buy workbooks, teaching materials or auxiliary supports," states the explanatory statement, signed on behalf of the initiators by UDMR deputy Kantor Boglarka.

According to the initiators, the estimated average cost per student for textbooks and/or worksheets is approximately 100 RON annually. This amount includes the expenses related to printing the textbooks, the logistical costs related to distribution, as well as the provision of the digital format.

"Related to an estimated number of 190,000 beneficiary students, the total zero cost does not exceed 19,000,000 RON. We consider that this budgetary effort is modest in the context of the total budget for education and that it represents a necessary investment in supporting equity and quality in the educational process. The adoption of this legislative proposal corrects a legislative and administrative omission that has existed since 2021, until now, guarantees respect for the right to fair education for all students in compulsory education, supports teachers by providing unified pedagogical support, reduces the financial pressure on families, especially those from disadvantaged backgrounds, and strengthens the application of the law, consolidating the responsibility of the Ministry of Education in respecting its own responsibilities," emphasize the UDMR parliamentarians.

They propose that the implementation should apply starting with the school year following the entry into force of this law, in order to allow the Ministry of Education to organize the process of developing, bidding and distributing materials.

The project, signed by 21 UDMR senators and deputies, was submitted to the Chamber of Deputies, the Senate being the decision-making forum.
Crin Antonescu, the candidate of the "Romania Inainte"/"Romania Forward" Alliance, went on Thursday to the National Council for the Study of the Securitate Archives (CNSAS) to review the documents in his file and received copies of the statement he gave to the Securitate (political police during the communist regime, editor's note) in connection with a friend leaving the country.

"I took exactly the copy, the document I was interested in. I saw all the documents I was entitled to take. I now have copies of the famous statement," said Antonescu.

He clarified that no leader of the coalition had asked him to go to CNSAS.

"It was strictly my decision," Antonescu added.

Antonescu is scheduled to hold a press conference on Thursday at 5:00 PM at his campaign headquarters.

On Wednesday, the "Romania Forward" Alliance candidate announced he had submitted a request to CNSAS to receive all documents from his file related to the former Securitate. He pointed out that he intends to make the documents public.

Crin Antonescu, the Social Democratic Party (PSD) - National Liberal Party (PNL) - Hungarian Democratic Union of Romania (UDMR) coalition candidate for the presidential election, gave a statement to the Securitate in 1988, but the CNSAS determined that he cannot be classified as an agent or collaborator of the former communist secret police.

According to the official confirmation published on the CNSAS website, Antonescu appears in an informative file and gave a statement in 1988 about a friend, while he was a teacher at a school in Niculitel, Tulcea County.

Antonescu said on Tuesday that he had no relationship with the former Securitate, except as a person under surveillance, and asked for his CNSAS statement to be made public.
Romania was present at the 2025 European Culture Street, a flagship public diplomacy event taking place under the aegis of the European Union, which marked the opening of the Chengdu-Europe Cultural Season, organized by the local Chinese authorities in cooperation with the consulates and embassies of the EU member states.

This year's edition of the European Culture Street organized on April 12 in the Chinese metropolis of Chengdu, the capital of Sichuan province, took place under the motto "All Imaginable Ways of Dialogue" and also marked the 50th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between the European Union and the People's Republic of China.

Launched in 2008 at the initiative of the EU Delegation to China, the European Culture Street aims to showcase the cultural diversity of the Union and foster people-to-people exchanges between the EU and China.

In the next three months, the Chengdu-Europe Cultural Season will feature a varied program of exhibitions, concerts, theater performances, film series etc.

Romania's booth, organized by the Romanian Embassy in the People's Republic of China, offered the visitors a captivating experience by presenting handicrafts and traditions including old folk costumes, ceramics, folk art needlecraft items, documentary films on the diversity and tourist and cultural offer of Romania, as well as tastings of authentic Romanian products.

Maps, promotional brochures and flags were handed to the visitors, who came to the Romanian stand in the thousands, eagerly interested in the country's specifics, and the possibilities of traveling or studying in Romania, the Embassy informs in a release.

According to the organizers, the European Culture Street event registered over 10,000 visitors, with the local Chinese press covering it extensively.
Romanian soldiers who died in the Second World War will be commemorated, April 22 and 28, in a march called "In the footsteps of the Romanian heroes fallen on the Western Front - Hungary, Slovakia, Czech Republic," the Romanian Defence Ministry (MApN) reported on Thursday.

"This initiative of high significance honours the memory and sacrifice of the thousands of Romanian soldiers who fought heroically and gave their lives on the Western Front. The project will materialise by holding solemn commemorative ceremonies at four honorary cemeteries in the country and abroad, where the Romanian heroes who fell in the line on duty on the Western Front are buried, in impressive numbers," according to MApN.

The commemorative events will take place at the Cemetery of Honour of the Romanian Heroes of the Second World War in Oarba de Mures, at the Plot of Honor of the Romanian Heroes in Budapest, at the Cemetery of Honour of the Romanian Heroes in Zvolen, Czech Republic and at the Plot of Honour of the Romanian Heroes in the Central Cemetery in Brno (Czech Republic).

The attending delegation will be composed of approximately 65 people from the Department for Relations with Parliament and Quality of Life of the Personnel, the General Staff of Defence, the National Office for War Heroes, the Joint Logistic Command and the 30th Mihai Viteazul Guards Brigade. Four soldiers wounded in war zones will also be involved in the project, along with 12 military students.
In 1888, a Post-Dispatch article highlighted the work of several of the Catholic orders in St. Louis:

Fifteen Roman Catholic Sisterhoods are to be found in St. Louis engaged in charitable work. There are under the charge of these sisterhoods, not counting parochial schools, 38 separate institutions designed for the care of the sick, indigent, ignorant and insane. In this work 715 women who have vowed to be poor, chaste and obedient unto death. The work they do cannot be even suggested by figures, but that they do a work great in its intent and valuable in its results cannot be denied.

The Sisters of St. Joseph of Carondelet is almost a St. Louis order. Having an European foundation the order was first introduced in this country in this diocese under Bishop Rosati. The order's first six sisters arrived in St. Louis in 1836. The mother house of the order is at Carondelet. There are a 45 professed sisters, 44 novices, 15 postulants and 110 pupils. The order also has a deaf and dumb institute for girls at 1849 Cass avenue. This school is now St. Joseph Institute for the Deaf. At Fifteenth and Clark avenue it has a male orphanage. St. Vincent's German Male and Female Orphanage, on Hogan street, between O'Fallon street and Cass avenue has 150 orphans. At Tenth and Sydney streets are two unique features: the home of the Immaculate Conception, a home for unemployed girls while seeking employment, and girls without homes are taken to board. In' one wing of the building is a creche or nursery for infants whose mothers are compelled to go out to work during the day.

In addition to the works here enumerated the Sisters of St. Joseph teach in the parish schools connected with the following churches: Sts. Mary and Joseph (girls) (was at 5304-6304 Minnesota, the parish closed in 2005), St. Vincent's (girls), St. Bridget's (girls) (was at 2401 Carr; merged with another parish in 2003), St. Patrick's (girls and boys) (was at Sixth and Biddle, closed in 1973), St. Lawrence O'Toole's (girls) (at 14th and O'Fallon, closed in 1948), St. Theresa's (girls) (May be referring to St. Teresa of Avila, which merged with another parish in 2003) and St. John's (boys and girls) (May be St. John Nepomuk on South 11th or St. John the Apostle and Evangelist north of downtown).

And yet that order does not monopolize the work done in the city. The Sisters of Charity have their full share to do. The principal house of this order is at the Academy of St. Vincent, Lucas and Grand avenues. It is a rule of this institution that 12 children are always to be educated without pay. The Sisters Hospital, as the institution at Montgomery and Bacon streets is popularly known, belongs to this order. The House of the Angel Guardian at Tenth and Marion streets is an industrial school for girls. There are 70 pupils in this school being taught all the useful accomplishments of women. Far from being the least of the enterprises of the Sisters of Charity is the institution at 1236 North Tenth street. It is a widows' home, a lying-in hospital and a foundling asylum. On the same block, but facing on Biddle street at the corner of Tenth street, is St. Mary's Orphan Asylum, one of the largest asylums in the city. St. Philomena Industrial and Day School at Clark and Ewing avenues is another branch of the work pursued by this sisterhood. Last and best known of all its work is that at St. Vincent's Insane Asylum, a magnificently conducted institution. (The large building in Normandy that housed the asylum was built in 1895; this article refers to the asylum at Ninth and Marion.)

The convent of that remarkable order Sisters of Mercy is at Twenty-second and Morgan streets. Mother Mary M. di Pazzi there presides over a community of 40. Attached to the convent is St. John's Hospital and to that is attached the Missouri Medical College. In addition the sisters maintain a free dispensary, a House of Mercy and Industrial School, a female employment office, a female night refuge, and a small orphanage. It is not intended that the order shall have charge of an orphan asylum but the sisters in going about among the sick have picked up a number of girls without home or friends and have adopted them. Another departure from the recognized objects of the order is the assignment of several sisters from the community to teach in the school of St. Cronan's Parish, near Tower Grove, made necessary by a lack of other teachers. The sisters visit the poor and sick in their own homes and go to the City Jail regularly  not for the purpose of proselyting but to give what comfort and assistance they can to the inmates.

Though very wide spread in the United States, the Ladies of the Sacred Heart are more prosperous in St Louis than in any other part of the country, This order comes from France. All of its members retain the names they bore in the world with the prefix Madame. The mother house is in South St. Louis at what is called Maryville. There is an academy and convent with 80 sisters and 115 boarders under Mme. O'Meara's charge. Mme. Spalding has charge of the house at Broadway and Convent street, where there are 27 sisters, 65 pupils and 20 orphans. The last item has a history. Sixty years ago there was a small community of Sacred Heart religious in the Florissant Valley. This was the only sisterhood Bryan Mullanphy knew anything about, and he knew of it because all of his intimate friends lived in that valley. He was struck with the idea that St. Louis would need at some future time an orphan asylum, and he proposed to found one. He had a farm  bounded roughly by Mill Creek, the river, Seventh street and Rutger street. Those streets did not exist in those days, but the creek did. He made an agreement with the Ladies of the Sacred Heart, under which they were to take this farm and use it for their benefit and to pay for the care and education of 20 orphan girls. The farm could never be sold by the order under this agreement. The city grew down to the farm and about it, and the order seeing how valuable their property was become sold their Florissant convent to the Sisters of Loretto and built a new convent on Broadway, between LaSalle and Convent streets. They leased the other land for poor prices on good terms to lessees. The Annunciation Church, parsonage and school are on leased ground, and all of the houses within the limits of the Mullanphy farm pay annual tribute to the Sacred Heart. It was this that made the erection of the convent at Maryville possible, and makes the order so prosperous in St. Louis. Nowhere else in the world have the Ladies of the Sacred Heart charge of an orphanage. The ladies teach the girls of the Annunciation and boys and girls at St. Thomas Aquinas schools.

The Loretto sisters are much similar to the Sacred Heart in object. They are teachers exclusively. Their mother house is in Kentucky and their chief academy is at Florissant, but they have a successfully managed academy at Pine street and Jefferson avenue. There are 22 sisters and 150 pupils. The sisters also teach in parochial schools attached to St. Michael's (girls) (closed in 1975, was at 2101 North 11th), Visitation (boys and girls) and Cathedral (boys and girls).

Another purely educational sisterhood is the sisterhood of the Visitation  at least that is the work they do in this diocese. The convent and academy of this order, on Cass avenue and Twentieth street, is well known. It is under the care of Mother Mary Aimie. The community numbers 59 and pupils 115. A branch house has recently been established in what was the McPherson house, 4000 Washington Avenue, where there is a very successful day school.

St. Elizabeth's Institute is in charge of Sister Camilla and six sisters of the Precious Blood, the only representatives of that order in St. Louis. The institute is on Arsenal street between Gravois road and Grand avenue, and is for the training of young women of education to be practical as well as ornamental housekeepers. It is chiefly German in membership. (St. Elizabeth Academy closed in 2013.)

The mother house of the Ursuline nuns is the convent and academy on State street and Russell avenue. The house contains 47 members of the community, 15 novices and 50 boarders. A day school is attached. The sisters do not teach in the city parishes, but it is their custom to go into small, weak parishes in the country districts of the diocese in bands of three to two nuns and a lay sister to teach.

The Sisters of Notre Dame in St. Louis confine themselves to teaching. Their house is at the northeast corner of Cook and Grand avenues. There are 18 sisters there.

The Carmelite nuns, whose house is at Second Carondelet avenue and Victor street, are the only strictly cloistered nuns in St. Louis. Mother Mary Gabriel is the Superioress. There are but 13 nuns in the community and no community of the order is permitted to have more. There are but three communities of the order in the country, one at Baltimore, one at New Orleans and the one here. The members give themselves up to fasting and prayer. They are required to have a dowry sufficiently large to insure the order against their being a burden on it, and great sacrifices are required of candidates.

There is one order in this city which is known by a name other than its proper title. St. Mary's Sisters, as the religious are called who inhabit the convent under the wing of St. Mary's Church, Gratiot street, near Third street, are in reality Servants of the Divine Heart. Their work is to visit the sick in their homes and nurse them. Though it is not customary in the order to have an infirmary for men and women in St. Louis, located on Papin, near 16th Street. At one time women about to be confined were admitted to this infirmary, but latterly a rule has been made against such admissions. Sisters of the order nurse the inmates of the Missouri Pacific Hospital, at California and Lafayette avenues.

The mother house of the Sisters of St. Francis (known as the Brown Franciscans) is at 14th and O'Fallon streets. There are 12 sisters, seven novices and seven candidates. The order maintains the Pius Hospital and an asylum for females out of employment.

Nowhere is there are more beautiful charity than at the Home for the Aged at 2209 Hebert street, maintained by 16 Little Sisters of the Poor. There are in that home 250 old people. The conditions for admission are the candidate must be 60 years of age or over, must be absolutely without money or friends. The home has no endowment, and is maintained wholly by contributions of money, provisions and clothing, which the sisters solicit from day to day. Whatever they have the best is given to their wards and what is left the sisters may divide. (The sisters ran a nursing home in north St. Louis until 2018.)

The Sisters of the Good Shepherd do work neglected by all other charitable associations  reclaiming fallen women at the House of the Good Shepherd on 17th street, between Pine and Chestnut streets. There are three divisions in the community. The first is made up of the religious of the order; second, Magdalenes  women who fell in their struggle in the world, and doubting their own strength, prefer to remain as serving sisters out of the reach of temptation; third, the penitents. Then there is a class of preservation made up of girls of all ages, placed in the home by parents or guardians to keep them out of harms way. The community of religious number 80, the Magdalenes 64, the penitents 180 and the children 160. Each one of these is kept constantly employed doing all manner of household work. An industrial school at Normandy occupies seven religious of this order in purely educational work.

The only house of the Oblates of Mary, a sisterhood of colored women, west of Baltimore, is on Morgan street, near 13th. There are five sisters in this house and several novices. Besides teaching in a parish school, these sisters maintain a colored orphan asylum. Recently they purchased the roadhouse at Page and Taylor avenues, known as the Mansion House, and will open a school there in the spring.

This article has been edited for length.
ST. LOUIS COUNTY  Four people, including a former U.S. Postal Service mail carrier, have admitted to a scheme to steal checks from the mail to commit bank fraud, authorities said Wednesday.

A news release from the U.S. attorney's office in St. Louis said Johnathan Barnett, 29, of University City, was sentenced Tuesday to 80 months in prison and ordered to pay $44,135 in restitution. The others have yet to be sentenced.

Barnett admitted taking part in a conspiracy in 2022 and 2023 to alter stolen checks, the release said. The release said Barnett bought a key to Postal Service collection boxes from the mail carrier, Wynter Hinton, 29, of St. Ann.

Then, the release said, Barnett and others used the key to open collection boxes in St. Louis County and steal mail. Hinton also stole checks from mail while on her postal route, the release said.

The release said Barnett, Ryan McKinney, 24, of St. Louis, and Jayden Burklow, 21, of O'Fallon, Illinois, altered checks found in the mail and recruited others to allow their bank accounts to be used to deposit the fraudulent checks.

Authorities said the conspirators withdrew the money before banks realized the checks were altered. Barnett, McKinney and Burklow admitted trying to commit at least $800,000 in fraud that way, the release said.

Hinton pleaded guilty Wednesday to unlawful use of a mail key. Barnett, McKinney and Burklow each have pleaded guilty to bank fraud conspiracy and possessing stolen mail. Barnett also pleaded guilty to possessing a firearm while a felon, the release said.

The Postal Inspection Service, the Postal Service's inspector general office and the federal Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms investigated the case with University City and Creve Coeur police.
International students file legal challenges across US

WASHINGTON  Several international students who have had their visas revoked in recent weeks have filed lawsuits against the Trump administration, arguing the government denied them due process when it suddenly took away their permission to be in the U.S.

The actions by the federal government to terminate students legal status have left hundreds of scholars at risk of detention and deportation. Their schools range from private universities like Harvard and Stanford to large public institutions like the University of Maryland and Ohio State University to some small liberal arts colleges.

At least 901 students at 128 colleges and universities have had their visas revoked or their legal status terminated since mid-March, according to an Associated Press review of university statements and correspondence with school officials.

In lawsuits against the Department of Homeland Security, students have argued the government lacked justification to cancel their visa or terminate their legal status.

Why is the government canceling international students visas?

Visas can be canceled for a number of reasons, but colleges say some students are being singled out over infractions as minor as traffic violations, including some long in the past. In some cases, students say its unclear why they were targeted.

The timing and uniformity of these terminations leave little question that DHS has adopted a nationwide policy, whether written or not, of mass termination of student (legal) status, ACLU of Michigan attorneys wrote in a lawsuit on behalf of students at Wayne State University and the University of Michigan.

In New Hampshire, a federal judge last week issued a restraining order in the case of a Dartmouth College computer science student from China, Xiaotian Liu, who had his status terminated by the government. Attorneys have filed similar challenges in federal court in Georgia and California.

Homeland Security officials did not respond to a message seeking comment.

In some high-profile cases, including the detention of Columbia University activist Mahmoud Khalil, President Donald Trumps administration has argued it should be allowed to deport noncitizens over involvement in pro-Palestinian activism. But in the vast majority of visa revocations, colleges say there is no indication affected students had a role in protests.

What youre seeing happening with international students is really a piece of the much greater scrutiny that the Trump administration is bringing to bear on immigrants of all different categories, said Michelle Mittelstadt, director of public affairs at the Migration Policy Institute.

How do student visas work?

Students in other countries must meet a series of requirements to obtain a student visa, usually an F-1. After gaining admission to a school in the U.S., students go through an application and interview process at a U.S. embassy or consulate abroad.

Students on an F-1 visa must show they have enough financial support for their course of study in the U.S. They have to remain in good standing with their academic program and are generally limited in their ability to work off-campus during their academic program.

Entry visas are managed by the State Department. Once theyre in the U.S., international students legal status is overseen by the Student and Exchange Visitor Program under the Department of Homeland Security.

In recent weeks, leaders at many colleges learned the legal residency status of some of their international students had been terminated when college staff checked a database managed by Homeland Security. In the past, college officials say, legal statuses typically were updated after colleges told the government the students were no longer studying at the school.

After losing legal residency, students are told to leave the country

Historically, students who had their visas revoked were allowed to keep their legal residency status and complete their studies.

The lack of a valid entry visa only limited their ability to leave the U.S. and return, something they could reapply for with the State Department. But if a student has lost legal residency status, they risk detention by immigration authorities. Some students already have left the country, abandoning their studies to avoid being arrested.

Higher education leaders worry the arrests and visa revocations could discourage students overseas from pursuing higher education in the United States.

The lack of clarity of what is leading to revocations can create a sense of fear among students, said Sarah Spreitzer, vice president of government relations at the American Council on Education.

The very public actions that are being taken by ICE and the Department of Homeland Security around some of these students, where they are removing these students from their homes or from their streets, thats not usually done unless there is a security issue when a student visa is revoked, she said. The threat of this very quick removal is something thats new.

Colleges are trying to reassure students

In messages to their campuses, colleges have said they are asking the federal government for answers on what led to the terminations. Others have re-emphasized travel precautions to students, recommending they carry their passports and other immigration documents with them.

College leaders spoke of a growing sense of uncertainty and anxiety.

These are unprecedented times, and our normal guiding principles for living in a democratic society are being challenged, University of Massachusetts Boston Chancellor Marcelo Suarez-Orozco wrote in an email. With the rate and depth of changes occurring, we must be thoughtful in how we best prepare, protect, and respond.

Suarez-Orozco said the legal residency status had been canceled for two students and five other members of our university community including recent graduates participating in training programs.  Annie Ma, Associated Press
WEBSTER GROVES  Webster University gave its former chancellor $600,000 in severance pay as part of her agreement to retire from the private institution.

Chancellor Beth Stroble  who stepped down amid the schools financial crisis  received two separate payments of $300,000 in September 2024 and spring 2025, according to Websters latest tax documents.

In return, Stroble forfeited $631,033 in supplemental retirement benefits.

Stroble came to the university in 2009 as president and was named chancellor in 2019. She was among the highest-paid university leaders in the region even as Webster lost more than $100 million and enrollment plunged to historic lows.

Webster announced in the fall of 2023 that Stroble would resign after a series of Post-Dispatch reports on the universitys financial troubles. The organization named her successor, Tim Keane, last summer.

University officials said the school was beginning a turnaround as enrollment was improving and Webster was taking steps to fortify its finances: It sold Strobles former house for $1.2 million, transitioned its military campuses to online instruction and closed its Ghana campus and several other U.S. campuses, among other moves.

Webster also persuaded the courts to allow it to tap restricted donor funds.

It ended fiscal year 2024 with a $23.4 million deficit, a 40% decrease from the prior year in which it had a $38.9 million deficit, according to a financial audit.

Tax documents show Stroble made $1.1 million in her last year as chancellor.

But the university said late Thursday that that figure did not include forfeiture of certain retirement benefits.
JEFFERSON CITY  The Missouri Senate sent a bill to the House Thursday that would overhaul the states accreditation and accountability system in order to give local school districts more control.

Sen. Jill Carter, a Republican from Granby, has filed the bill for three consecutive years and garnered approval for public-school advocates in committee. But each year it has been passed over for other priorities when it reached the full Senate.

Skepticism from Sen. Curtis Trent, a Republican from Springfield, slowed the bills passage this year and inspired a lengthy debate about accountability earlier this month.

But Monday, he applauded Carter for helping work through the concerns that I had.

Carter tweaked the legislation Monday to clarify sections and add an expiration date to a provision limiting the State Board of Educations authority to classify districts.

It was approved by the Senate Thursday on a 32 to 1 vote, with Sen. Mary Elizabeth Coleman, R-Arnold, as the only opponent.

If the bill passes the House, school districts will be able to seek accreditation from national accreditation agencies in addition to the State Board of Education. The board can classify districts without outside accreditation as provisionally accredited or unaccredited only for the purpose of determining whether a charter school can open within a districts boundaries. State law allows charters to open the area of unaccredited districts and those that have been provisionally accredited for at least three years.

Carters legislation also requires schools to post performance data on their websites. Previous versions of the bill specified the data would be sent to media outlets serving the district.

It also changes a requirement for interim assessments at the beginning and end of the school year to local assessments without specified times.

Carter believes the legislation would give school boards and parents more power over curriculum and personalize learning to a districts needs.

I think this is a first step in trying to mitigate a lot of the concerns that weve had and educators have had in our public schools, she said Monday.

There is just under a month remaining in the current legislative session. If Carters bill doesnt pass the House in coming weeks, she will have to start over in the process next year.

Missouri Independent is part of States Newsroom, a network of news bureaus supported by grants and a coalition of donors as a 501(c)(3) public charity. Missouri Independent maintains editorial independence. Contact Editor Jason Hancock for questions: info@missouriindependent.com. Follow Missouri Independent on Facebook and X.
JEFFERSON CITY  A ballot question to repeal Missouris new right to abortion won final approval Thursday in the Missouri House  but with a notable thumbs-down from the chambers Republican leader.

House Speaker Jonathan Patterson, R-Lees Summit, said after the 103-51 vote that he didnt think his constituents back home would support the measure. He was the only Republican to vote against the resolution Thursday.

The Republican response to last years Amendment 3 now moves to the Senate for consideration with four weeks left in the legislative session.

The no vote for me was very easy, Patterson said afterward. I think we all come here and were all sent to represent our districts, our 38,000 people that we represent.

The Republican said he wasnt reconsidering his speakership after the vote.

This makes me actually very happy that Im the speaker of this  the Republican conference, because we allow people to not always go with where everybody else is, Patterson said.

Patterson, before the Nov. 5 election in which voters enacted Amendment 3, said legislators should respect the will of the people and we will.

After the election, Patterson endorsed work on a response to Amendment 3 amid a challenge for speaker from state Rep. Justin Sparks, R-Wildwood, who had criticized Patterson as too moderate.

The ballot question approved Thursday would allow abortion in cases of fetal anomaly and in medical emergencies, as well as in rape or incest cases up to 12 weeks of pregnancy.

It doesnt explicitly ban all other abortions, but repealing Amendment 3 would clear the way for additional restrictions.

Amendment 3, approved by 51.6% of the voters, created the constitutional right to abortion up to the point of fetal viability and allows abortion after that in certain situations.

Despite voting against it, Patterson defended the GOP approach: Taking something to the voters another time isnt really subverting the will of the voters.

We accept it as the law of the land. We accept it as the will of the people. Right now, were just taking the democratic process, he said.

The people that disagree with Amendment 3 also have the opportunity to have their voices heard, Patterson said.

House Minority Leader Ashley Aune, D-Kansas City, said people worked for months tirelessly gathering twice as many signatures as we needed to get Amendment 3 on the ballot, and noted that it passed in a majority of House districts.

Democrats also slammed as deceptive the proposed ballot language voters would see, which doesnt say that the question would repeal Amendment 3.

Currently Missouri courts can rewrite lawmaker-written ballot language that is judged to be unfair and insufficient in violation of state law.

But, earlier this week, House Republicans sent to Gov. Mike Kehoe a bill that would limit the courts ability to rewrite ballot language that a judge had determined violated state law.

This is not democracy in action. This is authoritarianism in action, Aune said.

Asked about the speakers no vote, the Democratic leader called Patterson, a surgeon, a qualified medical professional who understands this issue probably better than most people in his caucus.

She said she wished that Patterson was able to convince the zealots and the folks who are afraid of the grassroots to be a little bit braver today.

Patterson said a number of statutory things would have to happen after passage of the new abortion ballot question.

As an example, he cited the term fetal anomaly that is used in the bill.

Fetal anomaly is defined in the bill as a structural or functional abnormality in the unborn childs gestational development that would make life outside the womb impossible.

Rep. Raychel Proudie, D-Ferguson, previously said the language wouldnt allow for an exception in the case of anencephaly, a condition severely affecting skull and brain development where the child is expected to survive for only a short time after birth.

Patterson said fetal anomaly is kind of defined in there, but when youre talking about fetal anomalies, I would rather call it a devastating fetal condition.

Youre talking any number of developmental abnormalities that really lead to severe defects in the child that they wouldnt survive outside the womb, Patterson said.

If you look at a state like Louisiana, they have those enumerated, Patterson said. I think you would see something along those lines.

He raised concern about the 12-week time limit for abortion that was included in rape cases.

He said if a rape victim finds out theyre pregnant at seven weeks, they would need to first deal with that trauma and then decide whether to proceed with the pregnancy.

Other hurdles such as getting in for a doctors appointment and taking off work for the procedure would remain, Patterson said.

We have said that  that if youve been raped, an abortion, we can accept that, Patterson said. I think a debate that we should have and I hope happens in the Senate is  is 12 weeks long enough?

The legislation is House Joint Resolution 73.
The National Institutes of Healths sweeping cuts of grants that fund scientific research are inflicting pain almost universally across the U.S., including in most states that backed President Donald Trump in the 2024 election.

A KFF Health News analysis underscores that the terminations are sparing no part of the country, politically or geographically. About 40% of organizations whose grants the NIH cut in its first month of slashing, which started Feb. 28, are in states like Missouri that Trump won in November.

The Trump administration has singled out Ivy League universities including Columbia and Harvard for broad federal funding cuts. But the spending reductions at the NIH, the nations foremost source of funding for biomedical research, go much further: Of about 220 organizations that had grants terminated, at least 94 were public universities, including flagship state schools in places such as Florida, Georgia, Ohio, Nebraska, and Texas.

The Trump administration has canceled hundreds of grants supporting research on topics such as vaccination; diversity, equity, and inclusion; and the health of LGBTQ+ populations. Some of the terminations are a result of Trumps executive orders to abandon federal work on diversity and equity issues. Others followed the Senate confirmation of anti-vaccine activist Robert F. Kennedy Jr. to lead the Department of Health and Human Services, which oversees the NIH. Many mirror the ambitions laid out in Project 2025s Mandate for Leadership, the conservative playbook for Trumps second term.

Affected researchers say Trump administration officials are taking a cudgel to efforts to improve the lives of people who often experience worse health outcomes  ignoring a scientific reality that diseases and other conditions do not affect all Americans equally.

KFF Health News found that the NIH terminated about 780 grants or parts of grants between Feb. 28 and March 28, based on documents published by the Department of Health and Human Services and a list maintained by academic researchers. Some grants were canceled in full, while in other cases, only supplements  extra funding related to the main grant, usually for a shorter-term, related project  were terminated.

Among U.S. recipients, 96 of the institutions that lost grants in the first month are in politically conservative states including Florida, Ohio, and Indiana, where Republicans control the state government or voters reliably support the GOP in presidential campaigns, or in purple states such as North Carolina, Michigan, and Pennsylvania that were presidential battleground states. An additional 124 institutions are in blue states.

Sybil Hosek, a research professor at the University of Illinois-Chicago, helps run a network that focuses on improving care for people 13 to 24 years old who are living with or at risk for HIV. The NIH awarded Florida State University $73 million to lead the HIV project.

We never thought they would destroy an entire network dedicated to young Americans, said Hosek, one of the principal investigators of the Adolescent Medicine Trials Network for HIV/AIDS Interventions. The termination doesnt make sense to us.

NIH official Michelle Bulls is director of the Office of Policy for Extramural Research Administration, which oversees grants policy and compliance across NIH institutes. In terminating the grant March 21, Bulls wrote that research based primarily on artificial and nonscientific categories, including amorphous equity objectives, are antithetical to the scientific inquiry, do nothing to expand our knowledge of living systems, provide low returns on investment, and ultimately do not enhance health, lengthen life, or reduce illness.

Adolescents and young adults ages 13 to 24 accounted for 1 in 5 new HIV infections in the U.S. in 2022, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Its science in its highest form, said Lisa Hightow-Weidman, a professor at Florida State University who co-leads the network. I dont think we can make America healthy again if we leave youth behind.

HHS spokesperson Emily Hilliard said in an emailed statement that NIH is taking action to terminate research funding that is not aligned with NIH and HHS priorities. The NIH and the White House didnt respond to requests for comment.

As we begin to Make America Healthy Again, it's 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, Hilliard said.

Harm to HIV, vaccine studies

The NIH, with its nearly $48 billion annual budget, is the largest public funder of biomedical research in the world, awarding nearly 59,000 grants in the 2023 fiscal year. The Trump administration has upended funding for projects that were already underway, stymied money for new applications, and sought to reduce how much recipients can spend on overhead expenses.

Those changes  plus the firing of 1,200 agency employees as part of mass layoffs across the government  are alarming scientists and NIH workers, who warn that they will undermine progress in combating diseases and other threats to the nations public health. On April 2, the American Public Health Association, Ibis Reproductive Health, and affected researchers, among others, filed a lawsuit in federal court against the NIH and HHS to halt the grant cancellations.

Two National Cancer Institute employees, who were granted anonymity because they were not authorized to speak to the press and feared retaliation, said its staff receives batches of grants to terminate almost daily. On Feb. 27, the cancer institute had more than 10,800 active projects, the highest share of the NIHs roughly two dozen institutes and centers, according to the NIHs website. At least 47 grants that NCI awarded were terminated in the first month.

Kennedy has said the NIH should take a years-long pause from funding infectious disease research. In November 2023, he told an anti-vaccine group, Im gonna say to NIH scientists, God bless you all. Thank you for public service. Were going to give infectious disease a break for about eight years, according to NBC News.

For years, Kennedy has peddled falsehoods about vaccines  including that no vaccine is safe and effective, and that there are other studies out there showing a connection between vaccines and autism, a link that has repeatedly been debunked  and claimed falsely that HIV is not the only cause of AIDS.

KFF Health News found that grants in blue states were disproportionately affected, making up roughly two-thirds of terminated grants, many of them at Columbia University. The university had more grants terminated than all organizations in politically red states combined. On April 4, Democratic attorneys general in 16 states sued HHS and the NIH to block the agency from canceling funds.

Researchers whose funding was stripped said they stopped clinical trials and other work on improving care for people with HIV, reducing vaping and smoking rates among LGBTQ+ teens and young adults, and increasing vaccination rates for young children. NIH grants routinely span several years.

For example, Hosek said that when the youth HIV/AIDS networks funding was terminated, she and her colleagues were preparing to launch a clinical trial examining whether a particular antibiotic that is effective for men to prevent sexually transmitted infections would also work for women.

This is a critically important health initiative focused on young women in the United States, she said. Without that study, women dont have access to something that men have.

Other scientists said they were testing how to improve health outcomes among newborns in rural areas with genetic abnormalities, or researching how to improve flu vaccination rates among Black children, who are more likely to be hospitalized and die from the virus than non-Hispanic white children.

It's important for people to know that  if, you know, they are wondering if this is just a waste of time and money. No, no. It was a beautiful and rare thing that we did, said Joshua Williams, a pediatric primary care doctor at Denver Health in Colorado who was researching whether sharing stories about harm experienced due to vaccine-preventable diseases  from missed birthdays to hospitalizations and job loss  might inspire caregivers to get their children vaccinated against the flu.

He and his colleagues had recruited 200 families, assembled a community advisory board to understand which vaccinations were top priorities, created short videos with people who had experienced vaccine-preventable illness, and texted those videos to half of the caregivers participating in the study.

They were just about to crack open the medical records and see if it had worked: Were the group who received the videos more likely to follow through on vaccinations for their children? Thats when he got the notice from the NIH.

It is the policy of NIH not to prioritize research activities that focuses gaining scientific knowledge on why individuals are hesitant to be vaccinated and/or explore ways to improve vaccine interest and commitment, the notice read.

Williams said the work was already having an impact as other institutions were using the idea to start projects related to cancer and dialysis.

A hit to rural health

Congress previously tried to ensure that NIH grants also went to states that historically have had less success obtaining biomedical research funding from the government. Now those places arent immune to the NIHs terminations.

Sophia Newcomer, an associate professor of public health at the University of Montana, said she had 18 months of work left on a study examining undervaccination among infants, which means they were late in receiving recommended childhood vaccines or didnt receive the vaccines at all. Newcomer had been analyzing 10 years of CDC data about childrens vaccinations and had already found that most U.S. infants from 0 to 19 months old were not adequately vaccinated.

Her grant was terminated March 10, with the NIH letter stating the project no longer effectuates agency priorities, a phrase replicated in other termination letters KFF Health News has reviewed.

States like Montana dont get a lot of funding for health research, and health researchers in rural areas of the country are working on solutions to improve rural health care, Newcomer said. And so cuts like this really have an impact on the work were able to do.

Montana is one of 23 states, along with Puerto Rico, that are eligible for the NIHs Institutional Development Award program, meant to bolster NIH funding in states that historically have received less investment. Congress established the program in 1993.

The NIHs grant terminations hit institutions in 15 of those states, more than half that qualify, plus Puerto Rico.

Researchers cant just do it again later

The NIHs research funds are deeply entrenched in the U.S. health care system and academia. Rarely does an awarded grant stay within the four walls of a university that received it. One grants money is divvied up among other universities, hospitals, community nonprofits, and other government agencies, researchers said.

Erin Kahle, an infectious disease epidemiologist at the University of Michigan, said she was working with Emory University in Georgia and the CDC as part of her study. She was researching the impact of intimate partner violence on HIV treatment among men living with the virus. They are relying on our funds, too, she said.

Kahle said her top priority was to ethically and safely wind down her nationwide study, which included 418 people, half of whom were still participating when her grant was terminated in late March. Kahle said that includes providing resources to participants for whom sharing experiences of intimate partner violence may cause trauma or mental health distress.

Rachel Hess, the co-director of the Clinical & Translational Science Institute at the University of Utah, said the University of Nevada-Reno and Intermountain Health, one of the largest hospital systems in the West, had received funds from a $38 million grant that was awarded to the University of Utah and was terminated March 12.

The institute, which aims to make scientific research more efficient to speed up the availability of treatments for patients, supported over 5,000 projects last year, including 550 clinical trials with 7,000 participants. Hess said that, for example, the institute was helping design a multisite study involving people who have had heart attacks to figure out the ideal mix of medications to keep them alive before they get to the hospital, a challenge thats more acute in rural communities.

After pushback from the university  the institutes projects included work to reduce health care disparities between rural and urban areas  the NIH restored its grant March 29.

Among the people the Utah center thanked in its announcement about the reversal were the states congressional delegation, which consists entirely of Republican lawmakers. We are grateful to University of Utah leadership, the University of Utah Board of Trustees, our legislative delegation, and the Utah community for their support, it said.

Hilliard, of HHS, said that some grants have been reinstated following the appeals process, and the agency will continue to carry out the remaining appeals as planned to determine their alignment. She declined to say how many had been reinstated, or why the University of Utah grant was among them.

Other researchers havent had the same luck. Kahle, in Michigan, said projects like hers can take a dozen years from start to finish  applying for and receiving NIH funds, conducting the research, and completing follow-up work.

Even if there are changes in the next administration, were looking at at least a decade of setting back the research, Kahle said. Its not as easy as like, OK, well just do it again later. It doesnt really work that way.

KFF Health News is a national newsroom that produces in-depth journalism about health issues and is one of the core operating programs at KFF  the independent source for health policy research, polling, and journalism. It was formerly known as Kaiser Health News.
A B-1B Lancer from Dyess Air Force Base, Texas, arrives at Misawa Air Base in northeastern Japan, April 15, 2025. (Mattison Cole/U.S. Air Force)



American B-1B Lancers arrived this week at Misawa Air Base for their first rotational bomber task force mission in Japan, Pacific Air Forces said Tuesday.

The aircraft, along with airmen and support equipment from the 9th Expeditionary Bomb Squadron at Dyess Air Force Base, Texas, landed at the northern Japan air base that day, according to a PACAF news release.

The number of bombers and airmen, as well as the expected duration of their stay, were not cleared for release by PACAF, Capt. LeeRoy Stark, a spokesman for the 35th Fighter Wing at Misawa, said in an email Thursday.

The bomber mission supports strategic deterrence as well as training with allies, partners and joint forces, according to the PACAF statement.

The Air Force routinely deploys Lancers, B-52 Stratofortress bombers and B-2 Spirit stealth bombers around the world on task force missions. The deployments began in January 2018 and have continued regularly since 2020.

A B-1B Lancer from Dyess Air Force Base, Texas, arrives at Misawa Air Base in northeastern Japan, April 15, 2025. (Mattison Cole/U.S. Air Force)



While the missions for each [bomber task force] may vary, the overall goal remains the same: assure allies and deter adversaries, says the Air Force Global Strike Command website.

Bomber task force deployments are also intended to familiarize aircrews with bases and operations in various parts of the world.

The mission showcases the U.S. commitment to deterring threats and maintaining regional stability, Lt. Col. Christopher Travelstead, director of operations for the 9th Expeditionary Bomb Squadron, said in PACAFs release.

North Korea threatened unspecified retaliation after U.S B-1B bombers on Tuesday flew over South Korea with South Korean warplanes, the Associated Press reported Thursday.

In February, two Lancers from Andersen Air Force Base, Guam, flew through South Korean airspace alongside three U.S. F-16 Fighting Falcons from Osan Air Base, South Korea; four Marine Corps F-35Bs from Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni, Japan; and four South Korean F-35As and F-15K Slam Eagles.

In January, Japanese F-2s and South Korean F-15K Slam Eagles escorted a pair of Lancers over the Sea of Japan, also known as the East Sea.

The Air Force has not permanently stationed bombers in Japan for decades, retired Marine Col. Grant Newsham, a senior researcher with the Japan Forum for Strategic Studies, told Stars and Stripes by email Thursday

Yokota Air Base, an airlift hub in western Tokyo, operated as a bomber base before 1971.

Faced with Chinas growing military power and regional ambitions, Japan has reinterpreted its pacifist constitution to permit counterstrike capabilities in the event of war.

Despite years of increased defense spending, Japan does not field strategic bombers of its own, Newsham wrote.

Besides the practical challenges to operating a heavy bomber fleet, theres the problem that bombers almost by definition are offensive weapons  that Japan decided it would not possess, he said.

Air Force F-16 multirole fighters at Misawa are trained to strike enemy air-defense systems.

A B-1 (the type that went to Misawa) and B-52s can carry much bigger bomb and missile loads than the F-16s, Newsham wrote. And the aircraft have much longer ranges as well than F-16s. B-1s are also reasonably survivable given their stealth capability.

Deploying heavier, more powerful aircraft sends an implicit message, Newsham added.

Youre adding to an existing force level and implicitly saying that, if necessary, you are going to inflict even more serious harm on the enemy if he misbehaves, he said.

Rotational deployments also signal to potential adversaries such as North Korea, Russia and China that the U.S. has multiple deployment options, Ralph Cossa, former president of the Pacific Forum think tank in Hawaii, said by email Thursday.
Lt. Gen. Christopher LaNeve, right, relinquishes the Eighth Army guidon to Lt. Gen. David Iverson at Camp Humphreys, South Korea, April 16, 2025. (Lee Kihyuk/U.S. Army)



CAMP HUMPHREYS, South Korea  After just a year leading American ground forces in South Korea, Lt. Gen. Christopher LaNeve relinquished command of the Eighth Army this week as he prepares for a new post as senior military assistant to Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth.

During a Wednesday ceremony at Eighth Army headquarters, LaNeve formally passed command to Brig. Gen. Sean Crockett, his deputy, who will serve in an acting capacity until a permanent successor is nominated by President Donald Trump and confirmed by the Senate.

LaNeve assumed command April 5, 2024, and was nominated for his new role on March 25. His predecessor, Lt. Gen. Willard Burleson, served for four years, following nearly three years under Lt. Gen. Michael Bills.

Speaking at the ceremony, LaNeve emphasized the enduring partnership between the United States and South Korea, a cornerstone of security on the peninsula since the end of the Korean War, according to a statement emailed Thursday by command spokesman James Choe.

Lt. Gen. Christopher LaNeve speaks during the Eighth Army relinquishment-of-command ceremony at Camp Humphreys, South Korea, April 16, 2025. (Lee Kihyuk/U.S. Army)



It is not just a military friendship, LaNeve said, according to the statement. It is a bond between our two countries that has been earned in blood and sacrifice. This alliance is our legacy.

LaNeves departure comes as the United States and South Korea continue to conduct regular joint military exercises, including the large-scale Freedom Shield and Ulchi Freedom Shield drills held during his tenure.

In January, LaNeve and members of his staff made a virtual appearance at the Commander-in-Chief Ball on inauguration day in Washington, D.C. Speaking with Trump via video call, LaNeve described the Eighth Army as the bedrock of unmistakable land power on freedoms frontier in Asia.

Trump, known for his flair for showmanship, responded by calling LaNeve a man from central casting, adding, If Im doing a movie, I pick him to play my lead.

Before coming to Korea, LaNeve commanded the 82nd Airborne Division at Fort Bragg, N.C., and served in senior roles at Army Forces Command and the Seventh Army Training Command in Europe. A 1989 graduate of the University of Arizona, LaNeve has spent more than three decades in uniform.

Established in June 1944, the Eighth Army has played a defining role in U.S. military history, from fighting in the Pacific during World War II to its pivotal role in the Korean War and ongoing presence on the peninsula.
The U.S.-Mexico border seen in the Santa Teresa area of New Mexico on April 11, 2025. (Rose L. Thayer/Stars and Stripes)



Investigators are working to determine what caused a single-vehicle accident Tuesday morning in New Mexico that killed two Marines deployed to the southwest border mission and critically injured a third.

The Marines involved in the accident were deployed to the area from the 1st Marine Division at Camp Pendleton, Calif., as part of Joint Task Force Southern Border  a mission to deter illegal activity at the U.S. border with Mexico, according to 1st Marine Division.

The names of the two Marines killed will be released 24 hours after their families have been notified.

The troops were on duty when the accident occurred at about 8:50 a.m. along N.M. Highway 9 near the Santa Teresa Border Patrol Station, according to the division and local law enforcement. At the time, the three Marines were driving a civilian vehicle to El Paso, Texas, about 20 miles east of the Border Patrol station.

The accident involved a silver Jeep Gladiator four-door truck, according to video from the scene taken by KFOX, a local TV station.

The task force assumed control of the southern border mission on March 14 as part of President Donald Trumps emphasis on controlling the flow of people and materiel crossing the Mexican border. Roughly 6,600 active-duty service members are deployed to the mission, according to the joint task force.

However, troops have been working in support of Customs and Border Protection since Trump first deployed them in 2018. The mission continued under former President Joe Biden with National Guard troops rotating to the southern border.
Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth hosts a reenlistment ceremony for Medal of Honor recipient U.S. Marine Corps Sgt. Dakota Meyer in the Hall of Heroes at the Pentagon in Arlington, Va., April 17, 2025. (Alexander Kubitza/Department of Defense)



WASHINGTON  Sgt. Dakota Meyer, a Medal of Honor recipient, recommitted to serve his country Thursday during an enlistment ceremony hosted by Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth.

Meyer joining the Marine Corps Reserve comes nearly 15 years after he was awarded the nations highest military award for combat valor in 2011 by former President Barack Obama for his actions during an ambush in the Ganjgal Valley of Afghanistan.

At the time of the ambush in 2009, Meyer was a 21-year-old corporal serving as a turret gunner with an embedded training team from the III Marine Expeditionary Force out of Okinawa, Japan. Meyer left active-duty service in 2010 and has since become a firefighter and motivational speaker.

The mission never left me, said Meyer, now 36. You might hang up the uniform and you might continue that fight on in other ways  as a civilian, as a veteran, as a firefighter, all those things  but I just dont think the warrior inside you is ever going to go away.

Meyer fought down a mountainside in Afghanistan to rescue wounded troops and recover the bodies of those already killed. He ventured into direct enemy fire times to reach the troops, defying orders to stay in a safer position. Marine Corps officials credited Meyer with helping save the lives of 36 U.S. and Afghan troops. The ambush claimed the lives of five Marines and nine Afghan allies.

Meyer was only the third living service member from the war in Afghanistan to receive the award, and the first living Marine to be given the honor for battlefield heroics since the Vietnam War.

This is a guy who has put it all on the line and done the most difficult things you can imagine, testing the human resolve, and yet after all of that, he is standing before us today saying, I want to do more,  Hegseth said during the ceremony at the Pentagon.

Hegseth, who Meyer described as a longtime friend, said Meyer is an example of the Defense Departments commitment to ensure the countrys best and brightest are willing to wear the uniform.

You are responding to something we have seen Americans across the country respond to since President [Donald] Trump was reelected, which is a renewed inspiration to want to serve this country, Hegseth said.

The process for Meyer to enlist in the Marine Corps Reserve began about two years ago. The decision to join the Reserve force, Meyer said, was something that he has considered since he left active-duty service.

I have always been willing to serve this great nation because I believe in the people of the United States of America, Meyer told reporters before the ceremony.

Following Meyers active-duty service, he became a sharp critic of former President Joe Bidens administration over its withdrawal from Afghanistan. Hes been outspoken about the jailing of another Marine  Lt. Col. Stuart Scheller  who criticized the Biden administration for the 2021 withdrawal. Scheller made his comments in social media posts while in uniform, which is a violation of military conduct.

But Meyer said he would refrain from politics while in uniform.

The great part about being in the Reserve is Im still a citizen when Im not on orders, he said. When Im on orders Ill comply obviously with whatever the standard is.

Meyer participated in an early Thursday morning workout session with Hegseth, as well as the National Intelligence Director Tulsi Gabbard, and Marines at Fort Myer-Henderson Hall in Virginia, according to the Defense Department. Gabbard, who is an Army reservist, attended the ceremony at the Pentagon.

Meyer said he has spent the past month in earnest training to ensure he met the Marine Corps standard. He will join a unit as a sergeant, working with the unit two weeks out of the year.

Throughout the enlistment process, he said, he has been asked multiple times why he was recommitting to serve.

I just love my country, Meyer said. I believe in that with everything that I have got, and at the end of the day, I have got a lot more to give.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.
The Freedom-class littoral combat ship USS Minneapolis-Saint Paul (LCS 21) departs Naval Station Mayport, Fla., for her maiden deployment, Mar. 26, 2025. (Brandon J. Vinson/U.S. Navy)



The Freedom-variant littoral combat ship USS Minneapolis-Saint Paul (LCS 21), in coordination with the Coast Guard and joint partners, stopped two alleged drug smuggling operations in the Caribbean Sea, according to a news release.

The two busts resulted in the confiscation of 1,278.9 pounds of cocaine worth $9,463,860, and 2,480 pounds of marijuana worth $2,807,360.

The USS Minneapolis-Saint Paul executed their duties seamlessly in the combined effort to protect the homeland from illicit maritime trafficking, said Rear Adam. Carlos Sardiello, commander of U.S. Naval Forces Southern Command/U.S. 4th Fleet. Working in coordination with the Coast Guard and our joint partners, we look forward to seeing continued measurable impact delivered by the professional and talented crew of the USS Minneapolis-Saint Paul across the region.

Within a 72-hour span, Minneapolis-Saint Paul, with an embarked U.S. Coast Guard Law Enforcement Detachment and Helicopter Maritime Strike Squadron 50, Detachment Three, made the two busts and took out vessels through a combination of air and surface operations.

We train diligently and stand ready to execute interdiction missions at moments notice, said Cmdr. Steven Fresse, Minneapolis-Saint Paul commanding officer. To be able to make an immediate impact so early on during our maiden deployment is a testament to the hard work and skills of the ships crew.

Minneapolis-Saint Paul departed Naval Station Mayport, Fla., on March 26 with its partners from the Coast Guard and HSM 50 for the ships maiden deployment to support counter-illicit drug trafficking in the U.S. 4th Fleet area of operations.
U.S. Army Maj. James J. ODonovan finally was laid to rest with full military honors at Miramar National Cemetery in San Diego on April 15, 2025. (William Stroud/U.S. Army)



U.S. Army Maj. James J. ODonovan, more than 80 years after he died as a POW during World War II, was laid to rest with full military honors Tuesday at Miramar National Cemetery in San Diego.

To see him honored like this  with the flag, the salutes, the rifle volleys  it was overwhelming, grandson Steve Unwin said.

ODonovans family  daughter Gail Unwin and grandsons Steve and John  stayed connected with military leaders for more than a decade to keep his legacy alive.

It was the homecoming he never got. It means the world to our family, and its something Ill carry with me forever, Steve said. My grandfathers story will live on through my children, and their children.

ODonovan, a native of Cohoes, N.Y., was a member of the 3rd Battalion, 31st Infantry Regiment, when Japanese forces invaded the Philippine Islands in December 1941. He was among thousands of U.S. and Filipino service members who were captured, subjected to the 65-mile Bataan Death March and held in POW camps by Japan. He died a POW on Oct. 18, 1942, at age 34.

He was accounted for by the Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency on Feb. 4, 2024, after his remains were exhumed in 2019 from the Manila American Cemetery and Memorial in the Philippines for laboratory analysis and identification.

U.S. Army Maj. James J. ODonovan finally was laid to rest with full military honors at Miramar National Cemetery in San Diego on April 15, 2025. (William Stroud/U.S. Army)



As the funeral procession made its way to the cemetery, the Patriot Guard Riders  a volunteer group of motorcycle escorts made up of veterans and patriots  escorted the hearse carrying Maj. ODonovans remains, their flags flying in solemn tribute.

The U.S. Army Honor Guard rendered full military funeral honors, beginning with the ceremonial transfer of the flag-draped casket. A rifle team delivered a traditional three-volley salute. A solo trumpeter then played taps.

The folded flag was then presented to Gail Unwin by a uniformed Army representative, accompanied by the words, On behalf of the President of the United States, the United States Army, and a grateful nation.

During the ceremony, Air Force Chaplain Lt. Col. Aaron Bayles reflected on the enduring impact of ODonovans life.

He was a man who became legend, Bayles said. And yet today, he is more than a symbol  he is a father, a grandfather, a soldier who gave his all. His sacrifice echoes beyond this grave.

ODonovans military decorations include the Distinguished Service Cross, the Silver Star, the Bronze Star and two Purple Hearts.

Growing up, we knew he was a hero, but this  this brought it full circle, John Unwin said. To stand at his gravesite and hear taps play for him  it made his story real. It brought him home to all of us. This honor is more than symbolic. Its healing. Its legacy. And its our responsibility to keep it alive.
Retired Adm. Harry Harris, former commander of U.S. Indo-Pacific Command, speaks during a Pacific Forum event in Waikiki Beach, Hawaii, on April 15, 2025. (Wyatt Olson/Stars and Stripes)



WAIKIKI BEACH, Hawaii  America should abandon its policy of strategic ambiguity toward Taiwan and instead declare outright whether it will or will not defend the island if attacked by China, a former head of U.S. Indo-Pacific Command said Tuesday.

There is no country more clear about what it intends to do about Taiwan than China, retired Adm. Harry Harris said in the keynote speech at an event marking the 50th anniversary of the Honolulu-based Pacific Forum, a foreign policy research institute.

We should be equally clear, and we should never allow China to dictate Americas foreign policy with regard to Taiwan, he said.

Harris retired from a 40-year Navy career after heading INDOPACOM from 2015 to 2018. He then served as U.S. ambassador to South Korea until 2021.

China seeks to isolate and then dominate Taiwan, and that runs counter to American interests, Harris said.

He cited recent statements by Adm. Samuel Paparo, current INDOPACOM commander, that Chinas ever-growing naval maneuvers in waters off Taiwan are not exercises but rather rehearsals for actual invasion.

China regards Taiwan, a self-governed democracy lying just off its southeast coast, as a renegade province that must be brought under Beijings control.

The U.S. has for decades maintained strategic ambiguity about what military actions it would take in the event China moved to take the island by force.

During his first trip to Japan as president in May 2022, Joe Biden seemed to suggest that the policy of ambiguity was ending. But a month later in Singapore, Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin declared the policy unchanged and unwavering.

Harris said he advocates clarity versus ambiguity because there are three constituents that deserve to know if the United States is going to defend Taiwan or not and not leave it up to some ambiguous agreement or promise at the time of impact.

The first constituent is Taiwan, he said. They ought to know so they can make the decision whether to arm up or capitulate.

China ought to know so they can make a decision whether theyre going to invade Taiwan or not. I mean, if they invade Taiwan, theyre going to lose hundreds of thousands of Chinese soldiers and sailors and airmen and marines, whatever they have, in a pitched battle over Taiwan.

The third and most important constituent is the American citizenry, he said.

You ought to know that your daughters and sons who are wearing the uniform of our nation are going to fight and potentially die over Taiwan, he said.

Although the U.S. in 1979 switched formal recognition from Taiwan to China, it continues to supply arms to Taiwan under the Taiwan Relations Act, passed by Congress the same year.

Under its One China policy, the U.S. acknowledges Beijings view that it has sovereignty over Taiwan, which split from the mainland in 1949, but considers Taiwans status as unsettled.

President Donald Trump has not clarified where his second administration stands on the issue of defending Taiwan.

Trump was uncharacteristically mum in February when a reporter asked if his policy would not allow China to take Taiwan by force.

I never comment on that, he said. I dont comment on it because I dont want to ever put myself in that position.

During last years presidential election campaign, Trump said Taiwan needed to pay us for defense and increase its own defense expenditures.

In the March/April issue of the journal Foreign Affairs, authors Jennifer Kavanaugh and Stephen Wertheim argue that America must reject the misguided idea that the United States survival and prosperity turn on Taiwans political status.

Washington must make a plan that enables Taiwan to mount a viable self-defense, allows the United States to assist from a distance, and keeps the U.S. position in Asia intact regardless of how a cross-strait conflict concludes, the authors wrote.
Defense Department civilian employees and contractors working abroad cannot get rape test kits done at military medical facilities, the Military Health System said in a memo dated March 13, 2025. Attorneys say that could create evidentiary issues in a sexual assault court-martial. (Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network)



KAISERSLAUTERN, Germany  Defense Department civilian employees and contractors abroad can no longer get rape test kits done at military medical facilities, a decision that attorneys say will likely make it easier to get some evidentiary exhibits levied against accused service members excluded at court-martial.

The Military Health System said the recently issued guidance is meant to clear up confusion around who can receive the forensic evidence collection tests under existing policy.

It requires non-Tricare beneficiaries, which would include most civilian workers who arent married to service members, to seek testing at foreign clinics, which may have different standards for processing evidence.

The March 13 memo from the assistant secretary of defense for health affairs states that military health care providers only can treat civilians who say they were sexually assaulted in emergency situations  where life, limb or eyesight are put at risk.

Forensic healthcare examination or follow-up care is not included in the definition on limited emergency services, the memo states.

The memo also says military facilities must establish a process that ensures non-Tricare beneficiaries are stabilized and transferred to a civilian facility should they request a forensic exam.

Regardless of eligibility, patients who seek care at military facilities after interpersonal violence should be treated as emergencies, the memo said.

About 35,000 civilian employees support 172,000 active-duty service members stationed overseas, according to Defense Department data from December 2024, with the largest civilian populations living in Germany, Japan and South Korea.

Proper evidence collection can be an important part of a victims legal argument in the event they accuse a service member of sexual assault and the case leads to a court-martial.

The U.S. military has detailed protocols for the handling of evidence after an assault allegation, including rules about the chain of custody. Outside the military, collection methods vary by country.

A foreign test kit may be easier to discredit in court compared with one collected on a U.S. base, said retired Lt. Col. Will Helixon, a former special victims prosecutor who now works as a civilian military defense lawyer in Wiesbaden, Germany.

Any skilled defense lawyer is going to be able to ask the questions that would exclude a lot of that evidence, Helixon said in an interview.

Some nations, particularly in parts of the Middle East and Africa, also view the concept of sexual assault very differently, which can dissuade victims from seeking help off base.

Defense Department employees already face challenges when it comes to accessing health care in their host nations.

Medical facilities overseas offer limited care for those who arent active-duty service members, providing care for a fee depending on capacity. Services offered can vary vastly from month to month.

In Japan, DOD-affiliated civilians and families cite language barriers, complex billing and differences in approach to care as common hurdles, according to a recent report from the U.S. Government Accountability Office.

Pete Kageleiry Jr., a retired lieutenant colonel and former judge advocate who now works as a private military defense lawyer in Virginia, said the memo raises questions about the reliability of evidence.

Kageleiry said that he has seen civilian employees receive test kits at military facilities. The memo is a step backward compared to recent improvements the military has made to its handling of sexual assault, and its likely to impact overseas cases, he said.

I know from experience that these cases arise in every environment, like a contingency operation, Kageleiry said. Theres civilians with the force everywhere.

Peter Graves, a spokesperson for the Military Health System, said forensic evidence collection policies were developed for the treatment of service members and their dependents, and do not include testing for people who are not insured by Tricare.

There are significant gaps in policy and processes that contribute to risk, revictimization, and confusion when persons from outside the system present to (military health facilities) after a sexual assault, Graves said in a statement. This is compounded in overseas locations where host nations may not provide or recognize (sexual assault forensic exams).

The Department will continue to explore potential policy changes that mitigate risks associated with providing (such exams) to these persons, Graves said.
Payment and connectivity services company IDEMIA Secure Transactions (IST) and National Payment Corporation of Vietnam (NAPAS) have announced a strategic partnership to boost the digital payment landscape in Vietnam.

The Vietnamese domestic scheme will integrate ISTs Token Platform into its extensive network reaching over 40 banks, and empowering the Vietnamese payment community with a more streamlined and user-friendly payment experience. With its newly acquired digital capabilities, says IST, NAPAS will be able to meet the rising demand from the Vietnamese population for contactless and digital payments.

IST points out that a large portion of Vietnams population is under 35 years old and possesses multiple smartphones. As more consumers in this demographic pivot towards digital services, there is, says IST, a critical need for modern, secure, and convenient payment options that align with their expectations across the Asia Pacific region.

The IST Token Platform empowers payment networks to seamlessly transition their affiliated issuers to digital payment solutions. It securely replaces sensitive card information with a unique identifier, or token, that can be used for transactions without exposing actual card details.

The agnostic Token Platform caters to a wide range of use cases, including mobile NFC payments, in-app purchases, and remote and peer-to-peer transactions. ISTs solution can be easily integrated through a set of APIs, facilitating communication with various stakeholders in the digital payment ecosystem: token requestors (merchants using card-on-file methods), global xPay wallets, and participating issuers.

Through this partnership, says IST, NAPAS will be able to offer in-store payments via smartphone, using the banks mobile wallet for Android smartphones and Apple Pay for iOS devices. Furthermore, the Vietnamese community will be able to make e-commerce purchases using in-app payments.

IST adds that this new, modern way to pay eliminates the need for QR codes or cash, boosting contactless payments and making the experience more convenient and secure for end-users.
Eddie Carey (31) was appearing in connection to being charged with 24 burglaries at premises across Clare, Limerick and Galway

Gardai have recommended more serious charges against a Limerick man as part of an overall Garda investigation into an estimated 1m in value in property that has been allegedly stolen or damaged in a spate of burglaries across Limerick, Clare and Galway.

At Ennis District Court, Eddie Carey (31) was appearing in connection to being charged with 24 burglaries at premises across Clare, Limerick and Galway that included one at Wolfe Tones GAA Club in Shannon - the club of Clare All-Ireland winning senior hurling manager and double All Ireland winner as a player, Brian Lohan.

The overall "significant Garda investigation" concerns the alleged burglary by a number of men of 31 commercial premises and 24 residential properties.

No monetary value has been put on the 24 burglaries that Mr Carey is charged with.

Eddie Carey has been on remand in custody since January 19th after he was refused bail and is facing 46 charges overall.

At Ennis District Court, Insp Noel Barry said that a further month is required for all charges to be considered by the DPP and we are looking for a two week remand to try to get preliminary directions in relation to the current charges before the court.

He said: That would give the DPP more time to consider more serious charges as we have recommended.

Insp Barry said: There are no directions for today given the size of the file and the complexity of the case."

He added: We had a development over the weekend, where a second co-accused was before the court and processed.

Solicitor for Mr Carey, Stiofan Fitzpatrick opposed a further remand in custody for his client telling Judge Alec Gabbett peremptory means peremptory.

On the previous day in court, Judge Gabbett had remanded Mr Carey in custody and that the remand was peremptory meaning that if DPP directions were not made there was a danger of the charges being struck out.

Mr Fitzpatrick said: This man is entitled to his liberty, directors are not available.

Judge Gabbett told Mr Fitzpatrick: The State has provided very cogent reasons as to why the directions are not available."

Judge Gabbett said that it is a very unusual case due to the number of charges before the court.

Judge Gabbett told Insp Barry that he would adjourn the case into next Wednesday for mention and make then a further remand in custody for DPP directions.

Judge Gabbett said: I really need to see progress.

On one day alone on February 2nd 2024, Mr Carey of De Vere Court, John Carew Park, Limerick is facing burglary charges concerning seven separate premises - Carry Out, Drumgeely, Shannon; Subway restaurant, Shannon; High Maintenance, Limerick Rd, Ennis; Remix, Limerick Rd, Ennis; Tech Station, Killaloe; Corbally Centre, Corbally Rd, Limerick and Inver, Ennis Rd, Limerick.

Mr Carey is facing the burglary charge against Wolfe Tones where he is accused of trespassing at the Shannon GAA clubhouse on July 9th last and committing theft contrary to Section 12 of the Criminal Justice (Theft and Fraud Offences) Act 2001.

On the same date, Mr Carey is accused of committing burglaries at Hair Symphony, Clarinbridge, Galway, Day Break, Crusheen and Gala Chinese, Castle Street, Oranmore, Co Galway.

On another date on July 5th last, Mr Carey is accused of carrying out burglaries at five premises - The Electronic Store, Market Square, Scarriff; Rogers Bar, Main Street, Scariff; Newcastle West Mobile Zone, Newcastle West; Gadget Fix, Main Street, Adare and Poinaire, Main Street, Adare.

In total, Mr Carey is facing 46 separate charges that comprise of 24 burglary charges, 17 handling charges, four charges concerning the unauthorised taking of cars and one charge where he is accused of having in his possession two vehicle unlocking and starter devices.
Judge throws out Christian Carter's attempts to use anti-stalking laws to gag journalist

A rogue landlord and tax defaulter sought to use anti-stalking legislation to gag a journalist from writing about his affairs, a court has found.

Christian Carter (38) used the cloak of anonymity afforded to applicants under a recently enacted law to make spurious claims that he had been stalked and harassed for years by award-winning Irish Independent journalist Amy Molloy.

He applied to Dublin District Court for a five-year civil restraining order against Ms Molloy after she recently made inquiries about his tax debts.

If the order had been granted, it would have prevented the journalist from publishing articles about him for that period.

But the application, which was heard in camera, was thrown out today by Judge Anthony Halpin after the judge said he was satisfied Mr Carter was using the legal remedy to suppress the legitimate publication of facts he did not want in the public domain.

The judge also ordered that Mr Carter pay Ms Molloys legal costs of 10,000 and lifted an anonymity order in relation to the case.

Mr Carters solicitor Alex Rafter had earlier unsuccessfully sought to have the media excluded from the courtroom.

Ms Molloys counsel Ronan Lupton SC, retained by Mediahuis Ireland and appearing instructed by solicitor Thomas Turner, described the application as a SLAPP, or strategic lawsuit against public participation, designed to muzzle the journalist.

Mr Carter, who now works as an arbitrator and a film screenwriter, attracted notoriety in 2017 when it was revealed he was exploiting the housing crisis by cramming dozens of tenants into overcrowded houses.

Investigations by Ms Molloy, the Irish Independents social affairs correspondent, revealed Mr Carter was receiving thousands of euro cash-in-hand from renting out up to 40 properties across Dublin.

Rooms were filled with bunkbeds and communal areas were converted into bedrooms.

Tenants did not receive printed leases and had to find someone to take their place if they were moving out. Otherwise, they would not receive their deposit back.

Dublin Circuit Civil Court ordered that one house be vacated because it was deemed a health and safety risk to have so many people living there.

Last year Mr Carter reached a settlement of close to 1m with the Revenue Commissioners arising from undeclared income.

Today, Dublin District Court heard Mr Carter, of Monkstown, Co Dublin, had last week obtained an interim restraining order on an ex parte, or one side only, basis, against Ms Molloy after she approached his actor wife Florence Ordesh, through her agent, seeking his contact details.

The journalist had received information Mr Carter had moved to the US, had started a cryptocurrency business, and had been travelling around Canada, Hawaii and South America.

She was seeking to contact him to verify this and to find out whether he had paid the Revenue settlement, legal fees of up to 21,000 related to the overcrowding case, and 22,000 in Residential Tenancies Board awards.

Ms Molloy told the court she sought to contact Mr Carter through his wife because messages to his phone were showing up as undelivered.

The court heard Mr Carter was granted the interim restraining order on April 9 after claiming he was in fear of Ms Molloy.

The following day he emailed Kevin Doyle, group head of news at Mediahuis Ireland, publishers of the Irish Independent, seeking a Zoom call to discuss an urgent matter. Mr Doyle did not engage with him in light of the interim order against Ms Molloy.

Irish Independent head of news and executive editor Kevin Doyle, journalist Amy Molloy and editorial legal manager Thomas Turner at court. Photo: David Conachy

Judge Halpin said this amounted to Mr Carter seeking a private compromise of the reliefs before this court.

This is totally unacceptable and it undermines the bona fides of his application before the court, the judge said.

Judge Halpin said the law providing for the civil restraining order was introduced to address lacunae in the legal system.

He said it became necessary because of the apparent inability of the law to restrain offending behaviour or conduct that is considered socially disruptive and unacceptable.

All too often, persons directly affected by harmful conduct lacked both the inclination and the resources to do anything about it and had to suffer in silence, he said.

However, the judge said that in this particular case such an order would restrict a journalist from writing about what the public is entitled to know.

It would amount to placing a gagging order on a journalist, Judge Halpin said. I never envisaged this order could be used to dilute journalistic freedom or restrict publications of certain matters.

Having heard the evidence from both the applicant and the respondent, I am satisfied Mr Carter has endeavoured to use this legal remedy to suppress, what seems to me, the legitimate publication of facts which the applicant does not want to be placed in the public domain.

The applicant has failed to satisfy the court that his fear, alarm or distress has any genuine foundation and, accordingly, the court dismisses the application.

Following the ruling, Mr Carters solicitor Alex Rafter unsuccessfully objected to an application from Mr Lupton for the lifting of in camera reporting restrictions.

Mr Rafter said his client had traversed new legislation and was entitled to anonymity.

He said Mr Carter had already been hit with a costs order and that allowing for him to be identified publicly would be a step too far.

However, Judge Halpin rejected Mr Rafters objections and granted Mr Luptons application.

Earlier, Mr Carter gave sworn evidence claiming Ms Molloy had written 50-plus articles about him. He alleged these were sensationalised, contained fabrications and amounted to targeted harassment.

Mr Carter also expressed fears that Ms Molloy would write about his sister, Cocoa Brown founder Marissa Carter, and his wife, actor Florence Ordesh, who appeared in the Dublin Murders TV series.

Christian Carter

He expressed concern that negative publicity could have implications for his wifes career.

Mr Carter maintained that any further articles about him would not be public interest and that he was in a state of distress at the prospect. He said he was no longer a landlord.

I should be allowed move on with my life, he said.

Mr Lupton pointed out that there had been only about 17 publications by Mediahuis and Ms Molloy in respect of Mr Carter.

Under cross-examination from Mr Lupton, Mr Carter accepted he had not told the district court he had four outstanding defamation actions against the Irish Independent and a sister publication when he sought the interim order last week.

Mr Carter claimed he had assumed the cases are dead now because he had not progressed them, but accepted that they had not in fact been formally discontinued.

Mr Lupton said the restraining order application was a collateral attack on those cases, which publishers Mediahuis had intended to defend.

He also accused Mr Carter or abusing court processes by not disclosing the defamation cases.

You had a duty of utmost good faith and you didnt fulfil that, the barrister said.

Under questioning, Mr Carter denied ever threatening Ms Molloy.

However, evidence was put before the court of a text message in which he had threatened to sue her for defamation, had claimed he had connections high up in the Irish Independent, and would ensure she lost her job.

Giving evidence, Ms Molloy said Mr Carter had sent her a number of hostile messages at 3am and 4am around January and February 2017.

She said Mr Carter later apologised for these and afterwards their interactions were amicable.

Ms Molloy stood over her reportage in relation to him, saying her stories had been subject to rigorous checks and editorial processes.

She gave evidence that Mr Carter first came to her attention when she was covering the housing crisis.

The initial focus of her inquiries was in relation to a property in Cabinteely called The Pines, which she said was found to have up to 70 tenants.

Mr Carter disputes this and says there were 40.

Ms Molloy told the court she became aware of tenants living in squalid conditions, with overcrowding, basement walls removed so bunkbeds could be put in, and so many tenants there was no room for some of them to put food in the fridge.

After witnessing the appalling conditions, I felt he was taking advantage of the housing crisis for his own financial gain, she said.

The journalist described how she worked on the story for three months, verifying Mr Carters involvement, before it was published,.

She said that when she first contacted Mr Carter for comment he denied he had anything to do with the property and claimed she was talking rubbish.

After the article was published, the floodgates opened and she discovered he was connected with 40 properties across the city.

Ms Molloy said that far from harassing Mr Carter, she had no contact with him between 2019 and 2024, when he appeared on a Revenue tax defaulters list.

She said that whenever she was writing about him she was assiduous in her efforts to give him a right of reply.

When messages to him seeking comment showed up as undelivered following publication of the Revenue list, she sought his number from his sister, who did not respond.

In February this year, while investigating whether Mr Carter had paid the Revenue debt, she contacted Ms Ordeshs agent in an effort to get Mr Carters contact details.

She said she had not written about Ms Ordesh and had no intention of doing so.

Mr Carter contacted Ms Molloy himself at this point and they had a number of interactions on WhatsApp.

The journalist said Mr Carter showed no signs of distress in these conversations.

I didnt think it was someone who was in distress. It was just a person who didnt want an article written about him, she said.

Under cross-examination from Mr Rafter, Ms Molloy said she had simply been doing her job.

If Mr Carter had paid his taxes and not had dangerously overcrowded houses, I would never have had to write about him, she said.

Asked whether she had gone too far in contacting Mr Carters wifes agent, the journalist said: I was simply seeking to give him a right of reply.

A spokesperson for Mediahuis Ireland said the case was an unprecedented attempt to weaponise new legislation designed to protect victims of harassment.

The spokesman said: Mr Carter had effectively obtained an order that gagged the Irish Independent from legitimate public interest reporting. It is notable he did so by targeting an individual journalist.

Lawsuits that attempt to censor and silence the media are rightly addressed by the proposed Defamation Bill, the enactment of which must remain a key priority for the Government.

Mediahuis Ireland takes any threat to the freedom of the press extremely seriously and is therefore grateful for Judge Halpins unambiguous ruling.

In particular we welcome the fact that he lifted reporting restrictions so that the public can be made aware of an attempt to use the law in this manner.
Prosecutors claimed Paul ONeill also kicked the woman in the face during a separate fit of rage

ONeill is accused of two attacks on the woman at his home on March 26 and April 7 this year. (Yui Mok/PA)

A Belfast man allegedly beat his pregnant ex-partner with a brush shaft in a row over a mobile phone, the High Court heard on Thursday.

Prosecutors claimed Paul ONeill also kicked the woman in the face during a separate fit of rage.

The 28-year-old defendant, of Forfar Street, denies charges of assault occasioning actual bodily harm, common assault and a domestic abuse offence.

He was granted bail under a strict prohibition on any contact with the complainant.

ONeill is accused of two attacks on the woman at his home on March 26 and April 7 this year.

The court was told she is currently 20 weeks pregnant and expecting twins with a different man.

In an account to police she alleged ONeill first became violent during an argument about another woman.

Referring to her statement, Crown Counsel Iryna Kennedy said: From nowhere, in a fit of rage, he lifted his leg and kicked (the complainant) on the nose with the sole of his foot.

The woman described being left with a bloody nose but said she did not attend hospital.

ONeill allegedly launched a second assault earlier this month after she accidentally locked his mobile phone.

She claimed he got increasingly angry as she attempted to apologise, grabbed her by the hair and punched her in the face.

He then lifted a brush shaft beside the bed and started to beat her around the legs, according to her statement.

She added: I turned my body away from him to protect my babies.

However, Paul continued to strike me around the upper legs with the shaft.

The woman sustained a black eye and multiple bruises on her legs in the alleged attack, the court heard.

Opposing bail, the prosecution argued that she is vulnerable and at high risk.

She is 20 weeks pregnant to another male, not to the applicant, Mrs Kennedy disclosed.

It is a case of serious domestic violence, he engaged in coercive, controlling behaviour.

Defence counsel confirmed ONeill denies the charges and disputes ever being in a relationship with the complainant.

Asked why the woman would make up allegations against him, the barrister replied that she had attended his current partners home in a bid to communicate with him.

When he refused to speak to her she then made this complaint to the police, counsel submitted.

Granting bail, Mr Justice Kinney imposed a series of conditions to mitigate against any risks.

He ordered ONeill to have no contact with the woman and to live at an address approved by police.
He told Dublin District Court that the man was allegedly masturbating outside the woman's workplace in the city's north side

A student was captured on CCTV repeatedly performing lewd acts outside a woman's workplace in Dublin, a court has heard.

Rishabh Mahajan, 29, from India but with an address in Smithfield, Dublin 7, was charged with three counts under the Criminal Law (Sexual Offences) Act 2017 for exposing himself to cause fear, distress or alarm to another person.

Objecting to bail, Garda Patrick Hynes told Judge Treasa Kelly that the offences allegedly happened on three dates over two weeks in October and November last year.

He told Dublin District Court that the man was allegedly masturbating outside the woman's workplace in the city's north side; the incidents took place between 1 and 4 am and were captured on CCTV.

Defence solicitor Mervyn Harnett said his client maintains his innocence. He said the man who came to Ireland last year lost his apartment and university place due to the allegations.

Pleading for bail, the solicitor said his client could not leave the country and would obey conditions.

The Director of Public Prosecutions stated his case could only be heard in the District Court if he pleads guilty.

Otherwise, it must be transferred to the Circuit Court, which has wider sentencing powers.

Granting bail, Judge Kelly described the allegations as serious but noted he had no history of failing to appear in court, and she ordered him to obey conditions.

The judge directed the disclosure of prosecution evidence to the defence and ordered him to appear again next month to enter a plea.

He was warned not to contact the woman and that he must surrender his passport, reside at an address furnished to gardai, and notify of any change. The defendant also must sign on at a Dublin garda station on a set day each week.

He replied, "yes" to confirm he understood that breaching the terms could result in being remanded in custody.

Legal aid was granted.
The alleged incident happened in early 2019, when the child would have been four or five years old

A British teacher accused of sexually assaulting a child in Turkey should not be extradited, because she has depression, a court has heard.

Rebecca Richardson, 54, appeared at Westminster Magistrates Court on Thursday as she fights extradition to Turkey over allegations she sexually assaulted a young child while teaching at an international school in Istanbul.

The alleged incident happened in early 2019, when the child would have been four or five years old.

The court heard Richardson, of Cradley in Herefordshire, left the UK in 2000 and spent nearly 20 years living abroad.

She lived in Turkey between 2013 and 2019, but before that had lived in Mexico and Hong Kong, the extradition hearing was told.

Doctors who have assessed her told the court she suffers from depression.

Dr Richard Latham said Richardson suffers from moderate depression, but her symptoms would worsen if she were to be extradited and imprisoned in Turkey.
So sad that a young man who was lost his life so tragically. May he find peace

The family of Cork man Daniel 'Dano' O'Sullivan (32) who died after he was fatally stabbed on Monday night have thanked gardai, as well as paramedics, and the staff of Cork University Hospital for their care at such a difficult time.

According to his death notice that has been posted on RIP.ie, O'Sullivan, of Carhookeal, Mallow, Cork, will be sadly missed by his mother, sisters, partner, aunts, uncles, extended family, cousins, especially Paul, relatives, neighbours and friends.

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Danielunexpectedly on April 15th 2025, beloved son of Aileen, adoring big brother of Jessica and Samantha and loving partner of Ciara, the notice reads.

It adds that he is predeceased by his grandparents Daniel and Agnes O'Sullivan and the recently deceased Aunt Susie.

While funeral arrangements will be available on Friday (April 18), the family in the meantime would like to thank the paramedics, members of An Garda Siochana and the staff of Cork University Hospital for the care and attention at such a difficult time.

Numerous people have left messages of condolence including one that reads: Our deepest sympathy to Aileen, Jessica, Samantha and Ciara and all the O'Sullivan family on the very sad passing of Dan, may he rest in peace.

Another one reads: So sad that a young man who was lost his life so tragically. May he find peace RIP.

Daniel Dan OSullivan. Picture: Daragh Mc Sweeney/Provision

Another said: Dan was a lovely guy and will be sadly missed. May he rest in peace.

Aileen so sorry for the loss of your beautiful son may he rest in peace, another has posted.

Yesterday, a young man was charged with the murder of the 32-year-old in Cork.

Reece Keogh (29) appeared before Midleton District Court charged with the murder of O'Sullivan in the east Cork town of Youghal.

Keogh has an address at North Main Street, Youghal, Co Cork.

The 29-year-old appeared in court wearing a brown top and grey tracksuit bottoms and remained silent throughout the brief hearing.

Judge Miriam Walsh was given evidence of arrest, caution and charge by Det Garda John O'Donovan.

Det Gd O'Donovan said that Keogh was arrested for the purpose of charge at 3.06am at Midleton Garda Station.

At 3.25am, having been cautioned, he was formally charged.

The charge alleged that Keogh murdered Daniel O'Sullivan at Tynan's Bar, North Main Street, Youghal, Co Cork on April 14 contrary to Common Law.

In response to the charge, Det Garda O'Donovan said that Keogh replied: "Not guilty."

As the charge involved is murder, bail cannot be dealt with by the district court.

Any bail application has to be brought before the High Court.

Gardai applied for the defendant to be remanded in custody.

Judge Walsh remanded Keogh in custody to appear before Fermoy District Court on April 23 by video link.

Solicitor Joe Cuddigan applied for free legal aid for his client.

He said his client was on long term social welfare benefits.

Mr Cuddigan further asked that his client receive all necessary medical and psychiatric support while in custody.

Judge Walsh granted free legal aid.

Mr O'Sullivan died after suffering a stab wound to his abdomen.

He was found lying critically injured on North Main Street in Youghal around 10pm on Monday evening.

He was rushed to Cork University Hospital (CUH) but was pronounced dead shortly after arrival before he could undergo emergency surgery.

Mr O'Sullivan was originally from Mallow but had been living over recent times in the east Cork seaside town.

The young man had also lived in Cork city and Waterford where he had been homeless for a period.

He had suffered from a very dysfunctional lifestyle and had battled serious alcohol and drug addiction issues.

Mr O'Sullivan had been convicted of the manslaughter of a homeless Frenchman in Cork city centre in September 2015 and subsequently received an eight year prison term with three years suspended.

However, one year of the three year suspended term was subsequently activated in 2021 as Mr O'Sullivan had repeatedly failed to comply with the directions of the Probation and Welfare Service.
The force of the crash propelled one of the occupants from the vehicle, killing them

A speeding driver told his passengers I know what I am doing moments before he ploughed into another vehicle at 249kph.

The force of the crash propelled one of the occupants of the car James Lawrence Case III was driving from the vehicle, killing them.

Florida Highway Patrol troopers say Case was told to slow down as he barrelled along State Road 84 in Davie in January.

Troopers said that moments later the 20-year-old driver smashed into another vehicle, ejecting and killing one of his own passengers.

Case was arrested on six felony charges, including one count of vehicular homicide, on Monday.

According to an arrest warrant obtained by Local 10 News on Wednesday, the crash happened just before 2.45am on January 25.

Authorities said Case sped along the highway with three passengers in the car before he rear-ended a Honda Accord as he switched lanes.

The Audi hit a curb and rolled over, ejecting and killing his rear left passenger, who wasnt wearing a seat belt.

Three people in the Honda who were injured were rushed to HCA Florida University Hospital, while Case and his surviving passengers were taken to Broward Health Medical Center for treatment.

Two video recordings taken by passengers show the Audis speedometer hitting 251kph before the crash.

According to police, vehicle data recorder data showed Case was going 207kph at impact on a stretch of road where the speed limit is 72mph.

According to the warrant, alcohol or drugs werent suspected as factors.

Case appeared in Broward County court on Tuesday, where a judge found probable cause to charge him. He was given a $325,000 bond, along with orders to refrain from driving and submit to electronic monitoring.

Broward court records show Case has several traffic citations in the county dating back to 2022, some of which were dismissed for lack of prosecution.
Police will allege Mr Connors has engaged in fraudulent activity across two countries and left devastated people in his wake

This is the Irish man police in Australia want to speak to whose various scams have left people devastated.

A manhunt is underway for Irish national and alleged fraudster Michael Connors (25) who is accused of passport offences and multiple other charges across NSW and Victoria.

Connors, who is also believed to be going under the names Craig ONeill, Michael OBrien, John Cash, Karl George Lynch and Joseph Blyth Kennedy, has most recently been spotted in a third Australian state.

Having dropped off the grid according to Australian media, he was last seen in Brisbane, Queensland on March 15.

Connors, who is described as is 168-175 tall, with blue eyes, a fair complexion, and red hair, has outstanding court matters in New South Wales and Victoria for burglary and fraud charges.

Michael Connors

These relate to roof-repair scams whereby, police claim, he has allegedly preyed on vulnerable community members.

AFP Detective Acting Superintendent Natalie Scott urged residents in Queensland to report any sightings of Connors to them and contact police if they had any information on his whereabouts.

The community plays a crucial role in reporting crime and helping police locate and apprehend offenders  theyre our eyes and ears on the streets, Scott said.

Mr Connors has a history of alleged involvement in serious offences including burglary and roof-repair scams, where he has allegedly preyed on vulnerable community members.

Police will allege Mr Connors has engaged in fraudulent activity across two countries and left devastated people in his wake.
The men, aged 24 and 26-years-old, were granted bail on Thursday.

Two Irishmen have been charged over an alleged roof repair scam in rural Australia.

Police in Victoria  a State in the south east of the country  said the two men are accused of carrying fraudulent building works across Yarra Ranges.

It is claimed the men approached older, more vulnerable members of the community in the Hallam, Kilsyth & Mooroolbark areas.

The men, who are 24 and 26-years-old and are described as Irish nationals, allegedly told victims their roofs were in need of repair after calling door-to-door.

However, police claim the men would then get up on the roof and purposely break tiles.

They would then charge the homeowners tens of thousands of dollars for substandard, unfinished, or in some cases no work at all.

A police spokesman said the men were granted bail after being charged last Thursday.

"The men were arrested on the Thursday 10 April, and have since been charged with attempt to obtain property by deception, obtain property by deception and possessing the proceeds of crime.

The men were bailed to appear at a later court date.
An old-fashioned, deadly virus that was once declared eliminated is now back and haunting the United States, with three people already dead.

And it could have implications for New Zealand.

"Measles is only one plane flight, one boat ride away from New Zealand, so are we concerned? Yes, we are very concerned," Wellington doctor and principal medical advisor for the Immunisation Advisory Centre, Nikki Turner, told The Detail.

"What will stop New Zealand catching measles is having enough of our population immune, right across the country. So, if we have small groups anywhere in our country with low protection, measles will return and transfer from person to person.

"It's a highly contagious virus, it's probably the most contagious virus we know. If you are standing in the far corner of a room and an infected person walks in, you will catch it if you are not immune. It's nasty. So, we need high immunisation coverage and in all parts of our country.

"So, are we worried? Yes. Are we going to see measles again? Yes. Will we be able to stop it in New Zealand? That will really depend on how many in our population are protected."

Since January, there has been a growing and significant measles outbreak in the US, with more than 600 confirmed cases across 22 states, including Texas, New Mexico, Oklahoma, and Kansas.

The three people who have already died - two children and an adult - were all unvaccinated.

"The only reason these children have died is because measles has come back into the country because less people are accepting vaccination," said Dr Turner.

"That is why these kids end up in hospital, that is why these kids die... that is so wrong.

"It's from misinformation - some of it is maliciousness, some of it is confusion, but in the end it's the kids who suffer."

American health experts also attribute the outbreak to declining vaccination rates and mixed messaging from public officials -notably, US health secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., who has faced criticism for promoting unproven treatments over the proven MMR vaccine.

But in recent days, he has done an about-turn and publicly promoted the vaccine, after visiting the families of the dead children, aged six and eight, in Texas.

"I think the U-turn is really important," said Dr Turner. "I think that people in power need to be more honest in their conversations, and if they want to lie about the science then they should be challenged.

"He did not have his science right, it was wrong. Now, I'm grateful that he pulled his horns in... but I think the damage is already done."

She said the MMR vaccine, given on-time, is the best way to prevent measles.

It is available free in New Zealand to people born on or after 1 January 1969, and two doses gives people 99 percent effectiveness in preventing the highly contagious viral illness, which presents with symptoms include fever, cough, runny nose, red eyes, and a distinctive rash.

The virus can cause serious complications such as pneumonia and brain inflammation.

Post-Covid, New Zealand's immunisation rates have declined, with current levels at their lowest in 15 years, particularly among Maori and Pasifika communities.

Dr Turner had a stark warning for those who do not vaccinate.

"If you don't vaccinate your child, not only is your child at risk but they could spread the nasty virus to others, and for those who have problems with their immune system - both kids and adults - if they catch measles, they have a really high death rate.

"So, we are putting our families at risk... when they rely on us to protect them and look after them.

"This is not a story about me protecting my own children; this is a story about us as New Zealanders wanting to protect our communities, so we are all in it together."
MTN Uganda and PostBank Uganda have reportedly completed a six-month proof of concept (POC) of the operators secure access service edge (SASE) business solution to power the banks digital transformation.

According to TechAfrica News, PostBank said the SASE solution has enhanced its operational efficiency, network reliability, and customer experience by optimising connectivity, cost efficiency, and service delivery.

SASE integrates SD-WAN networking and security into a unified, cloud-delivered solution, which Nicholas Mpanga, MTN Ugandas senior consultant for managed network solutions, says can provides a scalable, resilient, and cost-effective approach to network security for financial institutions, where data security, regulatory compliance, and seamless customer experiences are critical.

SD-WAN, a component of SASE, supports our strategic push for paperless banking, enhanced security, and superior customer experience, said PostBank CTO Janey Rachel Nakato. This is a big step forward for us.

Ibrahim Senyonga, GM for enterprise business at MTN Uganda, added that the PoC also highlights MTN Ugandas shift from a traditional telco to a tech company delivering advanced ICT solutions, the report said.

Our partnership with PostBank and Huawei on SD-WAN and now SASE, is transformational, he said. We tested the solution extensively, and we are proud of what weve achieved together.
The Bay of Plenty Regional Council is hoping for clearer skies in Rotorua this winter as it prepares to carry out annual wood burner checks across the city.

Historically, Rotorua has had some of the worst winter air quality in New Zealand because of smoke from wood burners.

A decade-long education campaign and a ban on older-style burners in 2020 have led to air quality improvements  but more work is needed.

According to the World Health Organisation, air pollution is the leading environmental threat to human health.

Wood smoke contains fine particles that, when inhaled, can penetrate deep into the lungs and enter the bloodstream. Health impacts from fine particles include premature death, hospitalisations (for cardiovascular and respiratory diseases) and restricted activity days.

The council is responsible for monitoring and managing the regions air quality, making sure it does not exceed the national standards, which set a minimum level of health protection.

Everyone has a right to breathe clean air. The hidden harm from wood smoke cannot be ignored as there is clear evidence about the negative health impacts, says senior regulatory project officer Marion Henton.



Smokey fires in Rotorua and the Rotorua Airshed, where non-complying wood burners are banned under the Rotorua Air Quality Control Bylaw. Photo / supplied

While most in the community have already made the switch to cleaner heating, regardless of whether a burner is legal or not, all wood burners produce smoke, and smoke is harmful to humans.

There is no safe level of air pollution, so reducing smoke from wood burners or avoiding wood burning altogether is the best thing you can do to breathe cleaner air in your home and neighbourhood.

Residents who are unsure about the legality of their wood burners are encouraged to contact the Rotorua Lakes Council.

If you do have a compliant wood burner, make sure you:

For more information about improving Rotoruas air quality, visit www.boprc.govt.nz/Rotorua-air
While this part was not commercially rafted, the scheme has drawn criticisms and concerns from the paddle sport community, particularly over the impact to river flow .

Taheke 8Cs scheme would involve diverting water via a weir - a low barrier - impacting about 3km of the Kaituna River from downriver of Trout Pool Falls.

A Maori landowner group has applied to have its Okere River Hydro Scheme considered for referral under the Fast-Track Approvals Act.

These were relayed at a Rotorua Lakes Council community board meeting late last month, in which resource management consultancy Mitchell Daysh associate Mark Henry said some opportunity would be lost in gorges high-end kayakers used.

Olympians Mike Dawson and Luuka Jones are among paddlers to have previously raised public concerns about the proposal, with Dawson describing the river as one of the top five worldwide for paddling.

In a statement sent to Local Democracy Reporting on Tuesday, Taheke 8C said the weir would generate 8MW to 16MW of electricity at any given time. The total generated over a year could power 12,500 homes.

Chief executive Peter Mason said work was done to balance renewable energy generation and economic development for landowners and the wider district with the least possible impact on the awa [river] and whenua [land].

Our owners take their kaitiaki [stewardship] obligations extremely seriously, which has been factored into every element.

He said nearly 800 jobs would be created during the construction of the scheme, with 50-plus fullime jobs following. It would inject $85 million into the wider Rotorua economy.

The referral application did not guarantee the scheme would proceed through the fast-track consent process.

Consultation with key stakeholders started last year and is ongoing. We look forward to updating the community as the scheme develops, Mason said.

Taheke 8C applied unsuccessfully last year.

The Kaituna River starts at Okere Falls, where it is also known as the Okere River. Image / Google Maps

If consent is granted, it will form part of the groups wider Taheke Green Energy Hub plans aiming to generate 85% of the electricity currently imported into the Bay of Plenty.

It included a 35MW geothermal power station, which was consented last year.

Mason provided details of the plan to Local Democracy Reporting.

If the project was not made a fast-track project it would seek consents via another route.

The logic of fast-track is its a one-stop-shop for all consents.

A panel of up to four members is appointed for each accepted fast-track project, including one nominated by relevant local authorities.

Projects must be of regional or national significance.

Panels can hold hearings, prepare or commission reports, request advice and identify the appropriate people to invite to comment but can not give full public notification or limited notification for comments.

Mason said there was a major design change from last years application, which was based on a historical plan requiring major earthworks. Minimal flow was also an addition.

The new plan would divert water away from the river over a weir and into a canal, then a regulating pond and through pipes to the powerhouse and turbines. No dams would be built.

Water would exit the tailrace into the Kaituna in the same amount as entered at the top.

The minimum flow would be 2.5 cubic metres per second in the impacted river section. The amount flowing to the start point was controlled by the Okere gates, which manage lake level.

Bay of Plenty Regional Council data shows the normal flow as 17 cubic metres per second, elevated as 25 and reduced as 12.

Asked how often it would be at this minimum, Mason said it depended on elements like rainfall and how the gates controlled lake outflow.

An 84-hectare island, of sorts, would be created between the scheme and river, which Taheke 8C planned to regenerate with native bush, wetlands and pest control.

It aimed to improve quality of the water that went through the scheme.

The Kaituna River is 50km long and runs from Lake Rotoiti to the Maketu Estuary. The river begins at Okere Falls, where it is also known as the Okere River.

It has a long history with hydroelectricity.

The long-closed Okere Falls Power Station was finished in 1901. It was New Zealands first government-built hydro-power station and Rotorua became the fourth place in the country to have public electricity.
A night of celebration rang out as the Western Bay of Plenty Cadets Unit  Tauranga Army Cadets won a national award.

The Te Rangatahi Trophy was presented for being the countrys most efficient cadet corps unit by RNZAF Wing Commander Commandant New Zealand Cadet Forces Bruce Creedy.



RNZAF Wing Commander Commandant New Zealand Cadet Forces Bruce Creedy address the cadets at the Te Rangatahi Trophy presentation.

We look at everything, morale, the value, how the core values, how the units run, what were doing in the community, Creedy said.

All Northern, Central and Southern Army Cadet units competed for the award.

There are 40 units within the Northern area, with 1470 cadets, 122 officers, 55 officer cadets and 91 supplementary staff, RNZN, Commanding Officer Northern Area Lieutenant Richard Mathers said.

Its quite a step up to get there, he said.



Cadet Warrant Officer Macy Svendsen celebrates turning 18.

Cadets range from 13 to 18, but the age to join is usually between 13 to 15, said Cadet warrant officer Macy Svendsen.

Svendsen joined in 2020 and celebrated turning 18 at the presentation, crediting the Cadet Corps for helping her become a leader.

It taught me to be the type of leader I want to be, Svendsen said.

She was inspired to join, following in her brothers footsteps as a sergeant at Tauranga Army Cadets, despite not knowing anything about the army or corps beforehand.

I thought, why not?

She is now studying for a level three certificate in police and defence forces at Ohomai in Tauranga and hopes to become a medic in the Defence Force.

It is my thing, Svendsen said.

Several Western Bay Cadets have joined the New Zealand Defence Force in various capacities, executive officer, Western Bay of Plenty Cadet Unit squadron leader Tony Young said.

We have got seven cadets from this unit that have gone in, Young said.



Tauranga Army Cadets were formed in 1998 with the help of the local territorial force battalion (6th Hauraki) and the community.

One of their former members carried the Queens former colours in the colour change ceremony, and one other carried the army colours, he said.

Commander of Western Bay of Plenty Cadet Unit Elisha Crawshaw said the unit was formed in 1998 with the help of the local territorial force battalion (6th Hauraki) and the community.

Crawshaw said the Tauranga Army Cadets have two platoons: Basset, Victoria Cross (VC) Platoon and Apiata, VC Platoon.

The cadet will be collecting donations for Poppy Day, the RNZRSAs primary fundraising activity and observing dawn service on Anzac Day, he said.
Katrina Thompson lovingly refers to her own dogs as her angels.

Vadas Angels Animal Rescue Tauranga gets its name from these angels.

Nevada (Vada) was my old dog and she was the main pack leader. I have five of my own personal dogs and they are the angels ... I couldnt do this job without them, Thompson said.

Nevada and Memphis (all named after American states and cities) were the originals helping to socialise rescued dogs. Now Thompson has Dakota, Dallas, New Haven, Las Vegas and Nashville who all have a role at the rescue.

They play a huge part. We use them for testing a lot of the pound dogs we get who need to be accessed for rehoming. They build their confidence up, theyre the ones that show them everything is okay.

Thompson and Tash Pearce rescue all animals in need, including horses, on the 10-acre (4ha) property in Whakamarama. They currently have 14 horses.

Pearce looks after equine and Thompson concentrates on pooch care.

There are currently 25 rescue dogs at the property with about another 50 in foster care (about 95% of their dogs are from the dog pounds).

Financial cost

Last month Thompson and Pearce made the hard decision to close the doors to new intakes due to their numbers and veterinary bills. More than 50 dogs and puppies came to the property in March alone.

Vadas was in the red by $16,800. They posted a plea on Facebook saying they were drowning and asked for help. The plea generated $10,000 in community donations.

The financial burden is just overwhelming. We only run on donations. A lot of people see us as a big rescue due to our numbers and think we must be being paid, but no one is paid here. Theres a lot that we fund ourselves.

Thompson said the problem of unwanted dogs and puppies is the worst it has ever been. Not desexing animals and the costs involved has seen explosive amounts of puppies, she says.

Vadas Angels undertakes community desexing.

Were seeing families who would normally desex their animals struggle with costs. Weve definitely seen a rise in older dogs being surrendered due to families just not having the funds to care for them.

Animal rescue

Vadas Angels rescue from three local pounds, provide foster homes or training at the farm and organise adoptions.

Thompson and Pearce are grateful for their many foster homes and volunteers. They have about 45-50 foster parents who take in dogs to care for while forever homes are being found.

Every day the dogs are trained in dog etiquette and exercised in groups on the sprawling farm.

Many are from heartbreaking circumstances such as Blaze (pictured) who was beaten blind and requires ongoing care but is thriving in his new home as a permanent guest.

All the dogs sleep indoors in crates.

We have them inside because we want them to have that home experience, I dont see the point of rescuing them and then keeping them outdoors, Thompson said.

Visit vadasangels.org for more information and to donate.
SIDNEY--On Tuesday evening, April 9, 2025, the City of Sidney Council met for their regular meeting, and one of the topics on the agenda was the continuation of a discussion concerning funding for a new Bookmobile. In the previous meeting, it was explained that there was about a $47k gap in funds committed to a new Bookmobile and the total needed to move forward. Several councilmen, including newly-appointed Councilman Brett Kerkman, expressed concerns over the cost of a new Bookmobile and discussed lower-cost options such as fashioning a tow-behind trailer into a Bookmobile-style vehicle or p...
By TENA L. COOK,

Marketing Coordinator

CHADRON, NE - At Chadron State College, a highly regarded program in the School of Professional Studies and Applied Sciences called 'Admissions Ambassadors' is one where dedicated students who are managing academics, leadership roles, and other responsibilities take time to also welcome to the campus prospective students and their guests, giving tours of the campus while still maintaining hectic academic schedules.

One of these Admissions Ambassadors is Cayden Carrasco of Sidney, Nebraska. Carrasco is majoring in physical education with aspirations to tea...
This past week, the Cruise 'N Class Car Club presented two students with $500 scholarships each, at their most recent club meeting.

The Sidney-based car club offers scholarships to Sidney, Potter, Leyton and Chappell students each year. Two Sidney High School seniors were selected for 2025.

Kirstin Dougherty will attend WNCC for mechanical engineering, and Jashawn Davenport will attend the University of Northwestern Ohio for Automotive technology. These students were chosen based on their excellent grades and passion for mechanics. All Cruise 'N Class members agreed that these bright young peo...
Potter Citizen Injured - No Arrest Made

POTTER -- An attack in Potter on January 2, 2025, has prompted the anger and exasperation of Potter resident Brad Brothers, his family, and those who witnessed a brutal assault earlier this year. It has raised questions about how the Nebraska State Patrol and the Kimball and Cheyenne County Sheriff Departments handled an assault case as well as an interim Cheyenne County Prosecutor. To date, the information contained in our investigation has been compiled primarily with information submitted directly from Brothers, however, we have also spoken directly with other officials involved in the inci...
Ardith Lorraine Nienhuser, age 92, of Sidney, NE, passed peacefully to her husband, Heavenly loved ones, and Savior Saturday, April 5, 2025.

A Memorial Service will be held on Monday, April 14, 2025, at 10:30 A.M. at the Trinity Lutheran South Divide Church south of Sidney with Pastor Neil Carlson and Rev. George Naylor officiating. Inurnment will follow in the Trinity Lutheran South Divide Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to the Lutheran Women Missionary League, 801 Seminary Place, suite L010, St. Louis, Missouri 63105.

Visitation will be on Friday, April 11, 2025 from 1-6:00 P.M. at the Gehrig-Stitt Chapel in Sidney.

You may view Ardith's Book of Memories, leave condolences, photos and stories at http://www.gehrigstittchapel.com.Gehrig-Stitt Chapel & Cremation Service, LLC is in charge of Ardith's care and funeral arrangements.

Ardith was born on August 3, 1932, in Norfolk, NE, to Leonard and Edythe (Hazen) Kocina. She graduated from Verdigre High School in 1949. Following her high school graduation, she went on to attend Wayne State College and Chadron State College to obtain a Bachelor's of Education. She later married Kenneth W. Nienhuser on June 14, 1953.

Ardith was a self-described farm wife, mother, and teacher. As a farm wife, she worked alongside her husband, Kenneth, to farm and raise her four boys in Sidney. Ardith often said she spent a lot of time praying while raising her boys.

Ardith was a teacher in Lorenzo and inspired many of her students to become teachers themselves. She helped her students throughout their lives and remained in touch with many of them.

Aside from teaching, Ardith had may hobbies that included reading, sending and receiving notes, cards, and letters, crossword puzzles, painting, scrapbooking, and many more. She was busy and loved being that way. She was also actively involved in church and community organizations and blessed many through her work.

Ardith was proud of her husband, sons, family, her faith, and being a good teacher. She survived many health challenges and always found way to be at peace with what her life had given her. Ardith had many stories that she often told about the events in her life. She always spoke fondly of her childhood; how much she loved her parents and growing up with her sister. She would often laugh at her son's antics when they were younger. Ardith loved her grandkids, great-grandkids, nieces, nephews, great-nieces and nephews, and always made it a point to stay in touch with them as they formed their own lives. Ardith had a very close relationship with her caregivers Angelyn, her mother, Lynette, Angelyn's daughter, Alyssa, and her granddaughter, Ashlyn. She had a good sense of humor and wit. She was loving, caring, and gracious to those she knew for a long time and those she had just met. She made all of who knew her feel special and cared about. She was greatly loved and will be deeply missed.

Ardith is survived by her sons, Scott (Angelyn), Tyler (Jolene), Stanley (MaryAnn), and Wesley; sister, Nepha Franks; and sister-in-law, Carol Nienhuser; and 13 grandchildren, Ryan (Sarah) Nienhuser, Scyler (Kirsten) Foos, Kendall (Wyett) Anglin, Kenneth, Zachary, Michael, Hazen (Payton), Alyssa Sage, Andrew, and Madalyn Nienhuser and 12 great-grandchildren. Along with numerous nieces and nephews.

She is preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Kenneth; parents-in-law, Louis and Violet Nienhuser; sister-in-law, Emogene (Carl) Davis; brothers-in-law, Jack, Louis, Jr. (Betty Ann) Nienhuser; and great-grandchildren, Hayden Sage and Adisyn Neinhuser.

ARDITH L. NIENHUSER (KOCINA
In our previous newsletter, we examined the role of cloture in the legislative process, highlighting how it can either advance or halt a bill's progress. A clear example of cloture in action this week was during deliberations on LB 3, which failed to move forward after an unsuccessful cloture vote, underscoring just how pivotal this procedure can be in determining a bill's fate.

Legislative Bill 3 sought to return Nebraska to a winner-take-all system for allocating electoral votes, replacing the current method that allows for a split based on congressional district results. The cloture motion...
Mobile data consumption and the adoption of 5G services will be key drivers of mobile service revenue growth in Malaysia, according to analyst firm GlobalData.

In a statement, GlobalData forecast that total mobile service revenue in the country will grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 3.5%, rising from US$5.1 billion in 2024 to US$6.1 billion by 2029. This growth is expected to be fuelled by increasing demand for over-the-top (OTT) communication services, general data consumption, and greater use of 5G.

By contrast, mobile voice service revenue is projected to decline at a CAGR of 1.1%, while average revenue per user (ARPU) is expected to fall by 5.1% over the same period. This reflects a broader shift towards OTT platforms and a rise in internet subscriptions.

Sarwat Zeeshan, Telecom Analyst at GlobalData, noted that average monthly data consumption per user in Malaysia is set to more than double  from 21.6GB in 2024 to 51.9GB in 2029.

This will be driven by growing consumption of online video and social media content via smartphones, supported by the increasing availability and adoption of 5G services and the data-centric offers provided by telcos through their 5G plans, Zeeshan said.

While 4G accounts for the largest share of mobile subscriptions in 2024, it will be overtaken by 5G this year. By 2029, 5G is expected to make up 84% of all mobile subscriptions, as operators expand their networks and benefit from government-backed initiatives. As of December 2024, Malaysias 5G network covered 82.4% of populated areas.

Zeeshan concluded: CelcomDigi led the Malaysian mobile services market in terms of subscriptions in 2024, followed by Maxis. CelcomDigi is expected to retain its leading position through to 2029, supported by its focus on 5G network expansion and modernisation, as well as its wide range of prepaid and postpaid plans offering unlimited calls and data.
April 12th marks an important date for Congress. It marks the 100th day of our new Congress and a moment for us to assess our work and accomplishments so far for the American people.

In this brief period, we've already accomplished so much. The Senate has been in session around the clock, working in Washington for the longest stretch in 15 years, while also overseeing the quickest confirmation process for nominees in two decades.

Over the past couple of months, we've been especially busy crafting a budget to start a process called 'reconciliation', which will help us enact our agenda to keep t...
SUR in English Thursday, 17 April 2025, 11:36 Compartir

An art exhibition entitled A Tale of Two Cities has been opened in the Moroccan coastal city of Tangier as part of a cultural exchange programme with Gibraltar. The event, organised by Gibraltar Cultural Services and JM Memorial Foundation, was officially opened via video link by Gibraltar's minister for culture and tourism, Christian Santos. The exhibition at Gallery Kent features works by seven Gibraltar artists, the majority of whom travelled to Tangier for the opening.

Zoom The event included a fashion show using one artists work. Assaoud

The event is a continuation of the recent work being done with Tangier and beyond, aimed at deepening cultural ties between the Rock and Morocco, "providing a valuable platform for promotion and cross-border networking", said Gibraltar's government. It runs to 10 May.
Tony Bryant Thursday, 17 April 2025, 13:40 Compartir

The Anglican Church of San Pedro Alcantara and Sotogrande is celebrating five decades of serving the English-speaking Christian community of the western Costa del Sol, which covers an area from Marbella to Algeciras, and includes Estepona, Manilva, Duquesa and Sotogrande. In order to mark the golden jubilee year, the community has organised a series of spiritual activities under the guidance of Reverend Tony Carroll, who took over as chaplain in May 2023.

SUR in English caught up with the priest, who lives in Estepona, shortly before the Holy Week activities began to take over the streets, one of his "favourite periods on the coast".

"The church was founded by a group of people who met in their houses to pray and study the bible together. They decided to set up the chaplaincy, which became possible when Franco's regime was coming to an end. At this time, it was possible for other Christian groups to set themselves up," Father Tony explains to SUR in English.

"The way of thinking for the Anglican church is that it doesn't only serve the churchgoers"

Born in Liverpool in 1965, Tony set out on his religious quest at the age of 22, when he joined a Roman Catholic religious order called the Jesuits, with whom he stayed for 25 years. During this time, he lived in Spain, Mexico, Colombia and Guatemala.

'Beauty of speaking Spanish'

Between 1993 and 1995, Father Tony lived in Bilbao and he learned to speak Spanish while working with a drug rehabilitation group called Proyecto Hombre.

"The Basque Country is very different to the Costa del Sol. It rains a lot, and it's very green. It was rather difficult for the first six months, but I soon experienced the beauty of speaking Spanish. The people are different also. They are less exuberant, more serious, I suppose," the reverend says.

Father Tony also worked in the UK for 15 years, where he taught philosophy and theology at the University of London.

Zoom Tony with his wife, Gisela, who he married in 2015 after leaving the Roman Catholic church. SUR

In 2013, he made the decision to leave the Roman Catholic church to join the Anglican church in order "to get married", which he did in 2015.

"I was a celibate Roman Catholic priest until 2013. I married my wife Gisela in 2015," he says.

Prior to coming to the Costa del Sol, Tony worked in Folkestone, after which, he taught at an Anglican priest training college in Mirfield, Yorkshire, for five years.

"I applied for the job here while in England and I was very much looking forward to it. I had never lived in this part of the world, so I was excited and full of expectation," he explains.

Father Tony says that he is "still relatively new to the area" and that he is still "exploring and experimenting" to understand how best to serve his community. He is also "very interested to learn the stories of the incredible people who have settled here".

"We get to hear these stories in our community by chatting and listening to people. We have an amazing foreign community here and they have incredible stories to tell," he says.

Guiding non-believers

He points out that the Church's core mission on the coast has two sides. It has an "insider group" for worship on a Sunday, and a broader side where it endeavours to include people who are "not religious", but who enjoy cultural activities.

"The way of thinking for the Anglican church is that it doesn't only serve the churchgoers. The key aspect is to look after the English-speaking Christians and help them to worship God. The second mission is to look after people in the community, not only the Christians, but also the broader community, people who never go anywhere near a church. We are here for them as well. We encourage people who describe themselves as not being particularly religious to join in our cultural activities," he explains.

Zoom One of the walks organised by the chaplaincy. SUR

One of these initiatives is the Walk and Talk series, which offers people the chance to enjoy local history and the Andalusian countryside. The most recent walk took place last month, when a group of 25 people visited the Termas de las Bovedas Roman baths and the Basilica Paleocristiana de Vega del Mar, one of the oldest Christian churches on the Iberian Peninsula, dating from the third to the eighth century.

"These walks are for English speakers. They don't have to be churchgoers; we invite everyone to join our community and make friends while enjoying the countryside and learning about the history of the area. My sense is that people are interested in history and culture. I think everybody is searching in life to discover what it is about and how they can live it well," he declares.

Another way the priest tries to spread his message is with philosophy, a subject on which he has recently published a book.

"Philosophy is a kind of secret scripture for the non-religious. It is often a way that people try to understand the world and themselves. Philosophy gives you a kind of language to talk about these things. It puts you in touch with people who, for thousands of years, have, just like us, been searching to find out what life is all about and how to live it to the best," he explains.

The Anglican priest feels that, even though it is often criticised, the Church is constantly changing. He says that it has become more accepting and tolerant, and "this is one of the greatest experiences we have seen in our lifetime".

"The tradition of the Church is always to be attentive to the movement of the spirit amongst us, and that's always fresh, always new and always changing. It has always had a kind of continuity, but it's always evolving, and this is the tradition of the Church over the last 2,000 years. This notion that the Church never changes is not an accurate description of how the Church has been throughout history. Change happens in a way that is faithful to what's gone on before, but it should always be creative," he says.

Once Easter has finished, Father Tony will be busy preparing for the "great celebration" on 14 June at the International Club of Estepona (ICE) to mark the church's 50th anniversary.
Rocio Mendoza Madrid Thursday, 17 April 2025, 14:09 Compartir

Widespread flooding and abnormally high river flows during 2024 in Western Europe have prompted a wake-up call from the experts at the European climate change monitoring service, Copernicus (CS3). These climate change and weather experts carry out a yearly assessment reporting on climate change in collaboration with the World Meteorological Organization (WMO, an agency within the United Nations). They have issued a warning in their 2024 report: "Europe is the fastest-warming continent and the repercussions here are obvious."

Although 2024, as the latest temperature report has shown, will go down in history as the hottest year on record, it is the stark contrasts that define how the weather behaves in the context of global warming.

The scientists who produced this year's report highlight how the reality of the climate is splitting Europe in two, with a "very high contrast" between east and west. The first, extremely dry with long heat waves and rivers at minimum levels. The second, including Spain, with above-average river flows, often threatening and even causing floods, with intensely abnormal rainfall and wetter soil.

Extremos en el caudal medio anual de los rios en 2024 Mas bajo Mucho mas bajo que el promedio Mas bajo que el promedio Cercano al promedio Mas alto que el promedio Mucho mas alto que el promedio Mas alto Fuente: Copernicus (CS3) Extremos en el caudal medio anual de los rios en 2024 Mas bajo Mucho mas bajo que el promedio Mas bajo que el promedio Cercano al promedio Mas alto que el promedio Mucho mas alto que el promedio Mas alto Fuente: Copernicus (CS3) Extremos en el caudal medio anual de los rios en 2024 Mas bajo que el promedio Mas bajo Mucho mas bajo que el promedio Cercano al promedio Mas alto que el promedio Mucho mas alto que el promedio Mas alto Fuente: Copernicus (CS3)

They go on to point out that in 2024 we have experienced "the most widespread floods" recorded in over a decade, or rather since 2013, affecting the area stretching from Spain and Italy to the north of the Scandinavian peninsula. For this part of Europe the average rainfall puts 2024 as the wettest year since 1979 and one of the ten wettest since 1950.

Effects of Storm Boris

It goes without saying that, when referring to flooding incidents, the catastrophe experienced in Valencia last October stands out in the balance sheet drawn up by the CS3 and the WMO for last year. Of the 335 flood victims recorded by the WMO in Western Europe, 227 are from the Valencian region of Spain.

In terms of the overall number of people affected in one way or another by floods, the report puts the total at 413,000 people across Europe. A month before the disaster in Valencia, Storm Boris affected hundreds of thousands of people in parts of Germany, Poland, Austria, Hungary, the Czech Republic, Slovakia, Romania and Italy.

"It is imperative that we adapt by strengthening our early-warning systems and meteorological services" Celeste Saulo WMO

To have reached this state of affairs we only need look at how our rivers were doing during 2024 as that is very telling. River levels in Western Europe remained above average in March, April and May. Moreover, 30% of the river network exceeded the "high" flood threshold during the year, while 12% exceeded the "severe" level.

To explain these meteorological terms more simply, the report gives examples. The Thames in the UK remained above average for most of the year, with record flow figures from March to October.

From the Thames to the Tagus

In France, the Loire maintained an abnormally high flow throughout the year, with record highs at certain points. The report also highlights the behaviour of rivers in the Iberian peninsula, where they went from below-average to well above-average records, and even to historic levels, as happened with the Tagus on its way from Spain to Portugal.

The data reflected in the report, according to Celeste Saulo, WMO's secretary-general, show that it is already "essential" to adapt to the new reality of climate change, with specific plans in cities, better early-warning systems and the very best meteorological services such as Aemet in Spain. "These help decision-makers and society in general to be more resilient. Progress has been made, but we need to go further and faster," stated Saulo.

This latest report includes mention of the European cities that have submitted climate change adaptation programmes, taking concrete measures to protect people and infrastructure. Some 51% have already implemented specific plans. These include - via Copernicus - the rainforest parks and green roofs set up in the Slovakian capital, the commitment to reforestation and the restoration of more biodiversity in the parks of Paris and also the flood-proof infrastructure installed in Glasgow, Scotland.
Isabel Mendez Malaga Thursday, 17 April 2025, 14:13 Compartir

A health alert for salmonella has been issued for burgers sold in a major supermarket chain across Spain. The Spanish agency for food safety and nutrition (Aesan) has warned of the presence of salmonella in a batch of the chicken burger meat product of the Seleccion de Dia brand.

The product involved is:

Name: Burguer meat de pollo.

Brand name: Seleccion de Dia.

Appearance of the product: packaged in a plastic tray with 6 units of 90g.

Lot number: 250969.

Expiry date: 19/04/2025.

Unit weight: 540 grams.

Temperature: Refrigerated.

Zoom

According to the information available, the initial distribution of the product was to the regions of Andalucia, Asturias, Aragon, Valencia, Castilla y Leon, Castilla-La Mancha, Cataluna, Galicia and Madrid, although redistribution to other areas cannot be ruled out.

This information has been passed on to the competent authorities of the Spanish regions through the coordinated system for the rapid exchange of information (SCIRI), so that the withdrawal of the affected products from the marketing channels can be verified.

People who have these products at home are advised to refrain from consuming them. In the case of having consumed any of the products from the affected batches, and if suffering any symptoms compatible with salmonellosis (mainly diarrhoea and/or vomiting accompanied by fever and headache), it is recommended to go to a health centre.
Alfonso Torices Madrid Thursday, 17 April 2025, 15:11 Compartir

The Spanish government has approved a newe decree that will revolutionise school dinners in Spain. It contains a raft of measures, mandatory in all primary and secondary schools in the country, which aim to ensure that all pupils using this service are guaranteed at least five nutritious, varied and healthy meals every week throughout the school year.

It is committed to fresh, seasonal products and bans precooked foods, fried foods, industrial pastries and sugary and energy drinks in an effort to tackle childhood obesity. Spain is one of the highest-ranking countries in Europe for overweight children, a problem that particularly affects the poorest pupils.

The requirements of the decree must be met in all state, private and state-subsidised infant, primary, secondary, baccalaureate and basic and intermediate vocational training centres. All canteens must guarantee daily fresh fruit and vegetables on the menu and, in addition, at least 45 per cent of these products must be seasonal, which will promote local food.

Sugary drinks, energy drinks and industrial pastries will disappear from canteens, vending machines and cafeterias

The regulation establishes that children and teenagers will eat between one and three portions of fish per week, There are currently are up to 1,200 school canteens in Spain that never serve fish. The new decree also promotes the use of pulses in school meals, due to their high nutritional value.

At present, according to data provided by the regions, up to 14 per cent of schools do not comply with the recommendation to serve pulses at least once a week. For unrefined cereals, the decree stipulates that at least one serving of wholemeal rice or pasta should be offered each week, as well as several servings of wholemeal bread.

A second important guideline is that precooked and fried food will be virtually eliminated from the menu. Pre-cooked food, such as pizza, pasties or fried food, may only be served once a month at the most. Fried food prepared on the day (not from convenience food) may be used a maximum of once a week, but should preferably be cooked in olive oil or high oleic sunflower oil.

The new regulations will almost entirely remove sugary drinks from schools, which may not be served in the canteen or sold in any part of the educational facilities. Furthermore, energy drinks and industrial pastries will be eliminated from all vending machines and cafeterias. Products that exceed a maximum content of five grams of sugar per packaged portion and those that do not comply with the criteria recommended by organisations such as the World Health Organization (WHO) on the limits for the intake of fats, sugars and salt will not be sold.

According to a report, almost 70% of the vending machines in schools do not comply with the nutritional criteria recommended by the WHO. In the cafeterias in these centres, non-compliance is even greater, affecting 74% of the existing ones.

All of these compulsory guidelines are intended to combat obesity that affects 36% of Spanish children, which places the country in sixth place in Europe. Twenty per cent of pupils between the ages of six and nine are overweight and 16 per cent are obese, which is the seventh worst rate in the European Union. 47 per cent of obese children come from disadvantaged families.
Utica, N.Y.  A Utica man who was a registered sex offender placed several cameras throughout his home, including one in a bedroom, to watch an underage girl, deputies said.

Keenan J. Gant, 40, was arrested Tuesday after deputies investigated a tip to the Oneida County Child Advocacy Center that an underage girl had found a camera in her bedroom, according to Oneida County Sheriffs Office Investigator Mark Chrysler.

Deputies learned from talking with the girl that Gant lived in the home and had possibly had sexual contact with her, Chrysler said in a news release.
Utica, N.Y.  A Utica man threatened his neighbor with a long gun and barricaded himself in his apartment for over 12 hours, police said.

Around 6:30 p.m., Wednesday, Utica police went to 1013 West St. after a report that someone was menacing someone with a long gun, said Lt. Mike Curley, a spokesperson for the Utica Police Department.

Police spoke to the victim who lives at the apartment complex who said he went to a mans apartment to tell him to turn his music down. When the man came out of his apartment, he started shouting racial slurs at the victim and went back inside, Curley said.
Classic rock legends Heart have announced a new set of 2025 summer tour dates, including two concerts in Upstate New York.

The band will perform at Constellation BrandsMarvin Sands Performing Arts Center (CMAC) in Canandaigua on August 29, followed by a show at Bethel Woods Center for the Arts in Bethel on August 30, marking the final stop of the 14-date run.

Best ticket prices: Vivid Seats, SeatGeek, StubHub

The upcoming August tour follows the bands An Evening With Heart spring/summer tour, which begins in May and features two full sets per night.

Select dates in August will feature support from Todd Rundgren. However, he will not be joining Heart for the Upstate New York shows. Special guests for those shows are yet to be announced.

Rundgren, a fellow Rock and Roll Hall of Famer, is best known for songs like Hello Its Me and I Saw the Light, and has produced albums for Meat Loaf, Grand Funk Railroad, and others. He is also scheduled to perform at the Syracuse Jazz Fest on June 28.

Where to buy Heart concert tickets

Tickets go on sale to the general public on Wednesday, April 24 at 10 a.m. local time via Ticketmaster.

Tickets are also available through verified resale platforms, including Vivid Seats, SeatGeek, and StubHub. For select dates, general admission prices on these sites start as low as $110, sometimes below the original face value.

Availability and pricing can vary based on demand, particularly for sold-out or high-interest shows.

Discount: First-time Vivid Seats customers can use code SYRACUSE20 for $20 off a $200+ ticket order.

More about Heart

Formed by sisters Ann and Nancy Wilson, Heart is best known for their 70s hits like Barracuda, Magic Man, and Crazy on You. The band continued its commercial success through the 80s with chart-toppers including Alone and These Dreams. Heart has sold more than 35 million albums worldwide and was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2013.

Heart recently completed their Royal Flush tour, which had been postponed from 2024 due to Ann Wilsons preventative cancer treatment. Wilson, who has also been recovering from a separate arm injury, is expected to return to the stage this summer with full vocal duties. Guitarist Nancy Wilson continues to lead the band alongside a lineup of seasoned touring musicians.
Private 5G networks may not be storming the market yet, but there is undoubtedly steady growth. In fact this week has seen the news that Bahrain operator Batelco by Beyon and tech giant Nokia have joined forces to deploy Bahrains first 5G private network.

The network is dedicated to industrial applications at Alba, the worlds largest single-site aluminium smelter.

In collaboration with Nokia, Batelco will deploy a tailored 5G private network designed to significantly boost Albas operational performance. This infrastructure will facilitate the implementation of artificial intelligence (AI)-powered predictive maintenance, autonomous systems, and comprehensive real-time monitoring capabilities.

Batelco says its private 5G network offers several key advantages to enhance Albas operations. Its ultra-low-latency connectivity will enable real-time decision-making and precise control and monitoring of industrial processes. Robust built-in security features, meanwhile, will safeguard sensitive data within the high-risk industrial environment.

Furthermore, the integration of Internet of Things (IoT)-enabled safety devices will allow for real-time tracking of hazardous conditions, significantly improving worker safety. The network will also facilitate the seamless integration of Industrial IoT and smart machinery, optimising workflows, reducing downtime, and maximising overall productivity.

As Mahmoud El Banna, Head of Enterprise Campus Edge Sales, Middle East and Africa at Nokia, points out: This deployment will allow Alba to fully embrace Industry 4.0 applications, helping them unlock the benefits of digitalisation and automation.

Alba chief executive Ali Al Baqali adds: By leveraging this cutting-edge connectivity, we aim to revolutionise our operations, enhance safety protocols, and drive sustainable growth. This technology will empower us to optimise our processes, improve decision-making through advanced real-time data analytics, and maintain our position as a leading player in the global aluminium industry.
Cauliflower, a young male beaver (right), escaped his enclosure a day after he was delivered to the Utica Zoo from Minnesota. He has been missing for a week. Provided photo | Utica Zoo Provided photo | Utica Zoo

Have you seen Cauliflower?

Last week the Utica Zoo welcomed three North American beavers back to their Backyards & Barnyards exhibits.

Cauliflower, a male, was transported to Central New York along with his sisters, Mustard and Tangerine. The trio was born in 2023 at the Minnesota Zoo.

Just 24 hours after their arrival, zoo keepers discovered that Cauliflower had escaped his enclosure. According to a social media post, Utica Zoo staff immediately initiated a Code Blue response, a protocol designated for the escape of a non-dangerous animal.

The crepuscular creature was briefly spotted within zoo grounds, but as of yet, he is still missing.

According to zoo staff, Cauliflower is about the age when wild male beavers set off on their own to establish their own territory and find a mate.

Executive Director Andria Heath told the Rome Sentinel that although Cauliflower is neutered, he might feel a need for a new habitat away from his sisters.

Zoo staff have set live traps, employed trail cams, and drones and the search has involved multiple agencies including the Utica Police Department, NYS DEC, the City of Utica and more.

A trio of young beavers were transported to the Utica Zoo from Minnesota on April 8, 2025. Provided photo | Utica Zoo Provided photo | Utica Zoo

The zoo has also asked for the publics help to report if they see a beaver in or near the zoo grounds. The tip line has been busy, but many of the animals residents are reporting are woodchucks and not beavers.

To tell the two brown mammals apart, a key difference is their tails. Beavers have a flat, paddle-shaped tail while woodchucks have skinnier, furry tails.

A North American beaver sits next to a pond in Moapa, Nevada. The North American beaver is the largest rodent in the United States and second largest in the world. Getty Images Getty Images

The zoo said that with 67 acres of wooded land, natural bodies of water, and streams within the zoos perimeter, they remain optimistic that Cauliflower is still nearby and safe in a familiar and suitable area.

While the search continues, Mustard and Tangerine are off exhibit.

Anyone with information on Cauliflower can call the zoos tip line at 315-520-8010.
Onondaga County Executive Ryan McMahon announced during his State of the County Address in March that he would seek approval to buy more sites for supply-chain companies that are likely to follow Micron to Central New York. Scott Schild | sschild@syracuse.com Scott Schild | sschild@syracuse.com

Syracuse, N.Y.  Onondaga County officials on Wednesday asked lawmakers for a $27 million loan of taxpayer money to shop for land that could house companies interested in doing business with Micron Technology or other semiconductor firms.

The $27 million requested by the Onondaga County Industrial Development Agency comes after the agency has already spent or obligated $45 million on the Micron site in Clay and the related science and technology park across the street.
Utica, N.Y.  There is no body camera footage capturing violent beatings by state corrections officers that killed an inmate at a Central New York state prison, prosecutors say.

That was apparently done intentionally by the guards, according to Onondaga County District Attorney William Fitzpatrick, who was appointed special prosecutor in the death of inmate Messiah Nantwi.

Many of the guards at Mid-State Correctional Facility either turned off their cameras, placed them in an area of concealment or simply looked the other way, Fitzpatrick said.

Ten guards were indicted by a grand jury this week for their roles in either killing the 22-year-old Nantwi or trying to cover up what happened. They were arraigned Wednesday in Oneida County Court in Utica.

They are accused of delivering multiple beatings to Nantwi on March 1 using their fists, batons and boots.

An autopsy showed Nantwi died later that day from traumatic brain injuries after blows to his head, Fitzpatrick said. Nantwi had at least 69 other serious blows to his body.

The lack of video footage is a crucial difference between the killing of Nantwi and the December killing of another inmate, Robert L. Brooks. Fitzpatricks office is prosecuting both cases.

In the Brooks case, video footage recovered from four body cameras showed guards repeatedly punch and kick him on Dec. 9 in the infirmary at Marcy Correctional Facility, a state prison across the street from Mid-State.

The guards hadnt activated their cameras, but investigators were still able to recover video through a fail-safe function called video recall. The cameras continuously capture 30-minute clips of silent video.

The function apparently was unknown both to the guards involved and corrections department leaders.

Ten prison guards were later indicted in Brooks death. They are now considering plea offers.

Fitzpatrick said Wednesday that the officers who beat Nantwi took actions to, apparently intentionally, make sure their body cameras didnt capture what happened.

The lack of video footage might have pushed Fitzpatrick to cut deals with a larger number of cooperating witnesses.

There were three such witnesses in the Brooks case, compared to six in the Nantwi case.

The guards appear to have violated the state corrections departments policy on body cameras. They are required to have their body camera recording when in the presence of an inmate.

Nantwi is last seen clearly on video when a corrections officer exits Nantwis cell at about 11 a.m. on March 1, Fitzpatrick said.

Then, an elite group of corrections officers called the Correctional Emergency Response Team arrived. They had been called as backup after Nantwi had apparently acted up during a count of inmates.

The situation had calmed before they got there, Fitzpatrick said. That did not prevent what happened next.

Five guards are accused of striking Nantwi with their fists, batons and boots.

Nantwi was removed from his cell after he became unresponsive, Fitzpatrick said. The guards are accused of assaulting him again while carrying him down some stairs.

Nantwi was then moved to the prison infirmary, where another beating took place. It is also where a camera catches a brief glimpse of him.

A corrections officers body camera captured fragments of Nantwi entering the infirmary, Fitzpatrick said.

It is not a continuing flow, he said, but there are enough indications to name and identify the individuals involved and some of the things that occurred.

Paramedics were soon called to the prison, Fitzpatrick said, but they found at 11:47 a.m. that Nantwi had no signs of life. Nantwi was taken to Wynn Hospital in Utica, where he was later pronounced dead.

Prosecutors said the guards then attempted to cover their tracks. They are accused of falsifying forms and meeting the following the day at a local diner to agree on a false story.

One scheme was to plant a weapon on Nantwi that was found earlier that day elsewhere in the prison. The guards reasoned they could try to blame Nantwi for the beatings by claiming he was armed, Fitzpatrick said.

Sgt. David Ferrone was discussing the plot in the infirmary bathroom when he noticed something  a security camera.

Upon seeing the camera, court papers said, Ferrone uttered an expletive.

Mid-State Correctional Facility is pictured Dec. 22, 2024 in Marcy, N.Y. Mark DiOrio | Contributing photo

Staff writer Jon Moss covers breaking news, crime and public safety. He can be reached at jmoss@syracuse.com or @mossjon7.
Utica, N.Y.  Thirteen days into a debilitating strike by New York state prison guards, a New York State National Guardsman requested help in dealing with an inmate.

The guardsman helping keep order at a Utica-area prison asked for backup on March 1 after Messiah Nantwi had apparently acted up during a count of inmates.

The situation with Nantwi at the prison, Mid-State Correctional Facility, apparently had resolved itself before an elite team of corrections officers arrived. That did not stop them from unleashing a series of violent beatings on Nantwi that would ultimately prove fatal, according to prosecutors.

Ten guards were indicted by a grand jury this week for their roles in either killing the 22-year-old Nantwi or trying to cover up what happened. They were arraigned Wednesday in Oneida County Court in Utica.

Two were charged with murder. They and five others were charged with manslaughter. Other charges against the 10 guards include gang assault, conspiracy, falsifying records and tampering with evidence. (Complete list of charges below)

The indictment returned by Oneida County grand jurors described in vivid detail the attempts by the guards to cover their tracks and even blame Nantwi for the violence they unleashed on him.

The guards allegedly falsified forms, claimed a weapon had been found in Nantwis cell and cleaned up his blood after the beatings to hide what happened.

The guards also were allegedly not wearing their body cameras, as required by state policy.

Onondaga County District Attorney William Fitzpatrick, who is handling the case as a special prosecutor, said the situation with Nantwi spiraled out of control unnecessarily.

If seven, eight ... officers go into a room, I dont think its unreasonable for a civilized society to expect that the inmate comes out alive, he said at a news conference Wednesday. In this case, that didnt happen.

Fitzpatrick said in addition to the 10 guards who have been indicted, six others struck deals with his office and agreed to become cooperating witnesses. Two will plead to felonies, he said, and four will plead to various misdemeanors.

Onondaga County District Attorney William Fitzpatrick goes to the prosecutor's table as 10 state prison guards were arraigned Wednesday, April 16, 2025 at the Oneida County Courthouse. They were charged in the fatal beating of inmate Messiah Nantwi on March 1 at Mid-State Correctional Facility. Fitzpatrick is the special prosector for the case. (N. Scott Trimble | strimble@syracuse.com) N. Scott Trimble | strimble@syracuse.com

The case marks the second time in four months that guards have been accused of murdering an inmate at a Central New York state prison.

At least 29 guards from Mid-State and Marcy correctional facilities, which are across the street from each other and sometimes share staff, now have pending criminal cases.

Daniel Martuscello III, the state corrections commissioner, denounced the violence and said he was awaiting a review of the corrections department by an outside law firm.

We must do better to change our culture and the way we approach this work, he said.

Prosecutors: Inmate beaten with fists, batons, boots

The incident began just before 11 a.m. on March 1 in Building 21 at the Mid-State prison, according to court papers.

Thousands of National Guard personnel were, and remain, deployed to dozens of state prisons after a vast majority of corrections officers went on a 22-day strike earlier this year. One of the guardsmen encountered Nantwi, who apparently was known to be resistant to a count of inmates.

The guardsman called for backup, Fitzpatrick said. The facilitys Correctional Emergency Response Team was there within minutes.

The situation had calmed before the CERT team got there, Fitzpatrick said. But the team was unlikely to know that, he said, since they made no real effort to understand why they were even called.

Upon entering Nantwis cell, the indictment said, the guards found him with his hands raised and without any weapons.

The guards began to handcuff and restrain Nantwi, the indictment said. He protested by grabbing corrections officer Joshua Bartletts vest.

Then the beatings began. Corrections officers Jonah Levi, Caleb Blair, Thomas Eck, Craig Klemick and Daniel Burger were accused of striking Nantwi with their fists, batons and boots.

The beatings intensified after Nantwi bit Blairs finger and Ecks hand, the indictment said.

Two supervisors for the CERT team  Sgts. Francis Chandler Jr. and David Ferrone  were accused of witnessing the assault and doing nothing to stop it.

Nantwi was soon unresponsive, Fitzpatrick said. He was carried out of his cell about five minutes after the CERT team arrived.

Nantwi was struck again as he was moved down some stairs and out of Building 21, the indictment said.

He was taken to the prison infirmary and placed in a holding cell, Fitzpatrick said. He was assaulted again there, he said.

Paramedics were soon called to the prison, Fitzpatrick said, but they found at 11:47 a.m. that Nantwi had no signs of life. Nantwi was taken to Wynn Hospital in Utica, where he was later pronounced dead.

Prosecutors: Guards planted knife

The alleged cover-up, which Fitzpatrick called amateurish, began shortly after the beatings.

Chandler and Ferrone, the two sergeants, ordered everyone involved to gather in the prisons Building 3, the indictment said.

State prison employees are required to fill out Form 2104A after force is used on an inmate. It asks for a description of who used force and how, as well as a list of employees who were present.

Levi and Chandler requested the other employees falsify the forms and not mention them, the indictment said. Ferrone sanctioned the request, the indictment said, and the other employees complied.

Sgt. Michael Iffert was also accused of lying on paperwork. He wrote in a memorandum that he did not see any force used on Nantwi and, in any event, could not see into the cell.

That was despite him standing directly outside the cell, the indictment said, and remaining in a nearby hallway throughout the assault.

Another scheme was to try to blame Nantwi for the beating by claiming he was armed.

Chandler ordered a corrections officer to get a makeshift knife that had been confiscated earlier that day.

He then asked for a volunteer who would claim the weapon was found with Nantwi. Eck agreed.

The scheme was apparently caught on tape, according to the indictment. Ferrone was discussing it in the infirmary restroom, but uttered an expletive when he noticed a security camera.

The alleged cover-up by the guards continued the following day, the indictment said.

Chandler organized a large breakfast gathering at Raspberries Cafe, a diner in New Hartford. They met to coordinate the narrative that nothing improper was done to Nantwi and that Chandler and Levi had not used any force against him, the indictment said.

The guards gathered again 45 days later  in handcuffs on the fifth floor of the downtown Utica courthouse.

***

The charges filed against each guard are:

Jonah Levi : Second-degree murder, first-degree manslaughter, first-degree gang assault, second-degree gang assault, fifth-degree conspiracy, first-degree offering of a false instrument

Caleb Blair : Second-degree murder, first-degree manslaughter, first-degree gang assault, second-degree gang assault, fifth-degree conspiracy, first-degree offering of a false instrument

Sgt. Francis Chandler Jr. : Second-degree gang assault, second-degree manslaughter, two counts of fifth-degree conspiracy, first-degree offering of a false instrument, tampering with evidence

Thomas Eck : First-degree manslaughter, first-degree gang assault, second-degree gang assault, two counts of fifth-degree conspiracy, first-degree offering of a false instrument, tampering with evidence

Craig Klemick : First-degree manslaughter, first-degree gang assault, second-degree gang assault, fifth-degree conspiracy, first-degree offering of a false instrument

Daniel Burger : First-degree manslaughter, first-degree gang assault, second-degree gang assault, fifth-degree conspiracy, first-degree offering of a false instrument

Sgt. David Ferrone : Second-degree manslaughter, two counts of fifth-degree conspiracy, first-degree offering of a false instrument, tampering with evidence

Nicholas Vitale : Fifth-degree conspiracy, first-degree offering of a false instrument

Sgt. Michael Iffert : First-degree offering of a false instrument

Sgt. Donald Slawson: Tampering with evidence

Mid-State Correctional Facility is pictured Dec. 22, 2024 in Marcy, N.Y. Mark DiOrio | Contributing photo

Staff writer Jon Moss covers breaking news, crime and public safety. He can be reached at jmoss@syracuse.com or @mossjon7.
Protesters flood Forman Park in Syracuse, NY, Saturday, April 5, 2025. More than 3,000 people rallied against the policies of President Donald Trump and his attempts to dismantle parts of the federal government. N. Scott Trimble | strimble@syracuse.com

President Donald Trumps administration is cutting thousands of jobs from the federal workforce and shutting down entire agencies as part of an effort to shrink the size of the federal government.

At the same time, Trump is canceling federal funding and contracts that helped feed the hungry, assisted farmers, and aided refugees who resettled in Syracuse.

Syracuse.com | The Post-Standard wants to know how the effort to dismantle parts of the federal government is affecting you in Central New York.

If you or someone you know has been impacted by the changes, please contact reporter Mark Weiner at mweiner@syracuse.com or 315-440-1163.

If you or your organization has experienced service delays, or lost a job, funding or aid due to cutbacks at federal agencies, we want to share your story.

You can also send tips or share your story anonymously. We wont publish your name without your consent.
FILE - Rep. Elise Stefanik, R-N.Y., testifies during a Senate Committee on Foreign Relations hearing on her pending confirmation to be the United Nations Ambassador, on Capitol Hill, Jan. 21, 2025, in Washington. (AP Photo/Rod Lamkey, Jr., File) AP

U.S. Rep. Elise Stefanik (R-N.Y.) is considering a run for New York governor, according to multiple reports.

Sources told The Associated Press, The New York Times, The Wall Street Journal, and NBC that Stefanik, a Republican who currently represents New Yorks 21st Congressional District, may enter next years gubernatorial race. Current Gov. Kathy Hochul, a Democrat, is running for reelection in 2026.

President Donald Trump recently pulled her nomination for U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations, citing concerns about the slim GOP majority in the House. If confirmed for the cabinet post, a special election would have been held in New York to fill her congressional seat.

The AP reports major New York donors, state Republican officials and White House officials have encouraged Stefanik to run for governor.

Congresswoman Elise Stefanik is GREAT!!! Trump wrote on Truth Social Wednesday.

She reportedly considered a gubernatorial bid in 2022 and is expected to make a decision in the coming months. Stefanik hasnt publicly addressed a possible run, but did release a statement Wednesday calling Hochul the Worst Governor in America and saying we must FIRE Kathy Hochul in 2026 to SAVE NEW YORK.

Stefanik was first elected to Congress in 2014 and rose in the GOP ranks with her support of Trump, even being rumored as his potential vice presidential candidate last year. The Harvard University alumna also made headlines when she grilled college presidents over antisemitism on campuses and was named one of Time magazines 100 most influential people last year.

If elected governor, Stefanik would be the first Republican to lead New York state since Gov. George Pataki left office in 2006.

Stefanik is the most popular Republican in the state and performs far better than Trump  if anyone could win it would be her," one insider told The New York Post.

Other potential Republican candidates for New York governor in 2026 include Rep. Mike Lawler, who has been reportedly teasing a run for several months. Former Congressman Lee Zeldin, Trumps current head of the Environmental Protection Agency, challenged Hochul in 2022.

Hochul, New Yorks first female governor, is currently seeking a new running mate as New Yorks lieutenant governor Antonio Delgado is hinting hell run against her. The AP reports she was asked by reporters Wednesday about Stefanik.

No matter the GOP nominee next year that Ill be running against, its going to be an extreme MAGA Republican, and I look forward to that fight, Hochul said.
A man in Upstate New York pleaded guilty to a massive mail scam which defrauded people across the United States out of almost a half million dollars.

According to prosecutors, Nicholas Janes, 26, of Buffalo, NY, contacted people across the country by phone, telling them they had debt due on an alleged unpaid loan. He would mislead people by claiming to be a local sheriffs deputy or an attorney at a fake law firm.

For some, he threatened victims with criminal charges if they didnt pay the debt immediately. Janes instructed victims to send money orders payable to him using overnight services like USPS, Federal Express, or United Parcel Service.

In May 2023, law enforcement discovered suspicious USPS Express Mail envelopes sent to Janes address. The envelopes were addressed to either Janes or fictitious law offices and many had handwritten labels.

The overnight packages had variations of the Janes name or fictitious law firms with names like The Nichols Law Group, The Nicholas Law Group, and variations of the business name, The Offices of Pachulski, Mueller and Barnes.

Similar correspondence was also sent to mailboxes around Ann Arbor, Michigan, where it was then forwarded to Janes residence in Buffalo.

Investigators found Janess address in various consumer complaint databases which revealed the pattern of alleged debt collection fraud victims from throughout the United States.

In total, Janes defrauded more than 500 people, stealing a total of approximately $420,812.92.

The U.S. Attorneys Office said Wednesday that Janes pleaded guilty to mail fraud.

He faces a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison, and a fine of $250,000. He is set to be sentenced on Sept. 11, 2025.
An Upstate New York family is speaking out after a missing woman was found alive, months after police said she died.

Shanita Hopkins, of Rochester, told WROC that her family filed a missing person report for her sister, Shanice Crews, in 2021. Crews allegedly cut off all communication and left two children behind.

In April 2024, Rochester police told Hopkins that her sister was found dead of cocaine overdose in an empty lot. Hopkins said her sister was not involved in drugs, but the Monroe County Medical Examiners Office said Crews dental records were a match.

Hopkins told WROC that no one was allowed to view the body because of how badly it had decomposed. The remains were cremated and a memorial service was held in the summer.

Then Hopkins received a message in November, showing a picture of her sister  alive and well  volunteering at an event in Detroit, Michigan.

Hopkins said she reached out to the Detroit Police Department to try and track Crews down, but its unclear if they connected with Crews yet. Shes still considered missing, Hopkins told WROC.

Hopkins, meanwhile, knows the ashes she received last year are not her sister. According to the Rochester TV station, her family took the remains for DNA testing and found they didnt match Crews son or younger sister.

Now Hopkins and her family are threatening a lawsuit. She accused police and the medical examiner of lying to her, attempting to use an unidentified body to close a missing persons case.

If its for anything its just really for pain and suffering, because this is crazy, Hopkins told WROC. You cant take back the moments where the cop came and told us Shanice Crews has been found dead on outside, like trash. You cant take away them initial feelings, you know, like we cant get that back. We cant get them seven months back. We cant get them tears back.

Watch WROCs report:
FILE - A student walks by the Rush Rhees Library at the University of Rochester in Upstate New York on Feb. 22, 2023. (AP Photo/Ted Shaffrey, File) AP

WASHINGTON (AP)  Several international students who have had their visas revoked in recent weeks have filed lawsuits against the Trump administration, arguing the government denied them due process when it suddenly took away their permission to be in the U.S.

The actions by the federal government to terminate students legal status have left hundreds of scholars at risk of detention and deportation. Their schools range from private universities like Harvard and Stanford to large public institutions like the University of Maryland and Ohio State University to some small liberal arts colleges.

At least 901 students at 128 colleges and universities have had their visas revoked or their legal status terminated since mid-March, according to an Associated Press review of university statements and correspondence with school officials.

In lawsuits against the Department of Homeland Security, students have argued the government lacked justification to cancel their visa or terminate their legal status.

Why is the government canceling international students visas?

Visas can be canceled for a number of reasons, but colleges say some students are being singled out over infractions as minor as traffic violations, including some long in the past. In some cases, students say its unclear why they were targeted.

The timing and uniformity of these terminations leave little question that DHS has adopted a nationwide policy, whether written or not, of mass termination of student (legal) status, ACLU of Michigan attorneys wrote in a lawsuit on behalf of students at Wayne State University and the University of Michigan.

In New Hampshire, a federal judge last week issued a restraining order in the case of a Dartmouth College computer science student from China, Xiaotian Liu, who had his status terminated by the government. Attorneys have filed similar challenges in federal court in Georgia and California.

Homeland Security officials did not respond to a message seeking comment.

In some high-profile cases, including the detention of Columbia University activist Mahmoud Khalil, President Donald Trumps administration has argued it should be allowed to deport noncitizens over involvement in pro-Palestinian activism. But in the vast majority of visa revocations, colleges say there is no indication affected students had a role in protests.

What youre seeing happening with international students is really a piece of the much greater scrutiny that the Trump administration is bringing to bear on immigrants of all different categories, said Michelle Mittelstadt, director of public affairs at the Migration Policy Institute.

How do student visas work?

Students in other countries must meet a series of requirements to obtain a student visa, usually an F-1. After gaining admission to a school in the U.S., students go through an application and interview process at a U.S. embassy or consulate abroad.

Students on an F-1 visa must show they have enough financial support for their course of study in the U.S. They have to remain in good standing with their academic program and are generally limited in their ability to work off-campus during their academic program.

Entry visas are managed by the State Department. Once theyre in the U.S., international students legal status is overseen by the Student and Exchange Visitor Program under the Department of Homeland Security.

In recent weeks, leaders at many colleges learned the legal residency status of some of their international students had been terminated when college staff checked a database managed by Homeland Security. In the past, college officials say, legal statuses typically were updated after colleges told the government the students were no longer studying at the school.

After losing legal residency, students are told to leave the country

Historically, students who had their visas revoked were allowed to keep their legal residency status and complete their studies.

The lack of a valid entry visa only limited their ability to leave the U.S. and return, something they could reapply for with the State Department. But if a student has lost legal residency status, they risk detention by immigration authorities. Some students already have left the country, abandoning their studies to avoid being arrested.

Higher education leaders worry the arrests and visa revocations could discourage students overseas from pursuing higher education in the United States.

The lack of clarity of what is leading to revocations can create a sense of fear among students, said Sarah Spreitzer, vice president of government relations at the American Council on Education.

The very public actions that are being taken by ICE and the Department of Homeland Security around some of these students, where they are removing these students from their homes or from their streets, thats not usually done unless there is a security issue when a student visa is revoked, she said. The threat of this very quick removal is something thats new.

Colleges are trying to reassure students

In messages to their campuses, colleges have said they are asking the federal government for answers on what led to the terminations. Others have re-emphasized travel precautions to students, recommending they carry their passports and other immigration documents with them.

College leaders spoke of a growing sense of uncertainty and anxiety.

These are unprecedented times, and our normal guiding principles for living in a democratic society are being challenged, University of Massachusetts Boston Chancellor Marcelo Suarez-Orozco wrote in an email. With the rate and depth of changes occurring, we must be thoughtful in how we best prepare, protect, and respond.

Suarez-Orozco said the legal residency status had been canceled for two students and five other members of our university community including recent graduates participating in training programs.
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Zorah is a large-scale Nvidia RTX neural rendering tech demo powered by Unreal Engine 5, designed to demonstrate the latest advancements in real-time rendering. Originally presented at CES 2025 and further refined for GDC, the demo is now publicly available as a 108 GB download.

It highlights key innovations in geometry processing, lighting, character rendering, and neural shader technologies, and is intended for developers and researchers working with next-generation graphics pipelines.

Note: The download is packaged as an Unreal Engine project, not an executable. Requires you to install Unreal Engine first.

The project runs on the Nvidia RTX branch of Unreal Engine 5 (NvRTX) and is optimized for the GeForce RTX 5090, utilizing features from the Blackwell architecture. Zorah includes scenes composed of nearly 500 million triangles, over 30,000 materials, more than 2,000 particle lights, and 1,500 high-resolution textures.

These assets are rendered in real time using neural rendering technologies, including RTX Neural Shaders, DLSS 4 with frame generation, and a transformer-based AI model for dynamic content generation.

Neural rendering techniques used in Zorah include real-time generation of lighting, textures, hair, and materials directly within the shader pipeline. Supporting technologies such as ReSTIR PT and DI (for path-traced global illumination and direct illumination), RTX Mega Geometry, Neural Material networks, and Neural Texture Compression further enhance visual fidelity and rendering efficiency.

The demo operates entirely with real-time path tracing  no rasterization  providing an accurate preview of how future games and applications might leverage neural methods to improve both quality and performance.

Zorah is designed for high-end development systems and requires a modern RTX GPU, preferably an RTX 5090, to achieve real-time performance.
Looking back, I was so naive at the beginning. I literally began this whole thing by Googling how to create a skincare product and how to find a manufacturer in Australia. Sian

This weeks Founders Friday features Sian Corrigan, the creator of Intention Skincare, a brand that marries high-performance ingredients with the grounding energy of crystals.

The idea was born from a personal battle: while working as a professional dancer, Sian struggled with severe acne. No one will hire you with skin like this, she recalls, a comment that consumed her and made her desperate to find a fix. I devoured information about ingredients and treatments, desperately trying to fix myself.

That period sparked a realization. What I came to realise was that stress had been one of the biggest contributors to my skin issues and ironically, the skincare industry often adds to that stress with fear-based messaging, she says. What should have been a calming self-care ritual started to feel clinical and anxiety-inducing. Even after her skin improved, the emotional toll stuck with her. Why does skincare have to feel so stressful? Why cant it be relaxing, playful, and enjoyable? She had long been drawn to crystals, whether for their calming, grounding, or energising qualities and wondered if their presence could transform skincare into something more intentional. What if skincare could combine high-performance ingredients with the mindful magic of crystals? What if it could be a ritual, not a routine?

That question became the foundation for Intention Skincare, a brand that promotes mindfulness and emotional well-being just as much as it does glowing skin. We fully embrace the woo! We merge high-performance skincare with crystal energy to get both your skin AND soul glowing!

Building a business from scratch

The first email you send probably wont result in a sale, but maybe the tenth will. The first ad might totally flop, but the twentieth one could take off.

When building the business, Sian made it a point to learn from those who had done it before her. I didnt come from a background in business, so I made it my mission to soak up as much knowledge as possible from those who had successfully built brands. She did this through podcasts, communities, courses, and asking questions, lots of them. At first, she wore every hat herself. From building my website to running ads and writing email campaigns, I wear just about every hat in the business. This hands-on approach helped her understand every part of the process and make smarter decisions when it was time to delegate.

Her strategy for growth has been straightforward: Keep iterating. Keep testing. Keep improving. Shes tried everything from Meta and Google ads to email marketing, influencer outreach, and SEO. The first email you send probably wont result in a sale, but maybe the tenth will. The first ad might totally flop, but the twentieth one could take off. For her, consistency is more powerful than perfection. Growth doesnt come from getting it perfect the first time, it comes from committing to get a little bit better every time.

What makes Intention Skincare stand out, she says, is its refusal to play by industry rules. We believe skincare doesnt have to be so clinical, rigid, or serious all the time. That mindset influences everything, from their product design to how they engage with customers. Thats why we infuse our masks with crystals, pair them with intentions, and encourage our community to treat skincare as a ritual of self-love, not a chore. The brands innovation comes from listening deeply to what customers want and value. I dont focus necessarily on staying ahead, but rather staying across what our customers love and what could bring them joy or get them excited.

From Google searches to glowing skin

Of course, it hasnt always been smooth sailing. The biggest challenge I faced was having absolutely no idea what I was doing when I started! she laughs. I was so naive at the beginning. She started by Googling how to create a skincare product and how to find a manufacturer in Australia, which launched her into a world she knew nothing about. Finding the right manufacturer was especially tough, she wanted someone who wouldnt dismiss the role of energy and emotion in skincare.

I wanted to work with someone who saw the value in blending science and self-care. Eventually, she connected with a female-led manufacturer who understood her vision, which was a game-changer. The first product took nearly two years to formulate. The process of actually formulating the first product was incredibly involved and long, she says. But she refused to settle. Im glad I didnt settle for anything less than perfect.

Without a big budget, she had to be resourceful. I had to be scrappy and incredibly resourceful, she says. YouTube tutorials, trial and error, and the support of her partner, friends, and family, all of whom became unofficial product testers, carried her through. Shes learned that you dont need to have all the answers before you begin. In fact, you probably wont. But if youre willing to keep going, take action, and quickly pivot from mistakes, things begin to fall into place. For Sian, progress is about small, consistent steps: The small, consistent steps you take every day; those late nights spent watching tutorials, the 99th TikTok you make, the 200 creators youve messaged they add up. And eventually, you look back and realise just how much progress youve made.

A brand built on belief

Her advice to other aspiring founders? Just start! Dont wait to have it all figured out. If you think you have a good idea, stop planning, stop overthinking it and just give it a go. Things usually become much clearer once you take action.

Above all, she urges people to trust their instincts. Lean into your intuition! she says. If youre following your instincts its pretty hard to go wrong.

ALSO READ: St. Basils first female CEO Diana Horvatovics heartfelt leadership lessons

Keep up to date with our stories on LinkedIn, Twitter, Facebook and Instagram.
Cutting corners: A new report has reignited the debate over how much tax the world's largest technology companies pay, revealing that the so-called "Silicon Six"  Amazon, Apple, Alphabet, Meta, Microsoft, and Netflix  have paid nearly $278 billion less in corporate income tax over the past decade than would be expected if their profits were taxed at the average statutory rate for US companies.

The analysis, conducted by the Fair Tax Foundation (FTF), scrutinizes the financial records and tax strategies of these digital giants, whose combined market capitalization now exceeds $12.9 trillion, making them collectively more valuable than the entire FTSE 100 and Euro Stoxx 50 indices.

According to the FTF, the Silicon Six generated $11 trillion in revenue and $2.5 trillion in profits over the last ten years. Despite these staggering figures, their average effective corporate tax rate was just 18.8 percent, well below the U.S. average of 29.7 percent during the same period and the global average of 27 percent.

If one-off repatriation tax payments related to historical tax avoidance are excluded, their effective rate drops further to 16.1 percent. The report also highlights that these companies have inflated their reported tax payments by $82 billion by including tax contingencies  amounts set aside for potential future tax liabilities that they do not expect to pay.

Paul Monaghan, chief executive of the Fair Tax Foundation, argues that tax avoidance remains "hardwired" into these firms' business models. He points to aggressive tax practices, such as booking profits in low-tax jurisdictions and leveraging tax breaks like the US Foreign-Derived Intangible Income (FDII) deduction, which allows companies to pay as little as 13 percent tax on certain overseas profits.

The FDII has been particularly lucrative: in 2024 alone, it yielded $12 billion in tax relief for the Silicon Six, and over the past three years, the benefit has totaled $30 billion. For Meta, Alphabet, and Netflix, the deduction reduced their effective tax rates by five percentage points each last year.

The FTF's report ranks Amazon as having the "worst tax conduct," citing its profit-shifting practices, such as booking a significant portion of its UK income in Luxembourg, a low-tax jurisdiction. However, Amazon's average corporate tax rate over the decade was 19.6 percent, higher than Netflix (14.7 percent), Meta (15.4 percent), and Apple (18.4 percent). Microsoft paid the highest rate at 20.4 percent.

Despite nearly half of their revenue being generated overseas, only 36 percent of profits were booked outside the United States, and just 30 percent of current tax provisions were reported as foreign, suggesting that much of their international income is subject to lower tax rates due to profit-shifting and lower margins.

The report also draws attention to the growing gap between the taxes these companies actually pay and what is reported in their financial statements. Over the decade, the difference between headline tax rates and cash taxes paid reached $277.8 billion, while the gap between reported tax provisions and cash taxes paid was $82.1 billion.

The FTF notes that the Silicon Six's reported uncertain tax positions  essentially, claims for tax benefits that may not withstand scrutiny  have more than tripled in the past ten years, now totaling $82.5 billion. These positions and an additional $10.1 billion in potential interest and penalties may further inflate the companies' reported tax charges, giving a misleading impression of their actual contributions.

In response to the report, Amazon, Meta, and Netflix representatives emphasized their compliance with existing tax laws and regulations. Amazon highlighted its significant investments in jobs and infrastructure, arguing that these, combined with low-profit margins, naturally result in a lower cash tax rate. Meta and Netflix similarly stated that they follow all relevant tax rules in every country where they operate.

The influence of the Silicon Six extends beyond their financial might. In 2024, they spent $115 million lobbying governments in the United States and the European Union, underscoring their substantial political clout. At the same time, their tax strategies are drawing increasing scrutiny from policymakers worldwide, prompting a patchwork of responses such as digital services taxes in countries like the UK, France, Austria, and Turkey. While not ideal, these unilateral measures are seen as necessary steps in the absence of a global consensus on how to tax digital multinationals fairly.
In context: Discord has proven popular among both gamers and general users, but it's not without its flaws. The messaging and social platform has previously been accused of exposing children to abuse and graphic content by not adequately protecting underage users from predators. This has prompted the company to implement stricter terms of service regarding CSAM and other sensitive content.

Discord is currently running a limited test involving age verification through facial scanning technologies. The company confirmed that the test aims to "age-gate access" to specific spaces or features, while also disclosing how personal data is shared with third-party vendors. Privacy preservation appears to be a priority, according to Discord, with the test primarily targeting younger users attempting to access sensitive or potentially unlawful content on the platform.

The company stated that the data used to verify a user's age is only processed once and is not stored on Discord's servers. Age verification can be conducted either via biometric technology or through ID verification. The face-scanning solution used in the test operates locally on the device, meaning no biometric data should be collected or sent through the network.

ID verification, on the other hand, involves scanning an official ID document using the phone's camera. According to Discord, the scanned ID is deleted after the user's age is confirmed. The test is currently underway in the United Kingdom and Australia, both of which have become increasingly active in the fields of age verification and biometric identification.

In recent years, UK authorities have been working to integrate age verification technologies into online platforms and adult websites. Meanwhile, Australia has opted for a stricter approach, planning to ban users under 16 from accessing social media altogether  a measure expected to take effect by the end of 2025.

According to the BBC, these types of restrictive age-verification laws are not isolated measures, but part of a broader shift in digital regulation. Social media expert Matt Navarra points out that regulatory bodies are actively seeking effective methods to identify underage users online, with facial recognition emerging as one of the fastest solutions.

At the same time, Australia's approach appears to be favoring platforms based on their perceived value to younger audiences.

Services like YouTube, which may offer educational benefits, are likely to be exempt from the forthcoming age restrictions. Critics  including competing platforms such as TikTok  argue that Australian authorities are arbitrarily deciding which services to exclude from the ban.
In brief: TSMC has officially denied the long-running claim that it is considering entering into a joint venture with Intel. It was recently reported that the two tech giants had reached a preliminary agreement on the plan, which has been pushed by the Trump administration in the hope of helping Intel address its current manufacturing crisis.

Speaking during the company's earnings call on Wednesday, TSMC CEO C.C. Wei said, "TSMC is not engaged in any discussion with other companies regarding any joint venture, technology licensing or technology."

It was reported in March that TSMC had proposed a joint venture that would see it take a stake in Intel's foundry business alongside Nvidia, AMD, Broadcom, and Qualcomm. The proposal supposedly involved TSMC running Intel's foundry division operations, but it would not own more than 50% as the Trump administration does not want either Intel or its foundry business to be entirely foreign-owned.

According to The Information, TSMC and Intel reached a preliminary agreement this month on a plan that would see the Taiwanese firm take a 21% stake in a new joint venture. Two weeks earlier, Nvidia boss Jensen Huang said he was never approached by a consortium about investing in the JV. A TSMC board member also denied there had been any discussions.

TSMC announced in March that it would be investing an additional $100 billion in US chip manufacturing, bringing its total to $165 billion  the largest foreign investment in US history. It said the money would go toward building new chip facilities and an R&D center, creating 40,000 construction jobs and tens of thousands of "high-paying, high-tech jobs" over the coming years.

"We must be able to build the chips and semiconductors that we need right here," said President Trump at the time. "It's a matter of national security for us."

The US government keeps pushing for a deal between Intel and TSMC. The White House has reportedly been examining contingency plans in the event of Intel's fortunes worsening. The company's foundry division reported a loss of over $13 billion on $17.5 billion in revenue in 2024. Overall net loss for the year stood at $18.8 billion, its first annual loss since 1986.

Elsewhere in its earnings call, TSMC raised revenue guidance for the current second quarter by $1.6 billion. The company earned $25.77 billion in revenue in Q1 2025, beating expectations of $25.72 billion. It predicts revenue of between $28.4 billion and $29.2 billion in Q2.

The world's largest contract chipmaker also revealed the yields at its Arizona fab are now comparable to those in Taiwan.
Australias labor market is showing signs of cooling, with job ad volumes dropping for the second consecutive month, according to the latest SEEK Employment Report for March 2025.

The report highlights a 3.0% month-on-month decline in job ads, alongside a significant 12.8% year-on-year drop, partly influenced by the shifting timing of Easter. Meanwhile, the SEEK Advertised Salary Index (ASI) indicates modest salary growth, with advertised salaries rising 0.3% month-on-month and 3.7% year-on-year.

The decline in job ads was felt nationwide, with Queensland experiencing the sharpest fall at 6.9% month-on-month, the states largest drop since April 2020. SEEK attributes this partly to the impact of Tropical Cyclone Alfred, which hit south-east Queensland and coastal northern New South Wales hardest. All states and territories saw declines, with the Australian Capital Territory down 4.8% and Tasmania 2.6%. In Victoria and New South Wales, job ads fell 1.7% and 1.9%, respectively, driven by reduced demand in sectors like Healthcare & Medical and Administration & Office Support.

Despite fewer job ads, competition for roles is intensifying. Applications per job ad rose 2.0% month-on-month in February (the latest data available), reaching levels not seen since mid-2020, during the height of the pandemic. The Australian Capital Territory and South Australia saw the largest increases in applications, up 7% and 6%, respectively.

On the salary front, the SEEK ASI shows advertised salary growth holding steady at 0.3% month-on-month since December, with annual growth at 3.7%. However, SEEK Senior Economist Dr. Blair Chapman warns of potential slowdowns ahead. Advertised salary growth has ticked up to 3.7% year-ended in March, with monthly growth remaining around 0.3% since December, Chapman said. If advertised salary growth continues at this pace m/m, then annually, it will slow to 3.4% by June. However, an increase in economic uncertainty combined with a slow start to the year for the labour market may see annual advertised salary growth slow faster. The ABS broader wage price index slowed to 3.2% year-ended in December, so with advertised salary growth above 3.2% it suggests that we may see a slight reacceleration of broader wage growth for a couple of quarters.

Industry trends reveal mixed outcomes. Healthcare & Medical saw the largest job ad decline at 4.2%, followed by Hospitality & Tourism (-14.8%) and Manufacturing, Transport & Logistics (-8.1%). However, Insurance & Superannuation and Call Centre & Customer Service bucked the trend, with job ads rising 3.8% and 3.2%, respectively.

Chapman noted broader economic concerns impacting the market. Labour market demand continues to cool, with March marking the second consecutive month of falling ad volume, he said. However, the quarterly view suggests demand is a little more robust with only a small decline and an increasing number of industries experiencing growth. Likely as a consequence of Tropical Cyclone Alfred, Queensland experienced a sharp 6.9% drop in job ad volume month-on-month, the states most significant monthly fall since April 2020, with locations in south-east Queensland suffering the largest declines. Alfred also likely led to notable month-on-month declines in coastal regions of northern NSW. With heightened levels of economic uncertainty continuing locally and globally, it is unclear whether the broad robustness in the market will continue.

The SEEK reports underscore a labor market at a crossroads, balancing modest salary growth against declining job opportunities and rising competition. For more details, visit SEEKs employment marketplace at seek.com.au.

Source: SEEK Employment Report and SEEK Advertised Salary Index, March 2025.
Trump admin proposes redefining 'harm' to endangered animals



Washington, April 17 (AFP) Apr 17, 2025



The Trump administration aims to remove degradation of habitat from its definition of "harm" to endangered species, proposing Wednesday a rule change that would open the door to human activity in ecologically sensitive environments.

The US Fish and Wildlife Service and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration said the definition of "harm" in the Endangered Species Act should exclude "actions that impair the habitat of protected species."

Environmental groups said the rule change would allow timber, oil and mining activity, as well as other activities by individuals and the government, to destroy the habitats of endangered animals.

"For 50 years, the ESA has saved numerous species -- including iconic American species like bald eagles, gray wolves, Florida manatees, and humpback whales -- from extinction," environmental law organization Earthjustice said.

"One key to this success has been its definition of harm, which recognizes the common-sense concept that destroying a forest, beach, river, or wetland that a species relies on for survival constitutes harm to that species," it said, adding that the group was prepared to challenge the proposal in court.

"There's just no way to protect animals and plants from extinction without protecting the places they live, yet the Trump administration is opening the flood gates to immeasurable habitat destruction," said Noah Greenwald, codirector of endangered species at the Center for Biological Diversity.

"Without a prohibition on habitat destruction, spotted owls, sea turtles, salmon and so many more imperiled animals won't stand a chance," said Greenwald. "Trump is trying to drive a knife through the heart of the Endangered Species Act."

The proposal will now be open to public comment for 30 days.

Since its 1973 enactment, the Endangered Species Act has been credited with saving iconic species such as the gray wolf, bald eagle and grizzly bear from extinction.

President Donald Trump ran on a platform that promised to roll back environmental regulations that crimp economic development.

In February, Interior Secretary Doug Burgum issued a call for proposals to unleash US energy, potentially opening up fragile landscapes from the Arctic to the Grand Canyon and even national monuments for exploitation.

Days later, Trump said his administration aimed to cut about 65 percent of staff at the Environmental Protection Agency.
Residents say Myanmar towns hit by fighting despite quake truce



Yangon, April 17 (AFP) Apr 17, 2025



Two Myanmar towns on a lucrative trade route to Thailand have been besieged by fighting despite a truce declared after last month's massive earthquake, residents told AFP on Thursday.

A 2021 coup sparked a multi-sided civil war between Myanmar's military, pro-democracy guerillas and ethnic rebel groups that have long been active in the country's fringes.

Four years of conflict have spurred mass displacement and poverty, and much of the fighting has focused on trade routes where combatants run tollgates to bolster their war chests.

The junta and numerous opposition groups declared a ceasefire to ease relief efforts after a 7.7-magnitude quake hit central Myanmar on March 28, killing more than 3,700 people.

However, three eastern Myanmar residents told AFP fighting has been raging for days around the junta-held towns of Kyondoe and Kawkareik, which sit on a highway leading to the western Thailand border town of Mae Sot.

A resident from an outlying village, who asked to remain anonymous, said the towns had been under attack by "combined forces" from different rebel groups since before Sunday.

"There were air strikes and artillery shots around our village since two days ago," they added. "We have no place to hide."

A resident living a short distance from Kyondoe said their village had been occupied by members of the anti-coup People's Defence Force.

"We are hearing the sounds of air strikes and artillery shooting. We cannot flee to other places now," they said. "We are really scared."

A third resident from Kyondoe, 50 kilometres (30 miles) from the Thai border, said they fled two days ago alongside many neighbours from surrounding villages "to avoid heavy fighting".

The junta said after the earthquake that it would honour a truce until April 22, but would still retaliate against attacks.

As many as 60,000 people are living in tent encampments after the quake, according to United Nations figures.

Junta spokesman Zaw Min Tun accused several rebel groups on Wednesday evening of breaching the truce in recent days, including near Kyondoe and inside Kawkareik.

AFP could not reach Zaw Min Tun for further comment on Thursday.

Monitors agree that the post-quake truce has not held but junta chief Min Aung Hlaing is reportedly due to make a rare trip abroad on Thursday to meet Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim and discuss an extension.

Malaysia is this year's chair of the 10-country Association of Southeast Asian Nations bloc. ASEAN has in the past barred junta officials from its summits over lack of progress on a peace plan.

However, Anwar said he would meet Min Aung Hlaing in Bangkok to discuss prolonging the ceasefire beyond Tuesday to protect Malaysian teams working on quake relief efforts.
US halts Equinor's huge New York offshore wind project



Oslo, April 17 (AFP) Apr 17, 2025



The US government has ordered a halt to construction of a huge wind farm off the New York coast by Norwegian energy company Equinor, dealing another blow to an industry President Donald Trump opposes.

Equinor said in a statement on Thursday that it had taken "immediate steps" to comply with the decision, but it was also "considering its legal remedies, including appealing the order".

Valued by Equinor at $2.5 billion, the Empire Wind 1 project includes 54 turbines designed to deliver 810 megawatts of energy into Brooklyn, powering 500,000 homes.

But US Interior Secretary Doug Burgum said Wednesday that his department was ordering construction "immediately" halted until further review of information suggesting that former president Joe Biden's administration "rushed through its approval without sufficient analysis".

Shortly after returning to the White House for a second term in January, Trump signed a series of executive orders bringing the wind energy sector to a standstill, including a temporary freeze on federal permitting and loans for offshore and onshore wind projects.

"We're not going to do the wind thing," Trump said in January, calling them "big, ugly windmills" that were dangerous to wildlife.

Equinor noted that the federal lease for Empire Wind was signed with the US administration in 2017 -- during Trump's first term -- and "validly secured all necessary federal and state permits".

"We will engage directly with BOEM (Bureau of Ocean Energy Management) and the Department of Interior to understand the questions raised about the permits we have received from authorities," it said.

The Empire Wind project, to be built in two phases around 15 to 30 miles (24-48 kilometres) southeast of Long Island, is the first offshore wind project that would have delivered power directly to New York City.

Construction began last year and it was expected to start electricity production in 2027.

It is part of New York State's renewable energy strategy for meeting rising energy demands while reducing the use of fossil fuels, Equinor said.

po/lth
Heavy metals contaminate up to 17% of world's arable land: study



Washington, April 17 (AFP) Apr 17, 2025



Up to 17 percent of cropland worldwide is contaminated with at least one type of toxic heavy metal, posing health risks to up to 1.4 billion people, scientists warned Thursday.

Published in the journal Science, their study is a first-of-its-kind global overview of heavy metal contamination in soils, based on a meta-analysis -- an approach drawing on data from many previous studies -- of almost 800,000 samples.

After ensuring the reliability and representativeness of the data, for example by ruling out samples taken purposefully at contaminated sites, the researchers used machine-learning algorithms to identify the worst-affected areas of the world.

The team led by environmental specialist Deyi Hou of China's Tsinghua University focused in on areas where concentrations of at least one of seven metals -- arsenic, cadmium, cobalt, chromium, copper, nickel and lead -- were above recommended safe limits for agriculture and human health.

Metals can be toxic to people, animals and plants at different doses, spreading into different ecosystems through food chains and water.

By running their samples through artificial intelligence-assisted analysis, the researchers found that between 14 and 17 percent of arable land is contaminated by at least one of the metals.

Between 900 million and 1.4 billion people live in "high-risk areas."

Heavy metal contamination can stem from both natural geological processes and human activity such as industrial waste, agriculture or mining.

The researchers noted that there was not enough data in some regions, especially Africa, to allow for designing targeted programs to pare down risks.

Rather, their study is intended as "a scientific alert for policymakers and farmers to take immediate and necessary measures," they wrote.

In fact, "the actual extent of global soil pollution may far exceed what is presented by the authors, due to limited data availability and likely underestimation," commented Wakene Negassa, a soil chemist at the James Hutton Institute.
First US 'refugee scientists' to arrive in France in weeks: university



Marseille, April 17 (AFP) Apr 17, 2025



The first researchers fleeing US spending cuts imposed by President Donald Trump will start work at a French university in June, officials said Thursday.

Aix Marseille University said its "Safe Place for Science" scheme received a flood of applicants after announcing in March it would open its doors to US scientists threatened by cuts.

Of 298 applications, 242 were deemed eligible and "are being studied" for some 20 available posts, the university said in a statement.

It added that 135 of the applicants were US citizens, and 45 were dual citizens.

University president Eric Berton said he wanted to see a new status of "refugee scientist" be created, and for more US researchers to be welcomed in France and Europe.

A bill establishing such a status was presented in the French parliament on Monday by former president Francois Hollande, now a deputy.

Aix Marseille University has previously brought in 25 scientists from Ukraine, Yemen, Afghanistan and the Palestinian territories under another programme for researchers under threat.

The university has set aside a budget so that each researcher taken in receives between 600,000 and 800,000 euros ($680,00-$910,000) over three years to continue their work.

It said the applicants from a variety of US institutions, including Johns Hopkins, NASA, Yale, Stanford, Columbia and the University of Pennsylvania.

A selection panel will meet next Wednesday, followed by remote interviews before the first scientists arrive in early June.
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A 29-year-old woman who lives with a rare condition, which means she cannot urinate, claims she was denied access to the disabled toilet in Greggs until she showed staff her catheter bag.

In July 2024, Evan Francis, a freelance communications professional from Kent, was diagnosed with Fowlers Syndrome - a urethral sphincter condition that affects as few as two in a million women per year.

Doctors initially misdiagnosed her recurring urinary tract infections (UTIs) as stress-related, following a redundancy and a relationship breakdown in late 2023.

But her eventual diagnosis of Fowlers Syndrome led to Evan being fitted with an indwelling urinary catheter attached to a urinary leg bag.

The same week, Evan claims a Greggs employee denied her entry to an accessible toilet, claiming she was not disabled, until she revealed the bag on her leg. The high street bakery has since apologised.

She has since been surgically fitted with a suprapubic catheter to her lower abdomen, which has to be changed every eight to 10 weeks, leaving her vulnerable to further infections, with Evan spending 96 hours in A&E in 2024 alone.

open image in gallery Evan runs a freelance business from home ( Collect/PA Real Life )

Terrified she will be like this forever, Evan said she hopes she will be eligible for surgical intervention, but in the meantime her rare condition has had a dramatic effect on her self-esteem, dating life and mental health.

Before Fowlers I was very, very busy and had no problems doing anything, really. I was in control of myself and doing everything I wanted, when I wanted, she said.

Evan started experiencing recurring UTIs at the start of 2024, which doctors initially dismissed as stress-related after her recent break-up and redundancy.

But after four in one month, her doctors sent her for an ultrasound.

She was catheterised in April 2024 to relieve her discomfort and, at a later appointment, underwent urodynamics testing  a traumatic experience, Evan said she still has not fully recovered from.

open image in gallery Evan's catheter leg bag on her first admission to hospital ( Collect/PA Real Life )

I was with quite an old-school urologist who used an iPhone torch to find my urethra, she said.

He had lots of students in the room when he was doing this test  there was no dignity.

The catheter went wrong and so my urethra was bleeding Ive never really got over that  its made my urethra incredibly sensitive.

Eventually, in July 2024, urologists told Evan she had Fowlers Syndrome.

The condition prevents the urethral sphincter from relaxing and thus releasing urine, with an incidence rate of between 0.2 and 0.3 cases per 100,000 women, according to a 2021 study published in the International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health.

They found two litres of urine trapped in my bladder  a womans bladder should only hold about 500ml, Evan said.

Her initial attempts at self-catheterisation failed due to bloating from fluid retention, which made her look nine months pregnant.

Instead, she was fitted with a suprapubic catheter  a drainage tube inserted into the bladder via an incision in the lower abdomen.

open image in gallery Evan (right) with her sister Niamh and mum Chere ( Collect/PA Real Life )

She was originally fitted with an indwelling catheter attached to a urinary leg bag, but found it didnt go with (her) style.

I like to dress well and I was thinking I cant really wear that with this outfit, it doesnt go, she said.

She switched to a valve, allowing her to drain her bladder herself at intervals, but infections remained a common occurrence.

Evan has also experienced several stuck catheters, causing unbearable pain that requires an A&E visit.

Living with Fowlers Syndrome has also affected Evans confidence, prohibiting her from advancing her career, dating, or even buying property like her peers.

Im living at home, not only by choice, but also as a bit of a safety net because I could not afford to move out and go on the property ladder with my health so up and down, she said.

Evan currently lives with her mum Chere, and her mothers partner, Nick, while her dad, Peter, has also frequently taken her to A&E  and she is grateful that, despite her parents divorce, they have worked together to support her through her illness.

open image in gallery Evan with an indwelling urinary catheter ( Collect/PA Real Life )

The mental toll is significant, with Evan constantly paranoid that she smells of urine.

She has also faced difficulties with the invisible nature of her disability.

In April 2024, in the same week that she was catheterised for the first time, she claims she was initially denied access to a disabled toilet at a Greggs bakery.

I asked to use the disabled toilet and the assistant said to me Youre not disabled, though, said Evan.

And so I said, How do you know that? I decided to just get the bag out and say Does this make me disabled?'

Evan now has her own Radar key to prevent future access problems, but believes better awareness is needed.

She has also taken consolation in sharing her experiences on TikTok, under the handle shortstuffcomms, which she originally started to showcase her freelance communications career.

Symptoms of Fowler's Syndrome Bladder Health UK The severity of symptoms varies from person to person. Frequent urinary infections

Back, kidney and suprapubic pain

Blood in the urine

Bladder spasms

Although freelancing has offered flexibility, she said the financial instability is hard to manage and is a source of anxiety ahead of prospective surgery.

Im terrified that Im going to be left like this forever because the understanding around this condition is still really vague, she said.

Evan said she hopes to be eligible for sacral nerve modulation, which would involve a pacemaker being fitted into the nerve in her back that controls the sphincter muscle, potentially allowing her to urinate normally again.

Despite her challenges, Evan is a vocal advocate for better awareness of rare bladder conditions like hers, supported by the charity Fowlers Syndrome UK.

She has also led awareness talks at her GP surgery and written to her MP about catheter care for young people and women.

A spokesperson for Greggs said: Were really sorry to learn that this customer request was not dealt with in line with our company policy.

We will be taking steps to make sure all shop colleagues are aware of these policies to ensure this does not happen again.
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Time is running out for JCPenney shoppers as multiple stores are set to close over the weekend.

Seven stores in as many states are set to close on May 25, according to a spokesperson for JCPenney. This marks a shift from February, when the company announced eight store closures. Now, the Westfield Annapolis Mall in Annapolis, Maryland, will remain open.

We are excited to announce that we have agreed a lease extension to keep the store open at least through August 31, 2025, and are in continuing negotiations with our landlord for a new long-term lease, a spokesperson for the company told The Independent last month.

At this time, the store liquidation event has been stopped.

JCPenney did call the seven closures isolated and further stated there are not plans to significantly reduce our store count.

The seven stores slated to close on May 25 include:

JCPenney stores are closing in seven different states ( Getty Images )

-JCPenney at The Shops at Tanforan in San Bruno, California.

-JCPenney at The Shops at Northfield in Denver, Colorado.

-JCPenney at the Pine Ridge Mall in Pocatello, Idaho.

-JCPenney at West Ridge Mall in Topeka, Kansas.

-JCPenney at Mall at Fox Run in Newington, New Hampshire.

-JCPenney at Asheville Mall in Asheville, North Carolina.

-JCPenney at Charleston Town Center in Charleston, West Virginia.

The company previously said the closures were unrelated to the brands recent merger with the SPARC Group, which formed Catalyst Brands, an organization of six major retailers.

In January, JCPenney confirmed its merger with SPARC Group, which owns Aeropostale, Brooks Brothers, Eddie Bauer, Lucky Brand, and Nautica, to create Catalyst Brands. Marc Rosen, formerly the chief executive officer of JCPenney, who became CEO of Catalyst Brands, said his business brings together the rich heritage of six unique brands with modern energy and a new vision for success.

Together, we bring scale, expertise and broad appeal to customers across America, Rosen said in a statement at the time. For us, customers are at the heart of what we do. We have a shared belief that customers deserve fashion and style of great quality for any and every moment in life. We will leverage our resources and best-in-class industry talent to grow our brands further.

During the Covid pandemic, JCPenney filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy as the company agreed with lenders to reduce its billions of dollars of debt and explore sale options.

We look forward to emerging from both Chapter 11 and this pandemic as a stronger retailer, continuing to implement our Plan for Renewal, and building capabilities focused on satisfying customers wants and needs, Jill Soltau, former chief executive officer of JCPenney, said in a statement at the time.

JCPenney isnt the only major retailer thats announced a handful of store closures. Last year. Big Lots announced it was closing more than 300 stores across the U.S. The news came after the company announced a 10 percent sales drop, equating to about $205 million. In a subsequent regulatory filing, the company said it would increase the number of store closures to 315 as part of a loan agreement.

In December, Party City announced it was closing down all of its stores in the U.S. after 40 years of business. CEO Barry Litwin held a meeting on December 11 with staff to announce the news, notifying them that it would be their last day of employment. The company, which had roughly 6,400 full-time and 10,100 part-time workers nationwide, wouldnt give out severance pay and benefits will end as the company closes, Litwin said.

Store closures are expected to continue in 2025, according to a report published by Coresight Research in January. Coresight Research expects store closures to go up to approximately 15,000 in 2025. In 2024, U.S. store closures totaled 7,325, which is the highest its been since 2020, when there were nearly 10,000 closures.
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A pair of Delaware volunteer firefighters have been arrested in a hate crime investigation after they allegedly chased a colleague with a noose.

On April 9, Delaware State Police detectives received a report from the Millville Volunteer Fire Company administration that a previously unreported hate crime had happened at the station more than a year ago.

This prompted an investigation, during which detectives learned that a pair of firefighters allegedly chased a Millville Volunteer Fire Company employee around the fire station with a rope tied to look like a noose.

The volunteer firefighters involved in the incident were identified as Jay Droney and Jordan Hastings. The report alleged that Droney made a racist comment to the victim, and that the firefighter allegedly continued to make racist comments to the victim after the incident.

Jordan Hastings (left) and Jay Droney, (right) are former Millville Volunteer Fire Company firefighters who were arrested on felony hate crime charges for allegedly chasing a colleague around with a noose. Droney has also been accused of making racist comments to the colleague. ( Delaware State Police )

On April 15, detectives with the state police got arrest warrants for both suspects. Droney turned himself in to the state police. He has since been charged with a felony hate crime, second-degree conspiracy and harassment.

He was arraigned and was released on his own recognizance.

Hastings turned himself in on the same day after learning about his warrant. He was also charged with felony hate crime, second-degree conspiracy and harassment. He was also released after his arraignment.

Neither of the men still volunteer with the Millville Volunteer Fire Company. The organization released a statement saying it was unaware of the incident until April 9, after which it suspended Hastings and Droney and notified the state police and Delaware State Fire Commission.

On April 10, the Millville Volunteer Fire Company's Board revoked Hasting and Droney's memberships, according to NBC 10 Philadelphia.

"[The Millville Volunteer Fire Company] affirms everyone should be treated fairly and respectfully and feel safe. That said, we have recently been made aware of an incident involving racial harassment within our company," the organization said in a statement.

"After becoming aware of the allegations that an employee had been racially harassed by volunteer members, the Millville Volunteer Fire Company (MVFC) promptly initiated an internal investigation. Our findings provided sufficient evidence to notify and involve the Delaware State Police. MVFC identified two volunteer members accused of racially harassing behavior towards and employee.

As a result of that internal investigation, the MVFC has decided to permanently revoke the memberships of the two volunteer members. They are no longer members of the fire company. It is important to note that the Delaware State Police has arrested the two individuals connected to the matter, both charged with hate crimes."
 Close People seen fleeing across road after shooting at Florida State University

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The suspect in the Florida State University shooting reportedly shared white supremacist views with concerned classmates before yesterdays attack that killed two people and injured six others.

Phoenix Ikner had a tumultuous childhood, according to court records showing the biological mother of the 20-year-old was accused of removing him from the U.S. when he was 10.

He later changed his name from Christian Eriksen to share the surname of his mother, Leon County Deputy Jessica Ikner, whose former service weapon he used during the shooting, police said.

His biological mother, Anne-Mari Eriksen, told ABC News on Friday that she initially worried he might have been hurt; when he was named a suspect, she collapsed.

"Theres so much that needs to be said about this, but I just cant talk without crying. We need time to process all this, she said.

Following the attack, a classmate at Ikners former school claimed the suspect was told to leave a political round table club after he espoused so much white supremacist rhetoric, and far-right rhetoric as well, to the point where we had to exercise that rule.

Once Ikner is released from the hospital, where he is expected to be for a while, hell be taken to a local detention facility where he will face the charges up to and including first-degree murder, Tallahassee Police Chief Lawrence Revell said Friday.

Investigators had not revealed a motive as of Friday evening or released the victims identities, but some family members have come forward.

The two victims who lost their lives were identified Friday as Tiru Chabba and Robert Morales. Both men were fathers.
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A former Harvard Medical Schools morgue manager is expected to plead guilty in connection with charges of stealing and selling human remains.

Cedric Lodge, 57, of Goffstown, New Hampshire, was indicted in June 2023 and accused of stealing and selling heads, brains, skin and bones from cadavers that were donated to the university as part of a nationwide network between 2018 and 2023, prosecutors said.

Lodge and his wife, Denise, allegedly sold the body parts to buyers in Pennsylvania and Massachusetts and shipped them via the postal service to clients who, in one instance, intended to tan skin into leather.

According to documents filed in the U.S. District Court for the Middle District of Pennsylvania, Lodge has agreed to plead guilty to a single charge of interstate transportation of stolen goods, which carries a maximum 10-year prison sentence and a $250,000 fine.

Remaining charges of conspiracy and transport of stolen goods are due to be dropped. A hearing on his plea change has not been scheduled, although his trial was initially scheduled for May.

open image in gallery Cedric Lodge is set to plead guilty to stealing and selling remains from Harvard Medical School ( NBC Boston )

The expected plea change comes almost a year after Denise Lodge, 64, who was accused of shipping stolen human body parts to buyers, pleaded guilty on the count of aiding and abetting interstate transport of stolen goods in April last year.

Lodge worked at Harvard University for approximately 28 years before being fired in May 2023.

As well as taking body parts to his home, Lodge had also allowed potential buyers into the schools morgue to hand-pick what human remains they wanted, prosecutors said.

The cadavers are intended for educational, teaching, or research purposes and are donated to the medical school through the Anatomical Gifts Program.

open image in gallery Harvard Medical School, where Lodge had worked for almost three decades ( SBAmin/Geograph/CC BY-SA 3.0 )

Alongside the Lodges, four other defendants were indicted by a federal grand jury in Pennsylvania on charges of conspiracy and interstate transport of stolen goods.

One of those charged was Katrina Maclean, 44, from Salem, Massachusetts, who owns a store called Kats Creepy Creations in Peabody.

According to court documents, Maclean shipped human skin she purchased from Lodge to another defendant and engaged his services to tan the skin to create leather.

Another facing federal charges is Joshua Taylor of West Lawn Berks County. He sent Denise Lodge $1,000 via PayPal with a memo that read head number 7, prosecutors said. Another $200 transaction from Taylor to Lodge allegedly read braiiiiiins.

open image in gallery Denise Lodge (left) walks from the federal courthouse on June 14, 2023, in Concord, New Hampshire ( Steven Porter/The Boston Globe via AP )

After the allegations emerged, family members who donated their loved ones bodies to medical research spoke of their horror and shared concerns about what may have happened to their remains.

We were just disgusted, Paula Peltonovich, whose fathers remains were donated to the school, told the Boston Globe in June 2023. Sick, like we were going to throw up.

Sarah Hill, whose aunt Christine Eppich had her remains gifted via the Anatomical Gifts Program, also told Boston 25 News that she felt sick over the ordeal in June 2023.
 Close Menendez brothers granted resentencing hearing

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A judge has again delayed the resentencing hearing for Erik and Lyle Menendez, who are currently serving life in prison for the 1989 murder of their parents, after it began this morning in Los Angeles.

The Menendez brothers, who killed their parents Jose and Kitty Menendez in Beverly Hills more than 30 years ago, appeared virtually in Los Angeles court today to determine if they should receive a lesser sentence. But Judge Michael Jesic called for a pause until May 9.

The delay comes after Jesic said the court needs to obtain partially-completed risk assessments on the brothers ordered by California Governor Gavin Newsom.

Prosecutors have seen the partially-completed reports and want to use them, and have called for a delay in the hearing so all parties can consider it. Jesic and defense attorney Mark Geragos both say they havent seen the reports.

Geragos says hes also calling for Los Angeles District Attorney Nathan Hochman to be removed from the case.

The brothers resentencing hearing has already been delayed several times. The initial hearing in January was delayed due to the Los Angeles fires, and again because prosecutors attempted to withdraw their sentencing request, the Associated Press reports.
Louisiana will see hundreds, then thousands, of members of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity Inc. as they head from their southern Louisiana homes, from parishes across the state, from Arkansas, Oklahoma and Texas -- the four states that make up Omega's Mighty Ninth District. There will be Omega brothers from beyond this region, too, because nearly everyone loves visiting New Orleans.
When the Army Corps of Engineers announced it had a plan to not just keep Neptune Pass open but help it build more wetlands, reactions from the coastal community reminded me of some famous alternatives for cautious optimism.
At the 5th China International Consumer Products Expo (CICPE) in Hainan, Joseph Keating, Trade Counsellor at the Embassy of Ireland, emphasized Irelands strong support for free and fair trade, highlighting the significance of the event and the Hainan Free Trade Port in promoting global trade and showcasing China's dedication to economic openness.

Keating noted that Ireland has participated in the Hainan Expo every year since its launch, making it the only international expo the country has consistently attended over the past five years. This year, Irelands presence at CICPE focuses on its major indigenous industryfood and drink. According to Keating, Irish food and drink exports are thriving, with 700 million worth of exports in 2024 alone, 67% of which are dairy-related products. He also highlighted Irelands strong pharmaceutical and medical device sector, with Irish companies currently operating in Boao, supplying hospitals and other healthcare facilities.

Keating praised the Hainan Free Trade Ports unique policies and called the model a good example of China opening up. He said companies benefit from duty-free access, reduced taxation when adding value locally, and the ability to transfer goods to the Chinese mainland under favorable conditionsadvantages that create new opportunities for international business.

Reaffirming Irelands position on trade, Keating said: We believe in fair trade. We believe in multilateralism. We believe the WTO should be at the heart of global trade. We dont see any benefit from tariffs.

Editor: ZAD
Rumours of a $1 million bounty inside the home of rapper Chris Habiyakare and a fight breaking out days earlier offered intruders a smokescreen to carry out a home invasion.

Masked and armed with a .22-calibre rifle, machete and Taser, Mustafa Alhassan and two others were lured by a belief Habiyakare was keeping a large amount of money in his suburban Melbourne home at Sunshine North.

Mustafa Alhassan leaves the Supreme Court of Victoria on Thursday. Credit: AAP

There was no magical cash stash. The bungled theft resulted in Habiyakares death and Alhassan being sentenced to more than a decade in jail.

The rapper, who performed under the name Lyr1cure7, had friends visiting on the evening of August 24, 2021, when a knock came at the door.
This is a 35-year-old person who should have had his whole life ahead of him, vigil organiser Gemma Cafarella, a barrister and vice president of Liberty Victoria, told the crowd. People of colour are disproportionately targeted by police, she said. Some people who gathered for the vigil cried shame, and said the show of police force in the area made them feel fearful, not safe. What we need is investment in health responses, investment in housing, investment in social support, Cafarella said. African community leader Berhan Ahmed, who heads the nearby youth and community services organisation Africause, confirmed the man who was shot was a member of the African community.

He said many people were becoming desperate in the face of rising living costs, and did not have proper mental health support. Berhan Ahmed addresses the crowd at the vigil. Credit: Simon Schluter How many people need to be killed before we do something? These people are desperate. It is quite shocking. This situation is getting out of hand. Residents react A Footscray resident who witnessed the shooting questioned why police did not use a Taser or capsicum spray before drawing their guns.

There are so many other options, and there are so many resources and ways to restrain, keep people safe, and keep yourself safe, he said. Police officers at the scene in Footscray on Thursday night. Credit: Pradeep Tiwari The man, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said he was driving with his girlfriend when the officers pulled out their guns and fired multiple shots at the man just metres in front of his vehicle. The witness said it felt like it went on forever. He said Footscray needed more support services to help those struggling with mental health and substance abuse, but more policing was not the way to go. Police response

On Friday morning, Victoria Police Commander Tim Tully said the sergeant and constable at the scene instructed the man to drop the knife. Tully said the man refused and allegedly ran at the officers, prompting them to shoot. He said there were no protocols requiring police to explore other options before drawing their guns. The Age is not suggesting the officers breached any police protocols. Police undertake specific training and are provided with a range of tactical options and equipment to keep the community safe. In these circumstances, the members deemed that the firearm was appropriate, Tully said.

Tully did not say how many shots were fired, but a witness estimated there were a total of six to eight. Tully said an investigation by homicide squad detectives and overseen by Professional Standards Command would also probe whether the man got the knife from a nearby Kmart store. Im aware that post the incident, there was a group of persons who challenged police in terms of abusing them and throwing bottles, Tully said. My understanding is that those persons were not connected with the deceased man. In terms of their behaviour, that is something well certainly look at. Later on Friday morning, an Easter procession comprising several churches from Footscray stopped at the scene of the shooting to pray and sing.

People are a bit scared A nearby shop owner who did not want to be identified said the area was busy with people doing last-minute Easter shopping at the time of the shooting on Thursday night. This is obviously a scary thing, a crazy thing, he said. Officers talking to shopkeepers and residents at the scene on Friday morning were also inquiring about vandalism after glass panels in three bus shelters near the shooting scene had been smashed about 8.30am. One of the bus shelters near the scene of the shooting that had their glass panels smashed on Friday. Credit: Marta Pascal Juanola

The shop owner said he resorted to installing metal bars in his business about a month ago after at two break-in attempts. Last week, police visited Footscray with the dog unit to talk to business owners about their crime concerns, but Tully said he did not believe it was a problem suburb for crime. In terms of the drug issues down there, that may have been the focus of the operation [last week], and I think sadly, youll see that across a number of different suburbs across the state, he said. Police Commander Tim Pully speaks to the media on Friday morning. Credit: Paul Jeffers Tully also said officers would conduct reassurance patrols in coming days to help Footscray residents feel more secure.

Maribyrnong councillor Susan Yengi urged the local community to unite in response to the shooting. This heartbreaking incident is the latest in a string of events that have shaken African communities across our city. The sadness is deep. Too many families are living with grief, and too many young lives have been cut short, she said. This moment demands more than sorrow, it calls for resolve. Emergency services at the scene of a shooting in Footscray on Friday morning. Credit: Paul Jeffers A challenging month

In the past month, police shot two people in separate incidents in Melbournes south-eastern suburbs. Both shootings were non-fatal and were being investigated by professional standards. On March 29, police shot a man who allegedly charged at them with a metal pole in Doveton. In Mulgrave on April 4, an officer shot a woman through the window of the car she was in after she allegedly pointed a gun at the man driving the car following a police pursuit. In 2021, the Victorian state government pledged $214 million to equip all frontline police with Tasers. It said the move would save lives as officers would have more non-lethal options to keep the community safe. On Friday, Premier Jacinta Allan said it was a very distressing set of circumstances for this individuals family, and also potentially dangerous for police.
Victorias frontline defence against the spread of infectious disease is at risk of being dismantled after Health Minister Mary-Anne Thomas refused to guarantee funding for the states local public health units beyond the end of this financial year.

Uncertainly over the future of the nine suburban and regional public health units, which opened at the height of the COVID crisis to address a critical weakness in Victorias pandemic response, comes as the government is yet to appoint a new chief health officer after a six-month search.

Vaccine queues in Melbourne during the pandemic when public health units were first installed. Credit: Getty Images

Public health and infectious-disease experts, including current and former departmental officials, believe a downgrading of the chief health officers operational authority since the pandemic, when Brett Sutton wielded broad emergency powers and emerged as one of the states best-known public figures, has deterred qualified candidates from applying.

Dr Tarun Weeramanthri, a former chief health officer for Western Australia and the Northern Territory, is currently acting in the role for Victoria after Suttons successors, Dr Clare Looker and Professor Ben Cowie, quit at the end of last year. Weeramanthri is due to end his fill-in role in two weeks time.
A Liberal candidate defaced by a swastika on a federal election corflute says the vandalism is a confronting reminder of hate and antisemitism lingering in the community.

Member for Caulfield David Southwick discovered on Thursday morning that a sign on his fence supporting the Liberal candidate for Macnamara, Benson Saulo, was scrawled with the words, Libs = Nazis along with a swastika on Saulos forehead.

The vandalised poster for Benson Saulo at the home of Caulfield MP David Southwick on Thursday morning.

Saulo described the graffiti as completely unacceptable, antisemitic behaviour, and said it reinforced that Macnamara had a serious community safety issue, on which the Victorian and federal governments were failing to act.

The defacing of my signs by neo-Nazis and others is a confronting reminder of the level of hate and antisemitism that still lingers in our community, Saulo said in a statement.
His planning was immaculate. To compare him to most opportunistic and impulsive burglars is to compare caviar with a seafood extender. This gang conducted detailed surveillance, often lying in bushes for hours to observe targets, used CCTV jamming equipment, earpiece communicators, and had men positioned outside the house in radio contact with the main burglar. Our man would walk the streets taking detailed notes, says Schimizzi. Their method was specific. The target time was 6pm to 9pm, usually during dinner hours and school holidays. Quiet enough not to be noticed but still busy enough to walk the streets without suspicion. They did not strike during daylight savings, wanting the cover of darkness but also to select houses where the lights were off.

The chief burglar would jump neighbours fences, find tools to break open windows, then use a ladder or jump on water heaters to gain access to the second storey. Most were next to a vacant block, derelict house or building site, giving them further security. The breakthroughs came slowly as Oceans investigators collated a list of Melbourne jobs from Sandringham to Balwyn that fitted the pattern. Schimizzi reached out to colleagues in NSW he worked with in the bikie-busting Echo taskforce to find similar jobs. Eventually, CCTV from some of the street surveillance captured a middle-aged man appearing to conduct surveillance in the area of the burglaries. For obvious reasons, he was dubbed Baldy. Then he was picked up talking near a surveillance camera. A translator said he was speaking Albanian and possibly came from the Kosovo area.

Albanian crime gangs are so notorious they often travel on fake passports from other countries to avoid suspicion. It would later be found Baldy had five fake Lithuanian identities. On October 2, 2022, Baldy was caught on CCTV about to enter a house in Mosman, Sydney. The camera had been painted black on the wall, and he must have missed it, says Schimizzi. When he spotted it, he bolted, but it was too late. Police finally had a usable image. Knowing his cover may be blown, he flew out of Australia two days later.

Using facial recognition data, Home Affairs identified him as Liudas Valiusaitis. His only daughter lived in Melbourne, and he had been here so often he had his own Commonwealth Bank account. On each trip, he would use between one and three associates as support staff, but he was always the break-in artist. Valiusaitis nabbed at the airport. Valiusaitis was born in May 1973 in Kaunas, Lithuania, and was of Albanian descent. In 2000, he bought a farm to raise goats, sheep and chickens, but he was not the average goat farmer because he embarked on a university course in his middle age. He would later tell the courts he took up crime because his farm had plunged into debt.

When we finally caught him, he asked, Who will feed my livestock? Schimizzi says. Once police knew the identity of their main suspect, they could backtrack. He arrived in Australia on May 21, 2022, under the alias Luidas Juzikis and rented a car at Tullamarine. His first job on this trip was eight days later, on a house in Brighton. For the next three months, there was a spike in top-end burglaries around Melbourne where the offender was so discreet the victims often didnt know they had been robbed for days. The discerning Valiusaitis was not only a thief but a snob. He would discard jewellery that was not top-end, then send his A-grade haul home in shipping containers. None of the houses were soft targets with most having state-of-the-art security systems and high fences.

Local burglaries were dealt with by local detectives, and it took time to see the pattern in Balwyn, Sandringham, Kew, Moorabbin, South Yarra and Toorak. Then the burglaries stopped  at least in Melbourne. On August 15, Valiusaitis girlfriend flew in, the couple headed north where the break-ins continued in NSW until he was caught on camera in Mosman and flew out. Paulius Juzenas, the willing apprentice pinged at the airport. By minimising the risks and playing the odds, the elite burglar had got away with it but like so many crooks, greed would get in the way. Eight months later, believing he had been forgotten, Valiusaitis slipped back into Melbourne on June 8, and six days later, his accomplice, Lithuanian Paulius Juzenas, dressed as any other budget tourist, gave a backpackers hostel in St Kilda as his address. There are no records of him staying there.

They were both pinged at the airport. Operation Oceans detectives from three districts worked with investigators from NSW, the Australian Federal Police, Border Force, Home Affairs, the UK National Crime Agency, Interpol and the Australian Crime Intelligence Commission to close in. They rented different cars from different outlets and took to staying in short-term rental accommodation. Detective Sergeant Sean Schimizzi Within days, the burglaries started again. Schimizzi says they had perfected a system. They rented different cars from different outlets and took to staying in short-term rental accommodation. For the Oceans investigation, the tide was turning as investigators began to track Valiusaitis phone pinging off one tower in Mentone. They also knew he had a rental car, which had a small white sticker on the rear windscreen.

A surveillance cop remembered seeing one when they swept the area. It was parked outside a short-term rental address in Levanto Street, Mentone. A sneaky online check by Schimizzi showed the property would be vacant in a few days. What investigators didnt know is they were running out of time. Valiusaitis was planning one more job before flying out. On July 12, police followed the two to Royal Avenue, Sandringham. Police couldnt be sure the pair were about to commit a crime, but they soon had a pretty good clue. They watched Valiusaitis climb down a ladder with a safe on his back. Juzenas is snapped unloading a truck. Police raided the Mentone flat and arrested the two, finding burglar gear and a receipt for an international transport company. Schimizzi says that when police visited the cargo business, one of the staff had accidentally taken a picture of one of the customers unloading four boxes he was sending to Kupiskis, Lithuania. (It has a most excellent horse museum, apparently.) It was Juzenas. He paid for his property to be shipped, giving Levanto Street as his home address.

But the ship had almost sailed  literally. The boxes were in a container already loaded onto the Maltese container ship, Tancredi, at South Wharf bound for Europe. Schimizzi was convinced the Lithuanians had stashed their haul in the container but in policing, there is no such thing as a free hunch. If they delayed the ship leaving, they would have to pay a fine worth over $200,000. The hope was it would be one of the top containers, and it could be a quick job. Loading They had to remove 44 containers to get to it, he says. Once inside, they found boxes 1344, 1345, 1346 and 1347 that contained 80 kilos of designer handbags, luxury watches, jewellery and even bottles of Grange  valued at $2 million.

There were earpieces, gloves and other burglary equipment, which indicated they were planning to leave in days, says Schimizzi. How much Valiusaitis stole will never be known. He was eventually charged with 46 burglaries. Most were worth between $50,000 and $200,000 with the smallest about $25,000. Police estimate the total is more than $7 million. Not bad for a struggling goat farmer. Valiusaitis pleaded guilty in court to 15 counts of burglary and was sentenced to a minimum of 18 months. He is expected to be deported in the next few weeks. His mate, Juzenas, received a minimum of three months and has already been deported. The 80 kilos of hot goods have been returned to the owners, and the Victoria Police received a bill for removing the container from the Tancredi. Schimizzi still has the receipt. It was for $20,274.16.
Senior Liberal MP Michaelia Cash says none of her WA colleagues support Labors critical mineral and hydrogen production tax sweetener, and the states mining sector will benefit more from her partys commitment to getting the fundamentals right.

Labors production tax incentives are emerging as an election issue in the state after the Nationals Bullwinkel candidate Mia Davies broke ranks from Coalition policy to publicly back the $13.7 billion worth of tax breaks announced in the 2024 budget to lure critical minerals and hydrogen downstream processing to Australia.

WA Senator Michaelia Cash and shadow treasurer Angus Taylor in Perth. Credit: Hamish Hastie

Davies is currently running in the seat of Bullwinkel where she is engaged in a three-cornered contest with Liberals Matt Moran and Labors Trish Cook.

She said she would stand up in the party room as a voice for WA and urge it to rethink its opposition to the sensible policy that had emphatic backing from the sector itself.
Theyre uninspected, unloved and often uninhabitable  but Queenslands public trustee homes are proving hot property for Brisbane bargain hunters who are willing to pick up the tools for a hefty discount.

Queensland Public Trustee figures reveal more than 340 homes were sold under the hammer last year, many too dangerous to view inside and selling for up to 30 per cent less than the suburb median.

From falling-down workers cottages in the inner city, to half-gutted units in sought-after suburbs, the ownerless homes are typically sold as is  yet drew dozens of bidders hoping to flip them for profit or get a foot on the ladder.

The Queensland Public Trustee sold 46 Morley Street in Toowong for $1.3 million. Credit: Queensland Public Trustee

The trustees auction clearance rates are double that of the capitals average weekly figure, at 80 per cent.
In a world as disordered and dangerous as ours is now, we ought to be thankful for the monotonous nature of Australias election campaign, where so little happens that fevered analysis is applied to a prime minister falling off a stage and an opposition leader trying to duck questions about using some of his millions to help his son buy a house.

Dull though it may be, we can be pretty sure the government chosen by our voting system will abide by most of the norms of democratic behaviour.

Is it time to rethink Australias relationship with the US in the time of Trump? Credit: ARTWORK: Marija Ercegovac

The crucial question facing Australia, however, is much more important to our future than any tax break. The urgency in solving it sits far above todays interest in whoever might win the May 3 election.

Who, we must ask, will we rely upon now that the United States is turning away from democracy and its friends in the free world?
Chinese President Xi Jinping shakes hands with Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim in Putrajaya, Malaysia, April 16, 2025. Xi held talks with Anwar at the prime minister's official residence in Putrajaya on Wednesday. After the talks, leaders of the two countries jointly witnessed the exchange of bilateral cooperation documents. (Xinhua/Huang Jingwen)

PUTRAJAYA, Malaysia, April 16 (Xinhua) -- Chinese President Xi Jinping on Wednesday put forward a three-point proposal on building a high-level strategic China-Malaysia community with a shared future.

Xi made the remarks during his meeting with Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim.

First, Xi urged the two countries to adhere to strategic independence and carry out high-level strategic coordination.

China and Malaysia both uphold self-reliance and strength, and firmly oppose external interference, Xi said.

The two countries should continue to work hand in hand to pursue development paths suited to their respective national conditions, resolutely support each other in safeguarding sovereignty, security and development interests, and keep their future firmly in their own hands, he said.

Xi called on the two sides to establish a "2+2" dialogue mechanism on diplomacy and national defense to deepen exchanges and cooperation on national security, defense and law enforcement.

Second, China and Malaysia should build synergy for development and set a model for high-quality development cooperation, Xi said.

He said China is committed to advancing Chinese modernization in all respects through high-quality development, which aligns with Malaysia's Ekonomi MADANI initiative.

The two countries should join hands in fostering growth in cutting-edge areas such as the digital economy, green economy, blue economy and artificial intelligence (AI), and in strengthening integrated development across industrial chains, supply chains, value chains, data chains and talent chains, Xi said.

The two sides should upgrade traditional areas of cooperation and promote two-way investment, Xi said, adding that efforts should be made to advance rail-sea intermodal transport, enhance the "Two Countries, Twin Parks" program, and elevate Malaysia's key ports into pivotal hubs of the New International Land-Sea Trade Corridor.

Third, Xi called for both sides to carry forward their friendship from generation to generation and deepen exchanges and mutual learning between the two civilizations.

China and Malaysia should collaborate on Confucian-Islamic civilizational dialogue to jointly build a platform for cultural exchanges at both the bilateral and regional levels, Xi said.

With the mutual visa exemption agreement, the two sides should vigorously promote tourism, youth and sub-national exchanges, and deepen cooperation in culture, education, sports, film and media to foster people-to-people bonds and carry forward traditional friendship, he said.

China stands ready to continue joint research with Malaysia on panda conservation, Xi said.

Xi said that the traditional friendship between China and Malaysia has spanned a thousand years. Nurtured in a long and rich history, the friendship has grown through cultural exchanges, been consolidated through mutual benefit and elevated through solidarity against challenges, Xi added.

It reflects a pursuit of common values, characterized by sincere interactions, honesty, commitment to righteousness, and respect for peace, the Chinese president continued.

This friendship, he said, embodies the historical wisdom and courage of both peoples and is shared treasure for the two nations.

Last year, both sides celebrated the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations. Over the past 50 years, China-Malaysia relations have yielded fruitful results, Xi said.

In the next 50 years, Xi called on both sides to continue to seize opportunities, stand at the forefront of the times, build a high-level strategic China-Malaysia community with a shared future, deliver more benefits to the two peoples, and further contribute to regional prosperity and stability.

Xi pointed out that Malaysia has set the theme of the ASEAN chairmanship this year as "Inclusivity and Sustainability," which reflects a deep insight into the current situation.

China supports Malaysia in playing its role as ASEAN's rotating chair, Xi said, adding that China stands ready to work with countries in the region to sign the China-ASEAN Free Trade Area Upgrade Protocol at an early date.

Xi urged joint efforts to reject decoupling, supply disruption, "small yard, high fence" and tariff abuse with openness, inclusiveness, solidarity and cooperation.

He also called for countering the law of the jungle where the strong prey on the weak with the Asian values of peace, cooperation, openness and inclusiveness, and address instability and uncertainty in the world with the stability and certainty of Asia.

Anwar warmly welcomes Xi's visit to Malaysia. He said that China has been sincerely helping Malaysia for a long time, sharing weal and woe during the smooth times and the rough, and is a trustworthy friend of Malaysia.

He noted that Xi is an outstanding leader in today's world, guiding China toward significant development, spearheading the Chinese people's efforts to eradicate poverty, and has been advocating common prosperity and mutual learning among civilizations.

The Malaysian people admire China and President Xi, Anwar said.

The record-setting cooperation results achieved by President Xi during this visit are of great significance to Malaysia, and Malaysia is deeply inspired, Anwar said, adding that Malaysia firmly adheres to the one-China policy and does not support any "Taiwan independence" act.

Malaysia stands ready to deepen strategic communication with China and consolidate political mutual trust, Anwar said.

Malaysia is willing to expand bilateral trade, and Chinese enterprises are welcome to invest and do business in Malaysia, as well as to cooperate with the Malaysian side in developing digital economy, green economy, AI and other emerging technology sectors, so as to foster greater development for both nations, the prime minister said.

The Malaysian side is prepared to promote people-to-people exchanges in such fields as culture, education and tourism to enhance mutual understanding and friendship between the two peoples, Anwar said, adding that the country also looks forward to carrying out Confucian-Islamic civilizational dialogue to contribute to the advancement of human civilization.

Facing the rise of unilateralism, Malaysia is willing to strengthen cooperation with China to jointly address risks and challenges, Anwar said.

Anwar noted that ASEAN will not endorse any unilaterally imposed tariffs, and will promote collective advancement through cooperation to maintain economic growth.

The Malaysian side lauds China's positive role in international and regional issues, Anwar said.

As ASEAN chair and the Country Coordinator for ASEAN-China Dialogue Relations, Malaysia will work to further strengthen ASEAN-China cooperation, and promote regional peace, stability and prosperity, he added.

After the talks, leaders of the two countries jointly witnessed the exchange of more than 30 bilateral cooperation documents, covering cooperation on three major global initiatives, Confucian-Islamic civilizational dialogue, digital economy, trade in services, upgrading the "Two Countries, Twin Parks" program, joint laboratories, AI, railways, intellectual property, export of agricultural products to China, mutual visa exemption and panda conservation, among other areas.

In the evening, Anwar held a welcome banquet for Xi.

Chinese President Xi Jinping holds talks with Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim at the prime minister's official residence in Putrajaya, Malaysia, April 16, 2025. (Xinhua/Huang Jingwen)

Chinese President Xi Jinping holds talks with Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim at the prime minister's official residence in Putrajaya, Malaysia, April 16, 2025. (Xinhua/Ding Lin)

Chinese President Xi Jinping and Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim jointly witness the exchange of bilateral cooperation documents after their talks in Putrajaya, Malaysia, April 16, 2025. Xi held talks with Anwar at the prime minister's official residence in Putrajaya on Wednesday. (Xinhua/Ding Lin)

In this combo photo, Chinese President Xi Jinping is warmly welcomed by Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim and Malaysian teenagers as he arrives at the prime minister's official residence in Putrajaya, Malaysia, April 16, 2025. Xi held talks with Anwar here Wednesday. (Xinhua/Huang Jingwen)

Editor: WXY
Swami Vivekananda memorial not linked to 2023 Ambazari floods





Staff Reporter :

An earthmover stuck in the water channel underneath the bridge affected the flow of water causing floods on September 23, 2023, not the memorial at Ambazari dam: CWPRS

The Swami Vivekanand Memorial on the spillway at Ambazari dam got a clean chit in final report of Central Water and Power Research Station (CWPRS) as regards to floods in catchment area of Naag river on September 23, 2023. The Public Health Engineering (PHE) Department, Nagpur Municipal Corporation (NMC), that is in receipt of the report, released its excerpts. The report mentioned that physics model studies indicated that the memorial pedestal was in no way responsible for blockade of the flood water, as was claimed. The NMC officials received the report on April 15.

The flood-affected residents of Yashwant Nagar, Ambazari and other nearby areas had filed a public interest litigation (PIL) in the Nagpur Bench of Bombay High Court claiming that location of the memorial in spillway was obstructing smooth flow of water from Ambazari dam. They had sought shifting of the memorial from the spillway to avoid repeat of floods in the catchment area in future. However, Maharashtra Government through Water Resources Department (WRD), was of view that the memorial does not affect downward flow of the water. It mentioned to the court that the CWPRS has been referred the matter for detailed and scientific study. In the report, the CWPRS mentioned using the stated scientific models based on physics to study the flow of flood water. The main findings of the report put the blame flooding to blockade under the then road bridge.

The already narrow flow underneath the bridge at chainage 140 m was further reduced after a earth mover got stuck in the water channel. The machine was deployed to remove the Echhornia that overflowed from the dam through spillway and was seen as slowing water flow in the aftermath of heavy rains on September 23, 2023. But the sudden surge in water discharge caught the NMC officials overseeing the flood management operations by surprise and they decided to abandon the earth mover at the spot. The civic officials did not get any time to decide on steps for lifting the earth mover.

The report mentions that the reduced waterway of the bridge and subsequent afflux induced by the choked bridge led to swelling of the water that then moved into adjoining localities on the banks of Naag River. The scientists said their simulations indicated that when the compound of Krazy Castle was intact, the discharge in the river channel downstream of the 140 m bridge and same was approximately 72 m 3/s. The sudden rise in water level post the blockade resulted in building of pressure leading to collapse of the adjoining wall. This suddenly increased the speed of discharge in the river channel downstream of the 140 m bridge increased to about 83 m 3/s, leaving the remaining water to flood the countryside. As the water discharge rate increased, there was a marginal rise in the water levels downstream of the bridges.

The blocked bay of the bridge reduced the discharge passing through the river. The simulations with statue pedestal and collapsed compound wall indicated that the discharge increased from 83 m3/s to 93 m3/s when both the bays of the bridge at chainage 140 m were operative, the report mentions further. The CWPRS scientists also carried out simulations study without statue and its pedestal and it showed that there was no significant change in the discharge and water levels downstream of the bridge at 140 m compared with situation with statue and pedestal condition. In the early morning of September 23, 2023, a heavy rainfall (approximately 109 mm within three hours) resulted in a substantial discharge of water from the catchment. So, primarily this heavy downpour caused sudden influx of water and situation was further compounded by obstruction at various locations, forcing it into low-lying areas before eventually merging with the river. These conditions resulted in diversion and also accumulation of flood waters and same contributed to the inundation in low-lying areas.

The study clearly ruled out any role of Swami Vivekanand statue and its pedestal in creating any obstruction to flow of water or in any way responsible for the subsequent floods. The report underlined that statue pedestal are located in upstream of the bridge where flood waters began spilling into the surrounding area. The primary constraint was the limited passage available under the bridge at chainage 140m. Now that the earlier narrow bridge is dismantled and wider channel is now available for discharge of the water, the chance of any obstruction to flood water in future has almost ended. This is so as the height from the water channel has increased which means the capacity to accommodate water has increased manifold, said the release issued by the Public Health Engineer, NMC.
The Supervisory Board of PJSC Ukrnafta convened in Kyiv last week to review results and update the company's strategic components for 2025, according to a press release from the company.

"Thanks to the professional work of our team over the past two years and the implementation of high standards of corporate governance, we have begun a successful partnership with the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD), resulting in EUR 80 million in loans and EUR 44 million in grants for modern gas generation," said Ukrnafta CEO Serhiy Koretsky.

He added that the confidence of international partners in the state-owned company is also reflected in grant support worth nearly EUR 75 million from the governments of Sweden and Norway.

Ukrnafta reaffirmed that its key strategic objectives remain unchanged: expanding its resource base, increasing oil and gas production, boosting wholesale and retail sales of petroleum products, and developing new areas within the energy sector.

The overarching goals of the Supervisory Board and management are to ensure three core pillars in the company's operations: Sustainability  resilience to change and challenges, Profitability  delivering returns and being financially viable for shareholders, and Growth  pursuing development and expansion.

As reported, Ukrnafta posted a net profit of UAH 16.38 billion for 2024.

Ukrnafta is Ukraine's largest oil extraction company and operates a national network of filling stations. In March 2024, the company took over the management of Glusco assets, and now operates 544 filling stations  461 of its own and 83 under management.

Ukrnafta holds 92 licenses for industrial development of fields. It has 1,832 oil and 154 gas production wells on its balance.

The largest shareholder in Ukrnafta is Naftogaz Ukrainy, which holds a 50% plus one share.

In November 2022, the General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine decided to transfer the corporate rights of the company, previously owned by private shareholders, to the state. The Ministry of Defense now oversees these shares.
Bomb threat calls, messages received in many States





NEW DELHI :

MULTIPLE bomb threat calls and messages were received on the official phone numbers, email IDs of various departments in many States of country on Wednesday and police were carrying out searches in the related premises. CHHATTISGARH: KABIRDHAM COLLECTORATE GETS BOMB THREAT: The Kabirdham District Collectorate in Chhattisgarh on Wednesday received a bomb threat via an email, prompting police to conduct a thorough search of the premises, officials said. The threat message was received on the official email ID of the Kabirdham Collector following which police were alerted, Additional Superintendent of Police Pushpendra Singh Baghel told PTI.

The email, sent by an unidentified person, stated an improvised explosive device was planted in the Collectorate office and we will blow it up by 2.30 pm, he said. The polices cyber wing has launched an investigation to trace the source of the email, the official said. DELHI: DWARKA COURT RECEIVES BOMB THREAT: THE Dwarka court was evacuated on Wednesday after a bomb threat, a police officer said. According to police, the courts Chief Judicial Magistrate had received an email at 3.11 am on Tuesday about there being a bomb planted in the courts premises. The court made a call to police at 10.50 am on Wednesday, the officer said. Dog and bomb detection squads have been rushed to the spot, and we are conducting a thorough check. As of now, nothing suspicious has been found, the officer said. Police in a statement said the mailer said there was an RDX-based explosive device planted in the court. MUMBAI: POLICE RECEIVE BOMB THREAT CALL; MAN DETAINED: THE Mumbai Police have received a call wherein a person claimed there would be bomb blasts in the city, officials said on Wednesday. The accused, identified as Suraj Jadhav (37), who allegedly made the threat call under the influence of alcohol, has been detained, a senior police official said. The city polices main control room received the call on Tuesday afternoon wherein the person claimed there will be bomb blasts in the metropolis, he said.

The police launched an investigation and traced the caller to Borivali area here. Jadhav, resident of Borivali, made the threat call in an inebriated state, the official said. HIMACHAL: MANDI DC OFFICE EVACUATED AFTER BOMB THREAT: THE Deputy Commissioners office here and the adjoining court were evacuated on Wednesday morning after an email was received claiming that a bomb had been planted in the complex, officials said. Police teams sealed the entry to the Deputy Commissioners (DC) office and the district court after vacating the premises, they said. A threat was received on the email of the Deputy Commissioner, Mandi, and as a precautionary measure, the (office) complex has been evacuated.

All steps, including an anti-sabotage check, are being taken as per the standard operating procedure, Mandi police said in a statement. KERALA: PALAKKAD RDO OFFICE RECEIVES BOMB THREAT: OFFICE of the Revenue Divisional Officer (RDO) received a bomb threat by email on Wednesday prompting the deployment of bomb and dog squads to search the premises for any explosives. A senior police officer told a TV channel that the bomb disposal and dog squads were searching the RDO office after evacuating staffs and public from there. He also said that similar emails were received in other districts of the State and therefore, police was trying to ascertain whether the threat was a hoax. A time has been mentioned in the email and we will continue our search till then, he said. The content of email as shown on the TV channel claims that an RDX explosive has been placed at the RDO office and it will detonate at 1.30 pm. The purported email also claims that the detonation is timed to coincide with the alleged elimination of AIADMK leader Edappadi K Palaniswamy. Last month, bomb threats by email were received at the Thiruvananthapuram, Pathanamthitta and Wayanad District Collector offices and all of them turned out to be a hoax.
China now faces 245% tariff on imports to US





WASHINGTON :

CHINA now faces tariffs up to 245 per cent on imports to the United States due to its retaliatory actions, the White House has said, as the trade war escalated between the worlds two largest economies. Separately in a post on Truth Social, President Donald Trump said on Tuesday that China just reneged on the big Boeing deal, saying that they will not take possession of fully committed to aircraft. He appeared to be confirming reports that China has asked its airlines not to take deliveries of planes from American aircraft manufacturer Boeing. In the post, he also vowed to protect the US and its farmers in a trade war with its adversaries, such as China. In a factsheet issued on Tuesday, the White House said, President Trump signed an executive order launching an investigation into the national security risks posed by US reliance on imported processed critical minerals and their derivative products.

On Day One, President Trump initiated his America First Trade Policy to make Americas economy great again, it said. More than 75 countries have already reached out to discuss new trade deals. As a result, the individualised higher tariffs are currently paused amid these discussions, except for China, which retaliated, it said. China now faces up to a 245% tariff on imports to the United States as a result of its retaliatory actions, the factsheet said, without giving details. China is the only country to have retaliated with tit-for-tat levies.

China on Friday raised its additional tariffs on imports from the US to 125 per cent in retaliation to the Trump administrations 145 per cent levies on Chinese exports. China also filed a lawsuit with the WTO following the US tariff hikes. China earlier retaliated with 84 per cent levies and imposed restrictions on imports of some US films, expressing its interest in holding dialogue with Washington to resolve the issue.
Gokulpeth Shootout Case Investigation leads to Hiranwar gangs two-storey Safe house in Kachipura





Staff Reporter :

The City Police investigating the Gokulpeth Shootout case have discovered that the Hiranwar gang had been hiding in a two-storey building located in Chamadiya Basti, Kachipura. This building was a hideout for the gang. All gang members were living in the safe house. According to police officials, the house was built illegally on the Government land. It had many doors at front and back so that the gang members could escape easily in case of a police raid. The police have started checking the documents related to the house to confirm if it was built without proper permission. A request has been sent to the Nagpur Municipal Corporation to provide all the related papers.

A senior police officer said that if the building is found to be illegal, it will be demolished. The officer also confirmed that the Hiranwar gang members were staying there and using the place to plan and run their criminal activities. In the ongoing investigation, police have identified two accused in the murder - Akash Shendre and Siddhu Bharadwaj. It was also revealed that eight attackers arrived on three two-wheelers to target Avinash Raju Bhusari (28), the owner of Sosha Cafe. The shots were fired by Bunty Hiranwar, Babu Hiranwar, and Shakti Yadav.

Shooters were on look out for Shekhu gang since 8 pm

Police sources said that the attackers had planned to kill a member or relative of the Shekhu gang on Wednesday. They began their search around 8 pm and continued looking for a target late into the night. The gang had been gathering information about the relatives of the Shekhu gang members for over a month. On Wednesday night, the shooters visited three different locations but could not find anyone. Eventually, they found Avinash Bhusari at his cafe. One of their associates confirmed Avinashs presence and informed the gang. The shooters waited outside the cafe, watching for the right moment. When Avinash came out and was eating ice cream, they attacked and shot him.
Kerala RSS leader murder: SC refuses to hear NIAs plea against bail to PFI members





NEW DELHI :

THE Supreme Court on Wednesday refused to entertain petitions filed by the NIA against the bail granted to 17 Popular Front of India members in the 2022 murder case of RSS leader Srinivasan in Keralas Palakkad district. A bench comprising Justices Abhay S Oka and N Kotiswar Singh noted that the Kerala High Court order granting bail to the accused is one-year-old and the HC has the power to cancel bail if the conditions are violated. Our attention is invited to observation made in the last part of the impugned order by which high court has reserved liberty to the petitioners to apply to special court for cancellation of bail.

Therefore, the petitioners can always apply to the special court for cancellation of bail on the grounds which are set out in the affidavits filed in these petitions. In fact the special court will be the more appropriate court, the bench said. The top court said the agency can satisfy the special court about the breach of terms and conditions of grant of bail by producing materials against the accused. Therefore, at this stage we decline to entertain the special leave petitions with liberty to the petitioners to move the special court/high court for cancellation of bail.

Needless to say that if the prayer made by petitioner does not succeed before the special court/high court remedies of the petitioners remain open. We make it clear that as and when application is made for cancellation of bail the special court or high court should not be influenced by the fact that this court has declined to entertain the present special leave petitions, the bench said. During the hearing, Additional Solicitor General Raja Thakare, appearing for the NIA, sought cancellation of the bail and submitted that the accused have violated the bail conditions and have contacted the witnesses.
know him well





EVERY Indian person is in a joyous mood as the city of New York has declared April 14 as Dr. B. R. Ambedkar Day, thus indicating how the world sees the great emancipator of the down-trodden. Union Minister Dr. Ramdas Athawale, therefore, rightly stated at the United Nations that Dr. Ambedkars advocacy for equity, justice for all, and human dignity of the down-trodden resonates far beyond Indian borders, pointing to the fact that Dr. Ambedkar is a global icon. Even as the world recognises the tremendous contribution of Dr. Ambedkar to the cause of human dignity, the need also is being felt to understand him better -- in all the finer nuances of his thought and action -- not just as an architect of the Constitution of India and an emancipator of the down-trodden, but also as a deep thinker on issues of critical national, social, economic and strategic importance.

Though people in politics and academia habitually bring to fore many qualities of the great icon of humanity, a need is deeply sensed to know Dr. Ambedkar better. This need is felt all the more against the background of a sad reality that most users of his name and legacy do so only as a political point to score over others in the field. In this unfortunate process, the real Dr. Bhimrao Babasaheb Ambedkar is not understood fully by the larger society. Having seen political community indulging in using Dr. Ambedkars name left-right-and-centre, it is becoming increasing necessary that the causes Dr. Ambedkar advocated all his life need to be understood beyond the framework of caste and creed. The need, therefore is to study Dr. Ambedkar not from narrow angles that are habitual to us, but also from the broader perspective of genuine social justice for all -- which includes people from once-upon-a-time higher castes or classes. In other words, Dr. Ambedkars definition of genuine social equity needs to be expanded to cover people of every caste and creed and gender so that social justice does not get twisted out of shape for short-term political usage.

The tremendous contribution Dr. Ambedkar made towards social justice is unprecedented beyond doubt. Over time, however, definition of social justice, too, has begun crying for rethink. If in a particular socio-cultural and economic context social justice meant one thing say 75 years ago, it may mean something additional in the current context. It is in this area that scholars and thinkers need to get engaged in a comprehensive rethink on a new and reasonable interpretation of what social justice can mean. If such a vigorous exercise in undertaken in India, it will do better justice to Dr. Ambedkars avowed cause of social justice and equity of human dignity. As the world gets to recognise the greatness of the thought and action of Dr. Ambedkar -- which reflects in the decision of New York city to celebrate April 14 as Dr. B. R. Ambedkar Day -- India, too, needs to move forward from the old definition of social justice so that Dr. Ambedkar becomes a true global icon of human equity and opportunity.

Those who study Dr. Ambedkar well beyond the normal confines of academic and political definitions often feel amazed at the tremendously wide range of his thought on social discourse. Even as Pakistan was being carved out of the undivided India in 1947, Dr. Ambedkar expressed his views with great conviction. Those views act as guiding light even today. This aspect of Dr. Ambedkars thought, his approach to the Constitution, his idea of true social justice -- all make it clear that he was man well ahead of his times. This aspect of Dr. Ambedkars contribution needs to be understood by the larger Indian society today in a comprehensive manner -- so that we follow Dr. Ambedkars own dictum that the society must move beyond his own point in human journey.
Nashik dargah violence: 21 cops injured, 15 held





NASHIK :

TWENTY-ONE police personnel were injured and three police vehicles damaged when a mob attacked them while opposing the demolition of an unauthorised dargah in Maharashtras Nashik city, officials said on Wednesday. The incident took place late on Tuesday night and police resorted to lathi-charge and lobbed teargas shells to disperse the mob and brought the situation under control, they said, adding 15 persons have been detained in connection with the violence. The injured police personnel were on security duty during the anti-encroachment drive at the spot when the incident occurred. The situation is currently peaceful, a senior police official said. At around 6 am on Wednesday, the Nashik Municipal Corporation (NMC) personnel removed the unauthorised Satpeer Baba Dargah located in Kathe Galli area of the city, following an order of the Bombay High Court, the police said. As per the HC order, the Satpeer Dargah trustees started the process of removing the structure on Tuesday night.

A violent mob gathered to oppose the removal and pelted stones at police and Muslim leaders who went to pacify the protesters, Nashik Commissioner of Police Sandeep Karnik said. Police resorted to lathi-charge and lobbed teargas shells to disperse the mob and brought the situation under control. Three police vehicles were damaged and 21 police personnel injured in the attack. The dargah was demolished in the morning and the process to file an FIR and arrest (those involved in the violence) is on, he said.

At around 11.30 pm on Tuesday, the trustees had reached the spot to remove the encroachment and started the work. At that time, a mob of miscreants gathered at Usmania Chowk near the structure. They did not listen to the dargah trustees and other people who went to pacify them, DCP Kirankumar Chavan said. Police officials present at the place also tried to pacify them, but they did not listen to them. The miscreants pelted stones and damaged some vehicles. Mild force was used to control them, he said. As many as 15 persons have been detained and 57 motorcycles belonging to suspects have been seized. The situation is peaceful and under control at present, Chavan said. Nearly 50 NMC personnel were engaged in the anti-encroachment drive at the dargah on Wednesday morning, which was carried out using four earth-excavators, six trucks and two dumpers, as per civic officials. Notably, several unauthorised structures near the dargah were removed by the civic bodys anti-encroachment team in February this year.
(left) The inaugural flight at Amravati Airport being given ceremonial water cannon salute upon its arrival, on Wednesday. (PTI Photo) {right}

Mahatashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis speaking at the inauguration of Amravati Airport on Wednesday. Union Civil Aviaton Minister Kinjarapu Ram Mohan Naidu, State Deputy Chief Ministers Eknath Shinde and Ajit Pawar and other dignitaries seated on the dais.

Amravati Bureau :

In AN important step towards enhancing regional connectivity and boosting socio-economic development, the Amravati Airport was officially inaugurated and operationalised on Wednesday. The inauguration was done by Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis in the presence of Kinjarapu Ram Mohan Naidu, Union Minister of Civil Aviation, State Deputy Chief Ministers Eknath Shinde and Ajit Pawar. The event, considered to be the milestone in industrial, trade and economic growth of Western Vidarbha, was also graced by Murlidhar Mohol, Union Minister of State for Civil Aviation, Chandrashekhar Bawankule, Guardian Minister of Amravati, Girish Mahajan, Minister of Irrigation, Akash Fundkar, Minister of Labour, Sanjay Sethi, Additional Chief Secretary, General Administration Department, Swati Pandey, Vice-Chairman and Managing Director of Maharashtra Airport Development Company Limited (MADC), Balwant Wankhade, MP, Amar Kale, MP, Dr Anil Bonde, Rajya Sabha Member, Sanjay Khodke, MLC, Kiran Sarnaik, MLC, Ravi Rana, MLA, Sulabha Khodke, MLA, Pravin Tayde, MLA, Rajesh Wankhade, MLA and others including senior officers from the ministry of Civil Aviation, Directorate General of Civil Aviation, Bureau of Civil Aviation Security and Airport Authority of India.

The ceremony commenced with the arrival of Alliance Air flight 91-633 at Amravati Airport at 11.20 am. It had taken off from Mumbais Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport. Upon arrival, the plane was given the ceremonial water cannon salute, signifying the commencement of commercial operations at the airport.

Later, along with the Chief Minister and Deputy Chief Ministers, Bawankule, Sanjay Sethi, Swati Pandey, former MP Navneet Rana, MLC Sanjay Khodke and other dignitaries also travelled aboard the inaugural flight.

Fadnavis said on the occasion that the inauguration of Amravati Airport represented a significant leap in Maharashtras aviation capabilities. This project is testament to our commitment to inclusive growth and providing economic upliftment. The Amravati Airport will play a pivotal role in improving air connectivity, particularly for Vidarbha and surrounding regions, thereby fostering greater integration With the national and global economy, he said.

The CM said that expansion of the Amravati Airport will take place in future and the runway will be expanded to 3,000 meter from current 1,800 meter so that it can become operational as a full-fledged airport.

Fadnavis hailed the Flight Training Organisation calling it an important development as Amravati would come on international map for being the largest pilot training centre in Asia. FTO would accelerate economic activities, boost tourism, trade and create jobs. It would give new identity to Amravati and is a biggest gift from Prime Minister Narendra Modi to Amravati, he said. He also mentioned the PM-MITRA Textile Park announced for Amravati. It would generate about 2 lakh jobs. It will provide huge benefit to cotton growers of Vidarbha, he said.

The Samruddhi Expressway, which has been already connected with JNPT, will also be connected with Vadhavan Port, one of Indias largest ports, and thus it will become a portland hub, the Chief Minister said.

The Wainganga-Nalganga project will bring about 7 lakh hectare land under irrigation and it will made Vidarbha drought-free, said Fadnavis.

On the occasion, the CM assured that the State Government would develop airports at Akola and Yavatmal as well in due time. Kinjarapu Ram Mohan Naidu said that the airport at Amravati will open new vistas of progress. There has been an increase in the number of air travellers by 40 percent in last 10 years, thanks to the vision of NDA Government and its focus on aviation sector. There were only 74 airports in India till 2014 and now there are 159. Similarly the passenger capacity has also reached 220 million from earlier 100 million, the Union Minister informed. Murlidhar Mohol said that the rising demand for flight services is an indication of progress of the country. The Aviation Department has set a target for now to developed 400 airports and this will be achieved in next 10 years, he said.

Ajit Pawar said that the new airport at Amravati would give wings to the dreams of people of the district. Maharashtra state has maximum number of airports in India. State Government will try to develop as many airports as possible in all 11 districts in Vidarbha. Government has set an target to connect most of the districts in the State this way, he informed. Eknath Shinde said that the projects that were left hanging during the previous Maha

Vikas Aghadi Government have gained momentum now during the Mahayuti Government regime. Amravati Airport will prove to be a game changer for trade, industries, education and communication for Amravati, he said.
Violence over anti-Waqf law protests Very disturbing: SC





NEW DELHI :

There are positive points in the bill that should be highlighted, says CJI Khanna All members of the Waqf boards and central Waqf Council must be Muslims, except the ex-officio members, says the top court

THE Supreme Court on Wednesday said, the violence occurring during protests against the Waqf (Amendment) Act, 2025 is very disturbing. A bench of Chief Justice Sanjiv Khanna and Justices Sanjay Kumar and K V Viswanathan made the observation while hearing the pleas challenging the constitutional validity of the newly-amended law on waqf. One thing that is very disturbing is the violence that is taking place. If the matter is pending here then it should not happen, the CJI said. Echoing a similar sentiment, Solicitor General Tushar Mehta, appearing for the Centre, said, They (protesters) think they can pressurise the system by this.

Senior advocate Kapil Sibal, appearing for a Muslim organisation, opposed the submissions of the law officer and said, Who is pressuring who we dont know. The CJI then said, there were positive points in the bill that should be highlighted. Fresh incidents of Waqf law-related violence rocked Bhangar area in West Bengals South 24 Parganas district on April 14, even as police claimed the law and order situation in the previous riot epicentre of Murshidabad remained largely under control. At least three people were killed and hundreds were rendered homeless in communal violence in parts of Murshidabad district, mainly Suti, Samserganj, Dhulian and Jangipur, on April 11 and 12 during protests against the Waqf (Amendment) Act. The Supreme Court also proposed to order that the properties declared as waqf including waqf by user wont be de-notified but the Centre opposed the suggestion and sought a hearing before such a directive.

The top court also asked the Centre if Muslims would be allowed to be part of Hindu religious trusts. The properties declared by courts as waqfs should not be de-notified as waqfs, whether they are by waqf-by-user or waqf by deed, while the court is hearing the challenge to the Waqf Amendment Act 2025, the bench said. The top court went on, All Members of the Waqf boards and central Waqf Council must be Muslims, except the ex-officio members. A bench of Chief Justice Sanjiv Khanna and Justices Sanjay Kumar and K V Viswanathan in the hearing earlier considered referring the pleas to one High Court but later heard at length a battery of senior advocates, including Kapil Sibal, Abhishek Singhvi, Rajeev Dhavan and Solicitor General Tushar Mehta. The bench, which did not issue a formal notice as of now, said it would resume hearing on the petitions at around 2 pm on April 17. The CJI further proposed to pass an order to say that ex-officio members could be appointed regardless of their faith but others had to be Muslims.

he apex court questioned Mehta on how waqf by user can be disallowed as many would not have requisite documents to get such waqfs registered. Waqf by user refers to a practice where a property is recognised as a religious or charitable endowment (waqf) based on its long-term, uninterrupted use for such purposes, even if there isnt a formal, written declaration of waqf by the owner. How will you register such waqfs by user? What documents will they have? It will lead to undoing something. Yes, there is some misuse. But there are genuine ones also. I have gone through privy council judgments also. Waqf by user is recognised. If you undo it then it will be a problem. Legislature cannot declare a judgment, order or decree as void. You can only take the basis, the bench said. Mehta, however, submitted there was a large section of Muslims who did not want to be governed by Waqf act. The bench then asked Mehta, Are you saying that from now on you will allow Muslims to be part of the Hindu endowment boards? Say it openly. The apex court said when a public trust was declared to be a waqf 100 or 200 years ago, it couldnt suddenly be taken over by the waqf board and declared otherwise.

You cannot rewrite the past, the bench said. Mehta submitted that a joint parliamentary committee had 38 sittings and examined 98.2 lakh memorandums before Parliaments both Houses passed it. The CJI at the start of the hearing said, There are two aspects we want to ask both the sides to address. Firstly, whether we should entertain or relegate it to the high court? Secondly, point out in brief what you are really urging and wanting to argue? We are not saying there is any bar on SC in hearing, deciding pleas against the law.
Head of the Presidents Office of Ukraine Andriy Yermak, together with Minister of Foreign Affairs Andriy Sybiha and Minister of Defense Rustem Umerov, left for Paris on a visit, where a series of meetings of the states of the coalition of the willing are planned.

Just landed in Paris together with Foreign Minister Andriy Sybiha and Defense Minister Rustem Umerov. As part of the visit, a series of bilateral and multilateral meetings are planned with representatives of countries from the coalition of the willing and able to guarantee security  including France, Germany, and the United Kingdom, Yermak said on X Thursday.

In addition, meetings are planned with US representatives who are currently in France.

As reported, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio and US Presidential Special Envoy Steve Witkoff will also visit Paris on April 16-18 to discuss with their European colleagues ways to end the full-scale war unleashed by Russia against Ukraine.

They will discuss ways to advance common interests with their European partners. According to Politico, Witkoff is scheduled to meet with French President Emmanuel Macron, and Rubio is scheduled to meet with French Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot.
The Ukrainian government team, which is working with the American side on the agreement, has good results, the basic legal issues are almost finalized, said Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy.

There are good results from the Ukrainian Government team working with the American side on the economic partnership agreement. First Deputy Prime Minister Svyrydenko delivered a report today on this. The basic legal aspects are almost finalized, and further, if everything moves just as swiftly and constructively, the deal will yield economic results for both our countries: Ukraine and the United States, Zelenskyy said in his evening address Wednesday.

Earlier, First Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Economy Yulia Svyrydenko reported that technical teams from Ukraine and the United States of America had worked thoroughly on the agreement and there was significant progress.
Ukraine is preparing details of how the contingent of partners can function, and new support packages for Ukraine are also being prepared, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said.

There has just been a report by Minister of Defense Umerov on communication and joint work with our partners in Europe: new support packages will be coming, we are also preparing a new security architecture  all the specific details of how a partner security contingent in Ukraine can function, Zelenskyy said in an evening address Wednesday.

He also noted that the Ukrainian side will do everything to ensure that political decisions regarding the contingent are implemented as quickly as possible.
Defense Forces shoot down 25 out of 75 UAVs at night, another 30 lost from location

On the night of Thursday, the Ukrainian Defense Forces shot down 25 Shahed-type attack drones, as well as drones of other types, launched by Russian occupiers, and another 30 UAVs were lost, the Telegram channel of the Air Force of the Armed Forces of Ukraine reports.

"As of 10:00, the downing of 25 Shahed-type attack UAVs (drones of other types) in the east, north, south and center of the country has been confirmed. Thirty enemy drone imitators have been lost (without negative consequences)," the message says.

The air attack was repelled by aviation, anti-aircraft missile forces, electronic warfare units and mobile fire groups of the Ukrainian Defense Forces.

In total, on the night of April 17 (from 20:00 on April 16), the enemy launched an attack with two Iskander-M ballistic missiles from Rostov region of the Russian Federation, three S-300/400 anti-aircraft guided missiles from Luhansk region air defense system, as well as 75 Shahed-type strike UAVs and various types of drone imitators from the directions of Kursk, Millerovo of the Russian Federation, Chauda - Crimea.

As a result of the enemy attack, Donetsk, Kharkiv, Sumy and Dnipropetrovsk regions suffered.
The Paris Judicial Court recognised and granted leave to enforce (exequatur) in France the $5 billion Crimea final award issued by an arbitral tribunal in The Hague against the Russian Federation.

Naftogaz, together with five companies of the Naftogaz Group, has secured a key legal victory in its global enforcement campaign.

"The French Court's decision is yet another significant milestone in our international legal strategy This order by the French court recognizing and granting leave to enforce the final award enables Naftogaz to move forward with enforcement proceedings on French territory," explained Roman Chumak, CEO of Naftogaz Group.

According to the Group's press release, as part of this process, Naftogaz has already registered mortgages on several Russian state-owned assets located in France worth over EUR 120 million  first step towards enforcement of the award.

"Our team is pursuing every available legal avenue to enforce the award and ensure Russia is held accountable for its unlawful actions, said Roman Chumak. The decision to boost our enforcement strategy in this case was one of my first after assuming leadership of Naftogaz in December 2024. The French Court's decision is yet another significant milestone in our international legal strategy. We are grateful to Le 16 Law team and to our long-standing partner and lead counsel in the case  Covington and Burling, namely David Pinsky, Clovis Trevino and Paris Aboro," Chumak said.

"Naftogaz continues to coordinate enforcement efforts across multiple jurisdictions, with successful actions already underway in the United Kingdom and Finland. The company remains resolute in its efforts to recover the full value of the award and defend the rights of Ukraine's state-owned enterprises on the international stage," Chumak added.

The French proceedings are being led by Le 16 Law, a Paris-based dispute resolution boutique. The team is headed by partners Julie Spinelli and Alexandra Szekely, with support from associates Pauline Gadd, Carl Szymura, and Emma Ruby. The process of obtaining the exequatur order to enforce the final award was carried out pro bono by the Le 16 Law team.

The Group said that Naftogaz commenced arbitration proceedings against Russia in October 2016, seeking compensation for Moscow's seizure of its property in violation of a bilateral investment treaty between Ukraine and Russia. Naftogaz had been the leading player in the natural-gas industry in Crimea, active in gas exploration, production, transport, storage, processing, and distribution. The company's property included special permits for subsoil use; equipment and infrastructure; pipeline and gas-storage operation rights; ownership interests in gas pipelines; and over 675-million cubic meters of stored gas.

After a years-long arbitration, on April 12, 2023, a tribunal composed of Judge Ian Binnie, C.C., K.C., Dr. Charles Poncet, and Professor Dr. Maja Stanivukovic and constituted under the auspices of the Permanent Court of Arbitration (PCA) in The Hague, ordered Russia to pay Naftogaz more than $5 billion for Russia's treaty violations. This award remains the largest to date among all investor-state claims brought by Ukrainian entities over Russia's unlawful actions in Crimea, the Group said.

The tribunal's damages award followed a partial award in which the tribunal found that it had jurisdiction to hear Naftogaz's claims and that Russia was liable for the expropriation of Naftogaz's property. While Russia initially declined to participate in the case, it later changed course, taking an active role in the damages phase. The hearing on damages took place in The Hague's Peace Palace, and it was ongoing at the time of Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine, in late February 2022.

The Supreme Court of the Kingdom of the Netherlands recently dismissed the cassation appeal of the Russian Federation to overturn the tribunal's partial award on jurisdiction and merits.

"Notwithstanding the tribunal's award and the Dutch Supreme Court's judgment, Russia has refused to pay Naftogaz the amount due. Naftogaz has therefore launched an international enforcement effort, seeking to enforce the award in countries where Russia holds assets," Naftogaz said.
Yes  Significant efforts are being made

No  Much more needs to be done

Some progress  But there are still critical gaps

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At the Zaporizhia Nuclear Power Plant (ZNPP) over the past week, the International Agency for Nuclear Safety (IAEA) team based at the site has heard explosions at varying distances almost every day, as well as occasional bursts of gunfire.

The IAEA reported on its website on April 16, referring to IAEA Director General Rafael Mariano Grossi, Frequent air raid alarms, the regular sound of explosions nearby and the presence of drones are continuing to highlight the dangers facing Ukraine's main nuclear sites during the military conflict.

"The nuclear safety and security situation in Ukraine remains precarious. This is very clear from the daily reports of our teams on the ground. Military activities are still taking place in the vicinity of nuclear sites, putting their safety at constant risk. Our work to help prevent a nuclear accident is far from over," Grossi said.

The IAEA continues to monitor and assess nuclear safety and security at Ukraine's five main nuclear facilities and deliver essential equipment and other technical assistance, including medical support.

At Zaporizhia NPP, as part of regular walkdowns across the site, the team visited the turbine halls of two reactor units, where they were again denied access to the western parts of the halls.

At the Pivdennoukrainska NPP, the IAEA team was informed that five drones were detected 2 km west of the site during the night of 11-12 April. From their residence, the team observed the drones and heard gunfire apparently aimed at repelling them.

At the Chornobyl site, the IAEA team visited the New Safe Confinement and received an update on its status following the mid-February drone attack that punched a hole in the structure. Radiation levels remained normal for the area and there had been no release of radioactive substances beyond the established limits.

Air raid alarms were heard on most days over the past week at these two sites, the IAEA teams reported.

As reported, on March 6, 47 IAEA member states called on the Russian Federation to withdraw its military and support personnel from the Zaporizhia NPP, which it occupied on March 4, 2022, and return the plant to Ukrainian control. According to the statement, Russia's presence at the Zaporizhia NPP violates the seven essential principles of nuclear safety and security in armed conflict, which has led to the technical degradation of the plant and poses serious threats to safety and security in the wider region.
Photo: https://www.facebook.com/RedCrossUkraine

Volunteers from the Ukrainian Red Cross Society (URCS) provided aid following a mass Russian drone strike on the city of Dnipro, the organization reported on Facebook Thursday.

"Dnipro. The Ukrainian Red Cross assisted at the site of the overnight attack. Volunteers from the rapid response unit in Dnipropetrovsk region were on the ground working alongside other emergency services," the statement said.

The volunteers provided emergency first aid and psychological support to victims of the attack. They transported three individuals with varying degrees of injuries to medical facilities in the city.

As reported, the late-night drone attack on Dnipro resulted in three fatalities, including a child, and left 28 people injured  among them four children. The attack caused significant damage to residential buildings, student dormitories, educational institutions, businesses, and vehicles. One of the Russian drones also struck an area near the city hall.
Photo: https://www.facebook.com/volodymyr.v.prokopiv/photos_by

Kyiv police and the Security Service of Ukraine (SBU) have reported suspicion to deputy head of Kyiv City State Administration of organizing a scheme to transport conscripts across the state border of Ukraine, the National Police of Ukraine report.

"The official helped military personnel travel to European countries under the guise of drivers of fuel trucks from a commercial enterprise, which were supposed to deliver diesel fuel for the Armed Forces of Ukraine and humanitarian needs of the capital," the Administration said on its website on Thursday.

The report does not name the person involved, however, according to the Interfax-Ukraine agency, it is about the mayor of Kyiv Klitschkos deputy, Volodymyr Prokopiv.

According to the National Police, at the direction of the defendant, from May to June 2022 alone, information on more than 30 men of draft age,who crossed the Ukrainian border without legal grounds, was entered into the Shliakh information system.

"The investigation established that the company on whose behalf the letters were submitted to coordinate travel abroad did not have vehicles or a license to conduct business activities, and its employees did not have driver's licenses of the appropriate category, or they were not employed at all," the report notes.

Based on the evidence collected, Kyiv police investigators notified the 41-year-old official of suspicion under two articles of the Criminal Code of Ukraine: Part 2 of Article 332 (illegal transfer of persons across the state border of Ukraine, committed by an official using his official position); Part 3 of Article 362 (unauthorized actions with information processed in electronic computers, automated systems, computer networks or stored on media of such information, committed by a person who has the right to access it).

The issue of choosing a preventive measure for him is currently being decided. According to the article's sanctions, the suspect faces imprisonment for up to seven years with deprivation of the right to hold certain positions or engage in certain activities for up to three years.

Earlier, the Interfax-Ukraine agency, citing its own sources in law enforcement agencies, wrote that Prokopiv had been notified of suspicion.
On Thursday, Russian occupiers fired artillery at Nikopol in Dnipropetrovsk region, killing two men and injuring five people, reports chairman of Dnipropetrovsk Regional Military Administration, Serhiy Lysak.

"Two men, aged 56 and 61, were killed in Nikopol. The Russians killed them by shelling the city with heavy artillery. Five people were injured, four of whom are in hospital in serious condition," Lysak wrote on his Telegram channel.

He noted that the shelling caused a fire, and damaged a store, cafe, private homes, outbuildings, a car and a bus stop.
Chief minister Mamata Banerjee, on Wednesday, announced compensation of Rs 10 lakh each to the families of the three victims of violence in Murshidabad during protests against the Waqf Act.

A total of three persons from two families have been killed in the violence. Their families will be provided with a compensation of Rs 10 lakh, the chief minister said on Wednesday afternoon while addressing a meeting with the religious leaders of the Muslim community in the state. The meeting was convened to prepare the blueprint on how to oppose the Waqf (Amendment) Act.

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At the same time, she announced that the state government would provide houses under the state governments scheme to those whose houses had been destroyed in the violence. I heard that besides houses, some shops were also vandalised. Their owners will also be provided with compensation. The chief secretary, Manoj Pant, will review the financial loss because of such vandalism. The compensation will be provided based on that, the chief minister said.

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Speaking on the occasion, she also referred to the recent order of the Supreme Court upholding a previous order of the Calcutta High Court cancelling a total of 25,753 teaching and non-teaching staff in state-run schools in West Bengal. The apex court also accepted the argument of the Calcutta High Court that since the state government and the West Bengal School Service Commission (WBSSC) failed to segregate the genuine candidates from the tainted ones, the entire panel of 25,753 jobs had to be cancelled.

The joint conspiracy by the BJP and CPI-M on one hand and a somewhat one-sided approach of the court had resulted in such a huge job loss, the chief minister said. WBSSC had already approached the apex court seeking a modification to the order.

In the petition, WBBSE has claimed that till the time the fresh recruitment process as directed by the court last week is completed, those candidates who have been identified as genuine should be allowed to attend to their jobs.

However, there is confusion on this particular plea by the boards since the apex court last week accepted the earlier observation by the Calcutta High Court that the entire panel of 25,753 appointments had to be cancelled because of the failure on the part of the state government or the commission to segregate the genuine candidates from the tainted ones.
Bharatiya Janata Partys (BJP) West Bengal president and Union minister Sukanta Majumdar, along with senior party leaders, including former TMC MLA and now BJP leader Tapas Roy, led a protest outside the state police headquarters at Bhabani Bhavan on Wednesday evening.

The demonstration was held in solidarity with families allegedly displaced by recent violence in Murshidabad district. Around 11 displaced individuals, including women and children, joined the protest, claiming they had been rendered homeless due to attacks on their residences. The BJP leaders demanded an immediate meeting with the director general of police (DGP), Rajeev Kumar, stating they would not leave without presenting the victims plight directly to him. The situation in Bengal is alarming. Without BSF deployment, its impossible for people to live safely in some areas, Majumdar said. The chief minister is a woman, yet she has failed to protect other women in the state. We are waiting for the DGP, but the police cannot even say where he is, he added, accusing the state administration of shielding perpetrators.

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Tensions escalated when police blocked the BJP delegation from entering the premises, citing lack of prior permission. Heated arguments broke out between BJP leaders and police officers. Undeterred, the protesters, including the homeless families, sat in front of Bhabani Bhavan demanding justice and government intervention. One displaced woman said tearfully: We have no homes left. Everything has been burnt down. We wont leave without speaking to the DGP. While sources indicated that DGP Rajeev Kumar was not present at the headquarters, BJP leaders remained firm on continuing their sit-in until their demands were met.

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Meanwhile, state Congress spokesperson Soumya Aich Roy criticised chief minister Mamata Banerjee for not visiting the riot-hit regions. She is delivering speeches but hasnt filed FIRs against her own MLAs, who incited violence. People have been killed and torturedthis is the states responsibility, not Congresss. Trinamul Congress runs the government, not us, Roy said. The West Bengal government has already announced compensation of Rs 10 lakh for the families of the deceased and promised to build homes for the displaced. However, BJP leaders claim the ground reality remains grim, with hundreds still homeless and in fear.

The political blame game continues as the state grapples with the aftermath of the violence and the growing unrest among affected citizens.
Amid rising tensions in parts of West Bengal over protests against the amended Waqf Actparticularly following communal clashes in Murshidabad and adjoining areas of North Bengalthe Haji Halima Foundation of Siliguri is taking a digital route to promote dialogue and constitutional awareness.

The foundation has organised a national webinar titled Constitutionality of Waqf Amendment Act, 2025 on 19 April. The event aims to foster academic and legal discussion around the controversial legislation, at a time when the chief minister has urged the public to maintain peace and refrain from provocative acts.

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Dr Narender Nagarwal, associate professor at the faculty of law, University Of Delhi, will moderate the session. A diverse panel of speakers from across the country has been invited to share insights from legal, academic, and socio-political perspectives.

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The panel of speakers includes Prof (former) Sachidanand Sinha from the Centre for the Study of Regional Development (CSRD), Jawaharlal Nehru University, New Delhi; advocate Motahar Hossain from the Supreme Court of India, Dr Suhail E, assistant professor in the department of Arabic at the University of Kerala, Trivandrum; and many others.

The initiative comes at a critical time when many parts of the state are witnessing unrest and calls for protest against the amended Waqf legislation. By choosing to host an academic webinar, the Haji Halima Foundation is promoting a peaceful and constitutional mode of expression.

Organisers hope that the event will encourage informed public discourse and help dispel misinformation surrounding the Act, while also respecting the appeal made by the chief minister to maintain communal harmony.
Benchmark indices on Thursday extended the gains on the fourth consecutive session with Nifty crossing 23,800. The spike was led by buying across the sectors especially the financials, and the positive signal over trade deals between US and Japan.

At close, the Sensex was up 1,508.91 points or 1.96% at 78,553.20, and the Nifty was up 414.45 points or 1.77% at 23,851.65.

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Notably, the mid-session buying helped Nifty and Sensex to cross 23,850 and 78,600, respectively. For the week, BSE Sensex and Nifty added 4.5% each.

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The mid and smallcap segments underperformed as the BSE Midcap and Smallcap indices ended 0.56% and 0.52% higher, respectively. The overall market capitalisation of BSE-listed firms rose to over 419 lakh crore from 415 lakh crore in the previous session.

On Nifty50, as many as 43 stocks ended higher in the Nifty index with Eternal (earlier Zomato), Sun Pharmaceutical Industries and ICICI Bank ended as the top gainers. Wipro, Hindalco and Tech Mahindra ended as the top losers.

Among the sectors, all indices ended in the green with telecom, Oil & Gas, pharma, auto, energy, rising 1-2 percent. IT index remained under pressure due to a cautious outlook from Wipro, but later recovered and ended 0.2% higher.

Nifty Bank jumped 2.21% while the Financial Services index clocked a gain of 2.27%. Nifty Private Bank and PSU Bank rose 2.23% and 1.64%, respectively.

On BSE, nearly 80 stocks touched 52-week high including Bharti Hexacom, Narayana Hrudayalaya, ICICI Bank, Bharti Airtel, Bajaj Finserv, Chambal Fertilisers, Interglobe Aviation, SBI Cards, HDFC Bank, Eicher Motors, among others.

Nifty IT cracked over 2% in the morning trade with Wipro shares sank over 6%, after the IT services major reported its Q4 results.

Suzlon Energy, the global renewable energy solutions provider also gained 2% after bagging an order from Sunsure Energy.

Gensol Engineering Ltd.s shares extended their losing streak in trade crashing another 5% on the bourses.

KEI Industries shares jumped 4% after Goldman Sachs upgraded its status from neutral to buy.

The stock markets will remain shut in India on April 18 on account of Good Friday. The exchanges will be closed for the trading of equity, derivatives, currency, commodity and debt segments. There will also be no settlement of funds and securities on this day.
In a step towards curbing money laundring and as part of continued coordinated efforts in effective implementation of the Prevention of Money Laundering Act and Rules, a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed between the Financial Intelligence Unit- India (FIU-IND) and the Reserve Bank of India (RBI).

With the MoU coming into play, the entities will cooperate with each other in the areas of mutual interest where they will share relevant intelligence and information, available in their respective databases.

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The entities will also work towards the Identification of red flag indicators for Suspicious Transactions

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They will also ensure compliance with the relevant international standards, and conduct quarterly meeting to discuss and share information on issues of mutual interest.

Both the entities also agreed towards the upgradation of Anti-Money Laundering/Combating Financing of Terrorism (AML/CFT) skills in the regulated entities/reporting entities regulated by the RBI.

The MoU was signed by Vivek Aggarwal, Director, FIU-IND and R.L.K. Rao, Executive Director, Department of Regulation, Reserve Bank of India.
The Delhi Police arrested an accused in connection with the alleged murder of a 20-year-old girl in GTB Enclave on Tuesday, authorities said on Thursday.

The accused, identified as Rizwan, 19, a resident of Sundar Nagri, had been evading arrest after committing the crime. He was apprehended by the Police in Karnal, Haryana.

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The incident came to light after locals reported that a girl had been shot dead and her body was lying in a pool of blood on the service road in Delhis GTB Enclave. The deceased had sustained two gunshot wounds, which caused her death.

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Additional Commissioner of Police Sanjay Sain said that upon receiving information about the cold-blooded murder of the girl, a team of officers was assigned to investigate the case thoroughly and apprehend the culprit.

Amid the investigation, the police received a tip-off about the suspects whereabouts near Karnal, Haryana. A team rushed to the location and apprehended the suspect, who was found near a roadside eatery wearing the same clothes as seen in the CCTV footage at the time of the murder.

On sustained interrogation, the arrested suspect disclosed that he had first noticed the girl 2-3 months ago in Anand Gram, where he was working as a welder at a construction site. Intrigued by her, he began communicating with her through social media.

He further stated that, eventually, he proposed to her, and their relationship developed, but she repeatedly refused to engage in physical intimacy. Tension escalated when he saw the deceased with another man, and when he asked her to cut off associations with him, she refused.

Fuelled by jealousy and betrayal, Rizwan plotted the murder of the victim and procured a country-made pistol and ammunition through a friend.

On the night of April 14, after a heated confrontation in which she again refused to end her association with the other man, he shot her two bullets, ensuring she did not survive, and later fled the spot, he confessed.

Rizwan disclosed that while escaping from Delhi, he handed over the weapon of offence to one of his acquaintances.

Acting on this lead, a police team conducted a midnight raid at the residence of the acquaintance, but he was not found at home. His mobile phone was switched off, and his family claimed ignorance about his whereabouts.

A case has been filed against him under the relevant sections of the BNS, and an investigation into this matter is underway, the DCP said.
A fire erupted at a four-storey residential building at Shaheen Bagh in south east Delhi in the early hours of Thursday, police said, adding that no casualties have been reported.

According to the police, they were informed about the fire incident at around 2:15 am following which Delhi Fire Service officials were alerted about the situation.

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The fire department said a total of eight fire tenders were deployed immediately to douse the flames and control the situation.

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Upon reaching the location, the teams found that the blaze had burnt down a major portion of the structure, while three to four cars parked in the parking lot were gutted by fire.

The blaze was brought under control by the firefighters; however, cooling operations are still underway to prevent any potential reignition.

Although no casualties have been reported in the blaze yet, an official confirmed.

The Delhi police on the incident said, The structure comprises a ground plus four-story residential building with stilt parking. During the blaze, several cars were engulfed in fire. Although, the situation is under control as of now.

They said a thorough search will be conducted once the fire is extinguished to ensure everyones safety.

Furthermore, the cause of the blaze is yet to be determined; authorities are investigating the incident.

Meanwhile, one of the fire department officials suspected that it could be an electric short circuit or faulty wiring in the building which led to the incident.
Deputy Chairman of the Kyiv City State Administration Volodymyr Prokopiv states that the charges brought against him by law enforcement officials are politically motivated, about persecution of the opposition and "cleansing of local self-government in the capital."

"In the first days of the full-scale invasion, in February 2022, someone had to take responsibility for the life of the capital. And I took this responsibility upon myself. Three years have passed. Kyiv has survived and is alive. Today, I was handed a suspicion notice on an absurd charge that I illegally transported conscripts abroad. Have no doubt that this is a purely political case, as part of the persecution of the opposition and the purge of local government in the capital," reads a message posted on his Facebook page.

Prokopiv points out that after the start of the full-scale invasion, he was authorized by the head of the Kyiv City Military Administration to "respond and ensure food security with essential goods, humanitarian aid, and medicines."

"The order of the Kyiv City Civil-Military Administration regulated access to the Shliakh system and assigned me the responsibility of entering data into the electronic database. I used to work around the clock directly with volunteer organizations, medical institutions, military units and forces of the territorial communities. As a result, we brought in thousands of tonnes of humanitarian aid, hundreds of vehicles for the needs of the armed forces, tens of tonnes of medicine. And now I am accused of assisting in the illegal crossing of the state border by military-liable men in order to evade military conscription. Its about two truck drivers who did not return at some time frame," he noted.

Prokopiv directly links these accusations to the systemic persecution of the opposition, as well as to an attempt to purge local government, which, in his opinion, indicates preparation for elections.

"Why is this happening right now? In addition to the systematic persecution of European Solidarity, there is also an attempt to purge local government in Kyiv and take control of the Kyiv City Council by electing a secretary loyal to the Presidents Office, who is supposed to counteract the elected mayor Klitschko. And you say that no preparations are being made for the elections ... Some people are fighting for Ukraine, while others are fighting for power in Ukraine, absolute power, not shunning any methods," he emphasized.

As reported, the Kyiv police and the SBU have informed the deputy chairman of the Kyiv City State Administration of the suspicion of organizing a scheme to transport conscripts across the state border of Ukraine, the National Police of Ukraine report. According to the Interfax-Ukraine agency, this is about Kyiv mayor Volodymyr Klitschkos deputy, Volodymyr Prokopiv. According to the National Police, at the direction of the defendant, from May to June 2022 alone, information about more than 30 men of draft age who, without legal grounds, crossed the border of Ukraine, was entered into the Shliakh information system. The issue of choosing a preventive measure for him is currently being decided.
The Left Unity, Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad (ABVP) and National Students Union of India (NSUI) on Thursday released the final lists of their candidates for the Jawaharlal Nehru University Students Union (NSUI).

The Left Unity, which consists of All India Students Association (AISA), the Student Federation of India (SFI), the Democratic Students Federation (DSF), and the All India Students Federation (AISF), has fielded Nitish Kumar for the post of President, Manisha for Vice-President, Munteha Fatima for General Secretary, and Naresh Kumar for the post of Joint Secretary.

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The RSS-affiliated ABVP has made Shika Swaraj as its nominee for the Presidents post, Nittu Gautam for Vice President, Kunal Rai for General Secretary, and Vaibhav Meena for the post of Joint Secretary.

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The NSUI has nominated Pradeep Dhaka for Presidents post, Mohammad Kaif has been fielded for the post of the Vice Presidential as part of alliance with Fraternity Movement, Arun Pratap, a Dalit student leader, for Secretary, and Saloni Khandelwal for the post of Joint Secretary.

The voting for the JNUSU polls will be held on April 25 while the results will be announced on April 28.

As per the official data, 7,906 students are eligible to vote this year, with 43 per cent female and 57 per cent male students.
Traders bodies across north Bengal have demanded immediate security measures and compensation for traders who suffered heavy losses during recent communal violence in parts of Murshidabad and adjoining Malda districts.

Jayanta Kundu, senior leader of the Malda Merchant Chamber of Commerce and Industries, said on Tuesday that business leaders held an emergency meeting to assess the situation in Dhulian, Suti, Samserganj, Raghunathganj, and nearby areas. They decided to appeal to the state government for compensation, especially for traders whose shops and establishments were damaged or looted and were not covered under any insurance policy.

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Mr Kundu confirmed that the Malda Chamber has already sent a formal letter to chief minister Mamata Banerjee, urging her to provide adequate financial support to help affected traders restart their businesses once normalcy is restored.

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Several shop owners have reported that their uninsured establishments were targeted in the violence, resulting in massive financial setbacks. The attacks were not spontaneous, said Mr Kundu. They appeared pre-planned, with mobs targeting shops and entrepreneurs, often in full view of law enforcement.

In a show of solidarity, traders associations from Jalpaiguri, Cooch Behar, Alipurduar, and other parts of North Bengal have also written to the chief minister, echoing the demand for compensation and protection.

Meanwhile, the Federation of Chambers of Commerce and Industry of Eastern India (FOCCIEI), a coalition of 268 business organisations representing over 2.57 lakh businesses, has expressed deep concern in a separate letter to the chief minister. Referring to the incidents at Suti, Samserganj and Dhulianwhere protests over the Wakf Bill reportedly turned violentthe federation condemned the attacks on business establishments and assaults on traders.

The extent of vandalism, arson, looting, and physical assaults was shocking. These were carried out in broad daylight, right in front of law enforcement personnel, the federation noted.

The FOCCIEI called for immediate legal action against those responsible and warned that similar unrest could spread to other areas in Murshidabad, Malda, and north Bengal unless timely action is taken.

We are committed to cooperating with the administration but urge strict vigilance to prevent further escalation, the letter added.
Its a big moment for Indian fashion, and an even bigger one for Ananya Panday, as the actress just unlocked a global achievementshes officially the first Indian to be named brand ambassador for Chanel, the iconic French luxury label thats been redefining elegance since 1910.

Ananya, 26, took to Instagram to share the huge news with her followers. Beyond grateful and excited for my journey with @chanelofficial. The first-ever brand ambassador for and from India. Dreams really do come true, she wrote, alongside a glowing photo that screams haute couture.

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This isnt her first brush with the brand either. Fans might remember spotting her last year at Paris Fashion Week, where she turned heads at the Chanel Spring-Summer show.

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She also strutted her stuff at designer Rahul Mishras Superheroes collection, marking her debut at one of the most prestigious fashion events in the world. Clearly, Chanel was watching Ananya Panday.

With this partnership, Ananya joins a global elitethink Kristen Stewart, Margot Robbie, and Lily-Rose Deppwhove served as Chanel muses over the years.

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Ananya (@ananyapanday)

While Ananya is now straddling two worldsBollywood and global fashionher acting career is going full steam ahead. Up next? A major role in Kesari Chapter 2, the much-anticipated sequel to the 2019 film Kesari, which chronicled the legendary Battle of Saragarhi. The sequel stars Akshay Kumar and R. Madhavan alongside Ananya, and promises to carry forward the story of bravery and resistance against colonial rule. Mark your calendarsKesari Chapter 2 hits theatres on April 18, 2025.

The original Kesari, starring Akshay Kumar and Parineeti Chopra, was a tribute to the valor of 21 Sikh soldiers who stood their ground in 1897 against thousands.
Globally hit spy series franchise, the Citadel universe is getting a major shake-up. Despite rave reviews and impressive viewing, the makers are cancelling the spin-offs, Citadel: Honey Bunny, and Citadel: Diana. This comes after a major change in the Amazon MGM studio. Former studio head Jennifer Salke, the woman behind the Spy universe, has walked out of Amazon MGM.

Notably, ace directorial duo, the Russo Brothers, created the Indian and the Italian chapters of the global spy series. They served as executive producers to both Honey Bunny and Diana. While the Indian original starred Varun Dhawan and Samantha Ruth Prabhu, Matilda De Angelis led the Italian variant. Meanwhile, the mothership American title starring Priyanka Chopra and Richard Madden is getting a second season. To establish cohesion, the studio will converge the two other versions into the main storyline, going ahead.

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Advertisement View this post on Instagram A post shared by Citadel (@citadelonprime)



Talking about the unexpected move, Vernon Sanders, Head of Television, Amazon MGM studio, issued a statement. While these successful and widely enjoyed international chapters will not continue as individual series, Season 2 of Citadel will be our most exhilarating yet. He added, With high-stakes storytelling, new additions to our amazing cast and bold, cinematic ambition, the new season will deepen the emotional journeys of Nadia, Mason and Orlick against the relentless force that is Manticore. Were excited to share whats next when Citadel Season 2 premieres globally in Q2 of 2026.

The exhilarating franchise pulls viewers into a world brimming with chaos, espionage, emotions, and high-octane action. Upon premiere, Citadel: Honey Bunny boasted the title of the platforms top series within a matter of days. Additionally, Citadel: Diana also emerged as the strongest Italian original premiere on Amazon Prime. The latest development is at once unexpected and has upset several fans.

Meanwhile, fans are now patiently waiting for the second season of the mothership title.

Also Read: Sunny Deol announces Jaat 2 amid the underwhelming run of Jaat
Sending the BTS ARMY into a frenzy, BTS Jin has announced his first-ever solo tour, RUNSEOKJIN_EP.TOUR. The tour will kickstart in June and will have nine stops where the BTS boy will take the stage. The unexpected announcement comes after Jin announced his solo album, Echo.

BTS label, BIGHIT Music, took to social media to drop the riveting announcement of Jins tour. BTS Jin will kickstart the tour at the Goyang Auxiliary Stadium in South Korea on June 28-29. Following this, he will travel to eight more cities from July to August. Subsequently, he will perform in Japan at Chiba and Osaka between July 5-13 before heading to North America. There, the K-pop idol will take the stage at Anaheim, Dallas, Tampa, and Newark throughout the rest of July. The final destination is Europe, with shows planned in London and Amsterdam, with two days of concerts in both cities.

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Full schedule of BTS Jin #RUNSEOKJIN_EP.TOUR:

June

28-29: Goyang, Korea  Goyang Auxiliary Stadium

July

5-6: Chiba, Japan  Makuhari Messe International Exhibition Hall 4-6

12-13: Osaka, Japan  Kyocera Dome Osaka

17-18: Anaheim, California  Honda Center

22-23: Dallas, Texas  American Airlines Center

26-27: Tampa, Florida  Amalie Arena

30-31: Newark, New Jersey  Prudential Center

August

5-6: London, U.K.  The O2

9-10: Amsterdam, Netherlands  Ziggo Dome

The announcement comes just a few days after Jin announced his new solo album, Echo. Sharing the announcement, the label wrote, Hello. This is BIGHIT MUSIC. We are excited to announce the release of BTS Jins second solo album, Echo. Echo conveys universal life experiences and emotions through Jins unique and charming perspective. The album features seven tracks that showcase his versatile vocals against a dynamic band sound. Through Echo, we hope Jins heartfelt wish to connect with his fans more frequently resonates with you. We ask for your continued love and support for BTS Jin and his new album, Echo. Thank you.

Moreover, Jin also shared a statement detailing the concept behind the album. With Echo, he is, Aiming to connect on a deeper level with fans through music, Echo offers Jins perspective on universal life experiences, capturing everyday emotions with warmth and sincerity.

He further added, Built on dynamic band sounds, the album showcases his versatile vocals across a spectrum of moods and styles. It reflects a deeper layer of vocal maturity and personal storytelling that underscores Jins evolving artistry.

Also Read: Resident Playbook: TXT, Stray Kids, and other stellar artists to voice the OST
Union Home Minister Amit Shah, claiming that Naxalism has been confined to just four districts in India, vowed to wipe Naxalism out by March 2026.

Speaking at a function ogranised mark the 86th Raising Day of the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) at Neemuch in Madhya Pradesh on Thursday, he said, The CRPFs contribution to national security is unparalleled, whether it is facing terrorists in the valleys of Kashmir, ensuring peace in the Northeast, or confining hardened Naxalites to just four districts today.

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In all these achievements, CRPF jawans have played a major role. No number of books can do justice to their bravery, sense of duty, and courage, he added.

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The home minister specially lauded the COBRA Battalion of the CRPF for playing a leading role in neutralizing naxalites and naxal activities. Naxalism has been confined to just four districts of India. The menace will end in the country by March 31, 2026 as stated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, he announced, adding, This is a pledge the nation has taken, and the CRPF is the backbone of this mission, he added.

The CRPF, especially its COBRA battalion, is playing a major role in the elimination and thereby ridding the country of the Naxal menace, Shah maintained.

He pointed out that the CRPF has set up over 400 forward operating bases in naxal areas. Because of this, violence in those regions has dropped by over 70 per cent. We are now close to ending it, he stated.

Today, even the most dreaded Naxalites tremble when they hear COBRA commandos approaching, he said.

Amit Shah said that the CRPF has always made the ultimate sacrifice to maintain the unity and integrity of the country, and that is why whenever there is unrest anywhere in the country, the CRPF is deployed.

And, as home minister, when I get to know that CRPF jawans are deployed there, I can focus on my other duties without worry, because I have faith that if CRPF is present, victory is assured, Shah asserted.

He told the jawans, 2,264 among you have sacrificed their lives. I want to say to the families of all the martyrs that as the nation moves forward towards becoming the supreme power by 2047, your familys contribution is immense.

Shah said, When the golden history of Indias independence is written, the saga of our immortal martyrs sacrifice will be written in golden letters. I am fully confident of this.

The event was part of the 86th Raising Day celebrations of the CRPF.

Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Dr Mohan Yadav was also present on the occasion.

The CRPF Day is celebrated every year on March 19 as it was on this day in 1950 that the flag was presented to the force by the then Home Minister Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel.

This year the parade is being held on April 17 as part of extended celebrations.

It was in Neemuch on July 27, 1939, that the Crown Representative Police was established during British rule, which was renamed as Central Reserve Police Force by Home Minister Vallabhbhai Patel on December 28, 1949.
The INDIA bloc will take its fight against the Election Commission of Indias (ECI) Special Intensive Revision of the voter list in Bihar to the streets on 9 July by participating in the Bharat Bandh called by the Left parties.

By Statesman News Service 04 July, 2025 8 mins read
Congress top brass, including party President Mallikarjun Kharge, Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi, and its Delhi unit on Thursday condoled the passing away of former MLA Jai Kishan from Sultanpur Majra.

The five-time legislator suffered a heart attack at his residence in Sultanpuri, Delhi at around 12:30 am. He was rushed to the hospital but was declared dead on arrival by the doctors.

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The demise of former AICC Secretary and five-time MLA from Delhi, Jai Kishan ji, is an irreparable loss for the Congress Party. As a dedicated Congress worker, he served the people and contributed to the empowerment of the underprivileged sections of society, Kharge wrote in a post on X.

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Extending his condolences to the departed soul, Rahul Gandhi wrote in a Facebook post, The news of the passing of senior Congress leader Jaikishan Ji, former Congress Secretary and five-time MLA from Delhi, is extremely saddening. His lifelong dedication to public service, upliftment of the underprivileged, and the ideology of the Congress party makes his demise an irreparable loss for all of us..

The news of the demise of five-time MLA from Sultanpuri, former AICC Secretary, senior member of the Congress family, Jai Kishan ji is extremely sad. May God give peace to the departed soul and strength to the bereaved family to bear this sorrow, Devender Yadav, Delhi Congress president, posted on X.

A prominent Dalit face of the Congress in Delhi, Jai Kishan had been contesting elections from the Sultanpur Majra constituency in the capital from 1993 to 2025. He won the Delhi Assembly elections from Sultanpur Majra in 1993, 2003, 2008, and 2013, serving as an MLA from the seat four times.
A delegation from the Dawoodi Bohra community met Prime Minister Narendra Modi here on Thursday.

During their meeting with the Prime Minister, they discussed a wide range of issues.

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Had a wonderful meeting with members of the Dawoodi Bohra community. We talked about a wide range of issues during the interaction, the Prime Minister wrote on X after the delegation met him.

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The Prime Minister, along with his post, also shared the photographs of his meeting with the delegation of the Dawoodi Bohra community.

Union Minister for Minority Affairs Kiren Rijiju was also present.

Meanwhile, Rijiju said the delegation from the Dawoodi Bohra community met the Prime Minister to express their gratitude for the Waqf Amendment Act.

Dawoodi Bohra Community met Prime Minister Narendra Modi ji to express their heartfelt gratitude for the Waqf Amendment Act, fulfilling a long-pending demand. Their trust in the Prime Ministers vision of Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas, Sabka Vishwas was deeply moving, he wrote on X.
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, while expressing concern over the delay in the development of a sixth-generation aero-engine indigenously, hoped that it would be achieved soon, saying there are some delays but he was confident that India will achieve the target of manufacturing it at the earliest.

In January, Samir V Kamat, Chairman of the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), while speaking about developing a home -grown aero-engine, had stated that India can develop a sixth-generation aero-engine and other technologies required by co-development with a foreign manufacturer.

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Singh was speaking at THE WEEK Defence Conclave 2025: Force of the Future, being organised here on Thursday. Highlighting the Positive Indigenisation List, the defence minister said at present, its five-point list includes 509 defence items that will be produced domestically. Additionally, over 5,000 critical replacement parts will now be manufactured in India through Defence Public Sector Undertakings (DPSUs). A 75 per cent reservation of the defence capital procurement budget has been earmarked for domestic companies. This is a big step to promote our local industries, Singh said.

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Speaking about the evolving warfare across the globe, Singh said they have become more unpredictable and asymmetric. Conflicts in the future will be more violent, unconventional, and technology-driven. Non-state actors will play a larger role, and domains like cyber and space will define new battlefields, he went on to add.

We are preparing our armed forces through structural reforms and continuous capacity-building. Our goal is not to initiate war, but to maintain a credible deterrence for lasting peace.

Highlighting that India has reduced its dependency on imports over the years, Singh said that the earlier mindset was to import whatever we needed. We changed that. We now trust Indian potential and capabilities. The defence exports have witnessed a sharp rise with Rs 24,000 crore in 2024. Today, around 100 countries are sourcing defence equipment from us. We aim to cross Rs 30,000 crore by the end of this year and reach Rs 50,000 crore by 2029, he said.

Make in India is no longer just a national strategyit is now aimed at fulfilling global defence needs. In todays uncertain geopolitical environment, we are shifting from a just in time to a just in case approachbuilding inventory, creating backups, and preparing for all scenarios, he went on to add.
Photo: https://www.youtube.com/live/gANpwOH8sEo

The Supreme Court of Ukraine has begun a hearing on the lawsuit of leader of the European Solidarity party, fifth president Petro Poroshenko, against current president of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy regarding the illegal application of sanctions, the European Solidarity party website reported on Thursday.

During the consideration of the lawsuit, the meeting was attended by MPs of Ukraine, as well as diplomats from the European Union mission, representatives of the embassies of Germany, Poland, Austria, Sweden, Lithuania, and Denmark.

"Neither President Zelenskyy nor others have been able to explain the reason for the imposition of sanctions to society for more than two months. What exactly did Poroshenko do. And only in response to the court decision did we read that, it turns out, the sanctions... are preventive in nature. We now have a norm, in the president's opinion, in the form of a thought crime," Poroshenko noted in his speech during the court hearing.

Poroshenko's representatives emphasize that the sanctions were imposed illegally, as on a citizen of Ukraine who is in Ukraine, despite the fact that only Russia considers him a "terrorist." Therefore, there are no grounds for sanctions under the law.

In addition, the reasons for the application of sanctions are still unknown, since the announced data on the alleged "withdrawal of billions abroad" have never been made public. Moreover, the State Financial Monitoring Service, which was referred to when imposing sanctions, actually refused to confirm such facts, and the head of its legal department stated that this body had no right to provide anyone, including the government, with any financial information.

Poroshenko is convinced that the authorities want to block the political activities of the opposition through the mechanism of extrajudicial sanctions. "First: deprive me of the right to participate in the elections as the leader of the opposition, the leader of the largest opposition faction in parliament and a political force," Poroshenko noted.

According to the report, the National Bank is blocking the Poroshenko Foundation's ability to assist the Armed Forces of Ukraine, and Petro Poroshenko himself, among other things, to pay taxes.

It is noted that on the eve of the introduction of sanctions, Zelenskyy submitted to the Verkhovna Rada a bill on criminal liability for violation of sanctions. Thus, the European Solidarity believes that the government is making any transactions of the fifth president of Ukraine impossible. As reported, on February 13, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy signed a decree on the decision of the National Security and Defense Council of Ukraine (NSDC) dated February 12, 2025 on the application of personal special economic and other restrictive measures (sanctions). According to the appendix to the document, sanctions were imposed against five individuals: businessman Ihor Kolomoisky, former owner of the bank Finance and Credit Kostiantyn Zhevaho, former co-owner of PrivatBank Hennadiy Boholiubov, 5th president of Ukraine, leader of the European Solidarity party Petro Poroshenko, and former MP Viktor Medvedchuk.
The Haryana governments labour department successfully concluded a state-wide special registration drive from April 7 to April 17, aimed at bringing gig workers, platform-based workers, and other unorganised sector employees under the ambit of the e-Shram portal.

Developed by the Ministry of Labour and Employment, the e-Shram portal is a national database for unorganised workers, which provides formal identity and access to social security schemes. Haryana has emerged as a frontrunner in its implementation, with over 54 lakh workers registered on the portal to date.

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According to an official statement, the Labour Department undertook extensive outreach activities during the 10-day campaign. Camps were organised across all districts with on-the-spot Aadhaar authentication and registration assistance.

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The initiative saw active participation and crowd gatherings at various locations, supported by awareness measures such as print media campaign, pamphlet distribution, public announcements, door-to-door mobilisation, social media campaign and coordination with local bodies and labour welfare officers.

Once registered, workers become eligible for a wide range of benefits including Rs 2 lakh accidental insurance under Pradhan Mantri Suraksha Bima Yojana, Rs 2 lakh life insurance under Pradhan Mantri Jeevan Jyoti Bima Yojana, and up to Rs 5 lakh family health cover under Ayushman Bharat, depending on eligibility.

In addition, they can access pension benefits of Rs 3,000 per month under Pradhan Mantri Shram Yogi Maan-Dhan Yojana on reaching the age of 60.

The Principal Secretary, Labour Department, Haryana, has urged all eligible gig and platform workers to take full advantage of this opportunity by visiting their nearest district registration camp before April 17.

He emphasised that the gig workforce plays a crucial role in the states economy and must be given equal access to welfare and protection. For more information, workers can visit the official website www.eshram.gov.in, contact their nearest Labour Department office, or call the toll-free Shramik Sahayata Sewa 1800-180-2129.
Exuding confidence, Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Thursday said, By the year 2047, India will become the number one country in the world.

Inaugurating a dialogue titled Self Empowerment through internal awakening, organised by the Brahma Kumaris Sansthan for soldiers of the armed forces and other paramilitary forces here on Thursday, Shah said, Our country has attained the status of the fifth-largest economy in the world after passing through tough phases and several hurdles over a period of 75 years.

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I am confident that within the next few years, we will be the third-largest economy in the world, the Union Home Minister said.

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We are working and marching ahead under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi in such a way that by the time we celebrate the centenary of Indias Independence, India will not only be the largest economy but also hold the top position in other sectors as well, Shah asserted.

Highlighting the role of the countrys security forces and soldiers in nation-building, the Union Home Minister said, What the country has achieved over the last 77 years would not have been possible without their dedicated service, and the goals of the future cannot be met without their contribution.

It is our soldiers who lead tough lives, performing their duties amidst extreme hardships in temperatures ranging from minus 46 to plus 46 degrees Celsius, often without adequate sleep, water, or basic supplies. They sacrifice the golden phase of their lives serving in the scorching deserts and the icy terrains of the Himalayas, he said.

Prolonged periods of such tough duty often have adverse effects, including fatigue and depression, he said.

Shah further said: It is a matter of satisfaction that institutions like the Brahma Kumaris Mission have been working tirelessly to address these worrisome effects and help rejuvenate affected individuals through their yoga-based concept of internal awakening.

The Brahma Kumaris Sansthan has been successfully doing this for the armed forces and paramilitary forces for the past 25 years.

I express my gratitude and thanks to the institution for its great service to humanity, Shah said.

Rajasthan Chief Minister Bhajan Lal Sharma also praised the mission of serving humanity and the spiritual upliftment of individuals, which has been led by the Brahma Kumaris institution and the Brahmakumari Ishwariya Vishwa Vidyalaya.

BJP state president Madan Rathore, senior officers from the army, state, and central governments were also present.
The government on Thursday suggested that the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra will resume soon.

At a press briefing here, Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said, We will soon issue a notice for the public on the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra. There is a possibility of the resumption of the Yatra soon.

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In January, India and China had decided to resume the yatra and agreed in principle to restore direct flights. The decisions were announced after Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri held wide-ranging talks with Chinese Vice Foreign Minister Sun Weidong in Beijing.

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Asked if direct flights between India and China will also resume soon, the spokesperson said technical teams of the two countries are in regular touch in this regard. However, no timeline can be given for the resumption of the flights, he added.
Two days after Malayalam actress Vincy Aloshious raised allegations of drug use and misbehaviour by a male co-star on a film set, she filed a complaint with the Kerala Film Chamber as well as the Association of Malayalam Movie Artistes (AMMA) against fellow actor Shine Tom Chacko.

Vincy Aloshious accused Tom Chacko of inappropriate behaviour on the sets of the upcoming film Soothravakyam. Earlier, Vincy Aloshious, in an Instagram video levelled allegations of drug use and inappropriate behavior against her by the lead actor on a film set.

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In the video, she recounted that both she and a female colleague faced uncomfortable situations due to the co-actors actions.

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He said, Ill fix it for you, in front of the crew when I had an issue with my costume. It was humiliating, she said in the video.

She further alleged that the co-actor was spitting out a white powder-like substance during a rehearsal, suggesting drug use on set.

In this connection, actress Vincy Aloshious expressed disappointment over the name of the actor who misbehaved with her getting leaked to news channels. The actress expressed her displeasure over the actors name appearing on television news, despite the complaint being confidential.

Meanwhile, actor Shine Tom Chacko allegedly fled from a Kochi hotel during a surprise drug raid conducted by the police on Wednesday night. The raid was carried out based on a tip-off suggesting drug use by Shine and his companions

CCTV footage aired by TV channels showed Shine and two companions making a dramatic escape from the third floor  through a window, no less. Shine is reported to have jumped from the third floor to the second, then into the swimming pool, before dashing down the stairs toward the reception.

Incidentally, Shine Tom Chacko was acquitted in a 2015 drug case on April 14 by the Ernakulam additional sessions court, citing procedural lapses on the part of the police during the drug seizure and the arrest.

In a related development, the Association of Malayalam Movie Artists (AMMA) is reportedly considering the expulsion of actor Shine Tom Chacko following serious allegations of drug use and inappropriate behavior on a film set. An ad-hoc committee of the organization held discussions, and a final decision on removing the actor from the association could be announced soon.
Bahujan Samaj Party chief Mayawati has launched a sharp attack on the Samajwadi Party (SP), accusing it of exploiting Dalits for political gains.

In a series of posts on X on Thursday, the BSP leader said the SP, like other parties, has been trying to incite tension and violence by using Dalits as political tools.

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She posted on X in Hindi (loosely translated as), It is known that, like other parties, SP too is creating an environment of tension and violence by putting forward people of the party, especially Dalits, and its controversial statements, allegations and counter-allegations and programmes etc., seem to be their politics of extreme narrow selfishness.

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She cautioned Dalits, OBCs and Muslims against SPs political tactics, saying the party can go to any extent to get Dalit votes.

Because SP can go to any extent to get Dalit votes. Therefore, along with Dalits, Other Backward Classes and the Muslim community should not get influenced by their aggressive instigations and not fall prey to the political tactics of this party, she wrote on X.

The BSP chief said the SP should stop commenting on the history of others. Also, instead of commenting on the history of others, it would be better if the opportunistic Dalits associated with such parties tell about the goodness and struggles of the saints, gurus and great men of their society, due to which these people have become worthy of something.

The former four-time Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh attacked Akhilesh Yadavs party following the SPs efforts to consolidate support among Backward Classes, Dalits, and minorities in the state.

Under the guise of its recent PDA campaign, the SP has been focusing on these groups to consolidate its position in the state and take on the BJP.

This was clear in the Samajwadi Party (SP) chiefs long post on X on the occasion of the birth anniversary of Ambedkar.

Akhilesh Yadav said only the unity of PDA (Pichda, Dalit, Alpsankhyak or backwards, Dalits and minorities) can save the Constitution and the reservation.

He wrote in Hindi (loosely translated as), Let us strengthen our sense of self-respect and unite to establish the rule of social justice and give new strength to the PDAs movement to save Baba Sahebs gift and heritage Constitution and Reservation and reiterate that Constitution is the life-giver and Constitution is the shield and that as long as the Constitution remains safe, our honour, respect, self-respect and rights will remain safe.

Under self-respect, we have understood the value of our unity of self along with our cordial, socialist, secular, democratic standards and values and also the transformative power of this unity in the form of PDA. Only through self-respect, the people of the PDA society will be able to gain their decisive power and get free from oppression, tyranny and pain, and get the right to live with self-respect and will be able to give a constitutional answer to the oppressive, oppressive, dominant, power-hungry negative forces. Only the unity of PDA will save the Constitution and reservation, only the unity of PDA will create a golden future. Let us turn this struggle of our self-respect and self-esteem into a celebration, the SP chief said in his post.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday hailed the inauguration of Amravati airport, terming it as great news for Maharashtra.

The inauguration of Amravati airport is great news for Maharashtra, especially for the Vidarbha region. The active airport in Amravati will boost commerce and connectivity, PM Modi in response to the X post of Union Civil Aviation Minister, Ram Mohan Naidu Kinjarapu.

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Earlier, Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis said that the city of Amravati will get special recognition due to the state-of-the-art Amravati Airport and Pilot Training Centre.

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By completing the developmental works in Vidarbha and bringing this region into the mainstream of development, priority will be given to this work, the Chief Minister said at the function organised for the launch of passenger flight services and the flight demonstration of the Air India Pilot Training Centre.

Union Minister of Civil Aviation Kinjarapu Ram Mohan Naidu said that today marks a historic milestone for Vidarbha.

Honoured to inaugurate Amravati Airport alongside Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, Deputy Chief Ministers Eknath Shinde and Ajit Pawar under PM Narendra Modis leadership, this RCS-VGF funded airport takes flight with Alliance Airs inaugural RCS AmravatiMumbai flight. Also witnessed a demo flight at what will soon be South Asias largest Air India Flying Training Organisation (FTO), a big leap for Indias overall aviation ecosystem, he said.

The Chief Minister said that the airport will bring about an economic revolution, and this area will benefit directly and indirectly.

It will also create various employment opportunities. The airport will create a new identity for the area. Since entrepreneurs are also giving priority to setting up industries in the area where the airport is located, the textile industry here will get a boost, he said.

He added that the PM Mitra Park to be built here will create two lakh jobs, and cotton farmers will benefit from cotton to cloth and further fashion.
Security forces apprehended two active cadres of banned militant outfits in separate operations in Manipur and recovered a cache of arms, ammunition, and tactical equipment from their possession.

The arrests were made in the Imphal East and Imphal West districts, while a separate arms haul was reported from the Churachandpur district.

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In the first operation, conducted near the tri-junction of Laiharobam Leirak in Kontha Ahallup Makha Leikai under Heingang Police Station, a cadre of the proscribed Kangleipak Communist Party (KCP) Lalumba faction was arrested. He has been identified as Wahengbam Ramananda Singh, 50, a resident of Kontha Ahallup Mayai Leikai.

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Security personnel recovered one 9 mm pistol with a magazine, six live rounds of 9 mm ammunition, two .32 caliber pistols with magazines, eight rounds of .32 caliber ammunition, and a mobile phone from Singhs possession.

Another insurgent affiliated with the Kanglei Yawol Kanna Lup (KYKL) was apprehended from Phayeng village under Lamsang Police Station in Imphal West.

The arrested militant, identified as Angom Ajoy Meitei, 32, of Phayeng Mayai Leikai, was found with a bulletproof jacket, bulletproof helmet, military-style waist belt, telescope, and a mobile phone.

In a separate incident, a cache of arms and ammunition was recovered during a search operation in Saidan village under the Churachandpur Police Station in the Churachandpur district. The seized items include one .303 rifle with magazine, one 9 mm pistol, one modified carbine machine gun with magazine, one locally made single-barrel gun, one modified long-range 81 mm mortar, two locally fabricated pipe guns, one short-range tear smoke shell, and one long-range tear smoke shell.

Security forces have intensified area domination and search operations across sensitive hill and valley regions amid continuing ethnic tensions and sporadic violence in the state.

Manipur, which has seen a fragile peace disrupted since ethnic clashes erupted in 2023, continues to grapple with armed militancy. While several insurgent groups operate under suspension-of-operation agreements, factions like KCP and KYKL remain active, often engaging in extortion and attacks on security personnel.
The Uttarakhand government will develop 13 Model Sanskrit Villages to promote the worlds oldest language and impart the knowledge of Indian philosophy, Vedas, and other scriptures to the lowest rung of society. Liquor consumption and non-vegetarian food will be discouraged in these villages.

The State Department of Sanskrit Education has identified 13 villages to develop them as model Sanskrit Grams (villages), resulting in the complete behavioural orientation of the villagers routine life in accordance with the Sanskrit language.

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According to officials in the Department of Sanskrit, trainers will soon be appointed in these villages to plan and initiate the exercise to enable villagers to use Sanskrit for routine interpersonal communication, alongside the local language. The basic idea behind creating the Sanskrit Grams is to usher in an environment of the Sanskrit language in the state. The programme will help villagers learn routine communication in Sanskrit and connect the new generation with Indian philosophy and the knowledge system. This will also promote a culture of chanting Sanskrit hymns and reading scriptures like the Vedas, Puranas, and Upnishads during samskar ceremonies and functions as per Sanatan traditions, said Deepak Kumar, Secretary, Department of Sanskrit Education, Uttarakhand.

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Kumar added that public properties and other heritage sites in the model villages will be named in Sanskrit, and locals will be taught to inculcate the culture and habit of cleanliness in the area.

Liquor consumption and non-vegetarian food habits will be discouraged, especially during marriages and other ceremonial occasions in the Model Sanskrit Villages. Periodic visits by local representatives, including MLAs and MPs, will be organised to maintain the spirit and motivation of transformation in these villages, said Kumar.

He added that residents of these model villages will be taught to adopt ways of life as prescribed in Indian scriptures and literature. Adequate learning modules and activities will be introduced to help integrate these practices into daily life. A proper syllabus for learning Sanskrit will be prepared for villagers across different age groups, and trainers will guide and encourage them to read the Bhagwat Gita and chant Sanskrit shlokas every day.

Apart from this, the model Sanskrit Villages will also have special study centres for children, which will be identified as Baal Kendras. These villages will subsequently be transformed into special tourism zones in the future once they are fully developed as Model Sanskrit Villages, as expected, Kumar added.

According to the department, the state government will also ask industries, their associations, and organisations to develop employment-oriented vocational courses for the Model Sanskrit Villages in the coming days.

Significantly, the trainers to be deployed at the Model Sanskrit Villages in Uttarakhand will be sponsored by the Central Sanskrit University, Delhi. A regulatory body will be constituted in each village to monitor daily learning, Sanskrit classes, and related activities.
The election process for choosing the BJPs national president could begin any time after April 20, said a source familiar with the Wednesday evening meeting.

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Union Minister JP Nadda has served as the BJPs national president since January 2020. He had succeeded Union Home Minister Amit Shah. As per the BJPs constitution, the term of the partys national president is generally three years.

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However, Naddas term was extended beyond the standard tenure to ensure a smooth transition of power. He was also given an extended run given the 2024 Lok Sabha elections.

Earlier, the election for the BJP president was scheduled to be held in January but was postponed to April, as the party wanted to make a careful selection.

Apart from choosing the new party chief, the BJP leadership is also believed to have discussed organisational changes in the partys state units. Names for new state presidents in Madhya Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh, West Bengal, and Karnataka were also discussed during the meeting.

Ahead of assembly elections in several states, the BJP is set for an organisational overhaul as part of its broader electoral strategy.
The recent election victory of General Brice Oligui Nguema in Gabon marks a dramatic, though not entirely surprising, pivot in the nations political narrative. Winning over 90 per cent of the vote, General Oliguis rise from coup leader to elected President represents a full circle of power consolidation ~ but one that raises significant questions about the authenticity of democratic renewal and the long-term prospects for reform in the central African state. General Oligui came to prominence in 2023 after toppling the Bongo dynasty, a family that held Gabon in a political chokehold for more than half a century. For many citizens, the coup was a welcome release from stagnation, nepotism, and economic mismanagement. \

That General Oligui was initially greeted with optimism speaks to a deeper national yearning for leadership untainted by decades of corruption. His background in the Republican Guard and polished public demeanour helped project the image of a strong, decisive reformer. However, the overwhelming margin of his electoral win ~ while impressive on paper ~ deserves critical scrutiny. A landslide of such scale, especially in a country transitioning from autocracy, rarely signals a healthy democracy. Reports of procedural irregularities and a voting process that excluded major opposition figures cannot be ignored. The creation of a new constitution and electoral code, conveniently timed before the elections, appears to have stacked the deck in General Oliguis favour. This election, though technically marking a return to civilian rule, may simply be a rebranding of authoritarian governance.

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The optics have changed, but the underlying structure remains deeply controlled. Such tactics are not new in African politics, where strongmen often cloak their rule in the fabric of electoral legitimacy while stifling genuine pluralism. Yet the lack of credible challengers in the race raises a red flag about the openness of the political space. When key opposition figures are either barred from contesting or marginalised through procedural hurdles, the integrity of the electoral process becomes questionable. A healthy democracy is built not on uncontested dominance but on competitive choice, debate, and accountability ~ all of which seemed muted in this tightly choreographed election.

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Still, it would be unfair to dismiss General Oliguis presidency outright. He carries a rare opportunity to break with the habits of the past. Gabon, despite being rich in oil and timber, remains mired in poverty ~ with over a third of its population living on less than $2 a day. If General Oligui can convert his impressive mandate into tangible improvements in governance, infrastructure, and economic equity, he may yet earn the faith that his numbers seem to suggest. The international community, and more importantly the Gabonese people, must now hold him to his promises. True legitimacy will not come from electoral margins, but from inclusive governance, transparency, and the willingness to share power and listen to dissent.
In recent weeks, Ukrainian forces have liberated about 16 sq km of territory in the area of the settlements of Udachne, Kotlyne, and Shevchenko, said the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, Oleksandr Syrsky.

"The enemy has not changed its plans - to push the units of the Armed Forces of Ukraine beyond Donetsk and Luhansk regions and reach the administrative borders of these regions. However, the enemy's plan remains unrealized. We are continuing the defensive operation, conducting counteroffensive actions and have had some successes. In recent weeks, we have liberated about 16 square kilometers of territory in the area of the settlements of Udachne, Kotlyne, Shevchenko," the commander wrote on Facebook following the results of work in the operational zone of the Donetsk Task Force.

Syrsky noted that over the course of three days he visited virtually all brigades of this group of the Defense Forces of Ukraine, which bears the main burden of resisting the enemy's spring offensive and destroying its best forces and means. In particular, in the Pokrovsk direction, soldiers stop about 30 enemy assault actions every day, inflicting significant losses on the Russian occupiers, the commander emphasized.

He listened to reports from the commander of the operational-tactical group, Brigadier General Oleksandr Tarnavsky, worked with brigade commanders at their command posts, and resolved problematic issues on the ground regarding the organization of combat operations, provision of ammunition and logistical means.

"Of course, our main capital and highest value are our people. I drew attention to the thorough preparation and support of combat operations of each combat unit, each assault group. This should be a constant object of control of the brigade commander and the direct responsibility of the battalion commander," Syrsky said.
When two elephants clash, the grass beneath them gets crushed. The United States and China are levying ever-escalating tit-for-tat tariffs on each other. President Donald Trump of the US is getting more and more aggressive vis-a-vis China, and China is responding with its never yield policy. Who knows what this spat will yield? Whats in it for India? Boxed into a corner, China is sidling up to India.

Trump had imposed 26 per cent of reciprocal tariffs on India this month, but has now waived them off for 90 days. When the tariffs came into effect, the Indian government said nothing, but the day they were waived, Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal and External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar said that India will not negotiate under gunpoint. China, on the other hand, had no such qualms. It levied retaliatory tariffs on the US almost immediately. President Xi Jinping of China has just visited South East Asian countries like Vietnam and Indonesia to rustle up support and to whip up anti-American sentiment. Who knows if hell succeed? India exports $85 billion of goods to the US. Further, India exports $110 billion of software services exports to the US, accounting for 54 per cent of Indias total software services exports. US exports to India are valued at a mere $42 billion, making the trade surplus heavily in favour of India. India however faces a trade deficit of $100 billion with China. Who should India side with then?

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Based on the trade numbers, the obvious choice is the US. But India is now in a position of having the cake and eating it too. India was one of the founding members of the NonAligned Movement. Over time, the NAM became an extension of the Warsaw Pact. Indira Gandhi, as host of the 1983 NAM summit in Delhi, fervently welcomed Fidel Castro of Cuba, a staunch anti-American. During the Cold War, India was much closer to the Soviet Union than it was to the United States. With the demise of the Soviet Union, the world became unipolar and India was left with no choice but to deal with the US. Then China ascended to superpower status, but China has never been our friend. Our friendship with the US remained onagain, off-again, driven primarily by the migration of Indian people to the US in large numbers.

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Came the Russo-Ukraine war. Our all-weather friend, Russia, was battling Ukraine, a virtual non-entity to us. Russia was the mortal enemy of the West. The West took it upon itself to stop Russia in its tracks. Russia offered cheap oil to India, which we heartily availed of. In effect, we were subsidizing the Russian war effort. We maintained a sheen of neutrality between Russia and Ukraine, claiming that we were on the side of peace. President Zelenskyy of Ukraine talked to us but never trusted us. Then Trump arrived and installed himself as the head honcho to broker peace between Russia and Ukraine. It remained another matter that he too ardently took the side of Russia, much to Zelenskyys disappointment.

Trump was re-elected on the twin planks of immigration and the economy, and he has moved with lightning speed to tackle those fronts. His immigration policies remain wildly popular with his MAGA base, but the base doesnt seem to understand the tariff issue very much. Someone has convinced Trump that levying tariffs on the world is the way to go to restore manufacturing in his country. Trump refuses to believe that manufacturing has left his shores forever. China, as the factory floor of the world, and indeed of the US, had tied its prosperity to exports to the US. Those exports will come to a standstill with Trumps trade war. As Fareed Zakaria of CNN recently elucidated, China now has become free to take over Taiwan. Earlier its economic prosperity tied to the US had served as a restraint for it. What will happen if China invades Taiwan?

Joe Biden seemed to have been committed to the security of Taiwan, promising boots on the ground there, but it seems that apart from making noise, Trump may do nothing. An aggressive China will send alarm bells ringing around the world, including in India. India has a golden opportunity to tread the middle ground in Trumps trade war and play cards to its advantage. It can negotiate with China to reduce its own trade deficit. With Trump, it might have to give more than it takes, but as things stand, it is taking more than it is giving. Trump believes in a personalized style of diplomacy. If he likes a leader of the world, be it Vladimir Putin of Russia or Nayib Bukele of El Salvador, he will go to any length to appease them.

He has taken a shine to Modi. India must cash in. India today is not strong enough to become a pole by itself in the world, but it is big enough not to follow any camp. Let the SinoUS dispute go to war. Both countries will come out of it badly bruised. We must follow the middle path and come out of it smelling like roses, only to take our rightful place in the new world order that will emerge. (The writer is an expert on energy and contributes regularly to publications in India and overseas.)
In its 41-page judgment dated 3 April, the Honble Supreme Court scrapped the selection of 25, 752 teachers and non-teaching staff by the West Bengal School Service Commission (WBSSC) for the recruitment of non-teaching staff in Groups C and D, and Assistant Teachers for Classes XI and X, as well as Classes XI and XII in State funded Schools.

In 2016, WBSSC, the statutory selection body , had issued a notification for regional and state level selection tests and commenced the selection process for (i) 12,905 Assistant Teachers for Classes IX & X ; (ii) 5,712 Assistant Teachers for Classes XI & XII ; (iii) 2, 067 non-teaching staff under Group C; and (iv) 3,956 non-teaching staff under Group D .

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M/s Nysa Communications Pvt. Ltd. was entrusted with the task of scanning and assessing the Optical Mark Recognition (OMR) sheets. A common list of successful candidates with the marks was not uploaded. However, candidates were allowed to log in to the WBSSC website to check if they had been called for a personality test or interview. Personality tests/ interviews were conducted and final status rank lists were published on the website on different dates in November and December 2017 and August 2018. The list did not display the marks obtained but it included both the candidates who were in the panel and those on the waiting list.

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Before the results were published, Baisakhi Bhattacharjee filed a Writ Petition against the State government and others before the Calcutta High Court in December 2016, alleging deprivation of age relaxation. This became the lead case and other WPs were filed subsequently in 2021 seeking individual appointments and alleging illegalities in the 2016 recruitment process raising, inter alia, issues like appointment letters were issued but candidates were not allowed to join, rank jumping, pick and choose method in selecting candidates and flouting of recruitment rules in that candidates neither in the merit list nor in the waiting list were given appointments and also joined the schools.

On some occasions, WBSSC filed affidavits accepting the illegalities and mistakes. WBSSC was unable to produce the original OMR sheets and submitted mirror/scanned copies. Citing Rule 21 of the WBSSC (selection for appointment to the posts of Teachers for Classes IX -X in Secondary and Higher Secondary ) 2016 and Rules 2016 relating to Classes XI-XII, WBSSC justified its executive decision dated 22 July 2019 in destroying the physical OMR sheets one year after the results were declared.

However, the applicable rule, 2009 relating to selection process for Group C and Group D does not permit the destruction of OMR sheets for these. WBSSC admitted the destruction of OMR sheets of all candidates including of Group C and D and expressed inability to submit the same.

A four-member committee, chaired by Justice Ranjit Kumar Bag, a retired Judge of Calcutta High Court was appointed to scrutinize and verify the appointments of non-teaching staff in Groups C and D.

Upon realizing illegalities in appointment, WBSSC terminated the services of some candidates under Rule 17 of the Classes IX-X and XI-XII Rules, and Rule 18 of the 2009 Rules. In accordance with the interim orders passed by the High Court, WBSSC also withdrew the recommendations for certain candidates. The single judge of Calcutta High Court vide order dated 15 February 2022, directed the CBI to investigate the alleged illegalities in the recruitment process. Pursuant to further orders, four different FIRs were registered by CBI.

The Supreme Court while hearing a batch of Special Leave Petitions on 9 November 2023, directed, inter alia, to complete the investigation within two months and submit its Report before the High Court as well as to take such steps lawful steps in pursuance of their investigation. Pursuant to the directions for investigations, the CBI had submitted four interim and final Reports before the High Court.

The Division Bench of Calcutta High Court vide its judgment dated 22 April 2024 set aside the entire selection process directing, inter alia, (i) all appointments granted in the selection processes involved being violative of Articles 14 and 16 of the Constitution of India , are declared null and void and cancelled, and (ii) persons who had been appointed outside the panel, after expiry of the panel as also those who submitted blank OMR sheets but obtained appointments , must return all remunerations and benefits with 12 per cent interest per annum. CBI was directed to investigate allegations with custodial interrogation, if necessary, and WBSSC was directed to undertake a fresh selection process in compliance with the Rules.

On 3 April 2025, the Supreme Court upheld this judgment with certain modifications. While justifying its decision, the Court cited more than 10 Supreme Court cases to explain the sanctity of its decision. However, most of the cases have apparently no or little resemblance with the facts and circumstances of the present WBSSC case. Here no irregularity like leakage of question papers, mass-copying, impersonation or any other unfair practice were noticed or proved during examinations on the part of any candidate. Here the innocent, non-tainted candidates have been punished for faults they did not commit.

There is no evidence, but only assumption that the appointments of non-tainted candidates were part of the fraudulent purpose conspired by a corrupt administration. In one cited case, Joginder Pal and Others v. State of Punjab and Others , 2014 ( para 15 ) the Supreme Court observed that every effort should be made to separate tainted from untainted candidates , and if it is found that segregating the tainted from untainted is possible , cancellation of the entire selection process would be incompatible with law.

It is an established principle of law that before a person is deprived of his life to livelihood the procedure established by law must be strictly followed and must not be departed from to the disadvantage of the person affected ( Makhan Singh v. State of Punjab, 1952 ). When a decision is depriving thousands of young, untainted candidates who were selected through examination/ interview fairly conducted and employed for years deserve minute application of the judicious mind in a holistic manner. Many of them are now married, have children and dependents including ailing parents. A majority ( including tainted category who helplessly became prey of systematic corruption ) of them belong to poor and middle class families and fresh recruitment process provides no guarantee of success to the non-tainted candidates .

In the first case cited case, Sachin Kumar and others v. Delhi Subordinate Service Selection Board (DSSSB) and others, 2021 the Court observed that care must be taken to ensure that the innocent are not unfairly penalized alongside the wrongdoers by cancelling the entire process. To treat the innocent and wrong doers equally would violate Article 14 of the Constitution, as it would involve treating unequals equally.

The Supreme Court itself has no doubt that the tainted and untainted could be separated by the WBSSC, that is why tainted candidates have been directed to refund their remuneration and they have been also barred to participate in the fresh selection process.

The judgment refers to a statistical report submitted by WBSSC before the High Court that percentage of alleged irregularity were 8.50%, 14.47% , 38.43% and 44.87 % in case of Assistant Teacher (IX-X) , Assistant Teacher (XI-XII) , Group-C (clerk) and Group -D respectively. Further, as submitted by WBSSC, excluding 239 candidates who fall under both OMR mismatch and other illegalities, WBSSC acknowledges that 6,276 illegal appointments were made. However, WBSSC in its affidavit dated 27 September 2022 mentioned that CBI came across a considerable number of illegal appointments and the Commission is not in a position to state the details of such candidates.

While placing data before the Court to segregate meritorious candidates from those appointed illegally, WBSSC argues that the entire selection process should not be annulled. At para 28, the Honble Court observed, We may have accepted this argument if WBSSC had the original physical OMR sheets or the mirror copy of the OMR sheets. It is relevant to mention that there is also a dichotomy in the position taken by the tainted candidates and the untainted candidates regarding the scanned copies of OMR sheets recovered from Pankaj Bansal and M/S Data Scantech Solutions (job given by M/s Nysa Communication Pvt. Ltd ).

It was the stand of the tainted candidates before the Court that the scanned copy of the OMR sheets are not the ones which the candidates had filled up at the time of examination. However, the untainted candidates claim that the scanned copies of the OMR sheets are the original sheets which the candidates had filled up (para 38). Apparently , there is no iota of proof or evidence , in any way , that these untainted candidates are part of the fraud or cheating, or participated in the manipulations done in the system .

However, the Supreme Court opined, this is a case wherein the entire selection process has been vitiated and tainted beyond resolution. Manipulations and frauds on a large scale, coupled with the attempted cover up, have dented the selection process beyond repair and partial redemption. The credibility and legitimacy of the selection are denuded.

Unfortunately, the services of non-tainted candidates (not mentioned as competent or qualified) who are a majority of the candidates have been terminated abruptly but no compensation has been awarded to provide them any social security for the irredeemable loss, injustice and humiliation suffered.

While concurring with the Calcutta Division Bench decision, the Apex Court concluded, We find no valid ground or reason to interfere with the direction of the High Court that the services of tainted candidates, where appointed, must be terminated, and they should be required to refund any salaries /payments received. Since their appointments were the result of fraud, this amounts to cheating. Therefore, we see no justification to alter this direction (Para 45). These candidates are not eligible to participate in the fresh selection process also.

For candidates not specifically found to be tainted, the entire process has been rightly declared null and void due to the egregious violations and illegalities, which violated Articles 14 and 16 of the Constitution. As such, the appointments of these candidates are cancelled. However, candidates who are already employed need not be asked to refund or restitute any payments made to them. However, their services will be terminated (Para 46).

Surprisingly in the entire judgement, not even once has Article 21, i.e., Right to life and liberty, has been mentioned although right to life has been snatched away and untainted category has been dumped with the tainted one. The Court has trusted the WBSSC to comply with the judgment relating to tainted and non-tainted categories. Very rightly, the criminal proceedings would continue.

To conclude, the Honble Court apparently erred to apply its judicious mind in meting out justice to the untainted category keeping in consideration their right to livelihood and reasonable classification. It is little solace that some of the appointed candidates who do not fall within the category of tainted candidates and who might have previously worked in different departments of the State Governments or with an autonomous body, have liberty to join in earlier employments without any break in the service as the numbers of such candidates is very small.

This a case which demands further innovation or reorientation of principles of Natural Justice and Equity, given the corruption in the governance system and pathetic unemployment situation of educated eligible youth. This judicial fallibility unless cured in review under Article 137 of the Constitution may affect the aspirations of youth of Bengal and the entire education system of the state.

(The writer is a lawyer, author and social activist. Views expressed are personal.)
Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Finland President Alexander Stubb reiterated their commitment to further strengthen and deepen the partnership between the two countries, including in the areas of quantum, 5G-6G, AI and cyber-security during their telephonic conversation, on Wednesday.

Had a fruitful conversation with President Alexander Stubb. Finland is an important partner country in the EU. We are committed to elevating our ties. Exchanged our perspectives on regional and global issues, including the situation in Ukraine, PM Modi posted on X after the phone call.

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According to the Prime Ministers Office, the two leaders reviewed the ongoing collaboration between the two countries including in the areas of digitalization, sustainability and mobility besides also exchanging views on regional and global issues of mutual interest, including the situation in Ukraine.

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As the two leaders agreed to remain in touch, Finlands President expressed his countrys support for closer India-EU relations and conclusion of a mutually beneficial FTA at the earliest.

Had a good phone conversation today with Prime Minister of India Narendra Modi. We discussed, among other things, bilateral relations, Russias war of aggression against Ukraine, and the geopolitical shifts and their implications for the multilateral system. In these turbulent times, the friendship between Finland and India is more important than ever, Stubb wrote on X.

On Tuesday, PM Modi spoke with Denmark PM Mette Frederiksen, emphasising that both countries continue to work extensively together in several fields, including the Green Strategic Partnership.

Glad to speak with PM Mette Frederiksen today. Reaffirmed our strong support for the India-Denmark Green Strategic Partnership and enhancing cooperation across sectors for the benefit of our people. We also discussed regional and global developments of mutual interest, PM Modi posted on X after the phone call.

Recalling high-level exchanges between both countries ever since the launch of the Green Strategic Partnership in 2020, the leaders noted the expansion of the Green Strategic Partnership in various fields which have created favourable conditions for Danish investments in India to contribute to green transition. The leaders also discussed regional and global issues of mutual interest.

Prime Minister Modi said that he was looking forward to the 3rd India-Nordic Summit scheduled to be held later this year in Norway, and his meeting with Prime Minister Frederiksen at that time.

Denmark is also the only country in the world with which India has a Green Strategic Partnership.
Indias humanitarian assistance to earthquake-hit Myanmar under Operation Brahma continued on Wednesday as the next set of pre-fabricated office and housing units carried by the Indian Air Force C-17 plane arrived at Mandalay airport. The units were received by Defence Attache, Col. Jaswinder Gill and Sundeep Kaushal, Consulate General of India in Myanmar. They also bid farewell to the remaining Indian Army field hospital team from Myanmar.

Earlier in the day, the Indian Armys 60 Parachute Field Hospital returned home after conducting an extensive 14-day international Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR) operation in disaster-hit Myanmar, during which dedicated medical care was extended to 2519 patients. The team had won praise from Myanmar authorities and people alike for their contribution.

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On Tuesday, First Secretaries Ritu Yadav, Amit Shreeansh and A. Sowmiya received the Indian Air Force C-17 carrying prefabricated office/housing units under Operation Brahma, with Ministry of Social Welfare, Relief and Resettlement DG Min Thein and Ministry of Defence Col Minn Zaw, at Naypyidaw, the Embassy of India in Yangon stated.

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Last week, a team of Indian safety and demolition engineers conducted a comprehensive assessment of earthquake-affected sites in Mandalay and the capital city of Naypyidaw.

Additionally, a medical team from India including an orthopedic surgeon, assisted in the treatment of 70 patients injured during the devastating earthquake at a Naypyidaw Hospital.

India had launched Operation Brahma to provide necessary support, including Search and Rescue (SAR), humanitarian aid, disaster relief, and medical assistance, following the devastating 7.7 magnitude earthquake that struck Myanmar on March 28.

Acting as the First Responder in times of crisis in its neighbourhood, India sent several aircraft and five naval ships to deliver 625 MT of Humanitarian Aid and Disaster Relief (HADR) material.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi had also expressed deep sorrow over the disaster and conveyed Indias condolences directly to Min Aung Hlaing, reaffirming Indias commitment to assisting Myanmar during this crisis.

On April 4, Prime Minister Narendra Modi met Hlaing on the sidelines of the BIMSTEC Summit in Bangkok and discussed the situation in the aftermath of the devastating earthquake in the country, including Indias ongoing efforts under Operation Brahma to provide humanitarian aid, disaster relief and medical assistance to Myanmar.

The Senior General expressed his gratitude for Indias assistance efforts. The Prime Minister conveyed that, as the First Responder, India stands with Myanmar in this time of crisis and is ready to deploy more material assistance and resources, if required.
A US Congressional delegation led by Republican Party Senator Pete Ricketts began its April 16-19 Taiwan visit  first since US President Donald Trump began his second term at the White House  on Wednesday as part of a larger visit to the region underscoring Washingtons commitment to strengthening a free and open Indo-Pacific.

Other members of the bi-partisan delegation include Senator Chris Coons from the Democratic Party and Senator Ted Budd from the Republican Party.

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The delegation will engage in a series of high-level meetings with senior Taiwan leaders to discuss US-Taiwan relations, regional security, trade and investment, and other significant issues of mutual interest.

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Earlier this month, the US had condemned Chinas joint military exercises near Taiwan, slamming Beijings growing assertiveness in the Indo-Pacific region.

Once again, Chinas aggressive military activities and rhetoric toward Taiwan only serve to exacerbate tensions and put the regions security and the worlds prosperity at risk. In the face of Chinas intimidation tactics and destabilising behaviour, the United States enduring commitment to our allies and partners, including Taiwan, continues, read a statement issued by the US State Department spokesperson Tammy Bruce.

The United States supports peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait and opposes unilateral changes to the status quo, including through force or coercion, it added.

The remarks followed after China confirmed that it had conducted joint army, navy, and rocket exercises around Taiwan.

Taiwans Defence Ministry also condemned the act and stated that China continues to escalate military activities in the Taiwan Strait and the Indo-Pacific region by intensifying military threats and challenging the international order and regional stability, thereby becoming the greatest troublemaker in the eyes of the international community.

Last month, a bipartisan group of US lawmakers reintroduced the Taiwan International Solidarity Act in the House of Representatives after the pro-Taiwan legislation stalled in the Senate in 2023.

The act encourages the US to work with allies and partners to oppose Chinas efforts to undermine Taiwans diplomatic relationships and partnerships globally, said a press release issued by the office of US Representative Gerry Connolly, a Democrat who introduced the bill.

This bipartisan legislation ensures that we stand against Beijings weaponisation of international organisations and in solidarity with the wishes and best interests of the people of Taiwan, said Connolly.

China claims Taiwan to be a part of its territory that must be reunified with the mainland by force if necessary. In recent years, Beijing has increased military exercises in the Taiwan Strait to intensify pressure on Taiwan.

Meanwhile, the US and its allies consider the Taiwan Strait as an international waterway and routinely send warships through the strait, asserting their influence in the Indo-Pacific region and countering the growing influence of China.
Russia is preparing for new strikes on Ukrainian energy infrastructure, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said at a meeting with energy professionals on Thursday, April 17.

"We know what Russia is preparing for. There are data from our special services, from intelligence. Now  both on the eve of Easter and after it  new strikes by Russia are possible," the president said.

He stressed that the Ukrainian side will continue to protect the energy system.

"We will continue to protect our country, our energy sector. But this protection is not only in air defense missiles, not only the military provide it. Everyone who works conscientiously and efficiently in every community, in every region of ours - we are grateful to everyone for the fact that Ukraine has light, Ukraine is recovering," the president emphasized.

Zelenskyy also noted that the third winter of the full-scale war was managed to pass without a blackout.

"It was difficult, there were many threats, outages, losses. But Ukraine has preserved its energy system - integrated, working. And this is an extremely important achievement of our people, the people themselves. Many people who protect energy facilities, restore them after strikes, repair them - and even under fire - build what is needed for protection, ensure the operation of power plants, grids - all of our energy sector. Hundreds of thousands of Ukrainians did everything to ensure that Ukraine has energy," the president summed up.

During the meeting, he also honored energy sector workers with state awards.


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During the inaugural session of THE WEEK Defence Conclave 2025, Union Defence Minister Rajnath Singh highlighted the mindset change that the Modi government has brought to the defence sector, making it future-ready. He reflected on the challenges inherited by his government and the far-reaching reforms carried out in the last 11 years, which are aimed at building a self-reliant, export-ready, and future-ready defence apparatus.



Singh expressed confidence that Indias defence strength will not only help it become a developed nation but also enable it to emerge as a top-tier global military power in the years to come. His only concern was the delay in the development of the aero engine.

Here are the five takeaways from Defence Minister Rajnath Singh's speech at the inaugural session of THE WEEK Defence Conclave 2025.

1. A shift in mindset

Singh highlighted that one of the governments key initiatives was to change the national mindset towards defencefrom dependence on imports to faith in domestic capability.

Unlike in the past, when self-reliance was not even a distant goal, the present government has made it central to defence strategy. The previous approach of "import if needed" has been replaced with an assertive 'Make in India, Make for the World' model.

India is now building its own systems, not only for internal security but also for export to friendly nations.

2. Rise in domestic defence production and exports

Indias domestic defence production has grown from approximately 40,000 crore in 2014 to over 1.27 lakh crore in 2024. The target is 1.60 lakh crore this year and 3 lakh crore by 2029, reflecting a consistent upward trajectory.

Defence exports have surged from 686 crore in 201314 to 23,622 crore in 202425. Indian-made defence products now reach nearly 100 countries, with a target of 30,000 crore in 2025 and 50,000 crore by 2029.

Global defence manufacturers are moving from the fragile "Just-in-Time" model to a more secure "Just-in-Case" model.

Indias Make in India programme positions it as a reliable hub in global defence supply chains.

The Ministry has also released positive indigenisation lists, covering over 5,500 items including key systems, spares, and subsystems. These will be manufactured exclusively in India, boosting the local ecosystem.

Initiatives like iDEX, iDEX Prime, and the newly launched ADITI scheme are driving innovation by offering funding up to 25 crore for startups developing futuristic defence tech. Over 2,400 crore has been earmarked for purchases from startups/MSMEs.

3. Defence reforms and institutional changes

Key reforms such as the creation of the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) and the planned rollout of theatre commands aim to enhance jointness, integration, and operational efficiency among the tri-services. The increased participation of women in all three wings of the armed forcesfrom sea patrols to mountain postswas hailed as a sign of inclusive modernisation and strength.

The Defence Ministry has declared 2025 as the 'Year of Reforms', marking its commitment to continuous transformationboth in capability building and institutional processesto future-proof Indias security.

The conversion of 200-year-old Ordnance Factories into corporate entities marked a major structural reform. This has resulted in improved efficiency, greater accountability, and profitability, without compromising employee interests or national security.

4. Aero Engine capability: Still a strategic gap

Singh acknowledged that aero engine manufacturing remains a critical gap, but was hopeful that despite the delay the targets will be met.

He stated that progress under the Kaveri engine project has been promising. India is actively engaging with global firms like Safran, Rolls-Royce, and GE for technology transfer (ToT) to manufacture engines for Tejas and 5th-generation fighter jets.

5. From war-making to peace-keeping

Rajnath Singh clarified that the governments defence emphasis is not to wage war but to ensure peace through strength. Future wars will be marked by unpredictability, non-state actors, cyber threats, and narrative control.

India is strengthening its forces through holistic capacity building and is ready to face emerging multi-domain challenges.

India is making notable strides in AI, cyber defence, hypersonics, drones, and space-based warfare. These developments are crucial to counter modern asymmetric threats and prepare for multi-domain conflicts.
Dr Samir V. Kamat, Chairman of the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), made a compelling case for enhancing Indias investment in research and development (R&D), particularly in the defence sector. Speaking at THE WEEK Defence Conclave, Dr Kamat stressed that both the government and the private sector must step up to meet the demands of the future battlefield.

As a nation, we have to increase our spending on R&D, Dr Kamat said. If we are to meet future challenges and expectations.

He noted that while China allocates 2.6 percent of its GDP to R&D, with both government and private industry contributing, India lags behind considerably. If we look at our defence budget, only 5% is currently spent on R&D. In contrast, the US and China allocate between 10 to 15 percent of their defence budgets to R&D, he added.

Dr Kamat said that announcement by the defence minister to increase this to 10 percent over the next five years was a very positive development.

However, Dr Kamat identified institutional challenges that need to be addressed. Chief among them is the systemic fear of failure, particularly due to stringent audits. All in the government face CAG audits. If a project doesnt succeed, its seen as a waste of taxpayers money. But R&D by nature involves failure. If you already know the outcome, its not R&Dits just incremental improvement.

Citing the US Defence Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) as a model, he pointed out that despite being held up as a paragon of excellence, DARPA projects have a success rate of only around 10%. The key is that they know when to shut down a project that doesnt deliver, without the fear of auditors blaming them for losses.

Without such risk tolerance, Dr Kamat warned, India would always shy away from high-risk, cutting-edge projects, thereby remaining a follower rather than a leader in defence technology.

He also called for greater openness and collaboration in the defence R&D ecosystem. In the name of secrecy, we have put ourselves in silos. Even a small leak to the media prompts a letter from higher authorities. But true innovation needs openness. One must engage with academia, startups, and industry from the very beginningnot after the technology is ready.

To this end, DRDO has already begun involving two industry partners from the start of each R&D project, he said. However, broader structural changes are needed. Theres little risk capital for deep tech development, which often takes five to six years. While venture capital is available for startups offering quick service delivery, technology development requires patience and government support.

Dr Kamat welcomed recent initiatives under the Technology Development Fund (TDF), which now allows DRDO to fund cutting-edge projects worth up to Rs 50 crore. The environment is gradually changing. We are at a critical juncture. If we want to become a technology leader and achieve self-reliance in defence, we must work in synergy.

He also urged the armed services to abandon the rigid General Staff Qualitative Requirements (GSQR) model in favour of a more flexible approach. We must embrace spiral developmentaccept systems at 70% capability and evolve them. Otherwise, the private sector wont get orders and will be forced to shut shop.

Dr Kamat concluded on a hopeful note, expressing confidence in Indias ability to overcome past challenges. I am sanguine we can rise to the occasion and achieve the goal of Atmanirbhar Bharat as envisioned by the prime minister.
Amid rising maritime security challenges and global supply constraints, senior naval officials and shipbuilding experts have called for urgent steps to strengthen Indias warship-building capabilities.

As part of the THE WEEK Defence Conclave, during the session focused on Building a Builders Navy, the experts emphasised the need for long-term planning, technological advancement, and strategic investments to position India as a global hub for naval manufacturing.

Vice Admiral Rajaram Swaminathan, Controller of Warship Production & Acquisition (CWP&A), said asymmetric threats and increasing pressure on global sea lanes have created a surge in demand for warships. There is a growing necessity to secure our sea lines of communication. With shipbuilding capacity globally under strain, Chinese infrastructure fully booked, and European yards out of capacity, countries are turning to Japan and South Korea, he said. India must seize this moment to revive its shipbuilding ecosystem and establish itself as a reliable supplier.

Commodore RS Vasan (Retd), Director General of the Chennai Centre for China Studies, stressed the need for India to learn from Chinas rapid ascent. China builds over 51% of the worlds shipsIndia contributes less than 1%. The difference is staggering, he noted. With 330 warships and cutting-edge technology, China has captured the global market by building the necessary infrastructure and scaling up quickly. We need to ask: why would the world come to us unless we offer similar scale and efficiency?

CDR Vasudev Puranik, Director (Planning & Personnel), Mazagon Dock, said comparisons with China should account for historical context. Both India and China were agrarian economies. China shifted to manufacturing in the 1990s, while India wasnt population-ready for such a transition, he said.

In the next 20 years, well have a robust ecosystem to support conventional submarine construction if we start making efforts on building our own production system. The capability exists; it just needs to be developed into a cohesive system.

Jathesh Chandra, Director General (Design) at Cochin Shipyard, highlighted the practical challenges faced by Indian shipyards.

Almost all of Indias naval vessels are now built domestically, and around 65 Navy ships are currently under construction. Yes, weve had cost overruns and delays in the past, but these experiences have taught us valuable lessons. We now have the knowledge and experience to move forward with greater efficiency.

Collectively, the speakers agreed that India must act decisively to build a resilient, future-ready shipbuilding industryone that not only meets domestic needs but also supports global partners.
The Operational Command South reported the use by the enemy of Shahed-type strike unmanned aerial vehicles carrying dangerous chemicals for attacks on the territory of Ukraine.

"Analysis of one of the downed UAVs revealed the presence of a capsule with a concentrated combat toxic substance CS. There is a possibility that these UAVs will be used to disperse toxic substances in order to harm the civilian population," the message on Facebook said.

The Armed Forces of Ukraine urge caution - in no case should you pick up the wreckage of downed drones, as they may contain particles of toxic substances.
What is the role that startups and MSMEs play in reshaping the ecosystem by advancing crucial technologies? And what are the challenges, opportunities and expectations from the government? This was the topic of the final panel discussion at THE WEEKs Defence Conclave 2025.

The panelists included Maj RajPrasad RS, Service Innovator, Army Design Bureau; Commodore Arun P. Golaya, former OIC, Technology Development Acceleration Cell (TDAC), Naval Innovation and Indigenisation Organisation; Professor Manan Suri of IIT Delhi; Abhishek Jain, founder chairman, startup forum, Society of Indian Defence Manufacturers (SIDM); Rini Bansal, director, Carbon Light; Dr Rashi Mehrotra, director, AiKairos; and Dr Nagendra Babu Samineni, MD, Unistring Tech.

ALSO READ | Building jet engines in India: Experts chart post-Kaveri roadmap at THE WEEK Defence Conclave

The panelists agreed that the Indian government has provided crucial support through strategic collaborations and R&D. The governments confidence in the startups has increased significantly. As Golaya said, there couldnt be a better time to be a startup in India. However, he had some caveats. He said the government must listen more to the startups. From AI to robotics, they know the field better, he said.

The panelists also felt that while the experience has gotten better for startups when it comes to prototyping and the interaction of the user community with developers, there is still some way to go when it comes to contracting, induction and scaling. Scaling and digitisation, felt Suri, are extremely important.

He also suggested a progressive IPR policy. Let innovators hold the IPR, he said. They must have flexibility with their IPR.

ALSO READ | Technology plays important role in defence, needs more involvement and engagement, say experts

Bansal, who works on developing advanced material, said that material science is a fundamental building block of any technology. In the last two decades, India has started investing a lot more in material science, but countries like China, Germany and the US are far ahead.

Other takeaways included the importance of believing in our traditional tech while adapting to future technology; looking at investing in Indian startups as a nation-building exercise even if there is a risk factor; faster timelines in procurement; and ensuring continuity of orders for the startups and MSMEs. If an Israeli company comes up with a product with 60 to 70 per cent capabilities of a world product, Israel will prefer that company, with an eye to the future, something India can imitate, felt the speakers.
In one of the most critical discussions of THE WEEK Defence Conclave, the panel named "To Make or to Buy? How do the Services choose?" focused on the debate for creating a greater weapons manufacturing base and equipments indigenously.

The session was moderated by R.K. Mathur, former Defence Secretary and former Lieutenant Governor of Ladakh, who set the tone by raising a fundamental concern. He pointed out the burden and challenges of defence procurement to meet operational requirements more effectively.

Lieutenant General Rahul R. Singh, Deputy Chief of Army Staff (CD&S), echoed the strategic vision laid down by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh: India must become self-reliant in defence production. "There is no option but to make in India. It is about risk. He emphasized that officers who dare to take risks in procurement should be rewarded, not penalised," he said.

"Often, due to the fear of repercussions, decision-makers tend to choose safer options. Genuine sovereignty comes from self-reliance. Because full transfer of technology is a myth," he added.

Lt Gen A.D.S. Aujla, Master General of Sustenance in the Indian Army, provided a comprehensive perspective on sustaining combat operations. We are taking a holistic view of operational preparedness, he said.

Ammunition technology is changing the face of warfare, Aujla added. Soldier-centric innovations and a refined logistics and transportation model are also being pursued to ensure combat effectiveness is enhanced at every level.

Air Marshal Sanjeev Kapoor (Retd), former Director General (Inspection & Safety) of the Indian Air Force, brought an aerospace perspective to the debate. He acknowledged the long-standing nature of the make or buy dilemma but emphasized that Make in India in aviation is particularly complex.

Kapoor said that the Indian aircrafts have to go through different challenges. Our aircrafts, he said, must perform in extreme conditionsfrom flying at 25,000 feet in sub-zero temperatures over the Himalayas to withstanding blistering 60-degree heat in Rajasthan and then transitioning to marine environments.

These varied environmental challenges arent seen anywhere else in the world, he said, "these places put immense stress on machines."

Vice Admiral Sanjay Vatsayan, Deputy Chief of Integrated Defence Staff (PP&FD) said in his speech that we fight tomorrows wars with yesterdays weapons. He added that if we need the latest technology, we can't manufacture it overnight. "Thats where the buy and make balance becomes crucial.

While describing the real time understanding of defence sector he said that India is still behind the curve. "When immediate operational needs arise, we have no choice but to buywe can't wait. Making takes time, and while it has its advantages, it also comes with its limitations. Over the last three years, only two major contracts have been signed externally, which shows how much we've reduced imports," he said.
Titled Momentous Changes: Defence Reforms, the first panel discussion of THE WEEK Defence Conclave 2025 in New Delhi, supported by the defence ministry, focused on reforms in the defence sector.

The session was moderated by former Defence Secretary Sanjay Mitra. Panellists included Lieutenant General Vinod Khandare (Retd), former adviser to the Ministry of Defence and ex-DG, DIA Lieutenant General D.P. Pandey (Retd), who was commandant of the Army War College, Mhow, and Group Captain (Dr) Rajiv Kumar Narang (Retd), Senior Fellow at the Manohar Parrikar Institute for Defence Studies and Analyses (MP-IDSA).

In his opening remarks, Mitra highlighted the urgent need for structural and policy-level reforms to modernise Indias defence apparatus.

Lieutenant General Vinod Khandare emphasised that reforms are neither a one-off event nor a short-term endeavourthey are a continuous process that must build on the past and prepare for the future. The era of no war is over, and conflicts are no longer short-lived, he said. He also pointed out that the international community seemed more focused on selling defence products than promoting peace, citing examples of the ongoing wars in Ukraine and the Middle East. This is why Atmanirbharta, or self-reliance, is critical, he said.

Khandare stressed that indigenisation must be a whole-of-government effort, not the responsibility of the defence ministry alone. Among other priorities, he highlighted the corporatisation of key sectors such as ordnance factories; ending the compartmentalisation between defence attaches and ambassadors in embassies; increasing international engagement and market outreach; focusing on emerging domains such as space and cyber; and encouraging private sector participation in the defence ecosystem.

Lieutenant General D.P. Pandey provided a practitioners view of defence reforms. He challenged the notion that warfare would become less violent, arguing that due to global power asymmetries, the spread of radical ideologies, and challenges like climate change, warfare has in fact become more brutal. The next war will span all domainsland, air, sea, cyberand will involve proxies, paramilitary forces, and cyber actors. It will not be limited to conventional military engagements, he said.

He also highlighted the growing importance of the information domain, or mindspace, in modern conflict. Future wars will be defined by the widespread use of drones and hypersonic weapons, increasing both range and lethality. These developments have eroded even the concept of nuclear deterrence, he warned.

Group Captain (Retd) Rajiv Kumar Narang focused on the role of technology in driving reform. He proposed that defence verticals be treated as equal stakeholders in all reform processes, including initiatives promoting tri-service integration. He also called for reforms within the Indian Administrative Service (IAS), suggesting the creation of a technical branch to better address defence-related needs.

Another significant proposal was the establishment of a Defence and Aeronautical Commission to oversee procurement and policy matters. He further recommended that the Ministry of Civil Aviation take ownership of the civil aeronautics sector, advocating for greater technological synergy between civil and military domains.

All three panellists agreed on the urgent need for defence sector reforms, noting that no foreign power is likely to transfer its critical technologies to India. They also pointed out that the global military-industrial complex has little interest in ending conflicts, and that there currently exists no competent international organisation dedicated to preventing wars. As such, India must strive to achieve Atmanirbharta in defence at the earliest possible time.
Nearly a month after its theatrical release, and much noise from several right-wing groups for some of its portions that offended them, the makers of L2: Empuraan has announced that it will be having its OTT release, on April 24, on JioHotstar.

L2: Empuraan saw Prithviraj Sukumaran returning to the director's chair for the third time, for the sequel to one of Malayalam cinema's highest-grossing blockbusters, Lucifer, with which he made his directorial debut, headlined by Mohanlal, Prithviraj, Tovino Thomas, Manju Warrier, Indrajith Sukumaran, Sai Kumar, Suraj Venjaramoodu, Baiju Santhosh, Abhimanyu Singh, and many more.

After the controversy and the subsequent re-censoring of the theatrical version which removed certain portions, one can assume that the second version will be the one streaming on the platform.

The film kicked up a political storm over its references to the 2002 Gujarat riots and depicting one of the perpetrators as the antagonist, with right-wing outfits labelling the movie as "anti-RSS".

Following the backlash, actor Mohanlal apologised on Facebook, admitting that some parts of the film caused discomfort to certain people. He had also assured fans that contentious references would be removed from L2: Empuraan.

In its review of the film, THE WEEK said: "Murali Gopy's script is packed with enough events, some of which are played out simultaneously in a manner we often see in the Nolan films. (Empuraan even opens with a background score similar to the one in the opening sequence of The Dark Knight.) However, the narrative progressions lack the fluidity of the first film.
Actress Vincy Aloshious has filed a complaint against actor Shine Tom Chacko with the Film Chamber and the Internal Complaints Committee of the film Soothravakyam. Earlier, she had posted an Instagram video alleging that an actor who uses illicit drugs had misbehaved with her. Vincy also announced that she would no longer act alongside actors who use drugs.

Soothravakyam, directed by Srikanth Kandragula, stars Vincy, Chacko, and Deepak Parambol.

Film Chamber General Secretary Saji Nanthyatt told THE WEEK that a monitoring committee will convene on Monday, April 21, to examine the issue and take action on the complaint. The actors' organisation, A.M.M.A., also came out in support of Vincy, who has submitted the complaint to them as well.

Meanwhile, during a DANSAF raid at a hotel in Kochi on the night of April 16, actor Shine Tom Chacko allegedly exited his room and fled the premises. The investigation team, comprising five officials, was raiding his room when the actor escaped through a window and ran out through the hotel reception. The raid was conducted on the basis of the information that Chacko and his friends have been using drugs. The DANSAF team suspects that the actor and his friends were tipped off about the raid in advance.

Back in 2015, Chacko was arrested in a cocaine case. But this year, he was acquitted in the case. However, the Ernakulam Additional Sessions Court strongly criticized the police for lapses in this 2015 drug bust case.
In a breakthrough, a new form of diabetes-Type 5 diabetes- has been officially recognised, marking a pivotal shift in the global understanding of the disease.

Unlike the more familiar Type 1 and Type 2, Type 5 diabetes primarily affects underweight individuals, particularly children. This lesser-known form of diabetes, which affects an estimated 20-25 million people worldwide, predominantly in Asia and Africa, is now under rigorous global investigation.

What is Type 5 diabetes?

Type 5 diabetes usually affects lean people who have faced long-term undernutrition, especially during childhood. The condition was announced by Professor Peter Schwarz, president of the International Diabetes Federation, at the World Congress of Diabetes 2025 held in Bangkok.

A global task force has been formed to investigate this condition more.

How is Type 5 diabetes different from Type 1 and Type 2?

Type 1 diabetes is an auto-immune disease that prevents your pancreas from making insulin. While, Type 2 diabetes is a stage when the body cannot use insulin correctly and sugar builds up in the blood.

In many cases, those with Type 5 diabetes may not need insulin, making it different from the Type 1 classification of diabetes. Oral medications are used to treat those identified with Type 5 diabetes.

However, those affected with Type 5 diabetes have a hard time making enough insulin, which helps control blood sugar levels. But unlike people with Type 2 diabetes, their bodies can still respond well to insulin.

While announcing the new classification, Schwarz said that the recognition of Type 5 diabetes marks a historic shift in how we approach diabetes globally. "For too long this condition has gone unrecognised, affecting millions of people and depriving them of access to adapted care."

A new Type 5 Diabetes Working Group has been formed to set clear rules of diagnosis and treatment.

This is not the first time the maltnutrition-related diabetes was identified. This form of diabetes was first taken note of in the 1950s, however, there was not enough data on the condition. The World Health Organisation (WHO) recognised it as a separate type in 1985, but removed it in 1999 due to lack of data.

Dr Meredith Hawkins from the Albert Einstein College of Medicine in New York has been studying this condition for years. In 2010, she set up the Global Diabetes Institute that focused entirely on this condition. A breakthrough came when her team in India confirmed that the patients with malnutrition-related diabetes had very low insulin levels but not due to resistance as thought.

Studies were later conducted and meetings were held in India to review the data before declaring the separate type of diabetes officially.
Days, after widespread violence erupted across parts of Murshidabad, West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, announced on Thursday that she would visit the district once full normalcy is restored. She also urged Governor C.V. Ananda Bose, who is expected to visit Murshidabad on Friday, to delay his trip by a few days.

VIDEO | West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee (@MamataOfficial) earlier today urged Governor CV Ananda Bose to defer his proposed visit to violence-hit Murshidabad district, stating that the situation was gradually returning to normal and confidence-building measures were pic.twitter.com/nASiSre4bj  Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) April 17, 2025

Though peace has largely returned, the administration is currently focused on restoring public confidence, Banerjee said. I could have gone, but I chose not to for a reason. Ill visit at the right time. I request the governor and others to wait for a few days more, she said during a press conference on being informed about the governors possible visit.

Governor Bose, meanwhile, met with several families displaced by the recent violence, which stemmed from protests against the Waqf Amendment Act, 2025.

On Thursday, BJP state president and Union Minister Sukanta Majumdar brought a group of affected people to meet the governor at Raj Bhavan.

I am going to the field. Let me have a firsthand account of what happened in the field, Bose told the media ahead of his meeting with displaced families.

They wanted to meet me so I said I would go there and meet them. But they preferred to come to the Raj Bhawan. So I cut short my [other] programs mainly to meet them, he added.

Violence broke out in Murshidabad last week amid ongoing protests against the amended Waqf law. Three people were killed, and hundreds were forced to flee their homes. Many sought refuge in neighbouring districts like Malda and Jharkhand, alleging that they were attacked and their homes torched.

Some displaced families have since returned, and arrangements are being made for the safe return of others. A school in Malda has been converted into a temporary relief camp to house those still unable to go back.

The situation has largely been brought under control jointly by the state police and the 17 companies of central forces that are deployed in tense areas such as Suti, Samserganj, and Dhulian. The West Bengal government has constituted a Special Investigation Team (SIT), and over 550 people have been arrested in connection with the violence.

A total of four cases related to the violence in Murshidabad were filed in the Calcutta High Court. On Thursday, the cases were heard by a bench comprising Justice Soumen Sen and Justice Raja Basu Chowdhury.

During the hearing, the centre submitted its report to the court. Additional Solicitor General Asok Kumar Chakrabarti requested an extension of the central forces' deployment. He also sought permission from the Ministry of Home Affairs to initiate an investigation by the National Investigation Agency (NIA), citing the severity of the incidents.

Counsel for West Bengal Leader of Opposition Suvendu Adhikari alleged foreign involvement, claiming that the violence had links to Bangladesh. He pointed out that similar patterns of unrest were observed in other districts such as Malda, Howrah, and South 24 Parganas, suggesting a coordinated effort.

The state government, in its report, maintained that the law and order situation in Murshidabad was under control. The state's counsel argued that with senior police officials continuously monitoring the region and the SIT actively investigating the matter, an NIA probe was not necessary at this stage.

After hearing all parties, the High Court directed that the deployment of central forces continue until the next hearing. The bench also stressed the importance of prioritizing rehabilitation efforts and noted that, until such measures are fully implemented, the state remains responsible for maintaining peace and stability.
The central forces will remain in West Bengals Murshidabad district which has witnessed violent protests for the past one week over the Waqf Amendment Act, the Calcutta High Court ordered on Thursday.

A division bench comprising Justices Soumen Sen and Raja Basu Chowdhury also instructed that the political leaders should not make provocative speeches that could escalate tension.

The court directed the state government to set up a committee to facilitate rehabilitation for those affected by the violence. This committee will include members from the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC), West Bengal Human Rights Commission, and the State Legal Services Authority.

The next hearing has been scheduled for Monday.

The high court on Thursday considered multiple petitions over the violence, including the one filed by the Leader of Opposition Suvendu Adhikari.

Adhikari claimed that bomb blasts took place during communal riots in the Muslim-majority district and prayed that the National Investigation Agency (NIA) be handed over the probe into the violence.

The high court had on Saturday ordered the deployment of Central Armed Police Force (CAPF) in the district for the restoration of peace. Around 17 companies of central forces currently remain deployed in the trouble-torn pockets of Suti and Samserganj-Dhulian in the district.

Situation under control

Meanwhile, the state government submitted in the court that the law and order situation in the district is currently under control.

The also submitted that some of the affected families have already returned to their homes.

Appearing for the state, senior advocate Kalyan Banerjee submitted before the bench that more than 270 people have been arrested till midnight on Wednesday in connection with the violence.
Chinese Ambassador to India Xu Feihong visited CPI(M)s newly elected general secretary, M.A. Baby, at the party headquarters, AKG Bhawan, in New Delhi. The ambassador arrived around 3pm on April 16, and the meeting lasted for approximately half an hour. R. Arun Kumar, a newly inducted member of the CPI(M) Politburo, was also present to welcome the Chinese delegation.

According to sources at AKG Bhawan, it was a courtesy visit to congratulate the new general secretary. The Chinese Communist Party's (CPC) Central Committees International Department had earlier sent a message of goodwill for the recently concluded CPI(M) Party Congress held in Madurai.

Red Salute to Comrade MA Baby on being elected the new #CPIM general secretary#CPIM24thPartyCongress pic.twitter.com/gsVmCQrbo3  CPI (M) (@cpimspeak) April 6, 2025

The CPC and the CPI(M) have long maintained friendly exchanges, which have played a significant role in facilitating mutual understanding and practical cooperation between our two sides, the message read. It also highlighted the importance of strengthening China-India relations, noting that improved ties would serve the common interests of both countries and the broader region.

Notably, any mention of the CPC or India-China relations was absent from the inaugural speech delivered by veteran leader and former CPI(M) general secretary Prakash Karatwho was acting as Politburo coordinatorat the Madurai Party Congress. Instead, Karat focused his critique on US President Donald Trump and "US imperialism", accusing them of launching new forms of economic, political, and military aggression. He also criticised the Modi government's foreign policy and extended greetings to the Communist government in Cubayet made no reference to China.

Ambassador Xu Feihong, who took charge in India in May 2024, has been active in promoting a narrative of India-China friendship. In March this year, he authored an article titled "India-China Can Achieve a Dragon-Elephant Tango," where he emphasised that both countries are at a critical stage of development. He argued that Chinas high-quality growth and its commitment to high-standard opening up can offer India a broader market, more stable supply chains, and closer trade ties. If connected, the two major markets will produce an effect of 1+1=11, he wrote. China welcomes more high-quality Indian products and is more than happy to share its development dividends with India. Indian companies can strengthen 'Make in India' by investing in China, he added.

More recently, Ambassador Xu tweeted that the Chinese Embassy and Consulates in India have issued over 85,000 visas to Indian citizens this year. Welcome more Indian friends to visit China, experience an open, safe, vibrant, sincere and friendly China, he wrote.
Lakhs of migrant workers from north Telangana region sail to the Gulf countries, often seen as a land of opportunity for the rural poor in this part of the region. However, for the family members of Premsagar of Nirmal district and Srinivas of Nizamabad district, it ended in a tragedy robbing them off their breadwinners in a ghastly manner. Both the Telugu workers were killed at a bread company by a colleague from Pakistan. All three were tasked with slicing the bread into loaves.

According to the preliminary information, the accused attacked both, Premsagar and Srinivas with one of the sharp knives used to cut the bread. The reasons behind the attack are still unclear as multiple versions are doing the rounds on news and social media. According to a source in the migrant workers' community in Dubai, the accused who is a Pakistani was mentally unstable and had anger issues because of which he attacked both the workers and injured another one without any provocation. Though the deadly incident occurred last Friday, the news reached the family late.

Soon after the attack, another Telugu worker from the bread company sent voice notes to his friends and family back home in panic. He had allegedly pointed to a communal angle implying that the two men were killed because they were Hindus and subscribed to a political party which offended the accused and his gang.

Dubai has not put out any official press release related to the incident. The families of both the deceased back home are inconsolable. Premsagar had two daughters and a wife and he was the sole breadwinner. Even his brother and his family were dependent on him to some extent. Srinivass story too is more or less the same.

The two union ministers from Telangana, Bandi Sanjay and G. Kishan Reddy, have reacted on the issue and have reached out to the concerned authorities to speed up the process of repatriating the bodies to India. It has been learnt that the mortal remains will most likely reach Hyderabad on Saturday at the earliest.

Though there is no official confirmation on the status of the accused, it is believed that he is in the custody of Dubai law enforcement authorities.

In labour camps in Gulf countries like Dubai, it is common for workers from various nationalities to stay together. They have minor fights or arguments on various issues. We hear of such clashes which are resolved soon. But this is a rare incident which led to murders, said Swadesh Parkipandla, member, the Gulf Workers Welfare Advisory Committee, Telangana.
Photo: National Guard

Guardsmen of the 14th brigade of the National Guard of Ukraine Chervona Kalyna on Thursday, April 17, gave a powerful rebuff to a large-scale mechanized assault of the Russian occupiers in the Pokrovsk direction, commander of the National Guard Oleksandr Pivnenko reported.

"The enemy threw a large amount of equipment into the battle. This time, most of them were armored combat vehicles and motorcycles. As well as about two companies of manpower. However, our defenders showed true professionalism and invincibility!" he wrote on the Telegram channel.

According to Pivnenko, the enemy's losses have been previously confirmed: more than 240 occupiers have been destroyed (irreversible and sanitary).

Destroyed enemy equipment: 96 motorcycles, 21 armored combat vehicles; two units of automotive equipment; and two artillery systems.

"This battle is another proof of the coordinated and professional actions of our defenders who are holding the front! The fighters of Chervona Kalyna act clearly and ruthlessly towards the enemy, protecting every piece of their native land," he noted.
Shiv Sena MP and spokesperson Naresh Mhaske launched a sharp attack on Uddhav Thackeray during a press conference in New Delhi, accusing him of hijacking the Shiv Sena by emotionally blackmailing Balasaheb Thackeray during a crucial leadership transition.

Mhaske claimed that Uddhav had threatened to leave the Thackeray household when Balasaheb was considering handing over party reins to leaders like Raj Thackeray, Ganesh Naik, and Narayan Rane. He used the same pressure tactic with Narayan Rane to consolidate his control, Mhaske said.

He recalled that Raj Thackeray had once offered to take charge of the party in regions where Shiv Sena was struggling, and that Balasaheb was willing to trust him with that responsibilityuntil Uddhav intervened. It was emotional blackmail that pushed Balasaheb into handing over power to Uddhav, Mhaske claimed.

Defending the recent meeting between deputy CM Eknath Shinde and MNS Chief Raj Thackeray, Mhaske said their ideological alignment is rooted in Balasahebs vision.

The meeting made some people uncomfortable, but the truth is, both leaders share the same core values. Its ironic that those who once stood firmly against Congress now seek its support, he added, taking a dig at Uddhav Thackeray.

Mhaske also slammed the Uddhav faction for what he called manipulating Balasahebs legacy through doctored videos and fabricated statements. You misuse Balasahebs voice because you lack the courage to directly criticize Eknath Shinde or Devendra Fadnavis, he said.

Highlighting electoral performance, Mhaske stated: Uddhavs group contested 100 seats and won just 20. Meanwhile, the Shinde-led Shiv Sena contested 80 and won 60. The people have made it clear who carries Balasahebs legacy forward.

He even predicted defections: Mark my words: within a month, many who attended your Nashik rally will leave your side".

Targeting his criticism at Uddhav Thackerays past government, Mhaske demanded accountability on several corruption scandals. You delayed municipal elections deliberately and oversaw scamsfrom body bags to khichdi to Patra Chawl redevelopment. When will you answer for that?

In a striking revelation, Mhaske accused Sanjay Raut of harboring jealousy towards the late Dharamveer Anand Dighe. You once got him arrested through a provocative article you published. You have no moral right to even speak his name, he said.

He concluded by pointing to Rajan Vichares weak showing in the Lok Sabha polls.

Despite asking voters to choose Dighes true follower, Vichare couldnt even secure a decisive victory in his own municipal ward. Thane knows who really represents Dighes legacy.
On Thursday, the Supreme Court granted interim relief to teachers who lost their jobs after the cancellation of the entire 2016 West Bengal School Service Commission (SSC) panel but are not listed as tainted. These teachers have been allowed to continue teaching until new appointments are made.



The order came from a division bench led by Chief Justice of India Sanjiv Khanna, along with Justice Sanjay Kumar, following an appeal by the West Bengal Board of Secondary Education (WBBSE). The court also directed the state to complete the fresh recruitment process by December 31, 2025.

The bench emphasised that the decision was made keeping students interests in mind. The sudden dismissal of over 17,000 assistant teachers for classes 9 to 12 had caused a severe teacher shortage in many state government and government-aided schools.

CJI Khannas bench, however, did not grant the non-teaching staff (Group C and D), who had also lost their jobs following the cancellation of the 2016 SSC panel, the same relief as the number of tainted candidates in this category was substantially high.

Additionally, the state and the SSC were instructed to issue a fresh recruitment notification by May 31 and to submit an affidavit producing the notification before that date.

While the order offers temporary relief to untainted teachers who lost their jobs through no fault of their own, it falls short of meeting their demand for unconditional reinstatement.

They want the state government to file a review petition in the Supreme Court, supported by a verified list of qualified candidates, which will separate them from those who obtained jobs through fraudulent means.

They are also demanding the public release of mirror images of OMR sheets or answer scripts of candidates from the 2016 SSC panel.

In a meeting held last week with teaching and non-teaching staff, West Bengal Education Minister Bratya Basu promised that the list and OMR sheet images would be made public by April 21. However, the state has yet to file the review petition.
Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath once again tore into the Opposition for its silence on the violence in West Bengals Murshidabad during the protests against the Waqf Amendment Act.

Speaking at an event in Lucknow on Thursday, the CM said that the silence on the violence and on the alleged role of illegal Bangladeshi migrants in it had completely exposed the opposition before the people.

In a sharp attack on the opposition parties, Adityanath said they had built their empires on corruption, casteism, mafiaism and nepotism, and were responsible for looting the state.

The UP CM has repeatedly targeted West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, the ruling Trinamool Congress in the state over the violent protests in Murshidabad. He also took swipe at the Congress and the Samajwadi Party for not condemning the violence.

Adityanath likened the situation in Murshidabad to that of UP under the previous SP government when riots were common and the state was ruled by the mafia.

Not only did mafias control the government, they also decided who would get contracts, create riots and harass women and traders. From one district, one mafia; UP had changed to be a state of one district, one medical college, he said.

People are no more in fear when it comes to celebrating their festivals, he added.

The Murshidabad of today was like the Muzaffarnagar, Bareilly, Aligarh and Lucknow of yesterday, he said.

Adityanath once again touched upon the recent controversies over Shivaji, Maharana Pratap and Rana Sanga, accusing the opposition of glorifying destroyers like Aurangzeb, Babar and Jinnah. He said that the opposition indulged in propaganda for vote bank politics and spread hate in society.

For a prosperous society it is important to respect our national heroes, he said.

Highlighting the infrastructure development in the last eight years of his government, he said that the state now had the best facilities in the country. These included highways, expressways, railways, and metro. He said that before 2017, UP's GSDP was Rs 12.75 lakh crores, which had now reached Rs 30 lakh crores.

Per capita income has increased from Rs 46,000 to more than Rs 1.10 lakh and would soon reach Rs 1.25 lakh. As for investment, the state had already realised investment worth Rs 15 lakh crore, claimed the chief minister.
The United Arab Emirates has decided to roll out a biometric system in a year which will replace the physical Emirates ID cards. The new ID systems will have facial recognition and artificial intelligence and could be rolled out nationwide in a year, according to reports.

The Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs & Port Security has confirmed that the systems have been tested and could be launched nationwide within a year. Abdulrahman Al Owais, Minister of Health and Prevention and Minister of State for FNC Affairs, too detailed the new ID system, which he said supports a nationwide digital-first strategy and enables easy identification.

This came after a Federal National Council (FNC) member raised a query on the using electronic ID solutions to improve service efficiency. The new system can be accessed through the Authoritys smart app, and will be introduced in phases, starting with key services.

The biometric ID systems will be adopted across key sectors such as government, banking, telecommunications, healthcare, hospitality, and insurance industries. These systems apply high standards of technical and procedural verification, while toeing the national data protection laws and risk management frameworks, according to the Gulf News.

It was in 2021 that theSheikh Mohammed bin Rashid, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai, announced during a Cabinet meeting that the UAE would begin trials of facial recognition technology as proof of identity. He said this would be used in some private sector services to verify the personal identity of individuals instead of submitting a lot of documents.

Biometric technology is currently being used in airports across the Emirates. There is also a project in the offing at Abu Dhabi Airport to automate passenger registration at Zayed International Airport that will eliminate the need for travel documents and significantly cut processing time.
An Iranian MP has alleged that Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi has asked his MPs to criticise him and his ministry's performance in talks with the US so that he can "use it to boost his bargaining power." This comes as the Foreign Ministry confirmed on Wednesday that the second round of talks with the US will be held in Rome, as requested by the US.

Hamid Rasaei, a hardline MP, said he was asked by Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi to criticize the Foreign Ministry's performance. "Araghchi asked us for some criticism, some pressure ... Common sense says that as a member of parliament, I should use criticism to strengthen his bargaining power," Rasaei told a local Iranian newspaper.

"For example, we say the negotiators must never bring enrichment below 60%, so that when he goes to the negotiating table, he can tell them: "No matter what you say, we can't comply because the representatives of the people in parliament won't allow us," he added.

Iranian local media were abound with reports that the country's ultraconservative hardliners had vehemently opposed the Iran-US talks,

The divide among Iran's ultraconservatives began at least a month before the latest round of Iran-US talks, but it has since escalated into an open rift, with most hardliners now backing away from their earlier opposition to negotiations. The hardliners had insisted that Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei oppose any negotiations with the US, stating that there was no possibility of Iran engaging in talks with anyone from the Trump administration.

But their defence of their stance crumbled when it became almost evident that the talks had occurred with the Supreme Leader's consent. The hardliners had expected that Khamenei would rebuke Araghchi and their team but were surprised when he chose to remain silent.

However, some of them lambasted Araghchi for breaking the promise of "not engaging in direct talks" by meeting US envoy Steve Witkoff. Further controversy ensued after the ultraconservatives fractured into several factions, with some openly insulting the negotiators.

However, Hamid Rasaei's statement has cast doubts over the stance adopted by the hardliners in the Islamic Republic.
Latest reports from the US show that President Donald Trump has decided to give peace a chance in its confrontation with Iran, asking Israel to abandon planned strikes on Iranian nuclear facilities scheduled for next month.

According to the New York Times, Trumps decision came after months of internal debate within his administration, weighing the merits of supporting Israels military ambitions against pursuing negotiations with Tehran to curb its nuclear programme. It is an example of Trumps wish to avoid another Middle Eastern conflict, unlike his first term when he withdrew from the Iran nuclear deal.

Israel had developed detailed plans to target Iranian nuclear sites, aiming to delay Tehrans nuclear weapon capabilities by at least a year. These plans, which required substantial US assistance, included both an extensive bombing campaign and a commando raid on underground facilities. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu requested US backing, believing that it was the perfect opportunity particularly as Iran faces significant military and economic setbacks. Last year, Irans ballistic missile attacks on Israel largely failed against US and Israeli defences, while Hezbollah, a key Iranian ally, was crippled by Israeli operations. The fall of Syrias Bashar al-Assad government further weakened Irans regional influence, disrupting weapons smuggling routes.

Trump, however, told Netanyahu earlier this month that the US would not support an attack next month. During Netanyahus visit to Washington on April 7, Trump announced the start of indirect talks with Iran, setting a tight deadline for negotiations. Netanyahu, while publicly supportive, insisted that any deal must be backed by the destruction of Irans nuclear facilities under US supervision. Israels long-standing strategy has included covert operations, such as sabotaging facilities and assassinating scientists, but these have only delayed Irans progress, which is now closer than ever to producing multiple nuclear weapons.

Within the Trump administration, opinions were divided. Hawkish figures like General Michael E. Kurilla, head of US Central Command, and Michael Waltz, national security adviser, initially explored supporting Israels plans. The US bolstered its Middle East presence, deploying the aircraft carrier Carl Vinson to the Arabian Sea, alongside the Harry S. Truman in the Red Sea, as well as Patriot missile batteries, a THAAD system, and B-2 bombers to Diego Garcia. While these assets were put in place to deal with Iran-backed Houthi militants in Yemen, they could come in handy in case the US wanted to take on Tehran. Trump, in fact, dropped a warning on social media on March 17, accusing Iran of working together with the Houthis, and hinted at the possibility of military action, especially given past tensions, including Irans alleged plot to assassinate him during the presidential election campaign.

 In recent hoursindirect American  and Iranian  negotiations were held in Oman  Iranian media says talks were positive pic.twitter.com/6lI7tTXfOs  End Time Signs (@end_timesigns) April 12, 2025

However, scepticism grew among key aides. Tulsi Gabbard, Director of National Intelligence, warned that a US-backed strike risked escalating into a broader conflict. White House Chief of Staff Susie Wiles, Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth, and Vice President JD Vance, too, echoed similar concerns, with even Waltz doubting Israels plan could succeed without significant US involvement. Meanwhile, Iran agreeing to indirect talks tipped the scales towards diplomacy. Vance, in fact, pointed out that a failed negotiation could be used as a justification for an attack later on.

Israels first proposal was for commando raids at Iranian nuclear sites, aided by air cover. It was to be modelled on last years successful operation in Syria. However, there were multiple logistical challenges, including the need for months of preparation and US air support. Subsequently, Israel moved to a plan for a week-long bombing campaign targeting Irans remaining air defences and nuclear sites. But such an attack would have certainly provoked Iranian retaliation, forcing the US to come in Israels support.

The Trump administration remains divided on the terms of a potential deal. John Ratcliffe, CIA Director, visited Jerusalem on April 13 to discuss alternatives, including covert operations and stricter sanctions. Brian Hughes, a National Security Council spokesman, affirmed Trumps commitment to preventing Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons, noting that all options remain on the table. For now, Trumps focus on negotiations marks a pragmatic U-turn, balancing Israels security concerns with the risks of a wider war, while keeping military action as a fallback if talks falter.
The Archewell Foundation, set up by Prince Harry and Meghan Markle, snapped all ties with a US Muslim women's group after it emerged that its founder made anti-Israel statements. The development came after reports emerged that Janan Najeeb, the founder of Milwaukee Muslim Women's Coalition (MMWC), had received 42,000 (roughly $55,700) from the Archewell Foundation in 2023.

The foundation made it clear that the donations would stop after NewsNation, a centrist US media, revealed that Najeeb called Israel "an apartheid state" in a blog post in 2023.

In a letter to Najeeb, the Archewell Foundation said: "Janan, weve recently been notified of a blog post you wrote that goes against the values of the foundation." It added that the donation aimed to help Afghan women integrate into Milwaukee, and though the foundation "celebrated different perspectives and backgrounds, it had zero tolerance for hateful words, actions and propaganda."

In 202,3 after it received the grant, the Milwaukee Muslim Womens Coalition thanked the couples charity for its donation, stating with Archewell's support, it "took swift and impactful action in response to the war in Gaza." " Our efforts, alongside other Wisconsin-based organisations, aimed to raise awareness and demand human rights for Palestinians, the message read.

Who is Janan Najeeb

The Milwaukee Muslim Womens Coalition describes Najeeb in its website as a justice activist, a proud Palestinian American Muslim and a visionary. It claims Najeeb has established herself as a trusted resource on Islam, Muslim women, and Islamic issues in the Greater Milwaukee area.

She was also the recipient of countless awards and recognitions, including the Frank Zeidler Award for Social Justice and Activism and the 2024 Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Social Justice Award. Najeeb is married to Dr Waleed Najeeb and has five children.

However, it was her earlier post allegedly calling for the liberation of Palestine that triggered the issue. In its letter, NewsNation revealed that Najeeb called for an arms embargo on Israel and repeated the slogan "From the river to the sea, Palestine will be free", which many interpret as an anti-Zionist statement.

"Israels 75-year occupation of Palestine and the genocide in Gaza are a grave injustice," Najeeb wrote in a blog post last year."From the river to the sea, Palestine will be free. From the sea to the river, Palestine will live forever!"
A lawsuit was filed by the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) against the US Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and immigration officials on behalf of four detained students after their immigration status was terminated unlawfully. This comes as a threat to multiple international students living in the US for their studies.

"What we can tell you is that the department revokes visas every day to secure our borders and to keep our community safe," explained a DHS spokesperson, identified only as Bruce.

On April 4, 2025, Chinmay Deore, a 21-year-old Indian student studying at Wayne State University, Detroit, was informed that his F-1 student status in the SEVIS database had been terminated, for failing to maintain status, on grounds of being identified in criminal records checks and/or for his VISA being revoked. No further details were provided, and the Department of State did not even notify Mr. Deore about revoking his visa.

Who is Chinmay Deore?

Chinmay Deore first flew into the US along with his family in 2004, under the H-4 visa. After a brief exit in 2008, they returned to the US in 2014, after which he completed his high school in Michigan and later flew to the US on August 2021, planning to get a Computer Science degree at Wayne State University and later secure a job via the Optional Practical Training (OPT) route.

He had applied to transition to the F-1 student status early in 2022. Chinmay had not been a part of any on-campus protests and was found to have no history of criminal activity, except minor offences, such as having a speeding ticket and a parking ticket, which he promptly paid.

Lawsuit

The lawsuit filed by the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) at the court asks to reinstate the status of these students so that they can complete their studies and avoid facing the risk of detention and deportation.

Three other students who also faced visa issues were Mr. Xiangyun, Quiyi, and Mr. Joshi. Mr. Xiangyun, hailing from China and pursuing an M.Sc. in Mechanical Engineering at the University of Michigan, joined the course in August 2023. Quiyi from China, a Ph.D. student studying under the School for Environment and Sustainability at the University of Michigan, also joined in August 2023. Mr. Joshi from Nepal, who is pursuing a Ph.D. in Anatomy and Cell Biology at Wayne State University joined in 2021, and currently lives with his wife and an 8-month-old.

Impact

These terminations have put the students' education, research, and job prospects at risk. Chinmay, for example, will neither be eligible to obtain employment under the OPT, nor will he be able to transfer his F-1 status to another university for a masters degree. He also faces a possible separation from his family back in Canton. The lawsuit also states that he lost out on income that he relied on for support. Some students are also being forcibly deported, such as Krish Lal Isserdasani, another Indian student studying at the University of Wisconsin. The courts have intervened to temporarily halt the process.
A controversial YouTuber, who was also a former CIA analyst, has claimed the Ukraine war was the result of a US project aimed at destabilising Ukraine and thereby provoking Russia into a war. The allegations were made by Larry Johnson, who served the agency almost three decades ago, on a YouTube channel 'Deep Dive' by Daniel Davis, on Wednesday.

Johnson said the US project was aimed at destabilising the situation in Ukraine to provoke Russia and inflict a military defeat on it. But, the US couldn't achieve what it wanted, Johnson alleged in his video, which has so far crossed 12,000 views in just under 12 hours.

"We started all this. We created all the conditions for provocation and the beginning of the conflict to weaken Russia. We hoped that Russia would lose and remain in our sphere of influence, and would not get closer to China," he said.

Johnson also explained how Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy couldn't achieve what he set out to do. "He won the election, claiming he was going to resolve the conflict in Donbas and achieve peace. Ukrainians voted for this. But, he became a hostage of right-wing radicals. From that moment on, continuous provocations began. This was the Pentagon's plan. The only problem was that we made too many assumptions about the Russian economy and army," Johnson concluded.

He alleged that Zelenkyy played a huge role in carrying out the provocations by repeatedly violating the Minsk agreements, among other things.

Johnson had earlier too praised Russia in the conflict, a stance often highlighted by the Ukrainian media. So much so that leading Russian daily RIA Novosti published as many as 400 articles citing Johnson's statement between August 1, 2023, to September 12, 2024.

Johnson had earlier praised Vladimir Putin for his "admirable self-control". Commenting on the pace of progress in the Ukraine peace talks, Johnson said he admired Putin's patience and "his ability to withstand this clown show."

Last April, Johnson stated on his YouTube channel that by the "end of summer, maybe sooner," Ukraine would lose the war to Russia and the Ukrainian city of Odesa would come under Moscows control.

Not just RIA Novosti, but even other media sources have published hundreds of articles citing Johnson, including his claims that "Zelensky very well could be ousted in a coup within the next three to four weeks because of the great disgruntlement among troops on the eastern front."
Kyiv Mayor Vitali Klitschko has handed over a batch of aid from the capital's community to the 112th separate Territorial Defense Brigade of Kyiv.

"Kyiv continues to help the military. The city community has handed over more than 1,800 UAVs to the fighters of the 112th Territorial Defense Brigade of Kyiv. Namely  150 Mavic 3E, 220 Mavic 3 PRO and 1,500 multirotor systems of various types, in particular, FPV drones," Klitschko said on Telegram.

The mayor of Kyiv also said in February, the capital transferred 150 Mavic 3E and 20 Mavic 3T drones to the servicemen of the 112th brigade of the Ukrainian Defense Ministry. Since the beginning of 2025, UAH 200 million has been allocated from the city budget for equipment for this brigade.

Klitschko said this year Kyiv City Council has already allocated more than UAH 5.5 billion to support the defense and security forces.

"With this money, the defenders are purchasing desperately needed equipment. We will continue to help the military, constantly looking for any opportunities for this," the city mayor said.
The Treasury Department imposed sanctions Wednesday on a Chinese refinery accused of purchasing more than $1 billion worth of Iranian oil, saying the proceeds help finance both Tehrans government and Irans support for militant groups.

The sanctioned refinery in Chinas Shandong province received dozens of shipments of crude oil from Iran worth more than $1 billion, the Trump administration said. Some of the petroleum came from a front company for Irans paramilitary Revolutionary Guard, U.S. authorities said.

Officials also announced that several companies and vessels involved in the shipments were added to the sanctions list.

The new penalties were imposed by the Office of Foreign Assets Control and follow earlier efforts by the administration to disrupt the flow of Iranian oil, which authorities say is carried by Irans shadow fleet. The United States has already penalized dozens of individuals and vessels involved in the shipments.

Any refinery, company, or broker that chooses to purchase Iranian oil or facilitate Irans oil trade places itself at serious risk, Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said in a news release. The United States is committed to disrupting all actors providing support to Irans oil supply chain, which the regime uses to support its terrorist proxies and partners.

Iran is accused of backing militant groups including Yemens Houthis, who have launched attacks on international shipping, Hezbollah in Lebanon and Hamas in Gaza.

During his confirmation hearing earlier this year, Bessent criticized the Biden administrations sanctions policies and called for the U.S. to have a more muscular sanctions system, including on Iran and Russian entities and oil.

Tammy Bruce, a State Department spokeswoman, said in a statement Wednesday that Trump is committed to drive Irans illicit oil exports, including to China, to zero.

As Long as Iran attempts to generate oil revenues to fund its destabilizing activities, the United States will hold both Iran and all its partners in sanctions evasion accountable, Bruce said.

The new sanctions were announced the same day that Iran confirmed that the next round of talks with the U.S. on Tehrans nuclear program will be held in Rome.

Responding to the sanctions announcement, Liu Pengyu, a spokesperson for Chinas embassy in Washington, said the use of the sanctions undermines international trade order and rules, disrupts normal economic and trade exchanges, and infringes upon the legitimate rights and interests of Chinese companies and individuals.

A spokesperson for Irans U.N. mission did not immediately respond to a message seeking comment Wednesday.

(AP)
A disturbing incident has left the Crown Heights community on edge as organizers prepare for a public rally in response to the assault of a Black man in a wheelchair by a member of the Orthodox Jewish community.

The attack, which took place on March 29 on Lincoln Place, has drawn widespread condemnation across Crown Heights and beyond. But despite the near-universal denouncement of the assault by Orthodox Jewish leaders, concern is growing over inflammatory messaging accompanying the rally, which some fear could lead to renewed tensions between the Black and Jewish communities.

30-year-old Levi Kabakov, a Jewish man walking with his children, confronted a Black man in a wheelchair, Troy McLeod, who was out walking his two muzzled but unleashed dogs. According to police and eyewitness accounts, Kabakov demanded that McLeod cross the street after his children appeared frightened. Though McLeod complied and crossed the street, Kabakov allegedly emerged from his home and physically assaulted McLeodstriking him with a wooden block and a bench, and shoving him from his wheelchair to the ground.

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I was scared, I was trying to get back up, I was in shock, McLeod told News 12. There was no need for it.

The video of the incident shows McLeods dogs remaining calm throughout, contradicting any claim that they posed a threat. McLeod says the attack left him with pain in his hands and ongoing difficulty getting around. He continues to walk his dogs daily and has called for accountability.

Kabakov has been charged with felony assault and aggravated menacing. He was arraigned this week and released without bail pending a court appearance in July.

From the outset, Crown Heights Jewish leaders have unequivocally condemned the assault.

There is absolutely no justification for assaulting someone in a wheelchair  ever, said Rabbi Yaacov Behrman of the Jewish Future Alliance. The perpetrator has been arrested and charged. The community is horrified.

Privately, some community members have gone even further, labeling Kabakov a rodef  someone whose reckless behavior places others in danger  noting that his actions could easily provoke backlash and antisemitism against the entire Orthodox community.

Soon after news of the incident broke, flyers began circulating on social media announcing a rally in protest of the attack  originally planned for outside 770 Eastern Parkway, the headquarters of Chabad-Lubavitch.

The flyer included deeply troubling language: Assaulted in a wheelchair by members of the Orthodox Jewish community. One post said, Shame on the Jewish community  this is despicable.

Such messaging has alarmed many in Crown Heights, evoking painful memories of the 1991 Crown Heights riots, when misinformation and community blame led to violence, looting, and the murder of Yankel Rosenbaum Hyd.

In response, Jewish leaders engaged in urgent outreach to the rally organizers to clarify facts and discourage the event from targeting the broader Jewish community.

Weve been in touch with the organizers and made it clear that if people are upset with how the case is being handled, the protest should not be directed at a religious institution or community, Rabbi Behrman wrote. Our understanding is that the organizers are now working to change the rallys location and messaging.

Sources say the rally may be moved to a neutral location, such as in front of a nearby bank, and reframed as a peace rally promoting unity rather than blame. The NYPD is expected to be on site to ensure safety.

Rabbi Shmuel Rosenstein and Rabbi Zalman Friedman of the Crown Heights Jewish Community Council joined Rabbi Behrman in urging a de-escalated response.

This was the act of one man, said Rabbi Behrman. The Jewish community has responded with the same outrage and disgust as anyone else. To paint us all with the same brush is not only inaccurateits dangerous.

He added: Were calling on outside agitators to stay away and let the neighborhood handle this with dignity and justice.

(YWN World Headquarters  NYC)
President Donald Trump has reportedly blocked Israeli plans to carry out a major strike on Irans nuclear facilities this May, instead opting to pursue a high-stakes diplomatic push aimed at curbing Tehrans nuclear ambitions.

According to a detailed report by The New York Times, Israeli officials had recently finalized a plan to hit multiple Iranian nuclear sites next month, a coordinated military operation that they believed would delay Irans nuclear program by at least a year. The ambitious operation was to include a combination of precision airstrikes and commando raidsone that would require significant logistical and military backing from the United States.

But during an April 3 phone call with Israeli Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu, Trump made it clear he would not discuss Iran strategy over the phone. Instead, he invited Netanyahu for an in-person meeting at the White House. There, earlier this month, Trump firmly told the Israeli premier that the United States would not support a strike while negotiations with Iran were underway.

Sources within both governments say Netanyahu had hoped to secure Trumps approval to move forward with the strike before U.S. Central Command head General Michael E. Kurilla concludes his tour of dutytiming that was considered crucial for operational success. American and Israeli defense officials had been quietly developing scenarios to ensure a potential mission could be carried out with Kurilla still at the helm.

But while some in the administration supported the idea of keeping the military option on the tableamong them Gen. Kurilla and National Security Adviser Michael Waltzothers raised strong objections. Tulsi Gabbard, the Director of National Intelligence, presented a fresh intelligence assessment warning that the visible U.S. military buildup could provoke a full-scale regional conflict with Iran, a risk the administration was unwilling to take.

Her warnings were echoed by several senior officials in closed-door strategy meetings, including White House Chief of Staff Susie Wiles, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, and Vice President JD Vance. They all expressed concerns about the likelihood of escalation and the limited effectiveness of the proposed operationespecially given that many of Irans most critical nuclear facilities are deep underground or heavily fortified, making them difficult to destroy with commandos alone.

Despite Netanyahus strong pushhe had reportedly championed a hybrid option combining airstrikes with ground raidsTrump remained unmoved. He reiterated to Netanyahu during their White House meeting that America would not provide the necessary support, at least not while diplomatic talks with Iran were progressing.

The decision represents a calculated gamble by Trump, who is betting on his ability to extract a new deal from Tehran that would curb Irans nuclear capabilities without dragging the United States into another Middle Eastern conflict.

For Israel, the message is sobering: If it chooses to move forward, it may have to go it alone.

(YWN World Headquarters  NYC)
Russian President Vladimir Putin met with freed hostage Sasha Troufanov, whose release from Hamas captivity was facilitated, according to Putin, through Russias relationship with the terror group.

Sasha Troufanov, along with his mother Elena and partner Sapir Cohenwho were all taken hostage during the brutal October 7th attack on Kibbutz Nir Ozwere received at the Kremlin this week. The attack killed Sashas father, Vitaly Hyd.

In a televised segment aired on Russian state media, Putin openly acknowledged Russias longstanding ties with Hamas.

The fact that you managed to go free is the result of the fact that Russia has stable, long-term relations with the Palestinian people, with its representatives, and with a wide variety of organizations, he said, referring to Hamas not with condemnation but with respect.

Even more jarring to many was his expression of gratitude to the leadership of the political wing of Hamas for what he called a humanitarian act.

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The meetingwhich included Russias Chief Rabbi Berel Lazar and Federation of Jewish Communities President Alexander Borodawas broadcast with Kremlin footage and official commentary.

Troufanov emotionally recounted his ordeal, describing 498 days of captivity in Gaza. Putin reportedly sighed heavily at the number.

Troufanov, an Israeli-Russian dual citizen, was freed in Februaryhis release occurring soon after senior Russian diplomats met with Hamas representatives in Moscow and pressed for the release of Troufanov and fellow hostage Maxim Herkin.

Troufanovs mother and grandmother had been released months earlier during a short-lived ceasefire. His partner, Sapir Cohen, was reportedly freed with him. The meeting was presented as a gesture of Russias humanitarian rolebut the subtext is deeply concerning.

While most Western countries cut off all ties with Hamasdesignated by both the United States and the European Union as a terrorist organizationRussia has chosen a different path, preserving diplomatic access that it now touts as leverage in sensitive hostage negotiations.

(YWN World Headquarters  NYC)
The IDF and Shin Bet confirmed Tuesday the elimination of Yahya Fathi Abd al-Qader Abu Shaar, the head of Hamass smuggling network, in a targeted airstrike in southern Gaza.

Abu Shaar, who had been a key figure in the terror groups logistics and weapons procurement efforts, was responsible for funneling arms and military equipment into Gaza over the last several years  including the stockpiles used in Hamass brutal October 7 massacre.

Israeli officials say Abu Shaars role was central to sustaining Hamass war machine, helping the organization circumvent international restrictions and continue its terror operations against Israeli civilians.

The IDF released aerial footage of the airstrike, showing the precise moment the vehicle carrying Abu Shaar was struck in Khan Younis.

Surveillance and intelligence gathered over time led to the operation, which Israel says was carried out with surgical accuracy.

Abu Shaars elimination is a significant operational achievement, a senior IDF official said. He was not only a smuggler  he was the artery through which deadly weapons flowed into Gaza and into the hands of terrorists.

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(YWN World Headquarters  NYC)
Memorandum of Intent with the United States may be signed online today, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said.

"A couple of days ago, the American side proposed to go back to one more step while lawyers are working on the agreement - this is a memorandum of intent, our intentions are positive, constructive, we show it. Therefore, the memorandum of intent, that is, not the agreement itself, but the memorandum of intent can be signed online today," Zelenskyy told reporters during a briefing on Thursday.

He reported that the Ukrainian side agreed today, and now First Deputy Prime Minister - Minister of Economy Yulia Svyrydenko is working on the text of the memorandum.

On the eve, Svyrydenko reported that the technical teams of Ukraine and the United States have worked thoroughly on the agreement, there is significant progress.

"A positive new step with the United States regarding the agreement on economic partnership and the creation of an investment fund for the reconstruction of Ukraine. Our technical teams have worked very thoroughly together on the agreement - there is significant progress, the lawyers have made the right accents in the draft agreement, grateful to the negotiators in both teams," Svyrydenko wrote on Facebook on Wednesday.

According to her, the Ukrainian side agreed to record this "positive" in the relevant memorandum of intent, so work will be carried out in the near future to complete the formalization of the agreement.

Svyrydenko added that the teams will also work on specific points in the agreement, much has already been worked out, and the level of the agreement should be quite high.

"The agreement will be subject to ratification by the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine, will provide an opportunity for investment and development in Ukraine, and will also provide conditions for tangible economic growth for both Ukraine and the United States," she noted.
China Hongqiao Group Limited (OTCMKTS:CHHQF  Get Free Report) was the target of a significant growth in short interest during the month of May. As of May 15th, there was short interest totalling 4,019,400 shares, a growth of 41.8% from the April 30th total of 2,834,500 shares. Based on an average daily trading volume, of 1,300 shares, the short-interest ratio is presently 3,091.8 days.

China Hongqiao Group Price Performance

Shares of OTCMKTS:CHHQF remained flat at $1.63 on Tuesday. The stock has a 50-day moving average price of $1.69 and a two-hundred day moving average price of $1.69. China Hongqiao Group has a 12-month low of $1.57 and a 12-month high of $2.35.

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China Hongqiao Group Limited, an investment holding company, manufactures and sells aluminum products in the People's Republic of China and Indonesia. The company's products include molten aluminum alloys, aluminum alloy ingots, aluminum busbars, aluminum alloy processing, and alumina products.

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The man accused of setting fire to Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro's residence Sunday indicated he was motivated by his views on the Israel-Gaza war and believed Shapiro needed to stop the killing of Palestinians, a newly unveiled search warrant says.

Cody Balmer, 38, made the declarations in a 911 call after he left the property, in which he reported his own attack to dispatchers. He allegedly said Shapiro needed to know that he "will not take part in his plans for what he wants to do to the Palestinian people," police wrote in the warrant.

Balmer - who reportedly struggled with untreated mental illness - said the governor needed to stop having his friends killed and said "our people have been put through too much by that monster," according to the affidavit. He also said, "All he has is a banquet hall to clean up." Balmer allegedly identified himself by name and told the dispatcher he would "confess to everything that I had done."

Speaking to reporters Wednesday, Shapiro (D) said he would leave it to prosecutors to determine the meaning of Balmer's statements and his motive.

"This kind of violence has no place in our society regardless of what motivates it," Shapiro said. He said he had been focused on his family members, who were uninjured as they evacuated the smoking home around 2 a.m. Sunday.

The attack, which police said could have killed people inside the home, was the most serious on a U.S. elected official since the apparent assassination attempts on now-President Donald Trump during last year's campaign. Its timing following the first night of Passover - hours after the Shapiros had hosted a large Passover seder - disquieted Jewish Democrats and other elected officials.

Shapiro has expressed support for Israel, and last year pushed for the University of Pennsylvania to disband a pro-Palestinian encampment. When he was under consideration last year to be the Democratic vice-presidential nominee, the Philadelphia Inquirer reported that Shapiro had described Palestinians as "too battle-minded" in a 1993 opinion piece in his college newspaper. His office told the Inquirer that his views had evolved and said Shapiro supports a two-state solution that would allow Israelis and Palestinians to peacefully coexist.

The arson, which severely damaged two rooms and historical artifacts, also raised questions about how such an extraordinary security breach could have occurred at the governor's residence. The Pennsylvania State Police announced plans Wednesday to hire a third-party expert to conduct an independent review. Shapiro said he expected improvements to be made and said he believed the review was warranted. He said the state was working quickly to repair the home and assess the damage to artifacts.

Attorney General Pam Bondi said Wednesday that she and FBI Director Kash Patel had spoken to Shapiro in the days since the fire and offered the full assistance of federal authorities in the investigation.

"We have been praying for Josh and his family," she said, during an unrelated news conference. "I firmly believe they wanted to kill him."

But when questioned by reporters, Bondi sidestepped the opportunity to describe the arson as an act of domestic terrorism - a term she has used liberally when discussing a series of molotov-cocktail attacks on Tesla dealerships across the country.

"We are working with state authorities to do  anything we can to help convict the person who did this and keep them behind bars as long as possible," she said.

On Monday, Trump said such violence "cannot be allowed" but did not mention Shapiro by name. Shapiro said Wednesday he had not heard from Trump.

Dauphin County District Attorney Francis Chardo said there were no plans to file additional charges against Balmer related to his 911 call as of Wednesday morning. Adding an ethnic intimidation charge would have increased other charges by one grade, but Balmer already faces charges of the highest degrees, including five first-degree felonies, Chardo said. He added that the content of the search warrant could become relevant during trial and sentencing, if the case proceeds to those stages.

Police seized four cellphones, a laptop and an external hard drive from the Balmer home Monday, according to the warrant, and planned to search Balmer's electronic devices for any mention of Shapiro, Palestine, Israel or the Israel-Gaza war. They also searched a storage locker but did not take anything, according to a second search warrant.

Balmer's 911 call was made just under an hour after Shapiro's family was evacuated from the residence. Balmer - who left the governor's home without being apprehended after breaking in and throwing molotov cocktails - also allegedly called an ex-girlfriend to ask her to report him and turned himself in at a police station, police said in the affidavit of probable cause.

Balmer was arraigned Monday on charges of attempted homicide, arson and other counts. He did not enter a plea and is confined in county prison. He does not have an attorney listed in court and had not requested a public defender.

Balmer appeared to have had mental health struggles, and in 2023 was charged with assault of a romantic partner and two children. At the time, he told police he had taken a bottle of pills in a suicide attempt before punching his relatives, court records show. He has not entered a plea in that case, which is ongoing.

His brother told the Associated Press on Tuesday that Balmer was diagnosed with bipolar disorder and treated at a psychiatric hospital, but "doesn't believe he's bipolar, so he doesn't take his medicine." Cody Balmer had exhibited other concerning behavior such as believing his sister-in-law was a witch who had cast a spell on him, said his brother, Dan Balmer.

Dan Balmer also said Cody Balmer was politically independent and had urged his family to vote for Donald Trump in November.

Balmer allegedly walked an hour from his home to the governor's official residence in Harrisburg, the state capital, in Sunday's early hours. He allegedly climbed a perimeter fence and used a hammer to break a window of the residence's piano room and threw a molotov cocktail inside, then broke another window and climbed into the house. He threw another homemade fire-starter in the dining room, then left and climbed back over the fence, police said security-camera footage showed.

Balmer later allegedly told police that he had planned to beat Shapiro with the hammer if he had encountered him in the house. Authorities said Balmer moved quickly, exiting the home swiftly after he attacked. Balmer's alleged movements were captured on security cameras; the state police have declined to release the footage.

"This level of violence has to end," Shapiro said. "And it has to be roundly condemned by everyone. Both political parties."
Law enforcement officers are checking all possible versions regarding the attack on journalist Yuriy Makarov, the first is domestic, Interior Minister Ihor Klymenko said.

"Law enforcement officers are currently checking all possible motives. The first version is domestic, there is also a version about the work of special services," Klymenko said, according to the press service of the Ministry of Internal Affairs statement on Telegram channel on Thursday.

Earlier, a source in law enforcement agencies told Interfax-Ukraine that one of the versions of the investigation into the motives for the attempted assassination of Makarov is a pro-Russian trace, since he stood on a pro-Ukrainian position in his professional activities.

As reported, on Wednesday, April 16, late in the evening, an unknown person carried out a knife attack on the producer of Suspilne Broadcasting Yuriy Makarov. He was hospitalized in severe condition. The unknown person who committed the attack on journalist Makarov fled the scene, but he left the weapon of the crime. Law enforcement officers seized a knife and other material evidence. Criminal proceedings have been opened under the article "Grievous bodily injuries" (Part 1 of Article 121).

As Klymenko specified, the attack occurred at 22:44. The victim received two wounds  one in the arm, the other in the torso. Then the victim called the police and received first aid from a patrol officer. Fifty experts are involved in the investigation, the investigation is ongoing.
The Pechersky District Court of Kyiv extended the preventive measure of former commander of the 155th brigade Anna Kyivska Dmytro Riumshyn in the form of detention until June 15 with the possibility of bail in the amount of UAH 31 million, Suspilne reported on Telegram on Thursday.

As reported, at the meeting on February 6, the court refused to release Riumshyn on bail and reduced the amount of bail from UAH 90 million to UAH 50 million.

The State Bureau of Investigations detained the former commander of the 155th Anna Kyivska Separate Brigade, under his command, the facts of AWOL in the brigade became widespread. According to the Bureau, the commander also deliberately failed to perform other actions assigned to him by his official duties. It was established that over the past year, the colonel was aware of the AWOL cases in his brigade.
The number of available rental properties that accept housing assistance payments (HAP) has fallen in the first quarter of the year, according to a housing report.

The executive director of the Simon Communities of Ireland said HAP tenants outside Dublin faced an uphill struggle as the majority of HAP tenancies on offer are in the capital.

The housing charitys latest Locked Out Of The Market report shows that just 41 properties were available to rent within the discretionary rate of the HAP scheme.

This is a decrease of five properties, or a fall of 11%, since December.

The quarterly report found 1,119 properties were available to rent at any price within the 16 areas surveyed over the three dates in March 2025.

This is a 9% reduction from the 1,123 properties available in the December Locked Out report.

The housing assistance payment (HAP) scheme is a social housing payment to landlords by local authorities, and tenants pay a contribution to their local authority.

The Simon Community report found there were no properties that accepted HAP tenancies available in 10 of the 16 areas surveyed in March.

These were Athlone, Cork City Centre, Cork City Suburbs, Galway City Centre, Co Leitrim, Limerick City Suburbs, Limerick City Centre, Sligo Town, Portlaoise, and Waterford City Centre.

This was across all household categories within standard or discretionary HAP limits.

The greatest supply of properties within HAP limits are in Dublin, with 31 of the total 41 HAP properties found in the capital.

Here, the discretionary rate allows up to an additional 50% on the standard rate; this is limited to 35% elsewhere in the country.

Just three of the 13 study areas outside of Dublin had properties available to rent within HAP limits, these included Dundalk, where there were three properties, Galway City Suburbs, where there was one property, and Kildare, where there were five properties available.

Sligo Town and Portlaoise had the lowest number of properties available to rent, with just five and two properties available in each area.

Of the 16 study areas, just Cork City Centre and Galway City Suburbs had no change since December to the number of properties available to rent at any price.

Just two of the 16 study areas had an increase in the number of properties available to rent, Cork City Suburbs and Sligo Town.

Although studio apartments are not included in the overall figure for HAP properties in the Simon Communities report, there were 29 studio apartments available within HAP limits during the study period, with 27 in Dublin.

Only one of these properties was available within standard HAP limits.

There were no properties available to couple/one-parent households with one child through a standard HAP rate.

Executive director at the Simon Communities of Ireland, Ber Grogan, said the findings continue to highlight the deepening crisis in Irelands private rental sector.

With most of the (HAP) properties concentrated in Dublin, the vast majority of the country remains effectively locked out of the rental market.

In 10 of the 16 areas surveyed, there were no properties available within HAP limits at all. That is not a housing system thats working for those most in need.

Outside of Dublin, HAP tenants face an uphill struggle with little to no access to suitable or affordable homes, with discretionary limits proving insufficient to meet current rental prices.

This leaves families and individuals with impossible choices: remain in emergency accommodation, face prolonged experiences of homelessness, or take on unaffordable rents in an unstable private rental market.

We urgently need increased supply of affordable and secure housing. Targeted action is required now, to prevent further homelessness and ensure people can access and sustain a home.

It beggars belief to think that rent pressure zones (RPZs) could be scrapped at the end of this year. Were asking the minister to extend this legislation for at least one year to give people some certainty while alternatives are being discussed.
Conor McGregor would be widely rejected by the Irish public if he ran for president, a Cabinet minister has said.

Last November, Nikita Hand, also known as Nikita Ni Laimhin, won her claim against McGregor in a civil trial after accusing the professional fighter of raping her in a Dublin hotel in December 2018.

Ms Hand, 35, was awarded damages and costs after a three-week trial in which the jury found him civilly liable for assault.

McGregor, who is appealing against the decision, hosted American conservative political commentator Tucker Carlson in Dublin on Tuesday.

The fighter has previously stated an intent to run for the Irish presidency and has criticised the Irish Governments policies on immigration and public safety.

The Dubliner also voiced these concerns in a meeting with US President Donald Trump in the Oval Office last month.

READ NEXT: RIP: Gardai stand down missing person search following tragic update

Speaking to reporters on Wednesday, Public Expenditure Minister Jack Chambers said: When it comes to Tucker Carlson and Conor McGregor, I think youve seen the resounding rejection of Conor McGregors attempt to run for the presidency.

I think most political parties and independents completely reject his politics, his rhetoric, his divisive approach to public debate, and Im sure that will be reflected in his interview with Tucker Carlson.

But that type of extreme politics isnt something that most Irish people would accept, and I think it will be widely rejected if he attempted to run with the presidency.

Id be surprised if he received a nomination.
Irish homeowners are being warned over a number of bad habits that could actually see a home insurance claim denied, including hiding a spare key outside.

Insurance company Quote Devil conducted research into home insurance and security measures taken by Irish homeowners.

The survey found that 29% of Irish people leave their back doors open when at home during winter, showing relaxed habits when it comes to home security. With bank holidays bringing more social gatherings and days getting warmer, it's a good time to reassess your habits, some of which could unknowingly put your home and insurance coverage at risk.

While most homeowners invest in security systems like alarms and CCTV, its often routine behaviours that can unknowingly invalidate home insurance policies.

The everyday habits invalidating your home insurance include leaving back doors unlocked when at home, leaving front doors unlocked when at home, leaving a spare key outside, leaving windows open all day when out of the house.

READ NEXT: Irish people planning staycations warned of 5,000 fine as thousands convert vans

Over a quarter of homeowners admit to leaving doors unlocked29% at the back and 23% at the fronteven though break-ins can occur while someone is home. Even more concerning, 8% leave the back door open when not home. These actions may be considered negligence by insurers, potentially invalidating claims.

Despite 64% of homes having window locks, 18% of homeowners still leave windows open when popping out, and 6% leave them open all day. This leaves homes exposed and may breach insurance terms that require all entry points to be secured when unattended.

Additionally, 11% of homeowners admit to hiding spare keys outside in common spots like under doormats or flower pots. While convenient, insurers may view this as poor security practice, increasing the risk of denied claims.

Elsewhere, the survey asked people about burglaries and security concerns. It revealed that 83% of people in Ireland have not experienced a break-in or burglary within the last five years. But, for the remaining 17%, it is a different story - these homeowners report an average of 2.2 break-ins over the last five years.

Only 7% of people report experiencing a break-in whilst they were inside their home versus 10% in empty homes, highlighting the importance of increasing security for when your home is unoccupied.

Despite a significant number of Irish homeowners expressing concerns about break-ins, more than half dont feel that their home is adequately protected. Interestingly, for 39% of people, it would take a burglary in their neighborhood to prompt them to add more security measures to their home.

Window locks and burglar alarms are the most popular forms of home security, with over 60% of homeowners reporting that they have them installed and working. Smart technology is also gaining traction, with nearly one third (31%) considering purchasing a smart doorbell within the next six months.

In a surprising contradiction, around one in five (18%) admit to leaving their windows open when they nip out for a short period of time. However,

Conor Mulcahy, Head of Product & Renewals from Quote Devil advises against this, saying It is essential to check your home is secure before you leave, including locking all windows and doors and not leaving a key nearby. Insurance companies may classify these habits as negligence, potentially invalidating any claims for losses and damages.

Beyond physical measures, people are taking additional precautions to make it seem like people are home when the house is empty. Over half of homeowners leave the lights on when they go out, and rely on friends and family to check their property when they are away for extended periods of time.

Despite experiencing an average of 2.8 break-ins within five years, Cork homeowners are the least likely to consider additional security measures. A surprising 48% of the citys residents say they haven't purchased, or considered purchasing, each of the security measures. This seeming lack of concern may partly explain the citys high break-in rates.

Meanwhile, the most safety-conscious residents can be found in Dundalk, where almost half (45%) say they have each safety measure in place, 8% even own a guard dog! Their efforts are paying off, with some of the lowest burglary rates in the country.

Across Ireland, people are ramping up their home security efforts for winter. As many as 53% say that they would avoid leaving their homes for more than a day or two. The changes people are most likely to implement include steering clear of posting holiday plans on social media (70%), leaving more lights on (67%), and diligently checking that all doors and windows are locked (59%).

Conor Mulcahy, Head of Product & Renewals adds, Enhancing your home security can not only lower the risk of burglary but also help you to qualify for cheaper home insurance deals. Installing burglar alarms, using key-operated locks on windows and doors, and setting up lighting times are effective ways to achieve this.
For our closet readers we share the latest roundup of local crime news regarding ALLEGED creepers, ongoing investigations, court fights & tragic aftermath reports.



Check TKC news gathering . . .

Police pursuit ends in crash at Raytown Road and Blue Ridge Cutoff; suspect arrested A police chase that began in Independence ended in a crash in Kansas City at Raytown Road and Blue Ridge Cutoff.

KU Health worker accessed records, photos of 400+ patients: Lawsuit A class action lawsuit has been filed after lawyers say a physical therapist with the University of Kansas Health System "unlawfully accessed" files, including "potentially nude c...

Kansas City contractor Max Howell sentenced to 21 months in prison for bank fraud, money laundering On Wednesday, Kansas City contractor Max Howell was sentenced to federal prison nearly a year after pleading guilty to bank fraud and money laundering.

Kansas City tow company hit with new charges in Platte County: records New charges have been filed against a tow company owner and his mother in Platte County, Missouri Circuit Court, after multiple people claimed they were victimized by the company.

Marijuana deal gone awry led to Grain Valley shooting, per court document A marijuana deal gone awry in a Grain Valley Dollar General parking lot led to a shooting Monday evening, according to a court document.

Shawnee leasing agents claim to have turned away Homeland Security Leasing agents at a Shawnee apartment complex say people claiming to be federal agents showed up demanding personal information about residents living there.

Man found guilty in KCK bar shooting that killed 4 A man has been convicted of killing four people in a mass shooting at a Kansas City, Kansas, bar.

Ex-boyfriend, relatives charged in Oak Park Mall kidnapping Three people have been charged after a pregnant woman was reportedly beat up and her child kidnapped in Overland Park, Kansas.

'Got the phone code. He got money': Texts examined in case involving death of Kansas City sports reporter A detective testified that the intention was not to murder Manzano but to "simply cause unconsciousness."

Kansas woman sentenced for role in 2023 murder - husband awaits his fate A Parsons woman will spend nearly a decade in prison for her role in a 2023 murder case. Her husband also appeared in court.

Police: Thieves steal more than $2 million in mail theft scheme in Johnson County The Lenexa Police Department is dealing with a mail theft scheme the department has never seen before.

Missouri Attorney General can appeal wrongfully convicted man's exoneration, Supreme Court says Christopher Dunn, who was exonerated last year for a wrongful murder conviction, spent 34 years in prison. Missouri Attorney General Andrew Bailey has fought against Dunn's release.

Child abuse and neglect reports on the rise in Missouri According to the Missouri Department of Social Services, the child abuse and neglect hotline received 64,497 calls between July 2023 and June 2024.

Kansas City woman pleads guilty to embezzling $306K from employer Jennifer Cabral of Kansas City pleaded guilty to bank fraud and money laundering after stealing more than $300,000 from her employer's account.

Community partnerships help drive down crime rate in Overland Park Crime continues to drop in Overland Park and local police say their partnerships with landlords and property managers is playing a major role.

Lenexa police say thieves used stolen checks from USPS mailboxes in $500K fraud Police agencies across the Kansas City area say they are continuing to investigate thefts from USPS mailboxes.

Push to block enforcement of federal gun laws debated by Missouri Senate committee Efforts to reenact a law preventing the enforcement of federal gun laws in Missouri found opponents from throughout the state Monday at a Missouri Senate Committee on Transportation, Infrastructure and Public Safety hearing. In 2021, the legislature passed the "Second Amendment Preservation Act," which prevented Missouri law officers from enforcing federal gun laws that were [...]

Alleged towing victims speak out after new charges emerge against owners of Metro Towing As the owner and mother of a local towing company are facing a slew of felony charges in Jackson and Platte counties, multiple people have come forward to share their negative experiences with the company.

Developing . . .
Note quite . . . Actually, it makes bargain hunting even more fun . . . Still, here's the over view:



For gunmakers, tariffs pose the risk of sharply raising costs on imported raw materials, such as copper, steel and aluminum, as well as safety products like gun locks and lockable cases that often are made overseas.



Most of the guns sold in the US come from US-based manufacturers such as Smith & Wesson and Ruger, but they require components sourced from around the world. The accessories and safety tools included in many gun packages, too, often come from companies that rely primarily on offshore factories. Imported guns mostly come from Austria, Brazil and Turkey, according to a 2024 report on firearm commerce from the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF).

Read more via www.TonysKansasCity.com link . . .

Gun store operators wait out trade war, minor firearm impacts expected President Donald Trump's reciprocal tariffs have rippled through large swaths of the American economy.

https://www.kshb.com/news/local-news/gun-store-operators-wait-out-trade-war-minor-firearm-impacts-expected

And here's a much better report than anything from the local news . . .

US gunmakers scrambling to adapt to Trump's uncertain tariff threats The gun industry relies on materials from overseas, which could be subject to punishing tariffs that drive prices higher

Developing . . .
BAKU, Azerbaijan, April 17. The Baku Network expert platform rolled out the next part of the analytical video series "Dialogue with Tofig Abbasov", Trend reports.

The guest of the program was People's Artist of Azerbaijan and Secretary of the Union of Artists, Aghali Ibrahimov.

During the in-depth conversation, Ibrahimov reflected on the profound role of art in society, the importance of remembering tragic events, and the national victory and discussed pressing issues of culture, peace, and good neighborliness.

At the start of the program, Ibrahimov underscored the significant impact that the surrounding environment has, not only on an individual but also on their creativity. He pointed out that an artist is not merely a craftsman but a person with a soul who expresses inner pain and emotions through each brushstroke.

"You can create, eat, and speak, but it is the soul that moves your hands. An artist feels the pain of the people. For me, Karabakh is not just land. It is honor, it is anxiety, it is pain that is always with me," he said.

A key topic of the discussion was the memory of the Second Karabakh War. Ibrahimov spoke with deep emotion about the unity of the Azerbaijani people, including those in the diaspora, which led to the historic victory.

"We were like one fist. Even abroad, people felt part of this struggle. This was not just a breakthrough; it was a historic victory," emphasized the artist.

Ibrahimov also described how Azerbaijani artists created dozens of portraits of martyrs and gifted them to the families of the fallen heroes. One of the more poignant moments involved a man with a child standing before the portraits, while a woman tenderly stroked the image of her late husband. "This cannot be described in words," he added, clearly moved.

Shifting the conversation to cultural policy, Ibrahimov reflected on how national leader Heydar Aliyev once placed great importance on every work of art.

"Show not only the pain but also the heroism, and this saying remains vital today. Art is a springboard to the future. We must know our past: music, literature, and traditions. Otherwise, we cannot move forward," he said.

Ibrahimov also spoke about the large-scale exhibitions organized for children as young as five years old.

"Even if the child does not fully understand, parents help them. And they drawand in doing so, they already preach peace," Ibrahimov remarked.

Discussing the theme of peace, the artist noted that despite ongoing political tensions, many nations and individuals remain committed to restoring good neighborliness and mutual understanding.

"God does not create bad people. There is envy, there is politics, but there is also love. There are those who want to be friends. Many Armenians in America cry for Baku. And they say: 'That was our life," Ibrahimov shared.

However, he also expressed deep concern over the path chosen by Armenia's leadership, which, according to him, has led the country to catastrophe.

"Instability, chaos, and new militarization are paths leading nowhere," Ibrahimov stated firmly.

In the final part of the interview, the artist underscored that a true artist cannot remain indifferent to the truth.

"An artist sees, feels, and createsand in doing so, they bring light and hope to people. It is impossible to raise children in hatred. It is a path that mines the future. We already know what minefields areboth literally and figuratively. We must build a platform of good neighborliness, a platform of humanity," Ibrahimov stressed.

The program ended on a hopeful note, with Ibrahimov affirming his unwavering belief in the future.

"I believe everything will be fine. We are united. And it is in this unity that our strength lies," he concluded.

Stay up-to-date with more news on Trend News Agency's WhatsApp channel
Here's the gamble . . .

GOP legislators are counting on Republican voters to turn out en masse to support Prez Trump AND the conservative agenda . . . They're also banking on progressives to stay home. It's a safe bet but doesn't ALWAYS account situations outside of Jeff City control i.e. most things.



Check-it . . .



Missouris Republican-led House advanced a proposed constitutional amendment Tuesday asking voters to repeal an abortion-rights measure they narrowly approved last year and instead ban most abortions with exceptions for rape and incest.



Democrats and abortion-rights activists denounced the public policy swing as an affront to the will of voters. But Republicans contend they are simply giving voters a second chance  and are confident they will change their minds.

Read more via www.TonysKansasCity.com link . . .
BAKU, Azerbaijan, April 17. An extended meeting has been held between Azerbaijan's Foreign Minister Jeyhun Bayramov and his Slovenian counterpart Tanja Fajon, the country's Foreign Ministry wrote on its X page, Trend reports.

"The sides discussed cooperation opportunities in energy, digital innovation, environmental sustainability, education, and tourism, and exchanged views on regional security, connectivity, and multilateral coordination," the ministry said.

12:18

XXX

A one-on-one meeting is underway between Azerbaijans Minister of Foreign Affairs, Jeyhun Bayramov, and Slovenias Minister of Foreign Affairs, Tanja Fajon, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Azerbaijan said in a post on its X page, Trend reports.

"The foreign ministers of Azerbaijan and Slovenia held a tete-a-tete meeting to exchange views on a wide range of bilateral issues.

Discussions centered around the potential for enhancing political synergies, amplifying trade and investment flows, and fostering reciprocal support within multilateral frameworks," the post reads.

Stay up-to-date with more news on Trend News Agency's WhatsApp channel
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Meet Rahaf Abu Mayyaleh: The New Addition to Generation17

Jordanian Activist Rahaf Abu Mayyaleh is one of the five new Young Leaders who have joined Generation17  a joint project of Samsung Electronics and United Nations Development Programme (UNDP)

Friday April 18, 2025 11:40 AM , Falak Athar Faizee

[(Second from R) Rahaf Abu Mayyaleh (File Image: University of Jordan)]

Jordanian Activist Rahaf Abu Mayyaleh is one of the five new Young Leaders who have joined Generation17  a joint project of Samsung Electronics and United Nations Development Programme (UNDP).

Launched in 2020, Generation17 supports young changemakers driving progress to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), also known as the Global Goals.

In a statement released Monday April 14, 2025, Samsung announced the addition of Brigitta Gunawan of Indonesia, Jose Francisco Ochoa of Ecuador, Renata Koch Alvarenga of Brazil and Soumya Dabriwal of India besides the Jordanian Activist, Rahaf Abu Mayyaleh.

About Rahaf Abu Mayyaleh

Rahaf Abu Mayyaleh, Who graduated from the University of Jordan, is a climate activist, sustainable technology advocate and founder of IBTKRGO.

IBTKRGO develops eco-friendly educational kits using recyclable materials, including e-waste, to empower youth with digital skills.

Founded in 2017 in Jordan and currently headquartered in Arizona, USA, IBTKRGO is a multinational company dedicated to technological innovation. The company serves the Middle East at large, with a special focus on Jordan.

At IBTKRGO, we lead the charge in developing digital skills such as computer literacy, programming, robotics, digital manufacturing, IoT, and AI. Our mission is to shape the future of youth by equipping them with the most powerful technological tools to ride the waves of technological advancement, this is how IBTKRGO introduces on its website.

Rahaf represented Jordan at the Dubai Parties conference in her capacity as the founder of the Forehealth Education Project.

She also participated in the COP28 conference to talk on behalf of the Jordanian youth about their experiences in the environmental field.

She was also nominated by the UNICEF office in Jordan to attend a four-day training on environmental negotiations in November 2023 in the UAE, according to the University of Jordan.

Green technology is key to a sustainable future, and young innovators have the power to lead this transformation. Through IBTKRGO, I strive to bridge the gap between technology and sustainability, ensuring solutions that serve both people and the planet, Rahaf Abu Mayyaleh said.

Generation17

Since launching Generation17 in 2020, Samsung and UNDP have supported Young Leaders from across Asia, Africa, Europe, Latin America, the Middle East and North America, addressing critical issues that span all 17 Global Goals.

The partnership has provided these Young Leaders with the latest Samsung Galaxy technology, along with networking and mentorship opportunities, to amplify their stories and advance their work.

The newest cohort, focused on advancing solutions in marine conservation, environmental sustainability, gender equality and quality education, reflects Samsungs continued commitment to a more equitable future for all.

Samsung and UNDP have partnered to empower Young Leaders  helping them amplify their stories and accelerate their efforts to drive meaningful change in communities across the world.

Additionally, the initiative provides opportunities for Young Leaders to showcase their impact on a global scale.

Among the other new entrants to Generation17 Brigitta Gunawan (Indonesia) is an ocean-climate advocate, Jose Francisco Ochoa (Ecuador) is a biologist and co-founder of edtech platform Academia del Oceano, Renata Koch Alvarenga (Brazil) is Founder and Executive Director of EmpoderaClima and Soumya Dabriwal (India) is Co-founder of Project Baala, a social enterprise addressing menstrual hygiene and reproductive health access through innovative solutions.

[Falak Athar Faizee is Staff Writer at ummid.com]

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Narendra Modi, RSS and Ambedkar

Interestingly, those whose agenda is totally opposed to the values Dr BR Ambedkar always preached, also sing praises for him on Ambedkar Jayanti

Thursday April 17, 2025 8:13 PM , Ram Puniyani

This 14th April (2025) the Nation celebrated Ambedkar Jayanti (Anniversary). Many aptly celebrate it as Equality day.

Nationwide celebrations also witnessed lectures and Seminars to recall the values and principles of the man who was a pioneer of the ideology and movements striving for equality and democracy.

Interestingly those whose agenda is totally opposed to these values, those who are working for the opposite agenda of Hindu Nation and base their ideology on Manu Smriti also sing praises for him on this day. This Holy book dictates the values upholding the caste system and patriarchal values.

While paying lip service to Ambedkar, RSS Chief Mohan Bhagwat even equated him to RSS Founder K.B. Hedgewar:

Both dedicated their lives to social progress and held a common aspiration for nations growth", he said.

Now what is common between Ambedkar's dream of social equality, democratic, federalism, abolition of caste and RSS founders vision of a Hindu nation, based on the ancient holy books upholding caste system and patriarchy?

These are polar opposites. But as paying tribute to Babsaheb has become mandatory for all for electoral compulsions, Bhagwat has to stretch things to pull Babasaheb in the ambit of list of their icons.

Not to be left behind, Narendra Modi, the Prime Minister of India, went on to criticise the Indian National Congress:

"Congress has become the destroyer of Constitutions. Dr Ambedkar wanted to bring in equality Babasaheb wanted every poor, every backward to be able to live with dignity and with their heads held high, to have dreams and complete themCongress has always treated SCs, STs, and OBCs as second-class citizens.

In a way, Narendra Modi is distorting the facts. It is true that Ambedkar was critical of Congress and Gandhi at various occasions. Still, it was the Congress and Gandhi with whom he interacted maximally to achieve his goal of social equality in particular.

Gandhi is much criticized for betraying the cause of Dalits. Poona Pact has come under severe criticism, but all said and done, this was the most practical step towards affirmative action for Dalits.

Gandhi was so touched by Ambedkar's positions that he understood the ills of caste in a deeper way and made eradication of untouchability as his major mission for the next two years. Going from village to village, ensuring that dalits are permitted entry into the temples and are able to draw water from the village wells. This also became the mission for many Congress workers.

This is the time when BJP ideology founders were singing praises for the values of the caste system and arguing that it is this system which has given stability to Hindu society!

Ambedkars yeoman service to the nation was recognized by the national leaders and they were keen that Ambedkar should be part of the Constituent Assembly, In her biography BABASAHEB: My Life with Dr. Ambedkar, Savita Ambedkar quotes correspondence between Dr. Rajendra Prasad, President of Constituent Assembly, Pt. Jawaharlal Nehru, the Prime Minister-elect, Sardar Patel, the Home Minister, G. Mavalankar, Speaker and BG Kher, the CM of Bombay state to stress how all the top Congress leaders were extremely keen to have her husband elected to the Constituent Assembly unopposed. For instance Patel wrote to Mavalankar on July 5, 1947:

Dr Ambedkars nomination has been sent to PM. I hope there would be no contest and he would be returned unopposed so that he could come here on the 14th.

Congress ensured that Babasaheb won the seat for the Constituent Assembly and made its Chairman. The participation and Contribution of Babasaheb, well supported by Congress, yielded the fruit in the form of the Indian Constitution.

On the contrary, the Organiser, the mouthpiece of RSS, parent organization of the BJP, came out heavily saying that this Constitution has nothing Indian about it. The ideological mentor cum fellow traveler of RSS, Savakar was against it saying the Manusmriti is the Constitution for India."

The same way, Ambedkar handled the responsibility of drafting the Hindu Code Bill, with Nehru standing behind him. The Code was opposed by some elements within but mainly by the ideologues of Hindu Nationalism, who went on to burn the effigy of Ambedkar on 12 December 1949. While RSS-BJP are upholding the Brahmanical version of Hinduism Babasaheb had already declared that I was born a Hindu but I will not die a Hindu.

Similarly, as RSS was talking of Hindu Rashtra, Babasaheb in revised edition of the book on Pakistan, opposed it on the ground that this may pave the way for Hindu Raj which will be the biggest tragedy for us.

The BJPs Hindu nationalist ideology is deeply opposed to Babasaheb's dream of Annihilation of caste and has been deeply opposed by Modis ideology. Modis parent organization RSS has floated Samajik Samrasta Manch, which talks about harmony among caste rather than its annihilation.

Currently, some ideologues are arguing that since annihilation is not easy, so let us resort to strengthening sub caste identities to get them more privileges!

This will be a disaster for the values of our Fraternity, the core principle of Indian Constitution. RSS is also trying to wean sections of dalits by co-option and social engineering. RSS organizations are also inventing icons of sub communities among dalits and giving them values of patriarchy, and caste hierarchy along with Anti Muslim slant.

One could see the response of BJP to implementation of Mandal Commission, which was a major step towards social justice. In response, the BJP did not oppose it for electoral calculations but instead intensified their Ram Temple campaign. The way BJP is floating the identity issues and derailing the path of social justice is highly despicable. At the same time, through various maneuvers it has also succeeded in turning a section of deprived youth as its foot soldiers who dance in front of mosques with naked swords.

On the top of that it is Rahul Gandhi of Congress who brought to fore the implementation of the Constitution as the major path for social and economic justice. Putting the blame on the plight of Dalits/OBC and neglect of Babasaheb by Congress is like putting the truth on its head! At the same time, it is putting the blame of ones own doings on others.

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SC upholds use of Urdu signboard at Maharashtra municipality

In a major setback for the BJP and other right-wing groups, the Supreme Court of India Wednesday April 16, 2025 upheld the use of Urdu signboard at Patur Municipality building in Maharashtra

Thursday April 17, 2025 12:51 PM , ummid.com News Network

New Delhi: In a major setback for the BJP and other right-wing groups, the Supreme Court of India Wednesday April 16, 2025 upheld the use of Urdu signboard at Patur Municipality building in Maharashtra.

The Supreme Court pronounced its ruling in response to a petition seeking removal of the Urdu signboard put up by the Patur Municipal Council in Akola district of Maharashtra on the ground that the Maharashtra Local Authorities (Official Languages Act) mandates use of only Marathi language in civic bodies.

The petitioner, Varsha Bagde , had approached the apex court after her petition was dismissed by the Nagpur Bench of Bombay High Court. Varsha received drubbing at the Supreme Court of India too.

'Associating language with religion wrong'

While declining to overturn the HC order, the Supreme Court also made some glorious remarks about Urdu and its role in the Indian diversity and culture.

The SC bench comprising Justices Sudhanshu Dhulia and K Vinod Chandran said a "language belongs to a community, to a region, to people; and not to a religion".

"Let our concepts be clear. Language is not religion. Language does not even represent religion. Language belongs to a community, to a region, to people; and not to a religion. Language is a medium for exchange of ideas that brings people holding diverse views and beliefs closer and it should not become a cause of their division," the Supreme Court said.

The apex court also said that Urdu "is the finest specimen of Ganga-Jamuni tehzeeb, or the Hindustani tehzeeb".

The Supreme Court also asked the Indians to make friendship with Urdu and every language.

"When you learn a language, you don't just learn to speak and write a new language. You also learn to be open-minded, liberal, tolerant, kind and considerate towards all mankind", Justice Dhulia started in the judgement.

'Finest Example of Hindustani Tahzeeb'

Furthermore, the top court also said that language must be viewed as a marker of a communitys cultural and civilisational progress.

"So is the case of Urdu, which is the finest example of ganga-jamuni tahzeeb, or the Hindustani Tahzeeb, which is the composite cultural ethos of the plains of northern and central India. But before language became a tool for learning, its earliest and primary purpose will always remain communication," the bench added.

The court also addressed the social resistance often faced by languages like Urdu, describing it as rooted in misconceptions and prejudice.

"Our misconceptions, perhaps even our prejudices against a language, have to be courageously and truthfully tested against the reality, which is this great diversity of our nation. Our strength can never be our weakness", it noted.

If the residents of a particular region are familiar with Urdu, there is no reason to object to its presence on official boards, the Supreme Court said.

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BAKU, Azerbaijan, April 17. A trilateral meeting was held in Tbilisi between the foreign ministries of Georgia, Azerbaijan, and Armenia, Azerbaijans Ministry of Foreign Affairs told Trend.

"On 17 April 2025, at the initiative of Jeyhun Bayramov, Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Azerbaijan, Maka Botchorishvili, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Georgia, and Ararat Mirzoyan, Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Armenia, trilateral meeting of the Republic of Azerbaijan, Georgia, and the Republic of Armenia was held in Tbilisi at the level of Deputy Foreign Ministers.



At the outset, the participants Elnur Mammadov, Deputy Foreign Minister of the Republic of Azerbaijan, Lasha Darsalia, Deputy Foreign Minister of Georgia, and Vahan Kostanyan, Deputy Foreign Minister of the Republic of Armenia, welcomed the first trilateral meeting of the three South Caucasus countries and acknowledged that three countries have untapped potential of cooperation based on full respect for each others sovereignty and territorial integrity.



The meeting sought to advance trilateral cooperation across the areas of common interest, with the goal to foster sustainable growth and prosperity in the region. Furthermore, collaboration in these fields could facilitate addressing common challenges and ultimately contribute to long-term stability and swift development of the South Caucasus Region. The meeting served as an open exchange of views and presentation of visions on potential areas for collaboration.



At the end, the participants acknowledged the positive and constructive atmosphere of the meeting, which is regarded as an initial phase designed to build trust and pave the way for the eventual advancement of the dialogue to a higher level," the statement reads.
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BAKU, Azerbaijan, April 17. An extended meeting has been held between Azerbaijan's Foreign Minister Jeyhun Bayramov and his Slovenian counterpart Tanja Fajon, the country's Foreign Ministry wrote on its X page, Trend reports.

"The sides discussed cooperation opportunities in energy, digital innovation, environmental sustainability, education, and tourism, and exchanged views on regional security, connectivity, and multilateral coordination," the ministry said.

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A one-on-one meeting is underway between Azerbaijans Minister of Foreign Affairs, Jeyhun Bayramov, and Slovenias Minister of Foreign Affairs, Tanja Fajon, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Azerbaijan said in a post on its X page, Trend reports.

"The foreign ministers of Azerbaijan and Slovenia held a tete-a-tete meeting to exchange views on a wide range of bilateral issues.

Discussions centered around the potential for enhancing political synergies, amplifying trade and investment flows, and fostering reciprocal support within multilateral frameworks," the post reads.

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The U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS), led by Secretary Kristi Noem, has issued a stark ultimatum to Harvard University: provide comprehensive records on the "illegal and violent activities" of its foreign student visa holders by April 30, 2025, or lose the ability to enroll international students. The demand, announced on April 16, 2025, marks a dramatic escalation in the Trump administration's crackdown on elite universities.

This threat accompanies the DHS's cancellation of two grants to Harvard worth over $2.7 million, part of President Donald Trump's broader freeze of $2.2 billion in federal funding to the Ivy League institution. The administration has accused Harvard of promoting "radical ideology," citing issues like antisemitism, diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) programs, and pro-Palestinian protests.

For Harvard, the potential loss of its foreign student program is a grave concern. International students, who make up a significant portion of its diverse student body, contribute substantially to the university's academic and financial vitality. Revoking this privilege could disrupt Harvard's global reputation and revenue streams, even with its $50 billion endowment.

Harvard responded defiantly, pledging to comply with legal obligations while refusing to compromise its autonomy. "We will not surrender our independence or relinquish our constitutional rights," a university spokesperson stated, hinting at a possible legal battle.

The DHS's demands are part of a wider Trump administration campaign targeting universities like Columbia and Princeton, with a focus on reshaping higher education to align with its ideological priorities. The requirement for visa holder data raises concerns about privacy, academic freedom, and the chilling effect on international students, who may face heightened scrutiny.

As the April 30 deadline looms, Harvard faces a high-stakes decision: comply with the administration's demands or risk losing a cornerstone of its global identity. The outcome could set a precedent for how far the federal government can go in leveraging visa policies to influence university operations.
On April 16, 2025, students, alumni, and faculty at the University of Delaware gathered to protest the abrupt revocation of visas for eight international students, a move attributed to the Trump administration's escalating immigration enforcement. The demonstration, reported by NBC Philadelphia, follows news that broke on April 10, 2025, of the federal government terminating the legal status of three current and five former students at the Newark-based institution, which hosts thousands of international students.

The visa revocations are part of a broader national crackdown, with at least 901 international students across 128 colleges and universities losing their visas in recent weeks, according to an Associated Press review. Many cases appear linked to participation in pro-Palestinian protests, with the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) employing data analytics to scour students' social media histories and criminal records for grounds to revoke visas, NBC News reported.

University of Delaware officials expressed frustration, noting that the federal government provided no explanation for the revocations. "We are keeping our University community informed of related developments and actions we are taking," the university stated, adding that it has created a website to clarify what Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents can and cannot legally do on campus. The university is also offering access to immigration legal counsel and other support services.

At the protest, students like Emma Abrams voiced demands for stronger university action. "What we would like to see is legal support for those students, we would like to see a cessation of working with ICE and other federal agencies," Abrams told 6abc Philadelphia. Critics argue the university's response has been inadequate, with some calling for Delaware to declare itself a "sanctuary campus" to protect students from ICE raids.

Mohammad Abdul Muqtedar Khan, an international relations professor at Delaware, warned of broader consequences. "Actions at the school and across the country against foreign students who are in the country legally will ultimately be harmful for America," he told NBC10. The revocations, often tied to a 1952 foreign policy statute or minor past offenses like DUIs, have sparked concerns about free speech and academic freedom.

The Trump administration's actions, led by Secretary of State Marco Rubio, have targeted students for "acting counter to national interests," particularly those involved in protests against Israel's war in Gaza. This follows President Trump's campaign pledges for stringent immigration controls, with some conservatives accusing foreign students of intellectual property theft.

The University of Delaware's case mirrors incidents at institutions like Harvard, Columbia, and the University of Texas, where visa terminations and federal pressure are reshaping campus dynamics. As the affected Delaware students face uncertain futures, the protest underscores a growing resistance to what many see as an overreach of federal power. The university continues to monitor developments, but with no clear resolution, the fight for its international students' rights is far from over.
Johns Hopkins University in Baltimore confirmed on April 16, 2025, that 37 international students, including graduate students and recent graduates, have had their visas revoked by the federal government, according to CBS Baltimore. The abrupt terminations, part of a broader Trump administration immigration crackdown, have sparked alarm across Maryland's higher education institutions, with no clear explanation provided by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).

The visa revocations are linked to a nationwide wave of enforcement actions, with at least 901 international students across 128 colleges and universities losing their legal status since mid-March 2025, as reported by the Associated Press. Many cases appear tied to participation in pro-Palestinian protests, with the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) using data analytics to review students' social media activity and criminal records for grounds to terminate visas.

Johns Hopkins, where 15% of the first-year class comprises international students from 83 countries, stated it has "no information about the specific basis for the revocations" but noted no indication they are tied to free expression on campus. The university's Office of International Services is providing support, including legal counsel and academic advising, to affected students, who must now leave the United States. No arrests or detentions of Hopkins students have been reported.

The situation escalated rapidly. On April 8, Hopkins reported "approximately a dozen" visa revocations, a number that grew to "several dozen" by April 11 and was finalized at 37 by April 16, according to The Baltimore Banner. The university shared updates via a livestream accessible only to those with a Johns Hopkins email, reflecting the sensitivity of the crisis.

Maryland's other institutions are also affected. The University of Maryland, Baltimore County (UMBC) reported four students losing visas, while the University of Maryland, College Park, confirmed an unspecified number of cases. Three Maryland institutionsUMBC, UMD, and the University System of Marylandsigned an amicus brief on April 10 supporting a legal injunction to halt the Trump administration's visa revocations without cause. Notably, Johns Hopkins did not join the brief, drawing criticism from some community members.

The crackdown, led by Secretary of State Marco Rubio, targets students deemed to act "counter to national interests," often citing minor infractions like past misdemeanors or involvement in protests against Israel's war in Gaza. Immigration attorneys report a lack of transparency, with universities like Hopkins learning of revocations through routine Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS) reviews rather than direct DHS communication.

Faculty and students are pushing back. Teachers and Researchers United (TRU-UE), Hopkins' graduate student union, condemned the revocations and called for continued advocacy, stating, "We do not allow fear to demobilize our movements at a moment when so much is at stake." The university has advised faculty not to intervene if ICE agents appear on campus, aligning with American Civil Liberties Union guidelines.

The visa terminations threaten Johns Hopkins' global reputation and academic diversity, with broader implications for U.S. higher education. As affected students face deportation, the university's responseand the administration's ongoing enforcementwill shape the future of international education in America.
BAKU, Azerbaijan, April 17. A peace agreement with Armenia is possible only after resolving key issues, said Azerbaijans Foreign Minister Jeyhun Bayramov at a press conference in Baku, Trend reports.

Azerbaijan has always supported dialogue, and in recent years, we have engaged in this dialogue with the Armenian side quite intensively. We had a bilateral meeting with the Armenian Foreign Minister, Ararat Mirzoyan. The meeting was productive and beneficial for both sides in terms of exchanging positions. As a result of this process over two and a half years, preliminary agreements on the text of a peace agreement have been reached. I would like to emphasize once again that Azerbaijan was the initiator of the peace process and the author of the peace agreement project with Armenia, he said.

Furthermore, the minister noted that Azerbaijan has once again conveyed to Armenia a list of unresolved issues that must be addressed to finalize the agreement.

Since 2022, we have consistently communicated our demands to Armenia, including the need to amend its Constitution. We have also pointed out to the Armenian side the futility of attempts to preserve the OSCE Minsk Group, said Minister Bayramov.

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Vietnam Briefing has developed into a premium source for insight on doing business in Vietnam. It publishes business news concerning foreign direct investment into Vietnam, including the most important tax, legal and accounting issues. The Vietnam Briefing Magazine was first published in 2009, and is contributed to by investment professionals based in Vietnam.
There always used to be a long line of traffic waiting to cross the steel truss Danube Bridge over the river between Giurgiu in Romania and the Bulgarian city of Rousse on the other side.

But since both EU countries fully joined Europe's Schengen open-borders zone this year, removing time-consuming frontier checks, traffic flow has increased significantly.

One traveller, who only gave his name as Christian, drives the 75 kilometres (46 miles) south from the Romanian capital Bucharest to Rousse to stock up on "cheaper" cigarettes or perfumes that save him money.

"With Schengen, it's faster: no more queueing to have our papers checked," he said, leaning against his blue Mustang.

On weekends, a long line of cars with mostly Romanian registration plates crosses the border bridge towards the Bulgarian commercial hub, bringing with them tourists who boost the local economy.

According to data from Romania's road management agency, around 160,000 cars crossed the border at Giurgiu between January and March 2025, compared to 128,000 during the same three-month period last year.

- Romanian menus -

With tourism in Rousse booming, Bulgaria's fifth-largest city has begun catering to its new clientele, with restaurant menus printed in Romanian and bilingual staff highly sought-after.

The city of 125,000 people -- also called "little Vienna" -- is known for its eclectic mix of architecture ranging from neo-baroque to communist-era buildings.

In front of a popular restaurant in the city's central square, a young couple from Giurgiu waited patiently in a long queue.

"It's easier to come now. We really like this place, it's one of our favourites," said 43-year-old teacher Claudia Badarau, standing next to her partner Bogdan.

Full integration into the now 29-country Schengen zone has had "a positive impact on the city, because there are many more tourists", restaurant manager Todor Ratsov told AFP.

"There are quite a few Romanian tourists, mainly because of easier entry," he said, adding that "90 percent of his menus" are now in Romanian.

According to Adrian Nikolov, senior economist at the Sofia-based Institute for Market Economics think-tank, "the effect is almost exclusively tourism-related".

Over time, Nikolov added, it will be interesting to assess the impact on turnover of hotels and restaurants.

- More pilgrims -

Created in 1985, the Schengen zone includes 25 of the 27 European Union member states as well as Switzerland, Norway, Iceland and Liechtenstein, and allows more than 400 million people to travel freely inside the area.

Romania and Bulgaria endured a frustrating 13-year wait for full entry and finally joined on January 1, after Austria dropped its threat to veto membership over migration concerns.

Truckers and cross-border workers especially have benefited.

"For companies whose lorries cross the border, this means reduced journey time, more reliable delivery times, and lower fuel and personnel costs on the same route compared to last year," Nikolov explained.

According to Romania's transport federation, each carrier can save "two to three hours on average", which translates into "extra money and extra freight".

The Basarbovo monastery just outside Rousse -- named after a shepherd who once lived there as a hermit and whose relics are venerated in Bucharest -- has seen more visitors.

Carved into the side of a mountain, the monastery remains a popular destination for Romanian pilgrims -- and more recently families on holiday.

Father Aleko has noticed a "clear increase" in the number of visitors.

"Once they pass through Rousse, they never fail to come and light a candle and pray to the saint," he told AFP, referring to the shepherd who became Saint Dimitar.

Translator Oana Manulescu was visiting the hermit's cave with her family from Bucharest.

"There are things to see, the prices are more affordable. And the Bulgarians are a very welcoming people," she said.

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BAKU, Azerbaijan, April 17. Preliminary agreements between the Azerbaijani and Slovenian companies have already been reached, Azerbaijan's Foreign Minister Jeyhun Bayramov said at a press conference in Baku, Trend reports.

"Cooperation opportunities are also available for Slovenian companies in Karabakh and Eastern Zangezur," the minister mentioned.

He noted that his Slovenian counterpart was provided with detailed information on the ongoing restoration and reconstruction work in Karabakh and Eastern Zangezur.

"A business forum will be held today with the participation of companies from Azerbaijan and Slovenia. Azerbaijan's natural gas is already being supplied to Slovenia. Discussions on specific projects are planned within the framework of today's business forum. Preliminary agreements have been reached between a number of companies," the official added.

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BAKU, Azerbaijan, April 17. I exchanged views with my Slovenian colleague on the issue of opening communications, especially on the fact that unimpeded passage between the western regions of Azerbaijan and the Nakhchivan Autonomous Republic has not yet been ensured, and this issue remains open, Azerbaijani Foreign Minister Jeyhun Bayramov said, Trend reports.

He made the remark at the joint press conference with Slovenian Foreign Minister Tanja Fajon in Baku.

" Today, within the framework of the discussions, I provided my counterpart with detailed information about the regional situation and the new realities emerging in the region.

We also exchanged views on the issue of delimitation between Azerbaijan and Armenia," the minister added.

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Mattarella returns to Quirinale Palace in Rome.

Italy's president Sergio Mattarella was discharged from Rome's Santo Spirito hospital on Thursday morning after undergoing pacemaker surgery on Tuesday night.

Mattarella, 83, returned to the Quirinale presidential palace where he is expected to convalesce over Easter before resuming his official duties next week.

The Quirinale has stressed that the operation had been scheduled in advance and that the president's medical condition was not a cause for concern.

The hospitalisation of Italy's head of state prompted a flurry of get-well-soon wishes from Italian political leaders including premier Giorgia Meloni who wrote on X: "Italy awaits him soon, with the strength and dedication of always."

Photo credit: Alessia Pierdomenico / Shutterstock.com.
Rome boosts security measures for Easter.

Rome is stepping up security ahead of the three-day visit of US vice president JD Vance who arrived on Friday and will stay in the Italian capital over the Easter weekend.

Vance is to meet the Vatican's secretary of state Cardinal Pietro Parolin, the White House confirmed on Wednesday, without giving further details.

He is also scheduled to discuss "economic and geopolitical priorities" with Italian prime minister Giorgia Meloni at lunchtime on Friday, following her return from Washington for tariff talks with US president Donald Trump.

Vance, who is accompanied by his wife Usha and their three young children Ewan, Vivek, and Mirabel, landed in Rome's Ciampino airport on Friday morning.

It is not clear whether Vance, who converted to Catholicism in 2019, will participate in the Vatican's ceremonies for Holy Week.

Neither is it clear whether he will meet Pope Francis who is recovering from double pneumonia and who recently criticised Trump's immigration policies in a letter to the US Catholic bishops.

Vance is expected to visit the Colosseum which will close at 18.00 on Saturday, with last admission at 17.00, on orders of Rome security chiefs.

Colosseum authorities said the move is to facilitate the "visit of a foreign dignitary, scheduled after the normal closing time of the monument" and that all tickets purchased for an entrance between 17.00 and 18.15 will be refunded.

Security arrangements for Vance - who arrived the same day as the Via Crucis ceremony for Good Friday at the Colosseum - are complicated by large crowds of tourists in Rome over the Easter holidays and pilgrims visiting the Vatican for Jubilee Year.

The extra security measures include the deployment of snipers, no-fly zones and metal detector screenings as well as road closures and bus detours, with the removal of cars parked along the routes designated for the vice president's motorcade.

Security is particularly tight in the Parioli area around the Villa Taverna residence of the US ambassador, where the Vance family will be staying, as well as around St Peter's and the Basilica of St Paul's Outside the Walls where Vance could go on Sunday, news agency ANSA reports.

Rome's security plan also includes measures for the US-Iran nuclear talks which are expected to take place on Saturday, probably at the embassy of the Sultanate of Oman in the northern Camilluccia district of the capital.

Vance is scheduled to leave Rome on Sunday evening before travelling to India where he will meet prime minister Narendra Modi.

Photo credit: Maxim Elramsisy / Shutterstock.com.
Pontiff continues Holy Thursday tradition of visiting prisons.

Pope Francis is expected to visit Rome's Regina Coeli prison on the afternoon of 17 April to mark Holy Thursday, according to Vatican sources cited by Italian media.

The private visit will take place "only if conditions allow", Corriere della Sera reports, as the 88-year-old pontiff recovers from a life-threatening case of double pneumonia.

It is not known yet whether the visit will involve the celebration of the Mass of the Lord's Supper or will entail a prayer with the prisoners.

Since becoming pontiff in 2013, Francis has marked Holy Thursday by celebrating Mass in jails - including Regina Coeli in 2018 - and washing the feet of prisoners.

This year the Vatican did not included the pope's name on the Holy Week programme, as Francis continues to convalesce following his recent five-week hospital stay in Rome, however he made a surprise appearance at the Palm Sunday ceremony in St Peter's Square.

On Wednesday the pontiff received members of his medical team who cared for him at the Gemelli Hospital, thanking them for their service.

Francis met each of the 70 doctors, nurses and managers in person, speaking in a soft voice and breathing without the nasal tubes that provide supplemental oxygen.

Photo credit: Marco Iacobucci Epp / Shutterstock.com.
Tragedy on the Faito Cable Car: Cabin Falls, Four Dead and One Seriously Injured

Four people were killed and one was critically injured in a cable car disaster on the Monte Faito cableway near Sorrento in Italy's southern Campania region on Thursday afternoon.

The tragedy unfolded shortly after 15.00, when the traction cable snapped, causing a cabin near the mountain station to plunge and crash into a support pylon.

At the time of the accident, 16 people  a mix of tourists and staff  were on board the two cabins. Following the cable failure, both cabins were left suspended in mid-air. Emergency systems activated immediately, blocking the cabins in place. While 11 passengers were safely evacuated from the cabin closer to the base station using harnesses and ropes, tragedy struck the cabin higher up the mountain.

After hours of frantic search efforts complicated by heavy fog, firefighters located the fallen cabin. On board were four tourists and a cable car operator: only one survived, but with life-threatening injuries. The victims include Carmine Parlato, an employee of the Ente Autonomo Volturno (EAV) company which operates public transport by road, rail and cableway in the Campania region. The injured survivor was rushed to the Ospedale del Mare hospital in Naples in a critical condition.

The accident prompted an immediate investigation by the Torre Annunziata Public Prosecutors Office, which sequestered the entire cableway. The system had reopened just a week earlier, with an inaugural run attended by the mayor of Castellammare di Stabia, Luigi Vicinanza.

It appears the traction cable broke, the mayor explained later in the day. The emergency brake at the valley station worked, but not the one near the summit where the cabin was arriving.

Visibility issues severely hampered rescue operations, with dense fog preventing helicopters from quickly identifying the fallen cabin. News of the severed communication with the mountain station cabin raised hopes that it was still suspended  hopes that were tragically dashed around 18.00, when EAV president Umberto De Gregorio confirmed the cabin had crashed.

Campania president Vincenzo De Luca visited the site in the early evening, describing a scene of devastation and initially reporting three deaths and one missing person. Later, a fourth body was recovered.

The incident also disrupted the surrounding infrastructure. The broken cable fell onto the Circumvesuviana railway tracks between Pioppaino and Sorrento, forcing the closure of the Castellammare di Stabia station and nearby panoramic roads for safety reasons.

The Monte Faito cable car, inaugurated in 1952, had previously suffered a fatal accident in 1960 when a descending cabin detached and crashed onto railway tracks, killing four people, including a child.

This is an unimaginable and unpredictable tragedy, EAV president De Gregorio stated. He defended the decision to operate the cable car despite the days poor weather, noting that safety standards were rigorously applied and that closure due to wind conditions is typically assessed carefully.

In a statement, Massimo Aversa, secretary general of trade union Fit Cisl Campania, expressed condolences and called for immediate clarity: Safety remains a topic too often discussed only after lives are lost. We must get answers quickly and ensure accountability for this unacceptable disaster.

As investigations continue, the region mourns one of the worst accidents in its recent history  amid serious questions about the safety and maintenance of one of Campanias most iconic transport systems.
A new documentary about the 2015 killing of Limerick man Jason Corbett by his American wife Molly Martens and her father is due to be streamed on Netflix next month.

A Deadly American Marriage premieres on May 9th with interviews with Martens, her father Tom and Mr Corbetts children, Jack and Sarah.

The streaming service has described the documentary as a chilling exploration of love and betrayal featuring interviews with those closest to the case.

It also promises to shed a bright light on the many questions that have lingered since the shocking events of that night.

Molly Martens (40) and her father Tom (73), who is a retired FBI agent, were released from prisons in North Carolina last June after serving four years and three months behind bars for the killing of Mr Corbett in 2015.

In their original 2017 trial, the Martens were convicted of second-degree murder and sentenced to between 20 and 25 years in prison.

Their 2017 second-degree murder conviction was overturned on appeal in 2020 and the retrial was moved to Forsyth County due to the intensity of the media and public interest in the story.

Before the retrial began, the Martens accepted a plea deal for voluntary manslaughter in October 2023 and were released from prison last year.

Mr Corbetts daughter Sarah Corbett Lynch has described, in recently-released memoir A Time For Truth, the volatile atmosphere her stepmother created within their home.

My dad was abused, he was a victim, she told The Irish Times Womens Podcast last month.

By writing the book, Ms Corbett Lynch said she wanted to highlight that men could be victims of domestic violence too. Its an important message that anyone can be a victim. Anyone could be abused. It doesnt have to be someone who is quiet or who is vulnerable. Sometimes its the guy who is the bright ray of sunshine.

The Netflix documentary is produced and directed by Jessica Burgess and Jenny Popplewell.
A further expansion to the Hot School Meals Programme in Waterford means that students in an additional 23 schools will be provided with hot meals.

Speaking on the positive development this week, Minister John Cummins said that the programme will continue to expand.

More children are having a hot meal every day with this important initiative and it helps with school attendance, educational outcomes for pupils and, importantly, they can learn and play with their friends without concerns about hunger.

I welcome the move to ensure meals provided to children in our schools are more nutritious in this successful programme, which will continue to expand and improve.

"Work is also underway to reduce food waste and utilise recyclable packaging.

The Government has also announced a review of the nutritional standards and the removal of the optional food that is high in saturated fat, sugar, and salt from the school meal menus, which will happen from September 2025.

The Hot School Meals Programme, which started from a small pilot of just 30 schools nationwide, has grown considerably since being implemented.

Over 475,000 children in 2,850 primary schools nationwide are now eligible to receive hot school meals.

The additional 23 Waterford schools that will be able to access the Hot Schools Programme are: Our Lady of Mercy National School, Ballyduff National School, Passage East National School, Glenbeg National School, Ballyduff B 2 National School, S N Na Cille, S N Na Leanai, S N An Carraig Liath, S N Deaglan, S N An Baile Nua, Knockanore National School, Fionnabhair National School, S N Dun Aill, S N Dun Na Mainstreach, Whitechurch N S Ceapach, S N Aine Nfa Seafield, S N Naomh Parthalan, Christ Church National School, Holy Cross School, Gaelscoil Philib Barun, Gaelscoil Na Ndeise, Waterpark National School, Tramore Educate Together National School.

Commenting on the Hot School Meals expansion, Minister Helen McEntee said: The Hot School Meals Programme is having a really positive impact on students right across the country and I am delighted that it is being expanded.

More children having hot meals will help with school attendance, help with educational outcomes for students, and above all ensure that children can learn, play and make friends without concerns about hunger.

The removal of optional meals with higher levels of fat, sugar and salt from menus will ensure that not only will students have access to hot meals, but they will also be more nutritious as well.

"I would encourage any primary schools who are currently not taking part in the scheme to do so."
Waterford volunteer-led LGBTQIA organisation Pride of the Deise has written an open letter to Sinn Fein TD David Cullinane.

The letter on social media is in response to comments made by the Deise deputy on X (Twitter) that the recent Scottish Supreme Court ruling on the legal definitions of a woman and biological sex was a "common sense judgement."

Deputy Cullinane has since deleted the post and apologised.

In their letter, Pride of the Deise said they had "grave concerns" about the post.

They said the post "amplified a transexclusionary narrative by leveraging the platform of an elected representative."

"The ruling confines the term woman to persons born biologically female, thereby excluding transgender women and men, and erasing the existence of intersex people.

"Such language legitimises discrimination and stands at odds with human rights, contemporary science and Sinn Feins own stated policy."

The group went on to say that Deputy Cullinane's comments were anti-science and asked that Sinn Fein and the deputy get training in the matter.

"TD Cullinanes comments are anti-science. Biological sex is a complex set of chromosomal, hormonal and anatomical characteristics; it is not binary but actually exists along a spectrum that includes intersex variations.

"Gender is a social and legal construct that describes ones lived identity; it is distinct from biological attributes."

"Recognising this distinction is critical to ensuring the dignity and safety of all members of society," wrote the group.

They pointed out that Deputy Cullinane is the Sinn Fein spokesperson on health and, as such, should make evidence-based comments.

"When the partys lead voice on health policy amplifies a definition that erases these groups, the harm is multiplied: it risks legitimising exclusionary practices within clinical settings and undermines Sinn Feins own commitments to evidencebased, patientcentred care," wrote the group.

The group acknowledged the deputy's apology but said: "An apology that centres hurt feelings without explicitly withdrawing the previous claim and correcting the misinformation therein does not constitute accountability. We must demand more from our elected representatives in this regard."

Pride of the Deise say they demand a full retraction, that the party restate their position and commit to training on trans-inclusive education.

They also demand Sinn Fein engage with those who have organised a demonstration on Saturday, April 19, against hate in Waterford.

"From our inception, Pride of the Deise has marched - never paraded - because Pride is, at its core, an act of protest. As an organisation whose mission centres safety and inclusivity, we have, to date, welcomed Sinn Fein to our marches.

"If Sinn Fein and Deputy Cullinane refuse or fail to implement the actions demanded above, the party will be barred from our 2025 Pride March and from every future celebration or community event we host.

"We will not grant a platform to any organisation whose local representative spreads antitrans propaganda that endangers our community and tacitly fuels violence against us.

"Pride of the Deise, as a community organisation, recognises - and takes with utmost seriousness - our responsibility to safeguard the dignity, safety and rights of every LGBTQIA+ person, and we will act decisively when safety to our community is threatened.

"Our community looks to Sinn Fein for principled leadership against the rise of the farright propaganda, as one of the largest political parties on the Island of Ireland. We urge you to demonstrate, through deeds as well as words, your commitment to a pluralistic, rightsbased republic," wrote the group.

THE POST

On Wednesday, Deputy Cullinane took to X to support the news of the Supreme Court ruling.

The post said: "The Scottish Supreme Court ruling on the legal meaning of a woman is a common sense judgement. The ruling found that for the purposes of equality legislation, a woman means a biological woman, and sex refers to biological sex. It also confirmed that Trans people are protected under the equality legislation in a separate category of gender assignment. The ruling needs to be fully examined in this state."

Deputy Cullinane then deleted the post and issued the following statement on Thursday.

I want to apologise for the hurt and offence that I have caused to the Trans community following a tweet I sent last night. That was never my intention. This is a complex issue for many, but we need to approach it with compassion, understanding and dignity for all.

Im sure those in the Trans community will feel vulnerable and isolated today in the aftermath of yesterdays judgement, and I apologise that my words added to that."
BAKU, Azerbaijan, April 17. During a court session on Thursday at the Baku Military Court, the accused Arkadi Ghukasyan testified about the documents, which have been investigated during the previous court session, Trend reports.

Responding to inquiries from the prosecutors, Arkado Ghukasyan admitted that the Azerbaijanis were forced to leave Khankendi.

The accused stated that he had known the gang leaders that committed crimes against Azerbaijanis - Robert Kocharyan - since 1992, Samvel Babayan - since 1993, and Murad Petrosyan - since 2000.

In response to the question about the explosion of the bridge over the Khalfalichay, the accused said that he recalled this incident.

A. Ghukasyan confirmed that during those events - in the 90s of the last century, there were people who arrived in the territories of Azerbaijan (Khankendi and other places) from Armenia. He also claimed that he had no information about where the weapons were brought from.

The trial continues for Armenian nationals accused of committing crimes against peace and humanity, including war crimes, acts of terrorism, waging and preparing an aggressive war, genocide, violations of the laws and customs of war, the forcible seizure and retention of power, and financing terrorism, among other offenses related to Armenias military aggression.

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A woman from Waterford City will be coming down from a height later this month to raise money for the Solas Cancer Support Centre.

Julie Quinlan, who is conductor of Waterford City Brass and a native of Lismore Park, will be taking on an abseil of Croke Park on Friday, April 25.

A very popular member of the community she will be undertaking the challenge in support of what is one of the most highly respected community support organisations in Waterford.

As part of her fundraiser Julie has an If any of you would like to support Julie in this challenge sponsorship cards available at Solas Centre or online on the idonate.ie website under the banner 'juliequinlanabseilforsolas'.

Commenting on her event on the webpage, Julie, who lives in Ballymacaw in Co Waterford, stated: "Abseiling off Croke Park is not something I thought I would be doing in my 50's - but sure here goes."

"My only experience of heights are the zip lines and tree top walks while on holidays, and even then they were completed with closed eyes and lots of screaming," she stated.

However, she expressed delight in being part of the Solas Cancer Support Centre Abseil challenge.

"The centre provides such vital support to the people of Waterford and the South East at their greatest time of need and vulnerability," she stated.

"Unfortunately, most families will experience cancer, mine included and the Solas Centre provides that safe space," she added, before going on to state: "I am honoured to lead the Solas Cancer Support Centre Choir on Tuesday evenings."

"It is a joy and privilege to work with such happy and engaging people - all singing and making music together," she added.
Waterford City and County Council last week granted planning permission for the 200 million Waterford North Quays development.

Permission was granted to Harcourt Developments for the first phase, which includes significant residential accommodation, as well as office and hotel accommodation, retail offerings and high-quality public realm spaces.

The approved plans include 350 residential units with retail units at ground floor level.

Also greenlit is the construction of office accommodation, including a ground floor creche.

A four-star 160-bedroom hotel and conference centre will be constructed, as well as a 163-room aparthotel.

The Waterford News & Star published last week a range of images that show what the development could look like when complete.

We asked people across Waterford City how they felt about the accompanying image, which shows a view of the North Quays blocks from the south side of the river.

Everyone we asked was impressed by the image, with one local saying "it looks smart" and another saying "the buildings there will look great if they look any way like the picture".

Andy Giffney. Photo: Joe Evans

Local Andy Giffney said the blocks give off a European flair.

"It looks very well," he said, "it reminds me of Berlin."

"Maybe some additional trees could adorn it, but maybe they are planning for that. At the back of the buildings some extra trees would be great, but other than that it looks very, very well in the picture."

Helen Walker. Photo: Joe Evans

Helen Walker also liked the look of the plans, saying that she hopes the finished development will enhance the city.

"It looks nice and hopefully it will help Waterford. This will be lovely, but we need to develop this side of the river along with it, create jobs and get it going. Hopefully this will help do it."
By Cillian Sherlock, PA

Police have issued a new appeal for information in the search for a Mayo man missing in Northern Ireland.

George Brennan, 38, was last seen on Wednesday, April 2nd, in Ballycastle, Co Antrim, and his friends and family have not heard from him since.

A member of the public has since come forward to the PSNI to advise them that they saw a man with a backpack hitch-hiking at the Lisnakilly roundabout outside Limavady at around 4:45pm on Monday, April 14th.

They said they saw the man get into a white van with writing on the side that was travelling in the direction of Ballykelly.

A CCTV still showing George Brennan with his backpack (PSNI/PA)

A PSNI spokeswoman said: We would ask anyone else who may have seen this man to come forward to police. We are also keen to speak to the van driver.

If anyone has any other information relating to Georges whereabouts, we continue to ask that you contact police on 101, quoting reference number 831 of 12/04/25.

For those outside Northern Ireland, information can also be shared with gardai or Crimestoppers (1800 25 00 25).

A CCTV image of George Brennan from April 2 (PSNI/PA)

Mr Brennan may have links to the Causeway Coast and Glens area, and the Mid and East Antrim area.

His family and friends said they are deeply concerned for his wellbeing and added that his disappearance is completely out of character.

Speaking on behalf of the family, a spokesperson said: We are heartbroken and desperate for any news. George is deeply loved, and we just want to know that he is safe.

We urge anyone who may have seen him, spoken with him, or has any information, no matter how small, to come forward.

George Brennans family say they are desperate for news of his whereabouts (Family handout/PA)

Mr Brennan is 62, 100kg, with brown hair and blue eyes.

He had previously been seen on CCTV in the Spar shop in Moyle Road in Ballycastle on April 2nd.

At that time, he was wearing a black zip-up top, dark jeans, runners and was carrying a blue hiking backpack.

The family is asking members of the public across the island of Ireland to share Georges photo and appeal widely on social media to help raise awareness.
The corporate regulators inquiries into WiseTech Global founder Richard Whites share trading and the software giants market disclosures have progressed from a preliminary stage to a formal investigation.

The billionaire was forced to resign as chief executive and from the board of the logistics platform company in October after a joint investigation by The Sydney Morning Herald, The Age and The Australian Financial Review revealed a $2 million settlement with a former lover, and allegations of bullying and intimidation by a former director.

Richard White founded WiseTech Global and turned it into a major logistics software business. Credit: Bloomberg

The revelations prompted the WiseTech board to commission a review to examine the allegations of inappropriate conduct made by women against White. Preliminary findings of the review cleared White in November.

However, this masthead reported in February that two women  one an employee and the other a contractor  had complained to the company about his conduct. The final report, authored by Seyfarth Shaw and Herbert Smith Freehills and only partially released last month, found White misled the company over his relationship with employees.
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 Diana Reid discovered the hard way that some habits of home and heart dont survive a move halfway across the world. An enthusiastic ocean swimmer in Sydney  she once wrote for this masthead about her love of the activity, a passion shared by characters in her novels Reid donned a set of goggles and dived into the ponds of Hampstead Heath after moving to London two years ago. I was like, this is who I am, and then I learned very quickly that I have to get a new personality, something else to bore people with at parties, Reid, 28, jokes. I got really sick. I think youre not actually meant to put your head under. Its a fitting lens through which to view the incident, given how sharply Reids third novel, Signs of Damage, explores the stories we tell about ourselves  and those told about us. Thirteen-year-old Cass goes missing for several hours while on holiday with her friend Anika and the wealthy Kelly family at their villa in the south of France. Sixteen years later, during a wedding with the same family in Tuscany, Cass experiences a seizure at the exact moment someone falls to their death from a balcony. The past and present collide, as her seizures force a reckoning with what happened all those years ago. Diana Reid, 28, moved to London from Sydney in 2023. On the surface, the story is a pacy literary thriller. But Reids real target is the so-called trauma plot, which she argues is now so pervasive in pop culture that weve become blind to its presence. Open your eyes, and youll see it everywhere. Plots where a characters behaviour is explained by the revelation of a past trauma. Think Elphabas bullying in Wicked, Boos death in Fleabag, Arthur Flecks abusive past in The Joker and Camille Preakers sisters death and mothers Munchausen syndrome in Sharp Objects. In her New Yorker article The Case Against the Trauma Plot, critic Parul Sehgal argued that trauma has become a reductive plot device in contemporary literature, flattening characters so they are no more than their suffering. Beyond fiction, trauma has been declared the word of the decade with pop psychology books on the subject flourishing, including Bessel van der Kolks The Body Keeps Score, which has been on the New York Times bestseller list for 337 weeks.

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Reid was interested in how weve collectively absorbed the trauma plot  and how even well-meaning people can misapply it in their attempts to understand others. The novel also implicates us as readers, cleverly playing with our narrative expectations and assumptions. Signs of Damage is split between two timelines, 2008 and 2024, that slowly collide. Credit: Jennifer Soo We need stories to explain the world we live in, and this particular story is so pervasive because I think in a lot of cases, it is a good explanation. Trauma can be formative for people and affect their lives in very complex ways. But I guess I just always want to try and impose a critical distance between the stories that we absorb culturally and then the way that we apply them to our own lives, Reid says. I just dont think that we should be applying them unthinkingly. And I think the problem is that when particular narratives become so pervasive, they then become difficult to talk about, and you lose that critical distance because you can just accept them as reality, rather than as a particular way of explaining reality. Signs of Damage marks a maturation in Reids work, but her exploration of whether trauma is the only lens through which to tell a story will be familiar to readers of her 2021 debut, Love & Virtue. That novel centred on two young women, Michaela and Eve, and their conflicting interpretations of a sexual encounter during O-Week. Reid says she hadnt realised the echoes between her books at first, but felt the novel was the natural form to question the act of narration. You always think youre writing something new, and then halfway through, you realise that youre just fixated on the same thing. Maybe that speaks to something in my psyche that some backstory could illuminate, Reid jokes. I think that maybe that is the arc of most writers. They end up returning to the same thing, even though they set out seeking something else.

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Reid was 25 when Love & Virtue was published. She wrote it during the COVID lockdowns, after graduating from the University of Sydney with an arts/law degree. The novel became an Australian bestseller, winning both the Literary Fiction Book of the Year and the overall Book of the Year at the Australian Book Industry Awards. Reid was also named one of The Sydney Morning Heralds Best Young Australian Novelists. Her second novel, Seeing Other People, about twenty-something sisters living in inner-city Sydney, was released in 2022. The screen rights were sold for both. Loading While grateful for the success, Reid says her move to London has proved liberating. The sense of anonymity is as much a relief as it has been rewarding. Love and Virtues bestseller status hasnt translated internationally, and Signs of Damage hasnt yet been picked up by publishers in the United Kingdom. I think it is conducive to creativity because you always want a better position where youre making things without feeling scrutinised. Obviously, when you finish the work, you show it to people, but you want the space where youre creating to be really protected, Reid says. And I think that theres something about moving to a place which is new to you, and where nobody knows you, that makes you feel like you can write anything, and youre not attached to a brand or something in the same way as, I think, where youve been working in one place for a while. Loading Freedom from the pressure to prove she deserved her extraordinary stroke of luck has made her more productive. She now splits her time between writing at her flat in Islington, the local public library and the London Library. In the UK, shes formed friendships with established writers name-dropping is so gauche  some of whom have taken her under their wing.

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It seems the second time may not be the charm for the Fyre Festival.

The sequel to the notorious event was announced amid a burst of publicity in February, but its future remains in doubt after organisers shared  and shortly deleted  an announcement stating it was postponed.

Fyre 2 was scheduled for May 30 to June 2 at Mexicos Isla Mujeres. It was promoted as a follow-up to the original Fyre Festival, which was cancelled in 2017 after a string of bungles, including ramshackle tents and a lack of bathrooms.

The first Fyre Festival was a mess of ramshackle tents and cold cheese sandwiches.

According to US outlet ABC News, an announcement on the events website on Wednesday (US time), said it has been postponed and a new date will be announced. Ticket holders were told refunds had been issued, and that they could repurchase tickets once a new date had been announced.
Take a look through your current make-up collection. Chances are there are no products containing talc. Since the 1960s, it has become something of a red flag in the cosmetics industry, largely due to concerns it could contain asbestos, a known carcinogen.

Most brands have reformulated their talc products over the past six decades, replacing the substance with alternatives such as zinc oxide and silica. However, talc has not entirely disappeared from cosmetics counters, with some beauty influencers lamenting the lack of talc in certain products. Meanwhile, major corporations continue to push back on the health concerns of some of their talc products.

Talc used to be in practically every make-up product, but now its increasingly being replaced by ingredients such as cornstarch and silica. Credit: Compiled by Aresna Villanueva.

So should we avoid talc-based products  and if so, what alternatives should we look for?

What is talc?
Wearing braces is usually considered a teenage experience. Visit any high school, or watch any Hollywood teen movie, and chances are there will be several people sporting metal. So, when adults like 23-year-old Bella Amoroso get braces, it can throw some people off.

As a mature-aged student at uni, people often assume Im fresh out of high school, which has both pros and cons, Amoroso, who got ceramic braces when she was 22, says.

Bella Amoroso decided to get braces when she was 22. Shes far from the only adult to do so. Credit: Dominic Lorrimer

Initially, I avoided going into detail when people asked about my braces, she says. But as my treatment progressed and the gaps started closing, Ive felt more comfortable sharing. I usually just show people an old photo of my teeth, and they completely understand my decision.

Amoroso is one of a growing number of Australian adults getting braces. Dr Shane Fryer, a specialist orthodontist and a fellow of the Royal Australasian College of Dental Surgeons, says adult braces constitute about 25 per cent of orthodontic practice now, up from about 5 per cent two decades ago.
Police and paramedics raced to the scene and took the injured child and a teenager to hospital for treatment and assessment. The youngest boy remains in an induced coma following emergency surgery. This crime is horrendous, this level of violence is unheard of. Superintendent Rodney Hart We dont know if its organised crime, we dont know if its gang related, Superintendent Rodney Hart told media. This crime is horrendous, this level of violence is unheard of.

Hart said it appeared to be a targeted attack, and not a random kidnapping. The womans husband is interstate, has spoken to police and is returning to Sydney. We dont know too much about the [victims]  they are not known to police [such] that we would consider them a high target in the organised crime network or world, Supt Hart said. [Its] very early in the investigation, its an extremely serious, violent, horrendous crime that we are throwing everything that we have at it to ensure that we bring these people to justice. One woman who lives near the house where the kidnapping took place says she was shaken and afraid when she heard a woman scream shortly after 10pm last night.

It sounded like someone was about to die, she said. I came outside and saw a Mercedes speed past. The blazing car was found on Welfare Avenue, about a 10-minute drive from the home in Bankstown. Multiple police cars were parked outside the Bankstown home as forensic officers combed through the scene on Friday morning.

Another neighbour also described hearing the scream, saying it worried her because she knew the woman who lived there and said she was friendly. Im in shock that this could have happened  she is just a sweet woman who keeps to herself, the neighbour said, adding she saw about four or five police cars there shortly after. The neighbours did not want to be named for privacy reasons. Police have also cordoned off all entrances to the Beverly Hills street, including the nearby nature reserve, as forensic officers assess the burnt-out car.

Forensic officers assess the scene. Credit: Dylan Coker It took one truck of firefighters about 20 minutes to extinguish the burning car, before they discovered the womans body in the back seat. Vision from the scene shows the front exterior burnt off and a burst windshield. Superintendent Adam Dewberry from Fire and Rescue NSW. Credit: Dylan Coker Once the fire was extinguished and the steam and the smoke had disappeared, it was a pretty grisly sight for our firefighters, Fire and Rescue NSW Superintendent Adam Dewberry said. We all take a little bit of these things with you; some of it we forget about and others come back when you dont expect it, but we have excellent support systems in place.
The News in Brief Thursday, April 17, 2025

The Ministry of Culture of Georgia has officially dismissed Davit Doiashvili from his position as director of the Vaso Abashidze Music and Drama Theater, citing a prolonged suspension of the theater's creative activities despite ongoing state funding.In a statement released by the Ministry, officials emphasized that the theater, formally known as the "Vaso Abashidze State Professional Theatre of Musical Comedy and Drama," is a legal entity of public law (LEPL) and, like other state-established entities, is legally obligated to fulfill the goals for which it was founded.The Ministry noted that the theater had continued to receive funding from the state budget, yet its creative operations had been inactive for months. "Despite repeated warnings from the Ministry of Culture of Georgia, unfortunately, the leadership of the Vaso Abashidze Professional State Theater of Musical Comedy and Drama did not fulfill this obligation envisaged by the founding goals," the statement reads.According to the Ministry, public theaters must ensure that creative activities are conducted on a regular basis, especially when sustained by public funds. The decision to dismiss Doiashvili was framed as a legal and administrative measure necessary to restore the institution's functioning."Therefore, the Ministry of Culture, as the founding agency of the LEPL Vaso Abashidze Music and Drama Theater, has made a legal decision to dismiss the person responsible for the continuous and smooth functioning of the LEPL, the theater's director, Davit Doiashvili," the Ministry stated.The Tbilisi City Court has imposed a bail of 20,000 GEL on opposition leader Zura Girchi Japaridze as a preventive measure following his refusal to appear before a parliamentary investigative commission established by the Georgian Dream party.Japaridze, who leads the Coalition for Change, appeared at the court hearing where his defense team contested the proceedings. His lawyer requested the disqualification of Judge Nana Shamatava, citing concerns over potential bias due to her being sanctioned by Lithuania. The court, however, proceeded with the hearing.Speaking to journalists after the session, Japaridze criticized the court's decision, saying, "In fact, there was no formal basis for using anything as a preventive measure, because I am not going to run away anywhere."He also stated that he does not intend to pay the bail.
BAKU, Azerbaijan, April 17. Deputy Minister of Defense of the Republic of Azerbaijan and Commander of the Air Force, Lieutenant General Namig Islamzade, met with a delegation led by the Commander of the Air Force and Air Defense of the Republic of Serbia, Major General Brane Krnjajic during the Serbian delegation's visit to Azerbaijan, Trend reports via the Ministry of Defense.

During the meeting held at the Central Command Post of the Air Force, Lieutenant General Namig Islamzade welcomed the guests and expressed satisfaction with seeing them in Azerbaijan.

The parties analyzed the current state of work regarding the air forces of both countries and held extensive discussions on perspective issues.

Following the meeting, the Serbian delegation was informed about the activities and upcoming objectives of the command post, established in accordance with modern standards and equipped with modern control systems.

Ultimately, the inquiries posed by the attendees were addressed comprehensively.

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BAKU, Azerbaijan, March 27. The relationship between Azerbaijan and China is characterized by friendship and strategic partnership, said newly appointed Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the People's Republic of China to Azerbaijan Lu Mei, on April 17, while presenting credentials to President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev, Trend reports.

Ambassador Lu Mei expressed China's support for Azerbaijans successful development under the leadership of President Ilham Aliyev. She affirmed that China consistently supports Azerbaijans territorial integrity and sovereignty.

The ambassador also emphasized that the relationship between the two countries is characterized by friendship and strategic partnership, and assured that she would spare no effort to further develop these ties.
Under the framework of the EU-WCO RoO Africa Programme, funded by the European Union, the World Customs Organization (WCO) held a national training of trainers workshop on Rules of Origin for the Namibia Revenue Agency (NamRA). The workshop was held in Windhoek, Namibia, from 7 to 11 April 2025 with the objective to assist Namibia in enhancing its knowledge and application of preferential Rules of Origin and contribute to a seamless implementation of the AfCFTA and other relevant FTAs.

The workshop was conducted as part of a comprehensive technical assistance and partnership with NamRA, including advance rulings, HS and origin, and builds on the acquis from intermediate and advanced trainings conducted since 2023. The support provided under the RoO Africa Programme allows for the deployment of all-inclusive and wide-ranging capacity building activities, to enhance the infrastructure and capacity of NamRA both on Rules of Origin and HS.

In her opening remarks, Ms Jacqueline S. Gawanas, Technical Service and Excise Management, expressed gratitude to the WCO and the EU for capacitating and supporting the administration in its key engagement to build a world class revenue agency. She indicated that the sensitisation efforts carried out with the assistance of the Programme had led to a significant increase in the number of approved exporters, and urged the participants to use the knowledge gained to help build the New Namibia.

The workshop provided participants with an opportunity to refine their knowledge of Rules of Origin, while also enhancing their skills in designing and delivering effective training sessions. The workshop offered the participants a unique opportunity to demonstrate their understanding of origin-related topics through group and individual presentations, incorporating facilitation and communication skills acquired from WCO experts.

At the conclusion of the workshop, the WCO experts offered constructive feedback to participants, highlighting areas for improvement and praising their success in applying newly acquired skills to develop training materials and deliver a training session. The newly trained experts will be deployed to provide continuous sustainable capacity building to other Customs officers as well as to private sector stakeholders to ensure that Namibia benefits to the maximum extent possible from the AfCFTA and other applicable free trade agreements.

On 7 April 2025, which also marked the 4th anniversary of the Agency, NamRA held the 2025 Taxpayers and Traders Appreciation Day, celebrating compliant Taxpayers and Traders who power the economy. The event saw the high-level participation of the Minister of Finance, Hon Ericah B. Shafudah, and the NamRA Commissioner, Mr Sam Shivute, among many others.

The EU-WCO RoO Africa Programme will continue its work with Namibia Customs to equip Customs officials and relevant stakeholders with extended knowledge for efficient implementation and application of Rules of Origin.

For further information please contact EU-WCORoOAfrica.Program@wcoomd.org.
Photo: Press service of the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan

BAKU, Azerbaijan, April 17. Azerbaijan reaffirms its unwavering support for the One China policy, said President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev on April 17, accepting credentials of the newly appointed Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the People's Republic of China to our country Lu Mei, Trend reports.

President Ilham Aliyev highlighted the broad scope of cooperation between Azerbaijan and China, covering political, economic, trade, transport, energy, industry, investment, security, cultural, humanitarian, and other areas. The head of state also pointed out the successful collaboration between the two countries within international organizations, emphasizing mutual support.

The President reaffirmed Azerbaijan's unwavering support for the One China policy.

Referring to the Belt and Road Initiative, the President stated that it is a project that connects countries across a wide geography and promotes cooperation. The head of state noted that Azerbaijan was among the first countries to support Chinas initiative.

President Ilham Aliyev underlined that Azerbaijan has created all necessary infrastructure projects, with some still in the implementation phase, and noted significant opportunities for cooperation between the two countries in the development of the Middle Corridor.
BAKU, Azerbaijan, April 17. The number of state-owned companies transferred to the management of the Azerbaijan Investment Holding has reached 20, Trend reports.

President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev signed the relevant decree.

According to the decree, the "List of state-owned companies and enterprises, as well as economic entities with state shares, to be transferred to the management of the Azerbaijan Investment Holding," approved by the decree dated November 5, 2020, has been expanded.

The list includes "Azerbaijan Aluminum" OJSC, "Azeraluminium," and "Azerpambiq Agrarian Industrial Complex" LLCs.

Until recently, these entities were recorded on the financial statements of "Azerbaijan Industrial Corporation" OJSC, which is presently undergoing a liquidation process.

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MINDEN, La.  A Minden High School student is in custody after he reportedly threw urine on students during class Tuesday morning, Police Chief Jared McIver told KTBS.

LeMario Elkins, 17, is charged with terrorizing, resisting an officer and aggravated battery.

McIver said Elkins went to school dressed in regular clothes but then went into a bathroom and changed into all black clothing, including a black ski mask. He went into a classroom with a bottle filled with urine and doused it toward one student; however, the contents splattered onto several other students.

Elkins ran out of the building but a school resource officer caught up with him on the front lawn of the campus and detained him, McIver said.

He reportedly told officers the student targeted with the urine had been disrespectful to him.

Elkins is being held at the Minden City Jail until he can be booked into Bayou Dorcheat Correctional Center Wednesday morning, where his bond is already set at $301,000. He'll be transferred to a Jackson Parish youth detention center.

Superintendent of Schools Johnny Rowland said no students were injured.

Student safety is of paramount importance, and we are appreciative of the quick reaction of the administration and staff, as well as the presence of our school resource officer on campus who immediately intervened," Rowland said.

State law allows 17-year-olds to be treated as adults in the criminal justice system. Under state law, persons convicted of terrorizing shall be fined not more than $15,000 or imprisoned (with or without hard labor) for not more than 15 years, or both.

-----

The Webster Parish Journal contributed to this report.
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Photo: Press Service of the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan

BAKU, Azerbaijan, April 17. President of the Republic of Azerbaijan, Ilham Aliyev, has signed a decree on amending the Aviation Law of the Republic of Azerbaijan, Trend reports.

According to the decree, it has been determined that the relevant executive authority outlined in Article 1.1.2-1 of the "Aviation Law" of the Republic of Azerbaijan shall be exercised by the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan.

Additionally, in this article, the term "authority (institution)" refers to the Cabinet of Ministers of the Republic of Azerbaijan.

The Cabinet of Ministers has been tasked with addressing issues arising from the "Aviation Law Amendments" as per the law numbered 142-VIIQD of February 28, 2025.

The President has approved the law in line with the execution of the decree.

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Kimball County Commissioners Also Approve Animal Control Agreement

The Kimball County Board of Equalization and the Board of Commissioners held their regular meetings on Tuesday, April 15, 2025, with a number of updates and discussions spanning county infrastructure, public office needs, and maintenance projects.

During the Board of Equalization meeting, County Assessor Sherry Winstrom reported that Eagleview has completed its aerial imagery of Kimball County. The images will soon be made available to the public once uploaded to the Kimball GIS website by Gworks.

Winstrom also noted that the Nebraska Department of Revenue's 2025 Reports and Opinions of the Property Tax Administrator are currently under review, but not yet finalized. There were no tax list corrections requiring board approval at this time.

County Highway Superintendent Ben Sauter updated the commissioners on recent roadwork, noting that graveling has been completed on Road 69 and crews have now started work on Road 37. He shared that he is collaborating with Don Brush from the surveyor's office on the county road inventory.

Sauter also reported that the department is now fully staffed with the addition of Andy Nicely, who will be working in the Dix area. Sauter will also be attending the upcoming Region 21 Incident Command meeting on Monday.

The board discussed concerns regarding office space for the Veterans Service Office and the Probation Office. Questions were raised about available space in the annex, with input from Sheriff Dave Hottell and County Buildings & Grounds Superintendent Monica Todorov. Further discussion was tabled for a later meeting to allow input from Darcee Wheeland at the Kimball Veterans Office and Darren Duncan, VSO from Scottsbluff.

Monica Todorov presented a facilities update, stating that the panic bar at the annex will be replaced and decals displaying courthouse hours and floor signage near the elevator are being installed and the courthouse. Air filters have been ordered, and lawn equipment has been serviced, with support from the road department. The sprinkler system is scheduled to be activated on April 16, with yard fertilization to follow.

A noise issue reported by the Treasurer's Office was also addressed. The noise, likely caused by water pipes with the chiller, is making it difficult to hear customers at the counter. Options were discussed, but no decisions were made at this time.

Todorov presented two proposals for the former hospital property  one to continue basic maintenance and the other for if they choose to shut down the generators, which would involve removing the battery and prepare the generators for storage. The matter will be added to the next meeting's agenda. She also confirmed that the boiler, gas, air handler, and air compressor at the old hospital have all been shut down.

A heating issue in the District Court, caused by exposed wires on a rooftop unit, has been resolved for now. However, the board reviewed a bid from Johnson Control to address the wiring with a protective box. No action was taken at this time.

Sheriff Hottell presented a new agreement between Kimball County and Prairie Animal Hospital for animal control services. He explained that situations such as arrests or accidents occasionally leave dogs in need of care. The agreement allows for animals to be taken to Prairie Animal Hospital under such circumstances. The board approved and the Sheriff and Chairman Rich Flores signed the agreement.

Christy Warner, KCTS Administrator, gave an update report on the Transit. She informed the Commissioners on the 5311 program agreement and explained that KCTS is in compliance.

Warner also shared that she has been invited to serve as a keynote speaker at the upcoming Road Ahead Nebraska Travel Conference in Omaha next week.

Discussion was held regarding vehicle needs for KCTS, though no decisions were made at this time. Warner noted that the KCTS Advisory Board is currently reviewing potential fee changes, which will be presented to the Commissioners once finalized. She also reported that two employees will be leaving the department, but seasonal staff will be returning soon.

In celebration of National Public Transit Week, KCTS will host a variety of activities, including an Open House and Free Lunch on Friday, April 18th, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. There will be a live broadcast with BigBoy Radio, as well as drawings for prizes.

The Commissioners went into executive closed session for an update on negotiations related to the sale and/or lease of real estate involving the former Kimball County Hospital property. No action was taken following the closed session.
Kimball School Board Approves Number Of Expenditures, Including $203,410 Bus

The Kimball Public School Board convened on Monday, April 14, at the Kimball Transit Building, covering a wide range of topics from facility improvements to student testing and personnel changes.

The board approved multiple expenditures during the meeting. A $203,410 cost for a school bus with the bus currently at After Hours Graphix awaiting wrapping and expected to be completed in approximately 30 days.

$9,315 was approved for rock placement around the pole vault, long jump, and runways to address issues with sand burrs. Soundproofing for the high school library was also approved. The city utility bill saw a notable $4,000 decrease from the previous month.

Superintendent Trevor Anderson stated that the revenues report highlighted a fourfold increase compared to last year. This is attributed to new legislation that increased the property tax credit.

Elementary Principal Amanda Culek shared updates on the Spring Blooming Behavior Challenge, which had 41 students complete the challenge as of Friday, earning them an Easter-themed reward. She stated that discipline incidents at the elementary school were down 51% from March 2024, with 17 incidents reported last month.

To support students during upcoming state testing, the elementary school will partner with the kitchen staff to provide breakfast in classrooms before testing. Hallways will be decorated to create a positive atmosphere. Principal Culek also proposed room reassignments that would include moving the teachers' lounge and library to the modular units, allowing all grade-level classrooms to be housed within the main school building.

At the high school, Principal Danielle Reader noted that testing for 7th through 11th graders begins this week and continues after Easter. Incentives are being introduced to motivate and encourage student participation. She will work with each student to set goals, and if they meet these goals they will be eligible for a trip to Slick City Indoor Park in Denver. Additionally, sophomores and juniors who meet their goals may earn some open campus privileges for the next school year.

Superintendent Trevor Anderson discussed recent work with Under Armour, including a new school backdrop and tablecloth used during Pre-K and Kindergarten signing day, and upcoming window signage for the high school with the school logo. This will enhance security because the students can see out but people can't see in.

Recognition Night is set for May 12, and graduation will take place on May 17. Superintendent Anderson also praised the Longhorn Beef Program and donations, and it continues to receive strong community and school support.

Marcie Pratt, Director of the ELITE after-school program, reported an average daily attendance of 43 students, and Friday numbers lower around 10. Friday's include highlights such as visits from Amanda at Wildcat Hills Nature Center. The ELITE program was recently recognized for its successful Family Fun Night.

During the recognition of visitors portion of the meeting, Sarah Lewis, school counselor, voiced concerns about the district's current child abuse reporting procedures. She feels that requiring staff to report to administration before contacting authorities could put students and staff at risk. Lewis reported she had consulted with multiple education and mental health professionals and she stated that the Nebraska Department of Education has opened an investigation into the district based on Rule 27. She cited examples in other school districts showing why this issue is so important. She urged the board to revise the policy to reflect the law, to better protect students and support staff.

The board accepted the resignation of Justin Mohr, effective February 28, 2025, and approved a contract for Lauren Wilson for the 202526 school year.

The board approved participation in the VALTS (Valley Alternative Learning Transitioning School) program through ESU with the purchase of one seat.

The board approved McNally Asphalt's $238,750 bid for resurfacing the high school's east parking lot, with work starting June 2. Fisher Roofing's $198,784 bid for completing the final section of the Mary Lynch Elementary roof was also approved, with construction slated for mid-June to mid-July.

Additional projects approved include a $13,350 LED lighting installation by Shane Hays at the high school, starting around July 14, and a $24,850 bathroom and flooring renovation project at the Kimball Jr/Sr High School and Mary Lynch Elementary, by Shane Hays with an estimated start date of June 9. The district is also seeking a MEAN rebate from the City of Kimball to help offset lighting costs.

The Scholarship Committee will meet before the end of April to select this year's scholarship recipient.
Eva Osborne

Gardai in Shankill arrested a man in his 20s on Thursday morning following a robbery at a business premises on the morning of Thursday, March 13th.

At approximately 5:30am on the day, gardai responded to reports of a robbery at a retail premises on the Old Dublin Road, Bray.

A man entered the store brandishing a knife and threatened the staff. No persons were injured at the time.

In a follow-up operation involving gardai from the Detective unit in Shankill, a man in his 20s was arrested on Thursday morning.

He is currently detained under Section 4 of the Criminal Justice Act, 1984, at a Garda Station in the Dublin Region in connection with this incident.

Gardai said investigations are ongoing.
Mayo councillors want the Minister for Justice Jim O'Callaghan to attend a meeting of Mayo County Council to hear their concerns about the replacement of Joint Policing Committees (JPC) with Local Community Safety Partnerships.

The Mayo Garda Chief Supt is to attend the May meeting of the local authority but councillors want the Minister for Justice to join him.

Fianna Fail Cllr Michael Loftus told last week's council meeting that the new Local Community Safety Partnerships are being forced on us". He said a recent university study on how the partnerships have worked in other parts of the country described them as ineffective. Cllr Loftus said the study claimed that they let Gardai off the hook.

Yet this is being driven by the Department, he added.

Cllr Loftus accused the Minister of Justice of only thinking about Dublin.

Meanwhile, the council's chief executive Kevin Kelly confirmed that the local authority had carried out interviews for the position of chair of the new partnership but these appointments have now been set aside following Department direction.

Mr Kelly was responding to a query from Independent Cllr Michael Kilcoyne who accused the Minister for Justice of engaging in stalling tactics. It is now understood that the partnerships will pick their own chairperson when they meet.

Fianna Fail Cllr Damien Ryan said the entire issue needs to be revisited to ensure proper representation on the committee.

It (JPC) was the one arm of local government that worked famously well and it needs to be brought back. If something isnt broken it shouldnt be fixed."
Rome wasnt built in a day. So the word goes. And Catholic Rome doesnt move very far in a day, a year or even a lifetime. Its why the famous Jesuit priest, Pierre Teilhard de Chardin, composed a reflection on The Slow Work of God.

"It is a law of all progress," he wrote, "that it may take a long time. Dont force ideas on, as though you could be today what time will make of your tomorrow."

My generation of priests  excited by the promise of the Second Vatican Council (1962-65) on which fare we were reared and to which many of us became unambiguously committed  didnt appreciate the wisdom of De Chardin, born out of his experience of his scientific insights being rubbished by Rome.

Now that the Irish Catholic Church is preparing for a National Synod Assembly in October 2026, let me give a potted history in ten lessons of the half-century of progress in my 50-plus years in Killala diocese  part of de Chardins the slow work of God.

1. When I was ordained I foolishly imagined that I would be part of a Church that would put flesh on the insights of Vatican Two (as we called it) and we would be transformed into A Peoples Church where the gifts of all the baptised would be harnessed.

2. In Ballycastle Church, where I was ordained in 1973, a temporary altar that could be wheeled out as needed was a symbol for years afterwards of a refusal (or inability) to acknowledge the imperative of change.

3. However, in the following year, 1974, it seemed as if the reform would be turbo-charged when the Irish bishops, after a week-long meeting in Mulranny, issued Pastoral Guidelines. The document was impressive in its scope and ambitions, not least in its declared openness to change. The bishops set one clear priority: The main thrust of the Irish (Catholic) Church over the next five years should be the implementation of the involvement of the laity in the spiritual mission of the Church. However, hopes were dashed when progress after five years could be summed up as bogged down in the very Irish category of very-little-if-anything-at-all.

4. With the appointment of Bishop Thomas Finnegan in 1987, there was a welcome change of gears in the Diocese of Killala. Two two-week consultations with priests led to an agreed priority around the greater involvement of lay people (again!). This led to the establishment of a resource group for parish development in 1991 of 18 members  laywomen, laymen and priests, which was trained by the Parish Development and Renewal Group in Dublin diocese. Its focus was on lay participation (again!) and its main brief was to establish Parish Councils and a Diocesan Council.

So Vatican Two was finally on its way. Well, not really. Bishop Finnegan had conceded early on that parish priests had an effective veto on parish involvement and that was where, as we say, Aughrim was lost. The resource group disbanded in frustration in 1995.

5. However, Bishop Finnegan was not to be undone. He continued to push the importance of lay involvement and for a time tried to convince the priests to adopt the American Renew Parish Pastoral Programme and eventually launched it against their advice. It died a quiet death.

6. Then in 1994, the Irish bishops commissioned Joe Dargan, a Jesuit priest, to visit every diocese with a view towards working out a co-ordinated Diocesan Pastoral Plan. However, though little time, less energy and much paper were expended, the plan never reached an implementation point.

7. Next during 2014-17, Killala priests discussed at length what might be done to arrest the palpable decline of the Catholic Church. A range of possibilities was explored and experts were brought on board. Eventually, in February 2017 the priests decided that (i) we didnt know what to do and (ii) that even if we did (know what to do) we wouldnt be able to achieve it on our own.

From this insight a number of decisions followed: (i) we should ask the people of the diocese what they wanted; (ii) we should then as priests do as they would suggest and, crucially, (iii) that the priests would support its implementation. This time there would be no veto by priests to exclude their parish from the process. These decisions were carried (almost!) unanimously. And the vote received important confirmation when Bishop John Fleming indicated that whatever the people wanted to do would become diocesan policy.

8. Another steering committee was formed. Open discussions of key issues followed from May to December 2017. In September 2017, an analysis of present and possible future priest numbers was undertaken as well as a a survey of mass attendance in the churches of the diocese.

In November 2017, a decision to undertake an anonymous, comprehensive survey was undertaken with agreement on seven key questions. The process, which was called Placing Hope in Faith, was launched in January 2018. Surveys were distributed, collected and independently analysed through January to May, 2018. And on July 1, 2019, a Diocesan Assembly  the first ever in the history of the diocese  of 300-plus representatives of the 22 parishes in the diocese voted to prioritise through a system of electronic voting 129 proposals from the survey. In the years that followed, a focus was placed on the involvement of lay people with a series of lay ministries proposed and agreed by priest and people.

9. Now, thanks to Pope Francis, the Vatican Two agenda  60 years on  is once again on course as reflected in Francis image of a Church where the People of God sit astride an inverted pyramid with pope and bishops at its service. In Killala Diocese, that change is reflected in the 64 lay women and men who graduated on March 28 after successfully completing a course in Theology, Culture and Ministry and the promise they bring to enriching and enhancing an effective lay contribution to our Church.

10. And, finally, at the Chrism Mass during Holy Week (on Monday, April 15 in Ballina Cathedral at 6.30pm) 60-plus women and men will be officially commissioned by Archbishop Francis Duffy for service in the 22 parishes of the diocese. It represents an historic expansion of lay ministries  including funeral ministry where women and men will co-lead funeral rituals with priests.

De Chardins slow work of God has at last delivered the needed and much-welcomed support of 60-plus workers in Gods vineyard.
By Jonathan McCambridge, PA

The SDLP has reinstated the party membership of a former mayor of Derry who provided a court reference for an Irish soldier jailed for rape.

The whip on Derry City and Strabane District Council has also been restored to Brian Tierney.

Mr Tierney apologised earlier this year after it emerged he had provided the reference for Kielan Mooney, which he later withdrew.

Mooney, of Bloomfield Park, Derry, was jailed for eight-and-a-half years in January at the Criminal Courts of Justice in Dublin, for raping a woman who was a fellow member of the Defence Forces in 2021.

Mr Tierney, a former mayor of Derry City and Strabane, had his membership of the SDLP suspended and resigned the party whip in January.

The party launched an investigation which has now concluded with the reinstatement of Mr Tierney.

The SDLP said it had implemented a series of directives in relation to character references, appropriate social media usage and mandatory training for elected representatives on access to justice for victims and survivors of domestic abuse.

A spokesperson said: We acknowledge the deep hurt caused by the issuing of a character reference for Kielan Mooney.

We further acknowledge that councillor Tierney was misled about the nature of the offence, that his apology and his engagement with affected parties were fulsome, and that they have been accepted by the victim at the centre of the case against Mooney.

In a separate case covered by the SDLP investigation, the councillor liked a prominent Facebook post in 2018 from the family of a local man who had recently taken his own life.

The party added: We accept that while not intending to cause hurt, this added to the distress felt by a victim close to the situation.

The spokesperson said: Character references in the legal system have worked against victims and survivors of sexual violence and the SDLP are actively working for them to be prohibited in cases of this nature.

Harm, even if unintended, needs to be addressed in a way that supports pathways to justice for victims.

As a political party we accept the need to challenge and educate on attitudes that can contribute to an environment that is stacked against victims and survivors.

The SDLP believes in the legitimacy of remorse and restitution.

Thats why we have taken the decision to reinstate Brian Tierneys SDLP membership alongside a number of substantial process changes within the party.

The SDLP will continue to work towards the eradication of violence against women and girls and will actively campaign for the removal of character references in our courts.
By Rebecca Black, PA

A woman has been arrested over the finding of two pipe bombs in Co Down earlier this month.

The two devices, described by police as viable, sparked a security alert and some premises including a nursery school to be evacuated when they were discovered at premises on Church Street in Dromore on Wednesday, April 2nd.

Both devices were subsequently made safe and removed for examination.

Detectives investigating a security alert in Dromore during which pipe bombs were discovered have arrested a woman in Belfast. Read more: https://t.co/5jzemk6gJY pic.twitter.com/RJd3qvBEHq  Police Armagh, Banbridge and Craigavon (@PSNIABC) April 17, 2025

A police spokesperson said officers arrested a woman aged in her 40s in north Belfast on Thursday.

She was arrested on suspicion of possession of explosives in suspicious circumstances during a search by CID and TSG officers an address on North Queen Street, and has been taken to Musgrave Police Station for questioning.
Reading, PA (19601)

Today

Mostly sunny and pleasant with refreshingly low humidity! Great weather to celebrate the 4th of July!.

Tonight

Mostly clear skies and very comfortable overnight.
BAKU, Azerbaijan, April 17. As part of an official visit to the Slovak Republic, a delegation led by the First Deputy Minister of Defense  Chief of the General Staff of the Azerbaijan Army, Colonel General Karim Valiyev visited a Slovak defense industry company and military training center, Trend reports via the Azerbaijani Defense Ministry.

Following a briefing for the Azerbaijani delegation on the military companies activities and weapons, and military products manufactured there, the sides discussed prospects for the development of military-technical cooperation between the two countries and exchanged views on issues of mutual interest.

On the same day, the Azerbaijani delegation visited the Military Technical and Testing Institute Zahorie and the Slovak Defense Ministrys Training Centre Lest.

After the Azerbaijani delegation was provided with detailed information about the institute's activities, the military equipment in the armament was demonstrated.

Then, information on the activities of the Training Centre Lest was provided, security issues were discussed, and a briefing on the development of the Slovak Armed Forces was presented.
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.
BAKU, Azerbaijan, April 17. In accordance with the plan of bilateral military cooperation for 2024-2025 signed between the Ministry of Defense of the Republic of Azerbaijan and the General Staff of the Armed Forces of the Italian Republic, an expert meeting on the cooperation sphere was held between the representatives of the Air Forces of both countries, Trend reports via Azerbaijani Defense Ministry.

At the meeting, the sides discussed issues of military cooperation between the Azerbaijani and Italian Air Forces, as well as exchanged views on several issues of mutual interest.

During the expert meeting, the importance of holding such events in order to exchange experience was emphasized.
BAKU, Azerbaijan, April 17. The friendly and strategic partnership between Azerbaijan and Georgia, built on solid foundations, remains one of the main pillars of stability and sustainable development in the South Caucasus, Azerbaijani political analyst Azer Garayev told Trend.

According to him, these relations, shaped by historical, geographical, and cultural proximity, are today yielding significant results both bilaterally and multilaterally. The broad spectrum of partnershipfrom political dialogue to cooperation in energy, transportation, investment, humanitarian issues, and securityholds strategic importance for the regions future.

Azerbaijan and Georgia present a remarkable example of cooperation in the energy sector, he said. The foundation of this cooperation was laid in the late 1990s and has since deepened, becoming strategic in nature. Georgia serves as a key transit route for Azerbaijans oil and gas exports to global markets. The BakuTbilisiCeyhan oil pipeline plays a vital role in transporting Azerbaijans Caspian oil to the Mediterranean. The BakuTbilisiErzurum gas pipeline and the South Caucasus Pipeline are integral components of the Southern Gas Corridor, contributing to Europe's energy security. Azerbaijan also plays a major role in Georgia's domestic energy market. For years, SOCAR has been supplying natural gas to Georgia, ensuring stable energy provision for Georgia and securing a strategic market for Azerbaijan. SOCARs operations in Georgia also include retail sales of petroleum products, gas distribution management, and social projects, he noted.

The analyst pointed out that President of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev, in a press statement with Mikheil Kavelashvili on April 16, underlined that the oil and gas projects, the oil and gas pipelines, and the transport and communication initiatives jointly implemented by Azerbaijan and Georgia are truly of great significance and have not only reshaped the transportation and energy map of the South Caucasus but also that of the entire Eurasian region.

"The head of our state said that if we are talking about the energy security of Europe today, it is impossible to imagine it without Azerbaijan and Georgia. Currently, Azerbaijan exports natural gas to 12 countries, including Georgia, and these exports are carried out through Georgia. That is, it can be said that Azerbaijan and Georgia make essential contributions to Europes energy security, Garayev explained.

The analyst pointed out that Azerbaijan and Georgia enjoy extensive cooperation in transportation and transit, which plays a strategic role in regional economic integration and the development of international trade relations.

The BakuTbilisiKars railway is one of the most important infrastructure projects in this regard, enabling faster and safer freight transport between China, Central Asia, and Europe. Within the Middle Corridor (Trans-Caspian International Transport Route) framework, the two countries have taken key steps in creating logistics hubs and simplifying customs and border procedures. Azerbaijans Alat International Sea Trade Port and Georgias Poti and Batumi ports are essential elements of this system. This cooperation enhances the competitiveness of the ChinaEurope route within Eurasia and increases transit revenues for both countries. As the head of our state also noted, achievements in the field of transport and communications - the newly built railways and ports - have created great synergy in both Azerbaijan and Georgia. In fact, they have become an integral part of the Middle Corridor. He emphasized that If today we are talking about the Middle Corridor project in the South Caucasus, it is the corridor that passes through Azerbaijan and Georgia. Both countries are deeply interested in developing transport and communication infrastructure and are working together in this area. As a result, cargo volume through both countries is increasing, strengthening their positions within global transportation routes, he noted.

Garayev pointed out that the political dimension of AzerbaijanGeorgia relations has always been stable and exemplary.

There are regular visits and meetings between heads of state and other high-level officials. For example, both newly re-elected Georgian Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze and President Mikheil Kavelashvili made their first official visits to Azerbaijan. This clearly demonstrates the high level of bilateral relations. This dialogue facilitates the formation of common positions on regional developments, the protection of mutual interests, and the advancement of joint regional initiatives. Georgia has always unequivocally supported Azerbaijans territorial integrity, a stance reiterated many times on international platforms such as the UN, OSCE, and the Council of Europe. Meanwhile, Azerbaijan respects and supports Georgias sovereignty and territorial integrity, he noted.

According to the analyst, Azerbaijan is one of the largest foreign investors in Georgia, particularly through SOCARs investments and infrastructure projects, which form the backbone of economic ties.

Besides, Azerbaijani entrepreneurs are actively involved in various sectors in Georgia, including construction, agriculture, services, and tourism. Trade turnover has also shown increasing momentum over the years. Georgia is not only one of Azerbaijans largest trade partners but also one of the key pillars of economic integration in the South Caucasus. The mutual relations between Azerbaijan and Georgia hold promising prospects not only for the present and the past but also for the future. Geopolitical shifts in the region, the need for new energy and transport routes, and the emergence of alternative links between Europe and Asia create fresh opportunities for both countries. Furthermore, cooperation in the field of green energy, the development of renewable energy projects between the Caspian and Black Seas, and green cable initiatives are on the agenda for the near future. This strategic partnership stands as a rare model of regional stability, economic growth, and multilateral cooperation. Thanks to the joint efforts of Azerbaijan and Georgia, the South Caucasus is steadily becoming a stronger and more competitive region, Garayev added.
BAKU, Azerbaijan, April 17. In the course of her working visit to the Russian Federation, Speaker of the Azerbaijani Parliament Sahiba Gafarova has had a meeting with Speaker of the Senate of the Oliy Majlis of the Republic of Uzbekistan Tanzila Narbayeva, Tanzila Narbayeva, a source in the Azerbaijani parliament told Trend.

As the conversation went on, they expressed content with the dynamic development of relations between our friendly and brotherly countries, with particular emphasis placed on the role of the Heads of State in deepening the bilateral ties. It was remarked that the bilateral relations had entered a new phase, and our countries are currently cooperating successfully across many areas, thanks to the firm political will of the Presidents of Azerbaijan and Uzbekistan.

A comprehensive exchange of views also took place as to the activities in the plan for the current year pursuant to the Plan of Practical Measures (Roadmap) for the Development of Inter-parliamentary Cooperation between the Parliament of Azerbaijan and the Senate of the Oliy Majlis of Uzbekistan for 20242025.

They then broached the role of the legislatures in the advancement of the AzerbaijaniUzbek relations, with emphasis on the close contacts between our legislative bodies.

Tanzila Narbayeva expressed her gratitude to the Speaker of the Azerbaijani Parliament, Sahiba Gafarova, for her having taken part in the 150th Assembly of the Inter-Parliamentary Union held in April this year in Tashkent, the capital of Uzbekistan. She also offered her congratulations on the successful arrangement of the conference of the Parliamentary Network of the Non-Aligned Movement in Tashkent.

Speaker of the Azerbaijani Parliament, Sahiba Gafarova, expressed her appreciation of the successful organisation of the 150th Assembly of the Inter-Parliamentary Union and of the cordial and high-level hospitality extended to the Azerbaijani delegation. She recalled fondly the visit she had paid to Uzbekistan to take part in the event as well as the meetings held on its margins.

As Speaker Sahiba Gafarova remarked, reciprocal visits between the parliaments of Azerbaijan and Uzbekistan are held regularly and contribute to the further deepening of cooperation between our legislative bodies.

During the meeting, there was also an exchange of views on other matters of mutual interest.

Stay up-to-date with more news on Trend News Agency's WhatsApp channel
BAKU, Azerbaijan, April 17. Foreign Minister of Azerbaijan Jeyhun Bayramov has received the newly appointed Ambassador of Palestine, Ahmed Metani, Trend reports via the Foreign Ministry of Azerbaijan.

Metani presented a copy of his credentials to Bayramov. The minister congratulated the Ambassador on his appointment and wished him success in his diplomatic mission in Azerbaijan.

During the meeting, bilateral and multilateral cooperation between Azerbaijan and Palestine, the security situation in the Middle East and Gaza, as well as regional peace and reconstruction efforts in the post-conflict period were discussed.

The development of AzerbaijanPalestine cooperation in several areas, particularly in political, economic-trade, cultural, and humanitarian spheres was addressed. The sides also noted the potential for expanding partnerships within regional and international organizations, including the UN and the OIC.

The parties discussed the current situation in the Middle East, particularly in Gaza. The importance of maintaining the ceasefire in Gaza and addressing humanitarian challenges was emphasized. Azerbaijans position in support of resolving the Israeli-Palestinian conflict through peaceful means based on the norms and principles of international law, including the relevant resolutions of the UN Security Council and the "two-state solution" principle, was reiterated.

Azerbaijans humanitarian assistance aimed at improving the situation of the brotherly Palestinian people affected by the conflict was noted with gratitude.

Bayramov also briefed the ambassador on the situation and realities in the region during and after the former conflict, including large-scale reconstruction and rehabilitation efforts in the liberated territories, demining efforts, and the progress of the AzerbaijanArmenia normalization process.

Metani expressed his gratitude for the warm reception and stated that it is an honor to be appointed as Palestines ambassador to Azerbaijan. He affirmed his commitment to further strengthening the existing diplomatic relations between the two countries.

The meeting also included an exchange of views on other issues of mutual interest.

Stay up-to-date with more news on Trend News Agency's WhatsApp channel
Xi puts forward three-point proposal on building high-level strategic China-Malaysia community with shared future

Xinhua) 08:03, April 17, 2025

Chinese President Xi Jinping shakes hands with Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim in Putrajaya, Malaysia, April 16, 2025. Xi held talks with Anwar at the prime minister's official residence in Putrajaya on Wednesday. After the talks, leaders of the two countries jointly witnessed the exchange of bilateral cooperation documents. (Xinhua/Huang Jingwen)

PUTRAJAYA, Malaysia, April 16 (Xinhua) -- Chinese President Xi Jinping on Wednesday put forward a three-point proposal on building a high-level strategic China-Malaysia community with a shared future.

Xi made the remarks during his meeting with Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim.

First, Xi urged the two countries to adhere to strategic independence and carry out high-level strategic coordination.

China and Malaysia both uphold self-reliance and strength, and firmly oppose external interference, Xi said.

The two countries should continue to work hand in hand to pursue development paths suited to their respective national conditions, resolutely support each other in safeguarding sovereignty, security and development interests, and keep their future firmly in their own hands, he said.

Xi called on the two sides to establish a "2+2" dialogue mechanism on diplomacy and national defense to deepen exchanges and cooperation on national security, defense and law enforcement.

Second, China and Malaysia should build synergy for development and set a model for high-quality development cooperation, Xi said.

He said China is committed to advancing Chinese modernization in all respects through high-quality development, which aligns with Malaysia's Ekonomi MADANI initiative.

The two countries should join hands in fostering growth in cutting-edge areas such as the digital economy, green economy, blue economy and artificial intelligence (AI), and in strengthening integrated development across industrial chains, supply chains, value chains, data chains and talent chains, Xi said.

The two sides should upgrade traditional areas of cooperation and promote two-way investment, Xi said, adding that efforts should be made to advance rail-sea intermodal transport, enhance the "Two Countries, Twin Parks" program, and elevate Malaysia's key ports into pivotal hubs of the New International Land-Sea Trade Corridor.

Third, Xi called for both sides to carry forward their friendship from generation to generation and deepen exchanges and mutual learning between the two civilizations.

China and Malaysia should collaborate on Confucian-Islamic civilizational dialogue to jointly build a platform for cultural exchanges at both the bilateral and regional levels, Xi said.

With the mutual visa exemption agreement, the two sides should vigorously promote tourism, youth and sub-national exchanges, and deepen cooperation in culture, education, sports, film and media to foster people-to-people bonds and carry forward traditional friendship, he said.

China stands ready to continue joint research with Malaysia on panda conservation, Xi said.

Xi said that the traditional friendship between China and Malaysia has spanned a thousand years. Nurtured in a long and rich history, the friendship has grown through cultural exchanges, been consolidated through mutual benefit and elevated through solidarity against challenges, Xi added.

It reflects a pursuit of common values, characterized by sincere interactions, honesty, commitment to righteousness, and respect for peace, the Chinese president continued.

This friendship, he said, embodies the historical wisdom and courage of both peoples and is shared treasure for the two nations.

Last year, both sides celebrated the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations. Over the past 50 years, China-Malaysia relations have yielded fruitful results, Xi said.

In the next 50 years, Xi called on both sides to continue to seize opportunities, stand at the forefront of the times, build a high-level strategic China-Malaysia community with a shared future, deliver more benefits to the two peoples, and further contribute to regional prosperity and stability.

Xi pointed out that Malaysia has set the theme of the ASEAN chairmanship this year as "Inclusivity and Sustainability," which reflects a deep insight into the current situation.

China supports Malaysia in playing its role as ASEAN's rotating chair, Xi said, adding that China stands ready to work with countries in the region to sign the China-ASEAN Free Trade Area Upgrade Protocol at an early date.

Xi urged joint efforts to reject decoupling, supply disruption, "small yard, high fence" and tariff abuse with openness, inclusiveness, solidarity and cooperation.

He also called for countering the law of the jungle where the strong prey on the weak with the Asian values of peace, cooperation, openness and inclusiveness, and address instability and uncertainty in the world with the stability and certainty of Asia.

Anwar warmly welcomes Xi's visit to Malaysia. He said that China has been sincerely helping Malaysia for a long time, sharing weal and woe during the smooth times and the rough, and is a trustworthy friend of Malaysia.

He noted that Xi is an outstanding leader in today's world, guiding China toward significant development, spearheading the Chinese people's efforts to eradicate poverty, and has been advocating common prosperity and mutual learning among civilizations.

The Malaysian people admire China and President Xi, Anwar said.

The record-setting cooperation results achieved by President Xi during this visit are of great significance to Malaysia, and Malaysia is deeply inspired, Anwar said, adding that Malaysia firmly adheres to the one-China policy and does not support any "Taiwan independence" act.

Malaysia stands ready to deepen strategic communication with China and consolidate political mutual trust, Anwar said.

Malaysia is willing to expand bilateral trade, and Chinese enterprises are welcome to invest and do business in Malaysia, as well as to cooperate with the Malaysian side in developing digital economy, green economy, AI and other emerging technology sectors, so as to foster greater development for both nations, the prime minister said.

The Malaysian side is prepared to promote people-to-people exchanges in such fields as culture, education and tourism to enhance mutual understanding and friendship between the two peoples, Anwar said, adding that the country also looks forward to carrying out Confucian-Islamic civilizational dialogue to contribute to the advancement of human civilization.

Facing the rise of unilateralism, Malaysia is willing to strengthen cooperation with China to jointly address risks and challenges, Anwar said.

Anwar noted that ASEAN will not endorse any unilaterally imposed tariffs, and will promote collective advancement through cooperation to maintain economic growth.

The Malaysian side lauds China's positive role in international and regional issues, Anwar said.

As ASEAN chair and the Country Coordinator for ASEAN-China Dialogue Relations, Malaysia will work to further strengthen ASEAN-China cooperation, and promote regional peace, stability and prosperity, he added.

After the talks, leaders of the two countries jointly witnessed the exchange of more than 30 bilateral cooperation documents, covering cooperation on three major global initiatives, Confucian-Islamic civilizational dialogue, digital economy, trade in services, upgrading the "Two Countries, Twin Parks" program, joint laboratories, AI, railways, intellectual property, export of agricultural products to China, mutual visa exemption and panda conservation, among other areas.

In the evening, Anwar held a welcome banquet for Xi.

Chinese President Xi Jinping holds talks with Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim at the prime minister's official residence in Putrajaya, Malaysia, April 16, 2025. (Xinhua/Huang Jingwen)

Chinese President Xi Jinping holds talks with Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim at the prime minister's official residence in Putrajaya, Malaysia, April 16, 2025. (Xinhua/Ding Lin)

Chinese President Xi Jinping and Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim jointly witness the exchange of bilateral cooperation documents after their talks in Putrajaya, Malaysia, April 16, 2025. Xi held talks with Anwar at the prime minister's official residence in Putrajaya on Wednesday. (Xinhua/Ding Lin)

In this combo photo, Chinese President Xi Jinping is warmly welcomed by Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim and Malaysian teenagers as he arrives at the prime minister's official residence in Putrajaya, Malaysia, April 16, 2025. Xi held talks with Anwar here Wednesday. (Xinhua/Huang Jingwen)

(Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Liang Jun)
BAKU, Azerbaijan, April 17. A delegation of the Azerbaijan Naval Forces led by the First Deputy Commander of the Azerbaijan Naval Forces - Chief of Staff, 1st grade Captain Teymur Murshudov, visited Ankara to participate in the 10th Staff Talks between the Naval Forces of Azerbaijan and Turkiye, Trend reports.

First, the Azerbaijani delegation visited the Heydar Aliyev Park in Ankara, laid flowers in front of the monument to the National Leader of Azerbaijani people Heydar Aliyev in the park and paid tribute to his memory. Then the delegation visited Antkabir, mausoleum of the founder of the Republic of Turkiye, Mustafa Kemal Ataturk.

As part of the visit, issues of cooperation between the Naval Forces of the two fraternal countries were discussed, the importance of exchanging experience was emphasized, and a detailed exchange of views on various spheres was held.

At the end of the staff talks, a protocol on a joint agreement regarding the development of cooperation between the Naval Forces of Azerbaijan and Turkiye was signed.
BAKU, Azerbaijan, April 17. The working visit of Speaker of the Azerbaijani Parliament Sahiba Gafarova to St. Petersburg of the Russian Federation continues, a source in the parliament told Trend.

As part of the visit, on April 17, Gafarova has taken part in the meeting of the Council of the Inter-Parliamentary Assembly of the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS PA).

The meeting reviewed the work carried out by the Assembly during the reporting period, the events implemented and other organizational matters.

Gafarova shared her views on the topics under discussion.

Stay up-to-date with more news on Trend News Agency's WhatsApp channel


Since ACWF and the China Association for Science and Technology (CAST) launched the women's science-popularization campaign in 2023, women's federations and science and technology associations, at all levels, have improved women's science-popularization services at grassroots level, expanded the team of women science-popularization personnel, strengthened the creation of women's science-popularization products, and conducted extensive science-popularization activities to improve the scientific literacy of the public, especially women and children.

The ACWF Publicity Department and China National Museum of Women and Children have conducted activities with the theme "Women's Science Popularization Open Class in Museums." Scientists, doctors and experts, from various fields, have been invited to give lectures.



During the past winter vacation, ACWF Department of Family and Children's Affairs created a series of "Science Popularization Entering Families" short-video courses, and those courses covered manned space flight, China's Five-hundred-meter Aperture Spherical Radio Telescope (FAST), other achievements in cutting-edge science and technology, and information related to fire safety, physical and mental health, and various other topics. The courses have allowed parents and their children to embark on interesting and interactive journeys, not only to understand the depth of science and the great spirit of scientists, but also to enjoy pleasant time together as a family.

During summer vacation in 2024, nine women's science-popularization service centers, under the Beijing Women's Association for Science and Technology, organized nearly 100 science-popularization activities. The activities attracted about 220,000 participants offline, and 1.56 million participants online.



To give full play to the leading role of women sci-tech talents in rural revitalization, Guangxi Women's Federation has worked with Guangxi Academy of Agricultural Sciences, in Nanning, capital of South China's Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, to send women experts in agricultural science and technology to rural areas, and to guide rural women to rely on science and technology to develop industries, and to increase their incomes.



During the past winter vacation, Hefei Women's Federation and Hefei Caring Mother Alliance, in Hefei, capital of East China's Anhui Province, organized several activities, which not only deepened the emotional connection between children and their "caring mothers," but also sowed scientific seeds in children's hearts.

Jinan Women's Federation, in Jinan, capital of East China's Shandong Province, has worked with local departments and institutions to form women's volunteer teams, and to conduct various volunteer activities.



The Science Popularization Caravan is a mobile science-popularization platform in Xishuangbanna Dai Autonomous Prefecture, in Southwest China's Yunnan Province. Prior to this year's Spring Festival, the caravan's volunteers visited villages in Mengla County, in the prefecture, where they organized publicity activities to benefit the villagers. The robot dog attracted many of the villagers, which gave them an opportunity to experience the advanced technology of artificial intelligence.



Chongming Women's Federation, in Chongming District, in East China's Shanghai Municipality, in cooperation with municipal government departments and grassroots women's federations, created several scientific-exploration-experiment activities and science-safety-education courses. Through the interesting experiments and interactive teaching, children were able to improve their scientific literacy, and they were able to ignite their scientific dreams.

Women's federations, at all levels, in Gaochun District of Nanjing, capital of East China's Jiangsu Province, have organized women volunteers to conduct science-popularization activities, and other relevant volunteer services, in villages. The activities have improved the scientific literacy of villagers, especially children and elderly residents.



Shipai Women's Federation, in Shipai Town of Dongguan, a city in South China's Guangdong Province, conducted "Mothers of Wisdom and Love" science-popularization activities. Through study tours, experiments and other activities, the women volunteers stimulated children's interest in science and technology, and helped the children develop both a scientific attitude and a sense of exploration and innovation.



Photos from Women's Federations

(Women of China English Monthly March 2025)

Editor: Wang Shasha
Click the photo and watch the video.

*China is ready to work with the Malaysian side to build a high-level strategic China-Malaysia community with a shared future, so as to usher in new "Golden 50 Years" for bilateral ties, said Chinese President Xi Jinping.

*As a vital node along the ancient Maritime Silk Road, Malaysia is among the first to participate in Belt and Road cooperation. Thanks to joint efforts and Xi's steadfast push, bilateral collaboration within the framework has achieved many results.

*China will work with Malaysia and other ASEAN countries to combat the undercurrents of geopolitical and camp-based confrontation, as well as the countercurrents of unilateralism and protectionism, said Xi in a signed article published in Malaysian media ahead of his arrival.

KUALA LUMPUR, April 16 (Xinhua)  Chinese President Xi Jinping's ongoing state visit to Malaysia marks a significant step in strengthening China-Malaysia all-round cooperation as the two sides have agreed to work together to build a high-level strategic China-Malaysia community with a shared future.

On Wednesday, Xi met with Malaysian King Sultan Ibrahim Sultan Iskandar and Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim, respectively. Both sides emphasized their commitment to enhancing economic cooperation within the framework of the Belt and Road Initiative, and developing future industries such as artificial intelligence, digital economy and green economy.

Chinese President Xi Jinping, Malaysian King Sultan Ibrahim Sultan Iskandar, and Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim pose for a group photo in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, April 16, 2025. [Xinhua/Xie Huanchi]

High-Level Exchanges

When meeting the king, Xi said that China is ready to work with the Malaysian side to build a high-level strategic China-Malaysia community with a shared future, so as to usher in new "Golden 50 Years" for bilateral ties.

China and Malaysia are good neighbors, good friends and good partners who visit each other as often as family, Xi said, adding that bilateral relations have gone through a magnificent half-century and are embracing an even brighter future.

Xi called on the two sides to ensure good implementation of major projects such as the "Two Countries, Twin Parks" program and the East Coast Rail Link, and to actively foster cooperation in future industries such as artificial intelligence, digital economy and green economy.

China supports Malaysia in its role as the 2025 ASEAN chair and stands ready to work with the country to implement the Global Development Initiative, the Global Security Initiative and the Global Civilization Initiative, Xi said.

For his part, King Sultan Ibrahim expressed his belief that Xi's visit will comprehensively upgrade bilateral relations and promote vigorous development of cooperation in various fields, adding that China's impressive development achievements are attributable to the foresight of President Xi and the hard work of the Chinese people.

Malaysia attaches great importance to its relations with China and will work with China toward win-win cooperation and promote the building of the high-level strategic China-Malaysia community with a shared future no matter how the international situation evolves, he said.

Malaysia values regional economic integration, firmly supports the Belt and Road Initiative, and stands ready to strengthen trade and investment cooperation with China, jointly stabilize industrial and supply chains, enhance connectivity and boost people-to-people and educational exchanges, said the king.

While meeting the prime minister, Xi urged joint efforts to resist decoupling, supply chain disruptions, "small yard with high fences" and arbitrary imposition of tariffs with openness, inclusiveness, unity and cooperation.

He also called for responding to the law of the jungle with Asian values of peace, cooperation, openness and inclusiveness, and responding to an unstable and uncertain world with a stable and certain Asia.

Thriving Cooperation, Flourishing Ties

China-Malaysia ties run deep. From the voyages of renowned Chinese navigator Zheng He in the 15th century to the establishment of diplomatic relations in 1974, and to the building of a community with a shared future today, the two countries have long enjoyed cultural affinity and strategic trust.

Chinese President Xi Jinping inspects the guard of honor during a welcome ceremony held by Malaysian King Sultan Ibrahim Sultan Iskandar in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, April 16, 2025. [Xinhua/Zhai Jianlan]

During Xi's 2013 visit, the two countries upgraded ties to a comprehensive strategic partnership. A decade later, the relationship was elevated again to a China-Malaysia community with a shared future.

In a signed article published in Malaysian media ahead of his arrival, Xi said the decision on building the China-Malaysia community with a shared future marked "a new milestone in the bilateral relations."

"Our bilateral cooperation potential is being progressively realized in the digital economy, green development, industrial investment and transport infrastructure construction," he wrote.

As a vital node along the ancient Maritime Silk Road, Malaysia is among the first to participate in Belt and Road cooperation. Thanks to joint efforts and Xi's steadfast push, bilateral collaboration within the framework has achieved many results.

In 2024, China-Malaysia trade reached 212 billion U.S. dollars, nearly 1,000 times the level at the inception of diplomatic relations. China has been Malaysia's largest trading partner for 16 consecutive years.

On top of that, bilateral initiatives like the "Two Countries, Twin Parks" program, which pairs industrial zones in Qinzhou and Kuantan, have emerged as a model for regional collaboration. This partnership has spurred the expansion of port collaboration and infrastructure connection.

A notable example is the East Coast Rail Link, a 665 km railway whose construction is in full swing. The railway, once completed, will bridge Malaysia's less-developed east coast with its economic powerhouse on the west coast, enhancing connectivity and fostering balanced growth.

Samirul Ariff Othman, an economist at Malaysia's Universiti Teknologi PETRONAS, said, "the flourishing economic ties between Malaysia and China demonstrate the resilience and mutual benefits of our bilateral relationship."

"The continued expansion of investments in high-value sectors such as technology, green energy and manufacturing will further deepen our cooperation," said Othman.

Multilateral Collaboration

Experts believe that the significance of Xi's visit goes beyond bilateral relations. "It will greatly impact ASEAN-China relations, injecting new momentum into regional development and stability," said Ong Tee Keat, president of the Belt and Road Initiative Caucus for Asia Pacific.

Chinese President Xi Jinping attends a welcome ceremony held by Malaysian King Sultan Ibrahim Sultan Iskandar in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, April 16, 2025. [Xinhua/Ding Lin]

In the signed article, Xi noted that China was the first ASEAN dialogue partner to accede to the Treaty of Amity and Cooperation in Southeast Asia, and the first to establish a free trade area and a comprehensive strategic partnership with ASEAN.

Bilateral cooperation between China and ASEAN is more robust than ever, he said, adding that in 2024, China-ASEAN trade exceeded 980 billion dollars, making the two sides each other's largest trading partner for five consecutive years.

According to China's General Administration of Customs, ASEAN remained China's largest trading partner in the first two months of 2025. During this period, trade between China and ASEAN countries reached a total of 1.03 trillion yuan, or 15.8 percent of China's overall trade value.

China fully supports Malaysia in its role as the ASEAN chair for 2025 and looks forward to Malaysia serving as a stronger bridge between the two sides as the country coordinator for China-ASEAN Dialogue Relations, Xi said.

China will work with Malaysia and other ASEAN countries to combat the undercurrents of geopolitical and camp-based confrontation, as well as the countercurrents of unilateralism and protectionism, said the Chinese leader.

"We must brave the waves ahead and advance the high-level strategic China-Malaysia community with a shared future, and jointly build a stronger China-ASEAN community with a shared future," Xi said.



(Video reporters: Yang Yijun, Ding Lin, Yin Jiajie, Xu Yang, Yang Zhigang and Cheng Yiheng; Video editors: Zheng Xin, Zhu Cong, Li Qin and Meng Na.)

(Source: Xinhua)

Editor: Wang Shasha


Tang Limei, a professor and doctoral supervisor with Northeast Petroleum University's School of Earth Sciences, in northeast China's Heilongjiang Province, was appointed by the Ministry of Natural Resources as a chief expert for communicating knowledge on natural resources in 2020. She is also a National March 8th Red-Banner Holder.

Tang holds a doctoral degree from east China's Zhejiang University, and she has 14 years of experience working in an institute of oceanography. Tang became China's first woman scientist to accumulate both deep-sea-diving and polar-expedition experiences. She descended to a depth of 2,774 meters, in the western Pacific Ocean, while aboard the manned deep-sea submersible Jiaolong during its first voyage of experimental application and the 72nd deep-dive mission, in 2013.



In 2017, she embarked on a 165-day scientific expedition of the Antarctic, aboard China's icebreaker, Xuelong. That 38,000-plus-nautical-mile journey, which concluded in 2018, was China's 34th exploration of the Antarctic. From the depths of the ocean to the world's icy polar regions, Tang's quest to explore has been never-ending.

While engaging in scientific expeditions, Tang constantly reflects on the responsibilities of scientists. "I am grateful for the opportunities to apply my expertise in exploring the oceans, polar regions, and the unknown. I will do my best to share my research outcomes with the public, and to have my research benefit society." Guided by this belief, Tang attaches equal importance to scientific research and science popularization, and she works diligently to transform scientific knowledge into popular-science works.

For more than a decade, Tang has participated in hundreds of activities, in dozens of cities, across the country, such as giving lectures to advance scientific knowledge. Tang's lectures are both professional and interesting. She outlines her expedition experiences, and also her reflections on both life and the origins of the universe. "For young people, science-related communications are not just about spreading knowledge; they also help foster scientific thinking, develop critical analysis, and spark innovation potential. Teenagers, by learning the stories of scientists, and scientific discoveries, will be inspired to embrace challenges, innovate, and make contributions to scientific development in the future," Tang explains.



Tang feels a sense of achievement whenever she receives a thank-you note from a youngster. "I was moved by a group of students from southwest China's Yunnan Province. They said they wanted to become someone like me ... Some other students said they wanted to work as a scientist in the future. This made me feel my efforts were truly meaningful. I helped them ignite their passion for science," says Tang.

Tang has written books to share her expedition experiences. In 2023, her popular-science book, Exploring the Deep Sea with Jiaolong, was published. The book outlines information about the ocean, China's deep-sea explorations, and the research and development of China's manned deep-sea submersible, Jiaolong. The book was included in a popular-science book series by the ACWF. In 2024, with ACWF's support, Tang donated more than 20,000 popular-science books to teenagers across the country. Tang says she looks forward to the publishing of her upcoming works, including Journey to Antarctica Aboard Xuelong, Climbing Mountains on the Ocean Floor, and Digging Rocks in Antarctica.



The revised Science and Technology Popularization Law took effect on December 25, 2024. The revised law shows China places equal importance on science popularization and scientific innovation, and that China is promoting integration of both initiatives. Tang agrees with the efforts. "Public awareness of front-line scientific research is limited. Scientific achievements belong to the whole society, and scientists should communicate their research outcomes to society. This will help the public gain a deeper understanding of the country's progress in developing cutting-edge technologies, and it will help build scientific literacy throughout society. By enhancing scientific literacy, especially among teenagers, young people will cultivate a passion for science and a spirit of inquiry. In the long run, they will contribute their strength to achieving greater breakthroughs in scientific development," Tang says.

"For scientists, participating in science popularization initiatives is a meaningful effort," Tang continues. "Scientists have a good command of the trends in scientific development. If they can communicate their knowledge in a down-to-earth and easily accessible way, they will help promote teenagers' growth. By engaging in scientific popularization, I am not going to turn everyone into a scientist; instead, I want to encourage more people to love science, and to develop the ability to think independently and critically. Therefore, I will continue doing what I am doing now, giving popular-science lectures, and writing popular-science books."

Photos from Interviewee

(Women of China English Monthly March 2025)

Editor: Wang Shasha


Zhan Qifang, a teacher, with senior-levelprofessional qualification, at Shanghai Luwan Senior High School, is a member of Shanghai Association for the Advancement of Science for Youths (SAASY). In 2023, she was named one of "10 outstanding scientific instructors" during the 37th China Adolescents Science and Technology Innovation Contest.

Zhan has been a biology teacher for 18 years. She believes science education is a long process, and that it is sometimes dull, but sometimes interesting. "The process should involve good interactions between teacher and students, so both sides achieve self-improvement," Zhan says.

She recalls how her students helped her improve a classic experiment four years ago. The experiment demonstrated how to verify the law of segregation, discovered by Austrian botanist Gregor Mendel. The experiment was simple, but it required the students to repeat the procedures at least 50 times. The experiment took more than 20 minutes.

"This experiment takes too much time. Why don't we use a computer program to finish it?" a student asked Zhan, one day after class.

Zhan was inspired by the student, and she worked with him, and some of her colleagues, to develop a computer program. The program simulated the procedures used in the experiment, and it helped improve the efficiency of teaching.

After the program was used in several classes, another student suggested it would be better if the program directly generated a graph, rather than a number. Zhan and her colleagues managed to achieve that result, after improving the program.

"As time changes, teachers can improve classic experiments, from new angles. New technologies and students' ideas are important for teachers," Zhan says.

To improve as a teacher, Zhan has continued to learn new digital technologies. She has worked with teachers, of various subjects, to develop courses, and she has guided her students in using cross-disciplinary knowledge and skills to solve practical problems.



In 2023, Zhan developed a semiautomatic teaching aid that demonstrates the protein-translation process. Operating the tool helps students understand the process. The tool earned Zhan first prize, for science instructors' innovations, during the 37th China Adolescents Science and Technology Innovation Contest.

"Many students are curious about some phenomena in nature. Due to lack of knowledge and skills, only a few students will take action to discover the secrets behind the phenomena," says Zhan. She believes teachers should encourage their students to ask questions, and to share ideas about how to find the answers. Also, she adds, teachers should create the conditions to help their students adopt scientific methods to transform their ideas into practical solutions.

Zhan sometimes asks her students to complete questionnaires, so she can learn what topics interest them. She will choose topics that have practical meaning, and then she will explain how the students can research the topics. She will help her students conduct document research, consult teachers of various subjects, and design and implement action plans.

Zhan encourages her students to design demonstration models by themselves, and she gives them class time to explain their concepts, and how to use the models. This gives her students opportunities to participate in scientific and technological innovations, and, by extension, to enhance their scientific literacy.

As a member of SAASY, Zhan has helped adolescents solve problems related to biology. In 2020, she produced more than 300 video clips to help students study online, and she produced some short videos to disseminate basic biological knowledge.

Zhan believes popularizing science is a challenging, yet meaningful, cause. "The core of science popularization is stimulating people's interest in science. To achieve this, it's necessary to translate complicated scientific concepts into understandable words for the public.

"It is wise to use new-media formats, such as short videos, cartoons and games, and new technologies, including virtual reality and augmented reality, to broaden communication channels," she adds.

Zhan suggests various methods should be used to popularize science among different groups of people, and she believes science is a lifestyle.

"We must make a sustained effort to improve scientific literacy ... and we should contribute to the building of an innovative country," she says.



Photos from Interviewee

(Women of China English Monthly March 2025)

Editor: Wang Shasha
SHUSHA, Azerbaijan, April 17. The 1st Islamic World Cultural Forum, titled "Cultural Heritage Preservation and Revival in the Post-Conflict Era," is being held in Shusha, the cultural capital of Azerbaijan, on April 17, Trend reports.

The opening of the forum saw the participation of international experts and specialists working in the field of cultural heritage preservation.

The primary aim of the forum is to address the protection and restoration of cultural heritage that has been damaged and is under threat in post-conflict regions, as well as to strengthen cooperation among countries in the Islamic world on this matter.

As part of the forum, discussions will be held on the topic "International Protection Mechanisms in Practice: Cultural Heritage in the Post-Conflict Islamic World." During this panel, participants will present successful restoration projects, as well as legal and institutional approaches, from various countries.

The next panel will focus on "Revival of cultural heritage: Technology, innovation, and digitalization."

This session will explore the role of modern technologies in documenting and preserving heritage, including the application possibilities of artificial intelligence and 3D modeling technologies.

Will be updated
Azerbaijans national air carrier, AZAL, continues to expand its network, offering passengers even more travel options. Starting in May, the airline will increase the frequency of flights from Baku to Antalya, Trabzon, Astana, Milan, and Chisinau.

To enhance service to popular Turkish destinations, AZAL is increasing the number of flights to Antalya and Trabzon. Beginning May 1, four additional weekly flights will be added en route Baku-Antalya-Baku, making it a daily service. From May 12, flights to Trabzon will increase to 5 times per week.

Also from May 12, one more frequency will be added en route BakuAstanaBaku, bringing the total to four flights per week.

As part of the summer schedule, AZAL will also boost its European services. Since April 1, flights between Baku and Milan have been operating 6 times a week. Starting May 13, the route will become a daily service.

In response to growing demand, flights between Baku and Chisinau were increased to five times a week as of April 2025. Beginning in early May, the flights will be operated 6 times per week, and from May 12  daily.

More flights mean more comfortable travel opportunities. Discover the world with AZAL!

To purchase flight tickets, please visit the official website www.azal.az, use the airline's mobile app, or approach the ticket offices or accredited agencies of AZAL.
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An open letter signed by almost 1,000 current and retired Israeli Air Force (IAF) reservists has called for an end to the war on Gaza. The letter signed last week urged all Israeli citizens to demand the wars end, focused on warnings that Israels bombardment of Gaza was putting the lives of Israeli hostages at risk.

The open letter initiative involves prominent Zionist figures whose concerns are for the immediate and long-term security of the Israeli statewhich Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahus fascistic government is bringing into question.

One signatory is Dan Halutz, retired Chief of the General Staff of the Israel Defence Forces (IDF). He commanded the IAF during the second Intifada, ordering targeted killings of Palestinian militants. Other signatories include former heads of Israels intelligence agency Mossad.

Lt. Gen. Dan Halutz with Major General Benny Gantz and 91st Division Commander Gal Hirsch during the 2006 Lebanon war [Photo by IDF Spokesperson's Unit photographer / CC BY-SA 3.0

The letter is a symptom of growing divisions and crisis in Israel, which have been heightened by the immense costs of the military assault on Gaza, economically, socially and politicallyincluding, though this finds no conscious expression in the open letter, the discrediting of the entire Zionist project amidst a campaign of genocidal violence without precedent since the Nazis war of extermination against European Jewry.

Signed by members of the same IAF that has destroyed more than 69 percent of Gaza, killing more than 60,000 Palestinians, the letter expresses most openly growing popular anger over the fate of Israeli hostages who are being used as a smokescreen to carry out a war of annihilation. It has sparked political uproar in Israel and has been followed by other open letters from senior military and intelligence personal, doctors, paratroopers and reservists calling for Netanyahus government to prioritize the return of the hostages in Gaza, even if it means ending the war.

Mourners gather around the bodies of Palestinians who were killed in an Israeli army airstrike as they are brought to Al-Ahli Hospital in Gaza City, Tuesday, March 18, 2025. [AP Photo/Abdel Kareem Hana]

The letter by IAF reservists stated, The continuation of the war doesnt advance any of the declared goals of the war, and will bring about the deaths of the hostages, of IDF soldiers and innocent civilians. As has been proven in the past, only a [ceasefire] deal can bring back the hostages safely, while military pressure mainly leads to the killing of the hostages and the endangerment of our soldiers.

It added, Currently, the war serves mainly political and personal interests, not security interests. This references the widely held belief that Netanyahu ended the ceasefire in March that would have secured the release of the remaining 59 hostages to appease his far-right coalition partners and thereby secure the survival of his government and the abandonment of his corruption trial.

Reflecting the same divisions that erupted into mass protest in 2023 prior to October 7 over Netanyahus attack on the judiciary and moves to establish dictatorial rule, the signatories also opposed the firing of Shin Bet (Israel Security Agency) head Ronen Bar and attempts to remove Attorney General Gali Baharav-Miara.

It is measure of the protesters loyalty to the Zionist state that following meetings held by IAF chief Tomer Bar and IDF chief of Staff Eyal Zamir with some of the signatories, the letter has not been published.

Netanyahu has responded by stepping up his murderous offensive in Gaza and accusing his opponents of treachery. Emboldened by the full-throated backing of the Trump administration, he made it clear that even if a deal is reached to free all hostages, Israels war of annihilation will continue.

Demanding the unconditional surrender of Hamas, Netanyahu insisted that Israels war would only end if Hamas were disarmed, and its leaders sent into exile. He insisted that Israel would retain control of Gazas security, a euphemism for annexation, and would implement Donald Trumps plan to ethnically cleanse the Palestinians.

On Wednesday, Defence Minister Israel Katz warned that the assault on Gaza would escalate with tremendous force, with an extended blockade of humanitarian aid even as United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestinian refugees (UNRWA) officials warned of famine conditions, if Hamas did not agree to Israels terms.

Netanyahu lashed out against the letter by IAF reservists, declaring that Refusal to serve is refusal to serve, even if its only hinted at in whitewashed language Statements that weaken the IDF and strengthen our enemies in a time of war are unforgivable.

He supported the IDFs decision to discharge active-duty reservists who signed the letter, although the military claimed that most of those who signed were retired personnel.

He described the signatories as a group of fringe extremists who are trying once again to break Israeli society from within. They tried to do it before October 7 and Hamas interpreted the refusal calls as a weakness.

This was an attempt to pin the blame for the October 7 attack by Hamas on the reservists who had vowed during the mass anti-government protests in 2023 that they would cease to volunteer for military duty if the country became a regime they no longer viewed as democratic.

Netanyahu accused the signatories of acting toward one goalbringing down the government.

Shortly after the Air Force letter, more than 1,600 former Israel Defence Forces paratroopers and infantry soldiers, including some still serving as reservists, also signed an open letter demanding the government reach a deal to bring the hostages home.

Soldiers in the IDFs intelligence unit 8200 wrote a letter April 11 calling on the government to release the hostages, even if it means stopping the fighting in Gaza. The 8200 officers said, We identify with the grave and troubling assertion that, at this time, the war serves primarily political and personal interests, not security interests.

On Sunday, a group of around 200 reservist doctors signed a similar letter, while hundreds of Israeli writers, poets, and literary figures, including Israel Prize laureate Nitza Ben-Dov, playwright Yehoshua Sobol, Sapir Prize winner Ofra Offer Oren, journalist and writer Daniella London Dekel, signed an almost identical petition calling for the immediate end of the war in Gaza. It also demanded the return of the remaining 59 hostages, many of whom are dead, and the formulation of a clear but unspecified plan for the future of Gaza and its residents.

On Monday, graduates of the IDFs prestigious Talpiot program said they too support the letter signed by air force reservists and veterans. Their letter warned of the erosion of Israels reserve forces and urged the public to condemn efforts to silence dissenting voices.

Other letters have come from ex-Mossad members, including three former Mossad chiefsDanny Yatom, Efraim Halevy, and Tamir PardoNavy reservists, and reservist Air Force personnel.

The open letters follow a significant decline in reservists reporting for duty. While the IDF claimed the attendance rate in mid-March was 80 percent, Kan, Israels public broadcaster said it was around 60 percent and Haaretz cited 50 percent. IDF Chief of Staff Zamir told national security cabinet members recently that they should give up on some of their fantasies about conquering Gaza, due to a lack of combat soldiers, according to a report on Ynet.

Many reservists have seen 18 months of combat duty, fighting on seven fronts, that has impacted their income, jobs and businesses, while many families have been forced to leave their homes near the border with Lebanon and Gaza. In January, the IDF reported 891 soldiers had died during 2023-2024, including 38 suicides, and more than 5,500 had been injured. The 2025 budget foreshadows no end in sight. According to the Bank of Israel, the cost of the war from 2023 to 2025 could amount to $55.6 billion, 10 percent of Israels GDP.

The growing number of refuseniks doubtless has many causeseconomic concerns, war weariness, resentment toward the domination of the ultra-orthodox parties over political life, and demoralization over a war that is opposed by millions around the world, including Jews. In a small number of cases, reservists are refusing to serve due to their opposition to genocide. But no progressive struggle can be waged against Netanyahus far-right government without opposing the genocide and dispossession of the Palestinians.

The military and intelligence officials calling for an end to the fighting are the same political forces who led the 2023 protests against Netanyahus efforts to neuter the judiciary. Theirs is a purely tactical disagreement over how the Zionist state can surviveand, moreover, with an eye to furthering US and Israels war plans against Iran that are undermined by the never-ending war in Gaza.

Workers in Israel must adopt a new political axis, in unity with and fighting for the liberation of the Palestinian masses from Zionist oppression. In opposing all factions of their ruling class, they must place opposition to the genocide in Gaza and the apartheid-style ethno-religious exclusion that forms the basis of the Israeli state at the very centre of their struggle.
The Ministry of National Educations (MEB) forced reassignment of high school teachers working in project schools to other schools against their will has sparked student protests and boycotts in many provinces.

The fast-spreading protest movement by high school students is a continuation of a wave of mass protests that erupted last month following the arrest of Ekrem Imamoglu, the Republican Peoples Partys (CHP) Istanbul mayor and presidential candidate.

The students of Izmir Ataturk High School protest the exile of their teachers. April 14, 2025 [Photo: X / @SonerGrbz33]

Last Friday, MEB announced the results of the 2025 Teacher Assignment and Administrator Appointment to Educational Institutions Implementing Specific Programs and Projects. Because their tenure has not been renewed, more than 20,000 teachers have been removed from staff as surplus to norms and forced to choose other schools.

The education trade unions argued that most of the teachers who were replaced were dissidents and that loyalty to the education system and the government, rather than merit and performance, were the main criteria for appointment.

Yeliz Toy, Personnel, Legal and Collective Bargaining Secretary of Egitim-Is union, said in her statement that thousands of teachers who have been left out of the staff are forced to make preferences for other schools. If they do not make a preference, they will be appointed ex officio, she said, adding that this was against procedure and that the practice amounts to exile.

Toy explained: district groups have been created for teachers. The Ministry has not only included the districts where teachers can go, but also the districts where they cannot go. In fact, it says: Either you make a choice or I will assign you... Among these schools there are places that are 150 kilometres away [from their home], places that cannot be reached by changing four transport vehicles.

High school students reacted in defence of their exiled teachers. Thousands of students in dozens of high schools across the country boycotted classes and held schoolyard protests despite threats of disciplinary action. In many high schools, students were supported by alumni and parents.

The students of Izmir Ataturk High School, where 50 of its 90 teachers have been made surplus to norms, said in a statement: The deep-rooted 130-year-old school culture of our school has existed with the accumulation of teachers and students together. This culture cannot be maintained without teachers. We, the students, do not accept the unjustified suspension of our teachers.

A student who spoke during the protest at Bursa Gazi Anadolu High School said: the biggest part of the success of the schools belongs to the teachers who have been working for years. These appointments, which are made without any objective criteria, overshadow merit and hinder the pedagogical development of students. Continuity and trust are essential in education.

The same student added: Teachers demands should be taken into consideration and they should be allowed to continue their duties in the project schools. There should be no room for arbitrary and political applications in an area as vital as education. We stand by our teachers.

Although the immediate cause of the students opposition is the exile of their teachers, there is growing anger over the poor quality of education, lack of a future, growing social inequality and state repression.

Last month, university students were at the forefront of the protests that started with Imamoglus arrest; not only the government but also the CHP administration had difficulties in controlling this mass movement.

The current generation of students has lived their entire lives under the governments of President Recep Tayyip Erdogan and his Justice and Development Party (AKP), which has ruled the country since 2002. For the young generations, Erdogans governments are identified with inequality, lack of a future, and oppression. In the general election on May 14, 2023, support for the AKP among young people aged 18-30 was only 22 percent.

Among the youth, targeted through the governments assault on public education, the promotion of religious obscurantism, nationalist ideology, censorship and bans, anger against the existing order is exploding. The government is increasingly resorting to force.

During last months protests, nearly 2,000 mostly young people exercising their constitutional and democratic rights were detained, and more than 300 were arrested. The arbitrariness and illegality of these measuresaimed at intimidating the working class and youthwas so obvious that most of those detained were released in the following weeks. But almost 80 people are still in prison.

The CHP, which received the votes of 50 percent of young people under 30 who voted in the 2023 general election, offers no way out for young people because of the class interests it represents.

As the Socialist Equality Group in its statement on the protests explained, the CHP is trying to divert the mass movement into the electoral framework and thus suppress it. Like the Erdogan government, it is opposed to a revolutionary working class movement that would challenge the capitalist system and bourgeois rule from which these fundamental problems stem In order to calm down the fears of the Turkish bourgeoisie of a revolution, the CHP sought to reassure the imperialist powers and get their support by declaring that it is a NATO party.

The radicalization and search for a way out among young people needs to be directed towards the international working class and the perspective of socialism.

The immense social crisis in Turkey and the Erdogan regimes naked turn to authoritarianism is a product of the global crisis of the capitalist system. In the service of the US capitalist oligarchy, the fascist Donald Trump is building a presidential dictatorship, overturning the constitution. The social and democratic rights of the working class and youth are under intense attack, while science and universities are under attack.

Trumps return to power has accelerated the attacks of the ruling class around the world. Everywhere the oligarchy is calling for the slashing of public resources such as education and health care and the diversion of societys wealth to armaments, corporations and the banks. Faced with huge social opposition in the working class to the agenda of imperialist war and class war at home, the ruling class is turning to dictatorial rule. That is why governments wage war on democratic rights and encourage fascist movements.

The yearning of the youth for a decent future based on democracy and social equality requires the struggle for socialism against the bankrupt capitalist system. We call on young people to stand by this struggle and to join the International Youth and Students for Social Equality (IYSSE) in the fight for this programme.
Teachers, parents and children march in the Brooklyn borough of New York to protest the reopening of city public schools amid the threat of a teachers strike, Tuesday, Sept. 1, 2020 in New York. (AP Photo/Mark Lennihan)

New York Citys public education system, the largest in the nation, faces unprecedented fiscal threats as federal, state and local budget battles converge, jeopardizing programs upon which hundreds of thousands of working-class families rely. With the attack on federal funding cuts by the Trump administration, combined with reductions at the state level as well as cuts to the city budget, there will be cascading impacts on schools already gutted by the response of the ruling class to the COVID-19 pandemic.

In her most recent round of attacks on education, Trumps Education Secretary Linda McMahon has demanded that states certify that they do not fund diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) programs or face the loss of federal funding. Since New York City has indicated that it will not cooperate with the order, this will result in cuts of $2 billion in federal funding for New York City schools, amounting to nearly 5 percent of the citys $40 billion education budget. Such funds support hundreds of Title I schools serving low-income students, as well as IDEA (Individuals with Disabilities Education Act) programs, covering around 200,000 students with educational disabilities.

Additionally, McMahon has abruptly terminated Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief (ESSER) pandemic funding grants, completing the Biden administrations goal of forcing the American population to move on from the coronavirus. This has already cost New York $79 million, including $8.4 million for locally sourced school meals.

Meanwhile, the hundreds of layoffs at the federal Department of Education Office for Civil Rightsincluding all staff in its New York City regional officewill inevitably weaken oversight of disability accommodations and discrimination complaints filed locally. Currently, 146,000 New York City students live in temporary housing, a figure that represents nearly one in eight children enrolled in the citys public schools. This alarming statistic marks a 23 percent increase from the previous year and highlights the persistent housing crisis gripping the school district.

Among these students, 60,395 reside in shelters, while another 79,000 are doubled up, temporarily sharing housing with friends or relatives due to economic hardship. A smaller group of approximately 6,900 children live in hotels, motels, or even on the streets. The rise in student homelessness comes within the context of the broader social crisis in New York City. One in four New Yorkers lives in povertydouble the national average. Rising rents and stagnant wages have left many families struggling to afford basic necessities like food and transportation.

The ultimate aim of the Trump administration is to completely decimate public education, eliminating every gain made by the working class over the past 150 years. Its austerity attacks are also coupled with broader efforts to suppress science and critical thinking, in an effort to subordinate every aspect of American society to the interests of finance capital and US imperialism.

Democratic Governor Kathy Hochuls latest state budget proposal would overhaul the current funding formula by replacing the 2000 Census poverty rate with more recent federal poverty data, Small Area Income and Poverty Estimates (SAIPE). Additionally, free and reduced-price lunch eligibility would shift to include only those already on government assistance programs such as Medicaid, SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, food stamps) and TANF (Temporary Assistance for Needy Families) programs, which themselves are under attack at both the federal and state levels.

The proposed change would use the federal poverty thresholdcurrently a ridiculously low $32,150 for a family of fouras a benchmark for aid. The official poverty threshold in New York City for a family of four is $47,190, with such a family really needing $120,000-$144,000 to live. Hochuls formula also does not factor in the especially high cost per student in the citys schools.

As a result of the change, New York City schools would lose about $350 million annually. Hochuls pledges to return excess school funding to taxpayers echo the Trump administrations efforts to privatize education and completely eliminate public investment.

Hochul has also signaled a willingness to cooperate with the Trump administration on key priorities, despite voicing hollow concern about potential federal overreach. It is clear that what she means is that she will work hand in hand with the Trump-Musk regime in slashing vital public services.

The state budget, delayed past its April 1 deadline due to factional disputes in the state legislature over crime policies, will inevitably leave several districts in limbo. State Budget Director Blake Washington admitted theres no bottom to potential federal cuts, with $91 billion of New York states $252 billion budget reliant on Washington.

New York City Mayor Eric Adams has also been a driving force behind austerity. He initially opposed even the thoroughly inadequate 2022 class size law pushed by the United Federation of Teachers (UFT) union bureaucracy, the state legislature and various Democratic Party-aligned advocacy groups. That law, which gave the city five years to reach still-too-large class size caps, met with months of resistance from Adams, who instead imposed a sweeping hiring freeze that left 15,000 city jobs vacant and made compliance with the law nearly impossible.

Now, facing reelection as an independent after the Trump administrations Justice Department intervened to have his federal corruption charges dismissed, Adams is attempting to save face by partially reversing his own cuts. His recent moves to restore only 3,700 of the frozen teacher positionsone new hire for every two vacanciesas well as a fraction of funding to move toward compliance with the legislation are little more than an attempt at damage control.

In a further blow to the credibility of the 2022 class size legislation, the New York City Department of Educations (NYCDOE) own December report revealed a shortfall of 70,000 classroom seats across the city. Yet the current five-year capital plan only provides space for 33,000 additional students. It is estimated that 500 schools, serving close to half of all public-school students, lack the space required to comply with the mandate. Additionally, only 700 of the 800 schools which applied for class size reduction funding were approved.

While the City Council had temporarily restored $423 million in funding for arts education, mental health services and early childhood programs after federal pandemic stimulus dollars dried up, most of this funding was allocated for only one year. Such funds remain in the lurch for Fiscal Year 2026.

One hundred ninety-seven million dollars in funding for 3-K seats, special education classes and extended-day pilot programs is absent from the preliminary budget. Mental health services for students have also been scaled back significantly. The Mental Health Continuum initiativewhich includes school-based clinics and crisis response teamsfaces a $5 million funding gap for next year. This comes at a time when youth mental health issues are at record highs following years of pandemic-related disruption.

At the same time, the citys Panel for Educational Policy (PEP), the public schools governing body, comprised of local political appointees, has continued its approval of school closures, mergers, and co-locations with charter schools. In just the first three months of 2025, the PEP approved five school mergers and seven co-locations. School closures, mergers, and co-locations have devastating impacts on public education, particularly in the poorest neighborhoods. These actions lead to overcrowded classrooms, as multiple schools are squeezed into shared spaces or merged into fewer buildings. The converting of public schools into charter organizations funnels millions of dollars in public funds into private hands, fracturing neighborhood communities and diminishing oversight of whatever is left of federally protected educational rights.

The PEP is structured to exclude, as much as possible, the direct involvement of the working class in its proceedings. The majority of its officers are appointed by the mayor, with others appointed by the borough presidents. The body has been accused of routinely circumventing its own limited procedures of direct community participation, particularly with respect to school closures, mergers and co-locations.

In the mounting crisis of education in the city, as elsewhere, the union bureaucracy remains the greatest barrier to any genuine mobilization of educators against the criminal dismantling of public education. Randi Weingarten, president of the American Federation of Teachers (AFT), the UFTs parent organization, has repeatedly pledged to work together with Trumps appointees, including Linda McMahonthis, even as she acknowledges her intent to completely destroy the federal department and gut public schools across the country. This willingness by the union bureaucrats to collaborate with those committed to privatization and budget cuts is not a tactical error, but a conscious strategy to suppress independent action by educators.

Michael Mulgrew, president of the UFT, is cut from the same cloth. While issuing statements denouncing budget cuts and attacks on public education, Mulgrew has consistently refused to mobilize the unions membership for strikes or mass protests, instead channeling resistance into legal challenges and backroom negotiations. His role was especially clear when he helped broker the unsafe reopening of New York City schools in the midst of the pandemic. Like Weingarten and National Education Association President Becky Pringle, Mulgrews approach is to preserve the unions institutional relationships with city and state officialseven when those officials are complicit in the attacks on public schools. These organizations remain the primary bulwark preventing educators from fighting back against the criminal attacks on public education.

The treacherous role of the AFT bureaucracy and its local affiliates was just demonstrated in Chicago, where union officials blocked a strike by 28,000 educators and worked with Democratic Mayor Brandon Johnson, a former Chicago Teachers Union lobbyist, to impose a contract by concealing the full scope of the coming cuts of the district, state and federal levels.

An urgent response from the working class is necessary. The defense of public education, jobs, and the social rights of students and familiesalong with the defense of democratic rights for the entire population from the threat of a Trump dictatorshipcannot be entrusted to Democratic Party politicians or union leaders whose interests are fundamentally aligned with those of Wall Street and corporate power.

To break through this impasse, educators, school staff, parents and all workers must organize independently, forming rank-and-file committees in every school and workplace. The Educators Rank-and-File Committee, aligned with the International Workers Alliance of Rank-and-File Committees (IWA-RFC), provides the means to unite educators and parents with workers across sectors and national boundaries in a common struggle against austerity, privatization, and the subordination of education to profit.

Only through independent organization and collective action can educators and the working class as a whole launch an industrial and political counter-offensive to assert their interests and defend the right to high-quality, public education for all.

Join the fight to build educators rank-and-file committees, by filling out the form below.
BAKU, Azerbaijan, April 17. Czechia is closely looking into the participation of its companies in projects eligible for funding under the Global Gateway - an EU investment strategy aimed at supporting sustainable infrastructure initiatives in Central Asia, Czech Ambassador to Uzbekistan Lubomir Frebort told Trend in an exclusive interview.

I am talking specifically about projects targeting the areas of digital connectivity, transport, critical raw materials, and the water, energy, and climate sector, he said.

According to the ambassador, Czechia has expressed keen interest in Uzbekistan's rich reserves of various strategic minerals, including uranium and copper.

This priority is in line with the European strategy of diversifying its value chains and finding more reliable sourcing of critical raw materials and other resources to help secure resilience and sustainable transformation of the Czech industry, Lubomir Frebort noted.

He recalled that in 2023, Czechia and Uzbekistan agreed to institutionalize their cooperation in the mining and geology sector by establishing a joint working group.

In return, Czech companies are offering cutting-edge mining technologies and equipment to support the extraction and processing of these resources. Earlier this year, a business delegation comprising leading Czech companies and institutions in mining and geology visited Uzbekistan to explore cooperation firsthand. During this mission, I personally had the opportunity to discuss these priorities with the Ministry of Mining Industry and Geology of Uzbekistan, the ambassador said.

The official emphasized that the Czech Republic's cooperation with the EU in general is a mutually beneficial relationship.

Its important to emphasize that cooperation with the EU in general, and with Czechia in particular, is truly a win-win arrangement. Czech companies pride themselves on building equitable partnerships and would never seek to impose unfair conditions on their Uzbek counterparts, he said.

Speaking about the transport sector, Lubomir Frebort said that railway cooperation has been a traditional focus of bilateral economic relations.

We are currently working intensively on one flagship project to be completed in this sector. Additionally, Czech companies are interested in participating in contracts such as expanding or/modernizing the tram fleet in Samarkand, trolleybus fleet in Urgench, or helping grow the Tashkent metro lines, he stated.

Czech companies stand ready to contribute their expertise to the development of airport and air traffic control-related infrastructure as well. Apart from ongoing supplies of short-range transport L-410 aircraft produced by the Czech manufacturer to Uzbekistan Airways, there is also growing interest from a Czech manufacturer specializing in smaller private aircraft, suitable for recreational flying or activities such as parachuting, the ambassador added.

Lubomir Frebort welcomed the upcoming resumption of direct flights between Tashkent and two Czech cities.

Finally, we are pleased that direct flights between Tashkent and Prague and between Tashkent and Karlovy Vary are set to resume for the upcoming summer season. These direct connections will further strengthen economic and cultural ties between our countries, he said.

The ambassador also pointed out the Czech support for Uzbekistans access to European markets, particularly through CE certification and capacity building.

One concrete example is the involvement of a Czech company in helping Uzbekistan upgrade its laboratories and capacities in metrology and standardization to European standards - crucial steps for companies intending to export to the EU, where precision and compliance with standards are essential, he explained.

Institutions such as the Czech Metrology Institute are also engaged in capacity-building efforts, including training programs in Czechia for Uzbek experts to enhance their technical expertise. In addition, CzechInvest offers a comprehensive suite of services to support foreign investors and exporters, helping bridge the gap between Uzbekistan and the European market, Lubomir Frebort noted.

The ambassador said Czechia sees significant prospects in a wide range of sectors.

There are many sectors where Czechia can offer solutions and know-how, such as mining, transport, water management, urban infrastructure and smart cities solutions, health-tech, food industry, and defense, he said.

Czech export-oriented businesses are well-positioned in each of these areas and eager to establish new, mutually beneficial partnerships. As Uzbekistan continues to modernize and diversify its economy, Czechia is committed to being a long-term partner in this transformative journey, the ambassador concluded.
Rally against deportations and the Gaza genocide at Leopoldplatz in Berlin, April 12, 2025

Under the slogan No deportations of Gazans! No deportations of anyone!, pro-Palestinian organizations rallied at a demonstration in Berlin on Saturday to call for joining the fight against Germanys relentless attacks on migrants and asylum seekers.

A large police presence was on site to intimidate the participants. Video and photographic footage show the polices provocative and aggressive behaviour. Later in the demonstration, they reportedly arrested three people temporarily for wearing a red triangle as a tattoo, earring, and as a motif on a rainbow flag. The triangle is part of the Palestinian flag but is often banned by the police as an alleged Hamas symbol.

The specific reason for the protest was the threatened deportation of a 34-year-old refugee from Gaza, whose nationality is unclear, and a 32-year-old refugee from Somalia. Their asylum applications had been rejected because, like thousands of refugees on their way to Europe, they had been granted international protection status in another country, in this case, Greece.

The refugees have filed a lawsuit against the rejection of their asylum applications. Their case was set to be heard on April 16 before the Federal Administrative Court in Berlin.

The protest was also directed against the threatened deportation of the Berlin4 due to their pro-Palestinian activities. Although they have not been convicted in court, the four Berlinersthree EU citizens and one US citizenhave been ordered to leave Germany by April 21. Otherwise, they face forcible deportation.

At the demonstration, a team from the World Socialist Web Site and the International Youth and Students for Social Equality (IYSSE) distributed a call to attend a rally in defence of the four activists Thursday, April 17 in front of Berlins Humboldt University.

Both casesthe politically motivated deportation of genocide opponents and the deportation of refugees to Greeceare closely related. They are part of a policy of repression aimed at suppressing any form of opposition to the genocide, military buildup and social cuts. The first to be criminalized are people with precarious residency status and without German citizenship but the entire working class is the target.

Berlin is working closely with the governments of other EU states, such as the Greek government under the right-wing New Democracy (ND), to expand Fortress Europe and deter and deport refugees. In their agreement to form a coalition government, the Christian Democrats (CDU/CSU) and Social Democrats (SPD), in the style of the fascist Alternative for Germany (AfD), are threatening to strengthen the repatriation offensive and, in doing so, also hold the countries of origin accountable.

In Greece, refugees face a catastrophic situation without the provisions of shelter, food or material assistance. Most refugees there live on the streets or are locked up in camps or prisons for years. In October 2024, the European Court of Human Rights ruled the rapid deportation of a Syrian refugee to Greece in 2018 unlawful because he was detained there after his arrival.

Racist violence and abuse by the neo-Nazi-dominated Greek police are part of everyday life for migrants. They are exploited and harassed as cheap labour. Furthermore, refugees face the threat of deportation to their countries of origin, where wars rage, poverty and unemployment prevail, or, as in Gaza, where genocide is being perpetrated with the support of the German government.

Due to the devastating situation and inhumane treatment there, a deportation ban to Greece had been in place in Germany in recent years, but this was lifted at the beginning of 2024. In response to inquiries from Pro Asyl, the Federal Office for Migration and Refugees (BAMF) announced in February that people from certain countries of origin that supposedly guarantee human rights-compliant accommodation would be deported to Greece. Initially, this applied to nationals from Algeria, Bangladesh, Morocco, Pakistan, and Tunisia, followed by Iraq and Iran.

Now, people who flee the Israeli genocide in Gaza and repression in the West Bank are also affected. The BAMF has suspended asylum applications for Palestinian asylum seekers from Gaza since January 9, 2024, citing the confusing and difficult to assess situation on the grounds.

The website of the movement Palestine Speaks describes the current case of a Palestinian refugee from Gaza:

The person concerned was taken into custody by the Berlin police during his appointment at the immigration office in Berlin, taken to the detention centre, and deported to Greece via Frankfurt am Main on a tourist flight accompanied by three federal police officers. At Athens airport, he was held in police custody by the Greek police for four hours before being issued only a European travel document for the return of illegally staying third-country nationals, issued by the Berlin State Office for Immigration (LEA Berlin). He was then thrown out onto the street by the Greek police without any further identification documents, without accommodation, money, food, or other support, and without any addresses of contact points in Athens.

The proceedings against the two refugees, which will be decided on Wednesday, could set a precedent for the deportation of a large number of Palestinians and other refugees to Greece.

The courts of first instance rejected their appeal, citing reasons that could have far-reaching implications for future asylum procedures:

While the Greek reception system for recognized beneficiaries of protection continues to exhibit significant deficiencies, these do not generally lead to systemic deficiencies, which certainly do not exist for young, able-bodied, and single male beneficiaries of protection. Members of this group can generally overcome the first six months, during which they are not entitled to a guaranteed minimum income, through their own initiative in finding accommodation and employment.

Germanys Federal Administrative Court is now to decide on so-called revisions of facts in asylum proceedings concerning Greece, i.e., it is to assess the current general asylum and deportation-relevant situation in the country of deportation (here Greece) for the aforementioned group of persons.

The legal argument is perfidious. People who belong to the group of fit, healthy, and single young male beneficiaries of protectionand this constitutes a large proportion of asylum seekers in Germanyare expected to fend for themselves in Greece. Human rights apparently no longer apply to them, but rather only the survival of the fittest.

WSWS reporters spoke to participants in Saturdays demonstration against deportations.

Mina held up a poster with the portrait of the young Palestinian Ahmad Manasra, who was arrested in East Jerusalem as a 13 year-old. He spent 10 years behind bars in an Israeli prison, Mina says. He was just released a few days ago and now he suffers from mental health problems.

Mina with a poster about Ahmad Manasra, who was arrested in East Jerusalem at the age of 13

She expressed shock at the threatened deportations: Its absurd that someone can be deported because of their own opinions. Then I feel like Im not allowed to express myself anymore. Then I dont feel free here. They say Germany is a free country, but when they do something like this, I feel oppressed.

She believed the German government was resorting to these methods because it supports genocide and hasnt learned anything from the past. She also considers the recent decision to rearm the Bundeswehr completely insane.

A protester from Ireland, active in the Palestine Solidarity Campaign in West Cork, said, Everyone should stand up against this genocide  especially against the complicity of Western imperialist powers like the US and Germany.

An Irish demonstrator with the leaflet for the Defend the #Berlin4 rally

He also planned to attend Thursdays rally and protest against the attacks on the four Gaza activists, two of whom were Irish. The case immediately reminded him of the United States, where Columbia student Mahmoud Khalil was arrested for his pro-Palestinian views.

However, he expressed disappointment that the Left Party in Germany was not organizing a movement against the genocide. WSWS reporters discussed with him the role of the Left Party in supporting the genocide and military buildup.

Some students at the Hertie School, a private business school in Berlin, reported repressive measures against genocide opponents on their campus. They also saw clear parallels to the attacks on international students in America.

Oosugi , a 33-year-old who moved to Berlin from Japan, stressed that The way Germany actively supports genocide is quite shocking. Many people were already being deported, including refugees from Gaza. In his view, the impending deportation of the Berlin4 could actually set a precedent.

The fact that EU citizens, who supposedly have the right to freedom of movement, are now being deported because of their political views is really just a step away from imprisoning people for political activism. I can imagine that Germany will actually do that. The government was testing how far it could go with repression until the German public reacted, he said.

In Japan, many people had previously admired Germany for its policy of remembering the Nazi past, but now this was all revealed to be fake, he said. The international reputation that Germany has gained since World War II has been completely destroyed because they have shown that they openly support genocide, Oosugi said. He also pointed with concern to the militarization in Germany and Japan and the new military partnership between the two countries.
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An anti-genocide protestor is arrested during a Bernie Sanders rally in Nampa, Idaho.

For nearly two months, tens of thousands of people across the United States have been attending rallies held under the banner of Fighting Oligarchy and headlined by Bernie Sanders and Democratic Socialists of America (DSA) member and New York Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez.

The rallies have drawn large crowds not only in major cities, but also in areas that have traditionally supported Republican candidates. After 36,000 peoplethe largest crowd in Sanders careerrallied in Los Angeles on April 12, the following night another 20,000 people gathered in Salt Lake City, Utah. On April 14, in Nampa, Idaho, 12,500 people filled the Ford Idaho Center arena to capacity. Some 9,000 turned out in Missoula, Montana, Wednesday evening.

On April 5, millions of people took part in mass protests against the Trump administration in over 1,500 cities and towns throughout the United States. The substantial attendance at these rallies and protests expresses the broad and deep opposition within the population to Trumps fascist agenda. Millions of people are outraged over unending genocide and war, attacks on democratic rights, living standards, immigrants and students, and the efforts by the Trump administration to erect a fascist dictatorship.

The size and scope of these rallies put to rest Trumps lie, echoed by the media, that he has a mandate and that his trampling of the Constitution and Bill of Rights has broad support. The democratic traditions, ideas and principles that animated and guided the Revolutions of 1776 and 1861-1865 have not been forgotten and will not be given up without a fight by the working class.

However, it is necessary to take stock of the political tendencies claiming to be fighting oligarchy. What role do Sanders, his protege Ocasio-Cortez and the Democratic Party play in this struggle?

An episode in Nampa, Idaho helps answer this question. Two anti-genocide protesters were ejected from the event by police for unfurling a banner depicting the Palestinian flag with the phrase Free Palestine. As the protesters were dragged away by police, thousands in the arena erupted into cheers of Free Palestine, drowning out Sanders attempts to quell their anger.

Under conditions in which Israel is systematically exterminating, starving and ethnically cleansing the entire population of Gaza, Sanders declared at the rally that Israel has the right to defend itself.

This is not true. The United Nations and the International Court of Justice have repeatedly ruled that the Israeli occupation of Gaza and the West Bank, which it seized during the Six Day War of 1967, is illegal. Israel has no right of self-defense against a population it illegally occupies and imprisons.

As Sanders said these words, two rally attendees dropped a Palestinian flag banner over the giant American flag that was positioned behind the stage.

At the sight of the banner, the packed auditorium roared in approval, with many standing and cheering in extended applause.

An order was quickly given by Sanders campaign to have the banner removed. Local police ripped down the banner and detained those who unfurled it. Sanders did not tell the cops to leave the anti-genocide protesters alone, doing nothing to protect them even as the crowd continued to protest the police assault.

Amid growing boos and chants from the crowd, Sanders raised his hands and said, Shhhhhh! This had the opposite effect; thousands began chanting, Free Palestine! Free Palestine! Free Palestine! with many raising their fists in solidarity.

Sanders looks on as police arrest the anti-genocide protesters and confiscate their flag. [Photo: Bernie Sanders]

This episode highlights two critically important political facts. First is the role of Sanders and Ocasio-Cortez. Sanders response to the censorship and arrest of anti-genocide protesters reveals a politician who is not in any genuine sense oppositional to the oligarchy, genocide or the Democratic Party.

He and Ocasio-Cortez, along with other so-called progressive elements, play a vital role in American politics. Their job is to corral and suffocate growing anti-capitalist and anti-war sentiment within the Democratic Party. Ocasio-Cortez declared last year that Vice President Kamala Harris was working tirelessly for a ceasefire in Gaza, as part of an effort to convince young voters to back the party which made the genocide possible, while Sanders claims the fight against oligarchy and war can be waged by voting for Democrats.

For the last 18 months, the Democratic Party, in alliance with the Republicans, has armed, funded and politically backed the genocide in Gaza. In the opening months of the genocide, both Sanders and Ocasio-Cortez vocally opposed a ceasefire in Gaza, with Sanders declaring in November 2023, I dont know how you can have a ceasefire, [a] permanent ceasefire, with an organization like Hamas.

Ocasio-Cortez publicly backed US arms sales to Israel, declaring, on the sole principle of Iron Dome and defense, I absolutely think theres an openness, for sure. Both Sanders and Ocasio-Cortez endorsed Biden in 2020 and, after he had orchestrated the Gaza genocide, in 2024.

As the response of the crowd to the Palestinian banner showed, there is broad support among those attending these rallies, no matter where they are held, for a stop to the genocide and for genuine left-wing politics.

Despite what Sanders says, the defense of democratic rights and the living standards of the working class are not separate from the genocide in Gaza. They are interlinked, as the ongoing kidnapping, harassing and possible deportation of anti-genocide student protesters such as Mahmoud Khalil, Momodou Taal, Mohsen Mahdawi, and Rumeysa Ozturk demonstrate.

The second critical point is the enormous significance of the response of the crowd itself and how quickly Sanders found himself losing control of the situation. For several minutes, Sanders tried to talk over and quiet down the crowd, to no avail. It was only after the police had taken away both protesters and after several attempts that Sanders was able to resume his speech.

Under conditions in which fascism is being actively cultivated and promoted by large sections of the ruling class, millions of people are undergoing a profound political radicalization. During such periods, figures such as Sanders and Ocasio-Cortez are brought forward by the ruling class to blunt this leftward movement and channel it back into the two-party system and electoral politics.

This takes place as Trump is openly defying the courts and disappearing immigrants without due process, while threatening to do the same to citizens.

It is within this context, when virtually all the institutions and organizations that previously held purchase in the minds of workerssuch as the two big business parties, Congress, the corporate media, the Supreme Court and the trade union apparatusare increasingly hated and discredited for their role in ushering in Trumps attacks, that Sanders and Ocasio-Cortez are brought forward.

The objective conditions that are drawing masses of people to these rallies will also, in conjunction with the fight for a socialist perspective, drive them far beyond what Sanders is offering and into genuine revolutionary socialist politics, fighting for the expropriation of the billionaires and the transfer of political power to the international working class, to put an end to genocide, inequality and war.

The Socialist Equality Party and its youth movement, the International Youth and Students for Social Equality (IYSSE), in political solidarity with the International Committee of the Fourth International (ICFI), are spearheading the international movement against Trump, Musk and the capitalist system that created them. We urge you to join us in this fight and take up the struggle for socialism.
US federal workers: tell us how the cuts are affecting your agency by filling out the form below. All submissions will be kept anonymous.

Just one day after the April 15 federal income tax filing deadline, the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) revealed plans for massive workforce reductions, according to internal documents obtained by FNN and Politico. The agency is preparing to shrink its staff from around 100,000 to between 60,000 and 70,000 employees.

Protesters rally in Los Angeles against the Trump administration's attacks on the Constitution and federal workers, March 22, 2025.

This move is part of a far-reaching campaign by the Trump administration to gut the federal workforce and dismantle essential public institutions. Agencies not directly tied to military-intelligence apparatus, domestic and border policing, or the increasing of corporate profits are being targeted for destruction. Over 70,000 federal employees have already accepted voluntary buyouts, and tens of thousands more are expected to be laid off in the coming months.

At the IRS, over 20,000 have already taken buyouts. Internal memos make clear that these cuts are being made with full awareness of their impact. One such memo stated, taxpayer services and compliance will need to be trimmed, a clear signal that enforcement against wealthy tax cheats will be scaled back.

An IRS worker, speaking anonymously to the World Socialist Web Site, described the consequences of the cuts:

The cuts will have a profound impact on tax enforcement, which will make it easier for millionaire and billionaire tax cheats to avoid detection. Millionaires and billionaires tend to have very complicated transaction structures and can have tax returns well over a hundred pages long. They will no doubt be the primary beneficiaries of these cuts.

The worker went on to explain that the cuts will likely lead to a broader fiscal crisis:

This will most likely force the government to make up the shortfall from the rest of the population. Presumably the administration plans to do this through tariffs, which, unlike income taxes, are not progressive. Billionaires and the poor all pay the same amount for the higher cost of goods resulting from tariffs. Another outcome will be poor customer service and the wasteful payment of more fraudulent subsidies, the IRS pays out a lot of subsidies, since there will be fewer people monitoring things.

The National Treasury Employees Union (NTEU), which represents IRS employees, warned in a statement to The Hill that enforcement is being specifically targeted:

Roughly 70 percent of the personnel cuts thus far have been in enforcement, which will make it easier to avoid detection for the millionaire and billionaire tax cheats who evade an estimated $150 billion in taxes every year. It is estimated that every dollar cut from enforcement costs five to nine dollars in revenue. So if Musk tries to cut $10 billion from IRS enforcement spending, he will be risking $50-90 billion in lost revenue each year

In other words, the entire purpose of the layoffs is to facilitate tax fraud by the wealthy and eliminate the programs their taxes help fund.

While tax enforcement is being slashed, sweeping cuts to social spending are underway. The Trump administration is backing $880 billion in cuts to Medicaid and roughly $230 billion from food stamps. On top of this, the House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform is proposing to cut $40 billion in mandatory spending, which would inevitably include cuts to federal worker pensions and healthcare.

Elon Musks so-called Department of Government Efficiency, which spearheading attacks on the federal workforce, is also demanding direct access to tax records for every American. This massive privacy violation would enable the White House to use tax records to facilitate roundups and other repressive measures against immigrants and political opponents of the regime.

This measure, aimed at establishing a presidential dictatorship, has prompted a wave of resignations of top IRS officials, including two acting IRS commissioners since Trump took office. The agencys chief information officer also announced just before the April 15 filing deadline plans to step down at the end of the month.

According to the Associated Press, the administration is also attempting to eliminate the IRS Direct File systema free e-filing option for ordinary taxpayers. By undermining this system, the government seeks to make the filing process more difficult and increase profits for private tax preparers.

Latest round of cuts

The layoffs at the IRS are only one part of a much broader purge of the federal workforce. April 14 was the deadline for all federal agencies to submit reductions in force (RIF) plans for the second round of layoffs. According to the New York Times, there have been at least 56,230 confirmed job cuts and about 76,100 employees who have taken buyouts, with a further 146,320 or more being currently planned. This is approximately equal to 10 percent of the total federal workforce.

Other recent cuts include:

Department of Health and Human Services (HHS): 20,000 workers are being eliminated through a mix of layoffs and buyouts. The CDC and FDA are each losing about 20 percent of their staff. Two-thirds of the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health has been eliminated.

Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD): Up to 50 percent of staff are being laid off; some areas may lose as much as 75 percent.

Department of Veterans Affairs (VA): Over 1,000 probationary workers have been dismissed, including researchers working on mental health, cancer, addiction, and prosthetics.

Environmental Protection Agency (EPA): 388 employees have been terminated.

National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA): 880 employees have been laid off, including workers from the National Hurricane Center and Storm Prediction Center, making the country more vulnerable to severe death and destruction from extreme weather.

Department of Energy (DOE): 1,2002,000 layoffs affecting the National Nuclear Security Administration and other critical areas.

AmeriCorps National Civilian Community Corps (NCCC): Over 2,000 volunteers have dismissed due to programmatic circumstances beyond your control, the agency said in a memo. This decision impacts disaster relief and community service projects nationwide.

At the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), staffing cuts have been so severe that the agency was forced to hire dozens of contractors just to manage travel and scheduling for inspectors after the entire travel operations division was laid off at the start of the month. The move threatens to cripple in-person inspections of the food supply and even strand inspectors who were out in the field at the time of the cuts.

Despite the severity of these attacks, federal unions like the NTEU have taken no serious action. Upholding anti-democratic laws which ban federal workers from striking, their response has been limited to letters and statements, even as the administration tears up union contracts through executive orders. While federal workers are being stripped of their jobs and protections, union officials remain committed to a strategy of appeasement and legal appeals.

This assault on public workers cannot be defeated by lobbying or legal action. It requires a mass mobilization of the working class. Federal workers must link their struggle with broader movements of workers in the US and internationally, to defend the right to secure employment, adequate social services, and democratic rights.

Such a struggle can only be organized from below. As the International Workers Alliance of Rank-and-File Committees (IWA-RFC) wrote in a February statement:

The committees the IWA-RFC is calling for will be the means through which federal workers can communicate between workplaces, exchange information and coordinate joint action. Through the expansion of rank-and-file committees in every workplace, workers can build support and prepare strike action to oppose mass firings, the destruction of social programs and the privatization of public services. These committees will unite federal workers with immigrant workers fighting deportation, educators and healthcare workers resisting cuts, and industrial workers battling exploitation and unsafe conditions, forging a common struggle against the attacks on the entire working class.
On Monday, federal immigration agents smashed the car window of Guatemalan immigrant Juan Francisco Mendez and arrested him on a street in New Bedford, Massachusetts, as his wife looked on.

Mendez, 29, has been taken to a detention facility in New Hampshire. He has been in the US lawfully for two years, and he and his wife have no criminal record. His wife, Marilu Domingo Ortiz, was granted asylum after fleeing persecution in Guatemala and, because the two are legally married, Mendez has received the same protection. They have a nine-year-old son who is in school.

A smartphone video taken from inside their car shows a group of police officersapparently Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents, at least one of whom was in plain clothesdemanding that Mendez and his wife, Marilu, open their door or roll down their window so they can talk, just talk.

Speaking in Spanish through the car window, Mendez says, My lawyer is on her way, and I will only speak when my lawyer arrives. The officer then says, Tell the lawyer to hurry up. Juan replies, She says shell be here in half an hour, and then carefully places both hands on the steering wheel.

Marilu, who is on the phone with an attorney, asks the officers through the window, Excuse me, do you have a warrant? and Do you have an arrest warrant? When the officers do not respond, Marilu asks, Can I leave? to which one officer responds quickly, No.

Also speaking in Spanish, the individual in plain clothes approaches the car door and says, I can open the door. Do you understand me? and Marilu says, Yes. The officer then threatens, Do you want it hard or easy? to which Marilu replies, Yes, but when my lawyer is present.

One of the officers then approaches the rear passenger side door with a large pick-axe and smashes the rear door window while the other officers open the front passenger door where Marilu is sitting. At this point, there is a break in the video.

When it resumes, Marilu appears saying in tears, They pulled us out violently. They treated us very harshly.

In a report by WPRI 12 News, which covers Rhode Island and Southeastern Massachusetts, their attorney Ondine Galvez Sniffin gave a statement. She said her clients were told the agents were looking for someone named Antonio.

Attorney Ondine Galvez Sniffin explained:

I said, Well, thats great, because your name is not Antonio, so you should be fine. Show them the paperwork that you have and you should be fine. And the agents didnt pay attention to that. [Marilu] came to the US with the belief that she would be safe here, that she would not have to endure the impunity of state actors the way she endured in her own country. And this is what shes facing, and her husband, because they are legally married, has the same benefits that she does.

According to authorities, Mendez is being held at a facility in Dover, New Hampshire. The attorney said:

Theyre trying to live the American dream. Theyre doing everything right. What they were doing, sitting in their car, in a parked car, respectfully speaking with these agents. Thats what every American should do: respect law enforcement. In response, what they got was violence, brutality, impunity. As she was here in my office, as were strategizing to request bond, her son calls her on the cellphone, Mommy, when are you going to be home? Please dont forget to bring daddy when you come home.

In response to questions from local media, New Bedford Mayor Jon Mitchell was compelled to issue a statement on X, which said:

The incident raises questions that require clearer answers. Recently ICE appears to have broken from its longstanding practice of alerting our police department ahead of planned operations, a decision that poses safety risks to officers, ICE agents, and the public alike. It may also preclude opportunities for local police to help deescalate tense situations like this last one. Nor has there been an indication from ICE whether agents are focusing on apprehension of convicted criminalsas the Trump administration has insistedor is instead in an indiscriminate round-up of individuals with uncertain immigrant status. The public deserves an explanation from the administration.

In a statement provided to Boston 25, ICE officials defended their Gestapo tactics and violation of the basic rights of the young couple. In characteristic fashion, the statement falsified the status of Mendez as living legally in the US and claimed he was an illegally present Guatemalan alien who was detained by ICE Boston.

Marilu Domingo Ortiz, whose husband was taken into custody by ICE agents after they smashed a window of their family car, looks at broken glass and damage to their vehicle at their home, Wednesday, April 16, 2025, in New Bedford, Mass. [AP Photo/Charles Krupa]

The ICE statement went on with more lies that are clearly contradicted by the smartphone video. The ICE statement reads:

During the course of his arrest, he refused to comply with officers instructions and resisted apprehension. ICE concurs with the actions deemed appropriate by the officers on the scene who are trained to use the minimum amount of force necessary to resolve the situation in a manner that ensures the success of the operation and prioritizes the safety of our officers.

In related development, a New Hampshire real estate attorney and American citizen who was returning home from Canada reported he was detained at the border without explanation. Bachir Atallah and his wife, Jessica Fakhri, were traveling back from a trip on Sunday when US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) stopped them as they reentered the country in Vermont.

I literally drove my car to Canada for the weekend, and on the way back, I was treated like a criminal, Atallah, who has been a US citizen for 10 years, told NBC10 Boston. He said border police told him to exit his vehicle right now and then the officer reached for his gun.

Atallah continued:

They handcuffed me, they twisted my arm, my wrist. They walked me inside, and I was looking at my wife in the car.

Fakhri said, It was like a shock for me.

Atallah reported CBP agents requested to look into his email on his phone, which he refused because of attorney-client privilege. He said:

So I had to, under duress, give him permission to look through my email, through my privileged information, and he made me write a statement, signed by me, saying that I gave him permission to look through the email.

When asked on Tuesday about the incident, a CBP official claimed Atallahs account was blatantly false and sensationalized, and the border police acted in accordance with established protocols. In other words, the abuse and brutalization of American citizens attempting to reenter the US is now standard procedure.

On Wednesday, in the growing constitutional crisis over the Trump administrations illegal deportation of immigrants to El Salvador under the Alien Enemies Act, US District Judge James Boasberg said probable cause exists to find the White House in contempt of court.

The judge said the Trump administration violated his order over the deportation flights last month and explained that he did not reach this conclusion lightly, but officials failed to provide satisfactory answers to explain their actions.

In a 46-page opinion, Boasberg wrote:

The Constitution does not tolerate willful disobedience of judicial ordersespecially by officials of a coordinate branch who have sworn an oath to uphold it.

Quoting from the 1809 case Johnson v Peters, Boasberg wrote:

To permit such officials to freely annul the judgments of the courts of the United States would not just destroy the rights acquired under those judgments; it would make a solemn mockery of the Constitution itself.

The judge said he would give the Trump administration a chance to remedy its contempt, but if it fails to do so, he will proceed to identify the people in contempt and refer the matter for prosecution.

Boasbergs opinion comes as another federal judge has warned of possible contempt proceedings against the White House in the case of Kilmar Abrego Garcia. Abrego Garcia, who is from El Salvador and was granted permission to stay in the US by an immigration judge in 2019, was picked up and is among those sent to the CECOT concentration camp prison in El Salvador without due process.

The Trump administration is defying an order by a district court and an order by the US Supreme Court stating that it must facilitate the return of Abrego Garcia. Numerous White House figures, including Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Attorney General Pam Bondi, have deliberately falsified the facts about Abrego Garcia, claiming he is a member of a criminal gang and a terrorist.

On Wednesday, Democratic Maryland Senator Chris Van Hollen traveled to El Salvador and met with the countrys vice president in a bid to visit and win the release of Abrego Garcia. Van Hollen, who is a member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, said at a news conference in San Salvador that Vice President Felix Ulloa said his government could not return Abrego Garcia to the United States and declined to allow the senator to visit him in the notorious prison where he is being held.
An election forum focussed on the Gaza genocide, held in the Melbourne electorate of Wills Tuesday evening, demonstrated the dead-end political perspective of the Greens and Socialist Alliance. Candidates for both organisations insisted that the struggle to defend the Palestinian people meant continuing efforts to pressure the Labor government to act, through demonstrations and the ballot box.

Panel at Gaza-focussed election forum in Melbourne, April 15, 2025. From left, Imam Alaa Elzokm, Sue Bolton, Samantha Ratnam, Robert Martin.

The forum, attended by about 60 people, was organised by two organisations, Free Palestine Melbourne and Muslim Votes Matter.

The former has organised the near-weekly demonstrations held since the beginning of the Israeli onslaught on Gaza. These have been dominated by the Greens and pseudo-lefts, both of which oppose any orientation towards mobilising the social power of the working class against the war. Protesters outraged by the genocide have instead been repeatedly told that appeals to the Labor Party will eventually shift government policy, which has been marked by full-throated support for the Zionist state and its military operations.

Muslim Votes Matter is a recently formed lobby group that, in its words, seeks to ensure that the voice of Australian Muslims strengthens national unity and promotes values-driven policy making. One of its leaders, Imam Alaa Elzokm, spoke at the election forum and urged people to vote for pro-Palestinian candidates.

The electorate of Wills, in Melbournes inner-north, covers increasingly gentrified suburbs like Brunswick in its south, as well as more working-class suburbs in its north, including communities with significant numbers of immigrants and refugees from the Middle East. Wills is currently held by the Labor Partys Peter Khalil, who is among the most vociferous pro-Zionist politicians in Canberra and who before entering parliament was complicit in war crimes through his work in Iraq serving within the illegal US occupation regime. The electorate has been targeted by the Greens, with significant resources devoted to advertising and campaigning for their candidate Samantha Ratnam.

At the election forum, Ratnam immodestly presented her election campaign as the culmination of the anti-genocide movement, saying: If we are able to defeat Peter Khalil on May 3rd, we want people to say, we did this for Gaza, we did this for the Palestinians.

Ratnam claimed that protest politics had shifted Labors policies, though she made no attempt to substantiate this utterly false assertion.

Dont let people deter you, or tell you its not worth it, and that [protesting] is not going to work, she told the forum. That movement is fundamentally shifting politics in Australia, you can see it especially in the behaviour of establishment politicians and major party politicians.

She concluded: The Greens can win [Wills] for the first time. We keep Dutton out, and we are there pushing for that parliament to be as progressive as possible, for Labor to finally do something. Theres a lot more they could be doing, and theres a lot more that parliament could be doing.

The Greens rhetoric in defence of Palestine amounts to so much hot air. As Ratnams comments again indicated, the party is positioning itself to join government with the Labor Party in the likely event of a hung parliament after the May 3 election, either in an outright coalition or via a parliamentary agreement to block no-confidence motions and pass their budget. Any such Labor-Greens government will simply continue where the previous administration of Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has left off, with the alliance with US imperialism maintained and support for Israel unaltered.

A fight for the defence of the Palestinian people means first and foremost workers and young people breaking with the Labor Party and all its accomplices, including the Greens, and a turn to mobilise the working class independently of the trade union bureaucracies, which have systematically sabotaged all strikes and blockades targeting the Israeli war machine.

Socialist Alliances Sue Bolton made clear at the election forum her organisations opposition to this perspective.

No less than the Greens, the pseudo-left Socialist Alliance rests on affluent layers of the middle class. It presents a somewhat more militant case for demonstrations, boycotts, and other protest actionsbut directed towards exactly the same futile end, namely pressuring the Labor Party to act.

Bolton uttered not a word of criticism toward the Greens. Like Ratnam, she extolled the Free Palestine rallies, ignoring the fact that protest politics has, in Australia and internationally, done nothing to hinder the genocidal Israeli offensive.

We have had an impact, she declared, even though sometimes it might feel like we havent.

Socialist Equality Party candidate for the Senate in Victoria, Taylor Hernan, challenged both Ratnam and Bolton in the forums brief discussion period. He demanded the Greens candidate explain her partys recent pledge to support a multi-billion dollar spending program for the construction of missiles and armed drones in Australia. He also asked that Ratnam explain how the Greens can posture as anti-war while preparing to join the Labor Party in government.

The Greens candidate declared that her partys military program was directed towards ending the AUKUS agreement with Britain and the US, and towards getting out of the US alliance. On the pending coalition with Labor, Ratnam spoke about changing parliament and building the Greens parliamentary presence, before declaring one of the things we want to avoid at all costs is a [Liberal leader Peter] Dutton prime ministership and government.

In other words, workers and youth must stay chained to the Labor Party via the Greens, on the fraudulent basis that it is the lesser evil to the Liberal-National coalition.

This perspective is embraced by Socialist Alliance, which always directs its ballot preferences to the Greens and Labor. Hernan challenged Bolton to explain her partys policy that the Labor governments military budget ought to be reduced by 50 percent, in other words leaving more than $25 billion a year for the war machine, representing, as Hernan explained, an endorsement of Australian imperialisms drive to war.

While Bolton attempted to provide a radical gloss for this policyinsisting Socialist Alliance wants an end to the US alliance and the closure of US intelligence and military bases in Australiashe did not attempt to challenge Hernans characterisation of her partys orientation.

While a significant part of the forums audience were Greens and Socialist Alliance campaigners, others in attendance received the Socialist Equality Partys election statement with interest.

One participant, Sam, told World Socialist Web Site reporters he agreed with Hernans challenge to the Greens and Socialist Alliance.

He [Hernan] spoke openly and candidly regarding Australias role in supporting the United States military in all of its overseas interventions, Sam said. I believe, honestly, that without people like you asking questions like yours, without mobilising in the streets, were not going to have a chance of change in Australia and around the world.

Sam continued: All the Greens are seeking to do is to get into parliament, and theyre not going to put on any pressure. Fundamentally, it isnt going to change anything, as theyre going to approve all the bills that go forward regarding military spending increases, regarding deployments, and they're not going to put any substantial pressure on the Australian military. Nor will there be a move away from being essentially Americas lap dog in the Pacific which is what AUKUS was about. Its just an encirclement of China and of any of America's so-called enemies.

Authorised by Cheryl Crisp for the Socialist Equality Party, Level 1/457-459 Elizabeth Street, Surry Hills, NSW, 2010, Australia.
It's happening here: Fascism in 1933 Germany and today

On Tuesday, World Socialist Web Site International Editorial Board Chairman David North took part in a timely and urgent discussion with Professor Emanuele Saccarelli of San Diego State Universitys Political Science Department, titled Its happening here: Fascism in 1933 Germany and today.

Throughout the interview, North addressed questions that clarified the Marxist understanding of fascism, the historical processes that led to the rise of Hitler, the role of the working class in the fight against fascism, and the relevance of these lessons for today amid the Trump administrations deepening efforts to establish a fascist dictatorship in the United States.

He underscored that the discussion of fascism is no longer merely historical but has acquired intense contemporary relevance, as many now ask whether the United States is confronted with fascism and what must be done to stop its advance.

When asked by Saccarelli to define fascism for a new generation entering political life, North stressed the necessity of a scientific and historical understanding, tracing the origins of fascism to the aftermath of the 1917 Russian Revolution and the wave of working class radicalization that followed the First World War. He emphasized that fascism arose as a mass movement mobilizing the petty bourgeoisie, demoralized workers and lumpen elements to smash the organizations of the working class, in the service of the big bourgeoisie.

North explained that Mussolinis fascism in Italy and Hitlers Nazism in Germany were direct responses to revolutionary threats from the working class. The most distinctive element of Italian fascism was that it arose as a movement to suppress and beat back a radicalizing working class movement, he said, noting that the failure of the socialist parties to lead the working class to power created the conditions for the rise of fascism. In Germany, the betrayal of the 1918-19 and 1923 revolutions by the Social Democratic and Communist parties gave the bourgeoisie time to regroup, paving the way for Hitlers ascent.

Saccarelli asked North to address whether Hitler came to power through a putsch or democratic means and the implications for today. North responded: As a matter of historical fact, Hitler did not come to power in a putsch. He had attempted a putsch in 1923it was unsuccessful. Rather, North explained, German democracy was itself on its last legs, with the government increasingly ruling by decree and the forms of parliamentary democracy hollowed out. Despite the Nazi Party becoming the largest in the Reichstag, Hitler never achieved a parliamentary majority; his rise was facilitated by the refusal of the two mass working class partiesthe Social Democrats and Communiststo form a united front against fascism.

North highlighted the catastrophic consequences of the Stalinist policy that branded the Social Democrats as social fascists, thereby equating them with the Nazis and blocking the possibility of a united working class resistance.

The task of fascism was to annihilate the working class movement and save capitalism by destroying every fragment of working class democracy, even the social democracy itself, North said. He stressed Trotskys insistence that if fascism was to be stopped, it required that the Communist Party  offer the Social Democrats a united front for the purpose of the defense of working class organizations against the Nazi threats.

Turning to the present, North addressed whether the lessons of the united front are applicable today. He drew a sharp distinction between the united fronta strategy for the unified action of working class organizationsand the popular front, which subordinates the working class to alliances with bourgeois parties.

North asserted:

To oppose fascism at its roots is to oppose the economic foundations upon which fascism develops and to which fascism is committed.

He criticized contemporary pseudo-left organizations, such as the Democratic Socialists of America (DSA), for promoting alliances with the Democratic Party, arguing that this means the crippling of any serious struggle against fascism.

On the question of whether Donald Trump represents a fascist threat, North commented:

Theres a lot about Trumps movement and Trump himself which smells of fascism. It has that particular odor, or, I might say, stink. But what he lacks is a mass movement. He does not, at this point, have at his disposal, a mass movement of demoralized, embittered, petty bourgeois middle class elements, lumpen proletariat, stirred into rage against socialism and communism.

Instead, North observed, the working class is moving to the left. I think that is the dominant movement from below. He warned, however, that the danger of fascism remains real if the political confusion produced by decades of anti-communism is not overcome. North issued a powerful call for the building of a revolutionary party rooted in the working class and guided by Marxist consciousness, stating:

If you want to fight, you have to understand what youre fighting. You have to turn to the working class. But turning to the working class is not something you do with a compass. It means that you take up a fight for Marxist consciousness in the working class, for the development of scientifically grounded class consciousness, that you build up within the workplaces, within the factories, a cadre of socialist workers.

Addressing the pseudo-anticapitalist rhetoric of both historical fascism and contemporary right-wing movements, North explained:

One of the critical elements of all fascist movements is extreme nationalism and the advancing of all sorts of really miraculous cures to the ailments of capitalism on a national basis. At times, and this was certainly true among certain elements even around the Nazi Party, this was given a certain fraudulent socialist coloration. But the national element, ultimately, is a defense of national capitalism.

Commenting on Trumps sweeping attacks on democratic rights, North drew direct parallels with the policies of the Nazis, stating:

Trump is proceeding now completely illegally. The constitutional framework does not exist for him. He is not restrained by any sort of constitutional norms, legal norms. As we have written in the World Socialist Web Site, he is working off of the conceptions which were associated with the Nazi jurist Carl Schmitt, the so-called state of exception. The Fuhrer makes the laws. He has the power. He does with them what he wants. And this has been ratified, in a sense, by the Supreme Court, and its not encountering any significant opposition within the Congress. It is encountering opposition within the population.

North concluded by urging all those concerned with the defense of democratic rights and the fight against fascism to join the Socialist Equality Party and attend the upcoming International May Day Online Rally hosted by the World Socialist Web Site, stating:

These are not, in the end, purely academic questions. These are questions of life and death. I think we all must sense this; anyone who really is thinking about whats taking place as the world is changing. And what will take place over the next year, two years, three years, may very well decide the fate of humanity.
Mohsen Mahdawi being arrested by federal agents on Monday, April 14, 2025 [Photo: Christopher Helali]

The International Youth and Students for Social Equality (IYSSE) demands the immediate release of Mohsen Mahdawi and calls for the broadest possible resistance among workers and youth to this assault on democratic rights. Mahdawis seizure is the latest in the Trump administrations escalating campaign of terror targeting international students across the country.

The democratic rights of the entire working population are under assault. We urge mass action by the working class, including protests and strike action across the country, to bring an end to Trumps plan for dictatorship.

Mahdawi, a student at Columbia University in New York and legal permanent resident of the United States, was snatched up by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents at the US Citizenship and Immigration Services office in Colchester, Vermont. The ICE-Gestapo had prepared the location as a trap for Mahdawi, who thought he was showing up for a citizenship interview.

A Palestinian born in the Israeli-occupied West Bank, Mahdawi faces deportation to a territory which is currently under siege by the genocidal regime of Israeli President Benjamin Netanyahu. Such a deportation would be a kind of a death sentence ... because my people are being killed unjustly in an indiscriminate way, Mahdawi told The Intercept.

Mahdawi was a leader of the student protests at Columbia in 2023 and 2024 against Israels genocide in Gaza, alongside his fellow activist and friend Mahmoud Khalil. A legal resident of the US, Khalil now faces deportation following a Louisiana immigration judges ruling affirming the invocation of the Immigration and Nationality Act to deport Khalil on the basis of his political views.

Like Khalil, Mahdawi has not been accused, charged or convicted of any crime. He has being detained for his opposition to the Israeli genocide, backed to the hilt and overseen by American imperialism.

Both Mahdawi and Khalil have been seized based on declarations from Secretary of State Marco Rubio that their presence in the US is contrary to compelling US foreign policy interests, because of their opposition to the Gaza genocide.

In a statement to The Intercept, Mahdawis attorney Luna Droubi said, Mohsen Mahdawi was unlawfully detained today for no reason other than his Palestinian identity. He came to this country hoping to be free to speak out about the atrocities he has witnessed, only to be punished for such speech.

As of this writing, federal judge William K. Sessions III, responding to the habeas corpus petition by Mahdawis attorneys, has issued a temporary restraining order preventing Mahdawi from being removed from the United States or moved out of the territory of the District of Vermont pending further order of this Court. The habeas corpus petition reads in part:

The government has made clear that it intends to retaliate and punish individuals such as Mr. Mahdawi who advocated for a cease fire and ending the bloodshed in Gaza. Respondents actions plainly violate the First Amendment, which protects Mr. Mahdawis right to speak on matters of public concern and prevents the government from chilling constitutionally-protected speech. In addition to violating Mr. Mahdawis First Amendment rights, the Rubio Determination and Mr. Mahdawis unlawful detention also violates Mr. Mahdawis statutory rights and due process rights. Public statements by government officials, including statements by the President and Secretary of State, establish that Respondents have detained Mr. Mahdawi to punish and silence him because of his constitutionally protected speech, beliefs, statements, or associations.

Mahdawi had been targeted by the Zionist organization Betar, which reported him and other pro-Palestinian student activists to the State Department. Among those were Cornell graduate student Momodou Taal, with Betar appealing for Secretary of State Marco Rubio to revoke his student visa and have him removed from the country.

Betar, working in collaboration with the pro-Israel doxing website Canary Mission, have made themselves foot soldiers of Trumps campaign to establish a fascist dictatorship.

Like other ultra-right groups, Betar, which traces its origins to the fascist-Zionist youth movement founded by Zeev Jabotinsky, was emboldened by Trumps return to the White House. The organization claims full credit for the detention of Mahdawi, stating, We have nothing to apologize for. As the forefather of Zionism, Zeev Jabotinsky said in 1911, No Apologies.

Mahdawis detainment comes on the heels of the Supreme Court ruling that allowed the Trump administration to invoke the Alien Enemies Act in mass abductions and expulsions.

Most recently, Trumps warm welcome at the White House of El Salvadors fascist president Nayib Bukelewho agreed to accept unlimited numbers of people, including US citizens, and imprison them in one of the most brutal detention facilities on the planethas marked another step in the consolidation of a presidential dictatorship in the US.

In recent weeks, more than 1,300 international students have had their visa status revoked as part of an intensifying crackdown by the Trump administration on foreign students and universities. Many revocations are being justified under a 1990 clause in the Immigration and Nationality Act, which allows the Secretary of State to revoke a visa if the student presents potentially serious adverse foreign policy consequences. In other words, the law targets all those opposed to the war policies of American imperialism.

It must be stressed that this authoritarian campaign will not be limited to international students. It will be expanded to the entire working class unless it is stopped.

The turn of the capitalist ruling class to dictatorship is inherently linked to the escalating assault on the basic democratic, social and economic rights of the working class, expressed in the slashing of social programs, the mass firing of federal workers, the elimination of basic regulatory protections, and the escalation of war and repression to enforce the interests of the financial elite.

Trump is not a rotten apple in an otherwise clean bushel, but the expression of a capitalist system in terminal crisis, one that sees no way out except through mass repression, social counterrevolution and world war. His administration is of, by, and for the capitalist oligarchy, representing the violent realignment of the superstructure of US politics to correspond to the oligarchic character of American capitalism.

In opposing this repression, young people must cast aside any illusions in the Democratic Party and break the chains of this party of Wall Street and imperialist war.

Particularly revealing in the case of Mahdawi is the role of Vermont Senator Bernie Sanders. Mahdawi directly appealed to Sanders office, concerned that his citizenship interview appointment was a trap. Prior to his detention, Mahdawi pleaded for Sanders and his state representatives to intervene in his defense.

Sanders, Vermont Senator Peter Welch and Vermont Representative Becca Balint, all Democrats or supporters of the Democratic Party, issued a statement only after Mahdawis detention. They said that he must be afforded due process under the law and immediately released from detention. But they will take no action.

Sanders and the entire Democratic Party bear responsibility for Mahdawis detention and the rise of the fascist Trump. The administration of Joe Biden, for which Sanders was the most prominent cheerleader, supported Israels genocide against the Palestinians and oversaw sweeping police attacks on pro-Palestinian student protesters. Democratic politicians of every stripe joined hands with Republicans to slander opposition to the genocide as antisemitic. Sanders, as well as the Democratic Socialists of America (DSA)-backed members of the House of Representatives, continue to vote to fund and arm Israel.

At Columbia and other major universities, Democratic Party supporters collaborate with the Trump administration in the kidnapping and deportation of students like Mahdawi and the institution of a reign of terror on campuses.

Former Columbia University law professor Katherine Franke reported on Monday that the university is planning to announce an agreement to formal oversight by Trump. The university, controlled by upper-middle class layers in and around the Democratic Party and Wall Street executives, is further bowing to the ultra-right demands of Trump for a crackdown on free speech.

The fight for the freedom of Mahdawi, Khalil and other students cannot be waged on the campuses alone. If there is to be an effective opposition to dictatorship, imperialist war, genocide, austerity and inequality, it must come from the working class, independently mobilized on the basis of a socialist, Trotskyist program and united internationally against capitalism.

The protests that took place on April 5, involving millions of people across the US and internationally, revealed the tremendous opposition to the Trump administration that is developing across the globe. But this opposition must now be armed with a clear political perspective.

The critical political lesson of the extended period of continuous anti-genocide and, more recently, anti-Trump protests is that fascism, genocide and imperialist war cannot be opposed through pressuring the ruling elite and its representatives in the university administrations, the Democratic Party and trade union bureaucracy.

The IYSSE, the student and youth movement of the Socialist Equality Party (SEP), fights for the development of rank-and-file committees in every workplace and neighborhood, as part of the International Workers Alliance of Rank-and-File Committees, which will connect the defense of the interests of workers with the fight against war and dictatorship.

A mass movement, based on an entirely new political axis, must be developed, rooted in the working class, in the US and throughout the world. This requires a serious theoretical and political orientation of youth and students and their education in the history and political heritage of the class struggle and of the Trotskyist movement.

All students and youth who agree with this perspective should join the IYSSE to take up the fight to build a socialist and internationalist movement of the working class in the US and around the world.
President Donald Trump listens during a Cabinet meeting at the White House in Washington, Wednesday, February 26, 2025. [AP Photo]

President Donald Trump has extorted pledges totaling around a billion dollars in pro bono legal services from seven more major US law firms by threatening to kneecap them with punitive executive orders that would bar their attorneys from federal buildings and terminate government contracts with their clients. The total number of toady law firms is now nine of the top 100 by revenue.

Meanwhile, the four major law firms that have stood up to Trump obtained temporary restraining orders (TRO) from different federal judges in the District of Columbia, two of whom were nominated by Republican George W. Bush, one by Obama and one by Biden.

Last month, Paul Weiss, which ranks number 27 by revenue, worked out a deal for $40 million in pro bono hours after being named in an executive order. That deal was followed by Skadden, Arps, the sixth largest, which promised $100 million in billable hours in exchange for Trumps not naming the law firm in an executive order.

Trump has claimed similar deals with Kirkland & Ellis and Latham & Watkins, the two largest US law firms, A&O Shearman (12), Simpson, Thacher & Bartlett (20), Milbank (24), Wilkie, Farr & Gallager (46), and Cadwalader Wickersham & Taft (96).

According to Trump press secretary Karoline Leavitt, Big Law continues to bend the knee to President Trump because they know they were wrong, and he looks forward to putting their pro bono legal concessions toward implementing his America First agenda.

The New York Times reported Wednesday that Trump viewed the approximately one billion dollars in promised services as a legal war chest to be used as he wishes.

Have you noticed that lots of law firms have been signing up with Trump: $100 million, another $100 million for damages that theyve done, Trump told a gathering of union bureaucrats representing the United Mine Workers last week, insinuating that he would direct his law firms to oppose decades of environmental protection and to fight the transition to renewable energy sources.

No written agreement between any law firm and the Trump administration has been released, and various statements about their scope have conflicted. Nevertheless, these law firms public prostration to a crude and stupid aspiring dictator is triggering widespread revulsion within the legal profession.

Berkeley Law Dean Erwin Chemerinskys reaction is typical. We should be ashamed that so many law firms have capitulated to extortion rather than fighting back and challenging the illegal policies of the Trump administration, he wrote in his column for legal newspapers.

The roughly 1.3 million practicing US attorneys constitute a significant layer of the petty-bourgeois intelligentsia. While tied by thousands of strands to capitalism and the ruling class, many lawyers represent workers in civil and criminal cases and identify to some extent with their interests. Moreover, the study of law itself requires an appreciation of the historical development of social relationships, and tends to imbue some members of the legal profession with an understanding of the importance of democratic rights.

Large firms traditionally donate substantial pro-bono hours to defend against government oppression. Citing an important recent example, Quinn Emanuel Urquhart & Sullivan, LLP, the thirty-first largest US law firm by revenue, is representing Kilmar Armando Obrego Garcia in opposition to the governments fascistic attempt to block his return from the CECOT prison in El Salvador. Ironically, last month partners from that same firm were instrumental in brokering the Paul Weiss sellout deal with Trump. It remains to be seen whether Trump will now try to retaliate against Quinn Emanuel.

There are scattered social media reports of attorneys leaving Trumps firms in disgust, although most are lower level associates and their numbers so far appear to be relatively small. Willkie Farrs longest-serving lawyer, Joseph T. Baio, however, resigned in protest, although one of its newest partners, Kamala Harriss spouse Doug Emhoff, is choosing to remain.

The cowardice of the nine surrendering law firms contrasts with the four firms that so far have stood up to Trumps bullying. Tuesday afternoon judge Loren L. AliKhan issued the fourth TRO against an anti-law firm executive orderthis one targeting Susman Godfrey LLP, which obtained the record $787,500,000 settlement from Fox News for defaming Dominion Voting Systems in connection with Trumps baseless attempt to dispute the 2020 Biden electoral victory.

AliKhan called the executive order a shocking abuse of power.

Law firms across the country are entering into agreements with the government out of fear that they will be targeted next and that is coercion, plain and simple, AliKhan said from the bench, adding, The government has sought to use its immense power to dictate the positions that law firms may and may not take, controlling who law firms are allowed to represent. This immensely oppressive power threatens the very foundations of legal representation in our country.

The three other law firms standing up to Trump, Perkins Coie, WilmerHale and Jenner & Block, have motions for permanent injunctions pending. Twenty-four supporting amicus curiae friend of the court briefs, an extraordinary number, have been filed in support of the law firms.

The briefs were filed on behalf of over 1,000 other law firms (although none of the twenty largest would participate), 363 law professors, 376 retired judges (active judges cannot participate), 23 prominent non-profits, 61 media organizations, criminal defense associations, various bar associations and officials, the NAACP Legal Defense and Educational Fund, the American Civil Liberties Union, and the Fred T. Korematsu Center For Law and Equality.

One supporting brief was filed on behalf of dozens of corporate attorneys who oppose Trumps interference with their ability to retain law firms to represent their respective capitalist business enterprises.

These briefs make four key points. First, the Constitution does not authorize the president to punish law firms without due process, the judicial branch having responsibility for policing the legal profession. Second, sanctioning law firms for representation interferes with their clients own right to counsel, which is fundamental to the US legal system as enshrined in the Sixth Amendment. Third, retaliating against law firms for their representation of clients, particularly in politically significant matters, violates the First Amendment rights of both the attorneys and the clients.

The amicus brief filed on behalf of six professors of legal ethics makes the additional point that law firms which offer millions of dollars worth of pro bono legal services to support the White Houses favored causes in response to Trumps extortion demands are themselves committing the crime of bribery, the promise of something of value to a public official with intent to influence an official act.

Only one amicus brief was filed in support of Trumps position.

The implementation of a dictatorship requires the gutting of the legal system, which is why judges as well as lawyers have become targets of the fascists. To defend its own interests, the working class must mobilize in defense of democratic rights and not allow White House thugs to run roughshod over the legal profession or the courts.

Moreover, Trump alone is not the problem. He represents a malignant, growing oligarchy that can no longer tolerate lawyers who will muster their energy, intellect and resources in opposition to its demands for war abroad and repression at home.
One of the most striking and revealing features of the official campaign for the May 3 Australian election is the almost complete blackout on the horrific and intensifying US-backed Israeli massacres and ethnic cleansing in Palestine.

All the parties of the political establishment, including the Greens, are doing everything they can, with the assistance of the complicit corporate media, to bury all mention of the historic crimes being committed by the government of Benjamin Netanyahu.

A section of the Melbourne rally on November 12, 2023

Despite mass opposition in Australia and internationally to the blatant genocide, the Zionist regime has killed more than 50,000 Palestinians, and thousands of Lebanese residents, combined with extermination by starvation, denial of medical services and forced relocation.

Armed by the fascistic Trump administration, and supported by all the capitalist powers, including Australia, Netanyahu openly stated at his White House meeting with Trump this month that the two were working on Trumps bold vision of expelling the Palestinians from Gaza.

Even when Israel launched airstrikes across Gaza on Palm Sunday, killing 21 peopleincluding childrenand striking part of the last fully functional hospital in Gaza City, there was not a word of condemnation from the Albanese Labor government. Footage showed people pushing hospital patients in their beds out into the street to escape the destruction.

The latest stage of the US-Israeli ethnic cleansing operation involves expanding ground operations deep into Gaza and establishing a large buffer zone along the border with Israel. As a result, hundreds of thousands of Palestinian civilians are being forced into an increasingly confined area along the Mediterranean coast.

Yet the Australian election campaign is dominated by paltry promises and a desperate attempt to conceal from the population the enormous social, political, economic and military shocks that are to come, whichever party cobbles together the next government, as the Trump regime plunges the world into trade war.

There was one rare mention of Gaza when, during the first televised debate between Albanese and Dutton last week, a young woman in the audience asked each of them what they would do to stop the Israeli genocide of innocent people, in which her loved ones had been victims, as well as the use of Australian weaponry in the mass killing.

Albanese avoided the question. Instead, he absurdly restated his token support for a ceasefire, after Israel had just flagrantly violated one, and for a two-state solution, when Israel and the US are completing the ethnic cleansing of Palestine.

Moreover, Albanese flat-out lied in denying that Australia supplies weapons to the Israel Defense Forces, even as footage emerged of an Australian-made lethal remote weapons system being used in Israel.

Dutton was more blunt. After proclaiming his support for Albaneses supposed wish for peace, he defended Israels violence, saying that an Australian government would do the same.

As the Socialist Equality Party (SEP), our sister parties internationally and the World Socialist Web Site warned from the outset of the genocide in October 2023, the Israeli state seized upon the Hamas-led incursion into Israel, triggered by decades of occupation and oppression since the violent creation of Israel in 1948, to launch its final solution for Gaza.

Netanyahus far-right regime could only do so with the support of every major capitalist government, including Australias. They all proclaimed that Israel had the right to defend itself, despite it being an occupying power under international law.

In the SEP election statement, we warn: Like its counterparts around the world, the Australian ruling class has demonstrated there are no red lines it will not cross in the drive to war Labors support for the genocide in Gaza cannot be understood outside of its backing for US-led imperialist wars globally.

We explain that the onslaught on the Palestinians cannot be separated from the wider decades-long record and agenda of Washington and its allies, which regard total control over the Middle East as essential for a war against China to regain the global hegemony that the US asserted after World War II.

Labor has transformed Australia into a platform, complete with bases and ports, for a US-led war against China, and taken Australias contribution to the US-NATO war against Russia in Ukraine to more than $1.5 billion, aiding Kievs fascistic regime.

In supporting the Gaza genocide, Australias political establishment, led by the Albanese government, has joined a global campaign to demonise and outlaw dissent, adopting the big lie that opposition to the Israeli regimes war crimes is antisemitic.

In fact, Israels genocidal war on Gaza demonstrates the reactionary essence of Zionism. A capitalist state that claimed to provide a safe haven for Jews has instead produced decades of death, ethnic cleansing and dispossession of the Palestinians, setting Israeli Jews against their Arab brothers and sisters.

Under the false banner of antisemitism, academics, artists, students, health workers and many othersincluding anti-Zionist Jewshave been vilified and threatened. Hate speech and anti-protest laws have been rushed through the parliaments. These not only potentially criminalise condemnations of Israel and Zionism, but also set precedents for use more broadly against all anti-war and socialist opposition.

This repression goes far beyond the immediate question of Gaza. It attempts to create a wartime atmosphere in which all elements of society, including the schools and universities, are being subordinated to the military build-up and the development of a war economy.

Critical conclusions need to be drawn from the failure of the mass anti-genocide protests to stop the slaughter. Our election statement explains that none of this will be halted through appeals to, or efforts to place pressure on, the capitalist political establishment:

That has been demonstrated by the mass movement that developed in opposition to the Gaza genocide. Despite some of the largest and most sustained anti-war protests in this country and globally, the slaughter in Palestine continues. Responsibility lies with the Greens and fake-left parties such as Socialist Alternative and Socialist Alliance, which have subordinated all opposition to moral pleas to the very Labor government that is participating in the war crimes.

In fact, the Greens entire election pitch is to form a coalition government with Labor, which would only continue Australias support for the Gaza genocide and accelerate the war drive against China. The pseudo-left groups are backing this fraud by peddling support for the Greens and Labor, as a so-called lesser evil to the Coalition.

Nor can the genocide be ended by trying to get a few Islamic representatives into parliament, as advocated by the Muslim Votes Matter organisation. It is supporting candidates in electorates with significant immigrant populations, trying to divert the hostility to Labor MPs back behind the parliamentary facade.

The SEP alone fights for the only perspective that can prevent the descent into another catastrophic world war: developing the expanding working-class struggle throughout the world into a conscious political movement for socialism globally, including throughout the Middle East to unite workers, Jewish and Arab alike, to overturn the capitalist profit system.

That is why we say in the SEP election statement:

End the genocide in Gaza, and the wars in the Middle East and Ukraine!

No more spending on militarism! The billions squandered on war must immediately be redirected to the public hospitals, schools and other social services.

Close the military bases that are transforming Australia into a launching pad for war!

Build a socialist anti-war movement that unites workers worldwide against the source of conflict, the capitalist system!

Authorised by Cheryl Crisp for the Socialist Equality Party, Level 1/457-459 Elizabeth Street, Surry Hills, NSW, 2010, Australia.
Over 200 immigrant workers at the GE Appliance Park in Louisville, Kentucky, received letters from the Department of Homeland Security ordering them to self-deport. [Photo by GE Appliance]

The brutal assault on immigrant workers by the Trump administration has grown in recent weeks, with hundreds of thousands of workers who entered the United States legally now facing the threat of imminent deportation and the loss of their livelihoods.

Earlier this month, letters were sent to hundreds of thousands of immigrants from Cuba, Haiti, Nicaragua and Venezuela (CHNV) who are part of a Biden era program, which allowed them to live and work legally in the US for up to two years while seeking legal avenues to remain after the expiration of their humanitarian parole.

Workers in factories, warehouses and other workplaces across the country received emails from the US Department of Homeland Security on April 7, declaring:

It is time for you to leave the United States. DHS is now exercising its discretion to terminate your parole immediately.

On his first day in office, Trump issued an order to eliminate the program, which the Biden administration established in 2022-23, as part of its own efforts to curb illegal immigration. The program covers an estimated 532,000 individuals, including 110,300 Cubans, 211,000 Haitians, 93,100 Nicaraguans and 117,330 Venezuelans, who were sponsored by relatives to come to the US and apply for asylum.

Last month, the DHS announced it would end the permits on April 24 and remove program participants who do not depart the United States before their parole termination date and do not have any lawful basis to remain in the US. DHS warned it could commence enforcement action against any alien at any time, including during the 30-day waiting period created by this notice.

On Monday, a federal judge in Boston, Massachusetts, on Monday granted emergency relief to the Haitian Bridge Alliance and other advocacy groups, who filed a lawsuit to stop the administrations action and issued a preliminary injunction halting DHS Secretary Kristi Noem from revoking the parole protections.

In a 41-page decision, Federal Judge Indira Talwani said:

The early termination, without any case-by-case justification, of legal status for noncitizens who have complied with DHS programs and entered the country lawfully undermines the rule of law.

The White House press secretary Tuesday denounced the decision, saying another rogue district court judge is trying to block the administrations mass deportation efforts with this latest injunction. She added, We will continue to focus on deporting as many individuals as we can.

At best the judges actions will only temporarily delay the administration, which has repeatedly defied the federal courts and insisted the executive branchs actions to defend national security are beyond judicial review.

Nearly 80 percent of the CHNV beneficiaries live in south Florida. However, many live in communities across the country, including in Springfield, Ohio, where Haitian migrants were the target of a fascist witch hunt during Trumps election campaign, provoking widespread revulsion from local residents and throughout the country.

Large numbers of Cuban migrants have also settled in Louisville, Kentucky, which is home to the giant UPS GlobalPort, two Ford factories, the GE Appliance Park and other large employers, who have hired CHNV recipients to address labor shortages.

Nearly 200 GE workers received letters earlier this month instructing them to depart the United States by April 24 or face adverse immigration consequences. One Louisville resident, who received a letter, anonymously told The Courier Journal that the notices went out regardless of current residency status.

The GE Appliance Park, owned by Chinese appliance maker Haier, employs more than 5,000 workers who assemble dishwashers, refrigerators and other appliances. It has a multi-national workforce who reportedly speak 20 different languages, with many immigrants from Latin America, the Middle East and Africa.

The workforce has also repeatedly demonstrated its militancy, forcing the temporary shutdown of the plant in the early days of the pandemic, and repeatedly rejecting pro-company deals signed by the International Union of Electrical Workers-Communications Workers of America (IUE-CWA) Local 83761.

In December 2024, rank-and-file workers voted by 73 percent to reject a union-backed sellout agreement, which included starting wages of $18.27. One worker, who voted against the deal, said, All these tiers and the highest paid havent seen a significant raise in over two decades.

Trumps witch hunt against immigrants and mass deportations have always been aimed at the working class as a whole. The aim is to divide workers and silence opposition in the same way as the administrations campaign to deport international students opposing the US-backed Israeli genocide has been used to destroy free speech and academic freedom.

But opposition in the working class is growing despite the best efforts of the trade union bureaucracy and the Democratic Party. Aware of the widespread disgust with the anti-immigrant attack, IUE-CWA Local 83761 President Dino Driskell and national union officials have issued statements opposing the threats against GE appliance workers.

IUE-CWA President Carl Kennebrew said:

What is happening to our members at Appliance Park is unfolding at workplaces and in communities all across the country. ... We cannot allow those who are sowing division to win. Blaming immigrants is an age-old trick to create fear and distract us from the takeover of our economy by billionaires.

The AFL-CIO has also issued a statement opposing the dismantling of Temporary Protected Status (TPS) and CHNV programs largely from the standpoint of the interests of corporate America. The AFL-CIO bureaucrats declared eliminating

various forms of humanitarian parole will cause severe workforce disruption that risks crippling key industries that rely heavily on immigrant labor, such as construction, hospitality, manufacturing, and food processing. Rather than benefitting the remaining workforce, mass deportations amidst an already tight labor market will shutter businesses, disrupt supply chains, drive up costs for consumers, and put jobs at risk.

In any case, the AFL-CIO did not propose any collection action by workers and instead declared:

We call on lawmakers to reject this destructive approach, and instead return focus to comprehensive reform of our unjust immigration system in ways that center a pathway to citizenship and ensure all workers are able to live and work safely and with dignity.

This is worse than useless. Far from organizing opposition to Trump, the Democrats and the union bureaucracy fear a movement of the working class against the administration far more than accommodating themselves to the fascist president. Several leading figures, such as United Auto Workers President Shawn Fain, Teamsters President Sean OBrien and International Longshore Association President Harold Daggett, have already embraced Trumps Make America Great Again national chaunvinism and drive to world war.

To effectively combat the attacks on immigrant workers and defend democratic rights for all, it is crucial to build and expand rank-and-file committees not just in workplaces and communities within the US but internationally. These committees can serve as independent organizations of workers, free from the constraints of the nationalist and pro-corporate trade union bureaucracies.

The formation of the International Workers Alliance of Rank-and-File Committees (IWA-RFC) provides a crucial framework for developing this international solidarity and coordination. Only through such an international mobilization of the working class and the development of rank-and-file committees across borders can immigrant workers be effectively protected, and a genuine fight for democratic rights against the rising tide of fascism be waged.
BAKU, Azerbaijan, April 17. The "Khojali," a "handysize" class vessel operated by Azerbaijan Caspian Shipping Company (ASCO), has entered the Indian Ocean for the first time in its operational history, ASCO said in a statement to Trend.

The vessel departed from Portland, USA, carrying 37,000 tons of sodium carbonate in March 2025. After transiting the Pacific Ocean, it arrived at Jakarta, Indonesia. Following the partial discharge of its cargo, "Khojali" proceeded through the Malacca Strait, en route to the Indian Ocean.

Currently, the vessel is on course for India, with planned discharges at the Kattupalli and Kandla ports along its route.

The Khojali vessel was commissioned in May 2024 as part of ASCO's strategy to expand its cargo transportation capabilities and extend its operational reach beyond the Caspian Sea.
Noboa (front center) visits El Turi maximum security prison accompanied by military leadership, April 2024 [Photo: Ministerio de Defensa Nacional]

Luisa Gonzalez, the opposition candidate in Ecuadors presidential runoff Sunday, has alleged grotesque electoral fraud following her defeat to incumbent Daniel Noboa, the heir to a banana industry fortune.

Gonzalez claims the unexpectedly large margin of victory for Noboa55.65 percent against 44.35 percent or a difference of over 1 million votes contrasts with pre-election polls suggesting a victory for Gonzalez. They had a near tie in the first round.

Statistically, there are significant grounds for suspicions of a rigged election. Despite the endorsement from the third most voted candidate Leonidas Iza in the first round, who received 5 percent, Gonzalez received the same percentage of the vote in the runoff, 44 percent, while Noboas vote jumped 11 percentage points.

Gonzalez, whose Citizens Revolution party presents itself as left-wing, has raised concerns about potential irregularities but has not yet filed a formal challenge before the electoral court.

Gonzalez has highlighted that Ecuadors recent elections were conducted under heavy militarization, effectively resembling martial law and resulting in voter suppression. Ports were militarized, borders closed, and a heavy military presence was maintained in urban areas during the election period.

Since January 2025, Noboa extended a state of emergency in seven provinces and the capital, Quito. This measure suspended fundamental rights, including the inviolability of correspondence and homes, enabling warrantless searches and raids. A nighttime curfew (10:00 p.m. to 5:00 a.m.) was imposed in 22 municipalities.

Over 22,000 soldiers were mobilized across the country ostensibly to combat drug cartels and criminal gangs, which Noboa designated as terrorist organizations under international humanitarian law.

The militarized response included arbitrary arrests and violent incidents. For example, four children were killed by a military patrol in Guayaquil, sparking public outrage.

Presidents Gustavo Petro of Colombia and Nicolas Maduro of Venezuela have refused to recognize the results. Based on reports from Colombian observers, Petro highlighted in a post on X: The holding of the elections was always under military surveillance, direct and armed with masked faces. Every polling place had a strong uniformed and armed military presence.

Amid reports that Noboa has drawn up a black list of some 100 opposition figures and ordered border police to prevent their leaving the country, Petro announced that Colombia would offer them asylum.

Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum described the election results as dubious and said that Mexico will not renew ties with Ecuador while Noboa is in charge. Ties between the two countries were severed as a result of the invasion in April 2024 of the Mexican embassy in Quito to kidnap ex-vice president Jorge Glas who had sought asylum there.

Reports surfaced of anomalies such as double voting and counterfeit ballots. Several arrests were made in connection with these issues, but their scale was limited.

Observers for the Organization of American States, politically dominated by Washington, and the European Union, dismissed fraud charges despite reporting on major irregularities, including Noboas failure to take a leave of absence from the presidency to run in the elections, as required by the constitution, and his direct pressure on the activities of the electoral bodies.

Whatever the validity of the claims of direct fraud, Noboa ran as a dictator candidate, and the election was conducted in an atmosphere of intimidation, with martial law imposed in much of the country, apparently including the states where Gonzalez had the most support. The OAS report notes that troops were seen taking pictures of the ballots as a threat to voters.

The fact that some prominent members of Gonzalezs own party have acknowledged Noboas victory and urged acceptance of the results reflects accommodation to the shift to the right and fear of triggering a mass mobilization from below that they would prove unable to control.

Similarly, the leadership of the Confederation of Indigenous Nationalities (CONAIE), having endorsed Gonzalez for the second round, welcomed Noboas re-election.

The re-election of Noboa was achieved on the shoulders of the military and police apparatus in Ecuador and of US imperialism, consolidating the direct rule of the Ecuadorian oligarchy under a police state dictatorship.

Shortly before the elections, he promised a $72 million increase in the budget for the police and military to secure their support.

Noboa has invited foreign troops to assist Ecuadors military, including a potential US deployment. He also has pursued alliances with private military contractors like billionaire Erik Prince, founder of the infamous Blackwater, raising concerns about sovereignty and human rights violations.

Prince traveled to Ecuador shortly before the runoff election and participated in military operations in Guayaquil, one of the countrys most violent cities. In a video released by Ecuadors Defense Ministry, Prince explicitly urged Ecuadorians to support Noboa, warning that failure to elect him could lead to Ecuador becoming a narco-state and another Venezuela.

Noboa also leveraged his relationship with Trump, who granted him a high-profile meeting in his Mar-a-Lago resort two weeks before the vote. The meeting highlighted collaboration between Ecuador and the US, including discussions about establishing a new naval base in Ecuador for US military personnel.

Noboa had already given a green light for the Pentagon to establish a strategically located military base in the Galapagos Islands, further endangering its unique and sensitive biodiversity.

Gonzalez failed to counter the endorsements by the Ecuadorian military and American billionaires Prince and Trump with any progressive alternative. Instead, she held meetings with the IMF to make assurances of continued social austerity, made appeals to the mining and oil industriesthe largest in the countryand, echoing Noboa, focused her campaign on a buildup of the repressive state apparatus and a hardline on crime.

Ecuadors exiled former president Rafael Correa, the leader of the Citizens Revolution Party of Gonzalez, had been able, under the conditions of a commodities boom and increased profits for the corporations, to offer a limited expansion of social spending from 2006 to about 2014. After the collapse of the boom, however, he was also in charge of imposing initial social cuts and deploying the military to attack protesters, including indigenous groups opposing natural resource extraction in protected areas.

Since then, the entire ruling class has adopted a program of social counterrevolution and a growing alignment with US imperialism.

In Ecuador, all factions of the ruling elite have sought to maintain a balancing act between China and the United States, which buy similar amounts of Ecuadorian exports. The Trump administrations offensive to secure military and economic domination in the region against Chinese influence poses an enormous crisis for Ecuador, as well as for other Latin American countries whose ruling elites are responding similarly.

Having already used deadly violence to repress mass protests against social inequality in 2019 and 2022, the only response available to the Ecuadorian ruling elite, represented by both fascistic figures like Noboa and leftist Correismo, is to turn to dictatorial forms of rule to impose the costs of the deepening crisis of global capitalism on the working class.
Damage after a fire at the Pennsylvania governors mansion while Democratic Gov. Josh Shapiro and his family slept inside on Sunday, April 13, 2025, in Harrisburg, Pa. [AP Photo/Commonwealth Media Services]

On early Sunday morning, the Pennsylvania governors mansion was struck by an arson attack as Democratic Governor Josh Shapiro and his family were sleeping. No one was injured in the attack and the suspect, 38-year-old Cody Balmer, a former Army reservist and out-of-work former vehicle mechanic from Penbrook, just north of the state capital Harrisburg, turned himself in to Dauphin County police later on Sunday.

According to an affidavit, Balmer was able to climb a perimeter fence surrounding the governors mansion and break in through a window with a hammer. He explained to arresting officers that, had he been confronted by Shapiro, he would have beaten him with his hammer. He threw a homemade Molotov cocktail into an adjacent room, starting a substantial fire. He then threw another explosive device before making his escape.

Law enforcement told NBC that, while security knew a breach had occurred on the sprawling property, the intruder managed to evade them while troopers went to ensure the governors safety. Shapiro recounted at a news conference that he and his family had been woken by a police officer knocking on the door.

Balmer was arraigned before a judge on Monday and faces charges of attempted criminal homicide, burglary, terrorism and aggravated arson, among other offenses. He was denied bail and did not enter a plea.

Balmer has a history of mental health issues and run-ins with law enforcement. He served from 2004 to 2012 in the US Army Reserve as a construction worker. He never deployed and left the Reserves as a sergeant. The military has not revealed what the circumstances of his discharge were.

He was due to appear before court this weekend for unrelated charges stemming from a domestic violence incident in 2023. He had taken a bottle full of pills in an attempt to kill himself during that event, states a court document. He allegedly turned violent against his wife and child when he was confronted about the pills. In 2022 he was sued by a mortgage lender and owed approximately $117,000, which several hardship factors, including personal injury and a divorce, had prevented him from paying down.

Christie Balmer, the suspects mother, prior to the Sunday attack had sought to have her sons mental state involuntarily evaluated. She told the Associated Press Monday that nobody would help her last week when she tried calling authorities, fearing her son had gone off his medication. Authorities explained that he had articulated no known threat to himself or anyone else at the time.

According to dispatchers, at 2:50 a.m. Sunday morning, Balmer placed a call and confessed to the attack. He allegedly denounced the governor and said he will not take part in his plans for what he wants to do to the Palestinian people. He stated he wanted to stop having my friends killed, although it is unclear if this refers to the Palestinian people or if he is referring to friends in the military.

Police have seized all of Balmers personal devices that contain any of the following: the name of Josh Shapiro, reference to Palestine, Gaza, Israel or the current conflict in Gaza.

Police are investigating if there are religious and political motives behind the attack. Shapiro, who is Jewish, has denounced the college protests against the Gaza genocide, calling on authorities to disband encampments and invoking the political establishments big lie that such protests are antisemitic.

NBC reports that Balmers social media indicates he has staunch anti-government views, including negative content about former President Joe Biden and memes urging people to become ungovernable.

Another article notes he made numerous posts complaining about the high cost of living in the United States. In Nov. 2022, he posted, Cant pay rent? Sell your f**** organs! No more organs? F**** die then this is America be grateful for the opportunity you had.

Southern-central Pennsylvania, an economically depressed region, has witnessed several outbursts of violence in recent times. In February, 49-year-old Diogenes Archangel-Ortiz opened fire at the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center Memorial in Shiloh, killing two people and injuring six more. He allegedly had arguments with staff at the hospital following a visit to see a friend who was receiving care.
BAKU, Azerbaijan, April 17. The Central Bank of Azerbaijan (CBA) has been added to the list of institutions providing services to citizens on the "myGov" platform (my.gov.az), the CBA told Trend.

This addition allows citizens to submit electronic inquiries to the CBA through the platform.

The move is part of the bank's ongoing efforts to expand citizens' access to its services and ensure transparency regarding the handling of requests. By being included on the "myGov" platform, the CBA has enabled the submission of electronic inquiries, marking another significant step toward improving accessibility for citizens.

The "myGov" platform, a vital component of Azerbaijan's digital government initiative, offers citizens easy and operational access to both public and private sector services through a single-window approach. Now, citizens can select the Central Bank from the platforms list and submit their requests online.

Citizens have the option to submit inquiries via the official CBA website (cbar.az) or by calling the CBA's helpline at 966 for assistance.

Stay up-to-date with more news on Trend News Agency's WhatsApp channel
TASHKENT, Uzbekistan, April 17. Uzbekistan's Foreign Minister, Bakhtiyor Saidov, took part in the third meeting of foreign ministers under the framework of the Central Asia  Gulf Cooperation Council Strategic Dialogue, Trend reports.

Sincere thanks to the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Bahrain, Abdulla Ali Al-Yahya, for the warm welcome and outstanding organization. Today, we all discussed the most acute topics and efficient ways to elevate our growing cooperation to new levels, Saidov noted on his Telegram channel.

He also emphasized the significance of the upcoming Samarkand Summit, scheduled for May 5, calling it an important step in deepening cooperation between Central Asian countries and the states of the Gulf region.

"With shared values, strategic potential, and a common vision, we are building a new chapter in Central AsiaGulf cooperation, the Uzbek Foreign Minister concluded.

To note, the leaders of the United Arab Emirates, Bahrain, Saudi Arabia, Oman, Qatar, and Kuwait met in Abu Dhabi on May 25, 1981, to develop a cooperative formula for coordination. Integration and interdependence between their countries in all fields, leading to their unity, as stated in the Council's fourth article, which also stressed the deepening and strengthening of ties, connections, and cooperation between Council citizens. The basic law's preamble emphasized the six countries' special relations, common features, and similar systems, based on the Islamic faith, belief in a common destiny, and unity of purpose, and that cooperation among them only serves the Arab nation's lofty goals.

Stay up-to-date with more news on Trend News Agency's WhatsApp channel
BAKU, Azerbaijan, April 17. The Baku Stock Exchange (BSE) has started preparations to join the Tabadul hub, part of the Abu Dhabi Stock Exchange, said Ruslan Khalilov, Chairman of the BSE Board, Trend reports.

Speaking at a meeting with reporters, Khalilov emphasized that this is a regional initiative aimed at uniting stock exchanges in one hub.

"Eight exchanges have already joined the hub, with participants from post-Soviet countries, neighboring nations, and the Middle East.

The work on preparing the legal and technical framework for joining this platform is currently underway. Issues such as how the exchanges will connect, how transfers will be conducted, and other matters are being explored. Legally, joining this hub means that, for example, a broker or investment firm operating in Abu Dhabi can trade remotely on the Baku Stock Exchange. Similarly, a brokerage firm in Azerbaijan can join exchanges in Abu Dhabi, Oman, or Kazakhstan and conduct stock trading there," the chairman explained.

The Baku Stock Exchange (BSE) was founded in 2000 to create a structured stock market in the nation. The objective of BSE is to create and enhance market infrastructure that facilitates the trading of securities and ensures effective transaction execution. It serves as the exclusive organizer of securities trading at the stock exchange in Azerbaijan. The members consist of investment businesses entitled to directly participate in exchange trading. At present, the BSE comprises eight members. The legal structure of BSE is a closed joint-stock company, including 19 owners, which include banks, investment firms, and Borsa Istanbul.

Stay up-to-date with more news on Trend News Agency's WhatsApp channel
BAKU, Azerbaijan, April 17. The Central Bank of Azerbaijan (CBA) has conducted an unscheduled on-site inspection at "PulPal" LLC, issuing a mandatory directive to the electronic money institution, Trend reports, citing the CBA.

According to the CBA, the inspection revealed that the institution did not provide the necessary technical resources to the inspectors and failed to present comprehensive information regarding its operations.

As a result, corrective measures were applied to "PulPal" LLC, in accordance with Article 48.2.4 of the Law on the Central Bank of the Republic of Azerbaijan and Article 63.1 of the Law on Payment Services and Payment Systems of the Republic of Azerbaijan.

Stay up-to-date with more news on Trend News Agency's WhatsApp channel
CCTV: Yesterday, President Xi Jinping concluded the state visit to Malaysia. It has been 12 years since President Xis last visit to Malaysia. Could you further share with us about this visit?

Lin Jian: From April 15 to 17, President Xi Jinping paid a state visit to Malaysia upon invitation. During the visit, President Xi Jinping met with King of Malaysia His Majesty Sultan Ibrahim and held talks with Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim. The leaders of two countries witnessed the exchange of 30-plus bilateral cooperation documents. The two sides issued a joint statement on building a high-level strategic China-Malaysia community with a shared future.

During the visit, President Xi made an important three-point proposal on building a high-level strategic China-Malaysia community with a shared future. First, upholding strategic independence and carrying out high-level strategic coordination. Both countries should continue on the development paths suited to their respective national conditions, resolutely support each other in safeguarding national sovereignty, security and development interests. A 2+2 diplomatic and defense dialogue mechanism will be established to deepen exchanges and cooperation on national security, defense and law enforcement. Second, combining forces for development and setting a benchmark for high-quality development cooperation. The two sides should work together to cultivate and expand cooperation in frontier areas and push for the transformation and upgrade of cooperation in traditional fields, and promote two-way investment. The two countries should promote rail-sea intermodal transport, upgrade Two Countries, Twin Parks, and turn Malaysias major ports into important hubs of the New International Land-Sea Trade Corridor. Third, carrying forward the friendship forged through generations, and deepening inter-civilizational exchanges and mutual learning. The two sides should jointly advance Confucianism-Islam dialogue and seize the opportunity of signing a mutual visa exemption agreement to foster closer people-to-people connection.

China always firmly supports ASEAN unity, the building of ASEAN community and ASEAN centrality in the regional architecture. During the visit, President Xi stressed that China supports Malaysia in playing its role as ASEAN Chair, and stands ready to sign the China-ASEAN Free Trade Area Upgrade Protocol with regional countries as early as possible. Together, we will reject decoupling, supply disruption, small yard, high fence and tariff abuse with openness, inclusiveness, solidarity and cooperation, counter the law of the jungle where the strong prey on the weak with the Asian values of peace, cooperation, openness and inclusiveness, and address instability and uncertainty in the world with the stability and certainty of Asia.

China and Malaysia are neighbors across the sea with a time-honored friendship. Our traditional friendship lasted for centuries. Last year, we held grand celebration events to mark the 50th anniversary of our diplomatic ties. As important members of developing countries and the Global South, deepening our high-level strategic cooperation is in the interest of both countries, and is conducive to peace, stability and prosperity of the region and the world. China will work with Malaysia to implement the important outcomes of this visit, brave the waves ahead and advance the high-level strategic China-Malaysia community with a shared future, and usher in the next golden 50 years of China-Malaysia relations. China will remain committed to the principle of amity, sincerity, mutual benefit and inclusiveness in neighborhood diplomacy and work with ASEAN countries to build a closer China-ASEAN community with a shared future.

Reuters: Do you have any more information on the Taiwanese nationals deported from Cambodia to China recently?

Lin Jian: China commends the Cambodian government for handling relevant issue in accordance with the one-China principle. We stand ready to continue deepening law enforcement cooperation with Cambodia and relevant countries to crack down on online gambling and scam, protect the safety of Chinese citizens overseas and their lawful rights and interests, and ensure normal order of cross-border exchanges between China and relevant countries.

CNR: To follow up on Kenyas President Rutos visit to China, could you share with us the program and Chinas expectation? How does China view its current relations with Kenya?

Lin Jian: The friendship between China and Kenya dates back to the ancient maritime Silk Road. In the new era, the two countries have established a comprehensive strategic cooperative partnership, conducted frequent high-level exchanges, deepened political mutual trust, enjoyed fruitful Belt and Road cooperation, and worked closely on regional and international issues.

This will be the first state visit to China by an African head of state since the Beijing Summit of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC). During the visit, President Xi Jinping will hold a welcome ceremony and a welcome banquet for President Ruto respectively. The two presidents will have talks. Premier Li Qiang and Chairman Zhao Leji will meet with President Ruto. We believe this visit will contribute to deepening Chinas relations with Kenya, carrying out the outcomes of the FOCAC Beijing Summit, building an all-weather China-Africa community with a shared future for the new era, and promoting the solidarity and cooperation of the Global South.

NHK: It is reported that China will convene an informal meeting of the UN Security Council next week to discuss the issue of the U.S. imposition of additional tariffs. Could you share the purpose of this meeting and what will be discussed?

Lin Jian: Recently, the U.S., disregarding the balance of interests reached through multilateral trade negotiations, has abused tariffs under the pretext of seeking reciprocity and fairness, which deals a heavy blow to the global economic order and the multilateral trading system, and seriously undermines the interests and well-being of all countries. Such act of unilateralism, power politics and bullying has also brought unprecedented difficulties and challenges to the United Nations and the cause of multilateralism.

We support the international community in conducting discussions through various platforms, including the Security Council, to gain a deeper understanding of the harms of unilateralism and bullying acts, reaffirm the commitment to multilateralism and the purposes and principles of the UN Charter, and build consensus for strengthening the role of the United Nations and safeguarding the legitimate development rights and interests of all countries.

Dragon TV: Its reported that during President Xi Jinpings state visit to Malaysia, China and Malaysia signed the mutual visa exemption agreement. Whats your comment?

Lin Jian: China and Malaysia share long-standing friendship, similar visions, intertwined interests and close cultural and people-to-people bond. During President Xi Jinpings state visit to Malaysia, the two governments officially signed the agreement on mutual visa exemption for holders of official and ordinary passports. This move will definitely boost personnel exchanges between the two countries and bilateral interactions and cooperation in various fields, and take the building of a China-Malaysia community with a shared future to new heights.

Global Times: The Third Meeting of the National Coordinators of the Group of Friends in Defence of the UN Charter was recently held in Moscow. Outcome documents were issued after the meeting to reject the weaponization of tariffs and other trade tools and call for an end to unilateral and bullying actions. China attended the meeting. Could you share more information on that?

Lin Jian: On April 14 and 15, the Group of Friends in Defence of the UN Charter held the Third Meeting of the National Coordinators in Moscow. The meeting was attended by high-level representatives from the Groups member states including China, Russia, Venezuela, Cuba, Belarus, Iran and Zimbabwe as well as partner countries.

The meeting issued a political declaration, which expressed serious concerns over the disruption of the multilateral trading system with the World Trade Organization at its core. It pointed out that the abuse of tariffs would have a serious negative impact on the sovereignty and development rights of countries, especially those in the Global South, as well as the international system. It opposed the weaponization of trade tools such as tariffs and called for an immediate end to unilateral measures and bullying acts aimed at conquering and controlling other countries. Parties attending the meeting emphasized that unilateral sanctions and tariff barriers are a serious violation of the purposes and principles of the United Nations. Countries in the Global South should unite as one, strengthen multilateral cooperation, jointly oppose unjust external pressure, promote the establishment of a fairer and more just new international order, and safeguard the legitimate rights of all countries to peace and development.

This meeting sent a clear message of supporting multilateralism, upholding the purposes and principles of the UN Charter and opposing unilateral coercive measures and economic bullying. It reflects the strong aspiration of the member states of the Group to reject hegemonism and power politics and uphold their interests and international fairness and justice and shows the firm resolve of countries, in particular those from the Global South, to stand together against external pressure. The U.S. needs to heed the call for justice from the international community and refrain from moving further down the wrong path of unilateralism and bullying.

Bloomberg: The UK government has raised concerns that British companies are using Chinese-manufactured drones to take high-quality images of important infrastructure in the UK. Does the Foreign Ministry have any comment on that?

Lin Jian: The Chinese government has never asked and will never ask any company to collect or store data against laws. The Chinese side firmly opposes the relevant sides groundless suspicion and vilification against China which lack a factual basis.

The UKs relevant department should stop turning trade into political and security issues, stop groundlessly accusing and going after Chinese high-tech companies, and make more effort that is conducive to the sound and steady development of China-UK relations.
BAKU, Azerbaijan, April 17. Azerbaijan hopes for the expansion of Slovenian business in the country's liberated territories, Jeyhun Bayramov, Azerbaijan's Minister of Foreign Affairs, said today at a press conference in Baku, Trend reports.

"We informed our colleagues about the reconstruction and construction work being carried out in Karabakh and Eastern Zangazur. We believe that there are good opportunities for Slovenian companies there," said the minister.

He also emphasized that during separate discussions, the potential of the Middle Corridor was highlighted.

"Opportunities for cooperation in this area were also noted. Speaking about the Middle Corridor, we also emphasized the potential of the Alat Free Economic Zone, located in close proximity to the Baku Port," added Jeyhun Bayramov.
A Maryland family is grieving after their 23-year-old was found dead while they were vacationing in the Bahamas.

The family told Fox 5 DC and Eyewitness News Bahamas that Dinari Mcalmont, 23, was found dead on the shore of Paradise Island near Nassau, Bahamas on Saturday, April 5, about 12 hours after they had arrived in the country.

My son was beaten, Dinaris mother, Michelle McAlmont, claimed to Eyewitness News Bahamas after local authorities showed her a photo of her deceased son for identification.

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She added, He was traumatized. His face is damaged. His teeth [had] a lot of froth. His hair that he normally takes so much pride in, he spent a lot of money on products. He takes a lot of pride in his hair  full of sand.

Related: A Chicago Woman Traveled to the Bahamas for a Yoga Retreat. Now She's Missing and Mom Says She's 'in Danger'

That tells me they beat my son down in the sand, she continued. I need justice for my baby. I need justice.

The family told Fox 5 DC that they were planning to stay there for a weekend trip, leaving their hometown of Bowie, Md. on Friday, April 4 and returning on Monday, April 7. However, they are still on the island as local authorities investigate Dinaris death.

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Per the outlet, they also said that Dinari left his parents during dinner to explore the Atlantis resort, where they were staying. They said that nothing was amiss until hours later when resort staff members came to his parents room to ask about his whereabouts.

majaiva/Getty Aerial view of Paradise Island, Bahamas Aerial view of Paradise Island, Bahamas

Never miss a story  sign up for PEOPLE's free daily newsletter to stay up-to-date on the best of what PEOPLE has to offer, from celebrity news to compelling human interest stories.

According to Fox 5 DC, When Dinaris parents noticed that his location sharing service became inactive, they began searching the property. Michelle also told Eyewitness News Bahamas that she had been trying to text her son to figure out where he was at the time.

They eventually filed a missing persons report when they were unable to find him. After 1 a.m. local time on Saturday, Dinaris parents were contacted by police about a report that her son allegedly had spat at someone, though the details were unclear, per Eyewitness News Bahamas.

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Resort staff eventually returned to Dinaris parents room to inform them that he was dead, Fox 5 DC reported.

Related: Woman Finds Bone of Missing Man She Knew as a Child: 'He Still Had His Whole Life Ahead of Him'

"We are deeply saddened by the passing of one of our guests. Our thoughts and condolences are with the guest's family and loved ones during this difficult time. This is an active police investigation, and we are fully cooperating," a spokesperson for Atlantis Paradise Island, Bahamas Resort tells PEOPLE.

Royal Bahamas Police Force Commissioner Shanta Knowles told Eyewitness News Bahamas that they are waiting on the results of Dinaris autopsy before sharing more information with the public on their investigation into this case.

However, authorities told the outlet that they have not classified the case as murder.

PEOPLE has reached out to the Royal Bahamas Police Force for comment.



Read the original article on People
(Brandon Ly / Los Angeles Times)

New cookbooks are a bright spot in spring, and this year's crop is a bumper one.

One emerging theme is: Go easy on yourself. Among this season's favorite books, Los Angeles writers and chefs especially  including Nicole Rucker of Fat + Flour, Ari Kolender of Found Oyster and Queen St. Raw Bar & Grill, Kogi's Roy Choi and Becca Millstein of tinned fish company Fishwife  set out to make things a little simpler, boosting our kitchen confidence along the way.

Get comfortable in the kitchen and out in the world. You could make a sandwich and go to the beach, as author Hailee Catalano recommends. Read a juicy memoir (thanks to Laurie Woolever). Take a culinary road trip with the chef who opened a luncheonette in a historic train caboose on the Pacific Coast Highway. Or explore the flavors of Korea, Nigeria, Pakistan, Palestine, St. Lucia, Ghana, Hong Kong or Bahrain.

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These are the 21 new cookbooks we're diving into this season.

If you purchase a book from a link, the L.A. Times may receive a commission.

By Heart: Recipes to Hold Near and Dear

by Hailee Catalano (DK)

Hailee Catalano first caught my eye with her intuitive beach-picnic sandwich tutorials, and Id wager thats the case for at least a few hundred thousand of her millions of followers spread across Instagram and TikTok. But with her debut cookbook, By Heart, the professionally trained chef who blossomed on social media dives into so much more than sandwiches. Catalanos from-the-heart recipes pull from her Midwestern upbringing, her years in professional kitchens and a childhood spent cooking with her Sicilian grandmother, resulting in the likes of celery root-and-potato pierogi; mint-topped lamb-stuffed shells with smoked mozzarella; bar-style pizzas; dips, spreads and pickles galore; and plenty of breads to form the base of your sandwiches (recipes also included)  which, yes, are still perfect for a picnic on the beach.  Stephanie Breijo

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Care and Feeding: A Memoir

by Laurie Woolever (Ecco)

This isn't a cookbook, but we loved it too much to exclude it from our seasonal list. The world sees plenty of food-related memoirs sticking to details of meals and tiptoeing around the most squeamish, least flattering moments of their authors' lives. Laurie Woolever takes the opposite tack. Her words tug you along for jet-lagged, hungover embarrassments at an Australian food festival; trips in and out of beds with chefs of questionable hygiene; and glimpses into infuriating exchanges with a cruel man with whom she cheats on her husband. Its a lot, and its a tribute to her gifts as a storyteller that the pages fly by. In essence this is a story of a careerist navigating the ugly realities of restaurant culture and food media in the last 20 years. If youve heard about Woolever, you likely know she was an assistant to Mario Batali and also to Anthony Bourdain, about whom she previously wrote Bourdain: The Definitive Oral Biography. If either of those names bring you to the book, well enough. Youll finish it understanding this is a writer who has far more to give to literature than her adjacency to famous men.  Bill Addison

Read more: The 62 essential cookbooks chefs, authors and food writers say they love most

The Choi of Cooking: Flavor-Packed, Rule-Breaking Recipes for a Delicious Life: A Cookbook

by Roy Choi, Tien Nguyen and Natasha Phan (Clarkson Potter)

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Roy Chois The Choi of Cooking is a collection of recipes for life, little and big bits of wisdom he wants to share. Its deeply personal, with stories of Choi's mental and physical struggles written in his engaging and casual voice. But its far from preachy, with an Ill meet you where you are sort of mentality about eating healthier and being kind to yourself. The largest section of the book is devoted to vegetables, in the form of towering sandwiches, salads and even pancakes. If youre looking for the cooking youre used to on the Kogi trucks, the big flavors are there; the ingredients are just a little lighter.  Jenn Harris

Chop Chop: Cooking the Food of Nigeria

by Ozoz Sokoh (Artisan Books)

Chop chop, in Nigerian and West African pidgin, translates to a food lover  and its hard not to love Nigerian food. Its a cuisine celebrated for bold long-simmered stews, sweet-sticky pounded yams, bright spiced jollof and vibrant sauces, among other hallmarks. Food writer Ozoz Sokoh began sharing and documenting Nigerian food in 2009 when she launched the blog Kitchen Butterfly, chronicling recipes, foodways and her Warri upbringing. In her debut cookbook, Sokoh explores what shes long called the new Nigerian kitchen along with traditional recipes, covering Nigerias vast regionality from angles both old and new. Pages devoted to plantains, grilled meats, leaf wraps, steamed puddings and Nigerian breakfasts are interspersed with historical and cultural context for deeper understanding beyond a delicious meal. With how-tos for suya, soups, swallows, stews and salads, youll be biting into chops of all sorts.  S.B.

Coastal: 130 Recipes From a California Road Trip

by Scott Clark with Betsy Andrews (Chronicle Books)

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The verve and the flavors of Dad's Luncheonette  a restaurant serving roadside "classics" from a train caboose on the side of Cabrillo Highway in Half Moon Bay  leap from the pages of "Coastal." Scott Clark worked at Benu and Saison in San Francisco and faced chef's burnout before embracing his own journey by opening Dad's. He amps up mac n' cheese with puffed rice seasoned with nutritional yeast, bolsters fudgy brownies with rhubarb jam, and smokes mussels foraged from Martins Beach, incorporating them into a savory custard. Some recipes are involved, but then the payoff is outsize. The book is its own road trip: In between recipes, you're driving down PCH along California's Central Coast, stopping at fishing spots, a goat farm, a winery and tide pools, among many other places depicted in photographs that honor the beauty of the state.  Betty Hallock

Dessert Course: Lessons in the Whys and Hows of Baking

by Benjamin Delwiche (DK)

Theres more than science and math to baking, but the precise chemical reactions required to make a brownie chewy, cakey or fudgy, or the kinds of cause and effect that determine whether a dough rises or falls, can sometimes feel daunting. Thats why Benjamin Delwiche  a.k.a. Benjamin the Baker on social media  and his debut cookbook want to explain the science and quell the fears. In the extremely thorough Dessert Course, the math teacher and near-lifelong baker breaks down the basics but also dives deep into methodology and how small tweaks can yield major results depending on flavor and texture preferences. Delwiche offers plenty of recipe variations for classics like chocolate chip cookies, pie crusts, brownies, icings, biscuits and beyond, with diagrams and photos to build understanding and, ideally, your dream dessert thats tailored just to your liking.  S.B.

Fat + Flour: The Art of a Simple Bake

by Nicole Rucker (Knopf)

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A lot has changed since Nicole Ruckers 2019 cookbook, Dappled. For one, when it comes to the baking basics, one of her pillars of methodology shifted. Her new ethos  called Cold Butter Method, or CBM  works cold butter into a recipes dry ingredients, saving time and resulting in a kind of crumbly dough for cookies, pies, cakes and beyond. She embarked on this more streamlined approach for home bakers and in both locations of Fat + Flour, one of the 101 best restaurants in L.A. In the Culver City cafe and the stall in downtowns Grand Central Market, wedges of fruit and cream pies and stacks of cookies never fail to catch the eye. With her new cookbook, some of the bakerys signature items  and some new desserts  can be made at home and, sure enough, fairly simply. Dappled focused on spotlighting the best seasonal fruit, and theres still plenty of that in Fat + Flour. There are sour-cherry pies with bourbon; sesame-crumble apple pies; and pies laced with rhubarb, raspberry and blood orange. But there are also comforting classics like ginger molasses cookies, polvorones and sour cream chocolate bundt cakes. This is a tome for all of us whove become Fat + Flour disciples over the years.  S.B.

Read more: The founder of Fat + Flour busts the biggest baking myth

The Fishwife Cookbook: Delightful Tinned Fish Recipes for Every Occasion

by Becca Milstein and Vilda Gonzalez (Harvest)

Everything about this book  the bright cover, picnic ideas, foil-wrapped dinners, a chapter dedicated to cozy tinned-fish season  says fun. Many of the recipes are beginner-level easy, but they're interesting enough to entice advanced tinned-fish lovers. Appealing for single cooks (see the chapter "A Meal for One") and party planners alike, the book also presents innovative ways to use tinned fish, whether you love smoked salmon, sardines packed in tomatoes or anchovies from the Cantabrian Sea. Anyone who has a tower of tinned fish cans in their pantry will appreciate new ideas for using them. Make chowder, Bolognese sauce, congee, tacos, udon or anchovy-laced potato casserole. It's all in here.  B.H.

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How to Cook the Finest Things in the Sea: Broil, Bake, Poach & Grill Your Way to Exceptional Fish & Shellfish

by Ari Kolender and Noah Galuten (Artisan)

Ari Kolender opened his always-crowded clam shack, Found Oyster, in 2019 in a tiny 28-seat space on Fountain Avenue across the street from Big Blue, as the Scientology command center is casually known. More than five years (and a million oysters) later, Kolender and co-writer Noah Galuten have penned an essential book on cooking seafood at home. Smartly organized by technique, it lends itself to the ways we want to cook all kinds of fish and shellfish. The point is to help readers feel confident about cooking a diversity of seafood. Perfectly broil scallops; or make a bright mackerel tartare folded with creme fraiche and showered with herbs (the way they do at Kolender's restaurant Queen Street). Plus: the primer that opens the book is a handy guide to shopping for, preparing and storing fish and shellfish.  B.H.

Read more: The chef who wooed L.A. with a million oysters perfects laid-back seafood

Ghana to the World: Recipes and Stories That Look Forward While Honoring the Past

by Eric Adjepong with Korsha Wilson (Clarkson Potter)

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Ghana to the World shares author Eric Adjepongs sankofa cooking style  one that speaks to honoring where you came from while also looking forward. Traditional recipes passed down from his family join modern interpretations of West African dishes that bridge the chefs perspective as a Ghanaian American who grew up in Yonkers, N.Y., with his experience cooking in professional kitchens. Recipes like eggs Benedict with scallops and piri piri hollandaise or crab fried rice with benne miso and scallions point out the synchronicities between Ghanaian and American cuisines. Others, like fufu (made with boiled cassava and plantains, as opposed to yam or cassava alone), are specific to Adjepongs lineage. Personal stories include a loving tribute to his mother, Abena Agyeman, and a retelling of his appearance on Top Chef: Kentucky. Photos of Ghanas palm-tree-shaded beaches, bustling food markets and baroque buildings make this a cookbook that serves as a display on your coffee table when youre not leafing through it for recipes.  Danielle Dorsey

Kweyol / Creole: Recipes, Stories, and Tings From a St. Lucian Chef's Journey

by Nina Compton and Osayi Endolyn (Clarkson Potter)

Nina Compton and Osayi Endolyns new book is a total immersion into the world of Kweyol and a celebration of African heritage. Its a journey that takes you from St. Lucia, where Compton is from, to Jamaica, where she continued her culinary career, on to Miami and finally to New Orleans, where Comptons three restaurants are located. The book invites readers to reconsider the meaning of home as not just the place youre from but something you bring along with you. Comptons history and the stories behind the ingredients and recipes in this book are as vibrant as the dishes themselves, exploring an entire spectrum of Caribbean cooking.  J.H.

Lugma: Abundant Dishes & Stories From My Middle East

by Noor Murad (Quadrille)

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Lugma, Arabic for bite or mouthful, is the first solo cookbook from Ottolenghi recipe developer Noor Murad  an ode to where she was born: the island country Bahrain in the Persian Gulf. I fell hard for the book as soon as she explained the word used for rice in Bahrain  aish, which translates to living. There is no table setting without rice because, well, rice is living, writes Murad, who is based in London and co-wrote the cookbook "Ottolenghi Test Kitchen." The beautiful cover dish layers saffron rice with tomatoes and potatoes. Spiced with cardamom, cloves and bay, its as gloriously delicious as any of the Gulf countries elaborate rice dishes. The mezze are vibrant; the vegetables, luscious; and every dish sounds like something I want to make on repeat. I made the roasted cauliflower mutabal (traditionally made with eggplant) and ate it entirely by myself. And now my new go-to easy dessert is dates with tahini, chile and salt.  B.H.

Margarita Time: 60+ Tequila and Mezcal Cocktails, Served Up, Over and Blended

by Caroline Pardilla (Ten Speed Press)

My preference for mezcal- and tequila-based cocktails is well-documented . The margarita is no doubt the most widely known drink in that category, and author Caroline Pardilla offers 60 riffs from all manner of spirit experts, including local legends like Max Reis of Mirate, Ivan Vasquez of Madre Restaurant and Mezcaleria and Bricia Lopez of Guelaguetza. Pardilla honors the mutable margarita with recipes for every occasion, from the San Francisco-born Tommys Margarita that subverts the original recipe by substituting orange liqueur with agave nectar to an entire section of blended renditions. Providence bar director Kim Stodel's Mano de Chango balances lime, grapefruit and guava. Travel to Mexico City with Licoreria Limantour co-founder Benjamin Padrons Margarita al Pastor, a savory version that replicates the flavors of the citys most popular taco. And for party hosts who dont want to play bartender all night, Pardilla offers recommendations for the best premade mixes.  D.D.

Mother Sauce: Italian American Recipes and the Story of the Women Who Created Them

by Lucinda Scala Quinn (Artisan Books)

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Theres a lot of mythos surrounding the Italian nonna  or grandmother  in cooking, but the attention usually ends at the romanticization of them. Lucinda Scala Quinn looks beyond it with Mother Sauce, which pays tribute to the hardships and the struggles of the Italian American immigrants, especially women, who made their way to America between 1880 and 1924. As she shares recipes for lasagna with mini meatballs; stromboli; stuffed squid in tomato sauce; chicken cacciatore; espresso granita; ricotta pie and beyond, she traces todays Italian American cuisine to its roots in peasant cooking, or cucina povera, and the women who  often silently  helped evolve and popularize it. Mother Sauce is just as much an ode to her own Italian American family, sharing generational recipes culled from memory and even handwritten notes from the 1930s.  S.B.

Pakistan: Recipes and Stories From Home Kitchens, Restaurants, and Roadside Stands

by Maryam Jillani (Hardie Grant)

Some culinary evolutions are far more thoroughly documented in the English language than others, a sticking point that propelled Maryam Jillani to research and write her debut cookbook. Moving to the U.S. in the late 2000s from Islamabad, the capital of Pakistan, she struggled to find recipes, in print or online, that reflected the regionality of her home country  or that recognized the way traditions had shifted from Indian culture since the violent Partition in 1948. It led Jillani to begin a website, Pakistan Eats, in 2016, and then to travel across her homeland, documenting dishes cooked in kitchens of every kind, personal and professional. "Pakistani cuisine is colorful, global and breaks the rules, she asserts in her introduction. Recipes span chile-sparked spinach with handmade whole wheat noodles (a vestige of Chinese traders who traveled along the Silk Road through the northern Hunza Valley), fish simmered in fenugreek-scented yogurt and gingery, saucy chicken karahi. Essays illuminating the countrys regions and gorgeous location photography by Waleed Anwar and Insiya Syed complete Jillanis eye-opening achievement.  B.A.

Salt Sugar MSG: Recipes and Stories From a Cantonese American Home

by Calvin Eng with Phoebe Melnick (Clarkson Potter)

Chef Calvin Eng's modern take on Chinese food is squarely Cantonese American, the kind of food he serves at his Brooklyn restaurant: taro root hash browns with sweet-and-spicy ketchup; tinned dace turned into a dip with cream cheese and sour cream; long beans in a glaze of fermented bean curd garlic butter. The restaurant is Bonnie's, the American name that his aunt chose for his mom when they moved to New York from Hong Kong. Many recipes highlight classic Cantonese techniques  some of which he learned from his mother  but expand on flavors and ingredients, what he calls "a true mishmash of identities." They glow with deliciousness and nostalgia.  B.H.

Scratch That: Embrace the Mess, Cook to Impress

by Alix Traeger (Union Square and Co.)

Alix Traegers bubbly, infectious and often self-deprecating personality shines through on every page of her debut cookbook, Scratch That. The book is organized into categories that reflect how Traeger likes to cook and eat, with Weekend Breakfasts; her quintessential lunch foods presented as Salads, Soups & Sandys; Dips, Snacks & Apps you can turn into a meal; Dinner, Mains & Sweet Treats (bananas foster cinnamon rolls!). She gleefully shares the mistakes shes made so you can avoid doing the same, or not. By the time you reach the dessert chapter, youll think of Traeger as a friend, and youll be inspired to make a little mess and have a lot of fun in the kitchen.  J.H.

Tanoreen: Palestinian Home Cooking in Diaspora

by Rawia Bishara (Interlink Books)

Im not the only food obsessive whose first taste of home-style, technique-driven Palestinian cooking was at Tanoreen, the restaurant that Rawia Bishara opened in the Bay Ridge neighborhood of Brooklyn in 1998. Her menu has always been a mix of the mezze dishes (hummus, tabbouleh, fattoush) common across the region, punctuated with recipes like maqluba (spiced chicken and rice flipped upside-down from the pot) specific to her familys heritage. Tanoreen is an update of Bisharas cookbook Olives, Lemon & Zaatar originally published in 2014. Every aspect feels brighter, with more colorful photography and more personal anecdotes about her upbringing and favorite dishes. She mingles specific, detailed dishes like hossi, a unique chile paste rounded with marjoram and allspice made to flavor kibbeh, with creations such as a seafood soup for her son warmed with cumin and fragrant with fresh basil, cilantro and dill.  B.A.

The Scarrs Pizza Cookbook: New York-Style Pizza for Everybody

by Scarr Pimentel with Kimberly Chou Tsun An (4 Color Books)

For pizza fanatics, this book is a long time coming. Scarr Pimentels famous New York pizzeria, now nearly a decade old, draws legions. Now the pizzaiolo's first cookbook brings his New York- and grandma-style pies to everyones house. It's a trip through Pimentels story: growing up rough but surrounded by family in New York City, working his way through pizzerias and eventually launching his own. All recipes are written for a home oven with a pizza steel, though pizza stones, sheet pans or an upside-down cast-iron pan also could do the trick. The book delves into the breakdown of wheat grain and how to mill (and store) your own flour at home, landing the right flour and cheese blends, hydrations and temperatures and how to check them, nailing the sauce-to-cheese ratio, and the best way to reheat pizza. And while the Scarrs cookbook outlines home pizza in its various forms (including vegan and, of course, the signature Scarrs Hotboi), theres so much more, including fried meatballs, handmade chicken sausage, calzones, cocktails and vegan garlic knots.  S.B.

Umma: A Korean Mom's Kitchen Wisdom and 100 Family Recipes

by Sarah Ahn and Nam Soon Ahn (America's Test Kitchen)

Whats embedded in the pages of "Umma," by Sarah Ahn and her mother, Nam Soon Ahn, is the singular love shared by a mother and daughter, and the myriad ways to demonstrate that love in the kitchen. Its also an extensive primer on cooking Korean food, with tips on how to build a pantry, useful kitchen tutorials and a section on how Nam Soon chooses produce. There are recipes for everything from gimbap to kimchi grilled cheese, but what really makes this book special are the stories that accompany some of the recipes and the notes that read like handwritten tips meant just for me.  J.H.

We the Pizza: Slangin' Pies + Savin' Lives

by Muhammad Abdul-Hadi, recipes by Michael Carter (Clarkson Potter)

Muhammad Abdul-Hadi understands firsthand how incarceration can derail someones life. Just as he was preparing to open his mission-driven pizzeria in North Philadelphia, he was hit with a federal indictment that put him on house arrest. That incident strengthened his resolve to use his pizza shop as a tool to reduce recidivism rates, employing only formerly incarcerated people. We the Pizza doubles down on this ethos with stories about Down North Pizza and its staff, recipes plucked from its maximalist, Philly-style menu and history about the U.S. carceral system. Pizzas are named after rap and soul songs by Philadelphia artists, with a QR code to a playlist. Summertime is studded with pan-roasted tomatoes, basil pesto and roasted red peppers, and My Part of Town reinterprets the classic Philly cheesesteak as a pizza. Theres an entire section dedicated to vegetarian and vegan pies, and a chapter with collaboration recipes from chefs like Shenarri Freeman and Marcus Samuelsson. Hadi includes resources for how to help. To start, any net proceeds from the sale of the book will be donated to his Down North Foundation.  D.D.

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This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times.
INWOOD, Manhattan (PIX11)  One man is dead and two others were injured after a stabbing incident at a deli store in Inwood, Manhattan on Wednesday night, police say.

The stabbing happened around 5:30 p.m. at 4996 Broadway, according to authorities. A 24-year-old man was stabbed in the neck and later pronounced dead a local hospital, officials report.

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A 20-year-old man was also slashed in the neck and a 21-year-old man was stabbed in the hand and back, police say. Both were taken to area hospitals and are expected to recover, according to officials.

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What led up to the stabbing is still unclear but investigators say it sounds like there may have been a fight between the three men.

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One man has since been placed under arrest and authorities say charges are pending.

Submit tips to police by calling Crime Stoppers at 1-800-577-TIPS (8477), visiting crimestoppers.nypdonline.org, downloading the NYPD Crime Stoppers mobile app, or texting 274637 (CRIMES) then entering TIP577. Spanish-speaking callers are asked to dial 1-888-57-PISTA (74782).

Dominique Jack is a digital content producer from Brooklyn with more than five years of experience covering news. She joined PIX11 in 2024. More of her work can be found here.

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FLORENCE, S.C. (WBTW)  One person was sent to the hospital with minor injuries after a crash that blocked traffic on Interstate 95 N. in Florence, West Florence Fire Rescue said.

The crash involved a truck towing a boat on I-95 N. near mile marker 159, according to West Florence Fire Rescue. It happened just south of the Magnolia Mall exit.

The South Carolina Highway Patrol is investigating.

* * *

Caleb is a digital producer at News13. Caleb joined the team in January 2023 after graduating from Liberty University. He is from Northern Virginia. Follow Caleb on X, formerly Twitter, and read more of his work here.

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SMITH COUNTY, Texas (KETK)  An East Texas man is being held on a $1 million bond after a Wednesday police chase where he allegedly shot at officers, buildings and pointed guns at citizens.

According to an arrest affidavit obtained from the Smith County Sheriffs Office, on Wednesday, around 10:55 a.m., the sheriffs office began receiving reports of a person, later identified as Mason Lowell Ahrens of Hideaway, shooting his gun out of an older model of a black Chevrolet Z71.

Henderson County Sheriffs Office takes aggressive stance to arrest child predators

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Officials said Ahrens was shooting at buildings and pointing guns at citizens, and then left out the back gate of Hideaway. At this time, the last known location of Ahrens was on FM 16 heading towards Lindale. A detective located Ahrens and watched him pull into a gas station.

Mugshot of Mason Lowell Ahrens, courtesy of Smith County Jail

The detective pulls up behind Ahrens with his lights and sirens activated and identifies himself when he sees Ahrens look at him in his rearview mirror and flee from him, heading westbound on FM 16.

Ahrens then drove off FM 16 onto a dirt road with road construction until he U-turned and stopped the truck, officials said.

VIDEO: Gunshots heard in Lindale police chase, person arrested

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Ahrens drives at him [the detective] and this is when the detective clearly observes Ahrens pointing a gun directly at him, the affidavit said. Ahrens continues to flee from law enforcement. During this pursuit, Ahrens pointed his firearm at other law enforcement officers and shot while fleeing from officers.

Ahrens was finally captured near Tyler Pipe in Swan around 11:28 a.m. and was arrested for aggravated assault of a public servant and driving while intoxicated. He is being held at the Smith County Jail on a $1 million bond.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KETK.com | FOX51.com.
[Attached video: President Trump threatens university funding over illegal protests]

WASHINGTON (WJW/AP)  More than 1,000 international students have had their visas or legal status revoked in recent weeks, including at Kent State and other universities in Ohio.

Several have filed lawsuits against the Trump administration, arguing the government denied them due process when it suddenly took away their permission to be in the U.S.

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Greenwich firefighter John Saunders dies while on duty at scene of house fire

According to Kent State University, 10 people are affected, including 3 current students and 7 recent graduates that had post-graduate work permits.

At Case Western University, over the past two weeks, four active students have had their F-1 visa status terminated by the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS).

The actions by the federal government to terminate students legal status have left hundreds of scholars at risk of detention and deportation. Their schools range from private universities like Harvard and Stanford to large public institutions like the University of Maryland and Ohio State University to some small liberal arts colleges.

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Tragic loss of life: Cause determined after man, woman, 3 kids found dead in Ohio home

At least 1,024 students at 160 colleges, universities and university systems have had their visas revoked or their legal status terminated since late March, according to an Associated Press review of university statements, correspondence with school officials and court records.

In lawsuits against the Department of Homeland Security, students have argued the government lacked justification to cancel their visa or terminate their legal status.

Why is the government canceling international students visas?

Visas can be canceled for a number of reasons, but colleges say some students are being singled out over infractions as minor as traffic violations, including some long in the past. In some cases, students say its unclear why they were targeted.

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The timing and uniformity of these terminations leave little question that DHS has adopted a nationwide policy, whether written or not, of mass termination of student (legal) status, ACLU of Michigan attorneys wrote in a lawsuit on behalf of students at Wayne State University and the University of Michigan.

Pet food recalled after testing positive for salmonella and listeria: FDA

In New Hampshire, a federal judge last week issued a restraining order in the case of a Dartmouth College computer science student from China, Xiaotian Liu, who had his status terminated by the government. Attorneys have filed similar challenges in federal court in Georgia and California.

Homeland Security officials did not respond to a message seeking comment.

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In some high-profile cases, including the detention of Columbia University activist Mahmoud Khalil, President Donald Trumps administration has argued it should be allowed to deport noncitizens over involvement in pro-Palestinian activism. But in the vast majority of visa revocations, colleges say there is no indication affected students had a role in protests.

What youre seeing happening with international students is really a piece of the much greater scrutiny that the Trump administration is bringing to bear on immigrants of all different categories, said Michelle Mittelstadt, director of public affairs at the Migration Policy Institute.

How do student visas work?

Students in other countries must meet a series of requirements to obtain a student visa, usually an F-1. After gaining admission to a school in the U.S., students go through an application and interview process at a U.S. embassy or consulate abroad.

Students on an F-1 visa must show they have enough financial support for their course of study in the U.S. They have to remain in good standing with their academic program and are generally limited in their ability to work off-campus during their academic program.

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Overnight police chase shuts down I-71

Entry visas are managed by the State Department. Once theyre in the U.S., international students legal status is overseen by the Student and Exchange Visitor Program under the Department of Homeland Security.

In recent weeks, leaders at many colleges learned the legal residency status of some of their international students had been terminated when college staff checked a database managed by Homeland Security. In the past, college officials say, legal statuses typically were updated after colleges told the government the students were no longer studying at the school.

After losing legal residency, students are told to leave the country

Historically, students who had their visas revoked were allowed to keep their legal residency status and complete their studies.

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The lack of a valid entry visa only limited their ability to leave the U.S. and return, something they could reapply for with the State Department. But if a student has lost legal residency status, they risk detention by immigration authorities. Some students already have left the country, abandoning their studies to avoid being arrested.

Higher education leaders worry the arrests and visa revocations could discourage students overseas from pursuing higher education in the United States.

$100M Walgreens settlement: How to file a claim before Thursday deadline

The lack of clarity of what is leading to revocations can create a sense of fear among students, said Sarah Spreitzer, vice president of government relations at the American Council on Education.

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The very public actions that are being taken by ICE and the Department of Homeland Security around some of these students, where they are removing these students from their homes or from their streets, thats not usually done unless there is a security issue when a student visa is revoked, she said. The threat of this very quick removal is something thats new.

Colleges are trying to reassure students

In messages to their campuses, colleges have said they are asking the federal government for answers on what led to the terminations. Others have re-emphasized travel precautions to students, recommending they carry their passports and other immigration documents with them.

College leaders spoke of a growing sense of uncertainty and anxiety.

These are unprecedented times, and our normal guiding principles for living in a democratic society are being challenged, University of Massachusetts Boston Chancellor Marcelo Suarez-Orozco wrote in an email. With the rate and depth of changes occurring, we must be thoughtful in how we best prepare, protect, and respond.

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Suarez-Orozco said the legal residency status had been canceled for two students and five other members of our university community including recent graduates participating in training programs.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

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Since the U.S. National Park Service (NPS) started keeping records in 1904, its mountain landscapes, seaside wildernesses, and high desert acres have registered more than 16.4 billion visits. Some of the best-known parks experienced record crowds in 2024. Straddling the border between North Carolina and Tennessee, Great Smoky Mountains National Park passed 12 million recreation visits; almost 3.2 million people took in the massive U-shaped valleys and hulking granite peaks carved by ice flows long ago at Montana's Glacier National Park.

Visitors are drawn to the vastness and variety of Americas best idea. From sea to shining sea (as well as in the wilds of Alaska and Hawaii), the NPSs 85 million acres encompass 150,000 miles of rivers and streams and over 21,000 miles of trails.

(Go wild, and skip the crowds, at these 7 spectacular parks.)

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These 10 parks are the superstars of the system, but they offer just a glimpse of the variety to be found in the 429 park units (including 63 national parks) of the NPS.

10. Glacier National Park

Set in the majestic Rockies of northern Montana, Glacier National Park takes its name from the rivers of ice and glacial forces that shaped its rugged topography over two million years. In 2024, the parks mosaic of rock, ice, forest, and water attracted 3,208,755 visitors.

Visitors hiking along the trail to Grinnell Lake witness this incredible view in Glacier National Park, Mont. Photograph By Stephen Moehle, Shutterstock

9. Grand Teton National Park

The peaks of the Teton Range, regal and imposing, soar nearly 7,000 feet above the Wyoming valley floor, making them some of the boldest geological statements in the Rockies. Grand Teton National Parks jewel-like lakes, blue and white glaciers, and naked granite pinnacles enticed 3,628,222 visitors in 2024.

Ski mountaineers ascend the rocky landscape of Garnet Canyon in Grand Teton National Park. Photograph by Jimmy Chin, Nat Geo Image Collection

8. Olympic National Park

In 2024, More than 3.7 million people visited Washington States Olympic National Park. The park comprises 922,651 acres of wild Pacific coast (pictured), rugged glacier-capped mountains, and old-growth temperate rainforest

In Washington States Olympic National Park, an adventurous camper has set up their tent on Rialto Beach near the natural landmark, Hole-in-the-Wall. Photograph By Cavan Images/Offset, Shutterstock

7. Acadia National Park

Sea and mountains meet at Acadia National Park in Maine, which saw 3,961,661 people visit in 2024. Most of the park is on Mount Desert Island, a patchwork of parkland, private property, and waterside villages.

Acadia National Park in Maine has more than 500 miles of trails that range from easy to strenuous. Photograph By James Kirkikis, Shutterstock

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6. Yosemite National Park

No temple made with human hands can compete with Yosemite, wrote John Muir, whose crusading led to the creation of Californias Yosemite National Park in 1890. This temple of granite cliffs and towering waterfalls saw 4,121,807 million visitors in 2024. Most spent time in Yosemite Valley, a mile-wide, seven-mile-long canyon that was cut by a river and then widened and deepened by glacial action.

A lunar rainbow or moonbow seen just below Yosemite Falls in Yosemite National Park, Calif. Photograph by Andrew Coleman, Nat Geo Image Collection

5. Rocky Mountain National Park

Sweeping alpine vistas attracted 4.2 million visitors to Colorados Rocky Mountain National Park in 2024. The park contains 150 lakes and 450 miles of streams, plus ecosystems ranging from wetlands to pine forests to montane areas to alpine tundra.

Visitors to Rocky Mountain National Park should not miss a visit to see the headwaters that turn into the mighty Colorado River. Photograph by Peter McBride, Nat Geo Image Collection

4. Yellowstone National Park

Yellowstone National Parkthe worlds first national parkwas visited by 4.7 million people in 2024. The vast reservecovering 2.2 million acres in Wyoming, Idaho, and Montanahas craggy peaks, explosive geysers, alpine lakes, deep forests, and a wealth of wild animals. The stars are bison, bears, sheep, moose, and wolves.

Yellowstone National Park is home to over 500 geysers like Castle Geyser seen erupting steam and water. Tortoise Shell Spring is in the foreground. Photograph By on Jon G. Fuller/VWPics/Redux

A black bear cub (Ursus americanus) in Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming, looks at the camera. Photograph By George Sanker, Nature Picture Library

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3. Grand Canyon National Park

In 2024, Grand Canyon National Park attracted 4,919,163 million people to witness one of the largest canyons on Earth, which is a mile deep and up to 18 miles wide at some points. Explore it by hiking, mule riding, or rafting in the mighty Colorado River.

This photo captures an amazing view of Marble Canyon at dawn on the Navajo Nation Reservation in Grand Canyon National Park. Photograph by Peter McBride, Nat Geo Image Collection

2. Zion National Park

Rising in Utahs high plateau country, the Virgin River carves its way through Zion Canyon to the desert below. Zion National Parks striking vertical topographyrock towers, sandstone canyons, and sharp cliffsattracted 4,946,592 million visitors in 2024.

Hikers pass each other at the narrowest section of Zion Canyon (also known as The Narrows) in Zion National Park in Springdale, Utah. Photograph By Morgan Lieberman/Redux

1. Great Smoky Mountains National Park

More than 12 million visitors went to Great Smoky Mountains National Park in 2024. Travelers can explore its misty peaks and waterfall-filled valleys via a mountain-skimming scenic highway or by taking 800-plus miles of hiking trails stretching across North Carolina and Tennessee.

A long exposure image reveals star trails over the Great Smoky Mountains in Tennessee. Photograph by Babak Tafreshi, Nat Geo Image Collection

This article is updated yearly with new information and it was republished on April 16, 2025.

Hike with us: National Geographics Trails Illustrated maps highlight the best places for hiking, camping, boating, paddling, and wildlife viewing in North Americas rugged frontiers and urban fringes. Created in partnership with local land management agencies, these expertly researched maps deliver unmatched detail and helpful information to guide experienced outdoor enthusiasts and casual visitors alike. Click here for maps of National Parks.
The decade-plus battle to bring high-speed rail to Texas could soon be over. On Tuesday, Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy delivered a blow to the project, known as Texas Central Railway, by rescinding a $63.9 million federal grant. Duffy called the project "a waste of taxpayer funds."

The Texas Central Railway was unveiled in 2013 as a fully privately funded high-speed rail project connecting Dallas and Houston. Originally estimated to cost $10 billion, the project would be able to shuttle passengers between the state's two largest cities in 90 minutes (versus nearly four hours in a car).

Like other high-speed rail projects before it, Texas Central has run into project delays and cost overruns. By 2019, the project's investors updated their original cost estimates to $20 billion. In 2020, project estimates were updated again to $30 billion. A 2023 analysis by Baruch Feigenbaum, senior managing director of transportation policy at Reason Foundation (the nonprofit that publishes Reason), estimates that the project's operating and construction costs will be at least $41.6 billion.

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In September 2024, the Biden administration awarded Amtrak a $64 million grant to move the project forward. Despite this federal support, Japanese investors backed out of the project after claiming to have lost $272 million.

Kleinheinz Capital Partners, an investment firm headed by Fort Worth businessman John Kleinheinz, "bought its Japanese investors out of the project in January," reports The Texas Tribune, to become the rail line's controlling interest. Andy Jent, a representative of Texas Central, told the Tribune that the project had acquired 25 percent of the land it needed to build the route.

Despite Tuesday's announcement from the Transportation Department, which also directed Amtrak to rescind project leadership, the project appears ready to forge ahead. "We agree with Secretary Duffy that this project should be led by the private sector, and we will be proud to take it forward," Kleinheinz Capital said in a statement.

"Our interpretation of what the Department of Transportation released a couple of days ago is that number one, they don't want Amtrak leading this project," Jent told the Texas House of Representatives' Transportation Committee on Thursday. "We also don't believe that that's in the best interest of the state of Texas or in the best interest of this project."

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Despite the optimism, the project faces a long route to completion.

The rail line has yet to lay a single foot of track or acquire the necessary permits to begin construction. In 2020, the Federal Railroad Administration issued a final environmental impact statement under the National Environmental Policy Act, which did "not grant any kind of construction approval or permit. Neither does this final rule, by itself, grant any permission or authority" for the company to operate. "The publication of this final rule is the beginning for [Texas Central Railroad], not the end, of its continuous obligation to demonstrate compliance with the regulation."

As of January 2024, the project had not received the necessary permits from the federal Surface Transportation Board to begin construction. The city of Houston has not approved a terminal site for the train, but Dallas has spent $1.5 million on an economic feasibility study for the project, Dallas City Council member Omar Narvaez told KERA News.

The project has also faced opposition from the state government. In 2017, Texas lawmakers passed a law prohibiting the Texas legislature from appropriating funds "related to the planning, facility construction or maintenance, security, or operation of a high-speed rail project operated by a private entity."

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In June 2022, the Texas Supreme Court ruled that Texas Central could use eminent domain for the rail line, which has been met with staunch opposition from Texas landowners. This legislative session, state Rep. Brian Harrison (RWaxahachie) introduced a bill that would prevent a private entity that operates high-speed rail from using eminent domain. Lawmakers are also considering a bill sponsored by Rep. Cody Harris (RPalestine), which would make it impossible for state funds to be used to pay for the alteration of roadway because of high-speed rail construction.

Jent told lawmakers on Thursday that he still considers the project alive, but Kleinheinz is not, at this time, "proposing construction of the project." Once the developers give the green light, Jent expects that it will take six months to finalize project planning. During that time, Texas Central would secure more financing and submit a final permit to the Surface Transportation Board. Jent expects it would then take 8086 months to complete construction of the project.

This estimation is a bit ambitious, Feigenbaum tells Reason. With the project's cost ballooning from $10 billion to over $40 billion, "I don't see how they're going to come up with" the funding that's needed for the rail line, he says. In his testimony to lawmakers, Jent said that he expects the Japan Bank for International Cooperation to "provide some form of financing" in the future (although the bank is not funding the project right now).

Feigenbaum says the project, which was essentially dormant before, will likely become dormant again.

The post In 12 Years, This $40 Billion High-Speed Rail Line in Texas Has Not Laid a Single Foot of Track appeared first on Reason.com.
BEAUMONT, Texas (KETK) 16 people were arrested in East Texas after a wide-spread meth trafficking conspiracy.

According to the U.S. Attorneys Office Eastern District of Texas, a federal indictment has resulted in 16 people charged with various violations related to a wide-spread meth trafficking conspiracy. The indictment returned by a federal grand jury on April 2 charging the suspects with federal drug and gun violations with those in custody making initial appearances on Wednesday.

OFFICIALS: Texarkana federal inmate gets 100 additional months for alleged meth trafficking inside prison

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Officials said since November 2022 law enforcement has seized over 10 kilograms of meth and 14 firearms. The following people were allegedly involved in the meth conspiracy in Angelina, Nacogdoches and Polk counties:

Albert Lopez, 39, charged with conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine and possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime

Adaryl Douglas, 45, charged with conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine and possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime

Hector Gomez, 40, charged with conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine

Oscar Padilla, 44, charged with conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine

Leanna Jean Busby, 45, charged with conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine

Amanda McBride, 43, charged with conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine

John Christopher Rios, 53, charged with conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine

Jose Pedro Guzman Jr., 34, charged with conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine

Lorene Michelle Baker, 44, charged with conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine

David Davis, Jr., 48, charged with conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine

Penny Ann King, 51, charged with conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine

Jodi Calvin Sparkman, 53, charged with conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine

Christopher Dewayne Harvey, 51, charged with conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine

Gary Mills, 65, charged with conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine and felon in possession of a firearm

Clifton Collin-Dakota Smith, 32, charged with conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine

Corey Mullan, 39, charged with conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine

If these people are convicted, officials said they face from 10 years to life in federal prison. As part of the investigation, Eduardo Barajas-Macias, 32, a known associate of the criminal conspiracy by officers, was also arrested and charged with unlawful reentry after being removed or deported.

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Longview man gets 80 years for assaulting six-year-old girl

This investigation is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs) and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime, U.S. Attorneys Office said.

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OKLAHOMA CITY (KFOR)  2025 will mark the 30th anniversary of the Oklahoma City bombing.

We remember and honor those 168 who lost their lives on April 19, 1995, when a bomb went off in front of the Murrah building in downtown Oklahoma City.

168 Days to remember those lost in the OKC bombing: Sharon Louise Wood-Chesnut. Image courtesy Oklahoma City National Memorial Museum.

We want to remember Sharon Louise Wood-Chesnut, while honoring those who survived and thanking those changed forever.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KFOR.com Oklahoma City.
MONTGOMERY COUNTY, Md. (DC News Now)  A 17-year-old student was charged with making threats against a Montgomery County public school last month, police announced Thursday.

The Montgomery County Department of Police (MCPD) said the school received a threat via voicemail on Tuesday, March 18, consisting of threatening language towards the principal and various demographic and religious groups.

MoCo Minute | Montgomery College Foundation to get $1 Million pledge to support early childhood education

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Detectives from the Community Engagement Division Behavioral Assessment and Administrative Unit (BAAU) identified the suspect as a teen boy who is a student at the school.

The BAAU states the boy was charged with threats of mass violence and committing a hate crime related to someones race or religion. The Department of Juvenile Services will be handling his case.

The BAAU says there is no credible threat to the community.

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An aerial photo of Wax Lake Delta, one of the few areas of Louisianas coast that is building land. Data from Wax Lake informed coastal restoration plans like the Mid-Barataria Sediment Diversion project. (Elise Plunk/Louisiana Illuminator)

The Louisiana Coastal Restoration and Protection Authority voted Wednesday to fully fund its nearly $2 billion spending plan for next fiscal year, despite more than a quarter of that money being tied up in a project that might never happen.

Gov. Jeff Landry ordered a 90-day pause last week on the nearly $3 billion Mid-Barataria Sediment Diversion project, which would direct water and land-building alluvium from the Mississippi River into Barataria Bay. The governor has urged a decrease in the size and scope of the plan because of its expense and potential to adversely affect oyster beds and coastal fisheries

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The 2025-26 fiscal year budget the CPRA approved includes $573 million for the massive sediment diversion. The spending plan goes next to the legislature for final consideration.

The majority of funding for the Mid-Barataria project comes from the nearly $8 billion in settlement money awarded to the state after BPs Deepwater Horizon oil spill in 2010. The money is held in a trust overseen by the U.S. Department of Interior, Department of Agriculture, the Environmental Protection Agency and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.

Those trustees sent a letter to CPRA executive director Glenn Ledet Jr. in November indicating the $2.26 billion already awarded for the Mid-Barataria diversion would be clawed back should the project stop. That means the state would have to return those funds for future restoration activities.

The CPRA testified in an Oct. 2024 state senate hearing to already spending around $519 million on the Mid-Barataria plan pre-construction costs and mitigation measures for communities and wildlife that stand to be impacted. Around $394 million of the money already spent went toward construction costs.

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The diversion project has led to lawsuits and political disputes. A group of environmentalists and Plaquemines Parish business owners has challenged the project in court, arguing federal agencies issued permits without taking into account its impact on aquatic species and fisheries. Plaquemines officials have sued separately, arguing the diversion project will increase flood risks in the parish.

CPRA Chairman Gordy Dove argued at Wednesdays meeting that approving next years budget, despite the diversion projects uncertainty, was essential to support other developments the authority has in the works. Dove, a former Terrebonne Parish president who Landry appointed in 2024 to lead the authority, has openly balked at the price tag for the major diversion.

This isnt the first time a project has been held up, Dove said, adding that money could be reallocated from Mid-Barataria to the 149 other projects the CPRA has proposed.

They include the Barataria Land Bridge, a structure made with sand dredged from the Mississippi River. Proponents say its a less intrusive alternative to the river diversion, while its detractors insist the benefits will be at a far smaller scale and not as long-lasting.

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Other projects in the budget include flood risk management efforts in St. Tammany Parish, barrier Island restoration in Grand Isle and marsh creation projects in Bayou Cane and Lake Borgne.

Dwayne Bourgeois, the CPRA member representing Terrebonne Basin, questioned whether it was appropriate to approve a budget with such a large portion of its spending in limbo.

Were voting on something that has a big gap in it, thats undetermined. But I think at this point its unavoidable, Bourgeois said, noting the need to provide money for other CPRA work.

Weve got a pipeline running right now of all of these projects  I feel like Ive got a gun to my head, he added.

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While funding for Mid-Barataria remains in the plan, Dove reiterated there has been no decision made on whether the project will get final approval.

Advocacy groups showed up for the CPRA meeting at the State Capitol to support the Mid-Barataria Sediment Diversion, which is considered the cornerstone project of Louisianas Coastal Master Plan.

The state needs this project, said Amanda Moore, senior director of the National Wildlife Federations Gulf program. She said the project is science-based and wildly popular among Louisiana residents.

Survey results from the advocacy group Restore the Mississippi River Delta released earlier this week show 83% of respondents approve of the Mid-Barataria Sediment Diversion moving forward. Support for the project was bipartisan among the 800 registered Louisiana voters who responded to the surveys.

SUPPORT: YOU MAKE OUR WORK POSSIBLE

Correction: Dwayne Bourgeois represents the Terrebonne Basin on the Coastal Protection and Restoration Authority.
SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (KELO)  Eleven out of 13 Pennington County businesses pass an alcohol compliance check.

On April 7, the Pennington County Sheriffs Office made compliance checks for 13 alcohol establishments within the county. Authorities found that two businesses sold alcohol to an underage informant, which is a violation.

12 dangerous criminals arrested, DOJ says

The Pennington County Sheriffs Office lists the following businesses in compliance:

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The Gaslight (13490 Main St., Rockerville)

Rockerville Lodge & Cabins (13525 Main St., Rockerville)

Ramada Mt. Rushmore (115 Swanzey St., Keystone)

Dollar General Store (681 Main St., Hill City)

Heart of the West Conoco (632 Main St., Hill City)

Tin City Saloon (240 Main St., Hill City)

Hill City Cafe (209 Main St., Hill City)

Alpine Inn (133 Main St., Hill City)

Heart of the Hills Convenience Store (101 Main St., Hill City)

Krulls Market (531 E Main St., Hill City)

Country Store @ Three Forks (23820 Highway 385)

The following establishments failed compliance:

BJs Country Store (13620 S Highway 16)

Mexico Tipico (23021 Hisega Rd.)

According to authorities, employees at BJs County Store and Mexico Tipico sold or served alcohol to the informants without providing identification.

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The Pennington County Sheriffs Office said that providing alcohol to a minor is a class 2 misdemeanor, punishable by 30 days in jail and/or a $500 fine. A first offense fine is $1,000 and the second offense is $2,000, according to authorities. A third offense can revoke a liquor and/or business license, authorities said.

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HAIKU, Hawaii (KHON2)  There is an update in the case of Eddie the pig, the beloved pet who was stolen and killed in 2024 on Maui.

One of the teenagers convicted of the crime just learned his sentence, and some said it is not enough.

Maui teen faces 10-year sentence for stealing pet pig, killing it for $1k

A large rally against animal cruelty was held outside the Wailuku courthouse on Wednesday, April 16, that was sparked by a case that outraged the Maui community.

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There was a lot of people, like 150 or something out and people had made signs at home and people had very personal signs, like one person had helped raise him, said Eddies owner, Sarah Haynes. And it said, You murdered my friend.'

Prosecutors said two teens trespassed onto Haynes property in May 2024, stole Eddie and killed him, trying to pass the well-loved pet off as a wild pig in a local hunting competition.

The act was recorded and shared online, which horrified the community and culminated in Wednesdays rally at one of the perpetrators sentencing.

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I dont know that it changed anything for Eddie, or for the sentence, but I do think its important for prosecutors and judges, especially to know that this community is tired of this animal abuse.

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As part of the judges deferred sentence to the no contest plea, the teen was ordered to serve two days in jail with credit for one day served  after that he will be under strict court supervision for four years.

This is a teenager and were hoping that the perpetrator is going to learn something from this situation and that it will change their lives, said Hawaiian Humane Society community engagement director Steph Kendrick. But the punishment is still not commensurate to the crime that was done both to this animal and to his family who loved him.

Animal advocates said Hawaiis cruelty laws are among the weakest in the nation and they are pushing lawmakers to act  adding there is a silver lining to the fact that one of the perpetrators who killed Eddie will walk out of jail on Thursday.

He cant hunt, he cant own animals. So there is a very strict probation, and Im really happy with that, Haynes said. My hope is that this has been scary enough for him that hell make a change and also that other people hear about it.

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When a pet is harmed, when a pet is stolen and killed, its devastating to its family. And I hope this story will give people pause and will encourage better treatment for animals in our community, Kendrick said.

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A grant from a law school alumnus will strengthen Creighton University's Holocaust and international criminal justice studies. The collage of photos relates to the university's N2H (Nuremberg to The Hague) program, which will receive some funds. Top left, site of 1945-46 Nuremberg International Military Tribunal; bottom left, Howard Kaiman in 1967; center, students and faculty at International Court of Justice in The Hague; right, gate at Dachau Nazi concentration camp. (Courtesy of Creighton University)

OMAHA  A $2 million gift to Creighton Universitys School of Law will reinforce efforts to expose students to the realities of the Holocaust and to international criminal courts seeking justice for victims.

The gift from Donna Gilbert and her children, Dave and Stacey Gilbert, establishes the new Samuel & Ida Kaiman Center for International Justice & Holocaust Studies, a research and teaching hub within the School of Law that will focus on international criminal justice.

Howard A. Kaiman asked his family to distribute his estate to worthy causes. (Courtesy of Creighton University)

The gift also endows and renames the Nuremberg to The Hague (N2H) Program in honor of Howard A. Kaiman, a Creighton alumnus.

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Samuel and Ida Kaiman, both Omaha natives, were Donnas parents. Howard, a lifelong Omahan and attorney, was Donnas brother. Family members said Howard took night law classes at Creighton in the 1960s, during an antisemitic period when Jews were being denied by country clubs and colleges.

Before he died in 2023 at age 93, Howard Kaiman asked his family to distribute his estate to worthy causes.

Samuel and Ida Kaiman (Courtesy of Creighton University)

Donna (Kaiman) Gilbert, in a media statement, said the program funding would help continue the good deeds and community work carried out by her parents and brother. She also said the new center and the N2H program would help keep the memory of the Holocaust alive for new generations. The Nazi regime and their allies killed about 6 million Jewish people in the genocide known as the Holocaust, 1933 to 1945.

They will challenge them never to forget that this happened and that it can happen again, very easily, if we dont remember, said Gilbert.

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Michael Kelly, Creighton law professor and director of N2H, said the endowment and center have forever changed how we teach the Holocaust, genocide and international criminal justice at Creighton.

Every summer for more than a decade, the N2H program has taken up to 30 students to Germany, the Netherlands and Poland to learn firsthand about the Holocaust. The news release describes the program as an immersion into historical and legal experiences that combine classroom instruction with trips to crime scenes, places of conspiracy and trials for crimes against humanity being litigated today.

Creighton law students and faculty at Dachau concentration camp in Germany. (Courtesy of Creighton University)

The endowment ensures the perpetuity of the N2H program, Creighton officials said, and the new research hub builds upon and broadens its impact and influence.

The center also provides us the invaluable opportunity to explore more deeply the international atrocities taking place today, and the courts tasked with litigating them, Kelly said.

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He said the center could bring in world-renowned attorneys to speak about genocide litigation, explore cases being tried in the International Criminal Court of Justice and examine the genocide of the Rohingya in Burma, the Kurds in Iraq and other repressed people worldwide.

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DENVER (KDVR)  On Sunday, U.S. Park Rangers at the Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park recovered the remains of Jordan Marsters.

Marsters, 31, was reported missing to the Denver Police Department by his family on Feb. 15. The National Park Service said in a release 11 days later that Marsters had been seen traveling through Grand Junction on Feb. 11 and Montrose on Feb. 12.

Skeletal remains found under Aurora overpass, police search for ID

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His last known locations were in Montrose on Feb. 12 and 13, and the Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park at about 7:20 a.m. on Feb. 13. An abandoned vehicle at Black Canyon of the Gunnison was linked to Marsters, where search efforts began.

On Wednesday, the National Park Service confirmed that human remains located in a remote and highly technical area of the wilderness in March were those of Marsters. Because of the location, the National Park Service worked with other nearby parks with extreme technical skill sets to help with the recovery.

Those involved in the recovery effort included:

Capitol Reef National Park recovery team

Canyonlands National Park recovery team

Colorado National Monument recovery team

Curecanti National Recreation Area overhead and recovery team

Montrose County Sheriffs Office

Montrose County Coroners Office

Montrose County Road and Bridge

Friends of Black Canyon Search and Rescue Volunteers, contingency team

Mountain Blade Runner Helicopters

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The National Park Service said that the family and the listed agencies worked tirelessly to resolve the search and recovery effort.

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BAKU, Azerbaijan, April 17. If Azerbaijani companies move to Slovenia, they will be provided with appropriate support at the state level in our country, the Secretary General of the Ministry of Economy, Tourism and Sport of Slovenia Mitja Blaganje said at the Azerbaijani-Slovenian business forum held in Baku today, Trend reports.

At present, Slovenian companies have achieved significant success in the world due to their achievements in engineering, technology, industry, and other fields.

Our country has established itself as a European center in fields such as aerospace, information technology, and construction.

We have been successful, especially in the pharmaceutical and automotive industries. In these fields, we are cooperating with foreign countries.
MT. JULIET, Tenn. (WKRN)  Mt. Juliet officers arrested two people reportedly on their way to bond a family member out of jail for burglary Wednesday afternoon.

CRIME TRACKER | Read the latest crime-related reports from across Middle Tennessee

Mt. Juliet authorities pulled over a truck along Interstate 40 East for speeding. Police learned the driver, a 43-year-old Nashville woman, had been wanted out of Wilson County on a probation violation related to joyriding.

(Courtesy: Mt. Juliet Police Department)

(Courtesy: Mt. Juliet Police Department)

Ironically, they were on their way to bond a family member out of jail for burglary, a social media post announcing the arrests reads, in part.

 Read todays top stories on wkrn.com

Additionally, a 22-year-old passenger in the vehicle had been found with a handgun, MDMA  also known as ecstasy  and cocaine. Police said the drugs were intended for resale.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WKRN News 2.
MEMPHIS, Tenn.  Two women were left injured after deputies say they were shot Wednesday night in Millington.

The Shelby County Sheriffs Office says deputies arrived at a home in the 7600 block of Bethuel Road regarding a shooting around 8:45 p.m. Two women were found at the scene suffering from gunshot wounds.

North Memphis shooting leaves 1 injured

Deputies say they began lifesaving efforts until Shelby County Fire arrived.

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One of the women was taken to Regional One Hospital in critical condition. The other woman was treated at the scene for her injuries.

 See more breaking news, local news and weather from WREG.com for Memphis and the Mid-South.

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No suspect information is available at this time, but this is still an ongoing investigation.

This story will be updated as more information becomes available.

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THE BRONX, N.Y. (PIX11)  Twenty alleged gang members were indicted for terrorizing a Bronx neighborhood with gunfire, including fatally shooting a man in the head, officials said Thursday.

The suspects are allegedly affiliated with the 800 YGZ gang and were busted for murder and 14 other shootings targeting rival crew members that turned West Farms into a shooting gallery between April 2021 and July 2024, according to Bronx District Attorney Darcel Clark.

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Our youth must stop choosing guns and gangs, she said.

Seventeen of the offenders were arrested and three are still being sought, police said. Seven were arrested and arraigned Tuesday. Ten others were already incarcerated.

Nearly half of the known gang members were taken off the streets in this bust, according to NYPD Commissioner Jessica Tisch.

The crew is accused of shooting near school children, at a city bus while passengers got off, and near a family with two small children standing on a sidewalk, police said.

Its an absolute disregard for human life. Tisch said. And for this gang, it ends today.

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The defendants were charged with murder, manslaughter, criminal possession of a weapon, attempted murder, robbery, assault and conspiracy, prosecutors said.

Mira Wassef is a digital reporter who has covered news and sports in the NYC area for more than a decade. She has been with PIX11 News for two years. See more of her work here.

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MIDLAND, Texas (KMID/KPEJ)  The American Association of Drilling Engineers hosted its 2-day National Tech Conference at the Bush Convention Center April 15-16, 2025.

Oil and gas professionals had the chance to check out everything from the latest technology, improvements, and innovations in drilling and case histories.

The Convention aims to attract major and independent operators, service companies, drilling contractors, equipment and materials suppliers, manufacturers and distributors from across the country.

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ABC Big 2s Chris Talley caught up with Keynote speaker, Geoffrey Cann, who is an advocate for digital innovations in energy, on his message surrounding the use of technology like Artificial Intelligence in the oil and gas industry.

TO WATCH THE ON-AIR VERSION OF THIS SEGMENT FEATURING AI Driller CLICK HERE!

Those who embrace them are the ones who will benefit the most from the leverage. Theres a very clear pattern in the technology industry that those who move fastest first  get the greatest benefit  this technology is just really nascent in our industry  it hasnt really had a tremendous effect yet, and so the opportunity for professionals to get on this and go with it is right now, now is the time, explained Cann.

Cann says how readily available technology like cloud storage and even your smartphone camera could be useful on the job.

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The biggest one of course is the artificial intelligence and machine-learning tools that are taking the data that our industry collects naturally and turning it into value, so very critical. Cloud Computing is now a 10- to 15-year-old technology, and much of the industry has embraced it, but cloud computing is not going away. It continues to evolve as well, explained Cann.

A third would be anything to do with internet of things and sensor technology. Think about a camera now on smart phonesit generates data, so being smart about these sensors is a very useful avenue for professionals, said Cann.

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A person is dead and around 20 students were injured after a blown tire caused a bus to flip on Interstate 77 South in Chester County, South Carolina, according to our news partner WSOC.

[DOWNLOAD: Free WHIO-TV News app for alerts as news breaks]

The crash happened Thursday afternoon near Exit 55, blocking all southbound lanes, according to WSOC.

TRENDING STORIES:

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The Lexington County Schools District 2 busses were on their way home from a field trip with students from Pine Ridge Middle School, WSOC says.

The bus was transporting three adults and 35 students, WSOC says.

According to state troopers, a tire blew, then the bus hit a guardrail and overturned, WSOC says.

Fire crews and EMS responded to the scene with five medical helicopters, according to WSOC.

There were two other busses that were not involved in the crash, WSOC says.

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NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WKRN)  Twenty-seven years ago, Middle Tennessee was impacted by one of the worst tornado outbreaks in history.

On April 16, 1998, 13 tornadoes touched down, including the strongest ever in Middle Tennessee  known as The Forgotten F-5.

Mommys not ready for you to come yet: Woman recounts delivering baby as tornado hit Nashville hospital in 1998

Several tornadoes impacted the Nashville area, including an F-3 that caused damage to skyscrapers and Nissan Stadium, which was under construction at the time.

Courtesy: National Weather Service

The tornadoes that impacted Nashville are why the F-5 tornado that affected Wayne and Lawrence counties is called The Forgotten F-5. All the attention was on Nashville, even though the strongest tornado in Middle Tennessees history impacted areas to the south.

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Despite the tornados strength, there were no fatalities, according to the National Weather Service. However, at least 21 were injured by the historic twister.

EXPLAINER: How tornadoes get their ratings

The tornado was rated an F-5, meaning it had winds of more than 261 mph. The new scale that the NWS uses is known as the Enhanced Fujita Scale, and it would be classified as an EF-5 today. An EF-5 is a tornado that has winds of more than 200 mph.

In total, the 13 tornadoes resulted in four fatalities and 99 injuries.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WKRN News 2.
LAS VEGAS (KLAS)  Police arrested a second suspect after a shooting in an east Las Vegas parking lot left two people dead.

On Sunday, April 13, at around 1:30 a.m., officers with the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department responded to the 3900 block of East Owens Avenue near Pecos Road after a report of a shooting in the parking lot of a business.

Arriving officers found two men suffering from gunshot wounds. Medical personnel pronounced both men dead at the scene.

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Detectives learned the victims were leaving a party at a banquet hall when a verbal fight occurred, and a man, later identified as Julio Bautista-Martinez, 24, shot both men.

Bautista-Martinez left the scene before police arrived, but officers later arrested him and booked him into the Clark County Detention Center for two counts of open murder.

Through the investigation, police identified Henry Ramirez, 26, as the second suspect in the case.

On April 16, police arrested Ramirez and booked him into the Clark County Detention Center, where he faces two counts of open murder, as well as an additional charge for violating his probation.

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He was held without bail, and his next court appearance was scheduled for April 17.

The Clark County coroners office identified the victims as Carlos Garcia Sanchez, 21, and Luis Esquivel, 24.

Anyone with any information about this incident is urged to contact the LVMPD Homicide

Section by phone at 702-828-3521, or by email at homicide@lvmpd.com. To remain

anonymous, contact Crime Stoppers by phone at 702-385-5555, or on the Crime Stoppers website.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KLAS.
ASHGABAT, Turkmenistan, April 17. Turkmen delegation headed by Deputy Foreign Minister Ahmet Gurbanov paid a working visit to Kuwait to participate in the third ministerial meeting of the Central Asia - Gulf Cooperation Council (CA-GCC) Strategic Dialogue, Trend reports, citing the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan.

The forum brought together foreign ministers from Central Asian countries and the six Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) states  Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Qatar, Kuwait, Oman, and Bahrain.

Participants discussed the deepening of partnerships across various sectors and emphasized the need to further expand mutually beneficial cooperation. Special attention was given to developing concrete recommendations to boost collaboration in trade, investment, transport and communication, culture, environment, and tourism.

The Turkmen delegation presented key priorities and initiatives aimed at enhancing cooperation within the Strategic Dialogue framework in logistics, energy, economy, and humanitarian fields.

On the sidelines of the ministerial meeting, Gurbanov also held bilateral talks with the heads of delegations from the Kingdom of Bahrain and the Sultanate of Oman. The discussions focused on current cooperation and prospects, as well as regional and international issues.

Furthermore, the sides reviewed the implementation of the Ashgabat Agreement  an international transport and transit corridor initiative between Iran, Oman, Qatar, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan.
Apr. 16A second member of the Thug Riders Motorcycle Club accused in a conspiracy scheme involving multiple violent acts, including murder, has pleaded guilty.

Matthew Hawkins pleaded guilty to one count of assault with a dangerous weapon and assault resulting in serious bodily injury in aid of racketeering activity and aiding and abetting in federal court.

His plea was accepted on April 3, according to U.S. Southern District of Ohio court records.

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His sentencing has not been scheduled.

Hawkins is the second of 14 members of the motorcycle gang to plead guilty in the racketeering investigation.

In February, Michael Seth Henry pleaded guilty to conspiracy to engage in racketeering, conspiracy to commit a violent crime in aid of racketeering and commission of a violent crime in aid of racketeering.

Henry's sentencing date also has not been scheduled.

A joint status report filed on April 8 indicated counsel for the government is negotiating settlements with 10 of the 14 accused defendants.

The docket only has Hawkins and Henry as having pleaded guilty. It is not clear if two other defendants pleaded guilty in their cases or had charges dismissed.

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In addition to Hawkins and Henry, 12 other Thug Riders were indicted  Juan Robles, Joey Marshall, Jared Peters, Brandon Fisher, John Smith, Norman Beach, Daniel Hutten, Michael Reese, Joseph Rader, Justin Baker, Cody Hughes and Brent Egleston.

Robles helped create the Dayton chapter of the Thug Riders and was the "boss" of the Midwest Region, according to the U.S. Attorney's Office.

Marshall, Peters, Fisher and Smith also reportedly held leadership roles in the Midwest and Dayton chapters.

The motorcycle gang is facing a combination of crimes, including racketeering, assault with a dangerous weapon and assault resulting in serious bodily injury, violent crimes in aid of racketeering and conspiracy to commit assault and attempted assault with a dangerous weapon.

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Thug Riders are accused of numerous acts of violence in Dayton, Harrison Twp., Springfield, Huber Heights, London, Ohio, and Lexington, Kentucky.

The group was linked to the murder of 43-year-old Joseph Nicholson in a liquor store parking lot in Harrison Twp. on Sept. 26, 2021, according to court records.

Thug Riders were also reportedly involved in gunfights with rival motorcycle gangs in Lexington and Springfield and blew up a former member's pickup truck in Huber Heights.

"The indictment in this case alleges that the Thug Riders Motorcycle Club operated in criminal enterprises whose members and associates engaged in acts of violence like murder, arson and assault," said former U.S. Attorney Southern District of Ohio Kenneth Parker. "They also participated in acts of extortion and identity fraud."
GALES FERRY, Conn. (WTNH)  Three people were arrested after an apparent narcotics transaction, turned bad, in Gales Ferry on Wednesday, police said.

Authorities were dispatched to the area of Route 12 in Gales Ferry around 2:30 p.m. for reports of an active physical disturbance involving two men, police said.

Community reacts as North Haven stabbing suspect appears in court

Police saw a man with injuries on his face at the scene. An investigation determined that the disturbance was due to a narcotics transaction that turned bad, and the woman and man involved left the scene on foot, police said.

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Police used a K9 to track the two suspects and found them in nearby woods, authorities said.

Winter L. Harden. Photo: Ledyard PD

Robert D. Fontaine. Photo: Ledyard PD

Henry Mercado. Photo: Ledyard PD

Robert D. Fontaine,41, of Canterbury, was charged with breach of peace, assault in the second degree, possession of a controlled substance and two counts of failure to appear in the second degree. Police found he had two active warrants.

He was held on a $12,000 cash/surety bond and is scheduled to appear at New London Superior Court on Thursday.

Winter L. Harden, 36, of Gales Ferry, was charged with breach of peace, conspiracy to commit and possession of a controlled substance. She was held on a $10,000 cash/surety bond and will be presented to the New London Superior Court on Thursday

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Henry Mercado, 45, of New London, was charged with breach of peace and illegal sale of narcotics. He was released on a $5,000 non-surety bond and is set to appear at the New London Superior Court on May 08.

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Editors Note: This article has been changed to correct the name of one of the Juarez siblings.

LAS VEGAS (KLAS)  A Las Vegas woman who told her brothers to kill the father of her child over a thousand dollars was sentenced to prison.

Janet Juarez, Juan Juarez, and Christian Juarez all appeared before Clark County District Court Judge Michelle Leavitt on Wednesday after pleading guilty to the murder of 21-year-old Anthony Rivero.

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He will never get to have this typical father-son moments and to top it all off, hes currently being raised by the woman and the family that caused his fathers death, Brianna Lamanna, Chief Deputy Clark County District Attorney, said.

Janet Jaurez was 23 years old at the time of her arrest in December 2020.

I want to apologize for all the pain and hurt Ive caused, she said.

Janet has a child with Rivero.

The three siblings took pleasure in the killing of Rivero outside his parents home on Dec. 8, 2020, near Stewart Avenue and Nellis Boulevard, according to prosecutors. They took Alford Pleas, meaning they do not admit guilt but acknowledge there is enough evidence to convict them.

Because of their actions, Anthony lost his life. His family lost a brother, a son, an uncle, and a dad, Lamanna said.

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The wounds remain fresh more than four years since Riveros killing.

Maria Rivero testified how her sons death had broken her family.

If I had known that that day was going to be his last day, I wouldve hugged him a little longer. A little tighter, she said.

According to prosecutors, Anthony Rivero and Janet Juarez had a fling after Anthony broke up with his girlfriend. He and his girlfriend got back together, but then he learned Janet Juarez was pregnant.

Their son was 8 months old at the time of Riveros murder.

In text messages prosecutors obtained, Janet Juarez told Rivero she wanted money from him. She then sent her two brothers to kill him.

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Prosecutors identified Christian Juarez as the shooter and Juan Juarez as an accomplice. Rivero was shot multiple times in the back.

Maria Rivero refused to accept any apology from the three.

How much a life cost, a $1000? I dont take your apology. I dont take it. My sons life cost more than $1,000. Much more, Rivero said.

District Judge Michelle Leavitt sentenced Janet Juarez to four to 10 years in prison for voluntary manslaughter with use of a deadly weapon, and the judge added another 4 to 10 years for the deadly weapons enhancement. Both will be served consecutively, which means she has to serve a minimum of eight years.

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Juan Juarez received 4 to 10 years for voluntary manslaughter and 4 to 10 years for conspiracy to commit murder. Both counts will be served concurrently.

Christian Juarez was sentenced to 10 to 25 years in prison for second-degree murder. Prosecutors said he fired the gun that killed Anthony Rivero.

The three siblings also have to pay a total of more than $60,000 in restitution to the Rivero family.

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Around one-third of all Israeli civilian pilots have signed a letter calling on the government to prioritize the release of hostages over the war against Hamas in the Gaza Strip, the Israeli broadcaster Channel 12 reported on Thursday.

In the letter, approximately 300 pilots reportedly demanded an agreement to secure the release of those still held captive in the Gaza Strip, even if it means ending the fighting against the Palestinian militant organization.

The letter mentioned that every passing day endangers the lives of the hostages, the report said.

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Among the signatories are reportedly pilots from Arkia Israeli Airlines, Israel's second-largest airline, as well as from the airline Israir. However, pilots from El Al, the country's largest airline, were not mentioned.

According to the newspaper Haaretz, hundreds of former soldiers simultaneously signed a similar letter.

The background is that Hamas is demanding an end to the Gaza war in exchange for the release of the hostages. One of Israel's war objectives, besides the return of the captives, is the dismantling of Hamas.

Similar calls, criticizing Israel's actions in the coastal area, have recently also come from within the army and from artists.
LAPD Det. Stephanie Gutierrez helped track down a Giovanni Grancino violin made in 1694, with a certified value of $650,000. The instrument was stolen from USC on April 2 and recovered on April 10. (Los Angeles Police Department)

Theres at least one encore left for a $650,000 violin stolen from USC this month and thought to have been lost forever.

Los Angeles Police Department detectives announced Tuesday that a Milanese 1694 Giovanni Grancino violin that had been stolen nearly two weeks earlier was recovered, and a suspect is in custody.

Det. Stephanie Gutierrez, who led the investigation, said the instrument appeared unharmed, but a specialist paid for by a private party would inspect the violin to confirm its condition.

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Im a history person, and when I heard this was from 1694, I just said, They cant replace this and it needs to be found,' Gutierrez said.

The Los Angeles County district attorneys office confirmed that Jonathan Saldana, 31, has been charged with felony grand theft. He was arrested April 9 and pleaded not guilty April 11.

Saldana is being held in the Pitchess Detention Center North Facility in Castaic. Hes due back in court April 25.

A call to his public defender was not returned.

Read more: In cinema-style heist, tunneling thieves steal millions in gold, jewels from downtown L.A. store

Police allege that Saldana, who Gutierrez believes is homeless, followed a USC graduate student into the music department April 2.

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The student swiped her card for door access, which police believe allowed Saldana to slip in behind the student.

Its a secure facility, but the door closes so slowly that anyone can walk in right behind, Gutierrez said. I sat across from the door, and I could go back and forth 10 times before it closed.

USC said it could not provide an update about the student due to privacy concerns.

Gutierrez said surveillance camera footage showed that the student was practicing with the 331-year-old violin on a couch. She then put the instrument down to study.

During that time, Gutierrez alleged, Saldana saw the violin unattended and walked out with the instrument and its case. He is also accused of stealing a scooter on his way off campus around 5:30 p.m.

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Gutierrez said she used surveillance footage to identify a county building where Saldana received homeless services.

Read more: $600,000 in stolen wine: Inside one of Californias biggest high-end alcohol heists

She eventually identified him and his familys home. Though he no longer lived at the house, he stopped by frequently and dropped off laundry, according to police.

Gutierrez said Saldanas stepfather confirmed that he saw Saldana carrying the violin case.

The violin was recovered in an encampment near West 31st Street and Main Street, not far from USC.

Gutierrez said no one wanted to barter with Saldana for the instrument and that another homeless person eventually stole it. Gutierrez said she spoke with that person, who returned the violin Thursday around 9:30 p.m.

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Gutierrez said the violin had been on loan from private owners in Los Angeles to a music shop in Koreatown, where it was borrowed by the student.

I told the owners that, honestly, the violin was probably sold immediately and finding the suspect would be difficult, Gutierrez said. I was shocked the violin was still in the vicinity, and Im so happy we found it.

Updates:

4:46 p.m. April 17, 2025: Story updated with comments from USC.



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This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times.
BATON ROUGE, La. (Louisiana First)  More than 39,000 Louisiana students have applied for the states new education scholarship account program that can help families pay for private school tuition and other educational expenses.

The Louisiana Department of Education announced the final application tally Wednesday, following the close of the application window for the Louisiana Giving All True Opportunity to Rise (LA GATOR) Scholarship Program. The program, signed into law by Gov. Jeff Landry last year, is Louisianas first statewide education scholarship account (ESA).

Applications were open from March 1 to April 15 for the 20252026 school year. According to the department, 39,189 applications were submitted and 34,848 students have already been deemed eligible. About 81% of applicants come from families earning at or below 250% of the federal poverty level, and nearly 3,000 are students with disabilities.

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These astounding numbers show just how vital the Gator Scholarship is to Louisianans, Landry said in a statement. This program is helping parents of children with disabilities and low-income families. The Gator Scholarship is finally putting parents in the drivers seat and allowing them to select the learning environment that best suits their needs and values.

Under LA GATOR, eligible families can use public funds to cover approved education costs, including nonpublic school tuition and fees, tutoring, textbooks, dual enrollment courses, uniforms, and more. Families may also use the funds for homeschool programs and education therapies.

Louisiana ranks No. 4 in educational freedom report developed by Project 2025 think tank

If there is not enough funding to serve all eligible applicants, awards will be prioritized in the following order:

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Students currently enrolled in LA GATOR or transitioning from the Louisiana Scholarship Program (LSP) Students with disabilities or those from families earning at or below 250% of the federal poverty level Siblings of current LA GATOR or LSP students All other eligible applicants

Applications within the same priority group are ordered by submission time, meaning those who applied earlier will receive preference.

Landry requested $93 million in his executive budget to fund the program. If approved by the legislature, that amount would support approximately 12,000 studentsabout one-third of those currently eligible. The legislature has until June 12 to finalize the budget and approve funding levels.

The Joint Legislative Committee on the Budget is also expected to vote later this month on whether to extend the states current contract with the private company administering the program. That contract is set to expire in June.

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The LA GATOR program will fully replace the Louisiana Scholarship Program beginning with the 20252026 school year. Officials say over 91% of families currently enrolled in the LSP applied for LA GATOR.

For more information, visit lagator.la.gov.

Scholarships available for Louisiana families affected by childhood cancer

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Apr. 17Hollandale, Clarks Grove, Geneva and Hayward fire departments responded to a report of a house fire at 2:37 p.m. Wednesday at 408 Central Ave. S. in Hollandale. The back of the house and brush around the yard was burnt. One person was checked out by Mayo for smoke inhalation but not transported.

Trailer stolen

A city trailer was reported stolen at 9:46 a.m. Tuesday at 20532 810th Ave. in Hayward.

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1 cited for assault, disorderly conduct

Police cited one juvenile for fifth-degree assault and disorderly conduct at 12:53 p.m. Tuesday at Albert Lea High School, 2000 Tiger Lane.

Jewelry reported stolen

Deputies received a report at 10:53 a.m. Wednesday of jewelry stolen at 7300 220th St. in Albert Lea.

1 arrested on warrant

Deputies arrested Rachel Marie Petersen, 27, on a local warrant at 9:36 p.m. Wednesday at 24076 670th Ave. in Alden.

Vehicle rummaged through

Police received a report at 7:06 a.m. Wednesday of a vehicle that was rummaged through and items taken at 312 E. Sixth St.

1 arrested for driving after cancellation

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Police arrested Ler Wah Guide, 41, for driving after cancellation-inimical to public safety after a traffic stop at 12:18 p.m. Wednesday at 701 S. Broadway.

Theft reported

Police received a report at 2:19 p.m. Wednesday of a theft that had occurred at about 11:15 a.m. Wednesday at 2708 Bridge Ave.

Vehicle reported stolen

A vehicle was reported stolen at 4:16 p.m. Wednesday at 308 Lloyd Place.

1 cited for theft

Police cited Carolyn Elizabeth Sternhagen, 64, for misdemeanor theft at 7:36 p.m. Wednesday at 1550 Blake Ave.
DES MOINES, Iowa  A head-on crash in Des Moines Wednesday night injured four people, and two of them remain hospitalized in critical condition.

Emergency responders were called to the 1600 block of Hartford Avenue around 9:05 Tuesday night to respond to a head-on crash between a Pontiac G6 and a Dodge Ram pickup, according to Sgt. Paul Parizek, spokesperson for the Des Moines Police Department.

Suspect shot and killed by law enforcement on I-80 identified

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A preliminary investigation reveals the car was traveling eastbound on Hartford Avenue when it crossed into the westbound lane and collided with the pickup.

The driver and a passenger in the car, both adult males, suffered life-threatening injuries and remain hospitalized. Another passenger in the car, an adult female, and the driver of the pickup, an adult male, were also transported to the hospital with injuries but are expected to survive.

The identities of the people involved in the crash have not been released.

Sgt. Parizek said excessive speed and alcohol impairment are potential contributing factors in the crash.

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A portion of Hartford Avenue was shut down while the crash scene was investigated and cleared.

The DMPD Traffic Unit is continuing to investigate.

Iowa news

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**Related Video Above: What is Goddards Law in Ohio?

ONEOTA, Ala. (WJW)  Two parents were taken into custody earlier this month after a 4-year-old boy shot himself in Alabama, leading to an investigation that revealed a home full of snakes and a crocodile.

The Blount County Sheriffs Office was called by a local hospital the morning of April 4 for a report a child was shot, Sheriff Mark Moon said in a press conference last week.

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Suspect in custody after shooting at Florida State University

Once at the hospital, a deputy was told the little boy was wounded in the arm and the leg and had been brought in by his parents. He reportedly had a belt around his arm serving as a tourniquet.

A charge nurse reportedly told the deputy they heard the childs mother saying: See, this is what happens when you play with guns.

When asked what took place, the child told authorities, I got shot by a gun.

The child was eventually taken to Childrens of Alabama and is stable after having surgery. He is expected to make a full recovery and has been taken into state custody, Moon said in the press conference.

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Following the shooting, the sheriffs office got a warrant to search the parents home, which Moon described as unkept and nasty and without a working bathroom.

Officer-involved shooting outside Cleveland Staples: What we know

Authorities reportedly found multiple firearms and drug paraphernalia inside the home. They also found multiple animals, including several snakes of the constrictor variety and mice and rats believed to be used as food for the snakes, according to Moon.

Deputies reported that several of the snakes were deceased and covered in maggots. These were found in the same tank as the live snakes. The deputies also found what was labeled as a crocodile living in a large aquarium in the bathroom.

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Following the search, animals were removed from the property and the parents Cassandra Lutz, 39, and Alexander Corrie, 27, were taken into custody, Moon said.

Blount County District Attorney Pamela Casey told TV station WSFA that the pair was charged with reckless assault, child chemical endangerment, cruelty to animals and failure to properly bury livestock.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to Fox 8 Cleveland WJW.
BAKU, Azerbaijan, April 17. Establishing business ties between the regions of Azerbaijan and Slovenia, along with cooperation at the capital level, will be beneficial for diversifying their current economic and commercial relations and promoting mutual investments, Azerbaijani Foreign Minister Jeyhun Bayramov said at the Azerbaijan-Slovenia Business Forum held in Baku today, Trend reports.

"For 20 years, Azerbaijan has been playing an important role in Europe's energy security as an energy partner. As a result of the signing of a memorandum of understanding on expanding cooperation in the field of gas supply between the Azerbaijani SOCAR and the Slovenian GEOBRIN companies, Slovenia has already joined the list of countries benefiting from Azerbaijani natural gas since August 2024," the minister added.

Stay up-to-date with more news on Trend News Agency's WhatsApp channel
A Massachusetts man is facing a slew of charges after a shooting in a Maine town late Wednesday night sparked a high-speed chase and a crash that left four people injured, authorities said.

Lorenzo Rondon, 24, of Lawrence, was arrested on charges of eluding an officer, reckless conduct with a dangerous weapon (vehicle), driving to endanger, and criminal speeding, according to Maine Department of Public Safety spokesperson Shannon Moss.

Officers and troopers responding to a report of several shots fired on Park Street in Paris just after 11:30 p.m. spotted a blue SUV fleeing the area and tried to stop the driver, but they refused to pull over, Moss said.

The driver, later identified as Rondon, allegedly sped off, setting off a chase that involved help from law enforcement agencies from Oxford and Androscoggin counties.

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A spike mat was later deployed and Rondon crashed his vehicle in a field on Route 26 in Mechanic Falls, according to Moss.

All four occupants in Rondons vehicle were taken to Central Maine Medical Center, including one who underwent treatment for serious but non-life-threatening injuries.

Moss noted that two firearms were recovered following the chase.

Rondon was taken into custody and booked at the Androscoggin County Jail.

No injuries were reported in connection with the shots fired in Paris.

An investigation is ongoing.

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Four women have been arrested and charged in connection with seven burglaries across Nassau County on Long Island, authorities said Wednesday.

Cornella Chiciu, 34; Cristina Tanasie, 25; Ioana Miclescu, 21, and Alina Antonescu, 36, were nabbed Tuesday without incident, Nassau County police said in a statement. All four women are Romanian citizens, according to authorities.

The suspects were tied to three separate burglary sprees in Nassau County. The first two break-ins occurred on March 14 in Elmont, the next three on March 17 in Bethpage and East Meadow and the final two on Tuesday in Levittown and Plainview, police said.

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Investigators did not detail exactly what the women took from the seven homes, saying only that they grabbed a large amount of cash and personal belongings before fleeing each scene.

Chiciu was charged with seven counts of second-degree burglary, Newsday reported. The other three suspects were each charged with only two counts of the same crime.

In addition to Nassau County and New York police, the investigation also included the Chicago Police Department and U.S. Customs and Border Patrol.
PORTSMOUTH, Ohio (WCMH)  After more than 40 years, investigators in Scioto County may have received a break in three missing persons cases.

On April 2, agents with the Southern Ohio Organized and Major Crimes Task Force responded to Pine Creek Road near South Webster to investigate a tip on the possible location of three people who have been reported missing from multiple counties. The most recent case is more than 40 years old.

According to the Scioto County Sheriffs office, over a two-day period, investigators excavated a well in the area, finding what it said was items of interest, including a bullet. Ohios Bureau of Criminal Investigation will test the items for human remains.

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Alleged road rage shooter admits to an altercation with driver on I-70 West

Law enforcement never wants to have a case that is unsolved, so every time we receive information, we act upon that because we know how stressful it is and hurtful it is for families members to not be able to not know what happened to their loved ones, Scioto County Sheriff David Thoroughman said.

The sheriffs office said the investigation into the area will continue.

Thoroughman said he doesnt want to specify which missing persons cases could be impacted, out of privacy and respect for the families.

Anyone who may have information on the investigation is asked to contact the Organized and Major Crimes Task Force by calling (740) 716-8466. All information will be kept confidential and anonymous.

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Tacoma has welcomed the spring season and with it, new opportunities for local fun. According to the National Weather Service, this weekends weather forecast predicts temperatures around 60 degrees Fahrenheit with partly sunny weather on Saturday and occasional rain showers on Sunday, but theres plenty to do on a misty day.

Here are some ideas as you plan your weekend:

1. Harbor History Museum & beach visit

Gig Harbors Harbor History Museum is currently hosting the Shenandoah Float Find  a treasure hunt inviting the community to search for a glass float hidden somewhere in the city each week until their Maritime Gallery grand opening on April 26. The gallery will feature the 100-year-old restored fishing vessel the Shenandoah.

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After the museum, head south to Fox Island and enjoy an afternoon on the beach at the family-friendly Tacoma DeMolay Sandspit Nature Preserve, where you can find gorgeous views, comb the sandbanks for local wildlife or take a walk. The beach is known for rare geological formations called clay babies which have been found on its shorelines.

2. Take a trip to the Washington State Spring Fair

Check out the new goat playground, jumping DockDogs, local fair exhibits and new food options this weekend at the Washington State Spring Fair in Puyallup. The fair ends on Sunday, April 20.

Visit from 2 p.m. to 10 p.m. on Thursday, 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. Friday and Saturday, or 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Sunday.

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If buying online tickets, general admission on Thursdays and Fridays costs $13 for adults and $11 for children ages 6-12. On weekends, those prices are $15 and $12 respectively. Children 5 years old and under get in free any day and children under 18 get free admission on Thursdays.

The Washington State Spring Fair in Puyallup ends on Sunday, April 20.

3. Try a new brunch spot  and other local delicacies.

Our food reporter recently compiled a list of the best Easter brunch specials around town  check out those special deals on April 20, or hit the classics with our recommendations from an investigation into brunch culture around Tacoma.

After brunch, you can swing over for dessert at Johnson Candy, a store full of sweets that just celebrated 100 years at its Hilltop shop in Tacoma.

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The News Tribune has you covered for any food tips and future brunch needs  check out our food section, TNT Diner, for more.

Speaking of Easter brunch, there are many egg hunts planned across Pierce County this weekend. Edgewood Mayor Dave Olson posted on Facebook that hundreds of kids will go home happy, from one that starts at 10 a.m. Saturday at Edgemont Park.

The well-controlled chaos and pandemonium is orchestrated by the good folks at East Pierce Fire and Rescue, Mayor Olsons post read.

Clockwise from top: The Manifest espresso martini, Tios Chilaquiles, lemongrab dutch baby, banana bread pudding and pork belly hash from Manuscript, on Saturday, April 12, 2025, in Tacoma, Wash.

4. Visit the Point Defiance Zoo and Aquarium

See aquatic life exhibits  including shark dives by professionals  and rare land animals, including a polar bear, muskox, a young tapir and red wolves. The Point Defiance Zoo is part of a program to save red wolves from extinction and reintroduce them into the wild.

5. Do a tour of the best-voted ice cream spots in the area.

Tacoma is a place of ice cream opportunity, and our readers let us know where you should go. Gig Harbors Iscreamery and Tacomas Ice Cream Social lead the list, both with over 160 votes. Or, take the day to do a full round-up  including one of Bliss Small Batch Creamerys Puget Sound locations, Olympic Mountain in Shelton, Lick Homemade Ice Cream in Puyallup, and Dreamer Ice Cream  a newly reopened spot with ice cream waffles and milkshakes in Tacoma.
At least five people were killed and 68 injured in Russian attacks across Ukraine over the past day, regional officials reported on April 17.

Russia launched 75 drones, including Shahed-type drones, two Iskander-M ballistic missiles, and three S-300/400 anti-aircraft guided missiles against Ukraine overnight, according to the Air Force.

Air defenses intercepted 25 drones, while 30 vanished from radars  likely deployed as decoys to overwhelm Ukraine's air defense systems.

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The assault was repelled by a combination of Ukraine's electronic warfare units, aviation, anti-aircraft missile troops, and mobile fire groups.

In Dnipro, a drone strike killed three people, including a child, and injured 30, Dnipropetrovsk Oblast Governor Serhii Lysak said. Five of the injured are children. The strike damaged a dozen apartment buildings, numerous houses, a school, a dormitory, and a gymnasium.

In Kherson Oblast, one person was killed and 15 others wounded, including a child, Governor Oleksandr Prokudin said. Russian forces targeted residential areas and critical infrastructure.

Russian attacks in Kharkiv Oblast left 16 people injured, Governor Oleh Syniehubov reported. The strikes damaged residential buildings and civilian infrastructure across multiple communities.

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In Donetsk Oblast, a resident of Pokrovsk was killed, and six others were injured across the region, according to Governor Vadym Filashkin.

In Zaporizhzhia Oblast, a 55-year-old man was injured, and Russian forces carried out 350 strikes on 15 settlements during the day, Governor Ivan Fedorov reported.

The widespread attacks come amid continued Russian rejection of a full ceasefire agreement and follow recent intensification of strikes on civilian areas across Ukraine.

Read also: Ukraine war latest: Ukrainian drones reportedly strike another Russian missile brigade linked to Sumy attack

Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent.
In a withering 46-page opinion on Wednesday, D.C. Chief Judge James Boasberg laid out how he came to believe that the Trump administration was acting in bad faith during its Alien Enemies Act removals.

Boasberg set the stage for potential contempt prosecutions in the order. He also detailed what he came to see as the Trump administrations scheme to shield its plan to use rarely invoked wartime powers to remove more than 100 Venezuelans to a Salvadoran detention facility, depriving them of due process and the courts of the ability to review what was taking place.

Below are five points on Boasbergs opinion.

Hiding the ball

The Trump administration planned the Alien Enemies Act removals to minimize the chances that a judge might intervene.

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It was partly baked into the idea from the start: the Venezuelans on whom the law was invoked would not receive due process before being sent to El Salvador. But the Trump administration, Boasberg found, structured the entire process so as to avoid the possibility of judicial scrutiny, staging people near the airport from which flights would depart and launching planes after a hearing into the removals began.

From the opening hours of Saturday, the Governments conduct betrayed a desire to

outrun the equitable reach of the Judiciary, Boasberg wrote, adding later: Such conduct suggests an attempt to evade an injunction and deny those aboard the planes the chance to avail themselves of the judicial review that the Government itself later told the Supreme Court is obviously available to them.

Social media

Part of what drew Boasbergs ire came down to the administrations decision to flaunt its noncompliance on social media. The judge singled out Secretary of State Marco Rubio for something he reposted the day after the removals: he retweeted El Salvador strongman Nayyib Bukele mocking the court.

Boasberg described this as deliberately and gleefully intimating defiance.

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Separately, he found that some social media posts by the administration undermined its efforts to claim that information he sought about the removals was a state secret, and thereby off-limits to the court.

In fact, Boasberg said, the Trump administration shared in social media posts and videos some of the same details that it later claimed constituted a state secret.

The Court is exceedingly doubtful that the privilege applies here, the opinion reads.

Obstructionism

That goes to the broader attempt by the Trump administration to delay, block, stonewall, and obstruct efforts by the judiciary to uncover the answers to basic questions about what it did to remove more than 100 Venezuelans under the Alien Enemies Act.

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After the administration removed people under the act to El Salvador, it spent days trying to dodge Boasberg and his inquiries. A DOJ attorney told him in a court hearing that his authority ended at the close of U.S. airspace; the government dragged its feet but eventually asserted the states secrets privilege.

Boasberg described this as increasing obstructionism that has continued to conceal from the court, the public, and the removed what exactly happened, and found that it began as the removals themselves took place: it secretly loaded people onto planes, kept many of them in the dark about their destination, and raced to spirit them away before they could invoke their due-process rights.

What was convenient

The removals themselves were followed by another emergency hearing, held on the Monday after the Venezuelans were removed to El Salvador.

Unlike the other hearings, the DOJ was represented there by a different attorney. He was openly unwilling to share any information with the court about what had taken place.

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Boasberg suggested that switching out lawyers may have been intentional on the part of the government.

Then, in the hearing itself, the Government refused to provide any relevant facts, he wrote. The lawyer the Government sent to the proceeding  conveniently not the counsel who had appeared at the TRO hearing  repeatedly stated in some form or another that he was not at liberty to disclose anything about any flights.'

Sound-bites

The Trump administration tried to wall off the entire incident from judicial scrutiny by arguing that, once removed from the United States, courts are powerless to do anything at all about those sent away.

It remains a stunning argument. As Justice Sonia Sotomayor noted, it would arrogate to the government the power to remove even U.S. citizens without due process: so long as they were out of the country by the time a court case was filed, there would be nothing the judiciary could do.

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The court was clearly shocked by what it described as an extravagant assertion of presidential authority.

Although Defendants offer certain soundbite-ready assertions, he wrote, they cite no legal authority that Defendants here operated pursuant to a presidential power preclusive of both congressional and judicial power.

Elsewhere, Boasberg noted: Were that true, Executive Branch officials could do as they please with deportees abroad, regardless of statutory constraints that plainly apply  for example, by rerouting a plane to discharge deportees into a country where they would be tortured, even though federal law expressly forbids that outcome.
MEMPHIS, Tenn.  The University of Memphis says five international students had their SEVIS records terminated Wednesday, a move affecting their immigration status.

SEVIS stands for stands for Student and Exchange Visitor Program.

Termination means those students are not in legal status with the Department of Homeland Security. It is unclear whether this involves deportation.

Our Division of International Affairs is actively working with the impacted students in addition to advising all UofM international students on how to navigate and maintain their status, a university spokesperson said in an email.

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More than 1,300 international students and recent graduates have had their legal status challenged by the State Department, including several others in Tennessee, according to a report Wednesday from Inside Higher Ed.

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BAKU, Azerbaijan, April 17. The Trans-Caspian International Transport Route (TITR, Central Corridor) is open for Slovenian companies as well as for our other partners, the Azerbaijani Foreign Minister Jeyhun Bayramov said at the Azerbaijan-Slovenian business forum in Baku, Trend reports.

Azerbaijan is also well known as an initiator and executor of major transportation and logistics projects in our region and the wider geography.

It is thanks to these projects that the Caspian region has become one of the key segments of the Intercontinental Trade and Transit Corridor linking transportation and trade links between Europe and Asia.

In particular, projects such as the Baku-Tbilisi-Kars railroad, the Baku International Sea Trade Port, and the Alat Free Economic Zone recognize the Trans-Caspian International Transport Route as one of the main rings of the Middle Corridor.

Transportation of goods from China to Central and South-Eastern Europe and back via the Trans-Caspian International Transport Route is open for Slovenian companies, as well as for our other partners, the minister noted.
RALEIGH, N.C. (WNCN)  The NC Budget for fiscal years 2025-2027 is on to its next hurdle, the NC House.

On Thursday, leaders in the state Senate voted 30-15 in favor of the multi-billion-dollar biennium budget. Now, the budget goes to the NC House of Representatives for consideration.

Senate passes $65B+ budget, Democrats want changes made

Republicans in the North Carolina Senate released the budget late Monday afternoon, which outlines the current leaderships top spending priorities.

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In total, the budget calls for spending $32.6 billion in the first year and $33.3 billion in the second year for a total of $65.9 billion.

The senators unveiling the budget said they want to focus on more aid for western North Carolina and pay increases for state employees.

Theres also lots of talk in the budget about how to handle taxes moving forward. The budget suggests cutting the state personal income tax rate 3.49% in 2027 and 2.99% in 2028.

Other highlights of the budget, according to GOP senators, include:

$700 million for Helene recovery efforts

An average pay increase for teachers of 2.3% in fiscal year 2025-26 and an average of 3.3% over the two years, as well as a $3,000 bonus over the same time period

A 1.25% pay increase for most state employees in the first year of the budget, plus a $3,000 bonus over the two years

A $3,000 bonus for local law enforcement officers over the biennium

Cutting the state personal income tax rate to 3.49% in 2027 and 2.99% in 2028

Increasing support for NC Childrens, a standalone hospital that will be built and run as a joint partnership between the UNC and Duke healthcare systems

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For more budget coverage, click here.

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SCOTLAND COUNTY, N.C. (WBTW)  Multiple federal and state agencies conducted an undercover operation that led to the arrests of seven people who were seeking to exploit children online, the Scotland County Sheriffs Office said on Thursday.

Between March 11 and 14, the Scotland County Sheriffs Office, the North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation, the Invictus Project, the Hoke County Sheriffs Office, the United States Secret Service  Charlotte Field Office, and Homeland Security Investigations  Raleigh Field Office were a part of the Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force.

The purpose of that task force is to keep children safe in an online setting while also identifying, prosecuting people who look to victimize children, Lt. Jim Daigle with the Scotland County Sheriffs Office said.

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As a result of this operation, one South Carolina resident and six North Carolina residents were arrested and are being held in Scotland County Detention Center.

Michael Weaver, 52, of Clarkton was charged with solicitation of a child by computer or certain other electronic devices to commit an unlawful sex act and solicitation of prostitution (minor).

Job Aziz Reyes Torres, 37, of Monroe, was charged with solicitation of a child by computer or certain other electronic devices to commit an unlawful sex act and solicitation of prostitution (minor).

Adam Chavis, 30, of Laurinburg, was charged with solicitation of a child by computer or certain other electronic devices to commit an unlawful sex act and solicitation of prostitution (minor).

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Frederick Brown, 40, of Wallace, South Carolina was charged with solicitation of a child by computer or certain other electronic devices to commit an unlawful sex act and solicitation of prostitution (minor).

Bobby Thompson, 45, of Maxton, was charged with solicitation of a child by computer or certain other electronic devices to commit an unlawful sex act and solicitation of prostitution (minor).

Charles Kaufman III, 34, of Concord, was charged with solicitation of a child by computer or certain other electronic devices to commit an unlawful sex act, indecent liberties with a child, and dissemination of harmful material to a minor.

Mario Castaneda, 33, of Ramseur, was charged with attempted statuary rape of a child under the age of 16, attempted statuary sex offense of a child under the age of 15, solicit child by computer/appear for sex act, attempted indecent liberties with a child under the age of 15, first degree attempted sexual exploitation of a minor, attempted disseminating of obscene material to a minor under the age of 18, and misdemeanor child abuse.

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Theyre all currently under investigation, its just a matter of time and going through the data we have currently, Daigle said. As well as further search warrants and things of that nature in order to identify and locate.

According to the Scotland County Sheriffs Office, other people have been identified from this operation and are still under investigation.

Count on News13 for updates.

* * *

Jordan White is a Digital Producer at News13. She joined the News13 team in August 2024. Jordan, a Myrtle Beach native, graduated from St. James High School in Murrells Inlet and is a graduate of Coker University. Follow Jordan on Facebook, X, formerly Twitter, and read more of her work here.

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* * *

Eric Cooper is a multimedia journalist at News13. He joined the team in September 2024 and covers stories in the Pee Dee. He is a native of Cades in Williamsburg County and a proud graduate of Kingstree Senior High School and Benedict College. You can read more of his work here.

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RANDOLPH COUNTY, N.C. (WGHP)  Within the last week, seven teenagers in Randolph County have been charged with felony gun crimes.

The charges stem from a shootout between groups and an armed robbery that both date back to March.

On Wednesday, FOX8 learned new details in two separate cases. Some of the teens are in juvenile detention, while others will be tried as adults.

The Randolph County Sheriffs Office arrested two teenagers for a reported armed robbery on Red Wolf Lane in Asheboro.

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On March 26, three teenagers with handguns and a rifle were accused of stealing a victims personal items.

One teen has not been charged. The other two teens are charged with felony robbery with a dangerous weapon, assault by pointing a gun, possession of a handgun by a minor, kidnapping and conspiracy to commit armed robbery.

The RCSO said both suspects have criminal histories and are in the juvenile detention center. It will be up to the judge if the two will be tried as adults.

Asheboro police also made five arrests this week for a shooting that happened on March 15 on Martin Luther King Jr. Drive. A 19-year-old was shot in the leg and treated for minor injuries.

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Detectives said that based on evidence and witnesses, they believe multiple guns were used in the shooting between two groups over a disagreement.

A 19-year-old, two 18-year-olds, a 17-year-old and a 16-year-old were all charged with attempted first-degree murder, assault with a deadly weapon, discharging a weapon and felony conspiracy.

All five of those suspects are being charged as adults. They are being held on no bond.

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SALT LAKE CITY (ABC4)  Great minds from around the world came together in Utah to discuss kindness over the weekend. One of the guests shared how they took one of our countrys greatest tragedies and turned it into an opportunity to serve.

David Paine knows firsthand the pain of September 11th, 2001; but he also knows of the unity our nation felt after the tragedy. It is that unity he works each day to bring to our country through his group, 911 Day.

This is a national group aimed at helping everyone remember the tragedy, but more importantly, the kindness of that time.

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Paine said, It changed me and it made me want to find a way to keep that spirit alive in not just me, but the world. That is what inspired us to transform 9/11 into a day of doing good. We have essentially done that.

Each year, as the anniversary approaches, Paine and his team go out sharing kindness by serving others. They do this with service projects around the country to remind everyone that there is so much good out there.

Paine said, Next year will be the 25th anniversary of 9/11, and believe it or not, over 100 million Americans right now have no memories of the September 11th attacks. They were too young to remember the horror of those moments.

Paine was in Utah for the Kindness Summit 2025. He joined leaders from Utah, like Gov. Spencer Cox (R-Utah), and others from around the world to talk about kindness.

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Just like One Kind Act a Day, Paine believes small individual kindness can change the world.

Paine continued, We are good all of the time. We need to bring that forward every day and not just when tragedy strikes our lives.

To learn more about 9/11 Day, visit their website HERE.

If you have any kindness in your world that you want to share, please email us at ActsofKindness@abc4.com.

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NEW JERSEY (PIX11)  A nine-year-old girl was killed early Wednesday morning when a fire broke out in a three-story apartment building on Astor Street in Newark. The child was pronounced dead around 2 a.m. at University Hospital.

Two other children were also taken to the hospital with injuries.

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Chris Evans said he was closing up his corner store early Wednesday morning when he heard about the fire and rushed over to help. He banged on windows and doors to wake up residents, and tried to reach the third floor three times.

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We just grabbed some t-shirts, put them in water so we cover ourselves up, we run back upstairs, said Evans. We try and get in the door. It was hot, hot, hot.

Evans quick-thinking actions did manage to alert some residents, including Gabraela Polanco. I was trying to go to sleep, but then I heard the noises and was like, whats going on, said Polanco. And when I came out, everything was on fire.

Polanco managed to escape from her first-floor apartment with her 16-month-old baby.

It was hard, said Polanco. I was really scared because I heard the kids crying. It was very bad.

According to the Essex County Prosecutors Office, eight children lived there.

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Evans said the young girl who died frequently stopped by his store. We see that little girl every day, said Evans. She brings her report card. Shell come in, ask us to teach her how to cook, do little things with her. They were some good kids.

Evans said he didnt think twice about running into the burning building, potentially preventing a traffic situation from becoming even worse.

Ive got kids, too, said Evans. Not even having kids, just the fact that its helping people. Thats just something we do.

The Essex County Prosecutors Office is learning the investigation into the fire. The cause remains under investigation.

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LANSING, Mich. (WLNS) Former Michigan public health official Abdul El-Sayed has announced he will run for the open U.S. Senate seat.

According to the Associated Press, El-Sayed ran for governor in 2018 as a progressive Democrat and was endorsed by Senator Bernie Sanders.

El-Sayed said he will lay out an All-American vision for a government that puts people first.

As Ive spoken to Michigandars, one things become clear: its just too hard to get by, said El-Sayed in a news release sent to 6 News. But it doesnt have to be. And to fix it, we need to break the chokehold that billionaires and oligarchs like Donald Trump and Elon Musk have on our politics and economy. Its not just about what were fighting against- its about what we fight for. Michiganders deserve an economy that works for them, guaranteed healthcare, clean air and water, and affordable housing. Just as I have in Detroit and Wayne County, Im running to deliver government services that work for the rest of us.

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On Monday, former U.S. Rep. Mike Rogers announced that he will be running for a seat in the U.S. Senate, seeking the Republican nomination once again.

Sen. Elissa Slotkin defeated Rogers in last years election. Slotkin took the seat vacated when former Sen. Debbie Stabenow retired. Rogers is running to replace Sen. Gary Peters, who is not seeking re-election.

Joining the Senate race on the ballot in 2026 are elections for governor, secretary of state, attorney general, and every seat in the Michigan Legislature.

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A new Michigan Senate candidate is setting himself apart from Democrats seeking to cast aside Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer.

Anybody who tells you that they're going to unilaterally oppose one potential candidate without knowing who the alternative is, is either unnuanced or unsophisticated, said Abdul El-Sayed, who officially launched his bid for Senate on Thursday. So I want to know who is available, who is actively seeking the leadership. I'll make a decision from there.

Its a tacit rebuke of state Sen. Mallory McMorrow and other Democratic candidates who have said recently that they would oppose Schumer amid an intraparty fight over his handling of a GOP-backed government funding bill.

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El-Sayed, who had served as the director of Wayne County's Department of Health, Human and Veterans Services, is joining a crowded race to succeed retiring Sen. Gary Peters that includes McMorrow, whos already launched her campaign. Rep. Haley Stevens (D-Mich.) and former Michigan state House Speaker Joe Tate are also expected to join the field in the coming weeks.

El-Sayed took up the left lane during a 2018 bid for governor, when he was endorsed by progressive Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-N.Y.) and Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.), but he lost to now-Gov. Gretchen Whitmer. Sanders endorsed him for senator in a Thursday morning statement, hailing him as someone who "will take on powerful special interests and create a government and economy that work for all of us, not just the few." This time El-Sayed said hed eschew labels but would run a campaign focused on workers.

What we need right now is somebody who's willing to take the fight directly to Trump and Musk, but then also knows how to rebuild a version of our federal government that better serves working people after the carnage that Musk and Trump are going to leave behind, and I think I offer that, he said.

He also warned against his party taking the wrong lessons from its losses.

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If you cut corners and trim your message and you triangulate to the least common denominator, you can find something that's perfectly inoffensive to everyone, and the problem with that is that you're not actually saying anything, he said.

Some Democrats have privately fretted about a messy Senate primary spoiling their chances in the general election in Michigan, a critical battleground, especially if the American Israel Public Affairs Committee gets involved. After the 2024 election exposed deep divisions among Democratic voters over Israel and Gaza, theres concern among Michigan Democrats over relitigating their divides.

The deep-pocketed group spent heavily for Stevens in the 2022 cycle when redistricting forced her into a bruising member-on-member primary against Rep. Andy Levin.

El-Sayed had been a prominent backer of the uncommitted movement during the presidential election, though he stressed at the time that he would support Democrats for president in the general election over Donald Trump. He said he isn't concerned about AIPACs potential spending in the race.

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Everybody is unified around leadership that reminds the Democratic Party that we ought to be the party of peace and justice, that we ought not to be the party sending bombs and money to foreign militaries to drop bombs on other people's kids in their schools and their hospitals, when our kids need more, our hospitals and schools need more, and we should be spending that money here at home, he said.

Michigan is set to be one of the most hotly contested Senate battlefields this cycle, after Trump won the state in 2024. Among Republicans, former Rep. Mike Rogers is already running, and Rep. Bill Huizenga has also floated a bid.

El-Sayed, who met privately with the Senate Democrats' campaign arm on Tuesday, said it was his "understanding" that the Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee will stay out of the primary.

The DSCC has previously indicated it would evaluate primaries on a case by case basis.

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If the campaign arm doesnt get involved in the primary, it would mark a departure from Democratic leaderships stance last cycle in Michigan, when party leaders actively steered potential candidates into other offices and talked up then-Rep. Elissa Slotkins campaign in a behind-the-scenes effort to head off a competitive Senate primary for an open seat.

In the end, Slotkin cruised to victory in the primary over Hill Harper.
ABILENE, Texas (KTAB/KRBC)  An Abilene man is still missing 2 weeks after he disappeared from a night club, and a search party will be taking place Friday in hopes of finding him.

Jeremy Neves was last seen leaving the club late Thursday, April 3 and did not show up for work the next day.

Detectives have received tips that Neves may have been involved in a crash after leaving the club and are currently investigating these reports.

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A search party for Neves will be taking place at Lake Ft. Phantom Hill in Abilene Friday, April 18. The first group will search from 8:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m., and a second group will search from 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.

Organizers of the search party are telling participants to, meet and sign in at Johnson Park, there will be a red pop up tent and table. Flyers and zone maps will be provided, physical and digital copies.

Get more information about the search on their Facebook event.

Jeremy is described as standing 56 tall and weighs around 160 pounds. He may be wearing dark-rimmed glasses and could be driving a light colored 2002 Oldsmobile Alero.

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Anyone who knows where Neves or his vehicle may be located or who has more information on this case is asked to contact the Abilene Police Department at (325)673-8331 or Abilene Crime Stoppers at (325)676-8477. Just reference case 25-027158 for additional information.

Good information could lead to a cash reward!

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The Tibor Rubin Veteran Affairs Medical Center in Long Beach, CA, on July 31, 2019. Credit - Scott VarleyMediaNews Group/Torrance Daily Breeze/Getty Images

Abortion rights advocates are concerned that the Trump Administration will reinstate an abortion ban at Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) medical facilities, rolling back the Biden Administrations efforts to expand access for veterans and their beneficiaries.

Before the U.S. Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade, the VA had banned abortion under any circumstances and prohibited its medical providers from counseling patients about abortion. But after the courts ruling in Dobbs v. Jackson Womens Health Organization, the Biden Administration enacted a rule allowing VA medical facilities to offer abortion counseling and abortion care to veterans and their beneficiaries in certain situations, including if the health or life of the pregnant person is at risk or if the pregnancy was a result of rape or incest. Even if the VA facility is based in a state that has banned or restricted abortion, medical providers there can still provide abortion care in these limited instances.

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Last month, the Trump Administrations VA submitted for review an interim final rule regarding reproductive health services, according to the Office of Management and Budgets Office of Information and Regulatory Affairs. Theres no further information or details on what the rule says. The VA did not respond to a request for comment, and the White House did not respond to a request for comment by press time. But abortion rights advocates fear that the rule will repeal the Biden-era policy, preventing veterans and their beneficiaries from obtaining abortion care at VA facilities across the countryboth in states where abortion is legal and in those that have restricted it.

If they fully rescind the rule, we would be going back to a complete ban on abortion for veterans through the [VA] health care system, says Freya Riedlin, senior federal policy counsel at the Center for Reproductive Rights. That was already bad before the Biden Administration, which added in these exceptions, but now were living in a completely different landscape.

Twelve states have banned abortion in nearly all situations, and four have banned it after six weeks of pregnancy (which is before many people even know theyre pregnant). According to National Partnership for Women & Families, a nonprofit and nonpartisan advocacy organization, more than 55% of women veterans of reproductive age live in states that have banned or are likely to ban abortion.

For some of those veterans in those states with bans, the VA is the only place where they are able to obtain abortion care in those states, says Cassie Byard, a veteran and the communications manager for Minority Veterans of America. If that current policy is rescinded, many who might need an abortion would be forced to travel to other states to reach a clinic. That could lead to delays in care, or even force people to carry an unwanted pregnancy to term, she says, since the logistics of traveling out of statecost, taking time off work, arranging childcareare insurmountable for some people. For veterans who use the VA as their primary form of health care, going to a medical provider outside the VA would also incur out-of-pocket costs that may not be affordable, Byard says.

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Read More: Title X Freeze Widely Threatens Health Care Access

According to Riedlin, if the VA rescinds the Biden-era policy in its entirety, it would represent the tightest restriction on abortion in the country. In states that have total bans on abortion, generally, at least in writing, theres some kind of a life [of the pregnant person] exception, even if its narrow, she says. Weve seen that the narrow exceptions do not workexceptions to abortion bans still have resulted in refusals of care that have threatened the lives and health of pregnant people. But if this rule is rescinded, even the pretense of leaving exceptions for the life of a veteran would not be there.

The Biden Administration had also made efforts to help facilitate travel for active service members and their families to access reproductive health care services, including abortion. The policy allowed active service members and their families to take paid leave and get reimbursed for out-of-state travel to access abortion or other reproductive health care, such as in vitro fertilization (IVF), that was not available through the military. But soon after Pete Hegseth, President Donald Trumps nominee to lead the Department of Defense (DoD), was confirmed, the department struck down that policy. A DoD official said in a statement shared with TIME that its the departments policy that taxpayer dollars shall not be used to fund, promote, or reimburse Service members or dependents for non-covered abortion-related travel expenses and that rescinding the Biden-era rule was consistent with these principles. The official added that the new policy doesnt prohibit active service members from accessing certain reproductive health care services not covered by the military health care program, such as IVF.

During Doug Collinss confirmation hearing to be the VA Secretary, he was asked about the Biden-era VA policy on abortion. He claimed that a 1992 law bars the VA from providing abortion care, but said the VA would look at the Biden-era rule and see if it complies with the law. The Biden Administration had previously argued that a 1996 law allowing the VA to offer medical services determined to be needed can include abortion care.

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If they decide to roll back abortion access, its a total slap in the face to anybody who has served, says Jackii Wang, senior legislative analyst at the National Womens Law Center. Ive talked to a lot of veterans who tell me that they fought for all of our fundamental freedoms just to turn around and find out that those freedoms are being taken away from them.

Byard calls the possible rollback a cruel betrayal. Fourteen years ago, when she gave birth to her son, she hemorrhaged. She says she also has an autoimmune disease that is not conducive to pregnancy, and so having more children could be dangerous for her health. While she says she was fortunate to have been able to get a tubal ligation outside of the VA to prevent her getting pregnant again (through employer-sponsored health care), that procedure is not fool proof. She now lives in Tennessee, which has banned abortion in nearly all circumstances.

Byard says abortion is a human right, and fears that other veterans at risk of pregnancy complications who live in states with bans or restrictions may not be able to receive care. She worries that a VA abortion ban will disproportionately affect people of color, people with disabilities, people who come from low-income households, and people in the LGBTQ+ community.

Stripping away veterans access to reproductive health care is a betrayal of the sacrifice and service that folks have made to protect the rights and freedoms of everyone in this nation, and that is supposed to include them, Byard says. We should not be taking away rights from anyone.

Contact us at letters@time.com.
The controversy around the deportation of Kilmar Abrego Garcia intensified yet again Wednesday.

A senator visited El Salvador, the White House held an emotive press conference with a bereaved mother and the case was rocked by allegations of past domestic violence.

Abrego Garcia is a 29-year-old father of three who had been living in Maryland until he was detained and deported last month.

The deportation  back to his native El Salvador, where he is being held in the notorious CECOT prison  came despite a 2019 order from a U.S. immigration judge specifically protecting him from deportation to his home country.

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A legal battle has been playing out ever since.

Wednesday saw Sen. Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.) fly to El Salvador to seek answers about Abrego Garcias detention.

Meanwhile, White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt brought the mother of Rachel Morin to the lectern of the press briefing room. In 2023, Morin was killed in especially brutal fashion by an immigrant from El Salvador who entered the U.S. illegally and was found guilty of her murder Monday.

Rachels mother Patty Morin drew an implicit parallel between her daughters killer and Abrego Garcia at her White House appearance, even though the latter has never been charged with a crime.

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The Abrego Garcia case has become subject to intense spin from all sides.

Here are the answers to some of the biggest questions.

Is Abrego Garcia a member of MS-13, a violent gang?

The short answer is, an immigration judge said yes, but he and his family say no.

The longer explanation goes back to 2019, when Abrego Garcia first faced removal proceedings.

It is not disputed that he entered the United States illegally some years previously.

But even the way he was first apprehended by authorities is shrouded in confusion.

According to legal filings, the paperwork on this issue is contradictory. One version says he was picked up because he and other men were loitering outside a Home Depot. Another version says he was detained in relation to a murder investigation.

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An immigration judge noted those contradictions, but did not resolve them, when evaluating Abrego Garcias 2019 request to be released on bond.

The judge denied the request on the basis that the evidence shows that he is a verified member of MS-13.

But here things take another turn.

The evidence in question was that he was wearing Chicago Bulls apparel and that he was identified as an MS-13 member by a confidential informant.

Even the immigration judge seemed unpersuaded by the argument about the Bulls gear. But he said the informant was a proven and reliable source.

Allies of Abrego Garcia strongly contest this, noting the confidential source identified him as being active in MS-13 in New York state, where Abrego Garcia says he has never lived.

Was his deportation unlawful?

Yes  according to U.S. District Judge Paula Xinis, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the 4th Circuit and the Supreme Court.

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Xinis found he was apprehended without legal basis and deported without further process or legal justification.

An appellate judge found the government cannot be permitted to ignore the Fifth Amendment, deny due process of law, and remove anyone it wants, simply because it claims the victims of its lawlessness are members of a gang.

The Supreme Court ruling, which the Trump administration has labored to spin as a victory, stated in its second sentence: The United States acknowledges that Abrego Garcia was subject to a withholding order forbidding his removal to El Salvador, and that the removal to El Salvador was therefore illegal.

This is quite different from saying the government doesnt have the right to deport unauthorized migrants. It does.

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But, back in 2019, Abrego Garcia sought asylum and protection from removal from the U.S. on the basis that his life would be in danger if he was returned to El Salvador.

The immigration judge denied the asylum claim because the time limits to make such a claim had expired.

But he did indeed rule Abrego Garcia should not be deported to El Salvador.

He was persuaded by Abrego Garcias argument that he and his siblings were in fear of their lives from a gang, Barrio 18, that had been seeking to extort the family over a pupusa business run by their mother.

The immigration judge found Abrego Garcias testimony in that case credible, internally consistent and supported by substantial documentation.

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This is the center of his case: There was a valid order preventing his deportation to El Salvador, and the Trump administration did it anyway.

Has the Trump administration changed its story?

Yes.

Basically, the administration has gone from acknowledging the deportation was a mistake to defending it.

When the courts and the media first began focusing on Abrego Garcias deportation, the core argument from the Trump side was that it had made an error but there was no easy way to correct it.

The appellate court quoted from the statements of a lawyer for Trumps Department of Justice who acknowledged it was not in dispute that Abrego Garcia should not have been removed.

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A March 31 court filing from government lawyers admitted the government erred in removing Abrego Garcia specifically to El Salvador.

Team Trump also said the deportation was the consequence of an administrative error.

That position has changed in recent days. One notable example came Monday, when White House deputy chief of staff Stephen Miller vigorously defended the deportation from the Oval Office as Trump met El Salvador President Nayib Bukele.

The core of the administrations argument now is that Trump has declared MS-13 a terrorist organization and that members of terrorist organizations are not entitled to the kind of withholding order that protected Abrego Garcia from deportation, thus making the order void.

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If thats the case, its not clear why the administration admitted error at an earlier stage.

Is the Trump administration open to Abrego Garcia ever coming back to the United States?

Apparently not.

In a new court filing Wednesday, the acting general counsel of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), Joseph Mazzara, stated that the United States had no power to bring Abrego Garcia back from another sovereign country.

Furthermore, Mazzara said, if Abrego Garcia somehow was released and then presented himself to a point of entry to the United States, DHS would take him into custody in the United States, and either remove him to a third country or terminate his withholding of removal.

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Of course, this puts the administration in conflict with Judge Xinis, who is demanding that he be returned. The Supreme Court has backed her contention that Abrego Garcias return should be facilitated but has raised concerns about the wording of her initial order, which also stated such a move should be effectuated.

Beyond the semantic debate, the question is whether the Trump administration will openly defy the courts.

The most likely scenario may be a return to the Supreme Court.

What about the allegations of domestic violence?

On Wednesday, the DHS published on social media a court filing from 2021 in which Abrego Garcias wife, Jennifer Vasquez, had filed for a protective order against her husband.

The documents stated there were reasonable grounds to believe Abrego Garcia had punched, scratched and bruised his wife, and that he had ripped off her shirt.

No charges appear to have been pressed in the incident.

Vasquez has also been very vocal about demanding her husbands release and criticizing the government for its treatment of him.

The allegation is not proven, nor does it in itself change the underlying facts of the deportation case. But when it comes to public opinion, it clearly makes Abrego Garcia a less sympathetic figure.

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ASHGABAT, Turkmenistan, April 17. Turkmenistans Ambassador to Turkiye, Mekan Ishanguliyev, met in Ankara with Cagri Erhan, Chief Adviser to the President of Turkiye, Trend reports, citing the Embassy of Turkmenistan in Ankara.

During the meeting, the sides discussed key issues of bilateral cooperation, placing particular emphasis on prospects for interaction in political, economic, and cultural spheres.

The discussion also touched on upcoming events dedicated to the "International Year of Peace and Trust" and the 30th anniversary of Turkmenistans permanent neutrality.

Ambassador Ishanguliyev presented the concept and key initiatives of Turkmenistan, as well as the lineup of international events planned in honor of these anniversaries.

To note, from April 11 to 13, a Turkmen delegation, headed by Deputy Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers Khojamyrat Geldimyradov, took part in the 4th Antalya Diplomacy Forum in Turkiye's Antalya, where they rubbed elbows with key players in the diplomatic arena. Speaking at the session titled "Cooperation, Digitalization, and Development," the head of the delegation delineated a series of Turkmenistan's strategic initiatives designed to enhance global stability and advance sustainable development paradigms.

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LAFAYETTE, La. (KLFY)  The Acadiana Roofing Alliance works to unite construction professions to strengthen and serve the community.

Scott Toups, Owner of Disaster Proof Roofing, and JP Boudreaux of V.E. Roofing are two of the numerous industry workers wanting to make sure quality roofing is a priority for all builders.

The goal is to get a group of like minded contractors in the Acadiana area that focus on integrity, transparency and community. . Boudreaux said.

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Really just started, you know, as guys getting together, guys with integrity, guys that like to do things the right way, guys that are tired of looking at things not done the right way. Toups said. We all walk into those situations on an on a daily, you know, we see four and five year old roofs that arent quite the shape they should be in. four and five year old roofs.

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Both Toups and Boudreaux, want all roofing contractors, home builders, general contractors, and home improvement specialists to join this new Alliance, thats working with Lafayette Consolidated Government to improve the industry, and improve the insurance situation in the state.

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We want to provide a quality product, something thats going to last these guys, something thats not going to contribute to our ongoing insurance crisis, too. Toups said. Because when we have these, you know, losses that happen from these roofs that arent quite ready to be changed, theyre having to be changed quite a bit earlier, thats going to add to our insurance crisis.

Acadia Parish flood recovery assistance options

Were having several roofs that are getting catastrophically. Damaged when they should. Still be holding up. Boudreaux added So we thought it was a good idea to focus on code and fortified systems. A lot of fortified. Systems are coming to Lafayette Parish based off of the Miami-Dade Code. 

Louisiana law now allows geo-tagged photos and Lafayette Parish will be among the first in the state to adopt this method for permit inspections.

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At least six people were injured at Florida State University after an active shooter was reported on its Tallahassee campus on Thursday morning.

"Continue to shelter in place. Law enforcement is actively clearing rooms on the main campus. Law enforcement officers will use the safe word SEMINOLE to confirm it is safe to open the door. Continue to shelter in place until law enforcement contacts you," the most recent FSU Alert stated at 1:04 p.m.

Tallahassee Police Department spokesperson Alicia Turner confirmed to the Tallahassee Democrat that they have a man in custody and "multiple injuries" but did not specify a number or comment on social media rumors of more shooters.

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Live reports for FSU shooting: Six injured, one critically; man arrested; campus locked down

Where Florida State University, FSU located?

Florida State University is located in the state's capitol, Tallahassee. It is found in the middle of the Panhandle between Jacksonville and Pensacola.

The main campus of Florida State University is officially located at 600 W College Ave, Tallahassee, FL 32306.

When, where was the FSU shooting reported?

An initial alert from FSU at 12:01 p.m. reported the shooter in the area of Student Union.

Where can FSU students go if they are injured after shooting?

Officials stated that those needing immediate emergency assistance should call 9-1-1 or FSUPD at 850-644-1234.

Students who need assistance can go to the Donald L. Tucker Center where the university is providing counseling, health care, and other support services. Family members are also able to go to the Tucker Center for assistance.

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Contributing: C. A. Bridges and Arianna Otero, USA TODAY NETWORK - Florida

This story was updated with information on where students can find support and counseling.

This article originally appeared on Tallahassee Democrat: Florida State University shooting: Where is university located?
1:15 p.m. Update

Eyewitness News has learned from law enforcement sources that five people are dead and four others are injured during and active shooter event at FSU.

According to law enforcement, there were two shooters involved - one is in custody and the other is dead.

WFTV News is working to learn if the shooter is included in the total number of deaths.

Channel 9 had crews on the way and will have the latest on this tragic incident on air and online.

Original Story:

An alert system at Florida State University issued an Active Shooter warning on Thursday.

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The alert went out around 12 p.m.

The alert message said, An active shooter has been reported in the area of the Student Union.

Officials said police are on the way and people on campus should seek shelter.

Channel 9 is working to gather more information and will provide updates on Eyewitness News.

Click here to download our free news, weather and smart TV apps. And click here to stream Channel 9 Eyewitness News live.
The News

Corporate Americas most potent adversary is planning a lobbying group for long-term corporate oversight of companies diversity policies.

Robby Starbuck, who has become a boardroom boogeyman by pressuring companies including Walmart, Lowes, and Harley-Davidson to abandon DEI efforts, told Semafor that he plans to formalize his efforts through a lobbying group to ensure that this never happens again.

Starbuck said he has gotten a blank check offer from at least one big Republican donor. The catch is: they want the ability to kill stories  Starbuck said he considers himself a journalist  and pick targets. And I just dont work that way.

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In a wide-ranging interview from his farm in Tennessee, Starbuck reflected on his run, which began on X about a year ago and has since forced major changes at at least more than a dozen companies, with a combined market value of more than $2 trillion. His campaigns are targeted and his reach has been amplified by people like Elon Musk  Im friendly with Elon, he says  and right-wing personalities.

His overtures often start with a LinkedIn message to the CEO, and he said he takes seriously the non-disclosure agreements he signs with companies to allow for frank discussions. How frank? I cant tell you the number of times Ive heard [CEOs] say, No way, were not doing that and then, Oh, crap, were doing that.

Starbuck said hes advised some agency heads as they look to comply with a directive from the White House to identify DEI worst offenders. But he said he wouldnt join the administration, and noted several areas where he disagrees with its policies, including fast-tracking the bird flu vaccine (he campaigned against mandates around masking and the Covid-19 vaccine) and the administrations crackdown on free speech in the name of correcting censorship. They should be very careful with that, he said. If its people doing violent things, taking over schools, yes, by all means but you have to establish precedents that youre going to be OK with later.

Starbuck said hes pushing for corporate neutrality only. I dont want to turn the Fortune 500 into right-wing companies, he said. He said hes trying to prevent a situation where we have totally parallel economies, with blue brands and red brands, because its going to hurt our economy, and its going to hurt our country.
WASHINGTON, D.C.  It took Peter Staley two weeks to build 200 full-sized coffins. The longtime AIDS activist, with a group of volunteers, fashioned them out of black styrofoam and strapped them together with tape and velcro. On Thursday morning, the volunteers stacked coffins 10 layers deep outside the State Department headquarters to protest funding cuts to the global program known as PEPFAR, or the U.S. Presidents Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief.

We could see five million deaths in the next five years unless the spigots turn back on  fully, fast, said Staley, one of the countrys most prominent AIDS activists of the 1980s and 90s. As a trio of drummers played a funeral march, the procession continued. People dressed in black silently walked back and forth to set down each coffin, some carrying them in pairs. Each one represents 100,000 patients who are on medication provided through PEPFAR and whose lives are at risk under funding cuts, he said.

PEPFAR, the global program announced by President George W. Bush in 2003, has been credited with saving more than 26 million lives through access to antiretrovirals, which suppress the virus, and preventing the spread of HIV in 5 million children, according to the United Nations program on AIDS. As of last year, PEPFAR provided lifesaving HIV treatment for more than 20 million people. Activists said the program is in grave danger under the second Trump administration. Secretary of State Marco Rubio temporarily halted most foreign aid grants in January, and the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID), which carried out much of the work to provide PEPFAR aid, has largely been dissolved.

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Although a limited waiver to PEPFAR was granted on February 1 to resume urgent life-saving HIV treatment services, including testing and provision of HIV drugs, activists say that waiver hasnt actually delivered life-saving aid.

Its been impossible to implement. Its been impossible to operationalize. And when we criticize them, they say, Oh well, but theres a waiver, said Asia Russell, executive director of the advocacy group Health GAP and a longtime AIDS activist. USAID employees were the ones who usually facilitated aid and funds to those countries where PEPFAR operated  but now that the agency has cut nearly all of its workforce, there is no one left to process waiver applications. As of early April, the administration had fired the few health officials left who had overseen care for children and pregnant women living with HIV in low-income countries.

Protesters pile 200 fake coffins in front of the State Departments headquarters on April 17, 2025. (Orion Rummler for The 19th)

Two days ago, I received a text message from an AIDS activist in Nigeria, Charles King, CEO of Housing Works, an HIV/AIDS advocacy nonprofit, told reporters on Thursday. He wrote to me to say, My medications will run out on April 28th. Ive been to three different clinics, two of them are closed and the other has no antiretroviral treatment available. Can you please find treatment in the U.S. to send to me? I will do my best  but there are over 20 million people running out of treatment every single day.

The PEPFAR Impact Counter, compiled by the HIV Modelling Consortium and launched by an associate professor of global health at Boston University, estimates that over 36,000 adults and nearly 4,000 children have died since January as a result of PEPFARs partial funding discontinuation. Those deaths could continue: One policy analysis recently published in The Lancet, a medical journal, found that the reduction or elimination of PEPFAR funding could lead to the deaths of nearly 500,000 children in sub-Saharan Africa from AIDS-related causes in the next five years.

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We created a program that brought Democrats and Republicans together to do one thing: save lives, said Matt Rose, longtime HIV patient advocate and senior public policy advocate for the Human Rights Campaign, the countrys largest LGBTQ+ advocacy organization. Across a continent, an ocean, a world away, we told people that we cared for them. And in caring for them, we cared for each other. And this administration, in that building, has decided that we do not care anymore.

The HIV/AIDS activists gathered before the State Department on Thursday demanded an immediate restoration of PEPFARs funding and to protect the program from any rescission package that may come within the next fiscal year.

We know that very little aid is actually reaching PEPFAR programs because the programs have been dismantled, the awards have been terminated, but that money is still there, and the Trump administration needs to get its hands off that money and get it to the people who need it, Russell said.

Six child-sized coffins were the last to be placed before the State Departments headquarters. One woman in the crowd, Asia Betancourt, cradled hers close to her chest, as if it really were a child. As she held the empty styrofoam container, she was thinking about cradling her own goddaughter. She died at 10, weighing about 35 pounds, from an opportunistic infection that followed her AIDS diagnosis. This was in the United States.

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None of the medications worked for her, Betancourt told The 19th. During her time as an AIDS activist in the late 80s, she said that medications for children were thought of last. Now, she wants those in power to stop more children from dying unnecessarily.

The post Activists pile 200 coffins outside State Department to protest cuts to global AIDS relief appeared first on The 19th.

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SYRACUSE, N.Y. (WWTI)  An Adams Center woman is among a group of 30 people that were convicted for their parts in two major drug trafficking networks that were operating in Central and Northern New York.

The office of New York Attorney General Letitia James made the announcement on Thursday of the convictions. The drug rings operated in Jefferson and St. Lawrence counties.

Two CNY drug trafficking rings indicted by New York Attorney General

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The Attorney Generals Office said that Terrah Frederick pleaded guilty to third-degree criminal possession of a controlled substance. The sentence will be four years in prison plus two years of post-release supervision.

Frederick was part of a group of 31 people charged with 192 crimes and were originally indicted in November 2023.

Devine Mobley, who was arrested in 2023 after a traffic stop at a Watertown hotel, was sentenced to three-and-a-half years plus two years post-release supervision.

According to the AGs office, the year-long investigation into the two drug trafficking rings led to the seizure of more than 150,000 envelopes of fentanyl or fentanyl mixed with heroin. Roughly one pound of methamphetamine was recovered, along with one-quarter kilogram of cocaine, three illegal firearms, two vehicles used to transport and sell drugs, and $16,500 connected to drug activity.

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The takedown marked another major drug bust in the Attorney Generals Suburban and Upstate Response to the Growing Epidemic (S.U.R.G.E.) Initiative, a law enforcement effort that brings together state and local law enforcement to target New Yorks growing  and often violent  heroin, fentanyl, opioid, and narcotics trafficking networks. Since launching in 2017, SURGE has taken 991 alleged traffickers off the streets.

The investigation brought together the resources of more than a dozen state, local, and federal enforcement agencies, including the SPD, Onondaga County Sheriffs Office, Oswego County Sheriffs Office, City of Oswego Police Department, City of Fulton Police Department, New York State Police, New York State Department of Corrections and Community Supervision, Cortland County Sheriffs Office, the Metro-Jefferson Drug Task Force, Homeland Security Investigations, U.S. Border Patrol, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, and the Onondaga County Probation Department.

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As birth rates drop and infant deaths rise, Florida women are speaking out to keep more babies alive.

Advocates across Florida are holding rallies, conferences and awareness events for Black Maternal Health Week to stop preventable deaths of babies and mothers.

On Tuesday, they took their rallying cries to Tallahassee to ask lawmakers to address Floridas infant and maternal health crisis, calling it a public health emergency.

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For Birth Justice Day at the Capitol, maternal health advocates are asking Florida lawmakers to make changes to increase the chances of better birth outcomes. They want lawmakers to allocate sustainable funding for doula services, recognize and license midwives of color, invest in culturally affirming birth worker training programs, and pass laws to protect birthing people against obstetric violence.

More than 270 Florida women died during or immediately after childbirth in the last five years, reflecting a statewide maternal mortality rate mirroring the rest of the country. Pregnancy-related deaths in the U.S. have been rising over the last decade.

The states infant death rate for the last five years exceeded the national average, with an average of six deaths per 1,000 births, compared to the U.S. average of 5.6 deaths. In Florida, Black infants died at about twice the rate as white infants. Advocates say many of the deaths were preventable.

Community-based doulas and midwives are proven to reduce birth trauma and death. We need lawmakers to listen to us, fund us, and work with us to build a future where all families thrive, said Cortes Maria Lewis James, outreach coordinator of Southern Birth Justice Network.

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Jamarah Amani, executive director of Southern Birth Justice Network, said her organization met with 40 legislators or their aides this week. We were able to educate them about midwives and doulas and why both are important and why supporting legislation to make them more accessible in Florida will make a difference in maternal health, she said.

Broward moms need help

In Broward County, more than 450 health providers and maternal health advocates gathered last week at the 2025 Maternal & Child Health Conference hosted by Broward Healthy Start Coalition, the states largest event of its kind. The discussion included how to help women who face barriers to contraception, how to curb high rates of maternal sexually transmitted infections, and how to boost the rates of prenatal care.

Data on maternal health released at the conference shows not enough Broward County women are getting prenatal care. Within the county, roughly 60% of women had early and adequate prenatal care. The national goal Broward County wants to attain is 80.5% by 2030.

The data also shows the need for targeted maternal care for Black and Haitian women. That demographic in Broward County experienced fetal loss at rates 3 times higher than white and Hispanic women and infant deaths at rates more than 2.5 times higher.

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There are more than 22,000 births in this county every year. Its a big number, said Monica Figueroa King, CEO of the Broward Healthy Start Coalition. Its a very diverse community of many cultures and so we have a lot of stories  stories of women who struggle to have their voices heard. We want to figure out what we can do so theres much better communication and our moms are being heard.

King said poor birth outcomes reflect the need for more community action.

If the health of our infants in our community is not what we want it to be, then we have a problem, she said. When we invest in maternal and child health, we prevent long-term complications and reduce the burden on our healthcare system.

To recognize Black Maternal Health Week, Memorial Healthcare System will hold an event on Thursday in Hollywood for 135 expectant or new mothers, many of whom face barriers to care. Memorials Family Birthplace has created a specialty as a high-risk epicenter for moms experiencing complex pregnancy conditions. At the event, Memorial is offering education to improve infant health such as car seat safety, safe sleep methods, infant CPR and postpartum blood pressure monitoring for new mothers.

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There are obstetrical deserts in our own backyard, and rebuilding trust starts with acknowledging this truth, said Dr. Terri-Ann Bennett, chief of maternal-fetal medicine at Memorial. The healthcare community must do more than provide care; we must listen, partner, and act.

Bennett said Memorial Healthcare System is working to improve birth outcomes through strategies that include remote patient monitoring to support high-risk pregnancies at home, strengthening collaboration between maternal-fetal medicine specialists and community OBs, and launching joint initiatives with Broward Health to address disparities in maternal and infant care across the county.

To lower the risk of mothers dying after childbirth, staff at nine Emergency Departments across Broward Health and Memorial Healthcare system were trained or retrained to identify preeclampsia in pregnant and postpartum women. Preeclampsia can progress rapidly to life-threatening complications for both mother and baby.

Florida needs more healthcare for moms

Throughout Florida, women are driving long distances for maternity care, often showing up at hospitals having never seen a doctor.

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A March of Dimes report identified an increasing problem with maternal healthcare deserts in Florida.

Last year, Broward HealthPoint, an affiliate of Broward Health, partnered with Community Care Plan to launch the Maternity Care & Heart Community Resource Center in Lauderdale Lakes. The center has been addressing the lack of maternal care in areas like Lauderhill, Lauderdale Lakes, Sunrise, and Oakland Park.

Obstetricians at the Lauderdale Lakes center expected to treat several hundred women in the first year. Instead, the clinic has treated more than 1,600 maternity patients and provided more than 7,000 maternity visits. The cities the center serves have the most births in the county.

To reach women facing barriers to getting care, Jannea Wolff of Miramar offers telehealth-based maternal mental health therapy  specifically for mothers of color. Wolff recently launched Reclaiming Our Wellness to help with mental health needs stemming from motherhood, including depression, anxiety, and relationship issues. Wolff said a mothers mental health and the way medical providers treat them are closely linked with birth outcomes.

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Wolff, who nearly died in childbirth, said women of color need help, especially those who experienced a traumatic birth. I didnt feel very cared for in the hospital after the birth, she said. I want to empower women to use their voice to advocate for themselves.

Mothers are coming to me after they recognize symptoms, she said. They are dealing with concerns such as access to healthcare and nutritional foods, and trauma from their healthcare experiences or medical issues after having a child.

Wolff is now hiring more staff, including a trauma-informed yoga instructor, a dance movement therapist and a nutritionist and renting physical space in Miramar to turn into a moms wellness space: The idea is to holistically help women heal.

Federal cuts could worsen the situation

Advocates are concerned that federal cuts to various programs, particularly Medicaid, will negatively impact maternal health. These government changes will further cripple care for rural and low-income pregnant women in Florida, leaving them with inadequate support and services, said Dr. Kaleen Richards, an Altamonte Springs nurse midwife

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Floridas rural areas have seen a significant reduction in obstetric services. Out of the states 27 rural hospitals, 18 have closed their obstetric units in recent years, forcing women of childbearing age to drive an hour or more to access maternal care.

Those numbers could get even worse if Republicans in Congress slash the budget for Medicaid, which is a lifeline for moms and babies, said Tina Sherman, National Director for Maternal Justice at MomsRising.

Nationally and in Florida, Medicaid covers more than 40% of births, provides prenatal and postpartum care, and accounts for 75% of public family planning dollars.

Put simply, cutting this vital program would endanger moms, babies, and families  especially in Black, Brown, and low-income communities that already face significant health disparities, Sherman said.

Cuts to Medicaid, if approved by the federal government, are unlikely to be decided before June.

South Florida Sun Sentinel health reporter Cindy Goodman can be reached at cgoodman@sunsentinel.com.
Doctors and public health advocates were once able to imagine the end of the HIV epidemic in our lifetime. The last four decades of scientific advancements had delivered new treatments and preventive medications that significantly curbed the rates of transmission and impacts of the once deadly virus. The number of new infections has dropped from more than 130,000 in the mid- 1980s to 37,000 by 2022  and mortality rates have steadily dropped.

Millions in federal funding  supported by Democratic and Republican leadership alike  had helped buoy a swath of programs and research into new injectable drugs for HIV prevention and treatment, which are long-lasting and less burdensome than daily medication, and can be used to address HIV disparities across race, gender and sexual orientation both in the United States and internationally.

With the advent of injectables and how successful theyve been, I think for many of us, for the first time in a long time, we could actually see what looked like the beginning of the end, said Tori Cooper, the director of strategic outreach and training at Human Rights Campaign.

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But in March, that glimmer of hope began to fade as the Trump administration decimated the nations HIV prevention programs as part of Robert F. Kennedy Jr.s drastic overhaul of the Department of Health and Human Services agency.

The Office of Infectious Diseases & HIV Policy, which oversees the federal strategy on HIV prevention, shuttered its doors. Ten thousand federal health employees were laid off, including staff at five branches of the HIV prevention division of the Centers for Disease Control, who are tasked with tracking new infections and conducting research on strategies to reduce infection risk.

Top staffers, including Jonathan Mermin, the director of the National Center for HIV, Viral Hepatitis, STD and Tuberculosis Prevention  which lost a quarter of their staff  were reassigned to the Indian Health Service.

A preliminary HHS budget, obtained by The Washington Post on Wednesday, offers a window into the Trump administrations priorities, and paints a picture of an even slimmer and reorganized health agency. The proposed budget slashes one-third of the agencys spending, and eliminates funding for HIV services, including the Minority AIDS Initiative, several Ryan White HIV/AIDS programs, the CDCs HIV/AIDs prevention and surveillance activities, and preventive services for elderly people and people living with disabilities.

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Its spelling out a situation where were going to see more people get HIV and die from AIDS in the U.S. and internationally, said Jeremiah Johnson, the executive director of PrEP 4 All, an HIV advocacy organization pushing for a nationwide program to boost access to preventive medication to underinsured communities.

The cuts across federal health agencies have left funding to research institutions dedicated to improving HIV care in limbo. Over the last four months numerous grants were terminated for HIV studies and programs, including a clinical trial to help youth living with or at risk of HIV access vaccines, a trauma-informed study on the role of violence in the lives of women living with HIV, a trial to determine whether Black and Latin men are more likely to stay on PrEP with the help of a patient navigator, and numerous studies on the barriers trans women face to HIV prevention care around the world.

In total, the National Institute of Health has terminated nearly 770 active research grants as of the beginning of April, according to a database kept by academics tracking the cuts. Nearly 29% of grants that have been cut  tallying at around $759 million in funding  involved research into HIV/AIDS.

Since the Food and Drug Administration approved a preventive medication called pre-exposure prophylaxis, or PrEP, in 2012, the rates of new HIV diagnoses steadily fell in states whose insurance plans covered the drug. PrEP, which is taken routinely in pill form, provides nearly complete protection against the virus.

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But almost two-thirds of the 1.2 million people who could benefit from PrEP are not taking the medication, according to CDC data. The vast majority of people who currently have access to PrEP are white, despite making up a small percentage of new diagnoses. By comparison, Black and Latino populations, and trans women all experience higher and growing rates of HIV diagnoses, especially in Southern and rural areas. These communities face significant barriers to accessing PrEP, including lack of health insurance or other financial barriers, and discrimination in health care settings.

Public health advocates and scientists have researched ways to address these disparities and boost the use of PrEP among at-risk communities. A new injectable version of PrEP called lenacapavir, administered once every six months, has already shown strong signs of being more effective at preventing the virus than daily oral pills, and could help communities that face challenges to consistent medication.

The FDA will review in June an application for lenacapavir by Gilead, a pharmaceutical company specializing in HIV/AIDS medication. If approved, it would be the second injectable PrEP on the market, following the approval of cabotegravir in 2021. Both long-acting drugs are also used in treatment for people living with HIV, and offer an alternative to people who deal with pill fatigue.

However, Johnson anticipates that we wont see the kind of launch that we had hoped for for PrEP to get out to communities as the Trump administration continues to slash funding towards HIV prevention research, and as RFK Jr. promotes non-evidence based understandings of HIV science.

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Here we are at a moment of innovation, and rather than capitalize on all of that, were going to turn our backs and see more HIV infections and more health care expenditures due to new HIV infections, and a lot more sickness and suffering for our communities, Johnson said.

In the past, HHS has promoted low or no cost PrEP to patients through programs like Ready, Set, PrEP, for example. The program was started by then-President Donald Trump in 2019 as part of his Ending the HIV Epidemic initiative. The future of that program is now uncertain as the preliminary HHS budget axes funding for the Ending the HIV Epidemic plan altogether.

But with RFK Jr. at the helm of the agency, Trumps initial goalpost for tackling HIV is now much further away. RFK Jr. has a history of discrediting vaccine efficacy, and championing junk science to insist that changes in lifestyle and nutrition could combat chronic illness. In particular, he has questioned the HIV epidemic, including whether the human immunodeficiency virus causes the chronic condition of AIDS, which it does, and instead attributed the condition to the use of poppers, a recreational drug popular in queer communities.

Dr. Ofole Mgbako, an HIV doctor and assistant professor of medicine and population health at NYU Langone Health, warns that the loss of consistent treatment for HIV could lead to new strains of the virus that are resistant to the drugs currently on hand.

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Treatment interruptions and people being on and off of treatment can breed resistance to the virus. We have not yet found a cure, Mgbako said. We have found really effective treatments to keep the virus suppressed within someones body, but that means they have to remain on treatment consistently.

Many of the cuts to grants came after Trump signed several executive orders instructing agencies to axe programs dedicated to improving diversity, equity, and inclusion, or addressing trans or broader LGBTQ+ communities.

In mid-February, nine nonprofit community health and advocacy organizations focused on servicing the health needs of the LGBTQ+ community, including HIV prevention and treatment, sued the Trump administration, alleging that the executive orders resulted in their grants being terminated.

Among them was the San Francisco AIDS Foundation, which had received a grant concurrently with the University of California San Francisco, to study the effectiveness of Doxy PEP, a drug that helps to prevent bacterial sexually transmitted infections after sex.

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San Francisco Community Health Center, a health clinic serving LGBTQ+ people and people of color, noted in the suit that it had received multiple termination orders related to CDC grants, including $2.2 million from the SF Department of Health which receives funding from the Ending the HIV Epidemic and Ryan White  both Heath Resources and Services Administration programs dedicated to providing HIV care to low-income communities.

Now, much of this research and funding toward programs for HIV prevention remains at a standstill  not only backsliding decades of progress toward lowering incidents of transmission, but also creating a future where rising medical costs to care for new HIV positive patients is inevitable.
A group of advocates is working with the Gaston County Police Department to save lives.

The Domestic Violence High Risk Fatality Team meets with law enforcement and prosecutors once a month.

During the meeting, they discuss the most concerning cases with a real possibility of becoming fatal.

Anyone with helpful information shares what they know, and the organization works to keep victims of domestic violence protected and supported until their case is heard.

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ALSO READ: Gaston County womans death highlights large problem in domestic violence

District Attorney Travis Page said this helps them argue for higher bonds and longer sentences. This only comes after a judges approval and in the most extreme cases.

The ticking time bombs, so to speak, of Gaston County. We dont wait to prosecute these cases blindly, Page said.

At the meeting, a victim told the story of her boyfriend pulling a gun on her three times. However, she has since been able to get away from him.

Hes like, if you lie, you will regret it, the woman said. When I see stories of people who lost their lives, I think maybe that could have been me.

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ALSO READ: Calls to domestic violence hotlines soar as demand increases

Organizers said, according to their assessment, Gaston County remains above the high-risk threshold for offenders, though they are seeing a downward trend.

One defense attorney told Channel 9 that he hopes the courts see that the assessments are still based on accusations.

If you or someone you know is experiencing domestic violence, you can reach out to the Safe Alliance of Greater Charlotte through its hotline at 980-771-4673.

It is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week in English and Spanish.

VIDEO: Gaston County womans death highlights large problem in domestic violence
OKLAHOMA CITY (AP)  An Afghan teenager accused of taking part in an Oklahoma plot to carry out an Election Day attack has pleaded guilty, federal prosecutors said Thursday.

Abdullah Haji Zada, 18, a citizen of Afghanistan who was living in Moore, Oklahoma, pleaded guilty to knowingly receiving and conspiring to receive a firearm and ammunition to be used in a terrorist attack, court records show.

Zada, who was 17 at the time of his arrest, is awaiting sentencing and faces up to 15 years in prison and a $250,000 fine. Zada also agreed to be removed from the United States after he is released from prison, court records show.

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Telephone and email messages left on Thursday with Zadas attorney, Jeff Byers, were not immediately returned.

Zada's co-defendant, Nasir Ahmad Tawhedi, 27, who previously worked as a security guard for an American military installation in Afghanistan, is currently awaiting trial for conspiring and attempting to provide material support to the Islamic State group.

Prosecutors allege Zada and Tawhedi took steps to obtain AK-47 rifles and ammunition and planned to carry out an attack targeting large crowds on Election Day last year.
BAKU, Azerbaijan, April 17. Azerbaijan is strengthening its position as one of the key players on the international stage, Slovenia's Foreign Minister Tanja Fajon said at the Azerbaijan-Slovenia Business Forum held in Baku today, Trend reports.

"Azerbaijan is establishing itself as a hub for innovation, industry, and trade. Although Azerbaijan and Slovenia are not geographically neighboring, the diversification of our economic cooperation brings us closer.

Slovenia has an open export-oriented economy, and many industries, ranging from pharmaceuticals to the automotive industry, have developed in our country," Fajon added.

Stay up-to-date with more news on Trend News Agency's WhatsApp channel
A plane chartered by the German government, carrying 138 Afghan nationals granted admission to Germany, touched down in the eastern city of Leipzig on Wednesday evening.

All individuals had received a legally binding admission, a spokesperson for the German Foreign Office said.

The plane took off from Pakistan's capital Islamabad.

The Interior Ministry said that 45 of the passengers are children and young people, 76 are female, and 62 are male.

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The group was set to be taken to a camp in central Germany before being distributed among the federal states two weeks later.

A spokesperson for the Interior Ministry said that the individuals had previously been granted admission to Germany and that no new grants would be issued. They also emphasized that each person would undergo thorough checks before being allowed entry.

Earlier this year, three similar flights brought a total of 461 people from Afghanistan to Germany, with arrivals in Berlin and Hanover.

According to Foreign Office figures, around 2,600 vulnerable people from Afghanistan are currently waiting in Pakistan to be admitted to Germany.

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They include former staff of German institutions in Afghanistan and their relatives, as well as Afghans who face persecution by the Taliban, for example because they previously campaigned for human rights as lawyers or journalists.

Germany's next government plans to end the admission programmes, stating in its newly released coalition agreement: "We will end voluntary federal admission programmes as far as possible (e.g. Afghanistan) and not launch any new programmes."

Afghans who are still waiting to leave Islamabad could soon come under considerable pressure as Pakistan began a new wave of deportations of Afghan refugees at the beginning of April, planning to expel 3 million Afghans in the long term.

Pakistan's Minister of State for Interior Affairs, Talal Chaudry, recently announced that from May, the deportations would also affect those Afghans who are waiting in Pakistan to leave for Western countries.

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Afghans waiting in Islamabad are already reporting increasingly difficult conditions. They say families often have to spend many months, sometimes over a year, in guest houses, while reporting for monthly renewals of their visas.

In order to pay the high visa fees, many people have taken out loans from relatives or sold property in their home country, which would leave them destitute if their asylum applications are denied.

In response to a question about whether Afghans who have been granted admission to Germany are threatened with deportation from Pakistan, the Foreign Office spokesperson said: "We are in close coordination and contact with the Pakistani authorities and are committed to helping people who have a binding admission."
RALEIGH  North Carolinas Attorney General Jeff Jackson reached a settlement with Cortland Management LLC, one of the landlords he sued in January for illegally working with other landlords and using RealPages AI software to raise North Carolinians rents.

Cortland is the second-largest North Carolina landlord of the ones Jackson sued, with more than 5,000 units. Once the settlement is entered by the court, Cortland will stop using non-public data from other landlords, either through RealPages software or by other means, to set rents, making this one of the first settlements to restrict a major landlord from unlawfully using RealPage, according to a release.

Todays settlement means one less landlord is using RealPages unlawful AI software to charge North Carolinians unfair rents, Jackson said. Were going to keep fighting this case to make sure all landlords and property managers play by the rules and people can afford rent.

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As a result of this settlement with Jackson and Colorados AG Philip J. Weiser, Cortland will:

* Stop using sensitive data from its competitors to inform its pricing model.

* Not use third-party software or algorithms to price apartments, unless they do so under the supervision of a court-appointed monitor.

* Cease sharing or using any competitively sensitive data from other landlords and property managers to set rent prices or generate recommended rent prices.

The agreement requires Cortland to report on its efforts to comply with the consent judgment, allows the attorneys general to conduct inspections to ensure Cortland is in compliance, and, if necessary, permits the AGs to enforce the terms of the agreement in court or extend the term of the agreement.

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Jacksons case from Jan. 7 against the other five landlords and software company RealPage continues. It includes AGs from California, Connecticut, Illinois, Massachusetts, Minnesota, Oregon, Tennessee and Washington.

Jackson is suing RealPage for allegedly exploiting landlords competitively sensitive information to create a pricing algorithm that inflated rent prices and violated antitrust laws. Jackson alleges that these landlords communicated with RealPage and each other to share non-public information about rent prices, occupancy, strategies for setting rents, and discounts  resulting in higher prices for rent than competitive market forces would have set.

These landlords own or manage more than 70,000 units throughout the state.

The alleged illegal conduct harms North Carolinians who are struggling to pay rent and stay in their homes as rental prices increase, and they harm landlords who are trying to play fairly and follow the rules, according to the release.
Children crowding around a charity kitchen holding empty pots and pans clamoring for food to take to their families. Hours spent in search of clean water and scouring piles of garbage looking for trash to burn for a fire to cook or keep warm.

These scenes, which NBC News crew in the Gaza Strip captured over the past week, come as humanitarian agencies sound the alarm over a dire and worsening situation in in the Palestinian enclave as Israel enforces a blockade on food, water, fuel, medical supplies and other aid and goods.

Israeli officials maintain there is "no shortage" of aid in Gaza and accuse Hamas of withholding supplies. Israel says its blockade is crucial to its goal of weakening the militant group's control over the population.

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The United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) and the World Food Programme (WFP) told NBC News they had seen "no evidence" of a diversion of aid in Gaza. Both warned that supplies in the enclave were running out.

'Scraping the barrel'

Humanitarian groups describe a spiraling crisis on the ground, with bakeries shuttered for weeks because of a lack of wheat, food parcels for families running out, supplies of hot meals dwindling and medical supplies drying up.

"In terms of humanitarian supplies ... I mean, to say dwindling would be putting it nicely," Liz Allcock, head of humanitarian protection of Medical Aid for Palestinians, a United Kingdom-based humanitarian organization, told NBC News on Tuesday.

Children and adults line up to collect meals at a free food distribution point in the central Gaza Strip.

Were really scraping the barrel in terms of being able to provide anything of substance," Allcock, said, speaking from Gaza.

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Abeer Etefa, a spokesperson for the World Food Programme, described the situation in Gaza as "dire and worsening," with all WFP-supported bakeries across the territory closing after wheat flour ran out March 31. By early April, she said, the WFP had also exhausted its stocks of food parcels for distribution.

"Remaining stocks of hot meals commodities are being dispatched to the kitchens of partners providing hot meals," she said, adding: "We have around 1,000 tons or less left for these hot meals kitchens."

The WFP and its partners have 85,000 tons of food waiting to enter the enclave, she said.

The Global Nutrition Cluster, a coalition of humanitarian groups, has warned that in March alone, 3,696 children were newly admitted for care for acute malnutrition alone, out of 91,769 children screened  a marked increase from February, when 2,027 children were admitted from a total of 83,823 screened, OCHA said in a report Tuesday.

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Meanwhile, the United Nations has sounded the alarm that medical supplies in the enclave are running low, while casualties continue to fill hospitals.

Etefa added that Israeli military activity across the enclave was affecting humanitarian groups' ability to deliver aid, with the decision to block the flow of aid coming just more than two weeks before Israel shattered its ceasefire with Hamas last month, bringing two months of relative calm in the Gaza Strip to an end.

Israeli policy on aid

In a statement Wednesday, Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz said his countrys policy in Gaza was clear and unequivocal, including the policy to stop humanitarian aid, a move he said undermines Hamas' control over the population, and creating an infrastructure for distribution through civilian companies later."

Meanwhile, the Israeli Foreign Ministry has maintained that there is "no shortage of aid," pointing to the fact that more than 25,000 aid trucks entered the territory during Israels ceasefire with Hamas.

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Hamas was withholding supplies from civilians "in order to create an image of shortage," Foreign Ministry spokesman Oren Marmorstein told NBC News on Wednesday without providing evidence.

OCHA spokesman Jens Laerke said the U.N. body's team on the ground described "no evidence of diversion of aid." Etefa said the WFP also had not seen any evidence, adding that the organization did not experience any looting during the ceasefire.

A view from Shifa Hospital, one of Gaza's leading health centers, which was badly damaged in the Israeli attacks.

Hamas did not immediately respond to a request for comment on the accusation. But Thursday, the militant group, which has faced protests calling for its ouster and an end to the war, accused Israel of committing a war crime by "declaring the use of starvation as a weapon."

Under international humanitarian law, parties of a conflict cannot use starvation of a civilian population as a method of warfare or deprive civilians of essential supplies as a legitimate means to subdue an enemy.

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Marmorstein previously denied that Israel is violating international humanitarian law with its blockade in a post on X, saying war parties are not obliged to allow aid in if it is "likely to assist the military or economic efforts of the enemy."

The war in Gaza began after Hamas' Oct. 7, 2023, terrorist attack, which killed 1,200 and saw around 250 kidnapped, according to Israeli counts. Israel's military offensive in the enclave since then has killed more than 51,000 people, including thousands of children, according to the Palestinian Health Ministry in Gaza, which has been run by Hamas since 2007.

By the numbers

Data published by COGAT, the Israeli military's liaison with the Palestinians, shows that 25,200 aid trucks entered Gaza during the ceasefire, carrying more than 447,500 tons of aid into the enclave.

Before the war began, around 500 trucks carrying food and other supplies were entering Gaza each day, according to the British Red Cross. This suggests that by prewar standards, the 25,200 trucks that entered during the ceasefire, according to COGAT's data, would likely be sufficient for around 1 months, a point reached this week.

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COGAT's database shows no data for aid entering the enclave between March 2 and April 16.

Palestinians in Gaza on April 11.

Presented with the above data and asked to comment on the current aid situation on the ground, a spokesperson for COGAT told NBC News they could only confirm that more than 25,000 aid trucks had entered Gaza during the ceasefire. The spokesperson referred other questions related to the flow of aid to Israel's political leadership.

In a report released this month, the WFP warned that humanitarian aid is the primary food source for 80% of households across Gaza.

Meanwhile, it said Israels closure of crossings into the territory had exacerbated the fragility of the Gaza market, leading prices to soar between 150% and 700% compared with prewar levels, and by 29% to as much as 1,400% above prices during the ceasefire.

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As officials debate the reality of the situation on the ground, families across the enclave tell NBC News that they are struggling to survive.

Weve been deprived of everything  food, water, school  even clothes, 12-year-old Hasan Abu Jazar told NBC News crew on Monday after waiting in line in Al-Mawasi to gather water at an increasingly rare distribution point. "I'm tired."





This article was originally published on NBCNews.com
Donald Trumps slashing of foreign aid has derailed the projected end of the Aids pandemic and could lead to four million extra deaths by 2030, The Independent can reveal.

New figures show the number of Aids-related deaths could jump from six million to 10 million in the next five years unless funding is reinstated, according to forecasts from the UN Aids agency (UNAIDS).

The unprecedented disruption to global HIV programmes by the US is also projected to lead to more than three million more Aids orphans than previously expected by the end of the decade.

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Only last year, the UN said a goal to end the Aids pandemic by the end of the decade was in reach, equating to a 90 per cent reduction in new infections and deaths.

According to the UN figures, there will be 3.4 million more orphans, defined as children who have lost at least one parent to Aids. In addition, 600,000 more newborns could be infected with HIV by 2030  more than double the number originally feared. That will bring the total number of infant infections to a million by the end of the decade, analysis of the figures by The Independent shows.

Responding to the grim statistics, Professor Francois Venter, a leading HIV doctor at the University of Witwatersrand in Johannesburg, says: All the gains that weve seen over the last 20 years will start being steadily reversed.

Our hospitals when I was training 25 years ago were absolutely, absolutely overwhelmed. People were dying on the floor and at the moment hospitals are full, but they will be easily overwhelmed with whats coming.

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Due to the funding pause, testing programmes for groups at high risk of HIV in South Africa are falling apart.

The staff at this HIV/AIDS clinic in Jinja, Uganda are working for free after losing all their US funding and they fear running out of drugs (Bel Trew/The Independent)

Key population programmes are completely shuttered, he adds. Overnight, just stopped. HIV testing in the community has almost completely stopped.

On Trumps first day in office, he froze almost all US foreign assistance funds for 90 days, while projects were reviewed to make sure they were aligned with American interests. That deadline runs out this weekend, though many contracts have already been cancelled.

Timeline of HIV and aid funding cuts under Trump

January 20: Trump orders a freeze on all foreign aid with a 90-day review

January 24: A stop-work order is issued to US aid-funded programmes

February 1: Limited exceptions are granted for "urgent lifesaving HIV treatment, but a lack of clarity and loss of staff mean services are still disrupted

February: Funding decisions are challenged in various courts; the Trump administration fights orders to pay aid partners.

By March 10: Most aid grants and contracts are cancelled worldwide

March 25: Authorisation for worlds largest HIV programme, funded by US, expires

By March 28: US Agency for International Development (USAID) shutdown confirmed, nearly all staff sacked

April 19: 90-day freeze and review period ends

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This disruption, which has included contradictory information on exceptions to the ban, has had a profound impact, with records being lost and patients missing out on medicine.

Some 35,000 estimated deaths have already been linked to the sweeping freezes to HIV funding, according to forecasts from academics working on the US-funded HIV programme.

Now, UNAIDS data shared with The Independent gives a window into the worst-case scenario if no funding is restored to the Presidents Emergency Plan for Aids Relief (Pepfar)  the largest effort to combat HIV on the planet. By 2029, the number of Aids-related deaths could reach more than three-times higher than previous projections  jumping from 490,000 to 1.6 million.

Set up in 2003 by George W Bush in response to a spiralling pandemic, Pepfar forms the backbone of the global response to HIV, funding drugs, prevention and research in more than 50 countries.

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People receiving effective HIV treatment can live a virtually normal life span, and they are also protected from passing the infection on. Without it, their risk of becoming very ill and of infecting others goes up.

As well as treatment, Pepfar also funds testing, condoms and PrEP (pre-exposure prophylaxis) which help prevent new infections. If Pepfar services are completely ended, by the end of this year the number of all new annual infections  across the age spectrum  will have already doubled to 1.6 million, compared to the 830,000 projected for 2025.

The UNAIDS projections of the number of infections and deaths are in the worst-case scenario, where the US funded HIV-programme is not reinstated and none of the work it currently funds is picked up by other donors or governments.

The Independent reached out to the US State Department, which would not publicly confirm that Pepfar would be fully reinstated. Secretary of state Marco Rubio has said he wants Pepfar to continue, but that it should get smaller over time. Limited services, including for pregnant women and new mothers, have already been told they can continue working. But on the ground, a lack of clarity and resources means those services are still disrupted.

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In recent years, HIV infections in newborn babies, contracted in the womb or through breastfeeding, have been going down. Pepfar cuts mean they are expected to surge, and fast. Without treatment, more than half of babies born with or contracting HIV in the first months of life will not survive to their second birthday.

In southern Uganda, The Independent met Hadja, a mother-of-three who was infected with HIV before becoming pregnant with her fourth child. US cuts have severed her access to the life-saving medication that suppresses the virus. Without it, she is terrified she will pass HIV on to her unborn baby.

As soon as medication stops, the virus rebounds rapidly, says Professor Lucie Cluver at Oxford University. Children will become sick faster, compared to adults, as their immune system is weaker.

I got sent a photo a few days ago of a little girl in a hospital in Liberia and there were no antiretrovirals left, so she was born HIV positive. Shes got two years to live, probably, this little girl.

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Huge strides have been made in tackling HIV in the last 20 years and there had been the end in sight, says Angeli Achrekar, the deputy director of UNAIDS.

But without US support, she adds: When were talking about an additional 2,300 new infections every single day, theres no way we can get to the end of Aids. With these numbers of new infections, we cannot turn off the tap.

Some countries are more reliant on the US Pepfar funding than others. In Tanzania, for example, 94 per cent of HIV services are paid for through Pepfar.

Our reports on the ground show that in Zimbabwe, where Pepfar paid for 60 per cent of HIV services, supplies are running low and government hospitals are being forced to turn patients away.

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There are no facilities to help control or reduce the number of infections, yet there is no medication, volunteer health worker, Promise Masawi, says.

The impact can be measured not just in cost to lives and health but in how much harder HIV could become to treat.

Hadja, a pregnant mother-of-three, is worried without her HIV medication she will transmit the virus to her unborn baby (Bel Trew/The Independent)

Disrupting treatment makes it more likely that when people go back on their previous medication, their infection will have developed a resistance to the drug and it will no longer work.

Doctors have limited other medications in their toolboxes and the drugs they usually reach for after first-line treatments fail are more expensive.

A years supply of the most common HIV drugs costs $64 (48) per person, compared with $300 for the medicines used after those drugs fail. By the time doctors are having to try a third drug, the cost is $405, six times higher.

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Its another way that decades of hard-won progress towards ending the Aids pandemic could falter.

Thats whats really devastating, says Achrekar. Because in the end, these are peoples lives that were talking about.

This article is part of The Independents Rethinking Global Aid project
LAS VEGAS (KLAS)  A flight en route from Las Vegas to Toronto was diverted to Iowa due to an odor of smoke, according to Air Canada.

The aircraft was carrying 176 passengers at the time and landed normally and as per standard procedure, and was immediately evaluated after landing by airport response teams, a spokesman for the airline told 8 News Now on Wednesday night.

The plane was then cleared to taxi to the gate. Another plane was called in to take the passengers to Toronto. No injuries were reported.

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Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

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Connecticut lawmakers are advocating for a bill that would ensure that local districts meet indoor air quality safety standards by making HVAC improvements an allowable reimbursement expenditure from school construction funds.

We know good healthy air is correlated with better learning outcomes, better attendance and all of those things, said Education Committee Chair Rep. Jennifer Leeper, D-Fairfield.

In 2022, the Education Committee passed its first update to the indoor air quality statutes in almost two decades, according to the Connecticut Education Association.

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While the bill included the establishment of a HVAC grant program to reimburse boards of education for eligible costs related to HVAC upgrades and reimbursement, those grants were awarded to districts on a competitive basis in 2023 and 2024, according to the CEA and the Department of Administrative Services.

After the two rounds of grant funding, 163 reimbursement grants were awarded to more than 60 school districts, totaling over $178 million in state grants to municipalities, the CEA stated.

Now, HB 6922 would allow a permanent non-competitive funding source allowing applications on a rolling, monthly basis, according to the DAS.

Concerns about air quality have vexed Connecticut educators for decades. Issues of air quality, ventilation and temperature regulation in schools also gained attention during the coronavirus pandemic.

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State Sen. Saud Anwar, Senate chairman of the Public Health Committee and a pulmonologist, said 1 out of 4 school age children in the state have allergies and about 12.5% of them have asthma.

Anwar said it is important in a school building that there is an adequate temperature for the air, the right amount of humidification, less infectious organisms and enough air movement in the room.

Stagnant air, uncontrolled air and too dry air can be unhealthy for the lungs, he said.

Anwar said the average age of school buildings in the state is 50 to 60 years old.

A lot of our districts in the state are in need of rehabilitation of HVAC systems and also some other heating and humidification modification and air purification opportunities to try to make them better while we wait for them to change the building or improve the building, he said.

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Anwar said the legislation is a priority for the well-being and education of our children.

We know from data that if children have allergies and nasal congestion and dont get enough sleep their ability to focus on their education decreases rapidly, he said.

Leeper said the committee has been trying to collect data for years on how many school systems are in need of HVAC repairs or replacements.

We dont really have a solid sense but there are a lot of them because districts have so many facilities and these are really expensive projects, she said. No agency has really wanted to.

With the bills expansion of the list of allowable non-priority list projects to include air quality projects it is expected to increase long-term spending under the school construction program, according to an analysis of the bill.

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Hebron Superintendent Thomas Baird wrote in his testimony that the bill would allow the district to modernize and correct heating, cooling and ventilation problems that have been ongoing for decades.

Without such a program, it is unlikely that we would be able to independently fund and move these important projects forward, Baird said. We have closed schools because of a lack of heat. We have also had many days where we have closed schools early because they were too hot. We had students pass out due to extreme heat in our schools in the past.

Farmington Board of Education Chair Bill Beckert said in his written testimony in support of the bill that the towns four elementary schools are not retrofitted for central air.

Its been a priority for our town, he wrote.  However, without state support for this particular project, we havent been able to move forward.

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Beckert wrote that due to warmer springs and summers students learning is disrupted toward the end of the school year and at the beginning of the school year.

The intolerable weather is not just a one-off., he wrote. It continues for consecutive days. Because of the trapped heat and humidity, students have difficulty concentrating, participating, and learning. Educators have difficulty teaching. It leads to sickness and absences, especially for immunocompromised students and staff with conditions like asthma.

Kate Dias, president of the CEA, told the Courant that indoor air quality has been a priority for the CEA in ensuring that the quality of the air that students and teachers are breathing is not harmful.

Louis Rosado Burch, legislative coordinator for the Connecticut Education Association and member of the School Indoor Air Quality Work Group, said in his written testimony that according to the DAS, as many as one-third of Connecticut public schools have HVAC systems in need of repair or replacement.

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We cannot ignore the fact that many districts that applied for reimbursement under the previous grant opportunity were disqualified and not awarded due to an incomplete rubric or because of insufficient local funds for a match, he wrote.

The Education Committee unanimously passed HB 6922 on March 12 and it now heads to the House floor for consideration.
JOHNSTOWN, Pa.  The Johnstown Cambria County Airport Authority officials have an issue with their plan to add a new parking lot in 2026.

The airports ever-increasing traffic isnt waiting for next years planned upgrade, board officials said.

Its prompted the authority to find a short-term solution, with plans approved to have staff realign one parking lots boundary to add approximately 35 more spaces.

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The bad news is that were out of parking. The good news is that its because the lot is full, said authority Chairman Tim McIlwain, referencing the continued growth in travelers.

Because airport staff are able to do the work, rather than a multi-month public bid process with a contractor, the project is expected to start by early summer, airport Manager Cory Cree said.

Crews will relocate a perimeter fence for the airports long-term parking lot 12 feet closer to the runway, he said.

It will create space for staff to stripe between 30 and 40 more parking spaces alongside the terminal building, Cree said.

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As is, the main lot in front of the terminal and the long-term lot have a combined 250 spots now, so the modifications will increase capacity by approximately 15%.

Airport Operations Supervisor Josh Keyser said dumpsters for a trash collection area were also moved in recent weeks to add a few more parking spots.

The airports 2025 passenger counts illustrate why the space is needed.

Through the years first quarter, combined inbound and outbound passenger counts have topped 8,300  with enplanements, or paid departures, for March alone setting a record for the third year in a row at 1,673, figures show.

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By comparison, the airport boarded 1,100 passengers in March just two years earlier.

Add in the fact Balances restaurant is also now open, and it has resulted in full or nearly full parking lots much of this winter  with the airports busiest travel season still ahead.

Cree noted plans are moving forward to build a third parking lot in 2026.

TransSystems, the authoritys engineer, is working to complete the design and permitting process later this year to enable a 48-space parking lot to be developed alongside Airport Road, Cree said. The lot will be located just west of the replica of Lt Col. Buzz Wagners P-40 Warhawk fighter plane.

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If all goes as planned, the new lot will be advertised for bids by February 2026 for springtime construction that same year.

Essential Air Service contractFor years, federal Essential Air Service contract renewals marked a time of uncertainty for Johnstowns airport.

That isnt expected to be the case this year.

The U.S. Department of Transportation will receive proposals until May 7 from carriers interested in serving the airport under the federally funded program, which was designed to help rural areas maintain air service.

Johnstowns airport authority officials will be reviewing all submissions to make their recommendation to U.S. transportation officials but, at this point, they anticipate backing SkyWest Airlines bid to continue serving Johnstown.

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Authority officials have credited SkyWests reliable service to Chicago OHare International and Washington-Dulles in Virginia as a key reason passenger totals have soared the past three years.

The EAS program itself also appears to be on stable footing under President Donald Trumps administration heading toward 2026.

U.S. Sen. Jerry Moran, R-Kansas, highlighted the importance of the program last month while questioning then-U.S. Department of Transportation Deputy Secretary nominee Steven Bradbury during a confirmation hearing, and Bradbury responded offering the Trump administrations support.

The president and (U.S. Transportation) Secretary have made very clear, firm support for Essential Air Service, Bradbury said, noting a congressional majority also supports the program.

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Other regional airports, including Altoona-Blair County Airport in Martinsburg and DuBois Regional, are also Essential Air Service airports whose contracts are renewed through the program.

Opportunity Zone interest

Cree told board members that interest in the airports approximately 130-acre Keystone Opportunity Expansion Zone has picked up sharply in recent weeks.

The undeveloped property offers tax incentives for businesses that locate on the site. An overlapping Airport Land Development Zone offers a separate incentive option  a $2,100 tax credit for each full-time employee whose time is at least 90% based at facility on the site.

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Cree said one unnamed business toured the airport property this spring considering a space to house its aircraft for East Coast business.

Two more have meetings set up between late April and early May

Cree said the airports recent growth, and plans to build a Regional Jet hangar and aviation innovation center are a big part of the draw.

St. Francis University, working with airport officials and fixed-base operator Nulton Aviation, launched an aircraft maintenance school on-site in 2024  and airport officials said last year that part of the innovation center could be designed to attract a business that would need workers to maintain aircraft at the facility.

Funds are dedicated to get site work approved in 2026 for the hangar project, if a state Department of Community and Economic Development PA SITES grant can be secured this year to cover the remaining cost, Cree said.
MONTGOMERY, Ala. (WIAT)  Alabama Gov. Kay Ivey will promote the inaugural State Agency Job Fair on Thursday.

From 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., the job fair will be open. Thursday morning will be designated for veterans and those with disabilities. From 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., the general public is welcome. The event will be at the Multiplex at Crampton Bowl, and Ivey is expected to arrive at 10 a.m.

Peabody Award-nominated documentary Will & Harper has a small connection to Alabama

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Attendees are encouraged to bring copies of their resumes, be prepared to interview and dress professionally. Jobseekers can find a full list of agencies and positions here.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to CBS 42.
The Hernandez Family joins a protest against anti immigration bills now proposed before Congress in Birmingham, Alabama,, on Saturday February 22, 2025. An Alabama House committee Wednesday approved legislation targeting immigrants. (Andi Rice for Alabama Reflector)

The House Judiciary Committee Wednesday approved legislation that requires law enforcement to verify peoples immigration status during a stop if they have reasonable suspicion they are not authorized to be in the country.

SB 53, sponsored by Sen. Wes Kitchens, R-Arab, also makes it a Class C felony, punishable by up to 10 years in prison, for someone to knowingly transport a person without proper authorization into the state.

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The intent of this bill, what we are trying to do, is to provide tools for our law enforcement officers, Kitchens told members of the committee. If someone has broken the law, if the person has been arrested and taken to jail, to give the law enforcement officers and the jails, county, municipal, state jails, the authority they need to be able to verify immigration status when that individual was there.

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Jasmin Hernandez-Alamillo, the community health coordinator for the Alabama Coalition for Immigrant Justice, a group that advocates for immigrants, attended the meeting and said he felt utter devastation at the vote.

They are not recognizing human beings as human beings, she said. That makes me extremely upset because I come from immigrants. My family are immigrants. I work with immigrants every single day, and they do not see us as humans.

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The committee approved Kitchens bill one week after the committee hosted a public hearing in which members heard from several who spoke against the legislation, with one pastor telling the committee it violates Christian values, and a second person saying it could prevent people from obtaining the necessary paperwork to bring their children back to their home country in the event they are deported.

The Senate approved the legislation in February, after the body removed language related to the 1850 Fugitive Slave Act, that forced the public to assist slave catchers return people to bondage to the south.

The bill offers several exceptions for people who are transporting people who are not legally authorized to live in the U.S. into Alabama, such as attorneys transporting clients to different immigration facilities or educators escorting their students for a school related activity.

Members of the House Judiciary Committee approved other exemptions to the crime of human smuggling as part of an amendment. One is for health care providers transporting patients, if people are transporting people for religious or charitable reasons, or people that an attorney who represents an individual authorizes.

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Many times people are already afraid of law enforcement and are already afraid to tell them, Hey, something is going on, something is going wrong in my community, I need help. Hernandez-Alamillo said.  Particularly as it involves human trafficking, and I think this will dampen those efforts to try and eliminate that issue in our society.

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House Minority Leader Scott Stadthagen, R-Hartselle, speaks with staff on the floor of the Alabama Senate on Feb. 4, 2025 in Montgomery, Alabama. The House Education Policy Committee Wednesday approved a Stadthagen-sponsored bill that prohibits teachers from using students preferred pronouns if they do not align with their biological sex. (Brian Lyman/Alabama Reflector)

The Alabama House Education Policy Committee approved a bill Wednesday that would prohibit teachers from using students preferred pronouns if they do not align with their biological sex.

HB 246, sponsored by Rep. Scott Stadthagen, R-Hartselle, drew criticism from people who identify as transgender or nonbinary at a public hearing earlier this month. The bill would give public educators legal immunity and students immunity from discipline for using a persons legal name and pronouns aligned with their reproductive organs, instead of the name and gender with which they identify.

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The substitute removed the section of the bill that did not allow a student to go by a name that is a derivative of their legal name.

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Were going to omit other than the students legal name or a derivative thereof or by and then the sentence will continue a pronoun or title that is patently inconsistent with the students name, with the student sex, without the written permission of the students parent or guardian, Rep. Susan Dubose, R-Hoover, who read the substitute, said.

The committee adopted a substitute that added pronouns or names patently inconsistent with a students biological sex. The legislation requires students to get a permission slip signed by their parents if they use pronouns that do not reflect their biological sex.

The bill passed with no discussion. It moves to the full House.

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BAKU, Azerbaijan, April 17. There are extensive opportunities for economic cooperation between Azerbaijan and Slovenia, Tanja Fajon, Slovenia's Foreign Minister, said at the Azerbaijan-Slovenia Business Forum held in Baku today, Trend reports.

"There are vast opportunities for economic cooperation between Azerbaijan and Slovenia. As the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs and European Affairs, I aim to bring the relations between our two countries even closer. Todays event proves that we are ready to elevate our relations to a higher level," she said.

Fajon noted that Azerbaijan is the most dynamically developing country in the region and attracts investments with its promising economy.

"Slovenias economy is open and export-oriented. Our countries can expand and develop cooperation in many sectors," she added.

Stay up-to-date with more news on Trend News Agency's WhatsApp channel
Rep. Reed Ingram, R-Pike Road (right) speaks with Rep. Alan Baker, R-Brewton on the floor of the Alabama House of Representatives on Feb. 6, 2025 at the Alabama Statehouse in Montgomery, Alabama. Ingram's bill that would require local school boards to adopt a policy allowing employees and students to voluntarily pray in school passed a House committee on April 16, 2025. (Brian Lyman/Alabama Reflector)

An Alabama House committee approved a bill on Wednesday that would require local school boards to adopt a policy allowing employees and students to voluntarily pray in school.

But the committee made significant changes to HB 231, sponsored by Rep. Reed Ingram, R-Matthews, a constitutional amendment that must be approved by voters if it passes the Legislature.

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As filed, the bill required a daily prayer and specified that the prayer must reflect Judeo-Christian values. A substitute adopted by the committee removed that requirement.

We took out the Christianity requirement, where if somebody had a different belief, it would be any of their religion, Ingram said. And Im a Christian, and have been, and always will be. But I do respect other religions as well, too, and other people come into this country with different beliefs and thats their right and opinion.

Current law generally allows school prayer and religious studies outside of school buildings. Other changes to the bill include that prayers cannot be done in a classroom or during instructional time, and students must get parental consent to participate.

Prayer has to go on before the school time or after school time. So they would have a room that they could pray in if the school, whatever the school board decided for them to, he said.

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The legislation also requires schools to start each day with the Pledge of Allegiance. If schools do not comply consistently with this requirement, the state superintendent must withhold 25% of state funding. The Legislature will also be authorized to withhold funding from noncompliant schools if they continue to violate the legislation.

These kids that grow up these days dont understand what the flag is and what it means. And I think thats part of the teaching, he said.

The bill moves to the full House.

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Sen. Will Barfoot, R-Pike Road, listens to a speaker in the Alabama Senate on May 8, 2024 at the Alabama Statehouse in Montgomery, Alabama. He filed legislation that places a time limit on bans for firearms. (Brian Lyman/Alabama Reflector)

An Alabama House committee approved legislation that puts a five-year time limit on firearm bans for certain felony convictions and enhances the criminal penalty for people who fire into a building with people in it.

SB 119, sponsored by Sen. Will Barfoot, R-Pike Road, revises state laws on who is barred from owning a firearm and enhances some penalties around it. .

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We looked at, What are some issues, or problems and concerns that we have as it relates to individuals who possess firearms, and have been convicted, either relatively close proximity to the date that they are found in possession of a firearm or, if they have been convicted of multiple felonies before.

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The Senate approved the bill earlier this month.

Current law makes it a felony punishable by up to 10 years in prison for anyone convicted of a crime of violence, a misdemeanor charge of domestic abuse, someone subject to a protective order or someone of unsound mind to possess a firearm. Barfoots bill keeps that ban in place but adds new language to extend the ban to anyone charged with those crimes, though they cannot be convicted of possession unless first being convicted of the original crimes they were charged with.

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The bill also says the ban applies to anyone convicted of a felony offense within the previous five years. It also bans anyone who has three felony convictions from possessing a firearm.

Those who violate the ban may be charged with a Class C felony, punishable by up to 10 years in prison and a $15,000 fine.

The bill also extends a prohibition on carrying deadly weapons with intent to do bodily harm to private as well as public schools. It also enhances the criminal penalties for people who shoot into a building with people, going from a Class B felony, punishable by up to 20 years in prison and a $30,000 fine, to a Class A felony, punishable by up to life in prison without the possibility of parole. The legislation also allows courts to deny bail to those charged with shooting into an occupied building.

The bill leaves in place the penalty for shooting into a building without people at a Class C felony.

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Rep. Bryan Brinyark, R-Windham Springs, had concerns with a specific line within the legislation.

A person of unsound mind, and that is just so vague to me, he said. Who makes that decision, it doesnt break that down. That gives me a little bit of concern but is a good bill. I appreciate what you are doing.

The bill moves to the full House.

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Rep. Ernie Yarbrough, R-Trinity, speaks to a colleague on the floor of the Alabama House of Representatives on April 8, 2025 at the Alabama Statehouse in Montgomery, Alabama. The House passed Yarbrough's bill that would allow local law enforcement to enforce federal immigration laws. (Brian Lyman/Alabama Reflector)

The Alabama House of Representatives passed a bill Thursday that would allow local law enforcement to enforce federal immigration laws.

HB 7, sponsored by Rep. Ernie Yarbrough, R-Trinity, would give sheriffs deputies and police officers authority to arrest and detain individuals who are not authorized to be in the U.S. and to transfer them to the custody of federal law enforcement.

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This bill will be key to the process of securing the safety of our communities. Its got common sense protections in there and accountability and transparency, Yarbrough said.

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The legislation allows local and state law enforcement agencies to enter into agreements to enforce the countrys immigration laws with federal agencies such as the U.S. Department of Justice and U.S. Department of Homeland Security. Currently, the Alabama Attorney Generals Office is the only state entity with that power.

Under the bill, sheriffs deputies; police officers and state troopers may also arrest people based on their immigration status when authorized by federal law. Law enforcement must also obtain documents to verify a persons immigration status, be that a passport or a permanent resident card.

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The chamber adopted a committee substitute 77-20 that removed some of the requirements. Previously, the Attorney Generals Office was required to publicly name any agency failing to comply with provisions in the legislation and notify the governors office, but the amendment gives it the option.

Alabama has low rates of immigration. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, only 4% of Alabamas population was foreign-born in 2023, compared to 14.3% nationwide. Only 6% of the population speaks a language other than English at home, compared to 22.5% of the U.S. population.

House Democrats criticized the legislation, saying it trafficked in stereotypes about immigrants without status and that it could discourage cooperation with law enforcement in criminal investigations. Rep. Phillip Ensler, D-Montgomery, said he was worried about his foreign-born constituents and how the legislation will impact their trust in law enforcement.

Bringing local law enforcement into the equation is going to create a lot of fear among people that are not doing anything wrong, that arent committing crimes, Ensler said. Theyre already on edge, and a lot of people are just trying to work hard. Theyre trying to better themselves, provide for their families, and Im just concerned about how this will impact them.

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The bill states that people cannot be detained solely because of their immigration status unless authorized by Immigration and Customs Enforcement, and that sheriffs deputies and police departments will verify that a person has an arrest warrant within 24 hours of the person getting detained.

Rep. Neil Rafferty, D-Birmingham, said it would lead to racial profiling and echoed Ensler saying it will increase local distrust in law enforcement.

When local police are perceived as immigration agents, victims and witnesses of crimes within immigrant communities become reluctant to come forward, Rafferty said. That doesnt make communities safer. It actually makes it far more dangerous.

Rep. Mary Moore, D-Birmingham, said there are more American citizens that commit crimes than people without legal status. Studies have repeatedly proven that.

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I think that its so unfair for us to just focus on one group of people and then with the immigrants that we are attacking, she said.

Yarbrough said the bill was inspired by Laken Riley, a Georgia college student that was killed by a person without legal status in 2024. He said she would not have been killed if legislation like his existed when a colleague asked him. Rafferty said Rileys death could have been prevented with better communication between law enforcement about the man accused of killing her.

The failure wasnt in our laws, but in the implementation and coordination between agencies, if it doesnt address the actual systemic failures and communication between local and federal authorities that actually contributed to this tragedy, he said.

The House passed the bill 74-26. It now moves to the Senate.

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ALABAMA (WHNT)  The Alabama House of Representatives passed the Laken Riley Act on Thursday.

According to House Speaker Nathaniel Ledbetters Office, the Laken Riley Act allows state and local law enforcement agencies to enter into a voluntary Memorandum of Understanding with federal law enforcement agencies to enforce existing illegal immigration laws.\

Alabama state Rep. Corey Harbison resigns

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Additionally, Ledbetters office said the legislation would:

Allow state and local government employees to maintain information relating to the immigration status of any individual.

Allow state and local law enforcement officers to transport an illegal alien to the federal governments custody.

Allow local law enforcement to arrest an illegal alien based on his or her status as an illegal alien or for violating any federal immigration law.

Create standard procedures for the intake and booking illegal aliens and foreign nationals in county and municipal jails.

Require jails to honor immigration detainer requests issued by the Department of Homeland Security in certain circumstances.

As Alabama continues to deal with an influx of illegal immigrants that entered our state during the previous presidents administration, we need to empower our state and local law enforcement agencies to protect their communities, said Speaker Ledbetter. People who enter this country illegally and commit violent crimes have zero place in our society. This is a commonsense, pro-public safety piece of legislation that is long overdue in our state. I appreciate Rep. Yarbroughs hard work on this bill and am eager to see it signed into law.

HB7 was carried by Rep. Ernie Yarbrough (R- Trinity).

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I appreciate Speaker Ledbetter and my colleagues for supporting this important legislation and taking a significant step towards protecting our state and her people, said Rep. Yarbrough. Laken Rileys death was tragic, and my goal is to help prevent similar tragedies from occurring in the state of Alabama. The bottom line is that this bill isnt aimed at vilifying immigrants  its about the safety of Alabamians.

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The Laken Riley Act will now go to the Alabama State Senate.

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ALABAMA (WDHN)  An Alabama house committee approved a law that requires law enforcement officers to verify immigration statuses if they have reasonable suspicion they are not authorized to be in the country.

Under this law, officers can check the statuses of immigrants during a stop.

The legislation will make someone who transports a person without proper authorization into the state face a Class C felony, which can imprison them for up to 10 years.

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The Senate approved the legislation in February.

However, the bill offers several exceptions for people who are transporting people who are not legally authorized to live in the U.S. into Alabama, like attorneys sending clients to different immigration facilities or educators sending students for school field trips or events.

Other exemptions include are health care providers transporting patients and drivers sending people over for religious or charitable reasons.

Opponents of the bill said this put families who need medical care, court hearings, work and other obligations at risk of prosecution.

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This decision by the committee puts the bill in position for the full House of Representatives to vote on it as early as next week.

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ALABAMA (WDHN)  The Alabama house filed a bill pushing to ban people from buying soda using SNAP benefits.

Representative Mack Butler is sponsoring the bill.

The measures of the legislation include requiring the Department of Human Resources to request a waiver from the federal government to exclude soda from SNAP until the waiver is approved.

The department is required to complete the waiver process every year.

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Once the federal government accepts the waiver, the ban goes into effect.

The bill gets proposed as several other Republican led states are forcing waivers to ban soda and candy from SNAP.

If passed, the bill will get signed into law and it would go into effect on October 1st, 2025.

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BIRMINGHAM, Ala. (WIAT)  As a part of the 2025 Readers Choice Awards, USA Today is hosting a poll for the best water park, and Alabamas Splash Adventure is in the running.

Splash Adventure is a family-friendly water park with many different features including Rampage the roller coaster, a wave pool, and a lazy river.

To vote, click here.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to CBS 42.
A group of Juneau residents rally for protection of due process and to bring Kilmar Abrego Garcia home, part of a pop-up protest on April 16, 2025. (Photo by Corinne Smith/Alaska Beacon)

A crowd of over 100 residents gathered in front of the Alaska State Capitol in Juneau on Wednesday, for a pop-up protest calling for due process and justice for a Maryland man mistakenly deported and imprisoned in El Salvador.

Protect the Constitution! the crowd chanted, and demonstrators held hand-made signs reading: Uphold the rule of law! Due process matters, and Bring Kilmar home.

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Outrage has grown across the country, with protests and town halls, around 30-year-old Kilmar Abrego Garcia  who was granted asylum in the U.S. due to threats of gang violence in 2019  his mistaken arrest and deportation to a maximum-security prison in El Salvador, and ensuing court battle to bring him home.

Last week, the U.S. Supreme Court ruled 9-0 that the government must facilitate Garcias return to the U.S., but stopped short of requiring it. On Tuesday, a federal district court judge in Maryland ordered the Trump administration to show how it has tried to secure the release of Garcia. So far, the judge said the record shows nothing has been done.

The White House maintains it has no power to ask El Salvador to release Abrego Garcia from the mega-prison, and that the judge overstepped her authority in ordering the administration to conduct foreign affairs.

At the protest in Juneau, demonstrators gave impromptu speeches denouncing the Trump administration, calling it a violation of due process rights. Speakers called for protection and support for Alaska-based immigrant families, some who received notices to leave now and self-deport, some sent in error. They urged Alaskans to continue speaking out, including calling on U.S. Sens. Lisa Murkowski and Dan Sullivan to do more in Congress.

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Sending immigrants to an El Salvador prison that is likened to a concentration camp or a gulag, is just reprehensible, said Mary Hakala, a lifelong Juneau resident in an interview after the protest.

(For) everyone in the United States, whether theyre an immigrant, a U.S. citizen, due process is what keeps us all safe, she said. And so if they are able to throw out and ignore the laws regarding the rights of citizens and immigrants, none of us are safe. Its a very frightening time.

El Salvador President Nayib Bukele, a key partner in the Trump administrations new deportation and imprisonment effort, refused to assist with Garcias return in an Oval Office meeting on Monday. Of course, Im not going to do it, he said. The question is preposterous.

At that meeting, President Trump expressed openness to deporting U.S. citizens convicted of violent crimes to El Salvador. If its a homegrown criminal, I have no problem, Trump told reporters. Were studying the laws right now If we can do that, thats good.

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The U.S. government is paying El Salvador to imprison immigrants, despite a federal law barring it from financially supporting foreign security forces facing credible allegations of gross human rights violations.

A young Juneau resident holds a sign at a protest for due process and justice for Kilmar Abrego Garcia on April 16, 2025 (Photo by Corinne Smith/Alaska Beacon)

Juneauites rally in front of the Alaska Capitol calling for due process and the Trump administration to uphold the law on April 16, 2025. (Photo by Corinne Smith/Alaska Beacon)

Over 100 people rallied at a "pop-up" protest, quickly organized in response to recent actions of the Trump administration who claim they have no power to return Maryland resident, Kilmar Abrego Garcia from a prison in El Salvador on April 16, 2025 (Photo by Corinne Smith/Alaska Beacon)

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A protester holds a sign reading "Without due process, no one is safe" at a rally in front of the Capitol on April 16, 2025. (Photo by Corinne Smith/Alaska Beacon)

A group of Juneau residents rally for protection of due process and to bring Kilmar Abrego Garcia home, part of a pop-up protest on April 16, 2025. (Photo by Corinne Smith/Alaska Beacon)

Juneau residents gather in protest in front of the Capitol on April 15, 2025. (Photo by Corinne Smith/Alaska Beacon)

A protest sign reads "No Kings in America" at a rally to protect due process rights and against the Trump administration deporting and imprisoning people in El Salvador, on April 16, 2025. (Photo by Corinne Smith/Alaska Beacon)

A protest sign set on a bench near Capitol park at a protest on April 16, 2025 (Photo by Corinne Smith/Alaska Beacon)
Apr. 16As workers installed a swamp cooler at a city apartment complex on Tuesday, Albuquerque officials celebrated a new regulation: landlords must provide cooling systems in rentals, or face the consequences.

"Everyone has a right to either not freeze or not die from heat stroke in their house," Mayor Tim Keller said. "That's all this (ordinance) does. But, believe it or not, it took the City Council and Councilor (Tammy) Fieblekorn to change the law in the city to make sure that everyone actually can have that in their house."

In December, the City Council approved a measure to require landlords to provide some form of cooling, whether evaporative cooling (swamp coolers) or air conditioning. The council has also approved a measure to create a full-time position for a code enforcement officer to receive and review tenant complaints.

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Fieblekorn sponsored both measures, which have been signed by the mayor.

However, Tuesday's news conference focused primarily on the measure meant to protect tenants from heat.

"Urban heat island impacts and climate change have made it where you cannot live in a home in the city of Albuquerque without a cooling system," Fieblekorn said. "You will be sick, you will have days off work, you will not be a productive member of society, and you'll be miserable."

The vote narrowly passed the City Council. Four councilors wanted to reject the measure, which drew opposition from landlords and representatives of landlord advocacy groups.

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Fiebelkorn said the final bill, however, was a compromise. She noted that her initial proposal required landlords to install cooling units that could bring a rental unit down to a certain point. So, buildings without efficient insulation would require more powerful cooling units.

"Through the legislative process, to get anything through, we did have to remove that temperature set point, which was unfortunate," Fieblekorn said. "But I think that, in general, having that movement of cooler air through the building is certainly better than nothing."

Data from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration shows that temperatures in Albuquerque reach 100 degrees more often than in years past. In 2023, Albuquerque saw 17 days at or above 100 degrees, the highest on record. Typically, the city has seen just three.

Heat  and its many adverse health effects  is not felt equally among Albuquerque's residents. In a 2021 report, the CAPA Heat Watch program mapped the parts of Albuquerque that became the hottest. They found that some parts of the city are up to 17 degrees warmer.

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There are no signs that things will cool off anytime soon.

An article published in the peer-reviewed scientific journal Nature Communications argues that summer temperatures in Albuquerque will look more like summers in Roswell by 2080, where, on average, from 2020 to 2024, there were 52 days when the temperature reached or exceeded 100 degrees.

But on the cool spring day of the news conference, city officials sought to warn landlords: add cooling for tenants, or face the consequences.

Angelo Metzgar, code compliance manager, said the enforcement process will be like any other enforcement action under the uniform housing code process.

"We will reach out to the tenant, schedule the inspection, go out, verify there's a violation, and get the notice out to the property owner, giving him a certain amount of time to put the cooling unit in," Metzger said, adding that the length of time will be decided on a case-by-case basis.
SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (KELO)  The Sioux Metro Growth Alliance (SMGA), a non-profit economic development association for the Sioux Falls metropolitan area, has grown by one member, as the town of Alcester has joined the SMGA.

Alcester is in northern Union County, and is the 17th SMGA member community.

SMGA says Alcesters move to join opens them up to local economic opportunities, new business and support.

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We are excited to become a member of the Sioux Metro Growth Alliance, said Dave Hodgson, Finance Officer of the City of Alcester in the release. This partnership will provide us with valuable resources and connections to drive growth and improve the quality of life in our community.

Tyler Tordsen, President and CEO of SMGA, said in the release that Alcester is the second city in Union County to join SMGA.

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OKLAHOMA CITY (KFOR)  An 18-year-old Afghan national accused of attempting to purchase guns in Oklahoma as part of an Election Day terrorist plot in October 2024 pleaded guilty in federal court on Thursday.

Abdullah Haji Zada, 18, was arrested by FBI agents in October along with Nasir Tawhedi for allegedly attempting to purchase two AK-47s, ten magazines and 500 rounds of ammunition in an unspecified rural location in Oklahoma, according to the U.S. Department of Justice.

Tawhedi, who pleaded not guilty in November, is currently awaiting trial on charges of conspiring and attempting to provide material support to ISIS and attempting to receive, or conspiring to receive a firearm to be used to commit a felony or a federal crime of terrorism.

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Election Day terror plot suspect pleads not guilty

Zada, who was 17 years old at the time of his arrest, was previously a student at Southmoore High School. He is also a native and citizen of Afghanistan, and a U.S. lawful permanent resident.

The DOJ says Zada would be removed from the U.S. and sent to Afghanistan following his prison sentence as part of a plea agreement, and lose his lawful permanent resident status as a result.

Zada faces a maximum penalty of 15 years in federal prison and a $250,000 fine at sentencing.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KFOR.com Oklahoma City.
BROOKLYN, N.Y. (PIX11)  Three alleged gang members were sentenced in connection with the fatal shooting of a teenager outside of a school in Midwood, Brooklyn District Attorney Eric Gonzalez announced Thursday.

The shooting happened around 2:40 p.m. outside the Urban Dove Charter School on East 21st Street on April 29, 2021.

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Prosecutors say Malachi Simms, 19, and Quran Smith, 20, fatally shot Devonte Lewis, 17, as he was leaving the school.

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The third defendant, Frantzy Alexandre, 20, reportedly passed a gun to Simms before the shooting.

The three defendants allegedly belonged to the Folk No Love City gang, while Lewis allegedly belonged to the Bloodhound Brims, a rival gang, prosecutors say.

Lewis, who was shot in the stomach, was taken to Kings County Hospital, where he died, prosecutors said.

More: Latest News from Around the Tri-State

These defendants, who were just 15 and 16 years old at the time, laid in wait and opened fire at their target outside a school, killing him and ruining their own entire futures, said Brooklyn District Attorney Eric Gonzalez. We vigorously prosecute and hold responsible gang members who engage in gun violence, which is part of the reason Brooklyn is experiencing a dramatic reduction in shootings. My thoughts today are with Devonte Lewiss heartbroken mother and loved ones.

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Alexandre was sentenced to 10 years in prison for manslaughter. Simms was sentenced to 14 years to life in prison. Smith was sentenced to 15 years to life in prison.

Submit tips to police by calling Crime Stoppers at 1-800-577-TIPS (8477), visiting crimestoppers.nypdonline.org, downloading the NYPD Crime Stoppers mobile app, or texting 274637 (CRIMES) then entering TIP577. Spanish-speaking callers are asked to dial 1-888-57-PISTA (74782).

Ben Mitchell is a digital content producer from Vermont who has covered both local and international news since 2021. He joined PIX11 in 2024. See more of his work here.

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Based on polls, election results, and the markets, Americans seem to be awakening, if only slowly, to the magnitude and nature of the threat they face. President Donald Trump and his allies in power are trying to erect an authoritarian Mafia state like the one Vladimir Putin and his cronies established in Russia. The American opposition talks of undermining democracy and constitutional crisisbut for the most part, its legislators, activists, and political strategists are pursuing politics as usual. They shouldnt be.

If this sounds alarmist, forgive me for not caring. Exactly 20 years ago, I retired from professional chess to help Russia resist Putins budding dictatorship. People were slow to grasp what was happening there too: Putins bad, but surely hell stop short ofand you can fill in the blank with a dozen things he did to destroy Russias fragile democracy and civil society, many of which Trump is doing or attempting to do in America today.

Attacking the press as fake news and the enemy of the state? Check. Delegitimizing the judiciary, the last constitutional brake when the legislature is co-opted and feckless? Check. Expanding influence over the economy by threatening businesses and using tariffs to introduce a crisis and a spoils system? Check. Creating a culture of fear by persecuting unpopular individuals and groups? Been there, done all of that.

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Putin is still in the Kremlin, and Im writing this from New York Citymy family has made its home there, as well as in Croatia, since we were forced to leave Russia in 2013. Americas institutions and democratic sentiment are far stronger than in the flawed, fragile state Putin took over from Boris Yeltsin 25 years ago. Russia was a mere eight years removed from Soviet totalitarianism when it elected a KGB lieutenant colonel who restored the Soviet anthem and called the fall of the U.S.S.R. the greatest geopolitical catastrophe of the 20th century.

[Read: The simple explanation for why Trump turned against Ukraine]

Americans, by contrast, have a well-stocked toolbox with which to defend their democratic institutions, if only they would use it. The press is still free; its only limitations are self-imposed. The economy is strong, even though Trump is working hard to put a stop to that. (People who feel economically insecure, or who depend on the government for their daily bread, dont often rise up against it. Instilling a feeling of helplessness, a lack of control, is a key ingredient of authoritarianism. For example, the uncertainty created by Trumps tariff flip-flops are anathema to consumer and business confidence, but uncertain citizens are more likely to follow a strongman.) American federalism and the separation of powers are not trivial for a would-be autocrat to overcome. Political pressure must be brought to bearthrough the courts, the press, and the states, but also applied to legislators while they still have any power left.

The American opposition should spend less time criticizing the content of the administrations executive actionseliciting sympathy for a deported individual, say, or decrying the impact of Trumps tariffs on 401(k) plansthan focusing on its suspect methods. The real crisis is the lack of due process in the deportations, to take the first example, and the presidents assumption of Congresss power to levy taxes, to take the second. Sure, Trump loves tariffs, in other wordsbut he mostly loves exercising power, and his slate of arbitrary levies, unilaterally imposed by the executive, is a power grab.

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Never lose sight of the fact that the Trump administrations aim is to weaken and devalue the machinery of government, on one hand, and privatize the levers of power on the other. It is accomplishing all of this at a breakneck pace. Supporting a would-be autocrat because you like his policies (say, on DEI or transgender athletes) is a terrible trap, because soon enough, your opinions and support wont matter at all. But making opposition to the policies the centerpiece of resistance also risks missing the point. America is hurtling toward the loss of its democratic institutions and the establishment of an authoritarian state where there will be no civil discussion of these issues at all: Thats what a principled opposition must fight with its full might.

Spelling out these stakes every day, like Senator Cory Booker did in his record-breaking 25-hour speech at the beginning of the month, is vital. Call hearings, press conferences, protestseverything that can be done to draw attention to the attacks on institutions. Explain due process, and contrast it with illegal or incorrect deportations, as families are torn apart. Dont let Elon Musk and his vandals pretend that what they are doing is about efficiency when their actions are a rounding error at best in the budget.

[Read: Cory Booker, endurance athlete]

Here is another tactic that makes sense for political give-and-take within a democracy, but not as a means of fighting for democracys life: picking your battles. Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer may have thought he was doing exactly that when he caved to Republican pressure to pass the budget. He had a legal means of countering Trumps autocratic agendarallying his party to refuse to advance the Republican spending billbut he declined to use it. In regular democratic politics, passing on one battle to fight again another day is normal. But when fighting for democracy, you never know if there will be another day. Fight everywhere you can, always, or you will soon be as irrelevant as the Russian Duma became under Putins centralized executive authority.

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Another recommendation: Attacking Trumps character, however abhorrent critics may find it, is futile. The president is not acting alone. In contrast to his bumbling first term, he now has a professional script, stage managers, and a plan. Project 2025 is the product of political machinery that has sprung up around Trump that seeks to tear out the roots of American democracy and then salt the ground. To accomplish this, the Trump administration, much like Putins team in Russia, focuses on fear and enemies, not on constructing a brighter future. It will never be tempted to reconcile or coaxed by bipartisan outreach. So set aside the specifics of Trumps agenda and your distaste for him as a person. Resist on every level, at every opportunity, instead of picking this or that battle. Shout from the rooftops about the attacks on process and democracy, not just the policy content.

Since Trumps inauguration, Americans have filed numerous legal complaints challenging specific cuts or orders that Musk and his so-called Department of Government Efficiency have made. After all, what authority does Musk, as a private individual, have to collect government data, decide which federal officials to fire, or allocate resources as he sees fit? Musk and Trump have turned their fire on judges who reject the legality of their actions.

Taking DOGE to court is necessary workby all means, throw sand in the gears at every opportunitybut its not sufficient. Thats because Musk, like Russian oligarchs, has proximity to power, but he doesnt actually have legal authority. To eject his influence means bringing the fight not just to him, but to the elected offices where power still resides.

Americans had probably better get used to learning Russian, so Ill offer a political term from our lexicon: , ponyatie (pon-YAH-tee-yeh), which doesnt quite have an English equivalent but can be translated roughly as an understanding. The understanding of most citizens is that proximity to power is itself a form of power, that we all know who is really calling the shots. What we are seeing with DOGE is an example of this phenomenonthe ponyatie that Musk, as a rich man who exercises great influence over Trump, wields tremendous governmental authority despite not having an official title or a constitutional role. The ponyatie that state power can be marshaled against his critics and rivals, while he is immune to it himself. Acquiescence to that kind of thinking must be stopped before it is allowed to permeate the American political system.

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[Read: Putin won]

To that end, Americans should invest their time and money fighting in the arena where political power still lies: with the American people and in Washington, D.C., with the handful of Republican representatives who could put a stop to the power grab. Go after the weakest links and call them out. Promise to support them against Musks threats to fund primary challenges if they defy himand to raise millions against them if they dont. Dont give up on the levers of political power prematurely. Use them, or they will disappear, and marching in the street will be the only recourseone that I can tell you from painful personal experience doesnt always work out.

The Trump administration has been cunning in choosing its first targets. Deporting supposed gang members and Hamas supporters without due process may violate any number of statutes, but forcing oppositionists to defend these peoples rights allows the administration to paint them as defending their ideas. Not every battle will be as favorable as standing up for cancer research or veterans benefits.

This is why the resistance must center the principles at stake. Does America have rule of law or not? The first line in defense of an incipient police state is: You dont have anything to fear if youve done nothing wrong. This fallacy is soon replaced by: It could happen to anybody, as the regime sees the value of using arbitrary persecution to spread fear. Again, fear is the autocrats goal, as is simply doing many things every day. Even if you dont like him or his policies, the longer he is there, doing things, the more the autocrat starts to feel inevitable, like the sun rising each morning.

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In politics, as in physics, force is mass times acceleration. The administration is mounting a barrage of attacks, with great urgency, to break through the resistance of American legal structures, sometimes by using legal and relatively popular policies (deporting convicted criminals, for example) as cover for likely illegal and relatively unpopular policies (deporting immigrants without due process). The fabricated urgency is a tell: No war, no terrible crisis, compels the president to violate the Constitution. But the administration is breaking down norms and setting precedents faster than judges can stop it. Of course, ignoring judges is also part of the plan.

To fight this onslaught means staying focused. Skip the culture wars, where the ground can easily tilt to favor the MAGA faithful. Concentrate instead on defending American rights and values against billionaires and autocrats who want to take them away. Just because you cant compete with Trump on populism doesnt mean you cant be popular, and polls already suggest that the public believes the president should obey court orders and give Ukraine more aid.

The opposition needs to proudly defend the value system and ingenious framework that made this country great. This may sound corny to cynical Americans who have taken democracy for granted for most of their lives, but it matters. The leaders of the resistance, if such can be found, must serve as spokespeople and examples of these values and institutions if they are to provide a genuine counter to Trumpism.

[Read: The new authoritarianism]

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Rallying to the defense of American constitutional democracy has become alarmingly difficult after years of insistence, from both the far left and the far right, that the system is irreparably broken. The good news is that Trump and Musk may be reminding Americans about what they stand to lose, and to whom, as was evident in the gloating response of Democrats to the Wisconsin Supreme Court election, which Musks preferred candidate lost.

Americans can just look to their leaders avowed models should they wonder whether things could be worse. The GOP has moved so far to the right that its ideologically aligned with Turkey and Russia. The Trump administrations refusal to criticize Putin may well owe to its hopes to emulate him, much as Putins rehabilitation of Stalins legacy tracked with policies that duplicated the Soviet dictators. And Musk has expressed admiration for Xi Jinpings China, a repressive one-party state where he has business interests.

Four votes in the Senate. Three votes in the House. Thats all it takes. Find the weakest links. Go after them, democratically. Fundraise for them if they stand up, or against them if they dont. The two-party system in America right now is Traitors versus Losers. Playing to win means asking every red-state legislator if they are fine with being in the Traitor Caucus.

Article originally published at The Atlantic
Video above: Interview with FSU student after active shooter

TAMPA, Fla. (WFLA)  The father of a student killed in the 2018 school shooting in Parkland, Florida responded to Thursdays shooting at Florida State University.

America is broken, Fred Guttenberg, whose 14-year-old daughter, Jamie, was killed when a gunman opened fire at Marjorie Stoneman Douglas High School, posted to X.

At least 1 dead, suspect in custody in Florida State University shooting, per NBC News

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Many of her friends who were lucky enough to survive that shooting went on to attend FSU, Guttenberg wrote. Incredibly, some of them were just a part of their 2nd school shooting and some were in the student union today.

In the years since Jamies murder, Guttenberg has become an outspoken advocate for stronger gun laws, including a bill that would require background checks for ammunition, not just guns.

FILE  Fred Guttenberg, father of 14-year-old daughter Jaime Guttenberg, who was was killed in the Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School shooting on Feb. 14, 2018, speaks during a news conference with the Moms Demand Action group on Thursday, Aug. 29, 2019, in Coral Springs, Fla. (AP Photo/Brynn Anderson, File)

As a father, all I ever wanted after the Parkland shooting was to help our children be safe, Guttenberg wrote. Sadly, because of the many people who refuse to do the right things about reducing gun violence, I am not surprised by what happened today.

As of this report, one person died and several others were wounded in the shooting at FSUs student union. University police said they neutralized the threat and the campus has been secured.

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Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WFLA.
Three passengers were injured after a U.S. citizen allegedly hijacked a small plane at knifepoint in Belize on Thursday, police said.

Akinyela Sawa Taylor, a U.S. citizen, hijacked a Tropic Air Belize plane with 13 other passengers on board, officials said.

Police received information the plane was hijacked by a passenger on board shortly before takeoff. Taylor wanted to be taken out of the country and demanded more fuel for the plane, police said.

PHOTO: In this screen grab from a video, law enforcement officials run toward the plane in Belize after an American citizen hijacked a small plane, April 17, 2025. (Belize Breaking News)

The hijacker was fatally shot in the chest by a passenger who had a licensed firearm, police said.

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The aircraft, which was circling, almost ran out of fuel by the time it landed, police said.

Three passengers, all from Belize, were injured with knife wounds. The flight had 14 passengers total on board, including two Americans, police said.

PHOTO: In this screen grab from a video, law enforcement officials are shown on the scene in Belize after an American citizen hijacked a small plane, April 17, 2025. (James Maloney)

Police were in contact with a passenger on the plane who was sending updates via text, officials said.

It is not yet clear how the hijacker was able to get on the plane with a knife, police said.

MORE: Passenger arrested after trying to divert flight in Mexico to United States

In a statement on Thursday, Tropic Air Belize CEO Maximillian Greif called the the pilot's actions "nothing short of heroic" and said it is offering "all available support" to the injured passengers.

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"Our pilots undergo rigorous training to respond effectively and efficiently to any situation, and today we pause to recognize the bravery, skill and leadership that brought our aircraft home safely," Greif said.

The U.S. Embassy has been contacted and will help the police with the investigation.

PHOTO: In this screen grab from a video, law enforcement officials run toward the scene in Belize after an American citizen hijacked a small plane, April 17, 2025. (James Maloney)

State Department spokesperson Tammy Bruce said during a press briefing Thursday she did not have much to offer yet on the hijacking, but the agency was following the incident as it was unfolding.

"We are grateful -- I think all of us are -- that that did not turn into a mass casualty event with, I believe over a dozen people on the plane," Bruce said.

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The suspect was refused entry to the country over the weekend and officials are investigating how he was able to get in, according to police.

ABC News' Shannon K. Kingston contributed to this report.

American citizen hijacks small plane in Belize, 3 injured: Police originally appeared on abcnews.go.com
The U.S. military says it has destroyed the Houthi-controlled port of Ras Isa in Yemen to prevent the group from benefiting from the movement of various kinds of fuel through its facilities.

U.S. Central Command issued a statement declaring the destruction of Ras Isa (also sometimes written Ras Issa) earlier today, which did not provide details about the scale and scope of the strikes on the port. At the time of writing, American authorities do not appear to have released any imagery from the operation. This looks to be the first time the U.S. military has publicized the destruction of a major facility in Yemen.

Imagery emerging online, seen in the social media posts below, shows what are said to be fuel storage facilities ablaze in the aftermath of the U.S. strikes.

Ras Isa Fuel Port post @CENTCOM strikes #Yemen

      # pic.twitter.com/s2dGEw2aTX  Basha  (@BashaReport) April 17, 2025

Major fires burning at the Ras Isa port on Yemens western coast following U.S. airstrikes aimed at destroying the facility pic.twitter.com/GYIPtnc9fK  ELINT News (@ELINTNews) April 17, 2025

The Houthis have continued to benefit economically and militarily from countries and companies that provide material support to a designated foreign terrorist organization. The Iran-backed Houthis use fuel to sustain their military operations, as a weapon of control, and to benefit economically from embezzling the profits from the import, the CENTCOM statement reads. This fuel should be legitimately supplied to the people of Yemen.

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Despite the Foreign Terrorist Designation that went into effect on 05 April, ships have continued to supply fuel via the port of Ras Isa. Profits from these illegal sales are directly funding and sustaining Houthi terrorist efforts. Today, US forces took action to eliminate this source of fuel for the Iran-backed Houthi terrorists and deprive them of illegal revenue that has funded Houthi efforts to terrorize the entire region for over 10 years, it continues. The objective of these strikes was to degrade the economic source of power of the Houthis, who continue to exploit and bring great pain upon their fellow countrymen. This strike was not intended to harm the people of Yemen, who rightly want to throw off the yoke of Houthi subjugation and live peacefully. The Houthis, their Iranian masters, and those who knowingly aid and abet their terrorist actions should be put on notice that the world will not accept illicit smuggling of fuel and war material to a terrorist organization.

Destruction of Houthi Controlled Ras Isa Fuel Port



The Houthis have continued to benefit economically and militarily from countries and companies that provide material support to a designated foreign terrorist organization. The Iran-backed Houthis use fuel to sustain their pic.twitter.com/SRiELV4juk  U.S. Central Command (@CENTCOM) April 17, 2025

The full extent of the damage to Ras Isa, as well as any ships in the port at the time, and if there have been any casualties from the U.S. strikes, is all unclear. Israeli forces have also targeted the port, as well as others in Yemen under Houthi control, in the past.

A satellite image of Ras Isa taken on April 8, 2025. PHOTO  2025 PLANET LABS INC. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. REPRINTED BY PERMISSION

The strikes on Ras Isa are part of a renewed aerial offensive against the Houthis that President Donald Trumps administration launched last month. Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth has previously said that the campaign will be unrelenting until the Iranian-backed Yemeni militants cease their attacks on commercial vessels and foreign warships in and around the Red Sea. U.S. naval forces, including aircraft from two carrier strike groups and cruise missile-armed warships, as well as land-based combat jets operating in the region and B-2 stealth bombers forward deployed on the Indian Ocean island of Diego Garcia, have been taking part in the operation.

The Houthis have been launching attacks using ballistic and cruise missiles, kamikaze drones, explosive-laden uncrewed boats, and other weapons against commercial vessels and foreign warships in the region, as well as on targets in Israel, on and off since October 2023. The Yemeni militants say their campaign is in retaliation for Israeli operations against the Palestinians following the large-scale terrorist attacks launched from the Gaza Strip on Oct. 7, 2023.

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The U.S. government also imposed new sanctions today on the International Bank of Yemen over financial support for the Houthis.

Rendering Ras Isa unusable for any protracted period of time could also have humanitarian implications, as the port is one of the primary points of entry into the country for fuel that average Yemenis rely on.

The new U.S. strikes on Ras Isa also now come amid the start of new negotiations between the United States and Iran over the latter countrys nuclear ambitions.

How the Houthis, or their allies in Tehran, respond to the latest strikes on Ras Isa remains to be seen.

Contact the author: joe@twz.com
China and the United States are embroiled in a trade war that has no apparent end in sight. President Donald Trumps eye-wateringly high 145 per cent tariffs on China could cause the worlds two largest economies to rapidly decouple. Unless they are swiftly reversed, the World Trade Organisation estimates that US-China trade could fall by 81 per cent in 2025 and fears an imminent global recession.

Given the apocalyptic economic consequences of a protracted trade war between the US and China, expectations are growing that one party might blink first. The Trump administration is confident that China will be the first to fold. As the US imports significantly more from China than it exports, it will take a milder revenue hit from a trade war. Chinas ongoing real estate market crisis has dampened consumer confidence and complicated its ability to replicate the domestic consumption boom that steered it through the 2008 financial crisis.

These factors are in the USs favour but do they tell the whole story? Despite mounting trade tensions, China reported 5.4 per cent GDP growth in the first quarter of 2025. This growth statistic exceeded the Reuters poll consensus figure of 5.1 per cent. Chinas 5.9 per cent year-on-year retail sales growth and 7.7 per cent industrial output growth in March considerably surpassed expectations.

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While Chinese official economic statistics must be treated with a grain of salt, Trumps trade war has not devastated Chinas macroeconomic fundamentals. Even if Chinas economy falters under the pressure of export restrictions to the US, the Chinese Communist Partys repressive capacity will prevent a fissure in state-society relations. Citing the Chinese populations compliance with the zero-Covid policy, MIT Professor Yasheng Huang correctly argues that Chinas political system is immune to economic hardship.

Aside from its economic resilience, China has many cards to play in a long trade war against the United States. Chinas restrictions on rare earth metal exports could cripple US arms and automobile production. As US allies like Japan and Germany are also bearing the brunt of Chinese rare earth metal restrictions, the US cannot easily find new supply chains.

While Trump has shown strategic foresight in planning out long-term deals with Ukraine, Greenland and the Democratic Republic of the Congo on rare earths, he has neglected the here-and-now. Although the Covid-19 pandemic exposed Chinas influence over US pharmaceutical supply chains, American imports of Chinese pharmaceuticals rose by 485 per cent from 2020-23 and remain persistently high.

A forced US-China economic decoupling has equally dire security ramifications. The rise of DeepSeek and US export controls on semiconductor chips have turbo-charged artificial intelligence innovation in China. A December 2024 Pentagon report warned that Chinas comprehensive UAV modernisation efforts were close to matching US standards. China also maintains a decisive advantage in small drone technology and a supply chain edge over the West.

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China also possesses the capacity to autonomously challenge the Wests AI technology breakthroughs. In late 2024, the Chinese defence industry devised a large language model (LLM) like ChatGPT that can help drones attack enemy aircraft radar and communications systems. This innovation neutralises breakthroughs from the AUKUS Resilient and Autonomous Artificial Intelligence Technologies series, which are still marred by interoperability challenges.

In a protracted trade war scenario, China is more likely to lend its technological capabilities to Americas adversaries and employ them in an aggressive manner. Secondary sanctions risks and Chinas peacemaker aspirations have limited the scope of Beijings support for Russias full-scale invasion of Ukraine. If China threw its defence-industrial machinery behind Russia like Nato countries did to Ukraine, the balance of forces on the frontlines could shift drastically in Moscows direction.

As China regards Trumps tariffs as acts of economic aggression, an asymmetric military-escalation in the Indo-Pacific region could become more likely. Chinas April 2 Strait Thunder military exercise, which simulated strikes in Taiwans key port and energy facilities, and Beijings description of Taiwanese President Li Ching-te as a parasite underscores its growing bellicosity. On April 15, China used its naval muscle to block the navigation path of a Philippine vessel around 36 nautical miles off the Scarborough Shoal in the South China Sea. While economic interdependence with the US restrains Chinese belligerence, economic decoupling could convince China that the risks of aggression have diminished.

Trump believes that the US will win a protracted trade war against China and humiliate its leading rival for global primacy. This bombastic confidence has weak empirical foundations as a US-China trade war has no winner.

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Starting April 26, the American Red Cross volunteers from the American Red Cross will canvass the state to install smoke alarms for free for 500 Wisconsin households

Since 2014, the Red Cross's Sound the Alarm program has rallied hundreds of volunteers to assess and replace smoke detectors. The effort aims to reduce home fire deaths in Wisconsin.

An average of seven people die per day in the United States in home fires.

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"People should understand that this is serious," said Mark Thomas, CEO of the American Red Cross of Wisconsin. "We're all about trying to prevent loss of life and preserve people's personal property."

Here's what to know about the event.

When is the Sound the Alarm event in Wisconsin?

There are four upcoming Sound the Alarm dates in Milwaukee, Racine, Kaukauna and Sturgeon Bay.

The Milwaukee event is on April 26. Sturgeon Bay, Kaukauna and Racine have events on May 3.

In Milwaukee and Racine, volunteers will begin visiting homes at 8 a.m. and conclude by 2:30 p.m.

In Kaukauna and Sturgeon Bay, volunteers will visit homes from 10 a.m. until 2:00 p.m.

I would like a smoke alarm replacement. How do I sign up for the Sound the Alarm event?

Residents can sign up for a smoke alarm replacement at redcross.org/WIsmokealarms or call 888-376-4056.

How do I know if I need my smoke alarm replaced?

Usually, smoke detectors need to be replaced every eight to 10 years. Detectors often make high pitched chirping noises when the battery is low or other issues are impacting the system.

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If you're unsure of whether or not your fire alarm is currently working, you can sign up for the event and have your alarm checked by volunteers, said Milwaukee Fire Chief Aaron Lipski.

According to the National Fire Protection Association, over half of fire deaths occur in homes with no smoke alarms or improperly installed detectors that fail to activate when a fire occurs.

Last year, the campaign brought 3,945 free smoke alarms to households in Wisconsin, assisting over 1,500 families with their development of a household fire safety plan and smoke detector replacement.

More: Is my landlord responsible for my smoke alarm? And other common questions about smoke alarms in Milwaukee

How many volunteers will come to my home?

Three volunteers will visit every household. One person is responsible for the smoke alarm installation, a second person will walk around the home and discuss a safety plan with the residents, and the third volunteer will take notes.

Do I need to present ID to sign up?

No. To sign up for a Sound the Alarm smoke detector replacement, individuals only need to provide their name, address, and phone number so that volunteer teams can contact them before arriving.

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"With all of the discussion these days around people being U.S. citizens and verification, like we don't get into any of that," Thomas said. "Our alarms are available to anyone that allows us into the home."

What fire safety hazards should I be aware of?

According to Lipski, common household items can become fire starters when improperly handled.

Homeowners should be cautious when storing or charging computers, cell phones, mobility devices or lithium ion batteries.

The U.S. Fire Administration recommends using safety locks and guardrails on shelves and cabinets where flammable materials are stored to prevent them from tipping or falling. Additionally, the administration states that materials that could cause a fire should never be placed in the sun or near an open flame or heat source.

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Many items that are plastic, foam or rubber contain hydrocarbons, meaning they can function as fuel for fires.

"It's like gasoline. It's just in solid form. Once it starts burning, you have a dramatically reduced time to escape your house," Lipski said.

Other fire safety resources

If you're concerned about non-working fire alarms in your home, you can call the Milwaukee Fire Department Smoke Alarm Hotline at (414) 286-89880. The bilingual assistive service connects Milwaukee residents to a team of firefighters who will visit your home to check your smoke alarm.

The Milwaukee Fire Department Survive Alive House trains second grade and fifth grade students in fire safety and home fire survival techniques. For more information about training sessions, contact call 414-777-7889.

The Milwaukee Fire Department hosts a 40-minute fire extinguisher safety training at the Milwaukee Fire Academy located at 6680 N. Teutonia Avenue. Participants must bring their own extinguisher. Group training requests can be submitted on the Milwaukee Fire Department website.

Fire Extinguisher Loaner and Rental Companies: ACM Alarm & Detection: 414-541-9000 Accurate Recharge & Fire Suppression: 414-464-1870 Affordable Fire Protection LLC: 414-778-1181 All Safe Fire Equipment: 262-782-7470 Cintas Fire Protection: 262-946-0117 General Fire Equipment Co.: Inc.: 414-475-0959 Milwaukee Recharging Service: 414-774-0772



Tamia Fowlkes is a Public Investigator reporter for the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel. She can be reached at tfowlkes@gannett.com.

This article originally appeared on Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: Red Cross providing free smoke alarms in Milwaukee, Racine, Sheboygan
Chinas propaganda machine is in full churn as Beijing ramps up all of the tools at its disposal to fight a public relations war with President Donald Trump. It may even have a chance to win.

In the two weeks since Trump launched what he called his Liberation Day tariff blitz, Chinese diplomats have taken to X and Facebook - platforms that are banned within China - to post archival footage of President Ronald Reagan deploring trade wars and former Chinese leader Mao Zedong declaring Chinas determination to defeat the United States in the Korean War.

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Chinese state media have reposted a TikTok video made with AI that shows unhappy American workers sewing garments and assembling smartphones, with the caption: Make America Great Again. Several times a week, the state-run China Media Group has been sending personalized emails to reporters covering the trade war, offering them updates on Chinas perspective.

For most of the past decade, Chinese officials have been trying to convince the world that China - with its state-controlled, notoriously protected economy - is the worlds true defender of free trade and globalization. Now, as Trump levies tariffs against some 90 countries and U.S. relations with allies and trading partners grow tense, China has a rare opportunity.

It is not so much a change in Chinas propaganda tactics, but that Trump himself messed up, allowing Chinas propaganda to score points, said Deng Yuwen, former deputy editor of the Communist Party-affiliated Study Times, who now lives in the U.S. The huge controversy caused by the Trump administration has allowed the Chinese governments methods to win points.

Over the trade war, China has matched Trump at each escalation, now levying import duties of at least 125 percent and restricting U.S. access to critical minerals needed for making high-tech machinery from weapons to electric cars. Trump has imposed tariffs of at least 145 percent on all Chinese goods, with exceptions for semiconductors and consumer electronics.

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Rhetorically, Beijing has also hit back at every turn. When Vice President JD Vance said this month that the U.S. was borrowing money from peasants in China to then buy goods made by those same peasants, a senior Chinese official clapped back. Let those peasants in the U.S. wail in front of the 5,000 years of Chinese civilization, said Xia Baolong, Chinas top official overseeing Hong Kong and Macao affairs.

In some ways, China is operating by an old playbook: discrediting the United States and stressing how much China is a responsible global player and dependable partner.

In 2017, during Trumps first term in office, Chinese leader Xi Jinping emerged as an unlikely defender of globalization as he gave a speech at the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland, implicitly criticizing Trumps emerging protectionism. This week, Xi embarked on a state tour of Southeast Asian countries, where he has also called for the multilateral trading system to be upheld.

Now, Beijing is also delivering that message in catchy short videos and snarky memes aimed directly at Americans. A video posted on Facebook earlier this month by Guo Jiakun, a Foreign Ministry official, featured images of stock market indexes crashing and streets full of American protesters, while a narrator intoned in English: The so-called global beacon now puts America first.  With China here, the sky wont fall.

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Chinese Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Mao Ning, who along with Guo joined Facebook in February, posted an illustration of a Make America Great Again hat with a Made in China label attached. A price tag shows it has been marked up from $50 to $77 - reflecting Trumps announced tariffs on Chinese goods, 54 percent at the time.

Analysts say that Chinese propaganda, historically heavy-handed and often clumsy, has shown some new signs of sophistication in response to Trumps tariffs.

By posting videos of Reagan, Chinas Foreign Ministry used a conservative icon to criticize the Trump administration. In the video, the former Republican president says: If our trading partners cant sell their products here, they cant afford to buy our exports. And that means more lost jobs for Americans.

The video uses America to attack America, according to Wang Zhin-sheng, an assistant professor at the Central Police University in Taiwan who studies Chinese propaganda.

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That is, to use narratives that are familiar to Americans to attack the corresponding policies of the current Trump administration, he said.

Another distinction of Chinas recent propaganda push, Wang said, is how much it is targeting U.S. audiences, especially critics of Trump. By rallying opposition, Beijing - which, unlike other countries, has not rushed to negotiate with Trump - may be hoping that backlash builds to the point that the president backs down.

In the past, we all thought that when China did a lot of external and internal propaganda, the audience was mainly the Chinese people. But this time it is very clear, Wang said. Its audience is clearly mainly the U.S., or to be more precise, the American people who also oppose Trumps tariff war.

Analysts say that this time, Beijing does not need to resort to misinformation to get its point across. Instead, the amount of dissatisfaction within the U.S. and in other countries gives China all the fodder it needs.

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China doesnt need to create other narratives, and it doesnt need to create false information. It only needs to amplify these voices of dissatisfaction, said Li Weiping, a postdoctoral researcher focusing on disinformation in ethnic media in the U.S.

The use of videos of Mao - a symbol of resistance to U.S. imperialism - appeals to audiences at home as well as left-leaning critics of the U.S. elsewhere, she said. Meanwhile, the videos of Reagan appeal to those on the right.

Its saying, look, we can all come together to resist America. America is our enemy, she said, There is so much material. If I were a Chinese propaganda worker, Id definitely do a good job.

Others have noted that the tone of Chinese diplomats and propaganda seems to have shifted as Chinas aggressive wolf warrior diplomacy - the norm during Trumps first term and most of the Biden administration - has been replaced by more dispassionate messaging.

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The spokespeople now seem to be less emotional and more under control. They are not trashing the U.S. But they are not saying anything complicated, said Clyde Yicheng Wang, an assistant professor in politics and East Asian studies at Washington and Lee University. He said the shift started before President Joe Biden met with Xi in San Francisco in 2023, a meeting that somewhat repaired deteriorated ties between the two countries.

They are criticizing the U.S. as usual, but this time  its the U.S. thats disrupting the international order and not China, he said. I think its fair to say that the current U.S. administration has been the greatest gift given to Chinas external propaganda.

Still, Chinas overseas messaging is also about its domestic audience. As China prepares to weather the damage the tariffs will bring - at a time when many Chinese households do not feel confident about their economic futures - the messaging helps put the blame for Chinas economic problems on the U.S.

This round of propaganda is not only for external use, but also for internal use, said Deng, the former Communist Party newspaper editor.

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It plays a big role in making the public more supportive of the governments tough stance against the United States, he said.

- - -

Pei-Lin Wu in Kaohsiung, Taiwan, contributed to this report.

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The Khojaly vessel, a Handysize-type cargo ship operated by Azerbaijan Caspian Shipping Company CJSC (ASCO), has entered the Indian Ocean for the first time since its commissioning, Azernews reports, citing the ASCO.

In March this year, the vessel loaded 37,000 tons of calcium soda at the Port of Portland, USA. It then crossed the Pacific Ocean and arrived at the Port of Jakarta, Indonesia, where part of the cargo was offloaded. From there, Khojaly passed through the Strait of Malacca between Indonesia and Malaysia, entering the Indian Ocean.

Currently en route to India, the vessel will first offload cargo at the Port of Kattupalli, followed by the Port of Kandla as part of its scheduled route.

Commissioned in May 2024, the Khojaly vessel was introduced to enhance ASCO's cargo transportation capabilities beyond the Caspian Sea and to expand its global operational reach.

The ship has a deadweight capacity of 38,593 tons. It measures 180 meters in length, 30 meters in width, and has a draft of 10.47 meters. Designed for unlimited sailing, it can reach a maximum speed of 15.7 knots.
BAKU, Azerbaijan, April 17. Azerbaijan's transport sector revenues exceeded 3.27 billion manat ($1.9 billion) in the first quarter of this year, the country's Minister of Digital Development and Transport Rashad Nabiyev wrote on his X page, Trend reports.

Nabiyev indicated that this metric experienced an uptick of 5.5 percent relative to the corresponding timeframe in 2024.

To note, Azerbaijan's transport sector revenues have reached a total of 14.1 billion manat ($8.2 billion) in 2024, escalating by 12.9 percent, equating to an increment of 1.6 billion manat ($941.1 million) from the previous year.

Stay up-to-date with more news on Trend News Agency's WhatsApp channel
Oil giant Halliburton has been facing significant stock drops over the last few months, according to Barchart.

As of March 19, Halliburton stock was down 8.1% in the year to date and down 33.7% over the previous 52 weeks. The company experienced a 13% drop in North American revenue in Q4.

Despite these dips, investors maintained a "moderate buy" status. American tariffs going into effect this week are causing stocks across the board to dive even further.

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Halliburton is one of the biggest oil and gas companies in the world. It was the company behind the infamous Deepwater Horizon spill of 2010, but it has also dodged Environmental Protection Agency disclosures, was awarded a no-bid government contract via former U.S. Vice President Dick Cheney, chased down whistleblowers, and bribed Nigerian government officials.

Regardless of the company's ethics or environmental history, the oil and gas industry was already in a downward spiral before President Donald Trump's tariffs. Thanks to this downward trend, oil and gas giants are poorly equipped to handle the market turbulence ahead.

Meanwhile, American companies investing in green energy are ready to meet the needs of the future and are properly braced for impact. That future includes sustainable business practices that steer away from pollution and the catastrophes that pollution entails.

It's possible to invest responsibly to help propel green companies to success. This can help leverage market forces to achieve strong social good, but it requires diligence. When it works, the environment benefits, businesses thrive, and investors earn a profit.

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Thanks in no small part to a cybersecurity breach that cost the company $35 million, some investors are downgrading their outlook for Halliburton. At least 13 analysts have lowered their forecasts recently.

"Despite Halliburton's prominent position in the oilfield services sector, its recent struggles make it a risky bet," Zacks Investment Research said in December. "Weak Q3 results, growing challenges in North America, international headwinds, and cybersecurity issues all point to a difficult road ahead. With declining earnings estimates and a Zacks Rank #4 (Sell), Halliburton stock is not the bargain it may appear to be. Investors would be wise to wait for clear signs of improvement before considering an entry."

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.
Angels and a high priest melted into the crowd as a group of temple guards followed behind them.

A grandmother read over her lines while her grandson dressed in a red and gold uniform sat with his fellow Roman soldiers.

These were the scenes before the Prince of Peace Easter Pageant began on April 12 for its much anticipated 100th year near Lawton.

The Holy City of the Wichitas, a 66-acre replica of ancient Jerusalem nestled in the Wichita Mountains, was literally built for the Passion play that is considered by organizers to be the longest continuously running Easter pageant in North America. The Holy City was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 2019.

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The pageant is traditionally performed at nightfall, about 8:30 p.m., on the Saturday before Palm Sunday and the Saturday before Easter Sunday, with numerous residents from nearby Lawton, Pecan Creek and other areas donning costumes designed to transport audiences to ancient times in the Holy Land. The production is free, however donations are accepted.

More: When is Easter 2025? Why does Easter change every year? What to know about spring holiday

What to know about the 100 years of the Prince of Peace Pageant

According to pageant history, in the 1920s, the Rev. Anthony Mark Wallock had a vision for a spectacular outdoor Easter pageant performed outdoors where people could easily imagine themselves in ancient Jerusalem where Jesus was born, conducted his earthly ministry, died and was resurrected, according to the Bible.

President Franklin Delano Roosevelt bought into Wallock's vision so much so that Roosevelt signed off on a plan to have the federal Works Progress Administration, informally known as WPA, build the first buildings structures where the story of Jesus would be told for century underneath the stars.

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These structures include the walls and gateway to Jerusalem, the Temple Court, Pilate's judgement hall, the Garden of Gethsemane, dressings rooms and rock shrines.

Such was the buildup and anticipation for the 100th anniversary performance of the pageants that crowds began arriving as early as 10 a.m. on April 12. By mid-afternoon, the area dubbed "Audience Hill" was peppered with more than a few families sitting on blankets and in folding chairs ready for the evening's performance. The growing crowd, which included people from across Oklahoma and as far away as Pennsylvania bought food from food trucks and toured some of the Holy City buildings as some of the pageant actors walked to Audience Hill to mingle with the audience and express their gratitude for their attendance.

Actors take part in the 100th annual presentation of the "Prince of Peace" pageant at The Holy City of the Wichitas for Palm Sunday on April 12.

One of the more endearing aspects of the pageant is that generations of families have performed or helped make the production happen in some way or another. Alan Corrales, this year's pageant director, said he's been part of the production in some capacity for 58 years. Anita Brockwell, this year's wardrobe director, said she's been involved with the pageant for 38 years, while another wardrobe director Cindy Herring, had been part of the pageant for 58 years.

Brockwell said she couldn't imagine not being involved in the pageant and the production has always needed seamstresses. She and her mother Almeta Coyle, 96, worked with other seamstresses in the remaining few hours before the pageant to ensure that every member of the cast had the correct costume that fit them. Brockwell said somewhere along the way, the wardrobe group became "family," much like all the cast.

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""We're comedy central," Brockwell said, joking.

Dressed as a high priest, Tom Myers, Pecan Creek fire chief, talked to the crowd waiting for the show, while his wife Debbie, also in costume, walked alongside him.

Tom Myers said a friend of his asked him to be a part of the pageant several years ago and he has been involved ever since.

"I enjoy it because it tells the story of Christ  that's what it's about," he said.

Debbie Myers said the couple's son Wyatt, 19, has been part of the pageant a lot longer than his parents.

"I've been in it six years," she said. "We've just made it a family affair."

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Dressed as angels, Tina Ennis, 60, and Carol Cooper, 57, said they had been spectators in years past before they decided to become part of the production because pageant leaders said there was a need for more actors.

"It's been exciting but harder than we thought," Ennis, of Hobart, said, smiling.

Cooper, of Roosevelt, said she and her friend learned that the angel wings were heavier than they look but they quickly adapted.

The important thing is that they were finally part of the long running pageant, she said.

"It's amazing because I remember my parents and grandparents would talk about it and that was when they started it at night, and it ended at sunrise," Cooper said. "I've been hearing about it my whole life."

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Eli Shaw, 11, sat near the wardrobe room with other actors dressed as Roman soldiers. He said he became involved with the pageant through his grandmother Joann Gabelmann, who would be serving as a reader helping to bring characters to life later that evening.

"This is my second year and found out about this place from my grandma," Shaw said. "I came for the first time last year and I loved it."

Gabelmann said Eli and other members of her family have taken to the pageant, to her delight.

"My grandchildren look forward to it every year," she said. "What better way to spread the story of Jesus than that."

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Bryce Krueger, of Claremore, was also dressed as a Roman soldier. He said he and his family visited the Holy City of the Wichitas in 2022 to explore the area and decide to return later in the year to see the pageant. He and his returned in 2023 to participate in the production.

"It is a lot of fun and it's beautiful here," Krueger said.

As the pageant was about to start, the actors met with Corrales for one final meeting and a rousing speech about the reason that the production has been performed for 100 years: to spread the message of the Gospel.

"That's our purpose out here, guys," he said. "We want to touch hearts, and those hearts make decisions for Christ  that's what we're all about."

(This story was updated to add new information)

This article originally appeared on Oklahoman: Prince of Peace Easter Pageant in Lawton is in its 100th years
The Susitna River is seen from the air in 2024 at the point where it flows into Cook Inlet. The Susitna is threatened by the West Susitna Access Project, according to this year's report released by the conservation group American Rivers. (Photo provided by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration's Alaska ShoreZone program)

Southcentral Alaskas Susitna River is one of the nations most endangered rivers because of a state plan to build a 100-mile road into its uplands to encourage mining, oil and gas drilling, logging and other development, according to a report released Wednesday.

The Susitna ranked eighth on a list of 10 threatened waterways cited in the annual report issued by the conservation group American Rivers.

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The 10 sites in the report, titled Americas Most Endangered Rivers of 2025, were chosen according to their ecological and community importance, the magnitude of the threats from pollution, development or other factors and the opportunities for the public to sway pending policy decisions.

For the Susitna, the threat comes from the West Susitna Access Project, according to the report. The project, being pursued by the Alaska Department of Transportation and Public Facilities and the Alaska Industrial Development and Export Authority, proposes a road linking the Parks Highway north of Anchorage to the roadless upstream area of the Skwentna River, a Susitna River tributary that runs along the base of the Tordrillo Mountains.

The road would cross 180 streams, degrading hunting, fishing and wildlife habitat, and the mining, drilling and other resource extraction enabled by the road would contaminate the rivers water and the air above it, the report said. That, in turn, would threaten fishing-related businesses and harvesters, local tourism and communities, including Alaska Native communities dependent on the rivers resources for subsistence food-gathering, the report said.

The report urges the public to join the campaign against the road project by submitting comments during the ongoing environmental review process to oppose any U.S. Army Corps of Engineers permit approval. The report also urges the public to campaign against any federal funding of the project.

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Organizations that advised American Rivers on the Susitna Rivers status included the Susitna River Coalition, Cook Inletkeeper and the Chickaloon Village Traditional Council, a Tribal government.

The West Susitna Industrial Access Road will bring sweeping changes to our regiontransforming fish and wildlife habitat, altering subsistence resources, decimating sustainable economies, and reshaping the outdoor experiences that Alaskans and visitors from around the world cherish, Margaret Stern, program and communications director for the Susitna River Coalition, said in a statement released by American Rivers. This boondoggle project would open the door to large-scale industrial development in one of the worlds last truly wild places. We must ensure that local communities, hunters, anglers, and all advocates for wild spaces make their voices heard in ensuring the future of this unique region.

Officials from the Department of Transportation and Public Facilities and AIDEA did not immediately respond to questions about the American Rivers report.

The West Susitna Access Project stretches back more than a decade.

The mountains of the Alaska Range north of Anchorage are seen in September 2002 across from the Susitna River. (Photo by Dr. Igor Smolyar/National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration)

Supporters say it would unlock economic opportunities for the state. That argument is made in a short video posted on AIDEAs website.

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Millions of acres of state lands lie west of the Susitna River, providing new opportunities to Alaskans for outdoor recreation, jobs and economic growth. These lands hold critical minerals and other stranded resources that are vital for Alaskas economic future, the videos narrator says.

The project was originally proposed in 2013 as part of then-Gov. Sean Parnells Roads to Resources program, which envisioned numerous new roads that would enable resource extraction in remote areas of the state.

In 2023, the project was split in two, with the Alaska Department of Transportation and Public Facilities in charge of the envisioned first 22 miles and AIDEA leading development plans for the remaining miles.

The state transportation department, which would use a combination of state and federal funding for the project, has launched an environmental review process needed to obtain a wetlands-development permit from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers.

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However, Gov. Mike Dunleavys request for $2.5 million to help move the project along was omitted from the state capital budget that the Alaska Senate passed unanimously on Tuesday.

Other Alaska rivers have made the annual list in past years, including the Kobuk River, which was in the 2024 report because of the proposed Ambler Access Project, which proposes an industrial road of about 200 miles into the Brooks Range foothills.

Other U.S. rivers listed in this years report as being among the 10 most endangered are in different parts of the Lower 48 states.

The Mississippi River, which passes through several states, topped the endangered list. American Rivers based that status on increased flooding and what it categorized as inadequate flood prevention and response.

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SPRINGFIELD, Mass. (WWLP)  The Hampden County Sheriffs Department hosted its 28th annual Women in Criminal Justice Conference at the Sheraton in downtown Springfield on Thursday, its largest in its run.

This years theme was Strength in Service: Women Redefining Justice and Leadership, celebrating women across all facets of criminal justice and their role in shaping a more inclusive system.

Maryland man allegedly paid Massachusetts teen for sex; feds believe others victimized

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Everyone leaves her today energized, feeling respected, feeling appreciated and supported, thats really what todays all about, Hampden County Sheriff Nick Cocchi told 22News.

Women in attendance heard from a panel of women in federal and local law enforcement, including a keynote address from Major Kathryn J. Downey, Troop A Commander for the Massachusetts State Police.

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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.
More than a week after the disappearance of a beloved Anoka bartender, numerous searches for 40-year-old Brandon Stott have come up empty.

Stott was last seen on Tuesday, April 8 at his work  at 201 Tavern  on the 200 block of Jackson Street in Anoka. He didn't show up for work on April 10, which prompted a missing persons report in which he was entered as an endangered person "due to his emotional state and some utterances he made the day he was last seen," police said.

Brandon StottCredit: 201 Tavern

New information released Wednesday by police indicates Stott was last seen leaving 201 Tavern on foot around 7:36 p.m. on April 8. The bar is about a half-mile from his home.

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"From all accounts, no one had any communications with Brandon from the time of leaving work to the time of the report being taken," Anoka PD said in the Wednesday update.

When he was reported missing on April 10, an emergency ping on his cell phone put the phone's last known location outside Anoka on April 9. Another ping put his phone somewhere outside of Minnesota on April 11.

"No further location information has been available since that last ping," police said.

Police have reviewed video that shows a person "believed to be Brandon walking back to and arriving in the area of his residence shortly after being last seen" on April 8.

Brandon Stott.Minnesota BCA

In the days that have followed, searches of Stott's home, general paths he could've walked home from work, and water hazards in the area have all come up empty.

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On Sunday, April 13, an organized search with around 300 volunteers was carried out for nearly four hours and "nothing significant was seen or reported."

The beginning of the organized search for Brandon Stott on April 12.201 Tavern

On Tuesday, April 15, Anoka-Champlin Fire Department searched the Rum and Mississippi rivers, again to no avail. The Anoka County Sheriff's Office will conduct a similar search of the rivers this week.

Police say Stott, who is described as being 6-3 and 237 pounds with black hair and brown eyes, "is known by many as an outstanding bartender/server with a friendly smile and personality."

If you have information that could assist in the search for Stott, you are urged to call the Anoka Police Department at 763-427-1212.
SPRINGFIELD, Mo.  Another college in the Ozarks is being impacted by the Trump administrations immigration plan.

A Drury University attendee recently had her student visa terminated.

Almost everybody here is appalled by what is occurring, said Drury sophomore Owen Powell-Smith.

First, it was just impacting college students across the nation; now, the new federal approach to immigration enforcement has hit Springfield higher education.

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If you come to this country as a student, we expect you to go to class and study and get a degree, said Secretary of State Marco Rubio. If you come here to, like, vandalize a library, take over a campus and do all kinds of crazy things, you know, were gonna get rid of these people, and were gonna continue to do it.

Six students from Missouri State University had their visas terminated, and now one student from Drury also had their status revoked.

Students call on MSU to stand up for international students whose visas were revoked

People have the right to come to America and come to school here and learn what they wish to learn, said Drury freshman Marco Stroud.

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Drury said the student involved voluntarily returned to their home country.

Its very scary to see kind of the direction that things are trending, Powell-Smith said.

Drury University has and will continue to provide support for every student. Arrangements have been made for the student to complete their degree and graduate on time. Cris Belvin, Director of Drury University Communications

At least like in this situation, theyre going to try their best to make sure the student can still get an education, Powell-Smith said.

Ozarks Tech receives major donation for The U

We want [Drury] to support every student that comes here, wherever theyre from, Stroud said.

MSU also clarified that the three current students who had their visas terminated will be continuing their classes.

We still have the right to have diversity, equity and inclusion always for everyone, Stroud said.

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In reports from the Associated Press, some students across the nation said the reason given for revoking their visa was that the student had a criminal record.

Drury and Missouri State did not give a reason for why their impacted students visas were terminated.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
Anthony Hopkins, who has died just short of his 84th birthday, was one of The Daily Telegraphs reporting staff for two decades, and the papers highly regarded jazz critic.

To Tony, jazz was a life-affirming pleasure, and as an accomplished drummer himself he did not pull his punches when confronted with performances of mathematical sterility.

After enduring the Dave Brubeck Quartet at the Royal Festival Hall, he wrote: Brubeck is the most paralysingly boring jazz musician in the world. Why is it that Brubeck never seems able to play half as well as his sidesmen? Because Brubeck, who is not entirely without musical ability, lacks the essential creative wherewithal to lay down really spontaneous, stimulating jazz. The audience was hovering on the very edge of complete mental shutdown.

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By contrast, he admired the passion and spontaneity of the New Orleans jazz greats. While the Telegraph  to his chagrin  never sent him further than Truro on a story, Hopkins in his own time made a pilgrimage up the Mississippi in a vain attempt to locate the trumpeter Bunk Johnsons false teeth.

Reporting for The Daily Telegraph

Johnson had fallen on hard times after losing his teeth in a dance hall fight in 1931 and pawning his trumpet. He was unable to play for a decade until Sidney Bechets dentist brother made him new dentures and fellow musicians clubbed together to buy him an instrument. His career flowered again  until he lost his teeth over the side of a Mississippi paddle steamer.

Handsome, kindly, civilised and idiosyncratic, Hopkins was a calming figure in the Telegraphs Fleet Street newsroom of the late 1960s. After a dull night duty, he would invite the handful of reporters still there to join him for a nightcap at Ronnie Scotts.

His reviews irked not only some eminent jazzers, but also the classical music critic and composer Antony Hopkins, who complained to the Telegraph that the public might think he was interested in jazz. From that point, Tonys reviews were bylined Anthony D Hopkins.

With his wife Jenny

Hopkinss lifetime love of jazz was born when his parents gave him a set of drums for his 21st birthday. He was taught by the renowned Scottish drummer Bobby Orr and played around the Windsor area with the Roland Vaughan Quintet. One evening they drew a larger crowd than the band next door: The Rolling Stones.

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He was very proud of having taken over the Telegraphs jazz reviews from Philip Larkin. Between 1966 and 1989 he reviewed all the jazz greats, even hearing back from a grateful Stephane Grappelli.

He was born Anthony David Hartwick at Egham on April 10 1941 to Col Theodore Hartwick, a Canadian on war service in Britain, and the former Rita Moss. After the war his father was posted to Hamburg with the family; Tony had strong memories of his time there.

A popular figure in the news room

The Hartwicks divorced, and when his mother remarried Tony took his stepfather Georges surname. They lived in Eton where George Hopkins managed a shop, before moving to Windsor where he was grocer to Queen Elizabeth II.

Tony attended Raglan Road Secondary Modern. Following his O Levels, he studied archaeology at Slough College before starting work on the Slough, Windsor & Eton Express.

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He moved on to the Bucks Free Press and then the Surrey Comet before spending some time in Tripoli, working on the Sunday Ghibli in Libyas halcyon years (for expats) before King Idris was overthrown by Colonel Gaddafi.

Returning to London, Hopkins joined Benn Brothers, publishers of trade magazines, where he first met his wife. Preferring the urgency of journalism, he moved to the Daily Mail as a sub-editor, then in 1966 was hired by the Telegraphs news editor Jack Hill as a general reporter. His first jazz review, on Art Blakey, appeared soon after.

He was sent to cover the Moorgate train disaster in 1975, and in 1979 was pulled off a family holiday in Cornwall to report on the tragedy of the Fastnet Race. Latterly he worked on the Peterborough column, which suited his style; Jimmy Edwards blew the trombone down the phone to Hopkins when he called him about a story.

On a narrowboat in the 1970s

Hopkins moved with the Telegraph from Fleet Street to Docklands in 1987, and two years later took voluntary redundancy.

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His main interest apart from music was art, on which he was very knowledgeable, amassing a vast library of art books. After the Telegraph he took up painting seriously, and had four exhibitions of his work.

He was also an avid reader of literary classics, and played drums with a local band, Paper Moon, in Twickenham.

His son Nick, who works in television, cast him in two episodes of the BBC drama New Tricks, including a speaking role opposite James Fox.

Tony Hopkins married his wife Jenny in 1970. She survives him, with their son.

Anthony Hopkins, born April 10 1941, died April 4 2025

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Some of Robert F. Kennedy Jr.s allies are claiming measles is actually a government bioweapon. Dont worry, they have a hundred-dollar cure for it.

Wired reported Thursday that Mikki Willis, a notorious Covid-19 conspiracy theorist, said the virus is being used to strategically target Mennonite communities, a group at the center of the recent measles outbreak in Texas that killed two unvaccinated children. Willis has long been a supporter of Kennedy, whose anti-vaccination group Childrens Health Defense helped fund Williss conspiracy documentary Plandemic.

Im not going to be careful by calling it a virus, Willis said, in a measles webinar hosted last week by his supplement company, Rebel Lion. Im going to call it what it is, and that is a bioweapon, and my belief after interviewing these families is that this has been manipulated and targeted towards a community that is a threat because of their natural way of living.

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To be clear, measles is not a bioweapon, its a disease thats been around since the ninth century.

Rebel Lion is selling a measles-prevention protocol online for hundreds of dollars, which includes a supplement called Fierce Immunity Capsules, which costs $50 a bottle, Wired reported. Rebel Lion claims the capsule ingredients were manufactured with AI technology.

The U.S. has seen more than 700 measles cases this year, 561 of which occurred in Texas. Amid a flurry of vaccine misinformation from anti-vax influencers and Kennedy himself, cases among unvaccinated children are skyrocketing. Some anti-vax influencers claim measles poses no threat to human health; others have gone so far as to claim the measles, mumps, and rubella, or MMR, vaccine is fatal.

Since being confirmed as the secretary of health and human services, Kennedy has spread doubt about the vaccines safety, instead advising people to take vitamin A, which is toxic in high quantities. Then, earlier this month, he said the MMR vaccine was the most effective way to stop the measles spread, a long-awaited but confusing admission from the lifelong vaccine skeptic.

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The most effective way to prevent the spread of measles is the MMR vaccine, Kennedy wrote on X.

To add to the confusion, hours later, he praised anti-vax doctor Richard Bartlett, whom he called an extraordinary healer for providing unproven measles treatments such as the steroid budesonide and the antibiotic clarithromycin.

Bartlett participated in Rebel Lions webinar last week and touted the Fierce Immunity capsules as a legitimate defense against the deadly disease, snatching the opportunity to capitalize on the countrys public health crisis and the fear that comes with it.
Zachary Young, the U.S. Navy veteran who was awarded $5 million after a jury found that CNN had defamed him, is now suing the Associated Press in Floridas 14th Judicial Court. The 15-page complaint, filed April 11, alleges that the wire service defamed him in a January 17 story that covered the verdict in the CNN case.

The article, written by AP reporter David Bauder, went even further than CNNs falsehoods [and] blatantly accused Mr. Young of engaging in criminal human smuggling, according to the lawsuit, filed by the West Palm Beach law firm Pike & Lustig.

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At issue is one particular sentence in Bauders story: Youngs business helped smuggle people out of Afghanistan, but he said he worked exclusively with deep-pocketed outside sponsors like Bloomberg and Audible.

The clear takeaway from APs wording is that Mr. Young smuggled people out of Afghanistan  i.e. engaged in the crime of human smugglingThe statement is written as a fact, and it is absolutely false, the complaint says. No one from AP reached out to Mr. Young for comment or clarification before publishing the smuggling people charge. Even after publication, AP ignored a demand for retraction that Mr. Young sent (further evidencing APs actual and express malice).

Instead, Youngs attorneys say his Florida-based security firm carried out lifesaving evacuations that were legal during the chaotic withdrawal of U.S. troops from Afghanistan in 2021. As a result of the AP story, which was syndicated widely, their client suffered another blow to his reputation and business, including lost client contracts and revenue, just as a jury vindicated him in the CNN case, the lawsuit adds.

Readers of the AP piece, without full knowledge of the trial evidence, would reasonably believe that Mr. Young did, in fact, participate in a crime (human smuggling)  especially since AP presented Mr. Youngs defense (working with sponsors) in a way that sounds like an excuse, but he said, rather than a refutation, the complaint continues.

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An AP spokesperson defended the story. APs story was a factual and accurate report on the jury verdict finding in Zachary Youngs favor. We will vigorously defend our reporting against this frivolous lawsuit, the spokesperson said in a statement.

AP provides wiring services. They know full well other media companies will pick up the story and know the story will be republished, Youngs attorney Daniel Lustig tells Variety. When they wrote my client was involving in smuggling people, they knew it would spread like wildfire. This was malicious and designed as a hit piece on Mr. Young and his business.

The move comes on the heels of Young also suing Puck News for a series of stories that repeat and spread the false claims of CNN, telling Pucks tens of thousands of readers that Mr. Young and his company were charging the panicked locals  hefty fees  sometimes tens of thousands of dollars  to escape the Taliban. It also accused Puck of being a mouthpiece for CNN. Florida Circuit Court Judge William Henry, who oversaw the CNN case, is also presiding over the Puck lawsuit. (A Puck spokesperson told Fox News Digital that it stands behind our reporting and we are confident the facts will hold up to any scrutiny.)

The CNN trial sent shockwaves through the media industry after a Florida jury found CNN liable for defamation over its portrayal of Young, with CNN agreeing to pay a confidential settlement rather than face tens of millions of dollars in punitive damages.

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Katy Svitenko, the foreperson in the CNN trial, told Variety that she would have awarded Young up to $100 million in punitive damages, over and above the $5 million in compensatory damages. The message the jury wanted to send was to not only CNN but to all media that the general public is fed up with fake news and partial truths, she said in response to written questions. Reporting must be unbiased, true, and complete. CNN settled before the jury determined the punitive damages figure.

Youngs latest lawsuit notes that the AP was not only grossly misleading but tied the security contractor to a serious crime. Human smuggling is a grave felony under U.S. law (8 U.S.C.  1324), and it is condemned as a serious crime under international law (the U.N. Protocol Against the Smuggling of Migrants), the complaint says. By accusing Mr. Young of human smuggling, AP effectively branded him a criminal.

Youngs lawyers are fighting back at the continued mischaracterization of their client, who they say undertook dangerous efforts to evacuate Afghan allies and civilians after Kabul fell to the Taliban in August 2021. Young coordinated extractions for dozens of at-risk individuals from a failed state, the lawsuit says. Crucially, Mr. Young never charged the evacuees themselves for these rescues. Instead, Mr. Young secured funding from large outside sponsors (such as philanthropies and corporations) to cover the costs. All of Mr. Youngs evacuation activities were legal. At no point did he engage in any illegal trafficking or smuggling of persons; he operated with the knowledge of relevant authorities.

Youngs activities in Afghanistan were first covered during a segment on The Lead With Jake Tapper, which used the phrase black market to depict his services. CNNs reporting process took a hit during the two-week trial earlier this year, with embarrassing revelations. Reporter Alex Marquardt had expressed his intention to nail this Zach Young mfucker, while colleague Katie Bo Lillis dubbed him a shitbag. Producer Michael Conte wrote that he had a punchable face. At the time, there was some internal pushback over Marquardts piece, with national security reporter Nicole Gaouette writing that it was likely seriously expensive to get out of Afghanistan and the inference running through Alexs story that these people are just bilking desperate Afghans for their money might not be fair at all.

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TECOLUCA, El Salvador (AP)  President Donald Trump s administration has acknowledged mistakenly deporting a Maryland man with protected legal status to a notorious El Salvador prison, but is arguing against returning him to the United States because of his alleged gang ties and the U.S. governments lack of power over the Central American nation.

Kilmar Abrego Garcia was sent to El Salvador by the Trump administration in March despite an immigration court order preventing his deportation.

Since March, El Salvador has accepted from the U.S. more than 200 Venezuelan immigrants  whom Trump administration officials have accused of gang activity and violent crimes  and placed them inside the countrys maximum-security gang prison just outside of San Salvador. Garcia is one of them.

This photo gallery curated by AP photo editors highlights a recent tour of the prison by Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem.
ASTANA, Kazakhstan, April 17. Starting in May, Qazaq Air airline will increase the frequency of flights from Astana to Aktobe from 7 to 8 times a week, Trend reports via QazaqAir.

Flights will be taking to the skies on the cutting-edge, Canadian-crafted De-Havilland Dash 8-Q400 aircraft.

The increase in flight frequency will provide residents of Aktobe with more opportunities for comfortable and flexible travel to the capital, both for business and personal purposes. Qazaq Air continues to actively expand its regional route network, providing direct and affordable air communication between the cities of the country, the QazaqAir statement reads.

The company noted that the additional flights will operate on Tuesdays. The flight schedule can be viewed on the official website of the airline.

Stay up-to-date with more news on Trend News Agency's WhatsApp channel
SEVILLE, Spain (AP)  With tears of emotion often flowing down their faces, tens of thousands of faithful have packed the rooftops, bridges and narrow streets of this historic city in southern Spain to watch much-venerated images of Jesus and the Virgin Mary carried in hourslong processions throughout Holy Week.

To see her in the street, I cant explain it, said Modesta Montana as she cried with her daughter when the statue of Our Lady of Sorrows was carried past them by the Hermandad del Cerro, one of Seville's dozens of brotherhoods. Its the happiness that we have her here outdoors, that this quantity of people are turning out.

But this year, among the hundreds of brotherhood members charged with shouldering the massive floats and the crowd lined up to watch them, some also cried when more of the powerful storms that have wreaked havoc in the long drought-stricken country nixed their outing at the last minute.

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Another year without being able to see my brotherhood in the streets because of the rain. Its so sad, said Jose Rodriguez, who had gone to watch the Hermandad de los Estudiantes procession on Tuesday, weeping while covering his face with his hands.

Starting on Palm Sunday, a week before Easter, hundreds of costaleros carry huge floats with the sacred images in the procession, solemnly accompanied by thousands of robed nazarenos and penitentes, many hooded and wearing tall, conical hats.

It's a tradition dating back centuries whose fervor continues across Spain  and in many parts of Latin America  even as more people abandon organized religion. In Seville, elderly couples cheered from festively draped balconies, while one mom breastfed her infant daughter in the crowd as a float passed before them.

Youth especially dont even think about faith. But popular devotion is a containment line, said Jesus Resa, who leads the Hermandad de los Estudiantes  or students brotherhood, since it was founded just over a century ago by faculty and students at the University of Seville. Many young people get close to religion because of it.

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In weekly meetings throughout the year, the 6,000-member brotherhood prepares its seven-hour procession to be held on Tuesday of Holy Week. Some 150 people in rotation are to carry the two floats, accompanied by 300 children altar servers  to give it a sweet touch amid the very rigorous penitential seriousness, Resa added.

But this year, just like last year, rainstorms scrapped the procession at the last minute. The brotherhood couldnt risk damaging the 17th-century crucifix of Christ of the Good Death, so they celebrated a Via Crucis instead, the prayer that commemorates Jesus path to the cross.

Starting in 2023, a persistent drought devastated Spains countryside, only to be replaced by severe flooding, including not only spring outpours but a deluge near the city of Valencia last fall that killed more than 200 people. Some scientists say climate change can make such swings more extreme.

Resa said that his brotherhood  like many religious groups across the country  had been praying for rain during the drought.

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This Holy Week, they switched to asking Jesus and the Virgin for world peace instead, he added with a chuckle.

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This is a photo gallery curated by AP photo editors.

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Dell'Orto reported from Minneapolis.

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Associated Press religion coverage receives support through the APs collaboration with The Conversation US, with funding from Lilly Endowment Inc. The AP is solely responsible for this content.
SRINAGAR, India (AP)  Mohammad Yousuf Dar and his wife, Shameema, sit cross-legged before their loom, deftly tying consecutive knots to create the floral patterns of the famed Kashmiri carpets that are now threatened by the Trump administrations sweeping tariffs.

Genuine hand-knotted Kashmiri carpets are typically made from pure silk, and sometimes pure wool, which is more challenging. Generations of artisans have for centuries handed down the craft to ensure its survival, and while the carpets are sold for quite a sum, most craftspeople can barely make ends meet.

I just help my husband so that we have a modicum of decent income to run our household, Shameema, 43, said as she and Mohamad rhythmically plucked at the colorful silk threads in their dimly lit workshop in Indian-controlled Kashmirs main city, Srinagar. They periodically glance at a yellowed scrap of paper, known as Taleem, or instructions, showcasing the pattern they are working on in an ancient shorthand of symbols and numbers and a cryptic color map.

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Both learned the craft at the ages of 9 and 10, respectively.

The industry has survived decades of conflict over the disputed region between nuclear rivals India and Pakistan and withstood the fickleness of fashion to stay in demand, adorning mansions and museums alike.

However, Kashmiri traders say that U.S. President Donald Trumps tariffs on American imports can deal a hard blow to an already threatened business that is vying to survive amid mass-produced carpets, which are less costly, and artisans abandoning the industry.

Although the tariffs were primarily aimed at major exporters like China, theyve inadvertently ensnared traditional handicraft industries from regions like Kashmir, which depend on U.S. and European markets for survival.

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Carpet exports from India to the U.S. alone are valued at approximately $1.2 billion, out of a total global export value of $2 billion, according to official data.

Mohamad, 50, said he is the only weaver left out of over 100 who shifted to other jobs some two decades back in his neighborhood in Srinagar citys old downtown.

I spend months knotting a single rug, he said, but if there is no demand, our skills feel worthless, he added.

Still, thousands of families in Kashmir rely on this craft for their livelihood and the steep 28% tariff imposed means the imported carpets will become significantly more expensive for American consumers and retailers.

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If these carpets are going to be more expensive in America, does that mean our wages will rise too?" Mohamad asked.

Not likely.

The increased cost to consumers in the U.S. doesnt translate into higher wages for weavers, experts say, but rather often leads to reduced orders, lower incomes, and growing uncertainty for the artisans.

This price hike could also push buyers toward cheaper, machine-made alternatives, leaving Kashmiri artisans in the lurch.

Insiders say that unless international trade policies shift to protect traditional industries, Kashmirs hand-knotted legacy may continue to fray until it disappears.

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Wilayat Ali, a Kashmiri carpet supplier, said his trading partner, who exports the carpets to the U.S., Germany and France, has already canceled at least a dozen orders already in the making.

The exporter also returned some dozen carpets," he said. It boils down to the hard arithmetic of profit and loss, Ali explained. They dont see thousands of knots in a carpet that takes months to make.

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This is a photo gallery curated by AP photo editors.
Video is previous coverage from the NIOSH layoffs in Morgantown on April 1

(WBOY)  Former National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) employees are continuing to speak out against federal cuts that will negatively impact coal miner safety in West Virginia and beyond.

Last week, the enforcement of the Silica Rule was paused until August, which will delay the enforcement of an act meant to protect coal miners from black lung, and earlier this month, hundreds of workers were laid off at NIOSH and the Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA) that will result in decreased safety research and health resources for miners.

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Two former Morgantown NIOSH employees spoke at Appalachian Voices most recent Holler from the Hollers call, a weekly informational Zoom meeting meant to educate Appalachians about policies and government actions that could negatively impact their region.

The April 10 call focused on federal cuts and policy changes negatively impacting Appalachian coal miners specifically.

While everyone agrees that the federal government could use some efficiency improvements, theyre getting a lot of things wrong and they seem to not be makingor even acknowledging those mistakes and fixing them, Quinton King, government affairs specialist for Appalachian Voices, said on the call.

Laid-off NIOSH workers continue protests for jobs and safety of U.S. workers

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Two former workers for NIOSH were speakers at the Holler, including Anita Wolfe, a former public health analyst for NIOSH Morgantown who was coordinator of the Coal Workers Health Surveillance Program (CWHSP) or coal miners x-ray program, which was a leader in making black lung screening accessible to miners.

According to Wolfe, more than 300,000 coal miners have been screened using chest x-rays or breathing tests by the CWHPS since it began in 1969, and it has helped thousands get diagnoses and treatment for black lung, which impacts one in five career coal miners.

With the cuts, the positions that make the screening and diagnosis process possible no longer exist.

Wolfe said that she believes the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) has taken an ax rather than a scalpel to many important programs that affect our health, air, water, worker safety and more. Wolfe continued by saying that although coal production might increase under executive orders recently signed by President Donald Trump, it could be at the expense of the miners safety without programs like NIOSH.

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Although the NOISH cuts disproportionately affect coal miners, NIOSH is also the only government research group dedicated to worker safety.

The former workers and Appalachian Voice urged West Virginians and anyone else impacted by health cuts to contact their legislators.

You can listen to the full Holler from the Hollers on YouTube here.

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A federal appeals court panel seemed split over The Associated Presss exclusion from certain White House spaces as it weighs whether to halt an order directing the Trump administration to restore the wire services access to such areas.

APs battle with the White House, which stems from its refusal to use the term Gulf of America in its popular stylebook, came to a head last week when a federal judge deemed unlawful the outlets exile from the press pool, a small group of journalists who document the presidents movements and statements in and around the White House.

The administration was told to reinstate APs access to the Oval Office, Air Force One and other small spaces that hold a limited number of officials and journalists, which it quickly appealed to the U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit. A three-judge panel heard arguments Thursday.

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An AP reporter and photographer have traditionally been part of the presidents press pool every day, both at the White House and when the president is traveling. Reporters are usually granted questions by presidents in a tradition dating back decades.

But Justice Department lawyer Eric McArthur argued that the APs case is not just about the spaces from which the wire service was excluded; its about access to the president. Presidents have the personal autonomy to decide to whom they reveal their minds, he said.

They cant force the president to answer their questions, McArthur said.

And theyre not claiming they have any right to force the president to answer their questions, Judge Cornelia Pillard, an appointee of former President Obama, pushed back.

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The spaces from which Trump seeks to exclude the AP are not a press facility like the Brady Press Briefing Room and are intended for the presidents personal use, McArthur argued. Though the East Room  another space from which the AP was turned away  is less private, its primary function is to host events, not serve the press, he said.

The East Room also typically hosts a presidents press conference, either on his own or alongside a foreign leader.

McArthur said under the current rule, the White House could not exclude white supremacist news organizations from a Black History Month celebration or avowedly antisemitic ones from a meeting with the prime minister of Israel.

The AP bills itself as a worldwide, nonpartisan and independent news organization.

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Charles Tobin, a lawyer for the AP, acknowledged that its the presidents prerogative to revoke APs daily spot in the press pool  but it cant single out the outlet for exclusion from the pool based solely on its viewpoints.

I would not argue that we have a right to be the line leader, Tobin said. But now were completely shut out.

After APs request for a preliminary injunction restoring its access was granted, the White House decided to remove the spot typically reserved for wire services from the press pool. The new policy means wire services will be eligible for selection as part of the pools daily print-journalist rotation but will no longer have a permanent slot in the group.

Judge Gregory Katsas, a Trump appointee, called the move a poke in the eye, no doubt about it. But he said the new policy, on its face, is viewpoint neutral.

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Judge Neomi Rao asked whether courts would be constantly micromanaging the presidents decisionmaking if the AP prevailed, pointing to its motion to enforce the lower courts order soon after the White House changed the rules.

So, then a court needs to say the president does not have absolute discretion? Rao asked.

The court needs to say the presidents discretion is cabined by the Constitution, Tobin countered.

U.S. District Judge Trevor McFadden, who granted the APs request for a preliminary injunction, will hear arguments Friday over whether the White House has shirked the order.

An AP photographer was allowed in the photo pool Thursday, but a print reporter has not been allowed in the group since the White House first passed along its decision in February.

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The clash between AP and the White House is far from over, but a judge on the panel signaled that the Trump administration could circumvent the problem by approaching it with a broader stroke.

If he wants to abolish the press pool, I think he would be entitled to do that, Pillard said.

Everyone seemed to agree.

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The 4th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals rejected the Trump administrations attempt to appeal a court order directing it to facilitate the return of Kilmar Abrego Garcia.

The government asserts that Abrego Garcia is a terrorist and member of MS-13. Perhaps, but perhaps not. Regardless, he is still entitled to due process. If the government is confident of its position, it should be assured that position will prevail in proceedings to terminate the withholding of removal order. Moreover, the government has conceded that Abrego Garcia was wrongly or mistakenly deported. Why then should it not make what was wrong, right? Judge J. Harvie Wilkinson wrote Thursday.

Wilkinson is an appointee of President Ronald Reagan.

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Abrego Garcia, 29, was a sheet metal worker who had lived in Maryland with his wife and three children until he was abruptly deported and sent to CECOT, a prison in El Salvador.

His attorneys have vehemently denied claims that he is a criminal. While living in the U.S., he has not been convicted of any crimes.

The Supreme Court recently ordered the administration to facilitate Abrego Garcias return but prosecutors at the Justice Department and President Donald Trump have essentially stonewalled the courts.

U.S. District Court Judge Paula Xinis had ordered the Justice Department to provide more information about its efforts to return Abrego Garcia and prosecutors have insisted it is impossible to do so.

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The appellate courts ruling was unanimous: it would not micromanage her efforts, nor the Supreme Courts instruction.

It is difficult in some cases to get to the very heart of the matter. But in this case, it is not hard at all. The government is asserting a right to stash away residents of this country in foreign prisons without the semblance of due process that is the foundation of our constitutional order. Further, it claims in essence that because it has rid itself of custody that there is nothing that can be done. This should be shocking not only to judges, but to the intuitive sense of liberty that Americans far removed from courthouses still hold dear, Wilkinson wrote.

He continued: We yet cling to the hope that it is not naive to believe our good brethren in the Executive Branch perceive the rule of law as vital to American ethos. This case presents their unique chance to vindicate that value and to summon the best that is within us while there is still time.

The appellate panel reached its decision rapidly; prosecutors at the Justice Department had only just filed their notice to appeal Xinis order late Wednesday. The administration argues that the courts are overstepping their authority and inserting themselves in foreign policy decisions they say should be the domain of the president.

The Trump administration can still appeal the 4th Circuit ruling, punting the matter right back to the Supreme Court.
A federal appeals court panel appeared skeptical at a hearing Thursday of the Trump administrations request that it immediately lift a lower courts order restoring the Associated Press to the White House press pool.

A three-judge panel of the D.C. Circuit Court of Appeals seemed wary of the administrations arguments that they must immediately intervene in the case, saying there wasnt a risk of some imminent harm, especially since the Associated Press already had a longstanding, permanent slot in the small group of reporters who get access to the Oval Office, Air Force One and other White House spaces.

No doubt it will stick in the White Houses craw, but it is the same arrangement that people have been living under, said Judge Gregory Katsas, a Trump appointee.

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A lower court judge last week ordered the White House to restore the Associated Press access after Trump banned the news organization for refusing to adopt his renaming of the Gulf of Mexico as the Gulf of America. The administration immediately appealed that order, arguing that Air Force One, the Oval Office and other spaces in the White House are akin to personal and private spaces where public access can be restricted. But the appeals court panel wasnt receptive to the administrations emergency plea. The panel did not issue a ruling Thursday and did not indicate when it might do so.

Still, two members of the panel appeared sympathetic to some of the Trump administrations arguments. Katsas and Judge Neomi Rao, another Trump appointee, affirmed the presidents broad powers to establish or abolish a press pool altogether or to reserve interviews and privileged access for favored outlets and reporters.

The Associated Press didnt dispute the presidents right to revoke access for all outlets. The wire service argued instead that the issue is the interference with its existing rights and access, and that Trump apparently banned the outlet as retaliation.

Many cases against the Trump administration involve injunctions that direct how the president performs official duties, Katsas said. We dont have that here.

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He added that the argument that the president can simply abolish the press pool seems stronger than an argument that the injunction ordering restoration of APs access will imperil the presidency.

The Trump administration has changed its press pool rules multiple times since the spat with the AP began.

After the AP sued, the White House ended the White House Correspondents Associations historical role in selecting the press pool members, saying it would make those assignments itself.

U.S. District Judge Trevor McFadden, a Trump appointee, ruled last week that Trumps actions were brazen retaliation against the AP for its editorial choices, and likely violate the First Amendment.

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Then, on Tuesday night, administration officials said that the AP and other wire services, including Reuters and Bloomberg, would no longer share a rotating slot in the pool.

Its unclear whether the latest move complies with McFaddens order, which effectively required the administration to treat the AP the same as other news outlets.
The 4th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals on Thursday declined to lift a judges order that the Trump administration facilitate the return of Kilmar Abrego Garcia, admonishing the Justice Department in the ruling.

The Justice Department appealed U.S. District Judge Paula Xiniss clarified directive, which she issued last week after the Supreme Court upheld the thrust of her original order pushing for the mans return.

The 4th Circuit declined to put Xiniss ruling on hold just one day after the administration filed the appeal, a swift order that came without waiting for Abrego Garcias lawyers to file their response.

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The relief the government is requesting is both extraordinary and premature. While we fully respect the Executives robust assertion of its Article II powers, we shall not micromanage the efforts of a fine district judge attempting to implement the Supreme Courts recent decision, U.S. Circuit Judge J. Harvie Wilkinson wrote for the unanimous three-judge panel.

It marks the second time the 4th Circuit has rejected the Trump administration in the case. The administration could now attempt to seek emergency relief from the Supreme Court.

Abrego Garcia was deported to an El Salvador megaprison roughly a month ago despite an immigration judges 2019 ruling protecting him from being deported there over fears he could face violence in his home country.

The Trump administration has acknowledged he was mistakenly deported due to an administrative error but contends the courts are powerless to intervene because the man is no longer in U.S. custody.

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The case has garnered significant national attention as the administration contends the man is a member of the MS-13 gang, an assertion largely based on details provided by an informant in 2019. Abrego Garcias family denies he has any gang ties.

It is difficult in some cases to get to the very heart of the matter. But in this case, it is not hard at all, Wilkinson wrote.

The government is asserting a right to stash away residents of this country in foreign prisons without the semblance of due process that is the foundation of our constitutional order, he continued. Further, it claims in essence that because it has rid itself of custody that there is nothing that can be done. This should be shocking not only to judges, but to the intuitive sense of liberty that Americans far removed from courthouses still hold dear.

Wilkinson, an appointee of former President Reagan, was joined on the panel by U.S. Circuit Judge Robert King, who is an appointee of former President Clinton, and U.S. Circuit Judge Stephanie Thacker, who is an appointee of former President Obama.

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The district court is moving ahead by ordering expedited discovery that is set to include depositions and document productions. Xinis, an Obama appointee, is also set to decide whether to hold the Trump administration in contempt.

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After dedicating over four decades to serving my community, I feel an unprecedented weight during this pivotal moment in our country. We stand at a crossroads, with existential stakes.

In the last election, Arab Americans were not merely overlooked; we were vilified. Amid immense grief for our community, stemming from the atrocities in Gaza, Lebanon, Yemen and throughout the Arab world, our anguish was often met by the political establishment with suspicion rather than empathy. Elected officials  many of whom once sought our support  turned their backs on us. Others scapegoated us, painting us as either too risky, too inconvenient or simply invisible.

More opinion: Hamtramck mayor gets Trump appointment he's been angling for. Good riddance.

Republicans prey on my community

In key battleground states like Michigan, where Arab American voters can be the margin of victory, Democratic Party leaders mistakenly relegated our community to the sidelines of the political mainstream conversation. In turn, Donald Trump and Republicans were all too eager to capitalize on that mistake and to prey on our communitys pain.

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Now, as Donald Trump tightens his authoritarian grip on our national institutions and escalates his repressive tactics against marginalized communities, Arab Americans are once again being used as political props, manipulated to evoke fear and sow division.

This pattern is all too familiar. The Trump administration is cracking down on students and immigrants advocating for Palestinian human rights as a pretext for broader attacks on our constitutional rightstargeting our freedoms of assembly, speech and press. While the initial targets may be Arab and Muslim communities, the true objective is the dismantling of the entire framework of democratic resistance. Repressive measures do not stop with us; they begin with us.

As we commemorate Arab American Heritage Month, we arrive at a critical juncture  not just for Arab Americans, but for American democracy itself.

More opinion: We are not OK: Arab Americans, feeling ignored, organize for the long haul

We must fight back

I have spent much of my life focused on direct services  helping families access healthcare, education, jobs and legal support. But in this moment, the challenges we face require power. They require fair and just political voices. They require organizing  not just to defend ourselves, but to offer a better vision for what our country can be.

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Arab Americans must not sit back while anti-democratic forces attempt to fracture the coalitions that hold this country together. We need grassroots leadership development, a bold and inclusive Arab American policy agenda and robust electoral organizing grounded in our values.

There are a lot of ways to get involved  in politics and in strengthening our communities: Attending or organizing rallies and forums, contributing to community discussions online and in person, volunteering for advocacy groups, serving as precinct delegates, running for office, contributing financially to various causes and campaigns, writing newspaper op-eds and letters to the editor and, of course, voting.

And I hope community members will consider a group I recently launched, Arab Americans for Progress, a new nonprofit advocacy organization dedicated to building a political home for Arab American communities. In a state where millions in campaign dollars are spent targeting Arab American voters  often without regard for our communitys actual needs  its time we strengthen our own organizing infrastructure to ensure Arab Americans can advocate powerfully and independently for ourselves.

We will fight for health care, immigrant justice, a just foreign policy and economic equitynot just for ourselves, but for every community under threat in todays political climate.

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Together, we can push back, amplifying our community's contributions and ensuring our rights are recognized and protected. Empowering Arab Americans is not just an act of solidarity; it is vital to safeguarding the principles of democracy that we hold dear.

More: Michigan celebrates Arab American heritage this month. Here's what to know

Hassan Jaber is the founder and Executive Director of Arab Americans for Progress and former CEO of ACCESS, the largest Arab American nonprofit in the United States.

This article originally appeared on Detroit Free Press: Trump continues to prey on Arab Americans. We must organize | Opinion
As a millennial mother and policy researcher, Ive been waiting a long time for Republicans to take up the mantle of dependable pro-family policies. The traditionally conservative, free-market philosophy of a rising tide lifting all boats by reducing regulation and taxes didnt always work in the latter part of the last century: Families were breaking apart in historic proportions, wages for low-income workers stalled, nearly half of mothers lacked any type of job protection (let alone pay) after birth, and public schools showed cracks. Reagan-era conservatives such as myself knew we didnt like what the Democrats offered: massive new entitlements and spending. But our laissez-faire alternative wasnt working either.

To be sure, Republicans are talking more about family policy these days than I can remember in my lifetime, but what were seeing and hearing from the new right in Washington is not what I had in mind. Instead of fiscal responsibility and a focus on family values, were seeing fiscal profligacy, policy decisions that could destabilize families, and political figures displaying a disregard for norms and decency in their personal lives. MAGA leaders have lost the vision on what good even looks like for families, and operate their lives out of a different value set.

This springs tax debate promises billions of unfunded cash benefits to families way up the income ladder by expanding the child tax credit, but that excludes the most vulnerable, who dont make enough to receive full benefits. Trumps trade war will push up the cost of living for families and increase the chances of a recession. In Texas we are in an avoidable measles outbreak that has already killed two children. The Department of Education is being gutted while student achievement scores are near decade lows. And thats not even to mention the MAGA effects on non-citizen families: More than 1,000 children remain separated from their parents as a result of Trumps first-term immigration policies. This time around, kids are being kept home from school and church and fear their parents being deported.

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There have been wins, of course. Abortion has been rolled back in red statesa win for pro-life, pro-family conservativessince Roe v. Wade was overturned in 2022. But not enough has been done to ensure that the most vulnerable women and children receive better care in its wake.

Meanwhile, prominent MAGA leaders are acting out anything but traditional family values in their personal lives: During the interregnum between his two presidential terms, Donald Trump was found liable for sexual abuse, and he was convicted on charges stemming from hush money payments to a porn actress. His defense secretary has been accused of sexual assault. His nominee for attorney general withdrew from consideration amid accusations of sex with minors. Others seem to operate on a whole different value system. As the Wall Street Journal just laid out in painstaking detail, Elon MuskTrumps top donor and head of the Department of Government Efficiencyhas fathered at least 14 children with four women.

MAGA leaders have lost the vision on what good even looks like for families, and operate their lives out of a different value set.

Were not electing pastors to political leadership, I get that. But in some ways, the machismo, sexualized bro culture of the new right feels as obsessed with gender and identity as the left they are fighting againstleaving those of us in the trenches of parenthood and actually raising children without an advocate.

Most American parents (78 percent) believe that their children are going to inherit a worse futurethe highest share in 30 years. Amid that uncertainty, they deserve a thoughtful plan. To the extent that theres a serious family policy discussion happening on the right, it largely seems to be centered around boosting fertility rates, or whats called pro-natalism. Americas fertility rate has dropped below replacement (as is the case with much of the rest of the developed world), which has horrible ramifications on everything from available workers to the budget to economic growth.

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But as a policy goal, fertility is difficult to address and raises ethical questions. Various countries are experimenting with extremely large cash handouts to encourage marriage and childbirth, such as $10,000 payments per child in Russia or $14,000 wedding bonuses in South Korea. Most European countries offer expansive safety nets for new parents and parents in general, including child care support, cash support, and an average of a year of paid maternity leave. While these policies can have significant benefits for kids and parents, they tend to have a low ROI from the perspective of boosting fertilityeither because in the case of the first the cost is so high, or in the latter that the benefit (related to fertility, though there are other benefits), is low.

Also, theres something about the push toward more babies that makes the policy aspiration seem less like genuine support for families and more like a crude national asset play, like buying up Greenland. For those of us conservatives who are still of the limited government variety, it feels invasive: A government emboldened enough to encourage women to have more children is big enough to go in the opposite direction when power or demographics shift.

Which gets us to the crux of it: What is the point of family policy anyway? There was a time when family valuesthe sanctity of life, protection of the vulnerable, and the importance of marriagewasnt just a policy commitment for conservatives but a moral one, one with strong Judeo-Christian roots in particular. Historians from Rodney Stark to Tom Holland have argued that protections for babies, care of the poor and sick, sexual restraint of men, rights of women, and valuing lifelong marriage was uniquely Christian.

My sense is that our ethical anchors have become loosed, the values disordered and scattered, and policy confusion has followed. As the theologian G.K. Chesterton once quipped, The modern world is full of the old Christian virtues gone mad. The virtues have gone mad because they have been isolated from each other and are wandering alone. While these values feel more deeply cultural and spiritual than anything, from a brass tacks policy perspective there are better ways than pro-natalist policies for the Republicans in charge to support our most vulnerable children and family flourishing.

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As Ive written about on numerous occasions, including in these pages, there are few policies that are more pro-family, pro-life, and pro-work than paid parental leave. All American parentseven working onesshould have the freedom and security to care for and bond with their newborns. For perspective, a public paid parental leave program would cost roughly $10 billion a year, which is one-half of 1 percent of what income security to Americans 65 and older costs (totaling $1.4 trillion in 2024) and a small fraction of the cost of extending the child tax credit.

In the face of student achievement gaps, guttingor worse, closingthe Department of Education is about politics, not helping kids. We need national data to hold states accountable from juicing test scores, and conservatives know that men are not angels. We should expand school choice for K-12, but also support vouchers for early childhood education so that families can afford for their children to be in stimulating early learning environments at churches or schools or in homes, whether part-time or full-time. Nobel-prize winning economist James Heckmans research shows the overwhelming and intergenerational benefits of this type of investment for our most vulnerable kids in particular.

There are ways to reduce marriage penalties in our tax and benefit code, which encourage single parenthood for low-income mothers and all that that brings. Cash benefits, in the form of the child tax credit or otherwise, should be targeted for the least well off because they need it mostand our fiscal crisis demands we be judicious about spending so that such spending can be sustained.

There are still plenty of reasons for American parents to hope. There are promising glimmers of hope for effective pro-family policy across Republican and Democratic leadership, across states and the federal government. Among many, Id highlight increased bipartisan energy for a baby bonus, which prudently targets more funding earlier in a childs life; bipartisan working groups on the House and the Senate working on paid parental leave; red states leading the charge on supporting midwifery and doulas and rural health care; and bipartisan energy for protecting kids from big tech.

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But for me at least, as a mother in the heartland, theres a shadow over family policy from the new right. The rhetoric, the lived experiences, even the policy plans can feel like they are motivated by power and control, not by supporting our most vulnerable infants and parents. And so I find myself still waiting for a conservative pro-family party.

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LITTLE ROCK, Ark. (AP)  Arkansas Gov. Sarah Huckabee Sanders signed legislation Wednesday prohibiting pharmacy benefit managers from owning or operating pharmacies, becoming the first state to enact such a restriction.

The measure comes as other states are considering restrictions on pharmacy benefit managers, which run prescription drug coverage for big clients that include health insurers and employers that provide coverage.

Supporters of the restrictions have said pharmacy benefit managers are forcing independent pharmacies, especially in rural areas, out of business.

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For far too long, drug middlemen called PBMs have taken advantage of lax regulations to abuse customers, inflate drug prices, and cut off access to critical medications. Not anymore, Sanders said in a statement released by her office.

CVS Health has been running TV ads in the state opposing the bill and urging Sanders to veto it. CVS officials have said the legislation would force the company to close 23 pharmacies in the state and would disrupt service for thousands of customers.

The company on Wednesday it welcomed a discussion with policymakers in Arkansas and other states on ways to make medicine more affordable and accessible.

Unfortunately, HB1150 is bad policy that accomplishes just the opposite: it will take away access to pharmacy care in local communities, hike prescription drug spending across the state by millions of dollars each year, and cost hundreds of Arkansans their jobs, CVS Health said in statement.

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Thirty-nine attorneys general urged Congress this week to pass legislation similar to Arkansas' law prohibiting pharmacy benefit managers from owning or operating pharmacies. In the letter, the attorneys general said such legislation "would foster fair competition and promote choice and transparency for the American people."

The Arkansas ban, however, has drawn criticism from some lawmakers who said it is anticompetitive.

The government should not be put in the position of saying, Guess what, we dont like our competition and we're going use the government and the law to put our competition out of business,' " Republican Sen. Missy Irvin during debate over the measure in the Senate this month.

Several other states have taken up other pharmacy benefit manager restrictions this year. In Alabama, Gov. Kay Ivey on Tuesday signed legislation that will require pharmacy benefit managers to reimburse independent pharmacists at least at the state Medicaid rate for prescription drugs.

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Dozens of independent pharmacies, many in rural areas, have shuttered in Alabama over the last two years, according to the Alabama Independent Pharmacy Alliance. Pharmacists said that is because it can often cost more to dispense a drug than they are reimbursed by pharmacy benefit managers.

The alliance called the new Alabama law a historic milestone but added there is still work to be done.

SB252 is only the first step in dismantling the corrupt behemoth that is responsible for the increased cost of healthcare in Alabama, all at the expense of pharmacies, employers and patients," the group said in a statement Tuesday. "AIPA will continue to work with legislators to accomplish this goal.

___

Chandler reported from Montgomery, Alabama
ARKANSAS CITY, Kan. (KSNW)  Arkansas City has introduced a new logo to represent the communitys heritage, landscape, and shared aspirations.

(Courtesy City of Arkansas City)

The updated visual identity, created by the citys Communication Director Shana Adkisson, draws inspiration from local feedback and emphasizes the citys strong ties to water and history.

Throughout this year, Ive really listened to some of the key points that people in our community think of when they think of Arkansas City, Adkisson said in a news release. One theme kept coming upwater. It was clear that had to be a central element in the logo.

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Kansas trooper finds missing Nebraska man

The design includes a flowing swoosh element representing the Arkansas and Walnut Rivers, which will also be featured on new entrance signs. It complements the citys water treatment plant logo, which includes three water droplets, emphasizing the theme of vital water resources.

Color choices in the logo further reflect the citys natural and historical character. Rivers Blue pays tribute to the communitys waterways, while Riverstone Red nods to Arkansas Citys historic brick streets and the Indigenous heritage of Etzanoa, Adkisson said.

City Commissioners wore hats featuring the new Arkansas City logo during the City

Commission meeting on April 15 to celebrate its unveiling. (Courtesy: City of Arkansas City)

City Manager Randy Frazer praised the final result.

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This fresh, modern design captures the essence of Arkansas Cityour history, our progress, and our deep connection to the rivers that have shaped our community. Its a reflection of who we are and where were headed, he said.

City officials plan to gradually roll out the new logo over the next year to control costs. It will be introduced on city vehicles, uniforms, and official documents as part of regular replacement schedules.

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Gov. Sarah Huckabee Sanders touts legislative wins during an April 16, 2025 press conference. (Ainsley Platt/Arkansas Advocate)

Arkansas Republicans celebrated the end of the legislative session Wednesday, touting policy victories on issues such as education, maternal health, youth technology use and cutting taxes.

At an afternoon press conference, Gov. Sarah Huckabee Sanders praised the leaders of each chamber for managing personalities within their conferences. The first-term Republican governor also individually named legislators who sponsored key legislative measures, such as eradicating woke ideology from universities in the state, adding more requirements to end petition fraud for constitutional amendments, and passing what she described as the most significant economic development legislation in decades.

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This session has reinforced that Arkansas conservative majority is delivering on our promises to the people of this statefor too long, our government has been enslaved to powerful special interests  not anymore, Sanders said. We do not work for them. We work for the people of Arkansas.

Democratic lawmakers, at their own press conference, took the Republican supermajority to task for out-of-control spending on misguided policies, power grabs and the seepage of divisive national politics into Arkansas policymaking. Six members of the Senate and 19 members of the House are Democrats.

Speaker of the House Rep. Brian Evans, R-Cabot, called the session a resounding success, while Senate President Pro Tempore Sen. Bart Hester, R-Cave Springs, said the results from this years session showed that the state is not always at the back of the pack.

Sanders touted bills that aligned with many of the goals she outlined in her January State of the State address, such as cracking down on what Chinese nationals and businesses are able to do in the state.

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We will put enhanced penalties on violent criminal illegals and make sure our state is not a safe harbor for violent illegals, Sanders said. We will continue our record as the toughest state in America on our communist Chinese adversaries, banning them from owning land, partnering with our cities or selling merchandise to state government.

Arkansas House Minority Leader Andrew Collins gives his partys assessment of the just concluded legislative session. Behind him are (left-right) Reps. Stephen Magie of Conway, Tippi McCullough of Little Rock, Jessie McGruder of Marion, Ashley Hudson of Little Rock and Jay Richardson of Fort Smith. (Photo by Sonny Albarado/Arkansas Advocate)

Talking about some of that legislation, House Minority Leader Andrew Collins, D-Little Rock, said national politics crept in and poisoned what used to be a proud Arkansas tradition of independence.

Cookie-cutter bills from national right-wing think tanks chipped away at the popular punching bags of today  DEI, immigrants, China and LGBT people. In most cases these bills are mostly for show, red meat for a national audience, but they will have harmful consequences for real people in Arkansas, Collins said.

Sanders listed a variety of other Republican victories, such as amendments to Arkansas Social Media Safety Act, and bills targeting Big Tech and pharmacy benefit managers, but there were some defeats. For example, a bill that would have criminalized lobbying for certain foreign entities like China, part of a broader package of China-related legislation, failed multiple times in the Senate this week and ultimately failed to make to the governors desk.

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Today isnt just about one bill, its about the people that we serve and standing up to the powerful special interests who try to stop us, Sanders said. We went after Big Tech companies exploiting our kids, big drug middlemen manipulating drug prices, big government subsidizing junk food at the taxpayers expense, lobbyists working for adversaries like China, woke faculty trying to indoctrinate our students, and the far-left that wants to coddle dangerous criminal illegals that threaten our elections with petition fraud.

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During her State of the State address, Sanders made known her desire to reform higher education this session the same way shed done with K-12 education with the LEARNS Act in 2023.

The Arkansas ACCESS Act made significant changes to higher education, including prohibitions on excused absences for political protests and the collection and reporting of DEI-related information for institutional accreditation purposes. The legislation also permits faculty performance reviews to result in the removal of tenure status and will allow for the incorporation of a return-on-investment metric in the higher education funding model, among other things.

Republicans also pushed through a bill that banned students from using cellphones in schools  another Sanders priority  and amended the Educational Freedom Account Program to limit how much money participants could spend on things like extracurricular activities and travel expenses.

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Sanders and Republicans lawmakers made the ballot petition process a priority during the session, passing multiple bills that opponents say are a direct assault on the peoples right to direct democracy.

Collins called the bills affecting the petition process the most egregious power grab of the session and a full-on assault on direct democracy.

Republicans have made it nearly impossible to exercise your right to petition to get something on the ballot, he said. We will soon regret snatching away the peoples right to petition.



The Little Rock Democrat said power grabs were one of the most consistent themes of the session, usually coming at the expense of the people of Arkansas.

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ACCESS eliminated, shrank and kicked community stakeholders off boards, centralizing power in the governor, Collins said.

One legislator tried to force Arkansas PBS and the State Library to comply with his demands. When the State Library Board didnt agree, the Legislature fired the entire board, he said. Countless bills were introduced to micromanage cities, counties, state agencies and school boards, as the emboldened Republican supermajority apparently decided it wasnt enough to do their jobs, they needed to do everybody elses job too.

Republicans and Democrats also achieved wins working across the aisle, passing legislation to to improve maternal health and make breakfast free for all students.

In a bipartisan compromise effort, we, alongside Sen. [Jonathan] Dismang and Sen. Clarke Tucker, made Arkansas the first state in the South to offer free school breakfast to every single one of our students, Sanders said.

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At their press conference, Democratic leaders also highlighted the bipartisan effort on free school breakfasts now Act 123.

Evans said that Arkansans should be proud of the legislators they sent to Little Rock, praising members of his conference for putting politics aside and contributing to a successful session.

Democrats remain defiant

Senate Minority Leader Greg Leding of Fayetteville said that despite the long odds against Democrats in both legislative chambers, they were still able to score some meaningful wins, both in terms of legislation they were able to stop and legislation they passed.

He singled out freshman Sen. Jamie Scott of North Little Rock, whom he called one of the most thoughtful, compassionate leaders in the Legislature, and first-term Rep. Jessie McGruder of Marion for their work on maternal health issues and early voting.

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Leding highlighted the united work of all legislative Democrats in helping Republican opponents derail a $750 million appropriation bill intended for a new 3,000-bed prison in rural western Arkansas.

Regardless of what you think of the need for a prison, its clear that that plan for Franklin County is wrong, Leding said.

Collins cited the prison as part of the budget-busting theme of the session.

The message was clear from the very beginning of session, Republicans were going to bust the budget on no-limit private school vouchers and a misguided billion dollar-plus prison in Franklin County, and there wouldnt be much left for anything else. And thats exactly what happened, he said. While Democrats and others rejected prison spending for now, that bill is coming due.

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Going forward, Collins said Democrats will continue to push for the issues they made a priority at the beginning of the session in January: education; health care, especially maternal and mental health; and democracy.

Vetos

After both press conferences were finished, Sanders office announced she had vetoed two items: a bill that legalized the delivery of marijuana or the purchase of it from a drive-thru, along with a line-item veto eliminating the salary for the director of the University of Arkansas at Little Rocks Institute on Race and Ethnicity.

This session I championed Arkansas ACCESS, my plan to make college more accessible for all and get indoctrination out of college classrooms, Sanders wrote in her veto letter to Hester and Evans. Arkansas will not waste nearly $200,000 in taxpayer dollars on DEI administrators who promote woke nonsense.

However, it is not clear if the institute is still functioning. A search of UALRs website turned up results for strategic plans that referenced the institute last year, before ACCESS was passed, but when clicked on the webpages appeared to have been taken down or moved. A search of UALRs directory did not appear to return results for anyone directly employed by the institute.

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When asked for comment, a UALR spokesperson said the position was vacant and the university had not planned to fill it.

Sanders said she vetoed House Bill 1889 because it would have expand[ed] access to usable marijuana.

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LITTLE ROCK, Ark.  A hotly contested bill was signed into law by Gov. Sarah Huckabee Sanders on Wednesday.

The legislation blocks Pharmacy Benefit Managers (PBMs) from owning pharmacies in Arkansas. The bill was signed on the last working day of the current legislative assembly and had received extensive debate in both chambers.

Arkansas bill would prevent Pharmacy Benefit Managers from owning pharmacies

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The governor said signing the bill was a matter of taking care of an overdue need.

For far too long, drug middlemen called PBMs have taken advantage of lax regulations to abuse customers, inflate drug prices, and cut off access to critical medications. Not anymore, Sanders said. These massive corporations are attacking our state because we will be the first in the country to hold them accountable for their anti-competitive actions, but Arkansas has never been afraid to be a conservative leader for America.

Arkansas Attorney General Griffin signs letter asking for federal law to prohibit Pharmacy Benefit Managers from owning pharmacies

Earlier this week, Arkansas Attorney General Tim Griffin led a bipartisan group of 38 other state and territory attorneys general in writing a letter to congressional leadership requesting action to prevent anti-competitive PBM practices.

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Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KARK.
Greg Reybold (seated), vice president of Healthcare Policy at the American Pharmacy Cooperative, expresses support for Arkansas banning pharmacy benefit managers from owning pharmacy permits at the Arkansas Capitol on Tuesday, April 8, 2025. At right is John Vinson, CEO of the Arkansas Pharmacists Association, who also supported the policy. (Tess Vrbin/Arkansas Advocate)

Arkansas became the first state in the nation to prevent healthcare conglomerates from operating drugstores here when Gov. Sarah Huckabee Sanders signed House Bill 1150 on Wednesday.

State law already regulates what pharmacy benefit managers (PBMs) pay to reimburse independent pharmacies, but pharmacists have complained that the companies violate the law. The state has also fined four PBMs a total of $1.47 million for paying Arkansas pharmacies below the legally required amount for prescription drugs.

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PBMs negotiate prescription benefits among drug manufacturers, distributors, pharmacies and health insurance providers, and the biggest ones also own pharmacies and insurers. The Federal Trade Commission released an interim report in July 2024 saying these conglomerates are eliminating competition and increasing drug prices at the expense of patients.

HB 1150 headed to Sanders desk April 9 after clearing the Senate with a bipartisan 26 votes, six days after it passed the House with 89 votes. The bill generated hours of discussion and public comment in the House and Senate committees on Insurance and Commerce this month.

These massive corporations are attacking our state because we will be the first in the country to hold them accountable for their anticompetitive actions, Sanders said in a statement Wednesday.

CVS Health issued a statement last week urging Sanders to veto HB 1150, calling it misguided policy. The organization, which includes the CVS Caremark PBM, issued another statement Wednesday afternoon.

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CVS Health welcomes a good faith discussion with policy makers in Arkansas and across the country on ways to make medicine more affordable and accessible, the statement said. Unfortunately, HB1150 is bad policy that accomplishes just the opposite: it will take away access to pharmacy care in local communities, hike prescription drug spending across the state by millions of dollars each year, and cost hundreds of Arkansans their jobs.

Arkansas has 23 CVS pharmacies that CVS and other opponents of HB 1150 said will be forced to close under the new law. Arkansas Pharmacists Association CEO John Vinson said this is not true and pharmacies can still operate if they detach from PBMs.

Sanders, Vinson and other supporters of HB 1150 have said a lack of sufficient regulation of PBMs has allowed them to monopolize the pharmaceutical industry by setting their competitors prices.

OptumRX, Express Scripts and CVS Caremark  the three largest PBMs  are each owned by much larger corporations that each also own a top-10 health insurer. Together they control about 80% of the U.S. prescription market, according to last years Federal Trade Commission report.

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The legal landscape

Act 1 and Act 3 of 2018 prohibit PBMs from reimbursing their affiliated pharmacies in Arkansas at a higher rate than their competitors, locally owned independent pharmacies. PBMs routinely break these laws, said Vinson and HB 1150s Republican sponsors, Sen. Kim Hammer of Benton and Rep. Jeremiah Moore of Clarendon.

PBMs have allegedly also violated Act 900 of 2015, which required PBMs to pay pharmacies at least as much as the national average of what drugstores pay wholesalers for drugs. Pharmacies sent the Arkansas Insurance Department (AID) thousands of complaints in 2024, claiming PBMs either illegally paid them below this national average or paid them at or just above this amount, independent pharmacists and AIDs general counsel told lawmakers last year.

This led the Arkansas Legislative Council to require PBMs to include dispensing fees in their reimbursements for prescription drugs. The panel approved the rule a day after its Administrative Rules subcommittee rejected it.

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Hammer told the Senate Insurance committee April 8 that the Legislature should not be rewarding violators of state law by letting them stay in business.

Congress is pursuing this issue. Why? Because states like Arkansas are not sitting on the sidelines and being quiet about it, Hammer said. [If you say], Lets sit back and wait for Congress, like sitting back and waiting for the Lord to come, it aint going to happen soon enough.

After more than a century serving Hammers constituents in Benton, Smith-Caldwell Drug Store closed in August 2023 due to financial insolvency and transferred its clients to Walgreens, a national chain that isnt part of a PBM.

Brad Lawson, a Little Rock-based healthcare supervisor for Walgreens, told lawmakers in December that unfair PBM reimbursements have forced the company to close several locations and plan further closures nationwide.

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Walgreens declined to comment Thursday on HB 1150.

Opposition

In an April 4 interview with the Advocate, CVS leaders said the Caremark PBM not only complies with Arkansas law but also reimburses independent pharmacies at a higher rate than its own chain pharmacies. They also said employers whose health insurance plans include CVS will face higher costs.

This is not grassroots opposition to this bill. This is astroturf.

 Sen. Mark Johnson, R-Ferndale, who supported HB 1150

Patients are choosing us, they have a choice, and I think were not allowing patients to have a choice in this bill, Chief Pharmacy Officer Lucille Accetta said.

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When asked about HB 1150s potential financial impact on CVS, Accetta and Vice President of External Relations David Whitrap said the losses of pharmacists jobs and patients access to medication are higher priorities than money.

CVS closed 244 stores between 2018 and 2020 and 900 more stores between 2021 and 2024.

CVS District Leader of Pharmacy Operations Ashley Ellis spoke against the bill at both Insurance and Commerce committee meetings, saying she and her colleagues would lose their jobs if HB 1150 becomes law.

Ellis lives in Greenbrier, represented by Sen. Missy Irvin, R-Mountain View. Irvin was in the minority of Senate committee members to vote against HB 1150, and she said she would not vote for a constituent to lose her job.

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Hammer said the potential loss of CVS employees jobs is a lie.

If they want to argue these local [corporate] pharmacies shouldnt be going out of business because they get paid adequately, fine, he said. Put your money where your mouth is. Prove it. Start paying yourselves like youre paying these others.

Several lawmakers said this month that they supported HB 1150 partly because they received emails urging them to vote against it that appeared to be from constituents but turned out to be from lobbyists opposing the legislation. Rep. Richard McGrew, R-Hot Springs, told the House Insurance Committee that CVS clients in his district had not consented to their names being used for this purpose.

Rep. Jeremiah Moore (right), R-Clarendon, and Sen. Kim Hammer (second from right). R-Benton, listen to opposition to House Bill 1150 from Randy Zook, president of the Arkansas Chamber of Commerce, during the Senate Committee on Insurance and Commerce meeting on Tuesday, April 8, 2025. (Tess Vrbin/Arkansas Advocate)

Sen. Mark Johnson, R-Ferndale, told the equivalent Senate committee that he received similar misleading emails.

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This is not grassroots opposition to this bill, Johnson said. This is astroturf.

Besides CVS Health, opponents of HB 1150 included the Arkansas Chamber of Commerce, the Navitus Health Solutions PBM, and the Omnicare and Accredo pharmacies.

Omnicare is owned by CVS Health, and Accredo is a subsidiary of Express Scripts.

Mail order concerns

Several PBMs are affiliated with interstate mail-order pharmacy operations, and House Bill 1150 includes mail-order pharmacy permits among those that PBMs would be prohibited from holding.

Opponents of HB 1150 said it would reduce patients access to specialty drugs, some of which might only be accessible via mail-order services  including for military members and veterans who receive pharmaceuticals via the Tricare insurance programs partnership with Express Scripts.

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HB 1150 allows the State Board of Pharmacy to issue limited permits to PBMs if they provide drugs that are otherwise unavailable in the market to a patient or a pharmacy that would otherwise be prohibited under the law. Hammer told the Senate this will allow Tricare beneficiaries to continue receiving medications while PBMs transition out of Arkansas.

Despite being a veteran on Tricare, Arkansas Attorney General Tim Griffins pharmacy services have been moved from one provider to another by PBM interference, he said in January at a news conference announcing HB 1150. He also said he would defend the legislation in court if it were challenged.

On Monday, Griffin was the lead signatory of a bipartisan letter to Congress from attorneys general in 39 states and territories, advocating for the policy in HB 1150 to be enacted federally.

Griffin sued Express Scripts and OptumRX last year, alleging that they used data from drug manufacturers and distributors to maximize their financial gain instead of using it to mitigate the opioid addiction epidemic.

Put your money where your mouth is... Start paying yourselves like youre paying these others.

 Sen. Kim Hammer, R-Benton, a primary sponsor of House Bill 1150

Winners and losers

Irvin was one of nine senators, mostly Republicans, to vote against HB 1150 last week. She disputed the claim that PBMs have a monopoly in the pharmaceutical industry, saying this is only an opinion without a courts declaration.

Senate Minority Whip Fred Love, D-Mabelvale, was the chambers only Democrat to vote against the bill. Loves district does not have any local independent pharmacies, and his constituents will lose access to medications if corporate pharmacies like CVS close, he said.

Theyve been talking to me saying, Guess what? This will hurt us, Love said. So were going to manufacture a pharmacy desert in southwest Little Rock? Thats not good for my people.

Irvin also took issue with a statement April 8 from Greg Reybold, vice president of Healthcare Policy at the American Pharmacy Cooperative, that HB 1150 will take the ball away from PBMs in Arkansas pharmacy industry.

Were using the government to say, Were getting rid of your competition, Irvin said. It says that were denying a permit to be approved for you, but not for you. Youre picking winners and losers.

Arkansas Republican state senators on the Committee on Insurance and Commerce listen to public testimony about proposed regulations on pharmacy benefit managers during a meeting on Tuesday, April 8, 2025. From left: Sen. Clint Penzo of Springdale, vice chairman Sen. Justin Boyd of Fort Smith, Sen. Missy Irvin of Mountain View and chairman Sen. Blake Johnson of Corning. (Tess Vrbin/Arkansas Advocate)

GOP Sen. Justin Boyd, a Fort Smith pharmacist and the vice chairman of the Senate Insurance committee, argued that PBMs ability to set their competitors prices is actually picking winners and losers.

Another 2025 Arkansas law that supporters said will increase patients access to medication is Act 52, which removed the states ban on nonprofit hospitals holding pharmacy permits. The bill, co-sponsored by Irvin, initially failed in the Senate Public Health, Welfare and Labor Committee but later passed after being amended.

The Arkansas Pharmacists Association opposed Act 52 before it was amended. Vinson told the Senate Insurance committee that Act 52 will create new pharmacy jobs that could make up for any job loss brought about by HB 1150. Both laws will go into effect in August.

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Rep. Lane Jean, R-Magnolia, addresses the Arkansas House of Representatives on Wednesday, May 1, 2024. (Antoinette Grajeda/Arkansas Advocate)

The Arkansas General Assembly on Wednesday approved legislation to increase the states general revenue budget to $6.49 billion for fiscal year 2026, a nearly 3% increase from the previous year.

As is typical, state lawmakers approved the Revenue Stabilization Act on the final day of the legislative session through two identical bills  Senate Bill 637 and House Bill 2003.

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The RSA is nearly identical to the budget Gov. Sarah Huckabee Sanders proposed in November. The largest portion of the $182.5 million increase to the state budget for the fiscal year that begins July 1 is an additional $90 million for the states Educational Freedom Account program.

The school voucher program, which permits state funds to be used for allowable expenses such as private school tuition, is expected to see an increase in participation during its third year, when eligibility opens up to all Arkansas students this fall.

The legislation also increases county jail reimbursement by roughly $9 million to $34.8 million. The state reimburses county jails for holding state inmates when theres no room in Arkansas prisons. Expanding prison capacity has been a priority for Sanders, but lawmakers failed this session to approve a $750 million appropriation bill to support the full estimated cost of a planned prison in Franklin County.

Sen. Jonathan Dismang, R-Searcy, sponsored that bill and told colleagues the estimated total cost of the proposed 3,000-bed penitentiary is $825 million, but several lawmakers said they believe the cost will top $1 billion and were unhappy that the administration couldnt provide more details on the project. Franklin County residents have also objected to the prisons location and to the states purchase of the property without involving local officials.

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In the House Tuesday, Joint Budget Committee Chairman Rep. Lane Jean, R-Magnolia, highlighted a $13 million increase to the Department of Human Services Grants line item, which he said would support maternal health.

Sanders in her proposed budget called for a $13 million increase for Medicaid to help support recommendations from the Strategic Committee for Maternal Health that she convened last year to address the states poor maternal health outcomes.

Arkansas has among the nations highest maternal and infant mortality rates, according to the Arkansas Center for Health Improvement. Arkansas is the only state to have taken no action on a federal option to expand Medicaid postpartum benefits to 12 months from the current 60 days. Sanders has refused to expand coverage, saying to do so would be duplicative of other health insurance options for new mothers.

The RSA also includes $3.15 million for a performance fund that Jean said would support the governors new state employee pay plan, which is expected to cost a total of $139 million. Lawmakers last month approved legislation for the plan, which aims to clarify promotion ladders within state agencies and improve recruitment and retention by raising some salaries to labor market rates. State agency leaders should be able to accommodate the updated pay schedule within existing budgets, the governor said last fall.

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Jean told the House Tuesday that the RSA projects the state would be left with roughly $300,000 in surplus funds, though he noted that would likely be closer to $250,000 because $50,000 would be allocated for highways. That is significantly less than the record billion-dollar surpluses seen in recent years. The decrease in surplus funds could be contributed, in part, to several rounds of tax cuts by Arkansas last two governors. Sanders and the Legislature cut taxes three times in 15 months, most recently last June.

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To further support the governors proposed budget, lawmakers also approved Senate Bill 636 Wednesday, which would transfer $572.79 million in surplus money to various funds and set-aside accounts.

Its spending a lot of money, Im not debating that point, but I think its all needs that the governor came up with. House got some needs that we asked for, Senates got some needs, Jean said Wednesday.

SB 636 includes an additional $90 million for the EFA program and $100 million for the Medicaid Sustainability Set Aside Fund, among other things. When Sanders proposed these set-aside funds in November, State Budget Director Robert Brech noted they would only be used if necessary and are not part of the RSA, which prioritizes state government spending and balances the budget.

Its not known at this time if those will be necessary, Brech said then. In the event they are, those set-asides could be used and then built into the budget afterwards, but what we didnt want to do is put too much money in the RSA when it wasnt needed.

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A worksheet for surplus funding and set-asides for the 2025-2027 biennium presented to the Joint Budget Committee Monday also proposed transferring $250 million to a correctional facilities fund through Senate Bill 633. That bill was pulled down Monday.

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Ashley St. Clair has finally shared the name of the son she shares with Elon Musk.

The author made new allegations about her relationship with Musk, months after claiming he was the father of her child, during a bombshell interview with The Wall Street Journal, published Tuesday.

In the article, the name of St. Clairs child was revealed: Romulus St. Clair. The piece also noted that Musk did a paternity test, with a report from Labcorp revealing that the Probability of Paternity was 99.9999 percent.

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However, Musk has still not publicly identified St. Clairs son as his child.

The Independent has contacted representatives for Musk for comment.

St. Clair, 26, went public in February with her claims that she and Musk share a child. Now, she has claimed to the Journal that the billionaire offered her a one-time payment of $15 million, plus $100,000 a month until her child turns 21, in exchange for her silence.

Ashley St. Clair says her sons name is Romulus (@stclairashley / Twitter / Getty Images)

I dont want my son to feel like hes a secret, St. Clair reportedly told Musks fixer Jared Birchall, who runs Musks family office.

After the publication of the Journals report, St. Clair claimed the amount Musk paid in child support had dropped to $20,000. She also claimed that Musk, who is reportedly the father of 14, has used his wealth to silence some of the other women who have had his children.

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Musk has four children  Strider, Azure, Arcadia, and Seldon Lycurgus  with Neuralink executive Shivon Zilis, as well as three  X  A-Xii, Exa Dark Siderl, and Tau Techno Mechanicus  with music artist Grimes. And he has six children with Justine Wilson, his ex-wife of eight years.

St. Clair alleged that she gained an insight into Musks paranoid way of thinking when they dated in 2023 after meeting in the spring of that year. Their romance began on Musks social media platform X after he began to interact with her posts, according to the Journals report.

She was invited by Musk to visit Xs headquarters in San Francisco. From there, he took her on a separate trip to Rhode Island on his private plane, where the SpaceX CEO was visiting one of his sons at college, and then later on a getaway to St. Barts for the New Year.

During their time together, Musk frequently talked to St. Clair about having children, she claimed. The first time they had sex, Musk joked that they should pick a name for their future child, the outlet reported

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On the trip to St. Barts, she told Musk that she was ovulating. What are we waiting for? he reportedly replied, and their son was conceived, according to St. Clair.

During St. Clairs pregnancy, she claimed Musk suggested they bring in other women to have even more of their children faster in his mission to save civilization.

To reach legion-level before the apocalypse, Musk told St. Clair in a text message seen by the Journal. We will need to use surrogates, he added.

In February, just one week after publicly disclosing she gave birth to Musks child, St. Clair asked a New York court to compel Musk to submit a paternity test so he may be declared the father of the child, who was then only referred to by the initials RSC.

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She also filed a petition seeking sole custody of the child, whom she says Musk has only seen three times since he was born and has no involvement in his care or upbringing.

In March, St. Clair claimed that Musk attempted to attack her financially and silence her with a gag order. Elon Musk has financially retaliated against his child and reduced his financial support substantially and unilaterally, her attorney Karen Rosenthal told People at the time. She later claimed to MailOnline that she was selling her $100,000 Tesla, a black Model S, to make up for Musks cutting 60 percent of his child support.

Musk later fired back, claiming hed actually given her $2.5 million in child support payments. I dont know if the child is mine or not, but am not against finding out. No court order is needed, he wrote on X.
TASHKENT, Uzbekistan, April 17. Navoi Mining and Metallurgical Company (NMMC) reported record revenues in 2024, driven by a 5.4 percent increase in gold output, the NMMC told Trend.

The company released its IFRS financial results for the fiscal year ending December 31, 2024, based on audited statements.

"NMMC has implemented 24 major investment projects over the past eight years with a total value of $3 billion. As a result, the production targets initially set for 2026 were achieved already in 2024  two years ahead of schedule.

At the same time, NMMC continues to maintain its position as one of the industry's lowest-cost producers while investing in the companys future sustainable growth," said Kuvandik Sanakulov, Chairman of the Management Board and General Director of NMMC.

NMMC is the worlds fourth-largest gold producer, with an annual output of 3.1 million ounces of gold (2024) and a total mineral resource base of 148 million ounces. The companys operating mines include MuruntauMyutenbay, the worlds largest gold deposit with over 100 Moz resource base. NMMC employs over 47,000 people across 12 major mining sites and 9 processing facilities.
Asking a black person what are you smoking is racist, an employment tribunal has ruled.

Employment Judge Rachel Wedderspoon said any reasonable person would be offended by the remark due to the stereotypical view of a black person with dreadlocks smoking drugs.

Her ruling came in the case of Gemma Spencer, a black administrator who sued her employers for race discrimination and harassment after she was dismissed.

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The admin worker told a panel that she had her hair in braids when director Mark Kelly asked her line manager if she had been smoking something after they perceived she had made an error at work.

After she accused him of racism, Mr Kelly said he in no way meant to make some remark about her being a Rastafarian.

Bosses argued Ms Spencer was hypersensitive and had warped the impact the phrase had on her.

But this assertion was rejected by Judge Wedderspoon, who said the comment was unwanted conduct which violated the dignity of Ms Spencer, who was awarded 35,109 in compensation.

Treated differently

The tribunal, held in Birmingham, heard that Ms Spencer joined Schneider Electric UK as a contracts administrator in September 2017.

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In March 2020, she was asked by her bosses to carry out a quarterly report, but it was heard that the figures she inputted were deemed to be incorrect.

She told the tribunal her line manager, Carl Melia, spoke to her and said that Mr Kelly had telephoned him and asked what she was smoking.

The panel heard that it then transpired the data Ms Spencer used in the report was correct and had been for some time, but she said she received no apology.

In July 2020, Ms Spencer submitted a formal grievance against the company, alleging that she was treated differently because she was black and brought up the what are you smoking comment in her complaint.

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The following year, she raised another grievance against her bosses, detailing 59 complaints of pregnancy and maternity discrimination, direct race discrimination and harassment related to race, the majority of which were dismissed by bosses.

In June 2022, she was invited to a disciplinary hearing investigating a serious allegation of misconduct relating to her failure to complete timesheets and was handed a written warning.

Disruptive and antagonistic

Later that year, she was invited to a further disciplinary hearing after she sent an inappropriate and offensive message to Mr Melia, who complained he could no longer tolerate the seriousness of the entirely unfounded allegations this member of my team has made towards me and her behaviour was disruptive and antagonistic.

The complaint was upheld and in light of the two grievances raised against her, she was dismissed in July of that year.

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She took them to an employment tribunal, alleging unfair dismissal, race discrimination, harassment related to race, victimisation and maternity discrimination.

During proceedings, the tribunal heard that at the time the smoking comment was made, Ms Spencer had dreadlocks.

Upholding her claims of harassment relating to race, Judge Wedderspoon said: It was a comment based on a stereotypical view of a black person with dreadlocks smoking drugs.

It was unwanted conduct which violated the dignity of [Ms Spencer] and it was related on race.

Ms Spencer also won other claims of discrimination, harassment related to race, victimisation and pregnancy and maternity discrimination.

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Other claims made by the mother were dismissed.

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Originally appeared on E! Online

E.T. phone home planet K2-18b.

A team of astronomers shared theyve found what they say is the most promising sign of extraterrestrial life on a massive planet, known as K2-18b, in a solar system 120 light-years from Earth.

According to The New York Times, citing a news conference from the researchers, analysis of the planets atmosphere seems to confirm the presence of a molecule that, on Earth, is known only to belong to living organisms such as marine algae.

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University of Cambridge astronomer Nikku Madhusudhan said that, while the research is promising and suggests K2-18b is covered by a warm, life-filled ocean, It is in no ones interest to claim prematurely that we have detected life.

Still, the professor does not want to undermine significance of the discovery.

This is a revolutionary moment, Dr. Madhusudhan added. Its the first time humanity has seen potential biosignatures on a habitable planet.

He also spoke to the possible timeline of further discovery, noting to the BBC, This is the strongest evidence yet there is possibly life out there. I can realistically say that we can confirm this signal within one to two years.

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And should the group be able to prove the existence of life on K2-18b, considering the infiniteness of the universe, it has major implications for future discovery.

"If we confirm that there is life on K2-18b, Dr. Madhusudhan added, it should basically confirm that life is very common in the galaxy."

As he explained, "If there is one example, and the universe being infinite, there is a chance for life on many more planets."

Lucas Aguayo Araos/Anadolu via Getty Images

Yet, while the news is promising, researchers caution against space aficionados and UFO-truthers getting ahead of themselves.

Southwest Research Institute scientist Christopher Glein told the NYT, Unless we see E.T. waving at us, its not going to be a smoking gun.

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This is not the first time, however, that planet K2-18b has sent shockwaves across the universe. In 2023, an investigation with NASAs James Webb Space Telescope revealed the planets atmosphere to contain carbon-bearing molecules including methane and carbon dioxide.

The discovery, at the time, lent credence to the theory that K2-18b was an example of a hycean planet, or a hypothetical type of exoplanet characterized by a hydrogen-rich atmosphere covering an ocean-covered surface.

MARIANA SUAREZ/AFP via Getty Images

Hycean planetstheir name coming from a portmanteau of hydrogen and oceanare considered promising candidates for extraterrestrial life.

As Dr. Madhusudhan, who was also involved in this 2023 discovery, said at the time, Our ultimate goal is the identification of life on a habitable exoplanet, which would transform our understanding of our place in the universe. Our findings are a promising step towards a deeper understanding of Hycean worlds in this quest.

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This far out discovery come just days after Katy Perry, Gayle King and more launched into space on Blue Origins all-female flight. For more on what theyand other Hollywood celebshave said about going to space, keep reading.

Gayle King

I don't know how to explain being terrified and excited at the same time, Gayle King said on CBS Mornings in February when she was announced as a member of Blue Origins six-woman New Shepard NS-31 crew scheduled to blast off April 14. It's like how I felt about to deliver a baby. The idea was to open myself up to new adventures and step outside of my comfort zone, said the 70-year-old cohost, who consulted ground controli.e. her sons and BFF Oprah Winfreybefore signing up for the mission. "Once Kirby and Will and Oprah was fine with it, I was fine," King added. "I thought Oprah would say no, no. She said, 'I think if you don't do it, when they all come back and you had the opportunity to do it, you will be kicking yourself.' She's right."





Katy Perry

I was like, 'What am I going to wear?'" Katy Perry told Elle ahead of her Blue Origin flight with King, Lauren Sanchez, Aisha Bowe, Amanda Nguyen, and Kerianne Flynn. But seriously, I have wanted to go to space for almost 20 years. I was investigating all of the possible commercial options. Even when Blue Origin was first talking about commercial travel to space, I was like, Sign me up! Im first in line. MTV News did report in 2010 that Perry had purchased a $200,000 ticket to board a Virgin Galactic suborbital flight, when the company finally got one off the ground. "I'm so into extraterrestrial stuff, the "E.T." singer told the outlet around that time. It's very difficult for me to look up into the sky in the middle of the night and not think that our planet is one ofa bajillion. It's really, really small. And Russell and I are interested in anything extraterrestrial. I mean, were going to space. (She and then-husband Russell Brand split up in 2011.) As her 2025 Blue Origin trip approached, the 40-year-old told Elle, I dont have any time to be nervous; I aint got time to be worried. Im going to feel something when they go, 10, 9, 8, 7, but until then weve got stuff to do. Weve got business to handle. But best of all, Perry quipped, Space is going to finally be glam. Let me tell you something. If I could take glam up with me, I would do that. We are going to put the ass in astronaut.





William Shatner

William Shatner was 90 when he went to space aboard a Blue Origin rocket in 2021. Once they were up there, the Star Trek alum hightailed it (as fast as floating in zero gravity would let him) to the window. And Shatner saw a cold, dark, black emptiness, he memorably shared in his book (coauthored with Josh Brandon) Boldly Go: Reflections on a Life of Awe and Wonder upon his return. It was unlike any blackness you can see or feel on Earth. It was deep, enveloping, all-encompassing. I turned back toward the light of home. I could see the curvature of Earth, the beige of the desert, the white of the clouds and the blue of the sky. It was life. Nurturing, sustaining, life. Mother Earth. Gaia. And I was leaving her. Everything I had thought was wrong. Everything I had expected to see was wrong. Which made Shatner appreciate Earth all the more. It reinforced tenfold my own view on the power of our beautiful, mysterious collective human entanglement, he wrote, and eventually, it returned a feeling of hope to my heart. Wishing King luck ahead of her Blue Origin trip, Shatner said in a video message, "It's an adventure of a lifetime. Something you never done before and you will never do again. Embrace the journey.





Lance Bass

Lance Bass trained to go to space back in 2002, getting physically in sync with a Russian crew after Dutch-based space tourism company MirCorp arranged with a documentary crew to purchase a $20 million seat for the boy bander aboard a Soyuz flight to the International Space Station. But there was an insurance issue a week before launch, and Bass didnt get to go. If theres no documentary, theres no flight, so, very highly disappointed, he reflected to Space.com in 2023, but it was still amazing to be able to finish that training. The NSYNC alum noted that hed still love to go to the ISS one day, but he wasnt interested in going up for a few minutes on a Blue Origin or Virgin Galactic suborbital flight.

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Michael Strahan

Michael Strahan said going to space aboard Blue Origins New Shepard rocket in December 2021 was almost like an out-of-body experience. Its hard to believe it even happened, he told his then-ABC News colleague Amy Robach at the time. "It's a crazy feeling, like the feeling of weightlessness, the feeling when the booster goes off, the rocket goes off, and it detaches and you don't know what's up from down. And you're body just goes like this, and you take off a seatbelt, but naturally, it feels natural to move."





Kim Kardashian

Kim Kardashians then-boyfriend Pete Davidson said OK to an invitation to fly gratis alongside five paying customers on the New Shepard in March 2022, but after the flight was delayed, the Saturday Night Live star had to bow out. Pete Davidson is no longer able to join the NS-20 crew on this mission, a Blue Origin spokesperson announced. We will announce the sixth crew member in the coming days. When he was booked to go, however, Kardashianwho recalled seeing her parents cry in 1986 when the Space Shuttle Challenger explodedadmitted that she was initially freaked out. Jeff Bezos invited Pete to go to space, she said on The Kardashians. I really cant believe itthat hes gonna go. It seems like such a crazy concept to me. Then she got to talk to Bezos, however, and hearing how safe it is and all the testing and everything they do, I felt comfortable with [Pete] going. And, Kardashian added, If I didnt have four kids, I would absolutely go.





Elon Musk

SpaceX founder Elon Musk hasnt actually flown in one of his companys crafts yet, but he did say at the International Astronautical Conference in 2016 he hoped they would be ferrying humans to Mars as soon as 2024. He admitted at the time that was an optimistic estimate. Less optimistic, Musk also said at the time, "I think the first journeys to Mars will be really very dangerous. The risk of fatality will be high. There's just no way around it." He adjusted his goal in September 2024, saying that SpaceX intended to launch an uncrewed Starship to Mars by the end of 2026, with an eye on sending humans to the Red Planet two years after that.





Leonardo DiCaprio

While moderating a discussion at the White House between then-President Barack Obama and climate scientist Katharine Hayhoe in October 2016, Leonardo DiCaprio maybe-joked that he was onboard with the whole Mars thing. The reality of it is, if youre a human living on this planetwhich most of us are, yeah? Hayhoe said as they discussed the importance of electing leaders who believe in climate change. As long as we havent signed up for the trip to Mars. I dont want to know if anyone has, I think youre crazy. To which DiCaprio interjected, I did. Quipped Obama, I think hell acknowledge hes crazy. While DiCaprio has never set the record straight on that one way or another, he once had plans to hitch a ride on a Virgin Galactic space liner. So much so that a seat on the same spacecraft, whenever it eventually took off, was auctioned off for $1.5 million at the amfAR Cinema Against AIDS charity galawhich DiCaprio was present forduring the 2013 Cannes Film Festival. But as the years went by, Virgin Galactic founder Richard Branson said he was not sure whether DiCaprio would be on the first official flight or not. Weve got about 700 people signed up and theyve been pretty committed, he told Vulture in 2016. Some of them have been signed up for as long as ten years since we started the program. But were not too long now, I think. The VSS Unity eventually achieved the companys first suborbital space flight in 2018, without DiCaprio aboard.

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Justin Bieber

In February 2013, Justin Bieber tweeted, I wanna do a concert in space. NASA replied, Maybe we can help you with that. That June, Branson tweeted that Bieber and his then-manager Scooter Braun had signed up for Virgin Galactic suborbital spaceflights, adding, Congrats, see you there! To which Bieber replied, Lets shoot a music video in SPACE!! None of this has happened yet.





Tom Hanks

Tom Hanks has been obsessed with space ever since he watched Stanley Kubricks 2001: A Space Odyssey in 1968, when he was 12. It presented this romantic notion of a human being in this place void of life, the Apollo 13 star told The Guardian in 2023. I had paid attention to the space program prior to that, but I was not hooked by the artistry or the romance of it until I saw that movie. A month after his mind-blowing cinematic experience, he watched a Christmas broadcast of Apollo 8 orbiting the moon. Im actually seeing the whole Earth on my TV, he recalled. I am on that planet that is in the picture! His latest space-centric project is The Moonwalkers: A Journey with Tom Hanks, an immersive film about the Apollo missions playing at Space Center Houston, which he cowrote and narrates. And count Hanks among the stars reportedly on the Virgin Galactic standby list. Though the Oscar winner said on Jimmy Kimmel Live! in 2021 that he had turned down a Blue Origin flight opportunity for a very down-to-earth reason. It costs 28 million bucks or something like that, Hanks cracked. Im doing good, Jimmy. Im doing good, but I aint paying 28 [million] bucks.





Ashton Kutcher

Ashton Kutcher also booked future passage with Virgin Galactic, but sold his ticket back after a heart-to-heart with Mila Kunis. When I got married and had kids, he told Cheddar News in July 2021, my wife basically encouraged that it was not a smart family decision to be heading into space when we have young children.





Prince William

Prince William wont be accused of trying to colonize Mars, thank you very much. The world should be fixed on trying to repair this planet, he told the BBCs Newscast in 2021. That really is quite crucial, we need to be focusing on this [planet] rather than giving up and heading out into space to try and think of solutions for the future. And, the father of three noted, he admittedly preferred to measure altitude in feet, not miles. "I have absolutely no interest in going that high," William said. "I'm a pilotbut I stay reasonably close to the ground. I've been up to 65,000 feet once in a plane and that was truly terrifying."

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Cameron Diaz

I'd love to go to spaceit really is the next frontier," Cameron Diaz told InStyle in 2014. Humans have to move off this planet at some point. Were explorersthats what we do. Pondering a blue moon from a beach in St. Barts at the time, the actress added, I dont know anything. All I know is things are bigger than me. And I surrender to everything bigger than me, whatever those things might be.





Michael Fassbender

Starring in Ridley Scotts Alien prequel Prometheus didnt turn Michael Fassbender off the idea of really going to space, even if no one can hear you scream out there. If I had a chance to go into space, Id definitely take it, he told W in 2012, but its never been a priority for me.





Charlize Theron

Fassbenders Prometheus costar Charlize Theron, however, was a little haunted. If space is not the world of Ridley Scott, Id go, Theron told W. When I watched Prometheus at a screening, I got so scared, I elbowed the metal chair next to me. I still have a little scar from it. And considering she knew what was going to happen already, That says a lot about how pathetic I am, she continued. I dont think Im made of the right stuff for space.





Paris Hilton

After reports surfaced that Paris Hilton booked a passage on Virgin Galactic in 2008 (10 years before a flight took place), she said in an interview that she was actually quite scared. "What if I don't come back?" Hilton mused. With the whole light-years thing, what if I come back 10,000 years later, and everyone I know is dead? Ill be like, Great. Now I have to start all over. She never made the trip, but interviewing Branson on This Is Paris in 2021, she revealed that her now-husband Carter Reum had told her he bought a ticket to ride. Our aim is, one day, to try to enable many people who are listening to this program to go to space, and try to drive the price down, Branson said. But it will take time cause, you know, space is expensive.

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Family and friends of a Venezuelan migrant living in Texas say officials sent him to an El Salvador mega-prison because he had an autism awareness tattoo.

Neri Jose Alvarado Borges was one of the hundreds of men deported by immigration authorities on March 15 to El Salvador's Terrorism Confinement Center, one of the most dangerous prisons in the world, his friends and family told NBC Dallas Fort Worth on Monday.

Borges has a tattoo that features a rainbow-colored ribbon composed of puzzle pieces, a symbol for autism awareness, along with the name of Borgess autistic brother, according to the local outlet.

Neri Jose Alvarado Borges.

Borges friends and family said he was told by immigration authorities that the tattoo was proof he belonged to the Venezuelan gang Tren de Aragua.

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"And he said, 'But I have my asylum, I have the asylum [papers] here with me,'" Juan Enrique Hernandez, a friend of Borges, told NBC Dallas Fort Worth. "And the people said no, youre going to jail because you have a tattoo."

The Department of Homeland Security did not immediately return NBC News' request for comment. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, which is under the Department of Homeland Security, confirmed Borges' apprehension with NBC Dallas-Fort Worth. NBC News reached out to ICE for additional comment.

Borges was working at a bakery in Lewisville, Texas, before he was apprehended by ICE agents at his apartment complex in February, according to the local outlet.

His friends told NBC Dallas Fort-Worth that he was apprehended for crossing into the United States illegally and was being held at Bluebonnet Jail near Abilene.

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The Dallas County Sheriffs Office told NBC Dallas Fort-Worth that they had no records of Borges being charged with any crime locally.

"Everybody working here knows Neri is a good person, is a good brother, is a good friend," Hernandez, the owner of the bakery Borges was working at, told the outlet.

Several relatives of men sent to the mega-prison last month have similarly disputed claims by the Trump administration that their family members are affiliated with gangs, which the administration used to justify their deportations.

Neri Jose Alvarado Borges' tattoo is a rainbow-colored ribbon made up of puzzle pieces, the symbol for autism awareness, along with the name of his younger brother, who has autism.

Court documents show that the government relied on mundane tattoos and social media posts to justify the deportations.

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One man's deportation has prompted national outrage in recent weeks. Kilmar Abrego Garcia, an El Salvador immigrant who was living in Maryland under a court-issued protective order, was sent to prison in El Salvador last month, in what federal officials called an "administrative error."

The Trump administration has repeatedly defied or ignored a court order to return Abrego Garcia to the United States, raising concerns about a constitutional crisis.

Trump and other White House officials have also floated the idea of deporting U.S. citizens convicted of certain crimes.

This article was originally published on NBCNews.com
Immigration attorneys in Atlanta suspect the U.S. Department of Government Efficiency, DOGE, may have caused thousands of international students to lose their visa status over the past week.

What we understand is that DOGE was given access to all these student records, all these visa files, and they prob ran some AI that gave them all these hits if they searched for things related to arrests or tickets or citations, and they just were able to get a batch of people, attorney Dustin Baxter told Channel 2s Courtney Francisco.

Baxter is representing dozens of metro-Atlanta students and alumni who filed a federal lawsuit asking a judge to stop the government from deporting them and reinstate their visa status.

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These people are petrified that if they speak up that ICE is going to come knocking at their door. In fact, most of the people who have come to our case have indicated to us that they are just not going to leave their house, Baxter said.

Baxter said most of the clients in this case studied at Georgia Tech, Georgia Southern, Kennesaw State, the University of Georgia and Emory. He said some studied at universities in other parts of this federal courts district.

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He said all started losing their visas last Tuesday, and all have had some type of traffic ticket or offense.

We all get stopped for speeding, or for running a red light, or passing a stop sign we didnt see. Thats not a valid reason to revoke somebodys student status, Baxter said.

The U.S. Attorneys Office in Atlanta is defending the other side of the lawsuit: Attorney General Pam Bondi, Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem, and Acting Director of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement Todd Lyons.

Prosecutors declined to comment before the hearing scheduled for Thursday.

Chairman of the Georgia Association of College Republicans Emanuel Hernaiz told Channel 2 Action News last week he supports the Trump Administrations decisions so far.

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I, truthfully, think if youre a good student, youre trying to get an education, youre trying to do whats best for you, your family and the country, you got nothing to worry about, Hernaiz said.

Schools slated to lose tuition said in statements last week that they are helping however they legally can.

Baxter said the students who are working are getting the support of their employers.

And their employers are freaking out, Baxter said.

The first hearing in this case is scheduled for Thursday morning in Atlanta.
Attorneys for a Venezuelan detainee who is currently imprisoned in a notorious Salvadoran prison filed a habeas petition on Wednesday, asking a federal judge to order the immediate release of their client.

Instead of deporting Edicson David Quintero Chacon to Venezuela, the government is "paying" for his "torture in El Salvador with U.S. taxpayer dollars in flagrant violation of the United States Constitution," his attorneys said in the filing.

According to the habeas petition, on June 13, 2024, Quintero Chacon went to his routine check-in with Immigration and Customs Enforcement in North Carolina where he was detained and taken into custody and transferred to a detention center in Georgia. Then, in September 2024, an immigration judge ordered him removed from the U.S. to Venezuela.

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On February 10, 2025, he filed a habeas petition challenging his detention in Georgia, saying he "was not fighting [his] case anymore" and that he "just wanted to go home."

A month later, after being transferred to a detention center in Texas, Quintero Chacon was put on one of the first flights to El Salvador with more than a hundred other Venezuelan migrants.

"Mr. Quinteros continuing detentionnow approaching a yearis lawless," his attorneys said in the petition. "There is no statutory authority that could possibly justify his continued custody under or by color of the authority of the U.S. government, let alone at CECOT."

MORE: Senator heads to El Salvador to find Maryland migrant deported erroneously by Trump

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The governments decision to transfer Quintero Chacon to CECOT, his attorneys said, "will amount to an effective life sentenceand possibly a death sentence."

Quintero Chacons attorneys said in the filing that he has not been charged with or convicted of a crime in any country.

"He is a loving husband, father of two small children, brother, and son, and a skilled carpenter and fisherman," his attorneys said in the petition.

The U.S. Department of Homeland Security did not respond to a request for comment on the habeas petition and questions about Quintero Chacon.

In a 5-4 decision earlier this month, the Supreme Court ruled that the Trump administration could resume deportations of alleged Venezuelan gang members under the Alien Enemies Act, but said detainees must be given due process to challenge their removal.

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Attorneys for the American Civil Liberties Union said on Wednesday they plan to refile more than a hundred habeas claims in Washington for the men who were deported on March 15.

Attorneys for Venezuelan detainee imprisoned in El Salvador say his detention is 'lawless' originally appeared on abcnews.go.com
A legislative audit of the Utah Department of Workforce Services found that despite the success of some division programs, areas for improvement exist  namely in the Workforce Development Division.

Five years after entering a program in one of the department's 16 divisions, participants on average show a decrease in unemployment and use of eligibility services and positive wage growth, according to the auditor's report.

While that is good, the audit found many participants still struggle with consistent employment and earning a living wage after completing their program. Data from the audit showed that across the programs reviewed, at least 9% of participants made a living wage five years after participation.

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With this in mind, the audit recommended the department identify factors that lead to success and model more Workforce Development Division programs around those factors.

"(Department of Workforce Services) should explore many variables that may lead to success, like demographics, fields, employers, education programs and employment councilors, to understand what factors uncommonly successful or unsuccessful participants share," the auditor's report says.

Another positive was the audit's praise for the department's efforts to conduct Medicaid renewal reviews for employees after Congress ended continuous enrollment in 2023.

"According to legislative intent, the Department of Workforce Services reset the Medicaid rolls relatively quickly after COVID-19-related enrollment increases. A federal Inspector General's review of Utah's unwinding also concluded that it was generally done in accordance with state and federal requirements. Our own review supported these findings," the report says.

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Alternatively, the audit found that the eligibility services division, which processes applications for public financial, medical and nutritional benefits programs to connect Utahns with services they qualify for, could be more accessible.

"The division should consider whether the current allotted time for online applications for benefits to be submitted is an accessibility barrier. They should also ensure their average call wait time complies with requirements set by the Legislature," the report says.

The Utah Legislature passed HB7 in 2024, establishing a performance goal for the Eligibility Services Division to answer customers' calls for assistance within 18 minutes. That year, the wait time averaged around 20 minutes, and generally, wait times are higher than the target of 18 minutes established by the Legislature.

Thus, the audit recommended the department "develop and implement a strategy to reduce their call wait times to meet requirements" and create and implement a plan to extend phone line operating hours.

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On the topic of accessibility, the audit also found that the department allows "significantly less" time to complete online applications than other states.

"Community advocates are concerned that (Department of Workforce Services) services can be inaccessible to vulnerable or at-risk Utahns. We found that (the Department of Workforce Services) Medicaid application portal saves applicant data for only 24 hours," the report says.

Other states allow more time for people to complete applications. Colorado saves Medicaid data for 90 days, Arizona for 30 days, and Washington for 15 days.

To remedy this, the auditor recommended that the department "collect and analyze internal data to determine whether the time allowed for a customer to submit an online application or benefits is sufficient and, if warranted, allow more time to complete the application."

The auditors report can be read in its entirety on the Utah Legislatures website.
Kentucky legalized medical marijuana in 2023 and began licensing growers, processors and dispensaries last year. (Getty Images)

Kentucky Auditor Allison Ball plans to investigate how the states Office of Medical Cannabis (OMC) processed license applications, she announced Thursday.

Balls office will be examining OMCs business license application and award processes, her office said.

My office has continued to receive complaints about how the Office of Medical Cannabis administered the lottery process for awarding medical cannabis business licenses, Ball, a Republican, said in a statement. Kentuckians should have confidence that state offices operate with transparency and integrity, and my office is committed to ensuring those standards.

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Crystal Staley, a spokeswoman for Beshear, said no one has filed a legal claim challenging Kentuckys medical cannabis laws or the Office of Medical Cannabis regulations.

Throughout the entire process we have been committed to transparency, which is why the lottery process was streamed live and online, Staley said. The individuals who have come forward to express concerns went through the full process and did not complain until after not being selected in the lottery.

In 2023, the legislature legalized medical marijuana for Kentuckians suffering from chronic illnesses. Last year, the bipartisan House Bill 829 became law and moved up the medical cannabis licensing timeline from January 2025 to July 1, 2024.

During the application period, which was July 1Aug. 31, the state received 4,998 applications for medical cannabis business licenses, including 918 cultivator and processor applications.

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Patients who qualify for medical cannabis are those with a history of post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), cancer or other approved medical conditions.

The Kentucky Lottery Corporation ran the license lottery.

Beshear said Thursday during his weekly press conference that more than 12,000 Kentuckians have received a written certification and more than 8,000 have successfully applied for and received a medical cannabis card since January.

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AUGUSTA, GA. (WJBF)  Augusta leaders confirmed Wednesday that the citys Housing and Community Development Director, Hawthorne Welcher, has been put on paid administrative leave.

According to commissioners, the decision was made in a legal session on April 1st, just a few days before Masters week.

Welcher is now off the job due to what they call compliance issues.

Welcher was hired as the Housing and Community Development Director back in July 2015, but hes been involved with the department since 2008.

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Before that, he also worked with the Aiken Housing Authority for 10 years.

ALSO ON WJBF: Insight from Masters renters, Corporate Quarters for those already planning for Masters 2026

Now, hes temporarily off the job.

Director Welcher was placed on administrative leave until further notice based upon some preliminary findings of some compliance that we discovered that were not followed, said District 6 Commissioner Tony Lewis.

He says the decision was made to put all parties involved in the best position going forward.

We wanted to make sure that we gave him a fair chance for us getting together to get what we need, that way it wouldnt put him in a bad position. So, we deemed it necessary to allow him to be put on paid administrative leave until such time that we could investigate these findings, Lewis said.

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Some commissioners say the move was initiated by the mayors office, but Lewis says it was a joint effort.

When it was brought to our attention, all of us were in agreeance that we needed to look into this matter to try to get it resolved, said Lewis.

The last time we saw Welcher was almost a year ago, when the city held a groundbreaking for the affordable housing apartment known as The Lenox.

Lewis says despite the investigation, he and others are satisfied with Welchers work.

Absolutely. I can say that Ive been satisfied with the job that he and his office have been doing, said Lewis.

We are still working to find out more details, including what those issues specifically are.

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We did reach out to Mayor Garnett Johnson for comment, and he declined.

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Photo: the Ministry of Investments, Industry, and Trade of Uzbekistan

TASHKENT, Uzbekistan, April 17. Deputy Minister of Uzbekistan Akram Aliyev met with Milan Horvath, Deputy Director General of Eximbank of Slovakia in Uzbekistan, Trend reports, citing the Ministry of Investments, Industry, and Trade of Uzbekistan.

In the course of the meeting, it was noted that Eximbank, in cooperation with Slovak companies and commercial banks, is currently finalizing the structure of financing and insurance of export contracts in Uzbekistan.

The parties reached agreements on several promising areas of cooperation, including the provision of long-term export credits, insurance for large export contracts, collaboration in the energy sector, and long-term financing for projects in Uzbekistan.
(NewsNation)  Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. has vowed to get to the cause of what he has called an autism epidemic but advocates say its important for autistic voices to be included in the conversation.

Kristyn Roth, with Autism Speaks, joined NewsNation to explain why the conversation about increased autism diagnoses must be science-based and include autistic people.

We all need to collectively have a seat at the table in order to accurately represent the diversity and the depth of autism experiences across the spectrum, she said.

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RFK Jr. decries epidemic denial amid increasing autism rates

Roth said there is concern among advocates over transparency on autism research from HHS and whether the language and goals reflect the diverse experiences and opinions within the autism community.

There has been a really scary narrative that has been coming out of the administration, she said. Using language like chronic disease or childhood disease or epidemic is not only inaccurate in the definition of autism, but it perpetuates stigma and stereotypes.

Every single case represents a unique individual, Roth said, and its important not to invalidate individual experiences.

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The Autism Society is willing to be part of conversations about autism in government, but Roth said so far, that has not happened.

She also rejected RFKs request for the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to study whether autism and vaccines are linked, something that has been debunked in the past.

Senators request to visit Kilmar Abrego Garcia in El Salvador denied

There have been rigorous global, peer-reviewed studies involving millions of people across the world that definitively validate that there is no link between autism and vaccines, she said.

Roth said taking the time to re-examine something already disproven is not a valuable use of time, and doing so delays conversation about the immediate needs of the autistic community.

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There have been efforts to dismantle the existing supports and services that our community needs, and that includes sweeping cuts to HHS, dismantling the Department of Education, significant threats to Medicaid, she said. Going backwards is really threatening decades of progress that weve made together.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to NewsNation.
U.S. Air Force B-2 stealth bombers have not dropped any GBU-57/B Massive Ordnance Penetrator (MOP) bunker buster bombs on Yemens Houthis since the Trump administration launched a renewed aerial campaign against them, two U.S. officials have told TWZ. Reports in the past day or so had said that MOPs, Americas largest conventional bomb, had been employed against the Houthis sometime earlier this month. Even if the 30,000-pound GBU-57/Bs had been dropped on the Yemeni militants, they are relatively prized and specialized weapons, the use of which would likely be extremely selective and very limited in scope.

TWZ raised the question of whether B-2s carrying 30,000-pound bunker busters might strike targets in Yemen, in large part to send signals to Iran, after some of the bombers were sent to strike the Houthis last year. The topic came back up again after six B-2s were deployed to the island of Diego Garcia in the Indian Ocean as part of a larger build-up of U.S. military forces in and around the Middle East last month.

Six B-2 bombers seen parked on the apron at the airfield on Diego Garcia earlier this year. PHOTO  2025 PLANET LABS INC. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. REPRINTED BY PERMISSION

Recent reporting from The Aviationist and multiple outlets saying that MOPs have been used against the Houthis traces to a Fox News television segment yesterday, which prompted TWZ to seek direct confirmation. A U.S. defense official subsequently told us that no MOPs have been employed on targets in Yemen in the past two months.

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Based on current knowledge of what munitions have been used and reports that have made it up the chain of command, my understanding is that the GBU-57 hasnt been used during this ongoing operation, a second U.S. official also told TWZ.

B-2s forward-deployed in Diego Garcia have flown missions targeting the Houthis using other unspecified munitions. The exact mix of munitions B-2s dropped on Yemen during the strikes last year remains unknown. It is also worth noting here that, at the time of writing, the Pentagon has only held one press briefing on the current Yemen campaign since March 17.

A B-2 bomber drops a MOP during a test. USAF

TWZ has also recently examined satellite images of multiple tunnel complexes in Yemen suspected to be utilized by the Houthis and has seen no signs of major damage. At the same time, a lack of readily visible damage can be indicative of the use of bunker buster bombs, and commercially available satellite imagery has major limitations in spotting fine details that could result from such a strike.

None of this precludes the potential for B-2s to drop GBU-57/Bs on Houthi targets in Yemen in the future. As TWZ has highlighted in our past reporting about the recent deployment of the stealth bombers to Diego Garcia, as well as the B-2 strikes on Yemen last year, the MOP is inextricably linked to the signaling power of sending these aircraft to any region.

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The B-2 is currently the only aircraft certified to operationally employ GBU-57/Bs, the design of which has been and continues to be upgraded, as you can read more about here. A single B-2 can carry just two of the huge bunker-buster bombers. The pairing of the stealth bombers and the MOP gives the United States a unique option for penetrating into heavily defended areas to launch conventional strikes on deeply buried and fortified targets, including ones in Iran.

A MOP seen right before hitting the ground during a test. DOD

However, while there have been reports of the steady acquisition of additional GBU-57/Bs, as well as work to expand prime contractor Boeings overall capacity to build the bombs, the total stockpile is still understood to be relatively small.

As such, any use of GBU-57/Bs against targets in Yemen would have to be gauged against the need to ensure sufficient stocks of the bombs would still be available for use in the event of other major contingencies. A limited use of MOPs against particularly deeply buried targets would still offer strategic signalling benefits, especially aimed toward Iran, as well as the opportunity to gather data about how well the weapons work in a real-world context. Questions have been raised in the past about whether certain underground facilities in Iran tied to that countrys nuclear program might be beyond the reach of MOP, or at least safe from complete destruction from their employment.

An inert MOP used for training. Missouri Air National Guard

Negotiations between the United States and Iran over the latter countrys nuclear ambitions are now underway, the progress of which will have impacts on any additional messaging using U.S. military capabilities, including possibly dropping MOPs on targets in Yemen. But should the choice be made to attack Iran, those prized, massive weapons will be needed for far more pressing targets than going after stockpiles of Houthi missiles and drones.

Contact the author: joe@twz.com
Police squad car lights. (Stock photo by Oliver Helbig/Getty Images)

A proposal that would lift the anonymity of people filing complaints against a law enforcement officers advanced in a Florida House committee on Thursday, even though key players in Florida law enforcement are divided about whether the legislation is truly Backing the Blue.

The proposal sponsored by Miami-Dade Republican Tom Fabricio (HB 317) would require a person who initially files an anonymous complaint about a law or corrections officer in the state to have to give up his or her anonymity before any interrogation of that officer can commence.

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Both the Florida Sheriffs Association and the Florida Police Chiefs Association oppose the bill.

It will not increase accountability, said Tampa International Airport Police Department Chief Charlie Vazquez, who is serving as president of the Florida Police Chiefs Association. It will make it more difficult to hold officers accountable when they have serious misconduct.

But other parts of the law enforcement community do support the measure, such as the Florida Fraternal Order of Police.

A member of that organization, Miami Police officer Felix Del Rosario, said the proposal is about fairness, integrity, and the protection of those who dedicate their lives to public service.

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Del Rosario added that, for too long, police officers in Florida have been subjected to prolonged and ambiguous investigations.

This legislation helps address those inequities, he said, by ensuring that officers have timely access to their complete investigative file, providing safeguards against unfounded and malicious allegations that can have long lasting affects on an officers reputation, career, and upholding the principals of.due process and equal treatment under the law.

I also back the Black

Orange County Democratic Rep. LaVon Bracy Davis noted how the Legislature last year effectively eliminated civilian review boards designed to oversee certain local law enforcement, which was supported by the sheriffs and police chiefs, so why wouldnt they support those agencies on this piece of legislation?

I feel like Im in an alternate universe right now because I hear from this chamber, from this committee, often times that we need to Back the Blue. And the Blue just spoke. What I wrote down from the police chief is that this bill will make it more difficult to hold officers accountable when they participate in misconduct, she said.

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And Bracy Davis, who is Black, said she was speaking as a representative of a minority-majority district with constituents who in some cases have apprehension when it comes to dealing with police officers.

So, not only do I Back the Blue, but I also back the Black, and I back the Brown.

Rep. Bruce Antone, who also is Black, said he opposed the bill which, ultimately would repeal anonymity for a complainant once law enforcement begins interrogating the accused officer. Antone listed three separate occasions when he was harassed by law enforcement.

South Florida Democratic Rep. Mike Gottlieb said he disagreed with the notion that if he opposed the bill he somehow was not Backing the Blue.

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We have many masters, and in a bill like this we have the administration, we have the rank and file, the law enforcement officers who are on the street fighting day and day out to protect the society, and we have the citizens, and each one of us represents approximately 175,000 individuals, he said. And to come here and tell us that if we vote no on this product we dont Back the Blue? Thats just not true.

You put your face on it

But Republicans on the committee said that while the administrators and lobbyists for Floridas top law enforcement agencies oppose the bill, actual cops on the street support it, and that should be good enough.

All were saying is, if you have a complaint against someone, just like if youre going to accuse someone in a court of law, put your face on it, said Hillsborough County GOP Rep. Danny Alvarez, whose job outside of the Legislature is general counsel for the Tampa Police Benevolent Association. And if you cant put your face and name on it, then its not worthy of going forward and smearing this person for the rest of their career.

Alvarez added that the bill was for the cop, not the sergeant, not the captain, and not the chief.

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Last week, when the bill was heard in the House Government Operations Subcommittee, Jennifer Cookie Pritt, executive director of Florida Police Chiefs Association, gave highly personal testimony regarding an incident involving a herself and a high-ranking command officer as a real life example of why she opposed the bill. She chose not to comment publicly on the measure on Thursday.

Ultimately, the House Judiciary Committee voted 16-4 to advance the bill, and it now moves to the full House for consideration. But it may not end up becoming law this year, as its Senate companion (SB 516) has yet to be heard in any committee in that chamber.

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FREMONT, Calif. (KRON)  Prosecutors filed hate crime charges against a man who allegedly slapped a mother inside a Fremont McDonalds restaurant, threw sauce on her daughter, stole their French fries, and told the victims, you Indians need to go back to your country.

Marcus Harper, 22, of Union City, is accused of targeting an Asian Indian woman and her 9-year-old daughter while the victims were sitting in a booth eating at the fast-food restaurant.

Fremont Police Department officers described the assault at McDonalds on Fremont Boulevard as completely unprovoked.

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Alameda County District Attorney Ursula Jones Dickson said, This act of hate based upon the perceived national origin of these victims is completely unacceptable. Such behavior will not be tolerated, and those who commit hate crimes will be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law.

(Photo by David Paul Morris/ Bloomberg via Getty Images)

The incident happened on the afternoon of April 5. The girl was eating with her mother and father when Harper approached the family, grabbed a handful of French fries from their food tray, and ate the fries, a Fremont police officer wrote in court documents.

Harper walked away. Seconds later, he returned, made racist comments, and slapped the 36-year-old mother across her face while he was standing behind her, police said.

Harper then threw an open packet of sauce at (the girl), staining her sweater. It is believed based on Harpers unprovoked attack and statement, You Indians need to go back to your own country, that this attack was motivated by hate based on the perceived characteristics of the victims race or ethnicity, the FPD officer wrote.

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The girls father called 911 and Harper left the McDonalds. When officers arrived, they found surveillance videos showing what happened inside the restaurant, as well as Harpers 2003 Honda Accord outside. Police identified Harper as a suspect after viewing his 2024 mugshot and connecting him to the Honda.

On Tuesday, detectives found Harper driving the Honda in Newark and arrested him.

During a police interrogation, Harper told officers that the father gave him a weird feeling while they were inside McDonalds.

Palo Alto woman accused of spitting, yelling racial slurs at man

Harper did not deny his actions after being shown still images taken from surveillance footage, but said he blacked out. He said he believed the (womans) husband wanted him to slap her, an FPD officer wrote.

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Alameda County prosecutors filed hate crime and battery charges against the suspect. If convicted, Harper could face up to a year in jail. He is scheduled to be arraigned at the East County Hall of Justice in Dublin Thursday.

Santa Rita Jail inmate records show Harper currently remains in custody in lieu of $110,000 bail.

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UPPER WEST SIDE, Manhattan (PIX11)  A new bagel shop on Manhattans Upper West Side is in the works. Its set to replace an iconic business that had been there for nearly 40 years.

A steady stream of Upper West Siders walked past the new signage outside the former location for Absolute Bagels with curiosity on Wednesday. Many neighbors say the closure in December left a hole in the community.

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Best bagel in New York City, said Upper West Side resident Mark Fleischman.

Upper West Side resident Abraham Alvarez said, The taste, it had a bit of sweetness, some sourness. A little expensive, but a good size. They were good.

A place so beloved, many customers said they were willing to overlook the slew of health violations the business received from the city before it closed.

More: Latest News from Around the Tri-State

When asked if he was OK with the violations, Alvarez said, I did want them to [stay open]. I would check my bagel for bugs.

Fleischman said, The health violations were pretty grim, but I was totally fine with it. If theyd kept on making bagels, I would have totally been OK with it.

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Thats why many people are happy to hear a new bagel shop is opening. But theres a catch. The original business is not back.

Rafe Evans is with Walker, Malloy & Company, the broker for the building. Last week, he signed a new lease for the commercial space with new tenants.

Evans said the new business owners are a group that already owns a few bagel shops in New York and New Jersey.

They are going to rebuild it from scratch. They need everything. Floors, walls, ceilings, the works, Evans said. We were surprised to see theyre calling themselves the new Absolute Bagels. We do get why theyre doing that.

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Evans said the new owners have no connection to the family that owned the previous business for 36 years. He doesnt believe the recipes will be similar either.

Sam, the former owner, was asked if he wanted to sell his recipes, and he said anyone can make a bagel, Evans said.

Regardless, locals said they are excited that there is new life coming to the area.

The cyclical nature of economic opportunity in New York is pretty much a staple. Theres always something opening and closing. When one thing closes, another opens, one man said.

Fleischman said, Well see. If its anything like Absolute, theyll have my business.

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PIX11 News reached out to the new owners of the bagel shop. The group did not want to comment right now, but were told renovations should take several months.

PIX11 also reached out to the original owners of Absolute Bagels but has yet to hear back.

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A Dodge County judge set bail at $2 million on April 17 for Gary Day, the man facing four felony charges of child enticement and abduction of a child in connection to the disappearance of a Beaver Dam teenager from her home that triggered multi-state Amber Alerts before he was apprehended in Nebraska.

The initial court appearance was the first time 40-year-old Day, of Austin, Arkansas, appeared in a Wisconsin court after Sophia Franklin, 17, was taken from her home on Feb. 3. Franklin is five months pregnant with Day's child.

Dodge County Circuit Court Judge Brian Pfitzinger also stipulated that Day should have no direct or indirect contact with Franklin or any members of her family and no contact with any minors, according to online court records.

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Day first appeared in a Nebraska courtroom on April 10, where he voluntarily executed waivers of extradition to Wisconsin and Arkansas, two states where he faces charges. He and Franklin had been reported and apprehended by officials in Omaha, Nebraska, after a truck driver and his wife felt their interaction with the two was suspicious.

Franklin was returned home safely. Sophia Franklin's parents said they had been living in a near-constant state of mental anguish since she was taken for the second time from their Beaver Dam home by Day, a man more than twice her age.

According to the amended criminal complaint, Franklin told officers there was no plan for Day to come to her home, "he just popped up in her bedroom." She then grabbed a coat and pillow and they left.

The two traveled through Eau Claire to Minnesota. They then traveled to Iowa, Missouri, through Kansas City wherethey slept in parking lots for two nights and then traveled to the panhandle of Oklahoma, through Texas, New Mexico and then to the Phoenix, Arizona, area, the complaint details.

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Day purchased food at a Walmart in Missouri using his EBT card. Day ditched his car, a Buick that was part of the Amber Alert information, in Avondale, Arizona, near a Culver's restaurant, according to the complaint. They then traveled with truck drivers, who helped get them food.

Franklin told officers they did not have "specific plans" for the baby's arrival, adding they were engaged and planned to be married, according to the complaint.

Leah Franklin, Sophia Franklin's mother, called Day a "predator" in an interview with the Journal Sentinel the day her daughter returned home.

Sophia's parents believe their teenage daughter was strategically being taken to states where the legal age of consent is 16, her mother said. The experience has her parents eyeing advocacy efforts to address cellphone and internet accessibility issues they believe contributed to their daughter's situation.

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Day and Franklin first met online in April 2024. Day first took the teenage girl from her home and back to his home in Arkansas in August 2024.

Sophia's parents first learned she was living with Day in Arkansas four months later when officers with the Austin Police Department went to Day's home on Dec. 10. He was on probation and parole and was being investigated for crimes against children, according to the complaint.

Sophia remained with her family in Beaver Dam until Day returned to her home and again took her out of state in February, authorities say.

Jessica Van Egeren is a general assignment reporter and assistant breaking news editor with the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel. She can be reached at jvanegeren@gannett.com.

This article originally appeared on Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: $2 million bail set for man charged with Beaver Dam teen's disappearance
BATON ROUGE, La. (Louisiana First)  A bill banning outdoor balloon releases, citing concerns over environmental damage, wildlife deaths, and recent utility outages, was approved by lawmakers and now heads to Gov. Jeff Landrys desk.

House Bill 581, sponsored by Rep. John R. Illg Jr. (R-Harahan), would prohibit anyone over the age of 16 from intentionally releasing balloons outdoors. Exceptions include hot air balloons that are recovered after launch, balloons used for scientific or meteorological purposes, and indoor balloon releases.

Violators could face civil penalties of $150 for a first offense, $250 for a second, and $500 for third or subsequent violations. Releasing multiple balloons at once would be considered a single violation. Fines collected would be directed to the states Conservation Fund for litter abatement.

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The fact is those balloons meant as a memorial or celebration become a deadly litter source as theyre released into the air, Illg told lawmakers. The pieces that fall back down to Earth have real consequences for the environment and wildlife.

How balloon releases in Louisiana can hurt animals, cause power outages

Entergy Louisiana has raised alarms about Mylar balloons, which are metallic and can cause dangerous electrical surges or outages when they contact power lines or transformers. A high-profile outage occurred in New Orleans in August 2024, when a Mylar balloon caused a power flicker at a water treatment plant, leading to a boil water advisory for nearly 370,000 residents.

Latex balloons also present hazards. While less conductive, their strings can wrap around power lines, causing outages, especially during storms.

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Beyond utility concerns, environmentalists and wildlife experts have long warned that balloon debris is often mistaken for food by birds, sea turtles, and other animals, sometimes causing fatal injuries. Lt. Gov. Billy Nungesser showed lawmakers photos of wildlife harmed by balloons, calling them deadly pieces of litter that Louisiana must address.

Some cities across the country have already taken action. Galveston, Texas, banned balloon releases in 2021. Meanwhile, industry groups such as the Balloon Council have pushed back on broader restrictions, arguing that they are too harmful to businesses.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.

Lawsuit challenges Louisianas approval of CO2 pipeline in Maurepas Swamp

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Multiple air cargo operations will launch at Bangladesh airports days after India revoked the countrys access to its transshipment services.

The Civil Aviation Authority of Bangladesh (CAAB) is set to launch cargo services in the international airports in the cities of Sylhet and Chattogram, with Sylhet set to open for operations on April 27.

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Chattogram will follow shortly, said air vice marshal Monjur Kabir Bhuiyan, chairman of CAAB, in a statemetn.

The first flight out of Osmani International Airport in Sylhet is scheduled for Spain at 7 p.m. local time, and is set to carry roughly 60 metric tons of ready-made garments.

Industry lobbyists like the Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BGMEA) had called on India to reverse the transshipment ban, saying it would increase freight costs and lead times for Bangladesh exports.

Additionally, BGMEA president Faruque Hassan urged the Bangladeshi government to immediately incentivize more airlines that serve Dhaka, Chattogram and Sylhet.

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However, the governments solution isnt bulletproof. According to a report from Bangladeshi newspaper The Daily Observer, parties are concerned that a larger warehouse would be needed to host the inevitable overload of goods out of Sylhet. Construction on several private sector warehouses in the area are expected to be completed within six months.

The introduction of the two cargo services would take the pressure off Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport (HSIA) in Dhaka, which is where most air freight out of Bangladesh exits the country.

While that airports cargo operation is designed to host just 300 metric tons per day, the area handles more than 800 metric tons daily, and up to 1,200 during peak periods. This has caused enough congestion that has pushed many exporters to consider the Indian options.

Dhaka is in expansion mode to help the growing problem, currently building out a third terminal to be completed by mid-2025. The expanded terminal will more than double the airports annual cargo-handling capacity from 200,000 metric tons to 547,000 metric tons.

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With the third terminal and its increased capacity, plus a fully automated system, well be able to handle our own cargo, said Bhuiyan. That will also boost our revenue.

Kazi Wahidul Alam, former director of Biman Bangladesh Airlines, told Bangladeshi publication The Business Standard that more work needs to be done to improve air cargo operations in Dhaka.

The current capacity at Dhaka airport needs urgent enhancementbut thats not happening, he said. Out of three scanning machines, one is almost always out of order.

With the transshipment facility in place, exporters could use Indias land customs stations before the cargo was moved through Indias seaports and airports. A government official confirmed to Bangladesh publication The Daily Star that cargo going through India to Nepal and Bhutan via the Bhomra land port in Bangladesh remains unaffected by the transshipment ban.

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According to data from the Bangladesh Freight Forwarders Association, roughly 18 percent of Bangladeshs garment air cargo was flown through Indian airports, namely out of Delhi and Kolkata. Before the transshipment ban, Bangladesh exported about 3,400 metric tons of garments by air per week, with 600 metric tons flown through the Indian airports.

The high volume of goods flown through Indias airports turned out to be the straw that broke the camels back for the countrys officials. Indian foreign affairs spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said the option resulted in significant congestion at the countrys airports and ports.

Bangladeshi exporters flooded Indias logistics hubs via the transshipment facility not just because of the extra space, but the cheaper shipping. Outbound shipments from Bangladesh saw the highest spot air freight rate increase across all countries from January to September 2024, according to data from Xeneta.

Sending a kilogram of apparel from Dhaka to Europe typically cost $2.90 to $3.20 during off-peak periods (and up to $4.50 in peak season). But shipping through India costs about $2.60 per kg, even when accounting for land transport to Indian airports.

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Taking away transshipment has resulted in these Dhaka-to-Europe costs more than doubling, with spot air cargo rates surging to $6.30 to $6.50 per kg, Bangladeshi exporter TAD Group told The Business Standard.

Rates to the U.S. have increased to a lesser extent, jumping from $6.91 in August 2024 to $7.50 to $8 per kg currently.

India also had another edge for Bangladesh exporters, in that Dhaka and Delhi had a $1-per-gallon difference in jet fuel prices.

Jet fuel accounts for 40 percent of an airlines operating costs, Biman Bangladesh Airlines spokesperson Bushra Islam told The Daily Star.

Generally, importers also prefer India to Bangladesh for speed of delivery and shortened lead times. Zaras parent company, Inditex, has a distribution center in Delhi.
DHAKA, Bangladesh (AP)  Foreign ministry officials from Bangladesh's interim government and Pakistan resumed talks on Thursday after a 15-year gap, as the two South Asian Muslim-majority nations attempted to ease strained relations.

Under former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, who was ousted in August in a students-led mass uprising, Bangladesh expanded relations with neighboring India in every sector.

But ties with India have become increasingly tense. Bangladeshs interim leader, Nobel Peace Prize laureate Muhammad Yunus, has criticized India for sheltering Hasina in the country and sought her extradition without any positive response from India.

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Yunus has meanwhile sought to improve relations with Pakistan, India's rival. In recent months he met Pakistans Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif several times, and a high-level Bangladeshi military delegation made a rare visit to Pakistan in January and held talks with Pakistans army chief General Asim Munir. In February, Bangladesh's navy took part in a multinational maritime exercise organized by Pakistan off the Karachi coast.

After Hasinas exit, Bangladesh and Pakistan resumed direct trading for the first time in years. Direct flights between the countries are expected to resume soon and visa procedures have been eased while India stopped visas for Bangladeshis, except for medical emergencies.

Earlier this month, India cancelled a transshipment facility that allowed Bangladesh to export its primarily garment products to third countries using Indian airports and other Indian infrastructure.

The move is expected to impact Bangladeshs roughly $39 billion annual readymade garment exports by increasing trade costs with the European Union, Nepal, Bhutan, and Myanmar. Bangladesh is the world's second largest garment producer after China.

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After Thursday's talks in Dhaka between Bangladeshs Foreign Secretary Jashim Uddin and his Pakistani counterpart, Uddin said Bangladesh raised historically unsettled issues with Pakistan, including a formal public apology for atrocities allegedly committed by Pakistani troops in 1971 during Bangladesh's war of independence.

India helped Bangladesh win independence through a nine-month war against then West Pakistan, now Pakistan. Hasinas Awami League party regularly criticizes Pakistan for alleged atrocities during the war, when Bangladesh says about 3 million people were killed and about 200,000 women were raped by Pakistani soldiers. Pakistan rejects the claims and has never officially apologized.

Local media reported earlier that Yunus' government was preparing to formally raise its demand for $4.52 billion in financial compensation from Pakistan.

Uddin said the issue of the compensation was raised in Thursdays meeting.

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These issues need to be resolved for having a solid foundation of our relations, Uddin said Thursday. The two sides also discussed expansion of trade and commerce and increasing cooperation in agriculture and other sectors, he added.

Yunus office said in a statement late Thursday that he held a separate meeting with the Pakistani foreign secretary and emphasized strengthening ties with Pakistan to boost mutual cooperation and explore trade and business potentials.

There are certain hurdles. We have to find ways to overcome those and move forward, Yunus told Pakistans Foreign Secretary Amna Baloch.

The last such consultation between the two countries was held in Islamabad in 2010 after Hasina came to power in a 2008 election with a landslide victory.

Baloch said Bangladesh and Pakistan must find ways to harness the potentials between the two countries," the statement said.
BAKU, Azerbaijan, April 17. Azerbaijan holds discussions on the promotion of mutual investments with Uzbekistan, implementation of joint projects, and strengthening of business partnership, Trend reports via the Azerbaijani Ministry of Economy.

Minister of Economy of Azerbaijan Mikayil Jabbarov held a video conference meeting with Uzbekistans Minister of Investments, Industry, and Trade Laziz Kudratov.

The political will of the heads of state, high-level visits, meetings, and events that play a key role in the development of bilateral relations between Azerbaijan and Uzbekistan were emphasized during the meeting.

Moreover, it was noted that there is broad potential for effective cooperation between the two countries in areas such as investment, Azerbaijans industrial zones, and especially the establishment of joint food and industrial production in Karabakh.

The ongoing efforts to implement these opportunities were also emphasized.

The sides expressed satisfaction with the dynamic development of AzerbaijanUzbekistan economic relations and shared views on expanding cooperation in investment and the implementation of joint projects.

The meeting featured a session of the Supervisory Board of the AzerbaijanUzbekistan Investment Company.

At the session, the promotion of mutual investments and the strengthening of business partnerships were discussed.

Stay up-to-date with more news on Trend News Agency's WhatsApp channel
Banking giant J.P. Morgan is known for promoting "sustainable" investing funds, marketing itself as a responsible financial steward as it identifies environmental, social, and governance issues that present "the most significant long-term risks and opportunities to our investments."

However, an investigation by the Bureau of Investigative Journalism, Daily Maverick, and news website Voxeurop has placed the company's claims under scrutiny, as reported by The Guardian.

What's happening?

The investigation found that J.P. Morgan has more than one of its "sustainable" funds invested in Glencore, a London-listed commodity trader criticized for its coal operations in South Africa.

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The reason for this may be a loophole from the bank specifying that in order for a fund to be sustainable, at least 51% of investments must have a positive environmental or social impact.

This allows J.P. Morgan to invest the other 49% however it pleases. The bank also gives a pass to companies that earn more than 20% of their revenues from thermal coal extraction.

Jakob Thoma, chief executive of Theia Finance Labs, suggested to The Guardian that J.P. Morgan's business practices could amount to greenwashing, or making consumers believe their investments are more eco-friendly than they actually are.

"The overwhelming majority of retail investors, in my view, would feel misled if they knew that was the criteria for labelling something as a sustainable fund," Thoma told the publication, adding that J.P. Morgan could be breaking European Union laws that prohibit any commercial practice that "deceives or is likely to deceive the average consumer."

Why is this important?

While trade bodies such as the World Coal Association have tried to rebrand the industry as being part of a more sustainable future, the fact remains that coal is the dirtiest fuel around.

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According to Our World in Data, the death rate associated with air pollution and accidents from coal is 1,230 times higher than that of solar, the world's cleanest and safest source of energy.

In South Africa, water and sanitation officials have accused Glencore  which operates three mining facilities near Phola, Mpumalanga  of failing to adhere to environmental laws at its Tweefontein coal mine, threatening public health after contaminating a local river, improperly storing hazardous waste, and letting sewage facilities fall into disrepair, per The Guardian.

Do you think America does a good job of protecting its natural beauty? Definitely Only in some areas No way I'm not sure Click your choice to see results and speak your mind.

"Most of the people, when they do drink this water they get stomach aches," said Daisy Tshabangu, who moved to Phola with her family because of their work in the coal industry.

Nonetheless, unemployment in the area is high, and Tshabangu told The Guardian that she didn't see a benefit to the mines. "It seems like we are being sidelined as a community," she said.

What's being done about this?

For its part, Glencore says that its water treatment plant in Phola helps demonstrate its "commitment to sustainable development," as reported by The Guardian. However, it also refused to comment on or take direct responsibility for the community's water quality.

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This comes after the South African water and sanitation department ruled that Glencore's Tweefontein mine had failed to clean up its operations after multiple requests to do so.

Local campaign groups such as the Federation for a Sustainable Environment are now pushing for regulators to hold polluting companies accountable for their actions.

"Our regulators are often compromised and give in to the pressure of the coal mining industry," said FSE CEO Mariette Liefferink, who has also written to J.P. Morgan asking the bank to reconsider its investments in Glencore  the world's fifth-biggest coal miner. The Guardian reported that J.P. Morgan refused to comment on the matter.

Ultimately, while a number of major banks are reducing their commitments to sustainability, you can participate in a cleaner tomorrow by supporting investments in clean industries. Carbon Collective is one resource with information on green investing, from emerging tech to renewable energy.

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.
PHILIPPI, W.Va. (WBOY)  The Barbour County Clerk has been charged after an incident in February.

On Feb. 21, Barbour County Clerk Laurie Austin, 59, of Philippi, entered the county clerks office in a hostile manner, closing the door and putting up a chain barrier that blocked her employees exit from the office, according to a criminal complaint filed by the Barbour County detachment of the West Virginia State Police.

In surveillance video from the courthouse, Austin appears to verbally berate her employees, and uses her body as a barrier along with the chain and closed door to intentionally restrain and stop one employee from leaving the office, troopers said.

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Man allegedly shot another man in the head over property dispute in Webster County

Then, Austin turns her aggression onto a different employee by pick[ing] up a cardboard box and slam[ming] it on that employees desk in a hostile manner close enough to make [that employee] reasonably apprehensive of receiving an injury, according to the complaint.

A few hours later, Austin did intentionally make physical contact in an insulting and provoking manner which cause[d] a bruise to form on [an employees] hand, troopers said.

Austin has been charged with simple assault, battery and unlawful restraint, all of which are misdemeanor charges. She posted a bond of $10,000.

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Its official  Naperville is days away from welcoming Barnes & Noble back to town after the retailer left its longtime downtown brick-and-mortar location early last year.

Wednesday marks the grand opening of the book stores new Naperville location at 9 W. Jackson Ave. The occasion will be celebrated with the help of local best-selling author Mary Kubica, the company said in a news release.

Were very happy to return to Naperville, where for 25 years we were a community staple, CEO of Barnes & Noble James Daunt said in the release. Our longtime booksellers are as eager to be back in town as they are to welcome customers into their brand-new Naperville Barnes & Noble.

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The new store is located in a former Pottery Barn that closed in 2022.

Next weeks launch will commence at 9 a.m. with a ribbon-cutting by Kubica, the Plainfield-based author of The Good Girl and Local Woman Missing, among other titles. After doors open, Kubica will be signing copies of her latest release Shes Not Sorry, according to Barnes & Noble.

For years, the company  the countrys largest book retailer  had a location at 47 E. Chicago Ave. But in early January 2024, the location closed when its lease expired.

The 47 E. Chicago Ave. space is now slated to house locations for Fidelity Brokerage Services and Wells Fargo.

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Including Naperville, the company has four new bookstores opening across the country this month. The other locations are in Florida, Nebraska and New York.

I feel privileged to be part of the team that brings Barnes & Noble back to Naperville, store manager John Crum, a Barnes & Noble bookseller for 20 years, said in the release. Its an honor to serve our community this way.

The 9 W. Jackson Ave. store will be on two levels, offering about 12,000 square feet for books, toys, games and other items customers expect, Barnes & Nobles vice president of store planning and design Janine Flanigan said late last year.

Its return is the latest in downtown Napervilles comings and goings.

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Last fall, AltaVida closed at 16 W. Jefferson Ave. while a Jimmy Johns sandwich shop previously located at 19 W. Jefferson Ave. relocated a few blocks north to space at Ogden Avenue and Washington Street.

In December, Bevs closed at 245 S. Washington St. but its location owner, Empire Restaurant group, plans to launch a new concept in the same property.

This summer Pronto Italian Sandwiches will open a new location at 221 S. Washington St., which formerly housed BDs Mongolian Grill.

Warmer months will also bring The White Sheep to downtown Naperville, an Orland Park breakfast and brunch spot set to open a second location at 22 E. Chicago Ave. in Napervilles River District by July.

tkenny@chicagotribune.com
BATON ROUGE, La. (Louisiana First)  The Diocese of Baton Rouge has events planned for the holiday weekend for its faith community to celebrate Good Friday and Easter with services, vigils and masses.

We invite everyone  parishioners, friends, and visitors  to journey with us through these holy days and experience Jesus victory over death that assures the fulfillment of Gods promise of eternal life for all who follow and obey, Father J. Cary Bani, cathedral rector, said.

Good Friday

On Good Friday, the annual Way of the Cross will be held in downtown Baton Rouge from 9-10:30 a.m. at St. Josephs Cathedral, located at 401 Main St. The procession begins at the church and goes down a 14-station route through the grounds of the Louisiana State Capitol before returning to the church. The Solemn Liturgy of Good Friday will be at 3 p.m.

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According to organizers, the pilgrimage gives the local faith community a chance to come together for a day of prayer while focusing on its symbolism representing Christs suffering.

Holy Saturday

The Great Easter Vigil starts at 8 p.m. Saturday, April 19. Attendees can expect the Service of Light, blessing of the Paschal Candle, Old Testament readings, the first Mass of Easter will hymns and the Sacraments of Christian Initiation to welcome new members.

St. Vincent de Paul to serve Easter Sunday meal to those in need

Easter Sunday

St. Joseph Cathedral Easter Masses will be held at 8:30 a.m. and 10:30 a.m., with congregational Renewal of Baptismal Promises at both celebrations of the resurrection of Jesus Christ.

How to watch from home via Catholiclife Television:

Cox Channel 15.

Facebook.

Roku.

FireTV.

YouTube.

Latest News

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Islamabad, Pakistan  In the cavernous hall of the Jinnah Convention Centre in Islamabad, Pakistans Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif hailed the countrys diaspora as the pride of the nation, lauding them for their unmatched contribution to the country they have left.

And it wasnt just talk. Speaking to an audience of more than 1,000 expatriates who had gathered to participate in the Overseas Pakistanis Convention on April 15, Sharif also promised a range of benefits that he said his government would launch to help them.

These include special courts for overseas Pakistanis so their legal disputes are resolved faster than they would be in the countrys notoriously slow judicial system. Quotas in educational institutions, faster immigration procedures at airports and tax benefits are also pledged. Sharif also said the government would award 15 eminent Pakistani expatriates every year.

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I believe there is no doubt that the 10 million Pakistanis who live across the world have earned their good reputation with their hard work and promoted Pakistans name, Sharif said in his speech.

But many experts believe that the governments bouquet of assurances to the diaspora is more than just an innocent outreach effort: its also a political move in a battle for the support of overseas Pakistanis with former Prime Minister Imran Khan.

Khans Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) party is widely believed to enjoy vast support among the countrys diaspora, which in turn, wins it influence in Western capitals, shaping how those nations view Islamabad and its deep political divides.

Now, analysts say, the Sharif government is trying to break Khans grip over Pakistanis abroad.

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The overseas Pakistani summit seemed to have two key objectives, to counter the influence and popularity jailed former Prime Minister Imran Khan enjoys among the diaspora, and to encourage the community abroad to invest in Pakistan, Maleeha Lodhi, former Pakistani ambassador to the United States told Al Jazeera.

Why diaspora clout matters

Many PTI supporters living overseas enjoy positions of influence in those countries, especially in the United Kingdom and the United States, with nearly 1.6 million and 700,000 Pakistan-origin citizens residing there, respectively.

Former PM Khan, who was ousted from power in April 2022 through a parliamentary vote of no confidence, has been in jail since August 2023 on various charges.

His party has faced a sweeping crackdown and alleges that the results of the general elections in February 2024 were heavily manipulated, claiming that their mandate was stolen. The government and the countrys powerful military have rejected those allegations, but they have found resonance among many in Pakistan  and outside it.

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These allegations helped drive lobbying efforts, particularly in the US, which led Congress to hold a hearing on the future of democracy in Pakistan in March last year.

That hearing was prompted by bipartisan calls for then-President Joe Biden and Secretary of State Antony Blinken to scrutinise Pakistans controversial elections.

A few months later in October, more than 60 Democratic Party legislators urged Biden to pressure Islamabad to secure Khans release.

In fact, many within PTI believe that following Trumps inauguration, the US president, who enjoyed warm ties with Khan during his first term, might intervene and help secure the former PMs release, thanks to lobbying by the diaspora.

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Arif Ansar, chief strategist of the Washington, DC-based strategic advisory firm PoliTact, acknowledged the effectiveness of the diasporas lobbying.

The diaspora has been very effective in its lobbying efforts, and this has influenced the establishment to manage its relations with the diaspora. It wants to engage them and incentivise the ties as opposed to taking an adversarial role, Ansar told Al Jazeera. The establishment is a euphemism for the military in Pakistan.

However, the analyst added that it was also possible that the government was trying to demonstrate that the diaspora was not monolithically aligned with the PTI.

There are many different segments, and PTI is not the only one representing the diaspora, he said. The government, he added, appeared eager to build a new narrative.

Counterfoil to PTI narrative

Meanwhile, Islamabad-based political analyst Talat Hussain believes the governments objective in hosting the convention was to show that it not only has broad reach among expats but also wants to make them stakeholders in its political and economic agenda.

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PTIs claims to having a monopoly over overseas Pakistanis political sentiments are amplified through social media. Efforts such as these conventions do provide a counterfoil to the argument that expats move in the direction as instructed by Imran, Hussain said.

Recent months have shown cracks in just how firmly Khan appears to hold the diasporas support.

Last December, Khan warned the government that his party would launch a civil disobedience movement, and asked the diaspora to stop sending money back to Pakistan.

But 2024 saw Pakistan receive the highest annual remittance amount in its history, reaching $34.1bn, a 32 percent increase from 2023, when overseas Pakistanis sent home close to $26bn.

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And a day before Sharifs speech at the diaspora convention in Islamabad, Jamil Ahmed, the governor of the countrys central bank, revealed that diaspora Pakistanis sent more than $4bn in March, marking the highest single-month remittance in the countrys history.

If remittance inflows are a way to measure the efficacy of PTIs overseas clout, then the picture is not helpful to the partys boasts, Hussain said.

Two years of consistent increases in remittances, despite all appeals from Imran and the entire top leadership to not send money to what he calls a corrupt and fascist regime tells you where expats stand.

I will be your CEO

Yet, like Lodhi, other analysts, too, believe that the Pakistan government is also wooing the diaspora because it needs them to invest in the country.

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Thanking overseas Pakistanis for supporting the countrys economy, Sharif said this week that he would personally oversee the investments made by them.

I will be your CEO. My cabinet and our business community will ensure that your investments are protected and facilitated, he said.

Still, concerns linger about whether the Pakistani diaspora trusts the economic climate in a country where more and more citizens are leaving.

In the last five years, nearly three million Pakistanis have emigrated, according to government data, prompting growing concerns about a brain drain from the country.

However, General Syed Asim Munir, the army chief who is widely considered the countrys most powerful figure, dismissed those concerns during his speech at the diaspora convention, describing the trend instead as a brain gain.

Those who talk about brain drain should understand that this is not brain drain, but rather brain gain, he said on Tuesday.
BAY COUNTY, Fla. (WMBB)  Bay District schools are strengthening the workforce, exposing students to local job opportunities.

Juniors and seniors from four local high schools attended a CTE job fair at Gulf Coast State College on Wednesday morning.

While educators always encourage higher education, the traditional college experience isnt for everyone.

The job fair showcased different career pathways students can pursue after graduation, that pay well, but dont require a college degree.

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Organizers made the event fun for students. They turned their meetings with local company representatives into a game of bingo.

In Bay County, I mean, business is booming. There are things happening all over the place. Theres new industry coming in. Theres a lot of good high paying jobs that are coming to our area. What we wanted to do is we needed a way to make sure that the kids were here and that they were engaged with the vendors. But at the same time that the folks who are here were also engaged with the students. So everybody gets joy and pleasure earning a gold star. And were just came up with the idea of make the bingo card, Career & Technical Education Supervisor Jonathon Moore said.

Students redeemed their bingo cards for a chance to win gift cards.

Organizers also surveyed them for feedback to plan future CTE expos.

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EXCLUSIVE: The BBC has engaged two executive search companies to help with its efforts to replace chief content officer Charlotte Moore.

The broadcaster has tasked Grace Blue and Ibison with filling the most powerful creative role in British TV, audio, and streaming, per a job ad just published online.

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Moore announced in February that she was stepping down as chief content officer after four years to join Left Bank Pictures as CEO. She will also oversee international creative output for Sony Pictures Television.

The BBCs job ad makes clear that the successful candidate will oversee the same empire as Moore, potentially ending speculation that the corporation may look to break up the role.

The job ad stops short of saying that the new chief content officer will sit on the board, but this is because the successful candidate has to be formally put forward by the nominations committee. Moore has held a board seat since 2020 and her successor will likely take a place at the top table.

Charlotte Moore

The job notice said Moores replacement will oversee commissioning for BBC iPlayer, all national TV channels, commissioning and production for 10 national radio networks and for BBC Sounds, childrens and education content and be the creative lead for all BBCs key genres.

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The right candidate will be an industry-recognised senior leader, who has held a sizable leadership role within the UK TV market. They must have a comprehensive understanding of the competitive landscape including the economic/commercial/political and creative issues facing the industry.

The BBCs unscripted supremo Kate Phillips has taken on Moores role in the interim and is widely seen as one of the leading candidates for the position.

Deadline listed the key contenders in February, with those linked with the role including Netflix UK chief Anne Mensah; Jay Hunt, creative director, Europe at Apple TV+; BBC Studios Productions CEO Zai Bennett; and Patrick Holland, the boss of Banijay.

Speculation is likely to be fevered as the recruitment process progresses. There has been a period of unprecedented stability at the top of British television, with content chiefs at the BBC, ITV, Channel 4, and Channel 5 all having been in post for record periods of time.

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Applications close on April 30.

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BROOME COUNTY, N.Y. (WIVT/WBGH)  The Broome County Sheriffs Office is cracking down on impaired driving as part of its STOP-DWI Program.

Broome County Sheriff Fred Akshar announced the results of the first quarter of targeted DWI response conducted by BCSO Road Patrol in 2025.

The Sheriffs Office implemented the STOP-DWI Program in January. The initiative is a partnership with the Broome County District Attorneys Office to fund an additional patrol deputy specifically to target drivers under the influence of alcohol or drugs.

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From January 1 to April 1, the DWI Enforcement Deputy charged 24 people with DWI misdemeanors. In addition, deputies conducted 275 vehicle stops, made 44 arrests, and issued 287 tickets.

Individuals who operate motor vehicles while intoxicated and or impaired jeopardize the health, safety and welfare of motorists and pedestrians in our community. As a result, our office is committed to aggressively assist with detection, enforcement, and prosecution of these operators. By financially supporting a full-time Broome County Sheriffs Deputy to patrol countywide to maintain the safety and security of our community has proven to be successful. We will continue to collaborate with local law enforcement agencies to achieve our goal maintain the safety and security of all roadways. said District Attorney, Paul Battisti.

Countywide, DWI charges between all law enforcement agencies have increased by nearly 38%.

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TASHKENT, Uzbekistan, April 17. The Ministry of Investments, Industry, and Trade of Uzbekistan has recently advanced the promotion of Uzbek textile products in European markets, particularly in Germany, under the GSP+ preferential trade regime, Trend reports via the Ministry of Investments, Industry, and Trade of Uzbekistan.

In collaboration with the GIZ project, the German association Gesamtmasche, and the Uztextileprom Association, the Ministry organized a successful business mission to Germany. The delegation, comprising more than 15 leading textile manufacturers, participated in specialized training under the "Support for Effective Use of GSP+ in Uzbekistan" initiative.

In the course of the visit, Uzbek exporters held B2B meetings with major German companies, including Takko, Weitblick, Ceceba, Lerros, Greiff, and Carl Gross. The discussions focused on the capabilities of Uzbek enterprises, delivery terms, certification standards, logistics, and potential opportunities for localized production in Germany.

The Generalized Scheme of Preferences (GSP) is a trade program by the European Union that grants developing countries preferential access to its market. GSP+ offers enhanced benefits to countries that meet international standards on human rights, labor, and environmental protection. Uzbekistans inclusion in GSP+ has opened up new opportunities for its exporters, especially in textiles, with reduced tariffs to the European market.
The turnaround to get a closed Tacoma paper mill on the market to sell will take some time and faces a complex road of dismantling and cleanup.

Representatives for the former WestRock Tacoma Mill, 801 Portland Ave. E., announced the facilitys closure in August 2023. Demolition documents since submitted to the city show at least one asbestos-treated portion of the mill as well as wood-framed fuel storage bins slowly deteriorating and requiring special handling in the decommissioning process.

The nearly 60-acre site is owned by an LLC affilliated with Smurfit Westrock. WestRock in July 2024 completed a merger with Dublin-based Smurfit Kappa, a folding-paperboard box manufacturing company. Before the completed merger, WestRock announced the closure of the Tacoma mill and other sites as part of restructuring/consolidation efforts, which continue.

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For example, on April 8 Smurfit Westrock notified the state of Oregon of the planned closure of its corrugated plant in Portland.

Robby Johnson is director of external communications in North America for Smurfit Westrock. In response to questions about the Tacoma site, he told The News Tribune earlier this month via email, Theres not much of an update, but I can confirm were still working on our decommissioning efforts to best position the property for sale and will put it on the market as soon as it is ready.

To that end, a permit application was filed March 13 with the City of Tacoma for demolition of two portions of the mill.

According to the project description on the citys permit portal, plans call for demolition of timber framed hog fuel bins down to existing grade to create access to precipitator.

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Work also will include removing upper asbestos-containing portions of precipitator with high-reach excavator, noting, The sections of the precipitator being removed were deemed unsafe to access by a structural engineer for manual abatement.

A hog-fuel bin is a storage container for processed wood waste, while an electrostatic precipitator is used to remove particulate matter, such as ash, from flue gas generated during combustion of the hog fuel.

An industry website describing hog fuel states that mills need to dispose of this waste and typically use it as biomass fuel for a boiler, often in combination with natural gas.

A variance had to be requested and received from Puget Sound Clean Air Agency to remove the asbestos containing materials mechanically utilizing wet methods, according to the projects details.

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The jobs value was listed on the application at $300,000.

The variance was issued last month according to Chris Kitchen, inspection manager with PSCAA.

The hog-fuel bin and the precipitator at the site are in a location that is in disrepair, Kitchen told The News Tribune in a phone interview, and its just unsafe for an asbestos-abatement team to proceed to treat it like a routine removal.

As Kitchen described, a report was submitted detailing issues and level of hazards facing work crews as well as a work plan, and daily progress reports will be required to be submitted to Kitchen until completion.

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On top of that, we require that they hire a third-party industrial hygienist that takes air samples through the demolition process and the loading of the waste process, Kitchen said. If air monitoring shows unacceptable levels of pollutants, they would need to go through a plan where the industrial hygienist says, OK, something was too dusty, or we disturbed something too much. Lets reorganize and come up with a modified plan to make sure that that is under control.

An inspection letter to the city was shared with The News Tribune. In it, the onsite inspector noted, The chip bin structure has severe wood decay with some members fully decayed at the bearing end. The old steel shoring installed to compensate for the wood decay has extensive corrosion with some shoring columns starting to fail.

The inspector added, With the extent of the wood decay and steel corrosion it isnt possible to safely demolish only a portion of this structure as it is more likely than not that a progressive collapse will occur when the demolition is performed. Thus I strongly recommend that this structure be fully demolished operating a machine from the maximum practical standoff distance.

The precipitator is also in bad shape, with the inspector writing, The structural steel is heavily corroded. Access catwalks are extensively corroded with structural supports that have failed.

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Therefore it is my professional opinion that the risk of injury to any workers attempting to remediate the asbestos materials is excessive with the probability of severe injury including death exceeding any reasonable standard.

He called for the demolition of the precipitator to be safely performed using a high reach operating at the maximum practical standoff distance equipped to shear the steel members and remediating the asbestos from the debris on the ground once it is moved a safe distance from the structure.

The mill dates back to the 1920s, according to county records.

The mills hog fuel was a factor as to why the facility appeared to still be in service months after the mills announced closure, with steam plumes continuing to fill the air.

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In November 2023, The News Tribune reported that while paper operations were finished, mill decommissioning was ongoing and the boiler continued to operate as a result.

Communities for a Healthy Bay executive director Melissa Malott wrote at the time, Under their currently active air and water permits, WestRock is allowed to burn the remaining on-site hog fuel and wastewater treatment sludge from the paper pulping process.

WestRock, a corrugated-packaging company, shut down in September 2023. Brian Hayes/bhayes@thenewstribune.com

The News Tribune in August 2023 also reported on how the mill previously was the citys biggest water customer, and the mills usage played a role in helping the city keep the municipal water system flushed.

In response to questions, Erin Babbo, communications manager at Tacoma Public Utilities, told The News Tribune via email this week, Tacoma Public Utilities is still providing power and water to WestRock but at a significantly lower amount.

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Tacoma Water has modified how we operate to ensure proper flushing of the system, Babbo added.

Years worth of cleanup ahead

According to the state Department of Ecologys online page dedicated to the former Tacoma mill, the Tacoma WestRock site has confirmed or suspected contamination that could potentially harm people and the environment, blamed on industrial practices and historical land use.

The cleanup process occurs under the Model Toxics Control Act, which serves as the states environmental cleanup law.

Ecology notes that the site continues to discharge stormwater and other permitted streams under its National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System Permit (NPDES) to Commencement Bay.

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It added that the department has begun negotiations with WestRock CP, LLC; Simpson Tacoma Kraft Company, LLC; International Paper Company; potentially liable persons for the site, for an agreed order to complete a remedial investigation, feasibility study, and draft cleanup action plan.

An agreed order has yet to be reached and sent out for public comment.

Its most recent Preliminary Determination of Liability letter was sent Feb. 5, 2025, to Simpson Tacoma Kraft Company, LLC in Seattle. Ecology proposed to find the LLC among other entities liable for the release of hazardous substances at the site.

In the ownership lineage the letter cites, the LLC purchased the site from Champion International in 1985 and owned and operated the site until 2014 when it sold the mill to RockTenn CP, LLC (RockTenn).

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In the letter, Ecology cites multiple incidents in its proposed finding under the MTCA, including:

 August 1996: Approximately 500 gallons of 93% sulfuric acid escaped containment and leaked onto soil.

 November 1996: North strong black liquor tank suffered a complete failure and over 100,000 gallons of black liquor (byproduct of pulping process) spilled from the tank instantaneously. Black liquor spilled over a retaining wall and approximately 100 feet of the Puyallup River shoreline was sprayed.

 2014: Sediment sampling results noted in a later Ecology memorandum indicated an increase in dioxin/furan levels, both toxic chemicals, measured in sediments between 2004 and 2014.

Previous cleanup was part of the Commencement Bay, Near Shore/Tideflats Superfund site work and involved both Simpson Kraft and Champion to address 60 years worth of environmental damage.

An EPA Region 10 report from 1999 stated that Wastewater from the plant ... was untreated until the 1960s.

The companies worked with federal biologists for eight years, restoring fish and bird habitat and capping contaminated sediment at a cost of $4 million.

Brittny Goodsell is the Southwest Region Office communications manager for the state Department of Ecology, who responded via email to The News Tribunes questions about the site.

Goodsell said, We have sent letters to potentially liable parties and we are negotiating a legal document called an agreed order.

The order is not a final cleanup plan, Goodsell noted, but its the legal mechanism that moves the potentially liable parties through the states cleanup process. This will include a sampling investigation at the site, evaluating cleanup options, and proposing a draft cleanup action plan. These steps do not begin until after we sign the agreed order.

Goodsell added that there will be a public comment period before the order is finalized.

Folks on our interested parties list will receive a notification from us when the comment period begins. There will be additional opportunities for public comment throughout the cleanup process, after we sign the agreed order, Goodsell added.

As for how long the site cleanup could take, she did not have an estimate.

A fish jumps out of the Foss Waterway in front of the WestRock Tacoma mill in 2023. Pete Caster/Pete Caster / The News Tribune

The cleanup process for large and complicated sites, such as this one, can take years. Despite various timing obstacles, were committed to completing each step as thoroughly as possible, Goodsell wrote.

Logan Danzek is policy manager for the Tacoma nonprofit environmental organization Communities for a Healthy Bay. In a recent phone interview, he reiterated that such cleanup action is lengthy and complex and that CHB would be keeping watch over the proceedings.

One of the things that I often stress to folks when Im talking about these cleanups is that Ecology really relies on a sort of self-directed and self-guided cleanup effort with often a slate of project alternatives possible, he said.

We love to see the most protective cleanup be implemented ... but the result is often somewhere in the middle, mostly because of the cost, he noted. We expect something similar for the WestRock site.

Organizationally, we try to thread the needle between economic activity and environmental conservation, Danzek said. Recognizing the realities of where the parcel is ... theres going to be a lot of industry that is going to be eyeing that site.

He added, Whatever industry or facility is intent on opening up there, we are going to be very conscientious and concerned about their proposed site plan. Are they implementing the most up-to-date stormwater systems? Are they going to be tracking and mitigating any sort of emissions that are going to be occurring on the site?

He continued: I think showing an interest in cleaning up and righting the wrongs of historical contamination, there is a really huge opportunity to make that site something focused on contamination cleanup or education, something focused on sustainability.

How to receive WestRock cleanup project updates

Send email to Tara Roberts at tara.roberts@ecy.wa.gov to request to be on the interested parties list and receive notifications from Ecology related to the site.

More information also is available on Ecologys project website.
MARION, Mass. (WPRI)  Marion police arrested a New Bedford man after he allegedly exposed himself to students at Tabor Academy.

Officers were called to the school just before noon on Wednesday after two students reported a kitchen worker, employed by the schools contracted food service provider, had allegedly exposed himself while they were in the cafeteria.

After an investigation, police say 38-year-old Joao A. Andrade was arrested and charged with two counts of open and gross lewdness.

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We appreciate Tabor Academys prompt reporting and cooperation following this incident, Marion Police Chief Richard Nighelli said. I would like to thank the Marion Police officers who used their extensive training and expertise to investigate quickly and bring this case to conclusion.

In response to the incident, Andrade was removed from their campus and prohibited from re-entering.

We are grateful to the students who reported this behavior and commend them for their courage in coming forward. We are equally thankful for the faculty and staff who immediately supported these students with care and professionalism, the academy said. In addition, we appreciate the swift response and professionalism of the Marion Police Department, as well as the assistance provided by regional law enforcement partners.

Andrade will likely be arraigned on Thursday.

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Striking beer delivery workers are back on the job supplying thirsty New Yorkers after a two-day work stoppage with a new contract, their union said Thursday.

The delivery and distribution workers reached a deal with management for a strong new union contract with improved pensions, according to the union.

The new contract still needs to be ratified by the members, but it protects and improves the pensions. It is a significant victory, said a union representative.

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Unionized employees of Manhattan Beer and Beverage Distributors had walked off the job Tuesday, the day their contract expired, over an unfair labor practice charge, accusing management of circumventing the union and attempting to deal directly with workers.

The striking workers, represented by the Laundry, Distribution and Food Service Joint Board, Workers United/SEIU, said they were also being pressured into allowing the company to leave the pension plan.

More than 400 of the 600 unionized workers took part in the pickets at the distributors Hunts Point headquarters on E. 149th St. in the Bronx and at other facilities owned by the company on Metropolitan Ave. in Ridgewood, Queens, as well as in Wyandanch, L.I., and Suffern, N.Y., in the Hudson Valley, the union said.

Manhattan Beer employees supply bars, restaurants, delis and groceries throughout New York City, Westchester, Long Island and the Hudson Valley with beer, wine and cider with their fleet of 350 trucks.

Were pleased to announce weve reached an agreement and the strike is over, said Simon Bergson, CEO and founder of Manhattan Beer Distributors.
A customer shops for food at a grocery store. (Stock photo by Justin Sullivan/Getty Images)

Feeling tariff whiplash? Youre not alone. On April 2, 2025, President Donald Trump announced sweeping new tariffs  a 10% levy on nearly all U.S. imports, along with targeted duties aimed at punishing countries he accuses of exploiting American markets. Just a week later, on April 9, his administration abruptly paused much of the plan for 90 days, leaving markets and allies scrambling for clarity.

The proposed tariffs were pitched as a way to revive U.S. manufacturing, reclaim jobs and counter what Trump considers unfair trade practices. But they immediately rattled the financial markets and raised alarms among economists and Americas global partners. Critics across the political spectrum revived a familiar warning: beggar-thy-neighbor.

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History shows that such policies rarely succeed. In todays interconnected world, theyre more likely to provoke swift, precise and painful retaliation.

What is the beggar-thy-neighbor strategy?

The phrase comes from economic history and refers to protectionist measures  tariffs, import restrictions or currency manipulation  designed to boost one countrys economy at the expense of its trading partners. Think of it like cleaning your yard by dumping the trash into your neighbors property: It looks tidy on your side until they respond.

This approach starkly contrasts with the principles laid out by Adam Smith. In The Wealth of Nations, he argued that trade is not a zero-sum game. Specialization and open markets, he observed, create mutual benefit  a rising tide that lifts all boats. Trumps tariffs disregard this logic.

And history backs Smith. In the 1930s, the U.S. adopted a similar strategy to the one Trump is experimenting with through the Smoot-Hawley Tariff Act, raising duties to protect domestic jobs. The result was a wave of global retaliation that choked international trade and worsened the Great Depression.

A case in point: Lesotho

As an example, consider the 50% tariff the United States imposed on imports from Lesotho, a small landlocked African nation. The measure took effect at midnight on April 3 but was reportedly subject to the 90-day pause starting midday April 4.

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The tariff rate was calculated by taking the U.S. trade deficit with Lesotho  US$234.5 million in 2024  dividing that by the total value of Lesothos exports to the U.S., or $237.3 million, and dividing that by two.

The 50% tariff would have a negligible effect on the U.S. economy  after all, out of the $3.3 trillion the U.S. imported in 2024, only a tiny fraction came from Lesotho. But for Lesotho, a nation that relies heavily on garment exports and preferential U.S. market access, the consequences would be severe. Using the same tariff logic across all partners, big or small, overlooks basic economic realities: differences in scale, trade capacity and vulnerability. It epitomizes beggar-thy-neighbor thinking: offloading domestic frustrations onto weaker economies for short-term political optics.

Lesotho is just one example. Even countries that import more from the U.S. than they export, such as Australia and the U.K., havent been spared. This scoreboard mentality  treating trade deficits as losses and surpluses as wins  risks reducing the complexity of global commerce to a tit-for-tat game.

The return of a familiar  and risky  playbook

Such thinking has consequences. During Trumps first term, China retaliated against U.S. tariffs by slashing imports of American soybeans and pork. As a result, those exports plummeted from $14 billion in 2017 to just $3 billion in 2018, hitting politically sensitive states like Iowa hard. The European Union responded to U.S. steel and aluminum tariffs by threatening to target bourbon from Kentucky and motorcycles from Wisconsin  iconic products from the home states of former GOP leaders Mitch McConnell and Paul Ryan. Canada and the European Union have shown a willingness to use similar tactics this time around.

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This isnt new. In 2002, President George W. Bush imposed tariffs of up to 30% on imported steel, prompting the European Union to threaten retaliatory tariffs targeting products such as Florida citrus and Carolina textiles made in key swing states. Facing domestic political pressure and a World Trade Organization ruling against the measure, Bush reversed course within 21 months.

A decade earlier, the Clinton administration endured a long-running trade dispute with the EU known as the banana wars, in which European regulators structured import rules that disadvantaged U.S.-backed Latin American banana exporters in favor of former European colonies.

During the Obama years, the U.S. increased visa fees that disproportionately impacted Indias technology services sector. India responded by delaying approvals for American drugmakers and large retail investments.

Not all forms of trade retaliation grab headlines. Many are subtle, slow and bureaucratic  but no less damaging. Customs officials can delay paperwork or may impose arbitrary inspection or labeling requirements. Approval for U.S. pharmaceuticals, tech products or chemicals can be stalled for vague procedural reasons. Public procurement rules can be quietly rewritten to exclude U.S. companies.

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While these tactics rarely draw public attention, their cumulative cost is real: missed delivery deadlines, lost contracts and rising operational costs. Over time, American businesses may shift operations abroad  not because of labor costs or regulation at home, but to escape the slow drip of bureaucratic punishment they experience elsewhere.

Tariffs in a connected economy

Supporters of tariffs often argue that they protect domestic industries and create jobs. In theory, they might. But in practice, recent history shows they are more likely to invite retaliation, raise prices and disrupt supply chains.

Modern manufacturing is deeply interconnected. A product may involve assembling components from a dozen countries, moving back and forth across borders. Tariffs hurt foreign suppliers and American manufacturers, workers and consumers.

More strategically damaging, they erode U.S. influence. Allies grow weary of unpredictable trade moves, and rivals, including China and Russia, step in to forge deeper partnerships. Countries may reduce their exposure to the U.S. dollar, sell off Treasury bonds, or align with regional blocs like the BRICS group  led by Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa  not out of ideology, but necessity.

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In short, the U.S. weakens its own strategic hand. The long-term cost isnt just economic  its geopolitical.

Rather than resorting to beggar-thy-neighbor tactics, the U.S. could secure its future by investing in what truly drives long-term strength: smart workforce development, breakthrough innovation and savvy partnerships with allies. This approach would tackle trade imbalances through skillful diplomacy instead of brute force, while building resilience at home by equipping American workers and companies to thrive  not by scapegoating others.

History makes a clear case: Ditching the obsession with bilateral trade deficits and focusing instead on value creation pays off. The U.S. can source components from around the world and elevate them through unmatched design, innovation and manufacturing excellence. Thats the heartbeat of real economic might.

Bedassa Tadesse, Professor of Economics, University of Minnesota Duluth

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This article is republished from The Conversation under a Creative Commons license. Read the original article.

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A ban on guns and knives is to be introduced on Berlin's public transport system.

The plan was announced by authorities in the German capital on Thursday after a video call with representatives of police forces and transport companies.

The ban is set to be in force on all underground and regional trains, buses, trams and ferries, as well as at railway stations.

Authorities are aiming to expand police's powers to increase security and enhance citizens' safety.

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It is unclear when the ban will be introduced.

Berlin has had three no-knife zones at the crime hotspots of Leopoldplatz, Gorlitzer Park and Kottbusser Tor since February.

The police can carry out checks in the locations regardless of specific suspicions.

Debates over how to increase security on public transport in Berlin reignited after a fatal knife attack in the underground last weekend.
A 24-year-old man from Berlin has been sentenced to three years in prison for an attack on a Jewish student.

The Tiergarten District Court found the defendant, formerly a fellow student at the Free University of Berlin, guilty of grievous bodily harm and found anti-Semitism was the motive for the attack.

Prosecutor Tim Kaufmann, who had demanded a sentence of two years and four months for the defendant, said the attack on student Lahav Shapira was an example of "anti-Semitic violence."

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"Lahav Shapira was attacked because he is Jewish and campaigned against anti-Semitism," Kaufmann added.

Shapira, now 32 years old, was attacked outside a bar in the central Mitte district on February 2, 2024.

The defendant admitted following Shapira as he left the venue and attacking him, arguing that the act was "not about politics" but due to Shapira's behaviour in a WhatsApp group and his tearing down of a poster at the university.

The 24-year-old, whose parents are from Lebanon, apologized to Shapira shortly before the verdict was handed down.

"I am sorry to have caused you pain," he said.

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According to the verdict, the defendant knocked down Shapira with his fist and kicked him in the face, leaving the Jewish student with a complex facial fracture and a brain haemorrhage.

Shapira appeared as a witness earlier in the trial, explaining how he was forced to "lock himself at home for several weeks" after suffering severe injuries.
German police have launched around 100 criminal investigations following the occupation of a lecture hall at Berlin's Humboldt University.

The suspected offences include aggravated trespassing, incitement of the people, serious breach of the peace, resistance against law enforcement, and the use of symbols linked to unconstitutional or terrorist organizations, a police statement said on Thursday.

According to police, some activists allegedly poured an unknown liquid, possibly urine, on officers and threw pyrotechnics at the Wednesday protest.

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The reason for the occupation was the threatened deportation of four foreign students - three from EU countries and one from the US - following pro-Palestinian protests at the Free University, a different university in Berlin. The four are accused of threatening university employees with axes and clubs during protests in October.

During the hours-long eviction operation at Humboldt University on Wednesday evening, two individuals attacked emergency services and resisted arrest. Two officers sustained hand injuries but remained on duty, police said.

At the request of the university leadership, police cleared the occupied hall by deploying roughly 350 officers.

Protesters had barricaded the lecture hall doors from the inside. Officers gradually led the occupants into the courtyard, checked their identities, and ordered them to leave the premises.

Police reported that 89 people had been inside the hall and about 120 had gathered on the street.

Police officers take an activist into custody on the North Campus of Humboldt University (HU). The Emil Fischer lecture hall on the North Campus of Humboldt University (HU) in Berlin was occupied. Christophe Gateau/dpa

Banners hang on a building on the North Campus of Humboldt University (HU). The Emil Fischer lecture hall on the North Campus of Humboldt University (HU) in Berlin has been occupied. Christophe Gateau/dpa
BAKU, Azerbaijan, April 17. The President of Kazakhstan Kassym-Jomart Tokayev hold a telephone conversation with the President of Russia Vladimir Putin, Akorda's press service says, Trend reports.

According to the information, the parties noted the progressive development of Kazakh-Russian multifaceted cooperation and discussed the progress of implementing agreements previously reached at the highest level.

"Particular attention was paid to cooperation in the energy sector. The heads of state exchanged views on current international issues and discussed the schedule of upcoming meetings," the report says.
The Iowa Senate passed legislation to bar accreditors from taking negative actions against universities for following state law. (Photo by Kathie Obradovich/Iowa Capital Dispatch)

The Iowa Senate has sent a bill to Gov. Kim Reynoldss desk that would bar penalization from accreditors to universities for following state law, despite concerns from some lawmakers that it would not prevent universities from potentially losing accreditation.

House File 295 would bar higher education accrediting bodies from taking negative action against state universities that follow or refuse to be noncompliant with state law, like legislation passed in the state prohibiting universities from funding or maintaining diversity, equity and inclusion offices.

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The bill also removes mention of the Higher Learning Commission and replaces it with any federally recognized accreditor of postsecondary educational institutions, a move Sen. Cindy Winckler, D-Davenport, said could lead to universities choosing lower-quality accreditors and call into question students degrees.

I think that we are heading down a path that is creating political cover for laws that are being passed that conflict with gold standards of higher education, Winckler said.

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Sens. Janice Weiner of Iowa City and Herman Quirmbach of Ames agreed with Winckler, saying if Iowa universities stop using the gold standard Higher Learning Commission, students may choose to take their tuition dollars somewhere else and education in Iowa could deteriorate as a result.

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Weiner reiterated that legislation to create a center for intellectual freedom at the University of Iowa could endanger the universitys accreditation, and said the introduction of House File 295 told her the majority party knowingly is putting the universitys accreditation at risk.

We could be voting, and we could be focusing on helping UIHC find a cure for the cancer plague in this state. Instead, were dealing with a bill that knowingly risks the schools accreditation, Weiner said. Its like weve stepped through the looking glass.

Sen. Kerry Gruenhagen, R-Walcott, said there was a little bit of exaggeration in the comments from his colleagues about the dangers of Iowa universities losing accreditation or using lower-quality accreditors. He doesnt expect any problems to arise with current or proposed legislation, including the bill to establish the UI intellectual freedom center.

The bill passed with a 32-15 vote.

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You know, these past couple weeks, we have heard a lot of concern about intellectual freedom, diversity, allowing both sides to speak, Gruenhagen said. Instituting this in a college should have been an easy yes vote for both sides of this chamber, according to floor arguments that Ive been hearing. Unfortunately, we did not hear those. We did not receive a yes. Heres another chance to say yes to provide opportunities.

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BUFFALO, N.Y. (WIVB)  A new bill recently introduced in the New York State Senate could soon allow for the sale of wine in grocery stores across New York State.

The bill, introduced by State Senator George Borrello (R-57), states that wine can be sold in stores, but the wines would have to be produced in New York or made with ingredients produced or grown in the state.

Under current law, the sale of wine in grocery stores is prohibited. Several different pieces of legislation have been proposed over the years, but none have passed. Liquor store owners have opposed the idea, fearing that it would hurt their businesses.

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To me, this is a compromise, Borrello said. This is a compromise that recognizes the fact that we cannot hurt our small, independent retailers across New York state that would be devastated if all wines were sold in New York. At the same time, it will support New York-based wineries, and certainly our grape growers.

Tops supermarkets said that it would be in favor of the change, saying that it would further enhance [their] customers shopping experience.

As of Thursday morning, the bill is still in the State Senate committee. It would have to be passed by both the New York State Senate and the Assembly before heading to Governor Kathy Hochuls desk to be signed into law.

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Aidan Joly joined the News 4 staff in 2022. He is a graduate of Canisius College. You can see more of his work here.

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DES MOINES, Iowa  The debate action slowed the last two weeks as both chambers start to focus on funding the state for the next year. Iowa Senate Republicans advanced a bill that would create a center for intellectual freedom at the University of Iowa.

Thousands of Iowa students learn about skilled trades careers

The function of the center, as described by the bill, would be to offer a course in American history and civil government, offer university-wide programming to the values of free speech and civil discourse, and more. This center will coordinate with the center for cyclone civics at Iowa State University and the center for civic education at the University of Iowa to make sure these courses are available in-person and online.

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The bill also creates an advisory council created by the state Board of Regents that overseas the center. The director for the board will submit a report to the Iowa Legislature by the end of the year 2026 to give an idea of the scope of work that is ongoing there.

The bill is eligible to be signed into law by Iowa Governor Kim Reynolds as it has passed through both chambers.

Iowa News:

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NAHVILLE, Tenn. (WATE)  A bill is heading to the desk of Tennessee Governor Bill Lee that would effectively ban hemp flower in the state.

The Tennessee House and Senate passed a bill that, if signed into law, would ban hemp products with more than 0.3% THCA which turns into an intoxicant when burned. Some lawmakers  including some Republicans  expressed concern that this bill would mostly ban the natural form of hemp but not synthetic versions.

Fee-free day in GSMNP celebrates start of National Park Week: What to know

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The hemp industry sued the Tennessee Department of Agriculture over a similar rule in 2024 and prevented it from going into effect.

The bill passed the Tennessee Senate 23-9 and passed the house 69-21.

The bill would also impose taxes on hemp-derived products, half of which would go to local governments for road infrastructure. The full text of the bill is available online.

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BATON ROUGE, La. (KTAL/KMSS)  A Louisiana lawmaker wants to broaden the states approach to litter abatement by expanding the power of state park rangers.

House Bill 173, authored by Representative John Illg of Jefferson Parish, seeks to expand the ticket-writing powers for park rangers. Current law allows state park rangers to write tickets for litter offenses within the park only.

Ticketed offenses range from simple littering to intentional acts of littering. Tickets would be mailed and handled by an administrative law judge rather than bogging down district attorneys offices.

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Dumpsite violations or gross littering caught on camera will be investigated and treated as a criminal matter, under current Louisiana law.

Louisiana Lieutenant Governor Billy Nungesser testified before the committee to express support for Illgs bill and highlight the work of those who volunteer for Keep Louisiana Beautiful litter abatement efforts.

Bill banning ballon releases in Louisiana breezes through House committee

More than ever before, this has turned into a movement only about 20% of Louisianans litter, but boy, they litter a lot, Nungesser said. And a lot of these dumpsites, when we get a call by the time Wildlife and Fishery or the sheriffs office can get there, theyre gone. They dont have the manpower sometimes to look through the trash and find those receipts. And so where we have state parks in that area, our rangers are willing, when we get the call to go out and assess the problem and write the tickets.

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Nungesser said expanding ticket-writing power is an effort to better enforce Louisianas current litter laws.

To ensure that local district courts are not overwhelmed with litterbug case reviews, there is an amended provision that creates the authority for the department to assess civil fines using the adjudicatory process through the Division of Administrative Law.

When asked about the safety of the public and the rangers by Representative Neil Riser, Nungesser stated that they undergo the same training as law enforcement officers.

Its more so for those dumpsites that continue over and over and over. Were actually going to be  this will allow us to put cameras out as wildlife fishery does, but they have many other tasks so this will allow us to put some out and respond to local governments that are reaching out to us time and time again, Nungesser said.

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The enforcement will focus on communities with nearby state parks, allowing for a more responsive approach to local entities that work diligently to maintain the cleanliness of those areas.

If you get a ticket, youre 80% less likely to litter. And I think through that and the added cleanups were doing and education, were going to see one day when we dont have to spend the $92 million we spent last year cleaning up after the fact, Nungessor said.

Nungesser and Illg said that violators would be subject to a fine or a day of litter cleanup for those who can not pay.

The bill, passed through the Committee on Natural Resources and Environment with amendments, will be sent to the House floor for discussion.

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A bill to hold churches and nonprofits liable if immigrants they aid go on to commit crimes is headed to Gov. Bill Lee for his signature.(Photo: John Partipilo/Tennessee Lookout)

A bill to hold churches and charitable organizations liable for providing housing aid to immigrants without legal status  who then go on to commit a crime  is now headed to the governors desk.

The Tennessee Senate Wednesday voted 70-23 in favor of the legislation (SB227/HB11) brought by Sen. Brent Taylor of Memphis and Rep. Rusty Grills of Newbern, both Republicans.

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The Republican majority in the House approved the measure earlier this month.

A spokesperson for Gov. Bill Lee did not respond to a question sent Wednesday about whether he plans to sign the legislation into law.

Grills called the measure a public safety bill in keeping with the Trump Administrations renewed focus on illegal immigration.

What were doing with this bill is anyone who is a victim of a crime committed by an illegal alien would have a private right of action against any NGO (non-governmental organization) that has assisted the illegal alien with housing in the community, Grills said in presenting the bill on the House floor.

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The legislation would open the door to civil lawsuits against charities that provide a variety of long-term housing assistance to individuals regardless of their immigration status, including assistance in signing leases or securing an apartment.

The bill exempts temporary overnight housing such as that provided by a homeless shelter, but includes no specific exemption for other short-term housing, such as domestic violence shelters, which can house victims and their children for months at a time.

Charities would be subject to lawsuits if their conduct in providing housing constitutes negligence, gross negligence, or willful and wanton misconduct. The bills language does not include a definition of those terms in the context of providing physical housing, referrals for housing or assistance in signing apartment leases.

The measure has drawn pushback from Tennessee faith leaders as an infringement on their religious freedom to perform acts of charity to those in need.

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On the Senate floor earlier this month, the bill drew contentious debate, with Democrat Sen. Jeff Yarbro of Nashville criticizing the measure as holding charities responsible for crimes committed by someone they helped while Taylor  the bills sponsor  called it a misguided mission to serve immigrants without legal status.

House Republicans quickly moved for a vote Wednesday, forestalling any floor debate, even as Democrats audibly protested the maneuver.

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A City of Orlando construction project in Ivanhoe Village is prompting a statewide push to help small businesses impacted by prolonged public works projects.

Channel 9 first told you about a pipeline replacement project that provided a needed update to the citys sewer system.

The project lasted more than 16 months and businesses said the construction hurt their bottom line.

A bill known as the Construction Disruption Assistance Act sponsored by State Senator Carlos Guillermo Smith is hoping to provide relief to small businesses across the state who are in similar situations.

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If it becomes law, businesses impacted by public works construction projects could get up to $100,000 in low interest loans.

We know that these infrastructure repairs are necessary. But the question we ask is at what cost? Its not fair to our locally owned businesses to have to bear the brunt of the sacrifice, said Guillermo Smith.

Guillermo Smith said if the bill gets signed into law, locally owned business could apply for the low interest loans via the Florida Department of Commerce.

He said the bill is inspired by the experience of local bar the Hammered Lamb, who told Channel 9 in 2024 that they were feeling the pinch from the citys North Orange Avenue Sanitary Sewer Improvement Project

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After 12 years in business, the Hammered Lamb ultimately closed their doors in January.

Locally owned gift shop Maffreys Good Goods also said they were impacted by the construction project too.

At the beginning of the construction in 2024, we saw a 40 percent decrease in our business, which for a small business, thats normally not sustainable, said Maffreys owner, Jeff Starks.

Starks said he was able to stay in business because of community support and is now supporting the bill to help others businesses keep their doors open.

I think that wouldve potentially helped here in this case, said Starks.

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Guillermo Smith told Channel 9 the bill still has a long journey before becoming law. It needs to pass out of a state-senate committee and the house bill also needs to advance to a floor vote.

If signed into law, the bill would take effect in October.

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Parents must give consent to an educator to bring their child to a medical appointment unless its emergency transport by ambulance under a House-approved bill that cleared the state Senate Thursday.

Unlike other parental rights bills, the measure (HB 231) drew overwhelming bipartisan support with the Senate voting 21-3 to pass it.

That vote starts the final process for the legislation to eventually make its way to the desk of Gov. Kelly Ayotte.

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The sponsor, Rep. Kristine Perez, R-Londonderry, included an exception in cases where the transport complies with an emergency policy adopted by the local school district.

Ayotte hasnt weighed in on the bill, but has expressed vocal support for other broader parental rights legislation, versions of which are pending in both House and Senate.

State Sen. Daryl Abbas, R-Salem, said there are also insurance implications with teachers driving a student to a doctors appointment without permission should an accident occur.

I feel this goes far beyond the role of educators in our public system, Abbas said.

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Sen. Debra Altschiller, D-Stratham, said the bill was poorly written and that not all school districts have an emergency policy that they can fall back on under these circumstances.

I understand the importance of parental involvement. What we oppose is how this bill goes about it, Altschiller said. School districts are already doing this.

Perez, a retired nurse, testified that she didnt find many school districts that had policies for these situations.

Sen. Dan Innis, R-Webster, said he started out a skeptic but became a co-sponsor.

This is one of those bills where I thought this couldnt possibly be happening. Turns out it was, Innis said.

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There are children being taken to (Dartmouth Hitchcock) and the parents dont know it.

Ultimately, Senate Democratic Leader Rebecca Perkins Kwoka of Portsmouth and four other Democrats  Altschiller, Patrick Long of Manchester, Sue Prentiss of Lebanon and Tara Reardon of Concord  joined with all the Republicans in support of the legislation.

The lone opponents were Sens. Donovan Fenton, D-Keene, David Watters of Dover and Democratic Leader Cindy Rosenwald of Nashua.

+++

Whats Next: The bill has passed the House and Senate in the same form, which means it now goes through the enrolling process before heading to Ayotte's desk.

Prospects: Very likely to be signed in the coming weeks.

klandrigan@unionleader.com
(NewsNation)  Bill OReilly has a message for Harvard in its battle with President Trump: Youre flat-out wrong.

Earlier this week, the university rejected the Trump administrations demands to limit activism on campus. That decision prompted the federal government to freeze more than $2.2 billion in grants to Harvard.

The schools focus on DEI  diversity, equity and inclusion  has been at the center of the clash, but OReilly doesnt think Harvard is sincerely committed to the idea because there are hardly any conservatives on campus.

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How are Ivy League schools using $6B in federal funding?

Your faculty is 90% radical left, you dont hire moderate, traditional conservative professors, OReilly said on CUOMO on Wednesday.

Conservative, Republican students feel uneasy, threatened, he said. Jewish students feel uneasy.

OReilly said the campus wasnt always hostile to conservative viewpoints.

Harvard not entitled to taxpayer dollars: Rep. Owens

When I went there and got my masters in the mid-90s, it wasnt that way, OReilly said. It was a liberal culture, but other points of view were accepted.

He added: We all got along swell, the professors didnt try to indoctrinate anybody.

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In a letter Monday, Harvard President Alan Garber said the university will not surrender its independence or relinquish its constitutional rights.

No government  regardless of which party is in power  should dictate what private universities can teach, whom they can admit and hire, and which areas of study and inquiry they can pursue, Garber wrote.

On Wednesday, the Trump administration asked the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) to revoke Harvard Universitys tax-exempt status.

OReilly thinks a lot of the Trump administrations threats would go away if the school proved it was committed to ideological diversity.

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If people were reasonable, this thing could be solved, and I hope it is, OReilly said.

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Veteran news anchor Bill OReilly has a message for Harvard University in its battle with President Trump: Youre flat out wrong.

Earlier this week, the university rejected the Trump administrations demands to limit activism on campus. That decision prompted the federal government to freeze more than $2.2 billion in grants to Harvard.

The schools focus on DEI  diversity, equity and inclusion  has been at the center of the clash, but OReilly doesnt think Harvard is sincerely committed to the idea because there are hardly any conservatives on campus.

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Your faculty is 90 percent radical left, you dont hire moderate, traditional conservative professors, OReilly told NewsNations CUOMO on Wednesday.

Conservative, Republican students feel uneasy, threatened, he continued. Jewish students feel uneasy.

The former Fox News host noted, however, that the campus wasnt always hostile to conservative viewpoints.

When I went there and got my masters in the mid-90s, it wasnt that way, OReilly told host Chris Cuomo. It was a liberal culture, but other points of view were accepted.

He added: We all got along swell, the professors didnt try to indoctrinate anybody.

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In a letter Monday, Harvard President Alan Garber said the university will not surrender its independence or relinquish its constitutional rights.

No government  regardless of which party is in power  should dictate what private universities can teach, whom they can admit and hire, and which areas of study and inquiry they can pursue, Garber wrote.

On Wednesday, the Trump administration asked the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) to revoke Harvard Universitys tax-exempt status.

OReilly thinks a lot of the Trump administrations threats would go away if the school proved it was committed to ideological diversity.

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If people were reasonable, this thing could be solved, and I hope it is, he said.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill.
Students are taught how to sound out letters during a phonics lesson at Ferguson Elementary School in Klamath Falls on April 7, 2023. (Alex Baumhardt/Oregon Capital Chronicle)

Oregon schools will soon have something theyve never had before: more than a year to plan for summer school with the promise of consistent funding from the state Legislature. But it comes with one condition: The money should be spent on programs that get students reading and writing at grade level.

On Thursday the Senate passed two bills nearly unanimously  House Bill 5047, which appropriates $35 million for summer learning grants for 2025, $35 million for 2026, and $12 million for June of 2027  and House Bill 2007, establishing which programs qualify for the summer grants. Both bills passed the Oregon House unanimously on April 9 and now await Gov. Tina Koteks signature.

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Kotek indicated at a news conference Tuesday she would sign the bills and said the unanimous votes to pass both in the House earlier in the month were highlights of the session for her so far.

Im very appreciative of legislative leaders for showing their commitment to that issue. I think its really important for our students to have access to summer learning programs, she said.

The $35 million available to schools this summer is welcome, but untimely, for many school administrators. Most smaller school districts are wrapping up planning for summer programs by April, and most larger districts start planning as early as October. Last year, schools didnt learn until March whether theyd receive a portion of $30 million in summer grants. For some, the money came too late to expand their offerings.

But knowing schools have the money next year, and in years ahead, is a game changer, bill advocates said. House Bill 5047 also makes clear that the funding is intended to be ongoing at $70 million per biennium, from a fund housed in the Treasury rather than from the states general fund, to help support three months of summer learning programs every year in perpetuity.

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Were thrilled the days of last minute investment and planning for summer learning are finally over, said Anna Higgins, policy director for the education nonprofit Foundations for a Better Oregon.

House Bill 2007 underwent a number of amendments over the last few months after school leaders and education advocacy groups expressed concern that granting money only for literacy-specific, at-school programs was too narrow.

Its since been expanded, to allow schools to fund summer programs that aid in credit recovery, use evidence-based curriculum to teach language arts as well as math and science, and to allow schools to partner with community-based organizations and colleges to offer programs. It was also changed to make room for summer literacy programs that include enrichment activities outside of the classroom, as long as they improve student academic outcomes.

The Oregon Department of Education, which will distribute the grants, is required to prioritize schools with the lowest rates of reading proficiency when awarding funds. In the future, the bill allows the agency to recommend other academic areas to target supper learning grants as needed.

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School administrators and education groups, such as Foundations for a Better Oregon, who advocated in public hearings that the bill be expanded to include more community organizations, activities, and academic focus areas, said they were pleased with the amended bill.

While theres more work to do to eliminate barriers and actually incentivize school-community partnerships, which are critical to reaching academic goals for historically underserved students, this bill marks an important milestone for expanding access to out-of-school learning for Oregons kids, Higgins said.

For the last few years, school administrators have asked the Legislature repeatedly to dedicate funding for summer school, and to do so with consistency so they can plan ahead. Instead, the Legislature has repeatedly punted the decision to the end of sessions, leaving schools with notice that they can apply for some additional state funding weeks before programs are due to begin.

In the aftermath of COVID and school closures, the need for summer learning programs to help students catch up gained urgency in the Legislature. Former Sens. Peter Courtney and Michael Dembrow, Democrats from Salem and Portland, respectively, even proposed investing in robust summer learning programs could be a runway for eventually introducing year-round school.

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In 2021, schools received more than $200 million, and in 2022 they were allocated $150 million. But in 2023, the Legislature did not send schools any additional summer school money, and instead hoped they would spend the last of their federal COVID-relief dollars. Schools cut programs and some nonprofits stopped offering summer programs altogether.

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Back in May 2024, the family of a 14-year-old Sacramento girl was in a panic after her sudden disappearance. Authorities confirmed the girl has been found and safe. However, preliminary investigation findings reveal disturbing information regarding her vanishing.

Local activist Berry Accius tells KCRA he led the movement toward finding the girl once she disappeared. When she first vanished, the states Ebony Alert system for missing Black children and girls didnt pick up her profile to report her as missing. The girls mother accused the police at the time of not taking the childs disappearance seriously, per FOX 40.

I was told that she didnt fit the criteria, but when you look at the criteria based on her age alone, she did, Accius told reporters at KCRA.

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It took another two months for the California Highway Patrol to issue an Ebony Alert, the first to come out of Sacramento County. However, on April 10, they finally got their big tip that led them to the girl... all the way in Texas.

Deputies in Houston responded to the report of a suspicious person on the 100 block of Cold Snow Drive, per FOXs report. Officers say the caller reported a male and female inside his vacant residents. Upon arrival, the two tried to flee but were detained.

They then identified the female as the missing Sacramento girl, who is now 15. However, the male was identified as a man almost twice her age, 28-year-old Tarik Exavier Jammer. The investigation so far into the girls disappearance revealed the two met through an online video game, per Harris County Constable Precinct 4.

Photo: KCRA 3

Police now accuse Jammer of convincing the girl to run away with him. Deputies claim the two formed a sexual/dating relationship despite state law ruling 14 years old to be under the age of consent. By California law, this is considered rape.

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Had anyone even cared, this whole thing wouldve been resolved months ago, Accius told reporters. 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!

The advocate has a point. Had she been a white girl, police may have moved quicker. Consider the fact that around the same time the girl was found, a white 10-year-old girl went missing in Southern California, per FOXs report. She was found hours after police reported her missing - also with a man police believe she met through a video game. Meanwhile, the Sacramento teens search took an entire year.

Jammer was arrested and booked into Harris County Jail for sexual performance of a child but may face more charges as the investigation continues, the reports say. Police say the teen was transferred to a facility to be reunited with her parents.

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EL PASO, Texas (KTSM)  Estrella del Paso, a local nonprofit that helps migrants with legal services, terminated two of its programs following a decision by the U.S. Department of Justice to stop funding the programs.

El Paso nonprofit told to stop migrant legal services

The termination of the Legal Orientation Program (LOP) and Immigration Court Helpdesk (ICH) took effect on Tuesday, April 15. These programs help people who are facing deportation understand their rights, officials with Estrella del Paso said.

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By terminating these types of programs that are aimed at educating people, its just going to make the immigration system a black hole, Melissa M. Lopez, executive director of Estrella del Paso, said.

This is not the first time that the Justice Department has tried to stop these programs. The department issued a stop work order for both programs on Jan. 22.

Estrella del Paso joined partner organizations across the country in a federal lawsuit against the government. However, that litigation is still pending, officials said.

Lopez said there is concern that, with the absence of these programs, immigration courts could become more strained.

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We are not going to be able to provide these services, and people are going to go to court having no idea what theyre facing. And without, you know, that knowledge that theyre going to languish in detention longer, theyre going to go through these processes and its going to take longer, Lopez said.

The decision to terminate the programs came weeks after the government cut off legal representation to unaccompanied children, which led to 18 employees from Estrella del Paso being furloughed, officials said.

Officials added that funding cuts and staff losses are taking a toll on their ability to serve the community.

When you think about the tens of thousands of cases that are currently pending before the immigration court in El Paso, and you think about the fact that we have a four-person attorney team right now, Lopez said.

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Troy McLeod walks his dogs every single day in his New York City neighborhood. Despite being wheelchair-bound, McLeod and his pups have maintained a comfortable routine. But everything changed one day when their regularly scheduled walk turned life-threatening.

An altercation between him and one of his Jewish neighbors, Levi Kabakov, 30, broke out when Kabakov accused McLeods dogs of scaring his children, according to News 12. McLeod says his dogs are trained. At the time of the incident, the dogs were off their leashes but wearing muzzles. McLeod insisted his dogs posed no threat, but thats when the white man told McLeod to cross the street, and he did.

Youd think this would be the end to their small disagreement, but things escalated when Kabakov returned and began attacking McLeod. I was scared, I was trying to get back up, I was in shock and thank God someone was there, Mcleod told news 12.

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Footage taken by a bystander shows the two arguing as Kabakov continues to blame McLeod for scaring his children. Thats when the white man physically attacked the wheelchair-bound man. Police say Kabakov hit McLeod with a wooden plank from his yard right before he pushed him out of his chair.

It felt like a vengeful vibe to me because to the extent of the situation there was no need for it, McLeod continued. Kabakov struck him twice, injuring his hands, which McLeod needs to maneuver his chair. I had to block myself when he struck me twice, so I need my hands to get around, so the hills are tough for me right now, he said.

After the March 29 incident, Kabakov was arrested and charged with second-degree assault and aggravated menacing, according to COL Live. He was released without bail and is expected to appear in court on July 17.

Interestingly enough, this isnt the first time McLeod has been confronted about his dogs. Another Jewish neighbor said McLeods dogs also frightened his children. Despite my numerous, respectful requests for him to leash his dogs and be more considerate, Mr. McLeod has shown little regard for the safety and well-being of others, the neighbor told COL Live. It has frequently appeared that he seems to take pleasure in the discomfort his dogs cause, they continued.

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McLeod came out defending his pets saying, My dogs are well trained, and even as he [Kabakov] was violating me you can see they did not involve themselves to hurt him. A rally in McLeods honor is scheduled to take place in Brooklyn on April 17 at noon, according to COL Live.

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The Blue Origin flight that launched an all-female crew into space earlier this week has faced an astronomical level of criticism, with many rejecting the notion that the mission was a win for womens empowerment.

The fully-automated 11-minute flight that blasted off from West Texas on Monday had quite the star power, with six prominent women in various fields aboard: journalist Gayle King; helicopter pilot and former TV journalist Lauren Sanchez; pop star Katy Perry; film producer Kerianne Flynn; former NASA engineer Aisha Bowe; and Amanda Nguyen, an astronaut and civil rights activist.

In the months leading up to the flight, some of the promotion and interviews with the Blue Origin crew celebrated the flight as a win for women and feminism. The launch marked the first time an all-female crew took a spaceflight since 1963, when Soviet cosmonaut Valentina Tereshkova launched by herself, becoming the first woman in space.

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Sanchez said in a March video shared on Instagram ahead of the flight that she believed that all of the women in the crew are storytellers.

Theyre going to come back, and be able to share that story and also inspire a new generation of explorers, she said, adding the hashtag #Takingupspace.

Perry told The Associated Press last week that she felt brave and bold for inspiring the next generation, and especially young girls, to go to space in the future and to have no limitations.

And amid the backlash that the quick flight from the space tourism company founded by Jeff Bezos  Sanchezs fiancee and one of the richest men in the world  was self-promotional, costly and extremely out-of-touch, among other things, some of the crew have stood by the message of inspiring young girls.

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King told Extra on Tuesday that despite the criticism, shes had so many girls and women  and some guys, tell her that they were inspired by the Blue Origin flight.

I know there are some haters, but Im not going to let people steal my joy. And steal the joy of what we did and what we accomplished that day. Im just not going to let it in, the CBS Mornings co-host said.

But many people havent been convinced that this flight was a triumph for womens causes, slamming it as a privileged celebrity affair  perhaps save for scientists Bowe and Nguyen, who conducted experimentsduring the spaceflight.

Namely, many have argued that Bezos ties to President Donald Trump are in direct opposition to the flights purported celebration of feminism. In December, it was reported that Amazon, founded by Bezos, had planned to donate $1 million to Trumps inaugural fund  and Bezos and Sanchez were memorably given front-row seats at the inauguration.

Lauren Sanchez, Jeff Bezos and Google CEO Sundar Pichai attend the inauguration of Donald J. Trump in the Rotunda of the U.S. Capitol on January 20, 2025. Photo by Ricky Carioti - Pool/Getty Images

Trump has led a crusade against diversity, equity and inclusion, and his administrations various funding cutswill have serious implications for women and girls across the globe. Just earlier this month, the administration gutted a Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reproductive health division that monitors in vitro fertilization and tracks national maternal and infant health outcomes.

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So while representation is important, its crucial to remember that tokenism can give a false impression of inclusion, explained Susan Hinze, associate professor of sociology and womens and gender studies at Case Western Reserve University.

Representation matters. Given the gender gap in space, anything that moves the needle toward equality is a win. Indeed, the stunt may prove inspirational for some young women, she told HuffPost. But she added that some of the crew members were chosen not because they are trained astronauts, but for publicity for Blue Origin.

In organizations, tokenism is the inclusion of a few underrepresented minorities to give a false impression of inclusion, she said. If visibility and representation are important, why not select a group of women scientists and educators as the role models instead of (mostly) celebrities ready for their close-ups with glam squads and an Elle magazine photoshoot?

The Blue Origin flight launched an all-female crew into space on Monday, April 14, 2025, in West Texas. The crew consisted of Gayle King, Lauren Sanchez, Katy Perry, Kerianne Flynn, Aisha Bowe and Amanda Nguyen. Blue Origin/ASSOCIATED PRESS

Read on to hear more from experts in womens and gender studies on why they believe the feminist messaging behind the Blue Origin flight fell flat for so many.

Platitudes about womens empowerment distract from how systems of power can cause harm.

Dreaming big and reaching for the stars are platitudes that reinforce individualistic ideologies and ignore the weight of classist, racist and sexist systems of power that keep people from succeeding, Hinze said, describing much of the marketing leading up to the Blue Origin flight as a cringey stunt.

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Here on planet Earth and in the U.S., public education is under attack and may not survive. Where are our future scientists? she later said. Possibly sitting in underfunded classrooms as the wealthy send their kids to private schools and advocate for a for-profit educational system of charter schools. The next Marie Curie or Mae Jemison could be lost to us forever.

Jillana Enteen, professor of instruction in gender and sexuality studies at Northwestern University, said that its also important to analyze the ludicrousness of the branding of the Blue Origin flight in the context of the current funding cuts occurring across institutions of higher education.

Universities are being told they cannot focus on topics centered around women, people of color, or anyone in gendered/sexual non-normative positions, but this flight certainly uses the theme as its main attraction, she said.

She later added, Blue Origin enables passengers, not astronauts, to have an experience, not an education.

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Enteen, who teaches a course on digital humanities, said that shes heard a number of her undergraduate students criticize the feminist branding attached to the Blue Origin flight. One student told her they thought it was a display of wealth instead of the power of women.

Another student thought, however, that some of the criticism slamming the all-female crew for talking publicly about getting glammed upfor the spaceflight was ironically anti-feminist in itself. Enteen agreed that there has been inconsistencies in the backlash and criticism toward the flight.

Overall, Hinze said that she believes much of the negative response to the Blue Origin flight and the way it was marketed is because women are tired of being had.

Most women see right through the charade of empowerment presented in this stunt for public consumption. Women want equal rights, equal treatment, and equal opportunities, not objectification and performative nonsense, she said. The world feels precarious right now, and yes, the frustration is boiling over, especially around the economy and politics.

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She added: White billionaire men using women to showcase their technological prowess ... is completely cringe.

Related...
(Photo by Ariel Skelley/Getty Images)

The Maryland Board of Nursing said it has cleared almost all of the 259 nurses and nursing applicants who may have obtained a Maryland license using fraudulent documents from a scheme revealed in Florida more than two years ago.

The board said that it found no cause to take disciplinary action against 205 of the Maryland cases linked to Operation Nightingale, a multistate investigation by federal officials in 2023 of a Florida-based wire fraud scheme that provided bogus documentation of nursing credentials.

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The board did revoke the privilege to practice in Maryland for three nurses and voted to issue charges against seven others, who were referred to the Office of the Attorney General for prosecution. Three nurses voluntarily surrendered their licenses, another 12 applicants withdrew their applications for a registered nurse license in Maryland and the board voted to dispose of another three without taking action.

Those numbers were included in the boards response to an Office of Legislative Audits report released last week that was a followup to a 2024 inquiry into several boards and commissions that oversee health care facilities or practitioners.

Among the findings of the report, which covered the period from September 2019 to July 2023, was that the agencies often failed to investigate complaints against licensees in a timely manner  a problem the auditors said could be due to staffing shortages during that period.

The report said that the 20 boards and commissions it studied had a total of 4,916 open cases as of February 2024, but that 3,051 of those had been open more than two years. The Board of Nursing, the largest by far of all the boards, had 2,411 cases that had been open more than two years, it said.

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The auditors also reported in February 2024 that the nursing board could not provide documentation that it had investigated any of the 259 nurses whose names came up as part of Operation Nightingale  a claim the board disputed at the time, and again last week.

The board now says it is missing documentation for just 26 of those 259. While that is a significant improvement, the OLA report adds on to other audits that raise concerns in oversight and documentation of Board of Nursing and the Department of Health over several years.

The Operation Nightingale investigation became public in a January 2023 post from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Office of Inspector General. It said its investigation, along with the FBI and the U.S. Attorneys Office, uncovered three Florida nursing schools tied to bogus nursing degree diplomas and transcripts that were sold to aspiring Registered Nurses (RN) and Licensed Practical/Vocational Nurse (LPN/VN) to qualify for the national nursing board exam.

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Upon successful completion of the board exam, the nursing applicants became eligible to obtain licensure in various states, the HHS statement said. Once licensed, the individuals were then able to obtain employment in the health care field. The overall scheme involved the distribution of more than 7,600 fake nursing diplomas and transcripts. These schools are now closed.

Former U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of Florida Markenzy Lapointe said at the time that the wire fraud scheme erodes public trust in our health care system.

Not only is this a public safety concern, it also tarnishes the reputation of nurses who actually complete the demanding clinical and course work required to obtain their professional licenses and employment, Lapointe said in the 2023 statement.

The Maryland Board of Nursing was notified of 287 nurses or nursing applicants who may have received licensure with false credentials, with the expectation that the Maryland board would look into those cases. By February 2024, the board said it had reviewed most of those cases, even though the OLA said it lacked documentation at the time for that claim. At that time, 131 of those nurses had been working within the Maryland health system, the OLA said.

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The Board of Nursing agreed that the audits findings were factual and has since located much of the missing documentation regarding those 259 nursing licenses  though documentation for 26 cases are still missing.

Board of Nursing has located a substantial amount of the records documenting the work conducted to screen and process the 259 individuals who may have obtained licensure in Maryland using fraudulent credentials, the board responded in the April audit report.

The board believes that it will resolve the outstanding 26 cases by July. The Board of Nursing has a list of the actions it has taken related to nursing licenses involved in Operation Nightingale.

ola_boardofnursing
WILDWOOD, N.J. (PIX11)  A boardwalk in New Jersey has been named the best in the United States.

The Wildwoods Boardwalk in South Jersey won Best Boardwalk in USA Todays 10Best Readers Choice Awards 2025 competition.

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Originally a 150-yard boardwalk at its inception in the 1890s, the boardwalk in Wildwoods, New Jersey, now stretches for 38 blocks and is packed with shops, restaurants, bars, water parks, and an amusement pier featuring over 100 attractions, USA Today wrote.

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Other boardwalks in New Jersey also placed in the top 10. The Atlantic City Boardwalk was ranked No. 6, while the Ocean City Boardwalk was ranked No. 8.

The boardwalks were all nominated by a panel of experts and then voted on by the public.

This recognition is truly special because it comes from the visitors, residents, and fans of the Wildwoods who cherish our boardwalk, said Louis Belasco, the executive director of the Greater Wildwoods Tourism Improvement and Development Authority. Were thrilled that visitors celebrate The Wildwoods and our boardwalk as a premier gem of the Jersey Shore.

Finn Hoogensen is a digital journalist who has covered local news for more than six years. He has been with PIX11 News since 2022. See more of his work here.

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BOCA RATON  A local 911 operator was inundated with calls on the morning of April 11, as drivers watched a small plane spiral in the air shortly before crashing minutes away from the Boca Raton Airport.

Boca Raton police have released the 911 call log from before and after the crash, and the report details the urgency of the many concerned callers.

First came a call from an airport official, warning the dispatcher about the distressed plane. Then came about a dozen more after it crashed along Military Trail near Glades Road.

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"I know this is a really strange call," a caller said right before the plane went down. "But has anybody else called in about this plane?"

She told the dispatcher it was flying "way too low."

Latest on Boca plane crash: Victims were headed to Florida State for teenager's college visit

Another caller, right afterward, told the dispatcher something had just dropped from the sky and that there was "a big accident."

"It looks like there's a plane that crashed," a fourth caller said, according to the report, released April 15.

Eventually, the operator was asking callers if they were calling about the plane crash as soon as calls were answered and that help was on the way.

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"Was that a plane?" one caller asked. "I just saw a giant explosion."

One final caller described the scene in detail to the dispatcher.

"There's black smoke billowing off the side of the highway," she said.

Investigators examine a small plane crash that killed three people on Military Tr. in Boca Raton Friday April 11, 2025.

The plane was a six-seater Cessna 310, and it was in the air for about 10 minutes before crashing, killing all three passengers onboard.

They were identified by Boca Raton police as Robert Stark, 81, of Boca Raton; and Stephen Stark, 54, and Brooke Stark, 17, both of Delray Beach. They were traveling to Tallahassee to visit the campus of Florida State University, where Brooke Stark was thinking of attending college. Stephen was Brooke's father and Robert her grandfather.

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The crash did not directly hit anyone on the ground, but it forced a northbound driver of a 2017 Toyota Prius, Pablo Tafur, 24, to swerve and hit a tree, police said. Tafur, who suffered minor injuries, was able to exit the car and find safety.

NTSB is leading an investigation into the Boca Raton crash. The standard procedure for NTSB is to issue a preliminary report within 30 days, followed by a 12-24 month report that will offer final analysis and probable cause for the crash.

More on Boca Raton plane crash

Jasmine Fernandez is a journalist covering Delray Beach and Boca Raton for The Palm Beach Post. You can reach her at jfernandez@pbpost.com and follow her on X (formerly Twitter) at @jasminefernandz. Help support our work. Subscribe today.

This article originally appeared on Palm Beach Post: Boca plane crash: Police release 911 calls from Florida accident
Ada County Sheriff Matt Clifford on Wednesday criticized a new law that bans the city of Boise from flying Pride flags, saying it was unclear how police could enforce it as written.

The law, originally House Bill 96, limits governments to flying certain flags, including the American flag, the Idaho flag, military flags and flags representing government entities. The legislation went into effect April 3, but the city of Boise has kept its Pride flag up, prompting a warning letter from the Idaho Attorney Generals Office.

Many people also reported the city to the Ada County Sheriffs Office, Clifford said in a statement emailed to the Idaho Statesman.

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After the public complaints, Clifford asked his legal team to review the new code, he said. But the lawyers found that there are no penalties, no information about what level of crime is involved (misdemeanor or felony, for example) and no explanation as to how an officer would enforce the law, the statement said.

Without clear direction in the law, no law enforcement in the state of Idaho has the authority to issue citations or make arrests in this situation, Clifford said. This situation highlights the importance of thoughtful collaboration in the legislative process. I strongly urge Idaho legislators to work closely with subject matter experts when drafting legislation to ensure that future statutes are clearly enforceable and contain the necessary legal structure to support their implementation.

Bill sponsor Rep. Heather Scott, R-Blanchard, did not immediately return a request for comment.

Clifford sent a letter to the city of Boise similar to his public statement.

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He also indicated that the volume of flag complaints has been burdensome for his department.

These messages have come in through nearly every channel available to the public  Ada County Dispatch, patrol supervisors, our social media accounts, and our general public inbox, Clifford said. Responding to these concerns has placed a strain on our staff and resources, pulling attention away from other essential duties.

Cliffords message struck a very different tone from Attorney General Raul Labradors letter, which said Boise could lose state money if it continues to fly the Pride flag. Labrador also said he had spoken with legislative leaders who said they will respond next session with strong enforcement tools.

However, his letter also highlighted the lack of penalties, with Labrador writing that the law relied on the good will of elected officials for its enforcement.

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While we are sorting out the reach and impact of HB 96  which includes neither definitions nor enforcement mechanisms, we will continue to fly the flags currently on display at City Hall, Boise spokesperson Emilee Ayers told the Statesman.

During this years legislative session, no one testified or debated about the bills enforcement mechanisms.

However, a couple lawmakers did express concern with the lack of definitions in the bill, such as not defining what a flag is.

Theres always going to be some interpretation of law and were going to have to say whats a sign and whats a flag. Thats the only interpretation thats going to have to be determined, said the bills Senate floor sponsor, Sen. Ben Toews, R-Coeur dAlene, during debate. Other than that, its very definitive.
DECATUR, Ill. (WCIA)  A Decatur man is in jail after police say he hit his next-door neighbor with his car. It happened early Monday morning near North 24th and East William Streets.

Joseph Hollgarth stood near the victim, 42-year-old Brandie Pugsley, as he and a group of people were getting ready to have a barbecue. A loud noise caught their attention.

Decatur teen sentenced to 10 years in case of pregnant womans murder

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He said the nextdoor neighbor, 54-year-old Michael Gentry, pulled out from behind his house, drove down the alley, hit a tree, backed up and then rammed through the fence behind Pugsleys house before hitting her.

I watched everything right there  her leg getting snapped and broke and everything else, Hollgarth said. I just cant even believe it. I just cant believe that happened to a girl like her.

Sworn police statements say officers found Pugsley lying on the ground after Michael hit her going 20-30 miles an hour. The documents say his blood alcohol content was nearly three times the legal limit to drive shortly after the incident.

Sheri Gentry, Michaels wife, told officers he drank an entire bottle of tequila before it happened.

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[Pugsleys] leg was split open  her kneecap to her ankle  and her bone was sticking out, Hollgarth said. There was blood all over her face.

The police statements say Michael showed no remorse for his actions, and told officers that he would have shot at his neighbors if he had a gun.

Sheri said Pugsley and the others in the house have caused ongoing issues for the neighborhood ever since they got there about two years ago. She said Michael had just had enough and snapped.

Human tissue found on truck of Macon Co. arson suspects

Theres cars revving their engines, theres people defecating in the yards, theyve cussed me [and] my daughter [out], Sheri said. My husband has been incarcerated for what he did, and I dont condone what he did, but Im here alone, Im 60 years old and Im afraid to sleep at night.

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She said theres people making noise outside all night. On the other hand, Hollgarth said they keep to themselves and never throw parties.

Decatur Police Lieutenant Scott Rosenbery said officers were called to the area twice in 2023 for noise complaints, but nothing more recent.

While the neighbors continue to have disagreements, what they have in common is their sympathy for Pugsley.

Im sorry the girl got hurt, Sheri said. Ive asked her brother whos over there many times if shes ok, and I pray for her and her family.

Michael is facing charges of attempted murder, aggravated battery with a deadly weapon and aggravated DUI causing bodily harm.

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Pugsley is recovering in Springfield Memorial Hospital after she was airlifted there from Decatur.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
Emory University is one of the Georgia universities with a significant population of international students. John McCosh/Georgia Recorder

Its our mission to enhance your college experience through the internationalization of campus, the University of Georgia tells its 2,600 foreign students on its website. No matter your held identity, perspective and worldview, theres a place for everyone.

Except, theres not a place for everyone.

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Not anymore.

All around the country, including here in Georgia, hundreds and most likely thousands of foreign students are being stripped of their student visas for little or no apparent reason, and are told to either deport themselves immediately or be arrested and deported by force.

Agents for Immigration and Customs Enforcement, under pressure to meet deportation quotas, have found those students to be easy pickings. Theyre simple to find  their names and addresses are already in a federal database  and ICE agents are apparently sifting through that database, trying to find any reason, plausible or implausible, to evict people.

In some cases, students are being targeted for voicing support for Palestinians, not necessarily in protests but on social media and other outlets as well. One student in Vermont, a 10-year U.S. resident with a green card, was arrested for deportation at an interview that he scheduled as part of his process to become an American citizen, and we still dont know the reason. Others have been ordered to leave the country immediately based on years-old traffic tickets or dropped misdemeanor charges, and some based on no apparent reason at all.

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Lawsuits have been filed in federal courts here in Georgia and elsewhere, attempting to force the government to justify its actions, but the outcome of those suits is uncertain. The fact that theres so little rhyme or reason to the deportation orders, which come with no warning, makes them even more frightening and dangerous. These arent terrorists or criminals who are being targeted. They are people who came here legally, through the process, and the random nature of their attempted removal makes the message clear:

Immigrants, get out.

The impact here in Georgia can be significant. Emory University hosts roughly 3,300 foreign undergraduates and more than 1,000 post-graduate students and scholars, many in the medical field. Kennesaw State enrolls more than 1,600 international students, and Georgia State has more than twice that number.

Not surprisingly, Georgia Tech hosts the largest contingent of international students in the state. In addition to more than 1,600 undergraduate students, Tech has attracted almost 12,000 post-graduate students to its campus, representing the best and the brightest of more than 100 countries. They make up more than a third of Techs post-grad student body.

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Those students and the often-cutting-edge research they conduct have in turn helped to attract venture capital, startups and incubators to Georgia Techs Technology Square in midtown Atlanta. Companies such as NCR, Boeing and others have invested more than $1 billion in projects at Tech Square, which according to Georgia Tech has the highest density of startups, corporate innovators, academic researchers, and students in the entire southeastern United States, with over 100 startups, 5 startup accelerators, 25 corporate innovation centers, 7 venture funds, 10 research labs, 10 Top 10 engineering programs (and) one Top 10 MBA program.

These are, or ought to be, the foundations upon which a modern, prosperous economy are built. In fact, according to one study, 21 of the 87 privately held U.S. companies valued at $1 billion or more had a founder who first came to the United States as an international student.

Yet were in the process of running them off.

In addition, foreign students are a big revenue generator for many schools, because they generally are able and willing to pay full tuition, in effect subsidizing their U.S. classmates. If the flow of international students and revenue is shut down, as seems likely, some smaller private schools may even be forced to close. Overall, higher education is an American specialty, an industry renowned around the world for its quality, and were locking the doors to incoming customers.

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The impact of these deportation attempts goes well beyond those individuals being targeted for removal. Word has already spread overseas, where these evictions are creating a climate of fear and distrust that will last generations. To make things even worse, the Trump regime is also attempting to slash funding for American scholars who want to study and do research overseas, through programs such as the Fulbright.

What supposedly began as a concern about illegal immigration has grown into something much uglier and destructive. We are shutting ourselves off from the rest of the world. We are telling them we dont want their business, we dont want their friendship, we dont want them.

Its just crazy what were doing to ourselves.

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A U.S. Customs and Border Protection agent was arrested in Gilbert and booked on 10 counts of sexual exploitation of a minor.

Gilbert police confirmed that 40-year-old Jason Michael Drown was arrested about 10:50 a.m. April 8 in connection with a joint investigation involving Homeland Security Investigations. Court records showed the date of the incident in question was Nov. 2, 2024.

John Mennell, public affairs specialist for CBP, provided a statement to The Arizona Republic saying the incident was under investigation by the Gilbert Police Department and was supported by the Department of Homeland Security's Office of Inspector General. CBP's Office of Professional Responsibility was also reviewing the incident, the statement said.

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"CBP stresses honor and integrity in every aspect of our mission, and the overwhelming majority of CBP employees and officers perform their duties with honor and distinction, working tirelessly every day to keep our country safe," the statement added. "An arrest is merely an allegation. The defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law."

Court records showed that Drown's preliminary hearing was scheduled for April 17.

Fears grow: Residents: Gilbert wants to block public records and go after those who seek them

This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: Gilbert border agent accused of sexual exploitation of a minor
MIDTOWN, Manhattan (PIX11)  The NYPD is searching for the suspect accused of stabbing a 14-year-old boy in Midtown on Wednesday.

It happened near the Port Authority Bus Terminal along 8th Avenue between 43rd and 44th streets around 7 p.m., according to authorities. Police said the teenager was stabbed just above his left eye.

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The victim was then rushed to a local hospital in critical condition, according to authorities. Police said he is in stable condition as of Thursday morning.

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The motive for the attack remains unclear. Police said no arrests have been made and an investigation is ongoing.

Submit tips to police by calling Crime Stoppers at 1-800-577-TIPS (8477), visiting crimestoppers.nypdonline.org, downloading the NYPD Crime Stoppers mobile app, or texting 274637 (CRIMES) then entering TIP577. Spanish-speaking callers are asked to dial 1-888-57-PISTA (74782).

Erin Pflaumer is a digital content producer from Long Island who has covered both local and national news since 2018. She joined PIX11 in 2023. See more of her work here.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to PIX11.
ALBANY  The people at Homerun Foods are homegrown, and on Saturday parent company Lanier Oil Co. is celebrating 60 years in a business that is now in its third generation of Albany natives.

Started six decades ago, Lanier Oil Co. was founded by J.B. Brad Lanier Jr. after he served more than than 10 years in the U.S. Air Force. The fledgling venture took wings with one truck and two employees.

Today, the company trucks to as far as the Atlanta area, serving more than a third of Georgia, and also covers part of Alabama, Brad Laniers son Jeff Lanier, who took over following his fathers death in 1988, said.

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To celebrate, the company is offering discounted gasoline prices at the eight Homerun Foods locations in Dougherty County as well as the BLOC Stop on Moultrie Highway and the recently opened LOC Stop in Terrell County.

We just want to say thank you to our customers, Lanier said. On April 19, 1965, my father Brad Lanier Jr. started the company when he was 33 years old. Its hard to stay in business for 60 years.

Today, four of Jeff Laniers sons are part of the company, which has expanded from its humble origins.
Police are searching for a gunman after a person was shot in the head outside of a pizza shop in Chelsea on Wednesday night.

Officers responding to a report of a possible stabbing in the area of Webster Avenue and Broadway around 10 p.m. found a 33-year-old Chelsea resident suffering from a significant gunshot wound to the head, according to Chelsea Police Chief Keith Houghton.

The victim, whose name hasnt been released, was rushed to Massachusetts General Hospital and immediately underwent emergency surgery.

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They are said to be in critical condition with life-threatening injuries.

Detectives with the Chelsea police and state police assigned to the Suffolk District Attorneys Office are still investigating and searching for any surveillance video from the area.

Video from the scene showed evidence markers on the sidewalk, as well as sneakers and other items roped off with yellow crime tape.

This was a brazen act of violence in a busy area of our city. Our officers and partners at the state police and DAs office are working diligently to identify the suspect and bring accountability, Houghton said in a statement.

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Police are urging anyone with information to contact them at 617-466-4810.

This is a developing story. Check back for updates as more information becomes available.

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China is supplying weapons to Russia, President Volodymyr Zelensky said on April 17, days after Ukrainian soldiers captured Chinese nationals fighting for Russia's army.

"Today, we have general information from the Security Service (of Ukraine), from intelligence about gunpowder, artillery," Zelensky said during a briefing in Kyiv.

"I think we will be able to say in detail next week that we believe that Chinese representatives are engaged in the production of some weapons on the territory of Russia," he added.

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Zelensky's statement marks Kyiv's first confirmation that Beijing supports Russia's war effort by providing weapons. Iran and North Korea are two other allies of Moscow that supply Russia with arms.

Multiple reports have previously suggested that China sends weapons to Russia amid Moscow's all-out war against Ukraine, but Beijing denied this. In the summer of 2024, Zelensky said that China confirmed it wouldn't provide Russia with arms.

Beijing has officially positioned itself as neutral toward Russia's war against Ukraine but has simultaneously deepened economic ties with Moscow and backed Russia against Western sanctions. China has also shaped up to be Russia's leading source of dual-use goods that feed the Russian defense industry.

Earlier this month, two Chinese citizens were captured by Ukrainian soldiers while fighting in the Russian army ranks against Ukraine in Donetsk Oblast. Later, Zelensky said that at least "several hundred" Chinese nationals are fighting on Russia's side in Ukraine.

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One of the captured soldiers claimed he had paid 300,000 rubles (roughly $3,500) to a middleman in China to join the Russian military in exchange for the promise of citizenship, the press service of a Ukrainian military unit told the online newspaper Ukrainska Pravda earlier in the day.

Beijing has denied any direct involvement in the war and said it has appealed to its citizens to stay away from armed conflicts.

Read also: Everything we heard from Russians was a lie  Chinese fighters captured by Ukraine speak out

Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent.
Nikol Pashinyan almost forced out a confession that Yerevan would remove territorial claims to Baku from its constitution.

First of all, we are talking about references to the Declaration of Independence, which explicitly states that Armenia is the legal successor of the "Armenian SSR" and proclaims "unification" with Nagorno-Karabakh as one of its goals.

Pashinyan stated that, in his opinion, the new version of the Constitution "should not contain references to the Declaration of Independence." However, his courage evaporated literally in a second  he immediately made a reservation that this was "his political position," and the decision, he said, would be made by the people in a referendum.

Pashinyan himself, at least in words, is trying to overcome his own hesitation and pushes for the need for such a decision in every possible way. "I haven't forgotten 2020, damn it! I haven't forgotten."

But not everything is so simple: Pashinyan is still trying not to link the changes to the Armenian Constitution with the peace treaty with Azerbaijan. In fact, both are closely related. After all, no matter how Pashinyan prevaricates, the revision of the basic law means the legal recognition of the territorial integrity of Azerbaijan, including through the renunciation of territorial claims. And without such a renouncement, there will be no signing, as Baku has made it clear.

Why is Pashinyan afraid? Because he understands that purging the Constitution could lead to another wave of rallies and a surge in opposition activity, both from the "Karabakh clan" and clowns like Bagrat Galstanyan. It's possible that new figures may appear in the circus called "Armenian politics" by this time, so Pashinyan's fears are not groundless.

And finally, the most important thing: deadlines. Pashinyan still does not say a word about the specific timing of amendments to the Constitution. The dates vary, and most often it is said that Armenia will not hold a referendum before 2026. Pashinyan does not comment on this topic at all, neither explicitly nor even indirectly.

Well, Azerbaijan can afford to wait. After all, who needs this agreement more now?
BAKU, Azerbaijan, April 17. The International Atomic Energy Agency seeks to assist the discussions between Iran and the US to achieve a positive outcome, the Director General of the International Atomic Energy Agency Rafael Grossi said at a press conference held today in Tehran with Iranian Vice President and Chairman of the Atomic Energy Organization Mohammad Eslami, Trend reports.

According to him, the International Atomic Energy Agency intends to play the role of a bridge between Iran and the US.

Commenting on the meetings he held in Iran, Grossi added that the meetings discussed ways in which the International Atomic Energy Agency can support the ongoing negotiations between Iran and the US. The agency realizes that this process is not easy and that there are some individuals who are trying to prevent these discussions to reach a conclusion. However, efforts must be made to achieve peace.

Every understanding reached on technology will be very important. This agreement must be a valid document and must include IAEA tests to be valid. It is important to know Iran's opinion and to know Iran's expectations. Also, the agency wants to play a role in the process of improving the discussions, he said.

The Director General of the International Atomic Energy Agency, Rafael Grossi, visited Iran on April 16 and held talks with Iranian Foreign Minister Seyyed Abbas Araghchi and with Iranian Vice President and Chairman of the Atomic Energy Organization Mohammad Eslami.

On April 12, indirect talks between Iran and the US on Iran's nuclear program were held in the Omani Muscat, chaired by Iranian Foreign Minister Seyyed Abbas Araghchi and US Special Representative for Middle East Affairs Steve Whitkoff. The discussions were reportedly constructive and based on mutual respect. The next round of talks is scheduled for April 19.
Judge James Boasberg  who ruled Wednesday that the Trump administration showed willful disregard for his mid-March order halting deportation flights amid dispute over the legality of the removals  is the first judge to find probable cause exists to hold administration officials in criminal contempt.

But the legal fight over whether federal officials defied Boasbergs orders is playing out on a larger tapestry of administration scorn and recalcitrance towards the judges that have curtailed President Donald Trumps agenda, with the tone set at the top by Trump himself.

Trump officials have launched personal attacks against Boasberg and other judges on social media and in public appearances. Government lawyers have claimed ignorance when asked basic questions about the facts underlying legal disputes. And faced with rulings pausing Trump policies, the administration has expressed a remarkable disdain for judicial authority in the guidance its offered agencies for following those judges commands.

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Its breathtaking in its audacity and lack of decorum, said retired Judge John Jones III, a George W. Bush appointee who served on a federal court in Pennsylvania. Its unlike anything I have ever seen from the Justice Department and, really, in fact, any lawyers who practice in federal court.

The administrations cavalier attitude has been front and center in the case concerning the mistaken deportation of a migrant in Maryland to a super-prison in El Salvador. Those proceedings reached a new level of intensity after the Supreme Court last week left mostly intact an order from the district judge requiring the Trump administration to facilitate the migrants return to the United States.

At a Tuesday hearing before US District Judge Paula Xinis, DOJ attorney Drew Ensign tried to challenge how she was interpreting the Supreme Courts instructions and indicated that the administration would appeal any order she issued broadly defining the term facilitate, the key verb the Supreme Court embraced in its order last week.

The Supreme Court has spoken. Im cleaving as closely as one can cleave to the Supreme Court. My order is clear. Its direct. There is, in my view, nothing to appeal, Xinis pushed back. The department has since appealed her April 11 order, issued the day after the Supreme Court weighed in, directing the administration to take steps to facilitate the migrants return and to provide her information about what those steps were.

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In that case, as well as in their public messaging around the various legal disputes, top Trump officials have embraced the idea that, no matter what lower courts say, they have the Supreme Court on their side.

White House deputy chief of staff Stephen Miller, for instance, falsely described the Supreme Court as ruling 9-0 in its favor on the question of whether a court could order the government to take steps to try to bring Abrego Garcia back. What the unsigned majority opinion said was more ambiguous, and three liberal justices wrote separately to make clear they agreed with the judges directive that government take steps to bring the migrant, Kilmar Abrego Garcia, back.

What the administration is trying to do is to detach the Supreme Court from the rest of the judiciary and say, Well listen to the Supreme Court, but we dont have to trifle with the lower courts, Jones said.

Swipes at judicial power

During the first Trump presidency, judges were no strangers to being the subjects of his infamous social media diatribes, prompting security concerns about the judges safety.

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The top officials in his second administration are frequently singling out the judges with jeers as well.

White House deputy chief of staff Stephen Miller called Xinis a Marxist who now thinks shes president of El Salvador. Attorney General Pam Bondi alleged that Boasberg was trying to protect terrorists who invaded our country over American citizens. And Trump amplified the idea that Boasberg should be impeached.

The derisive rhetoric has seeped into the administrations more formal statements too.

When the Justice Department was required communicate to agencies that a judge had paused a Trump executive order attacking a law firms ability to engage with the federal government, the Bondi-authored memo said that an unelected district court yet again invaded the policy-making and free speech prerogatives of the executive branch.

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US Citizenship and Immigration Services reworked a notice posted to its website announcing that a Trump immigration policy had been paused by a court in California, according to court filings from the policys legal challengers. The initial version of the notice announced the courts ruling and its impact on the policy using straight-forward language. But a few days later the notice was redrafted to take several swipes at the judges ruling.

The Administration is committed to restoring the rule of law with respect to Temporary Protected Status (TPS), the redrafted notice said, referring to the immigration program that Trump was blocked from winding down. Nonetheless, on March 31, 2025, Judge Edward Chen, a federal judge in San Francisco, ordered the department to continue TPS for Venezuelans.

Samuel Bagenstos  who served as general counsel at two different federal agencies during the Biden administration, and who has also worked in top positions at the Justice Department  said the administrations tone was like nothing I can think of in my 30-plus years as a lawyer.

We made very strong arguments to the courts that we were appealing to that these decisions were wrong, Bagenstos, now a University of Michigan Law professor, said of his time in the Biden administration. But when we were instructing our clients on complying with the decisions, we tried to take seriously that the courts had the power to order us to do the things that they were ordering us to do.

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In the court proceedings themselves, the Trump Justice Department has been curt in its refusal to provide judges with facts that would help make sense of the disputes before them.

US District Judge Ellen Hollander  who is overseeing a challenge to the access the Department of Government Efficiency has been given to sensitive Social Security Administration data  requested that the agencys acting commissioner attend a Tuesday hearing to clear up discrepancies in the internal documents and statements the government submitted in the case. Hollander previously called out acting commissioner Leland Dudek out for telling multiple media outlets that he would be forced to shut down the agency because of her emergency order limiting DOGE data access  with the judge making clear that was an incorrect interpretation of her directives.

At 10 p.m. Monday, the department informed her that Dudek would not be participating in the proceedings, pointing only the evidence the government had already put forward and the demands on the Acting Commissioners time.

Hollander repeatedly remarked during Tuesdays hearing that not having Dudek available to answer her questions was hindering her ability to understand key details about the legal dispute.

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At an earlier phase in the case concerning the wrongly deported migrant, a career DOJ attorney showed remarkable candor about the struggle he was facing to obtain from government officials the information he knew the judge would seek.

Your Honor, I will say, for the Courts awareness, that when this case landed on my desk, the first thing I did was ask my clients that very question, the attorney said when Xinis asked him why the US couldnt ask El Salvador for Abrego Garcia back. Ive not received, to date, an answer that I find satisfactory.

That attorney has since been fired, with Bondi suggesting that he had failed to zealously advocate on behalf of the United States.

Ensign, a political appointee who has taken over arguing the case, has been much more disciplined in the non-answers he has given the judge. At a hearing last week  during which he made his arguments seated a defense the table, rather than standing at the lectern  he claimed to be unable to answer even the judges questions about Abrego Garcias current location.

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Days later, the administration still has not provided direct responses to the judges queries about how the government was working to bring back the migrant. Instead, at a Tuesday hearing, Ensign tried to point to Oval Office remarks from Trump, the Salvadoran president and Bondi.

Xinis shut down that offering  noting that the off-handed comments from President Nayib Bukele to a reporter would not be accepted in a court of law  and she ordered two weeks of intense discovery, including with depositions, to get to the bottom of the administrations inaction on her order.

By stonewalling judges requests for information, theyre just making it that much harder for judges to enforce compliance, Peter Keisler, a former top Justice Department official who served as an acting attorney general under George W. Bush, told CNN.

Eyes on the Supreme Court

When calls on the right reached a fever pitch for impeaching Boasberg and other judges that ruled against Trump, Chief Justice John Roberts issued a notable statement  without naming any judge in particular  asserting that the normal appellate process, and not impeachment, was the appropriate response to disagreement concerning a judicial decision.

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That statement has done little to cool down temperatures. Even when its ruled against the administration, the Supreme Court majority has not used those opportunities to directly address how the administration has handled itself in lower courts. The high courts majority has seemed to go out of its way to avoid provoking further conflict, Bagenstos said.

If youre the Trump administration, you might think its a good bet that you can continue to be disrespectful to these lower court judges and nothing is going to happen negatively to your legal position as a result, Bagenstos said.

Not helping the situation, legal observers say, is that the Supreme Court has used vague, and arguably mealy-mouth language in the brief emergency orders its issued instructing lower courts to clarify their commands for the government.

It seems to me that its getting worse, the heat is rising, Jones, the former judge, said. Roberts and the other justices are going to have to start protecting lower court judges.

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Rep. Brian Fitzpatrick (R-Pa.) met with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy in Kyiv on Thursday, affirming his support for the embattled country as relations between the Ukrainian leader and President Donald Trump remain murky.

A lot of people talk a big game about supporting Ukraine. Im here in Kyiv, Ukraine for one-on-one meetings with President Zelenskyy himself to actually make it happen, Fitzpatrick wrote on X.

Fitzpatrick has long been a staunch supporter of Ukraine, despite the deterioration of relations between Zelenskyy and Trump. While often avoiding criticizing Trump by name, he has sought to rebut much of the presidents broadsides against Ukraine and its president. Trump has repeatedly blamed Ukraine for igniting the war that Russia actually started, and has attacked his Ukrainian counterpart for what he characterized as Zelenskyy taking advantage of the U.S.

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Putin, and Putin alone, should bear the economic costs of Putins illegal and unprovoked invasion of Ukraine, Fitzpatrick said in February. To force Ukraine to pay these costs is the epitome of victim-blaming and victim extortion.

Fitzpatrick said in a video posted by Zelenskyy Thursday that he intended to visit the front lines during his trip.

U.S.-brokered peace talks have taken a back seat to the global reaction to Trumps tariff policies in recent days. Trump boasted throughout his campaign that he would end the war in Ukraine within 24 hours and brokered a 30-day ceasefire between the warring countries, which Russia has repeatedly violated.

Russian leaders have signaled they have no intention to let up on their war against Ukraine.

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Apparently, the top of Ukraines fascist clique have come to Paris for talks with the UK, Germany and France on how many European coffins they will be ready to accept after the deployment of the troops of the coalition of the willing in Ukraine, Dmitry Medvedev, the former Russian president and current deputy chair of the Security Council of the Russian Federation, said on X on Thursday.

Ukraine  and much of Europe, which has continued to back the country  has been wary of a Trump-negotiated deal with Russia. Trump has increasingly aligned himself with Putin and U.S. special envoy Steve Witkoff has said that Moscow will only accept a peace deal that includes five territories of Ukraine. Zelenskyy has remained resolute that his country would not cede any territory to its aggressor.

After a ballistic missile attack killed 34 people in Ukraines Sumy last weekend, Zelenskyy invited Trump to come and to see how Russia has destroyed Ukrainian cities.

You think you understand whats going on here. OK, we respect your position, Zelenskyy said, addressing Trump during a 60 Minutes interview. 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.

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The president has also sought to strike a deal with Ukraine that would grant U.S. access to the countrys rare earth minerals.

In comments to reporters during an Oval Office briefing with Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, who is visiting Washington on Thursday seeking to strike a trade deal with the U.S., Trump said the U.S. and Ukraine plan to sign the long-awaited minerals deal next week.

Trump also appeared to contradict himself in discussing his views on Zelenskyy Thursday, saying I dont hold Zelenskyy responsible, which he quickly followed with Im not happy with him, adding, Im not happy with anybody involved.

I wouldnt say hes done the greatest job, Trump said. Im not a big fan.

The last time Zelenskyy was set to sign a minerals deal with Trump, he was berated during a blowout fight in the Oval Office by the president and Vice President JD Vance for not being sufficiently grateful for U.S. assistance.
WASHINGTON D.C. (WNCN)  Sixty-five-year-old Keith Siegel wasnt surprised when he awoke to sirens on the morning of October 7, 2023. For Siegel, and his wife, Aviva, the warning of incoming rockets from Gaza were a common occurrence in Kfar Aza, their small community in southern Israel, also known as a kibbutz.

At this time, Siegel, who grew up in Chapel Hill alongside three siblings, had lived in Israel for more than 40 years.

We had experienced rocket fire from time to time for many years, expecting it to be, not just, but rocket fire the safe room would protect us from, then get back to normal life, Siegel told CBS 17.

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While sheltering, Siegel said he received a message in his community WhatsApp group that gunmen were in the kibbutz. Shortly afterwards, Siegel said he heard gunfire outside of his home.

PREVIOUS | Hamas frees 3 hostages, including Chapel Hill man, in 4th exchange of ceasefire

Keith Siegel stands in front of what remains of his home in Kibbutz Kfar Aza for the first time since his release from Gaza. (Courtesy of the Siegel Family)

We heard people screaming in Arabic, then around 15 Hamas terrorists broke into our house. They shot with their guns into the room we were trying to protect ourselves in, Siegel said.

Hamas militants then drove the Siegelsin their own carout of the kibbutz and over the border into Gaza. They were two of the more than 250 people taken hostage during the Hamas-led attack. Siegel said he and Aviva were kept with other hostages, some of whom tried to guess how long it would be before they were freed. He said they comforted each other while waiting to see what happened next.

Keith and Aviva Siegel speak in front of the Adas Israel Congregation in Washington D.C. (Courtesy of the Siegel Family)

A woman and her three children were brought in, and she told us that her husband had been murdered in front of her eyes, in their home, her husband and their older daughter, Siegel said.

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Siegel said they moved through networks of underground tunnels and above ground through homes, under the ongoing threat of death. The couple stayed together for 51 days, until Hamas released Aviva along with 80 other Israeli hostages during a temporary ceasefire in November 2023.

Siegel watched on a television screen while his wife was transferred from Hamas to the Red Cross.

I saw the mobs that were, um, very hostile and violent and beating on the Red Cross vehicle. I was worried about it, you know, I wasnt sure she was safe getting out. I had no way of knowing whether she arrived in Israel or if she was okay, Siegel said.

Siegels captors told him hed be out soon, and he wanted to believe this was the truth. Instead, the ceasefire ended the next day, and the Israeli bombing started.

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They woke me up very, very early in the morning. They were very, um, aggressive, hostile. They said we must leave the apartment immediately. Its not safe to be here anymore, Siegel said, I was put alone in a room, locked by myself.

It was during this time that Siegel said life as a hostage became more dangerous.

Unimaginable conditions: Keith Siegel recounts Gaza captivity under Hamas

Keith Siegel speaks to a crowd in Israel during a protest to free the remaining hostages in Gaza. (Courtesy Paulina Patimer)

I was lying on my back on the floor one day, came up to me started screaming on me, spat on me, kicked me, Siegel recalled.

Siegel said he remembers feeling helpless; reliant on his captors while witnessing the abuse of his fellow captives.

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Verbal abuse, physical abuse, sexual abuse that I witnessed with women hostages that I was held, being unable to protect them, Siegel said, Just being completely helpless, no defending them, defending myself was very, very stressful.

During this time, Siegel didnt know whether hed live or die. He said it was thinking of his family that gave him the strength to survive.

Keith Siegel speaks at a roundtable on the hostage crisis with the United States Senate Committee on Foreign Relations in Washington D.C. (Courtesy Hostage Families Forum)

Some people believe that they can send messages to people far away. So, I really, really tried to do that every day, many times a day. To all of my family and all of my friends reassuring them that Im okay and that Ill be back and not to worry, Siegel said.

Siegel said that he would have these conversations with every member of his family, always starting with his mother.

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I would picture in my imagination their face. I would wait until I was able to get a clear picture of them to see them, to actually see their face, and I would say this to them, Siegel told CBS 17.

While Siegel spoke to his mother from Gaza, Gladys Siegel had no idea that her son was taken hostage. Gladys, for much of her life, remained a devout member of the Beth El Synagogue in Durham.

Triangle community celebrates release of Chapel Hill native from captivity in Gaza

Siegels siblings did everything in their power to make sure Gladys, who was going through her own health issues, never learned what happened to her son.

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I was very supportive of this decision. I was very, very, very worriedmy mom might know the situation, and that was extremely difficult for me to think about her having to deal with that for all the family dealing with this situation, Siegel added.

Gladys passed away in December 2024 at 97 years old.

Siegel was released two months later, during a ceasefire after 484 days in captivity.

Keith Siegel and his sister Lucy Siegel reuniting in Israel shortly after his release from captivity. (Photo courtesy of Lucy Siegel)

All positive thoughts: Keith Siegels sister recounts trip to Israel to reunite with Chapel Hill native following release from captivity

I was taken by a helicopter from the army base to the hospital, and thats when I met my wife and my son, Shai. And we flew in the helicopter together the three of us. And during the flight I asked about my mom. I just saw an expression on her face, and I knew my mom was longer with us, Siegel said.

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Life after captivity for Siegel is telling his story in front of crowds, in interviews, and to government officials.

He said hes grateful to President Donald Trump for helping secure the ceasefire deal that brought him home. Now, hes urging Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to broker another ceasefire deal that would secure the release of the remaining 59 hostages in Gaza.

Keith Siegel poses with President Donald Trump with a delegation of former hostages during a trip to Washington D.C. (Courtesy of The White House)

I am a very lucky man, he said. We are a very lucky family. I was released. Im back home, one piece. I need to do whatever I can do, to bring the hostages back.

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GREENEVILLE, Tenn. (WJHL)  A man has been sentenced to serve 377 months in prison after a 2023 carjacking in Bristol, Tennessee.

According to the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ), Charles Nile Mixon, 49, of Bristol, Virginia was sentenced on Wednesday. He was convicted on the following charges by a jury in October 2024:

Carjacking

Using and brandishing a firearm during and in relation to a crime of violence

Possession of a firearm by a convicted felon

Possession of a stolen firearm

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Additionally, the jury found that due to previous convictions on violent crimes, Mixon was established as an armed career criminal.

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Following his more than 31 years of imprisonment, Mixon will be on supervised release for five years, the DOJ reports.

The DOJ stated in a news release that witnesses, court documents and evidence used in the trial revealed Mixon carjacked a woman at gunpoint in the parking lot of a Taco Bell in Bristol, Tennessee, on May 24, 2023.

He briefly held her at gunpoint in the vehicle before a police chase ensued, and he fled into Virginia. Mixon abandoned the carjacked vehicle, according to the release.

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The DOJ reports he told a relative the next day that he had taken the relatives firearm and used it in the carjacking. The relative then talked to law enforcement.

Mixon was arrested after another chase, this one starting in Bristol, Virginia and ending in Bristol, Tennessee. Police found the stolen firearm on Mixon when he was arrested, the DOJ reports.

The sentence imposed is a powerful reminder that violent offenses, such as this carjacking, will not be tolerated, U.S. Attorney Francis M. Hamilton stated in the release. Individuals who repeatedly commit violent offenses are a threat to public safety, and our office will continue to prosecute those individuals vigorously.

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In recent weeks, something extraordinary has happened in Gaza. Ordinary Palestinians have taken to the streets to protest against Hamas.

These are not abstract calls for regime change but acts of courage in the face of real danger. One man, Uday Al Rabbay, was reportedly butchered and had his body dumped outside his parents home for taking part in the protest.

Yet, despite the risk, many Gazans are beginning to voice what has long been unspeakable  Hamas is not their saviour. It is their oppressor.

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They live under a regime that hides weapons in schools and hospitals, diverts foreign aid, indoctrinates children, and rules by terror. For those under the rule of Hamas, brutality is neither distant nor theoretical. The revolution that many Gazans long for is not exclusively against Israel; it is also against the death cult that governs them.

Now compare that to Britain. Over the past eighteen months, including on October 7 itself, British streets have filled with protesters who celebrate the massacre of Israeli civilians as an act of resistance. In London, chants of Zionists, out, out! have been shouted in Arabic. These are not cries for justice. They signal allegiance to an ideology of annihilation.

The irony of this could not be more stark. As parts of the Muslim world turn away from Islamist extremism, Britain appears to be incubating it.

Saudi Arabia is quietly pursuing normalisation with Israel. Egypt, long familiar with the threat posed by Hamas and the Muslim Brotherhood, has sealed its border with Gaza; the Muslim Brotherhood is banned in both Egypt and the UAE.

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The UAE has also blacklisted several British-based charities linked to Islamist networks. Jordan has taken a firm stance against Islamist extremism, actively curbed radical preaching and maintained diplomatic ties with Israel, even in the face of domestic pressure.

Yet here in Britain, Islamist ideology continues to be indulged. Islamist preachers operate with impunity. Prisons have become recruitment grounds. A sitting MP, Sir David Amess, was murdered by an Islamist terrorist and the political response was subdued. Even a Saudi religious leader has recently warned that Britains failure to tackle Islamist radicalism risks becoming a national security threat.

This problem has deep roots. In 1989, the Ayatollah of Iran issued a fatwa calling for the murder of Salman Rushdie over his novel The Satanic Verses. Rather than a united defence of free expression, many in Britain wavered.

Then Labour MP Keith Vaz joined a demonstration calling for the book to be banned. The Archbishop of Canterbury suggested that publishing it had been a mistake. Bookshops were attacked. Protesters burned the novel in Bradford. Some British Muslims marched not in solidarity with Rushdie but in support of the fatwa. It was the moment that exposed how vulnerable our liberal values were when confronted by religious intimidation.

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More than thirty years later, has anything really changed? In 2022, Rushdie was nearly killed in a knife attack in New York. Too many people still hesitate to say what is obvious: Islamist extremism is not just an alternative viewpoint; it is a threat to the foundations of our free society.

What is worse, this ideology is increasingly being enabled by liberal and progressive Britons who mistake moral posturing for solidarity. In their understandable eagerness to support Palestinians, they refuse to condemn the terrorists who oppress them. In doing so, these progressives provide cover for those who hate the very freedoms that they claim to support.

The new strongholds of Islamist extremism are not just in faraway training camps, but are to be found in British universities, online influencers, and naive street protesters. Unless we confront this honestly, Britain risks becoming not a bulwark against extremism but its heartland.

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The British Army has, for the first time, used a directed-energy weapon to bring down a swarm of drones during trials. The Radio Frequency Directed Energy Weapon demonstrator, or RF DEW, reflects a fast-growing trend to harness new ways of neutralizing the drone threat, both on the battlefield and for homeland defense.

The U.K. Ministry of Defense today announced the completion of the landmark trials, which took place at Air Defense Range Manorbier in West Wales. Operated by British Army soldiers, the RF DEW demonstrator, mounted on an RMMV HX60 44 truck chassis, was used to track, target, and defeat swarms of drones. In total, the trials saw the weapon bring down more than 100 drones, with one experiment including two swarms of drones that were neutralized in a single engagement  the total number of drones involved in that particular test was not disclosed.

As a directed-energy weapon, a broader category that also includes lasers, the RF DEW system tackles the target or targets without the use of a projectile. Instead, high-frequency radio waves disrupt or damage critical electronic components inside the drones, leading them to crash or malfunction.

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The system is capable of neutralizing multiple targets simultaneously with near-instant effect, the U.K. Ministry of Defense said. Highly automated, the RF DEW includes sensors for detection and tracking, as well as the weapon itself, in a single integrated system. The sensor suite includes a wide-area surveillance radar, also used for tracking and targeting, plus an optical camera that the operator can use to identify particular targets.

Multiple drones are seen through the optics of an RF DEW system operator. Crown Copyright screencap

The Ministry of Defense added that RF DEW systems of this type are able to defeat airborne drones at ranges of up to one kilometer (0.6 miles) and are effective against threats that cannot otherwise be jammed using electronic warfare. The ministry added that the cost per shot for the RF DEW is around 10 pence (or 13 U.S. cents).

The effector part of the RF DEW system which generates an intense beam of radio-frequency energy. Crown Copyright

RF DEW is an exciting concept, explained Sgt. Mayers, a senior remotely piloted air systems operator from the British Armys 106 Regiment Royal Artillery. We found the demonstrator quick to learn and easy to use. With improvements on range and power, which could come with further development, this would be a great asset to layered air defense.

Mayers was described by the Ministry of Defense as the first British soldier to bring down drones using a radiofrequency weapon.

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The RF DEW system was developed by an industry consortium led by Thales U.K., part of a U.K. government investment of more than 40 million (around $53 million) in research and development in this area.

Thales uses the commercial name RapidDestroyer for the RF DEW system that is used in the British Army trials. The company offers the system as a standalone counter-drone solution described as part of a collective of effectors, or part of an integrated air defense configuration, such as ForceShield. The ForceShield configuration includes radars, a control station, short-range surface-to-air missiles, and guns.

According to Thales, the RF DEW system is particularly relevant for tackling swarms of incoming mini and micro drones, making it an excellent complementary system to existing, conventional short-range air defense systems such as the Lightweight Multi-role Missile (LMM).

The RF DEW project is managed by Team Hersa, a collaboration between Defense Equipment & Support, responsible for providing equipment and support services to the U.K. Armed Forces, and the Defense Science and Technology Laboratory, which is the research and development branch of the Ministry of Defense.

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At this stage, the RF DEW system is not being procured for the U.K. Armed Forces, although the Ministry of Defense notes that it could provide a cost-effective complement to traditional missile-based air defense systems [] if developed into operational service. Previous reports suggest that a production version of the system could be fielded as soon as 2027.

Another view of the RF DEW system. Crown Copyright

Undoubtedly, fielding new equipment to better tackle the threat posed by drones, especially swarming ones, is a growing concern globally.

The development of RF DEW systems could help to protect the United Kingdom from unidentified drones at security-sensitive areas such as defense bases and could play a role in preventing disruption at airports, said Maria Eagle, the Minister of State for Defense Procurement and Industry.

Eagles words are especially relevant in light of the drone incursions over and near the U.S. air base RAF Lakenheath in England last November, which you can read about here.

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This was just one of many drone incursions recorded over a U.S. military installation or sensitive area, a topic that TWZ has covered extensively.

A satellite image of RAF Lakenheath. Google Earth

Her reference to disruption at airports likely points to incidents at the commercial Gatwick Airport in England. Back in 2018, a sustained drone attack saw the airport shut for more than 24 hours, and similar incidents have occurred at the same location since then.

Meanwhile, the significant impact that drones can have on the battlefield has been well demonstrated in Ukraine, where both sides make extensive use of drones of different kinds, with first-person-view (FPV) types being the most prevalent. According to the U.K. Ministry of Defense, Ukraine had to defend itself against attacks from more than 18,000 drones last year alone. Outside of that conflict, drones have also made a significant mark in various crises in and around the Middle East.

A Ukrainian soldier operates an FPV drone to observe Russian positions in the Kherson region of Ukraine. Photo by Oles Kromplias/Global Images Ukraine via Getty Images Global Images Ukraine

In the context of U.S. homeland defense, TWZ has looked in detail at the pros and cons of fielding radiofrequency directed-energy weapons, among other counter-drone solutions.

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Faced by confusing legal and regulatory hurdles, the U.S. military has said its not currently interested in fielding kinetic and directed-energy capabilities, such as laser and high-power microwave weapons, let alone surface-to-air interceptors, or gun systems, for defending domestic bases and other critical infrastructure from drone threats. Instead, the U.S. militarys focus is on electronic warfare and cyber warfare, and other soft-kill options, at least for now.

After all, as we discussed in the past, even lower tiers of counter-drone weapons, such as lasers and high-power microwave systems, can create dangerous or otherwise serious collateral effects. While that might not be an issue on the battlefield, it certainly raises questions about their suitability for homeland defense. On the other hand, the words of the U.K. government suggest that the RF DEW system is certainly being considered for such a role, although perhaps only in already highly restricted areas, like air bases and other larger installations. A radiofrequency directed-energy weapon also offers notable advantages over soft-kill options, like electronic warfare jammers, in that it can also bring down drones that are operating autonomously by disrupting their onboard electronics.

A close-up of the effector module of the RF DEW system, with the optical camera on top of it, used to identify particular targets. Crown Copyright

As we have discussed before  and will revisit again soon in an in-depth story  high-power microwave (HPM) directed-energy weapons are an area in which the U.S. military, including the Navy, is currently investing. Among the leading players here is Epirus, whose Leonidas system has been integrated on the Stryker armored fighting vehicle. Other examples include the Tactical High-power Operational Responder, also known as THOR, a containerized counter-drone system that the U.S. Air Force has been testing. Like the British system, THOR is designed to engage multiple drones at short ranges in a point defense role.

Its worth noting that another counter-drone solution appears to have been deployed by the British Army at RAF Lakenheath  and two other U.S.-staffed bases  in response to the drone incursions there last year.

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A military source  confirmed that the RAF had offered the United States a counter-drone system that can electronically take command of an enemy drone and turn it back on itself to try to identify those flying the drones, according to The Times newspaper in the United Kingdom. The system described was NINJA, originally developed for the U.S. Air Force and subsequently becoming part of the Royal Air Force ORCUS system, which also includes a counter-drone electronic warfare jamming system called Guardian and various sensors.

A graphic showing elements of the RAFs Orcus counter-drone suite. Crown Copyright

Although it is unclear if this capability or others were actually deployed to those bases, its clear that counters to these kinds of drone threats are being taken increasingly seriously by the U.K. Armed Forces.

The British Army last October tested a high-energy laser, another type of directed-energy weapon, which was fired from a Wolfhound protected troop-carrying vehicle, at a range in Wales. Once again, these trials saw the weapon successfully destroy aerial drones.

A British Army Wolfhound fitted with a laser weapon  the High Energy Laser demonstrator. Crown Copyright

Whatever the future of the RF DEW system and RapidDestroyer, its clear that the drone threat continues to proliferate globally among state and non-state actors, including organized criminal groups.

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When it comes to acquiring and operating drones  including armed ones  the barrier to entry is and has been low. In the context of the United Kingdom, there have already been multiple incidents underscoring the reality of these kinds of threats. With that in mind, its no surprise that the British Army is looking closely at the RF DEW system for potential deployment domestically, as well as on the battlefield, especially as the threat of truly networked swarms looms ever closer.

Contact the author: thomas@thewarzone.com
British Steel executives have admitted that UK coal could fuel its blast furnaces, adding to pressure on Ed Miliband over the blocking of a new Cumbrian mine.

Richard Tice, the deputy leader of Reform UK, said executives confirmed to him last week that coke derived from the mines coal would have been of a sufficiently high purity for steel production.

A source close to the steel company suggested the coal could be used following processing.

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It comes after Downing Street claimed Cumbrian coal would not have helped in the rescue of British Steel. A No 10 spokesman said on Monday: The proposed coal mine in Cumbria wouldnt have helped at Scunthorpe.

The takeover of British Steel left the Government scrambling to secure supplies from abroad to keep blast furnaces going, with shipments of raw materials from the US and Australia eventually secured.

Tory and Reform MPs have claimed the steelworks could have relied on British coal if proposals for a mine in Cumbria had not been blocked.

Mr Tice charged that emissions-obsessed ministers had reinforced that view because of an ideological opposition to blast furnaces.

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He said: There is deliberate lies and misinformation going on here by the Government, Labour and the eco-zealots. Part of their strategy to get the Cumbrian mine banished was to infer that it wasnt suitable for UK steel making.

This is not true. British Steel executives have told me that they were very happy to use the coking coal from the Cumbrian coal mine that was proposed.

Planning permission for a coal mine at Whitehaven was granted by then levelling up secretary Michael Gove in 2022. It would have been Britains first new coal mine in 30 years.

However, the project was blocked by the High Court in 2024 following a campaign by environmental groups. Angela Rayners decision not to challenge the ruling led to the plans being dropped, with West Cumbria Mining withdrawing its application this year.

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Ed Miliband, the Energy Secretary, vowed to shut the project when in opposition. In 2022, he said: A Labour government will leave no stone unturned in seeking to prevent the opening of this climate-destroying coal mine, and instead ensure we deliver the green jobs that people in Cumbria deserve.

A Downing Street spokesman this week said British Steel had said it could not have used the coal from Cumbria. They said: My understanding is that British Steel had previously expressed concerns around the sulphur content of that coal. Eighty-five per cent of that coal was due to be exported.

However, Mr Tice cited data from commodities markets analysts S&P Global Platts indicating that Cumbrian coal  classified as of being of the grade A type suitable for steel making  had a similar profile to US supplies purchased by the Government this week.

Mr Tice said that the insight from British Steel and the technical comparisons suggested that Labour MP Chris McDonald had misinformed the House when he sought to undermine the argument in favour of Cumbria coal in an emergency debate last Saturday.

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He said: Chris McDonald is an electric arc furnace zealot, hes been trying to get rid of the blast furnaces, and part of his strategy to do so is to infer that we cant use our own coal.

Richard Tice claimed steelworks could have relied on British coal if proposals for a mine in Cumbria had not been blocked by ideological opposition to blast furnaces - House of Commons / UK Parliament/PA

The revelation that Cumbrian coal could have been used at British Steel will add to pressure on Mr Miliband.

Critics charge that his overzealous approach to net zero has harmed the economy and energy security. It has provoked speculation that the Energy Secretarys position could be at risk in an expected Cabinet reshuffle over summer.

Mr Tice claimed British Steel-owner Jingye had argued the coal was unsuitable in order to make the plant reliant on its own supply chain in China.

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The Boston and Skegness MP said: Jingye were using their international supply and sales network. The last thing they wanted to do was use UK coal. Cumbria, frankly, was going to get in their way.

Research conducted for West Cumbria Mining from Dr Neil Bristow, a consultant and former chief analyst at Australian mining giant BHP Billiton, showed that coal extracted in Cumbria would cause the same volume to be left in the ground in the US.

That would mean that no extra CO2 would ultimately be emitted, while at the same time, emissions from transporting the coal would be greatly reduced.

Mr Tice said: Until literally three weeks ago everybody was expecting that Jingye were going to do a deal with the Government, close the blast furnaces and build electric arc furnaces.

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Now all of a sudden everyone is now in love with blast furnaces. The hypocrisy here is quite extraordinary.

A British Steel spokesman said it was focused on sourcing the best and necessary materials needed to keep our operations running.

However, a source close to the company said that the sulphur content of Cumbrian coal would require it to be blended with other supplies if used in Scunthorpes furnaces. A lack of specialist ovens would also require Cumbrian coal to be sent abroad for processing and then re-imported, the source said.

Mr Tice acknowledged that Britain would need to invest in coke ovens to establish a full steel supply chain but said this could be done either by reviving Scunthorpes ovens  closed by Jingye in 2023  or establishing new ones at a price of about 20m.

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The Reform MP said he was working on a plan for the steel industry including the refurbishment and relining of Scunthorpes two blast furnaces at a cost of 200m apiece.

He said two electric arc furnaces in Rotherham owned by Liberty Steel and idle for three or four years could also be purchased by the Government at minimal cost.

He said: Youd have a couple of arc furnaces, a couple of blast finances and long-term procurement contracts on scrap steel for the arc furnaces, coking coal and iron ore for the blast furnaces, and sales contracts of 10 or 15 years with regular buyers.

That will deliver a viable, tangible business that everyone understands and knows, and that you can predict on.

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A government spokesman said: The Labour Government is focussed on securing our steel industry to protect British jobs and British workers. Whitehaven would not have prevented the situation British Steel has faced and those suggesting otherwise are wrong.

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A Bronx man has been sentenced to a term in state prison for his part in a bank fraud scheme.

According to a news release from the Delaware County District Attorney's Office, William Evans, 62, appeared in Delaware County Court on April 15 and was sentenced to state prison for second-degree possession of a forged instrument.

According to the release, state police Trooper Thomas Fraker was dispatched to a Delaware County bank on Dec. 26, 2023, for reports of fraud. Fraker was informed that two individuals had attempted to cash "washed" checks using a stolen identity. After further investigation it was revealed that multiple attempts to use the stolen identity to cash checks had been made at banks in the Delaware County area. The bank provided photos from its security footage of the two individuals.

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Check washing involves chemically removing writing from checks, making them available for fraudulent information to be entered.

On Jan. 1, 2024, Investigator Adam Cernauskas of the state police connected the incidents in Delaware County to a similar incident in Chenango County, the release stated. After examining security footage from the Chenango bank, it was determined the suspect had used a common alias in other check-cashing schemes. Troopers determined that Evans had been arrested in connection with a similar scheme in Connecticut. He was identified in photos from the New York banks as one of the individuals involved.

On Sept. 19, 2024, a Delaware County grand jury indicted Evans for second-degree criminal possession of a forged instrument, third-degree grand larceny, first-degree identity theft and second-degree criminal impersonation. Evans pleaded guilty to the charge of criminal possession of a forged instrument on Feb. 4 and Judge John Hubbard adjourned the matter for sentencing.

On Tuesday, Evans was sentenced to state prison for a period of no less than one year and no more than three years, the release stated. Before being sentenced, Evans remarked, I am too old for this. I should know better. I am sorry for anyone I harmed, according to the release.
BROOKFIELD, Ohio (WKBN)  The Brookfield Police Department is preparing to host its annual Easter egg hunt this weekend.

Organizers have put together 127 baskets, plus other prizes for older children, for the event.

The egg hunt has grown since it started more than 20 years ago.

This year, itll take place at the Township Community Park on Stewart-Sharon Road.

Organizers expect to have at least 200 children from the township participate on Saturday.

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This wouldnt have been possible without the donations we got this year. We got blown away with the amount of donations we got, said Tabatha Dickson, office coordinator.

Children up to 12 years old can participate in the first hunt, which begins at 10 a.m. Kids ages 13 to 18 who are still in high school can take part in the second egg hunt at 11:30 a.m.

The event will take place rain or shine.

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TOWN OF DICKINSON, N.Y. (WIVT/WBGH)  Broome County Sheriff Fred Akshar and his Undersheriff Sam Davis were presenters at a networking event on Thursday, not to discuss law enforcement, but leadership skills instead.

Akshar and Davis were guests of the Upstate New York Business Meet-Up, which is co-organized by Daviss wife Amira.

Aside from their law enforcement careers, both Akshar and the Daviss run consulting firms.

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Akshar Consulting focuses on security strategies for businesses and large events. The Daviss operate D5 Consulting Group which offers training in leadership and workplace violence prevention.

They believe leadership training is ineffective or non-existent in many businesses and organizations.

I worked at a company before where I did training and it was on a computer. What would I do on a computer? I would sit at the computer, and I would hit the fast forward button and I wouldnt pay any attention to anything that I was supposed to be learning or absorbing, said Amira.

There can only be one true leader. But as my role is, as a number two with him, I think its a different perspective. Talking about your perspective of each persons role, knowing the role is very important, said Sam.

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Amira says D5 runs trainings that are interactive and participatory. She says building relationships is key to good leadership.

Akshar founded his small consulting business in 2019 when he was still a State Senator. Now, he oversees a Sheriffs Office with nearly 300 employees.

Its really about empowerment and its really about team for both Sam and I. Weve come to find that as the leaders of the organization, you can set mission, you can set direction, but at the end of the day, it really requires you to bring the collective group of people together to execute that mission, said Akshar.

The Upstate New York Business Meet-Up is a free monthly event meant to encourage networking across the Southern Tier. It meets every third Thursday of the month from 9 to 10:30 a.m. in a different location between Binghamton, Elmira, Corning, Watkins Glen and Ithaca.

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BAKU, Azerbaijan, April 17. The second round of talks between Iran and the United States to resolve differences over Iran's nuclear program will take place in Rome on April 19, the Omani Foreign Ministry said in a statement, Trend reports.

The ministry said the aim of the talks would be to achieve further progress towards a fair, binding and sustainable agreement.

On April 12, indirect talks between Iran and the US on Irans nuclear program were held in Muscat, Oman. The discussions, led by Iranian Foreign Minister Seyyed Abbas Araghchi and the US Special Representative for Middle East Affairs, Steve Winkoff, were described as constructive and based on mutual respect.
Sen. Chris Van Hollen had already tried, and failed, to secure a meeting with Kilmar Abrego Garcia when the White House decided to make the controversy personal in searing detail.

The Maryland Democrat had vowed to the wife of Abrego Garcia, the migrant deported from Maryland into a Salvadoran prison without trial, "to do everything possible to bring him home." His case is the latest lightning rod in the ongoing battle over the Trump administrations vow to deport the more than 20 million migrants in the United States illegally.

Abrego Garcia is being held in a now notorious Salvadoran prison despite a court order to halt his deportation. The Supreme Court called on the administration to facilitate his return. President Trump and Salvadoran President Nayib Bukele said last week that they will not comply.

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"I may be the first United States senator to visit El Salvador on this issue," Van Hollen told a scrum of reporterssurrounding him, "but there will be more, and there will be more members of Congress coming."

But if there are more, the Trump administration will respond to all of them the same: They will accuse Democrats of being "incapable of having any shred of common central empathy for their own constituents." This was the message of White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt Wednesday as she introduced Patty Morin, mother of Rachel Morin, a Maryland woman murdered by an illegal immigrant.

Morin begged the press to remember her daughter, too. Rachel Morin was also taken from her home.

She was murdered two years ago by an illegal immigrant who stalked the mother on a hiking trail north of Baltimore, beat her head against rocks, and raped her inside a tunnel. Her killer, Victor Martinez-Hernandez, an illegal immigrant from El Salvador, was found guilty Monday.

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"The skull was shattered the way you would crush an eggshell," Morin said. The vicious assault was so brutal, she said of her deceased daughter, that the court had sealed police images of the crime at her request. "I never want my granddaughters to see these images," she explained.

But Morin said she could not fathom why her senator had traveled to Central America.

Van Hollen had not "even acknowledge, or barely acknowledge, my daughter and the brutal death that she endured, leaving her five children without a mother...so that he can use my taxpayer money to fly to El Salvador to bring back someone thats not even an American citizen," she said.

"Why does that person have more rights than I do, or my daughter, or my grandchildren?" she asked of Abrego Garcia, the illegal immigrant Van Hollen hoped to bring home.

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"I dont understand this," she concluded.

This was the brutal juxtaposition the administration orchestrated. Democrats and the media, alleged Leavitt, were all too eager to focus on sympathetic cases that cut against administration efforts. Vice President J.D. Vance had warned on the campaign trail that opponents would play on emotion to argue that deportation efforts were tantamount to "fascism come to America."

Hence the impromptu press conference with an advertised but unnamed "special guest" who brought the press corps scurrying back to the White House Wednesday. The goal was to bring into focus the often-unseen victims of crimes.

The harrowing account sharpened what White House officials portray as the hypocrisy of Democrats. It does not, however, cut through the legal controversy that Van Hollen traveled to El Salvador to address.

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The White House cites the findings of two different judges to allege that Abrego Garcia is a member of the violent MS-13 gang. On Wednesday, Leavitt produced a May 2021 restraining order taken out by his wife against him. The administration insists they were following the law and protecting Americans. Van Hollen alleges the exact opposite. Abrego Garcia was not an MS-13 gang member, the senator insisted. He was "a family man" who was wrongfully "abducted" off the street.

"Im asking President Bukele, under his authority as president of El Salvador, to do the right thing and allow Mr. Abrego Garcia to walk out of a prison - a man whos charged with no crime, convicted of no crime and who was illegally abducted from the United States," Van Hollen said earlier in the day.

The senator accused the White House of "lying." The Trump administration returned the favor. The battle over deportations and illegal immigration will be ongoing, with examples of shattered families on both sides caught in the middle of a debate Washington has failed to settle for decades.

For her part, the grieving mother brought to the briefing room begged that the press remember her daughter and other American victims like her.

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"Please tell the truth," she told reporters as she stepped away from the podium. "Tell how violent it really is. This is about protecting our children. Its more than just politics or votes or anything, its about national security. Protecting Americans, protecting our children."

Philip Wegmann is White House correspondent for RealClearPolitics.
Broward Sheriffs Office detectives are looking for a gunman who fatally shot a man and wounded the mans son in North Lauderdale Monday night.

The shooting happened around 7 p.m. near the 900 block of Southwest 81st Avenue, where investigators say 44-year-old Marlon Samuels was arguing with another man.

The argument turned into a fight, and the man pulled out a gun and shot Marlon Samuels several times before shooting his son, 20-year-old Mikyle Samuels, said BSO spokeswoman Gerdy St. Louis.

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The gunman then ran away, St. Louis said. Paramedics declared Marlon Samuels dead at the scene, and took Mikyle to a hospital to be treated for his wounds, which St. Louis said are not expected to be life-threatening.

The BSO is asking anyone with information about the shooting to call Detective Louis Bonhomme at 954-321-4377. Anonymous tips can also be submitted to Broward Crime Stoppers at 954-493-TIPS (8477), online at browardcrimestoppers.org.
SOFIA, Bulgaria (AP)  Bulgarias government on Thursday survived a second no-confidence motion in parliament in as many weeks.

The motion tabled by the Mech party and backed by two other nationalist and pro-Russia groups accused the government of failing to effectively combat rampant graft and bribery. It was defeated in a 130-72 vote in the 240-seat parliament. The governments coalition Cabinet is led by the center-right GERB party.

The government condemned the motion as an attempt to derail Bulgarias plan to adopt the euro at the beginning of 2026, which would consolidate its European integration.

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Contrary to its declared priority to stand up against corruption, the pro-Western opposition PP-DB did not support the motion, citing an upcoming European Commission report on Bulgarias bid to join the eurozone as a reason to avoid destabilizing the government.

Any vote of no confidence before Bulgarias entry into the eurozone is not a vote to topple the government, but a vote to stop its pro-European course, said PP-DB legislator Venko Sabrutev.

Rampant corruption has marred everyday life in Bulgaria for years, with dishonest public procurement, unregulated lobbying, vote buying and property fraud. Tackling graft has been complicated by the state of the judiciary, which is widely criticized for being beholden to the interests of politicians.
Rep. Tim Burchett (R-Tenn.) on Wednesday defended President Trumps suggestion that U.S. citizens convicted of violent crimes be sent to Salvadoran prisons.

Theyre criminals. They broke our laws. They need to suffer our punishment, Burchett said in a NewsNation interview when asked about Trumps suggestion and about concerns that deporting alleged foreign gang members could lead to a slippery slope.

Look, I dont want Donald Trump teaching my daughters Sunday school class, but doggone I like him in the White House because he understands the rule of law, I feel like, he continued.

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Trump, in a meeting Monday with El Salvador President Nayib Bukele, indicated he would be open to sending American citizens who are violent criminals to El Salvador to be held in a notorious prison there. He told reporters that Attorney General Pam Bondi is looking into the law on the matter.

If its a homegrown criminal, I have no problem, Trump said. Now, were studying the laws right now. Pam is studying. If we can do that, thats good. And Im talking about violent people. Im talking about really bad people. Really bad people. Every bit as bad as the ones coming in.

Burchett echoed Trump on Wednesday, celebrating the administrations effort.

America is sick of this stuff. Were sick of picking up the paper and seeing about little girls raped and murdered. Im a father. It sickens me to my core that people would take the side of these dirtbags. And finally, we got somebody in the White House that stands up for America, Burchett said.

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Experts have said that there is no legal way for the government to deport legal U.S. citizens to another country. Still, Trump and other administration officials have raised the idea multiple times in recent months, causing concern among Democrats and legal experts.

Bukele has worked with the Trump administration to take in hundreds of deportees, including many not from El Salvador, and hold them in a massive prison that has long drawn criticism from human rights watchdogs.

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(The Hill)  Rep. Tim Burchett (R-Tenn.) on Wednesday defended President Donald Trumps suggestion that U.S. citizens convicted of violent crimes be sent to Salvadoran prisons.

Theyre criminals. They broke our laws. They need to suffer our punishment, Burchett said in a NewsNation interview, when asked about Trumps suggestion and about concerns that deporting alleged foreign gang members leads to a slippery slope.

Look, I dont want Donald Trump teaching my daughters Sunday school class, but doggone I like him in the White House because he understands the rule of law, I feel like, he continued.

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Trump, in a meeting Monday with El Salvadors president, Nayib Bukele, indicated he would be open to sending American citizens who are violent criminals to El Salvador to be held in a notorious prison there. He told reporters Attorney General Pam Bondi is looking into the law on the matter.

If its a homegrown criminal, I have no problem, Trump said. Now, were studying the laws right now. Pam is studying. If we can do that, thats good. And Im talking about violent people. Im talking about really bad people. Really bad people. Every bit as bad as the ones coming in.

Entire Pentagon defense tech unit to leave by May

Burchett echoed Trump on Wednesday, celebrating the administrations effort.

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America is sick of this stuff. Were sick of picking up the paper and seeing about little girls raped and murdered. Im a father. It sickens me to my core that people would take the side of these dirtbags. And finally, we got somebody in the White House that stands up for America, Burchett said.

Experts have said that there is no legal way for the government to deport legal U.S. citizens to another country. Still, Trump and other administration officials have raised the idea multiple times in recent months, raising concern among Democrats and legal experts.

Bukele has worked with the Trump administration to take in hundreds of deportees, including many not from El Salvador, and hold them in a massive prison that has drawn criticism from human rights watchdogs.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

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Apr. 16BURKE, S.D.  A Burke man has changed his plea to guilty in connection with multiple felony charges stemming from two separate incidents that occurred in 2024.

Trevor Krcil, 36, entered guilty pleas on Tuesday to two counts of committing a felony while carrying a firearm, both Class 2 felonies; one count of first-degree burglary, a Class 2 felony; and one count of third-degree burglary, a Class 5 felony.

As part of a plea agreement, several charges were dismissed, including second-degree burglary; two counts of false reporting to authorities; violation of a protection order; stalking; criminal entry of a motor vehicle, all Class 1 misdemeanors; aggravated assault against a police officer, a Class 2 felony; second-degree kidnapping and aggravated assault causing bodily injury with a dangerous weapon, both Class 3 felonies.

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Krcil originally pleaded not guilty to all charges in September 2024.

According to a sworn affidavit from Burke Police Chief Mark Green, the events that led to Krcil's first arrest began in December 2023, when Krcil and his wife, Jada, began receiving allegedly harassing text messages. By July 2024, the situation escalated. On July 20, Jada received a message threatening Krcil's life. Over the next two days, she received a series of texts, including photos showing Krcil with his hands bound and mouth gagged. One message demanded $10,000 in exchange for his release.

Investigators traced the messages using phone location data and found Krcil hiding in the loft of a shop building in Dallas, S.D., owned by a family member. According to court documents, Krcil admitted to sending the messages himself using a text application and staging the kidnapping. He also admitted to taking a firearm from a vehicle on the property. Officers recovered the weapon, magazines, and materials matching those shown in the photos.

While out on bond on Aug. 6, Krcil was reported to be at Jada Krcil's residence, violating a protection order. A neighbor told police he had seen Krcil drag Jada into the garage.

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According to court documents, Green responded to the scene and heard voices inside the garage. After announcing himself and receiving no response, he forced entry and found Krcil holding a revolver to his head. Jada was able to escape through the back of the garage. Green attempted to disarm Krcil but was unsuccessful. Krcil shut the door, and Green waited for backup before proceeding. After additional officers arrived, Jada informed them that Krcil had fled out the back.

During the search for Krcil that followed, a nearby vehicle was reported stolen. Authorities believe Krcil used the vehicle to leave the area. He was later located and arrested.

Each Class 2 felony carries a maximum penalty of 25 years in prison and a $50,000 fine. The Class 5 felony carries up to five years and a $10,000 fine. The charges also carry a minimum sentence of five years.

Sentencing is scheduled for June 2.
Burnsville High School notified students and families Wednesday that its graduation date will remain on June 6, despite religious conflicts for some students and their families.

Community members urged the school board last week to reschedule graduation as it coincides with Eid al-Adha, one of the two most important Islamic holidays, but after hearing from the community the June 6 ceremony will continue as planned, according to a note sent to students and families from ISD 191 Superintendent Theresa Battle and BHS Principal Jesus Sandoval.

While our goal in planning an academic calendar is to avoid major conflicts, at this time its not feasible to change the date of graduation to avoid these conflicts. In addition, its not clear that adding a second graduation ceremony would result in many students participating who wouldnt otherwise participate in a Friday ceremony, read the note.

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The decision, which was made by Battle in consultation with the school board, took into consideration the difficulty in rescheduling services like photography and livestreaming the ceremony, and other logistical concerns, said Aaron Tinklenberg, communications director for the district, in an email Thursday.

Its disappointing, Jaylani Hussein, executive director of the Minnesota Chapter of the Council on American-Islamic Relations, said of the decision, calling it another unnecessary burden on Muslims.

Hussein also noted that this scheduling conflict only affects one group of seniors as Eid will likely not fall near a graduation date for another 30+ years. There is absolutely no requirement for them to hold (graduation) on June 6, he said.

Eid al-Adha, the second of the two most important festivals in Islam, commemorates the sacrifice made by Prophet Ibrahim. Generally a three-day celebration, the dates of Eid al-Adha vary based on moon sightings. This year it is expected to occur June 6 to June 10, according to Islamic Relief Worldwide, a faith-based development agency.

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Muslims celebrate Eid al-Adha, also known as the Feast of Sacrifice, with special prayers and by giving gifts and food to the poor. The other major festival, Eid al-Fitr, celebrating the end of Ramadan fasting, was observed at the end of March.

Second ceremony considered

At a listening session last week that preceded a school board meeting, community members spoke out against the planned graduation date.

This issue isnt just about ISD 191, its about who we are as a community, said Salma Hussein, the principal of Gideon Pond Elementary School in Burnsville. Rescheduling graduation to recognize Eid sends a powerful message that every student matters.

Tinklenberg said Burnsvilles June 6 graduation date has been set for nearly two years and noted the district does not keep track of students religious identifications.

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Tinklenberg said the district had heard from Muslim students and families who preferred we kept graduation on June 6.

Burnsville seniors were asked Monday if theyd be more likely to attend graduation if a second ceremony was scheduled on Monday, June 2. Of the roughly 200 responses, 76% said theyd be more likely to attend June 6 and 12% said June 2, Tinklenberg said.

ISD 191 serves about 8,000 students, 14% of whom speak Somali at home, the Sahan Journal reported in 2022. More than 99% of Somalias population are Sunni Muslim, according to a 2023 report from the U.S. State Department.

Eden Prairie rescheduled

Burnsville was not the first school to hear this particular concern.

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Eden Prairie Schools originally scheduled its graduation for June 7, but reconsidered after hearing similar concerns, as reported by Eden Prairie Local News, which also noted that an estimated 20% of Eden Prairies high school students are Muslim.

After sending out three alternate dates, Eden Prairie rescheduled its ceremony to June 4, which was chosen by 84% of seniors, according to the school.

As we create future calendars, the district will continue to solicit input from a variety of sources with the goal of supporting equitable access and high participation among students for regular school days and major events like graduation, the note to Burnsville families said.
Principal Partners, a program that connects local business leaders with Boston Public School principals to discuss relevant career pathways and opportunities for students, relaunched on Thursday morning.

Co-hosted by Bank of America, the City of Boston, and the Greater Boston Chamber of Commerce Foundation, the event featured 93 leaders connecting with 87 principals across 86 schools to address challenges that students and educators face every day.

The business executives shadowed the principals for about 4 hours during the school day. They observed classroom instruction, met with students and teachers, and offered insights into relevant industry pathways.

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Bank of America President Miceal Chamberlain partnered with Principal Joanna Cruz in East Boston, where students expressed how lack of structure during April Vacation week can be a stressful time.

Boston Mayor Michelle Wu says it was the events largest turnout ever.

The oldest school system in the country deserves to be the best, Mayor Wu said of the partnership program.

Speakers at the event included Mayor Wu, Chamberlain, Boston Public Schools Superintendent Mary Skipper, and President & CEO of the Greater Boston Chamber of Commerce Jim Rooney.

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BAKU, Azerbaijan, April 17. The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) could adopt a transparent and clear position in response to threats against Irans peaceful nuclear facilities, said Iranian Foreign Minister Seyyed Abbas Araghchi, Trend reports.

Speaking at a meeting with IAEA Director General Rafael Grossi in Tehran on April 16, Araghchi emphasized that Iran continues its cooperation with the IAEA within the framework of international legal obligations.

He added that the IAEA must carry out its professional and technical work without being influenced by unjustified pressures from certain parties within its mandate.

During the meeting, Araqchi also briefed the IAEA head on the ongoing talks between Iran and the United States in Muscat, Oman, facilitated by the Omani government. These discussions focus on the lifting of sanctions and Irans nuclear program.

IAEA Director General Rafael Grossi highlighted the importance of continued cooperation between Iran and the IAEA and of creating favorable conditions for resolving existing issues through consultations with other parties.

Rafael Grossi visited Tehran on April 16. On April 12, indirect talks between Iran and the US on Irans nuclear program were held in Muscat, Oman. The discussions, led by Iranian Foreign Minister Seyyed Abbas Araghchi and the US Special Representative for Middle East Affairs, Steve Winkoff, were described as constructive and based on mutual respect. The next round of talks is scheduled for April 19.

Stay up-to-date with more news on Trend News Agency's WhatsApp channel
While many Christians observe Good Friday in Michigan, most public and private institutions will remain open on the Christian holy day.

Christians in Michigan are marking Holy Week, including Good Friday, to commemorate the crucifixion and death of Jesus Christ in the Christian faith. The week culiminates in the celebration of his resurrection on Easter Sunday, according to the Council of Bishops, bringing to a close the 40-day period known as Lent.

The dates of the holy days and holidays changes, depending on the year because Easter is one of several "moveable feasts" in the liturgical year, according to the History Channel. Other examples of "moveable feasts" include Ash Wednesday and Palm Sunday.

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Easter's date is based on the cycles of the full moon.

Here's what to know.

What is Good Friday?

Good Friday is a holy day commemorating the crucifixion of Jesus Christ in Christian belief, according to Catholic Online.

More: Where can kids hunt for Easter eggs? A look at 10 fun-filled events across Michigan

Christians typically mark Good Friday with prayer, church services, fasting and reflection, with traditions varying across denominations.

When is Good Friday in 2025?

Good Friday is April 18, 2025.

When is Easter in 2025?

Easter Sunday is April 20, 2025.

Is Good Friday a federal holiday?

No, Good Friday is not a federal holiday.

Is Good Friday a state holiday in Michigan?

No, Good Friday is not a state holiday in Michigan.

Will city and county offices in Michigan be open?

Yes, city and county offices will be open because Good Friday is not a state or federal holiday in Michigan.

Will banks be open?

Most banks will be open on Good Friday. Check with your local bank for specific hours.

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Capital One, Wells Fargo, PNC, Truist, CitiBank and JPMorgan Chase, among others, confirmed to USA TODAY branches will be open on Friday.

Will Michigan schools be open?

Check with your local district for specific schedules.

Will post offices be open? Will mail be delivered?

Yes, post offices will be open for normal operations, and the U.S. Postal Service will deliver mail on Good Friday.

More: Members of Jewish faith take part in Passover. What to know about the observance in Michigan

Will shipping services like UPS and FedEx deliver on Good Friday?

UPS stores will be open and offer pickup and delivery services on Good Friday, UPS said.

FedEx will be open and offer pickup and delivery services on Good Friday, with some modified services, according to FedEx.

USA TODAY contributed.

Contact Jenna Prestininzi: jprestininzi@freepress.com.

This article originally appeared on Detroit Free Press: Openings, closings on Good Friday in Michigan. What to know
A Brigham Young University Ph.D. candidate from Japan has had his international student visa revoked  perhaps because of a fishing violation from years ago.

Outside of a couple of speeding tickets, Suguru Onda  a husband and father of five  has had only one legal hiccup during his six years of study in the United States. He was reportedly cited for harvesting more fish than his fishing license allowed during a 2019 outing with his Latter-day Saint church group.

The fishing charge was later dismissed, according to Adam Crayk, Ondas attorney.

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Still, earlier this month Onda, who is a year away from earning his BYU doctorate in computer science, received notice that his student visa was being revoked.

He is counted among the two dozen or more international students attending Utah colleges and universities who have had their visa revoked in recent weeks  and have been directed to leave the country without delay.

I was surprised, Onda told the Deseret News, but at the same time, Im seeing so much news about (student visa revocations); but I didnt expect it to happen to me.

Ondas visa revocation notice, according to Crayk, offered few details:

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Termination reason: Otherwise failing to maintain status.

Explanation: Individual identified in criminal records check and/or has had their visa revoked, service record has been terminated.

BYU grad student Suguru Onda is pictured with his wife Kazumi Onda on Oct. 21, 2024. | Courtesy of Suguru Onda

Crayk told the Deseret News that his client went on a 2019 fishing activity with his Latter-day Saint ward.

He didnt catch a fish  but because he was the organizer or the face of the activity, (Onda) was cited for harvesting more than their license permitted.

Onda went to court, the attorney added, but the prosecutor was like, Yeah, were dismissing this  and it was dismissed.

But Crayk believes that the church fishing incident, despite the charge being dismissed, linked Ondas name with a potential criminal case and led to his international student visa being flagged and revoked.

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An immigration attorney, Crayk said that traditionally international students were in jeopardy of having the visas revoked when they are connected with aggravated felonies, crimes involving moral turpitude and offenses related to, say, drugs, guns, protective order violations and certain domestic violence offenses.

Something thats much more significant than keeping an extra fish, Crayk added.

Ondas attorney added his low-key client is married, the father of five children and has no history of posting politically charged content.

Crayk is concerned that the Department of Homeland Security system is revoking international student visas involving minor criminal cases such as Ondas without being verified with human eyes.

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He is also concerned affected international students are not being offered opportunities to represent themselves and present their side of the story.

Weve taken away due process, which is just so fundamentally unfair.

Exploring legal options

Crayk said he will likely be filing a temporary restraining order in the coming days on Ondas behalf. A class action suit could be next as he continues to work with other local clients affected by similar international student visa revocations.

A lot of these kids dont even want their names used. They want to use pseudonyms because they really are afraid to death that ICE is going to come and get them, he said.

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Even as his attorney explores legal options to keep him and his family in the United States, Onda is making preparations for a possible return to his Japanese homeland. Ive started packing everything in case I need to leave, he said.

A member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Onda has been studying at BYU for the past six years.

He said the school has told him he could work remotely on his dissertation if he has to leave the Provo campus.

Onda said he was planning to stay in the United States for at least a few years after graduation. We love the community here, he said.

Onda added his family is doing as well as might be expected as they face an unexpected disruption. Theyre kind of sad about it but theres nothing that they can do. ... So were trying to do our best.

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He added his family is enjoying the support of their local Latter-day Saint congregation.

A lot of families have reached out to me and brought us food and tried to offer help, Onda said. We couldnt do this without their help  so I really appreciate all of the community, and especially for the church.
CADDO PARISH, La. (KTAL/KMSS)  For the average outdoorsman, there are plenty of lakes, bayous, rivers, and parks where you can enjoy nature.

Ahead of boating season during Spring, the Caddo Parish Marine Unit offered suggestions to maximize fun in the sun.



When we stop a boat for a safety check, everybody is required to have a life jacket on board, somewhere on the vessel, said Sgt. Chad Davis. If youre 16 years of age or younger, youre required to wear the vest while the boat is underway.

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Shreveport residents attend expo to start creating safer, more engaged communities

People can enjoy alcoholic beverages, but if you are drinking, someone else must operate the boat. Davis says the rivers are unpredictable, requiring a focused driver.



You never know where a sandbar is going to be or anything like that, said Davis. We always ask people to at least try to be familiar with where youre going, because the obstacles, you cant see them underwater. Caddo Lake has some old abandoned oil wells that you could hit. Always, always make sure you stay in the channel, said the Sergeant.

Caddo Teaching Academy offers free alternative teacher certification

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Davis also emphasized planning and letting family members know where you will be. Having a knowledge of boating before braving the waves is also key.



We get a lot of calls, Davis said. People get out there, their boat is not running. We get there, and theyre out of gas, the propeller is wrapped up in something. Just make sure you know the common sense about boats, gas, oil, killswitch and all that stuff. Youll be amazed what people get out there and do, and they dont know anything about it.

People must have a boat safety education card if born after January 1, 1984. Louisiana Wildlife and Fisheries and the Caddo Parish Sheriffs Office offer card classes.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KTALnews.com.
SHREVEPORT, La. (KTAL/KMSS)  The Caddo Parish Sheriffs office is inviting the public to come out for a day a fun.

Residents are invited to the departments Jump with a D.A.R.E Officer event to commemorate National D.A.R.E Day. Drug Abuse Resistance Education (D.A.R.E.) officers from the Caddo Parish Sheriffs Office, Shreveport Police, and other local law enforcement agencies will be at Adventure Fun Park, where they will be able to interact with their DARE students and families in an interactive space where having fun is encouraged.

The event will be for third and fifth graders on Thursday, April 17, from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. The cost is $8.80 for one hour per participant and $3.30 for trampoline socks.

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SHREVEPORT, La. (KTAL/KMSS)  In his weekly Thursday morning visit to our studio, Shreveport Mayor Tom Arceneaux weighed in on several key issues impacting the city, from school closures to squatter enforcement and long-term roadwork.

The mayor began by addressing the Caddo Parish School Boards recent decision to close three early learning institutions. While acknowledging the emotional toll on families and communities, Arceneaux emphasized the difficulty of such choices and said he respects the school boards autonomy. It is always difficult to close a school I just think we have to trust the school board to do what they believe is right, he said.

Mayor Arceneaux also spoke about the citys largest effort yet under Operation Ask Blue, an initiative aimed at cracking down on illegal squatters. The operation recently targeted 50 properties, primarily in the Highland neighborhood, and resulted in multiple arrests. He confirmed more operations are planned across the city and encouraged residents to report suspicious activity by calling (318) 673-7300 and selecting option three.

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When asked by viewers about the citys long-term construction projects, Mayor Arceneaux provided updates on the much-anticipated Linwood Overpass. The project, estimated at $6 million, is currently in the design phase. The city has already allocated $3 million from bond funds and is seeking additional funding for capital outlay. We have work going on with 43 of the 46 projects from our $88 million bond sale. Several should break ground in 2025, with even more activity in 2026, he said.

Mayor Arceneaux is scheduled to return next Tuesday with more updates on Shreveports progress.

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The Southern California lawmakers who represent the Eaton and Palisades fire zones introduced a bill in Congress on Thursday that would give homeowners affected by natural disasters nationwide a break on mortgage payments for almost a year.

The bill, introduced by U.S. Reps. Judy Chu (D-Monterey Park) and Brad Sherman (D-Sherman Oaks), would require lenders to grant a six-month pause on mortgage payments for homeowners who could document evidence of damage or destruction to their properties. Payments would be paused with no interest, penalties or fees, but would not be forgiven.

That pause, known as mortgage forbearance, would apply only to federally backed loans in areas where a federal disaster declaration has been signed by the president, said Chu, who represents Altadena. Borrowers could extend the forbearance for another six months if needed, extending the life of the loan.

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"They've lost their home, their whole life, they're living with friends or living in a hotel, they're still working with their insurance company to get that hotel bill covered, or they're applying to FEMA, and now the mortgage is due too," said Sherman, whose district includes Pacific Palisades and Malibu. "So it's like paying rent or a mortgage twice. Some of them are finding that quite difficult."

Nonfederal lenders are not required by law to offer forbearance to homeowners in disaster zones, although they often do. Chu's office said the bill would standardize the forbearance policies for federal lenders.

After the January fires, which destroyed more than 13,500 buildings in Altadena, Pacific Palisades and Malibu, more than 400 lenders offered homeowners a 90-day pause on mortgage payments without reporting the missed payments to credit agencies.

People who survived the fire, Chu said, "shouldn't have to worry about missing a mortgage payment while theyre worrying about dealing with so many other things."

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The bill has 11 other co-sponsors, all Democrats, including Southern California Reps. Laura Friedman (D-Glendale), Jimmy Gomez (D-Los Angeles), Linda Sanchez (D-Whittier) and Lou Correa (D-Santa Ana), as well as several representatives from disaster-prone states, including Hawaii Rep. Jill Tokuda and Louisiana Rep. Cleo Fields.

No Republican lawmakers have signed on as original co-sponsors, but Chu and Sherman said they hope the bill will receive bipartisan support.

"This is the smallest thing they could do," Sherman said. "This is virtually no cost to anyone."

Chu said the bill was inspired in part by a story she read in the Pasadena Star-News reporting that as many as 3,200 survivors of the Eaton and Palisades fires missed mortgage payments after the January blazes.

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The story quoted a report by an insurance company that found that on-time mortgage payments in the Palisades fire area fell 23.9% from December to February and 16.7% in the Eaton fire area. On-time payments rose 0.2% statewide over the same period.

Chu said the disaster bill is structured after the mortgage forbearance clause included in the CARES Act, the $2-trillion pandemic economic stimulus bill that passed Congress with bipartisan support and was signed into law by President Trump in March 2020.

The CARES Act required that lenders grant requests for forbearance on monthly mortgage payments for 180 days, with a possible extension of another 180 days.

Last month, Chu and Sherman also asked the Federal Housing Finance Agency, which regulates mortgage giants Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac, to allow mortgage lenders to grant forbearances of up to two years, in six-month increments, after natural disasters.

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The current limit of one year, the lawmakers wrote, "does not account for the prolonged disruptions that homeowners face after a disaster of this magnitude. Allowing a longer period with fewer administrative hurdles would help prevent unnecessary foreclosures, preserve homeownership and support community resilience."

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SAN FRANCISCO (KRON)  In 2024, Caltrain rolled out its electric fleet of trains to replace its diesel-powered line. That move, according to a UC Berkeley study, has dramatically reduced its riders exposure to a harmful carcinogen.

The study, published on Wednesday in Environmental Science and Technology Letters, found that retiring all 29 of Caltrains diesel locomotives and replacing them with 23 electric trains reduced riders exposure to black carbon by an average of 89 percent. Additionally, ambient black carbon concentrations surrounding the San Francisco station were significantly reduced.

According to the researchers calculations, the reduction in black carbon exposure achieved from Caltrains electrification cut excess cancer deaths by 51 per 1 million people for riders and 330 per 1 million people for train conductors, UC Berkeley said. For reference, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has a policy that any exposure that increases the average individuals cancer risk by more than one per million is considered unacceptable.

Study lead author Samuel Cliff downloads data from a portable air quality monitor at a Caltrain station. (Photo: Adam Lau/Berkeley Engineering)

The inspiration for the study came to UC Berkeley Professor Joshua Apte after he visited a Caltrain station in August 2024.

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I was stunned at how much the station smelled like diesel smoke and how noisy it was from the racket of diesel locomotives idling away at the platforms, dumping smoke out into the community, Apte said. A light bulb went off my head  I realized this would all be going away in a few weeks.

Between August and September 2024, as all of Caltrains diesel locomotives were replaced with electric counterparts, researchers also monitored rapid changes in air quality.

A lot of these transitions happen pretty slowly. This one happened in a blink of an eye, Apte said. We had the unique opportunity to capture the ancillary public health benefits.

Apte is hoping that the study will motivate other municipalities to electrify their railways.

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The full study can be viewed on the ACS Publications website.

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By Francesco Guarascio

(Reuters) -Chinese leader Xi Jinping urged Cambodia to "resist protectionism" as he arrived in Phnom Penh on Thursday at the end of a three-nation tour of Southeast Asia, with U.S. tariffs threatening the economies of both countries.

Cambodia is a major exporter of clothing and footwear to the United States, and was slapped with a U.S. import tax of 49%, one of the highest globally, before "reciprocal" duties were paused until July for most countries, except those on China which faces combined tariffs of 145%.

In an article published in Cambodian media, Xi urged Phnom Penh to oppose "hegemonism" and "protectionism", repeating messages he sent earlier this week to Vietnam and Malaysia during the first two legs of his trip.

Phnom Penh is a close partner of China, which has invested billions of dollars in projects including roads and airports, and is the country's largest creditor.

"We expect more cooperation including on infrastructure development," Meas Soksensan, spokesman for the Cambodian finance ministry, told Reuters on the eve of Xi's arrival in the capital Phnom Penh.

He was answering a question about whether Cambodia expected Beijing to announce financial support for a 180 km (111.85 miles) canal, which is the country's most ambitious infrastructure project.

Xi, who has a road named after him on the outskirts of the Cambodian capital, extolled the positive economic impact of past Chinese infrastructure projects, pledged to continue to "unswervingly support" Cambodia's development, but mentioned no new specific project in his statements on Thursday.

Cambodia's government said late on Thursday the two countries signed 37 documents during Xi's visit, including on investment, trade and finance, but it did not elaborate on content and on whether they entailed binding or financial commitments.

It has said China would pay for the Funan Techo Canal, which would run from the Mekong River, from a site near Phnom Penh, to the coast on the Gulf of Thailand, diverting water from the fragile rice-growing Mekong Delta and reducing Cambodian shipping through Vietnamese ports.

China has made no public financial commitment to the project, while Phnom Penh has changed its statements on Chinese engagement from covering 100% to 49% of total costs, estimated at $1.7 billion, nearly 4% of Cambodia's annual gross domestic product.

Hun Sen, the chairman of Cambodia's senate and a former longtime prime minister, said on Facebook after meeting Xi that the Chinese leader had told him he supported the building of the canal.
BAKU, Azerbaijan, April 17. Iran has consistently demonstrated a willingness to engage in dialogue and accept specific promises to foster confidence in its nuclear program, Kazem Gharibabadi, Iran's Deputy Foreign Minister, told reporters, Trend reports.

He explained that the main topic of the ongoing discussions between Iran and the US revolves around nuclear issues. Some parties have raised concerns about Iran's nuclear program, but Gharibabadi emphasized that these concerns are baseless.

"The Iranian nuclear program is under continuous monitoring by the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), and its peaceful nature has been repeatedly confirmed. To date, no report has been issued suggesting that this program is being directed towards military purposes," he noted.

On April 12, indirect talks between Iran and the US on Irans nuclear program were held in Muscat, Oman. The discussions, led by Iranian Foreign Minister Seyyed Abbas Araghchi and the US Special Representative for Middle East Affairs, Steve Winkoff, were described as constructive and based on mutual respect. The next round of talks is scheduled for April 19.

By the end of 2020, the Iranian parliament decided to pursue a strategic plan in the nuclear sector to counter the sanctions, leading to a suspension of additional steps and the Additional Protocol as per the nuclear agreement.

Consequently, the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) faced a reduction in monitoring capabilities of 2030 percent.

Iran has officially affirmed that its strategy is not to pursue the development of an atomic bomb and that it does not support the production of weapons of mass destruction.

On March 3, Rafael Grossi, Director-General of the IAEA, mentioned during the IAEA Board of Governors' meeting that Iran has increased its stockpile of uranium enriched to 60 percent purity by 93 kilograms, from 182 kilograms to 275 kilograms, compared to the previous quarter. Iran remains the only non-nuclear weapon state to enrich uranium to this level, raising significant concerns.

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Sunday marks 420, a semi-official hangover holiday celebrated by cannabis enthusiasts everywhere  but not, perhaps, in the White House.

HuffPost reached out to see if Donald Trump and his administration had any plans to officially honor 420, but received no immediate response.

Trumps own views on the wacky weed seem to go both ways: On one hand, he upheld federal prohibition of cannabis during his first term in office and has also suggested that drug dealers should get the death penalty.

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On the other hand, Trump didnt go after states with legal cannabis laws during his first term. Also, in 2024, he supported a Florida ballot measure that would legalize recreational marijuana in the state.

As a result, though fears abound that the president is screwing up the global economy, many people in the bud biz are cautiously optimistic that their businesses wont get burned.

Raul Molina, the co-founder and COO of Mint Cannabis, which runs cannabis dispensaries in many states, said hes not sure the Trump administration can do anything to stop industry growth.

The industry is too large for rollbacks at this point, Molina told HuffPost, though he said he doubts anything positive will happen, either. That said, we do not expect further gains under this administration. However, you never know. We will keep pushing!

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Paula Savchenko, a lawyer specializing in regulated substances, agrees that Trump will likely leave cannabis legalization to the states, but told HuffPost that cannabis policy does not appear to be a priority for President Trump or many of his appointed officials, several of whom have historically maintained anti-cannabis positions throughout their careers.

Although Trumps potential inclination to leave cannabis a states rights issue may help the indica industry, his stance on tariffs is having a negative effect, according to Barron Lutz of Nasha Hash, a cannabis company in Humboldt County, California.

Tariffs are the biggest issue right now, especially for packaging and hardware, Lutz told HuffPost, noting that vapes are the most likely products he sells to suffer price increases since the hardware is entirely made in China.

If those costs double or triple, itll hit that category hard, he admitted.

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Still, Nishant Reddy, the CEO and founder of A Golden State, a California-based cannabis company, said that going after the cannabis industry could be bad business for Trump.

In a presidency focused on stimulating the American economy and American jobs, it would be counterproductive to stifle a truly 100% American industryone that cannot legally export, and whose profits, taxes, jobs, etc., all benefit America and Americans, Reddy told HuffPost.

But Derek Chase of Flora + Bast, a company specializing in psychoactive substances, believes that Trump could become a big cannabis convert  at least from a revenue-raising standpoint.

Trump wanting to reduce income tax could spur him to move faster towards federal legalization, as cannabis is a large market with frothy tax levels, Chase told HuffPost. So while I dont believe him to want to do anything specific with cannabis, it may just turn out that he sees it as a way to make more money for the government, he said, adding that the substances low risk profile makes it so non-noxious compared to alcohol.

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Although the Trump administration hasnt announced plans to go after legal cannabis, MacKenzie McClain Hill, founder of LumiBloom, a CBD health brand, said that its important for people to remember the people most likely to be hurt if it does.

Theres always a concern when progress is politicized, she told HuffPost. Any rollback would hit hardest in communities that have already been disproportionately affected by the war on drugs. As a woman of color leading a CBD brand, I know how fragile these gains can be  and how urgent it is to protect them.
Apr. 17Canton Village Board unanimously approves budget after public hearing sees no comment

CANTON  The Canton Village Board of Trustees unanimously approved the 2025-26 preliminary budget during its regular meeting Wednesday, following a public hearing on the spending plan that drew no comments from residents.

The budget, details of which were outlined in a letter from Mayor Michael E. Dalton to the trustees, includes a slight decrease in the tax rate alongside increases in water and sewer rates.

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Dalton's letter, released earlier this week, noted that the budget features a minor tax rate reduction of $0.004 per $1,000 of assessed value, coupled with a 0.66% increase in the tax levy. The budget also allocates $119,734 from the village's fund balance.

Taxpayers will see a rate of $10.748492 per thousand of assessed value.

The preliminary budget, refined after review by the finance committee and village department heads, and further adjusted by the village board on April 1 and April 8, was presented to the public at a hearing on April 16. According to village officials, no members of the public offered comments or questions regarding the proposed spending plan during the hearing.

Later in the board's regular meeting on Wednesday, the budget was brought to a vote and received unanimous approval.

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As previously reported, the budget accounts for mandated increases in the state minimum wage and reflects uncertainty surrounding state funding. It also includes increased residential water and sewer rates  $1.09 per 1,000 gallons for water and $1.37 per 1,000 gallons for sewer for usage between zero and 50,000 gallons  to fund necessary upgrades to the village's aging infrastructure.

Rates will be $8.35 per 1,000 gallons for the first 50,000 gallons for water and $10.51 per gallon for the first 50,000 gallons for sewer.

Dalton's letter also highlighted a significant increase in taxable assessments and the substantial portion of the budget dedicated to payroll and benefits. Capital equipment funding also saw an increase in the approved budget.

With the unanimous approval, the 2025-26 village budget is now set to move forward.
Ohioans to Stop Executions Executive Director Kevin Werner. (Photo by Nick Evans, Ohio Capital Journal.)

Every year, Ohio Attorney General Dave Yost releases a report detailing the state of Ohios capital punishment system. This year, as with last year, it depicts an expensive and inefficient program. Yost argues serious reform is needed to drag it out of the ditch, but opponents contend the attorney general is misreading the facts in front of him.

They argue its time to scrap the death penalty in Ohio, not grasp for an end-run to restart executions.

Yosts perspective

In the 2024 Capital Crimes report, Yost notes the average time death row inmates spend waiting for execution has grown to 22 years. At this point theyre more likely to die by suicide or natural causes than state corrections officials carrying out the sentence.

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Throughout, Yost heaps scorn on Ohios approach to the death penalty. He describes it as a ponderous machine that is essentially paralyzed capable of producing churn, waste and endless lawsuits  and little else.

This system satisfies nobody, Yost argues. Those who oppose the death penalty want it abolished altogether. Those who support the death penalty want it to be fair, timely and effective. Neither side is getting what it wants.

The report takes swipes at the way exonerations are discussed and the role of pharmaceutical companies. Defendants acquitted at retrial for lack of evidence or a prosecutors dismissal havent been proven innocent, Yost insists. To state it plainly, guilty people sometimes beat the rap. And pharmaceutical companies refusing to sell the state drugs used in lethal injection are imped(ing) the laws of our nation, according to Yost.

Yosts solution for this self-described stalemate is to work with the U.S. Department of Justice to secure the necessary drugs or for state lawmakers to approve legislation allowing execution with nitrogen gas.

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There are two paths available to Ohio to enforce the laws on our books, Yost states. Pick one.

Opponents view

Yosts description of the capital punishment systems shortcomings was so strong that Ohioans to Stop Executions quoted him to begin their own report.

Capital punishment burns enormous amounts of effort, time and money, all to no purpose, Yost stated. It is a system that fails to deliver on the promise of justice for victims and their families, while wasting millions of taxpayer dollars.

With that in mind, the organization contends, its time for Ohio to cut its losses and find a better solution.

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Its time for Ohio to stop spending millions of dollars to prop up this broken system, Ohioans to Stop Executions Executive Director Kevin Werner argued. Repealing the death penalty is not just fiscally responsible, it is a moral and practical necessity.

Alongside Werner, two people whose loved ones were murdered argued the death penalty is the wrong consequence. Sister Joanne Gross of the Ursuline Sisters of Cleveland described how a member of her order, Sister Joanne Marie Mascha, was raped and murdered 30 years ago.

Despite our public opposition to the death penalty, the prosecutors were not deterred and pursued death anyway, she explained. Only a jurys mistake on the verdict forms resulted in the young man not facing the death penalty at sentencing, which was an answer to our prayers.

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Late last year the man convicted of murdering Mascha sent the sisters a letter, Gross said, taking responsibility for his actions and seeking forgiveness.

Rev. Jack Sullivan explained in 1997 he learned that his 21-year-old sister had been shot and killed in her home. He argued his family is one of many with absolutely no confidence in the death penalty.

As we know, executions possess no life-restoring powers, he said, and offer no life honoring properties.

Sullivan added, Executions cannot mend broken heart(s) but only create more. They cannot heal grieving souls but only create more. And they cannot provide ever-elusive closure.

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Werner argued the state is at an impasse, and finding a new source for drugs or allowing executions with nitrogen gas wont solve the systems underlying problems. Those changes wont make the legal process faster or cheaper, address wrongful convictions or provide support to victims families.

It doesnt fix a single problem, Werner argued. It feels a little bit more like a like a political thing, than it does good public policy that has outcomes that are both desired and needed.

Follow Ohio Capital Journal Reporter Nick Evans on X or on Bluesky.

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The escalating legal standoff over President Donald Trumps wrongful deportation of a man to El Salvador has become a political flashpoint on Capitol Hill.

A growing number of Democrats are embracing the cause of Kilmar Abrego Garcia, the Salvadoran native who had been living in Maryland before his removal last month. Some are lining up trips to El Salvador to press for his release  starting Wednesday with Sen. Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.), who met with the countrys vice president.

More than just an isolated battle over one mans deportation, Democrats view the current fight as the constitutional crisis they have been warning about after the Supreme Court ruled that the administration must facilitate Abrego Garcias return. The Trump administration contends it is not legally obligated to arrange for his return even after acknowledging his deportation was in error.

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The Trump administration is clearly in violation of American court orders, Van Hollen said during a news conference in El Salvador, adding that the U.S. embassy had told him theyve received no direction from the Trump administration to help facilitate his release.

Meanwhile, congressional Republicans are lining up behind the Trump administration, which is locked in a heated federal court battle over Abrego Garcias return. They are trying to use those same trips to pivot from the legal fight to a proxy battle over illegal immigration  an issue the party believes plays to its favor.

The White House sees advantage in an immigration-focused fight and has heavily encouraged pushback from GOP lawmakers, according to a person granted anonymity to describe the private guidance. By Wednesday, more than a dozen had gone on the attack, including members of leadership.

This isnt just failed leadership  its a complete abandonment of their duty to protect American citizens, Rep. August Pfluger, chair of the conservative Republican Study Committee, said in a statement on Wednesday. While Democrats are fighting on behalf of illegal criminals on your dime, Republicans will continue [to] fight for the safety of American citizens.

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Abrego Garcia entered the U.S. illegally around 2011; he was arrested but not charged in 2019, and an immigration judge subsequently ruled he couldnt be sent to his home country because of a fear of persecution, allowing him to live and work in the U.S. legally. The Trump administration acknowledged earlier this month it had deported him in error.

The hardening battle lines in Congress come as lawmakers are left stuck on the sidelines while the battle over Abrego Garcia plays out in court. U.S. District Judge Paula Xinis said on Tuesday that she is ordering an intense two-week inquiry into the Trump administrations refusal to seek his return.

But the political fight is likely to grow. Van Hollen took the first of what is expected to be several trips by congressional Democrats to visit El Salvador in the coming days as they try to highlight Abrego Garcias detention and build pressure for his release.

Sen. Cory Booker (D-N.J.), the No. 4 Senate Democrat, is planning his own trip, according to a person granted anonymity to discuss his travel plans. And in the House, Reps. Maxwell Frost (D-Fla.) and Robert Garcia (D-Calif.) said they intend to go to El Salvador as soon as possible, as has another Oversight Committee member, Rep. Yassamin Ansari (D-Ariz.). Rep. Delia Ramirez (D-Ill.) mounted another push Wednesday through the House Homeland Security Committee.

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Rep. Jamie Raskin, the top Democrat on the House Judiciary Committee, on Wednesday linked Abrego Garcias legal fight to Trumps flirtation with sending U.S. citizens who committed violent crimes to prisons in foreign countries.

If the rights of non-citizens are not secure, then the rights of citizens are not secure, Raskin said during an event with legal and immigration advocates.

Administration officials and congressional Republicans claim that Abrego Garcia is a member of the violent Salvadoran gang MS-13. He has never been charged with activities linked to the gang, and the federal judge overseeing his deportation case has called the evidence flimsy.

House Republicans took their own trip down to El Salvador this week to tour the prison, known as CECOT, where Abrego Garcia is being held. Several posted photos on social media that included prisoners in the background.

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It is unconscionable that Democrats in Congress are urging the release of more foreign criminals back into our country, Ways and Means Committee Chair Jason Smith (R-Mo.) wrote in a post on X about the trip, which he led.

Van Hollen indirectly rebutted the GOP criticism during his news conference, saying that he and Salvadoran Vice President Felix Ulloa agreed that the United States and El Salvador should work together to crack down on transnational gangs like MS-13. Van Hollen also touted his previous work in Maryland to crack down on MS-13.

Even as Republicans defend the administration, some are facing pushback. Sen. Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa) was pressed at a town hall meeting Tuesday on what Congress would do to help facilitate Abrego Garcias return and about the battle between Trump and the courts. El Salvador is an independent country, he replied. The president of that country is not subject to the U.S. Supreme Court.

El Salvadors president, Nayib Bukele, is a vocal Trump supporter who offered to use his iron fist tactics on alleged criminal deportees in exchange for payments. Trump has suggested that he could someday seek to send U.S. citizens to CECOT, which has been subject to human rights complaints.

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Raskin predicted that the pressure would build to the point that the administration will be forced to comply with the courts, predicting massive backlash in the country and international condemnation of what is taking place. Van Hollen hinted the clash could bubble over into Congresss funding fights, where Democrats could potentially seek to block any federal spending on deportations to El Salvador.

Not all Democrats are taking the scorched-earth approach, however. Rep. Vicente Gonzalez (D-Texas), who co-chairs the bipartisan Congressional El Salvador Caucus and attended Bukeles most recent inauguration, played to the Salvadoran presidents ego in a statement Wednesday urging him to release Abrego Garcia.

Gonzalez said Bukele should play the long game and said he hoped to visit with him soon. He is still young and would have a lot to offer the world after his presidency. It would be a real disgrace to see him squander what he has achieved, he added. The world is watching.

Meredith Lee Hill and Ben Jacobs contributed to this report.
Investing.com -- Canadas four major federal party leaders clashed in their first all-leaders debate of the election campaign, with Prime Minister Mark Carney drawing criticism from all sides. The debate, held in French in Quebec, exposed vulnerabilities in Carneys messaging and language skills as his opponents challenged the Liberal governments economic track record and fiscal promises.

Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre and NDP Leader Jagmeet Singh both accused Carney of repackaging policies from the former Prime Minister Justin Trudeaus government. You were Justin Trudeaus adviser  have you forgotten that? Poilievre said, after Carney repeated the line, I just got here.

Carney defended his early record as prime minister and previewed a $500 billion investment plan over five years, aimed at sectors like housing and green infrastructure. When asked how it would be funded, he cited catalyzing private investment through demand-generating measures such as GST cuts on some homes.

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Bloc Quebecois Leader Yves-Francois Blanchet dismissed Carneys fiscal claims as fantasy, calling it a Harry Potter budget. Singh echoed Blanchets skepticism, saying, Youre promising magic, Mr. Carney, as the three opposition leaders questioned whether Ottawa could afford tax cuts alongside major spending.

Housing emerged as a flashpoint, with Carney promising funding for affordable development and Poilievre accusing him of copying failed Liberal policies. The Conservative leader pledged to accelerate homebuilding by reducing permitting delays, declaring, We dont need more bureaucrats. We need more doors for families.

Singh fired back at Poilievre over his past tenure as housing minister, claiming only six homes were built during that perioda figure Poilievre strongly disputed, insisting the true number was 200,000. Blanchet, meanwhile, emphasized prioritizing local infrastructure projects, including the Quebec City tramway and a Montreal hospital.

Notably, none of the major parties have released full election platforms, a point raised several times throughout the evening. Carney pledged to release the Liberal platform by Monday, while Poilievre promised his own plan in a few days.

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The leaders are set to meet again in an English-language debate tonight, where Carney, who retains a near-seven-point advantage in recent polls, will face continued scrutiny over policy specifics and his tenure in both domestic and international roles.

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Democratic strategist and pundit James Carville admonished Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.), Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-N.Y.) and other progressives who have argued the Democratic Party needs radical change in order to beat Republicans in coming elections.

Bernie has run for president twice, hes lost twice, AOC and her kind  they want to run against other Democrats, Carville said during an appearance on Chris Cuomos NewsNation program CUOMO on Wednesday night. They dont want to run against Republicans. When you beat a Republican, come back and see me and Ill be impressed.

Carville conceded top progressives have drawn sizable crowds to rallies and events in recent weeks but knocked their current messaging strategy, saying, Democrats are not the problem right now.

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Ocasio-Cortez has drawn large crowds across the country as part of a Fighting Oligarchy tour that has sparked speculation about her political future and ambition for higher office.

Carville argued Democratic voters are trying to tell [Sanders] something by not nominating him for president and predicted Ocasio-Cortez would fair similarly.

Cuomo added he has no problem with more political parties and choices for voters, calling the current political system a binary battle to the bottom.

Maybe they need to split off from the Democratic Party, Carville suggested.

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Apr. 16WILKES-BARRE  Within hours after charges against Joseph D. Granteed were dismissed related to shoving a Luzerne County sheriff deputy and allegedly disrupting a county election board meeting, prosecutors refiled the same charges against him on Wednesday.

This time, Granteed will receive the criminal complaint via summons instead of the first time when he was taken for a preliminary arraignment before a district judge when bail was set.

District Judge Donald Whittaker of Nanticoke, after a preliminary hearing held at Luzerne County Central Court, dismissed two counts each of simple assault and harassment and one count each of disrupting meeting and disorderly conduct against Granteed, 66, of Plains Township.

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Granteed was charged after after he was physically removed from the March 19 county election board meeting by sheriff deputies Jerry DeHaza and Ryan Morgans after being instructed by county Manager Romilda Crocamo.

"We are pleased with the district judge's decision. Judge Whittaker saw that no crime was committed or could have been committed given Mr. Granteed's First Amendment right to hold our elected officials accountable. We are saddened that the county has decided to refile these charges and waste taxpayer funds on this nonsense," stated Granteed's attorney, Matthew T. Muckler.

During Wednesday's preliminary hearing that began at approximately 10 a.m., DeHaza prosecuted without an assistant district attorney and testified to events of the March 19 election board meeting.

DeHaza said Granteed spoke before the election board and was told by Election Board Chairwoman Christine Boyle his three minutes were up and to sit down.

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Granteed made several remarks directed at election board member Rick Morelli as he walked away from the podium to a seat as Morelli also asked Granteed questions.

DeHaza said he approached Granteed and asked to go outside the meeting room at the same time he waived his arms in a gesture to exit the room.

"He verbally said I have no authority to do anything," DeHaza said.

DeHaza said he wanted to calm the situation and left the meeting room to notify Sheriff Corporal Wanda Babula. DeHaza and Babula returned to Granteed instructing him to leave the room but Granteed refused.

DeHaza said Crocamo then instructed to have Granteed removed resulting in a "hands-on" approach.

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When DeHaza said he put his hands on Granteed, Granteed responded by shoving him.

DeHaza did not produce the video of the meeting showing Granteed shoving him.

Muckler introduced the video showing Granteed's public address to the election board that illustrated Boyle advising him that his three minutes had expired as Morelli responded to Granteed with a question as Granteed walked from the podium to a seat.

Muckler, in a strategic move, did not play the video showing DeHaza going "hands-on" in response to Crocamo directing Granteed be removed, which resulted in Granteed's arm shove onto DeHaza.

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DeHaza was denied a request by Whittaker to have Muckler show the video that depicts Granteed shoving him.

"That's beyond the scope of my cross-examination," Muckler said in successfully objecting to DeHaza's request to show the video illustrating the shove.

Whittaker did not waste any time in dismissing the case against Granteed, which took place at about 10:35 a.m.

About four hours later, prosecutors refiled the charges against Granteed with the second preliminary hearing scheduled on May 28.

After Wednesday's hearing, Granteed provided a statement to the Times Leader.

"I went there with the intent of exercising my First Amendment right to be critical of my representatives. For some reason, they didn't like what I said, or how I said it, and they held it against me," Granteed stated.

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Granteed thanked Muckler stating, "The truth came out."

Granteed stated he will continue to monitor county election board meetings through the remote viewing option but does not expect to immediately attend in person.

"I am not sure what could happen at this point; whether there will be retaliation," Granteed stated.

Benjamin R. Herring, president of Citizens Advisory of Pennsylvania, issued this statement after Wednesday morning's preliminary hearing.

"We are pleased with today's dismissal of charges from Judge Whittaker as they further solidify the fundamental right of all citizens to scrutinize elected officials. The first amendment absolutely and unequivocally allows for public officials to be called upon to address issues under their purview, and while some may not like that concept, it does not give them the right to restrict someone's speech. Citizens Advisory of Pennsylvania will always protect our fellow citizens constitutional rights, and today's ruling is a testament to that," Herring stated.
NEWTON, N.C. (QUEEN CITY NEWS)  A Catawba County man was sentenced Tuesday after pleading guilty to killing his 16-month-old daughter via fentanyl last year.

Mecklenburg County Superior Court Judge Donald R. Cureton sentenced 35-year-old Lucas Scronce to 15-19 years in prison for second-degree murder. He will be in the custody of the North Carolina Division of Adult Corrections.

According to the District Attorneys Office, deputies responded Feb. 7, 2024, to a 911 call at a residence on Short Road in Hickory. When they arrived on the scene with emergency personnel, the child, Ivy Clay, was found dead.

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An autopsy report showed that the female child died of fentanyl and methamphetamine toxicity.

Two Maiden preschool teachers charged after one was accused of assaulting 16 toddlers

This case is one of the most heartbreaking we have seen. A defenseless baby lost her life simply because fentanyl and other drugs were present and accessible, 36th Prosecutorial District Attorney Scott Reilly said. Our office is doing everything we can to fight the devastation these drugs are causing in our community. Our goal is to stop the spread of fentanyl and hold those who traffic and irresponsibly use it accountable.

During a search of the residence, the DAs office says deputies located and observed a large bag with powder in it along with numerous items of drug paraphernalia. They also observed unsafe living conditions in the home, noting drugs and paraphernalia throughout the residence.

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On Feb. 9, 2024, Scronce was charged with trafficking in opium.

When the autopsy report was conducted last June, Scronce and Ivys mom, Jennifer Denise Clay, were charged with murder. Her bond was raised on Monday to $2 million for her charges.

Scronce claimed to be asleep during the time the Ivy may have died, and admitted that there was open and frequent drug use in the residence. Documents indicate Scronce tested positive after his arrest for methamphetamine and fentanyl use.

Scronce also told investigators that he had used fentanyl prior to giving the child a bottle at some point prior to its death.

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Josh Rector was the lead investigator for the Catawba County Sheriffs Office. Assistant District Attorney Tim Gould prosecuted the matter for the State with aid from Legal Assistant Amy Bishoff.

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TERRE HAUTE, Ind. (WTWO/WAWV)  Wednesday night, the Ryves Youth Center held its monthly family fun night.

The event was held from 4:30 to 6 p.m. Attendees were able to enjoy a dinner prepared by Chef Naomi Smith, and the first 100 families that show up will receive a Drive and Dish Produce Box and one dozen eggs.

Assistant Agency Director for Catholic Charities, Jennifer Tames, said Wednesday night was different than other family nights.

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Normally, our families are used to coming in and going through our cafeteria line, but we think that it is important to show respect and dignity to all of our neighbors. So, we have got some volunteers who are going to be there this evening, who are going to be serving a sit-down meal, said Tames.

Also, at the dinner, representatives from Duke Energy will be on-site to share ways to save on your electric bill and discuss incentive programs. Duke Energy District Manager, Rick Burger, said Wednesday night was a chance for Duke Energy to have one-on-one time with customers who need help.

Were just proud to sit down and really meet and greet with our customers. We are starting to do a lot more of this, which is exciting because I think it builds that trust with us, said Burger.

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TERRE HAUTE, Ind. (WTWO/WAWV)  Mobile food pantries provided by Catholic Charities in Terre Haute are helping reach more people in the community.

A mobile food pantry took place Wednesday at Cross Lane Community Church in Terre Haute. Catholic Charities provides mobile food pantries across its seven-county service area. It partners with churches and organizations to hold the events. Development Manager Jessica Murphy said while Catholic Charities Terre Hautes food bank works as a warehouse, these mobile food pantries bring the food to various locations.

Aside from the five new mobile pantries that we have here in the city of Terre Haute, weve also been expanding into some of our more rural areas as well. So, since September, again like I mentioned, weve added mobile pantries in both Parke and Vermilion County as well, and were hoping to increase those across our seven-county service area as the year progresses, said Murphy.

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Catholic Charities Terre Haute has an online calendar where people can see when mobile food pantries are scheduled.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to MyWabashValley.com.
BAKU, Azerbaijan, April 17. Irans objective in discussions with the United States is to reach a fair, logical, and sustainable agreement, Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister Kazem Gharibabadi told reporters, Trend reports.

According to Gharibabadi, Iran does not seek a short-term deal or an agreement that could be overturned with a change in government. He underscored that Iran is pursuing a long-term accord, devoid of insults and excessive coercion.
This story was originally published on BioPharma Dive. To receive daily news and insights, subscribe to our free daily BioPharma Dive newsletter.

A panel of advisers to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention on Wednesday recommended lowering the age at which some people can receive a vaccine for respiratory syncytial virus, but stopped short of advocating for booster shots.

Committee members voted nearly unanimously endorse vaccination in adults who are 50 to 59 years of age and at a higher risk of severe RSV-related disease. If adopted by the CDC, that recommendation would expand on the agency's current guidance, which suggests use in all people 75 or older and high-risk adults between 60 and 74 years of age.

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The CDC isnt bound to follow the advice of its committees, though it typically does.

The policy would immediately benefit GSK and Pfizer, both of which have RSV shots approved for people under 60. It could also soon help Moderna, whose vaccine the Food and Drug Administration could clear for use in that age group later this year.

However, the recommendation comes at a time of uncertainty for the CDC, whose acting director Susan Monarez hasnt yet been confirmed by Congress. The decision to adopt it, then, could fall on Health and Human Services Secretary and prominent vaccine skeptic Robert F. Kennedy Jr.

Additionally, while recommending broader use than before, committee members still didnt endorse vaccinating younger adults or booster shots. In a slide presentation, CDC panelists noted how clinical testing hasnt clearly shown an additional dose can improve protection against disease. Levels of protective antibodies appear to surge higher after revaccination, but not as high as they do after an initial dose.

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Its unclear how people with weakened immune systems will respond, too, the presentation said.

There remains important uncertainty in whether revaccination can restore protection to levels seen after the first dose, and this may be more important when developing a recommendation for younger adults who have longer remaining life expectancy, said Michael Melgar, co-lead of the work group for RSV in adults for the CDCs Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices, or ACIP.

Committee members also highlighted the risk of Guillain-Barre syndrome, a rare neurological side effect that was added to the prescribing information for Pfizers Abrysvo and GSKs Arexvy last year.

Advisers will discuss revaccination at a meeting in June. In the meantime, the lack of an endorsement for boosters remains a major overhang to the market potential of RSV shots, wrote William Blair analyst Myles Minter in a note to clients Thursday.

Shares of Pfizer, GSK and Moderna all dipped slightly on Wednesday.

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DOJ tries to prove Abrego Garcia is part of MS-13: Attorney General Pam Bondi has decided that instead of working to facilitate the release of Kilmar Abrego Garcia from El Salvador's Terrorism Confinement Center (CECOT) as the Supreme Court has ordered, she will instead take to X to release documents from his 2019 arrest, in which a detective claimed he was an MS-13 member.

That's one approach, I guess.

These documents had already been publicly available, if you cared to look through the prior court proceedings. The Gang Field Interview Sheet, drafted up by Ivan Mendez, then an officer with the Prince George's County Police Department, says Abrego Garcia was arrested with purported MS-13 members in a Home Depot parking lot, that he was wearing clothing that they believe to be affiliated with MS-13 ("a Chicago Bulls hat and a hoodie with rolls of money covering the eyes, ears and mouth of the presidents on the separate denominations" which "officers know such clothing to be indicative of the Hispanic gang culture"), and that a confidential informant said he was part of MS-13.

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Interestingly, reporting by The New Republic notes that Mendez was suspended the next month for "providing information to a commercial sex worker who he was paying in exchange for sexual acts." ("The information he provided focused on an on-going police investigation," per the county's news release.)

Information has also come out about Abrego Garcia allegedly beating his wife, Jennifer Vasquez Sura, stemming from a protection order she filed against him in 2021: "At this point, I am afraid to be close to him," she wrote in the protection order. "I have multiple photos/videos of how violent he can be and all the bruises he [has] left me." She cites specific examples from August 2020 and November 2020 in which he was violent toward her. Vasquez Sura told CNN that "she sought a civil protective order in 2021 after a disagreement with Abrego Garcia" and that "she had survived a previous relationship that included domestic violence." She says she did not appear at a court hearing and pursue the matter further: "We were able to work through this situation privately as a family, including by going to counseling."

Working through marital troubleseven when violence is involvedappears to be something the vice president sortasupports: "Culturally, something has clearly shifted. I think it's easy but also probably true to blame the sexual revolution of the 1960s," J.D. Vance said in 2022. "My grandparents had an incredibly chaotic marriage in a lot of ways, but they never got divorced, right? They were together to the end, 'til death do us part. That was a really important thing to my grandmother and my grandfather. That was clearly not true by the 70s or 80s." (Vance has written elsewhere about his grandparents' marriage turning violent at times.)

"Based on the sensationalism of many of the people in this room, you would think we deported a candidate for Father of the Year," snarked White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt on Tuesday. On Wednesday, Leavitt commented from the podium that "it's appalling and sad that Sen. [Chris] Van Hollen [DMd.] and the Democrats applauding his trip to El Salvador today are incapable of having any shred of common sense or empathy for their own constituents and our citizens," before gesturing to Patty Morin, a woman whose daughter was brutally murdered by an illegal immigrant in 2023. "Nobody knows this more than the woman standing to my right, Patty Morin," added Leavitt.

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Whether Rachel Morin or Laken Riley, the 22-year-old nursing student killed by an illegal immigrant while jogging, the administration keeps implying that you cannot both support due process for Abrego Garcia and have empathy for the victims of violence from illegal immigrants. (I think people can hold multiple ideas in their heads at once.)

None of this really matters in terms of what the U.S. government is obligated to do: The Supreme Court has ordered the Trump administration to "facilitate" Abrego Garcia's return. The administration continues to demur on this front, instead choosing to release, via Xthe protective order Vasquez Sura filed:

Kilmar Abrego Garcia had a history of violence and was not the upstanding "Maryland Man" the media has portrayed him as. According to court filings, Garcia's wife sought a domestic violence restraining order against him, claiming he punched, scratched, and ripped off her shirt, pic.twitter.com/FpSV0k3i90  Homeland Security (@DHSgov) April 16, 2025

Of course, most people are neither angels nor demons, and even very bad and violent peopleif that is what Abrego Garcia isdeserve due process. The punishment for wifebeating in Maryland, or entering the country illegally, is not indefinite confinement in a Salvadoran prison. He has not just been deported, he has been locked up in CECOT. ("A prison where there is no education or remediation or recreation, because it is a prison that does not intend to release its inhabitants back out into the world," writes The New York Times' Ezra Klein. "It is a prison where the only way out, in the words of El Salvador's so-called justice minister, is a coffin.")

More specifically, if the administration is trying to deport the man under the Alien Enemies Act, he is entitled to a habeas hearing to confront the charges that he's an MS-13 member (as Glenn Greenwald details below).

A few facts regardless of what side of the due process/deportation debate you're on raised by Vance: 1) Only reason Abrego Garcia case is a controversy is an immigration court blocked his deportation, and Trump Admin admitted he was "mistakenly" picked up by ICE. 2) SCOTUS https://t.co/b4QF2axiVu  Glenn Greenwald (@ggreenwald) April 16, 2025

Even if the idea that Abrego Garcia deserves due process is uncompelling to you, zoom out for a second and consider the many other people who have been sent to CECOT without the ability to contest the charges against them, unsure if they will ever be released. This isn't deportation. This is cruelty to make a political point (as some resistance types would claim during Trump 1.0): Don't come here. If you're already here illegally, be afraid. After all, home-growns are next.

The Miami Herald published a great article about one man who applied for refugee status, received it, and was seized at the airport and sent to CECOT for no reason: https://t.co/YQoM4UVbn5 I posted it and everyone went "yeah that seems bad". Garcia, though, we can argue over.  Kelsey Piper (@KelseyTuoc) April 16, 2025

Israel had wanted to strike Iran's nuclear sites: Over the last few weeks, Trump administration officials apparently dissuaded Israel from attacking Iran's nuclear sites. "Israeli officials had recently developed plans to attack Iranian nuclear sites in May," reports The New York Times. "They were prepared to carry them out, and at times were optimistic that the United States would sign off. The goal of the proposals, according to officials briefed on them, was to set back Tehran's ability to develop a nuclear weapon by a year or more."

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Essentially, President Donald Trump communicated to Israel that the U.S. would not support them in their plans, while opening up greater lines of communication with Iran possibly to negotiate a new deal related to its nuclear program (the former nuclear deal, negotiated by President Barack Obama, was shredded by Trump during his first term in 2018, but it looks a bit like second-term Trump might settle for something that looks rather similar). Looked at one way, you could say Trump's approach is a bit schizophrenic, with administration officials not totally aligned on which goals they're actually pursuing. Looked at another, you could say the less-hawkish forces are exerting significant influence behind the scenes, which bodes well.

Scenes from New York: Mayoral candidate (and current state representative) Zohran Mamdani plans to increase corporate taxes by 4.5 percent, which he predicts would add $5.4 billion to city coffers. "Another $4 billion would come from the increased taxes on the wealthy, with additional income flowing in by beefing up the city's tax collection agency," adds The New York Post. Mamdani advocates city-run grocery stores, expanded free childcare, fare-free buses, and rent freezes. He also seems to believe that you can just levy infinite taxes on the wealthy without them ever wising up, moving their money elsewhere, or fleeing the city altogether.

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"SpaceX is leading a bid to build Golden Dome with startups Anduril and Palantir, six people said," reports Reuters, which would include "a constellation of 400 to more than 1,000 missile defense satellites."

"A team of researchers is offering what it contends is the strongest indication yet of extraterrestrial life, not in our solar system but on a massive planet, known as K2-18b, that orbits a star 120 light-years from Earth," reports The New York Times. "A repeated analysis of the exoplanet's atmosphere suggests an abundance of a molecule that on Earth has only one known source: living organisms such as marine algae. 'It is in no one's interest to claim prematurely that we have detected life,' said Nikku Madhusudhan, an astronomer at the University of Cambridge and an author of the new study, at a news conference on Tuesday. Still, he said, the best explanation for his group's observations is that K2-18b is covered with a warm ocean, brimming with life. 'This is a revolutionary moment,' Dr. Madhusudhan said. 'It's the first time humanity has seen potential biosignatures on a habitable planet.'"

This is really disturbing:

I'm furious. We've gotten official word that "several" students at my college have had their visas pulled (among the hundreds reported across the country). No reasons given. My school is about as activist as a jar of peanut butter. My other international students are worried.  Carl (@HistoryBoomer) April 15, 2025

Agree:

I think it should be bigger news that a domestic terrorist tried to murder a Jewish governor and his family on the first night of Passover because the perp was made about "the Palestinians." This is what "globalizing the intifada" means in practice, and all those who have been  David Bernstein (@ProfDBernstein) April 16, 2025

Reporting today pretty consistent that this was a straightforward attempt to assassinate a Jewish governor and his family on Passover out of revenge for the Palestinians. We'll see what else emerges obviously, but if that's where this is headed it's a bad, bad place. pic.twitter.com/zuJJWGNYh4  Seth Mandel (@SethAMandel) April 16, 2025

The post CECOT Forever appeared first on Reason.com.


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Cells are sensitive to many forms of stimuli including light and heat, but little is known about the cellular response to acoustic pressurea.k.a. sound.

A new study suggests that cells can indeed hear. Its not the way we typically think of hearing, but cells sense acoustic vibrations, and these vibrations can change cellular behavior.

Scientists identified some 190 sound-sensitive genes, including ones that impact cell and tissue states.

While sound is a relatively simple phenomenonacoustic waves traveling through a mediumprocessing sound so that our brains can understand it is a bit more complicated. The smallest bones in the human body (known as the ossicles) transmit sound from the air to the inner ear, where the spiral-shaped cochlea transforms those vibrations into electrical impulses with the help of some 25,000 auditory nervesall in a millisecond-long process known as auditory transduction.

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However, this isnt the only way to process sound. And in fact, humans even deploy another method known as bone conduction, which uses sound vibrating through our bones and bypassing the outer and middle ear altogether. With the help of these acoustic methods, animals receive vital information about their environment to aid in their survivaland a new study suggests that the same could be true for our cells.

Of course, cells dont possess the auditory organs necessary for human-like hearing, but scientists from Kyoto University suspect that cells do utilize acoustic information in a somewhat similar way to bone conduction. The scientists designed an experiment to emit acoustic pressure that could conceivably be interpreted by cells as vibration and then monitored the effects of this sound bath on the cells RNA via microscopy. They found that sound did impact cellular behavior, particularly for controlling cell and tissue states. The results of the study were published in the journal Communications Biology.

To investigate the effect of sound on cellular activities, we designed a system to bathe cultured cells in acoustic waves, Masahiro Kumeta, one of the authors on the study, said in a press statement.

In a previous 2018 study , Kumeta and his team discovered that acoustic waves impacted mechanosensative genes, which included bone formation and wound healing. After two hours of exposure, these genes were shown to be suppressed by a whopping 40 percent. They also found that these changes were impacted by types of waveforms and decibel levels.

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Seven years later, Kumeta has now identified some 190 sound-sensitive genes, and specifically found that preadipocytesfat cell precursorsexperienced a suppression of adipocyte differentiation, which is when these precursors form into full-fledged fat cells. Understanding that sound can have impact on even the smallest biological components comes with some pretty big implications.

Since sound is non-material, acoustic stimulation is a tool that is non-invasive, safe, and immediate, and will likely benefit medicine and healthcare, Kumeta said in a press statement.

Of course, Kumeta isnt the first person to suggest that acoustics could be a valuable tool in developing non-invasive therapies and medicines. Stanford University, for example, has demonstrated how to rearrange densely-packed heart cells, creating something akin to natural heart tissue. And the American Psychological Association has written for years about how music can help ease certain psychological conditions and promote healing.

If acoustic waves can impact biological beings down to our very cells, its no wonder that sound can have potentially life-saving medicinal uses.



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AUSTIN (KXAN)  In early March, the U.S. Department of Agriculture cut half a billion in funding for food purchasing programs. As a result, the Central Texas Food Bank said it will lose $5.5 million in funding for the upcoming fiscal year.

The USDA cancelled 40 deliveries of food to their facility, which equals about 761,000 meals.

Some Texas families impacted by SNAP cuts; food banks brace for direct hit

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Texas Department of Agriculture Commissioner Sid Miller previously told KXAN the USDAs budget cuts are intended to eliminate fraud, abuse and waste, and the state does not depend on this funding to maintain a strong program.

His office shared that the funding impacted includes The Emergency Food Assistance Program (TEFAP), Commodity Credit Corporation (CCC), Local Food Purchase Assistance Cooperative Agreement Program (LFPA) and Local Food for Schools Cooperative Agreement Program (LFS).

USDA said the programs are a legacy of the pandemic and no longer supported the agencys priorities.

The COVID era is over  USDAs approach to nutrition programs will reflect that reality moving forward, a USDA spokesperson said in a statement

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USDA halts more than $1B in funding for local food banks, schools

Were the front line for our families. So if we dont exist, our families dont eat. Sari Vatske, Central Texas Food Bank President & CEO

Central Texas Food Bank President and CEO Sari Vatske said this comes as more people need their help.

The Central Texas Food Bank said if nothing replaces these costs, it will result in less food for families. (Photo: KXAN) The Central Texas Food Bank said if nothing replaces these costs, it will result in less food for families. (Photo: KXAN) The Central Texas Food Bank said if nothing replaces these costs, it will result in less food for families. (Photo: KXAN) The Central Texas Food Bank said if nothing replaces these costs, it will result in less food for families. (Photo: KXAN) The Central Texas Food Bank said if nothing replaces these costs, it will result in less food for families. (Photo: KXAN) The Central Texas Food Bank said if nothing replaces these costs, it will result in less food for families. (Photo: KXAN)

Weve seen the reliance on our services increase, reaching higher than pandemic levels of need, Vatske said. We were seeing about 60,000 people coming to us per week, and now were seeing over 90,000 people needing our services weekly.

Fundraising help

Its why theyre relying more on fundraising efforts like the Austin Reggae Festival. The tradition returns to Auditorium Shores this weekend and will celebrate its 30th year.

Organizers said they expect about 20,000 attendees over the three-day event.

Austin Reggae Festival organizers said the event started back in 1994. (Photo: KXAN) Austin Reggae Festival organizers said the event started back in 1994. (Photo: KXAN) Austin Reggae Festival organizers said the event started back in 1994. (Photo: KXAN) Austin Reggae Festival organizers said the event started back in 1994. (Photo: KXAN)

A portion of all the proceeds benefit the food bank. Festival organizers said the event raised over one million dollars for the Central Texas Food Bank in the last 10 years alone. Over the last five years, its raised money to help the charity provide more than 2.5 million meals.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KXAN Austin.
A hearing officer has rejected a motion to deny the Bishops Lodge resorts application to discharge treated wastewater into an on-site leach field.

The motion was filed in February by Protect Tesuque, a citizens group opposed to the resorts discharge plans. It was denied last week, not based on the merits of the draft permit but rather because liquid waste disposal and treatment regulations do not apply to the application, wrote hearing officer Felicia Orth.

A public hearing on the lodges draft permit, requested by members of the Tesuque community, is scheduled for the week of May 19.

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Bishop's lodge decision

The state regulates all liquid waste discharges, state Environment Department spokesperson Muna Habib wrote in an email to The New Mexican.

For any discharges of 5,000 gallons or less, the liquid waste program applies. But for discharges over 5,000  including at Bishops Lodge, which anticipates receiving and treating up to 30,000 gallons of wastewater per day  the ground and surface water protection regulations apply instead.

A spokesperson for Bishops Lodge had no comment on the motion denial. But Protect Tesuque members were quick to condemn it.

This ruling sends a clear and unequivocal message: rules only apply to the people without lobbyists, Protect Tesuque board member Mark DeCamp said in a news release. It tells communities like ours that the States much bally-hooed clean water protections are illusory and selectively applied based on your power and influence.

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An aging wastewater plant at the lodge had been malfunctioning for several years. The new plant  known as a membrane bioreactor  can treat wastewater to a higher degree than the old system, according to information published on the Environment Departments website.

The resort originally planned to dispose of treated effluent by discharging it into Little Tesuque Creek. The plan prompted pushback, and Bishops Lodge announced last year it would be change course and build an on-site leach field instead.
DAYTON, Ohio (WDTN)  A local Catholic high school has announced it is opening a middle school for the 2025-26 school year.

The inaugural Chaminade Julienne Middle School class will be nearly all 50 seventh and eighth graders from Our Lady of the Rosary School, highlighting the deep partnership between the two schools.

Recently, the Archdiocese of Cincinnati; the Ohio Department of Education and Workforce; the Ohio Catholic School Accrediting Association (OCSAA); and Chaminade Juliennes Board of Trustees approved the charter change. It was fully supported and affirmed by the Sisters of Notre Dame de Namur and the Marianists.

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Local university to host Lent art gallery

This is an exciting next step in our partnership with OLR and a wonderful opportunity to welcome even more students into the CJ family, said Dan Meixner, CJ president. Its a blessing that builds on years of collaboration.

The high school has hosted Our Lady of the Rosarys seventh and eighth graders on its campus for the past two years, through a space-sharing agreement. The agreement enables OLR to launch a preschool program.

Weve seen measurable improvements in academic readiness among OLR students, especially in their placement in college prep and honors courses, said Jacki Loffer, assistant principal at OLR. Our graduates are more prepared than ever for high school success.

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Why is Easter hardly on the same Sunday?

The students will now have full access to campus resources, including the gymnasium, band room and STEMM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics and Medicine) labs.

I feel like were making history, said Neema Apendeki, a current seventh-grader. Its a big opportunity to be part of the first eighth-grade class at CJ.

Give Life: Donate blood this Easter weekend

The CJ Middle Schoolers will fully participate in school traditions such as Catholic Schools Week, Spirit Week and the Lenten Mission Drive.

Chaminade Julienne is a private, co-ed Catholic school in Dayton. The downtown high school was founded in 1850, it has been at the Franklin and Ludlow streets location since 1886.

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BAKU, Azerbaijan, April 17. The mere possession of enriched uranium does not constitute a comprehensive prerequisite for the intricate process of nuclear armament development, Iran's Deputy Foreign Minister Kazem Gharibabadi said in a statement, Trend reports.

Speaking to local media, Gharibabadi underscored that certain entities persist in asserting that Iran has sufficient resources, including enriched uranium, to construct a nuclear weapon.

However, he clarified that the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) is the only body authorized to make such determinations, and no reports from the agency have ever indicated that Iran has been attempting to develop nuclear weapons.

The Iranian official further stated that some parties are deliberately creating a crisis over Irans nuclear program, despite the ongoing IAEA oversight. He asserted that these claims are entirely unjustified as long as the agency continues its monitoring.

Iran has never exceeded its commitments in the enrichment of uranium, and no violations have been recorded. Furthermore, neither the IAEA's statute nor the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons (NPT) prohibits the enrichment of uranium or any specific enrichment level. The only restriction is that nuclear activities must not be directed toward military purposes, Gharibabadi added.

He also reiterated that Irans strategy is to avoid obtaining nuclear weapons and that the country does not support the production of weapons of mass destruction.

On April 12, indirect talks between Iran and the US on Irans nuclear program were held in Muscat, Oman. The discussions, led by Iranian Foreign Minister Seyyed Abbas Araghchi and the US Special Representative for Middle East Affairs, Steve Winkoff, were described as constructive and based on mutual respect. The next round of talks is scheduled for April 19.

By the end of 2020, the Iranian parliament decided to pursue a strategic plan in the nuclear sector to counter the sanctions, leading to a suspension of additional steps and the Additional Protocol as per the nuclear agreement.

Consequently, the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) faced a reduction in monitoring capabilities by 2030 percent.

Iran has officially affirmed that its strategy is not to pursue the development of an atomic bomb and that it does not support the production of weapons of mass destruction.

On March 3, Rafael Grossi, Director-General of the IAEA, mentioned during the IAEA Board of Governors' meeting that Iran has increased its stockpile of uranium enriched to 60 percent purity by 93 kilograms, from 182 kilograms to 275 kilograms, compared to the previous quarter. Iran remains the only non-nuclear weapon state to enrich uranium to this level, raising significant concerns.

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A long-awaited resentencing hearing for Erik and Lyle Menendez was delayed Thursday morning after Los Angeles District Attorney Nathan Hochman showed up at the Superior Courthouse for an impromptu press conference after asking a judge to delay Thursday's proceedings, citing an unreleased parole report from Governor Gavin Newsom.



In late February, Newsom directed his state parole board to conduct a comprehensive risk assessment to determine if the Menendez brothers pose a safety concern to the public. Hochman told reporters the report had been completed, and argued that Superior Court Judge Michael Jesic should examine its contents before proceeding with the resentencing hearing.



Mark Geragos, an attorney for the brothers - who have been imprisoned for more than 35 years in connection with the murders of their parents, Jose and Kitty Menendez - called the move another indication of Hochman's bias against his clients. He railed that the brothers' defense team hadn't seen the report, which prompted the judge to call a long recess to sort out the confusion with the Governor's office. [Geragos is the co-owner of Engine Vision Media, the parent company of Los Angeles.]

An attorney for the extended Menendez family, who filled the courtroom with roughly two dozen supporters who have been fighting for Lyle and Erik's release, gave an emotional argument about the hospitalization of 85-year-old Teresita "Terry" Baralt, who was found unresponsive Sunday, 30 hours after she saw a grisly crime scene photo of her dead brother Jose and self-proclaimed best friend Kitty as part of prosecutor Habib Balian's argument that the brother have shown no remorse.



Bryan Freedman told the court that he felt a personal affront at the trauma the Menendez family felt, recounting the loss of his sister - an attorney in San Diego - who died of an overdose. Freedman told the court Hochman should be admonished for violating Marsy's Law, a statue that protects crime victims.

Geragos and Freedman ended the resentencing hearing after the recess, saying they plan to file a motion with the State Attorney General Rob Bonta that will disqualify Hochman from continuing on the Menendez Brothers resentencing case. The lawyers said not only has newly elected District Attorney failed to provide a victims' advocate to the Menendez family, who are also crime victims under the letter of the law, but he failed to disclose that he attended Beverly Hills High School, like the Menendez brothers, and his family lived roughly a mile from the crime scene, Freedman said.
DAYTON, Ohio (WDTN)  Dave Chappelle will be hosting several live shows at a familiar Yellow Springs location next month.

According to Ticketmaster, Chappelle is schedule to appear at the Yellow Springs Firehouse four times in mid-May.

Catalina Alvarezs Sound Spring is an ode to Yellow Springs

Tuesday, May 13 at 8:30 p.m.

Friday, May 16 at 7 p.m.

Saturday, May 17 at 8:30 p.m.

Sunday, May 18 at 8:30 p.m.

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Each date will see Chappelle on stage with various guests including Bootsy Collins, Dr. Phil and more.

Tickets will go on sale tomorrow at 12 p.m.

Click here for more event information and ticketing.

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The UK government has brought in temporary measures banning holidaymakers from bringing certain foods into the country from the EU, in a bid to prevent the spread of foot and mouth disease. While the import of animal products from further afield has long been prohibited, the new measures are specifically related to outbreaks of the disease on the continent.

The list includes items such as cheeses, cured meats and sausages, including those in sandwiches. The regulations are enforced whether the items were purchased in a supermarket or in duty free, and apply regardless of how they are packaged. A similar ban on foodstuffs from Germany, Hungary, Slovakia and Austria was introduced earlier this year in response to cases of the diseases there.



While no cases of food and mouth disease have been detected in the UK, it is a highly infectious disease  and therefore the move has been taken as a precautionary measure. Products will be seized and destroyed if spotted at the border, and fines of up to 5,000 can be issued for serious cases. The rules only apply to those arriving in Great Britain  not Northern Ireland, the Isle of Man, Jersey or Guernsey.

The items banned from the EU include:

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Dairy products including milk, cheese and yoghurt

Pork

Beef

Lamb and mutton

Goat

Venison

Sausages made from these meats

Animal products from outside of the EU have been banned for some time. The government explains that this is because the foodstuffs can carry diseases, which can devastate our environment and economy.

These include meat, honey and dairy products, with the exception of infant milk or special foods needed for medical reasons.

The list of contraband items, however, is much longer. Passengers can bring four litres of spirits into the UK, or nine litres of alcoholic wine less than 22 per cent ABV, which includes wine, beer and cider. And if you usually bring back cigarettes from the continent  or further afield  the allowances are relatively generous. Travellers can bring in 200 cigarettes, or 100 cigarillos, or 50 cigars, or 250g of tobacco (including shisha tobacco) or 200 sticks of tobacco for heating.

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There are certain goods that are entirely banned from crossing the border into the UK. These include counterfeit goods, such as CDs, DVDs and clothing, plus indecent and obscene materials that cannot normally be bought in the UK. Other items that are forbidden include:

Controlled Drugs such as cocaine, heroin, MDMA (Ecstasy), cannabis, barbiturates, amphetamine and methamphetamine

Offensive weapons such as flick and gravity knives, butterfly knives, knuckledusters, blowpipes, truncheons, some martial arts equipment and more

Firearms, explosives, ammunition, and replica weapons that could carry real bullets are also on this list, unless you have a relevant permit. This might be granted if, for example, you were taking part in a historical reenactment.

Travelling with an animal? The rules for furry companions are laid out in the UKs Pet Travel Scheme. The requirements often depend on where you have travelled from; illegally landed pets are likely to be seized and quarantined.

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As for endangered species? These will likely be banned too, whether alive or used for decorative items and regardless of whether they were openly for sale. Live birds, plants and animals cannot be brought across the border without a CITIES permit, while souvenirs made of ivory, coral, shells or crocodile skin could also be prohibited. Cosmetic items made with endangered species would fall under the same regulations.

Even if your souvenirs are not banned, they might be subject to certain taxation rules. Tourists can bring goods worth up to 390 into the county. Items worth in excess of that figure may have to pay tax or duty on them, which has to be paid to HMRC within 72 hours of arrival. And it is worth noting that the list of banned items is extensive and often changes at short notice. For more information, check the government website ahead of travel.

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This week, organizers of Chicago's annual Cinco de Mayo parade canceled festivities over concerns about deportations by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). "Our people are scared," said Hector Escobar, president of the Casa Puebla and Cermak Road Chamber of Commerce.

Unfortunately, the fears of Chicago's Mexican community may be warranted. In the first 50 days of President Donald Trump's second administration, ICE boasted 32,809 arrests, just four hundred shy of all arrests made in 2024. Under the direction of Trump's border czar, Tom Homan, sanctuary cities like Chicago have been the target of enhanced ICE operations, which have already included the improper or warrantless arrests of at least 22 individuals in Illinois.

Homan has also threatened to prosecute Brandon Johnson, the city's Democratic mayor, if he obstructs ICE's mass deportation efforts by upholding the city's sanctuary policies. Meanwhile, federal lawmakers have investigated Johnson and other sanctuary city mayors for impeding federal law enforcement, despite legal precedent under which state and local governments cannot be compelled to enforce federal laws.

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Immigrants in sanctuary cities aren't the only ones being targeted and fearful of ICE raids; 238 individuals from across the country have been swept up by ICE and shipped to El Salvador. While the Trump administration has described those in El Salvador as "the worst of the worst," 90 percent have no criminal record in the U.S. And in the case of Marylander Kilmar Abrego Garcia, who was sent to El Salvador due to an admitted administrative error, not even a Supreme Court order has safely ensured his return to the United States.

Trump has also suggested jailing U.S. citizens in El Salvador. While imprisoning U.S. citizens in a foreign country is "obviously unconstitutional, and obviously illegal," according to David Bier of the Cato Institute, the president's proven willingness to flout Constitutional due process protections should give everyoneimmigrants and natural-born citizens alikecause for concern.

While Trump's anti-immigration policies have succeeded in lowering the illegal border crossing rate to the lowest seen in over 25 years, Americans' approval of the president is already waning. But the administration is showing no signs of slowing down by using protected personal data collected by federal agencies, like the IRS, to support harsh immigration policies and destroy privacy for all Americans, not just Mexican-Americans in Chicago, in the process.

Trump's evolving immigration policies have created high levels of uncertainty and left little for Chicago's Mexican-American community to celebrate this Cinco de Mayo. Escobar said that the parade cancellation was primarily about safety. "At this point, we don't know what is going to happen next year," he added.

The post Chicago Cancels Cinco de Mayo Parade Over Fears of ICE Deportations appeared first on Reason.com.
CHICAGO (WGN)  Alders on Wednesday approved a resolution that calls on the citys human resources department to disqualify any participant of the January 6, 2021 attack on the U.S. Capitol from employment with the city.

These individuals really made it very clear that they did not want to accept the results of the election, Mayor Brandon Johnson said at his post-council press conference. I do believe that as a city we do have to draw the line. We have to set a standard for how we work to continue to do the things that are necessary to make sure that our democracy continues to evolve.

The vote was 43-3, with Alds. Nicholas Sposato (38th Ward), Anthony Napolitano (41st Ward) and James Gardiner (45th Ward) voting against the measure.

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Theres 500 that deserve no mercy as far as Im concerned, those 500 that fought with the police. I have no sympathy for them, Sposato said. But the thousand that were only trespassing? Were going to ruin somebodys life, even though this is nothing. This is a nothingburger.

Gardiner said that while the attack was despicable and that hes never voted for Donald Trump, he had concerns about the legality of the measure.

Do we have the authority to say yea to somebody and nay to somebody else depending upon the type of crime committed? he asked his colleagues. My concern: is the city setting themselves up for problems in the future?

Ald. Gil Villegas (36th Ward), who previously served in the US Marine Corps., said those who broke into the capitol were criminals who assaulted police officers, vandalized public property and threatened the lives of lawmakers.

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Those who participated in this attack those who encouraged it and those who continue to spread falsehoods to justify it must be held accountable, he said. You should not be able to work for the same government that you are attempting to overthrow.

Ald. Bill Conway (34th Ward), a US Navy reservist who was acting as senior intelligence director of the US European command during the attack, agreed.

I will only say that is not a day or night I would like to repeat and I say that on behalf of myself, our military and our country, he said.

Villegas was the chief sponsor of the resolution, with Alds. Chris Taliaferro (29th Ward), Bill Conway (34th Ward), and Matt Martin (47th Ward) co-sponsors.

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Gov. JB Pritzker took similar action at the state level earlier this year.

The Chicago Sun-Times notes that more than 50 Illinoisans faced Jan. 6 charges, including Chicago police officer Karol Chwiesiuk, who was later fired.

President Donald Trump made good on a long-standing campaign promise, issuing pardons to nearly all Jan. 6 defendants just hours into his second presidency.

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CHICAGO, Ill. (WTVO)  The Chicago City Council is considering a new curfew ordinance that would enable police to declare an emergency teen curfew, in an effort to address teen takeovers.

In 2022, Chicago enacted a permanent 10 p.m. curfew for teens 17 and under, following a series of shootings and crimes in the downtown area.

Alderman Brian Hopkins proposed changing the curfew to 8 p.m., but Mayor Brandon Johnson and other councilmembers did not agree with the change.

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However, Hopkins said a compromise was reached Wednesday that would allow police to impose a discretionary curfew at any time, in response to large gatherings.

Its based on when these teen takeovers actually occur, we can respond to this tool, Hopkins said. When theres nothing going on, like in the winter months when these things tend to not happen, we dont necessarily need this curfew. So, its applied on an as-needed basis. It is declared in response to whats happening, and then after the event is over, the curfew lapses until such time it needs to be brought forth again.

Under the new proposal, the curfew could be imposed any time there is a gathering of 20 or more people, and police deem it necessary to maintain safety. Unaccompanied minors would be given 30 minutes to disperse or face a fine up to $500.

Teen takeovers are organized gatherings at parks, beaches, neighborhoods, parking lots, or intersections, with some leading to violence.

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A news release from the Clinton Police Department says officers began investigating the death of a woman who had overdosed in the 500 block of Fourth Avenue South in Clinton on May 9, 2024. Investigators determined that Revelle T. Horne, 34, sold fentanyl to the woman, which led to her death. The Blackhawk Area Task Force conducted a controlled purchase of fentanyl from Revelle in the Clinton area on August 27, 2024 as part of the investigation.

Revelle Horne (Clinton Police Department)

The Clinton Police Department obtained an arrest warrant for Revelle on April 16 for two counts of intent to deliver fentanyl under 5 grams. He was taken into custody later that day and found to have THC. He was taken to the Clinton County Jail where jail staff found suspected fentanyl on Revelles person during booking. He was additionally charged with possession 3rd offense  aggravated misdemeanor, possession of contraband inside a correctional facility and possession with intent to deliver fentanyl. Clinton County Court records show he is being held on a $10,000 cash-only bond and has a preliminary hearing on April 25.

According to Iowa code 124.401(1)(g) Delivery Of Fentanyl Causing Death, a person who causes the death of another person while participating in a violation of this subsection (124.401(1)) and who is not entitled to protection under section 124.418, shall be sentenced to three times the term otherwise imposed by law, and no such judgement, sentence, or part thereof shall be deferred or suspended.

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The Blackhawk Area Task Force, Clinton County Sheriffs Department, Clinton County Medical Examiners Office, Iowa Office of the State Medical Examiner, Clinton County Attorneys Office and the Iowa Attorney Generals Office assisted with the case.

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CHICAGO, Ill. (WTVO)  Gun violence in Chicago is down 41% according to a new study from Northwestern University. Gov. JB Pritzker credited the Peacekeeper Program, which trains residents to de-escalate conflicts in high-crime neighborhoods, for contributing to the downward turn.

The Illinois Office of Firearm Violence Prevention implemented the Peacekeeper strategy in 2023, which was adopted by the state.

The Illinois Department of Human Services oversaw the Citywide Crisis Prevention and Response Unit, described as a highly mobile team that is specifically designed to prevent violence and address conflict and crises in the City of Chicago.

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In 2023, 30 trained, neighborhood Peacekeepers were sent into Chicagos most violence-prone neighborhoods. That number grew to 1,213 in 2024, who were active in 27 Chicago Community Areas and 8 Cook County suburbs.

The report said six Peacekeepers died while on the job: two from natural causes and four from fatal shootings.

The Peacekeeper program is funded by the Reimagine Public Safety Act, a $250 million anti-violence initiative created as a reaction to the murder of George Floyd. Cities nationwide began to rethink the role of law enforcement following nationwide protests and civil unrest over Floyds death at the hands of a Minneapolis Police officer.

The Peacekeepers are part of a community-focused approach to addressing violent conflict, with members undergoing training in crowd de-escalation tactics, crisis intervention, and referrals to mental health or substance abuse programs.

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The program was designed to center equity in anti-violence work, ensuring that the staff deployed to serve communities are representative of and share backgrounds with those communities.

Corner by corner, block by block, and neighborhood by neighborhood  we are freeing our communities from the age-old patterns of crime and violence, Pritzker said on Thursday. From Day One, violence intervention and reduction has been a focus of my administration, and I established the Office of Firearm Violence Prevention and worked with the General Assembly to pass the Reimagine Public Safety Act to organize and support efforts such as these exactly because I believed these kind of resultsand morewere possible.

Northwesterns Center for Neighborhood Engaged Research and Science report found a 31% reduction in gun violence from 2023 to 2024, compared to the two previous years, with a 41% decline in high-crime neighborhoods.

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BAKU, Azerbaijan, April 17. The current temporal framework does not yet permit the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) to actively participate in the intricate negotiations unfolding between Iran and the United States, Irans Deputy Foreign Minister, Kazem Gharibabadi, told reporters, Trend reports.

Speaking to local media, Gharibabadi pointed out that although IAEA Director General Rafael Grossi had made it clear that any deal struck without the agency's input would be a wild goose chase, it was jumping the gun to talk about the agency's part in the matter.

"When an agreement is reached, officials from the International Atomic Energy Agency will naturally be invited, the potential for conducting tests with the agency will be assessed, and a final agreement will be established," he stated.

Gharibabadi also highlighted that the ongoing talks focus heavily on discussions with the IAEA, which he believes are crucial. He reiterated that Iran has consistently underlined two key points to the agency and its director general: the importance of resisting political pressure from certain countries and ensuring that the IAEAs activities align with the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT) and its member states.

The deputy minister also pointed out that Iran has faced threats against its nuclear facilities in some instances. He suggested that the IAEA could play a role in safeguarding Iran against such threats by adopting a transparent stance.

On April 12, indirect talks between Iran and the US on Irans nuclear program were held in Muscat, Oman. The discussions, led by Iranian Foreign Minister Seyyed Abbas Araghchi and the US Special Representative for Middle East Affairs, Steve Winkoff, were described as constructive and based on mutual respect. The next round of talks is scheduled for April 19.

By the end of 2020, the Iranian parliament decided to pursue a strategic plan in the nuclear sector to counter the sanctions, leading to a suspension of additional steps and the Additional Protocol as per the nuclear agreement.

Consequently, the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) faced a reduction in monitoring capabilities by 2030 percent.

Iran has officially affirmed that its strategy is not to pursue the development of an atomic bomb and that it does not support the production of weapons of mass destruction.

On March 3, Rafael Grossi, Director-General of the IAEA, mentioned during the IAEA Board of Governors' meeting that Iran has increased its stockpile of uranium enriched to 60 percent purity by 93 kilograms, from 182 kilograms to 275 kilograms, compared to the previous quarter. Iran remains the only non-nuclear weapon state to enrich uranium to this level, raising significant concerns.

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A large-scale Russian drone attack in the southeastern Ukrainian city of Dnipro has killed three people, including a young girl, according to the regional governor, hours before officials from the United States, Europe and Ukraine gather in Paris to discuss the conflict.

Dnipropetrovsk Governor Serhiy Lysak said the attacks that also injured tens of people came late on Wednesday, triggering multiple fires and damaging a dozen apartment buildings.

A student residence, an educational institution and a food processing plant were also damaged, Dnipro Mayor Borys Filatov added.

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Photos posted online showed raging fires, burned-out vehicles and buildings with shattered windows and scorched facades, as emergency crews worked through the night.

Sixteen of the injured are in hospital, one of them in critical condition, according to Lysak.

This is the latest in a series of strikes that have continued to hit civilian areas, Al Jazeeras Zein Basravi reported from Kyiv.

A firefighter extinguishes a burning car at the site of a Russian drone attack in Dnipro, Ukraine, April 17 [Handout via Reuters]

Elsewhere, a separate Russian missile attack wounded two people in the northeastern town of Izyum, regional governor Oleh Syniehubov reported.

Meanwhile, Russia claimed to have shot down 71 Ukrainian drones overnight, most targeting the Kursk region. Russian officials also claimed Kyiv waged a drone attack on the town of Shuya, east of Moscow, causing no casualties.

Deal not easy

The attacks come as the war grinds into its 38th month, despite efforts by US President Donald Trump to broker a ceasefire, including by demanding concessions from Kyiv and making diplomatic overtures to Russia that have angered Ukraine.

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Later on Thursday, two senior Trump administration officials  Secretary of State Marco Rubio and special envoy Steve Witkoff  are due to meet in Paris with French President Emmanuel Macron and top European diplomats for talks on Ukraine.

Ukraines foreign and defence ministers are among those in the city to participate in talks, according to Andriy Yermak, head of Ukraines presidential office.

Ukrainians remain sceptical that the US diplomatic push would work out in their favour, but officials are still hoping for an about-face from Washington, Basravi said.

So far, Moscow has rejected a joint US-Ukrainian proposal for a full and unconditional ceasefire, insisting that key details remain unresolved, while continuing to bomb its neighbour.

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A Russian ballistic missile attack in the heart of the northeastern city of Sumy on Sunday was one of the deadliest of the war, killing 36 people, including two children, and injuring 119 as people gathered to celebrate Palm Sunday.

The attack, according to Polish Foreign Minister Radoslaw Sikorski, showed Russian President Vladimir Putin was mocking the USs goodwill.

Still, US envoy Witkoff insisted on Monday that Putin remains open to a permanent peace agreement. On the same day, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov warned that finalising terms is not easy.




Childrens educational content creator Ms. Rachel broke her silence to defend the human rights of Palestinian children on Thursday, a week after a pro-Israel group urged the Department of Justice to investigate her over posts about the war in Gaza.

Children have human rightsStanding up for children, especially those who are most vulnerable, is the right thing to do, Accurso posted on Thursday. All children have the right to food, water, medical care and education. All children should be protected from violence.

The popular YouTuber, whose real name is Rachel Accurso, has racked up billions of views with her mellow, early childhood-focused content. However, her advocacy on social media for the tens of thousands of children impacted by the war caused an uproar. The pro-Israel advocacy group StopAntisemitism claimed Accurso had become a mouthpiece for Hamas in an April 7 post.

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StopAntisemitism escalated their attacks last week last week, when director Liora Rez penned a letter to Attorney General Pam Bondi demanding the DOJ investigate whether or not Ms. Rachel is being remunerated to disseminate Hamas-aligned propaganda to her millions of followers.

130 more Palestinian children killed. Over 15,000 Palestinian children killed total. Stop bombing children, one post flagged by StopAntisemitism read.

The group accused the influencer of incorporating Hamas-like propagated images and stories into her content and said pictures of starving and injured children shared by Accurso could be misleading.

Accursos post was her first statement on the potential investigation from the Trump administration, and came just days after the birth of her second child, Susannah.

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Accurso has faced far-right backlash online in the past. She stood behind a post celebrating Pride Month last year, citing her religious beliefs in her own defense.

There are so many reasons I stand strong in love. I stand with everyone. Thats who I am, and the love back and the God bless if you disagree is genuine, she said last June.
It was a remarkable stand-off.

On Saturday morning, a number of cars carrying Chinese executives from Jingye, the parent company of British Steel, showed up at the main gate of its Scunthorpe plant.

But workers, fearful that the delegation was trying to force the closure of Britains last remaining virgin steelworks, refused to let them in. Police were called. Eventually, the executives went home. Just hours later, the Government rushed emergency legislation through Parliament to take control of the firm, paving the way for it to be nationalised.

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At any business, Saturdays events would represent an extraordinary collapse of trust between labour and management.

But the stand-off in Scunthorpe reflects wider misgivings between Britain and China  and a belated realisation of Beijings stealth conquest of the global steel industry.

On Saturday, workers at British Steels Scunthorpe plant (pictured) blocked Jingye executives from entering - AFP/Getty

China: From steel minnow to superpower

Cutlery, bridges, skyscrapers, cars, surgical instruments, kitchen sinks, ships, rail track and rolling stock, armoured vehicles and howitzers stainless steel is everywhere and crucial for both civilian and military industry.

It is so ubiquitous that it has seldom been thought of as a prestige asset at all. But now, with an overwhelming chunk of its production controlled by one country, that view is shifting, and fast.

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Just 20 years ago, China was a relative steel minnow. It accounted for a quarter of global output, and just one of its companies was listed in the top 10 international producers. Today, it is the worlds undisputed steel superpower.

It accounts for more than 50 per cent of global steel production, assuming a position of global dominance once held by the United States, and before that, Britain. That figure does not include steel produced by Chinese-owned companies overseas. Add those numbers in and Beijings dominance of the sector is unassailable.

Six of the worlds ten biggest steel producers by output are now Chinese (the other four are Luxembourgs ArcelorMittal, Japans Nippon Steel, Posco of South Korea and Indias Tata).

To give you a sense of the magnitude: last year, they exported 110 million tons of steel, says Chrysa Glystra of UK Steel, a trade group. In good times, we consume around 10 million tonnes a year in the UK.

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Simultaneously, she says, Chinese steel firms have been not just purchasing other companies, but also investing to build in parts of south-east Asia, the Middle East and Africa.

A flurry of overseas acquisitions

This phenomenal transformation is the product of both a boom in domestic demand and a decades-long obsession with self-reliance.

At the peak of Chinas modernisation in the 2000s, skyscrapers, factories and airports (not to mention the Three Gorges Dam) were going up at breakneck speed. Steel production expanded to meet rampant demand.

This transformational boom peaked in 2010. But even as GDP growth and domestic demand has slowed, production has not. The result is a global oversupply of steel that has long caused grumbles from other producers, particularly in Europe.

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Those factors contributed to what industry insiders called the first steel crisis of 2015, when falling prices combined with a strong pound forced Thai-owned SSI to close the Redcar steel plant and Tata to cut 1,200 jobs in the UK.

Both companies blamed the dumping of cheap Chinese steel. Tata warned at the time that the European steel-making industry would face oblivion without protection from unfair competition. That crisis resulted in the United States, the European Union and Britain imposing a raft of tariffs and other anti-dumping measures against Chinese steel.

Hitting the global market with relatively cheap over-production is one part of Chinas steel dominance. The other is aggressive overseas expansion.

Jingyes purchase of British Steel five years ago came late in a flurry of overseas acquisitions by Chinese steel firms that began in the mid-2010s with Mr Xis Belt and Road infrastructure initiative.

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While Jingye bought in Britain, much of the overseas expansion has been focused elsewhere.

In 2017, the Wenzhou-based Tsingshan Holding Group opened an enormous site in Indonesia that today turns out some three million metric tonnes of produce a year. It also operates a separate nickel processing plant in the country. The choice is strategic: Indonesia is believed to hold the worlds largest nickel reserves  a key component of stainless steel.

Jingyes purchase of British Steel was one of a number of overseas acquisitions made by Chinese steel firms during Xi Jinpings Belt and Road Initiative - Getty

The same year, the firm established a stainless steel plant in Gujarat in India. And in 2024, it fired up the first furnace of a new $1.5 billion steel works in Zimbabwe.

Several Chinese steel firms have also established plants in Malaysia, while last year, China expanded its footprint in Africa when the South African government and the Hebei Iron & Steel Group signed a memorandum of understanding on building new iron and steel works in the country.

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There are commercial reasons for such investments. Africa and south-east Asia are both (supposedly) growth markets for steel, where new infrastructure construction drives demand for metals.

They also have relatively low electricity and labour costs, meaning they will not face the kind of head winds endured by the British steel industry. And investing abroad helps Chinese firms get around some of the trade barriers other countries have thrown up to protect themselves from Chinese steel.

Accusations of Chinese sabotage

But what if China is leveraging globalisation not only to achieve market dominance, but to strip global rivals of vital strategic assets too?

To put it more bluntly  is China sabotaging its rivals steel industries as part of efforts to deindustrialise its competitors, and increase reliance on Beijing as it corners the global market?

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Even outspoken critics of Chinas trade policy say there is no known example of China or Chinese private companies deliberately buying up a foreign steel plants in order to mothball them.

Yet Jonathan Reynolds, the Business Secretary, has pointedly refused to rule out the possibility that Jingyes actions in Scunthorpe  refusing to order raw materials, rejecting what the Government says were generous subsidy offers  were just that: an attempt to ensure Britains last blast furnaces went out and make the UK reliant on Chinese exports of virgin steel.

It is an explicit strategy of the Chinese Communist Party to undermine the industrial base of foreign countries, Luke de Pulford, the executive director of the Inter-Parliamentary Alliance on China, warned this week.

Evan Fowler, a colleague of de Pulfords, says it is clear that Beijing has an internal steel strategy. But, he adds, it is murky as to whether that stretches as far as intentionally winding down foreign plants.

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There is an internal policy about building up their own steel capacity, which it has been doing historically, and it predates Xi Jinping, he says.

Since Xi came to power in 2012, however, Beijings ambition has grown. Under his leadership, it has moved ever more aggressively towards economic self-reliance, and to build leverage over other countries by making them dependent on China.

That is not solely born of industrial or commercial considerations, says Fowler. It is also, in part, a response to Edward Snowdens revelations about the extent of Americas surveillance programs, which triggered deep-seated paranoias about Western attempts to contain China. (Beijing now has an openly stated wider strategic goal of dismantling American global hegemony, including by undermining transatlantic alliances via newfound reliance on Chinese exports.)

All Chinese companies, and especially Chinese companies which are in industries and sectors of critical importance, have to be understood within this framework, he argues.

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Chinas strategy has seen firms in multiple sectors underwritten by state subsidies, cheap credit and low labour costs  in some cases suppressed by the use of prison or forced labour. It has resulted in Chinese trade dominance on several fronts  production of electric vehicles and solar panels are two are often cited  and is at the root of Donald Trumps grievance about China ripping off the United States.

Under Trump and his predecessor Joe Biden, the US has frequently moved to protect its domestic steel industry in recent years. In March 2018, during his first term in the White House, Trump imposed a 25 per cent tariff on steel imports.

And in January, during the final days of his presidency, Biden blocked the takeover of Pennsylvania-based US Steel by Nippon, Japans biggest steel firm. Since returning to office, Trump has once more imposed 25 per cent import taxes on all steel.

This has come as America slips down the global rankings. US Steel was the eighth largest producer in the world in 2008. Last year, it ranked 24th, according to the World Steel Association. The United States as a whole is the fourth largest producer, behind China, India, and Japan.

Were not competing on a level playing field

In steel, as in so many sectors, developed economies with high labour costs struggle to compete within the globalised economy.

Britain has a particular problem with electricity, the biggest cost for steel production, which is more expensive here than in Europe, let alone China, south-east Asia and Africa.

That makes sustaining a UK steel sector a long-term challenge, says Glystra, as highlighted by recent events in Scunthorpe. Its great that weve had this intervention and we havent faced this cliff edge of the closure of the blast furnaces in British Steel, but its really important now to get our steel strategy right, she says.

A steel worker wears a save our steel sticker on his helmet during a visit by Jonathan Reynolds to the Scunthorpe plant - AFP/Getty

Britains defence industry has some insulation. Sheffield Forgemasters, the company that provides steel for British weaponry, is now directly owned by the ministry of defence.

Still, the sense that China has distorted the market in its favour looms large. Research suggests subsidies for the steel sector in non-OECD countries, including China, run to about tenfold the support in OECD countries. Its a different level of magnitude of intervention in the sector and it means that were not competing on a level playing field, says Glystra.

So where does Jingye fit into all this?

The Hebei-based firm was founded by Li Ganpo, a former school teacher and Communist Party member, in 1990. Its own promotional material notes that its base in Pingshan County is the revolutionary holy land where the Partys central committee was headquartered in the final phases of the Chinese Civil War.

The firm has done particularly well in the years since President Xi came to power, acquiring domestic rivals in Inner Mongolia and Guangdong, supplying steel to flagship infrastructure projects both at home and abroad (Beijing airport; Londons Cross Rail), and expanding into hospitality and 3D printing. Today, it reportedly exports to some 80 countries and has more than 20 branches overseas.

Li himself served in the Congress of Peoples deputies, Chinas rubber-stamp parliament, between 2008 and 2011  a sign of being in favour with the party, but not necessarily having broken through into its upper echelons.

And like other successful Chinese firms his company has leant into Mr Xis Belt and Road Initiative, boasting on its website about its overseas exports. It still lists British Steel as a flagship acquisition that made it into a true multinational.

But the firm is dwarfed in scale by state-owned behemoth Baowu, by far the largest single steel producer on the planet, and is not even among the top privately owned firms. Compared to the likes of Tsingshan, it has relatively little overseas enterprise.

All Chinese firms are required to host Communist Party committees. Credit is controlled by state banks. In other words, Chinese private companies are not private companies in the way Westerners would understand them.

The party issues slogans, and private companies (sometimes even regional governments inside China) have to creatively interpret them. That leaves Xi and his politburo with infinite room for manoeuvre if they feel policy needs to change, and shifts the blame for any missteps to the lower rungs of the food chain.

A very worrying trend of foreign dependence

That does not mean Jingye was acting on direct orders from Beijing, however, despite the accusations of sabotage.

China has rejected the suggestion Jingye was acting for the state, with a foreign ministry spokesman saying it is a private enterprise that has undertaken cooperation with the British side based on market principles. The company itself has meanwhile called on the UK Government to respect and protect its rights as a foreign investor amid the apparent move towards nationalisation.

You have private companies  very much embedded in the party and the state, but which can effectively operate privately until the state calls them in, says Fowler. My gut feeling is Jingye  looked at British Steel and thought it was a marquee brand, that it could use it to raise its profile in China.

There was access to very cheap credit, the political signal was clearly encouraging overseas acquisitions, and an asset became available.

I dont think they would have taken it on to shut it down. But then other considerations come into play, steel prices go down, commercially things are more difficult, maybe we should exit, says Fowler.

But then the security aspect comes in: This is a symbolic and strategic asset. Could this go from what can we do in China to make us look good, to make it look like we are doing something that makes us look patriotic and do the right thing?

Whatever the truth of the motive, Britains steel industry, and that of much of the rest of the world, remains somewhat cornered and exposed to Beijings strategising.

And there lies the vulnerability keeping ministers in Britain and elsewhere up at night.

The drama in Scunthorpe has shown how easily the livelihoods of entire Western towns could be destroyed by the decisions of executives in Hebei.

But it is not just about jobs. How could British, American or European powers challenge China in the event of war over Taiwan if their shipbuilders cannot access steel because Chinese companies control supply?

Steel, after all, is central to everything from defence, to railways and construction, and general economic survival. In the final analysis, it is a question of the viability of the modern nation state.

Lets say Chinese material is blocked from coming into the UK or the EU because of anti-dumping measures. Then it goes into Vietnam or to some other country and creates over-supply there, and then you see imports coming to you from other points of origin. So this kind of over-capacity and kind of over-supply environment is actually a really significant challenge for the steel sector globally, says Glystra.

Last year in the UK, only 35 per cent of domestic demand was met by domestic suppliers. We used to be able to supply half the UK market. Its a very worrying trend.

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BEIJING (Reuters) - China on Thursday commended the Cambodian government for following the "one China principle" when asked to comment on their deportation of Taiwanese citizens to China earlier this week.

China "highly appreciates" Cambodia's handling of the issue, Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson Lin Jian told a regular press conference.

Lin did not specify the citizenship of the individuals in his remarks.

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Cambodia has deported an unknown number of Taiwanese citizens to China after they were arrested working in telecom fraud centres, the Taiwanese foreign ministry said.

China will continue to deepen law enforcement cooperation with Cambodia to crack down on online gambling and electronic fraud, Lin said.

Beijing says Taiwan is an "inalienable" part of China under its one-China principle, a claim that the democratically governed island rejects.

(Reporting by Laurie Chen; Writing by Liz Lee, Ryan Woo and Shi Bu; Editing by Christopher Cushing)
Chinas Ministry of Foreign Affairs has said it will pay no attention to United States President Donald Trumps tariff numbers game after the White House suggested Chinese exports are facing tariffs of up to 245 percent.

The White House disclosed the latest tariff rates in a fact sheet earlier this week.

The fact sheet includes Trumps recent 125 percent tariff and earlier 20 percent tariff imposed in response to Beijings alleged failure to curb fentanyl exports to the US, as well as potential duties of between 7.5 percent and 100 percent that could be imposed following national security reviews launched under the Trade Act of 1974.

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Beijings remarks on Thursday echoed those made last week by the Ministry of Finance, which described Trumps escalating tariffs as a joke because they no longer have any economic significance.

Chinas tariffs on US goods stand at 125 percent, but Beijing has also taken other non-tariff punitive measures, including limiting the release of Hollywood films.

Economists have said that Trumps tariffs, if not eased, will bring a halt to most trade between the US and China due to the exorbitant rise in costs.

The World Trade Organization on Wednesday said that the volume of global trade is expected to decline by 0.2 percent in 2025 under current conditions  or nearly three percentage points lower than a low-tariff baseline scenario.

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The spillover effect of Trumps reciprocal tariffs, most of which have been paused until July, could lead to an even sharper decline of 1.5 percent in global goods trade and hurt export-oriented least-developed countries, the WTO said.

The UNs Trade and Development (UNCTAD) office also revised its prediction for global growth downwards from 2.5 percent to 2.3 percent in 2025, noting in its assessment that growth below a threshold of 2.5 percent often signals a global recession.
BEIJING (Reuters) - China's commerce ministry on Thursday urged the United States to stop putting "extreme pressure" on the world's second-largest economy and demanded respect in any trade talks, but the two sides remained at an impasse over who should start those talks.

The Donald Trump administration has been ramping up pressure on China by raising import tariffs on Chinese goods in recent months. On Tuesday, the White House published a fact sheet stating that China now faces up to a 245% tariff.

The Chinese commerce ministry has criticised the tariffs as irrational and said Beijing will ignore the "meaningless" tariff numbers game. It has also warned that China will "fight to the end" if the U.S. insists on heaping substantial damage on China's rights and interests.

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"The unilateral tariff increases were entirely initiated by the United States," He Yongqian, a Chinese commerce ministry spokesperson, told a weekly news conference.

Unlike a number of nations that have responded to Trump's "reciprocal tariffs" by seeking deals with Washington, Beijing has been upping its own levies on U.S. goods in response and has not sought talks, which it says can only be conducted on the basis of mutual respect and equality.

Washington said on Tuesday that Trump was open to making a trade deal with China but Beijing should make the first move and that "the ball is in China's court".

"We urge the United States to immediately stop extreme pressure, coercion and blackmail, and resolve differences with China through equal dialogue on the basis of mutual respect," the commerce ministry spokesperson said.

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The commerce ministry has been maintaining working-level communication with its U.S. counterparts, she said, adding that China is open to economic and trade consultations with the United States.

But "the person who tied the bell must be the one who unties it," she said, using a Chinese proverb.

(Reporting by Ryan Woo, Yukun Zhang and Jing Xu; Editing by Christopher Cushing and Hugh Lawson)
RAPID CITY, S.D. (KELO)  Marci Christensen-Burdick spent 48 years in the broadcasting field.

She is a pioneer for women in the newsroom in South Dakota, where she has received many local, state, and national awards for both reporting and as a news manager. She is also in the Missouri Broadcasters Hall of Fame.

Christensen-Burdick got involved in media with an after school radio show at 14.

After high school she got her start with a local news station answering phones before she moved on to weather and reporting.

The first thing I wanted to do was earn my way in and I really felt I needed to earn my way in. I did not want to be considered and treated differently because I was often the only female in the room. But I did have to confront head on those things I did not expect, Christensen-Burdick said.

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She says an FCC mandate to diversify and hire more women helped her get her foot in the door, but its not what kept her there.

When we were first starting out in the business there werent many women in the broadcasting or journalism business to speak of at all. We were a rare bird at that point. I think a lot of young people probably saw her and thought, wow we can all do this, former associate Lia Green said.

How AI makes online shopping scams easier to create

Christensen-Burdick was able to convince then Gov. Bill Janklow and U.S. Senator George McGovern, who were butting heads, to sit down and have a political debate in 1979.

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And the big question has always been, why, why would they do this? Well they had an on-going thing going and she got them to come on in and do a televised debate, and it was extraordinary. Thats the kind of stuff that she did that people came to remember and respect her for, former radiocaster John Petersen said.

After years of reporting, she moved up the ladder and became a news director, where she promised to do everything in her power to help employees succeed.

Well I worked hard to hire people who were smarter than I am and was. Then give them the runway to voice their ideas, try the things they wanted to do. Ive always believed that whether it was a news room or a company, its stronger when you have a diversity of voice and ideas, Christensen-Burdick said.

She doesnt care if youre a man or a woman, if youre in a wheelchair, that doesnt matter one bit to her. Can you do the job, can you deliver what you say youre going to deliver. Are you willing to learn, are you willing to grow? She is very, when I worked with her, she was very interested in growth, Petersen said.

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Christensen-Burdick was known for looking ahead to better serve those in the community and get them the information they deserved to know.

Tensions high at Oldham-Ramona-Rutland school board

She was very organized, she was an incredible thinker, always thinking ahead. She was always thinking about whats going to be on the news tonight, but also tomorrow, next week, next month and next year. She was always on top of everything, Green said.

Today, with the internet and social media, news is more accessible than ever before and broadcasters come from many different backgrounds.

Can look at whatever form of media they choose to consume and they are more likely to be able to find somebody who looks and sounds like them. And you know, at the end of the day, thats what we as broadcasters have to continue to work on. To continue to make that product so important, Christensen-Burdick said.

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Outside of covering stories, she was also testifying in front of senate committees, which she has done three times on behalf of the broadcasting industry.

Christensen-Burdick was recently honored by the National Association of Broadcasters for the work in her 48 year broadcasting career.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
Its time for Cincinnati City Council to listen to residents and vote "no" on the proposed "planned development" in Hyde Park Square. Let me make this clear: The choice before the council right now is not a choice between development versus no development, or housing versus no housing. Its about finding a development plan that everyone can live with  and not giving one development group a Hyde Park "height subsidy" that allows them to construct buildings that are 71% higher than current zoning laws allow.

Hyde Park residents have made clear that they support development, but only if it preserves the character and livability of the neighborhood and its iconic Square. Those yellow yard signs in Hyde Park dont say "Stop development!" They say, "Its just too BIG!"

Opinion: Will Cincinnati stand for its own zoning laws or bow to big developers?

The Hyde Park Square project is not well-thought-out

Yard signs on Observatory Avenue near Hyde Park Square contain a QR code linking to a website launched by community activists to "Save Hyde Park Square" from a recently proposed redevelopment that has community members divided.

Today, several multi-family buildings that follow base zoning are under construction within a block of the Square. They prove that Hyde Park supports new development and is doing its part to help Cincinnati grow. Hyde Parks population grew 4% from 2000 to 2020, while the citys population declined by 6.6%.

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The planned development proposal in Hyde Park is not a well-thought-out development. Dozens of architects, developers, former city planners, historic preservation experts, lawyers and other professionals have invested thousands of hours in total poring over the details. Theyve found multiple errors, inconsistencies and questionable assertions. None of them considers this development plan "well-thought-out."

Opinion: Developing in Cincinnati is hard enough. Don't make Hyde Park another red flag

Here are just a few of the many problems.

The plan eliminates 110 existing parking spaces and creates a much worse parking shortage in Hyde Park Square. The plan for the hotel, which is not even allowed under current zoning, includes 8,400 square feet of banquet space, which conservatively accommodates 600-plus people. Where will these people park?

Conceptual plans for seven-story boutique hotel and seven-story apartment complex in Hyde Park Square

The traffic study is based on very limited and likely inaccurate data from just eight hours of actual traffic evaluation. Plus, the plans call for eliminating parking spaces on Edwards Road that currently provide a buffer between moving vehicles and schoolchildren walking to and from Hyde Park School.

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PLK Communities, the lead developer, has called the proposed hotel a "financial burden." Then, why not build more housing instead of a hotel? If built to code, the development could easily support 143 housing units.

Finally, consider what three-plus years of construction (not to mention the lack of parking) will do to the many locally owned, more than 25-year-old businesses in the Square, which already experienced a drop in sales during resurfacing on Edwards Road last summer.

A 'yes' vote on the plan could be political suicide

Even if City Council thinks the collateral damage this development will create in Hyde Park Square (one of the citys true gems) is worth a few hundred extra units of housing, there are still some very good reasons to vote "no" on this planned development.

The first is that a "yes" vote is risky in an election year, particularly given that more than 27 candidates could be on the ballot in November. Thats because opposition to this Hyde Park development is city-wide. Fifteen city neighborhoods representing nearly 150,000 voters have publicly asked the council to vote down this planned development.

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Where they stand: Cincinnati City Council on controversial Hyde Park Square rezoning

Hyde Park Square, pictured, Monday, May 13, 2024, in Cincinnati, Ohio.

City residents are already furious that all but three council members ignored their opposition to Connected Communities (other than Vice Mayor Jan-Michele Lemon Kearney, Scotty Johnson and President Pro Tem Victoria Parks, who voted "no" on Connected Communities).

If the City Council members who believe in "housing at any cost" decide to approve this Hyde Park zoning change, they are not only ignoring the zoning code they just voted on last summer, theyre also doubling down on ignoring voters. This could be political suicide.

Heres another reason to vote "no" on this development: If City Council approves it, theyre inviting a lawsuit against the city. Theres a strong case against the city based on multiple zoning procedural violations. A lawsuit will cost the city money and resources while delaying development, maybe for years.

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Letters: A better Hyde Park Square demands political guts and action

PLK has told city officials that a development that follows zoning codes could be worse and has even posted a picture of a big, ugly, box-like structure on its website. Is PLK threatening City Council that if they dont get their planned development, they will deliberately build something huge and ugly? This would be shocking, and a review of our existing zoning codes reveals that it would be an empty threat.

The zoning code in the Hyde Park Square Neighborhood Business District requires new development to match the neighborhood's character. If this developer is made to follow zoning codes, the big, ugly box would not and could not exist. Approve this project, and it most definitely will.

There is no good reason for City Council to grant this project a zoning change to "planned development." There are hundreds of reasons to vote against it. City Council would be well-advised to listen to its electorate.

Jim Tarbell

Jim Tarbell is a former Vice Mayor of Cincinnati with professional experience in urban planning. Like many children today, he spent many hours of his youth in Hyde Park Square.

This article originally appeared on Cincinnati Enquirer: Cincinnati council needs to hit pause on Hyde Park plan | Opinion
U.S. Rep. Juan Ciscomani in April 2023. Photo by Gage Skidmore | Flickr/CC BY-SA 2.0

An Arizona Republican congressman who voted for a budget resolution that all but mandates cuts to Medicaid said in a letter to GOP leadership that he wont vote for any final budget package that cuts health care spending for vulnerable populations.

Rep. Juan Ciscomani, a Republican from Tucson, signed the letter with a dozen congressional Republicans representing districts with large numbers of Medicaid recipients  most of whom, like Ciscomani, are also prime Democratic targets in 2026.

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Balancing the federal budget must not come at the expense of those who depend on these benefits for their health and economic security, the Republicans wrote.

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Medicaid is a joint federal-state program that helps cover medical costs for some people with limited incomes. In Arizona, it is known as the Arizona Heath Care Cost Containment System, or AHCCCS. More than two million people in the Grand Canyon State  about 1 in 5 residents  receive health care through AHCCCS, including about 130,000 in Ciscomanis district.

While cuts to Medicaid spending shouldnt be on the table, Ciscomani and his GOP colleagues said they support targeted reforms to improve program integrity, reduce improper payments, and modernize delivery systems, though what that means is unclear. A spokesman for Ciscomani did not respond to a request to specify what reforms the congressman wants to see enacted.

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Ciscomani and the other 12 Republicans all voted for the GOP budget resolution earlier this month. That resolution is a roadmap for how the GOP majority intends to fund the government, including extending about $4.5 trillion in tax cuts that were enacted in 2017 and are set to expire next year.

In order to pay for some of the package, the Houses budget resolution instructs the committee that oversees Medicaid to cut $880 billion in spending during the next decade.

An analysis last month found that 660,000 Arizonans, including 1 in 6 seniors and nearly 200,000 children, would lose health care coverage under proposed Republican cuts to Medicaid.

Health care advocates were skeptical that Ciscomani and the others would actually oppose a budget that cut Medicaid to fund tax cuts for the wealthy.

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Doctors welcome support from our representatives for protecting Medicaid for our patients and fellow Arizonans, but remind them that actions speak louder than words. A promise not to cut Medicaid for the most vulnerable Arizonans means nothing if its broken, said Dr. Palmer Evans, an OBGYN in Tucson and constituent of Ciscomani.

Evans, who is a member of the Committee to Protect Health Care, added that Ciscomanis support of the budget resolution  and its mandate to slash Medicaid spending  is concerning.

There is no way to make cuts of this size without taking health care away from the most vulnerable patients, he said. We urge Rep. Ciscomani to stand with our patients and his constituents by actually voting against these cuts, not just paying lip service to them.

This is actually the second letter to House Speaker Mike Johnson and other Republican leaders that Ciscomani has sent urging them to not push Medicaid cuts. In February, he and other members of the Congressional Hispanic Conference urged against including Medicaid cuts in the budget resolution that he ultimately voted for.

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Congressman Ciscomanis constant letters to Speaker Johnson prove he knows good and well that the only way that the budget he voted for achieves its goals is to cut Medicaid  something he promised he wouldnt do, Andrea Moreno, executive director of grassroots advocacy campaign Honest Arizona, said in a written statement. As hard as hes tried, Ciscomani cant fool his constituents. He needs to come clean with them and keep his promise not to cut Arizonans health care.

The Republicans were also clear about the political implications of cutting Medicaid.

Communities like ours won us the majority, and we have a responsibility to deliver on the promises we made, they wrote.

The letter was also signed by Reps. Don Bacon (R-NE), Rob Bresnahan (R-PA), Andrew Garbarino (R-NY), Jeff Hurd (R-CO), Jen Kiggans (R-VA), Young Kim (R-CA), Nick LaLota (R-NY), Mike Lawler (R-NY), Nicole Malliotakis (R-NY), David Valadao (R-CA), Jefferson Van Drew (R-NJ) and Rob Wittman (R-VA).

Ciscomani, Bacon, Bresnahan, Kiggans, Kim, Lawler, Valadao and Wittman are all on Democrats list of targeted races in 2026.

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BAKU, Azerbaijan, April 17. The role of European parties (the UK, France, and Germany) is crucial in shaping the future of negotiations between Iran and the US, Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister Kazem Gharibabadi told reporters, Trend reports.

He asserts that European nations play an indisputable role; yet, prior to initiating any engagement with the United States, every interaction with European counterparts indicates that the removal of sanctions is contingent upon the involvement of the United States. Iran acknowledges this, and currently, conversations are occurring directly between Iran and the United States to resolve the sanctions and nuclear matters. Collaboration with European entities will take place when required.

The deputy minister noted that Iran will maintain its diplomatic contacts with European partners and continue engagement on that front.

He also revealed that on April 15, ambassadors from the UK, France, and Germany were invited to Irans Ministry of Foreign Affairs for consultations.

The key point is that the country imposing the sanctions is the United States. So if sanctions are to be lifted, it is only logical that talks be held with the country that imposed them  and these talks are currently underway, Gharibabadi added.

To note, on April 12, indirect talks between Iran and the US on Irans nuclear program were held in Muscat, Oman. The discussions, led by Iranian Foreign Minister Seyyed Abbas Araghchi and the US Special Representative for Middle East Affairs, Steve Winkoff, were described as constructive and based on mutual respect. The next round of talks is scheduled for April 19.

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EL PASO, Texas (KTSM)  The City of El Pasos Department of Public Health announced on Thursday, April 17, it launched a new online measles dashboard for the community. Five new measles cases also have been reported, bringing the total to 18 within the city.

The latest cases involve three unvaccinated adults and two adults with unknown vaccination status, the City said.

The City says the dashboard will provide the community with daily updates on confirmed measles cases within the city.

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That dashboard can be accessed here. To view the dashboard, scroll all the way to the bottom of the page.

The dashboard is updated daily at 9 a.m. and includes the number of confirmed cases, demographics, and vaccination status when available, the City said.

The City says those who visited the following locations during the dates and times listed below are urged to check their immunization status and monitor symptoms.

Saturday, April 5 Jared Jewelers

8889 Gateway Blvd Space 3100 11 a.m. through 9 p.m. Sunday, April 6 Jared Jewelers

8889 Gateway Blvd Space 3100 12 p.m. through 9 p.m. Monday, April 7 Jared Jewelers

8889 Gateway Blvd Space 3100 11 a.m. through 9:15 p.m. Wednesday, April 9 Chuze Fitness

1430 Lee Trevino 1 p.m. through 5 p.m. Thursday, April 10 El Paso International Airport

6701 Convai 1:30 p.m. through 5:35 p.m.

The City says walk-in immunization services are available 7:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. (closed noon to 1 p.m. for lunch) Monday through Friday at the following DPH clinics:

Lower Valley Community Clinic: 9341 Alameda Ave.

Henderson Community Clinic: 721 S. Mesa St.

Northeast Community Clinic: 9566 Railroad Dr.

Westside Community Clinic: 7380 Remcon Cir.

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To schedule an appointment, call (915) 212-6555. For additional information on measles symptoms, vaccination, and potential exposure, the City of El Paso has activated a Measles Hotline at (915) 212-HELP (4357).

Residents can also call 2-1-1 or visit EPHealth.com under the Vaccination & Immunizations tab.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
MANHATTAN, N.Y. (PIX11)  Members of the city council and activists are pushing back on criticism of the plan to close Rikers Island and build four smaller jails.

The project is billions over budget and years behind schedule. In recent months, Mayor Adams has said he does not see an immediate path to closing the notorious jail.

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Rikers is a humanitarian and fiscal crisis, said Manhattan Councilwoman Carolina Rivera.

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Rallying outside City Hall, Council Members and activists led by Rivera said Rikers Island must still be closed after decades of inmate deaths, and attacks on correction officers.

Right now they say its going to stay open until 2029, she said. Thats two years past the legal deadline.

The Council is pushing back on recent comments from Mayor Adams, who said the borough-based jail plan will now cost at least $16 billion when it was supposed to cost $8 Billion. He also said it has too little capacity and does not address the mental health challenges plaguing the citys jail system.

So were going to spend $16 billion on four new jails who cant hold the population of those inside, Adams said at a recent National Action Network event.

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But advocates for closing Rikers said there are solutions the Mayor and the court system should be undertaking, especially with what has happened in the last month and a half with five inmate deaths.

At a City Council hearing Wednesday, the Independent Commission on Rikers suggested a 12-point plan to get closing Rikers back on track. It includes appointing dedicated leadership to focus on the closure, more mental health beds outside of the jail system, and expediting court cases so people dont languish on Rikers.

As for the eye-popping price tag, Stanley Richards with the commission said:

The reality is we pay one way or the other. The plan that we laid out will save the city over time $1.2 billion. It will cost, but heres the reality, we pay in lives lost and we pay in $400,000 per year to incarcerate them in New York City jails.

As an alternative to the borough-based jail system, the Mayor has suggested building a large mental health facility for the 57% of those on Rikers with serious mental health issues. However, so far, he has not presented a cohesive plan for the City Council to examine.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to PIX11.
SAN ANGELO, Texas (Concho Valley Homepage)  City Council members are considering a Cultural District Overlay Zonea zoning change that would impact both District 3 and District 5, aimed at preserving historic landmarks and encouraging thoughtful development.

So today we talked about a cultural district overlay zone which sets the zoning around some of our heritage and historic pieces, said Aaron Vannoy, the Director of Planning & Development Services.

Our cultural area, our center of town, and what it does is it allows certain uses and prohibits certain uses so were allowing residential uses and lower commercial uses, warehousing uses, things that will enhance the cultural area and continue to let that thrive and rebuild, he added.

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Vannoy said the plan has been years in the making and stressed the importance of balancing preservation with economic growth.

So, residentialthe motion that came forward today was to keep the residential, residential. Not allow commercial in those areas, Vannoy said.

They are allowing short-term rentals by right at some point if the second meeting passes. For commercials, what it means is some higher-intensive commercials get to stay grandfathered in until theyve decided to change. At that point, we want something thats more retail sales, something that makes the area more walkable, something thats shoppable, he explained.

Mayor Brenda Gunter said the proposed overlay could bring much-needed direction to development efforts south of the Concho River.

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We have a tremendous asset called the Concho River, and San Angelos one of the greatest assets that separates us from communities across the state of Texas. Everyone who visits San Angelo comments on how fabulous the Concho River is and the development north of the Concho River. And yet, if you cross the bridge and come to the south side of the Concho River, what you see is just a lot of stuff. Theres no vision that is laid out. Brenda explained.

During public comment, several residents asked the council to delay the vote to allow more time for community input. That led to a 3-3 tie, pushing the issue to the next meeting.

The vote means the first Tuesday in May itll be heard again at the City Council, Vannoy said.

Citizens can bring their concerns back up at that time, especially if we have not solved them or made some kind of rewrites. And so, I think thats very importantto have citizen involvement. Thats how our cities work, and we really enjoy and expect that involvement from them.

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You can find more information about the proposed Cultural District Overlay Zone on the City of San Angelos website.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to ConchoValleyHomepage.com.
LANSING, Mich. (WLNS)  The City of East Lansing will have a delayed opening next Tuesday, April 22, for all of its staff to attend a mandatory training.

This includes employees at:

City Hall (including Treasury)

Police Records

Department of Public Works

East Lansing Public Library

Normal hours will resume at 10:00 a.m. for these buildings, except for the library, which will open at 11:00 a.m.

This delayed opening will not affect the East Lansing Hannah Community Center and 54B District Court. They will still open at 6:00 a.m. and 9:30 a.m., respectively.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WLNS 6 News.
DAYTON, Ohio (WDTN)  An actor and comedian from Dayton will be recognized this weekend in Cincinnatis Avondale neighborhood.

Katt Williams, born in Cincinnati and raised in Dayton, is taking his Heaven on Earth tour to Heritage Bank Center in the Queen City on Saturday at 8 p.m.

(Photo by Vince Bucci/Getty Images)

Just 2.5 hours before taking the stage, the intersection of Reading Road and Maple Avenue will be changed to Katt Williams Way.

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Local 83-year-old fulfills lifelong dream of skydiving

Both Williams and Cincinnati leaders are expected to be in attendance of the renaming ceremony, according to WLWT.

Williams is known for roles in Friday After Next, Norbit, One Of Them Days and more. Aside from acting, he has an extensive history with his stand-up comedy career.

Tickets to see Williamss show live are still available here.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WDTN.com.
EL PASO, Texas (KTSM)  The El Paso City Council is taking the first steps to expand and modernize the El Paso Convention Center, the City announced on Tuesday, April 15.

As part of this initial phase, the City said it has authorized the purchase of two key downtown properties  301 Overland Avenue and 320 West San Antonio Avenue  at a combined cost of around $4.8 million.

The City said these sites are expected to provide the space needed for future upgrades to the convention campus, including expanded event space and modern amenities that align with industry standards.

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The acquisition marks a significant milestone in the Citys broader strategy to grow the Convention Center footprint and strengthen El Pasos tourism economy, read a news release by the City.

This is a critical first step in preparing El Paso to host larger and more impactful events, Mayor Renard Johnson said. As other cities like Dallas and Austin invest in their convention infrastructure, El Paso must also rise to meet the expectations of 21st-century event planners. One in 11 jobs in Texas is now tied to tourism, and this initiative will help ensure that El Pasos visitor-driven economic impact continues to grow alongside our peer communities.

During the most recently completed fiscal year, the El Paso Convention Center hosted 188 days of activity, drawing more than 165,000 visitors, the City said.

For more information about the El Paso Convention Center and upcoming events, visit here.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KTSM 9 News.
Why is there not a rating on this post? There's not enough verified evidence for us to definitively confirm or debunk this rumor. Contact us if you have credible information to share. We'll update this post as necessary.



In April 2025, viral posts on social media sites including Facebook, TikTok and X alleged that in February, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents detained a Venezuelan teenager, Merwil Gutierrez, outside his apartment while having a conversation about how Gutierrez was not the person ICE was hoping to detain.

"No, he's not the one," one ICE agent reportedly said.

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"Take him anyway," the other replied.

This is horrific. ANOTHER ONE!



Donald Trump didnt just deport Albrego Garcia to a foreign torture prisonhe deported a Venezuelan teenager who wasnt even the intended target.



His name is Merwil Gutierrez. He wasnt in a gang. He wasnt a threat. And even Trumps own pic.twitter.com/ZbDhSHtozs  Ed Krassenstein (@EdKrassen) April 15, 2025

According to an internal list obtained by CBS News, Gutierrez is now, as of this writing, being held in the Terrorism Containment Center, or CECOT, in El Salvador, alongside 237 other Venezuelan men detained by ICE.

Snopes readers wrote in asking if the story was true  if ICE agents had arrested Gutierrez all the while knowing that he was not the target of the operation.

We couldn't independently confirm the events that led to Gutierrez's detainment  therefore, we have elected not to provide a truth rating on this story.

The claim originated in an April 14 article posted by the nonprofit publication Documented, which reports "with and for immigrant communities in New York City," according to its website. In order to learn more about Gutierrez's arrest, we contacted the journalist who wrote the Documented story. We also wrote to ICE with questions about its arrest process and why Gutierrez was deported to the mega-prison in El Salvador. We have not heard back from either.

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The account of Gutierrez's detention was relayed secondhand from Gutierrez's father, Wilmer, who said he received the information from his cousin, Luis. Luis reportedly witnessed the detention from inside the six-bedroom apartment in the Bronx that the three shared with 10 other immigrants, according to the Documented story.

Merwil Gutierrez was detained on Feb. 24, 2025. Wilmer Gutierrez told Documented that earlier in the day, Merwil left to do laundry with his cousin Luis and then "met with a friend to get help with some errands at the American Red Cross." On his way back, just outside the building entrance, ICE agents "grabbed [Merwil] and two other boys." Luis claimed that one of the ICE agents said of Merwil, "No, he's not the one."

"Like they were looking for someone else," Wilmer Gutierrez told Documented. "But the other said, 'Take him anyway.'"

Merwil Gutierrez was not listed in the ICE Online Detainee Locator System. His father said that aside from one phone call on March 14 (a day before he was flown to the prison in El Salvador, according to CBS News), he had not heard from Merwil.

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"I feel like my son was kidnapped," the elder Gutierrez told Documented. "I've spent countless hours searching for him, going from one precinct to another, speaking with numerous people who kept referring me elsewhere. Yet, after all this, no one has given me any information or provided a single document about his case."

On May 12, 2025, the Department of Homeland Security released more information on Gutierrez, claiming that he was "an associate/active" member of the Tren de Aragua gang. However, that paperwork did not contain any proof that Gutierrez was involved in gang activity.

U.S. President Donald Trump's administration has claimed that all 238 men sent to CECOT were hardened criminals and gang members. Gutierrez's family members told Documented he had no criminal record, was not involved in gang activity and had no tattoos, something that ICE has (wrongly) used to justify the detention of others.

"60 Minutes" checked CBS's list of detainees sent to CECOT against criminal records both in the U.S. and abroad. They could not find criminal records for 179 of the 238 men (75%) sent to the mega-prison.

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The DHS release contained new and conflicting information about Gutierrez. The Trump administration claims that, contrary to what his family members said, Gutierrez was arrested by some combination of the New York City Police Department (NYPD) and the FBI on Feb. 24. (The DHS news release claimed it was a joint arrest, but the document suggested only NYPD was involved).

Officials hit Gutierrez with four gun charges  gun possession, possession of stolen property, an ammunition charge and possessing a gun on school property. According to the nonprofit newsroom The City, there was a church with a prekindergarten program across the street from where Gutierrez was arrested. It was closed at the time of his arrest.

According to the DHS document, within one day of his arrest, the FBI opened an investigation into Gutierrez for "ongoing criminal activity" (again, Gutierrez had no criminal charges until the day he was arrested), "contacted New York City Enforcement and Removal Operations Officers" about Gutierrez, transferred him to ICE custody and "concluded" their investigation.

Sources:

Dunbar, Marina. "Ice Deports Venezuelan Teen despite Reportedly Knowing He Was Not a Target." The Guardian, 15 Apr. 2025. The Guardian, https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2025/apr/15/merwil-gutierrez-venezuelan-teen-deported-el-salvador.

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Horton, Jake. "British Man's Tattoo Wrongly Linked to Venezuelan Gang in US Government Document." BBC, 10 Apr. 2025, https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cly22xm8kx1o.

journalist, Cecilia Vega 60 Minutes Correspondent Cecilia Vega is an Emmy Award-winning, and "60 Minutes" correspondent who joined the CBS newsmagazine in 2023 Read Full Bio Cecilia Vega. U.S. Sent 238 Migrants to Salvadoran Mega-Prison; Documents Indicate Most Have No Apparent Criminal Records - CBS News. 6 Apr. 2025, https://www.cbsnews.com/news/what-records-show-about-migrants-sent-to-salvadoran-prison-60-minutes-transcript/.

"New York's Go-To Source for Immigration News." Documented, https://documentedny.com/about-us/. Accessed 16 Apr. 2025.

Radovic, Paz. "ICE Took His Son From Their Bronx Home. Now His Son Is In Bukele's Mega-Prison In El Salvador." Documented, 14 Apr. 2025, https://documentedny.com/2025/04/14/ice-bukele-cecot-tren-de-aragua-el-salvador-new-york-deported/.

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"Tattoos of Deported Venezuelans Don't Necessarily Signal Gang Affiliation, Experts Say." NBC News, 21 Mar. 2025, https://www.nbcnews.com/news/latino/tattoos-deported-venezuelans-not-necessarily-gang-members-rcna197089.

"US Deports over 200 Venezuelan Immigrants to El Salvador despite Court Ban." Al Jazeera, https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2025/3/16/venezuelan-immigrants-deported-to-el-salvador-despite-us-court-ban. Accessed 16 Apr. 2025.

Washington, Camilo Montoya-Galvez Immigration Reporter Camilo Montoya-Galvez is the immigration reporter at CBS News Based in, et al. Here Are the Names of the Venezuelans Deported by the U.S. to El Salvador - CBS News. 20 Mar. 2025, https://www.cbsnews.com/news/venezuelans-deported-el-salvador-names/.

Updates:

May 21, 2025: This story was updated to reflect new information about Gutierrez's arrest found in a publicly available DHS document.
CLARKSVILLE, Tenn. (WKRN)  Three Clarksville moms are celebrating after a bill increasing minimum recess time requirements officially passed the House and heads to Governor Bill Lees desk.

In 2023, News 2 first spoke with Say YES to Recess, a group hoping to get more recess time for Clarksville students. Now, not only has their movement spread, but after approaching lawmakers last May they now have a bill passed that they hope will benefit kids across the state.

JANUARY | The students in Tennessee deserve more physical activity: Group pushes for new state law to increase recess time

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Article after article, scientist after scientist has said, If you get the kid outside, they learn quicker, they learn how to socialize better, soft skills, but also they can retain information better when they get in the classroom, Rachel Bush, a parent with Say YES to Recess said. All the way around, its a win-win for them both mentally and physically when they get outside and get their bodies moving.

If Lee signs the bill, elementary schools will be required to up recess time from 15 minutes to 40 minutes starting in July. Schools can choose how they add this unstructured play time, however, it must be something physical and away from screens.

We came in and we just educated. This is the law now and this is whats developmentally appropriate for children and we  apparently  changed a lot of minds, Morgan Garner with Say Yes to Recess said. And weve had politicians stand up at the end of our meetings and go, This is the way politics should be! And Im really proud of that because I think a lot of times, people get really loud and weve made a big effort to just remain really respectful.

Since starting, the group has also grown beyond Tennessee.

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This is something thats resonating across the country, Kathryn Thurman with Say YES to Recess said. In recent years, recess times have been decreasing, so we have officially launched chapters in Wisconsin, New Hampshire, and Texas as of now.

Perhaps the greatest takeaway for these moms is what it taught their children.

READ MORE | Latest headlines from Clarksville and Montgomery County

I just want my kids to see  its easy to complain about a problem, but its hard to go find a solution to do so, Bush said. And maybe you dont hit the solution that you want, but you have to try.

Garner has a daughter in fifth grade, who wont get to see the benefits of the new law. However, it will make a difference for her younger son, who is in kindergarten

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She can see that if she sees something that she thinks needs changing that she can advocate for it and make change, and I think thats incredible, Garner said.

These moms say theyre not done yet. Next, they plan to push for more recess time in middle schools.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WKRN News 2.
BAKU, Azerbaijan, April 17. The second round of talks between Iran and the United States will take place in the Italian capital, Rome, Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister Kazem Gharibabadi told reporters, Trend reports.

In his statement to local media, Gharibabadi emphasized the importance of having an equal distance for both negotiating teams, highlighting that logistical support must also be considered.

He pointed out that while Oman is geographically close to Iran, it is far for the US, making it crucial to take all external factors into account.

Garibabadi also confirmed that the talks will be mediated by Oman, with Omani Foreign Minister Sayyid Badr bin Hamad bin Hamood Albusaidi fulfilling the mediation role.

If the other party requests that negotiations be held in any country, Iran is open to this proposal, as long as there are no significant issues or restrictions between the proposed country and Iran, and certainly, Iran may also propose venues for the talks, but the location of the negotiations is not a fundamental issue, Gharibabadi noted.

On April 12, indirect talks between Iran and the US on Irans nuclear program were held in Muscat, Oman. The discussions, led by Iranian Foreign Minister Seyyed Abbas Araghchi and the US Special Representative for Middle East Affairs, Steve Winkoff, were described as constructive and based on mutual respect. The next round of talks is scheduled for April 19.

Stay up-to-date with more news on Trend News Agency's WhatsApp channel
TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (WFLA)  For years, lawmakers have speculated that the leaders who run the states Universities and Colleges have been gifted these positions based on their political loyalties to the Governor.

A new bill at the statehouse aims to repeal the current law and make the path to presidency at these institutions more transparent. However, Governor Ron DeSantis has made it very clear that he does not support this legislation.

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Lawmakers said they plan to make the process of choosing Floridas University Presidents more public-facing and less secretive, while Governor DeSantis claims this move would only undo all the progress the state has made in higher education.



Back in 2022, Senate Bill 520 aimed to protect possible university president candidates vying for the job, but three years later, Lawmakers are now looking to reverse the bill.



As soon as we pass that bill, the bureaucrats changed the policy. They put the entire process in the shade, and it created a huge level of distrust amongst Floridians across the state, said Representative Michelle Salzman (R-Escambia County).

Sponsor of this years bill, Salzman said her efforts will put public trust back into the hands of Floridians. House Bill 1321 would allow the public to know, start to finish, who is chosen to lead state Universities and Colleges, but Governor DeSantis doesnt seem to be on board.



What the bill would do is neuter our ability to keep universities in line, DeSantis said.

However, Salzman argued back, saying the Governor will still have a hand in the matter.



This is about showing the voters what were doing. This is about transparency in government. We are not removing the Governors power from anything. There is no removal of powers. He appoints the people that are making these choices. You cant get any better than that, Salzman said.

House Republicans are not the only ones carrying the bill forward, Democrats are also signing on.



Its taxpayer money that pays for universities, student tuition that pays for universities, we deserve to have a seat at the table and making decisions about who leads these, these historic and impactful institutions, said State Representative Anna V. Eskamani (D-Orlando).

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State lawmakers shared that while the bill passed in the House, it isnt moving as much in the Senate just yet. And even if it does, the Governor will most likely veto the bill.

Lawmakers could override the Governors veto, which lawmakers said seems likely at this point.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WFLA.
DENVER (KDVR)  U.S. Highway 6, also known as Clear Creek Canyon, will be fully closed to traffic beginning Sunday, April 20, for work on the Peaks to Plains trail.

This portion of the project is being led by Jefferson County and the Colorado Department of Transportation. The trail, when complete, will connect the South Platte Trail in Denver to the headwaters of Clear Creek at Loveland Pass. The project will tie together four counties and seven cities with over a mile of total elevation gain.

The first portion of the Peaks to Plains trail opened in 2016 when four miles of 10-foot-wide paved surface opened in Clear Creek Canyon Park, and in 2021, a 1.75-mile segment opened at the entrance to Clear Creek Canyon.

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The portion under construction beginning Sunday is the Huntsman Segment, which will be a three-mile trail segment connecting the west side of Tunnel 1 to Huntsman Gulch. The trail will have seven bridges that span Clear Creek, one bridge over Highway 6, multiple creek access points and two new trailheads.

Installation resumes of variable speed limit signs on I-70 near Vail

Construction on the Huntsman segment began in July 2022 and should be completed in 2025, according to project documents. Once done, there will be a little under six miles of trail left to complete in the 13.5 miles of trail planned for Jefferson County.

The plan is to close Highway 6 completely from Colorado 119 to the Colorado 58 and Colorado 93 intersection in Golden from 9 p.m. on Sunday, April 20, through 7 p.m. Saturday, April 26.

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The work could be canceled if there is adverse weather, and would be rescheduled for the following week.

While the roadway is closed, rock-scaling activities on Interstate 70 will be suspended. The rock scaling has caused intermittent daily closures as crews blast rock from the mountain to move the interstate into a more straight, and likely safer, route. The project will be suspended to ensure that traffic can make its way through the mountains without further delay.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX31 Denver.
Former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton on Wednesday called on Americans of conscience to speak up against the deportation of Kilmar Abrego Garcia, the Maryland man and Salvadoran native who was mistakenly sent to El Salvadors notorious megaprison last month.

In a post Wednesday on social platform X, President Trumps 2016 election opponent argued that what happened to Abrego Garcia could happen to anyone.

Before the election, I warned that there is no safe haven under authoritarianism, Clinton wrote. If they can ship Kilmar Abrego Garcia to a foreign prisonaccused of no crime, with no trialthey can do it to anyone.

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Americans of conscience must stand against this now, she added.

The Trump administration has refused to bring back Abrego Garcia, even as federal courts have ordered the administration to facilitate his release from Salvadoran custody.

Abrego Garcia fled El Salvador as a teenager to escape gang violence. He was protected from deportation by an immigration judge in 2019, a fact courts this year have underscored in calling on the administration to bring him back to the United States.

The administration previously acknowledged in a court filing that Abrego Garcia was sent to El Salvador by mistake, but officials now say hes a danger to society and he would have been sent back to El Salvador one way or another.

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The White House has portrayed him as a violent gang member, despite a conflicting court record and denials from his family that he was part of MS-13.

Democrats and civil rights groups have been in an uproar over the case. Sen. Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.) visited El Salvador this week and met with officials, but he was denied permission to visit Abrego Garcia or even speak to him on the phone.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill.
As Donald Trump pursues his campaign to make Ivy League schools bend to his will and accept what Harvards president said amounted to a federal takeover of the insitutions, his critics say that the Republican Party is leaning fully into hypocrisy.

News broke on Wednesday that the White House plans to escalate its war against Americas most prestigious universities by hitting them where it hurts: their endowments. A report in Semafor revealed that Republicans are looking at ways to tax profits from university endowments while the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) debates stripping Harvard and other universities of their tax-exempt statuses. The Department of Justice formally asked the IRS to revoke Harvards tax-exempt status this week, an agency spokesperson confirmed to news outlets on Wednesday.

It is past time for American universities to stop supporting foreign adversaries with their investment decisions, much as they should stop granting university access to supporters of terrorism, read a February memo from the White House reported by Semafor.

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The move is a classic case of Trump-style escalation, and comes as Harvard this week said that it would refuse a list of demands issued by the federal government.

Now, critics of the president are attacking Trump and two of his closest allies  Vice President JD Vance and Senator Ted Cruz  for their past statements complaining about supposed politicization of federal agencies by Joe Bidens administration.

I will never allow the IRS to be used as a political weapon, the president vowed in a 2019 clip posted by the publisher of an anti-Trump news site, The Bulwark.

I will never allow the IRS to be used as a political weapon. Donald Trump, Oct 2019 pic.twitter.com/ah9Da5KyW8  Sarah Longwell (@SarahLongwell25) April 17, 2025

If the IRS can go after you because of your beliefs, we'd no longer live in a free country, Vance, in a resurfaced clip, says to Fox News host Laura Ingraham.

This you @JDVance?



"This is about whether we have functional constitutional government in this country. If the IRS can go after you because of what you think or what you believe or what you do, we'd no longer live in a free country. pic.twitter.com/fBD4y5V4OS  Sarah Longwell (@SarahLongwell25) April 16, 2025

Cruz, in particular, was on record vowing to speak out if a Republican attorney general or IRS commissioner began targeting institutions tied explicitly or implicitly to the left or the Democratic Party  a promise he has not addressed in the midst of the presidents campaign to impose conservative belief systems on Americas institutions of higher education.

Sen, Ted Cruz: "I can also assure you that were this a Republican president, a Republican Attorney General, and a Republican IRS that were targeting Democrats, I at least would speak out just as vigorously against it because if we are going to respect rule of law, the apparatus pic.twitter.com/LgEIifUkkY  Sarah Longwell (@SarahLongwell25) April 16, 2025

Speaking at a Judiciary Committee hearing in 2014, when Barack Obama was president, Cruz said: I can also assure you that were this a Republican president, a Republican Attorney General, and a Republican IRS that were targeting Democrats, I at least would speak out just as vigorously against it because if we are going to respect rule of law, the apparatus of the federal government cannot and should not be used as a partisan tool to bludgeon your enemies.

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Democrats have eagerly bashed their Republican opponents over the scope of Trumps widespread cuts to federal agencies since January, and the reports of billionaires including Elon Musk and Jeff Bezos seeking access to the president alongside lavish gifts to his adminsitration and related political causes have only fueled their attacks further.

The president is now setting his party up for an all-out war with the heads of Americas colleges and universities, which (with the early exception of Columbia University) are increasingly using the courts to seek refuge from the Trump administrations directives.

Administration officials slashed $2.2 billion in federal grants and related funds from Harvard on Monday over the schools refusal to comply with its demands, which included that it end diversity-based hiring practices, ban face masks on campus, cooperate with federal immigration authorities, and more.

Harvards president Alan Garber said in a letter to the university community in response: No government  regardless of which party is in power  should dictate what private universities can teach, whom they can admit and hire, and which areas of study and inquiry they can pursue.
Actor George Clooney praised Maryland Gov. Wes Moore (D) as a strong contender for the 2028 Democratic presidential nomination, with the top of the ticket up for grabs as Democrats look to regain a strong voting base after their disastrous November election loss.

Hes smart. He ran a hedge fund. He ran the Robin Hood Foundation. Hes a proper leader, the filmmaker said in a sit-down interview Tuesday with CNNs Jake Tapper.

Clooney mulled over Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear (D) and Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer (D) taking hold of the Democratic Party but suggested Moore emerges as a more ideal candidate.

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Who I think is levitating above that is Wes Moore. I think he is the guy thats handled this tragedy in Baltimore beautifully. Hes two tours of duty in Afghanistan, active duty. He speaks sort of beautifully, he told Tapper.

Moore has helped guide the Old Line State through recovery efforts after the Francis Scott Key Bridge collapse and remained an avid supporter of former President Biden throughout his reelection efforts.

Clooney notably urged Biden to drop out of the 2024 presidential race and swiftly endorsed former Vice President Kamala Harris after she announced her bid for president.

The Oscar award-winning actor has already voiced his opinion on Moores ability to lead as a front-runner in the next battle for the White House, three years ahead of a proposed campaign.

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The thing is, we say Democrats fall in love and Republicans fall in line  although I think Republicans have fallen in love a little bit. I like him a lot, Clooney said.

I think he could be someone we could all join in behind. We have to find somebody rather soon, he added.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill.
SYRACUSE, N.Y. (WSYR-TV)  A Central New York woman is urging the public to become organ donors, after she decided to donate her late husbands organs.

An all-around great guy, those are the words Franci VanWie of Cayuga used to describe her late husband, Ken, of 22 years.

He truly just loved life and lived it to the best of his abilities, VanWie said.

But in 2007, Kens life took a turn for the worse. He suffered an aneurysm rupture that nearly cost him his life.

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For whatever reason, he was able to survive. Around 2012, he ended up being diagnosed with Syringomyelia, which is a cyst in the spinal cord that eventually took away his ability to walk. Thats how he ended up in a wheelchair, said VanWie.

VanWie would become her husbands caregiver, up until he suffered a hemorrhagic stroke in September 2023. He died three days before his 63 birthday.

It had affected both of his ventricles in his brain and the brain stem, said VanWie.

VanWie says there was not much they could do, and she did not want to see her husband suffer any longer.

When I decided that we werent going to pursue any more care, thats when Finger Lakes approached me and said, Do you realize that your husband is an organ donor?  and Im like, yeah, we did that a few years ago. But it didnt even really register in my mind because I was so focused on where we were and all of that. So when they said that and then they explained things to me, then Im like, wow, we can now help somebody else, said VanWie.

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Giving another person a second chance at life.

I really truly believe that that was his purpose, because back in 2007, he shouldnt have even lived at that point, and he did and he made it to that day, because theres a woman in New Jersey that has his left kidney, said VanWie.

In New York State, there are nearly 8,000 people who need life-saving organ transplants.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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 U.S. Coast Guard suspended its search at 3 :30 p.m. Tuesday for fisherman Earl Oa  Hind, who went missing off the coast of Hawaii island on his 23-foot fishing boat.

Hind, 42, has not been found after failing to return as scheduled last Wednesday from a fishing trip aboard his boat, Makalapua Onalani.

Authorities say he was last seen in the vicinity of Kaulana boat ramp, and that he usually fishes around South Point. The family found Hinds truck and trailer at the boat ramp.

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Friends of the family have since launched a campaign to continue the search for Hind, who is described as six feet tall and 180 pounds, with brown hair and hazel eyes.

As many of you know, our dear brother Oa is still missing at sea,  said the campaign. While our search continues, we remain hopeful. Every day that passes challenges us, but we havent lost faith. No boat debris has been found, which gives us hope that Oa is still out there, waiting for us to bring him home.

The campaign says donations will be used to secure more search assets and provide support for the family during this difficult time.

Don 't miss out on what 's happening !

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Daughter Makalapuaonalani Hind wrote in a news release that her father is a generational fisherman with over 20 years of experience navigating the Pacific Ocean, and pleaded for those searching not to give up.

My father is not only a seasoned seaman, hes a survivor,  she wrote. He knows the ocean like the back of his hand. He knows how to catch fish, collect water, and endure. He has the skill, knowledge, and resilience to survive for weeks, even months, out at sea. If anyone can make it through this, its him.

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She said the fishing boat is built to be buoyant, along with much of his equipment.

Our family has not given up, and neither has our community,  she said. Weve mobilized local volunteers, organized search parties, and turned to social media to spread the word. The response has been overwhelming. Friends, neighbors, and strangers from across the islands have joined in, holding onto hope alongside us.

The USCG for Hind last Thursday, along with the Hawaii County Fire Department and the Hawaii Department of Land and Natural Resources.

The USCG said it and partner agencies searched more than 200, 000 square nautical miles during more than 240 combined hours, with no success at finding Hind. The boat Makalapua Onalani is described as a 23-foot recreational fishing boat with a white hull, blue trim and twin outboard engines.

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We are deeply saddened to announce that despite widespread efforts, our search for Mr. Hind is now suspended,  said Coast Guard Lt. Cmdr. Raphael Sadowitz, Sector Honolulu search and rescue mission coordinator, in a news release. We appreciate the tireless work of our partners and the local community and extend our deepest condolences to Mr. Hinds family and friends during this difficult time.

Honolulu watchstanders received notification at 2 :17 p.m. Thursday from the Hawaii County Fire Department of the overdue fishing boat.

The U.S. Coast Guard Air Station Barbers Point HC-130 Hercules airplane crew and an MH-65 Dolphin helicopter crew, along with a diverted crew from Coast Guard Cutter Joseph Gerczak, were all involved in the search, along with numerous others.

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Over 50 years after a mom was killed and her daughter was left abandoned with her body, the young mom's cold case murder has been solved, Indiana authorities said.

On the night of July 7, 1972, Phyllis Bailer, 26, and her 3-year-old daughter were driving the 100 miles from Indianapolis to Bluffton, Indiana, to visit Bailer's parents -- but they never made it, the Indiana State Police said.

The next morning, around 10:30 a.m., Bailer's car was found empty in Grant County, Indiana, police said.

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MORE: Judge set to decide if Menendez brothers can be resentenced, but DA may ask for delay

About one hour later, a woman driving in Allen County, Indiana, discovered Bailer and her daughter along the side of the road in a ditch.

Bailer had been sexually assaulted and shot to death, police said. Her 3-year-old daughter was with her and unharmed.

PHOTO: An undated photo of 26-year-old Phyllis Bailer who was killed on July 7, 1972, according to Indiana State Police. (Indiana State Police)

No arrests were made.

Years later, a partial DNA profile was developed from Bailer's clothing, which eliminated authorities' main suspect, police said.

The murder continued to go unsolved for decades.

MORE: Mom charged with murder for allegedly drowning 7-year-old daughter: DA

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Last year, "a much stronger DNA profile" was developed from Bailer's clothes, police said, and investigators started working with a forensic genealogy company.

Genetic genealogy is an investigative tool -- first used in 2018 in the arrest of the Golden State Killer -- in which unknown DNA from a crime scene is identified by comparing it to family members who voluntarily submit DNA samples to a database.

Through genetic genealogy, police identified Fred Allen Lienemann as the person who left DNA on Bailers clothing, authorities announced on Wednesday.

Lienemann, who was 25 years old at the time of the murder, "had no known connections to Phyllis Bailer but had a significant criminal history," police said.

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Lienemann was killed in Detroit in 1985, police said. If he was alive, prosecutors would charge him with Bailer's murder, police said.

"Phyllis Bailer never made it to Bluffton to visit her family," state police spokesperson Sgt. Wes Rowlader wrote on social media. "After years of questions, this family finally has answers about what happened to her."

Cold case solved over 50 years after a young mom was killed, her 3-year-old daughter left alive originally appeared on abcnews.go.com
Career and technical education may be the most important part of the Blueprint for Maryland's Future, writes Kalman Hettleman, but also the most-overlooked. (Photo by Senior Airman Nichelle Anderson/U.S. Air Force)

WARNING: This column may be hazardous to the comfort level of many readers. Its easy to get lost in the bureaucratic weeds of the many agencies at the center of the world of Career and Technical Education (CTE), as I have in my research. Still, please give the column a try. We must struggle to understand the serious growing pains that threaten CTEs success.

The Career and Technical Education (CTE) provisions in the Blueprint for Marylands Future are, arguably, the most important but most neglected part of the landmark legislation. They are intended to provide optional pathways for students to be well-prepared for well-paying jobs as well as for college.

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The focus is on Apprenticeships and Career Counseling. And expanding them should be a slam dunk. No ones against CTE, not even Trump. Students want good jobs and employers want skilled workers, and the Blueprint goes all out to connect them.

Unfortunately, implementation of Apprenticeships and Career Counseling is moving more slowly than it should. And regrettably, the General Assembly did little about it, with two exceptions noted later.

The CTE program cant succeed without two major improvements. One is to simplify and strengthen lines of authority and accountability among the incredible number of bureaucracies that populate the CTE universe. The second is lack of resources.

Understand first that the CTE goals are extremely ambitious:

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Apprenticeships. By school year 2030-31, 45% of public graduates should complete the high school portion of a registered apprenticeship or other work credential.

However, compare the 45% goal with the fact that in 2021 less than 15% completed the requirements. At the same time, the Apprenticeship program is saddled with problems. Among them: not enough employers; not enough funding; administrative hurdles within school systems; and interagency stumbling blocks.

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Lawmakers this year did provide $5 million additional funding per year for two years, but the administrative hurdles remain.

Career Counseling. The Blueprint requires every middle and high school student to receive annually individualized career counseling about job pathways. But here too, daunting obstacles stand in the way of a sky-high goal.

There is tension and confusion in the relative roles of school systems and workforce development boards under the state Department of Labor. Also, the goal of annual individualized counseling is impossible given the woefully limited funds to hire counselors. (Notwithstanding that the General Assembly extended current funding for two years.)

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An idea, advanced by Sen. Jim Rosapepe (D-Prince Georges), is to amend the Blueprint to follow the Swiss model. It provides middle school students with broad exposure but not, as with high school students, individualized guidance. (Rosapepes opinions deserve attention. He is the most knowledgeable and dogged voice in Annapolis for CTE.)

The good news is that the involved agencies recognize the problems in the Career Counseling program. The bad news is that there are way too many such agencies. The list includes the Blueprint Accountability and Implementation Board (AIB), the state education department (MSDE), local school systems, state and local workforce development boards, the state CTE Committee and Apprenticeship 2030 Commission, and community colleges.

That is a helluva lot of cooks in the CTE kitchen. The Kirwan Commission intended the CTE Committee under the Governors Workforce Development Board to be the executive chef. Its position, influenced by Rosapepe, was that workforce development boards know infinitely more about job markets than school systems; also implicit was a lack of confidence in the competence of MSDE and local school systems.

But, in my view, Apprenticeships and Career Counseling are markedly different in how school systems relate to them. Apprenticeship interactions with employers are beyond the normal orbit of school systems; counseling is a routine school function, and should be entrusted to schools, as advocated by the Public School Superintendents Association. The key is for MSDE to develop smart standards, provide strong technical assistance and conduct tough monitoring, including assessing whether there is sufficient collaboration between school systems and workforce development boards.

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Rosapepe disagrees. He believes that workforce boards will be stronger and more accountable managers.

What isnt in dispute is that implementation is falling far short. The MSDE 2024 Blueprint Implementation Plan reveals that CTE is generally lagging. The CTE Committee acknowledges it will take several years of building programming and capacity.

Finally, not to pile on but there is a big underlying and sometimes imperceptible hurdle: The widespread perception that CTE is a dumping ground for poorly performing students. John McWhorter, a regular New York Times op-ed contributor, has written: The idea that in our society the ordinary trajectory after high school is to attend another four years of school has become arbitrary, purposeless and even absurd. Nonetheless, the absurdity is drummed into the heads of parents, students, and even some educators.

Bravo readers (good job!) if youve managed to endure this foray into the deep weeds of CTE. Its worth it: CTE is indispensable to the future of large numbers of our students, and much more must be urgently done to raise awareness and political support. Its potential, envisioned in the Blueprint, is at great risk.
Registration is now open for M360 Eurasia which will be held for the first time in Tashkent, Uzbekistan, 21-22 May 2025. Ahead of the event, the GSMA has announced key findings from its upcoming taxation report, Mobile Sector Taxation Report in Eurasia.

With countries such as Turkmenistan (51%), Tajikistan (42%), and Uzbekistan (40%) experiencing significant barriers to mobile internet usage despite network availability, the report finds that reducing tax burdens on mobile adoption and investment across the region could unlock substantial socio-economic benefits and accelerate digital transformation across Eurasia.

M360 Eurasia 2025, organised in partnership with the Ministry of Digital Technologies of the Republic of Uzbekistan and Host Sponsor Beeline Uzbekistan, a subsidiary of VEON, will provide a platform to explore policies, investments, and technological advancements shaping the future of connectivity.

The newly appointed Director General of the GSMA, Vivek Badrinath, will deliver his inaugural keynote address in his new role at M360 Eurasia 2025. Mr Badrinath said: This event offers a space for meaningful dialogue between industry and policymakers. As we share new insights, such as findings from our taxation report, and through discussion and collaboration, we aim to support informed decisions that will shape the regions digital future.

Located at the InterContinental Tashkent, M360 Eurasia will bring together regional and global leaders from the mobile ecosystem to discuss the latest innovations in 5G, AI, cybersecurity, and digital infrastructure. The event will feature high-level discussions, thought-provoking panels, and keynote addresses from influential industry leaders and policymakers.

The Minister of Digital Technologies of the Republic of Uzbekistan, Sherzod Shermatov, said: Uzbekistan is pleased to welcome M360 Eurasia and its diverse community of stakeholders. The event enables dialogue on key topics such as innovation, regulation and fiscal policy, including taxation, all of which are central to advancing digital connectivity in our region.

Attendees of M360 Eurasia will have the opportunity to engage with mobile operators and technology innovators, forging strategic partnerships to drive digital growth across Eurasia.

The CEO of Beeline Uzbekistan, Andrey Pyatakhin, said: "M360 Eurasia creates a valuable platform for collaboration. As host sponsor, we welcome the opportunity to contribute to conversations around infrastructure, investment and policy, including the impact of taxation, that influence how digital services grow and reach more people."

With digital transformation playing a critical role in economic development, M360 Eurasia 2025 will provide a unique opportunity to address key challenges and opportunities shaping the future of mobile technology in the region. Registration for M360 Eurasia 2025 is now open, and we welcome industry professionals, policymakers, and technology leaders to secure their place at this transformative event.

M360 Series: Regional Focus, Global Impact

The GSMAs M360 series brings together the regional mobile ecosystem to drive innovation, address challenges, and create a foundation for sustainable business environments and societal change. The events provide a platform for thought leaders and industry experts to share insights, network, and discuss the future of mobile technology.
(COLORADO SPRINGS)  The U.S. Attorneys Office for the District of Colorado announced on Wednesday, April 16, that a Colorado Springs man was arrested and facing charges of Interstate Communication of Threats after threatening to kill the owners of Teslas.

According to the U.S. Attorneys Office, on March 20, emails from betweensaltandstart@proton.me were sent to various media outlets across state lines. The emails contain a Declaration of War against the 47th Presidential Cabinet and describe how Tesla owners would be murdered on April 17, and the deaths would continue until the death of Elon Musk.

The threats were investigated by the Denver Field Office of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI).

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Also on March 20, the suspect, identified as Carl Howard Payne, Jr., sent the same email to ProPublica and Thomson Reuters from Signal user c. Payne allegedly also deposited threatening letters for delivery by the United States Postal Service to several insurance companies. The U.S. Attorneys Office said the return address of the letters indicated they were from The White House, but the letters were postmarked in Denver.

A review of the Internet Protocol (IP) address information, along with other information, indicated that Payne was the user of the Proton Mail and Signal accounts, according to the U.S. Attorneys Office.

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UPDATE 4/17/25 8:40 p.m.: CPD says Cureton has been located and unharmed.

COLUMBUS, Ga. (WRBL)  Columbus police are looking for a man who was reported critically missing on April 16.

According to CPD, Frederic Cureton, 26, was last seen around 5:22 p.m. on Tuesday, April 16 in the 2000 block of 16th Avenue.

Cureton stands at 5-foot-7-inches, weighs about 130 pounds, and is described as having black hair and brown eyes. Police say Cureton was last seen wearing a heavily soil white long sleeve shirt, black joggers, and blue and white Jordan sneakers that have been altered to look like slides.

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The department is asking anyone with information regarding Curetons whereabouts to call 911, the CPD Special Victims Unit at 706-225-3449, or Cpl. Robert Ward at 706-225-4313.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WRBL.
With its chandeliers and pink couches, Pink Noire, a Black-owned hair and beauty supply store in Memphis, Tennessee, seems a world away from the major industries caught up in the global trade war.

But owner Chasity Monroe is bracing for the Trump administrations trade policies to hit her shelves. Tariffs have hiked the import fees on hair products she carries from overseas  by roughly 145% in the case of Chinese-made goods.

Its just been really scary for a small business thats not been open long, Monroe said.

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For a generation of Black girls, their first brush with makeup was the fruity-scented or shiny, clear squeeze-tube lip gloss they bought at the local beauty supply shop. It has been the place to prep for wash day as they transitioned to natural hair in their adulthood. Korean Americans own many of the stores, but Black ownership is slowly growing.

In the United States, Black hair care is estimated to be a more than $2.5 billion industry. And foreign exporters are critical to that engine, providing everything from the wefts used in sew-ins to ingredients for ethnic hair care products, like shea butter imported from Ghana and elsewhere.

The inventory in the shops can range from hair extensions to makeup used in viral looks.

For many in the industry, that means the trade war is hitting close to home, causing ripple effects that threaten to squeeze small businesses.

Because Monroe, 40, buys many of her products directly from vendors based in China, she's responsible for the taxes when they enter the country, and she has already seen some suppliers begin to increase prices. She will have to pass most of those costs on to customers, who may be unwilling or unable to pay, she said.

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Rather than sell synthetic braiding hair for $3 to $5 per pack, Monroe offered as an example, she might need to sell it for what she described as an unheard of price of $10 to $12.

Some vendors have encouraged buyers to take advantage of the 90-day pause on certain tariffs on countries like India, Cambodia and Malaysia, which are also major players in the hair extension industry, to stock up on inventory.

But many mom-and-pop operations arent in the position to do that, said an expert on economic demography, Trevon Logan, an economist at Ohio State University.

Monroe has tried to elevate the beauty shop experience by offering makeup and skin care services, like facials.

We know already that many Black businesses dont have the banking relationships that would allow them the access to capital and the liquidity to go out and make large purchases so that they could actually have inventory, Logan said, adding that small stores also dont have negotiating power like their big-box competitors.

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At a moment when Black-owned brands have earned shelf space at major retailers like Sephora, tariffs could bring setbacks.

The supply chain is a huge barrier, said Tomi Talabi, founder of The Black Beauty Club, which holds events for beauty enthusiasts and entrepreneurs. Tariffs only raise the cost of entry: packaging, ingredients, shipping  all go up.

When Monroe opened her store in 2022, it was out of a desire to create a welcoming space.

Too often, Monroe said, beauty products were sold in warehouse-like buildings with little thought to how products were arranged. And while big-box retailers might carry brands for textured hair, their offerings aren't as expansive as those of specialized shops where inventory ranges from leave-in conditioners to everything needed to make a wig.

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At Pink Noire, she employs licensed cosmetologists as beauty advisers. The shop offers facials, waxing and makeup services. Its also a social hub, with Wine Day Wednesdays and Champagne Saturdays.

Much of the hair sold in beauty supply stores  whether synthetic or human  is imported from overseas.

Beauty supply stores carry products catering to ethnic hair care.

Monroe said she hasnt increased her prices yet but fears it will be unavoidable once she places orders with the new tariffs in effect. She also owns a small hair care line produced in China and has tried to explore the possibility of shifting production of her products to the United States. Monroe said a Memphis-based producer told her she would need to order a minimum of 10,000 units, which isn't workable for her business.

Just outside Nashville, LaWanda Majors, 54, owner of MajorStyllz Beauty Supply, said recently that a Brazilian bundle, a popular style of human hair extensions she buys from a vendor whose supply is from overseas, was going from $125 to $175. Majors, who opened the shop with her late sister, Sherita, in 2023, said it was already a struggle to stay afloat.

Right now, her margins are so tight that shes the sole employee. Majors said she has recently marked down everything in the store to bring in the money she would need to buy more inventory as prices go up.

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Im just stuck right now, she said. I just put it in Gods hands.

Beauty customers have also been paying attention to rising prices  and posting their concerns on TikTok.

I know they talk about everything else: groceries, necessities like toilet paper and other stuff; they talk about cars going up. But I wanna know about the hair products, a Louisiana-based woman said.

Some vendors are encouraging owners to stock up on inventory amid the trade war.

It's a question many Black women share, driven by what can be a complex, frustrating and empowering experience with their hair, one that may carry implications for how they move through their professional and personal lives.

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Ill tell you as a Black woman, hair is nonnegotiable for me, said Kortlynn Jenae Johnson, 33, an executive assistant for a New Orleans-based charter school system, who wears her hair natural and frequents beauty supply shops for items like shampoos and conditioners.

Back in Memphis, Monroe is hopeful that even if she has to raise prices, customers will stay loyal. She referred to data that showed that during economic uncertainty, consumers still treat themselves to pick-me-ups like nail polish and lip gloss.

When it comes to the cost of eggs, Monroe said, people are outraged. Theyre like, Im just going to buy chickens. But we cant just buy chickens when it comes to the beauty business.

This article was originally published on NBCNews.com
COLUMBIA, S.C. (WCBD)  Friday marks 250 years since Paul Reveres infamous midnight ride to warn colonial leaders of the impending arrival of British troops.

The April 18, 1775 ride, which came on the eve of the first battles of the Revolutionary War, was immortalized in a Henry Wadsworth Longfellow poem with the line 1 if by land, 2 if by sea.

The famous signal from [Bostons Old] North Churchs steeple that night in 75meant to shine across the water to others on the opposite shore so that they could carry the message forward not just as a back-up for Paul Revere, but to make sure that the message got spread as far and as wide as possible, according to the South Carolina American Revolution Sestercentennial Commission (SC250).

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Reveres ride is set to be commemorated Friday with a nationwide initiative that encourages communities to shine two lights into the night as a reminder of the historic turning point in U.S. history.

Filmmaker Ken Burns new documentary The American Revolution comes out this year. Heres when you catch a preview in Charleston

Buildings across the Palmetto State, from government offices to historic landmarks to private homes, are invited to participate in the celebration.

This is an opportunity for all South Carolinians to come together in reflection and observance of the events that led to Americas independence from Britain, said Molly Fortune, CEO of SC250. By shining two lights, we honor the bravery and enduring spirit of those who fought for liberty 250 years ago.

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SC250 was established by the General Assembly to commemorate the Palmetto States role in the American Revolution. Hundreds of battles between American and British forces occured on South Carolina soil throughout the war.

The nationwide initiative was coordinated by America250 in preparation for the countrys 250th birthday on July 4, 2026.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WCBD News 2.
Students in Christine Persun's classroom in Mechanicsburg Middle School. (Submitted by Christine Persun)

Lily stared at me with wide, worried eyes, trying to process every word I said as I explained the problem in her workbook. I slowed down and repeated myself. She hung on every word, desperate to keep up.

Lily had immigrated from China just two years earlier and had spent time traveling back and forth. She was an incredibly hard worker, still learning English, and, as a first-year teacher, I had no idea how to help her.

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Five years later, Eugenio arrived in my classroom from El Salvador. In many ways, he reminded me of Lilymotivated, hardworking, and eager to please. But unlike Lily, he had just arrived in the country and didnt speak a word of English.

This time, though, I was prepared. I gave him directions in my very limited Spanish. I used AI to generate translated notes and assignments. I created a Spanish-to-English math dictionary and kept it handy for him. I modified assignments that would help him learn the concepts and experience success. I was ready to do whatever it took to help him learn.

The difference? Experience.

By the time I had Eugenio in my class, I knew my curriculum and I knew how to meet individual student needs. I knew where to look to find resources. I knew which colleagues to go to for guidance and support. When I had Lily as a student, I was a brand-new teacher, fresh out of student teaching. I had completed my universitys teacher preparation program and learned from a supportive mentor, but I was unprepared for the realities of the classroom. I needed a preparation program that equipped me to help students like Lily and Eugenio from day onenot five years later.

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Teacher preparation programs at the university level often train pre-service teachers through a theoretical lens rather than a practical one, leaving many feeling underprepared for the realities of the classroom. In Pennsylvania, these programs vary greatly in coursework requirements, meaning a teachers readiness depends as much on their training program as on their own abilities.

Students in Christine Persuns classroom in Mechanicsburg Middle School. (Submitted by Christine Persun)

A publication from the William Penn Foundation found that in order for teachers to succeed, they require much more time and practice in the classroom than current pathways to teaching offer. What future educators need are training experiences that truly mirror the realities of the classroom.

This means rethinking how we prepare teachers. Education majors should begin their work in schools in the early years of university rather than postponing until their student teaching experience during their senior year, when they may realize that teaching is not for them. From early on in their bachelors programs, pre-service teachers should be learning hands-on in the classroom.

Integrating early and consistent field experiences into teacher preparation programs is essential. As noted by Carolyn Parker, director of graduate teacher education at American Universitys School of Education, Get them into the schools as early as you can and as often as you can. This approach gives pre-service teachers the time they need to build meaningful relationships with students and communities, ensuring they are well-prepared for the realities of the classroom.

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They should be completing experiences by observing classrooms and meeting with students. Coursework should center on realistic case studies with real students instead of abstract theories. While standardized tests like the Praxis have been shown to correlate with effective teaching in specific subjectsparticularly those requiring deep content knowledge, such as elementary math and readingclinical experiences and capstone portfolios offer a more comprehensive way for teacher candidates to demonstrate their effectiveness.

More realistic forms of assessment allow candidates to showcase their teaching abilities in real classroom settings, which provides a clearer picture of their preparedness for the challenges of teaching.

Structural changes in teacher preparation policies are also necessary. New teachers consistently cite student teaching as the most valuable part of their training, as it allows them to apply theory in real classrooms under the guidance of experienced mentors.

To maximize its impact, student teaching should last an entire year, not just one semester to ensure that teacher candidates will be able to manage classrooms effectively. Universities must move away from the traditional model which delays classroom experience until later in academic programs. Instead, education majors should begin experiencing classrooms immediately.

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Further, licensure requirements should be revised to prioritize demonstrated teaching skills over standardized test scores, allowing for a more accurate assessment of a candidates ability to succeed in the classroom.

A stronger, more practical approach to teacher preparation would mean fewer new teachers struggling to support students like Lily  and more teachers entering the classroom equipped to provide students like Eugenio the help they need from day one.

If we want new teachers to succeed, we need to demand change in how theyre prepared. Its time to prioritize hands-on experience over outdated theorybecause when teachers are prepared, students thrive, and when students succeed, we all succeed.

Christine Person (Submitted)

Christine Persun is mathematics teacher at Mechanicsburg Middle School in Mechanicsburg, Cumberland County, and a 2024-2025 Teach Plus Pennsylvania Policy Fellow.
ROCHESTER, N.Y. (WROC)  Local organizations partnered to support mothers in Rochester on Thursday.

In partnership with the Ibero-American Action League, Molina Healthcare of New York organized an event for new and expectant mothers in the Rochester area, providing them with important resources.

The community baby shower featured partners such as Jordan Health and Healthy Baby Network, who provided attendees with prenatal and postnatal care information. Representatives from Molina also provided answers to any healthcare benefit or access questions.

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According to organizers, the event was created to connect mothers with the necessary tools and direct information needed to aid in increasing healthier pregnancy and early childhood outcomes.

Attendees were provided free essentials, including baby bottles, medicine spoons, thermal tote bags, and miniature hot-and-cold packs.

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EAST PROVIDENCE, R.I. (WPRI)  Gov. Dan McKee joined 12 News at 4 Wednesday to discuss a variety of topics ranging from the states primary care doctor shortage to his approval rating in a recent Morning Consult poll.

Watch the full interview in the video above.

NEXT: US stocks tumble as Nvidia slides and fog of Trumps trade war thickens

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EAST PROVIDENCE, R.I. (WPRI)  Rhode Island House Speaker Joe Shekarchi joined 12 News at 4 Thursday to discuss the states primary care doctor shortage, this years budget picture, Gov. Dan McKees proposed cabinet raises and his political future.

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The Antalya Diplomacy Forum, organized under the auspices of President Tayyip Erdo?an and hosted by Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan on April 1113, became the heart of diplomacy. President Erdo?an and Foreign Minister Fidan carried out intense diplomatic activity with their many meetings.

Hosting over 6,000 people, including 21 heads of state and government, 64 ministers from 155 countries, the forum saw Erdo?an meet with 14 heads of state and government and 1 autonomous government leader. Organized to embrace diplomacy in a fragmented world, the forum saw Erdo?an meet with the presidents of Azerbaijan, Montenegro, Kosovo, Syria, Sierra Leone, Somalia, and Sudan, as well as the prime ministers of Bulgaria, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Georgia, Palestine, Qatar, Libya, and Hungary, and the president of the Kurdish Regional Government in Iraq.

President Erdogan opens Antalya Forum with President Aliyev

Erdo?an, who first met with Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev, held his final meeting with Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mahmoud. Erdo?ans meetings with Syrian President Ahmed Shara and Palestinian Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs and Palestinians Living Abroad, Mohammed Mustafa, were the most notable. All critical issues were discussed in these meetings.

Erdo?an shared Turkiye's messages and expectations on issues such as ending Israel's attacks on Gaza, developments in Syria, the fight against terrorism, and establishing lasting peace in Ukraine.

Foreign Minister Fidan also met with many of his counterparts. Fidan's most important meeting was with Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov. The meeting discussed cooperation in the field of energy, issues related to the safety of navigation in the Black Sea, and efforts to achieve a ceasefire in the Russia-Ukraine War.

Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan spoke to his US counterpart Marco Rubio on the phone yesterday. During the meeting, bilateral relations were discussed, as were developments in Syria and the humanitarian situation in Gaza. Efforts to establish a ceasefire in the Russia-Ukraine War were also evaluated. Meanwhile, Fidan met with Foreign Affairs Advisor Hossain of the Bangladeshi Interim Government in Ankara.

The Presidency's Directorate of Communications has compiled President Tayyip Erdo?an's Antalya Diplomacy Forum (ADF) opening speech into a book. In a statement on his social media account, the Presidency's Director of Communications, Fahrettin Altun, drew attention to the fact that more than 6,000 people attended the ADF this year, including 21 heads of state and government from 155 countries, 64 ministers, and nearly 1,000 members of the press from 46 countries. Emphasizing that President Erdo?ans messages to the entire world within the scope of the ADF and his calls to the international community to take action against the oppressions taking place all around the world, especially in Gaza, are extremely important, Altun noted the following: We have compiled the messages our President gave to the entire world within the scope of the Forum and his calls to the international community to take action against the oppressions taking place all around the world, especially in Gaza, into a book. This work also clearly reveals the path that must be followed to establish peace, justice, and tranquility in the world. I hope that this work, which records the address reflecting the global vision of our President, will be beneficial so that it can guide future generations.

AK Party Istanbul MP Serkan Bayram has submitted a bill to declare March 21st as the Novruz Day Holiday. Bayram stated that President Tayyip Erdo?an touched on this issue during this years Novruz celebrations during a press conference he held in Parliament. Bayram said, It is everyones wish that this day be declared an official holiday, a religious holiday, both in terms of our peoples expectations and for a climate of peace to prevail in our country and the world. I expect support from all our parties, and I expect support from all our MPs. Stating that he submitted the Bill of Law on Amendments to the Law on National Holidays and General Holidays to the Presidency of Parliament, Bayram stated that the phrase March 21st Novruz Day Holiday will be added to the law.
BAKU, Azerbaijan, April 18. Ukraine and US have signed memorandum on agreement on mineral resources, First Vice Prime Minister - Minister of Economy of Ukraine Yulia Svyrydenko wrote on her Facebook page, Trend reports.

She said that Ukraine took a step towards concluding a joint economic partnership agreement with the United States.

"Ukraine and the United States signed a memorandum confirming the constructive joint work of our teams and the intention to put an end to this and conclude an agreement that will be beneficial to both our peoples," minister noted.
CONWAY, Ark.  On Wednesday, many people in Faulkner County came by the 5th Avenue park in Conway, where memorials are set up to pay their respects following a deadly shooting.

Conway Police Chief Chris Harris said 11 people were shot and nine of them are recovering. However, the remaining two victims were killed; he identified them as 24-year-old Tatayana Penister from England and 23-year-old Demetrius Feemster from Little Rock.

Central Arkansas communities holding events after deadly Conway park shooting

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Several witnesses that KARK 4 News spoke with say that the shooting started after an argument and a fight.

At the park, there are now crosses for the victims who were killed along with balloons, letters, and other pieces for the memorial to honor them. Tasha Williams said she didnt know the victims but felt the need to come out and pay her respects.

I have kids this age, and for it to affect the community like it has, its not right, Williams said. As a mom, I couldnt imagine what their parents are going through.

Police say the gathering was put on by an out-of-state promoter who didnt have a permit from the city. The mayor assured the public that they are working to make sure this type of incident doesnt happen again.

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Its not right. These two shouldnt have lost their lives for something that could have been prevented, Williams said.

Conway police identify victims in Sunday deadly park shooting

Lakesia Smith, an advocate with Central Arkansas Parents of Murdered Children, said no one should have to shoulder this type of pain.

Grief is nothing you will never get over, and anger is nothing you will ever get over, but you have to keep strong, Smith said.

With no arrests yet to be made, police say they have many leads, and both women hope the families get justice soon.

Now, these families have to bury their kids, Smith said. Its Easter right around the corner, Mothers Day is coming up, and Fathers Day is coming up and these are people who were just starting their lives.

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Conway community has mixed reaction after police update on Sunday shooting

Conway police are working with multiple agencies during the investigation.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KARK.
The Wells Police Department was the first agency in Maine to sign an agreement under the 287(g) program, which permits local officers to arrest people on immigration violations, an authority otherwise reserved for federal agents. (Photo via Wells Police Facebook)

After federal immigration authorities accepted Maines first police department into an official partnership earlier this month, some community members are now requesting police terminate the contract.

The crux of the rift between the community and police: uncertainty and disagreement over how they expect the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcements 287(g) program will operate in practice.

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Revived under President Donald Trumps administration to bolster ICEs capacity by deputizing local police officers to detain immigrants, those pushing back on Wells participation in the program argue it entangles their local police with a federal agency that has been accused of disregarding due process.

Four community members asked the Wells Select Board on Tuesday night to direct the police department to dissolve the agreement, arguing the department should have first consulted the public and raising concern about the programs history of abuse. Before Trump reinstated the program, it was discontinued in 2012 after the discovery of discriminatory practices, including racial profiling.

But Wells police leadership argue the agreement doesnt mean their local agency will adopt ICEs recent approach to arrests. Rather, Wells Police Chief Jo-Ann Putnam told Maine Morning Star she entered into the agreement to take advantage of a training opportunity and streamline work flow.

As first reported by Maine Morning Star, the Wells Police Department was the first  and so far only  agency in Maine to sign an agreement under the 287(g) program, which permits local officers to arrest people on immigration violations, an authority otherwise reserved for federal agents.

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Wells agreement is specifically for 287(g)s task force model, which ICE describes as a force multiplier to allow law enforcement agencies to enforce limited immigration authority with ICE oversight during their routine police duties. 287(g)s other two models are focused on investigating people who have already been arrested and booked in local jails.

As of April 16, ICE had signed 456 Memorandums of Agreement for 287(g) programs covering 38 states, with task force agreements with 190 agencies in 23 states, including Wells.

Putnam said ICE has informed her department that the training includes 40 hours of online courses, which the department had yet to begin as of this week. The department submitted to ICE a list of officers eligible to participate in the program, who must have two years of police experience and be a U.S. citizen, which Putnam said is the majority of the department.

Regarding when arrests for immigration violations could begin after that, We dont know, Putnam said. We havent been told when to start.

Residents raise concern about larger enforcement picture

The memorandum of understanding ICE signed with Wells Police permits its officers once trained to interrogate any person believed to be an alien as to his right to be or remain in the United States and arrest without warrant any alien entering or attempting to unlawfully enter the United States in the officers presence or view, among other capabilities otherwise reserved for federal authorities.

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But Putnam said when Wells officers start enforcing immigration violations through the agreements, they will only act on existing federal warrants that have had judicial review.

Normally, she said, when local police run a license and discover an existing federal warrant for an immigration offense, they have to wait for federal authorities to make an arrest. The agreement eliminates that redundancy, Putnam said.

Wells Police Chief Jo-Ann Putnam. (Official photo)

Were not rounding up undocumented people, said Wells Police Captain Kevin Chabot. Wells Police does not do proactive immigration enforcement.

Putnam said regardless of what the partnership allows, Were doing what Im telling you were going to do, and thats it.

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Putnam has repeatedly told Maine Morning Star that she hopes Mainers have confidence in their local law enforcement officers wholl be carrying out the work. But a lack of trust in local authorities is not why some are objecting to the ICE agreement.

Its not a matter of not trusting the chief and her force, Cheryl Dearman Mills, one of the people who spoke at the select board meeting, told Maine Morning Star. As I read the [memorandum of understanding], it raises concerns about control and future entanglement with ICE.

The memorandum also states that local police have the authority to serve and execute warrants of arrest for immigration violations, issue immigration detainers and prepare charging documents.

Others who called for the select board to terminate the ICE agreement similarly said their concern was with local police formalizing a relationship with an agency that appears, at times, to be acting outside of the law.

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Chief Putnam was looking at this contract primarily with a local focus, separate from the larger picture of ICEs current tactics of enforcement and deportation, Wells resident Mary Marra told the select board. And I was seeing this agreement primarily from a broader focus and how ICEs questionable and sometimes illegitimate enforcement reflects very poorly on our town.

For example, Marra pointed to masked immigration officers detaining Tufts University student Rumeysa Ozturk for allegedly supporting Hamas by co-authoring an op-ed calling for the school to divest from companies with ties to Israel, as well as the wrongful deportation of Kilmar Abrego Garcia to El Salvador.

This week in Florida, a U.S.-born citizen was arrested for entering the state as an unauthorized alien. His mother and a community advocate showed his birth certificate during a hearing, but the judge said she had no authority to release him, as reported by Maine Morning Stars sister outlet the Florida Phoenix.

This is Wells Police acting as ICE agents in certain situations and I am extremely uncomfortable with what ICE is doing, said another Wells resident, Peg Duddy, who is calling for the termination of the ICE contract.

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Duddy and others have met on-on-one with Putnam, as well as attended meetings with the chief and her leadership team, including one hosted by the Wells Democratic Town Committee Wednesday night.

They dont want ICE in their town. This is one way of hopefully keeping them out of town.

 Jo-Ann Putnam, Wells Police Chief

They dont want ICE in their town, Putnam said of attendees after the meeting. This is one way of hopefully keeping them out of town.

Duddy and Dearman Mills told Maine Morning Star that the meeting did not change their opposition and that they will continue to push for the contract to be terminated. More immediately, theyre requesting at minimum a 90-day pause, which they said would afford time to clarify the work Wells Police will engage in through the agreement.

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Also to evaluate where the national picture is in 90 days, Duddy said, because this is not in isolation from that.

Chair of the Wells Select Board John MacLeod III did not respond to a request for comment about the community members requests.

Putnam said shes having meetings with various groups  places of worship, the local Chamber of Commerce, businesses who employ immigrants on work visas  to answer questions about the ICE agreement but said shes not reconsidering it in light of pushback from some community members. Everyone is entitled to their own opinions, she said.

Immigration enforcement in Maine

Data posted on the ICE website listed the Monmouth Winthrop Police Department, a combination of departments that serve central Maine communities, with a pending application earlier this month but ICE has since removed the department from that list and also does not indicate an agreement has been signed. ICE, Monmouth Winthrop Police Chief Paul Ferland and Lieutenant Dana Wessling did not respond to requests for comment regarding whether the application was terminated and why.

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Such agreements could face legal hurdles as Democrats in the Maine Legislature proposed legislation to prohibit state and local law enforcement agencies or officers from entering into contracts with federal immigration enforcement authorities. The bill has yet to have a public hearing.

For the Trump administration to carry out its mass deportation agenda  which is broadly and indiscriminately targeting immigrant communities  it needs the resources and assistance of local law enforcement, said Lisa Parisio, policy director for the Immigrant Legal Advocacy Project, Maines only state-wide immigration legal services organization. While the Constitution protects the states from being forced to hand over their resources to the federal government for reasons like this, local law enforcement can voluntarily hand over their public safety resources and local taxpayer dollars for federal immigration enforcement. One of the ways the administration is trying to get local law enforcement resources is through expanding the use of 287(g) programs.

Aside from 287(g) agreements, an uptick in immigration detentions have revealed increased federal operations in Maine. Cumberland County Jail in Portland had 122 people detained under ICE orders last month, according to data Maine Morning Star obtained through a Freedom of Access Act request.

According to attorneys, while some of these people were arrested in the state, the majority appear to be transferred from other states and are quickly transferred out too, signaling that federal authorities are using Maine as a tool in its mass deportation goal.

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Its crucial for Maines people to know how their public officials may be supporting federal immigration enforcement, which often violates peoples constitutional rights, ACLU of Maine Staff Attorney Anahita Sotoohi said in a statement on Thursday, after the organization filed information requests seeking a more comprehensive picture of local law enforcement cooperation with federal immigration authorities.

Abuses of power and attacks on due process threaten all people, regardless of immigration status, Sotoohi said. When due process is undermined for some, all people are at risk as power is consolidated and our system of checks and balances is dismantled.

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NORTH HAVEN, Conn. (WTNH)  Less than a day after a deadly stabbing in North Haven, the community shared their thoughts as 40-year-old David Pagan, a man accused of killing a 77-year-old man on Tuesday, appeared in court on Wednesday.

Pagans bond was set at $2 million.

Pagan was charged with murder and first-degree assault after the incident which was described by police as an isolated event between family members.

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Police said they found the 77-year-old man without a pulse after receiving a call from a man claiming his brother had stabbed him in the wrist. The 77-year-old man had multiple stab wounds, including one to the neck.

15-year-old fatally shot in New Haven

Police said Pagan attempted to flee the scene, throwing the alleged weapon in the front yard.

One neighbor recalled the events of Tuesday night.

I was in my living room watching tv next thing I know four cop cars flew down the street with their lights on, said Tom, who did not disclose his last name.  guy on the ground with the k9 barking they immediately put him in handcuffs and removed him from the scene.

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Pleasant Drive is thought to be a peaceful street in North Haven.

Im very shocked its a quiet neighborhood, said Carely Rojas, a neighbor. You dont hear people arguing you dont hear any of that so its surprising really really surprising.

Police said Pagan told officers he was trying to go after his brother when his father got in the way after his arrest.

The brother was released from the hospital on Tuesday night.

Pagans attorney said that Pagan was a member of the Army National Guard between 2003 and 2007 and was honorably discharged. He is currently unemployed.

Pagan will appear in court again on May 7.

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ELKINS, W.Va. (WBOY)  Beanders Restaurant and Tavern hosted a Community Table event in Elkins Wednesday evening, inviting residents to come together and share a meal with fellow community members.

Inspired by the classic folktale Stone Soup, the evening was all about bringing folks from every corner of the community together to share not only soup and bread, but laughter, stories, and maybe even a few new friendships. One long communal table stretched along Davis Avenue between Third and Fourth Streets, allowing community members to connect with one another while enjoying their soups and bread.

I think everybody has had some hard times lately. We are all feeling financial strain and so for them to come out just shows their generosity and their big heart. But also, for the community, come and just be able to enjoy a free night on the town. So, I think that we just need to come together, we need to forget about all the differences that were feeling, and every now and then we just need to celebrate being good neighbors and good friends, the General Manager of Beanders Restaurant and Tavern, Desire Watson, said.

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Heros Haven Child Advocacy Center receives more than $100,000 donation

More than 20 businesses partnered with the event as a way to give back and show their support to the members of the community.

In the story Stone Soup, the soldiers are cold, and they dont have anything to eat. They are literally making soup out of stones, and then somebody gives them a carrot, and somebody gives them an onion, and somebody gives them a stalk of celery. And the next thing you know they have a huge pot of soup. And its so big that it will feed the whole town. So, then they offer it back to the town, Watson added.

Watson also said that the community members spend their hard-earned dollars at the local businesses, and this event provides an outlet for the local businesses to say thank you.

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PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN)  A controversy in St. Helens City Hall is on its way to the Oregon Department of Justice.

The Columbia County Sheriffs Office confirmed its office received a complaint requesting investigation and prosecution of the St. Helens Mayor in early April.

The complaint obtained by KOIN 6 News accuses Mayor Jennifer Massey of corruption and alleges she colluded with ex-Police Chief Brian Greenway to get rid of 24-hour police coverage in an attempt to aid her mayoral race campaign.

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After conducting an assessment of the complaint, myself and the District Attorney have determined that an external perspective is necessary to ensure an unbiased evaluation, Sheriff Brian Pixley said in a statement. As such, we have referred the entire case to the Oregon Department of Justice for their independent and impartial review.

The move by Columbia County officials comes less than a month after Acting Police Chief Joseph Hogue filed a $500,000 whistleblower lawsuit against the City and Mayor Massey.

Standoff suspct found, SERT activated

Hogues lawsuit claims, In October 2024, then Lieutenant Hogue, a 26-year veteran of SHPD, reported his supervisor Chief Brian Greenway for  creating a hostile work environment, withholding mutual aid from citizens and neighboring agencies, endangering officer safety, fraud, and colluding with Defendant Massey, then candidate for mayor, to withhold 24-hour police patrol coverage to influence the mayoral election.

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Massey, who ran on the issue of increasing public safety, won the Mayoral race against incumbent Rick Scholl in November.

Using public records, KOIN 6 news was able to put together a timeline regarding the issue of the Citys 24-hour police coverage:

On August 26, 2024, the St. Helens Police Association endorsed Jennifer Massey for mayor.

Later that day, Massey responded to the endorsement, writing in a post to social media, The current mayor has rightly received a vote of no confidence from the police association due to a lack of fulfilling promises, an absence of a clear staffing plan, misplaced priorities, and other serious shortcomings. As a result, starting in October, the City of St. Helens will no longer have 24-hour police coverage, which is a critical failure of leadership

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On September 4, 2024, Massey provided public testimony to City Council, saying, We know its coming, we know that 24-hour coverage is going away. Why are we not communicating with the citizens? Massey added, Are we going to lose 24-hour coverage come October? Dont have rumors, be clear and be transparent with the people.

Former mayor Rick Scholl told KOIN 6, at the time Masseys comments came as a complete surprise.

I dont know how she gets all this information about our police before we would. It was just shocking to me, I was like, what? This is the first Ive heard of this.

Scholl said his office raised the police budget from $2.4 million when he started as mayor to $6 million when he left office. He also said an audit found St. Helens Police had more officers than other comparable cities.

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They put this community in jeopardy with no 24-hour service to make a statement against me and John Walsh that we werent funding the police, he said. The [Jim Band investigation into Greenway] report says they wanted me unelected and the City Administrator fired, that was the objective.

On October 1, 2024, St. Helens Police suspended 24-hour coverage, as Massey predicted. The suspension was confirmed by former Chief Greenway in a TV interview the next day.

According to Hogues complaint, on October 7, 2024, Hogue was named Acting Police Chief after Greenway was placed on administrative leave. Twenty-four-hour police coverage was restored shortly after.

I talked to Jen about it, because I was like, Why are we having 24-hour coverage all of a sudden in such a short span? said Jennifer Gilbert, who said she helped with Masseys campaign. I said, you better not have done this.

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OLCC breaks ground on 347,000-square-foot warehouse

Gilbert told KOIN 6 News the loss of the coverage was a major part of Masseys campaign.

Recalling a text thread between the pair from October, Gilbert read, She [Massey] said to me, The issue is youre trying to over complicate the schedule. The fact we have allegedly 24-hour coverage now its all optics, its a political ploy.

To which I replied, So, this other person wasnt confused either? and she said, No, we totally conspired on that text, its the same email he sent to the interim chief.

I thought that she had the public, and the police specifically, in her best interest. So, to hear that she was actually working against some members, and that this really seemed to be all for her race to get her elected, I felt betrayed. I was upset, and my name was behind her so, I took it very personally, she said.

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In response to KOIN 6s request for comment on the text messages and complaint, City Administrator John Walsh wrote, Due to ongoing litigation, the City cannot comment at this time. When appropriate and upon advice from legal counsel, the City will provide information to the media and public.

As the City remains tied up in litigation, Gilbert said she hopes the complaint going to the DOJ may provide some answers.

If we go through a court of law, and she did do this, I think she should be removed from office. This was a terrible thing to do, and I think she should be replaced with somebody ethical.

Jenny Hansson, communications director with the Office of Attorney General Dan Rayfield, confirmed the Oregon Department of Justice received the referral on April 8 but declined to comment further.

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Supporters of the SAVE Act argue that the measure will help prevent voter fraud by requiring new voters to provide documents to prove their citizenship.

However, some experts disagree, stating that this bill will create obstacles for legal voters.

This will suppress votes, said Chris Bonneau, a Political Science Professor at the University of Pittsburgh.

Last week, the U.S. House passed the Safeguard American Voter Eligibility Act, known as the SAVE Act. This proposed legislation would require voters to register in person and show proof of U.S. citizenship, such as a passport or birth certificate. Experts argue that this bill is likely to create barriers for eligible citizens.

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According to the bill, the only accepted forms of citizenship are:

A REAL ID that indicates the applicant is a citizen.

A valid U.S. passport.

A military ID card with a military record of service that lists the applicants birthplace as being in the U.S.

A valid government-issued photo ID that shows the applicants birthplace in the U.S.

A valid government-issued photo ID presented alongside a certified birth certificate showing the birthplace in the U.S.

The Center for American Progress estimates that approximately 146 million American citizens do not own a passport. The cost of obtaining a passport ranges from $130 to $250.

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This is not just any identification; this is a very specific and restrictive form of identification that many Americans do not have, Bonneau said.

Additionally, an estimated 69 million married women who have changed their last names will face hurdles, as the name on their birth certificate may not match the name they use to vote. The SAVE Acts requirement for in-person registration would eliminate online voter registration, forcing approximately 60 million rural residents to travel significant distances to become eligible to vote.

Supporters of the bill argue that it will ensure non-citizens do not vote in American elections. However, critics, like local Congresswoman Summer Lee, who voted against the bill, contend that it would effectively disenfranchise thousands of Pennsylvania voters.

Statistically, there is a very small, if not negligible, amount of fraud in our voting system. When it does occur, it is usually caught, but Republicans continue to create this non-issue to pass legislation like this, Lee said.

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The bill has been sent to the Senate for a vote, but Democrats have already vowed to block it.

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Concord Police are investigating a Facebook Marketplace meetup that went south this week, after the seller of an item allegedly pointed a gun at the buyer and threatened to shoot him.

Concord Police say just before 12:30 p.m on Monday officers were dispatched to the area of Fort Eddy Road to investigate a report of criminal threatening.

According to police, a man reported he responded to a Facebook Marketplace ad and had arranged to meet an unknown person in a business parking lot on Fort Eddy Rd. to buy an Apple iPhone.

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The man indicated that, during the transaction, the seller of the item pointed a firearm at him and threatened to shoot him after he asked for his money back, police said.

The incident occurred in the parking lot in front of a Petco store at 35 Fort Eddy Road. Police said the seller was operating a white vehicle, similar in shape and size to an Infinti Q50, with tinted windows and an unknown Massachusetts license plate.

Concord Police are asking for assistance from the public, specifically possible witnesses to the incident, in investigating the incident. Anyone with information relating to the investigation are asked to contact Detective Carter of the Concord Police Department at 603-225-8600.

Anyone with information relative to this incident and wishes to remain anonymous can call the Concord Regional Crimeline at 603-226-3100, or submit information online through the Crimeline website at: www.concordregionalcrimeline.com, or text message TIP234 and your message to CRIMES (274637).

Crimeline awards cash to anyone whose information leads to the arrest and indictment of criminals. All tips remain anonymous.
LAFAYETTE, La. (KLFY)  When it comes to education in Louisiana, U.S. Rep Cleo Fields (D-Baton Rouge) is making it a priority to address the states issues. Earlier this week, He stopped in Lafayette to hold a town hall meeting where residents asked questions and let their concerns be heard.

One of the things Fields discussed was the need for educators and how he plans to address it.

Congressman Cleo Fields continues district tour in Lafayette

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We are losing teachers on a day-to-day basis, Fields said.

Representing Louisianas 6th Congressional District, Fields says education has always been important to him. He says when he graduated from Southern University, the Department of Education was the largest department on campus. However, in recent years, he says thats changed.

I went there two or three years ago and only two students graduated in the Department of Education, he said.

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Describing the Department of Education as an endangered species, Fields says for lack of better terms, educators are not being valued.

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We as legislators need to take this seriously, said Fields. Our kids are not majoring in education because they dont feel we value educators.

Fields says one of the ways he plans on addressing the issues the state faces when it comes to a shortage of educators is by introducing a bill.

Im going to be introducing a bill right after the Easter break to forgive student loans for those people who major in education, said Fields.

He says this is a way he believes he can help incentivized majoring in education as a start to addressing not only the shortage of educators, but also other issues the state faces.

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I just started an education caucus in Congress, and anything I can do to zero in on education, Im going to do it, he said.

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ROANOKE COUNTY, Va. (WFXR)  Rep. Morgan Griffith toured the TMEIC facility in Roanoke on Tuesday.

TMEIC is a Japanese corporation, but TMEIC Corporation Americas was previously headquartered in Roanoke. It recently shifted HQ to Houston, Texas, however TMEIC representatives said Tuesday they didnt lose any jobs in Roanoke.

Griffith highlighted the 300 new jobs introduced in Texas.

They just reshored 300 jobs, wed rather have them here than in Houston but at least theyre in the United States, he said. In large measure, we want to bring as many of these manufacturing jobs back to the United States. We will get some of those in Virginia.

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TMEIC says their Roanoke office will continue to design, develop, and engineer advanced automation systems, large a-c motors, and drive systems for industrial sectors around the world.

Griffith made a few stops while in the Roanoke area.

WFXR asked if he had plans to host a town hall. Protesters have repeatedly shown up at his offices in recent weeks, voicing opposition to his support for the Trump Administration and making plain their worries about federal cuts.

I have been to several of the offices, in fact I met with constituents today, he said. We do townhalls regularly, but we do tele-town halls. There are a number of people clamoring that we do live, in-person town halls. I would submit to you that Ive been doing this a number of years, and we have found that the tele-town halls are much more effective. Theyre much more cost effective, I get to talk to more people, there are more people on the calls who can hear whats going on in DC.

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SEABROOK, Md. (DC News Now)  Cuts to the Social Security Administration are already impacting citizens across the country, including Maryland.

Congressman Glenn Ivey held a press conference Wednesday in front of the Seabrook Social Security Office, warning of the impending impact of this change.

Montgomery County police crack down on speeding, distracted driving along MD 355

Offices like this, the staff cuts are undermining the ability to do the job right, said Ivey. To provide the people with the services that they earned and deserve.

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Ivey invited multiple groups impacted by these changes, including people who benefit from social security, such as resident Deborah Williams.

I was a probationary employee. I had one month of service, and I was terminated. After one month, reinstated and terminated again said Williams. I need it for rent because I still do not have a stable place to live, and I have other bills that need to be paid as well. This is a very vital source to me, get this back in action.

Ivey said that if the cuts keep continuing, many more Americans will be impacted.

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BAKU, Azerbaijan, April 17. US and Ukrainewill sign an agreement on Ukrainian mineral resources on April 24, US President Donald Trump said, Trend reports.

In response to a reporter's question about the deal being concluded this week, he said the mineral deal would be concluded next Thursday.

"And I assume theyre going to live up to the deal," Trump added.
WHATELY, Mass. (WWLP)  Congressman Jim McGovern visited seniors at the Whately Town Hall Wednesday, addressing their concerns for the current state of the country.

Massachusetts sees first drop in emergency shelter cases since 2023

Congressman McGoverns visit provided a chance for these seniors voices to be heard. Seniors packed Whately Town Hall to express their worries about the future of issues like health care and social security with Congressman Jim McGovern. Under President Donald Trumps second term, the Social Security Administration has faced controversy, including a lawsuit over Trumps decision to allow DOGE to access Social Security numbers.

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Local resident Jane Brown told 22News, Im concerned about what Doge has done with all the data that theyve gone in and just wholly collected and what that means for us for Social Security.

Theres also worry about thousands of more jobs at the Social Security Administration being slashed. Many seniors say they are worried about their financial security as these changes could potentially negatively impact their retirement plans.

Congressman McGovern says he is going to do everything he can to make sure seniors dont lose their access. He is also working to make sure seniors have adequate housing and programs like Medicaid and Medicare are not cut.

We are fighting against a budget that will be coming up in a couple of weeks that will formalize these cuts. If we get four Republicans, we can stop them, states McGovern. According to the congressman, this will prevent the loss of an estimated trillion dollars from Medicaid and $230 billion from SNAP, as well as money for veterans and environmental protection.

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And in these uncertain times, residents say this forum gave them a glimmer of hope as it helps bridge the gap between western Massachusetts and Washington.

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WWLP-22News, an NBC affiliate, began broadcasting in March 1953 to provide local news, network, syndicated, and local programming to western Massachusetts. Watch the 22News Digital Edition weekdays at 4 p.m. on WWLP.com.

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Three congressmen from the House Committee on Energy and Commerce are raising concerns over data privacy weeks after the genetic testing company 23andMe filed for bankruptcy, putting millions of customers personal information up for sale.

The Republican representatives  Brett Guthrie from Kentucky, Gus Bilirakis from Florida and Gary Palmer from Alaska  sent a letter to 23andMe interim Chief Executive Joe Selsavage on Thursday requesting answers to several questions by May 1.

The questions revolve around the fate of 23andMes genetic database, which includes DNA information from more than 15 million people. The congressmen asked the company how it would protect the data in an event of a sale and how it would vet potential buyers.

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Read more: 'People should be worried': 23andMe bankruptcy could expose customers' genetic data

The company did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

23andMe declared Chapter 11 bankruptcy in March and received authorization from the U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the Eastern District of Missouri to sell substantially all its assets. The company, founded in 2006 and once valued at $6 billion , popularized at-home DNA test kits and spurred a trend of ancestry hunting and amateur criminal investigations.

But the venture failed to establish a sustainable business model, and as it struggles to stay afloat, experts, customers and government officials are worried genetic information could fall into the wrong hands .

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Given the lack of HIPAA protections, the patchwork of state laws covering genetic privacy, and the uncertainty surrounding what happens to customer information should a sale of the company or customer data and information transpire, we are concerned that this trove of sensitive information is at risk of being compromised, the Energy and Commerce letter said.

Though any buyer of 23andMe must agree to comply with the companys privacy policy, that policy can be unilaterally changed at any time, according to Sara Geoghegan, senior counsel at the Electronic Privacy Information Center.

I would be very concerned if I had given a swab to 23andMe, Geoghegan said. There is little we can do to control what happens to it.

Read more: 23andMe shares tumble after bankruptcy filing and California attorney general's privacy warning

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The bankruptcy filing prompted California Atty. Gen. Rob Bonta to issue a consumer alert urging customers to delete the data they had provided to the company.

Given 23andMes reported financial distress, I remind Californians to consider invoking their rights and destroy any samples of genetic material held by the company, Bonta wrote.

The 23andMe website crashed following the warning as customers rushed to log in, the Wall Street Journal reported . Thursdays letter raised the issue, noting that customers are experiencing issues accessing and deleting their data.

Guthrie, Bilirakis and Palmer are the latest government officials to voice concern over the situation. The House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform and the Federal Trade Commission have also sent letters to 23andMe recently inquiring about data protection.

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23andMe issued an open letter to customers in late March assuring them that their data would remain protected in the event of a sale.

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This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times.
AUSTIN (Nexstar)  A Republican member of the Texas House of Representatives explained to his constituents in a comment on a Facebook post that he voted to approve Senate Bill 2, the school choice bill, because all of his bills and appropriations were at risk, echoing allegations made against the Governor Wednesday night.

The bill would create a $1 billion program where families could apply to use taxpayer money to help pay for private school tuition and school supplies.

Early Wednesday morning, after hours of debate, State Rep. Jeff Barry, R-Pearland, posted his official statement on the passage of the education savings account legislation.

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While I have had serious reservations about any form of ESA proposal, I fought to make the legislation better for our students by working closely with House Public Education Committee Chairman Brad Buckley and committee members, House colleagues, and our school districts to develop provisions that would improve this proposal, Barry said in the statement.

He posted it to his Facebook page and received more than 130 comments from constituents, most of them negative about his yes vote. One Facebook user, Maritza Wong, wrote in a comment, Just Wednesday morning, your staff said you were a firm no on vouchers.

Barrys account responded to that comment, saying, The bill was passing regardless of my vote. If I voted against it, I would have had every statewide and national political Al figure against me. Not to mention all of my bills vetoed. The consequences were dire, with no upside at all. I understand your frustration, and I am disappointed in the outcome as well. If I would have voted against this, all of my bills and appropriations were at risk. We have some great things we have already done for the district.

Nexstar has reached out to Barrys office for a comment and is waiting to hear back.

This was still the peoples House, not the governors House

The comments made in the Facebook post echo the allegations made against Governor Greg Abbott during the House floor debate. State Rep. James Talarico, D-Austin, proposed an amendment to call for a referendum, allowing Texas voters to decide in a statewide vote if they wanted an ESA program.

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In his layout of the amendment, Talarico alleged Gov. Abbott was threatening Republican lawmakers by telling them he would veto all of their bills and threatened to make their primaries a blood bath.

The last time I checked, this was still the peoples House, not the Governors House, Talarico said to his House colleagues. State Rep. Mitch Little, R  Lewisville, questioned which of his Republican colleagues had been threatened, but Talarico would not provide any names.

Gov. Abbotts Press Office posted a response to those allegations on its official X account, calling Talarico two-faced. He lied about the school choice program and the Governor, the post said. A spokesperson in the Governors Office said the governor spoke with members and encouraged them to vote for school choice legislation.

The referendum was eventually tabled by the House, along with 42 other amendments that were offered by House Democrats during debate.

President Trump weighs in before school choice vote

Gov. Abbott met with the House Republican Caucus before Wednesdays vote. During that meeting, President Donald Trump called in to the meeting and was put on speaker for all of the members to hear.

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According to a portion of that call posted on social media, President Trump could be heard saying school choice is a top priority for the Republican Party.

The President posted on Truth Social following the passage of SB 2. This is a gigantic Victory for students and parents in the Great State of Texas! We will very soon be sending Education BACK TO ALL THE STATES, where it belongs, the post read.

Gov. Abbotts efforts to pass school choice

In 2023, school choice legislation could not get passed the House of Representatives after 21 Republican members joined Democrats in opposition.

Following that defeat, Gov. Abbott campaigned against the members in his own party, spending millions on their primary opponents.

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There were only two Republican members who voted against SB 2 on Wednesday night. That included former Speaker of the House Dade Phelan, R-Beaumont, and State Rep. Gary VanDeaver, R-New Boston, who also voted against school choice in the past.

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EL PASO, Texas (KTSM)  A 31-year-old man was arrested on Thursday, April 17, in East El Paso for multiple active criminal warrants, including money laundering, according to the El Paso County Constables Office for Precinct 3.

David King Paiz, 31, was arrested on three charges of money laundering, one charge of bingo regulations and one charge of engaging in organized criminal activity that totaled up to a $100,000 bond, according to the Constables Office.

In addition, Paiz was also charged with assault family violence with a $10,000 bond, according to the Constables Office.

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According to the Constables Office, Paiz was located at the 10800 block of Saigon Drive and was served with the warrants. He was then taken into custody without further incident and booked into the El Paso County Jail.

Paiz was originally arrested last year by the Texas Office of the Attorney General, the Constables Office said.

According to the Constables Office, Paiz was accused of running an illegal bingo operation through Facebook.

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Sen. Chuck Grassley was grilled over the mistaken deportation of Kilmar Abrego Garcia and President Trumps tariffs at a contentious Iowa town hall.

Do your job, senator, one audience member told Grassley.

Trumps not obeying the Supreme Court, another constituent chimed in.

The 91-year-old Republican lawmaker told scores of angry constituents Tuesday in the town of Fort Madison that there is little Congress can do to get Garcia back from El Salvador, despite a Supreme Court ruling to facilitate his return and release from a notorious megaprison in his homeland.

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El Salvador is an independent country, Grassley responded. The president of that country is not subject to our U.S. Supreme Court.

Grassley dodged a question about whether he was proud of Trump. Theres no president I have agreed with 100% of the time, he said.

He was noncommittal when asked about Trumps plan for massive new tariffs on imports from China and a 10% tax on virtually all foreign-made products. He noted that a trade war will likely result in retaliatory tariffs on American agricultural exports like corn, which is the backbone of Iowas economy.

When you put something negative like a tariff on some country, they seem to retaliate against agricultural issues, Grassley said.

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The oldest member of Congress is one of a handful of Republicans who is going ahead with in-person town halls after the partys campaign leaders advised them to avoid being confronted by angry constituents.

Several previous town halls gave a platform to politically damaging attacks on GOP lawmakers over Trumps policies and especially the harsh cuts in government agencies engineered by billionaire first buddy Elon Musk.

Even critics of Grassley praised him for having the courage to appear at the meeting, part of his tour of all 99 Iowa counties.

There was no law enforcement involvement at the meeting, in contrast to the stormy town hall held Tuesday night by Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene, R-Ga., in which police used tasers to subdue and remove two hecklers.

_____
It would seem a daunting task  even a fools errand  to try and take down the academic reputation of Harvard University.

The nations oldest, richest, and arguably most prestigious college can claim more than 160 Nobel prize winners connected with the institution.

But none of that seems to phase President Donald Trump. After calling Harvard a joke earlier this week that teaches hate and stupidity, Trump stepped up his campaign against the university in a way that could really hurt  proposing to end its tax-exempt status and its ability to accept international students.

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Democratic political figures in Massachusetts are furious.

This is what is so stupid, said Governor Maura Healey at the groundbreaking for a new youth center in Dorchester. Weve got a hundred thousand foreign students coming to Massachusetts to study, to do research. They win Nobel prizes, they start our companies, theyve grown our economy.

Healey said Trump isnt putting America first by putting Harvard last.

Theres a reason Massachusetts is number one in innovation and education, she said. In part its because we attract talent from all over the world. Right now, because of what Donald Trump is doing, China is looking to hire our researchers and scientists  and not just our foreign students and postdocs. But all of our faculty members, all of our researchers.

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Harvard drew the ire of the White House earlier this week when it refused to accept contingencies on federal grants and contracts set to come its way  because, in part, the university said they would infringe on academic freedom.

The administration attached strings to an overall complaint that Harvard isnt doing enough to battle antisemitism on campus. Harvard denies that.

Students, faculty and members of the Harvard University community rally, Thursday, April 17, 2025, in Cambridge, Mass. (AP Photo)

But in response, Trump rescinded more than two billion dollars in funding to Harvard. Healey said this is directly hurting vulnerable Americans.

Because of what Donald Trump is doing, clinical trials have been shut down in our teaching hospitals, in our research institutions, she said. Im talking about clinical trials and studies that are on right now to find the cure for cancer, for ALS, for Alzheimers. Its a shame and were giving it all away to China. Thats not America first.

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Massachusetts federal lawmakers said while they are proud of Harvards stand against the Trump White House, it may not be enough.

He has no right to threaten Harvard University, U.S. Sen. Edward Markey said. He will not win this battle. They are standing up for their academic independence and President Trump is absolutely constitutionally wrong in trying to undermine the funding for that university.

Theyve got a record of 388 years of fighting for academic freedom, said U.S. Rep. Stephen Lynch. We cant back down on this  this goes to the very heart of our democracy. It is gestapo-like trying to take over what is taught at our leading universities.

We are not in a constitutional crisis yet, added Markey. But we will be if the Supreme Court does not rule in favor of Harvard University and all these immigrants being whisked off the streets. We need the Supreme Court to strike down this authoritarian dictatorial power which Donald Trump is trying to aggregate into the Oval Office.

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U.S. Rep. Yassamin Ansari, D-Phoenix, speaks to an estimated 3,000 people who gathered at the Arizona Capitol on April 5, 2025, to protest President Donald Trump and his administration. The protest was one of more than 1,300 across the nation aimed at galvanizing people against Trump, who has sought to expand executive power to enact sweeping changes to the federal government and the fabric of America. Photo by Jerod MacDonald-Evoy | Arizona Mirror

Democratic U.S. Rep. Yassamin Ansari announced Wednesday that she is planning to travel to an El Salvador megaprison to attempt to visit a Maryland man who was wrongfully deported to that country, but who the Trump administration refuses to help return to America.

Kilmar Abrego Garcia should be home in Maryland right now, Ansari said in a press release announcing her intentions to try to visit Abrego Garcia. His illegal abduction and the subsequent complete dismissal of the Supreme Court ruling is deeply disturbing. Our rights shouldnt be revoked to propagate Trumps authoritarian agenda. This is a constitutional crisis.

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Abrego Garcias case has sparked international controversy and a legal challenge seeking his return. The Trump administration has acknowledged that he was mistakenly sent to a maximum security prison in El Salvador  a judge years ago ruled that he could not be deported  with no due process, and the U.S. Supreme Court ruled unanimously last week that Abrego Garcia should be returned.

But President Donald Trump has said he wont seek for Abrego Garcias return and El Salvador President Nayib Bukele, whose government is being paid $6 million to house American deportees, said he wouldnt comply even if Trump asked.

Ansaris announcement came hours after Maryland Democratic U.S. Sen. Chris Van Hollen traveled to El Salvador to meet with Abrego Garcia, but was denied entry to the notorious Centro de Confinamiento del Terrorismo prison, or CECOT.

Van Hollen met with El Salvador Vice President Felix Ulloa and said his requests for contact with Abrego Garcia were rebuffed.

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Other federal officials have had no problem accessing the facility, which has been at the subject of multiple allegations of human rights abuses, including Republican congressmen and members of the Trump administration.

The Trump administration itself has admitted that Abrego Garcias deportation was an error and the judge in the case has indicated that she is now considering contempt proceedings against the administration for failing to facilitate his return.

If this can happen to Mr. Garcia, it can happen to any of us, Ansari said. My parents fled an authoritarian regime in Iran where people disappeared  I refuse to sit back and watch it happen here too.

In an interview with BBC, Ansari said that the House Oversight Committee is looking to send an official delegation to El Salvador and wants to see more of her colleagues visit the prison and put pressure on the administration to bring more transparency to the process.

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Is the U.S. facing a constitutional crisis? The answer, unequivocally and emphatically, is yes. But it also could get much worse.

In less than 100 days, President Trump has taken an astounding array of unconstitutional actions to consolidate power and to stifle dissent. He has asserted the ability to eliminate federal agencies created by statute and to refuse to spend federal funds allocated by federal law. He has claimed the power to fire anyone who works in the executive branch, notwithstanding federal laws limiting removal. He has attempted to override the Constitution by eliminating birthright citizenship. He has withheld money from universities without following procedures mandated by law and without legal justification. He has violated the 1st amendment by revoking visas solely because of the views the visa holders expressed.

Read more: Calmes: The case that proves the U.S., under Trump, no longer stands for rule of law

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These illegal acts dont just harm the individuals on the receiving end; they harm us all. Significant layoffs in the Social Security Administration will mean many people who are eligible for benefits wont get them, at least not in a timely manner. Cutting off funds for international aid will cause people in other countries to die from lack of medical care and food. Cuts in medical, scientific and university research will reverberate for years, with devastating consequences for basic science, innovation and finding cures for diseases.

But of all Trumps illegal executive orders and other actions, none is more inimical to our Constitution and the republic than its claim that it has the power to put human beings in a maximum-security prison in El Salvador with no court in the United States having the power to provide recourse. The president has clearly said this could include U.S. citizens and not just the immigrants he has subjected to extrajudicial disappearance so far.

Read more: Contributor: Mahmoud Khalil's pro-Palestinian comments are protected speech, not grounds for deportation

To be clear, the government has no authority to put anyone, noncitizens or citizens, in a maximum-security prison in El Salvador. And it has no authority to imprison anyone period, or to deport them, without due process. The federal courts must have the power to stop illegal incarceration and to ensure the return of anyone illegally imprisoned in order that due process can occur. Otherwise, we exist under a dictatorship, not a democracy under the rule of law.

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That is why two matters now pending in the federal courts are so important. It is not hyperbole to say that the future of our constitutional democracy may turn on these cases.

One involves the Alien Enemies Act of 1798, which the administration has invoked to send alleged members of a Venezuelan gang to a maximum-security prison in El Salvador. This is blatantly illegal. The Alien Enemies Act allows the government to deport males over the age of 14 from an enemy nation when the United States is in a declared war or there is an imminent military invasion. It has been invoked just three times since it was passed in the 18th century: during the War of 1812, World War I and World War II. It has no application to todays situation, and even if it did, it does not authorize incarceration in a foreign prison.

Read more: Contributor: Will the Supreme Court check Trump's unconstitutional acts? It may come down to one justice

On the day this began, Judge James Boasberg, of the U. S. District Court for the District of Columbia, held an emergency hearing and told the administration to pause the removals and ordered the return of the deportation flights back to the United States. The government did not follow the order. This week, Boasberg indicated that the government was likely in contempt of court, that the governments refusal to halt the flights demonstrated willful disregard of the court sufficient that there was probable cause to find the Government in criminal contempt. This follows from many Supreme Court decisions that the rule of law requires that court orders be complied with until and unless they are vacated or overturned on appeal. It is unclear as to whether this contempt finding will have any effect.

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The other matter now pending in the courts involves Kilmar Abrego Garcia, a lawful resident of the United States, whom a government attorney admitted to the court was apprehended by mistake and wrongfully included in the shipment of supposed gang-member immigrants to the El Salvador prison.

Read more: Calmes: What Hannah Arendt saw in Hitler's Germany, we can see in Trump's America

The federal district court in Maryland ordered the government to facilitate and effectuate his return to the United States. The government refused and appealed to the Supreme Court. On April 10, the justices sent the case back to the district court saying the lower court had the authority to require the government to facilitate Abrego Garcias release from custody in El Salvador, but they also said it was unclear whether the district court has the power to effectuate this.

The Trump administration has used the ambiguity in the courts order to justify doing nothing for Abrego Garcia and nothing to remedy its own error and illegal actions.

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Anyone who studies the law or high school civics understands that the Trump administration cannot be right in its treatment of Abrego Garcia or in its position that the courts can have no say in the matter. As Justice Sonia Sotomayor wrote in her dissent in the case involving the Venezuelans, the history of lawless regimes that deny due process is well known, but this nations system of law is designed to prevent, not enable, their rise.

Until now, I did not appreciate how much our constitutional democracy depends on the good faith of those who govern us to comply with the law, including court orders. Are there sufficient guardrails to protect us when an administration will not comply? Will we continue to be a nation under the rule of law?

We shall see.

Erwin Chemerinsky, a contributing writer to Opinion Voices, is dean of the UC Berkeley School of Law.

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This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times.
In 1805, New York made a deal. State officials granted taxpayer funds and a corporate charter to a private organization known as the Free School Society, which agreed in return to provide a free education to poor children in New York City. Over the next decades, the society became a precursor to modern-day charter school networks that are prominent across California and the nation.

Other 19th century school organizations took notice, including religious ones. From 1825 until 1841, New York officials received similar requests for funding from Baptist, Jewish, Lutheran, Catholic, Presbyterian and Quaker schools. All were denied.

What happened next is remarkable. Not only did none of the religious schools win a lawsuit arguing that the denial of funding violated their constitutional right to free exercise of religion, but none even brought suit. And similar episodes unfolded around the country, in states such as California, Massachusetts, New Jersey and Illinois.

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To many people, this two-centuries-old snapshot may seem quaint or even irrelevant. But to the Supreme Court of the United States, it is everything. Its everything because the current court has deemed history and tradition to be central to the interpretation of our constitutional rights . And in a case to be argued on April 30, this history could determine the outcome of a major dispute that will determine whether billions of taxpayer dollars will be poured into schools that teach their preferred religious doctrines.

The case is Oklahoma Statewide Charter School Board vs. Drummond , and it presents the question whether the Free Exercise Clause of the 1st Amendment compels states with secular charter schools  which is nearly all states  to provide funds to religious charter schools as well. A ruling for religious schools would disrupt the public education system as we know it from California to New York  to say nothing of historic norms of church-state separation.

Given the courts pro-religion majority, some have already portrayed the case as a likely moment of conservative triumph . Maybe so. But the case will also be an originalist moment of truth. That is because the most eye-opening aspect of the religious charter schools legal argument is its utter incompatibility with the originalist approach to constitutional interpretation that the courts conservatives have applied in a slew of recent cases .

The most prominent of these history-focused rulings, of course, is Dobbs vs. Jackson Womens Health Organization, which overturned Roe vs. Wade. In the Dobbs case, a five-justice majority held that history did not support a right to abortion because when states prohibited abortion in the antebellum period, no one  argued that the laws they enacted violated a fundamental right. (One of us has argued elsewhere that Dobbs misrepresents the history of abortion, but that is water under the bridge.)

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If the logic from Dobbs is sound, then the same argument ought to doom the religious charter schools position in Drummond. As we show in a forthcoming paper , episodes like the one involving New Yorks Free School Society were ubiquitous: States in the antebellum period routinely denied funding requests from religious charter schools, and no one  not even the religious schools themselves  argued that these denials violated a state or federal right to free exercise as originally understood.

The absence of any litigation asserting a free exercise right to religious school funding is especially jarring given that religious communities at the time were busy bringing (and winning) other free exercise lawsuits, such as a prominent 1813 case recognizing a right for a Catholic priest to refuse to testify about a confessional. The only conclusion that makes historical sense is that founding-era religious leaders believed that they possessed a robust right to free exercise  but even they understood that it did not extend to the kind of funding claim now advanced in Drummond.

Supporters of religious charter schools may point out, rightly, that there was anti-Catholic animus in the 19th century. But here, too, Dobbs has already rejected their argument: The ruling deemed the taint of misogyny and anti-Catholic bigotry that motivated antebellum abortion bans to be irrelevant because some lawmakers had other motives for banning abortion. Likewise in the religious school funding context. When New York lawmakers denied funds to a Baptist school in 1825, many were motivated by the genuine desire to support the emergent Free School Society.

In the end, we cannot predict whether the courts conservative justices will be faithful to history and tradition in this case. Ultimately, perhaps those justices will care more about advancing a conservative movement goal than the neutral application of interpretive theory.

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What we do know is this: If the court ignores a clear historical record merely because it is inconvenient for a political cause favored by its conservative members, it will move one fateful step closer to losing its public legitimacy. And it will do so at exactly the wrong time  a crucial moment when the court's legitimacy and independence is more important than ever before .

Aaron Tang ( @AaronTangLaw ) is a law professor at the UC Davis School of Law and former clerk to Justice Sonia Sotomayor. Ethan Hutt ( @ehutt1 ) is a professor of education at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.

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This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times.
SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (KELO)  A Sioux Falls man, on probation for killing cats in Brookings, is back behind bars. This time hes accused of killing kittens in Sioux Falls.

We first told you about Cory D. Martinson in 2023, when he was arrested and accused of strangling three cats in Brookings County.

Looking back 55 years to Sioux Falls first Earth Day

He pleaded guilty in February of 2024 and received a suspended sentence, meaning he didnt have to go to prison as long as he stayed out of trouble.

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Five months later, in July of 2024, an affidavit says Martinson violated probation by taking care of a cat and five or six kittens for homeless woman in Sioux Falls.

 when she contacted Martinson to pick up her adult cat and kittens Martinson stated that the mother cat had ate her kittens and that the mother cat then went missing. Affidavit

On July 12th, 2024 the court document says he contacted the Sioux Falls Area Humane Society and said, his cats were in dire need of medical attention.

In the shelters notes it states that Martinson was very angry throughout the entire conversation and that he was yelling, swearing and talking fast. Affidavit

When he was later asked what happened to the cats, Martinson admitted killing four of kittens. The court document says the mother cat and the surviving kitten had such serious injuries that Sioux Falls Animal Control said they had to be put down.

On Wednesday, a Brookings County Judge revoked Martinsons suspended sentence. On Thursday, he was transferred to prison. Thats where he will wait until his next hearing at the Minnehaha County Courthouse.

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The war in Ukraine and Donald Trumps return to the White House are redefining defense policies in northern and eastern Europe. The U.S. presidents threats to ignore his commitments to his allies across the Atlantic have fueled the most in-depth debate on nuclear weapons in Europe in decades. France is willing to put its nuclear arsenal at the service of its partners on the continent; Germany, Poland, Denmark, and Lithuania have all shown some interest in French bombs. At the same time, in another attempt to expand their room for maneuver against the threat from Moscow, all EU countries bordering Russia will withdraw from the landmine treaty to strengthen their capabilities against potential aggression.

More than three years of the Kremlins full-scale invasion of Ukraine have heightened nuclear tensions in Europe. Russia has reformed its doctrine to respond to conventional attacks with its atomic arsenal, part of which has been transferred to Belarus, has threatened to use tactical nuclear weapons in Ukraine, and has placed its militarys deterrent forces on high alert. The recent rapprochement with the United States  which has maintained its nuclear umbrella in Europe for more than 70 years  the reduction in military support for Ukraine, and the contempt with which the Trump administration treats its NATO allies have caused several European capitals to consider alternatives to dependence on the worlds leading power for defense.

We would be safer if we had our own nuclear arsenal, Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk told the Polish parliament in March. His reason was a profound change in American geopolitics. In any case, the road to this would be very long and there would have to be a consensus, Tusk clarified, in a speech that, rather than proposing that Warsaw develop an atomic bomb, seemed to respond to the offer Emmanuel Macron had made two days earlier. The French president proposed a strategic debate on the use of French nuclear deterrence to extend its protection to European allies.

Astrid Chevreuil, a researcher at the Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS), emphasizes that Macrons vaguely concrete offer is not new. The French president, who has repeatedly mentioned the European dimension of Frances vital interests, made a similar announcement in early 2020. Then it fell on deaf ears, because the Covid pandemic broke out immediately afterward, and it was at a time when it was widely expected that Joe Biden would replace Trump in the White House, Chevreuil maintains. This time, with the war in Ukraine and threats from Washington as a backdrop, things have been quite different. Even before Macron spoke, conservative Friedrich Merz, who will become German chancellor in May, called during the final stretch of the election campaign for the start of talks with France and the United Kingdom on how to complement the American nuclear shield.

Denmark, Lithuania, and Latvia also welcomed Macrons proposal. Its not something were working on, but right now we need all options to be on the table, said Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen. Lithuanian President Gitanas Nauseda praised a very interesting idea that offers great prospects. And Latvian Prime Minister Evika Silina called it an opportunity worth discussing.

Since NATOs founding in 1949, the Alliances nuclear deterrent has fallen to the United States. Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, Belgium, and Turkey host U.S. nuclear weapons. The Trump administration has not specifically threatened to withdraw its nuclear warheads from Europe, but it has threatened to significantly reduce the number of U.S. troops stationed on the continent and to renege on its commitment to defend its NATO allies in the event of aggression.

A complex and obstacle-filled process

Replacing the U.S. nuclear shield with a French  or Franco-British  one would be a complex, costly, and obstacle-ridden process. Atomic weapons from the EUs sole nuclear power can only be launched from French-made aircraft or submarines. And Macron made it clear that the decision to use such weapons has always been, and will always be, up to the President and Commander in Chief of France.

Cedric Perrin, chairman of the French Senates Foreign Affairs and Defense Committee, proposed that European allies interested in expanding Frances nuclear deterrent contribute to the costs of maintaining Frances nuclear arsenal, which in 2024 will exceed 5.8 billion.

Unlike France, the United Kingdoms nuclear forces rely heavily on the United States for weapons design, manufacturing, and maintenance. Furthermore, its nuclear-capable ballistic missiles can only be launched from submarines.

Chevreuil believes that any discussion in Paris  or London  about the possibility of extending its nuclear deterrent will focus on preventing the Trump administration from reacting by withdrawing its forces from the continent. He believes he will face the challenge of appearing credible, both to his allies and to Russia. A transfer of French nuclear weapons would also run into legal obstacles: Paris would have to withdraw from the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty, and in some countries, such as Lithuania, constitutional reform would be necessary to host them.

While nuclear weapons are being debated behind closed doors in several European capitals, all EU members that share a border with Russia are accelerating their plans to withdraw from the Ottawa Treaty, which prohibits the manufacture, use, stockpiling, and transfer of anti-personnel mines. Poland, Lithuania, Latvia, and Estonia announced on March 19 that they will withdraw this year. Finland followed suit two weeks later. On Tuesday, Karlis Neretnieks, a retired general and director of Swedens National Defense College, called on Sweden to also withdraw from the Ottawa Treaty and acquire anti-personnel mines as soon as possible.

Norway, the only NATO member other than the EU that borders Russia, maintains its ban on these types of mines and rejects the measure adopted by its allies. If we start weakening our commitment, we make it easier for these weapons to be used again in conflicts around the world, because we reduce the stigma, declared Barth Eide, the Norwegian Minister of Defense. Amnesty International and Human Rights Watch have also harshly criticized the step taken by Poland, Finland, and the Baltic countries.

Kalev Stoicescu, chairman of the Estonian Parliaments Defense Committee, justified the controversial measure over the phone: If we have to stop invading hordes, as we see them fighting in Ukraine, we will be ready to use these, so to speak, inhumane means. Stoicescu, who was ambassador to the United States and Canada when the convention was signed in 1997 in Ottawa, maintains that Estonia wants to have a free hand to confront the threat posed by Russia and Belarus.

Fear of Moscow led Poland, Finland, and the Baltic countries to become the last EU members to sign the Ottawa Convention. Vilnius, Tallinn, and Riga did so between 2003 and 2005; Helsinki and Warsaw did not ratify it until 2012. In addition to initiating the procedure to lift the ban on anti-personnel mines, Lithuania formally withdrew in March from the Convention on Cluster Munitions, to which Poland, Finland, Estonia, and Latvia never acceded.

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BAY COUNTY, Fla. (WMBB)  The Lynn Haven Police is charging a Cottondale woman for child abuse.

Authorities arrested 55-year old Francis Denise Chambliss on Wednesday, who they described as a former worker at a Lynn Haven daycare.

The alleged child abuse incident happened at the daycare October of last year.

Officials said someone posted about it on social media and word spread. The childs family contacted Lynn Haven Police, who initiated an investigation.

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Chambliss is being held in the Jackson County Jail, until she extradited to Bay County to face the charges.

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LAS VEGAS (KLAS)  The arrest in Mexico of Oswaldo Nate Perez-Sanchez, 27, the man accused of killing his girlfriend in Las Vegas in 2023, sets off a complicated extradition process that has no promises of his return to the United States.

Perez-Sanchez is accused of shooting Tabatha Tozzi, 26, on April 22, 2023, outside a west valley home near Alta Drive and Cimarron Road. She died from her injuries two days later.

Police in Mexico arrested Perez-Sanchez in Sonora, a state in Northern Mexico, on Tuesday as part of an investigation into another womans murder earlier this month, officials said. Perez-Sanchez was going by the name Jorge N, according to local police.

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The 8 News Now Investigators first reported news of Perez-Sanchezs arrest Tuesday evening. Perez-Sanchez is a Mexican citizen, which further complicates his extradition.

A United States treaty with Mexico dictates how the extradition process works. According to federal documents, the treaty calls for criminals arrested in Mexico, should they be convicted in the U.S., not to face the death penalty or a life sentence.

While Nevada has the death penalty, the state has not put a convicted murderer to death since 2006. Judges can sentence convicted murderers to lengthy prison sentences with the possibility of parole.

Because Perez-Sanchez faces a murder-related charge in Mexico, his criminal proceedings involving Tozzis death may fall to the back burner.

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A news release from FGJE Sonora, the police agency that arrested Perez-Sanchez, indicates he faces a charge of femicide  the killing of a woman. The specific charge carries harsher sentences of up to decades in prison. Mexico does not have the death penalty.

Last summer, Mexican police arrested Erick Rangel-Ibarra for the 2020 murder of Lesly Palacio, 22. Over the years, Las Vegas Metro police and the FBI have worked with international partners, including Interpol, to locate Rangel-Ibarra.

The extradition process also includes a defendants right to have a Mexican judge review the U.S.-based case.

Nearly a year since his arrest, Rangel-Ibarra remained in Mexico awaiting extradition to the U.S.

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PITT COUNTY, N.C. (WNCT)  The Pitt County Sheriffs Office arrested two people in connection to an embezzlement scheme on April 15 and 16.

An attorney for Clifton Powers, a senior citizen with cancer, contacted the sheriffs office in January 2024, to report that Powers wife was a victim of elder exploitation. Cliftons wife, Gladys, reportedly received help from Sandra and Michael Dixon while Clifton was hospitalized from a stroke. There is no familial relation between the Dixons and Powers. Gladys died before Clifton left the hospital.

Clifton told his lawyer that the Dixons had him sign documents that he eventually realized were forms of Power of Attorney, a Will and a Deed to his home days before he left the hospital. He added that in the fall of 2024 his doctor told him to seek legal counsel, which he did. This nullified the Power of Attorney. It was later found out that the Dixons had allegedly stole Cliftons money from his account and placed it in theirs.

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Clifton died in October 2024 and the Dixons did not settle his estate, making any final expense be transferred to a familial relation. The Dixons sold Cliftons home after his death.

Sandra Fay Dixon, 58 years old and from Walstonburg, was arrested on April 15. He husband, 62 year old Michael Scott Dixon, was arrested a day later on April 16. Both were charged with exploit elder trust over $100k, embezzlement over $100k and felony conspiracy.

Their bonds were set to $200k each.

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Oleg Didenko, in a photo provided by the Election Commission of Ukraine. valentyn kuzan

Oleg Didenko, a native of Sniatyn, in the Ukrainian province of Ivano-Frankivsk, will turn 45 on May 8, the day before the current period of martial law expires, a date marked in red in the terrible chronology ravaging his country. Didenko is the chairman of Ukraines Central Election Commission (CEC). When the calendar turns, martial law, in place since the start of the major Russian offensive and renewed Wednesday by parliament, will remain in place, and the organization of elections, prohibited by this law, will be further removed. The legislature has already approved 14 extensions since February 2022, but this one is different. It is the first time that deputies have held a debate since the start of negotiations for a peace process mediated by the United States.

Didenkos message is clear; he insists: when the war allows, the more time they have to organize the elections, the better, but without excesses. We should prepare as best we can for the post-war elections and confirm our democratic direction, he says from the CEC headquarters in Kyiv, but this period should not be excessively prolonged so as not to appear as an attempt to hold on to power without sufficient grounds.

The CEC chairman acknowledges the complications: Currently, we have real reasons why we cant hold them. Because theres a full-scale war going on, we cant guarantee either the safety of voters or an electoral process that meets democratic standards; but we also have legal reasons; martial law prohibits it.

Didenko, a jurist by training, tall and with a serious demeanor, speaks in a very low tone about highly technical aspects that will shape Ukraines democratic future. He reiterates the word balance, referring to achieving the right distinction between preparing the electoral process as best as possible without losing legitimacy abroad by taking too long. Aid from our international partners depends on the level of democracy in Ukraine, he states. But he clarifies that he cannot specify how long they will need to hold elections once martial law is lifted. We dont know what specific conditions the country will be in.

He does, however, offer a clue: the period required to open polling stations after a presidents term ends  Volodymyr Zelenskiys did so in May of last year  is 90 days. The head of the CEC, who has been in office for five years, maintains that Ukraine will need more than three months to organize presidential elections once hostilities cease.

The dialogue initiated two months ago by U.S. President Donald Trump with his Russian counterpart, Vladimir Putin, and Zelenskiy put elections back on the table, albeit more in the political sphere than on the streets. But Trumps insults toward Zelenskiy, whom he once described as a dictator for failing to organize elections, added fuel to the democratic debate. On March 30, The Economist suggested that the presidential cabinet could be working to call elections in July, a report dismissed by the leader of the presidents party in parliament, Davyd Arakhamia.

Ukrainian martial law stipulates that elections cannot be held in times of war. Furthermore, during this period, the top officials in the government administration, primarily the president, will retain their responsibilities and functions until the end of the emergency period and until new elections are held. This appointment does not appear to be imminent given the lack of progress in the peace talks. On Tuesday, Zelenskiy submitted his legislative proposal to parliament for the extension of martial law for another 90 days. A day later, the Chamber, in which the presidents Servant of the People party holds a large majority, voted in favor (357 yes votes to just one no).

Didenko explains that once the circumstances are right  a ceasefire and the lifting of martial law  it is up to parliament to legislate and approve new regulations for the organization and holding of elections, because the current one is unsuitable for the post-war period. Last Friday, in an interview with Ukrinform, parliament Speaker Ruslan Stefanchuk stated that political groups have already begun preliminary work on drafting this new regulation. One of the biggest problems, Didenko continues, is that there are millions of displaced people. According to UN figures, more than 10 million Ukrainians have left their homes, over six million of them to cross the border into other countries.

And even though the CEC has updated the electoral register, its of little use if potential voters havent changed their residency information. Didenko provides an example: Before the war, we had 50,000 registered voters in Bakhmut [a city in eastern Ukraine razed and occupied by Russian troops], but now were sure there are zero. The problem is that people havent registered anywhere else.

Following the start of the full-scale Russian invasion in February 2022, the CEC began working on a report with recommendations for future elections. It was presented in September of that year. We believed the war would be short-lived, Didenko notes. The electoral body is currently working on a second report, which will be ready in a couple of months and submitted to the deputies. The challenges are enormous: how soldiers will vote, how displaced persons will vote, what systems refugees in other countries will use, what state the polling stations will be in, what will happen to the occupied regions... On this last issue, there is a clear principle. The Ukrainian state, the head of the CEC notes, cannot hold elections in territories where it has no authority.

To ensure voting from abroad, Didenko explains, the commission has worked in two directions: first, it has gathered experience in countries with large diasporas, such as Romania and Moldova; second, it has learned from the experience of those with large displaced Ukrainian populations, such as Germany, Poland, and Spain. There are three options for this, he explains. Voting online, by traditional mail, or at additional polling stations beyond consulates and embassies. According to the document the CEC is preparing to send to parliament, this third option would be recommended. That is, amending the law, which currently only allows voting abroad through diplomatic missions, to incorporate other centers to serve as polling stations to accommodate the large number of voters abroad.

There has been speculation that electronic means such as the Diia app, where Ukrainian citizens store their official documents, could be used. But both Didenko and his team see this method, as well as postal mail, as vulnerable to potential attacks from the Russian side. The enemy could jeopardize the legitimacy of the elections, the CEC head asserts. Its not a question of technology, but of trust.
SPRINGFIELD, Mass. (WWLP)  The states highest court has reinstated a first-degree murder conviction in a 2018 Springfield shooting.

Luis Gomez was sentenced to life in prison for the deadly shooting of Jesus Flores at a nightclub on Waltham Avenue in Springfield. After he was convicted, the trial judge reduced the verdict to second-degree murder based on a lack of evidence of premeditation.

Gomez appealed, but the Supreme Judicial Court of Massachusetts disagreed and reinstated Gomezs first-degree murder conviction, calling the judges decision to reduce the verdict an abuse of discretion.

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Gomez will be resentenced in Hampden Superior Court at a later date.

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WWLP-22News, an NBC affiliate, began broadcasting in March 1953 to provide local news, network, syndicated, and local programming to western Massachusetts. Watch the 22News Digital Edition weekdays at 4 p.m. on WWLP.com.

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Gov. Spencer Cox speaks with members of the media during the PBS Utah Governors Monthly News Conference at the Eccles Broadcast Center in Salt Lake City on Thursday, April 17, 2025. (Pool photo by Kristen Murphy/Deseret News)

After dozens of international students had their visas revoked in Utah, Gov. Spencer Cox asked the Trump administration for more information on the criteria officials are using to select the students who seem to have to suddenly leave the country, some without finishing their programs.

Since many of the students and universities didnt receive notices on their status change, Cox also asked the federal government for a little bit of a heads up when these things are happening, he said during his monthly news conference broadcast by PBS Utah.

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Wed like to understand better what the criteria are for those changes. Certainly, we know that there were some that had criminal backgrounds that we were not aware of, that the universities were not aware of, Cox said. (With) others, that does not appear to be the case, and so we would very much like to figure that out.

Officers from all public universities in Utah reported over 50 cases of students that had their visas revoked or their Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS) records terminated. Many didnt release much information to protect the students privacy. But, the University of Utah, host of 20 of the impacted students, specified that approximately half of the affected students are from China, a spokesperson said in an email. The other half are from several countries including India and some Middle Eastern countries.

At Brigham Young University, a private Utah institution, a student from Japan had his visa revoked, potentially for a fishing licensing violation that happened years ago and was dismissed, according to the Deseret News.

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The wave of visa revocations has instilled confusion on campuses throughout the country.

At the University of Utah a few university students changes in status have not been connected to a clear, specific interaction with law enforcement, leaders of the institution said in a statement. And none were flagged for participating in protests, a spokesperson said.

There are many unanswered questions still about these cases, but in the meantime, Cox said he hopes the country can keep on attracting talent from abroad, referring to past comments from President Donald Trump on his interest to bring bright minds to American institutions.

We know how important those visas are and how important immigrants are to building our economy, Cox said.

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For the time being the Trump administration hasnt gotten back to the governor, but, Cox said, there are ongoing conversations on how to keep attracting international students while checking their backgrounds.

Let us know what you think...

Its important that we vet those who come, that we make sure we understand their backgrounds, that they dont pose any threats, that theyre supportive of our country and the work thats being done here, Cox said. And then its important that we get them and we keep them.

When asked on whether theres a constitutional crisis with the Trump administration ignoring orders to return Kilmar Abrego Garcia, a man deported to a prison in El Salvador, even though he was shielded from deportation in 2019, Cox said that this is an interesting constitutional struggle.

The problem with this is theres just no nuance in the discussions. Its like, either you hate the Constitution, or you want terrorists living in America, it seems like those are the two choices, Cox said.

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But, there may be a third option, he added. One in which Abrego Garcia returns to get through the process to get deported again.

It really does matter that we hold to these constitutional norms, but pushing the boundaries of those norms is the prerogative, and was intended () Its not the worst thing to challenge those norms, see where the lines are and then work within those lines, he said.

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Editors note: This story has been updated to reflect the different days for the ribbon cutting and public opening.

DENVER (KDVR)  The first Cracker Barrel Old Country Store to open in Colorado in over 25 years is moving into the Central Park neighborhood.

There are Cracker Barrel locations in 45 states, with four breakfast joints currently in Colorado. For decades, the franchise restaurants in Northglenn, Loveland, Pueblo and Colorado Springs have been serving up Cracker Barrels iconic Southern-style comfort food of pancakes, biscuits, Southern fried chicken and more.

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Historic brewery leaves MSUs Auraria Campus for good

The franchise hasnt made a new mark on Colorado since 1997, but thats about to change on April 21. On Friday, April 18, Cracker Barrel will cut the ribbon for the brand new location in Denver and host a preview event before the restaurant opens for business on Monday.

Cracker Barrel made the announcement in August 2024 for a new location on 9111 E. 40th Ave., Building 10, in Denvers Central Park neighborhood, near where Interstate 270 and Interstate 70 meet. Since then, it has been getting ready for the opening.

In March, there were 150 jobs posted for the Denver location, with Cracker Barrel looking for anything from servers and to-go staff to guest hospitality and maintenance positions. Now, the restaurant is ready, with a grand opening next Friday.

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Popular local Mexican restaurant opens new location in Denver

The breakfast franchise has come a long way since it was established in 1969 in Lebanon, Tennessee. Over 50 years later, there are over 660 establishments across the country, and soon, five locations in Colorado.

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A Cranberry Township man pleaded guilty to strangling and assaulting his girlfriend on a cruise ship in 2022.

Quintin Owens, 28, was sentenced in federal court to 12 months in prison and was also ordered to pay a $5,000 fine.

On Oct. 11, 2022, authorities said Owens violently assaulted his girlfriend, also from Western Pennsylvania, by punching her, throwing her to the ground and strangling her in a choke hold.

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Federal district court took over the case because it happened on the high seas.

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LANSING, Mich. (WLNS)  This week on Crime Stoppers, law enforcement needs your help identifying people involved in two crimes in Lansing and finding a woman wanted on a warrant for destruction of property.

Additionally, Crime Stoppers of Mid-Michigan will be hosting a breakfast fundraiser next Thursday from 8:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m. on Lansing Community Colleges West Campus. For more information, follow this link.

If you have information regarding the cases below, call Crime Stoppers of Mid-Michigan at (517) 483-STOP. You can remain anonymous.

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Those who contact Crime Stoppers with information can receive up to a $1,000 award.

Malicious destruction of property

The Lansing Police Department needs your help identifying someone involved in malicious destruction of property on the 500 block of E Edgewood Blvd. in the early morning hours of March 30.

Robbery

The Lansing Police Department is asking for any information related to a robbery that happened on March 3 on the 1200 block of S Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd.

Chloe Elaine Hernandez

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Chloe Elaine Hernandez, 28, has a warrant for malicious destruction of property out of Lansing. She is 52 and 182 lbs, with brown hair and brown eyes.

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"While health care and the practice of medicine is not  and should not be  political, tactics that seek to criminalize medical care and aspects of the physician-patient relationship stem from shifting political headwinds." (Getty Images)

Each year, a number of bills aim to legislate medicine. These are attempts by lawmakers to regulate the treatment relationship between physicians and their patients, or to determine when treatments can and cannot be delivered. This is nothing new, but a concerning trend has emerged recently in New Hampshire: Some bills go beyond an attempt to legislate medicine by including provisions that also criminalize medicine.

These tactics include language within bills that impose criminal or civil penalties for physicians who do not comply with specific mandates. This year, House Bill 10, House Bill 232, and House Bill 377 each include provisions that would impose penalties on physicians.

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While health care and the practice of medicine is not  and should not be  political, tactics that seek to criminalize medical care and aspects of the physician-patient relationship stem from shifting political headwinds. Criminalizing medicine distracts and shifts the focus away from the real issues. Facets of medical practice that are seen as hot-button issues are likely to garner debates, both scientific and ideological. Legislating and criminalizing medicine, though, will have a ripple effect that might be felt throughout the health care community in numerous ways.

Criminalizing medicine is an irresponsible and inappropriate way to control and respond to these issues.

As physicians, we dedicate our lives and our careers to our patients, typically spending over a decade in training. This includes four years of undergraduate education, four years of medical school, three to eight years of residency training (depending on the medical specialty), and potentially one to three years of subspecialty fellowship training. This training provides us with the medical knowledge necessary to treat the unique health care challenges of each of our patients. Legislating and criminalizing medicine in New Hampshire, however, would mean that our physicians would be practicing medicine with one hand tied behind their back. This would then increase the likelihood that a patients health care needs might not be adequately addressed.

Such bills, even when well-meaning, offer a reductive and punitive approach to health care. Treating the health care needs of vulnerable populations requires physicians to combine evidence-based principals, experience, training, and patient preferences to provide individualized medical care for each of our patients. Health care decisions are not made in a vacuum, and bills that criminalize medicine compromise our ability to make these vital treatment decisions.

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Bills that criminalize medical care could set a dangerous precedent and have a chilling effect, creating barriers to providing high quality medical care for New Hampshires physicians. In other states that have criminalized elements of medical practice, physicians may hesitate to provide care in emergencies due to fear of criminal penalties. This has led to patient deaths that otherwise may have been avoidable. As medical professionals, we need to be entrusted to provide the right care at the right time for patients who need it.

While Granite Staters already are finding medical care to be hard to come by, criminalizing medicine would make it more difficult to attract and retain physicians and other medical professionals to New Hampshire. This would in turn make it more difficult for patients to get appointments for primary care and specialist care. Bills that remove physician autonomy to care for our patients and penalize them for using their skills and training will have the unintended consequence of pushing physicians out of the state and exacerbating our shortage of physicians  especially in the most rural areas of the state.

Criminalizing the practice of medicine would not just fail our states physicians, but it would also fail all of our patients. This would set a dangerous precedent in New Hampshire and put the government in the middle of the relationship between physicians and their patients.
A woman in southeast Iowa wasted no time when the floor opened for questions at Republican Sen. Chuck Grassleys public meeting Tuesday, asking about the impact the Trump administrations trade war could have in this export-dependent state.

My son has cattle, she said in the crowded city hall chambers of Fort Madison, a Mississippi River port and railroad hub that typifies Iowas export economy. I just want to know how the tariffs will affect someone like him, market-wise.

Sen. Chuck Grassley, R-Iowa, takes questions at a town hall in Fort Madison, Iowa, Tuesday, April 15, 2025. (AP Photo/Hannah Fingerhut)

Grassley hedged, suggesting Trumps trade policy could benefit producers if countries relax their import rules on U.S. beef or hurt them if they dont. But he finished by hinting at the most serious issue for Iowa. I think its more grain than livestock, he said.

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Trumps tariffs are likely to cost Iowa farmers their biggest market, China, for the hundreds of millions of bushels of soybeans they grow every year. And its put Grassley, an anti-tariff warrior, in a difficult spot in a state inordinately dependent on agricultural exports as the nations second-leading soybean producer.

Despite 45 years in the Senate and his party in power at both ends of Pennsylvania Avenue, Grassley is joined by only a handful of his fellow Republicans in an effort to curtail future tariffs by Trump and subsequent administrations.

Grassley proposed a bill this month with support from both parties that would require presidents to justify future tariffs to Congress but would not affect the measures Trump has put in place. The Constitution gives Congress the responsibility of setting taxes and tariffs, but lawmakers have ceded much of that power over import taxes to the president over the past 60 years.

However, the White House issued a statement last week to congressional leaders that Trump would veto Grassleys measure if it passed, effectively killing it. The White House argued it would hamper the presidents ability to conduct foreign policy and pursue national security.

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American farmers sold nearly $13 billion worth of soybeans in China last year, accounting for more than half of all the soybean exports worldwide and dwarfing the next largest markets of the European Union and Mexico.

Iowa follows only Illinois in soybean production and, in 2023, was second only to California in agricultural export sales, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture.

Trump has imposed 145% tariffs on Chinese imports. China has responded by slapping 125% tariffs on all U.S. imports.

Farmers can try to sell some of their soybeans in other countries, but that may be difficult given that Trump has imposed 10% tariffs on most countries and threatened much higher reciprocal tariffs. So this years crop may pile up until farmers can find a buyer, and likely at a lower price.

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The experience from Trumps first trade war with China in 2018 gives farmers plenty of reasons to worry. Soybean exports to China fell from $12.2 billion in 2017 to $3.1 billion in 2018 after Trump imposed tariffs, and China retaliated.

Republican National Committee chairman Michael Whatley defended Trumps record as he addressed more than 700 activists Saturday at a fundraiser for the Iowa Faith and Freedom Coalition, an influential player in Iowas leadoff Republican caucuses every four years.

What is President Trump doing every single day? He is restoring our economy, Whatley said.

Finishing their chicken and potatoes, the audience waited for Whatley to finish before a polite wave of applause swept the suburban Des Moines hall.

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Theres going to be some short-term pain, said Ray Darin, a retired Iowa State University professor who voted for Trump and attended the fundraiser. We worry about the trade economy in Iowa. We worry about exports.

Bonita Bappe was a bit more hopeful. She suggested she thought Trump was using tariffs to intimidate China. I dont think its going to be as bad as people think, Bappe, also of Ames, said while leaving the fundraiser. Because I think hes using this to even out the situation. To fight back. I think hes using it as a bargaining chip.

The White House says 15 countries have sought to negotiate lower tariffs on their country. If Australia, which blocks U.S. beef not born, raised and slaughtered in the United States, relaxes those barriers, the tariffs might benefit more U.S. beef producers, Grassley said.

Through the increasing of tariffs, bringing people to the table, and bringing things down, President Trump with his tactics are going to be more successful than previous trade efforts, Grassley told reporters after the meeting that drew roughly 100 into the tight council chambers.

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Though Grassley did not attend the Saturday fundraiser, he appeared via video and, in closing, was a little more candid to his fellow Iowa Republicans than he was with his audience in Fort Madison.

If they work, Ill say, Amen,' he told the crowd. If they dont work, Ill say, I told you so.'

Fingerhut reported from Fort Madison; Beaumont reported from Clive, Iowa; Funk reported from Omaha.

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A gas station clerk in Somers has been accused of taking a necklace and $200 from a wallet that was left at the pump by a customer and turned over by someone who found it.

Margaret Maheu, 22, of Somers was arrested Tuesday on one count of fourth-degree larceny, according to Connecticut State Police. She was taken to Troop C in Tolland where troopers had a warrant for her arrest in connection with a theft investigation earlier this month.

According to the arrest warrant affidavit, state police received a complaint on April 6 from a woman who said she had gone to the Henny Penny gas station sometime between 6 and 7 p.m. and realized hours later that she had left her wallet. When she returned to the store she found that someone turned her wallet over to the cashier. The woman then discovered that $200 and a necklace valued at $950 were missing from the wallet, the warrant affidavit said.

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A trooper responded to the gas station around 2 a.m. and was told by the clerk that he was not working when the wallet was found and turned in. He identified the individual behind the counter prior to his shift as Maheu, according to the warrant affidavit. The cashier told state police there are cameras at the gas station but the only person who had access to them would be in around 5 a.m.

A trooper returned to the gas station hours later and was allowed to review the video surveillance, which showed the victim pulling up to the pump and leaving the area with her wallet on the ground, the warrant affidavit said. An individual can then be seen pulling up to the pump, picking up the wallet and heading into the store where he handed it to Maheu, the warrant affidavit said.

Maheu could be seen entering an office area of the gas station where she allegedly looked in the wallet briefly and put it over a desk, the warrant affidavit said. She then can be seen grabbing the wallet and allegedly putting it in her pocket before moving between the cash register and the office a few times, according to the warrant affidavit.

After about five minutes, Maheu went into a bathroom and came out about a minute later before helping a customer, the warrant affidavit said. She can then be seen returning to the office where she places the wallet on a shelf above a desk, according to the warrant affidavit.

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A trooper went to Maheus home on April 9 and asked her what happened when the customer turned over the wallet to her. She repeatedly denied taking anything out of it and said she put it in the office as soon as it was turned over, the warrant affidavit said.

Maheu is free on a $10,000 bond and is scheduled to appear in Rockville Superior Court on April 30.
A Waterbury man faces larceny and conspiracy charges for allegedly defrauding the Medicaid program out of more than $150,000 by billing for services that were never given and conspiring with someone else to do the same thing.

Tywan Marion, 48, was arrested on April 10 by inspectors from the Medicaid Fraud Control Unit in the Office of the Chief States Attorney, according to the Connecticut Division of Criminal Justice. He faces two counts each of first-degree larceny by defrauding the public community and health insurance fraud and a single count each of conspiracy to commit health insurance fraud and conspiracy to commit first-degree larceny by defrauding the public community.

According to the DCJ, Marion was enrolled as a provider in the Connecticut Medical Assistants Program (CMAP) as a Personal Care Assistant (PCA). He was also enrolled to provide Independent Living Skill Services. The PCA program, which is funded by Medicaid, provides individuals with permanent, severe and chronic disabilities funds to hire assistants to help them with daily self-care activities, allowing them to remain in their own homes.

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According to investigators, authorities found that between June 2021 to August 2023, Marion billed for PCA and independent life skill services that were never provided. Marion reportedly collected $109,655 from Medicaid for these undelivered services, DCJ officials said.

According to the DCJ, authorities also found that between March 2021 to July 2023, Marion allegedly completed a job application for a co-conspirator and submitted timesheets on her behalf for PCA services she did not provide. The co-conspirator collected the payment and then allegedly transferred a portion of that money to Marion, officials said. A total of $44,476 was paid out, according to authorities.

Marion is being held on a $200,000 bond and is scheduled to appear in Waterbury Superior Court next Wednesday. The charges he faces, which are felonies, are punishable by up to 20 years in prison, officials said.
Democrats running for mayor hashed out hot-button immigration issues Wednesday night  but frontrunner Andrew Cuomo was notably absent from the forum on the topic.

The disgraced former governor skipped out on another chance to answer tough questions, this time at a debate in which his June primary opponents touched on how theyd address the Trump administrations crackdown on illegal migrants.

The event at the CUNY School of Labor and Urban Studies, hosted by the New York Immigration Coalition, featured socialist Assemblyman Zohran Mamdani, the runner-up in the polls after Cuomo, and five other City Hall hopefuls.

The former governor wont be at another forum Wednesday. James Keivom

Its the latest in a string of mayoral campaign forums that the ex-gov has opted not to attend, leading other candidates to lob criticism at him.

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A late-arriving Mamdani took a shot at both Cuomo and Mayor Eric Adams, who is running as an independent and didnt participate, when he said his and other candidates attendance at the immigration forum are in stark contrast to our current mayor and our disgraced former governor who refuse to come to these kinds of forums and refuse to dignify so many of the people that were talking about any time or any questions or any answers.

Cuomo also brushed off a discussion on public safety last week, which was attended by most of the other Democratic primary candidates.

The ex-governor, however, did speak at the Rev. Al Sharptons annual National Action Network Convention earlier this month.

Mayor Eric Adams is also skipping the event Wednesday. William Farrington

Both Cuomo and Adams had been invited to the immigration forum, the organizers said on their website.

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Along with Mamdani, other candidates who attended part or all of the forum were City Council Speaker Adrienne Adams, Comptroller Brad Lander and his predecessor Scott Stringer, state Sen. Zellnor Myrie and ex-Obama aide Michael Blake.

State Sen. Jessica Ramos was listed as expected to attend, but didnt show up.

The candidates on hand vowed to take on President Trump and his hardline immigration stance while making clear they would not allow Immigration and Customs Enforcement officials to have office space on Rikers Island  in contrast with the current mayors stance.

ICE has no business here, Blake said while Lander accused the mayor of demonizing immigrants.

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Theyre trying to use federal funding and other sources and resources to force us to do things we do not have to do, Myrie said in reference to the Trump White House.

Socialist Assemblyman Zohran Mamdani is the runner-up in the polls after Cuomo. Robert Miller

Cuomos chronic absences havent hurt him in the polls  he led Mamdani 34% to 16% when voters were asked about their top choice, according to a survey released Tuesday.

But Cuomo  who resigned from the governors office in disgrace in 2021 over sexual harassment allegations he denies  faced a rash of embarrassing fumbles this week.

The veteran pol lost out on almost $3 million in campaign matching funds due to a paperwork snafu and unveiled a typo-laced housing plan, which a representative admitted was put together with the help of research conducted by ChatGPT.

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A Cuomo campaign spokesperson insisted the ex-governor has attended a number of forums and will attend others in the coming weeks as he continues to engage voters on his platform to make New York City a safer and more affordable place for all.

Cuomo has also talked about immigration with media outlets and voters are aware of his past track record, the spokesperson added.

A political consultant not affiliated with any campaign argued there is no benefit to Cuomo showing up at forums.

When your name is Andrew Cuomo, youre leading in every poll and you have millions upon millions to spend, the truth is you dont need to show up to the forums, said John Tomlin, senior managing director of Actum.

People know who he is, they know what kind of leadership he brings and they either support him or they dont. Him showing up to the forum just puts him in the line of fire and honestly elevates his opponents more than it does him.
They dressed her in a white gown and placed a floral headband over her curly hair. Seven-year-old Daniela Patricia Ferrer Reyes entered the Immigration Court building in Dallas, Texas, as if entering a castle.

My daughter looked like a princess, says her mother, Liettys Rachel Reyes. They praised her so much in court; they told her thats what she was, a princess. And thats how I see her.

The family had left their home in the northern city of Amarillo around 5:00 a.m., just enough time to make the trip to the courthouse where the girls first immigration hearing would take place, her first encounter with the U.S. justice system since entering the country in 2022.

At 1:00 p.m. on March 31, Daniela took her seat on the wooden bench in front of the judge. Her mother was then called to sit next to her.

The first thing the judge asked was for me to explain why the girl had entered the country through the border, why I had taken her out of Cuba, recalls Reyes, 33.

Reyes, a political activist with the Patriotic Union of Cuba (UNPACU), arrived in the United States when Daniela was just over a year old, in 2019. At the time, Reyes was the wife of Jose Daniel Ferrer, the most prominent opposition leader in eastern Cuba, who took care of the child while the mother regularized her immigration status in the United States.

As a dissident, Reyes paid the price for standing up to the Cuban regime: she was not only threatened and persecuted for her political beliefs or witnessed the repeated arrests and beatings of Ferrer and other UNPACU members, but she was also banned from leaving the island in 2018 when she was invited to Europe to speak about human rights violations under the then-government of Raul Castro.

In response to this restriction, she went on a hunger strike along with other activists who were denied the right to leave the country. When she was finally able to travel  and after being warned that she would be imprisoned upon her return  Reyes never went back. She settled in Texas.

That was what she was trying to explain in detail before the Dallas immigration court, with the help of an interpreter and in front of a judge who, according to Reyes, kept interrupting her, searching for inconsistencies, double-checking dates to ensure they were exact.

They barely let me speak; they interrupted me about six times, she says. If the judge was harsh, the translator was even harsher. She told me: Maam, please speak more slowly. I dont understand you. I need you to be concise and precise in what youre saying. They came down hard on me. I cant even explain how I felt when they started questioning me like that, back and forth, without letting me explain everything my daughter went through in Cuba.

Daniela Patricia (left) and her mother, Liettys Rachel Reyes. CORTESIA

On the wooden bench, Daniela remained silent, her chin resting on her chest, her head bowed. That Monday, she had to miss school to attend court, a distant and cold place, where there were other children and parents, all nervous, on the verge of collapse. The girl listened attentively, fully aware of what the judge and Reyes were discussing.

At one point, she squeezed her mothers hand and stared at her, fearful. Reyes told her to stay calm, that everything was fine. I felt like she was screaming at me, Mom, get me out of here. She squeezed my hand as if to ask me to take her away, her mother says. She knew what was being discussed, she knew they were talking about deportation, she thought they were going to take her out of the country.

The judge turned to Reyes once again and asked, The child remains in the United States illegally. Are you aware that have to choose a country to which she can be deported?

Reyes didnt hesitate to respond: Excuse me, Your Honor, but I do not agree with my daughter being deported to any country, because she is a child, she said.

Daniela has until November to gather evidence, present a case for political asylum, and return to court with a lawyer to represent her, according to the judges order. Her mother has been seeking help to find one  someone who can guide them when Daniela must once again face the justice system.

My daughter is only seven years old; she cant defend herself in an asylum case in court, Reyes insists.

According to the American Immigration Council, many children in recent years have had to navigate their immigration processes without legal representation. Ninety-five percent of minors with attorneys attend their court hearings, but only 33% of those without attorneys appear before a judge  an absence that can later lead to their deportation.

Attorney Jonathan Shaw, who has frequently seen unaccompanied minors before judges, explains that, since it is an administrative process, the government is not required to provide legal representation to minors. The immigration process is different from criminal proceedings, where the state can provide a lawyer free of charge, he says. And the high fees attorneys charge today are enough to make some families not even consider hiring one for their children, Shaw adds.

The situation has worsened in recent months after the Trump administration announced it was cutting the $200,000 annually allocated to organizations that offer legal assistance to around 26,000 migrant minors. Although a judge overturned the measure this month, several migrant advocacy groups claim the government has not restored the funds  sending a clear message: among the millions of undocumented people the Republican wants to expel from the country, children are no exception.

The fear of Daniela being deported to Cuba

Before the judge, Reyes did her best to justify why returning Daniela to Cuba was not an option. She cant be alone, without her mother. She cant go back to Cuba because she will be constantly threatened, repressed at school by her own teachers. My daughter is not safe there because her father is not safe there. He was just released from prison two months ago and could be imprisoned again at any moment, because hes openly fighting the Cuban dictatorship, the mother insisted.

Until she was four years old, Daniela lived with her father. More than once, she saw him taken to prison, saw their house in the Altamira neighborhood of Santiago de Cuba being raided, saw how constant police surveillance prevented them from moving freely in the city.

There was a day when her father left and never returned. It was July 11, 2021, when Ferrer joined thousands of protesters in the largest anti-government demonstrations Cuba had seen. The opposition leader was released nearly four years later, after the regime agreed to free more than 500 political prisoners following Vatican mediation and a promise from the Biden administration to remove Cuba from the list of state sponsors of terrorism. It wasnt the first time Ferrer had set foot in Castros prison cells: he was one of the 75 prisoners of the so-called Black Spring, released by Raul Castro in 2010 after talks with the Catholic Church and the Spanish government of Jose Luis Zapatero.

But for the court, that explanation wasnt enough. I dont know who Jose Daniel Ferrer is, the judge replied. Reyes suggested she verify the information online  explaining that the childs father was one of the most well-known and high-profile Cuban dissidents, whose release had been demanded by numerous international organizations. But the judge was direct and curt: No, I dont have to look anything up.

An anti-government protest outside the Cuban Capitol in Havana, July 2021. Ernesto Mastrascusa ((EPA) EFE)

A short while later, Reyes was outside the courtroom, crying uncontrollably. She was trembling, her lips were pale, and her voice was shaky. I couldnt stop, from the frustration, the helplessness, she says. In that court, there were so many people being humiliated in front of their children. What you live through there is very intense.

After her experience at the Dallas court, Reyes fears that, on any given day, the authorities might take Daniela away from her  after everything it took to have her daughter by her side. The mother began preparing for her daughters journey when she learned that Ferrer, already in prison, would take a long time to release her.

My idea was always to get the girl out through family reunification, file a claim, and have her leave Cuba legally, she says. We didnt want her to go through the dangers of crossing the border. But when I saw everything that was happening on the island, I felt terrible  Jose Daniel was in jail with no sign of being released  so I made the decision to get the girl out with my sister, who was pregnant.

After a flight to Nicaragua and a journey that took them to Mexico, Daniela and her aunt arrived in the United States on August 21, 2022. Both were admitted into the country under status I-220A, an Order of Supervision granted to around 400,000 Cubans upon arrival at the border, which prevents them from benefiting from the Cuban Adjustment Act, which for years has allowed generations of Cubans to regularize their status. This is why young Daniela now has to file a case for political asylum.

It will be a long process, which could take months or even several years  an ordeal for both Daniela and her mother. Among all the questions the Dallas judge asked her, Reyes remembers one with particular clarity: Do you know that the girl can be deported at any time under my order? Its the girls biggest fear, Reyes says. Her greatest fear is that theyll separate me from her again; she tells me this every night.

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MOBILE, Ala. (WKRG)  A customer has come forward after the recent arrest of a Saraland pool contractor accused of fraud in both Alabama and Florida.

We cant live here anymore: Orange Beach property owner in four-year battle with rising water

Paul Hii, a former customer, said he paid Reagan Hutson, owner of Gulf Coast Pool Service, more than $8,000 for pool repairs that were never completed.

I went online to look for somebody because I dont have anybody in mind at that point, Hii said. There were several who returned my call and Reagan Hutson was one of them.

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Despite initial hesitations, Hii said Hutsons smooth talking demeanor convinced him to trust his company.

Hii then signed an $11,000 contract with Hutson in February 2024.

The job was supposed to be done by April, Hii said. And what happened was during those times, he will be very responsive.

But as April turned into May little progress had been made.

According to Hii, Hutsons communication started to get less and less. His suspicion started to pile up as the only thing Hutson delivered to the site was a pile of sand.

He always said, I will come and do this. Even the last thing before he cut off, he said, I will deliver this,' Hii said.

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Thats when I say, When are you going to deliver? Do you want me to come and pick it up? Hii continued. That is when everything goes silent.

Hii has since hired a new contractor, and the pool is now complete.

I was trusting too much, Hii said.

But he said Hutson still owes him $8,500, leaving him to file a lawsuit in 2024, but he later dropped it.

Im just going to move on, he said.

Authorities in Mobile and Okaloosa counties are investigating similar complaints. Hutson is currently facing charges of theft by deception and contracting without a license.

Preserving Paradise: Ride along and see Dauphin Islands new West End Nature Preserve

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News 5 reached out to Gulf Coast Pool Service for comment but did not receive a response.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WKRG News 5.
By Francesco Guarascio and Khanh Vu

HANOI (Reuters) - Some factory workers in Vietnam have been told to increase output of products for the U.S. market, while others have had their shifts cut to three per week as U.S. orders were postponed or cancelled, industry executives said.

The radically diverging strategies, largely the result of shifting U.S. orders, show the chaotic reaction of exporters in the Southeast Asian industrial hub, which was slapped by the Trump administration with 46% tariffs before most duties were paused until July.

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"Factories change their production plan and human operations too, dividing work shifts to Mon-Wed-Fri and Tue-Thu-Sat instead of working full time, as huge orders are on hold," said Calvin Nguyen, the head of Vietnamese logistics firm WeDo Forwarding.

He cited three companies producing garments, shoes and agricultural goods that changed their work plans because orders were postponed even after U.S. President Donald Trump paused "reciprocal" tariffs on April 9.

Two business surveys and another three industry sources confirmed cost-cutting measures by companies in Vietnam and foreign firms' pausing of investments.

Vietnam is a major exporter of footwear and apparel to the United States - manufactured by dozens of suppliers to large multinationals, such as Nike, Adidas and Gap.

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A survey of 183 European businesses in Vietnam conducted by the European chamber of commerce from April 4-9 found most were considering cuts in response to tariffs, including workforce reduction and downsizing operations.

POWERING DOWN

In the electronics sector, which represents the largest share of Vietnam's multi-billion-dollar exports to the U.S., top investor Samsung Electronics briefly ramped up production before tariffs kicked in, two workers said, and is considering adjusting production.

South Korea's LG Electronics, a maker of home appliances, suspended production of refrigerators at its factory in northern Haiphong city, according to a survey conducted by local authorities and posted online last week before being deleted.

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The survey results, which were still visible on local media on Thursday, also showed LG had stopped investing in expanding microwave oven production at that factory.

A spokesperson for LG Electronics said the company was monitoring the situation in Vietnam and managing production "flexibly".

The survey found that in the Haiphong area, the company most affected by possible 46% tariffs would be Taiwanese electronics manufacturer Pegatron, which did not reply to a request for comment.

However, as tariffs are paused, Pegatron is boosting its output.

"In the next three months, their production of U.S. products will rapidly increase," said a person briefed by Pegatron in Vietnam, declining to be identified because the information was not public.

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"Warehouses in the U.S. will be bursting with products in the months to come".

(Reporting by Francesco Guarascio in Hanoi; additional reporting by Khanh Vu in Hanoi and Hyun Joo Jin in Seoul; writing by Francesco Guarascio; editing by Saad Sayeed)
HONOLULU (KHON2)  If youre looking for a four-legged friend who loves to cuddle, two-year-old Echo is the gal for you and shes waiting at Hawaiian Humane Societys Moiliili Campus.

Echo is a terrier mix and weighs in at 55 pounds.

Terrier mix, Kinako, is ready to steal your heart

According to the Hawaiian Humane Society, her sweet and loving personality has won the hearts of staff, volunteers and foster families.

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Echo is an active girl who loves hiking and the beach, but her favorite thing to do is cuddle with her favorite human.

Hawaiian Humane officials said she is extremely food-motivated and will learn new skills if a tasty treat is involved.

Get Hawaiis latest morning news delivered to your inbox, sign up for News 2 You

Above all, Echo is a kind and well-mannered pup who has so much love to give, even to other dogs and strangers.

As a recipient of the Hawaiian Humane Societys Reid Krucky Memorial Fund, Echos adoption fee is waived.

Her future family will also receive an adoption starter kit to help her settle into her new home.

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Check out more news from around Hawaii

If you are ready to add Echo to your ohana, pay her a visit at the Moiliili Campus daily from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

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LITTLE ROCK, Ark.  CVS officials said a new law restricting Pharmacy Benefit Managers from owning pharmacies will result in the closure of more than 20 Arkansas pharmacies.

Gov. Sarah Huckabee Sanders signed HB1150 into law on Wednesday afternoon.

Arkansas Gov. Sarah Huckabee Sanders signs bill blocking PBM ownership of pharmacies into law

CVS Health released a statement shortly after the governor signed the bill into law, flatly calling the law bad policy.

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CVS Health welcomes a good faith discussion with policy makers in Arkansas and across the country on ways to make medicine more affordable and accessible, CVS shared in a statement. Unfortunately, HB1150 is bad policy that accomplishes just the opposite: it will take away access to pharmacy care in local communities, hike prescription drug spending across the state by millions of dollars each year, and cost hundreds of Arkansans their jobs.

According to CVS, they have 23 pharmacies across the state. They also noted that this law will close more than 100 mail-order pharmacies in Arkansas.

Arkansas bill would prevent Pharmacy Benefit Managers from owning pharmacies

Sanders said signing the bill was a matter of taking care of an overdue need.

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For far too long, drug middlemen called PBMs have taken advantage of lax regulations to abuse customers, inflate drug prices, and cut off access to critical medications. Not anymore, the governor said. These massive corporations are attacking our state because we will be the first in the country to hold them accountable for their anti-competitive actions, but Arkansas has never been afraid to be a conservative leader for America.

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FORT EISENHOWER, Ga. (WJBF)  The U.S. Army Cyber Center of Excellence and Fort Eisenhower held a ceremony to honor a change in the Senior Enlisted Leadership.

Carrying on Army traditions, the U.S. Army Cyber Center of Excellence and Fort Eisenhower Command Sergeant Major Michael Starrett relinquished his responsibilities as the Senior Enlisted Leader to incoming Command Sergeant Major Timothy McGuire on Thursday, April 16th during a ceremony at Fort Eisenhower.

Courtesy of U.S. Army Cyber Center of Excellence Courtesy of U.S. Army Cyber Center of Excellence Courtesy of U.S. Army Cyber Center of Excellence Courtesy of U.S. Army Cyber Center of Excellence Courtesy of U.S. Army Cyber Center of Excellence Courtesy of U.S. Army Cyber Center of Excellence

The Command Sergeant Major is the senior enlisted advisor to the Commanding General and provides guidance and advocates for enlisted soldiers assigned to the Cyber Center of Excellence.

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Outgoing Command Sergeant Major Starrett of Dallas, Texas, retires after serving more than 30 years from the same army installation where his career first began in 1991.

ALSO ON WJBF: Augusta Housing and Community Development Director put on paid administrative leave

According to the press release, throughout his career, Sergeant Major Starrett has served in every leadership position from Team Chief to Command Sergeant Major, which includes two combat tours in Afghanistan from 2005 to 2006 and from 2009 and 2010. He is a recipient of the Bronze Star.

Incoming Command Sergeant Major McGuire is a native of Elk Rapids, Mich. and was previously the Command Sergeant Major of the 7th Signal Command at Fort Meade, Maryland. He enlisted in 1995 as an Airborne Satellite Communications Operator-Maintainer. Command Sergeant Major McGuire has deployed multiple times while attached to various Special Forces teams as well as the Joint Special Operations Command. His deployments have supported both combined and joint training operations as well as combat operations in locations throughout the world including South Korea, Kuwait, Iraq, the Philippines and Ghana.

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According to a spokesperson for the Cyber Center of Excellence, Although the rank of Sergeant Major has been defined in the U.S. Army since 1779, the duties of a Command Sergeant Major began in 1967 and were formally established in 1975. The need for a Command Sergeant Major was recognized during the Vietnam War era. The rank insignia of a Command Sergeant Major includes a wreath encircling the gold star in the field and symbolizes the high standards and accomplishments required to achieve the rank of Command Sergeant Major.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WJBF.
Czechia has become completely independent of Russian oil supplies for the first time in history. This happened after the TAL pipeline had been upgraded.

Source: MERO CR, Czechia's state-owned pipeline company

Details: "Almost 60 years later, our dependence on the Druzhba pipeline is coming to an end and Russia can no longer blackmail us by cutting off supplies," the press service for MERO CR quoted Czech Prime Minister Petr Fiala as saying.

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The prime minister noted that the first larger shipments of non-Russian oil had arrived at the storage facilities.

Czechia was one of three EU countries that imported Russian oil. Hungary and Slovakia still receive supplies via the southern branch of the Druzhba pipeline, which remains exempt from the European embargo.

Background: Ukrainian Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal stated that stopping oil transit through the Druzhba pipeline would constitute a violation of the Energy Charter Treaty and the Association Agreement with the European Union by Ukraine.

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Czech Prime Minister Petr Fiala has announced that, for the first time in its history, Czechia has become fully independent of Russian oil supplies.

Source: Czech news agency CTK, as reported by European Pravda

Quote from Fiala: "We have taken another step towards our energy independence."

Details: Prime Minister Fiala confirmed that Czechia achieved this milestone after the completion of modernisation works on the TAL oil pipeline, which brings oil from the west.

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He reported that the first increased volumes of oil via this pipeline had already arrived at the central oil depot in Czechia.

The country is now capable of transferring up to 8 million tonnes of crude oil annually through western pipelines, fully covering the consumption of Czech oil refineries.

Background:

In January, Fiala stated that the country was prepared to fully transition to oil supplies via the western TAL and IKL pipelines in case of a shortage of Russian oil from the Druzhba pipeline.

He had previously mentioned that Czechia would rid itself of dependence on Russian oil no later than mid-2025.

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Czechia is now completely independent of Russian oil, Czech Prime Minister Petr Fiala and other officials announced on April 17, marking the first time in history no Russian pipeline oil flows to the country.

Prague is receiving no supplies through Russia's Druzhba oil pipeline for the first time in over 60 years, securing alternative supplies thanks to the expansion of the western Transalpine Pipeline (TAL), running through Italy, Austria, and Germany.

The move underscores Europe's efforts to end its reliance on Russian fossil fuels in response to Moscow's all-out invasion of Ukraine. In May, the EU is expected to present a plan for a full phase-out of Russian fossil fuels by 2027.

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"We completed another step toward our energy independence," Fiala told journalists at the central oil storage facility near Prague alongside Finance Minister Zbynek Stanjura and Jaroslav Pantucek, director of the state-run oil transit company MERO.

Officials said Czechia has not been receiving Druzhba oil for several weeks. In recent years, Russian oil covered roughly half of the country's demand.

Prague expects up to 8 million metric tons of oil from the western pipeline per year, which should be sufficient to cover its needs.

While the EU banned Russian pipeline oil imports in 2022, Czechia, Slovakia, and Hungary received a waiver from the ban due to the lack of viable alternatives.

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Already in November 2022, the Czech government decided to launch the TAL-PLUS project to secure an alternative oil supply. Technical work on the project began in May 2024, and the same year, Prague said it would not seek an exemption from the ban on Russian oil.

The Druzhba pipeline, running from Russia through Ukraine and Belarus to EU countries, was first launched in then-Czechoslovakia in 1962.

Read also: Trumps Ukraine peace push is really about business  and Putin knows it

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Erik and Lyle Menendez's long-awaited resentencing hearing has been delayed after a dramatic day in court.

The several-day resentencing hearing was expected to begin on Thursday, with 10 Menendez family members ready to take the stand.

A new hearing is now set for May 9 to determine whether the brothers' resentencing path should factor in the newly-completed parole board's risk assessment -- which was conducted as a part of a separate clemency path -- and whether Los Angeles County District Attorney Nathan Hochman and his team will be removed from the case.

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MORE: Menendez brothers timeline: From the 1989 murders to their new fight for freedom

The shocking delay comes after a high-stakes hearing on Thursday during which the Menendez brothers' attorney, Mark Geragos, faced off against Hochman, who is trying to keep the brothers behind bars.

In a filing late Wednesday, prosecutors urged the court to obtain a copy of a recently completed risk assessment conducted on the brothers by the California Board of Parole Hearings at the request of Gov. Gavin Newsom. The filing by the district attorney's office urged the judge to delay the sentencing if the court couldn't get a copy of the report in time for the hearing.

At Thursday's hearing, the prosecution persistently argued the completed risk assessment is relevant.

PHOTO: This combination of two booking photos provided by the California Department of Corrections shows Erik Menendez, left, and Lyle Menendez. (California Dept. of Corrections via AP)

Geragos called the prosecution's attempt a "dog and pony show." The prosecution shot back to the judge, saying Geragos' comments were degrading, after which Geragos said, "You should be degraded!"

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Judge Michael Jesic said he needed more information about the governor's office's risk assessment report and how it can be used by the court, saying, "Because this is stupid."

After a recess, Jesic asked the defense and prosecution for a conference in chambers. About 10 minutes later, Geragos strode back into the courtroom, directed his team to the door and walked out, with about 20 of the Menendez relatives and Erik Menendez's wife -- who all support the brothers -- following suit.

Geragos said the governors office has allowed the judge to seek the risk assessment reports. Geragos noted a strong desire for them to be used only for the June 13 parole hearing, and stressed that the comprehensive risk assessment is not yet final.

MORE: Menendez brothers' aunt hospitalized after DA shares graphic photos in court: 'We are devastated'

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The brothers -- who are serving life in prison without the possibility of parole for the 1989 murders of their parents, Jose and Kitty Menendez -- are fighting to be released after 35 years behind bars.

Last week, Lyle and Erik Menendez had a major win in court when the judge ruled in their favor at a hearing regarding Hochman's motion to withdraw the resentencing petition submitted by the previous DA, George Gascon, who supported resentencing and the brothers' release.

In the DA's three-hour argument last Friday, he argued the brothers -- who were listening to the hearing via video -- haven't taken responsibility for their actions and he called their claims of self-defense part of a litany of "lies." Hochman also dismissed the brothers' claim that they were sexually abused by their father.

PHOTO: Lyle, left, and Erik Menendez sit in Beverly Hills Municipal Court where their attorneys delayed making pleas on behalf of the brothers who are suspected in the murders of their parents on March 12, 1990. (Nick Ut/AP)

Geragos fired back, calling Hochman a "'90s Neanderthal" for refusing to believe the brothers.

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The judge on Friday denied Hochman's motion to withdraw and said the brothers' resentencing hearing would proceed as planned on April 17 and 18.

Geragos called the decision "probably the biggest day since they've been in custody."

"They've waited a long time to get some justice," he said.

Hochman said in a statement after the ruling, "We concluded that the case was not ripe for resentencing based on the Menendez brothers' continuing failure to exhibit full insight and accept complete responsibility for the entire gamut of their criminal actions and cover-up, including the fabrications of their self-defense defense and their lies concerning their father being a violent rapist, their mother being a poisoner, and their trying to obtain a handgun for self-defense the day before the murder."

PHOTO: District Attorney Nathan Hochman provides an update on the Lyle and Erik Menendez case, March 10, 2025. (Robert Gauthier/Los Angeles Times via Getty Images)

This potential path to freedom gained momentum in October, when Hochman's predecessor, Gascon, announced he was in support of resentencing.

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Gascon recommended their sentences of life without the possibility of parole be removed, and said they should instead be sentenced for murder, which would be a sentence of 50 years to life. Because both brothers were under 26 at the time of the crimes, they would be eligible for parole immediately with the new sentence.

Gascon's office said its resentencing recommendations take into account many factors, including rehabilitation in prison and abuse or trauma that contributed to the crime. Gascon -- who lost his reelection bid to Hochman in November -- praised the work Lyle and Erik Menendez did behind bars to rehabilitate themselves and help other inmates.

MORE: Menendez brothers' resentencing hearing to move forward after judge denies DA's motion

Besides resentencing, the brothers have two other possible paths to freedom.

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One is their request for clemency to California Gov. Gavin Newsom.

Newsom announced in February that he was ordering the parole board to conduct a 90-day "comprehensive risk assessment" investigation into whether Lyle and Erik Menendez pose "an unreasonable risk to the public" if they're granted clemency and released.

After the risk assessment, which Hochman said in the late Wednesday filing is now complete, Newsom said the brothers will appear at independent parole board hearings on June 13.

The other path is the brothers' habeas corpus petition, which they filed in 2023 for a review of two new pieces of evidence not presented at trial: a letter Erik Menendez wrote to his cousin eight months before the murders detailing his alleged abuse from his father, and allegations from a former boy band member who revealed in 2023 that he was raped by Jose Menendez.

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In February, Hochman announced he was asking the court to deny the habeas corpus petition, arguing the brothers' new evidence wasn't credible or admissible.

Menendez brothers' long-awaited resentencing hearing is delayed after dramatic day in court originally appeared on abcnews.go.com
The resentencing hearing for Eric and Lyle Menendez is going forward Thursday morning despite a motion for delay filed by Los Angeles County District Attorney Nathan Hochman.

Hochman filed the motion Wednesday, saying he wants time for the court to review a parole assessment ordered by Gov. Gavin Newsom earlier this year.

The People believe that it is very important that the Court request and obtain a copy of these comprehensive risk assessments prior to holding a resentencing hearing in this case  the People request that the court continue this matter until a date after the Court is able to obtain copies, prosecutor Habib Balian said.

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In February, Newsom directed the California Board of Parole Hearings to investigate whether the brothers pose a potential risk to public safety since he could set them free by granting clemency.

FILE  This combination of two booking photos provided by the California Department of Corrections shows Erik Menendez, left, and Lyle Menendez. (California Dept. of Corrections via AP, File) Los Angeles County District Attorney Nathan Hochman gives a news conference about the Menendez brothers case in Los Angeles, Monday, March 10, 2025. (AP Photo/Damian Dovarganes) FILE  Lyle, left, and Erik Menendez sit in Beverly Hills Municipal Court where their attorneys delayed making pleas on behalf of the brothers who are suspected in the murders of their parents on March 12, 1990. (AP Photo/Nick Ut) Lyle, left, and Erik Menendez sit with defense attorney Leslie Abramson, right, in Beverly Hills Municipal Court during a hearing, Nov. 26, 1990. (AP Photo/Nick Ut, File) Erik Menendez (L) and his brother Lyle (R) listen during a pre-trial hearing, on December 29, 1992 in Los Angeles after the two pleaded innocent in the August 1989 shotgun deaths of their wealthy parents, Jose and Mary Louise Menendez of Beverly Hills, Calif. It took 40 months for the Superior Court arraignment after prosecutors and defense attorneys battled over the admissibility of taped confessions the brothers allegedly made to their psychotherapist. (Photo by VINCE BUCCI/AFP via Getty Images) Erik and Lyle Menendez are pictured, on August 12, 1991 in Beverly Hills. (Getty Images) Erik Menendez, left, and is brother Lyle, in front of their Beverly Hills home. (Getty) Menendez brothers, Erik, left, and Lyle on the steps of their Beverly Hills home in November, 1989. (Getty Images)

The Governors office says that the comprehensive risk assessment is not complete, however, one component of it has been released to the involved parties for their review and is subject to correction. The entire assessment is not expected to be completed until June 13.

Although Thursdays hearing was taking place, the time was apparently used to discuss the issues brought up by the DAs Office, KTLA reporter Kimberly Cheng said, citing a lot of confusion in the court.

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The court recessed during the morning hours to reach out to the Governors office for clarification on the report and whether it could even be used in the hearing.

Less than a week ago, relatives of the brothers who support their release packed the same courtroom to hear a judge approve the resentencing hearing for this week.

Either Erik and Lyle should be resentenced and potentially released or, as the prosecution will surely argue tomorrow, these two still pose a danger to public safety, KTLA legal analyst Alison Triessl said on Wednesday.

Erik and Lyle Menendez are currently serving life in prison without the possibility of parole for the shotgun murders of their parents, Kitty and Jose Menendez, back in 1989.

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They have been behind bars for 35 years and claim they killed their parents in self-defense after years of abuse.

The brothers were expected to appear for Thursdays hearing via video link from their prison.

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A protest to demand the release of student Mohsen Mahdawi, detained during his naturalization interview in Vermont on Tuesday in New York.

In recent weeks, the Trump administration has abruptly revoked visas for hundreds of international students from across the United States, triggering a wave of confusion, legal challenges and growing fear on college campuses. While U.S. officials have cited national security concerns and violations of immigration laws, many students and advocacy groups say the revocations are being carried out without due process and appear to disproportionately target those involved in political activism, especially pro-Palestine protests.

According to the State Department, at least 300 visas have been revoked, a number that may be even higher as more reports emerge. Universities such as Harvard, Columbia, Stanford, the University of California or Ohio State University have reported that students and recent graduates have lost their legal residency without notice. In several cases, students have been detained by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), sometimes by agents in civilian clothes near their homes or campuses.

Why are student visas being revoked?

Students and immigration attorneys claim that the visa revocations have largely occurred without advance notice, interviews or clear justification. Some revocations appear to be related to minor infractions, such as speeding tickets or the dropping of criminal charges, while others appear to be based solely on students participation in protests or political speeches, particularly those who have shown support for Palestine, and who are against Israels war actions in Gaza.

Demonstrators protest in support of Columbia student Mahmoud Khalil in front of Federal Plaza, April 14 in New York. Yuki Iwamura (AP)

Legal experts point out that international students on F-1 visas enjoy First Amendment protection, just like U.S. citizens. However, because their visas are temporary, any perceived violation  even vague or unfounded  can lead to their removal from the country.

In many cases, revocations have been termed prudential, meaning they are based on suspicion rather than proven violations. Under immigration law, a visa can be revoked if the holder is deemed inadmissible on security, medical, financial or criminal grounds; if he or she is ineligible for the visa category; or if any information emerges that may present a future risk.

However, critics argue that the Trump administration is using this authority to effectively carry out mass removals of students who have not been charged with any crime. The American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) has called it an unconstitutional ideological test.

Legal challenges

Students from states such as New Hampshire, California and Georgia have filed lawsuits against the Department of Homeland Security, alleging that their legal rights have been violated. One case that has attracted national attention is that of Xiaotian Liu, a Chinese doctoral student at Dartmouth College. Lius visa was cancelled without explanation, and he has not been charged with any crime or misconduct.

Similarly, Mahmoud Khalil, a legal permanent resident and recent graduate of Columbia University, was arrested at his home in March. His lawyers allege that the arrest was politically motivated and related to his activism on Palestinian issues. Rumeysa Ozturk, a student at Tufts University, was detained by six ICE agents on her way to a Ramadan event, despite having no criminal record.

ICE agents dressed as civilians detain Turkish student Rumeysa Ozturk, in Sommerville, Massachusetts, March 25, 2025. AP

Revocation process and precedents

Revoking a visa usually requires an interview at a U.S. consulate and an explanation of the reasons for the action. In practice, however, the process is often opaque. The State Department may notify the visa holder of the revocation by email or, as is increasingly common, not notify the visa holder at all, merely entering the revocation into government systems. If a student is already in the United States, his or her status may technically remain valid unless an immigration judge rules otherwise. However, their ability to travel, change status, or remain in the country becomes uncertain.

Historically, student visa revocations have been infrequent and linked to specific, verifiable reasons. The scale and apparent political targeting of the current wave has drawn comparisons to the Trump-era Muslim Ban, which led to more than 60,000 visa cancellations.

The uncertainty could severely impact the U.S. higher education system, as it could lose a generation of global talent if foreign students no longer feel safe traveling to the United States.

Responses from institutions

Universities are rushing to provide legal assistance and reassurance to their international students. Many urge students to carry immigration documents at all times and seek clarification from federal agencies.

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ROCKINGHAM COUNTY, N.C. (WGHP)  A staff member with Rockingham County Schools who was being investigated was found not to have committed a crime, according to a Rockingham County Sheriffs Office news release.

On March 25, the RCSO was notified by the Rockingham County schools superintendent of a possible inappropriate relationship/correspondence between a staff member at Dalton McMichael High School and a student at the school.

The staff member was suspended with pay from his position pending the outcome of an investigation by the RCSO.

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Investigators say they learned the staff member did not commit a crime.

Second Allegation

On March 21, the RCSO was told by the school resource officer about possible inappropriate conduct between a Dalton McMichael High School custodian and students.

28-year-old Gloria Holloway (Rockingham County Sheriffs Office)

An investigation began that resulted in 28-year-old Gloria Holloway being charged with one count of felony disseminating obscenity to a juvenile by presenting messages that depicted obscene writing or texts and one count of misdemeanor contributing to the delinquency of a minor by aiding a juvenile in the obtaining and use of a vaping device.

Holloway was relieved of her position by RCS shortly after officials were told about the allegations.

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She was arrested and given a $1000.00 unsecured bond.

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HARTFORD, Conn. (WTNH)  A new report from the Connecticut Attorney Generals office is looking at the states Data Privacy Act.

Drone law could impact Connecticuts first responders

The report identifies areas where the act could be stronger, such as scaling back exemptions and improving protections on minors data. The act grants important data rights to Connecticut residents.

The attorney generals office opens investigations into companies that collect, sell or otherwise share consumer data.

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We didnt plan for it, this avalanche of data and information, our information was treated as a commodity to be bought and sold, and thats what helped develop what I think we all understand now is called the surveillance economy, Attorney General William Tong said.

The act has been in place since 2023.

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HONOLULU (KHON2)  The daughter of a missing fisherman is pleading with authorities to continue search efforts off the coast of Hawaii, where her father vanished at sea last week.

Makalapuaonalani Hind, whose father has more than two decades of experience fishing in Hawaiian waters, is urging the U.S. Coast Guard not to call off the rescue mission.

Apparent stabbing in Waipahu leaves man, 57, in serious condition

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Efforts are said to be suspended due to challenging weather conditions that have hampered operations.

My father is a survivor, Hind said in a public statement. He knows these waters. He knows how to endure. If anyone can survive this, its him.

Her father was last seen aboard his 24-foot Force vessel. No debris or signs of a wreck have been found, which Hind said points to hope, not closure.

The boat is built for buoyancy, and so is his gear, she said. These arent signs of finality  theyre signs he may still be out there.

While the Coast Guard has been leading search operations, recent storms have reduced visibility and raised concerns that the mission could be suspended. But Hind is hopeful, especially with clearer skies and calmer seas in the forecast.

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Our family hasnt given up. Our community hasnt either, she said. Volunteers have been organizing search parties, and people across the islands are spreading the word.

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Crews with the Coast Guard, the state Department of Land and Natural Resources, the Big Island Fire Department and the Navy have been searching for him since Thursday before suspending it Tuesday. A map shows their search areas and patterns, covering more than 200,000 square nautical miles with more than 240 combined hours.

Its just, its a lot, said Makalapuaonalani Hind. But Im just trying to stay strong for him because I know if it was him he would not give up on any of us that were out there, he continues searching.

Army tests new ride-share program in Hawaii: 5 things to know

Coast Guard officials said there are lots of factors in determining how long a search lasts, including weather, location, ocean currents and tides.

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In a statement, they said they are deeply saddened to suspend the search and appreciate the tireless work of our partners and the local community and extend our deepest condolences to Mr. Hinds family and friends during this difficult time.

Coast Guard officials said the search has been suspended, not ended. That means they can resume their search at any time as long as they get any new information or any new evidence on Hinds wareabouts.

Hind is now calling on local officials, media, and the public to help keep the search alive.

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Hes a father, a grandfather, a friend, she said. Were holding on to hope, and we need others to hold on with us. Please  dont stop looking.

Hinds family created an email and website, to get any information. Theyve also started a go fund me to help pay for costs to continue the search on their own.

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A man from Davenport is in the Scott County Jail after police officers say they found him with a car that had been reported as stolen.

Kacee Creel Sr. (Scott County Jail)

The criminal complaint says officers with the Davenport Police Department responded to the 1400 block of W. Fourth Street about a motor vehicle theft on April 16 at about 4:50 p.m. The defendant, identified as Kacee Wade Creel Sr., 35, was found with a Dodge Charger with Illinois license plates that had been reported stolen. The Charger was valued at about $25,000.

Creel was arrested and charged with felony first-degree theft. Scott County Jail and court records show he is being held on a secured $10,000 bond and has a preliminary hearing on April 25.

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When newly elected Democratic National Committee officers gathered in late March at a Washington hotel, the agenda included a brief but robust discussion of a pledge not to intervene in party primaries, according to two people who attended the meeting and a third who was briefed on it.

But there was one official, David Hogg, who never signed onto the DNC's pledge, and he told a DNC staffer he had concerns because the group he co-founded gets involved in open primaries, according to a fourth person familiar with the conversation.

Three weeks later, Hogg called his fellow DNC officers to warn them that Leaders We Deserve, the group he co-founded, would be funding primary challenges to asleep-at-the-wheel Democrats in safe-blue seats.

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His announcement Tuesday, pledging to spend $20 million on its efforts, triggered a wave of criticism and concern from some Democrats, including members of Congress, DNC members and Democratic strategists, many of whom expressed frustration over Hoggs dual roles as an activist and party representative. Some took to social media to vent while others, including House members, called Hogg directly on Wednesday, trying to get clarity on his position.

The unprecedented move by a DNC official to spend money against Democrats is exacerbating intra-party tensions that have wracked the party in the second Donald Trump era.

We, as the DNC, need to be seen as a body that can be trusted, thats not putting its thumb on the scales, said a DNC member, granted anonymity to speak candidly. We have to be so strategic and careful with our resources right now. ... So why are we in this circular firing squad against Democrats?

A Democratic House member, also granted anonymity to speak candidly, said that having someone who serves in an official capacity leading the effort is challenging when at this moment we need to be bringing the party together, adding that Hogg was skipping the step of private conversations Democratic leaders hold about lawmakers futures.

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Hogg, who rose to prominence after he survived a shooting at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School, appears committed to following through on his plans. He recently told Democrats he's willing to lose his vice chair position through the process, according to two people who spoke to him. He declined to say which members he would target in primaries, though he said the group would not intervene against former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi or Rep. Jan Schakowsky (D-Ill.), both of whom have drawn younger primary challengers. Democrats need to wrest only a few seats back from Republicans to reclaim the majority in the House, their best path to gaining a check on Trumps second administration.

I'm going to fight to remain in this position because I believe I can serve the party. This was my job when I was elected, this was my job as I was running [for vice chair], and I'm willing to fight to say why I believe both are possible at the same time, Hogg said. I'm not using the DNCs resources in these races. I'm not going to get involved in the presidential primary, and Im abiding by what the current bylaws are.

Nonetheless, he quickly drew criticism from members of his party who feared that the focus on internecine battles would take away from their efforts to oust Republicans in swing districts.

Democrats are united in taking back the majority in the House, and that's the top focus of the DCCC, said Rep. Suzan DelBene (D-Wash.), the chair of the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee. What I would tell anyone who wants to be helpful or to donate is to focus on those races where we can take back the majority. We just released our map of Districts in Play, the races where we have opportunities to win all across the country. This is how we win and make sure there is a check on this administration.

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Hogg won his election to the DNC in February as the party grappled with its broader direction after wiping out in November. Even then, some centrist Democrats expressed concern about his history of far-left rhetoric. Now, his decision to take on members of his own party has drawn outrage from all corners.

Jay Jacobs, chair of the New York Democratic Party, said that while he thinks Hogg's becoming vice chair was "a good thing for the party," unity now is essential. Engaging in an aggressive, internal type of purging of incumbents that you disagree with is counterproductive to the mission of the DNC, he said.

Some Democrats fear that a DNC official weighing in on primaries erodes the committees credibility as a neutral arbiter, even if they do it outside their capacity as a vice chair. Still others stressed that prolonged primaries could drag the party further to the left and disrupt the soul-searing process of finding their way out of the wilderness.

"It's another distraction from what we really need to be doing, which is we need to be laying out a platform, said one Democratic member granted anonymity to speak candidly. The American people want us to address the concerns they have in their lives. Fighting amongst ourselves is not the answer.

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"I'm all for getting rid of a bunch of old ineffective people, the member said, but not by running a bunch of lefty campaigns against them."

Some Democrats are more sanguine about Hoggs moves, arguing that the party is in desperate need of shaking up, even if it comes from inside the party infrastructure. Randi Weingarten, president of the American Federation of Teachers, posted on social media, sometimes our message does not connect because people do not feel connected with our messengers, but Hogg is trying to change that.

If a few Democratic primaries elect some good candidates in places where the Democratic voters have said, we want a different option, whats wrong with that? I dont see a problem with that, said Colin Rogero, a Democratic strategist. If youre doing a great job as a member and you have a primary challenger, you should be able to beat them.

Tomika Vukovic, a Wisconsin DNC member, also argued that everyone knew what his day job was, and we knew what his organization does when he ran his vice chair campaign, so to ask him now to not do his day job is ridiculous.

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Primaries have become a particular sore spot among House Democrats, especially after progressive members of the Squad were ousted last year in primaries backed by the American Israel Public Affairs Committees super PAC. Liberals privately grumbled that leadership hadnt done more to protect incumbents, while moderates have been wary of primary challenges from the left, especially amid broader debates in the party over the effectiveness of their response to Trump.

Some in the party had thought the appetite for primaries had been tempered after the partys losses last fall  and after Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-N.Y.), a progressive champion, privately indicated she would no longer back challenges against incumbents.

Top leaders at the DNC are upset and frustrated by Hoggs decision because its a real distraction and annoyance, when we should be laser-focused on winning back the House, not distracting press and donor attention on this, said one senior Democratic leadership aide, granted anonymity to describe internal dynamics.

You can either work within the party and try to make it better or you work on the outside and you get to be more aggressive about it, the aide said. I dont see how he plans to reconcile those roles.

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House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries has generally stood by all incumbents, co-founding the Team Blue PAC aimed at protecting incumbents. His posture hasnt changed.

Leader Jeffries will continue to strongly support all of his colleagues in the House Democratic Caucus, while working to flip the majority by defeating Republican incumbents in Congress, said Jeffries spokesperson Justin Chermol.

Hogg, for his part, said Tuesday that backing primary challengers is in line with how he campaigned for vice chair because we need to show our base were here to fight for them and we need to show there are younger faces stepping up.

This is not the only time when DNC relations grew tense thanks to warring factions of the party.

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Then-Rep. Tulsi Gabbard (D-Hawaii) resigned from her post as DNC vice chair in February 2016 to endorse Sen. Bernie Sanders for president, while accusing Rep. Debbie Wasserman Schultz (D-Fla.), then DNC chair, for favoring Hillary Clinton.

"It took years to rebuild the DNCs credibility in the aftermath of 2016, so to have a party officer disregard the importance of being able to call balls and strikes is deeply disappointing, said Sam Cornale, who served as the DNCs chief executive last cycle. An officer of the Democratic Party should not be putting their fingers on the scales in primaries.

Donna Brazile, who served as the interim chair of the DNC, said she called Hogg on Wednesday and had a great conversation, adding that Hogg is still in the process of coming up with the strategy.

Over the decades, Ive always been available to help a new generation of leaders find their seats at the table, but Ive tried to do it in a way where we bring in more chairs, Brazile said. I told him hes throwing a rock in the water.
DAVIDSON, N.C. (QUEEN CITY NEWS)  The Town of Davidson has announced the retirement of Police Chief Kimber Davidson.

Chief Davidson was appointed in January 2023.

Under his leadership, he oversaw the completion of the Russell B. Knox Public Safety Building, the Co-Responder became a full-time position, the Department received a Department of Justice Grant to address domestic violence response and prosecution, retained a new Police Chaplain to support police personnel, and successfully completed the North Carolina League of Municipalities risk review assessment and the Commission on Accreditation for Law Enforcement Agencies assessment.

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Chief Davidsons law enforcement service began at the local level when he served as a police officer in Maryland and at the Raleigh Police Department.

He then moved into a role with the US State Department, serving in multiple capacities and assignments as a Federal LE Agent in the Diplomatic Security Service. Those assignments included working multiple roles as an investigator, supervisor, and department leader in the US as well as in several foreign countries, including opening the American Embassy in Afghanistan where he was responsible for protecting the President of Afghanistan.

Davidson rose through the ranks and retired from the State Department in 2019 but was recalled for active duty in 2021 to serve on a Congressionally mandated Accountability Review Board.

After retiring from the State Department, he returned to his roots in local, uniformed law enforcement as an Auxiliary Police Officer in Fairfax County, Virginia, before joining the Davidson Police Department in January 2023.

It has been one of the greatest honors of my professional law enforcement career to serve as the Police Chief for the Town of Davidson. I am extremely proud of the advancements made during my tenure but most importantly I am proud of the officers who serve the community. Our officers and civilian staff care deeply about the community and our community cares and supports the officers. Our elected leaders are extremely supportive of their police department and ensure the department has the tools needed to deliver a safe and secure environment which provides for the well-being of the police force and our residents. I am grateful and blessed to have been given this opportunity to share a small portion of my nearly 48 years of public service in the Town of Davidson and with its residents. When I was hired, I was asked to prepare the Department for its next leader, and I pledged to the Town Manager I would do that. I am confident the new chief selected internally will continue to advance the department and find new and innovative ways to make improvements. Chief Kimber Davidson

Following the retirement of Chief Davidson, the Town of Davidson has appointed Davidson Police Captain Phil Geiger to serve as the next Chief of Police.

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Captain Philip Geiger has served the Town of Davidson Police Department for 14 years. His law enforcement career includes tenures in patrol operations, investigations, the FBI Cyber Crimes Task Force, and command staff.

Captain Geiger currently oversees the criminal investigations division, community engagement, training, recruiting, and the co-responder program.

A resident in the north Mecklenburg area since 1999, Captain Geiger graduated from Ohio University, obtained his North Carolina Advanced Law Enforcement Certification, FBINAA Leadership Program, and completed the UNC School of Government Municipal and County Government Program.

I look forward to supporting our outstanding team in collaboration with our community. The Town of Davidson is a unique and special place where Ive chosen to raise my family. The men and women of the Davidson Police Department will continue to serve this community with professionalism, integrity, selflessness, and courage. As we grow, we will explore our common goals in developing a shared vision of policing in our town. Captain Philip Geiger

Captain Geiger will take over as Police Chief on May 2, 2025.

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April 17 (UPI) -- On this date in history:

In 1421, the sea broke the dikes at Dort, Holland, drowning an estimated 100,000 people.

In 1521, the Roman Catholic Church excommunicated Martin Luther after he refused to admit to charges of heresy.

In 1790, U.S. statesman, printer, scientist and writer Benjamin Franklin died in Philadelphia at age 84.

File Photo by Kevin Dietsch/UPI

On April 17, 1970, with the world anxiously watching on television, Apollo 13, a U.S. lunar spacecraft that sustained a severe malfunction on its journey to the moon, safely returned to Earth. File Photo courtesy of NASA

In 1912, the sister ship of the doomed RMS Titanic, the Olympic, radioed in that survivors of the ocean liner sinking were rescued and safely on board the RMS Carpathia.

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In 1961, a force of anti-Castro rebels began the Bay of Pigs Invasion in an attempt to overthrow Cuba's new communist government.

On April 17, 1524, Italian navigator Giovanni Verrazano discovered New York Harbor. File Photo by John Angelillo/UPI

In 1964, Jerrie Mock of Columbus, Ohio, became the first woman to complete a solo flight around the world.

In 1969, a jury found Sirhan B. Sirhan guilty of first-degree murder for the assassination of Sen. Robert F. Kennedy.

Palestinians search in the car of Hamas leader in Gaza Abdel Aziz Rantisi following an Israeli missile strike in Gaza City on April 17, 2004. Rantisi died later of his wounds, according to hospital officials. File Photo by Ismael Mohamad/UPI

File Photo by Ron Bennett/UPI

In 1970, with the world anxiously watching on television, Apollo 13, a U.S. lunar spacecraft that sustained a severe malfunction on its journey to the moon, safely returned to Earth.

In 1989, the Polish labor union Solidarity was granted legal status after nearly a decade of struggle and suppression -- clearing the way for the downfall of the country's Communist Party.

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In 1993, a federal jury convicted two Los Angeles police officers and acquitted two others of violating the civil rights of Rodney King during his 1991 arrest and beating.

In 2004, the Israeli army confirmed it had killed Abdel Aziz Rantisi, Hamas co-founder and its leader in Gaza, in a missile strike. Two others also died with Rantisi, who had opposed any compromise with Israel.

In 2012, U.S. investor Warren Buffett, one of the world's wealthiest people, said he had been diagnosed with prostate cancer.

File Photo by Molly Riley/UPI

In 2013, an explosion at a West, Texas, fertilizer plant killed 15 people, injured dozens and caused massive property damage in the community.

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In 2018, former first lady Barbara Bush died at the age of 92 after refusing medical treatment for her failing health. Her husband, former President George H.W. Bush, died less than one year later.

In 2024, Russian missile strikes targeting the northern Ukrainian city of Chernihiv killed more than a dozen people and injured scores more.
DAYTON, Ohio (WDTN)  The Dayton NAACP will provide a Ham Distribution this week to celebrate the Easter holiday.

The NAACP Dayton Chapter, in partnership with Kroger will host a Good Friday Easter Ham Distribution on Friday, April 18.

Distribution will begin at 3 p.m. and last until all product is gone.

Those who are interested can visit the NAACP Dayton Headquarters located at 915 Salem Avenue on Friday.

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DAYTON, Ohio (WDTN)  In the two weeks since a Dunbar High School student was shot and killed downtown near the RTA hub, Dayton residents and students are speaking out, pleading for a way to stop the violence.

The community is still mourning the death of 18-year-old Alfred Hale, who was killed while waiting for the bus at the RTA hub downtown on his way to school. Now, the community is putting out a call to action to Dayton leadership to invest more in and protect the citys youth.

Joint Terrorism Task Force arrests 20-year-old over dangerous destructive device

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That call to action was offered by several people at Daytons City Commission meeting Wednesday night, after Dayton Mayor Jeffrey Mims Jr. and State Rep. Phil Plummer commented on the Dayton Public Schools handling of student transportation last week.

Mims and Plummer brought up concerns over a lack of safety around the downtown RTA bus hub, and even advocated for a budget amendment that would ban students from transferring through urban hubs.

Several Dayton residents who spoke at the Commission meeting were upset by Mims and Plummers comments, who they say had placed some of the blame on the school district.

Commissioners, do not let Dayton be known as the city that turns its back on the next generation, said Tara Campbell, Dayton United Human Rights executive president.

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Dayton Schools board president responds to mayors claims

DPS leadership also responded at their regular meeting on Wednesday, with one student leader saying the bussing system isnt the problem.

The RTA is our only way of transportation, and I dont think it should be put out there that these children need to stop riding the bus, or these children need to be moved away from the hub, said Neveah Woods, DPS Student Senate vice president. But I feel like there should be more attention, like we do all feel unsafe.

That budget amendment which would ban students from transferring at urban hubs was introduced at the state level  and after passing the House is waiting to be introduced to the Senate.

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WASHINGTON - Japan and the United States agreed on Wednesday to progress discussions over U.S. tariffs during ministerial talks in Washington and to hold another round of talks later in April to bring about a quick resolution of the issue, Japan's chief negotiator said.

U.S. President Donald Trump, who joined the negotiators in a session at the White House, described the meeting as "big progress" while Japanese economic revitalization minister Ryosei Akazawa told reporters the president indicated that talks with Japan on the levies should take top priority.

The talks have drawn attention from other major trade partners of the United States, as they were set soon after Trump a week ago suspended the implementation of a set of "reciprocal" country-specific tariffs for 90 days following the financial market turmoil.

Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba and Trump agreed earlier this month that the countries would continue talks on the U.S.-imposed import levies at the ministerial level.

Akazawa said he "strongly" urged the United States to reconsider the tariffs it has imposed on automobiles, steel and aluminum as well as its baseline 10 percent levy during the talks with Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent, Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick and U.S. Trade Representative Jamieson Greer.

The Japanese minister said he shared during the meeting Ishiba's message that Tokyo wants to seal as soon as possible a deal that would help further strengthen both the Japanese and U.S. economies.

Tokyo and Washington agreed to hammer out a deal that can be announced by the leaders of both countries, Akazawa added.

Bessent said earlier that exchange rates could be on the agenda but Akazawa said neither side took up the topic on Wednesday.

"A great honor to have just met with the Japanese delegation on trade," Trump said on social media, apparently referring to Japan's representatives led by Akazawa.

In Tokyo, Ishiba told reporters he believes Japan can build on the latest talks in Washington for the next round. "I'm naturally thinking about visiting the United States for talks with President Trump (on the tariff issue) at the most appropriate time," he said.

Earlier in the day, the president indicated that the decades-old bilateral security treaty could be discussed during the talks with Japan. A Japanese government source said Trump mentioned a potential increase in Japan's defense budget during Wednesday's talks.

Trump has urged Japan to pay more to host U.S. forces, describing the post-World War II arrangement agreed in 1960 as "so one-sided."

The Trump administration has included Japan in a list of trade partners covered by his sweeping tariff regime, revealed earlier this month, urging Tokyo to open the Japanese market further by easing nontariff barriers such as auto safety regulations, subsidies and the systems for importing and distributing rice. Trump set the reciprocal tariff on Japanese imports at 24 percent.

Trump has also imposed an additional 25 percent tariff on automobiles produced outside the United States and 25 percent levies on all imported steel and aluminum.

Japan now faces a 27.5 percent total tariff on passenger vehicles, dealing a blow to a key industry that accounted for nearly 30 percent of the country's total exports to the United States by value last year.

However, Washington has shown few signs of softening its stance anytime soon, as auto imports have been a major contributor to the decades-long U.S. trade deficit with Japan.

The United States became the largest importer of Japanese agricultural products last year for the first time in 20 years, but it is feared U.S. tariffs will reverse that trend.

Trump complained that Tokyo imposes a 700 percent tariff on rice, a claim Japanese farm minister Taku Eto described as "incomprehensible."

Related coverage:

Honda to move part of domestic production to U.S. to fend off tariffs

Japan hoping to win concessions from U.S. in opening tariff talks

China 1st qtr GDP grows 5.4%, outlook bearish due to Trump tariffs
DAYTON, Ohio (WDTN)  A local woman will spend six to nine years in prison after defrauding Medicaid of $1.5 million.

Janay Corbitt, 36, was sentenced to prison this week after pleading guilty to several theft and identity fraud charges.

Joint Terrorism Task Force arrests 20-year-old over dangerous destructive device

Corbitt was indicted in May 2024 after an investigation by the Ohio Attorney Generals office revealed that she stole multiple identities to open and operate sham counseling agencies. Prosecutors say she also stole the identities of several licensed counselors, using their credentials to bill Medicaid for services that were never provided.

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Corbitt was arrested by authorities in Dallas, Texas after she fled Ohio. Officials also say she was previously banned from working as a Medicaid provider due to a 2019 theft conviction.

Beyond the prison sentence, Corbitt was also ordered to pay $1.5 million in restitution.

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WASHINGTON (DC News Now)  The U.S. State Department is revoking the visas of hundreds of international students, including those in the DMV.

Students told DC News Now theyre worried for their friends and classmates.

Georgetown University said 10 of its community members had their immigration status terminated and that the government didnt inform the University.

I think its a gross violation of human rights and the Constitution. And I think its a very grave sign for the future of free speech in this country, said Georgetown University student Izzy Volpe.

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Visas revoked for several international students at George Mason University, officials say

The school is warning students that the Department of Homeland Security is considering social media activity in its review of immigration benefit applications now.

Every day, literally, people are wondering whether they are going to be next in line, said Georgetown University Associate Professor Nader Hashemi.

Hashemi is the director of the Georgetown University Alwaleed Center for Muslim-Christian Understanding.

No one would ever think that some student would get hauled off in the middle of the night, because they express an opinion on some global conflict, in this case, Israel-Palestine. Thats whats happening, Hashemi said.

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I wont stop trying: Senator travels to El Salvador to secure return of wrongly deported man

Secretary of State Marco Rubio said the government is focused on visa holders acting counter to national interests, including some who protested Israels war in Gaza and those who face criminal charges.

With them revoking the visas, I feel like thats definitely overkill and an abuse of power, said George Mason University student Jace Tate.

George Mason Universitys (GMU) president said 15 international students have had their visas revoked without notice.

We will do whatever the law permits to assist our students, and we are actively exploring what those options may be, said GMU President Gregory Washington.

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Diego Barbara, president of the Jewish fraternity AEPI at GMU, said he supports free speech and people supporting the Palestinians.

My problem is if you are not a citizen of this country and you are speaking out in support of a terrorist organization directly, Barbara said.

A tracker from the website Inside Higher Ed shows more than 1,300 students from more than 210 colleges and universities have been affected.

I hate to say this because Im part of the American educational system. If an international student today asked me whether they should come to the United States, I would say: think again. Youre probably safer going to Canada, Hashemi said.

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George Washington University spokesperson Shannon McClendon said they are aware of a small number of students who had visas revoked.

The university continues to assist affected students and provides immigration and safety information and other useful information to our students and community members, McClendon said.

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CONNECTICUT (WTNH)  The Department of Energy and Environmental Protection is urging residents to take bird feeders down immediately, with spring here and summer on the way.

The warning comes as bears are now coming out of hibernation and looking for sources of food.

Through no real fault of their own, theyve learned some bad behavior, said DEEP Wildlife Division Director Jenny Dickson. Last year we set a record in terms of home entries by bears. We had 67 home entries in the state.

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Beware of bears: They will be wandering through Connecticut soon

Audubon Connecticut, an organization aiming to protect habitat and bird species, says the cause of the spike in interactions between humans and bears is what people are leaving outside of their homes.

One of the top attractants to bears is garbage, said Policy Director Rob LaFrance. That alone with bird feeders, alone represent two of the top things that bears are coming to in peoples yards.

Whether its something weve left out on our grill or something weve put in the trash, that teaches them that our backyards are places they can find food, Dickson said.

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In addition to removing your feeders and garbage, officials say you can also purchase bear-proof trash cans from your local trash hauler or online.

DEEP said, fortunately, there have not been any fatalities from bear interactions in Connecticut.

However, there have been serious injuries in the past. DEEP added that while every municipality in the state has had bear sightings to some degree, the most activity has been reported in Avon, Simsbury and Farmington.

Experts say if youre worried about taking away sources of food for birds, they will be just fine without the seeds.

These birds can find plenty of food in the form of insects, in the form of berries, even flower buds, said Audubon Director of Bird Conservation Corrie Folsom OKeefe.

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Instead, the organization recommends bird baths or plants that can provide covering or a good place for them to nest.

If you happen to encounter a bear in nature, DEEP advises making lots of noise, waving your arms, letting the bear know youre there, and never running away. Instead, back away slowly, as bears are known to chase things that run.

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Dr. Abdul El-Sayed, a native Michigander who has served as health director in Detroit and in Wayne County and in 2018 ran second behind Gretchen Whitmer for the Democratic nomination for governor, is running for the U.S. Senate.

El-Sayed, 40, on April 17 formally announced his candidacy in the race next year to replace Democratic U.S. Sen. Gary Peters, who is stepping down after two six-year terms. El-Sayed, who left the Wayne County health department this month and released a video as he launched his campaign, joins state Sen. Mallory McMorrow, of Royal Oak, as the only announced candidates in a Democratic primary race for what is expected to be a hotly contested seat.

Republican former U.S. Rep. Mike Rogers, of White Lake, who lost a close election to new Democratic U.S. Sen. Elissa Slotkin, of Holly, last year, announced on April 14 he was running again as well.

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"I didn't go to school to be a politician," said El-Sayed, who lives in Ann Arbor and was urged to consider public service by none other than former President Bill Clinton after hearing El-Sayed give the graduation speech ahead of Clinton's commencement address at the University of Michigan in 2007. "I wanted to be a doctor but discovered pretty quickly that it was our political system that was making people sick in the first place and making it so hard to provide them the care that they needed.

"Anybody who has ever worked in a health department knows that so much of what you can do is a function of federal policy," continued El-Sayed, who holds a medical degree from Columbia University and was a Rhodes Scholar at Oxford University, where he studied public health. "Literally on the same day (President) Trump and (adviser Elon) Musk froze our federal funding to the (Wayne County) department, Sen. Peters announced after a long and storied career he was resigning. So I had to ask myself: Where is the fight for all the work that I care about?"

His candidacy comes at a time when Democrats are still stinging after last year's loss to Trump and having ceded the U.S. Senate to Republican control along with the U.S. House. Some commentators have argued the party has done too little to confront Trump and an aggressive agenda to remake the federal government amid arguments that an intraparty split between the progressive and moderate winds of the party help cost it the election.

El-Sayed's entry into the race gives the Democratic primary its first candidate viewed widely as running in the progressive lane, though he told the Free Press, "I don't love labels," adding that he views government as doing best when it "delivers for working people" and helps small businesses and workers' rights. He publicly supported the Democratic nominee, Vice President Kamala Harris, in the 2024 election, though some progressives, as well as voters in Michigan's large Arab American and Muslim communities, broke with her and the administration of former President Joe Biden in protest of what they saw as Biden's ongoing support of Israel in the conflict against Hamas in Gaza.

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If elected, he would be the first Muslim to serve in the U.S. Senate.

Growing up in metro Detroit and the son of Egyptian immigrants, El-Sayed's political bona fides run far deeper than most health directors. After challenging Whitmer for the nomination in 2018  during which he won endorsements from U.S. Sen Bernie Sanders, of Vermont, and Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, who was running for her first term as a congresswoman from New York  he founded Southpaw Michigan, an advocacy group supporting progressive candidates and proposals in the state.

Sanders has already thrown his support behind El-Sayed in the Senate race, issuing a statement saying, "We need candidates who are prepared to stand up for the working class of this country and take on the oligarchy. We need candidates who will stand up to Trumps authoritarianism and protect our democratic way of life."

A supporter of universal health care, guaranteed clean water and tuition-free higher education in his run for governor, El-Sayed has also written extensively, including the books "Healing Politics: A Doctors Journey into the Heart of Our Political Epidemic" and "Medicare for All: A Citizens Guide," while also appearing regularly in podcasts and as a cable news commentator.

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As the head of Detroit's health department, he helped restore services following the city's bankruptcy and at the Wayne County Department of Health, Human & Veterans Services, which he joined two years ago, his campaign said, he helped secure free glasses for children in need of corrective lenses, remove lead from schools and made Narcan, a quick-acting antidote for opioid overdose, widely available. He also led an ongoing effort to reduce medical debt.

In Michigan, we dont wait around  we fight back and forge our future, said El-Sayed, Now, its time to bring that Michigan grit to Washington and reshape our politics to work for us."

He joins a primary field that is still unsettled. Other Democrats looking at the race include U.S. Rep. Haley Stevens, of Birmingham, and former state House Speaker Joe Tate, of Detroit, and pundits have speculated state Attorney General Dana Nessel, who is term limited in that job, could run as well. On the Republican side, Rogers is the biggest name to announce but U.S. Rep. Bill Huizenga, of Holland Township, and Tudor Dixon, the 2022 GOP gubernatorial nominee who lost to Whitmer, are weighing bids. Two lesser-known candidates, Dr. Kent Benham, a dentist in the Deerfield area, and Fred Heurtebise, of Luther, whose website describes him as a welder and engineer, have also filed in the Republican primary.

No Republican has won a U.S. Senate race in Michigan since former Sen. Spencer Abraham in 1994.

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El-Sayed has been unabashed in his support of progressive goals in the past. In 2018, he and U.S. Rep. Rashida Tlaib, D-Detroit, who was running for her first term in Congress at the time, were among those arrested when police said a street was blocked during a protest in Detroit for higher workers' wages and organizing rights.

He added that he's not unwilling to criticize those in his own party if they speak in what he called "gobbledygook," trying to have it both ways with donors and voters when their priorities may not be aligned. Health care, he said, is a good example: If another politician, regardless of party, isn't willing to take on systems that are consolidating hospitals and hurting patient choice and workers, while saying they still want to expand health care access, that's "about as wishy-washy as it gets."

He said his campaign for governor taught him to listen to people wherever they live, believing residents in Flint and Detroit have much in common with those in Oscoda or Kalkaska.

"They talk about the same issues," he said, mentioning the need for quality, affordable health care, educational opportunities and job protections. "I think it's time for a politics that is unafraid to take issues head on to say the honest truth out loud and to articulate what we can do so solve it.

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"Too often, and I hate to say it, what happens is you've got donors who sit on the wrong side of a lot of these problems and so politicians get themselves hamstrung because they don't want to bother their donors," he said. "They want to say something that seems relevant and you end up with gobbledygook. It's mush. I don't do mush. I do direct. ... I say what I mean and I mean what I say."

Contact Todd Spangler: tspangler@freepress.com. Follow him on X @tsspangler.

This story has been updated with additional information.

This article originally appeared on Detroit Free Press: Democrat El-Sayed enters US Senate race, asking 'Where is the fight?'
SHANGHAI - China's dining scene is buzzing as Japanese chains like Torikizoku yakitori, Sushiro conveyor-belt sushi and Saizeriya Italian eateries turn economic hardship into opportunity, drawing customers with affordable options amid a downturn.

Torikizoku, a popular yakitori chain based in Osaka, opened its first mainland China location in Shanghai in late February. All items -- from skewered grilled chicken to beer -- are uniformly priced at 18 yuan ($2.50), following the same strategy used in Japan.

This approach, which lets customers choose freely without worrying about price, is said to be key to the chain's popularity. "Right after opening, we had about 200 people waiting two and a half hours," said the store manager, noting many had previously visited the chain in Japan.

A 28-year-old Shanghai local who visited the yakitori shop with her boyfriend praised the value, saying, "Shanghai's cost of living is high, and yakitori usually costs 12 yuan per skewer. But here it's 18 yuan for two skewers, which is a great deal."

A 25-year-old graduate school student who said he could only afford to dine out once a month expressed satisfaction. "I'm happy to be able to eat Japanese food for around 100 yuan" at the outlet, he said.

In China, private consumption continues to decline amid rising unemployment and falling real estate prices due to the prolonged property-sector crisis. The consumer price index rose just 0.2 percent year-on-year in both 2023 and 2024, well below the government's target of around 3 percent.

"This is precisely the time when we can gain support in China for our prices and product quality, given the current economic stagnation," a Torikizoku executive said. The company aims to eventually expand to around 650 stores in China, matching its footprint in Japan.

Sushiro, which opened its first mainland China location in 2021, made headlines when its Beijing store drew opening-day waits of more than 10 hours last August. As of late March this year, it had expanded to 51 outlets in the world's second-largest economy.

Meanwhile, Saizeriya, an Italian restaurant chain that entered mainland China in 2003, now operates more than 400 stores in the country. In the fiscal year through August 2024, it earned about 8.3 billion yen ($58 million) -- roughly 56 percent of its total operating profit of 14.8 billion yen -- from China alone.

The company, which offers reasonably priced dishes like pizza and pasta, is aiming for rapid expansion with a target of eventually opening 7,000 to 10,000 stores in China.

Related coverage:

Japanese conveyer-belt sushi chain building strong following in China
Jordan Wood, a former congressional staffer from Maine, has told fellow Democrats that he plans to launch a bid to unseat Sen. Susan Collins of Maine, according to two people familiar with his plans who were granted anonymity because they were not authorized to discuss them.

Wood, 35, would be one of the first Democrats to enter the race against Collins. He worked for former Rep. Katie Porter (D-Calif.) as her chief-of-staff, and before that served in a leadership role at End Citizens United, a campaign-finance reform group.

Collins is the only Republican up for reelection next year in a state that Kamala Harris won in 2024. And she has been a top Democratic target for decades. But she has proved difficult to unseat, most recently dispatching Sara Gideon, the well-funded 2020 Democratic nominee, after months of trailing her in the polls.

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Wood is born and raised in Lewiston and now lives in Bristol. Wood has spent a chunk of his career in the nations capital, which could expose him to attacks that he is out of touch with the state. He moved back to Maine in 2021 after spending 10 years in national Democratic politics.

Its also not clear that Wood is the preferred candidate of Senate Democrats. Maine Gov. Janet Mills, who has raised her national profile by public sparring with President Donald Trump, has declined to rule out a run.

Mills is term-limited, and the open governors race has looked far more enticing to Maine Democrats than the Senate contest against a powerful incumbent. Several of them have already launched bids or signaled their interest.

CORRECTION: A previous version of this article misstated Woods experience as a congressional staffer. He worked for former Rep. Katie Porter (D-Calif.) as her chief-of-staff.
JOHNSTOWN, Pa.  Democratic Party candidates for Johnstown City Council and mayor explained their reasons for seeking office and general political goals Wednesday during a meet-and-greet at Bottle Works.

The primary for mayor is a head-to-head race between two current council members  Laura Huchel and Deputy Mayor the Rev. Sylvia King.

Four regular four-year seats are being contested. Five Democrats are running for those positions. A special election is also being held for the remaining two years of a seat that became vacant when Michael Capriotti resigned to become assistant city manager.

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To have this many people running is fantastic.  I think its a great way to have all the candidates come together and put their ideas out there so that more people can get involved and hear them, Cambria County Democratic Party Chairwoman Nina Licastro said.

Each candidate was given five minutes to address the audience.

Council candidates spoke first, then Huchel, followed by King.

 Huchel, a Princeton University graduate, was the first millennial ever elected to Johnstown City Council. She has been active with the City of Johnstown Planning Commission, Johnstown Redevelopment Authority, arts community and Johnstown Animal Welfare Society.

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Before I was elected to council, I promised different conversations would happen around the council table, Huchel said.

I spent four years on council  until Taylor (Clarks) appointment (to council a few weeks ago)  as the youngest person on council by 20 years. So there was a different perspective going on. I was very pleased to bring that perspective and to hear the perspectives of others.

 King is pastor at Christ Centered Community Church. She has been involved with numerous organizations, including Greater Johnstown United Neighborhoods Association, Cambria County Drug & Alcohol Program, NAACP Johnstown Chapter, Vision Together 2025, and Community Foundation for the Alleghenies.

All these things and more have uniquely qualified me to serve as the mayor for the people of Johnstown, King said. I offer wisdom, knowledge, experience, servant leadership and grace. But most of all I offer myself. I am the Johnstown of yesterday. I am the Johnstown of today. And prayerfully I will be your Johnstown of tomorrow.

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The following council candidates are listed in the order that they spoke.

 Clark was appointed by council to fill Capriottis term through the end of this year before the special election winner takes on the position for the remaining two years, beginning in 2026. Clark, who co-owns Coney Island Lunch and high-end mens clothing store Millers of Johnstown, said he wants to promote transparency, honesty and small business development.

When I say honesty, Im not saying that former council members, or city managers or anything like that have been dishonest, Clark said. What Im saying is I am going to be honest with you. And what I mean by that is if I dont know something Im going to tell you.  But what I can promise you that I am going to do is Im going to find out and Im going to get back to you.

 Gregory Brown has been involved in real estate, web development and data analytics.

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Im very versatile, Brown said. I expect people to talk respectfully and legitimately to themselves and to others, too.  Youve got to offer to people resources, where they can go for help, whats going on in the city, whats not going on in the city, how they can get involved. Its just a lot.

If elected, he plans to collaborate with people, and listen and see what I can do.

 Lorraine Brandon-Taylor owns Americas Tax Office.

I have had the opportunity of working with people in all income brackets in this city, Brandon-Taylor said.

Ive had the ability to listen to them, understand where theyre coming from, and I am able to hear the voices that are unheard.

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One of her goals would be to address the amount of misguided information in the city with hopes of providing better services to residents.

 Samuel Barber is a former city codes enforcement officer.

Im running for City Council because I believe in the promise of our city and the power of its people, Barber said. Im not here to make any empty promises or offer quick fixes. Im here to work with you, to roll up our sleeves and do the real work of restoring Johnstown to a strong, and safe and thriving community we all know it can be.

 Jasmine LaRue is a published author who said she wants to be a change agent for the city.

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My goal is to bring practical solutions for everyday problems, LaRue said. I want to honor those that the city was built on, which were our elderly, our senior citizens, who worked the steel mills, who worked the coal mines, and also honoring our young people, and if we honor our young people and the elderly and our senior citizens who built the city, everyone else in the middle would flourish.

Cambria County Court of Common Pleas Judge Tamara Bernstein and Cambria County District Attorney Greg Neugebauer also attended the event. Bernstein has a retention vote in the general election. Neugebauer is running unopposed for a judge position. He cross-filed.

The Republican Party field of City Council candidates consists of Joseph Taranto, Charlene Stanton, Nick Spinelli and Mike Hamacek. Republican John DeBartola is running for mayor.
Apr. 16U.S. Rep. Emily Randall, a Democrat who represents the Tacoma and Olympic peninsulas in Congress, will host a town hall in Spokane Friday evening along with state Democratic Party Chair Shasti Conrad and others to discuss "illegal and damaging actions by Trump, Musk, and their allies," according to a news release.

The town hall, which will be held in the Spokane Community College Lair Student Center at 5:30 p.m. Friday, is open to the public. Attendees may bring signage.

Those hoping to attend are encouraged to RSVP, as seating is limited to 350, with around 100 seats already reserved. The RSVP form is available on the Spokane County Democrats website.

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In addition to Randall and Conrad, Spokane County Democrats Chair Naida Spencer and Spokane Public Schools Board Member Jenny Slagle will participate; Mayor Lisa Brown will deliver opening remarks.

The event is meant to let local voters voice their concerns about the federal government, Washington Democrats spokesman Stephen Reed said in a brief interview.

Spokane's Republican congressman, Rep. Michael Baumgartner, hosted town halls in Ritzville and Spokane last month. The one in Spokane was particularly disruptive, and he criticized some of the attendees for their behavior.

Reed noted that the state Democratic party would do "everything possible" to elect Democrats across the state in 2026, including in what has become a historically uncompetitive Eastern Washington district.
A growing chorus of Democrats are calling for investigations into allegations of insider trading and market manipulation by White House officials, Republican members of Congress, and friends of the Trump administration. The allegationswhich stem from the sudden rise in equity values following President Donald Trumps announcement of a 90-day tariff pause last weekcome from prominent administration critics like Sen. Elizabeth Warren, Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, and Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer.

Over the last two weeks, U.S. equity markets have experienced some of the largest single-day drops and rises in recent history, taking stock values on a volatile ride as investors try to make sense of the White Houses embrace of global tariffs. In the six days after Trumps April 2 Liberation Day tariff announcement, the S&P 500 fell more than 12 percentone of its largest sell-offs since World War II. On April 9, however, the White Houses announcement that it would pause some tariffs for 90 days sent the markets surging upward, with the S&P 500 rising nearly 10 percent.

While the pause helped markets claw back a substantial portion of the losses they had suffered over the preceding week, the sharp rise in equity prices also highlighted the timing of a statement made by Trump earlier in the day. THIS IS A GREAT TIME TO BUY!!! DJT, Trump posted on Truth Social only four hours before the administration announced its pause on tariffs. Critics quickly questioned whether the post had been intended to encourage Trumps millions of followers to buy into the market before equity prices jumped later in the day, earning them a sizable profit in the process.

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Other critics speculated that a smaller group of people close to the president may have been privy to knowledge of what was to come. Who in the administration knew about Trumps latest tariff flip flop ahead of time? Democratic Sen. Adam Schiff wrote on X. Did anyone buy or sell stocks, and profit at the publics expense?

In the days after the announcement, reports also emerged that a suspiciously high number of call optionsa financial derivative that gives the buyer the right to purchase the underlying asset at a particular pricehad been purchased prior to the announcement. The options quick appreciation led to substantial profit for their owners, suggesting that the buyers may have had insider information about the pause before it was announced publicly.

In a press conference last week, Democratic House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries said that Democrats would be aggressively demanding answers and transparency about any stock purchases made by members of Congress close to the tariff announcement: We need to get to the bottom of the possible stock manipulation that is unfolding before the American people, including what, if any, advance knowledge did members of the House Republican Conference have of Trumps decision to pause the reckless tariffs that he put into place?

What is insider trading?

Insider trading, while not formally defined in federal law, is prohibited by Section 10b of the Securities and Exchange Act of 1934s ban on employing manipulative and deceptive devices in connection with the purchase or sale of any security. The actand the decades of case law that have evolved from itbroadly restricts individuals from making trades on the basis of material, nonpublic information.

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For information to be considered material, there must be a substantial likelihood that it would influence a reasonable investor to make a trading decisioninformation like a companys earnings, the imminent launch of a new product, or an upcoming regulatory approval. That information is considered nonpublic if it has not yet been disseminated broadly to the general market.

For example, an employee who knows that, in a weeks time, his company will announce the acquisition of a rival business, cannot then buy shares of the company based on expectations that the stock price will rise. Likewise, that employee cannot pass the information along to a friend or family member who then uses it to make trading decisions. Non-company actors who have access to insider information, like the business auditor or a third-party contractor, are similarly barred from making trading decisions based on their knowledge.

Insider trading in government.

Insider trading prohibitions extend just as much to politicians in Washington as they do to bankers on Wall Street.

The most prominent law restricting insider trading by government officials is the STOCK Act, passed in 2012 and signed by President Barack Obama, that explicitly prohibits the use of nonpublic information by government employees for personal financial gain. While courts broadly recognized this prohibition prior to the STOCK Acts passage, the bill reinforced that officials were not exempt from insider trading laws and introduced a requirement that government employees disclose certain financial transactions.

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Even before the STOCK Act was passed in 2012, federal officials could not trade stocks based on confidential information that they learned through their jobsthats always been the law, Kedric Payne, vice president, general counsel, and senior director of ethics at the Campaign Legal Center, told The Dispatch.

Under the STOCK Act, members of Congress, congressional employees, and a long list of other government officialsincluding the president, vice president, and executive branch employeesalso must file disclosure reports within 45 days of a transaction or 30 days of being notified of the transaction, whichever comes first. The idea is that, if the public knows about the trade within 45 days, that would probably discourage members of Congress from making trades they think would appear to be a problem, Payne said.

Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene, for example, has already disclosed more than 20 trades made on the day before and day of Trumps tariff pause announcement. There is no evidence yet that the trades were made with foreknowledge of the pause, and Greene has previously said that her investments are managed independently by a financial adviser.

Public employees are also prohibited more generally from using their public office for personal gain, according to guidance from the Office of Government Ethics. Outside of securities laws that ban insider trading, there is a standard government rule that applies across federal, state, and local government where you cannot use your official position for private gain, Payne said. Its always been understood that if you use information you gain as an official to trade a stock, thats going to be a clear violation of that core rule to government ethics. Title 18, Section 208 of the U.S. Code similarly prohibits federal employees from participating in official matters that will directly affect their or their familys financial interests.

The tariff pause.

While Trumps Truth Social post raised eyebrows, experts point out that its not an example of insider trading.

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If the totality of it is just Trump sending a tweet, and a couple hours later saying Im pausing [the tariffs], there is nothing there that he has violated. Trump himself has not violated any statute, Nejat Seyhun, a professor of finance at the University of Michigan and expert in insider trading, told The Dispatch.

I dont know any reason why Donald Trumps statement that he thought this was a great time to buy stock would be a violation of the insider trading laws, John Coffee, a professor at Columbia University and expert in securities law, echoed. This was a communication made to the whole world, not particularly aimed at traders, and probably had political justifications greater than the economic ones.

However, if White House officials, members of Congress, or government employees who knew about the pause in advance of its public announcement traded stocks based on that information, they would be violating prohibitions on insider trading. If Trump discussed it with some aides, and those aides traded on it, the aides would be subject to the STOCK Act. If Trump said, Im going to do you a favor, Im giving inside information that Im going to pause [the tariffs], then Trump himself would be legally liable, Seyhun said.

Coffee agreed, saying that its conceivable that an official with prior knowledge of the tariff pause could have used that information to profit off the resulting market movementthough there is not yet any evidence of any such trading having taken place. If you could identify a White House official trading heavily before either [Trumps] statement was made or the pause was known, thats a different story.

Who enforces?

As of now, there is no clear evidence that insiders used knowledge of the tariff pause to profit in the stock market. It is rare to find direct evidence of insider trading, and suspicious activity is often circumstantial. Bottom line, volumes and volatility were huge, so Im unable to determine whether any of the many well-timed purchases were fortuitous normal trades or something nefarious, Steve Sosnick, chief strategist at Interactive Brokers, told Reuters last week of trades that profited from the tariff pause.

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The Securities and Exchange Commission and the Financial Industry Regulatory Authoritya private nonprofit organization that regulates the U.S. brokerage industryclosely monitor trading activity surrounding significant market events, and they would be largely responsible for investigating claims of insider trading in the broader market. State enforcement agencies can also initiate investigations. On Monday, New York Attorney General Letitia James announced that her office was in the early stages of reviewing insider trading claims, but that a full investigation was not underway.

Any members of the executive branch or Congress who personally made trades during the tariff-related volatility will, in adherence with the STOCK Act, have to report those trades within 30 days. Suspicious activity would then be investigated by the branchs respective ethics officialsthe Office of Government Ethics or the Office of Congressional Ethics.

Payne, of the Campaign Legal Center, explained that ethics officials who suspect irregularities would refer their findings to the inspector general, who would then escalate them to the Department of Justices Public Integrity Unit if necessary.

In March, the Associated Press reported that the Public Integrity Unit, which investigates crimes related to government ethics like bribery and election fraud, was being reduced in size, and that its ongoing cases would be moved to U.S. attorneys offices. The units leadership had already shrunk substantially in February after five of its top officials resigned after being asked to drop corruption charges against New York City Mayor Eric Adams.

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The Public Integrity Unit is barely functioning, if functioning at all, in the Department of Justice, Payne said. So right now, in this current administration, theres no clear enforcement mechanism for a person engaged in insider trading.

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In the red state of Montana on Wednesday, a crowd swelled for two political stars of the left who vowed to fight oligarchy in President Donald Trumps administration. That night, in a Midwestern swing district, a congresswoman saw her largest ever town hall crowd, with many wanting to know how Democrats were pushing back.

And hours later, a Democratic senator traveled to El Salvador to bring attention to a case at the center of the partys arguments that Trumps immigration policies have gone beyond existing law and court orders.

Those events of the last 24 hours point to a similar phenomenon: In ways big and small, the second-term resistance to Trump is growing stronger and bolder.

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The pushback is not just from politicians, but also from some of the powerful institutions that have come under attack by the administration. These include Harvard University, MIT and Princeton, all of which refused to yield to a list of Trump demands that would overhaul hiring, disciplinary and other practices in the face of billions of dollars in federal funding freezes.

While it is far from a full-fledged revolt, more of those being targeted by Trumps policies are putting up a fight now, compared to the universities, law firms and even Democratic politicians who bent his way in the first weeks and months of his term. Yet amid the bursts of resistance is a steady flow of appeasement by some of the countrys most powerful institutions, such as major law firms that have struck deals with the White House  including five more last week  to collectively provide hundreds of millions of dollars in free legal work.

Meanwhile, Democrats are trying to harness anti-Trump energy as the party regroups from 2024 and refocuses on next years midterm elections. But that could get complicated, as some of that angst is aimed at Democratic leaders.

The shift comes as Democratic leaders have gotten a massive earful from their base over the last couple of months from those upset with a lack of resistance to the administrations actions, said Leah Greenberg, a co-founder of Indivisible, an organizing force on the left.

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What were starting to see from some corners of higher education, of business, et cetera, is people recognizing that theres not a path, short of complete and utter subjugation, that will satisfy this administration, Greenberg said. So you might as well find some ground youre comfortable on and fight.

Rep. Nikki Budzinski, a Democrat in a district covering parts of central and southern Illinois, said her constituents, including the roughly 400 people who poured into a Wednesday-evening town hall, are also fearful of fluctuating tariffs and whats ahead with Medicaid, Social Security and disability rights.

In January, Budzinski said, I heard from a lot of Democrats, The news is just too hard to pay attention to, and I cant turn it on. I think what I hear now is that people are paying attention, and theyre trying to figure out what best ways they can be involved.

The uncertainty is really kind of the killer. Your tariffs on one day, tariffs off another. A Social Security office closed. Does that mean that theres not going to be one in the county? Budzinski added.

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Earlier this month, Americans flooded the streets of cities across the country as part of hundreds of Hands Off protests against the administration. Even former President Joe Biden, who has remained quiet in the face of repeated needling by Trump, held his first post-presidential public appearance Monday, warning of the administrations approach to Social Security.

Greenberg described a post-election disconnect between the Democratic Partys rank and file and its elites, who she said spent months second-guessing or sulking while law firms and universities yielded to Trumps early demands.

From her standpoint, the burst of energy was immediate after Trumps election  and its steadily rising.

The upsurge in regular people organizing came in the vacuum of a lack of elite leadership from both the political class and from the kinds of institutions that you think of as upholding norms around liberal democracy, she said. Over the last couple of months, the breadth and the scope and the ferocity of the assault [from the Trump administration] has demonstrated to at least some of the folks in the elite circles that they actually have to push back.

Democrats look to capitalize

Democrats see the rising energy to push back on Trump as a positive sign for the party heading into next years midterm elections, where they would need to net three seats to flip the House and four seats to flip the Senate.

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Small-dollar donations are ticking up, said Chris Korge, the Democratic National Committees fundraising chair. The most recently monthly campaign finance filings show the party pulling in more small dollars in January and February this year ($10.7 million) than during the same period in 2017 ($8 million)  just after Trump took office for his first term.

Democrats are starting to get a head of steam, Korge said. Donors, large donors are becoming less depressed about the past election and more enthused about where we go from here and what our prospects are.

Korge said Trump has not come through with the economic panacea he promised but instead has wrought total chaos on the markets, emboldening Democrats to feel they can win back the message on the economy after struggling on economic issues in the 2024 campaign.

The party, having already pushed back billionaire Elon Musk in a battle over a Wisconsin Supreme Court seat earlier this month, is eagerly looking forward to upcoming gubernatorial campaigns in Virginia and New Jersey this year, before the 2026 midterms. Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee Chairwoman Suzan DelBene of Washington pointed to recent special elections, in which Democrats have improved on the partys performance in November, as evidence that Democrats have the momentum.

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Weve seen in just a few months that the public has already turned on Republicans and their record of broken promises, DelBene said.

Rep. Jason Crow, D-Colo., who is co-chairing the DCCCs recruitment effort, told reporters at an event last week with the think tank Third Way that the committee has seen a flood of enthusiasm from potential candidates, including military veterans, former federal workers and small-business owners.

Republicans say Democrats are overconfident. The National Republican Congressional Committee, the GOPs campaign arm focused on House races, recently said in a statement, Voters arent buying it, and they know Democrats are too extreme, too unpopular, and totally out of touch.

At the very least, Democrats figure to head into 2026 with a growing bench of candidates. The organization Run for Something, which launched after Trumps first election in 2016 and recruits candidates for state and local office, announced Wednesday that nearly 40,000 people had expressed interest in running for office since the November election.

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The group saw major spikes in interest after Trumps inauguration, as the Musk-led Department of Government Efficiency sought to slash the size of the federal government, and after Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y., voted to advance a GOP-led government funding measure.

Angst also takes aim at Democrats

Schumers vote, which drew the ire of his fellow Democrats, underscored one potential complication of the burgeoning energy to take on Trump: Those feelings could also be directed at Democrats own leaders.

Sen. Bernie Sanders, I-Vt., during a stop on his Fighting Oligarchy tour at Grand Park in Los Angeles on April 12.

Democratic voters have been itching for their party to fight Trump. An NBC News poll conducted in March found nearly two-thirds of Democratic voters said they want Democrats in Congress to stick to their positions even if it leads to gridlock, and just one-third wanted their leaders to compromise with Trump  a complete reversal from Trumps first term.

David Hogg, a DNC vice chair, warned that energy will inevitably lead to primary challenges against sitting Democratic lawmakers, and some younger Democrats have already launched campaigns against longtime incumbents. Hogg said he is looking to channel that angst by supporting challengers in deep-blue seats  instead of competitive districts that could decide the majority  as part of a new effort from his PAC, Leaders We Deserve.

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With the approval rating we have right now, this is coming. It is going to happen, Hogg said, referring to the Democratic Partys low favorability ratings in recent polling. The question is: Is it going to be productive or is it going to be total chaos that is very destructive? And Im trying to make sure that this is done productively. And that were showing our base, too, that there is an effort to change and things are not staying the same, even if that does piss off some people in D.C.

Hogg said his group will target lawmakers who are asleep at the wheel and not sufficiently fighting Trump. He laid out examples of lawmakers who are successfully taking on Trump, in his view, noting New York Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez and Sen. Bernie Sanders Fighting the Oligarchy rallies; Maryland Sen. Chris Van Hollens trip to El Salvador this week to investigate what the Trump administration said in court was a mistaken deportation; New Jersey Sen. Cory Bookers record-breaking Senate speech; and Connecticut Sen. Chris Murphys online videos.

But Hogg also plans to support Democratic nominees in competitive districts, and he pushed back on critics who say his effort would divert resources from those races, pointing to the millions of dollars that flowed to Ocasio-Cortezs and Sanders campaigns as proof that the partys base will support candidates who push back on Trump.

The things that Democrats are struggling with are not fundraising, Hogg said.

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Asked if she was concerned about the efforts to challenge incumbents in primaries, DelBene said, Democrats are united on taking back the majority in the House of Representatives, and thats the top focus of the DCCC. And what I would tell anyone who wants to be helpful, to donate, is to focus on the races where we can take back the majority.

This article was originally published on NBCNews.com
Congressional Democrats are finding a fighting spirit as Donald Trump and his administration defy court orders to return a wrongfully-deported man.

Kilmar Abrego Garcias deportation to El Salvador, which the Department of Homeland Security and Justice Department have admitted was an error, remains one of the biggest issues in Washington.

A growing number of Democrats and legal experts now have the same prognosis: America is in a constitutional crisis, as the White House and broader federal government ignore court orders to facilitate the return of a man officials have now spent days accusing, without a shred of real evidence, of being a gang member.

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And for the most part, the Democratic Party is unified  and finally finding a voice.

Leaders of the opposition party came out this week with forceful statements demanding the Trump administration comply with the courts. Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, on Wednesday, joined a handful of other Democratic senators in announcing that hed place a hold on the administrations nominees for two key US attorney positions.

House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries, whose chamber is not involved in the nomination process, took his own stand at a press conference in Brooklyn.

"The Trump administration has acknowledged [that Garcias deportation was committed in error] and so they need to comply with the Supreme Court's directive or the Supreme Court needs to enforce its order aggressively, which should include contempt, said the House Democratic leader.

Hakeem Jeffries, left, and Chuck Schumer have rediscovered their unity amid the Trump administration's defiance of federal courts over the Kilmar Abrego Garcia case (Getty Images)

An official Twitter account for the House Democratic caucus and a whole host of other Democratic lawmakers have now released statements on the issue of Abrego Garcias deportation as well  a moment of (mostly) unity for the party which fractured in January with the passage of the Laken Riley Act and again in March in the face of a battle over a government shutdown.

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Ask yourselfwhats going to stop the government from deporting you to a prison in El Salvador? wrote Jim McGovern, the senior Democrat on the powerful Rules committee. The people get it. Either everyone has due processor nobody does.

Even John Fetterman, an outlier in his party after breaking with Democrats  hard  on both support for the scale and ferocity of the Israeli assault on Gaza as well as the Laken Riley Act, found that elusive cohesion with his caucus.

The Supreme Court made a unanimous decision, saying the lower Courts order properly requires the Government to facilitate Abrego Garcias release, wrote the Pennsylvania senator. Calling on the White House to follow this directive.

Chris Van Hollen, of Garcias home state, apparently understood the assignment. He reportedly drew a standing ovation at his own town hall Tuesday evening by announcing a visit to El Salvador to attempt to speak with Abrego Garcia, then did so the very next day. Other Democrats are seeking a full congressional delegation from the House. They may push ahead with a visit even if Speaker Mike Johnson doesnt approve it.

I just landed in San Salvador a little while ago, and I look forward to meeting with the team at the U.S. embassy to discuss the release of Mr. Abrego Garcia.



I also hope to meet with Salvadoran officials and with Kilmar himself. He was illegally abducted and needs to come home. pic.twitter.com/MzKe7U8Wwr  Senator Chris Van Hollen (@ChrisVanHollen) April 16, 2025

The partys unification around Abrego Garcias case has pushed any dissenting voices underground.

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One of them, identified only as a centrist House Democrat, aired a very dismissive complaint to Axios on Wednesday, while referring to yet another wrongful deportation case: "Rather than talking about the tariff policy and the economy ... the thing where his numbers are tanking, we're going to go take the bait for one hairdresser.

With those few exceptions in mind, Democrats seem to be meeting the moment, spurred by enraged activist groups and voters alike.

But theres one big question on the minds of those who are looking to see who emerges as the partys next standard bearer. Two, actually: Where is Joe? Where is Kamala?

Both Democrats who ran for president in 2024 have largely dropped off the face of the earth since that disastrous November drubbing at the hands of Donald Trump. Joe Biden gave his first big speech since leaving office on Tuesday  he appeared tired, and stumbled through his speech at times, and couldnt attack Trump by name. His address did not touch on the administrations deportations.

Kamala Harris, the partys nominee in the November presidential elections, hasnt held a public event in months (Getty Images for BET)

With his political career behind him, however, few are expecting a fiery Biden to emerge to rally the troops.

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Its Kamala Harris whose silence is more surprising. Despite her well-reported future political ambitions, the ex-vice president has not said a word about Abrego Garcia on social media, has largely ceased holding public events for the time being, and has had nothing to say about the constitutional crisis which her former peers in Congress now say the US faces. Once again, Harris finds herself at the center of accusations that her partys sense of urgency does not meet its own rhetoric.

With Democratic groups pressing ahead full-steam in the effort to build the Resistance 2.0 and fight the shocking scale of changes Donald Trump is seeking to make to the federal government, Harris could find herself left behind and accused of checking out if she seeks to rebuild a brand as a leader of her party if shes eyeing 2028  or if she runs for governor of California next year.
President Donald Trump is pushing the limits of his executive authority, setting or attempting to set new precedents in the way the chief executive conducts his business. But could the actions hes taking now come back to bite Republicans when they are out of power?

What goes around Washington, D.C., usually comes around at some point. In 2013, Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid eliminated the filibuster for presidential appointments and judicial nomineesexcept for those to the Supreme Court. Republican Sen. Mitch McConnell, the minority leader at the time, warned Democrats, Youll regret this, and you may regret it a lot sooner than you think. After the GOP gained control of the Senate and White House, McConnell then capitalized on that precedent in 2017 and ended the filibuster for Supreme Court nominees, paving the way for three Trump appointees and cementing a conservative majority on the court.

Following Trumps firing of Democratic commissioners on the Federal Trade Commission and the director of the National Security Agency, The Dispatch asked Democratic lawmakers on Capitol Hill whether the precedents being set by Trump could be ones that a future Democratic president would potentially follow. None said they wanted to pursue Trumps path to affirming the power of the executive.

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After all, Democratic presidents have also pushed the limit of executive authority, and Republicans have criticized them soundly for it. President Barack Obama instituted the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals program, which protected from deportation certain undocumented immigrants who came to the United States as children. President Joe Biden attempted to waive hundreds of billions of dollars in student loan debt, but the Supreme Court said the effort was illegal. Today, Democrats on Capitol Hill are promising to check Trump so that the next president cannot further expand executive power.

We have to restore the constitutional order during this administration, so that thats not an open question beyond this term, Sen. Tammy Baldwin of Wisconsin told The Dispatch. And that means, as youve seen the cases that have been filed in court, most of them have come down on the side of respecting the Constitution.

Commentators (including our own Jonah Goldberg) have warned that if Trump goes too far in exerting his control, then it will be easier for the next Democrat in the White House to justify similar actions, creating policies Republicans no doubt will disapprove of. Still, with fewer than 100 hundred days having passed since Trumps second term began, the messaging campaign employed by Democrats against the presidents actions centers on promising a return to order, not tit-for-tat retribution. Sen. Chris Murphy of Connecticut argued that Trumps often chaotic concentration of power will help his party retake control of the federal government.

Democrats are ultimately going to win because people want us to be a nation of laws, he said. Donald Trump doesnt respect the laws. He doesnt think the laws apply to him. Hes also mean and spiteful. This country ultimately doesnt want a mean and spiteful president who fires people for sport.

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As part of his campaign to fill the executive branch with loyalists dedicated to furthering his policy agenda, Trump has fired bureaucrats across several agencies. One example is the March removal of two Democratic FTC commissioners, who were told their continued service on the FTC is inconsistent with my administrations priorities. Alvaro Bedoya and Rebecca Kelly Slaughter have sued, arguing their dismissals violate the precedent in Humphreys Executor v. United States, the 1935 Supreme Court case that stemmed from President Franklin D. Roosevelts firing of an FTC commissioner on political grounds. That decision ensures that independent agency heads cannot be ousted for political reasons, and the Trump administration has indicated it will ultimately seek a Supreme Court decision rendering Humphreys Executor unconstitutional.

Hes breaking the Constitution, and I dont think anyone should follow that. I think what we should be doing is checking his unconstitutional actions, Rep. Ro Khanna of California told The Dispatch.

Though Trumps powers to fire commissioners on the FTC and other boards that perform quasi-legislative and quasi-judicial functions is more constrained, he has much more authority to fire the leaders of agencies over which he has direct control. Such was the case with his firing of Air Force Gen. Timothy Haugh from his positions as NSA director and commander of the U.S. Cyber Command, posts he took in February 2024 after Biden nominated him. The removal, which reportedly came after far-right activist Laura Loomer advocated for it, is within the bounds of the law. Nevertheless, Rep. Ami Bera of California said he did not believe a Democrat should replicate it.

It may not be illegal, but Gen. Haugh was a patriotic American whos been serving his rolevery intelligent, he told The Dispatch. As someone on the Intelligence Committee, I think it hollows out our national security.

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Trump has also pushed the limits of his executive authority through several executive actions relating to issues such as impounding congressionally appropriated funds and refusing to automatically recognize children born on U.S. soil as American citizens, instances where significant legal obstacles exist. Senate Minority Whip Dick Durbin of Illinois said he would not want a Democrat to test how far he or she can go with executive authority in the way Trump has.

You mean, do unconstitutional things like declare that birthright citizenship is not legal, even though its written in the Constitution? If you want to go that far, you certainly have a lot of controversy, he said.

Thats not to say Democrats, when they retake the majority, wouldnt attempt some of the tactics congressional Republicans seem poised to use. One of those is employing Senate Budget Committee Chairman Lindsey Grahams authority to use the current policy baseline as a novel method of measuring the deficit impact in order to make the expiring provisions of the 2017 Tax Cuts and Jobs Act permanent. While asking Sen. Cory Booker a question during the New Jersey Democrats 25-hour speech on the Senate floor weeks ago, Minority Leader Chuck Schumer described the GOP budget tactic as going nuclear. Schumer referenced McConnells 2013 warning to Democrats about the filibuster: Does the senator remember that when this was done in the past, McConnell said they would regret it, and theyll regret it sooner than they think? Schumer said.

Murphy expressed openness to exploiting that precedent, along with others.

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I think there are a bunch of things Republicans are doing that will come back and bite them in the ass, he told The Dispatch. They are right now considering the nuclear option in the Senate.

Still, Murphy, who has set himself up as an outspoken Democratic messenger in the second Trump term, would not countenance extending such an attitude to the White House.

I wouldnt recommend a Democratic candidate for president run to be a Democratic version of Donald Trump, he said.

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By Nathan Frandino

BERKELEY, California (Reuters) -Hundreds of students, faculty and community members on a California campus booed on Thursday as speakers accused the administration of President Donald Trump of undermining American universities, as he questioned whether Harvard and others deserve tax-exempt status.

The protest on the University of California's Berkeley campus was among events dubbed "Rally for the Right to Learn!" planned across the country.

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The administration has rebuked American universities over their handling of pro-Palestinian student protests that roiled campuses from Columbia in New York to Berkeley last year, following the 2023 Hamas-led attack inside Israel and the subsequent Israeli attacks on Gaza.

Trump has called the protests anti-American and antisemitic and accused universities of peddling Marxism and "radical left" ideology. On Thursday, he called Harvard, an institution he criticized repeatedly this week, "a disgrace," and also criticized others.

Asked about reports the Internal Revenue Service was planning to remove Harvard's tax-exempt status, Trump told reporters at the White House he did not think a final ruling had been made, and indicated other schools were under scrutiny.

Trump had said in a social media post on Tuesday he was mulling whether to seek to end Harvard's tax-exempt status if it continued pushing what he called "political, ideological, and terrorist inspired/supporting 'Sickness?'"

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"I'm not involved in it," he said, saying the matter was being handled by lawyers. "I read about it just like you did, but tax-exempt status, I mean, it's a privilege. It's really a privilege, and it's been abused by a lot more than Harvard."

"When you take a look whether it's Columbia, Harvard, Princeton, I don't know what's going on, but when you see how badly they've acted and in other ways also. So we'll, we'll be looking at it very strongly."

At Berkeley on Thursday, protesters raised signs proclaiming Education is a public good! and "Hands off our free speech!" Robert Reich, a public policy professor, compared the responses of Harvard and Columbia to demands from the administration that they take such steps as ending diversity, equity and inclusion programs and putting academic departments under outside control.

Harvard President Alan Garber, in a letter on Monday, rejected such demands as unprecedented "assertions of power, unmoored from the law" that violated constitutional free speech and the Civil Rights Act.

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Columbia had earlier agreed to negotiations after the Trump administration said last month it had terminated grants and contracts worth $400 million, mostly for medical and other scientific research. After reading the Harvard president's letter, Columbia's interim President Claire Shipman, said her university would continue "good faith discussions" with the administration, but "would reject any agreement in which the government dictates what we teach, research, or who we hire."

Columbia University tried to appease a tyrant. It didnt work," Berkeley's Reich said on the steps of Sproul Hall at the heart of the universitys campus.

After Harvard stood up to the tyrant, Columbia, who had been surrendering, stood up and said no.

After Harvard's Garber released his letter on Monday, the Trump administration said it was freezing $2.3 billion in funding to the university. Department of Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem announced on Wednesday the termination of two DHS grants totaling more than $2.7 million to Harvard and said the university would lose its ability to enroll foreign students if it does not meet demands to share information on some visa holders.

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In response, a Harvard spokesperson said the university stood by its earlier statement to "not surrender its independence or relinquish its constitutional rights," while saying it will comply with the law.

CNN was first to report on Wednesday the IRS was making plans to rescind Harvard's tax-exempt status and that a final decision was expected soon.

Harvard said there was no legal basis to rescind it, saying such an action will be unprecedented, will diminish its financial aid for students and will lead to abandonment of some critical medical research programs.

Harrison Fields, a White House spokesperson, said "any forthcoming actions by the IRS are conducted independently of the President, and investigations into any institutions violations of their tax status were initiated prior to the Presidents TRUTH."

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Under federal law the president cannot request that the IRS, which determines whether an organization can have or maintain tax-exempt status, investigate organizations.

(Nathan Frandino reported from Berkeley, California. Additional reporting from Trevor Hunnicutt and Steve Holland in Washington and Rich McKay in Atlanta. Editing by Donna Bryson and Rod Nickel)
STILLWATER, Okla. (KFOR)  Some Oklahoma State University students are reacting to flyers posted by a student group on campus calling for the deportation of illegals.

News 4 received a tip from an Oklahoma State University (OSU) student on Wednesday that the flyers had been posted in the student union and on multiple boards in buildings across campus.

They have the abbreviation D.E.I., which is most commonly associated with diversity, equity, and inclusion, however, the flyers follow up the abbreviation with the words deport every illegal.

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University of Oklahoma confirms visa revocations of students, immigration attorney outlines what to do next

I think thats horrible, said one OSU student News 4 spoke with. That makes me really sad.

News 4 confirmed the flyers were posted by the Young Americans for Freedom at Oklahoma State. A university spokesperson confirmed the group is a student group. The groups social media accounts say its committed to promoting the principles of conservatism on campus.

News 4 reached out to several current members on Wednesday, requesting an interview to discuss the flyers. The group provided the following statement:

Young Americans for Freedom at Oklahoma State University boldly and unapologetically stands for the conservative Christian values that make this nation great. We believe that it is right that the deportation of illegals occurs to uphold the rule of law, protect Americans from vicious foreign criminals, deter future criminal entry, and encourage lawful entry into our country. We can be followed on Instagram @yafokstate and we hold regular meetings and events on campus during the semester! Young Americans for Freedom at Oklahoma State

Every student on campus News 4 asked to weigh in on the flyer in person said they didnt agree with it, despite arguments of free speech.

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I am so sorry that you have to see this, said an OSU student regarding any student who might feel personally offended by the sign.

Reactions on social media Wednesday were mixed, with some users praising the student group and others recommending the signs should be reported and removed.

News 4 reached out to an Oklahoma State University spokesperson for comment:

The flyer was created by a student group. OSU is content neutral concerning these student groups and does not endorse student groups messages. The university has over 500 student groups, and some of those are going to have conflicting views. But it is not within the universitys purview to limit constitutionally protected speech. Oklahoma State University spokesperson

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KFOR.com Oklahoma City.
TOKYO - A Chinese man convicted of killing a Chinese woman and injuring two Japanese nationals in a knife attack at a school bus stop near Shanghai last year was executed, Japanese government officials said Thursday.

The Chinese Foreign Ministry told the Japanese Embassy in Beijing on Wednesday that the man had been executed, according to the officials.

Zhou Jiasheng stabbed a Japanese mother and her child and killed Chinese bus attendant Hu Youping, who came to their assistance at the Japanese school bus stop in Suzhou, Jiangsu Province, in June. A court in Suzhou sentenced Zhou to death in January.

Zhou was "debt-ridden" and did not want to continue living, according to a Japanese government official who cited the court ruling.

While there was speculation that he may have targeted Japanese nationals, the Suzhou Intermediate People's Court made no mention of Japan when it issued the ruling.

Japan's Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshimasa Hayashi said in Tokyo that the government recognizes the gravity of the execution, adding that the crime was "utterly intolerable."

The case, followed by another fatal stabbing by a Chinese man of a Japanese schoolboy in the southern city of Shenzhen in September, has attracted considerable attention in Japan, fueling safety concerns among its nationals living in China.

The assailant in the Shenzhen case was also sentenced to death in January.

"We will continue to strongly ask China to ensure the safety of Japanese people in China," Hayashi said at a press conference.

Related coverage:

China court sentences man to death over Japanese school bus stabbings
(FOX40.COM)  The Mariposa County Sheriffs Office arrested a 58-year-old man on Tuesday who was connected with an extensive child sexual abuse material investigation.

 Video above: What happens when you call 911?

According to MSCSO, the man has been identified as Robert Brooks.

Officials said Brooks was found and taken in custody in Calaveras County where he had been working. At this time, he is being held at the Mariposa County Jail with bail being set at $50,000.

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MCSO stated this arrest came from a search warrant that was executed last year in September, at a property in Coulterville and Greeley Hill in Mariposa County. During the search, investigators found 133 digital devices at Brooks residence.

Ranchers in Sierra Valley face wolf attacks on a calf, prompting concern from authorities

MCSO said, Subsequent forensic warrants were obtained, and an initial preview revealed child sexual abuse material on 25 of the devices.

Authorities said over the following months, a joint investigation involving the MCSO, the Central California Crimes Against Children Task Force, and the Fresno Multi-Agency Digital Lab led to the forensic extracting and analysis of the devices which resulted in finding 14,649 videos and 886,169 images with a shocking amount being identified as CSAM.

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MSCO said a Ramey warrant was issued and Brooks was arrested without incident. He has been booked on possession of obscene matter depicting a minor engaged in a sexual act.

According to Stephen G. Rodrigues and Partners website, A Ramey Warrant is a type of arrest warrant that is issued by a judge before formal criminal charges have been filed by the District Attorney. This was named after a case in California People v. Ramey in 1967.

This investigation remains ongoing and further charges may be filed pending continued forensic analysis said MCSO. If anyone has any information relating to the case is asked to reach out at 209-966-3615

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX40 News.
HENDERSON COUNTY, N.C. (WSPA)  Deputies in Henderson County arrested a man on multiple charges for attempted murder on Monday night.

According to the Henderson County Sheriffs Office, deputies were called to a residence in the Mountain Home community after getting a report of domestic violence.

Upon arrival, officials said they found 33-year-old Donald Garrett Jr. walking through the home, covered in blood.

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After a forced entry into the home, investigators said they located two family members who had life-threatening stab wounds.

Garrett was detained while deputies started working to help the victims until EMS arrived.

The condition of the family members is unknown at this time.

After an investigation into the stabbings, Garrett was charged with two counts of attempted first-degree murder and two counts of assault with a deadly weapon with intent to kill, inflicting serious injury; his bond was set at $750,000.

The stabbings are still being investigated at this time. Stay up to date with 7NEWS on the air and online as more information is made available.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WSPA 7NEWS.
NOTE: The above video is from previous coverage of the bank robbery

YORK COUNTY, Va. (WAVY)  A man was arrested on Wednesday in connection with a bank robbery at a York County Bayport Credit Union in February.

Deputies: Suspect sought after bank robbery at York Bayport Credit Union

According to officials, on Feb. 4 around 9:45 a.m., deputies were dispatched to the Bayport Credit Union on George Washington Memorial Highway for reports of a robbery. The suspect, later identified as 37-year-old Tyrone Kyle Jefferson Perry, was said to have fled on foot prior to the arrival of deputies.

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On April 15, investigators were able to acquire warrants against Perry in connection with the robbery.

The following day, on April 16, Perry was arrested and charged with entering a bank armed with intent to commit larceny, robbery, use of a firearm in the commission of a felony, abduction, prohibition of wearing a mask in certain places and possession of a firearm by a convicted felon.

Perry is currently being held in the Newport News City Jail.

Continue to check WAVY.com for updates.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WAVY.com.
A suspected meat thief is on a roll, or as deputies said, on the run, after he was caught on camera stealing items from a Georgia Walmart.

[DOWNLOAD: Free WSB-TV News app for alerts as news breaks]

The Lee County Sheriffs Office is actively searching for Aaron Anthony Johnson, 58, for a shoplifting incident that occurred at the Walmart on Ledo Road.

Deputies said Johnson rolled around the store on a mobility scooter, stuffing his backpack with items, including several packs of steaks, two packs of razors and other merchandise.

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According to LCSO, the 58-year-old stole a blue jacket, which he wore out of the store.

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"What happened next can only be described as a true miracle, the LCSO said.

Authorities said Johnsons leg became like those of Usain Bolt.

He leapt off the scooter and ran like a track star out of the store, backpack full of unpaid Walmart merchandise in tow. Turns out, he was not handicapped after all, LCSO said.

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Another individual was seen on surveillance waiting for Johnson in the parking lot. Deputies said the getaway car was a red Ford Edge with a Georgia license plate DAS6727.

Johnson now has a new arrest warrant for theft by shoplifting and probation violation.

Anyone with information can call the Lee County Sheriffs Office at 229-759-6012.

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A welfare check at a home ended with Paulding County deputies involved in a shootout with a suspect.

The suspect died and one deputy was rushed to the hospital after he was shot.

The deputy, identified as 24-year-old Brice Mattick, was taken to Wellstar Kennestone Hospital, but is expected to recover.

The shooting happened Thursday morning in the area of Redbud Run and Sweetgum Trace in the Brooke Valley neighborhood.

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Channel 2s Brittany Kleinpeter learned deputies responded to the home initially for a welfare check.

The suspects mother called her work and reported that her son was acting erratically. Her work then called the sheriffs office to check on her.

When deputies got to the home, the sheriffs office said the womans son started firing.

Deputies returned fire and killed the suspect, whose identity has not been released.

The sheriffs office says Mattick is awake and talking and waiting for tests.

Mattick has spent four years with the sheriffs office and has spent two of those years on the road.

The Georgia Bureau of Investigation confirmed it has been called out to the scene.

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We have a reporter and photographer heading out to the scene. LIVE updates on the Free WSB-TV News app and Channel 2 Action News at Noon.

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A look back at local, national and world events through Deseret News archives.

On April 17, 1961, some 1,400 CIA-trained Cuban exiles launched the Bay of Pigs invasion of Cuba in an attempt to topple Fidel Castro, whose forces crushed the incursion within three days.

The invasion in 1961 was a failed attack launched by the CIA during the Kennedy administration to push Castro from power.

Since 1959, officials at the U.S. State Department and the CIA had attempted to remove him. Finally, on April 17, 1961, the CIA launched what its leaders believed would be the definitive strike: a full-scale invasion by American-trained Cubans who had fled their homes when Castro took over.

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However, the invasion was doomed from the start. The invaders were badly outnumbered by Castros troops, and many surrendered after less than 24 hours of fighting.

The front page of the Deseret News on April 18, 1961, as Americans followed the Bay of Pigs invasion in Cuba that ultimately proved unsuccessful.

The Deseret News and most newspapers in the nation followed the daily updates with anticipation as Russia and the United States battled in words and bullets during the Cold War, with the island of Cuba serving as a battleground.

Here are some stories from Deseret News archives about the Bay of Pigs invasion and what has resulted from the failed attempt to drive Fidel Castro from power:

The man who saw too much

Bay of Pigs conference ends with visit to infamous beach

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Over 50 years, Bay of Pigs vets shaped Miami, U.S.

50 years later, Congress honors Bay of Pigs veterans

Opinion: The time is now to change U.S.-Cuba relations

In this file photo taken April 18, 1961, Cuba's Prime Minister Fidel Castro speaks with prisoners from the 'Bay of Pigs' invasion at the Sports stadium in Havana, Cuba. The Bay of Pigs Invasion was an unsuccessful CIA-sponsored invasion of Cuba by Cuban exiles. | Associated Press

A.F. secretary during the Bay of Pigs, missile crisis dies

Were Kennedys obsessed with Castro?

Suit seeks release of CIA report on Bay of Pigs
WARREN, Ohio (WKBN)  When Thom Duma Fine Jewelers was launched in 2002, the mission was to be able to set itself apart from any other jewelry store in the Mahoning Valley. They discovered the way to do this was to carry exclusive, luxury brands.

We have a market that enjoys luxury and finely made jewelry products from around the world, said founder and CEO Thom Duma. Were constantly looking to bring the best of the best to the people of the Mahoning Valley.

What sets Thom Duma Fine Jewelers in Warren apart from every other local jewelry store is his ability to exclusively sell brands of fine jewelry you cant get anywhere else in the Mahoning Valley.

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There wasnt a branded jewelry store in our market. You had to go to a larger metropolitan area, or you had to go to the Caribbean islands or somewhere around the world, Duma said. We slowly but surely continued to build the amount of brands, and were still doing that. We havent stopped, and this is our 24th year. We started with Rolex. Then the next major brand was David Yurman, and on and on.

Thom Duma Fine Jewelers is having an exciting and unique event on Friday, April 18 and Saturday, April 19 as the only jewelry store in the Mahoning Valley to feature certain global brands. Its called the Designer Showcase.

A Designer Showcase is an opportunity for us to bring these brands to the Mahoning Valley, as well as the reps from the company, so we get to showcase a lot more than what I would normally have in stock, Duma said. Were going to pay the sales tax on the purchases that everybody makes Friday and Saturday. So its basically a tax-free weekend, the first to see all the spring releases from the designers, and a chance to receive some really special gift with purchases as well.

The process of getting these brands into the Mahoning Valley isnt an easy one.

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Were very honored to be able to launch three new major brands that are global brands found around the world. If you go to major destinations in London or Zurich or Italy, youre going to see these brands in a high-end jewelry store, Duma said. Thats what we wanted to do, was be able to bring the best of the best to the Valley. But its a process that takes time, so basically, they vet us. They have to look at our marketplace. They have to look at the co-tenants of brands that we carry to see if its going to be a fit. Were the only ones that are going to be able to sell the brands.

All of those brands are only going to be found at Thom Duma Fine Jewelers in Warren because of the market size it is in. There can only be one jeweler thats going to support the brands that also have very specific territorial guidelines.

At the Designer Showcase, youll be treated to three new major global jewelry brands: Marco Bicego, Hulchi Belluni and Roberto Coin.

Each one of the brands does something a little bit different. Marco is from Italy. He makes everything in 18 karat gold, and a lot of color youll see introduced into his designs that I feel are very wearable. You can put them on in the morning, leave them on all day long. Hulchi Belluni is from Antwerp, Belgium. Her claim to fame is her bracelets are without clasps. One of the things with this is that you could just put it on your shelf, roll it on, roll it off. So its really unique in that fashion. Everything that she does also is going to be in 18 karat gold, high-quality diamonds, Duma said. Roberto Coin is also from Italy. Its a global brand as well with 18 karat gold produced with earth-mined diamonds.

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Also at the Designer Showcase, youll get your chance to purchase special pieces you wont find anywhere else in the world, like the Petale Collection by Marco Bicego.

Its all done by hand, inlaid mother of pearl in the petals, diamond in the center, and the satin gold, as well as diamond pave, which means the type of setting where the diamonds are set real close together, Duma said. Another one of his collections is the satin gold to wire. Its gold wire covered with this satin gold, so its really smooth, has a great finish on it, real flexible as well. And thats his trademark.

The Tom Duma Fine Jewelers Designer Showcase is on Friday, April 18 and Saturday, April 19 at 115 West Market Street in Warren. Call 330-393-4696 and visit them online at TDFJ.com. You can also follow them on Facebook.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WKBN.com.
A typical day at Wilmer-Hutchins High School in Dallas turned into a nightmare after gunfire sent a mass of students fleeing up and down the hallways. New police documents detail what happened moments before the event. Its even more shocking than you think

Dallas police say the shooting happened Tuesday afternoon. A teen who they identified as 17-year-old Tracy Haynes Jr. was seen on surveillance footage walking down a hallway toward a group of boys. Suddenly, he pulled out a gun and began firing. Police say he also walked up to one student who struggled to run away and shot him at point-blank range but his gun jammed, per CBS.

No fatalities have been counted yet but authorities say four male victims were hospitalized and one remains in critical condition, per FOX 4 News. All are expected to recover, according to Dallas Mayor Pro Tem Tennell Atkins.

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There are a lot of unanswered questions regarding the shooting but slowly, pieces are coming together. A DeSoto man told CBS he gave the suspect a ride that morning, dropping him off at a gas station after the teen claimed he crashed his car. Hours later, the man saw the headlines about the shooting.

Additionally, investigators review of surveillance footage determined that an unnamed student let Haynes inside the school through an unsecured door, the report says.

Police have not ruled on a potential motive for the shooting beyond a random act of violence. However, a high school junior told NBC Dallas Forth-Worth she believed it stemmed from a dispute over a game of dice.

They said that they were playing a dice game, I guess thats what it was over, I guess he lost his money, the boy that was shooting, she told reporters.

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Other students who had no clue what led to the shooting were left traumatized by the sound of loud gunshots and scrambling with teachers to secure the classrooms.

I realized it was a gun. I felt scared, my heart was beating, and I just started crying because I didnt know what to do, said Smith, adding that her friend was one of the victims of the shooting. When I heard they got shot, I started crying even more. I called [the victims] cousin last night and she told me he is okay. You cant trust nobody at this rate.

Dallas ISD Assistant Chief of Police Christina Smith said the gun entered the building outside the regular flow of traffic. Therefore, it was not a failure of our staff, of our protocols, or of the machinery that we have, she said in a statement. Classes were canceled for the rest of the week.

On the other hand, Haynes turned himself in and was charged with four counts of aggravated assault, a first-degree felony. Hes being held in Dallas County Jail on a $600,000 bond. If released, he will be ordered to wear an ankle monitor, per the Dallas County Sheriffs Office.

For the latest news, Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
The family of a woman who died earlier this month after being struck by a Massachusetts State Police cruiser has retained a powerful legal firm to investigate the crash.

Margie Estelle Mendez, 86, passed away on April 5 from injuries she suffered on January 15 when state police say a cruiser collided with her at a very low speed on Route 9 in Brookline.

Mendez hit her head on the ground and was taken to a nearby hospital, state police said at the time.

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In a statement shared with Boston 25 News on Thursday, Morgan & Morgan founder John Morgan and attorney Luke Mitcheson said theyve been tasked with digging into what led up to and followed the crash.

We have been retained by Mrs. Mendezs family to investigate the incident on January 15th, in which she was struck by a state trooper while walking across a street in Brookline, the statement read. It is early in the process, but we plan to uncover any and all potential negligence that contributed to her injuries and ultimate death, and we will do everything we can to pursue justice for her family.

Mendezs family also released a statement expressing great sadness over her recent death.

We have lost our matriarch, a beloved wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother. At 86, she was full of energy and always caring for those around her, the family said. We are devastated that she has been taken from us before her time, and we want answers as to how this happened. Our family has been left with a void that will never be filled.

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Boston 25 News has reached out to the Massachusetts State Police for comment on todays development.

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Follow Boston 25 News on Facebook and Twitter. | Watch Boston 25 News NOW
TOKYO - All Nippon Airways Co. and Singapore Airlines Ltd. will launch joint fare products for flights between Japan and Singapore starting in September as they deepen their commercial partnership, the two carriers said Thursday.

The two Star Alliance carriers signed a deal the same day to launch a joint venture aimed at providing customers with enhanced flight connectivity beyond their existing codeshare arrangement.

Subject to regulatory approval, the two companies also plan to deepen cooperation in key markets including Australia, India, Indonesia and Malaysia, they said in a joint statement.

"Customers of both airlines will be able to enjoy seamless, high-quality services by choosing either carrier," ANA President and CEO Shinichi Inoue said at the ceremony.

Singapore Airlines CEO Goh Choon Phong said the joint venture underscores the carrier's commitment to the Japanese market and that the partnership will ensure increased flight frequencies and access to the "strong connectivity at both the Singapore and Tokyo air hubs," according to the statement.

The joint fare tickets for Japan-Singapore flights, in which common price levels are set, will go on sale in May.

Related coverage:

JAL pulls out of air taxi demo flights at World Expo in Osaka

Japan Airlines cyberattack disrupts flights as holiday season begins
Apr. 17COLUMBUS  Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine hosted a press conference this month supporting legislation that would ban the use of cell phones in public schools in Ohio.

Sponsored by Sen. Jane Timken. R-Jackson Township, Senate Bill 158 incorporates language first introduced by DeWine in his executive budget  prohibiting student use of cell phones during the school day.

"It's clear that we need to get cell phones out of our classrooms," said DeWine. "The constant distraction of cell phones makes it nearly impossible for students to focus and learn. Not only do they negatively impact student performance, but they can also be harmful to kids' mental and emotional health."

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"In schools that have already banned phones, we've heard from teachers, administrators, and parents who say the results have been remarkable. Student engagement has improved. Grades are better. Socialization is improving," DeWine said. "It's rare that one change can have such a positive difference. That's why it's time to make Ohio schools phone free."

SB 158 will expedite the implementation process  allowing schools time over the summer to update their policies to prohibit student use of cell phones in time for the start of the 2025-2026 school year this fall.

The bill includes exceptions for students using a cell phone for a documented purpose as part of an Individualized Education Program or for monitoring a health concern.

"When phones are within reach, our children are constantly wondering, 'What am I missing? What notification did I miss?' This does not provide for a conducive learning environment, and also has damaging social effects," Timken said. "This legislation is a common sense approach to unplug our children from the constant distractions that they have in the classroom. It will reduce those distractions and will facilitate the building of the interpersonal relationships that are so vital to human development."
Chinese e-commerce platforms DHgate and Taobao have soared in popularity this week after viral TikTok videos claim to sell luxury brand items from Lululemon and Hermes for a fraction of the price. The trend has grabbed the attention of American social-media users, who are calling out U.S. companies for their high prices. Lululemon says the factories that claim to manufacture their goods were not incorporated within the companys supply chain.

Downloads of popular Chinese e-commerce platforms soared in the U.S. this week, spurred by viral TikTok videos from alleged Chinese suppliers claiming to expose luxury brands.

Amid a budding trade war between the U.S. and China, highlighted by President Donald Trump imposing 145% tariffs on imports from Beijing last week, some Americans say they won't pay higher prices as the U.S. seeks to close the de minimis trade loophole.

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As it relates to trade, de minimis allows shipments valued under $800 to enter the U.S. without paying any taxes. Its one of the key reasons companies like Shein and Temu have been so successful in recent years.

What do American companies think were gonna do? Were gonna pay their prices rather than Chinese prices, when I can get a thousand times more product for the same price as we get here? one TikTok user said in a post that accumulated nearly 22 million views.

Amid the tension, Chinese discount retailer DHgate is gaining popularity among American consumers. The platform ranks as the second-most popular app on Apples U.S. App Store. In addition to DHgate, another Chinese e-commerce platform called Taobao ranks seventh.

The fresh demand for Chinese e-commerce platforms comes after Chinese social media accounts went viral on TikTok for claiming to undercut the high prices from several luxury brands.

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While the apps future in the U.S. remains uncertainthe deadline for TikToks Beijing-based parent company to divest ownership is June 15 China Exposes Luxury Brands was trending on the app Wednesday. Videos with millions of views claimed that Chinese suppliers sell similar or identical pieces at cheaper prices than popular brands.

A video posted to TikTok by @LunaSourcingChina alleged Lululemon leggings could be purchased from two factories in Yiwu, China, for $5 to $6, claiming the activewear brand sources its clothing directly from them.

And whats even better, the material and the craftsmanship are basically the same because they all come from the same production line, the video says.

Lululemon rejected these claims.

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Lululemon does not work with the manufacturers identified in the online videos and we urge consumers to be aware of potentially counterfeit products and misinformation, a Lululemon spokesperson told Fortune.

The two factories that claimed to supply Lululemons leggings were not listed in the companys April 2025 Supplier List.

Another Chinese TikToker named Wang Sen claimed he is the original equipment manufacturer (OEM) for most luxury handbag brands like Hermes. OEMs manufacture products that another company sells.

Why dont you just contact us and buy from us? You wont believe the prices we (will) give you, he said in a video.

Hermes did not respond to Fortunes request for comment.

This story was originally featured on Fortune.com
The Department of Homeland Security is demanding "detailed records" on Harvard University's student visa holders, according to a statement from the department.

The school must turn over student visa holders' records, specifically those pertaining to "illegal and violent activities," or risk losing the school's Student and Exchange Visitor Program status, Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem told Harvard in a letter sent by the department.

The SEVP allows for noncitizen students to study at the university under a specific visa.

PHOTO: Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem speaks during a news conference to announce the re-launch of the VOICE office at the Immigration and Customs Enforcement headquarters, April 9, 2025, in Washington. (Alex Brandon/AP)

MORE: Obama blasts Trump administration's 'unlawful' Harvard demands

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Noem told Harvard it is a "privilege" to have foreign students attend Harvard, "not a guarantee."

"The United States Government understands that Harvard University relies heavily on foreign student funding from over 10,000 foreign students to build and maintain their substantial endowment," Noem wrote in a letter dated April 16 and obtained by ABC News. "At the same time, your institution has created a hostile learning environment for Jewish students due to Harvard's failure to condemn antisemitism."

Noem requested that Harvard provide a tranche of information to the department to keep its SEVP status, asking it for information on student visa holders' "known" illegally activity, violent activity, threats to students or faculty, disciplinary actions taken as a result of being involved in a protest, whether a student obstructed the school's learning environment and the coursework that a student is taking to maintain the visa status, according to the letter.

"In the event the school fails to respond to this request within the timeframe provided ... SEVP will automatically withdraw the school's certification," she wrote.

PHOTO: Visitors stop at the statue of John Harvard in Harvard Yard at Harvard University, April 15, 2025, in Cambridge, Mass. (Charles Krupa/AP)

MORE: Trump admin freezes billions in funding to Harvard University after rejecting demands

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DHS is also pulling $2 million in grants from Harvard -- part of a larger effort by the Trump administration to halt grant funding for the university.

"Harvard bending the knee to antisemitism -- driven by its spineless leadership -- fuels a cesspool of extremist riots and threatens our national security," Noem said in a press release. "With anti-American, pro-Hamas ideology poisoning its campus and classrooms, Harvard's position as a top institution of higher learning is a distant memory. America demands more from universities entrusted with taxpayer dollars."

On Monday, Harvard said it is refusing to comply with a series of demands from President Donald Trump's administration. The Joint Task Force to Combat Anti-Semitism subsequently announced a multibillion-dollar freeze on funding to the university.

PHOTO: People walk through Harvard Yard on the Harvard University campus in Cambridge, Massachussetts, April 15, 2025. (Joseph Prezioso/AFP via Getty Images)

MORE: Columbia University associate of Mahmoud Khalil arrested by DHS

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The administration's task force said it would withhold $2.2 billion in multiyear grants and $60 million in multiyear contract value to the institution.

In a statement, Harvard said it is aware of the letter sent by DHS and "values the rule of law," according to a university spokesperson.

"Harvard is aware of the Department of Homeland Security's letter regarding grant cancellations and scrutiny of foreign student visas, which -- like the Administration's announcement of the freeze of $2.2 billion in grants and $60 million in contracts, and reports of the revocation of Harvard's 501(c)(3) tax-exempt status -- follows on the heels of our statement that Harvard will not surrender its independence or relinquish its constitutional rights," the spokesperson said. "We continue to stand by that statement. We will continue to comply with the law and expect the Administration to do the same."

DHS demands 'detailed records' of student visa holders at Harvard originally appeared on abcnews.go.com
April 16 (UPI) -- The Department of Homeland Security canceled two grants to Harvard University worth more than $2.7 million and threatened to revoke its ability to enroll international students on Wednesday, as the Trump administration continues to retaliate against the private institute for rejecting demands that would have affected its autonomy and independence.

DHS Secretary Kristi Noem announced the grant cuts and the threat to Harvard's Student and Exchange Visitor Program certification in a statement Tuesday, calling the school "unfit to be entrusted with taxpayer dollars."

In a letter to Harvard signed by Noem and seen by The Harvard Crimson, the DHS accused the university of creating a "hostile learning environment" for Jewish students.

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It called on the university to hand over information about student visa holders, including those who pose "known threats" to other students and staff, obstruct the learning environment and any disciplinary actions "taken as a result of making threats to other students or populations or participating in protests."

"It is a privilege to have foreign students attend Harvard University, not a guarantee," the letter states.

The letter comes as the Trump administration has revoked the student visas of hundreds of international students and arrested a few over their involvement in pro-Palestinian protests or comments.

At least 12 current Harvard students and recent grads have had their visas revoked, the university said.

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The most valuable of the two grants cut was a $1.9 million Blue Campaign Program Evaluation and Violence Advisement grant that The Crimson said supported mass violence and human trafficking prevention efforts research. The DHS said the money "funded Harvard's public health propaganda."

The second, Implementation Science for Targeted Violence Prevention grant funded what the DHS called "a shockingly skewed study" that "branded conservatives as far-right dissidents."

"Harvard bending the knee to antisemitism -- driven by its spineless leadership -- fuels a cesspool of extremist riots and threatens our national security," Noem said. "With anti-American, pro-Hamas ideology poisoning its campus and classrooms, Harvard's position as a top institution of higher learning is a distant memory.

"America demands more from universities entrusted with taxpayer dollars," she said.

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Meanwhile, the Internal Revenue Service is considering rescinding Harvard's tax-exempt status, CNN, The New York Times and The Washington Post reported, citing unidentified sources familiar with the situation.

"Perhaps Harvard should lose its Tax Exempt Status and be Taxes as a Political Entity if it keeps pushing political, ideological and terrorist inspired/supporting 'Sickness?'" Trump said Tuesday in a post to his Truth Social platform.

"Remember, Tax Exempt Status is totally contingent on acting in the PUBLIC INTEREST!"

Earlier this week, the Trump administration froze more than $2.2 billion in grants for Harvard after it rejected government demands it said exceeded "its lawful authority and infringe on both the University's independence and its constitutional rights."

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President Alan Garber said they are committed to fighting antisemitism and other forms of bigotry and have and will continue to implement changes to that end.

The demands from the federal government, according to the letter the Department of Education sent to Harvard, include the sharing of all hiring and admissions and related data to the government, which will subject it to a comprehensive audit. Among other demands, the government called on Harvard to commission an external party to audit the student body, faculty, staff and leadership for "viewpoint diversity."

"The University will not surrender its independence or relinquish its constitutional rights," Garber wrote in a letter to the Harvard community.

"No government -- regardless of which party is in power -- should dictate what universities can teach, whom they can admit and hire and which areas of study and inquiry they can pursue."

Trump has similarly targeted other universities, some of which have decided to stand up to his administration and others that have agreed to its demands.
SCRANTON  A Dickson City man faces charges after he arranged to exchange methamphetamine for sexual services, police said.

On Monday, officers from the Scranton Police Street Crimes Unit launched an investigation into suspected drug and prostitution activities within Scranton, according to a criminal complaint.

As part of the investigation, law enforcement officers monitored activity on a website used to facilitate prostitution, which allows users to advertise using explicit descriptions and images of available sexual services, as well as payment methods and locations.

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As part of the sting, an undercover officer posed as a 30-year-old female and was contacted by Zachary Davitt, 30, who agreed to meet at a designated location to exchange crystal methamphetamine in exchange for sexual activity.

Davitt, of 435 Main St., provided the undercover agent with a photo of himself and a phone number, indicating he wanted the undercover agent, whom he believed to be a prostitute, to call him.

Officers set up surveillance in the area where Davitt was to meet the confidential informant. A short time later, he arrived at the location via Uber.

As he was walking to the door of the agreed-upon meeting location, he was arrested.

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He admitted he intended to trade meth for sex and told officers the drug was in his pocket.

Officers searched Davitt and a book bag he was carrying and found a plastic container holding a gram of crystal meth, a plastic bag containing 0.5 grams of meth, a clear glass pipe containing meth, a black iPhone used to call the informant, two condoms and cash.

Investigators called the phone number used to facilitate the transaction and Davitts iPhone rang.

He is charged with possession with intent to deliver a controlled substance, use of a cellphone to facilitate criminal activity and possession of drug paraphernalia. He remains at the Lackawanna County Prison in lieu of $10,000 bail. A preliminary hearing is scheduled for 9:30 a.m. on April 24 before District Judge Christopher J. Szewczyk.
A Democrat senator flew out to El Salvador on Wednesday to lobby for the release of wrongly deported Kilmar Abrego Garcia.

But Marylands Chris Van Hollen infuriated Republicans with the trip, accusing him of violating a 200-year-old law aimed at preventing people from undermining the government.

Garcia, who lives with his wife and children in Van Hollens state, was sent to the Central American country by Donald Trumps administration. The U.S. government has since refused to comply with a federal court order demanding the 29-year-olds repatriation.

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Van Hollen said on Wednesday he had been denied access to Garcia, who is being held in a Salvadoran mega-prison known as CECOT indefinitely despite not having a criminal record.

White House communications director Steven Cheung attacked the senator for his attempted intervention while the presidents border czar Tom Homan called the trip disgusting during an interview with Fox News.

The Department of Homeland Security insisted in a statement of its own, without providing evidence, that Garcia is an MS-13 gang member, human trafficker and illegal alien.

Senator Chris Van Hollen surrounded by reporters in El Salvador on Wednesday (AP)

In advance of the senators visit, veteran Republican political adviser Roger Stone declared on X that Van Hollen should face prosecution, an argument enthusiastically taken up by the MAGA movement on social media.

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Pursuing your own individual foreign policy is a violation of the Logan Act, he wrote. The FBI should arrest this senator the instant he returns to the country.

The act invoked by Stone was passed by the Fifth Congress in 1798 and signed into law by President John Adams the following year.

It states: Any citizen of the United States, wherever he may be, who, without authority of the United States, directly or indirectly commences or carries on any correspondence or intercourse with any foreign government or any officer or agent thereof, with intent to influence the measures or conduct of any foreign government or of any officer or agent thereof, in relation to any disputes or controversies with the United States, or to defeat the measures of the United States, shall be fined under this title or imprisoned not more than three years, or both.

This section shall not abridge the right of a citizen to apply, himself or his agent, to any foreign government or the agents thereof for redress of any injury which he may have sustained from such government or any of its agents or subjects.

Kilmar Abrego Garcia, a Salvadoran migrant who lived in the U.S. legally with a work permit, was wrongly deported to El Salvador (via REUTERS)

The act takes its name from Pennsylvania legislator Dr George Logan, who travelled to Paris in 1798 to engage in negotiations there as a private citizen concerning the United States debts to France.

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It is intended to prevent Americans from undermining the position of their own government by such endeavours, ensuring that the nation speaks with one voice on foreign affairs.

The Logan Act has rarely been enforced over the past two centuries. A 2018 Congressional Research Service report noted that only two individuals have ever been prosecuted under it  a Kentucky farmer in 1803, who called for the Western United States to ally with France and a man in 1853 who wrote a letter to the President of Mexico  and neither case ended with a conviction.

Its enactment has often been called for though, with former president Ronald Reagan suggesting it be used against the Reverend Jesse Jackson for travelling to Cuba and Nicaragua in 1984, to give just one example.

Trump himself has been threatened with it after appearing to encourage Russian spy agencies to hack Hillary Clintons email accounts in 2016 and twice last year for hosting Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban at Mar-a-Lago and claiming to have held regular phone calls with Russian President Vladimir Putin while out of office.

Jennifer Vasquez Sura, Garcias wife, speaks during a press conference about his case (REUTERS)

He in turn accused Democrats John Kerry and Chris Murphy of Logan Act violations for meeting with Iranian officials in 2019 and 2020 respectively.

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But concerns about the Adams-era legislations vagueness and potential infringement of First Amendment free speech protections have led some legal scholars to brand it unconstitutional.

Daniel B Rice of the University of Arkansas, Fayetteville  School of Law is quoted in the congressional report calling the act a dead letter, an anachronism, a curious federalist antique, the most moribund of federal statutes, and an eighteenth century relic that slumbers in splendid disregard.

The services report concludes on an ambiguous note, saying: It is impossible to say what a modern court would do if presented with an actual Logan Act indictment.

While Van Hollen made clear that his actions this week were being carried out in a political capacity and not as a private citizen, it is possible the Trump administration could seek to make a case against him.

But Julian Ku, a law professor at Hofstra University, has been dismissive of the acts application, telling Axios that it amounted to a useful way for people to accuse each other of undermining U.S. foreign policy but is not a meaningful law that is likely to ever be used.
SALT LAKE CITY (ABC4)  In a monthly press conference on Thursday, Gov. Spencer Cox (R-Utah) addressed concerns after nearly 50 international students in Utah had their student visas revoked, saying he hopes for more clarity.

Thats one we asked the administration for more information. Weve asked them to give us a little bit of a heads up when these things are happening, he said. We would like to understand better what the criteria are for those changes. Certainly, we know that there were some that had criminal backgrounds that we were not aware of, that the universities were not aware of. Others, that does not appear to be the case, and so we would very much like to figure that out.

Cox detailed the importance of attracting the most talented and brightest to study in the U.S., but also the need to vet those who come to the U.S. for their education.

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Thats an area for sure where were having ongoing dialogue. We want to make sure that some of these very, very bright students that are here, as long as theyre here, they dont pose any threat or have any criminal background, we want to continue to attract those students, he said.

Utah Tech students gather to support classmates losing visas

On Wednesday evening, Utah Tech University students hosted a dialogue event, discussing the issues impacting international students after learning that multiple classmates had their student visas revoked.

Utah Tech is one of several schools across the state reporting that international students are having their visas revoked following a recent national crackdown on foreign students. The university reported that ten students had their visas revoked, four meant to graduate in the coming weeks.

Earlier in the week, Utah Tech University held an early graduation for the students who were impacted. On Wednesday, a Q&A was held to stand in solidarity with these students, as well as have an open conversation.

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Utah Tech University holds early graduation ceremony for international students

I think its important to highlight that students care for other students, said Bella Estes, the event co-organizer. It has absolutely made my entire week knowing that students were able to put this together to support their classmates, to support their friends, and to show that we are a university that is here to support other students, advocate for all students no matter what.

Estes said that the event helped to advocate and get the word out regarding the situation. She said anonymous letters from impacted students were read to share their perspective and emotions. Another student, she shared, made a GoFundMe to help students now looking to find a way back home.

There was also someone from the international office to help answer questions students may have.

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A lot of people are confused right now. We dont know whats going on. Its difficult  who do you go to to find the right answer, so this was a great opportunity for students to get to know and hear from other students and someone who may have the answers to their questions, she said.

Several universities in Utah report students being impacted as well, including at the University of Utah, Southern Utah University, Weber State University, Utah Valley University, Snow College, and Utah State University. Between the colleges, the number of international students impacted in Utah is nearly 50.

Utah Tech Students with revoked visas werent given a specific reason for the cancellation, but University of Utah leaders say the government cited failure to maintain nonimmigrant status.

It happened very quickly, and theres a lot of unknown. For some people, it may be a fear of politics. For other people, it may be a fear that one of their best friends has to leave instantly. For others, it might just be the fear of not knowing whats going on  I think a lot of students are experiencing a different level of emotions right now, Estes said.

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Its unfair: International PhD student at BYU speaks after his student visa was revoked

Why are international students visas being revoked?

During any school year, an international students visa may be revoked if they are found to be breaking the law or disobeying certain policies.

According to a report from the Associated Press, Secretary of State Marco Rubio said international students may be targeted for their suspected involvement in pro-Palestinian protests across college campuses or if they are connected to potential criminal activity.

The University of Utah says that international students Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS) records being terminated or their visas being revoked is not new in itself, but the practice is being approached differently than in the past.

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What is different currently is that records are being terminated in SEVIS sometimes without notice to the university and/or the student, U of U said in a statement.

International students at several Utah universities had their visas revoked  Heres what we know

What is a student visa?

In the United States, international students can obtain an F-1 visa or a J-1 visa. Both have different restrictions and requirements. Another option is an M-1 visa for vocational students.

Students on an F-1 or M-1 visa must be enrolled full-time in an academic educational, language-training, or vocational program at an approved institution, according to U.S. Citizenship and Immigrant Services (USCIS).

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Students on an F-1 or M-1 visa must be proficient in English, or be in courses that lead them to English proficiency, as well as be able to financially support themselves during their studies. These visas include certain work restrictions.

A J-1 visa classifies someone as an exchange visitor, according to USCIS. This classification is authorized for people who are participating in approved programs designed for teaching, researching, training, demonstrating special skills, and more.

U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement says that Form I-20 is critically important to nonimmigrant students. This form is issued to nonimmigrant students after they are accepted into their educational program and can only be issued to the student by the institution.

Whats next for international students?

Some Utah schools are reminding their international students and scholars to remain in good standing to preserve their status. At the U of U, students have been advised to keep their immigration documents valid and readily accessible.

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The University of Utah also directed international students toward some national organizations that can offer information and guidance, including the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU), Immigration Legal Resource Center, National Immigration Law Center, and the Immigration Advocates Network.

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.
Jeff Abramowski, imprisoned since 2002 for the murder of Cortney Crandall in Melbourne, Florida, may soon walk free.

New DNA evidence from the murder weapons, tested recently, revealed male DNA that does not match Abramowski, challenging his 2006 life sentence.

In a Brevard County courtroom today, Abramowskis attorney filed a motion to vacate the conviction, arguing that he remains behind bars each day, which is an injustice.

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The State Attorneys Office has signaled its support for overturning the sentence, a rare move that could underscore the strength of the new evidence.

A judge is set to review the motion on Thursday. A decision could end Abramowskis 23-year ordeal and raise questions about the original investigation.

This development marks a pivotal moment in a case that has gripped Brevard County for over two decades.

Click here to download our free news, weather and smart TV apps. And click here to stream Channel 9 Eyewitness News live.
Croatian Prime Minister Andrej Plenkovic (R) welcomes visiting Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico in Zagreb, Croatia, April 16, 2025. (Marko Lukunic/PIXSELL via Xinhua)

ZAGREB, April 16 (Xinhua) -- Visiting Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico, who held talks with his Croatian counterpart Andrej Plenkovic on Wednesday, criticized the warning of Kaja Kallas, the European Union's high representative for foreign affairs and security Policy, against travelling to Moscow.

"How can she tell the prime minister of a modern state that she is warning him not to travel somewhere? How dare she say that? We are a sovereign country," Fico told the media after his talks with Plenkovic, adding that he does not understand why there is a "fuss" over his desire to lay a wreath at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier in Moscow, a war memorial dedicated to the Soviet soldiers killed during World War II.

"If something similar happens in Lviv or Kiev, our representative will lay a wreath there as well. I have been in politics too long for someone to tell me what I can or cannot do," Fico said.

Fico said he knew who liberated Slovaks during the World War II.

"We know who liberated us, no one can tell me that liberation came from the West, if I know that it came from the East," Fico said, stressing that "the peoples of the former USSR had the greatest share in the victory over Nazism" during the World War II and "this is the historical truth."

Kallas warned European leaders on Monday against participating in Moscow's military celebrations on May 9, inviting them to show solidarity with Ukraine instead. However, Fico has said he will go to Moscow despite Kallas' warning. 

Croatian Prime Minister Andrej Plenkovic (R, front) welcomes visiting Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico in Zagreb, Croatia, April 16, 2025. (Marko Lukunic/PIXSELL via Xinhua)
The Democratic National Committee plans to take on members of its own party who aren't effective, regardless of age ... so says one of its highest ranking members.

We spoke with David Hogg -- the gun control activist turned vice chair of the DNC -- on "TMZ Live" Wednesday ... and, we talked with him about efforts to reform the Democratic Party.

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Hogg tells us the DNC plans to present primary challengers against members of Congress who just straight up aren't getting the job done ... homing in pols it deems "ineffective."

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While some of those members might be older, longstanding politicians, Hogg promises they aren't setting an upper-age limit for their party ... instead, the DNC is looking at everything on a case-by-case basis.

Members of Congress who are on the younger side can be ineffective too ... and, the DNC will certainly look to challenge them for their seats as well.

Parkland Student Goes At It With Fox Host!

Hogg points out the cratering approval rating for Dems ... claiming just 26% of self-identifying member thinks the party is doing a good job, adding every demographic -- outside of the elderly and the highly educated -- is supporting the party less.

The vice chair of the DNC says he and his colleagues plan to give voters a reason to vote Democratic ... instead of just touting how they aren't Republicans.

Parkland Shooting Memorial - Click image to open gallery

If you don't know Hogg ... he rose to fame after surviving the tragic Stoneman Douglas High School shooting in Parkland, Florida in 2018 -- writing a book about his experiences and advocating for gun control measures. He founded the Leaders We Deserve political action committee and was named the DNC vice chair in February.

Sounds like David's ready to make some big changes to the party ... though we'll have to wait and see if they pay off.

Watch "TMZ Live" today ... check your local listings.
The Trump administration released documents Wednesday that revealed new details in the case of Kilmar Abrego Garcia, a Maryland man deported to El Salvador a month ago in what a government lawyer called an administrative error.

The documents were released after weeks of pressure on the government to prove its contention that Abrego Garcia was a member of the MS-13 gang. The Trump administration sent him to a notorious megaprison in the Central American country as part of its promised deportation program of alleged criminals.

The Justice Department shared records, not previously made public, detailing how police officers in Maryland assessed Abrego Garcia was a member of the MS-13 gang during an arrest in 2019. He had no criminal history at the time, which the documents also state, and his attorneys have denied that he is a gang member.

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In a document titled gang field interview sheet, the Prince Georges County Police Department detailed how in March 2019 it approached Abrego Garcia along with three other people for loitering at a Home Depot parking lot in Hyattsville. Abrego Garcia said in a court filing that he was there looking for day labor work.

Police said he was wearing a Chicago Bulls hat and a hoodie with rolls of money covering the eyes, ears and mouth of the presidents on the bills.

The officers said such insignia  indicating ver, oir, y callar or see no evil, hear no evil and say no evil  was indicative of the Hispanic gang culture. The officers said they consulted with a reliable confidential source, who advised that [Abrego Garcia] is the rank of Chequeo with the moniker of Chele in the gang.

Abrego Garcia was handed over to immigration authorities, and he wound his way through the legal process. Later in 2019, an immigration judge barred him from being sent to El Salvador. The order said he proved he had a well-founded fear of future persecution from local gangs, and he was granted a withholding of removal to the country, which allowed him to stay in the United States temporarily and receive a work permit.

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Years later, in 2025, immigration agents stopped Abrego Garcia in an Ikea parking lot. He was deported to El Salvador days later, on March 15.

The Supreme Court ruled last week that the government must facilitate his release from the prison. Salvadoran President Nayib Bukele said in a meeting at the White House this week that he would not release Abrego Garcia.

"Mr. Abrego Garcia has never been convicted of a crime. If the government believes there is a legitimate case to be made, it should present that case in a court of law and have a judge review and decide his fatenot on social media," his lawyers said in a statement. "We look forward to the government complying with the Courts order and facilitating Mr. Abrego Garcias immediate release from custody in El Salvador. We will continue to fight for our clients safe return and to ensure his constitutional rights are fully restored."

Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem said in a statement Wednesday, We hear far too much in the mainstream media about sob stories of gang members and criminal illegals and not enough about their victims.

Kilmar Abrego Garcia.

Police determined during the 2019 arrest that two other people who were with Abrego Garcia in the Home Depot parking lot were gang members, citing one mans criminal history and another mans tattoos, as well as information from an unidentified person who was a past proven and reliable source of information.

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The documents said that the four men said they were citizens of El Salvador and were present in the United States illegally and that they did not have immigration documents on them.

Another document released Wednesday, from the Department of Homeland Security in 2019, said police identified two men, one of whom was Abrego Garcia, as being having been previously detained in a murder investigation. Abrego Garcia denied being connected to a murder investigation, the documents say, and he was never charged.

A page of the document includes a contradiction  at one point it says Abrego Garcia did not claim a fear of returning to his country, but later it says he did claim fear of returning to El Salvador.

The document said Abrego Garcia claimed he had presented sufficient evidence to refute the gang allegation, including character references and his lack of criminal record, minus traffic offenses.

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In another document from the Justice Departments Executive Office of Immigration Review, a court agreed to deny Abrego Garcia bond after his arrest outside the Home Depot in 2019 and wrote that the allegation that he is a gang member appears to be trustworthy and is supported by other evidence in the record in the Prince Georges County police documents.

The reason for the Respondents arrest given on his Form 1-213 does appear at odds with the Gang Field Interview Sheet, which states that the Respondent was approached because he and others were loitering outside of Home Depot, the document said, but it added that it still found the allegations of his gang membership to be supported.

Abrego Garcia responded that there is no reliable evidence in the record to support that he is a member of MS-13 and that the allegation is based on hearsay relayed by a confidential source.

Aside from the new documents, the Department of Homeland Security posted on social media earlier Wednesday that Abrego Garcias wife had sought a temporary protective order against him in 2021. The case was ultimately dismissed. Abrego Garcias wife, Jennifer Vasquez Sura, has been a strong, vocal supporter of her husband and has fought for his return.

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After surviving domestic violence in a previous relationship, I acted out of caution after a disagreement with Kilmar by seeking a civil protective order in case things escalated, Vasquez Sura said in a statement Wednesday. Things did not escalate, and I decided not to follow through with the civil court process.

No one is perfect, and no marriage is perfect. That is not a justification for ICEs action of abducting him and deporting him to a country where he was supposed to be protected from deportation, she added.

Meanwhile, the Trump administration, Abrego Garcias lawyers and an appeals court judge continue to litigate the Supreme Courts instruction that the government facilitate his release.

The Trump administration Wednesday afternoon filed an appeal of U.S. District Judge Paula Xinis order last Thursday to the 4th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals, in which she directed the Trump administration to take all available steps to facilitate the return of Abrego Garcia to the United States as soon as possible.

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Xinis questioned the evidence an immigration judge used to determine that Abrego Garcia is a gang member. She said in a ruling that he has no criminal record in the United States or El Salvador and that the evidence against Abrego Garcia consisted only of his Chicago Bulls hat and hoodie, and a vague, uncorroborated allegation from a confidential informant claiming he belonged to MS-13s Western clique in New York  a place he has never lived.

Xinis said Tuesday that she was considering contempt proceedings against the Trump administration.

She had ordered the government to supply evidence of efforts it has taken to facilitate Abrego Garcias release, and on Tuesday she criticized the governments lack of response.

Ive gotten nothing, Xinis said. Ive gotten no real response and no real legal justification for not answering.

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In a court-ordered daily status update, DHS general counsel Joseph Mazzara wrote, Given the governments prior clear and unequivocal notice to the court regarding how the government will facilitate Abrego Garcias return within the counters of existing law and regulation, there are no further updates.

This article was originally published on NBCNews.com
New documents from the Trump administration seek to bolster its assertion that Kilmar Abrego Garcia is a member of MS-13. Why a multi-state E. coli outbreak in November went unreported by the FDA. And a dog helps lead a missing toddler in Arizona to safety.

Heres what to know today.

New documents detail governments case that Kilmar Abrego Garcia was a gang member

Kilmar Abrego Garcia.

The Trump administration has released a series of documents that revealed new details in the case of Kilmar Abrego Garcia after weeks of pressure to prove its contention that he was a member of the MS-13 gang, leading to his deportation last month to a notorious mega-prison in El Salvador. A government lawyer previously called his deportation an "administrative error," and the Supreme Court has ordered the Trump administration to "facilitate" his release from the prison.

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The Department of Justice shared the records, not previously made public, detailing Abrego Garcias 2019 arrest. He had no criminal history at the time, which the documents also state, and his attorneys have denied that he is a gang member.

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Among the information in the documents:

 Officers with the Prince Georges County Police Department said in a document titled gang field interview sheet that Abrego Garcia was wearing a Chicago Bulls hat and hoodie with rolls of money covering the eyes, ears and mouth of the presidents on the bills. The officers said such insignia was indicative of Hispanic gang culture.

 The officers also said they consulted with a reliable confidential source who said Abrego Garcia was part of MS-13. In another document from the DOJs Executive Office of Immigration Review, a court wrote that the allegation that he is a gang member appears to be trustworthy.

 A document from the Department of Homeland Security said Abrego Garcia was one of two men who had been previously detained for a murder investigation. Abrego Garcia denied being connected to a murder investigation, the documents state, and was never charged.

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Meanwhile, the Trump administration yesterday filed an appeal of U.S. District Judge Paula Xinis order directing the government to take all available steps to facilitate Abrego Garcias return as soon as possible. Also, El Salvador Vice President Felix Ulloa met with Sen. Chris Van Hollen and rejected the Maryland senators requests to meet in-person with Abrego Garcia and facilitate a phone call between Abrego Garcia and his family.

Separately, U.S. District Judge James Boasberg said he has found probable cause to hold the Trump administration in contempt in what he called a willful disregard to halt deportation flights to El Salvador.

Read the full story here.

Pentagon to brief Trump on options for U.S. version of Iron Dome

Rockets fired from southern Lebanon are intercepted by Israel's Iron Dome air defense system on Aug. 4.

President Donald Trump is expected to receive a briefing within days on a variety of options for him to fulfill his pledge to protect the U.S. with something modeled on Israels Iron Dome anti-missile defense system, according to U.S. officials and experts familiar with the initiative. An executive order calls on the Pentagon to come up with an initial blueprint for an Iron Dome for America, often referred to as a Golden Dome, by mid-April. The forthcoming plans are what will be briefed to him in the coming days. The order also requires that some elements of the initiative be operational by the end of next year.

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Sources familiar with the plans expect Trump will be shown Goldilocks options: small, medium and large, each with its own timeline and price tag. The most modest plan could be assembled rather quickly and cost about $10 billion. The largest would cost several hundred billion dollars, sources said.

Trumps Golden Dome would most likely be a patchwork of systems that would need to stop a wide variety of threats. While some elements would involve simply repurposing existing parts of the U.S. arsenal, one expert said that an effective long-term solution probably wont really come into being until hes out of office. Read the full story here.

More politics news:

A deadly E. coli outbreak hit 15 states but wasnt publicized

Illustrated grid of various e-coli related scenes: a head of lettuce, a child in a hospital room, a petri dish, and the outside of the FDA building (Anuj Shrestha for NBC News)

An E. coli outbreak linked to Romaine lettuce ripped across 15 states last November, sickening dozens of people. One person died. But chances are, you havent heard about it.

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The FDA indicated in February that it had closed the investigation without publicly detailing what happened or which companies were responsible for growing and processing the contaminated lettuce. According to an internal report, the companies werent named because there was no contaminated lettuce left by the time investigators uncovered where the pathogen was coming from. Meanwhile, much of the staff responsible for distributing information to the public about foodborne illnesses was terminated amid sweeping efforts to shrink the federal government.

Federal officials are not required by law to reveal detailed information about all known outbreaks of foodborne illnesses, but it had shifted in recent years toward greater transparency, a former FDA employee said. The full scale of the outbreak only came to light in response to public records requests filed by victims attorneys.

National reporter Suzy Khimm spoke to those affected by the outbreak, including the family of a 15-year-old boy in St. Louis County, Missouri, where the local health department found 115 confirmed or probable E. coli cases linked to food served by a local catering company, as well as the family of a 9-year-old boy who nearly died from the infection. Read the full story here.

Read All About It

Staff Pick: Talk about a good boy

When a 2-year-old toddler went missing in Arizona, dozens of deputies and search-and-rescue crews set out to look for him. But it was Buford, a 6-year-old Anatolian Pyrenees, who helped bring the kid to safety, said owner Scotty Dunton. We spoke to Dunton about the details of the rescue  from the mileslong trek the dog and toddler made together, to the heros return that awaited Buford.  Jamie Knodel, news editor

NBC Select: Online Shopping, Simplified

Talking Shop is an NBC Select series in which our staff talks to interesting people about their most interesting buys. We recently spoke with Fly By Jing founder Jing Gao about her favorite Salmon Skin Chip crisps, black peppers, rice cooker and much more. Plus, take a look at the best camcorders for vlogging or capturing small moments.

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The idioms of a languageits jokes, expressions, and well-worn wordplayare windows into its speakers values and points of view. In both French and English, certain phrasesmetro, boulot, dodo (commute, work, sleep), for instance, or nose to the grindstonereflect a shared assumption about labor: that work is drudgery, eating up time and hindering happiness. Fiction, meanwhile, can upturn such collective attitudes by conveying the specificity of actual working lives and workplaces, recognizing that even the most monotonous labor can shape the self. It can also reveal contrasts in how different cultures think about the ways people make a living.

Over the past two decades, the U.S. has seen a wave of books preoccupied with our working lives, many of them focused on white-collar office jobs. Novels such as Joshua Ferriss Then We Came to the End, Helen DeWitts Lightning Rods, David Foster Wallaces The Pale King, Ling Mas Severance, and Hilary Leichters Temporary have taken an acidic view of the American office, with all its inane rituals and acts of time wasting, often using deadpan humor as a means of critique. (One exception is Adelle Waldmans Help Wanted, which follows the lives of employees at a big-box store in upstate New York.) Even more nonfiction on the subject has been published, notably David Graebers Bullshit Jobs, which examines the rise of what he sees as meaningless, administrative office work.

The French approach the subject differently, at least to judge by the recent output of books translated into English and released to critical acclaim. Many of them are set among and told from the perspectives of the French working classes, focusing on blue-collar labor rather than office work. Most are memoirs or autofictional titles. Edouard Louiss Who Killed My Father, published in the U.S. in 2019, takes an impassioned, often angry look at what he sees as the French governments neglect of the working class in the form of a letter addressed to his father. (As Louis told The Guardian in a 2017 interview, Who speaks for these people whose lives are shattered, who are humiliated by the system?)

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In 2013, the sociologist Didier Eribons memoir Returning to Reims approached the same subject via a delicate self-examination of the authors shame over his working-class origins. Returning to Reims frequently references the work of Annie Ernaux, the winner of the 2022 Nobel Prize in literature, whose recollections of her childhood and the lives of her grocer parents have been published in books such as A Mans Place and A Womans Story. And in 2023, the novel Standing Heavy, by the Ivorian French writer GauZ, a look at the lives of undocumented immigrants working as security guards in Paris, was shortlisted for the International Booker Prize.

[Read: What the gig economy does to a human]

A recent entry into this genre is Claire Baglins debut novel, On the Clock, translated into English by Jordan Stump, which gives a new level of detail to the realities of blue-collar labor. Divided into four sectionsThe Interview, Out Front, Deep Fat, and Drive-Thruthis scant, 100-page volume follows a nameless university student from a working-class background as she spends her summer break working at a fast-food restaurant. On the Clock does not shy away from the particular indignities of this type of job. Interspersed with present-day scenes are flashbacks to the protagonists childhood, with special attention paid toward her kind and hapless father, a factory worker. His occupation and social status have always been tied to his sense of self, his understanding of who he is: When my father talks about his last job  he never goes into detail, the narrator thinks to herself early on, noting how the company one works for or the location of a workplace can immediately reveal ones class. Thats all it takes to name what you have to get away from.

What the narrator has to get away from is the assortment of low-grade humiliations and condescending attitudes she is confronted with every day while clocked in at the restaurant. She is bothered by the barrage of customer requests, all of the orders blurring into one. The patrons tastes are of utmost importance to the restaurant and, in turn, its workers, whose daily lives are shaped by these desires. I dont know how to talk anymore, the narrator thinks during one particularly difficult exchange with a customer whose payment doesnt go through. Such demands dont acknowledge the narrator as a person; rather, she is simply a means to an end, a machine programmed to fulfill the customers every desire.

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The narrators job doesnt just rob her of her ability to speak; it also makes her time into a commodity, one that can be used and exploited by others, from the first job interview onward: He wants to know who I am and what Im prepared to do for the sake of being on time, she recalls of her initial interactions with her future manager. After she is hired, she quickly grows resentful of the restaurants byzantine scheduling system. As soon as she crosses the threshold from the outside world into her workplaceI punch in the code, chime, I open the doorshe knows that for the next few hours, her time is not her own.

[Read: The parasitic workplace]

In an essay last year on the French sociological memoir, Ann Larson and Alissa Quart offered a theory for the contrast between French and American literature about work. They posited that it could be attributed to the prevalence of rugged individualism in American society, a bootstrapping mythos that positions white-collar labor as the ultimate goal of workers everywhere. Novels such as Severance and Temporary seem to reflect a certain disillusionment with that myth, the realization that numerous steady office jobs come with, if not backbreaking work, a feeling of existential malaise. Books like those by Louis and Ernaux, conversely, avoid this trap, Larson and Quart argue. Instead, these titles engage in what the philosopher Chantal Jaquet calls a class defector narrative, in which the author is critical of not only the middle-class world they ascend into but also the working-class milieu they come from, which they see growing more and more culturally conservative. In this view, the writer is an alienated figure, trapped between these two worlds; the position they occupy grants them the distance to recognize the drudgery, but also the humanity, in both kinds of work.

The central concern of On the Clock is narrower than the preoccupations of its French predecessors. The narrators critique focuses on how the restaurant pits her colleagues against one another, rather than a wider-scale look at Frances class politics. Baglin emphasizes the subjectivity of her narrator, describing her workplace in as much detail as American novels set in office buildings. Seen through the narrators eyes, the fast-food restaurants employees lose their generic anonymity and gain a sense of individuality. By imparting specificity, and therefore dignity, onto working-class concerns, Baglin makes them impossible to ignore.

Article originally published at The Atlantic
Elon Musks Department of Government Efficiency has placed the leadership of the 30-year-old community volunteering service AmeriCorps on leave, putting the groups future in jeopardy.

The community service program that sends young adults to work on projects across the U.S. is the latest target of the Trump administrations aggressive campaign to slash government spending.

AmeriCorps National Civilian Community Corps informed volunteers Tuesday that they would exit the program early due to programmatic circumstances beyond your control, according to an email obtained by The Associated Press.

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The unsigned memo to corps members said the groups ability to sustain program operations was impacted by the Trump administrations priorities and President Donald Trumps executive order creating the Department of Government Efficiency. Members would be officially dismissed April 30.

AmeriCorps did not respond to requests for comment.

AmeriCorps National Civilian Community Corps employs more than 2,000 people aged 18 to 26 participating for a roughly 10-month service term, according to the programs website.

Young AmeriCorps members were told Tuesday night to pack up after DOGE set it sights on the 30-year-old community volunteering service. (Getty Images)

The teams of corps members are tasked with working on several projects related to education, housing, urban and rural development, land conservation, and disaster relief, driving from one assignment to another across the country.

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The agency pays for volunteers basic expenses, including housing, meals and a limited health benefit, as well as a modest living allowance, according to the program. It also provided members who complete their 1,700-hour service term with funding for future education expenses or to apply to certain student loans. That benefit was worth about $7,300 this service year.

Funding for AmeriCorps and National Civilian Community Corps has long been scrutinized when Congress talks of budget trims. The federal agencys budget showed National Civilian Community Corps funding amounted to nearly $38m over the last fiscal year.

A White House official said the Trump administration questioned using taxpayer money for the program. The official spoke to the news agency on condition of anonymity because they were not authorized to comment publicly.

The traditional National Civilian Community Corps volunteers worked with sponsors including community and faith-based organizations, non-profits, schools, cities and tribes. Some of the recent service projects included working at a food bank in Washington state, building homes with Habitat for Humanity in North Carolina, and facilitating after-school programs in Arizona.

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AmeriCorps National Civilian Community Corps also has a partnership with the Federal Emergency Management Agency and, more recently, the U.S. Forest Service. Those volunteers, over the last year, responded to tornadoes and flooding in Iowa, hurricane damage in North Carolina and wildfires in California, among other natural disasters where volunteers are especially visible.

meriCorps National Civilian Community Corps employs more than 2,000 people ages 18 to 26 participating for a roughly 10-month service term (Getty Images)

Young corps members were told Tuesday night to pack up. Many started long road trips from their latest assignment to campuses in Vicksburg, Mississippi; Vinton, Iowa; Sacramento, California; and Aurora, Colorado. Members would receive their allowance and health coverage through the end of April, according to the memo.

Members were told in the memo that those who have completed 15 percent or more of their term would be eligible for a prorated amount of their education award.

But Kate Raftery, who was National Civilian Community Corps director from 2011 to 2014, said shes worried about the corps members, many of whom were the unusual suspects who saw this as a really impactful education or career launching pad.

They were not young people who had been striving to be service members somewhere, Raftery said. They were looking for an opportunity to improve their life. They were looking for an opportunity to build some skills, and to be part of a community.
DES MOINES, Iowa (AP)  A 30-year-old community service program that sends young adults to work on projects across the U.S. was the latest target of the Trump administration 's campaign to slash government spending.

AmeriCorps National Civilian Community Corps informed volunteers Tuesday that they would exit the program early due to programmatic circumstances beyond your control, according to an email obtained by The Associated Press.

The unsigned memo to corps members said NCCCs ability to sustain program operations was impacted by the Trump administrations priorities and President Donald Trumps executive order creating the Department of Government Efficiency. Members would be officially dismissed April 30.

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AmeriCorps did not respond Wednesday to an AP email seeking comment.

What program was affected and why?

AmeriCorps NCCC, which completed its 30th year last year, employs more than 2,000 people ages 18 to 26 participating for a roughly 10-month service term, according to the programs website. The teams of corps members are tasked with working on several projects related to education, housing, urban and rural development, land conservation, and disaster relief, driving from one assignment to another across the country.

The agency pays for volunteers' basic expenses, including housing, meals and a limited health benefit, as well as a modest living allowance, according to the program. The program also provided members who complete their 1,700-hour service term with funding for future education expenses or to apply to certain student loans. That benefit was worth about $7,300 this service year.

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Funding for AmeriCorps and NCCC has long been scrutinized when Congress talks of budget trims. The federal agencys budget showed NCCC funding amounted to nearly $38 million last fiscal year.

A White House official said the Trump administration questioned using taxpayer money for the program. The official spoke on condition of anonymity because they were not authorized to comment publicly.

What work were they doing?

The traditional NCCC volunteers worked with sponsors including community and faith-based based organizations, nonprofits, schools, cities and tribes. Some of the recent service projects included working at a food bank in Washington state, building homes with Habitat for Humanity in North Carolina, and facilitating after school programs in Arizona.

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AmeriCorps NCCC also has a partnership with the Federal Emergency Management Agency and, more recently, the U.S. Forest Service. Those volunteers over the last year responded to tornadoes and flooding in Iowa, hurricane damage in North Carolina and wildfires in California, among other natural disasters, when volunteers are especially visible.

What happens next for corps members?

Young corps members were told Tuesday night to pack up. Many started long road trips from their latest assignment to campuses in Vicksburg, Mississippi; Vinton, Iowa; Sacramento, California; and Aurora, Colorado. Members would receive their allowance and health coverage through the end of April, according to the memo.

Members were told in the memo that those who have completed 15% or more of their term would be eligible for a prorated amount of their education award.

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But Kate Raftery, who was NCCC director from 2011 to 2014, said she's worried about the corps members, many of whom were the unusual suspects who saw this as a really impactful education or career launching pad.

They were not young people who had been striving to be service members somewhere, Raftery said. They were looking for an opportunity to improve their life. They were looking for an opportunity to build some skills, and to be part of a community.
A teacher from the Confucius Institute at the University of Zambia instructs a student to make accessories in Lusaka, Zambia, on April 16, 2025. The Confucius Institute at the University of Zambia (UNZA) held celebrations on Wednesday to mark the 2025 International Chinese Language Day. (Xinhua/Peng Lijun)

LUSAKA, April 17 (Xinhua) -- The Confucius Institute at the University of Zambia (UNZA) held celebrations on Wednesday to mark the 2025 International Chinese Language Day.

The event was attended by Wang Sheng, minister counselor at the Chinese embassy, and other embassy staff, staff from the UNZA led by Vice-Chancellor Mundia Muya, as well as officials and students from the Confucius Institute and other schools where the Chinese language was being taught.

Celebrated under the theme "Chinese Language: A Gift Across Time and Space," the event offered rich Chinese cultural experiences, featuring dance, songs, kung fu, Chinese calligraphy, and other performances given by students from the Confucius Institute.

The event also coincided with the 15th anniversary since the opening of the Confucius Institute in Zambia.

In remarks delivered at the event, Wang said the Chinese language has served as a bridge for dialogue and exchanges among civilizations.

He said that the event's theme was not only a tribute to the time-honored language but also a celebration of the cultural and educational bonds that united China and Zambia in their joint journey forward, as well as a vision for mutual learning between the two civilizations in a shared future.

The global popularity of the Chinese language has continued to rise, with more than 190 countries and regions introducing Chinese language education into their national education systems, Wang said.

"The growing popularity of international Chinese language education highlights the need for openness and inclusiveness, the value of mutual learning and cultural exchanges, and embodies the spirit of win-win cooperation," he said.

More people from around the world are beginning to understand and appreciate China through the Chinese language, Wang said.

He commended the Confucius Institute for its 15 years of existence in Zambia, saying it has trained more than 20,000 local Chinese language talents, some of whom are working as professional translators for Chinese companies in Zambia.

At agricultural and mining workshops, Chinese and Zambian engineers or technicians now use the Chinese language to tackle technical challenges, renewing the story of enduring China-Zambia friendship, Wang said.

China, he added, stands ready to work with Zambia to promote Chinese language education and make it a driving force for stronger friendship and greater consensus.

He said China will strengthen dialogue and coordination with Zambia in international affairs to jointly uphold multilateralism, global peace, and development.

China will build more "Chinese Plus" platforms with Zambia to deepen cooperation in science, technology, trade, and culture for the benefit of the people of the two countries, Wang said.

On his part, Muya, the UNZA vice-chancellor, said the huge number of people speaking the Chinese language both within and outside China is an indication that the language is one of the biggest languages in the world.

Language is not just a medium of communication but also a resource through which economic, political, and technological aspirations of any society could be conceived, commodified, and disseminated to a wider community, he said.

The relationship between China and Zambia, which started as political and economic solidarity, is being extended to embracing cultural friendship through education and people-to-people exchanges, Muya said.

He said the UNZA is committed to supporting the Confucius Institute and the teaching of the Chinese language in Zambia.

The model adopted by the Confucius Institute of opening teaching centers across the country for teaching the Chinese language has allowed more people to learn the language, Muya said.

He commended the Confucius Institute for linking students to various Chinese companies operating in Zambia through annual job fairs.

Ian Bwalya, a fourth-year student of the Chinese language at the Confucius Institute, said learning the Chinese language has allowed him to learn more about the Chinese culture.

Learning the Chinese language has provided him with a smooth career path as more Chinese companies operating in Zambia are looking for translators while the Confucius Institute also needs more teachers of Chinese language, he said. 

A teacher and students from the Confucius Institute at the University of Zambia give a group poetry recitation in Lusaka, Zambia, on April 16, 2025. The Confucius Institute at the University of Zambia (UNZA) held celebrations on Wednesday to mark the 2025 International Chinese Language Day. (Xinhua/Peng Lijun)

Students from the University of Zambia try on clothes with elements of Chinese ethnic groups in Lusaka, Zambia, on April 16, 2025. The Confucius Institute at the University of Zambia (UNZA) held celebrations on Wednesday to mark the 2025 International Chinese Language Day. (Xinhua/Peng Lijun)
WASHINGTON (NEXSTAR)  Democrats in Congress are trying to free a man wrongly deported to El Salvador.

The Trump administration is standing by its decision to deport him despite court orders calling for his return.

Maryland Senator Chris Van Hollen made a trip to El Salvador Wednesday but was denied a request to meet with Kilmar Abrego Garcia, a man who was living in Maryland when he was mistakenly deported last month.

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The Trump administration is lying, said Van Hollen.

Attorney General Pam Bondi shared documents Wednesday showing law enforcement and a confidential informant had identified Abrego Garcia as a gang member.

Abrego Garcia has denied gang accusations and was never charged with a crime.

The White House slammed Van Hollens visit. Press secretary Karoline Leavitt defended the deportation despite the Supreme Court ruling the U.S. must facilitate Abrego Garcias return.

If he ever ends up back in the United States, he would immediately be deported again, said Leavitt.

Efforts to get Abrego Garcia back likely wont end soon, according to Van Hollen.

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There will be more members of Congress coming, said Van Hollen.

A federal judge has ordered government officials to testify about this case. The discovery period is expected to take about two weeks.

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Dollys Burgers & Shakes is set to open its third Cincinnati-area location on Thursday at a former Frischs Big Boy in Colerain Township, according to the new restaurant concepts Michigan-based owner.

The diner restaurant, located at 9830 Colerain Ave., will be open daily from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m., said Southfield, Michigan-based Big Boy Restaurant Group. The latest opening comes after the company reopened former Frischs in Blue Ash and Anderson Township in early March. The company has also reopened former Frischs in Miamisburg and Troy near Dayton in the last month.

Cincinnati has welcomed us with open arms, and were excited to keep the momentum going, said Big Boy CEO Tamer Afr, in a statement.

Big Boy expands Dollys concept amid legal battle with Frischs

Big Boy is in the midst of a legal battle with Frischs over the right to use the Big Boy name in Cincinnati. In the meantime, its using the working title of Dollys Burgers & Shakes, inspired by the name of Big Boys girlfriend in comic books once published by the chain.

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Last month, Big Boy disclosed plans to reopen 55 former Frischs by June 1. The company is currently hiring at nine other former Frischs locations in Greater Cincinnati, according to its job postings website.

Dollys is owned by Michigan-based Big Boy Restaurant Group.

Frischs financial woes created opening for Big Boy-backed Dollys

Big Boy decided to move into Greater Cincinnati after the shuttering of more than 60 Frischs diners. Frischs former landlord, Orlando-based NNN Reit, said in court filings that Frischs owed it more than $4.5 million in back rent. Frischs, which had more than 80 locations in three states in early 2024, now has just over 30.

Big Boy officials said they began talks to take over old Frischs locations in October after NNN Reit began evicting Frischs.

Dolly's signature burger is similar to the Big Boy. Dollys is owned by Michigan-based Big Boy Restaurant Group.

This article originally appeared on Cincinnati Enquirer: Dolly's Burgers & Shakes opens third restaurant in closed Frisch's
DENVER (KDVR)  The Commerce City Police Department has an important message for residents: Dont shoot your neighbors, especially in the head, even if its with an air rifle.

On Tuesday at about 6:30 p.m., the Commerce City Police Department warned residents near 66th Avenue and Monaco Street of police activity, and reported at about 8:47 p.m. that they had arrested the suspect, and it was safe in the area again.

Denver police investigating 2nd shooting in Lowry neighborhood in 2 days

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On Wednesday, the agency shared what led to that police activity: A suspect allegedly used a high-powered air rifle to shoot his neighbor, unprovoked, in the back of the neighbors head, causing serious injury. Police said the neighbor is frankly lucky to be alive.

The incident spurred a several-hour-long standoff with the suspect, who did not comply with officers commands. Ultimately, the agency arrested the suspect and recovered what officers called two very realistic looking pellet guns, which the agency said could be used to kill.

Two pellet guns seized by the Commerce City Police Department after a barricaded suspect refused to comply with orders on Tuesday, April 15, 2025. (Courtesy the Commerce City Police Department)

The suspect was previously charged with second-degree assault with a deadly weapon for a different crime. This time, hes facing first-degree assault with a deadly weapon charges, as well as five counts of second-degree assault on a peace officer after deploying bear spray during the arrest.

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This has been a terrifying ordeal for the victim, and we hope he can now breathe a sigh of relief, the agency commented.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
When Kristi Noem sported yet another bullet-proof ICE (Immigration and Customs Enforcement) vest last week, her brunette hair extensions tumbling over her shoulders while her neatly manicured fingernails wrapped around the barrel of an assault rifle, one staunchly pro-Trump broadcaster had had enough.

Stop trying to glamourise the mission and put yourself in the middle of it as you cosplay an ICE agent, which youre not, Megyn Kelly said, launching into a tirade about the Department of Homeland Security chief.

Stop with the glam, I mean, she looks like I look right now, but shes out in the field with her gun, being like were going to go kick some a. No one wants you there, she told her audience.

Kristi Noem participates in a ship assault demonstration in San Diego in March - Alex Brandon/via REUTERS

Kelly went on: Shes cosplaying ICE agent, and she of course is doing it with like 25 pounds of hair only to be outdone by her 30 pounds of makeup and false eyelashes. Theres no false eyelashes on an ICE raid.

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Ms Noems increasingly frequent photo ops have earned her the moniker of ICE Barbie.

Since she walked onstage to Hot Mama by Trace Adkins during a town hall meeting on her first day in her new role, Ms Noem, 53, has seized every opportunity to put herself front and centre in Donald Trumps mass deportation drive.

Credit: C-Span

Ms Noem, who describes herself as a wife, mother, grandma, farmer, rancher, and small business owner, was put at the helm of the DHS when her hopes of becoming Mr Trumps vice-president were dashed after she revealed she had shot her own puppy.

One of Mr Trumps first cabinet picks to be confirmed by the Senate, Ms Noem is in charge of a sprawling agency with a $60 billion budget and more than 230,000 employees that oversee everything from US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) and Immigration to the Federal Emergency Management Agency and the Secret Service.

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And for weeks the former South Dakota governor has continued to share pictures and videos of herself in a conveyor belt of official uniforms as she leans into her role in Mr Trumps cabinet.

There was the trip to El Salvador where Ms Noem wore a DHS cap and flashed a $60,000 Rolex as she stood in front of dozens of tattooed criminals at the countrys mega-prison.

Ms Noem stands in front of inmates at El Salvadors maximum security Terrorism Confinement Centre - Alex Brandon/Copyright 2025 The Associated Press. All rights reserved.

Inmates with shaven heads and bare chests were seen tightly packed into their cells at the maximum security Terrorism Confinement Centre (Cecot) behind her as she warned migrants not to enter the US illegally.

In just one week in March she managed to wear a leather aviator jacket in the cockpit of a Lockheed C-130 Hercules surveillance plane, coastguard fatigues with bright pink lipstick as she steered a patrol boat and a CBP uniform as she congratulated agents for snagging drug smugglers at the border.

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She also wore a firefighting uniform and posed with a hose while helping put out a blaze on a training helicopter.

The DHS secretary participates in a firefighting drill in Kodiak, Alaska in March - Alex Brandon/Copyright 2025 The Associated Press. All rights reserved

But it was last weeks ICE raid in Phoenix, Arizona, in which she was filmed holding a rifle aimed at an agents head that provoked criticism from Kelly and others.

Shes doing a great job. Like, her actual performance as DHS secretary, in my view anyway, has been amazing, Ms Kelly said on her eponymous show, before adding: I cant stand these photo ops, you guys. I think they diminish ICE, they diminish DHS, CPB. Shes not an agent. She is an administrative policy person appointed by Trump because she was very loyal to him.

She said: They dont want you there, even if you know, youre an attractive lady who just wants  they dont want you. There are lives on the line.

Credit: The Megyn Kelly Show

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Kelly also criticised Ms Noem for the El Salvador prison stunt, saying the prisoners were used as props for her photo op in a skintight shirt, with her hair perfectly curled and coiffed, and again the makeup.

The broadcaster also shared a post from former Navy SEAL, federal air marshal and FBI special agent Jonathan T. Gilliam, who accused Ms Noem of devaluing her work.

Are you the Secretary of Homeland Security or are you a social media influencer? he asked, adding: Unless you are issued that weapon, you shouldnt be holding it for posts and pics. Screwing around with guns for social media would get anyone that works under you fired.

I cant understand why you and others in this administration continue to parade yourselves in such an unprofessional, juvenile, self-serving way. You arent running for office, youre running a federal agency. Do that or resign.

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Meghan McCain, the daughter of the late Senator John McCain, and sometimes co-host of The View, also tore into the DHS chiefs recent press appearances.

I dont think that it is productive to have a full face of hair and makeup and hair extensions  and I used to wear 60lbs of hair extensions  when youre doing things like that, Ms McCain said.

Im from Arizona and Ive been shooting guns since I was a child... she literally couldve blown that mans head off, anybody with even a cursory knowledge of gun safety knows that, she said of Ms Noems Phoenix gaffe.

Ms Noem stands holding a rifle aimed at an agents head

But it is not just broadcasters who have taken umbrage with Ms Noems approach to the job  officers within DHS are also growing weary of her performance.

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According to the Wall Street Journal, framed photographs of Ms Noem, including one of her wearing a cowboy hat on horseback with border patrol agents around her, have been erected in offices around the agency.

ICE officers were also said to have been frustrated by Ms Noem when she joined a pre-dawn raid in New York City on Jan 28 and posted about it on social media while it was still ongoing, which they said undermined the element of surprise.

Tricia McLaughlin, the DHS spokeswoman, said the raid was almost complete when Ms Noem posted on social media.

Agency staff members are also said to be irritated that Ms Noem was constantly travelling and only appeared in the DC headquarters for a few hours per week.

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Others have defended her frequent outings.

I think its great, the fact that shes out in the field. Shes with the men and women that are serving, shes been down at the border, shes been to El Salvador, Republican congressman Michael Guest told the Wall Street Journal.

I think we need more people willing to get out of their office, get out from behind their desks, get in the field to see the men and women that are working there and be able to see their needs first-hand.

Ms Noem rides a four-wheeler during a tour along the border wall in Arizona - Alex Brandon/Copyright 2025 The Associated Press. All rights reserved

But, Ms Noem shows no sign of slowing down on her media blitz.

Asked about the criticism of her so-called ICE Barbie antics, she brushed off the complaints.

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Every day I wake up and theres new criticisms. Its something different every single day, so I try not to pay attention to the noise, Ms Noem said during an interview with Jesse Watters on Fox News.

Obviously Im guided by the folks that I work with every day to be appropriate for the situation that Im in and to take the same that precautions they do, Ms Noem said.

I will tell you that I oversee 26 different components of the Department of Homeland Security, and they are so proud of the fact that Im willing to wear an ICE hat, that Im willing to wear an HSI vest, that Im willing to go into there and wear something and be proud of them and the work that they do. They didnt have that with the last leadership team, she added.

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Donald Trump has softened his plan to seize the commodity resources of Ukraine very slightly. The draft remains a coercive document, a pseudo-contractual expropriation of a victim nation with its back to the wall.

Ukraines leaders finally seem resigned to accepting an ultimatum that has no peacetime precedent in modern state relations, putting the best face on the lesser of two evils. The basic legal stuff is almost ready. If everything moves constructively, the agreement will bring economic gains to both our countries, said Volodymyr Zelensky.

He can reasonably hope that the political weather will have changed in Washington long before the offending clauses start to bite, or at least that the American people will remember their noble tradition of generosity and fair play.

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The White House has at last understood that Ukraines critical minerals are an enormous red herring. The $24 trillion (18 trillion) figure floated by fantasists is for comic books. This whole story is insanity. There are no rare deposits of any commercial value in Ukraine, said Jack Lifton, head of the Critical Minerals Institute.

The claims are based on Soviet information that we cant trust. The country has never mined rare earths or developed the processing industry, and without that the rock is worthless. The same goes for Greenland, where there is no power, no water, no skills, and it is so expensive that the Chinese gave up trying, he said.

America already has the worlds richest deposits at Mountain Pass, and we have Canada next door loaded with rare earths. What the US needs for national security is to develop its own downstream industry and to stop sending our output to China for processing, he said.

The real resource prize in Ukraine is natural gas. Andriy Kobolyev, ex-head of Ukraines energy giant Naftogaz, told me that exploitable shale reserves in the Dnipro-Donetsk basin may be much larger than generally thought. We could replace half the lost Russian gas exports to Europe, he said.

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The conventional plays are depleted but we are sitting on the best shale table in the world. It is even better than the [American] Permian Basin in thickness and porosity, he said.

He added: The potential is huge if the right companies come in to explore and drill with new technology. You can do 30 to 50 fracks per well these days. Were still just doing one or two.

Kobolyev said Ukrainian Energy conducted a detailed study of the Yuzivska basin in north-east Ukraine and concluded that gas could be extracted at one third of the cost of liquefied natural gas (LNG) imported from Qatar or the US. All the pipeline infrastructure is already there from Soviet days so it is a very attractive play, he said.

The organic carbon content of the best Ukrainian field is 7.6pc and the porosity is 9pc. Both are well above levels in the prolific Marcellus basin in the US. The layers are 100 metres thick.

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Whoever is advising the Americans knows this country very well. My impression is that they are probably Russian: they know exactly what they are doing, and where to apply political pressure, he said.

The mystery is what Trump hopes to gain from a shale boom in Ukraine. The gas would undercut and knock out expensive American exports of LNG to Europe, which Trump is also pushing hard.

It sits oddly with parallel US-Russian talks to revive the Baltic Nord Stream pipelines and restore Siberian gas flows to Europe, with Trump-friendly companies taking a big slice of the business.

The story makes sense only if there is fast-growing demand for gas in Europe and the world. But the EUs energy agency says Europes gas use has peaked and will go into mechanical decline as the region adds 70 gigawatts of renewable power each year.

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China is moving at breakneck speed to end reliance on seaborne hydrocarbons as a national security imperative. It is instead marrying coal with wind, solar and nuclear, aiming to achieve total energy independence as an electro-state.

The International Energy Agency predicts a global gas glut by the late 2020s. It says LNG will never be competitive at scale for power plants in India or much of the global south. In my view, data centres will not change the equation once superconducting technology hits the market.

It is one thing for Zelensky to swallow the bitter pill and let the Trump administration play its dirty commercial game, whatever that may be. It is another to persuade feisty Ukrainian lawmakers to ratify what looks to many like a double injury: a colonial land grab and a strategic sell-out wrapped in one.

Trumps special envoy Steve Witkoff has business ties to Russian oligarchs. He has already endorsed the sham referenda of the four annexed oblasts of Donetsk, Luhansk, Zaporizhia, and Kherson, and has rhetorically ceded large swaths of territory that Putin is not close to conquering.

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It is going to be a very hard sell, said Tim Ash, from Chatham House. I cant see the Rada [Ukraines parliament] voting for a deal that is nothing more than extortion, and gives Ukraine nothing in terms of its security.

The document says the US-Ukraine investment fund will control all infrastructure in Ukraine linked to natural resources, including roads, rail, pipelines, ports, terminals, refineries, LNG facilities, etc.

It will control critical minerals, oil, natural gas, fuels or other hydrocarbons and other extractable materials.

The US will have three of the five board members and the first right of refusal on all projects. It has authority to examine the books of any Ukrainian agency whenever it wants. It can veto sales of Ukraines resources to Europe. The US puts up no money. It offers no security guarantee.

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It is still unclear whether the final draft splits the royalties 50:50 between the US and Ukraine from the outset, or whether the Americans will receive all the revenue until Ukraine has paid off a putative war debt of $100bn to the US, with 4pc interest added.

This war debt clause in the earlier drafts was self-evidently absurd. No company will invest billions upfront if the entire profit for years to come goes to the US government.

The sorry saga is a strategic debacle. Russia is in scarcely better shape than it was in early 1917. The US defence intelligence agency says Vladimir Putins motley forces are facing operational disintegration and cannot keep going for more than a few months.

The Kremlins rainy day fund has run out of money. Oil is in a structural bear market. Analysts are pencilling in $50 a barrel. Russias deformed Keynesian war economy coming apart at the seams. Sir Richard Dearlove, ex-head of MI6, says the West just has to wait a little, tighten the screws at the right moment, and Putin will be forced to the table on our terms.

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Instead Trump has offered him a real estate joint venture.

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Apr. 17WENATCHEE  A donation from a longtime Wenatchee physician helped Confluence Health officials buy equipment for an upgraded patient monitoring system and simulators for emergency response.

Chris Stahler, a retired chest, vascular and general surgeon, helped cut the ribbon at a ceremony recognizing the donation and introducing the new equipment Tuesday at Central Washington Hospital. The amount of the donation was not disclosed.

Suzanne Carte-Cocroft, vice-president of philanthropy at Confluence Health, said Stahler has an understanding of the challenges faced by healthcare workers in general and in rural areas in particular.

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"Having spent his career in the Wenatchee Valley, he wanted to make an investment aimed at addressing staffing resources and efficiencies through training," she said.

The remote monitoring system, sometimes called a virtual sitter or telesitter, is used for patients in need of close observation, which previously required a hospital staff member to sit with the patient. The new system uses cameras, two-way communication, predictive fall monitoring and other tools to monitor patients. It allows one employee to monitor multiple patients, said Adam MacDonald, corporate communications program manager.

"This suite of tools allows for quicker response time and enhanced safety (and) gives other CNAs and staff more flexibility to care for more patients during their shifts," MacDonald wrote in a press release.

Stahler's donation also helped pay for updated and upgraded patient simulators, mannequins that can be used to train healthcare workers in emergency and trauma response. One newborn and two adult simulators can mimic a variety of medical conditions to help staff practice their response. The donation also paid for the purchase of practice dummies for taking blood pressure and inserting an IV.

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Stahler attended the first training session where the new equipment was used, MacDonald said.

Dave Shanley, clinical development and eLearning manager, said the new equipment replaces pieces that were outdated. The new equipment will allow for more advanced training, he said.
Since returning to office, Trump signed an executive order to end DEI programs across the federal government.

Despite DEI rollbacks, some hiring managers are still prioritizing diversity, recruiters said.

Firms that continue commitments to DEI could get a leg up when competing for workers.

For some recruiters, DEI initiatives look different these days.

Some employers have scaled back or dropped their DEI programs, in part due to President Donald Trump's executive order to end DEI programs across the federal government. Additionally, Trump directed all departments and agencies to "take strong action to end private sector DEI discrimination."

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However, four recruiting professionals told Business Insider that many of the hiring managers they work with, including some at companies that have rolled back DEI initiatives, remain committed to hiring a diverse workforce. They view this as the best way to find the most qualified person for the job.

"At some of the biggest major companies that you have seen on these lists, the same hiring managers are telling me, 'Okay, we're doubling down on my team, I don't care,'" said Den Mondejar  director of enterprise and talent solutions at the recruiting firm Aquent  referring to lists of companies that have rolled back their DEI initiatives.

Deepali Vyas said there appeared to be a "quiet commitment" to DEI among the companies that she worked with at the consulting firm Korn Ferry. Vyas was a senior partner, focused on building leadership teams, until she joined the talent advisory firm ZRG Partners this month. She said hiring managers who value interviewing and hiring diverse candidates have continued doing so, and their employers aren't getting in their way. Meanwhile, companies that have rolled back DEI policies aren't telling hiring managers to ignore diversity, Vyas said. They're just taking a hands-off approach and letting hiring managers take the lead.

"Companies that roll back their DEI policies aren't going to hiring managers and saying, 'Don't do this,'" she said. "What they're saying is, 'We don't really care if you do this or not.'"

Recruiters say DEI hiring looks different now

Julia Pollak, chief economist at the US Department of Labor, said she hasn't seen "broad evidence of a decline in the hiring of diverse candidates," adding that unemployment rates across demographics like race and gender haven't changed much in recent months.

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Of course, not all hiring managers will prioritize diversity when they aren't being assessed on it. The recruiting professionals BI spoke with said that the absence of top-down pressure to meet DEI initiatives would likely lead to fewer diverse candidates being hired.

Matt Stabile, the founder of the recruitment firm Stabile Search, agreed that specific demographic "quotas" have "all but gone away," but that many hiring managers have continued to prioritize diversity in hiring.

For example, Stabile said one hiring manager he worked with in the past year had a team of about six people  all white males  and was looking to hire someone new. They asked him to make sure he introduced female candidates during the interview process.

However, some recruiters  like Vyas and Mondejar  said they aren't waiting for hiring managers to request a diverse pool of candidates.

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"Regardless of what the client says, I think our commitment is to still continue to make sure that we are casting the widest net possible to make sure that we are bringing in the most qualified folks," Mondejar said.

Cautiously approaching DEI

Anuradha Hebbar, President of SHRM CEO Action for Inclusion and Diversity, said DEI has become a polarizing topic, creating a "chilling effect" that's made some companies more cautious about how they talk about diversity. However, she said many companies remain committed to having a diverse workforce while ensuring their hiring practices don't expose them to legal challenges.

"I think leading organizations are looking to optimize their diverse workforce to ensure fairness and making sure that they're lawful  but also really trying to drive meaningful business outcomes," she said, adding that companies that don't consider a diverse slate of candidates are likely to miss out on talented candidates.

Vyas said some companies have embraced "skills-based hiring," which focuses more on a candidate's capabilities rather than their education and experience, in part so they can prioritize diversity without the DEI label. With this approach, she said it's easier to make the case for a wider range of candidates.

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Reuben Hurst, assistant professor of management and organization at the University of Maryland, said there's one reason many companies are continuing their commitments to DEI, even if they're not as vocal about them as they used to be: It could help them compete for workers.

Hurst said that many of the college-educated workers that employers are competing for have values that align with the goals of DEI initiatives.

"I think the current narrative about firms abandoning DEI is overstated," he said, adding, "What's changed is that companies may now need more subtle ways to signal their continued commitment to DEI values."

Do you have a story to share about DEI practices at your employer? Contact this reporter at jzinkula@businessinsider.com or Signal at jzinkula.29.

Read the original article on Business Insider
The Doral City Council unanimously gave the local police department the green light Wednesday to give its officers immigration enforcement powers as part of an agreement with the federal government.

The council  composed of immigrants or children of immigrants  approved a resolution authorizing the city to partner with Immigration and Customs Enforcement through a federal program known as 287(g).

Doral joins Coral Gables, Hialeah, West Miami, and Miami Springs as the latest Miami-Dade municipality to align with the Trump administrations hard-line immigration agenda. Seventy percent of Dorals population is foreign-born, and Venezuelans make up over a third of the residents.

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While no formal agreement with ICE has been signed yet, the resolution marks a significant first step toward deeper cooperation with federal immigration authorities, signaling a shift that could have major implications for the citys large immigrant population.

City officials argue that the resolution is in line with obligations under Florida law. But while state law requires operators of county jails to join 287(g) programs, nothing explicitly requires cities to do so. The city of South Miami asked a judge to clarify whether local governments are required to join the program or not amid pressure from Gov. Ron DeSantis.

Doral Mayor Christi Fraga, a Republican official with ties to the Trump administration, told reporters shortly before the city council approved the resolution that it was morally challenging for the city to enter the agreement. She said that the city does not have the resources to enforce immigration law and that it is not its duty.

We were the first to raise the voices of residents who have come to contribute positively to this community, and we know they are the majority. Fraga said. And I can assure you that our police department is here to serve every resident of this community.

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During the vote, Fraga said the resolution is giving direction for the citys legal department and administration to enter into a letter of understanding with ICE, but not the actual memorandum of understanding. The resolution states that the city intends to enter into an agreement that complies with Florida law while remaining within the limits of the citys budget.

Our job is to continue to raise the voices of those that we know that come here to do the right thing. Those who are here following the law. Those who are here to provide, to be productive members of our society, Fraga said.

Chief of Police Edwin Lopez, second from the left, stands with members of his staff in the back of a city council meeting on Wednesday, April 16, 2025.

Doral Police Chief Edwin Lopez told the council that so far his department has not been asked to assist in any immigration enforcement activities.

The primary focus of our officers during interactions with the public is not to question anyones immigration status. Our mission is to serve and protect every member of this community, regardless of their immigration background, Lopez said. However, during investigationsespecially those involving serious criminal activityif its discovered that an individual is in the country illegally, that could result in additional charges.

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In 2012, the Obama administration killed the task force model of the 287(g) program, which allows police officers to stop, question and detain people suspected of violating immigration laws, because it had led to racial profiling and discrimination against Hispanics in Arizona and North Carolina. Trump resurrected that version of the program, with law enforcement agencies in Florida signing over 100 task force model agreements since February. Immigrant rights advocates have warned that 287(g) would lead to racially biased and illegal policing.

Doral Councilman Rafael Pineyro, who was born in Venezuela, said he doesnt believe that someone should be targeted because of how they look.

I will certainly make sure that we have heard from my colleagues as well, to ensure that our police department certainly keeps acting with dignity and upholding the rights of everyone in our community, he said. Were not proposing this, we are just following the law. But at the same time we are here to make sure not only that were following the law, but that were going to make sure that this is done the right way, this is not just a blank check that were signing to the state of Florida.

Political pressure from DeSantis and Attorney General James Uthmeier has loomed large over local government officials heads. In Fort Myers, for example, city officials initially rejected a similar partnership with ICE but reversed course after threats from Uthmeier, who warned the officials they had to join the program to comply with sanctuary city laws, which ban officials from limiting cooperation with the federal government on immigration enforcement or risk possible suspension.

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This week, Uthmeier also issued a warning to Orlando Mayor Buddy Dyer for allegedly supporting sanctuary city policies, a stance now considered unlawful under state law. Dyer responded saying neither he nor the Orlando Police Department had intention of violating federal and state law. Seven years ago, Dyer said that he wanted to do everything possible to support those who feel vulnerable because of their immigration status.

Doral city attorney Lorenzo Cobiella.

Lorenzo Cobiella, Dorals city attorney, noted that while the Florida Attorney Generals opinions on 287(g) agreements are not legally binding, they are considered persuasive. Most local governments tend to follow their lead, he said.

Given Uthmeiers interpretation, Cobiella recommended that the council approve the 287(g), emphasizing the legal pressure from the state.

We all have families who come from places experiencing great suffering and uncertainty, he said. Nevertheless, we each took an oath to uphold the law. And in this case, our discretion is extremely limited  the state is mandating certain actions, and if we fail to comply, were being threatened with criminal penalties.

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City officials recently traveled to Tallahassee to request over $2.7 million in funding for the Doral police department  including $1.5 million for a mobile unit, $500,000 to cover overtime tied to a visit by the president to his Tump National Doral resort and $700,000 for drones. The city officials told the Miami Herald because the funding would come from the state, they were advised that being in compliance with the ICE partnership agreement was strongly recommended by the time the funding is approved.

Doral Vice Mayor Maureen Porras, an immigration attorney who was born in Nicaragua, said she had practiced law in jurisdictions where the agreement already existed, and said she does not think that citys police department is going to engage in anything that would violate due process rights or discriminatory behavior.

She acknowledged there is political pressure, and she said if the city doesnt enter into an agreement, it will hurt us.

Doral Vice Mayor Maureen Porras.

Opposition from residents and advocates

Doral residents and immigrant-rights advocates showed up on Wednesday morning to oppose the measure. They raised concerns about racial profiling under the program and what it could mean for Doral, which has the largest population of Venezuelan immigrants of any city in the United States. Some said they are concerned that the 287(g) program would erode community trust in police and that victims wouldnt call authorities when they need help.

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This isnt just a policy. Its a gateway to fear, family separation, and racial profiling in a city that thrives on the courage and resilience of immigrants, said Zohra Khorashi, a lawyer who described herself as a daughter of immigrants.

Laura Kelley, chairwoman of the Miami-Dade Democratic Party.

Laura Kelley, a longtime Doral resident and immigration attorney who is currently chair of the Miami-Dade County Democratic Party, said that a 287(g) agreement would make the city vulnerable to costly litigation and public backlash.

READ MORE: Doral, Miami-Dades Venezuelan stronghold, to empower cops in Trump immigration crackdown

Immigrant-rights advocates say that communities like Doral, where many recently arrived people from Venezuela and elsewhere have settled, would be hurt the most under these agreements. More than 30,000 Doral residents are Venezuelan. Many of them are in legal limbo or only have temporary protection from deportation. That includes asylum seekers, beneficiaries of Temporary Protected Status, and people who entered the country under parole programs put in place by former President Joe Biden.

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Adelys Ferro, executive director of the Venezuelan American Caucus, said the agreement could put thousands of lives at risk in Doral.

Many fled political persecution. Not just seeking opportunity, but survival. Now this city risks becoming a place of fear.
Director-General of the World Trade Organization (WTO) Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala (C) speaks at a press conference on WTO's latest Global Trade Outlook and Statistics report at the WTO headquarters in Geneva, Switzerland, April 16, 2025. (Xinhua/Lian Yi)

GENEVA, April 16 (Xinhua) -- The volume of global merchandise trade is expected to decline by 0.2 percent in 2025 under current tariff conditions, nearly 3 percentage points lower than the previous forecast based on a "low tariff" scenario, the World Trade Organization (WTO) said in its latest Global Trade Outlook and Statistics report released on Wednesday.

The WTO further warned of severe downside risks posed by the reinstatement of the U.S. "reciprocal tariffs" and spillover of trade policy uncertainty, which could lead to an even sharper decline of 1.5 percent in global goods trade in 2025.

The WTO noted big regional disparities regarding the impact on goods trade by recent tariff measures in place as of April 14.

North America is expected to see a "particularly steep" decline in goods trade, with exports forecast to drop by 12.6 percent, according to the WTO.

Meanwhile, Asia is expected to post modest trade growth, with exports and imports both forecast to grow by 1.6 percent. Europe is expected to register a 1.0 percent increase in exports and a 1.9 percent rise in imports.

WTO Director-General Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala said the trade policy uncertainty threatens to "act as a brake on global growth," with severe negative consequences for the world, particularly the most vulnerable economies.

Speaking at a press conference on the report, the WTO chief stressed that a reinstatement of the "reciprocal tariffs" could carry severe consequences and urged the exemption of the least developed countries from such tariffs.

The WTO report showed that services trade, which is not directly subject to tariffs, is also expected to be negatively affected. The volume of global services trade is forecast to grow by 4.0 percent in 2025, around 1 percentage point less than expected.

Europe will see most services trade growth, with exports expected to grow by 5.0 percent in 2025, while services trade growth in North America will slow to 1.6 percent, the WTO said.

The WTO underscored that the latest forecast marks a "reversal" from 2024, when the volume of world merchandise trade grew 2.9 percent, while gross domestic product (GDP) expanded by 2.8 percent.

The large number of new tariffs introduced since January this year prompted the WTO to downgrade its trade growth forecast for 2025 which had been positive at the start of the year. 

Director-General of the World Trade Organization (WTO) Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala speaks at a press conference on WTO's latest Global Trade Outlook and Statistics report at the WTO headquarters in Geneva, Switzerland, April 16, 2025. (Xinhua/Lian Yi)

World Trade Organization (WTO)'s latest Global Trade Outlook and Statistics report is pictured at the WTO headquarters in Geneva, Switzerland, April 16, 2025. (Xinhua/Lian Yi)

Director-General of the World Trade Organization (WTO) Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala (4th L, rear) attends a press conference on WTO's latest Global Trade Outlook and Statistics report at the WTO headquarters in Geneva, Switzerland, April 16, 2025. (Xinhua/Lian Yi)
BUFFALO, N.Y. (WIVB)  What began as a routine dog foster arrangement has spiraled into a legal battle stretching from New York City to Western New York.

It started with a plea for help. Lisa Smith, the founder of A Good Dog Rescue, said she needed a foster for a pregnant dog named Lily. A couple, who WIVB News 4 is only referring to by their first names, Kris and Sara from New York City stepped up.

Smith said the two signed a foster agreement: a five-to-six-week agreement to take care of the dogs. Smiths daughters assessed the couples home in New York City and felt comfortable leaving the dog in their temporary care.

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Sara and I had an exchange of over one hundred texts, screenshots I have that we went back and forth, Smith said. Everything was pretty pleasant with the dogs.

The pregnant dog, Lily, gave birth to 10 puppies. Two of those were adopted with approval from Smith.

When it came time to return Lily and the eight other puppies on March 14, the couple allegedly refused. They asked for all further communication to be done through their attorney, Mark Doerr, and provided Smith his name and contact information.

Smith contacted him the same day she received the text.

He demanded not for the return of the dogs, Smith said. He demanded all of our contracts and applications with our private adopters and fosters.

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Smith took to social media and posted online, saying the dogs are stolen and offering a $2,000 reward for their return. Then, things began to escalate.

According to a lawsuit provided to News 4 by the couples attorney, Sara and Kris feared for their safety after their personal information, including their address and phone numbers, were posted online. News 4 has made the editorial decision to not post their last names due to this reason.

The court documents allege that Smiths social media posts led to harassment, including anonymous voicemails and even death threats, which forced them to leave their apartment in New York City.

Smith claims the dogs were brought to Western New York. She said Kris was recently seen outside of a bakery in East Aurora. The bakery, which has no affiliation with the man or the dogs, told News 4 that Kris was simply a customer that day.

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News 4 reached out to Patrick Welch, East Auroras chief of police, about this claim.

This agency looked into this matter and concluded that we do not exercise jurisdiction as there is litigation ongoing in the New York City area, Welch said in a statement.

In the lawsuit, the couples attorney also argues that returning the dogs would endanger the animals, citing Smith informed the couple she would have fostered the dogs herself, but her home had recently been exposed to the deadly parvovirus.

The couple is asking the court for a temporary restraining order and an injunction to stop what they describe as ongoing harassment.

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Smith said she wants to know if her dogs are OK.

We do not condone any type of violence, Smith said. We just want our dogs back and this can all go away.

The couples attorney said he will continue to pursue the couples claims against Lisa Smith for as long as it takes to get justice and protection for his clients.

News 4 reached out to Smiths attorney, who provided no comment.

Latest Local News

Trina Catterson joined the News 4 team in 2024. She previously worked at WETM-TV in Elmira, a sister station of WIVB. See more of her work here.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to News 4 Buffalo.
ABILENE, Texas (KTAB/KRBC)  A driver was injured after an 18-wheeler rollover on I-20 in Abilene Thursday morning.

The crash happened near mile marker 283 just after 8:00 a.m.

Police the scene say an 18-wheeler that was traveling westbound on the interstate lost control and went into a median then up an embankment of a bridge, which caused it to rollover into the eastbound lanes of I-20.

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The driver was hospitalized with unknown injuries, and no one else was involved in this crash.

Eastbound lanes of I-20 were closed during this incident, and traffic was being rerouted onto the Winters Freeway.

No further information is available at this time.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KTAB - BigCountryHomepage.com.
A driver was injured following a police chase that progressed from Independence to Kansas City Wednesday afternoon, according to the Independence Police Department.

IPD officers began pursuing a blue Jeep Cherokee after the driver was allegedly involved in an armed assault, according to Sgt. Phil DiMartino, a KCPD spokesperson. The chase crossed into Kansas City near Truman Road and Hardesty Avenue around 1:20 p.m., when officers with the East Patrol Division of KCPD took up pursuit, DiMartino said.

EPD officers followed the Jeep westbound to Raytown Road and Blue Ridge Cutoff, where the Jeep swerved over the median and hit a silver Toyota Camry traveling eastbound, DiMartino said.

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The driver of the Camry had minor injuries but declined medical treatment, according to DiMartino. The driver of the Jeep and two passengers, one of whom is a juvenile, were not injured, DiMartino said.

A nine-month Star investigation found last year that Independence police officers initiate car chases more frequently than any other police department in the Kansas City metropolitan area.

Across the metro, more than 320 people have been injured in police chases in the past five years, the investigation found.
A man suffered serious injuries Wednesday in a two-vehicle crash that closed multiple lanes of Interstate 93 in Windham for hours during the morning commute.

State Police said the crash was reported at about 9:21 a.m. Wednesday on I-93 southbound.

Investigators determined that a silver 2024 Jeep Compass struck a 2015 Peterbilt tractor-trailer before driving off the road and hitting an embankment, State Police said.

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The Jeep driver was airlifted to a Massachusetts hospital with serious injuries, State Police said. The truck driver was not injured. The drivers' names have not been released.

Multiple southbound lanes were closed for about three hours as officials investigated the crash and the wreck was cleared.

Anyone with information about the crash can contact Trooper First Class Timothy Repucci at 603-223-8836 or Timothy.R.Repucci@dos.nh.gov.

Troopers were assisted at the scene by members of the Windham Fire Department and the state Department of Transportation.
Editor's note: The article was updated with a statement by sources in Ukraine's Defense Forces.

Ukrainian drones struck positions of Russia's 112th Missile Brigade in Shuya in Ivanovo Oblast on April 17, marking a second day of the attacks in a row, sources in Ukraine's Defense Forces told the Kyiv Independent.

The brigade, which Ukraine's intelligence said was behind the Palm Sunday strike against Sumy on April 13 that killed 35 people, was also attacked by drones on April 16.

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Shuya's residents reported explosions in the early morning hours of April 17, with local authorities issuing a drone alert. Footage shared online shows explosions and a fire in the area.

Independent news outlet Astra said it had geolocated one of the videos of the strike, placing it 180 meters from the brigade's garrison. The extent of damage or possible casualties is not immediately clear.

112th Guards Missile Brigade attacked again in Shuya, Ivanovo region. A fire breaks out, eyewitness footage shows.



ASTRA geolocated one of the available videos. The location is directly behind the military unitapproximately 180 meters from the garrison of the 112th Guards pic.twitter.com/nay73ETde6  ASTRA (@ASTRA_PRESS) April 17, 2025

Russia's Defense Ministry claimed its forces downed 71 Ukrainian drones overnight  almost 50 of them in Kursk Oblast and none over Ivanovo Oblast.

Ukraine has not commented on the claims, which could not be independently verified.

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Shuya is situated on the Teza River, approximately 33 kilometers (20 miles) from the regional center, Ivanovo. It lies about 700 kilometers (435 miles) northeast of the Ukrainian border.

Earlier, Ukraine's General Staff confirmed on April 15 that its forces had targeted and struck the base of the 448th Missile Brigade in Kursk Oblast, another unit linked to the attack on Sumy.

Read also: 3 killed, 30 injured in Russian drone attack on Dnipro

Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent.
Roman rule in Britain was scuppered by three years of drought that led to rebellion and invasion, new tree-ring data suggests.

In 367 AD, tribes including the Picts, Scotti and Saxons banded together in a co-ordinated attack on Roman Britain which has been dubbed the Barbarian Conspiracy.

Now researchers believe that the invaders took advantage of famine and societal breakdown, caused by an extreme period of drought, to inflict crushing blows on weakened Roman defences.

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Researchers at the University of Cambridge used oak tree-ring records to reconstruct temperature and precipitation levels in Britain during the Barbarian Conspiracy and found evidence of severe summer droughts in 364, 365 and 366 AD.

Charles Norman, a doctoral student from Cambridges Department of Geography, said: We dont have much archaeological evidence for the Barbarian Conspiracy.

Written accounts from the period give some background, but our findings provide an explanation for the catalyst of this major event.

The Barbarian Conspiracy was one of the most severe threats to Romes hold on Britain since the revolt led by Boudica three centuries earlier.

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Part of the garrison on Hadrians Wall rebelled allowing the Picts to attack the Roman province by land and sea.

Simultaneously, the Scotti invaded western Britain from modern-day Ireland and Saxons, from the continent, landed in the south.

During the unrest, senior Roman commanders were captured or killed, and some soldiers reportedly deserted and joined the invaders.

It took two years for generals dispatched by Valentinian I, emperor of the Western Roman Empire, to restore order, but some historians argue that the province never fully recovered. Roman rule collapsed some 40 years later around 410 AD.

Britain was in the utmost conditions of famine

The new research shows that from 364 to 366 AD rainfall nearly halved in Britain.

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Roman Britains main produce were crops such as spelt wheat and six-row barley, which were vulnerable to early summer droughts.

Accounts written at the time corroborate these drought-driven grain deficits.

By 367 AD, Ammianus Marcellinus, a Roman chronicler, described the population of Britain as in the utmost conditions of famine.

Prof Ulf Buntgen, from Cambridges Department of Geography, said: Three consecutive droughts would have had a devastating impact on the productivity of Roman Britains most important agricultural region.

As Roman writers tell us, this resulted in food shortages with all of the destabilising societal effects this brings.

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Roman soldiers were partly paid in grain so a shortage is likely to have contributed to desertions in this period and a weakening of the army in Britain.

The experts believe the reduced grain supply to Hadrians Wall provides a plausible motive for the rebellion there which allowed the Picts into northern Britain.

The researchers argue that military and societal breakdown in Roman Britain provided an ideal opportunity for peripheral tribes to invade the province en masse with the intention of raiding rather than conquest.

Link between climate and conflict

The researchers also expanded their climate-conflict analysis to the entire Roman Empire for the period 350 to 476 AD.

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They reconstructed the climate conditions immediately before and after 106 battles, finding that a statistically significant number of battles were fought following dry years.

Tatiana Bebchuk, also from Cambridges Department of Geography, said: The relationship between climate and conflict is becoming increasingly clear in our own time so these findings arent just important for historians.

Extreme climate conditions lead to hunger, which can lead to societal challenges, which eventually lead to outright conflict.

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PARIS (Reuters) - Drug-traffickers were most likely behind an unprecedented wave of attacks against French prisons though foreign influence and the far-left remain possible instigators, French interior minister Bruno Retailleau said on Thursday.

"It's most likely drug-dealing scum. It is one of the most credible scenarios," Retailleau told RTL radio.

At least nine prison facilities and affiliated institutions have been targeted with nightly arson and other attacks this week and a car was set alight at the home of a prison guard. There was no sign of further violence overnight into Thursday.

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Retailleau confirmed an arrest, but said it was too early to tell if it was linked to the attacks, which the government has said appear to be a response to its efforts to clamp down a record-breaking surge of South American cocaine flooding Europe.

Justice Minister Gerald Darmanin plans to open high-security prisons to house France's top 100 drug kingpins and limit inmates' family contact.

A Telegram group called French Prisoner Rights (DDPF), created the day before the attacks began and arguing that prisoner rights are under threat, is under investigation.

The influx of South American cocaine has transformed local drug markets, sparking a wave of violence.

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Despite record cocaine seizures in France, gangs are reaping windfalls as they expand from traditional power bases in cities such as Marseille into smaller towns unused to drug violence.

(Reporting by Dominique Vidalon; Editing by Makini Brice and Philippa Fletcher)
Drug-dealing scum are behind a series of mysterious and co-ordinated gun and arson attacks on French prisons, the countys interior minister suggested on Thursday.

Unknown criminals have targeted nine jails across the country since Monday, spraying walls and entrance gates with gunfire from automatic weapons and setting fire to facilities and staff cars.

My firm conviction  is that we are dealing with drug-dealing scum, Bruno Retailleau told French radio station RTL, although he did not rule out that foreign agents or ultra-Left groups could be responsible.

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They have not declared war on us, but we are the ones who have declared war on them with the drug trafficking law. We are going to be able to hit their wallets, he said.

Bruno Retailleau, Frances interior minister, did not rule out the involvement of foreign agents or Left-wing groups in the attacks - Ludovic Marin/AFP

Other French officials said that the attacks could be attempts at intimidation from cartels amid a government crackdown on drug dealing.

On Wednesday, Emmanuel Macron vowed to punish the unidentified assailants.

Some are seeking to intimidate our prison staff and are attacking our establishments with unacceptable violence. They will be tracked down, tried and punished, the French president wrote on X.

Olivier Christen, the anti-terrorism prosecutor who is overseeing the investigation, told French media that there is no preferred line of inquiry.

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He said: Anything is possible, no avenues are closed in our investigations.

It could be groups of political radicals, it could be groups more closely linked to organised crime, it could also be a convergence of objectives and people manipulating each other, anything is possible.

Along with prisons, the homes of two prison administration officers and cars parked at the National Penitentiary School were also vandalised or damaged.

Since April 13, attackers have torched vehicles belonging to staff in several jails across France - Sylvain Thomas/AFP

Yobs sprayed vehicles and buildings with the letters DDPF, the name of a new Telegram channel created a few days ago. It stands for Defending the Right of French Prisoners, and is unknown to French intelligence services, Mr Christen said.

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Messages posted on the channel include death threats against jail guards, graphic descriptions of abuse and calls for the prison population to mobilise.

Know that we are not terrorists, we are here to defend human rights inside prisons, the group wrote on the channel.

Buildings were sprayed with the letters DDPF, which stands for Defending the Right of French Prisoners - Manon Cruz/Reuters

Mr Retailleau and Gerald Darmanin, the minister of justice, have sworn to crack down on the national drug crisis with the expansion of the countrys penitentiary system, which includes a new high-security prison for the countrys most dangerous drug traffickers.

In 2024, French authorities seized a record 54 tonnes of cocaine, marking a 130 per cent rise from the year before. Mr Retailleau has said that France has been hit with a white tsunami that has rewritten the rules of the criminal landscape.

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According to the French Audit Office, drug trafficking affects eight out of 10 communes and is no longer confined to the major metropolises.

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A bus carrying prisoners who have been granted pardons leaves the Insein Prison in Yangon, Myanmar, April 17, 2025. Myanmar's State Administration Council pardoned over 4,900 prisoners in an amnesty on Thursday, the first day of the Myanmar calendar New Year. (Xinhua/Myo Kyaw Soe)

YANGON, April 17 (Xinhua) -- Myanmar's State Administration Council pardoned over 4,900 prisoners in an amnesty on Thursday, the first day of the Myanmar calendar New Year.

The council granted amnesty to 4,893 prisoners and 13 foreign prisoners on New Year's Day. The council stated that if any of the pardoned individuals re-offend, they will be required to serve both the new sentence and the remainder of their previous sentence.

It was to mark the Southeast Asian country's traditional New Year with peace in mind and on humanitarian grounds, as well as in view of relations between the respective countries and Myanmar, the council said. 

Buses carrying prisoners who have been granted pardons leave the Insein Prison in Yangon, Myanmar, April 17, 2025. Myanmar's State Administration Council pardoned over 4,900 prisoners in an amnesty on Thursday, the first day of the Myanmar calendar New Year. (Xinhua/Myo Kyaw Soe)
Polish President Andrzej Duda on April 16 denounced Russia for its "bloodthirsty imperialism" and dismissed threats made to Poland and the Baltic states.

"Russia, which is behaving aggressively towards NATO and implementing its brutal and bloodthirsty imperialism, has been attacking Ukraine for three years," Duda said.

"Everything NATO does is a response to Russian aggression... NATO has never attacked anyone and does not attack, it is an alliance that exclusively supports security," he added.

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Russia's Foreign Intelligence Service (SVR) Director Sergey Naryshkin threatened Poland and the Baltic states on April 15, claiming the countries would be the "first to suffer" in a direct conflict between NATO and the Russian Federation.

Duda described the threats by Naryshkin as "classic Russian misleading disinformation."

Duda condemned Russia for escalating tensions with inflammatory statements and aggressive actions on the border between Russia, Belarus, Poland, and the Baltic states.

"This is said by Russia, which is redeploying its nuclear weapons to Belarus, brazenly bringing them closer to the borders of NATO and the European Union," Duda said.

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Duda called for Western nations to continue to strengthen their defense capabilities to deter Russian aggression.

"Strengthening Euro-Atlantic ties, modernizing our armies so that the deterrence potential is real in our countries  this is the only effective policy that should continue to be implemented calmly and consistently," Duda said.

Duda underlined the importance of NATO amid the threats made by Russia.

"Our presence in NATO and our joint readiness for mutual defense based on Article 5 is of fundamental importance," Duda said.

Russia regularly threatens to escalate its war against Ukraine amid Western support for the embattled nation.

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"They should understand, but do not yet understand, that in the event of aggression by the North Atlantic Alliance against (Russia and Belarus), damage will be done, of course, to the entire NATO bloc, but to a greater extent, the first to suffer will be the bearers of such ideas among the political circles of Poland and the Baltic countries," Naryshkin claimed on April 15.

Read also: Ukraine war latest: Ukrainian drones reportedly strike another Russian missile brigade linked to Sumy attack

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SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (KELO)  An event asking people to Unite for Earth will take place Friday at Great Bear Recreation Park in Sioux Falls.

The hillside is starting to turn green as the last of the snow melts at Great Bear Ski Valley, where Sioux Falls Parks & Recreation is set to host its annual Earth Day Festival.

Its a great opportunity for everyone in the community to come out and celebrate Earth Day with us, Recreation Program Coordinator Eric Saathoff said.

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Demolition of Hills, MN school uncovers century-old surprise

Eric Saathoff is a recreation program coordinator and says the 90-minute event is designed for the entire family.

Were going to have great open space there along the chalet to have different activities as well as our trucks from within Parks & Recreation out there for kids and families to explore, Saathoff said.

But its not all fun and games.

We also have vendors that will be on site so you can learn about sustainability and different opportunities throughout the community to help continue to support Earth, Saathoff said.

The Earth Day Festival is also an opportunity for Great Bear Recreation Park to show off everything it has to offer.

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Scavenger hunt for individuals to do so they can wander through all the great trails out at Great Bear, Saathoff said.

An event like this is a great opportunity to bring new people out and make them aware of a beautiful, scenic park that is so close to downtown that you can do a quick escape, go hike in the trails in the trees and you really feel like you are transported to a different place, Great Bear Director of Communications Alexa Jerstad said.

Alexa Jerstad is the director of communications at Great Bear and says come out and appreciate the outdoors.

Some family activities, were going to have the bar open, enjoy a glass of wine or beer on the deck and just get outside, Jerstad said.

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The more the community can get involved in promoting the well being of not only our community but the Earth, we see that as a value to this community, Saathoff said.

The Earth Day Festival begins at 6:00 Friday evening at Great Bear Recreation Park. The event is free and registration is not required.

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GREENVILLE, N.C. (WNCT)  ECU Health is celebrating a major milestone as the EastCare program marks its 40th anniversary of providing critical care services in Eastern North Carolina.

EastCare has come a long way since its inception in 1985.

We started off as a single helicopter program, and we have developed into eight different bases, said EastCare Program Director Trey Labrecque. We have five primary helicopters, with two of those serving as backups, which brings us to a total of seven helicopters and 28 ambulances in our fleet.

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This milestone is a significant achievement for both EastCare and ECU Health as a whole, and the organization plans to continue growing to better serve the people of Eastern North Carolina.

More ambulances, potentially more aircraft, as more people move to Eastern North Carolina, Labrecque added.

ECU Health is excited to continue expanding the EastCare program and remain committed to serving communities across the eastern part of the state. Click the video above for more information.

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Survivors of the Eaton fire gathered Thursday morning in Pasadena to condemn State Farm's alleged mishandling of a slew of claims by policyholders who suffered losses in the blaze.

Speaking in front of State Farm's catastrophe claim tent on Colorado Boulevard,, the group urged California Insurance Commissioner Ricardo Lara to launch a formal investigation into the insurance giant, alleging that a series of delayed and denied claims has left wildfire victims in dire financial positions and unable to return to contaminated homes.

The demonstration comes a week after State Farm presented its case for a 17% emergency rate hike  down from an initial 22% request to state officials in February  in an administrative hearing in Oakland.

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State Farm said the hike is necessary to help stabilize State Farm Generals financial position and prevent the carrier from having to further constrain its ability to provide home insurance in California.

Last month, Lara approved the rate request on a "provisional" basis, pending an administrative judge's sign-off.

Fire victims on Thursday described the rate hike request as the latest in State Farm's series of betrayals.

Read more: 911 logs show more than a dozen calls from burning west Altadena before evacuations ordered

"The disaster began with the Eaton fire, but for us, the real trauma began when we filed a smoke damage claim with State Farm," speaker Wendy Davis said. Davis' five-bedroom home in Altadena is still covered in toxic soot and ash, 100 days after the wildfire first erupted.

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Davis said that for the last three months, State Farm has "delayed, stonewalled and denied us the help that we're entitled to," deploying one inexperienced adjuster after another to lowball her property value.

Davis said the company also told her that her policy covered only the ash that blew into her home, not the asbestos contained within it.

"Are we supposed to scrub the asbestos out by ourselves wearing hazmat suits and respirators?" said Davis, a 35-year policyholder. "It'd be laughable if it weren't so cruel."

State Farm said in a Thursday statement that its focus "continues to be on supporting our customers in their recovery from the largest fire event we have ever experienced in the state."

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Were here to help our customers recover and we empathize with those who are rebuilding their lives," the company said.

Read more: Theyre being so stingy with everything. State Farm criticized for claims response

Under California Proposition 103, insurance companies seeking to raise rates must prove that those hikes are necessary before they can be approved.

According to Carmen Balber, executive director of the consumer advocacy nonprofit Consumer Watchdog, State Farm has not met the legal standard for a rate increase.

Balber said in a press release that should State Farm's request be approved, it would set a "dangerous precedent, letting insurers bypass consumer protections and shift costs onto struggling families."

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In an interview, Balber said that Lara has not done enough to "stand up to" insurance companies that have threatened to pull out of the state because of rising costs.

State Farm has reportedly fielded more than 12,500 fire and auto claims related to the Jan. 7 fires and paid more than $3 billion to customers. The company projects total wildfire-related payouts of $7.9 billion, though its net losses are estimated at $600 million after reinsurance payments.

But Balber maintained that the company is still profiting too greatly off of California's high-risk policyholders to leave the state.

In a statement, Lara said State Farm's "actions raise serious concerns about their financial stability," but he disputed claims that that he has not held the company and other insurers accountable.

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"Since the fires began, we have been actively engaged in affected communities, ensuring that insurance companies fulfill their claims promptly and in full,'' Lara said. "We are working with urgency to expand availability, stabilize the market, and make insurance work for all Californian."

Read more: L.A. wildfires up the pressure on California's insurance commissioner over industry ties

Victims of the Eaton fire said Thursday they are in limbo, maxing out their credit cards and hopping from one rental to another while they wait for their claims to be resolved.

Before Kelsey Szamet and her family moved into their current rental in Pasadena, they had stints in three hotels and with two sets of friends. Being constantly on the move, she said, has been "destabilizing" for her two young daughters.

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"There's a lot of big feelings, big emotional responses that are not typical for them," Szamet said, adding that she herself is struggling daily with "exhaustion at the cellular level."

Szamet said she believes State Farm's delays and denials are part of a deliberate effort to wear people down until they stop seeking relief altogether.

But Shawna Dawson Beer, founder of the 10,000-member Beautiful Altadena Facebook group, said that Altadena residents remain committed to holding State Farm accountable and getting fire victims the relief they're owed.

"We will continue to speak up for our neighbors, for ourselves, for our community," Beers said. "And we will not go quietly."

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This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times.
An activist group that says it seeks to hold corporations accountable is organizing a three-day, nationwide "economic blackout" from Good Friday through Easter that calls on consumers to boycott "big box" retailers.

Instead, People's Union USA is urging you to buy from local retailers.

Will it make a difference? Its not clear.

The New York Times has reported on People's Union USA founder John Schwarz's past as a registered sex offender and raised questions about the money the group is raising through donations and T-shirt sales, which Schwarz respond to by saying it would "go toward future operational costs, including payroll, expansion, and ensuring this movement keeps growing and thriving."

Protesters gather on the corners East 8th Ave. and Mill Street during a Pre-Economic Blackout Rally Thursday, Feb. 27, 2025, in front of the Wayne Lyman Morse United States Courthouse in Eugene, Ore.

In addition to the planned blackout, other groups have also organized boycotts to protest companies that have cut their diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives, and to oppose President Donald Trumps moves to eliminate such programs.

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Theres an ongoing "40-day fast" of Target, spearheaded by Black faith leaders, and consumers have also been taking part in a targeted weeklong boycott of Walmart, which concludes April 17, Gannett news outlets have reported.

The Peoples Union, which said it is organized as a limited liability company, also has a long list of grievances that it said on its website it is seeking to address, including worker exploitation, price gouging, unethical practices and tax avoidance.

The Peoples Unions second protest, which it has dubbed Economic Blackout 2.0, follows a smaller-scale boycott in February that encouraged Americans to stop spending for 24 hours to resist the influence of big corporations, billionaires and both major political parties.

How effective is it?

After the initial boycott, the Associated Press reported there was "no clear indication of how many people took part or whether national retailers and restaurant chains noticed any effect from the grassroots protest."

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One assessment by Marshal Cohen, the chief retail adviser at market research firm Circana, that was based on calls with retail executives, showed no visible retrenchment by consumers midway through the boycott, the AP reported.

More: Some consumers are preparing for an economic blackout on Feb. 28: what to know

Still, the activist group said on its website that it uses economic boycotts "because they work," and "money is the only language the system understands." It added that we dont need to riot or protest in the streets to be heard, and when we pull our dollars, we pull their power.

Social media postings also suggest there's interest in the boycott and its possible a second, slightly longer boycott could have a bigger impact than the first.

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The Peoples Union, which has a list of companies that it is critical of, including Chevron, Nike, Starbucks, Google, Microsoft and Meta, formerly Facebook, said it also plans upcoming boycotts targeting General Mills, Amazon, Walmart, Target and McDonalds.

Group not without controversy

Group leader Schwarz, who is in his 50s, describes himself in a biography on the groups website as "just a man whos lived through enough, seen the truth with my own eyes, and decided to do something about it."

He added that he started the group because he feels "this system is rigged, that were being used, that the human spirit was not meant for this kind of industrial slavery, and has finally reached the point where doing nothing was no longer an option."

The biography goes into detail about being raised in New York's Pomonok projects, having an "abusive and unstable" home life in which his parents divorced, and working at 13 "to survive, not for dreams or goals, just to eat."

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But Schwarz was also a registered sex offender who pleaded guilty to "disseminating voyeuristic material" and was sentenced in 2007 to jail and probation after pleading guilty, according to news reports.

Schwarz acknowledged to the New York Times he was convicted and added it was "something that never should have happened and it is completely fabricated" and called the incident "a big scam."

Contact Frank Witsil: 313-222-5022 or fwitsil@freepress.com.

This article originally appeared on Detroit Free Press: People's Union USA sets next Economic Blackout boycott in 2025
By Alexandra Valencia

QUITO (Reuters) -Ecuador's leftist presidential challenger Luisa Gonzalez plans to formally challenge the result of Sunday's election, claiming widespread fraud, although she has lost the support of a key allied party in disputing her defeat.

Election authorities and outside observers have said incumbent President Daniel Noboa secured a full term after sweeping the runoff vote that was held after a tight first round in February.

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Noboa leads the official vote tally by more than 1 million votes with 55.62% support, while Gonzalez has 44.38%, with almost all votes counted, according to official data.

Noboa said in an interview with CNN this week that his win was so large it was "not up for discussion."

Gonzalez has alleged since Sunday that there was "grotesque" fraud and said late on Wednesday she would contest the results with the elections authority, without saying when. Results must be challenged within two days after the vote count closes.

In a video posted on social media, Gonzalez said thousands of ballots with irregularities had been identified and should be annulled.

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"All of these findings, which are very serious, will be presented to authorities," Gonzalez said, adding that officials were "unfortunately, under the thumb of those in power."

The head of the elections body, Diana Atamaint, said in an interview with TV station NTN24 on Wednesday that it had "not received a single request for a recount of a single ballot."

She added that Gonzalez was free to submit a complaint and the authority would review it, and that if the politician was confident that fraud had been committed, she could file a criminal complaint with prosecutors.

Observer missions from the Organization of American States and the European Union, as well as the U.S., have all said that Noboa handily won the vote. EU observers called the election transparent and well-organized, and strongly rejected claims of fraud.

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In recent days, Gonzalez's opposition coalition has fallen apart over her fraud claims, with members of her own Citizens' Revolution party recognizing Noboa's win.

On Wednesday, her largest allied party, the RETO Movement, congratulated Noboa, leaving few backers of Gonzalez, who is a protege of former socialist President Rafael Correa.

Her defeat and subsequent claims of fraud seem "to have left Correismo (Gonzalez's coalition) in complete disarray," analysts at investment group BancTrust said on Thursday.

They added this would improve Noboa's chances of forming a majority bloc in the National Assembly.

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The president's National Democratic Action Party holds 66 seats out of the assembly's 151. The government has said it is negotiating with smaller parties to garner their support.

Ecuador's Foreign Ministry said unused ballots from Sunday's election, transported in diplomatic pouches, were stolen in Venezuela by armed men who allegedly claimed to be members of the Bolivarian National Intelligence Service.

In a statement, the ministry condemned the incident as a violation of international diplomatic norms and said the ballots were intended for Ecuadorean voters in Caracas.

The Venezuelan government rejected the accusation.

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"They want us to believe that their electoral failure can be covered up with these diplomatic lies," Venezuelan Foreign Minister Yvan Gil said on his Telegram account.

The incident does not affect the outcome of the vote, as authorities had already suspended voting in Venezuela on Ecuador's election.

(Reporting by Alexandra ValenciaAdditional reporting by Kylie MadryEditing by Frances Kerry and Rod Nickel)
Its important to be civically engaged. Thats what an Indiana Area High School junior told our Joshua Byers at the second Democracy Bowl at the University of Pittsburgh at Johnstown.

Students from seven school districts went head to head in a social studies competition that tested their knowledge of congressional acts, notable court cases, founding documents, treaties and amendments.

Representatives from the Bill of Rights Institute, the National Constitution Center and Fair Districts Pennsylvania also attended.

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Chris Janson, the Bill of Rights Institutes senior project lead for civic learning initiatives, said he was inspired by the students enthusiasm.

He told the students that civics education is not just about memorizing dates and reciting historic figures. It empowers citizens to be active members of their communities.

Students also presented civics fair projects that would improve the regions image. Among them were a project from Homer-Center School District students on addressing homelessness, which took first place; Greater Johnstown High School students ideas for revitalizing the Hornerstown neighborhood playground; and Portage Area School District students plans for building a pickleball court and expanding CPR training.

Mark Conlon, a Pitt- Johnstown professor and event organizer, described the bowl to Byers as bet- ter than his wildest dreams.

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And Portage teacher Tyler Johnson said, I think anytime we can get kids out of the building and engage them in those important subjects is a good way to show them how to take part in their communities after (graduation).

We agree.

Pitt-Johnstown alum and Democracy Bowl donor Douglas Weimer is credited with helping to make the event a success with his generosity.

He said, It was a privilege to give back.
Most Chicagoans remember the time when the citys famed exchanges each day featured manic hordes of traders yelling and frantically signaling as futures contracts for commodities and financial instruments changed hands. Documentaries on life in Chicago until the dawn of this century invariably included video of the controlled mayhem in the pits.

But for the last 11 years, a bitter legal dispute has simmered in that famously colorful world. At the heart of the fight is the value of seats on the exchanges, which before electronic trading took hold more than two decades ago held substantial value and were bought, sold and leased to provide access to the trading floors.

CMEs acceptance of the inevitability of electronic trading over the more expensive, less efficient open outcry methods  made most visible in the companys 428,000-square-foot Aurora trading center, opened in 2012  largely accounts for CMEs continuing success, preserving Chicagos global centrality in the futures industry.

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But the plaintiff traders, many of whom formerly worked in the pits and are retired now, allege that CME reneged on a deal preserving members rights  including preferred trading floor access and pricing and information advantages  when it closed the physical floors and confined transactions to the Aurora operation. As a result, they say, the value of those memberships (reflected in B shares of CME) has fallen by two-thirds in the past decade even as CMEs A shares (the stock held by ordinary investors) have soared in that period.

CME counters there never was such a deal when members agreed to transform the exchanges from nonprofit outfits owned by the seat holders to the publicly traded colossus CME is today. And, CME says, those members have benefited financially in other ways from the deal even if their memberships arent as valuable.

It was 2014 when longtime members of the Chicago Board of Trade and Chicago Mercantile Exchange first lodged a class-action lawsuit against CME Group, the publicly held company that emerged from the combination of those two venerable futures exchanges.

After the failure of multiple CME attempts to kill the suit, there now is a court date: July 7.

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Barring a settlement between now and then on claims for damages that run potentially well above $1 billion, thousands of trader plaintiffs will face off against CME before a Cook County jury thanks to a judges April 15 ruling dismissing most of CMEs requests for summary judgment.

If the lawsuit goes to trial, the outcome is hard to handicap, which Cook County Circuit Judge Patrick Sherlock acknowledged in his order clearing the way for a jury proceeding.

Defendants certainly have a defensible case, he wrote, but plaintiffs have submitted sufficient evidence supporting their theory of the case.

To our mind, this dispute emanates from a key decision the architects of the modern CME Group made at the outset of the exchanges transformation from an insular institution working by rules set decades before into a thoroughly modern and sophisticated platform operating at a global scale. Other member-owned exchanges such as the New York Stock Exchange opted to buy out their members when they demutualized and went public; the Merc and the Board of Trade decided instead to preserve the memberships.

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So here we are, on the eve of a trial to sort out whether CME honored the contractual prerogatives of its members when it decided on a structure awkwardly attempting to combine the privileges of the old way with the familiar practices of corporate America.

Weve seen this tense dynamic play out in other storied industries. For example, consider the precipitous drop in value of taxi medallions in cities such as New York and Chicago once Uber and Lyft came into prominence. When cities opened the door to ride-sharing, taxi drivers cried foul at the relative ease with which their new tech-savvy rivals could perform the same service without going through the expense and hassle of obtaining city-mandated medallions. The cabdrivers never were adequately compensated for the upheaval to their livelihoods.

The plaintiff traders generally arent akin in material ways to taxi drivers eking out modest livings. As CME points out in their legal arguments, in addition to the B shares, the members got A shares when the company went public. If a Mercantile Exchange member held onto their A shares and reinvested dividends, their stock would have been worth $30.7 million as of June 30, 2023. For a Board of Trade member, CME Group stock would have been worth $17.6 million under the same scenario.

But the plaintiff traders view their continuing memberships in many cases as heirlooms, to be passed down to future generations. A membership was worth about $1.5 million in 2008; its value has declined by about two-thirds since then, plaintiffs attorneys say.

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The reason for the decline in value, they allege, is that those memberships dont confer many rights anymore. Access to CMEs trading platform is available to members and non-members alike on similar terms. In some cases, the members say, it costs less for some very sizable firms to trade than it does for members.

From CMEs point of view, the drop in membership value is a simple byproduct of changing technology. The company says it preserved the in-person trading floors as long as it could  until lack of demand made them superfluous. But heres the key to CMEs argument: the preferential arrangements members received applied only to the old-school floors and not to their electronic counterpart.

The plaintiffs, on the other hand, say the Aurora data center is a trading floor just the same as the old pits, albeit a virtual version.

Therein lies the crux of this fascinating case.

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A trial will entail a brutally complex set of facts for a jury to sift through. An alternative  perhaps preferable  would be for both parties to submit to mediation. But CME has fought this litigation at every turn so far, so that would require a dramatic tactical shift on CMEs part. We imagine the plaintiffs would be open to a deal.

However this gets resolved, our hope is theres no collateral damage to Chicago.

Submit a letter, of no more than 400 words, to the editor here or email letters@chicagotribune.com.
WICHITA FALLS (KFDX/KJTL)  The Wichita Falls Farmers Market will host their Color Me Egg-Cited Easter Celebration this Saturday, April 19, at 807 Austin St.

The celebration will go from 9 a.m. until 1 p.m., with activities and fun throughout the morning.

Egg Hunts 9 a.m.  Ages 2  5 10 a.m.  Ages 6  10 11 a.m.  Ages 11+

Real Bunny Photo Opportunities 10 a.m. until noon

Live Music: Decker Rumfelt

Face Painting

Free Kids Activity Create your own Easter Bunny Ears

Poach-a-Prize Egg Grab

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Dont forget to bring your Easter basket!

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Egypts revenue from the Suez Canal plunged by almost two thirds last year, officials said on Wednesday, attributing the sharp drop to regional tensions and wars in the Middle East that have impacted traffic through the key waterway.

The canal is a major source of foreign currency for the Egyptian government, with about 10% of world trade flowing through the waterway in recent years.

The Suez Canal Authority, which runs the waterway, said the canal generated an annual revenue of $4 billion (3.5bn) in 2024, down from a historic high of $10.3bn (9.1bn) in 2023, according to a statement posted on its Facebook page.

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Canal traffic has been significantly disrupted after Yemen's Iran-backed Houthi rebels started to threaten maritime trade and targeted vessels heading to Israel through the Suez Canal to pressure Israel to stop the war in Gaza, which started on 7 October 2023.

Between November 2023 and January 2024, the Houthis targeted over 100 merchant vessels with missiles and drones, sinking two ships and killing four sailors. The rebels insisted the attacks would continue as long as the wars go on and have devastated shipping through the region.

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According to the Egyptian canal authority, only 13,213 ships passed through the canal in 2024, marking a 50% decline compared to the number of ships in 2023, when over 26,000 ships passed through.

Still, canal authority chief Osama Rabie said that the attacks challenge the region but have not prevented Egypt from continuing to provide its navigational and maritime services in the Suez.

The International Monetary Fund reported in March 2024 that the Suez Canal trade dropped by 50% in the first two months of that year, compared to the previous year, citing attacks on vessels in the Red Sea.

Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sissis government in 2015 completed a significant expansion of the Suez Canal, adding a second shipping lane and allowing it to handle some of the worlds largest vessels.

The canal, which connects the Mediterranean and the Red seas, was opened in 1869. It serves as a vital artery for global trade- a crucial link for oil, natural gas and cargo. The canal authority operates a system of convoys, consisting of one northbound and one southbound per day.
COLOMBO, April 17 (Xinhua) -- Sri Lanka Purchasing Managers' Index for Manufacturing (PMI-Manufacturing) reached 63.9 in March 2025, recording its highest value in four years, the country's central bank said on Thursday.

The central bank said in a statement that all sub-indices posted month-on-month expansions, reflecting a notable improvement in manufacturing activities, driven by the strong seasonal demand.

The sharp increases in the new orders and production sub-indices, particularly within the food and beverages and textile and wearing apparel manufacturing sectors, were the main contributors to the growth in the overall index, according to the central bank.

Expectations for manufacturing activity over the next three months are positive. However, many firms, especially export-oriented manufacturers, are concerned with the growing uncertainties in global trade, the central bank said.

Purchasing Managers' Index for Services (PMI-Services) recorded a value of 69.8 in March 2025, indicating a considerable expansion in services activities, the central bank said.

The PMI is an index introduced by the central bank focusing on the manufacturing and services sector in the country, and the index is prepared based on monthly surveys conducted by the Statistics Department of the bank. 
UPDATE at 8:30 p.m. on April 17

CHARLESTON, Ill. (WCIA)  The Eastern Illinois University Board of Trustees voted to increase tuition in their Thursday afternoon meeting.

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The board approved tuition, housing and dining rate adjustments during their meeting. As a result, undergraduate tuition will increase $9.47/credit hour for Illinois residents and $22.73/credit hour for non-residents.

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Additionally, housing and dining rate adjustments based on available meal and residency options will soon be detailed on EIUs website.

For more information on results from other topics discussed during the April 17 board meeting, visit the universitys website.

CHARLESTON, Ill. (WCIA)  The Eastern Illinois University Board of Trustees is set to vote on a proposed tuition increase of 2.75% Thursday afternoon.

In the action items portion of the board meeting, which starts at 1 p.m. on April 17, item D will be the 2025-26 Tuition Recommendations. Part of the proposed FY25 Tuition (Fall 2025, Spring 2026, Summer 2026) is that an Illinois resident undergraduate student who has not earned their baccalaureate degree will pay the following tuition per credit hour:

Present Proposed $ Increase % Change FY26 New Students  Per Credit Hour $338.35 $347.65 $9.30 2.75% Continuing, Non-guaranteed students  Per Credit Hour $330.10 $338.35 $8.25 2.5%

EIU hosting 2025 ACES State Competition

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In this proposal, state law (110 ILCS 665/10-120) provides that tuition for new undergraduate Illinois resident students will stay the same for four straight academic years. The guaranteed tuition rate period is extended for undergraduate degree programs approved by the university for completion in over four years.

Additionally, the extension would be limited to the minimum number of additional semesters to complete the program as approved by the school. The list of programs approved by the college for completion in more than four years is maintained by the Provost.

On top of this, state law limits the tuition increase applied in a continuing resident undergraduate students fifth and six years. Non-guaranteed students are charged the guaranteed student rate for the first fiscal year prior to the current year.

The following are the previous resident rates:

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FY25 Guaranteed Students  Per Credit Hour: $338.35

FY24 Guaranteed Students  Per Credit Hour: $330.10

FY23 Guaranteed Students  Per Credit Hour: $323.63

FY22 Guaranteed Students  Per Credit Hour: $315.74

FY21 Guaranteed Students  Per Credit Hour: $308.04

For domestic non-Illinois undergraduate students, new undergraduate students who started in the fall 2024 semester at EIU who have a permanent legal residence within the country will be assessed in-state tuition.

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For international non-Illinois undergraduate students, they will be assessed tuition at 1.25 times the Illinois Resident state rate for undergraduate students:

Present Proposed $ Increase % Change Per Credit Hour $422.94 $434.56 $11.62 2.75%

On the other hand, for graduate students, a post-baccalaureate student will pay the following tuition per credit hour regardless of the level of courses in which they enroll. Graduate international students would be assessed tuition at 2.4 times the Illinois Resident state rate for graduate students.

FY24 FY25 Proposed FY26 $ Increase % Change Per Credit Hour $335.85 $344.25 $353.72 $9.47 2.75%

FY24 FY25 Proposed FY26 $ Increase % Change Per Credit Hour $806.04 $826.20 $848.93 $22.73 2.75%

The board report states that it is recommended that the Board of Trustees approves these tuition recommendations for FY26. For all of the contents being discussed in the meeting, check out the board report and agenda for Thursday nights meeting.

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Hold protocol lifted at El Paso High School

UPDATE: The hold protocol at El Paso High has been lifted. There is no school on Friday, April 18 for spring break, district officials said.

EL PASO, Texas (KTSM)  El Paso High School is currently on hold protocol due to activity nearby on Thursday afternoon, April 17, El Paso Independent School District (EPISD) said in a statement.

EPISD sent the following statement to KTSM:

The El Paso HS campus is currently in HOLD protocol out of an abundance of caution due to activity nearby. El Paso ISD Police Services have responded promptly. The safety and well-being of our students and staff is our top priority.

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The district did not specify or explain what kind of activity they are responding to.

KTSM is working to gather more information and update this developing story.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KTSM 9 News.
El Salvadors President Nayib Bukele intends to double the size of the notorious mega-prison thats currently holding U.S. deportees, according to a new report.

Bukele told Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem last month that he plans to build out the El Salvador prison known as CECOT, which has been attacked by human rights groups as a tropical gulag rife with abuses, The Wall Street Journal reported Wednesday.

The prison, which can house up to 40,000 inmates, in recent weeks began holding hundreds of immigrants that the Trump administration alleges are members of a Venezuelan gang, a Salvadoran father transported there in error who courts have ordered be returned to the U.S., and others as the Trump administration cracks down on its deportation operation in defiance of U.S. court orders, according to judges.

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We have no plans to bring them back, this is a long-term solution, Noem told the Journal after her visit with Bukele in March. He has plans to double the size. He has 80-plus acres there that hes going to continue to build on.

The revelation comes days after Trump asked about El Salvador expanding its prison facilities as he has threatened to send American citizens who have broken the law to the foreign prison.

The homegrowns are next, he told Bukele. You gotta build about five more places  Its not big enough.

President Donald Trump speaks during a meeting with El Salvador's President Nayib Bukele, who reportedly plans to double the size of a notorious prison where U.S. deportees are being held

That same day, Bukele was asked about whether he would release Maryland father Kilmar Abrego Garcia, who was sent to CECOT last month after the Trump administration claimed with no evidence that he was a MS-13 gang member. The administration has since admitted Abrego Garcia, who has an American court order granting him permission to live in the U.S., was sent to the prison in error.

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Last week, the Supreme Court called on the Trump administration to facilitate his return to the United States after a lower court judge earlier this month demanded that the government return him to the United States, calling his removal a grievous error and his detention at the brutal prison wholly lawless.

Though government attorneys have admitted that Abrego Garcias removal was due to an administrative mistake, they have refused to take steps to bring him back to the United States. They have argued that they understood the Supreme Courts order to mean that Abrego Garcia may be allowed to re-enter the U.S. if and when hes sent back by Salvadoran authorities.

But Trump officials have also said that Abrego Garcia would then be immediately sent back to the prison in El Salvador.

Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem speaks outside of a crowded prison cell at El Salvadors CECOT on March 26 (POOL/AFP via Getty Images)

On Monday, El Salvadors smiling president said of course he would not release Abrego Garcia back to the U.S. The Trump administration is reportedly paying El Salvador $6 million to imprison those shipped from the U.S., and claims it has no way to convince Bukele to release Abrego Garcia.

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The question is preposterous, Bukele told reporters as he sat next to Trump.  How can I smuggle a terrorist into the United States? I dont have the power to return him to the United States.

Maryland Senator Chris van Hollen on Wednesday traveled to CECOT to assist with Abrego Garcias release, but his requests to visit and talk to him were denied, he said.

Maryland District Judge Paula Xinis on Tuesday ordered that Trump administration officials must testify about what steps, If any, they have taken to comply with the Supreme Court order. There will be no tolerance for gamesmanship or grandstanding, she warned.

On Wednesday another federal judge found that Trump administration officials could be held in criminal contempt for willful disregard of his orders to turn planes around carrying alleged Venezuelan gang members summarily deported to the brutal Salvadoran prison under the presidents use of a wartime law.

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U.S. District Judge James E. Boasberg warned he could refer the matter for prosecution next week if the administration fails to return the men to U.S. custody

Noem, meanwhile, was sharply criticized after filming a video last month in front of a crowded prison cell while she warned that those who enter the U.S. illegally could wind up in the prison.
Senator Chris Van Hollens attempt to check on the welfare of Kilmar Abrego Garcia, whom the Trump administration mistakenly deported to El Salvador, was rebuffed by the countrys military Thursday.

The Democratic senator from Maryland traveled to El Salvador Wednesday, meeting with the countrys Vice President Felix Ulloa. The next day, he attempted to visit the Centro de Confinamiento del Terrorismo, a prison known for human rights abuses, where Abrego Garcia is being held. But less than two miles away from the prison, Van Hollen was stopped at a military checkpoint.

According to USA Today, which was following Van Hollens motorcade, the checkpoint appeared to have been set up deliberately to stop the senator.

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We were just denied entry into CECOTthe notorious prison in El Salvador where Mr. Abrego Garcia is being illegally held, Van Hollen posted on X. We were there for one simple reason: to check on his well-being, which his family and lawyers have not been allowed to do. We wont stop fighting.

We were just denied entry into CECOT  the notorious prison in El Salvador where Mr. Abrego Garcia is being illegally held.



We were there for one simple reason: to check on his well-being, which his family and lawyers have not been allowed to do. We wont stop fighting. pic.twitter.com/yG2b7N6Nvn  Senator Chris Van Hollen (@ChrisVanHollen) April 17, 2025

The Trump administration has refused to do anything to have Abrego Garcia released, even though it has acknowledged in court that he was deported to El Salvador in error. Instead, it has repeatedly called him a gang member and terrorist with no evidence, and El Salvadors President Nayib Bukele repeated the same false accusations to reporters in the White House on Monday.

The refusal to allow Van Hollen into the prison is clearly politically motivated, as Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem has been allowed to make propaganda videos in front of its inmates and Republican Representatives Riley Moore and Jason Smith got to tour the prison on Tuesday. Abrego Garcias well-being is clearly not a priority for the Trump administration or El Salvadors government. What did they want to hide from Van Hollen?
Former Wayne County Health Director Abdul El-Sayed speaks at a "Hands Off" protest at the Michigan Capitol in Lansing, Mich., on April 5, 2025. (Photo by Andrew Roth/Michigan Advance)

Former Wayne County Health Director Abdul El-Sayed became the second Democrat to enter the race for Michigans open U.S. Senate seat on Thursday.

El-Sayed, who ran for governor in 2018, joins state Sen. Mallory McMorrow (D-Royal Oak) in seeking the seat after incumbent U.S. Sen. Gary Peters (D-Bloomfield Twp.) announced that he would not seek re-election.

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Other potential candidates include U.S. Rep. Haley Stevens (D-Birmingham) and former Michigan House Speaker Joe Tate (D-Detroit). Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel and U.S. Rep. Hillary Scholten (D-Grand Rapids) have also been mentioned as possible Democratic candidates.

El-Sayed said in an interview with the Michigan Advance that he chose to run because its way too hard to get by in Michigan right now, and in the richest, most powerful country in the world, folks shouldnt have to struggle so hard to afford basic things.

He said he thinks about the effect rising costs are having on everyday people he met during his 2018 campaign.

You can just see it grinding them down in ways that shouldnt have to happen, El-Sayed said. I look at what Trump and Musk are doing, and frankly, theyre just making it so much worse. Weve got to step up and weve got to fight back, and I think that happens best in the seat in the U.S. Senate.

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After suffering defeat to President Donald Trump in the last election, El-Sayed says Democrats must speak plainly about issues of direct relevance to peoples lives in ways that are easy to understand and to embrace, and we have to run on public policy that has direct impact on peoples lives as immediately as possible.

I think sometimes when it comes to the way that we run, we try to tact or triangulate to the least common denominator of what we think everybody can be okay with, and I think that makes us seem inauthentic, and it leaves us sounding like we dont really have anything to say at all, El-Sayed said.

He said its not enough to simply fight against the Trump administration, arguing that Democrats must also articulate a positive, forward-looking message about what they plan to do.

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He pointed to universal health coverage, environmental regulations, affordable housing and reigning in corporations and the ultrawealthy as priorities.

I feel really well placed in a race like this, because I have the opportunity both to be that fighter who stands up to Donald Trump and Elon Musk and all their acolytes, but also to have the skills to be able to build after theyre gone, El-Sayed said. And I think theres going to be a lot of wreckage that they leave in their wake.

El-Sayed pointed to his time as the director of the Detroit Health Department from 2015 to 2017 as evidence that he is able to build in the circumstances of wreckage that politicians leave behind.

But while El-Sayed critiqued Democrats messaging, he is taking a different approach than his former boss, Detroit Mayor Mike Duggan, who is running for governor as an independent and has said that the Democratic and Republican parties have a death grip on Michigan politics.

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When parties arent delivering for folks, the question isnt to run outside the party, its to have the courage to rethink what your party ought to be doing, El-Sayed said. Ive had my fair share of disagreements with the Democratic Party on a number of issues, and what Im trying to do about it is to demonstrate the capacity to win elections by campaigning on the issues that I believe in.

While El-Sayed said there is a short-term urgency to fighting back against the Trump administration, he added that Democrats must also address what he described as a broken political system that allowed Trump to be elected in the first place.

If youre unable to address the circumstances that Donald Trump exploited to get elected in 2016 in the first place, then I worry that all youre doing is kind of your own version of Make America Great Again; its just 2015 instead of somewhere in the 1930s, where Donald Trump seems to want to be dragging us, El-Sayed said.

But many of those policy goals would be difficult to get through the Senate if the filibuster remains in place, El-Sayed said, arguing that it has served to interfere with more progressive legislation and, frankly, interfere with our ability to deliver on what we say it is that we want to do which has redounded to the benefit of Republicans.

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Remember, at the end of the day, their governing philosophy is that government is part of the problem, ours is that government is part of the solution, El-Sayed said. So anything that stops the government from working inevitably redounds to their benefit.

El-Sayed said the filibuster is anti-democratic on its own terms.

The idea that one U.S. senator can block legislation for the entire country, it does not comport with the ideals of democracy, El-Sayed said.

Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer was widely criticized for breaking a Democratic filibuster to advance a Republican-backed stopgap funding bill earlier this year. El-Sayed declined to commit to supporting any specific candidate to be the Democratic leader if elected, saying he would have to see who seeks the role before making any decisions.

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Anybody who tells you that theyre going to support one person or another without knowing who the alternative is, is just either unsophisticated or unnuanced about the choice in front of you, El-Sayed said.

McMorrow has indicated that she would not support Schumer to continue as Democratic leader.

Michigans soon-to-be senior U.S. senator, Elissa Slotkin, made similar waves in her 2018 campaign for the U.S. House, when she vowed to withhold support from Nancy Pelosi as House Speaker.

El-Sayed said he would find common ground with Slotkin on issues like workers rights and environmental protections while leading on those issues that my background and my experience give me particular expertise on, like health care.

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She and I are very different people, but what better representation in the state of Michigan than a Jewish woman and a Muslim man, El-Sayed said.

El-Sayed said he made the decision to run for the U.S. Senate rather than making a second attempt at becoming governor in part after he watched federal funding that the Wayne County Department of Health, Human and Veterans Services get caught in a federal funding freeze.

Ive asked myself, where is the fight now? 43% of the states budget is federal funds, and I think its going to be really difficult for anybody leading our state if Trump and Musk continue to do what they are doing and decimate a lot of the funding that the state relies on, El-Sayed said. And so, to me, I think the locus of the fight has to be at the Senate.

El-Sayed appeared last month at a rally with U.S. Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.) in Warren that drew more than 10,000 people, filling three overflow rooms with an additional crowd gathered outside.

Wayne County Health Director Abdul El-Sayed, who ran for governor in 2018 and is considering a campaign for U.S. Senate in 2026, speaks at a rally with U.S. Sen. Bernie Sanders, I-Vt., in Warren, Mich., on March 8, 2025. (Photo by Andrew Roth/Michigan Advance)

He said the level of enthusiasm demonstrates a real hunger for a politics that is direct, that is unapologetic and that is consistent with the needs and frustrations that people have in this moment.

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That, for me, was a really, really important testing point for the argument that we are making here, which is that if we are serious about winning elections in the future, then Democrats have to be serious about being honest, direct and clear about what we fight for, not just what we fight against, El-Sayed said.

That also extends to the primary, El-Sayed said, saying that one of the mistakes of his 2018 campaign  which ultimately ended with now-Gov. Gretchen Whitmer sweeping all 83 counties  was being too focused on the other candidates in the primary.

Sometimes we missed the opportunity to just demonstrate  to show people, not tell them  why Id be the best candidate for them and for the future, El-Sayed said.

But while that campaign ended nearly seven years ago, he said hes not concerned about recapturing momentum and standing out in a potentially crowded primary field.

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If theres any upside, politically, to having a name like mine, its that its not one that people soon forget, El-Sayed said.

If were willing to have a very clear conversation that starts with listening and that articulates what we want to deliver, Im pretty certain that Michiganders are going to remember my name.
BATON ROUGE, La. (Louisiana First)  Attorney Alfreda Tillman Bester is warning families about a disturbing trend of elderly abuse lawsuits in East Baton Rouge Parish.

Besters current case involves a caregiver. This person is accused of exploiting Charlie Stone Jr. from Zachary.

He was already suffering from dementia, was visually impaired and illiterate. He had a sixth-grade education, Bester said.

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Stones only child, Ira, lives in Illinois. He did not want to leave Louisiana and move in with his daughter. Bester said Stone did not want to be placed in a nursing home, so Ira hired a caregiver from a healthcare agency in 2005.

Bester said things were going well with the caregiver until they werent.

She had put herself on her fathers checking account, went to court hearings, and all of these things far outside of what a caregiver would normally do, Bester said.

Stone died in 2006 at 88 years old. Bester said Ira found out that the caregiver went to a lawyer. She had drawn up a new will and named herself as Stones only beneficiary.

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Family of murder victim Kyle Earthly Jr. speaks out ahead of suspects hearing

Ira has been in a legal fight for years and is going back to court in July to try and gain control of her fathers estate.

No charges have been brought against the caregiver. This case is like several lawsuits moving through the justice system in the parish.

Bester said unusual financial activity is a red flag that a loved one is being exploited by a caregiver. She encourages families to watch all transactions.

Please be very, very careful when you are choosing someone to provide care to your elderly parent, especially if you live away from your parent, Bester said.

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Bester suggests getting several family members involved in caring for an older parent when you can. It would reduce the chances of a single point of failure.

A bill is moving through the state legislature to create tougher laws for elder abuse.

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A 92-year-old man has died amid severe flooding in northern Italy, rescue services confirmed on Thursday.

His body was discovered in a house surrounded by floodwaters in the community of Monteu da Po, close to Turin. He is believed to have drowned.

The Piedmont region, whose capital is Turin, has been hit particularly hard by days of heavy rainfall. Several rivers have overflowed, including the Po, Italys longest river, which approached critical levels in Turin.

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Authorities cordoned off areas near the river as a precaution, while numerous roads across the region were also closed. In some municipalities, residents were urged to remain indoors due to safety concerns.

Meanwhile, train services between Italy and Switzerland are experiencing significant disruptions due to flooded tracks, with several trains blocked on the route, operators said. Other connections have been delayed by several hours.
Wisconsin Elections Commissioner Robert Spindell arrives at Milwaukee Central Count with Sen. Ron Johnson (Photo | Isiah Holmes)

Wisconsin Elections Commission (WEC) Chair Ann Jacobs said at a meeting Thursday that the body is still investigating how the City of Madison lost nearly 200 ballots during the 2024 presidential election.

The city of Madison announced in late December that 193 unprocessed absentee ballots had been found in the weeks following the election. The discovered ballots werent enough to sway the results of any contests, but WEC began an investigation into the error to determine what caused it and how similar mistakes can be prevented in future elections.

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On Thursday, Jacobs said that she and Republican commissioner Don Millis had already taken depositions of former Madison city clerk Maribeth Witzel-Behl and members of her staff but that there was more work to be done and depositions to conduct with employees of Madison and Dane County. She added that those other interviews were delayed until after the April 1 election.

Witzel-Behl, who had already been on administrative leave during the spring elections, resigned from her position as Madison city clerk earlier this week after nearly two decades in the role during which time she oversaw more than 60 elections.

Jacobs said the investigation has already highlighted ways the state can improve its absentee ballot processes.

On a positive note, I do think the information were learning from the work weve done so far will help inform some best practices for tracking absentee ballots, making sure all absentee ballots are counted timely, and as we move to amend our manuals and update them  I really do think that what weve learned is going to help us do a better job there on some of that absentee ballot processing, she said.

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After the update on the investigation, Republican commissioner Robert Spindell began remarks that devolved into a shouting match with Jacobs.

Spindell began by noting how long Witzel-Behl had been the Madison clerk.

I think its fine that were doing this investigation of the city of Madison, or the misplacement of some [193] ballots and then not properly following through when they were found, he said. But I do want to commend the Madison clerk for her 20-plus years service.

Spindell then transitioned into what he said he believes is a more serious problem  some Milwaukee polling places running out of ballots during the April 1 election. On Election Day earlier this month, seven polling sites ran out of ballots, causing city officials to scramble to replenish supplies. The delay caused long lines to form at some polls.

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City election officials said they generally determine how many ballots to print and distribute to poll locations by assessing voter turnout in previous similar elections. But this year Wisconsin and Milwaukee broke turnout records for a spring election.

A former member of the Milwaukee Elections Commission who previously sparked controversy when he celebrated and took credit for the low turnout among Black voters in the 2022 midterm elections, Spindell has often been extremely critical of the administration of Milwaukees elections.

Republicans have often attacked Milwaukees election administration, resulting in frequent, baseless accusations that the citys election results are fraudulent.

Before Spindell could finish his statement, Jacobs banged her gavel, saying she was ruling his comment out of order, but Spindell just got louder and continued.

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Wisconsin open meetings law requires that if a government body such as the elections commission is going to discuss an issue at a meeting, it must have been properly listed on the meetings announced agenda.

I am not going to let you keep going, Jacobs said. Im going to talk over you until you stop. You must stop. You are out of order, and I will eject you from this meeting. Do you understand the words I am saying? They are simple. You are out of order. The City of Milwaukee is not on this agenda. You do not get to hijack the agenda. You are not the chair. When you are chair you get to put things on the agenda, its not on the agenda.

Even though most of what he said was inaudible, Spindell ended by saying Ive said what I needed to say.

During the meeting, the commission also approved the design for a mailer that will be sent to voters who havent voted in four years to ask if they still live at the addresses listed in their voter registrations and informing them they risk having their registrations deactivated. The commissioners also received an update on an audit to determine if any people currently serving felony sentences voted in recent elections and moved forward an administrative rule that would keep the home addresses of judicial candidates off public elections paperwork.

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YINCHUAN, April 17 (Xinhua) -- In the sunbaked hills of Xihaigu, located in northwest China's Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region, once labeled "uninhabitable" by United Nations experts, Ma Liang stood in a pumpkin field with his hands resting on a wooden lectern speckled with soil.

His white shirt and crisp suit stood in stark contrast to the rustic fruits laid before him -- a visual oxymoron that perfectly encapsulates his unique brand of storytelling.

"As Duke of Cibit, today, I'd like to give you a grand presentation of our cibitish specialty, highland baby pumpkin," Ma announced in fluent English, then effortlessly switched to a thick northwestern dialect as he ushered a sun-weathered farm woman onto the stage to display her harvest. Then he narrated the growth story of the pumpkins, which he called "the children of the plateau."

The scene, absurd yet poetic, has drawn 17 million views on the social media platform Douyin, the Chinese version of TikTok.

"Could you write less about me and more about Xihaigu?" the 41-year-old asked during an interview. This self-effacing plea encapsulates his persona: a man who reinvented himself as the "Duke of Cibit," a title he coined to merge his ancestral roots with European blue bloods. The name "Cibit" cleverly mirrors the local dialect's pronunciation of "xibei," meaning "northwest."

Ma is a bilingual raconteur who masterfully blends the polished narration of British-style documentaries with the earthy humor of China's northwestern countryside. His some 200,000 Douyin followers know him as "Duke Snow Ma" in Chinese.

To him, the name Snow is never merely a casual moniker but a homage to an enduring legacy. Born to an English-teacher father in Tongxin County, Ma inherited both a fascination with language and a sense of historical pride. His hometown bears a profound historical weight. It was here, in what was then Yuwang County, that American journalist Edgar Snow gathered material for the classic "Red Star Over China" in the 1930s.

When asked why he chose to introduce the loess plateau landscapes and the country life in English, Ma simply said, "English? Just a tool I'm good at."

Ma majored in English and graduated from Xi'an International Studies University in 2009. In the years that followed, he took on a variety of jobs, participated in cultural exchanges, and traveled extensively. Eventually, he decided to return to Xihaigu to launch a new venture with his friend Ma Haodong, a former documentary film director.

"After over a decade of studying, working and living in cities, I made a life-altering pivot by turning my compass toward the countryside," Ma said during his appearance on the Spring Festival web gala this January hosted by China Media Group. "That's where I've truly found my new horizon."

Ma's camera became a bridge. In 2023, he left behind city life to document Xiji County, the heart of Xihaigu. His early videos -- short clips capturing snow-blanketed villages and the shifting perspectives of local women -- quickly struck a chord, earning him 10,000 followers within weeks.

Ma champions emotional resonance over viral formulas. While most creators chase algorithms, he crafts his videos as deliberate "visual poetry," celebrating the raw authenticity of rural life to build authentic connections with his audience.

Yet algorithms have their merits. Platform metrics place Ma's content in the top 1 percent of creators for production quality. Every frame carries a professional sheen, from his distinctive focus on rural life and cinematic composition to thoughtfully curated soundtracks and his signature bilingual voice-overs.

In recent years, the rise of short videos has significantly boosted rural economic and cultural tourism in China. According to Douyin, the platform saw 1.09 billion new rural-themed posts in 2023, generating nearly 2.8 trillion views.

Some might see Ma's works as pastoral romanticism, yet his lens reveals grit alongside beauty. He filmed cracked hands kneading dough, narrating, "The hot linseed oil always fries a Northwesterner into a wrinkled mess, but for the sweetness wrapped in the wrinkles, you need to feel it yourself to get the very taste." His hybrid language -- Oxford diction peppered with Ningxia dialect -- has startled viewers.

Facing the verdant Liupan Mountains, he murmured, "In the wilderness of the East, a great mountain wears a cover of clouds. In the cover hides the wedding bed made of pine waves."

Ma believes that the power of short videos lies in emotional resonance, and what he channels is the raw soul of rural China. "The visceral longing for roots? Nowhere in Ningxia runs deeper than Xihaigu's villages," he said.

When his short videos were shared on Instagram with the caption "Rural Returnee Tries To Put Hometown on the Map With English Videos," the posts garnered enthusiastic engagement from global viewers.

Ma's Duke persona strikes a chord at a time when China is aiming for substantial advances in rural revitalization and a new stage of modernization in agriculture and rural areas. His innovative storytelling even inspired a tourism bureau official from northeastern China to promote local farm produce in a similar fashion.

Ma felt heartened to see others embracing his creative approach and making it their own. "Every region could have its own rural ambassadors," he said.

Despite his internet fame, Ma remains grounded, still navigating the challenging ascent of entrepreneurship. When discussing future plans, he reveals a dual focus: continuing to produce premium content while also scouting higher-quality local agricultural products, and more importantly, developing tailored sales and logistics solutions for them.

"We all want the best for our hometowns, and to contribute in our own way," he said, adding that what he's been doing is just simple acts rooted in genuine love for where he comes from. 
Eli Lilly says its GLP-1 drug in pill form is as safe and effective as Ozempic and other mega-popular injectable drugs for weight loss and lowering blood sugar.

The company announced positive results from its phase 3 clinical trial Thursday morning, noting that the drug, orforglipron, has similar results to GLP-1 blockbusters Ozempic and Mounjaro, but doesnt require the temperature control thats needed for those injectables. And its a daily pill, which would eliminate the need to take a shot to get the benefit.

In the coming decades, 700 million people around the world will have Type 2 diabetes, and over a billion will have obesity, Dr. Daniel Skovronsky, Lillys chief scientific officer, told the New York Times. Injections cannot be the solution for billions of people around the world.

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The trial included 559 people who had Type 2 diabetes and were randomized to take either the pill or a placebo for 40 weeks. Those who took the study medication saw a decrease in blood sugar levels similar to that experienced by patients in other studies who took Ozempic or Mounjaro. Lilly said that 65% of those taking the orforglipron had blood sugar that fell into the normal range.

They also lost up to 16 pounds by studys end. The New York Times reported that was similar to results at 40 weeks with Ozempic, but was slightly less than the weight loss those using Mounjaro experienced in similar unrelated clinical studies.

The side effects were the same, involving gastric issues like diarrhea, indigestion, constipation and nausea.

As CNBC reported, This more convenient, easier-to-manufacture pill could give Eli Lilly a major edge over Novo Nordisk and other rivals trying to enter the lucrative space."

A triumph with more trials underway

Per the Times, In a way, the very existence of orforglipron is a triumph of modern chemistry. The injectable GLP-1 drugs are peptides  small fragments of proteins. (GLP stands for glucagon-like peptide.) Peptides are digested by the stomach. So, in order to make an oral GLP-1, chemists had to find a way to make a nonpeptide that acts exactly like a peptide. Researchers at Chugai Pharmaceutical Company, a Japanese company, figured out a way, licensing their drug to Lilly in 2018."

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Lilly has a number of clinical trials of the pill ongoing, including testing orforglipron in people who dont have diabetes to see if they, too, lose weight similar to those using the injectable drugs.

A familiar type of drug

KFF, which reports health policy research, polling and news, last May surveyed Americans on use of GLP-1 drugs. The poll found that 12% of adults have taken a GLP-1 agonist drug to lose weight, treat diabetes, or prevent heart attack or stroke because they have heart disease. Among those with diabetes, the share is 43%.

Close to a third of the adults surveyed said they are very aware of the class of drugs.

More than half of those who have used the injectable drugs said they did so for diabetes, while about 4 in 10 said their goal was weight loss.

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Nearly all of those who have taken the injectable GLP-1 drugs said the cost was difficult to afford, even if their insurance covered it.

The pill form has not been approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration for use outside of approved clinical trials. And its not known how the company plans to price and distribute the drug, should it win that approval. So cost could still be a major issue.

Eli Lilly said it would ask the FDA for approval as a Type 2 diabetes treatment in 2026 but will request that regulatory agencies around the world OK the drug for weight management this year.

In the companys news release, David A. Ricks, Lilly chair and CEO, called the pill form convenient and said that if approved, could be readily manufactured and launched at scale for use by people around the world.
NEW HAVEN, Conn. (WTNH)  Some Connecticut Democrats are fighting back against the Trump Administration revoking more than 50 student visas in Connecticut.

Blumenthal says Trump tariff proposal will drive up Connecticut energy costs

Sen. Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn) and New Haven Mayor Justin Elicker held a news conference to defend the students and are demanding answers.

Nationwide, the Trump Administration has cancelled visas for more than a thousand international students.

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To tell the students that weve got your back, that we will fight on behalf of anyone that is a target by the Trump Administration and we will do everything in our power to defend our students that are being attacked right now, Elicker said.

They do research, they teach, they enliven classes, and the life of our university communities, Blumenthal said. They are part of the fabric of higher education. That makes American education great.

Republicans point out the percentage of student visas being pulled in the state is small. Blumenthal is sending a letter to top Trump officials demanding to know why those student visas have been revoked.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
AUTHORS NOTE: This story has been updated with information received from the Dallas Police Department regarding the murder charge against Gildon.

WICHITA FALLS (KFDX/KJTL)  A man held in the Wichita County Jail has now been charged with murder.

On April 10, Elmondo Gildon was charged with homicide connected to an investigation out of Dallas County.

RELATED: Murder investigation leads to 2 more arrests, bringing total to 7

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According to officials with the Dallas Police Department, the charge against Gildon stems from May 19, 2024, when police responded to a shooting in the 2000 block of Northwest Highway and found 34-year-old Jamal Cooksey had been shot.

Cooksey was transported to a Dallas hospital, where he later died.

Wichita Falls Police Department detective assisted in the Dallas County investigation while working on a separate investigation into the murder of Trevanian Mitchell from May of 2024, which is still under investigation.

The investigation into the homicide has now led to seven total arrests:

Brittany Johnson  Arrested March 27 and charged with aggravated perjury

Zelma Barry  Arrested March 29 and charged with aggravated perjury

Latarrah Roberts  Arrested March 31 and charged with aggravated perjury

Elmondo Gildon  Arrested April 9 and charged with unlawful possession of a firearm

Patricia Vasquez  Arrested April 10 and charged with organized retail theft

Jessica Jones  Arrested April 12 and charged with organized retail theft

Maricia Blair  Arrested April 14 and charged with unlawful possession of a firearm

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RELATED: Apparent accidental fatal shooting now a homicide, WFPD says

Gildon is being held in the Wichita County Jail on five counts of unlawful possession of a firearm by a felon, possession of marijuana, a parole violation, and a murder charge out of Dallas. His bonds total $2,250,500. Additional charges are still pending.

If you have any information regarding this case, please call WFPD Crime Stoppers at 940-322-9888 or WFPD Detectives at 940-761-7762.

This is a developing story. Stick with Texomas Homepage for updates as more information becomes available. All individuals charged with a crime are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to Texomashomepage.com.
CHICOPEE, Mass. (WWLP)  Elms College`s Center for Equity in Urban Education celebrated its fifth anniversary Wednesday evening.

Local educators rally for fair wages as contract talks persist

The centers goal has been to increase the diversity of qualified educators and school leaders through culturally responsive practices.

The theme was Harambee: Cultivating an Equitable and Just Educational Future, highlighting the centers achievement and ongoing commitment to foster equity in education.

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Dr. Joyce Hampton, the VP of Academic Affairs, told 22News, We have been able to expand the number of BIPOC graduates within education as a result of this work.

We are being the educational, transformational force for western Massachusetts when it comes to diversifying the teaching workforce, adds Exec. Director of the center, Dr. Tyra Good.

The celebration included a performance by Libertas Academy Charter Schools big red drumline, and the keynote speaker was Timothy Jones, founder and president of Techniques-4-Learning, LLC.

Local News Headlines

WWLP-22News, an NBC affiliate, began broadcasting in March 1953 to provide local news, network, syndicated, and local programming to western Massachusetts. Watch the 22News Digital Edition weekdays at 4 p.m. on WWLP.com.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WWLP.
Elon Musk knows which members of Congress detest the courts as much as he does, and he wants to keep them around.

The billionaire gave more than $144,000 to more than two dozen Congress members who support impeaching judges or restricting their power, The Washington Post reported Wednesday. Its rare to give money to candidates this soon before a midterm election, and an indication that Musk will do everything he can to help the GOP stay in power.

Some House members, such as Representative Brandon Gill of Texas, got the money from Musk almost immediately after introducing legislation to punish various judges. I just introduced Articles of Impeachment against radical activist Judge James Boasberg, Gill wrote on X on March 18. He is guilty of high crimes and misdemeanors and should be removed from office. The next day, Musk gave Gills committee $6,600, the Post reported.

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Musk donated the same amount, which is the upper limit of the per-race maximum, to Senator Chuck Grassley, who introduced legislation to limit judicial powers, and Representative Derrick Van Orden, who introduced a bill to impeach U.S. District Judge Paul A. Engelmayer.*

As the Trump administration faces a flurry of lawsuits, Musk is desperately trying to discredit judges who rule against the president. Hes called for the impeachment of judges who tried to block the Department of Government Efficiencys unlawful dismantling of federal agencies, offered people money to sign a petition against activist judges, and made dozens of ludicrous claims against his judicial enemies on social media.

This is a judicial coup, Musk posted on X in mid-March, after a judge blocked Donald Trumps executive order banning transgender people from serving in the military. We need 60 senators to impeach the judges and restore rule of the people.

Musks $144,000 contribution may not seem like much right now, but his financial support for candidates this soon before the 2026 midterm elections is a bad sign for the courts. Hes playing the long game and is doing everything he can to bolster the GOPs relentless attack on the rule of law for years to come.

* Correction: Grassley did not call for Boasbergs impeachment.
Elon Musk just received a ringing endorsement, but the source  Russian President Vladimir Putin  might raise some eyebrows.

In comments apparently delivered to university students and published Wednesday by Russian state media outlet TASS, Putin praised Musk and compared him to Sergei Korolev, whos known as the father of the former Soviet Unions space program.

According to the Russian news agencys translation, Putin said:

You know, theres a man  he lives in the States  Musk, who, one might say, raves about Mars. It is not often that such people, charged with a certain idea, appear in the human population. If even it seems incredible to me today, after a while such ideas often materialize. Just like in their time the ideas of Korolev, our other pioneers, got to materialize. They seemed incredible  some of the plans they made. But they all materialized. A mission to Mars would be very hard. It now seems very difficult to implement. If you take an interest in this, you probably know.

And so continues, apparently, the oddly cordial relationship between Putin, an enemy of democracy  in his country and ours and Musk, the uber-rich financier doing his own part to chip away at our democratic processes.

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The Russian autocrat has previously praised Musk, saying through a translator that theres no stopping him from doing as he sees fit. And last year, The Wall Street Journal reported that Musk and Putin had been in regular contact with one another since late 2022  the year Putin launched his invasion of Ukraine  with the two reportedly discussing geopolitics, business and personal matters. NBC News confirmed the report, while Musk posted derisively on X without making an explicit denial.

Of course, Musks promotion of pro-Kremlin propaganda claiming that Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy doesnt actually want a peace deal with Russia is the dark cloud looming over this seemingly friendly pair. And his refusal to allow Ukraine to launch a drone attack on Russia using his Starlink internet service has worried Pentagon officials, as well.

The most innocent reading of Putins latest praise for Musk  and his likening of him to the father of the Soviet space program  is that Putin is simply a techie, a nerd geeking out over Musks exploratory spirit.

But Putin is one of the most menacing and malicious figures in all of global politics, and his ongoing affection for Musk warrants questions about what ulterior motives he may have.

This article was originally published on MSNBC.com
Elon Musk could own yet another stake in the Department of Defense as Donald Trump moves to make his golden shield missile defense a reality.

The billionaires company, SpaceX, is a top contender to be awarded part of Trumps Golden Dome defense project, a fantastical air defense system the president claims would protect the U.S. from intercontinental missile strikes. Known officially as the Iron Dome for America, the proposed project is modeled after Israels Iron Dome defense and would likely cost trillions.

SpaceX has partnered with new-right oligarch Peter Thiels defense start-up, Palantir, and Anduril, a drone company thats raised more than $1.5 billion to build AI-powered weapons. The three companies are front-runners in a bid to build out the project together, Reuters reported Thursday.

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Crucially, SpaceXs role in the Golden Dome would be subscription-based, a way to avoid some Defense Department regulations and implement the system faster, Reuters reported. But it would mean that the government would pay to access SpaceXs technology instead of owning it in full. That, in turn, could prevent the government from holding any control over the techs development or subscription cost.

The president has long warned that nuclear warfare is humanitys most existential threat. During his first term, Trump called nuclear weapons the biggest problem in the world, and his warnings about World War III have only escalated since then. As he threatens to withdraw U.S. military defense from a number of allies, prompting dozens of countries to seriously consider embracing nuclear defense, Trump has simultaneously proposed to protect the U.S. with a literal air shield that experts say is technically impossible.

We will replenish our military and build an Iron Dome missile defense system to ensure that no enemy can strike our homeland, Trump promised at the Republican Party convention in August.

Israel has an Iron Dome. They have a missile defense system, he said. Why should other countries have this, and we dont?

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The proposal isnt far off from Ronald Reagans Strategic Defense Initiative, which was designed to defend the U.S. from Soviet missiles but was never implemented. Its known derisively as Star Wars.

In January, Trump issued an executive order requiring the Pentagon to come up with an initial blueprint for the Golden Shield by mid-April. The details of the plan are still murky, but SpaceXs pitch to Pentagon officials involves building up to 1,000 satellites that would circle the globe to sense ominous missiles, sources told Reuters. If the missiles were determined a threat, they would be shot down by a separate fleet of 200 missiles. Its as ridiculous as it sounds.

If Musks blueprint is approved, it would add billions more to his amassed $38 billion in government contracts across nine federal agencies, all while he continues to slash federal funding and Social Security through the Department of Government Efficiency.
People gather at a shelter after an Israeli airstrike in Jabalia refugee camp, northern Gaza Strip, on April 17, 2025. At least 39 Palestinians were killed and dozens more wounded in Israeli strikes across the Gaza Strip on Thursday, according to the Gaza-based civil defense. (Photo by Mahmoud Zaki/Xinhua)

GAZA/RAMALLAH, April 17 (Xinhua) -- At least 39 Palestinians were killed and dozens more wounded in Israeli strikes across the Gaza Strip on Thursday, according to the Gaza-based civil defense.

Mahmoud Basal, a spokesperson for the civil defense, told Xinhua the Israeli attacks targeted several locations, including shelter tents, schools repurposed as refugee camps, and residential homes. Women and children were among the casualties, he said.

The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) said it struck a command and control center in Jabalia and, over the past 48 hours, had targeted more than 110 locations across Gaza.

"Among the targets struck were terrorist cells, military compounds used by Hamas, and additional militant infrastructure," the IDF said in a separate statement.

Gaza's health authorities said 40 bodies and 73 wounded individuals were brought to hospitals across the enclave in the past 24 hours. The total number of Palestinians killed since Israel resumed its military offensive on March 18 has risen to 1,691, they added, bringing the overall death toll since the conflict began in October 2023 to 51,065.

Separately, a Palestinian prisoner from the West Bank died after being transferred to an Israeli hospital, the Palestine Liberation Organization's Commission of Prisoners' Affairs and the Palestinian Prisoners' Club said in a joint statement.

Musab Adili, 20, from the city of Nablus, died Wednesday night at Soroka Medical Center. The cause of death was not disclosed. Adili was arrested by Israeli authorities in March and sentenced to one year and one month in prison, the statement said.

He is the 64th Palestinian prisoner to die in Israeli custody since Oct. 7, 2023, according to the statement, including at least 40 detainees from the Gaza Strip. 

People gather at a shelter after an Israeli airstrike in Jabalia refugee camp, northern Gaza Strip, on April 17, 2025. At least 39 Palestinians were killed and dozens more wounded in Israeli strikes across the Gaza Strip on Thursday, according to the Gaza-based civil defense. (Photo by Mahmoud Zaki/Xinhua)

A body of a Palestinian killed in an Israeli airstrike is seen at the Indonesian Hospital in northern Gaza Strip, on April 18, 2025. At least 39 Palestinians were killed and dozens more wounded in Israeli strikes across the Gaza Strip on Thursday, according to the Gaza-based civil defense. (Photo by Mahmoud Zaki/Xinhua)

Bodies of Palestinians killed in an Israeli airstrike lie at the Indonesian Hospital in northern Gaza Strip, April 18, 2025. At least 39 Palestinians were killed and dozens more wounded in Israeli strikes across the Gaza Strip on Thursday, according to the Gaza-based civil defense. (Photo by Mahmoud Zaki/Xinhua)

Bodies of Palestinians killed in an Israeli airstrike lie at the Indonesian Hospital in northern Gaza Strip, April 18, 2025. At least 39 Palestinians were killed and dozens more wounded in Israeli strikes across the Gaza Strip on Thursday, according to the Gaza-based civil defense. (Photo by Mahmoud Zaki/Xinhua)

A body of a Palestinian killed in an Israeli airstrike is seen at the Indonesian Hospital in northern Gaza Strip, on April 18, 2025. At least 39 Palestinians were killed and dozens more wounded in Israeli strikes across the Gaza Strip on Thursday, according to the Gaza-based civil defense. (Photo by Mahmoud Zaki/Xinhua)

Bodies of Palestinians killed in an Israeli airstrike lie at the Indonesian Hospital in northern Gaza Strip, April 18, 2025. At least 39 Palestinians were killed and dozens more wounded in Israeli strikes across the Gaza Strip on Thursday, according to the Gaza-based civil defense. (Photo by Mahmoud Zaki/Xinhua)

Bodies of Palestinians killed in an Israeli airstrike lie at the Indonesian Hospital in northern Gaza Strip, April 18, 2025. At least 39 Palestinians were killed and dozens more wounded in Israeli strikes across the Gaza Strip on Thursday, according to the Gaza-based civil defense. (Photo by Mahmoud Zaki/Xinhua)

Bodies of Palestinians killed in an Israeli airstrike lie at the Indonesian Hospital in northern Gaza Strip, April 18, 2025. At least 39 Palestinians were killed and dozens more wounded in Israeli strikes across the Gaza Strip on Thursday, according to the Gaza-based civil defense. (Photo by Mahmoud Zaki/Xinhua)

Bodies of Palestinians killed in an Israeli airstrike lie at the Indonesian Hospital in northern Gaza Strip, April 18, 2025. At least 39 Palestinians were killed and dozens more wounded in Israeli strikes across the Gaza Strip on Thursday, according to the Gaza-based civil defense. (Photo by Mahmoud Zaki/Xinhua)

A man holding a girl walks in Jabalia, northern Gaza Strip, on April 17, 2025. At least 39 Palestinians were killed and dozens more wounded in Israeli strikes across the Gaza Strip on Thursday, according to the Gaza-based civil defense. (Photo by Mahmoud Zaki/Xinhua)

People stand on the rubble following an Israeli airstrike in Jabalia, northern Gaza Strip, on April 17, 2025. At least 39 Palestinians were killed and dozens more wounded in Israeli strikes across the Gaza Strip on Thursday, according to the Gaza-based civil defense. (Photo by Mahmoud Zaki/Xinhua)

People react following an Israeli airstrike in Jabalia, northern Gaza Strip, on April 17, 2025. At least 39 Palestinians were killed and dozens more wounded in Israeli strikes across the Gaza Strip on Thursday, according to the Gaza-based civil defense. (Photo by Mahmoud Zaki/Xinhua)

A woman holding a boy reacts at Jabalia, northern Gaza Strip, on April 17, 2025. At least 39 Palestinians were killed and dozens more wounded in Israeli strikes across the Gaza Strip on Thursday, according to the Gaza-based civil defense. (Photo by Mahmoud Zaki/Xinhua)

People react following an Israeli airstrike in Jabalia, northern Gaza Strip, on April 17, 2025. At least 39 Palestinians were killed and dozens more wounded in Israeli strikes across the Gaza Strip on Thursday, according to the Gaza-based civil defense. (Photo by Mahmoud Zaki/Xinhua)
A letter sent to UPMC Healthcare officials is urging them to reinstate medical care for trans youth at their Pittsburgh clinic.

The letters supporters said dropping the gender affirming care could put lives at risk.

Erie Bike Co-op looking to rebrand, expand to double donations

UPMC has cut off care at its gender clinic at Childrens Hospital of Pittsburgh following an executive order by President Trump and a memo threatening loss of funding.

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Trans people are being treated as political scapegoats, said Mike Mahler, editor of Erie Gay News.

Nearly 80 public officials and dozens of organizations signed a strongly worded letter sent to UPMC officials.

The letter, initiated by Pennsylvania Youth Congress and Trans-Uniting, calls on the system to resume gender affirming care for patients under 19. The signatures include Erie City Council member Tyler Titus and Erie Gay News.

UPMC ends gender-affirming care for those under 19, local LGBTQ+ group reacts

It is unfortunate when organizations providing life-saving care are feeling pressure to end something that can be a lifesaving issue for folks, Mahler said.

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In response, a statement from a UPMC spokesperson reads:

We continue to monitor and comply with directives coming from the federal government that affect the ability of our clinicians to provide specific types of care for patients under the age of 19.

Some of those patients are from the Erie region and some of the care being denied also applies to non-trans patients.

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If your kid starts puberty at the age of eight, you would want to have access to puberty blockers so this impacts more than just the trans community, Mahler explained.

The letter said the presidents directives dont hold the weight of the law.

If everyone just rolls over and plays dead, this will harm people and this will cause loss of life, Mahler went on to say.

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April marks Distracted Driving Awareness Month, travel agencies ask for full attention while driving

The UPMC statement further responds:

We continue to offer necessary behavioral health and other support within the bounds of the law. We empathize with the patients and families who are directly affected by these ongoing changes.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WJET/WFXP/YourErie.com.
ESCAMBIA COUNTY, Fla. (WKRG)  An Escambia County, Fla., woman has a new place to call home thanks to a county assistance program.

Escambia County District 5 resident Luverne Bonner celebrates her new home with a ribbon cutting attended by county staff, family and friends. (Courtesy of Escambia County)

From addiction to hope: Meet Fairhopes Dancing Queen

According to an Escambia County, Fla., news release, Luverne Bonner had lived in her home for more than 25 years when issues from age, such as electrical problems, major leaks, roof and flooring issues and more, became too much for Bonner to handle.

Escambia County resident Luverne Bonner holds the keys to her new home. (Courtesy of Escambia County)

In need of help, she applied for the Escambia County Neighborhood and Human Services Departments Housing Demo and Replacement Program, which demolishes deteriorating houses and replaces them with brand new houses for income-eligible residents in need, the release said.

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The program is funded by the State Housing Initiatives Partnership program.

Neighborhood Enterprise Division Manager Garett Griffin and Escambia County Arborist Jimmie Jarratt join resident Luverne Bonner to plant a tree provided by Escambia County Natural Resources Management at her new home. (Courtesy of Escambia County)

It is incredibly rewarding to see lives changed for the better through county programs like this, which help greatly to improve the quality of life for residents in need of a helping hand in our community, District 5 Commissioner Steven Barry said.

Thank you to our county staff for their hard work to make this possible, and congratulations to Ms. Bonner and her family on this exciting new chapter. I wish you many happy memories together in your new home, Barry said.

Bonner said getting the new home has been a life-changing event for her.

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It means everything to me, Bonner said. With the old house, I really couldnt have my kids or grandkids come stay with me. If they did, they couldnt stay long, and I didnt feel comfortable with them being here, because there was so much work to be done in the house.

Bonner said its nice to have a worry-free home.

Escambia County, Florida deputies find meth, cocaine and stolen car while searching home

Now I can just be comfortable, Bonner said. I can just relax and not worry about things. Its amazing  I just dont have the words. I really, really appreciate it so much.

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Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WKRG News 5.
EU Enlargement Commissioner Marta Kos has backed calls by protesters in Serbia to tackle corruption and boost the rule of law, as she calls on the country to get its EU membership bid back on track.

"Serbia has to be brought back on the European track," Kos said in an interview this week with the European Newsroom (enr), conducted ahead of Wednesday's confirmation in parliament of new Prime Minister uro Macut.

"What we are demanding from Serbia on the way of the EU accession is nearly exactly the same as what the protesters in Serbia are demanding," she added.

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The Balkan EU membership candidate has been rocked by its largest wave of unrest since the 1990s as students have led anti-government demonstrations.

Protests started in November after a deadly roof collapse at a train station sparked an outburst of public anger over deep-rooted corruption. The pressure from the protests led to the resignation of the previous prime minister and the collapse of the government.

Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic claims protests are threatening peace and stability, accusing the protesters of being paid by "foreign intelligence agencies."

This month Vucic proposed Macut, an endocrinologist and political novice, to form a new government.

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Kos called on the incoming government to be "pro-European and pro-reform," in order to advance the accession process.

She announced plans to visit Belgrade at the end of April.

Accession negotiations at stake

The European Union has had a sometimes spiky relationship with Vucic, who has maintained close ties to Russia despite its war on Ukraine.

Brussels has warned Belgrade of the risk of damaging its membership bid, but is wary of alienating a key country in the volatile Balkan region at a time of deep geopolitical friction.

At talks with Kos and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen in March, Vucic had promised a media reform and an electoral reform, the commissioner said.

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"If Serbia fulfills this, then of course it will be possible to move forward," Kos said when asked whether Serbia can expect the start of negotiations in at least one new area this year.

By the end of 2021, negotiations had begun on 22 out of 35 accession chapters - areas in which membership hopefuls must align with EU standards - and two had been provisionally concluded. There has been no progress since then.

Belgrade is further waiting for an update on its implementation of rule-of-law reforms - the EU's so-called Interim Benchmark Assessment Report.

Kos said the EU is also talking to civil society organizations, noting that she had asked Vucic to help have them included in the EU accession process.

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"I asked Mr Vucic really not to undermine the work of civil society organizations, but to help them being involved in the accession process," she said. "This is a precondition, and we really hope and wish that Serbia will get back on track."
The EU has shelved the idea of banning Russian liquified natural gas (LNG) imports due to opposition from some members and uncertainty about alternative supplies, Reuters reported on April 16, citing undisclosed EU officials.

This means that restrictions on Russian LNG are unlikely to be part of the EU's upcoming 17th sanctions package.

Following Russias full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022, Europe began to wean itself off Russian fossil fuels to avoid financing the Kremlins war chest.

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Despite these efforts, Europe's imports of Russian LNG, which is largely not subject to sanctions, have soared to record levels in 2024. A ban on Russian LNG has been debated for months, but the members have struggled to find consensus on the issue.

U.S. President Donald Trump has pushed for the EU to start purchasing U.S. LNG instead, but details of such a potential deal remain unclear.

As economic relations between the U.S. and the EU sour over Trump's new sweeping tariffs, Brussels wants to use Russian LNG supplies as leverage in trade talks with Washington, a European Commission official told Reuters.

The EU is also careful not to create a dependency on the U.S. either, according to the news agency. Trump's sweeping import duties on much of the world, as well as a foreign policy pivot away from European partners and embrace of Moscow, raise concerns in Europe that Washington is no longer a reliable partner.

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The European bloc plans to completely phase out Russian fossil fuels by 2027, and the European Commission is expected to provide a plan by May 6  a deadline postponed from March amid uncertainty over Trump's tariffs.

Read also: Trumps Ukraine peace push is really about business  and Putin knows it

Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent.
EU Enlargement Commissioner Marta Kos said a new wave of EU enlargement by 2030 is a "very realistic perspective," not only for frontrunners Albania and Montenegro, but also for Moldova and Ukraine.

In an interview this week with the European Newsroom (enr), Kos said she hoped Moldova and Ukraine could open the first cluster of negotiations by the end of June, under the Polish presidency of the European Union.

Accession talks with both countries were formally launched last June, in an accelerated process following Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine. However, detailed work is now required to bring them in line with EU standards in 35 areas - so-called negotiating chapters.

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Kos was also optimistic about finding a solution to Hungary's veto of Kiev's EU accession, due to the treatment of Ukraine's Hungarian minority.

Two-speed process?

While Ukraine and Moldova are making rapid progress towards EU membership, countries in the Western Balkans have been waiting for decades.

North Macedonia was one of the first former Yugoslav states to embark on the path of European integration, but has made little progress due to internal problems and opposition by neighbouring EU member states.

Kos said she understood the frustrations, but stopped short of Skopje's demands for a guarantee that no further hurdles would be placed in its way.

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By comparison, the commissioner said negotiations with Montenegro could be closed by the end of 2026, while Albania was aiming to complete negotiations by 2027.

While the EU remains committed to Bosnia-Herzegovina, officials are increasingly expressing concern over internal political blockades that are halting reforms and threatening the country's European future.

"I would be probably the most happy person in the world when we will be able to start negotiating with Bosnia. They really deserve it, the people of Bosnia deserve this," said Kos, calling on domestic authorities to take responsibility.

EU accession remains 'merit-based'

Asked whether it was possible to ensure a balanced approach on enlargement towards the Western Balkans on the one hand, and Ukraine and Moldova on the other, Kos emphasized that it is first and foremost a "merit-based" process.

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No country would be left behind, she added. "We are strongly committed to bring them into the European Union. But of course, we will stick to the merits."

Every step in the enlargement process requires the consensus of all 27 existing member states and for each candidate country, 150 unanimous decisions are needed.

According to Kos, 14 member states are in favour of abolishing unanimity and moving to qualified majority decision-making, but the problem is that even this change requires every member state to be on board.

"We will see if there could be more soon," said Kos.

External pressures

The Slovenian commissioner warned of external forces seeking to hamper the enlargement process.

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For the first time in history, she said, the bloc is confronted with "external disruptive forces who would like to see the enlargement process failing."

"They are not coming just from the east," she added, without going into detail.

When asked directly about the role of Moscow or Washington, Kos pointed out that the European Commission was monitoring deals such as the one on minerals and rare earths being negotiated between the United States and Ukraine.

This, she warned, could have implications for the accession process.

In a geopolitical contest for influence, Kos said the EU has a "huge responsibility," in a process that also puts its "credibility" at stake.

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"That's why really we have to deliver. And that's why we cannot lose any of the candidate countries," she emphasized.

Focus on security

Kos pointed to the growing security dimension of EU membership following Russia's invasion of Ukraine.

"The whole world is in motion, the whole [of] Europe is in motion, the whole neighbourhood is moving. And the aspect of security is getting more and more important," she said.

"We understand enlargement as the political arm of security guarantees," the commissioner added. "European Union membership could really be a very, very strong political arm of these security guarantees."

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The stakes have been raised further as US President Donald Trump has repeatedly cast doubt on security guarantees for Europe through NATO, prompting European members to start taking matters into their own hands.

With Ukraine and Moldova unable to join NATO for the time being, Kos pointed out that EU membership would send a strong message.

She said it was "interesting" that Balkan countries such as Montenegro, Albania and North Macedonia had found it "easier" to join NATO than the EU  a situation that, according to her, could be the opposite for Moldova and Ukraine.
Editor's note: The article was updated with Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic's confirmation that he intends to attend the Moscow victory parade.

Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic confirmed on April 16 that he intends to travel to Moscow for Russian President Vladimir Putin's May 9 Victory Parade despite the EU's pressure, the Associated Press reported.

The comments come after EU officials warned that Serbia could be blocked from joining the EU if its president takes part in the ceremonies, broadly seen as a propaganda event showcasing Russia's military might.

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Serbia applied to join the European Union in 2009 and received candidate status in 2012. However, Vucic has also maintained friendly ties with Russia and Putin.

Vucic said that a Serbian military unit would participate in the event and, for the first time, Serbia would take part in organizing the parade.

European officials have issued a warning to Vucic, indicating that his visit would violate EU membership criteria and potentially block Serbia's accession process.

Several EU officials have commented on Vucic's upcoming trip to Moscow, including Jonatan Vseviov, the secretary general of Estonia's Foreign Ministry.

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"We need to ensure that they understand that certain decisions come at a cost. The consequence is them not joining the European Union," Vseviov said.

Vseviov also added that attendance at Russia's Victory Day Parade is "an important litmus test. Basically, what we look at is whether or not they are on our side or playing on the other team."

Kaja Kallas, the EU's top diplomat, also commented that "any participation in the May 9 parades or celebrations in Moscow will not be taken lightly on the European side, considering that Russia is really waging a full-scale war in Europe."

Russian state media reported that Putin has invited the leaders of China, Israel, and Brazil to attend the May 9 celebrations in Moscow, marking the 80th anniversary of the end of World War II.

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Robert Fico, Prime Minister of Slovakia, is also confirmed to attend the parade in Moscow, despite EU warnings.

Meanwhile, Ukraine has invited senior EU leaders and officials to Kyiv on May 9 to counter Russia's celebration.

Read also: Ukraine war latest: Ukrainian drones reportedly strike another Russian missile brigade linked to Sumy attack

Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent.
As the world changes beyond recognition, Britain is sitting pretty. For all the talk of Trumps trade war backfiring, countries are lining up to strike free trade deals with Washington  and London is near the front of the queue.

We are in a strong position to exploit Scottish-American Trumps soft spot for the UK to mould the special relationship in our favour. In the mercurial Trumpian age this subtle advantage is not to be sniffed at.

Yet the PM risks sacrificing our strategic position on the altar of the Remainer cause. It is striking enough that Sir Keir Starmer should try to have his cake and eat it, pursuing the fundamentally incompatible objectives of a closer relationship with the US and deeper association with the EU. It is even more astonishing that the PM should do this at a time when the EU project faces obsolescence.

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This week, murmurings emanated from the White House that it could strike a trade deal with the UK within three weeks. At the very same time, it emerged that Sir Keir Starmer is closing in on an agreement to align with Brussels on food and veterinary standards. Such a partnership could potentially scupper the US trade deal, as it may shut out American products that Trump wants to sell in Britain.

A diplomatic blowup is brewing. Trade experts are worried that the US could turn on Britain and renege on its offer of a deal should we start to live up to our perfidious albion reputation. As one expert told me: On the global stage we arent as trusted as we might like to think. We are not trusted in Washington or Brussels. They think were very polite, but also tend to think we are being sneaky even when we are being indecisive.

Unless the PM changes course, we may end up with the worst of both worlds  alienated from the US and estranged from Brussels.

Starmers double dealing risks squandering a golden economic opportunity. A trade deal with the US  which would require the UK to slash domestic red tape  would offer Rachel Reeves a lifeline, giving her the authority she sorely needs to pursue the bonfire of regulations that she has been struggling to drive through in the face of vested interests since her fiscal headroom evaporated.

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But the most baffling thing about No 10s pursuit of a closer relationship with Brussels is that it comes at a time when the EUs future is more uncertain than at any point in its history. The EU has no clear role in this new age  at least not in its current form.

America wants the EU as it currently stands to be effectively disbanded. The EU has evolved, largely by accident, from a peace-preserving free trade bloc into the worlds regulatory superpower. The EUs clout today is rooted in its ability to leverage restricted access to the single market  the largest in the world  in order to compel companies to comply with its regulatory standards. This makes it often easier for companies to adopt European standards across the world. Europe has been able to colonise the regulatory systems of foreign countries, shaping much of the world in its own compliance-driven, innovation-stifling image.

This dynamic is incompatible with the world order that America is now attempting to erect. The US wants to transform itself from a power rooted in dominance of global finance and technology to one that is also anchored in the kind of manufacturing prowess that can provide ordinary American workers with well-paid jobs. This demands a huge jump in US exports.

Yet, as it stands, many US products do not meet red tape thresholds that exist not just within the EUs borders but across the world. America thus wants radical deregulation on a global scale.

Pro-EU scholars concede that the Brussels project is threatened. Professor Anu Bradford, the leading expert on the EUs regulatory power, told me that US pressure combined with internal panic over European tech stagnation could cause the EU to lose its nerve and dismantle voluntarily:

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We need to rethink everything now. Im most worried about the Europeans own inability to defend the regulatory agenda; that the EU will come to think its path to tech competitiveness is walking away from its regulations.

Some Europhiles seek solace in the notion that the EU is a self-made power that can face down American bullying. They are wrong.

America holds most of the cards in negotiations. The EUs trade surplus with the US means it is vulnerable to tariffs. The idea that Europe is an independent civilisation created by visionary European elites is also a romantic myth. The EU is a failed American experiment. Since George Washington, Stateside politicians have been captivated with the idea of a single republic in Americas mirror image across the pond. After the Second World War, the US vigorously pushed the dream of a united Europe, viewing it as a way to both contain Germanys militancy and hold the line against communist Russia. The harsh reality is that America birthed the EU.

It is not just economic but also military shifts that threaten the EU. Russias rampage against Ukraine has demolished the myth that globalisation alone can secure world peace. It is clear that Europe must operate as a defence bloc first and a trading outfit second.

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This will almost certainly require the EU to reverse course on integration. True, a defence turn demands integration in highly specific and vital areas. The Continent urgently needs to standardise its weapon systems. Still, the political and fiscal integration envisioned by the EUs most ambitious champions is clearly obsolete.

Europe lacks a common set of defence interests. Southern Europeans dont feel the Russian threat in the same way as their northern counterparts. Eastern Europe is ripping itself apart over whether Russia is a friend or a foe. Its hard to conceive a European nuclear weapon capability for the simple reason that member states would never be able to agree on when to use it. As Dr Neil Melvin of RUSI told me: This is not a kind of Brussels ecosystem. Its much more like the Europe of the old days where you have strong nations as core actors. The question is whether Europe can find a new kind of structure to manage the re-emergence of nation states as the main drivers of European agendas.

The PMs eagerness to align with Brussels is illogical. Whether the EU can reinvent itself for a new epoch is uncertain. For now then, we should focus on nurturing relations with the world superpower, while keeping a cordial distance from a European project in existential crisis.

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With so much focus on domestic news, its easy to forget how much is unfolding around the world. So to remind us of the broader global picture, u/SprinklesNo164 asked Europeans to shed some light on the biggest current events that many Americans might not be aware of, providing a glimpse into the issues shaping Europe today.

Heres what they had to say:

To note, these descriptions of news events are from individuals. While these sources confirm the objective events, some of the descriptions include personal interpretations.

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1."Serbia has been protesting for more than four months after the roof of a railway station in Novi Sad collapsed on November 1, killing 16 people. Students have barricaded universities around the country, and schools have not been operating during this time. They have also walked for miles to protest in different cities to spread the word and connect with people. They say they will not stop until their demands for justice and systemic change are met. Professors and schoolteachers who support them have stopped receiving pay. The government used an acoustic sound weapon on protesters a week ago but continues to deny it. Direct democracy is on the rise among the people, but dictatorship is growing within the government."

JOE KLAMAR / AFP via Getty Images

u/possibility--girl

Source 1: Serbian protesters pressure government over railway disaster (Reuters)

2."Serbia, Hungary, Greece, Romania, Slovakia, Georgia and Turkey are all having protests against government corruption."

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u/IndependentLanky6105

Source 1: Europe Map Shows Mass Protests Against Putin's Allies (Newsweek)

Source 2: Why Are Protests Sweeping Across Serbia, Slovakia, And Georgia? (Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty)

3."Turkey. Erdogan locked up his opponent, and people have been taking to the streets."

GocherImagery / Future Publishing via Getty Images

u/PhantomLamb

Source 1: Fierce protests in Turkey after Erdogan rival jailed (BBC)

4."Well, for the Americans who dont know: Conor McGregor is almost certainly guilty of rape and almost certainly plans to run for president of Ireland. Luckily, thats just a ceremonial job, but Christ on a bike, we do not want him having the slightest modicum of power on the world stage. I say all this because someone on your side of the pond elected to bring the cunt to the White House."

Chip Somodevilla / Getty Images

u/RejectingBoredom

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Source 1: Conor McGregor announces run for Irish presidency on anti-immigration platform (CNN World)

5."Germany is relaxing its debt break to enable major investment in defense spending and infrastructure."

u/WickhamMoriarty

Source 1: German lawmakers approve huge defense and infrastructure spending (NPR)

6."I suspect many Americans are unaware that ICE has been detaining tourists from countries such as Canada, France and Germany for indefinite periods, often without access to a lawyer and in poor conditions."

"I was asked by a group of Americans at my job whether Id ever visit the United States, and when I brought up the story about ICE as the reason I wouldnt, they all seemed shocked to learn about it. There were eight people in the group."

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u/Mr_Black90

Source 1: Like a horror movie: Ice detaining German tourist in California indefinitely (The Guardian)

Source 2: Im the Canadian who was detained by Ice for two weeks. It felt like I had been kidnapped (The Guardian)

7."Another Pulse nightclub-level tragedy that didnt reach most American news outlets: On March 16, 2025, a fire at a DNK concert in Macedonia killed at least 59 people, including the entire band except for one member. The fire was caused by pyrotechnics. It is the deadliest nightclub fire in Europe since the 2015 Bucharest nightclub fire and the deadliest fire in North Macedonias history."

NurPhoto / NurPhoto via Getty Images

"Super tragic."

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u/thekevingreene

Source 1: Fifteen detained after North Macedonia nightclub fire kills 59 (BBC)

Source 2: At Least 59 Dead After Concert Pyrotechnics Spark Nightclub Fire in North Macedonia (Rolling Stone)

8."Teslas European sales have dropped 45% amid disquiet over Musks Trump links."

TOBIAS SCHWARZ / AFP via Getty Images

u/Scary_Marzipan_3475

Source 1: Teslas Europe sales drop nearly 45% amid row over Musks Trump links (The Guardian)

9."There is now an 840 billion plan underway to rearm Europe, effectively making it a superpower and bringing the era of American dominance to an end."

"Let me clarify my position: This is a terrible thing that is happening. If youre working class, youll be the one who suffers in the upcoming wars. Trump is foolish for squandering American power in Europe, but he appears to be doing so in preparation for grabbing mineral-rich territories that big tech companies need. All the bourgeois powers will soon be doing some version of this, because capital must constantly expand or collapse."

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u/Burger_Doctor

Source 1: EU chief proposes plan to urgently increase defense spending by mobilizing around $840 billion (CNBC)

10."In France, the prime minister has lied about his knowledge  and cover-up  of a violence and pedophilia scandal at a private Catholic school."

PHILIPPE LOPEZ / AFP via Getty Images

u/Kunstfr

Source 1: Accused of lying to parliament, French PM Bayrou vows to probe Catholic school sex abuse (France 24)

11."Lets not forget the IF Metall strike against Tesla in Sweden, which began on October 27, 2023, and has become one of the longest labor conflicts in Swedish history. The strike began because Tesla refuses to sign a collective agreement with the union, challenging the Swedish labor model, in which approximately 90% of the workforce is covered by collective agreements."

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u/Mjauritz

Source 1: Tesla strike in Sweden continues, union says, contradicting Musk (Reuters)

12."The leader of the Serb-majority region of Bosnia is defying arrest, violating the constitution, and threatening to raise an army. Hes a separatist. The arrest warrant for him has not been executed because local police in his region would likely protect him. He has also been sentenced to jail and banned from politics, but he remains in power."

MENAHEM KAHANA / AFP via Getty Images

"The situation is complex and difficult to explain quickly, which is why I think it has been underreported, even in Europe."

u/alysthebsh

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Source 1: Bosnia prosecutors order detention of Serb leader for threatening constitutional order (Anadolu Agency)

13."Australia is about to have an election in the next month, and its literally a Republican vs. Democrat election round 2: Electric Boogaloo. Our conservative (called the Liberal) party has started using Trumpist rhetoric in its press conferences, while our liberal/left (called Labor) party is promising an increase in healthcare funding. The polls are so tight that theres a massive chance of a hung parliament due to independents and the Greens."

"Im saying Australia counts because of Eurovision."

u/WoketrickStar

Source 1: What you need to know about Australia's upcoming election (Reuters)

14.What do you think of these events? Share in the comments.
CANBERRA, April 17 (Xinhua) -- A poll, conducted by think tank the Lowy Institute ahead of the May 3 general election, found that 41 percent of respondents identified Anthony Albanese as the prime minister candidate who would be more competent at handling foreign policy compared to 29 percent for opposition leader Peter Dutton.

The same survey, released on Thursday, asked respondents which candidate they think would be better at managing Australia's relationship with the United States and President Donald Trump, 35 percent of participants chose Dutton and 34 percent Albanese.

Campaigning in Brisbane on Thursday, Albanese said he is "optimistic" about where the Australian economy is positioned in response to U.S. tariffs.

"We're confident and I'm very optimistic about where Australia's positioned," he said when asked if the tariffs would lead to higher unemployment.

Albanese said during a debate with Dutton on Wednesday night that the government has put forward a proposition to the United States on the tariffs, but said he would stand up for Australia's "national interest" on biosecurity, media and pharmaceutical laws that the Trump administration has cited as trade grievances.

During the debate, Dutton, who has promised to abandon Australia's Paris Agreement emissions reduction target if elected prime minister, said that he would "let scientists pass judgment" on whether the impacts of climate change are getting more severe.

Facing pushback on the comment from Labor as well as scientists and environmentalists on Thursday, the opposition leader declared that he does believe in climate change and that it is a "reality."

The election campaign is expected to enter a lull over the four-day Easter weekend from Friday before re-igniting on Tuesday, when early voting will begin, with Albanese and Dutton set to go head-to-head in the third of four leaders' debates that night.

Hundreds of early voting centers across the country will be operated by the Australian Electoral Commission (AEC) between Tuesday and May 2, allowing millions of voters to cast their ballots before election day.

Over 8.4 million people, 47.7 percent of all registered voters, cast their ballots early in the 2022 general election.

Although early voting opens 11 days before election day, no ballots can be counted by AEC staff until polls close at 6 p.m. local time on election night. 
COLOGNE, Germany  The main contractors for the Main Ground Combat System have formed a joint project company to represent industry in upcoming contract negotiations with client nations Germany and France.

The company, based here, represents KNDS Germany, KNDS France, Thales and Rheinmetall as the four parties at the top of a pyramid of suppliers. The contractors are charged with building a futuristic tank while showcasing Europes unified arms industry at the same time.

In a joint statement, the companies described the incorporation of the business as a further significant step toward fielding the weapon by 2040.

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The MGCS program is one of two key weapon projects spearheaded by France and Germany. After haggling over workshare specifics for years, government leaders decided to have Germany lead the tank project while France would oversee a sixth-generation fighter program, the Future Combat Air System.

Officials have said MGCS will go beyond fielding a new main battle tank for German and French ground forces that would ideally be adopted later on by European partners. The idea is, rather, to build a suite of interconnected manned and unmanned vehicles to revolutionize ground combat through firepower, sensors and artificial intelligence.

The project is meant to produce a successor for Germanys Leopard 2, the most widely used modern battle tank in Western Europe, and Frances Leclerc main battle tank.

Battle tank concepts mushroom at Paris arms show

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Stefan Gramolla, a colonel in the German Army reserve, is managing director of MGCS Project Company, or MPC, according to the firms joint statement.

Gramollas LinkedIn profile lists a two-month stint at Rheinmetall as well as a consulting job as his previous career stops.

Next up for the joint company are negotiations with the defense-acquisition departments in Berlin and Paris about the next phase of the MGCS program.

In particular, it will consolidate the concept and the main technological pillars of the system, the statement reads.

German and French defense officials last year approved a division of labor in the program. There are eight so-called pillars that cover everything from the chassis to weaponry to protection.

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One notable fork in the road will be the selection of a main cannon. France and Germany will initially develop a separate option each, with a winner technology to be picked after testing.

The main gun is considered a key differentiator in future tank concepts, with engineers brooding over projectile size, shot range and ammunition feeder mechanisms.

Rudy Ruitenberg in Paris contributed to this report.
HENDERSON, Ky. (WEHT)  An Evansville man who has been convicted of theft on multiple occasions is behind bars again after he reportedly stole items from a work site.

Police say they were dispatched to the 100 block of Weinbach Avenue on January 14 for reports of a theft in progress. The property manager at the site reported to central dispatch that a man walked onto the site, took tools and broke a glass window before exiting the building and leaving the area.

According to a witness, a plumbing company was contracted to work at the building, and a suspect entered the building when the workers were let inside. The property manager reported that the suspect appeared to know where he was going and did not seem to be nervous. After entering the building, the suspect was seen on surveillance footage carrying a cardboard box down into the basement of the building and then quickly leaving the area shortly after with items seen inside the box.

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Authorities say they were able to identify the vehicle that the suspect used to leave the property following the incident. After checking the vehicles registration, authorities found that the owner was connected to Brandon Carter, 32. Police say Carter previously plead guilty to felony theft charges in Warrick County after he reportedly stole vehicle parts from a Boonville auto service business and attempted to have the parts scrapped for money in September of 2023. He also plead guilty to theft after he was accused of stealing a carton of cigarettes from a Washington, Indiana business in April of 2024.

In addition to these previous convictions, authorities also say Carter attempted to steal approximately $250 worth of unpaid merchandise from a Walmart on Evansvilles east side on January 24. He was also cited for a misdemeanor shoplifting incident at the same Walmart on February 13.

Carter was arrested and charged with theft where the value of property is between $750 and $50,000 as well as enhancements for three enhancement charges for previous theft convictions. He is being held without bond.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to Eyewitness News (WEHT/WTVW).
Gov. Spencer Cox speaks with members of the media during the PBS Utah Governors Monthly News Conference at the Eccles Broadcast Center in Salt Lake City on Thursday, April 17, 2025. (Pool photo by Kristen Murphy/Deseret News)

Utah Gov. Spencer Cox  a Republican who has called tariffs a huge gamble but also said that he hopes President Trump is right about them  said state officials are continuing to monitor their impacts on Utah businesses, and that the states smaller businesses are going to be hit the hardest.

Cox also said hes instructed state agencies to prepare for possible budget cuts if a recession hits the U.S.

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Were always planning for the worst. Thats part of what we do every year, and were one of the few states that does that, Cox told reporters during his monthly PBS Utah news conference on Thursday. But look, I look at the data just like everyone else, and the possibility of a recession has gone up significantly. Certainly the trade wars have played a role in that.

Regardless of whether you think trade wars are good or bad or will lead to something better, everybody agrees that its going to cause pain in the short term.

And we have to be ready for that, he said.

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During a separate news conference earlier this week, on Tuesday, when he and Republican legislative leaders celebrated Utahs 18th year being ranked No. 1 in the nation for best economic outlook, Cox said he had instructed all of my department heads to come up with recession plans, looking at three different levels of cuts  if there is a recession.

Cox said Thursday that state leaders will be very cautious in our spending heading into July 1, when the states fiscal year starts, and well adjust accordingly.

The Utah Legislature is already expected to convene in a special session in May to tackle issues the governor outlined in a veto letter he issued March 27, to make changes to at least two bills  HB263, a bill dealing with election transparency and HB356, a bill requiring some counties to elect district-based council members.

During that special session, he also said he wants the Legislature to repurpose $3.5 million it had set aside as part of Utahs bid to keep the Sundance Film Festival, which opted instead to move to Colorado.

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Its possible, depending on national developments and impacts to the economy, that state leaders could also consider budget changes during a special session, but that remains to be seen.

Pressed on how state leaders will ensure equity among state agencies if there are budget cuts so that some services, like social services, arent overly impacted, Cox said the Legislature ultimately controls the purse, but he also added we would be equitable in those types of cuts.

Cox also said Utah leaders did something similar during the Great Recession.

We took some across-the-board cuts, but then we let the experts who run those departments figure out how to implement those, he said. Because in recessionary times, there are some places where you would want to increase the budget and others where you would want to decrease it more.

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He presented a hypothetical scenario of a 3% cut. It doesnt mean you cut 3% from every program, but every department would have to find those 3% cuts in their own ways that make sense and continue to serve the people in the state, he said.

Tariffs impact to Utah businesses, Canada

Cox  who went on a trade mission to Canada last week  said hes concerned about the small businesses that are going to be impacted by this.

However, he also said hes hopeful that leaders on both sides can figure out solutions.

Excluding gold exported to the United Kington for refinement, Canada, Mexico and China are among Utahs top trade partners.

Utah exported $1.3 billion and imported $4.9 billion in goods from Mexico in 2023, according to a recent report from the University of Utahs Kem C. Gardner Policy Institute. Canada is the second biggest source of Utahs imports, with $3.1 billion in imports and $1.7 billion in exports that year. China ranks No. 3, with Utah taking in $2.7 million in imports from the country and exporting $1.2 billion.

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Two industries Cox discussed Thursday as being impacted included manufacturing and housing. On the latter, he said hes always concerned about the price of housing and what that means for our state and our country.

He said World Trade Center Utah and the Governors Office of Economic Development are staying in touch with Utah manufacturing companies and helping them find new suppliers and better, cheaper ways to make their product.

Weve had some incentives in the past and well be increasing those to move manufacturing here, which is why we led the nation in manufacturing (job growth) last year, he said.

Most of all, Cox said he hopes national leaders will at some point soon provide more stability and certainty when it comes to tariffs. He said hes supportive of getting pieces of this right, and so Im grateful that we have an administration thats willing to look at this.

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Im hopeful for more certainty, he said. Businesses can be resilient. Capital is a coward, for sure, but once you know the rules, business and entrepreneurs will figure out a way to work around whatever those parameters are. Its harder when you dont know what the rules are going forward  so more than anything, we just need to get this nailed down as soon as possible.

On his conversations with Canadian leaders during his trade mission last week, Cox said, our Canadian counterparts absolutely agreed that we should be pushing back on China and some of their unfair practices and some of their own tariffs and other issues.

But that being said, Cox said, there are still a lot of companies that manufacture out of China, especially smaller companies in Utah who are going to be hit the hardest.

There are lots of companies that are just going to be hurt, theres not much we can do about it other than trying to help them, he said.

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Pressed on Canada leaders message to him about tariffs, Cox said their message is exactly what you would expect and what youve heard from the premiers there and from the Prime Minister.

You know, they felt really disheartened, I guess would be one way to say it, he said. Some used the word, kind of, betrayed, that theyre our closest ally and friend.  And yet, there was also a recognition by many of them that they needed to make some changes in Canada as well, which I think is helpful.

Cox added that Canada has had very high tariffs on several of their products, including dairy and lumber, and also has trade barriers between its own provinces. He said they also recognized they needed to invest more in their security and defense as well.

So it was interesting to hear this, this recognition that they did need to make some changes, and were willing to do that, he said. But yeah, obviously they were very hurt. Were their overwhelmingly large trading partner, and theyre going to try to diversify more of their trade with other places, but we want to continue that partnership.

Gov. Spencer Cox speaks with members of the media during the PBS Utah Governors Monthly News Conference at the Eccles Broadcast Center in Salt Lake City on Thursday, April 17, 2025. (Pool photo by Kristen Murphy/Deseret News)

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PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN)  The case against a Washington woman accused of abusing a teen in rehab has been dismissed, though it remains unclear why.

The trial kicked off Tuesday with prosecutors accusing Alicia Kaye Stowe of having an inappropriate sexual relationship with a boy at the now-closed Daybreak Youth Services in Brush Prairie when she was 32 and he was 16.

SERT activated in NW Portland after standoff suspect found

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The victim, now 20, claimed in the trial that he was abused by Stowe during his second 90-day rehab stay in March 2021.

Daybreak Youth Services declined to comment on the case. Attorney David Smith, who represents the organization, told KOIN 6 News the victim never contacted Daybreak about alleged misconduct.

According to records from the Washington State Department of Health, Stowe was fired from Daybreak for unrelated reasons in 2022, but her counseling license wasnt suspended until February 2024.

Stay with KOIN 6 News as this story develops.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KOIN.com.
By Nate Raymond

BOSTON (Reuters) -A former Harvard Medical School morgue manager accused of stealing and selling organs and other parts of cadavers donated to the school for medical research and education has agreed to plead guilty.

Cedric Lodge, who managed Harvard's morgue for more than two decades before his 2023 arrest, has agreed to plead guilty to transporting stolen goods across state lines, according to a plea agreement filed on Wednesday in federal court in Williamsport, Pennsylvania.

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He opted to plead guilty rather than proceed to trial as scheduled on May 5 alongside a woman who prosecutors said bought body parts from Lodge and his wife, who had pleaded guilty last year.

Lodge, 57, faces a maximum sentence of 10 years in prison. His lawyer declined to comment on Thursday.

Prosecutors said Lodge from 2018 to 2022 stole parts from cadavers including heads, brains, skin and bones and transported them from Harvard's morgue in Massachusetts to his home in Goffstown, New Hampshire, where he and his wife sold them.

Prosecutors said Lodge at times allowed potential buyers into the school's morgue to examine human bodies donated to Harvard and select what parts to buy. The buyers mostly resold the body parts, prosecutors said.

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Families that entrusted their loved ones' remains to Harvard filed about a dozen lawsuits against the school following the arrest of Lodge and others charged in the scandal, accusing it of mishandling the bodies.

But a Massachusetts judge dismissed those cases last year, saying the lawsuits failed to plausibly allege Harvard failed to act in good faith in handling the bodies or was legally responsible for Lodge's "horrifying" conduct.

Those families are awaiting a decision from Massachusetts' highest court on whether it will reverse that decision.

Harvard Medical School Dean George Daley in a statement on Thursday called Lodge's actions "morally reprehensible and a disgraceful betrayal" to the individuals who had chosen to have their bodies donated to the school.

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"While Lodge has agreed to plead guilty and taken responsibility for his crimes, this likely provides little consolation to the families impacted," he said. "We continue to express our deep compassion to all those affected."

An independent review Harvard launched of its cadaver donation program recommended in late 2023 that it implement more oversight and better documentation.

(Reporting by Nate Raymond in Boston; Editing by Richard Chang)
Former OneRepublic bassist and prolific writer/producer Tim Myers is throwing his hat in the political ring in an attempt to oust a longtime GOP member of the California House of Representatives delegation. Grammy-nominated Democrat Myers announced his intention to run in an Instagram video posted on Thursday morning (April 17) in which he told the story of growing up a pastors son in Corona, CA, who learned how to stretch a dollar and then made it big in his music career.

The bassist who spent five years in OneRepublic in addition to releasing a number of solo projects, starting the record label Palladium records and writing/producing songs for acts including Aloe Blacc, Kesha, Hailee Steinfeld and Five For Fighting described his triumphs and struggles in the music industry. I saw how the music industry took advantage of people, he said in the clip that appeared to be filmed in a recording studio. So I built a business that puts artists first. It reminds me a lot of what were seeing now.

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Over video of Fox Business headlines and images of Pres. Trump, DOGE boss Elon Musk and HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., he added, the people in charge are screwing us over just to make a buck. Trump, Musk and these clowns in Washington are cutting cancer research, veterans health care and getting into trade wars, making everything we buy more expensive. All while giving billionaires another tax cut they dont need.

Myers is planning to take on the long-serving Republican Rep. Ken Calvert, who has represented the 41st District in Riverside County, CA for three decades. The district runs from the L.A. suburbs to Palm Springs and in the video the musician said, Ken Calvert has been in Washington for 30 years and all hes done is make himself millions, said over footage including a headline reading Ethics Complaints Filed Against California GOP Rep. Ken Calvert Over Real Estate Holdings.

The status quo isnt working, Myers said. Its how we ended up here to begin with. We need leaders who are going to stand up and say enough.'

According to the Associated Press, a spokesperson for the campaign arm of the House Republicans, Christian Martinez, said in a statement that Myers is everything wrong with todays radical left: a Hollywood liberal trying to fake his way into Riverside County. The story noted that Myers, 40, grew up in Corona, which is mostly in the district now, but that he lives in nearby Los Angeles County. Though most House races around the country are increasingly not competitive these days, Democrats believe that Calverts closely-held seat might be their best chance to pick up a win in the chamber where the GOP currently holds a thin 220-213 majority.

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The AP noted that with Democrats facing serious headwinds in an effort to take back the Senate in the 2026 election at a time when Republicans hold the presidency and both houses of Congress  as well as a conservative majority on the Supreme Court  the California race is extra important in their bid to slow down the Trump administrations disruptive efforts on climate, immigration and the economy. At present, Republicans hold a less than 2% advantage over Democrats in the district Myers is targeting, which Calvert won by three points in 2024, a year that Trump carried the district by six points over Kamala Harris.

Though considered a liberal bastion  where Democrats outnumber Republicans by a 2-1 margin and hold every statewide office while dominating the state Legislature and congressional delegation  there are small areas in Southern California and the rural Central Valley farm belt where the GOP still holds sway.

Watch Myers announcement video below.

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President Trump ally Chad Wolf on Thursday rebuked Judge James Boasbergs ruling over the Trump administrations deportations of people to El Salvador as nonsense.

Wolf, a former acting secretary of the Department of Homeland Security during Trumps first term, criticized Boasberg during an appearance on CNN, specifically calling out the judges move to hold the Trump administration in criminal contempt after disobeying his order to halt deportations under the Alien Enemies Act.

I do think it will end up before the Supreme Court, Wolf said. Look, the judges ruling to begin with was nonsense, to turn planes around in the middle of those flights.

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Wolf noted that obviously the Trump administration disagrees with Boasbergs ruling.

The battle began after Trump invoked the wartime Alien Enemies Act to deport members of a Venezuelan gang.

Boasberg ordered the administration to not let the deportation planes take off for El Salvador or to turn the planes around if they had already left the United States.

The administration insisted it was not defying a court order because the planes had already left U.S. territory by the time the order was handed down.

Boasberg on Wednesday found probable cause to hold the administration in contempt for willfully disobeying his order.

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Wolf noted that the administration is going to appeal and it is likely to go to the Supreme Court yet, once again. He also argued that the case may belong in Texas court.

According to a previous Supreme Court order on Boasbergs initial ruling, detainees under the Alien Enemies Act are entitled to notice and an opportunity to challenge their removal from the country.

The court said it would have to be reviewed by judges in districts where the migrants are confined, which would be Texas in this case, meaning the conservative 5th Circuit Court of Appeals, The Washington Post reported.

If we remember, the Supreme Court has already said in one case that, that type of filing doesnt belong with  this judge, Wolf said of Boasberg. It actually belongs in the state of Texas, in the 5th Circuit.

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So, theres more to be played out here, and obviously theres more declarations by the Department of Justice, he said.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill.
Ukrainian intelligence has identified the captain of the oil embargo-breaking tanker FACCA, a part of Russias so-called shadow fleet of oil tankers.

According to the data exclusively provided to the Kyiv Independent by the Foreign Intelligence Service of Ukraine, the captain is a Georgian citizen named Giorgi Devadze.

Devadze, 47, served as the captain of the FACCA tanker, sailing under Panamas flag, with the International Maritime Organization (IMO) identifier 9271951, as of April, according to the data.

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Ukraines intelligence has been identifying captains operating Russias shadow fleet, which helps Moscow circumvent Western sanctions and maintain its oil revenue.

According to the intelligence agency, Devadze comes from Khelvachauri, a city in Georgia. He graduated from the Batumi State Maritime Academy with a degree in navigation and had extensive experience on Handymax and Panamax tankers.

Devadze hasnt replied to a request for comment by publication time. His connection to the FACCA tanker cant be independently verified.

The FACCA tanker was sanctioned for carrying Russian oil by the U.K. in December 2024, Canada and the EU in February 2025, and Switzerland in March, according to the register of Russia's shadow fleet maintained by another Ukrainian intelligence agency, HUR.

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Oil and gas exports are Russias main sources of revenue to fund its war machine as it continues its aggression against Ukraine.

The oil embargo imposed by the G7 countries, along with the EU and Australia, in 2022 to reduce Russias income from energy exports prohibits maritime transportation and insurance of Russian oil if it is sold for more than $60 per barrel.

Vessels and their masters that violate the ban may also become subject to sanctions.

Aside from the oil embargo violation, the FACCA tanker, built in 2004, may pose a risk of an accident and oil spill at sea, as it has already happened with old Russia-operated tankers.

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According to the Kyiv Independents source in the Foreign Intelligence Service of Ukraine, the vessels age was already a violation of the rules of safe tanker operations and an argument in favor of additional sanctions.

Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent.
By Jessica Donati and Sonia Rolley

(Reuters) - Prominent Trump supporter Erik Prince has agreed to help Democratic Republic of Congo secure and tax its vast mineral wealth, according to two sources close to the private security executive, a Congolese government official and two diplomats.

The agreement, aimed at reaping more revenue from an industry marred by smuggling and corruption, was reached before Rwanda-backed M23 rebels launched a major offensive in January that has seen them seize eastern Congo's two largest cities.

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The discussions now on implementing the deal with Prince come as the U.S. and Congo explore a broader deal on critical minerals partnerships, after Congo pitched a minerals-for-security deal to U.S. President Donald Trump's administration.

Prince founded Blackwater before renaming the private military company and selling it in 2010 after several employees were indicted on charges of unlawfully killing Iraqi civilians. The men were convicted but later pardoned by Trump during his first term.

The Trump administration has not said how the U.S. might contribute to security in Congo as part of any minerals deal. Analysts and former U.S. officials have said leaning on security contractors such as Prince could be an option.

A Congolese government source told Reuters that any agreement between Congo and Prince would need to be reviewed in light of the push for a deal with the U.S.

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The security deal was agreed with the finance ministry, and Prince's advisers will focus on improving tax collection and reducing cross-border smuggling of minerals, the two sources close to Prince said. There were no plans to deploy security contractors to areas of active conflict, the sources said.

Prince declined to comment through a spokesperson. The Congo presidency did not respond to a request for comment. The U.S. State Department declined to comment.

INITIAL FOCUS ON COPPER MINES, SOURCE SAYS

Democratic Republic of Congo has vast reserves of copper, cobalt, lithium and coltan - a mineral used widely in smartphones, computers and electric vehicles - but has been plagued for decades by violence in its eastern region.

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The agreement between Congo and Prince initially involved a plan to deploy contractors to Goma, the capital of North Kivu province and the largest city in eastern Congo. But Goma is now under M23 control and that plan has been put on hold. M23 controls tracts of mineral-rich territory.

A source close to the Congolese government told Reuters an initial deployment of Prince's advisers was expected to start in the south, far from the area controlled by M23 and its allies.

"If you just look at Katanga, if you look at Kolwezi down just off the Zambian-Congo border, they claim that there's like $40 million a month in lost revenue of what's going out and what's coming in," the source said.

A diplomatic source also told Reuters the first stage of Prince's effort in Congo would focus on securing mines and tax revenues in copper-producing Katanga province.

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One of the sources close to Prince said advisers were expected to deploy with technical experts from a company specialised in testing and inspecting commodities. The advisers would initially target larger mines and expand as revenue collection improved.

The source did not provide details on how the advisers would tackle corruption in the sector that has long drained revenue that would otherwise flow to the state.

A source in the office of Congolese President Felix Tshisekedi said an agreement in principle had been signed with Prince, but the details on where and how many advisers would be deployed remained to be established.

HISTORY OF WORKING IN AFRICA

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Prince has worked in Africa for over a decade, initially providing logistics for oil and mining companies working in remote corners of the continent.

A number of Prince-controlled companies have operated in Congo since 2015. They have been involved in trucking and have also sought to get involved in the minerals sector.

The two sources close to Prince said the new agreement followed years of talks over how to improve Congo's control over its mineral resources.

Prince previously proposed sending thousands of contractors to the eastern region during talks with Kinshasa in 2023, a U.N. expert panel reported that year. Those discussions did not ultimately lead to a deal.

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Congo has long accused Rwanda of plundering minerals from the region, a claim supported by independent entities including the United Nations and the nonprofit Global Witness. Rwanda denies that.

That loss of mining revenue is one of the key concerns that Prince's team will seek to address, one of the sources close to Prince said.

The goal is to ensure "that extraction industries and others are operating transparently, and that their production and revenues is properly distributed in accordance with the Congolese mining code", the source said.

United Nations and Western governments say Rwanda has provided arms and troops to the ethnic Tutsi-led M23.

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Rwanda has denied backing M23. It says its military has acted in self-defence against Congo's army and a Rwandan militia operating in east Congo that was founded by perpetrators of the Rwandan genocide.

(Reporting by Jessica Donati and Sonia Rolley; Editing by Robbie Corey-Boulet and Alison Williams)
ARTHUR, Ill. (WCIA)  The Illinois Amish Heritage Center is getting ready for an expansion.

The center  located east of Arthur and west of Arcola, just off the I-57 exit  announced the groundbreaking of a new 10,000-square-foot Visitor and Museum Center. Construction is planned for April 2025.

Village of Atwood approves K-9 officer

This Visitor Center will be more than a museum  it will be a living classroom rooted in the soil of Amish tradition, said Executive Director David King. Through hands-on agricultural education and immersive cultural programming, were inviting every visitor, from schoolchildren to scholars, to walk away with a deeper understanding and appreciation of the values, resilience, and legacy of the Amish people in Illinois. This is history you can feel  and a future were building together.

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The new facility will include rotating exhibits, hands-on learning and a space for community gathering. Other new features include:

A film exhibit about the Amish way of life

A genealogy research center

A gift shop with Amish goods

City of Decatur announces expanded amenities at Pier 36 Marina

The center is also developing curriculum for school field trips and speaker series  all meant to celebrate Amish culture.

The project will cost around $3 million, and fundraising efforts will continue into 2025.

This is a project for the entire community  one that reaches across generations and beyond county and state lines, King said. It will preserve the legacy of a people whose quiet strength, craftsmanship, and deep-rooted values continue to shape our region. The story of the Amish in Illinois is not just worth telling  its essential that we tell it, and tell it well.

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For updates about the center, or to learn more about how you can contribute, 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 WCIA.com.
Touch Dane, a toll collector, works at the Phnom Penh toll station on the Phnom Penh-Sihanoukville Expressway in Cambodia, March 15, 2025. She has currently received additional training in Chinese proficiency. The Phnom Penh-Sihanoukville Expressway, a project under the Belt and Road Initiative, is invested by the China Road and Bridge Corporation under the build-operate-transfer (BOT) model and is the first-ever freeway in Cambodia.

The 187-km expressway, connecting Phnom Penh, capital of Cambodia, with the international deep-water seaport province of Preah Sihanouk, was opened to traffic in 2022.

The transformation in transportation has not only injected stronger momentum into Cambodia's economic development, but also improved people's livelihoods. Tens of thousands of local jobs were created during its construction phase, and over 2,000 job opportunities have been provided during its operation. (Xinhua/Cheong Kam Ka)

An aerial drone photo taken on March 16, 2025 shows the scenery of Sihanoukville, Cambodia. The Phnom Penh-Sihanoukville Expressway, a project under the Belt and Road Initiative, is invested by the China Road and Bridge Corporation under the build-operate-transfer (BOT) model and is the first-ever freeway in Cambodia.

The 187-km expressway, connecting Phnom Penh, capital of Cambodia, with the international deep-water seaport province of Preah Sihanouk, was opened to traffic in 2022.

The transformation in transportation has not only injected stronger momentum into Cambodia's economic development, but also improved people's livelihoods. Tens of thousands of local jobs were created during its construction phase, and over 2,000 job opportunities have been provided during its operation. (Xinhua/Cheong Kam Ka)

An aerial drone photo taken on March 15, 2025 shows the Phnom Penh toll station on the Phnom Penh-Sihanoukville Expressway in Cambodia. The Phnom Penh-Sihanoukville Expressway, a project under the Belt and Road Initiative, is invested by the China Road and Bridge Corporation under the build-operate-transfer (BOT) model and is the first-ever freeway in Cambodia.

The 187-km expressway, connecting Phnom Penh, capital of Cambodia, with the international deep-water seaport province of Preah Sihanouk, was opened to traffic in 2022.

The transformation in transportation has not only injected stronger momentum into Cambodia's economic development, but also improved people's livelihoods. Tens of thousands of local jobs were created during its construction phase, and over 2,000 job opportunities have been provided during its operation. (Xinhua/Cheong Kam Ka)

An aerial drone photo taken on March 18, 2025 shows a section of the Phnom Penh-Sihanoukville Expressway in Cambodia. The Phnom Penh-Sihanoukville Expressway, a project under the Belt and Road Initiative, is invested by the China Road and Bridge Corporation under the build-operate-transfer (BOT) model and is the first-ever freeway in Cambodia.

The 187-km expressway, connecting Phnom Penh, capital of Cambodia, with the international deep-water seaport province of Preah Sihanouk, was opened to traffic in 2022.

The transformation in transportation has not only injected stronger momentum into Cambodia's economic development, but also improved people's livelihoods. Tens of thousands of local jobs were created during its construction phase, and over 2,000 job opportunities have been provided during its operation. (Xinhua/Cheong Kam Ka)

An aerial drone photo taken on March 17, 2025 shows the Phnom Penh toll station on the Phnom Penh-Sihanoukville Expressway in Cambodia. The Phnom Penh-Sihanoukville Expressway, a project under the Belt and Road Initiative, is invested by the China Road and Bridge Corporation under the build-operate-transfer (BOT) model and is the first-ever freeway in Cambodia.

The 187-km expressway, connecting Phnom Penh, capital of Cambodia, with the international deep-water seaport province of Preah Sihanouk, was opened to traffic in 2022.

The transformation in transportation has not only injected stronger momentum into Cambodia's economic development, but also improved people's livelihoods. Tens of thousands of local jobs were created during its construction phase, and over 2,000 job opportunities have been provided during its operation. (Xinhua/Cheong Kam Ka)

A staff member is on duty at the Phnom Penh toll station on the Phnom Penh-Sihanoukville Expressway in Cambodia, March 15, 2025. The Phnom Penh-Sihanoukville Expressway, a project under the Belt and Road Initiative, is invested by the China Road and Bridge Corporation under the build-operate-transfer (BOT) model and is the first-ever freeway in Cambodia.

The 187-km expressway, connecting Phnom Penh, capital of Cambodia, with the international deep-water seaport province of Preah Sihanouk, was opened to traffic in 2022.

The transformation in transportation has not only injected stronger momentum into Cambodia's economic development, but also improved people's livelihoods. Tens of thousands of local jobs were created during its construction phase, and over 2,000 job opportunities have been provided during its operation. (Xinhua/Cheong Kam Ka)

An aerial drone photo taken on March 17, 2025 shows a car arriving at the Phnom Penh toll station on the Phnom Penh-Sihanoukville Expressway in Cambodia. The Phnom Penh-Sihanoukville Expressway, a project under the Belt and Road Initiative, is invested by the China Road and Bridge Corporation under the build-operate-transfer (BOT) model and is the first-ever freeway in Cambodia.

The 187-km expressway, connecting Phnom Penh, capital of Cambodia, with the international deep-water seaport province of Preah Sihanouk, was opened to traffic in 2022.

The transformation in transportation has not only injected stronger momentum into Cambodia's economic development, but also improved people's livelihoods. Tens of thousands of local jobs were created during its construction phase, and over 2,000 job opportunities have been provided during its operation. (Xinhua/Cheong Kam Ka)

This photo taken on March 17, 2025 shows cars driving on a section of the Phnom Penh-Sihanoukville Expressway in Cambodia. The Phnom Penh-Sihanoukville Expressway, a project under the Belt and Road Initiative, is invested by the China Road and Bridge Corporation under the build-operate-transfer (BOT) model and is the first-ever freeway in Cambodia.

The 187-km expressway, connecting Phnom Penh, capital of Cambodia, with the international deep-water seaport province of Preah Sihanouk, was opened to traffic in 2022.

The transformation in transportation has not only injected stronger momentum into Cambodia's economic development, but also improved people's livelihoods. Tens of thousands of local jobs were created during its construction phase, and over 2,000 job opportunities have been provided during its operation. (Xinhua/Cheong Kam Ka)

Staff members are on duty at the monitoring center of the Phnom Penh-Sihanoukville Expressway in Phnom Penh, Cambodia, March 15, 2025. The Phnom Penh-Sihanoukville Expressway, a project under the Belt and Road Initiative, is invested by the China Road and Bridge Corporation under the build-operate-transfer (BOT) model and is the first-ever freeway in Cambodia.

The 187-km expressway, connecting Phnom Penh, capital of Cambodia, with the international deep-water seaport province of Preah Sihanouk, was opened to traffic in 2022.

The transformation in transportation has not only injected stronger momentum into Cambodia's economic development, but also improved people's livelihoods. Tens of thousands of local jobs were created during its construction phase, and over 2,000 job opportunities have been provided during its operation. (Xinhua/Cheong Kam Ka)

Touch Dane, a toll collector, works at the Phnom Penh toll station on the Phnom Penh-Sihanoukville Expressway in Cambodia, March 15, 2025. She has currently received additional training in Chinese proficiency. The Phnom Penh-Sihanoukville Expressway, a project under the Belt and Road Initiative, is invested by the China Road and Bridge Corporation under the build-operate-transfer (BOT) model and is the first-ever freeway in Cambodia.

The 187-km expressway, connecting Phnom Penh, capital of Cambodia, with the international deep-water seaport province of Preah Sihanouk, was opened to traffic in 2022.

The transformation in transportation has not only injected stronger momentum into Cambodia's economic development, but also improved people's livelihoods. Tens of thousands of local jobs were created during its construction phase, and over 2,000 job opportunities have been provided during its operation. (Xinhua/Cheong Kam Ka)

An aerial drone photo taken on March 15, 2025 shows a section of the Phnom Penh-Sihanoukville Expressway in Cambodia. The Phnom Penh-Sihanoukville Expressway, a project under the Belt and Road Initiative, is invested by the China Road and Bridge Corporation under the build-operate-transfer (BOT) model and is the first-ever freeway in Cambodia.

The 187-km expressway, connecting Phnom Penh, capital of Cambodia, with the international deep-water seaport province of Preah Sihanouk, was opened to traffic in 2022.

The transformation in transportation has not only injected stronger momentum into Cambodia's economic development, but also improved people's livelihoods. Tens of thousands of local jobs were created during its construction phase, and over 2,000 job opportunities have been provided during its operation. (Xinhua/Cheong Kam Ka)

Chen Ry (R), a patrol officer, eats fruits with his wife at their home near Phnom Penh, Cambodia, March 15, 2025. In 2020, Ry left his hometown and became a driver at a section of the Phnom Penh-Sihanoukville Expressway during the construction period. After the expressway opened to traffic, he has been working as a patrol officer ever since. The Phnom Penh-Sihanoukville Expressway, a project under the Belt and Road Initiative, is invested by the China Road and Bridge Corporation under the build-operate-transfer (BOT) model and is the first-ever freeway in Cambodia.

The 187-km expressway, connecting Phnom Penh, capital of Cambodia, with the international deep-water seaport province of Preah Sihanouk, was opened to traffic in 2022.

The transformation in transportation has not only injected stronger momentum into Cambodia's economic development, but also improved people's livelihoods. Tens of thousands of local jobs were created during its construction phase, and over 2,000 job opportunities have been provided during its operation. (Xinhua/Cheong Kam Ka)

An aerial drone photo taken on March 18, 2025 shows a service station on the Phnom Penh-Sihanoukville Expressway in Cambodia. The Phnom Penh-Sihanoukville Expressway, a project under the Belt and Road Initiative, is invested by the China Road and Bridge Corporation under the build-operate-transfer (BOT) model and is the first-ever freeway in Cambodia.

The 187-km expressway, connecting Phnom Penh, capital of Cambodia, with the international deep-water seaport province of Preah Sihanouk, was opened to traffic in 2022.

The transformation in transportation has not only injected stronger momentum into Cambodia's economic development, but also improved people's livelihoods. Tens of thousands of local jobs were created during its construction phase, and over 2,000 job opportunities have been provided during its operation. (Xinhua/Cheong Kam Ka)

An aerial drone photo taken on March 16, 2025 shows a view of Sihanoukville Port in Cambodia. The Phnom Penh-Sihanoukville Expressway, a project under the Belt and Road Initiative, is invested by the China Road and Bridge Corporation under the build-operate-transfer (BOT) model and is the first-ever freeway in Cambodia.

The 187-km expressway, connecting Phnom Penh, capital of Cambodia, with the international deep-water seaport province of Preah Sihanouk, was opened to traffic in 2022.

The transformation in transportation has not only injected stronger momentum into Cambodia's economic development, but also improved people's livelihoods. Tens of thousands of local jobs were created during its construction phase, and over 2,000 job opportunities have been provided during its operation. (Xinhua/Cheong Kam Ka)

An aerial drone photo taken on March 15, 2025 shows the Phnom Penh toll station on the Phnom Penh-Sihanoukville Expressway in Cambodia. The Phnom Penh-Sihanoukville Expressway, a project under the Belt and Road Initiative, is invested by the China Road and Bridge Corporation under the build-operate-transfer (BOT) model and is the first-ever freeway in Cambodia.

The 187-km expressway, connecting Phnom Penh, capital of Cambodia, with the international deep-water seaport province of Preah Sihanouk, was opened to traffic in 2022.

The transformation in transportation has not only injected stronger momentum into Cambodia's economic development, but also improved people's livelihoods. Tens of thousands of local jobs were created during its construction phase, and over 2,000 job opportunities have been provided during its operation. (Xinhua/Cheong Kam Ka)
Claim:

Liz Cheney wrote a letter to the Democratic Party urging it to do more to fight the Trump administrations authoritarian machine.

Rating:

Rating: Incorrect Attribution

In mid-April 2025, a letter (archived) circulated online attributed to former Republican U.S. Rep. Liz Cheney, in which Cheney allegedly called on the Democratic Party to do more to counter the actions of the Trump administration, described in the letter as "a coordinated, authoritarian machine."

The full letter was more than 1400 words long. The introduction read:

Dear Democratic Party, I need more from you. You keep sending emails begging for $15, while we're watching fascism consolidate power in real time. This administration is not simply "a different ideology." It is a coordinated, authoritarian machine  with the Supreme Court, the House, the Senate, and the executive pen all under its control. And you? You're still asking for decorum and donations. WTF. That won't save us. I don't want to hear another polite floor speech. I want strategy. I want fire. I want action so bold it shifts the d*mn news cycle  not fits inside one. Every time I see something from the DNC, it's asking me for funds. Surprise. Those of us who donate don't want to keep sending money just to watch you stand frozen as the Constitution goes up in flames  shaking your heads and saying, "Well, there's not much we can do. He has the majority." I call bullshit.

Copies of the text spread across Facebook (archived), X (archived) and Bluesky (archived). Snopes readers also emailed to ask if Cheney actually wrote the text.

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However, all evidence pointed to the letter appearing for the first time in a post by a Facebook user in a group called Liz Cheney/Adam Kinzinger Against Trump (this title since changed to "Group title pending"). That user, "Pru Pru," posted the text on April 15, claiming authorship at the top of the post.

(Facebook user Pru Pru)

Cheney herself had posted no such letter on her Facebook, X or Bluesky accounts. We found no credible reports naming her as the author on popular online search engines. Therefore, we determined it was incorrectly attributed to Liz Cheney. (We attempted to reach Cheney through the University of Virginia Center for Politics, where she is a professor, and a number of campaign email addresses to double-check, but we had not received a reply at the time of publication.)

Pru Pru's post bore an introduction reading: "Written by Dr. Pru Lee (Pru Pru)." It was unclear if this line was added before or after users started incorrectly attributing the letter to Cheney.

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Moreover, the text itself cast doubt on claims that Cheney wrote it. For example, toward the end of the letter, a sentence read: "I've only got 6,000 followers  but the groups I'm in? The networks I touch? Over a quarter million. Often when I speak, it echoes."

But Cheney had more than 700,000 followers across her Facebook, X and Bluesky accounts at the time of this writing, though only her Bluesky account, with 158,000 followers, appeared to be active.

Though it was clear Cheney did not write the April 15, 2025, letter, the former Wyoming Republican representative had gone through somewhat of a political shift in recent years. Cheney said in 2024 that she did not consider herself a "member" of President Donald Trump's Republican Party and reportedly voted for Kamala Harris in that year's presidential election. Cheney's political action group, Our Great Task, donated almost exclusively to Democratic candidates in the 2024 presidential election.

Sources:

Fram, Alan. "35 Republicans Buck Trump, Back Study of Jan. 6 Capitol Riot." AP News, 20 May 2021, https://apnews.com/article/donald-trump-house-elections-capitol-siege-government-and-politics-0f38d9c76889510ae5eaae1c73e82fa9.

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Google Search. https://www.google.com/search?q=%22You+keep+sending+emails+begging+for+%2415%2C+while+we%27re+watching+fascism+consolidate+power+in+real+time.%22&sca_esv=23a7faa5f06010d3&ei=JAIBaKeeB6aNhbIPurWXsQc&ved=0ahUKEwinwK6Xlt-MAxWmRkEAHbraJXYQ4dUDCBA&uact=5&oq=%22You+keep+sending+emails+begging+for+%2415%2C+while+we%27re+watching+fascism+consolidate+power+in+real+time.%22&gs_lp=Egxnd3Mtd2l6LXNlcnAiZyJZb3Uga2VlcCBzZW5kaW5nIGVtYWlscyBiZWdnaW5nIGZvciAkMTUsIHdoaWxlIHdlJ3JlIHdhdGNoaW5nIGZhc2Npc20gY29uc29saWRhdGUgcG93ZXIgaW4gcmVhbCB0aW1lLiJIAFAAWABwAHgBkAEAmAEAoAEAqgEAuAEDyAEA-AEC-AEBmAIAoAIAmAMAkgcAoAcAsgcAuAcA&sclient=gws-wiz-serp. Accessed 17 Apr. 2025.

"Liz Cheney." Bluesky, https://bsky.app/profile/did:plc:ejkfgu7db6g7x7ttffhviqmc?ref_src=embed&ref_url=https%253A%252F%252Fgreattask.com%252F.

"---." The Center for Politics at UVA, https://centerforpolitics.org/liz-cheney/. Accessed 17 Apr. 2025.

Liz Cheney | Our Great Task, Inc. 13 Mar. 2024, https://greattask.com/liz-cheney/.

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NBC News. "Liz Cheney Says She Does Not Consider Herself to Be a Member of 'Trump's Republican Party.'" YouTube, 14 Oct. 2024, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hi2HsuTyTcU.

Open Secrets. "The Great Task PAC Contributions to Federal Candidates." Open Secrets, https://www.opensecrets.org/political-action-committees-pacs/the-great-task/C00607556/candidate-recipients/2024.

"Rep. Liz Cheney." Facebook, https://www.facebook.com/replizcheney.

"---." X, https://x.com/RepLizCheney.

"Republican Liz Cheney Says She Will Vote for Democrat Harris for US President." Reuters, 4 Sept. 2024. www.reuters.com, https://www.reuters.com/world/us/republican-liz-cheney-says-she-will-vote-democrat-harris-us-president-2024-09-04/.

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SELECT COMMITTEE TO INVESTIGATE THE JANUARY 6TH ATTACK ON THE UNITED STATES CAPITOL. FINAL REPORT. 22 Dec. 2022, https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/GPO-J6-REPORT/pdf/GPO-J6-REPORT.pdf.

You Keep Sending Emails Begging for $15, While We're Watching Fascism Consolidate Power in Real Time. - Yahoo Search Results. https://uk.search.yahoo.com/search;_ylt=AwrIfqig7wBoW2EIzAhKBQx.;_ylc=X1MDMjExNDcxNzAwMgRfcgMyBGZyAwRmcjIDcDpzLHY6c2ZwLG06c2ItdG9wBGdwcmlkA0JGM3hIRjJSUUt1SlBJNm9VY2pRdkEEbl9yc2x0AzAEbl9zdWdnAzAEb3JpZ2luA3VrLnNlYXJjaC55YWhvby5jb20EcG9zAzAEcHFzdHIDBHBxc3RybAMwBHFzdHJsAzEwMwRxdWVyeQMlMjJZb3UlMjBrZWVwJTIwc2VuZGluZyUyMGVtYWlscyUyMGJlZ2dpbmclMjBmb3IlMjAlMjQxNSUyQyUyMHdoaWxlJTIwd2UlRTIlODAlOTlyZSUyMHdhdGNoaW5nJTIwZmFzY2lzbSUyMGNvbnNvbGlkYXRlJTIwcG93ZXIlMjBpbiUyMHJlYWwlMjB0aW1lLiUyMgR0X3N0bXADMTc0NDg5MTgxMw--?p=%22You+keep+sending+emails+begging+for+%2415%2C+while+we%E2%80%99re+watching+fascism+consolidate+power+in+real+time.%22&fr=sfp&fr2=p%3As%2Cv%3Asfp%2Cm%3Asb-top&iscqry=. Accessed 17 Apr. 2025.

"You Keep Sending Emails Begging for $15, While We're Watching Fascism Consolidate Power in Real Time." at DuckDuckGo. https://duckduckgo.com/?t=h_&q=%22You+keep+sending+emails+begging+for+%2415%2C+while+we%E2%80%99re+watching+fascism+consolidate+power+in+real+time.%22&ia=web. Accessed 17 Apr. 2025.



Updates:

June 24, 2025: This report was updated with a correct archive link for the the April 15, 2025, posting of the letter. This update also added a screenshot of the post in question.
Claim:

A photograph authentically shows incarcerated men stripped of most clothing and tied together in CECOT, a Salvadoran prison.

Rating:

Rating: Miscaptioned

Context:

The photograph does show a prison in El Salvador  but not CECOT, the detention center where U.S. President Donald Trumps administration wrongly deported Kilmar Abrego Garcia in 2025. The photo, taken in April 2020, shows the Izalco prison. Prison conditions in both places in El Salvador are notoriously poor according to human rights groups.

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In April 2025, U.S. President Donald Trump deported alleged gang members from Venezuela and El Salvador to the Centre for the Confinement of Terrorism (CECOT), a maximum-security prison in El Salvador. Trump also contemplated deporting convicted U.S. citizens to El Salvador. Amidst these deportations, a photograph spread online, claiming to show gang members stripped of most clothing and tied together in an El Salvador prison.

The photo has been on Reddit since 2024 with the caption: "A prison in El Salvador. A country once known for having the world's highest murder rate now has the world's highest incarceration rate."

(Reddit)

Snopes readers sent us the same image, asking if it showed CECOT, where Trump had deported undocumented migrants and considered deporting U.S. citizens. Many online also claimed the image showed the aforementioned CECOT. One post shared the same images of the men who had been stripped and tied together from different angles, with the caption, "What is happening at CECOT?"

I never want to hear about Soviet gulags from Liberals and anti-communists ever again when an entity like CECOT (El Salvador prison) not only exists, but is enshrined with the blessings of the US and its Capitalist class. The US prison system is brutal enough already (~23% of pic.twitter.com/3YZpcHtbhs  mischa  (@redmischa) April 16, 2025

While the above image does show a group of men imprisoned and tied up in an El Salvador prison, it does not show CECOT. The above image was taken in 2020 and shows a different location, the Izalco prison, in El Salvador. As such, we rate this claim as miscaptioned.

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Using Google's reverse-image search, we found the photograph was taken on April 25, 2020, and released by the El Salvador presidential press office. According to the caption from The Associated Press:

In this Saturday, April 25, 2020 photo released by the El Salvador presidential press office, inmates are lined up during a security operation under the watch of police at Izalco prison in San Salvador, El Salvador. Last weekend there were 47 killings in El Salvador, a surge in violence that the government alleges was directed from gangs in prison. The government reacted by releasing photos of imprisoned gang members stripped virtually naked and stacked against each other as punishment, and President Nayib Bukele said he authorized the use of lethal force against gangs and ordered that their members be put in the same prison cells, creating the potential for more bloodshed.

The images showed some of the men wearing face masks while jammed together, stripped and tied up.

This appears to be a regular practice in that particular prison. We found photographs of the same situation and location, taken in September 2020, on Getty Images. Per the captions:

Members of the "Mara 18" and "MS-13" gangs are seen in custody of guards at a maximum security prison in Izalco, Sonsonate, El Salvador on September 4, 2020, amid the new coronavirus pandemic. The salvadoran government showed Friday the "strict" reclusion conditions of gang members in the country's prisons, amid a controversy generated by a journalistic report that denounced alleged benefits to imprisoned gang members to reduce homicides.

According to Human Rights Watch, El Salvador's prisons have 108,000 detainees living in conditions meant for only 70,000. The human rights group conducted interviews with formerly incarcerated people and found examples of brutal torture, beatings, and inhumane conditions in the prison system. The group reported that El Salvador's President Nayib Bukele's offer to house U.S. deported immigrants, and even U.S. citizens, would make the U.S. complicit in human rights violations:

Sending people into such conditions would not only make the U.S. government complicit in violations of human rights, it would also repeat past mistakes. MS13 and Barrio 18, the brutal gangs that until recently terrorized neighborhoods across El Salvador, were born in part from deportations by the U.S. and from El Salvador's harsh law enforcement practices. Deportations from the U.S. in the 1990s, during the Clinton administration, allowed these gangs to expand.

In a March 20, 2025, statement, the Human Rights Watch director for the Americas division also noted the distinction between CECOT and Izalco:

While CECOT is likely to have more modern technology and infrastructure than other prisons in El Salvador, I understand the mistreatment of detainees there to be in large part similar to what Human Rights Watch has documented in other prisons in El Salvador, including Izalco, La Esperanza (Mariona) and Santa Ana prisons. This includes cases of torture, ill-treatment, incommunicado detention, severe violations of due process and inhumane conditions, such as lack of access to adequate healthcare and food.

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In late March 2025, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) admitted to an "administrative error" in deporting Kilmar Armando Abrego Garcia, an immigrant with protected legal status, to CECOT. The U.S. Supreme Court ruled that the Trump administration should facilitate Abrego Garcia's return to the U.S. As of this writing, he was still in prison.

Sources:

"Can Trump Legally Deport US Citizens to El Salvador Prisons?" Al Jazeera, Apr. 17, 2025. https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2025/4/16/can-trump-legally-deport-us-citizens-to-el-salvador-prisons." target="blank">https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2025/4/16/can-trump-legally-deport-us-citizens-to-el-salvador-prisons.">https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2025/4/16/can-trump-legally-deport-us-citizens-to-el-salvador-prisons. Accessed 17 Apr. 2025.

"El Salvador Leader Fights Crime and Virus, amid Criticism." AP News, 28 Apr. 2020, https://apnews.com/article/virus-outbreak-united-nations-gangs-ap-top-news-san-salvador-f1118ede744fe114e72d3ea2abb6c950." target="blank">https://apnews.com/article/virus-outbreak-united-nations-gangs-ap-top-news-san-salvador-f1118ede744fe114e72d3ea2abb6c950.">https://apnews.com/article/virus-outbreak-united-nations-gangs-ap-top-news-san-salvador-f1118ede744fe114e72d3ea2abb6c950. Accessed 17 Apr. 2025.

El Salvador's Prisons Are No Place for US Deportees | Human Rights Watch. 13 Mar. 2025, https://www.hrw.org/news/2025/03/13/el-salvadors-prisons-are-no-place-us-deportees." target="blank">https://www.hrw.org/news/2025/03/13/el-salvadors-prisons-are-no-place-us-deportees.">https://www.hrw.org/news/2025/03/13/el-salvadors-prisons-are-no-place-us-deportees. Accessed 17 Apr. 2025.

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"ICE Admits to an 'administrative Error' after Maryland Man Sent to El Salvador Prison." ABC News, https://abcnews.go.com/Politics/ice-admits-administrative-error-after-maryland-man-el/story?id=120359991." target="blank">https://abcnews.go.com/Politics/ice-admits-administrative-error-after-maryland-man-el/story?id=120359991.">https://abcnews.go.com/Politics/ice-admits-administrative-error-after-maryland-man-el/story?id=120359991. Accessed 17 Apr. 2025.

"Members of the 'Mara 18' and 'MS-13' Gangs Are Seen in Custody Of..." Getty Images, 5 Sept. 2020, https://www.gettyimages.com/detail/news-photo/members-of-the-mara-18-and-ms-13-gangs-are-seen-in-custody-news-photo/1228357204." target="blank">https://www.gettyimages.com/detail/news-photo/members-of-the-mara-18-and-ms-13-gangs-are-seen-in-custody-news-photo/1228357204.">https://www.gettyimages.com/detail/news-photo/members-of-the-mara-18-and-ms-13-gangs-are-seen-in-custody-news-photo/1228357204. Accessed 17 Apr. 2025.

"Members of the 'Mara 18' and 'MS-13' Gangs Are Seen in Custody Of..." Getty Images, 5 Sept. 2020, https://www.gettyimages.com/detail/news-photo/members-of-the-mara-18-and-ms-13-gangs-are-seen-in-custody-news-photo/1228356510." target="blank">https://www.gettyimages.com/detail/news-photo/members-of-the-mara-18-and-ms-13-gangs-are-seen-in-custody-news-photo/1228356510.">https://www.gettyimages.com/detail/news-photo/members-of-the-mara-18-and-ms-13-gangs-are-seen-in-custody-news-photo/1228356510. Accessed 17 Apr. 2025.
Litigation over the return of a mistakenly deported Maryland man is testing the limits of an already fractured system of checks and balances, constitutional law professors said this week.

The legal standoff between federal courts and the executive branch over returning Kilmar Abrego Garcia to the U.S. could lead to a constitutional crisis if the Trump administration continues to flout court orders, legal scholars say.

The next major step would be contempt sanctions  formal ways of enforcing court orders  against U.S. officials.

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Contempt proceedings are not certain in Abrego Garcias case, but appear to be on the horizon. If a judge finds a party in contempt, compliance can come through civil penalties like fines against an agency or, in more extreme cases, criminal means such as jailing an official.

On Wednesday, a federal judge in another case related to the administrations mass deportation campaign escalated the tension by noting he had found probable cause to hold Trump officials in criminal contempt.

In the Abrego Garcia cases latest legal development, U.S. District Judge Paula Xinis ordered expedited discovery to determine what, if anything, the Trump administration has been doing to facilitate the return of the 29-year-old El Salvador native who lived in Prince Georges County. She signaled that contempt could be possible, as the Trump administration has put forward nothing so far to prove it has obeyed her order  though she said she would need much more information before going down that road.

Shes turned up the temperature, it seems, said Carl Tobias, a law professor at the University of Richmond. So far, the government has shown a lot of resistance to give her anything  she wants to have as many specifics as she can gather before deciding what happens next.

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That means a rigorous timeline for behind-the-scenes exchange of evidence, including depositions from top U.S. immigration officials who can testify under oath to who has done what. Xinis told attorneys to clear their calendars for the fast-paced discovery process.

I expect all hands on deck, she said, noting that Abrego Garcia continued to face irreparable harm for every day he is held in an El Salvador mega prison.

The U.S. has argued that it cannot be ordered to take actions extending beyond its own borders, and cast Abrego Garcia as an MS-13 gang member who would have been subject to deportation. Abrego Garcia, who has not been convicted of a crime, was deported due to what U.S. officials described as an administrative error, as an immigration judge had previously blocked the El Salvador natives removal to his home country.

The government argues that it has no authority to release him now that hes in El Salvador, and El Salvadors President Nayib Bukele has suggested he would not do so, either. The Trump administration has also said that Abrego Garcia would be subject to deportation again, if he returned to the U.S., due to his alleged affiliation with MS-13, which his attorneys refute, as the Salvadoran street gang has been designated as a terrorist organization.

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Walter Olson, a senior fellow at the Cato Institute, a libertarian-leaning think tank, said that Xinis latest move was unusual but one of the many indications the case is heading to contempt proceedings. He described the Trump administrations lack of action on Xinis order for it to take all available steps to facilitate Abrego Garcias return as almost comically contemptuous.

Administration officials have said in court filings that they had removed domestic barriers to Abrego Garcias entry, but that they could not be compelled by a court to take actions on foreign affairs. They argue that the Supreme Courts order upholding Xinis order for Abrego Garcias return actually favors their position, as it cites the presidents powers to conduct foreign relations. In a Tuesday status update, officials said that they would facilitate Abrego Garcias return only if he appeared at a U.S. port of entry, and would subsequently take action to deport him again.

Thats an invitation to a contempt finding, said Olson.

Tobias said that it was too early to tell what would happen in the Abrego Garcia case, though the other immigration case, being heard by a U.S. district judge in Washington, D.C., appeared to be careening toward contempt.

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That case, which involves hundreds of migrants being deported to El Salvador despite U.S. District Judge James Boasbergs verbal order to turn the plane around, is of a different magnitude, said Tobias.

I guess what unites them is the governments behavior, he said. Before any contempt findings in the Abrego Garcia case, Xinis wants to see the facts, he said, and they would come through depositions of involved officials under oath.

Experts said there was little precedent for comparison. There have been prior standoffs between the judicial and executive branches, though we are in a new kind of world, Olson said.

In prior standoffs between the executive and judicial branches, U.S. officials have been swayed not by fines or the threat of jail, but the shame sanction  complying because its just so embarrassing for them to be found in contempt, Olson said.

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This case could go further than that, experts said.

We are beyond ... the legal norms, said Guha Krishnamurthi, a constitutional law professor at the University of Maryland Carey Law School, speaking to Abrego Garcias case last week.

Should executive branch officials be subject to jailing through civil contempt, the U.S. would essentially be in a constitutional crisis  the U.S. Marshals would be the ones responsible for taking officials into custody, and they are led by the executive branch.

_____
Harvey Weinstein was wheeled into a Manhattan courtroom on Thursday wearing a hospital wristband to indicate he is a fall risk as his MeToo rape retrial resumed.

Weinstein, 73, has chronic myeloid leukaemia, heart issues, diabetes, sleep apnoea and sciatica. A recent tongue infection was misdiagnosed and required hospitalisation and his lawyers claim he has gained nearly 20 pounds in the past month.

The former movie titans lawyers are lobbying for their client to be moved to a New York City hospital during the criminal trial, which is expected to start in earnest next week.

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Weinstein is being tried again after New Yorks highest court last year overturned his 2020 conviction and 23-year prison sentence, citing improper rulings and prejudicial testimony.

Wearing a navy suit and blue tie, the Oscar-winning producer was seen sitting at the defence table with Jonathan Franzens 2001 novel, The Corrections, and Eric Claptons autobiography in front of him.

Weinstein wears a fall risk wristband while in court - Adam Gray/ 2025 Bloomberg Finance LP

He is being retried on two charges  allegations he raped an aspiring actor in a Manhattan hotel room in 2013 and a criminal sex act by forcing oral sex on a movie and TV production assistant in 2006.

He is also charged with another count of criminal sex act based on an allegation from a woman who was not a part of the original trial. That woman, who has asked not to be named publicly, alleges that Weinstein forced oral sex on her at a Manhattan hotel.

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Weinstein has denied all charges against him.

Weinstein worn down health wise

Imran Ansari, Weinsteins lawyer, has claimed the deplorable conditions at Rikers Island jail are exacerbating his clients health issues.

He is consistently mistreated for serious infections, medication is given incorrectly, or not at all, he is experiencing unhealthy and atypical weight gain, and he is forced to endure freezing temperatures while not even being provided clean clothing, Mr Ansari said.

Because of this mistreatment, he has been worn down considerably health wise, and now faces the stress of trial in this condition, which may very well lead to serious health complications, even death, Mr Ansari said Wednesday in a statement.

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Situated in the East River between the Bronx and Queens boroughs, Rikers Island prison has long had a reputation for overcrowding, unsanitary conditions and violence.

The lawyer has called for Weinstein to be moved to Bellevue Hospital where he has already been taken in recent months for urgent health care.

Judge Curtis Farber has yet to rule on the transfer request.

Jurors

Mr Farber has said a total of 12 jurors and six alternates will be picked for the trial, with opening statements expected to start next week.

On Wednesday nine jurors  five women and four men  were selected.

Several dozen prospective jurors indicated they could not give Weinstein a fair trial because of what they know about the case.

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Since his downfall, Weinstein has been accused of harassment, sexual assault or rape by more than 80 women, including actors Angelina Jolie, Gwyneth Paltrow, Lupita Nyongo and Ashley Judd.

Weinstein has never acknowledged any wrongdoing and has always maintained that the encounters were consensual.

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VIENTIANE, April 17 (Xinhua) -- People from various ethnic groups gathered in northern Laos' Luang Prabang province on Thursday morning to witness the annual Lao New Year procession of the sacred Phra Bang Buddha image, offering their respects and participating in traditional water blessing.

Lao President Thongloun Sisoulith led the ceremony, accompanied by senior officials, monks, and local residents. In a grand procession featuring traditional music and dance, monks and ceremonial guards escorted the Buddha image through the city, the local Pasaxon newspaper reported on Thursday.

The procession was also attended by both domestic and international tourists. The ceremony will run until Sunday, marking the conclusion of the Lao New Year celebrations in the province.

This procession is a key spiritual and cultural event, honoring the ancient traditions of Luang Prabang while uniting communities in prayer and celebration.

Every year, authorities in Luang Prabang organize a ceremony to invite monks to worship the Phra Bang Buddha, seeking blessings for the village.

The ceremony also offers the public an opportunity to pay their respects and pray for good fortune during the new year celebrations. 
ALABAMA (WHNT)  A man from North Alabama is fighting for his life in an Arizona hospital right now. His family says he was the victim of a brutal attack with a hatchet.

Tucson Police said the attack happened on April 5 around 10 a.m. at a bus stop near downtown Tucson.

HPD: Officer injured after police chase ends in wreck

In a statement sent to News 19, Tucson Police said, The male suspect had approached the victim and his wife at the bus stop. The suspect initiated a confrontation with the couple during which time he produced a sharp-edged weapon and struck the male victim.

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Tucson Police say they arrested 25-year-old Daniel Michael on April 8. Michael is charged with Aggravated Assault with a Deadly Weapon and Aggravated Assault with Serious Injury.

The attack happened at the corner of East Broadway Boulevard and South 6th Avenue, in Tucson, AZ.

The victims family has identified him as 32-year-old Jacob Couch, of Arab, Alabama.

Just continue to pray, continue to pray, he needs all the prayers he can get right now, said Couchs younger brother, Luke Couch.

MLF competition canceled following deadly multi-boat accident on Lewis Smith Lake

Luke spoke to News 19 from a home where several family members are staying temporarily in Arizona, so they can be close to the hospital where Jacob is being treated. He told News 19 that Jacob is not expected to recover from his injuries.

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Tucson Police say the attack happened after Michael approached Jacob Couch and his wife, Kristen, at the bus stop. Police said Michael started a confrontation with the couple.

Luke says the couple were on a bus journey back to Arab. He said they were at that bus stop because they had a little bit of time for their next one, got off the bus, decided they were going to see the city a little bit.

My brother was bent over gathering his belongings, because they just got off the bus, and a man came up behind him and swung a hatchet and hit him in the back side of his neck, Luke said.

He explained that the blade hit directly where an artery that brings blood to your brain and he suffered anoxic brain injury because of the loss of blood.

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Luke described the attack as senseless.

Jacobs wife, Kristen, told News 19 that the attack was unimaginable.

I think Im still in a state of shock, you know, Kristen Couch said. We hadnt even been in the spot for 20 minutes.

She said the suspect, later identified by police as Michael, just came up and started yelling.

I turned around because he was yelling very loudly, like I could tell he was really agitated, Kristen said. I told the man we were leaving, and Jake bent down to grab our bags and he [Michael] just snuck up behind him and hit him in the neck with the hatchet.

She said they never would have thought they would be in danger being in a downtown area near the University of Arizona, and not too far from a police station.

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It was a sneak attack, we did not see anything like this coming, she said.

Tucson Police say the suspect, Daniel Michael, fled the scene on a public streetcar right after the attack.

However, police say through their investigation, detectives collected evidence and obtained images of the suspect, ultimately identifying him as 25-year-old Daniel Michael.

A spokesperson for the Tucson Police Department told News 19 that officers located Michael at his residence on April 8. During a search of the home, police say they located additional evidence.

Kristen said shes relieved that Michael was arrested within days of the brutal attack.

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I mean, honestly, I didnt know if they would catch him, she said. We just hope that the guy behind this stays behind bars.

Jacobs brother, Luke, said they wont stop until they get justice for Jake.

He said the only bright spot amid this tragedy is the outpouring of support the family has received from both the community in north Alabama and in Tucson.

It has truly amazed me at the people that have no idea who we are or who our family is and they have went above and beyond to help us, he said. It really speaks out that there are some good people left in this world.

He said people in Tucson have been so kind to let members of the family stay at their house for free to help with expenses. The family originally set up a GoFundMe to help purchase plane tickets, a rental car, and housing for their trip to Arizona.

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They tell News 19 that the GoFundMe will be used for additional expenses incurred while dealing with the tragedy.

You can find the link to their official GoFundMe by clicking here. They told News 19 on Wednesday that that is the only account they have. They say they believe a fake GoFundMe has been created, and warn people not to donate to it.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WHNT.com.
(KRON)  A forklift operator who was crushed to death while working at a wine storage facility in Windsor is being mourned by his family and friends.

The worker was identified through a GoFundMe page as Miguel DeJesus Hernandez, 40.

According to Windsor Police Sgt. Jason Little, on April 3, the worker was operating a forklift on a stack of full wine pallets, each weighing 3,000 pounds. Investigators believe the forklift got wedged into the pallets and Hernandez got out to inspect it. A pallet fell on top of Hernandez, killing him.

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Miguel was a kind, hardworking, and thoughtful person who always brought positivity to those around him. His sudden passing has left an unimaginable void in the lives of his family, friends, and coworkers, the GoFundMe page states.

Miguel DeJesus Hernandez (Photo via GoFundMe)

Hernandez was born in Oaxaca, Mexico. He was proud of his Indigenous roots, a native speaker of Triqui who learned Spanish as his second language. Miguel carried a deep love for his culture and had big dreams of returning to his hometown to support his community, the page states.

One of his dreams was to build a school for Indigenous children, many of whom grow up without access to formal education. He envisioned a place where they could receive an education while preserving their language, culture, and traditions. Miguel was passionate about defending the rights of his people and being a voice for those too often unheard, the page states.

High school football player injured after diving into ocean at Stinson Beach

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Hernandez was the main source of income for his elderly parents and younger brother. The GoFundMe page is raising donations to support his family.

Little said no one witnessed what happened when Hernandez was killed, and the Sonoma County Coroner Bureaus medical examiner will determine his official cause of death. California Division of Occupational Safety and Health officials are investigating the wine storage facility located on 1000 block of Shiloh Road.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
GREENVILLE COUNTY, S.C. (WSPA)  The Greenville County Sheriffs Office says they have made an arrest in connection with the disappearance and murder of 19-year-old Jordan Nebling.

Nebling was first reported missing in October 2020. More than four years later, deputies said a man who is already behind bars has confessed to killing her.

He was already a prime suspect of ours, really for a number of years, explained Lt. Ryan Flood with the Greenville County Sheriffs Office.

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After executing more than 100 search warrants, investigators said 23-year-old Tyler Wilkins admitted to stabbing and killing Jorden Nebling.

Although Wilkins has confessed to killing Nebling, there is still a missing piece to the puzzle.

Her body is still missing, Lt. Flood said. [Wilkins] has gone with our investigators to show our investigators locations where he thinks that he remembered burying her body, but again  those have not yielded any results as of yet.

Deputies said Wilkins was already serving a 45-year sentence for the 2022 killings of his ex-girlfriend Clarissa Winchester and their baby.

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Man sentenced to 45 years for killing mother, baby in Greenville Co. home

Winchesters parents said they are thinking of Neblings family, emphasizing how Wilkins actions have left a lasting impact on their lives.

It is like a roller coaster, said Melinda Winchester, Clarissa mother. One day youll be fine, next day youll be crying, knowing a piece of your family is gone and not coming back.

The Winchesters said God has gotten them through their heartbreak; they will continue to stand by the Neblings side.

As a parent, losing a child  you wake up day to day and you have to push yourself to try to find a reason to want to live, to want to keep going, Clarissas father, Michael Winchester, said.

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For the Winchesters, hearing Wilkinss name brings mixed emotions.

There are a lot of torn emotions, Mr. Winchester said. Part of us wants to speak to him. Part of us wants to know what those last moments were like. Part of us wants to ask him face to face: Where is Jordan? and part of us never wants to have to look at him again.

Wilkins is being held at the South Carolina Department of Corrections.

The sheriffs office says they are committed to relentlessly pursuing justice.

Our investigators and our cold case unit and our active homicide unit they do not give up on these cases, Flood said.

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Deputies said while they are glad they are able to provide some sort of closure for Neblings loved ones, they know they still have work to do.

Currently, the Greenville County Sheriffs Office has 96 active cold cases.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WSPA 7NEWS.
DOTHAN, Ala (WDHN)  Life has been turned upside down for the family and coworkers of a Dothan City Schools school bus driver who suddenly died while he was at work.

Dennis Cole was found dead at the Dothan City Bus Barn Monday evening.

Its just still we are really in shock, its hard for all of us right now, this will be our new reality of not having him. he was doing what he loved, said Sydney brooks, Coles oldest granddaughter.

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I got the news at the same time the other drivers did, and it was devastating because he was so loved by everybody, said one of Coles fellow bus drivers, Virginia Thomas.

District officials say he had a medical emergency and died of heart-related issues.

Family members say they were unaware of any health-related issues.

It was out of nowhere, it just happened. he didnt come home from work, went looking, and found him there. It doesnt seem real still, said Brooks.

The family says Cole has always been a public servant. He has worked for the district transportation department since 2013 and even earned the employee of the year award for 2018-19.

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He loved the kids he worked with, like the Slingluff kids and the DPA kids. I know they will miss not seeing him anymore. he was a wonderful person, said Brooks.

Co-workers say he was very funny and would often prank them, but most importantly, he was compassionate.

One particular story, there was a boy who wanted to buy a drink on Wednesday, and Dennis made sure he had three dollars in his pockets so he could get his drink. he cared for the students, Thomas said.

He always asked how I was, thats how he was, he cared for somebody else, said another coworker, Ronnie Taylor.

His department remembered Cole and showed their love by turning his parking spot into a memorial that read You Are Missed 50, which was his bus number, and a yellow cross with an Alabama Crimson Tide bow.

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Few Americans, if any, had ever heard of John Eastman before the events of January 6, 2021. The legal architect of Donald Trumps attempts to overturn the 2020 election was hardly a high-profile name, even for those steeped in covering American politics. He was, in many ways, an unknown, pulled by the events and the aftermath of January 6 into the riptides of American history.

A handful of analysts and investigators tracing the contours of the American far right, however, knew of Eastmans work long before the events of January 6, and of the kind of churning, burning illiberalism that brought him into Trumps orbit. One of those was Katherine Stewart, whose new book, Money, Lies, and God, threads the diffuse movements that have congealed into the authoritarianism at the core of Trumpism.

Stewart first intersected with Eastman not in the aftermath of Trumps failed insurrection but in 2019, when she tracked him to a tony, rarefied conclave in, of all places, Verona, Italy. Eastman was speaking at the annual conference of the World Congress of Familiesa far-right, Russian-American organization dedicated to the abolition of abortion and the buttressing of so-called traditional valuesregaling his audience with tales of how secularism, liberalism, and gender confusion are destroying everything good in the world. The speech, as Stewart writes, revealed Eastman to be a committed ally of the theocrats. But there was also some foundation other than biblical literalism, Stewart sensed, propelling him and cementing the kinds of illiberal alliances crucial to Trumps reign.

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The search for the broader foundations of Eastmans and his allies beliefs is at the center of Money, Lies, and God, the follow-up to Stewarts critically acclaimed 2020 The Power Worshippers . That book explored the dogmatism at the core of the American religious right, and how such forces drew American evangelicals further and further into the illiberal abyss. It was, at the time, a signal flare of just how willingly such professedly godly groups could embrace a figure like Trump.

Stewarts newest book is a continuation of that theme. But after the events of January 6, it was clear that the right had changed. This movementwith all the ideological allies, deep-pocketed donors, and misogynists massing around Eastman, joining him in this antidemocratic fightpresents a new face of the American far right. And it is that edifice that Stewart masterfully details in her new book, explaining not only why these pro-Trump forces have already attempted to drive a stake through the heart of American democracy, but how they will try to do so once again.





Part on-the-ground conversations, part sociological analysis, Money, Lies, and God is a convincing tour of the mutually reinforcing elements of American reaction:

apostles of Jesus, atheist billionaires, reactionary Catholic theologians, pseudo-Platonic intellectuals, woman-hating opponents of the gynocracy, high-powered evangelical networkers, Jewish devotees of Ayn Rand, pronatalists preoccupied with a dearth of (white) babies, COVID truthers, and battalions of spirit warriors who appear to be inventing a new style of religion even as they set about undermining democracy at its foundations.

Trumpism is hardly one thing, even if it is overly reliant on Trump himself. Instead, Stewart uses her deep familiarity with the American far right to chart out what are, by the mid-2020s, the major elements of Trumps political project, which she describes as the Funders, Power Players, Infantry, Sergeants, and Thinkers. The Funders are those within the billionaire class bankrolling the forces below them, using access to effectively bottomless pots of wealth to guide American politics. Some of these names are increasingly familiar, like Leonard Leo, the benefactor who helped steer the Supreme Court picks during Trumps first term, building out Trumpist allies on the highest court of the land and helping rule in favor of things like all-encompassing presidential immunity, a position once ridiculed when espoused by figures like disgraced Richard Nixon. Leo serves as the chair of CRC Advisors, which, as Stewart writes, directs over $1 billion in right-wing funding toward reactionary causes. Nor is Leo alone. There is Carl Anderson, head of the Knights of Columbus, who helps bankroll think tanks and media outlets. There are even organizations like Opus Dei, a far-right Catholic group that does not publicize its membership rolls. All of them together have access to, and help direct, a greater pile of money than anything hard-right forces in America have ever known. The decisive development in the first decades of the 21st century was not the alliance between Team Money and Team God but the simple fact that, thanks to escalating inequality, the big money got a lot bigger, Stewart notes. What was new was the number of zeroes in the checksand the extremism of the thinking guiding the money people.

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Elsewhere, the Power Players Stewart identifies are those just underneath the Funders, helping direct some of the ocean of money flooding pro-Trump, pro-authoritarian movements. These managerial types comprise a tiny elite who amass tremendous personal power by mobilizing others around their agendas. Many of these are well-established figures, super-lobbyists like the Faith and Freedom Coalitions Ralph Reed or Family Research Councils Tony Perkins, who act as both organizers and mouthpieces for pro-Trump policies. These, Stewart says, are the operational masterminds of the antidemocratic movement, putting the funding into action through sponsoring conferences, conclaves, and publications. They are, in effect, middlemena kind of managerial class directing Americas antidemocratic turn.

The Infantry, meanwhile, is made up of the rank-and-file Trump voters who lap up the kinds of antidemocratic rhetoric spilling out of everything from conspiratorial social media feeds to, now, the White House itself. These are the militias, the Tea Party turned Trumpers, and the assorted flotsam of Trump supporters who launched an attempted insurrection on January 6and who were all recently pardoned by Trump. They are those who Stewart writes about meeting in Las Vegas in 2023. Alongside a German documentary crew, Stewart joins a swell of Trump backers at the ReAwaken America Tour, a pro-Trump conference-cum-revival that gathers an audience of QAnon supporters, antivaxxers, racists, and conspiracy theorists. Stewart finds the crowd descending into increasing mania, with speakers not only regurgitating the most malign conspiracies they can find but even calling for Nuremberg trials for Trumps enemies, leaving one of the German team members to ask Stewart, Are we safe here? For those tracing Americas descent into authoritarianism, some of these faces are well known; figures like Reed and Perkins have both been peddling illiberal policies for years, long predating the rise of Trump, and its hardly news that Trumps base is comprised of conspiratorial racists. In that sense, Stewarts book is treading familiar ground. But it sets itself apart in describing the two remaining groupsthe Sergeants and the Thinkersand how these two now buttress not just Trump but modern Christian nationalism itself.

The Sergeants are primarily pastors and related church officials, many of whom have accelerated their rightward lurch in recent years. These groups have ominous, vaguely militaristic names, including things like the Black Robe Regiment and the Watchmen on the Wall. These are the followers of the vengeful God of the Old Testament, believers in the efficacy of retribution. There is little room for the old Love the sinner, hate the sin trope here, Stewart writes. Instead, they embody a Christian nationalism that is not a policy program; it is perhaps best understood as a political mindset. It is a political proclivity that includes four basic dispositions: catastrophism; a persecution complex; identitarianism; and an authoritarian reflex. All of it comprises the kind of kindling from which opposition to democracy, and even support for fascism, can emerge.

Many of these spirit warriors found their way to the so-called Jericho March in Washington on January 5, 2021. A combination of nationalism, conspiracism, and demon obsession, according to Stewart, the rally featured a range of pastors trying to outdo one another in their antediluvian rhetoric. One, Greg Bramlage, claimed they were engaged in a spiritual battle, while another, Bishop Leon Benjamin, called for followers to kill unspecified demons. Another pastor, the Reverend Kevin Jessip, described the rally as a strategic gathering of men in this hour to dispel the Kingdom of Darkness. Twenty-four hours later, as Stewart notes, many who prayed under these Sergeants took up arms and took the fight directly to the Capitol itselfbringing with them a large wooden cross, a separate flag with a cross, and banners blaring, Jesus Saves.

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It is the Claremont Institute where the erstwhile reverence for Americas founders has been transfigured, with the help of political theorists purloined from Germanys fascist period, into material support for Trumpism.

It is the final group, the Thinkers, that presents arguably Stewarts most insightful sections. These are the figures like Eastman and his allies who posit themselves as the ideological, intellectual class crafting the contours of Trumpismand identifying the kinds of legal cover Trump can use to dismantle American democracy. Much of this cohort can trace directly back to the Claremont Institute, the California-based organization where Eastman remains a senior fellow. As Stewart points out, it is the Claremont Institute where the erstwhile reverence for Americas founders has been transfigured, with the help of political theorists purloined from Germanys fascist period, into material support for Trumpism.

The institutes modus vivendi centers on the Straussian man in actionthe man who bends history to his own ends, regardless of the consequence and regardless of democratic legitimacy. Stewart writes:

His mission is to save the republic. He must tell a few lies, yet he is nonetheless a noble liar, at least in his own mind. He acts in the political world, where natural right reigns, and not merely in the legal world where lawyers are supposed to toil. Aware of the crooked timber from which humanity is made, he is prepared to break off whatever branches are needed for the bonfire of liberty.

This core Claremont belief leads to the yearning for a so-called Red Caesara masculine leader untrammeled by anything like democratic oversight or political pushback, grabbing a society by the throat and forcing it back into a world in which men, and especially white men, are once more restored to the top of Americas sociopolitical hierarchy. Indeed, there is an almost obsessive approach at Claremont to restoring supposed masculinity within American society. Stewart traces this belief system at Claremontwhere, she says, all of the board members appear to be maleto Harvey C. Mansfield Jr., who wrote a 2006 book called Manliness and counts as nobility among Claremonts extended family. As Mansfield argued, gender stereotypes are all trueincluding, bizarrely, that women would make bad soldiers because they fear spiders.

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As Stewart details, Mansfield was far too sophisticated to openly argue for stripping American women of the rights they have fought for over the past two centuriesbut in the private sphere, those highly accurate stereotypes should reign triumphant. This belief has seeped into Claremonts bones and manifested itself at Claremont many times over. There is a 2020 alumnus of their Lincoln fellowship named Jack Murphy who once said that feminists need rape.* There was another Claremont official who gave a talk titled, Does Feminism Undermine the Nation? There is the promotion of work by an author named Coston Alamariubetter known by his nom de plume Bronze Age Pervertwho oozes undiluted misogyny and rails against the gynocracy. As Alamariu wrote, It took 100 years of women in public life for them to almost totally destroy a civilizationand the only way forward is to use Trump as a model of success.

These Claremont-based Thinkers also include figures like Curtis Yarvin, who has contributed to the Claremont publication American Mind and appeared as an honored guest on Claremont podcasts. Yarvins affections for despotism have been widely reported elsewhere, but it is his historical ignorance that highlights just how shallow the Claremont mens pretensions at intellectualism truly are. Not only does Yarvin preposterously believe that European civilization wasnt responsible for any genocides before the Holocaustas if genocides in places like the Africa, North America, or even Ireland and Ukraine never existedbut he further maintains that America now needs to collapse into dictatorship in order to rebuild.

The men of Claremont frame their not-so-hidden longing for revenge as a series of ruminations about the rise of an American Caesar, Stewart writes. And when that Red Caesar arrives, he can thank the oligarchs for funding his rise, and he can thank the rank and file of the movement for supporting him in the name of authenticity. But he would owe at least as large a debt of gratitude to the unhappy men of Claremont, those spurned would-be members of the intellectual elite  for explaining just who he is, and why he should go ahead and blow the whole place up.





Taken together, Money, Lies, and God paints not only a devastating picture of the state of American democracy (as if one was needed) but one that also contributes texture and context to understanding the current American political moment. The book convincingly argues that, when it comes to figures like Eastman or Leo or any of the men affiliated with the Claremont Institute, calls for dialogue and civility are futile. In earlier times this may have been sage advice, Stewart writes. Today it is a delusion. American democracy is failing because it is under direct attack, and the attack is not coming equally from both sides. The movement described in this book isnt looking for a seat at the noisy table of American democracy; it wants to burn down the house. American democracy isnt simply dying. It is, as Stewart observes, being murdered.

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Another revelation from the book, however, is not nearly as ominous. Because the movement comprises so many moving parts, theres no guarantee that such a constellation of forces can last. Trump remains the glue that holds such a coalition together, with each groupthe billionaires and the bullies in the pulpits, the keyboard conspiracists and the misogynists trying to put an intellectual sheen on it alleach seeing, and often getting, what they want with him. But once Trump goes, theres every reason to suspect that such a coalition will splinter, undone by competing claims. Wide cleavages remain on subjects from China to health care to tax cuts, bridged only through Trumps person and persona.

This is cold comfort for those hoping for a resuscitation of American democracy anytime soon. Trump has spent the first months in his second term sprinting toward a constitutional crisis, cheered on by the allies hes found along the waynot least the supposed Thinkers claiming intellectual leadership of the movement. For figures like Eastman, its not an executive run amok that presents a threat to the core of American democracy but, rather, those who would stand in Trumps way. The Democratic Party, Eastman said in 2023, is an existential threat to the very survivability, not just of our nation, but of the example that our nation, properly understood, provides to the world. Thats the stakes. From his lips to Godsor at least Trumpsears.

* This article previously misstated Jack Murphys title.
President Donald Trump promised on the campaign trail that he'd go after Mexico's drug cartels, which he claimed in January "essentially run" that country. Since taking office, he has leaned on militaristic tactics to stop the flow of fentanyl into the U.S., an approach that invites conflictand plenty of collateral damage.

In January, when Fox News asked Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth whether the administration would use the military against cartels, he replied that "all options will be on the table." In February, the State Department designated eight cartels and transnational organizations as foreign terrorist organizations (FTOs) and specially designated global terrorists (SDGTs).

Those designations in and of themselves "are not exactly a declaration of war," wrote Reason's Matthew Petti. An FTO designation "bans Americansor anyone who wants to immigrate to the United Statesfrom providing any kind of 'material support' to a designated terrorist group," while an SDGT designation "allows the U.S. Treasury to seize a group's assets."

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The "FTO and SDGT lists don't include exemptions for free speech or humanitarian aid," Petti noted. The designations may invite increased scrutiny of remittances to places where the targeted cartels are active. Because the cartels are involved "in mafioso-like protection rackets" throughout Mexico and "many people are forced to pay them off or be killed," the American Immigration Council's Aaron Reichlin-Melnick argued on X, "that could count as material support to terrorism" under U.S. law.

Washington has also "stepped up secret drone flights over Mexico to hunt for fentanyl labs," The New York Times reported in February. The surveillance program started under President Joe Biden, and the CIA "has not been authorized to use the drones to take lethal action," the Times continued. But the escalation is "a quick initial step" in the Trump administration's "more intense action against Mexican drug cartels."

Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum, who has cooperated with the Trump administration on migration policy and the extradition of several cartel leaders, has warned the U.S. against violating Mexico's sovereignty to combat cartels. "The Mexican people will not accept under any circumstances interventions, interference, or any other act from abroad that could be harmful to the integrity, independence, and sovereignty of the nation," she said in February.

Such action could "impinge on the constitutional separation of war powers and implicate the War Powers Resolution," warned a February resolution introduced by Reps. Joaquin Castro (DTexas), Chuy Garcia (DIll.), and Nydia Velazquez (DN.Y.). The resolution "rejects and condemns the use of military force by the United States" against parties in Mexico if carried out without the Mexican government's approval and "an explicit authorization for the use of military force enacted by Congress." An "act of aggression on Mexico's sovereign territory without their consent could be considered an act of war and a violation of international law," it warns.

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Could the U.S. cross that line? The Trump administration is seemingly "split over how hard to go on Mexican cartels," the Times reported in late February. One camp favors "unilateral military action against cartel figures and infrastructure to stem the flow of drugs across the border," while another is "arguing for increased partnership with the Mexican government to ensure, among other things, continued cooperation on the issue of migration." National security adviser Mike Waltz, who as a congressman in 2023 introduced legislation that would have given the president a blank check to use military force against cartels, vowed in February that the administration would "unleash holy hell" against the groups.

Trump took a similar tone on the campaign trail. He promised to "impose a total naval embargo on cartels" and "order the Department of Defense to inflict maximum damage on cartel leadership and operations." Airstrikes against cartels were "absolutely" on the table, he told Fox News in July.

Trump may start to realize that these ideas are easier to pitch as a candidate than to carry out as president. Mexico is far less likely to cooperate on the administration's other priorities if it's dealing with uninvited American military force. Even if the administration somehow gets Mexico's buy-in for such action, it will still have to grapple with the domestic fallout of potentially unconstitutional military action and the humanitarian costs it imposes.

The post How Far Will the Trump Administration Go Against Mexican Drug Cartels? appeared first on Reason.com.
Constant, heavy rainfall in Spain is wreaking havoc on the nation's crops, showing the toll climate change can take on agriculture across the globe.

What's happening?

Over the first 18 days of March, Spain received more than twice its usual rainfall for that period.

That rainfall has caused problems in many parts of the country, such as the Southern Coastal city of Almeria. As Hortidaily reported, the heavy precipitation has already caused damage to crops citywide, including broccoli, cucumbers, peppers, and melons.

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This news is particularly unwelcome given Almeria's importance to Spanish agriculture. The city's greenhouses grow roughly 3 million tons of produce each year

"Pollination is practically impossible under the current weather conditions," said Andres Gongora of the Coordinator of Agricultural and Livestock Organizations of Almeria. "It's a real disaster."

Why is heavy rainfall important?

This heavy rainfall is just the latest example of extreme weather to hit Spain.

Throughout 2023 and 2024, much of the country was under drought conditions. In October, however, heavy rainfall caused flooding throughout much of the country, and that has continued this spring.

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Such extreme weather is becoming more common, thanks to climate change. Experts have referred to climate change as "steroids for weather" because it amps up the severity of events. Droughts, floods, bitter cold, extreme heat  all of these are becoming more common.

And this unsteady, unpredictable weather makes it considerably tougher to grow and manage crops. In the U.S. and around the world, farmers are dealing with damaged crops and smaller yields because of warmer temperatures and precipitation extremes. This smaller supply then causes prices to increase.

What can I do to help?

Scientists and farmers are working together on engineering crops that are more suited to withstand changing weather patterns. But ultimately, the only way to stop these extreme weather events from becoming even more common is to make smart choices that help reverse the effects of climate change.

Do you worry about how much food you throw away? Definitely Sometimes Not really Never Click your choice to see results and speak your mind.

The first step is to explore and educate yourself on key climate issues. From there, you can make changes in your daily life that will make for a greener planet.

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If water issues are especially important to you, consider capturing rainwater to use in your yard instead of turning on the faucet. Replace single-use plastic water bottles with a reusable one. Use the dishwasher instead of handwashing your dirty plates. All of these seem like small choices, but they can make a big difference.

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.
ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (KRQE)  A Farmington man has been sentenced to prison for his role in torturing and killing a man on the Navajo Nation in 2020. Tyran Begay, 40, will spend 30 years behind bars followed by five years of supervised release, according to the U.S. Attorneys Office for the District of New Mexico.

Roswell police officer accused of domestic violence

Court documents show Begay, along with Camille Damon and Ronald Belone, bound and beat John Doe between Feb. 6 and Feb. 14, 2020. They left him in a remote area near Smith Lake during extremely cold weather. Damon and Belone are in custody, waiting for their trial to be scheduled.

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Begay is an enrolled member of the Navajo Nation. The Gallup Resident Agency of the FBI Albuquerque Field Office investigated this case with help from McKinley County Sheriffs Office. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Mark A. Probasco and Meg P. Tomlinson.

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KATHMANDU, April 17 (Xinhua) -- Nepal has issued permits to 704 climbers, including 156 females, for ascending 21 mountains in the country during the spring climbing season which runs through May, an official said on Thursday.

Among them, 253 males and 58 females were allowed to scale Mount Qomolangma, the world's tallest peak at 8,848.86 meters, which straddles Nepal and China.

"We have been receiving applications daily, mainly for Mount Qomolangma," Liladhar Awasthi, director at the Department of Tourism, told Xinhua.

Nepal has earned 3.84 million U.S. dollars in revenues by issuing the permits, with 3.38 million dollars from Mount Qomolangma alone.

The Nepali government is to raise foreign nationals' climbing fee for Mount Qomolangma from 5,500 dollars to 7,500 dollars from September 1, when the autumn climbing season starts. 
CHICAGO  Police are still seeking a suspect in a fatal shooting late Wednesday night in Lincoln Park that shocked residents in the normally quiet North Side community.

According to Chicago police, the shooting happened around 9:30 p.m. in the 800 block of West Lill Avenue. Officers responding to a call of a person shot found a 28-year-old man on the sidewalk with a gunshot wound to the chest.

Teen boy injured in shooting on Red Line train on South Side

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He was taken to Illinois Masonic Hospital, police say, where he was treated and subsequently pronounced dead.

The Cook County Medical Examiners Office later identified the victim as 28-year-old Kevin Patel, who lived on the block where he was gunned down.

WGN-TV obtained a residents Ring camera video that shows the moments leading up to the fatal shooting (see video player attached to this story).

The video shows a man walk past two people  a man and woman, according to what a police source told WGN. One of them turns around, then a single shot is fired. You can then see one person run back into the view of the camera and take off east on W. Lill Ave.

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Whats seen and heard on that Ring camera video left some community members shaken.

I walk on this street all the time, Lincoln Park resident Tessa Shields told WGN. I bring my pets, I bring my family, I bring friends (from) out of town, I bring family (from) out of town. Lincoln Park is literally my home.

It has all of my family history here. It has never failed us. It has been the safest, best, most amazing community. I never see this here.

Others who live on the block, some for 30-plus years, also said the street where the shooting happened  just off North Halsted Street and south of West Fullerton Avenue  is typically quiet.

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Lincoln Park resident Josh Balon said he didnt hear a gunshot but did hear all the sirens and saw officers collecting evidence.

It was kind of chaotic for a little bit, Balon said.

Nobody is yet in custody, but a police source tells WGN a man and woman were seen leaving the area after the shooting.

Landscaper helps save driver trapped in submerged vehicle in Naperville

Police were gathering evidence late into Wednesday night, but so far they have not yet released any description of a suspect or suspects.

Ald. Timmy Knudsen, whose 43rd Ward includes Lincoln Park, released a statement Thursday morning on the fatal shooting, saying there is no confirmed information on the victim nor any known connection between the victim and the offenders.

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This is yet another reminder of the work we have to do as a city to combat violence, Knudsens statement continued. Ive asked the (Chicago Police Department) 19th District to increase patrols in the area, and as we head into the summer, I will continue to push City Hall for the resources our ward needs.

 Thank you to the Chicago Police Department for the hard work they do each and every day. Our office stands with them to ensure they have the resources they need to bring the offender of this heinous crime into custody.

Knudsen also urged anyone that may have information regarding the shooting to call Area Three detectives at 312-744-8261, or email CAPS.019District@chicagopolice.org.

Lincoln Park is literally the best community, and this doesnt happen, Shields said. And this is why its weird to see this. Ive never seen (police) tape strung across (a scene) before.

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So, I dont know, I feel a little odd.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
Fatma Hassona, the Palestinian protagonist of Sepideh Farsis Put Your Soul on Your Hand and Walk  selected for Cannes ACID  was tragically killed with her family by an Israeli missile that targeted her building, the ACID team has shared with Variety. Hassona, who was based in Gaza, was 25.

Her smile was as magical as her tenacity: bearing witness, photographing Gaza, distributing food despite the bombs, mourning and hunger. We heard her story, rejoiced at each of her appearances to see her alive, we feared for her, said the team in a statement.

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We had watched and programmed a film in which this young womans life force seemed like a miracle. This is no longer the same film that we are going to support and present in all theaters, starting with Cannes. All of us, filmmakers and spectators alike, must be worthy of her light.

Sepideh Farsi, the Iranian director of the film, also wrote about the tragic event:

Maybe Im ushering in my death

now

Before the person standing in front of me loads

His elite snipers rifle

And it ends

And I end.

Silence.

Those are the words of Fatma Hassona, or Fatem to her friends, excerpted from a long poem called The Man Who Wore His Eyes. A poem that smells of sulfur, that smells of death already, but that is also full of life, as was Fatem, until this morning, before an Israeli bomb took her life, as well as the lives of her entire family, reducing their home to rubble, she said.

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I got to know her through a Palestinian friend in Cairo, while I was desperately searching for a way to reach Gaza, seeking the answer to a question both simple and complex. How does one survive in Gaza, under siege for all these years? What is the daily life of Palestinian people under war?

Previously, Farsi made the animated feature The Siren about the war between Iraq and Iran.

I, who could still feel the distant echo of the explosions shockwaves ringing in my ears () wanted to know how the Gazans resisted all this, what they were going through I could not find the answer in the news and media. I wanted to hear their words unmediated. I wanted to be in Gaza, she said.

While she couldnt travel there, she filmed their conversations.

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And so, Fatem became my eyes in Gaza and I, a window open on the world. I filmed, catching the moments offered by our video calls, what Fatem was offering, fiery and full of life. I filmed her laughs, her tears, her hopes and her depression. I followed my instinct. Without knowing beforehand where those images would lead us. Such is the beauty of cinema. The beauty of life.

In the film, Fatem opened up about being a Palestinian in Gaza. Im proud of it. Theyll never be able to beat us, whatever they do. Because we have nothing to lose, she stated.

Farsi added: Every day, I thought about Palestinians outside Gaza, far from their families, and I wondered how they could go on living with such anguish. And for that as well, I had no answer. I told myself I had no right to fear for her, if she herself was not afraid. I clung to her strength, to her unwavering faith.

Israels bombing of the Gaza Strip began in October 2023, in response to the terrorist attack perpetrated by Hamas in Southern Israel on October 7, which resulted in the deaths of 1,200 people and the abduction of 251 people. 59 are believed to remain in the Gaza Strip. Since then, 51,810 deaths have been reported on the Palestinian side as of March 22, according to data released by the Hamas-run Gaza health ministry.

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ROBESON COUNTY, N.C. (WBTW)  A Fayetteville man is being charged with the murder of a 24-year-old woman whose body was found in Red Springs last weekend, authorities said.

Tyrique Zavier Leroy Williams, 26, was arrested by the U.S. Armys criminal investigations division at Fort Leonard Wood in Missouri. Hes charged with first-degree murder and concealment of a death.

Williams is currently being held in the Pulaski County Sheriffs Office Detention Center awaiting extradition to Fayetteville where hell be prosecuted.

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The Robeson County Sheriffs Office said Tuesday that the body of 24-year-old Annie Lock  who was last seen on Aug. 17, 2024 and reported missing Oct. 10  was recovered from a body of water near Highway 72 West outside of Red Springs.

* * *

Adam Benson joined the News13 digital team in January 2024. He is a veteran South Carolina reporter with previous stops at the Greenwood Index-Journal, Post & Courier and The Sun News in Myrtle Beach. Adam is a Boston native and University of Utah graduate. Follow Adam on X, formerly Twitter, at @AdamNewshound12. See more of his work here.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

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FCC chairman Brendan Carr criticized Comcast for news distortion over MSNBCs decision not to carry the White Houses press briefing on deportations live on Wednesday. The criticism came in the form of a quote-tweet of White House Director of Communications Steven Cheung, who said it was shameful that CNN and MSNBC didnt carry the press briefing live.

Comcast outlets spent days misleading the American public  implying that Abrego Garcia was merely a law-abiding U.S. citizen, just a regular Maryland man,' Carr, whose FCC is investigating Comcast for promotion of DEI, said on X of the man who was sent to El Salvador in March despite a court order preventing his deportation.

Comcast knows that federal law requires its licensed operations to serve the public interest. News distortion doesnt cut it, Carr continued.

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Comcast did not immediately respond to TheWraps request for comment.

The move is the latest alignment with the Trump administration as Carr has opened investigations into CBS News interview with Kamala Harris, the funding of PBS and NPR and DEI programs, all topics on which Trump has aired his very public frustrations on social media.

On Sunday, Trump reiterated his desire to see CBS News punished and said he had hope that Carr will impose the maximum fines and punishment, which is substantial, for their unlawful and illegal behavior.

There is no evidence that CBS News engaged in illegal behavior.

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At the end of January, Carr ordered an investigation into the sponsorships of NPR and PBS stations, suggesting they may be in violation of government rules by acknowledging major donors on-air. He seeks to justify revoking the funding the outlets get from the federal government, a major part of the playbook for destroying NPR and PBS laid out in Project 2025. Though Trump claimed during the election that he had no ties to the group, which aims to radically remake U.S. government in starkly right wing, Christian and racist terms, his administration is packed with Project 2025 veterans  including Carr, who wrote the the groups communications document.

Comcast outlets spent days misleading the American publicimplying that Abrego Garcia was merely a law abiding U.S. citizen, just a regular Maryland man.



When the truth comes out, they ignore it.



Comcast knows that federal law requires its licensed operations to serve the https://t.co/0sGZHQvp5r  Brendan Carr (@BrendanCarrFCC) April 16, 2025

The post FCC Chair Criticizes Comcast for News Distortion After White House Complains About MSNBC Coverage appeared first on TheWrap.
FCC Chairman Brendan Carr took aim at CNN and MSNBC, deeming their coverage of Kilmar Abrego Garcias deportation news distortion.

On Wednesday, Carr took to X to share his thoughts about how the Comcast outlets were covering the Garcia situation, responding to a post by White House director of communications assistant Steven Cheung.

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Comcast outlets spent days misleading the American publicimplying that Abrego Garcia was merely a law abiding U.S. citizen, just a regular Maryland man,' Carr wrote. When the truth comes out, they ignore it. Comcast knows that federal law requires its licensed operations to serve the public interest. News distortion doesnt cut it.

He continued, Abrego Garcia came to America illegally from El Salvador, was validated as a member of the violent MS13 ganga transnational criminal organizationand was denied bond by an immigration court for failure to show he would not pose a danger to others. Why does Comcast ignore these facts of obvious public interest?

Comcast did not immediately respond to Varietys request for comment.

Carrs use of the term news distortion raises the specter of him pursuing an FCC complaint against Comcast or MSNBC on those grounds, as he is at present in the battle with CBS over its 60 Minutes interview of Kamala Harris last October. However, the FCC has less authority to police the content of cable channels such as MSNBC than it does the broadcast TV stations owned by CBS.

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Garcia, a father and a husband to an American woman, has been the subject of a media firestorm ever since he was suddenly deported in March from the United States to an El Salvadorian prison due to an administrative error, according to the Department of Justice.

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FCC chairman Brendan Carr suggested that Comcast may be violating its broadcast licenses after MSNBC declined to carry a White House briefing Wednesday afternoon in which the administration continued to defend its decision to deport Kilmar Abrego Garcia to El Salvador.

Carrs comments are the latest example of the Trump administration threatening, implicitly or explicitly, a news outlet over its editorial decisions.

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In a post on X, Carr claimed that Comcast was ignoring obvious facts of public interest, suggesting that they were portraying Garcia as merely a law abiding U.S. citizen and not reporting on his alleged MS13 gang affiliation.

Comcast knows that federal law requires its licensed operations to serve the public interest. News distortion doesnt cut it, Carr wrote.

Garcia had been responding to a post from White House Communications Director Steven Cheung, complaining that CNN and MSNBC did not cover the briefing.

Comcast outlets spent days misleading the American publicimplying that Abrego Garcia was merely a law abiding U.S. citizen, just a regular Maryland man.



When the truth comes out, they ignore it.



Comcast knows that federal law requires its licensed operations to serve the https://t.co/0sGZHQvp5r  Brendan Carr (@BrendanCarrFCC) April 16, 2025

During Press Secretary Karoline Leavitts briefing, she called Garcia an illegal alien, MS-13 gang member and foreign terrorist who was deported back to his home country.

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Per the FCC, cable networks like MSNBC are outside of the FCCs jurisdiction with respect to news distortion. NBC News, another Comcast network whose stations do fall under the FCCs authority, actually led Nightly News in segment that included excerpts from Leavitts remarks, including the details of her claims that Garcia is a gang member and his familys denials.

Garcias case isnt merely about whether he was a gang member, but whether the Trump administration is ignoring court orders. The Supreme Court largely affirmed a lower court ruling that the Trump administration had to facilitate Garcias release from El Salvador custody, as the government had conceded that the deportation was an administrative error. Garcia came to the U.S. illegally but obtained legal status. He was detained in 2019 and accused of being a member of MS-13 back then, but after a U.S. immigration judges decision, he was released.

Since the Supreme Court ruling last week, the Trump administration has not done so, and instead has accused the mainstream media and Democrats of siding with violent illegal immigrant criminals. There also has been substantial coverage of the due process rights for those who are being sent to El Salvador for deportation.

Trump has accelerated his attacks on the media since he returned to office, including barring the Associated Press from the White House pool after they refused to change their style guidance to the Gulf of America from the Gulf of Mexico. A federal judge, appointed by Trump in his first term, ruled that the administration was violating the First Amendment because the ban was viewpoint discrimination.

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In a Truth Social post on Tuesday evening, Trump blasted MSNBC and NBC as well as Comcasts CEO, Brian Roberts, calling them all a disgrace to the integrity of broadcasting.

Earlier this week, Trump, upset about segments on 60 Minutes, called on CBS to lose their broadcast license and for Carr to impose the maximum fines and punishment, which is substantial, for their unlawful and illegal behavior. Carr has opened up an inquiry into CBS over the way that 60 Minutes edited an interview with Kamala Harris last October.

The FCCs authority over news content, by its own admission, is narrow. It has a news distortion policy, but broadcasters are only subject to enforcement if it can be proven that they have deliberately distorted a factual news report. Expressions of opinion or errors stemming from mistakes are not actionable. Only in rare cases has enforcement action been taken.

Anna Gomez, a Democratic commissioner on the FCC, has accused Carr of acting to weaponize our broadcast licensing authority, by taking steps designed to instill fear in broadcast stations and influence a networks editorial decisions.

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During his first term, after Trump threatened the broadcast licenses of NBC over their news content, his FCC chairman then, Ajit Pai, said that under the law does not have the authority to revoke the license of a broadcast station based on the content of a particular newscast.

A Comcast spokesperson did not immediately return a request for comment.

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The Federal Communications Commission chief blasted news outlets owned by Comcast over their coverage of a case involving a mistakenly deported Salvadoran immigrant who the Trump administration contends is a gang member.

Comcast outlets spent days misleading the American public  implying that Abrego Garcia was merely a law abiding U.S. citizen, just a regular Maryland man, FCC Chair Brendan Carr wrote in a post on the social platform X. When the truth comes out, they ignore it.

Carr said Comcast, like all major media conglomerates that operate news divisions, knows that federal law requires its licensed operations to serve the public interest.

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News distortion doesnt cut it, he added.

Carrs condemnation of NBC News and MSNBCs parent company comes a day after President Trump issued a similar threat to the broadcast network and referenced Comcasts plans to spin off its cable assets this year.

Comcast, which also has the ailing network known as NBC, is trying to stay away from lawsuits by disassociating NBC from MSNBC, but it wont work, Trump wrote Tuesday in a social media post of his own. Comcast, the owner of both, and its Chairman, Brian Roberts, are a disgrace to the integrity of Broadcasting!!!

The president has ridiculed each of the major broadcast networks, which are regulated by Carrs FCC, and suggested CBS, ABC and NBC could see their broadcast licenses pulled or at least face more scrutiny from the federal government over coverage of him.

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The White House all week has been pushing back forcefully on mainstream media coverage of Kilmar Abrego Garcias case, accusing news outlets of portraying him in an overly positive light in opposition to Trumps robust immigration agenda.

Abrego Garcia came to America illegally from El Salvador, was validated as a member of the violent MS13 gang  a transnational criminal organization  and was denied bond by an immigration court for failure to show he would not pose a danger to others, Carr wrote.

He added, Why does Comcast ignore these facts of obvious public interest?

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FOND DU LAC, Wis. (WFRV)  A new program is transforming how authorities handle police calls involving homeless individuals.

Fond du Lac police chief Aaron Goldstein said they recently studied police call trends at their dispatch center. He said that from June 2024 through January 2025, they received about 200 police calls that involved homeless individuals. After doing an analysis of all the calls, Goldstein said that about 80 percent of them didnt require police enforcement; an individual just needed some help connecting to resources.

Jason Schneider leads new era of Fond du Lac baseball

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Goldstein said this got him to thinking.

I have a vision almost like we have our mental health program, to have a co-response like model to help the community experiencing homelessness, Goldstein said.

He said the police department has been using a co-response model with mental health professionals and social workers for many police calls. He wanted to use a similar model for police calls involving homeless individuals.

Goldstein reached out to Amy Loof, who is the executive director of the Solutions Center Shelter and Support Service in Fond du Lac. They operate the St. Katharine Drexel Shelter to help those experiencing homelessness.

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This collaboration led to the creation of the Drexel Outreach Response Program. It got off the ground at the beginning of March.

So anything that somebody is in need of or a resource that they need to be connected to were doing that right there in the moment, Loof told Local 5 News when asked about the importance of the program. Being able to connect with them at that moment and get them what they need or where they need to go in that moment is key.

A trained case manager from St. Katharine Drexel Shelter will help police respond to calls involving homeless individuals. In some cases, a police officer will make first contact with the individual, and then the case manager will be able to talk and help the individual afterward.

In many other cases, Goldstein said that police enforcement isnt even needed, so the case managers will be responding to the calls on their own. Loof said that, in general, homeless individuals are more comfortable interacting with case managers than police officers, which is another reason why authorities began this program.

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When the case managers arrive to help the homeless individuals, they can try to onboard them into local shelters, provide them with supplies like hygiene kits or food, or help them with an array of other things, depending on what that individual needs.

Its amazing to know that were getting those resources and meeting them where they are at, we arent asking them to come where we are, Goldstein said about the program. I think theres a lot more awareness as well. Were talking more about the unsheltered and the unhoused.

Goldstein said that since the program began, theyve used case managers for 13 calls involving homeless individuals. Loof detailed one of those cases that happened recently at a Fond du Lac truck stop.

Just a brief conversation with her, we were able to do an intake form with her and get the background checks done with her while we were talking, she told Local 5 News. We had an open bed, brought her into the shelter, and shes doing very well,l and her mental health has stabilized.

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Manitowoc launches first public health vending machine to support opioid overdose prevention

Success is helping a person at a time because everybody has their own individual needs, Goldstein added. I believe you can have community standards and show compassion, understanding, and dignity to those who are unhoused and experiencing homelessness.

Loof said that before the COVID-19 pandemic, there were around 150 people in Fond du Lac experiencing homelessness. She said that number has risen since then because of higher prices and a difficult housing market.

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TEHRAN, April 17 (Xinhua) -- Italy's capital Rome will be the venue for the second round of indirect negotiations between Tehran and Washington, Iran's Deputy Foreign Minister Kazem Gharibabadi said.

"Up to this point that we are speaking, we have received no new request from the other side for changing the location of the negotiations and Rome will be the venue for the second round," Gharibabadi said in a live televised interview on Wednesday.

The location of the talks was not a sensitive issue for the Iranian side. "We should concentrate on the main content and job," he said.

Regardless of the negotiations' venue, Oman will continue to facilitate and mediate them, the official added.

Iranian Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi met with U.S. special presidential envoy Steve Witkoff in Oman's capital Muscat on Saturday over Tehran's nuclear program, with both sides describing the meeting as "constructive."

The talks in Muscat followed U.S. President Donald Trump's statement in early March that he had sent a letter to Iranian leaders, delivered through the United Arab Emirates, proposing negotiations on Iran's nuclear program. Iran later agreed on indirect talks.

Iran signed a nuclear deal in July 2015 with six major countries -- Britain, China, France, Germany, Russia and the United States. Under the deal, Tehran agreed to limit its nuclear activities in exchange for sanctions relief.

However, Trump unilaterally pulled his country out of the deal in May 2018 during his first term and reimposed sanctions on Iran, prompting Tehran to scale back its commitments under the deal. Since then, efforts to revive the nuclear agreement have made little progress. 
Warning that the executive branch's claims should shock "the intuitive sense of liberty" of Americans, a panel of judges for the U.S. Court of Appeals for the 4th Circuit today unanimously rejected the Trump administration's attempts to stay a lower court order to release Kilmar Abrego Garcia from a prison camp in El Salvador.

The U.S. Supreme Court ordered the Trump administration last week to facilitate the release of Abrego Garcia, a Salvadoran man that three government officials admitted was mistakenly sent to El Salvador's most notorious prison, along with several hundred other alleged gang members. However, the Trump administration has done nothing to comply with that order; it insists it has no power to return Abrego Garcia from another sovereign statenor does a court have the authority to force it to do so.

When the federal district judge overseeing Abrego Garcia's case attempted to enforce the Supreme Court's order, the Trump administration requested an emergency stay from the Fourth Circuit Court.

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Judge J. Harvie Wilkinson, a Ronald Reagan appointee to the Fourth Circuit, wrote that allowing the administration's passive interpretation of "facilitate" would "reduce the rule of law to lawlessness and tarnish the very values for which Americans of diverse views and persuasions have always stood."

"It is difficult in some cases to get to the very heart of the matter," Wilkinson wrote. "But in this case, it is not hard at all. The government is asserting a right to stash away residents of this country in foreign prisons without the semblance of due process that is the foundation of our constitutional order. Further, it claims in essence that because it has rid itself of custody that there is nothing that can be done."

"This should be shocking not only to judges, but to the intuitive sense of liberty that Americans far removed from courthouses still hold dear," Wilkinson warned.

Trump administration officials have made no secret of its contempt for the concept of due process.

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"To say the administration must observe 'due process' is to beg the question: what process is due is a function of our resources, the public interest, the status of the accused, the proposed punishment, and so many other factors," Vice President J.D. Vance wrote in a post on X this week. "When the media and the far left obsess over an MS-13 gang member and demand that he be returned to the United States for a *third* deportation hearing, what they're really saying is they want the vast majority of illegal aliens to stay here permanently."

White House officials have also repeatedly saidand President Donald Trump was caught on a hot mic with El Salvador's president confirmingthat they're exploring ways to send U.S. citizens to El Salvador as well.

The grave due process implications of Abrego Garcia's case, the Trump administration's plans to expand foreign detention to American citizens, and its increasingly obstinate and mendacious rhetoric leave little doubt that we're heading toward a legitimate constitutional crisis, which Wilkinson acknowledged in the court's order.

Wilkinson ended his order with what amounts to a plea to the Trump administration to come to its senses: "We yet cling to the hope that it is not naive to believe our good brethren in the Executive Branch perceive the rule of law as vital to the American ethos," he wrote. "This case presents their unique chance to vindicate that value and to summon the best that is within us while there is still time."

The post Federal Appeals Court Rejects Trump Administration's Attempt To Block Return of Kilmar Abrego Garcia appeared first on Reason.com.
Aerial shot of the NIOSH campus in Bruceton, Allegheny County. (Photo from the CDC)

This story was updated at 1:55 p.m. on April 17 to include a comment from the Department of Health and Human Services, and again at 5:54 p.m. on April 17 to include additional reporting.

Most Americans learned what an N95 mask was during the COVID-19 pandemic. But what many still dont know is that every one of them was certified by a single, government-run lab in Bruceton, Allegheny County. Its called the National Personal Protective Technology Laboratory. The name N95 actually comes from their certification standards.

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The lab, near Pittsburgh, is operated by the National Institute of Occupational Health and Safety (NIOSH) and is the only facility in the country that is capable of offering the agencys stamp of approval. The same lab certifies a host of other protective masks and respirators used by firefighters, doctors, painters, factory workers, coal miners, pharmaceutical manufacturers, welders, chemical plant employees, construction crews and others. Many American employers are statutorily required to provide them to workers.

An estimated 5 million Americans workers are required to use respirators at their place of employment.

But according to a dozen current and former NIOSH employees and union representatives who have worked at or with their personal protective equipment division, that lab has halted almost all of its regular work and is preparing to shut down in June.

Thats because of the most recent announcement of layoffs at the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. The agency, run by Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., has announced plans to lay off 10,000 employees across its various divisions. Hundreds of those cuts are in NIOSH, the division that studies and recommends ways to prevent workplace health and safety hazards.

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Its kind of the sabotage of guide rails that have been set up for industry to help keep workers safe, said Jonathan Szalajda, a lab employee and former deputy director of the National Personal Protective Technology Lab. Its a situation where were leaving workers defenseless, and I think its certainly a step back from what weve done to protect workers over the last half century.

A worker at a fracking facility wears a NIOSH-approved respirator. (Image provided by the CDC, 2016)

Since the beginning of mass layoffs at federal agencies overseen by the Trump administration and Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), virtually every employee at the National Personal Protective Technology Laboratory has taken a buyout or early retirement offer, been put on administrative leave, or received a notice that their job is subject to whats called a reduction in force and that their last day will come in June.

Its not clear if the impending layoffs will hit every remaining employee because, according to workers and union officials, leaders at the Department of Health and Human Services and the Centers for Disease Control have not been answering questions. Moreover, almost all of the labs supervisors have been placed on administrative leave, along with their HR contact.

The reduction in force notices are confusing as well. Some sent out to individual employees note that layoffs will happen in their division, and they may or may not be subject to them. But another sent to the union that oversees the bargaining unit employees at the National Personal Protective Technology Lab said all of their jobs would be eliminated. Virtually every lab employee that isnt part of that union has already been placed on leave or told their position will be terminated in June.

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Given the lack of communication, and the sweeping layoffs that have hit other parts of the federal government, including NIOSH itself, employees at the personal protective equipment division are expecting the worst.

Already, the labs workforce has shrunk from 120 to 70 this year, and the remaining employees are facing layoffs that the Department of Health and Human Services says will come in June.

A spokesperson for the Department of Health and Human Services did not answer detailed questions about what would happen to NPPTL employees or the respirator certification program, but said NIOSH, along with its critical programs will be rolled into a new, restructured health agency called the Administration for a Healthy America (AHA).

This restructuring is intended to support the consistent implementation of safety standards without disruption to ongoing regulatory processes, they said in an email.

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However, multiple outlets have reported on a purported draft budget for the new health agency, which would not include funding for NPPTL.

The Budget includes funding for a Firefighter Cancer Registry and National Mesothelioma Registry & Tissue bank as well as the World Trade Center Health and the Energy Employees Occupational Illness compensation Program Act mandatory programs. Funding for all other NIOSH programs is discontinued, the document reads.

The Department of Health and Human Services Spokesperson did not respond to questions on the veracity of the draft budget or which critical programs would continue after the restructuring.

We have no idea what were supposed to do, said one remaining lab employee who spoke under condition of anonymity for fear of retaliation. We have no idea what to tell the manufacturers. This is so important, we just feel theres no way this can be real.

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Szalajda said the lab has stopped accepting requests from manufacturers to certify new respirators. The remaining lab employees who werent laid off have shifted their focus to preparing for the lab to be shut down.

New research has also stopped because of time constraints and a freeze on federal employee credit cards that has made it impossible to buy necessary materials.

Instead, workers are finalizing research projects that are near completion, and preparing them for publication.

Someone will have to own the travesty

Szalajda and others have said they expect the labs closure to result in the market being flooded with substandard masks.

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Along with certifying new products, lab employees regularly inspect respirator manufacturing plants and test masks that have already been approved to ensure theyre still being manufactured to NIOSH standards. That work, however, has stopped, largely because of a freeze on approval of employee travel reimbursement. According to Szalajda, the lab has also stopped sending out contractors because theyre not certain theyll ever be paid given the rapid changes.

Szalajda worries about a Wild West scenario where respirator manufacturers are free to cut corners in production, and no one will be there to catch them.

One of the last research projects that lab employees are working to finalize is a comprehensive study on the efficacy of counterfeit masks. Its unclear if the report will ever be released to the public.

The American public, if youre buying a respirator or a mask to do home improvements or hobbies or anything, youre going to be at the mercy of those companies to not become lax, said Linda Chasko, a NIOSH employee who was speaking in her capacity as vice president of the federal employees union that includes the Allegheny County NIOSH campus employees.

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The potential closure has also alarmed industry members, who have spent significant time and money ensuring their respirators meet NIOSH standards, and rely on the certification for new products.

The closure of the lab could also cede the respirator market to foreign companies whose products are tested according to their own governments standards. NIOSH certification, however, had often been referred to as a gold standard, Szalajda said.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, for example, KN95 masks were often billed as an alternative to N95s, which were at times difficult to find. The primary difference is that KN95s were certified in China. However, issues were found with a number of certified KN95s, which led to numerous recalls.

There is also a fear that counterfeit masks will spread. Part of the Personal Protective Technology Labs mission was to find and study respirators with fake NIOSH-approval stamps, and work with distributors to stop their spread.

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One of the last research projects that lab employees are working to finalize is a comprehensive study on the efficacy of counterfeit masks. They found that virtually all of them failed to consistently meet NIOSH standards for filtering air particulates. Between an HHS communications freeze and uncertainty that the report can be finalized before the lab closes, its unclear if the report will ever be released to the public.

Were expecting there could potentially be an influx of counterfeit equipment, said Chasko. Whats at stake is the respiratory health and overall health of all the workers in industries that use equipment reliant on NIOSH standards.

The labs closure could also cause problems for certain industries, like coal, where companies are statutorily required to provide NIOSH-certified respirators for miners. Its unclear what will happen if NIOSH is no longer able to provide that certification.

Two N95s and a N100-type masks (photo from the Centers for Disease Control)

For example, every underground coal mine is required by law to provide specialized respirators called closed-circuit escape respirators. Theyre for the worst case scenario: escaping a deadly and low-oxygen environment where something has likely gone very wrong.

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Those respirators are not just approved by NIOSH, but regularly audited by the lab to ensure they still work after being stored in harsh underground conditions with heavy dust exposure. The same masks are also required in certain Navy ships.

We have found failures, one employee said about their regular audits.

Personal protective equipment researchers in Morgantown, West Virginia, the other NIOSH office where research on respirators and protective gear is done, were also hit with layoffs.

One Morgantown NIOSH employee who worked with the personal protective equipment team on firefighter safety recommendations was notified on April 1 that they would immediately be placed on administrative leave. That will end with their termination on June 1.

Still, theyre hoping the decision will be reversed, and requested anonymity for fear of being targeted in the event that some employees are brought back.

We were told it was just going to be a consolidation  that the scientists would not be let go, the employee said about the layoffs, which have affected almost everyone at the Morgantown NIOSH campus. But the scientists went in the first round.

Cathy Tinney-Zara, president of the federal employee union that represents the Morgantown NIOSH employees, said almost all work at the division has stopped, with almost everyone put on administrative leave ahead of terminations in June.

You wouldnt believe how confusing its been, Tinney-Zara said. She said leaders at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services have not been communicating with union officials. She cant even provide an exact number of workers who have been told theyre being laid off.

Mostly, she gets updates through the news like everyone else. Most recently, U.S. Rep. Riley Moore, a West Virginia Republican, said some of the layoffs at the Morgantown facility, which does extensive work on coal miner safety, were made in error. But Tinney-Zara hasnt been able to confirm that or find out where he got that information.

Its a real tragedy, Szalajda said about the labs closure and cuts at NIOSH. For people who work in this business, its not just the paycheck. Its a lifestyle. People who have been involved within our division, they work there because of a mission, the attractiveness of doing something that makes a difference in peoples lives.

But Szalajda is hopeful that HHS may still reverse course. He and other employees are waging something of a pressure campaign by reaching out to lawmakers, industry partners and media.

Moreover, he believes that even if the lab, or most of NIOSH, is shut down now, one day it will be replaced. But it may be a hard learning curve for whoevers brought in to get it running. He expects many of the most experienced people on staff now, would not return.

Its just kind of a recipe for disaster, Szalajda said. It may not be something that happens right away, but there will be some sort of incident that will show the void of whats been left from stepping away, and someone will have to own the travesty that comes after that.

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A teacher instructs a group of high school students in Baton Rouge, La. States across the country are worried about losing pandemic aid that in some cases theyve already spent or committed to spending. (Stephen Smith/The Associated Press)

Early this month, the U.S. Department of Education issued an ultimatum to K-12 public schools and state education agencies: Certify that you are not engaging in discrimination under the banner of diversity, equity and inclusion, or risk losing federal funding  including billions in support for low-income students.

The backlash was immediate. Some states with Democratic governors refused to comply, arguing that the directive lacks legal basis, fails to clearly define what constitutes illegal DEI practices, and threatens vital equity-based initiatives in their schools.

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After lawsuits from the National Education Association teachers union and the American Civil Liberties Union, the Department of Education agreed to delay enforcement until after April 24.

But states across the country, both liberal- and conservative-led, are worried about losing other aid: the pandemic-era money that in some cases theyve already spent or committed to spending.

The Department of Education has long played a critical role in distributing federal funds to states for K-12 education, including Title I grants to boost staffing in schools with high percentages of low-income students, and emergency relief like that provided during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Conservative-led states  particularly Mississippi, South Dakota and Arkansas  rely the most heavily on these funds to sustain services in high-need districts.

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The 15 states with the highest percentage of their K-12 budget coming from federal funding in fiscal year 2022  the latest year with data available from the National Center for Education Statistics  voted for Trump in the 2024 presidential election. Similarly, 10 of the 15 states receiving the highest amounts of Title I funding in fiscal year 2024 also voted for Trump.

Mississippi and Kentucky have sent letters to the Department of Education expressing concern over halted pandemic aid.

The clash over federal funding comes even as the future of the Department of Education is murky, given President Donald Trumps pledge to dismantle the department.

DEI-related cuts

In letters to the Department of Education, state officials and superintendents in Illinois, New York and Wisconsin pushed back against the DEI directive.

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New York officials said they would not provide additional certification beyond what the state already has done, asserting that there are no federal or State laws prohibiting the principles of DEI. Illinois Superintendent Tony Sanders wrote that he was concerned that the Department of Education was changing the conditions of federal funding without a formal administrative process. Wisconsin Superintendent Jill Underly questioned the legality of the order.

New York State Department of Education Counsel and Deputy Commissioner Daniel Morton-Bentley noted that the federal departments current stance on DEI starkly contrasts with its position during Trumps first term, when then-Education Secretary Betsy DeVos supported such efforts.

Colorado and California also confirmed they would not comply with the Department of Educations order.

While some states with liberal leaders are gearing up for legal battles and possible revocation of funding, conservative-led states such as Florida have embraced the federal directive as part of a broader push to reshape public education.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

In Florida, anti-DEI laws have been in place dating back to 2023. In fact, many school districts and the state education department say they plan to follow the federal departments directives, noting the similar state laws.

Pandemic aid cancellations

In March, the Department of Education abruptly rescinded previously approved extensions of pandemic-era aid, ending access to funds months ahead of the original March 2026 deadline.

When the Massachusetts governors office voiced concern over that decision, the federal departments reply on social media was blunt: COVID is over.

Sixteen mostly Democratic-led states and the District of Columbia filed a federal lawsuit against the Department of Education and Secretary Linda McMahon, challenging the abrupt rescission of previously approved extensions for spending COVID-19 education relief funds.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

But backlash against abrupt federal cuts to education has not been limited to blue states.

Mississippis Department of Education warned the cuts would jeopardize more than $137 million in already obligated funds, slated for literacy initiatives, mental health services and infrastructure repairs. The impact of this sudden reversal is detrimental to Mississippi students, state Superintendent Lance Evans wrote in a letter to McMahon.

The letter also outlines the states repeated  but unsuccessful  efforts to draw down millions in approved funds since February.

Shanderia Minor, a spokesperson for the Mississippi education department, told Stateline the agency is awaiting next steps and direction about the funds and federal directives.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

In Kentucky, state Education Commissioner Robbie Fletcher told districts  which stand to lose tens of millions in pandemic aid  that abrupt federal changes leave them in a difficult position, with schools already having committed funds to teacher training and facility upgrades.

According to Kentucky Department of Education spokesperson Jennifer Ginn, the state has about $18 million in unspent pandemic aid funds left to distribute to districts. And districts have about $38 million in unspent funds, for a total $56 million that could be lost.

Lauren Farrow, a former Florida public school teacher, told Stateline that schools that receive Title I money are already underfunded  and the federal threat only widens the gap.

Florida is pouring billions into education  but where is it going? Because were not seeing it in schools, especially not in Title I schools, said Farrow. I taught five minutes away from a wealthier school, and we didnt even have pencils. Teachers were buying shoes for students. Why is that still happening?

Effects in the classroom

Tafshier Cosby, senior director of the Center for Organizing and Partnerships at the National Parents Union, a parents advocacy group, told Stateline that while most families dont fully understand the various school funding systems, they feel the impact of cuts in the classroom.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Cosby said parents are worried about the loss of support services for students with disabilities, Title I impacts, and how debates about DEI may deflect from more urgent needs like literacy and teacher support.

Weve been clear: DEI isnt the federal governments role  its up to states, she said. But the confusion is real. And the impact could be devastating.

Today, as a consultant working with teachers across Floridas Orange County Public Schools  one of the largest districts in the country  Farrow says many educators are fearful and confused about how to support their students under changing DEI laws.

Teachers are asking, Does this mean I cant seat a student with glasses at the front of the room anymore? Theres so much fear around what were allowed to do now.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Theres no one giving teachers guidance or even basic acknowledgment. Were just left wondering what were allowed to say or do  and thats dangerous.

Amanda Hernandez contributed to this report. Stateline reporter Robbie Sequeira can be reached at rsequeira@stateline.org.
The Lyndon Baines Johnson Department of Education Building in Washington, D.C., pictured on Nov. 25, 2024. (Photo by Shauneen Miranda/States Newsroom)

Early this month, the U.S. Department of Education issued an ultimatum to K-12 public schools and state education agencies: Certify that you are not engaging in discrimination under the banner of diversity, equity and inclusion, or risk losing federal funding  including billions in support for low-income students.

The backlash was immediate. Some states with Democratic governors refused to comply, arguing that the directive lacks legal basis, fails to clearly define what constitutes illegal DEI practices, and threatens vital equity-based initiatives in their schools.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

After lawsuits from the National Education Association teachers union and the American Civil Liberties Union, the Department of Education agreed to delay enforcement until after April 24.

But states across the country, both liberal- and conservative-led, are worried about losing other aid: the pandemic-era money that in some cases theyve already spent or committed to spending.

The Department of Education has long played a critical role in distributing federal funds to states for K-12 education, including Title I grants to boost staffing in schools with high percentages of low-income students, and emergency relief like that provided during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Conservative-led states  particularly Mississippi, South Dakota and Arkansas  rely the most heavily on these funds to sustain services in high-need districts.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

The 15 states with the highest percentage of their K-12 budget coming from federal funding in fiscal year 2022  the latest year with data available from the National Center for Education Statistics  voted for Trump in the 2024 presidential election. Similarly, 10 of the 15 states receiving the highest amounts of Title I funding in fiscal year 2024 also voted for Trump.

Mississippi and Kentucky have sent letters to the Department of Education expressing concern over halted pandemic aid.

The clash over federal funding comes even as the future of the Department of Education is murky, given President Donald Trumps pledge to dismantle the department.

DEI-related cuts

In letters to the Department of Education, state officials and superintendents in Illinois, New York and Wisconsin pushed back against the DEI directive.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

New York officials said they would not provide additional certification beyond what the state already has done, asserting that there are no federal or State laws prohibiting the principles of DEI. Illinois Superintendent Tony Sanders wrote that he was concerned that the Department of Education was changing the conditions of federal funding without a formal administrative process. Wisconsin Superintendent Jill Underly questioned the legality of the order.

New York State Department of Education Counsel and Deputy Commissioner Daniel Morton-Bentley noted that the federal departments current stance on DEI starkly contrasts with its position during Trumps first term, when then-Education Secretary Betsy DeVos supported such efforts.

Colorado and California also confirmed they would not comply with the Department of Educations order.

While some states with liberal leaders are gearing up for legal battles and possible revocation of funding, conservative-led states such as Florida have embraced the federal directive as part of a broader push to reshape public education.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

In Florida, anti-DEI laws have been in place dating back to 2023. In fact, many school districts and the state education department say they plan to follow the federal departments directives, noting the similar state laws.

Pandemic aid cancellations

In March, the Department of Education abruptly rescinded previously approved extensions of pandemic-era aid, ending access to funds months ahead of the original March 2026 deadline.

When the Massachusetts governors office voiced concern over that decision, the federal departments reply on social media was blunt: COVID is over.

Sixteen mostly Democratic-led states and the District of Columbia filed a federal lawsuit against the Department of Education and Secretary Linda McMahon, challenging the abrupt rescission of previously approved extensions for spending COVID-19 education relief funds.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

But backlash against abrupt federal cuts to education has not been limited to blue states.

Mississippis Department of Education warned the cuts would jeopardize more than $137 million in already obligated funds, slated for literacy initiatives, mental health services and infrastructure repairs. The impact of this sudden reversal is detrimental to Mississippi students, state Superintendent Lance Evans wrote in a letter to McMahon.

The letter also outlines the states repeated  but unsuccessful  efforts to draw down millions in approved funds since February.

Shanderia Minor, a spokesperson for the Mississippi education department, told Stateline the agency is awaiting next steps and direction about the funds and federal directives.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

In Kentucky, state Education Commissioner Robbie Fletcher told districts  which stand to lose tens of millions in pandemic aid  that abrupt federal changes leave them in a difficult position, with schools already having committed funds to teacher training and facility upgrades.

According to Kentucky Department of Education spokesperson Jennifer Ginn, the state has about $18 million in unspent pandemic aid funds left to distribute to districts. And districts have about $38 million in unspent funds, for a total $56 million that could be lost.

Lauren Farrow, a former Florida public school teacher, told Stateline that schools that receive Title I money are already underfunded  and the federal threat only widens the gap.

Florida is pouring billions into education  but where is it going? Because were not seeing it in schools, especially not in Title I schools, said Farrow. I taught five minutes away from a wealthier school, and we didnt even have pencils. Teachers were buying shoes for students. Why is that still happening?

Effects in the classroom

Tafshier Cosby, senior director of the Center for Organizing and Partnerships at the National Parents Union, a parents advocacy group, told Stateline that while most families dont fully understand the various school funding systems, they feel the impact of cuts in the classroom.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Theres so much fear around what were allowed to do now.

 Lauren Farrow, a former Florida public school teacher

Cosby said parents are worried about the loss of support services for students with disabilities, Title I impacts, and how debates about DEI may deflect from more urgent needs like literacy and teacher support.

Weve been clear: DEI isnt the federal governments role  its up to states, she said. But the confusion is real. And the impact could be devastating.

Today, as a consultant working with teachers across Floridas Orange County Public Schools  one of the largest districts in the country  Farrow says many educators are fearful and confused about how to support their students under changing DEI laws.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Teachers are asking, Does this mean I cant seat a student with glasses at the front of the room anymore? Theres so much fear around what were allowed to do now.

Theres no one giving teachers guidance or even basic acknowledgment. Were just left wondering what were allowed to say or do  and thats dangerous.

Amanda Hernandez contributed to this report. Stateline reporter Robbie Sequeira can be reached at rsequeira@stateline.org.

SUPPORT: YOU MAKE OUR WORK POSSIBLE

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A teacher instructs a group of high school students in Baton Rouge, La. States across the country are worried about losing pandemic aid that in some cases theyve already spent or committed to spending. (Stephen Smith/The Associated Press)

Early this month, the U.S. Department of Education issued an ultimatum to K-12 public schools and state education agencies: Certify that you are not engaging in discrimination under the banner of diversity, equity and inclusion, or risk losing federal funding  including billions in support for low-income students.

States with largest share of K-12 budgets funded by federal government

Mississippi 23%

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Advertisement Advertisement

South Dakota 22%

Alaska 21%

Kentucky 20%

Louisiana 20%

North Carolina 20%

 Fiscal year 2022 data, National Center for Education Statistics

The backlash was immediate. Some states with Democratic governors refused to comply, arguing that the directive lacks legal basis, fails to clearly define what constitutes illegal DEI practices, and threatens vital equity-based initiatives in their schools.

After lawsuits from the National Education Association teachers union and the American Civil Liberties Union, the Department of Education agreed to delay enforcement until after April 24.

But states across the country, both liberal- and conservative-led, are worried about losing other aid: the pandemic-era money that in some cases theyve already spent or committed to spending.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

The Department of Education has long played a critical role in distributing federal funds to states for K-12 education, including Title I grants to boost staffing in schools with high percentages of low-income students, and emergency relief like that provided during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Conservative-led states  particularly Mississippi, South Dakota and Arkansas  rely the most heavily on these funds to sustain services in high-need districts.

The 15 states with the highest percentage of their K-12 budget coming from federal funding in fiscal year 2022  the latest year with data available from the National Center for Education Statistics  voted for Trump in the 2024 presidential election. Similarly, 10 of the 15 states receiving the highest amounts of Title I funding in fiscal year 2024 also voted for Trump.

Mississippi and Kentucky have sent letters to the Department of Education expressing concern over halted pandemic aid.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

The clash over federal funding comes even as the future of the Department of Education is murky, given President Donald Trumps pledge to dismantle the department.

DEI-related cuts

In letters to the Department of Education, state officials and superintendents in Illinois, New York and Wisconsin pushed back against the DEI directive.

New York officials said they would not provide additional certification beyond what the state already has done, asserting that there are no federal or State laws prohibiting the principles of DEI. Illinois Superintendent Tony Sanders wrote that he was concerned that the Department of Education was changing the conditions of federal funding without a formal administrative process. Wisconsin Superintendent Jill Underly questioned the legality of the order.

New York State Department of Education Counsel and Deputy Commissioner Daniel Morton-Bentley noted that the federal departments current stance on DEI starkly contrasts with its position during Trumps first term, when then-Education Secretary Betsy DeVos supported such efforts.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Colorado and California also confirmed they would not comply with the Department of Educations order.

While some states with liberal leaders are gearing up for legal battles and possible revocation of funding, conservative-led states such as Florida have embraced the federal directive as part of a broader push to reshape public education.

In Florida, anti-DEI laws have been in place dating back to 2023. In fact, many school districts and the state education department say they plan to follow the federal departments directives, noting the similar state laws.

Pandemic aid cancellations

In March, the Department of Education abruptly rescinded previously approved extensions of pandemic-era aid, ending access to funds months ahead of the original March 2026 deadline.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

When the Massachusetts governors office voiced concern over that decision, the federal departments reply on social media was blunt: COVID is over.

Sixteen mostly Democratic-led states and the District of Columbia filed a federal lawsuit against the Department of Education and Secretary Linda McMahon, challenging the abrupt rescission of previously approved extensions for spending COVID-19 education relief funds.

But backlash against abrupt federal cuts to education has not been limited to blue states.

Mississippis Department of Education warned the cuts would jeopardize more than $137 million in already obligated funds, slated for literacy initiatives, mental health services and infrastructure repairs. The impact of this sudden reversal is detrimental to Mississippi students, state Superintendent Lance Evans wrote in a letter to McMahon.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

The letter also outlines the states repeated  but unsuccessful  efforts to draw down millions in approved funds since February.

Shanderia Minor, a spokesperson for the Mississippi education department, told Stateline the agency is awaiting next steps and direction about the funds and federal directives.

In Kentucky, state Education Commissioner Robbie Fletcher told districts  which stand to lose tens of millions in pandemic aid  that abrupt federal changes leave them in a difficult position, with schools already having committed funds to teacher training and facility upgrades.

According to Kentucky Department of Education spokesperson Jennifer Ginn, the state has about $18 million in unspent pandemic aid funds left to distribute to districts. And districts have about $38 million in unspent funds, for a total $56 million that could be lost.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Lauren Farrow, a former Florida public school teacher, told Stateline that schools that receive Title I money are already underfunded  and the federal threat only widens the gap.

Florida is pouring billions into education  but where is it going? Because were not seeing it in schools, especially not in Title I schools, said Farrow. I taught five minutes away from a wealthier school, and we didnt even have pencils. Teachers were buying shoes for students. Why is that still happening?

Effects in the classroom

Tafshier Cosby, senior director of the Center for Organizing and Partnerships at the National Parents Union, a parents advocacy group, told Stateline that while most families dont fully understand the various school funding systems, they feel the impact of cuts in the classroom.

Cosby said parents are worried about the loss of support services for students with disabilities, Title I impacts, and how debates about DEI may deflect from more urgent needs like literacy and teacher support.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Weve been clear: DEI isnt the federal governments role  its up to states, she said. But the confusion is real. And the impact could be devastating.

Today, as a consultant working with teachers across Floridas Orange County Public Schools  one of the largest districts in the country  Farrow says many educators are fearful and confused about how to support their students under changing DEI laws.

Teachers are asking, Does this mean I cant seat a student with glasses at the front of the room anymore? Theres so much fear around what were allowed to do now.

Theres no one giving teachers guidance or even basic acknowledgment. Were just left wondering what were allowed to say or do  and thats dangerous.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

This story is republished from Stateline, a sister publication to the Kentucky Lantern and part of the nonprofit States Newsroom network.

Amanda Hernandez contributed to this report. Stateline reporter Robbie Sequeira can be reached at rsequeira@stateline.org.

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A teacher instructs a group of high school students in Baton Rouge, La. States across the country are worried about losing pandemic aid that in some cases theyve already spent or committed to spending. (Stephen Smith/The Associated Press)

This story originally appeared on Stateline.



Early this month, the U.S. Department of Education issued an ultimatum to K-12 public schools and state education agencies: Certify that you are not engaging in discrimination under the banner of diversity, equity and inclusion, or risk losing federal funding  including billions in support for low-income students.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

The backlash was immediate. Some states with Democratic governors refused to comply, arguing that the directive lacks legal basis, fails to clearly define what constitutes illegal DEI practices, and threatens vital equity-based initiatives in their schools.

After lawsuits from the National Education Association teachers union and the American Civil Liberties Union, the Department of Education agreed to delay enforcement until after April 24.

SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX

But states across the country, both liberal- and conservative-led, are worried about losing other aid: the pandemic-era money that in some cases theyve already spent or committed to spending.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

The Department of Education has long played a critical role in distributing federal funds to states for K-12 education, including Title I grants to boost staffing in schools with high percentages of low-income students, and emergency relief like that provided during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Conservative-led states  particularly Mississippi, South Dakota and Arkansas  rely the most heavily on these funds to sustain services in high-need districts.

The 15 states with the highest percentage of their K-12 budget coming from federal funding in fiscal year 2022  the latest year with data available from the National Center for Education Statistics  voted for Trump in the 2024 presidential election. Similarly, 10 of the 15 states receiving the highest amounts of Title I funding in fiscal year 2024 also voted for Trump.

Mississippi and Kentucky have sent letters to the Department of Education expressing concern over halted pandemic aid.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

The clash over federal funding comes even as the future of the Department of Education is murky, given President Donald Trumps pledge to dismantle the department.

In letters to the Department of Education, state officials and superintendents in Illinois, New York and Wisconsin pushed back against the DEI directive.

New York officials said they would not provide additional certification beyond what the state already has done, asserting that there are no federal or State laws prohibiting the principles of DEI. Illinois Superintendent Tony Sanders wrote that he was concerned that the Department of Education was changing the conditions of federal funding without a formal administrative process. Wisconsin Superintendent Jill Underly questioned the legality of the order.

New York State Department of Education Counsel and Deputy Commissioner Daniel Morton-Bentley noted that the federal departments current stance on DEI starkly contrasts with its position during Trumps first term, when then-Education Secretary Betsy DeVos supported such efforts.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Colorado and California also confirmed they would not comply with the Department of Educations order.

While some states with liberal leaders are gearing up for legal battles and possible revocation of funding, conservative-led states such as Florida have embraced the federal directive as part of a broader push to reshape public education.

In Florida, anti-DEI laws have been in place dating back to 2023. In fact, many school districts and the state education department say they plan to follow the federal departments directives, noting the similar state laws.

Pandemic aid cancellations

In March, the Department of Education abruptly rescinded previously approved extensions of pandemic-era aid, ending access to funds months ahead of the original March 2026 deadline.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

When the Massachusetts governors office voiced concern over that decision, the federal departments reply on social media was blunt: COVID is over.

Sixteen mostly Democratic-led states and the District of Columbia filed a federal lawsuit against the Department of Education and Secretary Linda McMahon, challenging the abrupt rescission of previously approved extensions for spending COVID-19 education relief funds.

But backlash against abrupt federal cuts to education has not been limited to blue states.

Mississippis Department of Education warned the cuts would jeopardize more than $137 million in already obligated funds, slated for literacy initiatives, mental health services and infrastructure repairs. The impact of this sudden reversal is detrimental to Mississippi students, state Superintendent Lance Evans wrote in a letter to McMahon.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

The letter also outlines the states repeated  but unsuccessful  efforts to draw down millions in approved funds since February.

Shanderia Minor, a spokesperson for the Mississippi education department, told Stateline the agency is awaiting next steps and direction about the funds and federal directives.

In Kentucky, state Education Commissioner Robbie Fletcher told districts  which stand to lose tens of millions in pandemic aid  that abrupt federal changes leave them in a difficult position, with schools already having committed funds to teacher training and facility upgrades.

According to Kentucky Department of Education spokesperson Jennifer Ginn, the state has about $18 million in unspent pandemic aid funds left to distribute to districts. And districts have about $38 million in unspent funds, for a total $56 million that could be lost.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Lauren Farrow, a former Florida public school teacher, told Stateline that schools that receive Title I money are already underfunded  and the federal threat only widens the gap.

Florida is pouring billions into education  but where is it going? Because were not seeing it in schools, especially not in Title I schools, said Farrow. I taught five minutes away from a wealthier school, and we didnt even have pencils. Teachers were buying shoes for students. Why is that still happening?

Effects in the classroom

Tafshier Cosby, senior director of the Center for Organizing and Partnerships at the National Parents Union, a parents advocacy group, told Stateline that while most families dont fully understand the various school funding systems, they feel the impact of cuts in the classroom.

Theres so much fear around what were allowed to do now.

 Lauren Farrow, a former Florida public school teacher

Cosby said parents are worried about the loss of support services for students with disabilities, Title I impacts, and how debates about DEI may deflect from more urgent needs like literacy and teacher support.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Weve been clear: DEI isnt the federal governments role  its up to states, she said. But the confusion is real. And the impact could be devastating.

Today, as a consultant working with teachers across Floridas Orange County Public Schools  one of the largest districts in the country  Farrow says many educators are fearful and confused about how to support their students under changing DEI laws.

Teachers are asking, Does this mean I cant seat a student with glasses at the front of the room anymore? Theres so much fear around what were allowed to do now.

Theres no one giving teachers guidance or even basic acknowledgment. Were just left wondering what were allowed to say or do  and thats dangerous.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Amanda Hernandez contributed to this report. Stateline reporter Robbie Sequeira can be reached at rsequeira@stateline.org.

Stateline is part of States Newsroom, a nonprofit news network supported by grants and a coalition of donors as a 501c(3) public charity. Stateline maintains editorial independence. Contact Editor Scott S. Greenberger for questions: info@stateline.org.

SUPPORT: YOU MAKE OUR WORK POSSIBLE
NEW MEXICO (KRQE)  Veterans Affairs employees across the country have been met with confusion over recent federal funding cuts. Many are now questioning their future with the department. On Wednesday, New Mexico Democratic Senator Martin Heinrich sat down with impacted residents who say they have nowhere to go. Im just trying to make sense of all this, said Sen. Heinrich.

Story continues below

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Senator Martin Heinrich spoke with leaders and workers at the Veterans Integration Center to learn more about how VA employees are navigating recent federal funding cuts by the Department of Government Efficiency.

Unfortunately, I sat down at my computer, and I was locked out with an email saying I was terminated, said a VA employee and veteran, who does not wish to be named.

The VA veteran employee said the email read, The Department of Veteran Affairs has decided to take action against your poor performance, and because youre a probationary employee, its termination immediately effective.

And Brock Wolff, CEO of the New Mexico Veterans Integration Centers, was met with fear after receiving this message.We got notice that our grant was cancelled, and then later that afternoon, it wasnt cancelled. Thats terrifying. Were funded by that, said Wolff.

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Sen. Heinrich expressed concern over VA Secretary Doug Collins throwing out the possibility of letting go of 80,000 employees, questioning if the department would be able to survive the loss.

Cause right now, were afraid to tell our story for repercussions, said the Veteran VA employee.

The irony of someone like yourself who served saying, I dont feel like I can exercise my free speechthats upside down, Sen. Heinrich responded.

The employee said federal cuts are also impacting vital resources. I do get 100 percent of my services at the VA. And Im noticing that my appointments are going out further and further. So instead of two or three weeks, its two or three months, said the Veteran VA employee.

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After being fired via email, then rehired, he made the decision to keep doing the work, saying, I decided to go back just because of the way I feel that I need to still serve my nation.

Senator Heinrichs team read a letter during the discussion sent to Secretary Collins Tuesday night, expressing concerns over unclear communication from the administration. Heinrichs team said this is his sixth attempt to contact the secretary.

The VA sent this statement on Thursday:

VA will run through a deliberative process and find ways to improve care and benefits for Veterans without cutting care and benefits for Veterans. Were not talking about reducing medical stuff or claims processors, were talking about reducing bureacyracy and inefficiences that are getting inthe way of customer convenience and service to veterans. Meanwhile, all VA mission-critical positions are exempt from cuts, and hiring continues formore than 300,000 essential positions. Pete Kasperowicz, VA Press Secretary

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
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BEIJING, April 17 (Xinhua) -- China is ready to work with the European Union (EU) to strengthen dialogue and communication, expand mutual opening-up, deepen practical cooperation, and jointly safeguard the rules-based multilateral trading system with the World Trade Organization (WTO) at its core, a Chinese Ministry of Commerce spokesperson said on Thursday.

Spokesperson He Yongqian noted that the year 2025 marks the 50th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and the EU, and both sides are advocates of economic globalization and trade liberalization, and firm defenders and supporters of the WTO.

He added that China is willing to work with the EU to maintain the stability of global industrial and supply chains, and inject more certainty and positive energy into the world economy through the independence and stability of China-EU economic and trade relations.

The spokesperson made the remarks when responding to a question at a regular press conference. 
In an opinion issued on Wednesday, a federal judge found that the evidence "strongly support[s]" the conclusion that the Trump administration "willfully disobeyed" a March 15 order temporarily barring the removal of suspected Venezuelan gang members as "alien enemies." James Boasberg, chief judge of the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia, says the government's actions "demonstrate a willful disregard" for that order, "sufficient for the Court to conclude that probable cause exists to find the Government in criminal contempt."

Boasberg's temporary restraining order (TRO) in J.G.G. v. Trump initially applied to five named plaintiffs threatened with immediate deportation under the Alien Enemies Act (AEA). Later that day, he expanded the TRO to cover anyone subject to removal under President Donald Trump's March 15 proclamation invoking the AEA against members of the Venezuealan gang Tren de Aragua. Although the Supreme Court subsequently vacated the TRO, Boasberg says, that does not affect his contempt inquiry because "it is a foundational legal precept that every judicial order 'must be obeyed'no matter how 'erroneous' it 'may be'until a court reverses it."

The Supreme Court concluded that the plaintiffs should have filed habeas corpus petitions in Texas, where they were detained, rather than seeking relief under the Administrative Procedure Act in the District of Columbia. But the Court's "later determination that the TRO suffered from a legal defect," Boasberg says, "does not excuse the Government's violation."

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As Boasberg sees it, that violation reflects the government's determination to avoid judicial review. In early March, weeks before Trump issued his proclamation, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) "interrogated Venezuelans in its custody about alleged membership in Tren de Aragua and transferred many of those it deemed gang members to El Valle Detention Facility, located outside Harlingen, Texas, not far from the Mexico border," Boasberg notes. The reason for those transfers became clear early in the morning on March 15, a Saturday, when DHS "reportedly loaded scores of Venezuelans onto buses, drove them to a nearby airport, and began putting them onto three planes."

This happened hours before Trump published his proclamation, which implausibly averred that Tren de Aragua qualifies as a "foreign nation or government" and that its criminal activities within the United States amount to an "invasion or predatory incursion." In Trump's view, that counterintutive interpretation of the AEA gave him broad discretion to peremptorily deport any suspected member of the gang.

"As the planes sat on the tarmac, officials refused to answer the deportees' questions about where they would be taken," Boasberg writes. The detainees on those planes included the five named plaintiffs in J.G.G. v. Trump, whose attorneys filed suit at 1:12 a.m., apparently after "catching wind of the impending Proclamation." They sought a TRO blocking their clients' removal, arguing that Trump was misconstruing key terms in the AEA and that the plaintiffs had been erroneously identified as Tren de Aragua members.

Around 8 a.m., Boasberg learned that he had been randomly assigned to the case. At 9:40 a.m., after the plaintiffs' lawyers told him at least one of their clients "was reportedly already aboard a removal flight," Boasberg issued a TRO in light of the "exigent circumstances" to "freeze in place the status quo until a hearing could be held." The government's lawyers confirmed that the TRO "ha[d] been disseminated to the relevant executive branch agencies." As a result, several of the named plaintiffs "were abruptly removed from planes," which Boasberg views as "evidence that Defendants were able, if they wished, to ensure that people on the ground knew relatively quickly of developments in the Court proceedings."

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The government's respect for the legal process seems to have ended there. At 10:15 a.m., Boasberg informed counsel for both sides that he would hold an emergency hearing that day to consider whether the TRO should be extended to other detainees, which he scheduled for 5 p.m. Shortly after Trump's proclamation appeared on the White House website at 3:53 p.m., one of the plaintiffs' lawyers told Boasberg "he believed that two flights, both operated by a contractor used by Immigrations and Customs Enforcement for deportations, were scheduled to depart Harlingen that afternoon." The lawyer "expressed concern that the flights might imminently take off with his five clients and members of the potential class on board."

During the hearing, Boasberg asked the government's lawyer, Drew Ensign, "whether there were any "removals under this Proclamation plannedin the next 24 or 48 hours." Ensign said he did not know, but "we can certainly investigate that and report that back to you." Boasberg adjourned the hearing at 5:22 p.m. so Ensign could do that, saying he would reconvene at 6 p.m.

Meanwhile, the DHS was proceeding with the deportations. "During the short window that the Court was adjourned," Boasberg notes, "two removal flights took off from Harlingenone around 5:25 p.m. and the other at about 5:45 p.m." But "those later-discovered flight movementswere obscured from the Court when the hearing resumed shortly after 6:00 p.m. because the Government surprisingly represented that it still had no flight details to share." When pressed, Ensign "stated that the 'operational details' he had learned during the recess 'raised potential national security issues,' so they could not be shared while the public and press listened to the hearing through a call-in line." Yet even after the court "disconnected the public line so that only counsel for the parties were present," Ensign said "he had no information to share at that time."

After gradually realizing that the government "might be rapidly dispatching removal flights in an apparent effort to evade judicial review while also refusing to provide any

helpful information," Boasberg considered the arguments for and against issuing a broader TRO. He ultimately "ordered that for 14 days the Government was enjoined from conducting the 'removal' of any noncitizens in its custody solely on the basis of the Proclamation." Around 6:45 p.m., he explained what that meant.

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"You shall inform your clients of this immediately," Boasberg told Ensign. "Any

plane containing these folks that is going to take off or is in the air needs to be returned to the United States.Those people need to be returned to the United States. However that's accomplished, whether turning around a plane or not [dis]embarking anyone on the plane or those people covered by this on the plane, I leave to you. But this is something that you need to make sure is complied with immediately." Half an hour after the hearing, Boasberg entered a written version of his order that he said reflected his oral instructions.

"Despite the Court's written Order and the oral command spelling out what was required for compliance, the Government did not stop the ongoing removal process," Boasberg writes. "According to Defendants, the two planes that took off during the adjournment departed U.S. airspace before the Court's 6:45 p.m. oral command and 'landed abroad' sometime after the Court posted the Minute Order at 7:25 p.m." Those planes, which carried "members of the Plaintiff class covered by the TRO," "apparently touched down in Honduras at 7:37 p.m. and 8:10 p.m., and remained there for several hours before taking off again for El Salvador. After the planes landed in El Salvador shortly after midnight on Sunday, most of the passengers were apparently transferred into one of that country's prisons, known as the Center for Terrorism Confinement (CECOT)."

Boasberg here is relying on a timeline compiled by The Washington Post because the government has persistently refused to answer his questions about those flights, saying they implicated sensitive diplomatic and national security concerns. He thinks that excuse is implausible, especially since the president himself "had retweeted a three-minute video that portrayed a host of operational details" about the flights.

By "mid-Sunday morning," in any event, "the picture of what had happened the previous night came into clearer focus. It appeared that the Government had transferred members of the Plaintiff class into El Salvador's custody hours after this Court's injunction prohibited their deportation under the Proclamation. Worse, boasts by Defendants intimated that they had defied the Court's Order deliberately and gleefully." Secretary of State Marco Rubio, for example, shared "a post in which, above a news headline noting this Court's Order to return the flights to the United States, the President of El Salvador wrote: 'OopsieToo late,'" followed by a laughing emoji.

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Boasberg's broadened TRO was indeed "too late," the Trump administration argued, because the planes had left U.S. airspace before he issued the oral or written versions. Boasberg prohibited "removing" the detainees, the government's lawyers said, and that had already happened. But Boasberg rejects that understanding of removal, noting that it is inconsistent with the context of his order and his explicit instruction that detainees must be "returned to the United States," which might mean "turning around a plane" or refraining from dropping them off at the final destination.

It should have been clear to the government, Boasberg says, that "removing" the detainess meant transferring them to foreign custody, not merely transporting them beyond U.S. borders. If there was any doubt of that, he adds, the government could have sought clarification, which it never did.

Boasberg concludes that his order was "sufficiently clear, reasonably specific, and unequivocal." He also thinks the evidence indicates that the government willfully violated that order.

"From the opening hours of Saturday, the Government's conduct betrayed a desire to

outrun the equitable reach of the Judiciary," Boasberg writes. "Hustling class members to an airport before the Proclamation had even been published and in the face of a suit that sought a TRO was bad enough. The decision to launch planes during the afternoon hearing was even worse. The Government knew as of that morning that the Court would hold a hearing on whether anyone in its custody could, consistent with the law, be removed pursuant to the Actand yet it nonetheless rushed to load people onto

planes and get them airborne. Such conduct suggests an attempt to evade an injunction and deny those aboard the planes the chance to avail themselves of the judicial review that the Government itself later told the Supreme Court is 'obviously' available to them."

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What happens next? Boasberg suggests that the government can "purge its contempt" by "voluntarily obeying the court order," which would avoid the need for criminal sanctions. "The most obvious way for Defendants to do so here is by asserting custody of the individuals who were removed in violation of the Court's classwide TRO so that they might avail themselves of their right to challenge their removability through a habeas proceeding"a right that the Supreme Court affirmed even as it vacated Boasberg's TRO.

Under the terms of the TRO, "the Government would not need to release any of those individuals, nor would it need to transport them back to the homeland," Boasberg writes. "The Court will also give Defendants an opportunity to propose other methods of coming into compliance, which the Court will evaluate."

Otherwise, Boasberg says, he will "proceed to identify the individual(s) responsible for the contumacious conduct by determining whose 'specific act or omission' caused the noncompliance." That inquiry would begin with "declarations," which might be supplemented by "hearings with live witness testimony under oath" or "depositions conducted by Plaintiffs." The next step "would be for the Court, pursuant to the Federal Rules of Criminal Procedure, to 'request that the contempt be prosecuted by an attorney for the government.'" If the government "'declines' or 'the interest of justice requires,' the Court will 'appoint another attorney to prosecute the contempt.'"

Since it is hard to imagine the Trump administration cooperating with any of this, the case could provide an illuminating test of what happens when the executive branch openly defies a court order. Those of us who still think the rule of law matters may not like the results.

The post Federal Judge in Deportation Case Finds Probable Cause To Hold the Trump Administration in Contempt appeared first on Reason.com.
WELLSVILLE, Ohio (WKBN)  A man with a history of run-ins with police was ordered held in jail until his federal trial.

Steven Wright was indicted earlier this month on a charge of transmitting a threatening interstate communication.

Judge Reuben J. Sheperd indicated in his ruling that Wright should be held because the offense charged is a crime of violence; the weight of evidence against him is strong; he would be subject to a lengthy period of incarceration if convicted; lack of a stable residence; and that his release would pose serious danger to any person or the community.

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According to the federal indictment, Wright made a threat through a communication device on Feb. 18, saying he was going to get into a shootout with police.

The government asked for a competency evaluation on Wright on April 9, but the judge didnt think the evaluation was appropriate at that time. An evaluation may be conducted at a later date.

Wright is currently being held by U.S. Marshals.

Wright filed a civil rights lawsuit against the Wellsville Police Department last year after he was arrested in connection with another incident. The officers interaction with Wright began when he was holding a sign on Main Street that said F*** the police, where children and others could read it. Officers approached Wright and tried to get him to stop, but Wright did not talk to police and recorded them on his phone before he went inside a house, only to come back out and continue holding the sign, according to a police report.

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The case was settled and dismissed.

Wright currently has a criminal case pending in Columbiana County Court from March 2025 on charges of improperly handling firearms in a motor vehicle and obstructing official business.

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SHREVEPORT, La. (KTAL/KMSS)  Two men have been found guilty on drug trafficking charges.

Jaworski Batton, 41, and Cody Gibson, 40, both from Heflin, Louisiana, were found guilty by a federal jury in Shreveport. U.S. Attorney Alexander Van Hooks Office reported that the two men conspired with their co-defendant, Demetric Carey, to distribute methamphetamine.

23 indicted in alleged drug trafficking organization in Claiborne Parish

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The defendants were suspected of drug trafficking in the Webster Parish area, which led to an investigation by the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA). Agents obtained a court order to monitor Careys cell phone and gather information on his communication with Batton. Upon their investigation, they were able to surveil Batton at a retail store in Bossier City while he was headed to pick up suspected narcotics. Following this exchange, state police conducted a traffic stop of Battons vehicle and discovered marijuana and methamphetamine.

According to Hooks office, other intercepted communications occurred for several months, where Carey sold one of the suspects enough methamphetamine to be distributed.

Batton and Gibson face a sentence of no less than five years or more than 40 years in prison. They could also be fined up to $5,000,000. Their sentencing has been scheduled for July 15, 2025.

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DAYTON, Ohio (WDTN)  A Warren County man was arrested by federal agents Thursday after federal presences in Butler and Warren counties.

Federal authorities were in Liberty Township, Mason and Oxford conducting federal court-authorized law enforcement activity, according to an FBI spokesperson.

The spokesperson confirmed 20-year-old James River Phillips of Mason, was taken into custody by the FBIs Joint Terrorism Task Force in relation to the federal presence.

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Sentencing hearing begins for Troy doctor found with unregistered explosives

Elena Iatarola, special agent in charge for FBI Cincinnati, said the 20-year-old is accused of having a dangerous destructive device.

The FBI and our partners worked together to ensure his actions were stopped before there was any risk to public safety, said Iatarola.

The FBI alleges an improvised explosive device was found in September 2024 at an outdoor sports complex in Lebanon by a patrol officer. Citing charging documents, the FBI claims Phillips is believed to have possessed the item.

According to the FBI, its JTTF is said to have connected the man to other incidents where he allegedly possessed and detonated potential explosives.

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The battle between the Trump Administration and the countrys oldest higher learning institution continues to escalate.

On Wednesday, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) threatened to revoke Harvard Universitys ability to enroll foreign students if the school doesnt comply with their demands.

Secretary Kristi Noem sent a letter to Harvard demanding detailed records of foreign student visa holders illegal and violent activities to be turned over by April 30.

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Should the school refuse, Noem says Harvard will lose their Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP) certification and will lose the privilege of enrolling foreign students.

Harvard bending the knee to antisemitism  driven by its spineless leadership  fuels a cesspool of extremist riots and threatens our national security, said Secretary Noem. With anti-American, pro-Hamas ideology poisoning its campus and classrooms, Harvards position as a top institution of higher learning is a distant memory.

According to the DHS website, the SEVP ensures that government agencies have essential data related to nonimmigrant students and exchange visitors to preserve national security.

Noem also canceled two DHS grants to Harvard totaling more than $2.7 million, saying in part the school is unfit to be entrusted with taxpayer money.

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The grants included $800,303 for the Implementation Science for Targeted Violence Prevention grant, which Noem claims ran a shockingly skewed study that branded conservatives as far-right dissidents.

The other canceled grant was for $1,934,902, which Noem says fueled Harvards public health propaganda.

In a statement, Harvard University said they will not relinquish their constitutional rights or surrender their independence to federal oversight.

Harvard values the rule of law and expects all members of our community to comply with University policies and applicable legal standards, the statement read. If federal action is taken against a member of our community, we expect it will be based on clear evidence, follow established legal procedures, and respect the constitutional rights afforded to all individuals...We will continue to comply with the law and expect the Administration to do the same.

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The threat and cancellations come after reports that Harvards tax-exempt status could be in jeopardy.

With a $53.2 billion endowment, Harvard can fund its own chaosDHS wont, Noem said.

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SILVER SPRING, Md. (DC News Now)  Maryland licenses and IDs may soon feature butterflies for those with hidden disabilities.

This comes after a Silver Spring man with autism and his mother successfully pushed the General Assembly to pass Erics ID Law.

The law will allow people to voluntarily opt in to feature a butterfly symbol on their identification in order to communicate that they have a hidden disability.

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Stretch Your Dollar: Avocado prices fluctuate in this weeks Grocery Price Check

The butterfly represents hope, peace, freedom and change, said Eric Carpenter-Grantham, a man with autism who helped create the bill. Inside the wings is the colors that represent all hidden disabilities.

The butterfly is a symbol that Carpenter-Grantham hopes will help those with autism, mental health issues and developmental disabilities.

Some people do not know that people with autism dont like looking at you, he explained. [People have] sensory issues  they do not like to be touched  and they dont like loud noises.

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Carpenter-Grantham said these things can be misinterpreted by others  especially in high-stress situations, like interactions with law enforcement.

When Mr. George Floyd was killed in 2020, I realize then  I have an African American son whom I am very afraid for being stopped by law enforcement, said Linda Carpenter-Grantham, Erics mother.

She instructed her son about what to do and not to do when interacting with police.

I told him, put your hands up, dont reach for your phone  that could become very dangerous. Yell out I have Autism,' she said.

She said that her son started to cry and said he was worried about his friends who have autism being shot by police.

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Thats when Eric Carpenter-Grantham came up with an idea to help others like him.

Linda Carpenter-Grantham recalled her son saying they should put something on IDs and drivers licenses so that police know who might have autism.

I said, Thats a great idea,' she said.

I wont stop trying: Senator travels to El Salvador to secure return of wrongly deported man

For two years, they fought for Erics ID Law.

It finally passed the Maryland General Assembly last month.

I feel like its going to change the world, said Eric. I feel like its going to help law enforcement, help first responders. Its going to help a lot of people.

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Montgomery County Police said it welcomes all opportunities that may help officers better interact with members of the community.

Meanwhile, the bill is awaiting Gov. Wes Moores signature and the mother-son duo are working to pass Erics ID Law across the country.

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PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN)  A fentanyl dealer was sentenced to more than two years in prison on Wednesday after his involvement in a mans overdose death at a Tigard motel last year.

Last week, Timothy Ryan Donovan pleaded guilty to criminally negligent homicide in connection with the death of Ryan Hackett.

Bill protects locals who alert others of rights

On September 12, 2024, Tigard police discovered Hackett in a room on the ground floor of a motel in the 11400 block of Southwest Pacific Highway (99W). He was taken to a hospital where he later died, authorities said. Donovan was arrested and initially faced a manslaughter indictment.

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Investigators determined the victim checked into the room the prior day. He was recovering from a separate drug overdose at the time. They reviewed surveillance footage and found that the defendant entered the room with the victim the morning of his death and left the room approximately 15 minutes later, the Washington County District Attorneys Office said in a press release.

Donovan admitted to police that he gave Hackett fentanyl, prosecutors said.

According to court documents, Donovan tried to warn Hackett that the fentanyl was very strong stuff. However, Hackett took the drugs and then quickly went unconscious.

Donovan told investigators that he administered one dose of Narcan to the victim, gathered his drugs and paraphernalia, and left the motel. He failed to contact 911 and made a brief comment to a friend about the overdose before he left the scene, the DAs office said.

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Cyberattack disrupts DEQs email inbox. What to know

Washington County authorities said this case is an opportunity to remind the public that an Oregon law (ORS 475.898) states that those seeking medical treatment for themselves or others experiencing an overdose will not be subject to criminal prosecution.

Donovan was sentenced to 29 months in prison for criminally negligent homicide. He will be transferred to the Oregon Department of Corrections to carry out his sentence.

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What Were Tracking

A few overnight storms

Very warm again on Thursday

Cooling down Friday

Its been a smoky afternoon with a hazy sky across the area. As we head into tonight, temperatures will dip into the lower 60s. A few isolated storms are possible overnight, with a greater chance for storms after midnight. Some of these could turn strong, bringing gusty winds and hail. Storms may linger into Thursday morning before moving out.

Thursday brings another taste of summer. A wedge of warm air will push temperatures into the lower 90s across much of Northeast Kansas by the afternoon. South winds will gust up to 30 mph, and the combination of warm temperatures, dry air, and strong winds will lead to very high fire danger once again. Outdoor burning is strongly discouraged.

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Followed behind a near hot Thursday, temperatures will make a dip for Friday, only warming to the upper 70s.

An early look into Easter weekend does show a chance for some rain that well have to watch for for those easter egg hunts. Temperatures should be seasonable into the holiday weekend. Right now, the best chance of rain is looking to fall on Easter Sunday and could be a rather widespread rain throughout the day.

KSNT Storm Track Ashton Rizzo

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An exhibitor displays products for buyers at the exhibition area of new energy resources during the 137th edition of the China Import and Export Fair in Guangzhou, south China's Guangdong Province, April 16, 2025. The 137th edition of the China Import and Export Fair, also known as the Canton Fair, kicked off on Tuesday, with the number of export exhibitors exceeding 30,000 for the first time in the history of this famous event.

Products reflecting concept of green innovation, including intelligent energy-saving devices and eco-friendly technology products, have garnered favor of foreign merchants during the fair. (Xinhua/Xiao Ennan)

Buyers learn about an intelligent refrigerator during the 137th edition of the China Import and Export Fair in Guangzhou, south China's Guangdong Province, April 16, 2025. The 137th edition of the China Import and Export Fair, also known as the Canton Fair, kicked off on Tuesday, with the number of export exhibitors exceeding 30,000 for the first time in the history of this famous event.

Products reflecting concept of green innovation, including intelligent energy-saving devices and eco-friendly technology products, have garnered favor of foreign merchants during the fair. (Xinhua/Lu Hanxin)

A buyer learns about an intelligent refrigerator during the 137th edition of the China Import and Export Fair in Guangzhou, south China's Guangdong Province, April 16, 2025. The 137th edition of the China Import and Export Fair, also known as the Canton Fair, kicked off on Tuesday, with the number of export exhibitors exceeding 30,000 for the first time in the history of this famous event.

Products reflecting concept of green innovation, including intelligent energy-saving devices and eco-friendly technology products, have garnered favor of foreign merchants during the fair. (Xinhua/Lu Hanxin)

Foreign buyers learn about products at the exhibition area of new energy resources during the 137th edition of the China Import and Export Fair in Guangzhou, south China's Guangdong Province, April 16, 2025. The 137th edition of the China Import and Export Fair, also known as the Canton Fair, kicked off on Tuesday, with the number of export exhibitors exceeding 30,000 for the first time in the history of this famous event.

Products reflecting concept of green innovation, including intelligent energy-saving devices and eco-friendly technology products, have garnered favor of foreign merchants during the fair. (Xinhua/Xiao Ennan)

Foreign buyers learn about products at the exhibition area of new energy resources during the 137th edition of the China Import and Export Fair in Guangzhou, south China's Guangdong Province, April 16, 2025. The 137th edition of the China Import and Export Fair, also known as the Canton Fair, kicked off on Tuesday, with the number of export exhibitors exceeding 30,000 for the first time in the history of this famous event.

Products reflecting concept of green innovation, including intelligent energy-saving devices and eco-friendly technology products, have garnered favor of foreign merchants during the fair. (Xinhua/Xiao Ennan)

Staff member of cookware company Supor promotes rice cooker via livestream during the 137th edition of the China Import and Export Fair in Guangzhou, south China's Guangdong Province, April 16, 2025. The 137th edition of the China Import and Export Fair, also known as the Canton Fair, kicked off on Tuesday, with the number of export exhibitors exceeding 30,000 for the first time in the history of this famous event.

Products reflecting concept of green innovation, including intelligent energy-saving devices and eco-friendly technology products, have garnered favor of foreign merchants during the fair. (Xinhua/Deng Hua)

Buyers learn about a floor cleaning robot during the 137th edition of the China Import and Export Fair in Guangzhou, south China's Guangdong Province, April 16, 2025. The 137th edition of the China Import and Export Fair, also known as the Canton Fair, kicked off on Tuesday, with the number of export exhibitors exceeding 30,000 for the first time in the history of this famous event.

Products reflecting concept of green innovation, including intelligent energy-saving devices and eco-friendly technology products, have garnered favor of foreign merchants during the fair. (Xinhua/Lu Hanxin)

The booth of China's Midea Group is pictured at the exhibition zone of smart life products during the 137th edition of the China Import and Export Fair in Guangzhou, south China's Guangdong Province, April 15, 2025. The 137th edition of the China Import and Export Fair, also known as the Canton Fair, kicked off on Tuesday, with the number of export exhibitors exceeding 30,000 for the first time in the history of this famous event.

Products reflecting concept of green innovation, including intelligent energy-saving devices and eco-friendly technology products, have garnered favor of foreign merchants during the fair. (Xinhua/Deng Hua)

The booth of China's Skyworth Group is pictured at the exhibition zone of smart life products during the 137th edition of the China Import and Export Fair in Guangzhou, south China's Guangdong Province, April 15, 2025. The 137th edition of the China Import and Export Fair, also known as the Canton Fair, kicked off on Tuesday, with the number of export exhibitors exceeding 30,000 for the first time in the history of this famous event.

Products reflecting concept of green innovation, including intelligent energy-saving devices and eco-friendly technology products, have garnered favor of foreign merchants during the fair. (Xinhua/Deng Hua)

Visitors view a large-size TV at the exhibition zone of smart life products during the 137th edition of the China Import and Export Fair in Guangzhou, south China's Guangdong Province, April 16, 2025. The 137th edition of the China Import and Export Fair, also known as the Canton Fair, kicked off on Tuesday, with the number of export exhibitors exceeding 30,000 for the first time in the history of this famous event.

Products reflecting concept of green innovation, including intelligent energy-saving devices and eco-friendly technology products, have garnered favor of foreign merchants during the fair. (Xinhua/Deng Hua)

Foreign buyers inspect products of China's Galanz Group at the exhibition zone of smart life products during the 137th edition of the China Import and Export Fair in Guangzhou, south China's Guangdong Province, April 15, 2025. The 137th edition of the China Import and Export Fair, also known as the Canton Fair, kicked off on Tuesday, with the number of export exhibitors exceeding 30,000 for the first time in the history of this famous event.

Products reflecting concept of green innovation, including intelligent energy-saving devices and eco-friendly technology products, have garnered favor of foreign merchants during the fair. (Xinhua/Deng Hua)

Foreign buyers try a dust collector during the 137th edition of the China Import and Export Fair in Guangzhou, south China's Guangdong Province, April 16, 2025. The 137th edition of the China Import and Export Fair, also known as the Canton Fair, kicked off on Tuesday, with the number of export exhibitors exceeding 30,000 for the first time in the history of this famous event.

Products reflecting concept of green innovation, including intelligent energy-saving devices and eco-friendly technology products, have garnered favor of foreign merchants during the fair. (Xinhua/Lu Hanxin)
Fifty years after the fall of Phnom Penh to the Khmer Rouge rebel army, the events of April 17, 1975 continue to cast a long shadow over Cambodia and its political system.

Emerging from the bloodshed and chaos of the spreading war in neighbouring Vietnam, Pol Pots radical peasant movement rose up and defeated the United States-backed regime of General Lon Nol.

The war culminated five decades ago on Thursday, with Pol Pots forces sweeping into Cambodias capital and ordering the citys more than two million people into the countryside with little more than the belongings they could carry.

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With Cambodias urban centres abandoned, the Khmer Rouge embarked on rebuilding the country from Year Zero, transforming it into an agrarian, classless society.

In less than four years under Pol Pots rule, between 1.5 and three million people were dead. They would also almost wipe out Cambodias rich cultural history and religion.

Many Cambodians were brutally killed in the Khmer Rouges killing fields, but far more died of starvation, disease and exhaustion labouring on collective farms to build the Communist regimes rural utopia.





In late December 1978, Vietnam invaded alongside Cambodian defectors, toppling the Khmer Rouge from power on January 7, 1979. It is from this point onwards that popular knowledge of Cambodias contemporary tragic history typically ends, picking up in the mid-2000s with the start of the United Nations-backed war crimes tribunal in Phnom Penh, where former regime leaders were put on trial.

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For many Cambodians, however, rather than being relegated to history books, the 1975 fall of Phnom Penh and the toppling of the Khmer Rouge in 1979 remain alive and well, embedded in the Cambodian political system.

That tumultuous Khmer Rouge period is still used to justify the long-running rule of the Cambodian Peoples Party (CPP) under varying forms since 1979, and the personal rule of CPP leader Hun Sen and his family since 1985, according to analysts. It was the now ageing senior leadership of the CPP who joined with Vietnamese forces to oust Pol Pot in 1979.

While memories of those times are fading, the CPPs grip on power is as firm as ever in the decades since the late 1970s.





The making of a political system

The ruling CPP see themselves as the saviour and the guardian of the country, said Aun Chhengpor, a policy researcher at the Future Forum think tank in Phnom Penh.

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It explains the making of a political system as it is today, he said, noting that the CPP has long done what it required to ensure that they are still there at the helm  at any cost.

Most Cambodians have now accepted a system where peace and stability matter above all else.

There seems to be an unwritten social contract between the ruling establishment and the population that, as long as the CPP provides relative peace and a stable economy, the population will leave governance and politics to the CPP, Aun Chhengpor said.

The bigger picture is how the CPP perceives itself and its historic role in modern Cambodia. Its not that different from how the palace-military establishment in Thailand or the Communist Party in Vietnam see their roles in their respective countries, he said.

A Cambodian student looks at a poster of former Khmer Rouge leaders during an educational outreach programme [File: Tang Chhin Sothy/AFP]

The CPP headed a Vietnamese-backed regime for a decade, from 1979 to 1989, bringing relative order back to Cambodia after the Khmer Rouge, even as fighting persisted in many parts of the country as Pol Pots fighters tried to reassert control.

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With support dwindling from the Soviet Union in the last days of the Cold War and an economically and militarily exhausted Vietnam withdrawing from Cambodia, Hun Sen, by then the leader of the country, agreed to hold elections as part of a settlement to end his countrys civil war. From 1991 to 1993, Cambodia was administered by the UN Transitional Authority in Cambodia (UNTAC).

The Cambodian monarchy was formally re-established, and elections were held for the first time in decades in 1993. The last Khmer Rouge soldiers surrendered in 1999, symbolically closing a chapter on one of the 20th centurys bloodiest conflicts.

Despite a bumpy road forward, there were initial hopes for Cambodian democracy.

The royalist National United Front for an Independent, Neutral, Peaceful and Cooperative Cambodia Party  better known by its acronym FUNCINPEC  won the UN-administered elections in 1993. Faced with defeat, the CPP refused to cede power.





The late King Norodom Sihanouk stepped in to broker an agreement between both sides that preserved the hard-won peace and made the election a relative success. The international community breathed a sigh of relief as the UNTAC mission in Cambodia had been the largest and costliest at that time for the world body, and UN member states were desperate to declare their investment in nation rebuilding a success.

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Ruling jointly under a power-sharing agreement with CPP and FUNCINPEC co-prime ministers, the unsteady alliance of former enemies held for four years until ending in a swift and bloody coup by Hun Sen in 1997.

Mu Sochua, an exiled opposition leader who now heads the nonprofit Khmer Movement for Democracy, told Al Jazeera that the CPPs resistance to a democratic transfer of power in 1993 continues to reverberate throughout Cambodia today.

The failure of the transfer of power in 1993 and the deal the King made at the time  was a bad deal. And the UN went along because the UN wanted to close shop, she told Al Jazeera from the US, where she lives in exile after being forced to flee the CPPs intensifying authoritarianism at home.

The transitional period, the transfer of power  which was the will of the people, never happened, Mu Sochua said.

End of warfare does not mean the beginning of peace

Following the coup in 1997, the CPP did not come close to losing power again until 2013, when they were challenged by the widely popular Cambodian National Rescue Party (CNRP).

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By the time of the next general election in 2018, the CNRP was banned from politics by the countrys less-than-independent courts, and many of the opposition leaders were forced to flee the country or ended up in prison on politically motivated charges.

Unhindered by a viable political challenger, Hun Sens CPP went on to win all seats in the 2018 national election, and all but five of the 125 parliamentary seats contested during the last general election in 2023.

Cambodias former longtime prime minister and now Senate president, Hun Sen, centre, and his prime minister son, Hun Manet, right, release doves during a ceremony in Phnom Penh on January 7, 2025 to mark 46 years since the Khmer Rouge were toppled from power [Tang Chhin Sothy/AFP]

The CPP has also firmly aligned with China, and the countrys once vibrant free press has been shut down, and civil society organisations cowed into silence.

After notching up 38 years in power, Hun Sen stepped aside as prime minister in 2023 to make way for his son Hun Manet  a sign that the CPP-led political machine has eyes on dynastic, multi-generational rule.

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But new challenges have emerged in Cambodias post-war decades of relative prosperity, huge inequality and de facto one-party rule.

Cambodias booming microcredit industry was intended to help lift Cambodians out of poverty, but the industry has instead burdened families with high levels of personal debt. One estimate put the figure at more than $16bn in a country with a population of just 17.4 million and a gross domestic product (GDP) of $42bn in 2023, according to World Bank estimates.

Aun Chhengpor told Al Jazeera there are signs the government is taking note of these emerging issues and demographic changes.

Hun Manets cabinet is shifting towards performance-based legitimacy because they lack the political capital once bestowed by the public on those who liberated the country from the Khmer Rouge.

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The proportion of the population that remembers the Khmer Rouge, or that has usable memories of that period, is shrinking year by year, said Sebastian Strangio, author of Hun Sens Cambodia.

I dont think [the CPP s legacy] is sufficient for the majority of the population born since the end of the Cold War, Strangio told Al Jazeera.





Now, there even appears to be room for a limited amount of popular opposition, analyst Aun Chhengpor said.

In January, Cambodian farmers blockaded a main highway to protest against the low prices of their goods, suggesting there may be some space in the political system for localized dissent on community-based issues, he said.

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[It] will be an uphill struggle for the fractured political opposition to thrive  not to mention to organise among themselves and, let alone, have the hope of winning a general election, Aun Chhengpor said.

However, there are indications that the CPP still somehow believes in the multiparty system and limited democracy in the way that they can have a say on when and how much democracy, he added.

Speaking in exile from the US, Mu Sochua had a dimmer view of Cambodias situation.

The same month as the farmer protests in Cambodia, a former Cambodian opposition member of parliament was shot dead in broad daylight on a street in Thailands capital, Bangkok.

The brazen assassination of Lim Kimya, 74, a dual Cambodian-French citizen, recalled memories of the chaotic political violence of the 1990s and early 2000s in Cambodia.

Peace and stability, Mu Sochua said, exist only on the surface in Cambodia, where still waters run deep.

If politics and the space for people to engage in politics is non-existent, what dominates then is not peace, she said.

Its still the feeling of war, of insecurity, of the lack of freedom, she told Al Jazeera.

After the war, 50 years later, at least there is no bloodshed, but that alone does not mean there is peace.




In 2024, the Illinois State Police (ISP) Trafficking Enforcement Bureau conducted seven human trafficking demand suppression operations across Illinois, resulting in 31 arrests and 91 criminal charges, according to authorities.

The Trafficking Enforcement Bureau focuses on two operations: demand suppression (the buyers) and victim recovery operations. In Effingham, the Bureau focused on demand suppression.

The Southern Illinois Drug Task Force, Central Illinois Enforcement Group, Effingham Police Department, Christian County Sheriffs Department and Homeland Security Investigations assisted the ISP during their operations.

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Some charges included indecent solicitation of a child, traveling to meet a child, grooming and solicitation to meet a child, all of which are felonies.

In Effingham on Jan. 25, 2024, five people were arrested and charged with seven total crimes:

Daniel A. Bennett, 38, Bethany, Illinois  Indecent Solicitation of a Child, Traveling to Meet a Child, Solicitation to Meet a Child.

Justin P. Covey, 32, Irvine, Kentucky  Solicitation of a Sexual Act.

Scott A. Grote, 38, Centralia, Illinois  Solicitation of a Sexual Act.

David L. Hackett, 71, Tuscola, Illinois  Solicitation of a Sexual Act.

Thad D. White, 50, Cowden, Illinois  Solicitation of a Sexual Act.

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Solicitation of a sexual act is a class A misdemeanor, while Bennetts charges are all felonies.

All are serving two years of probation. They will all also complete counseling recommended by the Probation Department, according to court records.

Covey, Hackett and White will complete 30 hours of public service work; Grote completed his on Feb. 4, 2025. Grote, Hackett and White each paid a total of $1,089, while Covey paid $1,064. Hackett does not need to inform his probation officer or receive the courts consent to leave Illinois, while Bennett, Covey, Grote and White do.

Bennett has to complete 50 hours of public service work, complete sex offender therapy as recommended by his prior evaluation and spend 180 days in the Effingham County jail. His jail time has been stayed pending his successful completion of probation. He also had to submit DNA and pay $3,664.

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The Effingham 57/70 Task Force organization aims to educate the community to help stop human trafficking. By increasing awareness and reporting unusual situations, people can help stop it.

We really think that education is where we can have the biggest impact on our community, said 57/70 Task Force board chair Ann Deters.

What makes somebody susceptible to becoming a victim of that? Its kids who dont feel like they dont have a great home life, said 57/70 Task Force volunteer Norma Lansing. They dont feel like theyre loved. So one of the things that traffickers do is say, I love you. Im helpful. I care about you. They draw them in by that kind of connection of somebody who they feel is going to really care about them.

According to a March 18 ISP press release, human trafficking is one of the most underreported and under-identified crimes.

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Human trafficking can come in many forms, from commercial sex acts to forced labor, said ISP Director Brendan F. Kelly. Because human trafficking has many faces and can happen almost anywhere, it is important to have a comprehensive, statewide trauma-informed response that encompasses those who may come in contact with individuals who are being trafficked, such as law enforcement, child services, case workers, treatment providers, and others.

To report suspicious situations or get help, call the National Human Trafficking hotline at 1-888-373-7888, Effingham Police Department at 217-347-0774 or federal law enforcement at 1-866-347-2423. More information about the 57/70 Task Force can be found on their website: 5770taskforce.org.
The fight over the location of the U.S. Space Command headquarters chugs on after a new report from the Pentagons watchdog revealed uncertainty behind the scenes in choosing the permanent spot and several major questions left unanswered.

In a heavily redacted 54-page report, released Tuesday by the Defense Departments Office of Inspector General (IG), investigators found a break between then-Air Force Secretary Frank Kendall and Army Gen. James Dickinson, who was commander of Space Command at the time, over whether the headquarters should stay at Peterson Space Force Base in Colorado Springs, Colo., or be moved to Redstone Arsenal in Huntsville, Ala.

The biggest concern over a move, the inspector general found, was that roughly 1,000 civilian employees would not relocate from Colorado to Alabama and that setting up the needed facilities at Redstone Arsenal would take up to four years, risking Space Commands readiness.

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The document is the latest piece in a basing decision that has stretched back more than four years to when President Trump, late in his first term, chose Alabama over Colorado for the commands headquarters.

Trump, who reestablished Space Command in 2019, had chosen Peterson Space Force Base as a temporary headquarters. But days before leaving office, Trump selected Redstone Arsenal for a permanent spot, announcing that he single-handedly chose the location. The Air Force, meanwhile, named the Alabama base as the preferred location for a permanent headquarters.

The decision was immediately attacked by Democrats, who accused Trump of picking Alabama for partisan reasons as he enjoys more political support in the state.

But a 2022 Government Accountability Office (GAO) report found the administrations process for choosing Huntsville, though not always transparent, was largely fair and consistent with military recommendations.

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Former President Biden, however, reversed Trumps decision in 2023 and said Space Command would stay in Colorado after consulting with then-Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin and senior military leadership, according to the inspector general report. Officials at the time said the switch would save time and money, and that it was a national security priority to ensure the headquarters was up and running without delay.

The choice riled Rep. Mike Rogers (R-Ala.), chair of the House Armed Services Committee, who last year demanded that the GAO and Department of Defense investigate the Biden administration decision.

The new inspector general report found that uncertainty over the final headquarters location was largely due to Kendall, who never announced a final decision on the spot, even after the Air Force completed an environmental assessment in September 2022 that named Huntsville as the preferred location.

Kendall continued to back the January 2021 plan to move to Huntsville, but without an official ruling from him in the lead-up to Bidens July 2023 announcement the command would stay in Colorado, construction at Redstone could not begin, according to the report.

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In the same time frame, Peterson Space Force Base continued to accelerate its approach [to] full operational capability for Space Command, eventually hitting that status in December 2023.

The report also shows a split between what Air Force and Space Command officials were prioritizing in picking a final location.

Air Force officials described the cost to the taxpayer as the primary driver of its preference for Redstone to be the permanent headquarters, while Space Command leadership prioritized minimizing the risk to readiness, the document states.

The report highlights the cost of moving headquarters to Alabama would yield $426 million in taxpayer savings due to lower personnel costs and cheaper construction.

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But Redstone and Space Command staff also told investigators there were several issues with making the move, including with the arsenals facilities and IT networks, which lagged behind those at Peterson. Getting those areas up to snuff could impact operational readiness as they would take time to do so, the report notes.

Whats more, Space Command leaders feared a potential loss of up to 1,000 civilians, contractors and reservists working at Peterson if the command moved locations, a concern Dickinson relayed to Kendall in an April 2023 memo.

The Air Force acknowledged the relocation presented a risk to readiness if civilian personnel did not relocate with the Command, but officials said Space Command could mitigate that risk. The report did not note what those mitigation measures might be.

Dickinson later in April 2023 told both Kendall and Austin that the headquarters should remain in Colorado Springs.

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The report does not give any conclusions as to Austins or Kendalls decisionmaking process, as inspectors were unable to interview the two for the report.

The inspector general document has already set off Rogers, who said it reveals an astounding lack of transparency and accountability by the Biden Administration.

After years of promises about due diligence and careful consideration, political employees at the White House cut out the Air Force and senior defense leaders to select Colorado over Alabama as the site for SPACECOM headquarters, Rogers said in a statement on Monday.

Lawmakers in both Colorado and Alabama understandably continue to closely follow the saga given that Space Command headquarters has an estimated $1 billion annual economic impact and provides roughly 1,400 jobs.

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Earlier this year, Ohio threw its hat in the ring for the command, with the states lawmakers gunning for it to be placed at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base in Dayton.

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Finnish Customs is investigating a suspected attempt to violate EU sanctions after discovering nearly 30 boxes of sensitive documents related to nuclear power plant construction that were allegedly bound for Russia, Finnish authorities said on April 17.

"The preliminary investigation has focused on a significant number of archive documents that were attempted to be taken to Russia," the Finnish Customs Economic Crime Investigation Unit said in a statement.

"Based on the preliminary investigation, some of the data is classified as material subject to sanctions against Russia."

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Authorities declined to disclose further details but confirmed that the suspect is the managing director of a Finnish construction company linked to the project.

Finnish Customs did not name the company involved but said a decision on charges would follow the completion of the investigation.

Finnish energy companies Fortum and TVO, which operate the Loviisa and Olkiluoto nuclear plants respectively, confirmed their facilities are not involved in the case.

Finland, which shares a 1,340-kilometer (833-mile) border with Russia, has taken a hard line against Moscow following the full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022.

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The Nordic country joined NATO in 2023 and closed its entire eastern border in December of that year after accusing the Kremlin of orchestrating an influx of asylum seekers as part of a hybrid operation.

Read also: Top Ukrainian officials arrive in Paris for talks with European, US officials

Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent.
AMMAN, April 17 (Xinhua) -- Jordan's Ministry of Foreign Affairs on Thursday condemned the "storming" of Israeli lawmakers and settlers into the Al-Aqsa Mosque compound in occupied East Jerusalem, describing the move as a violation of the site's status and an act that risks increasing tensions.

In a statement, the ministry said the visit breached the established historical and legal arrangements at the site. It described the actions as a provocation and an escalation that undermines the sanctity of Al-Aqsa Mosque.

Ministry spokesperson Sufian Qudah said Jordan rejects the "incursions by members of the Israeli Knesset" and others into the compound. He said the visits challenge Israel's obligations as the occupying power in Jerusalem and warned that they could contribute to instability in the area.

"These actions are part of a broader attempt to change the situation at the site, both in terms of time and space," Qudah said. He urged the international community to act to stop what he referred to as ongoing violations of Islamic and Christian sites in Jerusalem.

The statement followed reports that Zvi Sukkot, a member of the Israeli parliament from the far-right Religious Zionist Party, entered the compound alongside settlers under police protection. The Islamic Endowments Department in Jerusalem said at least 1,650 settlers entered the site on Thursday.

Sukkot was reported to have carried out a religious act known as "epic prostration" inside the compound. His actions were publicly praised by former Israeli national security minister Itamar Ben-Gvir.

Qudah reaffirmed Jordan's position that the Al-Aqsa Mosque compound is a place of worship for Muslims only. He added that the Jordanian Ministry of Awqaf and Islamic Affairs, through its Jerusalem Awqaf and Al-Aqsa Mosque Affairs Department, is the only authority authorized to manage the site's affairs.

The Al-Aqsa Mosque compound, a frequent flashpoint for violence, is revered by Muslims as a noble sanctuary and by Jews as the site of two ancient temples. Non-Muslims are allowed to visit the site but are prohibited from praying there under the status quo. Ben-Gvir, an ultranationalist politician, has long advocated for expanded Jewish access to the compound.

Tensions escalated at the site in April 2023, when violent confrontations between Palestinians and Israeli police resulted in 50 injuries and at least 400 arrests. These clashes followed reports that Jews planned to sacrifice a goat at the site, an act forbidden by Israeli law.

Israel annexed the eastern sector of the city, including the Old City where the compound lies, in 1967, a move that remains unrecognized by most of the international community. 
COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH)  Wednesday marks 100 days in office for Franklin County Prosecutor Shayla Favor, who said her brief time in office has been transformative for prosecution and community safety.

Favor said in these first 100 days, shes been committed to carrying out campaign promises for transparency and accountability, and that includes a restructuring of the criminal division, which now includes units addressing guns, drugs, and arson.

Columbus mayor speaks with NBC4 ahead of state of the city address

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You know, I talked a lot about the role that the prosecutor can play in addressing crime in our community in a different way, Favor said. While we are the engine that moves cases forward, I believe that our job extends beyond the courtroom, that we have a responsibility to be an engaged stakeholder. Our office has already been doing that, whether weve been attending various events around the community. Were also hosting our first reentry program. This is reentry month, so well be hosting a program alongside another engaged organization in our community.

Favor said the prosecutors office also has a robust civil division and advises 35 county agencies, many of them dealing with federal budget cuts. She said her office is helping them navigate the significant loss of funding.

For more of Favor and her first 100 days in office, tune in to The Spectrum this Sunday at 10 a.m. only on NBC 4.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to NBC4 WCMH-TV.
PARIS  The British Army successfully tested a radio-wave weapon to knock out drone swarms, as militaries look for new ways to neutralize what has become one of the biggest threats on the modern battlefield.

The Army was able to defeat drone swarms for the first time in the latest trial of the weapon-system demonstrator, the Ministry of Defence said in a statement on Thursday. The weapon, developed by a consortium led by Thales UK, uses high-frequency radio waves to fry drone internals, disrupting or damaging critical electronic components and causing the drones to crash or malfunction.

Soldiers from 106 Regiment Royal Artillery took down two swarms of drones in a single engagement using the weapon, and more than 100 drones were immobilized across all trials, the MoD said. The radio-frequency, directed-energy weapon was capable of neutralizing multiple drone targets simultaneously with near-instant effect, it said.

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The U.K. has invested more than 40 million (US$53 million) into research and development of the radio-wave weapons to date, it said. With an estimated cost of 10 pence per shot fired, if developed into operational service it could provide a cost-effective complement to traditional missile-based air defense systems, the government said.

Radio-frequency directed energy weapon systems can defeat airborne targets at ranges of up to 1 kilometer (0.62 mile), and are effective against targets that cant be jammed using electronic warfare, according to the government.

Such systems could help protect security-sensitive areas such as defense bases from unidentified drones, as well as play a role in preventing disruption at airports, the government said. Drone sightings have caused airport shutdowns around the world in recent years.

The British Army tested a drone-frying weapon Air Defence Range Manorbier, a live-firing range in south-west Wales, in April 2025. (British MOD)

The demonstrator weapon was quick to learn and easy to use, according to testimony from Sgt. Mayers, a senior remotely-piloted air systems operator from 106 Regiment Royal Artillery, who made history as the first British soldier to bring down drones using a radio-frequency weapon.

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The trail was conducted at Air Defence Range Manorbier, a live-firing range in south-west Wales. The purpose of the project is to develop a weapon that allows the Army to test the integration challenges and operational challenges of fielding a radio-frequency, directed-energy weapon system, or RF DEW, the government said.

Thales have around 100 engineering and manufacturing staff in Northern Ireland working on the project, with another 30 to 35 supply chain jobs in Essex in east England, according to the MoD.

Thales continues to be at the forefront of this pioneering technology, and we are proud to continue the research and development in this sector alongside our partners in government, said Nigel MacVean, managing director of Thales Integrated Airspace-protection Systems.

The MoD said its working with a range of industry partners to provide U.K. forces with future RF DEW capabilities.
GREGG COUNTY, Texas (KETK)  A measles case has been confirmed in Gregg County, making it the first case to reach East Texas.

According to Gregg County Health Authority Dr. Lewis Browne, a 19-year-old man arrived at Christus Good Shepard in Longview on Sunday, seeking care for a fever reaching a temperature of 104. While being treated, the patient took a blood test and a PCR which tests for certain infections and diseases, and was subsequently diagnosed with measles.

VIDEO: Firefighters rescue cat stuck inside wall in Tyler home

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After receiving his diagnosis, the patient was taken to a pressurized room due to the fear of contagion. He was later treated and sent home that day, according to Browne.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), measles is a highly contagious virus that often begins with a rash and fever. Other symptoms of the virus include a cough, runny nose and red watery eyes. The CDC also stated that measles can cause serious health complications, especially in children under the age of five.

View the Texas Health and Human Services website to see areas of Texas currently impacted by measles.

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A technical college tucked away in a rural corner of Wisconsin was named the top community college in the country.

Southwest Wisconsin Technical College in Fennimore won the Aspen Prize for Community College Excellence, a prestigious honor recognizing it as the best among the 1,000 community colleges nationally. It's the first time a Wisconsin institution has won the prize, which former President Barack Obama dubbed the "Oscars for community colleges."

Southwest Tech beat out nine finalists, including another Wisconsin technical college. School leaders learned the news at an April 17 ceremony in Washington, D.C.

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"To know weve won the prize really shows the commitment of our faculty and staff to student outcomes," Southwest Tech chief student services officer Holly Clendenen said in a brief phone interview after the ceremony. "This shines a bright light on the value of two-year colleges. We are a part of higher education."

Aspen award incentivizes community colleges to improve

Community colleges educate nearly half of all college students, and by far the most low-income students and students of color. But they are sometimes seen as "second class" to four-year universities, and graduation rates nationally are less than 50%.

Enter the Aspen award, which aims to to elevate the importance of community colleges and make them better. The honor is awarded every two years by the Aspen Institute, a nonprofit think tank.

"What drives us is the desire to improve colleges," said Josh Wyner, who founded the Aspen College Excellence program in 2010. "Our approach to that is let's identify the best actors, let's reward them, and then let's build training programs around what they teach us about how you can continue not just modestly better outcomes, but significantly better outcomes than the average."

High graduation rates set Southwest Wisconsin Technical College apart

Southwest Tech fits this bill, Wyner said. About 58% of students graduate or transfer to a four-year university compared to the national rate of 39%.

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Even more impressive is its graduation rate for low-income students on Pell grants. Nationally, just 29% of Pell students graduate, he said. At Southwest Tech, 55% of Pell students graduate.

Southwest Tech came to the Aspen Institute's attention in the previous awards cycle. Wyner and others were impressed with how faculty regularly assess student learning outcomes and adjust instruction to ensure better results each semester.

"Frankly, that's really, really unusual," he said. "It's a very strong sense of accountability that faculty have for their own success and to make sure that their students succeed."

Southwest Wisconsin Technical College has 'no poverty' guarantee for graduates

More recently, selection committee members learned about how Southwest Tech analyzes its programs to ensure they lead students to jobs paying living wages. If they don't, the program is changed or shut down.

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For example, after learning Southwest Tech's agriculture program graduates earned low wages, college officials talked to local employers and told them they could not graduate students into poverty.

"That's the language they use," Wyner said. "It's a very powerful expression of the fact that they care more about whether students succeed than whether they're enrolling them and getting their dollars."

Southewest Tech asked employers what it would take to increase wages. College officials learned students need to know how to use drones and apply pesticides, both of which are now mandatory in the program curriculum.

Childcare was another program where graduates earned low wages. Southwest Tech found students with bachelor's degrees earned better wages so the school revamped its program to better prepare students for university transfer.

Advisers help students come up with academic and financial plan

The Aspen Institute was also impressed with how Southwest Tech improved its advising system. Staff now help students go beyond drawing up an academic plan. They also come up with a plan for financing their education.

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Southwest Tech sends the plans to its foundation, which fundraises money to help bridge individual students' financial gaps, Wyner said.

The school has a student headcount of about 3,700 students, most of whom are part time.

Smaller community colleges are typically less likely than larger institutions to create systems that reach every student, often due to lack of resources or because they feel their smaller student population makes them feel they are already tapped into students' needs.

"That's not Southwest Tech," Wyner said. "Southwest Tech understands that if they don't create systems to make sure every student benefits from these changes that they've made, that the ones who fall through the cracks will be the ones that need help most. I'm just so impressed by the leadership there and the culture that they've built."

How Aspen Institute selects top community college in U.S.

The Aspen Institute's process selecting Southwest Tech began in 2023 when the Aspen Institute scrutinized outcomes at all community colleges across the country and invited 150 institutions with the most promising data to apply for the award.

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A selection committee of education experts reviewed the applications and selected 10 finalists, which included Southwest Tech and Northeast Wisconsin Technical College in Green Bay. Site visits followed, along with requests for more detailed information, including graduate wage data.

A separate jury, co-chaired by former U.S. Education Secretary John King, picked the winner from the finalists.

Aspen Institute awards $1 million prize among a few schools

Southwest Tech will receive $700,000 of the $1 million prize. The remaining money will be split between San Jacinto College (Texas), South Puget Sound Community College (Washington) and Wallace State Community College-Hanceville (Alabama).

Ascendium, the Joyce Foundation, JPMorgan Chase, and the Kresge Foundation funds the prize money.

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(This story will be updated.)

Kelly Meyerhofer covers higher education in Wisconsin. Contact her at kmeyerhofer@gannett.com or 414-223-5168. Follow her on X (Twitter) at @KellyMeyerhofer.

This article originally appeared on Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: Southwest Wisconsin Technical College wins prestigious Aspen Prize
BRAZOS COUNTY, Texas (FOX 44)  Five Brazos County Detention Center inmates are being recognized for assisting an officer during a sudden medical emergency.

The Detention Officer assigned to Dorm 3D experienced the medical emergency on March 18. The inmates took immediate action to help during this moment.

The Brazos County Sheriffs Office says Carlos Rodriguez, Ricky Karm, Jesus Delgado, Richard Rodriguez, and Jordan Muhammad all responded without hesitationworking together to provide aid, call for assistance, and ensure the officer received the help they needed.

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The Sheriffs Office says a life-threatening situation was brought to a safe resolution because of the inmates quick thinking and willingness to step up in a moment of crisis. Their actions were selfless, timely, and deeply appreciated.

The inmates were recognized for their conduct with the Sheriffs Appreciation Award on Thursday, April 17. This is a symbol of gratitude from the Brazos County Sheriffs Office for their efforts in assisting a team member.

The Sheriffs Office went on to say that sometimes, its in the most unexpected situations that true character shines through. They thanked the inmates for demonstrating this in a remarkable way.

(Courtesy: Brazos County Sheriffs Office)

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While President Trumps tariffs are making a rollercoaster of the economy, Floridas Republican leaders are on a risky ride of their own by promoting massive tax breaks that may add even more to the uncertainty.

The plans are already out there, ranging in scope from $2.1 billion to $5.4 billion in givebacks. But some warn that reducing Florida tax collections amid the global upheaval could eventually threaten a host of state and local government services.

History shows that when consumer spending, tourism and home-buying slumps, Floridas sales-tax driven economy usually nosedives. Lawmakers struggled to re-do state budgets following 9/11, the housing collapse of the late 2000s, and the COVID-19 shutdowns.

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Even if a full-blown recession does not materialize, economic growth is virtually certain to slow in the months ahead, with negative consequences for state and local tax revenue, the Institute on Taxation and Economic Policy, a nonprofit studying state and federal tax policy, wrote in a new report.

Dueling tax cut plans in play as session hits homestretch

The Florida House, under Speaker Daniel Perez, R-Miami, already has advanced a $5.4 billion tax cut, built on reducing the states 6% sales tax to 5.25%. Gov. Ron DeSantis has countered that with his own $5 billion proposal that would rebate $1,000 to every homesteaded property owner in Florida.

The Senate is trying to bridge those two increasingly hostile camps, this week unveiling a $2.1 billion reduction that exempts clothing costing $75 or less from sales tax, lifts the cost of auto registrations for a year, and adds a flurry of sales-tax holidays. Such short-term tax-free days have been dismissed by Perez, who likened them to a stunt.

Still, in an appeal to the governor, the Senate proposal also orders a study of reducing or eliminating property taxes, intended to conceptually set the table for a 2026 ballot initiative the governor wants.

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Senate President Ben Albritton, R-Wauchula, so far is the only state leader to say he is wary of giving away too much state revenue too quickly in an uncertain time. Of the House plan, Albritton has said, Thats going to be hard because thats going to impact the budget pretty substantially.

Key for Albritton is that most of the Senates tax break is a one-time pay-out, with less than $1 billion in so-called "recurring" revenue.

DeSantis checks to Florida homeowners also would be a one-time bounty. But the governor isnt stopping there, wanting voters next year to maybe consider eliminating property taxes, which would really upend revenue forecasts.

One-time payouts favored by Senate president

The Houses plan, though, clearly imposes a permanent hit on sales tax, which provides for about three-out-of-four general revenue dollars used to build the states budget. The Senate for the coming year is proposing to spend $117.4 billion while the House budget proposal is $112.9 billion, both sides well below the current years $118.6 billion spending plan.

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The state has robust reserves of about $15 billion. So that means if theres a severe economic downturn stemming from the trade war triggered by the Trump tariffs, lawmakers would be able to patch short-term, state budget shortfalls that emerge.

But sales taxes are the lifes blood of state spending, powering education, health care, environmental programs and transportation. Property taxes keep local governments afloat, helping pay for public safety, fire protection and schools.

With both on the chopping block this spring, unease is growing.

Boundary-busting playbook... DeSantis and Trump share political playbook built on boundary-busting, defiance

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Dissonant duo... DeSantis-Trump relationship? It's complicated

Some experts say the state's GOP leadership is trying to match the government-slashing of President Trump and his Department of Government Efficiency under advisor Elon Musk.

With DOGE and everything else thats happening nationally, there just seems to be blood in the water about how governments operate and people are intent on attacking their fiscal policies, said Sean Snaith, an economist at the University of Central Florida.

But theres a big difference between the federal government, which is running almost a $2 trillion (yearly) deficit and a national debt of $36 trillion, versus state and local governments, which in Florida have to balance their budgets and spending, Snaith added.

'Blood in the water,' thanks to DOGE?

Albritton also seems to be considering the DOGE effect.

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Were a growing state, so when we make these decisions, there is a minimum threshold of what the state budget needs to be to make sure that the garbage is being picked up, you know? Albritton said. That (electricity) is being delivered. All the things that state government is required to do, right?

What kind of tax breaks will be settled on when the Legislature is scheduled to adjourn May 2? I dont know where that sweet spot is, Albritton conceded.

The mood at the Capitol also isnt good for dealmaking. The House under Perez has been regularly clashing with DeSantis.

The latest exchange focuses on the Houses investigation of Hope Florida, the social services assistance agency close to First Lady Casey DeSantis, and its related foundation, which reportedly funneled $10 million last fall from an unreported settlement to political committees helping the governor fight a marijuana ballot measure.

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The toxic environment between the House and DeSantis isnt going to help budget or tax-cut negotiations.

Atmosphere not good for deal-making

DeSantis would do a massive cut to local government funding, House Democratic Leader Fentrice Driskell of Tampa said about the property tax idea. DeSantis wants the headlines from the tax cuts but he wont be the one trying to figure out how to afford teachers in Miami-Dade, or police in Orlando or firefighters in Tampa.

Hes trying to give away the backbone of our local communities budgets and once again, its more about him and his ambitions than Floridians futures, Driskell added.

Still, with Democrats supporting, state representatives voted unanimously for the Houses $5 billion sales tax break. Floridas sales tax costs poor families a larger share of their household budgets than it does wealthier families, and some Democrats said they welcome reducing it.

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Many, though, also said they worry about the cuts effect on state services. Theyre urging lawmakers to enact policies that would close exemptions favoring corporations and wealthier Floridians. But that argument is playing a secondary role in the tax-cutting drama now playing at the state Capitol.

ITEP, the tax research organization, said the economic slowdown emerging with the tariffs will ripple through every phase of spending.

Sales taxes collected from spending on discretionary items is particularly at risk in the months ahead as consumers face sticker shock from tariff-induced price hikes for motor vehicles, electronics, appliances, clothing, and other items, ITEP reported.

One likely result of higher prices on these items is that consumers will choose to delay or forgo some purchases, such as by holding onto their old car longer than they otherwise would have.

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Sen. Don Gaetz, R-Niceville, was in the state Senate during the housing collapse of 2008. He said many lawmakers want to go slow: I think everyones being cautious right now and the Senate president (Albritton) is being cautious with his tax proposal, and thats why Im supporting it.

But Senate Finance and Taxation Chair Bryan Avila, R-Miami, whose committee approved the Senates $2.1 billion plan Tuesday, said that if harder economic times are on the horizon, Floridians will welcome a substantial tax break.

We all agree we need to do as much as possible to lessen that financial burden, because theres a level of uncertainty at the federal level that could have an impact on our families, Avila said.

John Kennedy is a reporter in the USA TODAY Networks Florida Capital Bureau. He can be reached at jkennedy2@gannett.com, or on X at @JKennedyReport.

This article originally appeared on Tallahassee Democrat: Dueling GOP tax cut plans spark fear of Florida funding freefall
The son of a Florida deputy sheriff has been arrested after allegedly killing two people in a shooting spree on his university campus.

Phoenix Ikner, a 20-year-old student, is said by police to have used his mothers handgun to shoot dead two people and injure five others at Florida State University (FSU) in Tallahassee on Thursday.

He had apparently taken part in a number of training programmes at the local sheriffs office, and officials said afterwards that it was not a surprise he had access to firearms.

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The suspected gunman was also wounded and taken to hospital, with a law enforcement source telling US media he had been shot. Footage taken on the campus shows police shackling an unseen individual in the back of an ambulance.

Neither of the two people killed were students. Police are yet to name any victims.

FSU issued an active shooter alert near the student union shortly after 12pm local time and hundreds of students were seen streaming away from the building.

The public is being urged to keep away from nine buildings on campus, including the union, which are being treated as active crime scenes.

Credit: InsiderWire/X

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After securing the campus, Walter McNeil, a Leon County police sheriff, named Mr Ikner as the alleged gunman and said he was the son of one of his deputies, Jessica Ikner.

Unfortunately her son had access to one of her weapons and that was one of the weapons that were found at the scene, he said.

The alleged shooter was also a longstanding member of the Leon County sheriff offices youth advisory council, so he has been steeped in the Leon County sheriffs office family, engaged in a number of training programmes that we have. So its not a surprise to us that he had access to weapons.

Mr McNeil called the event tragic and commended Ms Ikner for her 18 years of exceptional service with the sheriffs office.

Deputy Jessica Ikner

The weapon allegedly used by Mr Ikner had previously been purchased by his mother from the authorities and used as a personal handgun, he added.

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Mr McNeil vowed to make sure that we do everything we can to prosecute and to send a message to folks that this will never be tolerated here in Leon County.

A witness described the gunman as white with light hair, wearing an orange T-shirt and khaki shorts, and looking like a normal college dude.

Credit: JasonDelgado/X

In a chilling Instagram biography, Mr Ikner citied a bible verse, writing: You are my war club, my weapons for battle, with you I shatter nations, with you I destroy kingdoms.

McKenzie Heeter, a student at FSU, said she had been leaving the student union when a man fired in her direction, then retrieved a pistol from his car and shot a woman standing a few feet away from him.

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Thats when I just started running, she told NBC News.

Police said Mr Ikner had also been armed with a shotgun, but had not received reports that it had been used to shoot anyone.

11:56 PM BST

Were pausing our live coverage here.

Check back to our homepage for the latest updates.

11:27 PM BST

DeSantis: Shooter must be brought to justice

Ron DeSantis, the Florida governor, said the individual responsible for todays shooting must be brought to justice to the fullest extent of the law.

He added that he and his wife, Florida first lady Casey DeSantis, mourned the two victims who died and sent their well-wishes to the others recovering in hospital.

10:59 PM BST

Trump: The gun doesnt do the shooting

Donald Trump called the shooting at Florida State University terrible while vowing to protect gun rights of Americans.

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These things are terrible, but the gun doesnt do the shooting, the people do, the US president told reporters in the Oval Office, while signing executive orders.

As far as legislation is concerned, this has been going on for a long time.

I have an obligation to protect the Second Amendment, I ran on the Second Amendment, among many other things, and I will always protect the Second Amendment.

09:50 PM BST

This is a horrific incident

This is a horrific incident, Lawrence Revell said, confirming nine people were shot in total. Two victims were killed and six people were injured, including the suspected gunman.

09:46 PM BST

Suspected gunman used mothers personal handgun

Lawrence Revell, chief of the Tallahassee police, told reporters that the gun used in the shooting was Jessica Ikners former service weapon.

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This weapon was a weapon that the deputy previously used, he said, adding that when a when an officer gets a new handgun, they are allowed to purchase the handgun they used prior.

The gunman is not believed to have fired at officers. He had a shotgun but nobody is known to have been shot with it at this point, Mr Revell added.

09:40 PM BST

Gunman was son of deputy sheriff

The suspected gunman has been named as Phoenix Ikner, the 20-year-old son of a Leon County sheriff deputy, Sheriff Walter McNeil of Leon County said.

Unfortunately her son had access to one of her weapons and that was one of the weapons that were found at the scheme, he told a press conference.

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The gunman was also a longstanding member of the Leon County sheriffs office citizen advisory or youth advisory council and was engaged in a number of training programmes that we have, he said, adding: So its not a surprise to us that he had access to weapons.

We will do everything we can to prosecute, he vowed.

He added: This event is tragic in more ways than you people in the audience could ever fathom from a law enforcement perspective.

09:34 PM BST

Two dead and five injured, police say

Police have said that two people were killed and five injured in the shooting today at Florida State University (FSU).

09:32 PM BST

Watch: Authorities give press conference on shooting

09:28 PM BST

Watch: Police shackle individual on FSU campus

Footage has emerged of the police shackling an individual in an ambulance on the Florida State University (FSU) campus. It is unclear whether they have any connection to the shooting.

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A witness has previously described the gunman as white with light hair, wearing an orange T-shirt and khaki shorts. Sources have told US media he had been shot during the incident and taken to hospital.

09:03 PM BST

Gunman has been sent to hospital

Six people who were sent to hospital following the shooting at Florida State University include the gunman, law enforcement sources told CNN. It has previously reported that the individual had been shot.

08:57 PM BST

University issues warning to students

Florida State University (FSU) has urged students to avoid areas of campus because they are still considered crime scenes.

A woman talks on her phone after being evacuated from Florida State University (FSU) campus after a mass shooting in Tallahassee, Florida - Alicia Devine/USA TODAY

Please avoid the Student Union, Bellamy, HCB Classroom Building, Rovetta A&B, Moore Auditorium, Shaw, Pepper, Hecht House and Carraway as they are still considered an active crime scene, it said in a statement.

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One witness who spoke to US media earlier today said they had been exiting the student union when they were shot at by the gunman.

08:41 PM BST

Pictures: Students evacuate FSU campus as police secure area

People evacuate Florida State University (FSU) campus after a mass shooting in Tallahassee, Florida - Alicia Devine/USA TODAY

Law enforcement work at Florida State University (FSU) campus after a mass shooting in Tallahassee, Florida - Alicia Devine/USA TODAY

08:38 PM BST

Suspected gunman was shot

The suspected gunman at Florida State University shooting was shot, a law enforcement official told CNN. They did not clarify who shot him.

08:25 PM BST

University campus secured by police

The Florida State University campus has now been secured after a shooting earlier today, Tallahassee police have said in the last few minutes.

Students have been warned to avoid the active crime scene.

Authorities have said they are planning to hold a press conference around 4:30pm EDT, although this could change.

The @FloridaState campus has been secured. Multiple law enforcement agencies remain on site for the ongoing investigation. The Student Union & surrounding area are still considered an active crime scene. Individuals should not return to the area for any reason. (1/2)  Tallahassee Police (@TallyPD) April 17, 2025

08:13 PM BST

Sources: Just one gunman

Police believe there was only one shooter at Florida State University, three law enforcement officials have told CNN.

The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives is attempting to trace the serial numbers on the recovered guns, one added.

08:07 PM BST

Watch: Ambulances arrive at Florida State University

Credit: RyanCedergrenWx/X

07:52 PM BST

At least one death in shooting, officials says

There has been at least one fatality as a result of the shooting incident on Florida State Universitys campus, a senior Florida law enforcement official told NBC News.

The Tallahassee Police Department confirmed earlier today that one person was in custody in connection to the shooting.

07:50 PM BST

Gunman armed with pistol and rifle, says student

McKenzie Heeter, a student at Florida State University, said she was shot at by the gunman by a man wearing an orange T-shirt and khaki shorts,

I was leaving the [student] union with my food. Theres a road next to it and I was walking and this guy pulls up in an orange Hummer, and he gets out with a rifle and shoots in my direction, she told NBC News.

There were a couple other kids near me. I think he was shooting and he missed.

So he goes back into his car and grabs a pistol, then he turns and shoots the lady in front of him. Thats when I just started running.

The gunman appeared to be white with light hair and looked like a normal college dude, she added.

07:36 PM BST

Watch: Students hide in classroom during incident

Students shared video of themselves hiding in place during the alert.

Credit: Realtombibiyan/X

07:24 PM BST

Attorney General releases statement

Pam Bondi, the US Attorney General, said that the Justice Department was in touch with FBI agents who were on the scene.

The @FBI is on the scene at Florida State and we are in communication with agents on the ground. Our priority is the safety of everyone involved. We will keep updating as we learn more. Praying for all.  Attorney General Pamela Bondi (@AGPamBondi) April 17, 2025

07:18 PM BST

Six people taken to hospital

At least six people have been taken to hospital following the shooting, according to media reports.

Gunshots were reported at midday at the Student Union building on the FSU campus.

More than 42,000 students attend classes at the main campus.

A nearby hospital, Tallahassee Memorial HealthCare, said in a statement it had received six patients  one in critical condition and the rest in serious condition.

07:12 PM BST

Multiple victims, source tells AP

There are multiple victims involved in the shooting at Florida State University, a person familiar with the matter told The Associated Press.

The extent of the victims injuries in the shooting was immediately known and there were no additional details about the person who was in custody.

The person was not authorised to publicly discuss details of the ongoing investigation and spoke to The AP on condition of anonymity.

Credit: JasonDelgado/X

07:08 PM BST

Trump: Shooting is a shame

When asked about the shooting in Florida during his bilateral meeting at the White House with Giorgia Meloni, Donald Trump described the incident as a shame.

I have been briefed on the Florida State University active shooter. Its a shame, he said.

06:59 PM BST

Injured treated at scene

Ryan Cedergren, a 21-year-old communications student, said he and about 30 others hid in the bowling alley in the lower level of the student union after seeing students running from a nearby bar.

In that moment, it was survival, he said.

After about 15 minutes of hiding, university police escorted the students out of the union and he saw a person getting emergency treatment on the lawn, he said.

06:58 PM BST

Ron DeSantis releases statement

Our prayers are with our FSU family and state law enforcement is actively responding. https://t.co/gT4mDwWsGC  Ron DeSantis (@GovRonDeSantis) April 17, 2025

06:58 PM BST

Lock doors, students told in alert

An alert from the university instructed students: Lock and stay away from all doors and windows and be prepared to take additional protective measures.

Florida State University students wait for news amid the active shooter incident - Kate Payne

People comfort each other on campus after the shooting - Kate Payne/AP

06:56 PM BST

Students rush from scene

Students were seen streamed away from the direction of the student union on Florida State University (FSU) campus.

Junior Joshua Sirmans, 20, was in the universitys main library when he said alarms began going off warning of an active shooter.

Mr Sirmans said law enforcement officers escorted him and other students out of the library with their hands over their heads.

FBI officials are on scene, a spokesman said.

Students and faculty were instructed to seek shelter and await further instructions.

06:54 PM BST

Our live coverage

Were bringing you the latest updates after reports that five people have been killed in a shooting at Florida State University.

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A Monroe County grand jury this week indicted a Florida Keys spirits shop owner on child sexual abuse charges that possibly carry the death penalty.

Jeffrey Scott Kesling is accused of sexually battering a 3- and 7-year-old child over an almost two-year time period.

The grand jury indicted Kesling, 43, of two counts of sexual battery on a child under the age of 12, which is a capital felony under Florida law, and three counts of lewd and lascivious molestation, which caries a maximum sentence of life in prison.

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There are no words strong enough to describe the cruelty of these crimes. A 3-year-old and a 7-year-old  these are babies. What happened to them is monstrous, Monroe County State Attorney Dennis Ward said in a statement Tuesday. The State of Florida allows the death penalty for a reason in cases like this, and if the facts warrant it, we will pursue it. We have a duty to protect our children and bring justice for what theyve endured.

Monroe County Sheriffs Office detectives began investigating abuse allegations against Kesling in March, the same month his wife filed a domestic violence injunction against him. Details about the childrens relationship with Kesling have not been released by the courts, the sheriffs office or prosecutors.

With the sexual battery charges, Kesling is not eligible for bond, so he remains in county jail. A judge set his bond on the lewd and lascivious counts at $150,000 each.

This isnt just criminal  its evil. Anyone who sexually violates a 3-year-old or a 7-year-old has no place in our society, Chief Assistant State Attorney Joseph Mansfield said in a statement. This case will be prosecuted aggressively. Our community needs to know that when it comes to protecting children, there is no room for compromise. No plea deals. No leniency. Only accountability.

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The alleged crimes happened between June 2023 and December 2024, according to prosecutors.

Kesling is owner of Keys Meads in Key Largo, which sells and distills mead, a fermented honey alcoholic drink. The companys website indicates his business opened in 2017 and has grown from manufacturing meads to functioning as a distillery and vendor for popular Renaissance fairs throughout the state.

Kesling is represented by Coral Gables criminal defense attorney Jean-Michel DEscoubet, who said he could not comment on the specifics of the allegations, but called his client in a statement, a long standing respected member of the community in the Florida Keys both personally and professionally.

He should continue to be treated with that respect and the presumption of innocence our Constitution provides all persons charged with a crime, even those for which he is currently charged, regardless of how distasteful they appear on their face, DEscoubet said.

Miami Herald staff writer Devoun Cetoute contributed to this report.
SUVA, April 17 (Xinhua) -- Fiji and New Zealand have reaffirmed the strength of their partnership and a vital role in advancing stability and prosperity across the Pacific.

New Zealand Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Winston Peters led a cross-party delegation to Fiji this week, Fiji Broadcasting Corporation reported on Thursday.

In a meeting with Fijian Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka, they agreed to advance economic growth, trade and investment, tourism, and labor mobility, among others. 
A Florida man allegedly boarded an Amtrak train in New Jersey carrying ammunition, multiple handguns and an AR-15 style rifle, New Jersey authorities said.

Jeffrey O. Kennerk, 34, of Fort Lauderdale, was indicted on several charges, including aggravated assault, possession of a weapon for unlawful purpose and causing or risking widespread injury or damage, the New Jersey Attorney General's Office and the Division of Criminal Justice said in a press release on Wednesday.

"This defendant allegedly hauled a small arsenal of deadly weapons and ammunition through busy transit stations, and on a train filled with passengers," New Jersey's Attorney General Matthew J. Platkin said in a statement.

PHOTO: Jeffrey O. Kennerk, 34, of Fort Lauderdale, Florida, is seen in this image released by the Broward County Sheriff's Office in New Jersey on Wednesday, April 16, 2025. (Broward County Sheriff's Office)

Transit police at Penn Station in Newark, New Jersey, noticed an unattended black-and-white-zebra-pattern bag on Jan. 3, according to officials. A K-9 team cleared the bag for the presence of explosives, then the officers opened it and found inside a case for a Glock handgun, according to a press release, which cites two complaints and an indictment.

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Inside the case was a handgun with a loaded 18-round magazine, officials said. Also in the bag were an AR-style magazine with rifle rounds and a "plastic bag containing a shirt and two boxes labeled 9 mm bullets; four boxes of .223 caliber bullets."

"A zipped secondary compartment in the suitcase contained a pink duffle bag containing a black Zastava Arms AK-47 style rifle with one round loaded in the chamber and multiple loaded magazines," the A.G.'s press release said.

After law enforcement found the bag, at about 2:55 p.m., they reviewed camera footage from the station, which appeared to show a man, whom police allege was Kennerk, who was carrying two suitcases, including the one with the zebra pattern.

"The subject walked away, allegedly, leaving behind the zebra print suitcase, and went to the Amtrak ticket window," officials said. "It was learned that the subject was boarding an Amtrak train bound for Virginia and the next stop would be the Trenton Transit Center."

PHOTO: A sign for the Trenton Transit Center is seen in a screengrab of a video provided by ABC News station WPVI. (WPVI)

Two officers boarded that train as it arrived in Trenton, officials said. When they approached Kennerk, he allegedly showed them a valid Amtrak ticket -- although it was for another train. Police officers in Trenton had been notified that Newark officials were searching for Kennerk. He was arrested before he could board his ticketed train, officials said.

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"The collective actions of law enforcement eliminated the possible carnage that could have been caused by the weapons involved in this case," New Jersey Transit Police Chief Christopher Trucillo said in a statement.

As Kennerk was arrested, police searched his second suitcase and found multiple other weapons, officials said. He was allegedly carrying in that "dark maroon colored" suitcase an AR-15-style rifle, along with "multiple caches of ammunitions, multiple extended magazines, and multiple handguns," officials said.

"The indictment of this individual underscores the severe threat posed by those who amass illegal weapons with blatant disregard for public safety," said Col. Patrick J. Callahan, superintendent of the New Jersey State Police, in a statement.

Deputy Attorney General Karen Bracizewsk, of New Jersey's Division of Criminal Justice, is expected to lead the prosecution against Kennerk, officials said.

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ABC News' Jessica Gorman and Victoria Arancio contributed to this report.

Florida man indicted after allegedly bringing 'small arsenal' on Amtrak train, law enforcement says originally appeared on abcnews.go.com
A Florida teacher and an elementary school principal were charged late last month in connection with a house party where minors were drinking, including one who was so drunk as to need treatment, officials said.

Body camera video released this month as part of discovery in the criminal case showed the scene that led to the January arrests of then-Roosevelt Elementary School principal Elizabeth Hill-Brodigan and teacher Karly Anderson.

Police were called to Hill-Brodigan's home in Cocoa Beach on Jan. 19 after reports of a house party. Arriving officers found around 100 juveniles there, police said at the time.

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One juvenile was on the front lawn and was so intoxicated that Brevard County Fire Rescue responded to administer treatment, police said.

In a body camera video, an officer tells a Fire Rescue official that the boy is 17 and has been throwing up and needs to be checked out. The officer says in the video that the boy "is not responsive or anything."

While officers were at the scene, Anderson approached and identified herself as a teacher at Roosevelt Elementary, police said.

Karly Gayle Anderson speaks with a Brevard County sheriff's officer in Cocoa Beach, Fla., on Jan. 19.

The video shows Anderson appearing to slur her words and the officer talking to her about the party.

"There was, like, 200 kids here, drinking," the officer says in the video. Anderson interrupts, saying, "I've already known."

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The officer tells Anderson that she is also drunk and that he can "smell it," but she denies it, the video shows.

At one point, the officer appears frustrated with the argument and tells Anderson: "You're here with your boss, having a party with 200 kids who are drinking! Get out of my face!"

Brevard Public Schools suspended Anderson and Hill-Brodigan after the incident. The school system named an acting principal for Roosevelt Elementary and announced plans to seek a replacement for Hill-Brodigan.

Superintendent Mark Rendell said in a letter to parents in January that he was very troubled by the incident.

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We hold our leaders to the highest of standards, and if these allegations are true, its a complete failure in leadership and violation of our trust, he said.

Hill-Brodigan is charged with one count of child neglect, five counts of contributing to the delinquency of a minor and one count of holding an open house party, the 18th Judicial Circuit State Attorneys Office said.

Anderson is charged with one count each of disorderly conduct and disorderly intoxication, prosecutors said.

The state attorneys office filed the charges on March 31, court records show. Online court records did not indicate a plea. Both women are free on bond.

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Hill-Brodigan's attorney, Kepler Funk, said his office continues to investigate the matter and had no comment Wednesday night.

An attorney for Anderson told NBC affiliate WESH of Orlando that Anderson had nothing to do with the party, that she and Hill-Brodigan were out to dinner when they were informed a party was happening at Hill-Brodigan's home, and that they returned to find students clearing out.

This article was originally published on NBCNews.com
Two people were killed and at least six others were wounded on Thursday in a mass shooting at Florida State University in Tallahassee, Fla., officials said.

"This is a tragic day for Florida State University," FSU president Richard McCullough said. "We are absolutely heartbroken by the violence that occurred on our campus."

One of the deceased victims was identified by family as Robert Morales, a 57-year-old university employee.

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The wounded victims were taken to Tallahassee Memorial HealthCare hospital in stable condition, hospital officials said. Three required surgery; two were expected to be discharged Friday. All were expected to make full recoveries.

The shooter was identified by police as Phoenix Ikner, a 20-year-old whose stepmother is a Leon County sheriff's deputy who has worked with the department for over 18 years. Authorities said a former service weapon that belonged to her was recovered at the scene.

Leon County Sheriff Walter McNeil said Ikner was a long-standing member of the Sheriff's Office Youth Advisory Council who was "engaged in a number of training programs." McNeil said it wasn't a surprise that the shooter had access to weapons, having been "steeped" in the Leon County Sheriff's Office family.

Tallahassee Police Chief Lawrence Revell said the gunman "did not comply with commands and was shot" and is receiving medical attention. The shooter also "invoked his right not to speak to us," Revell added. Police believe Ikner is an FSU student who acted alone.

Timeline of events

The suspect's car is surrounded by police tape near the scene of the shooting at Florida State University on Thursday. (Photo by Miguel J. Rodriguez Carrillo/Getty Images)

The Tallahassee Police Department later released a timeline of the incident as it unfolded:

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At approximately 11 a.m.  The suspect, Phoenix Ikner, arrives at an FSU parking garage. He stays in the area for an hour moving in and out of the vehicle.



At 11:51 a.m.  Ikner leaves the parking garage.



Between 11:56 and 11:57 a.m.  The first shot is fired. Ikner walks in and out of buildings and green spaces, firing a handgun.



By 11:58 a.m.  Multiple 911 calls report a male actively shooting on campus, simultaneous to a police response by nearby officers.



12 p.m.  The suspect is shot by responding officers and taken into custody.

A map shows the location of Florida State University within the city of Tallahassee.

The sprawling campus was placed on lockdown for several hours before the school announced that law enforcement had "neutralized the threat."

In a post on X, Tallahassee police said that the campus had been secured but that multiple law enforcement agencies would remain at the scene. The FBI in Jacksonville said its agents were assisting local law enforcement in its investigation.

Shortly after noon, the school issued an alert that said an active shooter had been reported in the area of the student union and asked students to shelter in place.

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"Lock and stay away from all doors and windows and be prepared to take additional protective measures," the alert read.

Alarms could be heard blaring across FSU's campus as students were escorted from the library and other buildings.

Law enforcement members respond to the shooting at Florida State University on Thursday. (Alicia Devine/USA Today Network/Imagn Images via Reuters)

The university sent out subsequent alerts telling students to continue to shelter.

"Law enforcement is actively clearing rooms on the main campus," one of the alerts read. "Law enforcement officers will use the safe word SEMINOLE to confirm it is safe to open the door. Continue to shelter in place until law enforcement contacts you."

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Hours later, FSU issued an alert saying that "law enforcement has neutralized the threat." Students were advised to avoid numerous buildings near the student union as they were "still considered an active crime scene."

All classes and university events were canceled through Friday. Home athletic events through Sunday were canceled. Nearby Florida A&M University also canceled classes for the day.

Students comfort each other on Florida State University's campus following reports of a shooting. (Kate Payne/AP)

Speaking to reporters in the Oval Office on Thursday, President Trump said the shooting was "a shame" but that he wouldn't advocate for any new gun legislation. "The gun doesn't do the shooting, the people do," Trump said, adding that he was a "big advocate" of the Second Amendment and the right to bear arms.

Earlier in the day, Trump said he had been "fully briefed" on the shooting. "It's a shame, a horrible thing," he said. "It's horrible that things like this take place."

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In a post on X, Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis said state law enforcement was "actively responding" to the shooting.

"Our prayers are with our FSU family," he said.

According to its office of admissions, Florida State has a total enrollment of more than 44,000 students, including more than 32,000 undergraduates and 11,000 graduate students.

Fred Guttenberg, whose 14-year-old daughter, Jaime, was killed in the mass shooting at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland, Fla., in 2018, said that some of Jaime's surviving classmates now attend FSU.

"Incredibly, some of them were just a part of their 2nd school shooting and some were in the student union today," Guttenberg wrote in a post on X. "As a father, all I ever wanted after the Parkland shooting was to help our children be safe. Sadly, because of the many people who refuse to do the right things about reducing gun violence, I am not surprised by what happened today."
BUFFALO, N.Y. (WIVB)  Buffalo Acting Mayor Chris Scanlon has announced a pre-birthday bash celebrating when the city was incorporated all the way back in 1832.

The party takes place on Thursday from 11 a.m. until 2 p.m. in Niagara Square near City Hall featuring various local food trucks.

Participating food trucks at the event include:

Breezy Bowls

Fat Bobs Smokehouse

Mad Sauces

Marias Bene Cibo

Pizza Amore

Polish Villa

The Cheesy Chick

World of Desserts

Dirty Bird Chicken N Waffles

Latest Local News

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to News 4 Buffalo.
Mary Annette Pember

ICT



The sight of a room full of human cadavers can be off-putting for some, but not for Haley Omeasoo.



In fact, Omeasoos comfort level and lack of squeamishness convinced her to pursue studies in forensics and how DNA can be used to solve crime and identify human remains, especially among Indigenous peoples.



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Omeasoo, a citizen of the Hopi Tribe and a descendant of the Blackfeet Nation, encountered the cadavers as part of a high school class trip to the University of Montana, where she spent time in a college level anatomy class.



Some people go there and pass out, but I thought, This is pretty cool, she told ICT.



That visit to the University of Montana was a defining moment for the budding scientist. She realized that by gaining expertise in rapidly advancing forensic technology she could help put Indigenous peoples on equal footing with scientific research that has often targeted them but has seldom been used for their benefit.



This imbalance of power is especially evident in the booming business and study of human DNA data, such as that generated by investigative genetic genealogical, or IGG, testing.



For Omeasoo, forensic science is deeply personal. In 2017, her friend and classmate, Ashley Loring Heavy Runner went missing from her home in Browning, Montana, on the Blackfeet Reservation. Loring Heavy Runner has still not been found and no charges have been filed in the case.

Haley Omeasoo is founder of Ohkomi Forensics, one of the first Indigenous controlled DNA databases. (Photo courtesy of Haley Omeasoo)

Raised in Browning on the Blackfeet Reservation, Omeasoo has long wanted to apply the study of forensics to help solve cases of missing and murdered people and identify human remains so that ancestors can be brought home.



Using the science of genetic genealogical testing of DNA seemed to be a perfect fit, so at the age of 27, in 2024, she launched a nonprofit organization, Ohkomi Forensics. In the Blackfeet language, Ohkomi means to use ones voice.

She is now working to build the first Indigenous-controlled DNA database of Blackfeet people.



There are so many cases like Ashleys that have gone unsolved, she said, and so many families that have not received closure, answers or justice pertaining to their family members' cases."



Using DNA for MMIP



Public interest in learning about ancestry helped fuel growth of direct-to-consumer DNA testing sites such as 23andMe and Ancestry, which use genetic genealogical testing.



The potential applications for the huge databases created by these companies can seem to be drawn from the annals of science fiction. Beyond offering insight into a persons ancestry, the technology can be used to solve crimes, identify and predict genetic disorders, confirm a health diagnosis and determine which drugs work best for individuals, among myriad applications.

Related: Murder in Flambeau: An MMIP cold case gets renewed attention with DNA

Although genetic testing has the power to offer a measure of healing for families and communities suffering from losses of loved ones, there is also potential for misuse of the data, however.



Native people know all too well about unethical practices of researchers and their lack of culturally safe methodologies. They often have concerns about data ownership and privacy stemming from historical injustices and marginalization.



For instance, researchers gathering data for a Havasupai diabetes study used tissue samples for other purposes unrelated to the initial study without informed consent. In 2010, Arizona State University agreed to pay $700,000 to 41 members of the tribe to settle claims about the misuse.



The Bureau of Indian Affairs estimates that there are more than 4,000 missing and murdered cases of Native people that are unsolved, though law enforcement and advocates agree that that actual number is likely much higher. And for the country at large, the National Missing and Unidentified Persons System, NamUS, reports that as many as 600,000 people are reported missing annually, with more than 11,000 sets of unidentified human remains held by medical examiners and coroners.



Omeasoos efforts to develop tribal expertise in IGG is especially timely. In February, the BIAs Missing and Murdered Unit announced its partnership with Othram, a private Texas-based company that uses IGG or forensic genetic genealogy, known as FGG, to help identify human remains as part of the agencys Operation Spirit Return.



Cultural concerns



Omeasoo has long been interested in advancing and understanding the drivers of violence against Native women. Her masters degree research at the University of Montana in forensic anthropology helped sharpen her focus on how forensics can be used to address high rates of missing and murdered Indigenous peoples. She identified a correlation between skull fracture patterns and intimate partner or domestic violence.



I found that Native American women between the ages of 25 to 44 were more likely to display these fracture patterns in association with domestic violence situations, Omeasoo said.



She notes that research correlating domestic violence to the high rates of MMIP in Indigenous communities is still emerging, but her work helps make that connection.



The masters research led her to take a deeper dive into how DNA analysis could assist tribes in addressing the MMIP crisis.



Omeasoos doctoral research at the University of Montana in the forensic and molecular anthropology program examined the ethical considerations of performing genetic analysis on Indigenous peoples and human remains.



Her work is also imbued with a belief in interconnectedness, in which all living things, including humans, are related and interdependent, a belief that is central to most Native cultures.



Omeasoo is currently working with Blackfeet tribal members, leaders and elders to determine cultural protocols for collecting and using DNA data. For instance, in response to concerns about the destructive nature of DNA analysis when working with human remains, she uses a method that doesnt require the use of bone powder.



For some tribes, giving up DNA is giving up a part of yourself; there are a lot of cultural concerns surrounding that, Omeasoo said.



She will receive her doctorate in May.



Follow the money



In years past, Native people were often discouraged or turned away by police when asking to submit DNA for comparison with unidentified remains.



Cost was often a barrier, according to Amanda Takes War Bonnet-Beauvais, public education specialist with the Native Womens Society of the Great Plains.



But as consumer DNA testing companies began cashing in on the publics interest in ancestry, they began offering the service at prices around $100, encouraging many people  including Native Americans - to submit their DNA to the sites.



What started with one of us in our family doing a DNA test soon spread to other members, Takes War Bonnet-Beauvais told ICT. There are so many Native Americans on ancestry DNA sites now.



Takes War Bonnet-Beauvais, of the Oglala Sioux Tribe, is a former journalist with Indian Country Today and has researched the history and ancestry of her family and tribe.



The recent bankruptcy of the popular consumer genetic company, 23andMe, however, is shining a light on the potential monetary value of genetic databases and the dearth of privacy regulations protecting sensitive and personal information.



In its contract with customers, 23andMe states that there is a possibility that its data would be sold if it goes into bankruptcy. The companys profit was tied to the publics demand for ancestry DNA testing kits, but as interest declined so did the companys profits.



But its enormous data set, which includes about 15 million DNA samples, could be invaluable for some industries. According to Fortune Business Insights, the global forensic technology market, which includes IGG data, was valued at $5.65 billion in 2024 and is expected to rise to nearly $10 billion by 2032.



Medical, pharmaceutical and forensic industries, often backed by wealthy venture capitalist groups,are in a race to acquire these rich databases. Investors such as Gigafund, a venture capitalist firm that has investments in futuristic companies such as billionaire Elon Musks SpaceX and Neurolink, are also betting on the value of DNA and genetic data.



In 2021, Gigafund invested $18 million in Othram, a company specializing in forensic genetic genealogy, or FGG. In the meantime, the public is struggling to understand the entirety of uses for genetic data.



GEDMatch, a company that compares DNA samples among companies and whose work helped identify the Golden State Killer in California in 2018, acknowledged the uncertainties in its terms-of-service page.



We cannot predict what the future holds for DNA or genealogy research, according to terms of service from GEDMatch. We cannot predict what the future will be for GEDmatch. It is possible that, in the future, GEDmatch will merge with, or operations will be transferred to other individuals or entities.



In a study released in 2024 by the Center for Medical Ethics and Health Policy at Baylor College of Medicine in Houston and the Department of Bioethics and Humanities at the University of Washington in Seattle, researchers interviewed experts working in the IGG industry. One genetic genealogist summarized the nascent industry as the Wild, Wild West.



I dont know who, or what companies specifically, would want to buy 23andMe, Katie Hasson, associate director at the Center for Genetics and Society told the Washington Post in a recent interview. But we are seeing the ways that our personal data is being vacuumed up and collated, and sold to different companies for marketing, targeting for ads, and who knows where it goes from there.



Gigafund did not respond to an email request for comment from ICT asking about its interest in IGG or the companys speculation about future uses for the technology.



More resources



Many in Indian Country, however, are more concerned with the immediate benefits for their communities.



More resources, more help, its always going to be a good thing, especially when were in crisis mode of our people going missing, Lummi Nation Chairman Anthony Hillaire told the Cascadia Daily News regarding additional funding allocated by the Washington state legislature for DNA testing of unidentified remains.



Thanks to the BIA Missing and Murdered Unit and its partners, our Operation Initiative will help return missing relatives to their families, so that they can be comforted knowing their loved ones have come home, said Bryan Mercier, director of the BIA, exercising the delegated authority of the Assistant Secretary for Indian Affairs in a February 2025 press release.



Weve approved 15 cases so far for the testing process, William Horton, regional agent in charge of the BIAs Missing and Murdered Unit, told ICT.



In January, investigators identified the remains of Michelle Elbow Shield, a 26-year-old mother of two reported missing by her family in December 2023, according to Horton. Elbow Shield was a citizen of the Oglala Lakota tribe and lived in Rapid City.



The Rapid City Police and BIA are still investigating the case. The BIA contracts with Othram, and a direct DNA sample provided by a relative allowed investigators to confirm Elbow Shield's identity.



The BIA has long used DNA as an investigative tool through databases such as the Combined DNA Index System, known as CODIS, which is maintained by the FBI, Horton said.



But the DNA data kept in CODIS is from people who have been arrested or convicted of serious crimes and consists of sequences of DNA known as short tandem repeat, or STR, that can identify an individual using 13 to 20 markers. An STR profile can be used to identify and compare DNA samples from crime scenes and convicted offenders.



But the technology used by direct-to-consumer genetic testing companies such as Ancestry, 23andMe or MyHeritage is based on genetic genealogy, a blend of DNA analysis and genealogic research. It examines far smaller bits of DNA  up to 500,000 single nucleotides instead of segments  and can identify not only an individual but even very distant relatives, providing information about appearance and health.



In criminal investigations, this technique is called forensic genetic genealogy, FGG, or investigative genetic genealogy, IGG. It can also be used to amplify very small samples of DNA through techniques such as polymerase chain reaction, PCR. Using amplification techniques like PCR , scientists can produce millions of copies of specific DNA segments to create a profile even from trace or degraded bits of DNA. The implications for solving cold cases and identifying human remains are massive.



David Mittleman, chief executive officer of Othram explains how it works.



Think of DNA like a radar system  when we search a DNA profile, we dont usually get an exact match, but we do get pings from people who share some DNA with the unknown person, he said. These pings dont tell us physical distance, like a traditional radar, but instead reveal genetic distance  how closely related two people are.



The company uses what is called Forensic Grade Genome Sequencing, or FGGS, to create a detailed DNA profile, which is then compared to a database of people who voluntarily shared their DNA for genealogical research.



Traditional forensic DNA testing, like whats used in CODIS, only works if an exact match is already in the system  like a direct suspect or a close relative, Mittleman said. When we run this search, we get a radar-like map of genetic relativessome close, some distant. From there, we work with investigators to piece together family connections, building a path that can lead to identifying the unknown person or suspect.



Othram works directly with law enforcement but also operates DNASolves, a database that allows the public to upload their DNA data already purchased from direct-to-consumer databases for free. It also allows the public to upload their DNA directly for testing for a fee.



Othram did not respond to ICT about cost, but other forensic testing sites charge between $200 to $1,500 for the service, which doesnt provide any ancestry or health information for the client.



DNASolves uses crowdfunding and public donations to fund its work. Othram, however, is a for-profit company that charges law enforcement for its services. The company also includes other public consented databases in its searches.



For those people participating in BIA investigations, testing is paid for by the agency, according to Mittleman.



In addition to lab techniques, forensic genealogy also uses Artificial Intelligence, AI-driven analysis to interpret genetic relationships, he said.



Mittleman said Othram works only with forensic data.



Since we dont want to create any concerns, we completely avoid the medical space, he said.



Genetic links



Since genetic genealogy can identify so many distant generations of relatives from just one sample, the more people who submit DNA to such data bases, the more powerful the data becomes, potentially showing connections among entire populations.



Krystal Tsosie, Dine, a geneticist and epidemiologist at Arizona State University, notes that due to smaller population sizes among Native communities, even a single individual's genomic data can reveal connections to many relatives.

Krystal Tsosie, Dine, stands before a mural in Eagle Butte, S.D., on the Cheyenne River Reservation. Tsosie is a geneticist, epidemiologist and advocate who has begun working toward returning control of Indigenous DNA information back to individuals and tribes, an effort she calls "DataBack." (Photo courtesy of Krystal Tsosie)

So Omeasoos goal of obtaining 100 DNA samples from Blackfeet citizens whose entire population is around 15,000 could link thousands of people, making the resulting data set incredibly revealing.



According to a study published in the Columbia Science Technology Law Review in 2019, a database only needs to cover approximately 2 percent of a population in order to provide a third-person match to nearly every person in that population.



Cece Moore, actress and genetic genealogist, spoke of the crime-solving potential of genetic genealogy in an interview with the Intercept.



I really believe we can stop serial killers from existing, stop serial rapists from existing, said Moore, who has worked for the popular PBS show, Finding Your Roots.



Indeed, in 2018 data from a public genetic genealogy website helped police catch Joseph DeAngelo, the Golden State Killer, alleged to be responsible for at least a dozen murders and about 50 rapes in California during the 1970s and 1980s.



One of DeAngelos distant relatives uploaded their DNA profile created by a direct-to-consumer company to a free, public website in which users agree that their data can be used by law enforcement. There is no broad federal law in the U.S. specifically governing use of direct-to-consumer genetic testing, and different states have their own rules about genomic privacy and how genetic data can be used.



Some states are strict about unauthorized use of genetic info, while others are more relaxed. Because of privacy concerns, states like Maryland and Montana now require search warrants for accessing consumer DNA databases.



The DNA data held by 23andMe was off limits to law enforcement without a search warrant, but if the data is sold, theres no guarantee on how it would be used. Officials, however, didnt need a court order to search the public site, GEDMatch, where DeAngelos relative had uploaded their data. Police obtained a sample of DeAngelos DNA from a trash can in order to match him with the available evidence. Many public sites such as GEDMatch and FamilyTreeDNA allow users to use their DNA to find relatives and explore family history. They also allow users to opt-in to database searches by law enforcement.



Laws are also lax on how genetic testing can be used to reveal information about peoples risks for certain diseases and other health problems. The data isnt protected by the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act, known as HIPAA, unless the DNA was submitted as part of a persons health care.



Critics caution that the large and rich datasets could be of interest to industries such as health insurance companies to identify customers with increased health risks, by pharmaceutical companies to market drugs to people with certain conditions, and by market researchers to understand consumer preferences and behaviors and other uses.



The Electronic Frontier Foundation, a nonprofit organization defending civil liberties, argues that law enforcement use of IGG or FGG data is unconstitutional, violating the Fourth Amendment prohibiting unreasonable searches and seizures.



Critics further caution that law enforcement and government could use the data for surveillance or to prosecute less-serious crimes.



In recognition of such concerns Moore launched a new nonprofit database, the DNA Justice Foundation, that caters only to law enforcement.



Data sovereignty



Community control of data is central to Omeasoos work and that of other Native scientists.



For instance, Tsosie leads a movement called "DataBack" aimed at returning control of Indigenous genomic data to Native peoples and their tribes and emphasizing the importance of genomic health equity.



Tsosie, an assistant professor at Arizona State Universitys School of Life Sciences, advocates for more Indigenous scientists and leaders to reclaim control over their DNA data and emphasizes the need for global recognition of Indigenous data sovereignty as a fundamental right.



In her Ph.D dissertation, Omeasoo explored why DNA analysis can be controversial from an Indigenous perspective.



She noted, for instance, that DNA research could be used to trace Indigenous migration patterns throughout the world and in the process re-import racist categories into science. This research, she writes, becomes a powerful tool for colonizing states to appropriate Indigenous bodies, living and dead, reducing them to cultural artifacts supporting Western academic knowledge without the added benefit of Indigenous knowledge and perspective.



DNA data surrounding health is also concerning for many Native people, according to Omeasoo. Researchers have long pursued proof of the thrifty gene hypothesis, suggesting a single gene predisposes Indigenous peoples to type 2 diabetes.



According to studies by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Native Americans are 1.5 times more likely to be diagnosed with type 2 diabetes than other populations. Among Native people in the U.S., researchers have maintained that the Akimel Ooodham or Pima tribes which includes the Salt River Pima-Maricopa Indian Community, are reputed to have the highest rates of the disease in the world, rates attributable to genetic predisposition.



But more in-depth genetic studies of the hypothesis in connection to the Akimel OOodham have shown that the population shows no genetic evidence to support the thrifty gene theory. Rather, the high rates of type 2 diabetes are attributed to complex environmental, economic and social factors.



Embracing the future



Omeasoo is currently working to identify human remains, likely of the Blackfeet tribe, that are part of a collection of Indigenous remains held by the University of Montana.



Before beginning the work, however, Omeasoo had the research approved by the Blackfeet Nations institutional review board which oversees research within the community, ensuring ethical treatment and protecting Indigenous knowledge and communities from harm.



Omeasoo advertised information to the community about the project which also includes a goal of solving MMIP cases. Participation is 100 percent voluntary, she said.



She collected 105 samples in less than two hours. Her goal was 100 samples.



We advertised for about a month or so to get the word out and set up the collection site; the community really showed up, Omeasoo said.



We arent looking at the whole genome [which reveals health factors] in this project, which was what the community was concerned about; we are only looking at family heritage, she said.



Omeasoo sees the project as a pilot study that other tribes may embrace in the future.



Hopefully it will show other tribes that the system works to identify our family members and bring them home without paying these large companies, she said.



According to Omeasoo, this would allow tribes to ensure data sovereignty.



Looking ahead



Omeasoo is currently looking for additional sponsors and donors to support Ohkomi.



Early on, she received $25,000 from podcast network Audiochuck, whose founder and chief creative officer Ashley Flowers also founded Season of Justice, a nonprofit organization that provides funding for investigative agencies and families to help solve cold cases. Audiochuck produces "Crime Junkie," a popular true-crime podcast that has aired several episodes dedicated to exploring MMIP cases.



The donation allowed Omeasoo to purchase her own field equipment.



Aside from our lab work, we actually go out and search for missing people, too, she said. There are no strings attached to Season of Justices funding which is so cool.



Indigenous DNA testing sites have not attracted the interest of venture capitalists like Gigafund.



Okhomi buys DNA testing kits from Qiagen, a company offering technology and testing DNA testing products



They (Qiagen) just sell me the testing kits; I do all the work and then the tribe is able to own its own database, she said.



Omeasoo is working on building relationships with law enforcement both on and off the reservation. Sometimes tribal law enforcement isnt very receptive to outside help but since Okhomi comes from the community, Im hoping to establish and build trust, she said.



The goal is to test and solve cases on a local level.



Since I work at the University of Montanas forensics lab, we have a memo of understanding with the Montana State Crime lab, she said.



The pain of searching for loved ones strikes an intimate chord for Omeasoo, who is a mother of two.



There are so many families that are still looking for answers within our tribe and across the nation, Omeasoo said. As Indigenous people we are all impacted by this issue; just one person giving their DNA could possibly give a family a chance for knowledge and relief.



Mittleman agrees.



Getting families pieced back together by finding their loved ones and catching people who do bad things and exonerating those wrongly accused of doing bad things is our focus at Othram, he said.



Neither Okhomi nor Othram claim ownership or control of DNA data in their databases.



If we take someones DNA, they sign a consent form indicating exactly what it's being used for, said Horton, the regional BIA agent. It will not be available to any of these civilian databases.



Mittle said the protections are important.



I dont think its a shock that Native American communities would be suspicious or concerned about how their data is used; they havent necessarily been treated well by the government over the years, Mittleman said. "No one wants to see a rapist or murderer go free, but they also want to feel comfortable that their data is being used for their intended purposes.



In the end, Horton hopes that DNA testing can bring closure to Native American families whose loved ones are missing or have been victims of crimes.



Omeasoo envisions working directly with law enforcement and other accredited forensic companies in order to offer truth, healing and reconciliation to Native communities and beyond.



Her vision could soon become a reality. In April, the Department of Justice announced a surge in FBI efforts to solve violent crime in Indian Country.



After all, she said, Were all kind of related somehow.



*Update: This story has been updated to clarify Haley Omeasoo's work at the University of Montana and that her initial funding was from Audiochuck.

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LOS ANGELES  President Donald Trump and Elon Musk have Californias $100 billion high-speed rail project in their crosshairs  but Democrats are the biggest threat to its future.

While Trump is trying to eliminate the project's federal funding, it's state lawmakers in charge of deep-blue California who control the vast majority of the money it needs to succeed. And that Democrat-dominated bloc is signaling growing resistance amidst financial negotiations now getting underway.

California voters largely back the high-speed project, according to a new POLITICO-UC Berkeley Citrin Center survey. Roughly two-thirds of voters said they support the effort, with the figure climbing to 82 percent among Democrats. But the states funding stream is finite, with the potential for even deeper cuts from the federal government, forcing lawmakers to choose between supporting high-speed rail at the current rate or throwing their weight behind other climate programs.

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Is it at the top of my priority list? I'll give you a hard no on that, said Assemblymember Corey Jackson, a Democrat from Riverside County in Southern California.

Trump's attacks have overshadowed the fast-moving, in-state dynamic since he returned to office for a second time, saying the project has the worst overruns that there have ever been in the history of our country. The Transportation Department duly began an investigation in February into $4.1 billion in grants awarded under former President Joe Biden, echoing Trump's efforts in his first term to withdraw a $1 billion grant awarded by the Obama administration.

Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy said during a Wednesday appearance on Fox Business that the Federal Railroad Administration is close to wrapping up the investigation and that if what many people have reported on is true, were gonna pull the funding for this boondoggle endeavor.

And Musks so-called Department of Government Efficiency, tasked with slashing federal spending, has called out the project as wasteful. The billionaire has long opposed the rail line, even admitting he proposed his futuristic hyperloop transportation system to disrupt high-speed rail.

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But federal funding is a drop in the bucket of the project's overall budget, which has ballooned from $33 billion when voters approved an initial  and so far only  $10 billion in state bonds to an estimated $88 billion-$128 billion now. The main funding source is the state's cap-and-trade program for greenhouse gases, which has sent the project 25 percent of its revenue  some $32 billion  since its inception in 2012.

That program is up for reauthorization, as Democratic lawmakers and California Gov. Gavin Newsom (D) emphasize affordability in the wake of Trump's victory and higher-than-expected inroads in California. That is putting a target on the back of an expensive high-speed rail project that residents would not see benefits from in the near future.

Despite expressing overall support for the high-speed rail program, California voters in the POLITICO-Citrin Center overwhelmingly selected housing and homelessness from a list that included the budget, education, infrastructure, immigration and public safety in terms of areas that most need attention. The survey was conducted on the TrueDot.ai platform from April 1 to 14 among 1,025 California registered voters.

This is taxpayers' dollars that we're supposed to be responsible with, said state Sen. Shannon Grove, a Bakersfield Republican who represents a large portion of the region where rail construction is underway. We can build water infrastructure, provide water for our farmers, create jobs in our Central Valley. There's a lot of things that we could be spending taxpayer dollars on, and this is not one of them.

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Newsom threw his weight behind reauthorizing cap and trade this week after Trump issued an executive order targeting the program, kicking off negotiations with lawmakers in earnest.

The governor has said he'd like more money to go to electric vehicle rebates but has been mum about whether he wants to maintain high-speed rail's carveout, which was established by former Gov. Jerry Brown (D). A Newsom spokesperson said the governor plans to release his cap-and-trade proposal in the coming weeks.

Lawmakers have signaled that they want to see more auction revenues go to funding affordability initiatives that keep utility bills down and support low-income residents. A pair of legislative working groups leading negotiations on the programs havent released specific proposals yet, but funding new programs means less to go around for those already in place.

What does the other 75 percent cover? Jackson said in December. That will determine how concerned I am about the 25 percent.

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Union leaders have made it clear that maintaining high-speed rail's slice of the pie is their top priority. The project has employed nearly 15,000 union workers since construction started in 2015, more than any other infrastructure undertaking in the country.

We believe it's worked extremely well, said Chris Hannan, president of the State Building and Construction Trades Council of California. We'd like to see it get reauthorized for a longer period of time to help us have even more vision as we're building out the state of California.

Their vocal support of the project is also a sign that they see a loss of funding support from Sacramento as a real threat.

I do know that there are other Democrats who would like to see this whole thing go away, said Michael Quigley, executive director of California Alliance For Jobs. The conversation around cap-and-trade reauthorization is going to be very critical to the future of high-speed rail."

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The project has long faced geographic frictions over the decision to start construction in the sparsely populated Central Valley, a move required by the Obama administration to qualify for funding through the federal American Recovery and Reinvestment Act in 2009. That means the benefits have flowed to a region outside of the urban hubs that represent Democrats power base.

While Democrats' grip on labor is still dominant in California, Trumps overtures to working-class voters have shifted allegiances among rank-and-file union members in purple parts of the country that look more like the Central Valley. And a Democratic retreat from high-speed rail could force trade unions to look elsewhere for support.

There's a realignment of political interests, said Tal Eslick, a Republican consultant who was previously chief of staff for Reps. Devin Nunes and David Valadao, both Republicans from the Central Valley. Things are happening elsewhere in the country that could eventually impact this project as well.

The project still maintains support among influential Democratic lawmakers like state Senate Transportation Chair Dave Cortese and state Senate Budget Chair Scott Wiener, along with the Central Valleys Democratic contingent.

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Cortese and Wiener have introduced bills that attempt to increase private investment in high-speed rail and require local governments and utility companies to quickly relocate facilities in the project's path.

There will be points of view and political positions on all sides of that question, those who want to abandon the project, those who think it should have more, and those who think it should be the same, Cortese said. I think the strongest argument is to keep the funding the same so we don't disrupt it.

But even if high-speed rail maintains its carveout, lawmakers are clear the project needs more to get on track.

I think it's imperative that we demonstrate were putting a self-help plan together for the project that isn't dependent on cap and trade, Cortese said.

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Lou Thompson, a longtime rail consultant who previously chaired a Legislature-established peer review group that studies the project, said the projects focus on the Central Valley means it poses a challenge to lawmakers in other parts of the state.

Is there really committed Democratic support to the idea of high-speed rail? Thompson said. I don't know. Its certainly not uniform.

Thompson pointed to Democratic strongholds in Southern California and the Bay Area that are unlikely to see benefits from the project in the near future. The High-Speed Rail Authority estimates it is about $4 billion short on funding to complete an initial 171-mile stretch from Bakersfield to Merced in the Central Valley. That line is scheduled to open by 2033, though a February state inspector general report found that construction is unlikely to be completed by that timeline. Expansion to Southern California and the Bay Area could take decades longer.

HSRA CEO Ian Choudri has downplayed the potential impact of a federal funding freeze, saying the project can withstand four years of Trump. The agency, however, is blunt about cap-and-trade dollars being crucial.

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It's in our financial plans. It's built into the plan, its built into the strategy, Choudri said at an event in January when asked about the 25 percent carveout. That's what lays out the importance of it.

But the competition for cap-and-trade funds has only intensified in recent years, as the state rolled back budget funding for climate programs amid an economic downturn and groups looked elsewhere for cash flow.

Marie Liu, a climate lobbyist and longtime legislative staffer who served as climate and environment adviser for former state Assembly Speaker Anthony Rendon, a Democrat, called high-speed rail a jobs project that is still years away from producing greenhouse gas reduction benefits.

The case for high-speed rail gets really hard when you're not getting any [emission] reductions, versus spending dollars on things that have more tangible immediate impacts, like forestry or credits to people's electricity bills, wildfire hardening, she said. You're gonna get a lot more bang for your buck and support for climate programs than you do for investments on high-speed rail.
LOS ANGELES (AP)  In the fight for the U.S. House, Democrats are hoping pop rock star power will help oust a long-serving Republican east of Los Angeles as the party looks to regain control of the chamber and slow President Donald Trumps agenda.

Tim Myers, a Grammy-nominated former bassist for international hitmakers OneRepublic, announced Thursday he will challenge Rep. Ken Calvert in the battleground 41st District in Riverside County that stretches from the L.A. suburbs to the resort haven of Palm Springs.

Ken Calvert has been in Washington for 30 years, Myers says in a video announcing his campaign. The status quo isn't working.

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Christian Martinez, a spokesperson for the campaign arm of House Republicans, said in a statement that Democrat Tim Myers is everything wrong with todays radical left: a Hollywood liberal trying to fake his way into Riverside County."

Myers grew up in Corona, most of which is in the district, but now lives in neighboring Los Angeles County.

At a time when competitive House contests are becoming scarcer nationwide, Democrats consider Calvert's closely divided California district one of the partys best opportunities to gain ground in the chamber, where Republicans hold a fragile 220-213 majority.

With Congress and the White House under Republican control  and Democrats facing an uphill fight to take the Senate in 2026  the California contest will carry added importance as Democrats maneuver to retake the House to provide a counterweight to the Trump administration on issues from immigration to the environment.

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Myers, a prolific producer, songwriter and solo artist, is positioning himself as a change agent in a race against one of the most senior members of the House. The 40-year-old Myers said he was in second grade when Calvert, the longest-serving Republican in the states congressional delegation, was first elected in 1992.

In the video that appears to have been filmed in a recording studio, Myers recalls growing up a pastor's son in Corona, on the western edge of the Southern California district. He recounts the ups-and-downs of the notoriously cutthroat music business that eventually led him to found his own record label. He now lives in the tony enclave of Hidden Hills in neighboring Los Angeles County, a popular redoubt for musicians and actors.

Myers berates Trump policies that he says will hurt veterans and drive up consumer prices.

Our community is being priced out of homeownership, groceries are more expensive every week and were constantly under threat from wildfires and rising crime, Myers said in a statement. Its time for a change.

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Republicans hold a slim registration advantage in the district  less than 2 points over Democrats  and Calvert has beat back tough challenges in the last two elections. Calvert prevailed by about a 3-point edge in 2024, the same year Trump carried the district by 6 points over Democrat Kamala Harris, the former California U.S. senator and attorney general.

The campaign arm of House Democrats has named Calvert a top target for 2026, as he was in 2024. Calvert's campaign raised over $1.3 million the first quarter of 2025.

California is known as a liberal protectorate. Democrats hold every statewide office, dominate the Legislature and congressional delegation and outnumber registered Republicans by a staggering 2-1 ratio. Still, Republicans retain pockets of political clout in the Southern California suburbs and vast rural stretches, including the Central Valley farm belt.

In 2024, a tough year for Democrats nationally, the party picked up three GOP-held House seats in California.
SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (KELO)  The clock is ticking for the task force that will decide the future of a new mens prison in South Dakota. Currently the group is gathering a list of properties around Sioux Falls that could be home to the new facility.

Project Prison Reset is about three months out from the vote to appropriate funds for the new mens prison. State representative Greg Jamison is a member of the task force and says one priority is that its close to Sioux Falls.



We need still a workforce that can work at the prison. So that proximity to Sioux Falls on the 20 mile range or so kind of gives us some comfort that individuals would work at the prison and still be able to live in town and drive back and forth and its not too far, Jamison said.



Right now the group is gathering recommendations for potential locations. The former Citibank campus on the north side of Sioux Falls has put itself up for consideration for the new prison site.



When I first heard about the Citibank complex as kind of an option. It was kind of like, wow, okay well so right inside the city in a commercially zoned area is an interesting approach. Because our mindset has always been way out in the country, away from everybody, a no neighbors kind of attempt, Jamison said.

State representative Karla Lems is one of the task force members who visited the former Citibank location.

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The key elements that would make this a viable site include proximity to interstates, workforce opportunities, no residential, city infrastructure, and space needed for the footprint required. There is also the added benefit of being close to the Jameson Annex, which will continue to be used. Also, the price could be substantially less than the previous proposal. However, we do not have hard numbers at this time, Lems said.

Lems also agrees the future prison site should be accessible for its workforce.

Emergency services and healthcare access is essential as well. We have heard a lot about rehabilitation and re-entry programs. There are areas of the state that have these types of services and this should be an integral part of any search, Lems said.

Jamison says a handful of other properties will be looked at during the vetting process, in addition to the existing prison location which could be renovated.



The Jameson Annex has a portion of its building that could be added to an additional level. The Department of Corrections owns some land on the other side of the diversion channel. How could that be implemented? What if we tore down the existing old building here and scraped it away and added it here, Jamison said.

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Recommendations to the task force should be submitted by April 24. After that the committee and a consultant will review its options. Some of the qualities listed in a ideal prison site includes at least 100 acres of land, within 20 miles of Sioux Falls and located on or near a paved road.

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PROVIDENCE, R.I. (WPRI)  The former correctional officer at the Adult Correctional Institutions (ACI) charged in connection with the death of an inmate nearly three years ago has agreed to a plea deal.

Geoffrey Peters, 45, pleaded no contest Wednesday to involuntary manslaughter and received a deferred five-year sentence.

Peters was charged after an investigation into the death of 49-year-old Timothy McQuesten determined he was criminally negligent in the execution of his duty.

Timothy McQuesten

McQuesten, who had been charged with murdering a Lincoln couple nearly a week prior, was discovered dead in his cell after choking himself with a face mask. He had been placed on crisis management status and assigned to a monitoring cell after it was determined he was at risk of harming himself.

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Peters involvement in McQuestens death remains unclear, however, McQuesten did mention during his arraignment that he hadnt been given his antipsychotic medication since his arrest.

I dont know where it went or how it got lost, McQuesten told the judge. All of my other medications were transported thats the only one Ive been without.

Peters, who was initially placed on paid administrative leave, was fired the same year he was charged in connection with McQuestens death.

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SEOUL, April 17 (Xinhua) -- The number of farming households in South Korea stayed below 1 million for the second straight year in 2024, statistical office data showed Thursday.

The number of farming families declined 2.5 percent from a year earlier to 974,000 in December 2024 after recording 999,000 in the previous year, according to Statistics Korea.

It hovered below 1 million for two consecutive years for the first time since relevant data began to be compiled in 1949.

Farming households had been on the decline in recent years as the rapidly aging population encouraged more farmers to quit farming.

The proportion of farming households to the country's total households stood at 4.4 percent in December last year, down 0.2 percentage points from a year earlier.

The population of farming families retreated 4.1 percent to 2,004,000 in the cited period, accounting for 3.9 percent of the total population.

Of the total farming family members, the highest share of 39.2 percent was those in their 70s or older, followed by those in their 60s with 30.5 percent and those in their 50s with 14.0 percent.

Two-member households took up the largest share of 57.8 percent of the total farming families, trailed by single-member households with 23.6 percent.

The number of fishing households reduced 2.1 percent over the year to 40,900 in December 2024, while the number in the forestry sector decreased 1.2 percent to 98,000. 
Marcia Levering, left, on Thursday shared her story of being attacked by an inmate at a CoreCivic-run detention facility in Leavenworth, Kansas, and the resulting 16 surgeries that left her disabled. She was supported by her friend and another former detention employee Shari Rich. (Morgan Chilson/Kansas Reflector)

LEAVENWORTH  Around the corner from a defunct for-profit prison owned by Tennessee-based CoreCivic, Marcia Levering walked carefully across a grassy field to a podium at Ray Miller Park, aided by her cane and a friend, to speak out against the companys desire to open an ICE detention facility.

Levering, who now lives in Nebraska, worked at the CoreCivics Leavenworth Detention Center for 10 months beginning in 2020 before she was stabbed four times by an inmate  once in the ear, once in the right arm, and twice in the abdomen. She shared her experience at a Thursday press conference hosted by ACLU Kansas, Cross-Border Network for Justice & Solidarity and Advocates for Immigrant Rights and Reconciliation, speaking out against CoreCivics desire to reopen the prison and house immigrants.

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As usual, we were understaffed, Levering said of the attack. There are two officers in Q building, when there should have been seven. I was in training for a new position. The day of my assault, on Feb. 6, 2021, I was coming out of my office. Unit Four accidentally buzzed open the wrong door, allowing an inmate to come out, throwing boiling water in my face and stab me four times.

Levering said corrections officers expect to be in danger, but a pattern of understaffing and poor working conditions made the job much more dangerous than it should have been.

The CoreCivic facility closed in 2021 when its contract with the United States Marshals Service ended. Reports by oversight agencies when the Leavenworth facility closed highlighted problems at the facility, including understaffing and the use of triple bunking in cells, a practice of adding a third bunk to a cell designed for two inmates.

Leavenworth citizens and others from across the state have stepped forward to protest CoreCivics plant to reopen, speaking out through public rallies and at city meetings. City officials heard and responded. The most recent step in disagreements between the city and CoreCivic officials was a lawsuit filed March 31. The city said the company had not followed a proper permitting process to reopen.

Sister Jean Panisko, Sisters of Charity of Leavenworth, spoke at a press conference at the Ray Miller Park in Leavenworth, Kansas. Her organization opposes CoreCivic reopening a detention center as an ICE facility. (Morgan Chilson/Kansas Reflector)

Staffing shortages critical

Shari Rich, who worked at the CoreCivic facility for 13 years, attended Thursday to put her voice to those urging the city of Leavenworth to keep the detention center closed. Her first years with the company were good, and she considered the facility well run.

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But in the last six years, it steadily deteriorated, she said.

I worked control, she said, explaining that was the eyes and ears of the building, keeping oversight of what was happening. And usually we had two to three officers up there at all times. At the end, when she (Levering) got hurt, there was only one person manning that whole place. There are 24 pods.

Using her hands, Rich counted how many doors and gates that was for one person to watch, a total that came to more than 45.

So one person was manning that whole place, Rich said.

This was inevitable, Levering interjected about the attack that left her partially paralyzed and for which she underwent 16 surgeries. A matter of when.

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In the public eye

Esmie Tseng, spokeswoman for ACLU of Kansas, said the Thursday press conference was a way to keep the issue in front of the Leavenworth community. Although organizations put the event together, she said its important that the city be the focus.

I definitely want it to be more of a bridge for the folks that have these stories to tell, who know firsthand the impact that the facility had on them, she said. I think we need to keep remembering that there are people who are at the heart of this.

Tseng said the citys officials have stepped up for those who shared their disagreement with CoreCivic reopening.

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It sort of took on its own momentum, right? she said. I think its such an issue that, like, really spoke to people. I really want to make sure that CoreCivic doesnt just get to dominate the conversation.

CoreCivic spokesman Ryan Gustin disagreed, calling the facilitys opponents politically extreme, out-of-touch, outsider groups that want to tell the people of Leavenworth what to do.

The fact is the Leavenworth community wants our facility, the 300 jobs it will create, and the $2 million in annual local revenue it will generate, Gustin said. Its time for the city commission to reject outside groups from hijacking this issue for their own political gain at the expense of the Leavenworth economy. Elected leaders should tell these outside groups to stop sending the message that the public safety profession is not welcome in Leavenworth.

CoreCivic will operate a safe, transparent, and accountable facility that will be positive for the community, he said.

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William Rogers, formerly employed by CoreCivic at a now defunct detention facility, teared up on Thursday as he relayed holding an inmate as the man died. (Morgan Chilson/Kansas Reflector)

Becoming an advocate

William Rogers, another former employee of CoreCivic, has become a grassroots advocate, filling out Kansas Open Records Requests and tracking down building permits and emails as he fights to stop the company from reopening a facility.

When speaking about holding an inmate, Dillon Reed, as he died, Rogers voice broke and he struggled to go on.

I still see Dillon Reed at night sometimes when I go to bed, Rogers said. He was a good kid. He should have never died in there. He died because of staff negligence. People are humans in there. Theyre inmates, but theyre humans. I think every one of us need to understand that these people have families. They have people that love them. We had a job to do, and we failed that day.

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Rogers received pointed out that CoreCivic promised in emails, which he provided to Kansas Reflector, to use local contractors to do all the upgrades the facility. But when he got a copy of a building permit for the complete removal and replacement of the roof, the contractor was a Texas company, Bass Roofing and Restoration LLC.

CoreCivic also offered, in emails from CoreCivics John Malloy:

A one-time impact fee payment of $1,000,000

An annual impact fee payment of $250,000

An annual impact fee to the police department of $150,000

The company also said it expects to employ 300 to 350 full-time employees with a total salary and benefit package between $25 million and $30.2 million per year.

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Prioritizing progress over people

Sister Jean Panisko, with the Sisters of Charity of Leavenworth, was the opening speaker Thursday.

Were Catholic women, religious, devoted to the work of justice, peace and upholding the integrity of creation, she said. We applaud the city commissioners for their actions, for listening to our community and protecting the city by suing CoreCivic, asking them to apply for a special-use permit with money provided by our government.

Panisko said CoreCivic is promising conditions wont be the same, but she said the facility wasnt closed by chance.

It was shut down by the previous presidential administration after serious reports and ultimately finding mismanagement, abuse conditions, she said. The closure was and continues to be an indictment of a failed system, one that prioritizes progress over people, efficiency over empathy and contracts over projects.
WASHINGTON (DC News Now)  A former Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) contractor pleaded guilty Wednesday to acting as an agent of the Iranian government for seven years, according to the United States Attorneys Office (USAO) for the District of Columbia.

Abouzar Rahmati, 42, a naturalized U.S. citizen and resident of Great Falls, Virginia, pleaded guilty to charges of conspiracy and acting as an agent to a foreign government without prior notification to the Attorney General.

Officer stabbed in face by fare evader at Navy Yard Metro station, police say

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According to court documents, from December 2017 to June 2024, Rahmati worked and communicated with Iranian intelligence officers while he was employed as an FAA contractor.

Court documents say Rahmati used his role to gain private information on the U.S. aviation and solar energy industries to provide to Iranian intelligence officers.

In August 2017, Rahmati offered his services to the Iranian government through a senior Iranian government official with whom Rahmati went to university. Rahmati used a cover story stating he was discussing research with fellow academics to avoid detection and began sending information to Iran that December.

Rahmati traveled back to the United States in early 2018, where he obtained private and open-source materials on the U.S. solar energy industry and gave the information to an official from Irans Vice President for Science and Technology.

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Court documents state that Rahmati was then tasked to download at least 172 GB of his companys files when he was employed as a contractor with the FAA.

The files included confidential FAA documents related to the National Aerospace System (NAS), NAS Airport Surveillance Radar systems, and radio frequency data.

According to court records, Rahmati stored the files on removable media that he gave to Iran in April 2022.

That same month, Rahmati sent the following to his brother, who lived in Iran, to be relayed to Iranian intelligence: information on solar energy, solar panels, the FAA, U.S. airports, and U.S. air traffic control towers

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Todays guilty plea demonstrates the FBIs zero tolerance policy for the Government of Irans repeated attempts to undermine U.S. national security, said Assistant Director in Charge Jensen. Mr. Rahmatis case should serve as a warning to Americans with access to sensitive U.S. critical technology that Iranian intelligence services see them as a target, particularly those with information regarding our aviation sector. The FBI and our partners will continue to relentlessly identify and disrupt hostile actors efforts to target our aviation and other infrastructure, which is vital to keeping our citizens safe.

His sentencing is set for August 26, and he faces a maximum of 15 years combined for his charges.

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A former Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) contractor pleaded guilty Wednesday to working as an agent of Iran and sharing sensitive U.S. airport data with Iranian intelligence officers.

Abouzar Rahmati, 42, admitted to conspiring to act and acting as an agent of Iran on U.S. soil without prior notification to the Attorney General, according to a press release from the Justice Department (DOJ).

Court documents show that from at least December 2017 to June 2024, Rahmati cooperated with the Iranian government using a cover story to hide his conduct, obtaining employment with an FAA contractor with access to sensitive non-public information about the U.S. aviation sector, and obtaining open-source and non-public materials about the U.S. solar energy industry and providing it to Iranian intelligence officers, the DOJ release states.

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Some of that information  including documents related to solar energy, solar panels, the FAA, U.S. airports and U.S. air traffic control towers  was given by Rahmati to his Iran-based brother in mid-2022, per the department. The files were later handed over to Iranian intelligence officials on his behalf, court documents show.

The guilty plea comes as the U.S. and Iran have recently engaged in indirect talks around Tehrans nuclear program despite a long-standing tense relationship between the two nations.

Envoys from Iran and the U.S. recently finished the first round of positive and constructive discussions in Oman, agreeing to move forward with the discussion this weekend, according to the Trump administration.

U.S. national security experts have pushed back on President Trumps decision to open talks with the Middle East nation, while comparing the latest round of talks to former President Obamas previous agreement with Iran. Trump withdrew from the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action, more commonly known as the Iran Nuclear Deal, in 2018.

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ALEXANDRIA, Va. (DC News Now)  A former federal employee who worked for the Patent and Trademark Office in the Department of Commerce was convicted this week for possession of child sexual abuse material (CSAM), officials announced.

The U.S. Attorneys Office (USAO) said 40-year-old Rafferty Daniel Kelly, of Alexandria, faces anywhere between five and 40 years in prison for receiving and keeping child pornography.

According to court documents, Kelly had CSAM between January 2020 and the end of March 2022. While searching his home, federal agents said they found he downloaded and stored over 50,000 photos during those two years.

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Man found dead in Woodbridge townhome after crews respond to fire

Photos included child erotica and images of infants and prepubescent children. Kelly also reportedly had a handbook on how to groom children, the USAO said.

A federal judge found Kelly guilty of receipt of child pornography and possession of child pornography. The defendant is scheduled to be sentenced on July 24 and faces a mandatory minimum penalty of five years in prison.

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Delaney Jarmon, an Aurora Public Schools special education teacher, holds a "budget cuts never heal" sign in March at the Colorado Capitol in Denver. (Lindsey Toomer/Colorado Newsline)

Two furloughed employees with the U.S. Department of Education warned Colorado lawmakers on Wednesday that a reduced workforce in the department could result in delayed or incorrectly disbursed grant money to the state.

The Colorado Department of Education receives about $870 million from the federal government, or a little over 11% of its money, according to Commissioner of Education Susana Cordova.

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The funding that we receive through all of these different funding sources are supplemental funds that really are essential to services, particularly for the most vulnerable students, she said during a special Senate Education Committee hearing.

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That money comes from grant allocations doled out by program, ranging from about $206 million for special education and services for students with disabilities to about $371,000 for students in juvenile detention centers or other alternative education settings. Other programs support students in poverty, students learning English and out-of-school enrichment programs.

Since 2010, the money has spread across over 100 grant programs for a total of over $20 billion.

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But two recently-furloughed employees from the Office of Elementary and Secondary Education said that the slashed workforce directed by the Trump administration could endanger efficient data processing and ultimately disturb the timeline and accuracy of funding disbursements.

The offices day-to-day operations are guided by a grant making life cycle, which includes pre-award, award and post-award activities. It is not as simple as writing a check, said Sarah Newman, who helped lead the offices data management team.

The work includes publicizing grant opportunities, assessing grantee risk, calculating funding using formulas, ensuring compliance and providing technical assistance. All of that relies on data processed and maintained by Newmans team. They looked for anomalies and errors that would affect funding.

Since President Donald Trump ordered the drastic reduction of the department in March, about 90% of the OESE workforce has been fired or left, Newman said. Trump has repeatedly called for the closure of the Department of Education, which he does not have the power to do as president, but he can severely reduce its capacity.

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Since January 20, the current administration has taken numerous actions that have threatened the operations of (the Education Department), as well as the sustainability of the funding and services Colorado currently receives, Newman said. I stand before you today concerned that, beginning with this next fiscal year, the federal funds Colorado schools have come to rely on will not be there.

It could also impact the current round of funding. Even though data was submitted and sent to the programs, people on the team were fired before the standard correction period ended.

I worry that the decisions made to distribute the grants on July 1 are based on preliminary data, which the states did not have an opportunity to correct or explain. I also have concerns about the programs ability to do all the work required just to make the awards in time, said data analyst Joe Murphy.

Murphy and Newman emphasized that delayed, repurposed or eliminated funding would have the biggest impact on school districts in poor and rural areas. Littleton Public Schools, for example, gets about 5% of its funding from the federal government, but Fountain-Fort Carson School District 8, which misses out on property tax revenue because of its proximity to an Army base, gets 30% of its funding from federal sources.

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Newman and Murphy suggested that state lawmakers try to use historical funding data and codify at the state level the federal Every Student Succeeds Act, which is the countrys main education law. The law includes the federal programs related to low-income students, students of color, students with disabilities, English Learners and other historically marginalized students.

Murphy worries that the federal government will resort to giving block grants to states, rather than divided up by program. That switch would require a change in federal law.

You can look at whats in ESSA and say, These are the funds, and this is where theyre supposed to go and carry that out at the state level, Murphy said.

The states legislative session ends the first week of May, so such a large policy undertaking could be near-impossible this year.

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Cordova, the education commissioner, told lawmakers that she is hopeful that verbal commitments to maintain program funding for low-income students and students with disabilities will stick.

What weve heard from the new secretary of Education is a commitment to continue funding, she said. Were very hopeful that that would be the case, because I think absent that funding, very important and critical services would be missing for students who rely on them.

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MEMPHIS, Tenn.  A former mental health counselor for two nonprofits was indicted after an investigation revealed he received over $17,000 in unearned wages, according to the Tennessee Comptrollers Office.

Broderick Webster was indicted by the Shelby County Grand Jury on one count of theft of property $10,000 following the investigation.

Broderick Webster (Photo courtesy of the SCSO)

The comptrollers office said in a press release that Webster was working for two nonprofits at the same time  Persevere in Memphis and Eagles Nest Services in Jackson. Both nonprofits received Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) grant funds to run programs in West Tennessee.

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An investigation was opened after the Tennessee Department of Human Resources reported suspected misappropriation of funds.

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The comptrollers office says the investigation revealed Webster improperly received at least $17,239 in unearned wages and employer-paid benefits from Persevere.

Webster allegedly claimed to be working for both nonprofits simultaneously for 469 hours, also known as double-dipping.

Investigators also found, through reviewing case files for his mental health clients, that Webster did not have any documentation showing that he performed any work for Persevere.

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Both nonprofits received salary reimbursements for Webster using TANF grant funds, said the comptrollers office.

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Former Wadesboro Police Officer Kayla Wright, following a superiors command, deployed K-9 Blitztrained for narcotics and tracking but not yet certified for suspect apprehensionduring a chaotic traffic stop, leading to the dogs tragic death and sparking community outrage over the handling of the incident.

Wright showed Channel 9 the bite mark on her hand where Blitz had held on.

She says the entire incident was caught on her body camera video that she later watched.

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It was about 4 minutes of me begging somebody. Grab his collar. You just have to grab his collar like you just have to choke him off thats all you have to do, she said. People saying, No. No. Im not touching the dog.

No charges inREAD MORE: K-9 Blitzs death amid resignations and lawsuit

A Taser went off and he immediately came off, Wright said. Another one went off out of nowhere, and it kind of shocked me.

Wright says an officer then fired shots at the dog and missed.

He wasnt aggressive or any means like that, Wright said. He was coming back to his handler. And I was ready to grab him when rounds started going off. It was an utter chaos situation. Caught me by surprise. I was screaming, Hey. Down. Down. Down! Because Im thinking if he stops moving, the rounds stop flying.

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Dispatch audio: Shots fired.

Copy. shots fired.

Officer bit.

Wright says a video captured by the suspects sister shows the moments after shots were fired at Blitz.

The suspect, I believe he kicked or moved, something happened, Wright said. He re-engaged, and I immediately called him off. He immediately listened. He banked left and came to me as he was coming back to me. Im reaching down to grab him, and shots go off again. It was a mess after that. He got hit, and you could hear the yelps. I kept screaming. My dog. My dog. My dog.

Dispatch audio: Multiple shots fired. K-9 down. Shot by officers.

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Wright says it was dark, and Blitz ran off.

When she found him, she says he was dying and asked for an officer to put him down.

It was the hardest thing Ive ever had to do, Wright said.

Wright says it was an awful morning and doesnt know if fear played a role in the officer firing the deadly shots.

I cant answer for him, she said. I dont know why he did what he did. But Im angry. Im upset because my dog could still be here.

She also feels conflicted about allowing Blitz to get involved in apprehending a suspect.

Before that night, she says he hadnt done that type of work at Wadesboro PD.

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She says he had only been used at the department for narcotics, tracking, and searches.

Esposito asked Wright, Looking back, are you thinking you should have obeyed that order and not released him?

Yeah, 100%, Wright said. The way I look at it, hindsight is 20/20. If I had disobeyed that order, maybe I would have been a write-up. It probably would have been a write-up. I disobeyed an order from a sergeant, but my dog would still be here.

Blitzs training

Wright says the incident was the first time Blitz was deployed to apprehend a suspect with the Wadesboro Police Department.

She says they had been doing apprehension training, but she wasnt planning to do that work in the field until they were both certified.

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He slept in our living room. He was a part of my family as much as anyone else. He will remain that, Wright said. Id take him in a truck to pick up my son from daycare. Thats how good of a dog he was. He was part of our family.

Wright says she became his handler in January after his former owner, Josh Harrington, donated Blitz to the Wadesboro Police Department.

He advised to build a bond with the dog. Hes had some rough times. Start building a bond, Wright said.

Harrington told Channel 9 that Blitz was to be used for narcotics and tracking only, and not for apprehension.

Esposito later learned Blitz had previously worked for the Virginia State Police.

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The agency told Channel 9 that Blitz was trained in apprehension but was removed from its program for unwarranted aggression issues.

Wright says she wasnt aware of Blitzs past but says Blitz was great on calls involving narcotics, tracking, and doing searches.

We went to a lot of calls, she said. We tracked a missing juvenile. We tracked suspects that have beaten their wives and girlfriends and run off into the woods. I mean, weve done a lot. Jump-and-runs on suspects. Weve run tracks on that. He was amazing at tracking.

Wright says that in March, she enrolled Blitz in a training program so he could be certified as a dual-purpose dog and do apprehension work.

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They did that evaluation they gave me, Wright said. Hey, hes very clear-headed. His bite work looks good, but he doesnt have an out. And he loves the toys, so the guy said, Hey, if you always have that toy present, hes going to come off that bite for that toy.

The course was six weeks.

Wright says she wasnt planning to use Blitz for apprehension until they were certified as a team, which is not required in North Carolina.

That didnt go as planned on April 2 when Blitz died.

Town turmoil

Esposito traveled to Wadesboro hours after the incident.

The interim police chief confirmed the dogs death but did not go into detail. The next day, he didnt respond to our calls.

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Wright says she wished he had shared more.

The following week, the community stormed a council meeting demanding transparency from the town and the police department.

I truly feel that if something was put out, even a day later, the community wouldnt have been in such an uproar, Wright said. They just wanted answers. They just wanted to be part of it like we do.

Channel 9 reported last week that Wadesboro Interim Police Chief Jason Eschert filed a lawsuit against Blitzs former owner, Harrington.

In the suit, Eschert accuses Harrington of making and repeating false and defamatory statements orally, on social media, and to news outlets.

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I felt like Josh was trying to do the right thing, Wright says. He was trying to stand up for his community. He just went about it the wrong way. He didnt have the right information. We have since talked. He has apologized. I have no ill will for him.

Wright says she wants to put the situation to rest, so she can focus on mourning Blitz.

All of his toys are in there, she says. I dont think Ill ever take that down. If I do receive his remains, Ill put it on the mantle above his kennel.

Wright had been with the department for seven months and said she resigned instead of being terminated last week.

She says that despite the incident, she still hopes to continue her career in law enforcement.

VIDEO: No charges in K-9 Blitzs death amid resignations and lawsuit
A former corporate lawyer from Scott Township has been sentenced to over 12.5 years in prison for dealing meth.

James France, 62, will also have eight years of supervised release once hes out of prison.

France was found guilty in March 2022 of distributing 50 grams or more of meth.

According to a release from the United States District Court for the Western District of Pennsylvania, France was a lawyer with an Ivy League degree and worked at several Pittsburgh-based law firms before turning to a life of dealing meth.

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On March 16, 2015, France was arrested in Illinois after authorities searched his car and found approximately 1,344 grams of meth along with scales, packaging material, syringes and more than $4,700. In May of 2016, authorities said one of Frances conspirators was arrested by the Drug Enforcement Administration in New York and led to identify France as a major meth supplier from the Pittsburgh area.

In late June of 2016, the DEA did a controlled purchase of $2,000 worth of meth from Frances Scott Township home. A lab analysis found it to be 55 grams of meth.

On July 29, 2016, around 1:38 a.m., Scott Township police responded to a home invasion at Frances home. When officers arrived, they found a person who appeared to be under the influence of drugs and reported that six armed men attempted to break into the home. No one responded when the officers called out for anyone inside and no one responded. The home was then cleared.

Due to the conditions of the home, officers believed the home could have contained a meth leb. They contacted the DEA, who determined the house wasnt a meth lab and then obtained a search warrant for the home. During the search, officers found 430 grams of meth, around $8,000 and other evidence of meth distribution.

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France was out on bond for other offenses when police arrested him on June 30, 2017, after another search warrant at his home. Authorities said that the search resulted in the seizure of a methamphetamine smoking apparatus, syringes, scales, packaging material, large sums of U.S. currency, and quantities of methamphetamine.

Authorities said throughout his court proceeding, the defendant tried to obstruct justice by lying, violating the conditions of his bond, threatening to beat a persons grandparents to within an inch of their lives and verbally abusing his court-appointed counsel.

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LANCASTER COUNTY, Pa. (WHTM) Former President George W. Bush was in Lancaster County on Wednesday, where he spoke at the 2025 High Center Business Forum.

According to the event, the 43rd President was a special guest at the event, which took place at the Lancaster County Convention Center. Bush was scheduled to speak about what being president taught him.

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abc27s media partner, LancasterOnline, said that Bush traveled to Lancaster County five times during his presidency, which was the most since Lancasters James Buchanan.

The High Center was founded in 1995 and is one of the nations first and largest centers dedicated to family and privately held businesses, according to the website. High Center supports hundreds of businesses across Central Pennsylvania.

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BENTONVILLE, Ark. (KNWA/KFTA)  A former Springdale vice principal was sentenced to 20 years in prison for breaking sex offender registry rules in Benton County.

Mark Edward Oesterle, 51

(Courtesy of Benton County)

Mark Edward Oesterle, 51, was arrested in 2019 on three counts of sexual assault in the second degree. He was arrested again in 2022 on four counts of being a registered sex offender on a school campus.

An affidavit from his arrest says that officers were advised by Oesterles wife that she had found a phone belonging to her husband that reportedly housed nude photographs of females of unknown ages.

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Oesterles wife said that her children first told her about the phone. She told police that she believed all of the females whose pictures were in the phone were of age because she told her husband that if she ever found him with a juvenile, she would leave him.

Hearings reset for former NWA educator arrested on 42 counts of defying sex offender rules

The affidavit says that the phones password was identical to a previous phone that had been confiscated by probation agents.

Oesterle is barred from contact with any minors except his biological children.

Additionally, he was forced to surrender his passport after officers observed that he was in communication regarding travel to China.

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He pleaded guilty to one count of second-degree sexual assault in a case in September 2021, stemming from a 2019 arrest after a complaint from a former student. The student has since filed a lawsuit against Oesterle.

Oesterle is also charged in Washington County for visiting multiple Springdale public school campuses in 2022, which netted him four counts of being a registered offender on a school campus, which is a class D felony.

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TEHRAN, April 17 (Xinhua) -- Iranian Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi highlighted Tehran's determination to continue cooperation with the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA).

During his meeting with visiting IAEA Director General Rafael Grossi on Wednesday, the two sides exchanged views on Iran-IAEA cooperation and the indirect talks between Iran and the United States over Iran's nuclear program, according to a statement of the Iranian Foreign Ministry.

Araghchi informed Grossi of his indirect talks with U.S. Special Envoy to the Middle East Steve Witkoff on the nuclear issue and Washington's sanctions on Tehran. Araghchi urged the IAEA to play a professional role despite certain parties' "unjustified" pressures, said the statement.

The IAEA chief, for his part, underscored the importance of continuing interaction and cooperation with Iran, as well as consultations with other parties to create a proper atmosphere to help resolve the current challenges.

He welcomed the start of the indirect talks between Iran and the United States, expressing the agency's full support for the diplomatic process.

Grossi arrived in Tehran on Wednesday evening for talks with high-ranking Iranian officials. His trip came ahead of the second round of indirect talks between Tehran and Washington, which Iran has confirmed will be held this weekend in Rome.

The first round of indirect talks was held in the Omani capital of Muscat last week.

Iran signed a nuclear deal, formally known as the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action, with six major countries -- Britain, China, France, Germany, Russia and the United States -- in July 2015, accepting restrictions on its nuclear program in return for sanctions relief.

However, the United States withdrew from the deal in May 2018 and reinstated sanctions, prompting Iran to scale back some of its nuclear commitments. Efforts to revive the nuclear deal have not achieved substantial progress. 
The County-City Building in Lincoln serves as the home to courtrooms in Lancaster County. (Paul Hammel/Nebraska Examiner)

LINCOLN  The former chair of the Nebraska Republican Party testified Wednesday that he demanded that a hard-hitting campaign mailer accusing a GOP candidate of breaking the law and losing her real estate license be accurate before it was mailed.

Nebraska Republican Party chairman Dan Welch, left, speaks during a unity rally in Lincoln. To the right are 1st District Mike Flood, Gov. Pete Ricketts and GOP gubernatorial nominee Jim Pillen. (Aaron Sanderford/Nebraska Examiner)

As long as this is accurate its OK. Might stir up some media attention, Dan Welch, the former GOP chair texted to the paid executive director of the party in October of 2020.

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It was a tough piece, Welch said, telling jurors he hated attack ads, but felt they were permitted if accurate and relevant to the race, including one pitting two Republicans against each other  Janet Palmtag, the owner of a Nebraska City real estate firm, and incumbent State Sen. Julie Slama.

Ryan Hamilton, the partys executive director, responded in an email and in a phone conversation with Welch that he was certain it was true, and that he had read a consent agreement signed by the Iowa Real Estate Commission that backed up the accuracy if anyone questions this.

The testimony came during the third day of a trial over the alleged defamation of Palmtag by the Nebraska Republican Party during a contentious state legislative campaign in southeast Nebraska.

Palmtag, a long-time GOP volunteer who was backed by several prominent Republicans, lost the 2020 election to Slama, who was appointed to her seat and supported by then-Gov. Pete Ricketts. Three months after the election Palmtag filed a civil lawsuit alleging she was defamed. She is seeking damages from the state GOP for lost business and emotional distress.

Must prove actual malice

Palmtag, who is being represented by prominent Omaha attorney Dave Domina, must prove that the GOP acted with actual malice or reckless disregard for the facts in sending out the mailers, which she has labeled as lies.

Janet Palmtag of Nebraska City (Courtesy of Palmtag For Nebraska)

The case is viewed as an important one in the arena of political campaign speech, with the potential to set how far hit pieces can go in attacking a rival candidate.

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Palmtag testified on Monday that she had voluntarily dropped her Iowa real estate license, and that of her firm, J.J. Palmtag Inc., because the market in the Hawkeye State near Nebraska City had been ruined by flooding.

Palmtag said that she had reached a consent agreement with the Iowa commission in 2018 to resolve a mistake made by a gravely ill salesman who had worked for her. She paid a $500 but admitted no violation of state laws. While everyone received their proper payments, the salesman had failed to get all the signatures required in Iowa to transfer an earnest deposit for the sale.

On Wednesday, Welch, an attorney and former member of the Omaha City Council, took the stand to tell jurors that in his opinion, an Iowa law had been broken.

But when asked by Domina if he now feels that Palmtag lost her license as the mailers stated, Welchs answer was nuanced.

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What I now question is how she lost her license, and I dont know the answer to that, Welch said.

On Monday, the GOPs lead attorney, Kamron Hasan told jurors that Hamilton had read the consent agreement and it stated that J.J. Palmtag had not contested the alleged violation of Iowa real estate law, and had looked up the status of the company and it read that its license had been cancelled.

That, Hasan said, showed that the claims in the campaign mailers were true.

Impact of ads

On Wednesday, Palmtags local physician and family friend, Dr. Bradley Vasa, testified that she is still being treated for symptoms of depression brought on by the campaign mailers he labeled a hit piece and false.

State Sen. Julie Slama, District 1. (Courtesy of Craig Chandler / UNL Communications)

She changed after that, Dr. Vasa said, following the mailers from the Nebraska GOP.

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Palmtag was more withdrawn and less visible in Nebraska City, he said, and fewer J.J. Palmtag for-sale signs were visible around town.

Vasa also testified that Palmtag had been treated successfully for intermittent anxiety and migraine headaches prior to 2020, but insisted her condition had worsened after the contentious campaign.

Palmtags ex-husband, John, also testified that their 40-year marriage ended in part due to the hurt caused by the campaign claims he labeled as untrue.

Friends and local residents tended to believe they were true, he added, because they came from the party instead of an independent dark money group.

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One long-time friend of Palmtags, Sara Crook, a retired Peru State professor, said she had noticed that Palmtags usually upbeat and outgoing personality had changed after the harsh campaign claims made against her in the 2020 campaign.

In a small town, your reputation means a lot, Crook said. It hurt her reputation.

If a political party can turn on you, she added, how can we get good people to run for office?

Testimony, via depositions from Hamilton and others, is expected to continue tomorrow with closing arguments scheduled Friday morning.

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A former employee of the Sweet Angels Daycare location in North Tonawanda has pleaded guilty, in a deal with Niagara County prosecutors, to charges stemming from her alleged endangerment of three young children.

Savanna Huntington, 20, the daughter of the daycare chain owner Kelly Doel, had been expected to go to trial on three counts of endangering the welfare of a child, a class A misdemeanor. But during a hearing Wednesday afternoon, in North Tonawanda City Court, her defense attorney, Frank LoTempio III, said his client was willing to accept a plea to three violation counts of harassment.

Huntington answered yes and nodded her head three times as City Court Judge Shawn Nickerson asked her if she had harassed three children in her care on May 1, 2024. When Nickerson asked Huntington how she pleaded to three counts of harassment she replied guilty and hung her head.

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Assistant Niagara County District Attorney Heather Nicholson told Nickerson she had consulted with the victims parents on the plea offer and that not all the parents were in agreement, but she added, We do believe this plea is fair and just.

Nickerson agreed to a request from LoTempio and sentenced Huntington to a one-year conditional discharge, 45 hours of community service and a $100 fine. He also issued an order of protection for the three children.

This just came together today, LoTempio said of the plea deal. Its been a very difficult time for Ms. Huntington.

LoTempio said his client has been undergoing counseling and has no criminal history.

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Youre never gonna see her again, he told Nickerson.

Outside the courtroom, Samantha Winger, a Sweet Angels parent who said her child was abused at the daycare center, called the plea and sentencing a slap in the face.

Im really disgusted, Winger said. Community service is a slap in the face to us and the kids. Its been a complete waste of our time. Physically assaulting a child is harassment? We have a legal system, not a justice system.

The Sweet Angels location at 1307 Erie Ave., North Tonawanda, was closed on May 10, 2024 after North Tonawanda Police Department began investigating claims of child abuse there. The Niagara County District Attorneys Office, along with the county Child Protective Services division, the Child Advocacy Center of Niagara and the New York State Office of Children and Family Services also took part in the investigation.

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The initial complaint against Sweet Angels involved allegations of the use of corporal punishment by staff on children in their care.

Investigators determined that some staff inflicted punishment directly on the body (of some children) including, but not limited to, physical restraint, spanking, biting, shaking, slapping, twisting or squeezing; demanding excessive physical exercise, prolonged lack of movement or motion, or strenuous or bizarre postures; and compelling a child to eat.

In late 2023 and early 2024, three employees of the now-closed Sweet Angels location in Newfane pleaded guilty to reduced charges of harassment involving four children there. A Newfane town justice ordered each of them to pay a fine of $125 or $250 and complete 50 or 100 hours of community service.

Sweet Angels continues to operate two daycare centers in Lockport.
Chris Krebs, a former top Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) official, is leaving the private sector to challenge a Trump administration probe.

Krebs said in a Wednesday email that he was stepping away from the cybersecurity company SentinelOne effective immediately.

For those who know me, you know I dont shy away from tough fights. But I also know this is one I need to take on fully  outside of SentinelOne. This will require my complete focus and energy. Its a fight for democracy, for freedom of speech, and for the rule of law. Im prepared to give it everything Ive got, the former CISA director added later.

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Krebs, who was insistent that the U.S.s elections were not compromised, pushed back in 2020 against allegations from now-President Trump that the election had been fraudulent.

In a memo from last week, Trump ordered a probe into Krebs activities as a Government employee, including his leadership of CISA by Attorney General Pam Bondi and Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem.

The president said in his memo that the probe needed to find any instances in which the former CISA directors behavior appears to have been contrary to suitability standards for Federal employees or in which he was involved the unauthorized dissemination of classified information.

Its about the government pulling its levers to punish dissent, to go after corporate interests and corporate relationships, Krebs said in a Wednesday interview in The Wall Street Journal, the first to report on the news.

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Its the same thing weve seen with the law firms, theyve gone after clearances, theyve gone after contracts. Its a novel and expansive strategy they are taking on and it should concern everyone, he added.

The Hill has reached out to the White House for comment.

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PUTNEY, Vt. (ABC22/FOX44)  Four individuals are set to appear in court after they were found to be in possession of cocaine Wednesday, according to state police.

One trooper reportedly observed a vehicle violation and conducted a stop on I-91 in Putney. Investigators say that the occupants of this vehicle, which included Skyler Euber, age 36, Daniel French, age 50, Johnathan Palmisano, age 30, and Kelsey Spaulding, age 31, were in possession of cocaine.

Palmisano was also found to be in violation of his release conditions.

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All four were released with citations, and will appear in Windham County Superior Court June 3.

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Students learn handicraft during a Chinese Language Day celebration in Central Region, Ghana, on April 16, 2025. Some schools in Ghana's Central Region and the Confucius Institute at the University of Cape Coast (CIUCC) on Wednesday presented splendid performances to herald the United Nations Chinese Language Day, annually observed on April 20. (Xinhua/Seth)

ACCRA, April 17 (Xinhua) -- Some schools in Ghana's Central Region and the Confucius Institute at the University of Cape Coast (CIUCC) on Wednesday presented splendid performances to herald the United Nations Chinese Language Day, annually observed on April 20.

Chinese language learners in the region showcased lion dances, martial arts, and Chinese songs during the event, winning rounds of applause from the audience.

Emmanuel Essuman, central regional director of the Ghana Education Service, lauded the CIUCC for its cooperation with the regional educational directorate to promote multilingualism among learners in the region.

"As educators, we are called to be versatile, adaptable, and forward-thinking in the increasingly interconnected world. The ability to navigate multiple languages and cultures is not just an advantage, but also a necessity," said Essuman.

He urged the learners to develop an interest in multilingualism due to the opportunities that may arise from that in the future. "Embracing languages opens doors to new experiences, cultures, and connections that can profoundly enrich your lives," said the regional director.

In his remarks, Chinese Ambassador to Ghana Tong Defa highlighted the Chinese language as a bridge for communication and a golden key to deepening understanding and fostering cooperation.

"In recent years, Chinese language education in Ghana has flourished. As a vital platform for China-Ghana cultural exchanges, the Confucius Institutes have cultivated numerous outstanding students," Tong said.

"China and Ghana have been enjoying a long, traditional friendship, as we are now strategic partners. A close and friendly relationship has brought great benefits for our two countries and two peoples. It could not be achieved without efforts by Ghanaian brothers and sisters who mastered the Chinese language," the ambassador added.

Representatives from the Chinese community in Ghana and Ghana's traditional rulers and educators also attended the event. 

Students learn Chinese calligraphy during a Chinese Language Day celebration in Central Region, Ghana, on April 16, 2025. Some schools in Ghana's Central Region and the Confucius Institute at the University of Cape Coast (CIUCC) on Wednesday presented splendid performances to herald the United Nations Chinese Language Day, annually observed on April 20. (Xinhua/Seth)
MANILA (Reuters) - Four people, including a Chinese national, have died and seven others are still missing off a western Philippine province after a dredging vessel carrying 25 people capsized two days ago, the Philippine Coast Guard said on Thursday.

The MV Hong Hai 16 was carrying 2,000 litres of lube oil and 30,000 litres of diesel when it capsized on April 15 in waters off Occidental Mindoro, with containment efforts underway to prevent an oil spill, the PCG said in a statement.

On Thursday, divers recovered two more bodies during search-and-rescue operations, bringing the death toll to four, the PCG said.

There were 13 Filipino and 12 Chinese crew members on board, and of those the PCG said six Filipinos and eight Chinese nationals had been rescued.

(Reporting by Karen Lema; Editing by John Mair)
Four people have died in a cable car crash near the Italian city of Naples. Another passenger suffered serious injuries.

A gondola plunged to the ground after a cable snapped in the town of Castellammare di Stabia, the Italian mountain rescue service said.

The cable car runs up to the 1,100-metre-high Monte Faito peak, which normally offers a view of the Gulf of Naples. Visibility was poor at the time of the accident due to thick fog.

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According to initial reports, there were five people in the cable car. The authorities did not initially release any information about the identities of the victims.

More than a dozen other passengers were rescued from other gondolas using ropes. Rescue helicopters were also deployed. The rescue work was hampered by fog.

The cable car has been in operation since 1952. The journey normally takes just under 10 minutes.

There had already been a fatal accident there in 1960. At that time, four people were killed and more than 30 were injured when a gondola crashed.

In the summer of 2021, a gondola carrying 31 passengers was stuck on its way down for more than an hour due to a power failure. No one was injured.
BLACKSBURG, Va. (WGHP)  When there was a shooter on the Florida State University campus on April 17, it brought memories flooding back to Debra Duncan about what happened nearly 18 years ago to the day.

I think about it pretty regularly  If something happens, Ill remember, Duncan said.

After more than 20 years with the High Point Police Department, breaking barriers that other women never had the opportunity to do, Duncan left to be the police chief at Virginia Tech. Its a place she stayed for the next five years. It was in her last year there that it happened.

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It was the end of 2005, Duncan said. The English Department called me up and said that they had a person that they had just had some troubling behavior and asked me to send somebody over there to talk with him  The detectives went over, spoke with him.

Duncan didnt like what they found, but what they found was just the beginning. Most of the troubling information about Seung-Hui Cho wasnt available to the school because of privacy laws.

But after Duncans detectives spoke to Cho, the English Department came back to her and said, We do not need your assistance, and were going to handle it, Duncan said. So thats the last I heard about it until this happened a year later.

This was the shooting that killed 32 on the campus. Its still the deadliest campus shooting to this day. Cho shot and killed 27 students and five teachers. Twenty-three more were wounded.

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By the time of the shooting, Duncan was gone. She left eight months earlier for a chiefs job in Monroe. Shes now the police chief at High Point University and says schools nationwide have learned not just from the shooting in Blacksburg but from every shooting.

Every time we have a situation, we learn from those situations, and we did so in this case. Doing nothing is not an option, she said. If there is somebody with troubling behavior, we can address that a little better. Weve got policies and protocols now in place that gives people the authority to be able to implement preventative measures. There are groups of decision makers that get together on a threat assessment team or a care team.

Universities share their knowledge and experience so that it can be used to update protocols.

They have groups that will regularly meet to talk about things, Duncan said. For example, a care team. These are decision makers in the university that meets when someone is exhibiting maybe some troubling behavior or theyre having academic issues or something is wrong  They talk about it to see if it rises to the level of action. If they need to send somebody to counseling, if they need to suspend somebody or something like that, we have that in place. Also, theres a threat assessment team, and that has been pretty much prevalent throughout the country. Everybody seems to have a threat assessment team  Those decision makers come together  Lets say that a student makes a threat or does something. They can mandate counseling. They can suspend  I think those two things in place is really good. Its helpful, and it seems to seems to work.

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See more of Duncans take on the shooting at Virginia Tech in this edition of The Buckley Report.

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FOXBORO, Mass. (WPRI)  A man was sentenced Tuesday for the armed robbery of a Foxboro bank more than two years ago, according to Norfolk District Attorney Michael Morrissey.

Louis Paris, 49, of Rockland, pleaded guilty to armed robbery while masked and two counts of assault with a dangerous weapon.

On Sept. 13, 2022, Paris walked into the Bank of America on School Street wearing a blue surgical face mask. He then pointed a gun at a teller who was speaking with a customer, demanded money, and took off with approximately $10,000 cash in a drawstring bag, according to the Foxboro Police Department.

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Investigators traced the getaway vehicle and identified Paris as the suspect using security footage and tips from the public.

Officers arrested Paris a week later at his apartment. Police said the officers found cash and 165 lottery tickets  of which all but seven were purchased the day of the robbery  while searching his apartment and vehicle.

Paris was sentenced to serve between six and eight years in prison.

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France is considering overhauling visa rules to make it easier for Britons to stay in the country for more than 90 days at a time.

The move would throw a lifeline to some 60,000 British second home owners who face restrictions on how long they can stay at their properties in the country.

It comes as English councils crack down on second home owners by hitting them with double council tax bills  while British nationals buying property in Spain are threatened with a 100pc property tax.

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Currently UK passport holders may visit France for no longer than 90 days  approximately three months  every 180 days.

A separate longer visa of six months is used by British nationals with homes in France to get around the rules, however it can only be issued once in a year.

The French government is considering a proposal to reduce the six-month period second home owners must wait before reapplying for the long-stay visa.

Bruno Retailleau, the French interior minister, said there would be a new and appropriate examination of the situation on the visa requirements.

In a letter to French senator Martine Berthet, who represents the Savoie region in the Alps, Mr Retailleau recognised the difficulties encountered by British nationals who own second homes in France in obtaining a long-stay visa.

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The correspondence was published in the Majorca Daily Bulletin, a local English-language news website.

Mr Retailleaus response was to a query lodged by Ms Berthet on behalf of a British second home owner in the country, who said the six-month break between applications for long-stay visas should be reduced.

The so-called VLS-Tatrois visa lasts six or four months and requires proof of property ownership or a rental agreement in France. The only longer visa, lasting 12 months, is linked to a residency application.

It has served as one of the preferred ways for Britons to escape the standard visa-free rules in France that limit stays to 90 days within a 180-day window.

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But due to the enforced six-month gap between consecutive applications for the scheme some Britons face lengthy waits before they can return to French properties for extended stays. A shorter waiting period would permit more regular visits.

Britons currently have stricter travel requirements when visiting France than French nationals do in the UK, where they may stay for up to six months without a visa.

Dordogne, a popular spot for British second home owners

Ms Berthet has been a prominent campaigner in favour of better visa rules for British nationals in France. In November 2023 she tabled legal changes that would have allowed second home owners to stay in the country for as long as they wished.

The amendment to French immigration law was drafted to automatically hand six-month visas to Britons with second homes in France, but was ultimately shot down by Frances top constitutional court in January 2024.

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A change to the VLS-Tatrois visa arrangements is a separate proposal from the remedy attempted by lawmakers last year.

There has been little progress on the issue since that time. There are an estimated 60,000 British households who own second homes in France, a number that has decreased from 89,000 in 2008.

In 2019, a report by estate agency Savills found France was the most popular location where Britons bought homes abroad, just behind Spain.

Frances approach is at odds with Spain whose prime minister Pedro Sanchez announced plans to impose a 100pc tax rise on property purchases by non-residents living outside the EU. Mr Sanchez branded foreign buyers speculators, who were out just to make money.

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And last April, the Spanish government axed its famous golden visa scheme, which offers non-EU citizens residency rights in exchange for a 500,000 investment, typically in property. It closed on April 3 this year.

Meanwhile, councils in England were given the power to charge a 100pc council tax premium for second home owners from April 1 under laws passed by the previous Conservative government to ease housing pressures.

Over two-thirds of local authorities opted to impose the charge. It means 157 second home owners will face council tax bills of up to 10,000 per year, according to Telegraph analysis.

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PARIS (AP)  French President Emmanuel Macron said Thursday that historic injustice was imposed on Haiti when it was forced to pay a colossal indemnity to France in exchange for its independence 200 years ago.

Macron also announced the creation of a joint French-Haitian historical commission to examine our shared past'' and assess relations, but did not directly address longstanding Haitian demands for reparations.

France subjected the people of Haiti to a heavy financial indemnity, ... This decision placed a price on the freedom of a young nation, which was thus confronted with the unjust force of history from its very inception,'' Macron said in a statement.

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It comes on the 200th anniversary of the April 17, 1825 document issued by King Charles X of France, which recognized Haitis independence after a slave revolt  but also imposed a 150 million gold francs debt as compensation for the loss of Frances colony and enslaved labor force.

Although the indemnity was later reduced to 90 million gold francs, the debt crippled the Caribbean nation, which continued to pay it off through French and American banks until 1947. Economists estimate it's the equivalent of billions of dollars today.

Experts have said Haitis current situation can be traced back to its past. Gangs have flourished in the poorest country in the Western Hemisphere, with a growing number of children becoming members as families struggle to find food.

Violence has surged since last year, with gangs that control 85% of the capital, Port-au-Prince, attacking new communities daily in a bid to control even more territory. More than 5,600 people were reported killed last year, with gang violence leaving more than one million people homeless in recent years.

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Acknowledging the truth of history means refusing to forget or erase it, Macron said.

The new commission will be made up of historians from both countries, and will aim to propose recommendations to both governments, so that they can learn from them and build a more peaceful future.

Since taking office in 2017, Macron has already addressed Frances role in past colonial conflicts, including in Algeria, Cameroon, and Rwanda.

Over the years, French governments have acknowledged the historic wrong of slavery in Haiti and other former colonies but like other former colonial powers have resisted calls for reparations.

___

Danica Coto in San Juan contributed to this report.
by Xinhua writer Shi Xiaomeng

PUTRAJAYA, Malaysia, April 17 (Xinhua) -- When visiting Chinese President Xi Jinping joined Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim for a welcome dinner on Wednesday, a string of time-tested proverbs electrified the gathering.

The two leaders tapped into their nations' rich cultures to highlight the everlasting friendship between the two peoples and their joint pursuit of a better, shared future.

"Little by little, it becomes a hill," Xi said, citing a Malaysian proverb to describe the China-Malaysia bond, which has defied the seas and kept growing for over a millennium.

In his remarks at the dinner, Anwar uttered a Confucian maxim in Chinese: "Within the four seas, all men are brothers." Xi's vision of building a community with a shared future for mankind, said the Malaysian leader, reminded him of the aphorism from the renowned ancient Chinese philosopher.

As the two nations look to the future, such a special kind of cultural exchanges goes far beyond diplomatic pleasantries; it reveals a deeper alignment of visions.

At the invitation of Malaysian King Sultan Ibrahim Sultan Iskandar, Xi paid a state visit to Malaysia from Tuesday to Thursday, as part of his ongoing tour of Southeast Asia. It was Xi's second visit to the country in 12 years.

"Visit those whom you feel connected to even if you've never met, and see them again if they stay in your heart long after your last encounter," Xi quoted an old Chinese saying while speaking of his Malaysia trips at the welcome dinner.

"During my last visit to Malaysia in 2013, I was deeply impressed by Malaysia's beautiful nature, diverse culture and kind people," Xi said. "Now coming back 12 years later, I am truly delighted to see Malaysia booming and making great strides in modernization."

Last year, China and Malaysia celebrated the 50th anniversary of their diplomatic relations. During the just concluded visit, the two sides pledged to build a high-level strategic China-Malaysia community with a shared future and usher in new "Golden 50 Years" for bilateral ties.

To illustrate the unbreakable bond between the two nations, the Chinese president quoted the same Malaysian proverb during both of his visits to Malaysia -- "Water can't be cut apart." The latest citation appeared in Xi's signed article published in Malaysian media on Tuesday.

In the article, Xi wrote, "As a community with a shared future, China and Malaysia share the smooth times and the rough, stand united in peace and crisis, and thrive and endure together."

"Share weal and woe," a popular proverb in both countries, defines the very essence of such a relationship, he added.

At the welcome dinner, both leaders pointed to the challenges troubling today's world: undercurrents of geopolitical and camp-based confrontation, countercurrents of unilateralism and protectionism, as well as arbitrary disruptions.

Citing a Chinese proverb, Anwar set a confident tone: "There is nothing difficult in the world, only those who lack the will." Hearing that, Xi and the audience applauded.

In these trying times, the world yearns for steadiness, reliability and purpose, said Anwar. "We see this in China's conduct."

"China has been a rational, strong and reliable partner. Malaysia values this consistency," he said. "Malaysia will remain an unwavering and principled friend to China, guided by the wisdom of history and the promise of the future." 
FRANKLIN COUNTY, Va. (WFXR)  The world continues to watch as the Russia-Ukraine war unfolds with no end in sight.

While the battlefield is over five thousand miles away from Southwest Virginia, the impacts of the war are still being felt by people here.

(Photo Credit: Olena Kuhfahl)

One of those people is Olena Kuhfahl. Olena currently lives in Franklin County, but she is from Ukraine.

Olena moved to the US 10 years ago after meeting her husband, David, but she left behind many loved ones.

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I am daughter, sister and friend of people who Russians killed the last three years, said Olena.

For the last three years, and many Ukranians like Olena argue even longer, she has watched her home country fight Russian aggression.

What reasons? Why Russians kill us? Just because we are Ukrainian? Just because we love our land, said Olena.

President Trump says he spoke with Russian president about ending the war

The war has claimed hundreds of thousands of lives, including dozens of Olenas friends, her mother, Raisa and most recently, her brother, Sasha who was a captain in the Ukrainian military.

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In civilian life, he was an electricity man, an absolutely ordinary profession. In 2014, we count that as start of war, that is when Russia attacked us for the first time. 2015, he volunteered to go to war, because they said if not we, who else? Its our country and we have incredible global evil that is attacking us because we want to be independent, said Olena.

Its very difficult. Ive watched my wifes health deteriorate. Ive watched my mother-in-law pass away, my father-in-law be displaced and now Sashas passing, said David.

Since the full-scale invasion in 2022, Olena and David started fundraising to support Ukrainian troops.

The couple even traveled to Ukraine in 2023 to deliver supplies, like winter clothes and a truck to Sasha and his squadron.

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Everyday, Ukraine loses men, young men. Ukraine needs to win, if Ukraine does not win, then Putin wins. We need support, Ukraine needs support, said Olena.

With no end in sight, families like the Kuhfahls are left to mourn, thousands of miles away.

The last suggestion, or promise we made to Sasha was that we would have him come here [to America] and go fishing with us on Smith Mountain Lake, because he loved to fish in freshwater, but we will not have that opportunity, said David.

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The Frederick Police Departments proposed $50.8 million budget for fiscal year 2026 includes money for police salary increases, new vehicles and a new live streaming feature for police body camera systems.

The police budget is a piece of Mayor Michael OConnors proposed $238 million budget for fiscal year 2026, which is set to be voted on at a City Council meeting May 15.

The police budget is proposed with a $3.3 million, or 6.5% increase, over the fiscal year 2025 budget of $47.5 million.

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Frederick Police Department budget historically

The Frederick Police Department's budget over time. Fiscal years 2021 through 2024 are what the Police Department actually spent. Fiscal year 2025 is in progress, and the new fiscal year starts July 1.

Much of the increase can be ascribed to a $2.1 million increase for salaries, OConnor said in an interview this month.

This accommodates salary increases under the citys contract with Fraternal Order of Police Francis Scott Key Lodge 91, which represents the citys police officers in collective bargaining.

The budget includes $1.6 million for the replacement of police vehicles.

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Cpt. [Aaron] Lapp and his team have really put a lot of time and effort into putting the entire fleet on a reasonable replacement schedule, Police Chief Jason Lando said during an April 10 City Council Land Use, Public Safety and Community Development Committee meeting. So were not running our cars into the ground and dealing with safety issues.

The budget accounts for increasing the salary of the person in charge of the polices automated enforcement cameras to reflect the position moving from part-time to full-time, Lando said.

Another $35,000 is allocated for expanding the departments automated license plate reader program, adding five new systems to police vehicles. Automated license plate readers can automatically get information about a vehicle after scanning the plate.

Approximately $12,000 is proposed for new radar units to measure vehicle speed, and $24,000 is proposed for mobile fingerprint identification systems.

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The department is proposing around $67,000 for equipment upgrades through weapons and public safety equipment company Axon, based in Arizona.

This would include an upgrade to the police body-camera system, allowing live streaming of body-camera footage.

The main feature behind this is live streaming, which is a wish and a desire of some of our special operations units, Lapp said. If our tactical teams are doing an operation, they can have a commander at a command post actually watching their operations real time to provide feedback.

The budget includes around $28,000 for a new fingerprint scanner.

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It also includes almost $20,000 to replace carpet at the Frederick police training facility on Plant Road east of Frederick.

If you looked at the carpet out at the police academy, you would see its pretty disgusting and we do need to replace that, Lando said.
TEXAS (KFDX/KJTL)  Do you have any old home movies or media still on film, VHS tapes, or DVDs?

The shelf life of this physical media is shorter than you may think. But theres a free way to digitize these memories to preserve them forever.

Safety tips to keep in mind while taking pictures with bluebonnets

Elizabeth Hansen is the managing director of the Texas Archive of the Moving Image. She knows better than most just how fragile the medium can be.

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Film can last for up to 100 years if its kept in good condition. Most are not.

That shelf life is dropping dramatically for more modern physical media.

Since 2008, the Texas Archive, in partnership with the Texas Film Commission, has gone into Lone Star communities and offered digitization for any home videos that have a connection to Texas.

Those preserved videos are archived online. While not every birthday or parade is historic in its own right, together, they provide an intimate insight into our collective story as Texans.

The Texas Film Round-Up event will travel around the state until the end of May.

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If youd like to digitize your home movies using the free service, you can see where the next drop-off will be on the Texas Archive website.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to Texomashomepage.com.
A French court has granted permission for the enforcement of a Hague arbitration ruling, which requires Russia to pay US$5 billion in damages to Naftogaz Group, Ukraine's largest national oil and gas company, as a result of the occupation of Crimea.

Source: press service for Naftogaz, as reported by European Pravda

Details: The case concerns compensation for damages caused by the unlawful expropriation of assets belonging to the Naftogaz Group in occupied Crimea, amounting to US$5 billion.

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Quote from Naftogaz Group CEO Roman Chumak: "This outcome is part of our global campaign for the enforcement of the arbitration award. It is an extremely important legal victory for Naftogaz of Ukraine and five other companies in the group. It allows Naftogaz to initiate the recovery procedure on the territory of France."

Details: As part of this process, Naftogaz has already registered encumbrances on a number of assets owned by Russia and located in France, with a total value of over 120 million. This is being described as the first step towards the forced enforcement of the arbitration decision.

The French proceedings are being handled by the Paris-based dispute resolution law firm Le 16 Law.

Background:

In April 2023, the Arbitral Tribunal at the Permanent Court of Arbitration in The Hague ordered Russia to pay US$5 billion to Naftogaz as compensation for damages and loss of property resulting from the occupation of Crimea.

Arbitral awards can be enforced through a mechanism of forced execution. Therefore, if Russia refuses to comply voluntarily with the court ruling, Naftogaz has the right to initiate the recognition and enforcement process in jurisdictions where Russian assets are located.

In October 2024, a court in Finland ordered the seizure of specific Russian assets in the country for the purpose of compensating Naftogaz  the first such decision in Europe.

Read more: Finnish precedent: how Helsinki increases chances of getting compensation from Russia

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Froedtert ThedaCare Health has apologized to a Milwaukee police officer who was seeking care from a Froedtert facility while on-duty and was turned away for carrying a duty firearm.

The apology came in response to a letter from about two dozen Republican state lawmakers calling on Froedtert to review its policies and condemning the health system for what they called "indefensible" denial of care.

Froedtert clarified that weapons in the possession of "authorized security and law enforcement officers" are permitted on its premises.

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"We are working to clarify our policies and educate our team members to help ensure this does not happen again," Bryce Gartland, president of the south region for Froedtert ThedaCare Health, said in Wednesday's letter.

Bryce Gartner was named as south region president for Froedtert ThedaCare Health, beginning on Feb. 3, 2025. He previously was hospital group president and co-chief of clinical operations at Emory Healthcare in Atlanta.

A Froedtert spokesperson did not provide details about the incident, which was first reported by Wisconsin Right Now.

WDJT-TV (Channel 58) reported that the MPD officer wasn't feeling well while on duty and went to a Froedtert walk-in clinic.

The Milwaukee Police Department declined to provide details about the officer's medical needs, citing privacy concerns. MPD did not say whether the officer ultimately received care or where.

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When asked about department policy for removing an officer's service weapon while on-duty, MPD said it doesn't have a policy for this specific situation.

"However, in general, officers are responsible for safeguarding their equipment (to include firearms)," an unsigned email from MPD said.

In their letter, the Republican lawmakers  led by Sen. Julian Bradley, Sen. Van Wanggaard, Rep. Jim Piwowarczyk and Rep. Bob Donovan  raised broader concerns that Froedtert policies may be limiting officers' ability to interview victims, suspects and witnesses while on the hospital system's premises.

"It is highly concerning that an institution like Froedtert would implement procedures that have the effect of limiting cooperation with police and seeming to bend to anti-police sentiment at the expense of public safety," the letter said.

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In Froedtert's letter, Gartland said the health system had reached out to the officer and to MPD to "help ensure a positive relationship and experience for everyone we collectively serve."

"We deeply value our relationship with law enforcement as our partners in protecting the health and safety of thosewe are honored to serve," Gartland said.

This article originally appeared on Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: Froedtert apologizes for turning away armed MPD officer seeking care
TALLAHASSEE  Police are responding to Florida State University early Thursday afternoon after reports of an active shooter on campus.

A shelter-in-place notice was issued by the university while an investigation was underway.

The school sent this message at 12:19 p.m. to staff and students: This is a Emergency Message for Florida State University Tallahassee Campus. Continue to shelter in place. Police have responded to an active shooter call at the Student Union. Stay alert for more information.

No further details were available as of 12:30 p.m.

This is a developing story, so check back for updates. Click here to have breaking news alerts sent directly to your inbox.
Two people are dead and six people were transported to the hospital after a shooting on Florida State Universitys campus on Thursday.

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RELATED>> 2 people were killed and at least 5 wounded in Florida State shooting

FSU Police Chief Jason Trumbower said in a news conference that the two people who were killed were not students, but their names have not been released.

TRENDING STORIES:

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The suspected shooter has been identified as 20-year-old Phoenix Ikner, the son of a Leon County Sheriff deputy and student at Florida State University. Ikner was taken to the hospital, but his injuries are unknown at this time.

The sheriff confirmed that a service weapon, which Ikner had access to, was found at the scene of the shooting, according to WSB in Atlanta.

Ikner had participated in training programs that were offered by the sheriffs office, WSB says.

This is a developing story.

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NEW DELHI, April 17 (Xinhua) -- Twenty-two Naxalites were arrested in three different search operations in the central Indian state of Chhattisgarh, police said Thursday.

The search operations were jointly carried out by the contingents of police and paramilitary Central Reserve Police Force on specific intelligence information in Bijapur district, about 443 km south of Raipur, the capital city of Chhattisgarh.

Police also claimed the recovery of explosives from the arrested. 
Last month marked the end of the first quarter for 2025, which begins the fundraising season ahead of the 2026 midterm cycle. At this point, Democrats hope to ride on Donald Trumps growing unpopularity to win back the Hosue of Representatives and maybe even win some Senate seats if they get lucky.

But there have been increasing questions about what the Democratic Partys opposition will look like in the wake of its worst defeat in 20 years. Some have talked about the possibility of a Democratic Tea Party where they will be more confrontational toward Trump, or whether they should work in a more conciliatory manner

Of course, its hard to tell what kind of Democrats voters want since primaries will not take place until next year. If reports to the Federal Election Commission filed this week show anything, however, the verdict is clear: Democratic voters want fighters.

Bernie Sanders and Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez acknowledge the crowd at a Fighting Oligarchy event in Los Angeles on April 12 (AP)

Rob Pyers, who runs California Targetbook, which tracks campaign fundraising, compiled a list of some of the biggest fundraisers.

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In recent weeks, Sen. Bernie Sanders and Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez have engaged on a cross-country tour where they have specifically targeted Republican areas. And it looks like the approach has paid off. Ocasio-Cortezs most recent FEC report showed she raised an eye-popping $9.6 million.

Ocasio-Cortez represents a deep-blue district in the Bronx and Queens, which means she likely will not need to spend that much cash to win her primary and general election. But it does give her a huge war chest to wield.

At minimum, she can use that cash pile should she seek higher office. Last month, when Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer announced he would vote for a stop-gap spending bill crafted by Republicans that most Democrats ardently opposed, many Democrats called on the progressive congresswoman to challenge Schumer in a primary.

Sen. Jon Ossoff of Georgia raised more than $11 million (Getty Images)

Schumer is not up for re-election until 2028, but she would need every penny if she does challenge him. Or at minimum, Ocasio-Cortez could donate to Democrats challenging Republican incumbents, or shore up endangered Democrats.

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Meanwhile, Sanders, who has long been a favorite of the left wing of the Democratic Party despite the fact he is an independent who caucuses with the Democrats, raised a whopping $11.4 million.

This comes despite the fact he is 83 and just won re-election to his Senate seat in November. Sanders is unlikely to seek the presidency a third time, but his cash pile can be leverage or the opportunity to help recruit more progressive candidates in races where Democratic leadership would prefer a moderate.

The same can be said for Rep. Jasmine Crockett of Texas. Crockett rose to prominence last Congress during her time on the House Oversight Committee when she offered aggressive responses to Republicans, most notably when she asked if referring to Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene as a bleach-blonde bad-built butch body would count as a personal attack.

Jasmine Crockett has risen to national prominence during her time on the House Oversight Committee  not least following her public clash with Marjorie Taylor Greene (REUTERS)

She has continued to rebut Republicans, notably jousting with Rep. Nancy Mace of South Carolina for Maces repeated attacks on transgender people. It seems to have literally paid off, since she raised $1.6 million, which Pyers noted was her best fundraising quarter yet.

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All of these members are incumbents in safe seats. But even Democrats who show some level of fight in swing states raised strong numbers. Sen. Mark Kelly of Arizona, who clashed with Elon Musk but isnt up for re-election until 2028, raised $3.9 million.

Perhaps the most endangered Democratic incumbent is Sen. Jon Ossoff of Georgia. Ossoff faces a potentially tough re-election in a state Trump won, particularly if the states popular Republican governor, Brian Kemp, jumps into the race.

But Ossoff raised almost $11.2 million this last fundraising quarter and has a little more than $11 million in the bank. Given how expensive the election will be next year, he will need every penny.
TYLER, Texas (KETK)  A procession and funeral was held in Tyler on Wednesday morning to honor the life of Wood County Sheriffs Office deputy Mellissa Pollard. The funeral service was attended by her family, loved ones and brothers and sisters in blue.

Wood County mourns loss of deputy Melissa Pollard with candlelight vigil

It started with a solemn procession filled with heartache as law enforcement members with agencies from across East Texas accompanied deputy Pollard from Quitman to her funeral service at Green Acres Baptist Church in Tyler.

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It was part of the final goodbye to Pollard, who had been with the sheriffs office for eight years and was killed in a crash while on duty last week. People who knew her called her a true friend and a selfless hero.

DPS: Wood County deputy dies after crash with 18-wheeler

Her only daughter Alexis Locke gave a tearful eulogy remembering the bond they shared and the type of life Pollard lived.

You could not find a better mom, she loved me with every bone in her body and she never let me forget that, Locke said.

Locke spoke about what she would have told her mother if she knew it would be the last time she would see her again.

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If knew that that was the last time, Id ever hear your voice, I would have told you how much I love you and how much you mean to me, Locke said.

Judge Tony Gilbreth spoke about Deputy Pollards life and achievements as she spent more than two decades protecting and serving the Wood County community.

She played a vital role in training and mentoring officers and served her department community with honor, skill and compassion, Gilbreth said. Melissas dedication extended beyond the law enforcement.

Pollard dedicated her time to assisting people with cognitive disorders, giving her time to the SPCA, advocating for animals and showing her dedication to others in and out of uniform.

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I kind of got a feeling Melissa was the glue to all, Gilbreth said. She was a hard worker. She worked faithfully in meeting her familys needs, but she didnt forget also to help other people.

After the funeral, her family and fellow officers said their final goodbyes with an honor walk, fly over and gun salute. Officials also presented her family with a flag presentation and broadcasted her name over the scanner one last time.

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A new plaque on the empty plinth of Edward Colstons statue in Bristol condemns his prominent role in the enslavement of African people.

The plaque, installed on Wednesday evening, removes any mention of Colston as a benefactor to the city.

Instead, it emphasises his prominent role in the enslavement of African people, adding that the statue is now in the collections of Bristol City Councils museums.

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It comes five years after the statue was toppled and dumped into the River Avon by Black Lives Matter protesters following the murder of George Floyd during the Covid lockdown.

The plaque provoked criticism from Arron Banks, the Reform UK candidate for West of England, who branded it woke nonsense.

Colston was a complex character of his time, he made money from slavery and then donated nearly all of it back to good causes, he told the Telegraph.

He was a man of his time. The British were the first proper country to declare slavery illegal and enforce it world wide with the British Navy.

The black live matters idiots choose to celebrate the life of a criminal who held up pregnant women in the street as their hero. Their movement was exposed when their leaders pocketed the cash for themselves.

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As Mayor Ill pull the statue out of the river and put it back up. Ill then write to the cowardly governors Colston grammar and request they reinstate the name. We shouldnt be rewriting British or Bristol history for anyone.

This woke nonsense has to end.

The plaque has been branded as woke nonsense by Arron Banks, the Reform UK candidate for West of England - Paul Gillis/Reach Plc

The new plaque reads: On 13 November, 1895, a statue of Edward Colston (1636-1721) was unveiled here.

In the late twentieth and early twenty-first century, the celebration of Colston was increasingly challenged given his prominent role in the enslavement of African people.

On 7 June 2020, the statue was pulled down during Black Lives Matter protests and rolled into the Floating Harbour.

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Following consultation with the city in 2021, the statue entered the collections of Bristol City Council s museums.

It sits below an original plaque from 130 years ago which describes Mr Colston as one of the most virtuous and wise sons of the city and was agreed after several re-writes, drafts and arguments at City Hall between councillors.

The toppled statue is now on permanent display in the Bristol People gallery at the M Shed museum - Polly Thomas/Getty

In November, Conservative city councillor Richard Eddy voted against the revision, calling it utterly shameful.

He said at the time: Deleting the reference to Edward Colston, one of Bristols greatest sons, being a benefactor is outrageous  an utterly historical revision that is worthy of the Nazis.

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At a meeting last year, Cllr Eddy described the people who pulled down the statue in 2020 as a mob of criminals and hooligans for vandalising a listed monument.

The Colston Four, as they came to be known, openly admitted their involvement in removing the statue, insisting that they had committed no crime.

They argued that their actions had been justified because the statue was a hate crime to the people of Bristol because of Colstons links to the slave trade.

A lengthy police investigation eventually led to nine people being interviewed, five of whom were offered conditional discharges, while four were charged with criminal damage.

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The idea for another plaque to be attached to the plinth was never dropped, even after the statue was toppled in 2020, and was brought back to the council in 2023 and into 2024 by the then Labour administration, before councillors finally voted to approve it last November.

The wording of the plaque was finally agreed after work by the Bristol Legacy Foundation, but councillors made changes and objected to it at several meetings in 2023 and 2024.

It is the fourth plaque to be created for the plinth: one was fitted unofficially in the 2010s as part of protests against the celebration of Colston, while another was created but never installed due to the watering down of its wording.

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NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WKRN)  Now that the Old Tent City homeless encampment has been slated for closure, District 19 Metro Councilman Jacob Kupin is hopeful Nashville can work with its residents to find them long-term housing solutions.

The encampment, located on Anthes Drive in Metro District 19, had an official closure announcement made earlier this month. All the residents of the encampment, around 125 or so, according to Kupin, have been given 60 days to pack up all their belongings and leave the area.

The goal is to offer housing for everyone, and thats whats being done, Kupin told News 2.

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In addition to a transitional housing option, Kupin stressed efforts are being made to offer permanent housing options for those in the encampment.

Its really a comprehensive effort to take care of folks, he added.

RELATED: One of Nashvilles largest homeless encampments set to close

But packing up and moving anywhere is much more difficult and stressfuleven for those without four-walled homes. Some residents, Kupin said, may have multiple pets or vehicles they will need to take into consideration as they prepare to leave Old Tent City. Regardless of where they end up, Kupin said efforts are being made to make sure those in the encampment have a safe place to move into and live.

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And just because Old Tent City residents dont currently pay rent or a mortgage for their homes, they are still Kupins constituents, he told News 2.

These folks pay sales taxes, right? They buy things; theyre part of the community; they live in my district, so theyre constituents to me, Kupin said.

As one of Nashvilles largest homeless encampments, Kupin said he has fielded his fair share of complaints as a councilman about crime in the area, but he stressed the importance of separating ones housing status from their behavior.

When I hear people talk about the homeless, so to speak, what theyre really talking about is behavioral issues that they observe, he told News 2. Whether its someone on Broadway coming up to multiple people and aggressively panhandling or danger around the railroad tracks or things like that, those need to be addressed. While the housing situation is a nexus to it, its not the direct impact were trying to address. Were trying to address life safety both for others and then for these individuals.

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Several of those who live in Old Tent City have their camps set up dangerously close to the river, Kupin said, and flooding is sometimes a concern for those who choose to live on the riverbank.

Neighborhood News: Stories impacting your community | Read More

To me, this is about life safety for everyone, he said. I think its really important to separate the behavior were trying to address from someones living situation, because, to me, its about the behavior, not the living situation.

Now that the clock is still ticking, the Metro Office of Homeless Services has had representatives down in Old Tent City every weekday assisting the residents as they transition from their current homes to more permanent housing.

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It means a lot to me that we are not closing a camp and telling people, You just have to go somewhere else; that were actually taking time and dollars to get folks housed and off the street and into permanent solutions, Kupin said. Many folks down there have lived [there] for many, many years, and so to see those folks are going to get housing is great.

While having the encampment closed may be stressful for many of the residents, Kupin said hes spoken to several who are excited to get permanent housing. Some have even already secured housing far ahead of the 60-day closure timeline.

Its a challenge, Kupin said. I spoke to an individual down there whos been down there for five years. He had his space and he had his stuff and he has his friends and his community, and now hes told, In 60 days, youve got to uproot your life and start over somewhere else. I dont know about you, but if youre anything like me, I wouldnt do well being told Ive got 60 days to pack up my home and go somewhere else. While it is a necessity to do that, I see that challenge, and we work to help those folks through transition into their new place. I think a majority of folks are happy to get housing.

On the opposite side of the coin, Kupin said he also spoke with one Old Tent City resident who has only ever slept outside his whole life. The idea of being in an apartment would be cause for anxiety and claustrophobia for him, Kupin said, so he would like to address how best to help that man and others like him.

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Thats one of the challenges that Id like to look into addressing is how do you help folks that would like housing, would like to be in a permanent place, but maybe have an RV, for example, and need a place to park it, or need somewhere with a little more space, he said.

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Once the encampment is closed, Kupin said he wants to keep track of what will happen to the land. During former Nashville Mayor John Coopers tenure, Kupin said the land was slated for transition into a park space, but he hasnt seen Mayor Freddie OConnells plans for the area, if there is one.

One idea bandied about was turning the former Old Tent City location into a homeless services center.

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Its something that we dont have that I have seen other cities have a whole facility with resources and support services and transitional and long-term housing, Kupin told News 2. Metro owns quite a bit of land over there, so theres a real opportunity.

For now, Kupin wanted to reiterate the comprehensive effort Metro is undertaking and the number of people available to help anyone in Old Tent City who needs it.

There are folks there Monday through Friday at Old Tent City. Theres multiple outreach groups that have been advocating for people down there, making sure that they know what resources are available to them, the councilman said.

Those with questions can contact the Office of Homeless Services or even Kupin directly, he said.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WKRN News 2.
These space invaders are trash.

The city has installed a bunch of anti-rat trash bins outside upper Manhattan schools  but locals say the spaceship-shaped monstrosities arent exactly out of this world.

They look out-of-place here, said Marcus Delgado, 52, of the city Department of Sanitation, Empire Bins gobbling up parking spots along Amsterdam Avenue near 152nd Street.

They look futuristic, you know, the shape of them, said Marcus Delgado, 52, of the new DSNY bins placed along Amsterdam Avenue near 152nd Street. Gregory P. Mango

They are hideous, said Denise Anna, a 33-year-old paralegal, adding the lids are too small for boxes to fit inside. I dont think anything from the city is aesthetic. Gregory P. Mango

They look futuristic, you know, the shape of them, he added. It looks like a robot sitting there with two arms sticking out.

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The mini-tank-sized receptacles are part of a 1,000-strong fleet coming to the area this summer  but paralegal Denise Anna said they didnt fit with the neighborhoods aesthetic even though they may be needed to scare away rodents.

They are hideous, Anna, 33, said.

A Hamilton Heights resident who identified herself only as Lisa said it takes away from the Harlem Renaissance.

Putting these things here that are not vibing with the neighborhood  Its not the right fit, she said.

The European-style gray bins will be used this spring in a pilot program within Harlems Community District 9  which includes the Morningside Heights, Manhattanville and Sugar Hill. Theyll be rolled out at residential properties with 31 or more units and about half of area buildings with as little as 10 units, according to a sanitation department rep.

The locked bins will be accessible to building staff and waste managers via access cards and will be serviced by new DSNY side-loading trucks. Gregory P. Mango

Starting on June 1, 2025, all residential buildings in the area will be required to use the bins. The locked bins will be accessible to building staff and waste managers via access cards and will be serviced by new side-loading trucks.

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This is a vast improvement, both in terms of aesthetics and in terms of scalability, DSNY rep Vincent Gragnani told The Post, adding that the containerization program is vital to decreasing the number of rats in the area.

The previous pilot [from 2023], while imperfect, showed fantastic results, with rat sightings reported to 311 down a staggering 60% in the pilot zone, Gragnani said.

The new figures from DSNY come after a Post analysis of 311 rat sighting data found that Community Board 9 as a whole saw an increase in rat sightings, up 8.66% between 2023 and 2024. Gregory P. Mango

The new figures from DSNY come after a Post analysis of 311 rat sighting data found that Community Board 9 as a whole saw an increase in rat sightings, up 8.66% between 2023 and 2024.

The rat sighting reports are still up across the district in 2025, up 11% from 112 rat sighting reports this time last year.

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West Harlem resident Anna Galka said we will have to get used to these.

We will have to get used to these, said West Harlem resident Anna Galka. It doesnt blend in with the architecture of this place, but if this is the best they can do to solve the rat problem, then we will see. Gregory P. Mango

It doesnt blend in with the architecture of this place, but if this is the best they can do to solve the rat problem, then we will see, Galka said.

I want to see these where the rich people live  on the Upper East Side and Upper West Side, Galka added. Lets see how the rich people like these ugly things in their neighborhood.

DSNY said community board feedback on a previous pilot program was overwhelmingly positive.

DSNY says it attended dozens of Community Board meetings to adapt global best practices to this neighborhood, and community board feedback on the previous pilot program was overwhelmingly positive. Gregory P. Mango

Patricia Urena, 72, said: They look good. There is nothing wrong with the way they look  and they are getting rid of the big rats.

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Urena also pointed to the parking spaces the bins now occupy as a problem for the areas drivers  but emphasized the pros outweigh the cons.

Whats important is that the place is clean and we are getting rid of the rats, she said. They are a big concern in this community.
Sen. Ruben Gallego (D-Ariz.) is expressing concern over the Trump administrations intent to impose a nearly 21 percent tariff on most Mexican tomatoes coming into the country by withdrawing from a 2019 trade agreement, warning that it will lead to higher prices and fewer options at grocery stores.

Gallego argued that the 2019 Tomato Suspension Agreement has set a fair price for the sale of tomatoes that are imported from Mexico for close to three decades and has allowed U.S. consumers to have access to fresh tomatoes at a low, stable price all year-round.

The Arizona senator said that as of April this year, the various departments that oversee the agreement have found that more than 99.99 percent of tomato shipments from Mexico are in compliance with the 2019 deal.

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This agreement is particularly necessary to meet the growing consumer demand for tomatoes and supplement domestic supply in winter months. The result of terminating this agreement will be higher prices for American families, fewer options at the grocery store, and fewer American jobs. Indeed, studies show that families could see tomato prices rise by an average of 50 percent if your Department does not reverse course, Gallego said in a two-page letter to Commerce Department Secretary Howard Lutnick, which was shared with The Hill.

And, as Mexican growers see reduced demand in the United States, they will likely choose to grow more profitable crops and limit their tomato supply, limiting variety for American consumers in grocery stores and possibly causing shortages, the Democratic lawmaker added.

The Hill has reached out to the Commerce Department for comment.

The Commerce Departments plan to slap a 21 percent tariff on most tomatoes coming from Mexico will take effect July 14, when the U.S. is set to withdraw from the 2019 trade agreement with Mexico.

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The department said on Monday that this action will allow U.S. tomato growers to compete fairly in the marketplace.

President Trumps administration forged a deal with Mexicos tomato producers in 2019 to avert imposing a proposed tariff on the commodity. The agreement incorporated various provisions, including inspections to ensure low-quality tomatoes were not imported into the U.S.

Trump threatened to pull back from the deal after tomato growers in the U.S. complained that Mexico was suppressing prices of the crop. Mexico imported more than $2.7 billion in tomatoes from Mexico in 2023.

In the letter, Gallego said the agreement is paramount for Arizona border communities, and by withdrawing from the agreement, the administration would put these good-paying jobs at risk.

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The Arizona senator said that he supports expanding the domestic agriculture industry and always ensuring that U.S. growers are protected, but he emphasized that trade policies must be rational.

The United States simply does not have the climate to produce many of the tomato varieties produced in Mexico in sufficient locations to meet the consumer demand in the United States year-round, Gallego wrote in the letter to Lutnick. Tomato imports from Mexico also serve as an important shock-absorber that protects families from massive price fluctuations and shortages when the American market is not able to produce tomatoes.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
PANOLA COUNTY, Miss. (WJTV)  GE Aerospace will expand its manufacturing capacity in Batesville.

According to officials, the expansion will include an $11 million investment and will create 100 new jobs.

The expansion will add industrial equipment, precision measuring tools and high-precision machines. It also will add inspection technology, which will enable the Batesville site to maintain quality as it increases the production of components used in narrowbody and widebody aircraft engines and military fighter jet and helicopter engines.

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Conservation group names Mississippi River most endangered, cites proposed FEMA cuts

From the start, the GE Aerospace site has been at the forefront of manufacturing cutting edge parts that are key for the future of aviation. The sites role and number of employees continues to grow. These parts that are made from new, advanced materials play a key role in providing more efficiency and durability in GE Aerospaces newest engines. We are grateful for the partnership we have with the county and Mississippi to strengthen manufacturing in the region, said Brian Rapien, GE Aerospace Plant Leader, Batesville Composites Operation.

The Mississippi Development Authority (MDA) is providing assistance through the Mississippi Flexible Tax Incentive, or MFLEX, program. MDA also is assisting with building improvements and equipment relocation. AccelerateMS, Panola Partnership, TVA and Northwest Mississippi Community College are assisting with the project, as well.

The company expects to fill the jobs over the next three years.

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Gene Hackmans wife, Betsy, was seen making a final public appearance before her untimely death in surveillance footage released by New Mexico officials on Tuesday.

Betsy Arakawa is believed to have died on Feb. 12 at the Santa Fe home she shared with Hackman, according to New Mexico Medical Examiner Dr. Heather Jarrell, who has also revealed that the classical pianists cause of death was hantavirus  a rare rodent-borne illness.

On Feb. 11, security footage obtained by the Sun showed Arakawa, 65, purchasing groceries at a Sprouts Grocery Market self-checkout in Santa Fe at approximately 4 p.m.

Gene Hackmans wife Betsy was seen making a final public appearance before her untimely death in surveillance footage released by New Mexico officials on Tuesday. Santa Fe Sheriff's Office

Betsy Hackman, a k a Betsy Arakawa, is believed to have died on Feb. 12 at the Santa Fe home she shared with Hackman, according to New Mexico Medical Examiner Dr. Heather Jarrell. Santa Fe Sheriff's Office

The video, made public by the Santa Fe County Sheriffs Office, also confirmed earlier reports that Arakawa wore a face mask on the shopping trip.

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The Oscar-winners wife was seen minutes later at a nearby Shine Pet Food store.

Arakawa shopped solo in the footage and did not appear to behave unusually in any way.

Earlier that day, she emailed her therapist to cancel her Feb. 12 appointment out of an abundance of caution because Hackman, 95, had woken up with flu or cold-like symptoms, though she said he tested negative for COVID.

The video, made public by the Santa Fe County Sheriffs Office, also confirmed earlier reports that Arakawa wore a face mask on the shopping trip. Santa Fe Sheriff's Office

On Feb. 11, Arakawa emailed her therapist to cancel her Feb. 12 appointment out of an abundance of caution because Hackman, 95, had woken up with flu or cold-like symptoms, though she said he tested negative for COVID. WireImage

Arakawa was the primary caretaker for the French Connection star in his final days. Records including emails, phone calls and internet searches released by law enforcement revealed she had researched COVID symptoms and considered seeking medical care for her husband in the days before she died.

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Questions about whether COVID could cause dizziness or nosebleeds were among Arakawas online searches. Her final internet search on Feb. 12 was for local health care providers.

Hackman, who suffered from Alzheimers disease, died at home on Feb. 17 or Feb. 18 and may not have known his wife had been dead for days in the same house.

Gene and Betsy Hackman pictured in Santa Fe, NM last year. / SplashNews.com

Hackman, who suffered from Alzheimers disease, died at home on Feb. 17 or Feb. 18 and may not have known his wife had been dead for days in the same house. Ron Galella Collection via Getty Images

Officials said last month that Hackmans cause of death was hypertensive atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease, with Alzheimers disease listed as a contributing factor.

Arakawa and Hackmans bodies were not discovered until maintenance workers visited their home on February 26.

The couple were recently laid to rest after a private memorial honoring them was held in Santa Fe by their family and friends, The Post learned Tuesday.
Actor George Clooney and statistician Nate Silver have revealed who they believe will be the Democratic nominee in 2028.

Clooney said during an interview with CNN Wednesday that he backs Maryland Governor Wes Moore, who he hailed as a proper leader for his handling of the Baltimore Key Bridge collapse last year. Silver, meanwhile, predicts that progressive New York Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez will be the Democratic pick, citing her high polling numbers.

Silver shared his thoughts as part of his Silver Bulletin newsletter on Wednesday alongside former FiveThirtyEight podcast host Galen Druke, who currently hosts the GD Politics podcast. Druke also chose the New York progressive as his top pick.

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I think theres a lot of points in her favor at this very moment, Druke noted. In a Yale poll just out this week, AOC has the highest net favorability rating of any of the Democrats that they asked about.

Druke went on to say that Ocasio-Cortez has broad appeal across the Democratic Party and theres a lot of people who could potentially get on board with her.

He added that its equally important that she has very fervent support.

I think a lot of people are gonna run in 2028, and its going to be a contest for attention and getting those sort of people who might be in your boat to turn out and stay with you through thick and thin, and I think thats Ocasio-Cortez, said Druke. The media is kind of obsessed with her, and theyre going to follow her every move, which means she will be able to keep the attention on her throughout the primary process.

Nate Silver and Galen Druke picked Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez as their most likely choice for the 2028 Democratic presidential nominee (Getty Images)

I agree with everything, said Silver, the founder of FiveThirtyEight. She was going to be my first pickBecause of some of the polling; because she has this kind of progressive lane, probably not to herself; because she is younger and media savvy. I mean, look, in polls, if she were to try to primary Chuck Schumer, she is now ahead in those polls, and New York Democrats are actually a pretty moderate bloc.

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But the statistician noted that he wasnt sure she would even mount a campaign.

I think shes gonna run, Druke countered. If youve been following her moves in terms of her Fight Oligarchy tour, in terms of the kind of content shes putting out on social media.

Druke argued that she has learned a lot as a politician since those early days of opposing Amazon, and especially those early days of the 'Abolish ICE' stuff that was very unpopular ultimately.

He noted that Ocasio-Cortezs message today is all about the economy as she bashes Trump for his most obvious weakness  the number of billionaires in his cabinet.

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Druke argued that Trump is serving people who are ultimately not the median voter in America.

Former Vice President Kamala Harris was also named as a potential leader for the Democrats in 2028. (Getty Images for BET)

I think one advantage which she has in a Democratic primary is that, as a woman of color, shes not forced to talk about identity all the time because shes sort of self-evidently different from any of the  white guys running, and she doesnt have to prove her bona fides there, he added. At the same time, I think progressives have learned [to] stick to the economic message because what you have to say about those social and cultural state of affairs in America broadly isnt popular, and I think she knows that.

Both Druke and Silver picked Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro as their second-most likely nominee, with Druke going for former Vice President Kamala Harris for his third choice, while Silver went for New Jersey Senator Cory Booker.

Elsewhere, almost a year after helping to get former President Joe Biden out of the 2024 race with his New York Times op-ed, Clooney appeared on CNN on Wednesday, where he backed Moore.

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He also mentioned Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear.

Im a Kentucky guy, I like him, hes a good guyAnd hes won in a red state, said the actor, before going on to also point to Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer.

But who I think is who I think is levitating above that is Wes Moore, he said of the Maryland governor.

Actor George Clooney has his eye on Maryland Governor Wes Moore as a possible 2028 Democratic nominee (Getty Images)

I think he is the guy [who] has handled this tragedy in Baltimore beautifully, he said in reference to the collapse of the Francis Scott Key Bridge on March 26 last year. He has two tours of duty in Afghanistan, active duty. He speaks sort of beautifully. Hes smart. He ran a hedge fund. He ran the Robin Hood Foundation. Hes a proper leader.

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We say Democrats fall in love and Republicans fall in line. Although I think Republicans have fallen in love a little bit [with Trump], Clooney added.

I like him a lot, Clooney said of Moore. I think he could be someone we could all join in behind. We have to find somebody rather soon [because the Republicans are] running through government and doing their thing. So its our job now to put together a proper team to stand up because were right now polling very poorly.
BEIJING, April 17 (Xinhua) -- China's Ministry of Commerce announced Thursday that it would extend anti-dumping duties on imported paper for electrolytic capacitors from Japan for another five years, starting Friday.

This decision follows a sunset review initiated in April 2024 at the request of China's electrolytic capacitor paper industry.

If these anti-dumping measures were terminated, the dumping of imported electrolytic capacitor paper from Japan could continue or recur, potentially causing ongoing or renewed harm to China's domestic industry, the ministry said.

Under the extended measures, Japanese companies will continue to face an anti-dumping duty of up to 40.83 percent.

Electrolytic capacitor paper is used as the base material to absorb electrolytes in electrolytic capacitors, playing a crucial role in the functioning of the capacitors. 
George Clooney thinks Wes Moore is levitating above other possible candidates for leader of the Democratic Party.

In an interview with CNNs Jake Tapper, Clooney was asked who had caught his eye in the growing field of potential leaders of the left following their 2024 election defeat. The actor pointed to the governor of Maryland.

He is the guy that has handled this tragedy in Baltimore beautifully, Clooney told Tapper. He had two tours of duty in Afghanistan, active duty. He speaks sort of beautifully. Hes smart. He ran a hedge fund. He ran the Robin Hood Foundation. Hes a proper leader.

George Clooney on his new Broadway show, his Biden op-ed & who should lead the Democratic Party

Watch the full video here: https://t.co/BkRbnpFfRb pic.twitter.com/noYOJsjhqk  The Lead CNN (@TheLeadCNN) April 16, 2025

He continued: I like him a lot. I think he could be someone we could all join in behind.

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Among the questions, Tapper also asked Clooney about the New York Times op-ed he wrote last July urging President Joe Biden to drop out of the election following a dismal debate performance against Donald Trump. Biden dropped out less than two weeks later. Tapper said the actor was considered brave by many for writing the piece.

I dont know if it was brave. It was a civic duty, Clooney said. Im a Democrat in Kentucky, so I get it. When I saw people on my side of the street not telling the truth, I thought that was time to  .

Are people still mad at you for that? Tapper then questioned.

Some people, sure, Clooney responded. Thats OK. Listen, the idea of Freedom of Speech  the specific idea of it  is you cant demand Freedom of Speech and then say, But dont say bad things about me. Thats the deal. You have to take your stand if you believe in it. Take a stand, stand for it and then deal with the consequences. Thats the rules.

The post George Clooney Thinks Wes Moore Should Lead the Democratic Party: Hes a Proper Leader appeared first on TheWrap.
A case before the Georgia Supreme Court stems from McIntosh Countys decision in September 2023 to allow the construction of larger houses in the modest Hogg Hummock neighborhood, which is one of the last Gullah Geechee communities in the United States. .John McCosh/Georgia Recorder

The Georgia Supreme Court on Wednesday heard oral arguments about a controversial zoning decision that threatens to change the character of an historic Gullah Geechee enclave in McIntosh County.

Attorney Philip Thompson, who represented Sapelo residents Barbara Bailey, Christopher Bailey, and Stanley Walker set the scene, telling the justices, The purpose of this petition is to protect and preserve the Hogg Hummock community, one of the last Gullah Geechee communities in the United States and a cultural and historical treasure, both for the state, but also for the country as well as a whole.

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The case stems from McIntoshs decision in September 2023 to allow the construction of larger houses in the modest Hogg Hummock neighborhood. Long-time residents feared the resulting gentrification and the higher taxes that accompanied it would drive them out of their ancestral homes in favor of wealthy developers. The county seeks to expand its tax base.

About 96% of Sapelo is owned by the state. In the 434-acre neighborhood of Hogg Hummock, about 250 acres are owned by descendants of enslaved people brought to the island from West Africa. Hogg Hummock is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

To undo the 2023 zoning, residents mounted a petition drive that collected enough signatures to force the county to hold a referendum on the issue. Early voting had already begun in September when the county sued its own Probate Court Judge Harold Webster to stop the referendum. Superior Court Senior Judge Gary McCorvey then agreed with the county that the referendum wasnt legal, halting the voting midstream.

In a separate, ongoing lawsuit nine Black residents of Sapelo are suing the county in McIntosh Superior Court on the grounds that the zoning measure was unjust and discriminatory. Attorneys from Southern Poverty Law Center and Bondurant, Mixson & Elmore are representing the residents.

Arguments heard Wednesday

The Supreme Court heard oral arguments in the appeal of McCorveys decision Wednesday. Two other related cases were heard at the same time: Webster v. McIntosh County, and McIntosh County v. Webster et. al. These two cases deal directly with McIntoshs Websters approval of the referendum.

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The state constitutions Home Rule provision lays out the referendum process, which allows for a vote on local acts or ordinances, resolutions, or regulations if the requisite number of county residents sign a petition requesting it.

Its not the first time a referendum issue has come before the high court. Camden County held a referendum on a proposed spaceport in 2022. The county objected to the referendum in Camden v. Sweatt, but in a unanimous decision the high court affirmed the validity of that vote.

Much of Wednesdays hearing dealt with whether referenda can be employed to revoke zoning decisions. The county contends the Home Rule provision doesnt apply to zoning, while the residents and Webster say it does. The justices probed both sides, trying to discern the original intent of lawmakers in a maze of paragraphs and subparagraphs. The questions turned esoteric at times.

You have paragraph (a) that expressly reserves to the General Assembly, I think, a sort of substantive power to expand or limit anything that comes under that, said Justice Andrew Pinson. And then in paragraph four, it reserves to the General Assembly the more limited power to enact procedural things. And so I see theres sort of a tension between, if zoning comes under (a) what about four?

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Those questions reflected the need to clarify the little-used provision of the Constitution, Thompson said.

The justices were clearly very well prepared and very tuned in to the difficulties presented by the language of the Constitution, Thompson told The Current after the hearing. By language that hasnt been tested a lot, certainly not on the scale it was tested in the Camden case and now tested here. We feel confident in our position. Its only a good thing that the judges were so keyed in.

The justices also examined the fact that the county was suing its own probate judge in his official capacity.

Hes a county official, right? asked Chief Justice Nels S. D. Peterson. So isnt a suit by the county against a county official in their official capacity, essentially a suit by the county against the county?

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The situation means that McIntosh is paying for the attorneys on both sides of its case against Webster.

Several justices seemed concerned that the zoning ordinance in question was not included in the filings.

So if we dont have that in the record, what is the court to do? asked Justice Verda M. Colvin. Jarrard referred them to the language of the referendum question.

The hearing lasted about 45 minutes and can be viewed here.

McIntosh County appreciated the opportunity to present its position to the Georgia Supreme Court, Jarrard said. The County looks forward to receipt of the Courts ruling.

This story is available through a partnership with The Current.
Editors Note: Rankin County deputies said they identified a juvenile who allegedly made a threat against a high school. The juvenile has not been arrested as of April 17, 2025.

RANKIN COUNTY, Miss. (WJTV)  Rankin County deputies announced a juvenile in Georgia was identified as the suspect who allegedly made a threat against Northwest Rankin High School.

Deputies said the terrorist threat was transmitted to the high school on Wednesday, April 16.

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Man charged after Mississippi 10-year-old killed in ATV crash

Investigator Tyler Burnell, with the Rankin County Sheriffs Office, said investigators discovered evidence that the threat originated from Savannah, Georgia. In coordination with law enforcement officials there, the juvenile suspect was identified and interviewed. During that interview, Burnell said the juvenile admitted to sending the threat.

Investigators said the suspect does have ties to Rankin County. They believe he was attempting to disrupt the operations of the school.

The Rankin County Youth Court has been notified and will be consulting with authorities in Georgia to hold the juvenile suspect responsible for their actions, Burnell said.

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Voting rights advocates are urging Black Georgians to take appropriate steps this year to ensure theyre not impacted by mass voter registration cancellations and voter eligibility challenges.

Nearly half a million people are due to have their Georgia voter registrations canceled no later than July, meaning they wont be able to cast ballots in key elections this fall and next year unless they take action.

Georgia Secretary of State Brad Raffenspergers office confirmed in March that it is canceling 455,000 inactive voter registrations in conjunction with its voter list maintenance policy. Data gathered by a nonprofit called the Election Registration Information Center was used to identify 170,000 inactive voter registrations, according to Raffenspergers office.

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Advocates say young Black voters, who tend to change addresses more often than their elders, and unhoused people in metro Atlanta, who are overwhelmingly Black, are among the groups most likely to be affected by voter registration cancellation or voter eligibility challenges.

They definitely should be paying attention to make sure that they are following and tracking everything, Fulton County Voter Education and Outreach Manager LaShandra Little told Capital B Atlanta.

The deadline to register to vote ahead of this years November election is Oct. 6. The next presidential election wont happen until 2028, but local elections taking place this year will have a significant impact on the lives of Black voters.

A pivotal Public Service Commission primary election is scheduled for June 17, ahead of a general election in November in a set of races likely to impact Georgians utility bills. Eight Atlanta City Council seats will be up for grabs in November. Mayoral elections for several cities in Fulton County, including Atlanta and South Fulton, are also happening this fall.

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This is what you can do to safeguard your right to vote.

How to check your status online

Georgians are encouraged to routinely check their voter registration status online by visiting the states My Voter Page. Fulton County residents can also check their status over the phone by calling (404) 612-7020.

We can verify what we have in our system, Little said.

Check your mail

The secretary of states office sends notices via U.S. mail to the listed addresses of individuals who have had their voter registrations canceled for moving or being inactive in two consecutive general elections.

County election officials also send mail to notify individuals whove had their voter eligibility challenged.

What if my voter eligibility has been challenged?

Since July, at least 63,000 Georgians have experienced challenges to their voter eligibility in conjunction with laws allowing county residents and activist groups concerned about voter fraud to contest the eligibility of residents whose home addresses may have changed since they registered to vote.

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Eligible voters include U.S. citizens who are at least 17 years old and are legal residents of a county in Georgia. People whove been declared mentally incompetent by a judge, individuals actively serving felony sentences, and folks whove been convicted for crimes involving moral turpitude are not eligible voters.

Little said those who wish to dispute an eligibility challenge can mail in relevant information and documentation proving theyre legally allowed to vote, or attend the assigned county voter eligibility challenge hearing meeting.

Its going to say in there that your eligibility has been challenged, and then its going to give you the specifics of a meeting where you can come and sort of verify yourself, she said.

How do I re-register to vote?

If someones voter registration gets canceled, they can re-register to vote online or in-person as long as theyre legally eligible to vote and have a state ID card or a Georgia drivers license.

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Those who dont have an ID can download a voter registration application or visit a county elections office to get a paper one and register in person.

The post How to Keep Your Voter Registration Active Amidst Georgias Massive Purge appeared first on Capital B News - Atlanta.
Georgia Tech announced Tuesday the naming of the Jimmy and Rosalynn Carter School of Public Policy to honor the legacy of the former president and first lady from Georgia.

At the recommendation of Georgia Tech President Angel Cabrera, the Georgia Board of Regents approved the naming on Tuesday at their meeting.

I am grateful to the Carter family, the Carter Center, and the Georgia Tech alumni and donors who supported this naming, said Cabrera. The Carter School will contribute to preserving the memory of Jimmy and Rosalynn Carters extraordinary life of public service and will inspire and develop new generations of public leaders committed to progress and service.

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Jimmy Carter attended Georgia Tech in 1942 before he went to the US Naval Academy. The School of Public Police is unit of the Ivan Allen College of Liberal Arts, named for former Atlanta Mayor Ivan Allen, Jr.

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The German lower house of parliament, the Bundestag, has excluded the ambassadors of Russia and Belarus from its central ceremony marking the 80th anniversary of the end of World War II on May 8.

The decision follows a recommendation from the German Foreign Office advising against inviting representatives of the two countries amid a tense debate over the participation of Russian officials in state events during the war in Ukraine.

Although the entire diplomatic corps was formally invited, the Bundestag said it had followed standard protocol in deferring to the federal government's guidance. "This assessment led to, among others, the ambassadors of the Russian Federation and Belarus not being invited," a spokesperson told dpa.

Russian ambassador attends WWII memorial outside Berlin

On Wednesday, Moscow's ambassador to Germany, Sergey Nechayev, attended a memorial outside Berlin.

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The silent commemoration in the German state of Brandenburg near Berlin remembered the Battle of Seelow Heights, considered the largest battle on German soil during World War II.

It was fought shortly before the war ended and left tens of thousands of soldiers on both the German and Soviet sides dead.

The event had stirred political divisions after the German Foreign Office issued its handout advising against inviting Russian representatives - a move which state lawmakers in Brandenburg said dishonoured fallen Soviet soldiers.

According to the local administration, Russian representatives were not actively invited, but Nechayev was also not prevented from attending and was instead welcomed politely.

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The Belarusian envoy to Germany, Andrei Shuplyak, also took part in the commemoration.

Nechayev expressed regret over the exclusion of Russian representatives from the event.

"The considerations of the immediate political situation must not take precedence over the questions of historical memory and the historical reconciliation of the peoples of our countries," he told the pro-Kremlin newspaper Izvestia.

Ukrainian ambassador calls attendance mockery of victims

Ukraine's ambassador to Germany, Oleksii Makeiev, criticized Nechayev's appearance and the fact that he wore a St George's ribbon  originally a Soviet World War II symbol that has increasingly come to signify support for Russian President Vladimir Putin's policies.

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Makeiev said the appearance was a mockery of victims from both World War II and today, pointing to recent Russian strikes in Kryvyi Rih and Sumy that killed 55 civilians, including 11 children.

The Foreign Office recommendation, seen by dpa, said Russian and Belarusian representatives should not be invited to commemorations by the federal, state and local governments.

The office wants to prevent Russia from instrumentalizing World War II to justify its war against Ukraine.

"It is to be expected from the Russian side that it will be exploited and improperly associated with the justification of its war of aggression against Ukraine," a Foreign Office spokesman said.

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Members of Brandenburg's state government, which is led by the centre-left Social Democrats (SPD) and the populist Sahra Wagenknecht Alliance (BSW), had previously expressed outrage at the Foreign Office suggestion.

"It is a diplomatic - to put it cautiously - not very friendly act towards the descendants of the people buried here," BSW parliamentary group leader Niels-Olaf Luders said.

"To want to forbid them to go to the graves of their ancestors is absolutely unacceptable," he said.

SPD member of the state parliament, Sina Schonbrunn, called the Foreign Office's recommendation "absurd."

"Of course everything can be exploited, but for us today it should be above all about commemorating the dead," she told German radio station rbb inforadio.

Russian Ambassador to Germany, Sergei Nechaev, attends a commemoration ceremony marking the 80th anniversary of the Battle of the Seelow Heights. Soeren Stache/dpa
German police in the eastern state of Saxony on Thursday raided the home of a 16-year-old boy suspected of manufacturing and storing deadly toxins.

Saxony police said a search had been conducted in the town of Zeithain, some 65 kilometres east of Leipzig, and that investigations were proceeding into a suspected offence under the Weapons of War Act.

The boy is said to have set up a laboratory in the attic of his parents' home, where he produced a number of ampoules containing a mixture of aconitine and ricin.

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Ricin, which is made from the seeds of the castor oil plant, is classified as a biological weapon under the act.

The aim of the raid was to secure all toxic substances and other evidence, the police statement said. The area around the police operation, including all access roads, has been cordoned off.

A kindergarten and a primary school located near the boy's home were informed of the operation but did not have to be evacuated, police spokesman Kay Anders said, adding that there was no danger to the population.

Prosecutors said that no arrest warrant had been applied for and that the boy had no criminal record. Currently, there were no reasons requiring his detention, they said.

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However, police spokesman Anders told dpa that investigators had already discovered small amounts of toxins during a previous raid at the boy's home in December.

It came following tip-offs by retailers who are required to report to the authorities when selling sensitive materials such as protective equipment and laboratory technology, he said.

However, this did not seem to have stopped the teenager, who "apparently" acquired new seeds to continue manufacturing toxins, according to the spokesman.

Experts from Germany's disease control agency, the Robert Koch Institute (RKI), are at the scene to aid investigators, the police spokesman confirmed.

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It was initially unclear what motivated the teenager to make the toxins, police said.

Ricin is extremely poisonous and can be fatal even when consumed in very low concentrations.

According to the Federal Institute for Risk Assessment (BfR), the alkaloid aconitine is contained in the aconite plant, also known as wolf's bane.

Around 2 to 6 milligrams of pure aconitine can be fatal for adults, according to the institute.
GERMANTOWN, Ohio (WDTN)  In just under a month, a local towns fire and emergency services could face serious cuts if a levy is not passed.

On May 6, Germantown residents will go to the polls and decide on the fate of their fire department. 2 NEWS spoke with the fire chief, who says nearly half of the departments funding is at stake if this levy does not pass.

May 6 will be a deciding factor, said Chief Dan Alldred, Germantown Fire & EMS. When you call, were not going to be able to respond. I think thats going to be noticeable right away.

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Crew of 3 celebrated for life-saving measures in Germantown

Germantowns fire department is stuck in a tough spot  its been 15 years since their last levy passed and this year, that funding levy from 2010 expires.

Chief Alldred is stressing the importance of this levy, saying it would be a big setback if they fail to get funding.

Its imperative that we get it passed, if the residents in our community want to maintain the services that theyve come to trust from Germantown Fire & EMS, said Alldred. If it doesnt pass, were going to have to cut manpower. We may even have to cut the hours that the station is operating.

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Currently, the station operates 24 hours a day, seven days a week, but a cut in funding this significant  to the tune of $630,000 out of their $1.3 million budget  could leave the station only operating 12 hours out of the day.

2 NEWS spoke with the chairman of the Issue 7 committee, who is also a former mayor of Germantown, Steve Boeder. He says that hardware is another factor  some of the ambulances and fire engines are over a decade old, if not older.

When you go to make a call to a resident with a medical emergency, you have to be able to help them in the best way possible, said Boeder. When you consider voting, remember the services youve become used to here.

2 NEWS also spoke with the owner of a local business, The Florentine  a restaurant that has been in the city for over 200 years. Owner Bryce Henson says fire response time is a top concern, but understands why people are saying no to new taxes.

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Weve had a lot of new taxes that have come up election year after election year. At some point somebodys levy is not going to get passed, at some point we get tired of getting taxed, said Henson. But you dont necessarily throw the baby out of the bathwater; if you have something that is a good service, its required. If its needed and good stewards of the money, then sometimes we have to say yes to a new tax.

Issue 7 will be on the ballot May 6, with early voting already underway. Click here to learn more about the May primary elections.

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SUVA, April 17 (Xinhua) -- China will continue to expand imports of Fijian specialty goods, support Chinese enterprises to invest in Fiji, and encourage tourists to visit Fiji, said Chinese Ambassador to Fiji Zhou Jian here on Wednesday.

The ambassador made the remarks at a press conference on China's position regarding the U.S. imposition of reckless tariffs on its global trading partners.

China and Fiji, as well as the international community as a whole, must stand together on the right side of history and the side of fairness and justice, Zhou said.

Describing the U.S. tariff policy as "absurd, selfish and disastrous," Zhou called on all countries to uphold the UN-centered international system, defend the WTO-centered multilateral trading system, and collectively reject unilateralism, protectionism, and economic bullying.

As a small island country, Fiji was subjected to a punitive 32 percent tariff by the United States, the highest in the Pacific region, which was criticized as "disproportionate and unfair" by Fijian Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance Biman Prasad.

The Chinese ambassador reminded that the United States represents just 13 percent of global trade, and over 190 countries account for the remaining 87 percent and hold a vast potential for growth through cooperation.

The best response to U.S. unilateralism and economic bullying is for the international community to deepen mutually beneficial cooperation and achieve common development, Zhou said. 
Germany has excluded the ambassadors of Russia and Belarus from a special session of the Bundestag set for May 8 to commemorate the 80th anniversary of the end of World War II in Europe, Reuters reported on April 17.

The decision reflects growing dissatisfaction in Berlin with the way Russian President Vladimir Putin continues to manipulate the legacy of the war to justify Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine.

"This assessment led to the ambassadors of the Russian Federation and Belarus, among others, not being invited," the statement reads.

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Representatives from other embassies will attend the commemoration, which will take place in the Bundestag's plenary hall. The ceremony will mark the end of Nazi Germany's genocidal campaign across Europe.

In response, Russian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Maria Zakharova condemned the decision, calling it an insult by the "ideological heirs and direct descendants" of those who carried out Nazi leader Adolf Hitler's killings.

Putin has repeatedly drawn false comparisons between World War II and the war in Ukraine, framing the latter as a continuation of the Soviet Union's fight against Nazism.

His annual May 9 Victory Day address often invokes such rhetoric, falsely accusing the Ukrainain leadership of Nazi ideology.

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While European countries mark Victory in Europe Day on May 8 with somber ceremonies, Russia uses May 9 to stage large-scale military parades and patriotic displays.

The Kremlin has invited leaders from China, Israel, Brazil, Slovakia, and Serbia to attend this year's Victory Day celebration in Moscow.

In turn, Ukraine has invited European leaders to visit Kyiv on May 9 in a symbolic move to counter Putin's annual Victory Day parade in Moscow.

Read also: Kremlin to reportedly use seized US food company to supply Russian military

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Single, healthy male asylum seekers who have travelled to Germany via Greece can be deported back to the Mediterranean state, a top German court has ruled.

In a boost for Friedrich Merz, the incoming German chancellor who wants to reduce migration levels, the Federal Administrative Court in Leipzig ruled that asylum seekers who meet the criteria can cope with a lack of state support in Greece, because they will not face inhumane treatment in the country.

Robert Keller, one of the judges, said that the ruling was ultimately based on whether refugees in Greece had access to bread, bed and soap.

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He said: Thats not much, we know that.

Mr Merzs incoming coalition, comprising his Christian Democrats (CDU) and the centre-Left Social Democrats, has vowed to turn away asylum seekers en masse from Germanys borders, claiming public services are overwhelmed.

The ruling means that asylum seekers who entered the European Union via Greece and were granted asylum, but then continued to Germany and lodged a new claim, risk being sent back by German authorities.

Under the Dublin Agreement, asylum seekers are supposed to have their claims processed in the first EU country they enter, but those rules are rarely enforced.

Resistance from human rights groups

The ruling was a response to an appeal by two refugees, a citizen of Somalia and a Gaza-born man, who were seeking to overturn their deportation orders to Greece.

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The two men fled their home countries in 2017 and 2018, crossed through Turkey and were granted refugee status in Greece, the German news agency DPA reported.

They continued on to Germany and lodged new asylum applications that were rejected by German authorities, who then issued deportation orders to Greece.

The men filed appeals against the deportation orders because they feared that they would face severe hardship in Greece, such as a lack of access to basic services and hostility towards asylum seekers.

German courts have generally struggled to deport refugees back to Greece due to resistance from human rights groups and legal appeals, which argue that the living conditions for refugees in Greece are extremely poor.

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But the ruling by the Federal Administrative Court found that single, healthy, able-bodied male migrants should be able to cope with the poorer living standards awaiting them in Greece.

Our capacities to integrate them are exhausted

It cannot be expected with any significant probability that able-bodied, healthy and single young male beneficiaries of protection returning to Greece will find themselves in extreme material hardship, preventing them from meeting their most basic needs in terms of accommodation, food, and hygiene, the ruling states, according to the German broadcaster Deutsche Welle.

The ruling accepted that waiting times for documents and a general lack of state support in Greece were an issue for asylum seekers, but they can likely find accommodation at least in temporary shelters or emergency accommodations with basic sanitary facilities, it said.

It comes after a senior CDU MP told The Telegraph that German capacity for refugees was exhausted, after taking in millions of people from Syria, Afghanistan and most recently Ukraine.

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Gunter Krings said: More than four million asylum seekers and war refugees came to Germany in the last decade; our capacities to integrate so many people into our society are exhausted, our public order and internal security severely affected.

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On 17 April, the German government updated the list of military aid that it has handed over to Ukraine in recent days, including air defence equipment, ammunition and drones.

Source: European Pravda citing the German Federal Government

Details: Among other things, Germany announced the transfer of 66 MRAP (Mine Resistant Ambush Protected Vehicles), 4 Kinetic Defence Vehicle mobile air defence systems and 3 Zuzana 2 howitzers.

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Ukraine also received ammunition for Leopard 2 tanks, Gepard anti-aircraft systems and IRIS-T SLM systems; 27,000 155-mm and 1,000 122-mm rounds.

The list also includes 70 VECTOR reconnaissance drones with spare parts, 150 HF-1 attack drones and 10 surface drones, 6 Bergepanzer 2 armoured repair and recovery vehicles with spare parts, and 4 WISENT 1 demining tanks with spare parts.

As for other weapons, Germany transferred more than 900 RGW 90 man-portable anti-tank missile systems, G3 MK 556 assault rifles, 41 ground surveillance radars, as well as tourniquets, sleeping bags, border guard vehicles and other equipment.

The updated list also shows that Germany is preparing to ship four IRIS-T short- and medium-range surface-to-air missile systems (SLM/SLS) with missiles, Igla man-portable air defence systems, missiles for Patriot systems and reconnaissance drones.

Background:

Last week, German Defence Minister Boris Pistorius announced another military aid package for Ukraine, which will include four IRIS-T air defence systems.

The future German coalition government, which is due to take office in May, also promises to continue military and other assistance to Ukraine.

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Germany has provided Ukraine with a new package of military assistance, including IRIS-T air defense systems and missiles for Patriots, according to an updated list released by the German government on April 17.

The announcement comes as Russia continues to ramp up attacks on Ukrainian cities, inflicting high casualties among civilians, against the backdrop of U.S. efforts to negotiate a peace deal between Kyiv and Moscow.

The latest German shipment includes four additional IRIS-T systems and missiles for them, missiles for Patriot air defense systems, and 120 IGLA man-portable air defense missiles.

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The package has also provided 66 more Mine Resistant Ambush Protected (MRAP) vehicles, additional Kinetic Defense Vehicles, and 38,000 more rounds of Gepard anti-aircraft ammunition.

In partnership with Denmark and Norway, Germany also delivered three new Zuzana 2 wheeled howitzers.

Berlin also sent additional artillery supplies, including 27,000 more rounds of 155 mm shells and 1,000 additional rounds of 122 mm ammunition. Drone support includes 70 more Vector reconnaissance drones, 150 additional HF-1 armed drones, and 10 more surface drones.

The package also includes engineering and recovery vehicles, surveillance radars, laser rangefinders, assault rifles, personal and tactical gear, as well as continued medical treatment for wounded Ukrainian soldiers.

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The support, drawn from Bundeswehr stockpiles and industrial contracts financed through Berlins security capacity-building initiative, brings Germanys total military aid to Ukraine to approximately 28 billion euros since the start of Russias full-scale invasion in 2022.

Read also: Panic, screams, dead everywhere  Sumy in shock after double-tap missile attack kills 35

The new German government has pledged to continue supporting Ukraine amid Russias ongoing invasion.

Germany may also be moving closer to approving the delivery of long-range Taurus missiles to Ukraine, as leaders from both the conservative CDU/CSU and the ruling Social Democrats (SPD) show signs of alignment on the matter.

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Johann Wadephul, deputy head of the CDU/CSU parliamentary group, said on April 15 that a joint decision was increasingly possible, especially after a recent Russian missile strike on the city of Sumy that killed at least 35 civilians.

Chancellor-in-waiting Friedrich Merz, who is expected to take office following the CDU/CSU's February election victory, has also expressed support for sending Taurus missiles in coordination with Germanys allies. Outgoing Chancellor Olaf Scholz has previously blocked such deliveries over concerns of escalation.

If approved, the missiles, with a range of up to 500 kilometers, would add to Ukraines long-range strike capabilities, alongside weapons already provided by the U.S., U.K., and France.

Read also: Merzs party optimistic about Germanys new coalition backing Taurus for Ukraine

Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent.
A Southern California 10-year-old was found safe Sunday, a day after being kidnapped by a stranger she had been communicating with on Roblox and the messaging platform Discord, authorities said.

The Kern County girl was found in Elk Grove, hundreds of miles from her home, with 27-year-old Matthew Macatuno Naval, the county Sheriff's Office said in a news release. Naval, who is from Elk Grove, was arrested Sunday and was facing charges of kidnapping and unlawful sexual conduct with a minor child.

The Kern County Sheriffs Office said in a news release Wednesday that, after her family reported her missing, deputies received information from the girls friends that led them to believe that she had been kidnapped. The communication with Naval they uncovered on Roblox, an online game platform popular among preteens, pointed investigators to the Northern California city, where they recovered the child.

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Read more: Chilean man groomed 13-year-old girl he met on Roblox before flying to U.S. to meet her, police say

Elk Grove police assisted Kern County officials and were able to find Naval in his car at a strip mall near his home with the missing child. He was arrested less than six hours after Kern County investigators were initially dispatched. The girl was temporarily taken into protective custody until she was reunited with her family.

Naval was booked into the Sacramento County Main Jail without bail and was awaiting extradition to Kern County.

Read more: How parents can help protect children from online 'catfishing' and other digital dangers

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In a news release, the Sheriffs Office stressed the importance of internet safety.

Parents, monitor all electronic usage and know who your children are communicating with. Many apps and games have messaging capabilities and present the same, if not more, risk as social media platforms, the statement read.

Anyone with additional information about this case can call the Kern County Sheriff's Office at (661) 861-3110.

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This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times.
ROCHESTER, N.Y. (WROC)  Additional changes impacting workers have been made at Rochesters General Motors plant.

President of United Auto Workers Local 1097, Dan Maloney, told News 8 that 100 full-time employees were notified on Tuesday that they will be losing hours and moving to a shorter work week.

Recent tariff changes, in addition to layoffs, have caused uncertainty among employees locally

He added that the jobs are no longer needed due to an increase in EV sales elsewhere.

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The EV sales for General Motors are apparently flat or dropping off. For one of our customers we deliver components to, the coolant lines for the battery packs is BrightDrop out of California. Theyve reported automated news they are laying off folks for five months. For Canada, you have BrightDrop delivery trucks that are out. Factory Zero in Detroit has laid off 200 people to make EV Silverados and the electric Hummer as well, Maloney said.

In March, 26 GM employees were told they were being laid off indefinitely from the Lexington Avenue plant.

MCWA discusses fluoridation during national debate

From Christmas of 2024 to date, this latest change has brought the total of part-time and full-time employees who have been laid off or had their positions scaled back at the plant to 200.

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People are uneasy again. They dont know what the future holds. And, I dont think management locally in Rochester knows exactly what the future holds. Theres definitely some uneasiness among the hourly workforce, said Maloney.

He added the union meets regularly with its members and is actively discussing their concerns. As for whats next, Maloney says that remains to be seen.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to RochesterFirst.
A local woman who began her teaching career in California is the winner of this weeks JET 24 PennWest University Golden Apple award.

JET 24s Lou Baxter made an announcement at Cambridge Springs Elementary School. Good morning, ladies and gentlemen, boys and girls. If you see Mrs. Martinez today, congratulate her. Shes a Golden Apple award winner!

Patricia Martinez is a 3rd grade teacher. She has been teaching 26 years. A career that began in California but eventually brought her home to the Penncrest School District. It was a career decision made early in life.

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From the time I was very young, because both my parents were teachers. And my aunt and uncle were teachers, and I was in the classroom all the time with them, and I really enjoyed what they were doing, Martinez recalled.

Even though teaching was sort of in her DNA, she loves what she does.

Being with the kids, thats the best part. When Im working with them and see all the accomplishments, they do thats when Im most excited about it, she said.

Theres always something special about a Golden Apple award-winning teacher, and this weeks winner has some thoughts about what it takes to be effective in the classroom.

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Martinez suggested, I think you have to be flexible, and you have to come up with new ideas every day. Sometimes it doesnt work for one kid, and you have to figure out what you have to do with another kid.

This weeks student nominator, third grader Ezra Myers, is kind of quiet. But his mom said he loves to come to school, thanks to Mrs. Martinez.

Mrs. Martinez has made him love learning. I think good teachers kind of create this growth and challenge their students, but its really those special teachers that foster and facilitate this level of learning and thats what Mrs. Martinez has done for our son, she said.

Veteran PennWest University professor of early childhood education, Mary Jo Melvin PhD, took note of comments made in Myers nomination letter.

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Ezra said this teacher makes me feel important, and you know, regardless of what age we are, we all want to feel important. Because that helps us develop self-concepts and self-worth. and Id be pretty comfortable saying every child in this room feels important, Melvin said.

Once again this, Mrs. Martinez received a financial gift from Big Ideas Learning, a national math textbook company located in Erie. Each week they award the Golden Apple teacher with a check for $250.

Its such a pleasure and honor to empower Mrs. Martinez with just a little bit of money to continue to add to her resources that she brings to the classroom, said Damon Finazzo of Big Ideas Learning.

JET 24 and PennWest University have been honoring area schoolteachers each week during the school year for the past 34 years. To nominate your special teacher for a Golden Apple Award, click here.

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U.S. Rep. Maggie Goodlander said she will not run for U.S. Senate in 2026. (File photo by Annmarie Timmins/New Hampshire Bulletin)

Maggie Goodlander, a Democrat and former Biden administration official who was elected in November to represent the states 2nd Congressional District, will not run for the U.S. Senate in 2026, she told WMUR Thursday.

She had signaled she was considering a campaign for the seat left open by incumbent Democratic Sen. Jeanne Shaheens announcement that she would retire at the end of her term. Goodlander told the TV station she was proud to support Chris Pappas, the fourth-term 1st District representative, in the race. Pappas made his run official earlier this month.

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I feel humbled and grateful to so many people across our state who have encouraged me to take a look at the United States Senate, Goodlander told WMUR, and after a lot of thought and conversations with people I love and people I respect, and people who I had never met before, who I work for in this role right now, Ive decided that Im running for re-election in the House of Representatives.

Granite Staters wont pick Shaheens replacement until November 2026, leaving months for the field to take shape. Chris Sununu, the former Republican governor who left office earlier this year, ended speculation over his candidacy recently when he told the Pulse of New Hampshire he would not run for the seat.

Shaheens retirement opens up a competitive race as Democrats vie to reclaim control of the body from Republicans.
A second judge in the United States on Thursday ruled that internet giant Google has an illegal monopoly.

It is the second such ruling in less than one year. The case concerned tools for placing online advertisements.

Judge Leonie Brinkema in the state of Virginia concluded that the company had gained a monopoly position in online advertising on some platforms through unfair competition.

The consequences will be decided at a later date.

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The US government prevailed in its 2023 lawsuit alleging violations in two of three advertising markets.

Google already suffered a major defeat by US competition regulators last August.

A judge in Washington ruled that the company had a monopoly on internet search and had defended it against competitors using unfair means.

Google said it would appeal the latest ruling.

"We disagree with the Courts decision regarding our publisher tools. Publishers have many options and they choose Google because our ad tech tools are simple, affordable and effective," Lee-Anne Mulholland, Google's vice president for regulatory affairs, posted on X.

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A trial on the consequences of the ruling is set to begin next week.

The US Justice Department is demanding that Google be forced to divest itself of its Chrome web browser and Android mobile operating system businesses.
JAKARTA, April 17 (Xinhua) -- Indonesia will collaborate with Jordan on wheat planting trials to reduce the shipments of the commodity from abroad, a minister said here on Thursday.

Indonesian Agriculture Minister Andi Amran Sulaiman made the statement after accompanying President Prabowo Subianto in visiting Jordan and other nations. He signed an agreement on agricultural cooperation with his Jordanian counterpart Khaled Huneifat on Tuesday.

"We just arrived from a visit accompanying the president to Jordan. We will strengthen our cooperation with Jordan," Amran told a press conference at his office.

He said that Indonesia will cooperate with Jordan in exchanging information and technology in the sectors of agriculture and plantation, and water management.

The minister said that Jordan has agreed to assist Indonesia in cultivating wheat because the Middle East country has a good irrigation system, which produces abundant wheat.

"We have invited experts from Jordan," Amran said. "We have checked the agroclimate suitability across Indonesia. Then we look for superior seeds that we can grow in Indonesia."

The minister stressed that should the plan be fruitful, it will be able to reduce the country's shipment of wheat from overseas.

Indonesia, a tropical country, has succeeded in growing dates originating from the Middle East in the Indonesia's territories. 
A federal judge has ruled that Alphabet's Google Google illegally monopolized key segments of the online advertising technology market.

Judge Leonie Brinkema of the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia said in a ruling Thursday that Google broke the law to secure its dominance over the largely invisible system of technology that places advertisements on pages across the web.

"Plaintiffs have proven that Google has willfully engaged in a series of anticompetitive acts to acquire and maintain monopoly power in the publisher ad server and ad exchange markets for open-web display advertising," Judge Brinkema wrote in her ruling. "For over a decade, Google has tied its publisher ad server and ad exchange together through contractual policies and technological integration, which enabled the company to establish and protect its monopoly power in these two markets."

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MORE: Google violated antitrust laws to maintain dominance over online search, judge says

The decision marks the second major antitrust win for U.S. government against Google in less than a year. The first happening in August 2024 when a federal judge ruled that Google had an illegal monopoly on search.

The latest ruling focuses on a $31 billion segment of Google's ad business that matches website publishers with advertisers. The Department of Justice and 17 state attorneys general brought the case against Alphabet in 2023, alleging Google had a monopoly in ad technology that allowed the company to charge higher prices and take a larger portion of each transaction. The DOJ has argued Google should be forced to divest parts of its business, including Google Ad Manager, which comprises the company's publisher ad server and ad exchange.

Though the case was brought under the previous administration, current Attorney General Pam Bondi celebrated the ruling on Thursday.

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"This is a landmark victory in the ongoing fight to stop Google from monopolizing the digital public square," Bondi said in a statement. "This Department of Justice will continue taking bold legal action to protect the American people from encroachments on free speech and free markets by tech companies."

PHOTO: People walk next to a Google logo during a trade fair in Hannover Messe, in Hanover, Germany, April 22, 2024. (Annegret Hilse/Reuters, FILE)

While this decision could force Google to sell part of its ad tech business, the court rejected the DOJ's claim relating to an argument that Google had operated a monopoly in ad networks.

"We won half of this case and we will appeal the other half," Lee-Anne Mulholland, Google's vice president for regulatory affairs, said in a statement. "The Court found that our advertiser tools and our acquisitions, such as DoubleClick, don't harm competition. We disagree with the Court's decision regarding our publisher tools. Publishers have many options and they choose Google because our ad tech tools are simple, affordable and effective."

MORE: Meta claims it has 'no monopoly' as landmark antitrust trial gets underway

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Google argues that the judge relied on interpretations of Supreme Court precedent that conflict with longstanding legal consensus, according to a Google representative.

The court will set a briefing schedule and hearing date to determine the appropriate remedies for the violation.

With this new ruling, Google is now facing the possibility of two different U.S. courts ordering it to sell assets or change its business practices. Regarding Google's other antitrust violation on search, a trial will be held next week in Washington on the DOJ's request proposing that Google sell its Chrome browser and take additional steps to end its dominance in online search.

This is a developing story. Please check back for updates.

Google is monopolist in online advertising tech, judge rules originally appeared on abcnews.go.com
Google abused its dominance to suppress competition in some digital advertising markets, a court has found in a ruling that could lead to the tech giant being forced to sell off parts of its business.

U.S. District Judge Leonie Brinkema concluded on Thursday that Google violated antitrust laws to build and illegally maintain a monopoly over the technology that places ads across the internet. For over a decade, the company imposed anticompetitive policies on customers and eliminated desirable features in ways that ultimately deprived rivals of the ability to compete, she said.

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This exclusionary conduct substantially harmed Googles publisher customers, the competitive process, and, ultimately, consumers of information on the open web, writes Brinkema.

The next step: Exploring the conditions that should be imposed on Google in light of the ruling. The government and a group of states argue that the Alphabet-owned company should be broken up, pointing to its advertising products that help ad firms buy ads on the web. Google made $209 billion in ad sales in 2021, accounting for 81 percent of its revenue. Meta, the second-largest ad company, made $115 billion in ad revenue that year.

We won half of this case and we will appeal the other half, Googles Vice President of Regulatory Affairs Lee-Anne Mulholland said in a statement.

Another federal judge found last year that Google engaged in anticompetitive conduct by building a moat around its monopoly over search, saying that customers got a lower-quality experience on the internet. The court cited Googles exclusive deals with other companies, like Apple and Samsung, to have its search engine as the default on their phones and browsers. In 2023, it was also found that Google has an illegal monopoly over its app store.

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The rulings can have a sweeping impact on the digital ad market and the way in which people find information on the web.

In a mixed ruling, the court sided with the government on claims that Google has an illegal monopoly over the tools used by online publishers to host ads and the software that facilitates those transactions. It dismissed a claim concerning the tools used by advertisers to buy ads.

Google has tied its publisher ad server and ad exchange together through contractual policies and technological integration, which enabled the company to establish and protect its monopoly power in these two markets, Brinkema writes. Google further entrenched its monopoly power by imposing anticompetitive policies on its customers and eliminating desirable product features.

A primary point of contention in the case was Googles position as a necessary middleman between advertisers and publishers, which allowed it to lock out rivals through its control of key ad tech tools. The court agreed with the government that the company limited where and how much other ad tech providers competed. Notably, Google made its Google Ads demands available only to publishers through its publisher ad server.

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Google maintained that some of its policies enhanced safety and privacy, countered fraud and decreased prices, among other things.

The government took aim at an allegedly anticompetitive acquisition scheme employed by Google to monopolize the adverting market. It referenced the companys purchase of DoubleClick, which had the industry-leading publisher ad server at the time of its purchase in 2007, for $3.1 billion. The deal provided Google with direct access to website publishers, including their ad inventory, in addition to a significant presence with advertisers, according to the suit.

The court said that government failed to prove those purchases were anticompetitive. Although these acquisitions helped Google gain monopoly power in two adjacent ad tech markets, they are insufficient, when viewed in isolation, to prove that Google acquired or maintained this monopoly power through exclusionary practices, the order states.

The Justice Department didnt immediately offer comment.

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Google has released a key document detailing some information about how its latest AI model, Gemini 2.5 Pro, was built and tested, three weeks after it first made that model publicly available as a preview version.

AI governance experts had criticized the company for releasing the model without publishing documentation detailing safety evaluations it had carried out and any risks the model might present, in apparent violation of promises it had made to the U.S. government and at multiple international AI safety gatherings.

A Google spokesperson said in an emailed statement that any suggestion that the company had reneged on its commitments was inaccurate.

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The company also said that a more detailed technical report will come later when it makes a final version of the Gemini 2.5 Pro model family fully available to the public.

But the newly published six-page model card has also been faulted by at least one AI governance expert for providing meager information about the safety evaluations of the model.

Kevin Bankston, a senior advisor on AI Governance at the Center for Democracy and Technology, a Washington, D.C.-based think tank, said in a lengthy thread on social media platform X that the late release of the model card and its lack of detail was worrisome.

This meager documentation for Googles top AI model tells a troubling story of a race to the bottom on AI safety and transparency as companies rush their models to market, he said.

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He said the late release of the model card and its lack key safety evaluation resultsfor instance, details of "red-teaming" tests to trick the AI model into serving up dangerous outputs like bioweapon instructionssuggested that Google hadnt finished its safety testing before releasing its most powerful model and that it still hasnt completed that testing even now.

Bankston said another possibility is that Google had finished its safety testing but has a new policy that it will not release its evaluation results until the model is released to all Google users. Currently, Google is calling Gemini 2.5 Pro a preview, which can be accessed through its Google AI Studio and Google Labs products, with some limitations on what users can do with it. Google has also said it is making the model widely available to U.S. college students.

The Google spokesperson said the company would release a more complete AI safety report once per model family. Bankson said on X that this might mean Google would no longer release separate evaluation results for fine-tuned versions of its models that it releases, such as those that have been tailored for coding or cybersecurity. This could be dangerous, he noted, because fine-tuned versions of AI models can exhibit behaviors that are markedly different from the base model from which theyve been adapted.

Google is not the only AI company seemingly retreating on AI safety. Metas model card for its newly released Llama 4 AI model is of similar length and detail to the one Google just published for Gemini 2.5 Pro and was also criticized by AI safety experts. OpenAI said it was not releasing a technical safety report for its newly-released GPT-4.1 model because it said that the model was not a frontier model, since the companys chain of thought reasoning models, such as o3 and o4-mini, beat it on many benchmarks. At the same time, OpenAI touted that GPT-4.1 was more capable than its GPT-4o model, whose safety evaluation had shown that model could pose certain risks, although it had said these were below the threshold at which the model would be considered unsafe to release. Whether GPT-4.1 might now exceed those thresholds is unknown, since OpenAI said it does not plan to publish a technical report.

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OpenAI did publish a technical safety report for its new o3 and o4-mini models, which were released on Wednesday. But at the same time, earlier this week it updated its Preparedness Framework which describes how the company will evaluate its AI models for critical dangerseverything from helping someone build a biological weapon to the possibility that a model will begin to self-improve and escape human controland seek to mitigate those risks. The update eliminated Persuasiona models ability to manipulate a person into taking a harmful action or convince them to believe in misinformationas a risk category that the company would assess during it pre-release evaluations. It also changed how the company would make decisions around releasing higher risk models, including saying the company would consider shipping an AI model that posed a critical risk if a competitor had already debuted a similar model.

Those changes divided opinion among AI governance experts, with some praising OpenAI for being transparent about its process and also providing better clarity around its release policies, while others were alarmed at the changes.

This story was originally featured on Fortune.com
Google's advertising business, a key piece of revenue for the tech giant, is an illegal monopoly, US District Judge Leonie Brinkema ruled on Thursday.

In the memorandum opinion, the court writes that Google has violated Section 2 of the Sherman Act, a landmark antitrust law from 1890. The ruling says Google broke the law "by willfully acquiring and maintaining monopoly power in the open-web display publisher ad server market and the open-web display ad exchange market."

When asked for comment, Lee-Anne Mulholland, Google's vice president of regulatory affairs told CNET via email, "We won half of this case and we will appeal the other half...We disagree with the Court's decision regarding our publisher tools. Publishers have many options and they choose Google because our ad tech tools are simple, affordable and effective."

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The case was brought by US federal government and a coalition of 17 states. The next step is for the court to set a hearing date to begin discussions over "appropriate remedies," but it's unclear how soon that date might be. Google's appeal could draw things out over the course of months or years.

Google's large ecosystem of businesses has been under a microscope in recent years. In August 2024, a US federal court ruled that Google's search engine was also an illegal monopoly. Meta is also in court this week for similar antitrust claims around its acquisition of Instagram and WhatsApp brought by the Federal Trade Commission.

This is a developing story. Please check back for updates.
SAN FRANCISCO (AP)  Google has been branded an abusive monopolist by a federal judge for the second time in less than a year, this time for illegally exploiting some of its online marketing technology to boost the profits fueling an internet empire currently worth $1.8 trillion.

The ruling issued Thursday by U.S. District Judge Leonie Brinkema in Virginia comes on the heels of a separate decision in August that concluded Googles namesake search engine has been illegally leveraging its dominance to stifle competition and innovation.

After the U.S. Justice Department targeted Googles ubiquitous search engine during President Donald Trumps first term, the same agency went after the companys lucrative digital advertising network in 2023 during President Joe Bidens ensuing administration in an attempt to undercut the power that Google has amassed since its inception in a Silicon Valley garage in 1998.

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Although antitrust regulators prevailed both times, the battle is likely to continue for several more years as Google tries to overturn the two monopoly decisions in appeals while forging ahead in the new and highly lucrative technological frontier of artificial intelligence.

The next step in the latest case is a penalty phase that will likely begin late this year or early next year. The same so-called remedy hearings in the search monopoly case are scheduled to begin Monday in Washington D.C., where Justice Department lawyers will try to convince U.S. District Judge Amit Mehta to impose a sweeping punishment that includes a proposed requirement for Google to sell its Chrome web browser.

Brinkemas 115-page decision centers on the marketing machine that Google has spent the past 17 years building around its search engine and other widely used products and services, including its Chrome browser, YouTube video site and digital maps.

The system was largely built around a series of acquisitions that started with Googles $3.2 billion purchase of online ad specialist DoubleClick in 2008. U.S. regulators approved the deals at the time they were made before realizing that they had given the Mountain View, California, company a platform to manipulate the prices in an ecosystem that a wide range of websites depend on for revenue and provides a vital marketing connection to consumers.

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The Justice Department lawyers argued that Google built and maintained dominant market positions in a technology trifecta used by website publishers to sell ad space on their webpages, as well as the technology that advertisers use to get their ads in front of consumers, and the ad exchanges that conduct automated auctions in fractions of a second to match buyer and seller.

After evaluating the evidence presented during a lengthy trial that concluded just before Thanksgiving last year, Brinkema reached a decision that rejected the Justice Department's assertions that Google has been mistreating advertisers while concluding the company has been abusing its power to stifle competition to the detriment of online publishers forced to rely on its network for revenue.

For over a decade, Google has tied its publisher ad server and ad exchange together through contractual policies and technological integration, which enabled the company to establish and protect its monopoly power in these two markets. Brinkema wrote. Google further entrenched its monopoly power by imposing anticompetitive policies on its customers and eliminating desirable product features.

Despite that rebuke, Brinkema also concluded that Google didn't break the law when it snapped up Doubleclick nor when it followed up that deal a few years later by buying another service, Admeld.

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The Justice Department failed to show that the DoubleClick and Admeld acquisitions were anticompetitive, Brinkema wrote. Although these acquisitions helped Google gain monopoly power in two adjacent ad tech markets, they are insufficient, when viewed in isolation, to prove that Google acquired or maintained this monopoly power through exclusionary practices.

That finding may help Google fight off any attempt to force it to sell its advertising technology to stop its monopolistic behavior.

This is a landmark victory in the ongoing fight to stop Google from monopolizing the digital public square, U.S. Attorney General Pamela Bondi said in a statement.

In a statement, Google said it will appeal the ruling.

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We disagree with the Courts decision regarding our publisher tools, said Lee-Anne Mulholland, Googles vice president of regulatory affairs. Publishers have many options and they choose Google because our ad tech tools are simple, affordable and effective.

Analysts such as Brian Pitz of BMO Markets had been predicting that Google would likely lose the case, helping to brace investors for the latest setback to the company and its corporate parent, Alphabet Inc., whose shares declined by about 1% Thursday to close at $151.22. Alphabet's stock has plunged by 20% so far this year.

On top of the setbacks in search and advertising, Google also is fighting a federal jury's 2023 verdict that determined its Play Store for apps on smartphones powered by its Android software is also an illegal monopoly.

As it did in the search monopoly case, Google vehemently denied the Justice Departments allegations. Its lawyers argued the government largely based its case on an antiquated concept of a market that existed a decade ago while underestimating a highly competitive market for advertising spending that includes the likes of Facebook parent Meta Platforms, Amazon, Microsoft and Comcast.

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The market as drawn in the Justice Departments case didnt include ads that appear on mobile apps, streaming television services, or other platforms to which internet users have increasingly migrated, prompting Google lawyer Karen Dunn to compare the governments definition a time capsule with a BlackBerry, an iPod and a Blockbuster video card during her opening statement when the trial began last September.

At trial, the Justice Departments lawyers emphasized the harm to news publishers that has arisen from Googles alleged dominance of the marketplace. Witnesses from Gannett, the publisher of USA Today and other newspapers, and News Corp., the publisher of The Wall Street Journal, testified about the difficulties they have faced and what they said was a lack of alternatives to Googles ad tech. Those companies rely on online advertising to fund their news operations and make their articles free to consumers on the internet, government lawyers have argued.

Now the government is in position to try to dismantle that byzantine ad system. When the case was filed more than two years ago during the Biden administration, the Justice Department asserted Google should be forced to sell, at a minimum, its Ad Manager product, which includes the technology used by website publishers and the ad exchange.
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Republicans in the Arizona Legislature want to use county sheriffs departments to force people to comply with their subpoenas, and for anyone who speaks in front of a legislative committee to do so at risk of perjury.

You shouldnt be allowed to come down to the legislature and lie to us in the committee, which, unfortunately, far too many people do, Sen. Jake Hoffman, R-Queen Creek, said of the proposal during a March 19 Senate Government Committee hearing.

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House Bill 2824, sponsored by Rep. Tony Rivero, a Peoria Republican, would allow the Senate president, speaker of the House of Representatives or any legislative committee to find a subpoenaed person in contempt. Currently, a person who ignores a subpoena or refuses to testify can only be found in contempt if the full 60-member House or 30-member Senate votes on a resolution.

Riveros proposal would allow those accused of contempt to supply evidence to refute the allegations, but would put the power to find someone in contempt in the hands of just a few people instead of the full Senate or House.

Republicans control the House and Senate now, and have done so nearly uninterrupted for 60 years. Rivero told the Arizona Mirror that his intent in sponsoring the bill was to ensure that other elected officials respond to legislative subpoenas in a timely fashion.

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This will require the executive branch and others to be responsive to the legislature, he said.

Allowing sheriffs deputies to arrest those in contempt and to deliver them to the House or Senate, and requiring every person who testifies in front of a legislative committee to do so under the penalty of perjury, were added to Riveros proposal via amendments from Hoffman.

Rivero told the Mirror that he supports Hoffmans changes.

We need people to be up front and honest to the committees, Rivero said.

The last time that bald-faced lies to a legislative committee resulted in significant consequences was in 2023, when then Rep. Liz Harris, a Chandler Republican, was ousted from her seat in a bipartisan vote for lying about her intent when she invited a woman to testify in front of a joint elections committee, knowing she planned to spread wild conspiracy theories.

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The woman claimed that various state and local officials from both parties were involved in a housing deed money laundering scheme involving a Mexican drug cartel and the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints.

On March 19, Sen. Lauren Kuby, a Tempe Democrat, claimed that HB2824 was clearly in response to what she called a partisan stunt last year when Republicans attempted to impeach Democratic Attorney General Kris Mayes.

In May 2024, a group of House Republicans dubbed the Committee on Executive Oversight recommended that the chamber impeach Mayes for unconstitutionally picking and choosing which laws to enforce. The Democratic lawmakers assigned to the committee refused to participate, and Mayes refused to testify during committee hearings, calling them a sham and a joke.

The House didnt take any action on the impeachment recommendation, as it was unlikely Mayes would be removed from office since that would require a two-thirds vote in the Senate, which would require support from Democrats.

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Hoffman refuted Kubys claim and said that Riveros proposal had nothing to do with the committee that investigated Mayes.

Sen. Mitzi Epstein, D-Tempe, asked Hoffman during an April 10 discussion of the proposal, whether he believed that legislators themselves should be subject to charges of perjury if they lie in their comments during legislative proceedings.

Personally, I dont think that we should be lying, period, Hoffman said, adding that he thinks its especially important that people who testify before committees with the intent of influencing the political process are held accountable if they lie to legislators.

Before voting against House Bill 2824 on April 16, Kuby said it would inevitably be abused for political gain since it would allow either the House speaker or Senate president to find someone in contempt if they dont have enough votes in either chamber to pass a contempt resolution.

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It puts far too much power into the hands of a single person, she said.

In 2021, Republicans in the Arizona Senate failed in a vote of 15-15 to find the Maricopa County Board of Supervisors in contempt for refusing to comply with wide-ranging subpoenas for election equipment and materials to be used in the Senates partisan audit of the 2020 presidential election results.

One Republican joined with Democrats to block the proposal.

Only three people, including conservative political operative Merissa Hamilton, officially registered in support of HB2824, while 368 people registered in opposition. The counties and sheriffs offices didnt officially weigh in, and the Maricopa County Sheriffs Office didnt immediately respond to a request for comment on the bill.

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The measure was approved by the Senate along party lines on April 16, by a vote of 17-13. It will likely be met with a veto from Gov. Katie Hobbs, who is unlikely to give Republican legislative leaders more power to force Democrats in statewide office like herself to testify in front of them or to provide them with information.

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North Carolina House Speaker Destin Hall (R-Caldwell), left, and Senate President Pro Tem Phil Berger (R-Rockingham) speak ahead of Gov. Josh Stein's State of the State address on March 12, 2025. (Photo: Galen Bacharier/NC Newsline)

North Carolina senators gave a Republican-authored budget a final vote of approval Thursday. It now goes to the House, where GOP leaders are expected to craft a largely separate budget and come to a compromise later.

The plan outlines $32.6 billion in spending for fiscal year 2025-26 and $33.3 billion for 2026-27. It gives modest pay raises to state workers, educators and law enforcement; cuts hundreds of vacant state jobs and some filled ones; and sets aside hundreds of millions for future hurricane relief.

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Conservatives in the chamber have praised the spending plan as a safe but confident step in continuing North Carolinas growth.

Its not probably the budget everybody wanted, but it is a good, sound, fiscally responsible budget, Sen. Brent Jackson (R-Sampson) said Thursday.

Democrats have criticized the budget for lacking extensive investment in key areas, arguing that it fails to put the state and its residents on safe economic ground. And they continued to express frustration about a largely opaque budget process.

Democratic Leader Sydney Batch (D-Wake) (Photo: NCGA)

Perhaps invite us to the table next time, and we could talk to you about some of the amendments we have, Democratic Leader Sydney Batch (D-Wake) told reporters Wednesday evening. Because you dont have the corner on the market to good ideas, especially when it comes to North Carolina.

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Batch said Democrats were open to working with any House Republicans who welcomed their input.

The final vote in the Senate on Thursday was 30-15. Sen. Bobby Hanig (R-Currituck), who had an amendment shot down by his Republican colleagues Wednesday, joined Democrats in opposition. Four Democrats, including former Senate Democratic Leader Dan Blue (D-Wake) voted yes.

House budget writers are expected to craft their own plan that differs significantly from the Senates. Senate President Pro Tem Phil Berger (R-Rockingham) told reporters Wednesday evening he had only had discussions with Speaker Destin Hall about top-level spending.

Theyre not going to take this budget as is, Berger said. Theyll make some changes. So well just have to see.
CHARLESTON, WV (WVNS)  West Virginia delegates let a House bill that would have triggered the loss of health insurance for 166,000 West Virginians die, but working class West Virginians could still lose their coverage if federal lawmakers trim the federal budget by making cuts to Medicaid, Del. Elliot Pritt (R-District 50) said on Wednesday, April 16, 2025.

The bill had called for a trigger law which would have eliminated the Medicaid Expansion program in the state, if Congress reduces Medicaid payments.

Federal lawmakers could make up to $880 billion in cuts to Medicaid funding, which would impact West Virginia.

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In that case, states would be forced to cut Medicaid or raise taxes to maintain it, according to political experts.

Medicaid Expansion provides health care coverage to working class West Virginia families.

Pritt said a number of state lawmakers have reached out to West Virginias federal representatives to urge them to vote against cuts to Medicaid coverage, out of fear of how the loss of federal funding will impact the state economy and West Virginians access to health care.

School discipline bill signed into law by Governor Morrisey

It also would detrimentally affect the ability of our hospitals to make even probably pay roll and stay open, added Pritt. Just in Fayette County alone, not regular Medicaid, this Medicaid Expansion puts over $28 million into the local economy, and those are just people just in Fayette County on the Medicaid Expansion.

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Pritt explained that Congress provides 90 percent of West Virginias Medicaid Expansion funds.

Pritt pointed to data by the Bureau of Labor Statistics which shows the impact of ending Medicaid Expansion in West Virginia counties.

Cutting Medicaid Expansion would remove $49 million from Raleigh Countys economy, nearly $47 million from Mercer County, over $22 million from Greenbrier County, $18 million from Boone, around $14 million from Wyoming County, over $8 million from Summers County, over $15 million from McDowell County, about six million from Monroe County and $130 million from Kanawha County.

Greenbrier County man arrested for possession of child pornography

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He said the state does not have the money in the budget to cover its Medicaid Expansion obligations if federal lawmakers take away West Virginias funding.

Its very hard for me to imagine a scenario where it remained fully funded, said Pritt. I think it would immediately be called for a special session. My inclination is to say that they (state lawmakers) would do their best to preserve some of the funding, for probably the people that absolutely needed it the most, but the vast majority of that would be cut.

In 2024, state lawmakers had pushed to cut Medicaid funding by $147 million but changed their plan after the states Republican governor at the time, Jim Justice, demanded that they restore the funding.

Justice is now a U.S. Senator.

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Medicaid covers half of all West Viginia births, statistics show.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WVNS.
TAMPA, Fla. (WFLA)  Erik Dellenback has announced his resignation as executive director of Hope Florida. Its a nonprofit founded by First Lady Casey DeSantis to connect low-income residents with churches and charities, instead of resorting to government-funded assistance.

The program has been under scrutiny by Republicans in the Florida House, at the same time as the first lady considers a run for governor.

Former New College official accused of exposing himself to mall employees

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On Wednesday, the governors office confirmed Dellenback plans to step down to be the CEO of Florida Family Voice but continue to work with Hope Florida in an advisory capacity.

Just a day before, Dellenback answered questions from state lawmakers during a hearing in Tallahassee involving how grant money from a $10 million settlement was eventually used.

During that same hearing, Hope Florida Board Chair Joshua Hay admitted to hiccups involving operations.

In recent weeks, the public reporting has made evident that mistakes were made, Hay said.

The board chair then told lawmakers one of the reasons behind some of the issues.

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There were lapses in reporting procedures and the foundation was not provided with the staffing support necessary to ensure all matters were being quickly and appropriately handled, Hay said.

The boards chair said hes working with the foundations lawyer to make corrections.

Recently, Hay filed a tax document, known as Form 990, regarding last fiscal year that ended in June 2024. It showed a total of $40,000 in grants was distributed to four organizations.

However, when it comes to the current fiscal year, lawmakers have questions over how $10 million in settlement funds was spent after Hope Florida distributed those dollars.

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Based on the proposals submitted by the two organizations that received funds, I had no reason to doubt their alignment with Hope Floridas mission. Hay said. Like all of you, I am eager to understand how these funds were utilized.

Some Republicans say they traced the money, and it may have been used to help defeat Amendment 3 to the end the push to legalize recreational marijuana. Getting voters to keep that ballot measure from the 60% threshold was a goal of the governor, first lady, and other top Florida officials. The first lady has not been accused of any wrongdoing regarding those funds.

On Wednesday, the governor spoke in Fort Myers. He called on Republicans in the House to align with his budget proposal, specifically when it comes to funding law enforcement. DeSantis also defended his wifes signature welfare assistance program.

They never ran on joining with Democrats to try to manufacture smears against the administration, the governor, and even the first lady, DeSantis said. The program has gotten 30,000 people off of welfare and saved a $100 million. Thats really what its all about.

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First Lady DeSantis is expected to announce whether she will toss her hat in the race this Summer. Political Science Professor Tara Newsom with St. Pete College said its unclear if voters will remember this investigation next year and its unclear if voters will connect the first lady to questions from lawmakers.

Its a long way away from the next election. So, whether or not their memories will hold with them once she decides whether shes going to run or not is a different story, Newsome said.

Hope Floridas board is scheduled to hold a public Zoom meeting on Thursday to discuss grant distribution, tax forms, and state law as it applies to open meetings.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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 top House Republican is refusing to authorize a Democratic congressional trip to El Salvador to investigate the notorious maximum security prison where President Donald Trumps administration is paying to hold hundreds of migrants from the United States, including Kilmar Abrego Garcia, a 29-year-old man from Maryland.

If Democrats care so much about defending this individual, they can use their own personal credit cardsnot taxpayers moneyto virtue-signal to their radical base, House Homeland Security Committee Chair Mark Green (R-Tenn.) said in a statement on Thursday.

Rep. Delia Ramirez (D-Ill.), a member of the committee, wrote to Green on Wednesday requesting a congressional member delegation (CODEL) to El Salvador as part of the panels oversight duties. Shes one of several congressional Democrats seeking to organize an official trip to the country.

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Given that the Administrations use of CECOT for illegal and unconstitutional deportations is rife with administrative errors, she wrote in a letter, naming the Salvadoran prison, I urgently request a CODEL to conduct oversight.

Ramirez said the Trump administration deported Abrego Garcia and other migrants without due process, calling the actions illegal, unconstitutional and inhumane.

Meanwhile, Sen. Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.) traveled to El Salvador on Wednesday, but officials there refused his request for a meeting or phone call with Abrego Garcia, his constituent. Both Trump and Salvadoran President Nayib Bukele have refused to facilitate Abrego Garcias return despite a unanimous Supreme Court order.

The Trump administration is clearly in violation of American court orders, Van Hollen said at a press conference in San Salvador on Wednesday.

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Abrego Garcia was removed from the U.S. due to what government officials later acknowledged was an administrative error. Trump officials have accused him of being a gang member, an allegation his lawyers have denied.

Several House Republicans also made the trip to visit CECOT, which has a reputation for torture, in El Salvador this week.

Reps. Jason Smith (R-Mo.) and Riley Moore (R-W.Va.) shared photos of themselves on social media praising the Trump administrations deportation policies. Moore smiled and held two thumbs up in a photo where he stood in front of a packed prison cell.

I just toured the CECOT prison in El Salvador. This maximum security facility houses the countrys most brutal criminals, including murderers, rapists, pedophiles, and terrorists. Several inmates were extremely violent criminals recently deported from the U.S.



I leave now even pic.twitter.com/zhO8i2IbOd  Rep. Riley M. Moore (@RepRileyMoore) April 15, 2025

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TOKYO, April 17 (Xinhua) -- The public approval rating for Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba's cabinet slipped 4.8 percentage points from the previous month to 23.1 percent in April, the lowest level since the launch of his administration in October last year, a Jiji Press survey showed Thursday.

The disapproval rating for the Ishiba cabinet, meanwhile, climbed 7.1 percentage points to 51.2 percent, exceeding 50 percent for the first time, according to the opinion poll.

The survey, conducted over four days through Monday, covered 2,000 people aged 18 and older across the country, with valid responses at 57.0 percent.

The survey found that 68.4 percent of respondents support a consumption tax cut as a way to reduce the impact of higher prices and the U.S. administration's sweeping tariffs, vastly outnumbering the 14.0 percent against it.

When asked about the reason for supporting Ishiba's cabinet, 10.6 percent of respondents, the largest group, said there is no one else suitable to be prime minister.

The most common reason for disapproving of the cabinet, cited by 28.9 percent, was that it is not promising, followed by distrust of the prime minister at 21.3 percent and a lack of leadership at 19.8 percent. 
Sen. Lisa Murkowski (R-Alaska) opened up about her concerns about President Trump's second administration, telling nonprofit leaders in her state: "We are all afraid." "It is as hard as anything I have been engaged in, in the 20-plus years I've been in the Senate," Murkowski said in a discussion this week in Anchorage, AK - captured by Anchorage Daily News. Murkowski has been one of the most outspoken members of the Republican party against President Trumps DOGE effort that has resulted in th
Sen. Lisa Murkowski (R-Alaska) acknowledged during a leadership summit in Anchorage this week that we are all afraid three months into President Donald Trumps second term in office. Murkowski has been a fairly outspoken critic of Trump in a Republican Party that publicly worships him.

An audience member asked Murkowski what she would say to people who are feeling afraid or to the lawmakers who represent them.

We are all afraid, the Republican told the audience of 500 nonprofit leaders. She paused, then added: Its quite a statement. But we are in a time and a place where I certainly have not been before. And Ill tell ya, Im oftentimes very anxious myself about using my voice, because retaliation is real. And thats not right. But thats what youve asked me to do. And so Im going to use my voice to the best of my ability.

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Ive got to figure out how I can do my best to help the many who are so anxious and are so afraid, Murkowski said.

Murkowski voted to convict Trump in his 2021 impeachment trial, when he was charged with inciting the Jan. 6 insurrection at the Capitol. She is the only Republican who voted to defund Elon Musks so-called Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE). She was also one of only three Republican senators to vote against Defense Secretary Pete Hegseths confirmation, and one of two to vote against FBI Director Kash Patel.

Trump called Murkowski lousy and worse than a Democrat at a 2022 rally in Alaska, and supported her opponent in her Senate election that year.

She is the worst. I rate her No. 1 bad, and we have a couple of bad ones, but shes by far the worst, Trump said.

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Murkowski said Monday that protesters should continue challenging Trump. Keep calling. Keep the emails. Keep the social media going, she said.

Its important that the concerns continue to be raised, rather than allow the fatigue of the chaos grind you down, she added. Dont let it grind you down.

Murkowsi said the situation is as hard as anything that I have been engaged in, in the 20-plus years Ive been in the Senate.

It is head spinning, she said of Trumps second term. It seems that just when youve made a little bit of progress on one issue that had caused so much anxiety, theres another one. Murkowski noted that she had recently texted Trump Chief of Staff Susie Wiles about rumors that AmeriCorps would be cut, but she wasnt sure if that approach would be effective. Two days later, DOGE placed hundreds of AmeriCorps employees on leave.

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Murkowski also addressed the possibility that Republicans in Congress would significantly cut Medicaid, the government health insurance program for low-income and disabled people. About 23 percent of Alaskans were on Medicaid in 2023, according to the Kaiser Family Foundation. Im not saying you cant touch Medicaid at all, she said. What I hope were moving away from is an $880 billion cut to Medicaid. Because if that happens, this is going to be a very, very different state.

Last month, Murkowski told reporters that Republican lawmakers are afraid of Trump.

Thats why youve got everybody just zip-lipped, not saying a word, because theyre afraid theyre going to be taken down  theyre going to be primaried, theyre going to be given names in the media, Murkowski said. We cannot be cowed into not speaking up.

It may be that Elon Musk decides that hes going to take the next billion dollars he makes off Starlink and put it directly against Lisa Murkowksi. And you know what? That may happen. But Im not giving up one minute, one opportunity to try to stand up for Alaska, she said.

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On Monday, Murkowski said that Congress needs to take an active role.

Sometimes its easy, particularly when things are so turbulent and really very, very chaotic right now, you want to be able to blame somebody else, but we cannot, she said. Congress has ownership in this, and this is where I say its sitting down with our colleagues to say, We have a role here too. We just cant say, Well, well let the courts sort it out. Weve got to step it up.

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During his monthly press conference on Thursday, Utah Gov. Spencer Cox commented on the thousands of signatures collected in support of a referendum against a ban on public sector collective bargaining.

On Wednesday, the Protect Utah Workers coalition submitted over 320,000 signatures in an effort to get HB267, a law that prohibits public sector collective bargaining, repealed.

Cox congratulated the unions on their effort and how many signatures they were able to gather, adding that he knows how hard it can be to gather signatures.

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People ask if I was surprised and I said, Im actually not surprised. Its called organized labor for a reason, he said. This is one of the few areas where you can actually do something like that, because the organizations are already in place. And so I fully expected that we would have a referendum on this.

The governor said that he didnt like the bill from the beginning, adding that it wasnt something he was interested in or would have run himself. Cox added that he warned legislators who supported this bill that it could actually strengthen the unions by bringing them together against it.

When asked why he didnt veto the bill, Cox said, I sign lots of bills I dont like for lots of different reasons.

He added that it is very hard to veto a bill early in the session. Cox said he believes in portions of the bill and emphasized that there is very little collective bargaining that actually takes place in the state.

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Cox also shared that he likes referendums.

I think thats healthy. I really do. I think its good for our democracy, for our republic. the governor said. I dont like initiatives, but I do like referendums because it is a check on the legislative power. Its a powerful check.

He added that the power of a referendum can only be used rarely in the case of significant backlash, and that it is working in this case.

The governor said he doesnt know if the number of signatures gathered will translate over to broad support for the referendum if it makes it on the ballot in 2026.
During his monthly press conference on Thursday, Utah Gov. Spencer Cox commented on the SAVE Act which was recently passed by the U.S. House of Representatives and is backed by Sen. Mike Lee, R-Utah.

The Safeguard American Voter Eligibility Act is being promoted by Republican lawmakers as legislation that is necessary to safeguard elections and prevent noncitizens from voting, which is already illegal.

The bill, which will now go through the Senate, would require anyone who is registering to vote to provide proof of U.S. citizenship.

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There are many people who have spoken out against the bill with concerns about it restricting people who should be able to vote from voting. People who have spoken against the bill include Utah Lt. Gov. Deidre Henderson as well as Arizonas Secretary of State Adrian Fontes.

Im very supportive of Sen. Lee and the concepts behind the Save Act. I think its critical, no one should want those who are here illegally voting in our elections, Cox said.

The governor pointed out that the Utah constitution covers the parameters of voting and clearly states that only U.S. citizens can vote in Utahs elections. He added that this bill will help make it so only citizens vote in elections.

I think the question is, how you do that in a way that makes it so people who should be able to vote can vote and some of those details still need to be worked out, and will be worked out as it moves through Congress, Cox said.

Lt. Gov. Hendersons comments on the SAVE Act

One of the major arguments critics of the bill have made is saying that it would prevent married women whose last name is no longer the same as their birth certificate from voting. This concern also applies to transgender people and anyone else who has legally changed their name.

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Cox said he does not believe the bill would prevent people who changed their name after marriage from voting, or make it more difficult for them to vote.

Utah Lt. Gov. Deidre Henderson told KSL in a statement that she also didnt like the SAVE Act. She said the bill is problematic and impractical on almost all points except its talking points.

In response to KSLs post about Hendersons comments on the bill, Elon Musk wrote on X, Those who oppose proof of citizenship for voting are traitors to America.

Those who oppose proof of citizenship for voting are traitors to America  Elon Musk (@elonmusk) April 16, 2025

On Thursday, Henderson posted on X to share that her office will be conducting a full citizenship audit of Utahs voter rolls. She said that this is being done to find any changes that need to be made to ensure that only U.S. citizens are voting in Utahs elections.

My office is conducting a full citizenship audit of Utahs voter rolls, similar to those recently conducted by other states. The audit will give us insight into the scope of any current problems and vulnerabilities and help us identify what changes may be needed to ensure that  Lt. Gov. Deidre M. Henderson (@LGHendersonUtah) April 17, 2025

Arizona secretary of state does not agree with the SAVE Act

Leaders in Arizona have also had a mixed reaction to the SAVE Act. This swing state often finds itself at the heart of election controversy due to its consistently narrow election margins.

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In a recent virtual press conference, Arizona Secretary of State Adrian Fontes called the SAVE Act trash and said it will negatively impact American voters of all political stripes.

Conservative women  are more likely to have a different name on their birth certificate than on their drivers license, Fontes said.

This is a direct U-turn to take us backwards to a time where narrow the scope of voters, he said on the virtual panel, hosted by voting advocacy groups and the Brennan Center for Justice at NYU Law. This is an alleged solution thats searching desperately for a problem and the solution is far more dangerous to the rights of American citizens.

Three House Republicans from Arizona  Reps. Eli Crane, Paul Gosar and Andy Biggs  are listed as the bills co-sponsors.

Contributing: Gitanjali Poonia
CHARLESTON, W.Va. (WBOY)  State employees in West Virginia will only have to work a half day this Friday in observance of Good Friday.

On Thursday, Gov. Patrick Morrisey issued a proclamation that excuses state employees from the second half of their work day on Friday, April 18.

Morrisey signs bill allowing teachers to remove students from class

Good Friday is a day of reflection and prayer, and I am encouraging West Virginians to take time to be with their family and church community, Gov. Morrisey said.

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The announcement specifies that the proclamation only applies to state employees and does not include those employed by private businesses, local governments or anyone else not employed by the state. It also excludes state employees who may be called upon to safeguard the health, safety, and welfare of West Virginias citizenry.

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LITTLE ROCK, Ark. (KNWA/KFTA)  Arkansas Gov. Sarah Huckabee Sanders signed a bill on April 16 that prevents pharmacy benefit managers from owning pharmacies, according to a press release.

Pharmacy benefit managers like CVS Health negotiate drug prices from companies and pharmacies.

According to HB1150, PBMs wont be forced out of Arkansas, but it does force them to choose between being a PBM or being a pharmacy.

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For far too long, drug middlemen called PBMs have taken advantage of lax regulations to abuse customers, inflate drug prices, and cut off access to critical medications. Not anymore, said Sanders. These massive corporations are attacking our state because we will be the first in the country to hold them accountable for their anticompetitive actions, but Arkansas has never been afraid to be a conservative leader for America.

CVS released a statement in response to Sanders signing the bill into law.

CVS Health welcomes a good faith discussion with policy makers in Arkansas and across the country on ways to make medicine more affordable and accessible. Unfortunately, HB1150 is bad policy that accomplishes just the opposite: it will take away access to pharmacy care in local communities, hike prescription drug spending across the state by millions of dollars each year, and cost hundreds of Arkansans their jobs. CVS Pharmacy

Sanders previously announced $1.5 million in fines against four major PBMs.

Arkansas Attorney General Tim Griffin, along with 38 other attorneys general, wrote a letter to Congress asking for federal intervention in the practice of PBMs owning pharmacies.

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LITTLE ROCK, Ark. (KNWA/KFTA)  On the final day of the legislative session, Arkansas Gov. Sarah Huckabee Sanders issued two vetoes on bills that went to her desk for her signature.

The two vetoes were the first of the 95th General Assembly.

The first veto was for HB1889, which would authorize a dispensary to deliver orders or operate a drive-thru window.

Sanders said in a statement that the reason why she vetoed the bill was that it would expand access to usable marijuana.

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HB1889 was sponsored by Rep. Aaron Pilkington (R-Knoxville) and Sen. Joshua Bryant (R-Rogers).

CVS shares statement after Arkansas bill restricting PBMs from owning pharmacies is signed into law

The bill passed the House by 20 votes on April 2 and the Senate by four votes a week later. It was sent to the governors desk on April 10.

The Arkansas Cannabis Industry Association (ACIA) expressed disappointment in a statement released on Wednesday night after it was announced the bill had been vetoed.

The Governors veto message incorrectly asserts that this legislation would expand access to usable marijuana. That is not supported by the text of the bill or the intent of its sponsors and supporters. HB1889 did not expand access to medical marijuana. The bill made no changes to patient eligibility, qualifying conditions or who may obtain a medical marijuana card under Arkansas law. Instead, it put patients first and proposed a set of measured operational improvements to better serve those already authorized to participate in the states program.

Not long after HB1889 was vetoed, Sanders issued a line-item veto for a part of HB1265, which would appropriate funds for the University of Arkansas  Little Rock.

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The line item vetoed by Sanders mentioned a position called the Dir. of Institute on Race & Ethnicity with a maximum salary of $191,605.

Arkansas Gov. Sarah Huckabee Sanders touts legislative accomplishments on final working day of 95th General Assembly

Sanders issued the following statement regarding the line-item veto:

This session, I championed Arkansas ACCESS, my plan to make college more accessible for all and get indoctrination out of college classrooms. Arkansas will not waste nearly $200,000 in taxpayer dollars on DEI administrators who promote woke nonsense.

HB1265 was sponsored by the Joint Budget Committee and was introduced on Jan. 27.

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It convincingly passed the House and Senate and was sent to the governors desk on April 10.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KNWA FOX24.
During his monthly news conference, Utah Gov. Spencer Cox said his office has reached out to the Trump administration for more information about the dozens of international students at Utah campuses who have recently had their visas revoked.

Weve asked them to give us a little bit of a heads-up when these things are happening. Wed like to understand better what the criteria are for those changes, Cox said Thursday.

The governor noted that some of the international students had criminal backgrounds that we were not aware of; that the universities were not aware of.

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For other impacted students, he added, that does not appear to be the case  and so we would very much like to figure that out.

Cox said in the past that President Donald Trump has talked about the importance of attracting the most talented and brightest from other countries to the United States. We know how important those visas are and how important immigrants are to building our economy.

Its also important, Cox added, that student visa applicants be properly vetted and determined that they pose no threat to the country and that they are supportive of the work thats being done here; and then its important that we get them and we keep them.

So that is an area, for sure, where were having ongoing dialog.

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Cox said the Trump administration has not responded to the states request for more information.

BYU grad student surprised by visa revocation

While many impacted international students who are enrolled in Utah colleges have been reticent speaking publicly about their visa situation, a Brigham Young University graduate student shared his experience Wednesday with the Deseret News.

Suguru Onda, a husband and father of five from Japan, recently found out that his student visa had been revoked.

Besides a couple of speeding tickets, Ondas only legal incident during his six years of study in the United States was when he was reportedly cited for harvesting more fish than his fishing licence allowed during a 2019 outing with his Latter-day Saint church group.

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The fishing charge was later dismissed, according to Ondas attorney, Adam Crayk.

Ondas visa revocation notice, added his attorney, offered scant details outside of noting that the student visa was being terminated for otherwise failing to maintain status and included this explanation: Individual identified in criminal records check and/or has had their visa revoked, service record has been terminated.

An immigration attorney, Crayk said that traditionally international students were in jeopardy of having their visas revoked when they are connected with aggravated felonies, crimes involving moral turpitude and offenses related to, say, drugs, guns, protective order violations and certain domestic violence offenses.

Something thats much more significant than keeping an extra fish, he added.

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Onda, the attorney noted, has no history of posting politically charged content.

Crayk reported working with other international students in Utah who have had their visas recently revoked. Many, he said, are hesitant to reveal their names out of fear of being arrested by immigration officers.

Student visa revocations happening across the U.S.

While almost all of Utahs degree-granting colleges have reported visa revocations among their international student population, similar situations are being reported at higher education institutions across the country.

Authorities had revoked the visas of international students in at least 32 states, according to NBC News analysis.

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Officials, according to NBC News, are largely citing a seldom-used 1952 foreign policy statute to take aim at their activism. Others visas have been terminated seemingly for past charges like DUIs.

Attorneys and advocates say it seems as though people who have protested in support of Palestinians, those with previous arrests and those with certain political social media posts are the likeliest to have been swept up.

The focus on international students is part of the Trump administrations larger immigration crackdown and deportation machine, immigration attorneys and policy experts say, with immigrants of all statuses being scrutinized, NBC News reported.

Most of the students who have been targeted are studying in the United States under the F-1 and J-1 visas.

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The F-1 visa allows noncitizens to enter the United States as full-time students at accredited education institutions. And to qualify for those visas, people must meet certain criteria, including approval from ICE, proficiency in English or enrollment in courses that lead to English proficiency and sufficient funds to support themselves during their entire courses of study.

The J-1 visa, available to students, teachers, researchers and other specialists, allows people to participate in approved programs for studying, conducting research, receiving training or demonstrating special skills. And after their programs are complete, they are required to return to their countries within 30 days, NBC News reported.

The State Department directed NBC News to comments spokesperson Tammy Bruce made earlier this week at a media briefing.

We dont discuss individual visas because of the privacy issues involved, Bruce said. What we can tell you is that the department revokes visas every day in order to secure our borders and to keep our community safe.

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The Department of Homeland Security recently created a task force that uses data analytic tools to scour international students social media histories for potential grounds to revoke their visas, three sources familiar with the operation previously told NBC News.

The sources also said that the task force is searching for charges and criminal convictions on students records as well.
NOTE: This video is previous coverage from 1/23/25

RICHMOND, Va. (WAVY)  Gov. Glenn Youngkin released the final report from the Virginia Department of Health (VDH) on Januarys water crisis in Richmond Wednesday.

The water crisis, which started on Jan. 6 due to a malfunctioning city reservoir system and lasted five days, was completely avoidable according to Youngkin.

VDH says Richmond is not capable of reliably providing citizens with water

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The disruption of a safe and reliable water supply in Richmond this past January never should have happened, said Youngkin. Moving forward, it should never happen again, and Ive directed the Department of Health to ensure Richmond takes all corrective actions necessary to achieve that objective.

Key findings in the VDHs report shows there was poor maintenance on the upkeep of critical backup systems, including backup batteries, and a lack of effective emergency plans after power was lost.

VDHs investigation found this crisis could have been prevented with better operational decisions, said State Health Commissioner Dr. Karen Shelton. Our goal now is to ensure corrective actions are taken swiftly and effectively, so Richmond-area families can trust their water supply.

Youngkin also announced a second violation notice against the city of Richmond, prompting the implementation of a Corrective Action Plan between the VDH and city officials.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WAVY.com.
BEIJING, April 17 (Xinhua) -- "I'm heading out." "Alright, I'll walk you to the door. Don't forget your phone and keys."

It may sound like a typical exchange between family members, but it's not. This is Liu Xian, a 68-year-old retired teacher in Beijing, talking to her new companion, Xiao Li, a smart robot designed to assist the elderly.

Since Xiao Li entered Liu's home, her life has been transformed. The robot reminds her to take medication, chats with her, helps locate misplaced items, and even serves as a safeguard in case of a fall. What were once long hours of solitude are now filled with companionship and reassurance.

Liu first spotted Xiao Li at the 2024 World Robot Conference, and it immediately caught her attention. Unlike cold, impersonal machines, Xiao Li is crafted to cater to the unique emotional and physical needs of older adults. Intrigued by the robot's potential, Liu signed up for a trial. Since then, Xiao Li has become part of her daily routine.

"It has brought so much joy into our lives, and that emotional connection is truly priceless," Liu said.

As China's population ages, the need for innovative solutions in elder care has never been more pressing. Robots like Xiao Li may offer a glimpse into the future of aging, where technology not only provides physical support but also meets emotional needs.

At a community care center in Shanghai, a caregiver was seen strapping on a lightweight exoskeleton and, with little effort, lifting an elderly patient with cerebral palsy onto a bed.

The device, which weighs just 3.5 kilograms, can be donned in under 30 seconds. Once secured, it provides up to 30 kilograms of lifting assistance and reduces physical strain by over 60 percent, effectively granting the wearer a temporary boost of superhuman strength.

Exoskeletons with similar capabilities have long been used in factories and warehouses, but their arrival in community elder care is recent, illustrating how advanced technology is beginning to reshape hands-on caregiving.

By the end of 2024, China had more than 200 million people aged 65 and over, roughly one in every seven citizens. In some eldercare facilities, nearly four out of five residents needed help walking, and more than 20 percent relied on assistance just to take a bath.

To meet the growing demand, eldercare robots are quietly stepping in. In cities across China, machines now assist with spoon-feeding patients, monitoring vital signs, and even bathing the bedridden.

But for now, robotic caregiving remains more potential than reality. Most buyers are institutions rather than individuals, and adoption in private homes remains limited.

"Care facilities offer a controlled environment that is ideal for early deployment," said Xu Zhenfa, deputy head of ISBOT, a Chengdu-based robotics research institute. "But the real turning point will come when these machines are found not just in clinics, but in living rooms."

Elder care robots hold immense promise in a rapidly aging society, but their path into everyday households remains anything but smooth. Technical limitations, steep price tags, and a lack of supporting services continue to stand in the way of broader adoption.

At a senior care facility in Shenzhen, Guangdong, residents can play chess against robots or receive moxibustion therapy from robotic arms. Yet many of these machines require staff assistance just to power on. Some humanoid robots still struggle with basic language recognition, and falter in more complex environments.

Cost is another barrier. A search on Chinese e-commerce platforms showed that smart elder care robots equipped with AI-driven conversation and online medical support can cost upwards of 140,000 yuan (about 19,409 U.S. dollars). Walking-assist robots typically range from 10,000 to 30,000 yuan, while advanced rehabilitation models often exceed 100,000 yuan.

Despite the hurdles, industry experts remain largely optimistic about the future of elder care robotics.

Liu Qingfeng, chairman of Chinese AI giant iFLYTEK, noted that companion robots could make their way into homes within three years, while more advanced models capable of assisting people with limited mobility may become common in homes within five.

That outlook is backed by national policy. In guidelines released at the end of 2024, the government called for accelerating the application of elder care technologies, with a focus on humanoid robots, brain-computer interfaces, and artificial intelligence.

To translate that vision into everyday use, experts believe practical steps are needed. They recommend encouraging the development of affordable products, such as walking support devices priced below 5,000 yuan, and suggest introducing a rental system to lower the cost barrier for households.

Equally crucial, they noted, is helping seniors navigate the digital world. Training programs aimed at easing technological fears will be essential to ensure they can fully benefit from the convenience of connected living.

"As we develop elder care robots, we can't lose sight of the importance of family," said Wei Hongmin, vice dean of the School of Applied Technology at Anshan Normal University. "No machine can replace the bond between parents and their children." 
Apr. 17Greater Portland Landmarks will not continue its lawsuit over the proposed expansion of the Portland Museum of Art.

The preservation nonprofit sued the city last year in hopes of saving the building at 142 Free St. from demolition. The museum plans to raze it to make way for a sweeping new wing. But in March, a judge ruled in the museum's favor.

On Thursday, Greater Portland Landmarks announced that it would not appeal that decision.

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"While there were compelling reasons to appeal, we ultimately decided it will be best in the long run to focus our resources and capacity on ensuring this remains an isolated incident, promoting fuller understanding and appreciation for preservation goals and standards among the council and community, and moving forward with collaborative, inclusive advocacy and outreach," Kate Lemos McHale, executive director of Greater Portland Landmarks, wrote in an email. "We want what is best for Portland."

The end of the lawsuit clears the way for the Portland Museum of Art to continue its plans for that site.

"With the Superior Court's recent decision affirming the designation change and an end to GPL's legal appeal filed against the City of Portland, we're ready to move forward to realize a reinvigorated Arts District and proceed with a new wing which will foster a more vibrant and economically resilient downtown," Erik Hayward, president of the museum's board, said in a written statement.

Lemos McHale said the nonprofit has asked the Portland Museum of Art to wait to take down the building until the city has approved plans for the new construction and raised the money for the project. She also said that the parties found "common ground" on plans to salvage architectural elements of 142 Free St. before it is demolished, and to eventually preserve and activate the nearby Clapp House, which is currently closed to the public.

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The museum has not shared a timeline for the project. Last month, spokesperson Marcie P. Griswold said it has raised $48.5 million toward the $100 million goal for its capital campaign. Asked whether the museum has committed to wait to demolish the building, Griswold said only that it will adhere to all city permitting requirements and regulations.

The building at 142 Free St. was considered a "contributing" structure to the surrounding Congress Street Historic District, which meant it could not be razed. Built in 1830 and later renovated by architect John Calvin Stevens, it has been home to a theater, a church, the chamber of commerce and the Children's Museum and Theatre of Maine. The building is not currently in use.

The Portland Museum of Art bought the neighboring property in 2019 with an eye toward growth, and the children's museum vacated in 2021 for a new home on Thompson's Point. In 2022, the Portland Museum of Art launched a $100 million capital campaign that would include a major expansion on that site. The museum held a design competition and chose a glass-and-timber concept for the site. In 2023, the Portland Museum of Art finally applied to change the classification of 142 Free St. to "noncontributing," which would allow for its demolition.

The public hearings stretched over months and generated hours of public comment. The Historic Preservation Board and the planning board both recommended against the change, but the Portland City Council ultimately voted 6-3 to reclassify the building on the basis of "significant alterations since it was originally constructed." They found that the building lacks integrity of design, materials and workmanship. In June, Greater Portland Landmarks filed the lawsuit to challenge that decision and named the art museum as a party-in-interest.

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Lemos McHale said Greater Portland Landmarks will keep working to help property owners work with historic buildings  instead of pursuing reclassification and demolition, as the museum did.

"This lawsuit was filed to protect the integrity of our preservation ordinance," she said. "We will still work to do that."

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GREENWICH, Ohio (WJW)  A Tri-Community Joint Fire Department firefighter died in the line of duty at the scene of a house fire on Wednesday night.

The Huron County Coroners Office on Thursday identified the man as 41-year-old John Saunders.

Officer-involved shooting outside Cleveland Staples: What we know

The fire broke out at a home in the 700 block of U.S. Route 224 in Willard, which is near the New State Road South intersection.

A 911 caller just after 10 p.m. reported smoke coming from the top of her neighbors home and garage. The residents werent home at the time, the caller said.

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Saunders was found in the basement of the home, according to the coroners office. The coroners office has yet to officially rule on the mans cause of death.

PHOTOS: Burglars tunneled through concrete in million dollar jewelry heist

The cause of the fire has not been determined. The Ohio State Fire Marshals Fire and Explosion Investigations Bureau; the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives; and the Huron County Sheriffs Office are now investigating.

A fire department spokesperson on Thursday confirmed there was a line-of-duty death but did not provide any additional details.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to Fox 8 Cleveland WJW.
A group of tenth graders from an Atlanta charter school was on Florida State Universitys campus when shots were fired on Thursday.

Drew Charter School confirmed to Channel 2 Action News that a group of students were on a college visit when the university activated its Active Shooter lockdown. The students sheltered in place.

[DOWNLOAD: Free WSB-TV News app for alerts as news breaks]

The university has since lifted the shelter-in-place order.

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Everyone associated with Drew Charter School was accounted for and safe throughout the incident.

The students, staff and chaperones will return to Atlanta on Thursday evening.

Let us remain Drew strong as we uplift those from our Drew community currently in Florida. We are keeping them at the center of our thoughts at this time. Our hearts also go out to all of those on FSUs campus impacted by this situation, the school wrote in a statement.

Channel 2s Courtney Francisco will have more from Drew Charter School during Channel 2 Action News at 6 p.m. and WSB Tonight at 11 p.m.

Georgia Techs softball team was on the way to Tallahassee for a series against FSU. Officials with Georgia Tech confirmed the team was not on campus when shots were fired.

Multiple people were hospitalized after the shooting. The extent of their injuries is unclear.

Police have not commented on the suspected shooter.

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ISLAMABAD, April 17 (Xinhua) -- Pakistan's Minister for Climate Change and Environmental Coordination Musadik Masood Malik said that there are efforts afoot to encourage collaboration between the public and private sectors to combat the growing threats of climate change in the South Asian country.

"Pakistan stands at the frontline of the climate crisis. Our future depends not only on strong policy and governance, but also on how decisively our corporate sector steps up to the challenge," the minister said while addressing an event on climate change on Wednesday.

Climate resilience and sustainability are not optional anymore as they are essential for economic stability, public health and national security, he said, while underlining the importance of strategic and long-term planning in addressing the country's escalating environmental and climate-related challenges.

Malik said that the government has been taking measures to tackle climate-related issues and kicked off several initiatives recently aimed at promoting green infrastructure, clean energy adoption, water conservation, and reforestation.

The minister also called for measures to adopt science-based targets, embrace circular economy models, and support climate-smart supply chains to reduce the effects of climate change. 
Juan Mendezs attorneys filed an emergency motion Wednesday in federal court in New Hampshire to prevent him from being taken out of state again.

The judge agreed to it and has ordered the government to notify his attorneys 72 hours in advance of a possible transfer or removal.

His team is hoping to keep him in New England as this case moves forward.

The window was completely broken and shattered into a number of pieces, said Corinn Williams, director of the Community Economic Development Center for Southeastern MA. His wife Marilu was just devastated and shaken and in tears about what was going on.

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Corinn Williams saw the aftermath of this ICE arrest in New Bedford on Monday, where ICE agents broke a car window to pull a Guatemalan couple out.

They took Juan Francisco Mendez into custody, and he now remains detained in New Hampshire.

Williams non-profit helps immigrant families, and shes in close contact with the Mendez family now.

She says the couple did everything right as they tried to wait for their attorney to arrive since the ICE agents didnt show a warrant for arrest.

Governor Healey is appalled by the latest incident, calling it incredibly disturbing.

"Im all for getting the bad guys," Healey said. I investigated, prosecuted, and put away a lot of bad guys including people who are here unlawfully doing bad things, no disagreement, but thats not what were seeing, and its not right, and its really scary.

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Mendezs attorneys say he has no criminal record and is in the process of getting legal status, since his wife was already granted asylum last year.

Mendezs attorneys believe ICE arrested the wrong person, and now this family is devastated.

They have a little boy who was left behind whos really suffering because he misses his dad and is really being impacted, Williams said, so it has this effect of terrorizing communities, really creating a scar for this child for the rest of his life.

An ICE spokesperson says that Mendez is here illegally and they support the actions of the officers on scene, who are trained to use the minimum amount of force necessary.

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Mendez has a bail hearing in early May.

This is a developing story. Check back for updates as more information becomes available.

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OGDEN, Utah (KTVX)  Over 150 dogs were rescued from a home in Ogden, Utah, where they were reportedly living in extremely poor and overcrowded conditions, according to the Ogden Police Department.

Lt. Will Farr with the Ogden Police Department said they responded to the home Tuesday after receiving a report of possible animal neglect. Upon arrival, the Ogden PD said officers rescued a total of 152 dogs.

Lost toddler found miles from home by dog that guided him to safety, sheriff says

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All of the dogs were transferred to Weber County Animal Services. Lt. Farr said the animals are currently receiving veterinary care and evaluations.

The police did not provide any additional details of their investigation, including who had owned the home where the dogs were found.

Locals who spoke with Nexstars KTVX said they saw police and animal control officers entering the home, and later bringing out dog after dog.

I think that was the most gut-wrenching part, was to see them, Lisa Peterson said, because you could read their body language and their faces, and youd know what they had seen.

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Rachel Toone, an animal control supervisor with Weber County, had some of the same takeaways after assisting with the rescues.

Theres really nothing that can prepare you for it, Toone said. Its definitely an emotional toll, because you can see that the animals have never really had any difference. That was their whole life, to them.

Peterson also said she believes the owners of the home should be jailed.

1 hospitalized after falling 30 feet at Zion National Park

The dogs are currently unavailable for adoption as they undergo medical treatment, but interested animal lovers are being told to check with Weber County Animal Services around April 21.

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Community members interested in adopting are encouraged to monitor Weber County Animal Services for updates on availability and adoption procedures, Lt. Farr said in a press release.

Weber County Animal Services also asked the public to not overwhelm its shelter with calls, but rather to wait for further announcements. Those wishing to help sooner are encouraged to donate to the agency.

An investigation into the case is currently ongoing.

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New York Times White House correspondent Maggie Haberman suggested Wednesday that the Trump administration welcomes the fight over the fate of Kilmar Abrego Garcia, a man who was mistakenly deported to El Salvador.

In an interview on CNNs The Source, Haberman said the administration views this case as a winning issue politically and would rather focus on immigration than the uncertain economic environment sparked by President Trumps recent tariffs.

This administration wants this fight. You saw that today. You have seen that every day that they talk about immigration, Haberman told host Kaitlan Collins.

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They think that the court of public opinion is generally on their side, she continued. And they would certainly rather be talking about this than talking about tariffs or talking about economic confidence decreasing.

The White House has dug in this week on its refusal to comply with a Supreme Court order to facilitate Abrego Garcias release from El Salvadors custody. Officials have increasingly attacked the 29-year-old Salvadoran nationals character, portraying him as a violent gang member, despite denials from his family that he was part of MS-13 and a conflicting court record.

The Trump administration has stated Abrego Garcia will not return to the U.S., arguing Abrego Garcia entered the country illegally from El Salvador and, therefore, would be sent back to his home country one way or another.

Abrego Garcia fled the Central American nation as a teenager to escape gang violence and had been living in Maryland. A U.S. immigration judge protected him from being deported in 2019, a fact courts this year have underscored in calling on the administration to bring him back to the U.S.

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Haberman, who has covered Trump for decades, said she expects the case to come before the Supreme Court again, and she suspects the administration is confident in its chances.

Well see how this plays out, Kaitlan, but the general feeling in the administration is they have better odds than not with the Supreme Court because  the conservative justices are not going to want to try to look like they are dictating how the U.S. handles some aspect of immigration enforcement or foreign policy, she said.

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Amanda Brewer, CEO of Habitat for Humanity of Omaha, helps coordinate annual gatherings of housing advocates to lobby state lawmakers about affordable housing-related legislation. Here is a group gathered in 2023 in the State Capitol Rotunda. (Courtesy of John Melingagio)

OMAHA  Affordable housing advocate Amanda Brewer, CEO of Habitat for Humanity of Omaha, received a leadership award Wednesday at the annual ICAN conference.

Representatives said nearly 3,000 people registered to attend the 32nd annual event in Omaha that focuses on womens leadership and is organized by the Institute for Career Advancement Needs (ICAN).

Amanda Brewer, CEO Habitat for Humanity of Omaha (Courtesy of Habitat for Humanity)

The leadership award was created in 2015 by ICAN and Kiewit Corp. to recognize leaders who live and lead through collaboration, compassion, confidence and creativity.

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Brewer over 28 years has risen from Habitat volunteer to CEO.

Through her efforts to increase affordable housing and empower families to achieve homeownership, Amanda Brewer is setting the standard for how leaders can ideate, collaborate and break down barriers, said Aileen Warren, CEO of ICAN.

Brewers nomination recognized her collaborative approach. Recent examples cited in a news release include a partnership with Metonic Real Estate Solutions and Apogee Professional Services to create apartments and affordable homes in northwest Omaha that will be in reach of workers. Habitat also hosts clinics on transferring deeds that helped 362 families secure nearly $77 million in generational wealth.

Through a donation from MacKenzie Scotts Yield Giving fund, Brewer also is helping to establish a coalition among Habitat for Humanity affiliates across the state to address workforce and affordable housing needs.

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Habitat Omaha is described as the nations top Habitat affiliate based on the number of people it serves. Agency goals include wealth-building, reducing the impact of out-of-state investors who buy properties in Nebraska, payday lending reform and vacant and rental property registration.

Said Brewer: We know the need for affordable housing is great, and our commitment to making a meaningful impact is stronger than ever.

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MAMMOTH LAKES, Calif. (AP)  Oscar-nominated actor Haley Joel Osment has been charged with public intoxication and cocaine possession after his arrest earlier this month at a Northern California ski resort.

The Mono County District Attorney's office announced the misdemeanor charges Thursday against the 37-year-old actor, who starred as a child in movies The Sixth Sense and A.I.

Osment was arrested April 8 at the Mammoth Mountain ski resort on suspicion of public intoxication, District Attorney David Anderson said in a news release.

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The actor is due to be arraigned on July 7.

His representative did not immediately return a message seeking comment on the charges Thursday.

Osment rose to fame and received a best supporting actor Oscar nomination for starring opposite Bruce Willis in M. Night Shyamalan's thriller The Sixth Sense. Two years later he starred in Steven Spielberg's A.I. and has worked consistently as a voice actor since then. He's also appeared in the television series The Kominsky Method and What We Do in the Shadows.

Osment is among the thousands of people who lost their homes in January's devastating Eaton Fire in the Altadena area near Los Angeles.

In 2006, Osment was charged with drunken driving and marijuana possession after crashing his car into a mailbox in the Los Angeles area and breaking a rib.
Hamas has accused Israel of openly using starvation as a weapon of war, a day after Israels defence minister pledged to maintain a blockade on aid entering Gaza.

Aid deliveries into the Palestinian territory have been halted since March 2, weeks before Israel broke a temporary ceasefire by restarting aerial bombardment on March 18 and later relaunched its ground assault.

Speaking on Wednesday, Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz described the blockade as a main pressure lever against Hamas, saying there were no plans to ease restrictions  despite UN warnings that malnutrition is rapidly worsening in Gaza.

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In response, Hamas condemned Katzs remarks as a public admission of committing a war crime.

Israel is depriving innocent civilians of basic necessities of life, including food, medicine, water and fuel, for the seventh consecutive week, the group said in a statement posted to Telegram on Thursday.

We renew our calls for the international community to take action to stop the starvation and blockade imposed on the Gaza Strip, it added.





In March 2024, the United Nations International Court of Justice ruled Israel must ensure the delivery of essential aid  including food, water, fuel and medical supplies  into Gaza. Israel has repeatedly defied the binding order, claiming that Hamas misuses aid.

Food consumption sharply deteriorating

According to Israels Kan broadcaster, Israeli defence figures estimate Gazas remaining food supplies could be depleted within a month.

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The Israeli army is brainstorming ways to deliver aid without it reaching Hamas, including proposals for stationary aid centres managed by international organisations in zones secured by Israeli forces, Kan reported.

Al Jazeeras Nour Odeh, reporting from Amman, said sources in UN agencies have told her that Israel wants to pre-approve who receives aid  essentially vetting beneficiaries in advance.

Already we have heard from the United Nations that this is something that cannot be acceptable, she said.

The reports come as the UN escalates warnings about deepening hunger in Gaza.

The UNs Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) reported that 3,696 children were newly admitted with acute malnutrition in March  an 80 percent increase from February.

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Food consumption in Gaza has sharply deteriorated due to the blockade on the entry of humanitarian aid and other critical supplies now in its seventh week, OCHA said.

Odeh added: This is the official Israeli policy: No food, no water, no aid for Gaza, while Israel takes more and more of the territorys land.
SPRINGFIELD, Mass. (WWLP)  Hampden DA Anthony D. Gulluni issued a formal statement Wednesday following a judges ruling to grant a new trial for Edward Wright, who was convicted in 1985 for the murder of 25-year-old Penny Anderson in Springfield.

Wrights conviction, which has stood for four decades, is now being reconsidered after a Hampden County Trial Court judge ruled in favor of a new trial.

Judge overturns Springfield mans murder conviction after 40 years

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The decision comes despite repeated appeals and legal motions that have consistently upheld the original verdict, including reviews by the Massachusetts Supreme Judicial Court. In his statement, DA Gulluni reiterated his offices position that the conviction was the result of a fair and thorough legal process.

The murder of Penny Anderson in 1984 was a senseless and tragic act of violence that tore a family apart and shook a community, said Gulluni. A Hampden County jury convicted the defendant in 1985 after a fair trial, and that conviction has been upheld time and time again by both the Trial Court and the Supreme Judicial Court, the Commonwealths highest court.

Gulluni emphasized that Wright has repeatedly sought new trials or appeals over the years, all of which have been previously denied by higher courts. The recent ruling, he said, does not introduce new evidence but revisits arguments already deemed insufficient in prior judicial reviews.

Despite this, a Trial Court judge has now granted a new trial, based largely on the same arguments that have been examined and rejected by courts with appropriate appellate jurisdiction, said Gulluni. We strongly disagree with this decision, and we have filed a notice of appeal.

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The District Attorneys Office plans to contest the ruling, with Gulluni vowing to defend the integrity of the initial prosecution and the subsequent court rulings that followed.

This office remains committed to ensuring justice is both served and preserved, he added. We stand by the integrity of the original prosecution and the many judicial reviews that this case has already received over the past four decades.

Penny Andersons murder in 1984 and the subsequent conviction of Wright drew significant attention at the time and have remained a focal point in Western Massachusetts legal history. The decision to grant a new trial is expected to generate renewed public and legal scrutiny in the coming months.

Wright remains incarcerated as the appeal process moves forward. The date for the appeal hearing has not yet been set.

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WWLP-22News, an NBC affiliate, began broadcasting in March 1953 to provide local news, network, syndicated, and local programming to western Massachusetts. Watch the 22News Digital Edition weekdays at 4 p.m. on WWLP.com.

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HAMPDEN  Firefighters are battling a 4.3-acre brush fire on Mountain Road this afternoon, according to the town Fire Departments social media page.

The fire is in a remote area, and UTVs are being used to reach it, the Hampden Fire Department said in its Facebook post. The fire has been contained, the post said.

The department is receiving mutual aid from several neighboring towns Fire Departments, including Wilbraham and Monson in Massachusetts, and Shaker Pines, Somers and West Stafford, Connecticut.

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The department declined to comment about the fire Thursday afternoon, noting how busy it was.

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Under the bill, landfills would be required to always have at least one person on site. (Photo by Benjamin Rondel/Getty Images)

The New Hampshire Senate has often trashed landfill bills. But with growing political attention to solid waste issues, including from the governor, advocates hope this year will be different.

An early test came Tuesday, when the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee heard one bill to pause new landfills in the state for three years and another that seeks to rewrite recently updated regulations that some say are far too weak.

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The bills  House Bill 171 and House Bill 707, respectively  complement one another in ways. Advocates say the state should need only one new landfill in the next century. They argue taking a pause on new development will allow the state time to consider issues like the ones raised in HB 707 related to siting landfills, as well as others like managing the trash juice several landfills have failed to handle properly, or addressing the fact that half the waste dumped in New Hampshire comes from out of state.

Both bills proved uncontroversial in the House, passing on the consent calendar, where lawmakers approve a host of committee recommendations on legislation all at once and without debate. Solid waste issues in the state have garnered bipartisan support, with bills being led by both Republicans and Democrats.

Landfills should be the last resort, and we only really need one in the next 100 years, Rep. Kelley Potenza, a Rochester Republican leading HB 707, told committee members. And lets do it in a perfect place thats got good soil, clay, and we can make it happen.

In the backdrop of the legislative debates is a proposal for a new landfill that many  including Republican Gov. Kelly Ayotte  have criticized for its close proximity to a pristine lake and state park. Casella Waste Systems, the Vermont company that has fought for years for the landfill in the northern town of Dalton, is now fighting the Department of Environmental Services in court over the agencys recent denial of a solid waste permit application for the project.

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HB 707 seeks to address criticisms against the states updated landfill regulations, which went into effect in December. The body that gave the final green light to those changes, the Joint Legislative Committee on Administrative Rules, had approved them even as some members were concerned they werent adequately protective. Lawmakers on the panel argued, though, that those issues were policy ones for the Legislature to decide. This bill aims to take up that mantle.

For one, it would establish stricter setback standards for new landfills from any existing drinking water well, perennial river, lake, or coastal water of New Hampshire. Landfills would have to be 1,500 feet from those waters or be set back far enough so that groundwater from the site would take more than five years to reach those waters in the event of a leak or failure. Whichever of those two setbacks is the greatest would be what is required of the site.

Additionally, it would strengthen the states requirements for the hydraulic conductivity of the soil at the site of a landfill, a metric that helps describe how quickly contaminated water would move through the soil in the event of a leak or failure. Some types of earth, like sand or gravel, are more permeable than others, like clay.

This standard  which would require a hydraulic conductivity of 0.0001 centimeters per second or less  would apply to the natural soils 20 feet below the landfill and under leachate storage and transfer stations. The current standard is 0.001 centimeters per second or less for the natural soil of the landfill going down 5 feet in depth. (The lower the rate, the slower pollution would move through the soil.)

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Or, in what critics have called a loophole in the current regulations, a landfill can import a 2-foot base of soil with a hydraulic conductivity of 0.0001 centimeters per second or less. The bill would eliminate that option, stating explicitly that no amount of imported soil can overcome such deficiency in the hydraulic conductivity of a sites natural soil.

The bill would also require that applicants for new landfills and expansions to investigate the sediments and bedrock beneath and adjacent to the proposed site, at least to the depth of any aquifers currently used to provide drinking water to residents.

Under the bill, landfills would be required to always have at least one person on site. It also directs the department to incorporate the Ford Act into its landfill permitting requirements, specifically the provision limiting the construction or establishment of municipal solid waste landfills within 6 miles of certain smaller public airports.

Current law says the department may deny a permit if a person fails to demonstrate sufficient reliability, expertise, integrity, and competence to operate a solid waste facility. It may also deny a permit if a person or a companys officers, directors, partners, key employees or persons or business entities holding 10 percent or more of its equity or debt liability were convicted or pleaded guilty or no contest to a felony within the past five years in state or federal court.

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This bill would change that may to a shall, making it a requirement that the department reject permits under those conditions instead of an option.

The legislation would also make what advocates say is a key change to the statute governing the departments rulemaking. Instead of simply saying the commissioner has the responsibility and authority to adopt rules, it adds that those rules are necessary to protect the public health and the environment with an ample margin of safety relative to this chapter.

Some lawmakers on the panel, as well as a representative of Waste Management, which intends to expand its Turnkey facility in Rochester, indicated they would like more clarity in the language of the bill about how broad its exemption for expanding landfills is.

Henry Veilleux, a lobbyist for Waste Management, said the standard for the 20 feet of undisturbed soil beneath the landfill would be problematic and could create issues for the landfill starting in 2028. If the bill was changed so the landfill was allowed to bring in other material to be compliant, then it would be OK, he said.

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He also raised issues with part of the bill that would strengthen existing references to storm events in permitting requirements to apply to 100-year storms with a 50% margin of safety, arguing the departments current model makes more sense for the region.

Though he raised concerns about these provisions, Veilleux also told the committee members he had just spoken to Potenza, and that the bill did not intend to impact the Turnkey facility.

Shaun Mulholland, Lebanons city planner, said he was concerned that parts of the bill would affect the citys plans to excavate its unlined landfill that is leaking into the ground into a lined one. He said Waste Management had identified a number of those concerns, but also added that he felt it would be challenging for the city to find staff for a guard onsite 24/7, considering it already has great difficulty in this labor market in hiring people just to work in the daytime at the landfill. He suggested technology like sensors would be more appropriate and effective.

Michael Wimsatt, director of DES waste management division, defended the departments rules at the hearing. He said those rules include a site-specific setback requirement, but critics reject that characterization.

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Wimsatt pointed to language that says landfills and associated infrastructure shall be located only in areas where groundwater monitoring for release detection, characterization and remediation can be conducted prior to a release having an adverse impact on groundwater quality at the property line and before it has an adverse impact on a water supply. It also requires the landfills are located so that releases will be detected and assessed, and remediation initiated prior to contamination reaching any perennial water body.

Current regulations also require more general setbacks of 200 feet from certain streams and 500 feet from other water bodies.

Wayne Morrison, president of the North Country Alliance for Balanced Change, a citizen group that has advocated for more protective waste policies, called the provision Wimsatt cited a motherhood statement.

We think it lacks the heat behind it, he said.

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On DES argument that its current regulations are site specific, Potenza was blunt: They arent.

That doesnt give anyone any instruction, Potenza said of the provisions, and to be honest  it puts the state in a very precarious position, I believe, for lawsuits and everything like that, because it doesnt have anything, literally, specific.

Under the states regulations, you can put a landfill anywhere in the state of New Hampshire right now, as long as you bring in some soil, Potenza said. Doesnt matter what that  site is, as long as youre 500 feet back. She called the states rules the weakest in the world; when asked by a lawmaker if that was the case, Wimsatt said, I dont believe that for a moment.

The conversation on landfill siting underscored the push for a pause on new landfills in the state. And its not just the direct neighbors of landfills who are affected, Morrison said.

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What I have found is its in everybodys backyard, he said. New Hampshires a small state. If you mess up a water table, it doesnt just affect Dalton, it affects all the surrounding towns.

He said the state has ample landfill capacity to buy it time to carefully consider how it wants to move forward with its solid waste management.

We have the time, and  I think we have the obligation to future generations of people in New Hampshire to step back, do the investigations, find best practices, think differently about what were doing, Morrison said. We have to live with these decisions for the next 100 years, and we have the time to fix them. Lets try and get it right.
KUALA LUMPUR, April 17 (Xinhua) -- China and Malaysia oppose the forced displacement of the people of Gaza, calling for an independent state of Palestine based on the two-state solution.

The two countries made the announcement on Thursday in a joint statement released in the context of Chinese President Xi Jinping's state visit to Malaysia.

The two sides stressed that Gaza belongs to the Palestinian people and it is an inalienable part of the territory of Palestine, said the statement.

Both sides emphasized that "the Palestinians governing Palestine" is an important principle that must be upheld in the post-conflict governance of Gaza, and opposed the forced displacement of the people of Gaza, it said.

Both sides called for an independent state of Palestine based on the two-state solution and for Palestine's full UN membership. 
OLYMPIA, Wash. (WFLA)  A missing woman was found buried and partially encased in concrete nearly two weeks after she went missing. Now, deputies are questioning her handyman for his role in her disappearance and death.

The family of 82-year-old Marcia Norman last heard from her on April 1. Three days later, the Thurston County Sheriffs Office received a missing person report from Normans family and launched an investigation.

Officials described the state of Normans home near Tenino, Washington, as suspicious, as dishes appeared to have been left mid-process, suggesting an abrupt exit.

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Investigation revealed that Norman had dinner with her handyman, Jeffrey Zizz, on the evening of April 1. Deputies believe Zizz was the last person to have seen Norman before her disappearance.

Zizz reportedly fled the state using a friends vehicle, reaching Missoula, Montana. He was arrested at a motel on an unrelated warrant regarding child molestation.

Through investigative means, deputies discovered Zizz had recently built a shed on a property in Olympia, the day after Norman was reported missing. On April 9, detectives obtained power equipment to move the shed and excavate the ground beneath it, the sheriffs office said.

Underneath the shed, officials located human remains, later confirmed to be Normans by the Thurston County Coroners Office, which were partially encased in concrete.

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Zizz, who remains the primary person of interest in Normans death, was extradited back to Washington on April 13. As detectives work to gather more evidence, Zizz is being held in the Thurston County Jail on a no-bail hold for his child molestation sentencing violation warrant.

This remains an ongoing investigation.

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OLYMPIA, Wash. (WFLA)  A missing woman was found buried and partially encased in concrete more than a week after she went missing. Now, deputies are questioning her handyman for his possible role in her disappearance and death.

The family of 82-year-old Marcia Norman last heard from her on April 1. Three days later, the Thurston County Sheriffs Office received a missing person report from Normans family and launched an investigation.

Officials described the state of Normans home near Tenino, Washington, as suspicious, as dishes appeared to have been left mid-process, suggesting an abrupt exit.

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The investigation revealed that Norman had dinner with her handyman, Jeffrey Zizz, on the evening of April 1, the sheriffs office said. Deputies believe Zizz was the last person to have seen Norman before her disappearance.

Zizz reportedly fled the state using a friends vehicle, reaching Missoula, Montana. He was arrested at a motel on an unrelated warrant regarding child molestation.

Through investigative means, deputies discovered Zizz had recently built a shed on a property in Olympia, the day after Norman was reported missing. On April 9, detectives obtained power equipment to move the shed and excavate the ground beneath it, the sheriffs office said.

Underneath the shed, officials located human remains, later confirmed to be Normans by the Thurston County Coroners Office. The remains were partially encased in concrete.

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Zizz, who remains the primary person of interest in Normans death, was extradited back to Washington on Monday. As detectives work to gather more evidence, Zizz is being held in jail on a no-bail hold for his child molestation sentencing violation warrant.

This remains an ongoing investigation.

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PANAMA CITY, Fla. (WMBB)  The month of April is National Welding Month, and here in Bay County, one local college is highlighting its program and the benefits of working in the trade.

At Haney Technical College in Panama City, you can begin your journey by enrolling in their welding technology program.

The program totals 1050 hours, which is the equivalent of one full academic year.

You dont need any prior experience, and spend the majority of the class getting hands-on experience in the lab.

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Lookout Lounges Pompano Classic honors local fishing legend

After completing the course, you then have the chance to be selected for the advanced program, which takes just under one academic year to complete.

By completing any of the welding programs at Haney, you unlock the opportunity to get a job locally or almost anywhere in the country.

Our advanced program has always maintained a 100% placement rate, said Haney Technical College Welding Department Head Paul Richardson. Everyone who completes our advanced program leaves with a very well-paying job. Our regular welding technology program, we have a 93% placement rate for completers. A lot of people will do that and then learn on the job the rest of the skills in the trade.

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Spaces for the Haney Technical College welding program are limited, so you are encouraged to enroll sooner rather than later.

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If you missed Tuesday's deadline to file your 2024 tax return, they're officially overdue  with some exceptions.

"The Internal Revenue Service encourages taxpayers who missed the filing deadline to submit their tax return as soon as possible,' the Internal Revenue Service said on April 16. "Those who missed the deadline to file, but owe taxes should file timely to avoid additional penalties and interest."

However, Florida taxpayers have a few extra weeks to turn in their taxes. Here's what to know if you haven't filed your taxes yet, including penalties and what steps to take.

What happens if I don't file taxes by deadline?

For those who missed the April 15 deadline, they will face monetary penalties, including failure-to-file and late-payment penalties.

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The failure-to-file penalty applies if the taxpayer doesn't file their tax return by the due date, including extensions. The penalty is 5% of your unpaid taxes each passing month or partial month.

Individuals will be notified by a notice or letter from the IRS.

An additional penalty is the late-payment penalty; that's 0.5% of your unpaid bill for each passing month. It's applied if the taxpayer failed to pay their taxes by the deadline.

If both penalties are factors, the total is capped at 5% per month.

"If your return is more than 60 days late, the minimum failure-to-file penalty is $510 or the entire amount of tax owed, whichever is smaller," Nerdwallet said. "The late-filing penalty maxes out after five months of your return being late, but other penalties and interest may continue to accrue."

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In addition to the penalties, interest building on unpaid taxes and lost refunds you could potentially face criminal charges for tax evasion or tax avoidance.

What happens if I don't file my taxes at all?

Intuit Turbotax says online that the severity of your refusal will "determine the path the IRS will take."

"If you need to file taxes, but choose not to, the IRS has several means for bringing you to the table," Intuit Turbotax said on its website. "Actions include, but are not limited to, assessing penalties, fines and interest, and assessing tax liens and levies."

Can I still file tax return after deadline? What Floridians should know

Yes, you can. Just be aware of the penalties.

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Intuit Turbotax also adds that if you're expecting a refund, there are no penalties or interest charges for filing late; however, filing late will delay your refund and extend the statute of limitations for audits.

According to the IRS, all Floridians, because of hurricanes Helene and Milton last year, do have an extra couple of weeks to file. Officials announced last year that tax deadlines for people in the 51 counties under a state of emergency during Hurricane Milton would be pushed back to May 1 of this year. They've updated that message to say the automatic extension is extended to all Floridians.

"The IRS automatically gives taxpayers whose address of record is in a disaster-area locality more time to file returns and pay taxes," the IRS said. "Taxpayers get the extra time without having to ask for it."

Steps to take if you haven't filed your taxes yet

Intuit TurboTax shares three steps you can take to put yourself in a better position if you didn't file your taxes by the deadline:

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Step 1  Check to see if an extension applies. Even if you didnt request a six-month filing extension, you still might have more time to file. This includes the extension for Floridians impacted by natural disasters.

Step 2  File your tax return and pay your taxes. If no extension applies, file your return as soon as possible. If you owe the IRS, this will stop additional penalties and interest from being tacked on to your tax bill. If you cant pay the full amount, pay what you can now or consider setting up a payment plan with the IRS or other ways to pay your taxes over time (a few options are discussed below).

Step 3  Seek waiver of penalties and interest. If you qualify, the IRS can waive penalties for filing your return or paying taxes late in some cases.

Filed on April 15? Track your IRS tax return status

You can track your refund using the IRS's "Where's my refund?" search tool or the IRS2GO mobile app. Youll need your Social Security number or individual taxpayer ID number, filing status, and refund amount on your return to check.

If you file (or have filed) electronically and choose direct deposit, your refund will probably be issued within 21 days, the IRS says. If you mail a paper return, expect your return to take longer.

These dates all depend on whether your filing is accurate and complete. Heres when your refund status will appear:

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24 hours after you e-file a current-year return

3 or 4 days after you e-file a prior-year return

4 weeks after you file a paper return

What does my tax refund status mean?

According to the IRS, heres what your status means:

Return Received: We received your return and are processing it.

Refund Approved: We approved your refund and are preparing to issue it by the date shown.

Refund Sent: We sent the refund to your bank or you in the mail. It may take 5 days for it to show in your bank account or several weeks for your check to arrive in the mail.

Contributing: Sarah Moore, Lansing State Journal

This article originally appeared on Treasure Coast Newspapers: Tax Day 2025: Missed the deadline? Steps to take; Florida extension
EL PASO, Texas  Two Marines are dead and another is in the hospital after a crash on a New Mexico highway Tuesday.

The Marine Corps confirms the Marines were with the First Marine Division, which is based out of Camp Pendleton.

They were deployed to the southern border as part of the Trump administrations crackdown at the border.

Since the end of January, Marines from Camp Pendleton have been deployed to the southern border from San Diego to Texas. Their mission was to back border patrol and complete tasks like installing concertina wire.

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The Marine Corps hasnt released the names of the fallen service members, but the Gary Sinise Foundation told FOX 5/KUSI that they are ready to support their loved ones.

The main thing is that they know they know that they are not forgotten. That they are appreciated and that this nation is grateful for their service, said James Ravella, Gary Sinise Foundation.



The deaths are the first associated with Trumps crackdown at the border that began at the end of January.

Grief is something Ravella, with the Gary Sinise Foundation, is all too familiar with after losing his wife and then marrying the widow of a fallen service member.

This is a hard day. Its hard to comprehend for them, its just literally such a shock, Ravella said.

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The Gary Sinise Foundation plans to connect with the unit that the Marines were with to extend their support and resources, which include support groups and events for families of the fallen.

Theres a lot for them to process. So a lot of this in the initial stages they probably wont remember many these days, so as a foundation, we try to really be there in those days down the road, he said.

The crash is still under investigation.

The surviving Marine is still in the hospital in serious condition.

The Marine Corps does not plan to release the names of the Marines until their families are notified.

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A foundation run by Prince Harry and Meghan, Duchess of Sussex, cut off funding to an Afghan women's sewing circle in Milwaukee because of its organizer's views on the war in Gaza.

Janan Najeeb, the executive director of the Muslim Women's Coalition in Milwaukee, published an opinion piece more than a year ago in the Wisconsin Muslim Journal using the contentious phrase, "From the river to the sea, Palestine will be free."

According to tax filings, the Archewell Foundation awarded the Muslim Women's Coalition a $27,960 grant in 2023 to operate a support group and sewing circle for Afghan evacuee women in Milwaukee. The group planned to meet weekly to complete sewing projects and take part in "restorative" conversations that address the women's trauma.

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The foundation gave the coalition another grant of a similar amount in 2024, Najeeb said. An online fundraiser for the women's coalition reproduced a letter from the Archewell Foundation, which the Journal Sentinel independently verified.

"We have recently been notified of an online opinion piece you wrote that goes against the values of The Archewell Foundation," the letter told Najeeb. "We have zero tolerance for hateful words, actions, or propaganda."

She pushed back against the foundation in a letter of her own to the Beverly Hills-based charity.

"I make no apology for standing up for human rights and speaking out against dehumanization of all people, including Palestinians," she said in the letter on April 17.

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A spokesman for Harry and Meghan declined to comment on the record.

It appears an article from the news outlet NewsNation prompted the foundation to halt funding. A reporter there asked the foundation about Najeeb's opinion piece in the Wisconsin Muslim Journal  an outlet run by Najeeb  with the title, "From the sea to the river, Palestine will live forever!"

Najeeb also called for a permanent ceasefire, an end to "arming the apartheid state of Israel and the liberation of Palestine" in the piece.

The meaning of the phrase "from the river to the sea" is highly contested. Some suggest it means Palestinians should be able to live freely and without Israeli-imposed restrictions. Many Jewish people consider the slogan antisemitic, a call for a Palestinian state extending from the Jordan River to the Mediterranean Sea. They see it as advocating for the removal of the Jewish state.

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After NewsNation called attention to Najeeb's views, Archewell Foundation staff told her April 9 that the Muslim Women's Coalition was being removed from its network and it would not award the coalition additional grants.

Najeeb told the Journal Sentinel she viewed the funding cut as part of a broader trend of organizations distancing themselves from pro-Palestinian views for fear of retribution. She said she's also heard that boards she serves on in Milwaukee have been asked to remove her.

"It's unfortunate that a funder like the Archewell decided to cave in so quickly," she said. "This is not unusual. This is in line with what's happening around the country."

Janan Najeeb speaks during a "Rally for Democracy" in July 2024.

Najeeb, in a public letter to foundation executives James Holt and Shauna Nep, rejected the characterization of her opinion piece as hateful or antisemitic.

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"If your foundation stipulates that grant recipients must sit idly by as a genocide is broadcast live on their television screens, then we too regret to inform you that our values do not align," Najeeb said in her response. "In choosing PR over principle, you betray the communities you claim to uplift."

And she posited that the executives' issues were actually with another opinion piece she wrote for the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel last May, in which she argued that student protesters "know truth about Israel's genocide in Gaza." That piece does not mention the phrase "from the river to the sea."

Before she was notified Archewell cut the funding, a foundation staffer called to ask about her opinion piece, Najeeb said. The staff member only ever mentioned the piece in the Journal Sentinel  not the Muslim Journal piece, Najeeb said. The NewsNation article frames the foundation's concerns around the wording in the Muslim Journal piece.

Najeeb also said the staffer never voiced concerns with the phrase "from the river to the sea," which she said she views as a rallying cry for "a democratic Palestine where all people live as equal citizens" similar to the term "we shall overcome" from the Civil Rights movement.

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Najeeb is part of a prominent Palestinian-American family in Milwaukee. Her brother, Othman Atta, is the executive director of the Islamic Society of Milwaukee, Wisconsin's largest mosque. Another brother, landlord Ihsan Atta, drew wide condemnation in September for putting a mural of a swastika intertwined with a Star of David on a building he owned.

She also said her organization is confident that other donors would fund the Afghan sewing group. An online fundraiser for the women's coalition seeks $27,800 to make up for lost grant funds. It has already raised more than $11,000.

The women's coalition was one of 10 refugee aid groups that received grants of similar amounts from the foundation, according to 2023 tax filings.

This story was updated to add new information.

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Sophie Carson is a general assignment reporter who reports on religion and faith, immigrants and refugees and more. Contact her at scarson@gannett.com or 920-323-5758.

This article originally appeared on Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: Harry and Meghan's foundation end support of Milwaukee Muslim group
Harvard University, one of the top higher education institutions in the world, is under fire from the United States government for refusing to comply with demands from President Donald Trumps administration.

Massive funding cuts to the university announced this week will likely affect academic programming and research at Harvard, though its unclear exactly what will be affected.

However, Harvards influence extends far beyond its famous Cambridge campus, and the freeze on federal funding could have far-reaching effects than you might expect.

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Why is funding being cut?

Early this month, the Trump administration sent a letter to Harvard detailing a list of demands the institution would have to comply with to avoid having its $9 billion in federal funding to the school and its affiliates cancelled.

The demands in that letter  and a subsequent letter submitted to the Harvard on Friday  include canceling all diversity, equity and inclusion programs, banning masks on campus, ending admission and hiring policies based on race and national origin, reviewing programs and departments that fuel antisemitic harassment, cooperating with law enforcement and allowing the government to audit the viewpoints of students, faculty and staff and forcing the university to hire people.

However, Harvards administration refused to comply with the demands, saying in a letter that The university will not surrender its independence or relinquish its constitutional rights.

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Neither Harvard nor any other private university can allow itself to be taken over by the federal government, the letter read.

What does Harvard own or influence outside of its Cambridge campus?

Harvards reach goes far beyond Harvard Yard. The school is a major landowner in the Boston area, notably controlling about one-third of the land in Bostons Allston neighborhood, where it is planning a massive research campus.

The school also owns the Arnold Arboretum in the Jamaica Plain and Roslindale neighborhoods of Boston and other properties around Massachusetts, such as the 4,000-acre Harvard Forest in Petersham and the 650-acre Concord Station in Concords Estabrook Woods.

Harvard is known as a top organization for medical and health-related research. Many local hospitals teach Harvard Medical School students, and the school gives their physicians appointments at the medical school in return. The Harvard Medical School website lists 15 such affiliates, including some of Bostons largest medical institutions, including Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston Childrens Hospital, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Brigham and Womens Hospital, the VA Boston Healthcare System and others.

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Harvard also partners with a number of respected non-hospital research labs and institutions, such as the Broad Institute at Massachusetts Institute of Technology, the ADA Forsyth Institute, Ragon Institute, Whitehead Institute, Wyss Institute, Baim Institute and others.

What federal funds could Harvard lose?

Hours after Harvards announcement that it would not meet the governments demands on Monday, the U.S. Department of Education said it would immediately freeze $2.2 billion in multi-year grant and $60 million in multi-year contract value to the school.

Harvards statement today reinforces the troubling entitlement mindset that is endemic in our nations most prestigious universities and colleges  that federal investment does not come with the responsibility to uphold civil rights laws," the Joint Task Force to Combat Anti-Semitism said in a statement on the DOE website.

For now, the cuts appear to have affected only grants directly to Harvards programming and research, rather than those of its affiliates. A $60 million contract with the National Institutes of Health funded a major tuberculosis study at the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Health, which was halted after the announcement of the funding freeze, according to the Boston Globe.

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Other than the tuberculosis study, however, it is not yet publicly clear what funding has been cut, though a DOE spokesperson told the Globe the Boston-area hospitals affiliated with the university were unaffected.

Neither Harvard nor DOE responded to requests for comment from MassLive.

What funding could be at risk in the future?

The Trump administration has said it is reviewing the $9 billion in funding to Harvard and its affiliates, so while the existing cuts only affect $2.2 billion, that could change in the future.

A memo obtained by the Boston Globe detailed $255 million in federal government contracts that were included in the review, including the $60 million tuberculosis study.

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While about $98 million of the contracts identified by the Globe were described as going to Harvard directly, other contracts listed in the memo went to Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Boston Childrens Hospital and Mass General Brigham, the parent organization of Massachusetts General Hospital and Brigham and Womens Hospital.

The Harvard University website homepage was recently updated to showcase its various research projects and how that research affected peoples lives.

Harvard may lose its tax-exempt status

The government has also threatened to revoke Harvards tax-exempt status.

If that happens, the school could be required to pay federal and state taxes on income from its approximately $53.2 billion endowment and donations it receives, as well as property taxes. It may also lead to fewer donations, as they might not be tax-exempt for donors.

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Just under a third of Harvards research funding  approximately $490 million  comes from the university itself. The other $1 billion that makes up Harvards research budget comes from the federal government, various research foundations and private sponsors, according to the university.

A spokesperson for Harvard told MassLive in a statement on Wednesday that losing its tax-exempt status would be a big problem for the university.

The tax exemption means that more of every dollar can go toward scholarships for students, lifesaving and life-enhancing medical research and technological advancements that drive economic growth, he wrote.
Harvards tax-exempt status in jeopardy amid reports that the IRS plans to rescind it

The IRS appears ready to end Harvard Universitys status as a tax-exempt institution.

According to a CNN report on Wednesday, two sources confirm the IRS is making plans to follow through on President Trumps threat Tuesday to revoke Harvards tax exempt status.

A final decision is expected soon.

In a statement, a Harvard University spokesperson says theres no legal basis for rescinding their status.

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"The government has long exempted universities from taxes in order to support their educational mission," the statement read. The tax exemption means that more of every dollar can go toward scholarships for students, lifesaving and life-enhancing medical research, and technological advancements that drive economic growth....Such an unprecedented action would endanger our ability to carry out our educational mission. It would result in diminished financial aid for students, abandonment of critical medical research programs, and lost opportunities for innovation. The unlawful use of this instrument more broadly would have grave consequences for the future of higher education in America.

Students at Harvard Wednesday were eager to talk about the latest headline.

Its a crazy place to be right now, said Calvin Osborne, a senior at Harvard University.

Sophomore Janaysa Dorcin added, Sort of nerve wracking that were always in the news... This is a storm that we can weather, and I think well be able to weather it with the students that are on campus now.

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Law student Jonathan Meilaender is graduating in a few weeks, but says the recent news has taken over campus.

It feels as though my classes have come to life, he told Boston 25 Wednesday amidst more federal action. Its a difficult time for the university and probably for the country as a whole. But, that weve seen other times as bad... People feel like the school has now taken an institutional stance and theres less need for individuals or faculty to fill that role.

The Trump Administration has already blocked more than $2 billion in federal funding to the university.

Boston 25 News has reached out the IRS for further comment.

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About 24 hours after the Trump administration said it would freeze more than $2 billion in federal grants and contracts, Harvard Universitys research arm began to assess the fallout.

The impact is already acute at Harvards School of Public Health, where professors are scrambling to salvage their research into tuberculous and cancer treatments.

Harvard  the nations oldest and richest university  has emerged as a new symbol of the Trump resistance after refusing to capitulate to a series of policy changes the administration had demanded. Now, having put itself in an uncertain position, Harvard must weigh its next moves.

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John Shaw, vice provost for research at Harvard, emailed colleagues Tuesday evening asking them to notify the Office for Sponsored Programs of any funding disruptions they become aware of  and what steps they ought to take.

While there will inevitably be important research that will suffer as a result of the funding freeze, we are asking for your help in assessing how best to preserve vital work and support our researchers, while using institutional resources responsibly through this disruption, he wrote, according to an email reviewed by CNN. This is meant to stabilize the research environment while we gather information, coordinate decision-making, and strive to protect what matters most.

Professors at the Faculty of Arts and Sciences, home to Harvards undergraduate and PhD programs, were notified in a separate email that a town hall would be arranged in the coming days to answer questions, according to the email.

The funding freeze threatens as much as $9 billion in federal money for Harvard. Beyond the practical implications of losing those funds, its not clear how far a standoff could go.

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The extent of the tentacles into the university by the federal government are sometimes obvious and sometimes not, said one Harvard professor who was not authorized to speak publicly. Theyre doing lots of scenario planning about what could happen to each of the schools.

Several members of Harvards board of oversight referred CNN to the university press office. The university also declined a request from CNN to interview President Alan Garber.

The concerns over funding come as the Department of Homeland Security on Wednesday threatened Harvard with stripping its ability to enroll international students if it fails to meet federal demands. Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem gave the university until April 30 to provide records on international students alleged illegal and violent activities, or risk losing its Student and Exchange Visitor Program certification, which enables higher education institutions to issue certificates of eligibility for nonimmigrant student visas.

Other concerns expressed by the professor include losing the universitys tax-exempt status, which the IRS is making plans to rescind, according to two sources familiar with the matter  as well as a decision by the federal government to stop granting visas to foreign students, who make up more than a quarter of Harvards enrollment.

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Im not even sure what it would mean to lose that status, Harvard economics professor Gregory Mankiw said. We dont have shareholders or pay dividends, so Im not sure what theyd be called.

Its unclear how wed be taxed.

Not-for-profit organizations that benefit from the tax exemption can lose it if they violate a number of rules, including for political activity. Rescission would be a rare move by the IRS. Decades ago, the IRS pulled tax-exempt status for a Christian university on the basis of discrimination.

A final decision on rescinding Harvards tax exemption is expected soon, the sources said. An attorney for the university didnt immediately respond to a request for comment; CNN has reached out to the Treasury Department, of which the IRS is a bureau, for comment.

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Harvards $53.2 billion endowment could be another area of concern. Legislation recently introduced by Republican Rep. Mike Lawler would raise the tax rate of endowment income from 1.4% to 10%. Late last year, Garber told faculty the potential hike was the threat that keeps me up at night, The Harvard Crimson reported.

If the tax comes in, that means the university is going to have to cut back on something, Mankiw told CNN.

What we do is teaching and research. The question becomes: would society be better with less research or less teaching? It will be a lot of difficult choices for the school to make, he said.

An unprecedented situation

The unprecedented situation could force Harvard into a lengthy and expensive legal battle with the Trump administration.

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There isnt a playbook on how to manage this, Stetson University law professor Peter Lake, who is also the director of the Center for Excellence in Higher Education Law and Policy, said in an interview with CNN. Lake is a graduate of Harvard College and Harvard Law School.

A group of Harvard professors, through its chapter of the American Association of University Professors, preemptively filed a lawsuit last week seeking to stop the administration from coming after university funds. The lawsuit alleges the Trump administration violated the law by freezing funds without going through the protocol, established under Title VI of the Civil Rights Act, which prohibits discrimination and is in part designed to ensure institutions receiving public money comply.

AAUP counsel did not respond to CNN for comment. The federal government has not responded to the lawsuit.

Harvard could file its own federal lawsuit seeking to block the administration from wrongfully taking its funding, with potential legal arguments over First Amendment protections, retaliation or claims the government violated their civil rights under Title VI.

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If Harvard files a suit that moves through the federal judicial system, it could result in a judge having a conflict of interest because of a connection to the university. Harvard law school grads make up a significant portion of the federal judiciary, and they hold four seats on the US Supreme Court.

The government could also take Harvard to court; a federal agency providing funding to an institution can initiate fund termination proceedings or refer the matter to the Department of Justice for legal action if they believe Harvard is not compliant.

If the Justice Department gets involved, it could file a lawsuit against Harvard seeking judicial intervention, which could give the federal government more leverage over Harvard through judicial oversight for years.

In that case, according to Lake, If they wanted to, they could literally walk to court every week and say, Well, look what Harvard didnt do today.

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The university may be considering a pivot away from its hard-line stance toward brokering an agreement that would avoid the legal system and tamp down the tension thats sparked months into Trumps term. And Harvard is not without some of its own leverage, Lake said, with its far-reaching global connections.

Weve seen (Trump) do this pretty much consistently everywhere  hard bargaining, you know, nuclear-option-type conversation, very strong language. And so perhaps the thinking is, meet fire with fire, Lake said. I think theyre aware of the fact that the president prides himself on the deal, and perhaps thats how you find your way to one.

Harvard hired two attorneys with deep Republican connections. Robert Hur, who was appointed special counsel and investigated President Joe Bidens handling of classified documents, and William Burck, who served as a special counsel to President George W. Bush and recently helped law firm Paul Weiss negotiate with the Trump administration to lift an executive order targeting the firm.

A long fight

While Harvard has gained public support, so has the Trump administration.

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Mark Goldfeder, director of the National Jewish Advocacy Center, said on X in response to Harvards rebuke Monday, And no University- however entitled and self-important they feel- can dictate to the federal government how it should allocate taxpayer money. Harvard is free to continue discriminating, but we dont have to pay for it.

Lake said he and other Harvard alumni never imagined the school could become so controversial.

I think were used to prominence on things, but being so much in the enemy-of-the-state mode is a very different feeling, Lake said. But were not alone. Its higher education, it has clearly lost a lot of social trust, and has folks that really are very opposed to some of the things were doing. And its going to be a hard ride back to gain the public trust that can defuel some of this energy.

At a faculty meeting this week, according to a person present, the dean of one of Harvards schools told those assembled that Mondays rejection of the administrations demands was just the first salvo.

This is a four-year fight, he said.

CNNs Hanna Park contributed to this report.

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SYDNEY, April 17 (Xinhua) -- A tropical cyclone warning has been issued for Australia's northwest coast, with residents and visitors advised to prepare for damaging winds.

The Bureau of Meteorology (BoM) on Thursday morning said that Tropical Cyclone Errol has intensified into a category four system in the Indian Ocean.

It said that the system was about 510 km northwest of Broome, a coastal town of about 15,000 people in the northwestern Kimberley region of Western Australia (WA), and is tracking towards smaller communities to the north.

The BoM said that the cyclone is expected to weaken before making landfall on either Friday or Saturday but warned residents and visitors in the western Kimberley to expect gale force winds and heavy rain.

It said that communities along a 200-km stretch of coast to the north of Broome could experience damaging or destructive wind gusts.

The WA Department of Fire and Emergency Services (DFES) has issued an emergency alert advising people to "start preparing" for dangerous weather by securing boats, caravans, outdoor furniture, gas bottles and loose material around homes and workplaces.

"Travellers, visitors, tourists and locals should monitor weather conditions and review their travel within the warning area," it said.

The BoM said it expects the cyclone to "quickly" decrease in strength to category two during Friday, then category one early on Saturday. 
NORTH HAVEN, Conn. (WTNH)  A New Haven man was arrested on Tuesday after police say an investigation revealed he sexually assaulted his 23-year-old stepdaughter.

49-year-old Delienne Moncrieft was charged with second-degree sexual assault and was held on $200,000 bond.

Police received complaints of sexual assault of a 23-year-old woman with intellectual disabilities in January 2024.

Griswold man charged with sexually-assaulting children

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The victims mother took her to the hospital for stomach pains, which revealed that the 23-year-old was pregnant.

She experienced a miscarriage around six months into the pregnancy.

Fetal tissue samples were obtained by North Haven police, including paternal DNA samples, which were transported to state police, who could not find a match in the Combined DNA Index System.

Othram, a company based in Texas, specializes in Forensic Genetic Genealogy they agreed to work with investigators.

The DNA sample was compared to multiple samples submitted to genealogy companies, and invesigators were able to create a family tree and identify a suspect, Delienne Moncrieft.

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Moncrieft was arrested on Tuesday after an investigation that lasted over a year.

We would like to express our gratitude to the Connecticut State Forensic Laboratory and Othram for their amazing work in helping provide justice for our victim, North Haven police said in a statement. This was an extremely complex case and without their assistance, expertise, and hard-work, this case would still be ongoing.

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Head Start centers across the U.S. have received nearly $1 billion less in federal money compared with this time last year  and a lag in funding this week has caused some preschool classrooms for low-income children to close.

The federal government has distributed $1.6 billion for Head Start from Jan. 1 through Tuesday, compared with $2.55 billion issued during the same period last year, according to the office of Sen. Patty Murray, D-Wash., which has been analyzing a federal database. Murray said the Trump administration had slow-walked funding appropriated by Congress.

Head Start, a child development program for more than half a million of the nations neediest kids, is federally funded, but runs through private and public schools.

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The preschools are deeply reliant on the federal money they receive. On Wednesday, a delay in funding closed Head Start classrooms serving more than 400 children at Inspire Development Centers in Sunnyside, Washington. More than 70 staff have been laid off, and the center's leaders don't plan to reopen the classrooms until they receive federal money, Inspire CEO Jorge Castillo said.

The lag in funding is the latest barrier Head Start preschools have faced under the Trump administration. During the brief freeze on federal grants after President Donald Trump took office, Head Start providers were unable to access their accounts. Unable to make payroll that day, several centers temporarily closed, cutting off free child care for low-income families, for whom a day without work is often a day without pay.

Then, this month, scores of federal Head Start employees were put on leave as part of Trumps efforts to shrink the federal government. At least five of the 12 regional offices for Head Start were closed as part of layoffs at the Department of Health and Human Services, according to the National Head Start Association.

Advocates had warned that the layoffs could slow funding to Head Start providers, who are typically in touch with federal staff to receive their annual grants to operate a preschool. The Inspire centers typically receive annual notice of their funding amount in February, Castillo said, with a finalized award by May 1. But this year, the company has not heard from the Department of Health and Human Services.

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A spokesperson for the department did not respond to a request for comment.

If you eliminate the regional offices, you are going to slow down grant processing and, sure enough, they did. What Sunnyside is experiencing is not only predictable, its probable, said Joel Ryan, executive director of the Washington State Association of Head Start. The parents dont have child care today. And those kids are missing out on programming.

Head Start was started six decades ago as part of President Lyndon B. Johnsons War on Poverty. While the early childhood program has enjoyed bipartisan support since then, some Republicans have emphasized its shortcomings and criticized efforts to increase funding. And Project 2025, the policy blueprint created by the conservative Heritage Foundation, called for eliminating Head Start altogether.

As he works to give more tax breaks to billionaires like himself, Donald Trump is doing everything he can to destroy Head Start without a care in the world for the hundreds of thousands of working families across the country who depend on it, said Sen. Patty Murray, D-Wash., in a statement. We are beginning to see the devastating consequences: centers closing, kids kicked out of the classroom, teachers losing their jobs and entire communities losing out.

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Closing the central Washington Head Start centers means families will lose access to high-quality, free preschool, plus health checks, nutritional programs and interventions for developmental delays, Castillo said.

And then were not even talking about children with learning disabilities, with physical disabilities or considered ... homeless. This is devastating, Castillo said.

___

AP education writer Moriah Balingit contributed to this report.

___

The Associated Press education coverage receives financial support from multiple private foundations. AP is solely responsible for all content. Find APs standards for working with philanthropies, a list of supporters and funded coverage areas at AP.org.
The Hawaii Department of Health today confirmed another travel-related case of dengue on Oahu, bringing the total number in the state to seven so far this year.

The latest case comes just about a week after the of dengue were reported on Oahu.

Health officials said the affected individual was exposed to the virus while traveling in a region where dengue is common, and that this case is not related to cases reported on April 10 and 11.

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Teams were deployed to the affected area on Oahu, which the Health Department did not disclose, to implement mosquito control measures.

To date, there have been six cases on Oahu and one on Maui.

is a viral illness spread by mosquitoes, which can be transmitted from an infected person to a mosquito to a person. While Hawaii is home to Aedes mosquitoes, which can carry dengue, the disease is not endemic, or established in the state.

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Symptoms include the sudden onset of fever, severe headaches, nausea, vomiting, muscle and joint pain, and rash, which typically last two to seven days, state health officials said. While severe illness can occur, most people recover within a week.

Anyone planning to travel to an area with dengue risk is vulnerable, according to health officials.

Dengue is a year-round risk in the tropical and subtropical areas of Central and South America ; popular tourist destinations in the Caribbean, including Puerto Rico ; Asia ; the Middle East ; Africa ; and several Pacific Islands, including American Samoa, Micronesia, the Marshall Islands and Palau.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has reporting higher-than-usual numbers of cases or higher-than-expected cases among returning U.S. travelers.

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CDC advises travelers to areas with risk of dengue to prevent mosquito bites by using an EPA-registered insect repellent, wearing long-sleeved shirts and long pants when outdoors, and sleeping in an air-conditioned room or a room with window screens.

If symptoms develop within two weeks after a trip, residents should seek medical advice from a health care provider.

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Sumy City Council has honoured 13-year-old Kyrylo Illiashenko, who rescued people from a burning bus following the recent Russian missile strike on the city.

Source: Sumy Acting Mayor Artem Kobzar

Details: Kyrylo received the Sumy City Councils third-class award For Services to the City.

He was also given a voucher for a two-week holiday at a childrens camp in Bulgaria.

"Heroes among us!" Kobzar wrote.

Background:

On 13 April, Russian forces launched ballistic missiles on the centre of Sumy. The attack killed at least 35 people, including 2 children. Over 119 civilians were injured.

At the time of the missile strike, Kyrylo and his mother were on a bus on their way to training. The explosion caused a fire onboard and the doors became jammed. But Kyrylo kept calm as he climbed out through a window and began helping other passengers escape the burning bus. The boy was injured in the attack: three pieces of shrapnel struck his head.

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High winds, travel advisory issued for Southern New Mexico

EL PASO, Texas (KTSM)  Travel advisories have been issued for Thursday, April 17, with the highest impact for strong winds and blowing dust from noon to 6 p.m. in Southern New Mexico, the New Mexico Department of Transportation (NMDOT) said in a news release.

NMDOT said the National Weather Service has forecasted sustained wind speeds of 25 to 35 mph and peak gusts up to 65 mph.

If you must travel, NMDOT recommends that you monitor local forecast conditions before starting your trip and visit www.nmroads.com for current roadway information.

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Roadway conditions may change quickly, and blowing dust can escalate to blinding dust storms as they move quickly through remote areas, NMDOT said.

NMDOT said if you are approaching a dust storm or caught in a dust storm, follow the guidelines below to help you stay safe.

Avoid driving into or through a dust storm.

Do not wait until poor visibility makes it difficult to safely pull off the roadway  do it as soon as possible. Completely exit the highway if you can.

If you encounter a dust storm, check traffic immediately around your vehicle (front, back and to the side) and begin slowing down.

Do not stop in the roadway; pull completely out of the travel lanes and as far onto the right shoulder as possible.

Stop the vehicle in a position ensuring it is a safe distance from the main roadway and away from where other vehicles may travel.

Turn off all vehicle lights, including your emergency flashers.

Set your emergency brake and take your foot off the brake.

Stay in the vehicle with your seat belts buckled and wait for the storm to pass.

Drivers of high-profile vehicles should be especially aware of changing weather conditions and travel at reduced speeds.

Additionally, NMDOT will be monitoring roadway conditions with local law enforcement.

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Roadway advisories will be posted on www.nmroads.com or by calling 511.

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Hillary Clinton delivered a characteristically unvarnished assessment of President Donald Trump and his administration.

Before the election, I warned that there is no safe haven under authoritarianism, the former secretary of state and 2016 Democratic presidential candidate wrote on X, formerly Twitter.

Clinton was referring to the Trump administrations defiance of a Supreme Court order to facilitate the return of Kilmar Abrego Garcia, a Maryland man with protected legal status who was mistakenly deported to a notorious Salvadoran prison.

Hillary Clinton warned her social media followers that "there is no safe haven under authoritarianism." Dominik Bindl via Getty Images

If they can ship Kilmar Abrego Garcia to a foreign prison  accused of no crime, with no trial  they can do it to anyone, she continued.

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Clinton ended her statement with a call to action, urging Americans of conscience to stand up and resist the current administration.

The Justice Department has said Abrego Garcias deportation was an administrative error, but still maintains they cannot bring him back to the U.S. When pressed by the courts to explain further, the administration has repeatedly focused on accusations that he was a member of the MS-13 gang.

On Monday, White House adviser Stephen Miller appeared on Fox News and told Americas Newsroom host Bill Hemmer that the record needed to be corrected.

First, we won the Supreme Court case already, 9-0, he declared.

In her social media post, Clinton urged Americans to stand up to the Trump administration. Dominik Bindl via Getty Images

But the administration did not rule 9-0. Rather, the justices released an unsigned order last week, with no recorded dissents, stating that action must be taken to return Abrego Garcia to the United States. The opinion also asked the lower court to clarify its directive, with due regard for the deference owed to the Executive Branch in the conduct of foreign affairs.

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The day after the Supreme Courts order, Rep. Jasmine Crockett (D-Texas) offered her own unfiltered assessment of the administrations behavior.

I feel like Im in an abusive relationship, Crockett said. I think all Americans may feel like were in an abusive relationship with this administration, as well as with the Supreme Court.

Related...
Chinese Premier Li Qiang presides over a study session held by the State Council on April 17, 2025. Li Qiang has stressed the importance of improving social expectations and coordinating efforts to address risks and challenges while advancing high-quality development. (Xinhua/Rao Aimin)

BEIJING, April 17 (Xinhua) -- Chinese Premier Li Qiang has stressed the importance of improving social expectations and coordinating efforts to address risks and challenges while advancing high-quality development.

Li made the remarks at a study session held by the State Council on Thursday. Also in attendance were He Lifeng and Zhang Guoqing, both of whom are vice premiers, and State Councilor Wu Zhenglong.

Li emphasized the need to regulate the supply-demand balance, and to pay close attention to expectation management and guidance in macroeconomic governance.

Policies should be targeted and tailored to address specific issues, he said, adding that the timing of policy introductions should be carefully considered to exert positive influence on market expectations.

Li stressed the importance of strengthening communication with the market to ensure policies truly benefit the people and businesses.

He also called for efforts to accelerate the implementation of major strategies and reforms, guide the development of clear and stable market expectations, and protect the legitimate rights and interests of all business entities in an improved manner. 
Note: All historic images of Doc are courtesy of Docs Friends non-profit organization

ABILENE, Texas (KTAB/KRBC)  A B-29 Superfortress nicknamed Doc landed safely at Abilene Regional Airport earlier today, soon to perform at the Dyess Wings over West Texas Airshow this Easter Weekend. KTAB/KRBC caught up with Chief Pilot Mark Novak for a look inside the historic aircraft and into its decades-long journey from the assembly line to today.

There were just under 4,000 B-29s built during WWII This is a Wichita-built bird It came too late to go over to the war. Became part of a radar calibration squadron, Novak explained.

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GALLERY: WWII era aircrafts stop by Abilene Regional Airport

Doc under construction (1945)

Constructed in Wichita, Kansas, in 1945, Doc served alongside a number of other B-29s, a squadron known as The Seven Dwarfs, in many non-active combat roles for the U.S. Air Force. Novak says it was in 1956 that the Airforce gave a large group of B-29s, including Doc, to the Navy to be used as target practice.

For 42 years, Doc sat on that target range in the Mojave Desert. The condition of the aircraft visibly deteriorated over that time. Then in 1987, a man by the name of Tony Mazzolini rediscovered Doc. He hatched a plan to restore the old war bird and began contacting the appropriate government agencies.

In 1998 Mazzolini and his group were able to gain possession of Doc, it was then that they began the difficult task of towing the decades old fuselage out of the desert. It would be two more years until doc saw any more activity. For Mazzolini, the restoration proved too difficult and the project was taken up by the group now known as Docs Friends, a non-profit that still owns the aircraft today.

Doc in the Mojave Desert (1987)

Doc being towed (1998)

Our group got control of it in the year 2000. Broke it into seven big pieces, trucked it to Wichita, said Novak.

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SCHEDULE OF EVENTS: Whos performing at the Wings Over West Texas airshow?

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A massive transportation effort saw the aircraft disassembled and taken back to Wichita, Kansas on flat bed trucks. Now sitting just a few hundred feet from the site it was constructed, Doc was ready for restoration. Docs Friends spent the next 16 years getting the historic plane airworthy once more and in 2016 it took its first flight in over 60 years.

I tell everybody that flying the airplane is like driving a pickup truck on a gravel road. Novak said.

As Chief Pilot, Novak has had the pleasure of flying Doc to airshow after airshow in cities across the country. He makes up a crew of 6 that it takes to operate the plane. While it is a large task to bring such an old plane to the skies, Novak says the educational and historical benefit of their operation far outweighs any difficulty.

If this airplane was sitting in a museum. My thing I like to say is 1/10th of 1 percent would come to a museum to see itOur mantra is, we want to honor the men who flew them the women who built them. We want to educate. And we also want to connect with the next generation.

Doc will be overhead for the Dyess Air Force Base Air Show on Saturday, April 19, and Sunday, April 20. Novak shared that private flight opportunities are now available for purchase on the Docs Friends website. Local availabilities are scheduled for Thursday, April 17, and Monday, April 21. Proceeds from private flights support the maintenance and operation of the plane and the non-profit organization that owns it.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KTAB - BigCountryHomepage.com.
HOLYOKE  Holyoke Police arrested three people and seized three firearms and fentanyl believed to be for sale during an investigation over the weekend of April 4-6.

On April 4 around 3 p.m., Officers Gabriel Perez and Justo Pagan responded to a disturbance at the Holyoke Mall, Police Chief Brian Keenan said Wednesday.

According to Keenan, Joshua Acevedo and Nexon Rios fled from the officers but were arrested outside the mall by Lt. Michael McMahon and Perez.

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The suspects allegedly stole a victims phone and cash during a fight. The victim was brought to Holyoke Medical Center with injuries and the stolen items were recovered, police said.

The suspects vehicle was towed pending a search warrant. On April 5, officers executed the warrant and found a gun loaded with 14 rounds of ammunition.

Further investigation led to a search warrant for Gabriel Del Valles home on Walnut Street. On April 6, officers arrested Del Valle and found a loaded gun in his sweatshirt, Keenan said.

A search of his home revealed another loaded gun, 15 grams of suspected fentanyl and 23 fentanyl pills, police said. The gun was reported stolen from Baltimore, Maryland.

Acevedo has prior convictions for gun possession and assault. Del Valle, Acevedo, and Rios face multiple charges, including gun possession, fentanyl trafficking and robbery, police said.
TALLAHASSEE  The much-anticipated first public meeting of the Hope Florida Foundation board was abruptly suspended about 40 minutes after it started Thursday when participants screens were filled with images of swastikas, racial slurs and pornography.

Technicians tried unsuccessfully to stop the shocking images that flashed across the Zoom feed, causing some audience members to gasp, before Chair Joshua Hay called for a recess.

The Department of Children and Families, which hosted the meeting, said the feed was hacked and law enforcement was called to investigate. The meeting resumed at 4 p.m., with the board approving a slew of documents that were long overdue.

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Board attorney Jeff Aaron assured the board members that before those documents were approved they were still a legitimate foundation and their prior actions were valid.

It was a bumpy premiere for the Hope Florida Foundation  affiliated with the passion project of First Lady Casey DeSantis  which has been under fire in recent weeks, facing claims it illegally funneled money to a political action committee and scrutiny for failing to file tax forms, hold public meetings or adopt policies required by non-profit organizations.

It was the foundations first public meeting since its inception. The foundation held three previous meetings but they were not publicly noticed, as the law requires. And minutes were only taken for the October meeting where the board approved giving the now controversial $10 million donation that was part of a settlement with Centene, the states largest Medicaid contractor, to two nonprofits.

Shortly after receiving those grant funds, those two nonprofits donated a combined $8.5 million to a political committee set up for Gov. Ron DeSantis by Attorney General James Uthmeier, then the governors chief of staff. The political committee was fighting passage of the 2024 ballot initiative that aimed to make recreational marijuana legal but failed in Novembers election.

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Republican leaders in the Florida House have claimed that taking $10 million from a Medicaid settlement and giving it to a political committee appears to be a crime as it diverted federal funds that should have helped Floridians obtain health care.

Rep. Alex Andrade, R-Pensacola, chairs the House Health Care Budget Subcommittee that has been probing the donation, which was part of a $67 settlement with Centene over pharmacy overpayments to the state. He said Uthmeier orchestrated the transfer of those funds and Thursday, before the meeting ended, he told the board it should figure out how to get the money back, warning that is nonprofit status was in jeopardy.

From what I can tell, 80% of all the funds the foundation has received or dispensed found their way into a political committee, Andrade said. A fraud was committed on yall  I strongly urge you to consider recouping those funds, or fall afoul of IRS requirements for maintaining your status.

Uthmeier has denied any wrongdoing.

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The board agreed to have outside counsel help them determine if their actions were legal and if they should try to get that money back. They voted to reconvene in a month and continue to meet monthly until they straightened out all their issues.

Charitable organizations like the Hope Florida Foundation are prohibited by federal law from engaging in political activities.

The foundation is the charity arm of the DCF but also supports Hope Florida, a referral service that aims to get Floridians help from private charities and off government welfare programs. It was spearheaded by Casey DeSantis and viewed as a potential centerpiece of her possible run for governor.

But in recent weeks Hope Florida has become the subject of legislators criticism and media attention regarding its unproven track record and seemingly loose record-keeping.

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Once it reconvened, the board discussed the donation, its delinquent tax returns and its failure to produce an annual budget and audit and maintain other records required by law.

Ahead of the meeting, it released a draft of its 2023 tax return, posting it on the DCF and Hope Florida websites. The return shows $867,000 was raised and only $40,000 distributed that year as grants to four nonprofits, including a pregnancy crisis center in Lake City.

Its donors included Centene, the Medicaid contractor, which gave $95,223 to the charity. Records show Centene donated $3.5 million over the years to Republican party political committees and candidates in Florida.

Other big political donors also turned up as donors to the Hope Florida Foundation, among them Tampa Electric Company and the St. Joe Company.

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Hay said the foundation had raised a total of $2 million and distributed $500,000 prior to the $10 million donation in the fall of 2024, a period not covered by the newly disclosed tax return.

Before the board got down to business, it invited public comment, as required by the states open meeting law.

Most of those who spoke praised Hope Florida and said there was nothing wrong with it receiving the $10 million donation or giving it to nonprofits that help people stay off drugs.

Some repeated the points made in an op-ed piece by former Supreme Court Justice Alan Lawson, posted on the Florida Politics website, that defended Uthmeier.

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Lawson has defended the DeSantis administration in numerous lawsuits, including a battle over Disney Worlds special improvement district and a suit against state agencies running TV spots about the dangers of marijuana.

The first item of business Thursday was the announced resignation of board member Jake Farmer, a longtime lobbyist for Walgreens, the national pharmacy chain. The Department of Children and Families immediately nominated Winter Park investment advisor Wendy Nissan to replace Farmer and the board unanimously ratified her appointment.

Nissan and her husband have donated more than $8,000 to the Republican Party of Florida, DeSantis and other GOP candidates.
Joshua Hay, President of the Hope Florida Foundation Inc. (Screenshot from Florida Channel)

A top Florida Republican warned Thursday that the Hope Florida Foundation could lose its tax exempt status if two $5 million payments the foundation made to other nonprofit groups wound up with a political committee opposing legalization of marijuana.

Rep. Alex Andrade made the remarks to board members during a virtual meeting Thursday. He also said he was glad the foundation board was addressing its delinquent paperwork, including making its IRS form 990 available for the public to review.

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But going forward right now, the circumstances, 80% of all the funds youve received, more than that, that youve dispensed, were used for political purposes, and I believe that will jeopardize your 501C3 status if you as the board do not take the proper steps to recoup those funds, the Pensacola legislator said.

Andrades warning came during a rancorous public comment portion of the meeting in which people on the chat broadcast Nazi symbols, racial slurs and pornography. Unable to control the flow of images or sounds being shared, the foundation board agreed to recess. The board was scheduled to reconvene late Thursday.

The board posted a link on its website apologizing for the disruption and said the Department of Children and Families was actively working with law enforcement on the incident.

Following the abbreviated meeting, Florida Democratic Party Chair Nikki Fried called on the Department of Justice to investigate. She also urged Jack Campbell, the state attorney for the Tallahassee area, who is a Democrat, to do the same.

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I do think that its appropriate for Jack Campbell to start looking into some of these actions, Fried said in a virtual press conference with reporters, adding that she had not personally spoken to him about it.

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State Rep. Alex Andrade (photo via FL House of Representatives.)

I believe that will jeopardize your 501C3 status if you as the board do not take the proper steps to recoup those funds.

 Rep. Alex Andrade

Hope Florida is an initiative launched by First Lady Casey DeSantis to help steer people off public assistance programs using state agency staff. Hope Florida Foundation is a not-for-profit direct support organization for the Department of Children and Families, which helps to administer the Hope Florida program.

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Hope Florida Foundations finances have come under scrutiny following a Miami Herald/Tampa Bay Times report that it paid $5 million apiece to two organizations that then contributed to Keep Florida Clean, a political committee that worked to defeat a proposed constitutional amendment to legalize marijuana.

The $10 million payment to the two groups mirrors the amount the Hope Florida Foundation received from health care giant Centene as part of a settlement regarding overpayment of Medicaid pharmacy benefits and services.

Gov. Ron DeSantis has cried foul, accusing the House of working with the liberal media to smear the first ladys reputation as she potentially prepares for a gubernatorial run to replace her husband, who is being forced out of office due to term limits.

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Leading the financial review in the House is Andrade, who has held two meetings over the last two weeks with high ranking Hope Florida officials and agency heads.

More Hope Florida resignations

Hope Florida Foundation president Joshua Hay kicked off Thursdays meeting by announcing that Jake Farmer, a registered lobbyist for Walgreens Co., had resigned from the board of directors.

Hay did not disclose when Farmer resigned and the Department of Children and Families didnt immediately respond to Florida Phoenixs request for his resignation letter. Farmer did not return Florida Phoenixs phone call asking about his resignation.

Hay announced that Wendy Nissan had been appointed to the board of directors.

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The meeting was interrupted before the board could publicly discuss its IRS 990.

The form shows that two state-contracted Medicaid managed care plans that were vying for lucrative new contracts made contributions to the Hope Florida Foundation. The contracts are the largest of their kind for the state and, according to the House of Representatives, the managed care plans will be paid $143 billion over the next six years to provide health care to the states poor, elderly, and disabled who rely on Medicaid for their health care.

The tax form shows that the Hope Florida Foundation received contributions from Simply Healthcare Plans and Centene of $98,408 and $95,223, respectively.

The state Agency for Health Care Administration has announced plans to award new contracts in April and a second round of announcements in July. The decisions expanded statewide Simply Healthcares footprint in the Medicaid managed care marketplace. The new contracts contain a requirement for the plans to work with the Hope Florida program and report information about their members to Hope Florida.

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The IRS 990 form doesnt list the dates contributions were made, only the time frame.

Headline-grabbing week

The board meeting capped a week of headlines for the foundation, a direct service organization for the Department of Children and Families as well as the Hope Florida program.

Hope Florida executive director Erik Dellenback is stepping down from his post as well as his position as chair of the Florida Faith and Community Advisory Council. Dellenbacks resignation was submitted in March and takes effect in May.

Dellenback, though, did not mention his resignation during a lengthy House budget committee meeting in which he testified along with Hay and Department of Children and Families Secretary Taylor Hatch. The resignation was first reported following the meeting.

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Hay was accompanied by his own attorney at the House meeting. During his sworn testimony, Hay acknowledged that the Hope Florida Foundation had made mistakes by not filing its required paperwork. He also testified that hes been working with Tallahassee attorney Mohammad Jazil on completing the paperwork.

Jazil, who frequently represents state agencies and advises Keep Florida Clean, was recommended to him by attorney Jeff Aaron, Hay told the House committee. Aaron is a Republican attorney who successfully defended the governor in the lawsuit filed by suspended Hillsborough County State Attorney Andrew Warren.

Jeff Aaron connected you with Mohammad Jazil, the attorney for Keep Florida Clean, to help Hope Floridas foundation in complying with the paperwork, to retroactively justify this payment. Is that what I am hearing right now? Members, I am sorry, I am a little flabbergasted at this revelation, Andrade said at the meeting.

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TAMPA, Fla. (WFLA)  President Donald Trump gave remarks on the shooting at Florida State University Thursday.

Ive been briefed on the Florida State University, Tallahassee, active shooting. I guess its an active shooter, the president said, during an Oval Office meeting with Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni on Thursday.

Fully briefed as to where we are right now, he added. Its a shame. Horrible thing. Horrible that things like this take place. And well have more to say about it later, Trump said.

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VIDEO: Students flee from active shooter at Florida State University

At least six people were transported for treatment at a Tallahassee hospital after an active shooter alert was issued at FSU on Thursday.

A suspect was reportedly taken into custody on Thursday afternoon, according to a source for the Associated Press.

FSU first issued an active shooter alert midday on Thursday, after which ambulances, fire trucks and patrol vehicles from multiple law enforcement agencies raced toward the campus that sits just west of Floridas state capital. The shooting was reported in the schools student union, with officials telling students and those in the immediate area of the campus to shelter in place.

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Hundreds of students streamed away from the direction of the student union. Students were glued to their phones, some visibly emotional, while others hugged each other. Dozens gathered near the music school waiting for news.

People comfort each other on Florida State Universitys campus in Tallahassee, where law enforcement responded to a reported active shooter incident Thursday, April 17, 2025. (AP Photo/Kate Payne) Florida State University students wait for news amid an active shooter incident at the schools campus in Tallahassee, Fla., Thursday, April 17, 2025 (AP Photo/Kate Payne) Florida State University students wait for news amid an active shooter incident at the schools campus in Tallahassee, Fla., Thursday, April 17, 2025 (AP Photo/Kate Payne)

Other government officials have also expressed their support for the victims amid an investigation.

Our prayers are with our FSU family, and state law enforcement is actively responding, Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis said.

My office has already been in contact with school leadership about the tragic reporting on FSUs campus, added Sen. Ashley Moody. I am praying for the safety of the students, faculty and all first responders involved.

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The Associated Press contributed to this report.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to Queen City News.
President Trump called the Florida State University shooting "a shame" during a bilateral meeting with Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni.
Editors note: This story has been updated to clarify that Gov. McMaster has been asked to call for an outside investigation into the SLED file in the shooting case.

HORRY COUNTY, S.C. (WBTW)  Horry County Council Chair Johnny Gardner asked South Carolina Gov. Henry McMaster on Thursday to call for an outside investigation into the SLED case involving a deadly 2023 road rage shooting.

In a separate letter also dated Thursday, Horry County administrator Barry Spivey asked SLED Chief Mark Keel to reopen the investigation, as there are concerns about whether SLED has been the lead investigative agency.

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Horry County Police Chief Kris Leonhardt on March 13 asked the FBI and the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division to review evidence in the death of Scott Spivey, who was shot and killed by North Myrtle Beach businessman Weldon Boyd in the Camp Swamp Road area.

Now-former Horry County Deputy Chief of Police Brandon Strickland resigned last month amid the investigation. Records show he had been with the department since 2005.

SLED spokesperson Renee Wunderlich said in March that the agency was not reopening the investigation into his death.

We have the ultimate respect and trust for Horry County Police Department and 15th Circuit Solicitors Office, Gardner wrote. However, in this investigation, our solicitor and police department felt there was an apparent conflict of interest with the shooter. Therefore, the matter was referred to SLED, who we also have the utmost respect and trust for, asking them to investigate. We agree with that decision.

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However, Gardner said in his letter on Thursday that county officials learned recently that SLED is now maintaining the position that they have not been the lead investigating agency on this case.

This concerns us because we still have the apparent conflict of interest and we are of the opinion that HCPD should not investigate the case, Gardner wrote.

Spivey, in his letter to Keel, asked the agency to reopen the investigation and take over as the lead agency as a conflict of interest still exists with HCPD.

Yesterday, it was brought to my attention by Captain Glenn Woods that SLED has indicated it does not consider itself to be the primary investigative authority and lead agency in the Scott Spivey shooting investigation, Spivey wrote. If clarification of that position is warranted, and available, I welcome further investigation to that end.

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An Horry County police report showed Spivey had allegedly initiated the Sept. 9 shooting before he was killed.

However, about a week later, 15th Circuit Solicitor Jimmy Richardson asked the South Carolina Attorney Generals Office to review the shooting after Boyd, who owns Buoys on the Boulevard, posted a thank you message on Facebook shortly after the shooting.

The South Carolina Attorney Generals Office in April 2024 declined to prosecute Boyd due to insufficient evidence. Spiveys family two months later sued Boyd.

* * *

Dennis Bright is the Digital Executive Producer at News13. He joined the team in May 2021. Dennis is a West Virginia native and a graduate of Marshall University in Huntington, West Virginia. Follow Dennis on Facebook, X, formerly Twitter, and read more of his work here.

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PHNOM PENH, April 17 (Xinhua) -- Chinese President Xi Jinping on Thursday published a signed article titled "Together We Strive, Together We Thrive: Toward a Stable and Sustainable China-Cambodia Community with a Shared Future in the New Era" in Cambodian media outlets Khmer Times, Jian Hua Daily and Fresh News ahead of his arrival in Cambodia for a state visit.

The following is the full text of the article:

Together We Strive, Together We Thrive: Toward a Stable and Sustainable China-Cambodia Community with a Shared Future in the New Era

H.E. Xi Jinping

President of the People's Republic of China

For Cambodian press

I am very happy to visit Cambodia on the occasion of the Khmer New Year. For me, it feels like going to the home of a good friend. I wish to extend my warmest New Year greetings to our brothers and sisters in Cambodia. This is my second visit to your country in nine years. I sincerely hope this visit will spearhead progress in building a China-Cambodia community with a shared future.

Our community with a shared future is deeply rooted in the historic legacy of good-neighborly relations. Thanks to our geographical proximity, our friendly exchange spans two millennia of our shared history. During China's Tang Dynasty, members of Chenla's royal family visited China's then capital city of Chang'an, where they were warmly received as Binhan, meaning "guest of honor." In the following centuries, the ties between the two nations grew ever stronger and closer. Chinese ceramics and lacquerware were shipped to Cambodia via the Maritime Silk Road, while Cambodian spices, raw silk and other specialty products were highly popular among Chinese people, as evidenced by the Bayon Temple bas-reliefs, which capture the vibrant trade that flourished between the two countries in history. Many renowned Cambodian monks travelled to China to spread Buddhist teachings and scriptures. The Customs of Cambodia, a book written by Chinese diplomat Zhou Daguan of the Yuan Dynasty, is an important literature for studies of Cambodian history. The great Chinese and Khmer civilizations have flourished together, inspiring each other through centuries.

Our community with a shared future is defined by our mutual commitment to friendship and righteousness. The friendship was forged by His Majesty Samdech Preah Norodom Sihanouk and Chairman Mao Zedong, Premier Zhou Enlai, among the elder generations of Chinese leaders. Seventy years ago, His Majesty Samdech Preah Sihanouk and Premier Zhou met at the Bandung Conference and immediately bonded like old friends. Defying all odds, Cambodia established diplomatic relations with the People's Republic of China in 1958. China stood steadfastly with Cambodia in its just struggle against foreign invasion and for national sovereignty and independence. Together, the two countries have shared the rough times and the smooth and consistently supported each other in times of need. His Majesty Samdech Preah Sihanouk lived in China for nearly 40 years, embracing China as his home away from home. He had written and composed many songs in tribute to the China-Cambodia friendship, such as Nostalgia of China. His songs are still widely sung today. His Majesty King Norodom Sihamoni and Her Majesty Queen Mother Norodom Monineath Sihanouk visit China almost every year. We have met many times, sharing warm conversations about our families and life. In 2020, I presented Her Majesty Queen Mother Norodom Monineath Sihanouk with the Friendship Medal of the People's Republic of China. This deeply meaningful medal embodies the profound friendship of the Chinese people toward the people of Cambodia. Upon the outbreak of COVID-19, the pandemic of the century, the then Prime Minister Samdech Techo Hun Sen braved the snow and wind to visit Beijing. China dispatched medical teams to provide emergency assistance to Cambodia. The two countries provided each other with a large amount of medical supplies. In the face of complex regional and international developments, we support each other in safeguarding our respective core interests, and work together to uphold international fairness and justice. Our two nations have forged an ironclad friendship.

Our community with a shared future is powered by equality and mutual benefit. For many years, China has been Cambodia's largest trading partner and largest source of investment, and our industrial and supply chain cooperation has continued to deepen. Thanks to the China-Cambodia free trade agreement, premium agricultural products from Cambodia, including banana, mango and longan, are finding their way into Chinese households. The Sihanoukville Special Economic Zone, developed through China-Cambodia cooperation, has drawn more than 200 international companies to establish operations, laying a solid groundwork for Cambodia's industrial modernization. China-supported infrastructure projects, such as Cambodia's first expressway, first viaduct across a river valley, largest power plant and largest stadium, have brought the Cambodian people tangible benefits and strongly bolstered the long-term development of the country. Chinese experts have helped formulate Cambodia's modern agricultural development plans on the basis of their extensive field trips in the country. The China-Cambodia Diamond Hexagon cooperation has boosted Cambodia's development.

Our community with a shared future is founded upon inclusiveness and mutual learning. Over the past 30 years, China has sent many experts across diverse fields -- including archaeology, geological exploration, cultural heritage, history, architecture and the arts -- who have dedicated themselves to the restoration of Chau Say Tevoda Temple, Ta Keo Temple and the ancient Royal Palace of Angkor. They have helped bring renewed splendor to the Angkor legacy, a gem of human civilizations. More and more Chinese tourists are travelling to Cambodia to experience its rich history and culture while more and more Cambodian friends are learning Chinese to better appreciate the charm of the time-honored Chinese civilization and understand Chinese modernization. Over the years, with Chinese assistance, a number of friendship roads have been built and clean water-pumping wells drilled to improve the well-being of local people. The project of the China-Cambodia Friendship Poverty Alleviation Demonstration Village is completed. Thanks to the treatment by traditional Chinese medicine teams, a hearing-impaired girl articulated "Mama" for the first time, and a wheelchair user got back on his feet.

For nearly half a century, Asia has enjoyed overall peace and stability and rapid economic growth, creating the Asian miracle in the history of global development. As changes unseen in a century accelerate, Asia now stands at a new starting point of collective rise. Consistently following the principle of amity, sincerity, mutual benefit and inclusiveness and the policy of developing friendship and partnership with neighboring countries, China will deepen friendship and cooperation with them, extend the benefits of Chinese modernization to them, and work with them to jointly uphold regional peace and stability and to advance modernization in Asia.

As important members of the big Asian family, China and Cambodia must ride the tide of history and heed our people's aspirations. We must strive together and thrive together. We must act as pioneers and pacesetters in translating the Global Development Initiative, the Global Security Initiative and the Global Civilization Initiative from vision into reality. We must work together to promote the steady and sustained progress in building the China-Cambodia community with a shared future in the new era.

-- Let us bring our mutual political trust to a higher level. We should maintain frequent high-level exchanges and draw up a strategic blueprint for the China-Cambodia community with a shared future in the new era. China firmly supports Cambodia in independently choosing a development path that suits its own conditions, in safeguarding its national sovereignty, independence and territorial integrity, and in playing a greater role on the international stage. To jointly safeguard our political security, we should strengthen communication on matters of strategic importance such as foreign policy and national defense, and resolutely oppose any attempts by external forces to interfere in our internal affairs, sow discord or undermine China-Cambodia friendship.

-- Let us expand our mutually beneficial cooperation of higher quality. We must prioritize development and keep people at the center. To advance modernization in both countries, we should maximize the role of the China-Cambodia Intergovernmental Coordination Committee, forge greater synergy between the Belt and Road Initiative and the Pentagonal Strategy, and advance the development of the Industrial and Technological Corridor and the Fish and Rice Corridor. We should also jointly safeguard the multilateral trading system, advance industrial and supply chain cooperation, enhance cooperation in advanced manufacturing, green development, digital economy and other areas, and make the Diamond Hexagon cooperation shine better and stronger.

-- Let us work together to ensure greater security. To foster a secure environment for our respective development, we should strengthen exchange and cooperation in combating external interference and separatist activities. We must guard against and resist "color revolutions," strengthen joint exercises and training, emergency management and security cooperation on major Belt and Road projects, and crack down on telecom and cyber fraud and other criminal activities. We must stay committed to the vision of common, comprehensive, cooperative and sustainable security, build consensus on security concepts and approaches, and jointly promote peace and tranquility in the region and the world at large.

-- Let us have more frequent people-to-people exchanges. We should uphold solidarity and harmony, have more cultural dialogues, increase experience sharing on state governance, expand diverse forms of cooperation in areas of culture, tourism, youth exchange and protection and restoration of cultural heritages, and promote people-to-people connectivity. We must champion the Asian values and humanity's common values.

-- Let us strengthen strategic coordination of higher standards. We should draw wisdom from the Five Principles of Peaceful Coexistence and the Bandung Spirit, move faster to build a community with a shared future of peace and prosperity among Lancang-Mekong countries, and work together toward a peaceful, safe and secure, prosperous, beautiful, amicable and harmonious Asian home. Together we must stand against hegemonism, power politics and camp-based confrontation, and defend the shared interests of our two countries and other developing countries. We should advocate an equal and orderly multipolar world and a universally beneficial and inclusive economic globalization, endeavor to safeguard world peace and stability and international fairness and justice, jointly oppose protectionism, and defend an international environment of openness and cooperation.

As a Chinese verse goes, "True friendship, like refined gold, withstands all tests of time." I firmly believe that with our joint efforts, the China-Cambodia ironclad friendship, which has been tempered through trials of time and storms of adversity, will stay true to its original purpose. China will work with Cambodia to safeguard peace, pursue development and achieve shared prosperity, to make solid progress in building the China-Cambodia community with a shared future in the new era, and to bring greater stability and certainty to this turbulent world. 
Residents complain that new construction in older neighborhoods like this one in Southeast Raleigh drive up taxes and make homes unaffordable. (Photo: Courtesy of Anthony Pope)

A bill directing a study of current property North Carolina tax relief programs for disabled veterans and elderly and disabled homeowners received unanimous support in the House on Wednesday.

House Bil 432 directs the Revenue Law Study Committee to study options to enhance such programs and to consider other tax reforms to reduce property tax burdens for low-income elderly and disabled residents and disabled veterans.

Rep. Brian Echevarria (Photo: NC General Assembly)

This is a study bill and the reason we need this study bill is because other states have done things to protect their homeowners that I think we can follow, said Rep. Brian Echevarria (R-Cabarrus), a bill cosponsor. We have some states that have 100% property tax exclusions for veterans. They have better exclusions for the elderly and disabled.

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Big concerns, Echevarria said, are rising taxes and property tax revaluations, which are making it difficult for residents on fixed incomes to remain in their homes. Cabarrus County has been decimated by property revaluations and tax increases, he said.

Im sure that Im not the only one who has received phone calls from the elderly, from the disabled, those on fixed incomes who simply dont know how theyre going to keep up with increasing property taxes, Echevarria said.

Several Democrats spoke in support of HB 432, including Rep. Abe Jones (D-Wake) who said he 100% backs the tax relief study.

Ive been worried about older people in my communities  [who] might eventually lose their homes because the property taxes are going up and up and up and their income is fixed, Jones said. Im sure theres nobody in here doesnt know anybody like that.

Rep. Carla Cunningham (Photo: NC General Assembly)

Rep. Carla Cunningham (D-Mecklenburg) noted that several bills have been introduced to provide tax relief for veterans and elderly and disabled North Carolinians. More must be done to keep veterans in the state and to encourage those from the state to return home after separating from the military, she said.

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I do know that we want to move forward to assist the veterans in the State of North Carolina not to leave North Carolina but to come home to North Carolina after they have served and that we should be assisting in any way that we can for them to come back home, Cunningham said.

She noted that in South Carolina, veterans who are totally or permanently disabled from wartime may receive a property tax exemption on their home.

Rep. Marcia Morey (D-Durham) said the bill is vastly improved compared to previous versions but reminded colleagues that property taxes pay for essential services such as public schools.

Rep. Marcia Morey (Photo: NC General Assembly)

They [property taxes] are not a regressive tax like a sales tax and I dont want to see a study go into a shift of tax consequences that are more regressive on the poor that they are on the rich, Morey said.

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She asked if bill sponsors had sought input from the NC Association of County Commissioners and the NC League of Municipalities and whether the groups support the bill.

Echevarria said he hadnt received input from either organization.

North Carolina currently offers three property tax relief programs for qualified homeowners that are administered by counties:
NEW YORK  The House Committee on Education and the Workforce is calling for an investigation into improper financial practices by the union 1199SEIU United Healthcare Workers East, citing recent reporting by POLITICO.

In a letter Thursday to a top federal labor official, committee Chair Tim Walberg (R-Mich.) expressed concern about numerous troubling allegations detailed in POLITICOs investigation, which found union President George Gresham has for years used the organizations funds to benefit himself, his family and political allies.

These allegations regarding 1199SEIUs expenditures on lavish travel, nepotistic arrangements, unexplained payouts to political allies, and concerts or events that do not benefit rank-and-file members, raise serious questions about whether the union and its officers have violated the law, Walberg wrote in the letter to Office of Labor-Management Standards Director Elisabeth Messenger.

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The nine-month investigation drew on the unions self-reported financial disclosures to the U.S. Department of Labor, as well as interviews with more than 20 current and former employees, internal records reviewed by POLITICO and public social media posts.

A Labor Department spokesperson previously told POLITICO that the Office of Labor-Management Standards does not confirm or deny the existence of ongoing investigations, but is aware of the recent reporting on 1199SEIU.

The attention from Congress deepens pressure on the unions top officers to explain its use of funds, which come from monthly dues payments by 450,000 health care workers across five East Coast states. Those members are in the process of voting by mail in the unions first competitive leadership election since 1989, and the slate running to oust Gresham cites his financial stewardship as a key reason why he should not be reelected. Ballots are due by April 30.

After POLITICO published its investigation last week, Gresham claimed in a written statement that the unions fiscal officers and general counsel had refuted the articles allegations, but said he plans to recommend an independent review.

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As the President of 1199SEIU, who is honored to represent the most essential workers in our nation, I take very seriously any claims about the abuse of their resources, Gresham said in the statement. Im confident that this [review] will demonstrate the integrity with which we have always managed the resources entrusted to us by our remarkable members.

Union spokesperson Bryn Lloyd-Bollard, who is running to be an officer on Greshams slate, said fiscal staffers are in the process of arranging an independent audit. He did not respond to questions about who would conduct the independent review and what it would cover.

A group of 13 union officers  all of whom are running on the slate to oust Gresham and his allies  chided him last week for refusing to meet with staff to discuss the allegations of financial improprieties, according to an email shared with POLITICO.

As current officers of 1199SEIU, we are committed to ensuring that our members receive real answers, the Members First Unity Slate wrote in a statement to POLITICO. Transparency and accountability are non-negotiable  our members deserve nothing less.

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Hundreds of union employees joined a virtual staff meeting Thursday to discuss the reporting and how to answer members questions. Gresham and his second-in-command  Secretary-Treasurer Milly Silva  were invited but did not participate, according to two people who attended, who were granted anonymity to avoid reprisal for speaking publicly.

The call drew more than 500 staffers, even though employees in one large department were told by their supervisor that there was no staff meeting because George or Milly have not called for one, according to one of the attendees and an email reviewed by POLITICO.

It was spearheaded by senior executive vice president Yvonne Armstrong, who oversees the unions long-term care division and is challenging Gresham for the presidency.

The unions executive council  its highest governing body  was scheduled to meet the following day. The night before, a union administrator sent an emailed notice that the meeting was canceled but provided no explanation, according to a copy reviewed by POLITICO.

Lloyd-Bollard, the union spokesperson, did not respond to questions about the cancellation of the executive council meeting.

Lawrence Ukenye contributed to this report.
Rep. Delia Ramirez (D-Ill.) has requested a congressional delegation to visit a prison in El Salvador where the Trump administration has sent numerous people it has deported.

In a Wednesday letter addressed to House Homeland Security Committee Chair Rep. Mark Green (R-Tenn.), Ramirez asked that the House Committee on Homeland Security authorize a Congressional Member Delegation (CODEL) to conduct an oversight visit to the Centro de Confinamiento del Terrorismo (CECOT) in Tecoluca, El Salvador.

In the first few months of President Trumps second presidency, his administration has sent hundreds of people to the Salvadoran maximum-security prison CECOT.

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Given that the Administrations use of CECOT for illegal and unconstitutional deportations is rife with administrative errors and many of those who have been deported to CECOT are not, in fact, violent criminals, as a Member of the House Committee on Homeland Security Committee, I urgently request a CODEL to conduct oversight of CECOT. Thank you for the consideration of this request, Ramirez wrote in her letter, which Axios first obtained.

The story of one of the deportees sent to CECOT, a wrongfully deported Maryland man named Kilmar Abrego Garcia, has made particularly strong political waves in Washington, D.C.

Sen. Chris Murphy (D-Conn.), a rising star among Democrats, called Abrego Garcias case the constitutional crisis in a video posted Tuesday on the social platform X. In the video, Murphy argued that Abrego Garcia should not have been deported because he was previously given protected status by a U.S. court.

Donald Trump ignored that court order and deported him, Murphy said in the video. It was such a brazen violation of the law that the Supreme Court weighed in  in a rare 9-0 ruling, the Supreme Court said that Trump had to bring this individual back to the United States, but he still didnt do it. This is the constitutional crisis.

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The Hill has reached out to Greens office for comment.

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A routine gesture of remembrance devolved into an ugly brawl on the Texas House floor Thursday, as hardline Republicans successfully blocked a memorial resolution honoring Cecile Richards, former president of Planned Parenthood and a Texas native. Richards died earlier this year.

Normally, memorial resolutions to honor Texans who have died are passed without controversy. They are usually the Houses quietest business: a list of names read aloud, a gavel strike, no partisan debate. But the resolution for Richards sparked a cascade of outrage from conservatives who accused their colleagues of honoring a woman who perpetrated the murder of children.

After a morning of protest and delays, Republicans appear to have won, for now. After a lengthy debate, the resolutions were being pulled from consideration for the day effectively torpedoing the entire slate of memorials, which included tributes to U.S. Rep. Sheila Jackson Lee, a Democrat from Houston who died last year from pancreatic cancer, and Jill Glover, a local conservative activist who died last year from cancer. The calendar was withdrawn and returned to committee.

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WE WON! Rep. Nate Schatzline, a Republican from Fort Worth, posted on X, formerly Twitter. Texas will never honor those who mass murder our unborn children!

The debate began earlier in the morning when a knot of conservative lawmakers stood at the back, while others took the mic to interrogate Speaker Dustin Burrows.

Do you, as speaker, believe its appropriate that on Easter weekend were honoring Cecile Richards, former president of Planned Parenthood? asked Rep. Brian Harrison, a Republican from Midlothian.

Rep. Wes Virdell, R-Brady, chimed in and asked the speaker, Is it standard procedure to honor people who have killed millions of unborn babies?

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Rep. Mitch Little, R-Lewisville, urged his Republican colleagues not to drink a little bit of poison.

A hand-drawn sign reading FOR JILL referring to Glover, also memorialized that day, was raised in the background.

Emotions were high. Rep. Keresa Richardson, R-McKinney, wept behind the podium.

Rep. Ramon Romero Jr., D-Fort Worth, sang Las Mananitas, the Spanish Happy Birthday song thats typically also sung to mothers on Mexican mother's day.

We're going to disagree on a lot of things. ... But if somebody meant something to you or to me, the tradition of this house is that we honor those persons, whether we agree with that person's life or not," he said.

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Rep. Donna Howard, the Democrat from Austin who brought forward the resolution, gave a heartfelt speech honoring Cecile Richards, describing her as a dedicated advocate who worked to ensure equal access to education and affordable health care.

Howard noted that Richards was known for her tenacity, grit, wisdom and heart and that she made a positive impact on the state and nation. She added that due to online controversy, the Richards family chose not to attend the memorial resolution.

"We all deserve the opportunity to come before this chamber to recognize, celebrate our constituents and know that we and they will be met with the utmost respect. That is what I expected when I filed HR 236," she said. "The Richards family was denied that opportunity."

Rep. Ann Johnson, D-Houston, tried to restore order. This is supposed to be the least political thing we do today, she said.

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But politics flooded every corner of the chamber.

Rep. Terry Canales, D-Edinburg, dryly noted, Are you aware that by having spent the amount of time that you've spent up there, you've actually honored Cecile? and smirked after his comment, which got some claps and cheers.

Richards was the daughter of former Texas Gov. Ann Richards. Before leading Planned Parenthood, she worked as a labor organizer and founded America Votes, a coalition of progressive grassroots organizations that register, educate and turn out voters. When she stepped down from Planned Parenthood in 2018, she co-founded Supermajority, a group working to get more women into Democratic politics. She died from brain cancer in January.

One of my life goals is to haunt Texas politicians the way Cecile Richards does, said Shellie Hayes-McMahon, executive director of Planned Parenthood Texas Votes. They can try to erase her, but her vision and impact on the state of Texas will outlive their petty political games.

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It remains unclear when the memorial calendar will return  and whether Richards' name will be on it.

Renzo Downey and Eleanor Klibanoff contributed to this reporting.

Disclosure: Planned Parenthood has been a financial supporter of The Texas Tribune, a nonprofit, nonpartisan news organization that is funded in part by donations from members, foundations and corporate sponsors. Financial supporters play no role in the Tribune's journalism. Find a complete list of them here.

Tickets are on sale now for the 15th annual Texas Tribune Festival, Texas breakout ideas and politics event happening Nov. 1315 in downtown Austin. Get tickets before May 1 and save big! TribFest 2025 is presented by JPMorganChase.
The owner of a Highland lodge has gone on trial accused of making a woman scared and nervous by his sexual advances.

Kevin Booth, 65, a horse racing tipster, allegedly hired a female housekeeper to cut weeds and give him regular massages. On one occasion, Mr Booth is accused of offering her an extra payment to spank him.

Mr Booth is accused at Wick sheriff court of directing sexual communication towards the woman, who is now 40.

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The alleged offences are said to have taken place at Booths home in Lochdhu Lodge, Altnabreac, Halkirk, where he lived with his wife and young child, between August 8, 2022 and December 9, 2022.

On Thursday, the court heard that the woman, who cannot be named for legal reasons, found a job through a Facebook group and her contract included cutting weeds and providing massages to Mr Booth.

She was driven several hundred miles to Booths home by her husband, and said she could not leave as she did not know where in Scotland she was and could not drive.

Giving evidence with the assistance of an interpreter over a video link from overseas, the woman told the court she was surprised Booth was naked for the massages except for a towel covering his private parts.

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She said Booth spoke to her after the massages, which took place either in his office or a private room, and would give her a rating for them, saying they were normally seven out of 10, but sometimes eight out of 10.

The woman said that after one of the massages Booth offered her an extra payment to spank him.

On another occasion, she said, he offered her additional money if there was a happy ending, and that he explained it to her when she asked him what it meant.

She said she refused these requests, telling him at one point that she had children, and adding she had not done anything to suggest she was interested in discussing these kinds of things.

I am actually afraid

She also said that at one point, the towel with which Booth covered himself during massages was replaced with a handkerchief.

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She said at her husbands suggestion, she began to take video and audio recordings of the massages, with her phone tucked into her pocket, saying she acted after Booth had started to become naughty during the sessions.

She said: I started recording because whenever the cover [fell] he asked me to pick it up and cover himself, and [said] it is not his job to cover himself.

She described the effect Booths actions had on her, saying: I am actually afraid, there is fear in my chest but I did my best not to show him.

I was scared and nervous. I cannot really explain how I felt, but I was scared and nervous.

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She also said Mr Booth had asked her intimate questions about her first husband, including about the size of his manhood.

Mr Booth denies one charge of directing sexual communication to a woman without her consent for the purposes of his own gratification, contrary to the Sexual Offences (Scotland) Act 2009.

The trial, before the sheriff, Eilidh MacDonald, continues.

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PAWTUCKET, R.I. (WPRI)  The developer behind the construction of the Centreville Bank Stadium has released its plans to bring more housing, including affordable options, to Pawtucket.

On Thursday, Fortuitous Partners announced it would be expanding the Tidewater Landing project with a multi-phase residential and community development along the Seekonk River.

RELATED: Rhode Island FC unveils name of new stadium

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Fortuitous Partners will be working with real estate developers, Wood Partners and Pennrose, to create both housing and commercial spaces.

We are incredibly proud to see this vision for the riverfront and Tidewater Landing continue to

come to life, Fortuitous Partner Managing Partner Dan Kroeber said. This next phase of the development will not only support the new Centreville Bank Stadium, but also create a vibrant, connected community where residents, visitors, and fans can live, work, and enjoy everything Pawtuckets riverfront has to offer.

The company said Wood Partners is expected to lead the development of the riverfront, stadium plaza, and two residential buildings on either side of the river. The building on the east side will have 300 market-rate units, while the building on the west will have 250 units and commercial space.

Pennrose will be leading the development of around 72 mixed-income housing units in a midrise building along School Street. According to Fortuitous Partners, that project is currently under review for state and federal tax credit funding through Rhode Island Housing.

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We are excited to be part of the Tidewater Landing project, bringing much-needed high-quality affordable housing to Pawtucket, Pennrose Regional Vice President Karmen Cheung said.

Pawtucket resident Yvon Balthazard thinks the project could be an improvement for the neighborhood. I think it will be nice for the area, she told 12 News. Itll clean it up a little bit.

MORE: Rhode Island FC earns first US Open Cup win

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Note: The above video notes a dead juvenile humpback whale that washed up on the beach in Corolla last week.

COROLLA, N.C. (WAVY)  The North Carolina Department of Natural and Cultural Resources has seen an uptick in humpback whales washing up on shores, the latest coming last week when a dead humpback whale washed up on the beach in Corolla.

Previous Coverage: Dead juvenile humpback whale washes up on Corolla Beach

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Officials with Jennettes Pier said she weighed approximately 60,000 pounds and was 33 feet, 7 inches long. They did a necropsy and they are still working to determine a cause of death.

Victoria Thayer, the North Carolina Marine Mammal Stranding Coordinator, said they found evidence of blunt force trauma on the whale, but they cannot say that was the cause of death until some more tests are processed.

Thayer said there has been an increase in humpback whales washing up on shores in recent years, and a large number of them have been found to have trauma caused by humans.

In late December 2024, a humpback whale was found washed up near the Bennett Street beach access, and earlier in that month, there was a report of a whale spotted near the Outer Banks that had been entangled in fishing gear.

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Last year, two dead humpback whales washed ashore in Virginia Beach.

Previously: Two dead whales wash ashore in Virginia Beach

There was another dead humpback whale that was spotted floating off the Virginia Beach coast in February 2023.

On the average, four to five humpback whales strand a year along the South Atlantic coast from North Carolina to Florida, Thayer said. This is the seventh humpback thats stranded this year in South [Carolina] and North Carolina combined.

She said not every one of those whales were examined due to varying levels of decay, but of the whales examined, about 40% had evidence of human interaction, either through a vessel strike or entanglement.

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Thayer said humpbacks are under an unusual mortality event, something that the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration has been tracking since 2016, when the numbers began noticeably increasing.

Chart of humpback whale strandings (courtesy NOAA)

When it comes to preventing incidents like this, Thayer said the best thing vessels can do is stay away when they spot a whale.

Some whales, like the North Atlantic right whale, dont have dorsal fins, so theyre very hard to see at the surface, she said. They can be just below the surface. If [vessels] stay under 10 knots in areas where you see whales, if vessels could do that, that would be really helpful and maybe help prevent injury to the whale and injury to the boats also, or ships.

Thayer said one challenge they faced when performing the necropsy on the whale found Thursday was that it was already somewhat decomposed, so there were some organs they could not examine because of the level of decomposition. She said the sooner people report the finding of a dead animal, the sooner they can respond and the more they can learn.

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The sooner we can get to these individual animals, the more information we can learn from them, Thayer said, and we appreciate public input and interest.

To report marine mammal strandings, injuries and entanglements, depending on where you are, call one of the 24/7 hotline numbers below:

OBX Stranding Hotline: 252-455-9654

Central NC Coast Stranding Hotline: 252-241-5119

Southern NC Coast Stranding Hotline: 910-254-5713

For more information about the humpback whale unusual mortality event, click here.

The full interview with Victoria Thayer from the NC Department of Natural and Cultural Resources is available below:

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KABUL, April 17 (Xinhua) -- A total of 1,072 Afghan families with 5,671 people returned to their homeland from neighboring Iran and Pakistan on Wednesday, Afghanistan's High Commission for Addressing Returnees Problems said in a statement Thursday.

According to the statement, the refugees have repatriated home via the Torkham border crossing in eastern Nangarhar province, the Spin Boldak border crossing in southern Kandahar province, and the Islam Qala border point in western Herat province.

Reportedly, about 7 million Afghan refugees, most of whom are undocumented migrants, are currently living abroad, with most living in Afghanistan's neighboring Pakistan and Iran.

The Afghan interim government has been repeatedly calling upon Afghan refugees to end living abroad as refugees and return home to contribute to the rebuilding of their war-torn homeland. 
A group of planners, designers and field technicians at Southern California Edison on Thursday filed a petition for a union election with the National Labor Relations Board.

The move jump-starts a long-simmering unionization effort that comes amid scrutiny of the electric utility for potential mishandling of the devastating Eaton fire.

Hundreds of workers are asking to be represented by the Engineers and Scientists of California Local 20, which is part of the International Federation of Professional and Technical Engineers.

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Of the more than 1,100 eligible workers of the proposed bargaining unit, a "strong majority" have signed union authorization cards, ESC Local 20 said. It declined to disclose the number of cards signed.

Workers sent Edison management a letter Thursday morning notifying the company of their intent to unionize. Workers said they began organizing more than five years ago, but the effort was derailed when the COVID-19 pandemic hit.

"This has actually been years in the making. I'm excited we are one step closer to forming a union," said Aaron Pearson, a planner who has worked at Edison for more than 20 years. "We just want a real voice at work. We feel a union would give us the power to protect what's working, fix what's not working and keep communities safe."

Brian Leventhal, a Edison spokesperson, said the company knows that its ability to deliver clean, safe and reliable power depends on providing a rewarding and respectful work environment and competitive compensation and benefits to all [its] employees.

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We respect the right of our employees to vote in an election and decide for themselves whether to join a union, Leventhal said. We are encouraging all our employees to take the time to become educated and to vote on what they believe is in their own self-interest.

A separate union, the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers Local 47, already represents construction linemen who install and maintain the overhead distribution and transmission lines.

John Mader, president of ESC Local 20, urged the company to take a neutral approach to the union so that workers could eventually vote in an election "without interference or intimidation."

"These workers provide an indispensable service to the people of California, and their right to come together collectively to improve their working conditions must be respected and protected, Mader said in a statement.

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While the cause of the Eaton fire  which killed 18 people and destroyed more than 9,000 structures in Altadena  remains under investigation, residents have filed several lawsuits blaming Edison for sparking the conflagration.

Edison International Chief Executive Pedro Pizarro said this month that the possibility an idle, unconnected Edison transmission line reenergized is a leading hypothesis for what sparked the fire.

The company announced recently that more than 150 miles of electrical lines damaged by the Palisades and Eaton fires will be replaced with underground lines in a years-long project.

Workers said that they were not authorized to speak about the company's handling of the fire and that their motivation to join the union had not been influenced by the disaster and resulting scrutiny.

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"Our job is to make sure we have a safe and reliable system. We are just excited to have a voice at the table in how we go forward," said David Morasse, a planner at Edison for about 25 years.

Once an election is held and if a majority of the bargaining unit votes in favor, the group of workers will officially join ESC Local 20 and begin negotiating their first contract with Edison.

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This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times.
THE HAGUE, Netherlands (AP)  Judges at the International Criminal Court want Hungary to explain why it failed to arrest Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu when he visited Budapest earlier this month.

In a filing released late Wednesday, The Hague-based court initiated non-compliance proceedings against Hungary after the country gave Netanyahu a red carpet welcome despite an ICC arrest warrant for crimes against humanity in connection with the war in Gaza.

During the visit, Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban announced his country would quit the court, claiming on state radio that the ICC was no longer an impartial court, not a court of law, but a political court.

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The Hungarian leader, regarded by critics as an autocrat and the EUs most intransigent spoiler in the blocs decision-making, defended his decision to not arrest Netanyahu.

We signed an international treaty, but we never took all the steps that would otherwise have made it enforceable in Hungary, Orban said at the time, referring to the fact that Hungarys parliament never promulgated the courts statute into Hungarian law.

Judges at the ICC have previously dismissed similar arguments.

The ICC and other international organizations have criticized Hungarys defiance of the warrant against Netanyahu. Days before his arrival, the president of the courts oversight body wrote to the government in Hungary reminding it of its specific obligation to comply with requests from the court for arrest and surrender.

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A spokesperson for the ICC declined to comment on the non-compliance proceedings.

Hungarys decision to leave the ICC, a process that will take at least a year to complete, will make it the sole non-signatory within the 27-member European Union. With 125 current signatory countries, only the Philippines and Burundi have ever withdrawn from the court as Hungary intends.

Its the third time in the past year that the court has investigated one of its member states for failing to arrest suspects. In February, judges asked Italy to explain why the country sent a Libyan man suspected of torture and murder home on an Italian military aircraft rather than handing him over to the court.

In October judges reported Mongolia to the courts oversight organization for failing to arrest Russian President Vladimir Putin when he visited the Asian nation.

Hungary has until May 23 to submit evidence in its defense.
U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents arrested a local federal employee on Tuesday in connection with the sexual exploitation of children.

Jonathan Mackey, 46, of Loveland, is facing charges in federal court in Cincinnati of receiving child sexual abuse material and sexually exploiting children. Mackey is accused of exploiting the victims both online and in person, ICE said in a news release on Wednesday announcing the arrest.

There's no indication that Mackey's arrest is related to an immigration action or case.

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The investigation into Mackey began in January when U.S. Department of Homeland Security investigators received a tip from Ohio's Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force about a suspect in Cincinnati, a federal agent wrote in a partially redacted affidavit filed as part of a criminal complaint.

Mackey communicated on the Discord messaging app in September 2022 with someone he thought was a 13-year-old girl, but who is actually a man facing pending criminal charges, the affidavit states.

Jonathan Mackey, 46, an employee of the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation, was arrested by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement on charges related to the sexual exploitation of children.

Mackey exchanged sexually explicit messages, asked to meet the girl in person and asked for child sexual abuse images of what authorities believe to be an underage girl, according to investigators.

The federal agent wrote in their affidavit that state investigators had "preliminarily identified" the girl depicted in the images as a victim in their investigation into the man Mackey was chatting with online.

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"You'd have to play my daughter (in) public," Mackey said in one message, according to the affidavit.

Investigators compared selfies sent in the chat to publicly available online images of Mackey and later identified him as an employee of the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation.

Federal agents reviewed Mackey's Discord accounts through a search warrant and uncovered sexually explicit messages from last year in which Mackey and another person talked in detail about the sexual abuse of minors, the affidavit states.

According to investigators, Mackey also sent an image depicting child sexual abuse.

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In an emailed statement to The Enquirer, Mackey's attorney, Chelsea Panzeca, said that her client "is presumed innocent and we will handle the case accordingly."

Investigators said they are looking to identify other potential victims. ICE encourages the public to report suspected child predators and any suspicious activity through its toll-free tip line at 866-347-2423 or by completing its online tip form.

This article originally appeared on Cincinnati Enquirer: ICE arrests local federal worker as part of child sexual abuse inquiry
NEW BEDFORD, Mass. (WPRI)  U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) is defending its agents after they smashed a car window while detaining a man in New Bedford.

Juan Francisco Mendez, 29, is being held at a detention facility in New Hampshire following his arrest by ICE Boston on Monday.

Cell phone video obtained by 12 News shows an ICE agent using a large tool to shatter the backseat window of the car belonging to Mendez and his wife, Marilu Domingo Ortiz, as they waited for their attorney, Ondine Galvez Sniffin, to arrive.

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I was afraid. I didnt even know what to do. They did grab me, and they pulled me out, Domingo Ortiz told 12 News through a Spanish interpreter.

BACKGROUND: ICE agents shatter car window during New Bedford arrest, attorney says

She said they were asked to lower the window, but didnt expect officers to break it when they didnt comply.

But they did say that if youre not coming out the right way, youre going to come out, she recalled.

Sniffin said ICE is now claiming Mendez entered the United States illegally or without inspection. While the government acknowledges he has no criminal history, an ICE spokesperson described him as an illegally present Guatemalan alien.

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According to ICE, Francisco Mendez refused to comply with officers instructions and resisted apprehension during his arrest.

ICE concurs with the actions deemed appropriate by the officers on the scene who are trained to use the minimum amount of force necessary to resolve the situation in a manner that ensures the success of the operation and prioritizes the safety of our officers, the spokesperson said.

Meanwhile, Sniffin remains certain that ICE detained the wrong person, saying that both Francisco Mendez and his wife are lawfully in the U.S. and have no criminal record.

She said her clients were initially told agents were looking for someone named Antonio before Francisco Mendez was detained.

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Domingo Ortiz was reportedly granted asylum after fleeing persecution in her home country, and that protection was extended to her husband through their marriage.

We do have everything legal. We are going through everything, the right way, Domingo Ortiz said.

Initially, New Bedford Mayor Jon Mitchell told 12 News he was surprised by the arrest and provided virtually no information.

It sort of begs the questions: Why is this person doing the arrest and why is this person being arrested this way? Mitchell said.

But during a news conference Wednesday, Mitchell explained that police had received a sort of misleading heads up about the operation that morning, and the wrong street was given.

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Since President Donald Trump returned to office, Mitchell said ICE has appeared in New Bedford roughly 15 times, adding that communication with the agency has changed.

Generally, communication was more robust than it is now, he said.

Just before 5 p.m. Wednesday, a federal judge ordered ICE to give the court a 72-hour notice before Francisco Mendez is transferred, according to Sniffin. At this time, they are in the process of scheduling a bond hearing before an immigration judge.

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A U.S. citizen was arrested for entering the state of Florida as an unauthorized alien under a state law that shouldnt have been enforced in the first place.



Juan Carlos Lopez Gomez was set to remain in jail for 48 hours under an ICE hold, according to the Florida Phoenix. His mother and a community advocate presented his birth certificate and Social Security card during a hearing in Leon County, but the judge said that she had no authority to release him due to the courts jurisdiction.

A U.S. born citizen was arrested in Florida for entering the state as an unauthorized alien. His mother and a community advocate showed his birth certificate during a hearing in Leon County. The judge said she had no authority to release him. pic.twitter.com/lwQQMQuUVR  Jackie Llanos (@LlanosJackie) April 17, 2025

Lopez Gomez was released Thursday evening after his story received media attention and protesters gathered at the Leon County jail where he was being held.

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Lopez Gomez, 21, was born in Georgia. According to court records, he was assigned a judge as well as a public defender. He appears to have been arrested and charged under an anti-immigration law passed in Florida two months ago, despite the fact that the law is currently under a temporary restraining order and isnt supposed to be enforced.

Bluesky screenshot Joshua J. Friedman @joshuajfriedman.com: Bare-bones docket for Juan Carlos Lopez Gomez (misspelled in the file as "Jaun") screenshot: 811.102 1 IMMIGRATION - UNAUTHORIZED ALIEN ENTER FLORIDA WITHOUT INSPECTION 4/16/2025 ON-VIEW ARREST IMMIGRATION - UNAUTHORIZED ALIEN ENTER FLORIDA WO INSPECTION FIRST APPEARANCE REQUIRED F.A.R. BOOKING INFORMATION BOOKING INFORMATION ENTERED: OBTS# 3703070606/BOOKING# 3375/REP# FHP25ON0177377 JUDGE ASSIGNED DIV-M1 JUDGE RIGGANS LASHAWN D JUDGE ID-117 STATE ATTORNEY ASSIGNED PROSECUTING ATTORNEY ADDED: 5555551 - MISD. DIV.1 FIRST APPEARANCE SET FIRST APPEARANCE SET: 04/17/2025 08:30AM /ROOM# J1 4/17/2025 ARREST AFFIDAVIT / NOTICE TO APPEAR / INCIDENT REPORT PRETRIAL DEFENDANT INTERVIEW CASE COMMENTS FROM COURT EVENT INTERP RICARDO ARENAS PRESENT ON ZOOM. ICE HOLD JUDGE RIGGANS FINDS NO PC FOR CT. PUBLIC DEFENDER APPOINTED CASE MANAGEMENT CONFERENCE SET 05/06/2025 08:30 AM ROOM - 2A COURT MINUTES ORDER: RELEASE ON RECOGNIZANCE FOR ROR

Blue Sky screenshot Timothy Burke @bubbaprog.lol: Booking info. Looks like he was charged with "breaking" the new "anti-immigration" law Republicans in Florida just passed two months ago. (screenshot of his record in the database)

It was only a matter of time before Donald Trumps mass deportation efforts swept up an American citizen, and it happened to be aided by local authorities in Florida. Before Trump was even sworn in as president, Florida Governor Ron DeSantis pledged his cooperation with the Trump administrations attempts to deport as many immigrants as possible.

Why did local authorities completely disregard a federal court ruling in order to arrest Lopez Gomez, and then disregard the fact hes a natural-born U.S. citizen? Is this a mistake, or are they taking their lead from the president, who is currently disregarding a court order from the Supreme Court?



* This piece has been updated to correct the nature of Lopez Gomezs arrest.

This story has been updated with news of Lopez Gomezs release.
ICE is contracting with Palantir to expand its case management system.

The deal includes software called ImmigrationOS to track visa overstays and self-deportation.

ICE says the deal is necessary for carrying out President Trump's mandate on immigration enforcement.

Immigration and Customs Enforcement has signed a $30 million deal with Palantir for software add-ons to track self-deportations and immigrants who have overstayed their visas, government records show.

A contract reviewed by Business Insider said the Immigration Lifecycle Operating System  or ImmigrationOS  will minimize "time and resource expenditure" for selecting and apprehending immigrants based on ICE enforcement priorities.

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Along with "violent criminals" and "affiliates of known transnational criminal organizations," the contract also cited visa overstays as a deportation priority.

ImmigrationOS will expand ICE's case management system to include "near real-time visibility into instances of self-deportation." The contract said the new ImmigrationOS will streamline "end to end immigration lifecycle from identification to removal."

The agency is awarding Palantir $29.8 million for a prototype to be delivered by September 25.

According to the contract, the new software is necessary for ICE to carry out President Donald Trump's recent executive orders naming illegal immigration and transnational organized crime as significant national security threats.

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An ICE spokesperson said the deal is a modification to an existing contract. Palantir did not respond to requests for comment.

The new agreement is an extension of a contract the Biden administration signed with the defense contractor in 2022 for "operations and maintenance" support services. The Department of Homeland Security first contracted Palantir to build its case management system in 2014.

The software collates information from a wide range of government databases and allows DHS agents to keep detailed records on potential immigration violators for future enforcement actions. It includes "data sharing with Customs and Border Protection for lookout and seizure tracking."

The documents underscore an increased emphasis on deporting immigrants who have entered the country legally but may have violated the conditions of their visas, which is typically a civil, not a criminal, offense.

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"Palantir has developed deep institutional knowledge of ICE operations over more than a decade of support," ICE wrote in the documents. "Their systems have been tailored to meet strict DHS security and privacy standards."

Palantir employees have been working over the past several weeks to increase ICE capacity to track immigrants already given a final order of removal, and will continue to fast-track an ImmigrationOS prototype, per 404 Media.

Read the original article on Business Insider
Immigration and Customs Enforcement took violent steps earlier this week to arrest a Guatemalan man who not only has no criminal record but wasnt even the target authorities were looking for, according to his lawyer.

Juan Francisco Mendez, a 29-year old Guatemalan immigrant, was arrested without a warrant Monday in New Bedford, Massachusettsbut thats not the only shady thing about this arrest.

Mendez and his wife, Marilu Domingo Ortiz, were in their car when a pair of armed officers stopped them. In a video shared by The New Bedford Light, the couple told the officers that they were waiting for his lawyer to arrive before speaking with the agents. When Ortiz asked whether they had a warrant for her husbands arrest, the officers did not respond. When asked if she could leave, they said, No.

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In a statement, ICE told The New Republic that Mendez refused to comply with officers instructions and resisted apprehension.

The officers continued to ask Ortiz to roll down her window to speak. After some time, one of the officers, who was wearing a bulletproof vest, violently smashed the back window of Mendezs car with what appeared to be a pickax.

They forcibly removed me and my husband, Ortiz said in Spanish in the video. They pulled me out of the car violently. They treated me badly too.

ICE said in its statement that it concurs with the actions deemed appropriate by the officers on the scene who are trained to use the minimum amount of force necessary to resolve the situation in a manner that ensures the success of the operation and prioritizes the safety of our officers.

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By the time Mendezs immigration lawyer, Ondine Galvez Sniffin, arrived at the scene, it was too late for her to tell the officers they had taken the wrong man.

They said they were looking for a certain individual, by a different name. And I said thats not my client, Sniffin told WBZ-TV CBS Boston. They said, um, He has prior entries to this country, and I said thats not true. I know my clients history, and thats not him.

Mendez, who has been in the country for two years with no criminal record, is undocumented and awaiting documentation that would solidify his asylum status, according to Sniffin.

New Bedford Mayor Jon Mitchell said that in detaining Mendez, ICE broke its long-standing practice of alerting city officials before conducting an arrest. The New Bedford Police Department spokesperson confirmed Mitchells statement, adding that ICE officers gave the wrong address when they finally did report to the police during the incident.

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Mitchell said that communication with ICE has been inconsistent since the beginning of Donald Trumps administration.

We hear the Trump administration say that theyre prioritizing convicted criminals. Ill be the first to say I want criminals removed from the streets of New Bedford, Mitchell told the Light. But it should matter to everybody if these people are not criminals and theyre being detained because their identity is mistaken, that they are still adjudicating their immigration status and are waiting for a hearing.

The Light spoke with Mendez Wednesday. We are not criminals. We are hardworking people who came here to fight for our families and for a better future, Mendez said from a facility in Dover, New Hampshire. He added that he was being held with 30 or 40 other individuals detained for immigration issues.

Mendezs arrest comes amid a sharp crackdown on undocumented immigrants by the Trump administration, which has begun carrying out expedited deportations of immigrants the government alleges are gang members who, more often than not, have no criminal history.
U.S. Sen. Patty Murray was in Tacoma on Wednesday to highlight the effects the global tariff upheaval is having on Pierce County and Washington state trade.

The CEO of Brown & Haley, as well as representatives from the Ports of Tacoma and Seattle and the nonprofit Economic Development Board for Tacoma-Pierce County, participated in a business roundtable held at the Brown & Haley factory in Tacoma.

Murray, a Democrat, told attendees she was there to hear their stories about what theyd experienced.

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Watching it as a senator ... and knowing how important trade is and seeing these random (tariff) numbers is really concerning to me, she said. Because I know at the end of the day, its really a tax on families. They will end up paying it, even though businesses obviously will pay it first.

U.S. Senator Patty Murray leaves after meeting with Brown & Haley CEO John Melin, center back, and representatives from the ports of Seattle and Tacoma to talk about how tariffs are affecting local business at Brown & Haley Almond Roca facotry, on Wednesday, April 16, 2025, in Tacoma, Wash. Brian Hayes/bhayes@thenewstribune.com

Confectioner cites lost export business

Brown & Haley CEO John Melin said the effects of on-again, off-again global tariffs and the high price now to export to China have been nothing short of damaging to his business.

China is a major market for the local candymaker. The country has received the brunt of what the Trump administration has called its reciprocal tariffs, with a 145% tariff rate on items imported from China, which China met with 125% tariff on items imported from the United States.

The current simplistic approach to tariffs has been chaotic, and its been really costly for us, Melin said.

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The more-than century-old manufacturer employs 150 people and is known for its Almond Roca candy.

We sell it across the US. We export to 35 countries in the world, he said. Thats a business weve nurtured carefully for over 90 years, and a business we depend on..

And frankly, the current tariffs, its cost U.S. export sales, its raised costs, and its created supply-chain chaos.

He said, So far, it looks like these kind of tit-for-tat tariffs will cost us 50% of our export business.

Melin told Murray that the company is trying to find niche markets to grow domestically, but their China business has run aground.

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Our China business will simply drop to zero because they wont buy it, he said. In fact, the Chinese foreign ministry has instructed people to just not purchase American products, and containers are simply being rejected at ports in China, within China, regardless of the tariff.

Weve been growing that business since 1989. Its a big business for us, he added. Melin said his partners in China said they have proposed manufacturing Almond Roca in China if this goes on long term.

Were not willing to consider that, he said. But the challenge of reintroducing a legacy brand to the market, perhaps after two years, it sets us back 10 years.

Demand has already dropped to the point the Tacoma factory is not running its normal number of days for this time of year, he said, and was down during Murrays visit.

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Thats why were not running today, he noted.

Michael Catsi, president & CEO, told Murray that Pierce County businesses stand to lose business to global competitors.

Pierce County companies like SAFE Boats and SeaTac Packaging are already grappling with the consequences of an increasingly unstable trade environment, Catsi said. They rely on dependable global partnerships and consistent policy to fulfill contracts and protect local employment. ... It takes time to build out new supply chains, which does not happen overnight.

He added, Recent shifts in U.S. foreign policy have constrained longstanding alliances, including close partners like Canada, and these relationships have deep roots and direct ties to many of our businesses and industries in Washington.

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When we alienate our allies, we risk losing not just political goodwill but also market access, supply chain, reliability and investment opportunities.

U.S. Sen. Patty Murray meets with Brown & Haley CEO John Melin and representatives from the ports of Seattle and Tacoma to talk about how tariffs are affecting local business at Brown & Haley factory, on Wednesday, April 16, 2025, in Tacoma. Brian Hayes/bhayes@thenewstribune.com

Ports see competitive disadvantage with Canada

John McCarthy, Port of Tacoma Commission president and Northwest Seaport Alliance co-chair, said the port is starting to see a critical push of people trying to beat the tariffs. So weve got cars waiting on the dock, for example.

We are also starting to see people not having customers to sell, he added. We are starting to hear stories of shippers wanting their cargo back.

He noted that for now, We dont know what the long-term effects are going to be, but given early projections for the year, we just know its very, very serious, with China comprising 50% of our import market.

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Toshiko Hasegawa, Port of Seattle Commission president and Northwest Seaport Alliance co-chair, said the main effects in Seattle have been port congestion and logistical backups as market demand evaporates.

We support efforts to increase American manufacturing and ship building and increase American jobs and economic prosperity, but if not thoughtfully crafted and implemented, the economic harm and job losses we expect the tariffs to cause will likely outweigh any potential benefits with these measures, Hasegawa said.

For the Northwest Seaport Allliance, which represents both Seattle and Tacoma ports, Hasegawa said the loss of competitive advantage to Canada is real.

The primary thing that allows us to be able to compete in the international marketplace for market share is providing best-in-class services, she said. The risk now is for shippers to divert cargo volumes away from our harbor and into our near competitor, which is Prince Rupert in Vancouver, B.C.

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As she explained to Murray, The natural place for them to go would be north.

She noted that a team of port representatives recently went to Washington, D.C., to urge White House officials to include language in trade policy requiring all U.S.-bound cargo to clear customs at American seaports, with the seaport element an important distinction to help end financial run-arounds using Prince Rupert and then transferring to rail.

Melin also noted the Canada competitive factor further raising the stakes for confectioners such as Brown & Haley.

Our multinational competitors, the Italians, the Swiss, they simply move their supply to Canada, from the U.S. factory to a European factory, he said.

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He also ticked off assorted issues with his companys supply chain as a result of higher prices: Cocoa beans and palm oil and cashews dont grow in the U.S. he said. Thankfully, almonds do. Thats important for Almond Roca.

As for imported ingredients, Unpredictable tariffs on ingredients means unpredictable prices, Melin said. We need stability, we need common sense, and we need some nuance in the countrys tariff strategy.

I think youve heard pretty clearly the impacts of this, Catsi told Murray. Businesses need certainty when tariff policies are imposed, extended or lifted. Without a clear road map that creates instability, and that uncertainty doesnt sit just on a balance sheet. It actually hits the factory floor.

Wednesdays business roundtable was one of two Tacoma events Murrays team and local officials organized to highlight federal funding and tariff impacts.

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Later Wednesday, the senator toured Clover Park Technical College in Lakewood and met with students, educators and workforce readiness partners to learn more about how the college utilizes federal funding streams to support their students.

In the Spotlight is a News Tribune series that digs into the high-profile local issues that readers care most about. Story idea? Email newstips@thenewstribune.com.
DHAKA, April 17 (Xinhua) -- Bangladesh and Pakistan Thursday held a foreign secretary-level Foreign Office Consultation (FOC) in capital Dhaka after a 15-year gap.

Bangladeshi Foreign Secretary Md Jashim Uddin led the Bangladesh delegation, while Pakistan side was represented by its Foreign Secretary Amna Baloch.

During the meeting, the two sides discussed bilateral issues focusing on trade tie between the two nations.

During her visit, Baloch held separate meetings with Bangladeshi interim government's Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus and Foreign Affairs Adviser Md Touhid Hossain, where they discussed issues of mutual interest.

Following the FOC talks held for the first time between the two nations since 2010, Uddin briefed the media on the outcome at the foreign ministry, and confirmed that Pakistan's Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar is expected to pay an official visit to Dhaka later in April.

His visit will be the first by a Pakistani foreign minister since 2012. 
The House gavel and sound block sit in a basket of legislative documents atop the rostrum on Monday, April 14, 2025. (Leslie Bonilla Muniz/Indiana Capital Chronicle)

Indiana legislation to study the absorption of secessionist Illinois counties heads to Gov. Mike Braun after a successful concurrence vote Thursday, along with measures to examine noncompliant prosecutors and expand local funding options for transportation infrastructure.

I think its been a great opportunity to talk about all the great things going on in Indiana, and to say  wed love to have that conversation, Indiana House Speaker Todd Huston, R-Fishers, told reporters.

Indiana House Speaker Todd Huston answers reporter questions on Thursday, April 17, 2025. (Leslie Bonilla Muniz/Indiana Capital Chronicle)

His House Enrolled Act 1008 would create an Indiana-Illinois Boundary Adjustment Commission tasked with exploring the absorption of Prairie State counties that have already voted to secede. Since 2020, 33 counties have passed such advisory referenda, with seven of those votes occurring in the most recent general election.

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Originally, Illinois wouldve had to appoint members for the commission to convene. Now, it must meet by September  with or without Prairie State representation.

Thats their choice whether they want to participate or not, Huston said, shortly after the 64-23 concurrence vote.

House Minority Leader Phil GiaQuinta, D-Fort Wayne criticized the measure as a publicity ploy, and argued the secessionist counties would sink Indiana finances instead of contributing revenue.

Local prosecutors, roads

A proposal punishing public prosecutors who categorically refuse to prosecute criminal laws also crossed the finish line Thursday, on a 60-20 concurrence vote in the House.

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House Enrolled Act 1006 initially wouldve also boosted the number of qualified special prosecutors available for appointment and offered partial reimbursement for prosecutors, defenders and more.

House Minority Leader Phil GiaQuinta answers reporter questions on Thursday, April 17, 2025. (Leslie Bonilla Muniz/Indiana Capital Chronicle)

But those came with price tags, so the Senate stripped them out.

Now, it mainly creates a prosecutor review board that will scrutinize prosecutors and issue reports to the Indiana Prosecuting Attorneys Council on those labeled noncompliant. But it no longer requires that funding be withheld.

And a complex transportation funding measure avoided negotiations  contrary to Senate expectations  when it earned a 69-19 concurrence vote in the House.

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House Bill 1461 would change up the popular Community Crossings Matching Grant Program, raise the speed limit on Interstate 465, let communities tap into excess township funds and ease barriers to tolling, among numerous other provisions.

Opponents largely cited the tolling provisions as problematic, complaining about the impact to residents and local streets.

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CHICAGO  As she worked the campaign trail more than a year ago, Cook County states attorney hopeful Eileen ONeill Burke made a promise to the International Brotherhood of Teamsters.

If elected, ONeill Burke wrote at the time, she would recognize a union of her assistant states attorneys if a majority of them wanted one.

Having served as an assistant states attorney herself, ONeill Burke wrote in the letter, she understood the challenges of the prosecutors jobs.

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Union representation and the ability to bargain collectively with management are one of the most important tools to protect the rights of workers, she wrote. It would be my honor to be a part of that historic process.

ONeill Burke was sworn into office in December. Two months later, the Teamsters Local 700 came forward and said a majority of Cook County prosecutors wanted to join their union and asked the states attorney to grant them voluntary recognition.

But ONeill Burke did not recognize the union, arguing that because decades-old Illinois Supreme Court precedent bars the prosecutors from collective bargaining, her hands were tied when it came to recognizing their union voluntarily.

Its shocking in a bedrock of a Democratic stronghold that Chicago is  that they would have leaders, Democrat leaders, opposing us trying to unionize, said one felony trial division prosecutor who said he had lobbied his friends and family to vote for ONeill Burke. He spoke on the condition of anonymity because he fears being fired for his support of the union. I think thats just a total violation of the party standards.

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The prosecutors are not the first public employees in pro-labor Illinois to face pushback from their employers when they have tried to organize in recent years.

Last year, Illinois House Speaker Emanuel Chris Welch was sued by members of his own staff, who accused him of violating the states Workers Rights Amendment  a major victory for state Democrats when it passed by referendum in 2022  by depriving them of their right to collective bargaining. The amendment enshrines the fundamental right to collective bargaining in the Illinois Constitution.

Also last year, the Chicago Board of Elections objected to a union petition filed by city elections workers, arguing that union membership would qualify as political activity that elections workers are prohibited from taking part in by the states election code. The case is still pending.

In all three cases  that of the prosecutors, the legislative staff and the elections workers  employers have argued the law bars their staffs from unionizing.

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Advocates say the real hesitation of bosses to recognize unions is the unwillingness of even self-professed pro-labor employers to give up control over their staff.

It seems to me that whether there is a law or isnt a law really becomes a bit of a subterfuge to sort of hide behind whether you generally believe in the rhetoric that youve used, said Bob Bruno, director of the labor studies program at the University of Illinois.

The prosecutor who spoke with the Chicago Tribune said he finds meaning in his job, putting in long hours fighting for justice for crime victims. But he said he has serious concerns about working conditions within the office that he hopes a union could help address.

Notorious shifts in the Felony Review Unit, during which prosecutors are sometimes sent out alone in the middle of the night to interview crime victims and witnesses, are one pressing concern. Its not uncommon for younger attorneys he advises on those shifts to ask him to stay on the phone with them as they drive back from police stations or hospitals because theyre afraid of falling asleep at the wheel, he said.

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Prosecutors were spurred to unionize by a desire for pay parity with Cook County public defenders, the Teamsters have said. Assistant public defenders have been unionized since the mid-1980s, before the Supreme Court case that barred prosecutors from unionizing, and Teamsters representatives say they are better paid than equally experienced prosecutors, on average.

Meanwhile, ONeill Burkes office has asked the state labor board to dismiss the union petition.

The applicable Illinois Supreme Court precedent is still the controlling authority on the issue of whether ASAs may be represented by a union for purposes of collective bargaining, the filing said. Additionally, the office argued, certain prosecutors have supervisory responsibilities and should therefore be barred from joining a union on those grounds.

The Teamsters say they have other legal avenues available to overcome the 1995 Supreme Court decision, including legislation in Springfield that would allow prosecutors to unionize and the Workers Rights Amendment. The amendment has the potential to expand the kinds of workers who are eligible to join unions in Illinois, experts say, although it has yet to be fully tested by the courts.

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Matt McGrath, a spokesperson for the states attorneys office, said in February that ONeill Burke supports organized labor and the right of workers to collectively bargain, including ASAs once Illinois law allows for it.

Decades of binding case law must be addressed for that to happen, however, and as the countys chief law enforcement officer and a former judge, she has taken an oath repeatedly to uphold the law, McGrath said at the time, adding that the office looks forward to working with the appropriate stakeholders to get this right.

McGrath declined to provide additional comment. When asked whether the office supports the Teamsters-backed legislation that would give prosecutors collective bargaining rights, which recently passed the House, McGrath said the office had not taken a position on the bill.

In a statement, Local 700 President Ramon Williams accused ONeill Burke of using dubious legal arguments to distract the public and her own employees from the simple fact that she could recognize the union today.

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Welch has also maintained that the law must change for his staff to unionize, even with the states collective bargaining amendment on the books.

Two years ago, the Illinois Labor Relations Board dismissed a union petition by the Illinois Legislative Staff Association, finding the workers were excluded from collective bargaining under existing state law.

The boards executive director, Kimberly Stevens, wrote in the decision that the board did not have the authority to adjudicate whether or not the then-nascent Workers Rights Amendment would overrule existing state law, a decision she said was up to the courts.

Afterward, Welch introduced a bill that would have given the legislative staff union rights. Unions have always provided a path for people to do better. Ive witnessed what unions can do for my family, as well as families across this state. Illinois will always stand for workers rights, Welch said in a statement about the legislation in 2023.

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The legislative staff union later accused Welch of sponsoring the bill to deflect criticism without any intention of it becoming law.

Meanwhile, the staff associations lawsuit has been winding its way through Cook County Circuit Court. Welchs spokesperson declined to comment.

Critics of public employee unionism say public employee unions can create conflicts of interest when the interests of workers may be at odds with those of the public.

In the case of the elections workers, for instance, the Board of Elections noted that the politically powerful Service Employees International Union Local 73, which hopes to represent the elections workers, lobbies legislatively and makes endorsements and donations to political candidates. The union, for instance, helped propel Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson to victory, though it has since become embroiled in a spat with the mayors closest labor ally, the Chicago Teachers Union.

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At some point you run into a conflict of interest between the public good and your own personal good, said James Baird, a management-side labor and employment attorney who represents both public and private sector clients.

For instance, even if elections workers  whose jobs include tasks such as surveying new polling places and making sure they meet accessibility requirements  dont actually exert meaningful power over the voting process, the appearance of fairness is important, Baird said. Theyre in a different position than somebody thats driving a salt truck, he said.

SEIU 73, which represents Cook County elections workers, has described the Chicago Board of Elections objections to the city workers union as frivolous.

Max Bever, a spokesperson for the Board of Elections, said the body could not comment on pending litigation.

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Baird, the management-side attorney, added that public unions can put workers interests at odds with the interests of the public they serve.

Is it better for the public that prosecutors work fewer hours? Baird said. Its better for the prosecutors, but is it better for the public?

The Cook County prosecutor who spoke anonymously said hes heard the arguments about the downsides of unions, including that they can protect lazy workers.

But having parents who belonged to a public sector union helped him recognize the protections the union gave them. He grew up, he said, with the union putting food in my mouth.

And public employees fighting for union recognition argue that better working conditions for themselves would benefit the public too.

Brady Burden, an analyst in the speakers office who has helped lead the union effort there, said legislative staff are stretched thin because of low staffing levels.

Turnover rates in the office, he said, are bad for like a Taco Bell, let alone a place where people are expected to develop the sort of skills necessary to analyze, draft (and) shepherd legislation. And staff who are running on little sleep, Burden said, are not doing work at the quality theyre capable of.

Having a union on speakers staff would drastically improve not just working conditions within the speakers office, but the quality of work thats done by the legislature, he said.

Burden said he had expected some pushback when the staff went public with their union. Being in a managerial position does something to your brain, he said. The idea that your staff is unionizing  can look as if they are directly attacking you, as a person, morally, even if thats not necessarily the case.

Bruno, the University of Illinois labor expert, agreed.

Employers, even those who support labor in general, often get defensive when faced with the prospect of sharing power with their employees, he said.

They shift into the employer mode, he said, and things go wacky.

____
ROCKTON, Ill. (WTVO)  Parents at Hononegah High School and transgender rights groups gathered at a school board meeting to make their voices heard after one students mother said her daughter felt uncomfortable when two transgender students were changing in the girls locker room.

Nearly 100 advocates on both sides of the debate were at the meeting.

Currently, the high schools policy allows students to change in the locker room that they identify with.

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Hononegahs Superintendent Michael Dugan said the alleged incident never happened when asked for a statement.

No student is required to change for physical education class in front of others, said Dugan. The school provides private changing areas inside and outside the locker rooms for any student requesting privacy.

One transgender student enrolled at Hononegah High School said he feels safe.

When I am changing for gym class, I am given locker accommodations. I am only with other transgender students. It is me and other transgender students and nobody else, said the student.

Both parents and transgender rights groups explained why the issue is important to them.

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Im here to support the school. Theyre kinda doing everything we would hope at this point for inclusivity and following on the Illinois Human Rights Act to promote inclusive policies, said Stateline Indivisibles Tierra Polfliet. They have gender neutral spaces, they have enclosed private places to change, theyve gotten rid of PE uniforms. So, were here to support them.

We should protect our daughters. We should protect our sons. We should protect our children in general, said Karli Weber. If someones uncomfortable changing in a locker room, we should care about that.

State Representative John Cabello (R) also made an appearance to give his stance on the issue.

We hear that theres a biological male using the females locker rooms, and we want to make sure that thats not happening, said Cabello.

Illinois Rep. John Cabello (R) speaks on the issue

I dont think theres an issue with the child being trans. Thats up to them, thats up to their parents, said Cabello. Theres apparently a changing room here that that individual could use. Why dont you just have that individual use that changing room, and stop putting our females in an uncomfortable spot?

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Both Cabello and State Senator Andrew Chesney (R) released a joint statement:

The safety, privacy and dignity of young women is non-negotiable. The school board must take decisive action, and we are prepared to do whatever it takes to ensure they do.

The Hononegah School Board President, David Kurlinkus, said what matters most is that all students feel safe at school.

Were all part of the Hononegah nation, and were all concerned about our children, said Kurlinkus. Thats why youre here. Thats why were here.

The schools policy was not up for debate on Wednesday, but over 30 people signed up and spoke during the public comment section of the meeting.

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NEW JERSEY (PIX11)  Make the Road New Jersey and other immigration advocates are rallying outside the Union County Administration Building at 5 p.m. Thursday to protest the possibility of the vacant Union County Jail becoming an ICE detention center.

The jail, located in Elizabeth, has sat vacant for the last four years. It presents a revenue opportunity the county wants to explore, but one which immigration advocates fear could be devastating.

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They will rip apart communities, said Nedia Morsy, director of Mack the Road NJ. They will terrorize our communities.

In March, the Union County Board of Commissioners passed a resolution that will allow them to take bids to sell part of the complex. Advocates worry about the potential buyer.

The Union County Commissioners say its going to take $15 million to repair the building, said Viri Martinez of the New Jersey Alliance for Immigrant Justice. Only a private prison company has that amount of money to fix a jail.

They fear whats happening to Delaney Hall in Newark can happen in Elizabeth. The private prison company, Geo Group, is in a legal battle to turn it into an ICE detention facility, in contract with the federal government.

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Community members are scared of leaving their homes, said Morsy. Children are scared to go to school. Why is it now that Union County wants to do this, knowing the reality of our immigrant community members?

ICE presence leads to increased racial profiling, means that more Black and Brown people are locked up, means its going to hurt our economy, said Martinez. Folks wont come out to businesses.

More: Latest News from Around the Tri-State

Union County Manager Ed Oatman released the following statement to PIX11 News:

There have been no changes to the Countys position since the resolution was passed at our last meeting. As stated previously, this resolution does not approve the sale of the former jailit simply authorizes the County to issue a Request for Proposals (RFP) to gauge interest and evaluate potential uses for the property.

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This is an early step in a longer process, and one that reflects a responsible approach to exploring all available options. The property carries significant long-term costs, and its in the publics interest to understand what opportunities may exist, both in terms of financial benefit and future use.

Those who supported this resolution did so with a willingness to see what proposals come in and to evaluate them carefully through a transparent process. No decisions have been made, and any future action will involve multiple layers of review, public input, and compliance with state law.

Our goal remains to serve the best interest of Union County residents by approaching this process thoughtfully and with an open mind.

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Immigration judge denies bond for Alabama student Alireza Doroudi month after being picked up by ICE agents in Tuscaloosa

BIRMINGHAM, Ala. (WIAT)  A student from Iran who had been studying mechanical engineering at the University of Alabama before being picked up by immigration officers last month, will remain in custody a little while longer after a judge denied bond for him.

Alireza Doroudi, 32, was in court Thursday for a bond hearing at LaSalle Immigration Court, located in the Central Louisiana ICE Processing Center in Jena, Louisiana. He was originally due for a hearing on Monday, but Judge Maithe Gonzalez requested more information from U.S. Department of Homeland Security and Doroudis attorneys before making a decision.

According to Sama Ebrahimi Bajgani, Doroudis fiancee who was at the hearing, Gonzalez denied Doroudis bond request. He and his attorney, David Rozas, are appealing the decision and will have another hearing on April 28.

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Rozas provided the following written statement to CBS 42 after the hearing:

We are deeply disappointed by todays decision to deny bond by Judge Maithe Gonzalez. The government has provided no evidence in the record that Mr. Doroudi poses any national security threat. He has no history of protest or political activity, and yet he now faces deportation to Iran, a country where returning citizens can face persecution for even the appearance of dissent.

Whats most troubling is that the burden of proof has effectively been placed on Mr. Doroudi to disprove a threat that was never substantiated in the first place. Our legal system is not built on proving a negative, and yet thats exactly what is being asked of us. According to ICEs own database, Mr. Doroudis student visa appears to be valid, making his continued detention all the more concerning.

Mr. Doroudi is not a flight risk. He is a beloved member of the community, as evidenced by the overwhelming outpouring of support from students, faculty, and neighbors in recent weeks. This sets a dangerous precedent, not just for Mr. Doroudi, but for international students across the country, and for the democratic values we claim to uphold.

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We will appeal this decision and do everything in our power to bring justice to Mr. Doroudi.

Doroudi, who is originally from Shiraz, Iran, was picked up by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents in the early morning hours March 25 at his apartment off campus. After a couple of days at the Pickens County Jail, was taken over 300 miles aways to the Jena facility, where he has remained with over 1,100 other inmates since March 28.

Bajgani claimed that six months after arriving in the United States in the early part of 2023, Doroudis visa was inexplicably revoked. However, The Crimson White student newspaper reported that the universitys International Student and Scholar Services had reportedly told him that he would be able to remain in the country as long as he was a student.

Similarly, Rozas said Doroudis Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVIS) permit was still valid and was in the process of applying for permanent residency at the time of his detainment by ICE. Outside of speeding violations in 2023, Doroudi has no criminal record.

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Previously, a representative with the U.S. Department of Homeland Security claimed that Doroudi posed significant national security concerns, stopping short of elaborating on what those concerns were.

According to Bajgani, Doroudi was set to graduate next year with his doctorate degree. He had previously received his master of science degree in welding engineering technology from Amirkabir University of Technology in Tehran.

A date for a master hearing, where Doroudi can plead his case against deportation, has not been set yet.

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An immigration judge denied bond for a Tufts University student from Turkey who has been detained by authorities in Louisiana for three weeks over what her lawyers say is apparent retaliation for an op-ed piece she co-wrote in the student newspaper.

Meanwhile, Rumeysa Ozturk's lawyers filed a new request with a federal judge in Vermont considering whether to take jurisdiction of her detention case. The lawyers asked the judge to order her to be brought to the state by Friday and hold a hearing next week. They said that would allow better communication with her legal team and a doctor to evaluate her. They say Ozturk has suffered five asthma attacks in detention.

Lawyers for Ozturk, 30, had asked an immigration judge that she be released on bond as her immigration case proceeds. That judge denied her request Wednesday, the same day Ozturk had a hearing, they said in a statement released Thursday morning.

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The Department of Homeland Security presented one document to support their opposition to Ozturk's bond request: a one-paragraph State Department memo revoking her student visa, her lawyers said in the new court filing.

The memo says that Ozturks visa was revoked on March 21 following an assessment that she had been involved in associations that may undermine U.S. foreign policy by creating a hostile environment for Jewish students and indicating support for a designated terrorist organization including co-authoring an op-ed that found common cause with an organization that was later temporarily banned from campus.

Ozturk's lawyers said the immigration judge denied bond based on the untenable conclusion that Ms. Ozturk was both a flight risk and a danger to the community.

Messages seeking comment Thursday were emailed to the department and to ICE.

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Ozturk, a doctoral student studying child development, was taken by immigration officials as she walked along a street in the Boston suburb of Somerville on March 25. After being taken to New Hampshire and then Vermont, she was put on a plane the next day and moved to an Immigration and Customs Enforcement detention center in Basile, Louisiana.

Ozturk is among several people with ties to American universities whose visas were revoked or have been stopped from entering the U.S. after they were accused of attending demonstrations or publicly expressed support for Palestinians. A Louisiana immigration judge has ruled that the U.S. can deport Columbia University graduate student Mahmoud Khalil based on the federal governments argument that he poses a national security risk.

Ozturks lawyers are challenging the legal authority for ICEs detention. They also have asked U.S. District Judge William Sessions in Vermont, where her detention case was transferred after lawyers first petitioned for her release in Massachusetts, to take jurisdiction of it and release her.

Sessions, who held a hearing Monday, has not ruled yet. He had asked Ozturk's lawyers if there was any evidence suggesting that she was a member of the organization that was later temporarily banned, according to the State Department memo. Her lawyers said there wasn't.

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The governments entire case against Rumeysa is based on the same one-paragraph memo from the State Department to ICE that just points back to Rumeysas op-ed," Marty Rosenbluth, one of Ozturk's attorneys, said in a statement.

Ozturk was one of four students who wrote an op-ed in the campus newspaper, The Tufts Daily, last year criticizing the universitys response to student activists demanding that Tufts acknowledge the Palestinian genocide, disclose its investments and divest from companies with ties to Israel.

Ozturks lawyers say her detention violates her constitutional rights, including free speech and due process. They said they didn't know for hours where she was after she was taken. They said they were unable to speak to her until more than 24 hours after she was detained. Ozturk herself said she unsuccessfully made multiple requests to speak to a lawyer.

A Department of Homeland Security spokesperson said last month, without providing evidence, that investigations found that Ozturk engaged in activities in support of Hamas, a U.S.-designated terrorist group.
PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN)  An independent Portland bookstore is continuing to see the ramifications of federal funding freezes.

Earlier this week, Third Eye Books, Accessories and Gifts shared a message from a customer who announced they could no longer pay for orders from the shop as they had lost a major source of government funding.

Portland proposal to ban rental price-fixing software hits stumbling block

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Charles Hannah, vice president and co-founder of the store he owns alongside wife Michelle Lewis, said the customer serves some of the communitys most vulnerable children and families  but this is just one example of the challenges his patrons have faced.

These are books that will help children settle through transitions in their life, Hannah told KOIN 6. It was a simple request of this agency wanting to use books and literacy to increase our rates in todays children. As we know, Oregon has one of the worst literacy rates that we have, and so this came at a real worst time for this organization to really get something that would be so vital to help them go forward.

The co-owner noted that Third Eye Books has worked with plenty of schools, social justice agencies and nonprofits since launching its online store during the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020. The brick-and-mortar location on 2518 SE 33rd Ave. opened the following year.

Forest Park conservationists rally to appeal PGEs upcoming 5-acre tree removal

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According to Hannah, the shop experienced a surge in customers around that time  due to the push to support Black-owned businesses and the social justice movement that pushed people to give context to why they were protesting.

Although the store is no longer receiving as many bulk orders as it once did, its vice president said he understands why.

Books really dont come to the top of the list for a lot of agencies when it comes to funding Its a shortfall. Books are not on top of peoples list because we have eggs, bacon, bread, and all those things that people have to worry about, Hannah added.

He also said the bookstore is experiencing funding changes of its own. Third Eye no longer receives the grant that once helped cover the cost of an intern, and the shop is also waiting to see how the ever-changing tariffs affect its stock  with some books sourced from places like China, Malaysia and Canada.

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Port of Portland to vote on revoking DEI policies

The shop is hoping to attract more customers with its current 50% off sale and its specials for Independent Bookstore Day on April 26.

We just have to wait and anticipate til one shoe drops and we have to react. But at the same time, me and my wife, what we are going to do is not be fearful, because fear is False Evidence that Appears Real.' Hannah said.

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TOKYO, April 17 (Xinhua) -- Tokyo stocks ended higher Thursday on strong exporter shares as the yen weakened after Japan's trade envoy said exchange rates were not among the topics discussed during tariff talks with the United States.

Japan's benchmark Nikkei stock index, the 225-issue Nikkei Stock Average, ended up 457.20 points, or 1.35 percent, from Wednesday at 34,377.60.

The broader Topix index, meanwhile, finished 32.20 points, or 1.29 percent, higher at 2,530.23.

On the stock market, the benchmark Nikkei index stayed in positive territory throughout the day, as some export-linked machinery and electronics issues attracted buying on a weaker yen.

The U.S. dollar hit a seven-month low of 141.64 yen in New York overnight but rebounded to the upper 142 yen zone in Tokyo, as the Japanese currency was sold after Japan's chief negotiator, economic revitalization minister Ryosei Akazawa, revealed that currencies had not figured in the first round of negotiations in Washington.

Last month, U.S. President Donald Trump had accused Tokyo of pursuing a policy to devalue the yen, giving Japan an unfair trade advantage. 
LOWELL, Ind. (WGN)  WGN and Erin McElroy first met met Addison Brown in January 2020.

A 6th grader at the time, she was touched by the story of a frightened friend who ended up in a police car. She came up with an idea to put together a sack of goodies along with a handwritten note so kids in traumatic spots would know, someone cared. Almost like a hug in a drawstring bag.

I just wanted to spread kindness to the world and to kids who are going through hard things in their life, she said at the time.

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Previous Story: Indiana girl working with police departments to help bring smiles to other children

She called them smile bags and packed enough to deliver to three nearby police departments.

Addison is now 16 and at least two feet taller than when we last saw her. What hasnt changed? This young ladys tender heart.

More information at Smile Bags Facebook page.

If one person makes a difference, steps out and does something kind, it just spreads, she said.

Addison never stopped after those first hundred bags. She just kept packing, with the piles of Smile Bags and her reach growing with each passing year.

I have delivered roughly around 35,000 Smile Bags throughout Indiana and also Illinois, Addison said.

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Her younger sister, Savannah, friends from school, the Lowell Rotary Club and 13 other local businesses have donated time and resources toward the cause.

Erin has more on the story.

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The News

Indian authorities accused two top opposition figures of money laundering, paving the way for criminal charges against Prime Minister Narendra Modis most prominent opponents.

Authorities alleged that the Congress Partys leader Rahul Gandhi and his mother Sonia, the former party president, formed a shell company to illegally buy assets belonging to a newspaper publisher. They have denied wrongdoing, and a Congress spokesperson accused Modi of employing the politics of vendetta and intimidation.

Modi has been previously accused of cracking down on opponents: His political nemesis in Delhi was arrested last year on corruption charges.

Rahul Gandhi, a member of Indias most dominant political dynasty, wasnt seen as a threat to Modi until an unexpected comeback in last years national elections.
Sen. Roger Wicker, the high-profile Armed Services Committee chair, has proven a reliable ally to President Donald Trump by shepherding through his most controversial Defense Department choices and unabashedly praising many of his decisions. But even as he provides support, Wicker is quietly emerging as the Pentagons unlikely foil.

And it seems to be working.

The Mississippi Republican, in recent months, has swatted down a potential withdrawal of U.S. troops from Europe (others now warn against it); criticized Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth for undercutting Ukraine in peace talks (a rare public shaming of a top Trump official); and sought an investigation into officials use of Signal to discuss military operations in Yemen (the Pentagons inspector general has since launched a probe).

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Wickers actions  unusual from a top lawmaker in any administration  are especially rare under Trump, who now wields unfettered influence over the GOP.

But the longtime lawmaker has made himself integral to Trumps agenda  such as seeing through Hegseths contentious confirmation  and carefully placed blame on mid-level officials for Pentagon policies with which he disagrees. Wickers delicate dance reflects how traditional GOP defense hawks are learning to navigate the administrations isolationist moves while trying to achieve their own more traditional agendas. The approach could give fellow Republicans a model as they strive to balance dissenting ideologies with a president who demands ultimate loyalty.

Wicker has put himself in a very powerful place," said a Republican senator granted anonymity to speak candidly about a sensitive issue. The Pentagon, the White House need him.

The Armed Services chair has also enlisted Trump in his own goals. The two met at the White House in January and discussed a boost to defense spending, which Wicker calls a generational investment to deter China.

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Wickers plan would raise military spending to 5 percent of GDP, rocketing the annual defense budget well above $1 trillion. Trump announced this month he would push a record $1 trillion defense budget.

The senator argues that he and Trump are in sync, particularly on Pentagon spending.

President Trump and his administration have made national security a top priority and we have worked incredibly well together to advance Americas interests, Wicker said in a statement. President Biden emboldened our adversaries abroad and left our border defenseless at home. Together, President Trump, Secretary Hegseth, and I are repairing that damage and advancing peace through strength.

Wicker, a low-key, 73-year-old lawmaker who prefers to keep disagreements behind closed doors, represents the Republican old guard. His clashes with the administration center around an increasingly public ideological split in the GOP between traditional defense hawks and a growing faction that questions long-held U.S. commitments abroad, including in Europe and the Middle East.

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He has been one of the most vocal Senate Republicans to back arming Ukraine and warn about trusting Russian President Vladimir Putin, even after Trump suggested normalizing relations. And he chided Hegseth in February for telling NATO members that Ukraine could not regain its pre-war borders or join the alliance as a rookie mistake.

Wicker partnered with House Armed Services Chair Mike Rogers (R-Ala.) to warn they wouldnt sign off on significant reductions to U.S. troops in Europe or go along with a potential decision for the U.S. to step down from its longtime role leading NATO forces. Wicker also dismissed the possibility of troop cuts in Europe or South Korea in hearings this month.

"This is a viewpoint with which I disagree, Wicker said. I'm troubled that this deeply misguided and dangerous view is held by some mid-level bureaucrats within the Defense Department.

But he didnt criticize Trump  or even Hegseth  directly. Instead, Wicker attributed the unannounced proposals to officials who misunderstand their leaders' vision.

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"That just establishes Roger's street cred, said Sen. Kevin Cramer (R-N.D.), an Armed Services Committee member and Trump ally. And I think the president sees it that way."

Wickers political status differs considerably from another top Republican hawk, Sen. Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.). The former GOP leader, who now chairs the Senate Defense Appropriations panel, espouses views similar to Wicker but has a history of bad blood with the president and has taken more direct aim at the administration. McConnells opposition to Hegseth and several other picks, as well as to tariffs on Canada, has incurred the wrath of Trump and his allies.

The Senate Armed Services chair has also ensured the president benefits from his support. He helped push through Hegseths confirmation, which at times appeared near collapse amid allegations of sexual misconduct and alcohol abuse that the secretary denied.

Wicker also pushed for the Senate to remain in session as long as it takes to confirm Gen. Dan Caine, rebuffing Democratic resistance to Trumps pick for Joint Chiefs chair.

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His careful pushback has also won him support from Democrats. "He is a leader of ... great courtesy and respect for differing views," said Sen. Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.), who is on the Armed Services Committee. "He has to take account maintaining his influence or credibility within the administration, but he certainly has marked his own path."

But the symbiotic relationship can only go so far. The pair may face more pointed disagreements with the upcoming Pentagon budget. Wicker will spearhead defense policy legislation that could conflict with Trumps budget requests for major Pentagon programs. And rifts between defense hawks and the Trump-aligned wing of the GOP could grow bigger if the administration pursues major cuts to forces in Europe or elsewhere.

Wicker has some freedom to maneuver due to the outcomes hes shepherded, namely helping Trump get his team in place, said Mackenzie Eaglen, a senior fellow at the conservative American Enterprise Institute.

"They both need each other," she said. "But clearly the chairman has some runway in the form of political capital or stored goodwill  to stake out differing positions than the executive and, occasionally, amplify them."

Joe Gould contributed to this report.
LAKE CITY, S.C. (WBTW)  A Lake City parent lost more than $1,000 in SNAP benefits overnight after, she says, someone stole that money using her EBT card.

The mother, who wanted to remain anonymous, is the sole provider for her four daughters.

She says she got to the KJs grocery store in Lake City on Tuesday and realized her benefits were gone. She told News13 that hackers made more than 10 different transactions on her EBT card Monday night.

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The South Carolina Department of Social Services told News13 this kind of fraud is a national issue, and has been happening for months.

DSS says Congress did not reapprove the SNAP fraud reimbursement process. Therefore, DSS cannot reimburse people whose benefits were stolen.

It hurts bad, not for me as much as for my kids, to know that they wont replace them, the mother said. Theyre acting like you give your card out to somebody and its gone.

In a statement to News13, the state DSS said its inability to reimburse stolen SNAP benefits affects many families, and the department will keep an eye on actions by Congress.

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The Lake City parent says her family has other people they can rely on for food, but not everyone whose benefits were stolen is that fortunate.

I heard a story yesterday about a lady that has six kids and has no other way to feed them, she said. Everything she had was taken.

The woman says she spoke to DSS, the governors office, and Sen. Tim Scotts office.

But no one could promise her they would get her benefits back.

Its sad because there are a lot of kids that are going to be starving because of something they had no control over, she said.

DSS tells SNAP recipients to report stolen funds and to protect their benefits using the official Connect EBT app.

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Unofficial apps may expose your SNAP account information and EBT card number to scammers. The agency also tells customers to lock their EBT cards for out-of-state use.

However, the Lake City parent says families need more help from DSS.

Theyre just going to have to try to figure out a way to help these families because you cant just be like, Well, you know, its gone. Starve,' she said. Thats inhumane for people who really rely on that stuff, that have no other options.

To find your senator or congressman, report stolen benefits, cancel your SNAP card, or find a food bank near you, visit dss.sc.gov.

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* * *

Skylar Musick is a multimedia journalist at News13. Skylar is originally from Long Island, New York. She joined the News13 team in June 2024 after graduating from Villanova University in May 2024. Follow Skylar on X, formerly Twitter, Facebook, or Instagram, and read more of her work here.

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A British Army radio wave trial has taken down a drone swarm for the first time.

In what was the largest counter-drone swarm exercise with British soldiers to date, a team successfully tracked, targeted and defeated a drone attack with a new directed-energy weapon which has been developed in the UK.

The recent trial, at a weapons range in west Wales, used a type of radio frequency directed-energy weapon (RF DEW) which has proved capable of neutralising multiple targets simultaneously with near-instant effect.

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The devices high-frequency radio waves disrupt or damage electronic components inside the drones, which then crash or malfunction.

The Government has invested more than 40 million in researching RF DEW systems. They can defeat airborne targets at ranges of up to 1km (0.62 miles) and are effective against threats which cannot be jammed using other electronic warfare techniques.

Successful experiments included the Army taking down two swarms of drones in a single engagement, while the project saw more than 100 drones being tracked, engaged and defeated using the weapon across all trials.



Sgt Mayers, a senior remotely-piloted air systems operator from 106 Regiment Royal Artillery, was the first British soldier to bring down drones using a radio frequency weapon.

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He said: RF DEW is an exciting concept. We found the demonstrator quick to learn and easy to use. With improvements on range and power, which could come with further development, this would be a great asset to layered air defence.

It costs just 10p to fire each shot, which the Ministry of Defence said made RF DEW a cost-effective complement to traditional missile-based air defence systems.

The successful trial comes as drone swarms are increasingly seen in use in front-line combat in Ukraine.

Ukraine had to defend against attacks from more than 18,000 drones last year, according to UK Defence Intelligence.

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The Government will spend at least 10 per cent of the MoDs equipment procurement budget on novel technologies from 2025-26 as part of its Plan for Change, which will see improved national security.

Earlier this year, John Healey, the Defence Secretary, pledged to raise defence spending to 2.5 per cent of GDP by April 2027.

Maria Eagle, the minister for defence procurement and industry, said: This significant experiment exemplifies the strength of British innovation  driven by our home-grown industry, technology firms and scientific talent.

We continue to strengthen our defence sector, adding more cutting-edge capabilities to keep the UK secure at home and strong abroad, while making defence an engine for growth across our towns and cities.

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The development of RF DEW systems could protect the UK from disruption at airports and unidentified drones at security sensitive areas such as defence bases.

The systems also support the Defence Industrial Strategy, helping the UK face global threats.

Nigel MacVean, managing director of Thales Integrated Airspace-protection Systems, which led the development of the RF DEW demonstrator, said: Thales continues to be at the forefront of this pioneering technology, and we are proud to continue the research and development in this sector alongside our partners in Government.

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Rice is a staple crop for over half of the world's population and is grown in over 100 countries, but bacterial leaf blight (BLB) is causing crop losses and driving the use of potentially dangerous pesticides.

Ascribe Bioscience, a New York-based agricultural tech company, believes it can reduce the impacts of the disease with its new biopesticide: Phytalix.

Jay Farmer, the company's CEO and founder, told Forbes that he believes the product is "a transformative development for farmers big and small."

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"Current chemical solutions used to manage these diseases are not meeting growers' needs," added Farmer. "They are harmful to the environment, expensive, and are losing their efficacy as pathogens develop resistance."

BLB primarily affects rice crops in both temperate and tropical zones, although it's been particularly devastating to crops in tropical regions of Asia, where losses of up to 74% have been piling up, as a study in the journal Heliyon, shared by Science Direct, observed.

India has been especially hard hit, with yield losses up to 80%, as the disease flourishes in its warm, humid climate. This threatens to disrupt the country's rice crop, which accounts for 27% of the world's supply, as Forbes explained.

Trials of Phytalix conducted in the country resulted in an 83% reduction in BLB severity while outperforming traditional treatments by 20%, according to the publication. Rice yields saw a 30% increase in tests where BLB was particularly heavy and an overall boost of 13% across all the areas it was applied.

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The use of pesticides is estimated to have grown 20% over the last decade, according to the Institute for Functional Medicine, with some low-income countries seeing growth of up to 153%. Many of these are chemical pesticides that are associated with elevated cancer risks, among other dangers to human health.

This has led to substantial growth in the global market for natural, non-chemical pesticides, which was said to be worth $226.3 billion in 2021, according to Acumen research. Its projections say it could hit $631.4 billion by 2030.

Some farmers in parts of Asia have been using antibiotics on their crops in hopes of fighting the disease, but researchers are worried it may be fueling antibiotic resistance while using up the valuable medical resource.

Phytalix, however, is "derived from natural molecules sourced from the soil microbiome" as Forbes explained, which makes it sustainable for rice farmers big and small.

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Ascribe said that it actually helps to boost the plant's immune system and guards against major fungal pathogens, as well as bacterial and viral disease.

Natural methods of pest control such as this could provide a safer way to protect global rice production, which Forbes suggested is projected to increase by 11.12% by 2030.

Srinivas Veeranki, managing director of crop science service AgReveal, told the outlet that Phytalix could be "a major step forward for farmers and global food security, offering effective and long-lasting disease control while also making rice production more resilient to growing environmental and market challenges."

Ascribe's product is currently pending review in Brazil and the U.S., as Forbes explained, with future plans for approval in key rice-producing countries across Asia.

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.
NAGS HEAD, N.C. (WAVY)  Bluefin tuna, massive fish known to grow more than 10 feet in length, are typically found in deeper waters of the Atlantic Ocean. But for a few special days this month, anglers along the shores of North Carolinas Outer Banks were able to flock to piers and catch the otherwise-rare bluefin tuna.

That was until recently, when a NOAA law enforcement officer notified Jennettes Pier last week that its illegal for shore-based anglers to catch the tuna. The pier said the officer informed them its a violation to fish for, catch, have, keep, or land the bluefin tuna, as well as blue marlin, white marlin, and roundscale spearfish, without a permit or endorsement.

After the pier-side run of bluefin tuna, NOAA law enforcement also told management that they needed to remove tuna bite references from their social media accounts.

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For the pier, they went and censored them and said because youre posting photos and videos of bluefin tuna being caught, that youre promoting an illegal activity, said Dave Harding, a representative for the information and pier-fishing advocacy group Fishing Piers.

Some anglers are undeterred, however, and have turned to a certain group of water vessels to keep fishing the tuna.

Harding said those fishermen shouldnt be on the hook for what ends up on their line, just because they werent fishing from a boat.

PREVIOUS COVERAGE: Massive bluefin tuna catches halted at NC pier after officials step in, manager says

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An insane law demands an insane protest, said Harding.

The hook here is, if youre fishing near the pier on a boat with a highly-migratory species permit, then youre good to go if its open season. As it stands Tuesday, though, if you cant afford a boat, anglers are out of luck if they strike tuna gold.

This is access discrimination; this is economic discrimination, Harding said. Why are they banning fishermen that are having such a low yield even taking part in this?

The federal, nationwide law doesnt sit well with Harding or other vocal anglers, so they cast a line in hopes of inviting other people looking to protest the law in a unique way Saturday.

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Were registering  this is tuna-sauras, and we are making them official North Carolina vessels for $30, said Harding, on-camera with his water floatie. I can now go fish legally from the pier, from the water, and be able to legally retain the tuna.

The licensing office for Hardings HMS permit was puzzled, but didnt turn him away. According to Harding, turns out USS Tunasauras makes the cut.

Technically, yes  if I was sitting on this in an inch of water, even on the shore, theres no regulations that said the vessel has to be in the water, Harding told Nexstars WAVY.

A protest has even been planned for Saturday and a petition is circulating in response to the rules.

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Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to Queen City News.
The Interior Department is halting an offshore wind project approved by the Biden administration as President Trump has called for a policy where no windmills are being built.

In a statement posted on the social platform X, Interior Secretary Doug Burgum said he is directing the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management to immediately halt all construction activities on the Empire Wind 1 project.

This project was approved in late 2023 and is being built off the coast of Long Island, N.Y.

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Trump has long opposed wind power, complaining about impacts to birds and views and even baselessly claiming in 2019 that wind power noise can cause cancer.

On his first day in office, he issued an executive order that barred the government from auctioning off the rights to build wind farms offshore and also temporarily blocked new rights for wind on public lands.

But this weeks move is an even further escalation, targeting a project that has already been approved.

Burgum, in his post, said the project was being halted until further review of information that suggests the Biden administration rushed through its approval without sufficient analysis.

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He did not elaborate on what this information is, and the Interior Department did not immediately respond to questions from The Hill.

While it has opposed wind, the Trump administration has sought to fast-track fossil fuel projects, issuing an order last week that sought to exempt coal projects from environmental reviews.

Trump has also declared there is a national energy emergency and has said he would use his presidential power to bolster energy production.

When completed, Empire Wind 1 would be expected to deliver 810 megawatts of power into Brooklyn, enough to power 500,000 New York homes, according to the projects website.

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In a written statement, a spokesperson for Equinor, the company behind the project, acknowledged the Trump administrations notification but declined to comment on the specifics.

We have just received a notification from the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (BOEM) regarding our Empire Wind 1 project, which has been in construction since 2024. We will engage directly with BOEM and the Department of Interior to understand the questions raised about the permits we have received from authorities. We will not comment about the potential consequences until we know more, the spokesperson said.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill.
The Bianzhong of Marquis Yi of Zeng is pictured in Hubei Provincial Museum in Wuhan, central China's Hubei Province, April 17, 2025. Three documentary heritage collections submitted by China have been inscribed in the UNESCO Memory of the World Register, the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization announced on Thursday.

Among the 74 newly added entries, China contributed two solo submissions - the Bianzhong of Marquis Yi of Zeng and the Steles of Shaolin Temple - as well as a joint submission with Sri Lanka: the Trilingual Inscription. (Xinhua/Xiao Yijiu)

BEIJING, April 17 (Xinhua) -- China has shown the world its unrelenting commitment to protecting humanity's shared cultural legacy with three new documentary heritage items added to the Memory of the World (MoW) Register of the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) on Thursday.

With the latest additions -- the Bianzhong of Marquis Yi of Zeng, the Steles of Shaolin Temple (566-1990) and Trilingual Inscription (TribhashaSellipiya) -- China now has 18 entries in the international register, which was launched by UNESCO in 1992 to facilitate preservation of the world's documentary heritage, enable universal access to documentary heritage worldwide and enhance public awareness.

Dubbed the world's first "sound-producing music textbook," the Bianzhong of Marquis Yi of Zeng, dating back more than 2,400 years, is currently on display at the Hubei Provincial Museum in central China. The bronze percussion instrument weighs nearly 5 tonnes, and comprises 65 bianzhong, or chime bells.

The bells, which are arranged across three tiers and eight groupings at the exhibition, featured 3,755 inscribed Chinese characters -- the only known systematic musical treatise from the 5th century B.C.

In 2024, the museum reported more than 5 million visits. During peak periods, daily visits to the bianzhong exhibition exceeded 30,000 people, said Zhang Xiaoyun, curator of the museum.

To better preserve such documentary heritage, in 1984, the museum commissioned a full set of replicated chime bells to be used for performances and research, allowing the ancient instrument to resonate beyond museum walls. Three years later, the museum established a bianzhong performance troupe, with its members having performed to over 10 million live spectators worldwide.

For more than 40 years, specialists in archaeology, metallurgy, acoustics, astronomy, ancient writing, chemistry, music and other fields from across the globe have researched the chime bells and their inscriptions.

UNESCO's recognition is also reflected through the continuous conservation work at the Shaolin Temple in the central Henan Province, where 499 ancient steles chronicle the extensive exchanges and interactions between the temple -- the birthplace of kung fu -- and ancient officials, celebrities, overseas Buddhists and secular society between 556 and 1990.

The steles distributed at the temple and its surrounding areas are protected according to each monument's condition and location. "We have installed glass cases around fragile inscriptions or protective railings around exposed pieces," said Yang Hongrui, the temple's chief archivist.

According to Yang, the temple has collaborated with institutions to digitally archive the entire collection and establish a digital archives exhibition hall.

"During its trial operation last September, the digital archives exhibition hall, spanning approximately 100 square meters, drew overwhelming crowds, averaging 14 visitors per minute with some staying for up to two to three hours," Yang said.

Yang added that to celebrate its inclusion in the MoW Register, the hall will officially open to the public ahead of May, and there are plans for international touring exhibitions of these archival treasures at the temple's 168 overseas cultural centers.

Similar to the Shaolin steles, Trilingual Inscription (TribhashaSellipiya), jointly submitted by China and Sri Lanka, also provides evidence of China's interactions with other civilizations.

The monument, brought to Sri Lanka over 600 years ago by renowned Chinese navigator Zheng He during his third voyage, is held by the national museum in Colombo as one of the most precious collections. It is a testament to cultural exchanges between China and the outside world, as inscriptions written in Chinese, Persian and Tamil recorded ceremonial offerings to a sacred mountain shrine by Zheng's fleet.

"The joint efforts underscore the mutual respect and commitment to cultural preservation that Sri Lanka and China have cultivated over the years. Such recognition will undoubtedly encourage further collaborations in fields such as archaeology, education and tourism," Ruwan Ranasinghe, Sri Lanka's deputy minister of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Employment and Tourism, told Xinhua.

China made its first application to the MoW Register in 1997, establishing itself as one of the earliest participants and the first nation to create a dedicated national committee for the program.

"The inclusion in the MoW Register underscores the remarkable richness of Chinese archival heritage. This designation highlights the nation's wealth of documentary resources worthy of preservation," said professor Chen Shaofeng from Peking University. He noted that authorities can focus on more ethnic minority documents for future UNESCO nominations.

To date, China has officially recognized 198 items or groups of archival heritage at the national level. The National Archives Administration of China has further urged provincial-level archives authorities to develop regional catalogues to expand and refine the global memory preservation framework. 

This undated file photo shows a stele in Shaolin Temple in Dengfeng City, central China's Henan Province. Three documentary heritage collections submitted by China have been inscribed in the UNESCO Memory of the World Register, the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization announced on Thursday.

Among the 74 newly added entries, China contributed two solo submissions - the Bianzhong of Marquis Yi of Zeng and the Steles of Shaolin Temple - as well as a joint submission with Sri Lanka: the Trilingual Inscription. (Xinhua)

Visitors look at the Trilingual Inscription at the Colombo National Museum in Colombo, Sri Lanka, April 17, 2025. Three documentary heritage collections submitted by China have been inscribed in the UNESCO Memory of the World Register, the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization announced on Thursday.

Among the 74 newly added entries, China contributed two solo submissions - the Bianzhong of Marquis Yi of Zeng and the Steles of Shaolin Temple - as well as a joint submission with Sri Lanka: the Trilingual Inscription. (Xinhua/Wu Yue)

This undated file photo shows a stele in Shaolin Temple in Dengfeng City, central China's Henan Province. Three documentary heritage collections submitted by China have been inscribed in the UNESCO Memory of the World Register, the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization announced on Thursday.

Among the 74 newly added entries, China contributed two solo submissions - the Bianzhong of Marquis Yi of Zeng and the Steles of Shaolin Temple - as well as a joint submission with Sri Lanka: the Trilingual Inscription. (Xinhua)

This photo taken on April 17, 2025 shows the Trilingual Inscription exhibited at the Colombo National Museum in Colombo, Sri Lanka. Three documentary heritage collections submitted by China have been inscribed in the UNESCO Memory of the World Register, the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization announced on Thursday.

Among the 74 newly added entries, China contributed two solo submissions - the Bianzhong of Marquis Yi of Zeng and the Steles of Shaolin Temple - as well as a joint submission with Sri Lanka: the Trilingual Inscription. (Xinhua/Wu Yue)

The Bianzhong of Marquis Yi of Zeng is pictured in Hubei Provincial Museum in Wuhan, central China's Hubei Province, April 17, 2025. Three documentary heritage collections submitted by China have been inscribed in the UNESCO Memory of the World Register, the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization announced on Thursday.

Among the 74 newly added entries, China contributed two solo submissions - the Bianzhong of Marquis Yi of Zeng and the Steles of Shaolin Temple - as well as a joint submission with Sri Lanka: the Trilingual Inscription. (Xinhua/Xiao Yijiu)

This photo taken on April 17, 2025 shows the Trilingual Inscription exhibited at the Colombo National Museum in Colombo, Sri Lanka. Three documentary heritage collections submitted by China have been inscribed in the UNESCO Memory of the World Register, the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization announced on Thursday.

Among the 74 newly added entries, China contributed two solo submissions - the Bianzhong of Marquis Yi of Zeng and the Steles of Shaolin Temple - as well as a joint submission with Sri Lanka: the Trilingual Inscription. (Xinhua/Wu Yue)

This photo taken on April 17, 2025 shows the Trilingual Inscription (C) exhibited at the Colombo National Museum in Colombo, Sri Lanka. Three documentary heritage collections submitted by China have been inscribed in the UNESCO Memory of the World Register, the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization announced on Thursday.

Among the 74 newly added entries, China contributed two solo submissions - the Bianzhong of Marquis Yi of Zeng and the Steles of Shaolin Temple - as well as a joint submission with Sri Lanka: the Trilingual Inscription. (Xinhua/Wu Yue)

This undated file photo shows steles in Shaolin Temple in Dengfeng City, central China's Henan Province. Three documentary heritage collections submitted by China have been inscribed in the UNESCO Memory of the World Register, the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization announced on Thursday.

Among the 74 newly added entries, China contributed two solo submissions - the Bianzhong of Marquis Yi of Zeng and the Steles of Shaolin Temple - as well as a joint submission with Sri Lanka: the Trilingual Inscription. (Xinhua)

The Bianzhong of Marquis Yi of Zeng is pictured in Hubei Provincial Museum in Wuhan, central China's Hubei Province, April 17, 2025. Three documentary heritage collections submitted by China have been inscribed in the UNESCO Memory of the World Register, the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization announced on Thursday.

Among the 74 newly added entries, China contributed two solo submissions - the Bianzhong of Marquis Yi of Zeng and the Steles of Shaolin Temple - as well as a joint submission with Sri Lanka: the Trilingual Inscription. (Xinhua/Xiao Yijiu)

The Bianzhong of Marquis Yi of Zeng is pictured in Hubei Provincial Museum in Wuhan, central China's Hubei Province, April 17, 2025. Three documentary heritage collections submitted by China have been inscribed in the UNESCO Memory of the World Register, the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization announced on Thursday.

Among the 74 newly added entries, China contributed two solo submissions - the Bianzhong of Marquis Yi of Zeng and the Steles of Shaolin Temple - as well as a joint submission with Sri Lanka: the Trilingual Inscription. (Xinhua/Xiao Yijiu)
A new internal memo from the CFPB told employees to "deprioritize" student loans and medical debt.

It said that the focus of the CFPB will shift from supervision of companies to giving money back to consumers.

This memo comes as millions of student-loan borrowers are expected to default this year.

The nation's top consumer watchdog is getting a major reshaping under President Donald Trump.

On Wednesday, Mark Paoletta, the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau's chief legal officer, sent a memo to all employees outlining the agency's new priorities for 2025.

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The memo, a copy of which was obtained by Business Insider, stated that the "Bureau will focus on its enforcement and supervision resources on pressing threats to consumers, particularly service members and their families, and veterans."

"To focus on tangible harms to consumers, the Bureau will shift resources from enforcement and supervision that can be done by the States," Paoletta wrote.

Paoletta said that moving forward, the CFPB will "deprioritize" areas including oversight over student loans, medical debt, consumer data, and digital payments.

Under former President Joe Biden, the CPFB returned billions of dollars to student-loan borrowers after the agency found that some student-loan servicers engaged in predatory behavior. For example, the CFPB reached a settlement with lender Navient in September over claims the company mishandled payments, giving back $100 million to affected borrowers.

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A CFPB employee told BI that these new priorities come at a financially precarious time for student-loan borrowers, especially with the New York Federal Reserve estimating that millions of borrowers are set to default this year due to some protections expiring.

"In the face of this unprecedented financial catastrophe, CFPB has given the student loan industry advanced notice that it will not be watching out for borrowers and it will not hold companies accountable when they break the law," Mike Pierce, executive director of the advocacy group Student Borrower Protection Center, said in a statement.

Paoletta's memo also said that the CFPB will focus on getting money back to consumers rather than "imposing penalties on companies in order to simply fill the Bureau's penalty fund." The CFPB employee said that supervising companies "is literally the reason the agency was created" and is not something states can do themselves.

This is the latest move in the Trump administration's efforts to restructure the government and slash the federal workforce. In February, BI reported that CFPB employees were told to "not perform any work tasks," and the agency has since dropped major lawsuits against companies, including Capital One.

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Wednesday's memo confirmed that supervision  a core part of the agency's responsibilities over the past decade  will decrease.

The CFPB did not immediately respond to a request for comment from BI.

Have a tip or story to share? Contact this reporter via email at asheffey@businessinsider.com or Signal at asheffey.97. Use a personal email address and a nonwork device; here's our guide to sharing information securely .

Read the original article on Business Insider
The Trump administration has recently revoked the visas of more than 1,300 foreign college students  detaining some  and launched immigration enforcement actions on college campuses across the country. This has raised concerns among the more than 1.1 million international students studying at U.S. universities.

Headlines are filled with perspectives from immigration and civil rights experts, but one aspect of the story often goes overlooked: the tremendous economic impact international students have on local communities.

Although the actual impact on enrollment wont be known until the next academic year, interest from foreign students in pursuing graduate-level education in the U.S. fell sharply in the early days of the Trump administration, one analysis showed.

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If these global scholars stay home, thats bad economic news for cities and towns across the United States.

A $44 billion economic impact

Higher education is Americas 10th-largest export, according to the Bureau of Economic Analysis. (Yes, even though students are coming into the U.S. for their education, economists consider it an export.)

Last year, U.S. colleges and universities attracted international students from 217 nations and territories, including one student from the island nation of Niue in the South Pacific. Their economic contributions added up to more than the value of U.S. telecommunications, computer and information services exports combined.

While the national impact is impressive, the effects at the local level are even more important. After all, nearly every city across the U.S. has at least one institution of higher learning.

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The average international student brings a wallet stuffed with about $29,000 to spend on everything from tuition to pizza. As these students rent apartments, buy books and order DoorDash delivery to fuel all-nighters, theyre pumping money into the local community.

This money translates into American jobs.

On average, a new job is created for every three international students enrolled in a U.S. college or university. In the 2023-24 academic year, about 378,175 jobs were created. And thats just counting jobs that are directly supported by international students, such as local business hiring to staff retail shops and restaurants. If you count those jobs indirectly supported by international students, such as employees at a distribution center, the number is even higher.

A boon to local economies

In any of the 50 largest American cities, youll find at least one college or university with international students on campus. For these communities, global learners bring a most welcome financial aid package.

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Consider Boston. Greater Boston hosts more than 50 colleges and universities, including Boston University, where I teach multinational finance and trade. The citys economic gains from the more than 63,000 international students attending these schools are huge: about $3 billion.

Prestigious private schools are a draw, but hands down the biggest pull for international students are state universities and colleges. Of the nations top schools enrolling these students last year, 29 were state colleges and universities, attracting over 251,300 students.

In the top three of those public institutions alone  Arizona State University, the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign and the University of California, Berkeley  international students contributed nearly $1.7 billion, supporting over 16,800 jobs. Expand that to the top 10  the University of California system takes four of those spots  and the numbers pop up to $4.68 billion and 47,136 jobs.

Bringing the world to Mankato

Yet international students arent just boosting the economies of major university towns. Consider Mankato, a small city of 45,000 about 80 miles from Minneapolis that hosts a Minnesota State University campus. In the 2023-24 academic year, about 1,716 international students called Mankato their home away from home.

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Those students brought an infusion of $45.9 million into that community, supporting around 190 jobs. There are dozens of similar campuses in cities and towns like Mankato across the country. It adds up quickly.

In addition to private and public universities, community colleges attract thousands of global scholars. Although their international enrollment declined during Covid-19, community colleges are resurgent, attracting some 59,315 international students in 2024, with China, Vietnam and Nepal leading the countries-of-origin list.

Generating about $2 billion and supporting 8,472 jobs, they have a major economic impact  particularly in Texas, California and Florida, where the majority of these students come to learn.

Texas leads the nation with the three community colleges with the largest international enrollment: Houston Community College, Lone Star College and Dallas College. Of the $256.7 million and 1,096 jobs international students brought into those institutions, Lone Star led the pack with $102.3 million and 438 jobs, nearly one job created for every two international students  double the national average.

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Due to changing demographics, American colleges enroll 2.3 million fewer domestic students than they did a decade ago  a decline of 10.7%. Colleges and universities are increasingly looking to international students to fill the gap. Whats more, universities tend to see international students as subsidizing domestic students, particularly since international students are generally ineligible for need-blind admissions.

Moreover, the vast majority of international students are funded by family or foreign sponsors. Few require student aid packages. In fact, less than 20% of all international students receive grant funding from a federal source, and most of that goes to postgraduates doing advanced research. If you look at undergraduate exchange students alone, just 0.1% receive any sort of public funding.

One things for sure: Whether theyre attending small-town community colleges or the Ivies in big cities, international students bring a high degree of economic impact with them.

This is an updated version of a story originally published Aug. 13, 2024.

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This story was amended on April 28, 2025 to show that a new job is created for every three international students enrolled in a U.S. college or university, not four.

Barnet Sherman 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 pair of interns are raising awareness about a "hidden gem" in San Diego County  and thanks to their efforts, this gem should remain pristine for future generations to enjoy.

As CBS News 8 reported, Jordan Legrys and Olivia Boitano are working as water-quality monitoring interns for Nature Collective, a conservation and science education nonprofit established in 1987. Each week, they head to the San Elijo Lagoon to monitor its oxygen, temperature, and salinity levels with their sensors, gathering data and watching closely for signs that anything is amiss.

"We'll look at changes over time and this will indicate if any events are happening," Legrys told CBS News 8. "The lagoon's health and water are important to make sure plants and animals stay healthy as well and they're getting all their nutrients."

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Situated off Interstate 5, the lagoon is a "hiker's dream," according to Nature Collective, featuring more than nine miles of trails and serving as a stopping point or home for more than 1,000 animal and plant species, including many that are rare and endangered.

For Legrys and Boitano, protecting one of the largest wetlands in San Diego was a no-brainer, with their love for nature fueling their path into conservation.

In addition to being a haven of biodiversity  crucial for healthy ecosystems to limit disease spread and support economic growth  the lagoon helps protect against flooding and filters pollutants, contributing to cleaner air and water, as Boitano explained to CBS News 8.

If you visit the lagoon or other natural recreation areas, one of the best ways to support the work of conservation organizations like Nature Collective is to ensure you're a responsible guest.

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That includes ensuring you don't leave behind any litter and maintaining a proper distance from wildlife. For those who want to get more involved, Nature Collective also offers community events and volunteer opportunities at the lagoon.

"It's so interesting, I feel like I drove by it a lot and never took the time to stop by, but it's so peaceful I recommend people stop by," Legrys told CBS News 8.

"It's a great place to come outdoors and learn about wildlife," Legrys added.

How often do you worry about the quality of your drinking water? Never Sometimes Often Always Click your choice to see results and speak your mind.

Join our free newsletter for good news and useful tips, and don't miss this cool list of easy ways to help yourself while helping the planet.
In mid-April 2025, social media users spread a rumor that U.S. President Donald Trump's administration would end animal testing at the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) by recommitting to a 2035 deadline set during Trump's first term and scrapped under former President Joe Biden. The EPA uses animal testing to ensure the safety of pesticides and other chemicals. Many scientists believe research using animals is necessary to protect people and wildlife  but advocates for animal welfare say these experiments are cruel.

It is true that an effort to phase out testing on some animals by 2035 at the EPA began under Trump's first term. But researchers don't just use mammals in testing: Birds, turtles and other non-mammals are used for experimentation and would not be affected by the 2035 deadline.

It is not clear whether the Trump administration plans to return to the deadline set in his first term. While news reports in 2025 indicated the EPA recommitted to ending mammal testing, the agency would not confirm this to Snopes.

The Biden administration did remove the 2035 deadline from EPA planning documents, reportedly because officials believed research alternatives to animal testing were not yet advanced enough to accurately show whether a chemical would be safe. However, it's unclear whether the agency, under Biden, planned to end the initiative or delay it; a spokesperson with the EPA told journalists in 2024 that the agency was still committed to phasing out animal testing, but that research alternatives to animals might not be advanced enough to meet the 2035 deadline.

In mid-April 2025, a claim spread online that U.S. President Donald Trump's administration had recommitted to ending animal testing at the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)  an initiative that many alleged began during Trump's first term but was halted under former President Joe Biden.

The EPA relies on animal testing for assessing the safety of pesticides and other chemical substances that may be toxic to humans and wildlife.

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Rumors about the purported renewed policy spread on Facebook and X. "Trump's EPA head Lee Zeldin just reinstated a phaseout of animal testing begun in the first Trump admin, but killed by Biden," conservative commentator Ann Coulter claimed on X. (Coulter and many others tied this claim to a previous rumor Snopes investigated about alleged government tests on beagles that critics used to attack Dr. Anthony Fauci, Biden's chief medical officer.)

Fauci funded the torture and killing of beagles.



Trump's EPA head Lee Zeldin just reinstated a phaseout of animal testing begun in the first Trump admin, but killed by Biden. pic.twitter.com/fGYajtSgGp  Ann Coulter (@AnnCoulter) April 13, 2025

Republican lawmakers also spread the EPA claim on X. Meanwhile, Snopes readers searched the website for information about whether Trump was ending animal testing.

The Washington Times, a conservative newspaper, reported that the EPA plans to return to a 2035 deadline to end testing on some animals set during Trump's first term but removed under Biden. However, a statement sent to Snopes by the EPA did not confirm the Times' reporting. Furthermore, it is unclear whether the Biden administration planned to end this effort entirely. A spokesperson for the EPA under Biden told reporters in 2024 that phasing out animal testing was the EPA's end goal, but the administration was unsure that the science on alternatives to replace animals in chemical safety tests would be advanced enough by 2035.

Meanwhile, though, the Federal Drug Administration (FDA) announced on April 10 that it would phase out an animal-testing requirement for certain drugs.

Deadline set during Trump's first term for mammals, not all animals

In 2019, during Trump's first term as president, then-EPA Administrator Andrew Wheeler signed a directive to phase out testing on some animals. In the memo, Wheeler, a former chemical industry lobbyist, called animal testing "expensive and time-consuming"; he later wrote in a 2023 Fox News op-ed that the EPA's animal testing practices were "cruel and wasteful."

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Here's the relevant portion of the directive, found on Page 2:

The EPA will reduce its requests for, and our funding of, mammal studies by 30 percent by 2025 and eliminate all mammal study requests and funding by 2035. Any mammal studies requested or funded by the EPA after 2035 will require Administrator approval on a case-by-case basis.

A mammal is a specific type of vertebrate animal that includes cats, dogs and monkeys. Non-mammals  including crabs, fish, frogs, octopuses, birds and turtles  are not addressed in the directive, meaning that per the dictionary definition of animal, it would not be accurate to say that the Trump administration planned to phase out all animal testing.

However, under the Animal Welfare Act, the only federal law setting standards for treatment of animals in research, the word "animal" applies only to a very specific subset of creatures and excludes cold-blooded ones and farm animals, as well as rats, mice and birds that are specifically bred for research.

Thus, under that definition, the Trump administration's decision to phase out mammal testing could be considered the same as phasing out animal testing, even though birds and other non-mammals not classified as "animals" under the law are often used in research.

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It is worth noting animal-welfare advocates make the same ethical arguments about these non-mammals used in testing; birds, for example, can feel pain.

Trump administration may return to 2035 deadline

There are some indications that the Trump administration intends to return to the 2035 EPA deadline. After Fox News reported that the FDA and the EPA under Trump would phase out animal testing, White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt posted Fox News' story on X, as did others in the administration.

However, while the FDA's decision to reduce animal testing could be definitively proven through a public news release on the agency's website, neither the EPA nor its administrator, Lee Zeldin, had announced that the agency will end or reduce animal testing as of this writing.

Fox News' story cited the Washington Times' April 10 reporting, in which EPA spokesperson Molly Vaseliou told the paper Zeldin was committed to the 2035 deadline (emphasis ours):

Under President Trump's first term, EPA signed a directive to prioritize efforts to reduce animal testing and committed to reducing testing on mammals by 30% by 2025 and to eliminate it completely by 2035. The Biden administration halted progress on these efforts by delaying compliance deadlines. Administrator Zeldin is wholly committed to getting the agency back on track to eliminating animal testing.

But when Snopes reached out to Vaseliou via email on April 14 to request confirmation of the Times story, the statement she provided was, word-for-word, the same as the Times' report  except for the final sentence confirming that the agency would return to the 2035 deadline, which was omitted entirely. (She also sent a long list of bills Zeldin sponsored or supported on animal welfare while in Congress.)

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As of this writing, Vaseliou has not returned further inquiries as to whether Zeldin plans on reviving the 2035 deadline. Thus, it is not possible to definitively say whether the Trump administration will return to its previous commitment to end mammal testing at the EPA by 2035.

Biden's EPA removed the deadline, citing science

A work plan from the EPA dated June 2020, during Trump's first term, mentions the 2035 deadline (see Page 5). But that deadline disappeared in a December 2021 version of the same document. The news broke publicly after White Coat Waste, a Republican-led animal rights advocacy group, published public records requests in December 2023 appearing to show EPA officials discussing "stripping out" the deadlines from the agency's documents.

According to Science, an academic journal that also publishes science news, the EPA under Biden acknowledged the deadline removal in 2024 and said it was motivated by science; the 2019 decision from the Trump administration divided scientists, some of whom worried that alternative technologies to test the safety of chemicals would not be ready by the 2035 deadline. Here's what Chris Frey, then-head of the Office of Research and Development at the EPA, said about the deadline, per the Science story:

EPA tells Science that it remains committed to exploring alternatives to animal experiments. Just because the dates are gone, "that commitment has not changed," Frey says, although he doesn't know when  or even whether  his agency will completely transition to nonanimal models. "Fully phasing out animal testing is the goal, and we will always have that goal," he says. "But I don't want to get ahead of our scientists."

White Coat Waste's report led to a bipartisan group of lawmakers signing a letter that called on the agency to reverse its decision.

Sources:

"Animal Testing and Experiments FAQ." Humane World for Animals, 18 Mar. 2025, www.humaneworld.org/en/issues/animals-used-experiments-faq#life. Accessed 15 Apr. 2025.

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Beausoleil, N. J., et al. "Avian Nociception and Pain." Elsevier EBooks, Elsevier BV, Jan. 2022, pp. 22331, https://doi.org/10.1016/b978-0-12-819770-7.00028-1. Accessed 20 Aug. 2024.

"Birds Now Covered by the AWA / AWR: What Researchers Can Expect." Animal Care & Use Program, University of Michigan, 20 Feb. 2024, animalcare.umich.edu/news/announcements/birds-now-covered-by-the-awa-awr-what-researchers-can-expect/. Accessed 15 Apr. 2025.

Bruce, Tammy. "Great News! 'Animal Rights Groups Praise Trump Admin for Phasing out "Cruel Tests on Dogs" and Other Animals' Https://Foxnews.com/Politics/Peta-Animal-Rights-Groups-Praise-Trump-Admin-Bucking-Animal-Testing." X (Formerly Twitter), 13 Apr. 2025, x.com/statedeptspox/status/1911498376224596178. Accessed 15 Apr. 2025.

"CHAPTER 54TRANSPORTATION, SALE, and HANDLING of CERTAIN ANIMALS." Uscode.house.gov, uscode.house.gov/view.xhtml?path=/prelim@title7/chapter54&edition=prelim. Accessed 15 Apr. 2025.

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Colton, Emma. "PETA, Animal Rights Groups Praise Trump Admin for Phasing out 'Cruel Tests on Dogs' and Other Animals." Fox News, 13 Apr. 2025, www.foxnews.com/politics/peta-animal-rights-groups-praise-trump-admin-bucking-animal-testing. Accessed 15 Apr. 2025.

"Definition of ANIMAL." Merriam-Webster.com, www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/animal. Accessed 15 Apr. 2025.

Dinan, Stephen. "EPA Chief Lee Zeldin Eyes Ban on Animal Testing." The Washington Times, 10 Apr. 2025, www.washingtontimes.com/news/2025/apr/10/epa-chief-lee-zeldin-eyes-ban-animal-testing/. Accessed 15 Apr. 2025.

"FDA Announces Plan to Phase out Animal Testing Requirement for Monoclonal Antibodies and Other Drugs." U.S. Food and Drug Administration, 10 Apr. 2025, www.fda.gov/news-events/press-announcements/fda-announces-plan-phase-out-animal-testing-requirement-monoclonal-antibodies-and-other-drugs. Accessed 15 Apr. 2025.

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Grimm, David. "EPA Plan to End Animal Testing Splits Scientists." Science, vol. 365, no. 6459, Sept. 2019, pp. 123131, https://doi.org/10.1126/science.365.6459.1231.

---. "EPA Scraps Plan to End Mammal Testing by 2035." Science.org, 12 Jan. 2024, www.science.org/content/article/epa-scraps-plan-end-mammal-testing-2035. Accessed 15 Apr. 2025.

Hickman, D. L., et al. "Commonly Used Animal Models." Principles of Animal Research for Graduate and Undergraduate Students, Nov. 2016, pp. 11775, https://doi.org/10.1016/B978-0-12-802151-4.00007-4. Accessed 15 Apr. 2025.

Leavitt, Karoline. "." X (Formerly Twitter), 13 Apr. 2025, x.com/PressSec/status/1911488012304757214. Accessed 15 Apr. 2025.

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McClain, Lisa, et al. "EPA Criticism Letter." White Coat Waste, 5 Feb. 2024, blog.whitecoatwaste.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/EPA-criticism_letter.pdf. Accessed 15 Apr. 2025.

---. "The EPA Should Be Ashamed of Itself for Backtracking and Reviving Inhumane Chemical Animal Testing. I Am Proud to Lead a Bipartisan Letter to EPA Administrator Regan to Call for the Agency to Reverse This Decision and Stop Tax Dollars from Being Used on These Disgusting Tests." X (Formerly Twitter), 5 Feb. 2024, x.com/RepLisaMcClain/status/1754524442070221168. Accessed 15 Apr. 2025.

Mench, Joy A., and Richard A. Blatchford. "Chapter 16 - Birds as Laboratory Animals." ScienceDirect, edited by Kathryn Bayne and Patricia V. Turner, Academic Press, 1 Jan. 2014, pp. 27999, www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/B9780123851031000166. Accessed 15 Apr. 2025.

Nieves, Amanda. "WCW Investigation: Biden EPA Cancels Plan to End Animal Tests, Then Kills 'Retired' Lab Bunnies." White Coat Waste Project, 13 Dec. 2023, blog.whitecoatwaste.org/2023/12/13/wcw-investigation-biden-epa-cancels-plan-to-end-animal-tests-then-kills-retired-lab-bunnies/. Accessed 15 Apr. 2025.

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O'Rourke, D. P. "Amphibians Used in Research and Teaching." ILAR Journal, vol. 48, no. 3, Jan. 2007, pp. 18387, https://doi.org/10.1093/ilar.48.3.183. Accessed 22 Nov. 2019.

U.S. Department of Agriculture. "Animal Welfare Act." National Agricultural Library, U.S. Department of Agriculture, 2023, www.nal.usda.gov/animal-health-and-welfare/animal-welfare-act. Accessed 15 Apr. 2025.

U.S. EPA , et al. "New Approach Methods Work Plan." Environmental Protection Agency, June 2020, www.epa.gov/sites/default/files/2020-06/documents/epa_nam_work_plan.pdf. Accessed 15 Apr. 2025.

---. "New Approach Methods Work Plan (V2)." U.S. Environmental Protection Agency , Dec. 2021, www.epa.gov/system/files/documents/2021-11/nams-work-plan_11_15_21_508-tagged.pdf. Accessed 15 Apr. 2025.

"What Is a Mammal? | Manoa.hawaii.edu/ExploringOurFluidEarth." Manoa.hawaii.edu, manoa.hawaii.edu/exploringourfluidearth/biological/mammals/what-mammal. Accessed 15 Apr. 2025.

Wheeler, Andrew. "Administrator Wheeler Signs Memo to Reduce Animal Testing, Awards $4.25 Million to Advance Research on Alternative Methods to Animal Testing | US EPA." US EPA, 10 Sept. 2019, www.epa.gov/newsreleases/administrator-wheeler-signs-memo-reduce-animal-testing-awards-425-million-advance. Accessed 15 Apr. 2025.
KINGSPORT, Tenn. (WJHL)  Crystal Stanley and Terri Shockley have struck up a friendship of sorts, but they sure didnt meet under the best of circumstances  and theres an active childrens services investigation to show for it.

I was in my kitchen and this little girl just popped up, Shockley told News Channel 11 of the afternoon of March 18. She just walked right in the door, and I said, hey, how are you doing?'

The child didnt answer  shes autistic and non-verbal  but Shockley lives right across the street from Andrew Johnson Elementary School, so she had a pretty good idea where the 6-year-old had come from.

KCS is fully cooperating with investigative authorities and will take appropriate measures based on the outcome of any investigation. Andy True, Kingsport City Schools Assistant Superintendent

At the same time, right before 1 p.m., Stanley had received a ping on her phone app that helps track her daughter. It showed her the girl had left the school grounds and walked, or more likely run, more than a quarter-mile around the perimeter, being in transit from 12: 47-12:52 p.m.

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The kindergartener was at an unnamed place and stationary as Stanley frantically drove toward the location. Meanwhile, Shockley was trying to communicate with the girl.

She was scared and a little skittish, and I was like, well, let me walk with you. I said, would you hold my hand?'

Shockley headed for the street holding the girls wrist because she saw a car coming. She said as far as she could see, the school grounds were empty.

It ended up it was the mother that pulled up because of the Apple tag or whatever it is, Shockley said. And thank God she had that, because she was looking for her daughter and she was like, oh my God, there she is. She was just crying.

An illustration showing the app that alerted Crystal Stanley her 6-year-old daughter had left Kingsport, Tenn.s Andrew Johnson Elementary School grounds in the middle of the school day March 18, 2025. (Photo illustration: WJHL)

Shockley said shortly after that several staff came hustling over to the scene.

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I was livid, she said. We were both crying.

The schools response

News Channel 11 reached out to Kingsport City Schools (KCS) Tuesday after speaking to Stanley about the incident.

Assistant Superintendent Andy True confirmed it had happened and that Johnsons School Resource Officer and the school systems administration initiated the appropriate and required legal reporting that same day.

School systems are required to avoid their own investigations in such situations  in fact, a Sullivan County grand jury criticized KCS in a 2023 report for not heeding earlier directives from District Attorney Barry Staubus to avoid conducting an investigation on its own.

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PREVIOUS: Grand jury blasts Kingsport schools, teacher charged

True said (b)ased on the information available to KCS, certain personnel were reassigned away from Johnson in non-supervisory duties pending the release of additional information from law enforcement or other authorities.

Crystal Stanleys app shows how long her daughter was away from school staff  at least 28 minutes.

A Kingsport police records clerk told News Channel 11 Wednesday KPDs report on the incident and any other files were sealed because a juvenile is involved and there is an active investigation. Tennessee Department of Childrens Services Communications Director Ashley Zarach also confirmed DCS is involved in the investigation but that pursuant to state and federal laws, she wasnt able to provide any more details.

Barring the gates

Shockley said she listened to the interchange before Stanley parted with her child as the girl was escorted back into the school. She said no one from the school system asked for her information, but Stanley said she provided the police with Shockleys name and contact information.

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She said she wasnt shocked that a child was able to leave the school grounds, which include a very large grass field covering a few acres.

Im a walker through here, and I have noticed that they have now locked the gates that were open on all the sides, Shockley said. They had the gates open normally during school hours.

Asked by News Channel 11 whether any procedural or structural school changes had been made since the incident, True said (a)ll KCS elementary playgrounds have since been assessed and measures have been/are being implemented to enhance playground security.

Shockley said she was surprised that a reporter had asked her about the incident before shed heard the first thing from investigators, considering her role that day.

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Ive been torn up over this, and I cannot believe that its just now being asked about and by a reporter, not someone that is in charge of the welfare of these children, she said.

Shockley said she doesnt like to think about what might have happened.

Im very glad I was home, and Im not a pedophile and dont have a dangerous dog. What if someone left their back door unlocked and theyve got a gun in the home or drugs or anything that could harm a child?

News Channel 11 asked KCS specifically how many staff had been placed on leave or otherwise reassigned, and what roles those staff have, but True did not address those specifics in his response.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WJHL | Tri-Cities News & Weather.
LA VERGNE, Tenn. (WKRN)  While patrolling in La Vergne, law enforcement reportedly noticed some late-night suspicious activity, which led to the seizure of drugs and two arrests.

According to the La Vergne Police Department, shortly before 1:45 a.m. on Thursday, April 17, officers patrolling near a closed business on Waldron Road spotted a man riding a scooter behind a building. When authorities stopped to check on him, he mentioned there were other people behind the business.

The officers found a parked vehicle with two individuals inside who appeared to be asleep, officials said. Out of concern for their welfare, police approached the car and observed what looked like illegal drugs in plain view through the window.

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Wanted man arrested in Mt. Juliet following hit-and-run crash

When the female passenger saw the officers, she allegedly tried to hide the suspected drugs under some clothing. Both individuals  described by authorities as a male with multiple violent felony warrants out of Smyrna, as well as a female with an extensive history involving drug and weapon offenses  were removed from the vehicle and detained.

Police said they discovered suspected cocaine, syringes, glass pipes, drug packaging materials, a digital scale, and a pink powder believed to be fentanyl while searching the vehicle. All items were seized as evidence.

Both suspects were taken into custody without incident, but officials did not mention their identities or the charges theyre facing.

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CRIME TRACKER | Read the latest crime-related reports from across Middle Tennessee

We commend our officers for their vigilance, professionalism, and swift response, La Vergne law enforcement wrote on social media. The La Vergne Police Department remains committed to protecting our community and removing dangerous substances from our streets.

If you see suspicious activity, youre urged to call the La Vergne Police Department at 615-793-7744.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WKRN News 2.
The Des Moines River in Johnston on April 7, 2025. (Photo by Cami Koons/Iowa Capital Dispatch)

Iowa is an outlier for the wrong reasons, according to several environmental advocates who spoke at the Harkin Institutes annual wellness symposium, which this year focused on the future of clean water.

Speakers at the symposium noted Iowas cancer rates, which are the second-highest in the nation, the states overwhelming amounts of animal manure and its problems with polluted water.

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This was the setup to launch an initiative between the Iowa Environmental Council and the Harkin Institute to explore the relationship between environmental risk factors and cancer rates in Iowa.

At its heart, this entire initiative is about each of you, and about Iowans, Sarah Green, IECs executive director said.

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The initiative will combine both community outreach and a rigorous review of academic research on the subject.

The review will result in a public report and journal article with visual data mapping to show environmental risks and cancer rates. The two organizations aim to share these reports widely across the state and hold 15 listening tours to hear and amplify Iowans lived experiences with cancer.

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Our goal is to give voice to Iowans  whether theyre urban or rural  give them a voice, give them the opportunity to share and document their story, Green said.

A project that will explore the relationship between the environment and cancer rates in Iowa, was launched at the Harkin On Wellness symposium at Drake University. (Photo by Cami Koons/Iowa Capital Dispatch)

Green said its now well established that certain factors, like tobacco use, tanning beds and alcohol consumption contribute to cancer rates, but she questioned what else might be at play.

Cancer research was a priority outlined in Gov. Kim Reynolds Condition of the State address earlier this year, when she called on the Legislature to fund a $1 million partnership between the Iowa Department of Health and Human Services and the University of Iowa to research factors contributing to Iowa cancer cases.

Adam Shriver, the director of wellness and nutrition policy at the Harkin Institute, said the partnership between Harkin and IEC would address the gaps in the conversations about cancer in the state.

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Part of whats motivating our project is that even though there are lots of groups talking about studying the high cancer rates, there are some groups that want to limit what were looking at when were having these conversations Shriver said.

Future of clean water

The Harkin Institute for Public Policy & Citizen Engagement, based at Drake University aims to facilitate public policy research and citizen engagement. Previous iterations of the Harkin On Wellness symposium have centered on topics like well-being in schools and healthy food.

Sue Mattison, Drake Universitys provost, said the 2025 topic, the future of clean water, touches every community, every discipline and every life.

Mattison, who is also an epidemiologist, said she has seen firsthand the impact environmental factors, like water quality, can have on health outcomes.

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We know that climate change, population growth, pollution and the burden of inequitable environmental infrastructure are putting immense pressure on our water systems, and its clear that no single sector can change these challenges alone, Mattison said in her opening comments at the symposium. The problems we face require collaboration across every sector.

The event featured speakers across disciplines who discussed the need for cleaner water through the lenses of cancer research, environmental ligation, public policy, community action and even art, with a satirical video listing the ingredients in Iowas pure drinking water.

Speakers identified industrial agriculture practices, like the over-application of nutrients to cropland, and runoff from confined animal feeding operations, or CAFOs, as key polluters to Iowas water.

The most mentioned pollutant, nitrate, enters streams from manure, fertilizer, septic and sewage runoff. On its own, nitrate is not a carcinogen, but when ingested, it interacts with other compounds that can be carcinogenic, according to the National Cancer Institute.

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Excessive consumption of nitrate can also cause health issues like blue baby syndrome, thyroid problems and adverse pregnancy outcomes.

Lu Liu, an assistant professor at Iowa State University, said only 4% of public water systems in Iowa treat drinking water for nitrates, according to a recent study.

The study Disparities in potential exposures to elevated nitrate in Iowas Public Water Systems was published in February and found that more than 7% of Iowas average population are exposed to drinking water with nitrate levels in excess of 5 milligrams per liter. This metric is half of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agencys limit on nitrate in drinking water, but Liu said existing research of exposure at the 5 mg/L level has demonstrated negative health outcomes.

Jim Larew, an attorney with the northeastern Iowa environmental group Driftless Water Defenders, said he has seen the reputation of Iowa change over the years from a state with high education rates and healthy citizens, to the state with some of the highest rates of cancer in the country.

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Larew, who has litigated against issues like the renewal of a water use permit for a CAFO at the head waters of a trout stream, said it would be a misstatement to blame all of the cancer in the state on industrial agriculture.

But surely, when you look at the maps and incidences of cancer and where were doing the most intensive farming, theres at least an association, Larew said.

He said environmental work, to him, is also a social movement that is on the cusp of a civil rights movement in Iowa.

This is not something that just involves lawyers and judges  if were going to move things in the right direction  it requires people, Larew said.

This article was updated April 21 to correct a quote.

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CAIRO (Reuters) - Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani met on Thursday in Qatar with Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa, the first encounter between the two leaders, Iraqi and Syrian state news agencies reported.

The meeting was brokered by Qatar, with Qatar's Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani present. It came ahead of Sharaa's expected attendance at the Arab Summit in Baghdad on May 17.

In January, Sharaa was named as interim president and pledged to form an inclusive transitional government that would build up Syria's gutted public institutions and run the country until elections, which he said could take up to five years to hold.

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Syria issued a constitutional declaration, designed to serve as the foundation for the interim period led by Sharaa. The declaration kept a central role for Islamic law and guaranteed women's rights and freedom of expression.

During Thursday's meeting, al-Sudani called for the beginning of a comprehensive political process and the protection of social, religious, and national diversity in Syria, especially after an attack on Alawites last month.

Hundreds of Alawites were killed in Syria's western coastal region in apparent retribution for a deadly ambush on Syria's new security forces by armed loyalists to toppled Syrian President Bashar al-Assad, an Alawite.

The Iraqi prime minister also stressed the importance of the new Syrian government taking serious steps to combat Islamic State militants.

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He said progress made on these issues could help in building growing relations between Baghdad and Damascus.

Both leaders agreed to respect the sovereignty of the two countries and reject all kinds of foreign interference.

(Reporting by Timour Azhari; Writing by Muhammad Al Gebaly; Editing by Rosalba O'Brien)
The Trump administration asked the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) to revoke Harvard Universitys tax-exempt status on Wednesday, a day after President Trump suggested the idea.

Andrew De Mello, the IRSs acting chief counsel, received an inquiry from the Treasury Department on Wednesday requesting that the agency rescind the Ivy League schools tax-exemption status, according to The Washington Post.

Perhaps Harvard should lose its Tax Exempt Status and be Taxed as a Political Entity if it keeps pushing political, ideological, and terrorist inspired/supporting Sickness? Trump wrote in a Tuesday Truth Social post. Remember, Tax Exempt Status is totally contingent on acting in the PUBLIC INTEREST!

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Tax exemption is reserved for nonprofits, social welfare organizations, religious groups and some educational institutions that fit the governments criteria. However, they are banned from political campaign activity.

Only the IRS can review and revoke the existing status of taxpaying entities and has traditionally done so without presidential interference, as mandated by tax laws.

The development is the latest in the schools public fallout with the Republican administration for refusing to comply with a list of their demands to maintain federal funds.

The IRS is supposed to administer the tax rules impartially, not pursue political vendettas against exempt organizations, Steve Rosenthal, who served as senior fellow at the Tax Policy Center, a Washington-based think tank, told the Post.

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On Tuesday, Trump selected Gary Shapley, an IRS employee who testified during investigations regarding Hunter Bidens taxes, to serve as acting commissioner of the IRS amid other staff shuffling. Last month, the agency announced its third staffing reduction after firing nearly 7,000 trial employees, more than 5,000 of whom were focused on tax compliance, in February.

The Hill reached out to the Treasury Department, White House and IRS for comment.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill.
Djuro Macut takes the oath of office at the Serbian Parliament building in Belgrade, Serbia, on April 16, 2025. (Photo by Predrag Milosavljevic/Xinhua)

BELGRADE, April 16 (Xinhua) -- The National Assembly of Serbia on Wednesday elected a new government led by endocrinologist Djuro Macut.

A total of 153 members of parliament voted in favor, 46 opposed, while 51 lawmakers were absent from the session. The new cabinet will comprise 31 members.

Macut presented his government's program and cabinet lineup on Tuesday, the first day of the special session of the National Assembly, outlining the key priorities of his administration.

Macut emphasized that his government would focus on domestic stabilization and strategic foreign policy. In response to ongoing youth-led protests and institutional disruptions, he pledged to uphold the rule of law and encourage open dialogue while safeguarding the rights of all citizens.

"Protests and expressions of discontent are natural for the youth," Macut stated, "but blockades and the denial of others' rights to work, study, or live normally are unacceptable."

He announced the formation of a Council for Youth and Talents, which he will personally oversee. The council aims to nurture young talent and harness their potential for the country's development.

On international affairs, Macut reaffirmed Serbia's sovereign and balanced approach. While underscoring Serbia's commitment to the European Union (EU) accession process, he emphasized the country's independence in policymaking.

"Serbia does not approach the EU from a position of pleading, but from one of conviction. This relationship is a partnership founded on mutual respect, not asymmetry," he said.

He also stressed that domestic reforms are guided by national priorities rather than external demands. "Our reforms are not a response to EU requirements. They are a response to the needs of our citizens," Macut added.

Furthermore, he reaffirmed Serbia's dedication to broad international cooperation, stating that the country will "extend hands of cooperation to all."

Macut also addressed the Kosovo issue, calling it the highest national priority. "We do not abandon our principles, but we do not reject dialogue. Peace is impossible without justice," he asserted.

Macut's nomination follows the resignation of former Prime Minister Milos Vucevic, who stepped down on Jan. 28 amid mounting tensions following the deadly canopy collapse at the Novi Sad railway station in November 2024, which resulted in 16 fatalities. The National Assembly officially confirmed Vucevic's resignation on March 19. 

Serbia's new cabinet members take the oath of office at the Serbian Parliament building in Belgrade, Serbia, on April 16, 2025. (Photo by Predrag Milosavljevic/Xinhua)

Serbia's new Prime Minister Djuro Macut and new cabinet members pose for a group photo after taking the oath of office at the Serbian Parliament building in Belgrade, Serbia, on April 16, 2025. (Photo by Predrag Milosavljevic/Xinhua)

Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic attends the oath-taking ceremony of the new government at the Serbian Parliament building in Belgrade, Serbia, on April 16, 2025. (Photo by Predrag Milosavljevic/Xinhua)

Djuro Macut (Front) and new cabinet members take the oath of office at the Serbian Parliament building in Belgrade, Serbia, on April 16, 2025. (Photo by Predrag Milosavljevic/Xinhua)
CHICAGO (WGN)  An Illinois State Police (ISP) Trooper was hospitalized on Wednesday afternoon after they were involved in a crash on the South Side.

According to ISP, the crash unfolded just before 5 p.m. at the intersection of South Wentworth Avenue and West 51st Street in Fuller Park.

Read more: Latest Chicago news and headlines

Authorities said the trooper was heading north along South Wentworth when a Red Ford sedan ran through a red light and struck the troopers squad car from the east side.

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The trooper involved in the crash were later taken to the hospital with injuries, though their condition is unknown. It is unclear if anyone else was injured in the crash.

LATEST CASES: Missing people in Chicagoland

Following the crash, the troopers squad car was towed from the scene, as it had sustained damage that left it disabled.

An investigation into the crash is ongoing and it is unclear if any citations were issued.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WGN-TV.
NEW YORK  Andrew Cuomo joined the legal team defending Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu from war crime charges. His leading opponent in the New York City mayoral race, Zohran Mamdani, vowed to arrest Netanyahu if he stepped foot in the city.

Mamdani  a democratic socialist lawmaker making a splash with slick campaign videos and a robust fundraising operation  would be the first Muslim mayor of New York City, and has accused Israel of committing an American-funded genocide in Gaza.

The politically moderate Cuomo, on a redemption tour boosted by donors who support Israel, has gone to lengths to portray antisemitism as a leading issue in a race thats more about subway safety and housing costs. Hes called it the most serious and the most important issue in New York City and deemed himself a hyper aggressive supporter of Israel and proud of it.

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That juxtaposition underscores the degree to which Middle East politics is shaping the race for a job with more oversight of potholes and trash collection than an international conflict that dates back more than a century. New York City is home to the worlds largest Jewish population outside Israel and the biggest Muslim contingent in the Western Hemisphere. Pro-Israel donors have been spending to shape New York elections in their favor, following the movement that took root on college campuses across the city in response to the Israel-Hamas war. Over just the last week, a man was charged for setting fire to Jewish Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiros home during Passover and the Trump administration detained another pro-Palestinian demonstrator. Hate crimes against both Jews and Muslims are on the rise in New York City.

Against that backdrop, the diametrically opposed leading candidates for New York City mayor are leaning into thorny global politics ahead of the June 24 primary, while pretty much everyone else in the crowded Democratic field is focused on issues closer to home.

It's a litmus test for different constituencies, said David Greenfield, a former City Council member and Orthodox Jew who leads an anti-poverty nonprofit. He described the pro-Israel constituency as New Yorkers focused on law and order and business growth, and the anti-Israel constituency as wary of police and relatively anti-establishment. It's really a reflection of how polarized the political moment is.

Cuomo has been readily maligning his opponents as anti-Israel  resorting to that line of attack no matter its relevance to the subject at hand: real estate laws, public safety and taxpayer-funded legal fees to defend him in scandals that forced his ouster as governor. He recently delivered remarks at a Manhattan synagogue accusing his rivals of being anti-Israel  which he said is synonymous with antisemitism. And a super PAC boosting his candidacy received $250,000 last week from pro-Trump Israel defender Bill Ackman.

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Mamdani, meanwhile, spent the year leading up to his campaign sharpening his pro-Palestinian bonafides. He pressed Mayor Eric Adams in a legislative budget hearing about the deaths of Palestinians in Gaza, led a five-day hunger strike for Palestine outside the White House and blocked the entrance of the New York Stock Exchange in a call for the U.S. to stop arming Israel.

As a mayoral candidate, he promotes spliced TV interviews in which he defends the term genocide to describe Israels military campaign in Gaza, blames Democrats shift toward Donald Trump on despair over the continued genocide in Gaza, and touts his bill in the state Assembly to make it illegal for charities to fund Israeli war crimes in his campaign literature.



Cuomo maintains a commanding lead in the polls, with Mamdani routinely in second place. Everyone else was in single digits in a Siena poll this week.

I think many New Yorkers, far more than the political class would have you imagine, have been rightfully horrified by a genocide that they've seen over more than 15 months of, Mamdani said in April during a three-hour-plus livestream with leftist pundit Hasan Piker, who has been accused of antisemitism.

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And I've long stood up for universal human rights and extending them to Palestinians, Mamdani continued, because I think that any politics worth its salt has to be one that is universal, that doesn't draw an exception.

Many Jews in New York politics took exception with Mamdanis appearance with Piker.

"On October 8th, 2023, while Jews were still being butchered, Zohran Mamdani condemned Israel and couldn't even bring himself to mention Hamas, Assemblymember Sam Berger, who represents a district with a high concentration of Orthodox Jews and endorsed Cuomo, said in a statement. Zohran just spent 3 hours sipping espresso with an influencer who has used his platform to refer to Jews as bloodthirsty pigdogs, Orthodox Jews as inbred, and has said it doesn't matter if rape happened on October 7th.

Zohran Mamdani is running the most deceptive, divisive, and antisemitic campaign in the history of New York City, he added.

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Cuomo, who launched a pro-Israel advocacy group that drew criticism for its underwhelming efforts, is anxious to portray the crowded primary as a two-man battle between himself and Mamdani over support for law and order at home and Israeli alliance abroad. He laced into Mamdani at his recent appearance at the West Side Institutional Synagogue in Manhattan.

The DSA calls for an end of American aid to Israel; it does not recognize the existence of the State of Israel, and we have a New York State Assemblyman named Zohran Mamdani, who is a DSA devotee, who proposed a bill that would revoke the standing of a not for profit organization that helped Israel, Cuomo told congregants, referring to the Democratic Socialists of America, of which Mamdani is a member.



In an interview with POLITICO, Mamdani said his criticism of Israel is based on equality and his sense the country is held to a different standard in American politics. But he also avoided specific policy prescriptions.

He didnt choose between a one-state or two-state solution, instead saying adherence to international law and equal rights for all involved is paramount, with dignity, equality and freedom for all. He didnt say whether the U.S. should cut off all funding to Israel, but says it is incumbent to stop subsidizing a genocide.

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He has supported the Boycott, Divestment and Sanctions movement, but didnt say whether he would push for it to be official city policy. As mayor, my focus would be on New Yorkers, and on making this city a more affordable city for each of the New Yorkers who have built and sustained it for so many years, he said.

Yes. I recognize Israel, Mamdani said when asked directly. And it also has responsibilities under international law. And what I have called for time and time again is the equal application of those responsibilities and an end to a politics of exceptionalism that weve seen take hold in our city and in our country when it comes to what so-called universal rights we are willing to apply when it comes to Palestinians.

Their opposing positions are nothing new for either candidate.

In 2014, Mamdani was publicly feuding with the president of Bowdoin College as he tried to launch a boycott of Israeli academic and cultural institutions during his senior year. It was necessary, he argued, to end the oppressive occupation and racist policies within both Israel and occupied Palestine under Netanyahu.

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That same year, Cuomo would meet with Netanyahu on a solidarity tour to Israel, his first international trip as governor ahead of his reelection. A decade later, Cuomo publicly announced he was joining the legal team to defend Netanyahu from war crime charges from the International Criminal Court. He has not yet done any legal work, campaign spokesperson Rich Azzopardi said.



Mamdani is not the only rival Cuomo is seeking to portray as anti-Israel and therefore  by his telling  antisemitic, a charged accusation his team wields with ease.

He recently suggested City Comptroller Brad Lander and City Council Speaker Adrienne Adams are not sufficiently pro-Israel, basing that on several misleading claims about their records.

In 2018, Cuomo was criticized for a mailer tying then-opponent Cynthia Nixon to antisemitism, and misrepresenting her positions.

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The Catholic Cuomos recent campaign trail criticisms hit a nerve.

The attacks on Brad essentially accuse him of being a race-traitor. Its a very specific form of antisemitism directed at progressive Jews, said Sophie Ellman-Golan, communications director of Jews for Racial and Economic Justice, whose political arm co-endorsed Lander and Mamdani.

Lander  once a dues paying member of the DSA who also considered becoming a rabbi  didnt take kindly to it either.

He weaponizes anything he can for his own personal gain, including hatred of Jews. I think it's gross, Lander told POLITICO. There's a pattern here of treating Jews like pawns.

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For Lander and his predecessor, Scott Stringer  another left-of-center secular Jew running for mayor  the Israel-Hamas war poses a trickier dynamic. Their home bases in Park Slope, Brooklyn, and on the Upper West Side of Manhattan are typically critical of the Netanyahu regime but sensitive to rhetoric opposing Israel.

Mayor Eric Adams, an ardent defender of Israel who won in 2021 with support from coveted Orthodox Jewish voting blocs, opted out of the Democratic primary to run as an independent.

Lander has aimed to court the Orthodox Jewish bloc  which is more politically conservative and typically pro-Israel  without alienating his lefty base, while celebrating his secular Jewish identity .

Its a fine line hes walked throughout his career. In the months following Trumps 2016 election, he sat on a panel discussion with his one-time ally Linda Sarsour, a co-founder of the Womens March with a history of controversial statements against Israel.

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Just a few days after the election, I bought this hat, Lander said during the talk, holding up an Orthodox Jewish-style Black hat he said he brought as a prop.

People have asked me like, Why are you  whats with the hat? he said. And what Ive said is nothing brings out your inner Jew like seeing swastikas on the playground. But the truth is Im at least as angry about hat-wearing Trump apologists as I am with Neo-Nazis. And so my answer to both is fight with the hat on.

Lander told POLITICO last week he sometimes wears the hat, like his grandfather did, and that he and his wife debate whether it looks good on him. I stand up to hate as a Jew, and that's what I've been doing all my life, and I sure dont plan to stop now, he said.

He is also aiming to turn Cuomos accusations of antisemitism against him.

Lander held a press conference this month where he cursed out Cuomo in Yiddish, and pointed to a lawsuit that alleges Cuomos Covid-era lockdowns were antisemitic acts on Orthodox Jewish communities. He also highlighted a report that Cuomo once likened Jews celebrating the holiday of Sukkot to these people and their fucking tree houses, and and slammed him for his pro-Israel advocacy groups hollow efforts.

A beyzer gzar zol er af dir kumen, Lander said at the press conference, which more or less translates into, get the fuck out of here.

His daughter, who is studying Yiddish in college, had sent him a list of insults to choose from before the press conference, he later told the FAQ NYC podcast.

Once you start cursing in Yiddish, honestly it's hard to stop, he said on the podcast.



Where the issue presents a potential electoral problem for Lander, it stands to be a bigger one for Mamdani.

New York's pro-Israel political operation is more organized and influential in city politics than the pro-Palestinian political movement. And criticism of Israel is a third rail here  something Mamdani appears willing to test.

His campaign expects money to be spent against him over his views.

One political operative granted anonymity to discuss private conversations said pro-Israel donors are beginning to organize to fund an ad campaign targeting Mamdanis ties to the DSA.

But Cuomo, who has tried to run on this issue whether it fits the day or not, found himself on the defensive after federal agents in New York last month arrested Mahmoud Khalil, who acted as a spokesperson for the pro-Palestinian encampment at Columbia University last year.

Cuomos initial statement didnt call for the Trump administration to release Khalil  something most Democrats demanded  and followed up the next day to criticize the antisemitic agitators at Columbia.

Less than 24 hours after issuing a tepid, barely intelligible statement on the unconstitutional arrest and detainment of Mahmoud Khalil, Cuomo has already walked it back, Mamdani responded on X. Some people don't have the backbone to be Mayor.

Cuomos campaign shot back, amNewYork reported  how else?  by saying Mamdani had a fringe extreme left anti-Israel pro-DSA platform.

CORRECTION: This article has been updated to correct a misspelling of Zohran Mamdani's name and to clarify Sophie Ellman-Golan's title.
DEIR AL-BALAH, Gaza Strip (AP)  Aid groups are raising new alarm over Israels blockade of the war-ravaged Gaza Strip, where it has barred entry of all food and other goods for more than six weeks. Thousands of children have become malnourished, and most people are barely eating one meal a day as stocks dwindle, the United Nations says.

The warning came as Israeli strikes overnight and into Thursday killed at least 27 people, including at least six women and 15 children.

The humanitarian aid system in Gaza is facing total collapse, the heads of 12 independent aid organizations warned in a joint statement. They said many groups have shut down operations because Israel's resumed bombardment the past month has made it too dangerous.

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No food, fuel, medicine or any other supplies have entered Gaza since Israel imposed its blockade on March 2. It renewed its bombardment on March 18, breaking a ceasefire, and seized large parts of the territory, saying it aims to push Hamas to release more hostages. Hundreds have been killed, and more than 400,000 Palestinians have been forced to flee their shelters in the latest of multiple displacements.

Latest attacks

A strike in the southern city of Khan Younis killed a family of 10, including five children, four women and a man, according to Nasser Hospital, which received the bodies. Strikes in northern Gaza killed two other couples with nine children, according to the Indonesian Hospital.

A later strike hit a school sheltering displaced people in the northern district of Jabaliya, killing three people and a child. The blast left walls in rubble and classrooms strewn with debris, charred mattresses and scattered cans of food.

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The Israeli military strikes homes, shelters and public areas daily, saying it is targeting Hamas militants, and blames militants for civilian deaths because they operate there. It says it tries to limit civilian casualties. There was no immediate comment on the latest strikes.

Nearly all rely on charity kitchens

The U.N. humanitarian office, known as OCHA, said almost all of Gazas more than 2 million people now rely on charity kitchens, which can prepare only 1 million meals a day. The meals mainly consist of rice or pasta with no fresh vegetables or meat.

Other food distribution programs have shut down for lack of supplies, and the U.N. and other aid groups have been sending their remaining stocks to the charity kitchens.

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In markets  the only other place to find food in Gaza  prices are spiraling and shortages are widespread, with fresh foods nearly non-existent. As a result, humanitarian aid is the primary food source for 80% of the population, the World Food Program said in its monthly report for April.

The Gaza Strip is now likely facing the worst humanitarian crisis in the 18 months" since the war began, OCHA said.

Kids are eating less than a meal a day and struggling to find their next meal, said Bushra Khalil, policy head at Oxfam. Everyone is purely eating canned food.  Malnutrition and pockets of famine are definitely occurring in Gaza.

Hani Almadhoun, co-founder of Gaza Soup Kitchen, said his kitchen has food for about three more weeks. Already, he said, up to one in five of those who come to his kitchen for food leave empty-handed.

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Water is also growing scarce, with Palestinians standing in long lines to fill jerry cans from trucks. Omar Shatat, an official with a local water utility, said people are down to six or seven liters per day, well below the U.N. estimate for basic needs.

More hungry children, and harder to reach

In March, more than 3,600 children were newly admitted for treatment for acute malnutrition, up from around 2,000 the month before, according to OCHA, which said "the rapid deterioration of the nutrition situation is already visible.

Aid groups are also less able to treat malnourished children because of Israel's airstrikes and ground operations. Aid workers could only reach 22,300 children under 5 with nutrient supplements in March, down 70% from the month before. Only around 100 of the original 173 treatment sites still function, OCHA said.

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"Humanitarians have been forced to watch people suffer and die while carrying the impossible burden of providing relief with depleted supplies, all while facing the same life-threatening conditions themselves, said Amande Bazerolle, emergency coordinator in Gaza for Doctors Without Borders.

This is not a humanitarian failure  it is a political choice, and a deliberate assault on a peoples ability to survive, carried out with impunity, she said in a statement.

Israeli bombardment endangers aid workers

A survey of 47 aid groups found that 95% of them have reduced or entirely halted operations, mainly because bombardment made it too dangerous, according to the joint statement by the heads of humanitarian organizations, which included the Norwegian Refugee Council, Oxfam, Save the Children, CARE and Medical Aid for Palestinians.

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Israel has largely stopped coordinating with humanitarian groups over their movements in Gaza. That means aid workers have no assurance the military wont strike them. COGAT, the military agency in charge of aid coordination, acknowledged stopping the system, which had been in place before the ceasefire.

Since mid-March, Israeli fire has hit the staff or facilities of at least 14 organizations, and around 60 aid workers have been killed, according to the statement. The International Committee of the Red Cross said Thursday one of its facilities was hit by an explosion the day before, the second time in three weeks the organization had been struck.

When our staff and partners, our convoys, our offices, our warehouses are shelled, the message is loud and clear: Even lifesaving aid is no longer protected, the 12 aid organization heads said. This is unacceptable.

Israel says the blockade is a pressure tactic

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Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz said Wednesday that the blockade is one of the central pressure tactics against Hamas, which Israel accuses of siphoning off aid to maintain its rule. Aid workers deny there is significant diversion of aid, saying the U.N. closely monitors distribution. Rights groups have called it a starvation tactic.

Israel is demanding that Hamas release more hostages at the start of any new ceasefire and ultimately agree to disarm and leave the territory. Katz said that even afterward Israel will occupy large security zones inside Gaza.

Khalil al-Hayya, head of Hamas' negotiating delegation, said Thursday the group had rejected Israel's latest proposal along those lines. He reiterated Hamas' stance that it will return hostages only in exchange for the release of more Palestinian prisoners, a full Israeli withdrawal from Gaza and a lasting truce, as called for in the now-defunct ceasefire agreement reached earlier this year.

Hamas currently holds 59 hostages, 24 of whom are believed to be alive.

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The war began when Hamas-led militants attacked southern Israel on Oct. 7, 2023, killing some 1,200 people, mostly civilians, and abducting 251. Most of the hostages have since been released in ceasefire agreements or other deals. Of the 59 hostages still in captivity in Gaza, Israel believes 35 are dead.

Israel's offensive has since killed over 51,000 Palestinians, mostly women and children, according to Gaza's Health Ministry, which does not distinguish between civilians and combatants. The war has destroyed vast parts of Gaza and most of its food production capabilities. The war has displaced around 90% of the population, with hundreds of thousands of people living in tent camps and bombed-out buildings.

___

Khaled and Keath reported from Cairo.

___

Follow APs war coverage at https://apnews.com/hub/israel-hamas-war
AMES, Iowa  Iowas three state schools, Iowa State University, the University of Iowa, and the University of Northern Iowa, asked the Iowa Board of Regents to increase the costs of tuition in a recent proposal.

According to the proposal, students at Iowa State University and University of Iowa can expect to pay 3% more for in-state tuition.

Amelia Arnold, a student at Iowa State University, wasnt in favor of the proposed tuition increase.

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Grimes switching to on-demand transportation with HIRTA

I dont think its a good idea. I already feel like its kind of expensive, and I think that might like, tear people away or steer them away from out-of-state. And we like having as much people on campus as possible, Arnold said.

Cale Engebretson, a student at Iowa State University, understands why an increase is needed, but doesnt want to pay more for school.

I mean, I dont think 3% seems all that crazy. I know stuff gets more expensive every year, but obviously I dont like to spend more money, so it sucks in the end, Engebretson said.

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The Iowa Board of Regents will hear the first reading of the proposal at its meeting at the end of April.

Iowa News:

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WASHINGTON (NEXSTAR)  President Donald Trump and Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni held a bilateral meeting at the White House Thursday afternoon.

The prime ministers visit comes as Europe tries to adjust from the Trump administrations latest round of tariffs which includes a 10% baseline tax and reciprocal tariffs on many countries.

Trump played down the likelihood of reaching any trade agreements as a result of his tariffs.

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The United States was ripped off and taken advantage of by every country in the world, practically. I mean, I have to say practically, but just about everyone. Thats not going to happen anymore, but were going to make fair deals, said Trump.

Meloni is the first European leader to have a face-to-face with Trump since he announced, and then suspended, 20% tariffs on European exports.

Well, Im here exactly to work for making the West stronger. For I believe in the Wests unity, and I think simply we have to talk, said Meloni.

Meloni secured the meeting at a critical juncture in the trade war as Italys leader, but she also has, in a sense, been selected to represent the European Union.

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The EU is defending what it calls the most important commercial relationship in the world.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to Queen City News.
By Giuseppe Fonte and Gavin Jones

ROME (Reuters) -Italy will meet NATO's 2% of gross domestic product (GDP) target on defence spending this year through a series of accounting changes, Economy Minister Giancarlo Giorgetti said at a parliamentary hearing on Thursday.

Italy's projected defence budget for 2024 was 1.49% of GDP, according to NATO figures, one of the lowest levels among the countries in the military alliance, and it is under pressure from the United States to raise its outlays.

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"We are acutely aware of the need to increase this expenditure in the coming years," Giorgetti said, addressing lawmakers on Italy's multi-year budget framework.

On paper, hitting the 2% goal would require about 11 billion euros ($12.50 billion), but Italy wants to adjust its accounting criteria to align them to NATO's rules and list as defence spending items which were previously excluded, Giorgetti said.

These include money spent for certain civilian technologies as well as pensions paid to retired soldiers.

U.S. President Donald Trump is pushing NATO allies to lift military spending as high as 5% of GDP, something which Italy's Defence Minister Guido Crosetto said this week was "unthinkable."

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The European Commission has proposed allowing member states to raise defence spending by 1.5% of GDP each year for four years, without any disciplinary steps that normally kick in once a government deficit climbs above 3% of GDP.

But highly indebted Italy does not intend to make use of this leeway for now, Giorgetti said.

GROWTH PROBLEMS

Italy's central bank, also giving testimony to parliament on Thursday, said defence spending should be raised partly through extra borrowing and partly through other savings in the budget and tax increases.

In its latest economic targets released last week, the government committed to keeping the budget deficit in check even as it slashed its economic growth forecasts for this year and next amid uncertainty over U.S. trade tariffs.

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Italy's parliamentary budget watchdog UPB forecast on Thursday that Trump's tariffs could lower Italy's GDP by 0.3 percentage points and lead to 68,000 fewer jobs. It did not give a time frame.

A significant part of Italy's GDP growth depends on billions of euros from the EU's COVID-19 pandemic recovery funds, but the Bank of Italy warned of delays and possible missed targets in investing the cash, which is supposed to be allocated by 2026.

The government had spent around 66 billion euros ($72.81 billion) through March, around 34% of the available EU funds, and has set itself ambitious targets to recover lost ground.

The budget framework forecasts EU COVID funds expenditure of 40 billion euros in 2025, 80 billion euros next year and 12 billion euros in 2027.

"It is inevitable that the accounting of part of the spending will have to go beyond 2026,", Giorgetti said.

($1 = 0.8801 euros)

(Editing by Gavin Jones)
By Angelo Amante

WASHINGTON (Reuters) - U.S. President Donald Trump has agreed to an official visit to Rome and will consider also meeting representatives of the European Union while there, Italy's Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni said on Thursday in the Oval Office.

Meloni's U.S. trip came amid a tariff row between Washington and Brussels and was seen as an attempt to facilitate dialogue and leverage the good relationship between the two leaders following a U.S. decision to pause most duties for 90 days.

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Trump called Meloni - who was the only EU leader invited to his inauguration in January - a "very special person" and "a friend" who "has taken Europe by storm", while the Italian leader said they both shared the fight against "woke" ideology.

"I want to thank President Trump for having accepted an invitation to pay an official visit to Rome in the near future and consider the possibility, on that occasion, to meet also with Europe," Meloni said speaking next to the U.S. leader.

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen has so far not been given a meeting with Trump, meaning that she has to rely on others to promote EU interests.

Earlier this month Meloni - a right-wing nationalist who has deep admiration for Trump - called U.S. tariffs "wrong" but during the meeting with him she said she was at the White House to make the West "stronger".

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Some in Europe feared that Meloni could use the meeting only to defend her national interest rather than representing the whole 27-nation bloc, but she made clear she could not lock in deals on behalf of the EU, which has responsibility on trade.

She said Italy will have to increase its imports of liquified natural gas (LNG) and said Italian firms would invest billions of dollars in the U.S. in the coming years.

Meloni denied talks with Trump over possible deal between Elon Musk's Starlink and Rome for encrypted satellite communications, but said Italy would work with the U.S. on Mars missions.

(Reporting by Angelo Amante; Editing by Alistair Bell)
Li Xi, a member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee and secretary of the CPC Central Commission for Discipline Inspection, presides over a symposium in Changsha, central China's Hunan Province, April 17, 2025. Li made a research tour of central China's Hunan Province from Monday to Thursday. (Xinhua/Yue Yuewei)

CHANGSHA, April 17 (Xinhua) -- China's anti-graft chief Li Xi has called for rigorous implementation of the Party-wide education campaign on enforcing the rules of conduct of the Communist Party of China (CPC).

Li, a member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee and secretary of the CPC Central Commission for Discipline Inspection, made the remarks during a research tour of central China's Hunan Province from Monday to Thursday.

In Hunan, Li visited multiple locations including a village, an aquaculture farming base, a university lab, state-owned enterprises, and a local police station, among others. He also presided over a symposium to review the progress of discipline inspection and supervision work and solicit opinions and suggestions.

Li called on anti-corruption organs to intensify efforts in combating misconduct and graft affecting people's daily lives, prioritize targeted crackdowns on prominent irregularities, and deliver visible progress in governance integrity that resonates with the public.

Li urged enhanced efforts in advancing Party conduct and integrity building alongside anti-corruption work in state-owned enterprises, providing impetus for developing new-quality productive forces.

It is imperative to deepen the reform of the discipline inspection and supervision system to propel the high-quality development of disciplinary oversight work, he stressed.

Efforts should be made to carry out the education campaign to implement the Party's "eight-point decision" on improving work conduct with higher standards, stricter requirements, and more substantive measures, Li said. 

Li Xi, a member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee and secretary of the CPC Central Commission for Discipline Inspection, visits Qixing Village of Zhaoshan Town, Xiangtan City, central China's Hunan Province, April 15, 2025. Li made a research tour of central China's Hunan Province from Monday to Thursday. (Xinhua/Yue Yuewei)
Astronomers say they've spotted a possible sign of life in the atmosphere of K2-18b, an exoplanet 124 light-years away, using NASA's James Webb Space Telescope.

As detailed in a new paper published in the journal Astrophysical Journal Letters, the international team of researchers led by University of Cambridge astrophysicist Nikku Madhusudhan says they've detected the molecule dimethyl sulfide (DMS) in the planet's atmosphere, which here on Earth  at least as far as we know  is only produced by living organisms.

The team also suggests that it's possible that K2-18b may be a "Hycean" planet, a portmanteau of the words "hydrogen" and "ocean." It's located in its parent red dwarf star system's habitable zone, which means that the conditions could allow liquid water to exist on its surface.

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But, as always, extraordinary claims require extraordinary evidence. For one, there's no guarantee that DMS is the result of biological activity; it could be present in the exoplanet's atmosphere for other reasons.

"It's pretty hard to be sure that a chemical that we associate with life can ONLY be made by living things," science communicator and TV personality Joe Hanson wrote in a Bluesky post. "Chemistry is pretty weird, and the galaxy is a very big petri dish."

And to their credit, the researchers themselves were careful  in some ways  about making sweeping claims about having found extraterrestrial life.

"It is in no ones interest to claim prematurely that we have detected life," Madhusudhan told reporters.

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However, he still called it a "revolutionary moment," claiming that it's the "first time humanity has seen potential biosignatures on a habitable planet."

"Either we are looking at a new chemical process that we havent seen before... or were witnessing the first signs of biological activity outside of Earth," coauthor and Space Telescope Science Institute postdoctoral researcher Mans Holmberg added.

On Earth, marine algae and other living organisms are known to produce dimethyl sulfide, which can eventually reach the air and give the sea a distinctive odor, as the NYT points out.

According to the researchers, K2-18b may be teeming with the stuff, at concentrations thousands of times higher than on Earth, hinting at the possibility of oceans brimming with life.

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But while it's a tempting conclusion to draw, experts remain highly skeptical.

"Its not nothing," Johns Hopkins University planetary scientist Stephen Schmidt, who was not involved in the research, told the NYT. "Its a hint. But we cannot conclude its habitable yet."

"Not yet a biosignature, but a timely prompt to sharpen our methods and expectations," concluded astrophysicist Sara Seager, who was also not involved, told the Washington Post.

"Theres never going to be one biosignature where everyone says, yes, we all agree, definitely life," University of Cambridge biologist Emily Mitchell added. "Any one signature is always going to be debated."

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"Unless we see ET waving at us, its not going to be a smoking gun," Southwest Research Institute in San Antonio planetary scientist Christopher Glein told the NYT.

It's nonetheless an exciting development, highlighting the cutting-edge observations NASA's JWST has enabled. And the number of potentially habitable exoplanets keeps growing.

Despite broad skepticism, the ongoing conversation surrounding the possibility of life on K2-18b is ultimately a positive thing, Hanson argued.

"People who are not part of this research team are very much more skeptical of these claims than the people who did the research," he wrote in a follow-up post on Bluesky. "That's not necessarily a glaring red flag, it's actually how science should work!"

More on habitability: Scientists Intrigued by Nearby Planet That Could Potentially Support Life
For Jane Seymour, who famously played "Dr. Quinn, Medicine Woman" in the long-running hit TV series of the same name, the Palisades Fire came perilously close to her Malibu home, which survived. Her former costar Joe Lando, a soap opera veteran who played Michaela Quinn's love interest on the show, the enigmatic mountain man Byron Sully, was not so lucky.



The Palisades home he shared with his family burned to the ground. With nothing left, Seymour took Lando and six other members of his family, two German Shepherds, and two pet birds into her home as they struggled with the unimaginable loss.



Seymour and Lando have been friends since the CBS show premiered in 1993 and then ran for six seasons. The duo also appeared together as love interests in the 2022 Lifetime movie, A Christmas Spark. While they both married other people, their friendship remains an enduring one.



Thankfully, there are angels in this world. Were left with nothing, except each other. My friend Jane Seymour allowed us to come up to her house and opened it up for us without any hesitation and, thank God, gave us some place to come and sleep, Lando said in an emotional video posted to Instagram after the Palisades Fire devoured everything his family owned.



This week Seymour, who is filming "The Twelve Dates of Christmas," a six-episode limited series for the Hallmark Channel in Dublin, told Los Angeles she didn't hesitate for a second before inviting her friend and his family to share her space. Her late mother might have chastised her if she didn't. Seymour is quick to talk about her mom, Mieke Frankenberg, a spirited one-time Red Cross nurse who survived a Japanese internment camp during World War II by putting her skills to work.

Joe Lando and Jane Seymour attend The Colleagues 30th annual Spring Luncheon and Oscar de la Renta fashion show at the Beverly Wilshire Hotel in Beverly Hills, CA on Tuesday, April 17, 2018Alex J. Berliner/ABImages via AP Images

That generous spirit was passed onto her daughter with a constant reminder, Seymour recalled from her Dublin set. Darling, there are always people worse off than you. If you can open your heart and help somebody you have purpose," Seymour remembered her mother saying. "And when you have purpose in giving you are receiving.



Which is exactly how Seymour felt in those days having Lando's family close to her.



The experience epitomizes the charitable mission Seymour created when she started her nonprofit Open Hearts Foundation and 15 years ago and named in honor of her mother's unfettered dedication to helping others. A ticket to the Open Hearts Foundation's annual gala has become a hot commodity, and this year Seymour is hosting it at her Malibu home to bolster her city, which was devastated by the deadly Palisades Fire that left nearly 7,000 homes and businesses destroyed and claimed twelve lives. The gala also plans to recognize the devastation of the Eaton Fire that killed 17 people, injured 9 firefighters, and devoured miles upon miles of homes and businesses in Altadena.



This year the Open Hearts Foundation Gala will be held on May 17 a serendipitous date for its fifteenth anniversary, with a surprise big name musical guest slated to perform. Tickets are still available for the gala, which will recognize two outstanding Los Angeles County residents - philanthropist and businessman Henry Gluck and Avery Colvert who founded Altadena Girls by organizing a clothing drive and collecting beauty products, along with other essential items for fellow teens who lost everything in the unyielding wildfire.
"The fight for the freedom of Palestine and the fight against antisemitism go hand in hand because injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere." Columbia student Mohsen Mahdawi was crystal clear in his condemnation of antisemitism during his 2023 "60 Minutes" interview. "To be antisemitic is unjust," the student activist plainly stated, denouncing anyone who uses antisemitic rhetoric when protesting Israel's war on Gaza.

On Monday, Donald Trump's administration arrested Mahdawi after sadistically luring him to an immigration office by implying his citizenship application process was complete. The excuse offered by Secretary of State Marco Rubio is that Mahdawi needs to be deported to halt the spread of antisemitism. But Rubio's team offered no evidence that Mahdawi is antisemitic, and did not bother to acknowledge his very public denunciation of antisemitism.

Similar accusations have been leveled at Mahmoud Khalil, a Columbia graduate and green card holder arrested for participating in the Gaza protests, and Rumeysa Ozturk, a Tufts student on a visa from Turkey, arrested for signing an op-ed opposing the war. There has been no evidence produced of antisemitism from either, however. On the contrary, the Washington Post reports that an internal State Department memo written before Ozturk's arrest found no evidence to support the accusation. Mikey Barat, Mahdawi's Israeli friend, told The Intercept that while they "do not agree on everything," Mahdawi "has denounced violence" and seeks "coexistence."

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Antisemitism is a real problem, and, as Mahdawi stated clearly in his denunciation of it, a few Gaza protesters unfortunately engaged in it. But it's preposterous to pretend that Trump has any sincere objection to it, especially as he and his allies routinely use the antisemitic "great replacement" conspiracy theory to stoke white nationalist fervor. It's instead employed as an empty pretext to wage war on foreign students. In the process, the Trump administration is making a mockery of both the law and of genuine concerns about antisemitism, harmfully associating the issue with the bad faith of fascists.

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Under Rubio, there have been over a thousand student visas revoked all over the country, so it's telling that even in the three most prominent cases, the government can't produce real evidence of antisemitism. Rubio, like most in the Trump administration, uses hyperbolic and accusatory language towards his victims, calling them "lunatics." But when journalists look into the actual students, many of whom are being held in detention centers, it quickly becomes clear that's not the case at all.

On Friday, the New York Times reported on Kseniia Petrova, a 30-year-old biology student who fled Russia after protesting her country's invasion of Ukraine. She's been held for over two months in a Louisiana detention center with 90 other women "sharing five toilets and following orders shouted by guards." Her alleged infraction? Forgetting to declare a bag of frog embryos to customs agents at the airport, work materials for her research at Harvard University.

Trump's White House, unsurprisingly, refuses to talk about the real reasons behind most of the visa revocations, but one can bet if they had a real-life case of someone who said or did something antisemitic, they'd be blasting that story from every corner. They've made a spectacle out of Khalil, Ozturk, and Mahdawi because they know all three read as "Muslim"  though Mahdawi is Buddhist  and that's all the "evidence" that the MAGA base needs. But some journalists have dug up some of the other stories. One student is being deported for drunk driving. Others had speeding tickets.

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https://twitter.com/AdamSmallKSL/status/1912200017089294814

Last month, Vice President JD Vance let slip what is likely the real reason for this crackdown when he claimed that foreign students are "bad for the American dream." He argued that international students are bad "for American kids who want to go to a nice university but cant because their spot was taken by a foreign student." Jath Shao, a Cleveland-based immigration attorney, told NBC News that this is Trump targeting "the small and the weak  people who dont have as many resources to defend themselves," as part of a larger anti-immigration agenda.

Vance's ploy is cheap and transparent, though there are no doubt plenty of Trump voters with bad SAT scores who want to believe the only reason they didn't get into Harvard was that a foreign student took "their" spot. The chip on Vance's shoulder is real enough, though. As Lydia Polgreen of the New York Times pointed out, diversity initiatives at Yale likely helped Vance get into their law school, because "a promising white candidate from a county that sends few students to an elite college like Yale would get a strong look, even if that persons grades and test scores were less impressive than other applicants."

Diversity goals, such as those that likely helped Vance, aren't about charity, but about improving the overall educational experience for all students. It's doubly true when it comes to schools recruiting foreign students. Bringing in talented people from all over the world leads to better research and other academic work. It's a major reason American universities are held in such high regard and why the United States is a world leader in scientific research. Even Republican voters might not be so keen on the purge-them-all attitude if they realized it meant expelling all this talent that helps the larger economy. They might be especially perturbed when reminded that the high quality of American health care depends largely on the influx of medical doctors and researchers from around the world.

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These tensions flared up in December, when billionaire Elon Musk defended H1B visa holders from attacks from the louder white nationalist influencers calling for Trump to kick them all out. Silicon Valley depends heavily on these highly skilled workers, and Musk wasn't inaccurate in his skepticism that the U.S. will produce enough homegrown engineers to take all those jobs overnight. He got roasted by MAGA bigwigs like Steve Bannon and Laura Loomer for this, and the issue was never really resolved.

The flimsy "antisemitism" excuse suggests the Trump administration is trying to have it both ways. They want to appease the MAGA idiots who all think they'd get into Harvard, if there weren't some Palestinians and Russians in their way. But they don't want to alarm their wealthy donors, who don't want to see the supply of highly skilled workers shrink dramatically, reducing the value of their investments, especially in fields like tech and medicine. Pretending they're only going after a few "troublemakers" gets them there. The base gets their racist red meat, while the elite get to tell themselves that most of the foreign workforce is safe.

The elites, however, are fooling themselves if they fall for this. Trump and his lackey, Stephen Miller, who appears to be operating as his real chief of staff, are true believers when it comes to hating immigrants. Both men, possessing mediocre intelligence at best, no doubt resent it when those foreigners are far smarter or more accomplished than they will ever be. This attack on foreign students isn't a feint. There are too many of them who are being picked up or deported, too quickly. It's also sending the intended message to other foreign students not to come to the U.S. Competitors in Europe and Asia will benefit from the brain drain into their countries. It's just one more way Trump is making the United States less influential and poorer.
Actor and former bodybuilder Jean-Claude Van Damme has addressed Russian President Vladimir Putin in a strange new video message published on Telegram by pro-Russian Ukraine-born journalist Diana Panchenko.

Panchenko has been accused of treason by the Ukrainian Security Service (SBU) in 2023.

Van Damme said in the video that he was ready to come to Russia and become an ambassador of peace.

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"We want to come to Russia. We will try to do this the way you want to do this, to be an ambassador of peace. I would love to be... I would be honourred to have this title

The action star then recounted a protracted anecdote about how he and Putin met in Sochi at a martial arts event and how their shoes touched. He indeed visited Russia in 2010 and in 2007, when he attended a reception in St. Petersburg (see picture below).

The Muscles from Brussels concluded the video by saying: "Lets do this. Ambassador of peace. We wont talk politics  only about peace, sport and happiness. We love you.

At the end of the appeal, Van Damme blew a kiss to Russia and sent a big kiss to Putin and his family.

Former Italian Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi, Jean Claude Van Damme and Vladimir Putin attend a reception in St. Petersburg, Russia - 14 April 2007 - AP Photo

Tasteless declarations of love aside, Van Damme hit headlines earlier this month when he was accused of allegedly meeting with several people under investigation for sex trafficking crimes  people who offered to let him have sex with five Romanian models as a "gift."

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The Romanian Directorate for Investigating Organized Crime and Terrorism (DIICOT) reportedly filed a criminal complaint against the Belgian actor, with this alleged incident having taken place in Cannes. No timeframe was noted.

Adrian Cuculis, the lawyer of one of the alleged victims, stated: At an event organised by Jean-Claude Van Damme in Cannes, several Romanians, who are currently under investigation for forming a criminal group and pimping, allegedly offered Jean-Claude Van Damme five Romanian women - photo models in Romania - for sex.

He added: The person who received these services was aware of their condition.

Van Damme has denied the accusations of knowingly engaging in sexual relations with women he knew to be trafficked, with the actors agent calling the claims unfounded.

We have become aware of articles alleging an alleged affair in Cannes involving Mr Jean-Claude Van Damme, Patrick Goavec said in a statement. The reported facts are both grotesque and non-existent. Mr Van Damme does not wish to comment or fuel this rumour, which is as absurd as it is unfounded.
VIENNA, April 17 (Xinhua) -- China, a contributor to international collaboration in the peaceful use of outer space, has been pushing technological boundaries of the space field, the UN space chief has said.

Aarti Holla-Maini, director of the United Nations Office for Outer Space Affairs, made the remarks in a recent exclusive interview with Xinhua.

Recalling her last year's trip to China, Holla-Maini said that the successful launch of Chang'e-6 impressed her most, which was "really a testament to the experience and capabilities" of the Chinese space sector.

The Chang'e-6 lunar probe, which was launched in early May 2024, landed in the moon's South Pole-Aitken Basin and returned to Earth in late June with more than 1,935 grams of the first-ever samples from the less-known far side of the moon.

The UN space chief was also impressed by the fact that a number of private sector companies in China are investing in new, sophisticated satellite systems.

China is home to the Regional Center for Space Science and Technology Education in Asia and the Pacific, and hosts an office of the UN-SPIDER, a program aimed at facilitating the use of space technology for disaster management and emergency response, she said. "I hope that we will build on our existing collaboration."

Holla-Maini expected future cooperation with China in multiple areas, including space traffic coordination, lunar activities and space resources.

She voiced hope of seeing more nationalities partnering with China to benefit from the opportunities brought by the country's space development.

In June 2023, Holla-Maini took the helm of the UN space agency dedicated to promoting international cooperation in the peaceful use and exploration of space. 
House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries (D-N.Y.) said Thursday that the country is facing a crisis across the board, less than 100 days after President Trump returned to the White House.

We are in a crisis across the board, in every way possible, including the assault on the democratic way of life, Jeffries told CNNs Dana Bash in a Thursday interview. The president is assaulting the economy, assaulting Social Security, assaulting health care, assaulting the American way of life, and assaulting our democracy.

None of this is normal, he added.

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The White House didnt immediately respond to The Hills request for comment on Jeffriess remarks. Trump was meeting with Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni at the White House.

Jeffries, who is leading the Democratic opposition to the GOPs razor-thin majority in the House, has been pushing against Trump as Republicans seek to advance the presidents legislative agenda.

It is all a crisis now, with respect to what we need to deal with, the New York Democrat said.

The GOP-controlled House and Senate approved a budget framework earlier this month that would cut federal spending and trim the deficit to free up money for tax cuts favored by Trump and his allies. The proposals have prompted concerns about the future of safety net programs, such as Social Security and Medicaid.

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Trump repeatedly has stressed that there will be no cuts to Social Security benefits during his second administration, but the program and its parent agency have faced internal cutbacks driven by the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE).

Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.) defended the nearly $880 billion hit to Medicaid under the GOPs budget blueprint as being primarily covered by savings from rooting out waste, fraud and abuse and expanding work requirements. Vulnerable and moderate House Republicans have said they will not support legislation that includes cuts to Medicaid benefits.

But Jeffries said constituents are still fearful over the uncertainty.

This is a life-or-death matter for many of the people that I represent, and folks all across the country, and so thats why, as Democrats, were focused on these issues, Jeffries said.

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Aside from budget risks for domestic programs, the lawmaker claimed Trumps policies elsewhere are also driving up costs and threatening livelihoods.

Donald Trump is clearly crashing the economy in real time, and hes driving us towards a recession, he said.

Trump on April 3 unveiled a sweeping slate of tariffs on imports from most countries. Many of them have been temporarily paused as world leaders try to negotiate agreements with the president, though a 145 percent tariff rate remains in place on most goods coming from China.

Jeffries said he thinks import taxes can be useful in lifting the American economy but thats not this in terms of what is taking place.

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The manner in which these tariffs have been unleashed on the American people will result in the largest tax increase on everyday Americans since at least 1968, he said. That clearly is a problem. Thats not what the American people signed up for.

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New Jersey Attorney General Matt Platkin has sued Discord, a messaging app that caters to teens and gamers, for failing to enforce its security features. (Dana DiFilippo | New Jersey Monitor)

New Jersey Attorney General Matt Platkin sued the messaging app Discord Thursday under the state Consumer Fraud Act, saying the tech giant has failed to protect underage users from sexual predators, harassment, and violent content.

Platkin, who also has sued TikTok and Meta, alleges Discord misleads parents and users about the efficacy of its porous security features that Discord knows do not work as promised. The decade-old platform, which caters to teens and gamers, has 200 million users.

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Too often, parents feel helpless as rich and powerful corporations find new ways to put harmful content literally directly into our kids hands, callously placing their own profits ahead of the safety and well-being of our children, Platkin said at a news conference in Newark.

Platkin pointed to violent incidents involving white supremacists who used the platform to plan or publicize their crimes, including a deadly 2017 Unite the Right rally in Charlottesville, Virginia, and a 2022 mass shooting at a Buffalo, New York, supermarket that left 10 dead.

Platkin said his office launched its investigation after the Buffalo massacre and found that Discord, even as it publicly promotes its safety measures, fails to enforce them, making it alarmingly easy for predators and other malicious actors to target children on the app.

Theres very little to prevent kids from connecting with and receiving messages from complete strangers on their platform. This includes strangers who are adults pretending to be kids, something that should be a red flag for every parent, Platkin said.

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Discord prohibits children under 13 on its platform, he added, but it barely enforces its own rule.

All a child has to do to access the app is just say theyre 13. Discord will take any 8-year-olds word for it, he said.

He added: There are very few roadblocks between a child under the age of 10 accessing Discord and being groomed in a private chat or coerced to engage in self-harm. Its horrifying, sickening, and its especially horrifying and sickening given that Discord users in New Jersey exchange billions of direct messages on the app every year.

Officials from Discord, which is based in San Francisco, did not respond to a request for comment.

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Why does it matter if 36 British Jews disagree with Israels wartime government? Readers of the recent letter published in the Financial Times, signed by a very small minority of members from the Board of Deputies of British Jews, might well ask themselves what the letter signifies.

Diaspora Jews feel a deep connection to the holy land, the Jewish homeland  the state of Israel. If God Save the King rouses our hearts, Hatikva moves our Jewish soul. We can and do have deep loyalty to both. But if Israel was an insurance policy against us being slaughtered again, October 7 proved that sometimes premiums go up. While it can be painful when they do, if you want continued cover, you just have to cough up and shut up.

Though I write sometimes on Jewish issues, I do not claim to represent some amorphous Jewish community. Many Jews agree with me, others do not. Our religion and culture values disagreement. But the FT letter marks a deeply regrettable moment  not because it expresses dissent toward Israels government, which is every Jews right, but because of the way it does so. It conflates political grievance with moral prophecy, presents personal ideology as communal leadership, and in doing so, likely misrepresents the views of many of us.

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Let us begin with a necessary statement of principle: it is entirely legitimate for Jews and anyone in the world to criticise Israeli policy, including during wartime, even if potentially inadvisable or unhelpful. No country is above scrutiny, and Jewish tradition has long prized argument, debate, and conscience. But it must not  particularly in times of war  blur the moral lines between those who defend life and those who seek its destruction.

The signatories, just over ten per cent of the Board of Deputies, present themselves as speaking on behalf of British Jewry. They do not. Their views are largely drawn from a specific sliver of the Jewish world  primarily progressive, liberal, or Reform congregations  who are entitled to their opinions, but are not particularly representative of the broader British Jewish community. Yet it is no surprise to many of us that British news outlets have jumped on this opportunity to show how even the Jews dont like Israels actions.

The authors claim that Jewish values are on their side  that war is inherently at odds with Judaism, and that diplomacy alone offers a path forward. But this is a selective reading of our tradition. Jewish values embrace both compassion and realism. The Torah commands us to pursue peace, yes  but it also commands us to defend life, to confront evil, and to understand that in a world where enemies plot genocide, force is sometimes not only justified but required. Ecclesiastes teaches, There is a time for war and a time for peace. The signatories would have us believe that Judaism demands surrender. It does not.

Their central claim  that diplomacy alone, not military action, has saved hostages  is historically and logically flawed. Every negotiated release of hostages has taken place under the shadow of Israeli military pressure. The idea that negotiations occurred in a vacuum of force is a fantasy. Hamas has never released hostages out of goodwill; it has done so because it has feared the consequences of continued defiance. Diplomacy works when backed by credible strength.

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Without it, there is no leverage  only wishful thinking. And if Benjamin Netanyahu is responsible for the 59 hostages still languishing in Gaza, he must also be responsible for the 174 live and 49 dead hostages brought back to their families. This is not just about numbers, it is about the acknowledging the whole, complex picture.

Most British Jews understand this. They have stood with Israel since it was attacked by a genocidal terrorist organisation whose charter calls for the extermination of Jews. They know that the true extremists are not sitting in the Knesset, but in the terrorist command centres and tunnels in Gaza and further afield in Lebanon, Syria, Yemen and ultimately in Tehran. And they grasp what the letters authors do not: that the Israeli government did not choose to return to war, as if it were an option freely available.

Rather, it resumed military action after Hamas repeatedly violated ceasefires, paraded hostages for propaganda, and rejected further disarmament proposals  even on the very day this letter was published the BBC ran the headline: Hamas rejects Israeli ceasefire disarmament proposal, Palestinian official says. Ignoring these facts is not a difference in opinion  it is a refusal to deal with reality.

It must also be said, however uncomfortably, that airing these intra-communal disagreements in the national press is unedifying  and, for many outside the Jewish world, tiresome. It undermines Israels moral legitimacy, and bolsters those who somehow think Jews disagreeing with Israel proves some kind of bigger truth. Yet for many, now it has been published, the letter cannot go unanswered  not to silence dissent, but at least to restore balance.

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The deeper concern is ethical and strategic: a small group has taken a time of anguish and danger, and used it as a platform to vent political frustration against a government they dislike. That is their prerogative. But the dilemmas faced by Israels leaders are excruciating. Every option is dreadful. But to pretend that there is an easy, bloodless alternative  while living safely abroad, far from the burden of responsibility  is not an act of conscience. It is an abdication of solidarity. This letter does not save lives. It does not free hostages. It makes the hard choices harder, and the lonely ones lonelier.

The letter does not speak for many of us. In a time of war, clarity  about who we are, what we believe, and whom we stand with  is not just necessary. It is an obligation.

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A convicted jihadist who has renounced his British citizenship cannot be deported to Pakistan because it would breach his human rights, a document suggests.

Irfan Khalid was jailed for planning an attack in Birmingham similar to Londons 7/7 bombings.

However, a Parole Board document shows the Home Office has been unable to deport the terrorist, despite him wanting to leave.

It suggests that deporting him would breach his human rights.

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Mr Khalid is a foreign national of Pakistan, the document states.

He has renounced his British citizenship. He is subject to a deportation order, which was not enforceable due to human rights concerns.

The Parole Board said Khalid had even signed a letter of disclaimer facilitating him being voluntarily returned to Pakistan.

Khalid was part of a terror gang who planned to turn the UKs second largest city into a little war zone by setting off up to eight bombs in rucksacks.

The jihadist, who was 27 at the time, had travelled to Pakistan where he learnt how to make homemade explosives and trained alongside al-Qaeda, who had given the plot their blessing.

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He was jailed for 18 years in 2013 after a counter-terrorism investigation foiled the scheme.

Last year, the Parole Board deemed him too dangerous to be released. The details of their decision have now been published.

In applying the legal test for release, the panel was required to consider the manageability of Mr Khalids risk to the public both in the United Kingdom and any other country to which he is likely to be returned, the document continued.

The report said evidence had been presented that showed he had made progress in custody and had taken part in accredited programmes to address his extremist offending.

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But it added: The panel examined the UK release plan provided by Mr Khalids probation officer and weighed its proposals against assessed risks.

Making its ruling, the board said: After considering the circumstances of his offending, the progress made while in custody and the evidence presented at the hearing, the panel was not satisfied that release at this point would be safe for the protection of the public.

He will be eligible for another parole review in due course.

The Home Office said it did not comment on individual cases.

The Parole Board declined to comment.

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LAS VEGAS (KLAS)  Las Vegas valley residents gathered at the Boulevard Mall for the West Coast Job Fairs, hoping to find a position that suited them.

Rashad Okali was one of many job seekers. After relocating from West Africa to Las Vegas last November, Okali has been actively searching for employment ever since.

Im looking for a new job. Ive been looking for a job for a while, Okali said. Im looking for something in either sales or services, or data entry.

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Candidates met with more than a dozen recruiters hoping to land a position from job openings in hospitality and gaming, education, law enforcement, and healthcare services.

After the pandemic, I got into security, and thats what Im looking for here in Las Vegas, Ebony Mims, a former nurse from Texas, said.

Luis Luevano, a Las Vegas native, is seeking a fresh start for his career. After graduating from high school a few years ago, he has gained experience through various jobs.

Right now, Ive been in between jobs. Ive been looking for about a month or so, and I have noticed the job market is pretty challenging right now, Luevano said. Just basically looking for any open positions, any entry-level, just anything right now, to be honest.

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Tonya Fair, who recently moved from Charlotte to Las Vegas to be closer to family, is also on the job hunt.

I obviously need more money, but I want a long-term career, Fair said. [I want to] be able to have a good work-life balance make good money. Have good benefits.

Like many others at the job expo, Fair is not just seeking temporary work, but a career that provides long-term stability. Nevada ranks worst in the nation for unemployment at 5.8% according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.

For more information about the West Coast Job Fairs, click here.

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Dani Schlarmann, a recruiter, noticed something fishy about the job applicants.

Cover letters and resumes sounded identical. Candidates embellished their experience to match the job description. On top of that, engineers were caught using artificial intelligence tools to "cheat" on live coding tests.

The California resident, who works for blockchain technology company Ava Labs, vented about his frustrations with AI on social network LinkedIn. To address the issue, Ava Labs started asking some candidates to sign an agreement that they will not use AI assistance during their interviews, he said.

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"We've had a few people fight us back on it and say 'we should be able to use any tool at our disposal.' Honestly, this is not the company for you, then," said Schlarmann, who lives in Corona. "For engineers, we pride ourselves on coding prowess and there are going to be times when the AI can't solve something for you."

Job seekers use AI-powered tools to help them improve their resumes, find jobs, auto apply to hundreds of roles and even provide answers on the spot during video interviews. Fueled by the popularity of AI-powered tools like OpenAI's ChatGPT, tech giants and startups are racing ahead to release more AI features that can spit out text, code and images within seconds.

But the AI frenzy has also sparked a debate about when technology goes too far, distorting a job candidate's true skills and experience. Faced with more competition as companies slash thousands of workers, job seekers are weighing whether to pay for AI tools that might help them land a role more quickly. Employers and recruiters are also grappling with whether job candidates should be allowed to use AI even as they embrace the technology themselves.

Julie Schweber, senior HR knowledge advisor at the Society for Human Resource Management, said employers know that job candidates could be using AI to enhance their resume or cover letter  but they don't want people misrepresenting themselves.

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"It certainly makes sense because you want a candidate that is evolving with the technology and not afraid of technology," she said.

Some companies don't specify whether job candidates can use AI and others do. Anthropic, a San Francisco AI startup, asks job applicants to agree they won't use AI assistance to answer certain questions because the company wants "to be able to assess people's genuine interest and motivations for working at Anthropic." Amazon said that when applicable, it will ask candidates to acknowledge that they won't use generative AI during an interview or test.

Jeremy Pihl, who became unemployed last year for the first time at 51 years old, said he has used AI tools such as ChatGPT, Swooped and 6Figr during his job search.

"If you are not leveraging AI, I promise it's being leveraged on you," he said.

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Recruiters use AI to generate job descriptions, review or screen candidate searches, automate candidate searches and other tasks, according to SHRM.

Pihl, who previously worked as a customer success manager at Coda and a solutions engineer at Apple, is still trying to land his next role despite already applying to roughly 1,500 jobs.

AI has helped him research a potential employer and improve cover letters, but using the tools to auto apply to jobs hasn't yielded much success, he said. Pihl, who secured a contract role but is still job hunting, said the progress he has made has been through referrals or reaching out to a hiring manager who viewed his LinkedIn profile.

"I don't know that I would lean on it to the extent that I leaned on it in the beginning," he said. "There's an aspect of it where it is really helpful."

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Meanwhile, the job search is only getting more fierce. Nearly 60% of people globally will be looking for a new job in 2025 and 37% are applying to more jobs than ever before but hearing back less, according to LinkedIn research.

In March, the unemployment rate rose slightly to 4.2 % with 7.1 million people out of work, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. In February, the number of job openings reached 7.6 million, down from 8.4 million compared with the same month in 2024.

As California tech companies continue to slash payrolls, the state's unemployment rate has been higher than the national average. In February, California's unemployment rate was 5.4 % with more than 1 million people unemployed in the state.

Sunnyvale, Calif.-based LinkedIn has been testing AI-powered tools on its platform, including one to match candidates with jobs that are a better fit. Rohan Rajiv, head of careers products at LinkedIn, said there's no doubt it's taking more interviews for people to land jobs, but both recruiters and job candidates want to spend as little time as possible in the process.

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"We are finally at a point where it has become realistic for us to not play the volume game, for us to actually play a really focused game," he said.

Nearly 40% of LinkedIn Premium subscribers use AI features to improve their profile and stand out and nearly a third have used the platform's AI-powered job search features. Most have found it helpful, according to LinkedIn.

But there are some controversial uses of AI as well. One such example: a teleprompter that provides AI-generated answers to job interview questions.

Final Round AI, which offers an AI-powered interview assistant and other tools for a subscription fee, makes the bold claim that candidates can land their next job in 30 days or less.

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In some of the startup's viral videos on social media, people are reading AI-generated answers verbatim displayed on a screen during remote mock job interviews.

Founded in 2023, the San Francisco firm said it had more than 1 million users from January to February.

Using an AI interview or coding assistant could rub some employers the wrong way, but the entrepreneurs who created the tools say they're just trying to support job seekers who are navigating a terrible job market.

Michael Guan, chief executive and co-founder of Final Round AI, said people's perception of AI is changing and whoever understands how to use the technology will get an edge. Inspired by the superhero Iron Man, who has an AI assistant known as J.A.R.V.I.S., Guan envisions a future where these tools will be even more intuitive.

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"Imagine I have a teleprompter on my eyeglasses ," he said. "Everybody can become Iron Man."

Kaivan Dave, who heads marketing at Final Round AI, said that using an AI interview assistant can help candidates, some who might have language barriers, better articulate their thoughts. Even the president, he said, has used a teleprompter.

The venture capital-backed company created a billboard in San Francisco with an image of President Trump that read "Interview Confidently Like Our President. Helping America Get Back to Work 10x Faster with Final Round AI."

"I don't think that this is going against any type of unethical norms," Dave said.

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Using an AI interview assistant still doesn't fly with some recruiters.

Lyndsi Okh, a San Diego resident who recruits for tech nonprofits, said she suspected a candidate interviewing for a relationship building role was reading AI-generated answers because of their speech patterns and pauses.

"Using AI to help prepare for interview questions is fine, but reading off a screen with interview responses is a total breach of trust and a big no-no for me," she said.

Although she has nothing against the use of AI, Okh said the ones who are using it successfully are not relying on technology to replace critical thinking.

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"We're in the Wild West of AI, where it's like no one knows what to do, and everyone's just doing anything," she said. "I think that it will eventually be refined."

For now, nothing beats a response that feels personal.
Law enforcement officers are carrying out the necessary investigative actions to identify the assailant who attacked Yurii Makarov, the executive producer of Ukrainian public broadcaster Suspilne.

Source: Interior Minister Ihor Klymenko, quoted by the ministrys press service

Details: Klymenko said that forensic examinations have already been commissioned and the attackers identity and possible motives are being established.

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It is reported that the victim has given initial testimony to police.

"I am personally overseeing the process of solving and investigating this brazen crime," Klymenko said.

Background: On 17 April, it was reported that an unidentified individual had attacked Suspilne executive producer Yurii Makarov with a knife. The journalist is currently in hospital.

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TOKYO, April 17 (Xinhua) -- Japan posted some 5.23 trillion yen (36.6 billion U.S. dollars) trade deficit in fiscal 2024, remaining in the red for the fourth consecutive year, government data showed Thursday.

In the fiscal year ending in March, total value of exports rose 5.9 percent to 108.93 trillion yen, rising for the fourth consecutive year and marking the highest level since comparable statistics were first compiled in 1979.

The value of imports, meanwhile, grew 4.7 percent from a year earlier to 114.16 trillion yen, up for the first time in two years, driven by personal computers from the United States and smartphones from China, the Finance Ministry said in a preliminary report.

By country or region, Japan logged a trade deficit with China of 7.05 trillion yen, up 18.7 percent from a year before. Exports increased 3.4 percent to a record 18.89 trillion yen while imports expanded 7.1 percent to a record 25.94 trillion yen.

Japan's trade surplus with the United States fell 1.3 percent to 9.01 trillion yen. Exports to the country gained 3.8 percent from the previous year to 21.65 trillion yen and imports from it also increased 7.7 percent to 12.64 trillion yen, with both figures hitting record highs.

Japan remained in the red for the 13th consecutive year in trade with the European Union, reporting a deficit of 2.53 trillion yen. (1 U.S. dollar equals 142.62 Japanese yen) 
A nonprofit organization and community members advocating for the preservation of a historic Wayne County bridge were dealt another blow Tuesday when a judge denied a court order seeking to halt demolition of the 123-year-old steel structure.

Damascus Citizens for Sustainability Inc. and Cynthia Nash filed a motion for a temporary restraining order after counsel for PennDOT advised that demolition of the Skinners Falls Bridge would begin April 10, according to court documents. The court granted an emergency temporary restraining order April 9, and a full hearing took place Friday in federal court in Scranton.

In November, after a regular twice-yearly bridge inspection, PennDOT determined out of an abundance of caution to dismantle the bridge in the interest of public safety, specifically for Delaware River boating and recreational traffic, according to a court filing.

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Several years earlier, an inspection in October 2019 revealed timber deck and lateral truss bracing deterioration, which required the bridge to be closed to traffic, PennDOT officials said.

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The Skinners Falls Bridge connects Damascus Twp., Pennsylvania, and Cochecton, New York. (Courtesy Cynthia Nash)

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The Skinners Falls Bridge connects Damascus Twp. Pennsylvania, and Cochecton, NewYork. (Courtesy Cynthia Nash)

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The Skinners Falls Bridge connects Damascus Twp., Pennsylvania, and Cochecton, New York. (Courtesy Cynthia Nash)

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In a civil suit filed by Damascus Citizens for Sustainability and Nash against the Federal Highway Administration and Sean Duffy, secretary of the U.S. Department of Transportation, et al., the plaintiffs alleged PennDOT and the FHWA failed to follow procedural requirements when they made the decision to demolish the bridge rather than find a way to preserve it.

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Damascus Citizens for Sustainability also maintain that the bridge is not in a state of imminent collapse, that it is restorable, and that there are means to make that possible without endangering the public, officials said.

In her ruling, U.S. District Judge Karoline Mehalchick cited public safety issues associated with further delay of the bridges demolition and expert testimony that the bridges seemingly inevitable collapse would endanger life, property and the environment.

The bridge  constructed over the Delaware River  connects Damascus Twp. in Pennsylvania with Cochecton, New York, and is listed twice in the National Register of Historic Places.

Efforts to reach PennDOT officials Wednesday regarding the new timeline for demolition were unsuccessful. However, Nash, whose home sits approximately 500 feet from the bridge, said she has not been told when it will start.

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To the best of my knowledge, none of the people in the immediate vicinity of the bridge have received formal notification of when the blasting will be taking place, she said.

Nash purchased a home near the bridge in Damascus Twp. about 27 years ago, largely due to the aesthetics of the setting and increased accessibility, she said.

One of the things I found enchanting about getting the property was that I would cross this beautiful, historic bridge on my way up from New York, Nash said. It was like a special passage into a very special world. It also gave me access to the other side of the river, which you cant access from the Pennsylvania side. As I lived here and became friends with the legacy families, some of whom were part of the original families that built that bridge, it has even more significance to me.

Barbara Arrindell, director of Damascus Citizens for Sustainability, issued the following statement Wednesday following Mehalchicks ruling:

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The denial of the injunction halting demolition of Skinners Falls Bridge by federal court does not negate the validity of the valiant advocacy by Damascus Citizens for Sustainability and countless people in our region and beyond who crusaded for years for the preservation of this historic and restorable landmark against the destructive power of PennDOT, Arrindell said. All of our actions to preserve the bridge have been in accordance with our mission to preserve the health and safety of human beings and their environment, including cherished historic resources that are our history. That bridge is poetry in steel. We continue to claim that PennDOT played three card monte with the public and the bridge with deceit and hidden agendas that we hope will be revealed by a documentary film we will produce. Meanwhile, Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro still has the power to stay the execution of this bridge. We may have lost this case, and the nation will now likely lose a bridge that is doubly on the National Register of Historic Places. But the fact that we fight with facts and purpose means that we are in actuality the winners.

Nash agrees the effort to save the bridge was not made in vain as it brought the community together.

This bridge has bridged political divides  anytime that happens, that is a win, she said. All along, this has been a David and Goliath battle. My greatest disappointment, in part, is the ongoing lack of response from our governor.
An immigration judge has denied bond to Rumeysa Ozturk, her lawyers said Thursday, the latest development in the case of the Tufts University student from Turkey whose arrest on a Massachusetts sidewalk was captured in a viral video.

Ozturk, 30, was on her way to meet friends to break the Ramadan fast on March 25 when she was surrounded and detained by plainclothes immigration agents in Somerville, a Boston suburb. She was then taken to an immigration detention center in Louisiana.

Her lawyers have asked a federal judge in Vermont to order her release as the immigration case plays out. They argue that Ozturks student was visa revoked in retaliation for an op-ed she co-wrote for her student newspaper about the war in Gaza.

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Ms. Ozturk has committed no crime and DHS has provided zero evidence in their case against her, Mahsa Khanbabai, one of Ozturk's attorneys, said Thursday in a statement.

Rumeysa Ozturk, a Turkish doctoral student at Tufts University.

In court papers filed in Vermont district court late Wednesday, Ozturk's lawyers said the immigration judge in Louisiana denied the request for bond after Department of Homeland Security attorneys argued that she was a flight risk.

The court papers say that the government attorneys presented one document  a one-paragraph State Department memo revoking her visa  to support their opposition to the bond.

The memo says that DHS and ICE determined that Ozturk had been involved in associations that may undermine U.S. foreign policy by creating a hostile environment for Jewish students and indicating support for a designated terrorist organization,' including co-authoring an op-ed that found common cause with an organization that was later temporarily banned from campus."

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Khanbabai said the government's treatment of Ozturk amounted to an attack on free speech.

The court yesterday relied on a previously submitted State Department memo that points to nothing that Ms. Ozturk said or did  other than her 2024 school newspaper op-ed  to falsely claim she is a danger to her community," she said. "This attack on free speech is despicable, but we wont be deterred."

The opinion essay that Ozturk co-wrote in the Tufts student newspaper criticized the universitys response to demands that it acknowledge the Palestinian genocide and divest from companies with direct or indirect ties to Israel.

A State Department spokesperson said it does not comment on "ongoing or pending litigation."

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A senior DHS official said that "being granted a visa to live and study in the United States is a privilege not a right."

"The State Department makes specific determinations about visa revocations when an individual poses a threat to national security," the official added.

A DHS spokesperson previously said in a statement that investigations found Ozturk "engaged in activities in support of Hamas, a foreign terrorist organization that relishes the killing of Americans."

The spokesperson added: "Glorifying and supporting terrorists who kill Americans is grounds for visa issuance to be terminated. This is commonsense security."

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A Justice Department spokesperson declined to comment.

Protesters in Somerville, Mass., last month demand Ozturk's release.

Ozturk, who is in a doctoral program for child study and human development, is one of several foreign students and academics the Trump administration has targeted for deportation after they expressed pro-Palestinian views.

In the Thursday court filings, Ozturks lawyers asked U.S. District Judge William K. Sessions III in Vermont to order that she be released or, at a minimum, returned to the district of Vermont by Friday.

Ozturks attorneys also asked the judge to hold a hearing next week. The judge has yet to decide whether the district of Vermont has jurisdiction over her petition for release pending the determination in her deportation proceedings.

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Earlier this week, Ozturks lawyers argued that the federal case should be in Vermont because that is where she was being held when their petition was filed. Government lawyers say that it should be transferred to Louisiana, where she is currently being detained.

A Turkish official in Washington said the embassy is closely following the case.

"Available evidence suggest that there are no grounds for her continued detention and we expect Ozturk to be released as soon as possible," the official added in a statement. "We hope that her student status will be restored and she would be able to complete her education."

This article was originally published on NBCNews.com
A California judge has cut short the Los Angeles County District Attorneys last-minute effort to delay the Menendez brothers resentencing hearing.

After Deadline revealed a filing late Wednesday by Nathan Hochmans team based on a supposedly completed parole board risk assessment report ordered by Gov. Gavin Newsom, Judge Micheal Jesic quickly ruled Thursday morning that the previously pushed back hearing would go forward. With Erik Menendez and Lyle Menendez attending virtually from a state prison near San Diego, the hearing is set to run today and Friday.

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Anticipated to testify today, Lyle Menendez posted about the hearing on his Facebook page as events unfolded:

Thursday will see the Mark Geragos- and Bryan Freedman-led defense deliver opening arguments and call witnesses. The defense will emphasize the brothers claims of self-defense from the sexual abuse by their father Jose Menendez as the main reason behind the bloody 1989 shotgun murder of their parents. Dismissing that defense as just the latest tale spun by the brothers, the DAs office has not yet revealed who they will call as witnesses, or whether the prosecution led by Deputy DA Habib Balian will call any witnesses at all.

During his remarks before the court today, Freedman picked up on his clients request of April 14 to have the DA removed from the case. Specifically, the lawyer spotlighted that Hochman grew up close to the Menendezes Beverly Hills home and went to the same high school as the brothers. Freedman told the court the DA should be disqualified for not disclosing that in relation to this case, as well as for alleged violations of Californias Victims Rights statute aka Marsys Law.

With a throng of journalists and more trying to get into the hearing as well as members of the public in long lines to snag a seat, outside the Van Nuys courthouse was more like outside a sold-out Monster truck show than a hearing. As lawyers and relatives of the siblings showed up, some with walkers, they were surrounded by cameras and smartphones.

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The brothers were convicted in a second trial and sentenced in 1996 in their early 20s to spend the rest of the lives behind bars for the admittedly premeditated murders of their father and mother Kitty Menendez. Never far from the headlines, the case of the now middle-aged siblings took center stage again last year thanks to Ryan Murphy and Netflixs hit series Monsters: The Lyle & Erik Menendez Story and several documentaries reexamining the circumstances behind the murders.

LA County District Attorney Nathan Hochman on Thursday

While rejecting his successor George Gascons move to support a resentencing of the brothers, plus dashing their hopes for a new trial in recent weeks, Hochman today made a point outside the courthouse of trying to tone down his previous bellicose stance.

Responding in part to a stint before the microphones earlier Thursday by the verbose Geragos, Hochman said: When people say, is that, does the prosecution oppose resentencing? The answer is not no. The answer is not yet. And the reason I say not yet is that we have identified a pathway for the Menendez brothers to come forward acknowledge all the lies they have told for the past 30 years. And then at that point, if they do it, unequivocally and sincerely, and they convince the court, because ultimately the court has to make the decision here, then they can then say to the court, we have come clean, we have been rehabilitated. We no longer constitute a risk of danger to society. But until that happens, the answer is not yet for resentencing.

Even before the DA spoke Thursday, Geragos wasnt buying it, and accused the ambitious Hochman of playing politics with the Menendez brothers fate and their familys emotions

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Why is it that this DA is abusing the victims? the media-savvy attorney rhetorically asked. Why is it that he thinks its appropriate to go hold a press conference when one of his actions 30 hours later, arguably put one of the matriarch of this family into the hospital after being found unresponsive, Geragos added of the horrific 1989 crime scene photos showing Jose Menendez (which have been made public before) that were unexpectedly flashed on screen during an April 11 pre-hearing session.

I would ask you to ask the DA why, at the last minute, he does a Hail Mary filing of a motion to continue and does not notify any of the victims or the victims lawyer, why? Geragos added. What is going on? Whose interest is he vindicating  Ask him if hes vindicating his victims rights, the publics rights, or if hes just trying to placate some disgruntled DA is in his own office for political purposes?

Amid this weeks resentencing hearings, Newsom will ultimately make the final decision on all this after early last month ordering a risk assessment of the brothers to inform a clemency request on his desk since late 2024. The brothers are set to appear individually before the parole board June 13. After getting recommendations from the board, who would have to oversee any potential resentencing and pass that on to Newsom, the governor will announce his decision.

Under the twists of California law, if Jesic does determines that the Menendez brothers life without parole sentence should be reassessed, it is actually the state parole board that conducts a probe into the matter  which, with the way things have turned out, puts this all in the governors hands either way.

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FLORENCE, Ala. (WHNT)  A Lauderdale County judge denied youthful offender status for a teen charged in a deadly shooting at a Florence apartment in 2021, according to court records.

Azahlen Jawon Flint is charged with capital murder for a 2021 shooting that killed 19-year-old Miguel Adame at the Quail Run Apartments. Court documents show Flint was indicted during the July 2024 grand jury term and was arrested on July 23.

Flint applied for youthful offender status in October, but court records show Lauderdale County Circuit Judge Benjamin Graves denied him that status Thursday following a determination hearing.

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On August 20, 2021, at 11:30 p.m., Florence Police Officers reportedly found Adame dead on the scene with multiple gunshot wounds.

At the time of the shooting, Flint was 15 years old. He was charged with capital murder because police say the deadly shooting took place during a robbery.

According to court documents, Flint was attempting to steal marijuana and/or money from Adame and used force against him with a gun. Documents also say Flint stole an AR-15 from the property.

Quearus Ashton Coffey is also charged with capital murder for this shooting. He was arrested on February 3, 2023, and charged with capital murder during a robbery and second-degree receiving stolen property.

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Coffey was later transferred from the juvenile facility where he was originally placed following the shooting to the Lauderdale County Detention Facility in February 2023  however, because he was 17, was not placed among the general population of the jail.

Coffey is being charged as an adult under Alabama law which specifies that a person who attained the age of 16 shall be charged, arrested, and tried as [an] adult adding that the case should be removed from the juvenile court if they committed a capital offense, like capital murder.

According to court documents, Coffey also applied for youthful offender status but that motion was denied.

Flint now has an arraignment set for May 23.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WHNT.com.
An appeals court smacked down Donald Trumps latest effort to avoid complying with directives from the Supreme Court and a district court, which both ordered the administration to bring back Kilmar Abrego Garcia, a man it illegally sent to a notorious torture prison in El Salvador.

A three-judge panel on the Fourth Circuit Court of Appeals unanimously rejected the administrations request to avoid complying with the court orders, writing that the Trump Justice Departments shocking arguments in Abrego Garcias case would reduce the rule of law to lawlessness and tarnish the very values for which Americans of diverse views and persuasions have always stood.

The judges summed up Trumps arguments thusly: The government is asserting a right to stash away residents of this country in foreign prisons without the semblance of due process that is the foundation of our constitutional order. Further, it claims in essence that because it has rid itself of custody that there is nothing that can be done. This should be shocking not only to judges, but to the intuitive sense of liberty that Americans far removed from courthouses still hold dear.

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Last week, the Supreme Court unanimously upheld a district courts order and directed the administration to facilitate Abrego Garcias return to the U.S. In sending the case back down to the lower court, the high court instructed the Trump administration to be prepared to share what it can concerning the steps it has taken and the prospect of further steps it would take to bring Abrego Garcia home.

Abrego Garcia fled gang violence in El Salvador and entered the U.S. in 2011 as a teenager. A judge previously granted him a protection from removal order on the basis that his life would be threatened if he were deported to El Salvador. As such, his deportation to El Salvador was illegal, as the Supreme Court noted.

The Trump Justice Department has submitted that Abrego Garcias deportation to El Salvador was the result of an administrative error, though his lawyers and administration officials have argued that shouldnt matter. Abrego Garcia was among hundreds of migrants who the U.S. shipped to El Salvador without due process.

The Trump administration dutifully ignored the Supreme Courts order, as it refused to provide the district court with any information concerning the steps it was taking to bring back Abrego Garcia. Instead, Trump and his lawyers publicly asserted they had won their case before the Supreme Court and had no responsibility to bring back Abrego Garcia at all.

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On Wednesday evening, the Trump administration appealed U.S. District Judge Paula Xinis directive that the Justice Department provide daily updates to the court regarding its efforts to bring back Abrego Garcia  an order that was crafted based on the Supreme Courts ruling last week.

The administration additionally appealed Xinis discovery order, under which Abrego Garcias family has now requested the administration describe the actions its taken and will further take to secure Abrego Garcias release from prison and his return from El Salvador; describe the terms of its agreement with El Salvador to detain Abrego Garcia and hundreds of other migrants from the U.S.; and identify who negotiated the agreement.

Trump appealed to the Fourth Circuit Court of Appeals  which had already upheld the district courts original order that the administration facilitate Abrego Garcias return, before that order was upheld by the Supreme Court.

The appeals court, in an opinion authored by Circuit Judge Harvie Wilkinson, wrote that it would not micromanage the efforts of a fine district judge attempting to implement the Supreme Courts recent decision.

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The judges refused to accept the Trump administrations word games about the meaning of the word facilitate, with the judges writing that this argument is not well taken in light of the Supreme Courts command that the government facilitate Abrego Garcias release from custody in El Salvador.

The court did not accept the Trump administrations arguments that it can refuse to adhere to the protection from removal order in Abrego Garcias case because it has chosen to assert he is a member of MS-13, a gang that Trump has designated as a terrorist organization.

The government asserts that Abrego Garcia is a terrorist and a member of MS-13. Perhaps, but perhaps not. Regardless, he is still entitled to due process, the judges wrote. If the government is confident of its position, it should be assured that position will prevail in proceedings to terminate the withholding of removal order.

Noting that the government has conceded that Abrego Garcia was wrongly or mistakenly deported, the judges asked: Why then should it not make what was wrong, right?

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Pointing to news reports about Trump publicly expressing an interest in deporting homegrown American criminals to foreign prisons, the judges wrote: The executive possesses enormous powers to prosecute and to deport, but with powers come restraints. If today the executive claims the right to deport without due process and in disregard of court orders, what assurance will there be tomorrow that it will not deport American citizens and then disclaim responsibility to bring them home? And what assurance shall there be that the executive will not train its broad discretionary powers upon its political enemies?

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DENVER (KDVR)  Prosecutors confirmed that a juror had to be excused from the trial of Joseph Koenig on Wednesday. Koenig is accused of throwing a landscaping rock that came through 20-year-old Alexa Bartells windshield and hit her on the head, ultimately killing her.

The 1st Judicial District Director of Public Affairs confirmed with FOX31 on Wednesday that a juror became emotional during testimony in the afternoon, and both parties agreed to excuse her.

Trial underway for suspect accused of murder in deadly Jeffco rock throwing case

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The trial began on Monday. Koenig was one of three 18-year-old defendants, but fellow defendants Nicholas Karol-Chik and Zachary Kwak took plea deals, pleading guilty to lesser charges in exchange for agreeing to testify at Koenigs trial.

Prosecutors say that the three teens were driving around the night of April 19, 2023, throwing large landscaping rocks at passing cars. The question seems to be who actually threw the rock that killed Bartell, as many of the facts in the case are not disputed.

Prosecutors are pointing to Koenig and said during opening statements that all the state needs to prove is that Koenig was complicit.

They put those rocks in the car. They are throwing them at oncoming drivers, cheering when they hit people, said Katharine Decker, chief deputy district attorney. This rock blew through her head like a cannon.

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The defense says Kwak threw the rock.

All three of the boys in that truck, including Joe Koenig, are guilty of causing Alexa Bartells death. We are not running from that. But the evidence will show that Alexa Bartells death, as tragic as it was, was not first-degree murder, said defense attorney Thomas Ward.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX31 Denver.
The Bianzhong of Marquis Yi of Zeng is pictured in Hubei Provincial Museum in Wuhan, central China's Hubei Province, April 17, 2025. Three documentary heritage collections submitted by China have been inscribed in the UNESCO Memory of the World Register, the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization announced on Thursday.

Among the 74 newly added entries, China contributed two solo submissions - the Bianzhong of Marquis Yi of Zeng and the Steles of Shaolin Temple - as well as a joint submission with Sri Lanka: the Trilingual Inscription. (Xinhua/Xiao Yijiu)

PARIS, April 17 (Xinhua) -- Three documentary heritage collections submitted by China have been inscribed in the UNESCO Memory of the World Register, the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization announced on Thursday.

Among the 74 newly added entries, China contributed two solo submissions - the Bianzhong of Marquis Yi of Zeng and the Steles of Shaolin Temple - as well as a joint submission with Sri Lanka: the Trilingual Inscription.

According to UNESCO, the Bianzhong of Marquis Yi of Zeng is a remarkable set of ancient bronze bells unearthed in 1978 from the Tombs of Marquis Yi in Suizhou city, central China's Hubei Province. These bells not only offer insights into early Chinese musical traditions but also contain inscriptions that are considered the earliest surviving archaeological records illustrating mathematical relationships in music.

The Steles of Shaolin Temple (566-1990) contain 499 surviving steles of the iconic temple, presenting a relatively complete and coherent sequence of historical documents in the form of stone inscriptions dating back to 1424.

The third entry, the Trilingual Inscription jointly submitted by China and Sri Lanka, was a stone tablet dated Feb. 15, 1409. The inscription features texts in Chinese, Persian, and Tamil. Installed by Chinese Admiral Zheng He during one of his voyages, the inscription praises Buddha, Vishnu, and Allah. UNESCO describes it as the only known trilingual text combining these three languages and representing three distinct civilizations.

"Documentary heritage is an essential yet fragile element of the Memory of the World. This is why UNESCO invests in safeguarding it, shares best practices, and maintains this register that records the broadest threads of human history," said UNESCO Director-General Audrey Azoulay.

With the latest additions, the Memory of the World Register now comprises 570 collections, encompassing a wide range of subjects including the scientific revolution, women's contribution to history, and major milestones of multilateralism. 

This undated file photo shows a stele in Shaolin Temple in Dengfeng City, central China's Henan Province. Three documentary heritage collections submitted by China have been inscribed in the UNESCO Memory of the World Register, the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization announced on Thursday.

Among the 74 newly added entries, China contributed two solo submissions - the Bianzhong of Marquis Yi of Zeng and the Steles of Shaolin Temple - as well as a joint submission with Sri Lanka: the Trilingual Inscription. (Xinhua)

Visitors look at the Trilingual Inscription at the Colombo National Museum in Colombo, Sri Lanka, April 17, 2025. Three documentary heritage collections submitted by China have been inscribed in the UNESCO Memory of the World Register, the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization announced on Thursday.

Among the 74 newly added entries, China contributed two solo submissions - the Bianzhong of Marquis Yi of Zeng and the Steles of Shaolin Temple - as well as a joint submission with Sri Lanka: the Trilingual Inscription. (Xinhua/Wu Yue)

This undated file photo shows a stele in Shaolin Temple in Dengfeng City, central China's Henan Province. Three documentary heritage collections submitted by China have been inscribed in the UNESCO Memory of the World Register, the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization announced on Thursday.

Among the 74 newly added entries, China contributed two solo submissions - the Bianzhong of Marquis Yi of Zeng and the Steles of Shaolin Temple - as well as a joint submission with Sri Lanka: the Trilingual Inscription. (Xinhua)

This photo taken on April 17, 2025 shows the Trilingual Inscription exhibited at the Colombo National Museum in Colombo, Sri Lanka. Three documentary heritage collections submitted by China have been inscribed in the UNESCO Memory of the World Register, the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization announced on Thursday.

Among the 74 newly added entries, China contributed two solo submissions - the Bianzhong of Marquis Yi of Zeng and the Steles of Shaolin Temple - as well as a joint submission with Sri Lanka: the Trilingual Inscription. (Xinhua/Wu Yue)

The Bianzhong of Marquis Yi of Zeng is pictured in Hubei Provincial Museum in Wuhan, central China's Hubei Province, April 17, 2025. Three documentary heritage collections submitted by China have been inscribed in the UNESCO Memory of the World Register, the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization announced on Thursday.

Among the 74 newly added entries, China contributed two solo submissions - the Bianzhong of Marquis Yi of Zeng and the Steles of Shaolin Temple - as well as a joint submission with Sri Lanka: the Trilingual Inscription. (Xinhua/Xiao Yijiu)

This photo taken on April 17, 2025 shows the Trilingual Inscription exhibited at the Colombo National Museum in Colombo, Sri Lanka. Three documentary heritage collections submitted by China have been inscribed in the UNESCO Memory of the World Register, the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization announced on Thursday.

Among the 74 newly added entries, China contributed two solo submissions - the Bianzhong of Marquis Yi of Zeng and the Steles of Shaolin Temple - as well as a joint submission with Sri Lanka: the Trilingual Inscription. (Xinhua/Wu Yue)

This photo taken on April 17, 2025 shows the Trilingual Inscription (C) exhibited at the Colombo National Museum in Colombo, Sri Lanka. Three documentary heritage collections submitted by China have been inscribed in the UNESCO Memory of the World Register, the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization announced on Thursday.

Among the 74 newly added entries, China contributed two solo submissions - the Bianzhong of Marquis Yi of Zeng and the Steles of Shaolin Temple - as well as a joint submission with Sri Lanka: the Trilingual Inscription. (Xinhua/Wu Yue)

This undated file photo shows steles in Shaolin Temple in Dengfeng City, central China's Henan Province. Three documentary heritage collections submitted by China have been inscribed in the UNESCO Memory of the World Register, the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization announced on Thursday.

Among the 74 newly added entries, China contributed two solo submissions - the Bianzhong of Marquis Yi of Zeng and the Steles of Shaolin Temple - as well as a joint submission with Sri Lanka: the Trilingual Inscription. (Xinhua)

The Bianzhong of Marquis Yi of Zeng is pictured in Hubei Provincial Museum in Wuhan, central China's Hubei Province, April 17, 2025. Three documentary heritage collections submitted by China have been inscribed in the UNESCO Memory of the World Register, the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization announced on Thursday.

Among the 74 newly added entries, China contributed two solo submissions - the Bianzhong of Marquis Yi of Zeng and the Steles of Shaolin Temple - as well as a joint submission with Sri Lanka: the Trilingual Inscription. (Xinhua/Xiao Yijiu)

The Bianzhong of Marquis Yi of Zeng is pictured in Hubei Provincial Museum in Wuhan, central China's Hubei Province, April 17, 2025. Three documentary heritage collections submitted by China have been inscribed in the UNESCO Memory of the World Register, the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization announced on Thursday.

Among the 74 newly added entries, China contributed two solo submissions - the Bianzhong of Marquis Yi of Zeng and the Steles of Shaolin Temple - as well as a joint submission with Sri Lanka: the Trilingual Inscription. (Xinhua/Xiao Yijiu)
WINDER, Ga. (AP)  The father of a 14-year-old boy accused of gunning down students and teachers at a north Georgia high school will not be tried by jurors from the county where it happened.

Prosecutors and lawyers for the father, Colin Gray, agreed on that much during a Thursday court hearing. It was held to consider a change of venue in the rare criminal case against a parent of a child accused of a school shooting.

Gray has pleaded not guilty to 29 counts, including two counts of second-degree murder and two counts of involuntary manslaughter, in connection with the Sept. 4 killings at Apalachee High School in Winder.

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Gray, 54, and his son, Colt Gray, were indicted in the shooting in which two students and two teachers were killed and several other people were injured. Both have pleaded not guilty.

Colin Gray gave his son the assault-style weapon as a Christmas gift and was aware that the childs mental health had deteriorated in the weeks before the shooting, investigators testified at an earlier hearing. He also was aware that his son was obsessed with school shooters and even had a shrine above his home computer for the gunman in the 2018 Parkland, Florida, school massacre, prosecutors said.

During Thursday's hearing, Colin Gray's lawyer sought a change of venue from Barrow County out of concern that the publicity from the case might have tainted the opinions of local potential jurors. Prosecutors agreed that a jury of locals wouldn't be appropriate because of the impact of the shooting on the county northeast of Atlanta.

Now the question becomes whether jurors from another north Georgia county will be chosen to hear the case  as prosecutors suggested  or whether it will be tried hundreds of miles (kilometers) away, perhaps in south Georgia.

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Defense lawyer Jimmy Berry mentioned Thomas County, in south Georgia, as one possible place, saying residents there get much of their news from the Tallahassee, Florida, market. He suggested people there have been exposed to less news coverage about the shooting than local residents, though prosecutors said news of the shootings spread to all parts of Georgia and beyond.

Prosecutors raised the idea of choosing jurors from Walton County, which is near Barrow County. But Judge Nick Primm expressed concerns that jurors selected from there could know people involved in the case since that county is so close to Apalachee High.

Primm didn't rule on the issue, saying he must consider whether to bring in jurors selected from somewhere else or move the entire trial to another county.

The shooting killed teachers Richard Aspinwall, 39, and Cristina Irimie, 53, and students Mason Schermerhorn and Christian Angulo, both 14. Another teacher and eight other students were wounded.

Colin Gray is the first adult known to be charged in a school shooting in Georgia. His indictment is the latest example of prosecutors holding parents responsible for their childrens actions in school shootings. Michigan parents Jennifer and James Crumbley, the first to be convicted in a U.S. mass school shooting, were sentenced to at least 10 years in prison for not securing a firearm at home and acting indifferently to signs of their sons deteriorating mental health before he killed four students in 2021.
As Facebook considered acquiring Instagram, Mark Zuckerberg also had his eye on Path, a social media platform he saw as potentially disruptive to Facebook. Old emails revealed during Meta's landmark antitrust case have shed light on how Zuckerberg accessed Facebook's old rivals.

Before Mark Zuckerberg acquired Instagram, he was also deeply worried about a now defunct social media platform, Path.

Founded in 2010, Path was seen as a direct challenger to Facebook throughout its eight-year run.

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The platform, created by Dave Morin, a former product manager at Facebook, and Napster alumni Shawn Fanning and Dustin Mierau, aimed to create a more intimate alternative to Facebook.

Unlike with its more established rival, Path users could only have 50 friends, and this cap was later raised to 150, then 500.

At its peak, the app boasted around 50 million users and was valued at half a billion dollars. Google also made a $100 million bid for the app when it was just months old.

According to recent emails revealed in Meta's landmark antitrust case, Zuckerberg was preoccupied with both Path and Instagram before he acquired the image-sharing platform in April 2012.

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In a February 2012 message, Zuckerberg wrote to Facebook's former chief financial officer that Instagram and Path already had created meaningful networks that could be very disruptive to us.

Im getting a bit more worried about Path, Zuckerberg wrote at the time. Out of all the new social startups, theyre the only one that goes right to the core of what were trying to do around identifying and friends sharing.

Theoretically, we could survive FourSquare, Quora, Dropbox, Instagram, etc growing quite a bit, but if Path grows and isnt deeply wired into Facebook then that would be a big problem for us, he wrote, adding that Instagram was probably next on the list.

Later that year, Facebook ultimately ended up acquiring Instagram for $1 billion.

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Representatives for Meta did not immediately respond to Fortune's request for comment, which was made outside normal working hours.

Meta is facing a historic antitrust case

Zuckerberg has been trying to argue in court that Meta did not consider Instagram a rival but rather more adjacent" to what Facebook was already doing.

He said on Wednesday that he viewed Path and Google+, another now defunct social network, as Facebooks direct competitors."

However, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) is arguing that Zuckerberg acquired Instagram and later WhatsApp to squash competition and establish an illegal monopoly in the social media market.

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The attorney leading the antitrust case from the FTC, Daniel Matheson, pointed out on Tuesday that Zuckerberg had referred to trying to neutralize a competitor by buying Instagram, which he also previously called a rapidly growing, threatening, network.

Other emails released as part of the trial revealed that the Meta CEO once considered separating Instagram from Facebook over concerns about antitrust litigation.

What is at stake for Meta in this case?

The stakes for Meta are high: If the tech giant loses the case, it could be forced to spin off Instagram and WhatsApp. A forced divestiture of Instagram alone could slash the company's advertising revenues by as much as 50%.

Meta has previously said that the competitive landscape has shifted dramatically and that it now contends with a host of social media rivals, including TikTok, YouTube, iMessage, and more.

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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. 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. Regulators 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 company said in an earlier statement.

This story was originally featured on Fortune.com
KANSAS CITY, Mo.  A Kansas trial court has issued a written order  finding extensive and irredeemable defects in the application of the death penalty over the past 30 years.

This comes after a historic challenge to the constitutionality of the death penalty and the practice of death qualification in Kansas.

Kansas City tow company hit with new charges in Platte County: records

The court ultimately declined to rule on the questions regarding the constitutionality of the states death penalty and the practice of death qualificationbecause the individuals who brought the challenge are no longer facing the death penalty.

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Following extensive pre-trial litigation, including the weeklong evidentiary hearing challenging the death penalty, the cases were resolved without the death penalty.

The state and Fielder entered into a plea agreement, and Fielder was sentenced to life without parole. The prosecution tried Villanueva-Morales for capital murder but ultimately withdrew its request for the death penalty.

Because the two men no longer faced the prospect of a capital sentence, the court declined to address the broader constitutional claims.

In its opinion the court highlighted the following:

The death penalty is not a deterrent: The scientific community has found no reliable evidence of the death penalty being a deterrent to homicides.

The death penalty is costly: More than $4 million has been spent with the results being no death penalty sentences and zero executions.

Racial bias infects capital prosecutions: The factors which distinguish death sentence cases from non-death sentence cases are the race and gender of the victim, and the race and gender of the defendant.

Courts have been unable to ensure capital juries are free of racial bias: [The legal framework for limiting discrimination in jury selection] is so flawed that it does not protect racial biases in jury selection and must be reformed, a fact known to Kansans for years.

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While we are relieved that none of our clients have received death sentences, the systemic issues that these cases have brought to light persist, said Cassandra Stubbs, director of the ACLUs Capital Punishment Project. We remain committed to challenging the death penalty on behalf of people facing capital charges in Kansas, with the hope that state legislators will end the death penalty and make future legal challenges unnecessary.

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The judge overseeing the Karen Read case allowed a dog bite expert hired by Reads defense to testify at her second trial, and blocked key testimony from an expert hired by prosecutors in a series of orders issued Thursday.

Former police Lt. Garrett Wing will be allowed to testify that injuries sustained by Reads boyfriend, John OKeefe, were consistent with a dog attack. Judge Beverly Cannone wrote in a brief order that Wing appears to be qualified by experience to provide some help to the jury on some issues in dispute.

But in a blow for prosecutors, Cannone blocked their expert, James Crosby, from testifying OKeefes injuries could not have come from the German Shepherd that Reads defense has said caused the wounds. Reads lawyers have claimed a German Shepherd named Chloe attacked OKeefe inside the Canton home of a fellow Boston Police officer on the night he died.

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Special prosecutor Hank Brennan said Crosby took molds of the dogs mouth, which made it unlikely the wounds on OKeefes arm came from Chloe.

Cannone also ruled that prosecutors must turn over communications with witnesses showing a reluctance or refusal to testify or a reluctance or refusal to cooperate. The order gives prosecutors a week to turn over the information.

Each of the issues ruled on by Cannone on Thursday were argued at a hearing on Wednesday, the final pre-trial hearing before Reads second trial begins.

Reads second trial  on charges of second-degree murder, manslaughter while operating under the influence and leaving the scene of an accident causing injury or death  officially begins Tuesday.

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Prosecutors say she intentionally hit OKeefe with her SUV outside the home of a fellow Boston Police officer after a night of drinking and left him to die in a snowstorm.

Reads defense claims she is being framed and others are responsible for OKeefes death.

Separately, Read has appealed to the U.S. Supreme Court in a bid to get the charges of murder and leaving the scene dropped on double jeopardy grounds. The nations highest court will discuss whether to take up her petition at a conference on April 25.

Karen Read murder case
Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt tried to defend the White Houses wrongful deportation of a Maryland father to El Salvador by linking it to the heartbreaking ordeal of a mother in an entirely separate case.

Just hours after the Trump administration was excoriated by a judge over its handling of a series of deportation flights and threatened with criminal contempt proceedings, Leavitt called a special media briefing with a special guest.

She opened the televised briefing with a vehement attack on Kilmar Armando Abrego Garcia, a 15-year Maryland resident who was mistakenly sent to a Salvadoran prison as part of Donald Trumps latest purge on illegal immigrants.

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Ignoring the Supreme Courts order for the U.S. to facilitate Garcias return, Leavitt doubled down, insisting that he had tattoos worn by the feared MS-13 gang, was with gangsters when he was arrested in March and, in a new development, revealed he had been accused of two counts of spousal abuse in 2021.

He will never live in the United States again, she said.

In what appeared to be a new tactic by the administration declaring all-out war on illegal immigrants whether or not they have been accused of any crimes, Leavitt then introduced the special guest as Patty Morin, whose 37-year-old daughter, a mother-of-five, was murdered by a monster who brutally beat and raped her in August 2023.

Patty Morin, mother of Rachel Morin, a Maryland mother-of-five who was killed by a Salvadoran man in 2023, speaks as White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt looks on during the daily press briefing at the White House. / Brendan Smialowski/AFP via Getty Images

Although the victim, Rachel Morin, was killed near Baltimore, Marylandthe same state where Garcia lived with his wife and childthere is nothing else linking the two cases.

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Garcia has not been convicted of any crime and federal judges have rebuked the lack of due process in his deportation.

Rachels killer, Victor Martinez-Hernandez, 24, was convicted by a jury on Monday of first-degree murder, first-degree rape, first-degree sexual offense and kidnapping.

Patty Morin holds a picture of her daughter, Rachel, who was killed by undocumented immigrant in Maryland in 2023. / Tom Williams/CQ-Roll Call, Inc via Getty Imag

Patty Morin detailed the horrific attack to a hushed briefing room on Wednesday, describing how her daughters bloodied body was held against a wall by her killer as he raped her. The young mother was attacked as she walked along a trail about 30 miles northeast of Baltimore.

Both Leavitt and the mother were critical of Maryland Senator Chris Van Hollen for flying to El Salvador to push for Garcias release.

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He used taxpayers money to fly to El Salvador to fly back someone who isnt even an American citizen, said Morin, who was in tears after describing her ordeal.

Leavitt asked if there were any questions from the media, but when a reporter raised her hand and said she had a question, the press secretary responded by saying: Nope.

Other reporters had their hands up but were not called on.

As she left, Patty Morin told the press: Please tell the truth. Tell the truth. Tell how violent it really is. Its more than politics. Its about national security. Its about protecting Americans. Its about protecting the children.

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In a 46-page ruling released earlier on Wednesday, Judge James Boasberg said he would instigate contempt proceedings if the administration failed to give the scores of immigrants deported to El Salvador the opportunity to challenge their removal. The White House has claimed it was acting under the terms of a little-known wartime law, the Alien Enemies Act.

On Tuesday, a judge ordered an investigation into why the administration was ignoring instructions to facilitate Garcias return after justice department officials acknowledged he should not have been deported.

Since then, White House officials have seemingly defied the courts and insisted it was the right thing to fly Garcia to El Salvador, where he remains incarcerated, and claimed he would not be allowed back.
Driving home their commitment to put their kids first, Prince William and Kate Middleton have announced that they will not attend the annual royal family Easter service at St. Georges Chapel in Windsor on Sunday, as their kids Prince George, Princess Charlotte, and Prince Louis remain on Easter break from school.

George, Charlotte, and Louis return to the classroom on April 24, and the Wales family of five will celebrate Easter on April 20 at their country home, Anmer Hall, in Norfolk, according to The Mirror.

Yui Mok - WPA Pool/Getty Images Prince George, Prince William, Princess Charlotte, Prince Louis, and Princess Kate at the Easter service on April 9, 2023 Prince George, Prince William, Princess Charlotte, Prince Louis, and Princess Kate at the Easter service on April 9, 2023

Driving home William and Kates commitment to dial back royal duty while the kids are on school breaks, the outlet reported that the Prince of Wales told his father King Charles of his familys intention to miss the public Easter service to enjoy some extended time as a family over Easter, a source said. They are choosing to spend time together as a family before the children go back to school.

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This marks the second year in a row that the Wales family has skipped Easter services. They were also absent last year, as Easterwhich was on March 31 in 2024was just days after Kate announced to the world that she had been diagnosed with cancer in a vulnerable and brave video message on March 22. (The Princess of Wales announced in January that she is in remission.)

Getty Kate Middleton, Prince George, Prince William, and Princess Charlotte on Easter Sunday Kate Middleton, Prince George, Prince William, and Princess Charlotte on Easter Sunday

Prior to 2024, William, Kate, and the kids had been fixtures at the yearly royal staple.

Like many famous parents, they are cautious about exposing the children to too much scrutiny in this digital age, royal biographer Ingrid Seward told Hello! last year. They know they must produce the children at certain times, but I think they very much keep them under wraps the rest of the time.

As to how George, Charlotte, and Louis get along, The three of them seem to get on incredibly well, Seward added. Theyre close in age, they all enjoy sports, theyre bound by the situation theyre in, and theyre all in it together. And I think that makes them all closer.

Getty Images Kate Middleton, Prince William, Prince George, Prince Louis, and Princess Charlotte Kate Middleton, Prince William, Prince George, Prince Louis, and Princess Charlotte

Getty Images Prince William, Prince George, Prince Louis, Princess Kate, and Princess Charlotte attend the 2024 Christmas Morning Service at St. Mary Magdalene Church Prince William, Prince George, Prince Louis, Princess Kate, and Princess Charlotte attend the 2024 Christmas Morning Service at St. Mary Magdalene Church

Per People, we might have an idea as to what William, Kate, and the kids might be doing on Easter Sunday thanks to a tidbit William and Kate shared about their Easter traditions back in 2020. They said that Easter is marked with a traditional Easter egg hunt and that plenty of candy is always eaten, with William remarking, There will be a lot of chocolate being eaten here, dont worry!

To this, Kate turned to her husband with a laugh and cheekily said, You keep eating it!

Read the original article on InStyle
KANSAS CITY, Mo.  A 24-year-old Kansas City, Missouri, man pleaded guilty in federal court on Thursday to federal firearm charges connected to the deadly shooting at the Chiefs Super Bowl parade last year.

According to a news release from the U.S. Department of Justice, by pleading guilty, Fedo Antonia Manning admitted that he knowingly and willfully joined in an agreement to sell firearms to individuals who were prohibited from possessing them under federal law.

Kansas daycare workers plead guilty to infant abuse charges

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Federal prosecutors noted Manning was not among the shooters at Union Station on Feb. 14, 2024 as Chiefs fans celebrated.

Charging documents do say, however, that 12 people pulled firearms and at least six fired their weapons. One woman, Lisa Lopez-Galvan, was killed, and over 20 were injured.

Court records say Manning purchased the AM-15 from Frontier Justice in Lees Summit in 2022.

The loaded pistol was found along the wall with a backpack next to two AR-15-style firearms and backpacks. Because the pistol was in the fire position and there were 26 live rounds in the magazine, which is capable of holding 30 rounds, several rounds may have been fired before it was discarded.

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Prosecutors say he has illegally trafficked dozens of firearms. Law enforcement found 15 of the firearms Manning purchased in the possession of someone who is prohibited from having one, according to prosecutors.

Officials say they have also recovered other firearms that Manning purchased in connection to other crimes.

According to the plea agreement, the conspirators trafficked at least 22 firearms to persons who were known felons or they sold firearms that were converted into unregistered machineguns in violation of federal law.

Manning agreed that his role in the conspiracy was to serve as a straw purchaser. He bought firearms from federal firearms licensees so that they could later be sold by co-conspirators to individuals who were prohibited from possessing firearms.

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Between May 11, 2022, and Jan. 13, 2023, investigators discovered that Manning purchased at least 40 firearms from federal firearms licensees. In the plea agreement, he acknowledged that at least seven of the firearms that he purchased were recovered during investigations of crimes in the Kansas City area.

In February 2024, the Jackson County prosecutor charged 19-year-old Dominic M. Miller, of Kansas City, and 24-year-old Lyndell Mays, of Raytown, with second-degree murder, two counts of armed criminal action and unlawful use of a weapon.

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Charging documents say Miller and Mays attended the parade and rally armed with firearms.

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Court records say Mays got in an argument with someone else after the rally. Evidence so far doesnt show any previous contact or prior knowledge between these two people, Prosecutor Jean Peters Baker said.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX 4 Kansas City WDAF-TV | News, Weather, Sports.
BEIJING, April 17 (Xinhua) -- China's Ministry of Commerce has maintained working-level communication with its U.S. counterpart, the ministry said on Thursday.

China's position has been clear and consistent, which is being open to consultations with the U.S. side on economic and trade issues, said spokesperson He Yongqian at a regular press conference.

He said the unilateral tariff hikes were initiated entirely by the U.S. side, and it is up to the one who tied the bell to untie it.

China urges the U.S. side to immediately stop exerting maximum pressure on China, cease its acts of coercion and blackmail, and resolve differences through equal dialogue based on mutual respect, He said. 
KANSAS CITY, Mo.  KC SmartPort, an affiliate of the Kansas City Area Development Council, hosted its annual industry briefing Wednesday.

Hundreds of industry leaders met to discuss how the automotive sector is transformingfrom electrification and advanced manufacturing to rapidly evolving supply chains, shifting trade policies and rising foreign investment.

The automotive industry is at an inflection point: rapid changes in electrification and global trade are fundamentally transforming the way we do business, said Christopher Smith, chief government affairs officer for Ford Motor Company and Wednesdays keynote speaker.

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They also discussed why Kansas City is positioned as a leader in the industry.

With a Gross Regional Product (GRP) of $5 billion, the Kansas City region has proven to be a major North American hub for automotive manufacturing.

The region is home to 112 auto industry suppliers and employs nearly 23,000 workers in transportation manufacturing  60% higher than the national average.

Andy Hrasky, vice president of operations for Magna International, emphasized Kansas Citys skilled workforce as a key competitive advantage as the company deepens its investment in the region.

Kansas City has been a driving force in the automotive industry for decades, and today, that leadership is accelerating into new territory, said Chris Gutierrez, president of KC SmartPort. KC is not just building vehicleswere building the future.

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From legacy automakers to new suppliers, the road ahead runs straight through Kansas City.

Auto leaders say were already feeling impacts of Trumps tariffs

Auto and industrial experts are just as uncertain about President Trumps reciprocal tariffs as anyone.

Look, its a little bit of a chaotic environment right now, Gutierrez said. Theres a lot happening, and quick decisions are being made.

KC SmartPort is involved in helping foreign companies navigate tariffs and duties when moving to the Kansas City region.

These companies need to make long term decisions, he said. So, theyre looking at whats happening, understanding how their business can grow in this environment and theyre making commitments to move forward.

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Lee echoed the same sentiment.

Its kind of another road bump in the industry, he said, [Its] impacting raw material costs, subcomponent costs, and its really going to be on the industry to work together and communicate.

While companies are still navigating what tariffs they may be paying in the future, Gutierrez said were feeling them now.

I think were already feeling it, whether its consumers buying groceries or whether its business to business sales, he said.

Lee estimates that consumers will be paying more, depending on what car they buy.

Anywhere from 3 to $10,000, he estimated. And thats going to vary.

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Despite the uncertainty, Lee said theres some optimism about local jobs. Fords Claycomo plant produces their F-150 model, the best selling car in America for decades.

Really, thats the gem of Fords product portfolio, Lee said. So Id say there is a little more stability within Ford.

He said GMs switch from Chevy Malibus and Cadillac XT4s to Chevy Bolts is part of the companys strategic plan  meaning its less likely to see cuts and layoffs, should the demand follow.

Increased volume for electric vehicles will be really important for sustainability at that plant, he said.

Lee said the tariffs are just another hurdle that the auto industry has to overcome. He highlighted the COVID-19 pandemic and a semiconductor shortage as examples of the industry overcoming adversity.

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Its no stranger to volatility, he said. I think well definitely be able to work through these challenges and adapt and overcome.

Meanwhile, Gutierrez thinks that the growth in local manufacturing will help our economy stay stable.

Weve got a lot of different industries, so we dont see the ups and downs that some markets see because theyre tied to one industry, he said. Industrial has been on fire for the last ten years. I mean, more companies manufacturing distribution coming into Kansas City than any other type.

Also highlighted during Wednesdays event was Panasonic Energys $4 billion EV battery plant in the Kansas City region. Dan Lee, principal of automotive and strategy practice for Plante Moran, said this will be a key driver of future competitiveness.

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The plant is expected to open in spring 2025, FOX4 previously reported. Those who wish to apply for a position at the new plant can find job listings here.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX 4 Kansas City WDAF-TV | News, Weather, Sports.
KANSAS CITY, Mo.  After charges were announced this week against a tow truck owner accused of stealing, Kansas City police are asking others who think they have been the victim of predatory towing to share their story.

The police department announced Thursday on Facebook that an email address is available for people to contact: predatorytowing@kcpd.org.

Nearly 600-pound lion statue stolen outside Hyde Park home, owner says

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Police say if you have experienced issues with a towing company in the city since Jan. 1, you can send an email and property crime detectives will email you a form to complete.

This comes after Kansas City police investigated complaints involving Metro Tow, located off Agnes Avenue. The companys owner, Donald Adamson, and his mother, Lannette Adamson, each face nine felony charges in Jackson County, including stealing, harassment and forgery.

The Adamsons have also been charged in Platte County.

Earlier this week, the Jackson County Prosecutor announced felony charges against a local tow company thanks to sustained investigative work by our detectives, the police department said in its post.

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We are committed to seeking justice against these types of perpetrators.

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Despite Robert F. Kennedy Jr.s pledge to Make America Healthy Again, the Department of Health and Human Services has abruptly axed an advisory committee responsible for recommending which genetic disorders should be included in newborn health screenings.

According to an internal HHS email reviewed by NBC News, the Advisory Committee on Heritable Disorders in Newborns and Children (ACHDNC) was terminated, without explanation, on April 3.

Established in 2003, the committee consisted of public health officials, scientists and medical experts who provided recommendations to the secretary about which conditions to include on a universal screening panel for newborns, known as the Recommended Uniform Screening Panel (RUSP). That panel, which currently suggests screening for 38 conditions, is used by most states, although each state has the final say on which disorders it tests for.

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The ACHDNC is able to use the latest scientific data to help fill in gaps sometimes left by state officials, as NBC News reports:

Ten years ago, the committee helped change the federal recommendations for tyrosinemia type I, a metabolic disorder that can be treated with a pill, allowing some patients to live normally. At the time, states were missing the majority of cases by screening for tyrosine, a protein in the blood. The committee recognized the need to look for a different chemical, McCandless said, and the disorder is now widely picked up by screening.

Not all states have sufficient resources to review evidence to determine how best to screen for new conditions. Advocates worry that without the committee, the U.S. could return to a patchwork system in which states with more money offer more comprehensive screenings than poorer states.

A HHS spokesperson told NBC News the committee was cut in the departments effort to comply with President Donald Trumps executive order to reduce the size of the federal government.

In a statement, the National Organization for Rare Disorders (NORD) said the sudden termination of the committee raises serious concerns for the rare disease community and families nationwide.

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Newborn screenings identify potentially life-threatening or life-altering conditions for around 14,000 babies every year, according to NORD. The earlier families can get a diagnosis, the more likely it is that treatment will be successful.

Without this expert oversight, we risk delays in diagnosis and treatment that could save childrens lives and improve health outcomes for children and families, wrote Pamela Gavin, NORDs chief executive officer.

Even before his time as head of the HHS, Kennedy expressed concern for the health of American children, especially for childhood diseases like autism, asthma and obesity. On Wednesday, he announced HHS would conduct a series of studies aimed at identifying environmental toxins that he claims are responsible for the rise in autism rates in children in the U.S. Despite evidence that suggests there isnt one singular cause of autism, Kennedy has vowed his agency will uncover an underlying reason by September.

The committees termination came just weeks ahead of a meeting to discuss whether to add two new conditions to the RUSP: metachromatic leukodystrophy (MLD) and Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD). Both disorders have therapies recently approved by the Food and Drug Administration, meaning that newborn screening could provide a better window of opportunity for doctors to identify the conditions and provide treatment.

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However, with the advisory committee gone, its unlikely those conditions will be added to the screening panel. Only two states, Illinois and New York, currently screen newborns for MLD; Minnesota and Ohio are the only states that screen for DMD.

Jennifer McNary  whose son Austin died in February of DMD, a genetic disorder that causes muscles to degenerate and weaken over time  told NBC News the departments decision to terminate the committee before the vote was super disappointing.

It has been so long coming, McNary said. Its been so many pilot studies and so much money spent.

This article was originally published on MSNBC.com
FRANKFORT, Ky. (AP)  Kentucky's auditor said Thursday that her office will investigate the state's medical cannabis program after receiving complaints about the lottery system used to award highly sought-after licenses to grow, process and sell the medicinal products to eligible patients.

Auditor Allison Ball said her office will examine the application process and how business licenses were awarded as part of its review of the Office of Medical Cannabis in Gov. Andy Beshear's administration.

The state received thousands of applications for licenses, and Beshear has said the state-run lotteries last year were a fair way to give applicants a chance to land the limited number of licenses awarded.

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The governor's office said Thursday that the licensing regulations underwent legislative reviews and that the process to award the licenses was transparent, including the live-streaming of lotteries.

The individuals who have come forward to express concerns went through the full process and did not complain until after not being selected in the lottery, Beshear spokeswoman Crystal Staley said.

However, reviews by Louisville Public Media found that out-of-state residents dominated the lotteries for licenses, tracing it to a flood of applications from deep-pocketed companies.

In announcing the probe Thursday, the state's Republican auditor said: My office has continued to receive complaints about how the Office of Medical Cannabis administered the lottery process for awarding medical cannabis business licenses. Kentuckians should have confidence that state offices operate with transparency and integrity, and my office is committed to ensuring those standards.

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Asked for details about who lodged complaints, Ball's office replied: To avoid disrupting the ongoing investigation, we are not able to provide further comment regarding any specifics at this time.

When announcing the lottery system nearly a year ago, Beshear called it a fair process meant to remove any temptation to lobby in an effort to get a leg up in different ways that we dont want to see.

Limiting cultivator, processor and dispensary licenses was meant to avoid flooding the market with medicinal cannabis products that could exceed demand, hurting the fledgling businesses, Beshear said.

The governor has said the program could be expanded with more businesses in the future, depending on demand and whether more qualifying medical conditions are added. Kentucky lawmakers legalized medical cannabis for people suffering from a range of debilitating illnesses, including cancer, multiple sclerosis, chronic pain, epilepsy, chronic nausea and post-traumatic stress disorder.

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Kentucky's medical cannabis program launched at the start of 2025. The cultivation and distribution network is ramping up for the start of sales. More than 8,000 Kentuckians so far have received a medical cannabis card, Beshear said, and ground was broken recently for a cultivation operation.

We are working as fast as we can to get safe, reliable medical cannabis on the shelves for those who qualify for a card, Beshear said Thursday.

The medical cannabis probe is the latest review of the Democratic governor's administration by the auditor's office. Earlier this year, Ball said a preliminary review found that dozens of foster children in Kentucky spent nights sleeping in social services buildings while awaiting placement by a state agency. Ball said those preliminary findings have spurred a broader investigation.
LONDON, Ky. (FOX 56)  According to a state report, 18,000 bullying and harassment events were recorded last school year by Kentucky schools.

This is why London Mayor Randall Weddle said its time for local governments to step in.

I wanted to bring it back up because of several reasons. One, the amount of parents that have reached out to me and even the kids that have reached out to my office talking about their experiences, Mayor Weddle told FOX 56.

LATEST KENTUCKY NEWS:

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A similar ordinance was pushed in the past, but it did not get very far.

Next month, Weddle said he plans to bring it in front of the council again; the ordinance would make bullying a class-A misdemeanor for children under 19, including a fine if convicted.

In talks with the city attorney, you know, this is something he said you guys can do, Weddle said.

Punishment would be for in-person bullying and cyberbullying in school, online, and anywhere in the city.

Bullying is something now that these kids cannot escape. Its something through social media, no matter; its just not happening in school; its happening when they go home through these apps and stuff, Weddle said.

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He said the numbers speak for themselves and that countywide, seven teens have committed suicide within the last 3 years.

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According to Weddle, teens who are bullied are 2.5 times more likely to attempt suicide compared to their peers.

As a local government, lets do our part and not just say, hey, lets implement an ordinance thats going to cause this to be a Class-A misdemeanor, but lets partner and get involved in these kids lives, because one child taking their life due to bullying is one too many, Weddle said.

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The council will consider Weddles bullying ordinance at next months meeting on May 5.

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LEXINGTON, Ky. (FOX 56)  A northern Kentucky lawyer has been sentenced after pleading guilty to theft.

On Wednesday, Attorney General Russell Coleman said a Campbell County Circuit Court judge sentenced Jennifer Zaccheus-Miller on two theft charges to serve a total of six years.

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Earlier this year, Zaccheus-Miller pleaded guilty to stealing over $200,000 from two Campbell County estates, according to a news release.

As an attorney and an officer of the court, the defendant was entrusted to help families during their grief. Instead, she preyed on them during their most vulnerable moments. Its fitting she left a courtroom not as a lawyer but as a convicted criminal, Coleman said.

Coleman said she was automatically and temporarily barred from practicing law. Following Wednesdays sentencing, the Kentucky Bar Association will consider whether Zaccheus-Miller will be permanently disbarred.

According to the guilty plea, there were two instances of theft: one from May 2020 to April 2024 and the other from June 2023 to May 2024. In both cases, Zaccheus-Miller pled guilty to theft by unlawful taking of over $10,000 but under $1,000,000.

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The court also ordered Zaccheus-Miller to pay restitution.

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Editors note: Details of this story may be disturbing to some readers.

FRANKFORT, Ky. (FOX 56)  An eastern Kentucky man was sentenced Thursday for crimes against children and animals.

Attorney General Russell Coleman said 43-year-old Kent Simpkins, of Salyersville, was sentenced for seven felony counts in Magoffin County.

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This predator was already far down a dangerous path of criminal activity. We are grateful to the team of detectives and prosecutors whose dedicated efforts will ensure this man is kept far away from children, Coleman said.

Reportedly, after the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC) received a tip, police searched Simpkins IP address and social media and found multiple images of minors involved in sexual acts, numerous animal sex videos, and a video of Simpkins involved in a sexual act with the familys dog.

A single tip to law enforcement led to a 10-year sentence that will keep this dangerous predator away from our children, Coleman previously said. I am grateful to the investigators and prosecutors who stare into this darkness to protect our families from these serious crimes.

In a news release from the attorney generals office, state officials said that on Thursday, 43-year-old Kent Simpkins pleaded guilty to:

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One count of distribution of matter portraying a sexual performance by a minor under age 12

Three counts of possession of matter portraying a sexual performance by a minor under age 12

Two counts of possession of matter portraying a sexual performance by a minor under 12

One count of sexual crime against an animal

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In addition to the 10-year sentence, Simpkins will be a lifetime registrant on the Kentucky Sex Offender Registry and receive five years of post-incarceration supervision.

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CORBIN, Ky. (WATE)  The Kentucky State Police searching for a 16-year-old who disappeared from Whitley County.

Layla C. Wells was last seen leaving her home in Corbin around 10 p.m. on Wednesday, police say. She is approximately 58, and 130 pounds with short hair and blue eyes.

Fee-free day in GSMNP celebrates start of National Park Week: What to know

When last seen, she wore a purple hoodie, black sweatpants and black Nike slides with the swoosh symbol painted red. Wells also had a small white purse with a gold chain strap.

(Kentucky State Police)

Police encouraged anyone with information to contact Kentucky State Police Post 11 in London at 606-878-6622 or 1-800-222-5555.

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Authorities say nearly 400 people go missing in Tennessee each year. Thats five people for every 100,000. Check this list of people missing from East Tennessee to see if you can help locate someone.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WATE 6 On Your Side.
KHARTOUM, April 17 (Xinhua) -- At least 62 civilians were killed in a shelling by the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) on El Fasher, the capital of North Darfur State, in western Sudan, the Sudanese army announced on Thursday.

"In a desperate attempt, the militias launched indiscriminate shelling across the city at various intervals yesterday (Wednesday)," the command of the 6th Infantry Division of the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) said in a statement.

"The shelling left 62 civilians dead, including 15 children, 17 women, and 30 men, and 75 others injured with varying degrees of severity," it added.

For its part, the Coordination of Resistance Committees in El Fasher, a volunteer group, stated that "the toll from the RSF militia's artillery and drone shelling yesterday reached 57, most of whom were women and children, with a large number of serious injuries."

"The shelling targeted the livestock market in southern El Fasher and several neighborhoods in the city," it added in a statement.

The group also reported a renewed wave of RSF artillery shelling on El Fasher on Thursday, leading to additional casualties and injuries, though the exact figures remain unconfirmed.

The RSF has not yet issued any comment regarding the attack on El Fasher.

Since May 10, 2024, fierce fighting has erupted between the SAF and the RSF in El Fasher, part of the broader conflict that has engulfed Sudan since April 2023. 
SIOUX CITY, Iowa (KCAU)  Here are the top headlines from this morning.

A Woodbury County jury has found a South Sioux City man guilty of first-degree murder in the death of 36-year-old Marlon White Eyes of Sioux City.

South Sioux City man found guilty of first-degree murder of Sioux City man

Iowa Attorney General Brenna Bird introduced a new strategy to solve cold cases, and it involves playing cards.

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Hope cannot be forgotten: Iowa inmates to get cold case playing cards with 52 unsolved cases

South Dakota safety officials remind drivers to respect move over laws.

Recent South Dakota crashes put focus on Move Over laws

Check out these headlines and more in the video above.

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EL PASO, Texas (EL PASO MATTERS)  The North Texas man who has acknowledged that he killed 23 people and wounded 22 others in an anti-Hispanic attack at an El Paso Walmart in 2019 will plead guilty Monday, more than five years after the mass shooting.

Patrick Crusius, now 26, of Allen, Texas, is the most lethal mass shooter to ever face justice in a U.S. courtroom. The nation has experienced five deadlier mass shootings than the Walmart shooting on Aug. 3, 2019, but those gunmen either took their own lives or were killed by police.

The gunman agreed to a guilty plea last month after District Attorney James Montoya decided not to seek the death penalty in the case, saying that most of the families of those killed wanted the prosecution to come to a quick conclusion.

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Heres what you need to know about what will happen Monday.

When and where are the proceedings?

The hearing begins at 10 a.m. in Judge Sam Medranos 409th District Court, on the fourth floor of the Enrique Moreno El Paso County Courthouse. The proceedings are expected to go throughout the day and may continue into the week, depending on how many victims and survivors of those killed wish to address the gunman.

The first order of business will be for the gunman to formally plead guilty. Medrano likely will ask a series of questions to ensure the defendant is aware of the consequences of his guilty plea, and that he is doing so voluntarily.

The defendant is not required to explain his actions, or the reasons behind them.

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After the guilty plea, Medrano will formally sentence Crusius to life in prison without parole, the maximum available sentence for capital murder once prosecutors opted against seeking the death penalty.

The plea and sentencing are expected to take about 90 minutes.

Victim impact statements

After the gunman is sentenced, people who were victims of the crime can address the court and the defendant to explain how the attack affected their lives. More than 40 people have requested to give statements, officials from the District Attorneys Office said.

When the gunman pleaded guilty to federal hate crimes and weapons charges in July 2023, emotionally charged victim impact statements took up parts of three days. Medrano will continue hearing impact statements until all victims wishing to speak have been heard, and will not impose a time limit on statements.

Can I watch the hearing?

Courts are open to the public, but seating is limited. Much of the seating for this hearing is expected to be taken up by shooting victims, the families of those killed, and media.

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The judge is allowing cameras in the courtroom during the plea and sentencing. El Paso Matters and other media will livestream the hearing on websites Monday morning.

Judge Medrano will not permit video or still photography during the victim impact statements to protect the privacy of the victims.

What happens to the gunman when the hearing ends?

The gunman pleaded guilty in 2023 to federal weapons and hate crimes charges stemming from the Walmart attack, and was sentenced to 90 consecutive life terms without the possibility of parole. After Monday, he also will face a sentence of life without parole in the Texas state prison system.

He currently is in state custody in the El Paso County jail in Downtown El Paso, where he has been held since shortly after the mass shooting.

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The Federal Bureau of Prisons told El Paso Matters that he will serve his life sentences in a state prison because the state initially arrested and detained him. The Texas Department of Criminal Justice has several maximum security prisons where the Walmart gunman could be housed.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KTSM 9 News.
BEIJING, April 17 (Xinhua) -- Jensen Huang, CEO of U.S. tech giant Nvidia, arrived in Beijing on Thursday and met with Ren Hongbin, chairman of the China Council for the Promotion of International Trade.

During the meeting, Huang emphasized that China is a very important market for Nvidia and expressed the company's willingness to continue cooperation with China.

This marks Huang's second visit to Beijing in three months. It came after the U.S. government limited exports of Nvidia's H20 artificial intelligence chip to China, a key market for one of its most popular chips.

Nvidia shares have slumped 22 percent this year and its stock fell 7 percent on Wednesday, media reports said. On Wednesday, U.S. stocks fell after Nvidia warned that new restrictions on exports to China will cost it billions of dollars. 
In early April 2025, claims circulated online that the acting director of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, Todd Lyons, compared the deportation efforts of President Donald Trump's administration to the Amazon Prime delivery service.

According to posts on social media, Lyons said, "We need to get better at treating this like a business  like [Amazon] Prime, but with human beings." Amazon is known for its speedy delivery of products, albeit with no shortage of controversy regarding the treatment of its employees.

Users posted the alleged quote to platforms such as X (archived), TikTok (archived) and Instagram (archived), with some outraged and others supportive.

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According to news reports, the quote "We need to get better at treating this like a business  like [Amazon] Prime, but with human beings," is correctly attributed to Lyons. The claims originated from Lyons' appearance at the 2025 Border Security Expo in Phoenix, which took place April 8 and 9, 2025.

The expo is self-described as "where the most influential government leaders, law enforcement officials, and industry innovators gather to tackle the most pressing challenges in border security." Lyons was listed as a guest speaker on the event's official website, though we found no photos or video from his address on any of its social media pages.

The original reporting of the quote came from the Arizona Mirror, an "independent, nonprofit news organization" that is part of States Newsroom, self-described as "the nation's largest state-focused nonprofit news organization."

Snopes contacted the reporter of the piece, Jerod MacDonald-Evoy, to ask for an audio recording of the event. Until we can verify the audio matches the reported quote, we've opted not to put a rating on this claim. However, the Arizona Mirror story was cited by large media outlets such as The Guardian, Rolling Stone, The Independent and Bloomberg.

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The expo took place as the Trump administration was making headlines for its mass deportation efforts. In early April 2025, the U.S. Supreme Court ruled that a 1798 law cited by the White House was grounds for deporting alleged Venezuelan gang members. The previous month, the U.S. deported a Maryland man to a prison in El Salvador in what ICE called an "administrative error."

Further, the administration sought to justify its attempted deportation of legal U.S. resident and Columbia University graduate student Mahmoud Khalil by citing "past, current, or expected beliefs, statements or associations or associations that are otherwise lawful."

Snopes contacted ICE and the White House for comment on Lyons' statement and will update this article if we receive a response.

Sources:

- YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vOpaIhk2Rik. Accessed 11 Apr. 2025.

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DHS Documents Submitted in Immigration Court Case of Mahmoud Khalil. https://www.documentcloud.org/documents/25894225-dhs-documents-mahmoud-khalil/. Accessed 11 Apr. 2025.

Dunbar, Marina. "Ice Director Wants to Run Deportations like 'Amazon Prime for Human Beings.'" The Guardian, 9 Apr. 2025. The Guardian, https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2025/apr/09/ice-todd-lyons-deporation-amazon.

"'Extremely Troubling' That US Can't Provide Details on Mistakenly Deported Man, Judge Says." AP News, 11 Apr. 2025, https://apnews.com/article/deportation-trump-salvador-maryland-abrego-garcia-3dc3f81c866fb7decb1e65123fa51aa7.

Jerod MacDonald-Evoy. "ICE Director Envisions Amazon-like Mass Deportation System: 'Prime, but with Human Beings.'" Arizona Mirror, 8 Apr. 2025, https://azmirror.com/2025/04/08/ice-director-envisions-amazon-like-mass-deportation-system-prime-but-with-human-beings/.

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"Outrage Grows over Maryland Man's Mistaken Deportation to El Salvador Prison." AP News, 2 Apr. 2025, https://apnews.com/article/el-salvador-deportation-maryland-man-trump-c21e54f77c1e6716e2998c2463f6650b.

"Pressed for Evidence against Mahmoud Khalil, Government Cites Its Power to Deport People for Beliefs." AP News, 10 Apr. 2025, https://apnews.com/article/mahmoud-khalil-columbia-university-trump-c60738368171289ae43177660def8d34.

Ramirez, Nikki McCann. "ICE Director: Deportation Should Operate Like Amazon 'But With Human Beings.'" Rolling Stone, 9 Apr. 2025, https://www.rollingstone.com/politics/politics-news/ice-director-todd-lyons-deportation-operate-amazon-1235314047/.

"Speakers | Border Security Expo 2024." Border Security Expo, https://www.bordersecurityexpo.com/speakers. Accessed 11 Apr. 2025.

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"The Alien Enemies Act: What to Know about a 1798 Law That Trump Has Invoked for Deportations." AP News, 16 Mar. 2025, https://apnews.com/article/alien-enemies-trump-immigration-deportations-21a62ede23b8c493b60d00a9c125722f.

"Tigers, Swimming Pools, a Nightclub: The Gang Drawing Trump's Ire Started in a Venezuelan Prison." AP News, 31 Mar. 2025, https://apnews.com/article/venezuela-tren-aragua-trump-deportations-guantanamo-el-salvador-0e283ba28a6566426da45b21e4fdf9ee.


In a wave of international student visa terminations, the case of University of Wisconsin-Madison student Krish Lal Isserdasani drew attention this week after he won a temporary victory in the courts.

Judge William Conley of the Western District of Wisconsin issued a temporary restraining order April 15, preventing the Department of Homeland Security from revoking Isserdasani's student visa or detaining him.

UW-Madison Chancellor Jennifer Mnookin recently weighed in on the visa terminations, calling them deeply troubling.

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Here's what to know about the case:

Who is University of Wisconsin student Krish Lal Isserdasani?

Isserdasani, 21, is from India and has been pursuing a degree at UW-Madison since 2021. He was expected to graduate with a bachelor's degree in computer engineering in early May.

Why was Isserdasani's visa terminated?

UW-Madison International Student Services staff informed Isserdasani by email that his record had been terminated, according to the order. The reason listed: "Individual identified in criminal records check and/or has had their VISA revoked. SEVIS record has been terminated."

Isserdasani was arrested Nov. 22, 2024, on suspicion of misdemeanor disorderly conduct after he and his friends got into an argument with another group of people after leaving a bar, according to the judge's order. Dane County District Attorney Ismael Ozanne declined to charge Isserdasani in the case, and he never appeared in court, the order said.

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Isserdasani "believed the matter was completely resolved with no possible immigration consequences," the order said, and he had no other interactions with law enforcement.

What does a visa termination broadly mean?

The termination of a student's records in the SEVIS database means they have lost their legal status in the U.S., and they must either leave the country immediately or take legal action to try to stay.

Conley's order that the government cannot revoke Isserdasani's student visa refers to the travel document that allows entry into the U.S. He did not rule on Isserdasani's legal status.

What would a visa termination mean for Krish Lal Isserdasani?

It would prevent Isserdasani from completing his degree and applying for a program that would allow him to work while remaining on his student visa, the order said.

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Isserdasani and his family have spent about $240,000 on his education in the U.S., and he stands to lose $17,500 in tuition for this semester, according to the order.

Isserdasani "reports being afraid to leave his apartment for fear of being apprehended at any moment," the order said.

How many international students in Wisconsin have had their visas terminated?

There have been at least 58 visa terminations at Wisconsin colleges and universities as of April 17. The terminations include current students as well as alumni who were legally working on their student visas after graduation through a program called Optional Practical Training.

Officials at UW-Madison and UW-Milwaukee said they did not believe the terminations at their schools were related to free speech or protests. Some other students nationally have been targeted for their participation in pro-Palestinian protests last year.

What has the Trump administration said about the Krish Lal Isserdasani case?

DHS and U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement did not respond to requests for comment on the ruling. The State Department has framed the terminations as a way to keep borders secure.

What has UW-Madison said?

Mnookin called the roughly two dozen visa revocations on campus concerning because in many of the cases, there were either no known infractions or there was a minor violation, such as a speeding ticket, that previously would not warrant such a serious consequence.

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"Revoking visas on such flimsy grounds or on no clear grounds at all seems arbitrary and unjust," she wrote in an April 17 op-ed published in the Wisconsin State Journal. "And it overlooks just how much these students contribute to our university, state and nation."

Is this the first restraining order issued against the Trump administration related to student visa terminations?

About 1,300 students nationwide have seen their SEVIS records terminated abruptly, prompting more than a dozen lawsuits.

Conley's order is believed to be among the first victories nationally for international student visa holders whose records were terminated, said Madison attorney Shabnam Lotfi.

A different federal judge in New Hampshire handed down a similar victory when she temporarily restored the legal status of a Dartmouth College doctoral student from China whose SEVIS record was terminated for "unknown and unspecified reasons," according to a complaint. The student had not committed any crimes, including traffic violations, as he does not drive, the complaint said.

What happens next in the case?

Conley said because Isserdasani was not convicted of a crime, his claim of wrongful visa termination had a "reasonable likelihood of success" in the courts. He set a preliminary injunction hearing for April 28.

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Sophie Carson is a general assignment reporter who reports on religion and faith, immigrants and refugees and more. Contact her at scarson@gannett.com or 920-323-5758.

Contact Kelly Meyerhofer at kmeyerhofer@gannett.com or 414-223-5168. Follow her on X (Twitter) at @KellyMeyerhofer.

This article originally appeared on Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: What to know about a UW-Madison student's visa termination case
Kodak Black is once again making headlines for his philanthropy, this time for reportedly covering rental payments for hundreds of Floridian residents in need.

The Pompano Beach natives latest charitable act has been met with both gratitude and admiration, especially from his longtime attorney, Bradford Cohen, who took to Instagram on Wednesday (April 16) to commend Kodaks consistent generosity.

In a post sharing a screenshot of an article about the rappers good deed, Cohen wrote, Hes done so much that isnt even in the press. Paying for funerals and kids college funds, law school education, food, air conditioners during heat waves, supporting fallen FBI agents even when one of their own has continually harassed him.

Kodak Black attends the 4th Annual TIDAL X: Brooklyn at Barclays Center of Brooklyn on October 23, 2018 in New York City.

He added that this gesture, which reportedly impacted 200 families, was simply Kodak doing what he does best.

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Local resident Vince Thompson took to social media to thank the hitmaker for lightening his and his fellow residents financial loads, revealing that its not the first time Kodak has covered rent for families in the community.

He may not want the limelight, but for the 2nd month straight @KodakBlack has paid the rent for over 200 residents in Golden Acres the entire projects! Mr. Thompson wrote in his post.

Kodak Black attends the BET Hip Hop Awards 2022 on September 30, 2022 in Atlanta, Georgia.

A lot of people shine light on the negativity. Ima see how many people share the positive things you do fam. Youre a blessing to a lot of people. Thank you!!

The Super Gremlin artist has made it a point over the years to use his platform and wealth to uplift underserved communities throughout South Florida. From surprise giveaways to covering tuition, Kodaks commitment to giving back is deeply rooted in his upbringing and personal experiences.

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This isnt the first time the Gift for the Streets rapper has stepped up for struggling families. In 2022, he teamed up with the Zachariah McQueen Foundation to help pay rent for residents in West Palm Beach facing eviction.

Kodak Black poses for a selfie with fans the 2017 MTV Video Music Awards at The Forum on August 27, 2017 in Inglewood, California.

The year before, he distributed air conditioners to residents of Golden Acresan act of kindness that, while well-intentioned, drew criticism from the local housing authority due to safety and public disturbance concerns.

Regardless of controversy, Kodak Black continues to make an undeniable impact on his community, proving time and time again that his heart is just as big as his talent.

Kodak Black performs onstage during Powerhouse NYC on October 29, 2022 in Newark, New Jersey.

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The Kremlin plans to use the American-owned food company Glavproduct, which it seized in October 2024, to supply canned goods to Russia's military, Reuters reported on April 17, citing internal documents.

Glavproduct, a canned food producer originally founded by Los Angeles-based businessman Leonid Smirnov, is the only U.S. company to fall under Russian state control since the start of Russia's full-scale war against Ukraine.

The asset seizure was needed to ensure stable production for future supplies to Russia's Defense Ministry and the National Guard, according to a letter from Glavproduct's new management to the Russian Prosecutor General's Office.

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The letter, seen by Reuters, also notes that Rosimushchestvo, Russia's federal property management agency, appointed a new CEO at the request of Druzhba Narodov, a food supplier with ties to Kremlin security forces.

Druzhba Narodov previously served as the sole supplier to the Russian National Guard in 2019-2020, according to investigative reporting by Alexei Navalny's Anti-Corruption Foundation.

The company is linked to former Russian Agriculture Minister Alexander Tkachov, who was sanctioned by the EU in 2014 over his support for Russia's annexation of Crimea.

Join our community Support independent journalism in Ukraine. Join us in this fight. Support Us

Russian prosecutors accuse Smirnov of illegally transferring $17 million out of Russia between 2022 and 2024. The Moscow Arbitration Court froze Glavproduct's assets on March 12. A hearing is scheduled for April 18.

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Smirnov, based in Los Angeles, denies wrongdoing and called the takeover a "Russian-style corporate raid." According to Reuters, Glavproduct had not previously supplied the Russian army.

The dispute is unfolding as Washington and Moscow continue backchannel negotiations to end the war in Ukraine. U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio said Glavproduct's status would be part of broader talks to "reset relations" with Russia.

Since 2023, more than a dozen foreign companies, including Carlsberg and Fortum, have had their Russian subsidiaries taken over by decree.

In May 2024, Russian President Vladimir Putin signed a law allowing the Kremlin to identify and seize U.S.-owned property and securities as "compensation" for Western sanctions.

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As the war drags into its fourth year and Russia ramps up military spending, the Kremlin asserts greater control over strategic industries  including food production  to sustain its war effort.

Read also: French court enforces $5 billion Crimea damages award against Russia in Naftogaz case

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MOSCOW (Reuters) - The Kremlin on Thursday said that a meeting between the U.S., Ukraine and European countries in Paris was a chance for U.S. special envoy Steve Witkoff to inform them of the current status of talks about the search for a peace settlement in Ukraine.

Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said that President Vladimir Putin and Witkoff had a long conversation last week.

"The United States is continuing to work in this direction with the Europeans and with the Ukrainians," Peskov said.

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"Unfortunately, from the Europeans we see a focus on continuing the war," he said.

Top Ukrainian officials flew on Thursday for a previously unannounced visit to Paris, where Europeans were assembling to plead Kyiv's case to U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio and President Donald Trump's envoy, Witkoff.

The high level diplomacy reflects Europe's mounting concern over the U.S. administration's overtures towards Moscow, after the failure so far of Trump's efforts to arrange a ceasefire in the three-year-old Russia-Ukraine war.

Putin held the latest of several meetings with Witkoff in the Russian president's hometown of St. Petersburg last Friday. Russian state media said the talks lasted for more than four hours.

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Trump has repeatedly said he wants to end the "bloodbath", but has yet to achieve a breakthrough. Moscow has said it is not easy to agree a settlement.

(Reporting by Anastasia Lyrchikova; Writing by Felix Light; editing by Guy Faulconbridge)
Kentucky Education Commissioner Robbie Fletcher (Kentucky Lantern photo by McKenna Horsley)

The Kentucky Department of Education (KDE) has signed an agreement with the federal government to have no diversity, equity and inclusion programs in public schools.

However, KDE has not paused or suspended any of its existing programs since receiving a request from the U.S. Department of Education to complete a form certifying its compliance with Trump administration interpretations of civil rights law. Kentucky Education Commissioner Robbie Fletcher also said the state department will continue working with its partners to build an education system that is responsive and relentlessly focused on student success.

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In a letter to superintendents sent last weekend, Fletcher wrote that the U.S. Education Departments certification form is not without issues, but he is still confident that through our statewide commitment to providing opportunity and access for every student, we can advance towards meeting the needs and ensuring the success of each student in Kentuckys public schools.

According to the federal agencys form, any violation of Title VI  including the use of Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion (DEI) programs to advantage ones race over another  is impermissible and using certain DEI practices can violate federal law. The form outlines possible consequences  such as losing federal funding or facing a federal lawsuit  for a state or local education agency that protects a DEI program. Title VI of the 1963 Civil Rights Act prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, color and national origin in programs and activities receiving federal financial assistance.

The U.S. Education Department asked the Kentucky department to distribute the certification forms to local school district officials for their signatures. Fletchers letter said all Kentucky school districts have previously assured KDE of such compliance and will do so annually in the future.

As previously recommended, school districts should consult with board counsel on whether the district will sign the Certification Form, Fletcher wrote.

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The federal departments targeting of DEI practices comes as Republicans at the national and state levels have pushed to roll back such measures, particularly in education. The GOP-controlled Kentucky General Assembly recently passed a law banning DEI programs at Kentucky public universities and colleges. Shortly after he assumed office in January, President Donald Trump signed an executive order aimed at eliminating DEI programs within the federal government.

Backlash against DEI programs has grown since the U.S. Supreme Court struck down affirmative action in higher education admissions in 2023. The ruling is cited in the form the U.S. Department of Education is asking school officials to sign.

In general, DEI initiatives focus on supporting marginalized people in areas where they have been historically excluded.

The U.S. Education Department previously threatened to rescind federal funding for schools in a February letter if they use DEI, or race-conscious practices, in admissions, programming, training, hiring, scholarships and other resources for students.

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In a statement to the Kentucky Lantern, Fletcher said he is committed to ensuring that every studentregardless of race, background, language, socioeconomic status, or zip code  has access to a high-quality education and vibrant learning opportunities to succeed.

That means removing barriers, expanding support for English learners, and providing all students with the resources they need to thrive, Fletcher added. Our schools must be places where every child feels supported and challenged to reach their full potential. We will continue to work with educators, families, and communities to build an education system that is responsive and relentlessly focused on student success.

Earlier this month, the U.S. Education Department sent a letter asking states and districts to provide certifications they were complying with the order within 10 days or risk losing federal funding. The department then delayed the deadline to sign its form until after April 24 following an agreement between it and groups suing the federal department over the directive. The National Education Association, a teachers union, and the American Civil Liberties Union are challenging the directive in court.

Kentuckys legislature has not outlawed DEI in public schools, although legislation was filed in the 2025 General Assembly to roll back such programs. Sen. Lindsey Tichenor, R-Smithfield, filed bills that would have prohibited DEI initiatives in Kentuckys public schools and state and local governments. Neither got a committee hearing.
ENSO, or El Nino Southern Oscillation, is an ocean-atmospheric climate pattern comprising of La Nina, El Nino and a neutral phase. La Nina is a cooling of the equatorial Pacific water, while El Nino is a warming of the equatorial Pacific water. The warming and cooling of this part of the ocean can have an influence in jet stream patterns that affect the United States and the Atlantic hurricane season.

La Nina has recently ended after a couple of months and has transitioned into the neutral phase. This means that the Nino-3.4 index was nearly the same as the long-term average (1991-2020). The ocean wasnt cooling or warming compared to average. The Climate Prediction Center has an ENSO-neutral pattern forecast to continue through the summer with a greater than 50 percent chance of it continuing through the fall season.

La Nina typically leads to warmer-than-average temperatures across the Tennessee Valley. During El Nino, much of southern Alabama tends to be cooler than average, with drier conditions favored as you travel north.

La Nina also plays a role in the Atlantic hurricane season in that it reduces the amount of wind shear in the Atlantic Basin, which can lead to better ingredients for tropical cyclone development. However, just because La Nina has ended doesnt mean that the hurricane season will be quiet. ENSO-neutral conditions have been known to bring both active and quiet hurricane seasons, as there are other factors involved. Sea-surface temperatures, ocean heat content and wind shear are just some of the variables that play a role in what we see during a season. Colorado State University releases a hurricane forecast each spring, along with the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. The university recently released its forecast and is calling for an above-average season. The average number of hurricanes in an Atlantic season is 14, seven of which become hurricanes on average, and three major hurricanes.

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NOAA will release its forecast in May.

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As a part of a wave of changes made to the Los Angeles Times opinion section, the paper recently introduced Insights, a feature which provides artificial intelligence-generated summaries and counterarguments for opinion pieces.

The AI-driven feature was developed with Particle and Perplexity AI, with the goal of enhancing reader engagement by offering additional perspectives on articles in the newspapers Voices section, per Forbes.

When readers click on the Insights button, they wont just see summaries and counterarguments, they will also be given a label for the pieces bias, such as center right or center left.

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This new feature is just one example of a myriad of changes made to the publications opinion coverage, which have been ordered by the Times owner, Dr. Patrick Soon-Shiong.

According to The Associated Press, Soon-Shiong wants the papers opinion pages, which are famously liberal, to reflect different points of view.

Controversy around Insights

One of the first pieces to feature Insights was a column about Anaheims historical ties to the Ku Klux Klan. The AI-generated commentary on the piece tried to frame the KKK as a white Protestant culture responding to societal changes, rather than acknowledging its well-documented role as a violent hate group responsible for terrorizing Black Americans and other marginalized communities, per Forbes.

The misrepresentation was quickly noticed by readers and other members of the media, prompting outrage from many people. Critics accused the LA Times of allowing an AI program to put content on its website that sanitized one of the countrys most infamous racist groups.

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People within the industry saw the incident as an example of how artificial intelligence can generate misleading content, oftentimes amplifying biases, if it isnt properly managed.

The fact that an algorithm could produce such a tone-deaf interpretation of history underscored the limitations of current AI systems, particularly when dealing with sensitive or complex topics, per Forbes.

It is not just the content from Insights itself and the lack of oversight over the program that has received criticism.

The papers management has also been criticized for prioritizing experimental AI projects over investments in staff and resources for its newsroom, according to Forbes.

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The LA Times former editorials editor, Mariel Garza, told the AP that the idea of Insights feels like a gimmick.

I think it could be offensive both to readers ... and the writers themselves who object to being categorized in simple and not necessarily helpful terms, Garza said, per the AP. The idea of having a bias meter just in and of itself is kind of an insult to intelligence and Ive always thought that the readers of the opinion page were really smart.

Changes to the LA Times editorial board

The addition of Insights is not the only change that has been made to the papers opinion pieces, with the changes stemming from Soon-Shiong, who bought the Times in 2018, per The AP.

Last fall, Soon-Shiong blocked the publication from endorsing Democratic candidate Kamala Harris for president. He also said he wants to overhaul the Times editorial board, which is responsible for researching and writing the newspapers editorials.

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If you just have the one side, its just going to be an echo chamber, Soon-Shiong said, according to the AP.

He added that expanding the outlook is going to be risky and its going to be difficult. Im going to take a lot of heat, which I already am, but I come from the position that its really important that all voices be heard.

Critics of Soon-Shiong have accused him of making these changes as a way to gain favor with President Donald Trump.

After Soon-Shiong started making these changes, the six members of the papers editorial board left the LA Times, and now the owner says he will be appointing new board members. He also said that he was looking for more conservative or moderate columnists to appear in the paper, per the AP.
The Supreme Courts ruling that trans women are not legally women has saved British lawmakers a great deal of embarrassment. The alternative would have left our state amid the ignominious ranks of those authorities which have attempted to redefine reality by fiat, including the Indiana General Assembly which once considered passing a bill implying the value of pi to be 3.2.

Naturally, however, this brief outbreak of common sense is already meeting with fierce resistance from the trans lobbyists who wish to dictate to the rest of society the manner in which they should be treated, and there appears to be a real risk that what should be a victory for womens rights will be squandered by the Labour Party.

When questioned about the implications of the judgment, a Government minister was willing to state that female changing rooms should be used by women, but was unable to then state which facilities would be appropriate for trans women. Baroness Falkner, the chair of the Equality and Human Rights Commission (EHRC), meanwhile, was clear that access to single-sex spaces should be determined on biological grounds.

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There is, however, every possibility that this will simply result in a further absurd shuffling of requirements as organisations seek to avoid the ire of vocally unpleasant trans activists. One way to square the circle, for instance, would be to simply do away with female facilities entirely, providing gender neutral ones as a default.

While Labour sources insist that Sir Keir Starmer has moved the party to a serious, sensible position that protected womens spaces while allowing for respectful debate, those who have followed the tone and volume of that debate will be aware of just how much this statement omits. It seems eminently possible that attempts by activists to exert pressure on the Labour Party will once again bear fruit.

As things stand, the EHRC has already submitted a revised code of conduct for the public sector which will protect single-sex spaces and update the law to reflect more than a decades worth of legal argument. This will now become an early test for the Government: will Sir Keir and his colleagues assent to these changes, or seek to muddy the waters? It does not take a great leap of imagination to see the Labour Party making poorly thought-out additions which would partly unwind the effects of this ruling. This outcome must be avoided, and this rare piece of judicial sanity preserved.

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CAIRO, April 17 (Xinhua) -- Egyptian President Abdel-Fattah al-Sisi and Slovenia's Parliamentary Speaker Urska Klakocar Zupancic reaffirmed on Thursday their opposition to the displacement of Palestinians from Gaza and their support for the establishment of a Palestinian state as the only path to long-term regional peace.

During talks in Cairo with Zupancic, Sisi said the creation of a Palestinian state along the 1967 borders, with East Jerusalem as its capital, remained "the only guarantee for achieving lasting peace and stability in the region," according to a statement from the Egyptian presidency.

Sisi also briefed the Slovenian official on Egypt's efforts to mediate a renewed ceasefire in the Gaza Strip, facilitate the exchange of hostages and detainees, and ensure the sustained flow of humanitarian aid to alleviate a deepening crisis in the enclave.

The Egyptian leader welcomed Slovenia's recognition of a Palestinian state, describing it as Slovenia's position "in support of the rights of the Palestinian people."

Zupancic, who is on an official visit to Egypt, voiced her country's rejection of the displacement of Palestinians and commended Egypt's role in preserving regional security, according to the Egyptian statement. She also expressed Slovenia's interest in deepening cooperation and coordination with Egypt across multilateral platforms.

Slovenia officially recognized the State of Palestine on June 4, 2024, as part of a broader initiative by several European countries to coordinate pressure on Israel to help bring an end to the conflict in Gaza. 
LAKE WALES, Fla. (WFLA)  The Lake Wales City Commission approved a signed agreement Tuesday evening that will return ownership of the historic Dixie Walesbilt Hotel to the city.

The hotel, which opened in 1927, has sat vacant for years.

Hillsborough commissioners vote to end Cross Bay Ferry service

In 2022, the city sued its owner, Raymond Brown.

The agreement ends all litigation between the two parties and, at a cost of $450,000, allows the city to regain ownership of the hotel.

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The potential new chapter for the hotel comes as the city has invested tens of millions of dollars in redeveloping its downtown area.

Its going to further our downtown redevelopment efforts but furthermore, really its symbolic, said James Slaten, Lake Wales city manager. Its symbolic that were changing Lake Wales and restoring this community to its former glory.

A brief glimpse inside the hotel reflects the work it will take to renovate the nearly century-old building.

Its going to take a lot of work and more importantly, said Slaten, who said addressing the hotel was one of the top three items he wanted to address as city manager. Its likely going to take a public-private partnership.

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I think that they will be able to find a good private partner to do the redevelopment, said Robert Connors, co-owner of The Thirsty Dragon, a 19th-century-themed tavern steps away from the hotel.

Connors said he grew up in Lake Wales and, in the late 1980s, stayed at the Walesbilt Hotel.

We would rent an entire floor of the hotel which was really nice at the time, Connors said. It was quite nice and had great views.

Over the years, Connors saw the hotel at its best and its worst, as it changed hands and lost its luster.

The hotel has sat vacant for at least the last 15 years.

Connors said he and his business partners opened The Thirsty Dragon with the expectation of the Walesbilt Hotel redevelopment in mind.

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The Walesbilt Hotel is essential because its the economic engine, he said. Its the locomotive that should pull this whole train of downtown redevelopment. Its going to be a huge economic shot in the arm so weve been waiting for that to happen for many years.

Connors said the demand is there for a unique hotel downtown with visitors to nearby colleges and attractions.

Would you rather stay in a cookie cutter hotel on a highway, or would you rather stay in this great historic property? Connors said.

The city expects to put out a request for qualifications this year, which is a way to pre-qualify potential developers ahead of requests for proposals.

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The long term goal for the Walesbilt is to have it looked at by developers to ideally turn it into a boutique style hotel that youre starting to see pop up in cities like St. Petersburg, downtown Tampa and Miami, said Eric Marshall, communications and engagement director for the city of Lake Wales.

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WINTER HAVEN, Fla. (WFLA)  A Lakeland woman is accused of stealing more than $13,000 from her job.

The Winter Haven Police Department said it was called to NAPA Auto Parts, located at 1640 3rd St SW in Winter Haven, on Wednesday for a report of fraudulent refunds.

The stores loss prevention team member said another employee told them that 39-year-old Tiffany Johnson had been committing credit card fraud.

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The loss prevention worker started an investigation on Tuesday after being notified of the accusations.

Total creep: Bartow teacher, coach arrested for inappropriate behavior, voyeurism, deputies say

A 12-hour review of transactions uncovered that Johnson would look up invoices in the store computer and use those transactions to enter a refund, investigators said.

Police said Johnson was seen tapping her card on the card reader to have the refund go to her bank account. The transactions dated back to August 2024, when a new management company took over.

Investigators said Johnson used four different cards to obtain the refunds. Each card was linked back to Johnson by her employee account.

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According to police, there were 54 transactions refunded to the four cards: $7,173.10, $3,067.90, $529.78 and $2,998.43 for a total of $13,769.21.

Johnson reportedly told officers that she learned of the process from another NAPA employee who works out of state. She said she completed the transactions every other week for several months and confirmed the money only went back to her.

Johnson was taken into custody and booked into the Polk County Jail on grand theft and obtaining property by fraud charges.

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Apr. 17AUSTIN  State Rep. Brooks Landgraf, R-Odessa, on April 17 voted in favor of House Bill 2, a landmark education finance reform bill that delivers the largest increase in public school funding in Texas history. The Texas House overwhelmingly passed the measure.

"House Bill 2 is a game-changer for students, teachers, and families in every corner of the state  especially in West Texas," Landgraf said in a news release.

"This legislation boosts teacher pay, strengthens rural school districts, and ensures our students have the resources they need to succeed. That is why I was proud to vote for it."

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House Bill 2 provides a historic $7.7 billion investment in Texas public schools and serves as the cornerstone of the House's broader $9 billion education package. The bill includes:

 $3 billion to increase per-student funding and raise teacher salaries

 Nearly $1 billion in additional support for rural and mid-size school districts

 $1.5 billion in new special education funding

 $1.5 billion in targeted investments for pre-K, bilingual education, and closing achievement gaps

 $750 million in incentive pay for high-performing teachers

The legislation increases the state's basic allotment to $6,555 per student and ties future increases to rising property values helping reduce local tax burdens while ensuring teacher pay and classroom investments keep up with the cost of living.

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HB 2 also requires that at least 40% of the basic allotment go directly toward teacher pay increases, with a priority for teachers with 10 or more years of experience. The bill includes built-in safeguards so that no district loses funding, even if enrollment drops.

"Teachers are the backbone of our communities in West Texas," Landgraf said. "This bill delivers the long-overdue raises they deserve and gives our schools the support they need to serve students for years to come."
HAYSI, Va. (WJHL)  Two suspects were arrested in connection to a large-scale drug operation in the Haysi Regional Jail in Virginia.

The Dickenson County Sheriffs Office announced in a release that two individuals have been arrested and charged with delivering drugs to an inmate, a class 5 felony, as well as distributing a Schedule III controlled substance after a months-long investigation uncovered the operation.

Investigation active after autistic child walks away from school, found by mom

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The investigation, led by the 29th Circuit Narcotics Task Force, the Dickenson County Sheriffs Office and the Virginia State Police, revealed that the two suspects and other inmates had allegedly been distributing narcotics within the Haysi Regional Jail for months.

Investigators believe the suspects profited an estimated $30,000 from the operation, according to the release.

Drugs and contraband have absolutely no place in our facilities, said Sheriff Jeremy Fleming in the release. I want to thank the 29th Circuit Narcotics Task Force for their dedication to this case and many others. I also want to thank the Haysi Regional Jail staff who contributed to this investigation. This was a significant drug and contraband seizure, and their work should be commended by all who value public safety in our Commonwealth.

One of the suspects reportedly pleaded guilty on April 10 and was sentenced to five years in the Virginia state prison system.

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The investigation remains ongoing, the sheriffs office said.

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LAS VEGAS (KLAS)  Court records show a Las Vegas man who police said killed another man in a road rage shooting pleaded guilty to voluntary manslaughter.

According to Clark County prosecutors, Keyun Watts shot 22-year-old Elvin Sejdinovic back in October 2024 near South Decatur Boulevard and Sobb Avenue, south of Patrick Lane.

Police arrested Watts, 25, about a month after the deadly shooting. He faces between one and 10 years in prison for voluntary manslaughter, according to court documents.

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Las Vegas Metro police said Watts admitted to shooting Sejdinovic, but said he didnt know him, and when Sejdinovic pulled up next to his car, shouting and reaching toward something, he shot him. Police did not find a gun in Sejdinovics car.

Watts also told officers he threw the gun in a trash can, removed the stickers from the Camero, and took it to California for a period of time to get the car out of town.

PREVIOUS STORY: Family of Las Vegas man killed in apparent road rage shooting posts billboards seeking justice

He didnt go to buy drugs. He didnt go to do some crime or anything illegal. He was going to work, you know? To provide for himself, for his family, Alen Sejdinovic, Elvins father, told 8 News Now. That day, October 5th, he didnt kill only our son. He killed a whole family. Everybody. We have nightmares.

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Wattss sentencing was scheduled for May 27.

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LAS VEGAS (KLAS)  The mother of a woman murdered in 2023 said Wednesday she was thankful police arrested her daughters alleged killer after nearly two years on the run.

Tabatha Tozzi, 26, was shot in the head on April 22, 2023, outside a west valley home near Alta Drive and Cimarron Road. She died two days later from her injuries. Police later identified her accused killer as Oswaldo Nate Perez-Sanchez, now 27, her boyfriend.

Mexican authorities arrested Perez-Sanchez on Tuesday in Northern Mexico, the 8 News Now Investigators first reported Tuesday evening.

Authorities in Mexico arrested a man Tuesday nearly two years after Las Vegas police accused him of killing his girlfriend, the 8 News Now Investigators first reported. (Police in Mexico added the black line over the defendants eyes.) (FGJE Sonora)

Regina Lacerda, Tozzis mother, declined to comment on the arrest Tuesday night but released a statement Wednesday.

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I am happy and also very sad, the statement said in part. I knew in my heart this moment was arriving soon, and it finally did.

Tozzis mother previously told the 8 News Now Investigators her daughter was attempting to break up with Perez-Sanchez. His arrest comes amid new allegations of a second murder involving a woman in Mexico. Authorities in Mexico identified that woman as Vivian Karely.

Her name deserves to be honored, and we will keep honoring her as well, Lacerda said. I am heartbroken that the mother will be going through what Ive gone through these last two years. I dont desire this on anyone! It is very painful to lose your daughter and especially through a horrible feminicide. No mother deserves this, and I want the family to know that I am here to support them and will fight with them for justice.

A task force, including the FBI and the U.S. Marshals, had searched for Perez-Sanchez in Mexico.

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The fight is not over, Lacerda said. Justice is still not completely served. We want him to serve prison time and for him to serve ideally, here in Las Vegas. We are now on another wait to see what happens, and we will continue fighting for justice to be completely served. 

A United States treaty with Mexico dictates how the extradition process works. According to federal documents, the treaty calls for criminals arrested in Mexico, should they be convicted in the U.S., not to face the death penalty or a life sentence. The process can take years and will likely be delayed, if it happens at all, because of Perez-Sanchezs charge in Mexico.

I want to say thank you to everyone that has supported us and is still supporting us, Lacerda said. Thank you to the police, the FBI, the Marshal[s], the Mexican police, the media here and the media in Mexico. Thank you Taby Tribe and all the people that have reached out, who have spread Tabys story and supported us. I truly appreciate it so much.

Lacerda will hold a celebration of life for Tozzi at Craig Ranch Park on April 24 from 2-5 p.m.

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LAS VEGAS (KLAS)  The man who was shot and killed in a vehicle outside of an apartment complex in northern Las Vegas was not the intended target, police documents said.

On April 9 at around 9:45 p.m., multiple people called 911 to report that a man was shot in the 3200 block of North Las Vegas Boulevard.

Arriving officers found the victim, later identified as Desai Abrams, suffering from an apparent gunshot wound to the head in the drivers seat of a white Honda Accord on the east side of an apartment complex.

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Medical personnel arrived and pronounced Abrams dead at the scene.

Abrams friend witnessed the shooting and told police that she was sitting in the front passenger seat of the vehicle with Abrams, according to an arrest report.

Surveillance video showed Abrams and the witness pull into the apartment complex and park at around 9:35 p.m. A few minutes later, a man was seen creeping toward Abrams vehicle, the report stated.

The suspect, identified as Adrian Rhodes, 31, slowly approached the vehicle and fired a gun directly at Abrams head before running south through the parking lot of the complex, according to the report.

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While officers were on the scene, a man wearing a bulletproof vest approached them and said he may have been the intended target of the shooting. He told police he was in a heated exchange with a man earlier that day over a woman, and the man threatened to shoot him the next time he saw him, the report stated.

The description he gave police of the man matched the description of the suspect seen on surveillance video. The phone number he gave the police for the man matched the number for Rhodes.

Police arrested Rhodes as he was leaving his residence on April 10. He faces charges of open murder with the use of a deadly weapon and discharging a gun at/into an occupied structure/vehicle.

Rhodes was held at the Clark County Detention Center without bail. His preliminary hearing was scheduled for May 14.

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LAS VEGAS (KLAS)  Unleashing the gliding, ruby-tipped prong, Las Vegas-area students manufactured everyday metal objects. The gleam from their creations holds the eye of around 200 employers.

Well ahead of President Donald Trumps call for the renewal of domestic manufacturing, City of Henderson leadership is already welcoming industrial investment with a unique strategy: produce the workforce ahead of production.

Jared Smith, the City of Hendersons economic development and tourism director, pointed to the Debra March Center of Excellence as the result of smart, public-private planning.

Well ahead of President Donald Trumps call for the renewal of domestic manufacturing, City of Henderson leadership is already welcoming industrial investment with a unique strategy: produce the workforce ahead of production. (KLAS)

The College of Southern Nevada has the expertise, has the programs in place that our people need to be trained in these programs, he said. We had the land; we built the building. They control all of the training. And companies come to us as partners to help solve those workforce challenges real quick.

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The idea is this. When a company signals its interest in building a facility in Southern Nevada, for example Haas Automation, hundreds employees must be trained on advanced manufacturing. The employer is then able to work in partnership with city staff and College of Southern Nevada educators to plan a college program and by the end of the semester workers can walk into the new plant.

Were really diving into the future of training and partnership between the private sector and the public sector, Smith said.

Some potential employers can also compensate students for their coursework since it will directly translate into a career. The hands-on training comes from industry professionals interested in keeping pace with the evolving industry.

The more that we can train our people and create a resilient workforce and are in a resilient city, the better we will be known nationally and worldwide, Smith said.

Manufacturing 101

The whir of the machine shop couldnt hide the enthusiastic vocal timbre of the manufacturing director, Dan Flick.

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If its industrial maintenance technicians, automation technicians, machinists, anything to do with making something, I mean, you cant go wrong, he said, tilting over a tabletop robotic arm.

Flick stood in his classroom, which was walled with the latest in automated machinery units. He said the outdated view of manufacturing, for some detractors, has missed the years of industry evolution.

People think, Im going to be in a factory doing one thing, pushing a button, changing a part, or watching a machine make ice cream, Flick said. Yeah, thats not where youre going to end up.

City of Henderson leadership is already welcoming industrial investment with a unique strategy: produce the workforce ahead of production. (KLAS)

Some work may be basic, but the equipment he teaches with is straight from the factory floor. Flick said many of his students have gone on to own and manage their personal companies with the education they have received.

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The worlds your oyster, he said. But you just got to stick to it. You got to understand the basics. And once you get that, its, its looking pretty good.

Flick said interested students can email him on how to enter the program at daniel.flick@csn.edu or call 702-651-3727.

Assembly line of offers

From Amazon to Pepsi, potential employers are knocking on the classroom door for the educated workforce to wrap up their homework, including Jose Covarrubias, tool and dye manager at Sunshine Minting.

Here in Nevada, it was hard to find skilled labor, he said. And once we partnered up with Dan Flick and his program, we were able to hire apprentices.

Well ahead of President Donald Trumps call for the renewal of domestic manufacturing, City of Henderson leadership is already welcoming industrial investment with a unique strategy: produce the workforce ahead of production. (KLAS)

The coursework also helping some employees who needed a retooling on computer numerical control (CNC) basics, according to Covarrubias.

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We hired five people that were very unskilled when it came to CNC machining, he said. Within halfway through the class, they had already completed maybe 300 programs at work. So, 100% of everything that was taught in class was something that they could use hands-on at work.

The work comes with some benefits, as Covarrubias pointed to the starting apprenticeship pay at $22.50 an hour.

On top of us paying for you to take these classes, he said.

Covarrubias said the industry is seeing a large shortage of advanced manufacturing workers and noted the long line of employers waiting nearby.

Theres like a list of 200 companies around Nevada that are all ready to hire and willing to hire and high-paying jobs, he said.

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The job is a far cry from working on a Model T assembly line, Covarrubias said, some may be surprised by the amount of computer work versus manual labor.

I would say 60% of the work is done on the computer, and thats really where these classes really come in place, he said. You are expected to get your hands dirty, but its not dingy, its a clean room with air conditioning.

CSN courses are available mornings, afternoons, and evenings and can be made to fit students schedules, according to CSN. Potential employers include Blue Bunny, Haas Automation, Entek, Sunshine Minting, Pepsi, and Amazon.

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Las Vegas servers split on No Tax on Tips proposal

LAS VEGAS (KLAS)  During his Las Vegas campaign rallies, President Trump repeatedly echoed a promise of No Tax on Tips due to the citys high rate of hospitality and service workers. The proposal is now being considered as part of the presidents Big Beautiful Bill which would extend his 2017 tax cuts. Congressional Republicans are hoping to get the legislation past the finish line by the end of next month.

Last year, more than 70% of Nevadans expressed support for the idea of nixing taxes on tips, according to an 8 News Now/Emerson College poll. Today, service workers still hold various opinions on the bill.

They have done it a really long time with being taxed, so its definitely worth giving it a shot just to see how it would go without being taxed on tips, said Haylee Constance, who has worked in the restaurant industry for a decade now and is in favor of the proposal.

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The Primal Steakhouse waitress has also worked in the restaurant industry in other states, like Texas.

Here in Nevada, you get at least minimum wage, and some places like casinos do give you higher, she explained. We do get taxed on our minimum wage, so I think thats something that people sometimes forget as well. If Im also being taxed on my tips, then thats just more thats coming out of my pocket, when I am going to work and rightfully making that on my own.

Constance told 8 News Now she believes the move would be life-changing for servers, like herself, in a good way.

However, not all in her position agree. Andrew Covarrubias has been in the restaurant industry for three years now, formerly working in construction.

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I do make a lot more since construction, the Jr. Manager explained. I used to make maybe $16 for starting and then $20 an hour, but here the tips really help me a lot.

Despite the positive influence tips have on his life, Covarrubias told 8 News Now he is against the proposal.

I feel the cons outweigh the pros for sure, Covarrubias said. It wouldnt really benefit other people, like with Medicare, and maybe it will help fund education. Education is a big thing for me, too. I feel like a lot of underprivileged kids need the money.

Covarrubias not only expressed concerns about the repercussions to vulnerable populations, but also the impact on the bigger picture as a country.

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The European Union and everything, they have big taxes on everything, but they have free school, and they can pay for healthcare and everything like that. I feel like some people would understand and see the big picture behind everything, he said.

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Editor's note: China has long been known as the "factory of the world," with the Made-in-China label often associated with cheap and low-quality products. However, this perception is now becoming a thing of the past. Driven by rising R&D investment and consumption upgrades, many Chinese manufacturers are advancing up the value chain and gaining ground in the high-end market. Xinhua hereby presents a series of three stories that examine upgrades in the country's manufacturing sector. The following is the third piece in the series that explores how the apparel sector is evolving by incorporating digital tools and traditional aesthetics.

BEIJING, April 17 (Xinhua) -- Shi Daqing, a 47-year-old apparel industry veteran, was astounded by how quickly he could match a fabric sample using a lunchbox-sized fabric-sourcing robot.

With a swift scan, the device's screen lights up, displaying a high-resolution image that captures every thread and weave of the fabric in striking detail. Within two minutes, a list of verified suppliers appears, complete with real-time pricing and availability.

"For years, sourcing fabrics meant carrying around swatches and running around fabric markets, stall by stall," Shi said. "What once took two or three days can now be done in just two minutes. It's like a scene straight out of a sci-fi flick."

From material sourcing to AI-powered design and intelligent production, digital transformation is propelling China's garment industry up the value chain, shifting from low-cost manufacturing to innovation-driven, high-value development, mirroring the country's broader economic transition.

FROM LOOM TO LAB

Developed by Zhijing Technology, the fabric-sourcing robot uses AI vision to extract and analyze information like fabric texture, color, material, density and craftsmanship, and then matches it with the fabric database.

"It can retrieve quotations and manufacturer information in just a few minutes, helping garment manufacturers overcome the challenges of fabric sourcing," explained Li Yaping, senior vice president of Zhijing Technology.

In addition to the fabric-sourcing robot, a range of AI-powered tools has been launched in China to modernize its apparel industry. Intelligent design software can assist fashion professionals in creating a wide variety of styles from basic sketches or keyword prompts. AI-driven dyeing systems leverage big data to automate color formulation, significantly increasing the success rate of first-time dyeing.

"Technological progress in 5G, big data, and the Internet of Things have helped shift the textile sector from labor-intensive production to a digitally connected industry built on the industrial internet," said Hu Qimu, deputy director of the Research Center for Strategic Emerging Industries at Tsinghua University.

The digital transformation drive in China's apparel industry has also received continued policy support. This year's government work report emphasized accelerating the digitalization of manufacturing, fostering a number of service providers with both industry expertise and digital know-how, and bolstering support for the digital transformation of small and medium-sized companies.

CULTURAL HERITAGE IN DESIGN

The transformation that is sweeping through China's apparel industry is not only technological but also deeply cultural. An increasing number of domestic brands are incorporating Chinese cultural identity and traditional aesthetics into their designs, sparking a wave of high-end homegrown labels that resonate both locally and globally.

ICICLE, a premium fashion label, uses natural materials such as cashmere, wool and silk to produce comfortable, eco-conscious clothing for urban professionals. The brand also integrates traditional fabrics and craftsmanship -- such as gambiered Canton gauze, a plant-dyed silk, and Suzhou embroidery, known for its intricate patterns -- into contemporary minimalist design.

One of its recent bestsellers is a collaboration with the Shanghai Museum, featuring garments inspired by the traditional Chinese silk scroll painting Paradise Flycatcher Duo Amidst Peach Blossoms, which is part of the museum's collection, and crafted from Chinese textiles like silk and ramie.

ICICLE now operates around 240 stores across China, with annual sales exceeding 3 billion yuan (about 416 million U.S. dollars). In a major step toward global expansion, it debuted on the official calendar of Paris Fashion Week in March this year, joining other international high-end brands at the event.

ICICLE founder Ye Shouzeng said he aims to increase the company's international sales in the coming years, and the brand is preparing to open its fourth store in Paris this year.

China's rich cultural heritage also serves as a wellspring of inspiration for Life on Left, a domestic brand known for reviving the Chinese traditional long pleated skirt Mamianqun. Its annual sales of the skirt have reached nearly 100,000 pieces.

"The market has changed dramatically," said founder Lin Qi, who is also an inheritor of the intangible cultural heritage of Mamianqun-making. "Once popular among a small group of traditional clothing enthusiasts, the skirt now appeals to a wider audience, including a growing number of younger buyers."

Mamianqun is a typical example of "Guochao" apparel -- trendy fashion inspired by traditional Chinese culture -- that has experienced a spectacular market upsurge in recent years. Industrial data showed that the market size of "Guochao" apparel soared beyond 220 billion yuan last year and is anticipated to hit 250 billion yuan in 2025.

"China's cultural heritage is reshaping its manufacturing sector, with traditional craftsmanship and artistic elements upgrading brand value," said He Yingkun, director of the Industrial Culture Development Center of the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology.

As China shifts from mass production to smart, high-end manufacturing, the fusion of aesthetics and craftsmanship is driving the country's manufacturing sector to move up the global value chain, He added. 
TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (AP)  A gunman opened fire Thursday at Florida State University, killing two people and wounding at least six others, police said. The 20-year-old gunman is the son of a sheriffs deputy whose former service weapon was used in the shooting, authorities said.

The two people who died were not students at the university, but the shooter is believed to be a student, said Florida State University Police Chief Jason Trumbower.

Five people were being treated at Tallahassee Memorial Hospital, Trumbower said, and the shooter is also receiving medical attention.

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Here's the latest:

FSU students take in a campus crime scene

As dusk fell Thursday, students walked the grounds of Florida State University, taking in the sight of their campus now rendered a crime scene ringed with investigators yellow tape. Several students sat silently before a small memorial of candles and flowers near the student union.

Tables that had been set up to plug local apartment complexes and cannabis dispensaries sat abandoned along a tree-lined walkway outside the brick building, close to the scene of the midday shooting.

Also left behind in the apparent scramble for safety: a pair of sandals, a half-full Starbucks matcha latte, notes from a chemistry class scattered across the ground.

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Police block access to area where suspected shooters family lives

A Tallahassee Police Department patrol car was stationed Thursday evening near the street where the suspected Florida State University shooters family lives, blocking reporters from approaching the home in a well-kept suburban neighborhood on the citys east side.

University president visits some of wounded in hospital

FSU president Richard McCullough says he has visited some of the wounded students in the hospital.

McCullough also called the campus police officers absolute heroes and says their response to the shooting prevented this from being a bigger tragedy.

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Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis said in a message posted on social media that we are all Seminoles today. We stand by to help in any way that we can.

Witness says the suspects shotgun jammed

Aidan Stickney, a 21-year-old studying business management, says he was running late to class when he saw a man get out of a car with a shotgun and aim at another man in a white polo shirt.

Stickney says the gun jammed and the shooter rushed back to the car and emerged with a handgun, opening fire on a woman. Stickney ran, warning others as he called 911.

I got lucky today. I really did. I really, really did, he says.

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University Police Chief Trumbower says investigators have no evidence that anyone was shot with the shotgun.

All six patients wounded during shooting are in fair condition, hospital says

All six patients wounded during the shooting are in fair condition, according to an update from Tallahassee Memorial Hospital. The hospital said earlier Thursday that one of those wounded was in critical condition.

The alleged shooter is among the wounded, having been shot by arriving officers after refusing to comply with commands, officials said.

Two people who were not FSU students died in the shooting. FSU Police Chief Jason Trumbower says he will not be releasing additional information about the victims.

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FBI calls for photos, video and other information for its investigation

The FBI is urging anyone at or near the shooting scenes to send photos, video recordings or other information to an FBI website collecting tips for what was called a very active investigation.

City police Chief Revell says of responding officers confrontation with the gunman that they challenged him and they ended up shooting him. He did not comply with commands and was shot. I do not believe he fired at all.

Needless to say we have multiple crime scenes with hundreds or even more witnesses, Revell says.

Students moved classroom desks to barricade door before police escorted them out

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Andres Perez, a 20-year-old junior, was in a classroom near the Student Union when the alarm sounded for a lockdown. He said his classmates began moving desks in front of the door. Police officers came to escort them out about 15 minutes later.

I always hang out in the Student Union, Perez said. So the second I found out that the threat was there, my heart sank and I was scared.

Perez says hes not sure what hell do when classes eventually resume.

Im thinking that I have finals around the corner. Schools about to wrap up in just two weeks, Perez said. And theres so much to take into account. There are so many emotions there.

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Officers wounded shooter after he refused to comply with commands, chief says

Tallahassee Police Chief Lawrence Revell says officers shot and wounded the shooter after he refused to comply with commands.

Officials say the shooter, identified by police as 20-year-old Phoenix Ikner, is believed to be a Florida State student.

Authorities have not yet revealed a motive for the shooting.

Gunman used former service weapon belonging to mother, a deputy, sheriff says

Sheriff McNeil says the alleged shooter, Phoenix Ikner, had access to a former service weapon that had been used by his mother, a deputy with the Leon County Sheriffs Office for 18 years.

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She has a tremendous job that shes done, her service to this community has been exceptional, McNeil said during a news conference. Unfortunately, her son had access to one of her weapons, and that was one of the weapons that was found at the scene."

McNeil says that as a member of the sheriffs office Youth Advisory Council, Ikner had been engaged in a number of training programs that we have.

So its not a surprise to us that he had access to weapons, McNeil says.

Shooter fired at individuals around student union building, official says

University police chief Jason Trumbower says the shooter opened fire at about 11:50 a.m., shooting individuals around the student union building.

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Trumbower says authorities would not be releasing information about the victims, including whether they were students. But he did confirm the two people who were killed were not students at the university.

Sheriff says alleged shooter was a member of his offices youth advisory council

Leon County Sheriff Walter McNeil revealed the alleged shooters identity and his relation to Deputy Jessica Ikner, who has been with the sheriffs office for over 18 years.

McNeil says the alleged shooter was a long-standing member of the sheriffs offices youth advisory council and engaged in a number of training programs with the office.

This is obviously a heinous crime, McNeil said. We will make sure that we do everything we can to prosecute and make sure that we send a message to folks that this will never be tolerated here in Leon County, and I dare say across the state and across this nation.

Police identify alleged FSU shooter and confirm 2 are dead and 6 were injured

Police officials have confirmed that two people are dead and six were injured in the shooting, including the 20-year-old shooter, who was the son of a Leon County sheriffs deputy.

Police say they believe Phoenix Ikner shot the victims using his parents former service handgun and was a current student at FSU.

Trump says shooting is a shame, but he wont' be advocating for any new gun legislation

Asked about shooting, Trump said its a shame, adding that he knew the school and the area very well.

But Trump suggested that he would not be advocating for any new gun legislation, saying, the gun doesnt do the shooting, the people do.

Speaking to reporters in the Oval Office, Trump called himself a big advocate of the Second Amendment and the right to bear arms.

The shooter was the son of a sheriff's deputy

The shooter is the 20-year-old son of a sheriffs deputy, who obtained access to their parents weapon, the FSU police chief said.

The shooter was engaged in a number of training programs that the agency offered, he added.

2 dead and at least 5 wounded in shooting

FSU Police Chief Jason Trumbower confirmed two deaths from a Florida State University shooting at about noon Thursday.

The two people killed were not students at the university, but the shooter is believed to be a student.

Five people are being treated at Tallahassee Memorial Hospital, and the shooter is also receiving medical attention, he said.

FSU cancels classes through Friday

Florida State University is canceling classes through Friday, which is two weeks before the universitys scheduled commencement ceremony for graduates on May 2 to 3.

The universitys official finals week per its academic calendar is scheduled to start April 28.

University lifts lockdown

FSUs alert system announced shortly after 3 p.m. that law enforcement had neutralized the threat."

Officials are asking students and faculty to avoid the Student Union and several other areas that are still considered an active crime scene. People are otherwise free to move about the campus.

It was a bit of a surreal moment

Jake Nair, a senior at Florida State University, was studying in the library when a police officer dashed out of the building, yelling for everyone to stay in place.

He ran outside with his gun out, Nair said. Not all the students heard him, and some of them ran out the back of the library.

Nair said an alarm in the library then went off and a recorded message warned students to shelter in place because of an active shooter on campus.

Then about five officers came into the library and escorted the students out with their hands up.

I think they just wanted to make sure none of us had a weapon on us, Nair said. To be honest, it was a bit of a surreal moment. Its the kind of thing you only see on the news.

This isn't the first shooting at FSU

For some Florida State University faculty and staffers who have been on campus for the past dozen years, Thursdays events brought back memories of another shooting at the schools main library more than a decade ago.

Three people in 2014 were shot just outside and inside the entrance of Strozier Library in the middle of FSUs campus. Officers who arrived within two minutes of the first call shot and killed the gunman, 31-year-old Myron May.

Three bullets struck 21-year-old student Farhan Ronny Ahmed, including a shot that severely damaged his spine and left him paralyzed from the waist down. The other two victims were library employee Nathan Scott who was shot in the leg and later released from the hospital and a student who was grazed by a bullet.

May, a 2005 FSU graduate and an attorney, reloaded at least once and tried to enter the library, but was blocked by lobby security barriers. Police responded and fired off a barrage of bullets that killed him.

Videos and a journal obtained by police indicate May thought he was being watched and targeted by the government.

Nearby Florida A&M University cancels classes

Florida A&M University, a university minutes away from Florida State University in Tallahassee, announced Thursday afternoon that classes and student activities are canceled for the rest of the day, in response to the shooting.

Employees have the option to work remotely for the rest of the day.

We didnt know  it could get worse, right?

Chris Pento told Tallahassee TV station WCTV that he was on campus Thursday for a tour with his twins and that they were inside the student union getting lunch when they heard gunshots.

It was surreal. And people just started running, he told the TV station.

Pento said he and several others crammed into a service elevator after first encountering locked doors at the end of a hallway.

That was probably the scariest point because we didnt know  it could get worse, right? he said. The doors opened, and two officers were there, guns drawn.

He said the officers asked if theyd seen anything and then pointed them to safety.

Its so hard to believe'

Kai McGalla, an FSU sophomore studying finance and Spanish, was taking a test on Excel spreadsheets at a testing center on campus when he started to hear sirens headed to the student union about a 20-minute walk away. The test proctor told them they were being locked down at the center because of the shooting.

Im in shock, you know, its so hard to believe, McGalla said by phone while still locked down at the testing center. The first thing you think of is just, This cant be true, right?

Florida State cancels all home athletic events through Sunday

The canceled events include three baseball and three softball games.

Its not immediately clear if FSU teams scheduled for road events will also see their games canceled or postponed.

In that moment, it was survival

Ryan Cedergren, a 21-year-old communications student, said he and about 30 others hid in the bowling alley in the lower level of the student union after seeing students running from a nearby bar.

In that moment, it was survival, Cedergren said.

After about 15 minutes of hiding, university police escorted the students out of the union, and Cedergren said he saw a person receiving emergency treatment on the lawn.

Trump has been fully briefed

The president opened his Oval Office meeting with the Italian prime minister with comments on the shooting at Florida State University.

Trump said he had been fully briefed.

Its a horrible thing. Its horrible that things like this take place, he said.

What to know about FSU

Florida State University is one of Floridas 12 public universities, with its main campus located in Tallahassee, where the shooting occurred, just minutes from the state Capitol building. About 44,300 students are enrolled in the university, per the schools 2024 fact sheet.

At least six people have been hospitalized

One person is in critical condition, a spokesperson for Tallahassee Memorial HealthCare said. The other patients are in serious condition, the spokesperson said.

A suspect has been taken into police custody

A suspect has been taken into police custody and multiple victims were reported in a shooting Thursday at Florida State University, a person familiar with the matter told The Associated Press.

The extent of the victims injuries was not immediately known and there were no additional details about the person who was in custody.

The person was not authorized to publicly discuss details of the ongoing investigation and spoke to The AP on condition of anonymity.

By Mike Balsamo

FBI agents are on the scene, officials say

Attorney General Pam Bondi said in a social media post that the Justice Department is in touch with FBI agents who are on the scene.

Our priority is the safety of everyone involved, Bondi wrote on X. We will keep updating as we learn more. Praying for all.

In a social media post, FBI Director Kash Patel said that he and his team had been briefed on the shooting and that agents from the bureaus Jacksonville field office were at the school. We will provide full support to local law enforcement as needed, Patel said. Please keep the FSU community in your prayers.

Governor responds to active shooting

Our prayers are with our FSU family and state law enforcement is actively responding, Gov. Ron DeSantis wrote on X.

Scene on campus

Ambulances, fire trucks and patrol vehicles from multiple law enforcement agencies raced toward the campus after the university issued an active shooter alert midday Thursday, saying police were responding near the student union.

Hundreds of students streamed away from the direction of the student union. Students were glued to their phones, some visibly emotional, while others hugged each other. Dozens gathered near the music school, waiting for news.
LAURENS COUNTY, S.C. (WSPA)  The Laurens County Police Department will be holding a memorial for their dispatch officer that recently passed away.

The memorial will take place from Wednesday, April 16, to Monday, April 21 at the Laurens Police Department. Community members are encouraged to come and share their memories and appreciation of Angie Wallace.

Ms. Angie was the welcoming face youd encounter upon arriving at the Laurens Police Department as the front desk receptionist, shared the department in a media release. She truly was the backbone of the Laurens Police Department.

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Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WSPA 7NEWS.
A new law is designed to fix problems that Channel 2 Action News has exposed over the past year with Georgias professional licensing boards.

More than 1 million Georgians are required to be licensed by those boards to do their jobs.

Channel 2 consumer investigator Justin Gray has been hearing from Georgians frustrated with the process. Now, the legislature has taken action designed to speed up professional licensing.

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In a series of stories stretching back more than a year, Channel 2 Action News Investigates has documented how Georgians have run into big delays and roadblocks trying to obtain or renew their licenses. People like nail technician Pamela Kelly.

My final resort was just going to be driving down to Macon, Georgia, she said.

Hairstylist Chelsea Buffolino also had problems.

TRENDING STORIES:

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They tell you it takes a maximum of 15 business days from application to approval. Its been six months for me, Buffolino said.

In May, Gray reported how the Georgia legislature ordered a joint study committee after concerns the professional licensing boards were dismissive at best and failing to respond.

Georgia Secretary of State Brad Raffensperger told Gray that the result is a new law that gives the licensing division of his office new authority to streamline the process.

If the board doesnt meet soon enough and fast enough, we can administratively issue that license so people can get to work. We think thats really important, Raffensperger said.

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The law also gives the governor new power to remove licensing board members who arent doing the job.

Im a licensed structural engineer, civil engineer, contractor. And so, I get their pain points because I can have these pain points, Raffensperger said.

These new legal changes come after the Secretary of State last year replaced the licensing departments 20-year-old software with a new system.

Obviously I want to get new equipment but also want to work on streamlining regulations and the whole licensing process, Raffensperger said.

The bill also extends the grace period for renewing expired licenses to 45 days.
Zhao Leji, a member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and chairman of the National People's Congress Standing Committee, visits a local household at Yangting Village of Wuheng Township, Anqing City, east China's Anhui Province, April 16, 2025. Zhao made a research and investigation tour to the provinces of Jiangsu and Anhui in east China from Monday to Thursday. (Xinhua/Li Xiang)

HEFEI, April 17 (Xinhua) -- China's top legislator Zhao Leji has stressed the importance of maintaining confidence and composure, and leveraging strength and institutional advantages to fulfill goals set in the 14th Five-Year Plan (2021-2025) and lay a solid foundation for the next five years.

Zhao, chairman of the National People's Congress Standing Committee, made the remarks during his research and investigation tour to the provinces of Jiangsu and Anhui in east China from Monday to Thursday.

Zhao, also a member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, stressed that the people's congresses should contribute to the country's high-quality development and social stability.

He underscored the need to uphold the Party's leadership and unswervingly follow the path of socialist rule of law with Chinese characteristics.

Legislative work should be strengthened and improved to ensure that legal norms are timely updated, comprehensive, orderly interconnected and standardized, so as to support and safeguard reform and development, he said.

Zhao stressed the importance of local legislation's practical, supplementary, and exploratory roles, and called for correct, effective, and law-based supervision to ensure the proper implementation of the Constitution and laws.

Efforts should also be made to raise public awareness and expand orderly public participation to realize whole-process people's democracy, he added. 

Zhao Leji, a member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and chairman of the National People's Congress Standing Committee, visits a local legislators' liaison station at a community in Guangling District, Yangzhou City, east China's Jiangsu Province, April 14, 2025. Zhao made a research and investigation tour to the provinces of Jiangsu and Anhui in east China from Monday to Thursday. (Xinhua/Li Xiang)

Zhao Leji, a member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and chairman of the National People's Congress Standing Committee, visits Yangting Village of Wuheng Township, Anqing City, east China's Anhui Province, April 16, 2025. Zhao made a research and investigation tour to the provinces of Jiangsu and Anhui in east China from Monday to Thursday. (Xinhua/Li Xiang)

Zhao Leji, a member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and chairman of the National People's Congress Standing Committee, visits the Nanjing TICA Climate Solutions Co., Ltd. in Nanjing, east China's Jiangsu Province, April 15, 2025. Zhao made a research and investigation tour to the provinces of Jiangsu and Anhui in east China from Monday to Thursday. (Xinhua/Li Xiang)
ST. LOUIS COUNTY, Mo.  Two new lawsuits have been filed, and five others have been amended against Taylor Farms, a farming foods company accused in a St. Louis County E. coli outbreak that sickened more than 100 people last year.

Attorneys at Marler Clark, Inc., PS announced new and amended lawsuits Thursday against Taylor Farms California, Inc. in Salinas, California. The company manufactures and distributes produce nationwide.

According to Marler Clark, one of the new lawsuits was filed this week in St. Louis County Circuit Court and the other was filed in Indiana. Additionally, the law firm amended five existing lawsuits, four in St. Louis County and one in federal court.

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Last year, St. Louis County health officials reported at least 115 cases and 13 hospitalizations from an E. coli outbreak from November to December. The outbreak has been linked to several catered events, including one attended by students, staff and parents from the Rockwood School District.

At least two people were later diagnosed with hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS), a severe complication of E. coli that can cause kidney failure.

Hijacking suspects sister opens up about brother

According to Marler Clark, seven subclusters of illnesses have been identified between Missouri and 14 other states.

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Because we represent people and families from several states that were WGS matches to each other, it was not long until our on-staff Epidemiologist determined that the common link was that all clients consumed Taylor Farms romaine lettuce in the outbreak period, said William Bill Marler, E. coli attorney, via a news release.

The firm also criticized federal agencies, notably the CDC and FDA, for failing to publicly identify the source of the outbreak, prompting a renewed focus on legal action.

Previous lawsuits have accused Taylor Farms of strict product liability, breach of implied warranty, and negligence, alleging that the company failed to monitor the conditions of their products, follow proper sanitation procedures, and properly train employees on E. coli prevention measures.

The lawsuits contend that affected patients have suffered long-term health complications, incurring significant financial damages like medical expenses, lost wages, and setbacks in future earning potential.

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In response to new and amended lawsuits, a spokesperson from Taylor Farms shared the following statement with FOX 2:

Taylor Farms product WAS NOT the source of the referenced 2024 E. Coli outbreak. We perform extensive raw and finished product testing on all our product and there was no evidence of contamination. Any reporting that connects Taylor Farms products to these heartbreaking illnesses is dangerous, irresponsible and unfair to the impacted families.

Taylor Farms has denied responsibility for the outbreak and the company adds it is considering all legal action to defend itself.

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Another company tied to previous legal proceedings, Andres Banquets and Catering, has shared the following statement with FOX 2 on behalf of owner John Armengol Jr. following the new and amended lawsuits:

There have been two truths since the national E. coli outbreak six months ago: my business should have never been named publicly until the investigation was complete, and my company has been a victim in this ordeal. I appreciate that attorneys handling some cases associated with the outbreak are now acknowledging those truths when talking to the St Louis media. I am pleased to learn those attorneys intend to drop my company from their lawsuits and that federal investigators have concluded my business was not the source of the outbreak. The St. Louis County Health Department was wrong when it went outside its normal procedures and publicly named my company before the investigation was complete. I hope its learned from this mistake and wont subject another business to harm in the future.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX 2.
Apr. 17Federal prosecutors and defense attorneys for a Miami County physician disagree over whether he deserves a prison term for possessing homemade "destructive devices" and failing to register them.

Steven J. Werling, 54, of Concord Twp. outside Troy, pleaded guilty in November to a bill of information in U.S. District Court that he possessed an unregistered firearm, specifically two small plastic cylinders containing a mixture of ammonium nitrate and aluminum.

His sentencing hearing began Wednesday in Judge Michael Newman's courtroom but was extended to a second day sometime in two weeks, when Werling is expected to address the court.

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Attorney Jon Paul Rion, who is representing Werling, said the devices are smaller than two shotgun shells and contain less explosive material.

The purpose of the devices was protective, Rion said, if society were ever to collapse with a breakdown of law and order.

"It was innocent as it relates to the general public," he said.

Brent Tabacchi, an assistant U.S. attorney of the Southern District of Ohio, said the devices Werling made are inherently dangerous, and that no matter how small, they can be destructive.

"This conduct has such a potential to be arbitrary and it is so dangerous it requires a prison sentence," he said.

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The FBI last April seized explosive devices as well as homemade pipes, explosive chemical components, gunpowder and other materials used to make explosive devices from Werling's home in the 1400 block of Barnhart Road, according to court documents.

Prosecutors said a sentencing guideline is between 24 and 30 months, and when pressed by Newman, Tabacchi said his office is seeking 24 months.

Werling had previously been listed in Premier Health's provider directory as a proctologist at Advanced Colon Treatment, with locations in Tipp City and Piqua. He is a doctor of osteopathic medicine.

His license is active but the Ohio Medical Board notes an opportunity for a hearing following his federal conviction.

Werling was prominently involved in anti-vaccine activism during the COVID pandemic. In 2022, he was one of four people on a committee linked to a proposed Ohio constitutional amendment called "Medical Right to Refuse," according to documents on the Ohio Attorney General's Office website.
The Harvard T. H. Chan School of Public Health is facing a significant budget crisis resulting in layoffs and the non-renewal of two building leases, according to the institution.

The budget crisis is due to federal funding freezes, terminations of research grants and threats to international student enrollment, according to spokesperson Stephanie Simon.

School leadership is working with department chairs and administrative directors to identify strategic priorities and make sustainable budget cuts. We are working to minimize the impact on our outstanding workforce while protecting the heart of our research and educational missions, Simon said.

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Simon declined to elaborate about how many layoffs have occurred or when they began.

Read more: 200 jobs affected at UMass Chan in Worcester due to Trump cuts

However, she stated that the layoffs are primarily a result of existing grants being terminated or having new grant applications or renewals stuck in limbo for extended periods because of slowdowns at the National Institutes of Health.

Federal funding makes up 46% of Harvard Chan Schools budget, she said.

The public health school has received three stop-work orders and anticipates more, according to Simon. The faculty has also had 19 grants terminated over the past few months from NIH, USAID, Social Security Administration and the Department of Homeland Security.

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The research projects include a $60 million contract for tuberculosis research and smaller grants to support research on breast cancer tumor sequencing and the relationship between coffee intake and cancer.

The difficulties at Harvard come after the Trump administration sent a letter to Harvard detailing a list of demands the institution would have to comply with to avoid having its $9 billion in federal funding to the school and its affiliates cancelled.

The institution refused to comply this week, resulting in the U.S. Department of Education stating that it would immediately freeze $2.2 billion in multi-year grant and $60 million in multi-year contract value to the school.

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Simon said the layoffs at the public health school are due to federal funding freezes unrelated to the freeze announced this week.

The government has also threatened to revoke Harvards tax-exempt status and the Department of Homeland Security is requiring the institution to submit detailed records of foreign students visa holders illegal and violent activities before the end of the month or face the immediate loss of Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP) certification.

If Harvard doesnt comply, the university will lose the privilege of enrolling foreign students, according to Department of Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem.

Forty percent of the student body is international at Harvard.
WASHINGTON (AP)  President Donald Trump is drastically shrinking the workforce and mission of the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, eviscerating an agency created after the Great Recession with the goal of protecting Americans from fraud, abuse and deceptive practices.

The plan, which is being challenged by an employee union, is the latest step in an extraordinary reshaping of the federal government. Conservatives and businesses have often chafed at the agency's oversight and investigations, and Elon Musk made it a top target of his Department of Government Efficiency.

Roughly 1,500 employees are slated to be cut, leaving around 200 people, according to an administration official who wasn't authorized to disclose the figure publicly and spoke on condition of anonymity. Fox Business first reported the number of layoffs.

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Employees started receiving layoff notices on Thursday. Their access to agency systems, including email, ends on Friday evening.

"The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau identified your position being eliminated and your employment is subject to termination in accordance with reduction-in-force (RIF) procedures," the emails said.

The Trump administration's plans have been the subject of a legal battle. A federal judge initially blocked what she described as a hurried effort to dismantle and disable the agency."

However, an appeals court said Friday that layoff notices could be sent to employees whom defendants have determined, after a particularized assessment, to be unnecessary to the performance of defendants statutory duties.

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On Thursday, the National Treasury Employees Union asked a federal judge to step in by arguing that officials were violating the order.

It is unfathomable that cutting the Bureaus staff by 90 percent in just 24 hours, with no notice to people to prepare for that elimination, would not interfere with the performance of its statutory duties, to say nothing of the implausibility of the defendants having made a 'particularized assessment' of each employees role in the three-and-a-half business days since the court of appeals imposed that requirement, the union wrote.

Mark Paoletta, the chief legal officer for the agency, sent a message to employees on Wednesday describing the CFPBs reduced mission.

To focus on tangible harms to consumers, the Bureau will shift resources away from enforcement and supervision that can be done by the States, he wrote.

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Problems with mortgages will be the top priority, while issues involving medical debt, student loans and digital payments will receive less attention, according to Paoletta.

The change in focus could benefit Musks efforts to offer financial services through X, his social media company. He has long wanted to allow users to make peer-to-peer payments using his platform, and he announced in January that X would be working with Visa.

Such services will now be a lower priority for the CFPB.

Sen. Elizabeth Warren, a Massachusetts Democrat who helped create the CFPB, said in a statement that Trump was preventing the agency from doing its job of helping Americans who get scammed by big banks and giant corporations.

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She described his plans as "yet another assault on consumers and our democracy by this lawless administration, and we will fight back with everything weve got.

The CFPB was formed in 2010, two years after the financial crisis and subprime mortgage-lending scandal. Officials said that it has obtained nearly $20 billion in financial relief for U.S. consumers since its founding in the form of canceled debts, compensation and reduced loans.

___
EL PASO, Texas (KTSM)  Las Cruces Public Schools announced the finalists for its 2026 Campus Employees of the Year on Thursday, April 3.

According to the school district, there are three categories: Teacher of the Year, Education Support Personnel of the Year and Principal of the Year.

Las Cruces Public Schools honors three educators who exemplify the passion and commitment found in the classroom throughout the district, the news release said.

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The following individuals are finalists for the Teacher of the Year:

Kimberly Kaime, Picacho Middle School

Nancy Orta, East Picacho Elementary

Shawn Silva, Organ Mountain High School

According to LCPS, the finalists for the Educational Support Personnel are individuals who provide one-on-one instruction, maintain safe and efficient campuses and support the daily needs of students and staff.

The following individuals are finalists for Educational Support Personnel of the Year:

Sylvia Laborin, Zia Middle School

Elizabeth Saenz, Centennial High School

Alvaro Rivera-Parra, LCPS Physical Plant

In addition to staff and educators, Las Cruces Public Schools is also highlighting principals who dedication fosters academic excellence and a thriving school culture.

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The following individuals are finalists for Principal of the Year:

Diane Barela, East Picacho Elementary

Cherie Love, Dona Ana Elementary

Yong Vega, Sierra Middle School

The winners of each category will be announced on Thursday, April 25, during a special celebration at the New Mexico Farm and Ranch Heritage Museum, located at 4100 Dripping Springs Rd.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
Idaho legislative leadership pose in a photo with the governor to celebrate signing House Bill 83 into law. From left to right stand Idaho State Police Lt. Colonel Fritz Zweigart, Rep. Jaron Crane, R-Nampa; House Speaker Mike Moyle, R-Star; Idaho Gov. Brad Little, Senate Pro Tem Kelly Anthon, R-Burley; and Sen. Todd Lakey, R-Nampa. (Courtesy of the Idaho Office of the Governor)

In February 2024, Rep. Jordan Redman, R-Coeur dAlene, introduced a bill to prevent unauthorized immigrants from accessing publicly-funded assistance  requiring state agencies to verify immigration status for services like vaccines, prenatal and postnatal care, and food aid for children.

His bill was met with bipartisan concerns that it would hurt pregnant women, mothers and their children who dont have proper immigration paperwork alike. That group of legislators voted to hold the bill in the committee, effectively killing the bill for the remainder of the 2024 legislative session.

Rep. Jordan Redman, R-Coeur dAlene, on the Idaho House floor on March 25, 2024. (Kyle Pfannenstiel/Idaho Capital Sun)

However, Redman brought the bill back in 2025  this time as House Bill 135. It passed both legislative chambers by a wide margin, and Idaho Gov. Brad Little signed it into law on April 3. It is set to take effect July 1.

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Driven by the Trump administrations crackdown on immigration, Idaho lawmakers have reintroduced and advanced a wave of immigration-related bills this year. Among them is House Bill 135  one of two bills revived in 2025 that gained enough support to pass, contributing to at least seven immigration-focused bills introduced this year.

Dr. Noreen Womack, a pediatrician at St. Lukes, said she believes House Bill 135 will significantly impact health care for children who come to the U.S. without proper immigration paperwork. Immunization rates are already low in Idaho, and she said this bill would exacerbate that.

Children are completely blameless in this, she said, noting that she serves many youth who do not have legal permission to be in the U.S. It was not their decision to come here.

Womacks concerns reflect similar concerns around Idahos 2025 wave of immigration-related bills. In addition to House Bill 135, here is a rundown of the bills focused on regulating immigration in the Gem State, and where each bill stands after the Idaho Legislatures 2025 session.

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Idaho governor says causing fear would be counterintuitive to purpose of House Bill 83

House Bill 83, another revived bill, was signed into law this year.

It creates new crimes called illegal entry and illegal reentry. Law enforcement would only be able to convict someone of those crimes if they are suspected for a separate crime. It also creates the crime of trafficking a dangerous illegal alien. The bill was signed into law by the governor on March 27, but a lawsuit from the ACLU of Idaho has temporarily blocked it from taking effect.

In a press conference with reporters and legislative leadership on March 31, Little said the focus of the bill is to help the Trump administration deliver its immigration goals, while also focusing on targeting criminals.

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House Speaker Mike Moyle, R-Star, said the legislation is a step in the right direction.

Were talking about individuals that are here illegally, not supposed to be here in the first place, and then they break the law, Moyle said at the conference. This now gives us an opportunity to work more with the feds, and it gives us an opportunity to take the worst of the worst that are in this country illegally and send them back to where they came from and keep our community safe.

But opponents of the bill say the law would cause fear and discourage unauthorized immigrants in Idaho from reporting crimes theyve witnessed or are experiencing.

That would be counterintuitive to the intent if we made people fearful, Little said in response to those concerns. Our goal is to keep everybody here safe, and thats what this piece of legislation is.

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Idaho State Police Lt. Colonel Fritz Zweigart reinforced the idea that the bill is focused on targeting criminals.

We are going to focus on the crime thats reported, not necessarily whos reporting the crime, unless theyre of course involved in the criminal activity, Zweigart said at the press conference.

Still, domestic violence advocates in Idaho say these laws will prevent immigrant victims from seeking help.

What youre going to see is reporting is going to go down because they dont want to be in trouble for reporting a crime if they do not have papers, Teena McBride, the executive director of the Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault Center in Idaho Falls, told the Sun. And what you start to see is that the intensity of the violence is going to increase.

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Angelica Soto, director of client care at Voices Against Violence in Twin Falls, said she has noticed growing fear among immigrant clients seeking appointments, support groups, or services like food boxes and personal care items.

We have to get creative in some way with the clients that dont feel safe coming in person, Soto told the Sun.

Bills introduced, but not passed in Idaho Legislature

The following is a list of bills introduced during the session that either failed to receive a hearing or were held in committee and did not advance.

Harboring unauthorized immigrants

House Bill 335 would have made it a misdemeanor or a felony, depending on how many people are involved, to help, hide or transport unauthorized immigrants.

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Sponsor: Rep. Dale Hawkins, R-Fernwood

Status: Held in committee on March 5

Collecting students immigration status

House Bill 382 would have added immigration status and nationality to the demographic data collected by Idaho public schools, ranging from K-12 schools, higher education institutions and public career technical schools. It would have required the data to be available on the state department of educations website.

Sponsors: Rep. Steve Tanner, R-Nampa; Rep. Dale Hawkins, R-Fernwood

Status: It did not receive a committee hearing. Sponsors pulled the bill from the agenda the day it was set to receive a hearing because it lacked support, KTVB reported.

E-Verify requirements

House Bill 252 would have required all Idaho employers to use E-Verify, a program meant to check a persons legal work status.

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Sponsor: Rep. Jordan Redman, R-Coeur dAlene

Status: Introduced, did not receive a hearing

State guest worker program

House Bill 297 would have created a year-round guest worker program managed by the state.

Sponsors: Rep. Britt Raybould, R-Rexburg; Rep. Jaron Crane, R-Nampa

Status: Introduced, did not receive a hearing

No voting for non-citizens

House Bill 94 would have required that only citizens vote in federal, state, local and public elections in Idaho. (Non-U.S. citizens are already not allowed to vote in nearly all U.S. elections, but some places outside of Idaho allow non-U.S. citizens to vote in local elections.)

Sponsors: Rep. Jaron Crane, R-Nampa

Status: Introduced, did not receive a hearing

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LEBANON, Tenn. (WKRN)  One city in Wilson County has launched a new initiative to help small businesses.

Mayor Rick Bell announced plans to give small businesses grants through a new city loan initiative. Lebanon City Council allocated $50,000 for economic development in the 2024-2025 fiscal year. The goal of the grant initiative is to encourage enhancing the aesthetics of the Citys Commercial District, which includes areas like the historic district, downtown, Main Street and areas along Highways 231 North and 231 South.

VIDEO: Sams Club expanding to Lebanon

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The grant initiative is spearheaded by the Industrial Development Board, which oversees and manages incentives to help Lebanon attract businesses. IDB Chair Jessica Fain will lead the Local Grant Initiative efforts. Fain said small businesses in Lebanon will benefit from revitalization efforts offered by this grant.

The grant announcement comes after some local business owners and city council leaders pushed for financial efforts to support local businesses.

Neighborhood News: Stories impacting your community | Read More

The Lebanon City Industrial Development Board will award grants in June.

Small business owners interested in applying must complete a Local Grant Initiative Application. All applications are due by Thursday, May 1, 2025. If you have any questions about the application process, you can call Economic and Community Development Director Sarah Haston at 615-443-2839 ext. 2122.

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Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WKRN News 2.
BEIRUT (AP)  The Lebanese military said it has detained a group of people linked to firing rockets into Israel last month.

The army said in a statement late Wednesday that those detained included a number of Palestinians who were involved in firing rockets in two separate attacks toward Israel in late March that triggered intense Israeli airstrikes on parts of Lebanon. Lebanons Hezbollah group denied at the time it was behind the firing of rockets.

Since the Israel-Hezbollah ceasefire in late November ended their 14-month conflict, Israel has carried out almost daily airstrikes that left dozens of civilians and Hezbollah members dead.

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The army said that a vehicle and other equipment used in the rockets attacks were confiscated and the detainees were referred to judicial authorities. The army said it had carried out raids in different parts of Lebanon to detain the suspects without giving further details.

On Thursday, the state-run National News Agency reported that Gen. Rodolph Haikal briefed a weekly cabinet meeting about the security situation along the border and the ongoing implementation of the U.N. Security Council resolution that ended the 14-month Israel-Hezbollah war.

Three security and one judicial officials told The Associated Press that four Palestinians linked to the Hamas group are being questioned.

A Hamas official told the AP that several members of the group were detained in Lebanon recently and released shortly afterward adding that they were not involved in firing rockets into Israel. He said in one case authorities detained a Hamas member who was carrying an unlicensed pistol.

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All officials spoke on condition of anonymity because they were not authorized to speak to the media.

Hezbollah started launching attacks on Israel a day after the Israel-Hamas war erupted on Oct. 7, 2023, with the Palestinian militants attack on southern Israel. The war that left more than 4,000 people dead in Lebanon and caused wide destruction ended in late November with a U.S.-brokered ceasefire.

On Tuesday, the office of the U.N. high commissioner for human rights said that at least 71 civilians, including 14 women and nine children, have been killed by Israeli strikes in Lebanon since a ceasefire took effect.

Lebanese Information Minister Paul Morcos said Thursday in a press conference following a cabinet meeting that Lebanon has recorded 2,740 Israeli violations of the ceasefire and that 190 people have been killed and 485 injured in Lebanon by Israeli strikes since the ceasefire began. He did not specify how many were civilians.

Israel has said that its strikes in Lebanon are in response to ceasefire violations by Hezbollah and to prevent the group from rearming.
People walk at the departure hall of a new terminal at Urumqi Tianshan International Airport in Urumqi, northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, April 15, 2025. A new terminal at Urumqi Tianshan International Airport in northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region began trial operations on Thursday, marking a major step in expanding regional air capacity.

The terminal is a key part of the airport's expansion project that started in 2019. With the upgrade, the annual passenger and cargo handling capacity has more than tripled for the airport, formerly known as Urumqi Diwopu International Airport, an air hub for China's westward opening up, according to Xinjiang Airport Group Co., Ltd.

With the completion of the expansion project, the airport now features three runways, up from one, and can accommodate up to 48 million passengers and 550,000 tonnes of cargo annually. It is now capable of supporting nearly 367,000 aircraft takeoffs and landings per year. (Xinhua/Wang Fei)

URUMQI, April 17 (Xinhua) -- A new terminal at Urumqi Tianshan International Airport in northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region began trial operations on Thursday, marking a major step in expanding regional air capacity.

The terminal is a key part of the airport's expansion project that started in 2019. With the upgrade, the annual passenger and cargo handling capacity has more than tripled for the airport, formerly known as Urumqi Diwopu International Airport, an air hub for China's westward opening up, according to Xinjiang Airport Group Co., Ltd.

With the completion of the expansion project, the airport now features three runways, up from one, and can accommodate up to 48 million passengers and 550,000 tonnes of cargo annually. It is now capable of supporting nearly 367,000 aircraft takeoffs and landings per year.

With the new terminal, the Urumqi airport will deliver higher-quality, more efficient air transport services and play a greater role in expanding high-level opening up and boosting regional economic and social development, according to the Civil Aviation Administration of China (CAAC).

First established in 1939, the airport has undergone four major expansions, with the latest upgrade completed this year.

According to the CAAC, the central government has allocated over 12 billion yuan (approximately 1.66 billion U.S. dollars) from the civil aviation development fund to support the airport's long-term growth. An additional 3 billion yuan from the central budget has also been invested to improve the airport.

With its expanded capacity and enhanced connectivity, the airport evolves from a regional gateway into a bridge linking China with central and western Asia.

Yang Fuqiang, director of the Institute of Sociology at the Xinjiang Academy of Social Sciences, said that the expansion is not just a simple infrastructure upgrade. Instead, it will bring more opportunities and possibilities for Xinjiang's regional economic development, and for international cooperation.

Ibrogimov Anvarshukur, president of the Uzbekistan-China Xinjiang Friendship Association, said that his first impression of the new terminal is that it is "absolutely breathtaking," and that the upgrade is more than just an architectural achievement.

He echoed Yang's sentiments and noted that the launch of the terminal paves the way for broader regional economic development and deeper international cooperation, and opens new horizons for trade and cultural exchanges between Uzbekistan and China.

The airport now operates 207 regular domestic passenger routes connecting China's major cities, and 26 international routes to destinations in Central Asia, Western Asia and Europe. In 2024 alone, the airport launched passenger and cargo routes to 22 regions in 16 countries.

According to Urumqi Customs, the city's foreign trade totaled 13.15 billion yuan in the first two months of this year -- a 21.2 percent year-on-year increase.

Among the more notable imports were fresh cherries from Central Asia, which can now arrive in Urumqi within two hours, as well as camel milk, apparel and footwear.

For many, this transportation efficiency brought by the Belt and Road Initiative and the development of the airport has been a game-changer.

Kazakh businesswoman Gulshara Bektembayeva, who moved to Xinjiang with her family in 2019 to engage in food trade, is one such beneficiary. "It's now much faster to ship goods and visit family. We're excited for more direct flights in the future."

"The development of the Urumqi Tianshan International Airport has helped transform the city from a landlocked hinterland into a rising frontier of opening up," said He Mingxing, a scholar at Xinjiang University. 

This stitched photo taken on April 15, 2025 shows a new terminal at Urumqi Tianshan International Airport in Urumqi, northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region. A new terminal at Urumqi Tianshan International Airport in northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region began trial operations on Thursday, marking a major step in expanding regional air capacity.(Xinhua/Xu Hongyan)

Passengers and staff members of airlines pose for photos at the waiting hall of a new terminal at Urumqi Tianshan International Airport in Urumqi, northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, April 17, 2025. A new terminal at Urumqi Tianshan International Airport in northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region began trial operations on Thursday, marking a major step in expanding regional air capacity.(Xinhua/Wang Fei)

An airplane bound for Guangzhou of Guangdong Province takes off at Urumqi Tianshan International Airport in Urumqi, northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, April 17, 2025. A new terminal at Urumqi Tianshan International Airport in northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region began trial operations on Thursday, marking a major step in expanding regional air capacity.(Xinhua/Xu Hongyan)

Passengers check in at a new terminal at Urumqi Tianshan International Airport in Urumqi, northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, April 17, 2025. A new terminal at Urumqi Tianshan International Airport in northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region began trial operations on Thursday, marking a major step in expanding regional air capacity.(Xinhua/Wang Fei)

People are seen at a new terminal at Urumqi Tianshan International Airport in Urumqi, northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, April 17, 2025. A new terminal at Urumqi Tianshan International Airport in northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region began trial operations on Thursday, marking a major step in expanding regional air capacity.(Xinhua/Xin Yuewei)

This photo taken on April 15, 2025 shows a new terminal at Urumqi Tianshan International Airport in Urumqi, northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region. A new terminal at Urumqi Tianshan International Airport in northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region began trial operations on Thursday, marking a major step in expanding regional air capacity.(Xinhua/Wang Fei)

A passenger checks in at a new terminal at Urumqi Tianshan International Airport in Urumqi, northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, April 17, 2025. A new terminal at Urumqi Tianshan International Airport in northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region began trial operations on Thursday, marking a major step in expanding regional air capacity.(Xinhua/Wang Fei)

This photo taken on April 17, 2025 shows the Urumqi Tianshan International Airport in Urumqi, northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region. A new terminal at Urumqi Tianshan International Airport in northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region began trial operations on Thursday, marking a major step in expanding regional air capacity.(Xinhua/Xin Yuewei)

Passengers take photos outside a new terminal at Urumqi Tianshan International Airport in Urumqi, northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, April 17, 2025. A new terminal at Urumqi Tianshan International Airport in northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region began trial operations on Thursday, marking a major step in expanding regional air capacity.(Xinhua/Xin Yuewei)

This photo taken on April 15, 2025 shows a new terminal at Urumqi Tianshan International Airport in Urumqi, northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region. A new terminal at Urumqi Tianshan International Airport in northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region began trial operations on Thursday, marking a major step in expanding regional air capacity.(Xinhua/Xu Hongyan)

A staff member helps a passenger check in at a new terminal at Urumqi Tianshan International Airport in Urumqi, northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, April 17, 2025. A new terminal at Urumqi Tianshan International Airport in northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region began trial operations on Thursday, marking a major step in expanding regional air capacity.(Xinhua/Wang Fei)

Engineers conduct inspection of an airplane at Urumqi Tianshan International Airport in Urumqi, northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, April 17, 2025. A new terminal at Urumqi Tianshan International Airport in northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region began trial operations on Thursday, marking a major step in expanding regional air capacity.(Photo by Xu Rui/Xinhua)

Passengers are seen at the departure hall of a new terminal at Urumqi Tianshan International Airport in Urumqi, northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, April 17, 2025. A new terminal at Urumqi Tianshan International Airport in northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region began trial operations on Thursday, marking a major step in expanding regional air capacity.(Xinhua/Wang Fei)

An airplane bound for Guangzhou of Guangdong Province takes off at Urumqi Tianshan International Airport in Urumqi, northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, April 17, 2025. A new terminal at Urumqi Tianshan International Airport in northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region began trial operations on Thursday, marking a major step in expanding regional air capacity.(Xinhua/Xin Yuewei)

A passenger goes through exit formalities at a new terminal at Urumqi Tianshan International Airport in Urumqi, northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, April 17, 2025. A new terminal at Urumqi Tianshan International Airport in northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region began trial operations on Thursday, marking a major step in expanding regional air capacity.(Xinhua/Xin Yuewei)

A passenger goes through entry formalities at a new terminal at Urumqi Tianshan International Airport in Urumqi, northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, April 17, 2025. A new terminal at Urumqi Tianshan International Airport in northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region began trial operations on Thursday, marking a major step in expanding regional air capacity.(Photo by Xu Rui/Xinhua)
LEBANON, Tenn. (WKRN)  The city of Lebanon has officially approved plans for a new museum in town that will highlight Tennessees aviation history.

The Lebanon City Council voted to approve the museum at its Tuesday, April 15, meeting.

NEIGHBORHOOD NEWS: Spring Hills Adopt-A-Street program keeps city clean

According to the city, the state-of-the-art facility will be located near Lebanons Municipal Airport, which has grown significantly in recent years. Currently, the airport sees about 60,000 flights per year.

(Courtesy: City of Lebanon)

Lebanon Mayor Rick Bell told News 2 previously the museum would highlight the airports growth as well as aviation history in Tennessee.

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Plans for the museum will reportedly include an aviation hall of fame and a banquet hall.

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The city council approved the zoning for the museum location. Now the planning commission needs to sign off before construction can begin.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
LEBANON, Tenn. (WKRN)  Lebanon officers recovered a vehicle that had been reported stolen Tuesday night.

Lebanon green lights new aviation museum

Lebanon Police & Fire Dispatch had received a tip from the Cookeville Police Department about a Honda Element that had been reported stolen out of Cookeville. Officers eventually found the vehicle at a gas station along Sparta Pike.

(Courtesy: Lebanon Police Department)

CRIME TRACKER | Read the latest crime-related reports from across Middle Tennessee

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The driver, a 45-year-old Mt. Juliet man, was arrested and charged with possession of a stolen vehicle. Additionally, he was charged with driving without a license and driving under the influence.

Were grateful for the swift and dedicated efforts of our officers in locating the suspect! a social media post announcing the arrest reads, in part.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
Iowa lawmakers advanced a bill to regulate anaerobic digesters on animal feeding operations. (Photo by Lance Cheung/USDA)

A bill advanced from the Iowa House Thursday that would regulate anaerobic digesters, or systems that break down organic material in an oxygen-deprived system to produce usable biogas and fertilizer, at animal feeding operations.

House File 989 would task the Iowa Department of Natural Resources with regulating the construction, expansion, placement and operation of anaerobic digesters and associated structures that hold manure feedstocks at animal feeding operations.

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The bill describes anaerobic digestion in three steps. First the feedstock, both liquid and dry animal waste, is stored. Next, the feedstock is digested in a structure specifically designed for anaerobic digestion. As the material is broken in the digester, the bio gas is extracted. The final step takes the leftover material, called the digestate, and either stores it or applies it as organic material to farmland.

Rep. Mike Sexton, R-Rockwell City, said the bill draws a distinct line between animal feeding operations and anaerobic digesters so the two can be enforced properly.

Sexton said under current regulations, any compliance issues that happen with an anaerobic digester are put on the livestock operation because the digesters dont have their own licenses with the state.

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Under the bill, operators would have to apply for a construction permit from DNR before building an anaerobic digester, or any of the related storage structures. This permit would require information on things like construction, size, operators and how the digestate would be applied.

The bill states anaerobic digesters must comply with separation distances for clean air regulations and follow the same water quality separation distances put on animal feeding operations. The bill lists civil penalties for operations that do not comply with these regulations.

According to data from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Iowa has fewer than 10 anaerobic digesters on livestock operations  most are at dairies.

Rep. Lindsay James, D-Dubuque, spoke in support of the bill, but said she hopes for more conversation moving forward on the impacts to the environment and health.

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There (are) remaining environmental concerns, theres health concerns around this technology, and I believe that there should be a lot more robust conversation going forward, James said.

An article from the Iowa Chapter of the Sierra Club called the Iowa bill a bandaid on a bigger problem with the agricultural industry. The environmental group, which registered against HF 989, said the bill does not provide adequate separation distances from houses and other structures and will encourage animal feeding operations to expand.

Sexton said he does not believe the regulations will inspire more concentrated animal feeding operations, or CAFOs, to be built in Iowa because theres just not that much money in farming right now.

These anaerobic digesters are going to get built on existing animal feeding operations, Sexton said.

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Anaerobic digestion can generate renewable energy from other feedstocks, including things like food waste. Sexton has also worked on an additional bill, House File 987, that would create regulations for community anaerobic digester systems that use organic material other than animal manure.

Sexton said his amendment to HF 989, which passed, brought the language in line with the other digester bill.

PFAS amendment

Rep. Monica Kurth, D-Davenport, filed an amendment to the bill that would require testing the materials in the digester structure for perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl, commonly known as PFAS, substances.

They are everywhere, and they are aptly named forever chemicals because they dont break down, they dont go away, Kurth said.

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Kurth said the amendment would prevent digestate with high levels of PFAS from being applied to the land.

The amendment is similar to House File 723, which required water treatment plants to test sewage sludge for PFAS, and notify landowners of the results before the sludge was applied as fertilizer. HF 723 did not advance ahead of the legislative funnel deadlines.

Sexton urged the body to reject the amendment and said DNR would have opportunities to write additional rules on such matters.

I appreciate the amendment, but Iowas farmers are very concerned about what they put on their farm ground, Sexton said. Theyre the ones that have to live there. Theyre the ones that have their livestock on that ground.

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Kurths amendment failed, 59-32.

Rep. J.D. Scholten, D-Sioux City, said he had several concerns with what he perceived as loopholes in the bill, but said he appreciated the efforts on HF 989, especially in comparison to the anaerobic digestion policy in the governors energy bill, that he said was very concerning.

The bill will advance to the Senate, and Sexton said he hopes to see the community digester bill advancing soon.

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The main stairway to the third floor of the Montana Capitol building is seen on Wednesday, February 12, 2025. (Nathaniel Bailey for the Daily Montanan)

Only a handful of us who served in the legislature under the old 1889 Montana Constitution still survive. That constitution reflected the dominant power of the copper mining industry when Montana achieved statehood. It was also ridiculously verbose and prescriptive, and by the late 1960s a consensus had developed that the time had come for our 1889 Constitution to be replaced. Among the peoples major concerns was the secrecy by which laws were made within the Legislature.

It was 1971 when, at 23, I took my seat in the Montana House of Representatives  the youngest member. The House chamber was overwhelming in its grandeur. What I didnt know then was that what went on in that grand place was far less grand than its setting.

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Legislative bodies are organized around committees. One of my earliest experiences in a Montana Legislative committee was having the committee chair excuse all nonmembers from the committee room except two gentlemen whom I soon learned were lobbyists. They were hired by a special interest to protect that interests affairs in the legislative process. Behind those doors, closed to citizens, these selected lobbyists freely interacted with committee members as they voted on the bills before the committee. With no experience, I simply assumed this was fine. Certainly, as the legislatures greenest newbie, I wasnt going to question it.

Fortunately, a few legislators were starting openly do so. One, was Flathead Representative James E. Murphy. Murphy had served in the Missouri legislature before relocating to Montana after World War II. He led the Montana House Judiciary Committee and was also Montanas representative on the Republican National Committee. I greatly admired Jim Murphy.

Murphy thought the 1889 Constitution was far outdated and needed to be replaced. A prime example of what needed changing was my first experiences with the publics lack of access to legislative decision-making and the open role of lobbyists in orchestrating law-making decisions behind closed doors.

Well, the committee procedure I witnessed in the 1971 legislative session could not happen in the Montana legislature of today, thanks to Montanas 1972 Constitution. It requires legislative meetings as well as other government meetings to be open to the public. No longer can lobbyists, but not the public, be allowed to meet with and impact decisions of committees behind closed doors.

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Under the 1889 Constitution, legislation was routinely passed or killed by either the Montana House or Senate, with few recorded votes and no way for the folks at home to really know how their legislators had voted. Since 1972 they always can. It is constitutionally required.

Once in 1971, we house members were startled by a camera flash from the back balcony of the chamber. A photographer had taken a picture of the voting board of a vote that the 1889 Constitution allowed to be non-recorded, off the record, even though that vote essentially determined the outcome of an important bill. The Speaker immediately called for the Sergeant-at-Arms to apprehend the photographers film. But the photographer was too fast and escaped, film intact, from the capitol building. When the state papers carried the picture of the voting board the following day, the votes of all legislators on that bill were revealed.

Such a dramatic act to inform the people is not needed now, thanks to the 1972 Constitution, which stipulates that any vote in the House or Senate, including committees, that could result in a bill being passed or killed must be publicly recorded.

These true-life examples directly show how much more open to the people the Montana legislature is since the adoption of our 1972 Constitution.

Bob Brown is a retired Whitefish history teacher who also serves as a Board Member of Friends of the Montana Constitution. A member of the Montana Legislature for nearly 30 years, he was also Senate President, Montana Secretary of State and Candidate for Governor. Bob also served on the Board of Trustees for the Montana Historical Society. This column on the Montana Constitution produced for this publication by the Friends organization.
SPARTANBURG COUNTY, S.C. (WSPA)Bowens Landing in Inman welcomes you to park your boat outside and come inside for steak & seafood.

Tim and Stephanie Burton worked at the beach for years at their familys property management company. One day, Stephanie decided it might be fun to go into the restaurant business.

Tim said he and his wife, Stephanie, decided to run a restaurant in Tybee Island and carry on their seafood tradition with a place in Edisto Beach.

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They came up to the Upstate to take over Bowens Landing about 19 years ago.

Bowens Landing scallops Bowens Landing shrimp dip Bowens Landing Chilean sea bass

Tim Burton says hes grateful to Steve Bruce, who opened Bowens Landing in June 2013 with his wife, Delores. Burton said Bruce was previously the president of Fays Cafe and continues to help the couple run the restaurant.

Enjoy steak and seafood dishes like Chilean sea bass, scallops and shrimp dip. Guests can also eat at their community table in the middle of their dining room to meet a new friend or share an appetizer.

Visit the restaurant for dinner Tuesday through Thursday, from 4 p.m. to 9 p.m. and Friday and Saturday from 4 p.m. to 9:30 p.m.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WSPA 7NEWS.
OMAHA, Neb. (KCAU)  The Lewis & Clark Visitor Center at Gavins Point Dam will temporarily have reduced hours as the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) puts numerous closures and service reductions into effect.

The USACEs Omaha District announced Wednesday that the visitor center, located in Crofton, Nebraska, will only be open from Wednesday through Saturday beginning May 1. During the warm season, it is usually open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. seven days a week.

Iowa state universities propose tuition increases for all students

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The Lewis & Clark Visitor Center is just one of many recreation area services in Nebraska, South Dakota, North Dakota and Montana that will be closed or reduced starting next month. As reasons for the changes, the USACE cited seasonal staffing and resource limitations, along with safety concerns as a result of these limitations.

We understand these closures may disrupt plans, and we sincerely appreciate the publics flexibility as we take the necessary steps to provide safe and sustainable recreation experiences this summer, Col. Robert J. Newbauer, USACE Omaha District commander, said in a statement.

For a full list of affected services, 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 SiouxlandProud | Sioux City, IA | News, Weather, and Sports.
Even though most schools are on spring break this week, that didnt stop the JET24/FOX66 Loving Giving Local team from making a stop at a local charter school.

The R.B. Wiley Community Charter School was the recipient of this weeks Loving Giving Local donation from Auto Express Resale Center.

The school has two locations, with most students attending class in the former Hammermill Paper Company research and development building.

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The Wiley charter school has been a part of Eries educational landscape 27 years, founded by the late R. Benjamin Wiley, long-time executive director of GECAC.

We serve as a school choice here in the city of Erie. About 550 students grades K-8 come to our charter school every year. We look to produce the best students we can so they can be successful in their life, said Joe Cintron, charter school director of operations and HR manager.

Good things happen at the Wiley Community Charter school. Several teachers have been honored with the JET 24 PennWest University Golden Apple award.

Since going to this school is a choice, what makes this place different?

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According to Cintron, We love the children that come in but we also support families as well. So, we try to do a humanitarian kind of effort and the way we treat our children and families, so when they come here, theyre not just part of a school but part of our family.

While classrooms are empty this week due to spring break, when students in grades K-2 return, theyre going to learn theyll benefit from this weeks Loving Giving Local donation. Were looking to use it for incentives for our K-2nd students for literacy and math, Cintron said. So, were going to give them some assessments, and if they do well, were going to give them some incentives for that.

After presenting a check for $250, Joe Askins of Auto Express Resale Center said, well this is a community charter school so for us to be able to bring loving giving local here today and to learn the donation we bring is going to go to an incentive program for K-2 grade, thats what Loving Giving Local is all about and were proud to be here today.

To learn more about the R-B Wiley Community Charter School, click here.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WJET/WFXP/YourErie.com.
As a former librarian, Im against House Bill 3225, by Rep. Daniel Alders, R-Tyler, which would require public libraries to move any sexually explicit material from the young adult section to the adult area and to bar patrons under the age of 18 from the adult section. To be clear, by adult, we dont mean X-rated  just the general section of the library from which many older teens like to browse and select books.

Public libraries are a treasured institution. They are free and accessible to all, and they operate on individual, voluntary choice. I could argue how subjective the rating of books for sexual material is, but the text of the bill already proves my point. HB 3225 states: This section does not apply to religious materials.

The bill acknowledges that labeling books as sexually explicit because of certain images, scenes or words taken out of the context could be used to ban the Bible. Yes, The Song of Solomon would be flagged in an AI search of sexual organs.

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The possibility that many worthy books could be suddenly off limits to minors is precisely why librarians object to this bill. Judging a book by its parts is worse than judging a book by its cover.

HB 3225 excludes the Bible, but what about Shakespeare? The Bard was famous for his sexual puns and innuendos. I used to teach Advanced Placement English, and many books on that test could be banned under this bill. "Invisible Man" by Ralph Ellison comes to mind. Also, "Beloved" by Toni Morrison and "The Kite Runner" by Khaled Hosseini. And yet what a loss, what a deprivation to ban great literature from our high school students.

The public librarys mission is to provide free access to all kinds of books for all ages and interests. A books inclusion in a collection does not mean endorsement. In addition, librarians are not substitute parents. It is the parents right and duty to monitor their childrens reading.

The American Library Associations Library Bill of Rights addresses these concerns: "A persons right to use a library should not be denied or abridged because of origin, age, background, or views."

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Many teens read books written for adults. They have the maturity to appreciate the dominant theme of the book instead of scanning for a bad word or a sexual image. They have the right to access and read whats in our public libraries. If they find the book offensive, or more likely boring, theyll return it. Why do we have such little faith in the discernment of our young adults?

Librarians are professionals, not clerks. They cant card everyone who wanders into the adult section. They are busy running literacy programs, organizing story time, curating the collection, helping patrons with research and job searches. As author and illustrator Sarah McIntyre says, "A trained librarian is a powerful search engine with a heart."

The bills threat of a $10,000 fine per infraction will only create fear and lead to banning perfectly good books for people who happen to be minors.

Texas encompasses an area larger than France. Conflicts at regional public libraries need to be addressed at the local level. Former President Ronald Reagan once said, The nine most terrifying words in the English language are, Im from the government and Im here to help. The same holds true for the state.

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Two lawsuits have been filed against a similar law in Idaho that was passed last year. In Texas, two judges have ruled against parts of last sessions HB 900, which required vendors selling books to school libraries to provide ratings on explicit content. All public libraries in Texas have clear challenge and reconsideration policies in place for books citizens deem inappropriate. Lets not pass bills that limit our First Amendment rights to read.

Sara Stevenson is a former public school librarian and Catholic school English teacher. She lives in Austin.

This article originally appeared on Austin American-Statesman: Texas bill would yank more books out of young adults' reach | Opinion
Before there was high-speed internet in Santo Domingo Pueblo, a tribal community about 40 miles from Albuquerque, New Mexico, leaders would pass around a Verizon hotspot to help run their tribal programs. It was inconvenient, and only a limited amount of high-speed data was available. But without broadband access, there was no other choice.

It wasn't until 2017 that the local library got high-speed internet, thanks to a tribally built and owned fiber-optic network paid for by community funds and the federal E-Rate program. In August 2020, at the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, that access expanded to homes throughout the pueblo.

Students no longer had to be driven 5 miles east to get a cell signal and do their homework on their phones. Now, they could access the internet at home or go to the library to get online.

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"The broadband initiative was really quite world-changing for us," says Herman Sanchez, the pueblo's tribal programs administrator. "It allows our students the same tools that non-tribal students have."

The Santo Domingo Pueblo Library, which serves as a community gathering place, is just one example of how libraries -- particularly in rural and tribal areas -- are central hubs for accessing free, high-speed internet. In a world that's increasingly online, libraries have evolved far beyond places to check out books. They're a way for people, many of whom can't afford broadband at home, to take an online class, submit a job application or learn computer basics.

But that critical function of keeping communities online is facing mounting challenges, especially as E-Rate, a federal program that has allowed libraries to fund broadband projects, faces an uncertain future.

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Fulfilling a widespread need

More than 40 million Americans don't have broadband access at home, according to Pew Research; 45% of those people cite the high costs of broadband as the reason, while 37% point to the cost of a computer. The COVID-19 pandemic exacerbated this broadband divide when everything from school to work to socializing moved online.

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"A lot of Americans didn't have access to the internet, and the pandemic closure really made us realize that as a society," Sanchez says. "[Students] were sent home to do computer-based learning, and our kids didn't even have internet."

Libraries are poised to help tackle the divide, thanks in part to their significant presence. There are over 17,000 public libraries in the US, according to the American Library Association, meaning there's a high chance at least one is in your community. Historically, libraries have served as places to access both physical and digital information, making them well-positioned to offer free high-speed internet so people can access the online world.

But that role is under threat. E-Rate, which made the Santo Domingo Pueblo Library's broadband project possible, is being challenged as part of a Supreme Court case. And an executive order issued in March calls for the elimination of the Institute of Museum and Library Services, which the American Library Association has decried as "cutting off at the knees the most beloved and trusted of American institutions and the staff and services they offer." The independent federal agency, which awards grants to museums and libraries across the US, has placed its whole staff on administrative leave.

"You have to have the internet, and in many tribal communities, the library is all they've got," Sanchez says. "This is 2025, and it's crazy to even say that there are still communities out there that don't have internet -- that's just wrong."

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Bridging the divide in rural and tribal communities

To build its fiber-optic network, the Santo Domingo Pueblo Library teamed up with three other nearby pueblos to establish a tribal consortium. Together, they built a $4.2 million, 60-mile fiber-optic network to support local schools and libraries.

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Central to that project was the E-Rate federal program, which gives eligible libraries and schools discounts on internet access and telecommunications. E-Rate is part of the Universal Service Fund, a Federal Communications Commission initiative to expand affordable broadband access, particularly in rural and low-income areas. More than 132,000 schools and libraries received services supported by E-Rate in 2023, according to the Universal Service Administrative Company. About 95% of the funding for the tribal consortium's fiber-optic network came from E-Rate.

But E-Rate is being threatened. The conservative, nonprofit group Consumers' Research is challenging the Universal Service Fund that it's part of, calling it unconstitutional. The Supreme Court heard the case in late March but seems unlikely to strike down the program.

Still, the looming threat has led library and school advocates to speak up about the importance of E-Rate. The ALA filed an amicus brief with the court, noting that "Americans, especially the most vulnerable, rely on libraries' internet access made affordable by the E-Rate program."

Tejas Narechania, professor of law at the University of California, Berkeley, says it's hard to predict what the Supreme Court will do but agrees that it's unlikely to strike down the Universal Service Fund and E-Rate. Rather, he thinks it'll reverse the US Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit's ruling that the program is invalid.

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"Having said that, losing access to the E-Rate program would have devastating effects," Narechania says. "Eliminating this financial support would unwind this progress toward bridging the digital divide."

The end of the Affordable Connectivity Program last year was already a blow for many home broadband subscribers. That initiative, which kicked off at the height of the pandemic, offered a discount of up to $30 monthly for broadband service to eligible households and up to $75 monthly on tribal lands. Its shutdown amplified the need for affordable internet.

In many rural communities, locally owned and operated internet services are a more affordable way to get connected. Sometimes, they're the only way.

"[Traditional internet service providers] are not going to invest in Santo Domingo because the infrastructure costs too much," Sanchez says. "That's what happened in many rural communities like Santo Domingo -- not just tribes, but rural communities."

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So, it fell upon the community to build and support its own network. In Santo Domingo, internet subscribers can get 25 megabits per second for $50 a month, 35Mbps for $75 a month and 50Mbps for $100 a month. These speeds fall below the FCC's threshold for how it defines broadband, which last year was upped from 25Mbps download speeds to 100Mbps, but it's still been life changing for the community.

Community-led broadband has been successfully implemented in some cities across the US, though not without challenges. Chattanooga, Tennessee, remains the poster child for such a network after the city formed its own fiber network, offering 1Gbps speeds starting at $58 a month. Around 130 cities across the country have similar networks, but telecoms have fought against the establishment of more, as The Center for Public Integrity reported in 2022. Even though it doesn't have gigabit speeds, the Santo Domingo Pueblo's network is a lifeline as an infrastructure foundation for the future.

Expanding its fiber-optic network into homes was critical, since the Santo Domingo Pueblo Library only had a dozen computers. ("You can imagine the waitlist on that," Sanchez told me.) Using funds from the Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security (CARES) Act, the stimulus bill Congress passed at the outset of the COVID-19 pandemic, the Pueblo also put a computer in every home "because no one owned computers," Sanchez says.

Now, with a nearly $13 million grant from the National Telecommunications and Information Administration and a Connect New Mexico grant for just over $9 million, the community is working to put fiber in every building within its borders, as well as in nearby homes on non-tribal land. It also plans to build five more cell towers to expand 5G mobile service, bringing the total to seven towers.

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"We've come a long way since we had zero internet," Sanchez reflects. "We still have a long way to go."

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Bringing library resources into homes

It's not just rural communities where libraries work to bridge the broadband gap. In New York City, about a quarter of households don't have broadband, according to the city council. For many years, the New York Public Library loaned out hotspots, but it's now looking for a more long-term solution.

That's why the NYPL has teamed up with the city's Department of Housing Preservation and Development for a three-year pilot to bring high-speed internet to around 2,000 households in Upper Manhattan and the Bronx. As part of the collaboration, partner internet service providers (which haven't been announced yet) will install broadband in low-income homes identified by HPD. The library will then provide tech training and troubleshooting to ensure residents can navigate these new tools. The pilot is slated to kick off in the fall of 2025.

"Our role is to come in and to make sure that the same level of service that we provide to patrons inside of the libraries is what folks are experiencing inside of these spaces," says Garfield Swaby, NYPL's senior director of IT. "It's a good long-term way of keeping New Yorkers online and engaged."

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Other libraries have similarly worked to bolster internet access at home. In 2018, the State Library of North Carolina launched the Homework Gap Project, funded by the federal Institute of Museum and Library Services. It taught digital skills to students and their families and loaned them hotspots so they could more easily complete their homework assignments. Nearly 90% of participants said broadband wasn't available where they lived, and 67% said it was too expensive.

"Sometimes your local public library may be your source of internet, and that's not ideal," says State Librarian Michelle Underhill. "We know that internet access in the home is ideal."

The project wrapped up in 2021, but the State Library of North Carolina still offers the curriculum online. Underhill says libraries continue to partner with schools and other local organizations to provide broadband access and digital skills training.

This illustrates how libraries, beyond providing physical and digital resources, have become a lifeline for communities in a rapidly changing world.

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"Libraries serve so many roles right now; they're really community centers," Underhill says. "It's definitely not just a warehouse of print materials. It's where you go to connect with information and resources in your community, and sometimes just other people."

This is especially true at the Santo Domingo Pueblo Library. Even as broadband has become available in homes, the library remains a gathering place for cultural activities, Sanchez says. Beyond having computers with high-speed internet, there are also traditional pottery-making sessions and movie nights.

As budget worries loom, it's easy to get caught up in uncertainty, Sanchez acknowledges. But focusing on what libraries have continued to provide, even amid seismic shifts, offers some reprieve.

"Who knows what's going to happen? I always tell my staff, 'We can't worry about things we can't control. We just have to come to work every day and do the best work we can to provide quality services for our community members,'" Sanchez says. "That's within our control."

The ALA website also urges citizens to contact their members of Congress in support of federal library funding. An Institute of Museum and Library Services webpage shows how much money each state gets from the agency. You can find out how to contact your senators and representatives by entering your address on Congress' website.
by Xinhua writers Ren Jun, Xie Han

BEIJING, April 17 (Xinhua) -- A 2-kilometer road section in Suqian City, east China's Jiangsu Province, looks no different. But it now boasts a hidden eco-innovation: part of the road materials is made of plastic waste, as the stretch is paved with asphalt blends containing 33.4 tonnes of recycled plastics.

With this technology unveiled by the Aramco-funded NEXCEL center of excellence for non-metallic technologies, wasted thermoplastic plastics can replace 20 percent of asphalt, with recycled thermosetting plastics substituting 50 percent of fillers, realizing an 18.6 percent reduction in material costs and a 36 percent decrease in carbon emissions.

Three years ago, to advance the use of non-metallic materials in multiple sectors, Aramco, the world's largest integrated energy and chemicals company, established NEXCEL along with the China Building Materials Academy (CBMA) in Beijing, becoming the company's third non-metallic center worldwide after Britain and the United States.

"Incorporating recycled plastics into asphalt doesn't just address our growing waste problem, it also helps lower greenhouse gas emissions," Nader Al Arfaj, managing director of Aramco China, told Xinhua at a ceremony in Suqian, hailing Aramco's fruitful collaboration with the CBMA.

According to NEXCEL Program Director Li Juan, NEXCEL has funded 53 projects over three years and completed 22 demonstrations worldwide. The center has been driving research and development, promoting engineering demonstrations, and encouraging deployment to make nonmetallic materials the backbone of sustainable infrastructure.

NEXCEL shows Aramco's expanding presence in China as the oil giant has become one of the leading foreign direct investors in the world's second biggest economy. Aramco is investing in projects in China with a collective and total value of over 240 billion yuan (about 34 billion U.S. dollars), with Aramco's share at over 90 billion yuan.

To serve its liquids-to-chemicals strategy, the Saudi oil giant has been building a petrochemical plant in the northeastern province of Liaoning and has purchased shares of Rongsheng Petrochemical Co. Ltd. in eastern China's Zhejiang Province.

SABIC, of which Aramco has the majority ownership, is building a major chemical facility in eastern Fujian Province. Aramco's venture capital arm, Prosperity 7, has funded Chinese startups in robotics, AI, and other sectors beyond oil and chemicals.

"China occupies a key position in Aramco's global strategy. As long-term investors, we at Aramco remain excited about China's vast and growing opportunities," said Amin H. Nasser, president and CEO of Aramco, adding that China is becoming an oasis of certainty in an increasingly unpredictable global environment, and the oil firm hopes to expand its investment in China. 
The Piqua Police lieutenant involved in a deadly shooting earlier this year has been cleared to return to active duty.

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Piqua Police announced on Thursday that Lt. Marcos Rodriguez had been cleared just under two months after the shooting, which happened on February 21.

>> PHOTOS: 1 dead after officer-involved shooting in Piqua neighborhood

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The shooting was investigated by the Ohio Bureau of Criminal Investigation. The findings were reviewed by the Miami County Prosecutor, who said Rodriguezs actions were justified.

There is no evidence to suggest that an objectively reasonable officer would have acted differently in this incident, Miami County Prosecuting Attorney Paul M. Watkins said in a statement. I conclude that Lt. Rodriguez was justified in all respects when he discharged his weapon ... Moreover, Lt. Rodriguez acted in a manner consistent with his training.

TRENDING STORIES:

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As News Center 7 previously reported, four officers responded to a domestic violence call in the 200 block of McKinley Avenue.

The complaint involved 44-year-old David West, who had been in a domestic dispute with his 65-year-old mother.

When officers got the the scene, West was in the basement of the home. He told police that he had a pistol and reportedly refused to come upstairs or show his hands after being given several verbal commands to do so.

News Center 7 previously spoke to Wests parents, who said their son didnt have a pistol. Instead, they said he had a non-lethal pepper ball gun.

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I kept telling him, Its a pepper ball gun, pepper ball gun. Its not - it will not kill you. It might sting you, but it aint going to kill you, Tammy West, Davids mother, said.

The city previously said Rodriguez fired shots at West when he became visible to the officers with a weapon pointed at the officers.

Rodriguez could be seen firing four shots in body camera video. Wests family said David was hit three times.

West died at the scene.

No officers were injured in the shooting.

Rodriguez had been on paid administrative leave since the shooting.

The shooting marked the first deadly officer-involved shooting in Piqua since July 1988.

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Astronomers have found the clearest evidence yet that life might exist beyond the solar system, from the atmosphere of a planet 124 light years away from Earth, setting off rare excitement  tinged with caution  in the global scientific community.

Using the James Webb Space Telescope, researchers led by astronomers at the University of Cambridge in the United Kingdom have found chemical signatures of two compounds that on Earth are only produced by living creatures.

These are the first hints we are seeing of an alien world that is possibly inhabited, Nikku Madhusudhan, an astronomy professor at Cambridge and the lead researcher behind the discovery, told reporters at a media briefing on April 15. This is a revolutionary moment.

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So where is the planet that might possibly host life, what evidence have scientists found, and is there reason for scepticism?

Where did the scientists find this evidence?

The researchers relied on data captured by NASAs James Webb telescope, which was carried into outer space in 2022, and sits about 1.5 million kilometres (930,000 miles) away from Earth, as humanitys watchtower peering into the universe.

They focused on one particular planet, K2-18b, because it had already shown promising signs as a candidate extraterrestrial body with conditions similar to those on Earth.

K2-18b lies in a constellation called Leo, and is so far away from Earth that a spaceship would need to travel for 124 years at the speed of light to get there. In reality, it would take much, much longer since the laws of physics dont allow anything other than light to travel that fast.

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The planet is 8.6 times heavier than Earth, and 2.6 times as large. Critically, it sits in what is known as the Goldilocks Zone of its sun: thats the region around a star where a planets temperature could, in theory, support water in its liquid form on the surface.

In 2023, Cambridge astronomers found methane and carbon dioxide in the atmosphere of the planet.

That was the first time that carbon-based molecules had been discovered in the atmosphere of any planet in the habitable zone of its sun  the distance from a sun where its neither too hot, nor too cold, and so possible for life to survive. The scientists said that a surface covered first by an ocean, and then a hydrogen-rich atmosphere, would explain the presence of carbon-based molecules. Simply put, it was possible that the planet could have water.

What have the scientists found now?

Researchers have now found much harder evidence suggesting that the planet might not only have the conditions to host life  but could, at least in theory, be hosting life itself.

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To explore planets light years away from Earth, scientists wait for them to pass in front of their suns. They study the light from the suns as it streams through the atmospheres of these planets, searching for clues.

Thats how the team found traces of either dimethyl sulfide (DMS) or dimethyl disulfide (DMDS)  or both  in the atmosphere of K2-18b.

On Earth, these compounds are only produced by living beings, particularly microbes such as marine phytoplankton. Whats more, what the scientists found suggests that the concentration of these chemicals in the K2-18b atmosphere was thousands of times higher than on Earth.

It was an incredible realisation seeing the results emerge and remain consistent throughout the extensive independent analyses and robustness tests, said co-author Mans Holmberg, a researcher at the Space Telescope Science Institute in Baltimore, United States, in a media statement on the Cambridge University website.

A young star cluster known as NGC 602 is seen through the NASA/ESA/CSA James Webb Space Telescope [Courtesy of NASA]

How reliable are the findings?

The scientists published their findings in the peer-reviewed Astrophysical Journal Letters publication, which means that other experts in the field who studied their paper found it convincing.

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But that does not mean that the scientists have found irrefutable evidence of life. Far from it.

Madhusudhan acknowledged that it is possible that the traces of DMS and DMDS found in the atmosphere of K2-18b are the outcome of chemical phenomena that are as of now, unknown to humanity.

Its important that were deeply sceptical of our own results, because its only by testing and testing again that we will be able to reach the point where were confident in them, Madhusudhan said. Thats how science has to work.

His colleagues in the research team agreed.

Our work is the starting point for all the investigations that are now needed to confirm and understand the implications of these exciting findings, said co-author Savvas Constantinou, also from Cambridges Institute of Astronomy.

Is there other evidence of extraterrestrial life?

The findings of the Cambridge-led team follow a series of breakthroughs in recent years that have excited scientists about the possibilities of finding life beyond Earth.

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In 2011, NASA scientists announced that they had found chemicals that are components of DNA on meteorites that had landed in Antarctica. The chemical traces they had discovered couldnt have been the result of contamination after the meteorites landed on Earth. The only explanation  that asteroids and comets could contain the building blocks of life.

A year later, astronomers at Copenhagen University tracked down a sugar molecule in a distant star system. That molecule is an essential component of ribonucleic acid or RNA, a molecule that is critical for most biological functions.

In 2023, astronomers found traces of organic molecules in the gases around one of Saturns moons, Enceladus.

And in mid-2024, scientists identified five greenhouse gases that they said would be telltale signs of life on any other planet.

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But the journey of science is also about setbacks. In 2005, two NASA scientists claimed they had found potential traces of extraterrestrial life on Mars after they discovered signs of methane there. Yet those findings eventually did not hold up to scientific scrutiny and NASA distanced itself from their conclusions.

Whats next?

The Cambridge-led team has found DMS and DMDS with 99.7 percent certainty. But while that might sound like a near-perfect score, it is far from what is accepted as the benchmark for a new discovery by the exacting standards of science.

For their conclusions to be considered bulletproof, they need to get to what is known as the five-sigma threshold  99.99994 percent certainty.

The astronomers believe that more hours on the James Webb telescope could help them reach that level of confirmation.

Decades from now, we may look back at this point in time and recognise it was when the living universe came within reach, said Madhusudhan. This could be the tipping point, where suddenly the fundamental question of whether were alone in the universe is one were capable of answering.
Waco, Tx (FOX 44)  It only took about an hour for a 19th District Court Jury to return a guilty verdict for capital murder in the trial of James Keylan Willis, one of two men charged in the 2022 killing of Stanley Wilcox whose body was found dumped in a ravine off 9th Street.

An earlier trial of co-defendant Brandon Xavier Stephens end in a mistrial in October of last year with his new trial set for next week.

Both men have remained in the McLennan County Jail since their arrests with bonds totaling $1.5 million dollars on the murder charge and an additional charge of tampering with physical evidence, a corpse.

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A third man, Alijah Veshawn Benson was named in an aggravated robbery indictment for his alleged part in supplying the weapon used to shoot the victim.

Waco Police received a missing person report for 59-year-old Stanley Wilcox on December 29th, 2022. The next day, a homeless woman found his cell phone and turned it in at a convenience store.

Detectives also discovered that Wilcox had not visited his gym for ten days, which they were told was highly unusual for him even in the middle of the holiday season.

Officers went to Wilcox`s house on Garrett Avenue and spoke with the three people who shared the home with him including Willis, Stephens and Heavyn Hamilton.

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According to an arrest affidavit, Willis told investigators that Wilcox left the home without his car around Christmas Eve. Willis reportedly allowed investigators in the home, and they noticed that Wilcox`s ID and debit card were in the living room.

Investigators also noticed a car spare tire left next to the front porch of the home. According to the affidavit, Willis said he emptied the back of a white 2021 Ford Escape with North Carolina license plates so he could load up camping equipment. Investigators also found tools, a knife, cleaning products and Wilcox`s personal papers outside the vehicle.

Investigators obtained a search warrant for the Escape, and said they discovered indications that someone tried to clean up a large amount of blood in the trunk area.

During a search of the home on January 6, 2023, detectives interviewed the three people. The affidavit states that Willis and Stephens admitted to shooting Wilcox, cleaning the crime scene, and dropping his body in a ravine near South 9th Street and the Interstate 35 northbound access road.

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According to the affidavit, Willis and Stephens told investigators they got into a confrontation with Wilcox and he was shot. They reportedly told police that they decided to put him out of his misery after the shooting.

Special Crimes Detectives said they believed that the suspects in the murder had gone to the 300 block of West Kiest Boulevard in Dallas around 2:31 a.m. on December 22 and received a handgun from Benson to use in a planned robbery of Wilcox. In exchange for lending the firearm, Benson was to receive financial gain after the robbery was completed.

Police said the handgun was returned to Benson after the murder.

Heavyn Hamilton admitted to knowing about the murder, but was not placed at the immediate scene or connected to any involvement in clean-up or disposal of the body.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KWKT - FOX 44.
Sen. Lisa Murkowski (R-Alaska) says Congress is failing its constitutional role of being a check on the executive branch as Donald Trumps administration continues to unilaterally kill government programs, freeze spending and lay off thousands of federal workers.

The changes are producing head-spinning anxiety in and out of government, she said, particularly in a place like Alaska that is so reliant on federal funding.

We are all afraid, Murkowski told Alaska nonprofit leaders on Wednesday, according to The Anchorage Daily News. Its quite a statement. But we are in a time and a place where I certainly have not been here before. And Ill tell ya, Im oftentimes very anxious myself about using my voice, because retaliation is real. And thats not right.

Its called the checks and balances. And right now we are not balancing as the Congress, she added.

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The independent-minded Alaska senator is one of the last remaining Republicans willing to publicly criticize Trump. Last month, she said her fellow GOP colleagues are afraid to speak out against the president and risk drawing a primary.

Murkowski said Wednesday she was unnerved by how quickly the U.S. Agency for International Development, which was established by Congress, had just been obliterated by the Trump administration. And she expressed alarm at the politicization of the judiciary under Trump, saying it was putting America in a very dangerous place, because you stop believing in the rule of law.

After the event, Murkowski told the Daily News she had been approached by federal workers in tears about being laid off by the Trump administration with no just cause.

They thought they were in a profession theyve given so much to, thought they were doing well, and literally no notice whatsoever, are terminated and told their work performance are not satisfactory, which was not true, and didnt know what was going to happen next, she said.

The fear I have heard from people that have said Im afraid to talk to my co-workers of my status of where we are because will I be viewed as questioning my supervisors or my commitment to the agency here, she continued. These are real emotions, these are real people, these are real fears, and they need to be heard.
BATON ROUGE, La. (Louisiana First)  Three Livingston Parish residents accused of using social media to exploit a child were arrested after an investigation.

The Livingston Parish Sheriffs Office arrested Matthew Wagner, 40, of Albany, Justin Baham, 30, of Holden, and Wilson Mesa-Gomez, 30, of Denham Springs.

Wagner and Mesa-Gomez were charged with indecent behavior with juveniles and computer-aided solicitation of a minor.

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Baham was charged with indecent behavior with juveniles, computer-aided solicitation of a minor, possession of Schedule I CDS, firearm in the presence of CDS, and possession of marijuana.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to Louisiana First News.
A worker carries a box of dried mango slices at Zhong Bao (Fujian) Food Science & Technology Co. Ltd. in Pinghe County of Zhangzhou City, southeast China's Fujian Province, March 26, 2025. In western Cambodia's Phnom Sruoch district, the abundant sunshine, plentiful rainfall, and fertile soil provide ideal natural conditions for mango cultivation, yielding mangoes featuring tender flesh and rich aroma.

At the mango processing factory, invested and constructed by China's Zhong Bao (Fujian) Food Science & Technology Co. Ltd., in western Cambodia's Phnom Sruoch district, ripe mangoes undergo processes such as washing, peeling, slicing, sugar curing, and drying, finally transforming into sweet and chewy dried mango slices. These dried mangoes are then transported via sea shipping to Zhong Bao (Fujian) Food Science & Technology Co. Ltd. in southeast China's Fujian Province. After undergoing sorting, packaging, and packing, they can reach the shelves of Chinese supermarkets within days.

The Chinese-invested mango processing factory was put into use in January, 2021. Since then, it has not only created employment for over 2,600 local residents but also resolved the critical issue of market access for Cambodian farmers. China's purchase of Cambodian dried mangoes has not only benefited small-scale farmers and workers in this rural area, but also contributed to boosting the local economy. The standards, expertise, and advanced production lines introduced by Chinese enterprises have also helped improve the reputation of Cambodian mangoes in recent years. (Xinhua/Wei Peiquan)

Workers check the quality of dried mango slices at a mango processing factory in Phnom Sruoch district in Kampong Speu province, Cambodia, March 18, 2025. In western Cambodia's Phnom Sruoch district, the abundant sunshine, plentiful rainfall, and fertile soil provide ideal natural conditions for mango cultivation, yielding mangoes featuring tender flesh and rich aroma.

At the mango processing factory, invested and constructed by China's Zhong Bao (Fujian) Food Science & Technology Co. Ltd., in western Cambodia's Phnom Sruoch district, ripe mangoes undergo processes such as washing, peeling, slicing, sugar curing, and drying, finally transforming into sweet and chewy dried mango slices. These dried mangoes are then transported via sea shipping to Zhong Bao (Fujian) Food Science & Technology Co. Ltd. in southeast China's Fujian Province. After undergoing sorting, packaging, and packing, they can reach the shelves of Chinese supermarkets within days.

The Chinese-invested mango processing factory was put into use in January, 2021. Since then, it has not only created employment for over 2,600 local residents but also resolved the critical issue of market access for Cambodian farmers. China's purchase of Cambodian dried mangoes has not only benefited small-scale farmers and workers in this rural area, but also contributed to boosting the local economy. The standards, expertise, and advanced production lines introduced by Chinese enterprises have also helped improve the reputation of Cambodian mangoes in recent years. (Xinhua/Cheong Kam Ka)

An aerial drone photo shows workers transporting mangoes at a mango orchard in Phnom Sruoch district in Kampong Speu province, Cambodia, March 18, 2025. In western Cambodia's Phnom Sruoch district, the abundant sunshine, plentiful rainfall, and fertile soil provide ideal natural conditions for mango cultivation, yielding mangoes featuring tender flesh and rich aroma.

At the mango processing factory, invested and constructed by China's Zhong Bao (Fujian) Food Science & Technology Co. Ltd., in western Cambodia's Phnom Sruoch district, ripe mangoes undergo processes such as washing, peeling, slicing, sugar curing, and drying, finally transforming into sweet and chewy dried mango slices. These dried mangoes are then transported via sea shipping to Zhong Bao (Fujian) Food Science & Technology Co. Ltd. in southeast China's Fujian Province. After undergoing sorting, packaging, and packing, they can reach the shelves of Chinese supermarkets within days.

The Chinese-invested mango processing factory was put into use in January, 2021. Since then, it has not only created employment for over 2,600 local residents but also resolved the critical issue of market access for Cambodian farmers. China's purchase of Cambodian dried mangoes has not only benefited small-scale farmers and workers in this rural area, but also contributed to boosting the local economy. The standards, expertise, and advanced production lines introduced by Chinese enterprises have also helped improve the reputation of Cambodian mangoes in recent years. (Xinhua/Cheong Kam Ka)

A worker arranges dried mango slices imported from Cambodia on the food processing line of Zhong Bao (Fujian) Food Science & Technology Co. Ltd. in Pinghe County of Zhangzhou City, southeast China's Fujian Province, March 26, 2025. In western Cambodia's Phnom Sruoch district, the abundant sunshine, plentiful rainfall, and fertile soil provide ideal natural conditions for mango cultivation, yielding mangoes featuring tender flesh and rich aroma.

At the mango processing factory, invested and constructed by China's Zhong Bao (Fujian) Food Science & Technology Co. Ltd., in western Cambodia's Phnom Sruoch district, ripe mangoes undergo processes such as washing, peeling, slicing, sugar curing, and drying, finally transforming into sweet and chewy dried mango slices. These dried mangoes are then transported via sea shipping to Zhong Bao (Fujian) Food Science & Technology Co. Ltd. in southeast China's Fujian Province. After undergoing sorting, packaging, and packing, they can reach the shelves of Chinese supermarkets within days.

The Chinese-invested mango processing factory was put into use in January, 2021. Since then, it has not only created employment for over 2,600 local residents but also resolved the critical issue of market access for Cambodian farmers. China's purchase of Cambodian dried mangoes has not only benefited small-scale farmers and workers in this rural area, but also contributed to boosting the local economy. The standards, expertise, and advanced production lines introduced by Chinese enterprises have also helped improve the reputation of Cambodian mangoes in recent years. (Xinhua/Wei Peiquan)

A worker slices a mango at a mango processing factory in Phnom Sruoch district in Kampong Speu province, Cambodia, March 18, 2025. In western Cambodia's Phnom Sruoch district, the abundant sunshine, plentiful rainfall, and fertile soil provide ideal natural conditions for mango cultivation, yielding mangoes featuring tender flesh and rich aroma.

At the mango processing factory, invested and constructed by China's Zhong Bao (Fujian) Food Science & Technology Co. Ltd., in western Cambodia's Phnom Sruoch district, ripe mangoes undergo processes such as washing, peeling, slicing, sugar curing, and drying, finally transforming into sweet and chewy dried mango slices. These dried mangoes are then transported via sea shipping to Zhong Bao (Fujian) Food Science & Technology Co. Ltd. in southeast China's Fujian Province. After undergoing sorting, packaging, and packing, they can reach the shelves of Chinese supermarkets within days.

The Chinese-invested mango processing factory was put into use in January, 2021. Since then, it has not only created employment for over 2,600 local residents but also resolved the critical issue of market access for Cambodian farmers. China's purchase of Cambodian dried mangoes has not only benefited small-scale farmers and workers in this rural area, but also contributed to boosting the local economy. The standards, expertise, and advanced production lines introduced by Chinese enterprises have also helped improve the reputation of Cambodian mangoes in recent years. (Xinhua/Cheong Kam Ka)

Workers arranges dried mango slices imported from Cambodia on the food processing line of Zhong Bao (Fujian) Food Science & Technology Co. Ltd. in Pinghe County of Zhangzhou City, southeast China's Fujian Province, March 26, 2025. In western Cambodia's Phnom Sruoch district, the abundant sunshine, plentiful rainfall, and fertile soil provide ideal natural conditions for mango cultivation, yielding mangoes featuring tender flesh and rich aroma.

At the mango processing factory, invested and constructed by China's Zhong Bao (Fujian) Food Science & Technology Co. Ltd., in western Cambodia's Phnom Sruoch district, ripe mangoes undergo processes such as washing, peeling, slicing, sugar curing, and drying, finally transforming into sweet and chewy dried mango slices. These dried mangoes are then transported via sea shipping to Zhong Bao (Fujian) Food Science & Technology Co. Ltd. in southeast China's Fujian Province. After undergoing sorting, packaging, and packing, they can reach the shelves of Chinese supermarkets within days.

The Chinese-invested mango processing factory was put into use in January, 2021. Since then, it has not only created employment for over 2,600 local residents but also resolved the critical issue of market access for Cambodian farmers. China's purchase of Cambodian dried mangoes has not only benefited small-scale farmers and workers in this rural area, but also contributed to boosting the local economy. The standards, expertise, and advanced production lines introduced by Chinese enterprises have also helped improve the reputation of Cambodian mangoes in recent years. (Xinhua/Wei Peiquan)

A worker sorts dried mango slices on the food processing line of Zhong Bao (Fujian) Food Science & Technology Co. Ltd. in Pinghe County of Zhangzhou City, southeast China's Fujian Province, March 26, 2025. In western Cambodia's Phnom Sruoch district, the abundant sunshine, plentiful rainfall, and fertile soil provide ideal natural conditions for mango cultivation, yielding mangoes featuring tender flesh and rich aroma.

At the mango processing factory, invested and constructed by China's Zhong Bao (Fujian) Food Science & Technology Co. Ltd., in western Cambodia's Phnom Sruoch district, ripe mangoes undergo processes such as washing, peeling, slicing, sugar curing, and drying, finally transforming into sweet and chewy dried mango slices. These dried mangoes are then transported via sea shipping to Zhong Bao (Fujian) Food Science & Technology Co. Ltd. in southeast China's Fujian Province. After undergoing sorting, packaging, and packing, they can reach the shelves of Chinese supermarkets within days.

The Chinese-invested mango processing factory was put into use in January, 2021. Since then, it has not only created employment for over 2,600 local residents but also resolved the critical issue of market access for Cambodian farmers. China's purchase of Cambodian dried mangoes has not only benefited small-scale farmers and workers in this rural area, but also contributed to boosting the local economy. The standards, expertise, and advanced production lines introduced by Chinese enterprises have also helped improve the reputation of Cambodian mangoes in recent years. (Xinhua/Wei Peiquan)

A worker transports dried mango slices at a mango processing factory in Phnom Sruoch district in Kampong Speu province, Cambodia, March 18, 2025. In western Cambodia's Phnom Sruoch district, the abundant sunshine, plentiful rainfall, and fertile soil provide ideal natural conditions for mango cultivation, yielding mangoes featuring tender flesh and rich aroma.

At the mango processing factory, invested and constructed by China's Zhong Bao (Fujian) Food Science & Technology Co. Ltd., in western Cambodia's Phnom Sruoch district, ripe mangoes undergo processes such as washing, peeling, slicing, sugar curing, and drying, finally transforming into sweet and chewy dried mango slices. These dried mangoes are then transported via sea shipping to Zhong Bao (Fujian) Food Science & Technology Co. Ltd. in southeast China's Fujian Province. After undergoing sorting, packaging, and packing, they can reach the shelves of Chinese supermarkets within days.

The Chinese-invested mango processing factory was put into use in January, 2021. Since then, it has not only created employment for over 2,600 local residents but also resolved the critical issue of market access for Cambodian farmers. China's purchase of Cambodian dried mangoes has not only benefited small-scale farmers and workers in this rural area, but also contributed to boosting the local economy. The standards, expertise, and advanced production lines introduced by Chinese enterprises have also helped improve the reputation of Cambodian mangoes in recent years. (Xinhua/Cheong Kam Ka)

A worker carries a bag of mangoes at a mango processing factory in Phnom Sruoch district in Kampong Speu province, Cambodia, March 18, 2025. In western Cambodia's Phnom Sruoch district, the abundant sunshine, plentiful rainfall, and fertile soil provide ideal natural conditions for mango cultivation, yielding mangoes featuring tender flesh and rich aroma.

At the mango processing factory, invested and constructed by China's Zhong Bao (Fujian) Food Science & Technology Co. Ltd., in western Cambodia's Phnom Sruoch district, ripe mangoes undergo processes such as washing, peeling, slicing, sugar curing, and drying, finally transforming into sweet and chewy dried mango slices. These dried mangoes are then transported via sea shipping to Zhong Bao (Fujian) Food Science & Technology Co. Ltd. in southeast China's Fujian Province. After undergoing sorting, packaging, and packing, they can reach the shelves of Chinese supermarkets within days.

The Chinese-invested mango processing factory was put into use in January, 2021. Since then, it has not only created employment for over 2,600 local residents but also resolved the critical issue of market access for Cambodian farmers. China's purchase of Cambodian dried mangoes has not only benefited small-scale farmers and workers in this rural area, but also contributed to boosting the local economy. The standards, expertise, and advanced production lines introduced by Chinese enterprises have also helped improve the reputation of Cambodian mangoes in recent years. (Xinhua/Cheong Kam Ka)

A worker prepares mango slices for drying at a mango processing factory in Phnom Sruoch district in Kampong Speu province, Cambodia, March 18, 2025. In western Cambodia's Phnom Sruoch district, the abundant sunshine, plentiful rainfall, and fertile soil provide ideal natural conditions for mango cultivation, yielding mangoes featuring tender flesh and rich aroma.

At the mango processing factory, invested and constructed by China's Zhong Bao (Fujian) Food Science & Technology Co. Ltd., in western Cambodia's Phnom Sruoch district, ripe mangoes undergo processes such as washing, peeling, slicing, sugar curing, and drying, finally transforming into sweet and chewy dried mango slices. These dried mangoes are then transported via sea shipping to Zhong Bao (Fujian) Food Science & Technology Co. Ltd. in southeast China's Fujian Province. After undergoing sorting, packaging, and packing, they can reach the shelves of Chinese supermarkets within days.

The Chinese-invested mango processing factory was put into use in January, 2021. Since then, it has not only created employment for over 2,600 local residents but also resolved the critical issue of market access for Cambodian farmers. China's purchase of Cambodian dried mangoes has not only benefited small-scale farmers and workers in this rural area, but also contributed to boosting the local economy. The standards, expertise, and advanced production lines introduced by Chinese enterprises have also helped improve the reputation of Cambodian mangoes in recent years. (Xinhua/Cheong Kam Ka)

An aerial drone photo shows a view of Zhong Bao (Fujian) Food Science & Technology Co. Ltd. in Pinghe County of Zhangzhou City, southeast China's Fujian Province, March 26, 2025. In western Cambodia's Phnom Sruoch district, the abundant sunshine, plentiful rainfall, and fertile soil provide ideal natural conditions for mango cultivation, yielding mangoes featuring tender flesh and rich aroma.

At the mango processing factory, invested and constructed by China's Zhong Bao (Fujian) Food Science & Technology Co. Ltd., in western Cambodia's Phnom Sruoch district, ripe mangoes undergo processes such as washing, peeling, slicing, sugar curing, and drying, finally transforming into sweet and chewy dried mango slices. These dried mangoes are then transported via sea shipping to Zhong Bao (Fujian) Food Science & Technology Co. Ltd. in southeast China's Fujian Province. After undergoing sorting, packaging, and packing, they can reach the shelves of Chinese supermarkets within days.

The Chinese-invested mango processing factory was put into use in January, 2021. Since then, it has not only created employment for over 2,600 local residents but also resolved the critical issue of market access for Cambodian farmers. China's purchase of Cambodian dried mangoes has not only benefited small-scale farmers and workers in this rural area, but also contributed to boosting the local economy. The standards, expertise, and advanced production lines introduced by Chinese enterprises have also helped improve the reputation of Cambodian mangoes in recent years. (Xinhua/Wei Peiquan)

An aerial drone photo shows a mango orchard in Phnom Sruoch district in Kampong Speu province, Cambodia, March 18, 2025. In western Cambodia's Phnom Sruoch district, the abundant sunshine, plentiful rainfall, and fertile soil provide ideal natural conditions for mango cultivation, yielding mangoes featuring tender flesh and rich aroma.

At the mango processing factory, invested and constructed by China's Zhong Bao (Fujian) Food Science & Technology Co. Ltd., in western Cambodia's Phnom Sruoch district, ripe mangoes undergo processes such as washing, peeling, slicing, sugar curing, and drying, finally transforming into sweet and chewy dried mango slices. These dried mangoes are then transported via sea shipping to Zhong Bao (Fujian) Food Science & Technology Co. Ltd. in southeast China's Fujian Province. After undergoing sorting, packaging, and packing, they can reach the shelves of Chinese supermarkets within days.

The Chinese-invested mango processing factory was put into use in January, 2021. Since then, it has not only created employment for over 2,600 local residents but also resolved the critical issue of market access for Cambodian farmers. China's purchase of Cambodian dried mangoes has not only benefited small-scale farmers and workers in this rural area, but also contributed to boosting the local economy. The standards, expertise, and advanced production lines introduced by Chinese enterprises have also helped improve the reputation of Cambodian mangoes in recent years. (Xinhua/Cheong Kam Ka)

Workers sort mangoes at a mango orchard in Phnom Sruoch district in Kampong Speu province, Cambodia, March 18, 2025. In western Cambodia's Phnom Sruoch district, the abundant sunshine, plentiful rainfall, and fertile soil provide ideal natural conditions for mango cultivation, yielding mangoes featuring tender flesh and rich aroma.

At the mango processing factory, invested and constructed by China's Zhong Bao (Fujian) Food Science & Technology Co. Ltd., in western Cambodia's Phnom Sruoch district, ripe mangoes undergo processes such as washing, peeling, slicing, sugar curing, and drying, finally transforming into sweet and chewy dried mango slices. These dried mangoes are then transported via sea shipping to Zhong Bao (Fujian) Food Science & Technology Co. Ltd. in southeast China's Fujian Province. After undergoing sorting, packaging, and packing, they can reach the shelves of Chinese supermarkets within days.

The Chinese-invested mango processing factory was put into use in January, 2021. Since then, it has not only created employment for over 2,600 local residents but also resolved the critical issue of market access for Cambodian farmers. China's purchase of Cambodian dried mangoes has not only benefited small-scale farmers and workers in this rural area, but also contributed to boosting the local economy. The standards, expertise, and advanced production lines introduced by Chinese enterprises have also helped improve the reputation of Cambodian mangoes in recent years. (Xinhua/Cheong Kam Ka)

A drone photo shows workers arranging mango slices at a mango processing factory in Phnom Sruoch district in Kampong Speu province, Cambodia, March 18, 2025. In western Cambodia's Phnom Sruoch district, the abundant sunshine, plentiful rainfall, and fertile soil provide ideal natural conditions for mango cultivation, yielding mangoes featuring tender flesh and rich aroma.

At the mango processing factory, invested and constructed by China's Zhong Bao (Fujian) Food Science & Technology Co. Ltd., in western Cambodia's Phnom Sruoch district, ripe mangoes undergo processes such as washing, peeling, slicing, sugar curing, and drying, finally transforming into sweet and chewy dried mango slices. These dried mangoes are then transported via sea shipping to Zhong Bao (Fujian) Food Science & Technology Co. Ltd. in southeast China's Fujian Province. After undergoing sorting, packaging, and packing, they can reach the shelves of Chinese supermarkets within days.

The Chinese-invested mango processing factory was put into use in January, 2021. Since then, it has not only created employment for over 2,600 local residents but also resolved the critical issue of market access for Cambodian farmers. China's purchase of Cambodian dried mangoes has not only benefited small-scale farmers and workers in this rural area, but also contributed to boosting the local economy. The standards, expertise, and advanced production lines introduced by Chinese enterprises have also helped improve the reputation of Cambodian mangoes in recent years. (Xinhua/Cheong Kam Ka)

An aerial drone photo shows workers peeling mangoes at a mango processing factory in Phnom Sruoch district in Kampong Speu province, Cambodia, March 18, 2025. In western Cambodia's Phnom Sruoch district, the abundant sunshine, plentiful rainfall, and fertile soil provide ideal natural conditions for mango cultivation, yielding mangoes featuring tender flesh and rich aroma.

At the mango processing factory, invested and constructed by China's Zhong Bao (Fujian) Food Science & Technology Co. Ltd., in western Cambodia's Phnom Sruoch district, ripe mangoes undergo processes such as washing, peeling, slicing, sugar curing, and drying, finally transforming into sweet and chewy dried mango slices. These dried mangoes are then transported via sea shipping to Zhong Bao (Fujian) Food Science & Technology Co. Ltd. in southeast China's Fujian Province. After undergoing sorting, packaging, and packing, they can reach the shelves of Chinese supermarkets within days.

The Chinese-invested mango processing factory was put into use in January, 2021. Since then, it has not only created employment for over 2,600 local residents but also resolved the critical issue of market access for Cambodian farmers. China's purchase of Cambodian dried mangoes has not only benefited small-scale farmers and workers in this rural area, but also contributed to boosting the local economy. The standards, expertise, and advanced production lines introduced by Chinese enterprises have also helped improve the reputation of Cambodian mangoes in recent years. (Xinhua/Cheong Kam Ka)

A staff member checks the quality of mango drinks at the technology center of Zhong Bao (Fujian) Food Science & Technology Co. Ltd. in Pinghe County of Zhangzhou City, southeast China's Fujian Province, March 26, 2025. In western Cambodia's Phnom Sruoch district, the abundant sunshine, plentiful rainfall, and fertile soil provide ideal natural conditions for mango cultivation, yielding mangoes featuring tender flesh and rich aroma.

At the mango processing factory, invested and constructed by China's Zhong Bao (Fujian) Food Science & Technology Co. Ltd., in western Cambodia's Phnom Sruoch district, ripe mangoes undergo processes such as washing, peeling, slicing, sugar curing, and drying, finally transforming into sweet and chewy dried mango slices. These dried mangoes are then transported via sea shipping to Zhong Bao (Fujian) Food Science & Technology Co. Ltd. in southeast China's Fujian Province. After undergoing sorting, packaging, and packing, they can reach the shelves of Chinese supermarkets within days.

The Chinese-invested mango processing factory was put into use in January, 2021. Since then, it has not only created employment for over 2,600 local residents but also resolved the critical issue of market access for Cambodian farmers. China's purchase of Cambodian dried mangoes has not only benefited small-scale farmers and workers in this rural area, but also contributed to boosting the local economy. The standards, expertise, and advanced production lines introduced by Chinese enterprises have also helped improve the reputation of Cambodian mangoes in recent years. (Xinhua/Wei Peiquan)

A worker displays mango slices at a mango processing factory in Phnom Sruoch district in Kampong Speu province, Cambodia, March 18, 2025. In western Cambodia's Phnom Sruoch district, the abundant sunshine, plentiful rainfall, and fertile soil provide ideal natural conditions for mango cultivation, yielding mangoes featuring tender flesh and rich aroma.

At the mango processing factory, invested and constructed by China's Zhong Bao (Fujian) Food Science & Technology Co. Ltd., in western Cambodia's Phnom Sruoch district, ripe mangoes undergo processes such as washing, peeling, slicing, sugar curing, and drying, finally transforming into sweet and chewy dried mango slices. These dried mangoes are then transported via sea shipping to Zhong Bao (Fujian) Food Science & Technology Co. Ltd. in southeast China's Fujian Province. After undergoing sorting, packaging, and packing, they can reach the shelves of Chinese supermarkets within days.

The Chinese-invested mango processing factory was put into use in January, 2021. Since then, it has not only created employment for over 2,600 local residents but also resolved the critical issue of market access for Cambodian farmers. China's purchase of Cambodian dried mangoes has not only benefited small-scale farmers and workers in this rural area, but also contributed to boosting the local economy. The standards, expertise, and advanced production lines introduced by Chinese enterprises have also helped improve the reputation of Cambodian mangoes in recent years. (Xinhua/Cheong Kam Ka)

Workers are seen busy on the food processing line of Zhong Bao (Fujian) Food Science & Technology Co. Ltd. in Pinghe County of Zhangzhou City, southeast China's Fujian Province, March 26, 2025. In western Cambodia's Phnom Sruoch district, the abundant sunshine, plentiful rainfall, and fertile soil provide ideal natural conditions for mango cultivation, yielding mangoes featuring tender flesh and rich aroma.

At the mango processing factory, invested and constructed by China's Zhong Bao (Fujian) Food Science & Technology Co. Ltd., in western Cambodia's Phnom Sruoch district, ripe mangoes undergo processes such as washing, peeling, slicing, sugar curing, and drying, finally transforming into sweet and chewy dried mango slices. These dried mangoes are then transported via sea shipping to Zhong Bao (Fujian) Food Science & Technology Co. Ltd. in southeast China's Fujian Province. After undergoing sorting, packaging, and packing, they can reach the shelves of Chinese supermarkets within days.

The Chinese-invested mango processing factory was put into use in January, 2021. Since then, it has not only created employment for over 2,600 local residents but also resolved the critical issue of market access for Cambodian farmers. China's purchase of Cambodian dried mangoes has not only benefited small-scale farmers and workers in this rural area, but also contributed to boosting the local economy. The standards, expertise, and advanced production lines introduced by Chinese enterprises have also helped improve the reputation of Cambodian mangoes in recent years. (Xinhua/Wei Peiquan)

An aerial drone photo shows a worker examining the quality of mango slices at a mango processing factory in Phnom Sruoch district in Kampong Speu province, Cambodia, March 18, 2025. In western Cambodia's Phnom Sruoch district, the abundant sunshine, plentiful rainfall, and fertile soil provide ideal natural conditions for mango cultivation, yielding mangoes featuring tender flesh and rich aroma.

At the mango processing factory, invested and constructed by China's Zhong Bao (Fujian) Food Science & Technology Co. Ltd., in western Cambodia's Phnom Sruoch district, ripe mangoes undergo processes such as washing, peeling, slicing, sugar curing, and drying, finally transforming into sweet and chewy dried mango slices. These dried mangoes are then transported via sea shipping to Zhong Bao (Fujian) Food Science & Technology Co. Ltd. in southeast China's Fujian Province. After undergoing sorting, packaging, and packing, they can reach the shelves of Chinese supermarkets within days.

The Chinese-invested mango processing factory was put into use in January, 2021. Since then, it has not only created employment for over 2,600 local residents but also resolved the critical issue of market access for Cambodian farmers. China's purchase of Cambodian dried mangoes has not only benefited small-scale farmers and workers in this rural area, but also contributed to boosting the local economy. The standards, expertise, and advanced production lines introduced by Chinese enterprises have also helped improve the reputation of Cambodian mangoes in recent years. (Xinhua/Cheong Kam Ka)
Lockheed Martin wants containerized missile launchers to enhance a new overarching battle management architecture intended to help fill gaps in Australias air and missile defenses. Containerized launchers might also offer Australias armed forces new ways to engage targets on land and at sea, as well as in the air.

Edward Dobeck, director of Launching Systems at Lockheed Martin, talked about his companys work with the Australian Defense Force and what else it is doing relating to containerized launchers in an interview with TWZs Howard Altman from the floor of the Navy Leagues Sea Air Space 2025 exhibition last week.

So, weve been having a lot of good conversations with different countries in Europe and Asia about their need to provide launchers that are distributed, Dobeck said. One of the most immediate [examples] is part of the Australia AIR6500 program. So weve been talking and giving them estimates specifically for containerized launching solutions as part of that.

The US Navy Mk 70 Expeditionary Launchers seen here in trailer-based configurations are examples of containerized launch systems that Lockheed Martin currently offers. USN

Last year, Lockheed Martin received a contract valued at $500 million Australian dollars (roughly $312 million U.S. dollars, at the present rate of exchange) to lead work on a new Joint Air Battle Management System as part of the first phase of the AIR6500 program. This system will provide [the Australian Department of] Defence with an advanced integrated air and missile defence capability, using next-gen technologies, to combat high-speed threats, according to a press release put out in April 2024.

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No explicit mention was made of new launchers potentially being part of the AIR6500 plan at that time. AIR6500 is eventually expected to include a layered array of sensor and interceptor capabilities, as well as the command and control architecture linking it all together.

The Australian Department of Defense had also released a major strategic review in 2023 that called for accelerating the acquisition of medium-range advanced and high-speed missile defence capabilities and said that in-service, off-the-shelf options must be explored.

Australias present air defense capabilities are currently limited to Swedish-designed RBS 70 short-range surface-to-air missiles, which can be employed from shoulder-fired and pedestal launchers, and the countrys trio of Hobart class anti-air warfare-focused destroyers. The Australian Army is in the process of acquiring an enhanced version of the U.S.-Norwegian National Advanced Surface-to-Air Missile System (NASAMS) that includes ground-based launchers for AIM-120 Advanced Medium-Range Air-to-Air Missiles (AMRAAM) based on the 44 Hawkei vehicle.

A Hawkei-based AIM-120 launch vehicle for Australia. Thales

Containerized launchers from Lockheed Martin could be one off-the-shelf option for helping Australias armed forces more readily acquire longer-range surface-to-air missile capabilities that it does not currently have. The Typhon system the company has developed for the U.S. Army, which includes four-round trailer-mounted containerized launchers derived from the Mk 41 Vertical Launch System, can fire the very capable SM-6, as well as Tomahawk cruise missiles. The SM-6 has the ability to engage a variety of air and missile threats, including a limited capability against hypersonic boost-glide vehicles in the terminal phase of flight. It can also be employed in a ballistic mode against targets at sea and on land.

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There is also Lockheed Martins Mk 70 Expeditionary Launcher, also known as the Payload Delivery System, developed for the U.S. Navy. The Mk 70 is extremely similar in form and function to the launchers for the Armys Typhon system, and can also fire the SM-6. Lockheed Martin has also demonstrated the ability to fire the PAC-3 Missile Segment Enhancement (MSE) interceptor originally developed for the Patriot surface-to-air missile system from the Mk 70 and, by extension, other Mk 41-derived launchers.

A PAC-3 MSE missile is launched from a Mk 70 launcher during a test. Lockheed Martin A picture from the PAC-3 MSE test launch. Lockheed Martin

Variants of the Mk 41 VLS are already in Royal Australian Navy service on Anzac class frigates and Hobart class destroyers, and will be part of the armament package on the countrys forthcoming Hunter class frigates.

In general, there is a very strong alignment between countries that have Mk 41[-equipped] navies and [ones] that have a desire to add additional cells and firepower to some of their vessels based on a containerized solution, Dobeck said. In addition, some of the countries that weve been talking to are much more interested in the land-based solution and providing that Mk 41 capability on land.

We continue to see a lot of international interest in the European and the Asian market for this kind of capability thats going to be able to bring them the tried and true capability of Mk 41 vertical launch in a containerized system, he added.

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Australias armed forces are set to get an up-close look at one of the U.S. Armys Typhon systems in action later this year. A live-fire shot from Typhon is currently planned to be part of this years iteration of the biennial Talisman Sabre exercise.

A US Army Typhon launcher fires an SM-6 missile during a test. US Army

Typhon highlights the potential for new containerized launchers to bolster Australias long-range land attack and anti-ship capabilities, as well as part of the future AIR6500 air and missile defense architecture. The Royal Australian Navy is now in the process of integrating Tomahawk onto its Hobart class destroyers and expects to arm its Hunter class frigates with those missiles, as well. Tomahawk is a core part of the arsenal on U.S. Virginia class nuclear-powered attack submarines, a number of which Australia is currently in line to receive through the trilateral Australia-United Kingdom-United States (AUKUS) security cooperation agreement.

The Hobart class destroyer HMAS Brisbane fires a Tomahawk cruise missile from its Mk 41 VLS array during a test in 2024. Royal Australian Navy

The Australian military is otherwise looking to expand its land-based long-range strike capabilities through acquisition of Army Tactical Missile System (ATACMS) and Precision Strike Missile (PrSM) short-range ballistic missiles from the United States.

Loaded with Tomahawks, a containerized Mk 41-based launcher could hold targets on land and at sea at risk anywhere within a roughly 1,000-mile bubble around where it is deployed. The ability to launch SM-6s, PAC-3s, and potentially other missiles would only increase their operational flexibility. Containerized launchers have additional benefits when it comes to speed and distribution of deployment, as well as personnel and logistical footprints, especially if networked to a larger command and control architecture.

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The capabilities offered by a new array of containerized launch systems could be particularly valuable for Australia, which has extensive coastlines to defend at a time when the Chinese military is becoming assertive in its part of the Pacific. Australias armed forces would also benefit from these capabilities in the event they join other allies and partners in expeditionary operations, especially elsewhere in the broad expanses of the Indo-Pacific in response to any number of contingencies.

What role containerized missile launchers might play in Australias future AIR6500 plans remains to be seen, but they could be on the horizon for the countrys armed forces beyond the air and missile defense role, as well.

Howard Altman contributed to this story.

Contact the author: joe@twz.com
LAKEWOOD, Colo. (KDVR)  After nearly two weeks of pushing for answers and two years of neighbors dealing with a growing homeless encampment at the 6th Avenue and Wadsworth Boulevard interchange in Lakewood, crews cleared the site Wednesday.

Mounting trash, fires being started, needles found in neighbors backyards, and contamination in a waterway that feeds into the Platte River were all big concerns.

CDOT, Lakewood coordinate efforts to get homeless encampment cleaned up

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Cleanup started around 9 a.m. on Wednesday and lasted about 8 hours.

A homeless encampment near the 6th Avenue and Wadsworth Boulevard interchange was cleared on Wednesday. (KDVR) A homeless encampment near the 6th Avenue and Wadsworth Boulevard interchange was cleared on Wednesday. (KDVR) A homeless encampment near the 6th Avenue and Wadsworth Boulevard interchange was cleared on Wednesday. (KDVR) A homeless encampment near the 6th Avenue and Wadsworth Boulevard interchange was cleared on Wednesday. (KDVR)

Brett Charbonneau, the neighbor who contacted FOX31, was amazed that there was finally some action. Charbonneau and his neighbor Bob Emulengracht were relieved after watching crews clear out the encampment site near their neighborhoods.

Brett Charbonneau and his neighbor Bob Emulengracht were relieved after watching crews clear out the encampment site near their neighborhoods. (KDVR)

The first thing I want to say is thanks to FOX31 and the problem solvers for helping us, said Charbonneau. Without you, this problem wouldnt be getting solved.

Its the second time in recent years that the same area has been cleared. Charbonneau has lived in the area for more than three decades. We first spoke with him two weeks ago.

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Of course, we all feel better. We can sleep at night, he said.

He and his neighbors say they were fed up after years of trying to get someone to help them clean the encampment up. It kept growing and growing, but he says no one would help. So, we started making calls.

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Last Wednesday, notices went out to people saying they had until April 16 to clear the area out.

Notice of encampment closure. (Courtesy Brett Charbonneau)

When you aired the story and got a hold of CDOT, CDOT was telling us it was the city of Lakewood, that its been approved and theyre doing this. Thats when we found out FOX31 actually got a hold of the people who were responsible for cleaning this up, said Charbonneau.

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Crews hauled away all kinds of things. Bags of trash, debris and shopping carts.

Im glad its going on. Im glad theyre finally getting it cleaned up, but at the same time, we the neighborhood need to be vigilant and keep an eye on this. Dont let it get out of hand, said Emulengracht. As you were talking to Charbonneau, I noticed somebody already walking down there with their bicycle into that area. I dont know if they will kick them out. I dont know if they will let them come back, we just need to stay vigilant and make sure this doesnt happen.

Dont terrorize your neighbors: Commerce City police accuse man of shooting neighbor in the head

He said its a danger to the neighborhood to see people camping out in the area.

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We talked about the pollution to the creek. Last week, I saw, I believe a woman bathing in that creek after all the pollution. Its a significant health hazard. We need to make sure these people get the proper help they need, said Emulengracht. Hopefully, they are not just moving them to another place where they will become a problem for someone else. If it starts to happen again, here is a message to the city of Lakewood and CDOT. We are not going away. We will keep our eyes open, and if we see another problem start to develop, you will hear from us.

CDOT provided FOX31 with this statement:

A great deal of coordination with other agencies is required for CDOT to remove homeless encampments on CDOT property. On average, CDOT removes about two to three encampments a week, involving several tons of trash and debris. CDOT is not an enforcement agency and we cannot remove trespassers without police support due to safety issues. Law enforcement must evict the encampment occupants before CDOT can remove the trash and debris. This involves CDOT working together with law enforcement to humanely carry out the cleaning of areas within CDOTs property. To address your follow-up question: Its important to note that CDOT has agreements with some localities in the Denver region which allows local agencies to clean homeless encampments on CDOT right-of-way within the agencies city and county limits. Local agencies with agreements with CDOT are in a better position than CDOT to remove encampments because they have the resources such as law enforcement to safely evict trespassers and social service agencies to help individuals to find support. The local agency then bills CDOT for the clean-up costs. CDOT

While Lakewood Police released this statement:

We are glad to report that the camps have been cleaned up and removed. During the cleaning process, Lakewood Police were on hand to ensure everyones safety. We can confirm that all camps on CDOT property have been cleaned, and we will continue to work with CDOT as a partner in these efforts. Lakewood Police Department

Neighbors hope to see fences added to the area to prevent another encampment from starting.

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Thats what makes no sense to me. Why would they spend all the money they spent today on private contractors, roll-offs offs and CDOT, said Charbonneau. Why would they want to do that again, again, and again? There should be some type of resolution on how to prevent it in the future.

A CDOT spokesperson said they are aware that it is possible to see the area populated with homeless encampments again. They said CDOT will go through the process with their local agency partners to schedule a clean-up.

While CDOT could not answer how much it cost to clear the area on Wednesday, they say $2 to $3 million of the maintenance budget is spent annually towards cleaning encampments on their property

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX31 Denver.
Longview man gets 80 years for assaulting six-year-old girl

LONGVIEW, Texas (KETK)  A Longview man was sentenced to 80 years in prison on Wednesday after pleading guilty to sexually assaulting a six-year-old girl for four months in 2023.

Mugshot of Justin Taylor Argo, courtesy of the Gregg County Criminal District Attorneys Office

According to the Gregg County Criminal District Attorneys Office, Justin Taylor Argo, 27 of Longview, was convicted after the ongoing sexual abuse of a six-year-old girl. The testimony at trial revealed that Argo assaulted the child multiple times a week over four months in 2023.

OFFICIALS: Texarkana federal inmate gets 100 additional months for alleged meth trafficking inside prison

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The child bravely outcried against Argo, whom then gave a full confession, the DAs office said. At trial, evidence was presented that Argo had previously assaulted two additional children.

Argo was sentenced to 80 years in prison for first-degree felony aggravated sexual assault of a child.

The Gregg County District Attorneys Office would like to acknowledge Longview Police Department Detective Debra Stiles for her hard work in this case, the DAs office said. We would also like to acknowledge the bravery and tenacity of the young survivor.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
SAN JUAN, Puerto Rico (AP)  An island-wide blackout hit Puerto Rico this week, leaving 1.4 million customers without power and more than 400,000 without water.

It was the second massive outage to hit Puerto Rico since New Years Eve, when a blackout left 90% of clients without power.

Crews on Thursday scrambled to restore power as a growing number of Puerto Ricans called on the governor to cancel the contracts of two companies that oversee the generation, transmission and distribution of power on the U.S. territory of 3.2 million residents.

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When did the blackout start?

At 12:38 p.m. on Wednesday, massive generating plants began to shut down across Puerto Rico after a transmission line failed. Refrigerators stopped humming, air conditioners fell silent and traffic lights went dark.

People started realizing the magnitude of the outage when they began calling friends and family that live on the other side of the island who said that they, too, were without power.

Hundreds of businesses closed, including the biggest mall in the Caribbean. Hospitals and the main international airport began running on generators while dozens of passengers using a rapid transit system that serves the capital, San Juan, were forced to walk on an overpass next to the trains rails to evacuate.

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Incredulous, Puerto Ricans began demanding answers from the government as crews scrambled to find out what happened. When are we going to do something? reggaeton superstar Bad Bunny wrote on X, reflecting peoples collective outrage.

Anger grew as people began posting pictures of those affected by the blackout, including one of a woman who had plugged a small machine into the outlet of a grocery store to give herself medical treatment for a lung condition.

Why did it happen?

Authorities are still investigating the causes of the blackout, which could include whether several breakers failed to open or exploded. Gonzalez said.

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Another possibility is that overgrown vegetation may have affected the grid and caused a transmission line to fail, officials said.

Luma Energy, the company responsible for overseeing transmission and distribution of power in Puerto Rico, is supposed to do frequent air patrols over certain lines to ensure they remain free of vegetation.

Pedro Melendez, a Luma engineer, said at a news conference Thursday that the line where the failure occurred was inspected last week as part of regular air patrols to check on more than 2,500 miles of transmission lines across the island.

No imminent risk was identified, he said.

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Josue Colon, the islands energy czar and former executive director of Puerto Ricos Electric Power Authority, said Luma also needs to explain why all the generators shut down after there was a failure in the transmission system, when only one was supposed to go into protective mode.

It will likely take weeks to find a precise reason for the blackout, although Gov. Jenniffer Gonzalez said on Thursday that she expects to have a very preliminary report within three days.

Officials also warned of potential setbacks. On Thursday afternoon, a power plant failed twice, leaving 200,000 clients without power again.

Why is Puerto Ricos power grid in such bad shape?

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For decades, Puerto Ricos Electric Power Authority did not carry out the maintenance and investments the grid required.

It began crumbling over the years, and then on Sept. 20, 2017, Hurricane Maria hit the U.S. territory as a powerful Category 4 storm. It snapped power lines, toppled transmission towers and broke flimsy wooden light posts, leaving some people without power for nearly a year.

In the months that followed, crews focused on emergency repairs. It wasnt until a couple years after the hurricane that actual reconstruction began.

In June 2021, the Electric Power Authority contracted Luma as it struggled to restructure its more than $9 billion debt, with negotiations still ongoing.

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In January 2023, the authority contracted Genera PR to oversee power generation on the island as part of another public-private partnership.

Puerto Rico has been plagued by chronic power outages since Maria, with photographs and videos of transmission lines on fire becoming increasingly common.

Gonzalez has said that providing consistent energy is a priority and distanced herself from renewable energy goals set by the previous governor. Her administration recently extended the operations of Puerto Ricos lone coal-fired plant.

Meanwhile, with a poverty rate exceeding 40%, many on the island cannot afford solar panels or generators.

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Roughly 117,000 homes and businesses on the island have solar rooftops. Petroleum-fired power plants provide 62% of Puerto Ricos power, natural gas 24%, coal 8% and renewables 7%, according to the U.S. Energy Information Administration.

What are officials doing to improve the grid?

A growing number of Puerto Ricans have demanded that the governor cancel Lumas contract, and she has pledged to do so.

People must be fed up with us having such a mediocre system. If its not the transmission, its the generation, Gonzalez said. Of course there will be consequences.

However, she noted that canceling the contract and finding a new company takes time.

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Officials also previously warned that there would not be sufficient power generation come summer, when demand peaks.

Given that concern, Gonzalez said the government is seeking to contract a company that can provide more than 800 megawatts of energy in the upcoming months. The request-for-proposal process began on March 25 and ends this month. Sixty companies have submitted proposals.

____

Follow APs coverage of Latin America and the Caribbean at https://apnews.com/hub/latin-america
Donald Trumps most frightening power grab was undertaken with an undertone of sinister jocularity. There was no column of tanks in the streets, no burning of the legislature. The president and his partner in despotism, President Nayib Bukele of El Salvador, were bantering amiably in the Oval Office in front of the press corps, mocking the American court system with evident delight.

Trumps ploy is almost insultingly simple. He has seized the power to arrest any person and whisk them to Bukeles notorious Terrorism Confinement Center, where they will be held indefinitely without trial. Once they are in Bukeles custody, Trump can deny them the protections of American law. His administration has admitted that one such prisoner, Kilmar Abrego Garcia, was sent to El Salvador in error, but insists that it has no recourse. Trump, who has threatened the territorial integrity of multiple hemispheric neighbors, now claims that requesting the return of a prisoner he paid El Salvador to take would violate that countrys sovereignty.

Neither Trump nor Bukele bothered to make this absurd conceit appear plausible. Even as Trump and his officials claim that only El Salvador has the power to free wrongfully imprisoned American residents, the United States is paying El Salvador to hold the prisoners. (Naturally, Congress never appropriated such funds; Trump has already seized large swaths of Congresss constitutionally mandated spending power for himself.) Bukele told reporters, I dont have the power to return him to the United States. Trump, not even attempting to maintain the pretense that the two countries were somehow at an impasse, told his counterpart, You are helping us out, and we appreciate it.

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The play was signaled early on, after a judge ordered Bukele to return prisoners seized without due process. In response, Bukele posted on X, Oopsie too late . Trump can snatch prisoners and hand them to Bukele before the courts can act, and Bukele can ignore American court orders.

And so Trump has opened up a trapdoor beneath the American legal system. This trapdoor is wide enough to swallow the entire Constitution. So long as he can find at least one foreign strongman to cooperate, Trump can, if he wishes, imprison any dissident, judge, journalist, member of Congress, or candidate for office.

[Adam Serwer: The constitutional crisis is here]

If this sounds hyperbolic, bear in mind that Trump has expressed his desire to do these things. He has built an administration dedicated to turning his whims into commands, however fantastical or dangerous they may be, and he has systematically disabled every possible check on his power by training his partys voters and elected officials to treat dissent as betrayal.

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The execution of this strategy has hardly been flawless. (If the administration had the chance to do it again, it would probably have taken care to ensure that the test case for its maneuver concerned an actual gang member, which very few of the deportees to El Salvador appear to be.) Still, in contrast to the shambolic, halting rollout of Trumps tariffs, the transformation of the worlds oldest democracy into a competitive authoritarian systemrivaling that of Bukeles regime in El Salvador, Viktor Orbans in Hungary, and Vladimir Putins in Russiahas the earmarks of careful planning. Every element of Trumps assault on democracy was broadcast well in advance.

It has been widely observed that Trump entered his second presidency surrounded by slavishly loyal acolytes who would not dare defy his wishes. But even this understates the degree of the danger. Trumps closest allies are not merely acquiescing to his desires; they are fueling them. In the years before Trump returned to office, a key faction of Republican activists and intellectuals radicalized themselves against fundamental democratic norms. They came to believe that their survival required gaining control of the state and using it to destroy their opponents. Now in power, they have begun to apply this strategy across a wide array of fronts, coercing law firms, universities, media owners, and other bastions of civil society. Trumps determination to use immigration power as a limitless weapon to intimidate and imprison his enemies is not just a manifestation of his character. It is the most frightening element of his administrations plan to crush liberal democracy itself.

The Trump administrations illiberalism has two main sources. One is the personality at the center of its cult. Donald Trump gravitates instinctively toward despots, sees the constraints that democracies place upon elected leaders as a form of weakness, and refuses to accept the legitimacy of any electoral or judicial proceeding that goes against him. His authoritarianism is sub-intellectual, rather than a philosophy of governance.

Trumps personal contempt for liberal democracy has been augmented by a growing school of post-liberal thought on the right, with liberal referring not to the American center-left, but to the broader philosophical tradition that emphasizes that the state be governed by neutral rules that all sides agree to abide by. The post-liberal right believes that the left poses an existential threat to American society, and must be extinguished through the harsh use of state power. What makes this power illiberal is that its proponents dont believe the state has a general right to employ these weapons; they believe only their side is entitled to do it.

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J. D. Vance represents the intellectual side of Republican illiberalism. He has spoken at the National Conservatism Conference, a gathering of post-liberal thinkers on the right dedicated to using state power to entrench right-wing control of society. Theres this thing called national conservatism, and it is vibrant and young people are excited about it, he told a reporter in 2021. In addition to listening to previously marginal post-liberal thinkers on the right, Vance has soaked up ideas from Orban, whose use of government power to crush the opposition has made Hungary a model for national conservatism.

[David Brooks: The terrifying future of the American right]

The ideas that have circulated on the post-liberal right are important to grasp, because they closely predict the second Trump administrations behavior thus far. Many figures may have claimed that they would influence Trumps policy agendayou may recall Wall Street Republicans confidently predicting before the election that Trumps proposed 10 percent tariff would never happenbut the post-liberal right is the faction that turns out to have its hands on the wheel.

This group experienced Trumps first term as a discouraging failure culminating in a humiliating defeat. They blamed the fiasco not on Trump, but on a vast conspiracy to undermine him, stretching from the federal bureaucracy to higher education to the media. National conservatives believe that these sectors have all been captured by the far left, via what they call a long march through the institutions, which can be uprooted only through brutal application of government power.

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The post-liberals are not completely imagining the rise of left-wing social theory or its spread through elite spaces; the spate of social-justice panics and cancellations over the prior decade was very real. Whats striking is their interpretation of these events. They might have understood the spike in left-wing censoriousness as an abuse of power, or perhaps as a political gift handed to them by their enemies, as the fear of being canceled made Democrats hesitant to challenge electorally unpopular left-wing ideas within their own camp.

Instead, the post-liberals saw left-wing illiberalism as a powerful weapon used to take down Trump. They have accordingly set out to replicate it. The Rights longstanding proposalto cancel cancel culturemight make for a good slogan, but it is not sufficient as a governing philosophy, Chris Rufo, a Manhattan Institute fellow and influential Trump-administration adviser, wrote earlier this year. We should propose a new set of values that expands the range of acceptable discourse rightward and enforce just consequences on political opponents who violate the new terms.

Vance, in an interview last year, characterized the opposition to Trump as completely unprincipled. The thing that I kept thinking about liberalism in 2019 and 2020 is that these guys have all read Carl Schmitttheres no law, theres just power, he said. And the goal here is to get back in power. Ive never heard of a progressive citing Carl Schmitt, a notorious right-wing German theorist who influenced the Nazis, as a theoretical model. Yet his imagined (or, dare I say, projected) influence over the left became transmuted into the conviction that Trump lost because he and his supporters had failed to match the lefts will to power.

This helps explain why the second Trump administration has behaved so differently from the first. The characters staffing and advising this administration are far more radical. The previous Trump White House allowed all kinds of kooks and extremists into its ranks, but the new version has pushed the boundaries even further. Darren Beattie, who briefly got a job in the first Trump administration before being fired over ties to white nationalism, was welcomed back into the new administration. Marko Elez, a staffer for Elon Musk, lost his DOGE job over recent social-media posts explicitly endorsing racism; Vance intervened to restore him. Laura Loomer, a conspiracy theorist once banished from Trumps orbit, was able not only to brief the president, but to persuade him to fire half a dozen senior national-security officials.

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At the same time, Trump has taken care to exclude any appointees who might hesitate on moral, legal, or practical grounds to implement his proposals. His most effective technique has been to use January 6 as a screening device, filtering out any potential staff who condemn the insurrection or refuse to repeat his claim to have won the presidential election in 2020. Trumps failed attempt to overturn that election posed a mortal threat to his career at the time, but what didnt kill him made him stronger. The insurrection became the perfect tool to purge his partys remaining pro-democracy faction.

Jack Posobiec is an embodiment of the transformed environment. Once a marginal social-media influencer known for circulating the Pizzagate conspiracy theory and promoting white-nationalist accounts, he is now treated by mainstream Republicans with the kind of respect once afforded to George F. Will. Vance blurbed Posobiecs latest book about the left, Unhumans, and two Cabinet secretaries have already invited him to join their overseas delegations this year.

The combination of these changes has completely altered the character of advice Trump receives and the range of beliefs considered acceptable within his administration. With regard to democratic norms, the ideas circulating around Trump range from indifference to overt contempt. Where the first Trump administration contained a mix of authoritarian Trump loyalists and traditional Republicans, this one consists of authoritarian Trumpists egging one another on.

Trumps showdown with the Supreme Court over the Abrego Garcia case has surfaced two ideas in particular that have been gestating for years on the right. One is the use of deportation authority not only to enforce immigration law but to intimidate Trumps political critics. Another is to defy court orders.

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A year and a half ago, Posobiec posted on X, We used to strip foreign-born anarchists and communists of citizenship and deport them. Laws still on the books. Just planting seeds. Another user replied, Yes. We started a new denaturalization project under Trump. In 2025, expect it to be turbocharged. That was Stephen Miller, now Trumps deputy chief of staff and the architect of much of his policy agenda, above all on immigration.

Vance has been publicly floating the idea of ignoring court orders for years. If I was giving him one piece of advice, fire every single mid-level bureaucrat, every civil servant in the administrative state, Vance said of Trump in 2021. Replace them with our people. And when the courtsbecause you will get taken to courtand when the courts stop you, stand before the country like Andrew Jackson did and say, The chief justice has made his ruling. Now let him enforce it. He has repeated versions of this idea in subsequent interviews.

Why has the administration risked the brinkmanship of defying a unanimous Supreme Court ruling in order to sustain its policy of disappearing people without due process, when it has so many other available tools to handle border enforcement? Possibly it is just extremely stubborn. But there is also considerable evidence that the administration wants to preserve this constitutional loophole in order to use it more broadly to intimidate opponents.

[Stephen I. Vladeck: What the courts can still do to constrain Trump]

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In his meeting with Bukele, Trump stated that he wants to expand deportations to El Salvador to American citizens. (Homegrowns are next, he said to Bukele. The homegrowns. You gotta build about five more places. Its not big enough.) Asked if his deportation plan includes American citizens, he replied, Yeah, that includes themyou think theyre a special type of people or something? He reaffirmed the position on Fox News the following day.

The president depicted this method as a response to hardened criminals. (This is scarcely a defenseeven the worst offenders are entitled to the protections of the Constitution.) But its important to understand that Trump habitually equates opposition, or any deviation from his goals, with illegality. He has labeled as criminals all three of his electoral opponents, a wide swath of media organizations, and many other people who made the mistake of publicly criticizing or disagreeing with him. Just days before his meeting with Bukele, he ordered the Justice Department to investigate the former cybersecurity official Chris Krebs for having falsely and baselessly denied that the 2020 election was rigged and stolen.

Trumps allies in the administration have adopted this habit. Elon Musk has called the United States Agency for International Development, a decades-old program with support in both parties, a criminal organization. Republican politicians and media routinely depict protests against Tesla as part of a conspiracy to commit domestic terrorism, conflating a tiny handful of acts of vandalism with mass-scale peaceful protests.

The enthusiasm for expanding denaturalization should be understood in this context. Whats going to be on the horizon are denaturalization cases, Mike Davis, a conservative lawyer who has worked with the administration, told Axios last month. In 2023, Davis posted threats to denaturalize and deport the anti-Trump opinion journalists Mehdi Hasan and Tim Miller: @mehdirhasan is now on my Lists 2 (indict), 4 (detain), 6 (denaturalize), and 3 (deport). I already have his spot picked out in the DC gulag. But Ill put him in the womens cell block, with @Timodc. So these whiny leftists dont get beat up as often.

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These threats probably contain an element of performative trolling. But one pattern of Trumpism is that its most outrageous notions appear first as jokes, allowing them to be processed and denuded of shock value, before eventually being assimilated into Trumps actual policy platform. High-profile conservative pundits such as Will Chamberlain and Charlie Kirk have proposed to denaturalize and deport Ilhan Omar; Chamberlain has proposed the same treatment for Hasan and Derek Guy, who runs a popular X account focused on menswear and routinely mocks the fashion choices made by MAGA figures. After Marylands Senator Chris Van Hollen traveled to El Salvador to inquire about the status of Abrego Garcia, the Trump War Room, the official account of the presidents political operation, posted a photo mock-up depicting Van Hollen covered in gang tattoos, as if to suggest that he, too, belongs in Bukeles dungeon. In the sea of ideas in which Trump and his advisers swim, deporting the libs is an established trope.

The Occams-razor explanation is that these people genuinely want to deport their political opponents without due process. The administration has certainly claimed the power that would enable it to do so. They have the temerity to say that every single invader should get their own individual judicial trial before they are deported, Miller ranted on Fox News earlier this month. One at a time, each one gets a $1 million trial in front of a communist judge to decide whether or not we can send them home. Without due process, of course, an invader is simply anybody Trump labels as such.

During Trumps first term, fears of his authoritarian tendencies largely ran ahead of his actions. This time around, the opposite has occurred. Trump has fulfilled or exceeded his critics most hysterical-sounding predictions. He has mostly persisted with his trade war, but an incipient bond-market crisis seems to have spooked him into trimming its wildest excesses. His war on liberal democracy, by contrast, has not generated the kind of blowback that Trump has reason to care about. Why would he stop?

Ideas have consequences, the conservative philosopher Richard Weaver wrote in 1948. The post-liberal rights ideas about revenge and power are currently the most influential ideas in the world. Their implications need to be taken with deadly seriousness.

Article originally published at The Atlantic
SYDNEY, April 17 (Xinhua) -- Australian authorities have arrested and charged a teenage foreign national for allegedly facilitating contract killings in Europe.

The Australian Federal Police (AFP) said that the 15-year-old was arrested on Wednesday after officers executed a search warrant in western Sydney.

In a joint statement with Danish Police and the Swedish Police Authority, the AFP said that the teenager is accused of using an encrypted application to facilitate plans for contract killings in Denmark and Sweden on behalf of a transnational crime syndicate.

The Australian Broadcasting Corporation reported that the 15-year-old is a Swedish national.

He has been charged with one count of using a telecommunications device to commit conspiracy to murder and one count of using a telecommunications device to commit murder.

The AFP said that it commenced an investigation earlier in April after receiving information from Danish Police about a foreign national living in Australia allegedly linked to attempts to organize crimes-as-a-service contract killings in Europe.

During Wednesday's search, AFP officers seized electronic devices that will be subject to forensic examination.

"The AFP regularly works with foreign policing partners, such as the Danish Police, and the identification of these alleged international criminal links is a testament to the enduring partnership and collaboration between our agencies," AFP Commander Brett James said.

The 15-year-old appeared before a Sydney children's court on Wednesday where he was formally refused bail. He is scheduled to appear before the same court on June 11. 
MANY, La. (KTAL/KMSS)  Louisianas Energy Efficiency Program is being halted after the states Public Service Commission voted on Wednesday to do away with a program they approved less than a year ago.

The vote effectively ends all state-mandated energy efficiency programs, reverting energy efficiency to a voluntary program that consumers must seek out through their power providers.

Northwest Louisianas Public Service Commissioner, Foster Campbell, voted against eliminating the program approved in late April 2024, largely because he felt the commission did not fully understand what it was voting for.

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Its four oclock in the afternoon and everybody is arguing about this that and the other and I dont want to vote for something that I dont fully understand, said Campbell. So I cant vote for this at this particular time.

Extensive solar power project unveild in N. Louisiana

The Public Service Commission meeting held at Cypress Bend Resort in Many, Louisiana, lasted more than five hours. Nearly an hour was spent on discussions and testimony from the agenda item sponsored by Commissioner Mike Francis, who added the item to the agenda on Monday.

In the end, the states energy efficiency program was canceled by a 3 to 2 vote.

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The program focused not on energy costs, but rather on making homes and businesses more energy efficient. The program required the Public Service Commission to hold energy companies accountable with specific energy savings goals. Home and business energy efficiency improvements, including appliance upgrades, new air conditioning units, and insulation, were considered key to achieving savings goals, particularly in low-income neighborhoods.

Opponents say the contracts for the program were far too expensive, and the previously used Quick Start Energy Program, overseen by utility companies Cleco and SWEPCO, was a better answer.

When we have looked at the third party administrator across the country we have found that the cost per kilowatt hour savings on those third party administrators are significantly higher than the programs that are currently in place under the utility led programs in Louisiana, said Mark Kleehammer, General Counsel & Chief Regulatory Officer for Cleco. I would ask that you consider maintaining the utility-led programs. We have been doing energy efficiency for 10 years. We commented on this before that the biggest misnomer about the utility-led Quick Start program is that its a quick start. We are in year 10 of these programs, and since weve started, for CLECO power only, our budget has increased by 119%, our KW (kilowatt) savings have increased by 296%.

Those advocating for the Energy Efficiency Program to stay say it addressed the true causes of power waste.

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We are decades behind on addressing energy waste. It doesnt matter how low the rate is if we are just throwing our money out the crack around our doors and windows. The auditor also pointed out that this commission is taking steps to address high energy bills through this efficiency program, said Logan Burke, Executive Director, Alliance for Affordable Energy. The rational thing to do is to address the waste. The right thing to do is to ensure that people have the tools they need. So why would we stop this effort in its tracks?

Now that the program is canceled, the commission voted to have the state revert back to the old Quick Start Energy Program until the end of 2025. A commission vote at later time will determine if the Quick Start program continues beyond the end of the year.

Quick Start allows customers to receive cost offsets and rebates for items that improve a homes energy efficiency.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KTALnews.com.
LOUISVILLE, Ky. (FOX 56)  Students either about to enter or graduate from high school are invited to join the FBI Louisville Teen Academy this summer.

On Wednesday, the FBI Louisville branch invited all interested high schoolers, including incoming freshmen, to attend the 2025 FBI Louisville Teen Academy from July 14 through 17.

Lexington boy meets Pope Francis during Italy spring break trip

Why invite teens into the world of federal criminal justice?

Recognizing that todays high school students are the future leaders of our community, FBI Louisville invites area high schoolers to participate in a week-long immersive experience to learn firsthand about a career with the FBI, said FBI Louisville Acting Special Agent in Charge Quincy R. Barnett. If you are curious about how the FBI protects our nation and have an interest in the FBIs mission statementto protect the American people and uphold the Constitution of the United Statesthis is the event for you.

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Students dont need to be interested in the field of criminal justice to apply for the week-long teen academy, FBI Louisville officials said.

How can students apply?

All high school students, including graduating seniors of the class of 2024-2025 and the incoming freshman class for the 2025-2026 school year, are encouraged to fill out an application assessing their school activities and community involvement, paired with an essay. Academy organizers said neither of those elements would be the sole factor in whether or not the applicant gets into the program.

The application and essay are due with a student release form by 5 p.m. on May 23.

LATEST KENTUCKY NEWS:

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For more information about the FBI Louisville Teen Academy and to find the necessary application and permission forms, visit the FBI Louisville website.

Dustin Massengill contributed to this story.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX 56 News.
LEXINGTON, Ky. (FOX 56)  Many eyes are watching the developing 2026 Senate race taking shape after Sen. Mitch McConnell announced his retirement at the end of this term. Democrats see an opportunity to flip the seat, with the top statehouse Democrat taking on the challenge.

Im a public servant. Ive been a public servant all my life. Ive always helped the people. And its always been better after I left, Rep. Pam Stevenson told FOX 56 News.

In discussing her campaign, Stevenson often referred to the promise of America she stood for during her 27-year service in the United States Air Force, a promise she believes is being shredded.

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We are shortchanging them on Social Security, Medicaid, Medicare. Were not providing them the jobs they need. Theres so much we could do for the family that were not doing, Stevenson said. I had to create relationships in foreign countries. I had to create and negotiate to make sure that we could secure what America needed for all its people. Im going to do the same thing for Kentucky.

The Louisville-based ordained minister and nonprofit attorney was elected minority floor leader by the Kentucky House Democrats late last year, and she has already had a taste of taking on a statewide challenge after unsuccessfully running for attorney general in 2023. She knows flipping one of Kentuckys Senate seats will be a challenge.

The thing that I learned firsthand was that people just want us to listen. People can take a no as long as they know youve listened, Stevenson said, reflecting on her last race.

LATEST KENTUCKY NEWS:

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When asked about her approach to prominent social issues of the day, like reproductive or LGBTQ+ rights, she said these arent things voters are asking her about, and she hears more concern about jobs. She wants to keep her message focused on supporting veterans, keeping healthcare costs low, and family economics.

When we focus on making sure our children do better, when we focus on families thriving because of our economic policies, we win, she said. If elected, shed aim to serve on the Senate Armed Services and Judiciary Committees.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
NEW YORK (PIX11)  Supporters and fans of Luigi Mangione can stay informed through a new website launched by his legal team.

The website is dedicated to providing answers to frequently asked questions and aims to deliver accurate information about his cases while dispelling misinformation, according to the website.

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I am overwhelmed by  and grateful for  everyone who has written me to share their stories and express their support. Powerfully, this support has transcended political, racial, and even class divisions, as mail has flooded MDC from across the country and around the globe. While it is impossible for me to reply to most letters, please know that I read every one that I receive. Thank you again to everyone who took the time to write. I look forward to hearing more in the future. Luigi Mangione

Mangione, 26, is accused of shooting UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson in Midtown Manhattan.

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Since his arrest, Mangione has gained a cult following as a symbol of frustrations with coverage denials and high medical bills, becoming a cause celebre for those dissatisfied with the health insurance industry.

Mangione faces separate federal and state murder charges for the killing. He has pleaded not guilty to all charges against him.

Supporters of Mangione have started a legal fund on GiveSendGo, which has raised nearly $1 million.

Matthew Euzarraga is a multimedia journalist from El Paso, Texas. He has covered local news and LGBTQIA topics in the New York City Metro area since 2021. He joined the PIX11 Digital team in 2023. You can see more of his work here.

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MONTGOMERY, Ala. (WKRG)  The Alabama House of Representatives has passed legislation to establish a shark alert system for Alabama beaches. Lulus Law is inspired by Mountain Brook teen Lulu Gribbin, the victim of a shark attack last summer off the Florida Panhandle.

Shark attack survivor presses her state for an alert system to keep people safe in the water

Today, the Alabama House of Representatives passed Lulus Law, which would establish a shark alert system. (Courtesy of Alabama House of Representatives)

The alert system would work similarly to an Amber Alert or Silver Alert, sharing information with mobile devices and first responders on duty, according to the release.

U.S. Sen. Katie Britt (R-Montgomery), left, and State Rep. David Faulkner (R-Jefferson County) pose with Lulu Gribbin, a Mountain Brook teen who survived a shark attack off the Florida Panhandle last year. (Courtesy of Alabama House of Representatives)

Alabamas beaches are one of our states greatest natural resources, and its important that we take every possible step to ensure families can safely enjoy their time spent there, House Speaker Nathaniel Ledbetter said.

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He noted Gribbins tenacity and commended her advocacy for the bill introduced by Rep. David Faulkner (R-Jefferson County).

U.S. Senator Katie Britt (R-Montgomery), who was present when the House passed Lulus Law, is working to pass similar legislation at the federal level.

Im grateful for the Alabama House of Representatives passing this important legislation, and I will keep fighting in the U.S Senate to get Lulus Law signed into federal law, she said.

Gov. Kay Ivey thanked the representatives and urged them to get the bill to her desk.

From addiction to hope: Meet Fairhopes Dancing Queen

Lets be Lulu strong and get this bill to my desk so I can sign it into law, she said.

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Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WKRG News 5.
Xi says China, Malaysia to join Asian countries in combating camp-based confrontation

Xinhua) 08:05, April 17, 2025

PUTRAJAYA, Malaysia, April 16 (Xinhua) -- Chinese President Xi Jinping said Wednesday China and Malaysia will stand with countries in the region to combat the undercurrent of geopolitical and camp-based confrontation.

Addressing the welcome dinner hosted by Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim, Xi also said the two countries will join nations in the region to combat the countercurrent of unilateralism and protectionism in face of shocks to global order and economic globalization.

"Together we will safeguard the bright prospects of our Asian family," Xi said.

Noting that he and Anwar had a cordial exchange earlier in the day, Xi said that they reached a number of important common understandings on taking bilateral broad cooperation to greater depths.

China, he said, looks forward to working with Malaysia to build a high-level strategic China-Malaysia community with a shared future and to embrace new "Golden 50 Years" for bilateral ties.

"Together, we will energize modernization in both of our countries, set up a fine example of unity and cooperation for the Global South, and make new and greater contributions to peace, stability, and prosperity in our region and beyond," he added.

(Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Liang Jun)
JERUSALEM, April 17 (Xinhua) -- Israel said on Thursday it carried out airstrikes in southern Lebanon and the Gaza Strip, targeting what it described as Hamas and Hezbollah infrastructure.

The Israeli military said it struck sites belonging to Hezbollah in southern Lebanon. "The IDF (Israel Defense Forces) will operate against any attempts by Hezbollah to rebuild or establish a military presence under the guise of civilian cover," it said in a statement, without providing further details.

Separately, the Israeli military and the Shin Bet domestic security agency said they conducted a strike on Jabalia in northern Gaza, targeting what they described as a Hamas command and control center. The military said the site had been used to "plan and execute terror attacks against Israeli civilians and troops."

According to health authorities in Gaza, at least 40 Palestinians were killed in Israeli airstrikes over the past 24 hours, bringing the total number of deaths in Gaza since the start of the war in October 2023 to 51,065.

Since Israel resumed its offensive on March 18, following a ceasefire and prisoner exchange deal in January, 1,691 people have been killed and 4,464 others injured, the health authorities added. 
In The Empire Strikes Back, Lando Calrissian struck an agreement with Darth Vader, which probably made sense to him at the time. In fact, Calrissian told Han Solo in the 1980 Star Wars movie that he had made a deal that would keep the Empire out of Cloud City forever.

As the Cloud City administrator soon learned, however, the Empire did not fully intend to follow through on its commitments, even if Calrissian held up his end of the bargain. As the films dramatic third act, Vader told his ostensible partner: I am altering the deal. Pray I dont alter it any further.

As he realized that he had reached an agreement with someone he shouldnt have trusted, Calrissian complained, This deal keeps getting worse all the time.

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I wonder how many of the partners at some of the nations leading law firms have echoed the sentiment lately.

At last count, Donald Trump has launched an unprecedented offensive against prominent firms, and while a few have fought back (and scored important preliminary legal victories), most of the presidents targets have reached costly deals with him in the hopes of avoiding White House punishments.

But as The New York Times reported, some of these same firms are finding, as Calrissian put it, that their deals keep getting worse all the time.

When some of the nations biggest law firms agreed to deals with President Trump, the terms appeared straightforward: In return for escaping the full force of his retribution campaign, the firms would do some free legal work on behalf of largely uncontroversial causes like helping veterans. Mr. Trump, it turns out, has a far more expansive view of what those firms can be called on to do.

Instead of working on anodyne causes, the firms are discovering that the president effectively believes that he sees their attorneys as his own. The Times report, which has not been independently verified by MSNBC or NBC News, added that Trump has suggested in recent days that he wants the firms to help him negotiate trade deals and possibly help revive the coal industry, too.

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Some administration officials have reportedly discussed directing the firms to help with Elon Musks DOGE initiative, too. The Times went on to note, White House officials believe that some of the pro bono legal work could even be used toward representing Mr. Trump or his allies if they became ensnared in investigations, according to the two people.

In theory, we could look to the details of the agreements between the firms and the president  as negotiated by Boris Epshteyn, a highly controversial and recently indicted Trump attorney who does not work for the government  but in practice, theres uncertainty as to whether the deals exist in any kind of formal way. In fact, the Times report noted: It is unclear whether the firms even signed formal written deals spelling out the terms, or if they were essentially handshake agreements.

Harold Hongju Koh, a professor of international law at Yale Law School, told the Times, in reference to the firms, They thought they made one-shot deals which they would fulfill. But the administration seems to think that they have subjected these firms to indentured servitude.

Putting aside the question of whether the firms, like Calrissian, shouldve seen this coming, the broader question is whether the firms will do what Calrissian ultimately did and reverse course.

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Indeed, its not my place to give the firms partners advice, but it is worth noting that if they didnt enter into a legally binding contract with Trump, and theyre no longer pleased with the presidents demands and expectations, theres nothing stopping them from joining the firms that have already decided to fight back.

This article was originally published on MSNBC.com
Given the record of excellence at the Defense Departments educational system, serving the kids of active-duty service members, its tempting to think the Trump administration would leave the K-12 schools alone.

It did not leave the schools alone. In fact, less than two weeks after Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth took the oath of office, The Washington Post reported that the Pentagon had begun restricting access to books and learning materials covering subjects from immigration to psychology. On-base school libraries have also been directed to remove books from shelves that dont meet with Team Trumps approval.

Whats more, school sporting events were canceled because they were not deemed essential under a Trump executive order, and students on a culinary career track werent able to practice cooking  because of the administrations $1 credit card limits for staff.

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The reaction from some of the affected students was striking, with rare on-base protests and student walkouts at schools around the world. As Military.com explained last month, At a public school, the protest might have led to a detention and maybe some revoked after-school privileges. But on a military base, the students were putting more on the line. The same officials in charge of their Department of Defense-run school also had authority over their parents careers and status in the military.

These students not only followed through on their protests anyway, they kept going. Military.com also reported last week:

Hundreds of military children who are students at Defense Department schools across the globe walked out of class Thursday to protest book bans, curriculum changes and restrictions on extracurricular activities that have resulted from the Trump administrations crackdown on diversity. The walkouts, which included about a dozen schools on U.S. military bases in Europe, Asia and at least one stateside, represent the biggest collective action military children have taken since the start of the Trump administration to demand a voice in their own education after similar, smaller-scale walkouts in February and March.

In case this werent quite enough, this week, The Military Times reported that the American Civil Liberties Union sued the Department of Defenses education agency, challenging the administrations removal of books from school classrooms and libraries.

The New York Times noted that the ACLUs lawsuit was filed on behalf of six families whose children attend schools in Virginia, Kentucky, Italy and Japan.

Steps like these are extraordinarily unusual, but so are the kind of policies being imposed on the schools by the Trump administration.

This article was originally published on MSNBC.com
As part of a broader offensive against higher education in the United States, the Trump administration recently approached Harvard the way organized crime figures approach extortion targets. The White House provided the university with 10 demands on a wide variety of topics, including a request to install outside auditors who would monitor the schools academic departments.

There was no subtlety to the proposition: Harvard realized that failure to comply with the ridiculous demands would result in governmental punishment. The university balked anyway.

The retaliation was swift. On Monday night, the Trump administration froze $2.2 billion in multi-year grants to Harvard. There are federal requirements in place when imposing financial penalties like these, and the Republican White House appears to have ignored those requirements.

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It was the first step, not the last. Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem also canceled nearly $3 million in agency grants to Harvard, while simultaneously demanding that the university turn over records on foreign students alleged to have engaged in illegal and violent activities. Failure to cooperate would jeopardize Harvards Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP) certification, which allows schools to admit international students.

As for Donald Trump, the president published an item to his social media platform on Tuesday that read in part, Perhaps Harvard should lose its Tax Exempt Status and be Taxed as a Political Entity if it keeps pushing political, ideological, and terrorist inspired/supporting Sickness?

One day later, The New York Times reported:

The Internal Revenue Service is weighing whether to revoke Harvards tax exemption, according to three people familiar with the matter, which would be a significant escalation of the Trump administrations attempts to choke off federal money and support for the leading research university. ... Some I.R.S. officials have told colleagues that the Treasury Department on Wednesday asked the agency to consider revoking Harvards tax-exempt status, according to two of the people, who spoke on the condition of anonymity to describe internal conversations.

While the reporting hasnt been independently verified by MSNBC or NBC News, The Washington Post, The Wall Street Journal and CNN published very similar reports.

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Theres no shortage of angles to a story like this. For example, theres still some question as to why, exactly, the White House has launched an attack against Harvard. The official administration line said it has something to do with antisemitism, but Trump himself published an online rant this week that suggested the real motivation is his disgust for the universitys faculty and his perceptions of the schools ideological leanings.

We could also talk at length about what it would mean for the future of the IRS to have the White House explicitly use the tax agency as a partisan weapon  a tool that could presumably be used by future Democratic administrations to target tax-exempt institutions on the right.

I could similarly write a long blog post about all of the many times Republicans expressed hysterical concerns about the very idea of an administration using the IRS as part of a partisan vendetta. In one especially memorable instance, a prominent GOP politician  I believe his name was JD Vance  told a national television audience, If the IRS can go after you because of what you think or what you believe or what you do, wed no longer live in a free country.

But Im also struck by the fact that when Richard Nixon privately tried to sic the IRS on his perceived political opponents, it was seen by members of Congress as an impeachable offense. Indeed, it was literally included in the articles of impeachment.

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A half-century later, Trump appears to be taking an eerily similar step  not in private, but in public.

As Democratic Sen. Chris Murphy of Connecticut recently noted in an unrelated matter, Just because the corruption plays out in public doesnt mean its not corruption.

This article was originally published on MSNBC.com
In mid-September, around the height of the presidential campaign, NBC News reported on aggressive Russian disinformation campaigns targeting the American political system. Five days earlier, the Justice Departments national security division issued related warnings. Six days before that, the Office of the Director of National Intelligence did the same thing.

That was before the election. After the election, the Trump administration halted work on countering Russian disinformation campaigns. And this week, as The New York Times reported, President Donald Trumps State Department shuttered the office that combats foreign disinformation altogether.

Secretary of State Marco Rubio and his aides shut down a State Department office on Wednesday that tracks and counters global disinformation from foreign actors, including the governments of China, Russia and Iran, U.S. officials said. The closing of the office, the Counter Foreign Information Manipulation and Interference Hub, had been in the works for weeks.

The Times report added that this office had been tracking disinformation campaigns by a variety of foreign foes, including terrorist groups, though a variety of congressional Republicans accused this agency and other agencies of trying to stifle the views of right-wing political groups around the world.

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The article went on to note that Russian disinformation often circulates in far-right online channels.

James Rubin, a former State Department official who ran the precursor to the office in the Biden administration, said of the move, This amounts to a form of unilateral disarmament in the information warfare Russia and China are conducting all over the world.

Indeed, its quite likely that officials in the Kremlin were delighted to hear about the Trump administrations latest move, which came on the heels of a series of related developments that were also celebrated in Moscow.

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Imagine a hypothetical scenario in which Putin spoke privately with Trump and provided the American president with a to-do list. Would it look much different than the White Houses agenda from the last few months?

This post updates our related earlier coverage.

This article was originally published on MSNBC.com
Scotland Yard detectives are to receive another 100,000 in their search for Madeleine McCann.

The toddler went missing aged three in May 2007, prompting an international manhunt that became one of the most notorious missing child cases ever.

The Metropolitan Police has already received more than 13 million from the government since launching Operation Grange in 2011.

The forces investigation, announced at the request of Theresa May, the then home secretary, will now receive 108,000.

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There had been fears of greater cuts to the unit tasked with finding Madeleine, who has not been seen since she disappeared from her familys holiday apartment in the Portuguese resort of Praia da Luz.

Her parents, Kate and Gerry, had been eating with friends at a nearby restaurant.

A source said: This is very welcome news for the McCann family, who have made clear they will never give up hope in finding Maddie.

A Home Office spokesman said: The ongoing police investigation into the disappearance of Madeleine McCann, known as Operation Grange, is an operational matter for the Metropolitan Police Service.

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Ministers have approved a request to provide up to 108,000 for Operation Grange in 2025-26.

In line with our Special Grant processes, funding for Operation Grange is approved on an annual basis.

According to Home Office figures, the funding has fallen in recent years from about 300,000 in 2018-2021 to 110,000.

In June 2020, German police announced that convicted paedophile and rapist Christian Brueckner  who raped a woman at the same resort Madeleine went missing in 2005  was the prime suspect for her abduction and murder.

Fake Madeleine

More recently, a Polish woman who claimed to be the missing girl was charged with stalking her parents.

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Julia Wandelt, 23, stalked Gerry and Kate McCann, as well as their other two children.

Ms Wandelt went viral in 2023 after she took to social media to insist she was the missing toddler.

However, the results of a DNA test proved she was not related.

The Mets Det Chief Insp Mark Cranwell said: We continue to support Madeleines family to understand what happened on the evening of 3 May 2007 in Praia da Luz. Our thoughts remain with the family.

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A Republican congressman accused the left of instigating the shocking firebomb attack on Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiros home.

He even suggested at one point that Shapiro himself was to blame.

Look in the mirror, he told Democrats in response to the chilling attack, which caused widespread damage to the states governors mansion.

Rep. Dan Meuser made the comments Tuesday on The Bob Cordaro Show, a local radio program on Pennsylvanias WILK.

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He also mentioned the firebombing attacks at a Tesla showroom in Albuquerque and the GOPs New Mexico headquarters, saying that what just kills him is the left condemning these acts while continuing to make violent type of hostile commentary.

The lefts got to, you know, look in the mirror here, too, he said.

Check out my interview on The Bob Cordaro Show on @WILKNewsradio! I shared highlights from yesterdays agriculture roundtable with @SecRollins, where we heard directly from local producers about the challenges and opportunities facing Pennsylvania farmers. We also discussed pic.twitter.com/sU4XRpO0Xi  Congressman Dan Meuser (@RepMeuser) April 15, 2025

Meuser said the man who attacked Shapiros home was a psycho, of course, but added that he thinks Democrats have gotta tone it down.

He then pointed the finger at Shapiro for bringing the attack onto himself by speaking out against President Donald Trump.

I mean, every action Josh Shapiro has taken so far against the president has either been a lawsuit or a falsehood; and, you know, thats not helpful either, he said. Thats not helpful either.

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Bob Cordaro jumped in, adding how Shapiro is one of the amen chorus for the Democrat lunatics.

He referenced the car bomb that went off in front of Trumps Las Vegas hotel in January, remarking: Im not sure the governors office made too much of a statement about that.

So look, lets just take a breath and realize that this sort of thing needs to be condemned by both sides all the time, 100% of the time, he said.

Trump said Monday that the arson suspect, Cody Balmer, was not a fan of his.

The attacker was not a fan of Trump I understand, Trump said. Just from what Ive read and what Im been told. The attacker basically wasnt a fan of anybody.

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In 911 calls that have been released, Balmer is reported to have told a dispatcher that he will not take part in his plans for what he wants to do to the Palestinian people, seemingly referring to Shapiro.

Shapiro said Wednesday that he wasnt sure why Balmer would be angry at his stance on the matter.

I think thats a question for prosecutors to determine what he meant by that and to prosecute him to the fullest extent of the law," Shapiro said.
New York Times reporter Maggie Haberman explained why President Donald Trump wants a fight with the Supreme Court on Wednesday as his administration defies the courts order to facilitate the return of a Maryland man mistakenly deported to El Salvador.

You saw that today. You have seen that every day that they talk about immigration. They think that the court of public opinion is generally on their side. And they would certainly rather be talking about this than talking about tariffs or talking about economic confidence decreasing, she told CNNs Kaitlan Collins.

Trump officials have claimed that its up to El Salvador to return Kilmar Abrego Garcia  whom the administration sent to a maximum security Salvadoran prison known for its brutal conditions  to the United States.

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The administration has also doubled down on a 2019 accusation that Garcia  a father of three from El Salvador who was living in the U.S. legally for 14 years  was an MS-13 gang member. Both Garcia and his wife have denied the claim.

The Supreme Court, in an order last week, told the Trump administration it must work to facilitate the repatriation of Garcia.

In a separate case, a federal judge on Wednesday declared that theres cause to hold Trump officials in criminal contempt for ignoring his orders to turn flights around that carried Venezuelan migrants to the Salvadoran prison.

Haberman, when asked about the two cases, noted that the general feeling of the Trump administration is that it has better odds than not with the Supreme Court.

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Because the Supreme Court generally is not going to want to dictate  the conservative justices  are not going to want to try to look like they are dictating how the U.S. handles some aspect of immigration enforcement or foreign policy, Haberman said.

H/T Mediaite

Related...
ENDWELL, N.Y. (WIVT/WBGH)  Two teams from Maine Endwell are headed to the world competition in Michigan for Odyssey of the Mind.

Students at Homer Brink Elementary qualified for the world competition after a strong performance at the state level.

At states, one team placed second in the theme Astronomical Odyssey, and the other team also placed second in the Save Me Structure division.

At each competition, the teams have to perform a skit using the sets and costumes that they designed.

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One student, Christian Isenberg, says its easier to perform when youre around your friends.

I expected us to get fourth place at states and not make it, but we did. We work well together as a team, and this team has been together, most of us have been together for a few years, said Isenberg.

Both teams will get bussed to Michigan State University for the first day of competition on May 21.

Theres a raffle taking place in the Homer Brink main office, to raise enough money to send the students to Michigan.

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JAKARTA, April 17 (Xinhua) -- Indonesia's foreign debt fell slightly to 427.2 billion U.S. dollars in February, down from 427.9 billion dollars in the previous month, the country's central bank announced on Thursday.

In addition to the slowdown in public sector external debt growth and contraction in the private sector, "the decline in external debt position was also influenced by the strengthening of the U.S. dollar against most global currencies, including the rupiah," said Ramdan Denny Prakoso, executive director of the Communications Department at Bank Indonesia.

During the period, government foreign debt fell to 204.7 billion dollars from 204.8 billion dollars in the previous month, reflecting a shift in non-resident investor placements from domestic government bonds (SBN) to other investment instruments amid global financial market uncertainty.

Similarly, private foreign debt fell 1.6 percent annually to 194.8 billion dollars, down from 194.4 billion dollars in the previous month.

Indonesia's foreign debt structure remains healthy, as seen by the debt-to-gross domestic product ratio falling to 30.2 percent and the dominance of long-term debt, which accounts for 84.7 percent of the total, according to Ramdan. 
A sharps disposal box sits beside Needlepoint Sancutary's set up at Camp Hope, an unhoused encampment in Bangor. The syringe service program hands out provisions and clean syringes along with kits containing fentanyl testing strips and the overdose reversal drug Naloxone. (Photo by Eesha Pendharkar/Maine Morning Star)

The Maine Legislature rejected a bill this week that would bring back limits on syringe services, following the recommendation of state public health experts and medical professionals.

LD 219, introduced by Rep. Anne-Marie Mastraccio (D-Sanford), would have limited the number of clean syringes that certified needle exchange programs can hand out, reverting to a one-for-one ratio that Maine required until 2022, when it adopted rules that allow participants to bring in just one used syringe to receive 100 clean ones.

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The bill sparked lengthy debate in both chambers, particularly in the light of an HIV outbreak in Penobscot County that has primarily impacted the unhoused community that uses injectable drugs.

Several lawmakers highlighted the issue of syringe litter on roads, parks and on private property, which they blamed on the higher number of syringes people can access.

But ultimately, the majority of legislators supported the Health and Human Services Committees recommendation to reject the bill, citing best practices supported by the Maine Department of Health and Human Services and other public health and harm reduction organizations.

The Senate voted 22-21 against the bill Thursday following a 76-69 House vote earlier this week.

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Republican Sen. Marianne Moore, who represents Washington County and sits on the Health Committee, expressed concern about the outbreak spreading to other counties, including her district.

Limiting access to sterile syringes now will only make it harder to prevent, protect and control spread of disease in a county already under resourced and overburdened, she said.

We all want cleaner streets, safer communities and less syringe litter, she said, but if we are serious about addressing syringe waste, she encouraged her peers to increase funding for disposal kiosks and biohazard containers. Lets stay the course of evidence-based policy, Moore added.

Other Republican senators disagreed. Sen. Matt Harrington of York County and Sen. Scott Cyrway of Kennebec County raised concerns about drug overdoses and decriminalizing drug culture.

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This idea that these centers are somehow reducing harm to me, is ridiculous, Harrington said, referring to certified Syringe Service Programs. This continuous nature of enabling this behavior is just proven to be exacerbating this issue.

Earlier this week, several Republican representatives also criticized the bill, saying they supported the limits the bill aimed to reimpose.

All Mainers and their pets are at risk of a dirty needle stick, said Rep. Ann Fredericks of Sanford.

Sanford became one of the few municipalities to bring back limits in an emergency municipal ordinance last year, which bill sponsor Mastraccio said during her testimony helped reduce syringe litter.

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But according to the Maine CDCs syringe service report from 2023, released last May, most users bring in roughly the same amount of syringes they receive. Syringe services handed out 1.16 syringes for each one they collected last year, which means that despite some concern about the states 100 to 1 ratio, meaning the additional needles from these programs are not driving street litter.

Syringe service programs also provide sharps disposal containers and help reduce discarded waste in communities, according to Dr. Kinna Thakarar, a physician at Maine Medical Center and an associate professor at the Tufts University School of Medicine.

Rep. Ambureen Rana (D-Bangor) said a rigid one-toone model doesnt match the reality of substance use and doesnt work.

We have seen it in rural cities and towns alike. Public health policy must be grounded in science and best practices and lived realities of our communities, she said. This bill is out of step with all three.

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CHICAGO  A man has been charged in the attack of two Jewish students on DePaul Universitys Lincoln Park campus last November.

Adam Erkan, 20 of Hoffman Estates, faces two felony counts of a hate crime and two felony counts of of aggravated battery with great bodily harm.

Person of interest in custody in attack of 2 Jewish students on DePaul campus

Adam Erkan, 20 (Chicago Police Department)

On November 6, Max Long said he was outside DePauls student center with another student, holding a sign and a T-shirt standing against antisemitism, when a masked individual came up and started talking to him.

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According to Long, while one of the individuals distracted him, a second person came up and knocked him unconscious. Long added that at the time of the incident, a group of pro-Palestinian protestors had gathered across the street.

Following the attack, Long suffered severe bruising and a concussion. A second victim who helped Long, Michael Kaminsky, was also injured and needed surgery.

The two students sued DePaul University earlier this month, alleging that the educational institution failed to protect them. The lawsuit, filed on Wednesday, April 2, seeks physical and emotional damages for the students.

Erkan is scheduled for a detention hearing Thursday.

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DAYTON, Ohio (WDTN)  The man on trial for allegedly shooting at police during a standoff in Logan County was found guilty on Wednesday.

Holley Tolliver, Jr. was found guilty on all 22 charges tied to the standoff in August 2024, including felonious assault, weapons charges and burglary.

Sentencing hearing begins for Troy doctor found with unregistered explosives

On Aug. 14, 2024, law enforcement responded to a home on Big Bear Path in the northern portion of Indian Lake on reports of gunfire into a residence.

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The jury found that Tolliver burglarized a home of a neighbor and stole firearms, which he then fired at law enforcement during an 11-hour standoff.

Jury deliberated for four hours before reaching their decision to find him guilty on 22 felony charges.

Tolliver initially pled not guilty by reason of insanity, but was found competent to stand trial twice.

His sentencing has been scheduled for May 19.

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Eric Dionida German-Pena, the man accused of killing Lynn sub shop owner Ilias Louie Mavros, is being held without bail following his arraignment in Essex County Superior Court, the district attorney said Wednesday.

German-Pena, 25, a native and citizen of the Dominican Republic who federal officials said is in the country illegally, pleaded not guilty to all charges on Friday, Essex County District Attorney Paul Tucker said in a statement.

He is charged with murder, armed burglary and carrying a firearm without a license in connection with the slaying of Mavros, 48, of Lynn, Tucker said.

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Judge Kathleen McCarthy-Neyman ordered German-Pena held without bail without prejudice.

Mavros was found dead in his home on Stanwood Street in Lynn on Feb. 3. He was killed during an apparent home-invasion robbery, prosecutors said.

Around 6:30 p.m. on Feb. 3, Lynn Police responded to the home on Stanwood Street in Lynn to conduct a well-being check of Mavros at the request of family members.

When officers arrived, they found Mavros with apparent signs of trauma. He was pronounced dead at the scene.

In a GoFundMe launched after his murder to offset funeral and business expenses after his unexpected death, family members described Mavros as a true fighter and ambitious entrepreneur whose dreams were as big as his smile.

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Despite facing numerous challenges in life, he was on the verge of achieving his dream with Crazy Buzzys. Although his time with us was tragically cut short, his passion and spirit will forever inspire us, family members wrote.

The Massachusetts State Police Detective Unit assigned to Tuckers office, Lynn Police, and the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner investigated.

German-Pena was previously arraigned in Lynn District Court on Feb.6. He is due back in Superior Court on May 27.

This is a developing story. Check back for updates as more information becomes available.

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COWEN, W.Va. (WBOY)  A suspect was charged with attempted murder in Webster County after allegedly shooting another man in the head.

On Wednesday, April 16, troopers with the Webster Springs detachment of the West Virginia State Police responded to River Road in Cowen for a reported shooting, according to a press release.

When troopers arrived, EMS were treating a man for a gunshot wound to the head; that victim was taken to Webster Memorial Hospital where he was treated for non-life-threatening injuries and was released, according to the release.

Gary Key

Man charged with attempted murder in Morgantown stabbing

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Investigators determined that Gary Key, age 68, had fired the gun, and he was taken into custody without incident, troopers said. The shooting is believed to have stemmed from a family property dispute, according to the release.

Key has been charged with attempted murder and is being held without bail in the Central Regional Jail.

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MEMPHIS, Tenn.  A man is now behind bars after an argument led to him shooting a man to death at an apartment complex in Frayser last month, police say.

Antonio McClelland, 52, is charged with first-degree murder and convicted felon in possession of a firearm.

Man shot, 2 detained after police chase: MPD

On March 6, officers say they were called to the Grand Oaks Apartments on 3433 North Trezevant Street regarding a shooting.

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A man was found at the scene suffering from a gunshot wound to the stomach. He was then taken to Regional One Hospital, where he later died.

He was identified by Memphis Police as 56-year-old Jimmy Walker.

During the investigation, police say video footage from the apartment complex captured the victim arguing with a man, later identified as Antonio McClelland, three hours before the shooting.

2 women injured after shooting in Millington

Police say McClelland was heard on video telling the victim he would shoot him and kill him. McClelland was then seen in the video with a gun in his hand, leaving and then returning to an apartment.

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That is when investigators say they secured a search warrant for the apartment and found several recent mail pieces with McClellands name. McClelland was then developed as a suspect.

On March 10, investigators spoke with a witness who said she saw McClelland shoot the victim. Investigators say she positively identified McClelland in a six-person photo lineup.

The next day, investigators say another witness gave a statement saying she was also present when the shooting took place. She identified McClelland in a six-person photo lineup.

Antonio McClelland is due in court Thursday morning. His bond has not been set.

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McClelland was also found convicted of aggravated assault on March 29, 2023.

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PRINCE GEORGES COUNTY, Md. (DC News Now)  A man wanted in connection to the murder of a D.C. man was taken into custody on Monday after months of evading arrest, officials with the Prince Georges County Police Department (PGPD) said.

Around 5:50 p.m. on Nov. 8, 2024, the Maryland-National Capital Park Police (MNCPP) and PGPD responded to a park in the 7700 block of Walker Mill Road for a reported shooting.

There, they found 43-year-old Morris Haskins Jr. of Washington, D.C., suffering from a gunshot wound.

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He died from his injuries the following day.

PREVIOUS COVERAGE: Man dies after being shot at park in Capitol Heights, police investigating

Police said 24-year-old Elijah Kamara allegedly shot Haskins during an argument. The two reportedly knew each other.

PGPD obtained an arrest warrant for him on Feb. 3 of this year.

Efforts to find and arrest him were unsuccessful until April 14, when an officer conducted a traffic stop at the intersection of Walters Lane and Chavez Lane. Once the vehicle stopped, Kamara  who was a passenger  tried to run away.

Officers apprehended him and took him into custody.

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Kamara was charged with first-degree murder and other related charges.

Anyone with additional information is encouraged to contact PGPD at (301) 516-2512.

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BEIJING, April 17 (Xinhua) -- The China Public Diplomacy Association on Wednesday hosted an AI-themed salon that featured a keynote speech by Lionel M. Ni, the founding president of the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (Guangzhou), which was followed by an interactive session with Chinese and foreign journalists.

The event highlighted how advanced AI models like DeepSeek are transforming knowledge acquisition and content creation. These systems can rapidly process vast amounts of literature, generate high-quality summaries and research papers, and produce multimedia content such as images and videos, enabling users to create diverse materials on demand.

Lionel M. Ni stressed that higher education institutions should pay close attention to AI's impact on the education sector. "The responsible use of AI within legal frameworks should be encouraged," he said, citing the technology's irreversible integration into modern education.

Faculty members at the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (Guangzhou) are encouraged to incorporate AI into curricula, leveraging its capabilities to enhance pedagogy. "AI won't replace humans, but professionals leveraging AI will outpace those who do not -- this is inevitable," Ni cautioned.

As AI capabilities continue to advance at a remarkable pace, the event also underscored the need for balanced approaches to its development that harness the technology's benefits while conscientiously managing fundamental concerns like computational efficiency and privacy safeguards. 
STEPHENS COUNTY, Ga. (WSPA)  Despite a successful escape from a rehabilitation center and hiding in a home ventilation system to avoid law enforcement, deputies in Stephens County have arrested a man with warrants in multiple Georgia counties.

The Stephens County Sheriffs Office said the investigation began last week, after deputies received tips regarding the whereabouts of 30-year-old Calvin McCoy, who had escaped a rehabilitation center in Hall County.

According to deputies, McCoy has warrants for felony probation violation in Stephens, Dawson and Hall counties for charges involving first degree burglary, second degree criminal damage to property and felony obstruction of law enforcement officers.

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Investigators said that McCoy is no stranger to run-ins with the law.

In fact, McCoy was on probation for convictions in Dawson County involving terroristic threats and second degree criminal damage. He also had convictions in Stephens County for first degree burglary, possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, felony escape and other charges involving fleeing and obstructing law enforcement.

Officials said that due to McCoys past record, he is considered a possible threat to public safety.

Hall County deputies said anonymous tips confirmed that McCoy was in Stephens County.

Deputies confirmed McCoy was hiding at a home on Mae Drive and obtained a search warrant.

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The home was searched at around 3:30 p.m., and McCoy was found hiding inside the home ventilation system.

McCoy was arrested for three counts of warrant service for felony probation violation, possession of a firearm by a convicted felon and obstruction of law enforcement officers. He was booked at the Stephens County Jail.

The sheriffs office also arrested Ashley Smith, 23, at the home. Investigators said Smith was arrested for hindering/apprehending a criminal.

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A Columbus man was shot at on I-70 during his drive home from a chemotherapy appointment in what he believes was an unprovoked attack.

The Ohio Department of Transportation released video of the shooting. The video shows the victims black truck pulling off to the shoulder after a shot went through his window.

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Jesse, who asked to be identified only by his first name, spoke via Zoom with our news partner WBNS-TV in Columbus from his hospital bed at Grant Medical Center.

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Jesse said the incident unraveled quickly Tuesday morning as he was driving home after his chemotherapy session. Jesse battles a form of blood cancer called multiple myeloma.

He slowed down, I heard a loud noise, and that was him shooting into my truck. He tried to keep getting in front of me, and I didnt want to let him in frontjust because I didnt want him being able to stop me and keep shooting, Jesse said.

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Jesse was able to call 911 while he was trying to get away from the driver. He told them that he had been shot in the face by a person driving a gold Chevrolet Equinox.

A witness to the shooting called 911 too, according to WBNS-TV. The witness said they thought the two vehicles were brake-checking each other and that road rage may have caused the shooting, according to the dispatcher.

However, Jesse doesnt believe that this was a road rage incident.

He decided to go right to the left and stop next to me and shoot, Jesse said. That was the only interaction I had with him. There was no back and forth, no brake-checking, nothing like that.

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The bullet struck Jesses truck door, shattering the glass. Jesse turned his face, but the round went through the glass, skimming past him, according to WBNS-TV.

It could have been a lot worse. I remember seeing the hole in the windowit was damn near where my head was," he said.

Jesse told WBNS-TV he has lost two of his teeth and received 11 stitches and glue. He may have to undergo chin and gum surgery, and hes lost some vision in his left eye. He was discharged from the hospital Tuesday.

Police have identified the suspect as 33-year-old DeWayne Pittman and charged him with felonious assault.

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Pittman was employed by VEPO, a subcontractor under Sensus on the City of Columbus Department of Public Utilities Enhanced Meter Project, according to WBNS-TV.

Sensus has already informed us that Pittman is no longer employed on this project. Our thoughts are with the victim and their family, a spokesperson with the citys Department of Public Utilities said.

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WASHINGTON (DC News Now)  A man has been charged with allegedly stabbing a Metro Transit Police Department (MTPD) sergeant in the face on Tuesday, according to the United States Attorneys Office (USAO) for the District of Columbia.

Erik Schleehauf, 43, of Washington, D.C., is being held without bond after being charged with assault of a police officer while armed and assault with a deadly weapon.

Court documents say that at 2:26 p.m. in the Navy Yard-Ballpark Metro Station, an MTPD sergeant saw Schleehauf trying to avoid paying a metro fare by standing on the fare machine and jumping over the glass gates.

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Metro moves to expand on system to ban violent offenders from using bus, Metro system

The sergeant then followed Schleehauf and attempted to stop him from exiting.

Court documents allege that Schleehauf pulled out a sharp tool that was hidden on him and began to stab the sergeant in the face.

The sergeant was transported to the hospital with non-life-threatening injuries and Schleehauf was taken into custody.

Schleehaufs preliminary hearing is set for April 18.

The incident remains under investigation by the Metro Transit Police Department.

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(COLORADO SPRINGS)  A Colorado Springs man is facing multiple charges including attempted murder in connection to a November 2024 drive-by shooting in which nearly 20 shots were fired at an occupied car and a nearby house.

According to the Colorado Springs Police Department (CSPD), officers responded just before 10:45 p.m. on Nov. 29, 2024 to a report of a drive-by shooting in the 2200 block of Monteagle Street, near Palmer Park.

Upon Arrival, officers found a woman who reported she had been sitting in her car waiting for it to warm up when an unknown man drove by her car and fired approximately 19 rounds, hitting the womans car and a nearby house. Thankfully, the woman was not hit by any gunfire.

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On April 15, 2025, detectives with the Assault Unit obtained an arrest warrant for Colorado Springs resident Joshua Spradling. Spradling was charged with two counts of first degree attempted murder, felony menacing, and illegal discharge of a firearm.

When the arrest warrant was obtained, Spradling was already incarcerated in the El Paso County Criminal Justice Center on unrelated charges.

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SINGAPORE, April 17 (Xinhua) -- To navigate an "increasingly fragmented and turbulent world," Singaporean Prime Minister Lawrence Wong has proposed three key thrusts to strengthen the city-state's regional and global partnerships.

Speaking at the S Rajaratnam Lecture on Wednesday, Wong said the first thrust is to "contribute actively to the stewardship of the global commons." Singapore, while maintaining its focus on Southeast Asia, will set aside more resources for partners further afield, including those in Africa, the Middle East, Latin America, the Pacific, and the Caribbean.

The second thrust is to "champion deeper regional cohesion and integration." Noting that the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) remains "central to Singapore's foreign policy," Wong called for eliminating 100 percent of tariffs across the region, further reducing non-tariff barriers, and concluding the ASEAN Digital Economy Framework Agreement.

He also urged the upgrading of ASEAN's free trade agreements with key partners such as China, India, and South Korea.

The third thrust is to strengthen Singapore's global network of partnerships. Wong advocated for greater collaboration between the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP) and the European Union (EU), while also deepening the ASEAN-EU Strategic Partnership.

Beyond economic ties, Singapore seeks to expand strategic partnerships with like-minded countries and forge new connections in regions like the Middle East, Africa, and Latin America, he said. To that end, Singapore plans to open new diplomatic missions in Africa and Latin America in the coming years.

Wong proposed the three thrusts in response to what he called "deeply worrying" global trends. While such practices, like using economic tools to advance national interests, are not new, he noted that they have reached new intensity with the latest U.S. tariff moves. 
NEWPORT NEWS, Va. (WAVY)  A Newport News man has been arrested and faces three first-degree murder charges in connection to a 2023 shooting that killed three men inside a home on Stallings Court, Newport News Police said Wednesday.

Records: 2 brands of ammo used in Newport News triple homicide

Dimair Jones (Courtesy: Newport News Police Department)

Dimair Jones, 26, of Newport News, in addition to the first-degree murder charges, faces three counts of using a firearm in the commission of a felony and the use of a firearm by a convicted felon.

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Around 12:55 a.m. Aug. 8, 2023, Newport News Police officers were sent to the 400 block of Stallings Court in reference to shots fired, and when they arrived, they found the victims inside a residence, and three men were pronounced dead at the scene, police said. The men were later identified as Alvin Eugene Holiday, 61, of Williamsburg, Monroe McGilvary Jr., 60, of Williamsburg and Derek Rico Jones, 36, of Newport News.

A search warrant indicated that two of the men were found shot to death in the garage, and another man was found dead in a downstairs room. The search warrant showed that police collected at least 11 shell casings from the home, all .40-caliber, but the bullets were made by two different manufacturers: X-Treme Bullets and PMC Ammunition.

Detectives also found suspected smoking devices for crack cocaine and other drug paraphernalia in the home, according to the search warrant.

Newport News Police Chief Steve Drew held a press conference on the day of the shooting, confirming that police found cocaine and marijuana in the house. On that day, Drew said he believed the motivation for the killings would boil down to drugs and an argument.

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NNPDs homicide detectives have demonstrated an unwavering commitment to solving this case, said Newport News Police Chief Steve Drew in a statement. Their tireless work has not only led to todays significant arrests but also reflects a deeper mission to ensure the safety of our community.

Drew also thanked the community for their patience and support.

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(KRON)  A San Mateo County Superior Court judge scolded a man Wednesday and sentenced him to serve four years in prison for tricking an elderly woman into signing an ownership deed for her Millbrae home.

The judge told 50-year-old Shelby David Einspahr that his deliberate scheme was carried out against a vulnerable victim, the district attorneys office said. The Redwood City man was found guilty by a jury of eight felonies during his February trial.

In the summer of 2022, Einspahr duped the victim into signing paperwork while she was living in an elderly care home. Einspahr and a co-conspirator misrepresented what they were doing with the victims home and convinced her to sign papers while lying to her, the DAs office wrote.

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The papers transferred ownership of the home over to Einspahr, prosecutors said.

Einspahr was found guilty of felony theft, forgery, filing a false document, and residential burglary. His accused co-conspirator was acquitted by jurors and released from custody.

At Wednesdays sentencing hearing, the judge denied Einspahrs request for a new trial. The case stemmed from an investigation by the San Mateo County Sheriffs Office.

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EDGAR COUNTY, Ill. (WCIA)  The Edgar County Coroner and the Paris Police are investigating after a man was found dead in a home on Tuesday.

Coroner Scott Barrett said a caller told 911 dispatchers that they found a dead body inside of a residence on North Street in Paris. The call came in around 3:26 p.m. and police arrived at the home within minutes.

Paris man dead after hit-and-run

30-year-old Robert Hemry Jr. of Evergreen Park was pronounced dead on the scene.

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The 911 caller told the Paris Police Department that he and two others were hired by the homeowner to make repairs so that the building could become livable. After they arrived, they began to unload their equipment into the house when they discovered the body inside.

When police interviewed the homeowner, she told them that she hired Hemry to look after the house while it was undergoing repairs. She also told police she last heard from him on April 8.

An autopsy was done on Thursday. Results are pending, based on the toxicology report. The Paris Police Department and the Edgar County Coroner are continuing to investigate.

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Chinese President Xi Jinping meets with Cambodian People's Party President and Senate President Samdech Techo Hun Sen at the Peace Palace in Phnom Penh, Cambodia, April 17, 2025. (Xinhua/Xie Huanchi)

PHNOM PENH, April 17 (Xinhua) -- Chinese President Xi Jinping said here Thursday that building a China-Cambodia community with a shared future is a choice of history and the people.

Xi made the remarks when meeting with Cambodian People's Party President and Senate President Samdech Techo Hun Sen.

China and Cambodia are not only friendly neighbors but also ironclad friends, he said, noting that both countries are currently at a critical stage of national development.

Xi said that the two sides should keep in mind the well-being of their people and the progress of humanity, strive to set an example for building a community with a shared future for mankind in the course of advancing their respective modernization endeavors, and join hands to become forces for peace, stability and progress in a world undergoing profound transformations unseen in a century.

China believes that Cambodia's road to national development and revitalization will become wider and wider, and will, as always, support the Cambodian People's Party in leading the Cambodian people to maintain national stability and economic development, Xi said, adding that China supports Cambodia in playing a more important role in the regional and international arena.

The Chinese president said that the two sides should make good use of the newly established "2+2" strategic dialogue mechanism between foreign ministers and defense ministers of the two countries to strengthen strategic coordination.

The two sides should deepen practical cooperation across various fields, advance the construction of Cambodia's Industrial and Technological Corridor and Fish and Rice Corridor, and strengthen collaboration in energy, transportation and other key sectors, enabling Cambodia to share more in China's development opportunities, Xi said.

Xi emphasized that China is willing to engage in exchanges and mutual learning with Cambodia on major issues such as strengthening party building and advancing reform and development, and to deepen friendly cooperation between the China's National People's Congress and the National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference with National Assembly and Senate of the Kingdom of Cambodia.

Unilateralism and hegemonism receive no support of the people, Xi said.

History has shown the unstoppable trend toward a multipolar world, economic globalization, and cultural diversity, Xi said, adding that no country wants to return to isolation.

The trade wars undermine the multilateral trading system and disrupt global economic order, Xi said, urging all countries to unite and firmly keep the reins of national security and development in their own hands, uphold mutual respect, pursue win-win cooperation and common development, and work together to build a community with a shared future for mankind.

As Asia embarks on a new journey of collective revitalization, Xi noted, China will continue to follow the principle of amity, sincerity, mutual benefit and inclusiveness and the policy of developing friendship and partnership with neighboring countries, maintain the continuity and stability of its neighborhood diplomacy, deepen friendly cooperation with neighboring countries, so as to share the fruits of Chinese modernization more widely across the region, promote the building of a community with a shared future with neighboring countries, and work together to advance Asia's modernization. 

Chinese President Xi Jinping meets with Cambodian People's Party President and Senate President Samdech Techo Hun Sen at the Peace Palace in Phnom Penh, Cambodia, April 17, 2025. (Xinhua/Ding Haitao)
KANSAS CITY, Mo.  A 35-year-old man was found guilty on Wednesday in connection to the 2019 shooting at Tequila Bar in Kansas City, Kansas that left four people dead and several others injured.

The Wyandotte County District Attorneys Office said Hugo Villanueva-Morales was found guilty of first-degree attempted murder, criminal possession of a firearm, aggravated assault and four counts of aggravated battery.

Kansas City Police Department looking for dispatchers and call takers

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Investigators say on Oct. 6, 2019, Villanueva-Morales, and Javier Alatorre walked into the Tequila KC bar in KCK, firing guns and killing four people, wounding another five.

Investigations revealed that an earlier dispute occurred inside the bar, which later led to the shooting. Surveillance video shows Villanueva-Morales and Alatorre attempted to locate someone inside Tequila KC after they returned to the bar, according to court documents.

Investigators say video also shows both men firing at people inside Tequila KC. The armed suspects then fled the scene, according to police.

Alatorre was captured shortly after the shooting, but it wasnt until mid-December 2019 when Villanueva-Morales was captured in Mexico and brought back to the U.S.

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Alatorre was sentenced on Feb. 9, 2024, to 22 years and three months in prison after entering a guilty pleas to four counts of second-degree murder.

Villanueva-Morales is scheduled to be sentenced on July 1, 2025, at 9 a.m.

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Apr. 16A man found guilty of raping a Harrison Twp. girl may spend the rest of his life in prison.

Uriah Christopher Eichenlaub, 26, was sentenced Wednesday by Montgomery County Common Pleas Judge Elizabeth Ellis to 25 years to life in prison for one count of rape of a victim under 10 and two counts of gross sexual imposition of a victim under 13, according to the Montgomery County Sheriff's Office.

Montgomery County Sheriff's deputies responded to a Harrison Twp residence at around 12:40 a.m. Sept. 5, 2023, after a woman reported Eichenlaub molested her daughter, according to a Vandalia Municipal Court affidavit.

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The affidavit said that a surveillance camera in the home recorded Eichenlaub inappropriately touching the girl and taking photos of her with his cellphone. Deputies reviewed the footage and arrested Eichenlaub.

The sheriff's office said evidence gathered during the investigation played a key role in Eichenlaub's conviction.

In a statement, Montgomery County Sheriff Rob Streck said, "I'm proud of the work our detectives and the prosecutors did to bring this individual to justice. We will always stand up for victims and make it clear that these crimes will not be tolerated in Montgomery County."
At UnitedHealthcare's headquarters in Minnesota, a young man was arrested with a weapon after calling in threats against the insurance giant.

As USA Today and other outlets report, police arrested 26-year-old Ian Wagner with a gun and bullets near UHC's Minnetonka campus after an hour of phone negotiations led to his surrender.

Though he's the same age as Luigi Mangione, the suspect accused of killing UHC CEO Brian Thompson in December, the two alleged gunmen couldn't be more different.

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While Mangione appears to have been an ideologue driven to mortal violence by his hatred of the insurance industry, it doesn't seem that Wagner, who was well known to Minnetonka police due to prior felonies and open felony and misdemeanor cases, was similarly principled. When the suspect called 9-1-1, he allegedly told the police dispatcher that he would shoot into the UHC facilities if the charges against him were not dropped  and apparently, he made similar demands when he phoned the FBI's Minneapolis field office, too.

"While the investigation is still in its early stages," the FBI told USA Today, "there is currently no indication that the individual had specific grievances against UnitedHealthcare."

Following Wagner's arrest earlier in the week, Twin Cities broadcaster KTSP reported that the 26-year-old's threats against UHC came just after police made multiple attempts to arrest him over probation violations stemming from his other charges.

Cheryl Wagner, the suspect's mother, told the ABC affiliate that her son suffers from mental health issues and was set off by the arrest attempts. He apparently drove to his grandparents' house, retrieved a gun there, and headed to the insurer's headquarters.

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Though the young man had been wearing an ankle monitor as part of his electronic home monitoring from his felony convictions  details about which have not been shared with media  authorities told KTSB that the device was not equipped with GPS and could only tell them when Wagner was out of range.

In a sense, that technology fail echoes the way Mangione was apprehended: not with the NYPD's expensive facial recognition and AI surveillance tools, but thanks to a random eagle-eyed employee at a Pennsylvania McDonald's who recognized him from the news.

Though authorities insist Wagner only made his threats for attention, the would-be gunman seemed to intentionally echo Thompson's assassination when he appeared in court while wearing an anti-self-harming flak jacket after his arrest. According to KTSB, he shouted the words "power, money, [and] corruption" during his hearing  a reference, perhaps, to the words "deny, defend, [and] depose" that were found on the bullet casings from the UHC CEO's slaying.

More on UHC: UnitedHealthcare Threatens Legal Action Against Doctor Who Says They Interrupted Her in the Middle of Surgery
CHICAGO (WGN)  A man is recovering in the hospital after he was shot inside a building on the citys Far North Side early Thursday morning.

Chicago police said the incident unfolded just before 2 a.m. inside a building in the 4900 block of North Kenmore Avenue, in Uptown.

Read more: Latest Chicago news and headlines

Officers were called to the scene following a report of a person shot in the area and when they arrived, they found the victim, a 45-year-old man, on the sidewalk outside the building.

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According to police, the victim, a 45-year-old man, was in the common area of the building when a person approached, pulled out a gun and opened fire.

The victim suffered gunshot wounds to his right thigh and left shin and eventually collapsed outside the building. He was later taken to the hospital where he was listed in serious condition.

Authorities said no arrests have been made in connection with the shooting and a search is now underway for the person responsible.

Officers described the shooter as an unknown male offender, and said it is believed that he fled the scene following the shooting.

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LATEST CASES: Missing people in Chicagoland

Anyone with information on the shooting is asked to contact CPD Area Three Detectives at 312-744-8263 or dial 911.

Those with information that could help authorities in their investigation can also leave a tip at CPDtip.com. Tips can be filed anonymously.

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BROOKLYN, N.Y. (PIX11)  Police are searching for multiple suspects after a man was allegedly put in a chokehold and robbed inside a subway station on April 9.

The incident happened around 8:30 p.m. at the Nevins Street subway station in Brooklyn.

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Police say the victim, a 35-year-old man, was sitting on a bench on the northbound 2 line platform. Two unknown individuals approached the victim, placed him in a chokehold, and took his phone.

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Two other individuals acted as lookouts, police said. The four then fled the station.

The NYPD released the following media of three of the suspects.

Anyone with information is asked to contact the NYPD.

Submit tips to police by calling Crime Stoppers at 1-800-577-TIPS (8477), visiting crimestoppers.nypdonline.org, downloading the NYPD Crime Stoppers mobile app, or texting 274637 (CRIMES) then entering TIP577. Spanish-speaking callers are asked to dial 1-888-57-PISTA (74782).

Ben Mitchell is a digital content producer from Vermont who has covered both local and international news since 2021. He joined PIX11 in 2024. See more of his work here.

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LAS VEGAS (KLAS)  A New Mexico man pleaded guilty to reselling firearms that he bought in Las Vegas to buyers in Mexico and the U.S., according to the U.S. Department of Justice.

According to court documents and admissions made in court, from December 202 through Jan. 17, 2023, Celso Daniel Ruiz bought at least 145 of the same or similar types of firearms from Federal Firearms Licensees in Las Vegas and Henderson. Shortly after buying many of the firearms, Ruiz crossed the U.S.-Mexico border.

After Ruiz crossed the border, 18 of the firearms he purchased were registered by people throughout various parts of Mexico, the DOJ said.

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The DOJ said Ruiz knew that many of the firearms he bought in the Las Vegas valley would be transferred outside the U.S. and that he did not have a license to sell or export firearms.

Ruiz pleaded guilty to one count of engaging in the business of dealing firearms without a license. He is scheduled to be sentenced in August and faces a maximum of five years in prison and three years of supervised release.

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CHARLOTTE, N.C. (QUEEN CITY NEWS)  Joel Isaiah Brewer, already in custody, pleaded not guilty Thursday to charges in Mecklenburg County tied to the 2021 murders of two trans women in Charlotte.

Those charges include two counts of first-degree murder, robbery with a dangerous weapon, possession of a firearm by a felon, and possession of a stolen vehicle.

According to Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police, Brewer reportedly solicited sex from two Black transwomen, Remi Fennel and Jaida Petersen, before fatally shooting them.

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Brewer is also facing separate charges in Union County, including first-degree murder, concealment of death, and being a violent habitual felon, connected to the February 2021 killing of Joshua Tramaine Allen, whose body was found in a wooded area near Wingate. Brewer has not yet entered a plea in that case, which is scheduled for a May 15 disposition hearing.

Brewers criminal history includes a 2011 conviction in a deadly robbery attempt. He remains held as the legal proceedings in both counties continue.

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A man charged in a mass shooting at a Kansas City, Kansas bar in 2019 has been found guilty on eight counts, including capital murder.

A Wyandotte County jury voted Wednesday to convict Hugo Alberto Villanueva-Morales, 35, of capital murder of more than one victim, as well as attempted premeditated first-degree murder, criminal possession of a firearm and five counts of aggravated assault.

Villanueva-Morales is one of two suspects charged in the Oct. 6, 2019 shooting at Tequila KC Bar, which left four people dead and five others injured.

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The shooting took place shortly after 1:30 a.m., according to a Kansas City, Kansas Police Department spokesperson. Officers saw several people running out of the bar as they responded to reports of shots fired at the bar at 1013 Central Ave., according to the spokesperson.

Witnesses described two men, later identified as Villanueva-Morales and 29-year-old Javier Alatorre, entering the bar and firing more than a dozen shots into the crowd of approximately 40 patrons. The same was later seen on surveillance video reviewed by investigators, according to court records.

Everardo Meza, 29; Alfredo Calderon Jr., 29; Francisco Garcia Anaya, 34; and Martin Rodriguez-Gonzalez, 58, were killed in the shooting.

Jose Valdez, who was bartending at Tequila KC on the night of the shooting, previously told The Star that one of the men had previously been ejected from the bar and responded by throwing a cup at a bartender. Another patron said that it had taken four people to remove the man from the space before he returned with a gun.

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KCKPD previously told The Star that investigators believe the shooting was targeted, though not racially motivated. Both men were initially charged with four counts of first-degree murder each, according to court records.

Alatorre was arrested in Kansas City, Missouri the day after the shooting. He pleaded guilty in December 2023 to four counts of first-degree murder and was sentenced in February 2024 to 22 years and three months in prison.

Villanueva-Morales, however, fled the country via Texas and remained at large for several weeks after the shooting, police said. He was arrested by state police in Michoacan, southwest Mexico, in December 2019 and extradited to Kansas, where he was booked into the Wyandotte County Detention Center on a $1 million bond.

Tequila KC closed for about two weeks after the shooting, but reopened at the request of regular patrons and community members, owner Erik Gomez told The Star in 2019.

A sentencing hearing for Villanueva-Morales is scheduled for 9 a.m. July 1 in Wyandotte County court.
ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (KRQE)  A man who was driving drunk and killed another driver in May 2024 was sentenced to more than a decade behind bars Thursday.

Story continues below

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Last year Bryson Kayonnie was driving drunk when he hit another vehicle at the intersection of 4th and Candelaria in Albuquerque. The driver of the other vehicle was killed in the crash. Kayonnie was transported to the hospital, where he told police he only had one beer. In March, Kayonnie pleaded guilty to homicide by vehicle. He was sentenced to 12 years behind bars.

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ROME, April 17 (Xinhua) -- Uncertainty sparked by dramatic changes in the United States' tariff regime will have an oversized impact on the Italian economy, with two reports released Thursday predicting reduced economic growth and the loss of tens of thousands of jobs.

In a hearing on the government's budget plan Thursday, ISTAT, Italy's National Statistics Institute, predicted the current situation would likely reduce the country's economic growth by 0.2 percent this year and 0.3 percent in 2026, significant levels considering ISTAT's economic growth prognostications are for just 0.6 percent and 0.8 percent this year and next, respectively.

Meanwhile, in the remarks at the same hearing, Lilia Cavallari, chair of the Parliamentary Budget Office, or the UPB, said the U.S. tariffs would "impact nearly every sector of the Italian economy," saying that their impacts would reduce employment in Italy by "around 68,000 jobs."

The estimates were released the same day Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni was in Washington to meet with U.S. President Donald Trump, with the tariff policy the main item on the agenda.

Meloni is the first European Union leader to meet with Trump since the U.S. leader unveiled unexpectedly harsh global tariffs on April 2. Trump's initial tariffs on products imported to the United States from the European Union were set to be 20 percent, though that policy was quickly paused for 90 days.

A higher 25-percent levy on steel, aluminum, and automobiles from all countries, including in Europe, remains in place, as well as another 10 percent additional tariffs on imports from most U.S. trade partners.

But the data from ISTAT and the UPB say that the bulk of the impacts on the Italian economy will come from uncertainty surrounding the tariff regime from the world's largest economy, rather than from the tariffs themselves.

In her remarks, Cavallari said that although the impacts will be spread across the wider economy, the sectors hit hardest by job losses will include those that depend heavily on exports, such as the pharmaceutical industry, carmakers, mining, and machinery and machine parts manufacturing.

The UPB also noted that the impacts came on the heels of just 0.7 percent economic growth in Italy last year, the first time the country's economy grew slower than that of the euro currency zone since 2021.

ISTAT said that while it expected significant impacts from the tariff situation, economic forecasts were particularly difficult because of a lack of clarity about the "economic and trade policy responses from governments and central banks." 
YOUNGSTOWN, Ohio (WKBN)  A man convicted by a jury of an October shooting death on the East Side was sentenced Thursday in Mahoning County Common Pleas Court to 39 years to life in prison.

Read next: Local manufacturing plant permanently closed

Andre Bailey, 40, received the sentence from Visiting Judge W. Wyatt McKay following March 3 convictions on a charge of aggravated murder, tampering with evidence, being a felon in possession of a firearm and aggravated robbery for the Oct. 17 shooting death of 24-year-old Reynaldo Hernandez following a trial before Judge McKay.

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Hernandez was shot in a Bott Street home and then dumped at a cemetery at Liberty Road and Wardle Avenue.

Baileys attorney, Walter Madison, asked for a lenient sentence, saying his client has no prior history of violence, that he was convicted under the theory of complicity and not as the actual shooter and his clients age works in his favor in terms of recidivism.

Madison also said his client never denied being at the home but he had no idea a murder would take place and he did not take part in the shooting that led to the death of Hernandez.

Madison asked for a sentence of 20 to life.

Bailey will be appealing his convictions and did not say anything.

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The mother and aunt of the victim wrote a short statement that was read by Assistant Prosecutor John Juhasz. The statement expressed sympathy for Bailey and hopes he finds peace.

Judge McKay said Bailey has an extensive criminal record dating back to juvenile court, is a multi state offender and has also served a federal prison term.

Judge McKay also said Bailey has shown no remorse. He called Bailey a career criminal. The judge also said he believes Bailey is a risk to reoffend and is a risk to the community because of his past convictions for drug offenses.

An Amazon driver testified during the trial that when he pulled up to the house to deliver a package, he heard gunfire as he dropped the package off on the porch. He drove away and called 911.

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Police found video from cameras at the home that showed Hernandez being scooped up from the driveway after he staggered outside with several gunshot wounds, put into a car by Bailey and driven away.

His body was found the next morning by an officer on patrol in the area.

Prosecutors also said during the trial after Hernandez was shot inside the home, he lay in the driveway for several minutes as Bailey and others inside tried to hide evidence before he was picked up and driven away.

Two co-defendants pleaded guilty before the trial to tampering with evidence charges.

Judge McKay sentenced Bailey to 25 to life on the aggravated murder charge with three years added for a firearm specification and 11-year sentence for aggravated robbery with those sentenced to be served consecutively.

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Bailey was given sentences of 30 months for the other two charges and those sentences will run concurrently with the other two charges.

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MEMPHIS, Tenn.  A man was shot to death in Oakhaven Wednesday night, according to Memphis Police.

Around 8:15 p.m., officers say they were called to a shooting in the 3600 block of Elm Park Road. One man was found suffering from injuries at the scene.

North Memphis shooting leaves 1 injured

He was then taken to Regional One Hospital in critical condition, where he later died.

Police say no suspect information is available at this time. But this is still an ongoing investigation.

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Memphis Murder Map 2025

If you have any information that could help police, call CrimeStoppers at 901-528-CASH.

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Killeen, Tx (FOX 44)  A man shot during a struggle with Killeen police has been released from the hospital and has been arrested.

Bond was set at $1.5 million dollars for 24-year-old Nathan Andrew Dodge, with jail records showing he is charged with three counts of aggravated assault of a public servant.

On Thursday April 10, Killeen police were assisting the United States Secret Service with a consensual interview of Dodge. About 3:20 p.m. that day, three Killeen police officers and two Secret Service agents went to a residence in the 2600 block of Larisa Drive. They were let into the home and the subject of the planned interview came into the room.

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For officer safety, a pat-down of the man was conducted, during which officers reported feeling a semi-automatic pistol in the mans front pocket. A struggle ensued and two Killeen officers discharged their duty weapons, striking the man multiple times.

Coryell County sex offender faces additional charges

Officers and agents immediately rendered aid until paramedics arrived. The man was then airlifted to Baylor Scott & White Medical Center in critical condition.

The Killeen Police Departments Criminal Investigations Division conducted the investigation into the shooting. The Killeen Police Departments Internal Affairs Unit was to handle the administrative review. The Bell County District Attorneys Office also assisted.

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A man was arrested after police say he threatened three teenage girls with a knife near a popular waterfront area in Seattle.

The 30-year-old man, whose name wasnt released, was booked into jail on suspicion of malicious harassment in the April 16 incident, the Seattle Police Department said in a news release.

Officers were called to the Alki Beach area at about 6:15 a.m., police said.

A woman said a man shouted and growled at her while she was walking her dog, according to police.

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He later went up to three girls, ages 16 and 17, yelling at them, brandishing a fixed-blade knife, and making disturbing comments about sexual assault and the devil, police said.

The girls backed away and a bystander stepped in before the suspect walked away, police said.

No injuries were reported, according to police.

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GREENSBORO, N.C. (WGHP)  A man wanted in connection with a Greensboro assault was arrested on Wednesday after a fight with an officer, according to a Greensboro Police Department news release.

Around 11:30 a.m., Greensboro police were trying to arrest a wanted man in the 500 block of West Market Street.

The man and an officer got in a fight, and one of the departments K-9s was deployed to help with the arrest.

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During the struggle, the K-9 bit an officers arm. The officer was treated and released at a medical facility.

Trae H. Crandell, 33, was taken into custody.

He had warrants for his arrest on charges of assault with a deadly weapon with intent to kill, inflicting serious injury and possession of a firearm by a felon for an incident on April 3.

Crandell also faces new charges:

Assault on a law enforcement officer with a firearm

resisting a public officer

Possession of a firearm by a felon

possession of a controlled substance with the intent to manufacture, sell or deliver (PWIMSD) Schedule I

PWIMSD Schedule VI

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Anyone with additional information is asked to contact Crime Stoppers at (336) 373-1000.

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A recreational marijuana user smokes weed in the Bushwick section of the Brooklyn borough of New York City. This year, marijuana advocates are playing defense in multiple state legislatures. (Bruce Bennett/Getty Images)

As every state surrounding Idaho legalized marijuana, state Rep. Bruce Skaug started to view it as inevitable that the Gem State would follow suit.

Not anymore.

Skaug, a Republican, supported two bills this legislative session taking aim at marijuana use: one to impose a mandatory minimum $300 fine for possession and another that would take away the right of voters to legalize pot at the ballot box.

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He believes other states are starting to regret liberalizing marijuana use, because of potential health concerns and lackluster revenues from marijuana sales.

Looking around at other states that have legalized marijuana, its not improved their states as a place to raise a family, to do business, he said. It just hasnt come through with the promises that we heard years ago for those states.

Idahos not alone. After years of expanding legal access, lawmakers in several states this year have targeted marijuana in various ways.

To help close budget gaps, officials in Maryland, Michigan and New Jersey have proposed raising marijuana taxes. Health concerns have pushed lawmakers in states including Colorado and Montana to attempt to cap the level of tetrahydrocannabinol, or THC, the primary psychoactive component in cannabis, in marijuana products sold at dispensaries. And some lawmakers have even tried to roll back voter-approved medical marijuana programs.

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Looking around at other states that have legalized marijuana, it's not improved their states.

 Idaho Republican state Rep. Bruce Skaug

This year in particular, were playing defense a lot more than we have in the past, said Morgan Fox, political director at the advocacy group National Organization for the Reform of Marijuana Laws, or NORML.

To some extent, he said, the pendulum on marijuana liberalization is swinging back. But Fox said recent legislative efforts are not indicative of waning public support for legalization. He said prohibitionist politicians have been emboldened to act against the will of voters.

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Polling from the Pew Research Center has found little change in support for legalization in recent years: 57% of U.S. adults say that marijuana should be legal for medical and recreational purposes.

Colorado and Washington state began allowing recreational marijuana sales in 2014. Today, 24 states and the District of Columbia allow recreational sales, and 39 states and the district have sanctioned medical marijuana.

Theres been this air of inevitability for a while, said Daniel Mallinson, an associate professor of public policy at Penn State Harrisburg who researches marijuana legalization.

With medical marijuana programs operational in most states, Mallinson said there is pressure to expand recreational marijuana, especially given uncertainty over whether the federal government will act on the issue.

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Recreational is still in its takeoff period, he said.

But he acknowledged that new medical research has raised concerns among some lawmakers. One study published in January found a link between heavy marijuana use and memory function. Other studies have found a higher risk of heart attacks among people who use cannabis.

Mallinson said the research on marijuana is very young, as many institutions are wary of conducting clinical trials because of federal drug laws. The federal government classifies marijuana as a Schedule I drug  the same classification as drugs such as heroin and ecstasy.

Theres a mixture of science and politics in this area, he said.   I could imagine seeing in these really conservative states like Idaho, you know, this kind of a backlash, like, we dont want this here at all, so were going to try to put up barriers to even considering it.

A debate headed for the ballot

In Idaho, Skaug said he pursued the states new mandatory $300 fine for marijuana possession to bring more consistency to how the state handles marijuana cases.

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While Idaho law previously allowed fines of up to $1,000, he said judges had issued fines as low as $2.50.

So that wasnt the right message. Thats not even worth the time to write the ticket, he said. So its not that were going to arrest more people for misdemeanor possession of marijuana, but there will be more citations in the amount of $300.

Skaug also backed a proposed constitutional amendment that would give only the legislature the power to legalize marijuana and other drugs. That question will go to voters next year.

Skaug said hes worried outside groups would influence a public vote to legalize marijuana by pouring millions into a ballot initiative campaign. If the amendment he supports passes, it wouldnt ban pot  it would leave legalization up to lawmakers.

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If the evidence comes back that says marijuana or some other drug is positive in the medical community and a good thing, then the legislature can legalize that, he said. But were going to leave it with the legislature.

Advocates have been trying without success to get enough signatures to put a medical marijuana question on the ballot for more than a decade in Idaho, said Democratic state Rep. Ilana Rubel. The House minority leader, Rubel said she hit a firm brick wall in pitching medical marijuana legislation in Boise, where GOP lawmakers privately tell her they dont want to look soft on crime.

She views the proposed amendment as another example of the GOP-controlled statehouse being out of touch with regular Idahoans. She said the states closed Republican primaries have led to more conservative stances from lawmakers.

I think this is one of those issues where there is just a huge, huge gap between what the people of Idaho want and what theyre going to get from their legislature, she said.

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A 2022 poll commissioned by the Idaho Statesman found that nearly 70% of Idahoans supported legalizing medical marijuana.

But even discussions about medical marijuana are shut down in Idaho because of concerns about problems with drugs in liberal cities such as Portland, Oregon, and Seattle, Rubel said.

A very large number of red states have legalized medical marijuana, and they havent seen any of the parade of horribles that has been presented whenever we introduce this idea, she said. Theres just a lot of hysteria and paranoia about where this is going to lead that is really not tied to reality.

Targeting marijuana potency, revenues

In several states, lawmakers have aimed to restrict the potency of marijuana products.

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Montana state Sen. Greg Hertz, a Republican, said he doesnt want to end recreational marijuana sales, which voters approved in 2020. But he said todays products are much stronger than people may realize.

People were voting for Woodstock weed, not this new high-THC marijuana, he said.

A bill he sponsored this year would have banned sales of recreational marijuana products, including flower and edibles, exceeding THC levels of 15%. Montana currently allows up to 35% THC in flower, with no limit on other products.

That legislation stalled, but Hertz said he plans to pitch a similar measure during Montanas next legislative session in 2027.

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A separate bill reducing the states dosage of THC for edibles just passed the legislature last week. The measure, which now heads to Republican Gov. Greg Gianforte, would change the individual dosage limit on edibles such as gummies from 10 milligrams to 5 milligrams.

Hertz said the state rushed into its liberalization of marijuana without fully understanding the consequences.

He pointed to state health department data showing rising emergency room visits related to marijuana and dozens of cannabis poisoning cases in recent years  including 36 involving children 10 years or younger.

We probably opened up the barn door too wide, he said. Im just trying to slow this down a little bit.

With many states facing gaping budget holes this year, marijuana has proven a popular target from Democrats and Republicans looking to raise revenues without across-the-board tax increases.

Maryland Democratic Gov. Wes Moore in January proposed hiking the cannabis tax from 9% to 15% to help close the states $3 billion budget hole. In March, lawmakers agreed to a budget framework that would raise the state marijuana tax to 12%.

Ohio Republican Gov. Mike DeWine proposed doubling marijuana taxes from 10% to 20%  a notion that has so far faced opposition in the legislature.

In Michigan, Democratic Gov. Gretchen Whitmer proposed a new 32% wholesale tax on marijuana growers to help fund road improvements. That tax would be on top of the 10% excise tax on recreational marijuana and the states 6% sales tax.

Whitmer said it would close a loophole that has exempted the marijuana industry from wholesale tax, which is applied to cigarettes and other tobacco products. Michigan lawmakers, split sharply along partisan lines, have until Sept. 30 to approve a state budget.

Lawmakers in some states have even taken aim at voter-approved medical marijuana programs this year.

In South Dakota, a bill that failed in committee would have gutted the medical marijuana program overwhelmingly approved by voters in 2020.

In November, Nebraska voters widely supported ballot measures to roll out a medical marijuana program  winning majority support in each of the states 49 legislative districts.

But setting up the regulatory scheme has proven controversial, the Nebraska Examiner reported. Lawmakers are pursuing legislation that would define which medical conditions and forms of cannabis would qualify.

Medical marijuana advocates say overly strict rules would hamper the program and undermine the will of voters. But some legislators insist on limitations to prevent widespread access to marijuana.

We make it legal for anything and everything, its essentially recreational marijuana at that point, state Sen. Rick Holdcroft, a Republican, told the Nebraska Examiner this month.

Stateline reporter Kevin Hardy can be reached at khardy@stateline.org.

Stateline is part of States Newsroom, a nonprofit news network supported by grants and a coalition of donors as a 501c(3) public charity. Stateline maintains editorial independence. Contact Editor Scott S. Greenberger for questions: info@stateline.org.
SUMNER COUNTY, Tenn. (WKRN)  Law enforcement intercepted a shipment of marijuana and potent THC products from Michigan over the weekend that was destined for Middle Tennessee.

The investigation began Saturday, April 12 with a traffic stop on Interstate 65 South in Millersville. Thats where agents with the 18th Judicial District Drug Task Force stopped a vehicle heading from Michigan to Nashville.

When authorities searched the vehicle, they discovered it was loaded with marijuana and THC products that are legal in Michigan but illegal in Tennessee.

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When asked where they were coming from, the suspects were vague, but they eventually said they had come from Indiana.

So yall just drove up to Indiana just to drive around cause its a nice day? one of the law enforcement officers asked.

Drug agents showed News 2 a table loaded with contraband from the car. It included 22 pounds of marijuana, some of which was packaged in 1-pound bricks, as well as dozens of packets of THC products, including vapes and even pre-rolled joints ready for sale.

2 on their way to bail relative out of jail found with drugs, gun in vehicle in Mt. Juliet

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If we dont get this product off the streets, ultimately it ends up in the hands of high schoolers, as well as older adults, one of the agents said.

According to investigators, the group admitted to driving to Michigan, where marijuana is legal. Once there, they allegedly visited multiple dispensaries and purchased many of the marijuana products that drug agents displayed on the table.

Authorities said the suspects intention was to sell the drugs in Nashville, where they could double or even triple their profits.

 Read todays top stories on wkrn.com

There was receipts on each bag, with an individuals name on it that shows they specifically purchased this amount, and this is what they paid for it, the agent explained. All four of the individuals admitted to purchasing those products while in Michigan. They all admitted to using the products. Theyre all aware of the amount of product that theyre bringing back into Tennessee, where they very well know its illegal.

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All four suspects in that vehicle reportedly went to jail on felony marijuana charges.

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FAIRMONT  As child abuse awareness month continues, the Marion County Family Resource and Support Network stressed the need for foster families in the county.

At the FRSN monthly meeting with its community collaborators Wednesday, Nicci Hawkins, licensing specialist at NECCO Foster Care, said older children often get overlooked when families decide to become foster parents. The child welfare agency recruits and certifies families to take children in for foster care.

We need foster families who are willing to take all ages, zero up to 18, but the biggest need right now here are families who are willing to accept the older kids, six and older, and the sibling groups, Hawkins said. Sibling groups are split the majority of the time because we dont have enough families who are able to take three or more kids or families who can take kids of the opposite gender.

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There are currently 6,000 kids in foster care across the state, Hawkins said. The budget passed by the Republican Supermajority West Virginia State Legislature paid $174 million for foster care. Del. John Williams, D-Monongalia, said foster care was already underfunded under Gov. Jim Justices flat budgets. Child Protective Services is underfunded, understaffed and overworked.

West Virginia Watch reported on April 3 the Republican House of Delegates tried to reduce Gov. Patrick Morriseys request of $182 million for foster care down to $121 million. Angelica Hightower, Department of Human Services spokesperson, said the governors original request was essential funding for the Bureau of Social Services.

Hawkins said foster care is important because those kids are in a situation out of their control. Its not their fault. Also, the system considers children over six, old.

So we want to make sure they have that safe housing, that they have that love and they have that acceptance so they can still be able to succeed while their family is doing what they can to be able to get them back and reunify, Hawkins said.

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Hawkins said 49% of kids in foster care are between the ages of 9 and 17. Older children placed at shelters typically become forgotten because of their age or because of the trauma theyve accrued from growing up in their environment. Hawkins said theres a lot of misconceptions out there on who can be a foster parent.

There is a qualification process which includes background checks and fingerprints, but applicants dont have to be married, they can be single or dating. A large home isnt needed, any dwelling such as an apartment or trailer with an extra bedroom for a child can be used. Hawkins said some kids benefit from fostering with single people, while others do better with fosters who are LGBTQ. Some kids do better with families who are transgender, because that might be a process the child is going through, Hawkins said. Fosters dont have to be preexisting parents either.

NECCO also offers its foster parents plenty of support, including after hours if theres a crisis or difficult challenge.

Shannon Hogue, chief executive director of FRSN, said foster care is extremely important for children. The state of West Virginia has a high number of children who are out of homes and not receiving direct care, she said. Part of the work at FRSN is creating activities and programs that prevent child abuse or prevent children from entering crisis situations.

Statistics say there are a host of different things, lack of resources, lack of support, lack of education or families in the area that create crisis situations, Hogue said. One of the things we can do here is take an account of what gaps and services there are  are there things that we can provide to families and make them feel safe?
Families of Israelis held hostages in Gaza hold a press conference at a square in Tel Aviv, Israel, April 18, 2025. Hamas said on Thursday evening that it is ready to immediately begin negotiations on a deal to swap all Israeli hostages with an agreed-upon number of Palestinian prisoners, in a bid to completely stop the Gaza war. On Wednesday, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's office said the prime minister instructed Israeli negotiators to "continue the steps" for the release of hostages still held in Gaza. (Gideon Markowicz/JINI via Xinhua)

GAZA, April 17 (Xinhua) -- Hamas said on Thursday evening that it is ready to immediately begin negotiations on a deal to swap all Israeli hostages with an agreed-upon number of Palestinian prisoners, in a bid to completely stop the Gaza war.

Hamas expressed "readiness to immediately begin negotiations on a comprehensive package, whereby all prisoners held by the resistance and an agreed-upon number of Palestinian prisoners in the occupation's prisons are released," Khalil Al-Hayya, head of Hamas in Gaza, said in a video speech.

This is "in exchange for a complete cessation of the war against our people, a full (Israeli) withdrawal from the Gaza Strip, the start of reconstruction, and the end of the (Israeli) siege," Al-Hayya said.

Al-Hayya accused Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and the Israeli government of "using partial agreements as a cover" for Netanyahu's "political agenda, which is based on continuing the war," adding that Hamas "will not be part of implementing this policy."

On Monday, Israel's state-owned Kan TV reported that Egyptian and Qatari negotiators had presented to Hamas a new deal proposal that includes the release of about 10 hostages and a temporary truce. Hamas said in a statement that it was reviewing the proposal, and would submit its response after completing internal consultations.

On Tuesday, Hamas said it had lost contact with the group that captured Israeli-U.S. hostage Edan Alexander after an Israeli bombardment targeted their location.

On Wednesday, Netanyahu's office said the prime minister instructed Israeli negotiators to "continue the steps" for the release of hostages still held in Gaza.

Since Israel ended a two-month ceasefire with Hamas and resumed deadly air and ground assaults on Gaza on March 18, 1,691 people have been killed and 4,464 others injured, Gaza health authorities said Thursday. 

Families of Israelis held hostages in Gaza hold a press conference at a square in Tel Aviv, Israel, April 18, 2025. Hamas said on Thursday evening that it is ready to immediately begin negotiations on a deal to swap all Israeli hostages with an agreed-upon number of Palestinian prisoners, in a bid to completely stop the Gaza war.

On Wednesday, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's office said the prime minister instructed Israeli negotiators to "continue the steps" for the release of hostages still held in Gaza. (Gideon Markowicz/JINI via Xinhua)

Families of Israelis held hostages in Gaza hold a press conference at a square in Tel Aviv, Israel, April 18, 2025. Hamas said on Thursday evening that it is ready to immediately begin negotiations on a deal to swap all Israeli hostages with an agreed-upon number of Palestinian prisoners, in a bid to completely stop the Gaza war.

On Wednesday, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's office said the prime minister instructed Israeli negotiators to "continue the steps" for the release of hostages still held in Gaza. (Gideon Markowicz/JINI via Xinhua)
KNOXVILLE, Tenn. (WATE)  A missionary and pastor with Maryville connections has been reunited with his family days after being abducted in South Africa.

According to the South African Police Service, 34-year-old Joshua Sullivan was abducted from Fellowship Baptist Church in the Motherwell Township of South Africa Thursday, and had been held captive since.

Attorney Ben Crump, family of David Batts announce legal action against UT Medical Center

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Police said they found him Tuesday in a vehicle outside of a safe house they believe he was being held in, and after three unidentified suspects were fatally shot, Sullivan walked away unharmed.

His mother, Tonya Rinker, said in a statement to 6 News he was unharmed and happy to be back with his wife, Meagan, and six children. After days of waiting and praying for Sullivans return, Mark Coffey with Missionaries to South Africa said their prayers were finally answered.

So April 15th, instead of Tax Day is Josh Sullivan Day, said Coffey.

When he initially learned of Sullivans situation, Coffey said he thought it would have a different outcome.

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We kind of thought that it would be a situation where they took Josh, and then took him to like an ATM machine and maybe pull money out, give them money, said Coffey. Then the hours passed and nothing happened, and we were just praying and asking God to bring him back in the interest of protect him.

As a missionary himself, who also serves full-time at a church 15 minutes away from Sullivans, Coffey said they know the dangers of the job.

As we go into these places, we think of it as our service, you know? We dont go in to die, we dont go in to risk their lives or to risk our familys lives, but we know that Jesus is worth it, he said.

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Having known Sullivan for nearly 10 years, Coffey said he and his wife were devoted to their community in South Africa

Josh is a servant, hes willing to jump in and help anywhere he can, whether its financially, whether its just going and working, anything we ever needed to do or try to do there in South Africa, Josh has always been involved. They just have a heart for the people, said Coffey.

While Sullivans abduction and rescue have all happened while Coffey was visiting the United States, he said he is not afraid to return to his work.

We take precautions. We try to not put ourselves in an unnecessary danger. But if you want to impact the neediest people of the communities, youve got to be willing to risk something, said Coffey.

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Sullivans brother in-law, Zach Witt, who is also in South Africa offering support, told 6 News the past few days have been a roller-coaster, but they focused on their faith so they can continue their mission work there.

While it is still unknown why Sullivan was taken, the South African Police Service spokesperson told 6 News it is an ongoing investigation.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WATE 6 On Your Side.
BOSTON (WWLP)  Economic Development Secretary Yvonne Hao is stepping down from her position in Governor Healeys cabinet at the end of the month, just over halfway through the governors 4-year term.

Secretary Hao said she is stepping down to address urgent family matters, but intends to remain an unpaid advisor for the Healey-Driscoll administration even after her official departure on May 2. This secretary position is Haos first in public service. Previously, she held top positions at several investment firms and served as the chief financial officer for an online pharmacy.

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Hao is the first woman and person of color to hold the states top economic development job, and under her leadership, the state secured millions in federal funding to advance manufacturing innovation, launched the Massachusetts AI hub, and passed a $4 billion economic development bill last session.

Yvonne has been the Energizer Bunny for economic development, and really has been an incredible catalyst for some transformative approaches, Governor Healey told the Boston Globe following the news of Haos departure. Nobody hustled more over the state than Yvonne.

For now, a holdover from former governor Charlie Bakers administration, Undersecretary of Economic Foundations Ashley Stolba, will step in as interim secretary, as the Healey administration begins the search for a permanent replacement.

Secretary Hao is not the first of the governors cabinet chiefs to leave their position early, as the former transportation secretary stepped down in September 2023.

Local News Headlines

WWLP-22News, an NBC affiliate, began broadcasting in March 1953 to provide local news, network, syndicated, and local programming to western Massachusetts. Watch the 22News Digital Edition weekdays at 4 p.m. on WWLP.com.

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HONOLULU (KHON2)  The Maui Humane Society is calling on residents to consider fostering a pup as the shelter reaches maximum capacity.

The call to action came after MHS said they are preparing for a potential large-scale intake of dogs connected to a Humane Enforcement case.

Maui Humane Society loses federal funding

This is a critical situation. We take our responsibility to rescue animals in need very seriously, and when shelter space is so limited, it is extremely challenging to do our jobs. We desperately need our communitys help. Nikki Russell, Maui Humane Societys Chief of Operations

Officials added that MHS is the only open-intake shelter and the holder of the animal control contract for Maui County.

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With MHS having zero open kennels, the shelter will be unable to take in animals who are victims of abuse, sick, injured or have nowhere else to go.

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Maui residents are urged to consider fostering a four-legged friend to make room for incoming animals.

The shelter will provide all necessary food, supplies, medications, training and ongoing support for residents who decide to foster.

Whether youve fostered before or are considering it for the first time, we need you. Fostering even one animal can make space for another life to be saved, Russell added.

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Possible foster families should visit the shelter or Maui Humane Societys website to be matched with a suitable foster pet.

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Sen. Mitch McConnell told a gathered group in his home state of Kentucky that he's hoping for President Donald Trump's success with his tariff policy, but is "not yet convinced" that he's pursuing the right approach.

"Put me down as not yet convinced that this is the best way to go but we'll see. Maybe it will turn out the way that the president would like for it to turn out, but that is unfolding as we speak," McConnell said.

McConnell addressed a gathering of a Rotary Club in a community center in Glasgow, Kentucky. Unlike some of recent town halls, where Republicans have at times faced tough questions from raucous crowds, this was a group that seemed largely excited about McConnell's message.

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He was received by the group with applause and spoke uninterrupted for about 20 minutes. He received a standing ovation at the completion of his remarks, and took no questions from the audience. No one shouted anything.

PHOTO: Sen. Mitch McConnell speaks at an event at the Glasgow-Barren County Rotary Club in Glasgow, Ky., on April 17, 2025. (Pool via ABC News)

During a gaggle with reporters following his remarks, McConnell sidestepped when asked by ABC News' Jay O'Brien whether he believes the American people are behind Trump on tariffs.

"Well, we'll find out, it is an unfolding story," McConnell said. "It's an unfolding story and, ultimately, the voters will decide was it a good idea or not. I'm pulling for the president to be a success. All I can tell you is my own view, over a number of years, not just lately is that this is not the best way."

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He underscored that tariffs have not historically been good for his home state.

"I hope the president is right, but in the past, Kentucky has not benefited from the tariff issue," he said.

Asked if he was concerned about the way the Trump administration has reacted to court rulings, especially the Supreme Court's ruling on deportee Kilmar Abrego Garcia's case, McConnell said, "The courts are like the umpires calling balls and strikes. Obviously, a number of the things that the administration is doing are in court. And in this country we have the rule of law, it applies to everyone, and I think as these cases unfold, we'll figure out."

He said he believes Trump has strong legal footing on tariffs, but he hedged on other issues.

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"We'll find out about a number of the other efforts that are undergoing by the administration. I don't know how many cases are currently in court but there's quite a few," McConnell said.

In his remarks, McConnell noted that during his lengthy political career, he has never been a particular fan of tariffs, and noted historical examples of how tariff policy has failed.

"I've never been a tariff enthusiast. And after 40 years in the Senate, I'm not going to change my view of that. And as you know the administration has a different approach. Let me just tell you I hope that it succeeds," McConnell said, before outlining some of the historical examples to underscore his opposition.

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McConnell, who has throughout his career butted heads with Trump, said today he's rooting for him.

"I want you to know I want the president to be a success. I had a lot to do with his success in his first term," McConnell said.

Still, McConnell has, since stepping down from his 18-year post leading the Senate Republican conference, established himself as one of few Senate Republicans to at times challenge President Donald Trump.

He has cast votes against some of Trump's most controversial Cabinet nominees, including Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth, Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard and HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy.

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He announced his intention to retire from the Senate at the end of his term in 2026.

He underscored his contributions to Trump's first term, including his move to keep vacant a Supreme Court seat for Trump to fill and his work on the tax bill, which Republicans are currently working to renew as part of their massive reconciliation package.

He also said he's committed, in his final years in the Senate, to "running through the tape" of his term. He said he is committed to using his final years in the chamber to shore up the U.S.'s position as a global leader.

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While he said he wants to challenge China, he also emphasized the importance of U.S. alliances.

"It is Important to support our friends. Don't lecture them. We are on the same team. We need to be operating together," McConnell said.

McConnell says he's rooting for Trump but not sure about his tariffs originally appeared on abcnews.go.com
PADUCAH, Ky. (FOX 56)  The McCracken County Sheriffs Office is asking for help from the public locating a man who went missing Wednesday afternoon.

Officials said that Robert Dennis, 32, was last seen around 2:30 p.m. on Clarks River Road.

 MISSING IN KENTUCKY

McCracken County Sheriff Ryan Norman told FOX 56 that Dennis was found dead in a body of water around 11:30 p.m. on Wednesday off Clarks River Road.

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Detectives and the McCracken County Coroners Office do not suspect foul play.

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JERUSALEM, April 17 (Xinhua) -- Israel has extended its missile warning time for long-range threats from Yemen by three to five minutes, the military's Home Front Command said on Thursday.

The updated system, which took effect Thursday, aims to give civilians more time to reach shelters and safe rooms amid renewed missile attacks by Houthi forces, following Israel's resumption of its air and ground assault on Gaza in March.

Until now, Israelis had about one minute to reach shelter upon receiving a siren warning for long-range missiles. For short-range rockets fired from Gaza, warning times vary by location, ranging from about 15 seconds in communities near the enclave to roughly one minute in the Tel Aviv area.

Under the new protocol, a preliminary alert will be issued via the Home Front Command's mobile app in areas at risk, using a notification sound instead of the standard rising and falling siren.

"In addition, an IDF (Israel Defense Forces) message will be distributed, stating that missile fire from Yemen toward Israel may occur in the coming minutes and that the public must follow the instructions of the Home Front Command," the military said in a statement.

The purpose of the advance warning is to "allow advance preparedness, enabling civilians to move to nearby shelters and receive updates from official sources," the statement added.

Since October 2023, Houthi forces in Yemen have launched dozens of missile and drone attacks toward Israel, citing solidarity with the Palestinians amid Israel's offensive in Gaza. Iran has also carried out two retaliatory attacks, firing about 400 missiles and drones, according to Israeli figures. 
McLENNAN COUNTY, Texas (FOX 44)  McLennan County Judge Scott M. Felton has stated he is not intending to seek re-election.

Judge Felton issued a statement on Thursday afternoon saying his current term will end on December 31, 2026. He will not seek re-election if a qualified candidate steps forward to file for this position.

He says serving the citizens of McLennan County as County Judge for the past twelve years has been one of the greatest honors of his life. Throughout Judge Feltons tenure, his goal has been to make McLennan County a great place to live, work, and thrive.

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When Judge Felton stepped into his role in 2012, he says McLennan County was in the midst of a financial crisis. Through his leadership and tough decisions, he says the county faced those challenges head-on amid a path to recovery.

Judge Felton says he and County Commissioners have been able to provide excellent services to citizens while minimizing the tax impact on residents. He says they have successfully lowered the county tax rate for eight consecutive years. The achievement was made possible by maintaining a fiscally responsible court prioritizing economic development, bringing jobs and expanding the countys tax baseultimately reducing its portion of the tax burden on homeowners.

Coming from over 30 years in banking, financial services and private business, Judge Felton says his perspective on county government is that it is one of the most complex business structures you will see. On a daily basis, he says he was faced with decisions on finance, program and policy management, purchasing, contract negotiations, human resources, risk management and fostering great relationships with the cities in McLennan County.

Judge Felton says as he prepares to step aside, he is encouraging voters to thoughtfully select a candidate with a strong background in business management. He says coming out of private business is a plus, because it helps keep government balanced.

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He says being a county judge is not a job for a bureaucrat or someone simply seeking a higher position. It is a demanding, full-time role which comes with tremendous responsibilities, requiring 24/7 dedication.

Judge Felton says during his time as County Judge, he quickly learned that unexpected crises can and will happen. He had the responsibility of filing a Disaster Declaration after the tragic West Explosion  which emotionally impacted the entire Commissioners Court.

He says the county also faced the aftermath of the Twin Peaks biker shootout and the trailing legal issues, the 2021 winter storm which caused statewide power outages, the COVID-19 pandemic, and ongoing challenges like floods, droughts, and fire risks.

Despite these challenges, Judge Felton says McLennan County has experienced tremendous success, including significant economic growth. He says a key factor has been the countys participation alongside the City of Waco in the Waco-McLennan County Economic Development Corporation, which has actively sought out strong companies willing to invest in the community, strengthening the tax base and creating local jobs.

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Judge Felton says one of the critical challenges for any growing economy is the availability of a skilled workforce. To address this, McLennan County partnered with the City of Waco and TSTC to develop and construct an additional training center, called the WorkSite, strategically located within the industrial district. This facility focuses on providing entry-level workforce training and upskilling opportunities for existing workers, ensuring we can meet the labor needs of new and expanding businesses.

He says another challenge facing our community is water availability. Judge Felton has chaired the McLennan County Water Resources group since its inception in 2015. He is also working with Bell County in the creation of a Central Texas Water Alliance which, if created, will help secure the countys water supply for generations to come.

Judge Felton says the county has also worked to address pressing social issues that, if left unchecked, could have serious social and financial consequences for our community. One of the most urgent issues is the mental health crisis affecting not just McLennan County, but communities across the nation. Unfortunately, too many of those struggling with mental health challenges end up in emergency roomsor worse, in jails.

He says it is no secret that county jails have become some of the largest mental health facilities in the state. To address this, the county has accelerated mental health treatment within its jail system and partnered again with the City of Waco and local mental health provider Behavior Health Network to build a Diversion Center. This center provides an alternative for non-violent individuals experiencing mental health crises, keeping them out of jail and emergency rooms and connecting them with the treatment and resources they need.

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Judge Felton says its clear that these issuesand many othersare both important and complex. He says when he came into this role, he brought with him years of business experience and a deep understanding of what the countys residents want and need. Judge Felton hopes that whoever steps into his role next will continue to address these critical issues with the same sense of responsibility, vision, and commitment to the people of McLennan County.

Thank you for allowing me the privilege of serving as your County Judge. It has truly been an honor. McLennan County Judge Scott M. Felton

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MCSO detentions deputy receives national designation

MESA COUNTY, Colo. (KREX)  In his short time with Mesa County Sheriffs Office, Detentions Deputy Daniel Kell has held various roles.

Since joining in August 2020, he was selected to the MCSO honor guard, special operations response team and recruitment team. He is also a field training officer and cell extraction instructor.

Now, Kell received the national designation of a certified officer through the American Jail Associations Jail Manager Certification Commission. Hes the first MCSO detentions deputy to obtain the designation.

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I am proud of Deputy Kell for his dedication in completing the process to become a Certified Jail Officer, Mesa County Sheriff Todd Rowell said in a news release. We emphasize the importance of continuing education for all employees within the Mesa County Sheriffs Office and this is a wonderful example of that.

This was given to Kell after he completed a rigid background application that included his experience as a detentions deputy and an examination made by the American Jail Association and the Jaily Manager Certification Commission.

The certification shows competency and professionalism in the field and a strong level of knowledge in the specialty.

Deputy Kell is a leader amongst his peers and is a great example of applying his professional development towards a nationally recognized certification, MCSO Lt. Lisa Peck said. We look forward to many more Detentions Deputies following in Deputy Kells footsteps by becoming Certified Jail Officers through the American Jail Association.

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Peck also serves as the second vice president of the American Jail Association Board of Directors.

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Measles cases have surpassed 650 in an ongoing multistate outbreak, but federal funding cuts could threaten the response.

I think that we are scraping to find the resources and personnel needed to provide support to Texas and other jurisdictions, Dr. David Sugerman, a senior scientist at the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, said Tuesday at a meeting of the agencys vaccine advisers.

Texas  the epicenter of the outbreak  has sent several requests to the CDC for resources, Sugerman said, as response costs grow.

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The CDC recently pulled back billions of dollars in Covid-19 pandemic-era grants that state and local health officials said were also being used to respond to other public health threats, like the measles outbreak. The US Department of Health and Human Services also announced sweeping layoffs two weeks ago, including an estimated 2,400 employees from the CDC.

In light of these cuts, Dallas County, Texas, says it has had to cancel over 50 immunization clinics. In New Mexico  where at least 63 measles cases have been reported  some staff that was responsible for order vaccines and checking vaccination records had to be let go.

The outbreak is spreading within Texas, New Mexico and Oklahoma, and Sugerman said the same genotyping sequence of the virus has been found in cases in Kansas and across international borders in Ontario, Canada, and Chihuahua, Mexico.

Texas is mobilizing its resources and moving staff from other areas and domains into the measles response area, Sugerman said.

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But local officials say resource limitations are taking a toll on public health workers and the health system.

We still have to be able to do all of our other public health work, so it does become a strain on the system, said Katherine Wells, director of Lubbock Public Health. Public health doesnt have  a lot of duplication of staff, so  youre asking a lot of staff to do additional work beyond their regular daily jobs. It just gets draining.

Experts say that the effects of these funding cuts will be felt beyond the measles outbreak.

Other types of care are going to be influenced by having to redirect these resources to the setting, said Dr. Bryan Patenaude, an associate professor of health economics at Johns Hopkins University. In situations of scarcity where you have limited funding available for health overall, thats going to place more and more pressure on those other disease areas that really have nothing to do with measles.

Costs for each measles case

History has showed that the costs associated with an outbreak can accumulate in a short amount of time.

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Each measles case can be $30,000 to $50,000 for public health response work, and that adds up quite quickly, Sugerman said Tuesday.

This includes testing, laboratory work, contact tracing, vaccination efforts and health-care costs, according to Dr. Catherine Troisi, an infectious disease epidemiologist with UTHealth Houston.

Hospitalizations can also become quite expensive, she said. The outbreak has put 63 people in the hospital across Texas and New Mexico, with another hospitalization in Kansas.

The cost is going to depend on how severely ill the person is  how much treatment they need [and] how long theyre in the hospital, Troisi said. Given the contagious nature of the airborne disease, measles cases in hospitals also require proper ventilation and isolation procedures, which add to costs.

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In addition to health-care and public health response, experts say there are a vast amount of indirect costs during an outbreak. For example, parents may need to take time off work to care for sick children, or there could be costs associated with transportation to and from facilities, Patenaude said.

Measles can cause a variety of complications including ear infections, pneumonia, encephalitis or death. It is especially dangerous for young and unvaccinated children.

There have been several hospitalized cases of pneumonia and at least one case of neurological symptoms from measles during this outbreak, according to Covenant Hospital in Lubbock.

The more sick kids we see, it also increases the likelihood of seeing an additional death, Wells said.

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There have been three deaths reported in this outbreak: two school-age children in Texas and one adult in New Mexico whose death is under investigation. They were all unvaccinated.

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Dakota Meyer, who in 2011 became the first living Marine since the Vietnam War to be awarded the Medal of Honor, is reenlisting in the Marine Reserve.

I realized I had more to give, said Meyer, now 36, during a roundtable with reporters Thursday. I love this country with every moral fiber of my being. I always have. The same reason that I joined 20 years ago is the same reason Im coming back in. Ive just got more to give and its just such an honor to stand shoulder-to-shoulder with the men and women wearing the nations cloth today.

Meyer spoke with reporters before a ceremony scheduled for later on Thursday, in which Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth was scheduled to reenlist him at the Pentagons Hall of Heroes.

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Meyers return to duty is unusual but not unheard of for Medal of Honor recipients. Many recipients of the Medal quickly leave the military, often due to medical issues or in light of the public profile that Medal of Honor recipients often find themselves in. But at least one recipient, Matthew Williams, remains on active duty with the Army, a service official told Task & Purpose on Thursday. Several other Medal recipients, including Navy SEAL Edward Byers, Army officer William Swenson, Green Beret Earl Plumlee and Delta Force soldier Thomas Payne, also remained on active duty after being awarded the Medal for actions in Afghanistan, Iraq or Syria.

A firefight in Kunar Province

On Sept. 8, 2009, Meyer was deployed to Kunar Province, Afghanistan, when his unit was ambushed by more than 50 Taliban fighters. Over the course of six hours, Meyer fought his way to and from the ambush site five times, rescuing a total of 36 U.S. and Afghan troops.

He also helped recover four fallen U.S. service members: Three Marines and a Navy corpsman.

Dakota and the others who had joined him knelt down, picked up their comrades and  through all those bullets, all the smoke, all the chaos  carried them out, one by one. Because, as Dakota says, Thats what you do for a brother, President Barack Obama later said during Meyers Medal of Honor ceremony

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Meyer, who left the Corps in 2010, is returning to the Marines as an infantry rifleman. To do so, he had to pass both the Physical and Combat Fitness Tests. He said that the PT test has become harder since he first enlisted at 17.

Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth reenlists Medal of Honor recipient U.S. Marine Corps Sgt. Dakota Meyer in the Hall of Heroes at the Pentagon, Washington, D.C., April 17, 2025. DoD photo by U.S. Navy Petty Officer 1st Class Alexander Kubitza.

The standards are higher, Meyer said. The demands are higher. And it just means the men and women who are wearing the nations cloth are better, and they are doing great things. Right now, I think Im just trying to get my feet back under me of coming back in and becoming an asset to a unit. Down the road, I hope to stay in the Marine Corps as long as theyll let me and as long as I can be an asset to it.

Sergeant Major of the Marine Corps Carlos A. Ruiz told reporters that he has been talking with Meyer about reenlisting for about two years. Meyer requested that he meet the requirements that all other Marines face, and that he return to the Corps at his old rank of sergeant because he needed to earn a promotion to staff sergeant, Ruiz said.

He knows our culture and he knows we wouldnt want it any other way, Ruiz said.

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Meyer also said that his first conversation with Marine Corps officials about reenlisting was about making sure he would be able to serve his country like any other Marine.

If I were going to come back in, I wanted to be able to be a sergeant, Myer said. I didnt want any special treatment. I want to be able to go back and serve alongside my unit. If that unit ends up going and being deployed, I asked that I would have the same opportunities as any other sergeant.

Meyer also said he cant wait to rejoin rank-and-file Marines and show that he is just like them, whether it means picking up a broom and sweeping or getting in the mud with them.

Im fully going to immerse into whatever they need me to do and just show up every single day and be a sergeant in the Marine Corps. I think its going to be fine. I dont know its going to be that big of a deal.

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To which Ruiz joked, Its going to be a big deal.

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Chinese President Xi Jinping meets with Cambodian People's Party President and Senate President Samdech Techo Hun Sen at the Peace Palace in Phnom Penh, Cambodia, April 17, 2025. (Xinhua/Xie Huanchi)

PHNOM PENH, April 17 (Xinhua) -- Chinese President Xi Jinping said here Thursday that building a China-Cambodia community with a shared future is a choice of history and the people.

Xi made the remarks when meeting with Cambodian People's Party President and Senate President Samdech Techo Hun Sen.

China and Cambodia are not only friendly neighbors but also ironclad friends, he said, noting that both countries are currently at a critical stage of national development.

Xi said that the two sides should keep in mind the well-being of their people and the progress of humanity, strive to set an example for building a community with a shared future for mankind in the course of advancing their respective modernization endeavors, and join hands to become forces for peace, stability and progress in a world undergoing profound transformations unseen in a century.

China believes that Cambodia's road to national development and revitalization will become wider and wider, and will, as always, support the Cambodian People's Party in leading the Cambodian people to maintain national stability and economic development, Xi said, adding that China supports Cambodia in playing a more important role in the regional and international arena.

The Chinese president said that the two sides should make good use of the newly established "2+2" strategic dialogue mechanism between foreign ministers and defense ministers of the two countries to strengthen strategic coordination.

The two sides should deepen practical cooperation across various fields, advance the construction of Cambodia's Industrial and Technological Corridor and Fish and Rice Corridor, and strengthen collaboration in energy, transportation and other key sectors, enabling Cambodia to share more in China's development opportunities, Xi said.

Xi emphasized that China is willing to engage in exchanges and mutual learning with Cambodia on major issues such as strengthening party building and advancing reform and development, and to deepen friendly cooperation between the China's National People's Congress and the National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference with National Assembly and Senate of the Kingdom of Cambodia.

Unilateralism and hegemonism receive no support of the people, Xi said.

History has shown the unstoppable trend toward a multipolar world, economic globalization, and cultural diversity, Xi said, adding that no country wants to return to isolation.

The trade wars undermine the multilateral trading system and disrupt global economic order, Xi said, urging all countries to unite and firmly keep the reins of national security and development in their own hands, uphold mutual respect, pursue win-win cooperation and common development, and work together to build a community with a shared future for mankind.

As Asia embarks on a new journey of collective revitalization, Xi noted, China will continue to follow the principle of amity, sincerity, mutual benefit and inclusiveness and the policy of developing friendship and partnership with neighboring countries, maintain the continuity and stability of its neighborhood diplomacy, deepen friendly cooperation with neighboring countries, so as to share the fruits of Chinese modernization more widely across the region, promote the building of a community with a shared future with neighboring countries, and work together to advance Asia's modernization.

For his part, Hun Sen said this visit is of great significance to Cambodia.

Noting that China is Cambodia's most steadfast supporter and most reliable partner, Hun Sen said China's support has made significant contributions to Cambodia's economic and social development and improvement of people's lives, for which the Cambodian side expresses its deep gratitude.

Cambodia firmly adheres to the one-China policy, supports China's positions on issues related to Taiwan, Xinjiang and Xizang, and opposes any forces' interference in China's internal affairs, he said.

China and Cambodia are ironclad friends, and the two countries' decision to build a China-Cambodia community with a shared future in the new era will make further progress, promoting high-level, high-quality and high-standard development of bilateral relations, Hun Sen said.

The two countries will always move forward hand in hand, stand together through thick and thin and share a common destiny, he added.

Hun Sen said that Cambodia is willing to strengthen strategic security cooperation with China and expand bilateral trade.

Cambodia welcomes more Chinese enterprises to invest in the country, and will join hands with China to promote the deepening of people-to-people and cultural exchanges, and intensify the crackdown on online gambling and telecom fraud, he added.

The Cambodian side highly appreciates China's constructive role in promoting world peace and sustainable development, and supports the Belt and Road cooperation and the three major global initiatives proposed by China, which are conducive to safeguarding the common interests of the international community and promoting world peace, security and stability, Hun Sen said.

Trade wars and tariff wars have undermined the legitimate interests of all countries and triggered turmoil in the international situation, Hun Sen said, adding that Cambodia is willing to strengthen cooperation with China and jointly address various risks and challenges. 

Chinese President Xi Jinping meets with Cambodian People's Party President and Senate President Samdech Techo Hun Sen at the Peace Palace in Phnom Penh, Cambodia, April 17, 2025. (Xinhua/Ding Haitao)
MEMPHIS, Tenn.  The Memphis Shelby Crime Commission pushes to help recruit officers to help combat crime.

You know were all in this fight together, you know to combat crime, said John Covington, Vice President of the Memphis Police Association.

The Memphis Shelby Crime Commission says statistics show that the more Memphis Police officers on the force, the less crime is committed.

Sheffield High principal temporarily reassigned after walkout

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The official goal set by the city council is 2,500 officers, almost reached in 2011, saying that was the best year in recent memory in terms of the violent crime rate.

Here we are with 1,903 officers as of today, one of the lowest points we have ever been, and violent crime, sadly, is some of the highest its ever been, said Covington.

Covington says that at least having a police presence visible helps deter criminals, but another long-term aspect is the ability for community policing.

Creating bonds with business owners, teachers, pastors, parents, kids, you name it, and when youre short, youre just running from call to call to call, you dont have the ability to build those relationships, said Covington. From those relationships comes trust, comes information, and so it all kinda compounds in a positive way.

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Mayor Young announces former MPD colonel as new public safety advisor

One of the newest ways the MPD, MPA, and SCC have been pushing multiple efforts is by engaging community leaders to help recruit young people in Memphis to be police officers.

Theyre asking for business leaders, clergy members to get involved.

Reach out and get a group of young people to come apply to the department, agree to kind of mentor them through that first year or so and if they graduate successfully through that program they will be given $1,000 to contribute to a local nonprofit or charity organization, something else that will help Memphis as well, said Covington.

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The MPA is still pushing for officers to receive a 5% raise. Click here for more information on police recruitment.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
Erik and Lyle Menendez's long-awaited bid for freedom will be delayed a little longer.

A resentencing hearing that was supposed to begin Thursday and could have given the brothers a shot at parole for the first time in more than 35 years was delayed after a fight over access to a parole document ordered by Gov. Gavin Newsom paralyzed proceedings, and set up a showdown that could end with Los Angeles County prosecutors thrown off the case.

Late Wednesday, L.A. County prosecutors filed a motion seeking a continuance because they did not have adequate time to review a "comprehensive risk assessment" document compiled by the state parole board. Newsom earlier this year asked the board to conduct the review as he considered granting the brothers clemency in the 1989 killings of their parents, Jose and Kitty Menendez.

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The brothers were convicted of murder with special circumstances and sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole after a 1995 trial.

Read more: Menendez brothers to get resentencing after D.A. fails in bid to stop it

The resentencing hearing became a possibility last year after then-L.A. County Dist. Atty. George Gascon asked a judge to make the brothers eligible for parole under California law, reducing their sentences because the killings happened when they were under the age of 26. Gascon cited the brothers' work creating rehabilitation programs in prison, their low-risk assessments by prison officials and potential new evidence about their father's alleged abusive behavior as reasons they should be set free.

Current Dist. Atty. Nathan Hochman strongly opposes their release and has focused his arguments on what he sees as the brothers' refusal to take ownership of the grisly killings.

Los Angeles County Dist. Atty. Nathan Hochman, shown outside court Thursday, strongly opposes the Menendez brothers' release and has focused his arguments on what he sees as their refusal to take ownership of the grisly killings of their parents. (Damian Dovarganes / Associated Press)

The district attorney's office filed a motion asking to delay the hearing so it could review the latest risk assessment of the brothers conducted by the state parole board. Hochman said Thursday that his office only received the report on Tuesday, but would not comment on its contents. He said he wanted to ensure L.A. County Superior Court Judge Michael Jesic had all the material he needed to make an accurate ruling.

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But Newsom's office said Thursday that the report is not complete and would not be available until June.

"Our office notified Judge Jesic of the status of this report, which is not a stand-alone risk assessment, and offered to share it with the court should he request it," Newsom's office said, describing the document as essentially a first draft.

The brothers' attorney, Mark Geragos, initially dismissed the continuance motion as a Hail Mary from Hochman, one week after he lost a bid to have Gascon's resentencing petition thrown out. But as the day wore on, Geragos began to voice frustration that he had not been provided a copy. Eventually, the attorney expressed concern that he could not question his witnesses accurately without reviewing the report and the case was continued to next month.

"I will tell you that we were given the option as a family if we wanted to testify today," said Anamaria Baralt, a cousin of the brothers. "But the idea of testifying when one side has information that the other side does not, and to be facing cross-examination from a team that has information that we do not, whether it's good or bad or neutral, did not seem fair to us at all."

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A hearing to determine whether the risk assessment report is relevant to a resentencing hearing was scheduled for May 9. Geragos also plans to argue a motion that day to have L.A. County prosecutors removed from the case. While he didn't offer specific grounds for the disqualification motion in court, Geragos and many members of the Menendez family who want the brothers freed have repeatedly accused Hochman of bias in the case and of being hostile and abusive during private meetings. Hochman disputes those claims.

"This is a D.A. who made up his mind and did no hard work in terms of his position," Geragos said, adding that Hochman "has taken a position at all times that is not supported by the law."

Hochman held a press conference outside the courthouse Thursday morning, just minutes before Jesic took the bench. Inside the courtroom, Geragos displayed video of Hochman's remarks and contended the D.A. implied there was something negative in the parole report.

Attorney Mark Geragos, representing Lyle and Erik Menendez, speaks to the media as he arrives at court in Los Angeles on Thursday. (Damian Dovarganes / Associated Press)

Geragos also questioned if the report was even admissible, since it was generated for the purposes of a parole hearing. In a resentencing hearing, Jesic would only decide if the brothers are eligible for parole, not if they would actually be granted release. On Thursday afternoon, Geragos said Newsom's staff insisted to him by phone that the document was not meant to be used in a resentencing hearing. The governor's office did not respond to requests for additional comment.

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On Aug. 20, 1989, Erik and Lyle Menendez entered the family's Beverly Hills home armed with shotguns they had bought with cash and opened fire while their parents were watching a movie. Jose Menendez was shot five times in the kneecaps and head. Kitty Menendez was crawling away, covered in blood, when one of the brothers hit her with a final, fatal shotgun blast.

Erik, then 18, confessed to the killings in a conversation with his therapist. While the brothers claimed Jose sexually abused them and was a threat to their lives, prosecutors contended they killed their parents to get early access to their multimillion-dollar inheritance.

A push to free the brothers gained steam last year after the release of a popular Netflix documentary about the case, which included the unearthing of additional documentation of Jose's alleged sexual abuse. In a motion for a new trial, defense attorneys pointed to a letter Erik sent to one of his cousins detailing his father's behavior, which was delivered eight months before the murders. The motion also contained a declaration from a member of the boy band Menudo who alleged Jose raped him when he was a teenager in 1984.

Read more: Menendez brothers' bid for freedom hits roadblock: D.A. Hochman opposes resentencing

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Nearly two dozen of the brothers' loved ones have formed the Justice for Erik and Lyle Coalition, a family-led group advocating for their freedom. The lone Menendez family member who opposed the brothers' release died this year.

On Thursday morning, the extended Menendez family got out of three black SUVs and walked toward the courthouse surrounded by news crews holding cameras inches from their faces. A throng of reporters later swarmed Geragos and Hochman when they arrived at the court complex.

Geragos is expected to call several relatives as witnesses whenever the actual resentencing hearing takes place, as well as a former inmate who was mentored by the brothers. A correctional supervisor who thinks so highly of one of the brothers that he wouldn't mind if they were neighbors is also supposed to take the stand, Geragos said in open court last week.

Erik Menendez's daughter, Talia Menendez, center, and other supporters of the brothers arrive at court in Los Angeles on Thursday. (Damian Dovarganes / Associated Press)

It is unclear if the brothers will testify at a resentencing hearing. Hochman said Thursday he was unsure if the district attorney's office will call any witnesses.

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Hochman, who accused Gascon of seeking resentencing in a desperate bid to boost his reelection campaign, last month announced his opposition to the brothers' release. Hochman said Thursday that his office's position on the brothers eligibility for resentencing is better described as "not yet," rather than "no."

"We have identified a pathway for the Menendez brothers to come forward, acknowledge all the lies they have told over the past 30 years. ... They can then say to the court we have come clean, we have been rehabilitated, we no longer constitute a danger to society," he said.

Hochman and his prosecutors have argued that Gascon's analysis of the case was paper-thin, questioned the validity of their self-defense claims and repeatedly insisted the brothers had lied about the circumstances of the shooting. Hochman has also said the brothers have not shown proper "insight" into their crimes.

Read more: Prosecutors who said Menendez brothers should go free allege retaliation by D.A. Hochman

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At a hearing last week seeking to revoke Gascon's petition, Jesic agreed with a defense argument that "insight" was not relevant to a resentencing petition. That standard applies only in a parole hearing, the judge said.

Hochman said Thursday he disagreed with part of that interpretation, arguing that parole and resentencing standards overlap. By continuing to "minimize their crimes," Hochman said, the Menendez brothers have demonstrated they have not undergone rehabilitation, as it is defined by the state Supreme Court.

If the brothers are eventually resentenced, they could be on track for a parole hearing.

If Jesic rejects their petition, the brothers still have two routes to release: a motion for a new trial citing the additional sex abuse evidence and the clemency petition before Newsom.

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This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times.
(NewsNation)  A long-awaited resentencing hearing for brothers Erik and Lyle Menendez is set to move forward Thursday, hours after Los Angeles District Attorney Nathan Hochman filed a motion attempting to delay it further.

Scheduled for Thursday and Friday, the hearing could overturn the brothers sentences of life without parole nearly 30 years after they were convicted of murdering their parents, Jose and Kitty Menendez, in their Beverly Hills home in 1989.

The hearing has been postponed multiple times since former DA George Gascon recommended resentencing last fall, citing new evidence in the case amid renewed attention from a Netflix series about the killings.

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Menendez brothers resentencing: LA district attorney seeks delay

Late Wednesday, Hochman filed a motion to again push the hearing back, citing the need to review a newly completed parole board risk assessment ordered by California Gov. Gavin Newsom, Deadline first reported.

Although the People were directed not to disclose these reports due to the Governors Executive privilege and for other reasons, the Governors Office has invited the Court to request these documents for use at the resentencing hearing, the DAs motion stated.

Supporters hold signs during a press conference regarding developments in the Menendez brothers case Thursday, March 20, 2025, in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Damian Dovarganes) FILE  Lyle, left, and Erik Menendez sit with defense attorney Leslie Abramson, right, in Beverly Hills Municipal Court during a hearing, Nov. 26, 1990. (AP Photo/Nick Ut, File) This combination of two booking photos provided by the California Department of Corrections shows Erik, left, and Lyle Menendez. (California Dept. of Corrections via AP, File) FILE  Los Angeles County District Attorney Nathan Hochman talks about the resentencing of Erik and Lyle Menendez for the murders of their parents during a news conference in downtown Los Angeles, Friday, Jan. 3, 2025. (AP Photo/Damian Dovarganes, File)

On April 12, a judge rejected Hochmans attempt to withdraw the brothers resentencing petition altogether.

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Hochman has maintained the brothers have not accepted full responsibility for their actions.

Until they come fully clean with the full breadth of their lies, deceit and denials, they are not in a position to be trusted, Hochman told NewsNation last week.

Those lies, Hochman said, include the brothers claim of self-defense, the characterization of their father as a violent rapist and their mother as a poisoner of the family, among others.

Menendez brothers resentencing hearing can continue, judge rules

Family members, including cousin Tamara Goodell, have advocated for the brothers release from prison.

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Goodell told a rally of resentencing supporters in March that kids lie when theyre scared, when they feel intimidated and when they become traumatized.

But they grow up, they learn, and they take responsibility, Goodell said.

In addition to Thursdays resentencing hearing, the Menendez brothers are scheduled for individual hearings before Californias parole board on June 13, after which Newsom will decide whether to grant clemency.

NewsNations Damita Menezes and Andrew Dorn contributed to this report.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to NewsNation.
A resentencing hearing for Lyle and Erik Menendez that began on Thursday as scheduled was postponed again at the request of Los Angeles District Attorney Nathan Hochman.

Judge Michael Jesic, who was annoyed by the bickering between Hochman and the brothers attorney Mark Geragos, had earlier dismissed a motion by Hochman to delay the proceedings. Judge Jesic scheduled the next motions hearing for May 9, to discuss the admissibility of a state parole boards risk-assessment report.

The brothers attorney Mark Geragos told reporters on Thursday that the D.A.s office has jumped the shark and that he is very close to filing a motion to recuse [Hochman]. If he follows through on the filing to challenge the D.A.s office, that motion will be discussed during the May 9 hearing.

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This is another in a series of the D.A.s office abdicating their role, Geragos told members of the press. The brothers attorneys aim for them to be resentenced to a lesser term, that would allow them to be released or become eligible for parole.

We are aware of the defenses concerns and welcome the opportunity to address them in court, District Attorney Hochman said in a statement to media later Thursday. Our office remains committed to ethical and impartial prosecution. We believe the facts will demonstrate that our conduct has been professional, appropriate, and in the interest of justice.

Hochman has strongly opposed the incarcerated brothers being freed after more than 30 years in jail for the 1989 murder of their parents.

In February, he disputed the brothers accounts of ongoing sexual abuse at the hands of their father, Jose Menendez, which he called lies and deception. He also stated his intent to consider each brothers case separately.

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Members of the Menendez family who have been advocating for Erik and Lyles release have also taken issue with Hochmans approach to their case, which gained renewed interest after being spotlighted in the Netflix series Monsters: The Lyle and Erik Menendez Story.

The citys previous D.A., George Gascon, was a proponent of resentencing Erik and Lyle in light of newly discovered evidence that backed up their accounts of abuse. He also submitted a clemency request to California Gov. Gavin Newsom before his loss to Hochman in the November 2024 election.

At issue in Thursdays postponement was the risk assessment from the governors office, according to ABC News.

A previously scheduled resentencing hearing in January was moved due to the Los Angeles wildfires.

The post Menendez Brothers Resentencing Hearing Postponed Again appeared first on TheWrap.
The Menendez brothers will still get their day in court, but the long-incarcerated siblings will have to wait until next month to see whether they will be resentenced for the 1989 shotgun murder of their parents.

With the brothers joining via video, LA Superior Court Judge Michael Jesic initially decided Thursday morning to go forward with the scheduled two-day resentencing session and cast aside an eleventh-hour motion of continuance from the LA County District Attorneys office over a state parole board risk-assessment report ordered earlier this year by Gov. Gavin Newsom. However, after some fireworks between Nathan Hochmans office and defense attorneys in and outside the Van Nuys courthouse, the judge has pushed back any resentencing hearing until at least May 9.

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With all sides getting an opportunity to look over the semi-completed report and contemplate its admissibility, that hearing next month could be closed and take place in the judges chambers due to sensitive material in the report. In fact, the May 9 hearing could be consumed with motions from both sides and never even get around to resentencing.

Also, the confidential and unfinished report is but one of many assets the parole board will use to assess whether to keep the siblings in or out of prison.

Back in the media and public spotlight in no small part due to the success of the Netflix and Ryan Murphy series Monsters: The Lyle and Erik Menendez Story series and some documentaries claiming new evidence, the then 18- and 21-year-old Menendez brothers now insist the shooting of Jose Menendez and Kitty Menendez was self-defense against the ongoing sexual abuse by their record company executive father.

Prosecutors for the DAs office and the defenses Mark Geragos and Bryan Freedman were still conferring with Jesic for a few minutes after the decision to delay until May was made, but it was clear to all that this was over for now. Originally, even though Jesic said he would not have a decision this week, the resentencing was supposed to run today and Friday. Already delayed several times because of elections, wildfires and more, those dates have now been scrubbed from the court calendar.

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None of the developments please the defense and the Menendez family, many of whom traveled from afar to be at this weeks hearings.

Its become a mockery, Freedman said of Hochman and his office outside the courtroom after the pause was put in place. Does he have a personal grudge against Lyle and Erik? the attorney added, noting the defense will be filing paperwork to have the DAs office recused from the case.

In court today, Geragos said he had lost faith in Hochman to conduct himself fairly, saying he was going to move to have the District Attorney thrown off this case. Arguing against the risk assessment being introduced into the hearing, Geragos told the court the family is very upset but they are willing to put their lives on hold for a little bit longer for the brothers.

Outside after todays hearing was called off, he ramped it up and called the matter a charade by a DA who made up his mind and did no hard work.

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After the break, Jesic told the lawyers and Menendez family members that there could be material in the risk-assessment report that may constitute evidence and alter any questioning of witnesses. Even with unresolved issues of the DAs office being accused of being abusive to the family and violating their rights as victims by unexpectedly showing bloody 1989 crime scene photos in court last week, the judge made it clear that the delay was to ensure the report is treated with the utmost care.

This latest delay comes after a two-hour break that ended at 1:30 p.m. as prosecutors, the defense and judge bartered and petitioned the governors office for the full report and the waiving of privilege to see it. Weighing a potential clemency for the brothers from their 1996 sentence of life without parole, Newsom in late February ordered the assessment as part of an overall reexamination of the case.

That reexamination will culminate June 13 with individual hearings for each brother before the parole board.

The date is important because that is why the report was shared with Deputy DA Habib Balian, who is overseeing the resentencing and the cases parole aspects for Hochman. Under California regulations, a portion of the risk-assessment report is to be handed over to the principal parties for review 60 days before any clemency hearing and is subject to correction and updating  that is why Balian got it earlier this week.

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After that June hearing, and the political winds of the Golden State, Newsom would make his clemency decision. Elected in a landslide last year over George Gascon, who started the resentencing process the current DA is seeking to blunt, Hochman today reiterated his contention that the brothers have after all these decades not come clean with  information on why they brutally killed their parents.

No one said it today in Van Nuys, but it is worth noting that April is National Child Abuse Prevention Month.

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Seattle Police seized a large amount of drugs, ammunition, and cash following an arrest in North Seattle.

A 32-year-old man was arrested on Tuesday after police saw plastic bags, which may have included drugs, sticking out of the mans clothing, the Seattle Police Department (SPD) said in a release.

Following his arrest, SPD officers recovered:

141.8g Methamphetamine

17.3g Fentanyl

45.2g Cocaine

9.9g Heroin

5.5g M30 pills (suspected fentanyl)

After getting a warrant to search the mans car on Wednesday, police seized:

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$2019.58 cash

101 shotgun shells

digital scale, 20 plastic baggies

multi-colored gun lighter

plastic baggie with narcotics

105 packages of Suboxone

EBT cards

The man was booked into the King County Jail, and the Narcotics Unit is investigating the case, SPD said.
(KRON)  A music festival in Morgan Hill is now canceled after the headliner Los Alegres Del Barranco had their work visas revoked by the U.S. State Department.

The Trump administration says the bands music praises Mexican cartels.

Pinole police probe viral video of racist rant as hate incident

Los Alegres Del Barranco was supposed to go on a multi-month tour in the United States with their first stop at Rancho Grande de Morgan Hill.

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We had an event April 27, said co-owner Hugo Sencion. Sadly, a couple weeks ago, we got notice. We did hear from the promoters it was going to get canceled. We dont know whats going on so were canceling our show because of that.

The band came under fire because some of their songs talk about the cartel. The Deputy Secretary of State Christopher Landau posted on X, formerly Twitter, that because of this the bands work and tourist visas are revoked.

Sencion says they have the wrong idea. [The album] Corridos is a story I believe. Thats what theyre doing, telling a story about cartels in Mexico.

UC Berkeley student sues ICE over visa termination

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Dr. Nathian Shay Rodriguez at San Diego State University specializes in Latin American Culture and Digital Media studies. He says the band is not glorifying cartels but talking about the reality.

When they sing about Narcos, its about warnings, says Dr. Rodriguez. Its lived experiences taken into art. We see this in movies and poems

Bands like those do not pose any bad influence, added Dr. Rodriguez. Its about the storytelling they do The songs sung by not just Mexican grupos like this, but musicians around the world. Its all about storytelling.

Dr. Rodriguez says the visas being pulled is just political.

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Back at the ranch, Sencion is getting ready for other events like Cinco de Mayo and a May 18 rodeo. He still feels the burn by missing out on the band.

Theyre actually doing well right now because of the song that canceled them, says Sencion.

KRON4 reached out to the band Wednesday to find out what they can do to get their visas back, but we did not hear back at the time of this report.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KRON4.
RAMALLAH, April 17 (Xinhua) -- Two Palestinians were shot and killed by Israeli forces near the town of Osarin in the Nablus Governorate in northern West Bank on Thursday night, the Palestinian Health Ministry said.

The Ramallah-based ministry in a brief statement identified the killed victims as Jihad Adham Abdullah Adili, 17, and Saif Ghassan Jabr Adili, 19.

The Israeli forces stormed Osarin amid heavy firing of live bullets, and confrontations broke out in the area, the Palestinian official news agency WAFA reported.

Another 20-year-old Palestinian was injured with a bullet in the knee, WAFA said.

The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) said in a statement on Thursday night that during IDF "activity" in the area of Osarin, its soldiers identified three "terrorists" who hurled rocks toward vehicles on the highway and endangered the lives of the passengers.

"The soldiers fired toward the terrorists to remove the threat, eliminating two terrorists and injuring one," it added. 
Guns are shown at Casos Gun-A-Rama in Jersey City, New Jersey, which has been open since 1967. (Photo by Aristide Economopoulos / NJ Monitor)

The New Mexico Court of Appeals this week rejected a challenge to state law prohibiting people convicted of felonies in the past decade from possessing firearms.

A jury convicted Jeremy Romero, of Las Vegas, of unlawfully possessing a firearm and evading Albuquerque police in August 2022, and a judge sentenced him to eight years in prison.

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A few days later, he challenged the felon-in-possession statutes constitutionality, arguing that it violates his Second Amendment right to possess a gun.

In a unanimous opinion published on Wednesday, a three-judge panel at the New Mexico Court of Appeals ruled that the law stands because theres a long history of Congress and state legislatures disarming people who are a danger to others, so the law itself is constitutional.

In court briefings and at oral arguments in February, Romeros attorney argued that his prior convictions were for nonviolent offenses, so it was unconstitutional to apply the felon-in-possession statute against him.

Mary Barket, Romeros public defender, also argued that the countrys historical prohibitions on gun possession werent similar enough to New Mexicos law because they targeted groups during times of war and conflict that posed an existential threat to the ruling government.

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I do not think that that is similar to why were trying to justify disarming felons, both violent and nonviolent, Barket told the judges.

The judges werent convinced, and ruled that Romero did not challenge the trial courts findings that he is dangerous based on his criminal history of possessing and selling drugs and escape from house arrest, so the law is also constitutional as it was applied to him.

While the ruling does not create any new rule about whats needed to prove that someone is dangerous, it does require that for the government to constitutionally apply the felon-in-possession statute to someone, prosecutors must demonstrate that the defendant presents a threat to others, the judges wrote.

Romero based his challenge on the legal standard established by the U.S. Supreme Court in 2022 for analyzing the constitutionality of firearms regulations, in a case called Bruen.

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Nonprofit news organization The Trace reviewed more than 2,000 court cases that cited Bruen and found that people whose felony records bar them from possessing guns used the decision more often than any other group.

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Mexicos capital was lit up by a bright object at around 3am on Wednesday, awaking many residents who thought they might be witnessing a meteorite. The light stretched over plains, volcanoes and small towns, catching the notice of almost everyone in Mexico city.

Video footage of the ball of fire shooting over the country and dissolving in a burst of light over its capital left many awestruck, worried and confused. But Scientists across Mexico were quick to note that the object rocketing across the skies was not a meteorite; it was a bolide.

Bolides, defined by NASA as fireballs, are exceptionally bright meteors that are spectacular enough to be seen over a very wide area.

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Mario Rodriguez, a doctor in space science with the National Autonomous University of Mexico, said it could also be described as a meteoroid, or a fragment of a meteor.

Bolides like the one that coasted over Mexican skies early Wednesday catch fire as they descend to Earth.

"Due to the great pressure on the object, they begin to flash with a stretching tail and emit light, said Rodriguez, one of a group of scientists studying the videos that shocked many Mexicans. He said unlike meteorites, which impact Earth, a bolide disintegrates in the atmosphere.

This particular meteoroid, he said, was around 1.5 meters (5 feet) in length and posed no threat to the public.

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After learning of the nature of the object, and that they were safe, many took to the internet as the bolide became fuel for memes circulating on social media.

No, the meteorite that exploded last night isn't an excuse to talk to your ex, someone wrote on X, over a GIF of dinosaurs walking through a meteorite shower. Soon, photos of the fireball edited with cartoon characters and political jokes flooded the internet.

Rarer than a usual meteor, bolides become exceptionally bright due to pressure and heat from entering the earths atmosphere. They are usually defined as being brighter than the moon in the night sky.
ARTESIA, N.M. (KRQE)  A man from New Mexico is facing charges for illegally obtaining Alaska resident hunting privileges.

Alaska Wildlife Troopers learned that William Miller, 41, of Artesia, had obtained Alaska hunting & sportfishing licenses from 2021 to 2024 when he did not meet the definition of an Alaska resident for hunting and fishing purposes, according to officials.

Story continues below

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Miller is facing 39 charges, including making a false statement on a license application, hunting without a guide as a non-resident, unlawful possession/transportation of game, and season and bag limits for caribou, brown bear, and goat.

His arraignment is set for April 23 in Homer Court.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
MIAMI, Okla.  An Ottawa County man known as the Mercys Miracle honored two Miami firefighters during a city council meeting.

They call him Mercys Miracle, said Mayor Bless Parker, referring to Tom Jarvis and his stay at Joplins Mercy Hospital.

Im not sure who gave me the name, but because of the paramedics, firefighters, and the hospital staff  Im here, Jarvis said.

He said that being a firefighter, paramedic, or in a profession that involves rescuing or helping people is a calling. 

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Not everybody can do it, Jarvis said. It takes a very special person to do what they do.

Miami firefighters Bryar Parker and Hunter Bissell were recognized during a city council meeting.

They met with Jarvis, who publicly thanked the men for their heroic efforts.

I wanted the paramedics to be there too  Amanda Powers and Jody Wooten  but they were on duty, Jarvis said.

The married father of three boys choked back emotion as he told the crowd about the April 3 events.

I was on the phone and started feeling a shortness of breath and didnt know what was going on, Jarvis said. I thought about going to Urgent Care but decided to lay on the bed.

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Jarviss wife of 32 years, Donna, saw her husband gasping for air and called 911, he said.

I started telling my family, I loved them  I thought I was dying, Jarvis said.

Jarvis said the last thing he remembers is telling his wife, I love you, and then blacking out.

Jarvis said he later learned Wooten intubated him after his oxygen level dropped to 52 % and his blood pressure was registering in the 300s.

Part of my problem is congestive heart failure, Jarvis said.

The physicians werent sure that I wouldnt have a stroke after removing the intubation tube. Jarvis went straight to Mercys ICU unit and five days later, was released from the hospital.

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I was just blown away by how incredible everybody at the hospital was, Jarvis said.

Jarvis said he was alive because everyone was part of saving his life.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KSNF/KODE | FourStatesHomepage.com.
Michelle Trachtenbergs cause of death has been revealed after the Gossip Girl alum sadly passed away at the age of 39. The actor was found unresponsive in her New York City apartment on February 26. Almost two months after Trachtenbergs passing, a medical examiner has confirmed her sudden death was a result of complications from diabetes mellitus.

Gossip Girl star Michelle Trachtenberg died due to diabetes mellitus, medical examiner confirmed

A review of laboratory test results has confirmed that Michelle Trachtenbergs cause of death has been ruled as natural. PEOPLE learned from the New York City Office of Chief Medical Examiner that the actors untimely passing at the age of 39 was a result of complications of diabetes mellitus. A spokesperson told the outlet that the amended determination was made following review of toxicology testing results.

On February 26, Trachtenberg was found unresponsive in her New York City apartment and pronounced dead at the scene. Deadline reported that the stars family had requested that no autopsy be conducted because of religious reasons. As a result, Trachtenbergs cause of death would remain undetermined.

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The medical examiners office did not overrule the familys decision on Trachtenbergs autopsy. This was because no foul play or criminality was suspected in her passing. However, the medical examiners office amended Trachtenbergs cause of death following the review of laboratory test results. The spokesperson for the New York City Office of Chief Medical Examiner also told PEOPLE that toxicology testing can be done without autopsy.

Michelle Trachtenbergs sudden death came as a shock to fans, as well as her past co-stars. Following her passing, the Gossip Girl cast members paid touching tributes to the actor. Trachtenberg was well known for playing Georgina Sparks in the popular show. The late actors co-star, Chace Crawford, mourned her sudden death and called it just a terrible loss. Blake Lively, too, penned a moving tribute. The Gossip Girl star recalled their first meeting with a loving photo.

The post Michelle Trachtenbergs Cause of Death: Complications of Diabetes Mellitus appeared first on Reality Tea.
Editors note: This video aired on a previous newscast.

MANHATTAN, N.Y. (PIX11)  Actress Michelle Trachtenbergs cause of death has been revealed.

On Wednesday, the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner of the City of New York disclosed that Trachtenberg died of complications from diabetes mellitus.

The medical examiners office determined the manner of death to be natural.

MrBeast fans seek refunds after Las Vegas event

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In February, police responded to a 911 call shortly after 8 a.m. at a 51-story luxury apartment tower in Manhattans Hells Kitchen neighborhood, where officers found Trachtenberg unconscious and unresponsive, according to an NYPD statement.

Emergency medical services pronounced Trachtenberg dead at the scene. No foul play was suspected.

Trachtenbergs family initially objected to an autopsy because there was no evidence of criminality, and the medical examiners office honored the objection. Trachtenbergs original cause and manner of death were listed as undetermined.

The actresss career began at age eight when she played Nona Mecklenberg on Nickelodeons The Adventures of Pete & Pete. Her other credits include adaptations of Harriet the Spy and Inspector Gadget.

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In 2000, Trachtenberg joined the cast of Buffy the Vampire Slayer, playing Dawn Summers, the younger sister of the title character played by Sarah Michelle Gellar between 2000 and 2003.

In 2001, she received a Daytime Emmy nomination for hosting Discoverys Truth or Scare. Trachtenberg went on to recurring roles on Six Feet Under, Weeds and Gossip Girl, where she played the gangs scheming nemesis, Georgina Sparks.

Trachtenberg was 39.

This story comprises reporting from The Associated Press.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to Queen City News.
TEHRAN, April 17 (Xinhua) -- Iran's atomic chief said on Thursday his country expects the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) to "maintain neutrality and professionalism" with regard to the nuclear talks between Tehran and Washington, according to Iran's official news agency IRNA.

President of the Atomic Energy Organization of Iran Mohammad Eslami made the remarks at a joint press conference with visiting IAEA Director General Rafael Grossi following their earlier meeting in Tehran, which aimed to resolve remaining bilateral differences.

Pointing to the IAEA's role in the nuclear talks between Iran and the United States, Eslami said the agency should refrain from expressions and actions that could be abused by those "wishing ill on" Iran.

Eslami said both sides agreed to use the joint statement signed in March 2023 -- aimed at resolving outstanding safeguards issues -- as the basis for future cooperation. He added that deputy-level meetings would take place in Tehran in the coming days to follow up on the discussions.

Grossi, in turn, described the meeting with Eslami as "very excellent" and said he also held "deep and frank" talks on Wednesday with Iran's Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi.

He confirmed ongoing contact with the U.S. representative engaging in indirect negotiations over Iran's nuclear program, voicing the IAEA's willingness to act as a "bridge" between the two sides, according to the IRNA.

Grossi expressed optimism that the negotiations would lead to a positive result, while noting that the credibility of any potential nuclear deal between Iran and the United States necessitates verification by the IAEA.

The head of the UN nuclear watchdog arrived in Tehran on Wednesday evening for a two-day visit. His trip came ahead of the second round of indirect talks between Tehran and Washington, which will be held this weekend in the Italian capital Rome.

The first round of indirect talks was held in the Omani capital Muscat last week.

Iran signed a nuclear deal, formally known as the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action, with six major countries -- Britain, China, France, Germany, Russia, and the United States -- in July 2015, accepting restrictions on its nuclear program in return for sanctions relief.

However, the United States withdrew from the deal in May 2018 and reinstated sanctions, prompting Iran to scale back some of its nuclear commitments. Efforts to revive the nuclear deal have not achieved substantial progress. 
Citizens in Chelsea, Mich., rallied to support a local bookstore. More than 300 people formed a pair of human chains to transport 9,100 books from the old store to the new one. It took just two hours, much less time than using movers would have.

Even in small towns, big businesses typically win the battle against mom-and-pop stores. Their ability to offer lower prices and a much wider selection of products is hard to overcome. But every now and then, a town's loyalty to a hometown operation wins out.

That pride in local ownership was on full display in Chelsea, Mich., this week when Serendipity Books was figuring out how to move its inventory from its old location to a new one, roughly a block away. To assist the owner, roughly 300 residents of the town came together to form a pair of human chains between the two locations, where books were passed down one by one, then put on the correct shelves in the new store.

It was a practical way to move the books, but it also was a way for everybody to have a part, owner Michelle Tuplin told the Guardian. As people passed the books along, they said I have not read this and thats a good one.

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The inventory transfer took about two hours, which is considerably less time than it would have taken the store to shut down, pack, move, and unpack the thousands of books otherwise. The books are already alphabetically organized on the shelves, thanks to the book brigadeand the store will reopen in its new location within two weeks.

Serendipity Books has been a fixture in Chelsea, which is located about 60 miles west of Detroit, since 1989. The move to the new location was announced in January and people quickly said they wanted to help in some way.

All totaled, the volunteers helped to move 9,100 books from store to store. Those volunteers ranged from the ages of 6 to 91.

"Community means a lot to people and it's just really powerful to see it in action," Tuplin told ABC.

This story was originally featured on Fortune.com
The Michigan Lottery offers several draw games for those aiming to win big. Heres a look at April 16, 2025, results for each game:

Winning Daily 3 numbers from April 16 drawing

Midday: 7-4-5

Evening: 2-0-0

Check Daily 3 payouts and previous drawings here.

Winning Daily 4 numbers from April 16 drawing

Midday: 2-8-2-3

Evening: 3-2-5-0

Check Daily 4 payouts and previous drawings here.

Winning Lucky For Life numbers from April 16 drawing

01-34-38-43-47, Lucky Ball: 03

Check Lucky For Life payouts and previous drawings here.

Winning Poker Lotto numbers from April 16 drawing

3C-7D-10D-2H-6S

Check Poker Lotto payouts and previous drawings here.

Winning Fantasy 5 numbers from April 16 drawing

08-15-22-24-39

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01-02-08-18-34

Check Fantasy 5 payouts and previous drawings here.

Winning Daily Keno numbers from April 16 drawing

06-12-19-20-25-26-28-29-30-35-39-41-43-44-52-53-54-57-59-64-75-76

Check Daily Keno payouts and previous drawings here.

Winning Classic Lotto 47 numbers from April 16 drawing

02-07-08-12-21-46

Check Classic Lotto 47 payouts and previous drawings here.

Winning Lotto Double Play numbers from April 16 drawing

01-04-10-16-23-43

Feeling lucky? Explore the latest lottery news & results

Are you a winner? Heres how to claim your lottery prize

All Michigan Lottery retailers can redeem prizes up to $600. For prizes up to $99,999.99, winners have the option to submit their claim by mail or in person at one of Michigan Lotterys Regional Offices.

To claim by mail, complete a ticket receipt form, sign your winning ticket, and send it along with original copies of your government-issued photo ID and Social Security card to the address below. Ensure the names on your ID and Social Security card match exactly. Claims should be mailed to:

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Michigan Lottery

Attn: Claim Center

101 E. Hillsdale

P.O. Box 30023

Lansing, MI 48909

For prizes over $100,000, winners must claim their prize in person at the Michigan Lottery Headquarters in Lansing located at 101 E. Hillsdale in downtown Lansing. Each winner must present original versions of a valid government-issued photo ID (typically a drivers license or state ID) and a Social Security card, ensuring that the names on both documents match exactly. To schedule an appointment, please call the Lottery Player Relations office at 844-887-6836, option 2.

If you prefer to claim in person at one of the Michigan Lottery Regional Offices for prizes under $100,000, appointments are required. Until further notice, please call 1-844-917-6325 to schedule an appointment. Regional office locations are as follows:

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Lansing: 101 E. Hillsdale St. Lansing; Phone: 844-917-6325

Livonia: 33231 Plymouth Road, Livonia; Phone: 844-917-6325

Sterling Heights: 34700 Dequindre Road, Sterling Heights; Phone: 844-917-6325

Detroit: Cadillac Place, 3060 W. Grand Blvd., Suite L-600, Detroit; Phone: 844-917-6325

Grand Rapids: 3391-B Plainfield Ave. NE, Grand Rapids; Phone: 844-917-6325

Saginaw: Jerome T. Hart State Office Building, 411 E. Genesee Ave., Saginaw; Phone: 844-917-6325

For additional information, downloadable forms, and instructions, visit the Michigan Lottery's prize claim page.

When are Michigan Lottery drawings held?

Daily 3 & Daily 4: Midday at 12:59 p.m., Evening at 7:29 p.m.

Fantasy 5: 7:29 p.m. daily

Poker Lotto: 7:29 p.m. daily

Lotto 47: 7:29 p.m. Wednesday and Saturday

Lucky for Life: 10:38 p.m. daily

Daily Keno: 7:29 p.m. daily

This results page was generated automatically using information from TinBu and a template written and reviewed by a Michigan editor. You can send feedback using this form. 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 16, 2025
LANSING, Mich. (WLNS) Yesterday, 92 Michigan school board members, including five Michigan State Board of Education members, signed and hand-delivered a letter to Congresswoman Lisa McCain, urging policymakers to defend public education.

The Michigan Education Justice Coalition (MEJC) coordinated the letter, and it highlights the need to address persistent funding gaps that affect all students, such as students of color, students with disabilities, and students from low-income communities.

Letter_-Protect-the-Department-of-Education-Download

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The letter suggests that Michigan lawmakers also consider:

Close equity gaps in funding for special education, English language learners, and students in high-poverty communities

Increase state and federal investment in K-12 public education

Oppose voucher schemes that divert public dollars to private interests

Strengthen support for educators and school staff

Congresswoman McClain sits on the US Education Committee. She can DO something about the cuts to public schools. That is why we are here, said Oxford parent Emily Busch in a news release sent to 6 News. Our students are facing a mental health crisis many years in the making. And yet Michigan has the second highest student to counselor ratio in the country. We have on average one counselor for over 600 students when the recommendation is 1 to 250. We need to do better for our kids.

According to the MEJC, The Washington Post reports Michigan stands to lose approximately 10% of K-12 federal funding.

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The Individuals with Disabilities Education Act, or IDEA, was enacted in 1975 to protect the rights of children with disabilities and the federal government has promised to cover 40% of special education costs, yet has never come close. This is about more than dollars  its about dignity, equity, and civil rights, says Rochester Community Schools Board Member Barb Anness in a news release sent to 6 News. We call on Congress to support public education and students with disabilities by passing the Keep Our PACT Act guaranteeing consistent, full funding for IDEA and Title I. We ask Rep. McClain to work with Rep. Tim Walberg, Chair of the House Education and Workforce Committee, to get a hearing for this bill in Congress.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WLNS 6 News.
State Sen. Erika Geiss (D-Taylor) speaks on the Senate floor in support of the "Momnibus" package of bills on April 17, 2025. | Screenshot

A 10-bill package to reduce racial inequities in maternal mortality in Michigan passed through the Michigan Senate Thursday, with supporters hoping that the second time will be the charm to getting the so-called momnibus signed into law.

The legislation, which passed with bipartisan support, had received a similar reception when it was originally introduced in April 2024, but then failed to make it across the finish line after Republican lawmakers boycotted the lame duck session in December in protest to minimum and tipped wage reforms not being placed for a vote.

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The main sponsor of the package is Sen. Erika Geiss (D-Taylor), who said the legislation incorporates a variety of approaches to improve prenatal and perinatal health outcomes in Michigan.

By dismantling systemic barriers that disproportionately impact Black and brown birthing people, the Michigan Momnibus brings us one step closer to achieving equity and justice and reproductive and obstetric care, Geiss told her colleagues prior to the vote. It is a multifaceted bill package that works to improve integrity and accountability in Michigans maternal health care system, ensuring that every family has an equitable opportunity to have a healthy, joyful pregnancy, birthing, and postpartum experience that truly centers their needs.

The Momnibus legislative package includes;

Senate Bill 29 mandates the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services to compile annual data on racial and ethnic disparities in health care, as well as review statewide maternal deaths in order to complete a report to the legislature starting in 2026 and then continuing every three years. The department would also have to come up with a statewide plan to reduce such ethnic and racial disparities in health care.

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Senate Bill 30 would enact the Biased and Unjust Care Reporting Act which requires the state health department to take and analyze reports of unfair treatment by pregnant or postpartum individuals who say they received improper medical care that was not culturally informed or treatment that caused them harm. The department would have to create a reporting tool to accept such complaints while also maintaining the patients privacy.

Senate Bill 31 bars hospital leadership from discriminating against a patient on the basis of their pregnancy or lactating status and would require a health facility to stabilize a patient or resident going through labor before ceasing care for the patient upon the patients refusal or denial of care. The facility would have to author a policy on patient rights and adhere to the policy.

Senate Bill 32 requires insurance companies offering medical malpractice insurance policies to provide the Department of Insurance and Financial Services with a review of the policies related to perinatal care on an annual basis.

Senate Bill 33 clarifies that a patients pregnancy would not preclude a designated patient advocate from making life-sustaining treatment decisions for the patient.

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Senate Bill 34 clarifies Michigans Elliott-Larsen Civil Rights Act to bar discrimination on the basis of sex, including pregnancy and lactation status.

Senate Bill 36 amends the public health code to include eligible midwives who attended midwifery programs to participate in the state health departments Michigan Essential Health Provider Repayment program.

Senate Bill 37 requires insurance companies that cover gynecological and pregnancy services to cover such services whether they be in a hospital or a patients home, by a qualified physician or nurse midwife or midwife.

Senate Bill 38 and Senate Bill 39 amends the Social Welfare Act to require the Healthy Michigan Plan to cover ultrasound procedures and fetal nonstress tests in offsite locations and permit Medicaid eligible individuals to be able to receive perinatal and gynecologic care under the Healthy Michigan Plan under certain circumstances.

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Statistics have long corroborated disparities in maternal outcomes for women of color, with maternal mortality rates for Black women in the U.S. nearly 3.5 times the rate for non-Hispanic white women, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Additionally, the CDC says the rate of preterm birth among Black women is 12.34%, or about 1.5 times higher than the rate of preterm birth among white or Hispanic women, which stands at 7.64% and 8.72% respectively.

A lack of access to quality health care and educational resources are some of the reasons for the inequity, and are among the nonmedical factors that influence health outcomes. Known as the social determinants of health, the CDC says those factors include the conditions in which people are born, grow, work, live, worship, and age.

Social determinants of health prevent many people from racial and ethnic minority groups from having fair opportunities for economic, physical, and emotional health, said the CDC.

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Geiss noted that the passage of the bills through the Senate came on the final day of Black Maternal Health Week.

This has been a long road for the Michigan Momnibus, but by keeping the Momnibus moving, we can affirm a commitment to ensuring that healthy pregnancies and equitable care must transcend partisan racial, class, and economic divides, as every family deserves access to the care they need to thrive, said Geiss.

The legislation was immediately referred to the Michigan House for consideration, where it was assigned to the Health Policy Committee.

Michigan Advance reporter Anna Liz Nichols contributed to this story.
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WKRN)  Kristyn Byrd was only 19 weeks pregnant last summer when she started feeling some unusual symptoms. She called her doctor who recommended that she go to the hospital.

It was my first pregnancy. It was seemingly healthy, but when I got there, they told me I was going into preterm labor. This was July 2, and my due date was November 21, Byrd said. The first big goal was to get to age of viability, which is most widely accepted at 24 weeks. Thankfully at Centennial, they medically intervene at 22 [weeks].

Three weeks after Kristyn was admitted to TriStar Centennial Womens Hospital, she gave birth to her daughter Charlie at just 22 weeks and 5 days.

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She came out ready to fight; she had great Apgar scores, Kristyn told News 2. It was just all such a miracle.

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I just wanted Kristyn to be okay and wanted Charlie to have the best chance to be given, Blake Byrd, Kristyns husband, said.

Charlie weighed exactly one pound and she was 11 inches long, about the size of a 16-ounce water bottle. She did great for the first week, but she was maxed out on all support and she started to struggle.

Tiny but mighty, Charlie pushed through. She spent more than five months in the NICU getting stronger before she finally got to go home in December. The Byrds said the March of Dimes supported them along that tough journey.

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They provided surfactant therapy for her; they brought us warm meals and notes of encouragement, Kristyn said.

The March of Dimes has reported that one in nine babies in Tennessee is born preterm, which is above the national average. Tennessee is also above the national average when it comes to infant and maternal mortality. The March of Dimes graded the state a D- for its preterm birth rate.

[For] 50% of those, they arent able to find a cause of why the baby was born prematurely, Kristyn said. So these research dollars are going to [the] March of Dimes for them to help figure out how to have healthier moms and babies.

The Byrds support the March of Dimes in their efforts to improve prenatal care, the preterm birth rate and outcomes for babies born early or with birth defects. Charlie is their inspiration.

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I know sometimes it feels like youre just clicking a button and sending some money somewhere, but it really does make all the difference, Kristyn said. Research dollars saved her life and millions of other babies, too.

 Read todays top stories on wkrn.com

The Byrds are the ambassador family for the 2025 March for Babies. Its Saturday, April 19 at First Horizon Park. You can register to walk or donate here.

News 2s Hayley Wielgus will be emceeing the event and walking with her family. In 2022, her younger daughter Jordan was born preterm at 32 weeks and spent four weeks in the NICU.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WKRN News 2.
TEHRAN, April 17 (Xinhua) -- Iran's Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei met here on Thursday with visiting Saudi Defense Minister Prince Khalid bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud.

During the meeting, the Saudi minister relayed a message from Saudi King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud to Khamenei, said a statement published on the website of the Iranian top leader, without elaborating.

When addressing bilateral relations, Khamenei said that "the two states can complement one another" and called on the two sides to overcome existing challenges posed by "hostile motivations" to expand bilateral ties.

Prince Khalid, for his part, expressed pleasure at being received by the Iranian leader and hoped that his talks with Iranian officials during the ongoing visit would prepare the ground for strengthening bilateral relations.

The Saudi minister, who arrived in Tehran earlier on Thursday, also met with Chief of Staff of the Iranian Armed Forces Mohammad Baqeri to discuss bilateral defense relations. During the meeting, both sides agreed that deepening bilateral cooperation would contribute to the security and interests of the two countries and other regional states, Iran's semi-official Fars news agency reported.

Iran and Saudi Arabia formally declared in April 2023 the resumption of diplomatic relations with immediate effect.

Saudi Arabia cut diplomatic ties with Iran in early 2016 in response to attacks on Saudi diplomatic missions in Iran. The attacks followed Saudi Arabia's execution of a Shiite cleric. 
Emily Rogers wanted to move on.

Her tumultuous, year-long relationship with Nicholas Matzen had more than run its course, and she was tired of his abuse.

They share a daughter, but that had become less of a reason for Rogers to stick around.

So, she ended things with him.

And that got her killed nearly three years ago, prosecutors argued during Matzens sentencing on Thursday.

Matzen, 38, slumped into his chair as Milwaukee County Circuit Court Judge Laura Crivello handed down his punishment  a total of 45 years behind bars.

Emily Rogers, 23, of Milwaukee was killed in 2022. Her body was found wrapped in a rug and bound by an extension cord in St. Francis.

Emily Rogers was taken from her loved ones

Rogers, the 23-year-old mother of Matzens daughter, was last seen April 26, 2022, on Milwaukee's south side. Her body was found nine days later, wrapped in a rug and bound by an extension cord, in St. Francis.

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A medical examiner testified during his weeklong trial in March that Rogers had been strangled.

She was taken away from her little girl, will never see her daughter go to school, graduate or get married, said Rogers father, Terry Rogers, speaking by Zoom from his home in Sherman, Texas.

My granddaughter will know what you did to her mother," Rogers said. "Justice was served in this courtroom. And one day, when you meet your maker, youll be served with justice again.

Crivello ordered Matzen to serve 40 years on the homicide charge and five years for hiding a corpse. He also must serve a total of 25 years of extended supervision after he completes his prison time.

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More: Nicholas Matzen charged in Emily Rogers' death: What we know

Heres what prosecutors say happened to Emily Rogers

Rogers was last seen alive the same day Matzen was released from jail for an unrelated misdemeanor hit-and-run case. Rogers planned to break up with Matzen.

After Rogers was reported missing April 30, she was found dead near a retention pond in St. Francis nine days later.

Two brothers who Matzen contacted while Rogers was missing were given immunity in exchange for their testimony against him. One of them testified he helped Matzen dispose of Rogers' body.

More: A Milwaukee woman has been missing for a week. Police are investigating her disappearance.

Claims of innocence

In court, Matzen expressed concern for his daughter; he said he takes medicine for seizures and that the daughter he and Emily Rogers share should be tested for similar conditions.

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Matzen said he was sorry for all that his family has gone through as the case unfolded. He reiterated a claim he made at trial that he didnt commit the crime, and restated his intention to appeal the conviction.

Aimee Lyde Rogers wouldnt hear of it.

Also attending the hearing remotely, she read a letter she penned to honor her daughter's memory.

This isnt fair, the fact that youre not here, Aimee Rogers read, choking back tears. Your little girl will never know your smile, your smell, the feel of your touch.

I dont think justice will ever be served  but this is the closest we can get.

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A restitution hearing has been scheduled for April 30.

Matzen has 20 days to appeal.

This article originally appeared on Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: Milwaukee man gets 45 years in Emily Rogers' 2022 slaying
ANDOVER, Kan. (KSNW)  Authorities say an elderly woman who was reported missing Tuesday afternoon in the Andover area has been found safe.

The woman, who has dementia, had last been seen between 3:30 and 4:30 p.m. near Central and 159th Street. Law enforcement had asked the public for help in locating her, noting her vulnerable condition.

Shortly after the alert was issued, police confirmed that she was safely located. No further details have been released.

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Authorities thanked the community for their assistance in spreading the word and helping ensure a safe outcome.

For more Kansas news, click here. Keep up with the latest breaking news by downloading our mobile app and signing up for our news email alerts. Sign up for our Storm Track 3 Weather app by clicking here.

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UNITED NATIONS, April 17 (Xinhua) -- Most of the estimated 400,000 people fleeing the Zamzam displacement camp bombardment sought shelter in another Sudan refuge only for it to be shelled, UN humanitarians said on Thursday.

"Access to Zamzam remains completely blocked," the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) said. "Local authorities and partners' reports indicate that armed groups continue to shell El Fasher and surrounding areas, including Abu Shouk camp, which is obviously placing all of the civilians there at immense risk."

The majority of the 400,000 people fleeing the Zamzam camp bombardment fled to the towns of El Fasher, the capital of North Darfur state, and Tawila, where host communities are already under immense strain.

The office said that despite insecurity, aid organizations are working hard to meet urgent needs.

The United Nations and its humanitarian partners delivered 1,700 metric tons of emergency food in Tawila. Meanwhile, a local partner launched a water trucking initiative to support 10,000 newly displaced people with clean water in El Fasher.

International NGOs are conducting a humanitarian assessment in Tawila to determine the immediate needs and response priorities.

Stephane Dujarric, spokesman for UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, said the World Food Programme (WFP) reported that one of its teams arrived on Thursday in greater Khartoum, where it is coordinating with local authorities to scale up assistance in the nation's capital.

"WFP aims to expand aid deliveries to nearly 1 million people over the coming month," Dujarric said. "WFP also said that a convoy with 14 trucks carrying over 280 metric tons of food and nutrition supplies has arrived in Jabal Awlia, which is south of Khartoum, and that arrival took place this (Thursday) morning. This area is one of the areas that is at high risk of famine, so the delivery is well needed."

Famine conditions had previously been declared in the Zamzam camp and several other Sudan locations.

Dujarric said the Khartoum aid deliveries are the first aid into Jabal Awlia since last December. The initial aid convoys carry assistance for around 23,000 people, and additional trucks are en route. The convoy is just one of many planned aid deliveries into the greater Khartoum metropolitan area over the coming weeks.

"All this aid is crucial to help the vulnerable communities, and our humanitarian colleagues are telling us that aid organizations are working hard to meet urgent needs," the spokesman said.

Cross-border and cross-conflict line aid deliveries also continue.

"During the month of March, 156 trucks carrying over 5,600 metric tons of assistance entered Sudan via the Adre crossing from Chad, while 146 trucks transported more than 4,000 metric tons of aid in other parts of the country," Dujarric said.

OCHA said humanitarian access is severely undermined by delays in visa approvals by Sudan for humanitarian personnel.

"Only 16 percent of visa applications were approved in March, an alarming drop from previous months, which was around 50 percent," OCHA said. "All of that can seriously affect life-saving operations if the trend continues downwards."

Dujarric said the United Nations continues to call for the immediate cessation of hostilities in Sudan and urge all parties to uphold their obligations under international humanitarian law, ensure the protection of civilians, and allow safe and unhindered humanitarian access. 
As the Niagara County Sheriffs Office continues missing persons investigations for two brothers and a girl from Wyndham Lawn Residential Services, the public is urged to respect the confidentiality of the childrens personal information to avoid traumatizing and labeling them.

Individuals with information relating to the three youths can call the sheriffs office at 716-438-3393.

According to Sheriff Michael Filicetti, Adam Wisniewski, age 15, and Dylan Wisniewski, age 14, were with fellow Wyndham Lawn resident Nehemiah Kuzara, 17, when they left the facility April 4. Filicetti said that because the individuals are juveniles, he cannot disclose additional information.

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Typically, we dont even release juvenile names, because theyre protected, he said. Juvenile records are sealed.

As part of the investigation, the childrens names have been entered into the eJustice nationwide database to alert all law enforcement agencies. Filicetti said an Amber Alert was not issued because there is no reasonable cause to believe the youths were abducted or in danger of serious bodily harm.

Robyn Krueger, president and CEO of Community Missions of Niagara Frontier, Inc. which provides youth treatment programs, said that children in treatment have experienced various types of trauma that need to be addressed confidentially and with sensitivity.

You really dont know what has happened to somebody behind closed doors, Krueger said. The more we find out what kids and families of adolescents are dealing with, the more it has to do with trauma. Whats trauma for one individual may or may not be trauma for another.

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According to the New York State Office of Child and Family Services website, thousands of youths across New York state run away from home, are told to leave, or go through homelessness.

Krueger, who has served on the runaway/homeless youth advisory board for that office, said children may run away from home because they are bullied, domestic violence occurs, they are abused, there has been a death in the family, or they want to fit into their group of friends.

Something has happened in their life that they believe this is the only way to handle it. Krueger said it can be a cry for attention, as in, Ill see whether you care if Im there nor not.

Public discussions about what led youths to certain behaviors, and their family history, need to be avoided to prevent stigmatization  or labeling  that stays with them across their lives. Krueger said people can be stigmatized for having certain health diagnoses, for having a certain legal status, or for being part of a group that is perceived a certain way.

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Stigmatization goes on into adulthood, Krueger said. They may take matters into their own hands because they dont feel theyve had justice. The more stigmatizing those labels become, the more difficult it is for that individual and that family to get out of that situation.

People like to troll social media and offer their expertise, Krueger said. And they dont have any more expertise than the next individual. It affects an entire community. That is not helpful.

The 211 WNY web page states that Wyndham Lawn Residential Program is a highly structured, therapeutic residential environment for children and youth who have experienced trauma or emotional, behavioral, and educational challenges. Services are provided 24 hours a day for youths aged 12 to 20.

Meghan Lutz, Niagara County Social Services commissioner, said a team of professionals are involved in the process that leads to residential placement.

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Its a very complicated system and a lot of factors are at play, Lutz said. Our goal is always going to be a return to the parent.

Lutz said an investigation would have been completed by Child Protective Services, which would lead to a court order placing the child in foster care or a juvenile detention center. The childs home county would then assign a qualified assessor to use standardized criteria to determine the appropriate placement, and whether that is in a secure or non-secure facility.

Agencies like Wyndham Lawn act as a step down from a detention center, to continue services, said Billie Tylec, director of services for the Niagara County Department of Social Services.

According to Filicetti, Wyndham Lawn is a non-secure facility. He said there are more than 50 separate case reports for youths who have run away from the facility since the summer of 2024.

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In response to questions about the facilitys supervision of youth and preventing its residents from going missing, Mario Hicks, vice president of development and mission advancement for Wyndham Lawns parent company Gateway-Longview, Inc., provided a written statement.

In the event that a youth is away without leave from one of our programs, our staff follow strict, established protocols. This includes immediately notifying the appropriate local law enforcement agency and actively collaborating with authorities to support a safe and swift return.

Our team remains fully engaged and vigilant in following every step necessary to protect the youth in our care.

Lutz said a child running away could be considered a problem sign for the residential placement. She said that the social services department from the childs home county could report the matter to the New York State Justice Center for the Protection of People with Special Needs.

According to its website, The Justice Center operates a toll-free hotline 24 hours a day, seven days a week for receiving reports of allegations of abuse and neglect. The Justice Center is authorized to investigate reports and pursue administrative sanctions.
JACKSON, Miss. (WJTV)  Mississippis 2025 Municipal Primary Runoff Election Day will be held on Tuesday, April 22.

The ballot will feature runoffs in 28 cities:

Baldwyn

Bay St. Louis

Belzoni

Biloxi

Clarksdale

Columbus

Diamondhead

Durant

Ecru

Farmington

Greenwood

Gulfport

Hernando

Holly Springs

Horn Lake

Houston

Jackson

Magnolia

Meridian

Morton

Moss Point

Newton

Okolona

Pascagoula

Philadelphia

Senatobia

Tupelo

Woodville

Polls for the Municipal Primary Runoff will open at 7:00 a.m. and close at 7:00 p.m. Any voter in line at 7:00 p.m. is legally entitled to cast a ballot.

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U.S. Rep. Bennie Thompson endorses John Horhn for Jackson mayor

To familiarize yourself with the upcoming election, visit the My Election Day portal to receive election information tailored to your specific address, including a sample ballot.

Problems at the polls observed by state observers or otherwise reported to the Elections Division will be referred to the authorities, including the Attorney Generals Office or the appropriate District Attorneys Office.

Election Day Reminders

In-Person Absentee Voting Deadline: The last day to vote absentee vote in-person was Saturday, April 19.

Mail-In Absentee Voting Deadline: All mail-in absentee ballots must be postmarked by April 22 and received by Municipal Clerks Offices by April 30.

Voter ID Affidavit Ballot Deadline: Voters who cast an affidavit ballot because they forgot their voter ID must present an acceptable form of photo ID to their Municipal Clerks Office by April 30.

Polling Place Location: Contact your Municipal Clerks Office to verify your polling place.

Voter Photo ID: Voters are required to show photo identification at the polls. A voter without an acceptable form of photo identification is entitled to cast an affidavit ballot. Click here to view a list of acceptable photo IDs.

Campaigning: It is unlawful to campaign for any candidate within 150 feet of any entrance to a polling place, unless on private property.

Loitering: The polling places should be clear for 30 feet from every entrance of all people except election officials, voters waiting to vote, or authorized poll watchers.

Camera Phones: Voters are prohibited from taking pictures of their marked ballot.

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For questions, please contact the Elections Division at 1-800-829-6786, email ElectionsAnswers@sos.ms.gov, or visit YallVote.ms.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WJTV.
STARKVILLIE, Miss. (WJTV)  Mississippi State University (MSU) and the Mississippi Department of Public Safety (DPS) have formally agreed to work together on forensic investigations, including recovery of human remains, exhumations, surface scatter and burial recoveries, as well as identification of human skeletal remains.

MSU President Mark E. Keenum joined Public Safety Commissioner Sean J. Tindell for a Memorandum of Agreement signing in Jackson on Thursday, April 17. Keenum said the universitys areas of expertise uniquely position MSU to support the Department of Public Safetys forensic science needs.

Historical marker unveiled at Rosa Scott School in Madison County

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According to officials, the two entities will collaborate to develop and implement protocols for the recovery and analysis of human remains in various forensic contexts, communicate about forensic investigations and conduct periodic assessments and reviews of forensic methodologies and best practices to ensure effectiveness and compliance with legal and scientific standards.

This partnership between the Mississippi Department of Public Safetys Forensics Laboratory and Mississippi State University represents a meaningful step forward for both the students of MSUs anthropology program and for all of Mississippi, said Tindell. By joining forces were not only expanding educational opportunities and advancing forensic science, but also continuing to enhance public safety across our state.

Keenum said the Mississippi State Chemical Laboratory is located on the Starkville campus, which is also home to the Forensic Lab and Skeletal Histology Center.

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Missouri House Speaker Jon Patterson speaks to reporters Thursday after being the lone Republican vote against a proposal to reinstate the abortion ban overturned by voters in November (Rudi Keller/Missouri Independent).

The top Republican in the Missouri House said Thursday that a proposed constitutional amendment to ban abortion approved by his GOP colleagues doesnt go far enough to protect victims of sexual assault.

House Speaker Jon Patterson of Lees Summit was the lone Republican to vote against sending the bill to the Senate on Thursday. He didnt express his concerns about the legislation while it was being debated for four hours on Tuesday or an hour on Thursday, instead saving his remarks for a press conference moments after the bills passage.

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The proposed amendment, if passed by the Senate and approved by voters, would repeal the reproductive rights amendment known as Amendment 3 but allow exceptions for medical emergencies, fatal fetal anomalies and for survivors of rape and incest in the first 12 weeks of gestation.

In pregnancy, a womans first missed period marks four weeks gestation. Patterson, a physician, noted people who are younger or lower income and people who are Black and Hispanic are statistically more likely to learn they are pregnant later into the first trimester.

On top of that, once a survivor learns theyre pregnant, Patterson said, they are dealing with not only the trauma of that attack, but also the logistics of getting in to see a doctor.

A debate that we should have  and I hope happens in the Senate  is 12 weeks long enough, Patterson said during the press conference.   If youre going to say its OK to (have an abortion) after youve been raped, now were talking time limits.

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State Rep. Yolanda Young, a Democrat from Kansas City, said during House debate on Thursday that bringing forward such an amendment desecrated the sanctity of the majority.

Democrats have accused their colleagues across the aisle of attempting to subvert the will of the people by bringing to a vote a new abortion ban less than six months after Missouri became the first state to overturn a ban by guaranteeing the procedure up until fetal viability.

Patterson, who before the November election suggested the legislature should respect the will of the voters, said Thursday that taking something to the voters another time isnt really subverting the will of the voters.

It really is something that I think should be celebrated, he said, that we have this process to amend the constitution, going back to the people and letting them have their say.

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But House Democrats remain critical of Republicans approach, saying the ballot language  the summary of the amendment that appears on the ballot  is deceptive.

No where does the language mention the amendment would ban elective abortions.

Instead, Missourians would be asked if they want to amend the Missouri constitution to:

Guarantee access to care for medical emergencies, ectopic pregnancies, and miscarriages;

Ensure womens safety during abortions;

Ensure parental consent for minors;

Allow abortions for medical emergencies, fetal anomalies, rape, and incest;

Require physicians to provide medically accurate information; and

Protect children from gender transition?

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If approved by the Senate, it will go to a statewide vote. House Majority Floor Leader Alex Riley, a Republican from Springfield, said in a press release Thursday that voters could see the amendment on their ballots in 2026. The statement did not mention the possibility of the governor calling a special election as soon as this year.

This is not democracy in action, said House Minority Leader Ashley Aune, a Democrat from Kansas City. This is authoritarianism in action.

Missouri House Minority Leader Ashley Aune, center, is surrounded by members the Democratic caucus Thursday at a news conference after the House passed a proposal to reinstate the abortion ban overturned by voters in November (Rudi Keller/Missouri Independent).

As is already in place under Amendment 3, the legislation would protect womens access to health care during miscarriages, ectopic pregnancies and other medical emergencies. It would also outlaw gender-affirming care for minors, something that is already banned in Missouri.

House Democrats took to the floor for an hour Thursday to oppose the legislation, sharing stories of pregnancy and abortion.

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What continues to stick out to me is how different and how nuanced each persons story is because our bodies are complicated and the health care needed to address any number of the situations that we find ourselves in is complicated, Aune said. So why do you keep trying to legislate this vital health care out of existence with a one-size-fits-all policy?

State Rep. Brian Seitz, a Branson Republican who is carrying the legislation, said the amendment is necessary to protect women and children by returning to safety standards.

In addition to banning nearly all elective abortions, the amendment would reinstate several targeted regulations on abortion providers, or TRAP laws, that were recently struck down as unconstitutional by a Missouri judge.

Voters in the past few years were given the choice between two extremes, choices with no middle ground, Seitz said. Zero abortions, or what we have now, a landscape that allows for unfettered access.

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Despite abortion becoming legal up to the fetal viability  generally considered to be near the end of the second trimester  access remains precarious. Procedural abortions are currently only available in the first trimester at three Planned Parenthood clinics in Missouri.

Medication abortions remain inaccessible.

While a number of House Republicans compromised by supporting the inclusion of exceptions for survivors, Democrats stood firmly opposed to any ban on the table.

How many among us could have even an inkling of what its like to be trapped physically, financially, emotionally, in a body and a system that does not offer mercy, only mandates, said state Rep. Kem Smith, a Democrat from Florissant, as she asked her colleagues to imagine themselves in the shoes of a woman in an underfunded, marginalized community who just turned over a positive pregnancy test.

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She was among several Black women in the House who spoke against the proposal, citing Black maternal mortality rates in Missouri. A 2023 report from the states Pregnancy-Associated Mortality Review found Black mothers were three times more likely to die within a year of pregnancy than white mothers.

When we legislate health care decisions that only women can biologically face without guaranteeing the support systems that make parenting a viable option, Smith said. Were not passing laws, were passing judgement.

The proposed amendment approved Thursday is similar to the Senate version approved by a committee earlier this year over objections from one Republican lawmaker who opposes any exception for rape or incest.

Any legislation must clear both chambers by May 16, when the session adjourns for the year.
Missouri Senate Appropriations Committee Chairman Lincoln Hough, right, and Vice Chairman Rusty Black speak with state budget director Dan Haug April 16 during a break in committee work (Rudi Keller/Missouri Independent).

Missouri Gov. Mike Kehoes plan to rapidly enlarge a scholarship program for private and religious schools with an infusion of state tax funds was cut out of the budget Wednesday as the Senate Appropriations Committee finished revising spending plans for the coming year.

The $50 million request for the MoScholars program, which is supposed to be funded from donations and tax credits, was approved in the Missouri House as part of its budget proposal. But state Sen. Lincoln Hough, a Republican from Springfield and chair of the Senate Appropriations Committee, stripped it out after boosting the foundation formula for public schools by $300 million the day before.

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I want to make sure that were fully funding our obligation to public schools before we start spending 10s of millions of general revenue dollars on private schools, Hough told reporters after making the cut.

In his State of the State speech to lawmakers in January, Kehoe said he was not funding the foundation formula to the level directed by state law because it no longer fairly distributes the money. The extra money for the scholarship program, he said, would give parents more educational choices.

Public schools come first, Hough said Wednesday.

Kehoe admitted were not funding K-12 to the level that its supposed to be funded. Hough said. And I think thats an obligation that we have, especially when we have the money in the bank.

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Missouri has a healthy general revenue surplus, with $3.7 billion in the fund on March 31. There is another $1.5 billion that, like general revenue, is unrestricted. But revenue is declining in the current fiscal year and, while modest growth is projected for the future, the budget being prepared now will use at least $1.6 billion from the surplus.

The budget is based on a projection of $13.6 billion in general revenue. Kehoe proposed spending almost $16 billion, including construction and maintenance funding, and the House budget plan uses $15.2 billion.

The exact totals for the 13 budget bills funding state operations approved by the committee were not available Wednesday. But with the extra money for public schools, plus $107 million for child care subsidies and dozens of new earmarks, the total is sure to be substantially higher than the $47.9 billion from all funds approved in the House and could exceed the $50.1 billion total in Kehoes proposal.

Three more bills spending another $3.7 billion for construction and maintenance are awaiting a final House vote before the Senate committee can make its changes.

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The greatest uncertainty for the upcoming year is whether substantial cuts will be made to federal spending. The largest single shared program is Medicaid, with Missouri paying 10- to 35% of the cost for each person enrolled and the federal treasury covering the rest.

The group made eligible by a 2020 constitutional amendment costs the state the least, only 10% of the expense. So far, Missouri has not spent any general revenue on the expanded group, using other sources of money, including federal aid banked during the COVID pandemic.

If Missouri were required to pay 20% of the cost, it would have to find $300 million to keep it in place for the 350,000 enrollees.

Hough has been warning that federal cuts could upset Missouris budget. But on Wednesday, he said the committee can only write a budget based on what is currently in place.

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To the extent that we can, we plan for this kind of stuff, Hough said. But how do you plan for a Medicaid reimbursement on an expanded population that goes down by, say, say, 20% and costs us $600 million?

The $50 million cut to the scholarship line was the largest cut of the day but not the only one. The Senate committee took out $10 million the House included to hire an architect to prepare plans for expanding the Capitol. Another set of cuts targeted some of the earmarked items approved in the House.

And cuts were used to express lingering resentment for the factionalism that fractured Republicans in the state Senate for four years. State Sen. Mike Cierpiot of Lees Summit cut 25 employees and $684,000 from Secretary of State Denny Hoskins budget, noting that the positions had been open for a long time and the office seems to function acceptably without them.

Hoskins was a member of the Freedom Caucus, which repeatedly tied the Senate up in filibusters to push its brand of Republicanism. And as a member of the Senate Appropriations Committee, he argued often against retaining employee authorizations that departments were unable to fill within six to 12 months.

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Hoskins, inaugurated in January, is authorized to employ 267 full time staff. During the fiscal year that ended June 30, his predecessor, Jay Ashcroft, used 205 of that amount.

Hoskins said he needs to study each position in his to determine if it is needed if the cut is made.

I will comply with whatever they do, he said.

Hough said he had no objections to cutting the unfilled positions.

Sen. Hoskins, when he was on this committee with us, Hough said, was always kind of a hawk on that stuff.

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JOPLIN, Mo.  Missouri Southern hosts a competition aimed at growing the local economyfrom the ground up.

Pitch Palooza 2025 got underway this morning at the Missouri Small Business Development Center. It brings together budding entrepreneurs to pitch their businesses.

While it is a competitionwith prizes given to top performersit has an added benefit.

Kristen Hawkins, owner of Pup Dog Boutique in Carl Junction, says it helps build a network and get their name out to potential customers.

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I think mostly it gets me out of my shell, so it helps me, like, establish that sort of baseline where I can be more comfortable talking about my business to people, but then also meet people who are interested in what Im doing and can help me grow, said Kristen Hawkins, PUP Dog Boutique Owner.

Its a tough thing to do to put together a business pitch, and then to stand in front of a crowd of people and to walk through that business pitch, so any guidance we can give to them to help them develop professionally, Im honored to do it, Matt Fry, Freeman Health System President & CEO said.

Entrepreneurship often sounds like a big idea to people, but if we understand the economic impact that entrepreneurship has  it only represents about 3% of total employment in the area, but its 20% of the job growth, said Dr. Chet Daniel, Crowder College Interim President.

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Dr. Daniel tells us one added benefit of encouraging entrepreneurs, theyre already here, unlike a business you might have to recruit to the community. Prizes at this years Pitch Palooza included a one-year membership to the Joplin Area Chamber of Commerce, and cash.

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A man mistakenly deported to an El Salvador prison was not an upstanding Maryland resident but a wife abuser, a US government department has claimed.

Kilmar Abrego Garcia, who was deported by Donald Trumps administration in error, had a history of violence and was handed a restraining order against his wife Jennifer Vasquez in 2021, the Department of Homeland Security said on Wednesday.

Ms Vasquez, who is campaigning for Mr Garcias return and has described him as an excellent father, previously told law enforcement he punched, scratched and ripped off her shirt, according to court documents published on Tuesday.

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Per the court documents, Mr Abrego Garcia, who entered the US illegally 14 years ago, was ordered to vacate the family home in Maryland and not to contact Ms Vasquez as part of the temporary protective order.

In a statement to Newsweek, Ms Vasquez described her husbands deportation as an abduction and said she had sought the restraining order out of caution because of her previous experience with domestic violence.

After surviving domestic violence in a previous relationship, I acted out of caution after a disagreement with Kilmar by seeking a civil protective order in case things escalated, Ms Vasquez said.

Things did not escalate, and I decided not to follow through with the civil court process. We were able to work through this situation privately as a family, including by going to counselling. Our marriage only grew stronger in the years that followed.

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Ms Vasquez noted that the incident was not a justification for ICEs action of abducting him and said she would continue to stand by him and demand justice for him.

No one is perfect, and no marriage is perfect. That is not a justification for ICEs action of abducting him and deporting him to a country where he was supposed to be protected from deportation. Kilmar has always been a loving partner and father, and I will continue to stand by him and demand justice for him.

The 29-year-old remains imprisoned in a notorious jail in his native country despite a US federal judges order backed by the Supreme Court for his return to the United States.

He was protected by a 2019 court order determining that he could not be deported to El Salvador, but he was sent there around a month ago.

Demonstrators campaign for the release of Mr Abrego Garcia - ANNABELLE GORDON/EPA-EFE/Shutterstock

The administration has since admitted the mistake and has been ordered by the Supreme Court to facilitate the 29-year-olds return.

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However it has maintained that Mr Abrego Garcia is a member of the MS-13 criminal gang. The White House insists it has no plans to return Mr Abrego Garcia to the US.

Deporting him back to El Salvador was always going to be the end result. There is never going to be a world in which this is an individual who is going to live a peaceful life in Maryland, Karoline Leavitt, the White House press secretary, said on Tuesday.

Chris Van Hollen, a Maryland senator, said authorities in El Salvador had denied him access to Mr Abrego Garcia while on a visit to the country.

The Democrat arrived in the Central American nation on Wednesday and said he would seek to meet with senior Salvadoran officials to secure Mr Abrego Garcias release.

Chris Van Hollen, a US Senator, during a visit to El Salvador - Jose Cabezas

He later said Felix Ulloa, the countrys vice president, told him he could not authorise a visit or a call with Mr Abrego Garcia.

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Mr Van Hollen, who is a member of the US Senate foreign relations committee, said Mr Ulloa told him Mr Abrego Garcia would not be released because the US was paying El Salvador to keep him incarcerated.

Why should the government of the United States pay the government of El Salvador to lock up a man who was illegally abducted from the United States and committed no crime? Mr Van Hollen said.

In a meeting with Donald Trump at the White House on Monday, Nayib Bukele, El Salvadors president, said he had no plans to return Mr Abrego Garcia.

Patty Morin, whose daughter Rachel was killed in 2023 by an illegal immigrant while exercising on a popular hiking trail north-east of Baltimore, criticised Mr Van Hollen for trying to visit Mr Abrego Garcia.

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Victor Martinez-Hernandez was convicted of raping and killing Rachel and concealing her body in a drainage culvert on Monday.

To have a senator from Maryland who didnt even acknowledge, or barely acknowledged my daughter and the brutal death that she endured, leaving her five children without a mother, and now a grandbaby without a grandmother... so that he can use my taxpayer money to fly to El Salvador to bring back someone thats not even an American citizen, Ms Morin said on Wednesday.

Why does that person have more rights than I do, or my daughter, or my grandchildren. I dont understand this.

Patty Morin, mother of Rachel Morin, speaks during a press briefing at the White House - Alex Brandon

Mr Trumps administration has deported hundreds of people who it claims are gang members to El Salvador.

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On Wednesday, a federal judge said officials in the administration could face criminal prosecution for contempt of court for violating his order halting deportations of Venezuelan migrants under a wartime law evoked by the president.

Mr Abrego Garcia left El Salvador at age 16 to escape gang-related violence before entering the US illegally, his lawyers have claimed.

While in the US he worked in construction and got married. He had been raising three children with disabilities before his deportation, according to court records.

Mr Abrego Garcia has never been charged with or convicted of any crime, his lawyers say. They have denied the allegations that he is a member of the criminal gang MS-13.

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Trump administration officials said the 29-year-old was deported last month based on a 2019 accusation from local police in Maryland that he was an MS-13 gang member.

Later in 2019, an immigration judge shielded Mr Abrego Garcia from deportation to El Salvador because he likely faced persecution there by local gangs that had terrorised his family.

The Trump administration ploughed ahead with the deportation, later describing the mistake as an administrative error.

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Elkton Family Pharmacy, located about 30 minutes east of Harrisonburg, Va. The independent establishment is owned and operated by longtime pharmacist John Seymour. (Photo courtesy of John Seymour)

Virginia Attorney General Jason Miyares and 38 other attorneys general want Congress to pass a bill to prohibit pharmacy benefit managers from owning or operating pharmacies, according to a letter Miyares co-signed Monday.

Pharmacy Benefit Managers, or PBMs, act as intermediaries between health plans, drug manufacturers and pharmacies. PBMs retain rebates and discounts from contracts, leaving consumers and pharmacies unsure how much savings are actually being passed on. That lack of transparency has raised bipartisan concern among Virginia lawmakers.

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In their letter, Miyares and other AGs assert that PBMs use of pharmacies owned by themselves or their parent company has exacerbated the problem of manipulated prices and unavailability of certain prescription medications.

PBMs were originally created to streamline prescription drug access and reduce costs for patients, but theyve become powerful gatekeepers, Miyares said in a press release announcing hed signed onto the joint letter. Virginians and Americans deserve better, and Im fighting to ensure they get it.

In urging congressional action, the attorneys general argue that banning PBMs or their parent companies from pharmacy ownership would allow pharmacies to compete on fair terms and create a market that is more accessible to consumers.

Meanwhile, Virginia lawmakers have already worked on ways to reform PBMs at the state level.

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This year, a bipartisan coalition of lawmakers passed a bill that would eliminate health-plan-run PBMs in Medicaid and establish a single state-contracted one. This move, supporters say, would improve accountability, lower costs and help independent pharmacies stay afloat.

More than addressing drug costs for patients, some advocates stressed that reform can help support rural healthcare access and small businesses.

I know what its like to spend $10 to make $5 back from Medicaid, said Sen. Travis Hackworth, R-Tazewell, who has owned an independent pharmacy.

Were the first line, Blacksburg-area pharmacist Jeremy Counts told The Mercury earlier this year.

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He emphasized how local pharmacies serve as key access points for prescriptions, vaccines and physician consultations for rural patients where hospitals are not always nearby. With both national and local pharmacy closures on the rise, Counts warned of pharmacy deserts and patient access issues, especially in Southwest Virginia.

After the bill passed the legislature with bipartisan support, Gov. Glenn Youngkin sought an amendment to study the move rather than charge forward with creating a state-run PBM

We do not need more studies, Sen. Aaron Rouse, D-Virginia Beach, one of the bills patrons, said Wednesday. This is a true bipartisan bill.

When the legislature reconvened earlier this month, the PBM bill was among those whose gubernatorial recommendations were rejected. Now Youngkin has until May 2 to sign the bills into law as they passed, or veto them.

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MoCo Minute | Montgomery College Foundation to get $1 Million pledge to support early childhood education

SILVER SPRING, Md. (DC News Now)  The Montgomery College Foundation has received a $1 million pledge from the Ruppert Family Foundation to expand scholarships and support services for students pursuing careers in early childhood education.

MoCo Minute | The Foundation Schools celebrates 50 years of serving students with disabilities

The pledge, to be distributed over five years, will fund both current-use and endowed scholarships, with the first installment received in January.

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Students began receiving awards this semester to help address a shortage of childcare providers in Montgomery County.

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The mother of slain Brooklyn teen Davonte Lewis slammed a Kings County Supreme Court judge for allowing one of her sons three killers to wrap up a college course before kicking off his 15-years-to-life prison sentence.

Supreme Court Justice Matthew Blum on Thursday handed down the negotiated sentence to Quran Smith, 20, for Lewis murder, but not before granting the killers request to finish a college-level course at a Brooklyn juvenile detention center before shipping him upstate on June 27.

[The defendant] did, for no reason, no apparent reason whatsoever, take the life of a young man, Judge Blum said in his decision to delay the start of Smiths sentence by more than three months. That being said, he has taken the right steps. I will sentence him today, I will stay the execution of the sentence so he can complete a college program.

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Judge Blums mercy was wasted on Smith, according to the victims mother, who told the Daily News that her sons killer  just 16 years old when he pulled the trigger  has no hope for redemption.

He should have gone straight upstate, Carlene Watt said. Hes not gonna change. Any kid that commits that type of crime is not gonna change.

Smith was the last of three defendants to be sentenced in Lewis murder, all of whom belonged to the Folk No Love City gang, said prosecutors. Blum sentenced Malachi Simms, 19, to 14 years to life in prison and Frantzy Alexandre, 20, to 10 years in prison on April 15.

Watt said that none of her sons killers received the sentence they deserved  death.

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Honestly, I wish they had got the death penalty because they took my son while he was in school, said Watt.

Surveillance video shows the teen gangbangers lurking behind the victims car parked outside the Urban Dove Charter School, on E. 21st St. near Avenue K, where they ambushed Lewis on April 29, 2021.

Smith and Simms did the shooting, striking Lewis in the gut, while Alexandre was spotted passing a firearm to one of his teen accomplices, prosecutors said.

Police charged Smith and Simms less than two weeks after the shooting, when they found Smith in possession of a firearm that prosecutors said was used to gun down Lewis.

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Earlier this year Brooklyn District Attorney Eric Gonzalez said the killing of Lewis, who prosecutors identified as a member of the Bloodhound Brims, caused long-simmering tensions between the victims Bloods-affiliated street gang and the defendants Folk Nation clique to boil over and ignite a gang war that played out over several years in music videos, social media posts and street violence.

Watt denied her sons involvement in a gang and called the D.A.s remarks that his death fueled a gang war despicable.

They are trying to make my son a scapegoat, Watt told the Daily News. They are exploiting my sons case for their own benefit.
UNITED NATIONS, April 17 (Xinhua) -- The United Nations views the second round of negotiations between the United States and Iran this weekend as "a good sign," and hopes it will yield positive results, a UN spokesman said on Thursday.

The second round of U.S.-Iran indirect negotiations will be held in Rome on Saturday, according to the Iranian Foreign Ministry. The two sides will discuss Tehran's nuclear issues and Washington's sanctions.

"We very much hope that the dialogue between the United States and the Islamic Republic of Iran yields a positive outcome, which we're seeing the lowering of tensions in the Gulf region, in the Middle East, and between the two countries," Stephane Dujarric, spokesman for the UN secretary-general, said at a daily briefing.

"We understand that there will be a second round from what I've seen, I think this weekend, which in itself is a good sign," he said. "We will obviously be following it very closely."

In early March, U.S. President Donald Trump sent a letter to Iranian leaders, proposing negotiations on Iran's nuclear program, while Iran later agreed on indirect talks.

The first round of U.S.-Iran indirect talks was held in the Omani capital of Muscat last week. The White House said in a statement that the discussions were "very positive and constructive." Iranian Foreign Ministry described their talks as "constructive." 
SAN DIEGO (FOX 5/KUSI)  All money services businesses in 30 ZIP codes across California and Texas, including seven in San Diego County, are now required to report transactions of at least $200 under a recent federal order.

The geographic targeting order (GTO) was issued by the Financial Crimes Enforcement Network (FinCEN) under the U.S. Department of the Treasury, and officially went into effect on Monday.

Federal judge sides with Trump administration on legal status registration requirements

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Businesses located in the 30 ZIP codes that engage in foreign currency exchange, money transfers and other financial matters are required to file currency transaction reports with FinCEN for any transactions between $200 and $10,000.

Existing law already requires financial institutions to report transactions over $10,000, or multiple currency transactions that total at least that amount in a single day. The currency transaction reports are meant to combat threats such as money laundering and other financial crimes.

In reporting those large transactions along with the new lower-limit transactions, businesses are required to include a customers Social Security Number or other tax identification number.

The order applies to money services businesses in the following ZIP codes in San Diego County: 91910, 92101, 92113, 92117, 92126, 92154 and 92173.

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Those include neighborhoods along the southern border, such as San Ysidro and Otay Mesa, as well as Barrio Logan, Logan Heights, Chula Vista, Clairemont and Mira Mesa.

Meanwhile, businesses in four ZIP codes in Imperial County  92231, 92249, 92281 and 92283  are also subject to the new order, in addition to ZIP codes in five Texas counties.

The five counties in Texas affected by the recent order are Cameron, El Paso, Hidalgo, Maverick and Webb. To see the full list of ZIP codes subject to the GTO, click here.

San Diego homeless shelter may lose city funding due to budget crisis

No explanation was given as to why the precise ZIP codes were being targeted.

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According to the federal agency, the order was issued to prevent people associated with foreign drug cartels from accessing the U.S. financial system.

The action comes after President Donald Trump issued an order designating certain cartels as Foreign Terrorist Organizations or Specially Designated Global Terrorists on Jan. 20, the day of his inauguration.

[The] GTO underscores our deep concern with the significant risk to the U.S. financial system of the cartels, drug traffickers, and other criminal actors along the Southwest border, said U.S. Secretary of the Treasury Scott Bessent.

The terms of the order will end on Sept. 9. However, the order also asks businesses to retain all records related to the GTO for at least five years following the last effective date.

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ROCHESTER, N.Y. (WROC)  The debate surrounding fluoride continues, following Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy calling for it to be removed from the national water supply.

News 8s Natalie Kucko caught up with the Monroe County Water Authority to learn how the mineral, harmful or helpful, is regulated locally.

Weve been fluorinating our water ever since we started this plant in the early 60s. I know the city of Rochester also fluorinates. Many systems throughout New York State fluorinate. So, its just something you dont think about, said Chris LaManna, who serves as director of production and transmission for the Monroe County Water Authoritys Shoremont Treatment Plant.

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The CDC currently recommends a certain amount of flouride in the water we drink. Kennedy is calling on the agency to reverse that, which is a promise he made alongside the Trump administration. Kennedy has connected the mineral with various diseases with no evidence to support it. Meantime, many public health officials have maintained flouride is safe.

For example, our target level is to maintain .7 milligrams per liter. Every day, we measure and monitor it, and that is all reported to the state Department of Health. The state also has a maximum concentration for fluoride in the water of 2.2 milligrams per liter. So, were always well below that, said LaManna.

Kennedy has previously called for all U.S. water systems to remove the mineral, despite the researched benefits such as preventing tooth decay.

For now, Monroe County officials say they will continue to monitor their plants and regulate levels as normal.

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Logistically, it wouldnt necessarily be some major problem for us to stop feeding fluoride. We would have to get approval from the state Department of Health any time we do any maintenance on our system. We stop feeding fluoride for a certain amount of time to do the maintenance, and we have to notify the health department that weve stopped and they would then approve that, he said.

Last month, Utah became the first state to ban fluoride in public drinking water following these concerns.

This is a developing story. Check back for updates.

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Michigan now has a measles outbreak in Montcalm County, the Mid-Michigan District Health Department told the Detroit Free Press.

Brady Guilbault, the department's public information officer, confirmed April 17 that two additional measles cases have been identified that are tied to an infection initially reported April 9 in a Montcalm County resident who traveled out of state. The department issued an alert to local health care providers, but had not made public notification of the outbreak as of early Thursday afternoon.

More than an hour after the Free Press reported the outbreak, the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services, in conjunction with the Mid-Michigan District Health Department, issued a news release publicly announcing it.

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The outbreak in Montcalm County is tied to a large, ongoing outbreak in Ontario, Canada, and there are no new public exposure sites to report in Michigan tied to the cases, according to the news release.

Guilbault said in an email message that there are no known public exposures when people with measles in Montcalm County were contagious and may have infected others.

The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention defines an outbreak as three or more measles cases that are epidemiologically linked.

The health department, which includes Montcalm, Clinton and Gratiot counties in mid-Michigan, advised medical providers in an April 16 email alert to consider measles infection in any patient who reports having a fever and rash, especially if the person has traveled in the last 21 days, is unvaccinated or the person's vaccination status is unknown.

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"Immediate isolation, appropriate specimen collection, and notification are crucial to expedite public health action, including post-exposure prophylaxis, that can limit and control disease transmission," the health department said in the emailed announcement.

Guilbault declined to answer questions from the Free Press about:

Whether any of the people with measles infections in Montcalm County were vaccinated with two doses of the measles, mumps, rubella (MMR) vaccine.

When each of the cases was identified.

When health officials were able to epidemiologically link them.

Whether any of the people infected with measles were hospitalized.

MDHHS spokesperson Laina Stebbins told the Free Press that the state does provide "consultation and coordination" when measles cases are identified and works with local health departments.

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"We currently do not have additional outbreak cases under investigation," Stebbins said. "We continue to closely monitor exposed contacts for 21 days following their exposure, and Michigans outbreak status will remain 'open' until two incubation periods have passed with no new cases.

"We recommend persons exposed to measles to monitor for symptoms for 21 days after an exposure. The start of measles symptoms after exposure generally occurs within 10-14 days.

"Given the experiences of other states and the drop in childhood MMR coverage in Michigan, we are expecting our measles activity in Michigan to continue. Importation of measles cases may continue to occur, but sustained measles outbreaks are preventable with community immunity."

A chart shows how measles affects a patient, with children being most at risk.

The news of the outbreak comes as the number of measles cases in the state and across the U.S. is exploding amid low vaccination rates. In Montcalm County, just 75.7% of toddlers ages 19-35 months have gotten the recommended dose of the measles, mumps, rubella (MMR) vaccine, as recommended to prevent infection.

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It takes about 95% of the population to be immune to the highly contagious measles virus to create herd immunity, according to the CDC. Herd immunity occurs when almost an entire community is immune to an infectious disease, which reduces the risk of spreading the illness to those who are not vaccinated because the virus cannot maintain sustained spread within the population.

As of April 10, there were 712 confirmed measles cases in the U.S. this year in 24 states  more than double the number of cases nationally in all of 2024, when there were 285, according to the CDC.

Of the cases so far this year, about 70% have been among children and teenagers, and 97% have been among people who were either unvaccinated or whose vaccination status was unknown.

In Michigan, there have been at least four other measles cases this year:

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An adult from Oakland County who traveled internationally with an unknown vaccination history and was the state's first measles case of 2025. The person exposed others March 8-10 at a restaurant in Rochester and at Henry Ford Rochester Hospital.

A traveler from Kent County who potentially exposed hundreds of other people to measles March 24-28 when visiting Detroit Metropolitan Airport in Romulus and the Gerald R. Ford International Airport in Grand Rapids, along with a restaurant in Kentwood and a Corewell Health facility in East Grand Rapids.

An adult from Macomb County who traveled to the Windsor-Essex County area of Ontario, Canada. The case was announced April 4, and the person is not believed to have gone out in public while infectious, so there are no known exposure sites.

A 1-year-old girl from Ingham County who got one dose of the MMR vaccine the day before traveling through a Michigan airport out of state with her family. But it wasn't enough time for her body to mount an immune response. Her infection was reported April 14, and she exposed others at multiple locations in Lansing, East Lansing, and Okemos, including at a farmers market, a preschool/day care center, a restaurant, a hospital emergency department and a building on the Michigan State University campus.

What are the symptoms of measles?

According to the CDC, measles symptoms typically start within seven-14 days of exposure, but also have been known to appear as long as 21 days after initial exposure and can include:

Fever, which may rise above 104 degrees.

Respiratory symptoms such as runny nose, cough.

Red, watery eyes that can develop into pink eye or conjunctivitis.

Two to three days after symptoms begin, tiny white spots, known as Koplik spots, may develop on the inner cheeks, gums and roof of the mouth.

Three to five days after symptoms begin, a rash that is red, raised and blotchy appears. It usually begins on the face and spreads to the trunk, arms and legs.

A person with measles can be infectious and spreading the disease for as many as four days before they develop the telltale rash, and for four days after the rash begins, according to the CDC. And the virus is so contagious that even after a person infected with measles leaves the room, up to two hours later, 90% of people without immunity to the virus will get sick if they enter the room.

How serious is a measles infection?

Measles can cause serious illness, long-term disability and death in people of all ages.

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So far this year, 79 people in the U.S. with confirmed measles cases have been hospitalized for treatment  that's about 11% of the 712 confirmed infections nationally. The vast majority  65 of the 79 who were hospitalized  were younger than the age of 20, according to the CDC.

About 1 in 20 children with measles develops pneumonia. Roughly 1 out of every 1,000 children with measles infections will also have encephalitis. Brain swelling from encephalitis can lead to convulsions, permanent hearing loss, intellectual disability and death, according to the CDC.

Anywhere from 1 to 3 of every 1,000 children with measles dies from respiratory or neurologic complications from the virus.

People who contract measles during pregnancy also are more likely to develop pneumonia and be hospitalized. The virus can cause miscarriage and stillbirth as well as trigger preterm birth and lead to lower birth weights, according to the CDC.

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The CDC has confirmed two deaths from measles in the U.S. this year. A third death remains under investigation.

How can I protect myself from measles?

"Our recommendation is for everyone to be vaccinated," Dr. Nike Shoyinka, Ingham County's medical health officers, said in a statement.

One dose of the MMR vaccine provides about 93% protection against the virus, and two doses offer about 97% coverage, the CDC says. It recommends the following for MMR vaccines:

A first dose for children at 12 months-15 months old, with a booster dose administered between ages 4 and 6.

Anyone born during or after 1957 without evidence of immunity against measles or documentation of having been vaccinated with two doses of MMR vaccine should get vaccinated. The second dose should be given no sooner than 28 days after the first.

People exposed to measles who cannot document immunity against the virus should get post-exposure prophylaxis  a dose of the vaccine to potentially provide protection within 72 hours of initial exposure, or immunoglobulin within six days of exposure.

The CDC changed its recommendations in 1989 from one dose of the MMR vaccine to two doses, which provides longer-lasting and more robust protection. People born between 1957 and 1989 who have had just a single dose of the vaccine may be at a higher risk of contracting the virus in an outbreak setting.

Where can I get a measles vaccine?

MMR vaccines are available through primary care providers and pharmacies.

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Medicaid and most private insurance plans cover the MMR vaccine at no cost. Low- to no-cost vaccines also are available at local public health department offices.

Children eligible for the Vaccines for Children program also may receive the vaccine from a provider enrolled in that program at no cost. To learn more, go to: Vaccines for Children (VFC): Information for Parents | CDC.

Ingham County residents: The health department is hosting an MMR vaccine clinic 3-7 p.m. April 22 at 303 S. Cedar St., Lansing. (Enter through entrance No. 3 and go to the second floor. It will be in conference room A.)The walk-in hours at the clinic are: 1-4 p.m. Thursdays; 9:30 a.m.-4 p.m. Mondays, Tuesdays and Fridays, and 9:30 a.m.-5:30 p.m. Wednesdays. Call the health department at 517-887-4316 or email Immunization@ingham.org to make an appointment.

Oakland County residents: The Oakland County Health Division offices in Southfield and Pontiac also have MMR vaccines available 8:30 a.m.-5 p.m. Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays; 9:30 a.m.-6 p.m. Tuesdays, and 7:30 a.m.-5 p.m. Thursdays at:

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North Oakland Health Center, 1200 N. Telegraph Road, Building 34 East, Pontiac.

South Oakland Health Center, 27725 Greenfield Road, Southfield.

Macomb County residents: Call 586-469-5372 or go to the Immunization Clinics webpage to learn more about vaccination services available.

Clinton County residents: Call 989-224-2195 to schedule an MMR vaccine or go to https://www.mmdhd.org/immunizations/ for more details.

Gratiot County residents: Call 989-875-3681 to schedule an MMR vaccine or go to https://www.mmdhd.org/immunizations/ for more details.

Montcalm County residents: Call 989-831-5237 to schedule an MMR vaccine or go to https://www.mmdhd.org/immunizations/ for more details.

(This story was updated to add new information.)

Contact Kristen Shamus: kshamus@freepress.com. Subscribe to the Free Press.

This article originally appeared on Detroit Free Press: Montcalm County has Michigan's first measles outbreak of 2025
MONTGOMERY, Ill.  A west suburban man will spend nearly two decades in prison for sexually assaulting two child relatives.

31-year-old Maxwell Jordan, a Montgomery resident, who entered a plea of guilty to one count of predatory criminal sexual assault of a child and one count of aggravated criminal sexual assault in early 2025, was sentenced to 16 years in prison, Kendall County States Attorney Eric Weis announced Wednesday.

According to Weis, charges against Jordan were filed following an investigation that began in 2022 after he voluntarily and unexpectedly confessed to deputies at the Kendall County Sheriffs Office to sexually assaulting two minor children.

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Further investigation into the claims revealed that the two victims were relatives of Jordan and he had begun abusing them when he was he was still a minor himself.

Following the admission, investigators interviewed the victims with the help of the Kendall County Child Advocacy Center.

Prosecutors said Jordan was charged shortly after the investigation began and has remained in custody since then.

After the contested sentencing hearing, Jordan was handed two eight-year sentences that must be served consecutively.

LATEST CASES: Missing people in Chicagoland

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Jordans sentence was handed down in March by Judge Jody Gleason and he will be required to serve at least 85% of the sentence.

Prior to any release from custody, Jordan will be subject to a sexually violent/dangerous person evaluation and could be civilly committed by the Attorney Generals Office after their prison sentence is completed.

Following the completion of his sentence, Jordan will remain on a mandatory supervised release for three years to life and he will also have to register as a sex offender for the rest of his life.

Prosecutors did not provide a booking photo for Jordan.

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LUVERNE, MN (KELO)  A new child care center is coming to southwestern Minnesota. Its exciting news for not only families, but for the entire community.

Kids Rock! Childcare Center in Luverne, Minnesota, will offer up to 186 spots for kids from six weeks to 12 years of age.

What Im hearing here in my tours and in my interviews is that they live here, but theres no child care here. So, theyre going to work in Sioux Falls, and theyre going to care in Sioux Falls or the surrounding communities where there is care, executive director Sara Robinson said.

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Demolition of Hills, MN school uncovers century-old surprise

Bringing families back to Luverne is a step toward addressing the child care shortage that several communities face. It may not solve the entire problem at once, but its another gear in the right direction.

This is only a part of it. And even at 186 spots, you think, wow, a lot of day care, but were only going to take care of a portion of the shortage, Luverne Mayor Patrick Baustian said. But what this will enable our community to do is to continue to thrive economically through economic development, through more housing growth.

More families could also mean more workers returning to the area. The center will be open from 6:30 a.m. to 6 p.m.

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To bring those young people back to the community, to the small town is super important, Robinson said. Now we can bring back those jobs, we can bring back those children to the community because then we have a center to do that.

U.S. Senators Amy Klobuchar and Tina Smith toured the new facility on Wednesday morning.

There are families all over this community that are going to walk in the doors of this building and theyre going to feel a sigh of such relief, Smith said.

In 2023, Klobuchar and Smith helped secure $2.6 million in Congressionally Directed Spending (CDS) for the project.

I dont think youve ever seen $2.6 million be better spent than this of federal funds, Klobuchar said. Of course, this wouldnt have happened without the community standing up.

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The facilitys grand opening to families is on June 2.

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Seattle may soon install additional cameras to catch speeders.

Currently, speed zone cameras are in place outside 19 schools. A new proposal calls for adding 37 cameras at 19 more schools and spending more than $1 million to install speed cameras outside school zones as well.

The Seattle City Councils transportation committee heard public comment on the proposal this week.

Advocacy groups critique possibility of new Seattle speed cameras

Weve heard from communities of color that they feel they have been both over-enforced and under-invested in when it comes to transportation safety, said Gordon Padelford, executive director of Seattle Neighborhood Greenways. I think the department is starting to change that, which were very grateful for, and that really needs to continue as a strong commitment from this body and from the city.

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Clara Cantor, with the group Whose Streets? Our Streets! criticized the new legislation, saying it could stray from its original purpose.

The stated goal of this program is to decrease dangerous speeding to improve safety on our streets, said Clara Cantor, with the group Whose Streets? Our Streets! And yet many of the policies included in this new legislation point more toward turning this program into a way for the city to generate revenue, oftentimes on the backs of BIPOC and low-income neighborhoods.

Rob Saka, chair of the Seattle City Councils transportation committee, said the cameras raise concerns about privacy and fairness.

This technology is a vital tool among a broader set of tools that, when responsibly deployed, can help address unlawful behavior in and around our roads, Saka said. We heard earlier from public comments that Black and brown communities have historically borne the brunt of deployment and these kinds of punitive automated enforcement technologies, and thats true, Saka said. Thats why I approach this deployment of technology with cautious skepticism and optimism.

Under the proposal, speeders could receive $145 tickets outside school zones. Within school zones, fines could double.

The committee is expected to vote on the proposal on May 6.
WASHINGTON, April 17 (Xinhua) -- A U.S. federal judge ruled Thursday that Google violated antitrust law by monopolizing the open-web digital advertising markets, marking another major setback for the tech giant in its antitrust litigation.

According to the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia, the company "harmed Google's publishing customers, the competitive process, and, ultimately, consumers of information on the open web."

"This is a landmark victory in the ongoing fight to stop Google from monopolizing the digital public square," U.S. Attorney General Pamela Bondi said in a statement.

Assistant Attorney General Abigail Slater of the Justice Department's Antitrust Division said that Google's unlawful dominance allows them to "censor and even deplatform American voices," noting that "at the same time, Google destroyed and hid information that exposed its illegal conduct."

"Today's opinion confirms Google's controlling hand over online advertising and, increasingly, the internet itself," said the assistant attorney general.

Google has stated that it will appeal the ruling. Lee-Anne Mulholland, Google's vice president for regulatory affairs, argued that publishers have many choices, and they choose Google because its advertising tech tools are simple, affordable, and effective.

This is the second time a U.S. federal court has ruled that Google engaged in illegal monopolistic practices. In August 2024, the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia in Washington, D.C., ruled that Google had illegally monopolized the online search market. 
Sen. Lisa Murkowski (R-AK) is known as one of a few left in the Republican Party in 2025 who is not an unabated Donald Trump sycophant. Shes been willing to criticize Trump while working alongside her colleagues in the Senate to help pass elements of his agenda, both in the first administration and now. That record is complicated by the fact that she sometimes criticizes things she ultimately votes for or at least helps pass, like her infamous present vote on Supreme Court Justice Brett Kavanaugh.

But her recent remarks to a crowd back home in Alaska this week go a lot further than the usual gestures in the direction of Independent Thought. Strikingly, she admitted to a crowd of nonprofit leaders at an event that we are all afraid, referencing the societal upheaval that Trump has enacted in his first few months back in office, as he slashes federal services, guts federal agencies, defies court orders and risks economic collapse through tariffs.

Its quite a statement. But we are in a time and a place where I certainly have not been here before. And Ill tell ya, Im oftentimes very anxious myself about using my voice, because retaliation is real. And thats not right, she said.

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She then, importantly, criticized her colleagues in Congress who have already ceded much of their authority to the executive branch. She called Trumps DOGE actions  as he and Elon Musk rampage through the federal government, purporting to cancel congressionally authorized funds  against the law, a fact that hardly any of her Republican colleagues have acknowledged (beside her sometimes backbone-y friend Sen. Susan Collins (R-ME) and Sen. Rand Paul (R-KY), who, in his on again-off again role as a Constitution-toting civil libertarian, has also acknowledged DOGEs cuts arent real until Congress says they are).

Its called the checks and balances, Murkowski said, explaining Congress constitutionally mandated role. And right now we are not balancing as the Congress.

Murkowski also nodded at the very real and very dangerous course Trump is on as he defies the judiciary and makes a mockery of the Supreme Court by asserting his own, erroneous interpretation of their opinion, which upheld a lower-court order mandating the Trump administration take steps to facilitate the return of Kilmar Abrego Garcia. Per the Anchorage Daily News:

She expressed alarm at how the judiciary was increasingly being treated as a partisan entity, saying it was putting America in a very dangerous place, because you stop believing in the rule of law. And she called on Alaskans to be affirmative in protesting on behalf of programs they want to remain in place so that elected leaders are kept aware of where support and frustration exist among constituents. I think its important the concerns continue to be raised rather than letting the fatigue of the chaos grind you down, Murkowski said.

Her remarks on her colleagues capitulation are of particular importance in this moment. When Congress returns after its Easter recess, lawmakers will reportedly have to grapple with whether to make Trumps lawless DOGE disaster permanent. The White House reportedly plans to send Congress what it is calling a rescission package upon their return, which would cancel about $9.3 billion in already congressionally approved funding for foreign aid programs, and for NPR and PBS.

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As Murkowski noted, checking and balancing is not exactly what is happening when the executive branch is doing backwards dictation of legislation.

Getting Ahead Of The Medicaid-Cut Blowback

A dozen House Republicans sent a letter to House GOP leadership and Energy and Commerce Committee Chair Brett Guthrie (R-KY) earlier this week, warning them that they wont vote in favor of any reconciliation package that includes sweeping cuts to Medicaid coverage for vulnerable populations.

We would like to reiterate our strong support for this program that ensures our constituents have reliable healthcare, the letter, obtained by Punchbowl, reads. Balancing the federal budget must not come at the expense of those who depend on these benefits for their health and economic security.

The letter comes after Republicans passed their budget resolution last week, part of which directs the House Energy & Commerce Committee to find $880 billion in cuts, most of which will have to come from Medicaid, according to the Congressional Budget Office. Despite warning of the impact major cuts would have on nursing homes and hospitals, especially in rural and underserved areas, House Republicans who signed on to the letter left the door open for some obfuscation  of the sort that has been endemic throughout the GOPs attempt to shepherd through their tax and spending cuts  around what reforms actually mean.

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The vulnerable House Republicans are seemingly joining some of their Senate colleagues in opposing deep cuts to the popular program. Sen. Lisa Murkowski (R-AK) is one Senate Republican who has expressed concern about broad changes to Medicaid and SNAP. During a leadership summit this week she said that the sweeping cuts House Republicans are planning would be devastating.

Im not saying you cant touch Medicaid at all, Murkowski said. What I hope were moving away from is an $880 billion cut to Medicaid. Because if that happens, this is going to be a very, very different state.

 Emine Yucel

Positive News For Riggs In North Carolina

The 2024 North Carolina state Supreme Court race still has not been certified, but in positive news for Democratic incumbent Allison Riggs, it would appear that her Republican opponent Jefferson Griffins attempt to steal the race may be unsuccessful.

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In a filing in federal court on Tuesday, the State Board of Elections said that military and overseas ballots in only a single county will be impacted by an earlier ruling from the State Supreme Court requiring some military and overseas voters to cure their ballots within 30 days.

Until this filing, it was unclear how many military ballots needed to be cured, but it was estimated that it could have been close to 7,000. But, according to the State Board Of Elections latest filing, only about 1,400 ballots need to be cured.

Although Riggss margin of victory is only 734 votes, Ann Webb, policy director with Common Cause North Carolina, speculated in an interview with TPM that Griffin is unlikely to be able to net sufficient votes to overcome that deficit.

If I were Griffin today, I would be asking myself whether its time to concede, she said, because his only alternative option is to fight the State Supreme Court on this procedural question of which voters he properly protested.

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On Wednesday, Riggs filed for a stay in the Fourth Circuit Court of Appeals, asking it to pause the cure process for military and overseas ballots.

We are continuing to stand up for military voters in federal court to protect their constitutional rights to vote  we are grateful to these brave Americans for their service and know that they deserve better than this, Riggs said in a statement on Wednesday.

Meanwhile, also on Wednesday, Griffin has asked the North Carolina Court of Appeals to include even more counties in the cure process.

 Khaya Himmelman

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TEHRAN, April 17 (Xinhua) -- Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian met here on Thursday with visiting Saudi Defense Minister Prince Khalid bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, calling for expanding cooperation between their two countries in all areas.

Pezeshkian said Iran is fully prepared to expand its relations with Saudi Arabia in all fields and extend bilateral cooperation to other Islamic countries, according to a statement published on the website of his office.

He also welcomed the establishment of joint working groups in various political, economic, and security areas, emphasizing that Iran and Saudi Arabia could coordinate to resolve many of the problems in the region, without the need for foreign intervention.

The Saudi defense minister, for his part, described his meetings with Iran's Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei and Chief of Staff of the Iranian Armed Forces Mohammad Baqeri earlier in the day as "very useful, positive, and constructive."

He called Iran and Saudi Arabia "two main pillars of the region," stressing their strong relations could be an effective model for convergence and synergy in the Muslim world.

Iran and Saudi Arabia formally declared in April 2023 the resumption of diplomatic relations with immediate effect.

Saudi Arabia cut diplomatic ties with Iran in early 2016 in response to attacks on Saudi diplomatic missions in Iran. The attacks followed Saudi Arabia's execution of a Shiite cleric. 
After over 36-plus years of service to the citizens of Muscatine, Fire Chief Jerry Ewers has announced his intention to retire on April 30, according to a news release. His retirement follows that of Assistant Fire Chief Mike Hartman, who left the Muscatine Fire Department on April 1.

Fire Chief Jerry Ewers (City of Muscatine)

Matt Mardesen, Muscatine city administrator, has initiated meetings with the Muscatine Fire Departments leadership team to discuss the departments future. Mardesen intends to announce an interim fire chief before Ewers retirement, as part of a broader strategy to ensure a seamless leadership transition within the department.

Chief Ewers has a passion for the Fire Service and ensuring the City of Muscatine is prepared to provide excellent service when duty calls, Mardesen said.

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Ewers is just the eighth fire chief since the department became a paid department in 1916. The list includes J.J. Brown 1916-1941, Harold Bierman 1941-1947, Paul Meerdink 1947-1954, Alex Bender 1954-1975, Paul Ziegenhorn 1975-1984, James Pumfrey 1985-1991, Steve Dalbey 1991-2009, and Jerry Ewers 2009-2025.

My goal as fire chief was to make the department better and I believe I have achieved that, Ewers said. For me that means that we make sure the staff is trained, equipped, and ready to respond to any emergency that gets called in. It also means that they go home safe at the end of their shift.

Muscatine has had one line-of-duty death since Muscatine established a paid fire department when Michael Kruse fell through a roof while fighting a fire on September 14, 2002.

I worked with Mike for many years while I was a lieutenant so my commitment to the firefighters and their families is to not put another line of duty death name on that memorial, Ewers said.

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The Muscatine Firefighters Memorial was built and dedicated in 2003 honoring the 100th anniversary of the Muscatine Fire Department and includes the names of fallen firefighters.

The current fire chief went on to state that Muscatine has great staff on the fire department.

I am proud of what they do every day going out on emergency calls and solving problems, putting out fires, and treating and transporting sick and injured people while keeping the community safe through our prevention efforts, Ewers said.

Ewers looked at a poster on the wall of his office and pointed to the mission and values of the city and department.

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If you look at our mission and values, it talks about providing effective municipal services and excellent customer service, Ewers said. I am confident that our firefighters and paramedics do that every day.

Ewers said that it has been a pleasure and honor to serve the City, the fire department, and the citizens of Muscatine all these years.

But now is the time for me to retire and pass the baton while I am still active and healthy, spend more time with family, and do a little traveling, Ewers said.

When looking back over his career, Ewers noted that one of the items that tops his list of accomplishments is the building of Station 2 to serve the residents of the south end. Ewers was directly involved in the fund raising and construction of the fire station. He is also proud of the training program and training grounds for the department.

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Two items that he was unable to accomplish during his tenure was the construction of Station Three and the adding of a deputy fire chief as a 40-hour per week staff member to handle the fire department operations.

I would have liked to see these two things materialize before I leave, but hopefully they will still be a request for the next fire chief because they are needed for our community and our department, Ewers said.

Ewers joined the U.S. Army after graduating from Clinton High School and served as a combat medic from January 1985 to January 1988 while earning his parachute badge and Emergency Medical Technician certification.

That is where I got my EMS (Emergency Medical Services) experience and that help me to get hired here, Ewers said.

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He joined the Muscatine Fire Department on July 18, 1988 and has served the community with dedication, professionalism, and perseverance over the next 36 plus years.

I was the second paramedic in the fire department and worked part-time for Rileys Ambulance and I was the second paramedic on Rileys Ambulance for the community, Ewers said.

Ewers has held every rank in the fire department including firefighter, EMS coordinator, lieutenant, captain, assistant chief, and fire chief. He was promoted to fire lieutenant on August 6, 1996, to fire captain on December 4, 1999, named assistant fire chief on July 17, 2001, and has served as fire chief since October 19, 2009.

Ewers holds an AA in fire science, BA in fire administration, is a credentialed fire officer, and a graduate of the National Fire Academy Executive Fire Officer Program. He has been awarded firefighter of the year by the Muscatine Journal, Career Individual of the Year by the Iowa EMS Association, and was a contributing committee member on the International Association of Fire Chiefs document Enhancing Fire Based EMS.

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The veteran firefighter also had a lot of other opportunities and experiences throughout his career including serving as the interim city administrator/interim deputy city clerk for the City of Muscatine from October 2019 through December 2019. He also served as the Muscatine County interim emergency management agency manager from June through October of 2018.

Ewers has been active in the promotion and support of the fire industry during his career. He has served as a board member of the Iowa EMS Association since 2008, serving as president for two terms, vice president for two-terms and as immediate past president. He also served as secretary/treasurer of the Iowa Association of Professional Fire Chiefs from October 2017 to October 2020.

He also owned Ewers Safety Consulting from 2000 to 2009, working with local businesses as a safety consultant and providing training in Tier II reporting, chemical inventory, first aid cabinets, fire extinguisher training and monthly checks, exit lights and emergency lights, first aid and CPR training, AED training, storage rack inspections, machine guarding, OSHA training, safe work practices, and accident and injury investigation for general industry and businesses.

Ewers has been married to Angie for 33 years. She is retired from Allsteel. They have one daughter, Dr. Marissa Snider, and son-in-law, Tucker, in Temple, Texas.

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Elon Musk has joined forced with Republican power broker Peter Thiel on a bid to help build Donald Trumps proposed Golden Dome missile defence shield.

Mr Musks SpaceX is partnering with Mr Thiels Silicon Valley data company Palantir Technologies and US drone builder Anduril Industries on a joint proposal for the project.

It would involve SpaceX supplying up to 1,000 orbiters that would provide an early warning of a missile or nuclear launch against the US.

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A separate fleet of 200 attack satellites armed with missiles or lasers, probably from another manufacturer, would then shoot down the enemy warheads.

While Golden Dome has attracted interest from more than 180 companies, the three companies have already pitched the plan to top officials from the White House and the Pentagon, according to Reuters, which reported the story citing unnamed sources.

The situation is likely to fuel criticism that Mr Musk is profiting from his political role in the White House. He holds the title of special government employee at the helm of the Department of Government Efficiency (Doge), the agency Mr Trump created to reduce wasteful federal spending.

US defence officials are said to be conscious of the relationship between Mr Trump and Mr Musk, who donated almost $300m (227m) to his election campaign.

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Speculation has grown this month that Mr Musk may be poised to step back from his role in order to concentrate on running SpaceX and electric car pioneer Tesla.

Mr Thiel, the billionaire PayPal co-founder, is also a prominent supporter of Mr Trump and played an influential role in the rise of JD Vance, now vice president. Anduril Industries was set up by Palmer Luckey, another Trump supporter.

Mr Musk and Mr Thiel have a long-standing relationship. PayPal was founded by Mr Thiel and two others as Fieldlink in 1998 and specialised in security software for hand-held devices before focusing on the electronic payments system for which it is known today.



It merged with Mr Musks X.com, an online financial services company, in 2000. Mr Musk was succeeded by Mr Thiel as chief executive with the business renamed PayPal in 2001 and listing on the Nasdaq the following year.

Mr Trump set out plans for what he called an Iron Dome for America  a reference to Israels anti-missile shield  in an executive order on Jan 27, a week after taking office.

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The order stated that the threat of attack by ballistic, hypersonic and cruise missiles and other advanced aerial attacks remains the most catastrophic threat facing the United States.

Renamed Golden Dome in February, the project revives Ronald Reagans Strategic Defence Initiative of the 1980s, popularly known as Star Wars, which was abandoned with the collapse of the Soviet Union and the end of the Cold War.

Donald Trumps Iron Dome for America is a reference to Israels anti-missile shield - Amir Cohen/Reuters

The total bill for the Golden Dome plan could reach hundreds of billions of dollars, with preliminary design and engineering work alone costing up to $10bn.

The proposals from SpaceX would see the deployment of a constellation of between 400 and 1,000 orbiters based on the firms existing spy satellites and deployed using its own rockets.

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These would detect any missile launches worldwide, track their trajectory, and determine if they were bound for the US.

In a departure from normal procurement protocols, SpaceX is proposing a subscription model for the missile shield that would see the US government pay for access, Reuters said.

The funding plan might hasten the development and deployment of the technology, though it would raise questions about whether the Pentagon risked losing control over its ongoing development and pricing.

A contract award for SpaceX would come as a blow to traditional US defence players, though they would still expect to play a role in weaponising the attack satellites.

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Lockheed Martin, the worlds biggest arms producer, has set up a webpage on Golden Dome as part of its own push to secure work on the project.

It describes the initiative as a Manhattan Project-scale mission  a reference to the US programme to develop the first nuclear weapons during the Second World War  best delivered by bringing commercial and defence players together in an a whole of industry approach.

The Pentagon said it would deliver options to Trump in line with the executive order.

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SpaceX, Elon Musks space technology company, is a top contender to build key parts of President Donald Trumps Golden Dome project, Reuters reported Thursday. Trump first announced the creation of a Golden Dome, a satellite-based version of Israels Iron Dome missile defense shield, in a January executive order.

SpaceX would partner with two major Silicon Valley contractors, Peter Thiels data analytics company Palantir and Palmer Luckeys drone company Anduril, to create the system.

In the executive order announcing the Golden Dome program, the White House called missiles and aerial attacks the most catastrophic threat facing the United States.

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Musk, Thiel, and Luckey all supported Trump during the 2024 election. Musk spent $290 million to help elect Trump and Republicans before being tapped to run the presidents so-called Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), a position he has used to exericse an unprecedented amount of influencer over the federal government and how it spends taxpayer money. While Thiel did not spend on the 2024 race, Palantir co-founder Joe Lonsdale donated $1 million to Musks Super PAC through his company Lonsdale Enterprises, and Thiel hosted a Trump party in January. Luckey donated $200,000 to the Trump 47 Committee,.

The nature of the talks to create the Golden Dome program are a departure from the usual acquisition process, a source told Reuters. Theres an attitude that the national security and defense community has to be sensitive and deferential to Elon Musk because of his role in the government.

The companies plan, which they shared with officials in the Trump administration and at the Pentagon, would reportedly be to launch hundreds of satellites to track and sense missiles. They would also launch a second fleet of 200 armed satellites that would attack missiles with their own missiles or lasers. SpaceX has estimated that early stages of the project would cost from $6 billion to $10 billion, according to sources.

SpaceX and Musk declined to comment to Reuters on whether Musk is involved in the talks.

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As Rolling Stone previously reported, staffers on Musks DOGE team have been asking very specific questions about the Golden Dome project, raising eyebrows among Pentagon staffers.

Why do these fucking kids know this? is how one source described their bewilderment at the time.

It remains to be seen whether SpaceX and these tech companies will be able to pull any of this off, one of the sources told Reuters. Theyve never had to deliver on an entire system that the nation will need to rely on for its defense.

SpaceX has pitched this project as a subscription service, meaning that it, and not the U.S. government, would own the Golden Dome technology, and the government would pay for access. This approach would supposedly allow the Pentagon to create the system faster by avoiding burdensome protocols.

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The suggestion has raised concern among some Pentagon officials. Sources told Reuters U.S. Space Force General Michael Guetlein has been involved in discussions about whether SpaceX should own the technology.

Earlier this month, Gen. Chance Saltzman, head of the U.S. Space Force, stressed that the Golden Dome would consist of multiple parts. Its not a system. Theres not going to be a Golden Dome delivered, he said at a news conference. Its a system of systems that has to work together. And so there wont be a single-contract vehicle. There will be multiple programs that are brought to bear to solve that mission against the threats.

He said the project is in its early stages. Were doing the planning. Were looking at what resources might be available, which programs are currently developed that might contribute to it. And that is all still way pre-decisional.

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SIOUX CITY, Iowa (KCAU)  The Sioux City Musketeers advance to the USHL Western Conference semifinals with a 5-2 victory against Fargo, securing the best-of-three series sweep.

Musketeers forward Tate Pritchard scored twice, including the goal that broke the 2-2 tie in the third period. Landen Gunderson, Drake Murray, and Giacomo Martino each scored once in the victory for Sioux City.

Up next, the Musketeers will take on Anderson Cup winner and top-seeded Lincoln in the best-of-five conference semifinals. The series begins on Friday, April 18th in Lincoln and will return to Sioux City on Monday, April 21st.

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BANGKOK (AP)  The head of Myanmars military government granted amnesty to nearly 4,900 prisoners to mark the country's traditional new year, state-run media reported Thursday, and an independent watchdog said they included at least 22 political detainees.

At least 19 buses with prisoners aboard left Yangon's Insein prison and were welcomed outside the gate by excited family members and friends who had been waiting since early morning.

Political Prisoners Network - Myanmar, an independent watchdog group that records violations of human rights in Myanmars prisons, said in a statement that by its initial count, 22 political prisoners had been freed.

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Senior Gen. Min Aung Hlaing, the head of the ruling military council, pardoned 4,893 prisoners, MRTV reported. Thirteen foreigners will also be released and deported from Myanmar, it said in a separate statement.

Other prisoners received reduced sentences, except for those convicted of serious charges such as murder and rape, or those jailed on charges under various other security acts.

If the freed detainees violate the law again, they will have to serve the remainder of their original sentences in addition to any new sentence, according to the terms of their release. Mass amnesties on the holiday are not unusual in Myanmar.

Myanmar has been under military rule since Feb. 1, 2021, when its army ousted civilian leader Aung San Suu Kyis elected government. The takeover was met with massive nonviolent resistance, which has since become a widespread armed struggle. The country is now in civil war.

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Some 22,197 political detainees, including Suu Kyi, were in detention as of last Friday, according to the Assistance Association for Political Prisoners, an independent organization that keeps detailed tallies of arrests and casualties linked to the nations political conflicts.

Many political detainees had been held on a charge of incitement, a catch-all offense widely used to arrest critics of the government or military and punishable by up to three years in prison.

Among those imprisoned for incitement who were freed Thursday was the film director who works under the name of Steel and is also known as Dwe Myittar. He was arrested in March 2023 and had been held in Insein Prison.

Also released, according to the independent online news outlet Myanmar Now, was Hanthar Nyein, a news producer for Kamayut Media, who was arrested in March 2021 along with co-founder U.S. journalist Nathan Maung after the authorities raided their office in Yangon. Maung was released and deported to the U.S in June of that year.

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Hanthar Nyein had been handed a total of seven years' imprisonment after being convicted of incitement in March 2022, and violating the Electronics Transactions Law, a charge that critics say criminalizes free speech, in December that same year.

Maung told the New York-based Committee to Protect Journalists that he and Hanthar Nyein were blindfolded, beaten, deprived of food and water and otherwise tortured during interrogations in Yangon, Myanmars biggest city.

More than 220 journalists have been detained since the army ousted the elected government in February 2021, according to the U.S.-based International Center for Not-for-Profit Law, with at least 51 still imprisoned by February this year.

This years celebrations of Thingyan, the new years holiday, were more reserved than usual due to a nationwide grieving period following a devastating March 28 earthquake that killed about 3,725 people and leveled structures from new condos to ancient pagodas.

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In a new years speech, Min Aung Hlaing said his government will carry out reconstruction and rehabilitation measures in the quake-affected areas as quickly as possible. He also reaffirmed plans to hold a general election by the end of the year and called on opposition groups fighting the army to resolve the conflicts in political ways.

During the holiday, the violent struggle between the army and pro-democracy forces continued with reports of clashes in the countryside but the number of casualties was unclear.
BANGKOK (AP)  Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim and the leader of Myanmars military government, Senior Gen. Min Aung Hlaing, met in the Thai capital on Thursday for talks widely assumed to focus on efforts to restore peace in war-torn Myanmar.

Authorities had said the talks would focus on humanitarian assistance following the massive earthquake in March that devastated Myanmar, and promote the extension of a fragile ceasefire to facilitate aid delivery.

Anwar also met with Thai Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra, who said they discussed issues of bilateral interest and how nations in the region can respond to the new U.S. tariff policies.

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Myanmar's state-run MRTV television reported Thursday night that Min Aung Hlaing and Anwar discussed post-quake aid by the Association of Southeast Asian Nations and Myanmar-ASEAN cooperation at a meeting also attended by Thailand's former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra.

Meetings may have addressed Myanmar's civil war

But the unusual top-level contacts and rare trip abroad by Min Aung Hlaing, as well as the involvement of Thaksin, suggested a more substantive political agenda. Thaksin is an informal chief advisor to Anwar, current chairman of ASEAN.

Thaksin, who is the father of current Prime Minister Paetongtarn and seen as pulling the strings of her government, has focused on back-channel diplomacy to end Myanmars conflict.

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Anwar posted on the X social platform that he had met Min Aung Hlaing on Thursday evening for a frank and constructive discussion, focused on the urgent humanitarian needs of the Myanmar people including the immediate deployment of a field hospital as well as the importance of returning the country to normalcy.

He added that on Friday he would meet with representatives of the shadow National Unity Government, Myanmar's leading resistance group.

Myanmar has been in turmoil since the military overthrew Aung San Suu Kyis elected government in February 2021, leading to armed conflict across the country.

The quake worsened the country's humanitarian crisis

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The United Nations last week warned that damage caused by the March 28 quake will cause food shortages and a possible public health emergency, exacerbating the existing humanitarian crisis caused by the civil war that had already displaced more than 3 million people.

Maj. Gen. Zaw Min Tun, a spokesperson for Myanmars military government, said on Wednesday that the death toll from the 7.7 magnitude quake had reached 3,725, with 5,106 injured.

Ahead of his Bangkok trip, Anwar announced that he would push for an extension of the soon-to-expire ceasefires declared by the Myanmar army and its foes, pro-democracy resistance forces and ethnic minority armed groups, to ease aid efforts. There was no immediate announcement of such a development.

The U.N. Human Rights Office has accused the military of continuing airstrikes and artillery assaults after the earthquake.

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However, some experts have suggested the current ceasefires could turn into a broader peacemaking effort where others have failed.

The 10-member ASEAN, to which Myanmar belongs, agreed soon after the armys 2021 takeover on a peace plan, but Myanmars military government failed to implement it. The regional bloc has since largely barred Min Aung Hlaing and senior members of his ruling council from its high-level meetings.

Critics oppose engaging with Myanmars generals

Min Aung Hlaings attendance at the BIMSTEC summit of leaders of nations in Bangkok earlier this month was a rare exception to his limited travel and drew criticism for legitimizing his rule. Thailand has been accused by the opponents of military rule in Myanmar of failing to pressure the generals to make any concessions toward a fair peace.

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Thaksin claimed to Thai media that he urged Min Aung Hlaing on the sidelines of the BIMSTEC summit to engage in peace talks with resistance forces. He has said he met separately with ethnic minority groups fighting against the military.

Critics of the military government charge that Min Aung Hlaings visit to Bangkok will do more to legitimize the military government that ensure needed aid.

It risks legitimizing the illegal military coup and reinforcing the regime responsible for the people's suffering, said a joint statement Wednesday by the oppositions National Unity Government and other groups battling military rule.

Opponents of the army accuse it of weaponizing aid, and say foreign humanitarian assistance should be delivered outside military channels.
ADEN, Yemen, April 17 (Xinhua) -- The Yemeni government on Thursday called on all Yemeni banks to immediately relocate their headquarters to the temporary capital, Aden, so as to stay away from the control of the Houthi group.

"We call on all Yemeni businessmen ... to halt any direct or indirect financial or commercial dealings with the Houthi militia," Yemeni Minister of Information, Culture and Tourism Moammar al-Eryani wrote on social media platform X, adding that continued cooperation with the Houthi group could expose them to "international sanctions."

Al-Eryani's call came as the U.S. Treasury Department said Thursday that it is sanctioning Sanaa-based International Bank of Yemen Y.S.C. for "its financial support to" the Houthi group, which the U.S. State Department on March 4 designated as a "Foreign Terrorist Organization," under an order announced by President Donald Trump upon taking office in January.

In May 2024, the Central Bank of Yemen suspended dealings with six major commercial banks in the country due to their failure to relocate from the Houthi-controlled capital Sanaa to Aden and their cooperation with the militia. However, the decision was canceled later following external mediation.

On March 15, the central bank said several Yemeni banks headquartered in Sanaa had decided to relocate their operations to Aden to avoid U.S. sanctions on the Houthi group.

In a separate development, U.S. Central Command (USCENTCOM) said in a statement that it struck and destroyed the Yemeni fuel port of Ras Isa on Thursday, "to eliminate this source of fuel for" and "degrade the economic source of power of" the Houthis.

A Yemeni local government official told Xinhua that more than five strikes hit the port and partially destroyed it.

In mid-March, Trump ordered the U.S. military to launch "decisive and powerful military action" against the Houthis, after the latter announced their plans to resume attacks on Israeli ships in the Red Sea, citing Israel's blockade of aid to Gaza. 
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WKRN)  A local business is using a tiny tool to try to stop sexual assaults at bars and restaurants in Downtown Nashville.

Nelsons Green Brier Distillery has ordered thousands of drink covers to give to people who visit the distillery and Lower Broadway.

Its a design basically to act like a scrunchie, so you can wear it around your wrist and actually tuck this in, the senior hospitality manager at Nelsons Green Brier Distillery, Erica Dahlgren, said as she demonstrated how to use the cover.

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Naloxone vending machine opens at convenience store in Midtown Nashville

After keeping an eye on the local news and hearing about incidents downtown, Dahlgreen told News 2 her companys brand manager organized this plan to protect customers and visitors on Lower Broadway.

After spending two weeks planning, they bought a couple thousand of the covers. The distillery also created a promo video to explain the covers and staying safe.

According to the Sexual Assault Center in Nashville, 20% of sexual assaults start when someone drugs the victims drink. This can happen anywhere and anytime.

 Read todays top stories on wkrn.com

That culturally has to change, where if you see something, you say something, and not asking the questions of the victim of What could you have done to keep yourself safer? but really starting to put the shame on the perpetrator and name the perpetrator, to prosecute perpetrators, the centers vice president of community relations, Lorraine McGuire, explained.

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Nelsons Green Brier Distillery plans to distribute the covers on Lower Broadway Wednesday night. Depending on community response, the business will decide whether or not to buy more drink covers.

The Sexual Assault Center has a statewide 24-hour crisis and support line if you or anyone you know needs support following a sexual assault. You can call 1-866-811-RISE (7473).

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
Polling pundit Nate Silver predicts Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-N.Y.) will be the 2028 Democratic presidential nominee.

She was going to be my first pick, and I cant conceal that now, right? Silver told former FiveThirtyEight podcast host Galen Druke in a video posted on Silvers Substack newsletter Silver Bulletin on Wednesday.

I think theres a lot of points in her favor at this very moment, Druke pointed out, referencing the amount of support the young congresswoman has garnered within her own party.

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In a Yale poll just out this week, AOC has the highest net favorability rating of any of the Democrats that they asked about, Druke said.

The same poll Druke referenced also shows Former Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg and former Vice President Kamala Harris as highly favored among Democrats.

Nate Silver, pictured here in 2012, predicted that Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez will be the 2028 Democratic presidential nominee. AP Photo/Nam Y. Huh

Druke went on to say that the Democratic primaries will be a contest for attention, which Ocasio-Cortez has largely amassed in recent months through her criticism of Elon Musk and President Donald Trumps agendas.

The media is kind of obsessed with her, and theyre going to follow her every move, which means shell be able to keep the attention on her throughout the primary process, he said.

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Silver agreed with Druke, citing several of Ocasio-Cortezs advantages over her theoretical opponents, such as her polling numbers, progressive stance, age and understanding of media. However, he did cast doubts on whether Ocasio-Cortez would want to run at all, prompting Druke to double down on the prediction.

Ultimately, both agreed the New York representative would be their first pick for Democratic nominee and considered Ocasio-Cortezs experience since she first took office.

You listen to her message today, its all about the economy, and shes really hitting Trump on, I think, his most obvious weakness most quickly, which is the number of billionaires in his Cabinet, Druke said.

Both Silver and Druke cast their second choice for Democratic presidential nominee as Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro (D-Pa.).

Related...
On April 17 every year, Palestinian Prisoners Day is commemorated to highlight the plight of those held in Israeli jails and their struggle for freedom against Israels continued occupation of their land.

The day marks the 1974 release of Mahmoud Bakr Hijazi, the first Palestinian freed in a prisoner swap with Israel. It was later designated to honour all Palestinian prisoners and highlight Israels ongoing detention of Palestinians and violation of their rights.

There are currently nearly 10,000 Palestinians held in Israeli jails in Israel and the occupied territory, according to prisoners rights group Addameer. To Palestinians, they are political prisoners who must be freed.

(Al Jazeera)

Of those in detention:

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3,498 are held without charge or trial

400 are children

27 are women

299 are serving life sentences

Administrative detainees, including women and children, can be held by the military for renewable six-month periods based on secret evidence that neither the detainee nor their lawyer is allowed to see.

400 child prisoners  Ahmad Manasras case

Israel is the only country in the world that tries children in military courts, often denying them their basic rights.

According to Defense for Children Palestine, about 500 to 700 Palestinian children are detained and prosecuted in the Israeli military court system each year  some as young as 12.

The most common charge is throwing stones, a crime punishable under military law by up to 20 years in prison.

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Currently, 400 Palestinian children remain in Israeli prisons, most are in pre-trial detention and have not been convicted of any offence.

One of the most harrowing child prisoner cases is that of Ahmad Manasra, who was arrested at the age of 13, brutally interrogated and then sentenced.

(Al Jazeera)

Ahmad was with his cousin Hassan, who allegedly stabbed two Israeli settlers near an illegal Israeli settlement in occupied East Jerusalem in 2015.

Hassan, who was 15 at the time, was shot and killed by an Israeli civilian, while Ahmad was severely beaten by an Israeli mob and run over by a car.

He suffered fractures to his skull and internal bleeding.

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At the time, Israeli law stated that children under 14 could not be held criminally responsible.

To circumvent this, Israeli authorities waited until Manasra turned 14 to sentence him. The law was changed in August 2016 to allow the prosecution of younger children.

Ahmad was charged with attempted murder and sentenced to 12 years in prison. The sentence was later reduced to 9.5 years.

Ahmad has long suffered from mental health issues. At the end of 2021, a psychiatrist from Doctors Without Borders (MSF) was allowed to visit him and diagnosed him with schizophrenia. This was the first time an external doctor was allowed to see him.

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On April 10, 2025, after spending more than nine years behind bars, Ahmad was finally released.





Palestinian prisoners doubled since October 7

From October 2023, when Hamas led an attack on southern Israel and Israel then began its war on Gaza, to April 2025, the number of Palestinian political prisoners doubled, rising from 5,250 to nearly 10,000.

(Al Jazeera)

One Palestinian freed, fifteen detained

Since October 7, Israel has detained about 30,000 Palestinians. During the prisoner-captive exchanges with Hamas, Israel has released just more than 2,000 Palestinian prisoners.

That means, for every person released, 15 others were apprehended.

During the most recent ceasefire exchange earlier this year, 739 Palestinians from Gaza were freed, thats out of 15,000 that had been detained. While in the occupied West Bank, 652 were released, but nearly 14,500 have been detained.

(Al Jazeera)





Ceasefire prisoner-captive exchange

During the nearly two-month ceasefire earlier this year, Israel released 1,793 Palestinian political prisoners, while Hamas freed 38 Israeli captives, including eight bodies.

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The majority of those released were from Gaza, with 739 freed  337 from North Gaza, 227 from Gaza City, and 151 from Khan Younis, some of the wars hardest-hit areas. In the occupied West Bank, at least 652 prisoners were released, with most coming from Ramallah (118), Hebron (111), and Nablus (79).

(Al Jazeera)

One million Palestinians detained since 1967

Israels detention policies have deeply affected Palestinian life for decades. According to the Palestinian Commission of Detainees and Ex-Detainees Affairs, since 1967, Israeli forces have detained an estimated one million Palestinians, or approximately 20 percent of the Palestinian population. Statistically, this means one out of every five Palestinians has been imprisoned at some point in their life.

For many families, arrest has become an inevitability. This systemic practice has fragmented communities, perpetuated cycles of trauma, and generated widespread resentment.

As Israels arrest campaign continues, many Palestinians fear that mass imprisonment is not just a byproduct of occupation but a deliberate tool of control. For the thousands currently behind bars, freedom remains uncertain, just as it has for generations before them.
Denmark said it will send soldiers to Ukraine for training to learn from real-world combat.

Unarmed troops will go to Western Ukraine to learn drone warfare, Denmark's commander in chief said.

Russia responded that the location of personnel and equipment would be a "legitimate target."

Denmark is planning to send some of its soldiers to Ukraine so they can learn from Ukraine's experience fighting Russia, and Russia said they would be legitimate military targets.

Maj. Gen. Peter Boysen, Denmark's commander in chief, told state broadcaster TV 2 that unarmed Danish troops will be sent to learn drone warfare.

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He said the troops would be stationed in Western Ukraine, which is far from the front lines but is still subject to some Russian long-range missile attacks.

"We're sending some teams down to see what experiences the Ukrainians have had  first-hand," Boysen said, according to a translation of his remarks by the Kyiv Independent.

"They are not going there to actively participate in the war," he added.

Boysen said operators and instructors would take courses that last one to two weeks, and the training would start as soon as possible, potentially this summer. He said it had not yet been decided how many troops would be sent.

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Russia's ambassador to Denmark, Vladimir Barbin, told TV 2 that the move was a provocation and said it would "drag Denmark deeper and deeper into the conflict in Ukraine," per the Kyiv Independent's translation.

He said that facilities "including headquarters, training and education centers, as well as locations of military personnel and military equipment, both deep inside Ukrainian territory and on the front line, are a legitimate target."

Russia has described other Western assets in Ukraine, like a plant for German arms manufacturer Rheinmetall, as legitimate military targets, but has not had any reported or confirmed strikes on them.

Boysen said Ukraine has strong air raid warning systems and shelters, and said he spent time in a shelter in Kyiv when visiting Ukraine.

Ukrainian drone operators near the frontline in Kharkiv Oblast, Ukraine. Wolfgang Schwan/Anadolu via Getty Images

Learning from the war

Ukraine has become a world leader in drone warfare, rapidly innovating new tactics, drone types, and countermeasures.

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Western nations have paid close attention.

Boysen said that in the 42 years he's been in the armed forces, he's never seen things develop as quickly as they have with uncrewed systems and tactics.

"We can learn a lot from the combat experience they have gained in Ukraine," Boysen said. "It is clear that we are relying on their experience to become better in combat."

He also said the project started with an invitation from Ukraine's commander in chief, Oleksandr Syrskyi.

Drones have been used in Ukraine more than in any other conflict in history. Boysen said attack drones account for more than 70% of Ukrainian kills.

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Ukraine is also making most of its own; it said more than 96% of the 1.5 million drones it bought last year were of Ukrainian origin.

Drones have been used in Ukraine more than in any other conflict in history. Wolfgang Schwan/Anadolu via Getty Images

A future conflict

A conflict between Russia and the West would likely look very different from the war in Ukraine.

Ukraine's reliance on drones has been partly driven by its shortages of other weaponry and defenses, and by it having a much smaller military than Russia.

But most warfare experts agree that drones will be a key part of any future conflict.

The West is also adopting lessons far beyond drones.

Troels Lund Poulsen, Denmark's defense minister, told Business Insider in February that the West can learn lessons from Ukraine, including about how to make weapons faster.

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"From the armed forces, we have quite much to learn, especially on the tactics," he said.

Denmark has already increased its defense spending, warning, like many other European nations, that Russia could attack elsewhere on the continent.

It is also the second-biggest giver of aid to Ukraine as a proportion of its GDP, and has played a leading role in giving Ukraine key weapons, like F-16 fighter jets.

Poulsen said allies should step up their support to Ukraine further: "We should be able to give Ukraine what they will need in the future."

Read the original article on Business Insider
An isolated Navy station known for brutal Alaskan winter storms and thousands of unexploded bombs might soon be reborn as a frontline base to counter Russian and Chinese advances in the Arctic.

Last week, the top commander in the Pacific, Adm. Samuel Paparo, joined other military officials in calling for a revival of a base on Adak Island, a tiny, rocky outpost in Alaskas Aleutian Island chain. The island, which sits halfway between mainland Alaska and Russia, would give the U.S. an opportunity to gain time and distance on any force capability thats looking to penetrate, Paparo said at a Senate Armed Services Committee hearing.

Service members assigned to Adak in the past found it to be a fairly rough tour. With a harsh and demanding climate, the island base earned its reputation as a hardship duty station before it was shuttered in the 1990s, according to an article by Barry Erdman who was one of roughly 150 Marines based at Adak during the Cold War.

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For most of the year, wrote Erdman, precipitation was daily and in winter, troops were greeted by storms of horizontal snow mixed driven by wind blasts that the Aleuts referred to as Williwaws. Under the worst of it, Erdman recalled, when you held your arm outstretched and you could not see your hand. But troops got some reprieve with a weeks worth of all-day sun in the summer, which led base schools to close so the students could enjoy the day, he wrote.

During World War II, Adak Island in Alaska was used by the U.S. to launch offensives against the Japanese during battles which included the most recent foreign military occupation on American soil. After WWII, the base became Naval Air Station Adak and was used for submarine surveillance during the Cold War.

But with rising tensions in the Pacific, the island is once again viewed by many as a strategic asset.

Alaska Republican Sen. Dan Sullivan, who has actively pushed the Pentagon to build up Alaska-based forces, called Adak the gateway to the Arctic, noting that it sits nearly 1,000 miles west of Hawaii.

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It would enable up to ten times the maritime patrol reconnaissance aircraft coverage of that key and increasingly contested space, Paparo, commander of U.S. Indo-Pacific Command, INDOPACOM, said.

The defunct base remains largely intact, with three piers, two 8,000-ft runways  long enough for any plane in the U.S. arsenal, including B-52s  a hangar, and 22 million gallons of fuel storage, according to Sullivan. Videos from more recent visitors highlight entire neighborhoods of decaying but still-standing base housing.

The potential future of Adak would follow a larger trend as part of the broader U.S. militarys pivot to the Pacific. Several WWII bases used during American offensives against the Japanese have been reactivated in recent years including the Marine Corps airfield on Peleliu in Palau and Air Force fields on both Tinian in the Northern Mariana Islands and at the Northwest Field on Andersen Air Force Base, Guam.

Even without concrete plans to re-open Adak NAS as a formal base, Paparo said at the hearing that Indo Pacific Commands Alaska-based fifth-generation fighter jets would operate out of the base during this summers Northern Edge exercise. In 2019, nearly 3,000 sailors and Marines were part of an Arctic Expeditionary Capabilities Exercise on Adak to test expeditionary logistics in the Arctic region and train for an Indo-Pacific crisis response.

Marines simulate a raid during Arctic Expeditionary Capabilities Exercise in Adak, Alaska, on Sept. 20, 2019. U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Tia D. Carr. Lance Cpl. Tia Carr

The location would be important since Russias Pacific Fleet frequently travels through the Great Circle, a shipping route that goes through the Aleutian Islands, Papro said, adding that the U.S. should also look to enhance the ability to operate out of Eareckson Air Station, formerly Shemya Air Force Station on Shemya Island.

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Their comments reflect growing national security concerns over new shipping lanes opening up due to melting ice caps, prompting more economic interests by Russia and China. They are also the latest officials to show an interest in basing troops on Adak Island.

According to Amanda Coyne, a spokesperson for Sullivan, the Navy is crafting three different options for redevelopment of Adak which vary from basic infrastructure upgrades to a full-blown naval base.

When asked about the report, the Navy referred Task & Purpose to Navy Secretary John Phelans February testimony to Congress where he said he would discuss Adaks future with combatant commanders.

A spokesperson for INDOPACOM did not have details on the report to share but said in a statement to Task & Purpose that opening Naval Air Facility Adak as a fully operational base would greatly facilitate our ability to operate and respond quickly to threats in both the Arctic and Pacific regions because of its unique strategic positioning.

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During a discussion prompted by Sullivan around Chinese and Russian bomber incursions into Alaska airspace, Northern Commands Gen. Gregory Guillot said he would support Adak for maritime and air access because U.S. fighter jet responses include 1,000-miles-or-longer flights and require nighttime air refueling stops.

Also the harsh conditions if a pilot should have to eject, Guillot said. A base like Adak, Guillot said, would allow us to preposition search and rescue aircraft or be able to land there in an emergency which are capabilities that we just dont have right now.

At the hearing, Sullivan said officials from the Navy, state of Alaska, and the Aleut Corporation conducted a site assessment earlier this year.

Kate Gilling, a spokesperson for the Aleut Corporation confirmed to Task & Purpose that they worked with Sullivans office and the Navy to coordinate an Adak visit to evaluate potentially reestablishing a naval presence on the island again. In March 2004, the Aleut Corporation received more than 47,000 acres of land and many repurposed facilities on Adak Island from a land transfer agreement with the federal government.

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Aleut stands ready to support, collaborate, and provide insight as the Navy continues evaluating the feasibility of returning to Adak, Gilling said in an email to Task & Purpose. This is a continuing conversation with the Senators office and the Navy.

Sullivans office is awaiting the results of the site assessment which would give an estimate on the cost and scope of the project. The Alaska senator is looking to push for funds in the budget reconciliation process or through an amendment through the upcoming national defense authorization bill, Coyne said.

Adak Islands military history

The northern half of Adak Island has been used by the U.S. military going back to the 1940s. During WWII, when nearly 90,000 troops were mobilized to the Aleutian Islands, Adak was used by the Army Air Corps for defensive operations against the Japanese during battles at Attu and Kiska Islands.

Following WWII, the militarys presence on the island fluctuated but has generally not exceeded 6,000 persons, according to the city. The base, and the island, was later transferred to the Air Force and renamed Davis Air Force Base. In 1950, the Air Force withdrew and the Navy took over the U.S. militarys facilities. Less than a decade later, a public land order withdrew more than 79,000 acres of northern Adak Island from Navy use.

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The militarys mission at Adak officially ended in 1997. Since then, the Navys presence has included environmental restoration and cleanup after military landfills and chemical spills contaminated the islands groundwater, surface water, sediments, and soil.

The Environmental Protection Agency described current Navy operations as Superfund site maintenance due to hazardous substances like petroleum, chlorinated solvents, batteries, transformer oils, pesticides and solvents that were disposed of across the island. According to the EPA, the island also has roughly 70,000 unexploded ordinances which has led to restrictions in some areas.

When Navy use for military purposes is no longer needed, the only legally permissible action Navy may take to dispose of the property is to relinquish it back to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, according to an Adak city website.

UPDATE: (4/17/25); This story has been updated with a statement from INDOPACOM.

The latest on Task & Purpose
John Vincent, of Myrtle Beach, launched his campaign for South Carolinas 7th Congressional District on Thursday April 17, 2025, at Victors restaurant in Florence. (Photo courtesy of John Vincent's campaign)

A Navy veteran who calls Myrtle Beach home is running to be the first Democrat in modern history to win South Carolinas 7th Congressional District.

John Vincent, who retired in 2003 as command master chief petty officer  one of the Navys highest ranks for enlisted sailors  on Thursday launched his 2026 campaign to represent the states Grand Strand and much of the Pee Dee.

John Vincent of Myrtle Beach is running for the 7th Congressional District. (Provided by John Vincent)

Lets shock the world. Lets turn a seat blue, the 64-year-old told the SC Daily Gazette in an interview ahead of his official announcement at a restaurant in Florence. I know were going to win.

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Vincent is the first Democratic challenger to file paperwork with the Federal Election Commission for any of South Carolinas 2026 U.S. House races. Three Democrats, as well as one Republican, have done so to oppose longtime U.S. Sen. Lindsey Graham.

The 7th District, anchored in fast-growing Horry County, has been represented by GOP Rep. Russell Fry since 2022, when he ousted Republican Tom Rice, who angered Republicans in the ruby red district for voting to impeach President Donald Trump in 2021. Frys office did not immediately respond to email and phone messages from the Gazette.

Congressman Fry is doing an awesome job and the party is proud of all he has been able to accomplish! Abby Zilch, spokeswoman for the state Republican Party, said in response to Frys challenger.

Vincent said he recognizes he has an uphill battle in a district dominated by Republicans.

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A Democrat last held the 7th District in the early 1930s, when it dissolved with the states loss of population at the time, and its location in the state was completely different. A Democrat last represented the Grand Strand in Congress when it was part of the 6th District, which has been represented by Jim Clyburn  the states lone Democrat in Congress  since his 1992 election to redrawn voting lines.

The closest a Democrat has gotten to winning the 7th District since South Carolina gained it back following the 2010 census was in 2012, the first election with the recrafted voting map. That year, Democrat Gloria Bromell Tinubu received 44% of the vote to Rice.

Fry won re-election in November with 65% of the vote, the most decisive win for the seat this century.

Our turnout has not been strong. Apathy has been high, Vincent said of Democrats.

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In order to win, about 15% of people who voted for my opponent are going to have to vote for me, he added. Not stay home, but vote for me.

Vincent pointed out that the Pee Dee region struggles with poverty. Chesterfield, Marlboro, Dillon and Marion counties are among the states poorest, according to the most recent numbers from the state Revenue and Fiscal Affairs Office.

Vincent said he can represent those voters as someone who understands the challenges of day-to-day life.

Ive never been rich, and Ive been lucky to never be poor, he said.

A native of Long Island, New York, Vincent says hes lived in Myrtle Beach for two years. His roughly 17 years total in South Carolina include being stationed at the former Charleston Navy base from 1983 to 1992 and seven years in Florence, where he was a sales manager for WBTW-TV.

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Vincent says on his campaign website that hes struggled with alcoholism (hes more than two decades sober) and attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder, or ADHD.

He hopes transparency and a desire to be represented by an average Joe will carry him past Fry, an attorney who spent eight years in the state House before voters elected him to the U.S. House.

Vincent, who spent 20 years in the military, called his ability to connect with people his superpower.

On the issues

An author, Vincent wrote a book with his wife about leadership through diversity and inclusion that draws on lessons from his time in the military. Released in December 2017, the book is titled, Diversity and Inclusion The Submarine Way: What Life Underwater Taught Me About Inclusion.

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Asked about abortion, Vincent said he supports a womans right to choose up to 14 weeks, with medical exceptions beyond that.

Hes in favor of a pathway to citizenship for immigrants without proper authorization  as long as they dont have a criminal record. He says gender is each persons own business.

And he supports a $15-an-hour federal minimum wage. South Carolina doesnt have a state minimum wage, so the minimum is set by the federal standard, which has been $7.25 an hour since 2009.

Vincent said those views arent too liberal for South Carolina, where voters in November gave the Legislature their largest GOP majority since Reconstruction and no Democrat has won any statewide office since 2006.

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He believes the reason Democrats have failed is because they havent focused on the economic issues that matter most to voters.

Thats why the middle class is going eh, I need a job here, he said. It just seems like they dont really understand whats going on in our life.

He then pointed to his campaign slogan: Warrior-advocate for the middle class and most vulnerable.

Its not a cliche, he said.

He carries a concealed weapon and wants to invest in technology to make the border stronger, he told the Gazette. Core pillars of his campaign include protecting veterans, as well as federal programs such as Medicare and Medicaid that are intended to help the working class cover necessary costs.

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While Vincent, who owns a leadership and organizational consulting firm, condemns the slashing of jobs touted by President Donald Trump and spearheaded by the Department of Government Efficiency, a balanced budget is another core pillar of his campaign, he says.

You do it strategically, Vincent said. You do it in a way thats responsible, adding that his company helps other businesses operate efficiently.

He plans to hold town halls twice a month until the November 2026 election.

U.S. Rep. Russell Fry (Official U.S. House photo)

During his own town hall Wednesday, Fry said he will continue being one of Trumps biggest allies in Congress, The Sun News reported.

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This district is a very conservative district, and thats what they elected me to do. And he has not wasted any time in getting our country back on track, the 40-year-old incumbent said.

Fry has $625,000 available in his campaign account, according to his latest Federal Election Commission filings.

Vincent officially filed his campaign paperwork March 13 and had $7,500 at the end of the month. He said his campaign is up to $30,000 as of Thursday. He estimates hell need only $300,000 to win, saying he knows he wont be able to outspend Fry and doesnt need to.

You dont need a million and a half (dollars), he said. If youre willing to connect with people and youre willing to tell the truth, even though they may not like it, thats how you do it.

Editors note: The headline and article have been updated to clarify that Democrats have previously represented the Grand Strand in Congress when it was part of the 6th Congressional District.
Stephane Dujarric, spokesman for UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, speaks during a daily news briefing at the UN headquarters in New York, Aug. 26, 2020. (Xinhua/Xie E)

"We very much hope that the dialogue between the United States and the Islamic Republic of Iran yields a positive outcome, which we're seeing the lowering of tensions in the Gulf region, in the Middle East, and between the two countries," Stephane Dujarric, spokesman for the UN secretary-general, said at a daily briefing.

UNITED NATIONS, April 17 (Xinhua) -- The United Nations views the second round of negotiations between the United States and Iran this weekend as "a good sign," and hopes it will yield positive results, a UN spokesman said on Thursday.

The second round of U.S.-Iran indirect negotiations will be held in Rome on Saturday, according to the Iranian Foreign Ministry. The two sides will discuss Tehran's nuclear issues and Washington's sanctions.

"We very much hope that the dialogue between the United States and the Islamic Republic of Iran yields a positive outcome, which we're seeing the lowering of tensions in the Gulf region, in the Middle East, and between the two countries," Stephane Dujarric, spokesman for the UN secretary-general, said at a daily briefing.

"We understand that there will be a second round from what I've seen, I think this weekend, which in itself is a good sign," he said. "We will obviously be following it very closely."

In early March, U.S. President Donald Trump sent a letter to Iranian leaders, proposing negotiations on Iran's nuclear program, while Iran later agreed on indirect talks.

The first round of U.S.-Iran indirect talks was held in the Omani capital of Muscat last week. The White House said in a statement that the discussions were "very positive and constructive." Iranian Foreign Ministry described their talks as "constructive." 
DUBAI, United Arab Emirates (AP)  Talks between Iran and the United States over Tehran's rapidly advancing nuclear program are in a very crucial stage, the head of the United Nations' nuclear watchdog said Thursday while on a visit to the Islamic Republic.

The comments by Rafael Mariano Grossi of the International Atomic Energy Agency in Tehran included an acknowledgment his agency likely would be key in verifying compliance by Iran should a deal be reached. Iran and the U.S. will meet again Saturday in Rome for a new round of talks after last weekend's first meeting in Oman.

Grossi's visit also coincided with Saudi Arabia's defense minister, Prince Khalid bin Salman, visiting Tehran as the highest-ranking official from the kingdom to visit Iran since the two countries reached a Chinese-mediated detente in 2023. That's as Saudi Arabia tries to end its decadelong war against the Iranian-backed Houthi rebels in Yemen  even as a new, intense campaign of U.S. airstrikes targets them.

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The stakes of the negotiations Saturday and the wider geopolitical tensions in the Mideast couldn't be higher, particularly as the Israel-Hamas war rages on in the Gaza Strip. U.S. President Donald Trump repeatedly has 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.

Im not in a rush to do it because I think that Iran has a chance to have a great country and to live happily without death  and I'd like to see that, that's my first option, Trump said when asked about a possible attack while meeting Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni in the Oval Office.

Grossi visits during crucial Iran-US talks

Grossi arrived in Iran on Wednesday night and met with Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, who now is in Moscow for separate talks likely over the negotiations. On Thursday, Grossi met with Mohammad Eslami, the head of the Atomic Energy Organization of Iran, then later toured a hall featuring some of Iran's civilian nuclear projects.

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We know that we are in a very crucial, I would say, stage of this important negotiation, so I want to concentrate on the positive, Grossi told Iranian media. There is a possibility of a good outcome. Nothing is guaranteed. We need to make sure that we put all of the elements in place ... in order to get to this agreement."

He added: We know we don't have much time. So this is why I'm here. This is why I'm in contact with the United States as well.

Asked about Trump's threats to attack Iran, Grossi urged people to concentrate on our objective.

Once we get to our objective, all of these things will evaporate because there will be no reason for concern, he said.

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For his part, Eslami said Iran expected the IAEA to maintain impartiality and act professionally, a report from the state-run IRNA news agency said.

Since the nuclear deals collapse in 2018 with Trumps unilateral withdrawal of the U.S. from the accord, Iran has abandoned all limits on its program, and enriches uranium to up to 60% purity  near weapons-grade levels of 90%.

Surveillance cameras installed by the IAEA have been disrupted, while Iran has barred some of the Vienna-based agencys most experienced inspectors. Iranian officials also have increasingly threatened that they could pursue atomic weapons, something the West and the IAEA have been worried about for years since Tehran abandoned an organized weapons program in 2003.

Despite tensions between Iran and the agency, its access has not been entirely revoked. But Grossi acknowledged in a French newspaper interview that Iran has enough material to build not one but several bombs.

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Its like a jigsaw puzzle; theyve got the pieces and one day they might be able to put them together, he told Le Monde. Theres still a long way to go before that happens. But theyre not far off, admittedly.

U.N. spokesman Stephane Dujarric called the upcoming Iran-U.S. talks this weekend a good sign.

We very much hope that the dialogue between the United States and the Islamic Republic of Iran yields a positive outcome which will see the lowering of tensions in the Gulf region, in the Middle East and between the two countries," he said.

Saudi prince becomes kingdom's highest-level visitor to Tehran in decades

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Prince Khalid bin Salman, the son of King Salman and the brother of Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, arrived in Tehran on Thursday. Irans joint chief of staff, Gen. Mohammad Bagheri, greeted the prince on his arrival and an honor guard played for the two men.

Prince Khalid, a fighter pilot, has become the first Saudi defense minister to visit Iran since the 1979 Islamic Revolution. He's also the highest-ranking Saudi royal to visit in decades. The last was King Abdullah bin Abdulaziz, who did so as crown prince in 1997 for an Organization of Islamic Cooperation meeting held in Tehran.

The state-run Saudi Press Agency, announcing the prince's arrival, said his trip would include a number of meetings to discuss bilateral relations between the two countries and issues of common interest, without elaborating.

The visit is significant, particularly given the decades of enmity between the two countries. Saudi Arabia has been for years trying to get a peace deal agreed to with the Houthis. A de facto ceasefire broadly has halted hostilities in the war, though the Houthis increasingly have threatened both Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates amid the U.S. airstrikes.

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Prince Khalid met Irans Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, as well as President Masoud Pezeshkian on his trip.

It is much better for brothers in the region to cooperate and support each other than to rely on outsiders, Khamenei said, according to state media.

___

Vahdat reported from Tehran, Iran. Associated Press writers Stephanie Liechtenstein in Vienna and Edith Lederer at the United Nations contributed to this report.
People who live in a southern Montgomery County neighborhood say a loud noise is keeping them up at night.

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As reported on News Center 7 at 11:00, a loud humming noise can be heard in a neighborhood near the Yankee Street Power Plant.

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Rebecca Quinones lives in Centerville and says the sound is unbearable.

You cant stand to be outside, and its just kind of made this neighborhood unlivable for us, Quinones says.

People living less than a mile from the plant in Washington Township said they cant stand the noise it makes.

Like this low deep rumbling and it goes on and on, Megan Rushe says.

Centerville, Washington Township, and Miami Township leaders met with the owner of the plant Wednesday night to discuss solutions.

Rockland Capital, a Houston-based company, said it has doubled the usage of the plant to meet power demands and avoid penalties.

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That power plant was turned on maybe 13 times in 2015 and more recently, if you look at the data from 2024, it was turned on over 250 times, Rushe said.

Rockland Capital said its working with another company on a sound study that will evaluate and potentially reduce engine noise for the next few weeks.

And in the meantime, it comes on whenever, it turns off whenever, we have no idea, Rushe said.

Quinones and Rushe said they are thankful that city and township leaders recognize the problem and are working with the plant to decrease the noise.

We certainly really appreciate the support were getting. We just hope that it continues and that we can find a resolution to make it livable for all of us again, Quinones said.

The results of the study are expected to be available in May.

News Center 7 will continue to follow this story.

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Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel gives a presentation on her office's work to the Michigan House Judiciary Committee on April 16, 2025 | Screenshot

For every dollar the State of Michigan puts in the budget for the Department of Attorney General, it earns $4 back for the state, Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel told lawmakers in the House Judiciary Committee Wednesday.

As Michigan House Republicans propose a budget that allocates no funding to the Office of Attorney General, as well as several government agencies in the Fiscal Year (FY) 2026 budget, Nessel said the result of such a decision would be disastrous.

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Let me tell you why thats a bad idea. Our state would go bankrupt literally within weeks if that were that to happen, Nessel said. We defend all lawsuits against the stateand were the only department in the state that contributes revenue to the state that is not a tax or a fee.

Operating on approximately one third of a percent of the state budgets General Fund, about $120 million, Nessel said in 2024 the department won more than $500 million in court for Michiganders.

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Nessel went on to say her office has obtained 11 settlements over her six-and-a-half-year tenure in its efforts to hold the pharmaceutical industry accountable for the opioid epidemic, which has resulted in thousands of overdoses in Michigan since 2000. These settlements have awarded $1.64 billion to the state to be distributed through local government and statewide government programs.

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While theres a lot of negative commentary regarding government employees, Nessel said, alluding to President Donald Trumps executive actions to trim down the federal workforce and eliminate bloat, Nessel said her staff work tirelessly to improve the lives of Michiganders.

From educating elderly Michiganders on scams to investigating long-overlooked cases of missing and murdered indigenous residents, Nessel touted the work her office has done, including facilitating 315 individuals to enroll in the states Address Confidentiality Program to shield the addresses of those who have experienced domestic and sexual violence and stalking.

But its not just the Attorney Generals Office that is charged with helping Michiganders find justice, Nessel said, noting that county prosecutors play an instrumental role in the states justice system as the state faces a shortage of prosecutors amid staffing shortages and underfunding.

And now county prosecutors offices across Michigan face the task of reviewing hundreds of murder cases in a 180 day window after the Michigan Supreme Court eliminated mandatory life sentences without parole for 19- and 20-year-olds last week. The time schedule prescribed by the state court is insanely short Nessel said and will take an immense amount of effort from prosecutors to handle resentencings.

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House Appropriations Committee Chair Ann Bollin (R-Brighton Twp.) has proposed cutbacks in the state budget for the Michigan Supreme Court and the State Court Administrative Office to invest into county prosecutors offices to address the workload.

House Appropriations Committee Chair Ann Bollin (R-Brighton Twp.) takes questions from reporters following the presentation of the governors executive budget recommendations for Fiscal Year 2026 on Feb. 5, 2025. | Kyle Davidson

If the Michigan Supreme Court wants to upend the justice system and force communities to relive horrific crimes, theyre going to have to tighten their budget, Bollin said in a news release Monday. Im going to make sure the people doing the real work  our local prosecutors  have the resources they need to keep dangerous criminals behind bars and fight for justice on behalf of victims and their families.

Its hard to explain the breadth of what the Supreme Courts decision will mean for Michiganders, Nessel said. Beyond the excruciating experience for families of deceased victims during resentencing, cases will have to be revisited from decades ago and the effort it takes to rebuild a file will consume prosecutors offices.

I hope when youre formulating your budget, you just keep that in mind as to just how much work goes into that and how important it is for these types of cases, the most important kinds of cases where a person lost their life, so my hope is that you will consider that, Nessel said.
HARVEY COUNTY, Kan. (KSNW)  A 71-year-old man who was found guilty of killing his 74-year-old wife has been sentenced to more than 17 years in prison.

Edward Altum (Photo provided by Harvey County Sheriffs Office)

Edward Altum was arrested after his wife, Peggy Altum, was shot multiple times at their Terrace Drive home around 1:45 a.m. on Dec. 15, 2023. Peggy died the next day at a Wichita hospital.

The Newton Police Department investigated the crime but did not release a motive.

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Dodge City chiropractor has license suspended

After Peggys death, Edward was charged with first-degree murder. But before his trial could begin, he entered a plea of no contest to second-degree intentional homicide and aggravated battery. Judge Michael X. Llamas then found him guilty.

In March, the judge sentenced Edward to 208 months (17 years, four months) in prison.

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JERUSALEM, April 17 (Xinhua) -- Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu reiterated on Thursday that Israel would not allow Iran to acquire nuclear weapons, amid reports of renewed negotiations between Tehran and the U.S. administration over a new nuclear agreement.

"The prime minister has made clear more than once: Israel will not allow Iran to obtain nuclear weapons," Netanyahu's office said in a statement.

The office added that Netanyahu, who views Iran as Israel's arch-foe, "has led countless overt and covert operations against Iran's nuclear program," and has "led the global campaign against Iran's nuclear program."

Iranian Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi met with U.S. special presidential envoy Steve Witkoff in Oman's capital Muscat on Saturday over Tehran's nuclear program, with both sides describing the meeting as "constructive."

The talks in Muscat followed U.S. President Donald Trump's statement in early March that he had sent a letter to Iranian leaders, delivered through the United Arab Emirates, proposing negotiations on Iran's nuclear program. Iran later agreed on indirect talks. 
Apr. 17DIXON  Donna Smith will serve as executive director of the Next Picture Show Fine Arts Center in Dixon.

Smith's appointment will be made official at a later date upon the resignation of current Director Letha Catalina, according to a news release.

Catalina has been with TNPS as executive director for more than two years. She will be leaving so she can be home with her two younger daughters, as well as to manage a family-owned business, Catalina's Tavern in Grand Detour, according to TNPS' Facebook page.

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Smith earned her art degree from Northern Illinois University, where she worked for 32 years as a catalog editor and curriculum coordinator.

"Although I have an art degree, I never really used it to make a living," Smith said. "Once I retired from NIU as an employee, I started painting again. So, I've been involved with the Eagle's Nest Art Group, the Next Picture Show, the Rock River Valley Painters Guild and then the Coliseum in Oregon."

Over the past five years, she has been involved in the Next Picture Show as a member, displaying artist, student and teacher. She also maintains a membership in the Rock River Valley Painters Guild; the Eagle's Nest Art Group; and the Coliseum Museum on Art, Antiques and Americana.

She has served as a judge for Lee County 4-H visual arts entries and the Grand Detour Kids Show. She also has worked with community organizations such as the Kitchen Table in Rochelle.

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Smith grew up in Schaumburg but has been living just outside of Ashton since she moved to the area with her now-late husband 25 years ago.

TNPS is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization at 113 W. First St. It features a fine arts gallery showcasing rotating exhibitions every six weeks that highlight talented artists across the Midwest.

The space also hosts musical performances and poetry readings and is available to rent for private events. The lower level serves as a dynamic creative hub, offering art classes and housing smaller-scale exhibitions.

For more information, call 815-285-4924.
CEDAR GROVE, N.J. (PIX11)  3-year-old Oliver found out hes going to paradise.

St. Thomas, that is, where the sun loves to shine, and the water is 82 degrees. A place far better than any hospital room hes spent much of his young life in.

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This means more than anyone here knows, said Olivers mom, Emily Powell.

When Oliver was born, we moved to Philadelphia for 6 months to go to the Childrens Hospital of Philadelphia, said Olivers dad, Danny Powell.

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Oliver, who lives with his family in Warren County, has Hypoplastic Left Heart Syndrome and a traumatic brain injury. Hes had two major surgeries already, with one still to go. But instead of a hospital room, its the warm waters of the Caribbean that will welcome him and his family as they depart on Saturday.

Ollie and his siblings, Summer and Bodie, were welcomed by Make-A-Wish and friends at The Learning Experience in Cedar Grove, which showered him with some of his favorite things, from animals to the sand. A wish granted for a courageous 3-year-old.

We werent sure of what his future looked like, and hes made so much progress since hes been home, said Emily Powell. Despite being paralyzed on the left side, hes started to take his first steps, and hes getting stronger, and I just think this trip is going to be a blast for him, especially before hes going to be back in the hospital probably for another few months. Im just blown away by the generosity and just the love of strangers, and it means so much to everyone.

More: Latest News from Around the Tri-State

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Olivers wish is one of 500 wishes that Make-A-Wish is on track to grant this year in New Jersey.

Its so rewarding to be able to put these wishes together and have the whole community come together, said Dominique Gleason of Make-A-Wish New Jersey.

Now, theres only one thing left to do:

Probably crawl around the beach and eat ice cream, said Danny Powell. We couldnt ask for anything more. Were blessed that this happened to us.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to PIX11.
ELLINGTON, Conn. (WTNH)  Ellington fire officials say no injuries were reported after a house fire Thursday morning.

Firefighters were dispatched to the Gloria Lane fire around 6:42 a.m.

WATCH: Man suspected of killing Ansonia mother to return to witness stand

Officials did not say if occupants were displaced, but mentioned the garage was heavily damaged and the fire extended to the house.

Broad Brook and Somers fire departments assisted on scene, along with local police and ambulance personnel.

Fire on Gloria Lane in Ellington on April 17, 2025. Fire on Gloria Lane in Ellington on April 17, 2025. Fire on Gloria Lane in Ellington on April 17, 2025. Fire on Gloria Lane in Ellington on April 17, 2025. Fire on Gloria Lane in Ellington on April 17, 2025.

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Chinese President Xi Jinping holds talks with Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet at the Peace Palace in Phnom Penh, Cambodia, April 17, 2025. (Xinhua/Liu Weibing)

PHNOM PENH, April 17 (Xinhua) -- Chinese President Xi Jinping and Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet on Thursday agreed to build an all-weather China-Cambodia community with a shared future in the new era, and designated 2025 the China-Cambodia Year of Tourism.

Xi said the ironclad friendship between China and Cambodia enjoys a profound history, a solid political foundation and a strong internal driving force, adding that no matter how the international situation changes, the two countries have always been at the forefront of building a community with a shared future for mankind.

Xi noted that at present, changes unseen in a century are accelerating, saying that deepening the building of the China-Cambodia community with a shared future is fully in line with the fundamental interests of the two peoples.

China will, as always, support Cambodia in following a development path that suits its national conditions, support the Cambodian government's successful governance of the country, and back Cambodia in playing a more important role in international and regional affairs, he added.

Xi called on both sides to take the building of an all-weather China-Cambodia community with a shared future in the new era as a new starting point, build on the momentum, continue to implement a new action plan on building the China-Cambodia community with a shared future, strengthen unity and cooperation, and speed up the implementation of the Global Development Initiative, the Global Security Initiative and the Global Civilization Initiative.

He also urged the two sides to deepen political mutual trust at a higher level, expand mutually beneficial cooperation of higher quality, consolidate security guarantees of a higher level, carry out people-to-people and cultural exchanges at a higher frequency, and strengthen strategic coordination of higher standards, so as to bring greater benefits to the two peoples.

The Chinese president called for maximizing the role of the China-Cambodia Intergovernmental Coordination Committee, ensuring the strategic dialogues between the foreign and defense ministers of the two countries a success, strengthening exchanges through such channels as political parties and legislative bodies, jointly addressing risks and challenges, and safeguarding the common interests of both sides.

The Chinese side, Xi said, is ready to share opportunities and seek common development with Cambodia.

He called on both sides to vigorously promote high-quality Belt and Road cooperation, and continuously enrich the "Diamond Hexagon" cooperation framework, so as to inject new impetus into their respective modernization efforts.

China, Xi said, encourages more Chinese enterprises to invest in Cambodia, adding that it will open its mega-market to Cambodia and import more high-quality agricultural products from the country.

The people of the two countries should enhance mutual understanding and friendly feelings for each other, and promote exchanges and mutual learning between Chinese and Cambodian civilizations, he added.

China will continue to offer government scholarships to Cambodia, support the establishment of a dialogue and exchange mechanism for youths between the two countries, and encourage more exchanges at the local level, as well as between media outlets and think tanks, so as to bring the people of the two countries closer and closer, he said.

He called on the two countries take stronger and more effective measures to resolutely crack down on online gambling and telecom fraud, and to maintain social stability and the normal order of exchanges among regional countries.

Xi said China and Cambodia, important forces in the Global South, should stick to the common values of peace, unity and cooperation.

He called on both sides to oppose unilateral bullying, practice true multilateralism, firmly oppose bloc confrontation, strengthen coordination and cooperation within the frameworks of ASEAN and Lancang-Mekong Cooperation, and jointly safeguard hard-won regional peace and development, so as to contribute to promoting the building of a community with a shared future for mankind.

For his part, Hun Manet said Cambodia and China have long respected each other and treated each other as equals, hailing China as Cambodia's most reliable and trustworthy friend.

He said Xi's visit is of great significance, which will deepen political mutual trust between the two countries and effectively promote the building of an all-weather Cambodia-China community with a shared future in the new era.

Hailing China's achievements in economic and social development, Hun Manet said he firmly believes that under Xi's strong leadership, China will achieve the Second Centenary Goal as scheduled. He thanked China for its strong support for Cambodia's economic development and for safeguarding its independence.

The prime minister said Cambodia firmly adheres to the one-China policy and supports China in safeguarding its sovereignty and territorial integrity, noting that Cambodia is firmly committed to its friendship with China and is willing to maintain high-level exchanges, strengthen strategic and security cooperation, and deepen the ironclad friendship.

Noting that China is Cambodia's largest trading partner and the top source of investment, Hun Manet said Cambodia is ready to strengthen cooperation with China in such areas as economy and trade, investment, industrial and supply chains, agriculture and infrastructure, jointly combat online gambling and telecom fraud, strengthen people-to-people exchanges in such fields as education and culture, and ensure the Cambodia-China Year of Tourism a success.

He said Cambodia highly appreciates China's active role in international and regional affairs, and supports Xi's vision of building a community with a shared future for mankind, as well as the three major global initiatives and the Belt and Road cooperation proposed by Xi.

Amid global turbulence caused by unilateralism and shocks to the multilateral trading system, China has played a leading role and provided valuable stability to the world, Hun Manet said, adding that Cambodia is willing to strengthen coordination and cooperation with China to safeguard their common interests.

After the meeting, leaders of the two countries witnessed the exchange of more than 30 bilateral cooperation documents covering fields including production and supply chain cooperation, artificial intelligence, development assistance, customs inspection and quarantine, as well as health and news. 

Chinese President Xi Jinping holds talks with Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet at the Peace Palace in Phnom Penh, Cambodia, April 17, 2025. (Xinhua/Ding Haitao)

Chinese President Xi Jinping and Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet jointly witness the exchange of bilateral cooperation documents after their talks in Phnom Penh, Cambodia, April 17, 2025. Xi held talks with Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet at the Peace Palace in Phnom Penh on Thursday. (Xinhua/Wang Ye)
FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. (KNWA/FOX24)  The first of two meetings took place today for the Northwest Arkansas Council at the Fayetteville Public Library, where the council discussed the growth in the area.

The councils goal is to develop a plan to help alleviate some of the stress that the area is experiencing from the rapid growth.

President and CEO of the NWA Council Nelson Peacock said the first step in the long-term plan is to establish short-term goals.

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Therell be a lot of community engagement, public input into how we want to grow and the peoples thoughts about this. And then, probably next year in January, well have this ultimate report that will basically be a toolkit for city leaders to help them make decisions around their future. Because whats happening is a lot of these smaller towns are the ones that are experiencing most of the growth, Peacock said.

Plan Bentonville enters phase two of long-term development for city

The meeting tackled issues from healthcare to parking concerns, but the one that remained a constant was the nonstop communication between city officials and their residents.

With the coverage area being so vast, the NWA Council decided to call in a third party to help bridge the gap between the community and leadership. DPZ CoDesign is a company that specializes in planning and reviving rapidly growing cities that have dealt with the same issues as Northwest Arkansas.

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Organizer for DPZ CoDesign, Matthew Lambert, said that rapid growth isnt always a bad thing.

A lot of whats happening here is accelerating growth, and a lot of people may see that as a bad thing, but it doesnt have to be. A lot of what well be talking about is how to shape growth to achieve outcomes that benefit the community broadly, Lambert said.

As the plan develops, both DPZ and NWA Council will be hosting community engagement events, and updates will be out shortly.

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One person was hospitalized after a taxi cab hit a person and another car near the New England Aquarium Thursday afternoon.

Witnesses told Boston 25 News the cab was speeding toward the Boston Harbor Hotel when it took a sharp turn, hopped over a curb and struck a woman.

The cab then continued down the street, sideswiping multiple cars before finally coming to a stop.

Boston EMS told Boston 25 News that the woman suffered non-life-threatening injuries and was being treated at a hospital.

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The cab had large scratch marks down its passenger side as it was being towed away, 100 yards away from the collision.

The woman who was inside the cab said the driver had to circle around the block because the car wouldnt stop ...

He kept saying its not even like Im driving, like someone else is driving my car, the passenger told Boston 25 News. I kept asking what happened, what happened and he said I dont know, I just got the car out of the shop yesterday.

Boston 25 News also saw the driver appear to be getting medical treatment.

Boston police told Boston 25 News that no arrests have been made, but theyre still investigating how the crash happened.

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News of the break-in at Love Jewels spread quickly among the owner's family through alarming text messages.

Someone had broken into the shop over the weekend, the first worker to arrive told the others, and they'd broken into one of the safes.

But as relatives arrived at the business off Broadway and 5th Street in downtown Los Angeles on Monday morning, the scope of the loss was clear; millions of dollars in gold and jewels were gone and it was written all over the owner's face.

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"When I got here I could see my dad's reaction  I could see that they got everything," the store owner's son told The Times on Wednesday.

On Sunday night, police say a group of determined thieves drilled, hammered and climbed through multiple walls in and around the old Roxie theater downtown and broke into Love Jewels, Reina de Oro, and stole an estimated $10 million in merchandise.

Thieves cleared display cases at Love Jewels, Reina de Oro and got away with millions of dollars in gold and jewels. (Christina House / Los Angeles Times)

Video of the aftermath posted by the shop on social media showed the business' office in complete disarray, with documents and debris covering the ground and the mangled shell of an emptied safe.

A handful of earrings and silver chains were all that remained there Wednesday.

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"There is nothing left," said the owner, who asked to remain anonymous for fear of his safety. The contents of the safes were the family's life savings and were uninsured, he said.

LAPD investigators determined the heist began about 9:30 p.m. Sunday, but the family said the burglar crew could have begun cutting into adjacent properties earlier. It's believed the burglars are professionals who spent hours inside the business. The modus operandi of the heist could help narrow the search of suspects.

According to the family, the business' security alarm was deactivated and a Ring camera feed from the store cut out just before 10 p.m. Another security feed from the business was cut hours earlier, so the family said it's hard to pin down when the break-in began.

The family is offering a $100,000 reward for the recovery of their merchandise and are operating online only for the time being, the owner said.

Thieves cut a hole in the safe at Love Jewels, Reina de Oro and got away with millions of dollars in gold and jewels. (Christina House / Los Angeles Times)

In the meantime, the FBI's major theft task force has stepped in to assist with the investigation.

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Security cameras from nearby businesses captured the burglars as they walked in and out of a vacant storefront. At one point, they dragged a trash can from a vehicle and appeared to be wearing construction gear, according to the family.

In security video of the break-in, a massive drill can be heard carving through the main castlelike wall, making a hole big enough for a person to slip through.

LAPD Capt. Raul Jovel, who oversees the departments central division, said the thieves tunneled into the building from a vacant storefront.

They went for some really thick old walls. They went into one small room and then through a second wall, Jovel said. This was serious digging.

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This wasn't the first time burglars have made a run at Love Jewels.

About 13 years ago, a similar heist was foiled when the culprits were caught in the act, the owner said.

LAPD investigators say the recent burglars, after entering, cut the security camera feed, and there are no images of them inside the business. However, LAPD forensic experts are examining the scene for fingerprints and DNA.

The family believe there is more security footage from nearby businesses that show a suspect's vehicle and ask anyone with more information to share with police. A GoFundMe was set up to help the family offset their costs and help them keep their business afloat.

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This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times.
SANAA, April 17 (Xinhua) -- Yemen's Houthi leader Abdulmalik al-Houthi said on Thursday his group had launched 26 attacks against Israel and 33 strikes on the U.S. aircraft carrier and warships in the Red Sea since March 15.

In a televised speech aired by the group's al-Masirah TV, the Houthi leader said the attacks on Israel were carried out using "30 ballistic missiles and drones," while those targeting the USS Harry S. Truman aircraft carrier and its escorts involved "122 ballistic and cruise missiles, as well as drones."

However, the Israeli military has reportedly intercepted many of the Houthi projectiles before they reached targets. The U.S. Central Command dismissed the Houthi claims of daily attacks on the U.S. aircraft carrier as "outlandish" in a post on the social media platform X.

Meanwhile, the Houthi leader noted that the U.S. military had conducted over 900 airstrikes against his group's positions across northern Yemen during the past 30 days.

Tensions between the Houthi group and the U.S. military have escalated since Washington resumed airstrikes on Houthi targets in Yemen on March 15 to deter the group from attacking Israel and U.S. warships in the Red Sea.

The Houthis, which control much of northern Yemen, said their attacks aim to press U.S.-backed Israel to stop the offensive against the Gaza Strip and allow humanitarian aid into the Palestinian enclave. 
Channel 2 Action News has learned that a retired Clayton County school teacher has been indicted for child molestation involving a young student.

Channel 2 investigative reporter Mark Winne spoke to Clayton County District Attorney Tasha Mosley on Wednesday, who said, Were looking forward to trying this case and  getting our young victim the justice she deserves.

He also got a text from the suspect, William Zerressen, saying he is innocent.

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The mom of the victim said she learned of the indictment against Zerressen after a Clayton County grand jury handed it down last month.

Its actually moving forward, she told Winne. God is just, hes with me. He, it feels like hes present because just sending the right people in our lives to actually help us get to the finish line.

Zerressen was supposed to help her daughter learn about reading, writing and arithmetic at Kemp Primary School where he was her daughters first-grade teacher in the 2017-18 school year.

Im glad about the four extra charges, but we still have a long way to go, the mother said.

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The mother told Winne that she counts four new charges in the indictment compared to the warrants originally issued for Zerressen last year after a Clayton County Schools police investigation.

The seven counts in the indictment include enticing a child for indecent purposes, enticing the child to his classroom at Kemp Primary School for the purpose of child molestation.

Other counts include aggravated sodomy, aggravated child molestation, sexual contact by a person of trust in the first degree, two child molestation counts and a sexual battery against a child under 16 count.

In each count, the mother said her daughter is the victim.

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Im innocent of these despicable allegations. Theyre just ridiculous, theyre unfounded, Zerressen told Winne last year.

In a text on Wednesday, Zerressen wrote: I am innocent, and I had agreed to take a polygraph.

The mother said last September, she watched our interview with Zerressen months before the indictment.

Im not gonna lie, I was in tears, she said. This is a grown man. I was hurt. I was angry.

Its totally untrue. Its slander, Zerressen said at the time. Its totally unfounded and Ill be found innocent.

A 2022 Clayton County Public Schools letter said: In 2001, you were alleged to have touched several students butts while they were wearing skirts. In 2003. You were accused of touching a students thigh, butt, and private parts. In 2022, the student alleged that anytime she wore skirts or dresses,that you touched her legs.

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The letter indicates Zerressen said he was told by an assistant principal that students got together and planned previous allegations.

How do you explain this seeming pattern of complaints? Winne asked Zerressen at the time.

Well, its not really a pattern. It was like once, twice or three times. They were found groundless. So, I was cleared of any wrongdoing, Zerressen said.

An attorney for the mom and daughter, Kyle Wallace, said last year records hes reviewed show the school system found insufficient evidence in the 01 and 03 incidents at Lake Ridge Elementary, But while school police did a good job with his clients case, he found no indication of discipline or that police were called to investigate the other incidents.

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A lot of prayer and therapy still, but for the most part its just, its God is helping me through it, the mother told Winne.

A 2023 letter congratulated Zerressen on his retirement.

Wallace said he and attorney Corey Stern are looking at whether the school system has liability.

Winne contacted Clayton County Schools on Wednesday and was told there was no additional statement, but last year an email said in part, We remind all stakeholders that the safety and security of all students are paramount.
Police Commissioner Jessica Tisch on Tuesday called on Bronx and Manhattan prosecutors to crack down on recidivist criminals going through their courts and reevaluate any blanket policies that put them back on the streets without consequences.

These [blanket policies] are not isolated mistakes or unintended consequences, Tisch said at the City Law Breakfast at New York Law School in lower Manhattan, accusing Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg and Bronx DA Darcel Clark of being too quick to decline prosecution or resolve cases through an adjournment in contemplation of dismissal, meaning the case will go away if the offender keeps their nose clean for a few months. These are choices, which means we can easily change them, the commissioner said.

Tisch said she has challenged both Bragg and Clark, whom she called important partners in fighting crime, to change any policies that make the revolving door spin faster.

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Too often, cases are declined and resolved with an ACD even when theres a pattern of repeat offending, she said. That happens without a careful consideration of public safety. It sends a wrong message to the victims, offenders and to the officers doing the work.

A spokeswoman for the Manhattan DAs Office said on Thursday that prosecutions are up, major crime is down, and safety is improving in Manhattan in the three-and-a-half years since DA Bragg was elected.

We work with the NYPD every single day on reducing recidivism and improving public safety, and we appreciate their partnership, the spokeswoman said.

During a press conference about a gang takedown in the Bronx with DA Clark and Mayor Adams, hours after her speech, Tisch indicated that several of the gang members indicted in the investigation have been repeatedly arrested.

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This is what recidivism looks like in real life, not just statistics on a page, but the same people committing the same violent acts again and again, Tisch said, not mentioning her challenge to Clark and Bragg to reduce recidivism rates.

She and Clark appeared professional standing next to each other, at one point shook hands, and Tisch thanked Clark for her work on the case following Adams praise of the Bronx DA. When a reporter asked Clark about Tischs comments on recidivism, Clark declined to comment, saying they were going to remain on topic about the gang takedown.

Does anybody else have a question on topic here? Clark asked.

Tischs speech at Thursdays breakfast was temporarily interrupted when a half-dozen protesters jumped up in the audience, demanding she fire Lt. Jonathan Rivera for fatally shooting Allen Feliz during a traffic stop in the Bronx back in 2019. An NYPD administrative judge recommended Rivera be terminated, but Tisch has yet to sign off on it. The protesters, supporters of Felizs family, were escorted out of the room before the commissioner continued.

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The top cops remarks come two days after she blasted Clark for declining to prosecute some cases, and said the Bronx was the absolute best place to steal a car.

Chances are good youll only be charged with misdemeanor possession of stolen property and then sent on your way, Tisch told members at the Citizens Crime Commission during its annual breakfast in Midtown Tuesday, without naming Clark. Auto theft is a felony, so it needs to be charged as a felony. And when you dont charge appropriately, you end up leading the city in stolen cars by a wide margin.

Car thefts in the Bronx were up 4% for the first quarter of the year while the rate dropped by more than 12% citywide, Tisch said.

Clark has publicly disagreed with Commissioner Tisch and Mayor Adams ongoing subway crackdown  in which a focus on homeless issues and minor infractions, such as sleeping across seats, has led to the arrest of many offenders wanted for other crimes  as well as the creation of a new NYPD quality of life enforcement division, saying these new efforts are another form of broken windows policing where cops enforce violations and minor misdemeanors in the belief that not doing so fosters a sense of disorder that can lead to more serious crimes.

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Now is not the time to retreat to broken windows policing, Clark said at a City Council budget hearing in March. Now is the time to look ahead to 21st-century solutions aimed at keeping the Bronx safe. We start by identifying the root causes of crime and addressing the underlying conditions that lead to a cycle of violence and recidivism.

On Thursday, Tisch said that, while crime is down, the city is facing a surging recidivism problem, thanks, in part, to changes in the states discovery laws. Tisch and others charge that current discovery laws  governing exchange of evidence between prosecutors and defenders in criminal cases  are far too burdensome for prosecutors.

Of those arrested in the first three months of this year, 39% have been re-arrested at least once  a 46% jump over the first quarter of 2018, when bail and discovery reform laws didnt exist, Tisch said. And about 21% of those arrested in the first three months of the year have been arrested at least three times.

When a case falls apart on a technicality, the victim is retraumatized, Tisch said about the dangers of the new discovery laws. She said state lawmakers are close to a deal on changing the laws, but she hasnt seen the proposal.

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If [the changes] are strong, I will say so, she said. If its not, Ill say that, too. Im a straight shooter and this is not a time for window dressing and half measures.

Officials at the Bronx DAs Office said Clark has repeatedly gone to Albany about tweaking discovery laws and that the Bronx DA has a productive partnership with the NYPDs Auto Crime Unit, which has resulted in several long-term investigations of car theft crews and organized theft rings.

With Julian Roberts-Grmela
ECTOR COUNTY, Texas (KMID/KPEJ)- An Ector County man was arrested on a warrant earlier this month after investigators said he allegedly kept his daughter captive and raped her on multiple occasions since last summer. Thomas Benjamin Lozano, 42, has been charged with six counts of Aggravated Sexual Assault, one count of Unlawful Restraint of a Minor Less Than 17 Years Old, and Aggravated Kidnapping.

According to an Ector County Sheriffs Office report, on April 9, deputies were called to a home in the 8000 block of West 16th Street after a teen called 911 and said she was being held against her will by her father. When deputies arrived on the scene, they found a teen locked inside the home and investigators said they had to break open a window to pull the girl to safety. They said the teen looked as if shed been deprived of food, water, and hygiene supplies for quite some time.

Inside the home, investigators described landfill like conditions and said trash and junk was stacked up waist high and covered the entirety of the floor. The teen, who said shed been locked inside since June of 2024, had been forced to use a five-gallon bucket as a toilet, deputies said.

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In a later interview with investigators, the girl said her father had forced her to use methamphetamines during the course of her confinement. She also said that on numerous occasions, Lozano had beaten her and sexually assaulted and raped her.

Lozano, who was not at home when investigators arrived on the scene, was found and arrested later that same day. He remained in the Ector County Law Enforcement Center as of Wednesday afternoon on a combined $1,525,000 bond.

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People may see additional officers and medics at a local high school today.

[DOWNLOAD: Free WHIO-TV News app for alerts as news breaks]

The Vandalia Police and Fire Departments will hold their annual mock crash to educate students about the dangers of impaired driving, according to a social media post.

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They will be on the south side of the Student Activity Center at Vandalia High School at 9 a.m.

Emergency vehicles and Careflight will be responding in the area. Please do not be alarmed, as this is only a drill, the department said on its Facebook page.

Butler Township Police will also have officers at the mock crash.

Vandalia High Schools prom is scheduled for April 26.

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SAN JUAN, Puerto Rico (AP)  Crews scrambled to restore power to Puerto Rico on Thursday after a blackout hit the entire island the previous day, affecting the main international airport, hospitals and hotels filled with Easter vacationers.

The outage that began around midday Wednesday left 1.4 million customers without electricity and more than 400,000 without water. More than 958,000 customers, or 65%, had power back by Thursday night, while 89% of customers had water restored. Officials expected 90% of customers to have power back within 48 to 72 hours after the outage, although 200,000 clients were left without power again on Thursday afternoon when one power plant failed twice.

We are still in a precarious situation. This is old, fragile equipment," said Gov. Jenniffer Gonzalez, who cut her weeklong vacation short and returned to Puerto Rico on Wednesday evening.

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She said it would take at least three days to have preliminary information on what might have caused the blackout, which snarled traffic, forced hundreds of businesses to close and left those unable to afford generators scrambling to buy ice and candles.

This is a shame for the people of Puerto Rico that we have a problem of this magnitude, the governor said.

Gonzalez warned that the boiler of one power plant was not functioning and would take one week to repair, which could affect power generation next week, when people return from vacation.

Its the second massive blackout to hit Puerto Rico in less than four months. The previous one happened on New Years Eve.

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Government under pressure to cancel energy firm contracts

Why on holidays? griped Jose Luis Richardson, who did not have a generator and kept cool by splashing water on himself every couple of hours.

The roar of generators and smell of fumes filled the air as a growing number of Puerto Ricans renewed calls for the government to cancel the contracts with Luma Energy, which oversees the transmission and distribution of power, and Genera PR, which oversees power generation.

Gonzalez promised to heed those calls.

That is not under doubt or question, she said, but added that its not a quick process. It is unacceptable that we have failures of this kind.

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Gonzalez said a major outage, like the latest one, causes an estimated $215 million revenue loss daily.

Ramon C. Barquin III, president of the United Retail Center, a nonprofit that represents small- and medium-sized businesses, warned that ongoing outages would spook potential investors at a time when Puerto Rico urgently needs economic development.

We cannot continue to repeat this cycle of blackouts without taking concrete measures to strengthen our energy infrastructure, he said.

Many also were concerned about Puerto Ricos elderly population, with the mayor of Canovanas deploying brigades to visit the bedridden and those who depend on electronic medical equipment.

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Meanwhile, the mayor of Vega Alta opened a center to provide power to those with lifesaving medical equipment.

Wednesday night was difficult for many, including 62-year-old Santos Bones Burgos.

I spent it on the balcony, he said, adding that he was trying to get some fresh air.

At some point, he fell asleep and recalled waking up at 5 a.m. to a neighbor yelling, The power is back!

Among those unable to sleep was Dorca Navarrete, a 50-year-old house cleaner who said it was too hot. Last night was horrible, she said. "I woke up with a headache.

When she opened her eyes, she saw light and thought it couldn't possibly be the sun at that hour. Then a smile spread across her face when she realized it was from the light she had left on in a room the day before.

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What caused the blackout?

It was not immediately clear what caused the shutdown, the latest in a string of major blackouts on the island in recent years.

Officials are looking into whether several breakers failed to open or exploded. Gonzalez said.

Another possibility is that overgrown vegetation affected the grid, which, if true, should not have happened, said Josue Colon, the islands energy czar and former executive director of Puerto Ricos Electric Power Authority.

He noted that the authority flew daily to check on certain lines, something he said Luma should be doing.

Colon said Luma also needs to explain why all the generators shut down after there was a failure in the transmission system, when only one was supposed to go into protective mode.

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Pedro Melendez, a Luma engineer, said an investigation is ongoing. He said in a news conference Thursday that the line where the failure occurred was inspected last week as part of regular air patrols to check on more than 2,500 miles worth of transmission lines across the island.

No imminent risk was identified, he said.

Daniel Hernandez, vice president of operations at Genera PR, said Wednesday that a disturbance hit the transmission system shortly after noon, a time when the grid is vulnerable because there are few machines regulating frequency at that hour.

Puerto Rico has struggled with chronic outages since September 2017, when Hurricane Maria pummeled the island as a powerful Category 4 storm, razing a power grid that crews are still struggling to rebuild.

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The grid already had been deteriorating as a result of decades of a lack of maintenance and investment under the state's Electric Power Authority, which is struggling to restructure $9 billion in debt.

On Jan. 9, Puerto Rico's representative in Congress, Pablo Jose Hernandez, joined by legislators including Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, sent a letter to U.S. Energy Secretary Chris Wright calling for the release of federal funds slated for the installation of rooftop solar and battery storage in Puerto Rico. The money is meant to help those whose disabilities or medical conditions require a power connection.

Puerto Rico's governor also has repeatedly called for those funds to be released.

____

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For live updates on the shooting at Florida State University, click here.

>>> STREAM ACTION NEWS JAX LIVE <<<

Governor Ron Desantis posted the following video at 5:30 P.M. Thursday:

We stand with Florida State University. Today, we are all Seminoles. pic.twitter.com/dUMW3eL48r  Ron DeSantis (@GovRonDeSantis) April 17, 2025

The Florida Democratic Party released the following statement Thursday evening:

Our hearts are heavy as we grieve with the victims and families of those who were killed and injured in a mass shooting on Florida State Universitys campus today, said FDP Chair Nikki Fried. We are grateful to the rapid and effective response from first responders and law enforcement who responded quickly to the shooter and conducted a thorough sweep of the campus to secure the scene. Their professionalism and coordination saved lives.

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This is every students worst nightmare, every parents greatest fear and a day that educators hope will never come. To all of the students and teachers traumatized by the violence unleashed on them today, we are with you  and to the students who survived Parkland and currently attend FSU, we are so sorry you had to endure this terror again. Our elected officials have failed you.

As we await more information on exactly how the shooter accessed his parents firearm, its not too soon to say that lowering the firearm purchase age to 18 is a dangerous idea with deadly consequences. Any elected officials or lawmakers who would support rolling back that law would be complicit in the continued threat of gun violence on college campuses. Its time for the Florida Legislature to stop working for the gun lobby and start working for Floridians  and take real steps to make our students safer.

President of Edward Waters University, A. Zachary Faison Jr.:

Edward Waters University (EWU) extends its deepest prayers, heartfelt condolences, and unwavering support to the entire Florida State University family in the wake of todays devastating tragedy.

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We at EWU are profoundly saddened to learn of the senseless act of gun violence that has shaken the FSU campus and claimed the life of at least one individual, with others reportedly injured and a community left reeling. As an institution that has unfortunately known the pain and trauma of community gun violence all too recently, we stand in solemn solidarity with our colleagues, students, faculty, staff, and leadership at Florida State.

No college or university community should ever have to endure the terror of an active shooter, the chaos of sheltering in place, or the grief of lives lost and disrupted. These moments leave lasting emotional and psychological scars, and we urge the FSU community to lean on one another, seek care, and allow themselves grace as they begin the journey of healing.

We also lift up in prayer the first responders, healthcare professionals, and university staff who are working tirelessly in the aftermath of this horrific incident. Your courage and compassion are seen and deeply appreciated.

To President McCullough, the FSU Board of Trustees, and every student and family impactedwe at Edward Waters University mourn with you, and we are here for you. In the days ahead, may peace begin to settle over your community, and may you feel the full strength of our shared academic family across the state and the nation."

FSU College Democrats released a statement just after 5P.M Thursday, also revealing it will be hosting a vigil on Saturday, April 19th at 7:30 P.M. on Landis Green:

It happens on a campus across the country and it barely makes the news. It happens across the state and theres a vigil, maybe a protest, and if and only if its an election year, the Republican lawmakers fund a memorial.

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Today we ask- how close to home does it have to get for Tallahassee lawmakers before they make meaningful to change? How many students have to die, just miles from the offices of the Republican supermajority before they do something other than utter hollow prayers? This comes mere days after this same legislature attempted a bill to allow firearms on college campuses.

Our campus was deeply unprepared for this situation. Emergency protocols failed, and it cost lives. We must not let those lives be lost in vain. We are a generation whose upbringing has been defined by gun violence. Everyone knows someone who has a victim in their family. Watch as our Republican lawmakers down the street attempt to normalize this senseless massacre. It is not normal. It will never be normal. We will not forget.

As the situation unfolds, we are sensitive to those grieving in our student body and their friends and families. For them, this is not a moment of politics but one of tragedy. It breaks our heart that this violence continues to plague Florida schools.

Florida Governor Ron Desantis:

Our prayers are with our FSU family and state law enforcement is actively responding. https://t.co/gT4mDwWsGC  Ron DeSantis (@GovRonDeSantis) April 17, 2025

Jacksonville Sheriff T.K. Waters:

Although we are not in the same city, the Jacksonville community is deeply connected to Florida State University. The men and women of JSO stand with the FSU shooting victims, students, teachers, administrators, and loved ones. This incident of senseless violence, a tragedy for all Floridians, cries out for justice. As our law enforcement colleagues conduct their investigation, our agency stands ready to support and assist.

University of North Florida President Dr. Moez Limayem:

Dear Osprey Community,

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Our hearts go out to the Florida State University community as they navigate the tragic events at their student union today. Many of us have family, friends and colleagues who attend or work at FSU. I urge you to offer your support and check on them during this difficult time. I reached out to FSU President McCullough to assure him we are here to help the FSU community in any way we can.

UNF counseling services are available for anyone who needs assistance. Student resources are available through the Dean of Students Office Care Services and additional resources for faculty and staff are available through UNFs Employee Assistance Program.

University of Florida President Kent Fuchs:

I join everyone at the University of Florida in sending our most caring thoughts and deepest sympathies to the Florida State University family. Our hearts go out to everyone who has been affected by the shootings and their loved ones.  Kent Fuchs (@PrezKentFuchs) April 17, 2025

Watch: Former Jacksonville Mayor Lenny Curry said his son, who attends FSU, is safe in wake of shooting

Florida House Speaker Daniel Perez:

What we are watching unfold at FSU is terrifying and every parents worst nightmare. We are continuing to monitor the news here in Tallahassee and urge everyone to pray for the students, families, faculty, first responders and all involved.  Daniel Perez (@Daniel_PerezFL) April 17, 2025

Im heartbroken to see the tragedy unfolding at FSU today. As an alum who also had a child at Florida State, my heart goes out to the families and students terrorized by this senseless act of violence. Im continuing to monitor the news out of Tallahassee and my prayers are with https://t.co/tAOZVA9hlU  Mayor Donna Deegan (@MayorDeegan) April 17, 2025

Watch: Action News Jaxs Jake Stofan speaks with FSU student from Fleming Island as they sheltered in place

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.
YOUNGSTOWN, Ohio (WKBN)Springtime and warmer weather mean some animals and bugs will be reappearing after a long winter.

Experts are now warning that we should be prepared for a certain invasive species.

WKBN talked a lot about them last summer and fall, you probably saw some outside, too. The spotted lanternflies will be hatching soon, so the Ohio Department of Agriculture is urging people to look around and try to help limit their spread.

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The spotted lanternfly typically hatches in April or May, right about now. The egg masses were laid in the fall, live through winter, and will contain about 30-50 eggs. The bugs typically lay eggs on hard surfaces: things like outdoor toys, vehicles, grills, and firewood.

The Ohio Department of Agriculture suggests looking around these things at your home, and if you find egg masses, scrape them into soapy water or rubbing alcohol to kill the eggs. Once they hatch, using insecticides and squishing bugs you find can help.

Currently, 12 Ohio counties, including Mahoning and Columbiana, are under quarantine for the spotted lanternfly. What this quarantine means is that the state increases inspections and limits the movement of things that could harbor the bugs, like wood, trees, and plants. The Ohio Department of Agriculture is using a quarantine to try to slow the spread of these bugs because they can kill grapevines, black walnut saplings, and tree of heaven.

These bugs are not harmful to humans or pets. They wont bite or sting. The concern is really over the damage they can do to plants.

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They can feed on more than 100 different plants, but those are the only three plants the bugs are known to kill. These bugs arent native to the area. Theyre native to Asia and were first detected in the US in 2014, and not found in Ohio until 2020.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WKBN.com.
Stock photo by Vladimir Vladimirov/Getty Images.

This story mentions suicide. If you or someone you know needs support now, call, text or chat the 988 Lifeline.

The Ohio Houses version of the two-year state budget only acknowledge two sexes, male and female, excluding transgender people and intersex people born with a mix of chromosomes or just one chromosome.

It is the policy of the state of Ohio to recognize two sexes, male and female, according to language from the House budget. These sexes are not changeable and are grounded in fundamental and incontrovertible reality.

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The budget passed last week with a 60-39 vote and it now moves to the Ohio Senate. Ohio Republican Gov. Mike DeWine must sign a budget by June 30. He has line-item veto power, so he can remove the gender limitation.

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Adding the language to the budget is reckless, said Equality Ohio Executive Director Dwayne Steward.

The budget is not the place where we should be discussing culture war or legislating against peoples rights, Steward said. Instead of focusing on whats important, like funding our schools and making sure kids have access to quality healthcare, they have decided a small percentage of the population should be attacked.

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The language in the House budget is similar to President Donald Trumps executive order earlier this year saying the U.S. government will only recognize two sexes.

These sexes are not changeable and are grounded in fundamental and incontrovertible reality, it says. Gender ideology is internally inconsistent, in that it diminishes sex as an identifiable or useful category but nevertheless maintains that it is possible for a person to be born in the wrong sexed body.

Ohios legislators are trying to be in lockstep with the Trump administration, Steward said.

Its almost verbatim from the executive order, said Dara Adkison, executive director of TransOhio. We know that there is an intentional effort to make it very difficult for trans people to exist in public spaces.

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The language in the House budget disregards intersex people who are born with variations in their sex characteristics that do not fit the typical binary definitions of male or female.

People who are intersex have genitals, chromosomes or reproductive organs that dont fit into a male/female sex binary, explains the Cleveland Clinic. People who are intersex may have a mix of chromosomes, such as XXY. Or they may have some cells that are XY and some cells that are XX. Or they may have just one X chromosome (XO).

It is estimated that up to 1.7% of the population has an intersex trait, according to the Center for American Progress.

The invalidation of all of those Ohioans as part of the budget is ridiculous, Adkison said.

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The intersex community deserves to be recognized, Steward said.

They do exist, he said. You cant legislate people out of existence.

Half of all transgender and nonbinary young people in Ohio who participated in a recent Trevor Project survey said they seriously considered suicide in the past year. Fifteen percent said they attempted suicide.

This is according to the Trevor Projects 2024 U.S. National Survey on the Mental Health of LGBTQ+ Young People. The survey included about 700 people from Ohio, ages 13-24.

Nearly three-fourths of transgender and nonbinary young people in Ohio reported feeling anxiety and 61% experienced depression, according to the survey.

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About 60% of transgender and nonbinary young people or their families have considered leaving Ohio because of anti-LGBTQ politics and law, according to the survey.

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Ohio consumer and environmental advocates are calling on state regulators to address disparities within FirstEnergys grid after a recent report found disadvantaged communities are more likely to rely on older, more outage-prone equipment.

Areas defined as disadvantaged under the Biden administrations Climate and Economic Justice Screening Tool were twice as likely to have low-voltage circuits compared to other parts of FirstEnergys Ohio territory, according to the study by the Interstate Renewable Energy Council. Equipment was also generally older and had less capacity for normal and overload situations.

The results reflect historical patterns of underinvestment in disadvantaged communities, the report says, but the full scope of the problem  including across Ohios other utilities  is unclear due to the lack of information from utilities and regulators.

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The public availability of any utility data is very, very limited in Ohio, said report author Shay Banton, a regulatory program engineer and energy justice policy advocate for the Interstate Renewable Energy Council.

The Ohio Environmental Council submitted the report as part of FirstEnergys pending rate case before the Public Utilities Commission of Ohio and is asking regulators to address the topic in an evidentiary hearing set for May 5.

The state of the local grid matters when it comes to the reliability of customers electric service, their ability to add distributed renewable energy resources like rooftop solar, and a communitys potential to attract business investments that could improve its economic conditions.

Regulated electric utilities file reliability reports each spring that focus on two commonly used metrics. The system average interruption frequency index, or SAIFI, shows how many outages occurred per customer. The customer average interruption duration index, or CAIDI, measures the average length of time for restoring service to customers who lose power.

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The annual reports also list factors involved in outages, with breakouts for transmission-related service problems and major events. Major events such as severe weather are considered statistical outliers that dont count for calculating whether utilities meet their company-specific standards for CAIDI and SAIFI.

While weather accounted for the majority of time Ohioans went without power last year, equipment failures also triggered thousands of outages. For the ninth year in a row, at least one Ohio utility company failed to meet reliability standards, reports filed this month show. Both AEP Ohio and FirstEnergys Toledo Edison missed their marks for the average time before power is restored for customers who experience outages.

The Public Utilities Commission of Ohio also collects data on the worst-performing circuits. Individual circuits serve anywhere from a few hundred to several thousand customers. However, the state doesnt post these reports online or disclose the circuits exact locations, which could be used to show whether they are concentrated in disadvantaged communities.

The SAIFI and CAIDI metrics used by state regulators did not show significant disparities between disadvantaged neighborhoods and other areas in FirstEnergys territory. But Banton said those reliability metrics rely on averages for large groups, which can obscure disparities. They said that utilities should also be required to publicly report the number of customers experiencing frequent service interruptions and the number of customers who faced long outages.

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Utilities in Ohio tend to be reactive in dealing with circuit problems, Banton said. Communities can face longer outages if utilities wait for equipment to fail before replacing it. Instead, Banton wants utilities capital investments to address current disparities and then prevent them from recurring in the future.

The bottom line is that consumers should get reliable service, and utilities are obligated to provide reliable service, said Merrilee Embs, a spokesperson for the Office of the Ohio Consumers Counsel, which did not work on the report. The group is concerned about whether utilities capital improvement spending directly benefits customers  an issue that relates to grid disparities.

FirstEnergys (and other Ohio utilities) failure to implement grid modernization plans in a way that benefits residential consumers likely contributes to grid disparities such as those described in the [study], Embs wrote via email after reviewing the report.

FirstEnergy has challenged the Ohio Environmental Councils objections about grid disparities in its rate case. Meanwhile, the Public Utilities Commission of Ohio is due to consider revisions to the annual reliability reporting requirements by Sept. 30, 2026. The commission will likely start accepting comments on the rules later this year, said spokesperson Matt Schilling.

How the local grid impacts clean energy and economic development

The quality of a neighborhoods grid influences more than whether residents lights stay on.

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These inequities can have serious consequences for customer access to distributed energy resources, which can save money, said Karin Nordstrom, a lawyer for the Ohio Environmental Council.

Rooftop solar or other distributed clean energy can add to traffic on local grid circuits, posing a challenge for equipment thats older or has lower voltages or capacity. Those circuits generally can handle less grid traffic, Banton said. In contrast, newer, high-voltage circuits tend to have less bumps and less potholes [along with] better on-ramps.

The grids quality and capacity also impact an areas economic development. Historically, utilities have focused capital investment on places where people are moving or where they expect new industrial demand. That approach exacerbates inequity, Banton said. Even if businesses otherwise wanted to move to disadvantaged areas, poor electrical infrastructure may lead them to go elsewhere to avoid huge costs for upgrading the local grid, they said.

The energy transition is in full effect, but many of the communities that suffer first and worst from climate change are not able to make the transition due to underinvestment in infrastructure, said Tony Reames, a professor of environmental justice at the University of Michigan School for Environment and Sustainability, who did not work on the new report. He served at the U.S. Department of Energy as deputy director for energy justice and principal deputy director for state and community energy programs during the Biden administration.

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Because utilities have failed to invest in and maintain the grid evenly throughout their service territories, an equity-based approach to infrastructure modernization should make sure resources now go to areas that were left behind, Reames said.

He supports the reports call for more granular data, including details on customers with repeated or prolonged outages. The report also calls on utilities to publish maps showing grid capacity, and information about which census tracts are served by each circuit and substation transformers.

I often say, The data you dont have is the problem you dont see, Reames noted. Difficulties accessing data or the lack of certain data availability are sometimes a result of entities not wanting to confirm issues that are anecdotally known.

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An Ohio judge has stopped the state from enforcing a law that unintentionally makes it illegal for anyone to own, kill, transport, feed pigs.

The law, known as the "feral swine bill," would have negatively impacted the states 3,400 pig farmers, as well as the owners of preserves where wild pigs are hunted.

A lawsuit that sought to stop the law from going into effect was filed March 18. It noted that provisions in the law would have criminalized owning pigs, as well as the killing of all pigs or profiting from the killing of all pigs.

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Thats because the law's definition of wild boar or feral swine encompassed all pigs, according to the lawsuit.

House Bill 503 was scheduled to take effect March 20.

A summary of the law said its purpose was to prohibit importing, transporting or possessing live wild boar or feral swine in the state. It also established a process so a property owner could kill wild boar or feral swine without a hunting license.

The lawsuit was filed on behalf of a 236-acre hunting preserve in Adams County, Shawnee Ridge Hunting, and its owner, Paul Richter.

On April 11, an Adams County judge ruled that the law is unconstitutional. In a written decision, Common Pleas Judge Brett Spencer said the law contains ill-conceived terminology that is overly and fatally broad/vague.

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Spencer said the lawsuits plaintiffs would be unable to act without engaging in criminal activity.

Once the provisions of the law were enforceable, Spencer said, Shawnee Ridge Huntings owner could have been charged with dozens of crimes and faced up to 20 years in prison.

Spencer said there was great public interest in blocking the law.

It is always in the public interest to protect constitutional rights, the judge said.

Zach Schaengold, lead counsel for the plaintiffs, said in a statement: In standing up for themselves against government overreach, my clients Shawnee Ridge Hunting Preserve and Paul Richter also stood up for all Ohioans. They paid attention to the details when the General Assembly and the private proponents of the law did not. I and my co-counsel Jarrod Mohler and Chuck Rust have been honored to play a role in this important work.

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A spokesman for Ohio Attorney General Dave Yost said the office is reviewing Spencer's decision and determining the next steps.

This article originally appeared on Cincinnati Enquirer: Judge blocks Ohio law that criminalized owning, killing all pigs
JERUSALEM/BEIRUT, April 17 (Xinhua) -- Israel's military said in a statement on Thursday that it killed a Hezbollah commander in a drone strike in southern Lebanon.

The strike targeted the area of Blida, killing Ali Ibar al-Nabi Khadi, who was identified by the military as the deputy head of Hezbollah's military outpost in the Mhaibib area.

Meanwhile, an unnamed Lebanese security source confirmed to Xinhua that an Israeli drone strike killed an individual in southern Lebanon on Thursday, identifying the slain as a Hezbollah member named Ali Abdel Nabi Hijazi, who came from the village of Blida.

The person was hit while riding a motorcycle in the village of Aitaroun, Lebanon's Public Health Emergency Operations Center and security sources said.

Also on Thursday, a Lebanese Army unit reported dismantling an Israeli spying device in Blida, warning civilians against approaching or touching such objects, as they pose a risk to lives.

Since Nov. 27, 2024, a ceasefire agreement brokered by the United States and France has been in effect between Hezbollah and Israel, putting an end to over a year of clashes triggered by the war in the Gaza Strip.

Despite the agreement, the Israeli army occasionally carries out strikes in Lebanon, claiming they are aimed at neutralizing "threats" posed by Hezbollah. 
KHARTOUM, April 17 (Xinhua) -- Sudan's healthcare system is collapsing two years into a devastating conflict between the army and paramilitary forces, with most hospitals shut in conflict zones and disease outbreaks spreading, government and international aid groups warned this week.

Marking two years since war erupted between the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF), the country faces worsening health risks and rising malnutrition, officials and aid workers said.

"The healthcare system, in all its facets, has become a victim of the war," Sudan's Health Ministry said in a report issued this week, citing immense challenges and devastating public health consequences.

The ministry reported that nearly 70 percent of hospitals in conflict-hit states like Khartoum, Darfur, and Kordofan are out of service. The International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) gave a starker estimate, stating 70 to 80 percent of health facilities in conflict-affected areas are non-functional, leaving two out of three civilians without medical care.

More than 250 hospitals nationwide have been forced to close, and over 60 percent of pharmacies and drug warehouses have been looted or destroyed, the health ministry report added. Remaining facilities face severe shortages of medicines, equipment, and staff, the ICRC warned.

The collapse has fuelled disease outbreaks. Doctors Without Borders (MSF) said Sudan faces spreading measles, cholera, and diphtheria, driven by poor living conditions and disrupted vaccination campaigns. The health ministry also cited rising malaria and dengue fever cases.

"Two years into the conflict, Sudan's health system is at breaking point," the World Health Organization (WHO) said in a statement. "Hospitals have run out of supplies; health workers are under threat and disease is spreading in areas we can barely reach," added WHO Regional Director Hanan Balkhy.

Acute malnutrition is widespread, particularly among children under five, the health ministry said. MSF noted that 60 percent of Sudan's 50 million people need humanitarian assistance.

Even in relatively safer areas, services are overwhelmed by displacement. "Al-Nao Hospital is a prime example ... facing near-exhaustion as it serves the majority of patients in the safe areas of Omdurman," Tasneem Al-Yasa, a medical director at the hospital, told Xinhua.

Patients undertake perilous journeys for care. "I came here after a difficult journey from the East Nile area," kidney patient Ibrahim Mahmoud told Xinhua at a dialysis centre in Omdurman. "Traveling is dangerous...but we hope things will change."

The health ministry estimates total losses to the sector at nearly 11.04 billion U.S. dollars, covering infrastructure, equipment, and medical supplies.

The conflict between the SAF and RSF, which erupted on April 15, 2023 over tensions linked to a planned political transition, has killed tens of thousands, displaced over 15 million people, and left Sudan facing what the UN calls one of the world's worst humanitarian crises. UN agencies warn the country is nearing famine, with its healthcare system collapsed and accurate casualty counts nearly impossible to verify. 
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On June 15, 1982, in a narrow 54 decision, the U.S. Supreme Court issued a landmark decision in Plyler v. Doe, striking down a Texas law that sought to deny public education to undocumented children. In doing so, the court affirmed that access to basic education is a vital public goodessential not only to individual development, but to the functioning of a democratic societyand that states cannot arbitrarily withhold it from children based on immigration status. While Plyler did not formally alter the tiers of judicial scrutiny, it deepened the courts engagement with this more searching form of rational basis reviewparticularly when evaluating laws that burdened disfavored or politically powerless groups.

Today, with a Supreme Court that has shown a readiness to overturn long-settled precedent and a growing number of state legislatures openly suggesting that Plyler should be revisited, the caseand the doctrinal architecture it helped shapeis under threat. At least four statesTexas, New Jersey, Tennessee, and Oklahomaare actively advancing measures to restrict undocumented students access to free public education, with a fifth stateIndianapoised to follow. These bills are part of a broader policy road map outlined in Project 2025a blueprint spearheaded by the Heritage Foundation to reshape federal law during the second Trump termwhich explicitly contemplates a legal challenge to Plyler as a mechanism for narrowing Equal Protection guarantees for immigrant students.

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But this isnt just a story about education or immigration. If Plyler falls, the consequences will reverberate across constitutional law, potentially unraveling the fragile protections that underpin modern LGBTQ+ rights, disability rights, and more. To understand why, we need to examine a subtle, but powerful, legal concept that Plyler helped reinforce: rational basis review with bite.

Under traditional rational basis reviewthe lowest, most permissive tier of judicial scrutinylaws are upheld so long as they are conceivably related to a legitimate government interest. This form of judicial review is deeply deferential, often functioning as a judicial nod to legislative authority. But Plyler followed a different path.

Rather than simply accepting Texas justification for denying education to undocumented children, the Plyler court interrogated whether the Texas laws purported aimsbudgetary savings and discouraging unauthorized immigrationactually justified the harm imposed. It concluded they did not. This more probing approach mirrored the logic the court had used a decade earlier in U.S. Department of Agriculture v. Moreno, where it struck down a law that excluded households with unrelated individuals living together from food stamps. Indeed, in reviewing the legislative history, the court found that the laws true purpose was to prevent so-called hippies and hippie communes from participating in the food stamp program. That aim, the court held, could not justify the law, as a bare congressional desire to harm a politically unpopular group cannot constitute a legitimate government interest.

What sets rational basis review with bite apart from its namesake, then, is its focus on substance over form. Courts applying this framework do not simply rubber-stamp the governments stated rationale; they examine the actual purpose and impact of the law. If the true aim is punishment, stigma, or exclusion of a disfavored group, the law is constitutionally suspecteven if it avoids triggering intermediate or strict scrutiny.

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This approach has become indispensable in expanding and protecting LGBTQ+ rights. In Romer v. Evans, the court used it to strike down a Colorado amendment that barred anti-discrimination protections for members of the LGBTQ+ community. In Lawrence v. Texas, it was key to invalidating laws criminalizing same-sex intimacy. And in Obergefell v. Hodges, the same logic helped support the recognition of marriage equality. These decisions didnt just rest on abstract idealsthey reflected the courts willingness to move beyond formal classifications and engage seriously with the actual purpose and impact of the laws at issue.

But despite its doctrinal importance, rational basis with bite has always rested on shaky ground. As Ive written elsewhere, the Supreme Court has never clearly defined when and how it applies. Its deployment has been inconsistent, and its contours remain vague. This lack of clarity makes the framework dangerously susceptible to revision or outright rejection by a court more interested in deference to ideological fellow travelers than in equality.

If the decision is overturned, the result would be more than the exclusion of undocumented children from schoolit would signal that laws targeting politically unpopular groups need not survive any meaningful judicial inquiry, unless a suspect classification or fundamental right is at stake. That shift would ripple across Equal Protection law, inviting states to pass legislation that once would have been struck down as constitutionally impermissible.

Weve already seen the playbook. In the wake of Dobbs v. Jackson Womens Health Organization, which overturned Roe v. Wade, conservative states wasted no time pushing aggressive anti-abortion laws. But the rollback didnt stop there. Many of these same states are now advancing policies targeting trans youth, LGBTQ+ families, drag performers, and anyone who deviates from a narrow vision of identity and family. If Plyler is overturned, it could open the door to even broader legislative attacks, this time shielded by the most permissive form of judicial review that permits discriminatory laws to survive so long as any conceivable justificationno matter how speculativecan be asserted.

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And the stakes could not be higher. Justice Clarence Thomas concurring opinion in Dobbs explicitly invited the court to reconsider Obergefell and Lawrence, hinting at a future in which the very legal foundations of LGBTQ+ dignity and autonomy are once again up for debate. Reversing Plyler could provide the doctrinal means to follow through on that invitationby collapsing the analytical framework that has protected so many from majoritarian overreach.

Ultimately, Plyler embodies a constitutional insight as urgent today as it was in 1982: that equality is not achieved through formal neutrality alone. It requires courts to engage with the real-world consequences of lawsand to reject those that operate as tools of unjustified exclusion. If we abandon that insight now, we risk unraveling not just one case, but a generation of hard-won protections built on its logic.

The question before us isnt whether the court is willing to revisit precedent. We already know the answer. The question is whether we will recognize Plyler for what it is: a keystone. And if we let it fall, we may find far more collapsing in its wake.
The Oneonta roundabout project finally has a public timeline of construction.

State Department of Transportation officials announced this week that construction on the new roundabout at James F. Lettis Highway/state Route 23 and Main Street/state Route 7 is scheduled to begin May 27 and conclude at the end of November, with potential delays for weather or resource availability.

The project will convert the intersection of Lettis Highway and Main Street into a single-lane roundabout. New sidewalks, lighting and signage, including flashing beacons, will be installed to enhance safety for pedestrians as well as new drainage systems and landscaping.

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Work on the project got underway this month with a tree removal and other site preparation activities.

Four NYSDOT representatives presented the information during the Common Council meeting Tuesday, April 15.

The majority of construction is expected to take place from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday to Friday, with occasional Saturday or night work, officials said.

Traffic on Main Street and Lettis Highway will be disrupted during construction due to road closures, with detours around the intersection for vehicles and a pedestrian taxi to shuttle people along Lettis Highway. NYSDOT will add signage on Interstate 88 informing drivers of the construction and directing them to use alternate routes.

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Detours are expected to end by mid-October, although flaggers may still be necessary for temporary traffic control.

Travel advisories will be sent to New York 511, from which Google Maps, Apple Maps and Waze upload information to their mapping systems to help people navigate the detours.

Phased construction

The work will be done in two construction phases. Phase 1 is expected to last three months. The intersection will be closed to all through traffic other than vehicles traveling eastbound on Main Street to Lettis Highway southbound and vehicles traveling northbound on Lettis Highway to Main Street northeast bound. Access to the post office and its parking lot at 352 Main St. will be maintained throughout construction. Miller Park and Curtis Park will be closed during this phase.

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Phase 2 is expected to last one to two months. Access to Lettis Highway southbound will be closed and all traffic approaching the intersection from the west will be detoured around the intersection. Vehicles traveling northbound on Lettis Highway will not be able to turn right onto Main Street. Curtis Park will reopen during Phase 2, but Miller Park will remain closed.

Throughout the project, there will be sidewalk closures and detours around the intersection during all phases of work. All detours will be posted through signs and modified accordingly as they progress construction on the sidewalks.

A free, 24-hour taxi service for pedestrians will be available at four stops when there is no accessible detour option. Upon request, an ADA accessible taxi will be available. The taxi provider will be selected by the contractor.

Why a roundabout?

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Andrew Stiles, regional director for NYSDOT Region 9, said Wednesday that the traffic signal at intersection is nearing the end of its service life. Anytime there is a decision whether to replace a traffic signal, officials consider whether a roundabout is a good option.

Looking more closely, we felt the roundabout is better alternative, Stiles said. Even if DOT had decided against building a roundabout, we would be doing a project to replace and upgrade the service signal.

The roundabout will operate better in this area, he said, so traffic can flow more smoothly at lower traffic speed and make the intersection safer.

Many downtown business owners have expressed concerns about the impact on business during construction, worrying that people would find having to navigate detours a reason to avoid downtown completely.

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There will always be some inconvenience, Stiles said. Theres no way to avoid it entirely, but we always strive to mitigate it.

That involves ongoing communication about construction updates through travel advisories, ensuring local business owners, city officials, the colleges and emergency services are kept informed.

Gov. Kathy Hochuls said in a statement Thursday that Oneonta, is a true gem of the I-88 corridor, with a robust, walkable downtown, thriving businesses and thousands of college students making this Mohawk Valley community their temporary home every year. We want to make sure that everyone in Oneonta reaches their destinations as safely as possible, and thats just what this new roundabout and other community enhancements will provide.

State Department of Transportation Commissioner Marie Therese Dominguez said in a statement that investing in transportation infrastructure creates safer systems that reduce conflicts and minimize the likelihood of fatal crashes, with the goal getting to zero fatalities, because even one death on our highway system is too many.

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This new roundabout will benefit the entire Oneonta community, Dominguez said, creating more efficient vehicle flow and enhancing safety for the many residents, visitors and students who travel to and from this beautiful city and its many attractions each day.

More information and updates on the project can be found online at https://www.dot.ny.gov/oneontaroundabout/outreach.

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A board meeting of the Hope Florida Foundation, connected to a key initiative of Gov. Ron DeSantis and First Lady Casey DeSantis, was interrupted April 17 after online trolls hijacked the open Zoom call with pornographic images, Nazi symbols and racist slurs.

The administrators of the call did not know how to prevent audience members from sharing their screens, and the meeting paused several times, with "technical difficulties  please stand by," as seen on The Florida Channel.

At one point, a board officer spelled out one of the racist epithets while speaking to others who were trying to fix the Zoom settings.

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The meeting officially ended at 10:41 a.m., according to The Florida Channel's live stream schedule. An attempt to access it through a direct Zoom link was unsuccessful, with a message popping up, "Host has another meeting in progress."

Hope Florida posted the following statement after the meeting: "We apologize for the earlier disruption to the public meeting. The Department of Children and Families is actively working to address the incident. Please monitor this website for information on when the meeting, which is currently in recess, will reconvene and for an updated link."

Although it appears to be unrelated, the Hope Florida meeting takeover came the day after a nationwide Zoom outage, when thousands of online meetings were canceled, including the Florida A&M University Board of Trustees meeting.

What is Hope Florida?

Hope Florida, the DeSantises' signature program intended as a conservative alternative to traditional welfare programs, has been under fire after a 'follow the money' probe of a $10 million payment made to the foundation.

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The payment was made in October by Centene, a Medicaid managed care insurer, as part of a settlement with the Agency for Health Care Administration.

The entire settlement was for $67 million, but $10 million was sent as a donation to the Hope Florida Foundation, which raises money for DeSantis' Hope Florida initiative, conceived as a conservative alternative to welfare by redirecting people to help from private charities and other nonprofits.

The foundation then sent that money in two $5 million grants to two nonprofits. Those groups then donated more than $8 million to Keep Florida Clean, a political committee chaired by James Uthmeier, who was DeSantis chief of staff at the time. DeSantis appointed him Florida's attorney general in February.

DeSantis and state officials have defended the settlement payment, asserting the money wasnt technically state funds because it went directly to the foundation.

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On April 16, news surfaced that the executive director of Hope Florida was stepping down. The News Service of Florida reported that Erik Dellenback, who also serves as Gov. DeSantis liaison for faith and community, was leaving to pursue a post as CEO of Florida Family Voice, a Christian nonprofit.

The meeting Thursday was an attempt by the foundation to be transparent amid the controversy.

A meeting summary said, "The board of directors will discuss the state of the organization, its corporate governance, its finances, public records and public meeting laws, all to ensure that the organization is furthering its mission and the Department of Children and Families priorities."

This is a developing news story. Check back later for more.

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Previously published material was used in this story. Ana Goni-Lessan, state watchdog reporter for the USA TODAY Network  Florida, can be reached at agonilessan@gannett.com.

This article originally appeared on Tallahassee Democrat: Porn, Nazi symbols, more overtake online DeSantis Hope Florida meeting
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Shortly after taking office, President Donald Trump began issuing a series of executive orders targeting law firms, penalizing firms that employor previously employedattorneys who have challenged him in court. The orders are plainly retaliatory and amount to state-imposed punishment for speech on matters of public concernviolating the First Amendments protections for free speech and free association. And theyre having their intended effect: People and businesses with possible legal claims against the administration are increasingly unable to find representation, as are pro bono clients the president disfavors. Although several firms have resisted the orders and multiple lawsuits are ongoing, other firms continue to concede.

A new approach is needed. We are both former attorneys of the law firm Skadden, Arps. One of us recently resigned her position specifically over Skaddens capitulation to a threatened executive order; the other of us is now a law professor. Our recent experiences show that law students and junior lawyers have the power to counteract and end the crisisbut only if they act collectively.

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One might expect the most powerful law firms in the world to be both well-equipped and deeply motivated to resist such attacks on their independence. And indeed, some firms have mounted legal challenges, prevailing at the initial stages. But others, including Paul, Weiss; Skadden; and Kirkland & Ellis have quickly acquiesced, cutting widely reported-on settlements with the administrationnot necessarily because the law required it, but because resistance apparently seemed too costly.

Commentators across the political spectrum have criticized the deal-cutters, some calling them cowards or craven. Former federal appellate judge J. Michael Luttig, a noted conservative appointed by President George W. Bush, lambasted Paul, Weiss for choosing to cower before the powerful and sell out its firm and the nations legal profession to the President.

Such critiques on principle are well-intentioned, and possibly justified. But if firms see their primary duty as serving their clients and preserving their businessrather than safeguarding legal institutions and constitutional normsshaming wont ultimately change behavior. Thus far, it seems that most firms take the former view. Moral appeals, without more, therefore wont change their incentives. What were witnessing is a textbook coordination failurea form of what political economists call a prisoners dilemma. Firms that push back against the administration risk losing clients, lawyers, and revenue to those that dont. As Paul, Weiss chair Brad Karp put it, the executive order represented an unprecedented threat that could have destroyed [the] firm had it refused to comply. At first blush, its difficult to see how the administrations unlawful threats could cripple a firm with $7.5 million in profit per equity partner. But in light of reports that peer firms Kirkland & Ellis and Sullivan & Cromwell promptly began pursuing Paul, Weiss clients and rainmaker partners, its concerns may seem more understandable.

The threat of an executive order is powerfulbut it works only because firms act alone and even in conflict. A failure of collective action makes things worse for everyone. Consider that weeks after trying to poach Paul, Weiss clients, Kirkland & Ellis in turn found itself in the presidents crosshairs. If no firm had conceded, and all had refused to poach Paul, Weiss departing lawyers or clients under these conditions, much of the harm might have been avoided. Firms choosing to fight the administration have quickly secured court orders halting enforcement of their executive orders; Paul, Weiss could have done the same. But by defecting individually, Paul, Weiss and others showed the administration that its tactics were working and that more bullying would be fruitful, painting a bigger target on other firms, and soon producing further demands on the settling firms themselves.. And it ensured a collective outcome thats leaving nearly all worse off than if all had acted together.

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There are possible solutions, but they require not just rhetoric, but changing the material consequences of capitulation through collective action. One option would be for firms to legally commitvia binding contract or pledge, with heavy penalties for defectionto resist the executive orders together, to challenge them in court collectively (as with a recent amicus brief joined by 500 firms), and to decline to accept other firms departing clients. Such a pact would blunt the effectiveness of coercive pressure by depriving the administration of any leverage over individual firms. But that kind of coordination carries potential legal risks, including antitrust concerns, and it could falter if even a few firms decline to participate.

The more promising strategy may lie with the next generation of lawyers. Law students and junior attorneys can exert real pressure by refusing to work for firms that give indeclining interviews, turning down offers, and encouraging law-school career offices to do the same. Such a move would not be unprecedented; in the 1990s, the Judge Advocate General Corps prohibition on openly gay service members led many law schools to formally ban it from campus recruiting. Indeed, law students at Georgetown, Columbia, and elsewhere have already mobilized in recent weeks to refuse contact with certain capitulating firms.

To be sure, such choices carry some short-term costs, and it may seem unfair to ask people just starting their careers to bear this burden. Indeed, in a just world, the most powerful actors would bear the most responsibility for setting things right. Yet throughout history, young people have often been the firstand the most willingto risk their own privileged status in the name of principle. And importantly, none of the actions above require anyone to quit a current job; they simply require top law students to leave certain firms off of their interview dance card, opting for the many comparable firms that havent capitulated. And there are even ways that students not interested in big law firms can take action.

If enough do so, these small, individual decisions can be collectively game-changing. Indeed, were already seeing many top applicants deliberately prioritizing firms that have stood up to the president over those that have submitted, and additional resignations by existing associates. As these trends grow and firms incur reputational and recruitment losses, the resulting drop-off in top new legal talent and prestige may push firms to reevaluate the long-term costs of short-term concessions. Yet, ironically, the boycott would serve, not harm, firms long-term interests. In fact, if conscientious junior lawyers successfully help nudge the legal profession toward collective resistanceinstead of fragmented retreatwe all benefit: the firms themselves, clients who need representation, and a constitutional system that depends on an independent bar.

Some have argued that firms that would so quickly shrink from the professions core principles are less likely to provide environments conducive to the honorable and ethical practice of law. Perhaps so. Regardless, the measures above can be taken even by those who disagreewho view the firms largely as victims caught in a difficult position. By threatening their independence and viability, it is the president who has unjustly put his thumb on the scale. Junior members of the profession are surely justified in rebalancing it on behalf of the rule of law.
A team of astronomers announced this week that they've detected a possible sign of life on an exoplanet 124 light years away using the James Webb Space Telescope. Even more enticingly, the exoplanet, dubbed K2-12b, was already suspected to be an ocean world.

The biosignature is a molecule called dimethyl sulfide. On Earth, it's exclusively produced by phytoplanktons and other microbes. Thus, the authors of the new study, published in The Astrophysical Journal Letters, maintain that the best explanation for the detection is that K2-12b is brimming with life.

But the situation may not be so clear cut. While dimethyl sulfide is an organic material on our planet, there's a body of evidence suggesting that nonbiological processes elsewhere in the cosmos could produce the compound, notes science writer Corey S. Powell in a Bluesky thread.

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A study published this February reported a possible detection of dimethyl sulfide in the interstellar medium, the clouds of gas and dust found in the space between stars. Another paper published last year showed that the molecule could be produced from interactions with UV light in a lab analog of an exoplanet atmosphere. Astronomers have also found the putative biosignature on a completely barren comet.

Needless to say, all this strongly call into question if the mere presence of dimethyl sulfide's is anything approaching a definite indicator of extraterrestrial life.

The researchers behind the latest paper, for their part, seem to want to have it both ways: a splashy announcement with quotable moments about its immense significance, but sprinkled with notes of caution that cover their butts if the findings turn out to show something else.

"It is in no one's interest to claim prematurely that we have detected life," Nikku Madhusudhan, an astronomer at the University of Cambridge and lead author of the recent discovery, said at a Tuesday news conference, as quoted by the NYT.

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Nonetheless, he called it a "revolutionary moment."

"It's the first time humanity has seen potential biosignatures on a habitable planet," Madhusudhan added.

Notably, NASA, which released a press release for Madhusudhan's previous work that found methane and carbon in K2-12b's atmosphere, didn't comment on this latest study.

K2-12b appears to be larger than Earth, with five times the mass, but is smaller than Neptune. It orbits in its star's "Goldilock's zone," where temperatures are just right to have liquid water on its surface. Madhusudhan's work indicates that the exoplanet's atmosphere is swamped with levels of dimethyl sulfide thousands of times higher than on Earth.

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Even if dimethyl sulfide is a reliable biosignature, some astronomers are skeptical that it's been detected here.

The detection seems "tentative," Edward Schwieterman, an astrobiologist at the University of California, Riverside who wasn't involved in the research, told NPR. "It is not a sure thing."

Schwieterman suspected that the signal might go away when other teams take a look.

"I think this is one of those situations where extraordinary claims require extraordinary evidence," Laura Kreidberg, an astronomer at the Max Planck Institute for Astronomy in Germany who was not involved in the research, told NPR. "I'm not sure we're at the extraordinary evidence level yet."

More on exoplanets: James Webb Space Telescope Captures Images of Individual Planets in Distant Star System
Apr. 17The Odessa Police Department extends condolences to the Wood County Sheriff's Office and family of Fallen Deputy Melissa Pollard. She was involved in a fatal crash while on duty on April 9, 2025.

Deputy Pollard's law enforcement career spanned 22 years with Wood County, Fannin County, and Collin County. She was considered an asset to the department, always had a smile on her face, and truly believed that it is better to give than to receive! The OPD Honor Guard had the privilege of attending her Memorial Service Wednesday in Tyler, Texas.
NAIROBI, April 17 (Xinhua) -- A high-level forum aimed at promoting China-Africa cooperation in water resources management was held in the Kenyan capital of Nairobi on Thursday, with a focus on sharing China's expertise to support sustainable water supply across the continent.

The day-long Gansu Collaboration Workshop brought together Chinese and African experts, researchers, and government officials to exchange best practices, foster dialogue, and explore practical solutions for water-scarce regions in Africa.

Representatives from the Gansu Academy for Water Conservancy shared case studies of successful rainwater harvesting and small-scale irrigation systems implemented in China.

Solomon Leiro Letangule, chief executive officer of the state-owned Kenya Water Institute, noted that out of the 354 billion cubic meters of rainwater received annually in Kenya, only 55.4 million cubic meters of water are harvested, highlighting the underutilization of resources.

"Kenya is keen to pursue partnerships with China, because Kenya requires a pool of competent professionals to provide technical, advisory, and training services to boost its water conservation efforts," Letangule said.

Ma Chengxiang, secretary-general of the Rainwater Harvesting Committee of the China Hydraulics Engineering Society, said China is ready to share its decades-long experience in water conservation and innovation, especially in arid and semi-arid regions.

He noted that the forum provided an avenue to promote knowledge and enhance South-South cooperation to ensure water security and sustainable development in Africa. 
KIGALI, April 17 (Xinhua) -- The remains of at least 29 victims of the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi retrieved from mass graves in southern Rwanda's Nyaruguru district were given a decent reburial on Thursday.

The burial took place in the Munini sector during a commemorative event marking the 31st anniversary of the genocide.

During the event, Senator Pelagie Uwera extended sympathies to genocide survivors and cautioned residents against genocide ideology.

She urged genocide perpetrators to volunteer information on where bodies of genocide victims not yet recovered were dumped so that they can be given a befitting burial and spur reconciliation.

Nyaruguru District Mayor Emmanuel Murwanashyaka castigated local government leaders of the former government who led the massacres of Tutsi populations in the area and hindered those who wanted to flee to Burundi for safety.

Thirty-one years after the genocide against the Tutsi, some survivors are yet to discover where the remains of their loved ones were discarded across the country, according to IBUKA, the umbrella body of genocide survivors' organizations in Rwanda.

About one million people, mostly of the Tutsi community and moderate Hutus, were killed by Hutu extremists in 100 days during the genocide in 1994. 
The Trump administration is considering deporting a new class of people, and their identity might surprise you: American citizens.

In a White House appearance with Salvadoran President Nayib Bukele on Monday, President Trump mused about sending Americans to El Salvadors prisons.

If its a homegrown criminal, I have no problem, no, Trump said. Im talking about violent people. Im talking about really bad people. The president encouraged Bukele to build more prisons for the people he described as homegrowns.

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These would be heinous, violent criminals who have broken our nations laws repeatedly, White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt explained at a recent press briefing, saying that the administration was not sure if it was legal.

The president said he loves the idea of sending U.S. citizens to El Salvador. I would only do according to the law, Trump said. But I have suggested that, you know, Why should it stop just at people who cross the border illegally? We have some horrible criminals, American-grown and born.

To be clear, there is no legal pathway for any president to deport native-born U.S. citizens. Sending Americans to El Salvador would be illegal under existing U.S. and international law. Such a move would not only be unconstitutional, it could amount to an improper overreach by the executive branch into the judicial system.

When the president said last week that he would love to send imprisoned Americans to El Salvador, he added, I dont know what the law says on that, but I cant imagine the law would say anything different.

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In fact, U.S. law does say something different.

One statute says that any person in the custody of the Bureau of Prisons must be able to be transported to court. This would probably not be possible if a person were in El Salvador, where the government is currently maintaining that it cannot bring back a migrant wrongfully deported there.

Another law states that incarcerated people can only be transferred out of the U.S. to the country where they are a citizen, which would rule out Americans being sent to El Salvador. The U.S. is also a signatory to the Convention Against Torture, which forbids sending people to a country where they could be at risk for torture.

Then theres the matter of the Constitution. Sending Americans to El Salvador would likely run afoul of the Eighth Amendments prohibition of cruel and unusual punishments.

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Consider that El Salvadors mega-prison, where the administration has already sent some migrants, is notorious for its inhumane conditions. Prisoners are not permitted any visits, recreation, or education. They are never allowed outdoors, with up to 80 people jammed in a single cell.

Between 2022 and 2024, there were at least 261 documented prisoner deaths, according to one human rights group. In a 2023 report, the U.S. government itself described the harsh and life-threatening conditions in El Salvadors prisons.

No American citizen deserves to be placed in such a brutal environment. And imagine the hardship this would impose on the families of incarcerated Americans, were their loved ones to be banished to a foreign country.

Most importantly, sending citizens to a distant locale for imprisonment goes against our fundamental values of justice and due process. In our democracy, all people, including convicted criminals, are guaranteed basic civil and human rights.

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True, the government can denaturalize foreign-born citizens under certain circumstances. If a person commits fraud on their green card application or is found to be a member of a terrorist organization, the government can strip their citizenship away, putting them at risk of deportation.

But the administration is entertaining the idea of exiling native-born citizens. This is a wholly different scenario, one for which the president cannot devise any emergency exception or special authority.

Nor is such exile a potential punishment to be taken lightly. Yet the president has suggested on social media that people should be sent to El Salvadors prisons for vandalizing Teslas.

Three Supreme Court justices actually just addressed the idea of deporting citizens, in a note to an opinion about Kilmar Abrego Garcia, the migrant deported in error to El Salvador.

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Justice Sonia Sotomayor wrote that the administrations position implies that it could deport and incarcerate any person, including U.S. citizens, without legal consequence, so long as it does so before a court can intervene. That view refutes itself.

These justices were cautioning the administration against attempting to deport people, including citizens, without permission from the high court. If the president were to unilaterally intervene with our criminal justice system, it would be a violation of our separation of powers.

It is wrong for the Trump administration to even consider outsourcing our prison population to another country. Sending Americans to El Salvador would be a violation of the law and human rights  and a radical, indefensible act.

Raul A. Reyes is an attorney and commentator.

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President Trumps Liberation Day tariffs sent shockwaves through international markets. His across-the-board duty hikes will harm American households and businesses  if they go into effect. And even with the subsequent 90-day pause, the uncertainty makes markets skittish.

Tariffs are taxes, and taxes impede specialization and trade. The U.S. will be poorer as a result of them. Perhaps other nations will negotiate, but they may instead decide to retaliate. That would make the resulting economic pain worse.

Americans sent Trump back to the White House to lower prices and grow the economy. Widespread protectionism will do the opposite. For an administration that touts its working-class bona fides, officials seem totally unaware of how burdensome tariffs will be for low- and middle-income workers. The smaller your budget, the more higher prices hurt.

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That said, we shouldnt go overboard. Forecasters and policy analysts are saying that the sky is falling. But if we overestimate the costs of trade restrictions today, we make it harder to sell the public on free trade tomorrow. Theres a reason politicians try to set a low bar for themselves before a debate or similar contest  all they have to do to win is clear it. If free traders predict calamity and instead we get mere stagnation, we become less credible.

Needless exaggerations already abound. For example, comparisons to the infamous Smoot-Hawley Tariffs and the Great Depression are everywhere. Those duties, enacted in 1930, are widely believed to have been one of the Depressions major causes. This is one of those things that everyone knows that just aint so.

The Smoot-Hawley duty hikes were significant, about 20 percent (from 40 to 60 percent) on affected goods. The average increase across all imports was 6 percent (from 14 to 20 percent). However, they applied to a very small share of the economy: Imports were only 4 percent of U.S. GDP in 1930.

GDP fell by 30 percent from 1929 to 1933, and unemployment rose from 3 percent to a staggering 25 percent. Can we really explain this with a price increase on goods accounting for only 4 percent of the U.S. economy? Of course not.

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Smoot-Hawley was bad policy because restricting the international division of labor makes us and our trading partners poorer. Doubtless, the tariffs made a bad situation worse, but they were not a leading contributor to the Great Depression.

We need a similar reality check on magnitudes today. It is true that trade is more important for the American economy now than it was a century ago. Imports are 15 percent of GDP. And while we dont yet know what the final tariff schedule will be, a quick estimate suggests that Trumps new tariffs will increase duties by 25 to 30 percent among our major trading partners. (The exception, of course, is China, where the declared tariff exceeds 100 percent.) This is certainly worse than Smoot-Hawley, but its still not enough to cause another depression.

Building on estimates from various sources  such as the Congressional Budget Office, the Federal Reserve and the Peterson Institute  Trumps taxes on trade will probably lower GDP and raise unemployment by 1 or 2 percentage points. Expect the higher end of that range if our trading partners dont negotiate, or if China imposes escalating penalties. Even so, those numbers dont come close to the tragedy and suffering experienced by Americans in the 1930s.

Defenders of the free movement of goods and services across the globe are shooting themselves in the foot when they inflate the damage Trumps plans will cause. We dont need to exaggerate; the figures in themselves are bad enough to get the publics attention.

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Keep in mind that even a 1 percent decrease in GDP means the national economy will produce $300 billion less each year as long as the tariffs remain in effect. And a 1 percent increase in unemployment means 1.7 million more people will lose their jobs and struggle to make ends meet. Theres no good reason to put Americans through this hardship.

Yet it is also foolish to be cavalier with our predictions. Reckless overstatements catch peoples attention in the short run, but come back to bite us in the long run. All were doing is making it easier for the enemies of global commerce to cover their tracks. What the public needs now is sober warnings and level-headed analysis.

Trumps tariffs portend economic stagnation, not depression. That is reason enough to oppose them.

Alexander William Salter is an economics professor in the business school at Texas Tech University and a researcher at TTUs Free Market Institute. He holds fellowships with the Independent Institute in Oakland, Calif. and the American Institute for Economic Research in Great Barrington, Mass.

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For tariffs and undermining Americas alliances, Trump and right-wing medias pitch to their followers is nationalistic. With promises to reverse globalization and restore a mythologized past, they sell a vision of booming domestic manufacturing and repatriated jobs prompting a reflowering of masculinity, calling it America First. But thats just a marketing slogan. The impact of Trumps hostility to the world isnt deglobalization; its de-Americanization.

International integration will continue, with or without the U.S. The primary causes of globalization are technological (transportation, information) and geopolitical (the collapse of the Soviet Union, leaving no major power opposed), not globalist rather than nationalist choices by American presidents. Even if Trumps protectionist policies lead to more American companies building factories in the U.S.  already a big if, as he creates economic uncertainty and cuts them off from foreign customers  it wont stop other countries from seeking prosperity in free trade and security in alliances. Trump might not believe in mutually beneficial cooperation, but others recognize the advantages. The world will move on without us, spurred by Trumps hostility to deepen friendly relationships and give others a second look. Indeed, its already happening.

An illustrative example is Vietnam, with a developing economy thats similar in size to Norway and Denmark but growing faster. In the 21st century, Vietnam has been one of the most pro-American countries in the world, in part because of concern about China. Nevertheless, the Trump administration slapped Vietnam with a 46% tariff, falsely calling it reciprocal. When Vietnam offered to take its already low tariffs with the U.S. to 0%, White House trade adviser Peter Navarro dismissed it with that means nothing to us, accusing Vietnam of non-tariff cheating. This week, Vietnam signed cooperation agreements with China, including on production and supply chains.

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Trumps tariffs wont get Vietnam to trade less. It just wont trade as much with the U.S. Globalization isnt stopping  its locus is shifting, and in a way that harms U.S. interests.

The president and his defenders claim that a main goal of the trade war is to help the U.S. outcompete China, but pushing Asia-Pacific countries closer to China is a primary result of his time in office.As one of the first acts of his first term, Trump withdrew the U.S. from the Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP), a 12-country trade deal that took years to negotiate. It included America, Vietnam, Japan, Australia, Canada, Mexico, Chile and other Pacific Rim countries that together constitute about 40% of the global economy and notably excluded China. TPP not only facilitated trade; it functioned as a China containment strategy, tying Western Pacific countries to the big economies across the ocean, putting them in better position to resist the political demands thatd come with Chinas growing economic might.

Trump called TPP a horrible deal in the 2016 campaign and withdrew from it when he took office in 2017, promising better deals with each of the TPP countries via one-on-one negotiations. He got none.

A year after the U.S. left, the 11 other countries moved forward with a trade agreement called the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP). It accepts applications, and in 2024 it welcomed its first new member, the U.K. Current applicants include Taiwan, Costa Rica, Ecuador and ... China.China will likely meet the CPTPPs economic standards; the blocs decision will mostly rest on politics. It could take years, and the outcome is uncertain. But even if CPTPP rejects Chinas application, American trade hostility makes individual members likelier to seek the relative stability offered by China, despite the strings attached.

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Instead of containing Chinas rise, Trump cleared its path. The trade war will hurt Chinas economy, but as long as it doesnt collapse, the Chinese government will start making up for the losses by getting trade deals with other countries and the global influence that comes with it. All it has to do is be calm and predictable.

In addition to Vietnam and other Southeast Asian countries, China has been reaching out to Europe. Though they have concerns about closer cooperation with China, European trade officials met with Chinese counterparts this month in response to U.S. tariffs. Touting her economic discussions with India, Indonesia, South Africa and more, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen explained: The West as we knew it no longer exists. The world has become a globe also geopolitically, and today our networks of friendship span the globe, as you can see in the debate about tariffs.With the Trump administration denigrating NATO, trying to help Russia in Ukraine and casting doubt on U.S. commitments to allies security, European countries have become wary of relying on American defense contractors and are funding their own. Theyre drawing closer together, talking more about a joint-EU military force and pursuing relationships abroad. For example, Poland, one of NATOs largest spenders on defense (as a percentage of gross domestic product), announced nearly $50 billion worth of contracts with the South Korean company Hanwha Aerospace to build missiles and other equipment in Poland, as well as a joint venture to expand business further into Europe.

In addition to Europe, China reached out to Canada, but Prime Minister Mark Carney says China doesnt share Canadas values on trade. Nevertheless, Americas neighbor and longtime ally has responded to U.S. tariffs and not-really-joking talk of annexation by seeking to deepen trade and security partnerships with Europe and possibly play an international leadership role. In a remarkable statement, Carney announced that Canadas old relationship with the U.S., based on deepening integration of our economies and tight security and military cooperation, is over. But rather than turn inward, Carney advocated seeking cooperation elsewhere, adding: If the United States no longer wants to lead, Canada will. He liked that line enough to make it a campaign ad.

Trust between countries is valuable. It takes a while to earn and little to destroy, and it is hard to win back. Trump has undermined trust in the U.S., not only as an ally or trading partner, but also as the worlds premier economic power.

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This can be seen in the recent increases in U.S. government borrowing costs, as U.S. Treasury bond yields rose while stock markets declined in response to Trumps tariffs. Usually, that goes the opposite way, as declining stocks and global economic turmoil prompt a flight to safety, with investors flooding into U.S. bonds. But they dont think American government debt is the safest asset anymore. Based on 10-year bond yields, borrowing is currently cheaper for Canada, Germany, France, Japan, South Korea, China, Italy and Greece.Instead of a rush into dollar-denominated assets, it looks more like capital flight from the U.S.

The American century is over, and the world is heading for a period of uncertainty without a rules-based order, more like pre-World War I than post-World War II. But if the eventual result is Chinas rising to become the worlds predominant power, historians will note that it didnt take global leadership, America threw it away.

This article was originally published on MSNBC.com
President Donald Trump has a lot of problems in the bathroom, and he isnt shy about sharing them. Faucets? You want to wash your hands. You turn on the water and it goes drip, drip. The soap, you cant get it off your hand. Toilets? People are flushing toilets 10 times, 15 times, as opposed to once. Showers? I have to stand under the shower for 15 minutes till [my hair] gets wet. It comes out drip, drip, drip. Its ridiculous. Trump may be the most powerful man in the world, but his every visit to the loo is apparently an exercise in disappointment and frustration.

So in between attacking Americas universities and sending people to be tortured in a Salvadoran prison, Trump has addressed this urgent bathroom crisis with bold action. He signed an executive order last week to end the Obama-Biden war on water pressure and make Americas showers great again, with this inspiring promise: No longer will showerheads be weak and worthless.In this Passover season, Americans can rejoice, because, like the Jews arriving in the Promised Land after wandering the Sinai for 40 years, we will at last be delivered from our exile in the parched low-flow desert.

Trump is right about one thing: There were laws and regulations passed under previous administrations concerning the amount of water used by showers and toilets. Where he goes wrong is his believing this has made things worse. To the contrary, these kinds of regulations have spurred private-sector innovation and left consumers, and the country, much better off.

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Consider the toilet. Back in 1992, President George H.W. Bush signed a law that, in addition to mandating that most faucets flow at less than 2.2 gallons per minute, mandated that toilets use just 1.6 gallons of water per flush. That was a reduction from the 3.5 gallons that most toilets used then. For a time, manufacturers simply reduced the amount of water in toilets but didnt alter their basic design, which did indeed make them work poorly. This period three decades ago appears to be where the presidents memory is stuck.Faced with dissatisfaction from consumers, the manufacturers updated their designs, and todays toilets not only use less water (some less than 1 gallon per flush), but they also work better than the old water-hungry ones did. If you replaced an old toilet in the last few years, you were probably amazed at how much more effectively even modestly priced modern toilets work, even as they use less water.

The result of the law was better toilets, happier consumers and significantly less water used  a win for everyone. Its exactly what government regulation of consumer products is supposed to accomplish.

Or think of another recent home product about which we had a political conflict: incandescent lights. Here, too, the transition away from the old design began with a president named Bush. In 2007, George W. Bush signed a law setting new standards for light bulb efficiency; by the time it took effect under President Barack Obama, Republicans were incandescent with rage over this supposed assault on our freedom. Rep. Michele Bachmann  the Marjorie Taylor Greene of her day  made preserving inefficient incandescents her personal crusade, claiming that Democrats and globalists were robbing us of our God-given light bulb liberty. Running for the 2012 GOP presidential nomination, she vowed that President Bachmann will allow you to buy any light bulb you want. And what happened? We transitioned fairly quickly from incandescents to compact fluorescents (one day youll tell your grandkids about those funny spiral bulbs) and then to the now-ubiquitous LEDs. Prices steadily dropped, and today there are more choices on the market than anyone could need; the LED bulbs section of the Home Depot website lists 2,459 products.

Here, too, Trump is living in the past: In his first term he complained that LED lighting doesnt make you look as good, and being a vain person thats very important to me. But in fact, this was another case study in successful regulation: The government set a rule, the market responded, and now were all better off. We use less electricity for lighting, which saves us all money and reduces climate emissions from generating power. Todays bulbs are affordable and perform well, and there are more to choose from than ever before.As for the showerheads that give Trump so much trouble, those, too, have come a long way; there are innumerable ones on the market that use less water but provide the strong pressure the president says he yearns for. I recently bought a $17 showerhead that could strip the paint off a car fender. The Environmental Protection Agency even has a labeling program called WaterSense that can help you find efficient, high-performing models.

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Its fine to be skeptical of government regulation of consumer products; there will be times when those regulations fail to achieve the goals that drove them or produce unintended consequences. But the story told by the rules for toilets, showers and light bulbs is one of successful cooperation between the government and industry that resulted in gains for both consumers and the planet. So if President Trump is still tormented by his bathroom, his exasperated cries echoing through the halls of Mar-a-Lago, perhaps he should have his staff update the fixtures. Hell be glad he did.

This article was originally published on MSNBC.com
Finally!

That was my first reaction to Harvards letter on Monday, which pledged to resist the Trump administrations attacks on its autonomy. You cant have a free university or a free society when the government is dictating what you can teach, think or write. Good on Harvard, for stating what most schools have been too scared to say.

Yet we should also read the letter as a challenge to our universities, which havent always lived by their ideals of free expression and open inquiry. President Trumps proposed restrictions and penalties pose a dire threat to these values, as the Harvard letter makes clear. But we shouldnt pretend that we have made good on them ourselves.

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Consider the question of viewpoint diversity, which the Trump administration highlighted in its own letter to Harvard earlier this month. The university was instructed to abolish ideological litmus tests and to hire a critical mass of new faculty in departments where everyone thought the same way.

I heartily endorse that goal, even if I detest Trumps mechanism for achieving it. Surveys have repeatedly confirmed that faculty at elite schools like Harvard lean heavily and almost uniformly left in their politics. Thats a big problem if you think that education should expose us to a wide range of perspectives. And it also helps explain the rising public disdain for universities, especially  but not only  among conservatives.

But I dont want Trump or any other government official deciding which departments or schools are so ideologically lopsided that they will forsake their federal funding, as Trump has threatened. Thats a formula for corruption, not balance.

And thats why the universities have to step up, admit they have a problem, and commit to solving it. So I was pleased to see that Harvards letter pledged to broaden the intellectual and viewpoint diversity within our community, as Harvard president Alan M. Garber wrote.

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Message to the world: Harvard isnt as intellectually diverse as it should be. Nor has it done enough to nurture a thriving culture of open inquiry or to develop the tools, skills, and practices needed to engage constructively with one another, as Garber also admitted.

Changing all of that will require our universities to improve their classroom teaching, which is something Garbers letter didnt mention. If you dont prioritize instruction  or if you dont prepare faculty well for it  theyre unlikely to help students learn how to speak across their differences. Its a lot easier just to speak at them, which is what so many of us continue to do.

But were afraid to admit it. In her fateful testimony to Congress in December 2023, Garbers predecessor Claudine Gay claimed that Harvard devotes significant resources to training our faculty in . . . pedagogical skill and prioritizing that in our recruiting and hiring.

That would be great, if it were true, but its almost certainly false. Elite schools like Harvard hire faculty for their research, not for their teaching. But when we survey Americans about what makes a good university, the most popular answer is excellent teachers. If we want to win back the publics trust, enhancing our teaching would be a great place to start.

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Most of all, we need to answer the question that should be on everyones mind right now: why have college at all? At a moment when Trump and his lieutenants have deemed universities the enemy, it has never been more important for us to define our central goals.

So I was also glad to read Mondays letter by Claire Shipman, the embattled acting president of Columbia University, who called for a continued public conversation about the value and principles of higher education.

I am especially concerned that many Americans have lost faith and trust in higher education, Shipman added. We should continue the hard work of understanding why.

Emboldened by the Harvard letter, perhaps, Shipman pledged to resist heavy-handed orchestration by the federal government into what we teach, research, or who we hire. That was music to the ears of many Columbia alumni  including myself  who have denounced our alma mater for its craven concessions to the Trump administration.

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I hope other universities come aboard, too, and join hands against Trump. That might require them to sustain huge cuts to their budgets. But who better to do that than Harvard, the richest university in the world? As President John F. Kennedy (Harvard class of 1940) said in 1963, quoting Jesus Christ during a graduation ceremony at Vanderbilt, of those to whom much is given, much is required.

After Harvard released its letter, White House officials announced that they would freeze more than $2 billion in federal grants to the university. And the next morning, Trump followed up with an additional new threat: if Harvard doesnt come to heel, it might lose its tax-exempt status.

Perhaps Harvardshould be Taxed as a Political Entity if it keeps pushing political ideological, and terrorist inspired/supported Sickness?' Trump wrote on Truth Social. Remember, Tax Exempt status is totally contingent on acting in the PUBLIC INTEREST!

Hes right about that last public interest part. And the only way for us to fend off his attacks  and to earn back popular favor  is to demonstrate how we serve the public. Im glad we are finally standing up to Donald Trump. But we wont win this battle unless we admit where we have fallen short.

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Jonathan Zimmerman teaches education and history at the University of Pennsylvania. He serves on the advisory board of the Albert Lepage Center for History in the Public Interest.

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The scene last week at Panama Citys elegant Hilton Hotel spoke volumes about the precarious balance of power in the Western Hemisphere. As Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth confidently announced that American warships would enjoy first and free access through the Panama Canal, Panamanian officials visibly stiffened.

Within hours, they had carefully recast the same agreement as having a compensation for services model. Two nations, one document and diametrically opposed interpretations revealed the high-stakes diplomatic dance unfolding over one of the worlds most strategic waterways.

The latest chapter in U.S.-Panama relations is increasingly defined by contradiction. At its heart lies a fundamental tension: a superpowers strategic ambitions colliding with a smaller nations hard-won sovereignty over its most prized asset.

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President Trump has never concealed his views on the Panama Canal, repeatedly suggesting the U.S. had foolishly given the Panama Canal to Panama and perhaps should take it back. This simmering tension boiled over when Trump, flanked by Hegseth and Secretary of State Marco Rubio at the White House, declared that America has deployed a lot of troops to Panama with plans to increase this military footprint. During this remarkable meeting, Hegseth spoke plainly about his work to secure the canal from Chinese influence, telling Trump directly, Were taking back the canal.

Such assertions blatantly contradict the 1977 Neutrality Treaty, which establishes with crystalline clarity: After the termination of the Treaty of the Panama Canal, only the Republic of Panama will manage the Canal and maintain military forces, defense sites and military installations within its national territory. The legal framework permits no ambiguity regarding military presence.

Panama Security Minister Frank Abrego reinforced this position, declaring, Panama has made it clear through President Mulino that we cannot accept military bases or defense sites and that at no time during this memorandum of understanding has Panama ceded sovereignty over the Panama Canal.

The contradictions extend to the joint communique itself. The Spanish version acknowledges Panamas inalienable sovereignty over the Panama Canal, but that language was absent from the English version. This omission prompted Panamas Foreign Ministry to formally request a correction.

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Hegseths parting comments to the media during his trip to Panama revealed the fundamental contradiction. In the same breath, Hegseth claimed, We certainly respect the sovereignty of the Panamanians and the Panama Canal. At the same time, were working with them to ensure that we take back the canal from malign Chinese influence. The cognitive dissonance  simultaneously respecting sovereignty while speaking of taking back the canal  epitomizes the mixed messaging throughout.

Such contradictions have become a defining feature of U.S.-Panama relations. In February, the State Department proclaimed on social media that the government of Panama has agreed to no longer charge fees to U.S. government vessels to transit the Panama Canal, claiming savings of millions of dollars annually. Panamas response was unequivocal: President Jose Raul Mulino called it an intolerable falsehood.

Basic facts are leading to diametrically opposed official statements. Are these contradictions diplomatic missteps, or a deliberate strategy to normalize controversial positions? When American officials state one version of reality while Panamanian officials assert another, international audiences inevitably tend to believe the more powerful nation.

President Mulino revealed the delicate calculus his administration faces, stating, My country cannot afford the image of a country in controversy with the United States. With diplomatic precision, he disclosed rejecting multiple versions of the memorandum that included permanent military presence, military bases or cession of territory. His careful words offered a glimpse into the asymmetric negotiation, balancing national dignity against geopolitical reality.

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The commercial backdrop adds another layer of complexity. Panamas Comptroller General Anel Flores announced plans to sue officials who authorized a 25-year port concession renewal to Panama Ports Company, which is 90 percent owned by Hong Kongs CK Hutchison. According to Flores, Panama left $1.3 billion on the table in tax incentives and benefits. Meanwhile, the U.S.-based investment firm BlackRock stands ready to acquire these strategic assets, effectively transferring control from Chinese to American interests.

This port controversy has become a proxy battle for a larger geopolitical contest. Hegseth claimed that China-based companies continue to control critical infrastructure in the canal area, while the Chinese Embassy responded by accusing the U.S. of blackmail and conducting a sensationalist campaign about the theoretical Chinese threat.

We are witnessing the gradual erosion of a sovereign nations hard-won independence through diplomatic finesse rather than military force. When Trump casually mentions sending a lot of troops to Panama while Hegseth speaks of taking back the canal, the subtext requires no decoding. The carefully constructed legal architecture of the Torrijos-Carter Treaties  documents that required generations of struggle and sacrifice  faces dismantling not through formal renegotiation but by the steady, inexorable pressure of asymmetrical power politics.

The implications transcend Central America. If treaties as significant as those governing the Panama Canal can be reinterpreted through unilateral action and linguistic sleight of hand, does any international agreement remain inviolable? What sovereign nation can place faith in the permanence of its diplomatic arrangements with global powers?

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As Panama navigates these treacherous waters  maintaining the diplomatic fiction of compensation for services rather than acknowledging the reality of American military resurgence in the Canal Zone  the international communitys silence is deafening. This collective muteness speaks volumes about the true nature of sovereignty in the shadow of great-power competition.

The question facing Panama is no longer whether it can preserve its full independence, but how much of it will remain when the geopolitical chess match ends.

Nivia Rossana Castrellon is a former deputy minister of foreign affairs of the Republic of Panama.

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PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN)  After a cyberattack led Oregons Department of Environmental Quality to close its networks and vehicle inspection stations for several days, the agency announced plans on Wednesday to reopen, but is warning customers of longer wait times.

DEQ announced the cyberattack on April 9, stating Enterprise Information Services is investigating the hack and had to shut down networks until the attack is totally contained and potentially eradicated. DEQ previously said no data breach has been detected.

With plans to reopen Friday, the agency says to ensure no infected files from the cyberattack remain, potentially impacted servers and all employee computers have to be rebuilt.

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Oregon Senate passes bill protecting Oregonians who alert others of their rights

According to DEQ, this means deleting all data, then reloading backed-up data before the attack. During the rebuild, DEQ noted most employees do not have laptops and are working from their state-issued phones, leading to longer response times for customers.

Security is our main priority as we bring DEQ back online, said Chief Information Officer Angel Gillette. Were putting additional measures in place to protect our staff, DEQ data and data of those we interact with and regulate.

Some of the measures include updating security software and hardware, among other cyber hygiene policies.

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Complaint requesting prosecution of St. Helens Mayor heads to Oregon DOJ

These servers housed DEQ documents, programs and systems the agency relies on to do our business, Gillette said.

As DEQ plans to have all servers operating by Friday, the agency noted that any emails sent to DEQ employees between April 9-11 did not go through and asked customers to re-send emails sent in that timeframe.

A spokesperson for DEQ told KOIN 6 News that the cyberattack remains under investigation.

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PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN)  Three months into President Donald Trumps second term, the Oregon Department of Justice says it has preserved more than $1.6 billion in federal funding for the state amid threats by the administration to cut funding.

In the last three months, Oregon has joined 13 multi-state lawsuits, and submitted numerous court filings, challenging the conditioning, reduction or elimination of federal funds for organizations in the state.

Through every wave of chaos and every legally dubious executive order, our office has stood firm to protect the rights of Oregonians, Oregon Attorney General Dan Rayfield said in a press release Wednesday. Our team at the Oregon Department of Justice is working overtime to make this happen. These victories in court have preserved more than a billion dollars in funding for critical services like food assistance, public safety, healthcare, education, and medical research.

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DONT MISS: Rayfield takes on Trump Administration: Constitution must be followed

According to the Oregon DOJ, the $1.6 billion in preserved funding for Oregon includes funds that were frozen, terminated, or threatened under the administration.

Officials note that the estimated $1.6 billion is likely underinclusive, and does not represent the full scope these funding threats have had on organizations in the state.

The figures include impacts that were reported by state agencies and other state entities submitting information and declarations for various lawsuits, the Oregon DOJ said. The nature of these lawsuits and the urgency that is required does not allow for the legal team to unearth and document every single possible effect, but to quickly apprise the courts of significant in-state impacts.

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Ticking time bomb: Oregon lawmakers consider funds for Cascadia-ready Columbia Boulevard bridge

These funding threats go back to the first few days of the Trump administration when a memo from the Office of Management and Budget directed a federal funding and grant freeze, leaving state agencies and community partners across the U.S. unable to access federal funding.

This impacted several organizations in Oregon, according to Oregon Governor Tina Kotek and Attorney General Rayfield, who held a joint press conference as the freeze was rolled out in January. Kotek and Rayfield said the funding freeze led organizations from the Oregon Health Authority to Head Start unable to access federal funding.

Within the first few days of the Trump administration, there was a funding freeze memo that jeopardized funding across the entire state, Rayfield recalled Wednesday. I walked into work and heard our child support division couldnt even access the portal they need weekly. For our folks on the frontlines in these divisions, it is extremely stress-inducing and chaotic.

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So far, the Oregon DOJ says it has spent an estimated $267,000 on federal litigation against the administration.

In some court rulings, Oregons federal funding was only protected because the state joined multi-state lawsuits, Rayfield said, noting states that did not join those suits did not have their funding protected.

This included a preliminary injunction Oregon received in its case to preserve research funding for medical institutions that provide care.

These federal funding threats under the Trump administration come amid Elon Musk and the Department of Government Efficiencys work to slash federal spending and the federal workforce.

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DAR ES SALAAM, April 17 (Xinhua) -- Somalia has officially launched its national monitoring committee on the elimination of non-tariff barriers, marking a major milestone in its integration into the East African Community (EAC) Customs Union and Common Market, the EAC said in a statement on Thursday.

The statement said the launch, jointly organized by the EAC Secretariat and the government of Somalia, took place during a workshop held from April 13 to 15 in Mogadishu, the capital of Somalia.

Annette Ssemuwemba, EAC deputy secretary general in charge of customs, trade and monetary affairs, commended Somalia for this significant step forward on the integration journey.

"The launch of the committee is more than a procedural step, and it is a symbol of institutional readiness and a shared commitment to unlocking regional trade opportunities," she said, adding that Somalia's entry into the EAC brings dynamic potential and opens a new trade frontier.

Ssemuwemba underscored the strategic role of national monitoring committees in driving the EAC's goal of increasing intra-regional trade to 40 percent by 2030.

Mohammed Isaac Ibrahim, director general for EAC affairs at Somalia's Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, emphasized the country's readiness to support EAC integration objectives.

"This launch reflects not only our institutional preparedness but also our political commitment to advancing regional trade and integration," said Ibrahim. 
The bare-knuckled tactics of Trump 2.0 have brought some once-mighty companies and institutions to their knees.

Many of the nations most prominent places of higher education such as Columbia University improbably have agreed in the face of federal funding threats to Trump administration demands on how they deal with dissent on their campuses and even what courses to offer in certain disciplines.

Industries, including automakers, have been subject to Trumpian threats if they raise prices even in the face of substantial increases in their costs due to the presidents obsession with tariffs. We have yet to see how those companies respond when they face the inevitable choice between substantial decline in profitability and Donald Trumps wrath.

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But perhaps no institution has come under more duress in the three months since Trump began his second term than the legal profession.

Some of the countrys biggest law firms  from Paul Weiss to Skadden Arps  have struck deals with the administration to provide hundreds of millions collectively in free legal work for causes Trump favors. They did so after Trump signed executive orders terminating federal contracts for their services and removing security clearances for their attorneys or threatened to do so. Kirkland & Ellis, the nations largest firm, headquartered in Chicago, is reportedly facing similar threats and is said to be negotiating with the administration.

These executive orders almost certainly are unconstitutional, but the firms that have capitulated clearly have made the decision that their businesses were too much at risk to fight. The fear is understandable. Some major corporate clients needing legal representation may not wait to see if the law firm to which its paying hourly rates in the high hundreds will manage to extricate itself from a Trump-ordered federal freeze-out. .

Thankfully, a few firms have chosen differently, led by Chicago-based Jenner & Block.

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Jenner has won a temporary restraining order against Trumps absurd March 25 executive order targeting the firm for having the temerity to hire a lawyer years ago who worked on special counsel Robert Muellers probe of Russias alleged interference in the 2016 election on behalf of Trump. That attorney, Andrew Weissmann, left Jenner in 2021.

Jenner now is seeking to have the executive order thrown out.

Its no accident Trump has targeted law firms so aggressively. In the first two years of Trumps first term, when Republicans controlled both houses of Congress, it was lawyers and judges who proved to be among the strongest roadblocks to the presidents policy goals.

Apart from Trumps clearly articulated desire for revenge against people and institutions he feels have wronged him, theres a more nefarious double-pronged strategy at work in this attack on Big Law. The first is that with every settlement, each of which features a pledge to perform free legal work on causes approved by the administration, the presidents team is amassing an army of the best, most well-compensated attorneys in America to fight its battles in court.

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At an event Tuesday in which Trump promised to revive the U.S. coal industry, the president said, Have you noticed that lots of law firms have been signing up with Trump?

Speaking to coal industry representatives, the president said, Were going to use some of those firms to work with you on your leasing and your other things.

Helping producers of some of the most polluting energy sources on Earth gain more access to federal lands and challenge environmental restrictions isnt what comes first to mind for most folks when they think of the rightful beneficiaries of pro bono legal services. But here we are.

Secondly, the assaults on the nations biggest law firms  and the quick surrenders by many of them  have a potentially chilling effect on all firms decisions of whether to help certain kinds of clients even if theyre willing and able to pay for these firms services. Trump has demonstrated that he will seek to punish firms for representing clients he doesnt like.

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The rule of law in the U.S.  with foundations based on centuries of progress in Britain forged through battles between subjects and monarchs over what constitutes a fair and just society  is the envy of the world for good reason. A critical underpinning of justice in America is the right to counsel  and the freedom of lawyers to zealously represent any client, no matter how unpopular, distasteful or out of favor with the powers that be.

Thats whats at stake in this unprecedented attempt by a U.S. president to gain control of this vital cog in our civic workings. Jenner & Block  along with Perkins Coie and WilmerHale, which also are combating Trumps pressure games  is on the right side in this fight and should be commended for its courage. The remainder of Jenners peers who havent already capitulated should follow the lead of these three.

Theres strength in numbers.

 The Chicago Tribune
Anti-Semitic and sexist slurs have appeared in an advert placed in an eastern German town's official gazette, prompting outrage from residents.

Local politicians in Sebnitz, in the state of Saxony, condemned the incident in a post on Facebook on Thursday, saying they reject "incitement to hatred, anti-Semitism and xenophobia."

The weekly town gazette contained an advert by a local roofing company offering an apprenticeship, but warned that not all applicants were welcome, using explicit discriminatory terms.

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In a separate Facebook post, the town administration said it was "exclusively responsible for the editorial section" of the paper and "does not know the advertising section until publication."

"Reading something like this is shameful and unacceptable," it added. "We are dismayed and are currently trying to clarify the situation."

The town authorities have issued a criminal complaint against the author of the advert and the publisher.

There were also criminal charges from the ranks of The Left party - against the company, the publisher and the city administration.

"This is incitement to hatred, the advert is clearly anti-Semitic and racist," said Susanne Schaper, head of the hard-left party's chapter in Saxony.
So far in 2025, there have been approximately 130 sewage overflows and spills reported across Connecticut, with the largest dumping 300,000 gallons into the Connecticut River, according to state Department of Energy and Environmental Protection data.

Among the sewage spills reported were 46 in the town of Norwich, with overflows seeping into the Thames and Shetucket Rivers that empty into the Long Island Sound, according to DEEPs hazardous spill reporting system.

Another 21 sewage overflows were reported in Hartford and New Haven, according to state data. Other cities like Norwalk and Waterbury also recorded sewage overflows and spills since Jan. 1. Many of those spills end up in waterways that lead to the Long Island Sound, according to officials.

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Last week, 300,000 gallons of untreated sewage discharged into the Connecticut River from East Windsor from a break in a sewage line, contributing to the largest sewage spill in the state this year.

In response, DEEP officials issued a release asking residents to steer clear of entering the Connecticut River from East Windsor downstream to Hartford. The break was quickly fixed after the town stopped the release by completing a successful bypass repair, officials said.

For this particular spill, we required the town to do sampling upstream and downstream of the release. The results we got back were less than the threshold for what we require to be safe for recreational use, said Ivonne Hall, assistant director of the municipal wastewater program at DEEP. So we are confident that the release has already been well mitigated.

Hall said the town conducted its sampling on Monday after the spill occurred and is working on a more permanent fix. While the spill may seem large, the volume of water and quick current of the river meant that the sewage quickly dissipated within days, she said.

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But state officials acknowledge that controlling sewage spills and overflows is an ongoing problem, as much of the states urban sewer infrastructure was built over a century ago, well before the Environmental Protection Agency was established in the 1970s. While sewer line breaks like the one in East Windsor are less common, sewage overflows happen much more frequently and are often not reported on.

In Norwich and other Connecticut cities, outdated sewer systems share underground rainwater pipes, meaning that several state rivers, and ultimately the Long Island Sound, become polluted after heavy rainstorms.

A combined sewer system collects rainwater runoff, domestic sewage and industrial wastewater into one pipe. Normally, it can transport all of the wastewater to a treatment plant. Sometimes the amount of runoff exceeds the capacity of the system. When that happens, untreated stormwater and wastewater flow into nearby waterbodies.

The idea at the time was that using one pipe would cut costs, and an overflow system was designed to ensure that sewage wouldnt back up into buildings when periods of heavy rainfall clogged pipes, Hall said. It was really a system designed back then to protect buildings with little thought to environmental impacts.

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Over the decades, as more awareness spread on environmental issues, municipalities began to phase out combined sewer systems. However several combined systems remain in densely populated areas including Hartford, New Haven, Norwich, Norwalk, Waterbury and Bridgeport, according to DEEP. Both Norwalk and Waterbury have isolated overflow systems at the treatment facilities, while the other four cities still have multiple overflow systems.

These are really legacy systems well over 100 years old, said Nisha Patel, director of the water planning and management division at DEEP. Were still dealing with the impact of these systems. When its not raining its usually fine, but since they were first developed, we have had problems with sewage overflows going back decades.

These events, called combined sewer overflows, are subject to the National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System permitting program. Municipalities that still have CSOs must submit long-term control plans to actively reduce and eliminate overflows. The states Clean Water Fund contributes millions each year to help remediate CSOs. However, long-term problems persist as completely eliminating overflows will take decades, according to officials.

There are far fewer CSOs remaining in Connecticut today as a result of construction projects that have been performed to control these overflows in most parts of the state. The Metropolitan District Commission has been working with the EPA and DEEP since the 1990s to reduce overflows. From 2006 to 2022, it achieved a 50% reduction in yearly overflows, 488 million gallons in total.

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Mitigation of the remaining CSOs is not a quick or easy process. Sewer separation projects are expensive and are complex to coordinate, especially in more densely populated urban areas, according to DEEP.

Say theres road construction in downtown Hartford, you may notice theres several pipes under the roads including drinking water pipes and all sorts of electric conduits and wiring, Hall said. So its very difficult to add an additional pipe in densely populated areas where there is heavy underground infrastructure and space constraints. In addition, you may have public rights of way abutting private property. It becomes very complex.

Environmental and health impacts

As both sewer line breaks and combined sewer overflows contribute to hundreds of thousands of gallons of untreated sewage leaking into the states waterways each year, there are ongoing health and environmental impacts, according to officials with the Connecticut River Conservancy.

The conservancy compiles water quality and testing information on the Connecticut River and makes those results available to the public.

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Untreated wastewater can contain pathogens, excess nutrients and chemicals, which can be dangerous to human health.

While the health impact may be more obvious, there is noticeable environmental harm to the ecosystems where untreated sewage is present, said Rhea Drozdenko, a river steward and activist with the Connecticut River Conservancy. The Long Island Sound has long had issues of nutrient pollution including nitrogen and phosphorus which are present in human waste and fertilizers. We have seen this nutrient pollution for many years, and untreated sewage is a contributor.

Drozdenkko said that these nutrients can create harmful algal blooms which can be toxic to aquatic life. Nutrient pollution can also lead to water hypoxia, which causes a reduction of oxygen in the water, potentially harming fish by making it harder for them to receive oxygen in their gills.

Weve seen problems with fish kills in the Sound because they cant breathe when theres too much nitrogen and phosphorus in the water, Drodenko said. While some of this can be attributed to fertilizers, there is little doubt that sewage spills and overflows are contributing to this problem.

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While the Connecticut River benefits from a large volume of fast-moving water and several connecting tributaries, the Sound doesnt have the same opportunity to dilute sewage impacts. Instead, Drozdenko said the Sound acts as a reservoir for much of the states pollution.

The CT river doesnt see as many of the impacts as the Sound sees, simply because of the large volume of water that helps flush out any sewage contaminants, Drozdenko said. The Sound is not the open Atlantic, it all kind of gets trapped there to some extent.

Stephen Underwood can be reached at sunderwood@courant.com
An exhibitor shows food products made from Malaysian durian at the 5th China International Consumer Products Expo (CICPE) in Haikou, south China's Hainan Province, April 15, 2025. (Xinhua/Yang Guanyu)

HAIKOU, April 17 (Xinhua) -- Mel Essentials, a Vietnamese fashion brand, captivated audiences with a unique runway show at the 5th China International Consumer Products Expo (CICPE) in south China, showcasing designs that blend minimalism, versatility and a shared Eastern aesthetic.

"Its styles adapt to work, life and ceremonial occasions -- this is where the cultural sensibilities of we Oriental countries converge," said Shang Liuqinshu, fashion show director at the CICPE that runs from April 13 to 18 in Haikou, capital of Hainan Province.

As close Asian neighbors, China, Cambodia, Malaysia and Vietnam have strengthened economic ties through regional initiatives like the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP). Simplified trade rules and reduced tariffs under the RCEP have facilitated deeper cross-border collaboration in goods, services and investments.

Cambodia's Rong De Group, a major agricultural trader, exemplified this momentum, as its president, Tong Vante, sealed a provisional deal with a Foshan-based buyer at the expo for 400,000 tonnes of raw cashew nuts.

"The CICPE is an indispensable platform for growth," said Tong, whose company has established branches in Haikou, Shenzhen and Nanning to tap China's market potential. He emphasized Cambodia's close links to China via the Belt and Road Initiative and modern trade bonds, calling China "a pivotal partner for Southeast Asian countries."

Malaysia's delegation to the expo further underscored regional optimism, as 18 Malaysian firms displayed products ranging from food and beverage, cosmetics and skincare, to jewelry.

"Malaysian companies seize every chance to engage in expos in China, especially the CICPE," said Fong Suk Wah, secretary-general of the Malaysia International Business Advancement Association.

Fong added that many Malaysian companies also eyed imports of competitively priced Chinese appliances, food, packaging and hardware.

NCH, a Malaysian durian exporter returning to the CICPE, highlighted strategic moves into Hainan as a free trade port. "China's consumer power is unmatched," said NCH CEO Ng Chin Heng, whose firm recently incorporated a trading entity in Sanya, a popular tropical destination in southern Hainan.

Amid global trade headwinds, Tong likened economic interdependence to "kinship," where no individual dispute can break the broader bonds that tie the family together. Data reinforces this synergy: bilateral China-ASEAN trade reached 982.3 billion U.S. dollars in 2024, more than doubling the figure from 2013, with the two sides remaining each other's largest trading partners for five consecutive years.

From fashion runways to boardroom deals, ASEAN businesses continue to bet on China's thriving markets, signaling confidence in a shared future of inclusive growth. 

Visitors select Malaysian products at the 5th China International Consumer Products Expo (CICPE) in Haikou, south China's Hainan Province, April 15, 2025. (Xinhua/Yang Guanyu)
SYDNEY, April 17 (Xinhua) -- Wildfires near urban areas are an escalating threat to drinking water safety, water quality experts from the University of Technology Sydney (UTS) warned on Thursday.

Researchers from the UTS Center for Technology in Water and Wastewater highlight how fires can contaminate drinking water distribution systems, posing serious public health risks.

Nearly half a billion people worldwide have experienced wildfires within one kilometer of their homes over the past 20 years, said the researchers, calling on areas affected by recent blazes, such as the 2025 Los Angeles fires, to urgently test and monitor water supplies for contamination.

"Water must meet safety standards before leaving a treatment plant, but contamination can occur during transport," said the research letter published in Science.

Wildfires can degrade plastic pipes or cause smoke to infiltrate depressurized systems, introducing harmful volatile organic compounds (VOCs) into drinking water, it said.

More than 50 VOCs, including carcinogens like benzene, have been detected in water networks following wildfires, said lead author Li Xuan, citing the example that 11 months after the 2017 Santa Rosa fire in northern California, benzene levels in local drinking water remained at 40,000 micrograms per liter, far above safe limits.

Even brief exposure to just 26 micrograms per liter can harm children, while long-term exposure increases the risk of leukemia, Li said, adding these contaminants often go undetected, particularly at the consumer end of the network, leaving communities unaware of the danger.

Co-author Prof. Wang Qilin warned that climate change and expanding urban development are heightening wildfire risks and, in turn, the threat to water safety, urging governments to identify wildfire-related contaminants, establishing safety limits, and enforcing robust monitoring protocols. 
This is really history in the making.

Thats how Larry Bryson, attorney for Pulaski County Schools, described the oath taken by Toby Young, the new Police Chief for the county school district, at Tuesdays Pulaski Board of Education meeting.

After being sworn in by Bryson, Young introduced himself to those present and gave an assessment of the progress hes made in assembling an in-house police force for Pulaski County Schools  the first such entity in this county, though not in the state, as Young observed at that there are 25 law enforcement agencies in Kentucky schools similar to Pulaskis.

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Young was hired in February after the creation of the school district police force the previous month. The district had been contracting with the Pulaski County Sheriffs Office to provide a law enforcement presence in its facilities, but creating one that works directly for the school system would allow for more direct control and flexibility, as well as being more cost-effective, according to Superintendent Patrick Richardson.

Bryson called it a great idea at Tuesdays meeting, and noted that while its not easy to create a new police department  Theres a lot of hurdles to jump going through this, he said  but said that from his understanding, Young has been doing a great job navigating those. Bryson added that the goal is to have at least one officer at each school and potentially more than one in some of the larger schools.

A resident of Adair County, Young is a former Kentucky State Police trooper and, more recently, the states School Security Marshall. He and Richardson already had a familiarity, as Young had overseen all of the school districts safety evaluations in that latter role.

After reaching the rank of sergeant, Young retired from KSP in 2019 after serving two decades with that organization. After that, he went to the state security marshals office, where he oversaw 1,328 schools and 173 districts. He was a compliance officer in this region for five years, and then became the marshal in October of 2024.

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Im very excited for (Young) to be with us, said Richardson at the meeting. Toby has an excellent resume, and we knocked the ball out of the park when we were able to bring Toby on with us to get us started. Richardson also laughingly said he was going to have to get used to calling him Chief Young from now on. Hes done so much in his career and we are so blessed to have him here helping us create this police department and to serve as our first chief.

Young said at Tuesdays meeting that hes always had a great working relationship with the district and Richardson and said that they have long set the bar high when it came to school safety.

On March 24, the police department became official, Young noted. He obtained a Memorandum of Understanding with Pulaski County 911 to dispatch with the department. Hes also worked to establish a positive relationship with Pulaski County Sheriff Bobby Jones, who allowed the school force to use the sheriffs offices frequency.

He said, I want you all to be able to push a button and have direct contact with other law enforcement agencies, because ... you need to be able to have that lifeline on the other end, said Young.

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Young also talked about getting the certification and documentation completed with entities like the Kentucky Law Enforcement Council and the FBI and the status of resource officers currently in the schools.

Theyre all anticipating on wanting to stay, said Young. Right now theyre contracted out through the sheriffs department. ... Now we are ready to post the positions.

He said he anticipates leaving the jobs posted for a period of time and then do interviews in May, with hopes to have conditional letters of employment ready in June to hire officers July 1 on contract.

Young also said hes worked really, really hard on policies and procedures, getting it done in time for the school board to give that document two readings and vote in time for July and the start of the next school year.

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He also showed off the new uniform for the police force, including gray polo shirts with a teal badge color scheme that wouldnt be the same as any particular school in the district.

Young also talked about applying for grants that would help with body armor  he said he was confirmed to get what he needed to equip every officer with it  weapons, and Taser equipment, which were surplussed from Louisville Metro Police.

Young said it is a skillset to be in the schools; youve just got to think different as a school police officer. Were there for teachers, staff, faculty.

He noted a comparison to the department serving a district with the total head count of a small city  around 9,000 faculty, staff and students total. And while people think of the kinds of situations that law enforcement may handle at schools as being worst-case scenarios, they could also be available for everyday incidents as simple as traffic accidents.

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Were going to help the sheriff and city (police); were not going to call them for (things like) wrecks that take place on school grounds, said Young. Theyve been in your schools for the last several years and done a good job, its just (that) were going to have our own police department and move forward.

The meeting also saw updates on the in-progress new Burnside Elementary School, expected to be open for the 2025-26 school year, and some change orders to the construction and preparation. One dealt with equipment needed for the kitchen facilities; another would add vehicular guardrails along the south-facing side of the drive into the school property as well as a curb at the top parking lot for the purposes of increased safety; and space for a special-needs playground area and storm drainage under the playground.
BIRMINGHAM, Ala. (WIAT)  A Netflix documentary that was recently nominated for a Peabody Award has a small connection to Alabama.

Will & Harper, a documentary that premiered on Netflix back in October, features comedian Will Ferrell and comedy writer Harper Steele, whom Ferrell worked with on Saturday Night Live and other projects, as they travel across the country following Steeles gender transition.

They experience mixed reactions at different stops along the way as Will asks occasionally awkward questions and realizes the limits of his fame to combat prejudice, painting a realistically complex portrait of allyship, a summary from Peabody stated.

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The documentary, which has been lauded for the way it tackles the subject of gender identity in America, was recently nominated for a Peabody Award for Best Documentary. Will & Harper, which has been critically acclaimed and the subject of several interviews, is one of several documentaries up for the award, which will be announced May 1.

Despite growing up in Iowa, Steeles family has connections to Alabama. Her mother, Joy, grew up in Montgomery and attended Huntingdon College, where she was friends with To Kill a Mockingbird author Harper Lee.

In fact, it was this friendship that inspired Steele to change her name following her transition.

In addition to her mother, Steeles father, Oliver, grew up in Birmingham and attended Auburn University. After they got married, the Steeles moved to Iowa City, where they were English professors at the University of Iowa. Both died in 2018, years before Steele transitioned.

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The Peabody Awards celebrate the best in media, from film to TV and podcasts and beyond.

Will & Harper is now streaming on Netflix.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
After a man tried to assassinate Donald Trump in July at a rally in Butler, Pennsylvania, the states Democratic governor, Josh Shapiro, quickly issued a statement condemning the attempt on the Republican presidential candidates life.

Violence targeted at any political party or political leader is absolutely unacceptable, Shapiro posted on X that day. It has no place in Pennsylvania or the United States. I have been briefed on the situation. @PAStatePolice are on the scene in Butler County and working with our federal and local partners.

Follow live politics coverage here

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In the 24 hours after the attack, Shapiro worked closely with law enforcement, including calling Republican members of Congress present at the rally, then-President Joe Biden and the Trump campaign (although he did not speak directly to Trump). He also called and spoke with the family of Corey Comperatore, the Trump supporter who was shot and killed.

Yet three days after an arson attack on Shapiros residence in Harrisburg on Sunday, Trump still has not called Shapiro or weighed in significantly to condemn the violence.

The White House did not respond to a request for comment.

Shapiro told reporters Wednesday afternoon that he has not yet heard from Trump since the attack. Law enforcement has charged Cody A. Balmer, 38, with the crime, alleging that he broke into the governors home and started multiple fires with Molotov cocktails while Shapiro and his family were inside.

"This level of violence has to end, and it has to be roundly condemned by everyone, both political parties, people from all different walks of life," Shapiro told reporters Wednesday.

The fire came just hours after the Shapiros hosted Passover dinner at their house. Shapiro said they had to evacuate after they were awakened by loud bangs on their door. No one was hurt, but the home sustained significant damage.

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Halie Soifer, CEO of the Jewish Democratic Council of America, put out a statement sharply criticizing Trump for not weighing in.

"Last year, Trump didnt hesitate to call Josh Shapiro a highly overrated Jewish governor. Now, nearly four days after Gov. Shapiro was targeted in an act of political violence  reportedly due to his position on Israel  Trump hasnt clearly condemned it."

Trump feigns support for Jewish Americans and Israel, but his actions suggest otherwise," Soifer added. "Hes a hypocrite who condones political violence when it suits his political agenda, and his silence amid this targeted arsonist attack on Gov. Shapiro speaks volumes. Shame on the President.

Others in the Trump administration have condemned the attack, as have prominent congressional Republicans.

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Thanks be to God that Governor Shapiro and his family were unharmed in this attack, Vice President JD Vance commented Sunday on X. Really disgusting violence, and I hope whoever did it is brought swiftly to justice.

Speaking with reporters at a Wednesday briefing, Attorney General Pam Bondi said both she and FBI Director Kash Patel spoke with Shapiro after the attack, which she called horrific.

Bondi said she "firmly believe[d]" the attack was intended to kill Shapiro, pledging to continue to work with state authorities to do anything we can to help convict the person that did this and keep them behind bars, as long as possible.

Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro's residence in Harrisburg had significant damage after the fire.

Shapiro himself noted Monday that he had been in touch with Patel, who promised that the federal government would assist in the investigation.

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The same day, a reporter asked Trump whether the FBI had determined a motive behind the attack on Shapiro.

No, I havent, but the attacker was not a fan of Trump, I understand  just from what I read and from what Ive been told, Trump said in his most extensive comments on the fire. The attacker basically wasnt a fan of anybody. Hes probably just a whack job. And certainly a thing like that cannot be allowed to happen.

Newly released search warrants suggest that Balmer was upset by Shapiros stance on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. Around 2:50 a.m. Sunday, about 50 minutes after the fire, he reportedly called 911 and told a dispatcher that he will not take part in his plans for what he wants to do to the Palestinian people. It is not entirely clear whether he was referring to Shapiro.

Balmers social media presence suggested anti-government views, including negative content about Biden.

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Shapiro told reporters Wednesday that the political motivation behind the attack was not the most important issue.

I know that there are people out there who want to ascribe their own viewpoints as to what happened here and why, he said, adding: I choose not to participate in that. I said after the assassination attempt on the president  in Butler, I said in Altoona  after we captured the individual who shot and killed the United Healthcare CEO  and I said on Sunday that this kind of violence has no place in our society, regardless of what motivates it. This is not how we resolve our differences. And this is not OK. This level of violence has to end, and it has to be roundly condemned by everyone, both political parties, people from all different walks of life.

Law enforcement has charged Cody A. Balmer, 38, with the crime, alleging he broke into the Governor's Residence and started multiple fires with Molotov cocktails while Shapiro and his family were inside.

The conduct of Shapiro  who is widely discussed as a potential 2028 presidential candidate and was in the running to be Kamala Harris running mate last year  in assisting with the Butler investigation drew widespread praise, including from Republicans in the state.

Speaking with NBC News Meet the Press in July, Rep. Dan Meuser, R-Pa., said he appreciated having heard from Shapiro immediately as he was leaving the rally, adding that Shapiro asked: Hey, what happened? What can we do? Are we  do we have enough state troopers?

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Meuser later told NBC News that Shapiro was on the job and that it was a great conversation.

Yet Meuser, a potential challenger to Shapiro in 2026, was far more critical of him Wednesday, suggesting that while the arsonist who attacked the Governors Residence was a psycho, Shapiros rhetoric and actions may be contributing to the problem.

They got to tone it down, too, Meuser, who earlier posted a lengthy condemnation of the attack, said in a radio interview. I mean, every action Josh Shapiro has taken against the president has either been a lawsuit or a falsehood.  Thats not helpful, either.

Shapiro seemed surprised by the remarks when a reporter asked him about them Wednesday, replying, He said that?

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Look, Ive said for years leaders have a responsibility to speak and act with moral clarity, Shapiro said. It would appear the congressman failed to measure up to that.

This article was originally published on NBCNews.com
CANBERRA, April 17 (Xinhua) -- Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has said that he would stand up for national interests in response to U.S. tariffs during the second leaders' debate of the election campaign.

Albanese, leader of the governing Labor Party, and opposition Coalition leader Peter Dutton on Wednesday night went head-to-head for the second time on the campaign for the May 3 election in a debate that mostly focused on domestic affairs.

The candidates were asked about how they would negotiate with U.S. President Donald Trump over a 10 percent tariff placed on imports from Australia.

Albanese said that the government has "put forward a proposition" to the United States but would not "budge" on pharmaceutical, biosecurity or media laws that have been identified by the Trump administration as trade grievances.

"We will stand up for Australia's national interests," he said.

He said that Australia has made it "very clear" that the tariffs were an act of "self-harm by the United States." 
CHICAGO -- When Nabi Yisrael left his Hyde Park neighborhood apartment last year after his rent increased, he had to put most of his belongings into storage. The 51-year-old, who has multiple sclerosis and uses a power wheelchair to get around, didnt have a home anymore.

For nearly six months since then, Yisrael bounced around between his friends and families apartments, carrying the necessities in a travel case  two pairs of jeans, a few pairs of shoes and five shirts, he said. For someone who prides himself on his fashion sense, it was a difficult transition.

Ive been wearing the same clothes since October, Yisrael said in a recent interview. Since October.

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About three months into essentially being homeless  for the first time in his life  Yisrael came to another difficult conclusion. Despite the horror stories he heard from friends about the conditions inside Chicagos homeless shelters, particularly for people with disabilities, he decided he had no other choice but to seek placement at one. He needed a place to stay, and he needed it quickly, he said.

Yisrael contacted the Salvation Army in January and was told there were no available cots for him, he said. Two months later, when he called 311 for help finding an accessible shelter, he said the response was similar.

A fox got its den. A bird got a nest, he said, paraphrasing a Bible verse. But a son of man got nowhere to lay his head.

Disability and homeless advocates say Yisraels story  and that of another elderly couple living in their car  represents the nearly insurmountable challenges the citys sizable homeless disabled population faces when trying to find shelter space, a problem they believe is getting worse.

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The Disability Rights Action Coalition for Housing has a lawsuit against the city winding its way through federal court alleging the city doesnt operate or design the emergency shelter program in a manner that would provide equivalent services to individuals with mobility disabilities.

Were talking about people with kind of common mobility challenges, and theyre being kept out of this system at this point, said Charles Petrof, an attorney with the disability rights group Access Living, which is part of the lawsuit.

In response, a city spokesperson said the Department of Family and Support Services funds 11 shelters that are accessible under the Americans with Disabilities Act  and said all DFSS-funded shelters must offer reasonable accommodations in accordance with Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973.

Expanding accessibility is a long-standing goal for the department and the city, the spokesperson said, adding that the department used federal money from the American Rescue Plan to improve shelter facilities, including ADA accessibility.

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About 19% of Chicagos adult homeless population  excluding migrants  reported having a physical disability, a 4% decrease compared with a year earlier, according to a 2024 report from the DFSS.

In that report, the city acknowledged that theres varied experiences for those in shelter versus on the street. For example, 33.5% of people  excluding migrants  experience homelessness for a year or more if they are in a shelter. That percentage increased substantially to 67.8% for those not in a shelter.

Ive been operating at 60%

At the Hyde Park apartment Yisrael had lived in for about five years, he had a number of accessibility features that made life a bit easier  an elevator, a large bedroom and restroom and an outlet for his electric wheelchair, he said.

Access Living helped him find and move into this apartment using a housing voucher, a form of rental subsidy, in 2019. By that time his multiple sclerosis  a disease that affects the central nervous system  had progressed and he needed a home that was wheelchair accessible. Before, he was forced to bump (himself) up the stairs.

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He had to leave, however, in October when his rent increased beyond the limits of his housing voucher, provided by the public housing authority. Finding another accessible apartment with a voucher is terrible, he said.

Its horrible. You got a voucher with my skin tone, in a wheelchair, it gives you like three strikes, said Yisrael, who is Black.

Others have also reported difficulties finding places to live with housing vouchers. The Chicago Housing Authority has seen 61% to 77% of its voucher recipients able to lease a unit from 2019 to 2022. The rates are lower for 2023 and 2024  45% and 31%, respectively, but CHA said thats because some of those recipients are still searching for units to rent, the Tribune reported last month.

After losing that apartment, Yisrael primarily stayed with a few family and friends, who couldnt let him stay long-term due to their rental agreements and because their apartments arent accessible. In a pinch, he will spend his limited monthly income for a hotel stay.

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A friends home that he lived in last month was particularly challenging to navigate, he said. Its quite small, he said, and his friend had to physically pick him up out of his bed and put him in his wheelchair.

Twice, when he wasnt sure hed have anywhere else to go, he attempted to find space in a homeless shelter  once in January through the Salvation Army and once in March through 311. Both times, he said, he was told there wasnt acceptable space for him after he explained his situation.

My bodys shut down, he said. Ive been operating at 60%  60% Nabi.

According to the citys 311 service request database, Yisrael submitted a shelter request on March 6. It was closed on April 2. Fortunately, two days later, he signed a lease and received keys for a new apartment using his housing voucher. Hes hoping to move his belongings in soon after he deals with some health issues, he said.

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The Salvation Army partners with the city to match individuals and families to shelter, said organization spokesperson Brian Duewel. He said there are limited beds for singles in the shelter system and that its very likely Yisrael wasnt placed when he made the request.

When a client calls and states they need an accessible shelter placement, we contact the accessible shelters and, most times, the beds are full, he said.

Despite the difficult circumstances from the past six months, Yisrael said he tries to keep a positive outlook. After being diagnosed with MS in 2009, it took him almost a decade to accept his disability and the whole new world he entered, he said.

Yisrael enjoys reading and listening to motivational quotes on YouTube, including one by Martin Luther King Jr.  If you cant fly, then run. If you cant run, then walk. If you cant walk, then crawl, but whatever you do, you have to keep moving forward.

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Yisrael also expresses himself through fashion  he wore a brown jacket, slacks and a bowler hat at a recent interview  and through writing. One day, he said he hopes to turn his life story into a play.

People just need to spend a week in a chair, just one week, he said. I bet their perception will change.

Lawsuit against city

Petrof, the attorney at Access Living, helped file a lawsuit about five years ago against the city on behalf of Gloria Carter, alleging she was denied access to the citys emergency shelter program because her disability prevented her from climbing stairs and into vans. Carter, who has osteoarthritis, uses a walker to move around, the suit said.

A similar lawsuit filed in 2019 also accused Chicagos shelter system of failing to provide accommodations mandated by federal law.

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Petrof also said people in shelters tend to have a better shot at getting into the citys housing assistance programs. Being cut off from the first rung of the ladder will prohibit or slow down their road to being rehoused, he said.

Bridget Hayman, the communication director at Access Living, added that true accessibility at shelters involves both its physical structure and the way it operates. For example, someone like Yisrael would need his personal care assistant to be allowed in a shelter, she said.

There are people that can walk in the door and still not get the full care they need and deserve, she said.

High-risk situation

In Monica Dillons experience, its fairly common for people with disabilities to seek help accessing a shelter. The first thought that runs through her mind when she meets them, the nurse and volunteer with Northwest Side Homeless Outreach said, is: Oh my heavens, where are we going to get shelter?

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In December, Dillon received a referral to help out a couple, a 78-year-old woman and a man in his 60s who had been living in a truck after they were unexpectedly evicted from their apartment, at which point she said she emailed DFSS officials about the high-risk situation. About 7% of the homeless population, excluding migrants, in Chicago is 65 and older, according to the 2024 report.

The woman, who asked that her name not be shared for privacy and health concerns, said she prayed every day that the truck wouldnt break down, because theyd have nowhere else to go.

Im an old lady. Never in my life did I expect something quite like this to happen, she told the Tribune in February.

When the woman learned in December that there were open slots at the citys new shelter placement and resource center, she agreed to try it out, even though she had some worries about her safety.

At the shelter, she said she was separated from her partner, who helps her move around along with a wheelchair and other mobility aids. The only beds available, she said, were cots a few inches off the ground. Worried that she wouldnt be able to stand back up with her bad legs, she decided to sit and sleep in a folding chair.

The woman said she had no choice but to leave the next morning and return to the truck, where she then waited more than 50 days for an accessible shelter bed. When one didnt become available, outreach workers raised money for a week-long temporary motel stay.

Every morning, I say, Thank you, Jesus, were still here and lets hope for better things to come, she said. I say a little prayer.

After their one-night stay at SPARC didnt work out, Dillon put in a 311 request for shelter, which she said was closed all of a sudden a couple of weeks later.

She didnt receive any phone calls, letting her know that there was no shelter available, or that her service request was closed, Dillon said.

A city spokesperson said SPARC, a 200-bed facility in Pilsen that opened late last year after the city closed its migrant landing zone, has ADA-compliant accommodations in its daytime lounge area, showers and bathroom. The facility connects single adults to available beds throughout the shelter system and isnt intended to be a long-term placement, the spokesperson added.

However, if someone isnt placed in a shelter by late in the evening, the facility offers overflow beds through cots, the spokesperson said. The city, including the Mayors Office of People with Disabilities, is working with delegate agencies at the facility to provide access to ADA-accessible cots, which must have a height of 17 to 19 inches, the spokesperson said.

DFSS is committed to ensuring that homeless services are accessible to all people experiencing homelessness, the spokesperson said.

Multiple subsequent 311 requests for shelter beds went unanswered, Dillon said. The most recent request, submitted on Jan. 31, remained open until March 3, according to the citys 311 service request database. She began telling the womans story publicly at a City Council meeting in February and in a letter to the editor in the Sun-Times, hoping to find a solution as temperatures dropped.

It started to impact both of their health. Its very difficult to live in a truck, especially as you get older, Dillon said. It impairs circulation, leaves them at higher risk for clots  because they cant really move around and elevate their feet.

About six weeks ago, the woman and her partner were able to move into a medical respite in the suburbs, Dillon said. This facility, Dillon said, is a better fit. A nurse comes in multiple days per week and theres more support for her mobility disabilities, she said.

The program will also allow her to stay for around two years, Dillon said. However, the arduous steps to find this housing is still mind-boggling to Dillon, and she said she hopes there are solutions moving forward.

Shes in shelter, and that were grateful for, Dillon said. But she really does need accessibility to deeply affordable housing.
EL PASO, Texas (KTSM)  A person was arrested on Wednesday, April 16, after they flashed an air gun while driving near San Elizario High School, according to San Elizario High School.

The school district says just before 8 a.m. on Wednesday, a staff member reported an individual who was wearing a face covering driving behind them and flashing what they perceived to be a weapon at the corner of Socorro Road and Chicken Ranch Road.

The weapon was later confirmed to be an air gun/rifle, the district said.

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The vehicle entered the exterior of San Elizario High School, where local authorities detained the individual.

The school district says there was no imminent threat to students or staff.

Our top priorities are the safety and well-being of our students and staff, and we take any threat, whether real or false, very seriously. The San Elizario Independent School District will continue to take the necessary precautions to ensure the safety of our students learning environments, the school district said.

No further information has been 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 KTSM 9 News.
A person sustained life-threatening injuries in a late-night shooting in Chelsea Wednesday, police said.

Chelsea police went to the area of Webster Avenue and Broadway around 10 p.m. Wednesday for a report of a possible stabbing. Arriving officers found a 33-year-old from Chelsea on the ground with a significant gunshot wound to their head, Police Chief Keith Houghton said in a statement.

The person was taken to Massachusetts General Hospital, where they underwent emergency surgery, police said. They are listed in critical condition with life-threatening injuries.

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Detectives on scene collected ballistic evidence and are canvassing the area for video, Houghton said.

This was a brazen act of violence in a busy area of our city, he said in the statement.

Due to the severity of the persons injuries, police notified Massachusetts State Police detectives assigned to the Suffolk County District Attorneys office of the shooting.

Anyone with information about the shooting is urged to contact police at 617-466-4810. Anonymous tips can be submitted on social media or at 617-466-4880.

More local crime stories
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseths hunt for suspected leakers inside the Pentagon has claimed its third victim.

Colin Carroll, chief of staff to Deputy Defense Secretary Stephen Feinberg, was put on administrative leave Wednesday and escorted out of the building, according to a defense official and a person familiar with the matter who spoke to Politico.

The Department of Defense is investigating a rash of leaks that have plagued the Pentagon in recent months, including military operational plans for the Panama Canal, the deployment of a second aircraft carrier to the Red Sea, and a pause in intelligence collection for Ukraine, Politico said.

President Donald Trump was reportedly blindsided by news that Elon Musk would be briefed on secret plans for a potential war with China at the Pentagon in March. / Anna Moneymaker/Getty Images

Carroll joins Dan Caldwell, a senior advisor to Hegseth, and Darin Selnick, deputy chief of staff to Hegseth, who were placed on leave on Tuesday as part of the investigation.

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When reached for comment, a Pentagon official told the Daily Beast, We can confirm that Mr. Carroll, Mr. Caldwell and Mr. Selnick have been placed on administrative leave pending investigation. We have nothing additional to provide at this time.

The Pentagon has yet to outline specific allegations against the three officials accused of leaking information.

Carroll, a Marine Corps Reserve officer, most recently worked at defense contractor Anduril, Politico said. According to the outlet, he was fired by the Biden administration from his post as chief operating officer of the Pentagons former Joint Artificial Intelligence Center for creating a hostile environment.

One leak has especially ruffled feathers: news that Elon Musk would be briefed at the Pentagon on secret plans for potential war with China.

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The planned briefing, reportedly requested by the billionaire himself, was exposed in a bombshell New York Times report in advance, sparking outcry from President Donald Trumps critics who cited the Tesla CEOs extensive business ties in China as a glaring conflict of interest.

According to The Wall Street Journal Musk and Hegseth ended up discussing other matters that were not classified.

The Defense Secretarys tenure in President Donald Trumps Cabinetlaunched directly from his role as a Fox & Friends Weekends hostwas rocked by the Signalgate scandal in March, when it was revealed that senior Trump officials, including Hegseth, shared attack plans on Houthi forces in a group chat on the messaging app Signal.

Screen shots released by The Atlantic's editor-in-chief Jeffrey Goldbergwho was mistakenly added to the chat by National Security adviser Mike Waltzshow Hegseth texting sensitive information, including the timings for airstrikes agains before they began on March 15.

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In a memo announcing the Pentagons investigation into leaks last month, DOD Chief of Staff Joe Kasper said the probe might use polygraphs in its search for the alleged moles.

Kasper wrote that information identifying a party responsible for an unauthorized disclosure would be referred for criminal prosecution.
A College Hill man accused of stealing three rare exotic birds from multiple Cincinnati-area Petland stores has a history of stealing animals, court documents show.

Dontas McCoy, 44, pleaded guilty April 10 in Fairfield Municipal Court to stealing two of the birds, a court official said. He was sentenced to 180 days in jail, with 100 of those days suspended. He also was ordered to stay away from Petland and Jungle Jim's properties, according to court records.

On March 31, officials say McCoy stole an Indian Ringneck bird from the Petland near Jungle Jim's in Fairfield.

Both Indian Ringneck birds have been returned to the Petland store in Fairfield.

Two days later, on April 2, McCoy stole a second Indian Ringneck from the Petland in Mason. The birds can cost up to $1,000 each.

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Then on April 4, according to Hamilton County court documents, McCoy stole a third Indian Ringneck from the Petland in Symmes Township.

He was arrested the same day.

McCoy's criminal history dates back to the 1990s and includes animal abuse and theft charges, including a 2014 conviction for stealing a chihuahua from Animal House, a pet store in Mount Healthy. In 2016, court documents say McCoy stole a bird feeder from the Meijer in Colerain Township.

McCoy is serving his sentence at the Butler County Jail. The Hamilton County case involving the theft from the Petland in Symmes Township is still pending.

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In a news release, Petland stated that the birds have all been returned to their stores, and although "stressed from the ordeal" they are healthy and being cared for by staff members.

They are in good physical shape going back and forth from food to perch, but staff has noticed they are a bit skittish around people, said Petland Communications Director Maria Smith.

Previously they had been more comfortable with people, and the staff is working with them to rebuild that trust," Smith said. "All in all, they are doing well and will do well when they eventually go home with their forever families.

Both Indian Ringneck birds have been returned to the Petland store in Fairfield.

This article originally appeared on Cincinnati Enquirer: Petland Indian Ringneck bird thief has history of animal theft charges
Apr. 17WASHINGTON, D.C.  Internship applications for the White House are open, and Congressman August Pfluger (TX-11) strongly encourages any eligible student or young professional in TX-11 interested in civic service, government, or public policy to apply!

"Interning at the White House under President Trump's administration is not only an incredible way for students or young professionals to bolster their resumes, but it is also a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to be a part of shaping history. If you or someone you know is interested, I encourage you to apply today," Rep. Pfluger said in a news release.

The application deadline is April 23. To learn more information about White House internship opportunities and how to apply, please click here.
BANDAR SERI BEGAWAN, April 17 (Xinhua) -- The number of visitors from Brunei to Malaysia increased by 55.2 percent in 2024, a remarkable growth from the previous year, Hazrina Azman, director of Tourism Malaysia said on Wednesday.

Bruneian visitors are a significant source of tourism for Malaysia, which made Brunei the fifth-largest contributor of tourists to Malaysia, Azman said at festive Hari Raya gathering near the capital.

Statistics from Tourism Malaysia have shown that 1,732,119 visitors from Brunei travelled to Malaysia in 2024.

Sabah and Sarawak in Malaysia, which share the border with Brunei on the Borneo Island, recorded a steady increase in the number of visitors from Brunei for shopping and leisure travel, especially during long weekends and holidays. 
A think-tank forum, titled "Envisioning the Future: 2025 Kuala Lumpur Dialogue," is held in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, April 17, 2025. The forum was attended by around 200 participants from government institutions, think tanks, universities and enterprises. (Photo by Chong Voon Chung/Xinhua)

KUALA LUMPUR, April 17 (Xinhua) -- A think-tank forum was held Thursday in the Malaysian capital Kuala Lumpur, reaching a broad consensus on the future of China-Malaysia cooperation in the areas of political, educational, trade, and cultural exchanges.

The forum, titled "Envisioning the Future: 2025 Kuala Lumpur Dialogue," was attended by around 200 participants from government institutions, think tanks, universities and enterprises.

A representative of the Academy of Contemporary China and World Studies (ACCWS), a research institution under China International Communications Group, said in his speech that the forum was held under the guidance of the important consensus reached by the leaders of China and Malaysia on building a high-level strategic China-Malaysia community with a shared future.

He said that as thought leaders, opinion shapers, and promoters of exchanges, think tanks are pooling their efforts to strengthen China-Malaysia and China-ASEAN cooperation.

Protectionist tendencies from certain external actors have only further excavated the urgency to reassess strategies and diversify away from risks, Malaysia's Institute of Strategic Analysis and Policy Research (INSAP) Chair Pamela Yong remarked at the forum.

"Diversification, be it across industries, technologies or trade relationships, has emerged not only as a shield against the uncertainty, but as a powerful strategy to unlock new opportunities, stimulate growth both nationally and regionally while building resilience," she said.

The one-day forum was co-organized by the ACCWS and INSAP. 

Malaysia's Institute of Strategic Analysis and Policy Research (INSAP) Chair Pamela Yong addresses a think-tank forum, titled "Envisioning the Future: 2025 Kuala Lumpur Dialogue," in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, April 17, 2025. The forum was attended by around 200 participants from government institutions, think tanks, universities and enterprises. (Photo by Chong Voon Chung/Xinhua)
May 7, 2025.

Remember the date. Yes, it's National Tourism Day, which is appropriate since it's also the deadline to have a Real ID if you plan to fly anywhere. Yes, that includes flying inside the United States. It's also Bike to School Day but you won't need a Real ID for that trip.

Here's what you will need a Real ID for and how you can get it.

What is a Real ID?

It used to be easier to get a driver's license in some states than in others.

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After 9/11, Congress passed the Real ID Act in 2005, which established minimum security standards for getting a driver's license anywhere in the U.S.

Florida began issuing Real ID-compliant cards in January 2010.

What's the deadline to have a Real ID?

If you intend to board a commercial airplane, you'll need to have a Real ID driver's license, state identification card or passport by May 7, 2025, to get through the TSA checkpoint.

Countdown to Real ID deadline

Why do I need a Real ID?

Starting May 7, 2025, anyone 18 and older who plans to take a domestic flight will need a Real ID-compliant drivers license or identification card, state-issued enhanced drivers license, or another TSA-acceptable form of identification at airport security checkpoints.

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Every state resident in the U.S. must have a Real ID-compliant driver's license or identification card  or valid passport  to board a commercial aircraft within the U.S. starting May 7.

Without a Real ID  or acceptable alternative  travelers will not be permitted through the security checkpoint.

According to Homeland Security, travelers without their approved IDs can expect to face "delays, additional screening and the possibility of not being permitted into the security checkpoint," even if you're a TSA PreCheck passenger.

Can I still fly without a Real ID? Are there any alternatives?

If you don't have a Real ID, you'll need:

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A REAL ID-compliant identification card.

A valid passport or passport card.

How do Florida residents get a Real ID?

Real ID cards in Florida are issued to first-time and renewing customers at a local driver's license service centers or tax collector offices.

You must visit an office in person to get a Real ID the first time, according to the Florida Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles.

Since January 2020, those in Florida without a Real ID license have not been able to renew their licenses online through the MyDMV Portal.

If your card is not Real ID-compliant and you aren't up for renewal before May 7, 2025, make an appointment to get a new card. Locations can be found here.

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A Class E license can be renewed up to 18 months prior to its expiration date.

Will children need to have a Real ID card?

No. The TSA does not require children under 18 to provide identification when traveling with a companion within the United States.

However, the person traveling with the child will need acceptable identification, according to the Department of Homeland Security.

What do I need to bring to get a Real ID in Florida?

Florida driver's license showing REAL ID compliant star in upper right corner.

To get a Real ID, youll need to bring original copies of documents to prove your identity, legal residence, Social Security status and date of birth. For U.S. citizens, youll need to bring one of the primary documents listed below:

Valid, unexpired U.S. passport

Original or certified copy of a birth certificate

Consular report of birth abroad

Certificate of naturalization issued by DHS

Certificate of citizenship

If your name has changed from the one on your primary identity document, you should also bring: Court-ordered name change document Marriage certificate, issued by the courts, and/or Divorce decree, issued by the courts



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In all cases, the document must show a clear trail of name changes originating with the birth name to the current name.

Can I get a Real ID if I'm not a US citizen?

Non-citizens will need to bring:

Valid, unexpired Permanent Resident Card  I-551 for Lawful Permanent Residents

Valid passport for non-immigrants except for asylum applicants and refugees

Other government-issued document showing your full name

Department of Homeland Security document showing proof of lawful presence

If your name has changed by marriage/divorce, you must have your name changed on your Citizen and Immigration Services documents.

What else do I need to get a Real ID?

Both citizens and non-citizens will need to bring:

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Your Social Security Card or proof of your Social Security number. You can find a list of documents that provide proof of your Social Security number on the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicle's What to Bring page.

Two documents that show your principle residence.

How long does it take to get a Real ID in Florida?

Once your identity and legal status have been verified, a driver's license or identification card will be issued within 60 days and mailed to the address on the driver's record.

How do you know if you already have a Florida Real ID?

REAL ID-compliant cards will have of one of the following markings on the upper top portion of the card. If the card does not have one of these markings, it is not REAL ID-compliant and wont be accepted as proof of identity in order to board commercial aircraft.

In Florida, a Real ID card has a gold circle with a white star in the top right corner of your driver's license or state identification card. If the star is there, it's Real ID compliant.

If you've received a new or renewed Florida driver's license or ID since January 2010, you should be good to go but check the upper right corner of your card for the star.

How much does a Real ID cost in Florida?

The fee for an initial Florida Class E license (including learners permit) is $48 and a commercial driver's license (Class A) license is $75.

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The fee for a state ID card is $25.

Most local tax collector offices also charge a $6.25 service fee.

Can you use a Real ID to enter the Bahamas, Mexico or Canada, or another country?

No. Real ID cards cannot be used for border crossings or international travel.

If you're traveling internationally, you still need a passport.

How can I tell if I have a Real ID? What is the gold star on my Florida driver's license?

If the star is there, it's Real ID compliant.

Will the Real ID deadline be extended?

Don't count on the Real ID deadline to be extended. It's already been extended at least twice because of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Contributor: C.A. Bridges, USA Today Network-Florida

This article originally appeared on Tallahassee Democrat: Florida Real ID: What to know, make sure your license valid
ANKARA, April 17 (Xinhua) -- Turkish authorities on Thursday detained 525 individuals in an anti-narcotics operation in the capital Ankara, marking "the largest drug crackdown" in the nation's history, according to Turkish Interior Minister Ali Yerlikaya.

The operation, which began early Thursday, targeted over 625 locations across the capital. It involved 4,768 police officers, 1,461 teams, 40 specially trained detector dogs, four unmanned aerial vehicles, and air support elements, Yerlikaya said on social media platform X.

The operation was the culmination of six months of technical and physical surveillance, he said, adding, "Our target in the operation was street dealers, who sell drugs in neighborhoods and streets through internet-based communication platforms."

The operation came one day after a Europe-wide crackdown, coordinated by Turkiye, on international drug and money laundering networks, which resulted in over 230 arrests and the seizure of 400 million U.S. dollars in assets across several countries, including the Netherlands, Germany, Spain, Belgium, and Turkiye. 
SOFIA, April 17 (Xinhua) -- Bulgaria's three-month-old government, led by Prime Minister Rosen Zhelyazkov, survived a second no-confidence motion on Thursday.

The motion, submitted by opposition parties on April 10, accused the government of failing in its fight against corruption. It was backed by 72 deputies in the 240-seat National Assembly, while 130 voted against it. The 36-seat parliamentary group "We Continue the Change - Democratic Bulgaria" abstained from participating in the vote.

For the motion to pass, it required a majority of more than half of all National Assembly members.

During the parliament debate on Wednesday, Deputy Prime Minister Atanas Zafirov, who also leads the Bulgarian Socialist Party, defended the government. He noted that the current administration was formed on a balance and interaction between politically opposing factions.

"And that is precisely why none of these parties will have tolerance for corruption," Zafirov said.

This was the opposition's second attempt to unseat the cabinet. The first motion focusing on foreign policy failed on April 3.

According to Bulgarian law, a no-confidence vote may be proposed by at least one-fifth of the Assembly's members. However, a new motion on the same grounds cannot be submitted within six months.

Prime Minister Zhelyazkov's government took office on Jan. 16 with the support of 125 legislators. 
By Joshua McElwee

VATICAN CITY (Reuters) - Pope Francis, still recovering from double pneumonia, paid a surprise visit on Thursday to Rome's Regina Coeli, one of Italy's most overcrowded prisons, to offer well-wishes to inmates ahead of Easter.

The 88-year-old pontiff, gradually making more public appearances as he recovers from the biggest health crisis in his 12-year papacy, made a short foray outside of the Vatican, as the prison is only about a five-minute drive away.

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Francis was greeted with applause from guards and staff at the facility as aides rolled his wheelchair inside shortly after 3 p.m. (1300 GMT).

As during his two most recent public appearances, the pope was breathing on his own without the aid of oxygen tubes.

Francis stayed at the prison for about half an hour. The Vatican said he met with a group of about 70 inmates. "I wanted to be close to you," he said, according to the Vatican. "I pray for you and your families."

The Catholic Church on Thursday celebrates Holy Thursday, the day of Jesus' Last Supper with his apostles on the night before he died. It is the first of four days of celebrations leading to Easter, the most important Christian holiday, on Sunday.

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Francis, pope since 2013, has visited prisons throughout his papacy, often on Holy Thursday.

Regina Coeli, a former 17th-century monastery in the touristy Trastevere neighbourhood, is primarily a men's prison. It currently houses about 1,100 prisoners, nearly double its official capacity of 628 inmates, according to the Italian justice ministry.

The pope last visited the prison in 2018.

Francis nearly died during his five-week bout of double pneumonia. His medical team have urged him to take two months' rest after leaving hospital to allow his body to fully heal.

The pope initially remained out of view after returning home to the Vatican on March 23 but has now made several brief public appearances.

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It is not known how much the pope will participate in the Vatican's calendar of celebrations leading to Easter.

Asked by journalists who approached his car as he was leaving the prison about how he would celebrate Easter this year, Francis smiled and responded in a soft voice: "As I can".

(Reporting by Joshua McElwee, editing by Alvise Armellini and Ed Osmond)
A popular spring break location wants travelers to go somewhere else.

[DOWNLOAD: Free WHIO-TV News app for alerts as news breaks]

Panama City Beach Police Chief J.R. Talamantez told our sister station, WSB TV in Atlanta, that they are not happy with the behavior of some visitors.

He added that Panama City Beach, can no longer be a Spring Break town.

TRENDING STORIES:

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Talamantez told WSB that he saw many instances of people firing gunshots over social media drama.

Im not willing to risk the safety of our city to hold onto something that no longer works, Talamantez said. Our law enforcement officers should not be expected to shoulder the burden of an event that no longer aligns with the values or vision of this community.

Talamantez added that Panama City Beach is a safe, family-focused community, WSB reports.

Weve worked too hard to build that, and I wont let a group of criminals destroy it, he said.

The Bay County Sheriffs Office has also increased its efforts to stop the influx of vacationers and violence during the spring.

They said they are focused on travelers who bring guns, start fights, or disrupt the community.

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First-quarter fundraising reports released this week are offering a glimpse into what to expect, both in next years midterms and beyond.

Candidates and incumbents alike report quarterly fundraising filings to the Federal Election Commission (FEC), where contenders report how much theyve raised, spent and have left in the bank. This fundraising quarter spans Jan 1. to March 31, and candidates had until Tuesday to report their first-quarter haul.

The FEC reports underscore how the 2026 midterms are already underway as Democrats look to flip the House and as states such as Georgia and North Carolina tee up some closely watched Senate races.

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Here are five takeaways from the fundraising reports:

Populist Dems rake in money

In the last few weeks, Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.) and Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-N.Y.) have been crisscrossing the country to meet with voters in their Fighting Oligarchy tour, drawing in some cases tens of thousands of attendees.

Their FEC reports for this past quarter suggest that enthusiasm isnt waning anytime soon. Sanders posted a whopping $11.5 million between January and March, while Ocasio-Cortez brought in $9.6 million during that same period. Its an extraordinary amount of money for either a senator or House member to raise in one quarter, especially since its an off-cycle year.

Sen. Chris Murphy (D-Conn.), seen as a rising star within the party who has pushed for a more populist platform, also posted an $8 million haul. Progressive Rep. Ro Khanna (D-Calif.), floated as a potential 2028 contender, raised $3.7 million.

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Its worth noting, too, that neither Sanders nor Murphy is up for reelection next year. The 83-year-old Vermont progressive has signaled that this is likely to be his last term in the Senate.

Both sides are bringing in huge hauls

Overall, members of both parties brought in some impressive figures.

Democrats in the House raised significant cash, including new members such as Rep. Eugene Vindman (D-Va.), who brought in $2 million during the first quarter, and cable news fixtures such as Rep. Jasmine Crockett (D-Texas), who brought in $1.6 million.

Colorado state Rep. Manny Rutinel (D), whos running for Rep. Gabe Evanss (R-Colo.) seat, raked in $1.1 million.

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But Republicans are keeping up with them. At least nine House Republicans whom Democrats are targeting this cycle raked in seven-digit figures this past quarter. Thats to be expected in the cases of Reps. Andy Barr (R-Ky.) and Mike Lawler (R-N.Y.), as Barr is mulling a run for Sen. Mitch McConnells (R-Ky.) seat, while Lawler is likely to run against Gov. Kathy Hochul (D) in New York.

Barr raised $1.8 million and Lawler raised $1.4 million.

But those figures also include some competitive House districts represented by Republicans likely looking to stay in the lower chamber, including Reps. Ken Calvert (R-Calif.), who raised $1.3 million, and Juan Ciscomani (R-Ariz.), who raised $1.2 million.

The House GOP campaign arm has touted the strong fundraising dollars and cash on hand of swing-district Republican incumbents over front-line Democratic incumbents, saying the party is running laps around Democrats.

Competitive 2026 races are heating up

The FEC reports are already previewing some contested Senate primaries and general elections ahead of next year.

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Sen. Jon Ossoff (D-Ga.), seen as one of Senate Republicans top pick-up opportunities this cycle, raised $11.1 million. Many prominent Georgia Republicans have yet to announce a bid  the party is waiting to see what Gov. Brian Kemp (R) does  but theres fundraising information available on at least four potential GOP Senate contenders.

Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene (R-Ga.) reported raising roughly $655,000 this past quarter, while Rep. Buddy Carter (R-Ga.) raked in about $536,000. Rep. Mike Collins (R-Ga.) raised about $406,000, while Rep. Rich McCormick (R-Ga.) brought in about $288,000.

Most notably, however, Carter ended the quarter with $3.4 million on hand; the three other Republicans have a fraction of that in the bank.

Over in Louisiana, the contours of the Senate GOP primary are starting to take shape. Sen. Bill Cassidy (R-La.) brought in about $1 million between January and March, while state Treasurer John Fleming reported $2.2 million, including $2 million hes loaned himself.

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In North Carolina, Sen. Thom Tillis (R-N.C.) reported $2.2 million. Because former Rep. Wiley Nickel (D-N.C.) announced his campaign against Tillis this month, the latest fundraising information wont be available for him until July 15.

Durbin raises questions about his future

Theres been growing speculation that Sen. Dick Durbin (D-Ill.), the No. 2 Senate Democrat, may retire after this current term, and his latest fundraising haul is suggesting thats likely.

Durbin raised only about $42,000 this first quarter and has $1.6 million cash on hand.

Meanwhile, several House Democrats that could run for his seat are stockpiling cash.

Rep. Robin Kelly (D-Ill.) raised roughly $186,000, with $2 million in the bank, while Rep. Lauren Underwood (D-Ill.) raised about $392,000 and has $1.1 million cash on hand.

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Those sums, however, are far outpaced by Rep. Raja Krishnamoorthi (D-Ill.), who raised $3 million this last quarter and has a whopping $19.4 million in the bank.

Cash pours into New Jersey gov race

Money is pouring into the New Jersey governors race to replace term-limited Gov. Phil Murphy (D), and House campaign filings are offering a picture of where some of that money is going.

Rep. Josh Gottheimer (D-N.J.), whos running in the Democratic primary, has sent close to $10 million to the super Affordable New Jersey PAC, a group thats supporting him in the gubernatorial race.

Meanwhile, Rep. Mikie Sherrill (D-N.J.), whos also running in the race, has channeled $127,500 to One Giant Leap PAC, a super PAC supporting her bid for the governors seat.

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The Democratic primary in the governors race is June 10.

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PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN)  The Port of Portland is set to vote on Monday to revoke its diversity, equity and inclusion policies.

According to the Port of Portland, a Special Port commission meeting is scheduled for Monday to discuss their social equity policy following the enactment of President Trumps DEI Executive Order 14151.

A six-figure salary might not be enough in Portland, report finds

In the agenda for Mondays meeting, based on the executive directors recommendation, the Port of Portland is to revoke its social equity policy and ensure that the Port of Portland remains in compliance with applicable laws and policies.

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The agenda goes on to say that Port of Portland staff will be directed to uphold Port of Portland values and foster a workplace where all can thrive; and, if necessary, to develop a new or, if preferred, modify an existing administrative policy, to reflect these compliance and values directives.

Oregon Senate passes bill protecting Oregonians who alert others of their rights

The Port of Portland is committed to serving our region and its important that we remain in federal compliance to continue doing work that reflects our values, the Port of Portland said in a statement.

Portland International Airport is dependent on federal grants, the Port of Portland said, but they are also a federal contractor for the Army Corps of Engineers.

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Domestic rabbits are suddenly dying in Douglas County. Heres why

Whats become clearer in the weeks since the Executive Order was issued is that we need to make good faith efforts to meet compliance expectationsand that includes revisiting certain policies, Port of Portland said. Not only is PDX federal grant-dependent, but we are also a federal contractor by virtue of our dredging contract with the Army Corps of Engineers.

This meeting comes on the heels of Oregon Governor Tina Kotek directing local schools to keep DEI practices, despite threats from the Trump Administration.

The Port of Portlands social equity policy was approved in 2018 to create a more prosperous, equitable and livable region.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KOIN.com.
PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN)  The Portland City Council measure that would ban rental price-fixing software has hit a stumbling block.

After hearing a third round of testimony on the proposal on Wednesday night, city leaders unanimously approved District 3 Councilor Angelita Morillos motion to refer the ordinance back to the Homelessness and Housing Committee.

A six-figure salary might not be enough in Portland, report finds

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Its kind of with a heavy heart that I have to say this  that there is some new litigation elsewhere that touches on similar issues with the algorithmic price fixing ordinance, Morillo, the proposals lead sponsor, said. And I want to assert that the litigation is not determinative of whats going to happen here, but its worth us keeping an eye on and being responsible stewards of policy and maintaining good conversations with stakeholders as we look into it.

The councilor was referring to a real estate software companys ongoing legal battle with the City of Berkeley. In early April, the Associated Press reported that RealPage filed a federal lawsuit accusing the California city of violating its free speech with an ordinance that prohibits rent-pricing algorithms.

The lawsuit against Berkeley is the most recent development in a nationwide attempt to crack down on an alleged price-fixing scheme.

In August, Oregon and several other states joined the Department of Justice in filing a federal complaint that claimed RealPage uses its software to collude with property managers and hike up the cost of rent. The plaintiffs amended the complaint to include some of the countrys largest landlords in January.

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Portlands Homelessness and Housing Committee began discussing an ordinance against these practices the following month. The committee later referred the discussion to the full council, but Morillos recent decision to reverse this move comes as the city is facing other immediate priorities, like the upcoming budget.

Complaint requesting prosecution of St. Helens Mayor heads to Oregon DOJ

The councilor previously noted that 47% of Portlanders are renters. And while much of the testimony on the ordinance has come from those in support of it, RealPage Vice President of Associate General Counsel Mike Semko argued that banning the software would impact renters negatively.

What this draft ordinance does at the present moment  It doesnt ban price fixing, Semko said on Wednesday. It bans the use of data sets in applied math. Essentially, what youre doing is  youre banning a math tool. Thats not going to help anybody. It certainly wont help housing providers and, by the way, it wont help your residents either.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KOIN.com.
The solemn portrait of a nine-year-old Palestinian boy, whose arms were severed and mutilated during an Israeli attack on Gaza City, has won the 2025 World Press Photo of the Year award.

The picture, given the accolade on Thursday, was taken by Samar Abu Elouf for The New York Times newspaper, and depicts Mahmoud Ajjour.

One of the most difficult things Mahmouds mother explained to me was how when Mahmoud first came to the realisation that his arms were amputated, the first sentence he said to her was, How will I be able to hug you? said Abu Elouf.

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Ajjour was evacuated to Doha, Qatar, following the Israeli explosion in March last year, an attack in the continuing war that has killed at least 51,025 Palestinians, wounded about 116,432 others and reduced much of the enclave to rubble.

The photographer is also from Gaza and was herself evacuated in December 2023. She now takes photos of badly wounded Palestinians based in Doha.





This is a quiet photo that speaks loudly. It tells the story of one boy, but also of a wider war that will have an impact for generations, said Joumana El Zein Khoury, World Press Photos executive director.

The jury praised the photos strong composition and attention to light and its thought-provoking subject matter, especially questions raised over Mahmouds future.

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It also lauded how the photo depicts the dehumanisation of a region, and about the relentless targeting of journalists in Gaza alongside the continued denial of access to international reporters seeking to expose the realities of this war.

The boy is now learning to play games on his phone, write, and open doors with his feet, but still needs special assistance for most daily activities, such as eating and dressing, the jury said.

Mahmouds dream is simple: he wants to get prosthetics and live his life as any other child, said the World Press Photo organisers in a statement.

The statement cited the United Nations Works and Relief Agency (UNWRA)s recent estimation that by December last year, Gaza had more child amputees per capita than anywhere else in the world.

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Children are disproportionately impacted by the war, the jury stated.

Runner-up prize

The jury also selected two photos for the runner-up prize.

The first, entitled Droughts in the Amazon by Musuk Nolte for Panos Pictures and the Bertha Foundation, shows a man on a dried-up river bed in the Amazon carrying supplies to a village once accessible by boat.

The second, Night Crossing by John Moore shooting for Getty Images, depicts Chinese migrants huddling near a fire during a cold rain after crossing the US-Mexico border.

Chinese migrants warm themselves under a cold rain after crossing the US-Mexico border, Campo, California, on March 7, 2024 [John Moore/ Getty Images]

The jury sifted through 59,320 photographs from 3,778 photojournalists to select 42 prize-winning shots from around the world.

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Nairobi-based Luis Tato won in the Stories category for the Africa region for a selection of photos depicting Kenyas youth uprising.

Jerome Brouillet won in the Singles category Asia Pacific and Oceania for his iconic picture of surfer Gabriel Medina seemingly floating above the waves.

Clarens Siffroy won in the Stories category North and Central America for his coverage of the gang crisis in Haiti.

Finally, Anselmo Cunha won in the Singles category for South America for his photo of a Boeing 727-200 stranded at Salgado Filho International Airport in Brazil.
SOFIA, April 17 (Xinhua) -- In celebration of International Chinese Language Day, 120 students from Bulgaria and China gathered online on Thursday to recite Chinese classics, bridging cultures through language and literature.

Children from Sofia and China's Ningbo city participated in the event from two locations - the China Cultural Center in the Bulgarian capital and the Yinzhou Wuxiang Central Primary School in Ningbo's Yinzhou District. Connected via livestream, the students took turns reading the Three-Character Classic, one of China's most revered ancient texts for early childhood education.

Held under the theme "Chinese Characters, Bonding Hearts; Classics, Spreading Affection," the event also featured cross-cultural dialogues inspired by the values and lessons embedded in the text. The event was co-organized by the China Cultural Center in Sofia and the relevant departments of Yinzhou District.

Children from the British School of Sofia (BSS), aged seven to eight, were among the participants. Gulser Fehmi, a coordinator at BSS, told Xinhua the event was a rare and valuable opportunity for students to experience Chinese culture firsthand.

BSS, with students from more than 40 nationalities, aims to nurture global citizens who embrace diversity and respect different languages and cultures, she said.

The United Nation's Language Days, introduced in 2010, promote multilingualism and cultural diversity, ensuring the equal use of the six official UN languages: Arabic, Chinese, English, French, Russian and Spanish. Chinese Language Day is celebrated on April 20. 
Vogelweh Elementary School students with Spring edition of Dandelions (Katie Wells )



Our team from Stars and Stripes Europe recently visited Vogelweh Elementary School, where we got to meet some really cool kids and hear feedback on our kids magazine Dandelions. To our surprise some of the students we spoke with create their own biweekly newspaper, From the Nest. They were excited to share a few copies with us and plenty of wonderful ideas. So far, these young journalists have written stories about storms, secret ocean life and the California wildfires.

From the Nest a newspaper written by VES students (Katie Wells)



When asked If you were a writer or designer for Stars and Stripes Europe what would you write about or create? these ambitious students asked us to cover topics like big landmarks, the history of video games (yes that includes Minecraft and Fortnite), recipes and stories about local legends around Europe. Another amazing class of 5th graders we visited with wanted to learn more about K-pop, sea creatures and coral reefs as well as read fairy tales with knights and dragons. They had fun suggestions like adding more room in the magazine for drawing.

Download your kids a digital copy of Dandelions.

A student reading the Spring edition of Dandelions (Daniela Gammon)



For our most recent edition, Dandelions Spring 2025, we used kids suggestions for more about LEGOs and old-timey games, animals and the Middle Ages, and we hope we delivered! We love hearing back from our young readers and cant wait to feature more of their ideas from our last couple of visits in future editions.
Star Wars Puppy 5K (Ramstein FSS)



Stars and Stripes Europe LOVES dogs. Which is why we simply had to check out the Star Wars Puppy 5K hosted by Ramstein FSS. The Force was at work parting the clouds for a rare sunny day this past weekend in Germany, beckoning all Jedi Masters and their Padawan pups to compete in this fun run. Gift cards were awarded to 1st, 2nd and 3rd place humans and doggy baskets were awarded to 1st, 2nd and 3rd place dogs.

Dog with Yoda Ears (Ramstein FSS)

Dog with Stripes Bandana (Ramstein FSS)

Two dogs and their owners at the Star Wars Puppy 5K (Ramstein FSS)



Ramstein FSS even set up a treat bar for all the good dogs to enjoy after their hard work. Stars and Stripes Europe donated a prize basket that was awarded to the Best Dressed pet, Which was very tough to choose. For the pups who left their Yoda ears and Princess Leia buns at home, we handed out Stars and Stripes bandanas for them to sport. We cant wait to come out to the next one!
Description

Grab your wine-loving friends for a night out every 3rd Thursday of the month! Spuntino Wine Bar & Italian Tapas in Westbury, NY hosts a wine walkaround where guests can enjoy live music, Chef-prepared bites, & selected wines in a laid-back, cocktail hour-like setting for $45 per person. This months theme is Tour of France, and will take place on April 17th from 6 to 8pm.

For more information and to reserve your tickets, visit the link!
SPRINGFIELD, Mass. (WWLP)  Rachels Table of Western Massachusetts officially launched its new 16-foot refrigerated box truck.

They celebrated with a ribbon-cutting ceremony Wednesday afternoon.

Leaders there say the spacious box truck will allow them to feed more people in need by increasing the amount of perishable food items they can keep fresh. The executive director of Rachels Table says that last year, they delivered nearly a million pounds of food throughout western Massachusetts.

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This truck will likely double that amount. This 16-foot refrigerated box truck will be a game changer for us to deliver twice as much food to many more people in western Massachusetts, Executive Director Jodi Folk told 22News.

Rachels Table is looking for volunteers to drive this truck! Drivers will be able to pick their schedule.

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.
(FOX40.COM)  The Sierra County Sheriff, Mike Fisher, received a report from a rancher at DS Ranch after witnessing two gray wolves actively taking down a calf in a pasture just about 100 yards from Highway 49 in Plumas County.

According to SCSO, the incident happened Wednesday morning at DS Ranch just north of Loyalton near a busy public roadway.

SCSO said, This incident further highlights a growing and serious concern regarding gray wolves in the Sierra Valley as they are becoming increasingly comfortable around humans and human activity, emboldened by a lack of effective deterrence or consequences.

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Authorities said DS Ranches moved cattle into the Sierra Valley on March 30. In just a few days, there have been six confirmed wolf attacks on calves and two calves killed, each confirmed by the California Department of Fish and Wildlife after a DNA analysis was done.

Barn fire in Stanislaus County claims lives of seven horses, two rescued

The question we must ask is: When is enough  enough? said SCSO.

At this time, the CDFWs current management of these apex predators has not been working even with the additional hazing options that were introduced under Phase Two of the Gray Wolf Management Plan, officials said.

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Due to the injuries that the Calf sustained, it had to be euthanized, said SCSO.

SCSO stated the Sierra Valley is home to multiple communities, ranches, and residents. These wolf attacks are not happening in the backcountry wilderness; they are happening where people live, work, and raise livestock.

SIERRA COUNTY SHERIFFS OFFICE: SIERRA COUNTY SHERIFFS OFFICE:

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A House Oversight member says DOGE has created chaos at the Social Security Administration.

He said DOGE's actions are putting Americans data, privacy, and access to benefits in danger.

DOGE's handling of sensitive data may have broken multiple laws, Rep. Gerald Connolly said.

A ranking member of the House Oversight Committee wrote in a new letter that DOGE has unleashed "chaos" at the Social Security Administration, putting Americans' privacy, security, and access to benefits at risk.

In a Thursday letter to Michelle Anderson, the SSA's Assistant Inspector General for Audit, Democratic Representative Gerald Connolly of Virginia urged the agency to investigate DOGE's actions and access to SSA data.

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"The whistleblower information obtained by the Committee, combined with public reporting, paints a picture of chaos at SSA as DOGE is rapidly, haphazardly, and unlawfully working to implement changes that could disrupt Social Security payments and expose Americans' sensitive data," Connolly wrote in the letter.

One of Connolly's major concerns about DOGE's actions at the SSA is its attempt to combine sensitive data held separately by multiple federal agencies  including the SSA, the Internal Revenue Service, Health and Human Services  into "a single cross-agency master database." Connolly said the Committee has information that indicates DOGE "is carrying out its work in a manner that disregards important cybersecurity and privacy considerations, potentially in violation of the law."

Connolly said that DOGE engineers have tried to skirt network security controls to create specialized computers for themselves with full access to data across agencies, and that DOGE associates have been collecting "backpacks full of laptops" each containing access to federal agencies' databases. Such actions could be in violation of federal laws that limit how agencies share information with each other and that require individuals' consent before such information is shared, he wrote.

Another of Connolly's concerns is the recent staffing reductions at the SSA and the impact on IT systems. On top of already eliminating around 7,000 positions at the SSA, DOGE has called for cutting 50% of the technology staff that manage the agency's website, benefits portals, and IT systems, Connolly wrote, citing The Washington Post. And, Connolly said, the Trump administration has plans to eliminate an additional 25% of staffers who oversee the SSA's data systems.

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These mass firings are happening at the same time the SSA has experienced repeated IT failures and website outages, which "could mean seniors and others who rely on Social Security are left without the income they need to buy food, pay rent, heat their homes, afford medications, and more," Connolly wrote.

Connolly also said that the Committee has learned the Trump administration plans to replace critical SSA IT systems without enough planning and preparation to prevent "significant operational disruptions" that could have "catastrophic" consequences for Americans' ability to receive lifeline Social Security benefits.

"During its short existence, DOGE has established a track record of extreme negligence and an alarmingly cavalier attitude with respect to protecting Americans' sensitive data," Connolly said.

Connolly urged the SSA to address his key concerns so that the Committee can decide whether it needs to make legislative reforms to keep Americans' data and federal systems safe.

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The SSA press office said it has received the letter and will respond directly to Connolly.

"President Trump will always protect social security, and every recipient will continue to receive their benefits," White House spokesperson Liz Huston said in a statement shared with Business Insider.

Since taking office, President Donald Trump has tasked DOGE, and its de facto leader, SpaceX and Tesla CEO Elon Musk, with gutting the federal workforce and slashing government spending. In that short time, DOGE has worked quickly to target the employees, contracts, building leases, expenses, operations, and data of nearly every federal agency.

Read the original article on Business Insider
BAY COUNTY, Fla. (WMBB)  Bear Creek Feline Center, home to 21 big cats representing five majestic species, continues to offer rare, up-close experiences in a safe and educational sanctuary setting. The centers latest resident is Athena, a 4-year-old Caracal who is now thriving after a difficult past.

Athena was rescued after living in less-than-ideal conditions with her previous owner, shared Bertie Broaddus, BCFCs Co-Owner. Thats what we dorescue and rehabilitate. The Caracal is native to Africa and is a rare sight in many places. In our 20 years of operation, Athena is only the second Caracal weve had at the center.

On Wednesday, students from Central High School visited the center to assist with setting up new enrichment equipment for the exotic cats.

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Today were working on a platform postsomething for the cats to walk on, rest on, and get closer to visitors, said Central High Schools Principal, Jeremy Knapp. In the past, weve built cots made from fire hoses and other activity-based items for the cats.

GWMI returns two sea turtles to the Gulf during surprise release

The project is part of an ongoing partnership supported by the St. Joe Community Foundation, which has been backing Bear Creek for several years.

Were proud to support this initiative, said St. Joe Foundations Executive Director, April Wilkes. Were especially excited to see Bear Creek working with Chautauqua School and Central High School to build new spaces for the cats and connect with students through hands-on education.

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Students from Chautauqua Learning Center were also on site, engaging in both educational and service-based activities.

A lot of what we focus on at Chautauqua is combining academic learning, life skills, and community service, said Bob Kuchta, a Chautauqua Learning Center Counselor. This experience aligns perfectly with our mission, and just like Bear Creek honors the uniqueness of each animal, we aim to honor the uniqueness of each of our students.

Bear Creek Feline Center is a non-profit organization. To learn how to support these big exotic cats, click here.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to mypanhandle.com.
OKLAHOMA CITY (KFOR)  Families in Oklahoma are seeing relief in how much it costs to connect with loved ones incarcerated with set per-minute rate caps for in-state audio calls, video communications, including video visitation.

Oklahoma families with loved ones confined switched to state-issued tablets, made available to prisoners statewide in 2021 after the banning of physical mail from entering state prisons in September 2024 curtailing the flow of contraband drugs into facilities.

The Federal Communications Commission in July of 2024 changed the rules to end exorbitant phone and video call rates that have burdened incarcerated people and their families for a very long time.

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According to FCC officials, under the new rules, the cost of a 15-minute phone call will drop to $0.90 from as much as $11.35 in large jails and, in small jails, to $1.35 from $12.10 beginning January 1, 2025.

Authorities capture 2,840 lbs. of marijuana in shipping scheme, 6 arrested

Communications services, such as video conferencing and video visitation breakdown is as follows: *Compliance with the new rate caps will be phased in based on the size of the correctional institution and other factors.

Audio Rate Caps (Permanent) (Per minute) Video Rate Caps (Interim) (Per minute) Tier (ADP) Current Caps New Caps Current Caps New Caps Prisons (any ADP) $0.14* $0.06 N/A $0.16 Large Jails (1,000+) $0.16* $0.06 N/A $0.11 Med. Jails (350-999) $0.21 $0.07 N/A $0.12 Small Jails (100-349) $0.21 $0.09 N/A $0.14 Very Small Jails (0-99) $0.21 $0.12 N/A $0.25

* Current cap figures that include a $0.02 additive for facility costs, which equates to the allowance made for facility-incurred IPCS costs reflected in contractually-prescribed site commissions, the closest available comparison. ADP means average daily population.

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Oklahoma Watch first reported, the new FCC regulation capping prison and jail phone call rates. Additionally highlighting, the Oklahoma Department of Corrections (ODOC) and Securus Technologies agreed to lower the states phone call rate from 14 cents per minute to 6 cents per minute. Securus under the amended contract who took over Oklahomas prison phone system in 2020 charging 20 cents per minute will no longer receive $3.5 million per year contract agreement in Oklahoma.

Securus will now beginning paying ODOC $580,000 over 12 months for tablet e-messaging and media rights, according to the latest contract agreement, reported by Oklahoma Watch.

At this time, the FCC has no regulating authority over tablet e-messaging rates for inmates.

The Oklahoma Department of Corrections released the following statement on 4.17.2025 clarifying inmates have tablets not laptops:

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They have had the tablets since 2021. Here are the fees for the text connect and the new phone call rates. All Securus contract information is on this page: https://oklahoma.gov/doc/business-services.html.

Additionally ODOC says, Securus sets the cost of the text messages and as an agency, no shift in operations have been made regarding inmate outside communications. ODOC further stated, there is no change to any access to phones, video calls or the tablets. E-messaging has been offered for quite some time. Noting, ODOC did implement digital mail to reduce contraband. Mail is now scanned in an offsite processing center and delivered digitally to the tablets.

Securus tablets, Image courtesy ODOC

A pending lawsuit has been filed by Securus and Pay Tel alleging that the FCC exceeded its authority under the Martha Wright-Reed Fair and Just Communications Act. Implementation of rate cuts continue as federal courts decline any pause due to pending cases.

To read the Oklahoma Watch full article click here.

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*The Prison Policy Initiative has not responded at the time of this publishing.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KFOR.com Oklahoma City.
There's a lot of concern in the markets these days with how tariffs will affect growth stocks like Nvidia and Apple and whether they drag down their earnings.

But one industry may be largely untouched by tariffs, and it could make for a good investment right now -- provided you are willing to take on some risk, be patient, and hang on for several years. The industry I'm talking about is cannabis. Here's why it could be an underrated place to invest today.

Why tariffs likely won't have much impact on the cannabis industry

Cannabis isn't legal at the federal level in the U.S., although dozens of states have still legalized it for recreational use, medicinal use, or both. The net effect is that cannabis companies can operate within a state that has legalized cannabis but cannot transfer cannabis across state lines. This means that companies effectively have to grow their products and operate within the state where they sell their products.

The same goes for Canadian-based marijuana companies. While Canada is charging tariffs on products that come from the U.S., cannabis is illegal and is barred from shipment across the federal border. Tilray Brands, which is based in Canada, recently reported earnings and stated that tariffs shouldn't have an effect on its sales.

However, one way that industry may feel the effects is indirectly, if the economy struggles and consumers have less purchasing power. In that case, spending as a whole can be down for cannabis and other industries.

Cannabis companies still make for risky investments

Although cannabis companies likely aren't going to need to worry about tariffs crippling their operations, they already have enough problems of their own. Without federal legalization in the U.S., it's difficult for companies to benefit from economies of scale. It's also a challenge to obtain banking services to help fund and expand their businesses.

Curaleaf Holdings (OTC: CURLF) and Trulieve Cannabis (OTC: TCNNF) are two of the largest cannabis companies in the U.S., and they struggle with profitability. While these businesses typically focus on adjusted earnings and can report profits that excludes certain expenses, it may be a long time before they consistently achieve true net income.

The good news, however, is that these companies are generating positive cash flow from their day-to-day operating activities. While they may not be profitable, their operations are sustainable and they aren't in any imminent danger of going out of business, despite the challenges they're facing.
Abundant Health Acquisition (aha!) and Praia Health have formed a strategic partnership focusing on healthcare organisations engagement with consumers digitally, from initial discovery through to extended retention.

The partnership combines aha!'s Health Experience Platform (HXP), which facilitates engagement and acquisition on public-facing websites via open scheduling, intelligent provider search, and tailored content, with Praia Health's platform, which strengthens identity-powered experiences on mobile apps and web portals.

aha! and Praia Health aim to deliver a solution to healthcare systems that is integrated and scalable.

This is expected to minimise fragmentation and combines digital touchpoints into a cohesive experience.

The partnership also promises to remove friction and create a cohesive journey for healthcare consumers.

aha! CEO Paul Dain said: This partnership is about delivering the connected, intelligent experience that healthcare consumers expect, and health systems need to remain competitive.

Together, were bringing cohesion to a historically fragmented journey.

The market will benefit from this partnership through a unified system that covers digital access, marketing, and care navigation.

The solution is designed to integrate into existing infrastructure, such as Sitecore, electronic medical records (EMRs), and Microsoft Entra, and has already been deployed with health systems to manage patient interactions.

The partnership will concentrate on aligning go-to-market efforts, jointly developing solutions, and working together on deployments with health systems.

These efforts are focused on modernising digital access, enhancing conversion rates, and driving extended engagement.

Praia Health CEO Justin Dearborn said: By combining Praias personalisation engine with aha!s front-door capabilities, were giving health systems the power to anticipate and orchestrate each consumers path to care on their terms.

Earlier this year, US-based care access platform Kyruus Health collaborated with aha! to merge their technologies to enhance patient access and engagement.

"Abundant Health Acquisition and Praia Health partner for digital care" was originally created and published by Hospital Management, a GlobalData owned brand.




Mario Tama / Getty Images)





Key Takeaways

Oppenheimer reiterated its Outperform rating for Netflix, as well as its price target of $1,150one of the highest on Wall Street.

Analysts at Oppenheimer said in a report that the streamer will not feel the impact of tariffs and little impact from an unstable economy, justifying their bullish rating.

Bank of America analysts, meanwhile, have reiterated their own bullish rating and price target ahead of this week's expected earnings results.







Netflix can survive an uncertain economic environment, according to Oppenheimer's bullish analysts.

The bank on Monday reiterated its Outperform rating for Netflix (NLFX) shares. The stock, aided by a news report discussing the streaming giant's plans to continue growing, has jumped today. Bank of America analysts, meanwhile, reiterated their own bullish rating and target.

Oppenheimer analysts ahead of Netflix's next round of quarterly results, due later this week, said the company should be insulated from the effects of tariffs and economic unease. Consumers tend to value television more highly during recessions when they spend more time at home, the analysts wrote. Meanwhile, Oppenheimer wrote, Netflix's latest round of price increases has already arrived, meaning it has "been digested" by consumers.

The investment banks $1,150 price target is among the highest on Wall Street, above the mean target of $1,097, according to Visible Alpha. Most of the analysts tracked by Visible Alpha have "buy" or equivalent ratings on the shares, which were recently up about 6% to roughly $988.

Bank of America reiterated a "buy" rating and $1,175 target, citing "ample runway for continued growth driven by further subscriber additions along with more monetization opportunities (both via pricing and advertising) and a significant ramp in operating income."

Netflix is slated to report its 2025 first quarter earnings on Thursday.

Read the original article on Investopedia
Another option is to use the IRS payment portal and click extension as the payment reason; the IRS says it will send a confirmation, and extra forms dont have to be filed.

The IRS says there are several ways to seek an extension, including requesting one through the IRS Free File program. Filers should estimate how much they owe and file the extension request by Tuesday to get the extra time. (Though the Free File program has an income limit of $84,000 for filing returns, there are no income rules for filing an extension through the site.)

Getting an extension buys people six more months to file their income-tax return. This sets an Oct. 15 deadline to submit the return, but it does not extend the deadline to pay a tax bill.

That would mean there are millions of people dashing to file their taxes right before the deadline. But an IRS deadline isnt just any deadline  there are pitfalls and penalties for people who move too fast or blow it off entirely. Heres what to know:

Americans have filed more than 100 million income-tax returns since late January, according to Internal Revenue Service statistics through early April. The tax collector is expecting to have more than 140 million income-tax returns once the dust settles after April 15.

An extension doesnt give someone more time to pay, just more time to file, he added.

I recommend taxpayers at least file an extension rather than miss the deadline altogether, Steber said. Getting an extension ensures a filer wont face late-filing penalties, but if they have a balance due and dont pay at least 90% of their bill, they will face a penalty, he said.

Tuesday is Tax Day, the last day to pay any owed 2024 income taxes. Its also the final day to either file a tax return or claim an extension. Taxpayers have until 11:59 p.m. in their local time zone to file, according to Mark Steber, Jackson Hewitts chief tax officer.

Tax season is nearly done, which means last-minute filers are just beginning their sprint to submit their income-tax returns.

Story Continues

Filers can also send in Form 4868  the document seeking the extension  through the mail via a tax preparer or tax software.

Theres a chance a hard copy of doesnt reach the IRS by the Tuesday deadline. Its the postmark date thats crucial, according to Nerdwallet NRDS. Hold onto a proof of mailing for your records.

When you submit that extension, make sure you also make a payment of what you expect to owe to avoid penalties and interest, said Andy Phillips, vice president of the Tax Institute at H&R Block HRB.

While some programs like IRS Free File allow people to request an extension for free, the cost can vary depending on the software, Phillips noted.

Generally speaking, electronic filing is the fastest way to get through to the IRS instead of mailing paper forms. Thats true for extension requests and income-tax returns overall.

Some tax preparers have been moving quickly to request extensions this year or trying to avoid them altogether. The Trump administration is seeking to add to its already massive cuts to IRS staff, and these preparers want to avoid any delays in their clients returns resulting from the agencys reduced capacity for operations and processing. Thats especially true for clients mailing in hard-copy returns, they noted.

We anticipate key operations will be stable through the remainder of tax season, but cannot predict staffing beyond the April 15 deadline, Phillips said. Its especially important for people expecting a refund to file electronically this year, as that will be the fastest way to get the refund, he noted.

Not everyone who needs more time for taxes needs to apply for an extension. The IRS routinely extends deadlines for people affected by natural disasters. After wildfires ravaged Los Angeles County in January, residents were given an Oct. 15 filing and payment deadline for their federal and state income taxes.

What if I file my taxes late?

The consequences of filing a tax return late are stiff  tougher, even, than those for failing to pay taxes. The failure-to-file penalty is 5% of the tax due for each month or partial month the return is late, according to the IRS. The penalty builds by 5% each month to a maximum 25%.

Getting an extension avoids the failure-to-file penalty.

The nonpayment penalty is far less severe, at 0.5% of the unpaid tax. This penalty also increases as the unpaid tax drags out, but it doesnt escalate as quickly. It climbs by 0.5% increments each month.

If someone skips filing and paying, both penalties apply, though the nonpayment penalty gets subtracted from the larger nonfiling penalty.

Submitting the extension request by tomorrow helps people avoid the late-filing penalty, said Barbara Weltman, author of J.K. Lassers 1001 Deductions & Tax Breaks 2025. Theres zero downside to filing an extension, she said.

What if I make a mistake on my tax return?

At this point, people shouldnt rush to file a tax return without claiming all eligible credits and deductions  and gathering all the necessary documentation  just to make the April 15 deadline.

For example, teachers should track down all their unreimbursed expenses for a deduction thats worth up to $300, along with receipts to back up the costs. Gig workers should hunt the records for their work-related expenses, which can produce deductions that lower taxable income. Investors should wait for all their tax forms reporting their gains and losses.

In other words, file an extension and take the time to be complete and accurate, tax professionals say.

One incentive to get your tax return right is the opportunity to maximize any refund you might receive. The average refund is now $3,116, according to the IRS, which is slightly higher than it was last year.

Another incentive is avoiding notices of underreported income, dragged-out return processing and even the chance of an audit. As the Trump administration shrinks the IRS, its unclear how much of the Biden-era plans to audit businesses and wealthy taxpayers remain.

But the IRS has automated systems to check that people are reporting all the tax forms the agency receives too. These computer-powered checks arent going away, and may take a bigger role in enforcement with a smaller IRS workforce.

If someone filed their return and then realized they made a mistake or overlooked tax breaks or income, they can file an amended return. This is done with whats called Form 1040-X.

What if I cant pay my full tax bill?

The IRS will arrange repayment plans for people who cannot pay their full bill by Tuesday. Theres a short-term plan under which the bill is fully paid in 180 days.

There are also longer-term installment plans. Both plans can be started online, via phone or in person. The longer-term plan has some fees associated with the setup.

Though interest and late-payment penalties continue to apply to the unpaid balance, the failure-to-pay tax penalty rate is cut in half while an installment agreement is in effect, Phillips said. In addition, entering into an installment agreement will pause the IRS from taking other enforced collection actions.

People who owe taxes may still have ways to shave costs, which can help in a high-interest-rate economy. One maneuver is getting a loan to repay the IRS, Phillips said. In some cases, loan costs may be lower than the combination of interest and penalties the IRS must charge under federal law.

Most Read from MarketWatch
MANHATTAN (KSNT)  Wednesday, April 15, an update on the measles outbreak in Kansas. State health officials now confirming 37 total cases.

All of them stretching across eight counties in southwest Kansas. Most people infected are children. According to the CDC, measles is very contagious. The incubation period for the virus can be up to two weeks. It can cause severe health issues for children and people who arent vaccinated.

Country music festival coming to the Little Apple

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27 News spoke with the Riley County Health Department on the best way to protect yourself.

If you want a single best way to protect yourself from measles, Riley County Health Department Clinical Supervisor, Jacob Clarke said. Getting that MMR vaccine is by far the best way to do that.

The health department said they will continue to monitor the spread of the virus.

For more local news, click here. Keep up with the latest breaking news in northeast Kansas by downloading our mobile app and by signing up for our news email alerts. Sign up for our Storm Track Weather app by clicking here.

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Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KSNT 27 News.
Gregg Hull, Rio Ranchos longest-serving mayor, is breaking ground as the first Republican to enter the race for governor.

Hull, who is serving his third term as mayor of New Mexicos third-largest city, plans to officially launch his campaign in June but has already been busy fundraising. This week, he reported $206,000 in campaign contributions since January.

Hull declined a request for an interview.

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Mayor Gregg Hull appreciates the outpouring of support and encouragement he has received to run for Governor of New Mexico, Corey Stevens, a spokesperson for Hulls campaign, said in a statement.

Over the coming weeks, Mayor Hull will continue to meet with New Mexicans, local leaders, and Republican stakeholders leading up to an official kickoff event on June 2, 2025, Stevens added.

Although his official launch is two months away, Hulls gubernatorial campaign is well underway, not only with fundraising but also a website with a video that reveals his early messaging: New Mexico should emulate Rio Ranchos success in public safety and other metrics statewide.

The 56-second video touts Rio Rancho as the safest city in New Mexico and one of the top 100 best places to live in America, among other accolades.

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Now we can do better for New Mexico, reads text in the video. Its time for a change. Its time for New Mexicos mayor.

The Democratic Party of New Mexico immediately pounced on Hull, asserting crime in Rio Rancho has seen a significant increase during Hulls tenure. The party provided a link to a report showing the eight homicide investigations in Rio Rancho in 2024 equaled the total number investigated in the three previous years.

New Mexicans remember how disastrous a Republican Governor can be for our state, the Democratic Party wrote in a news release, stating the last GOP governor, Susana Martinez, destroyed the states behavioral health system and had an abysmal economic and jobs record.

Under Democratic leadership, New Mexico has been a national leader in protecting abortion rights and reproductive healthcare, transitioning to a clean energy economy, early childhood education, and much more, party spokesperson Daniel Garcia said in a statement.

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New Mexicans cant risk reversing our progress in so many key areas by having a Republican Trump lackey as the top executive in our state, Garcia added. It has taken years to recover from the profoundly negative effect New Mexicos last Republican governor had on our state.

The Hull campaign did not respond to a request for comment from the Democratic Party of New Mexicos assertions.

His campaign website  gregghull.com  makes no mention he is a Republican, indicating he is running a general election and not just a primary race.

Although he is the first Republican to jump into the race, Hull is the third candidate to announce a bid for governor.

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Democrats Deb Haaland, a former congresswoman and U.S. interior secretary, and Sam Bregman, who is the district attorney in Bernalillo County, officially launched their campaigns in February and April, respectively.

Hull says on his website he has focused on infrastructure improvement, public safety and economic development during his tenure as mayor.

Through his dedication to infrastructure, public safety, economic growth, and quality of life, Gregg continues to lead Rio Rancho toward a prosperous future, the website states. Now, he wants to do the same for ALL New Mexicans.
RIVERSIDE, Ohio (WDTN)  Police are actively searching for a man accused of firing a gun near a school.

According to the Riverside Police Department, officers were called out on reports of suspicious individual in the area of Burkhardt Road near St. Helen Catholic School on the morning of April 11.

When officers arrived on scene, witnesses told them that a suspect had fired a single gunshot into the air while driving away from the school parking lot. Investigation revealed the suspect had been confronted by another individual regarding his erratic driving near the school, prompting the firearm discharge.

Photo/Riverside PD

While officers were unable to locate the suspect at the time, investigators have identified him as Karl E. Banks, Jr.

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The Montgomery County Prosecutors Office approved charges for Banks on Wednesday along with an arrest warrant.

Banks has been indicted on the following charges:

Illegal Conveyance or Possession of Deadly Weapon or Dangerous Ordinance on School Premises

Illegal Conveyance or Possession of Deadly Weapon or Dangerous Ordinance in School Safety Zone

Improper Handling of Firearm in Motor Vehicle

Improperly Discharging a Firearm with Intent to Cause Harm or Panic to Persons In A School Zone

Investigators are actively looking for Banks. He is described as a 33-year-old Black male, approximately 6 feet 4 inches tall, 235 pounds. Banks was last seen driving a black 2021 Volkswagen Tiguan with Ohio license plate KOL8520.

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If you know of Banks whereabouts or see him, contact police immediately. Riverside PD urges you to not approach him.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
Motorists may struggle with highway closures throughout Boone County for the foreseeable future.

Ind. 32 is closed west of Shannondale in Montgomery County for bridge repair. The closure is causing traffic headaches at the intersection of Ind. 32 and Ind. 75 at Dover. Thats the intersection Western Boone Schools students and their families use to access the high school.

Traffic is already heavy there, but semi drivers have been ignoring detour signs and then trying to back their rigs up in small, private driveways to turn around. And thats exacerbating the problem, Boone County Highway Department Director Nick Parr said.

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A truck destroyed a sign and downed barriers Tuesday, causing more semis to continue into Montgomery County, where they encountered a missing bridge.

We need to tell the truckers to stay on [Interstate] 65, or turn around before they get to [Ind.] 75, Parr said, adding that hes working with the state to get additional signage posted.

More to come

But things are expected to get worse. The Indiana Department of Transportation, INDOT, announced Tuesday it will close Ind. 32 in Boone County from Ind. 75 westward to County Road 1175 for road improvements near the high school.

The closure is expected April 21 or after and will continue through late May, weather permitting. The project involves numerous pipe installations, and work will begin at the west end to allow better access for school buses.

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INDOT will also close Ind. 47 just east of Ind. 39 for maintenance on or after May 12. It is scheduled to be closed through July.

C.R. 1200 E., just south of Ind. 47, will be closed for work for about 45-60 days beginning April 28.

New pavement

Commissioners paved the way Monday for a mile of C.R. 400 N. between C.R. 500 W. and 600 W. to be converted from gravel to hard surface this year.

The highway department converts a few miles of road each year. Roads are ranked for conversion based on criteria that include traffic count. Up to 300 vehicles per day travel that section of road west of Ind. 52.

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Owners along that portion of C.R. 400 N. petitioned for conversion in 2018 and it was in line for this year, except for one hurdle, Dan Smith told commissioners Monday. Smith is the spokesperson for the petitioning landowners.

Nine of the 10 property owners asked for the conversion. Seven of the properties have homes, and five of those homes are on the north side of the road and bear the brunt of dust kicked up by tires on gravel.

The road lacked only one final element for conversion, and thats 75% of the landowners signing a right-of-way agreement. Seven of the 10 signed, but Commissioner Don Lawson owns farmland along the road and said his attorney told him not to sign the right-of-way to avoid the appearance of a conflict of interest. That put the total percentage slightly lower than the 75% needed.

Smith said the road had a unique disadvantage to other roads because a commissioners land is involved.

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Pell and Beyer voted to allow the road a special exemption, eliminating the need for Lawsons signature and pushing the participation level to 78%. Lawson abstained from the vote and any conversation on the topic.

Savings

Commissioners unanimously voted to switch contracts for employment benchmarking. The county is now contracted with salaries.com to evaluate positions and help set a fair pay rate. The cost will be $3,000 per year, compared to the previous contract of $5,600 per year.

Social media

Brent Wheat, the countys communications director, asked commissioners for guidance on developing a social media policy. Commissioners plan to publish news that Wheat writes on social media platforms.

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Social media is the only platform we can control, Wheat told commissioners, adding that the county has a good relationship with local media, but We control the message, we control the medium, when its social media.

Commissioners are expected to revisit the social media policy at their next meeting at 9 a.m. Monday in the Boone County Annex building, 116 W. Washington St., Lebanon.

In-house attorney

Commissioners also cancelled their legal services contract with attorney Beth Copeland and made her a full-time employee after the Boone County Council approved the move Monday. Commissioners expect to save more than $100,000 per year by having an in-house attorney who serves all elected officials and handles litigation.
Simon Roberts, chief executive of Argos owner Sainsburys, says urgent action must be taken - Henry Nicholls/Reuters

The boss of Sainsburys and Argos has urged Sir Keir Starmer to close a tax loophole used by Chinese retailers amid growing fears that Donald Trumps trade war will fuel a surge in cheap imports to Britain.

Simon Roberts said urgent action must be taken to ensure everyone is paying their tax wherever theyre operating from, increasing pressure on the Government to stop companies such as Shein and Temu profiting from the de minimis rule. This is a tax exemption for imported small packages of low value.

He said: If theres a loophole here ... then that needs to be closed.

It comes after British retail chiefs warned earlier this week that more low-value packages would be diverted to the UK after Mr Trumps administration closed a similar loophole in the US.

The US president did so by signing an executive order to end a tax exemption for imported small packages worth less than $800 (605). The exemption had allowed online retailers to avoid paying customs duties by shipping small orders directly to customers.

Shein has argued these rules have meant the company could keep prices affordable, saying: We pass this advantage to our customers and this has driven our success around the world, not the exemptions that retailers receive under current tax regimes.

Following the changes in the US, the British Retail Consortium this week said high street bosses were concerned that more stock could be diverted to the UK.

It said: Retailers are rightly concerned we will see more traders outside the UK taking advantage of our de minimis rule to sell their displaced stock from the US, undercut domestic retailers and put consumer safety at risk.

Retailers which sell electrical goods and clothing are expected to be those most affected. This includes Sainsburys Argos business, which sells appliances, homeware and technology.

Mr Roberts said the Government needed to make sure it was a level playing field for retailers.

Supermarket price war

The comments came as Sainsburys said profits were unlikely to rise this year amid fierce competition between supermarkets.

The company said it was expecting retail underlying profit of around 1bn for the current financial year, compared to 1.04bn in the year to March 1.

Mr Roberts said: We are committed, above all else, to sustaining the strong competitive position we have built  consistently giving customers the great value they have come to expect from Sainsburys  and we expect to continue to outperform the market.

Asda, the UKs third-largest supermarket, earlier this year kicked off a price war among supermarkets, with bosses claiming they had a war chest to win back shoppers.
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Bitcoin (CRYPTO: BTC) is trading near flat on Wednesday, up 0.14% to $83,788 at the time of writing. The world's largest cryptocurrency is up 0.44% over the past week but is down 0.74% on the month as price action stabilizes following last week's macro-driven selloff.

Spot Bitcoin ETFs Log $76 Million in Inflows

After suffering nearly $900 million in outflows last week, spot Bitcoin ETFs are showing signs of recovery. The funds recorded $76.4 million in net inflows on Tuesday, extending a two-day rebound after a brutal seven-day streak of outflows. BlackRock's IBIT led the charge with $38.2 million in net new capital, while ARKB and BITB also saw healthy gains.

Total trading volume across the 12 ETFs came in at $1.6 billion on Tuesday, down from $2.2 billion the day before, according to The Block. Analysts say the recovery in CME futures basis yields has revived interest in the spot/futures arbitrage trade, helping support inflows.

Don't Miss:

Trade crypto futures on Plus500 with up to $200 in bonuses  no wallets, just price speculation and free paper trading to practice different strategies.

Peter Chung, head of research at Presto Research, told The Block, "the ETF inflows over the last few days may therefore be a result of the changing dynamics between the spot and the futures market."

While Ethereum-based products continue to bleed capital, Bitcoin's positioning as a macro hedge and growing institutional vehicle appears intact.

Oklahoma Rejects Bitcoin Reserve Bill as State-Level Push Continues

Bitcoin's growing role in state-level fiscal strategy suffered a minor setback this week as Oklahoma's Senate Revenue and Taxation Committee narrowly rejected House Bill 1203a proposal to create a strategic Bitcoin reserve for the state.

The 6-5 vote killed the bill despite a last-minute "yes" from Sen. Christi Gillespie, who said she changed her mind after hearing from constituents, according to Decrypt.

The move puts more pressure on other states leading the charge. New Hampshire's House recently passed a bill permitting up to 10% of state reserves in Bitcoin. Texas and Arizona also have live legislation in the pipeline, with Arizona's House Rules Committee approving two BTC-related bills in March.

According to the tracker Bitcoin Laws, 40 bills across 20 states remain active.

VanEck's BitBonds Proposal Draws Attention

On the institutional front, asset manager VanEck proposed a new hybrid bond instrument, called BitBonds, aimed at refinancing up to $14 trillion of U.S. debt. The bonds would allocate 90% to Treasuries and 10% to Bitcoin, allowing for upside capture if BTC appreciates beyond a 4.5% annual threshold.
BPs chair, Helge Lund. Major institutional investors voted against his re-election. Photograph: Dylan Martinez/Reuters

BP suffered an investor rebellion on Thursday after facing shareholders for the first time since abandoning its climate strategy at a meeting marred by protest.

About a quarter of shareholders voted against the chair, Helge Lund, at the companys annual meeting in Sunbury-on-Thames, on the edges of London, which attracted protest from several green campaign groups.

The Guardian understands that five protesters were forcibly blocked from entering the meeting before the vote, which marked the first time in at least a decade that more than 10% of BPs shareholders voted against the re-election of the chair.

The activists from Fossil Free London and Energy Embargo for Palestine protested outside the venue, describing the board as murderers, looters and genocide enablers, before major institutional investors voted against the re-election of Lund.

The shareholder meeting was held weeks after Lund, who presided over BPs failed green agenda, promised to step down from the company by next year.

Despite his resignation, the chair was forced to face a shareholder vote to re-elect him to the post until his departure, creating a lightning rod for disgruntled investors. The resolution received a provisional 24.3% of opposed votes.

The outgoing chair told shareholders that the company had pursued too much while looking to build new low-carbon businesses but that lessons have been learned.

BPs chief executive, Murray Auchincloss, repeated his previous claim that BPs optimism in the global green energy transition was misplaced, and that the boards one simple goal was to grow the long-term value of your investment.

A strategy overhaul was considered by many industry commentators as BPs only defence against the advance of an aggressive activist investor fund that could threaten the breakup of the 115-year-old company.

The feared New York fund Elliott Investment Management amassed a stake in the company earlier this year. It typically takes aim at underperforming companies by agitating for changes that could resuscitate their flagging market value.

Elliott is expected to call for sweeping changes to BP, which has lagged behind rivals such as Shell and ExxonMobil that have profited from the global energy market crisis in recent years by increasing their fossil fuel production.

Mark Van Baal, the founder of the green activist investor group Follow This, said shareholders had made it clear that weakening climate commitments is unacceptable.

He added: This historical result serves as a wake-up call to BPs board and emphasises investor expectation for robust governance mechanisms and genuine leadership on ESG issues.
This story was originally published on C-Store Dive. To receive daily news and insights, subscribe to our free daily C-Store Dive newsletter.

BP Board Chair Helge Lund announced that he plans to step down from his role in due course, according to an announcement from BP earlier this month.

The company has begun the process of finding a successor, led by Senior Independent Director Dame Amanda Blanc.

BPs next chairperson, once selected, will work with Helge during a transition period, after which Helge will leave the board. While no solid timeline was given, BP expects the new board chair will be in place sometime next year.

Having fundamentally reset our strategy, bps focus now is on delivering the strategy at pace, improving performance and growing shareholder value, said Helge. Now is the right time to start the process to find my successor and enable an orderly and seamless handover.

BP

Helge joined the board in 2018 and became chair at the start of 2019, according to his bio on BPs website. He has also served as chair for pharmaceutical company Novo Nordisk.

The BP chair transition comes amid many changes for the energy and retail giant. The company announced it was laying off about 5% of its global workforce in January, then rolled out a reset strategy at the end of February. The reset includes cutting expenses and shifting its focus from renewable energy back to oil production.

While BPs board looks for its new leader, the companys focus will remain on overseeing managements delivery of the new strategy and this will continue to be their key priority under the new Chair, according to the announcement.

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Bank of England notes

Banknote printer De La Rue has accepted a 263m takeover bid from US private equity firm Atlas after snubbing a separate approach from ex-Tory donor Edi Truell.

The Basingstoke-based company, which prints money for the Bank of England, has confirmed plans to back Atlass offer, in a move that will see it taken private from the London Stock Exchange.

That is despite Mr Truell lodging an eleventh-hour offer worth 267m through his investment funds, Disruptive Capital and Pension SuperFund Capital.

It marks an escalating bidding war for De La Rue, which has had a low valuation since it lost its contract to print British passports to Dutch-based rival Gemalto in 2018.

Shares in De La Rue jumped by 16pc in response to the latest announcement, taking the companys market cap up to 253m.

Meanwhile, Atlass offer marks a 19pc premium on the companys valuation on Dec 11, which was before any takeover bids had been launched for the 211-year-old firm.

Mr Truell previously tabled a 125p per share offer in January, although this has been increased to 132p.

A De La Rue spokesman said the board had considered Mr Truells latest offer last night but concluded that it lacked committed financing. Concerns were also raised over its deliverability.

As a result, the company has recommended that shareholders accept Atlass offer.

Mr Truell, a Brexit-supporting City financier, started private equity firm Disruptive Capital Finance in 2008 after building a business empire with his late brother Daniel.

He was previously a major donor to the Conservatives but announced plans in 2016 to withdraw his funding from the party over David Camerons handling of the EU referendum.

If approved by shareholders, Atlas takeover of De La Rue will see it join a portfolio of 27 separate businesses owned by the private equity firm, which is headquartered in Greenwich, Connecticut.

Atlas was first founded in 2002 by Andrew Bursky and Tim Fazio, two former colleagues at private equity firm Pegasus.

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At just 19 years old, Tiam Behdarvandan began building his moving and storage company empire. Although he had no industry experience, Behdarvandan saw an opportunity and launched his company from scratch with just two movers and one truck. Through trial and error, he was able to expand his company, Lets Get Moving, to a franchise that provides moving services throughout the U.S. and Canada  and its now worth millions of dollars.

Check Out: Im a Self-Made Millionaire: Heres How I Use ChatGPT To Make a Lot of Money

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GOBankingRates spoke with Behdarvandan about the steps he took to scale his business, the lessons he learned from his mistakes and the advice he would give to aspiring entrepreneurs.

Scaling Up

Behdarvandans company began with a small office at a Jiffy Store.

It was me, my fiance and a sales agent in a room booking jobs and advertising, he said. That small operation has now expanded to 10 corporate-owned locations in Canada and the U.S.

Behdarvandan credits his ability to scale to the mentorship he received from leaders and experts in various industries.

Everyone should be ready to learn new ways of doing things, he said. Do not be afraid of changes  they are inevitable. Learn from the experts and apply what you learned into the business.

Learn More: I Made $10,000 Using One of Dave Ramseys Best Passive Income Ideas

Behdarvandan learned that the first step in scaling any business is building a strong foundation of systems and processes that can be replicated easily. In his case, Behdarvandan was able to create a streamlined workflow and system by using a centralized call center, bringing in the right software and documenting all processes and policies. Still, having the right processes isnt a surefire formula for success.

Before deciding to expand the business, you have to make sure you are ready for expansion, Behdarvandan said. If you are not able to provide a service or product that your customers love and cherish, even with the foundation and processes you develop, you will not have happy customers, resulting in an unhappy business.

Another key to scaling up was investing in marketing to help spread awareness and gain new customers.

We invested heavily in digital marketing, particularly Google Ads and SEO, he said. Google Ads provided us with quality leads and SEO made sure we were showing up organically. Learning about how everything works and how to optimize them is very important in building a strong business.
By Anna Tong

SAN FRANCISCO (Reuters) -The California attorney general's office declined to join a lawsuit by Elon Musk against OpenAI, the agency wrote in a letter made public on Tuesday, saying the office did not see how Musk's action serves the public interest of the state.

Musk, a co-founder of the ChatGPT maker, is now in a feud with his co-founder Sam Altman, the current OpenAI chief executive, over the firm's future.

OpenAI wants to remove its nonprofit board as its controlling power in exchange for a valuable equity stake. Musk's suit argues this would threaten the nonprofit's mission and he had asked the state to join the lawsuit.

In the letter dated Monday, the attorney general said Musk had not adequately shown that doing so would benefit the public and that Musk appeared to want to use OpenAI's charitable assets for his own purposes. In February, a Musk-led consortium made an unsolicited $97 billion bid for control of OpenAI.

In a response letter to the attorney general on Tuesday, Musk's lawyer said the attorney general misunderstood Musk's bid for OpenAI, writing that Musk does not want to buy OpenAI if the nonprofit structure remains unchanged.

"People are coming forth from all political spectrums and objecting to OpenAI's unlawful conduct and planned for-profit conversion which negatively affects us all," Musk's lawyer said in a statement, pointing out that groups including a coalition of labor and charitable organizations, as well as former OpenAI employees have joined Musk in urging a stop to OpenAI's transition.

Though the California attorney general's office has declined to join Musk's lawsuit, it remains involved in the issue: as the state overseer of nonprofits, it needs to approve OpenAI's proposed nonprofit transition because OpenAI is based in California.

OpenAI has argued that it needs to remove the nonprofit's controlling role in order to raise funds from investors. To secure a $40 billion fundraising round, the company must complete its transition by the end of the year. The nonprofit will retain a stake in OpenAI that will become increasingly valuable as the company grows, providing resources to carry out its mission, the company argues.

Musk and Altman co-founded OpenAI in 2015, but Musk left before the company became a technology star. Last year, Musk, who is also the CEO of electric carmaker Tesla, sued OpenAI and Altman, accusing OpenAI of straying from its founding mission - to develop AI for the good of humanity, not corporate profit.
Photo: Justin Sullivan (Getty Images)

Chilis has been among the hottest restaurant performers in year-over-year sales. The chain has deftly created a cool vibe on social media, forged value on its menu, and become the darling of Darden, its corporate owner. Its largely been able to do this by giving diners a sit-down restaurant experience at a price comparable to fast-food.

And the restaurant chains latest salvo against the fast-food titans? The QP, an offering that will bring some head-to-head competition to McDonalds. The burger includes toppings familiar to lovers of the quarter pounder, which has long been a Golden Arches menu mainstay: two slices of American cheese, pickles, ketchup and diced onions.

The QP, which boasts more beef than its fast-food rival, will join the chains popular 3 For Me menu, which includes an entree, appetizer, and a beverage for $10.99.

We believe Chilis 3 For Me menu has been the best value in the industry since we introduced it in 2022, and we just made it even better with the new Big QP burger, featuring a fast food flavor profile our guests will recognize, Chilis chief marketing officer George Felix said in a press release.

Christena Garduno, CEO of performance marketing agency Media Culture, calls the move a bold brand play. It flirts with legal boundaries but obviously sparks attention, Garduno says, adding that any legal risks are worth the attention the QP generates. The buzz alone gives Chilis a win in the awareness game, she says.

Garduno adds that the goal for Chilis isnt necessarily to poach McDonalds core customer, but to reignite interest among a broader audience.

From a marketing lens, its smart, timely, and engineered for headlinesbecause in todays crowded market, relevance is currency, Garduno says.

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(This April 16 story has been corrected to fix HashKey co-CEO's comment in paragraph 26)

SHANGHAI ((Reuters)) - China's growing pile of cryptocurrencies seized from illegal transactions is prompting local governments to find ways to dispose of the hoard and spurring calls from courts and the financial industry for better regulation.

Lawyers said the lack of rules around how authorities should handle seized bitcoin and other tokens, whose trading is banned on the mainland, has spawned inconsistent and opaque approaches that some fear could embolden lawbreakers and foster corruption.

Together with senior judges and police, attorneys are debating changes to rules they said will soon change the way confiscated virtual currencies are treated.

That could be a game-changer for China's crypto industry, and comes at a time of heightened Sino-U.S. tensions in Donald Trump's second presidency, coinciding with Trump's plans to deregulate cryptocurrencies and build a bitcoin reserve.

Crypto trading is banned in China, and digital tokens are not recognized as legal tender or assets there.

But local governments have been using private companies to sell seized digital coins in exchange for cash to replenish public coffers strained by a slowing economy, according to transaction and court documents seen by Reuters.

Such disposals are "a makeshift solution that, strictly speaking, is not fully in line with China's current ban on crypto trading," said Chen Shi, a professor at the Zhongnan University of Economics and Law.

Better supervision is pressing as the number of cases and amounts of money balloons, said Chen, who attended a seminar in January to discuss the issue with various officials.

Guo Zhihao, a Shenzhen-based lawyer who also attended the seminar, said China's ban on crypto trading conflicts with local authorities' need to liquidate seized digital currencies.

Guo, a senior partner at Beijing Yingke Law Firm, thinks China's central bank is better positioned to handle the cryptocurrencies, and should either sell them overseas or build a crypto reserve from seized tokens like Trump plans to.

The seminar, one of several held in recent months, was open to all suggestions and does not guarantee implementation of any. But participants and market players say near consensus is emerging on the need to allow judicial recognition of cryptocurrencies as assets and a uniform procedure to dispose of seized virtual currencies.

SURGING CRIMINAL CASES

Discussions have heated up this year alongside a surge in criminal cases in China involving cryptocurrencies, ranging from internet fraud to money laundering and illegal gambling.
Sales of MG's BEV models fell after the EU imposed an additional tariff on the brand's electric cars.

MG, the largest Chinese automaker by sales in Europe, could announce the location of its first factory in the region by this summer, two people familiar with the matter told Automotive News Europe.

Building cars in Europe would allow MG, which is owned by SAIC, to avoid EU tariffs on Chinese-made battery-electric vehicles. MGs BEVs pay an additional 35.3 percent tariff, the highest rate, on top of the standard 10 percent for vehicles imported into the EU.

The tariffs went into effect last November and will last five years, although the EU and China have recently reopened talks on minimum-pricing rules that could replace the tariffs.

MG is looking for undeveloped land rather than taking over an existing site, which several countries have been offering.

The plant could have an initial capacity of 100,000 units a year and could start production in 12 to 16 months from final project approval, one of the sources said. Final approval has not yet been given, the source said.

Second Europe plant also being considered

Rather than expanding capacity at this first plant, MG is considering a second plant that would also have capacity of 100,000 units a year.

MGs European sales increased 5.1 percent in 2024 to 243,395. But sales of its full-electric cars fell by one-third to 72,066, and their share of brand sales dropped to 30 percent from 47 percent in 2023.

Through February, MGs overall sales were up 21 percent to 39,202 over the same period in 2024, but full effects of the electric car tariffs contributed to its BEV sales falling by over 50 percent to 5,509, just 14 percent of MGs sales, according to figures from market researcher Dataforce.

The MG sources did not say which European countries are under consideration, although Turkey, which has a free-trade agreement with the EU, could be a possible location for one of the sites.

MG first said that it was considering European production in summer 2023.

In June 2024, SAIC Motor confirmed in a statement that it planned to build vehicles, including electric cars and light trucks, for the MG brand in Europe.

Reuters has reported that the Chinese government warned domestic automakers not to invest in European countries that voted in favor or abstained on the vote to impose extra tariffs on Chinese BEVs.

The MG3 small car was updated last year and now has a full-hybrid drivetrain.

Only Germany, Hungary, Slovakia and Slovenia voted against the duties, in addition to the island of Malta, which has no car manufacturing facilities.

SAIC is not directly state owned but is controlled by the powerful Shanghai province, which is not expected to contradict the guidance given by the central government.
BANGKOK (AP)  China's economy expanded at a 5.4% annual pace in January-March, the government said Wednesday, supported by strong exports ahead of U.S. President Donald Trumps rapid increases in tariffs on Chinese products.

With the trade war clouding the outlook, analysts are forecasting that the worlds second largest economy will slow significantly in coming months, however, as tariffs as high as 145% on U.S. imports from China take effect. Beijing has hit back at the U.S. with 125% tariffs on American exports, while also stressing its determination to keep its own markets open to trade and investment.

Chinese leader Xi Jinping's visits is visiting several other Asian countries this week as he makes a case for free trade, presenting China as a source of stability and certainty in uncertain times.

Xi was visiting Vietnam, Malaysia, and Cambodia, while the U.S. announced that a senior State Department official, Sean ONeill, would be traveling this week to Vietnam's capital Hanoi and to Ho Chi Minh City, to Cambodia's Siem Reap and to Tokyo.

China also has been highlighting its focus on trade with countries other than the United States at various trade fairs that are showcasing its vast market and competitiveness as a manufacturing giant.

At Chinas Canton trade fair, in the southern city of Guangzhou, exporters were emphatic about the need to look beyond selling to Americans.

We need to diversify our market. When the West is dark, the East is bright. The global market is huge, said Wallace Huang, the export business director of Guangdong Weking Group, which makes rice cookers. In recent years, our exports to the U.S. have slowly been declining.

The trade factor

Exports helped China's economy expand at a 5% annual rate in 2024 and this year's official target is about 5%.

In the near term, the tariffs will put pressure on China's economy, but they won't derail long-run growth, Sheng Laiyun, a spokesperson for the National Bureau of Statistics, told reporters. He noted that China's exports to the United States have fallen to less than 15% of total exports from more than 19% five years ago.

Chinas economic foundation is stable, resilient and has great potential. We have the confidence, ability and confidence to cope with external challenges and achieve our established development goals, Sheng said.

In quarterly terms the economy grew 1.2% in January-March, slowing from 1.6% in the last quarter of 2024.

Chinese exports surged more than 12% from a year earlier in March and nearly 6% in U.S. dollar terms in the first quarter, as companies rushed to beat Trumps tariffs. That has supported robust manufacturing activity in the past several months.
Bitcoin miner CleanSpark (CLSK) is moving away from its strategy of HODLing 100% of the BTC it mines.

The Henderson, Nevada-based company said it is returning to selling a portion of the bitcoin mined to support its operations in an announcement on Tuesday.

"While we remain committed to bitcoin as a long-term, hardened asset, we believe a more effective way to increase shareholder value is through a balanced approach between monetizing new production and building long-term holdings," CEO Zach Bradford said.

CleanSpark's holdings now exceed 12,000 BTC, worth just over $1 billion at current prices.

The company has also increased its credit facility with Coinbase Prime (COIN) to $200 million, pursuing a strategy of funding its operations without having to sell equity. CleanSpark, which has 40.2 exahash per second (EH/s) mining power, is looking to expand it to 50 EH/s.

"As part of this balanced approach, we intend to further build out our diversified capital stack. In today's market environment, we view the debt markets as the most efficient and responsible path to support accretive growth, and our strong balance sheet positions us to take full advantage of that opportunity," Bradford added.

CLSK shares rose just over 1% before paring their gains in early trading on Tuesday, outperforming the broader BTC mining sector, as measured by the CoinShares Bitcoin Miners ETF (WGMI), which fell more than.
Australian restaurant operator Collins Foods is planning to withdraw from the Taco Bell business in Australia, shifting its focus towards the expansion of its KFC operations in Germany.

The company is in discussions with Yum Brands to transfer the licence for its 27 Taco Bell restaurants in Australia to a new owner.

Shares of Collins Foods has experienced a downturn, dropping by 2.7% to A$8.44, in contrast to a 0.4% increase in the broader market index, as reported by Reuters.

The move comes after the company reported a 2% decline in Taco Bell's revenue for the first half of fiscal 2025, highlighting pressures from Guzman Y Gomez, a rival in the Mexican food segment in Australia.

Guzman Y Gomez, which made its public debut on the Australian market in 2024, achieved 9.4% growth in same-store sales in the first half of the fiscal year while Taco Bell's same-store sales decreased by 0.3%.

Collins Foods has also agreed with Yum! Brands to increase the number of KFC outlets in Germany.

With only 16 of the 207 KFC restaurants in Germany under its franchise, Collins Foods sees significant growth potential, describing the market as underpenetrated.

The company is planning to launch between 40 and 70 new KFC locations up to 2030.

Collins Foods anticipates an impairment charge between A$25.5m and A$32.7m ($16.11m to $20.66m) related to its operations in the Netherlands.

Collins Foods is an Australian Securities Exchange-listed entity employing more than 20,000 people. In October 2024, the company appointed Xavier Simonet as its new managing director and CEO.

"Collins Foods plans to exit Taco Bell restaurant business in Australia" was originally created and published by Verdict Food Service, a GlobalData owned brand.




Elon Musk is currently the richest person in the world. Even outside of innovative purchases such as Tesla and SpaceX, Musk now has his hands in the pockets of the United States governments spending habits thanks to spearheading the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) under President Donald Trump and his White House administration.

Try This: Suze Ormans Top Tip for Building Wealth Is a Very Easy One

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Musk grew up in a middle to upper-class family. Though they were quite comfortable financially, they had nowhere near the net worth Musk currently has accumulated. However, before he was the worlds richest person putting his financial weight behind presidential elections, Elon Musk started making his money by starting the company Zip2. The company was acquired by Compaq in 1999 for $307 million, of which a 27-year-old Musk pocketed $22 million.

Here are a few key takeaways from Elon Musks net worth:

Current estimated net worth: $372.7 billion

Net worth rankings: Musk is currently ranked as the richest person in the world, putting him in front of second place Jeff Bezos who has an estimated net worth of $201.2 billion, and Mark Zuckerberg in third place with an estimated net worth of $189.1 billion

Tesla stock: Musks biggest pay package is from Tesla as it is current price is about $258 of which Musk owns approximately 410.8 million shares, representing roughly 12.8% of the companys outstanding shares. This stake is currently valued at around $92.6 billion.

With so many financial successes under his belt, its not hard to see why Musk is lauded for his business acumen. Heres a closer look at the timeline in which Elon Musk built his substantial fortune.

The Early Years of Elon Musk

How did Elon Musk start building his fortune? Like many 12-year-olds, Musk had a passion for video games as a child. However, unlike most kids, he already had a strong entrepreneurial passion.

As a pre-teen, Musk created and sold his first video game. Named Blastar, he earned $500 when the source code was published in a magazine, according to the blog, Wait But Why.

At age 17, he left his native South Africa for Canada. He later entered the U.S. as a college student by transferring to the University of Pennsylvania. Upon graduation, he briefly enrolled in a Ph.D. program at Stanford, but quickly left to get in on the dot.com boom of the mid-90s.

Read Next: Jeff Bezos Billion-Dollar Life: A Look at His Mansion Collection

Musks Fortune Building Timeline

Early on in his career, Musk joined forces with his brother Kimbal to start the company Zip2  best described as an early version of Yelp and Google Maps. Here are some steps Elon Musk took along the way of his financial journey:
Shifts in investor sentiment are also becoming part of these challenges. Along with institutional investors, retail investors are also adopting a wait-and-see approach. Mergers and acquisitions processes are slowing down, capital expenditures are being slashed, and supply chains are being restructured to handle the current market issues rather than the long-term challenges. Recent earnings calls are showing the CFOs prioritizing liquidity and short-term cost optimization. These actions are highly likely to affect the dividends, as it is one of the easiest budget line items to slash.

Whats the cause? The U.S. tariffs. President Trump, though, announced a 90-day tariff-pause on dozens of countries, slapped a whopping 145% tariff on Chinese goods into the U.S. China retaliated with a 125% tariff on U.S. imports, effectively sealing off a $650 billion trading corridor, which was considered a lifeline of multiple industries both in the U.S. and China. According to Reuters, this trade war between two of the largest economies in the world has sent ripples across the already shaken global asset markets. Companies, including the consistent dividend payers, are now facing cost shocks and a sharp decline in their profit margin, which are bound to affect the income of the investors.

A thick fog of uncertainty rests over the investing climate in 2025. Earnings expectations for the large caps have been slashed at an alarming rate in the past few weeks alone. CNBC noted that some of the analysts, who initially predicted a 5% earnings growth for the market indices, have revised their estimation to a flat or even negative outcome by next month. Various companies have pulled their guidance together, reflecting not just caution but an absence of visibility to make the forecast. And by extension, the dividend-paying stocks have become trickier than before.

During uncertain times, dividend stocks are often seen as a safe bet for investors to cushion the impact. In 2025, however, the cushion may be carrying more risk than reward. Shifting market conditions are revealing signs of trouble underneath the stocks, which were initially appreciated as reliable dividend payers. No, we are not talking just about volatility or short-term noise; we are talking about companies that would seem irresistible with their attractive yield but carry risks capable of eroding your capital.

We recently put together a list of 10 Dividend Trap Stocks to Avoid in 2025 . Here, we take a detailed look at Dow Inc. (NYSE:DOW) and its ranking among the top 10 dividend trap stocks investors should avoid in 2025.

Story Continues

The situation underscores the importance of not blindly chasing after yields. High dividend yields could potentially be masking a weakness, including earnings fall, escalating debt, or unsustainable payout ratios. In this regard, attractive yields are becoming a trap that can lure investors, only to collapse under pressure when market conditions worsen. With uncertainty outweighing opportunity in 2025, it is immensely necessary to separate solid dividend plays from ticking time bombs.

Our Methodology

When putting together our list of top 10 dividend trap stocks to avoid, we have followed a few criteria. Primarily, we have set the minimum market cap at $2 billion since investors are less likely to fall for stocks with a smaller cap. The stocks that are on a declining trend have been considered for this article. Such low performance reflects issues within the business operations that have made an impact on the value of the stocks. Also, we have included only those stocks with a dividend yield of 5% or more to ensure that these stocks are attractive enough to lure investors. All our picks have a payout ratio of 100% or more, suggesting an earnings issue within the company, which the investors need to be aware of.

All the data used in the article were taken from financial databases and analyst reports, with all information updated as of April 11, 2025. Our picks are ranked based on their dividend yield.

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 Dow Inc. (DOW) a Dividend Trap to Avoid in 2025?

A technician operating state of the art machines manufacturing specialized packaging materials.

Dow Inc. (NYSE:DOW)

Performance: -51.37%

Dividend Yield: 9.93%

Payout Ratio: 178.34%

Dow Inc. (NYSE:DOW), a Michigan-based company, is a global leader in materials science, producing plastics, industrial chemicals, and specialty products for end markets such as packaging, construction, and automotive. Innovation in polyethylene and polyurethane and circular economy initiatives amounts to the companys competitive edge. Additionally, Dow Inc. (NYSE:DOW) uses integrated production and R&D investment to address climate challenges and demand shifts, thereby differing from its competitors in the market.

The companys stocks saw a huge decline of 51.37% over the last 1 year, indicating a heavy fall in performance. The pricing pressures prevailing in the market caused a 2% year-over-year net sales decrease. As per the Q4 results, the EBITDA remained almost as flat as the previous year. The global macroeconomic conditions are weak and stand against the company, thus causing it to announce a strategic review of select European assets. Upon realizing that the market dynamics are not in its favor, Dow Inc. (NYSE:DOW) postponed the maintenance turnaround at one of its ethylene crackers in Europe. The decision could potentially idle the asset, resulting in lifespan exhaustion without generating any returns.

Even with a high dividend yield of 9.93%, Dow Inc. (NYSE:DOW) might be a risky dividend stock investment because of a dangerous 178.34% payout ratio, which signals unsound fundamentals.

Overall, DOW ranks 2nd on our list of top dividend trap stocks investors should avoid in 2025. While we acknowledge the potential of DOW, 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 DOW but 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.

Disclosure: None. This article is originally published at Insider Monkey.
We recently published a list of the 10 Best Oil Stocks to Invest in According to Billionaires. In this article, we are going to take a look at where EOG Resources, Inc. (NYSE:EOG) stands against other best oil stocks.

After an encouraging start to the year, the energy sector is once again lagging behind the overall market. At the time of writing this piece, the broader energy sector has slid by almost 8.2% since the beginning of 2025, against declines of around 7.9% by the wider market. The principal reason behind this fall is the decline in the global prices of oil, which have plunged by almost 14.5% since the beginning of the year.

READ NEXT: 10 Best Clean Energy Stocks to Buy According to Billionaires

The continued uncertainty surrounding the ongoing tariff war and the recent decision by OPEC+ to increase supply in May have taken a toll on the global price, with the West Texas Intermediate (WTI) crude price now hovering around a 3-year low of $61.5. The US Energy Information Administration (EIA) has forecasted WTI price to average $63.88 per barrel for 2025 before dropping to an average of $57.48 next year. Such a sharp decline in prices could threaten US oil production growth this year. According to data from the Federal Reserve Bank of Dallas, the US oil industry needs prices between $61 and $70 per barrel to be profitable.

The escalating trade tensions between the US and China have also raised the prospect of a global economic slowdown, potentially leading to a lower-than-forecasted consumption of oil. In its latest report, the EIA now expects global oil consumption to increase by 900,000 b/d in 2025 and 1 million b/d in 2026, down by 400,000 b/d and 100,000 b/d, respectively, from its initial forecast last month. The decrease in demand, coupled with increasing production, will continue putting pressure on crude prices, forcing many industry players to cut back activity to maintain investor payouts.

The American oil and gas sector is also frustrated by the back and forth trade policies of President Trump and is questioning how they align with his drill, baby, drill mandate to further boost production. According to a survey by the Federal Reserve Bank of Dallas, nearly a third of oil executives have stated that their business outlook has worsened since the end of 2024. Moreover, the imposition of the 25% tariff on steel and aluminum has already led to an estimated 4% increase in costs for drilling a well.

The pressing issues surrounding the global oil trade have forced the industry to shift focus to its second major source of revenue  natural gas. In contrast to oil, the benchmark US natural gas price at Henry Hub has surged by more than 123% since last year and by almost 18% since the beginning of 2025. The uptick comes as a result of slowing output in 2024, booming LNG exports, and fast-depleting inventories during the coldest winter in six years. Moreover, natural gas has emerged as a leading candidate to power the ongoing AI boom and its accompanying data centers, with many providers now even aiming to surpass utilities and supply directly to these power-hungry facilities.
At the 35th European Society of Clinical Microbiology and Infectious Diseases (ESCMID) Global conference in Vienna, Austria, held from April 11-15, the challenges of eliminating viral hepatitis were discussed.

In 2024, the World Health Organization (WHO) reported that aside from tuberculosis, viral hepatitis was the most common cause of mortality due to infectious diseases worldwide. Furthermore, despite a slow decrease in the global incidence of viral hepatitis B (HBV) and C (HCV) in recent years, mortality due to these viruses has been increasing. In 2016, WHO launched the Global Health Sector Strategy, which aimed to end viral hepatitis by 2030, defining elimination as a 90% reduction in incidence and 65% reduction in mortality for HBV and HCV from 2015 to 2030. One challenge to achieving this goal is the proportion of undiagnosed individuals living with viral hepatitis. According to WHO, 254 million people globally were estimated to have HBV in 2022, but only approximately 10% had been diagnosed. Likewise, 50 million people globally were estimated to have HCV in 2022, but only approximately 30% had been diagnosed.

One current strategy to closing this gap and providing patients with diagnoses and treatments is reflex testing, which is the automatic addition of testing based upon initial test results. With one patient-provided sample, reflex testing can provide complete data for diagnosis, staging, coinfection, and management strategies. For example, if a patient tests positive for the hepatitis B surface antigen, this sample could be reflexed and tested for hepatitis D virus (HDV) antibodies (anti-HDV). Furthermore, if the patient tests positive for anti-HDV, this sample could be reflexed and tested for HDV-RNA. Some advantages of reflex testing include the automatic addition of testing, the fact that active infections can be confirmed using one sample, the streamlining of the diagnostic process without needing additional patient visits, reduced diagnostic delays, increased linkage to care, improved patient outcomes, and enhanced efficiency in laboratory and clinical workflows.

The advantages of reflex testing have also been evidenced in primary literature. In a retrospective 2023 study by Rohit Nathani and colleagues that was published in the Journal of Viral Hepatitis, over 11,000 HBV patients were studied for five years, and 12.9% of patients were subsequently screened for HDV infection. Researchers confirmed that 18% of the patients who were found to be positive for HDV would have been missed if the researchers had followed risk-based screening guidelines. Furthermore, the European Association for the Study of the Liver published Clinical Practice Guidelines on HDV in 2023 in which it recommended that all HBV patients should be screened for anti-HDV antibodies at least once, due to evidence that reflex testing of anti-HDV in HBV-positive patients resulted in a five-fold increase in HDV diagnoses. Overall, reflex testing can be useful for generating prevalence estimates and finding undiagnosed individuals.
PARIS (Reuters) -Nearly three dozen global pharmaceutical companies, in a letter to the head of the European Commission, demanded help to maintain operations in the EU despite threatened U.S. tariffs on imports, including measures to compensate them for the cost of pharmaceutical innovations, French business newspaper Les Echos reported on Tuesday.

In the letter sent to European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, the companies -- including Pfizer, Eli Lilly and AstraZeneca -- said they face cost disadvantages in Europe versus the United States, where drugs are sold at prices that on average are twice that of some European countries, such as France, Les Echos reported.

U.S. President Donald Trump has said he expects to impose tariffs on imported pharmaceuticals in the near future.

The companies also asked the EU to simplify regulations, noting that companies currently must conduct multi-country clinical trials for drugs, the letter said.

The industry also said in the letter that it takes issue with a fee the sector will soon need to pay to treat wastewater from micropollutants, Les Echos said.

For a decade "the innovative industry has entirely reimbursed the increase in expenses linked to innovative medicines," the letter said, according to Les Echos.

"We hope to work together in the coming weeks to ensure that these proposals become reality to the benefit of Europe's patients and economic development," the letter added.

Last week, European pharmaceutical companies warned von der Leyen in a meeting that U.S. tariffs would hasten the industry's shift toward the United States and from Europe.

The United States is the biggest market by sales for big pharma companies, and Europe and the United States have interconnected supply chains for medicines. EU medical and pharmaceutical product exports to the United States totalled about 90 billion euros ($101.49 billion) in 2023, according to Eurostat.

European pharmaceutical giants have recently been expanding production facilities in the United States.

($1 = 0.8868 euros)

(Reporting by Makini Brice; Editing by Leslie Adler)
By Svea Herbst-Bayliss

NEW YORK (Reuters) -JPMorgan Chase is hiring two veteran bankers in its global shareholder engagement and M&A capital markets group, beefing up the business as corporations face increasing pressure from global activist investors pushing for changes from swapping out management to selling off the company, according to an internal memo seen by Reuters.

The bank is bringing on Duncan Herrington from consulting firm Jasper Street Partners and Lyndon Park from ICR Shareholder Advisory as managing directors. Brian Frank, a JPMorgan veteran, will also be joining the group.

The newcomers will work with the global co-heads of the group: Alfredo Porretti and Darren Novak, and report to John Hofmann, head of North America M&A. They will be based in New York.

The hires represent the biggest expansion of the team in a decade and come as activism defense, once a nice-to-have add-on service, is now a lucrative business that major investment banks and many boutiques are scrambling to offer clients.

Last year, a record number of activist shareholders mounted campaigns at global companies, including 45 who deployed the strategy for the first time, according to Barclays data.

JPMorgan confirmed the contents of the memo. Herrington and Park could not be immediately reached for comment.

Herrington, a lawyer, was a managing partner at Jasper Street where he helped the firm's clients defend against corporate activists. Previously he worked as a defense banker at Moelis and Raymond James Financial.

Park joined ICR in 2018 to advise corporate boards on governance matters after serving as head of global corporate governance at Dimensional Fund Advisors and previously working in investment giant BlackRock's Investment Stewardship unit.

Frank, who has been with JPMorgan for nearly 17 years, focused on M&A Capital Markets and worked with the event driven sales & trading team.

JPMorgan restructured its efforts to assist clients when activists come knocking in 2020 and has since surged in the league table rankings that count banks' mandates. Last year, it came in second behind Goldman Sachs and ahead of Bank of America in Bloomberg's tally of Global Financial Advisers. In 2020, the bank ranked in the No. 8 spot, according to LSEG data.

Last year, JPMorgan defended Walt Disney when hedge fund Trian Fund Management pushed for board seats. The bank also worked with asset management firm BlackRock when Boaz Weinstein's Saba Capital Management pushed for changes at some of its closed-end funds. And this year it helped Matthews International beat back a board challenge from Barington Capital Group after the two biggest proxy advisory firms recommended that shareholders elect all three of the hedge fund's candidates.
By Max A. Cherney

TORONTO (Reuters) - U.S. President Donald Trump's new tariffs could cost U.S. semiconductor equipment makers more than $1 billion a year, according to industry calculations discussed with officials and lawmakers in Washington last week, two sources familiar with the matter said.

Each of the three largest U.S. chip equipment makers - Applied Materials, Lam Research and KLA - may suffer a loss of roughly $350 million over a year related to the tariffs, the sources said. Smaller rivals such as Onto Innovation may also face tens of millions of dollars in extra spending.

The potential billion-dollar cost to the chip equipment industry and talks between industry executives and U.S. officials over several days about those costs are reported here for the first time.

The companies build some of the world's most highly sought-after chipmaking equipment that can require thousands of specialized parts.

Chip equipment makers have already lost billions in revenue after former U.S. President Joe Biden implemented a series of export controls aimed at curbing the shipment of advanced semiconductor manufacturing equipment to Chinese entities.

The Trump administration has largely paused the reciprocal tariffs it announced in April. But to spur more U.S. manufacturing, it is weighing further duties on the chip industry and initiated a probe into their imports on Monday.

The estimated costs discussed last week in Washington include lost revenue, primarily for missed sales of less sophisticated equipment to overseas rivals, and the costs of finding and using alternative suppliers for the complex components of chipmaking tools. The estimate also includes tariff compliance costs, such as adding personnel to handle the complexities of following the rules.

Lawmakers and administration officials discussed the tariff costs with chip industry executives and officials from SEMI, an international trade group, as part of an ongoing dialogue.

Applied did not respond to a request for comment. KLA and Lam declined to comment.

The early, rough estimate of $350 million per company could change as the Trump administration's duties take effect. Quick calculations are hard to make because each chipmaking tool has multiple components, and the ultimate tariff regime is unclear.

The Biden administration cracked down on China's chip industry over three years to hobble its ability to produce cutting-edge chips used in artificial intelligence, military applications or other ways that could threaten U.S. national security.

The U.S. export controls have spurred China to invest in its domestic chip equipment industry.

(Reporting by Max A. Cherney in Toronto; editing by Peter Henderson and Richard Chang)
We recently published a list of Buy The Dip On These 10 Semiconductor Stocks Tumbling On China H20 Chip Sale Ban. In this article, we are going to take a look at where Fabrinet (NYSE:FN) stands against other semiconductor stocks tumbling on China H20 chip sale ban.

Semiconductor manufacturers are at the forefront of the technological battle, especially in the context of Chinas rapid tech developments. One would have thought President Trump would take it easy on the chipmakers owing to their critical position in the US and global tech infrastructure.

However, investors are now finding out that semi stocks arent immune to tariffs, with the latest round of tariffs expected to cost manufacturers around $1 billion. This cost will be incurred through lost sales, increased regulatory compliance, and elevated supply chain costs.

Uncertainty regarding the exact details of the tariffs continues to cause chaos in the market. Chip stocks are sliding as the leading chipmaker, led by Jensen Huang, finds its H20 chips banned from export to China. As the leading chipmaker tries to steer its way out of the crisis, other companies that rely on this giant for business are also trying to figure out what to do.

We decided to take a look at such stocks and see if they offer value. Remember that the H20 chips were made specifically for China, and a ban on selling them is only a temporary headwind, not something that threatens the companys moat.

To come up with the list of semiconductor stocks worth buying on the China H20 chip sale ban, we considered stocks that are an integral part of the semiconductor supply chain and ranked them by hedge fund interest in their stocks.

Is Fabrinet (FN) Worth Buying on the China H20 Chip Sale Ban?

An automated assembly line displaying the advanced packaging technology used by the company.

Fabrinet (NYSE:FN)

Number of Hedge Fund Holders: 36

The market has been harsh on Fabrinet for many reasons. One look at the one-year chart and you can see the market has struggled to value the stock amid changing economic conditions for the semiconductor industry. There are concerns that the company relies too heavily on the Jensen Huang-led chipmaker, and any diversification on the chipmaking giants part could signal doom for Fabrinet.

B. Riley recently upgraded the stock from Sell to Neutral but was quick to mention the risks associated with the stock:
Fred Alger Management, an investment management company, released its Alger Spectra Fund first quarter 2025 investor letter. A copy of the letter can be downloaded here. In the first quarter, changing trade, monetary, and fiscal policies created increased volatility in U.S. stocks. The introduction of advanced artificial intelligence (AI) models from China was a further source of uncertainty. Against this backdrop, the funds Class A shares underperformed the Russell 3000 Growth Index in the quarter. In addition, please check the funds top five holdings to know its best picks in 2025.

In its first-quarter 2025 investor letter, Alger Spectra Fund emphasized stocks such as GFL Environmental Inc. (NYSE:GFL). GFL Environmental Inc. (NYSE:GFL) offers non-hazardous solid waste management and environmental services. The one-month return of GFL Environmental Inc. (NYSE:GFL) was 1.12%, and its shares gained 46.28% of their value over the last 52 weeks. On April 16, 2025, GFL Environmental Inc. (NYSE:GFL) stock closed at $48.55 per share with a market capitalization of $17.942 billion.

Alger Spectra Fund stated the following regarding GFL Environmental Inc. (NYSE:GFL) in its Q1 2025 investor letter:

"GFL Environmental Inc. (NYSE:GFL) is a waste and environmental services company undergoing a significant transformation of its balance sheet. Over recent years, the company pursued extensive mergers and acquisitions, resulting in substantial debt. GFL has since committed to reducing this leverage by the end of 2025 through divesting non-core assets and emphasizing strong free cash flow generation. We believe this deleveraging will attract increased investor attention as the company continues to strengthen its balance sheet and sharpen its focus on its core solid waste operations. During the quarter, shares contributed positively to performance after the company reported strong fiscal fourth-quarter operating results and successfully divested its environmental services segment to private equity buyers. This sale generated higher-than-expected proceeds, enabling management to reduce debt to levels comparable with industry peers. Additionally, at its analyst day, management outlined a clear strategy for sustained growth and margin expansion, supporting its industry-leading earnings trajectory. We believe GFL remains undervalued as a pure-play solid waste business with superior growth potential yet trading at a discount relative to peers."

GFL Environmental (GFL)s $6 Billion Stake SaleHeres Why Jim Cramer Thinks Its a Smart Move

An excavator at a landfill site operating amidst a pile of solid waste.
San Francisco-based Fictiv has been acquired by Misumi Group Inc. in an all-cash deal worth $350 million.

The acquisition will help Misumi Group expand its digital services and expand its customer base, officials said.

Tokyo-based Misumi Group is one of the largest global industrial suppliers of off-the-shelf manufacturing components. The company has 22 manufacturing sites and 20 logistics facilities around the world, producing and distributing industrial supplies to 318,000 global companies.

The aim of this acquisition is to enhance our digital services  while concurrently expanding our customer domain, the company said in a news release. By acquiring Fictiv, we will rapidly increase the value we provide from the traditional realm of production equipment to the upstream area of product development within the value chain.





Misumi Groups U.S. locations include a supplier network called Sugura USA, with facilities in Addison, Illinois, along with distribution centers in Chicago and Torrance, California.

Fictiv, founded in 2013, offers on-demand procurement services for custom mechanical components parts for the U.S. manufacturing industry. The company has production operations in the U.S., China, India and Mexico, with a total of 400 employees.

Fictiv has produced over 35 million commercial and prototype components to date and also has a global partner network of 250 manufacturing partners worldwide.

In November 2023, Fictiv opened a production facility in Monterrey, Mexico, aiming to offer more options for on-demand manufacturing services across North America.





This agreement marks a major milestone for Fictiv and the broader manufacturing ecosystem. Misumis investment validates the power of AI-driven supply chain innovation and our shared vision to make manufacturing more accessible, intelligent, and scalable, Dave Evans, Fictivs co-founder and CEO, said in a statement. Together, were building a global platform that helps engineering and supply chain teams bring ideas to life faster and more efficiently than ever before.

The post Fictiv acquired for $350M by Japanese components supplier appeared first on FreightWaves.
UKs Financial Reporting Council (FRC) has sanctioned EY and its audit partner Christopher Voogd for breaches in the statutory audit of Stirling Water Seafield Finance (SWSF) for the year ended 31 December 2019.

EY exceeded the ten-year limit for auditing a Public Interest Entity (PIE) without a public tender, breaching company law and the FRCs Revised Ethical Standard 2016, known as Mandatory Firm Rotation (MFR) requirements.

Both EY and Voogd failed to follow proper procedures for continuing the audit engagement, contravening International Standards for Auditing (ISAs), the regulator said.

EY has been fined 325,000 ($430,116.07), reduced from 500,000 for admitting to the breaches early in the proceedings.

The company has also agreed to non-financial penalties including a severe reprimand and a root-cause analysis report, notes the FRC.

Voogd has been fined 32,500, reduced from 50,000, and also received a non-financial sanction.

FRC deputy executive counsel Jamie Symington said: Mandatory firm rotation is a clear requirement for auditors underpinned by company law and the FRCs Revised Ethical Standard. It is an integral legal safeguard to provide assurance that auditors are demonstrably independent which supports trust and confidence in UK corporate reporting and audit.

In this case, there were significant failings in relation to mandatory firm rotation requirements at both the engagement and firm level during the continuance stage, which led to EY carrying out audit work despite being ineligible. It highlights the importance of the firm having adequate quality control standards under ISQC 1, as now succeeded by ISQM 1.

EY's internal policies were found inadequate in ensuring the firm's independence and compliance with engagement duration conditions.

The firm has taken steps to prevent future breaches and will work with the FRC to implement further necessary actions.

This incident follows a recent fine imposed on EY by the FRC for audit failures related to the collapsed travel company Thomas Cook for the financial years ending in 2017 and 2018.

"FRC fines EY and audit partner for breaching audit rotation rules" was originally created and published by International Accounting Bulletin, a GlobalData owned brand.




We recently published a list of Buy The Dip On These 10 Semiconductor Stocks Tumbling On China H20 Chip Sale Ban. In this article, we are going to take a look at where Freeport-McMoRan Inc (NYSE:FCX) stands against other semiconductor stocks tumbling on China H20 chip sale ban.

Semiconductor manufacturers are at the forefront of the technological battle, especially in the context of Chinas rapid tech developments. One would have thought President Trump would take it easy on the chipmakers owing to their critical position in the US and global tech infrastructure.

However, investors are now finding out that semi stocks arent immune to tariffs, with the latest round of tariffs expected to cost manufacturers around $1 billion. This cost will be incurred through lost sales, increased regulatory compliance, and elevated supply chain costs.

Uncertainty regarding the exact details of the tariffs continues to cause chaos in the market. Chip stocks are sliding as the leading chipmaker, led by Jensen Huang, finds its H20 chips banned from export to China. As the leading chipmaker tries to steer its way out of the crisis, other companies that rely on this giant for business are also trying to figure out what to do.

We decided to take a look at such stocks and see if they offer value. Remember that the H20 chips were made specifically for China, and a ban on selling them is only a temporary headwind, not something that threatens the companys moat.

To come up with the list of semiconductor stocks worth buying on the China H20 chip sale ban, we considered stocks that are an integral part of the semiconductor supply chain and ranked them by hedge fund interest in their stocks.

Is Freeport-McMoRan Inc (FCX) Worth Buying on the China H20 Chip Sale Ban?

A large open-pit copper mine with heavy machinery extracting minerals from the earth.

Freeport-McMoRan Inc (NYSE:FCX)

Number of Hedge Fund Holders: 88

Freeport-McMoRan Inc is a mining company operating in North and South America as well as Indonesia. The company is a major copper supplier to the semiconductor industry.

FCXs bullish thesis is driven mainly by gold prices, which have been up considerably in the recent past. On top of that, copper demand is set to stay elevated thanks to EVs, 5G, and AI initiatives that will result in increasing demand for semiconductors.

Earlier this month, the companys CEO, Kathleen Quirk, warned about the negative impact of a recession and trade war. However, she was also quick to point out that the company expects copper sales to improve going forward. Combining this with a potential surge in copper prices means the firms earnings could be substantially elevated in the next couple of years, even if tariffs continue to batter the broader semiconductor industry.
PARIS (AP)  Bernard Arnault, chairman and CEO of French luxury conglomerate LVMH, called on Thursday for a free trade zone between the European Union and the United States and said that unresolved trade tensions could seriously hurt European industries.

His remarks, in the wake of the tariffs announced by President Donald Trump, appeared to echo a similar call by Elon Musk on April 5 for a zero-tariff zone between the U.S. and EU. The EU has long pushed for a zero-for-zero trade agreement  with both sides dropping tariffs  but Trump has rejected the offer.

Speaking at LVMHs annual shareholder meeting, Arnault said European leaders should negotiate cleverly with the U.S. administration and that national governments should take a more prominent role instead of than leaving negotiations solely in the hands of Brussels, the center of EUs bureaucratic power.

Frances LVMH has for decades been the worlds dominant luxury group  known for products such as Moet & Chandon Champagne, Hennessy Cognac, Louis Vuitton handbags and Dior perfumes  but this week lost its title as the worlds largest luxury company to rival Hermes.

Europe is not run by a political power, but by a bureaucratic power that spends its time issuing regulations that are unfortunately imposed on all member states and that penalize our business sectors, the 76-year-old CEO said.

The European Commission, the EUs executive branch, negotiates trade deals on behalf of all 27 member states. The bloc is the largest trading entity in the world.

LVMH shares fell 7.8% earlier this week, following an unexpected drop in first-quarter sales.

Arnault said the company may be forced to expand U.S. operations. "We would be forced to increase our American production to avoid tariffs if Europe failed to negotiate with intelligence, he said.

In 2019, LVMH shifted part of its production to the U.S. by opening a Louis Vuitton workshop in Alvarado, Texas, during Trumps first term. Trump and Arnault toured the facility together, promoting it as a symbol of U.S. manufacturing revival.

But on Thursday, Arnault admitted the Texas site has underperformed so far. According to documents presented at the meeting, the U.S. accounts for 25% of LVMHs total sales.

Arnault also criticized Frances proposed corporate tax increases, calling them a tax on Made in France and warned they could push companies to relocate abroad.

He praised the U.S. model, citing lower taxes and state-backed industrial investment. When you come back to France after spending a few days in the U.S., its a bit of a cold shower, he said.
We came across a bullish thesis on The Goldman Sachs Group, Inc. (GS) on Substack by LongYield. In this article, we will summarize the bulls thesis on GS. The Goldman Sachs Group, Inc. (GS)'s share was trading at $499.05 as of April 16th. GSs trailing and forward P/E were 11.58 and 11.39 respectively according to Yahoo Finance.

A businessman making a powerful speech in a boardroom, symbolizing the company's successful asset management.

Goldman Sachs Group, Inc. delivered a strong financial performance in Q1 2025, marked by resilient operations across its core segments despite macroeconomic headwinds. The firm reported net revenues of $15.06 billion, up 6% year-over-year, with net earnings of $4.74 billion and EPS of $14.12, significantly outperforming both Q1 and Q4 2024. This translated to an impressive ROE of 16.9% and ROTE of 18.0%. Operational discipline was evident in the efficiency ratio of 60.6%, a slight improvement from the prior year, as operating expenses rose 5% mainly due to increased compensation tied to stronger business performance. The firm returned a record $5.3 billion to shareholders, including $4.4 billion in stock repurchases, and authorized a new $40 billion multiyear buyback programdemonstrating high confidence in its capital generation and long-term outlook.

The standout segment was Global Banking & Markets (GBM), which posted $10.71 billion in net revenues, a 10% increase year-over-year and 26% quarter-over-quarter, with ROE exceeding 20%. While investment banking revenues fell 8% YoY due to lower advisory fees, strength in debt underwriting and a growing deal backlog signal optimism for future quarters. FICC revenues rose modestly to $4.4 billion, led by record financing activity, though intermediation showed mixed results. Equities was a high point, with record revenues of $4.19 billion, fueled by strong derivatives trading and record prime balances. This reflects Goldmans ability to capitalize on client activity and volatility while managing risk effectively.

Asset & Wealth Management (AWM) generated $3.68 billion in revenue, down 3% YoY due to weaker equity and debt investments, but underpinned by consistent management fee growth and record assets under supervision of $3.17 trillion. Notably, this marked the 29th straight quarter of fee-based net inflows. Platform Solutions, while smaller, saw revenues dip 3% amid lower transaction banking activity, though reduced credit losses highlighted sound risk controls.

Strategically, Goldman is executing on a multi-year efficiency plan, reallocating resources from historical principal investments and doubling down on AI-driven productivity tools. CEO David Solomon pointed to marquee M&A mandates and tech investments as evidence of Goldmans competitive edge. The firm remains cautious on macro conditions, citing recession risk, trade tensions, and regulatory shifts, but sees opportunity in potential SLR and Basel III reforms that could release industry capital. Overall, Goldmans Q1 results showcase strong fundamentals, prudent capital management, and a clear strategic direction, positioning it to outperform if market conditions stabilize.
Investors should buy Alphabet (GOOG) and Microsoft (MSFT), David Harden, the President of Summit Global Investments, told Yahoo Finance recently.

On the other hand, Harden does not recommend buying NVDA stock yet. However, he is bullish on AI in general.

Why You Should Buy Alphabet Stock

Google

Why Harden Is Upbeat on GOOG, MSFT

Alphabet generated $25 billion of free cash flow last quarter, and it's growing by double-digit percentage levels year-over-year while its profit margins are "great," Harden said. Additionally, its valuation has become reasonable, and its reliance on the U.S. for a large percentage of its revenue is positive as tariffs become a major factor in the economy, the investor contended.

Comparing MSFT to NVDA, Harden stated that MSFT "is safer than Nvidia, more ingrained in our society, and its revenues are more consistent."

Harden Does Not Recommend NVDA But Is Bullish on AI

Investors who own Nvidia should hold it, but there will be better times down the road to buy the stock, according to Harden.

On AI, Harden reported that the technology continues to proliferate, and he expects that trend to continue. He recommended that investors look to buy "industrial" tech names to exploit the latter trend.

While we acknowledge the potential of GOOG, our conviction lies in the belief that AI stocks hold greater promise for delivering higher returns, and doing so within a shorter timeframe. 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 GOOG 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

Disclosure: None. This article is originally published at Insider Monkey.
A federal judge has ruled that Google (GOOG, GOOGL) holds an illegal monopoly over the online advertising business, its second antitrust loss in more than a year.

The Justice Department and a collection of 17 states brought the case against Google in January 2023 and went to trial in September, claiming that Google violated antitrust laws in three markets: the publisher ad server market, the ad exchange market, and the advertiser ad network market.

In her ruling on Thursday, US District Court Judge Leonie Brinkema said that the plaintiffs proved Google held monopoly power in the publisher ad servers and ad exchanges for open-web display advertising. But Brinkema found that the DOJ and states failed to show a relevant market for advertising networks.

Shares of Google parent Alphabet (GOOG, GOOGL) fell more than 1% on the news.

"Googles monopolies in the publisher ad server and ad exchange markets ... have enabled Google to introduce a series of anticompetitive policies, practices, and technology changes to its sell-side ad tech tools that were not in its publisher customers best interests," Brinkema wrote in her ruling.

"These changes decreased product quality and harmed competition by further entrenching Google as the dominant company in open-web display advertising. Google made these changes, despite customer complaints, by exploiting its durable monopoly power in the open-web display ad exchange and publisher ad server markets."

Advertising is Google's most important business segment, bringing in $72.4 billion of the company's $96.4 billion in total revenue in its most recent quarter. The company now faces the prospect of having to sell off parts of its advertising technology business, though it will have a chance to appeal Thursday's ruling.

Google previously lost an antitrust battle with the DOJ over its search business. That ruling could force Google to sell off parts of its search business, including its Chrome browser.

Google's Big Tech rivals Amazon (AMZN) and Meta (META) are also each facing off in their own antitrust battles. Meta's trial got underway this week with CEO Mark Zuckerberg taking the stand to defend the company against claims that it used its power to buy or bury competing social media platforms.

Amazon, meanwhile, is waiting for its trial to begin. The FTC has accused the company of violating antitrust laws in the online retail space.

Sign up for Yahoo Finance's Week in Tech newsletter.  yahoofinance

Email Daniel Howley at dhowley@yahoofinance.com. Follow him on Twitter at @DanielHowley.

Alexis Keenan is a legal reporter for Yahoo Finance. Follow Alexis on X @alexiskweed.
A building at Google's campus in Mountain View, Calif., in 2019. (Associated Press)

In another major legal blow to Google, a federal judge on Thursday ruled that the search giant held an illegal monopoly over some advertising technology, a ruling that could reshape the online advertising business.

Judge Leonie Brinkema of the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia said in a decision that Google illegally maintained and acquired a monopoly in two markets for advertising technology  publisher ad servers and the market for ad exchanges.

But in a partial win for Google, antitrust enforcers failed to prove that the company held a monopoly in advertiser ad networks, the judge found.

The highly anticipated decision could reconfigure the online advertising business that website publishers rely on to fund the creation of content. It also underscores how the U.S. government has been trying to rein in the power of Big Tech, which collects a trove of data on its users to fuel its advertising businesses.

Google's anticompetitive conduct "substantially harmed Googles publisher customers, the competitive process, and, ultimately, consumers of information on the open web," the judge wrote in the 115-page decision. She described digital ads as the "lifeblood of the Internet" that made it possible for people to use some of the world's most popular websites without paying a subscription fee.

The ruling marks the latest legal setback for Google. In August, a judge ruled in a separate case that Google maintained a monopoly in online search.

The media industry praised the decision, contending that Google's monopoly forced publishers to use its services and that the lack of competition has led to fewer ad dollars.

"Publishers are excited because they're hoping to get more money for what they're selling, and the advertisers should be happy too, because they're going to have to pay less for it. That's going to be the goal of restoring competition," said Rebecca Haw Allensworth, a professor at Vanderbilt Law School who studies antitrust law.

Still, antitrust experts said the ruling's effect on journalism and advertisers will depend on how the judge decides to restore competition.

The judge hasn't decided on potential remedies, which could force the sale of its Chrome web browser. Google plans to appeal both decisions.

The latest ruling comes the same week that a landmark antitrust trial between Facebook's parent company Meta and the Federal Trade Commission kicked off.

"The bigger picture is crystal clear: the antitrust tides have turned against Google and other digital advertising giants," Evelyn Mitchell-Wolf, a senior analyst at Emarketer, said in a statement.
We came across a bullish thesis on Grindr Inc. (GRND) on Substack by Welfare Capital. In this article, we will summarize the bulls thesis on GRND. Grindr Inc. (GRND)'s share was trading at $18.92 as of April 16th. GRNDs trailing P/E was 134.66 according to Yahoo Finance.

Mila Supinskaya Glashchenko/Shutterstock.com

Grindr is an LGBT dating app, that offers significant growth potential as a capital-light, cash-flow-generating business. The company's target demographic is well-positioned for long-term tailwinds, with increasing adoption within the gay/LGBT community. Grindrs revenue growth is projected to remain robust, with annual increases of 20-25%, driven by strong operational leverage, efficient operations, and monetization opportunities. Over the long term, Grindrs margins are expected to expand from 27% to 35-40%, due to its lean workforce and high-growth characteristics. Despite its seemingly high valuationtrading at 10x sales and 30x forward earningsGrindr's impressive gross margins of 75% and its strong growth trajectory suggest it may be undervalued compared to many other U.S.-listed companies. Its efficient capital expenditure and low incremental investment requirements make Grindr a sustainable cash flow machine.

The apps market position is strengthened by its near-monopoly status within its niche. With over 90% brand recognition in the U.S. and 60% internationally, Grindr holds a dominant share of the market. Its entrenched user base is difficult to disrupt, and its management is open to mergers and acquisitions if competitive threats emerge. Grindrs strong free cash flow generation$94 million in 2024supports its ability to acquire competitors and return capital to shareholders. The company has also initiated a $500 million buyback program, signaling a commitment to shareholder value. Although Grindrs stock price is considered expensive, its growth prospects and efficient operational model make it an attractive investment.

However, the company does face risks, particularly around product mismanagement. If Grindr fails to innovate and improve the app experience, it could lose users to more efficient competitors, damaging its market share and monetization efforts. Moreover, Grindrs relatively low executive ownershipjust 2.3% of the companys sharesmay present governance concerns, particularly with the large controlling shareholders, which could affect the companys direction or liquidity.

In conclusion, Grindr is a highly attractive investment due to its strong growth potential, efficient operations, and leadership within the gay/LGBT dating app market. With a clean cash flow profile and low capital requirements, Grindr is positioned to generate significant long-term returns, even amidst its relatively high valuation. Investors can expect continued strong performance as the company capitalizes on its dominant market position.
Oakmark Funds, advised by Harris Associates, released its Oakmark International Fund first quarter 2025 investor letter. A copy of the letter can be downloaded here. For the quarter ended March 31, 2025, the fund's Investor Share Class returned 7.88% compared to the MSCI World ex USA Indexs 6.20% return. Since its inception, the fund returned 8.37% compared to a 6.07% return for the index. Financials and health care sector contributed to the funds performance in the quarter, while communication services and information technology detracted. In addition, you can check the funds top 5 holdings to determine its best picks for 2025.

In its first-quarter 2025 investor letter, Oakmark International Fund highlighted stocks such as LVMH Moet Hennessy - Louis Vuitton, Societe Europeenne (OTC:LVMUY). LVMH Moet Hennessy - Louis Vuitton, Societe Europeenne (OTC:LVMUY) is a leading luxury goods company. The one-month return of LVMH Moet Hennessy - Louis Vuitton, Societe Europeenne (OTC:LVMUY) was -18.44%, and its shares lost 36.20% of their value over the last 52 weeks. On April 16, 2025, LVMH Moet Hennessy - Louis Vuitton, Societe Europeenne (OTC:LVMUY) stock closed at $108.93 per share with a market capitalization of $276.31 billion.

Oakmark International Fund stated the following regarding LVMH Moet Hennessy - Louis Vuitton, Societe Europeenne (OTC:LVMUY) in its Q1 2025 investor letter:

"LVMH Moet Hennessy - Louis Vuitton, Societe Europeenne (OTC:LVMUY) is the world's largest luxury goods company with a portfolio of 75 brands, including prestigious houses Louis Vuitton and Christian Dior. Importantly, the company is focused on fashion and leather goods. This is one of the more attractive subcategories within the sector and where Vuitton has high brand desirability and scale, which drive industry leading profitability. The business is run by Bernard Arnault, who we consider to be one of the best CEOs in Europe, and who is fully aligned with shareholders given his familys 41% ownership. The opportunity exists because of the recent fears around tariffs and the macro environ ment (initially in China and increasingly in the U.S.). We view this as a rare opportunity to purchase shares in LVMH at a discounted valuation to its peers and the company's own trading history. We expect that the industry will recover over the medium term, that recent innovations will help sustain attractive revenue growth and that self-help will serve to reaccelerate earnings growth."

A stunning jewelry display with diamonds and gold, highlighting the company's commitment to quality.
Indonesia is set to propose an increase in energy imports from the US, with plans to purchase additional crude oil and liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) worth around $10bn (Rp168.4trn), reported Reuters.

This move is part of the country's strategy to address its trade surplus with the US and avoid a 32% tariff on Indonesian exports.

Indonesian Energy Minister Bahlil Lahadalia announced the initiative to local media, highlighting that Indonesian officials will soon head to Washington for tariff negotiations.

The overall goal is to acquire US goods valued at $18bn19bn.

Bahlil suggested that to meet this target, Indonesia should raise the LPG import quota from the US and boost crude oil purchases.

To accommodate the increased imports from the US, Indonesia may need to reduce LPG imports from other sources.

Energy Shift Institute managing director Putra Adhiguna mentioned that Indonesia could start by cutting 2030% of its LPG imports from non-US suppliers, depending on the contracts.

Data from Kpler indicates that Indonesia imported approximately 306,000 barrels per day (bpd) of crude oil last year, primarily from Nigeria, Saudi Arabia and Angola, with around 13,000bpd sourced from the US.

In response to the proposed changes in LPG imports, a spokesperson from Pertamina, the nation's leading LPG retailer, stated that the company is reviewing its import strategy and awaiting government directives.

Recently, Venezuela's state oil company, PDVSA, withdrew several permissions it had granted to Chevron, a US-based company, for loading and exporting Venezuelan crude oil.

This decision follows the US tariffs imposed on Venezuela's oil customers and comes after Washington revoked essential licences for several PDVSA partners, including Chevron, last month.

Navigate the shifting tariff landscape with real-time data and market-leading analysis.

Request a free demo for GlobalDatas Strategic Intelligence here.

"Indonesia plans to boost US energy imports by $10bn amid tariffs" was originally created and published by Offshore Technology, a GlobalData owned brand.




(Reuters) - Investment firm H Partners has urged Harley-Davidson's shareholders to remove three directors from the board, including its CEO, holding them responsible for the company's declining sales and falling stock price.

H Partners, the iconic American brand's second-largest investor with a 9.1% stake, made the latest move days after the firm called on CEO Jochen Zeitz to step aside immediately.

Zeitz, who became the CEO in 2020, is expected to retire this year but has said he would stay until a replacement was found.

Shares of Harley, valued at $2.7 billion, have dropped 45% over the past year and 43% since April 2022 as the company struggles to appeal to new generations of riders. On Wednesday when much of the market was in the red, Harley rose 1.25% to $21.88.

The investment firm intends to run a withhold-the-vote campaign to push out Zeitz, who has served as a director for 18 years, Norman Thomas Linebarger, who has been a director for 17 years, and Sara Levinson, a board member for 29 years, according to a letter released on Tuesday.

"We believe Mr. Zeitz, Mr. Linebarger, and Ms. Levinson should be held accountable for the destruction of shareholder value," H Partners said in a statement.

In response, Harley said H Partners is putting its own interests ahead of those of other shareholders by disrupting the CEO transition process, creating uncertainty and "putting Harley-Davidson's future and shareholder value at risk."

H Partners' Jared Dourdeville resigned from Harley's board last week, citing the company's "cultural depletion" due to the departure of senior leaders and its remote working policies.

Harley's board consists of eight members and the company is scheduled to hold its annual meeting on May 14.

Five years ago at the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, Harley faced a boardroom challenge from another investment firm, Impala Asset Management, but quickly settled that fight amid the uncertainty of the health crisis.

(Reporting by Svea Herbst-Bayliss in New York, Abhinav Parmar and Nilutpal Timsina in Bengaluru; Editing by Stephen Coates, Sriraj Kalluvila and Richard Chang)
Contending that Meta (META) recently delivered "the best quarter in its history," Jeffrey Small, the President of Arbor Financial, called on investors to "definitely buy the stock."

Small, who was speaking on Schwab Network, is also quite upbeat on Netflix (NFLX).

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Pixabay/Public Domain

More of Small's Thoughts on META

The financial advisor does not expect Meta's profits to fall significantly going forward, and he thinks that its investments in AI will meaningfully boost its earnings over the long term. Moreover, Small believes that the stock's valuation is "epically low" at this point.

Netflix Is a Great Defense Against Tariffs, Small Says

"Netflix is a great stock to own if you're concerned about tariffs," said Small. According to the stock expert, the company issued "good" long-term guidance today, while the multiple of its shares is likely to rise going forward.

Small's Outlook on Tariffs

"Tariffs are more bark than bite, and they will be worked out in a little bit of time," Small asserted. Given his views on tariffs, he believes that the stock market will not drop 5%-10% below its current level.

While we acknowledge the potential of META, our conviction lies in the belief that AI stocks hold greater promise for delivering higher returns, and doing so within a shorter timeframe. 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 META 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

Disclosure: None. This article is originally published at Insider Monkey.
Italian sustainable shoe brand and consultancy ACBC  known for its modular sneakers engineered with a zipper system that ties together the sole to several variants of the upper part  has found an investor.

The company said Thursday that it has sold a majority stake to Gyrus Capital, a European investment firm operating in the healthcare and sustainability sectors.

More from Footwear News

Financial details of the deal  expected to close in the second quarter of the year  were not disclosed.

ACBC cofounders Gio Giacobbe and Edoardo Iannuzzi will remain on board as minority investors and in their executive roles of chief executive officer and chief innovation officer, respectively.

A Circular Science Company and B Corp enterprise, since 2020 and 2021, respectively, ACBC had carved a three-pronged business model in the years since its founding in 2018.

In 2023, the most recent financial figures available, ACBCs overall business generated sales of 15 million euros.

Sustainability consultancy operations for fashion brands represented about 50 percent of yearly sales, the Made in ACBC third-party manufacturing business amounted to 45 percent of revenues, while the remainder was generated by the owned shoe brands operations.

It is understood that the latter division is to be wound down, although the company did not elaborate further when asked about it.

Signaling an acceleration in its sustainability consultancy business, last year ACBC linked with RTG Consulting Group on a strategic partnership to set up operations in Asia, providing the clients of the Singapore-, Shanghai- and Paris-based firm with eco-leaning advisory.

ACBC is a clear industry leader, combining visionary leadership, deep technical expertise, and a strong commitment to transformation, said Raffaele Magliocca, principal at Gyrus Capital. We are excited and proud to partner with such a driven and talented team, and we believe ACBC is uniquely positioned to shape the future of sustainable innovation and drive the circular transition across the fashion sector and beyond, he offered.

Based in Geneva, Switzerland, Gyrus Capital invests in businesses with a strong sustainability commitment through transactions in the 50 million to 500 million range. ACBC marks the firms first investment in the fashion sector.

Raffaele Magliocca, Gio Giacobbe and Edoardo Iannuzzi. Courtesy of ACBC

This partnership with Gyrus Capital is a defining moment for ACBC, said CEO Giacobbe. We are proud to join forces with a firm that shares our values and long-term vision. Their international experience and focus on people, services, and sustainability will be key in scaling our impact and accelerating the shift towards more responsible and forward-thinking fashion and lifestyle industries, he offered.
Johnson & Johnson Innovative Medicine (J&J) addressed the potential impact of pharmaceutical tariffs during its Q1 2025 earnings call, as the US government intensifies its scrutiny of foreign drug supply chains. The companys chief financial officer Joseph Wolk said the company expects a $400m cost tied to newly proposed and existing tariffs, with the largest burden stemming from Chinas retaliatory duties on US-origin goods.

With the possibility of pharma-specific tariffs looming and the Department of Commerce announcing the launch of a Section 232 investigation into pharmaceutical imports on 14 April, investors were watching closely for commentary from J&J on US trade policy. The investigation gives President Donald Trump 90 days to determine whether tariffs should be imposed on national security grounds.

CEO Joaquin Duato said the company is analysing the Section 232 process, noting it had been anticipated and would be treated as a normal regulatory development. Its important that companies in healthcare partner with the administration to look to mitigate some of the vulnerabilities that exist today in our healthcare supply chain, Duato said.

We plan to do it in this process to make sure that we have enough manufacturing capacity here in the US to be able to address multiple scenarios. We want to be deferential to the administration and their process, he added.

Many large pharma companies like MSD and Novartis have announced plans to increase manufacturing activity in the US against the backdrop of these tariff announcements, and J&J announced its own $55m US investment in March 2025.

Since President Trumps 2017 tax reform, the investment in manufacturing  both in medtech and in pharmaceuticals  has significantly increased. When you think about our recent announcement of investing $55bn over the next four years at the completion of this investment plan, essentially all our advanced medicines that are used in the US will be manufactured in the US, said Duato.

J&J indicated that most of the projected $400m tariff impact will affect its Medtech division. The total includes duties from China, as well as import tariffs from Mexico and Canada not excluded under the United StatesMexicoCanada Agreement (USMCA). Wolk noted that mitigation strategies are limited due to existing price controls and contractual agreements, particularly in the pharmaceutical segment. Tariff-related costs will primarily be recorded as inventory before impacting future profit and loss statements.

Q1 2025 financial results

Despite the headwinds, J&J posted Q1 results above analyst expectations. Revenue for the quarter rose by 2.4% to $21.9bn, with operational growth of 4.2% and adjusted operational growth of 3.3%. Oncology products, including multiple myeloma drug Darzalex (daratumumab), remained key contributors.
By Makiko Yamazaki

TOKYO (Reuters) - Japanese manufacturers expressed improved business sentiment in April versus March though are bearish about their outlook over the next three months as they brace for the impact of sweeping U.S. import tariffs, a Reuters Tankan poll found.

The poll, which tracks the Bank of Japan quarterly business survey, yielded a manufacturers' business sentiment index of plus 9 in April, recovering from minus 1 in March.

For the three months ahead, however, the index was seen falling back to zero.

A positive figure indicates optimistic respondents outnumber those who are pessimistic about their business outlook.

The poll was conducted over April 2-11, just as U.S. President Donald Trump introduced a 25% tariff on car and truck imports and a further 24% tariff on Japanese goods - though the latter has been cut to 10% for 90 days.

The outlook turned sour particularly among export-heavy businesses such as automotive and machinery makers.

"With uncertainty increasing around Trump's tariffs and other global affairs, we've seen a slump in orders since late February and there are a number of other worrying factors ahead," a manager at a precision machinery maker wrote in the survey on condition of anonymity.

"It's absolutely impossible to predict the impact of Trump's tariffs," wrote a manager in the automotive sector.

Another manager at a machinery maker said clients have been cautious about investing due to tariff uncertainty.

Some also cited weakness in China's economy as a source of concern.

"Weak demand in China has caused low-priced products to flow into the Japanese market," a chemicals firm manager wrote.

Of 505 major, non-financial companies surveyed, 222 responded.

The poll's service-sector business sentiment index rose to plus 30 in April from plus 25 in March, while the index was seen at plus 21 in the three months ahead.

Real estate and information service firms were confident about their outlook whereas shipping firms voiced concern about rising labour costs and falling volume due to intensifying Sino-U.S. trade tension.

(Reporting by Makiko Yamazaki; Editing by Christopher Cushing)
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Dive Brief:

Three law students allege that the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission and Acting Chair Andrea Lucas are acting outside of their authority in threatening to investigate the diversity, equity and inclusion practices of 20 major law firms, according to a complaint filed Tuesday in the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia.

The students  identified as Doe 1, Doe 2 and Doe 3  said EEOC does not have the Congressional authority to collect sensitive personal information about applicants and employees from the law firms unless it is investigating a charge of discrimination and has grossly overstepped its authority.

In letters sent to the law firms last month, Lucas requested details on application and selection criteria for diverse clerkship programs, hiring and compensation policies and the use of affinity groups. The plaintiffs, who either worked at or applied at several of the named firms, said they are deeply worried that their data will be divulged, and that they may be targeted as a result, per the complaint.

Dive Insight:

The ultra vires  meaning beyond ones legal power  investigations being conducted by EEOC and Lucas are meant to intimidate and coerce members of the legal profession, the students said.

The administrations ongoing campaign of sanctioning law firms that it views as opposing its interests places enormous pressure on the firms to comply, for fear of drawing the administrations ire and retaliation, the complaint reads. EEOC did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

Already, a handful of law firms, including Kirkland & Ellis, Latham & Watkins, Simpson Thacher & Bartlett and A&O Shearman Sterling, have entered settlement agreements with EEOC in which they agreed to step away from diversity, equity and inclusion programs, the agency announced Friday.

Several former EEOC officials previously wrote Lucas a letter expressing their grave concerns about the law firm messages and requesting that they be withdrawn. They said Lucas letters imply a duty to respond without any basis in the laws that EEOC enforces and raise procedural questions under the Paperwork Reduction Act.

Since President Donald Trumps inauguration, EEOC has undergone a marked shift in its approach to DEI. Lucas issued guidance last month on DEI-related discrimination at work. Former members of the commission also criticized that guidance as wrongly characterizing DEI work as fraught with legal peril.
Time has run out for some US trade partners looking to make deals ahead of President Trump's July 9 deadline for tariffs to snap back to higher levels.

Letters will start going out to countries on Friday to notify them of the tariff rates they will face on exports to the US, Trump told reporters, to go into effect on Aug. 1. The first 10 or 12 letters sent out will be followed by similar batches.

By the ninth theyll be fully covered, Trump said in reference to the deadline, per Bloomberg. Theyll range in value from maybe 60% or 70% tariffs to 10% and 20% tariffs.

The Trump team has so far been focused on hammering out trade deals, though it has succeeded in nailing only three pacts so far.

Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent has said around 100 partners would likely see a minimum "reciprocal" rate of 10% come next week, adding that he expects a "flurry" of deals to materialize before the deadline.

Here is where things stand with various partners:

China : The US has eased export restrictions on China for chip design software and ethane, a sign that trade tensions are calming between the two countries after they agreed in May to a framework to move toward a larger trade deal. Software firms like Synopsys (SNPS) and Cadence (CDNS) said they will now sell their chip design tools to Chinese customers again. The US also removed limits on ethane exports to China that it had set just weeks ago.

Vietnam: Trump on Wednesday said he had reached a trade deal with Vietnam, one that will see the country's imports face a 20% tariff  lower than the 46% he had threatened in April. He also said Vietnamese goods would face a higher 40% tariff "on any transshipping"  when goods shipped from Vietnam originate from another country, like China. Many US goods will see no duty upon import to Vietnam.

Japan: Trump earlier this week said negotiations with Japan had soured, saying he would force Japan to accept higher tariffs of "30%, 35%, or whatever the number is that we determine." Notably, that proposal is higher than the 24% "Liberation Day" level. "Theyre very tough. You have to understand, theyre very spoiled," he said.
Kevin Carter / Getty Images





Key Takeaways

Shares of French luxury conglomerate LVMH sank Tuesday after the company reported a decline in sales.

The Louis Vuitton parent company was overtaken by Hermes as the world's most valuable luxury brand by market capitalization.

LVMH's CFO said Monday that its "aspirational clientele" could be affected by the Trump administration's tariffs.







Shares of French luxury conglomerate LVMH sank Tuesday after the company reported a decline in sales, and the Louis Vuitton parent lost its title as the world's most valuable luxury brand.

With the stock's nearly 8% decline in Europe Tuesday, while luxury rival Hermes' ticked 0.2% higher, Hermes surpassed LVMH as the world's most valuable luxury brand by market capitalization.

Hermes has a market cap of around 246.4 billion euros ($280 billion), while LVMH's market cap is now just below that at 244.1 billion euros, according to CNBC, based on a calculation using FactSet data. LVMH shares have lost nearly a quarter of their value since the start of the year, while Hermes shares are up just over 1%.

The parent company of Louis Vuitton, Tiffany, and dozens of other high-end brands said Monday that its first-quarter revenue declined by about 2% year-over-year.

CFO Says Company Continues To Face 'Macro Uncertainties'

LVMH CFO Cecile Cabanis said in a Monday call with analysts that the company "continued to face macro uncertainties and lack of visibility on external factors" in the latest quarter, and suggested that while the company "didn't see a major change in trend" yet from tariffs, that it could.

"[I]t's true that aspirational clientele is always more vulnerable in less positive economic cycles and uncertainties, and it might have had some impact in the recent weeks," Cabanis said, according to an AlphaSense transcript.

She said the current 90-day pause may provide space for negotiations to improve the tariffs, and that each of LVMH's brands would likely handle the cost of tariffs in a different way.

Read the original article on Investopedia
Being your own boss, following your dreams, having a flexible schedule and being financially independent are just a few of the many reasons to start your own business.

Find Out: 10 Pitfalls New Entrepreneurs Should Avoid When Starting a Business in 2025

Read Next: 5 Types of Vehicles Retirees Should Stay Away From Buying

If youre thinking of becoming an entrepreneur, choosing the state to register your company in is an important decision. Where you start your business can have a big impact on your chances for success.

The Best States for Starting a Business

If youre looking for a great place to register your new company, youll want to take a look at these three states.

Wyoming

At first glance, Wyoming might not seem like a great place to start a business, but it offers several important perks for those launching an LLC. Many online businesses can take advantage of the benefits because you dont need to live in Wyoming to register an LLC there.

One major benefit is that Wyoming allows LLCs registered in the state to remain private and doesnt require business owners to list their names in public records. This anonymity protects you from unwanted attention, creditors and personal attacks from online communities.

Learn More: 7 Rules To Start a Successful Business, According to Ramit Sethi

South Dakota

Saving money on taxes means more revenue for your business, and South Dakota is a great place for this. It uses pass-through taxation, which means companies dont file tax returns because the revenue passes down to the owners, investors and shareholders of a company. Because only individuals pay their companys taxes, they arent taxed twice. Traditional corporations that dont use pass-through taxation would need to pay taxes on their profits, and then individuals must pay taxes on their earnings as well.

Utah

Starting a business usually requires a lot of funding, and there isnt a better place to get it than Utah. The State Small Business Credit Initiative (SSBCI) recently provided Utahs small business community with $23 million in U.S. Treasury funding. Adding to Utahs reputation as an excellent place to start a business is the fact that banks distributed $846.1 million in loans to Utah businesses with $1 million or less in 2022.

The Worst States for Starting a Business

Many factors can make a state a bad place for a startup, and these three states show what those are.

California

When it comes to the worst states for starting a business, you cant overlook California. Between 2019 and mid-2024, over 200 businesses relocated from California to other states. This is more than double the number for New York, which has the second-most relocations. The number of regulations California has continued to impose is a big reason for this. The California Code of Regulations has over 400,000 restrictions as of 2023.
The global trade forecast was lowered -325,000 bales to 42.4 million. For imports, the largest changes were for China (-300,000 bales to 6.5 million), Indonesia (-100,000 bales to 1.9 million), and Turkey (+100,0000 bales to 4.3 million). For exports, the largest changes were for Australia (-100,000 bales to 5.3 million), Brazil (-100,000 bales to 12.9 million), the U.S. (-100,000 bales to 10.9 million), and Turkey (+200,000 bales to 1.2 million).

For mill use, the largest changes were for China (-500,000 bales to 37 million), Indonesia (-100,000 bales to 1.9 million), and Turkey (+100,000 bales to 7.1 million).

At the country level, the largest changes to production estimates were for Argentina (-175,000 bales to 1.5 million) and China (+250,000 bales to 32 million).

The latest USDA report featured limited changes to most forecasts. The world production forecast was lowered -69,000 bales to 120.9 million and the world mill-use forecast was lowered -520,000 bales to 116 million. Historical revisions were also minor, with a net effect on 2024/25 beginning stocks of only a +25,000 bales (to 73.7 million). The combined result for 2024/25 ending stocks was a +526,000 bale addition (to 78.9 million).

Indian spot prices (Shankar-6 quality) traded between 77 and 81 cents/lb or between 53,000 and 54,000 INR/candy. The INR was stable near 86 INR/USD over the past month.

The Chinese Cotton Index (CC Index 3128B) decreased from 93 to 89 cents/lb. In domestic terms, prices decreased from 14,900 to 14,500 RMB/ton. The RMB eased slightly, from 7.26 to 7.35 RMB/USD.

The A Index is nearly unchanged relative to one month ago, holding around 78 cents/lb. Nonetheless, there was movement over the past several weeks, with the A Index trading between 75-80 cents/lb.

Prices for NY/ICE futures moved lower following tariff-related announcements made April 2. However, the decreases only dropped prices to levels around those reached in early March (when China announced additional duties on U.S. cotton). Old crop contracts (May and July) dipped as low as 63-64 cents/lb, roughly matching their early March lows, before recovering to 66-67 cents/lb. New crop (December) prices fell as low as 66 cents/lb, which is about 1 cent lower than in early March, before recovering to 69 cents/lb.

Story Continues

Price Outlook

Recent announcements about changes to U.S. trade policy were followed by significant volatility in a wide range of financial markets.

The latest round of announcements began on April 2. On April 2, the administration introduced two sets of increases in tariffs. The first lifted existing rates by a baseline addition of 10 percentage points. This set of increases spanned nearly all trading partners, with the only explicit exception being for goods covered by the USMCA (U.S.-Mexico-Canada Agreement). This round of revised baseline tariff increases went into effect April 5.

The second set of tariff increases went into effect April 9. These have been described as the reciprocal tariffs. However, the formula used to derive these rates is based on trade imbalance rather than the rates charged by partner countries. For partner countries where the U.S. has a trade deficit, the formula used to derive the reciprocal rate is the trade deficit with a given partner divided by the total value of U.S. imports from that partner, which is then divided by two as a discount. The list of locations subjected to reciprocal increases and the level of rate increases can be found here. Where applicable, these reciprocal rates replaced the (10-point) April 5 baseline increases (i.e., were not added to them).

On April 9, the same day that implementation began for the reciprocal tariffs, those same reciprocal rates were lowered back to the 10-point baseline increase for most trade partners for an expected 90 days.

A notable exception was for China. For China, the U.S. issued further increases on both April 8 and April 9, which brought duty rates on Chinese goods 125 percentage points higher in April alone. This is on top of two China-specific 10-point increases in February and March.

To justify the significantly greater rate increases for Chinese goods, U.S. officials indicated they were in response to retaliatory increases on U.S. goods sent to China. On March 4, China released a list of U.S. products that would face 15-point tariff increases that included U.S. cotton. More recently, China responded to U.S. announcements made in April and raised tariffs on imports from the U.S. to a total of as much as 125 points so far this year.

Despite the rapid pace of change, the NY/ICE cotton market was somewhat stable, remaining generally within the recent trading range. Prices for both old crop (May and July) and new crop (December) contracts dipped after the April 2 announcement, but they only fell to levels around those reached in early March (when China announced a 15 percent retaliatory tariff on U.S. cotton). Losses in other financial markets have been comparatively larger (for example, the S&P 500 was down more 10 percent between April 1 and April 8).

A potential reason that the decreases in cotton prices have not been deeper is that traders may have been expecting another round in the U.S.- China trade dispute. China accumulated reserves last crop year, and there has been a sharp decline in the amount of U.S. cotton contracted for export to China this crop year (in weekly USDA export sales data, commitment to China has consistently been down around 80 percent year-over-year in 2024/25). The lower level of business between the U.S. and China leaves less room for a cascade of cancelations that could put additional weight on prices.

A factor that may have the potential to pull prices lower is the threat of a global recession. The rapid pace of change, and the demonstrated possibility for policy reversal, have likely given way to considerable uncertainty that may be an obstacle for purchases and investment decisions.

This image has an empty alt attribute; its file name is c90Jt.jpeg

Jon Devine, senior economist at Cotton Incorporated, keeps key stakeholders in the textile and investment communities informed via timely market analyses of commodity economics and factors influencing their stability. He generates industry analyses of the various links on the cotton supply chain, contributing to the divisions examinations and reports on consumer and retail trends relevant to cotton textile and apparel sectors.

For more economic information about the cotton market, visit Cotton Incorporateds Lifestyle Monitor.
You wont find any of the Midwestern states atop the list for how much the top 1% pay in taxes around the United States.

See This: The Best Tax Deductions and Tax Breaks for 2024-25

Check Out: 5 Types of Vehicles Retirees Should Stay Away From Buying

GOBankingRates recently conducted a study to find out the share the 1% paid everywhere, and the highest Midwestern state was Illinois, which came in 13th with an income tax share of 38.4%. However, the Prairie State was fifth in total taxes paid by the 1%: $32.7 billion.

Lets take a look at what the 1% pay in taxes around the Midwest.

pabradyphoto / iStock.com

Illinois

Total income tax share for the top 1%: 38.4%

Average tax rate percentage for the top 1%: 27.0%

Total income tax for the top 1%: $32,677,874,000

Number of returns for the top 1%: 56,794

Find Out: Heres How Much Your State Collects on Every Type of Tax

See More: Top 8 States To Move to If You Dont Want To Pay Taxes on Social Security

Ultima_Gaina / Getty Images/iStockphoto

Indiana

Total income tax share for the top 1%: 35.5%

Average tax rate percentage for the top 1%: 25.1%

Total income tax for the top 1%: $10,518,818,000

Number of returns for the top 1%: 30,120

Trending Now: 7 Tax Loopholes the Rich Use To Pay Less and Build More Wealth

Wirestock / Getty Images/iStockphoto

Iowa

Total income tax share for the top 1%: 33.2%

Average tax rate percentage for the top 1%: 24.8%

Total income tax for the top 1%: $4,813,252,000

Number of returns for the top 1%: 13,821

Oleksii Liskonih / Getty Images/iStockphoto

Kansas

Total income tax share for the top 1%: 35.8%

Average tax rate percentage for the top 1%: 25.4%

Total income tax for the top 1%: $5,066,051,000

Number of returns for the top 1%: 12,643

iStock.com

Michigan

Total income tax share for the top 1%: 35%

Average tax rate percentage for the top 1%: 24.5%

Total income tax for the top 1%: $16,650,121,000

Number of returns for the top 1%: 45,218

Find Out: 6 Reasons Your Tax Refund Will Be Higher in 2025

Jacob Boomsma / Getty Images/iStockphoto

Minnesota

Total income tax share for the top 1%: 32.6%

Average tax rate percentage for the top 1%: 26.3%

Total income tax for the top 1%: $11,524,941,000

Number of returns for the top 1%: 26,423

Art Wager / iStock.com

Missouri

Household median income: $65,920

Total income tax share for the top 1%: 37.2%

Average tax rate percentage for the top 1%: 25.4%

Total income tax for the top 1%: $10,481,163,000

Number of returns for the top 1%: 26,898

marekuliasz / iStock.com

Nebraska

Total income tax share for the top 1%: 37%

Average tax rate percentage for the top 1%: 25%

Total income tax for the top 1%: $3,704,671,000

Number of returns for the top 1%: 8,660

Guy RD / Shutterstock.com

North Dakota
We recently published a list of Buy The Dip On These 10 Semiconductor Stocks Tumbling On China H20 Chip Sale Ban. In this article, we are going to take a look at where Newmont Corporation (NYSE:NEM) stands against other semiconductor stocks tumbling on China H20 chip sale ban.

Semiconductor manufacturers are at the forefront of the technological battle, especially in the context of Chinas rapid tech developments. One would have thought President Trump would take it easy on the chipmakers owing to their critical position in the US and global tech infrastructure.

However, investors are now finding out that semi stocks arent immune to tariffs, with the latest round of tariffs expected to cost manufacturers around $1 billion. This cost will be incurred through lost sales, increased regulatory compliance, and elevated supply chain costs.

Uncertainty regarding the exact details of the tariffs continues to cause chaos in the market. Chip stocks are sliding as the leading chipmaker, led by Jensen Huang, finds its H20 chips banned from export to China. As the leading chipmaker tries to steer its way out of the crisis, other companies that rely on this giant for business are also trying to figure out what to do.

We decided to take a look at such stocks and see if they offer value. Remember that the H20 chips were made specifically for China, and a ban on selling them is only a temporary headwind, not something that threatens the companys moat.

To come up with the list of semiconductor stocks worth buying on the China H20 chip sale ban, we considered stocks that are an integral part of the semiconductor supply chain and ranked them by hedge fund interest in their stocks.

Is Newmont Corporation (NEM) Worth Buying on the China H20 Chip Sale Ban?

A gold mine entry with a conveyor belt transporting minerals from the depths of a shaft.

Newmont Corporation (NYSE:NEM)

Number of Hedge Fund Holders: 69

Newmont Corporation is primarily a gold exploration company, but also explores for critical materials like zinc, silver, and copper, among others. Its operations are spread across both North and South America.

The companys stock is relatively stable because it only supplies critical material to the semiconductor industry, rather than having to adjust to the latest technological requirements like many other suppliers. NEM is therefore a stable alternative to the cyclical industry, providing a decent dividend yield of 1.83%.

The stock not only recovered well from the early April rout but is also closing in on its 52-week high thanks to a surge in gold prices. Due to multiple tailwinds likely to drive the stock price going forward, and limited exposure to the cyclical nature of the semiconductor industry, NEM is part of our list and the least likely to get negatively impacted by the US governments export restrictions on H20 chips.
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The University of Washington campus is seen from the air with the Drumheller Fountain at center, Thursday, March 21, 2024 in Seattle. (Ken Lambert / The Seattle Times, 2024)
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We recently published a list of Jim Cramers Game Plan: 15 Stocks to Watch. In this article, we are going to take a look at where Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company Limited (NYSE:TSM) stands against other stocks that Jim Cramer discusses.

On Friday, Mad Money host Jim Cramer outlined what investors should focus on in the week, especially pointing to earnings reports from major banks.

Rumor, innuendo, intrigue these are the stuff of great novels, of fabulous miniseries, riveting plays, and now theyre the stuff of the stock market.

READ ALSO: Jim Cramer Discussed These 12 Stocks and 10 Stocks on Jim Cramers Radar Recently.

He noted the chaotic nature of the current environment and remarked that this tape has it all, and emphasized how unpredictable developments from the White House have added to the turbulence. Cramer noted that information is being released constantly, through press conferences, posts on Truth Social, or casual remarks, and that each has the potential to move vast sums of money across asset classes.

Trillions of dollars in and out of bonds, of currency, of gold, of crypto, he said, all based on impulsive statements. He pointed out the sheer volume of contradictions in the news cycle and stressed, Except this isnt an eight-part blockbuster, its our money. Cramer lamented how even social media activity, like tweets, can trigger massive swings in the markets. He noted that Fridays market action felt like it was shaped entirely by this dynamic.

Cramer questioned whether the market might be in the process of forming what he called a liberation day bottom, a moment when selling pressure finally ends because investors feel that all the bad news is out. But he acknowledged the uncertainty of that theory as he said, Not sure, Im just not sure. He added:

Have you ever noticed the weekends dont provide relaxation anymore because the presidents got advisors? Hes got to put people out. He wants to tweet. Hes got meetings. No relaxation time, no downtime. Mondays trading, well, lets just say that it looks like that its earning season so its gonna be even harder than usual.

Our Methodology

For this article, we compiled a list of 15 stocks that were discussed by Jim Cramer during the episode of Mad Money aired on April 11. We listed the stocks in the order that Cramer mentioned them. We also provided hedge fund sentiment for each stock as of the fourth quarter of 2024, which was taken from Insider Monkeys database of over 1,000 hedge funds.

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).
Emily Field, Head of European Pharma Research at Barclays, spoke to CNBC on February 20 about the performance of obesity medications, the effects of US tariffs, and the dynamics of the pharmaceutical industry. According to her, at least in the first half of this year, the industry might not perform poorly. The effectiveness of obesity medications is still up for debate, though, as leading companies in the field have shown inconsistent results in the past.

Its kind of a watershed moment where the pharma industry is like, We dont really need to buy U.S. biotechs necessarily. We will if it makes sense, but we can buy perfectly good biotech assets through licensing deals with Chinese companies.

Experts think this situation is here to stay, even though there are several possible causes for this tendency. Although the US pharmaceutical industry is expected to be impacted, it is uncertain how these effects would manifest. If big pharmaceutical companies find a good Chinese drug at a low price, some experts think it may destroy American startups; others think the competition would benefit the sector. Tim Opler, a managing director in Stifels global healthcare group, stated the following regarding the circumstances:

Experts cite several causes for this tendency. Some people think that Chinese pharmaceutical firms are drawing notice due to their sophisticated development skills, which enable them to produce potent compounds in large quantities. In addition to being able to start testing on human subjects more quickly, these Chinese companies can charge a lower price for these medications than the US. Buyers have developed a business strategy that enables them to import medicines through licensing agreements, according to CNBC. The dearth of venture capital in China is additional pressure on biotech companies to enter these agreements.

With big American pharmaceutical corporations always searching for medications in China, the US pharmaceutical industry is going through a unique trend never seen before. About 30% of Big Pharma acquisitions involving at least $50 million upfront in 2024 involved Chinese corporations, according to DealForma statistics, as reported by CNBC. This was an increase from 20% the previous year and nearly 0% just five years before.

We recently published a list of 10 Best Pharma Stocks to Buy for Long Term Growth . In this article, we are going to take a look at where Novo Nordisk A/S (NYSE:NVO) stands against other best pharma stocks to buy for long term growth.

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Speaking about the tariffs, she stated that since some businesses assemble their products in the US after producing them overseas, their implementation raises several unanswered questions for the pharmaceutical industry. These businesses, therefore, have relatively low manufacturing costs, which is an important factor to take into account when assessing the effects of tariffs. She thought that these businesses could easily absorb the higher expense of the tariffs. The topic hasnt come up much on earnings calls this quarter, and the market is nearing the end of the reporting season.

Our Methodology

For this article, we screened for companies that operate in the pharmaceutical industry. From that list, we identified stocks that have achieved positive revenue growth over the past five years. Then, we picked companies with a 5-year revenue growth of 10% and ranked the top 10 based on hedge fund sentiment as of Q4 2024, as per Insider Monkeys database.

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 Novo Nordisk A/S (NVO) the Best Pharma Stock to Buy for Long Term Growth?

An elderly couple receiving insulin from a pharmacist, representing healthcare company's successful pharmaceutical products.

Novo Nordisk A/S (NYSE:NVO)

Number of Hedge Fund Holders: 64

Novo Nordisk A/S (NYSE:NVO) is a Denmark-based global healthcare company specializing in the development, manufacturing, and marketing of pharmaceutical products for chronic diseases. Its main areas of interest are managing obesity, diabetes, and uncommon illnesses such as growth abnormalities and hemophilia. With well-known medications, including Ozempic, Wegovy, and NovoRapid, the company is a world leader in insulin and GLP-1 therapy.

With a 26% increase in sales and a 26% increase in operating profit at constant exchange rates, Novo Nordisk A/S (NYSE:NVO) produced impressive financial results in 2024. More than 45 million individuals are now receiving diabetes and obesity medicines from the corporation, an increase of nearly 4 million patients over the previous year. To boost market supply beyond pre-existing CMO contracts from 2026, the company will be able to extend its worldwide fill and finish footprint from 11 to 14 sites after completing the acquisition of three Catalent production sites in December 2024. The corporations R&D efforts produced several noteworthy obesity treatment readouts, such as amycretin, semaglutide 7.2 milligrams, and CagriSema.

At constant exchange rates, Novo Nordisk A/S (NYSE:NVO) anticipates sales growth of 16% to 24% in 2025, mostly due to the volume increase of GLP-1-based therapies for the treatment of diabetes and obesity. At constant exchange rates, operating profit is anticipated to increase by 19% to 27%, reflecting ongoing expenditures in commercial, R&D, and other activities. Over 80% of patients pay less than $25 for a prescription, and the firm retains extensive formulary access for Wegovy in the US, covering 55 million obese individuals.

Overall, NVO ranks 5th on our list of best pharma stocks to buy for long term growth. While we acknowledge the potential of pharmaceutical companies, 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 NVO 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.

Disclosure: None. This article is originally published at Insider Monkey.
We recently compiled a list of the 14 Best American Tech Stocks To Buy Now. In this article, we are going to take a look at where Oracle Corporation (NYSE:ORCL) stands against the other American tech stocks.

American stocks moved up a bit on Monday, April 14 as investors focused on news about tech companies getting a break from President Trumps tariffs. The S&P 500 rose by 0.8%, the tech-heavy Nasdaq rose by 0.6%, and the Dow Jones Industrial Average increased by about 0.7%.

READ ALSO: 11 Best American Energy Stocks to Buy Now and 10 Best Stocks Under $10 to Buy Now.

In recent days, President Trump and his advisers have given mixed signals on the future of tariffs on China and on specific industries. Over the weekend, big American tech companies scored a victory when it was revealed that the US had not put tariffs on smartphones, computers, and other consumer electronics.

However, on Sunday, US Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick stated that these electronics would soon be covered under new tariffs, which would be different from those imposed on specific countries. President Trump also posted on social media that there would be no exception for these products. He also said that the government is looking at semiconductors and the entire electronics supply chain in the upcoming National Security Tariff Investigations.

Last week was the best week for the major indexes since at least 2023. However, with all this uncertainty, Wall Street is getting ready for another week of potential tariff-fueled ups and downs.

Methodology

To compile our list of the 14 best American tech stocks to buy now, we used stock screeners from Finviz and Yahoo Finance to find the largest American technology companies. We sorted our results based on market capitalization and picked the top 30 American stocks. Next, we focused on the 14 stocks most favored by institutional investors. Data for the hedge fund sentiment surrounding each stock was taken from Insider Monkeys Q4 2024 database of more than 1,000 elite hedge funds. Finally, the 14 best American tech stocks to buy now were ranked in ascending order based on the number of hedge funds holding stakes in them as of Q4 2024.

Why do we care about what hedge funds do? The reason is simple: our research has shown that we can outperform the market by imitating the top stock picks of the best hedge funds. Our quarterly newsletter's strategy selects 14 small-cap and large-cap stocks every quarter and has returned 373.4% since May 2014, beating its benchmark by 218 percentage points (see more details here).
Patanjali is taking significant steps in empowering farmers in India. In recent years, the company has introduced several new initiatives to support farmers, including promoting organic farming, utilizing new technologies, and ensuring fair value for their produce. Patanjali not only focuses on improving the economic condition of farmers but also motivates them to adopt environmentally-friendly farming practices. Through these efforts, Patanjali is playing a crucial role in making Indian farmers self-reliant and increasing their income.

But the big question remains: How does Patanjali provide innovative solutions and fair-trade benefits to farmers? Lets understand how.

Patanjalis New Initiatives and Farmer Development

Patanjali has recently taken a major step in the agriculture sector. In April 2024, Patanjali Foods Limited launched two new companiesContemporary Agro Private Limited and Rishikrishi Farming Private Limited. The main goal of these companies is to connect farmers with new technologies and ensure they receive maximum benefits.

These new companies have been started with an initial capital of 20 lakhs each. Their primary focus is to work directly with farmers, teaching them better farming practices, promoting sustainable farming, and developing new farming technologies. The direct benefit of this initiative will be seen by farmers, as they will not only get better crop yields but will also be able to sell their produce at a good price.

Benefits for Farmers

These new companies will offer several benefits to farmers. As farmers join Patanjalis programs, they will receive high-quality seeds and fertilizers, along with access to new farming technologies. This will help them increase their crop yields and, in turn, improve their familys income.

Patanjalis Kisan Samruddhi Program and Other Initiatives

Patanjali has also launched several programs to educate and assist farmers. One of the most important initiatives is the Kisan Samruddhi Program. This program provides farmers with training on organic farming techniques, helping them improve their farming practices and increase crop production. As a result, their income rises, and they become self-reliant.

Additionally, Patanjali invests in research and development to promote technologies that save water and ensure sustainable soil management.

(This article is part of IndiaDotCom Pvt Lts consumer connect initiative, a paid publication programme. IDPL claims no editorial involvement and assumes no responsibility or liability for any errors or omissions in the content of the article.)
Every morning, a farmer from rural India sets out to his fields with hope for a better day. But in todays world, chemical-based farming has made his life more difficult. The soil is no longer as fertile, crops have started to weaken, and economic hardship is a constant struggle. During such tough times, Patanjali has emerged as a ray of hope for farmers. By promoting organic and natural farming methods, Patanjali is not only rejuvenating the soil but also transforming the lives of farmers. Now, farmers are not just toiling in the fields, but are moving towards a brighter future.

But how exactly is Patanjali Organic Farming playing a significant role in improving soil health and empowering farmers? Lets take a closer look.

Understanding the Goal of Patanjali Organic Farming

The main goal of Patanjali Organic Farming is to reduce the harm caused by chemical farming and promote natural farming methods. It focuses on revitalizing soil fertility and making farmers economically strong. Research-based reports show that the long-term use of chemical fertilizers and pesticides has weakened the soil, reducing crop yields and harming the environment. To combat this, Patanjali has adopted organic farming, which benefits both the soil and the farmers.

Providing the Right Training to Farmers

One of the biggest contributions Patanjali is making to farmers progress is through proper training. Patanjalis Kisan Samruddhi Program teaches farmers easy and effective organic farming techniques. This helps farmers reduce their use of chemicals, improve soil health, and grow healthier and better crops. Additionally, Patanjali provides training on water conservation and sustainable farming practices that benefit the land for the long term. This not only improves farming but also protects the environment, giving farmers long-term benefits.

Increasing Farmers Income

Patanjali helps farmers become financially strong by promoting honest and effective business practices. The company ensures that farmers receive fair prices for their organic products, which increases their income. Patanjali provides farmers with quality seeds, organic fertilizers, and natural pesticides, helping them grow healthy crops that sell at better prices in the market. Moreover, Patanjali is connecting farmers to digital technology, helping them stay informed about new markets.

Additionally, Patanjali encourages contract farming. In this model, farmers grow specific crops like aloe vera, tulsi (holy basil), and mogra (jasmine), which Patanjali then buys directly from them. This guarantees farmers a fixed market for their produce.

Through these initiatives, farmers achieve economic stability while avoiding the risks of chemical farming. Organic crops sell at better prices in the market, boosting farmers' income and allowing them to provide a better life for their families.

(This article is part of IndiaDotCom Pvt Lts consumer connect initiative, a paid publication programme. IDPL claims no editorial involvement and assumes no responsibility or liability for any errors or omissions in the content of the article.)
Patanjali's organic farming campaign has emerged as a ray of hope for Indian farmers. Struggling with the challenges of chemical farming, Patanjali is not only improving the health of the soil through organic and natural farming but also strengthening the economic conditions of farmers.

Through its 'Nav Harit Kranti - An Agro Vision' initiative, Patanjali has been improving farmers' lives by adopting new technical methods and providing proper training. With these efforts, the future of Indian farming seems to be getting brighter.

Patanjalis Agriculture Campaign

Every morning, farmers in India head to their fields with hope for a better future. However, the challenges of changing times and chemical farming have made their hard work difficult. The quality of the soil is declining, crops are weakening, and farmers are facing economic struggles. This is why Patanjali has emerged as a beacon of hope for farmers.

Under the guidance of Swami Ramdev and Acharya Balkrishna, Patanjali Research Institute (PRI) has about 150 scientists working together to address the challenges related to farming. Their efforts have led to the creation of a comprehensive plan, which is detailed in the book 'Nav Harit Kranti -

An Agro Vision.'

Patanjalis Efforts in Organic Farming

Under this initiative, Patanjali is not only teaching organic farming but is also providing farmers with high-quality seeds, organic fertilizers, and affordable fertilizers. This is improving the quality of farming, and farmers are now able to achieve good yields using sustainable methods.

Training Farmers with New Technologies

One of the major reasons for Patanjalis success is the training provided to farmers. Through the Patanjali Kisan Samruddhi Program, farmers are taught easy and beneficial ways of organic farming. This reduces the use of chemical fertilizers and pesticides, improves the soil's health, and leads to the production of natural and healthy crops.

In addition, Patanjali has also made significant strides in the technical sector. The company has developed apps that help farmers with geo-mapping, geo-fencing, and weather information, making essential information easily accessible to them. Patanjali also provides farmers with knowledge about water-saving techniques and sustainable farming practices.

Empowering Farmers Economically

Patanjali is promoting honest and sustainable methods to empower farmers. The company focuses on ensuring that farmers receive fair and good prices for their organic produce, increasing their income.

Through these efforts, Patanjali is playing a significant role in transforming the agricultural landscape in India, making it more sustainable and economically viable for farmers.

(This article is part of IndiaDotCom Pvt Lts consumer connect initiative, a paid publication programme. IDPL claims no editorial involvement and assumes no responsibility or liability for any errors or omissions in the content of the article.)
Good Friday is one of the most solemn and sacred days in the Christian calendar, observed to commemorate the crucifixion of Jesus Christ and His ultimate sacrifice for humanity. It is a day of mourning, reflection, and deep spiritual significance observed by millions of Christians around the world.

As we approach Good Friday 2025, lets explore the date, meaning, history, importance, and how this sacred day is observed globally:-

Good Friday 2025 Date

In 2025, Good Friday will be observed on April 18, the Friday before Easter Sunday. The date changes every year based on the lunar calendar, as it is tied to the Jewish Passover and the Christian celebration of Easter.

What is Good Friday?

Good Friday commemorates the passion and crucifixion of Jesus Christ at Calvary. Despite its sorrowful nature, it is called Good because Christians believe Jesus' sacrifice opened the path to salvation and eternal life for humanity.

It is a day of:

- Deep reflection

- Repentance

- Prayer and fasting

- Spiritual mourning

History of Good Friday

The origins of Good Friday date back to the early days of Christianity. According to the New Testament, Jesus was betrayed by Judas, arrested, and sentenced to death by crucifixion under Roman governor Pontius Pilate. He was crucified at Golgotha and died around 3 p.m.

The events of Good Friday are recorded in the Gospels of Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John, which form the foundation of the Christian faith.

The observance became more formalized in the 4th century, and ever since, it has been an integral part of Holy Week, which also includes Palm Sunday, Maundy Thursday, and Easter Sunday.

Significance of Good Friday

Good Friday holds profound significance for Christians across denominations. It symbolizes:

- The ultimate sacrifice of Jesus for mankinds sins

- The depth of divine love and forgiveness

- The beginning of the journey to resurrection and hope (Easter)

It reminds the faithful of Christ's humility, obedience, and redemption, offering a powerful example of enduring suffering with faith and love.

How Good Friday is Celebrated Around the World

Good Friday is a public holiday in many countries and is observed through quiet, reflective practices rather than celebration. Common observances include:

1. Church Services & Liturgy

Many Christians attend special services that focus on the Seven Last Words of Jesus, read scripture, and pray in silence.

2. Fasting and Abstinence

Believers often fast or avoid meat, dedicating the day to prayer, meditation, and repentance.

3. The Stations of the Cross

This devotional practice reenacts Jesus path to crucifixion in 14 stages, often displayed in churches or performed as a public procession.

4. Passion Plays and Reenactments

In countries like the Philippines, Spain, and parts of Latin America, dramatic reenactments of Christs Passion are performed to mark the occasion.

5. Silence and Reflection

From 12 p.m. to 3 p.m. (believed to be the hours Jesus hung on the cross), many observe a time of quiet reflection.

Interesting Facts About Good Friday

- The term Good may come from Gods Friday or be a reference to the good that came from Christs sacrifice.

- In Jerusalem, pilgrims retrace Jesus steps along the Via Dolorosa (Way of Suffering).

- Many churches strip altars bare, cover crosses, and use solemn black or purple cloths.

Good Friday 2025 is not just a day of mourningits a moment to reflect on love, sacrifice, and the promise of renewal. It serves as a reminder of the depth of Christs love and encourages people of all faiths to embrace compassion, forgiveness, and hope.

Whether you're attending a service, meditating quietly, or simply acknowledging the days meaningGood Friday calls each of us to remember, reflect, and grow.

(This article is intended for your general information only. Zee News does not vouch for its accuracy or reliability.)
New Delhi: The crackdown on co-founders of BluSmart --Anmol Singh Jaggi and Puneet Singh Jaggi-- by Indias market regulator Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) will lead to difficulties for customers of the electric ride-hailing company BluSmart.

Customers of BluSmart in Mumbai, Delhi-NCR, Bengaluru will not be able to avail facilities of the electric ride-hailing company as the latter has temporarily stopped offering cab services in all three of its operating cities.

Customers using the BluSmart app are unable to book rides, with no time slots available until May 7.
New Delhi: Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman on Thursday expressed confidence that India would tackle the challenge posed by the global trade war with the right mix of policy agility and long-term investments to strengthen the domestic economy.

Addressing the celebrations here to mark 150 years of the Bombay Stock Exchange (BSE), the Finance Minister said: "The intensification of tariff wars and the rise of protectionist policies have the potential to disrupt global supply chains, increase production costs and create uncertainty in investment decisions across borders as well."

However, amidst this volatile, uncertain, complex, and ambiguous world, the strength of Indias economic fundamentals and macroeconomic prudence stands out, she added. "We offer investors a combination of policy stability and growth, governance and innovation," she remarked.

"We will navigate the global disruptions with policy agility and long-term investments," she remarked. Sitharaman also said that India's financial markets have shown remarkable resilience despite recent global uncertainties which reflected the faith that retail investors' have in the markets.

She pointed out that the transition of domestic institutional investors from playing a supportive to a dominant role in Indian markets underlines the growing maturity and depth of the countrys capital market. Indian markets have been more resilient than most others following the shock waves that rocked capital markets worldwide after the tariff hikes announced by the US.

Indian stock markets have turned stable after the 90-day pause in the tariff hike for the country announced by President Donald Trump amid the bilateral trade talks between India and the US. The two countries are working to sign the first tranche of a Bilateral Trade Agreement (BTA) to bring down tariffs before the agreed timeline of the fall of 2025 as the terms of reference for the pact have already been finalised.

"India has decided to go for a path of trade liberalisation with the US," Commerce Secretary Sunil Barthwal told journalists this week. He said both India and the US would benefit if the trade deal is wrapped up before the fall of 2025.

"When we said we want to do a first tranche of BTA with the US by fall, that doesn't mean we can't do it before fall. If we end up doing the BTA before fall, then it will be good for both India and the US," he added. If both the countries come to an agreement on reducing tariffs, it would lead to higher trade for the US and India.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi and US President Trump have set an ambitious target of $500 billion bilateral trade by 2030 in a joint statement during the Indian PMs visit to Washington.
Vancouver : 5 to 11-day roundtrip cruises onboard Grand Princess, Coral Princess, and Caribbean Princess, featuring stops in Icy Strait Point and Sitka on many voyages (MaySept).

San Francisco : 11-day roundtrip voyages on Ruby Princess, visiting Glacier Bay or Endicott Arm & Dawes Glacier, visiting Ketchikan, Juneau, and Skagway or Haines plus Victoria or Prince Rupert (MaySept).

Guests can add a cruisetour for a land exploration to the vast interior of Alaska and visit Denali National Park.

Northbound from Vancouver, B.C. to Anchorage (Whittier), or southbound from Anchorage (Whittier) to Vancouver, B.C., Coral Princess, Caribbean Princess, and Sapphire Princess sail past glaciers like Glacier Bay and Hubbard Glacier, with stops in Skagway, Ketchikan, and Juneau. Cruises range from 7 to 14 days. (May  Sept.)

Ruby Princess : Ultimate Alaska Solstice 22-day roundtrip from San Francisco that coincides with the Summer Solstice with 11 ports and 4 glaciers, including Endicott Arm & Dawes Glacier, Hubbard Glacier, College Fjord, and Glacier Bay National Park (June 6).

Cruises New for 2025! Ultimate Alaska with Glacier Bay National Park Two new cruises for 2025 focus on glaciers and less-visited ports:

"From our welcoming crew to our inviting partners at the national parks and award-winning 'North to Alaska' program, we are ready to begin our highly anticipated 2025 season," said Gus Antorcha, Princess Cruises president. "We know our guests can't wait to experience their perfect Alaska vacation, meticulously planning what they will do onboard and ashore. Our 2025 season is packed with incredible offerings to ensure they leave having had amazing experiences, big adventures and lasting memories to cherish forever."

Departing from five convenient home ports, including Los Angeles, San Francisco, Seattle, Vancouver, B.C. and Anchorage (Whittier), Princess delivers once-in-a-lifetime experiences where wildlife thrives, the cobalt blue of majestic glaciers can be seen up close, and rugged shores with the greenest mountain views surround guests on deck and from glass-domed rail cars.

FT. LAUDERDALE, Fla., April 17, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Delightfully carrying more guests to Alaska than any other cruise line, Princess Cruises begins its 2025 season in less than a month with seven amenity-filled ships, five pristine wilderness lodges and an expanded catalog of renowned cruisetours, visiting five awe-inspiring national parks  featuring the most visits to Glacier Bay National Park.

Recognized Leader in Alaska, Ready to Bring Guests "North to Alaska" for Wildlife, Glaciers and Absolute Natural Beauty

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Antorcha added, "This summer, as we start into our 56th season, we're continuing to operate to the highly desired national parks of Alaska through our long-standing partnerships. From Glacier Bay to the Kenai Fjords, Denali and beyond, we give our guests the experiences they want when visiting Alaska."

What's Still Available

Several sailings are still available to book, including:

Coral Princess  11-day roundtrip Vancouver, departing May 3

Grand Princess  7-day roundtrip from Vancouver, departing June 24

Discovery Princess - Jeff Corwin's Nature & Adventure Voyage  7-day roundtrip from Seattle, departing August 17 - Wildlife biologist and Princess Nature & Adventure Ambassador Jeff Corwin hosts an adventure cruise through Alaska featuring bear watching, whale viewing, and glacier tours. Corwin will lead excursions in each port, with onboard interactions and presentations.

Ruby Princess  11-day roundtrip from San Francisco, departing August 22

Cruisetours

Princess has expanded its renowned cruisetours catalog in 2025. The new itineraries give guests more opportunities to discover awe-inspiring national parks, including Glacier Bay, Denali, Wrangell St. Elias, Kenai Fjords, and Katmai. Princess is offering 9- to 15-day itineraries, visiting from three to five national parks, that combined with the cruise line's award-winning "Voyage of the Glaciers" seven-day cruise with scenic rail travel, and multiple days on land, featuring stays at four Princess-owned wilderness lodges.

New for 2025, Mt. McKinley Princess Wilderness Lodge debuts a newly renovated grand lobby with a grand fireplace, comfy seating and spectacular viewing opportunities of Denali. Coffee lovers will fill up another cup at a fun new coffee trailer with nostalgic Airstream vibes, specialty drinks and pastries at Denali Princess Wilderness Lodge.

Onboard with "North to Alaska"

Princess' award-winning locally inspired and thoroughly immersive "North to Alaska" partner-led programs allow guests to dive deeper into the Great Land through authentic dining, educational events and engaging entertainment.

Glacier Bay Experience

Programs for all cruises visiting Glacier Bay National Park include Park Rangers hosting information desk and guest activities including commentary from bridge and roaming the decks while in Glacier Bay. In addition, a Park Ranger presentation will be offered in the Princess Theater, plus a Junior and Teen Rangers program for younger cruisers. All guests can enjoy hot chocolate and bouillon stations on open decks.

North to Alaska Storytellers

A curated feature series of some of the most dynamic and enriching speakers whose experiences speak to the legacy and history of Alaska, some of which include:

Great Alaskan Lumberjack Show

Tlingit/Alutiiq Cultural Ambassador Patrick Anderson

Alaska Photographer and Author, Nick Jans

Sled dog Champion Libby Riddles, the first woman to win the 1,100-mile race

And many more!

Campfire Movies Under the Stars

Cozy up under the stars to enjoy a truly unique movie experience with Campfire Movies Under the Stars, set against the stunning Alaska natural backdrop. Families gather under cozy blankets with "fire pits" and popcorn to watch family classics and Alaska-themed movies.

New Northern Lights Lounge

This new nightly pop-up experience of an Alaskan pub, anchored by a resident folk and country guitar vocalist. Adults can enjoy local beers and liquors, along with hot cocoa, popcorn and cookies for the youngers with pub-style trivia between sets.

Stargazing

On deck where the lights are dimmed to create the perfect atmosphere, guests join a guided presentation about the prominent constellations visible in the night sky. Indoor virtual stargazing is also available with a special presentation, enhanced by a stunning video that brings the celestial journey to life.

The Great Big Adventure  Alaska Edition

This interactive game challenges nine daring survivalists to navigate the rugged Alaska wilderness in pursuit of three essential survival elements: food, shelter and water. Through thrilling 60-second challenges and all-new Alaska trivia questions they'll put their skills to the test  all for the chance to be crowned the ultimate Survival Champion.

Puppies in the Piazza

Guests learn about sled dogs from an expert dog handler  their behaviors, eating and exercise habits, while watching real-life sled-dog puppies interact together in the Piazza.

Youth & Teen Centers  Special activities bring the destination to life for younger cruisers like the Glacier Bay Junior Rangers, Gold Rush Treasure Hunt and Great Alaskan Fishermen's Race.

The Flavors of Alaska

Of course, no cruise to Alaska would be complete without seafood, including:

Main Dining Rooms, World Fresh Marketplace and Specialty Restaurants all featuring locally sourced Keta, King and Sockeye salmon, halibut and rockfish.

Balcony Breakfast , perfect for scenic glacier viewing, brings Smoked Salmon and Crab Quiche right to the balcony.

Guests sailing to Alaska aboard Discovery Princess can savor their own freshly caught fish at The Catch by Rudi after enjoying a day of fishing with the exclusive "Cook My Catch," shore excursion offered by Princess .

Crown Grill serving up King Salmon and an Alaska Crab Cake.

Sabatini's Trattoria featuring a River Steelhead Salmon Carpaccio.

Crab Shack stirring up Shellfish and Clam Chowders and an Alaska Seafood Pot, complete with specialty bibs.

While taking in the views of Alaska, guests can sip on specialty beverages, from a Bloody Mary Collection to upscale hot beverages and selected cocktails and beers. In addition, a themed cocktail menu features the Glacier Shake, Peanut Butter Bear Hug, Into the Wilderness and Campfire Daiquiri. Locally sourced spirits have been expanded, and this year will include Anchorage Distillery and Denali Spirits. Beers from Alaska Brewing Company and Denali Brewing will be available onboard. Also, this season, guests can enjoy several favorite cocktail offerings from our Love Line Collection in the Alaska lodges.

Ashore for Scenic Beauty, Up-Close Wildlife and Alaskan Storytellers

With such diverse activities and unique experiences ashore, Princess offers guests the opportunity to connect to the locals and soak in the culture in a memorable way. From the White Pass Rail and Dog Sled Musher's Camp in Skagway to the Fisherman's tour in Ketchikan, or a Glacier Seaplane journey in Juneau, adventure awaits for all preferences.

Additional information about Princess Cruises is available through a professional travel advisor, by calling 1-800-Princess (1-800-774-6237) or by visiting www.princess.com.

About Princess Cruises

Princess Cruises is The Love Boat, the world's most iconic cruise brand that delivers dream vacations to millions of guests every year in the most sought-after destinations on the largest ships that offer elite service personalization and simplicity customary of small, yacht-class ships. Well-appointed staterooms, world class dining, grand performances, award-winning casinos and entertainment, luxurious spas, imaginative experiences and boundless activities blend with exclusive Princess MedallionClass service to create meaningful connections and unforgettable moments in the most incredible settings in the world - the Caribbean, Alaska, Panama Canal, Mexican Riviera, Europe, South America, Australia/New Zealand, the South Pacific, Hawaii, Asia, Canada/New England, Antarctica, and World Cruises. Sun Princess, the brand's new, next-level Love Boat named Conde Nast Traveler's Mega Ship of the Year, introduces the groundbreaking Sphere Class platform and will be joined by sister ship, Star Princess, in Fall 2025. The company is part of Carnival Corporation & plc (NYSE/LSE:CCL; NYSE:CUK).

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New Delhi: The funds diversion and mismanagement by Gensol Engineering Limited (GEL) (also co-founders BluSmart) promoters Anmol Singh Jaggi and Puneet Singh Jaggi seems to have rattled the corporate sector with memories of similar corporate mismanagement ringing the bell.

Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) has passed an interim order barring Jaggi brother from accessing the securities market and halted Gensols proposed stock split. The promoter brothers have now stepped down as the company's directors following the market regulator's orders.

The market regulator found that loans taken to buy EVs for the ride-hailing service BluSmart were routed through multiple entities and ultimately used for personal gains which includes a luxury apartment in Gurugram's upscale residential project -- The Camellias by DLF.

"Funds availed by Gensol as loans for procuring EVs were, through layered transactions, partly utilised for buying a high-end apartment in The Camellias, Gurugram, in the name of a firm where the MD of Gensol and his brother are designated partners," SEBI the market regulator said in its interim order.

"...records show that the company received loans aggregating Rs. 663.89 Crore for the stated purpose from IREDA and PFC. Gensol was to provide an additional equity (margin) contribution of 20%, bringing the total expected deployment of approximately Rs. 829.86 Crore for the purchase of 6,400 Electric Vehicles. Based on these figures, an amount of Rs. 262.13 Crore (Rs. 829.86 Crore  Rs. 567.73 Crore) remains unaccounted, even though more than a year has passed since the Company availed the last tranche of the above mentioned financing," SEBI interim order reads.

Will the corporate or start-up sector be impacted by the taint amidst corporate governance failures, and a brazen treatment of company money as the "promoters piggybank"?

Tarun Singh, MD and Founder, Highbrow Securities told Zee News,"This is not an isolated incidentByjus, once Indias most valuable edtech startup, now stands accused of similar excesses: alleged financial opacity, delayed audits, and reports of lavish spending while employees and vendors went unpaid. These cases are symptoms of a deeper malaise."

He said that Startups, especially in their early stages, operate in a regulatory grey area where oversight is minimal, and the line between personal and company finances is often blurred.

"The argument that future profits will justify todays excesses is not just flawedit is dangerous. If promoters can freely dip into company coffers under the assumption that future profits will cover their tracks, then every startup and listed firm becomes a potential Ponzi schemewhere todays theft is masked by tomorrows promised returns. With the company now barred from fresh capital, its stock faces permanent de-rating. Markets have a long memory when it comes to governance failures - this stain will linger long after the headlines fade, crushing both valuation and investor confidence, Singh added.

Singh however does not believe that the Gensol controversy can cast a spell of gloom on the entire start-up echosystem.

The Gensol controversy wont cripple Indias startup ecosystem; its strategic importance is too great to be undermined by isolated failures. But every such episode serves a purpose: founders will grow more conscientious, investors will tighten term sheets, and the market will mature. While systemic disruption is unlikely, Gensol will continue to haunt deal rooms as the definitive case of how governance gaps incinerate valuations faster than growth can create them, he opined.
New Delhi: What if you had three job offersRs 25 lakh a year in India, 100,000 dollars in the US, and 280,000 AED tax-free in Dubai? Which one would actually give you a better life? Bengaluru-based techie Anish Sengupta decided to dive into this question and shared a detailed comparison on LinkedIn to find out where the real value lies. Sengupta didnt just compare salaries but he also looked at lifestyle, job security, cost of living, and taxes. His post struck a chord with many working professionals.

United States

According to Sengupta, the US stands out for career growth and high-paying roles, especially in tech and finance. But it comes with its own set of challengesfrequent layoffs, aggressive restructuring, and the constant stress of H1B visa renewals.

While salaries are impressive, taxes can take away 2535 per cent and healthcare costs add up quickly. After deductions, the net income usually falls around 70,000 dollars75,000 dollars per year. Plus, with living expenses like rent often exceeding 2,500 dollars/month in big cities, monthly savings tend to be modest.

India

India offers a fast-growing job market across IT, fintech, and startups. Compared to the US, it provides stronger labor protections and a more stable work environment. While taxes range between 2030 per cent, employees benefit from schemes like EPF, gratuity, and affordable healthcare.

This allows them to retain more of their income. On average, take-home pay ranges from Rs 1820 lakh per year. The cost of living is also much lower, with premium housing available for around Rs 50,000/month and potential savings of Rs 11.5 lakh each month.

Dubai

Dubai finds itself between the US and India in many ways. It offers growing opportunities in fields like finance and real estate, plus the big advantage of a 0 per cent income tax. Most roles are contract-based, which means less long-term job security and more frequent switching between employers.

Still, with no income tax, employees often take home nearly their full salary. Rent in Dubai averages around 8,000 AED/month and professionals can save up to 15,000 AED/month, making it an attractive destination for short-to-mid-term financial goals.

Which Destination Makes the Most Sense for You?

Instead of picking a clear winner, Anish Sengupta says it really depends on what you're looking for. The US is great for those chasing rapid career growth and high salaries but youll need to be okay with some uncertainty. India is a better fit for people who value stability, staying close to family, and building consistent savings.

Dubai offers a tax-free, high-income lifestyle with a touch of luxuryideal for those who aren't necessarily looking to settle down long-term. Each option has its pros and cons so the best choice is the one that matches your personal and professional goals.
NEET PG 2025: The National Board of Examinations in Medical Sciences (NBEMS) will start NEET PG 2025 NEET PG 2025registration today from 3 PM. Candidates can apply online until May 7 at 11:55 PM. As per the official notice, the exam will be held on June 15, and the result is expected on July 15. Despite ongoing criticism, the exam will be conducted in computer-based mode and in two shifts across India. Last year, NEET PG was held in two shifts for the first time on August 11. The first shift ran from 9 AM to 12:30 PM, and the second shift was from 3:30 PM to 7 PM.

The two-shift system was introduced last year, replacing the single-session format that had been used for a long time. To keep things fair between both shifts, NBEMS started using a score normalisation method. However, this change has led to a lot of debate and dissatisfaction among candidates. So far, NBEMS has not given any official update or response about changing the exam pattern or addressing these concerns.

Although the exam date for this year has been confirmed, many students have expressed dissatisfaction with the two-shift format. They are requesting a return to the previous single-shift system, citing concerns that varying levels of question paper difficulty could impact the fairness of the exam.

NEET PG 2025: Steps to register here

Step 1: Go to the official website  natboard.edu.in or nbe.edu.in.

Step 2: Click on the NEET PG 2025 link available on the homepage.

Step 3: Youll be taken to a new page. Click on the application link and complete the registration process.

Step 4: Fill in the required details in the application form and pay the application fee.

Step 5: Submit your application and wait for the confirmation.

Step 6: After submission, download and print a copy of your completed form for future reference.

NEET-PG is the entrance exam for admission to MD, MS, and PG Diploma courses in medical colleges across India. NBEMS has advised applicants to regularly visit the official website for updates and carefully read the information bulletin before applying.

The current notification does not mention any changes to the exam pattern or eligibility criteria. More details, such as shift timings and admit card release dates, will be announced in the coming weeks.
Tamil Nadu Assembly Election 2026: The General Secretary of AIADMK, Edappadi K Palaniswami, on Wednesday, explained that there will be no coalition government in Tamil Nadu if the AIADMK-BJP alliance wins the Assembly Polls of 2026. His statement comes days after Union Home Minister Amit Shah announced an alliance with the AIADMK in the presence of EPS. Shah also said that in Tamil Nadu, EPS will lead the NDA. Then what does Palaniswami's remark mean?

Edappadi recently clarified that Shah never said there would be an AIADMK-BJP coalition government in the state. Edappadi said, "Shah did not say that (a coalition government). The issue had been misunderstood by the media, which makes 'tricks'," he alleged, and requested the media to drop the "tricks."

Tamil Nadu Assembly Election 2026: The General Secretary of AIADMK, Edappadi K Palaniswami, on Wednesday, explained that there will be no coalition government in Tamil Nadu if the AIADMK-BJP alliance wins the Assembly Polls of 2026. His statement comes days after Union Home Minister Amit Shah announced an alliance with the AIADMK in the presence of EPS. Shah also said that in Tamil Nadu, EPS will lead the NDA. Then what does Palaniswami's remark mean?

Edappadi recently clarified that Shah never said there would be an AIADMK-BJP coalition government in the state. Edappadi said, "Shah did not say that (a coalition government). The issue had been misunderstood by the media, which makes 'tricks'," he alleged, and requested the media to drop the "tricks."

In Tamil Nadu, the current party in power, DMK, and the opposition AIADMK have formed electoral alliances earlier. However, the state has never witnessed a coalition government that shared power.

AIADMK-BJP Alliance In Tamil Nadu

Edappadi also stated that Shah on April 11 had declared that the AIADMK-BJP alliance would win the upcoming assembly elections, and a government would be formed, but that it does not mean a coalition government will be formed. The AIADMK leader reportedly ruled out a 'power-sharing' dynamic with the BJP if the alliance wins the elections next year.

#WATCH | Chennai, Tamil Nadu: On NDA alliance for Tamil Nadu Vidhan Sabha elections, Union Home Minister Amit Shah says, "These elections will be contested under the leadership of PM Modi on a national level and under the leadership of AIADMK leader Edappadi K. Palaniswami on the pic.twitter.com/NHgNC4SviR

Explaining the national-state level leadership plan of the alliance, Edappadi said, "You must understand, the matter is clear." However, EPS's remark has sent the BJP running for a cover.

According to PTI, Tamil Nadu BJP Chief Nainar Nagenthran stated that Shah and Edappadi would together take a call on the matter. He also clarified that the negotiation for the alliance was held by the national leadership of the BJP.

The Indian Express reported that this clarification by the party leadership came after some AIADMK leaders and other people thought that Shah's speech was a hint of power-sharing. On the other hand, a BJP leader commented that the alliance was 'tactical' and 'not emotional'.

No Place For Coalition Govt In Tamil Nadu?

Senior AIADMK leader M Thambidurai on Thursday remarked that there was no place for the coalition government in Tamil Nadu and the AIADMK chief will form the government "alone" next year should the NDA win.

As per PTI, Thambidurai was talking to reporters in Chennai as he pointed to Edappadi, ruling out the possibility of a coalition government in the state. AIADMK leaders are of the opinion that the BJP and the AIADMK still lack the emotional chemistry necessary for power sharing and thus, at present, the alliance is making sense only arithmetically.

(With agency inputs)
The 39-year-old woman who eloped with her daughters fiance just days before his wedding has surrendered with him at Dadon police station in Aligarh district, Uttar Pradesh.

The woman, Sapna Devi, is from Manoharpur village and told the police that her relationship with her daughter's fiance, Rahul, 25, was not temporary but a 'lifelong' relationship.

According to PTI, Sapna reportedly told police while surrendering on Wednesday, "It is not a short-term liaison. It's a lifelong relationship."

10-Day Search For Sapna And Rahul

Their return ended a dramatic 10-day search that gripped social media and shocked the village. Sapna and Rahul had disappeared on April 6, barely 10 days ahead of Sapna's daughter's wedding to Rahul.

After Sapna went 'missing', her family approached the police and discovered that Rahul was missing as well.

Rahul has claimed that he acted out of concern for Sapna. He said, "She told me that her family was harassing her, for which she was even contemplating suicide. I just wanted to help her." Rahul also said that the duo intends to get married.

According to PTI, investigators stated that a mobile phone given to Rahul by Sapna's family before the wedding became the medium for their communication, and through it, they developed a relationship.

SP (Rural) Amrit Jain told reporters on Wednesday night that Sapna and Rahul surrendered at the Dadon police station and were shifted to Madraak police station.

Jain said, "The couple surrendered at Dadon police station and were later shifted to Madraak police station for interrogation. They have been placed at a one-stop centre and their statement will be recorded before a magistrate on Thursday."

Jain informed that the couple travelled to Bihar's Sitamarhi and crossed over to Nepal before surrendering.

(with PTI inputs)
The Supreme Court on Thursday allowed the "untainted" assistant teachers in West Bengal, whose appointments were cancelled due to large-scale irregularities in the 2016 selection process, to continue in their positions till fresh recruitment is completed.

Stressing that students must not suffer, a bench headed by CJI Sanjiv Khanna extended the relief for only such class 9-12 teachers, whose names were not linked to any irregularity.

The CJI Khanna-led Bench asked the West Bengal School Service Commission (WBSSC) to issue fresh advertisements, latest by May 31 and complete the recruitment process by December 31 of this year.

The top court clarified that its order wont benefit Group C and Group D employees and cautioned that if there is any delay in conducting the recruitment process, it will vacate its order in relation to class 9-12 assistant teachers.

Recently, the Supreme Court upheld the Calcutta HC order cancelling 25,753 appointments in teaching and non-teaching posts made by the West Bengal School Service Commission (WBSSC) in 2016.

In an order passed in April last year, the Calcutta High Court had nullified the appointment of 25,753 teaching and non-teaching jobs in state-run schools and asked the candidates selected from the expired panels to return the entire salary drawn during their tenures, along with an annualised interest of 12 per cent. The top court, last week, set aside the direction passed by the Calcutta High Court, which had ordered the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) to probe the creation of supernumerary posts in state-run schools. These teaching and non-teaching posts, which have remained under the cloud since the beginning, are perceived to provide room for ineligible candidates recruited illegally. With the decision of the apex court, the probe agency will not be able to investigate the sanctity of the decision approving the creation of supernumerary posts.

The SC clarified that its order will not preclude the CBI from probing other aspects of the school job scam case in terms of the Calcutta High Court decision.
Bihar Election 2025: With the Bihar Assembly elections scheduled for later this year, political activity in the state is heating up. In a significant development, the Rashtriya Lok Janshakti Party (RLJP), led by former Union Minister Pashupati Kumar Paras, has exited the NDA alliance. Paras is also the uncle of Union Minister Chirag Paswan. Pashupati Paras is likely to join the Rashtriya Janata Dal-led Mahagathbandhan, where the Congress, Left and the VIP are already a member.

The Mahagathbandhan's meeting over seat sharing for the upcoming elections is likely in Patna today. Apart from RJD, Congress and Left parties, Mukesh Sahanis VIP (Vikassheel Insaan Party) will be taking a part in the meeting. Paras may also reach out to Tejahswi seeking induction intot he alliance. Ahead of the meeting, Sahani not only downplayed the speculations of him joining the NDA but also said that he will remain in the Mahagathbandhan even if he gets 2-4 seats less than desired. Im not going anywhere. Im comfortable in the Mahagathbandhan (Grand Alliance), he said, adding, Even if we get 2-4 seats less, Ill stay right here.

Sahani further emphasized his partys aspirations within the alliance. We want the Deputy CM to be from our party and Tejashwi Yadav to be the Chief Minister. I come from the extremely backward class, and our workers believe we deserve an opportunity, he stated. He also revealed that his party has set a target of contesting 60 seats in the upcoming elections.

Addressing party workers, Sahani said that by the time the VIP doesn't have two to three dozen MLAs, the party will not grow. "If we have this many MLAs, our government will be formed, and my younger brother Tejashwi Yadav will become the CM and Vkashsheel will get the deputy CM post," he said, hinting that he is aspiring for the Deputy Chief Minister post.

Sahani's aspiration for 60 seats is likely to spell trouble for Tejashwi Yadav who may find a hard time negotiating the seat-sharing deal. In the 2020 Bihar assembly polls, the RJD contested 144 seats, Left parties 29 seats and Congress 70 seats. This year, the Congress is likely to push for more seats and the RLJP's induction may add to Tejashwi's dilemma. It's the RJD which will have to take a hit to adjust allies like Sahani's VIP, Paras' RLJP and Congress.

The 243 assembly seats of Bihar are slated to go to the assembly polls in November this year.
Waqf Petitions In SC: The Supreme Court on Thursday granted the Centre seven days to file its stand on the challenge to the Waqf (Amendment) Act, 2025. In addition, the Court has set May 5 to hear pleas against the validity of the Act.



The apex court granted the Centre a week after it was assured by the union government that 'Waqf by user' or 'Waqf by deed' properties would not be denotified till the next hearing, according to PTI.

A bench comprising Chief Justice (CJI) Sanjiv Khanna and Justices Sanjay Kumar and K V Viswanathan recorded the assurance of the Solicitor General Tushar Mehta, representing the government, that no appointments will be made to the Central Waqf Council and Board till the next hearing. Mehta stated the government would not denotify "Waqf by deed" and "Waqf by user" properties in the meantime.

The CJI clarified that if registration of any waqf property had taken place under the erstwhile 1995 Act, then those properties can not be denotified till the next hearing on May 5.

The bench passed the order after Mehta sought a week to file a preliminary response to the pleas against the Waqf Act.

"If your lordships will say something about 'waqf by user', what will be the fallout?" he asked.

PTI also reported, the top court said that it is "impossible to deal with so many pleas" on the issue and said that the court will hear only five. The court also asked the lawyers to decide among themselves who would argue on the matter.

SC also said that the petitioners can file a rejoinder to the Centre's reply in five days, post which it will list the matter for interim orders.

Talking to reporters, Advocate Barun Kumar Sinha informed that the court did not put a stay order. The Court has written in the order that the government will "not de-notify the properties (Waqf-by-user) which are registered and gazetted" till the next date.

He said, "The Supreme Court didn't put a stay. The Solicitor General of India said that no appointment will be made either in the council or in the board under the new amendment act. The Supreme Court has written in the order that the government will not de-notify the properties (Waqf-by-user) which are registered and gazetted till the next date."

He continued, "However, the government is free to take action on other properties. The centre told the court that you cannot stay a law passed by the parliament and that the centre is ready for a day-to-day hearing... The issue has been listed for May 5, and the hearing will begin on that day."

#WATCH | Delhi | On SC hearing on Waqf Amendment Act, Advocate Barun Kumar Sinha says, "The Supreme Court didn't put a stay. The Solicitor General of India said that no appointment will be made either in the council or in the board under the new amendment act. The Supreme Court pic.twitter.com/lRpBPgojgz  ANI (@ANI) April 17, 2025

This development comes a day after the SC began hearing over 70 petitions challenging the constitutional validity of the Waqf Act.

(with agencies' inputs)
UP Horror: A minor deaf-and-mute girl was allegedly raped in a village in Uttar Pradesh's Rampur district. She was found unconscious in a field and was taken to a hospital. An accused was arrested on Wednesday, and an investigation into the matter commenced, police said. The 11-year-old Dalit girl was allegedly been raped in a village in Rampur district, according to PTI.

The doctor who conducted the medical examination of the victim said that 'this is one of the most horrific sexual crimes' he had ever seen. As per media reports, the victim had cigarette burn marks on her private parts, and there were bite marks as well.

The victim had been missing since Tuesday evening. She was found on Wednesday morning in a field, lying unconscious, naked, and bleeding. The police then informed the minor's family members, PTI reported.

Additional Superintendent of Police (Rural) Jaipal Singh said that the victim was rushed to a hospital. Her condition was stated to be stable in the hospital. Furthermore, an FIR has been registered based on the complaint from the survivor, the officer added. He also informed that three teams were formed by the superintendent of police to investigate the case.

Police Arrested Rape Accused

The police arrested an accused, who suffered a bullet injury to his leg in an encounter. During the questioning, the accused identified himself as Dan Singh, 24 years old, and hails from the same village. The police also said that the CCTV footage of the girl leaving her home was scanned.

'One Of The Most Horrific Sexual Crimes'

The Times Of India quoted Dr. Anju Singh, who conducted the victim's medical examination, as saying, This is a clear case of rape by one or more persons as there were multiple injuries on her private parts. Her face had been struck with a blunt object, leaving it swollen.

He added, She was terrified and unable to explain anything. It is one of the most horrific sexual crimes I have seen. The victim is from a village located within the Shahbad police station limits.

(with PTI inputs)
Gujarat is one of the states where the Congress party has been out of power for the last three decades. The best Congress did in the state in the last three decades was in 2017 when the grand old party won 77 seats, preventing the BJP from touching a three-digit mark. Addressing party workers during the launch of Sangathan Srujan Abhiyan in Modasa, Aravalli district of the state, Congress leader Rahul Gandhi said that Gujarat is the most important state for the party and the path for defeating the BJP and the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) goes through the state.

Rahul Gandhi has now suggested various steps to strengthen the party to breach Narendra Modi's fort. Gujarat has been a stronghold of the BJP and the Congress is now looking to tame the saffron party in their stronghold. The Congress leader has now put an emphasis on four key points to revive the party in the state to take on the BJP:

Empowering District Congress Committees

The Congress party has now launched an initiative to strengthen District Congress Committees (DCCs). Rahul Gandhi said the party has received feedback that the district should be run from the district concerned and not from Ahmedabad. The party has now decided to strengthen district leaders and give powers and responsibilities to district presidents. "The district will be run as per their (the district presidents) decision. The district (unit) will run according to the district committees decisions; no directions or candidates will come from the higher-ups, said Gandhi, highlighting the big change in top-down approach.

Regular Funding For DCCs

The Congress party has also taken a big decision to empower the DCCs financially. Rahul Gandhi shared that the party will now be providing a monthly corpus for the districts instead of the traditional routine of providing financial support only three months ahead of the elections. This will help the district leaders to boost their ground presence and strengthen the grassroots cadre.

Candidate Selection

To mitigate the abandonment that the Congress party has been facing in Gujarat from its MLAs and MPs, Rahul Gandhi said that now the selection of candidates will be done after taking district leaders on board. Rahul Gandhi said the Congress party wants a connection between the organisation and those contesting the elections. Therefore, now, it is the organisation, and not just a single person from the top, who would select the candidate. Rahul Gandhi added that local leaders will be involved in the ticket distribution.

Recognise and Reward

Rahul Gandhi further said that to strengthen the booths, the leaders who are working at the ground and have the ability to develop the district, will be made DCC presidents. "We want to strengthen those who have a hold on the booths and local issues, (and who can) raise the concerns of the people," said Rahul Gandhi. He hinted that those working hard will be rewarded. "For example, if we win in Gujarat, ministers will be selected from the best-performing districts, he said, adding that those developing party will be empowered.
(Reuters) -PwC shut operations in nine Sub-Saharan African countries last month following a strategic review, the Big Four accounting firm said, in response to a media report that said the company exited over a dozen countries to avoid scandals.

PwC, which operates as a global network of locally owned partnerships, has shut operations in the Ivory Coast, Gabon, Cameroon, Madagascar, Senegal, the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), Congo Republic, Republic of Guinea and Equatorial Guinea, it said in a statement published on its website on March 31.

The accounting firm directed Reuters to the statement in response to queries on a Financial Times article published earlier in the day that said PwC had exited multiple countries that were deemed too small, risky or unprofitable.

The decision came due to mounting differences with local partners, who said they lost over a third of their business in recent years after pressure from PwC's global executives to drop risky clients, the FT said, citing people familiar with the matter.

The PwC statement did not give a reason for the move.

The FT report, citing a register of PwC entities and local news reports, said PwC had also cut ties with member firms in Zimbabwe, Malawi and Fiji.

PwC has faced an exodus of clientele and layoffs across countries since last year.

PwC's mainland China unit was hit with a $62 million fine and six-month suspension for audit failures related to property developer China Evergrande's $78 billion fraud.

Last month, Britain fined PwC about $6 million in relation to the audit of Wyelands Bank for financial year 2019.

The firm is working with Saudi Arabia and its sovereign wealth fund to mend relations after the kingdom suspended activities between the $925 billion fund's holding company and PwC. ($1 = 0.7531 pounds)

(Reporting by Bipasha Dey, Kanjyik Ghosh and Harshita Meenaktshi in Bengaluru; Editing by Savio D'Souza and Mrigank Dhaniwala)
Mehul Choksi Extradition: Ministry of External Affairs Spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal on Thursday said that India is working closely with Belgium for extradition of fugitive diamantaire Mehul Choksi.

Jaiswal informed that based on India's extradition request, the fugitive Choksi was arrested in Belgium.

He said, "Based on our extradition request, he was arrested. We are working closely with the Belgium side on his extradition so that he can face trial in the country."

#WATCH | On fugitive Mehul Choksi's arrest, MEA Spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal says, "Based on our extradition request, he was arrested. We are working closely with the Belgium side on his extradition." pic.twitter.com/MnmUKK8zLI  ANI (@ANI) April 17, 2025

Mehul Choksi Arrested In Belgium

Earlier, the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) had informed that Choksi was arrested in Belgium after an extradition request from the Indian government. He was arrested in Belgium's Antwerp.

Choksi is wanted by Indian probe agencies in connection with a Rs. 13,500-crore bank loan fraud case. He allegedly left India at the beginning of 2018 before the Punjab National Bank (PNB) scam was exposed.

Also Read: Mehul Choksi's Human Rights Will Be Affected If Extradited: Lawyer Vijay Aggarwal

According to ANI, the Belgian Federal Public Service of Justice said, "Mehul Choksi was arrested on Saturday, April 12, 2025. He is being detained in anticipation of further judicial proceedings."

"Access to his legal counsel has been assured. The Belgian Federal Public Service of Justice can confirm that the Indian authorities have introduced an extradition request for Choksi," the Belgian Federal Public Service of Justice added.

(with agencies' inputs)
New Delhi: Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar on Friday raised serious concerns over a recent Supreme Court ruling that sets a timeline for the President to decide on bills sent for her approval by state governors. He said such directions undermine the constitutional roles of different branches of government.

Speaking to a group of Rajya Sabha interns in the capital, Dhankhar said, "There is a directive to the President by a recent judgement. Where are we heading? What is happening in the country? We have to be extremely sensitive. It is not a question of someone filing a review or not. We never bargained for democracy for this day. President being called upon to decide in a time-bound manner, and if not, becomes law."

Last week, the Supreme Court, in a first, ruled that the President must respond to bills reserved for her consideration by the governor within three months of receiving them.

Dhankhar strongly objected to this, stating that India cannot have a system where the judiciary assumes the roles of other branches of government. "So we have judges who will legislate, who will perform executive functions, who will act as super Parliament, and absolutely have no accountability because law of the land does not apply to them," he remarked.

He added that his concerns were at the very highest level and said he never imagined witnessing such a development in his lifetime.

Highlighting the constitutional position of the President, Dhankhar said the President swears an oath to "preserve, protect and defend the Constitution," while others, including ministers, judges, and parliamentarians, take an oath to abide by it.

We cannot have a situation where you direct the President of India and on what basis? The only right you have under the Constitution is to interpret the Constitution under Article 145(3). There it has to be five judges or more ... he said, questioning the legal foundation of the Supreme Courts directive.

VP On Cash Discovery At Judges House

Jagdeep Dhankhar expressed serious concern over the incident involving alleged recovery of burnt currency notes from the residence of a Delhi High Court judge. He questioned the legal basis of the Supreme Court-appointed commission probing the matter, stating that the Constitution of India has accorded immunity from prosecution only to the Honourable President and the Honourable Governors, and asked, how come a category beyond the law has secured this immunity?

Dhankhar criticized the delay in the public disclosure of the March 14-15 incident, saying it only came to light through a newspaper report on March 21. Is the delay explainable? Condonable? Does it not raise certain fundamental questions? he asked, describing the publics reaction as shocked as never before.

"Thereafter, fortunately, in the public domain, we had input from an authoritative source, the Supreme Court of India. And the input indicated culpability. Input did not lead to doubt that something was amiss. Something required to be investigated. Now the nation waits with bated breath. The nation is restive because one of our institutions, to which people have always looked up with highest respect and deference, was put in the dock, IANS quoted VP as saying.
Kerala Lottery Results Thursday 17-04-2025 LIVE: The Kerala Lottery Department, on behalf of the Keralan government, announces the "Karunya KN-569" Lucky Draw Result today Karunya KN-569, April 17, 2025. The draw will be held at Gorky Bhavan near Bakery Junction in Thiruvananthapuram. The Kerala Lottery Result 2025 for "Karunya KN-569" will feature 12 series, with changes in series possible each week. A total of 108 lakh tickets are available for purchase weekly. The ticket prices may vary. Check the Karunya KN-569 results right here to see if youre the first-place winner of 80 Lakhs. Stay tuned to this website for the live update of Kerala Lottery Karunya KN-569 results today.

Kerala Lottery Result 17-04-2025 April: FULL LIST OF WINNING NUMBERS FOR KARUNYA PLUS KN-569 Draw

LUCKY TICKET NUMBER FOR 1ST PRIZE OF RS 80 LAKHS IS: PT 351400

LUCKY TICKET NUMBER FOR 2ND PRIZE OF RS 10 LAKHS IS: PX 664847

LUCKY TICKET NUMBERS FOR 3RD PRIZE OF RS 1 LAKHS ARE:

1) PN 798859

2) PO 404070

3) PP 996469

4) PR 232060

5) PS 845770

6) PT 867280

7) PU 177279

8) PV 717445

9) PW 163090

10) PX 590557

11) PY 501747

12) PZ 131034

LUCKY TICKET NUMBERS FOR CONSOLATION PRIZE OF RS 8,000 ARE:

PN 351400

PO 351400

PP 351400

PR 351400

PS 351400

PU 351400

PV 351400

PW 351400

PX 351400

PY 351400

PZ 351400

(For The Tickets Ending with The Following Numbers below)

LUCKY TICKET NUMBERS FOR 4TH PRIZE OF RS 5,000 ARE: 0581 0591 0769 0934 1494 1577 1777 2357 3256 3386 3629 4157 4290 4917 8167 8272 8773 8865

LUCKY TICKET NUMBERS FOR 5TH PRIZE OF RS 1,000 ARE: 0260 1302 1319 1681 1852 2612 2769 2797 3005 3237 3799 3994 4342 4678 4870 4978 4992 5421 5429 5970 6009 6479 6583 7057 7072 7128 7138 7150 7161 8115 8451 8525 8660 9547

LUCKY TICKET NUMBERS FOR 6TH PRIZE OF RS 500 ARE: 0147 0283 0318 0517 0831 0883 1134 1216 1304 1673 1853 1856 2195 2287 2368 2407 2686 2717 2800 2916 2940 3011 3154 3603 3642 3803 3809 3914 3977 3982 4014 4075 4087 4212 4403 4452 4515 4622 4638 4664 4811 5020 5287 5313 5373 5379 5464 5472 5661 5749 6020 6137 6272 6350 6571 6700 6713 6780 6869 6880 6944 7356 7396 7746 7901 7982 8251 8330 8334 8339 8814 8822 8900 9135 9260 9640 9758 9898 9953 9971

LUCKY TICKET NUMBERS FOR 7TH PRIZE OF RS 100 ARE: 0233 0251 0326 0364 0414 0601 0629 0812 0945 1005 1054 1108 1110 1116 1250 1549 1622 1940 2133 2148 2199 2305 2355 2403 2507 2603 2637 2974 2993 2999 3212 3280 3281 3505 3511 3546 3579 3628 3632 3752 3938 3955 3962 4058 4149 4273 4473 4484 4559 4591 4682 4685 4915 4986 4993 5040 5180 5253 5264 5357 5507 5607 5655 5845 5847 6046 6069 6309 6392 6412 6737 6742 6799 6903 6913 6993 7051 7066 7127 7203 7234 7289 7349 7376 7424 7428 7510 7538 7584 7745 7813 7927 7936 7960 7980 8046 8070 8072 8073 8091 8129 8226 8237 8287 8540 8598 8608 8719 8766 8850 8868 8888 8938 8974 9057 9110 9136 9160 9390 9470 9590 9600 9609 9712 9902 9906

KERALA LOTTERY RESULT TODAY 17-04-2025 April: KARUNYA PLUS KN-569 LOTTERY PRIZE DETAILS

1st Prize: Rs 80 Lakhs

2nd Prize: Rs. 10 lakhs

3rd Prize: Rs. 1 Lakh

4th Prize: Rs. 5,000

5th Prize: Rs. 1,000

6th Prize: Rs. 500

7th Prize: Rs. 100

Consolation Prize: Rs. 8,000

(NOTE: Lottery can be addictive and should be played responsibly. The data provided on this page is for informational purposes only and should not be construed as advice or encouragement. Zee News does not promote lottery in anyway.)
Pakistan Army Chief Asim Munir's 'Kashmir is Pakistan's jugular vein' remark prompted a sharp response from India, as the Ministry of External Affairs Spokesperson on Thursday said that 'Kashmir's only relation with Pakistan is the vacating of illegally occupied territories by that country'.

Jaiswal said that the region is a Union Territory of India and asked how a foreign area could be their 'jugular vein'.

MEA Spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal says, "How can anything foreign be in their jugular vein? This is a union territory of India. It's only relationship with Pakistan is the vacating of illegally occupied territories by that country..."

#WATCH | On the comments by Pakistan Army chief terming Kashmir as a jugular vein, MEA Spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal says, "How can anything foreign be in a jugular vein? This is a union territory of India. Its only relationship with Pakistan is the vacation of illegally occupied pic.twitter.com/zV9S0OnXhQ  ANI (@ANI) April 17, 2025

Also Read: 'Don't Forget...': Pakistan Army Chief Asim Munir's Video On Hindus, Two-Nation Theory, Kashmir Goes Viral

Pakistan Army Chief's 'Jugular Vein' Comment

In a viral video on social media, the Pakistan Army Chief expressed his opinion about the 'Two-Nation Theory' and referred to Kashmir as the 'jugular vein' of Pakistan.

Also Read: India Working Closely With Belgium On Mehul Choksi's Extradition: MEA

Addressing the Overseas Pakistanis Convention in Islamabad on Wednesday, Munir said that the citizens should tell the story of Pakistan to their children. He added that 'don't forget' the story of Pakistan.

(with ANI inputs)
Panaji: The ruling BJP in Goa on Thursday protested against Congress leader Rahul Gandhi and slammed the opposition party for crying foul over the ED action in the National Herald case.

The protest was held near the Congress House in Panaji, with BJP workers shouting slogans against Rahul Gandhi and burning his effigy.

The Enforcement Directorate (ED) has filed a chargesheet against Congress leaders Sonia Gandhi and Rahul Gandhi and others in the National Herald case for allegedly laundering Rs 988 crore.

Speaking to reporters, BJP Yuva Morchas Goa president Samir Mandrekar said that Congress was crying foul over the National Herald case, which is its own wrongdoing. He said the Congress was unnecessarily blaming the BJP over the ED chargesheet against its top leaders.

He said that the case was filed by Subramanian Swamy in 2012 during the tenure of the Congress-led UPA government. Swamy was not even a part of the BJP then, he said.

The case was registered as the Congress party was involved in money laundering, he claimed.

The properties of National Herald, which were meant for social purposes, were usurped by the Gandhis, said Mandrekar.

They could have used these properties for the welfare of freedom fighters when National Herald was shut down. But instead, they tried to enjoy the profits for their benefit, he added.

The Congress has alleged that the Narendra Modi government has been using probe agencies to target its leaders.
BJP Internal Polls: In the last few days, the top BJP leadership has been holding crucial late-night meetings with regard to the party's affairs and appointments. One such important meeting was held on Wednesday in Delhi regarding the party's organisational elections, in the presence of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The meeting, held at the Prime Minister's residence, was attended by Union Home Minister Amit Shah, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, and BJP's National General Secretary (Organisation), BL Santosh.

Discussions centred around the upcoming election for the BJP's National President. According to party sources, the announcement regarding the election could be made within a week. In addition to deliberating on the national leadership, the meeting also focused on organisational changes at the state level. The leaders also discussed the names of new state BJP presidents for states like Karnataka, Uttar Pradesh, West Bengal, and Madhya Pradesh were discussed. The party may announce around half a dozen state unit presidents in the next two to three days. The organisational reshuffle is expected to have a significant impact on the BJP's electoral strategy ahead of upcoming polls.

According to reports, the election process for choosing the BJP's national president could begin any time after April 20. While the party is looking for a competent leader who can fill in the shoes of JP Nadda and Amit Shah, speculations are rife around K Annamalai's name as he can be given a national role. If not the party president, then Annamalai can be made the party's national office bearer.

Focus On Uttar Pradesh Party Chief

With an upper caste CM in Uttar Pradesh, the BJP is looking for an OBC face to replace the current state president Bhupendra Singh Chaudhary, a Jat leader from the western UP. Chaudhary replaced Swatantra Dev Singh, a leader from the Kurmi community. With the opposition playing caste narratives through the Caste census and Pichda-Dalit-Alpsankhyak (PDA) card, the BJP is under pressure to pick a Dalit or OBC leader as state president.

Since the next UP BJP president will lead the party in the 2027 assembly polls, the BJP is also looking to balance caste and regional equations. This time, the party may pick a leader from eastern Uttar Pradesh where the BJP faced a setback in the Lok Sabha polls winning just 10 of the 24 seats. The BJP's constitution mandates the appointment of at least half the number of district and city unit chiefs for the election of the state chief. The party has so far appointed 70 of the 98 district and city unit chiefs, thus clearing the deck for the state chief's appointment.

The possible contenders for the post are state minister Dharmpal Singh, Union Minister of State B L Verma, Rajya Sabha MP Baburam Nishad, former MPs Ram Shankar Katheria, Vinod Sonkar, Neelam Sonkar, and ex-MLC Vidya Sagar Sonkar.
The Supreme Court of India will continue hearing a batch of 73 petitions challenging the constitutional validity of the Waqf (Amendment) Act, 2025 today. The hearing will resume at 2pm where the Centre and the BJP-led state governments are likely to push back against an interim order being considered by the top court. A bench comprising Chief Justice Sanjiv Khanna and Justices Sanjay Kumar and K.V. Viswanathan was on Wednesday willing to issue a notice on the petitions and pass a short order.

During yesterday's hearing, the opposing counsel maintained that they are seeking a stay on some parts of the law and not the entire Act.

Senior Advocate Kapil Sibal, representing the petitioners, argued that several sections of the newly enacted law infringe upon Article 26 of the Constitution, which upholds the right to manage religious matters independently. He also raised concerns about the authority granted to the Collector under the law, contending that since the Collector is a government official, assigning him judicial responsibilities undermines constitutional principles.

Appearing for the petitioners, senior Advocate Abhishek Singhvi said that around 4 lakh Waqf properties out of the total 8 lakh in the country are 'Waqf by user'. Singhvi made this point to counter the Act's provision limiting the 'Waqf by user' right. Then, the Chief Justice intervened, "We are told Delhi High Court is built on Waqf land. We are not saying all waqf by user is wrong, but there is genuine concern," he said.

The top court is considering an interim stay on three provisions of the Waqf Amendment Act.

The judges said that any property already declared as Waqf by a user or by a court wont be notified again. They added that the Collector can continue with the process, but the rule won't apply in this case. Lastly, while ex-officio members can be from any religion, all other members must be Muslims.

After the conclusion of hearing for the day, CJI Sanjiv Khanna expressed concern over the violence that has broken out in West Bengal against the amendments to Waqf Act. "One thing is very disturbing is the violence that is taking place. If the matter is pending here it should not happen," the CJI said.

The Centre recently notified the Waqf (Amendment) Act, 2025, which got the assent of President Droupadi Murmu on April 5 after its passage from Parliament following heated debates in both Houses. The Bill was passed in the Rajya Sabha with 128 members voting in favour and 95 opposing it. It was cleared by the Lok Sabha with 288 members supporting it and 232 against it.
West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee took a dig at the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and Prime Minister Narendra Modi and accused them of being 'against Muslims' but receiving their hospitality in West Asian nations.

According to the news agency ANI, while addressing a gathering in a meeting with Muslim clerics, Mamata alleged that the saffron party and the PM are against the Muslims.

She said, "You are against Muslims, but in Saudi Arabia, you meet Muslims... If you go to Dubai, UAE, what hospitality do you take there... You say one thing in your country and another outside."

Also Read: Why Were You Hurried About Waqf Amendment?: Mamata Banerjee Launches Fresh Attack Against BJP

Mamata Appeals To INDIA Bloc For 'Unity'

The West Bengal CM appealed to the INDIA bloc to "stay united and fight together" against the Waqf (Amendment) Act 2025.

ANI quoted her as saying, "I will appeal to the INDIA bloc: let us stay united and fight together courageously. This is not a personal matter; it will affect everyone. Today, it is happening against you. Tomorrow, it will be against someone else. Now they want to bring UCC."

Also Read: Amid Waqf Protests, It's Yogi Adityanath Vs Mamata Banerjee Now

Police Form SIT To Probe Murshidabad Violence

West Bengal Police has constituted a nine-member Special Investigation Team (SIT) to investigate the recent incidents of violence in Murshidabad.

ANI reported that the SIT comprises an Additional Superintendent of Police (Intelligence Branch), two Deputy Superintendents - one from the Counter Insurgency Force (CIF) and the other from the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) - five inspectors (including four from the CID and one from Traffic Police), and the in-charge officer of the Cyber Crime Police Station under Sundarbans Police District.

Violence erupted in the Murshidabad district last week after the protests against the newly amended Waqf Act.

(with ANI inputs)
Chennai: Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan presented the Award for Best Actor to actor Prithviraj Sukumaran for his outstanding portrayal of Najeeb in director Blessys Aadujeevitham (The Goat life) at the 54th Kerala State Awards presentation ceremony held in Thiruvananthapuram.

Aadujeevitham, a film marked by physical and emotional intensity, demanded extraordinary commitment, and Prithvirajs performance was nothing short of transformative. As Najeeb, he brought to life a tale of survival and resilience that moved audiences deeply, both in Kerala and beyond. Several film critics and film buffs are of the opinion that the recognition at the state level is a fitting tribute to a performance that has already resonated on global screens.

Announced on August 16, 2024, the awards celebrated the cinematic achievements of 2023. Though delayed, the presentation of this honour could not have come at a more poetic moment in Prithviraj's career. Having just helmed L2: Empuraan, one of Malayalam cinemas highest grossing, biggest blockbusters, this state recognition feels profoundly timely. Its not just a win for a performanceits a celebration of a visionary who has redefined boundaries, both as an actor and as a director.

This latest honour brings with it a sense of full circle. It was Prithvirajs father, the legendary Sukumaran, who was the first to be honoured with the Kerala State Film Award for Best Actor from their family. The title was later held by none other than Mohanlal, who set a long-standing record. Then, in 2006, Prithviraj made history by becoming the youngest-ever recipient of the award for his powerful performance in Vaasthavam at just 24, breaking Mohanlals two-decade reign.

Nearly 20 years on, the legacy comes home once again, as Prithviraj continues to redefine excellence with the same intensity, depth, and daring that marked his early rise Prithvirajs journey has been one of evolution and excellence. From redefining mainstream narratives to placing Malayalam cinema firmly on the global map, this award is not just a reflection of a stellar performer its a salute to a relentless artist who always brings out the best on-screen.
New Delhi: Actors Ali Fazal and Sonali Bendre have started shooting for an upcoming web series directed by the acclaimed Paatal Lok Season 1 co-director Prosit Roy in Delhi. The show is supposedly based on the infamous Ranga-Billa case, one of the most shocking and high-profile crimes in Delhis history.

Ranga And Billa Case

The case, which dates back to 1978, involved the brutal kidnapping and murder of siblings Geeta and Sanjay Chopra. The two children were abducted by Kuljeet Singh, known as Ranga, and Jasbir Singh, known as Billa, who initially intended to steal a car but later changed plans after finding the children inside. The case shook the entire nation and led to widespread public outrage. It also played a significant role in the development of stricter laws related to kidnapping and child safety.

Ali Fazal and Sonali Bendre's Upcoming Series

The upcoming series aims to capture the details of the crime and its impact on the people of Delhi at the time and takes an investigative look into the case that followed the murders. The makers have not officially confirmed the storyline but sources suggest it closely follows these very real-life incidents.

A source close to the production shared, The team has been researching the case in detail for months now. The show which has commenced shoot in the capital will focus on the events as they unfolded following the murder case. Its being treated with sensitivity and aims to show how deeply the case affected Delhi. The shoot is currently on in various parts of the city.
RBC Capital Markets and UBS have emerged as the leading financial advisers in the mergers and acquisitions (M&A) sector within the South & Central America region for the first quarter of 2025, according to the latest financial advisers league table published by GlobalData, a data and analytics firm.

An analysis of GlobalDatas Deals Database indicates that RBC Capital Markets secured the top position in terms of deal value, advising on transactions worth a total of $1.7bn.

UBS led in terms of deal volume, advising on two transactions.

GlobalData lead analyst Aurojyoti Bose said: UBS was the top adviser by volume in Q1 2024 and managed to retain its leadership position by this metric in Q1 2025 as well. Apart from leading by volume, UBS also occupied second position by value in Q1 2025.

Meanwhile, RBC Capital Markets advised on just one deal in Q1 2025, but its billion-dollar* value significantly boosted the firms overall performance. As a result, the global investment bank witnessed a substantial surge in the total value of deals it advised on compared to Q1 2024. This propelled RBC Capital Markets from seventh place in Q1 2024 to the top spot by deal value in Q1 2025. In addition to leading by value, the firm also secured the third position by deal volume during the quarter.

UBS held the second position by deal value, having advised on $269m worth of deals.

It was followed closely by Clairfield International and Rand Merchant Bank, both advising on $240m worth of transactions, while DNB Bank contributed with advisory on $40m worth of deals.

In terms of deal volume, Pier Partners ranked second with two transactions, followed by RBC Capital Markets with one deal.

Clairfield International and Rand Merchant Bank shared the fourth position, each advising on one deal.

GlobalDatas league tables are based on the real-time tracking of thousands of company websites, advisory firm websites and other reliable sources available on the secondary domain. A dedicated team of analysts monitors all these sources to gather in-depth details for each deal, including adviser names.

To ensure further robustness to the data, the company also seeks submissions of deals from leading advisers.

"RBC Capital Markets, UBS lead M&A advisory in South & Central America for Q1 2025" was originally created and published by Private Banker International, a GlobalData owned brand.




New Delhi: Gen-Z star Ibrahim Ali Khan recently expressed his desire to stay low-key  a quality that only adds to his allure. In an interview with Filmfare, he shared, I enjoy being out there as well. But I want to be like Ranbir Kapoor. Hes not on social media. Hes kind of low-key. Saif Ali Khan, my beloved father hes also like that. Hes by himself at home. Hes a super cool guy doing his work, not on social media. These guys arent out there, no one can get to them. And thats what makes them so desirable. We want to reach them, but we cant.

In the same chat, Ibrahim Ali Khan opened up about growing up as a star kid. He was quoted saying, So, I see Jehangir and Taimur. And a part of me does feel bad for them. Taimur, whos just turning eight years old, is trying to leave the house and hes getting clicked by the media. And Jeh, whos just four-five years old, hes also getting clicked. And when theyre at home, theyre playing on their iPhones and iPads at the age of eight and four. These things werent there when we were growing up.

The actor added, I think I belong to the last generation who had a normal childhood. We got saved because in my childhood, we didnt have smartphones, smart TV, OTT, iPhones or iPads. The paparazzi doesnt even let these kids breathe. It was only after I turned 18, that I faced the paparazzi. I am so grateful that I got to have a normal childhood.

On the work front, Ibrahim began his career in Bollywood earlier this year with Karan Johars Nadaaniyan alongside Khushi Kapoor. Next, he will be seen in Sarzameen with Kajol.
"Tariff" has probably been the most used word in the business and investing world since U.S. President Donald Trump announced his new tariff plan on April 2.

The newly announced tariffs caused the stock market to plummet in the following days, and another word began to circulate more and more: recession. Concerns about how new tariffs could affect prices, supply chains, and economic growth have caused many people to believe a recession is more likely to happen. JPMorgan even recently raised its recession probability to 60%.

Where to invest $1,000 right now? Our analyst team just revealed what they believe are the 10 best stocks to buy right now. Continue 

Even as recession chances increase, I'm not shying away from the market. The following two dividend stocks are worth considering regardless of market conditions.

1. Coca-Cola

Even as the broader market dropped following the tariff announcements, Coca-Cola's (NYSE: KO) stock trended in the opposite direction. It's now up over 14% year to date as of closing on April 10.

Part of Coca-Cola's recent rise is due to investors looking for "safe" stocks, with so much uncertainty in the market and economy. There's no completely recession-proof stock, but Coca-Cola is as recession-resistant as you'll find. It has rock-solid financials, a world-class distribution network, and products that sell regardless of economic conditions.

When money is tight, people cut back on a lot of expenses. They hold off on updating their electronics, buying new clothes, eating out, and other frivolous spending. They don't usually stop buying Coca-Cola's products.

There have been instances when Coca-Cola's revenue has slowed or dropped (like during the COVID-19 pandemic), but for the most part, its business is built to weather any ups and downs the economy throws its way.

Revenue aside, the true appeal of Coca-Cola's stock is its dividend. It pays out a $0.51 quarterly dividend, with an average yield of around 2.9% over the past 12 months. You may not be able to control or predict stock price movements, but Coca-Cola's dividend is as reliable as it comes. It has increased its annual dividend for 63 consecutive years, a feat that only eight companies have surpassed.

When uncertainty is high, you want to invest in companies that provide stability (and ideally, income), which Coca-Cola provides.

2. AT&T

AT&T's (NYSE: T) stock has been a pleasant surprise over the past 12 months, up over 64%. That's a nice change from the stock's struggle in the years leading up to its recent run.
By Elena Fabrichnaya, Alexander Marrow and Gleb Stolyarov

MOSCOW (Reuters) - Three months after U.S. President Donald Trump returned to the White House promising a swift end to the conflict in Ukraine and sparking an early flurry of excitement that Western companies could come flooding back to Russia, realism has set in.

Moscow is putting up barriers to re-entry for the thousands of companies that halted operations or sold assets in the country after Russia launched its military offensive, according to government officials and four Russian lawyers.

Western companies looking to regain market share face tough negotiations, mountains of paperwork and reputational risks, according to conversations with 12 people in Russia's retail, auto and financial markets.

Companies including McDonald's, Germany's Henkel and Hyundai Motor secured buyback agreements when exiting, but returning will not be simple as the government moves to keep a grip on strategic sectors and promote domestic production and businesses.

"The Russian authorities will not cancel options that outgoing foreigners concluded with Russian companies, but they will put forward additional demands for their implementation," Alexei Yakovlev, head of the finance ministry's financial policy department, said on the sidelines of a Moscow financial forum in early April.

Unilaterally abolishing buyback agreements could spawn waves of litigation, lawyer Ekaterina Drozdova of FTL Advisers told Reuters, suggesting that Russia may introduce an 'entrance fee' to raise budgetary funds.

A handful of firms are making discreet enquiries, said four people working with foreign companies in Russia, but there are no serious plans while widespread Western sanctions remain in place.

Local companies that have filled niches vacated by departed competitors are also lobbying the government to put up obstacles to any return, said another lawyer who asked not to be named.

President Vladimir Putin warned in March that companies that "slammed the door defiantly" when leaving would not be allowed to buy back businesses for small amounts of money or displace local operators.

The finance ministry has said foreign businesses would be required to invest in local production, research and development, and share technology.

People are definitely talking, said a private equity source who works on Russia, but there are no term sheets, let alone deals. Companies that left in 2022 are not coming back any time soon, the person added.

The finance ministry and central bank say no foreign companies have applied to return so far.
The Securities and Exchange Commission delayed ruling on whether or not to permit so-called "staking" in Grayscale Investments Ethereum ETFs, saying more time is needed to consider changing the rules.

The SEC said in an April 14 filing that it will approve, reject, or institute further proceedings on, staking in the $1.9 billion Grayscale Ethereum Trust ETF (ETHE) and the $712 million Grayscale Ethereum Mini Trust ETF (ETH) by June 1.

The agency also delayed permitting in-kind redemptions for VanEcks Bitcoin and Ethereum ETFs, according to another April 14 filing. VanEck manages the $1.2 billion VanEck Bitcoin ETF (HODL) and the $67.7 million VanEck Ethereum ETF (ETHV). The rule change would permit redemptions in the underlying asset, and not necessarily in cash, and avoids a taxable event.

Ethereums outflows and price declines may be relieved if stakingthe cryptocurrencys validation mechanism, which acts as a sort of yield devicewere introduced, BlackRock Inc.s (BLK) digital assets chief Robert Mitchnick said recently. Staking offers participants rewards in exchange for locking up their crypto for a period, and permitting that in the Ethereum ETF would stoke investor interest, BlackRock said.

The decision to delay comes on the heels of Paul Atkins being named SEC Commissioner on April 9. Atkins was tapped to lead a more crypto-friendly commission, departing from the skeptical and cautious crypto stance of predecessor Gary Gensler. The crypto industry largely endorsed President Donald Trump and his promise to reduce restrictions on digital currencies.

Ethereum ETFs' Steep Decline

Ethereum ETFs have fallen hard this year, with ETHEs price cut in half amid $565.6 million in outflows as rival cryptocurrencies appeal to investors. Bitcoin ETFs, on the other hand, have gained recently, and the iShares Bitcoin Trust (IBIT) has pared some losses so that it's now down 9% since the year began.

ETHE is the largest spot-ethereum ETF, and the New York Stock Exchange sought permission to permit staking in the fund in early March.

Grayscale, based in Stamford, Connecticut, didn't immediately respond to a request seeking comment.





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Xi's Malaysia visit sets new milestone in bilateral ties, regional cooperation

Xinhua) 08:11, April 17, 2025

KUALA LUMPUR, April 16 (Xinhua) -- Chinese President Xi Jinping's ongoing state visit to Malaysia marks a significant step in strengthening China-Malaysia all-round cooperation as the two sides have agreed to work together to build a high-level strategic China-Malaysia community with a shared future.

On Wednesday, Xi met with Malaysian King Sultan Ibrahim Sultan Iskandar and Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim, respectively. Both sides emphasized their commitment to enhancing economic cooperation within the framework of the Belt and Road Initiative, and developing future industries such as artificial intelligence, digital economy and green economy.

Chinese President Xi Jinping, Malaysian King Sultan Ibrahim Sultan Iskandar, and Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim pose for a group photo in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, April 16, 2025. (Xinhua/Xie Huanchi)

HIGH-LEVEL EXCHANGES

When meeting the king, Xi said that China is ready to work with the Malaysian side to build a high-level strategic China-Malaysia community with a shared future, so as to usher in new "Golden 50 Years" for bilateral ties.

China and Malaysia are good neighbors, good friends and good partners who visit each other as often as family, Xi said, adding that bilateral relations have gone through a magnificent half-century and are embracing an even brighter future.

Xi called on the two sides to ensure good implementation of major projects such as the "Two Countries, Twin Parks" program and the East Coast Rail Link, and to actively foster cooperation in future industries such as artificial intelligence, digital economy and green economy.

China supports Malaysia in its role as the 2025 ASEAN chair and stands ready to work with the country to implement the Global Development Initiative, the Global Security Initiative and the Global Civilization Initiative, Xi said.

For his part, King Sultan Ibrahim expressed his belief that Xi's visit will comprehensively upgrade bilateral relations and promote vigorous development of cooperation in various fields, adding that China's impressive development achievements are attributable to the foresight of President Xi and the hard work of the Chinese people.

Malaysia attaches great importance to its relations with China and will work with China toward win-win cooperation and promote the building of the high-level strategic China-Malaysia community with a shared future no matter how the international situation evolves, he said.

Malaysia values regional economic integration, firmly supports the Belt and Road Initiative, and stands ready to strengthen trade and investment cooperation with China, jointly stabilize industrial and supply chains, enhance connectivity and boost people-to-people and educational exchanges, said the king.

While meeting the prime minister, Xi urged joint efforts to resist decoupling, supply chain disruptions, "small yard with high fences" and arbitrary imposition of tariffs with openness, inclusiveness, unity and cooperation.

He also called for responding to the law of the jungle with Asian values of peace, cooperation, openness and inclusiveness, and responding to an unstable and uncertain world with a stable and certain Asia.

THRIVING COOPERATION, FLOURISHING TIES

China-Malaysia ties run deep. From the voyages of renowned Chinese navigator Zheng He in the 15th century to the establishment of diplomatic relations in 1974, and to the building of a community with a shared future today, the two countries have long enjoyed cultural affinity and strategic trust.

Chinese President Xi Jinping inspects the guard of honor during a welcome ceremony held by Malaysian King Sultan Ibrahim Sultan Iskandar in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, April 16, 2025. (Xinhua/Zhai Jianlan)

During Xi's 2013 visit, the two countries upgraded ties to a comprehensive strategic partnership. A decade later, the relationship was elevated again to a China-Malaysia community with a shared future.

In a signed article published in Malaysian media ahead of his arrival, Xi said the decision on building the China-Malaysia community with a shared future marked "a new milestone in the bilateral relations."

"Our bilateral cooperation potential is being progressively realized in the digital economy, green development, industrial investment and transport infrastructure construction," he wrote.

As a vital node along the ancient Maritime Silk Road, Malaysia is among the first to participate in Belt and Road cooperation. Thanks to joint efforts and Xi's steadfast push, bilateral collaboration within the framework has achieved many results.

In 2024, China-Malaysia trade reached 212 billion U.S. dollars, nearly 1,000 times the level at the inception of diplomatic relations. China has been Malaysia's largest trading partner for 16 consecutive years.

On top of that, bilateral initiatives like the "Two Countries, Twin Parks" program, which pairs industrial zones in Qinzhou and Kuantan, have emerged as a model for regional collaboration. This partnership has spurred the expansion of port collaboration and infrastructure connection.

A notable example is the East Coast Rail Link, a 665 km railway whose construction is in full swing. The railway, once completed, will bridge Malaysia's less-developed east coast with its economic powerhouse on the west coast, enhancing connectivity and fostering balanced growth.

Samirul Ariff Othman, an economist at Malaysia's Universiti Teknologi PETRONAS, said, "the flourishing economic ties between Malaysia and China demonstrate the resilience and mutual benefits of our bilateral relationship."

"The continued expansion of investments in high-value sectors such as technology, green energy and manufacturing will further deepen our cooperation," said Othman.

MULTILATERAL COLLABORATION

Experts believe that the significance of Xi's visit goes beyond bilateral relations. "It will greatly impact ASEAN-China relations, injecting new momentum into regional development and stability," said Ong Tee Keat, president of the Belt and Road Initiative Caucus for Asia Pacific.

Chinese President Xi Jinping attends a welcome ceremony held by Malaysian King Sultan Ibrahim Sultan Iskandar in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, April 16, 2025. (Xinhua/Ding Lin)

In the signed article, Xi noted that China was the first ASEAN dialogue partner to accede to the Treaty of Amity and Cooperation in Southeast Asia, and the first to establish a free trade area and a comprehensive strategic partnership with ASEAN.

Bilateral cooperation between China and ASEAN is more robust than ever, he said, adding that in 2024, China-ASEAN trade exceeded 980 billion dollars, making the two sides each other's largest trading partner for five consecutive years.

According to China's General Administration of Customs, ASEAN remained China's largest trading partner in the first two months of 2025. During this period, trade between China and ASEAN countries reached a total of 1.03 trillion yuan, or 15.8 percent of China's overall trade value.

China fully supports Malaysia in its role as the ASEAN chair for 2025 and looks forward to Malaysia serving as a stronger bridge between the two sides as the country coordinator for China-ASEAN Dialogue Relations, Xi said.

China will work with Malaysia and other ASEAN countries to combat the undercurrents of geopolitical and camp-based confrontation, as well as the countercurrents of unilateralism and protectionism, said the Chinese leader.

"We must brave the waves ahead and advance the high-level strategic China-Malaysia community with a shared future, and jointly build a stronger China-ASEAN community with a shared future," Xi said.

(Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Liang Jun)
By Casey Hall and Sophie Yu

GUANGZHOU, China (Reuters) - The rapid rise of ultra-fast fashion retailer Shein has been so key to the fortunes of a group of urban villages on the outskirts of China's southern metropolis of Guangzhou that they have been colloquially dubbed "Shein villages".

Shein was able to become a behemoth selling over $30 billion worth of goods annually on a foundation of cheap prices and advantageous trade rules, such as the U.S. "de minimis" exemption that allows low-cost imports to enter the country duty-free.

But the supply chain efficiencies emanating from hundreds of humming factory floors in these villages, reacting in real-time to online orders for leopard print palazzo pants or peasant blouses at unbeatable prices, were also key to its success.

On a recent visit to Shein villages in Panyu District, however, the mood was glum. Three factory bosses along with four local downstream suppliers said Shein's local orders were in decline, pointing the finger at moves to diversify production to Vietnam.

As companies reliant on China for production reel from tariff rates of 145% and cancellation of the de minimis threshold for packages from China, questions are being asked about how long the good times can keep rolling - for Guangzhou's factories, and also for Shein.

Factory owner Mr Li has been in business since 2006, manufacturing apparel for both the Chinese and international markets. He has been working with Shein for five years and says orders from the firm this year have dropped by 50% as more orders have moved to Vietnam.

"The impact is quite obvious," he said. "Tariffs are not something that we can see an end to for the time being, and we don't know what will happen next."

Here, thousands of small contract manufacturers produce small batches of crop tops and mini-skirts for a few yuan apiece that are then quickly shipped to young consumers around the globe paying a few dollars each for the same items.

"To be honest, cross-border (e-commerce) has been crazy in the past two years. Before, there was no such business in China," says factory owner and Shein supplier Mr Hu, 56. "It was Xu Yangtian of Shein who made it happen," he said, referring to the Chinese-Singaporean entrepreneur and founder of Shein. "He caused it to emerge."

Hu and Li declined to use their full names for privacy reasons.

Shein, which recently secured UK approval for a London IPO that can only go ahead with a nod from Chinese regulators, is also investing 10 billion yuan ($1.37 billion) in industrial projects in South China, including a $500 million supply chain hub in Guangzhou's Zengcheng District.
Shifts in investor sentiment are also becoming part of these challenges. Along with institutional investors, retail investors are also adopting a wait-and-see approach. Mergers and acquisitions processes are slowing down, capital expenditures are being slashed, and supply chains are being restructured to handle the current market issues rather than the long-term challenges. Recent earnings calls are showing the CFOs prioritizing liquidity and short-term cost optimization. These actions are highly likely to affect the dividends, as it is one of the easiest budget line items to slash.

Whats the cause? The U.S. tariffs. President Trump, though, announced a 90-day tariff-pause on dozens of countries, slapped a whopping 145% tariff on Chinese goods into the U.S. China retaliated with a 125% tariff on U.S. imports, effectively sealing off a $650 billion trading corridor, which was considered a lifeline of multiple industries both in the U.S. and China. According to Reuters, this trade war between two of the largest economies in the world has sent ripples across the already shaken global asset markets. Companies, including the consistent dividend payers, are now facing cost shocks and a sharp decline in their profit margin, which are bound to affect the income of the investors.

A thick fog of uncertainty rests over the investing climate in 2025. Earnings expectations for the large caps have been slashed at an alarming rate in the past few weeks alone. CNBC noted that some of the analysts, who initially predicted a 5% earnings growth for the market indices, have revised their estimation to a flat or even negative outcome by next month. Various companies have pulled their guidance together, reflecting not just caution but an absence of visibility to make the forecast. And by extension, the dividend-paying stocks have become trickier than before.

During uncertain times, dividend stocks are often seen as a safe bet for investors to cushion the impact. In 2025, however, the cushion may be carrying more risk than reward. Shifting market conditions are revealing signs of trouble underneath the stocks, which were initially appreciated as reliable dividend payers. No, we are not talking just about volatility or short-term noise; we are talking about companies that would seem irresistible with their attractive yield but carry risks capable of eroding your capital.

We recently put together a list of 10 Dividend Trap Stocks to Avoid in 2025 . Here, we take a detailed look at Stanley Black & Decker, Inc. (NYSE:SWK) and its ranking among the top 10 dividend trap stocks investors should avoid in 2025.

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The situation underscores the importance of not blindly chasing after yields. High dividend yields could potentially be masking a weakness, including earnings fall, escalating debt, or unsustainable payout ratios. In this regard, attractive yields are becoming a trap that can lure investors, only to collapse under pressure when market conditions worsen. With uncertainty outweighing opportunity in 2025, it is immensely necessary to separate solid dividend plays from ticking time bombs.

Our Methodology

When putting together our list of top 10 dividend trap stocks to avoid, we have followed a few criteria. Primarily, we have set the minimum market cap at $2 billion since investors are less likely to fall for stocks with a smaller cap. The stocks that are on a declining trend have been considered for this article. Such low performance reflects issues within the business operations that have made an impact on the value of the stocks. Also, we have included only those stocks with a dividend yield of 5% or more to ensure that these stocks are attractive enough to lure investors. All our picks have a payout ratio of 100% or more, suggesting an earnings issue within the company, which the investors need to be aware of.

All the data used in the article were taken from financial databases and analyst reports, with all information updated as of April 11, 2025. Our picks are ranked based on their dividend yield.

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 Stanley Black & Decker, Inc. (SWK) a Dividend Trap to Avoid in 2025?

A toolbox filled with an array of different tools, representing the professional products of the company.

Stanley Black & Decker, Inc. (NYSE:SWK)

Performance: -36.77%

Dividend Yield: 5.22%

Payout Ratio: 172.49%

A Connecticut-based company, Stanley Black & Decker, Inc. (NYSE:SWK) is a leading manufacturer of hand tools, power tools, and industrial solutions. The companys product portfolio includes brands such as DeWalt, Craftsman, and Stanley. Its customer base is comprised of both professional and non-professional consumers globally. Stanley Black & Decker, Inc. (NYSE:SWK) derives its market strength from brand equity and innovation in battery and smart tool technologies, which are used to gain a position in the sector against other leading competitors.

The annual decline of 36.77% in the share price indicates that Stanley Black & Decker, Inc. (NYSE:SWK) has been losing its foothold in the industrial tools and household hardware market. Inversely, the consumer and DIY market environment has also been unfavorable, causing an impact on the overall demand for the companys products. The divestiture of the infrastructure business, combined with the currency headwinds, additionally made a negative impact on the companys revenue growth. The 2025 guidance anticipates a flat demand environment and an unmitigated impact of $100 million from risks induced by tariffs.

Stanley Black & Decker, Inc. (NYSE:SWK) supports its shareholders with a 5.22% dividend yield. But the dividends are outstripping the earnings with a high payout ratio of 172.49%. With such a high risk, the company earns a position among the worst dividend stocks.

Overall, SWK ranks 10th on our list of top dividend trap stocks investors should avoid in 2025. While we acknowledge the potential of SWK, 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 SWK but 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.

Disclosure: None. This article is originally published at Insider Monkey.
Engine by Starling, the Software-as-a-Service (SaaS) business originating from Starling Bank, has established its first overseas subsidiary in the US.

The new entity, Engine by Starling Services US, is registered in Delaware and aims to serve as a base for the company's expansion into the North American market.

The subsidiary is currently in the process of assembling a team and is evaluating potential locations for a regional headquarters on the East Coast, with North Carolina, Florida, and Washington DC identified as possible sites.

The workforce will comprise a combination of local hires and secondees from Engine's UK team, with leadership provided by a president.

The North American market presents substantial opportunities for Engine, which can leverage its expertise to assist approximately 4,000 mid-tier banks, community banks, and credit unions in the region, stated the UK-based challenger bank.

By utilising Starling Banks cloud-native technology, Engine aims to support these organisations in transforming customer experiences while simultaneously improving operational efficiency and lowering costs.

Engine by Starling CEO Sam Everington said: We are already having really positive discussions with a number of potential partners in North America because Engine solves some of the major challenges facing banks and credit unions here.

Engine delivers a unique ability to unify tech stacks, drive efficiency and encourage innovation through one managed service.

Since its inception in 2022, Engine has played a role in the establishment of Salt Bank, Romania's first digital bank, which has secured a 4% share of the country's banking market since its launch in 2024.

Additionally, Engine has partnered with AMP in Australia to develop a new digital bank aimed at small businesses, which is set to launch in February 2025. Both digital banking initiatives were executed within a 12-month timeframe.

Starling Bank Group CEO Raman Bhatia said: This is a significant step as we take the technology that has enabled Starlings success in the UK to more financial institutions around the world.

In Engine we have a world-class SaaS business that delivers the technology and the expertise that banks need to succeed in the digital age.

"Starling Bank brings Engine SaaS tech to US" was originally created and published by Retail Banker International, a GlobalData owned brand.




Constellation Brands, the maker of Modelo, warns that while new tariffs on imported beer cans will raise costs, it is President Trumps immigration crackdown that is already driving down sales by deterring Hispanic consumers, leading the company to lower its sales outlook.

Constellation Brands, the U.S. importer of Modelo and Corona beer, is blaming more than tariffs for slowing beer salesits pointing to immigration fears as well.

Modelo, which overtook Bud Light last year to become the nations bestselling beer, saw its quarterly beer sales to retailers fall for the first time in more than a decadea reversal Constellation attributes primarily to declining demand among Hispanic consumers, who make up about half of Modelos U.S. customer base.

If that consumer has concerns, issues, et cetera, thats a big deal for us, CEO Bill Newlands told the Wall Street Journal, pointing to heightened fears among Latino shoppers in the wake of stepped-up immigration enforcement.

In key markets like Southern California and Texas, many immigrants are avoiding local liquor stores and smaller retailers in Hispanic neighborhoods, instead shifting to larger chains that are less likely to be targeted for immigration enforcement, according to analysts and distributors.

Social gatheringstypically a stronghold for beer salesare also on the decline as Hispanic consumers pull back from public events and nighttime outtings, further weighing on demand.

Many consumers within the Hispanic community are quite apprehensive at this moment, Newlands said. Social events, which are typically occasions where Hispanic consumers enjoy beer, are currently on the decline due to these overarching worries.

Trump tariffs could cost Constellation up to $1 billion

The pressure comes as Constellation braces for the financial impact of Trumps newly imposed tariffs, which slapped a 25% levy on all imported canned beer and empty aluminum cans, effective April 4.

While Modelo, Corona, and Pacifico themselves are exempt from tariffs on Mexican imports, the cans they come in are not, potentially adding up to $1 billion in annual costs for the company.

According to the most recent earnings report, Constellations beer portfolio, which includes these Mexican imports, accounted for 78% of its net sales last quarter.

The company has responded by trimming its earnings and sales forecasts for the coming years, projecting flat to modest growth in beer sales for fiscal 2026 and lowering its medium-term outlook to 2%4% annual sales growth, down from prior estimates of 6%8%.
TD Asset Management is expanding its suite of exchange-traded funds with a new all-equity ETF trading on the Toronto Stock Exchange (TSX), the company announced Tuesday.

The TD All-Equity ETF Portfolio (TEQT), seeks to provide long-term capital growth by investing primarily in units of other equity-oriented ETFs, emphasizing those with greater potential for capital growth, according to a press release. The management fee is 0.15%.

We launched the TD All-Equity ETF Portfolio (TEQT) to meet growing demand from investors who want a simple, low-cost way to access the long-term growth potential of global equity markets, a TD Asset Management spokesperson told etf.com. TEQT now joins the suite of all-in-one ETFs offered by TD Asset Management.

TEQT Offers Low-Cost Equity Exposure

The move comes during an especially volatile time for the stock market amid uncertainty about President Donald Trumps trade policies. Still, TD Asset Management, which operates in Canada, is betting that investors are looking for affordable ways to invest in a diversified portfolio of stocks.

"As the investment landscape evolves, today's investors are looking for convenient, simple and efficient solutions to help meet their dynamic needs, David Sykes, senior vice president and chief investment officer at TD Asset Management, said in the press release. The TD All-Equity ETF Portfolio is designed with this in mind. We believe this new solution provides essential tools to help modern investors meet their diverse needs.

The growth-oriented portfolio is continuously monitored and rebalanced quarterly to bring its allocation back to the desired geographic mix relative to the benchmark, according to a product overview from the company. The benchmark is 25% Solactive Canada Broad Market Index (CA NTR), 55% Solactive US Large Cap CAD Index (CA NTR) and 20% Solactive GBS Developed Markets ex North America Large & Mid-Cap CAD Index (CA NTR).

The new fund is part of the companys suite of ETFs that offer a convenient way for investors to diversify their portfolio through index funds with exposure to broad-based equity markets, according to the product overview.





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Denimandjeans, which hosts shows in Bangladesh, India, Japan and Vietnam, restarted its events in 2023. Since then, Sandeep Agarwal, its founder, said the organizers have more or less sustained interest.

We have seen a progressive return to in-person events after the pandemic, with a renewed appreciation for physical interactions. However, the focus has clearly shifted from quantity to quality, with companies prioritizing meaningful engagements over sheer volume, he said. At the same time, the denim market itself is evolving, with key players consolidating and becoming more selective about where they invest their presence.

Fabio Adami Dalla Val, show manager for Denim Premiere Vision, said attendance at the Milan events in 2024 has been shaped by a variety of factors, reflecting both broader industry trends and shifting global dynamics.

The purpose of B2B events, along with expectations regarding their size and attendance, has evolved since the pandemic.

The landscape of business communications has shifted significantly with the rise of digital tools; however, I firmly believe that trade exhibitions will still hold a crucial role in our marketing approach. These events provide unique opportunities for face-to-face engagement, which is instrumental in building and nurturing trust within our long-term relationships, said Mostafiz Uddin, the founder and CEO of the Bangladesh Apparel Exchange and Bangladesh Denim Expo. Even in an increasingly interconnected world, nothing quite compares to the personal connections that can be forged at trade shows. They allow us to not only showcase our products and services but also to interact directly with clients and potential partners in a meaningful way.

Five years ago, during the deadliest days of the pandemic, the future of trade shows was uncertain. With travel and in-person meetings on hold, the denim industry began to question the necessity of gathering multiple times a year in distant locations. As a result, digital programming surged, online fabric libraries started to replace physical samples and collaborations formed over Zoom. However, the appeal of long-distance business relationships eventually faded. By 2021, in regions where travel restrictions had lifted, professionals were once again boarding flightsface masks on and negative Covid test results in handto attend trade shows.

Story Continues

Panos Sofianos, the denim curator for Munich-based Bluezone, said 2024 was a challenging year. However, against the backdrop of economic challenges, we were very happy with the overall result. 2025 started with a good and strong show that recorded a slight increase in visitor numbers which makes us confident for the next months to come, he said.

Uddin said Bangladesh Denim Expo had an incredible turnout with over 5,543 visitors from 56 different countries attend the last Dhaka event in November.

In the past, the success of an event was often measured by its attendance. While the metric continues to be a way to gauge interest, exhibitors and attendees are increasingly using the events for education and networking. Trade shows are no longer just about networking; they must offer real strategic value to justify participation, Adami Dalla Val said.

Though the show started in NYC 20 years ago, Kingpins Amsterdam has become the organizers second home. The Dutch event, which will take place this year on April 16-17 and Oct. 15-16, is widely consider the industrys kick-off event for each season.

Kingpins operates more as a platform than a traditional trade show. Of course, we organize events where the denim suppliers and buyers can review the latest collections and place orders. But we also are a place for the global denim community to meet, get inspired and share ideas. The mechanics of what we do has not changed fundamentally. But it appears more and more important to provide a place to encourage business, as well as the exchange of ideas, said Vivian Wang, the newly appointed CEO of Kingpins Show.

While Kingpins has experimented with bringing a consumer element to their events, its strength is in education and fostering connections between industry stalwarts and the next generation of designers, wash experts and sustainability experts. Education has always been central to Kingpins and that will continue going forward. We want to keep bringing new ideas and innovationsand innovators, as wellto our shows. That is what keeps our industry moving forward and has propelled the development of new sustainable products and practices, Wang said.

Despite a polar vortex that had temperatures drop below freezing during Kingpins New York in January, retailers and brands showed up. It is typically the smaller of our two shows in New York and we found that our attendance was in line with previous January shows, Wang said.

Adami Dalla Val feels a responsibility to create experiences that sparks creativity and facilitates meaningful and high-level interactions between exhibitors and buyers. What sets Denim Premiere Vision apart is its unique format, blending exhibition spaces, artistic installations, and exclusive content to foster dialogue and discovery, he said. It is more than a marketplace; it is an experiencea space where the boundaries of denim are constantly pushed, embracing cross-industry contamination with the lifestyle sector, technology, art, and craftsmanship. The event celebrates denims evolution beyond its classic definition, acknowledging its role as a cultural and creative force that intersects with multiple industries.

Sofianos described Bluezones programing strategy as edu-tainment, adding that a diverse range of expert talks, keynotes, panel discussions and trend forecasting is working very well. The addition of Keyhouse, a curation of sustainability and tech-focused market disruptors, brings a unique perspective to the show as well.

There is still a platform to launch and present novelties, however the focus is shifting toward networking, education, collaboration and implementing technology. Building and strengthening relationships within the industry is easier when you meet in person. Getting educated in seminars, workshops or trend forecasting sessions is possible on a broader scale when industry players with different expertise meet at one place. Establishing new collaborations on existing challenges is being enabled when you address the problem and concrete action points within the network of a trade show and its experts from different fields of competence, he said.

Balancing the needs of exhibitors and visitors is a juggling act, but Agarwal said Denimandjeans succeeds because it delivers value and efficiency to both parties. The exhibitors should be able to reach out to the buyers they want, and visitors should be able to find the products, knowledge and networking they are looking for. If we [can] give them that value, I think the shows work, he said.

Navigating challenges

While shows are no longer battling covid, theyre being faced with new issues beyond their control.

Geopolitical disturbances that complicate travel and general instability in key sourcing regions are among the challenges that Agarwal sees for 2025. On top of it, he said theyre happening more frequently now. We are keeping our fingers crossed and hoping that some of these conflicts will come to an end. Such conflicts affect not only denim but each industry and there is big hope that positive news will flow which will boost up the markets, he said.

Sofianos pointed out how ongoing global economic uncertainties as well as price discussions in the textile industry complicate planning events accordingly ahead in time. Besides that, he said difficulties like deciding on the right date for an event and the quantity of denim events for the industry persists.

In addition to B2B denim events being very competitive now, Uddin said its crucial for organizers to consider the implications of the ongoing trade wars and various socio-political conflicts currently unfolding around the globe.

The denim industry, like many other sectors, is likely to feel the effects of these external challenges in several ways. Trade tariffs may increase costs for manufacturers, possibly leading to higher prices for consumers. Additionally, we might see a shift in sourcing strategies as companies seek to navigate these complexities, to maintain competitiveness and profitability, he said.

Moreover, the participation of denim brands in global events could also be impacted, forcing trade show organizers to revisit old pandemic alternatives. We could see a change in which countries are able to showcase their collections due to restrictions or diplomatic tensions, Uddin said. Events may need to adapt to these realities and perhaps focus more on localized markets or virtual presentations.

Bangladesh Denim Expo

Despite the challenges being felt across the B2B network, Wang is optimistic for 2025. There is a lot of uncertainty affecting all businesses right now, she said. We are keeping an eye on current events, but our aim is to continue to be a place that connects the denim industry and to put together programs that inform and inspire and encourage collaboration.

This article is published in SJ Denims spring issue. Click here to read more.
An under-construction Boeing 747. Taylor Rains/Insider

Boeing was under pressure Tuesday after China reportedly ordered airlines to stop US purchases.

The company's shares dropped as much as 3% on the news.

The reported move would be retaliatory in the trade war between China and the US.

The move: Boeing slumped as much as 3% on Tuesday. The aerospace stock is now down 12% for the year.

Why: Shares are slipping after China, Bloomberg reported, ordered domestic airlines to stop purchasing aircraft products from the US. The report follows China's implementation of a 125% tariff on imports of American products, all part of an intensifying trade war between Beijing and Washington.

China is looking for ways to assist airlines that depend on leased Boeing jets, Bloomberg said, citing people familiar with the situation.

What it means: China's reported order would effectively block Boeing from one of the world's largest airline markets. Bloomberg said the country was expected to account for 20% of global aircraft demand over the coming decades.

The effects are likely to be felt immediately. Boeing still has several completed planes meant for delivery to China. Those familiar with the matter told Bloomberg that some of these paid-for jets could be allowed into China on a case-by-case basis.

The development might end up as welcome news for Airbus. The European competitor has slowly overtaken Beijing in Chinese fleets, a role that could deepen. The firm's American depository receipts are down roughly 2% for the year.

For Boeing, China's decision adds to a list of difficulties. The aircraft stock ended 2024 in the red, a tough year in which it faced lawsuits, mechanical failures, and a leadership shake-up.

Read the original article on Business Insider
The European Investment Fund (EIF) has signed new guarantee agreements withTriodos Bank to provide more than 200m ($227.2m) in financing for SMEs across the Netherlands, Belgium, Spain, and Germany.

This initiative is part of the European Commissions InvestEU programme, which targets the support of social entrepreneurship, sustainability, and the cultural and creative sectors.

The latest agreement expands the partnership between Triodos Bank and the EIF, which has delivered over 600m in SME funding across Europe since 2018.

This collaboration has also empowered a wide range of social entrepreneurs, including E-Flight Academy, Fundacio Oxigeno, and Nature Snacks, spanning diverse sectors such as healthcare, nutrition, e-mobility, the circular economy, and education.

EIF chief executive Marjut Falkstedt said: Our relationship with Triodos Bank is a very successful one, having made available hundreds of millions in attractive financing for SMEs in sectors that are underserved by traditional bank financing.

Triodos Bank has been instrumental in supporting the creative and cultural sectors, as well as social entrepreneurship, which are at the heart of European values. We are now building on that to also support sustainability in SMEs, which will be a key element in European independence and competitiveness going forward.

An increase to an existing capped guarantee from 2023 will allow Triodos Bank to offer an additional 89m in new loans for social entrepreneurship.

Meanwhile, a new uncapped guarantee will support sustainability initiatives and the cultural and creative sectors.

The sustainability segment of the uncapped guarantee is expected to provide up to 71m for SMEs' green investments.

The cultural and creative portion aims to generate 43m in new lending, continuing the partnership between Triodos Bank and the EIF.

Triodos Bank chief commercial officer Jacco Minnaar said: At Triodos Bank, we have a long track record of financing social entrepreneurship. The past agreements with the EIF have already shown that public and private partnerships can fuel the much-needed transitions towards a better and more sustainable world.

I am particularly pleased with the introduction of the new guarantee for green investments by SMEs. It shows how our relationship with the EIF is continually developing and is focused on getting financing to where it is most needed.

"Triodos Bank secures 200m in EIF guarantees to support SMEs across Europe" was originally created and published by Leasing Life, a GlobalData owned brand.
Analysts at Kaiko have identified key factors that position XRP ahead of other cryptocurrencies for potential spot ETF approval by the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). With the SEC required to respond to Grayscale's spot XRP ETF filing by May 22, the anticipation is building.

Kaiko's report highlights XRP's superior market liquidity, noting that it has the highest average altcoin market depth on major centralized exchanges. This high liquidity indicates a stable market environment, which is viewed favorably by the SEC. XRP currently leads in active ETF applications, boasting 10 filings, compared to five for Solana and three each for Litecoin and Dogecoin.

Additionally, the recent launch of Teucrium's leveraged XRP ETF, designated XXRP, adds another layer of complexity. This product aims to provide twice the daily return of XRP through derivatives and has emerged as the first leveraged XRP ETF in the United States. However, a traditional spot XRP ETF has yet to receive SEC approval.

Despite these developments, demand for spot XRP ETFs remains uncertain. Analysts have noted that the market for Ethereum ETFs has seen limited traction, and many institutional investors still favor Bitcoin.

The options market for XRP has shown bearish sentiment, reflecting broader market uncertainty rather than specific concerns about ETF approval.

Other cryptocurrencies, such as Litecoin and Solana, are also in contention for ETF approval. Litecoin is viewed as a strong candidate due to its similarities to commodities. Furthermore, Canada is preparing to launch spot Solana ETFs, often preceding similar approvals in the U.S.

As the SEC deliberates its long-term crypto regulatory strategy, the upcoming deadline for Grayscale's filing may provide clarity on XRP's potential as a frontrunner in the ETF race.
We recently compiled a list of the 14 Best American Tech Stocks To Buy Now. In this article, we are going to take a look at where Uber Technologies, Inc. (NYSE:UBER) stands against the other American tech stocks.

American stocks moved up a bit on Monday, April 14 as investors focused on news about tech companies getting a break from President Trumps tariffs. The S&P 500 rose by 0.8%, the tech-heavy Nasdaq rose by 0.6%, and the Dow Jones Industrial Average increased by about 0.7%.

READ ALSO: 11 Best American Energy Stocks to Buy Now and 10 Best Stocks Under $10 to Buy Now.

In recent days, President Trump and his advisers have given mixed signals on the future of tariffs on China and on specific industries. Over the weekend, big American tech companies scored a victory when it was revealed that the US had not put tariffs on smartphones, computers, and other consumer electronics.

However, on Sunday, US Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick stated that these electronics would soon be covered under new tariffs, which would be different from those imposed on specific countries. President Trump also posted on social media that there would be no exception for these products. He also said that the government is looking at semiconductors and the entire electronics supply chain in the upcoming National Security Tariff Investigations.

Last week was the best week for the major indexes since at least 2023. However, with all this uncertainty, Wall Street is getting ready for another week of potential tariff-fueled ups and downs.

Methodology

To compile our list of the 14 best American tech stocks to buy now, we used stock screeners from Finviz and Yahoo Finance to find the largest American technology companies. We sorted our results based on market capitalization and picked the top 30 American stocks. Next, we focused on the 14 stocks most favored by institutional investors. Data for the hedge fund sentiment surrounding each stock was taken from Insider Monkeys Q4 2024 database of more than 1,000 elite hedge funds. Finally, the 14 best American tech stocks to buy now were ranked in ascending order based on the number of hedge funds holding stakes in them as of Q4 2024.

Why do we care about what hedge funds do? The reason is simple: our research has shown that we can outperform the market by imitating the top stock picks of the best hedge funds. Our quarterly newsletter's strategy selects 14 small-cap and large-cap stocks every quarter and has returned 373.4% since May 2014, beating its benchmark by 218 percentage points (see more details here).
By Rajesh Kumar Singh

CHICAGO (Reuters) -United Airlines forecast lower-than-expected profit for the current quarter on Tuesday and warned of downside risks to its full-year outlook if the U.S. economy slips into a recession.

President Donald Trump's trade war has increased the odds of an economic recession, hitting business and consumer confidence and rattling global markets. As travel is a discretionary item for many consumers and businesses, growing economic risks have clouded the airline industry's outlook and sparked a selloff in shares.

United said its financial forecast is dependent on the macro environment, which, it added, is "impossible to predict this year with any degree of confidence."

The airline reported that its forward bookings over the last two weeks have remained stable, with premium cabins up 17% and international up 5% year-over-year. The comments helped drive United shares up 6.7% in after-hours trading.

"The company's expectation has become bimodal  either the U.S. economy will remain weaker but stable, or the U.S. may enter into a recession," it said.

United estimates an economic recession would lead to a 5-percentage-point drop in its revenue, translating into a full-year adjusted profit of $7 a share to $9 a share.

In January, it had forecast an adjusted profit of $11.50 to $13.50 per share for 2025. The company said it still expects to hit that estimate if the demand environment remains stable and fuel prices stay around their current levels.

The Chicago-based airline expects an adjusted profit in the range of $3.25 a share to $4.25 per share in the quarter through June. The midpoint of the forecast is $3.75 per share, compared with analysts' average estimate of $3.93, according to LSEG data.

The United forecast comes days after Delta Air Lines and Frontier Airlines withdrew their full-year forecasts, saying travel demand has "largely stalled" amid mounting economic uncertainty.

Weakening consumer demand has also undermined the industry's pricing power. Airline fares fell 5.3% in March from a month earlier, their steepest monthly decline since September 2021, according to data from the U.S. Labor Department.

United shares are down 31% this year and have declined 43% from their 52-week high. In a sign of bearish investor sentiment, short interest in the company's shares has risen by 45% since mid-February.

CAPACITY CUTS

With demand slowing, U.S. airlines have started cutting flights to avoid lowering fares and to protect margins.

United said it would slash its planned domestic capacity, or the seats available on its flights, by 4 percentage points starting in the September quarter. It is also reducing flights on off-peak demand days.
By Jody Godoy

(Reuters) - Alphabet's Google illegally dominates two markets for online advertising technology, a judge ruled on Thursday, dealing another blow to the tech giant and paving the way for U.S. antitrust prosecutors to seek a breakup of its ad products.

U.S. District Judge Leonie Brinkema in Alexandria, Virginia, found Google liable for "willfully acquiring and maintaining monopoly power" in markets for publisher ad servers and the market for ad exchanges which sit between buyers and sellers.

The decision clears the way for another hearing to determine what Google must do to restore competition in those markets, such as sell off parts of its business at another trial that has yet to be scheduled. It is the second court ruling that Google holds an illegal monopoly, following a similar judgment in a case over online search.

Publisher ad servers are platforms used by websites to store and manage their digital ad inventory. Along with ad exchanges, the technology lets news publishers and other online content providers make money by selling ads. Those funds are the "lifeblood" of the internet, Brinkema wrote.

"In addition to depriving rivals of the ability to compete, this exclusionary conduct substantially harmed Google's publisher customers, the competitive process, and, ultimately, consumers of information on the open web," Brinkema wrote.

However, antitrust enforcers failed to prove a separate claim that the company had a monopoly in advertiser ad networks, she wrote.

U.S. Attorney General Pamela Bondi called the ruling "a landmark victory in the ongoing fight to stop Google from monopolizing the digital public square."

"This Department of Justice will continue taking bold legal action to protect the American people from encroachments on free speech and free markets by tech companies," she said.

Lee-Anne Mulholland, vice president of regulatory affairs, said Google will appeal the ruling.

"We won half of this case and we will appeal the other half," she said, adding that the company disagrees with the decision on its publisher tools. "Publishers have many options and they choose Google because our ad tech tools are simple, affordable and effective."

Google's shares dropped 1.4% after Thursday's ruling. Experts previously told Reuters the financial hit from a loss in the case would be minimal for the tech giant best known for its search engine.

The DOJ has said that Google should have to sell off at least its Google Ad Manager, which includes the company's publisher ad server and ad exchange.
By Curtis Williams

HOUSTON (Reuters) - Venture Global LNG has begun commercial operations at its Calcasieu Pass plant in Louisiana, ending a more than a three-year commissioning process at the plant, the company said on Tuesday.

Venture Global will now sell LNG to its long-term customers at lower prices rather than test cargoes to the highest bidders in the red-hot global market.

Just a startup five years ago, Venture Global is the country's second-largest LNG producer, helping the U.S. lead the world in LNG exports.

Commissioning, or making sure a new plant's systems are functioning as designed, takes months at many LNG facilities but the process dragged on at Calcasieu Pass due to several unforeseen circumstances.

These included the global pandemic, two hurricanes, and a force majeure event triggered by issues with the facility's power island, the company based in Arlington, Virginia, said on Tuesday.

"Having completed a multi-year rectification and remediation of key components of the facility that underpin the redundancy features inherent in the projects design, Calcasieu Pass is now ready to operate safely and reliably," Venture Global said in a statement.

Shell, BP, Orlen, Edison and Repsol filed arbitration claims saying Venture Global LNG deliberately failed to fulfill their supply contracts, dragging its feet to commission the plant so it could profit from higher spot prices. Venture Global argued that a faulty power system delayed normal operations.

The Gaslog Wellington tanker is the first vessel to receive LNG from the Calcasieu Pass plant and was at its port loading 170,000 cubic meters of the supercooled gas, according to LSEG cargo flows.

It was not immediately clear which of Venture Global's long-term customers would get the first shipment but Orlen has said it expects its first cargo on April 23, with Shell expected to receive its cargo at the end of the month, a person familiar with Shell's timeline told Reuters.

Shell and BP declined to comment.

Venture Global's stock price was down by 1%, at $8.38 in late-afternoon trading. It has declined by 66% since the company went public in January.

The move to commercial operations is unlikely to stop ongoing arbitration cases brought by the long-term customers against Venture Global as Shell, Orlen and Repsol have all said they will pursue their legal battle with Venture Global even after they start receiving cargoes.

Venture Global is also likely to keep profiting from strong global spot market prices, as its newer and larger Plaquemines facility ramps up production.

(Reporting by Curtis Williams in Houston; Editing by Shilpi Majumdar, Emelia Sithole-Matarise, Mark Porter and Richard Chang)
We recently published a list of 15 Best Blue Chip 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 blue chip stocks to buy according to billionaires.

Is A Potential Trade War on the Horizon?

The US stock market is showing volatility after President Donald Trumps recent announcement of sweeping 10% tariffs on all US trading partners and higher tariffs on countries with a trade deficit with the US.

Economists and investors believe President Trumps tariff policies could potentially lead to a trade war with Americas trading partners, propelling inflation even higher. These two factors could plunge the US into an economic slowdown, and the markets could potentially sell off quickly if a recession materializes among its looming threats.

On April 10, CNBC reported that stock prices rose sharply a day before after declining for four days straight following President Trumps announcement of a pause in a significant part of his tariff plan. The White House said that Democratic lawmakers were indulged in partisan games by inquiring if any stock market purchases conducted in recent days were undertaken with prior knowledge of the fact that President Trump would authorize a pause in his tariff plans. Trump announced higher tariffs on China even after he announced a 90-day pause for steeper-than-baseline rates for several other countries.

READ ALSO: 10 Best Medical Stocks to Buy According to Billionaires and 10 Best Organic Food Stocks to Buy According to Billionaires.

Record High Tariffs in the US

On April 11, Erica York, economist and the vice president of federal tax policy at the Tax Foundations Center for Federal Tax Policy, talked to CNBCs The Exchange about the ongoing scenario and said that the imposition of around 145% total tariff on Chinese goods would result in a suspension of most trade between the US and China. She said:

It depends on how narrowly the tariff is applied or how broadly its applied, but generally, if you get north of a triple-digit tariff, you are cutting off most trade.

She further opined that:

There may still be some things without any substitutes that companies just have to foot the bill, but for the most part, that cuts it off.

The economist said that Trumps new China tariffs, along with the others he implemented, would raise the average tariff rate to record highs the country hasnt seen since the 1940s. The current market volatility has created numerous remarkable investment opportunities, so lets look at the 15 best blue chip stocks to buy according to billionaires.
Market volatility is back. After two straight years of up markets -- 2023 and 2024 were some of the best years in the S&P 500's history -- 2025 has brought back the pain.

While the S&P 500 index has not officially fallen 20%, therefore triggering a bear market declaration, it is in its sharpest drawdown since 2022 and has gone through some wild gyrations in recent weeks due to tariff mayhem. The volatility index has shot up 100% year to date.

Where to invest $1,000 right now? Our analyst team just revealed what they believe are the 10 best stocks to buy right now. Continue 

When prices are falling, it can induce stress and make you believe now is the time to aggressively trade your portfolio. Warren Buffett disagrees with this notion. The best investor has lived through a dozen market downturns, understanding better than anyone that contrarian thinking and a long-term mindset is how you win in the stock market.

Here are three pieces of advice Warren Buffett has when dealing with bear markets.

Bear markets are your friend

In a bear market, the price of the stock market is falling. That has nothing to do with the value of the companies listed in the United States, though. Warren Buffett recommends viewing stocks as a contract that gives you an ownership stake in a business. Or, if you buy an S&P 500 index fund, you are buying a slice of the future earnings power of American businesses.

Think of it like buying goods at a retailer or supermarket. Would you rather your grocery bill be $200 or $100, assuming it is the exact same goods? Everyone would choose $100; it is illogical to think otherwise. Look at the stock market the same way. If the S&P 500 index falls 50% from all-time highs, you are able to purchase collective ownership of an American business at a 50% discount, which you should be enthusiastic about doing.

This is why Warren Buffett says bear markets are an investor's best friend. People who purchase stocks, especially younger people, are able to do so at a significant discount to historical prices in a bear market. Young investors should cheer falling stock prices because it gives them an opportunity to buy an ownership stake in a business at a cheaper price.

Be greedy when others are fearful

Cheering about falling stock prices relates to another piece of Warren Buffett's advice and perhaps his most famous adage: Be greedy when others are fearful. Falling stock prices occur when people are more afraid, thinking of the short term and following headlines, looking for signals to buy or sell. At this moment, Buffett believes the best investors act with a contrarian mindset.
Xs U.K. operations took a brutal hit following Elon Musks takeover, with revenue plunging by 66.3%, new financial disclosures show. The decline was largely attributed to lagging advertising revenue, which fell globally for the company amid concerns over brand security and the platform's content moderation.

New U.K. financial filings are giving observers of Elon Musk's X a glimpse of just how bad the revenue decline was at Twitter after Musk took over the company.

Recent accounts filed with Companies House show that Xs U.K. arm saw a 66.3% drop in revenue in the year following Musks takeover, falling from 205.3 million in 2022 to 69.1 million in 2023. The numbers are the most recent available under the UK's financial disclosure rules, which allow months and sometimes years-long delays for companies to file.

Profits also suffered, with pre-tax profit down 74% to 2.25 million.

These declines were largely attributed to lagging advertising revenue, which fell globally at the company amid concerns over brand security and the platform's content moderation.

Many major brands jumped ship from the social network after a series of turbulent changes, including an overhaul of X's verification systemknown as blue tickswhich rocked advertisers' confidence in the business.

Musk later accused advertisers of using boycott threats as a form of blackmail amid a profanity-laden tirade during a session at the New York Times DealBook Summit in November 2023.

But X has rebounded since takeover dip

Things have improved for X globally since 2023, with some analysts predicting that X's advertising revenue could see its first annual growth since 2021 this year.

According to research firm EMarketer, X's U.S. digital ad revenue is projected to jump 17.5% to $1.3 billion this year from $1.1 billion in 2024.

The research firm also estimated that X could generate $2.3 billion in global ad revenue this year, up 16.5% from last year.

X's value has also rebounded recently.

As of July last year, the company's value had cratered to less than 25% of the $44 billion Musk paid for it in October 2022, according to Fidelitys Blue Chip Growth Fund.

When Musk bought Twitter, Fidelity invested $19.66 million, but last year, it said those same shares were worth just $5.5 million. However, in a surprising rebound, investors valued the social media company at $44 billion in a secondary deal last month, the Financial Times reported.

Since then, Musk has said his xAI artificial intelligence startup had acquired the X platform at a valuation of $33 billion. The combination values xAI at $80 billion and X at $33 billion, the billionaire wrote in an X post in March. He said the value of X was now $45 billion when including $12 billion of debt, and that it was an all-stock transaction.
If your idea of a perfect Saturday morning is shopping for freezer goods and pantry staples at Costco, a Costco cash back credit card could be a great addition to your wallet. Costco credit card rewards are designed to help bring down the price of your next Costco haul, plus no annual fee.

The Costco Anywhere Visa Card by Citi is a solid cash-back credit card with a ton of potential savings for members of the wholesale club. Heres everything you need to know before you apply:

Learn more Costco Anywhere Visa Card by Citi Annual fee $0

Welcome offer None

Card type(s) Cash-back

Purchase APR 19.49% - 27.49% variable Rewards rate 5% cash back on gas at Costco and 4% cash back on other eligible gas and EV charging on the combined first $7,000 spent per year (1% after that) 3% unlimited cash back on restaurants and eligible travel (includes Costco Travel) 2% unlimited cash back on all other purchases from Costco and Costco.com 1% unlimited cash back on all other purchases

Benefits No foreign transaction fees Special access to purchase tickets to concerts, sporting events, dining experiences and more Damage & theft purchase protection may cover you for repairs or a refund if purchases are damaged or stolen within 120 days of purchase (90 days for New York residents)



Additional Costco credit card benefits

Aside from rewards, there arent many additional Costco credit card benefits. The benefits you will get are fairly standard amongst rewards cards. These include no foreign transaction fees, travel and emergency assistance services, travel accident insurance, and roadside dispatch.

How to earn Costco credit card rewards

Cardmembers will earn cash-back rewards every time you make an eligible purchase with your Costco credit card. There are some exceptions to eligible bonus spending, though  for each of the non-eligible purchases below, youll earn only 1% cash back.

4% cash back does not apply to gas purchases at non-Costco superstores, supermarkets, and warehouse clubs. Gas not used for cars is also excluded.

3% cash back at restaurants does not apply to bakeries, and may not apply to restaurants or cafes inside of department stores, grocery stores, or warehouse clubs.

The 3% cash back travel category has some select exclusions: timeshares, campgrounds, bed and breakfasts, train tickets, and other commuter travel purchases.

In addition, non-purchase transactions earn no rewards. These include cash advances, balance transfers, interest and fees, lottery tickets, and fraudulent charges.

How to redeem Costco credit cards rewards

Unlike many cash-back credit cards, the Costco Anywhere Visa offers little flexibility in how cardmembers redeem and use your rewards.

Each year, youll receive the previous years cash back as a rewards certificate with your February billing statement. You can use the certificate like cash at U.S. Costco warehouses, but there are some important restrictions:

You must use your rewards certificate by December 31 the year you receive it

You can only use your rewards at U.S. Costco warehouses (including Puerto Rico)  not online or at Costco gas stations

You must redeem your rewards certificate in a single transaction

Cardmembers may also use your rewards to purchase a Costco Shop Card, which works like a store gift card. This is a useful option if you have more rewards than you can spend in one trip or youre unable to use your rewards before the December 31 deadline. Unlike the rewards certificate, you can also use the gift card online or at Costco gas stations.

Related: How to use your Costco credit card's travel benefits

Who is the Costco Anywhere card best for?

Not only does the Costco Anywhere Visa offer great benefits on several everyday categories  even outside of Costco spending  but its also one of the only card options for bonus rewards at Costco.

Many credit cards with grocery or supermarket rewards categories exclude wholesale clubs like Costco from eligibility. If you shop at Costco regularly, this card is one of the only ways to maximize what could potentially be one of your biggest monthly budget items.

Plus, it also offers a ton of additional savings.

Lets say youre a regular Costco shopper and pay $120 for annual Executive Membership. Each month, you do the majority of your familys grocery and household spending at the wholesale club, totaling around $500. Over a year, thats about $6,000. You also spend about $120 on gas each month and another $200 on dining out  both of which you charge to your card.

Heres a look at what rewards you could earn over a year:

If you already think your Costco membership is worth the annual cost, you may not consider the fee cost in your rewards calculation. But the amount you spend at Costco each year and the membership tier you choose can affect your net rewards.

Youll pay less for Gold Star membership, but Executive members earn an added 2% in annual Costco rewards. If you spend enough with Costco each year, that could be enough to wipe out the fee altogether (like in our example above). On top of that, your Costco Anywhere card rewards total nearly $250 more in cash back, and you could earn even more depending on your spending outside of these categories.

Before you apply now, make sure to look back at your spending and budget to determine the right options for you.

Costco Anywhere Visa pros

Everyday savings: Not only can you earn Costco credit card rewards, but more everyday bonus categories can help you save on your regular spending at restaurants, gas stations, and even on travel.

No annual fee: Outside of Costco membership, this card has no annual fee. If you already use a Costco membership for savings with the wholesale club, you wont pay any extra to earn additional rewards with this card.

Combine with Executive Membership rewards: If you have the $120/year Executive Membership from Costco, you may already earn 2% rewards on your Costco spending. With a Costco Anywhere Visa, youll earn those rewards plus 2% credit card rewards on your Costco spending.

Costco Anywhere Visa cons

No added benefits: Beyond rewards, this card has few added benefits for cardholders. If youre looking for annual credits or partner perks, consider more general rewards credit cards.

Limited redemptions for rewards: Inflexible rewards are one of the Costco cards big drawbacks. Youll only receive rewards once per year and must use them in a single transaction at U.S. Costco store locations. For more flexibility, you may want to look at regular cash-back credit cards or rewards credit cards.

Where can you use your Costco credit card?

Cardmembers can use the Costco Anywhere Visa with any retailer that accepts credit card payments. Its a co-branded card between Costco and Citibank and runs on the Visa network, one of the most widely accepted credit card networks worldwide.

If you dont have a Visa credit card already, this could be another incentive to consider the Costco credit card. Costco accepts all Visa credit cards (plus non-credit card payments including cash, debit cards, and checks).

How to make a Costco Anywhere Visa payment

The Costco credit card is issued by Citibank, so youll make all of your payments through your online Citi account (not through Costco). Here are your options from the issuer:

Online payment through your Citi account

Phone: 1-855-378-6467

Mail:

PO Box 78019

Phoenix, AZ 85062-8019

Costco Anywhere Visa customer service info

Phone number: 1-855-378-6467

Costco Anywhere Visa card login page

Alternative cards to consider

If youre not already a Costco member or looking for more flexible cash rewards, here are a few more cash-back credit cards to compare:

Learn more Blue Cash Everyday Card from American Express Rates & fees, terms apply Annual fee $0

Welcome offer Earn a $200 statement credit after spending $2,000 within the first 6 months

Card type(s) Cash-back

Introductory Balance Transfer APR 0% on balance transfers for 15 months

Ongoing Balance Transfer APR 20.24%-29.24% Variable

Introductory Purchases APR 0% on purchases for 15 months

Ongoing Purchases APR 20.24%-29.24% Variable

Recommended credit score Excellent, Good Rewards rate 3% cash back at U.S. supermarkets (on up to $6,000 per year in purchases, then 1%) 3% cash back on U.S. online retail purchases (on up to $6,000 per year in purchases, then 1%) 3% cash back at U.S. gas stations (on up to $6,000 per year in purchases, then 1%) 1% cash back on all other purchases Cash back is received in the form of Reward Dollars that can be redeemed as a statement credit or on Amazon.com at checkout

Benefits Generous intro APR on purchases and balance transfers Get a $7 monthly statement credit after spending $9.99 or more on a streaming subscription to the Disney Bundle



Why we like it: The Blue Cash Everyday from Amex is a no annual fee cash-back card (see rates and fees) with a generous welcome bonus. Ongoing rewards include 3% cash back at U.S. supermarkets, on U.S. online retail purchases, and at U.S. gas stations  each up to $6,000 spent per year, then 1%. Every other purchase earns 1% cash back. Theres also an generous APR intro offer and added annual benefits via partner brands.

Read more: Check out our full review of the Blue Cash Everyday card

Learn more Chase Freedom Unlimited Annual fee $0

Welcome offer Earn a $200 bonus after you spend $500 in your first 3 months

Card type(s) Cash-Back

Introductory Purchases APR 0% Intro APR on Purchases for 15 months

Ongoing Purchases APR 18.99% - 28.49% Variable

Introductory Balance Transfer APR 0% Intro APR on Balance Transfers for 15 months

Ongoing Balance Transfer APR 18.99% - 28.49% Variable

Recommended credit score Excellent/Good Rewards rate Enjoy 5% cash back on travel purchased through Chase Travel 3% cash back on drugstore purchases and dining at restaurants (includes takeout and eligible delivery service) 1.5% on all other purchases

Benefits You can choose to receive a statement credit or direct deposit into most U.S. checking and savings accounts Chase Credit Journey helps you monitor your credit with free access to your latest score, alerts, and more Generous intro APR on purchases and balance transfers



Why we like it: Chase Freedom Unlimited is a cash-back credit card with no annual fee that offers a flat 1.5% back on all non-bonus spending. But you can also earn 5% cash back on travel bookings through Chase Travel and 3% cash back at drugstores and on dining (including eligible delivery).

Related: Chase Freedom Unlimited vs. Freedom Flex  Which cash-back card is the best?

Editorial Disclosure: The information in this article has not been reviewed or approved by any advertiser. All opinions belong solely to Yahoo Finance and are not those of any other entity. The details on financial products, including card rates and fees, are accurate as of the publish date. All products or services are presented without warranty. Check the banks website for the most current information. This site doesn't include all currently available offers. Credit score alone does not guarantee or imply approval for any financial product.
A federal judge last week permitted a man's excessive force claims to proceed against law enforcement officers from Craig and Moffat County, who allegedly rammed him with a car as he was walking away with his hands in the air.
The bill that backers hope will breathe new life into Colorado's condo construction market won a solid 6-1 vote from a Senate committee.
A waiting list of more than 2,880 Colorado Springs households seeking federally subsidized Section 8 housing vouchers is not shrinking, nor is it growing.

Two months ago, the Colorado Springs Housing Authority paused new issuance of processing applications from the list as units open up, said Chad Wright, executive director of the independent agency.

With whats going on with the federal budget  we didnt have a 2025 federal budget until last month through a continuing resolution  were trying to balance the spending in the program vs. the funding thats available from HUD (the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development), he said. There could be funding reductions; its an uncertain and volatile time, and we want to be cautious.

The 1,741 indigent and low-income households that currently receive vouchers to offset a portion of rent costs are not being affected by the local authoritys decision to halt issuance of new vouchers, Wright said.

The pause on the issuance of new vouchers hopefully will be for a short period, he said. Right now, we dont know the balance of funding for 2025.

Many federal agencies are in limbo as the Trump administration works on its plan to cut federal government spending to reduce the 2024 budget deficit of $1.8 trillion and balance the nation's budget.

But Wright considers his agency already to be severely underfunded, saying demand far outpaces its ability to provide enough vouchers for everyone who qualifies.

Last year, the Colorado Springs Housing Authority  which administers HUD housing vouchers and also owns about 1,600 Section 8 units in town ranging from single-family homes to duplexes to apartment complexes  was awarded about $21 million from HUD for administering and operating the voucher program locally, according to Wright.

The number of names on the waiting list thats nearing 3,000 households speaks to the need, he said.

Featured Local Savings

However, its not unusual for the list to be that long, Wright added. Its been fairly consistent for the last couple of years.

At this time, people can receive vouchers indefinitely.

Another uncertainty is what will happen during the annual open-application period in July, when new people can sign up to be placed on the waiting list.

Beth Roalstad, CEO of Homeward Pikes Peak, a nonprofit that provides housing and programs for people exiting homelessness, seeking addiction recovery or addressing mental illness, said theres always a rush of applicants when the window opens.

People desperately need affordable housing, she said. Its a big concern; I think this is the first indication that our community will be impacted by federal cuts to a vast array of safety-net services.

Homeward Pikes Peak also is waiting to hear about the status of its HUD funding, valued at $1.7 million for supportive services and housing assistance programs the organization provides for 105 households, or about 150 people, Roalstad said.

The federal funding usually kicks in July 1.

This is delayed for us  normally we would have had our contracts by now, she said. I think this is the canary in the coal mine that HUD has informed the housing authority months in advance that something might be coming, and hopefully were able to maintain these vital programs. Its been a very nerve-wracking time for us.
Rebecca Keltie is a 21-year retired U.S. Navy veteran and the proud daughter of a Korean War veteran and a German immigrant. She represents House District 16 in Colorado Springs. Rose Pugliese is the Republican minority leader in the Colorado House of Representatives and represents House District 14 in Colorado Springs.
Dr.Venugopal Balaji realizes that keeping pace with evolving technology and advancements can be very challenging, hence he essentially participates in workshops, academic meetings, and group discussions with experts

practitioners and physician assistants is expected to grow significantly.Dr. Venugopal Balaji says, Our goal is to help more patients benefit from new technologies, though these innovations often come with significant costs due to the extensive research involved. In vascular surgery, treatment methods have changed dramatically. While we once relied mainly on open surgeries, most patients now undergo endovascular procedures, which are minimally invasive techniques like angioplasty and stenting for both heart and vascular conditions.Notably, recent advancements in technology, including improved diagnostic tools like CT scans and ultrasound machines, have been impressive. However, one needs comprehensive progress across all areas to effectively support surgeons. Overall, theres been a shift primarily to endovascular therapy as the main treatment method in vascular surgery.Even, robotic surgery has yet to significantly impact vascular surgery. However, the introduction of robotic catheterization labs promises to bring notable changes, though it may take another decade to refine this technology for better patient benefits. Mean while, artificial intelligence has already been integrated into diagnostic and treatment processes, with advancements in CT scans and catheterization labs providing precise imaging and accurate diagnoses. These innovations are emerging but are still not fully implemented in robotic surgery centers.Dr. Venugopal Balaji realizes that keeping pace with evolving technology can be very challenging. To stay updated, it's essential to participate in workshops, academic meetings, and group discussions with experts. Fortunately, in India, theres the Vascular Society of India, which organizes conferences and workshops. These events bring in experts from around the world for discussions and hands-on workshops. This is an excellent opportunity to learn about new techniques that are being practiced in the Western world. It's often difficult to travel overseas for training when new technologies emerge. However, fortunately, some professionals come to India to provide all such surgeons with training.Dr Venugopal Balaji has been practicing as a surgeon for nearly 33 years, with almost 30 of those years dedicated to vascular surgery. Throughout this time, a significant number of patients have benefited from his surgical procedures. He with the collaborative team effort has received support and appreciation from the community and the patients alike. For instance, he has been accredited by the Indian Medical Association for his services, as well as recognized by his alma mater, Madras Medical College. Many other organizations have also acknowledged and appreciated his hard work in vascular surgery.This recognition comes from various sources, including individuals, academic institutions, and corporate entities. It's gratifying to receive this appreciation, as it motivates all to work even harder. However, he wants to emphasize that the success is not solely his, but the result of the teamwork. He has a team of anesthesiologists, nurses, assistants, and surgeons, who all help him collectively in giving the best result to the patient. So, it is a boost and incentive for the whole team as such.Moving forward, he endeavors to focus more on training junior surgeons and enhancing their academic efforts. Additionally, he emphasizes the need to prioritize research, which is currently lacking in the country. This requires significant support from various sectors and public organizations.In terms of patient treatment, India is already on par with international standards. However, theres still gap in research and development. For medical devices, approximately 90 percent are imported, highlighting the need for India to develop its own technology and manufacture its own devices. Doing so would help lower treatment costs, making healthcare more accessible to everyone, including the poorest individuals in the country. This will be his future direction, and there will be required to invest efforts in this area to ensure that all patients benefit from evolving technologies.He signs off relaying an advice to upcoming professionals in vascular surgery, India is seeing an increase in vascular surgeons in training and training programs, which is essential for underserved areas. While these programs were once mainly available in South India, they are now spreading across the country. Training requires significant dedication due to the nature of emergency procedures. Aspiring surgeons must be ready to make personal sacrifices and commit to ongoing learning to keep up with rapid advancements in the field, ensuring they provide the best care for patients.
The survivors of a pastors sexual abuse on the Northern Cheyenne Indian Reservation have filed a lawsuit against him, his wife and the church where he served.

Dean Alan Smith, sentenced to prison time last year for raping several girls under his care while pastor at Morning Star Baptist Church in Lame Deer, is now facing a civil suit accusing him of sexual assault and battery, negligence and infliction of emotional distress.

Also named in the suit were Smiths wife, Keli Smith, Morning Star Baptist Church, the Montana Southern Baptist Convention and Youthworks, a faith-based organization that facilitates mission trips for young adults. The survivors are alleging an effort to cover up the abuse that Smith inflicted on seven girls.

People need to recognize that for young Native American women to come forward and assist in the prosecution of a white person that was in a position of authority, that that takes an enormous amount of courage, said Shane Colton, one of the attorneys representing the girls and their guardians.

RAINN If you or someone you know are a victim of sexual violence, RAINN (Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network) is available to help. Call the National Sexual Assault Hotline at 800-656-4673 or chat online at online.rainn.org. RAINN is the nations largest anti-sexual violence organization, working in partnership with more than 1,000 local service providers. Online: rainn.org.

In 2001, Smith and his family moved to Montana, where he eventually became pastor at Morning Star Baptist Church on the Northern Cheyenne Reservation. As pastor, the Gazette previously reported, Smith hosted prayer walks, family nights and sobriety programs at the church located next to his Lame Deer home. Smith himself testified in court that he became a pastor despite a complete lack in seminary training.

In 2017, Smith and his wife became licensed foster parents. Both testified during Smiths criminal trial neither had received training for foster care from state or tribal officials. That same year, and through 2020, Smith molested three underage girls who stayed at his house. All the girls came from families living on the reservation. They ended up at his house because social services could find nowhere else for the girls to stay, Smith testified.

Federal prosecutors indicted Smith on multiple counts of sexual abuse in December 2022. Coinciding with that indictment, the Northern Cheyenne Tribal Council banned him from the reservation. At his trial held the following December, multiple survivors identified Smith in court and spoke in painfully blunt words what he did to them. Jurors eventually found him guilty of aggravated sexual abuse, abusive sexual contact by force and two counts of abusive sexual contact by force and of a child.

Your home was supposed to be a safe place for them, said U.S. District Court Judge Susan P. Watters, who presided over Smiths criminal case. They were extremely vulnerable girls. They were very young, and they put their trust in you. And you violated that trust.

Watters sentenced Smith to 30 years in federal prison. Smith has since appealed his conviction.

While he was convicted of sexually abusing three girls, the lawsuit filed in Yellowstone County District Court in March alleges seven survivors. The Montana-based law firms Colton Holm and Doggett Law Offices are representing the group of survivors and their guardians.

Beyond the accusations of abuse against Smith, the survivors lawsuit alleges that Keli Smith turned a blind eye to the sexual abuse occurring within her home and breached her duty to the care and safely to others.

Those allegations of negligence have also been levied against Morning Star Baptist Church and the Montana Southern Baptist Convention.

The defendants acted in concert or individually to fraudulently conceal and cover up the sexual abuse committed by Dean Smith and others of minor children, wrote attorneys representing the survivors in a lawsuit filed late last month.

Both the church and the Montana Southern Baptist Convention were aware that sexual predators had existed among church leaders in the past, the lawsuit alleges, but neither instituted safeguards or programs to adequately protect children and prevent child sexual abuse. On its website, the Montana Southern Baptist Convention does host a page for reporting sexual abuse, either by phone or email. The organizations leadership did not immediately reply when asked for comment on the lawsuit.

The lawsuit further alleges that staff at Youthworks, which organized mission trips to Lame Deer, received credible reports of Smiths abuse as early as 2016, and those reports continued through 2018. Lame Deer residents and Youthworks staff tried multiple times to report that Smith had molested children under his care, court documents said, but the organizations leadership never contacted law enforcement.

Incredibly, Youthworks continued to work with Dean Smith and as recently as 2022 denied that it had any knowledge of any allegation that Dean Smith was sexually abusing children, wrote attorneys representing the survivors.

Indigenous women are physically and sexually assaulted at substantially higher rates than white or Black women, according to the U.S. Department of Justice. More than half of all Native American women in the United States have experienced sexual violence at some point during their life, per a 2022 report from Amnesty International.

Ive represented a lot of tribal members who have been abused by folks, white folks, non-native people that are supposed to be performing good work, Colton said, and they summon the courage to come forward. That should never be underestimated or dismissed.

Similar to the Catholic Church, the Southern Baptist Convention, which encompasses over 45,000 churches across the United States, has faced a wave of scrutiny in recent years centered on its mishandling of allegations of child sexual abuse within its congregations. One report published in 2022, according to the Associated Press, alleged that the SBC's leadership ignored the survivors of clergy sex abuse for decades in an effort to preserve the church's reputation.
SPRINGFIELD  U.S. Sen. Dick Durbin isnt quite ready to talk about his future.

He made that clear to reporters who peppered him with questions following events earlier this week in East St. Louis and Springfield, where he instead spoke about the consequences of cuts to safety net programs like Social Security, and of the imposition of blanket tariffs on friends and foes alike.

But sometimes in politics, money does all the talking.

Durbin raised just $42,695 during the first three months of 2025, according to a quarterly fundraising report filed with the Federal Elections Commission earlier this week. The report is figuratively giving voice to longstanding speculation that the 80-year-old will opt to retire instead of seeking reelection in 2026.

Durbin, for what its worth, downplayed the small amount, joking with a reporter who asked if there are tea leaves to be read that, Well, if you want to send me a check, I'll give you an address.

And a campaign spokesperson also reiterated that Durbin, who has about $1.63 million cash on hand, remains an active fundraiser.

"He has been actively helping out his colleagues that are in cycle, has scheduled his annual Prairie PAC weekend in Chicago this June, is sending out digital fundraising asks on a normal schedule, and held his latest public fundraising event on March 24 in D.C.," the spokesperson said.

Durbin said he will make an announcement on his 2026 plans soon.

He could decide to run again. As the No. 2 Senate Democrat, he can raise campaign cash quickly. And despite some evidence that his partys base is in search of generational change, Durbin would be the heavy favorite to win both the Democratic primary and the general election.

That being said, Durbins latest fundraising numbers, to state the obvious, are not those of someone who is gearing up for reelection. At least that is the prevailing thought both inside the beltway and in political circles in Illinois.

Just look to six years ago for a comparison. Durbin raised more than $500,000 and had about $2.4 million in the bank during the same fundraising quarter before his reelection campaign in 2020, according to the FEC.

Durbin ultimately raised and spent more than $10 million in that election cycle, underscoring the fact that even in a deep blue state like Illinois, where he ran unopposed in the primary and had a noncompetitive general election matchup, campaigns are multimillion-dollar enterprises.

This is understood by the would-be candidates lining up to run for Durbins seat should he retire.

U.S. Rep. Raja Krishnamoorthi, D-Schaumburg, raised $3.1 million last quarter, bringing his campaign war chest to an eye-popping $19.4 million. Again, money talks. Krishnamoorthi has long been pegged as a future Senate candidate with his outsized bank account. And thats only been reinforced by his frequent travel to parts of Illinois that lay far outside his suburban Chicago congressional district.

U.S. Rep. Robin Kelly, D-Matteson, also believed to be eyeing Durbins seat, announced raising about $186,000. She has about $2 million in her campaign account.

U.S. Rep. Lauren Underwood, D-Naperville, who recently sent out a fundraising email featuring a poll showing her leading a hypothetical Senate primary in which Durbin isnt a candidate, raised about $393,000 and had about $1.11 million in the bank.

Illinois Lt. Gov. Juliana Stratton, who told Lee Enterprises in March that she would be interested in the Senate race should Durbin retire, opened a federal political action committee called Level Up in January. Fundraising numbers for the PAC were not available.

It is safe to say that as it pertains to 2026 in the world of Illinois politics, all eyes are on Durbin and, to a lesser extent, Gov. JB Pritzker, who has yet to say whether or not he will seek a third term as the state's chief executive in 2026.

Both Durbin and Pritzker declined to participate in the Cook County Democratic Party's pre-slating session earlier this week. The session was for candidates to make their pitch to committeepeople in the state's most populous county ahead of slating for the 2026 Democratic primary later this summer.

Many are eagerly awaiting their decisions.

The widespread belief in state political circles is that Pritzker, a potential Democratic candidate for president in 2028, will run for reelection in 2026.

With that, talk about the governor's race has largely focused on if the state's struggling Republican Party will be able to mount a viable candidate to run against Pritzker, a self-funding billionaire businessman-turned-politician.

But on the Senate side, Durbin's advanced age and sagging fundraising continue to drive the belief that he will ultimately retire.

And the shadow primary has been talking shape for months as candidates raise money, appear at political events across the state and seek to line up support among key power brokers and constituencies in the case Durbin doesn't run.

Just last weekend, Kelly, Krishnamoorthi and Stratton all appeared at the Rock Island County Democrats' annual fundraising dinner. "All three were strong" and "received a few standing ovations" from the audience of 325, according to Porter McNeil, a Quad Cities-based Democratic political consultant.

Durbin appeared too, but via recorded video.

What is playing out now is an awkward dance as candidates gear up for what would likely be a crowded, bruising open primary, while not stepping on Durbin's toes as he makes his decision.

Again, Durbin could decide to run again and lay waste to, or at least delay, the best laid plans of those who would like to succeed him.

But, his fundraising says a lot. Pick whatever cliche phrase you want. "Money is the mother's milk of politics," as the late former California Assembly Speaker Jesse Unruh put it. Or, more succinctly, "follow the money," a phrase popularized by the 1976 film "All the President's Men."

Either way, money tells a story, even if no one's talking.

Fundraising tidbits

Two Central Illinois members of Congress continue to post impressive fundraising numbers.

U.S. Rep. Nikki Budzinski, D-Springfield, raised more than $538,000 last quarter, bringing her campaign war chest to $2.1 million. U.S. Rep. Darin LaHood, R-Peoria, raised more than $824,000 and has nearly $5.9 million in the bank.

Budzinski has already announced her intention to seek reelection.

Many Illinois Republicans would like to see LaHood give the Senate race a look if Durbin retires. But the politically astute Republican is more likely to run for reelection to his heavily Republican House seat than mount a statewide campaign in deep blue Illinois in a challenging midterm year.

Meanwhile, U.S. Rep. Eric Sorensen, D-Moline, raised nearly $326,000 last quarter. He has about $322,000 on hand. He started the cycle with only $113,000 after spending nearly $5 million in the 2024 campaign cycle.

Sorensen represents Illinois' 17th Congressional District, which is the state's most competitive. However, Sorensen was not included in an initial "target" list released by the House Republican campaign arm earlier this year, indicating that, at least for now, he is off the national radar.

Down in Southern Illinois, U.S. Rep. Mike Bost, R-Murphysboro, raised about $148,000 last quarter, bringing his total cash on hand to $350,000.

Bost won his primary in 2024 by less than 3,000 votes against former gubernatorial candidate and state Sen. Darren Bailey, who has not yet made his 2026 plans known.

Bailey, however, did no fundraising last quarter and had just $1.18 in his federal campaign account, per his filing with the FEC. His state account had just $2,805, according to the Illinois Board of Elections.

Among Illinois' statewide constitutional officers, the big fundraisers were Secretary of State Alexi Giannoulias and Comptroller Susana Mendoza.

Giannoulias raked in $527,000 and has $3.73 million on hand, while Mendoza raised $323,000 and has $1.35 million in the bank. Both have been mentioned as potential candidates for mayor of Chicago in 2027 against incumbent Brandon Johnson.

Attorney General Kwame Raoul raised $84,000 and has $1.17 million in his account. He announced last month plans to seek reelection.

Treasurer Mike Frerichs raised $10,000 and has $1.1 million in his account.

Stratton raised just $12,000 and has only $97,000 in her state account. But, she is believed to be focusing her fundraising efforts on her federal PAC ahead of a potential run for Senate.
GUEST RESEARCH: As Australia gears up for the next federal election, cyber experts are warning that scammers will use the heightened political engagement to target unsuspecting Australiansjust as they did in the lead-up to the U.S. election.

Research from Norton revealed that more than half of Americans (56%) had already been targeted by an election scam before making their way to the polls. The most common scams included fake polls designed to steal personal data (16.6%), political donation scams (19.1%), deepfake impersonation scams (10.3%), and a significant rise in robo-election scam calls (37%). These tactics, used to mislead and manipulate public opinion, present a growing threat to Australian voters as the local election nears.

Experts are warning that Australians should be on high alert, as cybercriminals are likely to deploy the same tactics to exploit voter engagement. Norton Threat Lab data reveals that 90% of all cyber threats now originate from scams and social engineering threats  a figure that has almost tripled since 2021. And Aussies notice this, with 33% already reporting that they have been targeted by scams this year, including payment scams (42%), text/smishing scams (39%), and phishing scams (38%), the election period provides another prime opportunity for scammers to strike.

Mark Gorrie, Managing Director APAC for Norton, warns that Australian voters are now prime targets, Weve seen how scammers exploited the U.S. election, preying on voters through fake donation requests, impersonation scams, and disinformation campaigns. With the Australian election approaching, cybercriminals will likely use similar tactics here. We urge Australians to be highly cautious, especially when receiving unsolicited messages about political donations, surveys, or exclusive election information.

One concerning trend observed in the U.S. was the role of AI-generated deepfakes, which have become increasingly sophisticated. According to Nortons research, deepfake and impersonation scams targeted over 10% of Americans, with younger demographics (ages 25-34) being the most affected (19.9%). Given Australias increasing adoption of AI-driven technologies, there is a strong likelihood that deepfake scams will emerge in local campaigns.

"Weve already seen misinformation campaigns in past elections, and the growing use of AI makes these scams even harder to detect. Scammers will take advantage of the heightened interest in the election to trick people into sharing personal data or handing over money. Weve seen fake fundraising campaigns, bogus voter registration sites, and deepfake content spreading online. Australians should be highly sceptical of any unsolicited political messages and always fact-check before taking action.

If something seems too sensational, too urgent, or asks for personal or financial details, take a step back and verify it through official sources like the Australian Electoral Commission (AEC)."

To remain vigilant during the election period, Gorrie recommends:

Be cautious of unsolicited messages  Scammers often pose as political parties or government agencies.

Verify donation requests  If you wish to donate, visit the official campaign website directly rather than clicking on links from emails or social media.

Watch out for misinformation  Cross-check political news and social media posts with reliable sources.Stay alert for AI-generated content 

Deepfake videos and impersonation scams are on the rise; be sceptical of sensational political content.

With the Australian federal election approaching, vigilance is key. Learning from the U.S. experience, Australians can take steps now to safeguard their personal information and avoid falling victim to election-related scams.
Australias national research and development (R&D) performance is in crisis, and how we confront the problem will define the types of jobs and standard of living for the nations future, according to a landmark report commissioned by TechnologyOne.

The report, commissioned by TechnologyOne for the Strategic Examination of R&D, is a call to arms to treat this as an intergenerational obligation that needs to be seized by governments, academics and researchers but also, importantly, by the business community, TechnologyOne CEO Ed Chung said.

It makes clear that only a genuine Team Australia response can pull Australia R&D out of the dive it is in, and that a commitment to growing the Australian ICT sector must be part of that story.

The independent report, by Insight Economics, found the Australian ICT sector punched above its weight in R&D investment, but was undersized as a share of the economy compared to Australias overseas peers.

The contribution of Australian business to the national R&D effort has fallen to 0.88 percent of GDP compared to the OECD average of 1.99 percent since 2010. Overseas companies are investing twice as much in their future competitiveness.

It is no coincidence that this fall coincides with the hollowing out of the Australian economy, with 11.3 percent fewer medium sized businesses and 5.1 percent fewer large businesses compared to 20 years ago, Chung said.

Add the data together and a compelling story emerges  Australia needs to take care of its own better, especially in tech industries.

We need to use all the tools available to support researchers and build stronger, bigger businesses in ICT industries where the intensive R&D investment is coming from.

Ed Chung said the announcement by Prime Minister Albanese that Australian companies would be at the front of the queue for government contracts in response to global tariff wars was a dramatic step toward redressing the historical bias against Australian companies trying to sell to state and Federal governments.

TechnologyOne is an example of what good looks like  reinvesting 20 percent of revenue into constant innovation and product improvement, driving the business from a start-up to an ASX100 business competing and winning around the world.

TechnologyOne invests hosts one of the nations largest research and development centres from Brisbane, where close to 500 people work to solve problems and improve systems for businesses.
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In recent years, Japan has seen increased prices, presenting a favorable opportunity for travelers to find great deals. This also means an excellent chance to indulge in all sorts of Japanese culinary delights at affordable prices!

So today, wed like to introduce Tsukiji Gourmet, the next in our series of tasty Japanese foods you can enjoy for about 1,400 Japanese yen, the equivalent of $10.

Tsukiji is home to Tsukiji Market, also known as Tokyos Kitchen and The Kitchen of Japan. Tsukiji Market has long played an important role in Japans food industry. While the market itself relocated to Toyosu in 2018, the surrounding area, known as the Tsukiji Outside Market, continues to thrive with a variety of shops. With a long history near the market, this wholesale district offers an array of unique and delicious gourmet that you wont find anywhere else! Not only is it a hotspot for foreign tourists, its also a popular gourmet area for Japanese locals.

From the many restaurants in the bustling Tsukiji area, we have carefully selected the top restaurants that offer the best value, food, and Tsukiji hospitality.

(Note: Information and prices as of September 2023 and are subject to change.)

Chuka Soba Tsukiji Wakaba: A Simple Flavor Suitable for Breakfast! (900 yen)

Ramen is one of Japans most internationally known foods. While ramen did indeed originate in China, it has developed its own unique identity within Japan, becoming highly regarded as one of the countrys culinary specialties.

Among the many ramen establishments in Tsukiji, Chuka Soba Tsukiji Wakaba is a highly recommended spot. This restaurant has been in business for 70 years and continues to serve those working in and around the Tsukiji Outer Market.

The menu is simple, featuring only Chuka Soba (or Chinese-style Soba) at 900 yen, tax included. The noodles are boiled by the shop owner the moment an order is placed. Technically speaking, theres no strict distinction between Chinese soba and ramen. Its widely believed that the term ramen was introduced to distinguish these noodles from traditional Japanese soba, leading to a change in terminology with the times.

The standing style of eating adds to the restaurants charm. There are several tables set up at the front of the restaurant, so once you receive your food at the counter, you can carry it over yourself.

The meal is ready in no time! Its an ideal spot to drop by for a quick meal on busy mornings, before work, or before sightseeing.

One sip of the broth reveals a gentle soy sauce flavor. While pork bone and other varieties of ramen broth are available internationally, this simple soy sauce ramen can only be found in Japan. The thin, smooth noodles complement the soup impeccably, while the chashu pork is light and tender with little fat.

I dont have anything particular in mind. I just want my customers to be happy with their food, smiles friendly shop owner Mr. Wakabayashi. His tender dishes perfectly reflect his kindness in preparation. Its an ideal breakfast ramen that will warm you up, body and soul.

Tsukiji Wakaba   () Address4-9-11, Tsukiji, Chuo Ku, Tokyo, 104-0045

Phone Number03-6264-3966

Hours: (Mon/Tues/Thurs/Fri/Sat) 6:30 AM - 1:30 PM / (Wed/Sun) 7:30 AM - Noon Closed: Irregular days

Tsukiji Soratsukis Strawberry Milky Soft Cream: Cute in Style, Authentic in Taste! (650 yen)

Tsukiji Soratsuki stands out amidst the myriad of food shops in the Tsukiji area, abundant in dishes of seafood, meat, produce, egg omelets, and rice. Its prominent strawberry sculpture beckons passersby, inviting them to stop by. The store boasts a variety of strawberry-related products and fruit items, such as Strawberry Daifuku.

Tsukiji retains its strong association with seafood, having been home to one of the largest fish markets in the world. The Strawberry Daifuku was born from the owners earnest desire to create a souvenir treat that could easily be taken home at room temperature, needing no refrigeration or freezing. Not only are strawberries some of the most popular fruits, but theyre also the owners favorite, which is why he has chosen to convey the charm of these berries in various ways, most notably through his shop dedicated to strawberry sweets.

All of Soratsukis strawberry sweets brilliantly capture the allure of this fruit. Adorned with strawberries as the main attraction, these treats are not only visually appealing, they boast the delightful aroma and freshness of fresh fruit, offering a delightful experience for both the eyes and palate.

The shop also offers take-out sweets like Strawberry Milky Soft and Strawberry Smoothie Soft, which have grown in popularity thanks to numerous social media posts, both domestic and international. This has lead to inevitable queues, especially during lunchtime hours on weekends and holidays.

Here wed like to introduce the visually striking Strawberry Milky Soft Cream (650 yen, tax included). This delicious treat combines the flavors of vanilla and strawberry, resulting in the shops most popular soft serve ice cream.

Topped with juicy, fresh strawberries, this milk-based soft-serve is perfectly balanced in sweetness, and just as delicious on its own. The red strawberry ice cream is a rich sorbet with a good balance of sweetness and tartness, as if fresh strawberries had been crushed directly into every scoop.

Its refreshing sweetness sets it apart from other Tsukiji food options, making it an ideal palate cleanser or after-dinner dessert. Even with a full stomach, we finished ours up in no time.

While there are no tables and chairs inside the restaurant, it does offer an eat-in space at the back with a counter, providing a cozy refuge from the wind and rain. We recommend enjoying your meal in this comfortable space.

Tsukiji Solatsuki  Address: 4-11-10, Tsukiji, Chuo Ku, Tokyo, 104-0045 Hours: 7 AM - 3 PM Closed: New Year's Day

Tsukiji-Shouros Shouro Sandwich: A Gem Born from Workers' Meals (600 yen)

Tsukiji Shouro is a long-established tamagoyaki (omelet) shop founded in the Taisho Era (1912-1926). It has specialized in supplying tamagoyaki, primarily to sushi restaurants, for a long time. The secret to tamagoyaki that tastes great even when served cold is the dashi broth. While hot omelets can be found all over the world, cold tamagoyaki seasoned with dashi is a distinctive feature of Japanese cuisine.

Their most popular dish is the Shouro Omelet (one size). Theres also the Shouro Sandwich (600 yen, tax included), featuring tamagoyaki between two slices of bread. This dish originated as a side dish at the shop, thanks to a previous shop owners suggestion to serve the omelet with bread instead of rice like you would with sushi.

As you can see from the photo, the Shouro Sandwich is quite hearty in volume!

This soft, slightly sweet bread carries a distinct Japanese taste, and is so substantial you can feel its weight in your hand. The thick omelet, infused with a generous amount of dashi broth, is cold yet juicy. Its vastly different from the typical egg sandwiches made with boiled eggs, a gourmet dish with a distinctly Japanese flavor.

While being a long-established business, Tsukiji Shouros appeal lies in its continuous innovation to meet both modern demands and customer preferences with its diverse array of products.

The Milkshake seen here (350 yen, tax included) is one such item, often ordered by famous celebrities for photo shoots. These milkshakes, not overly sweet but rich in eggy flavor, may redefine your perception of traditional shakes. They also pair excellently with the Shouro Sandwich, so be sure to try them out for yourself!

Tsukiji SHOURO  Address: 4-13-13, Tsukiji, Chuo Ku, Tokyo, 104-0045 Phone Number: 03-3543-0582 Hours: (Weekdays) 6 AM - 3 PM / (Sundays and holidays) 7 AM - 4 PM Closed: None (except major holidays)

Tsukiji Sushitomi Sushi Rolls: A Terrific Tuna Lunchtime Special (990 yen)

Visiting Tsukiji practically goes hand-in-hand with eating sushi, and one of the best sushi shops in the area is Tsukiji Suzutomi Sushitomi, an authentic Edomae-style sushi shop operated by Suzutomi, a Toyosu wholesaler specializing in tuna.

Amidst Japans surging prices, the special Nigiri Menu, which includes seven pieces of nigiri plus sushi rolls, is priced at 990 yen per person and is available for lunch on weekdays only (Monday through Friday, excluding holidays). For a heartier option, a 1.5 serving is also available at the great price of 1480 yen (lunch includes miso soup).

The cozy size of the restaurant feels homey and intimate (with upstairs seating also available).

Dining at the counter is also a wonderful experience, where you can watch as the chefs prepare the meal right before your eyes, offering the same satisfaction youd get from dining at a traditional Japanese sushi restaurant.

The chef immediately begins prepping the sushi right in front of us. Manager Tachibana, a craftsman with over 30 years of experience, shares, Its enjoyable to interact with customers and see their reactions up close!

The key to sushi lies not only in the crafting technique but in the careful preparation of the ingredients, emphasizes Tachibana. The craftsmanship and meticulous attention to detail throughout the sushi-making process are perhaps one reason why Japanese sushi is loved so much worldwide.

With skilled handwork, the weekday lunch-exclusive nigiri for one is ready in no time.

We start with the main course: tuna, with a divinely radiant red hue. The type of tuna varies by day but is consistently naturally sourced, not farmed. The tuna served on the day of our visit was from India, with a delightfully plump texture, and the distinct flavor and sweetness characteristic of fresh, non-frozen, natural tuna. The seaweeds flavor also adds a tasty touch to the meal.

Not only are the weekday lunches unbeatable, but the holiday and evening menus are also reasonably priced. The Sushi-tomaki is a thick roll filled with tuna, while the Zuke-don is a tuna-topped rice bowl. All dishes are reasonably priced and rich in the volume, freshness, and taste characteristic of wholesale tuna, ensuring a unique and enjoyable sushi experience that you wont find anywhere else.

Many of the regulars are business people who work in the area, which often equates to long lines at lunchtime. However, turnover is relatively quick, so we recommend hanging in there and jumping in line anyway!

SUSHITOMI   Address: 6-24-8, Tsukiji, Chuo Ku, Tokyo, 104-0045 Phone Number: 03-3524-9255 Hours: (Lunch) 10:30 AM - 3 PM / (Dinner) 5 PM - 9 PM (last order at 8:30 PM) Closed: New Year's Holidays

Take a Gourmet Tour in the Lively, Friendly Tsukiji!

Tsukiji is brimming with life and hospitality, with all kinds of gourmet shops that we highly recommend checking out. And despite its relocation, the Tsukiji area is as lively as ever, if not more so. Here, youll discover an eclectic mix of restaurants, from longstanding establishments steeped in history to those featuring innovative concepts while preserving the original market vibe.

So take advantage of this opportunity and indulge in the freshness and quality of Tsukijis delicacies and some of Japans finest, all for a budget-friendly $10.

Tsukiji Outer Market  Address: Amount of 1,000 ridge 1F, 4-16-2, Tsukiji, Chuo-ku, Tokyo, 104-0045 Nearest Station: Tsukijishijo Station (Toei Oedo Line), 1 minute on foot Phone Number: 03-3541-9444

*All prices and information as of September 2023. Translated by Krys Suzuki

Via Live Japan
SHELBYVILLE  Tim Aberle was drawn to teaching from a young age.

He realized by the end of high school that his love of learning, especially history and literature, made teaching the right career for him.

I'm 10 years into the profession, said Aberle, who teaches at Shelbyville High School. And every year, I feel like I've grown in leaps and bounds from the previous year.

Aberle is one of 30 finalists for the Golden Apple Excellence in Teaching award for high school educators, out of more than 470 nominations.

A native of Fairbury, Aberle met his wife, Stephanie, at Eastern Illinois University. She is a speech therapist. They have two children, Adeline, 5; and Henry, who is almost 3.

I found out about (the award) when I got a notification in the fall that someone had nominated me, Aberle said. At first, I got a nice little charge from that, that somebody out there had nominated me for this really cool thing.

Former Shelbyville High School student Kara Tipsword nominated Aberle for the award. He had helped her become a Golden Apple scholar.

He is the only reason I made it through high school and why I'm thriving right now, she said. He definitely changed my life. I attribute a lot of my success to him, whether he knows it or not. He is the reason why I'm the person I am today.

Aberle, she said, is why she chose teaching for a career and why she chose Eastern Illinois University, his alma mater.

He sang its high praises, she said. And I thought, if it made him the teacher he is, that's where I want to be.

In describing Aberle and his influence, Tipsword gets emotional. When she was going through depression, she said, he noticed and offered a listening ear, and he was like that for all his students: her classmates all knew if they needed someone to talk to, he would be available.

He was the person we trusted, she said. All of my friends, he was the one that we turned to.

Nominees have to fill out an application, including several essays in response to prompts, such as what their philosophy of teaching is, Aberle said, and he thought if someone took the trouble to nominate him, he should do his part as well.

One of the things he had to do was submit letters of recommendations from administrators and colleagues, something his principal, Kyle Ladd, was only too happy to provide.

Tim's intentions are sincere in everything he does, Ladd said, and in doing so has always provided a wonderful example for others. He is positive, he is purposeful in his actions, and he has always been able to develop a heartfelt rapport with staff and students.

One of the things that Aberle does, Ladd said, is lead a future teacher cohort of high school students who either know they want to become teachers, or who are exploring it as an option.

He is what experienced teachers should expect to be, and what new teachers should aspire to one day become, Ladd said.

Flexibility is a major part of his teaching philosophy, Aberle said. His ability to adapt to change, and to focus on students' needs.

It may sound cliche, but I try to remember who I'm here for, who I'm serving, and who I'm here to help, and that's the students, he said. I have my job, I have my assignment, I'm here to teach history and English and that's all good, but I try to remember who I'm here for, and I try my best to meet that student where they're at, and try my best to give them what they need.

He said he has to remember that while the day's lesson is important, to his students, other things happening in their lives are more important, and he has to consider their needs.

I need to be there for them, and to help them with whatever hurdle there is for them, he said. My teaching philosophy boils down to prioritizing my teaching relationship with my students, prioritizing how I can be in a position to help them with what they need and where they're at.

Amid the challenges facing education today, it is more important than ever to celebrate the educators who go above and beyond for their students and get results, said Alicia Winckler, chief executive officer of Golden Apple. These finalists remind us of the profound impact a dedicated teacher can have on shaping futures and building strong communities. We are proud to honor their extraordinary impact.

The selected 2025 Golden Apple Award recipients will be notified in the spring. Northwestern University provides a spring sabbatical to award recipients at no cost. Each recipient receives a $5,000 cash award.

Award recipients become Fellows of the Golden Apple Academy of Educators, a community of educators who play an important role in preparing the next generation of teachers in the Golden Apple Scholars and Accelerators programsinitiatives dedicated to addressing the teacher shortage in Illinois.

Former student Taylor Vidmar, who is a tutor at Richland Community College and will be an adjunct professor of reading and writing in the fall semester there, remembers how encouraging and even-tempered Aberle was with her class. She was his student in American history at Central A&M High School during his first year of teaching, and again the next year for world history.

It was something all the students noticed, Vidmar said. He'd never say that's wrong. He'd say, you're on the right track, you're close, that's a great idea. He never let students get discouraged or give up on themselves or feel they weren't good enough. He was very thoughtful. I learned so much in that class.

She remembers the students cooking up an April Fool's joke to play on him, decorating the classroom for a birthday party for Aberle and greeting him as he came in with surprise! He laughed and thanked them and said it wasn't actually his birthday, and took the joke with good grace.

He was very well liked, she said. Everybody loved his class. He was always in a good mood, never raised his voice at students, and had a very mild temper, even when we were pushing his buttons.
TOL proposes expert panel to study impact, opportunities for PH under new US tariff regime

The government must brace for the immediate impact and map out long-term strategies for the economy in response to the new tariffs announced recently by the United States.

To do this, Senate Majority Leader Francis 'Tol' Tolentino is proposing the formation of a National Trade Commission that would submit policy recommendations to the President and Congress.

The panel, according to Tolentino, can be composed of experts on trade, finance, and investments.

"The 17 percent tariff imposed on our products would certainly have an immediate impact, particularly on electronics and agriculture," the senator said.

But he added that the relatively lower tariffs on the Philippines, compared to much higher rates for China and other countries, should prompt the government to look for opportunities under the new tariff regime.

"What products can we boost to give us a comparative advantage? This can be studied by a National Trade Commission composed of economic experts," he suggested.

"We must prepare for a scenario where manufacturers would relocate from China. Perhaps we can prepare our export processing zones and present the Philippines to prospective investors as a viable destination," Tolentino pointed out.

But Tolentino admits that this is easier said than done, because of the usual problems that affect businesses in the country, such as the high cost of electricity. This could be covered by the recommendations of the expert panel, he said.
Press Release

April 15, 2025 ZUBIRI WELCOMES SIGNING OF DEPDEV ACT INTO LAW: 'TODAY WE START A NEW ERA OF DEVELOPMENT PLANNING'

15 April 2025 Senator Juan Miguel "Migz" Zubiri today hailed the signing of the Department of Economy, Planning, and Development (DEPDev) Act into law, calling it a "historic reform" that will redefine how the country plans and executes its national development goals. "Today we start a new era of development planning. The signing of the DEPDev Act marks the beginning of a more empowered and coordinated approach to economic growth and public investment," Zubiri said. The new law, now Republic Act No. 12145, transforms the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) into a full-fledged department, now known as DEPDev, with Cabinet-level status and expanded authority to align economic planning from the national level down to local government units. "This is more than just structural reform, it's a national victory," said Zubiri. "Our friends at the NEDA have long deserved the resources and recognition necessary to lead our development agenda. But more than that, this is a win for the country." Zubiri also acknowledged the contributions of various government agencies, economic planners and stakeholders in business and civil society for helping shape the legislation. "To the experts, industry leaders, policy thinkers and public servants who lent their voice to this measure, thank you. You helped us craft a law that is timely, strategic and grounded in the real needs of our nation," Zubiri said. As chair of the Senate Committee on Economic Affairs, Zubiri had championed the DEPDev measure from its inception. He emphasized that turning NEDA into a department is key to unlocking the Philippines' full growth potential through better policy integration, investment coordination and infrastructure planning. "As the Father of DEPDev and the enactment of this measure, I am very proud of what we have accomplished. We can look forward to better economic planning and implementation, which will translate to more jobs, more income and more development from the ground up," Zubiri noted. Under the law, DEPDev will become the central agency responsible for crafting and managing the Philippine Development Plan, the Public Investment Program and other long-term national strategies. It will also serve as the lead agency for monitoring and harmonizing development projects across all sectors and levels of government. "We are now equipping the agency with the power and resources it needs to drive real economic progress for the Filipino people," Zubiri added. "This ensures that our economic plans are not just well-crafted but also effectively implemented." He credited the leadership of NEDA Secretary Arsenio Balisacan and the rest of the agency for their tireless work in shaping and shepherding the bill through Congress. "I thank and congratulate the DEPDev team, headed by Sec. Arci Balisacan, and I have great hopes for the Department's big plans for the country," Zubiri expressed. The new department is expected to play a crucial role in addressing persistent challenges such as regional inequality, job generation and infrastructure gaps, particularly in a post-pandemic economy. DEPDev is likewise envisioned to interface more effectively with international development partners and institutions. "This is about future-proofing our economy. We're now giving our planners and economists the tools they need to anticipate global shifts, respond with agility, and deliver inclusive progress for all," he expressed. "Let's make sure this law lives up to its promise. With unity and sustained support, we can turn this department into a true engine of national development."
Artificial intelligence (AI) large language models (LLMs) and the systems based on this technology have recently emerged onto the medical scene with huge promises to disrupt and innovate upon traditional clinical practice. Ignoring the hype and boom-bust adoption cycles associated with most novel technology, AI will eventually settle into the daily workflow of many physicians, be it through direct use, or indirectly, through integration within EMRs, insurance approval pipelines, or even preliminary diagnostic screenings. Clinical medicine has been fairly cautious about embracing AI, likely from a medicolegal standpoint. In contrast, the industry of medical education, at least on the admissions front, seems to be more willing to encompass the use of AI technologies in the holistic admissions process, with institutions such as the Donald and Barbara Zucker School of Medicine at Hofstra/Northwell utilizing AI to preliminarily screen medical school applicants and the University of Miami Miller School of Medicine employing it to compile myriad preceptor reviews and evaluations into a summative Medical Student Performance Evaluation (MSPE) for each student.

Proponents of incorporating AI into the admissions/applicant processing pipeline extoll the efficiency gleaned from employing such technologies, especially when considering the ever-growing arms race leading to a larger pool of prospective applicants with increasing amounts of extracurricular activities, research items, and accomplishments embellishing their resumes. This pursuit of efficiency, however, overlooks a very unique aspect of the medical school admissions process that is critical to creating a humanistic health care workforce. We need to look no further than industries outside of medicine, which lack the streamlining afforded by the guild-like nature of our profession (epitomized by things such as the National Resident Matching Program), to notice the detrimental impact of AI on hiring practices for both employees and employers. Eighty-seven percent of employers are utilizing some form of AI in their hiring practices, with most citing efficiency as the underlying reason for implementation. In response, applicants are increasingly using AI to tailor their resumes and CVs to get past most standard AI screeners, creating a flourishing new market for resume optimization that tacitly acknowledges a breakdown or incongruency associated with the AI screening process and the ultimate selection of ideal job candidates. Many extremely qualified applicants are lost in the noise generated by this arms race, as the nature of commonly used screening tools becomes more dystopian, going so far as to incorporate facial and body language video data in their predictions.

Given the black box nature of how the predominant AI models used for language processing operate, this breakdown is not only inherent but also extremely dangerous. In the field of medicine, these models would likely be trained on historical and current medical class demographics and traits. There is the inevitable risk that they will recapitulate, perhaps even promulgate, our fields history of discrimination towards underrepresented applicants and overall failure to create a physician workforce reflective of this countrys demographic composition. These grievances have required continuous human-driven initiatives to even attempt to redress. Furthermore, the current federal administrations hostile stance on diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) may substantially disincentivize schools from making efforts to audit and monitor such models, increasing the likelihood they go rogue.

Notwithstanding the clear challenges to Title VI, Title IX, the ADA, and the ACA that rogue AI model use would elicit, there is something particularly ominous about our professions gravitation towards a technology that seems to be antithetical to the core principles of what it means to be a physician. While AI is adept at analyzing swaths of academic metrics and generating a report, its inference capabilities fall drastically short. AI fails to capture the nuanced qualities integral to compassionate care: Something that ideally would be observed through direct patient care, but more feasibly can be inferred through interviews and endogenous writing. While many schools already employ some in-house quantitative metric for the preliminary screening of applicants, the variables going into such a metric are clearly demarcated, unlike the non-deterministic outputs and hallucinations that plague AI language models. They can be easily audited, modified, and restructured to advance the goal of creating an incoming class consistent with an institutions principles and values. In contrast, relying on inchoate LLM AI systems to cull the pool of physician applicants is woefully inadequate. At best, it runs the risk of having many competent individuals fall through the cracks, and, at worst, may exacerbate the inequity associated with the admissions arms race, selecting candidates more skilled at overcoming AI hurdles than those espousing the qualities of a good physician.

While machine learning and AI will undoubtedly continue to play a role in medical education, its current potential in the admissions process remains marred by a multitude of inherent risks, requiring substantial caution on part of both applicants and institutions going forwards. Ultimately, empathy, ethical reasoning, and commitment to service are more than just lines on a CV comprised of buzzwords merely meant to be picked up by a screening tool. Just as we expect applicants to behave according to an honor code emblematic of a future physician by not misrepresenting clinical and volunteering hours or exaggerating accomplishments and awards, we, at the very least, are obligated to afford their applications due diligence tantamount to their efforts.

Newlyn Joseph is a psychiatry resident.
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22:48 Black paint smeared on Bahadur Shah Zafar mural in UP File image Activists of a right-wing Hindu outfit smeared black paint on a mural of the last Mughal emperor, Bahadur Shah Zafar, at Ghaziabad railway station on Friday, officials said.According to local sources, some members of the Hindu Raksha Dal reached the railway station in the morning and sprayed... Read more >

21:57 HC issues notice to MP on lack of live telecast of assembly proceedings A view of the MP Vidhan Sabha/Courtesy courtesy MP legislative assembly The Madhya Pradesh high court has issued notice to the state government seeking a reply on why proceedings of the assembly are not being telecast live for the public. Justices Vivek Rusia and Gajendra Singh of Indore bench of HC issued the notice on Thursday on a PIL filed by Congress MLAs... Read more >

21:26 Andhra student killed in US mishap days before graduation File image A girl student from Guntur, who was pursuing her master's degree in the USA, died after a hit-and-run incident in Denton City, Texas, while returning home with a friend, her family members said on Friday.V Deepthi was walking near the 2300 block of Carril Al Lago Drive on April 12 when a speeding... Read more >

21:17 Rain, thunderstorms likely in Delhi on Saturday: IMD File image With a sunny Friday, the national capital recorded a maximum temperature of 41 degrees Celsius, 4.2 notches above normal, with the India Meteorological Deparment predicting rain and thunderstorms in the evening.The minimum temperature was recorded at 25.6 degrees Celsius, 4 notches above normal,... Read more >

20:45 No GST on UPI transactions over Rs 2000: Govt The claims that the government is considering levying Goods and Services Tax on UPI transactions over Rs 2,000 are completely false, misleading, and without any basis, said the Ministry of Finance in a statement Friday. Currently, there is no such proposal before the government, the... Read more >

20:25 India's forex reserves jump $1.56 bn to $677.83 bn India's forex reserves increased by $1.567 billion to $677.835 billion for the week ended April 11, the Reserve Bank said on Friday. This is the sixth consecutive week of a rise in the kitty. The overall reserves jumped by $10.872 billion to $676.268 billion in the previous reporting... Read more >

19:52 Delhi murder: Role of 'lady don' under lens, security beefed up in area Local residents protest against murder of a 17-year-old boy in Seelampur, Delhi/ANI Photo The Delhi police are probing the role of a woman, who worked as a bouncer for jailed gangster Hashim Baba's wife, after the fatal stabbing of a 17-year-old boy in north-east Delhi's Seelampur area, an official said on Friday.Kunal was stabbed on Thursday evening in New Seelampur, and police have... Read more >

19:41 DGCA orders probe into death of AI Express pilot File image Aviation watchdog DGCA has ordered a detailed investigation into the circumstances that led to the recent death of an Air India Express pilot, including checking the medical history of the deceased crew member and examining the existing guidelines to deal with such emergencies. The Air India... Read more >

19:10 70 illegal hospitals and clinics closed in UP's Sambhal Representational image Chief Medical Officer Tarun Kumar Pathak on Friday said the health department has initiated action against unqualified medical practitioners and 70 illegal hospitals and clinics in Sambhal in the past week.A special campaign was launched in Sambhal, Gunnaur and Chandausi to identify and shut down... Read more >

18:48 Froth re-surfaces in Yamuna River near Kalindi Kunj File image A layer of froth was seen covering the Yamuna River surface near Kalindi Kunj on Friday, bringing back the focus on heavy pollution in the river. Experts said that the froth on the river surface was a recurring issue due to the toxic chemicals present in the sewage and industrial wastewater... Read more >

18:29 Ex-Bengal BJP Prez Dilip Ghosh set to tie knot at 60 Former West Bengal BJP president Dilip Ghosh is set to tie the knot on Friday evening.Ghosh, 60, will marry party colleague Rinku Majumdar, whom he has known since 2021, people close to them said.The couple met during morning walks, and the relationship grew over time, they said.Ghosh, known for... Read more >

18:11 Developments works may suffer in Maha over pending bills: Contractors' group Development works in Maharashtra could be affected if the state government does not release payments in time, a senior functionary of an association of contractors and engineers said here on Friday. Milind Bhosale, president of the Maharashtra State Contractors Federation and the State... Read more >

17:48 Confronted for 'eve-teasing', man out on bail slits throat A man out on bail in a murder case fatally slit his throat with a paper cutter on Friday after he was confronted by a group of people for allegedly teasing a woman in Jaipur, police said. The SHO of Jhotwara police station, Rajendra Singh Shekhawat, said Anand Sharma, aged around 40, was... Read more >

17:32 Cong to go solo in Gujarat bypolls, no alliance with AAP The opposition Congress on Friday announced that it would not enter into an alliance with the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) and will go it alone in the upcoming bypolls to two assembly constituencies in Gujarat.After the party's political affairs committee meeting, Gujarat Congress president... Read more >

17:29 JEE-Main second edition results to be announced by April 19: NTA Results of the second edition of engineering entrance JEE-Main will be announced by April 19, NTA officials said on Friday. The final answer keys will be notified by Friday, they added.The final answer keys of JEE-Main, 2025, Edition-II will be available for download on the JEE-Main website... Read more >

17:16 UP teenager stabbed to death by friend over alleged harassment of sister A youth allegedly stabbed his friend to death for harassing his sister in a village in Uttar Pradesh's Sonbhadra district, police said on Friday. The issue had previously led to tensions between the two and on Thursday night, the youth allegedly killed the teenager, Karamchand Bind at... Read more >

17:14 Vinay Shukla's 'While We Watched' wins inaugural Henry grand prize Filmmaker Vinay Shukla's multiple award-winning documentary While We Watched, a turbulent newsroom drama featuring Ravish Kumar, has won the Grand Prize at the inaugural 2025 Henry Awards at the Harvard Kennedy School's Shorenstein Center on Media, Politics and Public Policy. The award is... Read more >

17:02 Accident victims in Maha to receive cashless treatment up to Rs 1 lakh Representative image The Maharashtra government on Friday decided to extend cashless treatment up to Rs 1 lakh for accident victims in empanelled and other emergency hospitals. Chairing a review meeting, Public Health Minister Prakash Abitkar directed officials to ensure that accident victims get timely and... Read more >

17:00 Sibal slams VP over 'SC super parliament' remark Rajya Sabha member Kapil Sibal slammed Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar on Friday for questioning the judiciary over the timeline for the president to take decisions, saying this is unconstitutional and he had never seen any Rajya Sabha chairman make political statements of this nature.A day after... Read more >

16:39 Athiya Shetty, KL Rahul reveal daughter's name Actor Athiya Shetty and her husband, cricketer KL Rahul, on Friday announced the name of their newborn daughter, Evaarah. The duo shared a collaborative post on Instagram revealing the name and its meaning on the occasion of Rahul's 33rd birthday.The post featured Rahul holding... Read more >

16:25 Stalin challenges Shah on NEET, delimitation Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M K Stalin on Friday slammed Union Home Minister Amit Shah for his criticism that the ruling Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam was harping on to issues like NEET and delimitation as diversionary tactics and challenged the latter to give clear answers to the people of the state... Read more >

15:53 Satellite-based toll collection on highway from May 1? The Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH) on Friday clarified that no decision has been taken on the nationwide implementation of satellite-based tolling from May 1. The ministry's response came after some sections of the media reported that a satellite-based tolling system... Read more >

15:24 Rape accused thrashed, tied to cart, paraded naked A man booked for rape was allegedly tied to a bullock cart, assaulted and paraded naked by locals in the Visheshwarganj area of this Uttar Pradesh district. Police registered a case on Friday after a video of the incident became widely circulated on social media. The video purports to show... Read more >

15:16 Karan Johar breaks silence on his drastic weight loss Filmmaker Karan Johar has dismissed rumours that he took weight loss medication to achieve his new look and said he has lost the kilos the right way.In an Instagram Live on Thursday, Johar dismissed rumours that he took any weight loss medication.That's a lot of work, and it's not medication like... Read more >

14:49 MFs To Enter Specialised Investment Funds Mutual funds are gearing up to venture into specialised investment funds (SIFs) even as more clarity is awaited around key guidelines and the application form. Several prominent asset management companies, ranging from large-to mid-sized players such as Nippon India, Axis, Mirae Asset,... Read more >

14:48 FBI arrests Khalistani terrorist linked to Punjab attacks An Indian, wanted in connection with multiple terror attacks across Punjab and who is alleged to have collaborated with Pakistan's Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI), has been arrested by the FBI, the US agency said. Harpreet Singh, an alleged terrorist who had illegally entered the US, was... Read more >

14:12 Man kills 70-year-old mother after she denies him Rs 200 to purchase dog A man allegedly bludgeoned his 70-year-old mother to death after she refused to give him Rs 200 to purchase a dog in Chhattisgarh's Raipur on Friday, police said.The accused, Pradeep Dewangan (45), also allegedly injured his wife during the attack that occurred in Nageshwar Nagar under the Urla... Read more >

13:51 Modi speaks to Elon Musk, discusses tech, innovation Prime Minister Narendra Modi spoke to Elon Musk, world's richest person with a strong influence in the US administration, on Friday as they discussed the immense potential for collaboration in areas of technology and innovation.Modi said on X after speaking to Musk, whose business empire includes... Read more >

13:45 22 Naxalites surrender before security forces in Chhattisgarh's Sukma At least 22 Naxalites, 12 of them carrying a cumulative bounty of Rs 40.5 lakh, surrendered before security forces in Chhattisgarh's Sukma district on Friday, police said.The cadres, including nine women, turned themselves in before senior officials of the police and Central Reserve Police Forces... Read more >

13:38 FIR filed against Sunny Deol over 'Jaat' scene An FIR has been lodged against actors Sunny Deol, Randeep Hooda and three others following a complaint that a scene in the movie Jaat has hurt sentiments of the Christian community, police said on Friday. The complaint filed by a Christian community leader has alleged the movie, which... Read more >

12:55 Retired army colonel, wife duped of Rs 49 lakh in 'digital arrest' scam Cybercriminals allegedly placed a retired Indian Army colonel and his wife under digital arrest and duped them of Rs 49 lakh in this Himachal Pradesh district, police said on Friday. The complainant received a video call on WhatsApp in which a man introduced himself as an officer of the... Read more >

12:53 Tata Elxsi Inks 50-Mn-Euro Deal With ... Tata Elxsi, a design and technology services company, announced a strategic multi-year deal valued at 50 million euro with a leading Europe-headquartered automotive original equipment manufacturer (OEM).This strategic deal positions Tata Elxsi as a key engineering partner for platform and... Read more >

12:31 Bengal Guv ignores Mamata's request, heads to Malda Despite Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee requesting him to postpone his visit to the violence-hit Murshidabad district, West Bengal Governor C V Ananda Bose on Friday left for Malda where he is likely to meet the victims of the riot who fled there.I am going to the field, Bose told reporters while... Read more >

12:26 Former TTD chairman booked for remarks on ''cows deaths'' The Tirupati police Police have registered a case against former Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD) Chairman and YSRCP leader B Karunakar Reddy over his claims of cows dying at SV goshala.TTD Board member Bhanuprakash Reddy lodged a complaint with Tirupati Superintendent of Police Harshavardhan... Read more >

11:40 Focus on...: India slams B'desh on Bengal violence remark India has slammed Bangladesh over its condemnation of the violence in West Bengal's Murshidabad, calling Dhaka's take on the matter as unwarranted comments and virtue signaling.We reject the remarks made by the Bangladesh side with regard to the incidents in West Bengal. This is a barely... Read more >

11:21 Ben Affleck says he hated to wear his 'Batman' costume Actor Ben Affleck says he never liked his Batman costumes as they were horrendous to wear. Affleck played the superhero in Batman vs Superman: Dawn of Justice (2016), Justice League (2017), Zack Snyder's Justice League (2021) and The Flash (2022).I hated the Batsuits. The Batsuits are... Read more >

11:08 'Hike Minimum Pension Under EPS' Illustration: Uttam Ghosh/Rediff.com A parliamentary panel has asked the labour ministry to complete third-party evaluation of the Employee Pension Scheme (EPS) -- the first such exercise since its inception 30 years ago -- within a definite timeframe, preferably by the end of 2025, to make it more effective.Headed by Bharatiya... Read more >

10:51 Varanasi gang-rape accused's kin pick holes in survivor's claims Families of a number of accused in the alleged gang-rape of a woman here claimed on Thursday that there were inconsistencies in the survivor's account, while the police formed a Special Investigation Team (SIT) to examine both allegations. According to the complaint, the 19-year-old woman... Read more >

10:50 Ex-CJI opts out of ex-RAW chief's book launch amid row Ex-R&AW chief A S Dulat Former Chief Justice of India T S Thakur has decided to skip former R&AW chief A S Dulat's book release function, citing the political storm over certain parts of the book concerning National Conference president Farooq Abdullah. The book, The Chief Minister and The Spy was... Read more >

10:23 TCS Partners With Vishal Sikka's AI Firm Tata Consultancy Services announced a partnership with Vianai Systems, a provider of enterprise-grade, domain-specific generative AI applications. The company is founded by Vishal Sikka, former Infosys CEO. Through this collaboration, TCS customers will gain access to Vianais hila platform... Read more >

09:44 Vodafone Idea hit by widespread outage Vodafone Idea users suffered a network outage in early hours of Friday, a disruption the telco said was due to technical issue that was resolved. Vodafone Idea said all services are now back to normal. Our network services were briefly impacted in NCR... Read more >

09:38 India trashes Pak Army chief's 'jugular vein' remark Islamabad's only link with Jammu and Kashmir is the vacation of illegally occupied parts of the Union Territory, India said on Thursday, strongly trashing Pakistan Army Chief Gen Asim Munir's remark that Kashmir is jugular vein of his country. New Delhi also rejected Pakistan's... Read more >

09:15 US man attempts to hijack plane, shot dead by passenger A knife-wielding United States citizen attempted to hijack a small Tropic Air plane in Belize on Thursday (local time), injuring three people before being shot dead by a fellow passenger, the New York Post reported, citing officials. The incident occurred mid-air on a flight... Read more >

09:12 IDFC First Bank Gets Rs 7.5K Cr Investment IDFC First Bank said on Thursday that US-based private equity firm Warburg Pincus LLC and Abu Dhabi Investment Authority (ADIA) would invest a total of Rs 7,500 crore in the bank through a preferential equity issue aimed at supporting the lenders next phase of growth.Warburg Pincus, through its... Read more >

09:04 Infosys To Hire 20,000 Freshers India's two biggest IT service providers say they will continue to hire in thousands from engineering colleges this financial year even as revenue growth is expected to remain weak in a subdued macroeconomic environment. Infosys on Thursday said it will hire 20,000 fresh engineering... Read more >

09:01 CCPA Issues Notices To Coaching Centres The Central Consumer Protection Authority (CCPA) on Thursday warned coaching institutions against making misleading claims and engaging in unfair trade practices. The consumer protection authority said that a number of coaching centres have been found flouting the Prevention of Misleading... Read more >

08:41 NCW chief to meet riot-affected women in Murshidabad National Commission for Women (NCW) Chairperson Vijaya Rahatkar on Thursday said that she and other members of the panel will visit riot-hit Murshidabad district in the next few days and meet the affected women. The panel has already taken suo motu cognizance of the violence against... Read more >

00:44 Dalit groom assaulted by 'upper caste' men in UP File image A Dalit groom was allegedly assaulted by a group of upper-caste men during a wedding procession in Agra's Nagla Talfi area, police said on Thursday. The incident also left several members of the wedding party injured, they said. According to the complaint lodged by Anita, a resident of... Read more >
Reports from Cuba say the island has been invaded by counter-revolutionary forces trying to overthrow the countrys leader, Fidel Castro.

The only news coming out of Cuba is broadcast by the government-run radio station. All other communications with the island have been cut.

THe first landing is reported to have taken place in the early hours of this morning.

Broadcasts from Cuban government radio appealing for medical help indicate that the raiders have successfully penetrated 25 miles (40km) inland.

They appear to have come ashore on an area of the coast known as the Bahia de Cochinos, or Bay of Pigs, south-east of the capital, Havana.

There is no indication as to the size of the invasion force, but Dr Castro, in a speech on Cuban government radio, said they are supported by aircraft and warships.

The glorious soldiers of the revolutionary army and the national militia are battling the enemy at all the points where they have landed, he said.

The Cuban military have been on high alert for an imminent invasion for some days.

In a speech yesterday, Fidel Castro told the Cuban people he intended to resist such an attack with an iron hand.

Cuban exiles based in the United States, who are organising the attempt to overthrow the Castro regime, say thousands of Cubans have joined the rebel forces.

However, there is no independent confirmation of the level of support for the invasion from within Cuba.

The leader of the Cuban exile movement in the US, Dr Miro Cardona, said the battle had begun to liberate our homeland from the despotic rule of Fidel Castro.

Dr Cardona played a part in Fidel Castros revolution against the dictatorship of President Batista in 1959, and was prime minister for 45 days before Dr Castro himself took over. []

The US denied all knowledge of the episode, saying Cuban Air Force pilots defecting to Florida were responsible.

But reporters who watched one of the planes land in Miami after carrying out the attack described features which indicated it was American-made.

Courtesy BBC News

In context

The invasion of Cuba was carried out by a force of about 1,400 exiled Cubans, with American support from the sea and air.

The main landing point at the Bay of Pigs was a beach surrounded by a mosquito-infested swamp.

The only way to get further in to the island was along just three heavily-defended roads.

The fighting lasted just three days. The invasion force was badly outnumbered and the mass defection of Cubans they had hoped for  their only realistic hope of success  never materialised.

More than 100 of the invasion force died in the attack, and 1,189 were taken prisoner.

Shortly afterwards, President Kennedy acknowledged US support for the invaders.

It was the worst foreign policy embarrassment of his career.

The Bay of Pigs debacle not only strengthened Fidel Castros hold on power, but also brought the Soviet Union firmly on to his side.

It acted as a key catalyst for the Cuban missile crisis 18 months later, on 28 October 1962, which brought the world to the brink of nuclear war.
China appointed a new trade negotiator yesterday in the midst of its tariff fight with the U.S.

The government said Li Chenggang replaces Wang Shouwen, who participated in negotiations for the 2020 trade deal between the China and the U.S.

The worlds two largest economies have been steadily increasing tariffs on each others goods. China faces 145% taxes on exports to the U.S., while dozens of other countries were given a 90-day reprieve for most duties.

Earlier yesterday, China announced its economy expanded at a 5.4% annual pace in January-March, supported by strong exports. Analysts are forecasting that the worlds second largest economy will slow significantly in coming months, however, as tariffs on U.S. imports from China take effect.

Exports were a strong factor in Chinas 5% annual growth rate in 2024, and the official target for this year is also about 5%.

Beijing has hit back at the U.S. with 125% tariffs on American exports, while also stressing its determination to keep its own markets open to trade and investment.

In the near term, the tariffs will put pressure on Chinas economy, but they wont derail long-run growth, Sheng Laiyun, a spokesperson for the National Bureau of Statistics, told reporters earlier.

It wasnt clear why China was changing negotiators but the move comes as Chinese officials say the country has multiple options to respond to U.S. actions, including relying more on its own vast market of 1.4 billion consumers, and on Europe and countries in the global south.

Prior to his new appointment, Li spent about 4 1/2 years as Chinas ambassador to the World Trade Organization, the body that governs global commerce and to which Beijing has appealed in its tariff dispute with the U.S.

He was also deputy permanent representative to the Chinese delegation to the U.N. office in Geneva and other international organizations in Switzerland.

More so than his predecessor Wang, Lis experience at the Commerce Ministry and his participation in negotiating Chinas accession to the WTO more than 20 years ago stand him in good steed as China continues to refuse to cave in to U.S. demands, said Tu Xinquan, director of the China Institute for WTO Studies at the University of International Business and Economics.

Still, a bevy of higher-ranking leaders from President Xi Jinping on down is likely to chart the course, with Li representing their case in any talks with the U.S., Tu said, adding that Li is considered pro-free trade.

There might be another style of negotiations. Li Chenggang is an open-minded person and supports free trade, Tu said. MDT/AP
Chinese economy firms up recovery in Q1, ready to navigate uncertainties

Xinhua) 08:13, April 17, 2025

BEIJING, April 16 (Xinhua) -- China's economy started 2025 on solid footing, bolstered by a structural shift toward domestic demand and innovation, positioning the country to better weather global uncertainties.

The country's gross domestic product (GDP) grew 5.4 percent year on year to 31.8758 trillion yuan (about 4.42 trillion U.S. dollars) in the first quarter of 2025, data from the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) showed Wednesday.

China's GDP grew 5 percent year on year in 2024 and the country has targeted its full-year economic growth at around 5 percent for this year.

The country's economy delivered a strong start in the first quarter, ranking among the highest of the world's major economies, Sheng Laiyun, deputy head of the NBS, told a press conference Wednesday.

At the same time, Sheng cautioned that the external environment has become increasingly complex and challenging, with a rapid rise in global trade protectionism and growing strains on the international economic order.

China has made thorough policy preparations to address external changes, Sheng said, noting that a series of targeted marco policies have already taken effects and that more incremental policies will be introduced as needed to mitigate external shocks.

An aerial drone photo taken on Feb. 18, 2025 shows farmers operating agricultural machines to carry out field management in Qiaocheng District of Bozhou City, east China's Anhui Province. (Xinhua/Liu Qinli)

SOLID START

Highlighting broad-based improvements across key indicators, Sheng pointed out that value-added industrial output expanded 6.5 percent year on year. In March alone, the industrial output grew 7.7 percent from one year earlier.

During the period, fixed-asset investment went up 4.2 percent year on year, with investment in infrastructure construction rising 5.8 percent, and manufacturing investment increasing 9.1 percent, according to the NBS data.

Retail sales of consumer goods, a major indicator of the country's consumption strength, gained 4.6 percent year on year.

Supported by targeted policies to boost consumption, service-related spending also picked up pace. In the first quarter, retail sales of services grew 5 percent year on year, outpacing goods retail by 0.4 percentage points.

Wednesday's data also showed that the country's per capita disposable income increased by 5.5 percent year on year in nominal terms to 12,179 yuan in Q1, with the employment situation remaining stable.

Sheng credited these improvements to decisive policy support, local-level responsiveness, and the rapid buildup of innovation-driven momentum.

Noting that China's massive market, backed by a population of 1.4 billion and a per capita GDP exceeding 13,000 U.S. dollars, offers substantial room for both consumption and investment, Sheng said this strong domestic demand potential will continue to support the country's sustained economic growth.

A visitor dressed in ancient costume interacts with a humanoid robot of Unitree Robotics at the 5th China International Consumer Products Expo in Haikou, south China's Hainan Province, April 13, 2025. (Xinhua/Zhang Liyun)

FASTER UPGRADE

China has been steadily advancing structural upgrading and high-quality development, with its growth model shifting fundamentally from one driven by investment and exports to one increasingly powered by domestic demand and innovation, Sheng stressed.

Over the past five years, domestic demand has contributed more than 80 percent of the country's economic growth on average, he added.

As part of its move to make domestic demand the main engine and anchor of economic growth, China unveiled a targeted consumption-boosting plan in March. The initiative reflects the policy direction outlined in this year's government work report, which emphasizes improving living standards and boosting consumer spending.

New consumption scenarios are rapidly emerging with the rise of big data and AI, Sheng said, citing movie "Ne Zha 2" as an example of booming cultural demand that reflects the country's vibrant consumer innovation and growth potential.

Emerging sectors such as the digital economy are playing an increasingly important role in China's growth, with new drivers expanding steadily and contributing to greater economic resilience and long-term stability, Sheng said.

Regarding foreign trade, Sheng noted that a more diversified export structure is emerging, lowering reliance on any single trading partner.

When asked about the impact of U.S. tariff hikes, Sheng said they "may exert short-term pressure on China's economy and foreign trade, but will not alter the country's long-term positive outlook," pointing to China's firm fundamentals, diverse strengths, strong resilience, and substantial growth prospects.

China is well prepared to address all uncertainties, Chinese Premier Li Qiang said when presiding over a symposium with economic experts and entrepreneurs on April 9.

Li noted that it is particularly crucial to ensure effective economic work in the second quarter and beyond, stressing that it is necessary to implement more proactive macro policies and introduce new incremental policies in a timely manner in light of the needs of the situation.

(Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Zhong Wenxing)
Chinas economy expanded at a 5.4% annual pace in January-March, the government said yesterday supported by strong exports ahead of U.S. President Donald Trumps rapid increases in tariffs on Chinese products.

With the trade war clouding the outlook, analysts are forecasting that the worlds second largest economy will slow significantly in coming months, however, as tariffs as high as 145% on U.S. imports from China take effect. Beijing has hit back at the U.S. with 125% tariffs on American exports, while also stressing its determination to keep its own markets open to trade and investment.

Chinese leader Xi Jinpings visits is visiting several other Asian countries this week as he makes a case for free trade, presenting China as a source of stability and certainty in uncertain times.

Xi was visiting Vietnam, Malaysia, and Cambodia, while the U.S. announced that a senior State Department official, Sean ONeill, would be traveling this week to Vietnams capital Hanoi and to Ho Chi Minh City, to Cambodias Siem Reap and to Tokyo.

China also has been highlighting its focus on trade with countries other than the United States at various trade fairs that are showcasing its vast market and competitiveness as a manufacturing giant.

At Chinas Canton trade fair, in the southern city of Guangzhou, exporters were emphatic about the need to look beyond selling to Americans.

We need to diversify our market. When the West is dark, the East is bright. The global market is huge, said Wallace Huang, the export business director of Guangdong Weking Group, which makes rice cookers. In recent years, our exports to the U.S. have slowly been declining.

The trade factor

Exports helped Chinas economy expand at a 5% annual rate in 2024 and this years official target is about 5%.

In the near term, the tariffs will put pressure on Chinas economy, but they wont derail long-run growth, Sheng Laiyun, a spokesperson for the National Bureau of Statistics, told reporters. He noted that Chinas exports to the United States have fallen to less than 15% of total exports from more than 19% five years ago.

Chinas economic foundation is stable, resilient and has great potential. We have the confidence, ability and confidence to cope with external challenges and achieve our established development goals, Sheng said.

In quarterly terms the economy grew 1.2% in January-March, slowing from 1.6% in the last quarter of 2024.

Chinese exports surged more than 12% from a year earlier in March and nearly 6% in U.S. dollar terms in the first quarter, as companies rushed to beat Trumps tariffs. That has supported robust manufacturing activity in the past several months.

Chinas industrial production rose 6.5% from a year earlier in the last quarter, led by a nearly 11% increase in output of equipment manufacturing.

The strongest growth was in advanced technologies, such as production of battery electric and hybrid vehicles, which jumped 45.4% year-on-year. Output of 3D printers soared almost 45% and of industrial robots surged 26%.

Weaker property investment and consumer prices

Despite relatively fast growth by global standards, the Chinese economy has struggled to regain momentum since the COVID-19 pandemic as downturn in the property market has pushed unemployment higher, leaving families wary about spending.

Consumer prices fell 0.1% in the first quarter, suggesting that demand is not keeping up with supply for many industries. Investment in real estate also remained weak, falling nearly 10% from a year earlier despite government efforts to spur more lending for housing purchases.

The tariffs crisis looms as another massive blow at a time when Beijing is striving to get businesses to invest and hire more workers and to persuade Chinese consumers to spend more.

The outlook

Both private and public sector economists have remained cautious about what to expect, given how Trump has kept switching his stance on the details of his trade war.

Given the events over the past two weeks, it is extremely difficult to predict how the U.S. and China tariffs on each other might evolve, Tao Wang and other UBS economists said in a report.

The International Monetary Fund and Asian Development Bank have stuck with more optimistic forecasts of about 4.6% growth this year.

After taking office, Trump first ordered a 10% increase in tariffs on imports from China. He later raised that to 20%. Now, China is facing 145% tariffs on most of its exports to the United States.

UBS estimates that the tariffs, if they remain roughly as they are, could cause Chinas exports to the United States to fall by two-thirds in coming months and that its global exports could fall by 10% in dollar value. It cut its forecast for economic growth this year to 3.4% from an earlier 4%. It expects growth to slow to 3% in 2026.

China has stepped up efforts to spur more consumer spending and private sector investment over the past seven months, doubling down on subsidies for auto and appliance trade-ins and channeling more funding for housing and other cash strapped industries. ELAINE KURTENBACH, BANGKOK, MDT/AP
Elaine Wynn, the co-founder of Wynn Resorts and a prominent philanthropist, passed away on April 15, 2024, at the age of 82.

She died after a short illness at her residence in Los Angeles, surrounded by family.

Elaine Wynn was instrumental in the creation and growth of Wynn Resorts, alongside her former husband, Steve Wynn.

As one of the largest shareholders and a co-founder of the company, she played a significant role in establishing Wynn Resorts as a leading luxury resort brand.

Her contributions were particularly evident in the development of Wynn Las Vegas, which became one of the most profitable resorts in the city upon its opening in 2005.

Beyond her business achievements, Wynn was known for her philanthropic efforts, particularly in education and the arts.

She was an advocate for educational reform in Nevada, co-chairing the states Blue Ribbon Education Reform Task Force in 2011 and serving on the Nevada State Board of Education.

Her support for the University of Nevada, Las Vegas (UNLV), where she served as chairwoman of the UNLV Foundation, helped secure funding for academic programs and research.

Wynns charitable work extended to childrens programs as well, with her leadership role in the Greater Las Vegas After-School All-Stars, a program supporting low-income youth.

Wynn Resorts issued a statement expressing its condolences, praising her contributions to the company and its employees, as well as her lasting impact on the Las Vegas community.

We are all deeply saddened to hear of the passing of Elaine Wynn and send our condolences to her daughters, grandchildren, and her many close friends. As co-founder and one of the largest shareholders of Wynn Resorts, she helped to create and grow the company to become the most esteemed luxury resort brand in the world, the statement read.

Elaine cared deeply about the employees of our resorts. The current and former employees who worked alongside her to create Wynn and Encore Las Vegas cherish the many fond memories they have of her, especially of when they opened Wynn Las Vegas with her 20 years ago this month, it added. staff reporter
The Health Bureau (SSM) has drafted a plan to issue licenses for day hospitals, offering outpatient surgeries and medical services that were previously confined to hospitals, with treatments expected to take no longer than 12 hours.

The initiative will include advanced therapies, medically assisted reproductive technologies, and surgical procedures performed under general or regional anesthesia.

The bureau held a press conference yesterday regarding the public consultation on licenses for practicing healthcare services under a private regime.

Alvis Lo, the bureaus director, unveiled a preliminary proposal to introduce licenses for day hospitals  which will serve as a bridge between the citys hospitals and clinics.

Referencing global medical trends, he emphasized the significance of developing day hospitals and day care services, stating: By ensuring the safety and effectiveness of medical services, day hospitals can effectively improve the efficiency of medical resource utilization.

He also pointed out that regions such as mainland China and Hong Kong have begun enhancing the quality management of day hospitals  integrating hospitals, day procedure centers, and clinics into a new framework since 2015 and 2018, respectively.

The chief medical official expressed optimism, saying: It is hoped that this will further expand the development space of the local private healthcare market, attract more investment and customers, create more employment opportunities for local medical staff, and drive the development of the local medical industry.

Lo reiterated that  while ensuring quality and safety  day hospitals can promote the development of Macaus medical sector. He assured that technical guidelines will be established to regulate implementation procedures and monitoring mechanisms to uphold these standards.

Regarding the potential impact of day hospitals on the survival of clinics, Lo responded to an inquiry from the Times by clarifying Macaus broader vision for healthcare development.

We should make the pie bigger, he said. By establishing clear systems for the positioning and requirements of medical institutions, the industry will attract more investors.

With the introduction of day hospitals, qualified medical personnel will now have the opportunity to establish private medical businesses  enhancing their professional development. Lo emphasized that day hospitals will primarily focus on specialized surgeries and services traditionally provided by hospitals  ensuring they do not compete with clinics.

Referencing the 2025 Policy Address announced by Sam Hou Fai on Monday, Lo highlighted that the government has implemented several comprehensive measures to support the development of private medical institutions. This includes increasing the amount of medical vouchers this year  and plans to encourage residents to make greater use of clinic resources.

He believes that the positive growth of the medical industry in Macau will improve the environment and conditions for all medical personnel.

The consultation document outlines requirements for private medical institutions  including minimum area specifications and a set number of beds. Facilities must also be adequately staffed based on their operations.

Hospitals will be required to provide inpatient and emergency services, while clinics must offer basic outpatient care in both Chinese and Western medicine, along with minor surgical procedures.

The public consultation will open tomorrow and will last for 30 days  concluding on May 16.
NATOs support for Ukraine remains unwavering, the alliances secretary-general said Tuesday, emphasizing that more than 20 billion euros  over $22 billion  in security assistance has already been pledged by NATO allies in the first three months of the year.

Mark Rutte spoke yesterday [Macau time] in Ukraines port city of Odesa, where he met with President Volodymyr Zelenskyy.

His visit came days after two Russian ballistic missiles struck the city of Sumy on Palm Sunday morning, killing at least 35 people, including two children, and injuring 119.

The attack on the northeastern city, about 30 kilometers (20 miles) from Ukraines border with Russia, marked the second large-scale attack in just over a week to result in significant civilian casualties. Earlier this month, about 20 people were killed, including nine children, after a Russian ballistic missile struck Zelenskyys hometown of Kryvyi Rih on April 4.

Im here today because I believe Ukraines people deserve real peace, real safety and security in their country, in their homes, Rutte said during a joint news conference with Zelenskyy. The two met with wounded Ukrainian soldiers at a hospital in Odesa.

This is Ruttes first trip to Ukraine since U.S. President Donald Trump assumed the lead in ceasefire negotiations between Kyiv and Moscow, which have included several rounds of talks in Saudi Arabia.

These discussions are not easy, not least in the wake of this horrific violence, Rutte said, referring to the recent strikes. But we all support President Trumps push for peace.

Ukraine has endorsed the broader U.S.-proposed cease-fire deal, though Russia has effectively stalled the process by attaching far-reaching conditions.

A coalition of the willing

Meanwhile, Ukraine and its European partners are continuing to develop the infrastructure for the coalition of the willing, which is expected to act as a long-term security guarantee aimed at deterring future Russian aggression after a ceasefire is in place.

Amid that uncertainty and U.S. warnings that Europe must take care of its own security and that of Ukraine in the future, the multinational force is seen as a first test of the continents willingness to defend itself and its interests.

Zelenskyy said Turkey could play a significant role in providing future Black Sea security guarantees for Ukraine.

This is not about ending the war, unfortunately, Zelenskyy said, commenting on the security meeting being hosted by Turkey on Tuesday and Wednesday. Its about what comes after  the security guarantees for Ukraine following a ceasefire.

He said military representatives from Ukraine, France, the United Kingdom and Turkey are discussing the presence of a military contingent in the Black Sea as part of those guarantees.

The fact that these talks are ongoing, that we are preparing for this hopeful, soon-to-be achieved eventuality  NATO tries to steer that in the direction we think would be advisable, Rutte said.

The meeting in Turkey comes less than a month after the United States announced that Russia and Ukraine had agreed to eliminate the use of force in the Black Sea. However, key details remained unresolved, and the Kremlin has tied the deal to the lifting of certain Western sanctions.

Commenting on ongoing negotiations with the U.S. over a revised draft of an agreement that would give the U.S. access to Ukraines valuable mineral resources, Zelenskyy described last weeks technical talks in Washington as positive, with more consultations expected in the coming days.

He said the meeting was a technical session for expert teams and that both sides concluded the meeting on a positive note. Zelenskyy added that discussions  both online and in person  will continue throughout the week, and once the teams are ready, they will present the outcomes of their work.

A city mourns its dead

Meanwhile, residents of Sumy were still mourning their loved ones killed in Sundays attack. Among the dead was Olena Kohut, pianist and a solo organist at the regional philharmonic, and a farewell ceremony was held in the local theatre where she often played.

Dozens came to say goodbye to the gifted musician and piano teacher, who was killed while on her way to rehearsals. Mourners wept, holding red roses, as they approached her coffin at the local theatre where she taught piano and mentored young musicians. The crowd then clapped in respect as her coffin was driven away and out of sight.

The Sumy region lost a lot with her, said Serhiy Dorofieiev, 39, director of the theater where Kohut worked. MDT/AP
The government is set to pedestrianize the charming Taipa Old Village area in anticipation of a surge in visitors during the Labor Day holiday.

In a joint statement released yesterday, key departments  including the Economic and Technological Development Bureau (DSEDT), the Transport Bureau (DSAT), the Public Security Police Force, the Macau Government Tourism Office (MGTO), the Cultural Affairs Bureau (IC), and the Municipal Affairs Bureau (IAM)  announced that they recently engaged with local community leaders and school representatives, gathering insights from various sectors about the proposed temporary pedestrian zone.

This included visits to the General Union of Neighbourhood Associations of Macau, the Industry and Commerce Federation of Coloane and Taipa, the Taipa Residents Association, the Taipa Community Development Association, and the Macau Mutual Aid Association of the Residents of Coloanes Seac Pai Van.

Representatives from community associations and the commerce federation expressed unanimous support for the governments collaborative efforts to create these vibrant pedestrian spaces  the statement noted.

Just two months ago, during the Lunar New Year (CNY) holiday, relevant public entities pedestrianized the area for seven days  introducing new attractions like a bazaar and live performances for the first time.

In a similar spirit, the upcoming temporary pedestrian zone for the Labor Day holiday will feature a variety of attractions  aimed at enhancing the appeal of Taipa Old Village during festive occasions.

The interdepartmental working group emphasized its commitment to consider feedback from all stakeholders  to refine and optimize the May Day pedestrian zone, striving to strike a harmonious balance between tourism development and residents daily lives.

Additionally, according to the statement, the group plans to explore the feasibility of making the pedestrian zone a regular feature during festive periods  ensuring that the area remains a vibrant hub for both locals and visitors.
Two reporters from Chinese media outlet, All About Macau (AAM), have been removed by police from the Legislative Assembly (AL) during its question-and-answer session on the 2025 Policy Address this morning for disrupting and obstructing the legislature and illegal filming.

Reportedly, the two journalists, including the editor-in-chief of the Chinese media outlet, arrived at the AL Building as usual to cover the session addressed by Secretary for Administration and Justice Andre Cheong Weng Chon, but were instructed by staff to move to the public gallery due to limited space, which effectively denied them access to the conference hall for their coverage.

At 9:20 a.m., two of our reporters arrived at the AL to cover the debate on the Policy Address but were denied entry to the conference room. Despite repeated inquiries, we received no clear explanation and were only given blue cards to listen to the session from the public gallery, even though there were clearly still seats available in the conference room, as reported by AAM.

The report further indicated that the journalists confronted AL staff regarding their denied access.

Subsequently, more than 10 police officers and security guards formed a human barrier, set up red tape, preventing them from entering the venue.

According to the report, the two reporters were ultimately escorted away by multiple police officers and taken to the headquarters of the Public Security Police Force in Taipas Pac On precinct.

It was reported that the media outlet concerned has repeatedly been denied access to official events under the pretext of limited space.

This includes Tuesdays AL session addressed by Chief Executive Sam Hou Fai regarding his first Policy Address.

At the time of Tuesdays incident, the editor-in-chief of AAM asked Wong Lok I, deputy director of the Government Information Bureau (GCS), why the AL had screened media outlets and denied reporters entry. Wong, according to a videotape posted on the medias Facebook page, responded succinctly, stating: Go ask the Legislative Assembly.

This afternoon, during a regular police press conference, other media outlets inquired about the situation regarding the two reporters, including where they were taken, whether the individuals who escorted them were Public Security Police officers, the circumstances at the scene, whether the AL had been notified to follow up, and if any charges would be pressed. They were informed that no information is available at this time and were asked to submit inquiries via email.

However, it has been confirmed that the incident is still under investigation, and the two reporters are currently being questioned at a police station.

The Times sent separate emails in Chinese to the Government Information Bureau and the Public Security Police Force. However, as of press time, no response had been received. MDT Staff reporter
To mark the 30th anniversary of Disney and Pixars Toy Story, Studio City is bringing the beloved franchise to life with a large-scale themed event from April 18 to October 31.

The resort will feature immersive installations, interactive experiences, and exclusive collectibles for guests of all ages.

A towering six-meter-tall Woody greets visitors at the entrance, while inside, Andys bedroom is recreated with oversized furniture and toys for photo opportunities.

Other highlights include the Rescuing Woody interactive installation, the Toy Story Carnival with game booths, and a pop-up store with exclusive merchandise.

Studio Citys attractions also join in, with the Golden Reel Ferris wheel featuring Toy Story-themed cabins, and four restaurants offering character-inspired dishes.

A special kids cooking class at Louvre Pastry & Deli on April 27 will let little chefs make Alien-themed pizzas.
Chinese leader Xi Jinping told Malaysias leader yesterday that China will be a collaborative partner and stand with its Southeast Asian neighbors in the wake of global economic shocks.

In the face of shocks to global order and economic globalization, China and Malaysia will stand with countries in the region to combat the undercurrents of geopolitical  confrontation, as well as the counter-currents of unilateralism and protectionism, Xi, who was on a state visit to Malaysia as part of his Southeast Asia tour, said in remarks at a dinner with Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim.

Together we will safeguard the bright prospects of our Asian family, he added.

Xi is visiting Vietnam, Malaysia and Cambodia this week, days after U.S. President Donald Trumps tariff announcements disrupted the global economy, and he has used the trip to promote Beijing as a source of stability in the region. Although the trip was likely planned before the tariffs uncertainty, it was a chance for Beijing to shore up its own relationships in the region and look for ways to mitigate the 145% tariffs that Trump has kept on China, even as he paused tariffs for other countries.

Malaysias leader was effusive in his welcome of Xi and praised China as a leader, while issuing thinly veiled criticism against the U.S.

What we are witnessing today is not an honest reckoning with the imperfections of globalization, but a retreat into economic tribalism. Market access is being weaponized, Ibrahim said. In these trying times, the world yearns for steadiness, reliability and a common purpose. We see this in Chinas conduct.

Xi has promised Malaysia and Vietnam greater access to Chinese markets on his visits, although few details were shared.

He also mentioned further developing cooperation in green tech and artificial intelligence in his meeting with Malaysias king, Sultan Ibrahim Iskandar, on Wednesday, according to the official Xinhua News.

Malaysia is home to several Belt and Road Initiative projects, including a $11.2 billion Chinese railway project, which Xi discussed in his meeting with the king. China is also its largest trading partner and a top source of foreign direct investment.

Xi kicked off his tour with a state visit to Vietnam, and arrived in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysias capital, for a three-day visit Tuesday. He met with Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim yesterday.

In Hanoi, Xi had a meeting with Vietnams Communist Party General Secretary To Lam, as well as senior leaders including the president and prime minister. China and Vietnam signed a series of memorandums on cooperation in supply chains and a joint railway project, and Xi also promised greater access for Vietnamese agricultural exports to China, although few details were made public about the agreements.

Yesterday, Chinas Ministry of Commerce confirmed that China and Vietnam had signed a memorandum to build a smooth, stable, and resilient industrial chain and supply chain, and further deepen trade and investment cooperation between businesses from the two countries, without any further details.

China had also agreed to deepen its defense partnership with Vietnam, according to the Ministry of Defense, which issued a statement yesterday. The statement did not specify details. The two sides agreed to enhance cooperation in areas such as political work, maritime security, joint exercises and personnel training, and elevate the military-to-military relations to a new level. HUIZHONG WU, BANGKOK, MDT/AP
Immigrants are good people, strong people, George H. W. Bush said in a 1980 debate with Ronald Reagan, who then suggested opening the Mexican border both ways.

Were talking about putting up a fence, Reagan said. Why dont we work out some recognition of our mutual problems? Make it possible for them to come here legally with a work permit.

A 45-year-old video clip of that debate set the stage Tuesday night for a panel discussion on Human Dignity in Immigration Policy at the College of Southern Idaho.

The immigration conversation has not changed much since then, said former state Rep. Chenele Dixon, founder of Idaho Solutions, who organized the discussion.

But the first question from the audience at the Herrett Center pushed back on Dixons claim. Sen. Kelly Anthon, R-Burley, moderated the debate and read the question off an index card.

The conversation seems to now be about criminals and rapists, Anthon read from the card. How can you say the conversation has stayed pretty much the same?

Panelist Rick Naerebout, CEO of the Idaho Dairymans Association, said the tenor and the adjectives have changed, but we havent really begun to solve the problem.

The video, Naerebout said, could have been from the 2025 Idaho Legislative session when lawmakers debated whether unauthorized immigrants should have access to public education.

Were still debating the same issues and I think for us that work in the building and work on these issues is very, very frustrating that we havent gotten beyond that, Naerebout said. At its core, the policy and discussions havent changed.

The two other panelists were Ken Burgess, a registered lobbyist for the Idaho Home Builders Association, and Jeff Wasden, CEO of the nonprofit corporation State Business Executives, based in Springfield, Virginia.

The Times-News asked Dixon how she chose the panelists and moderator, who were all white men. She said the discussion focused on industry.

I wanted the people who are the experts in their industry to come and speak, Dixon said. And I think another conversation that would be great to have is to hear from the Hispanic community.

Audience member Maria Hernandez, a Twin Falls resident, said that it had crossed her mind, and it would have been nice to have heard from a Hispanic or Latino panelist.

It would have been awesome to have at least one individual there, Hernandez said.

Taxes and benefits

Another question from the crowd asked if illegal immigrants pay taxes and if they receive government benefits.

From his position in the dairy industry, Naerebout said all of the employers he knows collect information for I-9 forms and then withhold state and federal payroll taxes for all workers.

Unauthorized immigrants, he said, also pay property taxes if they rent or own housing and pay sales taxes when they buy goods. But most do not file tax returns and dont receive a refund if they overpay. Then, when they retire, they are not eligible to receive the Social Security benefits they have paid into.

The notion that theyre not paying taxes and they are just drawing on the system is a very false notion, Naerebout said.

Labor shortage

Are there enough people, an audience member asked, to fill jobs in agriculture and construction if there are mass deportations?

Are we just lazy Americans? Anthon said. I mean, whats going on?

The short answer is no, Naerebout said. There are 35,000 unauthorized immigrants in Idaho and 30,000 have jobs. There arent enough domestic workers to fill those jobs and even if there were, they wouldnt be willing to do that type of work.

That is your typical experience when it comes to a domestic workforce in agriculture, Naerebout said. These are the jobs that for  were talking generations, decades  we have not seen a domestic workforce that has come and desired to fill these jobs.

From the construction perspective, Burgess said there are currently 400,000 job openings in homebuilding and commercial construction.

The labor shortage is one of the biggest issues in homebuilding, he said, and 31% of workers are foreign-born.

I have legislators screaming at me all the time about how housing prices in Idaho continue to rise and at the same time were trying to do what we can just to get a workforce available, Burgess said.

Pushing rocks up the hill

In a presentation before the panel discussion, Wasden said opening with the 1980 video was perfect because the last meaningful immigration reform was passed in 1986 under President Reagan.

As we continue to focus on these issues, immigration has been like pushing rocks up the hill, Wasden said. It is complex. There are some in D.C. who dont want to solve this problem. Its a wedge issue that keeps on giving.

Now, he said, President Trump 2.0 is waging war on illegal immigration and trying to secure borders, but the business world has a different view.

The data actually tells us a very different story about the economic contributions that are happening within the immigrant community, Wasden said.

Immigration is expected to contribute to a $7 trillion increase in gross domestic product, he said, over the next decade.

Upcoming lectures

Dixon, in January, created the nonprofit Idaho Solutions about seven months after she lost her primary to Rep. Clint Hostetler, R-Twin Falls.

The group last month hosted a talk on private school vouchers. The immigration discussion was the third panel this year and Idaho Solutions has three more scheduled.

A June 19 lecture will focus on political extremism, a Sept. 22 lecture will discuss civil discourse and an Oct. 27 event will cover religion and politics.

We felt like we wanted to get some of these topics out to the public so we could have public conversations about some of the pressing issues in Idaho, Dixon said.
Far-right US commentator mocks Xi Jinpings Malaysia visit: The Malays arent going to buy your stuff, they dont have money!

KUALA LUMPUR, April 17  Far-right US commentator Bill OReilly derided Chinese President Xi Jinping over the latters official visit to Malaysia that ended today, disparaging the Southeast Asian nations economic capacity in a clip circulating online.

Speaking dismissively in the clip, OReilly claimed not to know what Xi hoped to gain from visiting Malaysia amid a brewing trade war between US and China.

The Malays arent going to buy your stuff, they dont have any money! he said in the clip.

Beijing has actively sought to bolster economic ties with Southeast Asian nations like Malaysia, partly as a strategy to counteract trade pressures exerted by Washington.

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US President Donald Trump imposed sweeping tariffs on virtually all countries earlier this month, with especially aggressive rates on China that has also retaliated.

The two countries reciprocal tariffs have reach levels that are effectively embargoes against each other.

Xis visit to Malaysia was historic as it marks his first in over a decade and coincides with the 50th anniversary of diplomatic ties.
KUALA LUMPUR, April 17  The Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) has launched an investigation against Kwong Wah Yit Poh after the media outlet posted an incomplete illustration of the Jalur Gemilang on its official Facebook page.

The commission said the image, which appeared yesterday, lacked essential features of the national flag and may violate provisions under the Communications and Multimedia Act 1998.

The case is being investigated under Section 233 of the Act, which deals with the improper use of network facilities or services.

The commission said it viewed the matter seriously and would cooperate fully with the Home Ministry and the Royal Malaysia Police if further investigation was deemed necessary.

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MCMC strictly warns all parties, whether media organisations or the public, not to upload or disseminate content that mocks or portrays the Malaysian flag in an incomplete form, it said.

It added that it is committed to ensuring digital media usage in Malaysia remains respectful and upholds national symbols, saying that firm action could be taken against any party found to have breached these regulations.

The incident comes in the wake of another news outlet, Sin Chew Daily, publishing a computer-generated Jalur Gemilang without the crescent moon, which led to a rebuke from the King of Malaysia and a show-cause letter from the Home Ministry.
The trade war threatens hundreds of thousands of jobs in Quebec and Canada. We cannot count on the ruling class and their parties who have proven time and time again that they will prioritize their profit before all else. The workers can count only on their own means. Faced with closures, this means strikes and factory occupations.

[Originally published at marxist.ca]

In Quebec and Canada, this is part of the tradition of our class. This article revisits an inspiring episode in that history: the occupation of the Arvida Alcan plant in 2004.

Closure

On January 22, 2004, at the highly symbolic Davos Economic Forum, Quebec Premier Jean Charest himself announced the closure of the Soderberg smelters at Alcans Arvida plant. It was at this forum of the rich and powerful that Alcans president had informed him of this.

This announcement followed a series of other closures in the region. In 2003, the bankruptcy of the Consomat chain and the Cooperative forestiere Laterriere resulted in the loss of 1,000 jobs. In December, Abitibi Consol also announced the closure of its paper mill in La Baie, eliminating its entire workforce of 650 people.

As will sound familiar, Alcan had received over $100 million in federal financial support and posted profits of over half a billion dollars in the two years prior to closure. Then as now, wealthy companies showered with money have no qualms about eliminating good jobs.

Alcan was the worlds largest aluminum producer at the time  and Rio Tinto Alcan still is today. It was supposed to close the Soderberg pots (a technology considered outdated and polluting) in 2014, but surprised everyone by closing them 10 years earlier, citing the rising value of the Canadian dollar, and therefore higher export costs.

The reality was that the company owned its own hydroelectric facilities in the region, and wanted to export the electricity saved by closing the pots to the U.S., which was more profitable for the company.

But the workers didnt accept the companys logic. They demanded that a new smelter be opened to replace the one closing down thus preserving their jobs.

And to achieve this, they decided to occupy their workplace.

The occupation begins

On Jan. 26, the workers held a general assembly. Its interesting to see how the idea of an occupation came about. As shop steward Jeannot Boivin explained: Someone suggested the plant occupation and the whole thing just snowballed from there.

Simple as that! Under the right conditions, one person with the right ideas can have a disproportionate impact on the class struggle.

At the meeting, 2,000 members of the Syndicat national des employes de laluminium dArvida (SNEAA) voted unanimously to take control of the Soderberg pots. The occupation had begun.

Workers stopped answering to their supervisors, and took control of operations. Some 2,500 workers organized in other unions in the area came together to make sure the workers had the equipment they needed to restart production.

As one union member recounts: Even though were not part of the same union federation, all the aluminum unions are sitting together in one union alliance. Solidarity was instantaneous to supply electricity, bauxite, alumina, all the elements we needed to restart production.

Despite the bosses attempts at sabotage, worker-controlled production not only worked  it worked better than before / Image: Bouchecl, Wikimedia Commons

On January 30, to no ones surprise, Alcan obtained an order from the Labour board designating the workers action as illegal. But that didnt stop the workers. The next day, 5,000 people demonstrated in Arvida in support of the factory occupation!

Threats of huge fines  between $100 and $200 a day for the workers and $10,000 to $50,000 for the union  werent enough to stop them. In the end, they were unable to enforce the ordinance as the workers ignored it and forced the bosses to negotiate.

Workers control

In effect, the plant was now under workers control. Through their bold action, the workers demonstrated one thing: the bosses need the workers, not the other way around.

Indeed, despite the bosses attempts at sabotage, worker-controlled production not only worked  it worked better than before.

Boivin explains: Were the workers and we know how to run this plant. The supervisors have never seen the smelter operations in such good shape.

In early February, the union reported that production had even increased under the workers control.

Rather than taking their orders from the supervisors, the reverse relationship was established: They asked us for our production reports, but if they raised anything else, our answer was: No. Were the ones who decide. We ask for your collaboration for specific requirements and for the raw materials. This is essential for the workers safety.

Workers interviewed at the time explained that all of a sudden, the foremen became hyper focused on scrutinizing their work when they never had been so concerned about safety before! The aim, of course, was to show that the workers couldnt run the operation. But this was to no avail.

Boivin adds:

Under the bosses control it was the well-being of the pots that came first, but now, under union control, its the well-being of the workers and their safety that comes first. Theres not a ladder or catwalk missing, and the columns and floors have been repaired. We did all that without the supervisors-and to think that we might have waited six months or a year for the same results.

This highlights a key lesson from this struggle: A factory occupation poses the question: who is in charge, the boss or the workers? The Arvida workers demonstrated the potential the working class has to take control of society and run it without the capitalists.

Class consciousness

Through this struggle, the workers forced the bosses to negotiate for real, and drew radical conclusions from their experience.

On Feb. 8, the union leadership announced a tentative agreement with the bosses. Workers would be transferred instead of simply losing their jobs and the company would invest $20 million in economic development in Saguenay.

However, during the union meeting, the workers learned the real reason for the closure. As was already mentioned, Alcan wished to sell the 200 megawatts outside of the region as this was more profitable.

The workers therefore unanimously rejected the agreement, and demanded that the money saved be used to build a new plant, and that the 200 megawatts be used for the region.

But more importantly, the workers concluded that more needed to be done. They called for the nationalization of Alcans hydroelectric facilities!

We see here how, in the struggle for workers control and for saving jobs, workers are led to draw broader political and economic conclusions and question private ownership itself.

The end of the occupation

Factory occupations are the starting point for the struggle against closures and job losses. But if such a struggle remains isolated, it can only go so far.

Unfortunately, apart from the solidarity demonstration on Jan. 31, little had been done by the union leadership to broaden the struggle.

This allowed the government and bosses to get the upper hand and on Feb. 13, the Labour Board declared the strike illegal and issued a permanent injunction against the workers.

With no perspective to escalate the struggle, the leadership of SNEAA recommended its workers to comply with the permanent injunction and end the occupation. On Feb. 16-17, the 2,500 workers gathered in an assembly and voted to accept this.

From what we can tell, negotiations resumed and the union did eventually get a guarantee that no employee would be laid off. But a new plant was never built, which was the main demand of the workers.

Reviving our militant tradition

The occupation at Arvida is an important moment in the history of our class. Above all, it left behind a combative struggle from which to draw inspiration today. It showed a glimpse of the immense potential of the working class to run society without the bosses. Communists have a duty to make these traditions known and to revive them in the movement.

At the time of the Arvida occupation, this was a single isolated workplace. And one factory under workers control cannot hold out forever in a sea of capitalism.

But today, in the context of the trade war, workers at many plants and factories will be faced with similar attacks. In this context, a similar occupation at any factory could find fertile ground to spread to other workplaces. It could quickly escalate into a mass movement in which workers draw radical, revolutionary conclusions.

Today, the overwhelming majority of union leaderships and the left, even the radical left, reject strikes and occupations as methods of fighting job losses. But this is the only way to obtain anything from the bosses.

Only a mass movement of occupations can prevent the capitalists from eliminating our jobs to protect their profits. And only a working-class revolution can end this rotten system once and for all.
Marion City Council honored Dawn Penland, who became the first woman to serve as Marions city manager when she moved into the interim position in early January.

Penland was appointed acting city manager following the sudden departure of the previous city manager, Bob Boyette, on Dec. 27. Penland had plans to retire before stepping in. On April 1, Woody Ayers took over as the new Marion city manager. Penland plans to retire on April 25.

Each month, a council member selects a Citizen of the Month to recognize at a council meeting. In April, Councilman Billy Martin chose Penland.

Historically, council recognizes individuals who are substantially involved in the service, engagement and care of the community, said City Clerk Katie Reid. City staff are not usually considered for the honor. However, Council Member Martin and the rest of council thought it fitting to recognize a staff member for the extraordinary service she provided to the city by stepping into the role of acting city manager while the search for a new city manager took place.

Penland graduated from Waynesburg University in Pennsylvania, where she earned her accounting degree. She graduated summa cum laude with a remarkable 3.92 GPA.

Dawns work ethic, determination, problem-solving skills, and sheer stick-to-it-iveness have been invaluable to the city over the past 20 years, Reid said. Like so many city staff, Dawn was willing to do any job, big or small, and often worked behind the scenes  diving deep into spreadsheets that would have made many of us in this room run fast and far. Although she was content in the background, when she was asked to take on the role of finance director in 2023, she did so and thrived in the position.

Reid said Penland was an inspiration for her.

From overcoming challenges in her early years to achieving academic success and building a beautiful family with (husband) Louis, she has shown what it means to persevere, grow and support others along the way. We are so grateful for her and the positive impact shes had on the city of Marion.

Human Resources Director Kathleen Nolan talked about the importance of Penland assuming the duties of city manager. Even though it was temporary, she made her mark on Marions history during her brief time.

Until December 2024, only four people in Marions history had served in the role of city manager, Nolan said. All four served long tenures, which brought a sense of stability to the city, and all four happened to be male. When the city found itself in need of an acting city manager at the end of December, city council looked to then Finance Director Dawn Penland to take on the job. If you asked Dawn whether she saw herself as a city manager, even briefly, she likely would have emphatically told you no. But others around her saw her as one of the natural choices to lead the city through the transitional period to our next manager.

Nolan said that not too long ago, a woman would not have been considered for the role of finance director, much less city manager.

It is unclear why any human would reasonably think that any particular group of humans would not want a say in shaping the societies in which they live, she said. But it so happened that women, Native Americans, and people of color were relegated to silent servitude early in Americas formation.

Nolan said the state General Assembly in 1920 still opposed allowing women to have the right to vote. The state lawmakers, all of whom were men, argued that womens suffrage would threaten the sanctity of the family and state rights, Nolan said. It was not until 1971 that the North Carolina General Assembly endorsed the 19th Amendment, according to Nolan.

In December 2005, Penland was first hired to work in the finance department of the city of Marion by then Finance Director Harriett Thomas. She eventually worked her way to assistant finance director. In 2023, when the citys then Finance Director Julie Scherer took another job, Penland was asked to step into the role of finance director.

When Dawn reluctantly but willingly took on the role of city manager, the question she debated with her father all those years ago was answered, Nolan said. Women can be leaders. Of course, they can. Because they are human. Leadership is born from a wide range of skills and aptitudes. When society and families place unnatural restrictions on who or what makes a leader, children and young adults spend years of precious energy and time unlearning the rules.

In the city of Marion, now, we can affirmatively say that little girls who aspire to become a city manager have a specific instance they can look to when they wonder, Can women be in charge there? Yes, they can, Nolan said.

Penland was joined by her husband Louis and family as she received the recognition. City staff presented her with a gift upon her recognition and retirement.

I am a little overwhelmed, Penland said.

She worked fearlessly and she worked diligently in city hall in the finance area taking care of many things that for many people are beyond our ability to imagine, Mayor Steve Little said.

Council Member Ann Harkey, who was the second woman to be elected to council, said Penlands portrait should be hung in the City Hall alongside her predecessors, who were men. City staff said that has already been done.

The City Council adjourned the meeting in Penlands honor.
Frustrated Nigerians have taken on April 15 to social media to express their anger after being locked out of their accounts on the digital investment platform CBEX, with many fearing that their hard-earned savings have been lost.

The platform, which attracted users with promises of high returns, has left countless customers unable to access their investments. Videos of distraught investors, some in tears, have circulated online, highlighting the growing panic as many are unable to withdraw their funds.

In Ibadan, a city in the south-west, a group of customers even ransacked a CBEX office, taking furniture and equipment in their outrage.

CBEX had assured investors that their money would double every month, an offer that appealed to many Nigerians in the face of a challenging economic environment. However, after the platform froze access to accounts over the weekend, frustration quickly turned to anger. One investor, Ola, told BBC Pidgin that he had been ready to withdraw 450,000 naira ($280; 210) just days before the freeze, only to be advised to wait. Now it has crashed, he said, echoing the sentiments of many who have shared stories of substantial losses, with one person reporting a loss of $16,000.

The company has yet to publicly address the issue, though some investors who reached out on the messaging service Telegram were told that a hacking incident was to blame and that the problem would be resolved soon. This situation has raised alarms about the safety of unregulated digital platforms, with Nigerias Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) having previously warned about the risks of such investments, which some experts fear may be Ponzi schemes. The current crisis has drawn comparisons to the 2016 collapse of MMM, another investment platform that left millions of Nigerians devastated when it froze its transactions.
An agreement has been finalized between the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and the Ghanaian government, granting approval for the fourth review of the countrys economic reform agenda.

As a result, Ghana is set to receive a loan disbursement of 370 million U.S. dollars under the ongoing 36-month Extended Credit Facility (ECF) arrangement. The announcement was made on Tuesday April 15, signalling continued international confidence in Ghanas recovery efforts.

Commendation was expressed by Stephane Roudet, head of the IMF mission, who acknowledged notable progress within Ghanas external sector. Export performanceespecially in gold, and to a lesser degree, oilalong with increased remittances, was credited for the countrys accumulation of international reserves that has exceeded original programme projections. Additionally, economic growth for 2024 was reported to have surpassed earlier forecasts, bolstered in large part by robust activity in the mining and construction sectors.

Further assurance was given by the Governor of the Bank of Ghana, Johnson Asiama, who reaffirmed the central banks commitment to sound monetary governance in support of the IMF-backed reforms. A continuation of Ghanas public debt restructuring efforts has also been emphasised as a priority, with authorities seeking to restore long-term fiscal stability. The successful completion of this review is expected to provide both financial reinforcement and a boost to investor confidence in the Ghanaian economy.
An American pastor who was abducted during a church service in South Africa last week has been successfully rescued following a high-stakes Police operation that resulted in the deaths of three suspects.

Josh Sullivan, who was kidnapped from a church in Gqeberha in the Eastern Cape last Thursday, was found unharmed late Tuesday April 15 evening in the same township where the abduction occurred. Authorities have not yet disclosed the identities of the kidnappers but suspect they were familiar with the familys routine.

The elite South African police unit, the Hawks, reported that the rescue operation was launched after receiving verified intelligence, which led to a swift response by a coordinated team. As the officers neared the suspects hideout, an attempt was made by the kidnappers to flee in a vehicle while opening fire. The situation escalated into a high-intensity shootout, resulting in the fatalities of three unidentified individuals. This operation is part of a broader effort by the Hawks, which specialise in investigating organised crime, economic offences, and serious criminal activities.

Sullivans family, who had made emotional public appeals for his safe release, expressed their relief at the outcome. Initially, there were no ransom demands, but the situation changed when the kidnappers eventually made a financial request. The pastor, who moved to South Africa in 2018 to establish a church for Xhosa-speaking communities, was abducted while attending a service with his wife and children. His kidnapping highlights the alarming rise in abductions in South Africa, where police statistics reveal a staggering 264% increase in kidnappings over the past decade.
Togolese President Faure Gnassingbe, recently appointed as the African Unions mediator in the conflict in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo, has launched his peace mission with an official visit, which happens to be the first since his appointment, to Kinshasa.

During the visit on 16 April, a closed-door meeting was held with Congolese President Felix Tshisekedi at the Cite de lOUA. Though no public statements were made, Congolese authorities confirmed that the appointment had been acknowledged and expressed hope that it would help end the ongoing violence in the eastern region, which has persisted for nearly three years.

The mediation role was previously held by Angolas President Joao Lourenco, with whom Gnassingbe met in Luanda earlier that day for a symbolic transition. The AU-led effort is now being supported by multiple regional and international actors, including Qatar, the East African Community (EAC), and the Southern African Development Community (SADC). Qatar recently facilitated a rare meeting between the Congolese and Rwandan presidents, while parallel talks with the M23 rebel group have also been supported.
A high-level diplomatic meeting has been held between Nigeria and Niger, with the Foreign ministers of both countries engaging in discussions on cross-border security, terrorism, and economic cooperation.

A statement released on April 16 following the talks confirmed that discussions had been conducted in a climate of great cordiality and had allowed for a comprehensive exchange on the pressing challenges affecting both nations. Key concerns included the persistent threat of terrorism along their shared borders, which was described as a major hindrance to the successful implementation of development projects. Allegations by Niger that Nigeria has supported destabilising foreign forces were denied by Abuja, which reiterated that no such activities, including the presence of foreign troops in northern Nigeria, were taking place.

The talks were convened despite ongoing tensions since the July 2023 coup in Niger, during which President Mohamed Bazoum was ousted and has since remained under strict detention at the presidential palace in Niamey.

The visit by Nigerian Foreign Minister Yusuf Tuggar to meet his Nigerien counterpart, Bakary Yaou Sangare, marked only the second by a senior Nigerian official since the coup.

On the economic front, several regional infrastructure projects were reviewed, including the Kano-Katsina-Maradi railway line scheduled for completion in 2026. Other topics included progress on the Trans-Sahara Highway and the planned Trans-Saharan gas pipeline. Taxation and customs coordination were also addressed. The talks occurred against the backdrop of shifting regional dynamics, with Niger, Burkina Faso, and Mali having recently withdrawn from ECOWAS to form the Alliance of Sahel States, citing dissatisfaction with the blocs response to growing terrorist threats in the region.
A former member of The Gambias notorious paramilitary unit, Michael Sang Correa, has been convicted by a United States Federal court on multiple charges of torture committed during the regime of former President Yahya Jammeh.

The 46-year-old, who was part of a military death squad known as the Junglers, was found guilty of conspiring to commit torture against perceived political opponents. The conviction was secured under a rarely invoked US law permitting prosecution for acts of torture carried out abroad.

Correa, who had been residing in Denver, Colorado since 2016, was initially detained in 2019 for overstaying his visa and later charged in 2020 with the torture of at least six individuals in The Gambia. Evidence presented during the week-long trial revealed that victims had been subjected to electrocution, beatings, stabbings, and asphyxiation, often at the hands of Correa and his co-conspirators. According to prosecutors, those tortured included high-ranking members of Jammehs inner circle who had fallen out of favour. Despite claims by Correas defence that he was a low-ranking soldier following orders, the jury found his participation in the crimes to be integral.

This case marks the first time a non-US citizen has been convicted in a US federal court for torture committed outside American borders. The Department of Justice emphasised that Correas attempt to escape accountability by relocating to the US had failed. Each of the six counts carries a maximum sentence of 20 years. Human rights advocates, including Sirra Ndow of the Alliance of Victim-Led Organisations in The Gambia, hailed the verdict as a landmark moment for international justice, reinforcing that those responsible for grave abuses cannot avoid prosecution, regardless of where the crimes were committed.
Morocco and the African Union (AU) discussed strengthening cooperation on migration and social development during a meeting on Wednesday at AU headquarters in Addis Ababa.

Moroccos Permanent Representative to the AU and the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa (ECA), Mohamed Arrouchi, held talks with Amma Twum-Amoah, the newly appointed Commissioner for Health, Humanitarian Affairs and Social Development.

Arrouchi reaffirmed Moroccos commitment to supporting the departments reform efforts and the operationalization of its technical agencies.

He also emphasized Moroccos role in migration governance, highlighting best practices developed under the leadership of King Mohammed VI, the AUs Champion for Migration.

He underscored the strategic role of the African Migration Observatory, based in Rabat, describing it as a key continental platform for data analysis and policy forecasting.

Commissioner Twum-Amoah welcomed Moroccos continued engagement and praised the Kings leadership, noting that migration remains a top priority for her department.

Both sides reiterated their commitment to advancing a unified, people-centered approach to migration in Africa, aimed at protecting the interests of the continent and its 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:

Microscopic image of a human liver biopsy. Alpha-1 aggregates in yellow, liver cells in gray with blue nucleus. Credit: MPI of Biochemistry/ Florian Rosenberger

Alpha-1-antitrypsin is a so-called protease inhibitor, a type of enzyme inhibitor. It is produced in the liver but exerts its effects in the lungs, where it regulates immune cell activity. This regulation is crucial, and an overactive immune response can cause serious lung diseases.

However, some individuals carry a genetic mutation that causes the alpha-1 protein to fold incorrectly. As a result, too little functional alpha-1 is produced, and insufficient amounts reach the lungs.

The mutation is inherited from one or both parents. About 1 in 20 people in Europe carry the heterozygous form of the mutationinherited from only one parentand often experience no symptoms or only mild ones. In contrast, the rarer homozygous form, inherited from both parents, affects approximately 1 in 2,000 individuals and is much more severe.

These patients are at a higher risk of developing not only lung disease, such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), but also liver complications including severe fibrosis or even tumors.

One mutation, divergent paths

An international research team led by Matthias Mann at the Max Planck Institute of Biochemistry in Martinsried, near Munich, has now uncovered important new insights into the homozygous form of the condition. The findings are published in the journal Nature.

First author Florian Rosenberger, from the Department of Proteomics and Signal Transduction, explains, "In the homozygous form, something striking stands out. It is a monogenetic disease, meaning all patients carry the same mutationso in theory, disease progression should be uniform. But that's not what we see.

"One-third of patients develop severe liver fibrosis, where connective tissue accumulates and impairs liver function. Two-thirds, however, remain healthy. We wanted to understand why that is. What molecular mechanisms protect some patients while others develop disease?"

The team used a technique called Deep Visual Proteomics, developed collaboratively in Martinsried and Copenhagen by the proteomics research groups of Matthias Mann. This method applies advanced proteome analysis to identify disease mechanisms. For the Alpha-1 study, liver tissue samples from patients in Germany and Denmark were analyzed.

"We examined tissue across the full spectrum of disease stages," Rosenberger continues. "Even in early stageswhen clinical signs had not yet appearedwe could observe how the body in some cases successfully halted disease progression."

For their analysis, the researchers employed a convolutional neural network (CNN)a form of artificial intelligence originally trained to recognize faces and everyday objects in images.

Subtle differences with big impacts

The CNN also performed impressively on images of human liver tissue. It was able to differentiate between subtle structural variations in the disease, particularly the way alpha-1 protein aggregates in liver cells (hepatocytes). These aggregates are a hallmark of disease onset. "Our CNN could detect extremely fine differences in aggregate morphology," says Rosenberger.

Two distinct forms stood out: crumb-like aggregates with a rough, irregular structure, and ball-like aggregates with a more defined appearance. This raised a key question: what determines which type appearsand are they random or biologically meaningful?

This is where the team made a breakthrough. They successfully reconstructed the sequence of molecular eventsthe formation of crumbs, balls, and the transitions between themand identified their temporal order.

The crumb-like aggregates appeared first, as an early response of stressed cells. This was associated with activity in special cell compartments called peroxisomes. The ball-like aggregates emerged later, during more advanced stages of fibrosis.

Interestingly, however, the type of aggregate did not always correlate with disease severity. Even patients with only mild fibrosis could show the advanced ball-like morphology. "The shift from crumbs to balls was a key finding," Rosenberger explains. "It reveals the sequence of compensatory responses liver cells mount in an effort to combat aggregate formationand with it, liver fibrosis."

Toward clinical applications

The improved AI-based image analysis played a pivotal role in uncovering these mechanisms. "Recent technological advances in mass spectrometry were crucial," says Professor Mann. "We can now perform single-cell measurements, allowing us to extract detailed molecular information from just a small amount of tissueeven from individual diseased liver cells."

The study's findings may soon have clinical relevance. The development of fibrosis in individuals with the homozygous mutation could potentially be prevented.

"By reviewing patient histories, we saw that those with severe fibrosis lacked the early peroxisomal response," says Rosenberger. "We now know this response is protective. Our goal is to develop an early warning system for liver fibrosisa way to identify patients at risk before symptoms arise."

Aleksander Krag, professor at the University of Southern Denmark and head of Odense Liver Research Center, emphasizes, "By capturing alpha-1 antitrypsin accumulation at the single-cell level, we have uncovered early molecular triggers of how alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency progresses. This points toward actionable targets that could lead to improved therapies for patients."

Pavel Strnad, a hepatologist at University Hospital Aachen and long-standing collaborator on the project, adds, "Erroneous protein folding is central to many human diseases, including Parkinson's and Alzheimer's. Studying a monogenic condition like Alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency provides a unique opportunity to better understand disease progression.

"This work deepens our insight into protein folding disorders and their consequences, and will be important even beyond Alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency."

More information: Florian A. Rosenberger et al, Deep Visual Proteomics maps proteotoxicity in a genetic liver disease, Nature (2025). DOI: 10.1038/s41586-025-08885-4 Journal information: Nature
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:

Researchers analyzed meat, worker hand swabs, and processing tools to track E. albertii contamination. Credit: Osaka Metropolitan University

Osaka Metropolitan University researchers have detected alarming rates of Escherichia albertii, an emerging foodborne pathogen, in retail chicken meat in Bangladesh. The study is published in the International Journal of Food Microbiology.

Their findings show extensive contamination and significant antimicrobial resistance, underscoring the potential risks to public health.

E. albertii is a less known but probably not less dangerous relative of E. coli. First described in Bangladesh in 2003, this bacterium causes gastrointestinal illnesses, including diarrhea, vomiting and fever.

In Japan, E. albertii has been linked to multiple mass food poisoning outbreaks, affecting over 100 people at a time. Despite its medical significance, however, this bacterium is often misidentified and not wholly understood.

"While undercooked chicken has been suspected as a transmission route, much remains unknown about the sources and spread of E. albertii, especially in developing countries," said Atsushi Hinenoya, an associate professor at Osaka Metropolitan University's Graduate School of Veterinary Science and lead author of the study.

Tracking this evasive pathogen back to its original source, the researchers collected samples from 17 poultry retail shops across four districts (upazilas) in Bangladesh. They tested chicken meat, internal organs, cloacal swabs, worker hand swabs and processing utensils for contamination and antimicrobial resistance.

Their PCR analysis revealed striking contamination rates: E. albertii was present in 63.9% of chicken meat samples and 71.4% of cloacal swabs. It was also found on human hands (45.5%), processing blades (10%) and bleeding cones (13.3%). Genetic similarities among isolates from the same shop from meat, cloacal swabs and worker hands suggest cross-contamination during processing.

"Alarmingly, 94.4% of E. albertii isolates exhibited resistance to at least one antibiotic, and 50% were multidrug-resistant, showing resistance to critical drugs such as tetracycline, ampicillin, gentamicin, kanamycin, nalidixic acid and ciprofloxacin," Hinenoya said.

Whole genome sequencing further confirmed the presence of antimicrobial resistance genes and virulence factors, which contribute to the pathogen's ability to cause disease.

"Our study highlights the urgent need for better hygiene measures in poultry processing, stricter antibiotic regulations, and enhanced monitoring to prevent food-borne infections," Hinenoya said.

Addressing this potential public health risk, the researchers plan to investigate human infections, compare bacterial strains from poultry and patients, and map contamination pathways.

"With the global movement of food and people, tackling E. albertii requires international collaboration," Hinenoya said. "We aim to expand molecular epidemiology studies and intervention strategies in Bangladesh to curb its spread."

More information: Jayedul Hassan et al, Occurrence and cross contamination of Escherichia albertii in retail chicken outlets in Bangladesh, International Journal of Food Microbiology (2025). DOI: 10.1016/j.ijfoodmicro.2025.111081 Journal information: International Journal of Food Microbiology
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Matt Metzger, a Marine Corps combat veteran, displays Psilocybe cubensis mushrooms Wednesday, March 26, 2025, in Olympia, Wash. Credit: AP Photo/Lindsey Wasson

Microdosing is gaining popularity with a new breed of health seekers. These self-experimenters take a very small amount of psilocybin mushrooms or LSD to try to reduce anxiety, stress and depression. Some claim the practice gives them access to joy, creativity and connection they can't get otherwise.

This isn't a full-blown acid tripor even close. If you see visions, it's not a microdose. People who microdose don't do it every day. Instead, they take tiny doses intermittently, on a schedule or when they feel it could be beneficial.

One small study suggests any psychological benefits come from users' expectationsthe placebo effect. But the science is still new and research is ongoing.

The substances are illegal in most places, but the wave of scientific research focused on the benefits of supervised hallucinatory experiences has spurred Oregon and Colorado to legalize psychedelic therapy. Further opening the door to microdosing, a handful of cities have officially directed police to make psychedelics a low priority for enforcement.

What are people who microdose reporting?

"I started microdosing and within a couple of months, I had a general sense of well-being that I hadn't had in so long," said Marine Corps combat veteran Matt Metzger.

He grows his own mushrooms in Olympia, Washington, where psilocybin has been decriminalized. Taking small amounts of psilocybin helps him cope with PTSD, he said.

Marine Corps combat veteran Matt Metzger poses for a portrait with a plate of mushrooms that he grows himself for microdosing psilocybin, Wednesday, March 26, 2025, in Olympia, Wash. Credit: AP Photo/Lindsey Wasson

In Loveland, Colorado, Aubrie Gates said microdosing psilocybin has made her a better parent and enhanced her creativity.

"It makes you feel viscerally in your body a new way of being, a more healthy way of being," Gates said. "And so instead of just like thinking with your conscious mind, 'Oh, I need to be more present,' you feel what it feels like to be more present."

What does the science say about microdosing?

These kinds of claims are hard to measure in the lab, say scientists studying microdosing.

For starters, belief is so important to the experience that empty capsules can produce the same effects.

In one study involving people who microdose, participants didn't know until afterward whether they had spent four weeks taking their usual microdose or placebos. Psychological measures improved after four weeks for everyone in the study, regardless of whether they were taking microdoses or empty capsules.

Marine Corps combat veteran Matt Metzger, who grows his own mushrooms for microdosing psilocybin, displays prepared doses in packets Wednesday, March 26, 2025, in Olympia, Wash. Credit: AP Photo/Lindsey Wasson

"It appears that I was indeed taking placebos throughout the trial. I'm quite astonished," wrote one of the study participants. "It seems I was able to generate a powerful 'altered consciousness' experience based only (on) the expectation around the possibility of a microdose."

Scientists haven't found lasting effects on creativity or cognition, according to a review of a handful of small placebo-controlled trials of microdosing LSD.

One small study did find glimmers of an effect of small LSD doses on vigor and elation in people with mild depression when compared with a placebo.

"It may only work in some people and not in other people, so it makes it hard for us to measure it under laboratory conditions," said University of Chicago neuroscience researcher Harriet de Wit, who led the research.

Matt Metzger, a Marine Corps combat veteran, harvests a Psilocybe cubensis mushroom to dehydrate to make into powder for microdosing in capsules, Wednesday, March 26, 2025, in Olympia, Wash. Credit: AP Photo/Lindsey Wasson

The potential has spurred an Australian company to conduct early trials of microdoses of LSD for severe depression and in cancer patients experiencing despair.

Meanwhile, few rigorous studies of psilocybin microdosing have been done.

Psilocybin mushrooms are the most often used among psychedelic drugs, according to a report by the nonpartisan Rand research group. Rand estimates that 8 million people in the U.S. used psilocybin in 2023 and half of them reported microdosing the last time they used it.

A few words of caution about microdosing

Even microdosing advocates caution that the long-term effects have not been studied in humans.

Other warnings: Unregulated products from shady sources could contain harmful substances. And accidentally taking too much could cause disturbing sensations.

The nonprofit Fireside Project offers free phone support for people during a psychedelic experience and has received hundreds of calls about microdosing.

Marine Corps combat veteran Matt Metzger harvests mushroom to dehydrate to make into powder for microdosing in capsules, Wednesday, March 26, 2025, in Olympia, Wash. Credit: AP Photo/Lindsey Wasson

Psilocybe cubensis mushrooms grown to harvest for microdosing sit in a plastic box Wednesday, March 26, 2025, in Olympia, Wash. Credit: AP Photo/Lindsey Wasson

Capsules for microdosing psilocybin made by Marine Corps combat veteran Matt Metzger are pictured Wednesday, March 26, 2025, in Olympia, Wash. Credit: AP Photo/Lindsey Wasson

Matt Metzger, a Marine Corps combat veteran, displays an instant rice bag used to grow mushrooms for microdosing psilocybin Wednesday, March 26, 2025, in Olympia, Wash. Credit: AP Photo/Lindsey Wasson

Marine Corps combat veteran Matt Metzger, who grows his own mushrooms for microdosing psilocybin, poses for a portrait Wednesday, March 26, 2025, in Olympia, Wash. Credit: AP Photo/Lindsey Wasson

Matt Metzger, a Marine Corps combat veteran, harvests and places Psilocybe cubensis mushrooms into a dehydrator to prepare for microdosing Wednesday, March 26, 2025, in Olympia, Wash. Credit: AP Photo/Lindsey Wasson

Marine Corps combat veteran Matt Metzger, who grows his own mushrooms for microdosing psilocybin, poses for a portrait Wednesday, March 26, 2025, in Olympia, Wash. Credit: AP Photo/Lindsey Wasson

Marine Corps combat veteran Matt Metzger, who grows his own mushrooms for microdosing psilocybin, poses for a portrait Wednesday, March 26, 2025, in Olympia, Wash. Credit: AP Photo/Lindsey Wasson

Matt Metzger, a Marine Corps combat veteran, harvests and places Psilocybe cubensis mushrooms into a dehydrator to prepare for microdosing Wednesday, March 26, 2025, in Olympia, Wash. Credit: AP Photo/Lindsey Wasson

"People may call just to simply process their experience," said project founder Josh White, who microdoses the plant iboga and LSD to "continue to deepen the insight about my life" that he gained in a full-blown psychedelic experience.

Balazs Szigeti of University of California San Francisco, who has studied microdosing, said it may be a way to harness the placebo effect for personal benefit.

"It's like a self-fulfilling prophecy," Szigeti said. "People who are interested in microdosing should give microdosing a try, but only if they're enthusiastic about it, if they have a positive expectation about the benefits of microdosing."

 2025 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed without permission.
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Credit: Juan Daniel Gutierrez Rojas from Pexels

Colombia has declared a national health and economic emergency over a deadly yellow fever outbreak, with the government urging people to get vaccinated and take precautions while traveling over Easter weekend.

The mosquito-borne virus, which typically causes fever, muscle pains, nausea and headaches, is endemic to multiple countries in South America, including Colombia, where the current outbreak has had a high mortality rate.

At least 34 people have died among 74 confirmed cases since the start of the year, Minister of Health Guillermo Jaramillo told state-run Radio Nacional de Colombia on Wednesday.

"It's a disease with a mortality rate of nearly 50% among those infected," he said while explaining the emergency decree.

The virus has also spread beyond the rural regions traditionally considered at risk for outbreaks, "making it a threat to more communities," he said.

The most severe situation is in the coffee-growing Tolima area, where the number of detected yellow fever cases rose from four in September 2024 to 22 by mid-April, according to Jaramillo.

"We are going to require the carrying of the vaccination card for people entering or leaving Colombia," he told the radio station.

Colombia's President Gustavo Petro announced an economic emergency on top of the health decree, and called on citizens to get vaccinated.

"People who have not been vaccinated should not go to high-risk areas during Easter: for now the coffee area," he wrote on Facebook on Wednesday.

Petro blamed climate change for further spreading the virus by bringing the disease-carrying Aedes aegypti mosquitoes to higher altitudes.

On Tuesday, the United States Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) upgraded its yellow fever alert for South America to level two of four, noting "an increased number of cases of yellow fever have been reported in parts of South America."

It advised travelers to consider getting vaccinated against yellow fever or receiving booster shots before visiting some areas of Bolivia, Colombia and Peru.

 2025 AFP
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Smruti K. Nair, a former doctoral student in Henry Daniells lab at Penn Dental, examines a tray of freeze-dried transgenic lettuce. Credit: Kevin Monko

Cardiovascular diseases are the world's leading cause of death, and high blood pressure, or hypertension, affects more than 1 billion people globally, with most living in low- and middle-income countries.

Many people diagnosed with hypertension are prescribed angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitorsbetter known as ACE-1 inhibitors (ACEIs)and/or angiotensin receptor blockers (ARBs), which act on the renin-angiotensin (RAS) pathway. But hypertension remains uncontrolled in most people with the disease, indicating that other affordable treatments are needed.

Now, in an article published in Hypertension Research, researchers at Penn's School of Dental Medicine and Perelman School of Medicine have investigated the benefits of adding oral ACE2previously shown to have positive effects in injectable form for RAS-associated metabolic diseasesto these commonly prescribed medications.

"This enzyme [ACE2] also regulates hypertension and heart disease," says co-author Henry Daniell, W.D. Miller Professor in Penn's School of Dental Medicine. Yet, he says, no one had looked at the relationship between these drugs and ACE2.

The RAS pathway regulates blood pressure by triggering the release of renin when blood pressure falls. Renin converts angiotensinogen into angiotensin I, which ACE then converts into angiotensin II, a vasoconstrictor.

ACE inhibitors and ARBs lower blood pressure by acting on different steps of this process: ACE inhibitors inhibit the formation of angiotensin II, while ARBs block its ability to bind to its receptors. ACE2 lowers angiotensin II levels by converting it to angiotensin1-7 (Ang1-7), which promotes vasodilation and reduces blood pressure.

In this study, Daniell and colleagues built on their previous work using a lettuce-based plant-encapsulated system to evaluate oral delivery of ACE2 in pet dogs with myxomatous mitral valve disease. Importantly, these dogs also had elevated systolic blood pressure that was being treated with ACEIs and/or ARBs.

"These were pet dogs," says Daniell, "So the owners, understandably, did not want to change their current medications. So, we had to continue their treatments with ACEI or ARB and then give them ACE2 in addition to see whether it was beneficial."

Credit: Kevin Monko

What they found surprised them.

"The first surprise," says Daniell, "was that in the dogs on ACE inhibitors, those drugs inhibited the enzyme [ACE2] that we were giving them." And the second surprise? ARBs increased the angiotensin II pool.

Daniell says there are two things you don't want to do when trying to lower blood pressure. "You don't want to inhibit ACE2, and you don't want to increase the angiotensin II pool. And here we saw both." However, the good news, he says, is that not all ACEI drugs inhibited ACE2 activities equallylisinopril, widely prescribed in the United States, inhibited ACE2 much less than other ACEI drugs.

The implications of these findings have clinical relevance, says Daniell, as many human patients are prescribed one or both of these medications, and ACE2 has been shown to have cardioprotective effects that might have therapeutic potential.

ACE2 inhibition has also been linked to SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID. "I was stunned because this inhibition [with ACE inhibitors] was just like what we observed with the coronavirus," says Daniell. "Given what we saw during the pandemic, there is no question that ACE2 is a key metabolic enzyme."

Next steps for Daniell and his colleagues are to repeat this study with dogs on lisinopril. Daniell explains, "We did this study to see how beneficial ACE2 is, but we couldn't do that because its activity was killed by all ACE inhibitors except for lisinopril."

Ultimately, Daniell would like to use his plant encapsulation system to evaluate the benefits of ACE2 treatment in humans, as an IND for this delivery system was recently approved by the FDA. He notes that currently there is no biologic drug to improve cardiopulmonary diseases. This IND approval makes "ACE2 the first engineered human blood protein expressed in plant cells approved by the FDA for evaluation in human clinical trials."

"The average cost of launching a new injectable biologic drug [like ACE2] is $2.5 billion," says Daniell. "My entire career has been focused on making drugs affordableespecially for common diseases like diabetes and hypertension."

More information: Smruti K. Nair et al, Clinical studies in Myxomatous Mitral Valve Disease dogs: most prescribed ACEI inhibits ACE2 enzyme activity and ARB increases AngII pool in plasma, Hypertension Research (2025). DOI: 10.1038/s41440-025-02109-y
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Characterization of control and FCD type 2b areas in human specimens of FCD type 2b patients. Credit: Brain (2025). DOI: 10.1093/brain/awaf080

Focal cortical dysplasia (FCD) type 2 is a congenital malformation of the cerebral cortex that is often associated with difficult-to-treat epilepsy. In the affected areas, nerve cells and their layer structures are arranged in an atypical manner, which often makes drug therapy more difficult.

A research team from the University Hospital Bonn (UKB) and the University of Bonn, in collaboration with the German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases (DZNE), has now found evidence of profound changes in the dopamine system in FCD type 2. The results have now been published in the journal Brain.

Dopamine is a central neurotransmitter that regulates attention, learning and the excitability of neuronal networks, among other things. Whether and how this system is affected by FCD has so far remained largely unclear. The current study shows that the dopaminergic supply in the affected brain areas is altered. In addition, an increased expression of certain dopamine receptors was observedboth in human tissue and in a corresponding mouse model.

Evidence of disturbed modulation in the developing cortex

"Our data suggest a disrupted dopaminergic system in FCD type 2," explains Norisa Meli, a doctoral student at the University of Bonn at the Institute for Reconstructive Neurobiology at the UKB and first author of the study. "Particularly striking was the significantly increased expression of dopaminergic receptors in the neurons that play a central role in the disease process."

These changes could play a role in the development of epileptic seizuresand possibly also explain why many sufferers also experience concentration problems or mood swings.

"Dopamine modulates the excitability of neuronal networks and their formation in the developing cortex," emphasizes Prof. Sandra Blaess, Professor of Neurodevelopment at UKB and member of the TRA "Life & Health" at the University of Bonn. "Our results show that this modulation may be disturbed in FCD type 2an aspect that has hardly been investigated to date."

Prof. Albert Becker, Head of Department at the Institute for Cellular Neuroscience II at the UKB and also a member of the TRA "Life & Health" at the University of Bonn, adds, "These findings broaden our understanding of the complex neuropathology of dysplasias. They provide important clues for new potential therapeutic approaches that could go beyond the mere control of seizures."

The study combines comprehensive molecular analyses of human tissue samples with a preclinical mouse model that replicates the genetic changes in FCD type 2. The researchers hope that these results will contribute to more targeted and effective treatment strategies in the long term.

More information: Norisa Meli et al, Alterations in dopaminergic innervation and receptors in focal cortical dysplasia, Brain (2025). DOI: 10.1093/brain/awaf080 Journal information: Brain
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Credit: Unsplash/CC0 Public Domain

It was a scene that doctors saw play out over and over during the COVID-19 pandemic, said David Pate, the former president and CEO of St. Luke's Health System.

People brought critically ill family members to the hospital and were "in shock" when they learned that a family member had been infected by the coronavirus even though he or she had been taking ivermectin, an anti-parasitic drug. The family member had been assured that taking ivermectin meant they couldn't get COVID and didn't need a vaccine.

Some families asked doctors whether their loved ones could be vaccinated there at the hospital. But "it's too late at that point," Pate told the Idaho Statesman in February.

"It's heartbreaking, because those families were devastated that they had been deceived, and now one of their family members was paying the price," he said. "They were duped, and they were just in disbelief."

Those scenes are top-of-mind for Pate these days amid the continued popularity ofand inaccurate information aroundivermectin. Dubbed a "wonder drug" for its ability to treat a wide range of parasitic infections, the drug gained a following during the pandemic for its supposed ability to treat the respiratory virus.

To the extent that studies have found that ivermectin could actually treat COVID-19, it was only in large doses that would cause serious side effects in humans, Pate said. At such a large concentrationup to 100 times the dose approved for humansthe drug might stop the virus but also harm the patient, NPR reported in 2021.

Still, it has remained sought-after. Right-wing influencers advertise that it can cure a host of ills, even though the Food and Drug Administration has not approved the drug for use beyond its original anti-parasitic properties, The New York Times reported in March. Taking the drug has become an indicator of distrust in pharmaceutical companies and medical expertisean "enduring pharmacological MAGA hat," the Times wrote.

Many Idahoansincluding several of the state's lawmakers, according to comments made on the House and Senate floorshave been clamoring to use the drug to treat a wide range of maladies, from cancer to the common cold, for which it is not approved by the FDA. Many have been impeded by the requirement to get a prescription.

On Monday, their wish was granted. Idaho Gov. Brad Little signed into law a bill to allow Idaho pharmacies to sell ivermectin over the counter. The law will "give people in Idaho the freedom to access" the drug, said Sen. Tammy Nichols, R-Middleton, one of the bill's sponsors.

Especially in rural Idaho, where doctors are scarce and doctors' appointments can be hard to come by, the law could increase Idahoans' access to the drug, said Rep. Jordan Redman, R-Coeur d'Alene, another sponsor and a pharmacy owner. He said selling the drug in pharmacies would increase the likelihood that patients would consult with a medical professional about whether ivermectin could help treat their condition.

Idahoans are taking the drug anyway, he reasonedand many are buying a version at animal feed stores intended for de-worming livestock, without any information about human dosages or recommended uses.

"I do think it will be handled more responsibly now, rather than getting some horse paste or whatever," Redman told the Statesman. "I think you could see people thinking that they can take it for anything, and that's not really the case."

But the "biggest issue" right now, he said, is that "we know that Idahoans are taking itso having them have a conversation is probably a better solution long-term."

Pharmacy customers aren't required to speak with pharmacists to buy over-the-counter medications, so there's no guarantee those conversations will take place.

Despite the law, pharmacies face practical hurdles to getting ivermectin on the shelves: ivermectin manufacturers don't produce labels about the medicine's side effects or interactions with other drugsan FDA requirement for the packaging of over-the-counter medications.

During a committee hearing, a lobbyist for Idaho pharmacies said the bill would put pharmacists in a "sticky situation."

Pharmacies "are not going to be able to put it out there to sell it as an over-the-counter until the manufacturers make that change," said Pam Eaton, the CEO of the Idaho Retailers Association. "Yet customers are going to hear that they can get it as an over-the-counter, so they'll be there arguing with the pharmacist."

Pate said in April that he doubted legitimate pharmacies would put themselves at risk by selling the drug without proper labelingbut anticipated that a raft of online pharmacies may spring up ready to sell the drug to anyone who asks for it.

"They're not going to say that you have to have a doctor's order, or you have to see a doctor first," Pate said. Instead, he predicted, they'll say, "We'll just send it to you, because you know what? We can make money."

Ivermectin a 'fantastic drug' for its intended uses, doctor says

Still, Pate called ivermectin a "fantastic drug." It has few severe side effects, and it works effectively against parasitic diseases, such as river blindness and African eye worm. There are early indications that, in combination with other drugs, it may have anti-cancer effects though that has been tested so far only in labs, not on humans.

"I don't have anything against ivermectin," Pate said. "But like all drugs, I think it should be used for the right condition in the right amount for the right amount of time, and with consideration for other factors about the person, such as potential medication interactions and underlying medical conditions."

In hearings about the bill, lawmakers expressed no such caution. Senate Pro Tem Kelly Anthon, R-Rupert, a sponsor, told lawmakers that the drug had had "immeasurable impacts on improving the lives of billions and billions of people throughout the world" and had served in "treating and in many ways curing human diseases." He did not directly address concerns about Idahoans using the drug for conditions it's not intended for.

Allowing pharmacies to sell ivermectin over the counter would allow people to "self-treat some common conditions without needing a prescription," he said in a committee hearing. It would present an affordable option for people in rural parts of the state with limited access to health care providers, he argued.

Most of lawmakers' discussion of the drug centered around individual anecdotes of family and friends who had taken the drug. Other than Eaton, no medical or pharmaceutical experts testified.

Sen. Glenneda Zuiderfeld, R-Twin Falls, told fellow lawmakers that she took ivermectin during the pandemic and still takes it every time she gets a cold.

"It heals, it fixes, it does more good than harm," she said on the Senate floor.

She said parasites cause cancer, and ivermectin is a cure. Some parasites can increase the risk of developing cancer, but they are not a direct cause, according to the American Cancer Society, which says the parasites that heighten cancer risk are not found in the U.S.

Zuiderfeld and other lawmakers expressed distrust of the medical establishment's position on the drug, suggesting that pharmaceutical companies were withholding ivermectin as a treatment for a wide range of conditions.

"There's only money where you can keep us sick," Zuiderfeld said.

Sen. Carl Bjerke, R-Coeur D'Alene, expressed skepticism about relying on the FDA's approval of the drug, or the lack thereof.

"I'm willing to throw caution to the wind, so to speak, to give my constituents the opportunity to look after their own health," he said on the Senate floor.

Redman told the Statesman he was surprised to learn how many fellow lawmakers said they regularly use the drug. "That actually shocked me," he said.

Pate agreed with some of the lawmakers' assertions about the relatively low short-term risks of taking the drugthat users are unlikely to develop an addiction, and that most people tolerate it well. But he said they failed to consider another significant risk: that Idahoans would try to use the drug to fight illnesses it can't treat.

It won't work, and they'll waste valuable time when they could be receiving a proven, effective treatment, he said.

If studies of ivermectin show that it can effectively treat some cancers, then "praise God, that'd be fantastic," Pate said. "But I think we're a long way from that."

For now, "you've got someone that does have early cancer, and they're trying ivermectin, but it doesn't work. And now, by the time they seek medical care, it's no longer treatable."

2025 Idaho Statesman. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.
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Credit: Pixabay/CC0 Public Domain

Fentanyl, the deadly synthetic opioid driving the nation's high drug overdose rates, is also caught up in another increasingly serious problem: misinformation.

False and misleading narratives on social media, in news reports, and even in popular television dramas suggesting people can overdose from touching fentanylrather than ingesting itare now informing policy and spending decisions.

In an episode of the CBS cop drama "Blue Bloods," for instance, Detective Maria Baez becomes comatose after accidentally touching powdered fentanyl. In another drama, "S.W.A.T.," Sgt. Daniel "Hondo" Harrelson warns his co-workers: "You touch the pure stuff without wearing gloves, say good night."

While fentanyl-related deaths have drastically risen over the past decade, no evidence suggests any resulted from incidentally touching or inhaling it, and little to no evidence that any resulted from consuming it in marijuana products. (Recent data indicates that fentanyl-related deaths have begun to drop.)

There is also almost no evidence that law enforcement personnel are at heightened risk of accidental overdoses due to such exposures. Still, there is a steady stream of reportswhich generally turn out to be falseof officers allegedly becoming ill after handling fentanyl.

"It's only in the TV dramas" where that happens, said Brandon del Pozo, a retired Burlington, Vermont, police chief who researches policing and public health policies and practices at Brown University.

In fact, fentanyl overdoses are commonly caused by ingesting the drug illicitly as a pill or powder. And most accidental exposures occur when people who use drugs, even those who do not use opioids, unknowingly consume fentanyl because it is so often used to "cut" street drugs such as heroin and cocaine.

Despite what scientific evidence suggests about fentanyl and its risks, misinformation can persist in public discourse and among first responders on the front lines of the crisis. Daniel Meloy, a senior community engagement specialist at the drug recovery organizations Operation 2 Save Lives and QRT National, said he thinks of misinformation as "more of an unknown than it is an anxiety or a fear."

"We're experiencing it often before the information" can be understood and shared by public health and addiction medicine practitioners, Meloy said.

Some state and local governments are investing money from their share of the billions in opioid settlement funds in efforts to protect first responders from purported risks perpetuated through fentanyl misinformation.

In 2022 and 2023, 19 cities, towns, and counties across eight states used settlement funds to purchase drug detection devices for law enforcement agencies, spending just over $1 million altogether. Two mass spectrometers were purchased for at least $136,000 for the Greeley, Colorado, police department, "to protect those who are tasked with handling those substances."

Del Pozo, the retired police chief, said fentanyl is present in most illicit opioids found at the scene of an arrest. But that "doesn't mean you need to spend a lot of money on fentanyl detection for officer safety," he said. If that spending decision is motivated by officer safety concerns, then it's "misspent money," del Pozo said.

Fentanyl misinformation is affecting policy in other ways, too.

Florida, for instance, has on the books a law that makes it a second-degree felony to cause an overdose or bodily injury to a first responder through this kind of secondhand fentanyl exposure. Similar legislation has been considered by states such as Tennessee and West Virginia, the latter stipulating a penalty of 15 years to life imprisonment if the exposure results in death.

Public health advocates worry these laws will make people shy away from seeking help for people who are overdosing.

"A lot of people leave overdose scenes because they don't want to interact with police," said Erin Russell, a principal with Health Management Associates, a health care industry research and consulting firm. Florida does include a caveat in its statute that any person "acting in good faith" to seek medical assistance for someone they believe to be overdosing "may not" be arrested, charged, or prosecuted.

And even when public policy is crafted to protect first responders as well as regular people, misinformation can undermine a program's messaging.

Take Mississippi's One Pill Can Kill initiative. Led by the state attorney general, Lynn Fitch, the initiative aims to provide resources and education to Mississippi residents about fentanyl and its risks. While it promotes the availability and use of harm-reduction tools, such as naloxone and fentanyl test strips, Fitch has also propped up misinformation.

At the 2024 Mississippi Coalition of Bail Sureties conference, Fitch said, "If you figure out that pill's got fentanyl, you better be ready to dispose of it, because you can get it through your fingers," based on the repeatedly debunked belief that a person can overdose by simply touching fentanyl.

Officers on the ground, meanwhile, are sometimes warned to proceed with caution in providing lifesaving interventions at overdose scenes because of these alleged accidental exposure risks. This caution is often evidenced in a push to provide first responders with masks and other personal protective equipment.

Fitch told the crowd at the conference, "You can't just go out and give CPR like you did before." However, as with other secondhand exposures, the risk for a fentanyl overdose from applying mouth-to-mouth is negligible, with no clinical evidence to suggest it has occurred.

Her comments underscore growing concerns, often not supported by science, that officers and first responders increasingly face exposure risks during overdose responses. Her office did not respond to questions about these comments.

Health care experts say they are not against providing first responders with protective equipment, but that fentanyl misinformation is clouding policy and risks delaying critical interventions such as CPR and rescue breathing.

"People are afraid to do rescue breathing because they're like, 'Well, what if there's fentanyl in the person's mouth,'" Russell said. Hesitating for even a moment because of fentanyl misinformation could delay a technique that "is incredibly important in an overdose response."

2025 KFF Health News. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.
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Credit: Antoni Shkraba from Pexels

A new study led by Professor Sayaka Nakamura from Sophia University in Japan and Professor Shiko Maruyama from Jinan University in China published in the journal Health Economics reveals the significant positive impact of the Japanese school lunch program on the weight of early teenagers.

The research, titled "Wholesome Lunch to the Whole Classroom: Short- and Longer-Term Effects on Early Teenagers' Weight," found that the program effectively reduces body mass index (BMI), percent overweight (POW), and obesity rates, particularly among students from lower socioeconomic backgrounds.

Child obesity is a growing public health crisis worldwide. In response, many countries have implemented school nutrition reforms. This study offers a unique opportunity to evaluate the direct effect of a universal school lunch program by examining data from Japan, where all children attending schools providing lunch are required to participate. This differs from programs in countries like the UK and the US, which often have eligibility criteria.

The researchers employed a rigorous difference-in-differences (DID) analysis using data from the National Nutrition Survey (NNS) spanning from 1975 to 1994. This method compared changes in weight among students in municipalities with and without universal junior-high school lunch programs. The study also utilized propensity score weighting and various falsification tests to ensure the reliability of its findings.

Key findings of the study include:

Significant reduction in BMI, POW, and obesity: The study provides robust evidence that the provision of school lunch leads to a decrease in BMI, percent overweight, and overall obesity among early teenagers.

Stronger effects for lower-SES children: The positive impacts of the school lunch program were found to be more pronounced for children from lower socioeconomic backgrounds, including those with non-white-collar fathers and those from households with low expenditure. This highlights the program's potential to mitigate health disparities.

No significant impact on underweight students: The research found little evidence suggesting that school lunch reduces underweight among students.

Cost-efficiency: Despite some criticisms regarding costs, the study's calculations indicate the cost-efficiency of the Japanese school lunch program in preventing obesity.

While the direct weight reduction effect appears to wane after students graduate from junior high school, the study's findings underscore the significant short-term benefits of universal school lunch programs in addressing child obesity, especially for vulnerable populations.

These results have important implications for policymakers considering strategies to improve child health and reduce socioeconomic inequalities.

More information: Shiko Maruyama et al, Wholesome Lunch to the Whole Classroom: Short and LongerTerm Effects on Early Teenagers' Weight, Health Economics (2025). DOI: 10.1002/hec.4959 Journal information: Health Economics
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A miniature pig waits for visitors to feed it at a zoo in Shanghai, China, on Thursday Feb. 15, 2007. Credit: AP Photo/Eugene Hoshiko, File

On this episode of The Story Behind the AP Story, we hear from Lauran Neergaard and Shelby Lum, who have been following the journey of animal to human transplants, or xenotransplants, over the last few years. That includes sharing the procedure's history, more about the people who have received these organs and what risks it may pose.

Shelby Lum, Associated Press: There's more than 100,000 people on the transplant list, and most of these people are waiting for a kidney. Thousands will die on the list before ever being eligible to get one. And many experts say that there will never be enough human donors.

Haya Panjwani, Associated Press: That's why scientists are turning to a procedure known as xenotransplantation.

Lauran Neergaard, Associated Press: A fancy word to say animal to human organ transplant.

PANJWANI: I'm Haya Panjwani. On this episode of The Story Behind the AP Story, we hear from Lauren Neergaard and Shelby Lum, who have been following the journey of xenotransplants over the last few years. Lauren says xenotransplantation has actually been tried for many, many years, unsuccessfully.

NEERGAARD: There were a number of chimpanzee transplants back in the 1960s. Probably the most famous of them was Baby Faye in 1984, who lived for 21 days with a baboon's heart. They didn't work because back then, doctors and scientists hadn't really understood exactly how you could overcome the challenge of the immune system. The human immune system immediately recognizes those animal organs and the animal tissue as foreign and attacks.

So if you just took a pig's organ, any old pig organ, and stuck it in a person on the operating table, it would literally turn black before the surgeon's eyes. That's how fast the immune system would attack it. Now, what's happening is we have companies that are gene-editing pigs. They are modifying the genes in pigs so that they are born lacking some of those molecules that say, "attack me" to the human immune system, and with some additional human genes to make them more compatible with people.

They are already used in, well, we've used them for food, but they're also already used in human medicine in a variety of ways. We get heart valves from pigs. We get skin grafts from pigs, and their organs are very compatible to human organs in the anatomy. They look like human organs, they work like human organs, the blood vessels are in the right place that you can attach them properly.

PANJWANI: Shelby says they've been able to meet some of the pigs used in these procedures.

LUM: And these pigs are bred specifically to be more compatible for human size, but they look like normal pigs. They look exactly like what you would think of a normal pig to look like. The pigs at the research farm are used for some of the early xenotransplant experiments. So these are for some of the decedent studies where these organs are being tested in brain dead donors, as well as some of the early compassionate care cases.

NEERGAARD: We really started seeing the first examples of organs from these gene-edited pigs being tested in brain-dead donors. And so kidneys from pigs were placed in them to see what happened. And this is where Shelby got to do something really cool.

LUM: I got the chance to be in the operating room for this really experimental surgery to test the pig kidney in this brain dead donor whose name is Moe. Moe's family had graciously decided to donate his body to this research to see if this could work. In order to do that, we worked with the university for months, which included sending over my vaccination history. It included getting testing done. I had to get blood work drawn to make sure that I wasn't bringing in anything into this operating room.

So once you're in the operating room, it's pretty similar to a regular kidney transplant surgery. You have the surgeon who's starting the surgery and then surgeons go to the farm and they procure the pig kidney there. And so they fly it back to NYU where the surgery is being done. And in that surgery, they put the pig kidney into the donor. And it turns pink immediately, which is the big sign for a kidney transplant surgery. That's what you wanna see, is this moment where that kidney turns pink. And it was this really incredible moment where the surgeons attached the kidney, you hear all of them chattering, and you hear them say, It's pink.

NEERGAARD: What was really amazing was how quickly this moved from deceased bodies into living people.

This photo provided by eGenesis on Jan. 18, 2024 shows a genetically modified pig liver in Massachusetts before transportation to the University of Pennsylvania in Philadelphia in December 2023. Credit: eGenesis via AP

PANJWANI: In January 2022, a man named David Bennett became the first person to receive a pig heart transplant.

NEERGAARD: And Dr. Bartley Griffith, who was the surgeon involved here, told us how nervous he was about broaching it and then how this patient responded with humor. He said, you know, what do you think I'm gonna oink? That first operation, that first transplant, lasted only two months.

PANJWANI: The second pig heart attempt with a Navy veteran named Lawrence Faucette also only lasted a little less than two months.

NEERGAARD: Then the kidneys started.

PANJWANI: A man named Rick Slayman and a woman named Lisa Pisano both received gene-edited pig kidneys.

NEERGAARD: Those two patients also died. So this is a point where the doctors are like, 'Whoa, we're not having as much success as we wanted.' And they started looking for patients who were not quite so critically ill as those first four people.

An Alabama woman named Towana Looney has lived the longest with a gene-edited pig kidney. She had it for 130 days before her doctors at NYU had to remove it earlier this month. Looney had been doing very well. She had told us she felt like superwoman. But then, at the beginning of April, her body began rejecting the organ. She's recovered from the surgery and is back home on dialysis again, disappointed, of course. But that record time living with the pig kidney did provide valuable information to scientists.

So what's next? A New Hampshire man received a pig kidney at Mass General Hospital in January. Like Looney, he was not as sick as some of the prior recipients when he was transplanted, and so far, so good. Chinese researchers also recently announced a pig kidney transplant there, so this is gaining momentum.

LUM: Looney issued a statement saying the outcome wasn't what anyone had hoped for, but she's hoping that it can inspire others in this journey as xenotransplantation is studied more. And there are people who are very interested in getting a xenotransplant.

PANJWANI: With any new scientific procedures, there come risks.

NEERGAARD: So one of the risks, of course, is that this will fail. The doctors will all say those first four were actually not failures because of how much they learned from each one of those patients. They will tell you those are names that will go down in medical history because they learned from each and every one of them. The other side of the risk, though, is the fact that we are using animal organs in people. And that does come with concern about whether there would be any possible transmission of animal viruses to people. One of the ethical challenges is whether these people are fully consenting to an experiment. Because so far, they have been people who really have been out of other options. There also are some ethical issues about how the animals are treated, how we're using animals for the good of humans. And so that's something that the proponents of this believe is helped by the fact that we're using pigs, which are also used for food already.

LUM: Lauren and I have talked with a few people who have expressed interest in getting one. Because for so many people living on dialysis, being in the chair several times a week, it is just not the best quality of life. They don't feel good, they aren't able to do the things they want to, and so there are people who are really interested in being part of these early studies.

NEERGAARD: I think the main theme that we've heard from all of the patients that we have managed to speak with so far, or their families, or even in the case of Moe, the man whose body was used for that early experiment that lasted two months, there's this common theme that whatever happens to them, they hope that this will teach the surgeon something and the scientist something so that eventually this will work and help other people. That's every person that Shelby and I have talked to has said that. The Food and Drug Administration has given United Therapeutics permission to do a clinical trial using pig kidneys created by their subsidiary Revivacor Incorporated on a small number of participants. They'll do surgeries on the first few patients, see how it goes, they're there for a few months and then they'll ramp up to larger numbers.

 2025 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed without permission.
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Credit: Pixabay/CC0 Public Domain

Measles is more than a rash, runny nose and a feverit can cause brain swelling, blindness and wipe out the immune system's memory, leaving unvaccinated children, and even adults, vulnerable to infection long after recovery.

This hidden toll is a serious concern as Texas faces its worst measles outbreak in years, with over 540 confirmed cases, more than 50 hospitalizations and two deaths among school-aged children.

"Even though many people can say, "Well, measles is a viral illness, it doesn't have any complications in the majority of cases," that's not essentially true," said Dr. Carla Garcia Carreno, a pediatric infectious disease specialist at Children's Health in Dallas. "You can have complications both acutely and in the long-term."

Encephalitis

When a person is infected with measles, the virus invades immune cells, which transport it to the lymph nodes and throughout the rest of the body.

One of the places the virus can reach is the brain, where it causes inflammation.

"One in 1,000 cases can have acute encephalitis or brain swelling that can be associated with a 15% case fatality rate," Garcia Carreno said.

Even if a child or adult recovers from encephalitis from a measles infection, Garcia Carreno added, there is a 25% risk of developing more persistent health issues after infection, such as seizures, motor problems, intellectual disabilities, hearing and vision loss and permanent brain damage.

In rare cases, someone who appears to have recovered from measles can develop a condition called subacute sclerosing panencephalitis, said Dr. Susan McLellan, medical director of The University of Texas Medical Branch's Biocontainment Care Unit. This is a progressive form of encephalitis in which brain cells previously infected with the measles virus are gradually destroyed over several years.

"Subacute sclerosing panencephalitis is a truly horrible thing that can happen a decade later," McLellan said, describing it as "invariably fatal."

Some of the early symptoms include poor performance in school, forgetfulness, temper outbursts, distractibility, sleeplessness and hallucinations. Muscle jerks, seizures and speech loss set in as the disease progresses. The final stages are marked by difficulty with feeding, swallowing and breathing.

Children under the age of two are at the greatest risk of this long-term brain inflammation, Garcia Carreno said. Aside from antiseizure medications to manage seizures, there is no cure for subacute sclerosing panencephalitis.

Hearing and vision loss

Encephalitis can cause hearing and vision loss by damaging the neural pathways related to vision and sight.

But hearing loss can also happen through bacterial ear infections, which are common complications of measles, Garcia Carreno said. According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, ear infections occur in one out of every 10 children infected with measles.

The virus can infect the corneathe clear, dome-shaped surface at the front of the eyeresulting in irritation and scarring and leading to permanent vision loss.

McLellan said measles can deplete an infected child's stores of vitamin A, an important nutrient for corneal health.

"This is not something that happens slowly," McLellan said. "This is something that can happen within weeks to months after a case of measles. [This is] typically seen in children who have quite significant vitamin A deficiency, whether recognized previously or not."

While the CDC recommends vitamin A as part of the treatment for children with severe measles, McLellan said taking vitamin A will not prevent a measles infection.

Lung damage and other health consequences

Around one in 20 children with measles will develop a lung infection, or pneumonia, the most common cause of death from measles among young children, according to the CDC.

Dr. Pedro Piedra, an infectious disease specialist at Baylor College of Medicine, explained that measles can cause breathing problems that can progress into a condition known as viral pneumonia. The resulting inflammation may leave lasting damage in the lungs, including scarring of the airwaysa condition known as bronchiectasisand interstitial pneumonitis, or scarring of the part of the lungs where the exchange of oxygen and carbon dioxide happens.

Some less common but immediate complications of a measles infection, Garcia Carreno said, include myocarditisinflammation of the heart muscle that makes it harder to pump bloodand nephritis, or inflammation of the kidneys.

Immune amnesia

Measles can destroy cells essential for long-term protection, effectively wiping out the body's memory of past infections. This phenomenon is known as immune amnesia, Garcia Carreno, McLellan and Piedra said.

Studies have found that measles can reduce an unvaccinated child's antibodies that recognize other pathogens by anywhere from 11% to 73%. Some statistical models found it could take two to three years after a measles infection to restore protective immune memory.

When relearning how to protect itself, McLellan said, the body is at risk of severe infections from bacteria and viruses such as streptococcus; Haemophilus influenza type b, which primarily affects children aged five and younger; and adenoviruses, which typically cause respiratory illnesses like the common cold.

There are no treatments to restore immune memory, which can only come back over time.

The most effective way to avoid immune amnesia and other health complications associated with measles infection is to get vaccinated against the virus.

The measles, mumps and rubella vaccine provides over 95% protection against measles and is given as two doses, one between the ages of 12 months and 15 months and the second between four to six years old.

Before the introduction of the measles vaccine in the 1960s, there were an estimated 400 to 500 deaths in the U.S. each year from the disease, according to the CDC.

"The mortality is one to three per thousand currently, but it used to be way higher than that," Garcia Carreno said. "The vaccine has prevented cases and deaths."

2025 The Dallas Morning News. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.
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Credit: Pixabay/CC0 Public Domain

Simply looking at visual art, visiting a museum, or having art in your hospital room can enhance well-being, particularly with repeated engagement, which can increase the meaning we feel in life, according to a new international study led by researchers from the University of Vienna.

The systematic review, published in the Journal of Positive Psychology, is the first to comprehensively evaluate how, when, and why art viewing supports mental health. It was conducted by an interdisciplinary team from Vienna, Dublin, Berlin, Cambridge, and Nijmegen.

Over the past decades, the idea that the arts can support mental health has gained momentum. While creating art has long been seen as beneficial for emotional and psychological well-being, the effects of simply viewing art have remained largely underexplored. Findings to date were scattered and inconsistent, with few studies examining the conditions under which art viewing may be effective.

The new review synthesized data from 38 studies involving 6,805 participants, aiming to determine not only whether viewing art improves well-being, but also when, under what conditions, and through which psychological processes it does so. These 38 studies, published between 2000 and 2023, were drawn from four major databases.

Positive potential

The researchers found the strongest evidence for benefits in eudemonic well-beinga sense of meaning, purpose, and personal development.

"People often think of art as a luxury, but our findings suggest that participating in viewing art activitieswhether as part of one's hobbies or through a targeted interventioncan meaningfully support well-being," said MacKenzie Trupp, lead author and researcher at the University of Vienna and Radboud UMC, Donders Institute. "This opens up exciting possibilities for integrating art into everyday environments and public health strategies."

Frames and formats

Art viewing for well-being can happen in a wide range of contextsfrom museums and hospitals to living rooms and online platforms. The reviewed studies included both single exposures and longer programs with multiple sessions. Participants engaged in diverse activities, including individual viewing, guided sessions, and reflective tasks such as journaling, emotional rating, or discussion.

Many interventions combined art viewing with so-called "accessory activities" like guided reflection or creative exercises. Reflective strategies were among the most frequently usedand may play a central role in achieving positive effects.

While earlier studies hinted at benefits such as mood improvement or stress reduction, the field lacked synthesis and conceptual clarity. The researchers identified five psychological mechanisms that help explain how art viewing supports well-being.

Affective mechanisms include emotional regulation and the experience of pleasure, triggered by aesthetic responses. Cognitive mechanisms involve attention, memory, and learningart can prompt reflection or stimulate curiosity. Social mechanisms describe how shared art experiences foster connection and reduce feelings of isolation. Self-transformative mechanisms allow for personal reflection, identity reinforcement, and a sense of meaning. Finally, resilience-building mechanisms support emotional coping, and restoration, especially in clinical or high-stress environments.

Together, these mechanisms offer valuable insights for future research and help inform the design of more effective art-based interventions. To help standardize and improve future studies in this field, the authors developed the Receptive Art Activity Research Reporting Guidelines (RAARR)a new set of criteria to ensure that future interventions and research can be better compared, evaluated, and replicated.

Art meets health

While the benefits of creating art are well documented, this study highlights the untapped potential of viewing art as a well-being resource. As art is already present in public and private spaces, it could be more intentionally used as a low-cost, accessible mental health tool.

Policy-makers, educators, and health care providers are encouraged to consider these findings in the design of future spaces and programs. The RAARR guidelines will also support more rigorous and reproducible research moving forward.

More information: MacKenzie D. Trupp et al, The impact of viewing art on well-beinga systematic review of the evidence base and suggested mechanisms, the Journal of Positive Psychology (2025). DOI: 10.1080/17439760.2025.2481041 Journal information: The Journal of Positive Psychology
Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has cancelled the certificate of registration (CoR) of Ahmedabad-based Colour Merchants Cooperative Bank Ltd due to inadequate capital and the lender's poor earnings prospects. RBI has asked Colour Merchants Cooperative Bank to stop banking business from 16 April 2025.

According to RBI, Colour Merchants Cooperative Bank does not have adequate capital and earning prospects and has failed to comply with the requirements of the Banking Regulation Act.

The continuance of Colour Merchants Cooperative Bank is prejudicial to the interests of its depositors. With its present financial position, it would be unable to pay its present depositors in full. The public interest would be adversely affected if the Bank is allowed to carry on its banking business any further, RBI says.

Due to the cancellation of its licence, Colour Merchants Cooperative Bank is prohibited from conducting business, including accepting fresh deposits and repaying them.

According to the RBI, on liquidation, every depositor of Colour Merchants Cooperative Bank is entitled to receive a deposit insurance claim amount of his or her deposits up to a monetary ceiling of Rs5 lakh from the Deposit Insurance and Credit Guarantee Corporation (DICGC).

As per the data submitted by Colour Merchants Co-operative Bank, 98.51% of the depositors are entitled to receive the full amount of their deposits from DICGC. As of 31 March 2024, DICGC has already paid Rs13.94 crore of the total insured deposits based on the willingness received from the concerned depositors of the Gujarat-based lender.
Nearly 40 years ago, the Institute of Management Consultants of India (IMCI) decided that its members must do something significant, as a service to the country. Some of Indias best management consultants and consulting firms were members of the Institute. They have a large resource of management expertise that can be channelled for the good of the country. Most of the time, management consultancy is used by private sector enterprises who understand the value of such a service. They know that they pay high fees to the consultancy firmbut they will also get advice on how to improve the production, sales and profits of the company. Finally, the fees may be a small portion of what the company will gain, not just for one year, but for many years to follow.

These consultants now wanted to go beyond the private sector and help the government with the management expertise they possess. This service would be a service to the country, to the community and, finally, to themselves and future generations.

After much thought, the management consultants decided that they would help the government to improve the systems in the judicial process. This would be a study of the present systems in the lower courts and high court, to suggest restructuring of the staff in the administrative system for greater efficiency and introducing systems and processes, including computerisation, so that transparency is ensured, speed is introduced and retrieval of data becomes easy.

The initial proposal was sent to the law ministry and an approach was made to the chief justice (CJ) of the Bombay High Court. The CJ was very enthusiastic. He was keen to pursue this project and be associated with it. However, the law ministry took a long time to respond. In the meantime, the CJ was transferred. A new CJ was appointed. He was approached with this fresh proposal. He was not as enthusiastic as his predecessor. And the initiative taken by the IMC of India, went up in smoke. A great pity!

It is a pity because the Institute had selected the judicial system as a priority, after a great deal of thinking. The delay in justice in India is extraordinary and rare by standards even in other developing countries. There are thousands of cases pending in the Supreme Court and hundreds of thousands of cases pending in the lower courts. Thousands of cases were initially filed by the father and have to be continued by the son. Cases come up for hearing are postponed time and again, because one of the lawyers is not present, or the witnesses are not present; or the judge is preoccupied, or even not present! Documents are typed by manual and antique methods and these are filed so that they are difficult to retrieve; and often require facilitation to expedite the process.

There are a large number of vacancies for judges that have not been filled and this aggravates an already disastrous situation. In addition, the courts have a large number of holidays. The number probably exceeds the holidays that our children get in school. At that time, decades ago, the final nail in the coffin was that a judge, JW Singh, was himself being tried for corruption because he was caught in the act of asking for a bribe.

What happens when the judicial system does not work? Or when it works very inefficiently? Citizens begin to lose patience and worse, they begin to lose faith. So many try to get justice by using a shortcutusing less time, and sometimes even less money. They use the underworld or they use political muscle.

Thus, crime is encouraged and thrives because the judicial system does not provide justice with simplicity and speed. The longer we allow the judicial process to languish, the higher will be the price to be paid. Honest citizens will be forced to become dishonest citizens. Not out of choice, but by circumstances that drive them to seek justice which is effective and fast, though it may be outside the formal system. And as the power of criminals increases, fair and effective governance by government will decrease. The inexorable march of history will take its toll.

Many members of the IMCI were convinced that after 10 years of the first attempt to help the government, not much had changed in the judicial process in the country. If anything, things had only got worse. There were more vacancies for judges which were yet to be filled. There was a bigger pile of pending cases. There were longer queues and crowds in the court building. There was greater dissatisfaction all round.

A friend of mine had a paying guest in his house, who refused to go when my friend needed the premises. My friend went to court to get him evicted. It is now 35 years since the case was admitted. Now the paying guest claims the rights of tenancy because he has been staying so long. The total complexion of the case has changed. My friend keeps telling me that if he had gone to other people for help, the matter would have been settled within a month. He regrets that he did not. This is an example, close to home, which shows that matters have only gone worse over the years.

Members of the IMCI, therefore, made another attempt to offer their services to the government. They approached the law minister who, at that time, was Ram Jethmalani. He was very enthusiastic about this project. Soon after the first meeting, he ceased to be the law minister.

So the whole process had to begin anew. Another attempt was made after a few years. In this process, many of the members who were once pushing to do something for the country had cooled down and were not as enthusiastic. They feel helpless and feel that nothing can be done to improve things!

Just like in the judicial system, or the traffic management system, or the town planning system, we keep neglecting to use management principles and management personnel to make life easier. In fact, most times we go to the other extent of making life more complicated. Many times over the years at Budget time, we keep talking about simplifying income-tax return (ITR) forms, so that ordinary citizens may be able to fill these on their own without having to use and pay for the services of tax consultants. Some success has been achieved, but there is still a long way to go.

The General Electric Corporation was one of the best-managed and most profitable companies in the US. It was said to be run on the management principles of speed and simplicity which generates self-confidence. Our managers in government do not seem to have heard of this. They do not want to make life easier for us, although they may profess to do so.

And the question being asked is: When will India learn to use the large fund of talent in this country to improve the quality of life for the common man? So many Indians can go to different parts of the world and make substantial contributions in every continent.

Why do our authorities spurn the attempts made by well-meaning experts who want to contribute to the country of their birth and their brothers in the community?

We will never know.
Updated at 4.15pm on 21 April 2025 to include response from Vivek Tiwari, co-founder and CEO of Medikabazaar

Medikabazaar, the business-to-business (B2B) medical supply platform, once hailed as a future unicorn in Indias healthtech space, has hurtled from crisis to crisis since a whistle-blower complaint in December 2023 accused the then-senior management of fraud. In the 15 months since, the allegations have been validated by forensic audits, its statutory auditor has resigned, and the company has undergone a significant leadership overhaul, says a report from The CapTable.

According to the report, while Medikabazaar attempts a turnaround, its series C investorsincluding Creagis, CDC Group (now BII), HealthQuad, and Ackermans & van Haarenhave activated a Rs279 crore indemnity claim, demanding accountability for misstatements made during fundraising.

"This follows a special notice issued in January by a group of shareholders representing 47.1% of the equity, citing alleged fraud and breach of fiduciary duty. The letter, sourced by The CapTable, was sent by a group of investors, including Arun Venkatachalam, Sunil Kalra, representatives of Rebright Partners, HealthQuad, KOIS Holding, Ackerman & Van Haaren, and others," it added.

In September 2023, when Medikabazaar disclosed to the media its plans to raise US$200mn (million) in equity the following year, there was little sign of the storm brewing inside the company. "Everything was seemingly hunky-dory."

Medikabazaar, started in 2015, was serving 20,000 pincodes through its digital procurement platform, Vizi, and had a presence in financing, asset lifecycle management, logistics and procurement services.

UPDATE:

In an email statement, Vivek Tiwari, co-founder and chief executive officer (CEO) of Medikabazaar says, "In response to recent reports concerning 'Medikabazaar', I categorically deny all allegations of fraudulent conduct or intentional misrepresentation during my tenure as CEO. The claims suggesting my involvement in any alleged inflation of revenue figures are misleading, and do not reflect the reality of the situation."



"While the current narrative is unfortunate and deeply damaging, I remain confident in the truth. In the coming days, true facts will emerge, providing clarity and reaffirming my personal reputation and integrity. Any attempt, intentional or otherwise, to malign my character and reputation will be addressed through appropriate legal channels, as and when necessary," he says.
Butte-Silver Bow commissioners have agreed to sell 606 acres in the countys industrial park to a company that wants to build a potentially sprawling data center.

The pending $1.21 million land sale to an LLC for Sabey Data Centers comes amid growing debate over data centers in Montana and concerns their large electricity usage will lead to higher residential rates for NorthWestern Energy customers.

The Public Service Commission has a pending investigation into NorthWestern Energys plan to supply as much as 400 megawatts to two proposed data centers near Butte. Both would get their power from the additional generating capacity of the Colstrip coal-fired power plant that NorthWestern Energy is acquiring at no cost in 2026.

Butte-based Atlas Power is proposing one of the data centers but one of the companies had previously refused to allow its name to be released.

Butte-Silver Bow officials acknowledged Wednesday night they have been in talks with Sabey for nine months that were kept private until this past week for proprietary reasons. The company is based in Tukwila, Washington.

Data centers house computer systems and infrastructure such as servers and networking equipment that is used to store and process data.

Commissioner Bill Andersen suggested the council postpone its authorization of the land deal for at least a week or two so the public can learn more about the proposal. Butte activist Evan Barrett also urged commissioners to do that.

Both noted that commissioners entertained a mans pitch last year to establish a small nuclear power plant in Butte. Some county officials and commissioners were clearly excited about the proposal, only to learn it was bogus and based on false claims.

Barrett said the nuclear project wasnt real and had to be abandoned and Andersen called it shady as heck and the claims behind it shady and misguided.

But Kristen Rosa, who oversees the business park and its tax-increment district, said county officials have vetted Sabeys proposal and its advisory board reviewed it Friday. There are clawback provisions in the land deal in case the Sabey project doesnt materialize, she said.

This is just one step in the project, she said. This is a big, big project and they have a lot of things theyre going to have to figure out.

Sabey CEO John Sabey told commissioners the company now has data centers in Washington state and Texas.

Its centers are hundreds of thousands of square feet, potentially up to 1 million square feet, he said, but the size of the Butte project hasnt been determined.

Sabey said the center could potentially serve artificial intelligence companies, giant corporations such as Microsoft, Amazon or Oracle, or multiple users in the movie, banking or health care industries.

Despite their often enormous buildings and complexes, data centers tend to create few new jobs, sometimes in the range of 25 to 30, according to numerous analyses and news reports. But Sabey suggested the number would be far higher here.

We do create a lot more jobs than is really kind of like thought about, he said. Its hundreds of jobs and during the construction phases, it is thousands of jobs. We will do what we can to engage the community and we will be very good community citizens.

He said his company is working on a power agreement with NorthWestern Energy but dismissed concerns about hogging so much electricity from the grid that it results in rate increases on residential users.

I wont go into conspiracy theories but there seems to be an organized group of individuals in the United States that are going around throwing hand grenades at data centers, Sabey said. Thats one of the talking points theyre using.

The council voted 10-1 to authorize the 606-acre sale to the Sabey LLC called Horizons Montana. Andersen was the lone no vote and Commissioner Eric Mankins was absent. Sabey has 180 days to close on the land purchase.

Rosa said it was just the kind of venture the county envisioned when it established the business park and its taxing-district years ago and she encouraged commissioners not to postpone the land purchase.

Weve been talking to them for a long time, she said. Its our job to do that. I am very confident in and comfortable in recommending that you enter into this agreement (so) these folks will continue to work down that path of getting this project up and going.

There are several bills dealing with data centers still alive in this session of the Montana Legislature but its too early to tell how they will fare or interact.

One by Republican Rep. John Fitzpatrick of Anaconda would have removed the Public Service Commissions ability to review and approve or deny so-called large load electricity customers like data centers.

NorthWestern Energy and the Montana Chamber of Commerce say data centers are a new gold rush that will create jobs and increase the tax base. But Public Service Commission President Brad Molnar and at least two nonprofit advocacy organizations fear costs to provide increased generation capacity for data centers could force NorthWestern Energy to raise electricity rates on residential customers.

The PSC wants to ensure that data centers dont harm existing ratepayers. Fitzpatricks proposal would take that power away from the PSC.

In response to a PSC inquiry in February, NorthWestern Energy said in essence that money it makes from data centers will be used to improve the overall energy system in Montana.

Lee Newspapers reporter David Erickson contributed to this report.
Many people have opinions about agriculture, and most of these views are wrong.

So says Gilles Stockton, a life-long Montana rancher from Grass Range.

In his attempt to better understand modern ag, the 78-year-old started writing essays to clarify within my own mind how these seemingly disparate issues have a relationship that affects the lives of rural peoples and instructs their political expressions.

When he stopped writing, Stockton had the makings of a book. Feeding a divided America: Reflections of a Western Rancher in the Era of Climate Change was published in 2024 by the University of New Mexico Press.

The book was meant to give people a base context of what the reality is in agriculture, both in terms of practitioners of agriculture, as farmers and ranchers, but also consumers, Stockton said. Because I don't think consumers understand how perilous their food supply is.

A graduate level course

The topics Stockton tackles are reader friendly yet worthy of a graduate level university course  everything from political policies to the growth of industrialization in agriculture and its far-reaching influences on rural residents, urban consumers and the resulting political and cultural divide between the two.

Looming in the background of his discourse is a huge variable  Mother Nature. A fickle presence, she can be wasteful, constantly shifting between abundance and disaster, Stockton wrote.

To compensate, humans started raising crops and animals in an attempt to rationalize and maximize the production of food by modifying what nature would otherwise dictate. Yet in the end, as the title of Stocktons book alludes, Mother Nature is always in charge.

I think we're heading for a climate shock, and that's one of the things I wanted to warn people about, he said. If there is a climate shock, do you have an agricultural system resilient enough to deal with it, depending on how bad that shock is?

In his book Stockton wrote, "Because global warming is increasing the incidence of bad weather; and globalism is spreading diseases and disease vectors around the world faster than authorities can respond, we may very well be approaching the time for a reckoning."

Hints of what could come

The fragility of Americas food system was exposed during the COVID-19 pandemic. Shipping came to a near standstill. Grocery stores were cleaned out by anxious consumers as they stockpiled goods. Toilet paper, unpredictably, became a hot commodity.

As the system grounded to a standstill, some ranchers sold a few cattle directly to consumers, who had a difficult time finding anyone locally to do the butchering. Existing butchers were overwhelmed with the sudden onslaught of work, sometimes delaying customers orders for months.

The pandemic also revitalized interest in farm to table connections, such as farmers' markets. Although Stockton said he admires such operations, they also promote unrealistic ideas.

Those nice locally grown tomatoes are competing with tomatoes coming from Mexico, he said. You have got to deal with that market dynamic before you can really have a local food system that reaches more people.

Large supermarkets, which have become increasingly monopolized, need big suppliers. Big ag companies, which Stockton refers to as cartels, control aspects of agriculture from university research on products and chemicals, to supplying the seed and fertilizer, to purchasing the commodity.

A rebel's perspective

This unfair system that was foisted on rural America is, in part, what has prompted Stockton to speak out as an activist for family farmers and ranchers against the heavy hitters in agriculture.

I think that's just in my nature, he said. Some people are born rebels.

Certainly, Stocktons background differs from most of his neighbors. His mother, Elvia, was a French citizen, who his father met a year before the end of World War II. His father, Bill, returned to France to study art when Stockton was a toddler.

I had one foot totally grounded in the land community, and another foot that was in the Bohemian circles of the artistic world of Montana and a third foot, if you had a third foot, in France, Stockton said. So I had a much more complicated, rounded childhood than most people get.

Upon returning to the states, Bill ran the ranch his widowed mother had inherited along MacDonald Creek, close to the Eastern Montana community of Grass Range.

In 1938, when Bill graduated from school in a class of seven, the community that had boomed during the homesteading era was already withering.

People were abandoning their homesteads, along with their dreams of being independent landowners, Stockton wrote. What had been a growing town turned into a wide main street lined with empty buildings.

By the time Stockton was attending high school, the 12-mile stretch of the MacDonald Creek valley between Grass Range and Forest Grove had 15 working farms and ranches. Now there are five.

International view

Stockton's work in rural economic development in Africa and the Middle East for groups like the United Nations and the recently dismembered USAID have also influenced his viewpoints.

In this country, and even in economically blighted areas like Grass Range, Montana, we're still so incredibly privileged, Stockton said.

While working in Somalia, he saw people dying of starvation in the streets.

To see what the reality is in the rest of the world and what's at stake, that was mind blowing, he said. People should be so grateful for what they have and so fearful of losing it. And yet, unfortunately, our society is taking it too much for granted.

It takes work to have a functional economy and society. It takes all of our collective efforts to make it work. And when you forget that, I sure as hell have seen how bad it can be. And it can be really bad.

To avoid such an outcome, Stockton advocates for more government antitrust actions. He's also long been an advocate for Country Of Origin Labeling, or COOL, so consumers can choose to eat Montana beef.

"The most important thing is to have a rural policy," he said. "We do not have a rural policy. We've got an anti-rural policy. So you have got to start from that premise.

"There are huge issues that need to be dealt with," he continued. "But the one common thing that's affecting all of us is the source for everything that we buy in order to make a crop comes from a monopoly, and the purchaser of everything we sell goes to a monopoly, and sometimes it's the same company. So you know, until we start taking antitrust enforcement seriously..."
A report from the former director of the Montana Department of Natural Resources and Conservation released Tuesday found that transferring federal lands to the state of Montana would cost taxpayers at least $8 billion over the next 20 years.

The report, authored by John Tubbs, the DNRC director under Democratic Gov. Steve Bullock and a longtime natural resources manager for state and federal agencies, calls the idea floated by some in Washington, D.C., to transfer federal lands to state management a multi-billion-dollar "gamble on Montana's future" that "would place an untenable financial burden on the state."

"The state simply cannot afford the responsibility of managing such vast swaths of land without significant financial strain," Tubbs wrote in the reports conclusion.

He wrote the analysis in conjunction with several Montana outdoors and conservation organizations that also spoke at a press briefing Tuesday about the idea, which is currently being pushed by some Republicans. Those organizations include Backcountry Hunters & Anglers, the Montana Wildlife Federation, Mountain Mamas and the Montana Conservation Voters Education Fund.

While the idea of transferring or selling off federal public lands is not new, it featured prominently in last year's election in Montana because of now-U.S. Sen. Tim Sheehys affiliation with a Bozeman organization that once advocated for such a transfer. The Montana Republican Party also adopted a platform last year that supported the federal government relinquishing its public lands to the states.

Utah's effort to take back millions of acres of unappropriated federal lands has also fanned the flames of the conversation, though the U.S. Supreme Court declined to accept the states legal challenge for a hearing late last year. That did not stop Montana state Rep. Tom Millett, R-Marion, from introducing a joint resolution this legislative session to support Utah in its efforts. The resolution made it out of its first committee despite broad testimony in opposition to it before 66 of the 100-member Republican-led House killed the proposal.

But with Congress figuring out how to pay for a budget to enhance border security and kickstart more energy projects while cutting taxes, some members have continued to float the idea of selling off public lands to offset costs.

Montana's all-Republican federal delegation, however, has worked since the new administration took office to show their constituents they don't back the idea. Federal public lands account for about 29% of Montana's landmass.

In January, U.S. Rep. Ryan Zinke again introduced his Public Lands in Public Hands bill he has run several times now, which prohibits the sale or transfer of most federal lands and which he says would protect public access to tens of millions of acres. Last week, U.S. Rep. Troy Downing signed on as a cosponsor.

And earlier this month, as the Senate moved forward with its budget proposal, Sheehy and U.S. Sen. Steve Daines were the only two Republicans to vote in favor of an amendment from U.S. Sen. John Hickenlooper, a Colorado Democrat, that would have prohibited Congress from selling off public lands to reduce the deficit.

That amendment failed in a 48-51 vote.

While Tubbs and others who spoke about the new report Tuesday lauded those moves by the four Republicans, they also said the vote on the budget amendment showed the delegation, and Daines in particular, could be doing more to sway their fellow western GOP lawmakers.

"If he leaned on other western states senators and it was meaningful to Daines that provision passed, we should have seen dozens of Republican legislators voting for the protection of our public lands, and we didn't," Tubbs said. "All of them got voted in, in part, because every one of them ran ads saying they supported public lands. Now we need to see the walk  not just the talk."

Tubbs' report says the bulk of the $7.9 billion tax hit over two decades to Montanans that would come with the federal public lands transfer would be due to the state having to take over wildfire management, hundreds of millions worth of backlogged maintenance projects and mine reclamations, and charge grazing fees more than 15 times what ranchers have to pay the feds currently.

The state would also see hits because a program to help fund schools and county services in rural areas without large tax bases "would be severely disrupted," according to the report.

Tubbs found Montana would face $5.5 billion over the next 20 years in increased wildfire response and mitigation costs, largely because federal land management agencies currently pay for three-quarters of suppression and preparedness costs. The report found that equation would flip under a transfer of Bureau of Land Management and U.S. Forest Service lands. Tubbs postulated that an agency like the Federal Emergency Management Agency would be left to foot the other quarter of the cost.

"That's untenable," Tubbs said.

His report also found the state would have to pick up an estimated $1 billion tab for abandoned mine reclamation currently paid for by the feds, and would lose $40 million in Payment in Lieu of Taxes funding that comes from the federal government to every county in Montana. That money funds public education, public infrastructure and counties through payments from the Bureau of Land Management and U.S. Forest Service to compensate for tax-exempt federal public lands in Montana.

Tubbs' report calls it "absurd" to think the state could take over and fund that program with state revenue.

"Without the $40 million-plus annual federal contribution to counties and schools, several of Montana's counties would be bankrupt  in particular, the 11 counties in which more than half of the acreage is owned by the federal government, the report says.

It also suggests a federal land transfer would leave Montana taxpayers on the hook for more than $600 million in deferred maintenance on federal public lands, and that the loss of federal grazing leases would spike lease costs by 1,600% by moving from $1.35 per animal unit month under the federal rate to at least $23 per AUM on state land.

"In Montana, where the banking industry maintains close financial connections with the ranching economy, replacing the below-market federal grazing rates with the state's minimum market rates would send the entire economy into a tailspin," the report says.

Tubbs said the report highlights the dire economic situation Montana could be placed in should the effort to transfer federal lands continue to pick up steam and become reality.

Kaitlin Price, a spokesperson for the governor, said the state has had no discussions with the federal government about any land transfers and called the report "fearmongering" by the groups that produced it.

"Yet, while we face a forest health and catastrophic wildlife crisis due to the mismanagement of federal lands, these groups have been noticeably silent," Price said in a statement. "The governor and Montana DNRC remain committed to managing state lands responsibly and look forward to working with new leadership at the U.S. Forest Service to utilize all tools available to manage lands under its jurisdiction effectively and safely."

Frank Szollosi, executive director of the Montana Wildlife Federation, said the group would be sending the report to Montanas federal delegation for them to sway their fellow western and conservation-minded Republicans on the Hill to oppose a federal land transfer.

"They need this ammo to go to others in their caucus to tell them to do the right thing," he said. " They carry that burden of leadership."

Editor's note: This story has been updated to include comments from the governor's office.
A Nairobi court has released a medical doctor and two co-accused clinic proprietors on bond after they were charged with the unlawful death of a woman following a cosmetic surgery procedure.

Senior Principal Magistrate Samson Temu of the Kibera Law Courts granted bond to Dr. Robert Maweu Mutula, George Wakaria Njoroge, and Lilian Edna Wanjiru Mwariridirectors of Omnicare Medical Limited, which operated under the name Body By Design.

Each accused person was granted a bond of Ksh1 million with one surety of the same amount. Alternatively, the court offered a cash bail option of Ksh500,000 each.

In his ruling, Magistrate Temu agreed with defense counsel Erick Mutua that the prosecution had not provided sufficient grounds to deny the accused their constitutional right to bond. Bond can only be denied if the prosecution presents compelling reasons, Temu emphasized.

Earlier on April 3, the magistrate had directed the probation department to conduct an impact assessment report from the family of the late Lucy Wambui Kamau. The report involved interviews with her widower, children, and close relatives to understand the emotional and psychological toll her death had taken on them.

According to the findings, the family expressed deep sorrow and emotional trauma over Wambuis passing. However, they requested the court to make its decision based on the law.

Wambui died on October 16, 2024, following a liposuction 360/BBL cosmetic procedure performed at Body By Design. Dr. Mutula, along with Njoroge and Wanjiru, faces charges of unlawfully causing her death. All three have denied the charges.

Defense Argument For Bond Release

Senior Counsel Erick Mutua, a former Law Society of Kenya (LSK) president, took over Dr. Mutulas defense from a previous team that included Danstan Omari, Shadrack Wambui, Cliff Ombeta, and Samson Nyaberi. Mutua pleaded with the court to grant bond, citing Dr. Mutulas critical role in Kenyas healthcare system.

He told the court that Dr. Mutula serves as a surgeon with the Department of Defence (DoD), where he treats Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) personnel injured during military operations and training. Mutua also noted that the doctor chairs St. John Ambulance Kenya, which offers life-saving emergency medical services across the country.

Detaining him would disrupt essential public health services and compromise national security support functions, Mutua said. He further argued that Dr. Mutulas detention violates his rights and negatively impacts both the state and citizens who depend on his services.

Mutua also raised concerns about double jeopardy, noting that both the Kenya Medical Practitioners and Dentists Council (KMPDC) and the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) had initiated proceedings against the doctor based on the same incident. He maintained that KMPDC was the proper regulatory body to handle such medical matters.

Additionally, Mutua told the court that the late Wambui had been fully briefed on the risks of the procedure and had signed consent forms prior to undergoing surgery.

After reviewing the submissions and the pre-bail report, Magistrate Temu ruled that the circumstances favored releasing the accused on bond. He directed that the case be mentioned on April 28, 2025, for pre-trial directions.

The pre-bail report supports the accused persons, and they have given assurances to attend court throughout the trial process, Temu ruled.

Meanwhile, the defense revealed that Body By Design, the Level 3B facility where the surgery occurred, has since closed its doors. The clinic, based on Kabasiran Avenue in Nairobi, was fully registered with the Medical Practitioners and Dentists Board before the incident.
Editor's note: Chinese paper-cut is an ancient folk art form that involves cutting intricate patterns and images from paper. This technique, deeply rooted in Chinese cultural traditions, is not only an aesthetic practice but also a way to express joy, prosperity and cultural beliefs.





In 2009, Chinese paper-cut was inscribed on the UNESCO Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity in recognition of its cultural significance and the role it plays in preserving and transmitting Chinese folk customs and creativity. Paper-cut is celebrated across China, with different regions known for their distinct styles and patterns, and it continues to thrive both as a folk art and a modern artistic expression.

The origins of Chinese paper-cut can be traced back to the 6th century during the Tang dynasty (618907). Initially, it was a simple craft used to create decorations for religious rituals and to adorn windows during festive occasions. Early examples of paper-cut included designs such as flowers, birds and animals, which symbolized luck, fertility and protection.

The art form became particularly popular during the Song dynasty (9601279) and flourished during the Ming (13681644) and Qing (16441911) dynasties. During these periods, paper-cut was not only used for decoration but also for symbolic purposes, such as celebrating birthdays, weddings and festivals like the Spring Festival. The art of paper-cut was passed down through generations, often from mother to daughter, with families using it to adorn homes and public spaces.

Distinct regional styles emerged over the centuries, with famous paper-cut centers in Jiangsu, Shandong and Hebei provinces, each known for their unique themes, techniques and patterns. For instance, Shandong-style paper-cut is known for its bold, large patterns and striking contrasts, while Sichuan-style features delicate and intricate details. These regional variations have enriched the diversity of Chinese paper-cut and further contributed to its cultural importance.

Chinese paper-cut remains a thriving art form today. While the traditional use of paper-cut for decorations during festivals continues, the craft has also adapted to contemporary tastes and uses. Modern artists incorporate paper-cut into various forms of visual art, design and commercial products, including fashion, architecture and digital media. Paper-cut elements are commonly found in advertisements, souvenirs and home decorations.

Despite its continued popularity, there are challenges to the preservation of this ancient craft. The time-consuming nature of traditional paper-cut techniques, along with the increasing availability of mass-produced decorative items, has made it difficult for artisans to sustain their craft commercially. However, efforts are being made by cultural organizations, museums and government bodies to preserve and promote this heritage through educational programs, exhibitions and workshops. Additionally, younger generations are increasingly interested in learning the craft, ensuring that the skills and traditions of Chinese paper-cut continue to be passed down.

In recent years, paper-cut has gained international recognition, with exhibitions and workshops held in many countries, allowing global audiences to appreciate the beauty and complexity of this ancient art form. Furthermore, Chinese paper-cut has been recognized as a source of national pride and a symbol of China's rich cultural heritage.

When Chinese paper-cut was inscribed on the UNESCO Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity in 2009, the organization highlighted the art form's deep cultural roots and its significance in promoting community identity and cohesion. UNESCO described Chinese paper-cut as a means of expression, communication and creativity, noting that it is intimately tied to Chinese customs, festivals and rituals.

The recognition also acknowledged the role of paper-cut in the expression of social values and beliefs. For example, the patterns often reflect themes of prosperity, good fortune and harmony, which are central to Chinese culture. UNESCO praised the transmission of this knowledge across generations and the continued innovation seen in contemporary applications of the art.

Moreover, UNESCO highlighted the efforts of various organizations and local governments in promoting and preserving paper-cut traditions through education, public engagement and cultural preservation initiatives. The inscription underscored the importance of maintaining both the traditional and modern aspects of Chinese paper-cut, ensuring its survival as a living cultural heritage.

Through its inclusion in the UNESCO list, Chinese paper-cut has gained greater visibility, reinforcing its significance as a key component of China's cultural identity and a unique form of artistic expression that continues to inspire and engage people worldwide.

Discover more treasures from China on UNESCO's ICH list:



 2024: Spring Festival

 2022: Traditional tea processing

 2020: Wangchuan ceremony, taijiquan

 2018: Lum medicinal bathing of Sowa Rigpa

 2016: Twenty-four solar terms

 2013: Abacus-based Zhusuan

 2012: Training plan for Fujian puppetry performers

 2011: Shadow puppetry, Yimakan storytelling

 2010: Peking opera, acupuncture and moxibustion, wooden movable-type printing, watertight-bulkhead technology of Chinese junks, Meshrep

 2009: Yueju opera, Xi'an wind and percussion ensemble, traditional handicrafts of making Xuan paper, traditional firing techniques of Longquan celadon, Tibetan opera, sericulture and silk craftsmanship, Regong arts, Nanyin, Khoomei, Mazu belief and customs, Dragon Boat Festival, Manas, Craftsmanship of Nanjing Yunjin brocade, Xinjiang Uygur Muqam art, Hua'er, China engraved block printing technique, Chinese traditional architectural craftsmanship for timber-framed structures




Detectives have arrested two women in Awasi after a chilling WhatsApp post led to the discovery of an illegal firearm and a fake number plate.

Sharon Auma sparked online panic when she uploaded a photo of herself flashing a Canik pistol, warning that any man who dared to dump her would face serious consequences.

The arrest follows a report received of Sharon Auma, who decided to spice up her WhatsApp status, posting a photo of herself brandishing a pistol while ominously warning that any man who dared dump her would face severe consequences, the DCI reported.

The post quickly caught the attention of officers from the Crime Research and Intelligence Bureau in the Nyanza Region, who joined forces with DCI detectives from Nyando to investigate.

The team swiftly traced Sharon to Awasi town, Kisumu County, where they arrested her. Upon interrogation, she led the officers to a rented two-bedroom house belonging to her friend and alleged accomplice, Nancy Atieno Obura.

Inside the house, detectives uncovered the pistolits magazine emptycarefully wrapped in clothes and hidden in a basin under the bed. They also recovered a fake motorcycle number plate marked KMGG 805M.

Police have taken both women into custody, where they remain as investigators prepare to arraign them in court. Meanwhile, detectives are pursuing new leads in the hunt for more suspects believed to be connected to the firearm.

The bold WhatsApp stunt has now landed Sharon and Nancy in serious legal trouble as the probe continues.
The government is taking decisive action to ensure that all national examination certificates, previously withheld due to unpaid fees, are released by school principals without delay.

Government spokesperson Isaac Mwaura has this week warned that any principal who continues to hold onto these certificates will face both disciplinary and legal consequences. The Ministry of Education is on the case, instructing county directors to report back within two weeks on the status of uncollected certificates across the country.

The governments stance is firm: non-compliance will lead to significant penalties for those involved. Mwaura has emphasized that withholding these documents is a violation of childrens rights and undermines the nations commitment to providing equitable education opportunities.

The Ministry of Education has been directed to act swiftly against any defiance of this order.

This move is in line with recent reforms introduced by Education Cabinet Secretary Julius Ogomba, when he announced that future KCSE documents should now be collected from Subcounty Education offices, a step aimed at preventing schools from unlawfully detaining them.

On March 17, Ogomba reiterated that schools have no legal standing to withhold academic credentials, declaring such actions illegal under national policy. The National Assembly Committee on Education also highlighted on March 19 that the inability to access these documents forces many young Kenyans into informal, untrained labor.

They stressed how crucial it is for students to own their certificates to unlock future opportunities.

Despite all these pronouncements, it remains to be seen whether school heads will adhere.

The government has also not come out clearly to explain what should happen to the arrears, crucial for the running of the schools.
A group of Luo professionals has raised a strong objection to Siaya Governor James Orengos vocal opposition to the political alliance between President William Ruto and former Prime Minister Raila Odinga, warning that they may push for his impeachment if he persists with his stance.

The Ramogi Professional Caucus (RPC), a Nyanza-based group of professionals, issued the stern warning on Wednesday, April 16. They accused Governor Orengo of undermining the emerging political unity, which they believe is crucial to the economic development of the Luo community.

We want to tell Siaya Governor James Orengo that we are not happy with his remarks at Oduors burial on Saturday, said Joshua Nyamori, the Chairman of the Ramogi Professional Caucus. As a community, we are united and fully support the broad-based government.

Nyamori explained that the Ruto-Raila alliance offers a viable path to economic progress for the Luo community. He emphasized that rejecting this unity deal in favor of continued opposition politics would only hinder the regions development.

This is the only way we can ensure we develop economically, Nyamori stated. We cannot be in opposition forever.

Polycarp Ochilo, another RPC member, warned that if Governor Orengo did not reconsider his position, the group would take further steps, including pursuing his impeachment.

If he continues like this, we will even impeach him, Ochilo remarked.

The group also demanded a public apology from Orengo for his actions, accusing him of disrespecting President Ruto and embarrassing Raila Odinga at a time of mourning. According to leadership expert Rachael Omollo, Orengos comments were inappropriate, especially considering Railas grief over the loss of his long-serving bodyguard, George Oduor, who passed away on April 12.

By his actions, Orengo disrespected the President and embarrassed Raila at a time when he is in mourning, Omollo said. He should offer an apology to both leaders.

Governor Orengo Remarks Against Ruto-Raila Pact

The controversy began when Governor Orengo spoke at the burial of George Oduor, a longtime bodyguard to Raila Odinga, on Saturday, April 12. During his speech, Orengo made it clear that he would not join what he called the praise-singing bandwagon for President Rutos administration.

Orengo argued that cooperation with the government should not be confused with blind loyalty, stressing that the Oppositions role was to hold the government accountable. He underscored the importance of adhering to constitutional values and the rule of law.

What Im trying to say is that we must build a society grounded in the Constitution and the rule of law, Orengo explained. We fought for a democratic constitution so that people can speak freely. We cant just keep praise-singing all the time.

The Siaya Governor warned that constantly flattering those in power would harm the countrys future. If you keep praise-singing, we will not have a country. So, tell your leaders the truth. If you want something from the government, it is a matter of rightnot a favour you are being given, Orengo added.

Looking ahead, Orengo also advised his party to begin preparing for the 2027 presidential election. He noted that Raila Odinga had already signaled his intentions to field a candidate to challenge President Ruto in the next polls.

As a party, we cannot be in a position where we are satisfied with the status quo, Orengo stated. We must always challenge the status quo. If we want to move ahead, we must be ready to challenge the status quo.
Dennis Itumbi, who leads the Presidential Special Projects and Creative Economy, has voiced his disapproval over the disruption faced by Butere Girls Secondary School students during their attempt to present the play Echoes of War.

He believes the intervention was unnecessary.

On last nights episode of JKLive, Itumbi shared his perspective, making it clear that not everyone in government holds the same view. Im among those who think it was completely unnecessary to stop the girls from performing. he noted.

That said, Itumbi did recognize the governments involvement in the Drama festivals, which are fully funded by the state. This funding naturally gives the government some say over the content presented. These festivals are entirely funded by the Government of Kenya. To be fair, the government has a point in setting rules, he acknowledged.

He also pointed out the Teachers Service Commission (TSC) regulations, which require that only registered teachers can write plays. Despite this rule, individuals like him and former Kakamega Senator Cleophas Malala, who wrote Echoes of War, participate in these activities out of passion.

According to the TSC regulations 2025, trainers of the Kenya National Drama festival items must be teachers and tutors registered by the TSC or lecturers from a registered post-secondary institution. Im not a teacher, just like Malala; we do this out of passion, even if its technically against the rules, he continued.

Itumbi further added that the adjudicators didnt stop them; the students decided not to go on stage.

Echoes of War has sparked a national conversation due to its theme of Gen Z challenging an authoritarian regime. The play was written and directed by former UDA Secretary General turned Rutos critic, Cleophas Malala.

Heres Part 1 of that conversation:
Detectives from the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) have arrested a man accused of masterminding a high-stakes scam at the luxurious Jumeirah Palm Resort in Mombasa, exposing what appears to be a pattern of fraud stretching across Africa.

The suspect, posing as a wealthy guest, booked a lavish three-bedroom short -term rental for a two-week stay, racking up a bill of Ksh370,300. He sent the host a supposed RTGS payment message of Ksh105,800money that never appeared in hosts account.

When questioned, the suspect smoothly reassured the host that his company would handle the full payment before checkout. But instead of settling the bill, he and his two accomplices vanished without a trace.

Investigators later uncovered that this wasnt his first con. DCI linked the suspect to a similar incident at another upscale hotel in Mombasa, where he used the same fake payment trick to swindle staff and disappear.

Authorities believe hes part of a wider fraud network targeting luxury hospitality spots across the continent. He has also been linked to fraud investigations in Australia.

Police have him in custody and are preparing charges as they hunt down his accomplices, who remain on the run.

He and his partners in crime previously defrauded a Beach Hotel in Mombasa in the same way. Now in custody, he is undergoing processing pending arraignment, as detectives pursue his elusive accomplices, the DCI reported.
Introduction

Virtual Private Server (VPS) hosting is gaining traction among Kenyan startups looking for cost-effective and scalable solutions to power their digital operations. Emerging businesses often face challenges in balancing performance with budget constraints.

VPS hosting offers a middle ground between shared hosting and dedicated servers, providing more control and reliability without the hefty price tag.

This article explores why Kenyan startups are increasingly opting for VPS hosting and highlights the advantages it brings to the table.

The Rise of VPS Hosting Among Kenyan Startups

Understanding the Trend

The shift toward VPS hosting in Kenya is a reflection of the broader technological trends impacting the startup ecosystem. As businesses compete in an increasingly digital marketplace, the demand for robust online operations has intensified.

VPS hosting addresses these needs by offering startups dedicated resources that improve website performance and resilience.

Unlike shared hosting, where resources are pooled among multiple users, VPS provides a virtualized environment that mimics a dedicated servers functionality without the associated costs.

This makes it an attractive choice for startups seeking a reliable yet affordable solution to host their websites and applications.

Key Drivers Influencing the Shift

Several factors contribute to the growing preference for VPS hosting among Kenyan startups. One primary driver is the increasing need for scalability as businesses grow and their digital presence expands. Startups require hosting solutions that can seamlessly accommodate their evolving needs without significant infrastructure changes.

Additionally, the demand for improved security features has risen, with VPS offering more robust protections against cyber threats compared to shared hosting.

Furthermore, the competitive pricing and enhanced performance of VPS, characterized by faster loading times and dedicated resources, appeal to startups looking to impress their users with superior website experiences.

As the Kenyan digital economy develops, these drivers continue to steer startups toward VPS solutions.

Comparing VPS and Shared Hosting

Performance and Reliability Differences

VPS hosting offers a considerable edge over shared hosting concerning performance and reliability.

In shared hosting environments, resources such as RAM, CPU, and bandwidth are shared among numerous websites, which can lead to slower load times and potential bottlenecks during traffic spikes.

Conversely, VPS hosting allocates specific resources to each virtual server, ensuring consistent performance unaffected by other users.

This isolation results in faster speeds and quicker response times, crucial for startups aiming to provide seamless user experiences.

Reliability is another domain where VPS stands out. With dedicated resources, VPS hosting offers better uptime and stability, which is critical for maintaining customer trust and ensuring continuous online accessibility.

Most VPS providers guarantee uptime above 99%, significantly reducing the risk of site outages that can harm a startups reputation and revenue. These advantages make VPS a compelling choice for startups prioritizing speed and dependability in their hosting solutions.

Cost-Effectiveness in the Long Run

While VPS hosting may have a higher upfront cost compared to shared hosting, it proves more economical in the long run due to several factors. One significant advantage is the tailored allocation of resources, which prevents overpayment for unneeded capacity.

This strategic allocation ensures startups pay only for what they require, avoiding hidden costs often associated with shared hosting, such as the need for additional resources during traffic surges.

Moreover, VPS hosting minimizes potential downtime-related losses due to its enhanced reliability, preserving revenues that could be compromised by inaccessible sites. Startups also benefit from reduced maintenance and upgrade costs since VPS services typically include management and support.

As these businesses expand, the scalable nature of VPS means they can efficiently accommodate growth without extensive migration expenses.

These factors collectively contribute to the longevity of VPS as a cost-effective solution, making it a wise investment for startups looking to optimize their budgets over time.

Security Benefits

Security is a paramount concern for startups, especially those handling sensitive data. VPS hosting significantly enhances security compared to shared hosting. Each VPS functions in an isolated environment, reducing the risk of data breaches that can occur in shared hosting when one sites vulnerability affects others.

This isolation ensures that data and resources remain secure from unauthorized access.

VPS hosting providers offer several key security features, including SSL certificates, regular backups, malware scanning, and firewall protection. These features safeguard websites against cyber threats, ensuring that customer information and sensitive business data remain protected.

Additionally, some VPS solutions provide advanced options such as DDoS protection and two-factor authentication, offering an extra layer of defense against sophisticated attacks.

For startups operating in Kenyas growing digital marketplace, these robust security measures are essential in building trust with customers and complying with data protection regulations. By investing in VPS hosting, startups can focus on growth, knowing that their digital assets are well-guarded against potential threats.

Advantages of VPS for Emerging Businesses

Scalability to Match Growth

Scalability is a crucial advantage of VPS hosting, aligning seamlessly with the dynamic needs of startups experiencing growth. Unlike shared hosting, which offers limited resource flexibility, VPS hosting allows businesses to adjust their resource allocation readily, such as increasing bandwidth, storage, or CPU power, as their demands evolve.

This adaptability ensures that startups can handle sudden traffic spikes or expand their digital services without compromising site performance.

Moreover, scalable VPS solutions facilitate seamless upgrades as a company grows, eliminating the need for complex and costly migrations. This is particularly crucial for Kenyan startups aiming to scale rapidly in a burgeoning digital market.

By choosing VPS hosting, businesses can plan for future expansion with confidence, knowing their hosting infrastructure can accommodate rising operational needs without service interruption.

With scalability baked into the hosting plan, startups can focus on their strategic goals and customer engagements, ensuring their infrastructure supports their path to success.

Customization Options for Diverse Needs

VPS hosting provides extensive customization options, catering to the diverse requirements of Kenyan startups. Unlike shared hosting, which offers limited control due to its standard settings shared by all users, VPS hosting allows businesses to tailor server configurations to suit their specific applications and workloads.

Startups can select operating systems, install custom software, and define security protocols that best fit their operational models.

This level of customization is particularly beneficial for startups engaged in unique industries or those requiring specific tech stacks that shared hosting cannot accommodate. Whether a startup needs a specific database setup, advanced security protocols, or custom application installations, VPS offers the flexibility to implement these criteria effectively.

Moreover, customizable VPS environments enable startups to optimize performance settings for their precise use cases, resulting in improved efficiency and user experiences.

This flexibility not only supports current operational needs but also provides the foundation for future technological innovations as startups expand and diversify their offerings.

Enhanced Resource Allocation

Enhanced resource allocation is one of the key features that set VPS hosting apart, offering significant benefits to startups. With VPS, you have the ability to allocate specific amounts of CPU, RAM, and storage to your server, ensuring consistent performance.

Unlike shared hosting, where resources are distributed among many users, VPS guarantees that your assigned resources are dedicated solely to your business.

This autonomy in resource management allows for precise tuning tailored to each startups needs, optimizing performance for traffic loads and application demands. Startups benefit from this reliable resource availability, particularly during high-traffic periods or when running resource-intensive applications.

The ability to manually adjust resources as needed also means that startups can swiftly respond to sudden changes in demand, maintaining a smooth and responsive user experience.

For growing businesses in Kenya, having control over resource allocation not only enhances operational efficiency but also supports scalability goals. Startups can confidently pursue new opportunities knowing their infrastructure can support increased demands without affecting service quality.

Considering a Move? Steps to Transition from Shared to VPS

Assessing Your Startups Hosting Requirements

Before diving into the sea of hosting options, take a moment to assess your startups specific requirements. This self-evaluation will serve as your compass in the selection process. Consider the following factors:

Traffic Expectations : Estimate your monthly visitors. A personal blog might attract a few thousand visitors, while an e-commerce site could see tens of thousands. Accurate predictions help in choosing the right hosting and avoiding future scalability issues. Storage Requirements : Evaluate the size and number of files your site will host. Websites featuring rich multimedia content, such as high-resolution images or videos, will demand more storage. This information is crucial in determining if a VPS solution will suit your needs. Bandwidth Needs : This relates to the amount of data transferred when users visit your site. High-traffic sites or those with large files will require more bandwidth, preventing lags and ensuring a smooth user experience.

For instance, if youre launching a portfolio website for your photography business in Nairobi, youll need ample storage for high-resolution images and sufficient bandwidth to handle potential viral traffic spikes.

By thoroughly evaluating your startups hosting needs, you can make informed decisions that align with both current demands and future growth aspirations. Understanding these foundational aspects helps avoid the pitfalls of over or under-provisioning resources, ensuring a cost-effective and efficient hosting strategy.

Proper assessment guarantees that your choice of hosting not only meets immediate operational requirements but also scales seamlessly as your startup evolves.

Planning and Budgeting for Migration

Transitioning from shared hosting to VPS requires careful planning and budgeting to ensure a smooth migration with minimal disruptions. Begin by outlining a detailed migration plan that includes a timeline and key milestones. This will help manage the projects scope and keep it on track.

Cost Assessment : Evaluate the costs involved in the migration process, including potential downtime, data transfer, and any necessary upgrades or software licenses. Understanding these costs upfront helps in avoiding the shock of hidden expenditures. Data Backup : Before initiating the migration, ensure that all your site data is thoroughly backed up. This step safeguards against data loss during the transition and allows you to revert to previous versions if the need arises. Testing Environment : Set up a testing environment to simulate the VPS setup and address any issues before the actual migration. This foresight helps in identifying potential challenges and fine-tuning performance parameters. Resource Allocation : Configure your VPS to match your startups requirements, which can include setting the necessary CPU, RAM, and storage capacities based on your initial assessment. Professional Support : Consider engaging IT professionals or your hosting providers support team to ensure technical expertise is available during the migration. Expert-guidance can preemptively resolve technical hitches and optimize the configuration for better performance.

Proper planning and budgeting not only facilitate a seamless transition but also set the foundation for future scalability and efficiency.

Aligning migration efforts with detailed preparations ensures that your startup experiences uninterrupted growth and improved service delivery in its new VPS environment.

Selecting the Right VPS Provider

Choosing the right VPS provider is crucial for ensuring optimal performance and support for your startups digital operations. Start by defining your specific needs based on your previous assessments of traffic, storage, and security requirements.

Performance and Reliability : Opt for a provider with a solid reputation for high uptime guarantees, preferably 99.9% or above, and fast server performance. This ensures your site remains accessible and loads quickly for users. Scalability Options : Ensure the provider offers scalable plans that allow for easy resource upgrades or downgrades. This flexibility will support your businesss growth and changing needs without interruption. Customer Support : Prioritize providers offering 24/7 customer support. Responsive and helpful service is invaluable when resolving technical issues or during critical website downtimes. Review feedback and testimonials to gauge support quality. Features and Customization : Assess the variety of customizable options, such as control panels, root access, and security features. These are essential in tailoring the VPS environment to meet your technical needs. Pricing Transparency : Compare pricing across different plans and be on the lookout forhidden fees. Ensure the plan you choose offers good value for money, balancing affordability with the required features.

By meticulously evaluating these factors, you can select a VPS provider that aligns with your startups goals and technical requirements, ensuring reliable service and long-term satisfaction.

This strategic choice supports operational growth, innovation, and security, crucial for thriving in an increasingly competitive digital landscape.
The second Macao International Comedy Festival convened top comedy creators for two major forums and a series of events to discuss the challenges of making comedy and its broader cultural significance.



Comedians, organizers and guests pose at the closing forum of the second Macao International Comedy Festival in Hengqin, Guangdong province, April 13, 2025. [Photo courtesy of Mahua Fun Age]

A closing forum was held on April 13 in Hengqin, Guangdong province that borders Macao, marking the festival's high point. Events for the comedy festival were held in both Hengqin and Macao.

Han Mei, CEO of Mahua Fun Age and a co-organizer of the festival, said the event's five days brought not only laughter but also a deeper connection across cultures. "Comedy doesn't just make us laugh  it makes us reflect, resonate and even brings us to tears," she said. "This reminds us how comedy can transcend cultural and geographic boundaries, and how talent drives the sustainable growth of the cultural industry."

Han said the festival will continue providing an open, accessible platform rich in resources to support more comedians, especially young women, in pursuing creative ambitions and innovation.

Laughter as remedy

The closing forum, themed "Laughter as the Remedy," featured Chinese comedy stars Shen Teng and Ma Li, Bollywood actor Aamir Khan and Hollywood screenwriter Peter Chiarelli in a discussion on the challenges of comedy creation.

Aamir Khan, Shen Teng, Ma Li and Peter Chiarelli attend the closing forum of the second Macao International Comedy Festival in Hengqin, Guangdong province, April 13, 2025. [Photo courtesy of Mahua Fun Age]

"Creating comedy is a serious undertaking, and the process is immensely challenging," Shen said. "Comedy has such a long history that audiences have seen almost everything. The impact of short-form videos on long-form content has also been tremendous. Nowadays, attempting to innovate story structures or develop comedic characters that feel original to viewers is as difficult as scaling the heavens."

"Comedy needs to build on the foundation of tragedy  making people not only relate and cry, but also laugh," Ma said. Her longtime partner Shen agreed, adding that quality comedy requires an emotional core and skills from other genres. "To perform comedy well, you have to master different dramatic styles first, which makes the challenge even greater," he said.

Khan said comedy requires something unique: precise timing. "Half a second earlier or later, and the punchline may not be effective. Timing is of the essence," he said. "That's what differentiates comedy from other genres."

The Indian actor also emphasized that even a big laugh should be cut if it doesn't serve the film's overall narrative. "You have to keep in mind the overall impact of what you're trying to say," he added.

Chiarelli said comedy draws him in because it allows him to mask earnestness with humor while tackling serious topics. He enjoys guiding audiences to new perspectives, often by subtly drawing them into engagement. He cited his script for the film "Crazy Rich Asians" as an example of making an unfamiliar subject compelling to viewers.

During the forum, Shen also emphasized the urgent need to nurture young comedic talent and praised the festival as a valuable platform for emerging comedians.

"Developing the next generation of comedians is both meaningful and pressing," he said. "True comedy requires innate talent  you must be born with a sense of humor to excel as a comedic actor. This alone disqualifies many performers. Some may have acting talent, but that doesn't necessarily make them good comedians."

The power of women in comedy

At the "Her Way" forum in Macao on April 12, Ma and Hong Kong filmmaker Andrew Lau discussed women's roles in comedy.

Ma Li and Andrew Lau participate in the "Her Way" forum at the second Macao International Comedy Festival in Macao, April 12, 2025. [Photo courtesy of Mahua Fun Age]

Ma said she remains passionate about comedy but is keenly aware of the limited number of women in the field. "I once wanted to tear off the label of 'comedic actress'  it felt so difficult because comedy rarely earns proper recognition, especially for women," she said. She explained that female comedians often feel isolated, frequently have their ideas rejected and face a host of unspoken requirements and expectations.

"I consider myself lucky to have finally met directors and teams who truly understand me and my artistic vision. Many have given up waiting. But I hope to see more women join and strengthen our ranks in comedic acting," she said. She also expressed interest in taking on new challenges, including roles as cunning or complex characters beyond comedy.

Ma and Lau recently collaborated on a new film, "The Dumpling Queen," a biopic about Wan Chai Pier dumpling brand founder Zang Jianhe, which is set for release on April 30. Lau said the story resonated with him because it reminded him of his mother. He thanked Ma for leading and supporting the project and helping to share a compelling Chinese story.

Ma said she did not initially pursue comedy and once felt constrained and labeled as a comedic actress. Over time, though, her view changed.

"During countless movie promotions, I've met audience members who tearfully told me, 'You should know  during our darkest, most difficult moments, your comedy helped us through and gave us the strength to stand back up.' Over time, I realized that a good story, a compelling character and quality comedy truly have the power to heal," she said. "From that moment, I felt a sense of mission. I must continue doing comedy because bringing joy to audiences gives me just as much happiness."
The Chinese and Egyptian air forces will conduct a joint training from mid-April to early May in Egypt, according to a statement released by the Chinese Ministry of National Defense on Wednesday.

This will mark the first joint training between the two countries' air forces, the statement noted, adding that it is of great significance for advancing practical cooperation and enhancing mutual trust and friendship between the two militaries.
PRNewswire Ahmedabad (Gujarat) [India], April 17: GTPL Hathway Limited, India's largest Digital Cable TV Service Provider and a leading Broadband Service provider, announced its Financial Results for the Quarter and Financial Year ended March 31, 2025. Key Financial Highlights: Key Consolidated Business & Financial Highlights: FY25 Annually * Q4 FY25 Total revenue stood at Rs 8,989 Mn, a growth of 10% Y-o-Y * F Y 25 revenue stood at Rs 35,072 Mn a growth of 8% annually and Broadband Revenue grew by 4% annually * EBITDA for Q4 FY25 stood at Rs 1,144 Mn with an EBITDA Margin of 12.7% and an operating EBITDA margin of 22%. For the full year, EBITDA stands at Rs 4,625 Mn with EBITDA Margin of 13.2% with an operating margin of 22% * Q4 FY25 Profit After Tax stood at Rs 105 Mn and the same for FY25 is Rs 479 Mn * For FY25, the board of directors has recommended a dividend of Rs 2/- per share (20% of Face value) *Operating EBITDA (%) = (EBITDA net of Activation & Other income) / (Subscription+ ISP + Other Operating income) Operational Highlights Digital Cable TV * Active subscribers were 9.60 Mn as of March 31, 2025, achieving an increase by 100K Y-o-Y * Paying subscribers stood at 8.90Mn, increasing by 100K Y-o-Y * Subscription revenue from Cable TV stood at Rs 2,982 Mn for Q4FY25 & Rs 12,327 Mn for FY25 * Company signed Grant of permission agreement (GOPA) with Ministry of Information and Broadcasting for providing Headend-In-The-Sky (HITS) Services for a period of 10 years Broadband * Increase in broadband subscribers by 25K Y-o-Y thus standing at 1045K * Broadband revenue increased by 4% to Rs 1,358 Mn for Q4 Y-o-Y & Rs 5,456 Mn for FY25 * Homepass as on March 31, 2025, stood at 5.95Mn - an addition of 150K Y-o-Y. Of the 5.95Mn, 75% available for FTTX conversion * Broadband average revenue per user (ARPU) stood at Rs 465 per month per subscriber, increased Rs5 Y-o-Y. * Average data consumption per user per month was 396 GB, an increase of 11% Y-o-Y Commenting on the results, Anirudhsinh Jadeja - Managing Director, GTPL Hathway Limited, said, "It pleases me to report that the company has sustained its subscriber base across both business divisions reflecting the resilience within operations in an overall challenging industry environment. We continue to remain optimistic about our long-term strategies and our initiatives to capitalize on the evolving consumer trends. The upcoming financial year will be pivotal as we look to enhance our capabilities for distribution of TV services with material benefits expected to accrue over the medium term. We are constantly enhancing the ambit of our offerings, upgrading and implementing technological innovations and focusing on providing consumer centric services. We will continue to evaluate opportunities for growth across our businesses." About GTPL Hathway Limited GTPL Hathway Limited is India's largest MSO providing Digital Cable TV services and is one of the largest Private Wireline Broadband service providers in India. The Company is the largest Digital Cable TV and Wireline Broadband Service Provider in Gujarat & is a leading Digital Cable TV Service provider in West Bengal. The Company's Digital Cable TV services reach 1,500 plus towns across India in 26 states. The company enjoys an expansive network, comprising 47,000+ business partners, 200+ broadcasters, 1,750+ enterprise clientele, and active participation in 30+ government projects. The company offers an enviable catalogue of 950+ TV Channels with 130+ channels which are GTPL Owned & Operated Platform Services. As on March 31, 2025, the Company has 9.60 million Active Digital Cable TV Subscribers and 1.04 million Broadband Subscribers and a Broadband Home-pass of about 5.95 million. Safe Harbor Any forward-looking statements about expected future events, financial and operating results of the Company are based on certain assumptions which the Company does not guarantee the fulfilment of. These statements are subject to risks and uncertainties. Actual results might differ substantially or materially from those expressed or implied. Important developments that could affect the Company's operations include a downtrend in the industry, global or domestic or both, significant changes in political and economic environment in India or key markets abroad, tax laws, litigation, labor relations, exchange rate fluctuations, technological changes, investment and business income, cash flow projections, interest, and other costs. The Company does not undertake any obligation to update forward-looking statements to reflect events or circumstances after the date thereof. Logo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1982843/GTPL_Logo.jpg (ADVERTORIAL DISCLAIMER: The above press release has been provided by PRNewswire. ANI will not be responsible in any way for the content of the same)
New Delhi [India], April 17: INT., a global leader in digital transformation and consulting, has established its new Polish subsidiary, Indus Net Technologies Sp. z o.o., as part of its strategic expansion across Europe. This move reflects the company's commitment to delivering more localized support to its growing European customer base and signals its long-term vision for deeper regional integration.

The Polish subsidiary will serve as a nearshore delivery and support base for Central and Eastern Europe, enabling INT. to strengthen Client Collaboration, Accelerate Service Delivery, and Stay Agile amid evolving market demands. With its robust tech ecosystem and deep talent pool, Poland offers an ideal environment for INT. to drive regional innovation and scale its operations effectively.

"Establishing a presence in Poland is a pivotal step in our ongoing effort to integrate more closely with our European clients," said Abhishek Rungta, Founder & CEO of INT. "Europe continues to lead in digital innovation, and this expansion reflects our sincere commitment to being where our clients need us --both strategically and personally. We're excited to grow together and contribute meaningfully to the regional ecosystem."

About INT.

INT. is a full-cycle Digital Transformation Partner specializing in AI and Analytics, Cloud and DevOps, Cybersecurity, Integrated Digital Marketing, and Managed Services. By combining Deep Technical Expertise with a future-focused mindset, INT. helps organizations unlock value, drive growth, and innovate with confidence.

For more information, visit https://intglobal.com/

(ADVERTORIAL DISCLAIMER: The above press release has been provided by SMPL. ANI will not be responsible in any way for the content of the same)
New Delhi [India], April 17: Vijayan Trishul Defence Solutions Private Limited (VTDS), a growing force in India's defence manufacturing sector, has signed a lease deed with the Uttar Pradesh Expressways Industrial Development Authority (UPEIDA) for a 20-hectare plot of land in the UP Defence Industrial Corridor.

The allotted land--Plot No. S-8--is located in Village Erach, Tehsil Garautha, District Jhansi, Uttar Pradesh - 284302. The lease has been executed for a period of 90 years and marks a significant milestone in VTDS's journey towards building an advanced, indigenous defence manufacturing facility.

The lease deed was signed by Sahil Luthra, Founder & Managing Director of VTDS, and Deepak Chaturvedi, Manager Administration, UPEIDA.

Speaking on the occasion, Sahil Luthra, Founder & Managing Director of VTDS, said: "This is a defining moment for us. Establishing our facility in the UP Defence Industrial Corridor is a step towards realising our vision of delivering world-class, indigenous defence solutions. We are proud to contribute to the Government of India's Atmanirbhar Bharat initiative and look forward to strengthening the nation's defence capabilities through innovation, precision, and self-reliance."

The upcoming facility is expected to generate local employment, support infrastructure development, and boost regional industrial growth, further reinforcing India's position as a global defence manufacturing hub.

About Vijayan Trishul Defence Solutions Private Limited

Vijayan Trishul Defence Solutions Private Limited is an Indian defence manufacturing company focused on the development and production of high-quality small arms and ammunition. Established in 2024, VTDS is committed to supporting India's armed forces and security agencies through indigenous innovation and cutting-edge technology.

(ADVERTORIAL DISCLAIMER: The above press release has been provided by VMPL. ANI will not be responsible in any way for the content of the same)
PNN New Delhi [India], April 17: The International Mandir Prabandhak Council (IMPC) with Bhagva App, as sponsor, is set to host the Kailasa Evening, featuring live performance by Padmashree awardee Kailash Kher. This event is scheduled for April 18 at Talkatora Stadium, New Delhi, and will also mark the foundation of 120 Shiv Shakti Kendras. Under the spiritual guidance of Niranjan Peethadheeshwar Shree Shree 1008 Acharya Mahamandaleshwar Swami Kailashanand Giri Ji Maharaj, the Kailasa Evening aims to unite devotees to witness the foundation of Shiv Shakti Kendras. This will serve as transformative centers for spiritual learning, cultural preservation, and social service. The Mahasangam Yatra and Mahakumbh Trishul Yatra, completed earlier this year, restored the ancient glory of Shiva temples by installing 108 Trishuls blessed at sacred sites. Concluding in New Delhi on February 26, 2025, these yatras symbolize unity and spiritual renewal. The Kailasa Evening now marks the foundation of 120 Shiv Shakti Kendras, uniting faith, devotion, and community. The event will also launch Bhagva App, a spiritual tech platform offering online pujas, pandit booking, and virtual temple experiences, enabling devotees worldwide to perform rituals effortlessly. Bhagva also provides virtual temple experiences, where devotees can visit temples from the comfort of their homes. Additionally, users get detailed Panchang and horoscope features, delivering daily spiritual guidance and essential updates to its users. The foundation of 120 Shiv Shakti Kendras, including 108 in India and 12 abroad, is a step by IMPC and Bhagva to transform Lord Shiva temples into vibrant hubs of community service. These centers will provide a space for spiritual education, promote cultural activities, and address societal needs, reflecting the IMPC's commitment to preserving Sanatan Dharma. Speaking about the event, Deep Sihag Sisai, National General Secretary, Convenor Mahasangam Yatra, International Mandir Prabandhak Council said, "This evening is not just a celebration but a moment in our mission to rejuvenate temples and empower communities. It reflects our commitment to unite devotees globally and preserve our spiritual essence. We also request participation from various religious and governmental organizations to be a part of this wonderful evening" Scheduled to begin at 6 PM, the event is expected to draw thousands of attendees, offering a unique blend of spiritual passion and cultural beauty. The Kailasa Evening is poised to leave an indelible mark on India's spiritual landscape, showcasing the power of devotion and community in creating a brighter future. About International Mandir Prabhandhak Council: International Mandir Prabhandhak Council (IMPC) is a not-for-profit organization dedicated to revitalizing Indian temples and cultural sites through its Indian temple restoration projects. By harnessing the collective efforts of communities, private enterprises, and governments, IMPC focuses on preserving heritage, uplifting communities, and promoting environmental sustainability via different committees like Temple Development and Preservation Committee, Development Committee for Temple Workers, Bharat Jal Samrakshan Committee, Shakti Bharat Mission and Community Upliftment and Service Committee. About Bhagva: Bhagva is a global spiritual platform dedicated to serving devotees by providing Pooja services to individuals, corporations, and organizations around the world. The platform is committed to enhancing the welfare, skills, and development of Pujaris, who play an essential role in guiding individuals in their spiritual journeys and upholding Hindu dharma. Furthering its mission, Bhagva is actively involved in empowering women and underrepresented groups by offering skill education related to Pooja articles. This includes training in making items such as agarbattis (incense sticks), solar diyas, and various artifacts, enabling them to partake in economic and cultural activities. Through these initiatives, Bhagva not only fosters spiritual growth but also contributes to the socio-economic advancement of communities. With a holistic approach, the organization supports the preservation of traditional practices while promoting sustainable livelihoods, thereby making a positive impact in the lives of many across the globe. Bhagva app and website is a daily source of spirituality that allows digital Pooja, online Pooja, offline Pooja, panchang, astrology, jaap services along with a Pooja shop. For more information, download Bhagva app now: iOS: https://apps.apple.com/ph/app/bhagva/id6680180380 Android: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.bhagva.life&pcampaignid=web_share (ADVERTORIAL DISCLAIMER: The above press release has been provided by PNN. ANI will not be responsible in any way for the content of the same)
PRNewswire Pune (Maharashtra) [India], April 17: Rio Innobev Pvt. Ltd., the homegrown beverage disruptor behind RIO Bubbly Fruit Drink and RIO BOOM Energy Drink, today announced that it has raised its first institutional fundraising of Rs10 crore in a pre-Series A funding round led by Atomic Capital, and other marquee investors. * Backed by Atomic Capital and marquee investors, the beverage disruptor plans rapid scale, omnichannel growth, and aggressive brand expansion The funding marks a pivotal milestone for the Pune-based startup as it prepares for aggressive nationwide expansion and product innovation. Currently present in over 35,000 retail stores across more than 25 cities in Maharashtra and Gujarat, Rio Innobev aims to scale to 1,00,000 outlets over the next three years while deepening its omnichannel presence with Quick Commerce platforms and modern trade networks. Designed with the ambition to fill the gap for vibrant, youth-centric beverages in India, Rio Innobev has built a differentiated portfolio. RIO Bubbly Fruit Drink (BFD) offers exotic fruit flavours with 15% juice content, fortified with honey and Vitamin C, and 25% less sugar than most competitors. Meanwhile, RIO BOOM Energy Drink caters to young, aspirational consumers with a bold taste and energy-boosting formula, all at an accessible price point. Rahul Sangoi, CEO and Co-Founder of Rio Innobev said, "When we started RIO, our clear mission was to create a beverage brand that reflects the energy, tastes, and aspirations of a new generation of Indian consumers. We saw a massive gap in the market for fun, flavour-forward, and affordable drinks that didn't compromise on quality. From day one, we've stayed nimble, bold, and focused on building a brand that challenges the status quo. This fundraise marks more than just capital, it is a validation of everything we have built and a springboard for where we are going. With this backing, we are doubling down on what we do best, expanding our footprint aggressively, innovating with speed, and delivering products that excite and energize. Our goal is to make RIO a household name, and this is just the beginning of that journey." Founded in 2014, Rio Innobev has stayed EBITDA positive ever since, scaling from 5 employees to 145, and growing from 7.5 lakh units in its first year to over 15 million cans and bottles sold annually. Produced at its state-of-the-art Pune facility, the brand continues to focus on innovation, speed-to-market, and uncompromising quality. The fresh funds will be channelled into four growth pillars: distribution expansion, brand building, product innovation, and manufacturing upgrades. The company aims to expand its portfolio across indulgence, health, and functional beverage segments, catering to evolving consumer preferences. Apoorv Gautam, Founder of Atomic Capital, maintained, "We were immediately drawn to Rio Innobev because they've built something rare, a brand that's not only disruptive in its category but has also demonstrated strong fundamentals. They've proven they can scale without losing sight of what makes them special, sharp product-market fit, a clear brand identity, and an ambitious but disciplined execution style. This is not just a beverage company, it's a movement that taps into the cultural and lifestyle pulse of young India. The team's clarity of vision and ability to execute at scale set them apart. We believe Rio is on the verge of becoming a breakout consumer brand, and we're excited to support them in this journey." With the Indian beverage market ripe for further disruption, Rio Innobev is poised to become a Rs500 crore brand in the next four years. Backed by seasoned investors and a clear strategy, the company is set to redefine what it means to enjoy a refreshing, homegrown drink -- with both energy and attitude. Beyond its presence in leading modern trade outlets like Dmart, Reliance Retail, 7-Eleven, Wellness Forever, and Patel Retail, as well as on quick commerce platforms such as Zepto, Swiggy Instamart, and Blinkit, the company plans to triple its general trade footprint and significantly deepen its reach in India's top metros and emerging mini-metros over the next three years. Simultaneously, Rio is sharpening its focus on building a diverse portfolio across Indulgence, Health, and Functional beverage categories, responding to the evolving tastes of young Indian consumers. As part of its scale-up strategy, the company will also invest in expanding its manufacturing capabilities to ensure faster go-to-market execution, superior product quality, and strong unit economics as it prepares to compete more aggressively in both national and regional markets. Mumbai-based Atomic Capital is an early-stage VC firm founded in 2024 by Apoorv Gautam, a veteran with 18+ years across investing, consulting, and leadership. Focused on scaling consumer and consumer-tech brands, Atomic Capital brings a hands-on approach and deep strategic expertise to its portfolio. With a operating VC playbook and a sharp focus on capital efficient growth, Atomic Capital has quickly built investor confidence, closing an oversubscribed debut INR 350Cr fund within a year of launch. About Rio Innobev Pvt. Ltd. Rio Innobev Pvt. Ltd. is a Pune-based beverage company challenging legacy brands with its bold, flavour-packed offerings. Its flagship products -- RIO Bubbly Fruit Drink and RIO BOOM Energy Drink -- are crafted to deliver taste, energy, and excitement to India's young and dynamic consumers. Available across major retail, quick commerce, and e-commerce platforms, RIO is on a mission to make every moment a little more vibrant. For more information, visit https://enjoyrio.in/ About Atomic Capital: Atomic Capital is a Mumbai-based early-stage venture capital firm founded in 2024 by Apoorv Gautam, an industry veteran with over 18 years of experience in investing, consulting, and strategic leadership. The firm backs ambitious founders building high-potential consumer and consumer-tech brands, combining capital with hands-on support. With a unique operating VC playbook and collaborative approach towards working with founders to unlock scale. Apoorv brings deep operating and strategic insight from his prior roles at Rivigo, McKinsey, Bain, and a leading VC fund -- positioning Atomic as a high-impact partner for early-stage growth. Photo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2667176/Rio_and_Atomic_Capital.jpg (ADVERTORIAL DISCLAIMER: The above press release has been provided by PRNewswire. ANI will not be responsible in any way for the content of the same)
VMPL New Delhi [India], April 17: Quick commerce logistics startup Zippee announced the launch of Blaze, its new 60-minute delivery service for online marketplaces across India, becoming one of the first players to enable rapid delivery and dark store infrastructure for marketplaces in categories such as supplements, F&B, home decor, fashion, skincare, and pet supplies. The inaugural cohort of marketplace partners includes Vaaree, Supertails, Haldiram, Mondelez India, and Clinikally, reflecting growing consumer demand for quick commerce and a broadening of faster fulfillment beyond grocery essentials. The service is live in NCR, Bangalore, and Mumbai, with plans to expand to 5 more cities and 120 marketplaces and brands in the coming quarters. Quick commerce players like Zepto, Blinkit, and Swiggy Instamart have transformed grocery and essentials delivery with ten-minute turnarounds. However, the infrastructure and operational complexity required for such services have made it challenging for D2C brands, e-retailers, and marketplaces to match these benchmarks. Many still rely on traditional courier-based fulfillment with 3-7 day delivery windows- leading to higher rates of non-delivery, returns, and dissatisfied customers. Founded in 2021, Zippee integrates with brands and e-commerce platforms, enabling direct deliveries to customers through their own channels. It uses a network of dark stores and last-mile fleets across 13 cities to power same-day, 2-hour, and now 60-minute deliveries for eligible SKUs. This model allows brands to meet rising customer expectations for faster deliveries, especially in competitive, time-sensitive categories like health & wellness, F&B, personal care, gifting, fashion, and home essentials. The Gurgaon-based startup has raised $8.5M funding to date from a consortium of investors, including South Asia Technology Partners, FMCG giant Haldiram Snacks, and notable angel investors such as Kunal Shah, Peyush Bansal, Ashneer Grover, Paramdeep Singh, Tanmay Bhat, Arjun Vaidya, and Raj Shamani. "Quick commerce is how today's consumers want to shop: fast and easy. We're aligning with this shift by delivering products across categories to our online consumers in hours, not days. Partnering with Zippee helps us make that happen and uphold our world-renowned legacy of quality while meeting the demands of today's market," noted Umesh Kumar Agarwal, Whole-Time Director at Haldiram Snacks, which recently raised $1B in a financing round led by private equity firm Temasek. "Traditional logistics players weren't built for the speed customers now expect. With this launch, we're helping marketplaces close the quick commerce gap-- without ceding control of their brand, customer data, or merchant relationships. This is just the beginning, and we plan to roll out Blaze to a broader set of D2C platforms too," said Madhav Kasturia, Founder & CEO of Zippee. Zippee expects 17% of its total shipments to be fulfilled via 60-minute delivery by Q2 FY26. (ADVERTORIAL DISCLAIMER: The above press release has been provided by VMPL. ANI will not be responsible in any way for the content of the same)
NewsVoir Gurugram (Haryana) [India], April 17: Antara Senior Care has won the 'Operator of the Year - Senior Living' accolade at the 13th Asia Pacific Eldercare Innovation Awards 2025, as part of the World Ageing Festival, for pioneering an integrated ecosystem of senior- care solutions in India. Antara, a fully owned subsidiary of Max India, part of the $5- billion Max Group, also received distinguished recognition in two additional categories: 'Facility of the Year - Senior Living' for its Dehradun-based senior-living residences and 'Facility of the Year - Residential Aged Care' for its Memory Care Home in Gurugram. The awards celebrate organizations that redefine the ageing experience through innovative business practices, operational strategies, and service models. Awardees are chosen on the basis of their significant contributions to the positive evolution of ageing. Being adjudged the 'Operator of the Year - Senior Living' validates Antara's pioneering approach to senior care. It affirms Antara's position as the benchmark for excellence in the senior care industry, reflecting its unwavering commitment to transforming the landscape through thoughtful innovation and 'Seva Bhav' in its senior-care solutions. Rajit Mehta, MD and CEO of Antara Senior Living, said, "We are delighted to receive all these recognitions. It's a tribute to all our team members who are passionate about impacting quality of life of the seniors that we serve. It is a reflection of our core value of 'Seva Bhav', an endorsement of our mission to create an ecosystem of care offering a blend of lifecare and lifestyle solutions to seniors. At Antara, we strive to empower seniors to live independently, with confidence and purpose, while knowing that they are always cared for. This recognition inspires us to continue building a future where every senior in India has access to thoughtfully designed best-in-class solutions that celebrate ageing as a journey of continued growth, connection, and well- being." The award was accepted by Vaibhav Dubey, Vice President and Head, Antara Dehradun Residences, and Prem Singh Rathore, Executive Vice President and Head of Business Processes & Quality and Environment, Health & Safety at Antara, who was himself bestowed with a rare distinction - the 'Ageing Asia Global Ageing Trailblazer' award. As India's senior care industry is poised for rapid growth on the back of an ageing population that is set to double to ~350 million by 2050, Antara remains at the forefront of expansion, delivering cutting-edge care solutions tailored to the evolving needs of its aging population. Along with residences for seniors, Antara's assisted care services include Care Homes, Care at Home, Memory Care Homes, and Antara AGEasy - an offline and online store offering curated products and solutions to manage chronic health conditions. The 13th Asia Pacific Eldercare Innovation Awards 2025 recognize outstanding contributions to eldercare innovation across the Asia Pacific region. As part of the World Ageing Festival, this global event brings together leaders, experts, and organizations to celebrate groundbreaking work in the senior sector. Organized by Ageing Asia, a social enterprise dedicated to connecting businesses, governments, and communities to drive innovation in eldercare across the region, the awards and festival aim to foster collaboration, set the agenda for the future of ageing, and drive positive change in eldercare. Launched in 2013, Antara is the senior-care business of Max India Limited, part of the $5 billion Max Group. It is an integrated ecosystem for senior care, operating in two main lines of businesses - Residences for Seniors and Assisted Care Services. Antara's first senior residential community in Dehradun comprising nearly 200 families, caters to their social, recreational, educational, wellness, and health-related needs. In 2025, it will open its second senior living community in Noida's Sector-150 with families moving into the 340 apartments built in the first phase. Expanding its footprint in Gurugram, Antara will manage senior living residences, dedicated spaces for senior living, and primary healthcare services at Estate 360 - Delhi-NCR's first intergenerational community developed by Max Estates. Antara's Assisted Care Services include 'Care Homes', 'Care at Home' and 'AGEasy'. This line of business caters to seniors, who need more immersive interventions in their daily lives due to medical or age- related issues. With facilities across Gurgaon, Noida and Bengaluru, the Care Homes provide long-term care to seniors who require constant medical and nursing supervision, and short-term care services for the recuperation of seniors. Its Care at Home services, offered in Delhi-NCR, Bengaluru and Chennai, provides well-equipped, trained professionals offering care to seniors inside their home's comfort. AGEasy - an online and offline store - focuses on senior specific products and solutions to manage chronic health conditions. (ADVERTORIAL DISCLAIMER: The above press release has been provided by NewsVoir. ANI will not be responsible in any way for the content of the same)
A Chinese mainland spokesperson on Wednesday condemned the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) authorities, led by Lai Ching-te, for what was described as "despicable" acts of kowtowing to the United States and selling out Taiwan's interests.

Zhu Fenglian, spokesperson for the State Council Taiwan Affairs Office, made the remarks at a press conference in response to a media query about chipmaker TSMC's investment expansion in the United States, the U.S. imposition of a 32 percent tariff on Taiwan, and Lai Ching-te's response to the entire issue which has drawn widespread criticism.

The DPP authorities have willingly sold out the island's core strategic industries in pursuit of "Taiwan independence," but in return, Taiwan now faces high tariffs imposed by the United States, which has shattered the deliberately constructed illusion of a so-called solid U.S.-Taiwan relationship, according to Zhu.

"In the face of the United States' abuse of tariffs and its unilateral provocation of a global trade war, we took immediate and resolute countermeasures not only to protect our legitimate rights and interests, but also to safeguard international trade rules and international fairness and justice," the spokesperson said.

Noting the praise in Taiwan for the mainland's courage and confidence, Zhu said that as long as peace is maintained across the Taiwan Strait and compatriots are united, the two sides of the Strait can jointly strengthen the economy of the Chinese nation, resist external risks and achieve the rejuvenation of the Chinese nation.

On TSMC's deal with Intel and growing concerns from the island over the United States draining Taiwan's semiconductor industry, Zhu said TSMC has long been regarded as the DPP's "pledge of allegiance" to the United States to seek independence, and it is only a matter of time before Lai "throws away" Taiwan's semiconductor industry.

If the DPP authorities are allowed to continue to "sell out" and "destroy" Taiwan, Taiwan's industries and residents will lose not just jobs, but also future development opportunities, Zhu said.
VMPL Kattankulathur (Tamil Nadu) [India], April 17: Driving Global Innovation in IoT: SRMIST Kicks Off 5th International Conference on Internet of Things (ICIOT 2025). The School of Computing at SRM Institute of Science and Technology (SRMIST), Kattankulathur, set the stage for the 5th International Conference on Internet of Things (ICIOT 2025) . Spearheaded by the Department of Computing Technologies, this conference brings together thought leaders, researchers, and industry pioneers to explore the transformative potential of IoT. With a focus on cross-border collaboration, academic excellence, and industry-integrated research, ICIOT 2025 features 20+ distinguished speakers from around the world, reinforcing SRMIST's commitment to shaping the future of connected technologies. This edition of ICIOT highlights cross-border collaboration, academic excellence, and industry-integrated research, with the presence of 20+ national and international speakers from across academia and industry. Dr. Arumugam Murukiah, MD & CEO of Broadline Innovations Pvt. Ltd. and Chairman of TNIFMC, delivered a thought-provoking keynote on "Quantum Computing and Industry 4.0: From Evolution to Quantum Key Distribution (QKD)," offering a deep dive into quantum technologies and their role in transforming industries. Adding an environmental perspective, Dr. Thota Narayana Rao, Scientist and Head (CCSG), National Atmospheric Research Laboratory, presented on "Atmospheric-Based IoT Devices for Disaster Mitigation and Lightning Protection." He emphasised that "due to global warming and increasing urbanisation, atmospheric patterns are shifting. Understanding these changes through IoT-enabled sensing can help us predict and prepare for future challenges. This is where conferences like ICIOT matter." Padma Shri and Padma Bhushan, Dr. A. Sivathanu Pillai, Chair Professor, Department of Mechanical Engineering, SRMIST, delivered a special address on the "75-Satellite Global Project," outlining India's collaborative space mission to harness satellite networks for environmental monitoring, communication, and sustainable agriculture. Industry-academia collaboration was a central theme throughout the event. Mr. P. K. Unnikrishnan, Head - R&D Tyre Testing at Apollo Tyres Ltd., shared: "The way manufacturing systems evolve today demands continuous innovation. Our collaboration with SRM helps students gain real-world exposure, while we, as an industry, benefit from fresh, viable solutions--it's a win-win." He also added, "Sustainability has now become a design criterion in tyre development, not just an afterthought." The event also featured remarks from academic leaders including Dr. M. Leenus Martin, Dean (Faculty of Engineering and Technology); Dr. Revathi Venkataraman, Chairperson (School of Computing); and Dr. Pushpalatha M, Associate Chairperson (CS), along with Dr. Niranjana G (Convenor), Dr. Jansi K R (Organising Secretary), and Dr. R.I. Minu (Co-Convenor), among others. By facilitating cross-disciplinary knowledge exchange and nurturing innovation, ICIOT 2025 reaffirms SRMIST's position as a global hub for research and technology advancement in the Internet of Things and beyond. (ADVERTORIAL DISCLAIMER: The above press release has been provided by VMPL. ANI will not be responsible in any way for the content of the same)
PRNewswire Seoul [South Korea], April 17: Hyundai Motor Company has unveiled its 'Forest Run 2025' campaign with the slogan 'Forest Run: Running Together to Plant Trees.' The social contribution initiative formerly known as 'Longest Run' celebrates its 10th anniversary under the new name 'Forest Run.' This year's event will invite 5,000 participants and donate 5,000 trees under the new 'one tree per runner' donation model. * To mark the 10th anniversary of 'Longest Run,' Hyundai Motor is renaming the event 'Forest Run' and introducing the 'one tree per runner' donation model * New mascot 'Grew' also introduced in online campaign film * The 'Final Run' event on May 17 will cover a 10-kilometer course at Yeouido Park, offering special activities and prizes Hyundai Motor also introduced a new mascot for the campaign, 'Grew' (the word used to count trees in Korean), through an online campaign film to launch Forest Run. The tree-like runner character represents the growth of the initiative since its foundation in 2016 and embodies this year's event slogan of 'Forest Run: Running Together to Plant Trees.' The finale event for 'Forest Run 2025' will be the 'Final Run', scheduled for May 17 at Yeouido Park Cultural Square, featuring a 10-kilometer course that passes through Seogang Bridge as a turning point. Participants can also explore partner booths built with Hyundai's mobility solutions, including the IONIQ Forest exhibition and the ROBO restaurant, to engage in a variety of activities and learn more about the mission of Forest Run. Registration for 'Forest Run 2025' will take place on the official webpage from April 18 to 23. Since 2016, Forest Run has involved approximately 250,000 participants and resulted in the donation of 25,850 trees. About Hyundai Motor Company Established in 1967, Hyundai Motor Company is present in over 200 countries with more than 120,000 employees dedicated to tackling real-world mobility challenges around the globe. Based on the brand vision 'Progress for Humanity,' Hyundai Motor is accelerating its transformation into a Smart Mobility Solution Provider. The company invests in advanced technologies such as robotics and Advanced Air Mobility (AAM) to bring about revolutionary mobility solutions while pursuing open innovation to introduce future mobility services. In pursuit of a sustainable future for the world, Hyundai will continue its efforts to introduce zero-emission vehicles with industry-leading hydrogen fuel cell and EV technologies. More information about Hyundai Motor and its products can be found at:https://www.hyundai.com/worldwide/en/ or Newsroom: Media Hub by Hyundai (ADVERTORIAL DISCLAIMER: The above press release has been provided by PRNewswire. ANI will not be responsible in any way for the content of the same)
NewsVoir New Delhi [India], April 17: RELSUS, a Singapore-based innovator and manufacturer of functional plant-based ingredients, has inaugurated its state-of-the-art commercial manufacturing facility in Ujjain, India. This milestone reinforces its commitment to delivering high-quality, clean, functional, and sustainable plant proteins and other ingredients to meet the rising global demand for healthier and more environmentally responsible nutrition. As consumers and food manufacturers seek cleaner, functional, nutritious, and more sustainable protein sources, the demand for high-quality plant proteins continues to grow. These proteins offer a nutrient-rich, allergen-free alternative to animal-based sources while significantly reducing water consumption, land use, and greenhouse gas emissions--helping create a healthier planet. At the core of RELSUS's innovation is its proprietary Ultra-Precise Filtration technology platform, which produces plant proteins with excellent purity, functionality, sensory, and nutritional profile all at the same time without the use of solvents or harsh chemicals. This new facility is aimed at accelerating the transition to sustainable proteins by empowering food & beverage companies to delight their customers while meeting climate goals by lowering their total carbon footprint. Strategic Partnership with Aminola Netherlands Strengthening its global presence, RELSUS has formed a strategic partnership with Aminola, a Netherlands-based leader providing sustainable plant-based ingredients to its customers in a responsible and transparent manner. As part of this partnership, Aminola has made a growth investment in RELSUS to scale up the UK, bringing these next-generation plant proteins and other functional ingredients to key markets. "The inauguration Inc. of this facility is a major milestone in our mission to help drive the global transition to high-quality, clean, and functional plant proteins," said Vineet Singhal, Founder & CEO of RELSUS. "Our proprietary Ultra-Precise Filtration Technology Platform delivers products that have set new industry benchmarks for clean, functional, nutritious, and scalable plant proteins. Our strategic partnership with Aminola is aimed at catalyzing speedier commercialisation in key markets and scale-up of our manufacturing capacities. A combination of great products and engaged partners will help more people live healthy lives on a healthier planet." Advancing Innovation in the European Market Aminola will distribute RELSUS's functional plant proteins and clean-label starches, derived from chickpea, mung bean, pea, and rapeseed, across Europe and the UK. With its strong market presence, Aminola will introduce RELSUS Ultra-Precise Filtration powered ingredients, addressing the growing demand for clean-label, functional solutions with a neutral sensory profile. "Our investment in RELSUS reflects our commitment to building a more sustainable food ecosystem," said Dick van Beek, CEO of Aminola. "As RELSUS's exclusive representative in Europe, we are excited to deliver high-quality plant-based solutions that align with evolving industry needs. The production in India aligns with our philosophy to process crops close to their origin. As the world's largest producer of pulses, and with its vast infrastructure and research ecosystem around pulse cultivation, processing and logistics, India is a strategic hub for pulse ingredients. We are strongly aligned with the highly experienced RELSUS management and R&D team, who drive innovation in plant-based proteins. These world class ingredients address today's key challenges on functionality and sensory profile. Our shared ambition is to build a fully integrated supply chain, which includes supporting farmers in adopting regenerative farming practices. This not only enhances product quality and sustainability but also improves farmer livelihoods. By positively impacting both ends of the supply chain - from farm to consumer - we create lasting value". RELSUS is a leading global innovator and manufacturer in functional plant-based ingredients, specializing in Functional Plant Proteins 3.0 and clean-label functional starches. Using its proprietary Ultra-Precise Filtration technology, RELSUS creates high-quality, sensory-optimized ingredients that deliver superior functionality while supporting a sustainable food future. Aminola is dedicated to making sustainable, high-quality plant-based ingredients accessible across Europe. Through strategic partnerships with leading ingredient producers, Aminola ensures manufacturers have reliable and transparent access to innovative, clean-label ingredients, accelerating the shift toward healthier, more sustainable food systems. (ADVERTORIAL DISCLAIMER: The above press release has been provided by NewsVoir. ANI will not be responsible in any way for the content of the same)
VMPL New Delhi [India], April 17: The Aurora Tech Award 2025 has officially recognized this year's top five outstanding female tech founders at its grand finale, held in Cairo from April 11-13. The flagship event brought together the top 10 finalists from around the world -- women building market-defining ventures -- to compete for the main award prizes. Shreya Prakash, co-founder and CEO of FlexiBees, has secured third place in the Aurora Tech Award 2025--a prestigious global prize celebrating women-led technology startups. FlexiBees addresses a critical global challenge: low female workforce participation, particularly in India and beyond. The platform connects experienced women professionals with businesses through flexible, project-based, and remote work models, creating a win-win solution for both talent and employers. This year's shortlist featured groundbreaking innovators from APAC, MENA, LATAM and Central Asia, whose startups span diverse industries, including artificial intelligence, fintech, and health tech. The 2025 edition of the award saw an unprecedented 2,018 applications from 116 countries, doubling the number of submissions from the previous year. The final stage of the competition took place within the regional SHE CAN conference, hosted by Entreprenelle, a leading Egyptian organization dedicated to empowering women through education, training, and entrepreneurial support. Since its inception in 2015, SHE CAN has become one of the MENA region's most influential industry events, attracting over 7,000 attendees annually. Before the winners were announced, the top 10 finalists -- the top 0.5% from a multi-stage global selection process led by VCs -- pitched their ventures to a cross-functional jury of investors, operators, and public sector leaders. This wasn't a showcase. It was a high-stakes, high-conviction environment designed to surface one thing: which founders have the clearest path to building market-defining companies. Everything about the event was intentional -- from investor access to a strategic dinner with Egypt's tech ecosystem. Aurora is more than a pitch stage. It's a launchpad built to give top-tier founders what they need most: recognition, capital access, and the right people in the room to shape what comes next "The Aurora Tech Award isn't about representation for the sake of it -- it's about backing the highest-potential founders building real companies. These women aren't here because of their gender. They're here because they're building businesses investors should care about. If the table wasn't built for them, they didn't wait for an invitation -- they built their own. Aurora exists to make sure they get the capital, platform, and network to take it further.", said head of the Aurora Tech Awards Isabella Ghassemi-Smith. The 2025 Aurora Tech Award winners are: * First Place: Solape Akinpelu, founder of HerVest, (Nigeria) - is a fintech platform providing financially underserved women in Africa with access to savings, impact investing, and credit, particularly for smallholder female farmers. * Second Place: Loretxu Garcia Arraztoa, Nido Contech (Chile)- develops nature-based materials to reduce costs and environmental impact in the construction industry. * Third Place: Shreya Prakash, FlexiBees (India) addresses a critical global challenge: low female workforce participation. The platform connects experienced women professionals with businesses through flexible, project-based, and remote work models, creating a win-win solution for both talent and employers * Fourth Place: Laura Velasquez Herrera, Arkangel AI (Colombia) uses artificial intelligence to tackle preventable diseases through early detection. Their AI SaaS platform transforms medical data into AI algorithms without requiring coding expertise. * Fifth Place: Leonie Korn, UpLeap (Switzerland) is an AI-driven platform revolutionizing medical training through interactive, hands-on simulations. "Supporting female entrepreneurs in overcoming barriers and building strong networks is essential. Through the Aurora platform, we aim to attract future investment, boost visibility, and foster strategic partnerships. Our mission is to drive systemic change in emerging markets like MENA, closing the gender investment gap. The Aurora Tech Award is not just an accolade --it's a launchpad for the next generation of unicorn founders," said Evgenia Matrosova, Chief Growth Officer, Head of Ride-Hailing at inDrive. "FlexiBees winning the third prize at the Aurora Tech Awards 2025, from among 2018 global applications and 10 finalists, is about more than just an award. It is a validation of our business and our vision, to create a new way of working with choice and flexibility at its heart and that enables the underserved talent pool of women professionals and small & medium businesses globally to find each other. We are thrilled with this recognition, with the community that Aurora Tech has created, and the experience of meeting so many powerful yet purposeful individuals in the last week from inDrive. Aurora Tech is special, it puts its money where its mouth is, in creating access to opportunity for women founders, who are building for purpose, at scale." Shreya Prakash, Co-founder & CEO, FlexiBees. The winners of the Aurora Tech Award 2025 will receive cash prizes of $30,000, $20,000, $15,000 for first, second, and third place and per $10,000 for fourth and fifth places, respectively. Each finalist will gain exclusive access to the right investors, industry leaders, and strategic partners -- the people who can move the needle on their business. But that's not all. They'll also tap into inDrive's expertise, team, and global network, giving them the support and resources needed to accelerate their growth, secure funding, and scale globally.For more information on the Aurora Tech Award 2025 winners, visit Auroratechaward.com or visit our Linkedin. About the project The Aurora Tech Award, an initiative of inDrive, is a global award for the boldest tech founders building scalable, high-potential businesses, who just happen to be women. But this isn't just about recognition--it's a launchpad. Aurora provides winners with direct access to the right investors, industry experts, and a global network--everything they need to scale faster, grow smarter, and dominate their industries. It's not just a competition, it's a partnership that accelerates success and opens doors to the resources that truly matter. inDrive operates in over 888 cities in 48 countries. Driven by its mission of challenging social injustice, the company is committed to having a positive impact on the lives of one billion people by 2030. It pursues this goal both through its core business, which supports local communities via a fair pricing model; and through the work of inVision, its non-profit arm. inVision's community empowerment programs help to advance education, sports, arts and sciences, gender equality and other vital initiatives. inDrive is a global mobility and urban services platform. The inDrive app has been downloaded over 300 million times, and was the second most downloaded mobility app in 2024. In addition to ride-hailing, inDrive provides an expanding list of urban services, including intercity transportation, freight delivery, task assistance and courier delivery. For more information visit www.inDrive.com (ADVERTORIAL DISCLAIMER: The above press release has been provided by VMPL. ANI will not be responsible in any way for the content of the same)
HT Syndication New Delhi [India], April 17: Since its founding in 1925 in Fresnoy-le-Grand, France, Le Creuset has become a cherished kitchen staple across the globe. Beloved for its design prowess, peerless style, and sterling performance, Le Creuset is now honoured to celebrate a century of excellence and a longstanding legacy of forging culinary traditions - in the kitchen, at the dining table, and beyond. Hewn from cast-iron and crafted by skilled artisans, Le Creuset has become a celebrated culinary heirloom that helps nurture deep personal connections through the shared joy of food - meal after meal, year after year, generation after generation. "Le Creuset cookware has long captivated hearts around the globe with its exceptional beauty and unparalleled craftsmanship. For over a century, the brand has embodied a dedication to creating heirloom-quality pieces that inspire cherished memories and culinary traditions," * Paul van Zuydam, Owner & Chairman of Le Creuset. "This historic milestone not only honours our heritage and our place in kitchens worldwide, but also reaffirms our commitment to innovation, excellence, and culinary inspiration - fostering new memories and culinary traditions for generations to come." * Paul van Zuydam, Owner & Chairman of Le Creuset In honour of its 100th anniversary, Le Creuset is embarking on a global celebration of rich culinary traditions past and present, all while looking ahead to the future and paying homage to the brand's heritage of excellence. Le Creuset is proud to share key initiatives launching in 2025 to commemorate its centennial year: * Stories of Inspired Tradition: Le Creuset's global celebration begins with an inspiring video featuring esteemed chefs, tastemakers, and brand enthusiasts all of whom come together to honour the role Le Creuset has played in their lives and traditions. Link: Le Creuset India (@lecreusetind) * Instagram photos and videos * An Icon, Reimagined: In keeping with its decades-long, industry-leading innovation and forward-thinking design, Le Creuset is excited to unveil its latest advancement in colourful cookware: Flamme Doree. Translated to "golden flame," the limited-edition, centenary colourway celebrates Flame, the brand's iconic original hue, now coated with light-catching minerals and an innovative third layer of enamel coating for a stunning golden shimmer finish. "This new, limited-edition commemorative release joins the brand's ever-expanding collection, which has grown to include over 200 unique hues and more than 1000 product shapes since its founding." -Paul van Zuydam, Owner & Chairman * 100 Years, One Remarkable Story: In collaboration with Assouline Publishing, Le Creuset will honour its 100th anniversary with the launch of Le Creuset: A Century of Colourful Cookware. Featuring a never-before-seen collection of photographs, this special-edition coffee table book celebrates Le Creuset's storied heritage, reputation for excellence and coveted artistry. * Serving Traditions: To celebrate its 100th anniversary, Le Creuset will embark on a culinary journey bringing people together in cities around the world to share meals that celebrate unique culinary traditions. The events will offer guests a one-of-a-kind culinary experience, honouring memories created around the table and designed to stir all the senses. About Le Creuset Since 1925, Le Creuset has been inspiring longstanding culinary traditions as the first in colourful cookware, the finest in quality and design and the favourite for generations. Le Creuset is honoured to share in the meals, memories and traditions made by food lovers around the world with its unrivalled selection of rich colours in a range of finishes and materials. To learn more about Le Creuset visit www.lecreuset.in or follow us on Facebook & Instagram: @LeCreusetInd Le Creuset is available in India. Retail Stores: Delhi NCR- Select Citywalk, Ambience Mall, Gurgaon Mumbai- Phoenix Palladium Chennai - Palladium Mall Shop In Shop: Homestop Bangalore, Shoppers Stop, Chandigarh & Gourmet Food Retailers Online Platforms: Tata Cliq Luxury, Amazon, Ajio LUXE & Nykaa (ADVERTORIAL DISCLAIMER: The above press release has been provided by HT Syndication. ANI will not be responsible in any way for the content of the same)
NewsVoir New Delhi [India], April 17: The Indo-French Chamber of Commerce and Industry (IFCCI), in collaboration with Business France, CCEF and Team France Export, proudly hosted the 7th Edition of the Indo-French Business Awards (IFBA) 2025 and the Grand Prix VIE Awards 2024 on April 15 at the Embassy of France in New Delhi. Held under the esteemed patronage of Thierry Mathou, Ambassador of France to India, the evening served as a distinguished platform to honor achievements across the realms of Innovation, Mobility, Energy, Manufacturing, Digital, and Sustainability. Bringing together over 150 top executives, diplomats, and senior industry leaders, the event celebrated the shared vision, growth, and collaborative spirit that define the Indo-French business landscape. "The Indo-French business relationship is a model of resilience and innovation. Tonight, we celebrate the pioneers of this partnership-those who transform ideas into impact and cooperation into lasting value. Tomorrow, the India-France Year of Innovation 2026 will be a perfect platform to showcase French and Indian innovation across various sectors and engage in further collaboration projects," said H.E. Mr. Thierry Mathou, Ambassador of France to India. This year saw a record-breaking 100+ nominations from across India and France, with the highest participation in the "Most Innovative Product/Service of the Year" category-highlighting the collective drive toward innovation-led growth. Payal S. Kanwar, Director General of IFCCI, added, "These awards highlight not just excellence but the evolving power of Indo-French synergies. From sustainability to digital innovation, the winners represent a shared commitment to building a better, tech-forward future. As we look ahead to the India-France Year of Innovation 2026, these collaborations are only set to deepen, inspiring new breakthroughs and stronger industrial ties. These achievements inspire us to keep building platforms that connect, enable, and amplify Indo-French excellence across industries." Winners of Indo-French Business Awards 2025 are as follows 1. Jury Special - Kan Biosys Pvt Ltd2. Entrepreneur of the Year (Indian/French) - USATA Enterprises Pvt Ltd- Aria LifeWater3. French Group of the Year - Orange Business Services India Network Pvt Ltd4. Indo-French Cooperation of the Year - Aerolloy Technologies Ltd5. Most Innovative Product/Service of the Year - Schneider Electric Infrastructure Limited & Axens Global 6. Engineering and Execution Centre6. SME of the Year (Indian/French) - Raphe mPhibr7. La French Tech - Lyra Network8. Best CSR Project of the Year - Sanofi India Limited9. Choose France - Best Indian Investment in France - Tata Consultancy Services10. Personality of the Year - Mr. Santhanam B., CEO, Saint-Gobain Asia Pacific & India and Chairman, Saint-Gobain India Pvt Ltd Winners of the Grand Prix VIE Awards 2024 are as following: 1. Prix Special du Jury - Jean-Christian Hartemann, V.I.E at SFE Process2. Talent PME-ETI - Teva Levray, V.I.E at Lab Gilbert3. Meilleure Entreprise Utilisatrice - Bastien Heynard, V.I.E at POMA4. Talent Grand Groupe - Lucas Piaggio, V.I.E at Airbus Bangalore Organised by Business France, these awards honor outstanding young professionals working in India through the Volontariat International en Entreprise (VIE) programme. These recognitions further reinforce the role of IFCCI as a catalyst for collaboration, and a promoter of excellence in bilateral business development. The 2025 edition holds particular importance as it sets the tone for the upcoming India-France Year of Innovation 2026 - a landmark initiative focused on deepening bilateral cooperation in science, technology, and transformative industries. In January 2024, Prime Minister Modi and President Macron reaffirmed the immense potential for collaboration between India and France in the field of innovation. To accelerate and strengthen this strategic partnership, 2026 has been designated as the 'France-India Year of Innovation', culminating around the AI for Impact Summit to be hosted by India, following the Paris AI Summit in 2025. The Indo-French Chamber of Commerce & Industry (IFCCI) is a premier bilateral chamber fostering business ties between India and France. Representing over 750 member companies, IFCCI supports trade facilitation, networking, policy advocacy, and investment promotion across diverse sectors. For more information, please visit www.ifcci.org.in. (ADVERTORIAL DISCLAIMER: The above press release has been provided by NewsVoir. ANI will not be responsible in any way for the content of the same)
NewsVoir Mumbai (Maharashtra) [India], April 17: Supreme Group, a global leader in advanced material technologies and engineered product solutions, has announced the successful acquisition of full ownership of Supreme Feltol (Thailand) Company Limited following the acquisition of the remaining shareholding from minority shareholders. Supreme was already the majority shareholder in the venture, and this move brings the company under complete ownership of the Supreme Group. With this transition, the company has been renamed Supreme Fostreon (Thailand) Company Limited, marking a significant step in the Group's long-term vision for Thailand as a strategic base for regional innovation and manufacturing excellence. Established in 2019, the company has rapidly evolved to become a trusted manufacturer of Interior Trims and NVH components for leading automotive OEMs. Operating from its modern facility in Rayong, the company has earned a reputation for quality, agility, and customer-centricity. "Taking full ownership enables us to bring in Supreme Group's global technologies, material innovations, and design capabilities to support the evolving needs of this region," said Amit Kavrie, Managing Director, Supreme Group. "We believe Thailand is strategically positioned to become a significant innovation and manufacturing hub for our Group in the South East Asia region." As part of the transition, Supreme Fostreon will benefit from deeper integration into the Group's global ecosystem of material science, design, and engineering. With a focus on light weighting, sustainability, and customer co-development, the company is well-positioned to contribute meaningfully to the next generation of mobility solutions. Manoj Swain, Director - International Operations at Supreme Group, added, "With a strong foundation and a capable team, this transition allows us to better align with global customers, invest in scalable growth, and strengthen our regional partnerships. We look forward to engaging with our customers in the coming weeks to share our broader vision." Over the past few years, Supreme Group has played a hands-on role in leading the Thailand company's strategy, execution, and customer engagement. The company's leadership and operations will continue seamlessly, ensuring continuity, stability, and consistent service for customers and partners. The company has also received several national recognitions over the past year that underscore its commitment to operations excellence. In late 2023, Supreme Fostreon achieved FORD Q1 Certification and was honoured with the Top Supplier Award by AAT, recognising its consistent delivery, product quality, and performance standards. In 2024, in its debut year of participation, the company received the Silver Award at the prestigious TPA Thailand 5S Awards, standing out among 18 national finalists. Additionally, Supreme Fostreon earned the Gold Level Award from Thailand's Ministry of Labour for Excellence in Occupational Safety and Health, further affirming its best-in-class workplace practices and safety culture. Looking ahead, Supreme Fostreon is entering a new phase of growth with significant investments in R&D, advanced material development, and product innovation. The company is also establishing a world-class Experience Centre in Thailand that will be designed to enhance customer collaboration, enable co-development initiatives, and showcase cutting-edge technologies from across the Group's global network. Supreme Group is a leader in advanced materials and engineered solutions, catering to the automotive and diverse industrial sectors. With global customers and a legacy of innovation spanning four decades, Supreme is committed to delivering high-performance, sustainable solutions that power the future of mobility and industry. Follow us on LinkedIn to stay updated on our latest innovations, partnerships, and expansion plans: www.linkedin.com/company/supreme-group-company (ADVERTORIAL DISCLAIMER: The above press release has been provided by NewsVoir. ANI will not be responsible in any way for the content of the same)
Kattankulathur [India], April 17: "Artificial Intelligence is not a challenge--it is a catalyst for change," said Dr. Balaji Ramakrishnan, Director of the National Institute of Ocean Technology (NIOT), setting the tone for the launch of the International Conference on AI for the Oceans 2025 (ICAIO 2025) at SRM Institute of Science and Technology (SRMIST), Kattankulathur.

The conference was organised in collaboration with the Marine Technology Society (MTS) India Section, the three-day conference brings together over 250 delegates including scientists, policymakers, academicians, and industry experts to explore more depth on AI-driven solutions for environmental challenges.

ICAIO 2025 builds on the momentum of the 2023 MTS TechSurge "AI for the Oceans." This year's conference spans 12 thematic tracks, covering areas such as marine conservation, autonomous systems, deep-sea exploration, and global climate solutions.

The release of the Conference Proceedings and a special IEEE CSI issue highlighted recent research and international collaboration in marine technology and AI.

During the occasion, Dr. M. Ravichandran, Secretary, Ministry of Earth Sciences, Government of India, stated, "The ocean is not just a source of resources--it holds solutions. Science, technology, and innovation must come together to tackle challenges and create sustainable outcomes in food, energy, and health."

Delivering the Special Address, Dr. Balaji Ramakrishnan stated, "AI is unlocking new frontiers--from redefining job roles to exploring the deep sea. With nations investing in AI-driven ocean technologies, SRMIST's initiative comes at a critical time."

In his Presidential Address, Dr. C. Muthamizhchelvan, Vice Chancellor of SRMIST, said, "At SRMIST, we are moving towards an integrated model of education that combines AI-based learning, research, innovation, industry partnerships, and community service. Our focus is on addressing real-world issues in water, energy, environment, and healthcare."

Bringing global insights to the forum, Mr. Hans Van Sumeren, Senior Director, Ocean Enterprise Initiative, MTS, and Dr. V. Kamakoti, Director, IIT Madras, also addressed the gathering.

Dr. Kamakoti emphasised, "AI amplifies our ability to understand and engage with the oceans. It helps us access unexplored regions and build sustainable coastal systems. Interdisciplinary collaboration will be key to long-term impact."

A highlight of the event was the MTS India Section's Lifetime Achievement Award ceremony, which honoured outstanding contributions in the marine field.

(ADVERTORIAL DISCLAIMER: The above press release has been provided by VMPL. ANI will not be responsible in any way for the content of the same)
PNN New Delhi [India], April 17: The grand 75th anniversary celebrations of Shree Market Silk Merchants Association ended on 14th April at the Garware Club House, Mumbai. During the celebrations, Chief Guest Mangal Prabhat Lodha, Maharashtra Cabinet Minister, presented "Lifetime Achievement Award" posthumously to Late Dhirubhai Ambani, Founder of The Reliance Group. He also unveiled a Textile Souvenir on this occasion. Mangal Prabhat Lodha stated that India has a rich textile heritage. 400 years ago, Dhaka's muslin saree used to pass through the ring. The second phase of development was spent by Dhirubhai Ambani, who created a vast production capacity of fibre, yarn, and textiles. The third phase has been created by Prime Minister Narendra Modi with the slogan 'Make in India'. Padmabhushan Kundanbhai Vyas, who was the Guest of Honour at the function, said that today Surat and Ahmedabad have overtaken Mumbai, which has lagged behind in the production and trade of textiles. Mumbai's textile business will flourish only if Bhiwandi's power loom industry and Dombivli's processing industry flourish. Mumbai is no longer a manufacturing centre, but a distribution centre, as the 8 small and big textile markets in the C ward have become outdated. These textile markets should be redeveloped and modernized and connectivity should be improved there. Neeraj Mehta, newly elected President of Shree Market Silk Merchants Association, stated, "We are now on the cusp of a new era, new opportunities have emerged from sustainable fashion, digital transformation, global trade and innovation. We now have to take the rich legacy of 75 years of textile trade beyond Maharashtra to India and globally. Referring to the Shree Market Silk Merchants Association Education Fund, Neeraj Mehta informed that with the help of Reliance Foundation, educational assistance has been provided to 650 students in the last four years. We provide educational assistance to the children of staff, gumasta and mathadi workers. Narendra Mehta, former President of Shree Market Silk Merchants Association, informed that our second important task is that of arbitration. The award that our arbitrator gives is also recognised by the law. First of all, we try to find a solution through mutual settlement and dialogue between the two parties. Our legal advisor is Advocate Rakesh Jain. Pankaj Sheth (Orbit Exports Ltd.), Guest of Honour & Sponsor of the event commented that this is a history, a tradition and a family journey. We, the merchants are the bridge between weavers and consumers. The role of traders is similar to that of service industries. Smt. Sushma Morthania, Founder and Director, India SME Forum informed that 75 industrial hubs are coming up in the country, whose advantage should be availed by the industry. Jayantilal Jain, Honorary Secretary of the association proposed the vote of thanks. YouTube: https://youtu.be/84-flPKAdqQ (ADVERTORIAL DISCLAIMER: The above press release has been provided by PNN. ANI will not be responsible in any way for the content of the same)
Mumbai (Maharashtra) [India], April 17: Himalaya Food International Ltd. (BSE: 526899 | HFIL) is uniquely positioned to capitalize on what may be a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity emerging from the recent "Liberation Day" tariffs announced by the Trump administration.

Amidst a surge of enquiries at its U.S. marketing office, the company has evolved a dynamic strategy to fill the vacuum created by the steep new tariffs, which are prompting a dramatic reconfiguration of global supply chains.

Strategic Advantage: Reaping the Benefits of Trump Tariffs

The evolving geopolitical landscape--especially U.S. tariffs targeting countries like China, Vietnam, Mexico, and Canada--is creating a significant opportunity for Himalaya Food International due to:

Shift in U.S. Sourcing Strategies:

Much higher tariffs on key frozen food imports from competitors have made India--and specifically Himalaya--a preferred alternative for U.S. buyers.

Robust Product Expertise:

Himalaya's deep domain knowledge of western-style frozen foods, built over decades, makes it a natural choice.

Long-standing U.S. Relationships:

With over 30 years of trusted ties to major American food service and retail chains, Himalaya is seeing increased demand for long-term volume contracts.

India's favorable tariff status enhances Himalaya's competitive edge, and with manufacturing in India and market access through its U.S.-based affiliate Himalaya International Inc. (DBA: Global Food Trade), the company is set for exponential growth.

Revival Strategy Backed by Capital Infusion

Himalaya has received SEBI approval for a Rs. 40 crore Rights Issue aimed at:

* Repaying its balance debt to a bank consortium led by SBI* Strengthening its financial position* Funding revival and growth initiatives

In a major milestone, the four-bank consortium has approved the balance OTS payment of Rs. 43 crore, with SBI sanctioning final payment by September 2025. This follows the company's recovery efforts after a devastating fire in May 2022.

Strengthening Production Capabilities

Himalaya Food International is one of India's leading integrated food processors, supplying to North America via its Cheyenne, Wyoming-based affiliate.

Key Manufacturing Facilities:

Vadnagar, Gujarat

* One of India's largest mushroom farms (30 MT/day).* 55,000 TPA French fry & 12,000 TPA Frozen Appetiser line, imported from Europe, replacing fire-damaged infrastructure.* Paonta Sahib, Himachal Pradesh.* Currently supports diversified appetiser production; operations will be relocated to Gujarat upon completion.

Riding the Global Processed Food Boom

India's food processing sector is gaining prominence as a key GDP contributor and export driver, aligned with global megatrends like health, wellness, and convenience. With a well-integrated global supply chain and a western-oriented frozen food product portfolio, Himalaya is:

* Strategically positioned to serve global food service giants.* A trusted partner in delivering high-quality, tariff-advantaged products.

Forward-looking Statement

As global sourcing realigns in favor of trusted, cost-effective supply chains, Himalaya Food International Ltd. is poised to rise as a global leader in frozen and processed foods.

(ADVERTORIAL DISCLAIMER: The above press release has been provided by NewsVoir. ANI will not be responsible in any way for the content of the same)
Shanghai key to basic research lead

08:38, April 17, 2025 By XU XIAOMIN and ZHOU WENTING in Shanghai ( China Daily

Shanghai's leading role in ensuring China's global preeminence in basic scientific research got off to a stellar start this year, with four major papers published in a single issue of the prestigious journal Cell in late January.

The papers were from teams at the Synthetic Science Innovation Research Center at Shanghai Jiao Tong University, or SJTU, the Center for Excellence in Molecular Plant Sciences of the Chinese Academy of Sciences, and the CAS' Center for Excellence in Brain Science and Intelligence Technology.

Also, in the first two months of this year, researchers from Shanghai's Fudan University published six papers in the world's top three journals  Cell, Nature and Science  while another four papers have been accepted. As of early March, researchers from SJTU had published seven papers in these journals.

All the research projects focused on significant scientific questions and clear prospects for industrial applications.

With the surge in these publications, Zhao Weishu, an associate researcher at SJTU's School of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, believes the brightest era for the country's basic research is about to arrive.

"With the current breadth of research, sample size, and industrialization capabilities, we are on the verge of a qualitative leap  perhaps a landmark scientific event, such as the emergence of a new theory. This should be something that all scientists work together toward," Zhao said.

"And amid this wave of scientific research, Shanghai, as an important center of basic research in China, shoulders the mission to promote breakthroughs with innovation at the source," she said.

Bao Wenzhong from Fudan University's State Key Laboratory of Integrated Chips and Systems explains the latest development in chip tech during a news conference in March. [Photo by Gao Erqiang/China Daily]

Paper trails

In 1997, Chinese researchers' original research papers published in Nature accounted for about 0.4 percent, data from the Springer Nature Group showed. By 2016, Chinese contributions had risen to around 11 percent.

Fast forward to 2023, when Chinese researchers published over 110,000 papers in leading international journals, representing roughly one-third of the global total, according to the latest annual report released by the China Institute of Scientific and Technical Information in September.

These papers were cited over 818,000 times, ranking China at the forefront globally, the report said.

Researchers said it is no accident that Chinese universities and institutions, especially those in Shanghai, have recently produced world-class research in batches. These achievements are underpinned by a systematic research support mechanism that attracts top talent, while encouraging innovation.

"Last year, 158 papers by scientists from the city were published in Cell, Nature, and Science, accounting for 30 percent of the country's total. They were published at a rate of one paper every two or three days," said Luo Dajin, director of the Shanghai Municipal Science and Technology Commission.

James Crabbe, a supernumerary fellow at Wolfson College, Oxford University, and a former editor-in-chief of an international academic journal, said the situation is "quite different" from the past, when Chinese submissions were sometimes of a lower quality.

Since then, remarkable improvement has been seen, he said.

"There are now more scientific papers published by authors from China than in the United States, which is wonderful. That's a tremendous testament to the value China has given to the world in our science understanding," Crabbe said.

Academic freedom

Since 2014, when Shanghai began to build itself into an international science and technology innovation center, the city's total investment in basic research has grown by 13.8 percent every year.

Last year alone, the proportion of the city's investment in research and development reached about 11 percent, higher than the national level of 6.91 percent.

This year's Shanghai Government Work Report proposed speeding up the construction of basic research pilot zones, strengthening organized scientific research, and continuing support for high-risk, high-value research.

Shanghai's adherence to large-scale, long-term investment to support scientists conducting high-risk, high-value, and long-cycle research is beginning to pay off, experts said.

Outstanding young scientists in Shanghai are aiming to make breakthroughs and provide solutions to academic challenges and benefit the world.

"A large number of outstanding talented people, especially the young and middle-aged who are at the peak of their creativity, have returned to China in the past decade," said Jin Shi, dean of the Institute of Natural Sciences at SJTU.

"Their return represents the future, and is an important sign of the vitality of Chinese science," he said.

The main factors behind the influx of talent include the government's unrelenting support for scientific research, and the increasing internationalization of local universities, with a growing emphasis on scientific research.

Providing researchers with a good working environment and allowing them to explore freely are decisive factors in achieving real scientific breakthroughs, experts said.

Jin said Isaac Newton's discovery of the law of universal gravitation was not the result of a "boss" instructing the English physicist to discover the theory in three months.

The dean cited the difference between scientific research and engineering to further illustrate this point.

"When it comes to engineering, I can specify that the workers must build this building within three months. However, scientific research is spontaneous, with no one being able to dictate how it should be done," said Jin. "It's entirely up to the scientist to figure it out, without any set plan."

When recruiting a researcher, Jin said they look for individuals recognized by their international peers. Once recruited, they are not required to report frequently to their superiors and their work is not interfered with, Jin said.

Also, scientists at the institute are not restricted to publishing research papers only in their field. In March, a mathematics professor and a physics professor jointly published a paper in Physical Review Letters, a top physics journal. "We encourage interdisciplinary research. As long as they can do something truly impactful, we think it's fantastic," Jin said.

Zhou Peng (first, left) and his fellow researchers with Fudan University's State Key Laboratory of Integrated Chips and Systems, published a paper on the world's fastest semiconductor charge storage device in Nature in April. [Photo by Gao Erqiang/China Daily]

Problem solvers

Senior scientist Zhu Shujia, from the CAS's Center for Excellence in Molecular Plant Sciences, was involved in the research published in Cell in January. The study made a research breakthrough on the molecular structure of a particular receptor in mice brains.

"I've been on a quest to push boundaries in this field for 18 years. Unraveling the mysteries of the molecular mechanism of neural ion channels and brain diseases has always been a clear scientific goal," said Zhu.

"Rather than publishing papers, I'm more interested in solving scientific problems and leading the development of the discipline," she said.

Zhou Peng, a researcher with Fudan University's State Key Laboratory of Integrated Chips and Systems, said China's top universities, including Fudan, provide a highly supportive environment for scientists to immerse themselves in exploring their fields, and also delve into new areas.

He compared scientific quests to climbing Mount Qomolangma, which might be challenging, but has "many beautiful sights along the way".

"This journey is long and arduous, largely due to self-imposed pressure," Zhou said. "Yet, in the pursuit of groundbreaking discoveries, we can also reap incremental breakthroughs".

Zhou's research team published two papers in Nature in April.

One was about the development of the world's largest integrated two-dimensional semiconductor micro CPU, which has the potential to revolutionize the industry by replacing traditional silicon-based chips with molybdenum disulfide.

The other paper covered a flash memory device they devised with an unprecedented program speed of 400 picoseconds, equivalent to operating 25 billion times per second. It is the fastest semiconductor charge storage device ever developed, according to the paper.

AI game-changer

Xu Xiaochuang, executive deputy director of the Institute of Science and Technology of Fudan University, said that the effects of the last scientific and technological revolution are declining.

"Future-oriented breakthroughs in scientific research can only be brought about by changing the underlying logic of science and technology," he said. Xu believes AI can bring a revolutionary change in scientific research.

Fudan has been deploying "AI for science", or AI4S, throughout the institution since late 2022.

To date, the university has established scientific intelligence centers in all first-level disciplines. There are more than 100 AI4S research teams at the university, covering research fields including solid-state batteries, material structure, human aging, protein structure prediction, brain-like intelligence, and Chinese civilization exploration. The school plans to establish a global AI4S alliance in May.

With the aid of AI technology, four paralyzed individuals have undergone surgery, the first of its kind in the world. The surgical process, done in Shanghai hospitals, involves implanting electrodes in the brain and spinal cord to build a "neural bridge" with the goal of restoring the ability to walk independently.

Fudan University's Institute of Science and Technology for Brain-Inspired Intelligence, which developed the technology, said the condition of each patient has improved.

Using AI, along with other approaches, a research team at Fudan designed a molecule not before found in nature, which has the potential to dramatically extend the life span of lithium-ion batteries.

A paper on the research, which may have significant implications for electric vehicles and electronic devices, was published in February in Nature.

"Without a paradigm change in research, our team would not have been able to rely on the traditional research model to achieve such results," said Gao Yue, a leading scientist on the research team.

(Web editor: Zhong Wenxing, Liang Jun)
You are here: China

Seniors of the First Social Welfare Home of Chongqing interact with eldercare robot Peipei in southwest China's Chongqing Municipality, March 28, 2025. [Photo/Xinhua]

China will push forward reforms in its elderly care services and improve its civil services, State Councilor Shen Yiqin said during a visit to south China's Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, which began on Sunday and ended on Wednesday.

Shen urged efforts to improve the efficiency of elderly care services and build a comprehensive, three-tier service network that covers both urban and rural areas.

Providing tailored, sustainable paid-meal services for the elderly was highlighted as a priority.

Shen also stressed the importance of enforcing newly revised marriage registration regulations that aim to improve marriage services and ease registration pains.

She called for enhanced dynamic monitoring and regular assistance for low-income groups, improved support for children in difficult situations, and reinforced social safety nets.

Efforts should also be made to improve the social security system for people with disabilities, particularly care services for those with severe disabilities, she said.
VMPL Mumbai (Maharashtra) [India], April 17: In today's fast-paced world, staying fit is no longer a trend--it's a lifestyle. Breaking the monotony of conventional workouts, You Can Dance & Fitness Studio in Mumbai is redefining fitness by blending it seamlessly with the rhythm of dance. Located at the vibrant Lokhandwala Circle in Andheri West, this studio has become the go-to destination for individuals seeking a healthier lifestyle in a fun, dynamic, and energetic environment. https://youtu.be/LHojpbUt-1M?si=YhCiB2oQVcWaUuuY The studio offers a wide range of programs including Zumba, yoga, strength training, aerobics, and specialized dance classes. With a focus on group engagement and high-energy sessions, You Can Dance & Fitness Studio caters to people of all ages and fitness levels. The studio is also known for its premium wedding choreography services, and has successfully conducted over 150 wedding projects, along with 50+ Zumba workshops and collaborations with top corporates like Porter, UNI Design, SBI Life Insurance, and Mahindra Brothers Private Limited. At the heart of this brand is Jeet Purna Malik, the visionary founder of You Can Dance & Fitness Studio. A certified trainer in fitness, CrossFit, and Zumba, and a trained dancer under the legendary Shiamak Davar, Jeet brings over a decade of experience and passion into every class. Starting his journey in Surat in 2010 and later establishing his flagship studio in Mumbai in 2015, Jeet has built a space where creativity meets commitment. His unique training style, which fuses technical discipline with expressive freedom, ensures that members don't just train--they thrive. You Can Dance & Fitness Studio isn't just a gym or a dance class--it's a community. A space where health is celebrated, goals are achieved, and every drop of sweat is matched with a smile. Whether you're looking to tone up, learn killer dance moves, or prepare for your big wedding performance, this studio invites you to move with purpose and joy. Visit: https://fitnesswithjeetpurna.com/ (ADVERTORIAL DISCLAIMER: The above press release has been provided by VMPL. ANI will not be responsible in any way for the content of the same)
Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman's address at the 150-year celebrations of BSE had a message for all stakeholders of the financial markets, including the largest of all - the investors. Finance Minister Sitharaman, in particular, urged investors to remain informed, patient, and confident in the long-term promise of disciplined wealth creation. To the market intermediaries and exchanges, she called for innovation with purpose, but investor interest should always be at the centre. "To our corporates -- let transparency, sound governance, and commitment to shareholder value be your guiding principles. To our regulators -- remain proactive, agile, and responsive in a world defined by rapid change," the finance minister said. Addressing the BSE event, she opined that to truly democratise investment, stock exchanges must continually innovate and design products that are accessible, understandable, and aligned with the risk appetite and savings behaviour of our citizens. She told the exchange officials that the goal must be to make capital markets inclusive and rewarding for all strata of society. Investor education increasingly becomes vital in a rapidly growing market with increasing retail participation, she said. She suggested that Investor Awareness Programs (IAPs) in regional languages should be conducted across urban and rural areas, with a focus on students, senior citizens, women, rural investors, and first-time traders. Speaking about the role of stock exchanges, she noted that they serve as more than just trading platforms, as they are a crucial part of the capital markets. "As first-line regulators, the stock exchanges carry a profound responsibility. At the same time, they need to balance the cost of compliance with such regulations and enable innovations and informed risk-taking," she supplemented. She also briefly spoke about the growth in Indian financial markets. Through reforms such as De-materialisation, T+1 settlement, direct market access, and mutual fund penetration, Sitharaman stated that India has established one of the most robust market infrastructures in the world. In 2024-25, capitalisation of India's stock markets crossed the USD 5 trillion mark for the first time, making India the fifth-largest capital market globally. Over the years, the number of companies with a stock market capitalisation of over Rs 1 lakh crore has increased steadily, rising from 1 in 2000 to 30 just before the pandemic, and then rising sharply to 81 today. Domestic institutional investors (DIIs) have played an increasingly central role. In the last financial year, DIIs recorded total inflows of Rs 6.1 lakh crore, far outpacing the Rs 1.3 lakh crore net outflows from FPIs. "This transition of DIIs from a supportive to a dominant force underlines the growing maturity and depth of India's capital markets," she noted. Over the past five years, the number of domestic IPOs surged threefold--from 106 to 320--culminating in record equity issuances of Rs 4.2 lakh crore in 2024-25, twice the amount raised in the previous year. The median age of Indian investors is 32 years, with over 40 per cent of them under the age of 30. Additionally, one in four investors today is a woman, she informed the gathering. (ANI)
NewsVoir Gurugram (Haryana) [India], April 17: Manav Rachna International School (MRIS), Sector 46, Gurugram has introduced the International Baccalaureate (IB) curriculum for early to middle years (Pre-nursery to Grade 8) strengthening its focus on progressive, benchmarked education. The school is now an IB Candidate School for the Primary Years Programmes (PYP) and Middle Years Programmes (MYP). The academic session is set to begin in July 2025 and admissions are already underway. The inauguration of the IB school at Manav Rachna International School, Sector 46, Gurgram was marked by the presence of an IB delegation, including Haif Bannayan, Global Director, Business Development; Mahesh Balakrishnan, Senior Manager - Business Development, India & Nepal; Ashish Trivedi, Head of Government Partnerships; and the leadership team of MRIS. They interacted with the school community, including educators and IB students from both MRIS-IB at Gururgam and Faridabad, engaging in meaningful discussions about future-ready learning, innovative teaching practices, and student well-being. With this addition, MRIS Sector 46, Gurugram is building on the group's expanding IB presence, complementing the successful introduction of the IB curriculum at its MRIS, Sector 14, Faridabad school which became the city's first IB Continuum School offering the full spectrum of IB programmes. The curriculum is designed to offer holistic, student-centered learning from the foundational years. "Our aim is to give young learners a strong start through the IB framework in an enabling and learner-centric environment," said Dr Amit Bhalla, Vice President, Manav Rachna Educational Institutions, "The strength of the IB ecosystem lies in the collective efforts of educators who come together to focus on each student's needs, something we deeply value." The school's focus is aligned with Manav Rachna's long-term vision of nurturing a seamless IB learning pathway across its network of institutions. Echoing the sentiment, Rashima Vaid Varma, Director-IB Schools, MRIS, said, "When a student chooses the IB, they don't just become part of a school, but a larger global community." "Education is the best social equalizer," said Haif Bannayan, Global Director, Business Development, IB. "The adaptability and resilience of IB learners is the currency of modern education, helping them succeed across disciplines and geographies." India is amongst the top 10 fastest-growing IB countries globally, reflecting rising demand for global curricula designed to align with students' learning styles and aspirations. Mahesh Balakrishnan, Business Development, Senior Manager - India & Nepal, IB, emphasized, "IB education is not just for students aiming to study abroad. Today, IB students are joining the Indian Army, serving in aviation, and studying at Indian universities." Schools like MRIS are playing a pivotal role in democratizing access to high-quality international education and making it relevant for learners from all walks of life. The flexibility of the IB curriculum also allows for the integration of Indian culture and heritage into global pedagogical frameworks. Ashish Trivedi, Head, Government Partnerships, IB, said, "From literature to history, schools like MRIS can design their curriculum to reflect both local relevance and international standards." The continued expansion of the IB curriculum at MRIS reflects the institution's focus on creating an inclusive and diverse learning environment. By offering the IB framework across multiple schools, Manav Rachna is ensuring that students from varied backgrounds have access to high-quality, globally recognized education that prepares them for a dynamic and interconnected world. Manav Rachna International Schools, a distinguished chain of CBSE and IB Schools, excel in creating an environment that nurtures both development and delight. The concept of "innovation" is introduced from a very early age through a unique Skill Development Program. The schools are equipped with state-of-the-art Future Skills & Sustainability Labs that trains students in STEAM i.e. Science, Technology, Engineering, Art and Math, the latest approach in modern education. At Manav Rachna, students grow with an optimum blend of excellence in academics, in personal growth and in human values. Be it in any sphere, students' make their presence felt, nationally as well as internationally. Founded in 1968, the International Baccalaureate (IB) is a non-profit educational foundation offering four highly respected programmes of international education: the Primary Years Programme (PYP), Middle Years Programme (MYP), Diploma Programme (DP), and Career-related Programme (CP). The IB aims to develop inquiring, knowledgeable, and caring young people who are motivated to succeed and make a difference in the world. With over 5,700 schools across more than 160 countries, the IB is renowned for its rigorous assessment, global perspective, and emphasis on holistic student development. (ADVERTORIAL DISCLAIMER: The above press release has been provided by NewsVoir. ANI will not be responsible in any way for the content of the same)
NewsVoir Mumbai (Maharashtra) [India], April 17: Crompton Greaves Consumer Electricals Ltd., renowned for its innovative solutions in the pumps industry, is proud to announce another landmark achievement in the renewable energy space -- a new solar water pumping system order under the prestigious PM-KUSUM scheme. Strengthening its position in this segment, the company has received a Letter of Award (LoA) from the Maharashtra Energy Development Agency (MEDA) for the design, manufacture, supply, transport, installation, testing, and commissioning of Solar Photovoltaic Water Pumping Systems (SPWPS) across various locations in Maharashtra with a value of over 10.60 Cr. With this order, Crompton continues to deliver on its commitment to enabling sustainable farming through reliable and efficient solar water pumping solutions. Backed by a strong service network, capable channel partners, and a legacy of trusted performance, the company is well-equipped to meet the increasing demand in this space. Crompton's pumps are engineered for durability and performance, supported by a five-stage product development process, advanced manufacturing capabilities, and deep R&D expertise. With plans to deploy increasingly more solar-powered pumps under the PM-KUSUM Scheme in the next few years, Crompton is playing a key role in efforts to make an impact in the energy efficiency category. This development further strengthens Crompton's commitment to driving sustainable progress in agriculture through clean energy solutions. As part of Component-B of the PM-KUSUM scheme, this initiative directly supports the national objective of enabling farmers to transition from conventional power sources to renewable energy -- offering both economic and environmental benefits. This development comes at a time when India's submersible water pump market is witnessing rapid growth, driven by increasing demand across agriculture, rural water supply, urban infrastructure, and industrial applications. In agriculture, submersible pumps play a vital role in ensuring consistent water availability for deep-well irrigation -- especially in regions prone to uneven rainfall. The growing emphasis on renewable energy has further propelled the adoption of solar-powered solutions, particularly in rural and off-grid areas with limited access to electricity. Speaking about this occasion Rajat Chopra, Business Head - Home Electricals & Pumps, Crompton Greaves Consumer Electricals Ltd. said, "We are proud to partner with the Maharashtra Energy Development Agency (MEDA) under the PM-KUSUM scheme, marking a significant step forward in our efforts to deliver advanced and sustainable pumping solutions. This order for solar-powered submersible pumps reaffirms our commitment to quality, durability, and innovation in the category. Built with rust-free stainless steel construction, our pumps are designed to offer corrosion-resistant performance and long-term reliability in a variety of applications--from irrigation and groundwater extraction to demanding rural and off-grid settings. At Crompton, we continue to push the boundaries with smart, future-ready technologies that support India's clean energy and water access goals." Crompton had actively participated in the tender process across four states - Haryana, Maharashtra, Rajasthan, and Madhya Pradesh. The initial groundwork, overseen by SECI and MNRE, has transitioned to the respective state nodal agencies--Haryana Renewable Energy Department (HAREDA), Maharashtra Energy Development Agency (MEDA), Maharashtra State Electricity Distribution Company Limited (MSEDCL), Madhya Pradesh Urja Vikas Nigam Limited (MPUVNL), and Rajasthan Horticulture Development Society (RHDS)--for the final execution phase. While Crompton is already operational in Haryana, Rajasthan, and Maharashtra, it is now gearing up to kick off work in Madhya Pradesh and is further prepared to expand across other states in India. With a brand legacy of over 85 years, Crompton Greaves Consumer Electricals Ltd. is India's market leader in the category of fans and residential pumps. Over the years, the organization has continuously strived to produce a range of innovative products that cater to the modern consumer including superior quality and high-performance fans, pumps, lighting solutions and a range of other categories like water heaters; air coolers; small kitchen appliances like mixer grinders, air fryers, OTG, electric kettles etc.; other home appliances like irons & built-in kitchen appliances. The company has further invested in brand and innovation to not only better understand and meet consumer needs, but to also help drive energy efficiency. The consumer business also has a well-established and organized distribution network driven by a strong dealer base across the country offering a wide service network and robust after sales service to its customers. The company's consistent dedication to developing energy-efficient products has led to significant recognition. It has been honored with three prestigious National Energy Consumer Awards (NECA) by BEE, Ministry of Power. The recent award was presented by the Hon'ble President of India, Smt. Droupadi Murmu for the company's storage water heater in 2023. In 2019, the brand won in two categories: Ceiling Fans and LED Bulbs. Additionally, it was recognized as one of India's Best Managed Companies 2022 by Deloitte Private and listed among 'India's Top 500 companies 2022' by Dun & Bradstreet India. The company has also been featured in Brand Top 75 most valuable Indian brands list for 2020 released by WPP and Kantar. Furthermore, Crompton was also recognized as the Brand of the Decade 2021 by Herald Global and BARC Asia in the Consumer Electrical category. (ADVERTORIAL DISCLAIMER: The above press release has been provided by NewsVoir. ANI will not be responsible in any way for the content of the same)
VMPL Noida (Uttar Pradesh) [India], April 17: MetaApplyIE, a leading study abroad EdTech organisation, is into career counselling to guide students through the complexities of career choices and academic pathways. This initiative underscores MetaApplyIE's commitment to providing personalised support to students at every stage of their educational journey. Personalised Career Guidance MetaApplyIE Career Counselling services are designed to assist students in identifying career paths that align with their interests, strengths, and aspirations. The process begins with a comprehensive psychometric assessment, followed by one-on-one personalised guidance from experienced career counsellors. This tailored approach ensures that each student receives expert advice suited to their unique profile. Psychometric Assessment Details As a cornerstone of our career counselling process, the psychometric assessment evaluates a student's personality traits, aptitudes, and interests. This scientifically validated tool provides insights into the following: * Personality Traits: Understanding behavioural tendencies and interpersonal dynamics. * Aptitudes: Assessing cognitive abilities and learning styles. * Interests: Identifying fields and activities that align with personal passions. The assessment comprises multiple-choice questions with time constraints, varying in difficulty based on the student's educational level. Practising similar tests can help reduce anxiety and improve performance. Comprehensive Support at Every Stage Understanding the diverse needs of students, MetaApplyIE offers a range of services, including: * Career Road Mapping: Assisting students in planning their academic and professional trajectories.* Skill Development: Providing resources to enhance essential skills for future success.* Confidence Building: Offering mentorship to boost self-assurance in decision-making. These services cater to students across various educational stages, from Grades 8-9 to Grade 12 and beyond. Sunithi, Academic Head, MetaApplyIE, highlighted the comprehensive approach of the program, "We adopt a holistic approach to career counselling that goes beyond just academic guidance. By addressing academic planning, skill development, and personal growth, we ensure that students are not only prepared for the challenges of their educational journey but also equipped with the tools needed to excel in their future careers. The psychometric assessment plays a pivotal role in this process, serving as the foundation for personalised guidance." Jasmeet Singh, Sales Head, MetaApplyIE added, "Our mission is to make these transformative career counselling services accessible to all students, regardless of their background. By expanding our reach across the country, we aim to empower students to make informed, confident decisions about their futures. We believe every student deserves the opportunity to discover their true potential with the right guidance." Proven Impact Since its inception, MetaApplyIE has made significant strides in the education sector: * 20,000+ students counselled* 12,000+ psychometric tests completed* 200+ experienced career counsellors* 7+ Experience Centres across India Contact Information For more information about MetaApply's Career Counselling services, visit https://metaapplycareercounselling.io/ (ADVERTORIAL DISCLAIMER: The above press release has been provided by VMPL. ANI will not be responsible in any way for the content of the same)
BJP leader Nivedita Subramanian has condemned the Kerala government for its silence on rising cases of abuse against women in the state's film industry. This comes after Malayalam actress Vincy Aloshious filed a complaint against actor Shine Tom Chacko, alleging inappropriate behaviour and substance abuse on set. Subramanian slammed the Kerala government for "remaining silent" on the growing cases of abuse against women. While speaking to ANI, Subramanian said, "In Kerala, abuse of women and children is on the rise, especially in sectors like the film industry. There have been many issues, such as the casting couch, but the ruling party is actually silent on these matters and is blind to the atrocities happening to women." Subramanian went on to say that similar complaints had been raised in the past, but the government continues to ignore them. "We have raised this issue many times before the ruling party and the leaders of the state, but the government is actually doing nothing to address it and is facilitating such mafias," she added. Aloshious recently filed a formal complaint against Shine Tom Chacko with the Kerala Film Chamber of Commerce and the film industry's internal complaints committee. Vincy, who is known for her roles in films like Rekha, Vikruthi, and Jana Gana Mana, revealed her discomfort in an Instagram video, sharing that the actor's behaviour, particularly on the sets of Suthravakyam, was inappropriate and unprofessional. In the video, Vincy shared her experience and expressed that she would no longer work with individuals who misuse substances such as alcohol or drugs. The actress clarified her position after her earlier statements at an anti-drug awareness campaign garnered mixed reactions online. In the video, she explained that her decision to avoid working with drug users stemmed from an unpleasant experience with a co-actor. While she did not initially name the actor, she later filed the complaint following support from the office-bearers of AMMA (Association of Malayalam Movie Artists). In the video, Vincy said, "Some days ago, at an anti-drug campaign, I made a statement that I would not work with people I know who use drugs. After that, several comments were made questioning my statement, and I felt the need to clarify why I had made it. I am doing this video to make my stand clear." Vincy went on to describe specific incidents that made her feel uncomfortable during the shoot. She alleged that the actor, who was the lead artist in the film, misbehaved with her and a fellow colleague while under the influence of drugs. One such incident, she said, involved the actor offering to accompany her to fix a wardrobe malfunction in front of the entire crew. Vincy found the offer inappropriate and difficult to accept. She further shared an unsettling incident where the actor was seen using a white powder, which she suspected to be drugs, during a scene rehearsal. "He was spitting some kind of white powder onto the table, which was very evident that he was using drugs on set," Vincy said, adding that despite her discomfort, she continued working on the film because of the actor's prominent role in it. She also mentioned that the production team was aware of the situation, and while the director had addressed the issue, they proceeded with the shoot, as the actor was central to the movie's success. The Kerala Film Chamber of Commerce, a significant body in the state's film industry, will now review the complaint filed by Vincy. (ANI)
Congress leader Gurdeep Singh Sappal on Wednesday launched a scathing attack on the Union Government and the Directorate of Enforcement (ED), accusing the central agency of being used as a political tool. He said the entire country now knows that the ED's role has been reduced to threatening people, adding that it has turned into what he called "Everyday Dhamki." "The entire country now knows that ED's job is just to threaten. ED is not Enforcement Directorate, it has become 'Everyday Dhamki'. We won the 2G case, the Coal case--none of the allegations levelled by the BJP in the last 20-25 years have been proven true. They've only done politics of spreading lies and creating perception. Even in 2G and Coal cases, chargesheets were filed, but the courts threw them aside," Sappal said. On protests against the Waqf law, Sappal accused the Union Government of acting unlawfully and misusing its majority. "The government has done something unlawful. This is called tyranny of power, that you had power and you bulldozed everything and passed Bills. The court will look into it," he said. The Congress Party launched nationwide protests against the central government and investigative agencies following the ED's chargesheet against top Congress leaders Rahul Gandhi and Sonia Gandhi in connection with the National Herald case. The ED has also named Congress leaders Sam Pitroda, Suman Dubey, and others, including several firms, in the prosecution complaint. In Delhi, some Congress leaders were detained by the police as they tried to breach security barricades near the Congress office during the protest. (ANI)
Tripura Chief Minister Manik Saha on Wednesday proposed projects worth Rs 969 crore for making the state self-reliant in milk, egg, fish, and meat production, said a statement from the CMO, Tripura. CM Saha said this while attending a virtual meeting of the High-Level Task Force on attaining self-sufficiency in milk, egg, meat, and fish production involving Chief Ministers of North Eastern States, in the presence of Union Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia. The CM stated that milk, eggs, meat, and fish provide crucial proteins, vitamins, and minerals essential for the healthy growth and development of the population in Tripura. He said that in the dairy sector, the production of milk in Tripura for 2023-24 was 2.47 lakh metric tonnes, while the demand was 2.82 lakh metric tonnes, reflecting a gap of 0.35 lakh metric tonnes. "To achieve self-sufficiency in milk production, Tripura has adopted Artificial Insemination (AI), both with conventional and sex-sorted semen. Sex-sorted semen refers to a technique used in AI where sperm cells are separated to increase the likelihood of producing female offspring (female-to-male ratio will be 90:10). In the last 3 years, Tripura has conducted 2.6 lakh doses of AI using SSS, producing nearly 50,000 female calves. Additionally, high-yielding cross-breed heifers have been distributed, nutritive calf growth meal has been supplied to farmers, and milk cooperatives under the Gomati Milk Union have been strengthened," he said. CM Saha has demanded the establishment of 8 dairy farms in each district with a capacity of 200 cows each, for Rs 80 crore, and a project worth Rs 7 crore for strengthening the Gomati Cooperative Milk Producers Union Ltd with the help of NDDB (National Dairy Development Board) by setting up bulk milk cooling stations/milk chilling vans at each subdivision, along with a large-scale heifer introduction program with the help of NDDB. Talking about the egg sector, Manik Saha said that the per capita availability of eggs in Tripura is 87 eggs per person per year, the highest among North Eastern states, which average 25 eggs per person per year. "This has been achieved by the Mukhya Mantri Prani Sampad Bikas Yojana by distributing around 3 lakh chicks per year over the last 2 years," said Saha. To boost this further, Saha has proposed a project of Rs 15 crore for providing mini hatcheries to farmers/SHG groups/producer groups in each Gram Panchayat and Village Council, and another project of Rs 6 crore for automation and improvement of the existing six poultry/duckery government farms. In the meat sector, CM Saha has proposed a project of Rs 17 crore for the establishment of a meat production, processing, and packaging centre in Tripura. Since feed availability is a major limiting factor in Northeast India, an automated feed mixing plant for livestock, poultry, and fisheries can be set up in Tripura at a project cost of Rs 30 crore. He also proposed the setting up of a state-of-the-art disease diagnostic laboratory in Tripura. "As Tripura is surrounded by Bangladesh, chances of transboundary disease outbreaks are very high, even though regular vaccination is carried out with sero-surveillance and sample screening. Considering its proximity to Bangladesh and related susceptibility to diseases, a state-of-the-art disease diagnostic laboratory can be set up for the Northeast in Tripura," he said. To boost fish production in the state, Saha said that the North Eastern Council can facilitate funding for the following projects over the next 5 years to attain self-sufficiency. "A project for creation and fish culture in 1,000 ha new water bodies for Rs 124 crore, project for reclamation of 5000 ha water bodies and fish culture in the same for Rs 425 crore, for adoption of integrated fish farming in 5000 ha existing water bodies for Rs 130 crore, a project for adoption of composite fish farming in 3,000 ha existing water bodies for Rs 120 crore, establishment of 1 Brood Bank in Tripura for Rs 5 crore for genetic improvement of stock and establishment of wholesale and retail fish seed markets with modern facilities for which Rs 10 crore is needed," he added. (ANI)
Rain and thunderstorm lashed parts of Punjab's Amritsar and Shimla in Himachal Pradesh on Wednesday night, with the India Meteorological Department (IMD) forecasting continued unsettled weather across both cities and multiple districts in Himachal Pradesh. Gusty winds were witnessed in Punjab's Mohali. A partly cloudy sky with intermittent rain or thundershowers is expected in Amritsar, while Shimla is likely to see cloudy conditions as well, the IMD said. In Himachal Pradesh, the IMD issued a warning for regions between Dalhousie and Tikri Khas in Chamba district, predicting moderate to intense rainfall accompanied by thunderstorm activity, lightning, gusty winds reaching 45-55 kmph, and possible hailstorms. This system is expected to move towards Kangra district within the hour and then gradually weaken. Thunderstorms with lightning and moderate rainfall are likely to continue over parts of Una, Hamirpur, Mandi, and Kangra districts over the next hour. Similar weather conditions are also expected to begin affecting Bilaspur and Kullu districts shortly. Earlier, the IMD had predicted rainfall in various parts of Himachal Pradesh between April 18 and April 21 due to an incoming strong Western Disturbance. According to the IMD, a strong western disturbance is expected to impact the state, resulting in light to moderate rainfall in most regions and heavy rainfall in higher altitudes. Speaking to ANI, Shobhit Katiyar, Senior Scientist at the IMD's Himachal Pradesh Centre in Shimla, said that the weather will change after two days with the approaching fresh Western disturbance on April 18. "In the next 48 hours, the weather will remain mostly clear across the state. However, a very active western disturbance is expected to influence Himachal Pradesh from the afternoon of April 18 until the morning of April 21. Due to this system, we are likely to see intermittent rainfall across many parts of the state," said Katiyar. He added that light rain may occur today in Chamba and Kangra districts, but the main spell of rainfall will begin from April 18. "There is a possibility of heavy rainfall in the higher regions of Chamba, Kangra, Kullu, and Mandi districts on April 18 and 19. Some areas may receive rainfall between 6 to 12 cm. Because of this, we have issued an orange alert for these districts for April 18 and 19," Katiyar further explained. (ANI)
According to a police, the victim identified as Chinnadurai, a first-year B.Com student, left his residence around 6.15 p.m. after informing his mother that he would meet a friend in Palayamkottai.

At approximately 7.30 p.m., he called his mother using the mobile phone of an unknown person and informed her that he had been attacked near the District Science Centre.

Police personnel rushed to the location and found Chinnadurai with a minor injury on his right hand. He was immediately taken to Tirunelveli Medical College Hospital in an 108 ambulance for treatment.

The police have launched a detailed investigation into the matter and formed a special team to trace the culprits.

During preliminary questioning, Chinnadurai told police that he had gone to Vasantham Nagar near Kokkarikulam after receiving a message from a friend he met on the social media platform Instagram.

The victim mentioned that upon reaching the area, he was confronted by four unidentified persons who demanded money.

When Chinnadurai said he had no cash, the attackers allegedly assaulted him with a stick and fled with his mobile phone, police said.

Chinnadurai said he could not remember either his username or the email credentials linked to the account, cops added.

It is pertinent to mention that, in 2023, Chinnadurai had reportedly been assaulted by members of a dominant caste, an incident that drew significant attention in Tamil Nadu.

The fresh assault has sparked concerns, prompting authorities to constitute a special team to investigate the matter and apprehend the accused. (ANI)
Chinese Vice Premier Liu Guozhong, also a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, inspects the construction site of a comprehensive improvement project of the Yongding River in Shijingshan District of Beijing, capital of China, April 9, 2025. [Photo/Xinhua]

Chinese Vice Premier Liu Guozhong has emphasized the need to improve the flood control and disaster reduction capacities of the Haihe River Basin, and the importance of strengthening spring agricultural production.

Liu, also a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, made the remarks during a research trip to Beijing and Hebei.

He stressed the importance of implementing the central authorities' decisions and plans on accelerating the improvement of the flood control system in the Haihe River Basin, and the need to ensure the safety of major cities and infrastructure.

Liu also called for improving the rain monitoring and forecast system, with strict control over the quality of the entire process, and supervision over the construction progress and use of funds.

It is necessary to strengthen flood control management and eliminate various kinds of risks and hidden dangers in a timely manner, he said.

During the tour, he stressed that solid work should be done in spring ploughing and related preparations, and in promoting high-quality summer grain production. He also required efforts to ensure there is no large-scale return to poverty.
After taking oath as an MLC on Wednesday, Bharat Rashtra Samithi leader Dasoju Sravan Kumar said that the position is an opportunity of a lifetime. The senior BRS leader, elected as an MLC under the MLA quota, took his oath in the Telangana Legislative Council on Wednesday. Council Chairman Gutha Sukhender Reddy officiated the ceremony. Speaking to ANI, Sravan Kumar said, "K Chandrashekar Rao has given me an opportunity to serve society and the party as an MLC. I wholeheartedly bow before him and thank him with so much gratitude for giving me this great opportunity. This is a lifetime opportunity for me. I have been in public life for the last 17-18 years...I consider this not as a position of power, but as a position of responsibility and accountability..." He expressed deep gratitude to K Chandrashekar Rao for giving him the chance to serve both the society and the party. Earlier, the Telangana Chief Minister Revanth Reddy urged all party MLAs to intensify public outreach and counter what he described as the Opposition's false propaganda. Speaking at the Congress Legislature Party (CLP) meeting in Hyderabad, he instructed legislators to visit every village in their constituency and directly engage with people from April 16 to June 2. "It is everyone's responsibility to reach out to people and explain the important decisions made by the government. MLAs should visit every village in their respective Assembly Constituencies from tomorrow to June 2. I will also allocate time to meet people from May 1 to June 2," he said. The Chief Minister said the party must remain united and committed to strengthening public trust, especially in the face of misinformation. He accused the BJP and BRS of launching a joint campaign using artificial intelligence to mislead the public regarding the Hyderabad Central University (HCU) land issue. (ANI)
The Janta Darshan was attended by the Chief Secretary of Uttar Pradesh, the Principal Secretary (Home), the Director General of Police (DGP), and senior officials from key departments.

During the Janta Darshan at his residence, Chief Minister Adityanath was seen playing with a child and giving him chocolates, and also handed over chargeable sticks with inbuilt sensors to two specially abled individuals.

On March 6, Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath held a 'Janta Darshan' in Gorakhpur, where people came forward to share their problems. The Chief Minister patiently listened to their grievances and issued necessary directives to ensure their timely and satisfactory resolution.

After being elected as the Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh, Adityanath frequently conducts the 'Janata Darshan' program.

He started the Janta Darshan soon after becoming the chief minister in 2017, with the primary aim of swiftly resolving the public's complaints and grievances.

Meanwhile, Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Adityanath will lay the foundation stone for the 'largest' night shelter in eastern Uttar Pradesh at the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) in Gorakhpur on Friday (April 18), the Chief Minister's Office said in a statement on Wednesday.

The upcoming shelter, designed to accommodate up to 500 individuals, will cost Rs 44 crore to build. The Power Grid Corporation of India is supporting the construction as part of its corporate social responsibility initiative.

CM Yogi will officially kick off the project by performing the ground-breaking ceremony, the statement added. This facility aims to benefit patients and their attendants who travel from far-flung areas for treatment at AIIMS Gorakhpur. (ANI)
Central Bureau of Investigation teams arrived at the residence of AAP leader Durgesh Pathak to conduct searches on Thursday morning. CBI sources say that the searches are related to a case of alleged FCRA (Foreign Contribution Regulation Act) violations registered by the agency. Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) leader and former Delhi Minister Saurabh Bharadwaj on Thursday claimed that the same thing happened during the last Gujarat elections, where the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) arrested leaders from AAP. "Due to the last Gujarat elections, the BJP central government had started arresting the leaders of the Aam Aadmi Party. And now that Durgesh Pathak has got the responsibility of Gujarat, today the CBI has raided his house," Bharadwaj posted on X. AAP national secretary Sandeep Pathak said that the CBI raided Durgesh Pathak's residence days after he was appointed co-incharge of the forthcoming assembly elections in Gujarat. He said the raids indicate that the BJP views AAP as a "growing threat" in the state. "The CBI's raid on Aam Aadmi Party leader Durgesh Pathak's residence this morning- just days after he was named co-incharge for Gujarat elections 2027- sends a loud message that BJP clearly views AAP as a growing threat in Gujarat and is rattled by its rising influence," Pathak posted on X. AAP RS MP Sanjay Singh alleged that the raids are being carried out to threaten Durgesh Pathak, who was recently put in charge of Gujarat. "CBI has reached the house of Gujarat's co-incharge Durgesh Pathak. The Modi Government has tried every trick to destroy the Aam Aadmi Party, but still, there is no peace. BJP's condition in Gujarat is bad. As soon as Durgesh Pathak was made co-incharge of Gujarat, the CBI was sent to threaten him. (ANI)
An innovative initiative by the Virudhunagar district administration in Tamil Nadu is beginning to show positive results, bringing smiles to the faces of schoolchildren by helping correct dental deformities and boosting their confidence. The initiative, launched in early 2024, was inspired by a moment of compassion when District Collector of Virudhunagar VP Jeyaseelan noticed a young girl trying to hide her buck teeth during a school inspection. "Such students are often hesitant not just to smile but even to speak. Teased by peers for their appearance, many of them lose self-confidence at a very young age," Jeyaseelan recalled. Despite the treatment, often classified as cosmetic and not covered under any government health or insurance scheme, the district launched the Malarum Punnagai (Blossoming Smiles), funded through CSR (Corporate Social Responsibility) contributions, as financial constraints and lack of awareness deterred many parents from seeking help for their children. "We realised CSR (Corporate Social Responsibility) funding was the only viable option," the Collector said. Through health camps conducted under the Rashtriya Bal Swasthya Karyakram, the administration identified 568 students with protruding teeth. Further screening by Nala Dental Care in Madurai revealed that 302 of them required orthodontic treatment, specifically braces. Since early 2024, children have been taken in batches to the private dental hospital for treatment. Depending on the severity, the full correction process can take between 24 and 30 months, with regular follow-ups. Now, more than a year into the programme, many children have shown significant improvement. Some have also undergone tooth extractions as part of the treatment. Most heartening of all, according to the Collector, are the behavioural changes observed. "We're seeing improved self-esteem, greater classroom participation, and a noticeable boost in their overall confidence," he said. (ANI)
The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) Member Priyank Kanungo on Wednesday raised serious concerns over the response of the health department in the case of a fake doctor who operated in Madhya Pradesh's Damoh district, and who allegedly caused deaths of at least seven patients at a Hospital there. Kanungo said the actions--or lack thereof--by health officials following the revelation of the doctor's forged documents were deeply troubling. He further questioned the findings and approach of the Chief Medical and Health Officer (CMHO) in the investigation, stating that it resulted in inaction, despite clear indications of fraud. "The kind of action taken by the health department is concerning. The doctor's fake documents are prima facie information," said Kanungo. "The investigation by CMHO has led them to inaction... When it is clear that someone has fake documents, then whether the surgery done by the person is right or not is no longer a matter of investigation. This was negligence on their part in the investigation," he said. Earlier, Damoh Child Welfare Committee chairman Deepak Tiwari called for a full investigation into the matter after police arrested the man accused in the case. On April 7, Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Mohan Yadav said that his government will take strict action in the case and highlighted that the State government would not make any delay in taking action against such cases and instructed that if there is any other such case in the State, the health department should take strict action against them. An official said the FIR was registered against the person at the Kotwali police station in the district for fraud and presenting fake documents to get appointed at the mission hospital. The "fake doctor" has been accused of posing as the British doctor N John Kem before, where in July of 2023, he had tweeted (now known as X), asking for Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath to be sent to France to stop the riots which ensued then. (ANI)
The Supreme Court is likely to pass an interim order on Thursday concerning the recently enacted Waqf (Amendment) Act, 2025, following petitions filed by multiple parties, both supporting and opposing the contentious legislation. On Wednesday, following a two-hour-long hearing, the apex court indicated that it may stay certain key provisions of the Act, including the inclusion of non-Muslims in the Central Waqf Council and Waqf Boards, powers of Collectors on deciding disputes over Waqf properties and provisions on de-notifying properties declared as Waqf by courts. The top court was about to dictate the order, but Solicitor General Tushar Mehta, representing the Centre, and other counsels who were appearing for parties defending the Act said they should be heard before passing the interim order. A three-judge bench of Chief Justice of India Sanjiv Khanna and Justices PV Sanjay Kumar and KV Viswanathan continues hearing the case at 2 pm today. During the hearing yesterday, the bench had said that it was considering passing an interim order that would balance equities. "We will say that whichever properties have been declared by the court to be Waqf or held to be Waqf will not be de-notified as Waqfs or be treated as non-Waqf properties, whether they are by Waqf-by-user or waqf-by-declaration or otherwise... declared by courts or otherwise also," the bench had said. "Second, Collector can continue with proceedings, but the proviso will not be given effect to. If he wants, he can move an application before this court, and we can modify it. Third, as far as the constitution of the Board and Council is concerned, ex officio members can be appointed, regardless of their faith, but the other members should be Muslims," the CJI had added. CJI had observed that "government cannot rewrite history" through the changes brought in by the amendments to Waqf law while referring to the scope under the new Act to de-notify properties declared as Waqf long ago. "When a public trust is declared to be a Waqf 100 or 200 years ago... suddenly you say it is being taken over by the Waqf board and declared otherwise," said the bench. The top court had questioned the government on how Waqf-by-user can be disallowed, as many will not have the requisite documents to get such Waqfs registered. CJI had asked the Solicitor General, "How will government register such Waqfs-by-user? What documents will they have? It will lead to undoing something. Yes, there is some misuse but there are genuine ones also... If you undo it, then it will be a problem." On the issue of non-Muslim members in Waqf Boards and Councils, the bench had said that the nearest example is the Hindu Charitable Endowments Act. "Whenever it comes to Hindu endowments, it would be Hindus who would be governing," Justice Viswanathan had said. Senior advocate Kapil Sibal, appearing for one of the petitioners, had said that a Collector is the officer designated to decide whether a property is Waqf or not; if there is a dispute, this person is a part of the government and is thus a judge in his own cause. "This is per se unconstitutional. This also says that property will not be a Waqf till the officer decides so. Only Muslims had been part of the Waqf council and Boards, but now, after the amendment, even Hindus can be a part of it," he had contended. "It is a parliamentary usurpation of the faith of 200 million persons," Sibal had added. Senior advocate Rajeev Dhavan, representing a petitioner, had said that Waqf is an essential and integral part of Islam, as charity is an essential and integral part of the faith. Senior advocate Abhishek Manu Singhvi had said that deletion of 'Waqf-by-user' is dangerous, as about four lakh out of eight lakh properties are Waqf-by-user, "which have now become illegal with one stroke of the pen." "We have been told the Delhi High Court building is in Waqf land; the Oberoi hotel is in Waqf land. We are not saying that all Waqf-by-user properties are wrong. But there are some genuine areas of concern too," the CJI had replied. Solicitor General Tushar Mehta, appearing for the Centre, had also told the apex court that the law was enacted after an elaborate exercise by the JPC, which held meetings in different parts of the country and took views of stakeholders, and both houses of the Parliament passed the bill after a long debate. At the fag end of the hearing, the bench had also expressed concern over violence in West Bengal's Murshidabad district over the Act and said, "The one thing is very disturbing the violence that is taking place. The issue is before the court and we will decide." Several petitions were filed in the apex court challenging the Act, contending that it was discriminatory towards the Muslim community and violated their fundamental rights. President Droupadi Murmu on April 5 gave her assent to the Waqf (Amendment) Bill, 2025, which was earlier passed by Parliament after heated debates in both Houses. All India Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen (AIMIM) Member of Parliament Asaduddin Owaisi, Congress MPs Mohammad Jawed and Imran Pratapgarhi, MP Mahua Moitra, AAP MLA Amanatullah Khan, MLA from National People's Party India (NPP) party in Manipur Sheikh Noorul Hassan, MP and President of the Azad Samaj Party Chandra Shekhar Azad, Samajwadi Party MP from Sambhal Zia Ur Rehman Barq, President of the Islamic cleric's body Jamiat Ulema-i-Hind Maulana Arshad Madani, Kerala Sunni scholars' body Samastha Kerala Jamiatul Ulema, Social Democratic Party of India, Indian Union Muslim League, and NGO Association for Protection of Civil Rights have already approached the top court against the Act. The All India Muslim Personal Law Board (AIMPLB) also challenged the Act, saying it strongly objected to the amendments passed by Parliament for being "arbitrary, discriminatory and based on exclusion". Manoj Jha and Faiyaz Ahmad, MPs in Rajya Sabha from Bihar's RJD, have also challenged the Wakf (Amendment) Act, 2025, on the grounds that it facilitates large-scale government interference in Muslim religious endowments. RJD MLA from Bihar Muhammad Izhar Asfi also challenged the Act. The ruling party, Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) in Tamil Nadu, through its MP A Raja, who was a part of the Joint Parliamentary Committee on the Waqf Bill, also approached the apex court against the Act. The Communist Party of India, through its General Secretary D Raja, YSR Congress, and Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) President and actor Vijay, have also challenged the Act, among others. Defending the Act, BJP-led governments in the states of Rajasthan, Haryana, Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh, Assam, Uttarakhand and Chhattisgarh approached the apex court and filed impleadment applications. Apart from state governments, advocate Mahendra Pratap Singh; Aadivasi Seva Mandal; Jay Omkar Bhilala Samajh Sangathan --organisations operating for the protection of rights of Tribals in Madhya Pradesh; Satish Kumar Aggarwal -- a member of Akhil Bharat Hindu Mahasabha; and Vishnu Gupta -- National President of NGO Hindu Sena -- also filed applications while opposing the petitions challenging the Waqf (Amendment) Act. Two PILs were also filed challenging the various provisions of the Waqf Act,1995 and certain provisions of the Waqf (Amendment) Act, 2025, alleging discrimination against other communities and demanding equal status and safeguards for their properties. (ANI)
Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma is set to visit Karbi Anglong district on Thursday to inaugurate a series of development projects worth over Rs 100 crore. He said that these projects will improve the connectivity in the region. "I will shortly be in Karbi Anglong to dedicate a host of projects worth over Rs 100 crore to the people. These projects will boost connectivity, give a befitting honour to unsung heroes and enhance visual appeal of the region," Sarma posted on X. The projects aim to honour the local heritage and elevate the region's natural and cultural charm, advocating for a new era of development. On Wednesday, Sarma said that all the steps have been taken to transform the Gauhati Medical College and Hospital into one of the largest in the country. The Chief Minister also said that the upcoming Mother and Child Care Hospital in Guwahati Medical College and Hospital (GMCH) premises will offer dedicated and specialised paediatric care. He highlighted that the hospital will be equipped with 800 beds, it will offer State-of-the-art treatment, and its campus is part of the larger plans to completely restructure GMCH. According to an official press release, the Chief Minister also inspected the progress of Pragjyotishpur Medical College and Hospital, which is Guwahati's second medical college. The hospital is expected to be fully operational by August 15 this year, Sarma added. Meanwhile, the CM announced earlier that the Assam government was extending financial assistance to temple and prayer halls of indigenous faith. He said that funds worth over Rs 40 crore have been distributed in the last two years to various groups. "Government of Assam is committed to preserve and promote our indigenous faiths. To ensure that these unique cultures thrive, we are extending financial assistance to temples and prayers halls of indigenous faiths. Over Rs40cr has been disbursed in the last two years to various groups," Sarma posted on X. (ANI)
Kakori (Lucknow) (Uttar Pradesh) [India], April 17, (ANI) - A 70-year-old man died after being struck by a bullet during celebratory firing at a farewell function in the Gahalwara village under Kakori police station limits, police said on Thursday.. According to officials, the incident occurred around 9:00 PM on April 16 during a ceremony held at the home of Chandu, son of Nadir, to bid farewell to his daughter. Around 40 to 50 members of the daughter's in-laws' family had gathered from the Kakori Mod area to attend the event. During the celebrations, shots were fired into the air, one of which fatally struck Chandu's elder brother, Shamsher alias Shera (70), son of Hashim. Shamsher was returning from offering namaz when a stray bullet hit him. He succumbed to his injuries before reaching the hospital. Following a preliminary investigation and eyewitness accounts, police registered a case against unidentified individuals under relevant legal provisions. The body was sent for postmortem after standard Panchayatnama procedures were completed. On April 17, police identified the accused as Imran, 25, son of Jabbar and a resident of Kakori Mod under the Para police station. He had reportedly arrived from the in-laws' side to attend the event. Based on electronic and physical evidence, as well as witness testimony, Imran was taken into custody. In another case on April 3, a man identified as Sagar, who had been reported missing from Tilak Nagar in the national capital, was confirmed dead in Shamli in Uttar Pradesh, leading to a full-scale investigation by the Delhi and Uttar Pradesh police. The case was initially reported at Police Station (PS) Tilak Nagar after Sagar's family informed authorities that he had left a hotel he was operating on lease, but never reached home. Raising suspicion against certain individuals and fearing for his safety, the family prompted the registration of an abduction case. Multiple police teams were deployed for technical and manual surveillance, and the family remained actively involved in the probe, as the suspects were known to them. Several individuals were detained for questioning, though the main suspects remain at large. Authorities have secured non-bailable warrants against them. (ANI)
After the Supreme Court questioned the inclusion of non-Muslims in the Central Waqf Council and Waqf Boards, BJP MP Jagdambika Pal defended the amendment, stating that the Waqf Board is a statutory and administrative entity, not a religious one, and thus, there is no constitutional bar on including members from other communities. Speaking to ANI, Pal, who was also the Chairman of the Joint Parliamentary Committee, pointed out that the top court itself had said that the Waqf Board is not a religious body but a legal one. "It''s a valid question. But the thing is that the Supreme Court is asking this question today, while such orders have been passed in the past. The Supreme Court had said that the Waqf Board is not a religious body but a legal one that looks after the Waqf properties. Similarly, in another order, it was said that Waqf is a statutory and administrative body and not a religious one. Hence, it''s not an interference in religious matters, and if it is an administrative body, it''s completely fine to have both Muslim and non-Muslim members in it," Jagdambika Pal said. Further, the BJP MP targeted West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee over violence in Murshidabad and said that President''s rule should be imposed there. "It is the responsibility of the state government to ensure law and order. Today the situation in Bengal is like that of 1947 when people fled from Pakistan but today people are fleeing in their own country. This is the ultimate failure of the government. President''s rule should be imposed there," Pal said. Meanwhile, on the issue of non-Muslim members in Waqf Boards and Councils, the Supreme Court had said that the nearest example is the Hindu Charitable Endowments Act. "Whenever it comes to Hindu endowments, it would be Hindus who would be governing," Justice Viswanathan had said. The top court had questioned the government on how Waqf-by-user can be disallowed, as many will not have the requisite documents to get such Waqfs registered. CJI had asked the Solicitor General, "How will government register such Waqfs-by-user? What documents will they have? It will lead to undoing something. Yes, there is some misuse but there are genuine ones also... If you undo it, then it will be a problem." (ANI)
The Delhi Police on Thursday issued a standing order making it mandatory to obtain prior written permission before using loudspeakers or public address systems anywhere in the city. The directive, aligned with the Noise Pollution (Regulation and Control) Rules, outlines specific restrictions on sound levels and usage timing to regulate public and private noise pollution. According to the order, no loudspeaker, sound-producing instrument, musical instrument, or sound amplifier shall be used during night hours except within closed premises such as auditoriums, conference rooms, community halls, and banquet halls, or in cases of public emergency. The use of such sound equipment in any public space now requires written approval from the concerned authority, including for renting loudspeakers from tent houses. The police have stated that tent and generator suppliers must not provide any equipment to users unless the customer has written permission from the local police. District Deputy Commissioners of Police (DCPs) have been directed to enforce this instruction and initiate legal action against suppliers who do not comply. The noise level restrictions have also been outlined in the new order. In industrial areas, the permissible limit is 75 decibels (A) between 6 am and 10 pm and 70 decibels (A) from 10 pm to 6 am. In residential areas, the limits are 55 decibels (A) during the day and 45 decibels (A) at night. Silence zones are restricted to 50 decibels (A) from 6 am to 10 pm and 40 decibels (A) from 10 pm to 6 am. The noise level at the boundary of any public place using a loudspeaker or public address system must not exceed 10 decibels (A) above the ambient standard or 75 decibels (A), whichever is lower. For privately owned sound systems, the limit is 5 decibels (A) above the prescribed ambient level. Violations will attract financial penalties. Improper use of loudspeakers or public address systems may result in a fine of Rs 10,000, and the equipment will be confiscated. For diesel generator sets, fines vary by capacity. Rs 100,000 for sets over 1000 KVA, Rs 25,000 for sets between 62.5 and 1000 KVA, and Rs 10,000 for sets up to 62.5 KVA. Noise-producing construction equipment may result in a Rs 50,000 fine and sealing or confiscation of the equipment. The order also includes penalties for bursting firecrackers outside the permitted hours. In cases of excessive noise during weddings or rallies, individuals can be fined Rs 10,000 in residential areas and Rs 20,000 in silence zones. Delhi Police has stated that the enforcement of these noise control measures will be carried out across all districts in the capital. (ANI)
Chinese Vice Premier Ding Xuexiang, also a member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, inspects the Northwest Institute for Non-ferrous Metal Research during an inspection tour in northwest China's Shaanxi Province on April 15, 2025. [Photo/Xinhua]

Chinese Vice Premier Ding Xuexiang has called for the consolidation of development confidence and strengthened innovation-driven growth to enable steady progress in the country's high-quality development.

Ding, also a member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, made the remarks during an inspection tour in northwest China's Shaanxi province from Monday to Wednesday.

He stressed the importance of promoting the integrated development of sci-tech innovation and industrial innovation, and of accelerating the development of a modern industrial system.

Work must be done to maintain a fair, organized market order and prevent rat-race competition, Ding said, adding that basic research in the applied sciences should be enhanced.

He urged more efforts to make breakthroughs in key and core technologies, and efforts to increase support for investment in startups. More should be done to improve vocational education and help graduates find suitable jobs quickly, he said.

Opening to the outside world is a fundamental national policy for China, and the country is willing to deepen cooperation with all parties to achieve mutual benefits, Ding said.

Shaanxi should be integrated more deeply into the process of the joint construction of the Belt and Road, and move faster to build a highland for inland reform and opening-up, he noted.

At a symposium during the tour, Ding called for the effective implementation of central decisions and plans, and for the expansion of domestic demand on all fronts. He also stressed the need to help foreign trade enterprises overcome difficulties, and to make greater efforts to stabilize employment.

Ding expressed the hope that Shaanxi will give full play to its advantages and strive to write its own chapter of Chinese modernization.
Hitting out at the RJD leader Tejashwi Yadav for his remarks on the Waqf Amendment Act, Union Minister Giriraj Singh on Thursday said that people of the Bihar does not want their state to turn out like the West Bengal. Singh was responding to the remarks made by Tejashwi Yadav, where the RJD leader stated that "Waqf Amendment Act would be thrown in the dustbin" in Bihar if RJD is voted to power in the upcoming Assembly polls. "Tejashwi Yadav said that when he comes to power, he will not allow the Waqf Amendment Act to be implemented... Do they want to turn Bihar into Bengal? Are they reminding people of Bihar of the Murshidabad incident to turn this into Bengal? People of Bihar do not want to turn the state into Bengal under the leadership of RJD," Singh said. Referring to the recent Murshidabad violence in West Bengal linked to protests over the Waqf Act, Singh accused the Trinamool Congress government, led by Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, of turning a blind eye to violence in the state. "Mamata Banerjee did not obey her 'raj dharma', and under her protection, violence is taking place, and the era of killings is underway," the BJP leader added. Giriraj Singh's remarks come in the backdrop of widespread political debate over the amended Waqf law, which has been challenged in the Supreme Court by multiple opposition leaders and organisations. Meanwhile, the Supreme Court might issue an interim stay on the act today, following petitions and a two-hour-long hearing on Wednesday. Meanwhile, on Tuesday, Tejashwi Yadav met with Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge, Lok Sabha LoP Rahul Gandhi and Congress MP KC Venugopal ahead of the high-stakes battle that is expected to take place in Bihar with the National Democratic Alliance (NDA), consisting of Janata Dal (United) led by Bihar CM Nitish Kumar, and the Bharatiya Janata Party, fighting against the Mahagathbandhan, consisting of Congress, Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) and left parties. The Bihar Assembly elections are due to be held later this year. (ANI)
Congress leader Pawan Khera on Thursday said that Rahul Gandhi, the leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha, will travel to the US on April 21 and 22. He will visit Brown University in Rhode Island and interact with the faculty members and students. In a post on X, Khera said, " Former Congress President Mr. Rahul Gandhi will be visiting Brown University in Rhode Island, United States, on the 21st and 22nd of April. He will give a talk and interact with faculty members and students." Khera also said that prior to visiting Rhode Island, Gandhi would meet with members of the NRI community, office bearers, and members of the Indian Overseas Congress (IOC). Earlier in September 2024, Rahul Gandhi was on a three-day visit to the US. During his visit, he travelled to Dallas, where he interacted with students and teachers at the University of Texas and addressed the members of the Indian diaspora. From Dallas, Congress MP Rahul Gandhi travelled to Washington, D.C., where he interacted with students and faculty at Georgetown University. This was Rahul Gandhi's first visit to the US after he became the Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha. In 2023, Congress leader Rahul Gandhi launched a scathing attack at the Centre during a lecture at Cambridge University, alleging that an attack has been unleashed on the basic structure of Indian democracy while also claiming that Israeli spyware Pegasus was being used to snoop into his phone. Earlier on Wednesday, Lok Sabha Leader of Opposition (Lop) Rahul Gandhi asserted that Gujarat is the path to defeating the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS). While addressing the gathering in Modasa, Gandhi said that the ongoing tussle was not merely political but also "ideological". The entire country, he added, knows that only Congress can defeat the BJP. The Congress leader said that the top leadership has decided to bring about changes in the party, where the district leaders would be strengthened. Gandhi informed about his meeting with the senior district leaders in the party, who informed him about the competition among party workers and leaders being "destructive." (ANI)
The Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) is celebrating its 86th Central Reserve Police Force Day in Madhya Pradesh's Neemuch, on Thursday and the jawans carried out mock drills during the parade on the occasion. Additionally, CRPF Valley QAT and CRPF K9 squad also displayed their skills during the parade to mark the occasion. Union Home Minister Amit Shah and Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Mohan Yadav were present in the event and witnessed the skillset of the jawans. Addressing on occasion, Union Minister Shah hailed the CRPF's major contribution to ending naxalism in the country, adding that by March 2026, the country would be completely rid of naxalism. "Whenever there is unrest in any part of the country, being the Home Minister, when I come to know that CRPF personnel are there, it puts me at ease. I have full trust that if the CRPF is there, the success is certain... Be it fighting against terrorists in Kashmir Valley or maintaining peace in the Northeast or confining Naxalites to just four districts - in all these things, CSPF personnel have always had a major contribution in such tasks," Shah said. "There are many such occasions in the history of 76 years of independence, where the CRPF has protected the honour and pride of the country. On October 21, 1959 in Ladakh, only a few selected soldiers fought the Chinese army and all of them attained martyrdom. Therefore, all the police forces of the country celebrate October 21 every year as Police Smriti Diwas," Shah said. Further, he congratulated the CRPF's Cobra Battalion, which he said has become a symbol of bravery. "The country will be rid of left wing extremism by March 31, 2026. The country has taken this pledge and behind this are the brave soldiers of our CRPF," he said. "The biggest success of CRPF, which will be remembered for many years to come in the country, is that CRPF made a huge contribution in freeing the country from Naxalism. Even today, when the remaining Naxalites come to know that CRPF's Cobra Jawans are moving towards them, their souls tremble," Shah said. Initially established as the Crown Representatives Police on July 27, 1939, in response to escalating political turmoil and unrest within the princely states, the CRPF has evolved into one of the oldest and most distinguished central paramilitary forces in the country. The force's creation was influenced by the Madras Resolution of the All-India Congress Committee in 1936, which underscored the need for a robust internal security apparatus. Post-independence, the CRPF underwent a significant transformation. On December 28, 1949, through an Act of Parliament, it was renamed as the Central Reserve Police Force. This legislative act not only bestowed the new name but also established the CRPF as an armed entity under the jurisdiction of the union government. Sardar Vallabh Bhai Patel, the then Home Minister, envisioned a multifaceted role for the force, aligning its functions with the evolving needs of a newly independent nation. CRPF assumed its current name on December 28, 1949, following the enactment of the CRPF Act. Over time, the CRPF has evolved into a formidable organization, now comprising 246 battalions. The force is headed by a Director General and is further divided into four zones located in Jammu, Kolkata, Hyderabad, and Guwahati, each under the command of Special Directors General (DGs). On March 19, 1950, the then home minister Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel conferred the CRPF's flag, and hence, the day is recognized as the CRPF Day every. Nonetheless, the celebration has been extended this year with an event being held on April 17. Key responsibilities of the CRPF are maintaining law and order with crowd and riot control; countering insurgency operations; collaborating with forest departments to protect wildlife sanctuaries and national parks from poaching and illegal logging activities, and participating in relief operations during natural disasters floods, earthquakes, and cyclones. Some of the special CRPF units include the Rapid Action Force (RAF), Commando Battalion for Resolute Action (CoBRA), VIP Security Wing, and Mahila Battalions. (ANI)
Union Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan is leading the Indian delegation to the 15th BRICS Agriculture Ministers' Meeting (AMM) being held in Brasilia, Brazil on Thursday and ahead of the meeting, he observed new agricultural techniques and farming practices during his visit there. Union Minister Chouhan shared videos on his X handle about his experience and learnings of different agricultural practices in Brazil on Wednesday. "During my stay in Brazil, I have had the opportunity to enrich myself with various experiences and techniques. Here, I am observing agriculture and also learning many new things," Union Minister Chouhan posted on X. The Union Minister also highlighted Brazil's innovative irrigation methods, particularly the use of nutrient-enriched water in crop cultivation. "I have come to a tomato farm field and have seen the irrigation system here. Sprinklers are being used to irrigate tomato crops - this water has nutrients (Urea) dissolved in it. There is a proper controlled system which spreads water and nutrients according to the requirements of a plant," Chouhan said in the video posted on X. He further explained that the entire system facilitated the proper irrigation in less water and provided water as much as it needed for a plant. Additionally, the Union Minister also observed the maize harvesting machine and said that with the help of it, the maize is separated from its plant and about 15-20 acres of maize is harvested in a day. There is no need to pluck the maize from hands; it reduces the time as well as effort. "I got a chance to see tomato and maize farming and the entire system here is mechanized. We will work in the direction to use these techniques to increase production in India," he added in the post on X. During the visit, Chouhan will hold bilateral meetings with key Brazilian counterparts, including Carlos Henrique Baqueta Favaro, Minister of Agriculture and Livestock, and Luiz Paulo Teixeira, Minister of Agrarian Development and Family Farming (MDA), as per the Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare. These meetings will focus on enhancing collaboration between India and Brazil in various areas of agriculture, agri-technology, rural development, and food security. The minister will interact with leaders of major Brazilian agribusiness companies and representatives of the Brazilian Association of Vegetable Oil Industries in Sao Paulo, exploring avenues for partnership and investment in the agriculture value chain. In addition, the Minister will interact with the vibrant Indian diaspora in Sao Paulo, acknowledging their role as cultural ambassadors and contributors to bilateral ties. This visit reaffirms India's commitment to deepening cooperation with BRICS nations and to advancing South-South cooperation in agricultural innovation, resilience, and sustainability. (ANI)
Shiv Sena (UBT) MP Sanjay Raut on Thursday supported West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee's claim that the BJP is behind the violence in state. Unrest broke out in Murshidabad during protests against the Waqf (Amendment) Act on April 11. The law has been a contentious issue in the region. The protests turned violent, resulting in the deaths of three people and injuries to several others, with widespread property damage. Speaking at the press conference, Raut said, "I completely agree with Mamata Didi. Wherever the BJP fails to form a government, be it in Kerala, Tamil Nadu, or Bengal, they try to create unrest. This is their habit." While talking about the use of Artificial Intelligence (AI), Raut defended a recent video in which late Shiv Sena founder Balasaheb Thackeray was shown speaking using AI. Raut said, "AI technology is being used, and our country has advanced a lot. China and the US have already moved ahead of us. Our Prime Minister, Narendra Modi, talks about AI technology regularly. So, if someone is using this technology, what's wrong with that? There's nothing wrong. Bala Saheb Thackeray is speaking through this technology, and he is telling the truth. If anyone questions what Bala Saheb said yesterday, whether it was true or false, I'm ready to accept it if it's a lie. We can discuss it in the Nashik camp. Bala Saheb's words are being praised a lot now." On Wednesday, the Shiv Sena (UBT) leveraged Artificial Intelligence (AI) to generate a voice similar to that of the party's founder, Bal Thackeray, in a Shiv Sena (UBT) gathering in Nashik in Maharashtra. Raut also hit out at Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde, calling him a "traitor". "The term 'traitor' was first explained by Balasaheb when Narayan Rane left the party. If we don't call those who betrayed the party traitors, then what should we call them?" He further criticised the Maharashtra government's cutting down money in the Ladli Behan scheme and said, "There will be a reduction for women, farmers, and students". (ANI)
Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge launched a scathing attack on the Modi government on Thursday, accusing it of neglecting MGNREGA workers by refusing to raise daily wages. In a post on X, Kharge, while citing recommendations from a Joint Parliamentary Committee and the Amarjeet Sinha-led High-Level Committee, said the government's refusal to implement a wage hike to Rs 400 and expand the scheme's budget reflects its anti-poor stance. "It seems that the anti-people Modi government has refused to increase MGNREGA wages. This is like attacking the rights of MNREGA workers. Recently, the Joint Parliamentary Committee had recommended increasing the daily wage of MNREGA workers to Rs 400. Amarjeet Sinha's High Level Committee, formed in 2023, had also suggested increasing wages and increasing the budget of MNREGA," Kharge said. He claimed that the "anti-poor Modi government is bent on oppressing MNREGA workers one after the other." "Be it excluding nearly seven crore registered workers from MNREGA by imposing the condition of Aadhaar-based payment, or allocating the lowest MNREGA budget in the last 10 years as compared to the total budget, the Modi government has been continuously hitting MNREGA hard," the Congress Chief said. Mallikarjun Kharge further affirmed their demands: " A Minimum wage of Rs 400 per day should be fixed for MNREGA workers. Provide at least 150 days of work in a year." The Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act's vision is to enhance the livelihood security of rural households across the country by providing at least 100 days of guaranteed wage employment in a financial year to every rural household whose adult members volunteer to do unskilled manual work. The scheme encourages a sense of community and collective responsibility by strengthening Panchayat Raj institutions. MGNREGA promotes a bottom-up approach to planning and execution, empowering local communities to take charge of their development. Through the creation of productive assets of prescribed quality and durability, the scheme addresses immediate economic needs while laying the foundation for long-term prosperity. (ANI)
West Bengal Governor CV Ananda Bose on Thursday said he plans to meet with victims' affected by the recent violence in Murshidabad, sparked by protests against the Waqf (Amendment) Act. Speaking to the reporters, West Bengal Governor CV Ananda Bose said, "I have been to Delhi, and I am going to the field to see what happens in reality. I will also meet some of the victims. It's a very emotional issue, and I share the sentiments of the families." Recently, West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee announced a compensation of Rs 10 lakh to the families of those killed in the Murshidabad protest over the Waqf Amendment Act. Addressing the gathering at Kolkata's Netaji Indoor Stadium, CM Mamata said that she would ask the Secretary to file a report on it. "I will ask Chief Secretary to get a report on it. The families of those who lost their lives in the violence will get Rs 10 lakh each. We don't see the religious identity of the victims but their pain. Those who lost their houses will get Banglar Bari (a house scheme funded entirely by her government). For those whose shops were damaged, the Chief Secretary will take estimates and get the work done for them," CM Mamata said. Unrest broke out in Murshidabad during protests against the Waqf (Amendment) Act on April 11. The law has been a contentious issue in the region. The protests turned violent, resulting in the deaths of three people and injuries to several others, with widespread property damage. The West Bengal Police said more than 250 people have been arrested so far in connection with the Murshidabad violence, and adequate police forces have been deployed in Samserganj, Dhuliyan, and other affected areas of Murshidabad. The BJP has accused the Trinamool Congress (TMC) of supporting the protesters and criticised TMC MP Bapi Halder for making threatening remarks against those protesting Waqf properties. Mamata Banerjee also launched a scathing attack on the Centre over the recent Waqf Amendment and communal unrest, accusing the BJP-led government of pushing a divisive agenda and failing to secure India's borders. (ANI)
Delhi Police has arrested a man who was allegedly involved in a series of thefts from hospitals across multiple cities in the country, an official statement said on Thursday. The accused, identified as Vikas (31), was apprehended by the Anti-Narcotics Squad (ANS) of South-East District. According to police, the accused carried out thefts in the NCR, Jaipur, Mumbai, and Pune, leading to the recovery of multiple stolen items and solving several cases registered against him across states. The arrest followed a complaint filed on April 10 by a staff member of Apollo Hospital, who reported that a laptop and mobile phone were stolen from Room No. 1110, Oncology OPD, during doctor rounds. An e-FIR was registered under Section 305 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita at PS Sarita Vihar. Police said that more than 400 CCTV clips were reviewed from the hospital and surrounding areas. The suspect was seen at the hospital and was later traced to a hotel in Paharganj, Delhi. Through a combination of technical analysis and manual surveillance, the accused was identified as Vikas, a resident of Pune, Maharashtra, holding a B.Tech in Computer Science from MIT, Pune. Police said the accused arrived in Delhi on April 8 with the intention to commit theft and was arrested on April 14 from Paharganj. During interrogation, Vikas admitted to similar thefts at Manipal Hospital in Dwarka, Fortis Hospital in Vasant Kunj, and MAX Super Speciality Hospital in Sector 128, Noida. Recovered items include four laptops, one mobile phone, a set of Apple AirPods, a pair of goggles, Rs 6100 in cash, and a forged bill book allegedly used to create false invoices for selling stolen goods, police said. According to DCP South-East Delhi, Ravi Kumar Singh, the accused, stated he began targeting hospitals following a dispute over medical bills at a Pune hospital in 2021. He claimed that the refusal of a COVID-19 treatment discount led to financial strain and prompted him to carry out these thefts. Before coming to Delhi, Vikas spent 21 days in Jaipur, during which he committed thefts in hospitals using the same approach. He has previous involvement in at least six theft cases in Pune and Mumbai, police said. Police said the arrest is part of ongoing efforts against intercity theft networks. Hospitals have been advised to enhance internal surveillance and monitor movement in outpatient areas. Further investigations are underway. (ANI)
Patnaik, who is also the Leader of Opposition in the Odisha Assembly, submitted his nomination papers for the ninth consecutive term as party president.

Earlier today, Biju Janata Dal leaders paid tribute to former Odisha Chief Minister Biju Patnaik on his death anniversary in Bhubaneswar.

Speaking to ANI, BJD Vice President Debi Prasad Mishra said, "Today is the 28th death anniversary of eminent freedom fighter and great patriot Biju Babu. Tribute is being paid to him all over the state."

Odisha's former Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik and BJD leaders paid rich tributes to the late leader on the occasion at Biju Patnaik Park.

"Our leader and former CM Naveen Patnaik paid tribute to him at the Biju Patnaik Park," he added.

The BJD was founded on December 26, 1997, and named after its legendary leader, Biju Patnaik, the father of former Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik. Biju Patnaik was the Chief Minister of the state for two terms, the first from 1961-1963 and then from 1990-1995. He passed away on April 17, 1997. (ANI)
Leader of Opposition in the West Bengal Assembly, Suvendu Adhikari, has filed a petition in the Calcutta High Court on Thursday demanding that the National Investigation Agency (NIA) be assigned to probe the recent violence in Murshidabad district. Adhikari's petition cited provisions under Section 6 of the NIA Act to request the central agency's intervention. He alleged that the incident involved Bangladeshi elements and posed a serious threat to national security. The matter is expected to be taken up for hearing soon. Earlier, the Calcutta High Court had directed the deployment of central forces in Murshidabad following reports of large-scale violence. According to several reports and video footage from April 13, a Border Security Force (BSF) team was allegedly attacked with crude bombs, in the presence of state police personnel. Adhikari's petition also includes the suspected links between the violence and cross-border infiltration from Bangladesh. Adhikari cited that a Trinamool Congress (TMC) spokesperson has admitted the Bangladeshi connection to the unrest. Furthermore, Adhikari urged the court to allow a probe similar to the Ramnavmi incident in Murshidabad to ensure a fair and independent inquiry. He also requested that the Court should instruct the state government to restrict permissions for mass gatherings or rallies, especially protests against the Waqf Act. He alleges that such events have previously resulted in violence and attacks on law enforcement personnel. Earlier, Adhikari accused the TMC leaders of orchestrating communal violence in Murshidabad district. Adhikari alleged that, "From Mothabari to Dhulian, Trinamool Congress leaders are the main conspirators and catalysts of anti-Hindu riots. Such toxic politics of Trinamool Congress is just an attempt to endanger Hindus and enrich their own vote bank." "They are the ones who are disturbing the peace by spreading hatred in society and inciting fundamentalists. Their hate speech and activities are directly responsible for creating riots. It is time to unmask these rioters," he added. Unrest broke out in Murshidabad during protests against the Waqf (Amendment) Act on April 11. The law has been a contentious issue in the region. So far, over 150 people have been arrested, and adequate police forces have been deployed in Samserganj, Dhuliyan, and other affected areas. (ANI)
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Iran's Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi said on Wednesday that "the principle" of his country's uranium enrichment is non-negotiable, according to the official news agency IRNA.

He made the remarks in an address to reporters on the sidelines of a cabinet meeting while commenting on certain "contradictory" positions adopted by U.S. officials on Iran's nuclear program and uranium enrichment following the first round of the indirect talks between Tehran and Washington in Oman last week.

Araghchi said, "What is certain is that Iran's enrichment is a real, accepted and undeniable fact, and we are ready to build confidence regarding the possible concerns. However, the principle of the enrichment itself is not negotiable."

He added that over the past days, "we have heard different positions from the American side, of which some are contradictory, and this will in no way contribute to the negotiation process."

Araghchi stressed, "Nevertheless, we should learn about the American side's real views in the negotiation session. If they come with constructive positions, I am hopeful that we will be able to start negotiations on the framework of a possible agreement. If not, and there are still contradictory and conflicting positions, the work will become difficult."

"If the negotiations are based on equal footing and held in a respectful atmosphere, they can proceed. However, they will achieve nothing through pressure and imposition of their positions," noted the foreign minister.

Araghchi and U.S. Special Envoy to the Middle East Steve Witkoff are scheduled to hold the second round of their indirect talks on Saturday. The talks mainly center on Iran's nuclear program and the removal of the U.S. sanctions on the country.

Witkoff on Tuesday said Iran "must stop and eliminate" its nuclear enrichment program to reach a deal with the United States, contradicting his remarks the preceding day that Tehran's uranium enrichment at a low level could be allowed.
Chhattisgarh Deputy Chief Minister Arun Sao on Thursday criticised Mamata Banerjee over Murshidabad violence and said that she is not able to protect the people of her state, and then she blames others for it. Speaking to ANI, Chhattisgarh Deputy Chief Minister Arun Sao said, "Mamata Banerjee is the CM of West Bengal, and Hindus are being massacred in her protection. As a CM, she is not able to protect the people of her state, and then she blames others for it, which is unfortunate. She has failed completely... If there is anyone responsible for such a state of West Bengal, then it is Mamata Banerjee." Sao further blamed Mamata Banerjee for the unfortunate state of West Bengal. Unrest broke out in Murshidabad during protests against the Waqf (Amendment) Act on April 11. The law has been a contentious issue in the region. The protests turned violent, resulting in the deaths of three people and injuries to several others, with widespread property damage. The West Bengal Police said more than 250 people have been arrested so far in connection with the Murshidabad violence, and adequate police forces have been deployed in Samserganj, Dhuliyan, and other affected areas of Murshidabad. Earlier, West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee announced a compensation of Rs 10 lakh to the families of those killed in the Murshidabad protest over the Waqf Amendment Act. Addressing the gathering at Kolkata's Netaji Indoor Stadium, CM Mamata said that she would ask the Secretary to file a report on it. "I will ask the Chief Secretary to get a report on it. The families of those who lost their lives in the violence will get Rs 10 lakh each. We don't see the religious identity of the victims but their pain. Those who lost their houses will get Banglar Bari (a house scheme funded entirely by her government). For those whose shops were damaged, the Chief Secretary will take estimates and get the work done for them," CM Mamata said. (ANI)
Congress leader Harish Rawat has termed the ED's filing of a chargesheet against Sonia and Rahul Gandhi in the National Herald case an effort to "murder democracy." Speaking to ANI, Rawat claimed that the ED's chargesheet is based on a plain lie. "It is an effort to murder democracy. Everyone knows the relationship between the National Herald and Congress, and this (ED's chargesheet) is based on a plain lie... if anyone had any objection, a civil suit could have been filed, but involving ED is an effort to induce fear and malign the image of opposition leaders," the former Uttarakhand CM said. The Congress party on Wednesday held a nationwide protest against the chargesheet filed by the Enforcement Directorate. Congress leaders launched a scathing attack on the BJP, accusing it of plotting "political vendetta" against the Gandhi family. In response, BJP leaders levelled corruption allegations and claimed that the Congress party was protecting the Gandhi family from accountability. Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge accused the central government of "unnecessarily troubling" party leaders. Congress leader Abhishek Manu Singhvi called the Enforcement Directorate's (ED) chargesheet against Rahul Gandhi and Sonia Gandhi in the National Herald money laundering case, the "vendetta in a legal disguise." Singhvi said the ED should clarify why they haven't investigated any NDA ally or BJP leader. On Tuesday, the Enforcement Directorate (ED) filed a prosecution complaint (chargesheet) against top Congressmen Rahul Gandhi and Sonia Gandhi in connection with the National Herald money laundering case. The chargesheet also names Congress leader Sam Pitroda, Suman Dubey, and others, including several firms. The matter has been listed for arguments on cognisance in the Delhi Rouse Avenue Court on April 25. The prosecution complaint has been filed under Sections 44 and 45 of the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA), 2002, for the offence of money laundering, as defined under Section 3, read with Section 70, and punishable under Section 4 of the PMLA, 2002. (ANI)
The Karnataka Congress staged a protest against the central government at Freedom Park, condemning the BJP's policies for exploiting the poor while enriching the wealthy. Minister Krishna Byre Gowda criticised the government's handling of essential commodities, alleging that rising prices and increased taxes are draining the common people while benefiting the rich. Byre Gowda accused the BJP government of favouring the rich, especially business tycoons like Ambani and Adani, allowing them to accumulate vast wealth while ordinary citizens' hard work is exploited to benefit the elites. "The exploitation of the people began when the BJP came to power. The party has raised the prices of diesel, petrol, and gas, with essential goods and services such as oil, cement, and crops seeing price hikes of up to 100 per cent," Byre Gowda stated. He pointed out that the Congress government had previously taxed just Rs 3.40, while the BJP had now imposed a Rs 25 cess. The price of a gas cylinder, which used to cost Rs400, had surged to Rs1,000 under the current regime, he added. The Congress leader expressed outrage at the increasing financial burden on common people, labeling the situation as akin to "sucking the blood of the people." Byre Gowda further criticised the government for reducing taxes for the rich while raising taxes on the poor. He highlighted the decrease in the income tax rate for the wealthy, from 40 per cent to 20 per cent, while taxes on everyday citizens have only gone up. Congress leader Saleem Ahmed led the protest in Bengaluru, denouncing the central government's recent hike in petrol and LPG prices. Earlier, Union Minister and JD(S) state president HD Kumaraswamy accused the Karnataka state government of "burdening the common man" through excessive taxation. "For the last two years, the state government has been burdening the common man by imposing taxes in many sectors. That is why we are protesting and demanding that relief be given to the people," Kumaraswamy said while addressing the media. Responding to the Congress party's criticism of the central government over rising fuel and LPG prices, Kumaraswamy defended the Centre's position. "Congress is criticising the central government over the prices of petrol and LPG gas. The increase in the prices of petrol and diesel will not affect the common man. The companies are bearing the burden," he said. He also compared the current rates with those during the UPA government. "In the UPA government, the LPG gas cylinder was Rs 1240, but now, even after increasing it by Rs 50, it is Rs 850," he added. (ANI)
Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami was felicitated at a 'Welcome and Abhinandan' programme organised in his honour by the personnel of the Energy Corporations on Thursday. The event took place at the Mukhya Sevak Sadan in Dehradun. Addressing the gathering, CM Dhami expressed gratitude to the staff for their support. "As per your long-standing demands, we have implemented the system of timely pay scales and have also resumed the provision for initial increments upon fresh recruitment," the Chief Minister said. He emphasised that the state government remains committed to the welfare of its employees and is continuously working to improve working conditions and incentivise efficiency. Earlier on Wednesday, Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami and Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw attended the breakthrough ceremony of Tunnel T-8 of India's longest rail tunnel, Rishikesh-Karnprayag rail line connecting Devprayag to Janasu section. Rail Vikas Nigam Limited (RVNL) has achieved a major milestone. It is associated with the 125 km long Rishikesh-Karnprayag broad gauge rail project of Uttarakhand. This rail project is built inside a 105 km tunnel. It has a total of 16 tunnels from Rishikesh to Karnaprayag. CM Dhami said that this tunnel is a historic achievement in Uttarakhand's development. "The Rishikesh-Karnprayag Rail Project will play an important role in connecting the remote mountain areas of the state with the rest of the country. It will not only make transportation easier for the local people but will also give a new impetus to tourism, business, and economic activities in the region," CM Dhami said. He said that under Prime Minister Narendra Modi's leadership, infrastructure development in the state has gained new direction and momentum. "This tunnel from Devprayag-Sod to Srinagar Janasu is a major achievement from a technical point of view, and it shows that despite difficult geographical conditions, we can successfully carry out development works," he said. (ANI)
BJP leader Shahnawaz Hussain on Thursday launched a sharp attack on the Mahagathbandhan, calling it a "complete flop show" and predicting a big defeat for the alliance in the upcoming Bihar elections. "They have no motive to sit down. This is going to be a complete flop show because we are saying that we will go to the elections under the leadership of Nitish Kumar, but the people of Mahagathbandhan are not ready to say that they will go under the leadership of Tejashwi Yadav," Hussain said. Earlier today, Tejashwi Yadav met with Congress to strategise the agenda for winning the upcoming Bihar election. "These leaders will meet, but it is not going to get hearts completely. The Congress party is against each other. The Congress party is not ready to consider Tejashwi Yadav a leader, and Tejashwi Yadav is not ready to give seventy seats to the Congress party," he added. He also pointed to internal contradictions within the alliance. "One of his alliance partners, Mukesh Sahni, says that Tejashwi Yadav will be CM and he will be Deputy CM. Then what will the people of Congress do? What will the people of the Left do? Will they make half a dozen Deputy CMs? Will you make a CM of one caste, then what are you going to think about those whose votes are taken? The equation is only 'MY'--i.e., you will become a leader and take the vote of one society and do not give them any representation. So, it is the "monkey share" taking place right now, whereas this alliance is going to lose badly." Hussain further claimed, "This time, the RJD is going to get less than twenty-three seats. And our alliance, which will fight under the leadership of Nitish Kumar, is going to cross 200. We are definitely going to form the government in Bihar." A high-stakes battle is expected to take place in Bihar, with the National Democratic Alliance (NDA), consisting of Janata Dal (United) led by Bihar CM Nitish Kumar, and the Bharatiya Janata Party, fighting against the Mahagathbandhan, consisting of Congress, Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) and left parties. The Bihar Assembly elections are due to be held later this year. (ANI)
Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah on Thursday launched a scathing attack on the central government's recent hike in LPG prices and the ED's chargesheet filed against party leaders Sonia Gandhi and Rahul Gandhi. Karnataka Congress staged a protest against the central government at Freedom Park. He blamed the BJP-led government at the Centre for rising prices and hardships faced by the common people. Speaking at the protest, Siddaramaiah said that fuel and essential items have been increasing ever since the BJP came to power. "For the last 11 years, the BJP has been raising fuel prices regularly. Now again, petrol and gas prices have gone up. This is affecting everyone badly," he said. He also said that Congress leader Randeep Surjewala had warned earlier about the impact of even a Rs 2 increase in fuel prices. Siddaramaiah attacked the BJP and JD(S), saying they have no moral right to protest now. "If they had any shame, they wouldn't have done this," he added. The Chief Minister said the Modi government's promise of "Achhe Din" (good days will come) has turned out to be false. "Are these the good days they promised?" he asked. Siddaramaiah also accused the Centre of misusing central agencies like the CBI, ED, and the Income Tax department. He said cases are being filed against those who protest or speak out. "They even filed a case against me during the National Herald protest. What wrong have Rahul Gandhi and Sonia Gandhi done?" he asked. He called on people to stand up against what he called injustice and misuse of power. "We must fight against this. The Centre is trying to silence voices," he said. At the same rally, Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar also attacked the BJP and JD(S), accusing them of causing price hikes and asserting that public anger would ensure Congress returns to power in 2028. He also targeted Union Minister Kumaraswamy and dismissed complaints filed against him. "Ours is a government that supports farmers and labourers. It is a government that supports all sections of society," said Shivakumar, highlighting the government's decision to increase the milk price by Rs 4 for the benefit of farmers. He pointed out that milk prices in other states like Haryana, Assam, Madhya Pradesh, Punjab, and Uttar Pradesh range between Rs 55 and Rs 57, while Karnataka continues to maintain a lower rate even after the hike. (ANI)
The Delhi High Court issued a notice on Thursday regarding a petition seeking the revival of a contempt case linked to the termination of ad-hoc law officers. The plea asserts that this action constitutes willful disobedience of the court's directives on September 27, 2019. A bench of Justice Vikas Mahajan issued notices to the Home Secretary of Delhi and the Director General of Prisons, scheduling the matter for a hearing on May 9, 2025. The petition contends that the respondents' abrupt discontinuation of law officers' services, including the Tihar Jail Director General, without establishing permanent positions, amounts to contempt of court. Advocate Amit Sahni, a social activist, had previously filed a petition that was resolved through the court's order dated September 27, 2019. This order directed the respondents to complete the appointment process for law officers in Delhi prisons within 12 weeks of receiving a copy of the order. However, the plea states that these directives were not implemented within the prescribed timeframe, prompting Advocate Sahni to file a contempt petition against the respondents for failing to comply. During proceedings, the respondents informed the court that they had appointed 16 law officers on an ad-hoc basis, leading to the disposal of the contempt petition on December 21, 2021. Now, the petitioner argues that despite more than five years since the 2019 order and over three years since the contempt petition was closed, no efforts have been made to create regular posts for law officers. The plea further highlights that even the temporary ad-hoc appointments of law graduates performing law officer duties were abruptly discontinued through an order issued on April 2, 2025, by the Office of the Director General (Prisons), Government of NCT of Delhi. The petitioner claims this act amounts to willful disobedience of the court's directives. Previously, the petition emphasised that under the Delhi Prisons Act, 2000, mandating every prison to have a designated law officer, Delhi currently has only one law officer overseeing all 16 jails, stationed at the prison headquarters in Tihar. Additionally, it was noted that between August 2016 and February 2019, no law officer was appointed at the prison headquarters. As per Section 6 of the Delhi Prisons Act, 2000, every prison must have a superintendent, deputy superintendent, medical officer, law officer, welfare officer, and other personnel deemed necessary by the government. (ANI)
The Indian Institute of Technology Guwahati, in collaboration with HDFC Parivartan, on Thursday, launched a series of technology-based rural development initiatives aimed at improving food and energy security, increasing farmer income, and building capacity among agricultural communities in the northeastern states of Assam and Meghalaya. According to a statement, the initiatives are being implemented through the School of Agro and Rural Technology at IIT Guwahati. The programme, titled "Focused Development Program: Enhancing Agriculture & Residue-Based Enterprises via Community Organisations", includes the deployment of three core interventions along with infrastructure development and community mobilisation to support enterprise creation, especially among farmers and women. The first intervention is a biomass pellet production unit set up in Umnowe Village in Meghalaya's Ri-Bhoi district, in collaboration with the University of Science and Technology Meghalaya. The facility converts agricultural and local biomass into pellets, offering an alternative to traditional fuel sources such as wood and coal. This solution not only aids in waste management but also provides farmers with a new income source. The second intervention is an agrivoltaics farming and tea processing project in the Hailakandi district of Assam. A 50-kilowatt solar power installation has been set up over land where medicinal herbs are cultivated. In addition, a solar-powered tea blending and processing unit is being run by a Farmers Producer Company with over 1,000 members, enabling better processing and market access for local tea growers. The third intervention is a freeze-drying and herbal processing facility located at IIT Guwahati. The facility uses freeze-drying technology to enhance the shelf life and market value of fruits, medicinal plants, and other agricultural products while preserving their nutritional properties. The programme also includes the promotion of Self-Help Groups and cooperative societies in both states. Training workshops have been organised to educate farmers on biomass collection, freeze-dried product development, and herbal processing. More than 500 individuals have participated in these workshops. Additionally, an exposure visit for over 40 farmers from the aspirational district of Hailakandi was conducted in partnership with the Assam Energy Development Agency. This visit included hands-on learning at IIT Guwahati and field visits to other agrivoltaic sites in Kamrup and Nagaon districts. Speaking about the initiative, Dr. Siddhartha Singha, Project Coordinator and Assistant Professor, School of Agro and Rural Technology, IIT Guwahati, said, "The three technology-led development projects under the HDFC FDP can offer rural livelihoods and can be considered as model projects that can contribute to multiple sustainable development goals set by the United Nations, like ending hunger, achieving food security and improved nutrition, promoting sustainable agriculture, and ensuring access to affordable, reliable, sustainable and modern energy for all. Build resilient infrastructure, promote inclusive and sustainable industrialisation and foster innovation. Promote sustained, inclusive and sustainable economic growth, full and productive employment and decent work for all." Vikash Kumar, Assistant Vice President at HDFC Bank, during a visit to the facilities, stated that these interventions are designed to address food and energy challenges and set a scalable model for replication in other regions. "This first-of-its-kind innovation to address food security and energy security for the Northeast region sets a benchmark for sustainable development. By demonstrating a successful and replicable model, it paves the way for broader adoption, empowering local communities and fostering long-term resilience," he stated. Prof. Sudip Mitra, Head of the School of Agro and Rural Technology at IIT Guwahati, said the project has the potential to foster environmental, economic, and social sustainability across rural regions. The efforts are supported under the HDFC Parivartan CSR initiative, which also facilitates collaboration with grassroots organisations and stakeholders. (ANI)
Congress workers staged a protest at the Aligarh collectorate on Thursday against the Enforcement Directorate's chargesheet filed against senior party leaders Rahul Gandhi and Sonia Gandhi. Party members raised slogans and displayed banners denouncing the ED's actions. The protesting Congress leaders accused the central government of misusing investigative agencies like the ED and CBI to target opposition leaders ahead of the upcoming elections. They alleged that the chargesheet was politically motivated and part of a larger pattern of harassment. Speaking to the reporters they said, "Despite this, the BJP government is conducting raids sometimes by CBI and sometimes by ED, but we Congress workers are not going to be afraid". On Thursday, Telangana Pradesh Congress committee leaders staged a protest outside the Directorate of Enforcement office in Hyderabad, opposing the agency's chargesheet against its leaders Rahul Gandhi and Sonia Gandhi in the National Herald case. Speaking to ANI, Telangana Minister Ponnam Prabhakar said that after seeing the rise of a "young leader" Rahul Gandhi, the BJP is conspiring to damage his image. "They (the Gandhi family) were in power for such a long duration that they could have done anything they wanted, but they did not commit such frauds. Today, PM Modi is giving the country's properties to Adani and Ambani, but we have done nothing like this. When the BJP weakens, it tries to weaken Congress. It's all a political conspiracy, but the people in the country are with the Gandhi family," Prabhakar said. The Enforcement Directorate, on Tuesday, filed a prosecution complaint (chargesheet) in Delhi's Rouse Avenue Court against Rahul Gandhi, Sonia Gandhi, and others in the alleged National Herald case. Congress strongly protested the move, terming it "politically motivated." (ANI)
The Supreme Court on Thursday recorded the Centre's request for additional time to file a response in the matter related to the Waqf Act. Solicitor General Tushar Mehta, appearing for the Centre, submitted that a preliminary reply will be filed within seven days, along with relevant documents. The court took note of the Solicitor General's assurance that no appointments to the Waqf Board or Council will be made until the next hearing. The court also stated that existing Waqf properties, including those registered by the user or declared through notification, will not be identified. The Solicitor General said that the Waqf Act is a considered piece of legislation and that the Centre has received a large number of representations regarding the classification of land as Waqf. He added that staying the entire Act would be a severe step and sought one week to submit a reply. The Supreme Court stated that it had earlier noted some aspects of the legislation as positive and reiterated that there can be no complete stay of the Act at this stage. The court also said that it does not want the current status to be altered while the matter is under its consideration. The bench reiterated that the objective is to maintain the existing situation without changes while the matter remains under judicial review. Earlier on Wednesday, following a two-hour-long hearing, the apex court indicated that it may stay certain key provisions of the Act, including the inclusion of non-Muslims in the Central Waqf Council and Waqf Boards, powers of Collectors on deciding disputes over Waqf properties and provisions on de-notifying properties declared as Waqf by courts. The top court was about to dictate the order, but Solicitor General Tushar Mehta, representing the Centre, and other counsels who were appearing for parties defending the Act said they should be heard before passing the interim order. A three-judge bench of Chief Justice of India Sanjiv Khanna and Justices PV Sanjay Kumar and KV Viswanathan are hearing the case. During the hearing yesterday, the bench had said that it was considering passing an interim order that would balance equities. "We will say that whichever properties have been declared by the court to be Waqf or held to be Waqf will not be de-notified as Waqfs or be treated as non-Waqf properties, whether they are by Waqf-by-user or waqf-by-declaration or otherwise... declared by courts or otherwise also," the bench had said. "Second, Collector can continue with proceedings, but the proviso will not be given effect to. If he wants, he can move an application before this court, and we can modify it. Third, as far as the constitution of the Board and Council is concerned, ex officio members can be appointed, regardless of their faith, but the other members should be Muslims," the CJI had added. CJI had observed that "government cannot rewrite history" through the changes brought in by the amendments to Waqf law while referring to the scope under the new Act to de-notify properties declared as Waqf long ago. On the issue of non-Muslim members in Waqf Boards and Councils, the bench had said that the nearest example is the Hindu Charitable Endowments Act. "Whenever it comes to Hindu endowments, it would be Hindus who would be governing," Justice Viswanathan had said. Senior advocate Kapil Sibal, appearing for one of the petitioners, had said that a Collector is the officer designated to decide whether a property is Waqf or not; if there is a dispute, this person is a part of the government and is thus a judge in his own cause. "This is per se unconstitutional. This also says that property will not be a Waqf till the officer decides so. Only Muslims had been part of the Waqf council and Boards, but now, after the amendment, even Hindus can be a part of it," he had contended. "It is a parliamentary usurpation of the faith of 200 million persons," Sibal had added. At the fag end of the hearing, the bench had also expressed concern over violence in West Bengal's Murshidabad district over the Act and said, "The one thing is very disturbing the violence that is taking place. The issue is before the court and we will decide." Several petitions were filed in the apex court challenging the Act, contending that it was discriminatory towards the Muslim community and violated their fundamental rights. President Droupadi Murmu on April 5 gave her assent to the Waqf (Amendment) Bill, 2025, which was earlier passed by Parliament after heated debates in both Houses. All India Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen (AIMIM) Member of Parliament Asaduddin Owaisi, Congress MPs Mohammad Jawed and Imran Pratapgarhi, MP Mahua Moitra, AAP MLA Amanatullah Khan, MLA from National People's Party India (NPP) party in Manipur Sheikh Noorul Hassan, MP and President of the Azad Samaj Party Chandra Shekhar Azad, Samajwadi Party MP from Sambhal Zia Ur Rehman Barq, President of the Islamic cleric's body Jamiat Ulema-i-Hind Maulana Arshad Madani, Kerala Sunni scholars' body Samastha Kerala Jamiatul Ulema, Social Democratic Party of India, Indian Union Muslim League, and NGO Association for Protection of Civil Rights have already approached the top court against the Act. The All India Muslim Personal Law Board (AIMPLB) also challenged the Act, saying it strongly objected to the amendments passed by Parliament for being "arbitrary, discriminatory and based on exclusion". Manoj Jha and Faiyaz Ahmad, MPs in Rajya Sabha from Bihar's RJD, have also challenged the Wakf (Amendment) Act, 2025, on the grounds that it facilitates large-scale government interference in Muslim religious endowments. RJD MLA from Bihar Muhammad Izhar Asfi also challenged the Act. The ruling party, Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) in Tamil Nadu, through its MP A Raja, who was a part of the Joint Parliamentary Committee on the Waqf Bill, also approached the apex court against the Act. The Communist Party of India, through its General Secretary D Raja, YSR Congress, and Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) President and actor Vijay, have also challenged the Act, among others. Defending the Act, BJP-led governments in the states of Rajasthan, Haryana, Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh, Assam, Uttarakhand and Chhattisgarh approached the apex court and filed impleadment applications. Apart from state governments, advocate Mahendra Pratap Singh; Aadivasi Seva Mandal; Jay Omkar Bhilala Samajh Sangathan --organisations operating for the protection of rights of Tribals in Madhya Pradesh; Satish Kumar Aggarwal -- a member of Akhil Bharat Hindu Mahasabha; and Vishnu Gupta -- National President of NGO Hindu Sena -- also filed applications while opposing the petitions challenging the Waqf (Amendment) Act. Two PILs were also filed challenging the various provisions of the Waqf Act,1995 and certain provisions of the Waqf (Amendment) Act, 2025, alleging discrimination against other communities and demanding equal status and safeguards for their properties. (ANI)
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The Ukrainian parliament voted on Wednesday to extend the country's current martial law and general military mobilization for another 90 days, parliament member Yaroslav Zheleznyak said on social media Telegram.

According to Zheleznyak, 357 lawmakers supported the extension of martial law, while 346 backed the mobilization -- well above the 226 votes required for approval.

The new extension will be from May 9 to Aug. 6, reported the Interfax-Ukraine news agency.

Ukraine first imposed martial law and declared nationwide mobilization following the outbreak of the ongoing conflict with Russia in February 2022, and has repeatedly extended both measures.
AIMIM MP Asaduddin Owaisi called the Waqf Act 'unconstitutional' after the Supreme Court on Thursday recorded the Centre's request for additional time to file a response in the matter related to the Waqf Act. Speaking to the media, Owaisi said, "We consider this Act unconstitutional. The Court has said that the Central Waqf Council and the State Waqf Council will not be constituted, and 'Waqf by user' cannot be deleted." Calling the Act unconstitutional, Owaisi said that, "during the deliberations of the JPC, I gave a report opposing all amendments proposed by the government, and during the debate on the bill, I called the bill unconstitutional. Our legal battle against this Act will continue." The court took note of the Solicitor General's assurance that no appointments to the Waqf Board or Council will be made until the next hearing. The court also stated that existing Waqf properties, including those registered by the user or declared through notification, will not be identified. The Solicitor General said that the Waqf Act is a considered piece of legislation and that the Centre has received a large number of representations regarding the classification of land as Waqf. He added that staying the entire Act would be a severe step and sought one week to submit a reply. The Supreme Court stated that it had earlier noted some aspects of the legislation as positive and reiterated that there can be no complete stay of the Act at this stage. The court also said that it does not want the current status to be altered while the matter is under its consideration. The bench reiterated that the objective is to maintain the existing situation without changes while the matter remains under judicial review. Earlier on Wednesday, following a two-hour-long hearing, the apex court indicated that it may stay certain key provisions of the Act, including the inclusion of non-Muslims in the Central Waqf Council and Waqf Boards, powers of Collectors on deciding disputes over Waqf properties and provisions on de-notifying properties declared as Waqf by courts. The top court was about to dictate the order, but Solicitor General Tushar Mehta, representing the Centre, and other counsels who were appearing for parties defending the Act said they should be heard before passing the interim order. A three-judge bench of Chief Justice of India Sanjiv Khanna and Justices PV Sanjay Kumar and KV Viswanathan is hearing the case. During the hearing yesterday, the bench stated that it was considering issuing an interim order that would balance the equities. "We will say that whichever properties have been declared by the court to be Waqf or held to be Waqf will not be de-notified as Waqfs or be treated as non-Waqf properties, whether they are by Waqf-by-user or waqf-by-declaration or otherwise... declared by courts or otherwise also," the bench had said. "We will say that whichever properties have been declared by the court to be Waqf or held to be Waqf will not be de-notified as Waqfs or be treated as non-Waqf properties, whether they are by Waqf-by-user or waqf-by-declaration or otherwise... declared by courts or otherwise also," the bench had said. "Second, Collector can continue with proceedings, but the proviso will not be given effect to. If he wants, he can move an application before this court, and we can modify it. Third, as far as the constitution of the Board and Council is concerned, ex officio members can be appointed, regardless of their faith, but the other members should be Muslims," the CJI had added. The CJI had observed that "the government cannot rewrite history" through the changes brought about by the amendments to the Waqf law, while referring to the scope under the new Act to de-notify properties declared as Waqf long ago. On the issue of non-Muslim members in Waqf Boards and Councils, the bench had said that the nearest example is the Hindu Charitable Endowments Act. "Whenever it comes to Hindu endowments, it would be Hindus who would be governing," Justice Viswanathan had said. Senior advocate Kapil Sibal, appearing for one of the petitioners, had stated that a Collector is the officer designated to decide whether a property is Waqf or not; if there is a dispute, this person, being part of the government, is thus a judge in their own cause. "This is per se unconstitutional. This also states that the property will not be a Waqf until the officer makes a decision. Only Muslims had been part of the Waqf council and Boards, but now, after the amendment, even Hindus can be a part of it," he had contended. "It is a parliamentary usurpation of the faith of 200 million persons," Sibal had added. Several petitions were filed in the apex court challenging the Act, contending that it was discriminatory towards the Muslim community and violated their fundamental rights. President Droupadi Murmu gave her assent to the Waqf (Amendment) Bill, 2025, on April 5, following its passage by Parliament after heated debates in both Houses. (ANI)
Bharatiya Janata Party leader Sambit Patra on Thursday termed the National Herald money laundering case a "robbery case," saying that Congress leaders Sonia Gandhi and Rahul Gandhi are "modern dacoits." Addressing a press conference in Bhubaneswar, Patra attacked Congress leaders Sonia Gandhi and Rahul and said that this case was a "blatant robbery." "Can a political company lend money to another entity? How did the Congress party, which relies on donations, lend money to Young Indian and AJL (Associated Journals Limited) like a bank?... I appeal to you that from today, don't call this case a theft or corruption, this is blatant robbery... Rahul Gandhi and Sonia Gandhi are modern dacoits... This is the National Herald robbery case," Patra said. This comes after the Enforcement Directorate (ED) on April 15 filed a prosecution complaint (chargesheet) against top Congress members Rahul Gandhi and Sonia Gandhi in connection with the National Herald money laundering case. The said chargesheet also names Congress leader Sam Pitroda, Suman Dubey and others, including several firms. The matter has been listed for arguments on cognisance in the Delhi Rouse Avenue Court on April 25. The prosecution complaint has been filed under Sections 44 and 45 of the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA), 2002, for the offence of money laundering, as defined under Section 3, read with Section 70, and punishable under Section 4 of the PMLA, 2002. Special Judge Vishal Gogne stated that as per the submission of the counsel representing the ED, the predicate offence--recorded under complaint case No. 18/2019--includes charges under Sections 403, 406, and 420, read with Section 120(B) of the Indian Penal Code (IPC), 1860, and is currently under trial at the Rouse Avenue Courts in New Delhi. The court observed that under Section 44(1)(c) of the PMLA, the predicate offence must be tried in the same court that has taken cognisance of the money laundering offence under Section 3 of the PMLA. The court further noted that both offences--the predicate offence and the PMLA offence--must be adjudicated in the same jurisdiction. The complaint was filed by BJP leader Subramanian Swamy against Sonia Gandhi, Rahul Gandhi, their associated companies, and other individuals. (ANI)
A Punjab National Bank (PNB) located in Madhya Pradesh's Indore district received a hoax bomb threat through an email on Thursday morning, a police officer said. Upon receiving the information, the police, along with the bomb squad team, thoroughly searched the bank, but nothing suspicious was found. Nonetheless, the police began an investigation into the matter and would take further action accordingly. Additional Deputy Commissioner of Police (Addl. DCP, Crime Branch) Rajesh Dandotiya told ANI, "A Punjab National Bank located in Kotwali police station area in the city received a hoax threat mail at around 6:57 am from an email address acpmuthalagu@hotmail.com. It was stated in the mail that remote control explosive devices were installed in the bank a few days ago, and they will be blasted at any time. As soon as the bank management came to know about the matter, they immediately informed the police control room and Kotwali Police Station." Acting on the information, the police, along with the Bomb Detection and Disposal Squad (BDDS) team, arrived at the scene and initiated a search operation at the bank site. During the search, no suspected material or items were found. CCTV footage was also being checked, and nothing suspicious had been found yet, the officer said. He further said, "Man giving the threat called himself a retired ACP and we are verifying the email account whether it is valid or not. Currently, an investigation into the matter is underway on the basis of technical evidence, and further action will be taken based on the facts revealed in the probe." Such hoax bomb threat mail has been received in the past as well regarding the airport, IIT college and schools, the officer added. (ANI)
Bharatiya Janata Party leader K Annamalai on Thursday attacked Tamil Nadu Minister of Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments PK Sekar Babu for decorating Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam leader Karunanidhi's memorial in the shape of a temple tower and accused the DMK leaders of continuously hurting the sentiments of Hindus. "In a competition among DMK ministers to see who can be the best servant to the Chief Minister's family, Minister Sekar Babu is acting beyond limits in professional competition by decorating the memorial of the late DMK leader Karunanidhi like a temple tower. The DMK, who claim to have no faith in God, has been making a living by hurting the beliefs of Hindus for a long time. There is a limit to the patience of the public," Annamalai said in a post on X. The former Tamil Nadu chief said that the minister should "stop" using the Hindu Religious Endowments Department for his business competition. "If he has so much affection for his late leader, then Minister Sekar Babu should keep his photo in his home's puja room and worship him. If he continues to act out in the name of atheism and insult Hindu religious beliefs, people will teach him a proper lesson," he added. BJP leader H Raja also attacked the DMK leader and said that the Hindus will teach the DMK a suitable lesson. "Under the evil Dravidian model of rule... The temple has become a tent for the wicked..!! Gopalapuram is also a tent for bonded laborers..!! This is the result of the change..!! DMK will realize the meaning of "Vinasakale Viparita Buddhi" at the end of the 2026 assembly elections..!! Hindus will teach DMK a suitable lesson," H Raja posted on X. Earlier today, DMK Minister PK Sekar Babu visited the memorial of Karunanidhi. (ANI)
As the nation, under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, is moving towards becoming a developed country by 2047 with the mantra of 'Vikas Bhi, Virasat Bhi', Gujarat is also making invaluable contribution in realizing this vision, reads an official press release. Under the guidance of Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel, the state is actively working to preserve and promote its rich cultural heritage. The best example of this commitment is the Archaeological Experience Museum , located in Vadnagar. It is worth mentioning that, on the occasion of World Heritage Day on April 18, the Archaeological Experience Museum of Vadnagar has become a milestone in the conservation of cultural heritage. The credit for the preservation of its historical heritage in the form of an Archaeological Experience Museum goes to PM Modi. This is the first such museum in India, fulfilling the motto of 'Vikas Bhi, Virasat Bhi', which has been prepared by the Union Ministry of Culture in collaboration with the State Directorate of Archaeology and Museums, reads the official release from the Chief Minister's Office. The museum, the birthplace of PM Modi, was inaugurated by Union Home Minister Amit Shah on January 16, 2025. Since its opening on February 1, a total of 32,000 people have visited the museum in just 75 days, setting an example for cultural tourism. About 28 per cent of these visitors are students and foreign tourists. The remaining visitors also include children, senior citizens, and persons with disabilities, indicating a commitment to accessibility for everyone. The museum is a reflection of Vadnagar's 2500-year-old heritage, which is a blend of art, architecture, trade, urban planning and governance. Being located on a major trade route, Vadnagar was a vibrant centre of the confluence of Hindu, Buddhist, Jain and Islamic religions. Keeping all these historical features in mind, the Archaeological Experience Museum has been prepared. Built at a cost of Rs 298 crore, this four-storey museum spans an area of about 12,500 square meters. A permanent shed has been built to provide tourists with an experience of the remains found in the archaeological excavations of Vadnagar and other tourism facilities have been developed. The museum also features 9 thematic galleries displaying art, sculptures from different periods and the language of the area. This Archaeological Experience Museum, which has audio-visual films and exhibitions, is a special gift for history buffs. The Archaeological Experience Museum of Vadnagar is in line with the spirit of International Heritage Day, which draws the attention of the whole world towards the rich archaeological and cultural heritage of India. This museum, which has a combination of technology, heritage and education, will not only conserve the cultural heritage but also educate future generations. (ANI)
Ashok Panda, a former Minister and BJD leader, on Thursday strongly criticised the BJP-led government in Odisha, accusing it of disrespecting the legendary leader Biju Patnaik. The remarks came on the occasion of the former Chief Minister's death anniversary, which was observed at the BJD headquarters in Bhubaneswar. Earlier on Tuesday, senior BJD leader and former minister Pratap Jena also condemned the recent incidents of disrespect towards Biju Patnaik, including the reported burning of his statue in Bolangir. "It is unfortunate that ever since the BJP came to power, they have been trying to erase the legacy of Biju Patnaik. They discontinued Panchayati Raj Divas, observed on his birth anniversary, and scrapped various schemes named after him. But the people of Odisha will never forget his contributions to the state's development," Jena said. Earlier in the day, BJD leaders, including party president Naveen Patnaik, paid floral tributes to Biju Patnaik at a commemorative event held at Sankha Bhawan. On the same day, Naveen Patnaik also filed his nomination for the post of BJD president for a ninth consecutive term, having previously served eight terms successfully. The nomination was submitted in the presence of senior leaders and State Returning Officer (SRO) Pratap Deb. Deb confirmed that Patnaik was the sole nominee for the top post. "Since there was only one nomination, he will be elected unopposed. The formal announcement will be made the day after tomorrow," Deb said. The BJD was founded on December 26, 1997, and named after its legendary leader, Biju Patnaik, the father of former Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik. Biju Patnaik served as the Chief Minister of the state for two terms, the first from 1961 to 1963 and then from 1990 to 1995. He passed away on April 17, 1997. The 2024 elections in Odisha saw a stark contrast in the performance of the Biju Janata Dal (BJD) in the assembly and Lok Sabha polls. The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) won 78 seats out of 147, surpassing the majority mark and forming the government under Mohan Charan Majhi. The BJD secured 51 seats, losing power after 24 years in office. Three independent MLAs later joined the BJP, increasing its tally to 81 seats. The Indian National Congress (INC) won 14 seats. The BJP dominated the Lok Sabha elections, winning 20 out of 21 seats in Odisha. The BJD failed to secure even a single seat, despite having a strong presence in the state. The Congress managed to win one seat. (ANI)
Speaker of the Delhi Legislative Assembly Vijender Gupta announced on Wednesday that the upcoming Monsoon Session of the Delhi Assembly, scheduled for July, will be conducted entirely paperless. According to an official release from the Speaker's Office, this will be made possible by implementing cutting-edge software and mobile applications developed under the National E-Vidhan Application (NEVA) initiative. Vijender Gupta visited the Odisha Legislative Assembly earlier today. He was accompanied by a delegation from the Delhi Legislative Assembly, which included Deputy Speaker Mohan Singh Bisht. Vijender Gupta and Bisht, along with the delegation, studied the software, gadgets, and apps being developed under the NEVA project. They mentioned that Odisha Legislative Assembly Speaker Surama Padhi and Chief Minister Mohan Charan Manjhi warmly welcomed the delegates from Delhi and shared detailed information regarding the implementation of the NEVA project. "Odisha is the latest state to join the NEVA ecosystem, and the technology adopted here is both advanced and efficient," said Gupta. He added, "Odisha has learned from the experiences of other states and has implemented an excellent model. We aim to study their practices closely and further refine and adapt them for Delhi." The Delhi delegation examined various NEVA components such as apps, dashboards, and war rooms, gaining a first-hand understanding of how technology can enhance legislative transparency and streamline proceedings. The team also visited service centres to observe how digital tools are facilitating smooth legislative operations. Speaker Gupta added that the Delhi Assembly intends to adopt elements of Odisha's NEVA model as needed in the future and plans to invite Odisha's technical experts to Delhi to share their knowledge. "Our vision is to position the Delhi Legislative Assembly as a leader in technological innovation, serving as a model for other states to follow," he said. Reaffirming his support for Prime Minister Narendra Modi's 'One Nation, One Application' initiative, Gupta stated, "Delhi Assembly is committed to playing a leading role in this digital transformation. The shift to e-Vidhan will not only enhance operational efficiency but also promote environmental sustainability. It will bring greater speed and transparency to legislative processes." Concluding the official visit, Speaker Gupta and his delegation offered prayers at the revered Lingaraj Temple in Bhubaneswar. Describing the experience as deeply spiritual and serene, Gupta, who was accompanied on this visit by his wife, Shobha Vijender, said, "The divine atmosphere and energy of the temple are truly remarkable." The Budget Session of the Parliament was convened in two parts; it commenced on January 31 and went on till February 13. The second part of Parliament's budget session began on March 10. (ANI)
West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee appealed to Governor CV Ananda Bose on Thursday to defer his visit to the violence-hit Murshidabad to a later date after the confidence of people and normalcy is restored in the region. She said that she has announced her policy on providing compensation to the victims after three people were killed in the recent violence sparked by protests against the Waqf (Amendment) Act. Addressing a press conference at Nabanna today, Mamata Banerjee said, "We are giving 10 lakhs to the family of each victim. Those whose houses have been damaged, we will reconstruct their houses. Those whose shops have been vandalised, we will help them too. The Supreme Court has said that till the next hearing, the existing situation is to be maintained without changes. I would appeal to the Governor to wait for a few more days before visiting Murshidabad. Let the confidence be built first. She alleged that the Union Home Ministry is not sharing details with the State government of people who were entering from outside. "Many people have committed atrocities after coming from outside. Tripura and Manipur are not under us, where violence has been witnessed. The Home Minister has made amendments, and now 50 km from the border is under the jurisdiction of the BSF. 50 km has been snatched from the State government," she claimed. The Chief Minister said that previously, there was a system to monitor people and maintain data of those who came from outside. "After this Home Minister came, they withdrew that. They do not allow our officers for three to four years to keep their data with them and to find out the details about outsiders.... Riots are caused by criminals, not any religion. With elections approaching, voter polarisation politics are being played. They can do anything against me. I don't care. I care only about people," she said. Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee also announced a compensation of Rs 10 lakh to the families of those killed in the Murshidabad protest over the Waqf Amendment Act. Meanwhile, State Governor CV Ananda Bose said he plans to meet with the families of victims affected by the recent violence in Murshidabad. Addressing reporters, West Bengal Governor CV Ananda Bose said, "I have been to Delhi, and I am going to the field to see what happens in reality. I will also meet some of the victims. It's a very emotional issue, and I share the sentiments of the families." Unrest broke out in Murshidabad during protests against the Waqf (Amendment) Act on April 11. The law has been a contentious issue in the region. The protests turned violent, resulting in the deaths of three people and injuries to several others, with widespread property damage. The West Bengal Police said more than 250 people have been arrested so far in connection with the Murshidabad violence, and adequate police forces have been deployed in Samserganj, Dhuliyan, and other affected areas of Murshidabad. The BJP has accused the Trinamool Congress (TMC) of supporting the protesters and criticised TMC MP Bapi Halder for making threatening remarks against those protesting Waqf properties. (ANI)
Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar on Thursday reacted to the alleged discovery of cash at Delhi High Court Judge Yashwant Verma's house, underlining that no FIR has been registered against Justice Varma and said that a case can be filed against anyone in the country, but a special permission is required if a judge has to be booked. Speaking at the Valedictory Function of the 6th Rajya Sabha Internship Program at Vice-President's Enclave, Dhankhar said that the cash haul case is an "alarming expose." "Let me take the incidents that are most recent. They are dominating our minds. An event happened on the night of the 14th and 15th of March in New Delhi, at the residence of a judge. For seven days, no one knew about it. We have to ask questions to ourselves: Is the delay explainable? Condonable? Does it not raise certain fundamental questions? In any ordinary situation--and ordinary situations define rule of law--things would have been different. It was only on 21st March, disclosed by a newspaper, that people of the country were shocked as never before. They were in some kind of limbo, deeply concerned and worried at this explosive, alarming expose," Dhankhar said. "Thereafter, fortunately, in public domain, we had input from an authoritative source: the Supreme Court of India. And the input indicated culpability. Input did not lead to doubt that something was amiss. Something required to be investigated. Now the nation waits with bated breath. The nation is restive because one of our institutions, to which people have looked up always with the highest respect and deference, was put in the dock. It has now over a month. Even if it is can of worms. Even if there are skeletons in the cupboard, time to blow up the can. Time for its lid to go out. And time for the cupboard to collapse. Let the worms and skeletons be in public domain so that cleansing takes place," he added. Dhankar said that Democracy is nurtured, its core values blossom, and human rights are taken to a high pedestal when we believe in innocence till guilt is established. "Not for a moment will I ever say that we must not give premium to innocence. Democracy is nurtured, its core values blossom, and human rights are taken at a high pedestal when we believe in innocence till the guilt is established. Therefore, I must not be misunderstood as casting aspersions on any individual. But then, in a democratic nation, purity of its criminal justice system defines its direction. Investigation is required. No investigation under law is in progress at the moment. Because for a criminal investigation, the initiation has to be by an FIR--First Information Report. It is not there. It is the law of the land that every cognizable offence is required to be reported to the police. And failure to do so--failure to report a cognizable offence--is a crime. Therefore, you all will be wondering why there has been no FIR. The answer is simple," the Vice President said. "An FIR in this country can be registered against anyone--any constitutional functionary, including the one before you. One has only to activate the rule of law. No permission is required. But if it is judges--FIR cannot be straightaway registered. It has to be approved by the concerned in judiciary. But that is not given in the Constitution. The Constitution of India has accorded immunity from prosecution only to the Hon'ble President and the Hon'ble Governors. So how come a category beyond law has secured this immunity? Because the ill-effects of this are being felt in the mind of one and all. Every Indian, young and old, is deeply concerned. If the event had taken place at his house, the speed would have been an electronic rocket. Now, it is not even a cattle cart," Dhankhar said. The Vice President said that there is a committee of three judges investigating the matter, but the investigation is the domain of the Executive. "Investigation is not the domain of the Judiciary. Is the committee under the Constitution of India? No. Is this committee of three judges having any sanction under any law emanating from Parliament ? No. A committee can at most make a recommendation. The kind of mechanism we have for judges, the only action that can be taken is by the Parliament," he said. He further stated that an investigation requires speed, expedition, and preservation of incriminating evidence, as a month has already passed. "A month has passed. An investigation requires speed, expedition and preservation of incriminating material. As a citizen of the country and holding position which I do, I am concerned. Are we not diluting rule of law? Are we not answerable to 'We the People' who gave us the Constitution? I would strongly urge everyone concerned to examine this as a test case. What legitimacy and jurisdictional authority does this committee possess? Can we have separate law made by a category and the law made by that category, dehors Constitution, dehors Parliament? The committee report, according to me, inherently lacks legal standing," Dhankhar added. The Rajya Sabha Chairman said that a survey conducted recently by a media house indicated that public confidence in the institution of the Judiciary is dwindling. "It is fundamental for success of democracy that the three fundamental pillars--legislature, judiciary, and executive--are above board. They are transparent and accountable. They exemplify to the people at large the highest standards to be emulated. And therefore, the principle of equality, equality before law, has been disregarded. It is fundamental to our democracy. It is nectar of our democracy. Time for us to enforce it," he said. The Centre Government transferred Justice Yashwant Varma amidst controversy surrounding allegations of unaccounted cash discovered at his official residence in New Delhi. On April 15, Justice Yashwant Varma was sworn in as a judge of the Allahabad High Court on Saturday under unusual and contentious circumstances. Departing from the tradition of public ceremonies, Justice Varma took his oath in a private event, a decision that has drawn significant attention. This development comes amidst an ongoing investigation into allegations of semi-burnt sacks of cash being recovered from his residence just weeks ago. (ANI)
AIMIM President Asaduddin Owaisi on Thursday renewed his attack on the Waqf Act, calling it "unconstitutional" and a violation of several fundamental rights, even as the Supreme Court continues to hear petitions challenging key provisions of the law. Speaking on the ongoing hearing in the Supreme Court regarding the Act, Owaisi said, "We consider that entire Act to be unconstitutional. And it is a grave violation of Article 25, 26, 14, 15 and 29. We have already said this before, and today I am saying it again in front of you." Owaisi referred to the Supreme Court's observations on key provisions of the Waqf Act. "The Honourable Supreme Court, as pointed out by my counsel Mr Nizam Pasha, has stated that the Central Waqf Council and the State Waqf board will not be constituted, Waqf by user cannot be deleted," he said. He further said that his party has challenged several provisions of the Act before the court and will continue the legal battle. "There are other provisions as well, which we as a party have taken to the Supreme Court, calling them unconstitutional. Whenever it will be heard, our counsel Mr Nizam Pasha, on my behalf, will continue to pursue the matter," he said. Referring to earlier legislative proceedings, Owaisi said he had opposed the amendments to the Waqf Act in Parliament. "As you know very well, during the deliberations of the Joint Working Committee, I submitted a dissent report opposing all the amendments that were proposed by the government and during the debate in Parliament on the consideration and the passing of the bill, I have opposed every single amendment," he said. "I called it unconstitutional then, and I still call this law unconstitutional because it violates the fundamental rights under Articles 14, 15, 25, 26, and 29," he added. The Supreme Court on Wednesday noted that it may stay certain key provisions of the Act, including allowing non-Muslims to be part of Waqf Boards and the Central Waqf Council, and the powers given to District Collectors to decide disputes over Waqf properties. The bench, led by Chief Justice of India DY Chandrachud and comprising Justices PV Sanjay Kumar and KV Viswanathan, said it was considering an interim order to balance the situation. "We will say that whichever properties have been declared by the court to be Waqf or held to be Waqf will not be de-notified as Waqfs or be treated as non-Waqf properties, whether they are by Waqf-by-user or waqf-by-declaration or otherwise... declared by courts or otherwise also," the bench said. "Second, Collector can continue with proceedings, but the proviso will not be given effect to. If he wants, he can move an application before this court, and we can modify it. Third, as far as the constitution of the Board and Council is concerned, ex officio members can be appointed, regardless of their faith, but the other members should be Muslims," the CJI added. CJI Chandrachud also said the government "cannot rewrite history" through the amendments to the Waqf law that allow de-notification of properties already declared as Waqf. On the issue of non-Muslims in Waqf Boards, Justice Viswanathan remarked, "Whenever it comes to Hindu endowments, it would be Hindus who would be governing." Senior advocate Kapil Sibal, appearing for one of the petitioners, also objected to the new provision that allows a District Collector to decide whether a property is Waqf. "This is per se unconstitutional. This also states that the property will not be a Waqf until the officer decides so. Only Muslims had been part of the Waqf council and Boards, but now, after the amendment, even Hindus can be a part of it," he said. "It is a parliamentary usurpation of the faith of 200 million persons," Sibal added. Meanwhile, the Supreme Court took note of the Solicitor General's assurance that no appointments to the Waqf Boards or Council will be made until the next hearing. The court also said that existing Waqf properties, whether registered by the user or declared through notification, will not be identified until further orders. The Solicitor General argued that the Waqf Act was a well-considered piece of legislation and said the Centre had received several representations about land being classified as Waqf. He said staying the entire Act would be too harsh and requested a week to submit a detailed reply. The court clarified that it does not want the current situation to change while the case is under consideration and reiterated that a complete stay on the Act would not be passed at this stage. Several petitions have been filed in the Supreme Court challenging the amendments to the Waqf Act, arguing that they are discriminatory and violate the fundamental rights of the Muslim community. President Droupadi Murmu gave her assent to the Waqf (Amendment) Bill, 2025, on April 5, after it was passed in Parliament following intense debates in both Houses. (ANI)
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Palestinians are seen among the rubble of destroyed buildings after an Israeli airstrike in Jabalia refugee camp, northern Gaza Strip, on April 13, 2025. [Photo/Xinhua]

Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz said on Wednesday that Israel has adopted a policy of blocking humanitarian aid to Gaza to undermine Hamas' control over the population.



In a statement a day after a field visit to Gaza with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and senior military commanders, Katz outlined Israel's broader war strategy, which he said aims to secure the release of hostages and ultimately defeat Hamas.

"Israel's policy is clear -- no humanitarian aid is about to enter Gaza," Katz said. "No one is currently preparing or intending to bring any humanitarian aid into Gaza under the current circumstances," he added.

Israel resumed its blockade on the entry of food, water, medicine, fuel, and other supplies on March 2. Netanyahu said the move was intended to pressure Hamas into accepting a deal to extend the first phase of the ceasefire and hostage-release agreement, without requiring Israel to end the war.

According to Katz, aid has been withheld in order to "undermine Hamas's control over the population and prepare the ground for future (aid) distribution via private companies" without Hamas' involvement.

Israeli forces are striking Hamas militants and infrastructure "relentlessly," Katz said, while preparing for the next phases of the operation.

According to the minister, the army would not withdraw from areas it has seized, and would maintain a presence in designated "security zones" across Gaza.

He warned that if Hamas continues to reject Israel's terms for a hostage deal, "the operation will expand and move to the next phases."

According to Gaza-based health authorities, Israeli attacks have killed more than 51,000 people in the enclave since the war began.
West Bengal BJP President and Union Minister Sukanta Majumdar met West Bengal Governor CV Ananda Bose along with the victims of Murshidabad violence on Thursday. Majumdar arrived at Raj Bhavan with the families of the victims of the violence. North Kolkata BJP President Tamoghna Ghosh said, "Bengal is burning, and that should come before everyone, and hence, we are here to meet the Governor. We will take this to the President and the prime minister as well. The West Bengal Government and the police are giving false reports. We are here with the victims." Governor Bose said that he will visit Murshidabad tomorrow to take stock of the violence-hit area. "I am going to the field to see for myself the realities of the field. I will have an objective view of the matter. The situation has been brought under control. We should take further steps to prevent similar instances in future. I will certainly visit Murshidabad...People from the area have requested to have a BSF camp there", Bose said while addressing a press conference here today. The West Bengal Governor said that Raj Bhavan will do everything possible for the victims in collaboration with the Union and the State Governments. Meanwhile, West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee said that she will also visit Murshidabad later."I will go to Murshidabad. An SIT has been formed to investigate the unrest in Murshidabad. The state government will build houses for the victims. The Administration is trying to restore the confidence of the people of Murshidabad, the West Bengal Chief minister said. She also announced a compensation of Rs 10 lakh to the families of those killed in the Murshidabad protest over the Waqf Amendment Act. Addressing the gathering at Kolkata's Netaji Indoor Stadium, the chief minister said that she would ask the Secretary to file a report on it. "I will ask Chief Secretary to get a report on it. The families of those who lost their lives in the violence will get Rs 10 lakh each. We don't see the religious identity of the victims but their pain. Those who lost their houses will get Banglar Bari (a house scheme funded entirely by her government). For those whose shops were damaged, the Chief Secretary will take estimates and get the work done for them," Mamata Banerjee said. (ANI)
A delegation from the Dawoodi Bohra community met Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday to express their gratitude for the recently enacted Waqf (Amendment) Act, 2025, calling it a long-pending demand of the community. They said that it was a long-pending demand of the community. They reposed faith in PM's vision of 'Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas, Sabka Vishwas'. The Dawoodi Bohras are a Muslim community primarily from West India, with members settled in over 40 countries worldwide. The Dawoodi Bohra community traces its heritage to the Fatimid Imams, direct descendants of the Prophet Muhammad, in Egypt. The Dawoodi Bohras throughout the world are guided by their leader known as the al-dai al-mutlaq (unrestricted missionary), who first operated from Yemen and then, for the last 450 years, from India. Meanwhile, West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee appealed to Governor CV Ananda Bose on Thursday to defer his visit to the violence-hit Murshidabad to a later date after the confidence of people and normalcy is restored in the region. She said that she has announced her policy on providing compensation to the victims after three people were killed in the recent violence sparked by protests against the Waqf (Amendment) Act. Addressing a press conference at Nabanna today, Mamata Banerjee said, "We are giving 10 lakhs to the family of each victim. Those whose houses have been damaged, we will reconstruct their houses. Those whose shops have been vandalised, we will help them too. The Supreme Court has said that till the next hearing, the existing situation is to be maintained without changes. I would appeal to the Governor to wait for a few more days before visiting Murshidabad. Let the confidence be built first." She alleged that the Union Home Ministry is not sharing details with the State government of people who were entering from outside. "Many people have committed atrocities after coming from outside. Tripura and Manipur are not under us, where violence has been witnessed. The Home Minister has made amendments, and now 50 km from the border is under the jurisdiction of the BSF. 50 km has been snatched from the State government," she claimed. The Chief Minister said that previously, there was a system to monitor people and maintain data of those who came from outside. "After this Home Minister came, they withdrew that. They do not allow our officers for three to four years to keep their data with them and to find out the details about outsiders.... Riots are caused by criminals, not any religion. With elections approaching, voter polarisation politics are being played. They can do anything against me. I don't care. I care only about people," she said. Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee also announced a compensation of Rs 10 lakh to the families of those killed in the Murshidabad protest over the Waqf Amendment Act. This comes after State Governor CV Ananda Bose said that he plans to meet with the families of victims affected by the recent violence in Murshidabad. Bose said, "I have been to Delhi, and I am going to the field to see what happens in reality. I will also meet some of the victims. It's a very emotional issue, and I share the sentiments of the families." The West Bengal Police said more than 250 people have been arrested so far in connection with the Murshidabad violence, and adequate police forces have been deployed in Samserganj, Dhuliyan, and other affected areas of Murshidabad. (ANI)
Kolkata Police Commissioner Manoj Kumar Verma on Thursday confirmed that the situation in Bhangar, where violence broke out earlier this week over protests against the Waqf (Amendment) Act, is now under control, with 19 individuals arrested in connection with the unrest. The Kolkata Police Commissioner said, "A political party had applied for a programme in Kolkata on April 14, but the permission was not given to them as we were apprehensive that the law and order situation could be breached. Even after that, people started coming to Kolkata. Those who were going from Bhangar to Kolkata were stopped on the highway. There was a stone pelting incident, but the police removed them. After that, people started gathering in Sonpur. There was a scuffle with the police, and the police had detained a few people. When they were being taken to the PCR van, a mob started pelting stones. Some policemen were injured. 4 to 5 bikes were burnt. A PCR van was damaged. 19 people have been arrested, and many others have been identified based on video footage." He added that many senior police officials had visited the area today to review the situation. "Additional CP, Joint CP (Crime) and other officials have come here. We have come here to conduct a review. We have plans to build a permanent police force line here. We have written a letter to the DM of the 24 Parganas district. We hope such incidents won't be repeated here. Situation is now completely under control," he further said. Earlier on Monday, members of the Muslim community protested against the Waqf Amendment Act in Bhangar, South 24 Parganas, which led to violence. In a post on X, Kolkata Police also said, "The situation in Bhangar is completely under control. Specific cases have been registered against miscreants involved in damaging public property, and raids are ongoing to apprehend them. The public is advised not to heed rumours. Stringent legal action will also be taken against those found spreading misinformation." The Waqf (Amendment) Act, 2025, came into effect on April 8. After a 12-hour discussion, the Upper House cleared the bill, with 128 members voting in favour and 95 members voting against it. The Act aims to modify the Waqf Act of 1995 and the Waqf (Amendment) Act of 2013. These laws governed 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. The newly amended act on Waqf has become a contentious issue, with critics arguing it undermines the autonomy of Muslim religious endowments. The protests have turned violent in some areas, resulting in casualties and injuries. (ANI)
The Centre on Thursday assured the Supreme Court that key provisions of the Waqf (Amendment) Act, 2025, including the inclusion of non-Muslims in the Central Waqf Council and Waqf Boards and provisions on de-notifying Waqf properties, will not be given effect to for some time. A bench of Chief Justice of India Sanjiv Khanna and Justices PV Sanjay Kumar and KV Viswanathan recorded the assurance given by Solicitor General Tushar Mehta, appearing for the Centre, to the apex court that, until the next date of hearing, Waqf properties, including 'Waqf by user', which are declared by notification or registered, will not be de-notified. Furthermore, the Solicitor General assured the court that no appointments will be made to the Waqf Council or Waqf boards. The Centre also sought additional time to file a response to petitions challenging the constitutional validity of the Waqf (Amendment) Act, 2025. The bench granted a week's time for the Centre to submit a response, and petitioners will be allowed to file their rejoinder within five days thereafter. The matter has been posted for hearing in the week commencing May 5. "The hearing on the next date will only be for directions and interim orders, if any," the bench added. During the hearing, Solicitor General Mehta urged the bench not to stay the provisions of the Act, saying that the law was enacted after considering many representations and suggestions. "Government is answerable to the people. The government received lakhs of representations. Villages are taken as Waqf, and many lands are claimed as Waqf. It is a considered piece of legislation," Mehta said. He added that staying the Act would be a "harsh step" and requested a week to file a preliminary reply along with relevant documents before the court. "This is not a matter that can be considered lightly," he said. In response, Chief Justice Khanna noted that the bench had already identified some positive aspects of the law but expressed concern over changing the status quo drastically, which could affect the rights of the parties involved. "Mr. Mehta, we have a particular situation. We pointed out certain infirmities. We also said there are some positive things. But we don't want the situation prevailing today to change so drastically that it affects the rights of the parties," the CJI stated. "There are provisions such as five years' practice of Islam. We are not saying that. Yes, you are right. There is a thumb rule that courts don't ordinarily stay legislation. But there is another thumb rule: when the petition is pending before the court, the situation prevailing should not change so that the rights of persons are not affected." The bench further ruled that no appointments to the Waqf Council or Boards could take place. Solicitor General Mehta assured the bench that if any state makes an appointment to these bodies until the court decides the case, it will be treated as void. The bench also segregated cases filed by Hindu parties challenging earlier Waqf laws of 1995 and 2013 and changed the cause title of the case to "In Re: Waqf Amendment Act." The Supreme Court had previously indicated that it might stay certain key provisions of the Act, such as the inclusion of non-Muslims in the Central Waqf Council and Waqf Boards, the powers of Collectors to decide disputes over Waqf properties, and provisions related to de-notifying properties declared as Waqf. During the proceedings, CJI Khanna had questioned how properties declared as Waqf long ago could be suddenly reclassified, highlighting concerns about the government attempting to "rewrite history" through amendments to the law. "The government cannot rewrite history through these changes brought in by the amendments to the Waqf law," said the CJI, referring to the scope under the new Act to de-notify properties declared as Waqf hundreds of years ago. The bench had also raised concerns about the potential impact of the new Act on properties not registered or documented, such as Waqf-by-user properties, which account for a significant number of Waqf properties in India. Several petitions have been filed in the Supreme Court challenging the Act, arguing that it is discriminatory towards the Muslim community and violates their fundamental rights. The petitions include challenges from various individuals, MPs, and organisations such as the All India Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen (AIMIM), the All India Muslim Personal Law Board (AIMPLB), and others. The Act was passed by Parliament after heated debates in both Houses, and President Droupadi Murmu gave her assent to the Waqf (Amendment) Bill, 2025, on April 5. Defending the Act, BJP-led state governments in Rajasthan, Haryana, Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh, Assam, Uttarakhand, and Chhattisgarh filed impleadment applications. Additionally, advocates and organisations, including those protecting the rights of tribals and Hindus, also submitted applications in support of the Act. The Supreme Court's next hearing on this matter will focus on directions and interim orders, with a final resolution expected to follow. (ANI)
During a recent Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) meeting held during the Mahakumbh in Prayagraj, the organization resolved to launch a nationwide awareness campaign. The campaign aims to advocate for freeing temples from government control, promoting greater autonomy for Hindu religious institutions, a press release from VHP said. The Vishwa Hindu Parishad will be undertaking a 'Hitachintak Abhiyan' in November with the target of enrolling over 1 crore 'Hindus' in VHP. In the coming 1-2 years, the organisation will also try to have a service project in the fields of education, health, or employment for the deprived section of society, the release further said. VHP is already running over 5,500 service projects, which benefit tens of lakhs of people across the country and empower Hindus. "Looking at the alarming level of violence against Hindus on the pretext of opposing Waqf Amendment Bill in West Bengal, VHP has decided to conduct demonstrations at all district places in the country on the 19th of April to demand President's rule in West BengalImbalance in the Hindu population in the country is dangerous for the whole country", VHP said in the release. "Even the Governor of Goa has mentioned a similar state of affairs in the state. He had specifically mentioned a great drop in the Christian population percentage in Goa, coupled with an alarming rise in the Muslim population percentage. Truly we are seeing glaring example of that in Goa also, a sudden influx of Muslims in Goa from various states and seemingly systematic settlement of such Muslims in various assembly constituencies indicates nefarious design and the authorities must pay attention to such imbalances in the population as it may affect the political outcomes in elections", the release further mentioned. (ANI)
Madhya Pradesh Minister Vishvas Sarang on Thursday criticized the Congress party for protesting against the Directorate of Enforcement's (ED) action in the National Herald case, emphasizing that no one is above the law, regardless of their family background or political status. Sarang questioned whether being born in the Nehru family grants immunity from corruption allegations, highlighting that the allegations involving Congress and the Nehru family in the National Herald case are now public. Speaking to ANI, Sarang said, "If anyone is born in the Nehru family, do they get a certificate for committing corruption? Should the investigating agencies not take action against you if you are born in the Nehru family? The allegations of corruption involving Congress and the Nehru family in the National Herald case are now in the public domain. The matter came to light in 2012; at that time, we were not in power. But if you commit corruption, no matter how big a person you are, you will come under the purview of the law." The ED filed a prosecution complaint against Rahul Gandhi, Sonia Gandhi, and others in the National Herald case, with the matter listed for arguments on cognisance in the Delhi Rouse Avenue Court on April 25. Sarang also pointed out a separate National Herald-related land scam in Bhopal, where land allocated for a newspaper was sold to a mall owner, terming it "direct corruption". "We are even witnessing a matter of the National Herald in Bhopal itself. In 1981, the then state Chief Minister Arjun Singh had given land to the National Herald to run the newspaper. The publication in the newspaper lasted for three to four years, after which the land was sold to a mall owner. Direct corruption is visible, and its lease was cancelled in 2011," he said. The minister emphasised that if the lease is renewed, Congress and the Nehru family would have to pay approximately Rs 700 crores to the Bhopal Development Authority (BDA). "On the one hand, the way the Waqf lands have been unnecessarily occupied. Similarly, the Nehru family has arranged for their luxury and comfort by taking undue possession of the land of National Herald," Sarang added. Notably, Congress has launched massive protests nationwide against the central government and investigative agencies. (ANI)
Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Thursday praised the Brahma Kumaris, saying they are doing a great job of helping security forces personnel find ways to overcome stress and calm their minds as the country is safe because of the sacrifices and efforts of our security forces. Addressing the National Dialogue and Theme Launch Ceremony on 'Self-Empowerment through Inner Awakening for Security Forces Personnel' organised by Brahma Kumaris, the Union Home Minister said that India has become the 5th largest economy in the world and soon we will become the 3rd largest economy. "After 75 years of independence, our country has become the 5th largest economy in the world and soon we will become the 3rd largest economy, and we hope that when we celebrate 100 years of independence, we will be number 1 in every field... Every person has the potential to fulfill this dream and our culture has the power to unite the soul with the divine and our country should aim to move forward in this direction. Institutions like Brahma Kumaris are doing a great job in this direction," Shah said. "Our country is safe because of the sacrifices and efforts of our security forces... They take care of internal and external security, but this causes them considerable stress... Brahma Kumaris does a great job of giving them a way to get out of this stress and calm their mind, body and soul," he added. Earlier today, Amit Shah addressed the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) Day Parade as the Chief Guest at Neemuch, Madhya Pradesh, and recalled the supreme sacrifice made by 2,264 CRPF personnel in the service of the country, paying tribute to them on behalf of the grateful nation. Shah said that India is moving towards becoming a leader in the world in every field by 2047, and the sacrifices of martyred CRPF personnel have significantly contributed to achieving this goal. Shah said that the immortal saga of the bravery of CRPF bravehearts will be inscribed in golden letters in the golden book of 100 years of independence. He said that the CRPF personnel have always made a supreme sacrifice to maintain the unity and integrity of the country. "That is why the presence of CRPF personnel at the places of unrest builds confidence that they will certainly emerge victorious," he said. Amit Shah stated that in the 76-year history of India's independence, there have been numerous occasions when the CRPF has protected the country's honour and pride. He said that on 21 October 1959, CRPF soldiers were killed in the line of duty while fighting the Chinese army in Hot Spring, Ladakh, and that is why all the police forces of the country celebrate 21 October every year as Police Smriti Diwas. "In 1965, CRPF soldiers were posted at Sardar Post in the Rann of Kutch who gave a befitting reply to the Pakistan Army, and that is why every year on April 9, the whole country celebrates Shaurya Diwas," he said. Amit Shah said that under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the Government of India has taken several steps for the welfare of all CAPFs. (ANI)
The Bharatiya Janata Party and Congress in Karnataka have been engaged in a demonstration war against each other over the issue of price hike . The Congress-ruled Karnataka government on Thursday staged a protest in Bengaluru against the central government's recent hike in petrol and gas prices. However, contrary to that, a few days ago, the BJP had also staged a demonstration against the Congress Karnataka government over garbage cess, hike in the milk prices and various other sectors. Speaking on the protest, Karnataka Minister HK Patil expressed his displeasure from the Centre, stating, "People are suffering. Prices of petrol and gas cylinders have been raised. We are expressing the anguish of the people. The central government should have taken the burden for the people's sake." However, Minister Patil also defended the state government amid criticism over price increases in various sectors within Karnataka, asserting that such hikes were minimal. When asked about the Karnataka state government increasing prices across various sectors, he said, "But that was very little. That was inevitable." Karnataka Minister Dr Sharan Prakash Patil also criticised the Centre over the price-hikes, calling it "anti-poor, anti-common man and anti-farmer." "In spite of the fall of the crude oil in the international market to Rs 65 per barrel, the Modi government is increasing the price of diesel, petrol and LPG. What is the logic? This money is going to the Modi government. The Modi government has become bankrupt, so they're imposing taxes on the common man... The Modi government is anti-poor, anti-common man, and anti-farmer..." Patil told ANI. Speaking on the price hike in milk by the state government, Patil said that the all the money is going to farmers and not the state government. The Minister said, "The state government increased the taxes on milk, in which the money is going to the farmer and not the state government... For the electricity price hike, the state government is taking the hit, not the common man..." Karnataka Minister Eshwar Khandre accused the Centre of "looting people", saying, "The central government is looting the people. They are pocketing the money of common people. The Congress party always fights for the poor and the downtrodden..." He further said, "The state government has not increased any prices. The milk price will go to the farmers... The government is not going to get anything from increasing the milk prices..." Earlier today, Congress MP Randeep Singh Surjewala strongly criticised the BJP-led Central government, accusing it of "fleecing the people of Karnataka" through recent hikes in fuel and LPG prices. Speaking to reporters, Congress MP Randeep Surjewala said, "...This is a reality today of Karnataka and the country. The way in which the Modi government has raised the prices of gas cylinders by Rs 50 and increased excise duty of petrol and diesel by Rs 3, we started a series of protests led by Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and Deputy Chief Minister DK and KPCC President Shivakumar in Karnataka today from Bengaluru. This is fleecing the people of Karnataka." He also questioned the silence of BJP and JD(S) MPs, MLAs, and Union Ministers on the issue, accusing them of failing to protect Karnataka's interests. "Rs 4504 crores is extra burden on account of increased excise duty on petrol and diesel. Rs 515 crores is extra burden on people and sisters of Karnataka on account of increased gas cylinder prices. Why should people of Karnataka pay Rs 5020 crores extra to Modi government? What are the MPs and Union Ministers of Karnataka doing? What are MLAs of BJP and Janata Dal is doing? If they don't have guts oppose Modi, either they should get all the prices rolled back or they should all resign and go back and face new election," Surjewala added. In a post on X, Surjewala demanded that the Central government roll back the hike in fuel and gas prices. "The "BEKITHA DUBARI BJP" demonstration today at Freedom Park, Bengaluru led by CM, Sh. @siddaramaiah and PCC President, Sh. @DKShivakumar ! We demand roll back of Rs50 per Gas Cylinder rise and increase in Excise Duty of Rs 2 per litre. The extra burden on Kannadigas alone is Rs4,504 CR for Petrol-Diesel and Rs 515 CR for Gas Cylinder. Why should Kannadigas pay for "costly Modi Govt"?...." the Congress leader posted on X. Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah also criticised the BJP and questioned is this the "Acche Din" they promised. "The Modi government has increased petrol prices. Diesel and gas prices have been raised. Prices have gone up ever since the BJP came to power. For the past 11 years, the BJP has been continuously increasing prices. Surjewala has pointed out what happens if there's a Rs. 2 hike in petrol and diesel prices. The BJP and JD(S) have no shame. They have no moral right to protest now. If they had any self-respect, the BJP wouldn't have done this. Prices of essential commodities have increased; the Modi government is the reason behind this price hike. They said "Achhe Din Aayega" (good days will come) -- is this the good day they promised?," Siddaramaiah said. The Congress-led Karnataka government launched a state-wide agitation called "Bekitha Kitha Dubari BJP" in Bengaluru to protest against the increase in gas and petrol prices. The demonstrations are being led by Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and KPCC President DK Shivakumar. (ANI).
The special cabinet meeting on the Socio-Economic Survey concluded on Thursday, and Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah asked ministers to submit their concerns in writing. The Karnataka government is likely to convene another round of cabinet discussions on the issue. Meanwhile, Karnataka CM left the Vidhan Soudha after attending the meeting on the Karnataka Caste Survey report. Reacting to the Karnataka Caste Survey report, State Minister Priyank Kharge said, "The report is voluminous, it will take time." Karnataka Minister N. Chaluvaraya Swamy stated that no decision was taken in the cabinet meeting. "No decision has been taken yet, the subject has been deferred, and the cabinet meeting is over today. It will be discussed once again in the next meeting (Cabinet), there is no question of rejecting or accepting, it's all about discussing in the next cabinet meeting about the survey. CM and DCM, along with 32, including all Ministers, discussed thoroughly. Some other opinions of the ministers have to be discussed, as many wished to speak on the issue; that's why the subject has been deferred for the next cabinet meeting," the Minister said. Karnataka Minister KH Muniyappa said, "The discussion is on and another one or two meetings may take place over it." After the cabinet meeting, Karnataka Minister Santosh Lad said that the caste census issue is larger and will be taken up again next week. "It is a larger issue. It still takes a lot of discussion to happen in this, which will happen by next week," Lad said. The caste survey has been officially titled the "Socio-Economic and Educational Survey," and a special cabinet meeting was called today to discuss it. On Wednesday, Karnataka Home Minister G Parameshwara said that the Backward Class Commission has already submitted its report to the cabinet, and Chief Minister Siddaramaiah has advised the ministers to study it and come back with suggestions in the next meeting. The Karnataka State Commission for Backward Classes has submitted the caste census (socio, economic, and educational survey) report to the Siddaramaiah-led cabinet. If released, the caste census report will be the second by a Congress-ruled state after Telangana. (ANI)
Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) supremo Mayawati on Thursday raised concerns and condemned the recent incident of "casteist violence" during a Dalit wedding procession in Agra. Mayawati condemned the incident and said that the increasing atrocities against the poor and Dalits across Uttar Pradesh are "extremely worrying." The BSP chief pointed out that under the rule of the BSP, the state government had always stood firmly with the oppressed, ensuring justice for the Dalit community. "The recent incident of violence by casteist and feudal elements on a Dalit wedding procession in Agra and the increasing incidents of atrocities on the poor and Dalits in various districts of UP are extremely worrying, whereas during the rule of BSP, the government was always seen standing with them against injustice," Mayawati posted on X. This comes after miscreants allegedly attacked a wedding procession following a dispute between two groups over the DJ music being played. According to reports, the attackers armed with sticks and swords pulled the groom off his horse by his collar. The assailants then proceeded to chase and assault the wedding guests, including the baratis. A video of the incident has surfaced, showing the violent confrontation. Local reports suggest that several individuals sustained severe head injuries and were promptly rushed to the hospital for treatment. https://x.com/agrapolice/status/1912749895586324616 Police Commissionerate, Agra, also took to its official handle on X and posted about the incident. "On receiving information regarding a dispute over playing DJ in a wedding procession in the jurisdiction of Etmadpur police station, the police took immediate action and got the injured medically examined and on the basis of the complaint received, a case has been registered under relevant sections, and legal action is being taken," posted Agra Police on X. Mayawati on Thursday also launched a sharp attack on the Samajwadi Party (SP), accusing it of fostering an environment of tension and violence by using Dalits for political gain. In a series of posts on X, Mayawati said, "It is known that like other parties, SP too is creating an environment of tension and violence by putting forward people of the party, especially Dalits. Its controversial statements, allegations and counter-allegations, and programmes reflect a politics of extreme narrow selfishness." Taking a dig at SP's outreach to Dalits, she further wrote, "SP can go to any extent to get Dalit votes. Therefore, along with Dalits, other backwards classes and the Muslim community should also avoid falling prey to the political tactics of this party." She added, "Instead of commenting on the history of others, it would be better if the opportunistic Dalits associated with such parties talk about the goodness and struggles of saints, gurus, and great men of their society, due to whom they have become worthy of something." This came after SP Dalit MP Ramji Lal Suman sparked controversy with his statement on Rana Sanga, a 16th-century Rajput king, calling him a "traitor" for allegedly bringing Babur, the founder of the Mughal dynasty, to defeat Ibrahim Lodi. (ANI)
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Police officers are seen on duty near the presidential residence in central Seoul, South Korea, Jan. 3, 2025. [Photo/Xinhua]

South Korean police attempted to execute a search and seizure operation at the presidential office and residence of the ousted President Yoon Suk-yeol in Seoul on Wednesday, but were blocked by the presidential security officials and ultimately failed to proceed.



According to South Korean media outlets, the Presidential Security Service asserted that the targeted locations or items involved military or official secrets, thus refusing to permit the search. After a 10-hour standoff, the police decided to abort the operation.

The search by the police aimed to collect evidence related to Yoon's attempt on Jan. 3 to obstruct the execution of an arrest warrant led by the Corruption Investigation Office for High-Ranking Officials and the police.

To clarify the details about Yoon's declaration of an emergency martial law on Dec. 3 last year, the police have attempted to conduct search and seizure operations at the presidential office and residence for several times, all of which ended without success.
After the Enforcement Directorate (ED) filed a chargesheet against Congress leaders Rahul and Sonia Gandhi in connection with the alleged National Herald case, party President Mallikarjun Kharge has called a meeting on Saturday to finalise the strategy ahead of the hearing in the Delhi Rouse Avenue Court on April 25. According to sources, after discussing with his lawyers, LoP Rahul Gandhi left for Boston, US, as per his pre-scheduled program. Rahul and the lawyers have decided to participate in the legal process at the Rouse Avenue Court and will not directly approach the High Court, sources said. The lawyers told Rahul that he would have to appear before the court on April 25 or a later date, for which the Congress leader is fully prepared, it added. Kharge will hold a meeting of all the general secretaries, in-charges, and heads of all frontal organisations at Indira Bhawan in the national capital, in the absence of Rahul Gandhi, to discuss organisational issues. According to the sources, the meeting will also discuss the strategy in response to the actions taken by the ED against Sonia Gandhi and Rahul Gandhi. On April 15, the Enforcement Directorate (ED) filed a prosecution complaint (chargesheet) against top Congress members Rahul Gandhi and Sonia Gandhi in connection with the National Herald money laundering case. The said chargesheet also names Congress leader Sam Pitroda, Suman Dubey and others, including several firms. The matter has been listed for arguments on cognisance in the Delhi Rouse Avenue Court on April 25. The prosecution complaint has been filed under Sections 44 and 45 of the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA), 2002, for the offence of money laundering, as defined under Section 3, read with Section 70, and punishable under Section 4 of the PMLA, 2002. The complaint was filed by BJP leader Subramanian Swamy against Sonia Gandhi, Rahul Gandhi, their associated companies, and other individuals. (ANI)
Karnataka Minister Santosh Lad on Thursday launched a sharp attack on the BJP after the Enforcement Directorate (ED) filed a prosecution complaint in the National Herald case against Congress leaders Sonia Gandhi and Rahul Gandhi. Lad called the ED's action "politically motivated" and said this was part of the BJP's "old political game." "For the last 10 years, the ED was sleeping... It is absolutely a politically motivated case... This is their (BJP) old political game..." the Minister told ANI. Joining the criticism, Karnataka Minister Dr Sharan Prakash Patil accused the BJP-led central government of "looting" the country and pretending to be 'doodh ka dhula'. He alleged that the Centre was misusing government agencies to target Congress leaders. Patil said, "The Modi government has a vindictive attitude against Congress to cover up their own corruption, price hike, maladministration, and failure in international policies. The image of India is going down in front of the world because of the improper foreign policy of the Modi government. That is why they target Congress leaders by misusing government agencies. Once opposition leaders join the BJP, they are exonerated of all the charges..." "The Modi government collected thousands of crores, which the Supreme Court has struck down as electoral bonds... They are looting the country and posing as 'doodh ka dhula'. We need to expose this dichotomy," he added. Earlier in the day, Union Minister and senior BJP leader Hardeep Singh Puri said the National Herald case is an open and shut case of fraud, corruption, and money laundering. Addressing a press conference, Puri said, "I want to share with you my understanding of the National Herald case...This is an open and shut case of fraud, corruption and money laundering... Congress party has used their lawyers to somehow delay and derail the case..." He also hit back at the Congress for claiming political vendetta and said the party should introspect instead of misleading its workers. "When ED filed the chargesheet, Congress people started making statements that it is a political vendetta that we are using central agencies against them. I would like to advise them to introspect, as they are misleading the Congress party workers. The party workers must protest against their own leaders," the BJP leader further said. Meanwhile, Congress leader Harish Rawat said the ED's chargesheet was an effort to "murder democracy." "Speaking to ANI, Rawat claimed that the ED's chargesheet is based on a plain lie."It is an effort to murder democracy. Everyone knows the relationship between the National Herald and Congress, and this (ED's chargesheet) is based on a plain lie... if anyone had any objection, a civil suit could have been filed, but involving ED is an effort to induce fear and malign the image of opposition leaders," the former Uttarakhand CM said. On Tuesday, the Enforcement Directorate filed a prosecution complaint (chargesheet) against Rahul Gandhi, Sonia Gandhi, and others, including Congress leaders Sam Pitroda, Suman Dubey, and several firms, in the National Herald money laundering case. The matter has been listed for arguments on cognisance in Delhi's Rouse Avenue Court on April 25. The chargesheet has been filed under Sections 44 and 45 of the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA), 2002, for the offence of money laundering as defined under Section 3, read with Section 70, and punishable under Section 4 of the Act. (ANI)
Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel has made an important decision to strengthen the structure of Gram Panchayats, Taluka Panchayats, and District Panchayats (local self-government institutions) by facilitating the construction of modern, well-equipped office buildings, said an official statement from the Gujarat Chief Minister's Office (CMO). In this regard, the CM has substantially increased the state government's grants for the construction of new Panchayat houses for Gram Panchayats whose existing buildings are dilapidated or those that currently lack Panchayat houses. Additionally, the government will build Talati-cum-Minister residences along with new Gram Panchayat offices to ensure Talatis are regularly available at the rural level. Accordingly, Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel has set a new maximum unit cost of Rs 40 lakh instead of the earlier Rs 27 lakh for constructing gram panchayat houses in villages with a population of 10,000 or more. For villages with a population between 5,000 and 10,000, the maximum unit cost has been raised from Rs 22 lakh to Rs 34.83 lakh. Similarly, for villages with a population of less than 5,000, the state government will now provide a grant of up to Rs 25 lakh instead of the earlier Rs 17 lakh for building new panchayat houses. The Chief Minister has also increased the prevailing grant assistance for the construction of taluka panchayat offices from Rs 3.10 crore to Rs 5 crore or the actual construction cost, whichever is lower. In addition, Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel has raised the unit cost for the construction of district panchayat office buildings as well. For the construction of new buildings for district panchayats, the state government will now provide unit cost assistance of Rs 52 crore instead of Rs 38 crore, or the actual cost incurred, whichever is lower. As a result of the decisions taken by Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel, more well-equipped offices will be developed at every level, from village gram panchayats to district panchayats. This will enhance public convenience and contribute to the creation of a stronger service infrastructure. The Panchayat, Rural Housing, and Rural Development Department has officially issued a resolution to implement the decisions made by the Chief Minister. (ANI)
Former RAW chief AS Dulat on Thursday came out in defence of his latest book, "The Chief Minister and the Spy", amidst controversy surrounding its portrayal of Dr Farooq Abdullah. Dulat emphasised that his book is "full of praise" for the former Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister and contains "nothing against him". Dulat clarified that his book is an appreciation, not a critique, of Farooq Abdullah's politics. He highlighted Farooq's alleged willingness to work with Delhi and described him as an "ultimate nationalist". Dulat also mentioned Mehbooba Mufti, saying she knows the National Conference is the main party in Kashmir. "I have said this over and over again that Farooq has always been with Delhi, Farooq has always been with India. He is the ultimate nationalist. What is the doubt in it? ...The National Conference is the main party in Kashmir. Mehbooba ji knows that. There was a time when I used to ask Mufti sahib, ' Why doesn't he join the National Conference? 'This book is in praise of Dr Farooq," said the former RAW chief. The book's contents have sparked debate, with some opposition parties interpreting it as revealing hidden political negotiations. Dulat, however, dismisses claims that Farooq Abdullah privately backed the Centre's move to abrogate Article 370, calling such reports "absolutely misquoted." The controversy has elicited reactions from various leaders in Jammu and Kashmir. Some, like Sajad Lone, find Dulat's claims credible given his close association with Farooq Abdullah, while others, such as Waheed Para, demand clarification from the National Conference. Tanvir Sadiq, a National Conference spokesperson, accuses Dulat of attempting to create controversy to boost book sales Earlier today, AS Dulat dismissed claims that former Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Farooq Abdullah had supported the abrogation of Article 370, stressing that the leader was deeply pained by the move and had never been taken into confidence by the Centre. Speaking to ANI on whether his and Abdullah's friendship has been impacted, Dulat emphasised, "Friendships don't end just because someone said something frivolous. This book is not about Article 370; rather, it's an appreciation of Farooq Abdullah, the great man." "I am confident that he will definitely attend the book launch tomorrow. If he doesn't come, it will be his own decision, but I had spoken to him about 10-15 days ago, and he had said that he would come," Dulat said. (ANI)
The All India Muslim Personal Law Board (AIMPLB) on Thursday expressed concerns over the Waqf Amendment Act, citing potential violations of constitutional rights. Maulana Khalid Rasheed Farangi Mahali, an AIMPLB member, emphasised that several provisions of the amendments contradict Articles 14, 15, 25, and 26 of the Indian Constitution, which guarantee equality, non-discrimination, and freedom of religion. "Our only concern is that many provisions of the amendments are against many articles of our Constitution, especially Articles 14, 15, 25, and 26. We expect that the court will hear us in detail and give a judgment according to the Constitution of our country, which guarantees complete religious freedom...," said Mahali. AIMPLB hoped that the Supreme Court would thoroughly examine their concerns and deliver a judgment aligned with the Constitution, ensuring complete religious freedom. "The Waqf properties are an essential part of our religion, and we should have given complete religious freedom to manage our religious properties," said Mahali. Meanwhile, the Centre assured the Supreme Court that key provisions of the Waqf (Amendment) Act, 2025, including the inclusion of non-Muslims in the Central Waqf Council and Waqf Boards and provisions on de-notifying Waqf properties, will not be given effect to for some time. A bench of Chief Justice of India Sanjiv Khanna and Justices PV Sanjay Kumar and KV Viswanathan recorded the assurance given by Solicitor General Tushar Mehta, appearing for the Centre, to the apex court that, until the next date of hearing, Waqf properties, including 'Waqf by user', which are declared by notification or registered, will not be de-notified. Furthermore, the Solicitor General assured the court that no appointments will be made to the Waqf Council or Waqf boards. The Centre also sought additional time to file a response to petitions challenging the constitutional validity of the Waqf (Amendment) Act, 2025. The bench granted a week's time for the Centre to submit a response, and petitioners will be allowed to file their rejoinder within five days thereafter. The matter has been posted for hearing in the week commencing May 5. "The hearing on the next date will only be for directions and interim orders, if any," the bench added. The Supreme Court had previously indicated that it might stay certain key provisions of the Act, such as the inclusion of non-Muslims in the Central Waqf Council and Waqf Boards, the powers of Collectors to decide disputes over Waqf properties, and provisions related to de-notifying properties declared as Waqf. The bench had also raised concerns about the potential impact of the new Act on properties not registered or documented, such as Waqf-by-user properties, which account for a significant number of Waqf properties in India. Several petitions have been filed in the Supreme Court challenging the Act, arguing that it is discriminatory towards the Muslim community and violates their fundamental rights. The petitions include challenges from various individuals, MPs, and organisations such as the All India Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen (AIMIM), the All India Muslim Personal Law Board (AIMPLB), and others. The Act was passed by Parliament after heated debates in both Houses, and President Droupadi Murmu gave her assent to the Waqf (Amendment) Bill, 2025, on April 5. Defending the Act, BJP-led state governments in Rajasthan, Haryana, Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh, Assam, Uttarakhand, and Chhattisgarh filed impleadment applications. Additionally, advocates and organisations, including those protecting the rights of tribals and Hindus, also submitted applications in support of the Act. The Supreme Court's next hearing on this matter will focus on directions and interim orders, with a final resolution expected to follow. (ANI)
Uttar Pradesh Deputy Chief Minister Brajesh Pathak on Thursday attacked West Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee over Murshidabad violence and said that the TMC chief is trying to provoke people in the state. "Mamata Banerjee is trying to provoke people and she will have to pay the price for this. BJP will win with full majority in the next Assembly Elections in West Bengal," Pathak told ANI. Earlier today, West Bengal BJP President and Union Minister Sukanta Majumdar met West Bengal Governor CV Ananda Bose along with the victims of Murshidabad violence. Governor Bose said that he will visit Murshidabad tomorrow (Friday) to take stock of the violence-hit area. "I am going to the field to see for myself the realities of the field. I will have an objective view of the matter. The situation has been brought under control. We should take further steps to prevent similar instances in future. I will certainly visit Murshidabad...People from the area have requested to have a BSF camp there", Bose said while addressing a press conference here today. The West Bengal Governor said that Raj Bhavan will do everything possible for the victims in collaboration with the Union and the State Governments. Meanwhile, West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee said that she will also visit Murshidabad later. "I will go to Murshidabad. An SIT has been formed to investigate the unrest in Murshidabad. The state government will build houses for the victims. The Administration is trying to restore the confidence of the people of Murshidabad," the West Bengal Chief Minister said. She also announced a compensation of Rs 10 lakh to the families of those killed in the Murshidabad protest over the Waqf Amendment Act. Meanwhile, Suvendu Adhikari has filed a petition in the Calcutta High Court on Thursday demanding that the National Investigation Agency (NIA) be assigned to probe the recent violence in Murshidabad district. Adhikari's petition cited provisions under Section 6 of the NIA Act to request the central agency's intervention. He alleged that the incident involved Bangladeshi elements and posed a serious threat to national security. The matter is expected to be taken up for hearing soon. Unrest broke out in Murshidabad during protests against the Waqf (Amendment) Act on April 11. The law has been a contentious issue in the region. So far, over 150 people have been arrested, and adequate police forces have been deployed in Samserganj, Dhuliyan, and other affected areas. (ANI)
Uttar Pradesh Deputy Chief Minister Keshav Prasad Maurya inspected the 'Laghu Udyog Kendra' in Lucknow and interacted with working women, saying that training programs are conducted regularly. "Training programs are conducted here regularly. After training, if you want to set up a unit, then there are schemes of both the Central Government and the State Government, which provide a subsidy. Loans are also provided, and all facilities are provided for this, but due to a lack of awareness, many people are deprived of training," Maurya said. "This training program will be run at the divisional level, district level, tehsil level, and block level. If our youth are unemployed and want to establish employment, then the government stands with them. This is a big opportunity, and I would say that they should study the food processing policy and what kind of products can be established from that policy to increase their income and move forward in this direction," he added. He also inspected the Small Industries Centre in Lucknow and said that the Small Industries Centre serves as a means of women's empowerment "This small industries centre serves as a means of women empowerment and is regulated by NRLM (National Rural Livelihoods Mission) and SRLM (State Rural Livelihoods Mission)... A solar power plant has been established here which has significantly reduced the electricity bill from over Rs 1 lakh to Rs 35,000... This machinery can make more products, which will increase their incomes as well. Our effort is to make these women progress constantly," Maurya said. Meanwhile, Deputy CM Brajesh Pathak inspected the Community Health Centre in Gorakhpur and held a review meeting. "The health department of entire Gorakhpur has been reviewed. Cleanliness should be ensured in all hospitals, along with the presence of doctors on time, all medicines should be available, patients should get high-quality care in all circumstances, and the shortage of doctors should be met, for which the government has given authority to the CMO and DM," Pathak said. Meanwhile, Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Adityanath will lay the foundation stone for the 'largest' night shelter in eastern Uttar Pradesh at the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) in Gorakhpur on Friday (April 18), the Chief Minister's Office said. The upcoming shelter, designed to accommodate up to 500 individuals, will cost Rs 44 crore to build. The Power Grid Corporation of India is supporting the construction as part of its corporate social responsibility initiative. (ANI)
Six accused have been arrested and extensive recoveries made, exposing linkages to Dubai and connections to habitual offenders.

Office of the Director General of police, Himachal Pradesh said, "Police Station Damtal recovered 262 grams of heroin (chitta) nearIndora Mod (NH-44) and arrested accused Kuldeep Singh, on October 27, 2024. Subsequent investigation led to the arrest of Rajesh Kumar on April 08, 2025, from Dharamshala, and Raj Kumar alias Sethi, a history-sheeter from Indora on April 13, 2025. On April 15, 2025, Balvinder Kohli was arrested, and key disclosures led to recovery of illicit assets from Mohit Singh @ Tony in Pathankot, including Rs 4.90 lakh cash, 67.93 g gold, 95.45 g silver, 2 mobile phones, and 2 life insurance bonds (Rs 4.5 lakh premium)."

"On April 16, 2025, Gagan Sarna's residence in Pathankot was raided, leading to the recovery of Rs 1.15 crore in cash, 125 grams of gold, and 4 grams silver. On April 17, 2025 Mohit Singh @ Tony was also arrested," police further said.

Himachal Pradesh Police said that total recoveries so far 262 grams heroin, 92.93 gram gold, 99.45 gram silver, Cash Rs 1,19,90,000. 2 mobile phones, 2 life insurance bonds, bank accounts frozen with Rs 52.52 lakh, 2 Verna cars, property papers, and other documents seized.

Police said that the accused used drug proceeds to invest in gold, insurance, vehicles, and real estate. The investigation further revealed that Balvinder Kohli's son, Vishal, was the main accused in a 2023 NDPS case involving 131.14 grams heroin and Rs 1.04 crore cash, and is currently absconding despite bail from the High Court Shimla.

Himachal Pradesh Police has so far recovered illicit wealth worth approximately Rs 3 crore in this case. Further investigation is underway to attach properties and expand on financial trails.

Police Headquarters, Himachal Pradesh, reiterates its zero-tolerance approach against narcotics and appeals to the public to report any suspicious activity related to drugs. (ANI)
After the first meeting of the Bihar Mahagathbandhan, RJD leader Tejashwi Yadav sharply criticised the state government for its handling of critical issues such as poverty, unemployment, and migration and stated that the real 'double engine' in Bihar is -- crime and corruption. Speaking to the media today, Tejashwi Yadav said, "The first meeting of Mahagathbandhan was held today regarding the situation in Bihar. We discussed matters related to poverty, unemployment, and migration. There is a lot of anger among the people of Bihar against the government, which has been in power for the last 20 years." "Bihar is number one in crime, unemployment and migration of labour. There is no law and order in the state. PM Modi and the Home Minister keep coming to Bihar, and they should answer what is happening in Bihar....The real double engine in Bihar is - crime and corruption," he stated. Speaking over the meeting of Bihar Mahagathbandhan in view of Bihar polls this year, Congress leader Shakeel Ahmad Khan said, "The Coordination Committee (of the alliance) will work to take things forward. There was no discussion on it (seat sharing for Bihar polls)." Vikassheel Insaan Party's Mukesh Sahani also spoke to the media over the meeting of Bihar Mahagathbandhan and said, "We will fight together. Two leaders from each party will be a part of the Coordination Committee under the leadership of Tejashwi Yadav. Lalu ji ki vichaar dhara wala sarkaar banegi iss baar." Leaders of the Communist Party of India (Marxist-Leninist) Liberation and other opposition parties convened at the Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) headquarters in Patna on Thursday to begin discussions within the Mahagathbandhan alliance. The meeting involved more formal deliberations, focusing primarily on seat-sharing arrangements and the formulation of a Common Minimum Programme ahead of the upcoming assembly elections in Bihar. Earlier today, Tejashwi Yadav met with Congress to strategise the agenda for winning the upcoming Bihar election. "These leaders will meet, but it is not going to get hearts completely. The Congress party is divided against itself. The Congress party is not ready to consider Tejashwi Yadav a leader, and Tejashwi Yadav is not ready to give seventy seats to the Congress party," he added. He also pointed to internal contradictions within the alliance. Hussain further claimed, "This time, the RJD is going to get less than twenty-three seats. And our alliance, which will fight under the leadership of Nitish Kumar, is going to cross 200. We are definitely going to form the government in Bihar." Slamming the INDIA alliance, Union Minister Nityanand Rai too called the meeting the "Ghamandia" alliance. He claimed that Congress and the Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) were in an internal conflict and that Tejashwi Yadav was engaged in corrupt, dynasty-based politics. He also criticised Congress for promoting Kanhaiya Kumar, referring to him as a leader of what he termed the "Bharat Tere Tukde Honge" group. "It is the meeting of the 'Ghamandia' alliance. There is a clash between Tejashwi Yadav and Congress. Tejashwi Yadav is leading an extremely corrupt political dynasty. Kanhaiya Kumar, promoted by the Congress, is the leader of the 'Bharat Tere Tukde honge' gang," Rai said. A high-stakes battle is expected to take place in Bihar, with the National Democratic Alliance (NDA), comprising Janata Dal (United) led by Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar, and the Bharatiya Janata Party, competing against the Mahagathbandhan, comprising the Congress, Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD), and left parties. The Bihar Assembly elections are due to be held later this year. (ANI)
Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Thursday criticised former RAW Chief Amarjit Singh Dulat's recent book, which has sparked controversy over its portrayal of Dr Farooq Abdullah. Omar Abdullah criticised Dulat, saying he prioritises selling books over truth and humiliated Farooq Abdullah in his latest book, "The Chief Minister and the Spy." "To sell his book, it is Dulat sahib's habit not to go with the truth. In his first book, he spared no one, and in this book, he left no stone unturned to humiliate Farooq sahib. It is said that when you have friends like this, there is no need for enemies. Finally, Farooq sahib has found out the truth about Dulat sahib," said J-K CM. The book's contents have sparked debate, with some opposition parties interpreting it as revealing hidden political negotiations. Dulat, however, dismisses claims that Farooq Abdullah privately backed the Centre's move to abrogate Article 370, calling such reports "absolutely misquoted." Omar Abdullah also questioned People's Democratic Party (PDP) Mehbooba Mufti's credibility in accepting Dulat's claims about Farooq Abdullah. Omar Abdullah asked Mehbooba Mufti to clarify how she would make people believe Dulat's claims about Farooq Abdullah are true, given his past writings about her father. "If Mehbooba Ji considers everything written by Daulat Sahib to be true, then should we also consider what he wrote about her father in his first book to be true? If we consider it the truth, then she should answer the question of how she will make the people believe it," said Omar Abdullah. The reaction comes after PDP chief Mehbooba Mufti on Thursday launched a sharp attack on the National Conference (NC), following revelations made in former R&AW Chief Amarjit Singh Dulat's book regarding Farooq Abdullah's stance on Article 370. Reacting to Dulat's claims, Mehbooba said she wasn't surprised by the content, accusing the NC of shifting stances for the sake of power. "I am not surprised after reading that, as it has been the National Conference's stance that they can do anything for power. It has been going on since 1947 -- at times, they wanted to come with India, given that they were in power; if not, they wanted to have a discussion," said Mehbooba. She criticised Sheikh Abdullah's changing political narrative and referred to his long imprisonment, saying, "He was in jail for 22 years along with the people, but when they came to power, the discussion ended," she said. Highlighting the fallout of political manipulation in the Valley, Mehbooba said, "How rigging was done in 1987 for the Chair, and that resulted in guns coming to the valley, and it took lakhs of our young lives..." She also targeted NC vice-president Omar Abdullah, alleging that he had offered support to the BJP during the PDP-BJP talks. "When PDP and BJP were in talks, Omar Abdullah went to Delhi many times and offered them unconditional support," she added. Meanwhile, on the ongoing Waqf Act hearing in the Supreme Court, Abdullah expressed hope that the Supreme Court's verdict will address concerns raised by the Muslim community and urged people to maintain peace over the issue. "We hope that when the verdict is pronounced, there will be solutions to the issues raised by the Muslim community in the Waqf Act....There should be no violence over this Bill," he said. Addressing the Pakistan Army chief's statement, Omar Abdullah dismissed his comments on Kashmir, questioning why Pakistan doesn't raise issues about the portion of Ladakh occupied by China. He noted, "This is nothing new. They have been saying this for a long time. When you talk about Indian territory occupied by Pakistan, why don't you also raise the issue about the portion of Ladakh which China has taken?" This comes after Asim Munir, during his address at the Convention for Overseas Pakistanis event, said that India and Pakistan differ in every conceivable aspect, including religions, customs, traditions, thoughts and ambitions, reinforcing the Two-Nation Theory that led to Pakistan's creation in 1947. Munir invoked the 'two-nation theory', which was responsible for the creation of Pakistan back in 1947 and asked the Pakistan citizens to teach their children the difference between Hindus and Muslims, which was the basis for the creation of the Islamic Republic. During his address at the Convention for Overseas Pakistanis event on Wednesday, Pakistan General Asim Munir had said that the forefathers of Pakistan have taught that they are different from "Hindus" in every possible aspect, due to which the foundation of the two-nation theory was laid. "You must tell the story of Pakistan to your children so that they do not forget the story of Pakistan. Our forefathers believed that we were distinct from Hindus in every possible way. Our religion is different, our customs are different, our traditions are different, our ambitions are different, and our thoughts are different. That is the foundation of the two-nation theory, which was laid, the foundation of the two nations," Asim Munir said during his address on Wednesday. (ANI)
 Flash

Zhuo'er Chen is a student pursuing a master's degree in architecture at the University of California, Berkeley. She is set to graduate next month. However, her student visa was suddenly terminated by the US Immigration and Customs Enforcement, or ICE, on April 8.

It seems that thousands of students have had a similar experience.

According to a report by the Association of International Educators, as of Monday, there have been almost 1,300 reports of international students and scholars either having their visas revoked or their records in the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System, or SEVIS, terminated. The affected include undergraduate, graduate and Optional Practical Training students.

Chen, joined by another three Chinese students whose visas were terminated, filed a federal lawsuit in the US District Court in the Northern District of California last week.

The suit alleges that "without notice, explanation, or any form of due process, ICE terminated the student status of individuals who have done nothing more than maintaining academic standing and complying with their visa requirements".

Plaintiff Mengcheng Yu, who has lived in the United States since age 16, is also close to completing her master's degree at Carnegie Mellon University. She is set to graduate in August this year.

Plaintiff Jiarong Ouyang is from University of Cincinnati, and Plaintiff Gexi Guo is a graduate of Columbia University currently residing in New York.

"This lawsuit seeks declaratory and injunctive relief to halt this unlawful pattern of SEVIS record terminations, restore plaintiffs' legal status, and prevent further irreparable harm to their educational trajectories, professional futures and immigration standing," the lawsuit document stated.

The lawsuit named Kristi Noem, secretary of the US Department of Homeland Security, or DHS, and Todd Lyons, acting director of ICE, as the defendants. The plaintiffs are represented by DeHeng Law Offices.

The plaintiffs challenge ICE's actions "for being arbitrary, capricious and contrary to law, and assert that the lack of due process also violates their constitutional rights under the Fifth Amendment and the Equal Protection Clause".

The lawsuit argues that DHS and ICE may unilaterally strip students of lawful status through SEVIS without legal authority, in defiance of regulatory limits, and without affording any procedural safeguards.

'Abrupt and sudden'

Clay Zhu, one of the lawyers representing the students, said in a virtual meeting on Monday that they have received a lot of information from students "telling us about an abrupt and sudden cancellation of their F-1 visa and service records".

He said a team of five lawyers worked overtime in the last five days to investigate the situation.

"There is no pattern based on the information I have right now. Some of the students have arrest records but have never been convicted. Some of them have minor traffic violations, and some of them have a very clean record. So, it is random to me, and there's no explanation being provided by the agency as to why this is happening on a blanket scale. This is unprecedented," Zhu said.

He said the termination of student status has been done in the past on a very individualized basis for failing to maintain full-time student status or being convicted of committing some kind of serious crime.

"Those basically are forcing the students to self-deport," Zhu said. "They have to leave the country right away. Otherwise, they would incur the so-called unlawful presence under immigration law."

"Our goal is, of course, not to just represent those four students. Our goal is to seek a nationwide temporary restraining order and also an injunction against this kind of practice. We're trying to restore service records for all the affected students," Zhu said.

Lawsuits have also been filed on behalf of the students whose visas were terminated without notice. Atlanta law firm Kuck Baxter filed a lawsuit representing 17 international students from several states.

Nineteen state attorneys general from Arizona, California, Michigan, New York and others have asked a federal judge to stop the Trump administration from canceling international student visas.

It appears that visa cancellation is not limited to international students. The Cougar, a news outlet at the University of Houston, reported on Sunday that a professor's visa was terminated unexpectedly.

Without disclosing the identity of the professor, The Cougar reported that another professor had to step in for the rest of the semester while the issue was being resolved.
Deputy Chief Minister Brijesh Pathak and officials of the concerned department were also present at the meeting.

He also held a meeting regarding the presentation of the Charitable Works Department. In the meeting, Tourism Minister Jaiveer Singh and officials were present.

Earlier today, CM Yogi held a Janta Darshan at his official residence at 5 Kalidas Marg in Lucknow, where he directly heard public grievances and issued prompt instructions to officials for their resolution.

The Janta Darshan was attended by the Chief Secretary of Uttar Pradesh, the Principal Secretary (Home), the Director General of Police (DGP), and senior officials from key departments.

Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister will lay the foundation stone for the 'largest' night shelter in eastern Uttar Pradesh at the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) in Gorakhpur on April 18, the Chief Minister's Office said.

The upcoming shelter, designed to accommodate up to 500 individuals, will cost Rs 44 crore to build. The Power Grid Corporation of India is supporting the construction as part of its corporate social responsibility initiative.

CM Yogi will officially kick off the project by performing the ground-breaking ceremony, the statement added. This facility aims to benefit patients and their attendants who travel from far-flung areas for treatment at AIIMS Gorakhpur. (ANI)
A deputation of Ani and Banjar areas of Kullu district led by Chairman Milkfed Budhi Singh Thakur called on Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu here today and apprised the Chief Minister about their various demands. The Chief Minister assured them that their demands would be considered sympathetically. He said, "The Baga-Sarahan area of the district would be developed from a tourism point of view. This initiative of the government would go a long way in providing direct and indirect employment opportunities to the local youth." Chairman APMC Kullu, Ram Singh, and Gram Panchayat Pradhans from the Nirmand and Ani areas were also part of the deputation. On April 6, a delegation from the Kullu district called on Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu at Oak Over today to express their gratitude for appointing Buddhi Singh Thakur as the Chairman of the Himachal Pradesh State Co-operative Milk Producers' Federation Limited. (HP Milkfed). On this occasion, the Chief Minister stated that the State Government is making focused efforts to strengthen the rural economy, in which Milkfed plays a significant role. He stated that 90 per cent of the state's population resides in rural areas, and the government is committed to improving their standard of living. He said that the government has increased the milk procurement price by Rs. 21 per litre over the last two years. Additionally, the government is purchasing wheat and maize produced through natural farming methods. He stated that Himachal Pradesh has set the highest support prices in the country, at Rs 60 per kg for wheat and Rs 40 per kg for maize. Turmeric, too, will be procured at a support price of Rs 90 per kg. The Chief Minister said that the state government has introduced the 'Indira Gandhi Sukh Shiksha Yojana', under which children of widows up to the age of 27 are offered free higher education. Furthermore, financial assistance of Rs. 3 lakh is being provided to widows and single women for the construction of their homes. Referring to Buddhi Singh Thakur, the Chief Minister said, "He and I began our political journey together in NSUI. He has seen many ups and downs in life, so I am pleased with his appointment. Kullu district will continue to get due representation, and I will soon visit the Anni Assembly Constituency and spend a night there." MLA Sunder Singh Thakur appreciated the Chief Minister's initiatives to strengthen the rural economy and recalled his presence and support during the 2023 natural calamity, stating that the entire Kullu district stands united behind the Chief Minister. (ANI)
During his visit, he was briefed on ongoing initiatives and the incorporation of cutting-edge technologies. He interacted with troops and praised their focus on operational efficiency, adaptive training, and battlefield innovation, the Indian Army said in a press release.

A significant highlight of the visit was the felicitation of five distinguished veterans with the Veteran Achiever Award, which celebrated their continued contributions to society and nation-building.

Brigadier Ramnarayan Vinayak, VSM (Retd) is actively involved in ex-servicemen welfare, he established a Directorate General of Resettlement (DGR) -sponsored security agency employing more than 300 veterans, enabled Ex-Servicemen Contributory Health Scheme (ECHS) benefits for Veer Naris of 1962, 1965 and 1971 wars, and advocated for liberalised family pensions.

Along with his spouse, he promotes the legacy of bravehearts through educational presentations at Shaurya Smarak.

Colonel Vaibhav Prakash Tripathi (Retd), as Vice President of the Madhya Pradesh Ex-Servicemen League, is associated with Ojas Shikshan evam Prashikshan Sansthan in Betul, a veteran-run institute providing training and education to tribal youth aspiring to join the defence forces.

Colonel K P Singh (Retired) is known for his legal support to veterans and widows, he facilitates biometric life certification and SPARSH issue resolution. He also provides free SSB guidance and supports local charitable institutions for the elderly and the differently-abled.

Naik Anil Kumar Verma (Retd) converted his ancestral home into a girls' hostel and founded a school for underprivileged tribal children in Bilaspur, which has been achieving remarkable board results. A symbol of social commitment, he continues to inspire fellow veterans.

Lance Dafadar Pradeep Kalaskar (Retired) actively helps resolve pension and financial issues of ex-servicemen. He risked his life to save five individuals from a fire and was honoured as 'Vrikshamitra' for planting over 1,000 saplings.

These awards underscored the Indian Army's deep respect for its veterans and their continued impact on society.

Concluding the visit, General Dwivedi visited Yodhasthal, narrating the valour and history of the Indian Army. Designed as an immersive and educational experience open to the public to promote civil-military cooperation and inspire future generations. (ANI)
Uttar Pradesh Deputy CM Brajesh Pathak called businessman Robert Vadra "sarkari damad" of Congress and said that Robert Vadra looted government property during the Congress tenure. "I can say that Robert Vadra looted government property during the Congress tenure. The law is equal for everyone. The public should see the loot committed by this 'sarkari damad' of Congress," Pathak told ANI. Earlier today, Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader Gaurav Bhatia attacked businessman Robert Vadra and the Gandhi family, terming them a "hereditary corrupt and hereditary thieving family" in connection with Vadra's interrogation by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) in the Gurugram land case. Addressing the media, Bhatia alleged that Vadra, whom he referred to as a "land mafia," has been involved in usurping farmers' lands. He further accused Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi of being linked to the National Herald scam, former Congress president Sonia Gandhi of being linked to the VVIP chopper scam, and late Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi of being linked to the Bofors scandal. "Has this family sworn that wherever they go, they will loot India and the farmers' lands?" Bhatia questioned, adding, "They are so shameless that they don't want anyone to ask them any questions." Bhatia also took a dig at the Congress, stating, "In his own eyes and in the eyes of Congress, Robert Vadra is a mass leader. But in the eyes of the public, he is a land mafia, a corrupt person, and this is the reality." Vadra appeared before the ED for the third consecutive day in response to the Enforcement Directorate (ED) summons. Vadra slammed the action as a "political vendetta," accusing the government of misusing investigative agencies to target opposition voices. Speaking to ANI, Vadra questioned the ED's impartiality, alleging selective action against leaders from non-BJP parties while vowing to continue his fight against "injustice." "This is a political vendetta. Agencies are being misused. This is wrong. How will there be trust in agencies when they are after any candidates for the CM position in the country, or when a party is doing well? Which BJP minister or member has been summoned by the ED? Why has none of them been summoned? Is everyone in the BJP good? Do they not have any allegations against them? There are several allegations," Vadra said. Vadra also claimed that the ED's action against him was fueled when he started raising his voice over atrocities against minorities. (ANI)
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday praised the Dawoodi Bohra community for their significant contribution in shaping the Waqf (Amendment) Act, saying their involvement extended to even the smallest technical details -- "even down to commas and full stops." PM Modi also lauded Dawoodi Bohra spiritual leader Syedna Mufaddal Saifuddin for playing a key role in the drafting process. "Perhaps very few of you know that when I first got the idea of working on the Waqf (Amendment) Act, the first person I consulted was Syedna Sahib," PM Modi told the delegation. He said Syedna Saheb gave his full support and even sent members of the Bohra community to help with the legal review and drafting of the law. "He smiled and later sent you to me. After that, I kept bothering him for three years, asking him to look at it in his own way, to give me legal advice, to give me a draft. You cannot imagine how much support he gave me during the consultation." The Prime Minister added that the community's involvement went into the smallest technical details. "He brought in knowledgeable people from your community, and even down to commas, and full stops -- I received help at every step." PM Modi also reflected on his long-standing connection with the Dawoodi Bohra leadership and said discussions around Waqf issues go back many years. "You might remember, when your grandfather, Syedna Saheb, who lived to be 99 or 100, once came to my home -- we started talking about the Waqf issue even back then." He said he understands the community's concerns about encroachments on sacred lands and stressed the importance of empowering honest caretakers of Waqf properties. "If there is anyone who can present the best model of how the spirit of Waqf should work, and for whom it should be done, it's Saheb Sahena." PM Modi said one of the main motivations for the reform came from complaints by Muslim women. "After my 2019 victory, there were over 1,700 complaints from the Muslim community. Most of these were from women and daughters seeking justice. That's when I truly understood the reality on the ground." He said the government spent five years studying the issue and consulted religious leaders from different sects, including Shia Muslims. "Whether it's the larger Muslim society or the Shia Muslims, all of them face challenges with the Waqf board and Hadiya." He explained that the aim of the new system is to bring justice to the poorest and most vulnerable. "When the prayers of the poorest people come to you, their power multiplies many times. Our job is to give authority and system control to such honest people -- and that's the fight we're fighting." The Prime Minister thanked the Bohra community for their support and said he was happy to meet them again. The Waqf (Amendment) Bill, 2025, was passed to improve the management of Waqf properties. It focuses on empowering those involved in Waqf property management, improving survey, registration, and case disposal processes, and promoting development using modern and scientific methods. The Mussalman Wakf Act of 1923 was also repealed. The bill, first introduced in August last year, was revised based on suggestions by a Joint Parliamentary Committee. It amends the original Waqf Act of 1995 and aims to streamline the administration of Waqf properties across India. Key changes include a better registration system and more use of technology to improve Waqf board operations. The new law is designed to fix the shortcomings of the earlier act and make Waqf boards work more efficiently. (ANI)
As the Congress is staging a protest after the Enforcement Directorate filed a prosecution complaint against Rahul Gandhi and Sonia Gandhi in the National Herald case, Telangana Deputy Chief Minister Mallu Bhatti Vikramarka expressed solidarity with the Gandhi family, highlighting their contributions to the nation. "We are expressing our solidarity with the Gandhi family and the Congress party. They fought for the nation and sacrificed for the nation..." the Deputy CM said. Telangana Pradesh Committee Congress (TPCC) President Mahesh Kumar Goud accused the BJP of "framing false cases" against Rahul Gandhi and Sonia Gandhi. "We are protesting outside the ED office to make Amit Shah and PM Modi aware that these fake cases will never make the Gandhi family worried... Cases are not new to the Gandhi Family, it is the family of sacrifice...They are a part of the freedom struggle...They are framing fake cases against Sonia Gandhi and Rahul Gandhi..." Goud told ANI. Calling the ED chargesheet 'fake', Telangana AICC Incharge Meenakshi Natarajan questioned the timing of the filing of the chargesheet, stating that this happened when Rahul Gandhi took a pledge to fight against the BJP, starting from Gujarat. Natarajan told ANI, "We are not demanding, we are protesting against the chargesheet filed...This is a fake chargesheet, and it occurred when Rahul Gandhi took a pledge to fight against them from Gujarat. We are not afraid of this..." Earlier today, Karnataka Minister Santosh Lad launched a sharp attack on the BJP after the Enforcement Directorate (ED) filed a prosecution complaint in the National Herald case against Congress leaders Sonia Gandhi and Rahul Gandhi. Lad called the ED's action "politically motivated" and said this was part of the BJP's "old political game." "For the last 10 years, the ED was sleeping... It is absolutely a politically motivated case... This is their (BJP) old political game..." the Minister told ANI. Joining the criticism, Karnataka Minister Dr Sharan Prakash Patil accused the BJP-led central government of "looting" the country and pretending to be 'doodh ka dhula'. He alleged that the Centre was misusing government agencies to target Congress leaders. Patil said, "The Modi government has a vindictive attitude against Congress to cover up their own corruption, price hike, maladministration, and failure in international policies. The image of India is going down in front of the world because of the improper foreign policy of the Modi government. That is why they target Congress leaders by misusing government agencies. Once opposition leaders join the BJP, they are exonerated of all the charges..." "The Modi government collected thousands of crores, which the Supreme Court has struck down as electoral bonds... They are looting the country and posing as 'doodh ka dhula'. We need to expose this dichotomy," he added. Earlier in the day, Union Minister and senior BJP leader Hardeep Singh Puri said the National Herald case is an open and shut case of fraud, corruption, and money laundering. Addressing a press conference, Puri said, "I want to share with you my understanding of the National Herald case...This is an open and shut case of fraud, corruption and money laundering... Congress party has used their lawyers to somehow delay and derail the case..." He also hit back at the Congress for claiming political vendetta and said the party should introspect instead of misleading its workers. "When ED filed the chargesheet, Congress people started making statements that it is a political vendetta that we are using central agencies against them. I would like to advise them to introspect, as they are misleading the Congress party workers. The party workers must protest against their own leaders," the BJP leader further said. Meanwhile, Congress leader Harish Rawat said the ED's chargesheet was an effort to "murder democracy." "Speaking to ANI, Rawat claimed that the ED's chargesheet is based on a plain lie."It is an effort to murder democracy. Everyone knows the relationship between the National Herald and Congress, and this (ED's chargesheet) is based on a plain lie... if anyone had any objection, a civil suit could have been filed, but involving ED is an effort to induce fear and malign the image of opposition leaders," the former Uttarakhand CM said. On Tuesday, the Enforcement Directorate filed a prosecution complaint (chargesheet) against Rahul Gandhi, Sonia Gandhi, and others, including Congress leaders Sam Pitroda, Suman Dubey, and several firms, in the National Herald money laundering case. The matter has been listed for arguments on cognisance in Delhi's Rouse Avenue Court on April 25. The chargesheet has been filed under Sections 44 and 45 of the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA), 2002, for the offence of money laundering as defined under Section 3, read with Section 70, and punishable under Section 4 of the Act. (ANI)
Assam Congress on Thursday alleged that the ruling BJP government is "using police" to threaten their candidates to "withdraw" the nominations from the Panchayat polls scheduled to be held in May. Congress workers led by Assam Congress President Bhupen Kumar Borah and Congress MP Pradyut Bordoloi staged a protest in front of the office of Assam Director General of Police (DGP) over the issue. However, police put up a barricade to stop the Congress leaders led by APCC president Borah and Bordoloi. Speaking to ANI, Congress MP Bordoloi claimed that all their candidates have either been "kidnapped, threatened or forced" to withdraw their nomination. Bordoloi went on say "so-called Election Commission has become puppet." "Apart from being a Chief Minister, Himanta Biswa Sarma is also a Home Minister and he has let off the police force as a direct BJP agent. The police force is spanning around everywhere. They are giving unwritten instructions that Congress candidates withdraw their nominations by hook and crook. This is unacceptable to us. They have been let around to force Congress members to withdraw their nomination. DGP has to take up these issues... The police is being used by the Chief Minister and the Home Minister... All our candidates have either been kidnapped, threatened or forced to withdraw their nomination... Why are you afraid to face elections?... The so-called Election Commission has become puppet..." the Congress MP told ANI. Assam Congress President Bhupen Kumar Borah reiterated the allegations levelled by Bordoloi, alleging that the Assam Police is "representing" BJP leaders. Borah said, "Last night, all our candidates were threatened to withdraw their nomination... Who gives the salary to Assam police?... They should represent the Constitution, but they are representing BJP leaders..." The panchayat polls in Assam will be held in two phases on May 2 and May 7. The counting of votes will be held on May 11. (ANI)
West Bengal Police on Thursday arrested another accused in connection with the murder of Hargobind Das and his son Chandan Das during the recent violence in Murshidabad, officials said. This marks the third arrest in the case. According to officials, the accused has been identified as Injamul Haq, a local of the area. He is alleged to have tampered with and destroyed CCTV footage related to the incident and is reportedly directly involved in the case. Assistant Director General (ADG) of Police, South Bengal, Supratim Sarkar, said the State Special Task Force (STF) arrested Haq, who tried to disrupt the investigation by damaging local CCTV connections during the violence. "We constituted a Special Investigation Team (SIT) to investigate all incidents of violence that took place on April 11 and the following days. The SIT consists of 11 members and is headed by Syed Waquar Raza, DIG Murshidabad Range. We had already arrested two people a couple of days ago - Kalu Nadar and Dildar Nadar. Yesterday, the STF nabbed Injamul Haq, a resident of Suripara, adjacent to the place of the incident. Preliminary interrogation revealed that while he may not be the main perpetrator, he did attempt to disrupt the investigation by destroying and tampering with the local CCTV connections so that evidence is not available to the police," Sarkar said. Miscreants allegedly murdered the father-son duo at Samserganj in Murshidabad district during the violence. ADG Sarkar added, "Whoever is directly or indirectly associated with the murder of the father-son duo, we will nab everyone. We will submit an expeditious chargesheet and will ensure a quick conviction." Meanwhile, the Calcutta High Court on Thursday stated that central forces will remain in Murshidabad for some time to maintain law and order and said that the court will monitor the restoration and rehabilitation of victims and ordered officials from the BJP, TMC, and others not to make provocative speeches that could escalate tensions. A division bench comprising Justices Soumen Sen and Raja Basu Chowdhury directed the state government to set up a committee to facilitate rehabilitation for those affected by the violence. This committee will include members from the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC), West Bengal Human Rights Commission, and the State Legal Services Authority. Advocate Priyanka Tibrewal, the petitioner, said, "The Court took cognisance of the matter and pressed on 4 issues. The court will look into the restoration and rehabilitation of victims. The state government has to manage their housing till they (violence victims) get their homes. It has been ordered to set up a committee which will have a member of the National Human Rights Commission, State Human Rights Commission, and the committee will take all the problems of the victims and the court will monitor it." The next hearing is scheduled for Monday. Advocate Kalyan Banerjee, representing the state, stated that the court has directed that no one will be allowed to make any provocative statements. Kalyan Banerjee said, "A team of one member each from National Human Rights Commission, State Human Rights Commission and State Legal Services Authority will be set up. They will visit the site and later submit the report to the court. The view of the rehabilitation scheme remains with the state. They asked for NIA, CBI and full authority to central forces, but it was not given." Earlier, the Calcutta High Court had directed the deployment of central forces in Murshidabad following reports of large-scale violence. (ANI)
Delhi's Rouse Avenue court on Thursday reserved order on the maintainability of the defamation complaint filed by former Delhi Minister and APP leader Satyender Jain, against a sitting BJP MLA, Karnail Singh. The court has to decide the issue of jurisdiction to hear the complaint against Karnail Singh, who was not an MLA when the complaint was filed. On March 3, the counsel for Karnail Singh had raised the issue of the maintainability of the complaint before the special MP/MLA court. Additional Chief Judicial Magistrate (ACJM) Paras Dalal, after hearing the submissions of advocates for the complainant and the proposed accused on the point of maintainability and jurisdiction, reserved the order till April 23. Advocate Vinod Dahiya, counsel for Karnail Singh, had said that at the time of the incident, Karnail Singh was neither MP nor MLA. Therefore, this special court can't hear this complaint as this court is meant to hear the cases against MPs and MLAs. ACJM Paras Dalal had said that this issue was raised by the court, and it was convinced that this complaint can be heard by this court. Still, you have the right to argue. Advocates for Jain had submitted that there are judgments of the Delhi High Court and the Manipur High Court in favour of Jain. The court on February 6 asked the counsel for Satyender Jain, how his complaint is maintainable before the special MP/MLA court wherein he is a complainant, not an accused. The counsel for Jain had submitted that there is a judgment of the Delhi High Court that if a former MLA is a complainant in a matter, he can file the same before the Special MP/MLA Court. The judge had asked the counsel how this complaint is maintainable here? This court is to hear cases against the MPs/MLAs. Advocate Rajat Bhardwaj, who appeared through video conferencing, had submitted that if the complainant is a former MLA, he can file a case here before the MP/MLA Court, as per the judgment of the High Court. The former Delhi Minister Satyender Jain has moved a defamation complaint against Karnail Singh, a Delhi election candidate of the BJP from Shakoor Basti. It is alleged that the proposed accused made a defamatory statement during an interview on a news channel on January 19, 2025. It is alleged by the complainant, Jain, that Karnail Singh made a statement that the Enforcement Directorate (ED) recovered 37 kg of gold from his house, and he has 1100 acres of land in his name. The plea has been moved through advocate Rajat Bhardwaj. The plea states that the proposed accused made a statement that Jain has made his own wealth through corruption, and the money that was supposed to be spent on the public. It is further alleged that the proposed accused made a false statement that huge amounts of gold were recovered from his house. He is Bhoo Mafia, he will go to jail again. It is also alleged that the proposed accused defamed the complainant by calling him corrupt and a fraud. It is also alleged that several other malicious and defamatory allegations were levelled against the complainant. (ANI)
Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) leader Durgesh Pathak on Thursday alleged that the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) raid at his residence was an attempt to intimidate him, especially following his recent appointment as co-incharge for Gujarat. He claimed that the action was part of a broader effort to target AAP leaders and derail the party's growing momentum. A CBI team conducted a search at Pathak's residence early Thursday morning in connection with a case related to alleged violations of the Foreign Contribution Regulation Act (FCRA), 2010. Pathak said that the CBI team spent 3-4 hours at his modest two-room home, thoroughly inspecting every corner. However, no incriminating material was reportedly found. "Early this morning, a CBI team arrived at my place. For 3-4 hours, they searched my two-room residence, scanning every nook and corner. However, they didn't find anything. They didn't tell me the reason for this raid, only showed a search warrant, and I fully cooperated," Pathak told reporters. "This may be an attempt to intimidate me, especially after my appointment in Gujarat. This seems like a targeted effort to scare AAP leaders and stop our momentum," he added. Pathak linked the raid to AAP's emergence as a political alternative in Gujarat, pointing out that the party had won five seats in the last Assembly elections. "After that, they arrested Arvind Kejriwal, Manish Sisodia, Satyendra Jain, and Sanjay Singh," he said. Following the raid, Delhi BJP President Virendra Sachdeva launched a scathing attack on Pathak, accusing him of misappropriating party funds. He alleged that donations collected in Delhi were siphoned off to fund AAP's campaign in Goa. "The money that was collected in Delhi went to the Goa elections. Durgesh Pathak stole the donation money from his own party. This party has committed ten types of theft and scams, but the fundraisers who eat up the donations of their own party have turned out to be more clever, and this investigation is going on continuously right now. Everyone knows that this party is the most corrupt party in India. It only wants to steal, take commission and bribe," Sachdeva claimed. The CBI is probing AAP leaders Durgesh Pathak and Kapil Bhardwaj for alleged violations of the Foreign Contribution Regulation Act. The case was registered against AAP and some of its office bearers for allegedly violating the Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Act (FCRA), 2010, as amended in 2020. According to the FIR, the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) granted permission for a formal CBI investigation following inputs from the Enforcement Directorate (ED). The ED had launched an investigation under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA) and shared its findings with the MHA. (ANI)
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The Think Asia Forum 2025 was held on April 15 in Singapore with a strong critique of U.S. trade policies and calls for greater Asian cooperation, as over 40 experts from across the region gathered to address global governance challenges.

Cao Zhongming, Chinese ambassador to Singapore, delivers the opening address for the Think Asia Forum 2025 in Singapore, April 15, 2025. [Photo courtesy of ACCWS]



Cao Zhongming, the Chinese ambassador to Singapore, delivered a pointed opening address, condemning the recent U.S. tariff war against the world. "The reckless abuse of tariffs has severely violated legitimate rights of nations, undermined the rules-based multilateral trading system and disrupted the global economic order," he told attendees. "Such unilateral and protectionist acts weaponize tariffs for selfish gains at the expense of global economic stability and Asian development."

Ambassador Cao positioned China as a defender of multilateralism, stating: "China will continue taking resolute measures to safeguard its sovereignty, security and development interests while opening its doors wider to the world." He urged Asian nations to unite against protectionism and economic bullying, and strengthen cooperation to safeguard the stability of the global economic order, emphasizing that "development is a universal right of all nations, not the privilege of a select few."

The forum was co-sponsored by China International Communications Group (CICG), Tsinghua University and Nanyang Technological University (NTU) Singapore. Organizers included the Academy of Contemporary China and World Studies (ACCWS), Tsinghua University's School of Journalism and Communication, the Center for International Security and Strategy, and the Institute for Global Industry, as well as NTU's Wee Kim Wee School of Communication and Information.

Think tank experts and scholars from China, Singapore, Japan, India and other Asian nations gave speeches and engaged in in-depth discussions in front of approximately 200 audience members. The opening remarks were moderated by Zhou Qing'an, dean of Tsinghua's School of Journalism and Communication, while the keynote speeches and special dialogue sessions were moderated by Wang Xiaohui, editor-in-chief of China.org.cn and special research fellow at ACCWS.

President of Tsinghua University Li Luming highlighted Asia's cultural ties as foundational for cooperation, stating, "Our civilizations provide enduring wisdom to address today's challenges."

Yu Yunquan, vice president of CICG and president of ACCWS, speaks at the Think Asia Forum 2025 in Singapore, April 15, 2025. [Photo courtesy of ACCWS]



Yu Yunquan, vice president of CICG and president of ACCWS, observed that Asia and the world face growing instabilities and uncertainties. "The intensification of major-country competition and geopolitical tensions has raised widespread concerns," he noted. Yu added that think tanks across Asia bear unique and critical responsibilities in advancing the region's shared future, and can help regional countries enhance political mutual trust and align their interests.

"The U.S.'s recent erratic 'tariff extortion' demonstrates how instability, uncertainty and unpredictability have become the norm in our turbulent world. Such volatility is eroding the stable environment essential for all nations' development and harming the welfare of people worldwide  including Americans," Yu said, noting that Asia is home to many developing countries and emerging economies, with export-oriented industries that are particularly vulnerable to deteriorating international trade conditions. "We urge Asian nations to unite in supporting multilateralism and global trade development, ensuring our region remains both an anchor of stability and an engine of growth."

Professor Ernst J. Kuipers, vice president of NTU Singapore, emphasized that higher education institutions serve as guardians of human civilization and carry a critical responsibility to advance global development amid today's challenges and opportunities. "Science communication is essential to dispel misconceptions and cultivate rational consensus," he said.

Zhu Guangyao, former Chinese vice minister of finance, warned of serious global challenges  from weakened multilateralism and climate setbacks to unregulated AI and rising geopolitical tensions. He called on Asian nations to build a shared future, promoting peace and cooperation to stabilize the region and support global development. Citing Asia's economic strength, Zhu urged the region to uphold values of "peace, cooperation, openness and inclusiveness" to strengthen solidarity and institutional development while advancing trade, financial ties, regional free trade processes, digital economy collaboration and financial safety mechanisms to meet common challenges and drive inclusive growth.

Former Minister of State for the Prime Minister's Office in Singapore Chan Soo Sen emphasized that amid global turbulence, Asian nations should draw upon traditional Asian wisdom  beginning with self-reflection and internal consolidation to build collective resilience. For Singapore, he said, facing risks of constrained international trade, it must strengthen social cohesion and government credibility to bridge potential divides and safeguard diversity and coexistence. He highlighted how Asia's cultural emphasis on neighborly relations and cooperative spirit should guide enhanced regional collaboration to navigate an uncertain future together.

Alfred Schipke, director of the East Asian Institute at the National University of Singapore (NUS), believes Asia can become a key growth engine through deeper reforms and fewer barriers. With the rise of multipolarization, Asia should take on a larger role in trade, investment and financial cooperation, he explained, while countries must pursue stability through pragmatic partnerships to help reshape global governance.

(Left to right) Wang Xiaohui, editor-in-chief of China.org.cn, moderates a special dialogue session between renowned historian Wang Gungwu, and Dong Qiang, dean of Yenching Academy at Peking University, at the Think Asia Forum 2025 in Singapore, April 15, 2025. [Photo courtesy of ACCWS]



A highlight of the forum was the special dialogue between Wang Gungwu, renowned historian and former chairman of the East Asian Institute at NUS, and Dong Qiang, dean of Yenching Academy at Peking University, which explored how Asian wisdom can inform global governance.

Wang emphasized its openness and adaptability  absorbing new ideas, respecting diverse civilizations and rejecting extremism. Meanwhile, Dong noted that traditional wisdom can be reshaped into modern governance tools, with its strength lying in flexibility and responsiveness. Both agreed that Asian wisdom, rooted in openness and mutual respect, should contribute the strength of cultural civilization to the development of a more equitable global governance system.

Tuesday's three parallel sessions featuring other speakers addressed themes of "Exchanges and Mutual Learning: The Coexistence of Diverse Asian Civilizations," "Security and Stability: Asia's Future in a Changing World" and "Development and Sharing: Asian Wisdom for Global Recovery," reflecting the region's push for greater collective influence amid global uncertainties.

Participants attending the Think Asia Forum 2025 in Singapore, April 15, 2025. [Photo courtesy of ACCWS]



The forum concluded by launching a cooperation network of Asian think tanks, with ACCWS serving as secretariat to coordinate input from all parties and promote the network's development.
A team from the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) will visit the refugee camp in Malda, West Bengal, on Friday. In a post on X on Thursday, NHRC member Priyank Kanoongo said, "A team of NHRC officials will visit the refugee camp in Malda, West Bengal tomorrow." The visit comes in the wake of violence that erupted on April 11 during protests against the Waqf (Amendment) Act, which resulted in the deaths of three people, injuries to several others, and widespread property damage. Several families have been displaced, with many migrating to Jharkhand's Pakur district, while others have taken refuge in relief camps set up in Malda. On Thursday, the Calcutta High Court stated that central forces will remain in Murshidabad for some time to maintain law and order and said that the court will monitor the restoration and rehabilitation of victims. The court also ordered officials from the BJP, TMC, and others not to make provocative speeches that could escalate tensions. A division bench comprising Justices Soumen Sen and Raja Basu Chowdhury directed the state government to set up a committee to facilitate rehabilitation for those affected by the violence. This committee will include members from the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC), West Bengal Human Rights Commission, and the State Legal Services Authority. Advocate Priyanka Tibrewal, the petitioner, said, "The Court took cognisance of the matter and pressed on 4 issues. The court will look into the restoration and rehabilitation of victims. The state government has to manage their housing till they (violence victims) get their homes. It has been ordered to set up a committee which will have a member of the National Human Rights Commission, State Human Rights Commission, and the committee will take all the problems of the victims, and the court will monitor it." The next court hearing is scheduled for Monday. Advocate Kalyan Banerjee, representing the state, stated that the court has directed that no one will be allowed to make any provocative statements. Kalyan Banerjee said, "A team of one member each from National Human Rights Commission, State Human Rights Commission and State Legal Services Authority will be set up. They will visit the site and later submit the report to the court. The view of the rehabilitation scheme remains with the state. They asked for NIA, CBI and full authority to central forces, but it was not given." West Bengal BJP President and Union Minister Sukanta Majumdar met West Bengal Governor CV Ananda Bose along with the victims of Murshidabad violence on Thursday. Majumdar arrived at Raj Bhavan with the families of the victims of the violence. North Kolkata BJP President Tamoghna Ghosh said, "Bengal is burning, and that should come before everyone, and hence, we are here to meet the Governor. We will take this to the President and the Prime Minister as well. The West Bengal Government and the police are giving false reports. We are here with the victims." Governor Bose said that he will visit Murshidabad tomorrow to assess the situation in the violence-hit area. "I am going to the field to see for myself the realities of the field. I will have an objective view of the matter. The situation has been brought under control. We should take further steps to prevent similar instances in future. I will certainly visit Murshidabad...People from the area have requested to have a BSF camp there," Bose said while addressing a press conference. The West Bengal Governor stated that Raj Bhavan will do everything possible to support the victims in collaboration with the Union and State Governments. Meanwhile, West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee said that she will also visit Murshidabad later."I will go to Murshidabad. An SIT has been formed to investigate the unrest in Murshidabad. The state government will build houses for the victims. The Administration is trying to restore the confidence of the people of Murshidabad, the West Bengal Chief Minister said. She also announced a compensation of Rs 10 lakh to the families of those killed in the Murshidabad protest over the Waqf Amendment Act. (ANI)
Paank, the human rights division of the Baloch National Movement (BNM), strongly condemned the extrajudicial killings of two persons in Balochistan and highlighted how the deliberate targeting of civilians reflects a pattern of systemic abuse and impunity in the region. In a post on X, Paank said, "Paank strongly condemns the extrajudicial killings of Nizam Baloch and Farooq Ahmed in Balochistan, acts that constitute grave violations of human rights and international law. The deliberate targeting, abduction, and subsequent execution of civilians by state security forces reflect a systemic pattern of abuse and impunity in the region." It gave a call for immediate, transparent, and independent investigations into the incidents. Noting that the families of the victims deserve "justice, truth, and accountability", Paank further added, "Silence is complicity, Pakistan must uphold its international human rights obligations and ensure that those responsible are brought to justice." It appealed to the international community not to turn a blind eye to the ongoing repression in Balochistan. "These are not isolated tragedies, they are part of a broader and disturbing trend that demands urgent global attention", the post concluded. https://x.com/paank_bnm/status/1912601361746735194 Earlier on Wednesday, Paank said that there were at least 181 cases of enforced disappearances and 12 extrajudicial killings recorded in Balochistan in March. The group reported that Pakistani security forces, along with allied armed groups known locally as "death squads," carried out widespread abductions and enforced disappearances, primarily targeting students, activists, and civil society members. Many of these arrests were allegedly made without warrants or any judicial process, The Balochistan Post reported. 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)
Patty Morin -- the mother of Rachel Morin, an American citizen who was killed by an illegal immigrant in 2023 -- delivered an emotional account of her daughter's death during a White House briefing on Wednesday (US local time). Rachel was brutally raped and killed in August 2023 along a hiking trail in Bel Air, Maryland, by an illegal immigrant. White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt used the occasion to sharply criticise the Democratic Party's immigration policies. She also condemned Maryland's Democrat Senator Chris Van Hollen for reportedly flying to El Salvador, 'potentially' on taxpayer money, in connection with the deported MS-13 gang member Kilmar Abrego Garcia. "Maryland's Democrat Senator Chris Van Hollen rushed to Dulles Airport this morning to fly to El Salvador, potentially using taxpayer dollars to demand the release of deported illegal alien, MS-13 terrorist. The Democrats and the media in this room have continually and wrongly labeled Kilmar Abrego Garcia as a Maryland father. There is no Maryland father. Let me reiterate. Kilmar Abrego Garcia is an illegal alien, MS-13 gang member, and foreign terrorist who was deported back to his home country... Abrego Garcia was also arrested with two other well-known members of the vicious MS-13 gang. And two separate judges found that Abrego Garcia was a member of MS-13, and that finding has never been disputed. He will never live in the United States of America again," Leavitt said. She added that Garcia had a "lawful deportation order" and was "subject to removal." "The basic fact that he was illegally inside our country and had a lawful deportation order made him subject to removal back to his home country of El Salvador, and if he ever ends up back in the United States, he would immediately be deported again," she stated. Slamming the Democrat Party, Leavitt said, "It's appalling and sad that Senator Van Hollen and the Democrats applauding his trip to El Salvador today are incapable of having any shred of common sense or empathy for their own constituents and our citizens." Introducing Patty Morin, Leavitt said, "Patty Morin, whose beautiful daughter Rachel was brutally maimed and murdered at the hands of an illegal alien in August of 2023. Patty should not have to be here today, but she is. Patty no longer has her daughter because of the failed Democrat party's open border, and these are policies that President Trump is bringing an end to." Patty Morin then spoke about her daughter Rachel, offering a heartbreaking account of the events leading to her murder. She shared moving details of the brutal assault her daughter faced, describing the gruesome injuries that Rachel sustained. "There wasn't one inch of her body that didn't have some kind of injury, whether it's bruising, broken bones, contusions, or scratches. She had a fractured rib, fractured nose, and fractured skull," Patty said, her voice filled with grief. Describing the courtroom scenes, Patty Morin added, "When he (Victor Antonio Martinez-Hernandez) was sitting in the courtroom, he looked like he thought he was going to be set free. There was no remorse on his face at all." She went on to share that the images of the violence her daughter endured were so disturbing that they had to be sealed to prevent her granddaughters from seeing them. "These are the kind of criminals President Trump wants to remove from our country. These are the kind of criminals that we need to remove from our country. We are American citizens. Why should we allow people like these--violent criminals, that have no conscience at all -- to murder our mothers, our sisters, our daughters? I don't understand why there's even any kind of problem with this," Patty Morin said. As Patty shared the horrors her daughter faced, the White House briefing room fell silent. It was a somber moment, and when the floor was opened for questions, no one asked anything. The room was filled with a heavy sense of reflection as the gravity of Patty's testimony left everyone in attendance deeply moved. Victor Antonio Martinez-Hernandez, a fugitive from El Salvador, was convicted on Monday in the case, as reported by CNN. Rachel Morin was killed along a hiking trail in Bel Air in August of 2023, according to authorities. The remarks from Patty Morin and White House Press Secretary Leavitt come amid political tensions over immigration policy, following criticism of the Trump administration's handling of the Abrego Garcia case by Democrats. (ANI)
Taiwan recorded 34 PLA aircraft, six PLAN vessels and two official ships operating around its territory on Thursday, as shared by Taiwan's Ministry of National Defence (MND). Sharing the details in a post on X, MND noted that these were detected up until 6 a.m. (UTC+8). It further noted that out of the 34 sorties, 14 crossed the median line and entered Taiwan's northern, central and southwestern ADIZ. MND shared that it monitored the situation and responded to it. MND wrote on X, "34 PLA aircraft, 6 PLAN vessels and 2 official ships operating around Taiwan were detected up until 6 a.m. (UTC+8) today. 14 out of 34 sorties crossed the median line and entered Taiwan's northern, central and southwestern ADIZ. We have monitored the situation and responded." https://x.com/MoNDefense/status/1912672359665770983 Earlier on Wednesday, MND said that 17 sorties of People's Liberation Army (PLA) aircraft, eight naval vessels, and one official ship were detected around Taiwan until 6 am (local time) on Wednesday. According to Taiwan's MND, 11 out of 17 sorties crossed the median line of the Taiwan Strait and entered Taiwan's southwestern Air Defence Identification Zone (ADIZ). 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)
US President Donald Trump met with Patty Morin, the mother of Rachel Morin -- an American citizen brutally murdered by an illegal immigrant in 2023 -- at the Oval Office on Wednesday (US local time). Praising her resilient spirit, Trump told Morin, "She's a beautiful woman, she's been through hell". He added, "Your daughter's looking down, proud of you, just keep it going." The somber meeting was shared by the White House in a video post on X. In the post, the administration contrasted Morin's visit with the actions of Senator Chris Van Hollen. "While Sen. Chris Van Hollen tried to coddle an MS-13 alien in El Salvador, Angel Mom Patty Morin stood in the Oval Office with President Trump--fighting for her daughter, raped and murdered by an MS-13 alien from El Salvador," the White House stated. https://x.com/WhiteHouse/status/1912638960230146106 Patty Morin earlier delivered an emotional and heartbreaking account of her daughter's murder during a White House press briefing on Wednesday (US local time). Rachel Morin was raped and killed along a hiking trail in Bel Air, Maryland, in August 2023. According to authorities, the convicted killer, Victor Antonio Martinez-Hernandez, was a fugitive from El Salvador and an illegal immigrant. "There wasn't one inch of her body that didn't have some kind of injury, whether it's bruising, broken bones, contusions, or scratches. She had a fractured rib, fractured nose, and fractured skull," Patty said, her voice filled with grief. President Trump acknowledged her during the Easter Prayer Service and Dinner held at the White House, where he referred to her as an "Angel Mom." "We're all with you, a hundred per cent. You are indeed an angel Mom," Trump said. While at the White House Press Briefing, Patty Morin went on to share that the images of the violence her daughter endured were so disturbing that they had to be sealed to prevent her granddaughters from seeing them. "These are the kind of criminals President Trump wants to remove from our country. These are the kind of criminals that we need to remove from our country. We are American citizens. Why should we allow people like these--violent criminals, that have no conscience at all -- to murder our mothers, our sisters, our daughters? I don't understand why there's even any kind of problem with this," Patty Morin said. When Patty shared the horrors her daughter faced, the White House briefing room fell silent. It was a somber moment, and when the floor was opened for questions, no one asked anything. The room was filled with a heavy sense of reflection as the gravity of Pattyr's testimony left everyone in attendance deeply moved. Victor Antonio Martinez-Hernandez, a fugitive from El Salvador, was convicted on Monday in the case, as reported by CNN. Rachel Morin was killed along a hiking trail in Bel Air in August of 2023, according to authorities. (ANI)
US President Donald Trump, during an Easter prayer service and dinner on Wednesday, highlighted his administration's achievements over the past three months, calling it possibly "the best three months ever for a president." He also reaffirmed his commitment to restoring America's global stature and domestic prosperity. "With God's grace over these past three months, we've had great three months, maybe the best three months ever for a president and the administration. There is a whole new respect for our country. Our country was not respected five, six months ago," Trump said. At the beginning of his speech, Trump acknowledged the presence of Patty Morin, referring to her as an "Angel Mom." Morin, whose daughter Rachel Morin was murdered by an illegal immigrant in 2023, delivered an emotional account of her daughter's death during a White House press briefing on Wednesday (US local time). "We're all with you, a hundred per cent. You are indeed an angel Mom," Trump told Morin in a gesture of support. Speaking about the upcoming US elections, Trump called November 5th "one of the most important days in the history of the United States." "We're restoring our prosperity, securing our borders, rebuilding the US military," he said. He also expressed solidarity with persecuted Christians around the world. "We're standing for Christians that have been persecuted all over the world and defending religious liberty. Nobody's fighting for our Christians in other parts of the world," he said. Trump spoke about the establishment of the White House Faith Office and a task force aimed at eradicating "anti-Christian bias." He also spoke about the issue of education and criticised what he described as radical indoctrination in schools. The US President also told the gathering how he has created the White House Faith Office and a task force to eradicate "anti-Christian bias." "We're stopping the radical indoctrination in our schools," he said. Noting that the US spends the most money per pupil across the world, yet ranks low in the ratings, Trump underscored, "Yet it is Denmark, Norway, Sweden, even China, does very well in the top 10, so we can't blame it on the size. We're big, China's really big, and we're going to be there soon when states run their education department instead of some bureaucrat in Washington. It's going to make it very big." On gender identity, Trump reiterated his administration's stance, saying, "I signed an executive order making it official and the official policy of the United States that God created two genders- male and female." As he concluded, Trump said, "There is so much to celebrate this Easter, I hope this will be one of the great easters ever because we have something going that I don't think this country has seen in a hundred years." "With God's help we can overcome any challenge, triumph over every evil, and restore the spirit of faith in the United States for generations to come. We have a very simple slogan- Make America Great Again and that's exactly what we are doing," he said. (ANI)
Addressing a press conference in Peshawar on Wednesday, Rehman accused the federal government and "international powers" of trying to take control of Pakistan's natural resources. He warned that JUI-F would take to the streets if "sensible decisions" were not made.

"This legislation undermines the 18th Amendment and infringes upon the rights of provinces. We will not allow the Centre or any foreign power to lay claim to our resources," Fazl was quoted as saying by The Express Tribune.

He alleged that the federal government had planned alternative legal mechanisms to bypass constitutional safeguards, pressuring provinces into establishing new authorities to manage their mineral wealth.

"If any country wants to invest, it must approach the provincial government through the Centre and respect local conditions," he added.

Opposition parties and leaders within Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) have criticised the proposed bill, introduced by PTI in the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Assembly. Critics have said that the law risks centralising control of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa's resources and weakening provincial authority.

The Khyber Pakhtunkhwa government has defended its decision to introduce the bill, stressing that it aims to regulate investment, curb illegal mining, and attract foreign interest in the province's mineral sector.

Maulana Fazlur Rehman also spoke about the security situation in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, calling on the government to hold talks with Afghanistan and develop a clear policy for the repatriation and registration of Afghan refugees, The Express Tribune reported.

Rehman's statement came after reports claimed that PTI founder Imran Khan, currently incarcerated in Rawalpindi's Adiala Jail, had directed his party not to approve the legislation without his consultation with Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur and other lawmakers. (ANI)
California Governor Gavin Newsom and California Attorney General Rob Bonta filed a lawsuit in federal court challenging United States President Donald Trump's authority to impose sweeping tariffs. Newsom and Bonta have filed a lawsuit in the United States District Court for the Northern District of California, requesting that the court declare the tariffs imposed by Trump void and enjoin their implementation. The lawsuit argues that Trump lacks the authority to unilaterally impose tariffs through the International Economic Emergency Powers Act, creating immediate and irreparable harm to California. The statement issued on Wednesday said, "Governor Gavin Newsom and California Attorney General Rob Bonta today filed a lawsuit in federal court challenging President Trump's use of emergency powers to enact broad-sweeping tariffs that hurt states, consumers, and businesses." "The lawsuit argues that President Trump lacks the authority to unilaterally impose tariffs through the International Economic Emergency Powers Act, creating immediate and irreparable harm to California, the largest economy, manufacturing, and agriculture state in the nation," it added. According to the statement, these tariffs have disrupted supply chains, inflated costs for the state and people of California and caused damages worth billions on California's economy. In the statement, Newsom said, "President Trump's unlawful tariffs are wreaking chaos on California families, businesses, and our economy -- driving up prices and threatening jobs. We're standing up for American families who can't afford to let the chaos continue." Rob Bonta stressed that Trump's implementation of tariffs is "deeply troubling and illegal." He said that people of California are bracing for fallout from the effect of choices made by US President. "The President's chaotic and haphazard implementation of tariffs is not only deeply troubling, it's illegal. As the fifth largest economy in the world, California understands global trade policy is not just a game. Californians are bracing for fallout from the impact of the President's choices -- from farmers in the Central Valley, to small businesses in Sacramento, and worried families at the kitchen table -- this game the President is playing has very real consequences for Californians across our state. I am proud to go to bat alongside Governor Newsom to fight for California's vibrant economy, businesses, and residents," Bonta said in a statement. The statement said, "The lawsuit argues that President Trump lacks the authority to unilaterally impose tariffs against Mexico, China, and Canada or create an across-the-board 10% tariff. The President's use of the International Economic Emergency Powers Act (IEEPA) to enact tariffs is unlawful and unprecedented. " The IEEPA gives Trump authorites to take certain actions if he declares a national emergency in response to a foreign national security, foreign policy, or economic threat. Enacted by Congress in 1977, the law specifies many different actions the President can take. However, tariffs is not one of them. In fact, US President has for the first time tried to rely on this law to impose tariffs, according to the statement. The statement said, "The lawsuit invokes the US Supreme Court's major questions doctrine, which holds that in novel matters of vast economic and political significance, federal agencies and the executive branch must have clear and specific authorization from Congress. In recent years, the Court has applied this standard to strike down major initiatives, including President Obama's Clean Power Plan and President Biden's student loan forgiveness program, ruling that novel executive actions with broad impacts on the national economy cannot rest on vague statutory authority." Earlier this month, Donald Trump imposed reciprocal tariffs on dozens of countries with which the country has a trade deficit. Later, he decided to pause the tariffs for 90 days after many countries initiated talks with the US administration for a trade deal. According to a fact sheet released by the White House, China's retaliatory actions have resulted in up to a 245 per cent tariff on imports to the United States. Prior to the latest revision, a 145 per cent tariff was being levied on Chinese exports to the United States. Trump unveiled the "Fair and Reciprocal Plan" on trade to restore fairness in US trade relationships and counter non-reciprocal trade agreements. Trump's reciprocal tariffs have led to a broad-based fall in financial markets globally, with markets plunging in Asia and Europe. The reciprocal tariffs have set off a sell-off in equities globally, and the US itself is no exception. Since assuming office for his second term, President Trump has reiterated his stance on tariff reciprocity, emphasising that the United States will match tariffs imposed by other countries, including India, to ensure fair trade. (ANI)
Defence Minister Israel Katz said the Israeli military will continue to block humanitarian aid from entering Gaza in order to pressure Hamas to surrender.

Meanwhile, the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) on Thursday stated that 3,696 Palestinian children were newly admitted for acute malnutrition, which marked a stark increase compared with the number in February, which was 2,027.

"Food consumption in Gaza has sharply deteriorated due to the blockade on the entry of humanitarian aid and other critical supplies now in its seventh week," OCHA said.

"Consumption of key food groups - such as meat, poultry, dairy, vegetables, and fruits - remains critically low," it added.

The lack of access to water in Gaza is also fuelling "a severe survival crisis with far-reaching consequences for public health and protection. Water is essential for survival, yet access to safe water has become dangerously limited," the UN Humanitarian Affairs agency said.

The US special envoy for hostage affairs, Adam Boehler, told Al Jazeera that a ceasefire in Gaza will only be possible once all the captives held by Hamas in the Palestinian enclave are released.

Boehler's statement comes as ceasefire negotiations continue amid the Israeli military's intense renewed assault on Gaza. The envoy emphasised release of the remaining captives by Hamas is an essential non-negotiable precondition for any lasting truce.

The United Nations said an estimated 5,00,000 people have been "newly displaced or uprooted once more" in Gaza since Israel broke the ceasefire with Hamas on March 18.

Israel's Defence Minister Israel Katz said his country's "policy is clear" and preventing all humanitarian aid from entering Gaza is a "tool" to pressure Hamas. (ANI)
Balochistan National Party-Mengal (BNP-M) President Sardar Akhtar Mengal on Wednesday called off his 20-day-long sit-in at the Lakpass area of Balochistan's Mastung district against the arrest of Baloch activists, fearing its effect on traders in the province, The Express Tribune reported. He also announced that BNP-M would initiate a new public outreach movement. The BNP-M had launched the long march to protest the arrest of Baloch Yakjehti Committee (BYC) chief organiser Mahrang Baloch, other leaders and workers, and police crackdowns on a sit-in. Mengal had said that the BNP-M would hold a march on Quetta, but was kept at bay by the government. Speaking at a news conference in Mastung, Mengal called off the sit-in and said, "We believe in a peaceful struggle. We are not ending the movement but will initiate a public outreach movement from today," The Express Tribune reported. He said that BNP-M would organise rallies and protests at the district level across Balochistan in the coming days. He stated, "In the first phase, we would hold protest rallies in Mastung, Kalat, Khuzdar and Surab. In the second stage, these rallies would be held in areas of Turbat, Gwadar and Makran." BNP-M announced that the third phase of the protest movement will involve people in Nasirabad, Jaffarabad, and Dera Murad Jamali districts, along with other parts of Balochistan. He said, "We are not backing down; we are taking the movement to every corner of Balochistan." He stressed that the campaign's goal is to draw the nation's attention to the issue of enforced disappearances and prolonged detentions without trial. He urged the federal and provincial governments to respond to the rising concerns of the Baloch people, The Express Tribune reported. His announcement marks a new phase in BNP-M's political efforts to address grievances through democratic means while keeping the focus on unresolved human rights issues in Balochistan. On Tuesday, the Balochistan High Court (BHC) dismissed a petition calling for the release of Mahrang Baloch, directing the petitioner to approach the home department for further action, Dawn reported. The court, in a divided verdict, converted the constitutional petition into a representation and forwarded it to the Balochistan home secretary for processing. The petitioner was advised to first seek clarification from the department on the legality of the detention under the Maintenance of Public Order (MPO) Ordinance. (ANI)
The Indian Embassy in Myanmar on Thursday said that relief aid which was dispatched from India recently has been handed over to the Mandalay Chief Minister, Myo Aung, under the Operation Brahma. The newly dispatched aid sent from India, was handed over by the Indian Ambassador to Myanmar, Abhay Thakur, which contained a RO water plant, a Genset, rice, noodles, cooking oil, atta, sugar, dal, salt, MRES, blankets and medicines. In a post on X, Indian Embassy said, "Operation Brahma- Further relief aid (RO water plant, Genset, rice, noodles, cooking oil, atta, sugar, dal, salt, MREs, blankets & medicines) for the needy was handed over by Ambassador Abhay Thakur in presence of CM Mandalay Myo Aung and Mandalay/Sagaing diaspora leaders y'day." https://x.com/IndiainMyanmar/status/1912707771667214366 India continues its humanitarian outreach to Myanmar under Operation Brahma after last month's quake, dispatching 20 pre-fabricated office structures weighing around 50 tonnes to Naypyidaw via Indian Air Force C-17 aircraft on Tuesday. As the first responder to the devastating quake on March 28, India has provided over 750 MT of relief material, including medical aid, food, shelters, and essential supplies. "As part of the ongoing supply of relief material and humanitarian aid to Myanmar under 'Op. Brahma' components of 20 pre-fabricated offices, weighing approx 50 tonnes, were dispatched by IAF C-17 on 15 April 2025 to Myanmar. The structures will be used as temporary offices for various Ministries in Naypyidaw. Two IAF C-17 were deployed to bring back doctors and personnel of the 60-para field hospital post de-induction. The 200-bedded field hospital has successfully provided treatment to 2519 patients over the past two weeks," the Ministry of External Affairs said on Wednesday. In the aftermath of the devastating earthquake in Myanmar and Thailand on March 28, the Government of India launched Operation Brahma for rendering assistance to Myanmar. (ANI)
Taiwan's Ministry of Foreign Affairs slammed a joint statement released by China and Vietnam, which mentioned Taiwan as part of China and described it "a serious distortion of the facts," Taiwan News reported. During Chinese President Xi Jinping's visit on Tuesday, Vietnam backed China's claim that "Taiwan is an inseparable part of Chinese territory" and opposed "any separatist activity" seeking Taiwan Independence, Taiwan News reported, citing Viet Nam News. In response to the joint statement issued by China and Vietnam, the ministry said it "strongly condemns and firmly refutes the Chinese Communist Party's authoritarian regime for continuing to spread rhetoric that internationally undermines Taiwan's sovereignty." It said that Taiwan's stance on defending national sovereignty remains firm and unchanged. Taiwanese Ministry of Foreign Affairs reiterated its position that Taiwan is a sovereign and independent nation and is not subordinate to China. The ministry further said that the CCP has never ruled Taiwan. The ministry said that any claim that "distorts Taiwan's sovereignty cannot change the internationally recognised cross-strait status quo." It urged the international community to "jointly counter China's false claims and not condone China's malicious attempts to mislead global public opinion and undermine Taiwan's national sovereignty," Taiwan News reported. Taiwan has been governed independently since 1949. However, China considers Taiwan part of its territory and insists on eventual reunification, by force if necessary. During his visit to Vietnam, China's President Xi Jinping emphasised that the two countries should work to "fight unilateral bullying." The Chinese leader's remarks were made against the backdrop of disruptions caused by tariffs imposed by the US President Donald Trump administration. Vietnam was the first stop for Xi, who is on a Southeast Asia tour, including Malaysia and Cambodia, which aims to stabilise regional ties and offset the impact of the US tariffs. In a meeting with Vietnamese General Secretary To Lam, Xi said that both countries "jointly oppose unilateral bullying, and uphold the stability of the global free trade system as well as industrial and supply chains", according to the Xinhua news agency. In his meeting in Hanoi with Vietnamese Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh, Xi urged both countries to intensify high-level exchanges, strengthen strategic communication and "jointly oppose hegemonism, unilateralism and protectionism," Chinese state media reported. Calling on the two sides to maintain the stability of the global free trade system and industrial and supply chains, Xi also urged the two countries to work together to push for an economic globalisation that is more open, inclusive, balanced, and beneficial to all. (ANI)
Three individuals were forcibly abducted by Pakistan armed forces, Baloch Rights Group, Baloch Yakjehti Committee stated. The BYC condemned the enforced disappearances and shared the information of the three abducted men. The three men are said to be Nawab Sahil, Shehbaz Ali, and Asmat Ullah. Sahil and Ali were abducted in the wee hours of April 16, and Asmat Ullah was abducted on April 12. https://x.com/BalochYakjehtiC/status/1912537406475038844 The Pakistani government's security approach to the Baloch issue has resulted in a growing human rights crisis. Enforced disappearances, in particular, have been a pervasive phenomenon that has caused increased tensions and protests among the Baloch people, as per Al Jazeera. Human rights violations of the Baloch have been widespread and have been increasingly acknowledged not just by international and local rights organisations, but also by Pakistani institutions. In its 2023 fact-finding report, Balochistan's Struggle for Hope, the Human Rights Commission of Pakistan (HRCP) stated: "Some members of the district administration in Gwadar and Turbat conceded privately to the HRCP team that there had been a rise in enforced disappearances in the province," as per Al Jazeera Balochistan is the largest province of Pakistan, making up some 43.6 per cent of the total area of the country. The province is rich in natural resources like gold, copper, oil and natural gas and boasts a 770km (478-mile) stretch of coastline, where the strategic Gwadar Port is located - a prominent feature of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor. Despite being rich in natural resources, Balochistan remains the poorest province in Pakistan. The Baloch ethnic group, which makes up a third of the population, has long been marginalised due to the Pakistani government's discriminatory policies. This history of marginalisation has been accompanied by sustained armed resistance, as per Al Jazeera. The latest cycle of violence started in the 2000s, prompted by demands for an equal share of the province's resources for the Baloch people. Eventually, calls for independence also emerged. (ANI)
Jamiat Ulema-i-Islam-F (JUI-F) chairman Maulana Fazlur Rehman has termed the "forced repatriation" of Afghanistan nationals from Pakistan a violation of their human rights and called on the international community and human rights organisations to take notice of it, Dawn reported. Addressing a press conference on Wednesday, Rehman said, "Pakistani authorities are trampling on the human rights of Afghan refugees by hauling them like chattels in vehicles. Islamabad is unhappy over something else but taking revenge on Afghan refugees. This is a sentimental type of decision." Rehman said that the issue was raised in 2017, but categorisation of Afghan citizens was proposed. He said that Afghans who work as doctors, engineers and in other professions should have been adjusted here and not be forced to leave Pakistan. The JUI-F chief stated that the expulsion of investors and businessmen doing business in Pakistan would have economic consequences. He asked why the nation was made to suffer due to "blind decisions." He said, "Pakistan's interest should be kept in mind while making decisions." He stated that students who were enrolled in Pakistan should not be expelled, as forcing them out leaves them nowhere, Dawn reported. Maulana Fazlur Rehman called education one of the basic human rights, and denying it is trampling on human rights. About the rest of the refugees, the JUI-F said that there was an issue between the two nations, as Pakistan had previously accepted Afghan citizens on its soil. He said, "It's imprudent to kick Afghans out of the country after hosting them for 45 years. Both countries should sit together and devise mechanisms for the repatriation of the Afghans," Dawn reported. Fazl stated that the unilateral expulsion of Afghan refugees not only breached human rights but also brought a bad name to Pakistan. As many as 5,236 Afghan citizens were repatriated through the Torkham border crossing from Pakistan on April 10, Geo News reported, citing immigration authorities. Of those repatriated, 3,865 Afghan nationals voluntarily reached the Landi Kotal transit camp, according to the officials. In addition, 107 Afghan nationals apprehended in Punjab were taken to Torkham for deportation. Furthermore, 295 Afghan nationals were deported from Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir, according to authorities. Amid the ongoing drive in Pakistan, Afghan Citizen cardholders are also being sent back to Afghanistan. Pakistan's Minister of State for Interior, Talal Chaudhry, said on April 10. While addressing a press conference in Islamabad, Chaudhry said that transit points were being created in all the provinces of Pakistan to facilitate Afghan citizens and added that a helpline was set up for the people of Afghanistan, Geo News reported. He said that the repatriation of illegal citizens from abroad, including Afghan Citizen Card holders, will continue with no extension to the deadline that expired in March. He said that so far, 857,157 illegal foreign nationals and Afghan Citizen Card holders have been repatriated to their respective nations. Notably, the Pakistani government had given them a deadline to leave the country by March 31. Chaudhry said that the deadline had expired and would not be extended. (ANI)
India formally signed the Headquarters Agreement with the International Big Cat Alliance (IBCA) earlier today, solidifying its role as the host nation for the alliance's permanent base, an official press release by the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) stated. The signing ceremony took place in New Delhi, where P Kumaran, Secretary (East), Ministry of External Affairs, and S P Yadav, Director General of IBCA, signed the agreement on behalf of their respective parties. Official Spokesperson of the MEA, Randhir Jaiswal posted on X (formerly Twitter), sharing details about the same. https://x.com/MEAIndia/status/1912765607461769578 "Secretary (East) P Kumaran & DG of International Big Cat Alliance S.P. Yadav, signed the Headquarters Agreement between GoI & the IBCA in New Delhi. GoI provides budgetary support of INR 150 crore to IBCA for creating a corpus, building infrastructure, and meeting recurring expenditure for five years from 2023-24 to 2028-29. The IBCA primarily aims for conservation of seven big cats namely Tiger, Lion, Leopard, Snow Leopard, Cheetah, Jaguar & Puma. This initiative seeks to foster international collaboration for a sustainable future for the big cats, as well as underscores India's leadership & commitment to global wildlife conservation." The agreement designates India as the host country for the IBCA Headquarters and Secretariat, laying out a legal framework to ensure the alliance can function effectively and meet its long-term conservation goals. It includes detailed provisions related to entry into force, visas, privileges and immunities for IBCA Secretariat members and personnel, and responsibilities concerning premises and general operations. The text also allows for supplementary agreements to address specific administrative needs over time, the MEA stated in the press release. As part of its commitment, the Government of India will provide financial assistance of INR 150 crore to the IBCA. This funding will be used to create a foundational corpus, develop essential infrastructure, and cover recurring expenditures over a five-year period, from 2023-24 through 2028-29. This backing underscores India's proactive support for the global initiative and its emphasis on international cooperation in conservation. The IBCA was officially launched by the Hon'ble Prime Minister of India on April 9, 2023, during an event held in Mysuru that marked 50 years of Project Tiger. The alliance is centred on the conservation of seven key big cat species -- Tiger, Lion, Leopard, Snow Leopard, Cheetah, Jaguar, and Puma. Its stated goals include promoting collaboration among stakeholders, sharing successful conservation models and expertise, and facilitating joint efforts to safeguard these species in the wild, the press release stated. (ANI)
Pakistan Defence Minister Khawaja Asif has claimed that the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) has been divided into multiple factions, suggesting that the Imran Khan-founded party is deeply fragmented and struggling to maintain unity, ARY News reported. He made these remarks after his meeting with Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) supremo Nawaz Sharif in London. Speaking to reporters, Asif stated that half of PTI's lawmakers in the assemblies have become symbolic allies and now Imran Khan is forced to search for loyalists to support him. Khawaja Asif asserted that power would not be handed over to Imran Khan even if he apologised. He accused the PTI founder of committing serious offences against the state and stressed that he must face the music, ARY News reported. He said that Nawaz Sharif travelled to London for health reasons as he is undergoing regular treatment, and their meeting included personal discussions. Responding to a query about Pakistan's governance model, Khawaja Asif admitted that the nation has a hybrid system, where political parties and the establishment must work in partnership for the country to progress. Earlier on Wednesday, Pakistan's Minister for Information and Broadcasting, Attaullah Tarar, contended that there was infighting in PTI as the party was divided into two factions - Imran Khan's sister Aleema Khan's group and his wife Bushra Bibi's group, Geo News reported. "I really don't know which faction of the PTI was stopping another from meeting him [Imran Khan]," he further said. Tarar's remarks came after several PTI leaders blamed each other for preventing them from meeting with Khan at Rawalpindi's Adiala jail. Earlier, a controversy over meeting Imran Khan erupted again on Tuesday as PTI chairman Gohar Ali Khan said that the party granted permission to "only two leaders" for the meeting according to their list. However, "five leaders met the PTI founder today," Geo News reported. Gohar Ali Khan criticised the jail authorities for not allowing Imran Khan to meet his family members. He said, "We condemn you for not allowing Khan's sisters to meet him." (ANI)
The Baloch Yakjehti Committee (BYC) has accused Pakistani authorities of responding to the peaceful protests held in over 20 locations across Balochistan and Karachi on April 13 with brutal force. The BYC accused armed police, plainclothes intelligence and paramilitary forces of dispersing protesters, sealing roads, baton-charging women, firing on unarmed crowds, and lodging criminal cases designed to intimidate and silence. In a post on X, BYC stated, "April 13, 2025 - Weaponizing the Law: A Coordinated Crackdown on Peaceful Protest On April 13, the Baloch Yakhjehti Committee (BYC) held peaceful demonstrations in over 20 locations across Balochistan and Karachi to demand the immediate release of its unlawfully arrested leadership. The state responded not with engagement--but with brute force. Armed police, plainclothes intelligence personnel, and paramilitary forces violently dispersed protesters, sealed roads, baton-charged women, fired on unarmed crowds, and registered criminal cases designed to intimidate and silence." "For exercising their right to peaceful assembly, protesters have been accused of attempted murder, sedition, terrorism, and rioting. The charges are not just disproportionate--they are fabricated. This is not law enforcement. This is the criminalisation of dissent, enabled by a broken justice system," it added. BYC stated that protesters have been slapped with a slew of fabricated and disproportionate charges, including sedition, terrorism, attempted murder, and rioting. In Turbat, charges under Section 124-A (sedition) and Section 506-B (criminal intimidation) were lodged, along with rioting-related laws. In Hub, protesters face accusations of assaulting public servants and obstructing government duties. In multiple locations, including Nushki, Washuk, Winder, Dalbandin, and Kharan, demonstrators were charged under laws related to unlawful assembly and disobedience to public orders, according to the BYC statement. BYC highlighted that the crackdown was especially violent in Karachi's Malir district, where protesters were attacked even after the demonstration had concluded. The FIR filed there includes charges under the Anti-Terrorism Act (ATA), attempted murder, abetment, and multiple sections relating to rioting and causing harm. These repressive measures are a stark indication of a justice system increasingly used as a tool of suppression rather than protection. https://x.com/BalochYakjehtiC/status/1912771033225966075 The BYC and its supporters have demanded the immediate withdrawal of all false and fabricated FIRS, the release of arbitrarily detained protesters, an end to the misuse of penal and anti-terror laws against peaceful demonstrators, and independent accountability for police and paramilitary violence. In addition, the BYC called for the immediate release of all unlawfully detained BYC leaders, reaffirming that the right to dissent must not be treated as a crime. (ANI)
China and the Philippines accused one another on Tuesday of perilous actions in a heavily contested shoal in the South China Sea, marking the latest clash over the maritime area, according to a report from The Japan Times. A vessel from the Chinese Coast Guard (CCG) accelerated and maneuverer on Monday to obstruct the navigation path of a Philippine boat approximately 36 nautical miles from Scarborough Shoal, as reported by the Philippine Coast Guard and The Japan Times. "This incident underscores the CCG's failure to adhere to international standards... and demonstrates a stark disregard for maritime safety," the report mentioned, as quoted by The Japan Times. China's coast guard claimed that the Philippine ship "hazardously approached" its vessel and crossed its course, alleging that it attempted to create a false collision, according to Xinhua on Tuesday. "They unlawfully neared China's regular sailing coast guard ship in a perilous manner, posing a threat to the safety of China's personnel and vessels," Xinhua reported, as cited by The Japan Times. In the past two years, tensions between China and the Philippines regarding the South China Sea have intensified, particularly around Scarborough Shoal, a crucial fishing area both nations assert as their own. As stated by The Japan Times, China claims almost the entirety of the South China Sea, a critical passageway for over $3 trillion in annual maritime commerce, portions of which are also claimed by Brunei, Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, and Vietnam. On Tuesday, the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) sent an aircraft to confront a Chinese research vessel that it claimed was operating without permission in its northern waters near Taiwan. The Chinese research vessel Zhong Shan Da Xue was detected about 78 nautical miles off the northern island province of Batanes and did not reply to attempts by the Philippine Coast Guard's Islander aircraft to establish radio communication, according to the report from The Japan Times. "PCG aviators highlighted in their radio challenge that the aforementioned Chinese vessel does not have the authorisation to conduct marine scientific research within the exclusive economic zone of the Philippines," the coast guard stated, as quoted by The Japan Times. (ANI)
The legal community in Sindh is set to initiate a peaceful sit-in at the Babarlo bypass--situated between Sukkur and Khairpur--protesting the construction of six new canals on the Indus River, as reported by the Dawn. According to the Dawn, in a press conference held at the Karachi Bar Association (KBA) office on Wednesday, KBA representatives called on all political parties and members of civil society to stand with them in opposition to the project. The KBA leaders announced the beginning of the second phase of their "non-violent civil resistance campaign" and confirmed that the long march would begin on Thursday. They warned that all motorway connections from Sindh to other parts of Pakistan would be blocked in a peaceful manner. Rehman Korai, KBA's General Secretary, appealed to political organizations and civil society to support their protest at the Babarlo bypass. KBA President Aamir Nawaz Warraich emphasized that while the protest would remain peaceful, they were prepared to respond if the authorities acted unlawfully, as cited by the Dawn. He said the march would start from the Sindh High Court's parking area and head to Babarlo bypass, where they would hold a sit-in. Warraich stated the protest would continue until the government canceled the controversial canal project and resolved other outstanding issues. Recently, according to The Express Tribune, the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) has completed arrangements for a public rally at Hyderabad's Hattri Ground on April 18 to protest against development projects on the Indus River. The PPP cautioned that if such initiatives persisted, the entire province of Sindh would rise in protest, though the party emphasized it does not seek unrest in the region. Earlier, on February 15, Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz, alongside Pakistan's Army Chief General Asim Munir, launched the Cholistan irrigation project aimed at cultivating southern Punjab's lands--sparking public backlash and serious concerns from Sindh's leadership and citizens. (ANI)
The aircraft landed in the Iranian city of Zahedan to collect the bodies before flying them back to Pakistan.

A solemn condolence ceremony was held at the airport to honour the deceased, with both civil and military officials in attendance.

Iranian officials, including the governor of Zahedan and other senior representatives, also attended the ceremony and paid tribute to the slain Pakistanis. Eight Pakistani nationals were killed on Saturday in the village of Hazabad, located in the Mehrstan district of Iran's Sistan and Baluchestan province.

The victims identified as mechanics were shot dead while working at a workshop. Iranian media reports state hat the deceased were mechanics.

The workshop owner, Dilshad, and his son Naeem, along with Jafar, Danish, and Nasir, all hailing from Pakistan's Punjab, are among the victims, ARY News reported.

The embassy of Iran strongly condemned the cowardly attack on Pakistani citizens. "Terrorism is a longstanding plague and a shared threat to the entire region," stated the spokesperson for the Iranian Embassy, as per ARY News.

The embassy stated that treacherous elements, in collusion with international terrorists, are targeting peace and stability.

The bodies were later transported to Ahmedpur Sharqia, the native town of the deceased by road.

Earlier on April 13, unidentified assailants broke into a shop in Iran's Sistan province late at night and killed eight Pakistani workers, ARY News reported citing security sources.

According to security sources, the attackers tied the victims' hands and feet before shooting them dead, in what authorities described as a premeditated terrorist attack rather than a random crime, as per ARY News.

Security sources alleged that banned Baloch terrorist groups, known to have safe havens in Iran, were behind the brutal killings.

The incident has raised serious questions about Iran's ability to curb terrorist activities within its borders, with sources claiming the country has failed to control such groups, ARY News reported. (ANI)